Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

Rise of Swords

By Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure

Burning Lotus, Shining Knight

(Warehouse District, Outskirts of Saitama Ghetto)

Kallen nervously paced around the warehouse Sebastian and Lelouch had appropriated to use as the staging point for the day's operation. The building was drafty but it didn't matter to her, what concerned her at the moment was her role in the mission, but she had no idea what she that was. It was then Sebastian walked in, carrying a duffle bag containing his Blade Wolf attire. "Hey!" He waved to the halfblood. "You ready?"

"Uh not really," Annoyance and frustration colored her voice. "I'm just a little worried about the fact Cornelia intends to repeat her brother's mistake from Shinjuku." Her blue eyes narrowed slightly. "I know she's Euphie's sister, but this didn't exactly endear herself to me or anyone else. I'm more than a little skeptical about what you intend to do here."

"You needn't worry about a thing, Kallen." The redhead couldn't help but think Lelouch's voice was incredibly soothing. The former Demon Emperor put a hand on her shoulder, causing her to start blushing. "We notified Oghi and he managed to warn the Yamato Alliance about the impending attack in time. He and the rest of the cell they managed to evacuate all the civilians last night. It will just be us and Cornelia."

"That's another thing, Lelouch." Kallen turned to face the former Eleventh Prince. "You told me I was supposed to have a big role in all this, but so far no one has told me a single thing."

"That's only because were waiting on a few necessary elements for the plan." Sebastian said. "Luckily we managed to get what we needed in time." He sat down on a large wooden packing crate. "Here's the rub, Kallen. When I came up with my grand plan to change time, one facet of it was subverting Cornelia and bringing her over to our side." He almost pulled his phone out to take a picture of the slack-jawed expression on Kallen's face.

"You…want to make Cornelia an ally?" She said. "Considering how she feels about Non-Britannians in general? How in the hell did you even think that was a good idea?"

"Because it is." Sebastian leaned forward, grinning. "Why do you think Euphie came with us to Japan in the first place? Her purpose was twofold, one, to act as a stabilizing presence for Lelouch and Suzaku, and she's also bait to lure Cornelia in. One thing about Cornelia Li Britannia that's absolute, whatever loyalty she has to the Empire is trumped by the love she has for her three favorite siblings, and the admiration for Lelouch's mother."

"He isn't wrong." Lelouch said. "If Cornelia had any one weakness…it's her admiration of my mother, and her regret for letting her die, and us getting exiled. If we dangle the prospect of learning what happened to us after the invasion, she'd jump at it! Cornelia's plan hinged on Zero and Blade Wolf showing up to stop the slaughter of innocent lives. Instead, she will face off against the Black Knights on an equal and level playing field."

"We're…debuting early?" Kallen arched a delicate eyebrow.

"In a way." Sebastian said. "We're going to send an ultimatum to Cornelia. If she wants information on the whereabouts of her siblings and the fate of the woman she admired so much, then her knight will have to face off in one on one combat against our top ace…in other words, you."

"You up for it, Kallen?" Lelouch asked. "We both have full faith in your skills. Still that doesn't mean you should underestimate Guilford, he's on the same level as the Knights of the Rounds, and he's turned down multiple invitations to join them in order to stay by my sister's side."

"I don't have a problem with doing that." Kallen stated. She hadn't fought the bespectacled knight that much, Toudoh had been his most regular opponent during the battle, but she was confident she could take him. "I'm going to need something in order to fight him with. My Glasgow got shredded back in Shinjuku, and even with Kaguya here, I can't imagine that Kyoto would be willing to release the Guren Mk. II to us. I don't even think it is ready yet."

"You would be right on all accounts, but we're working on that last part. It won't be long before you're tearing around Narita melting KFs left and right." Sebastian said, walking over to a corner of the warehouse where a large figure under a tarp sat. "Until then…I managed to get you the next best thing."

Kallen's eyes widened in disbelief at the machine in front of her, A RPI-209 Gloucester, minus the cape, and painted in the brilliant red she preferred. What especially caught her eye was the weapon is carried. Instead of the standard lance, it carried a katana-like blade, but the edge resembled a chainsaw more than anything else. It took her a few moments to realize just what it was. "That's a Katen Yaibatou…Only Toudoh and the Four Holy Swords use those!" She looked to her companions. "Where did you get this?"

Sebastian grinned, putting an arm around her shoulder. "The Gloucester is courtesy of Nathan, and Kaguya managed to procure the sword for it. We figured you would appreciate using a proper Japanese weapon. I take it you approve of your new mount until we can get the Guren over to you?" The growing smile on her face was all the answer he needed. Kallen wasted no time in boarding her new machine; she quickly began scanning the manual left in the cockpit.

(Britannian Staging Point, Outskirts of Saitama Ghetto)

Cornelia sat upright in her throne in the control room of her G-1. She had brought upwind of three thousand troops with her for this. The Second Princess had prepared for this well, studying the after action reports from Shinjuku. It seemed that Zero and Blade Wolf had a flare for the dramatic, and would announce their arrival in grand fashion. "Guilford, have we taken all precautions?"

"Yes milady, we've vetted all pilots in order to keep the rebels from getting possession of any Knightmare Frames, all of the IFF codes were changed last night, and we're observing strict radio silence." Guilford adjusted his steel rimmed glasses. "We've done everything possible to prepare."

"Excellent." Cornelia was about to give the order for all troops to enter the ghetto when her communications officer spoke up.

"Viceroy, we're getting an incoming communication from an unknown source."

She frowned. "Fair enough, put them through." There was no image, just a stark blue screen with the words "Sound Only". But she didn't need to see who it was contacting them, the voice alone was more than enough.

"Good day to you Second Princess Cornelia Li Britannia." The rich melodic voice uttered. "I trust you are well. I've waited quite a long time to speak to the one known as the Goddess of Victory. Sadly it had to be under such circumstances. I know you were going to attack Saitama in order to lure my knight and I out. Wait no more…because we're here."

With that, a dark green machine appeared on the bridge leading into the ghetto. Cornelia gnashed her teeth in silent anger. "Greetings to you, Your Highness." Blade Wolf offered a mocking salute. "There is no need for you to replicate the tragedy your fool of a brother carried out in Shinjuku. You're far smarter than that."

"Your point being?" Cornelia snarled, hands clenching into fists. "Why have you contacted us?"

"Let me answer your question with another question, Princess." Blade Wolf said pointedly. "In all the years…do you ever think of your lost siblings?" The color drained from the Second Princess's face. "Your younger sister, Third Princess Euphemia Li Britannia, your half siblings, Eleventh Prince Lelouch Vi Britannia, and Eleventh Princess Nunally Vi Britannia, and while he was not of Imperial Blood, Sebastian Connor may as well have been another sibling as well. It must hurt you every day, knowing you were powerless to protect Fifth Empress Marianne, and let them get sent away."

Cornelia nearly catapulted out of her seat, but she was steadied by Guilford's hand. "Princess, Blade Wolf wants you riled up, don't let him or Zero have the satisfaction." He whispered.

"How could you possibly know about them?" Cornelia hissed.

"You really desire to know, Your Highness?" Zero spoke, beneath his mask, Lelouch allowed himself a smug grin. He had baited the trap, and now it was time to spring it! "I make a proposal. An honorable duel between fellow warriors, My Ace versus your Knight. To make it more enticing, I'll make a little wager with you."

Cornelia looked to Guilford, who just gave a slight nod. She didn't know the skill of Zero's champion, but Guilford was considered one of the best in the Empire for a reason. He constantly honed his skills on a regular basis, even sparring with members of the Rounds and held his own, so this would be nothing but a light warmup. "Okay I'll bite, State your terms."

"If my Ace wins, all Britannian forces will vacate the premises, and you will provide relief aid to the civilians of the Saitama Ghetto. There are many sick and impoverished people who need the assistance." Zero's words took Cornelia off guard. If anything she expected her to surrender or at least want to meet in person, a possible chance to assassinate her.

"What do I get if Guilford prevails in this match?" Cornelia asked.

"You learn the truth of what happened the night Marianne Vi Britannia and William Connor died and the fate of your siblings after the invasion. I can't imagine a better prize than that now, don't you think?"

Zero's words finally made Cornelia stand up. If there was any greater failure in the Second Princess's life, it was what happened to the woman she admired and saw as a second mother. Not to mention what happened to her executive officer, supposedly killed trying to save the life of his wife and son. All three of them had been sent away, under the care of Jeremiah Gottwald, and then Euphie ran away to join them.

Her eyes hardened, the mask of the commander slipping back into place. Whoever Zero and Blade Wolf were, they had intimate knowledge of her family, and she had to learn what they knew. Cornelia only need give Guilford a single look, to which he gave a silent nod as he headed for the locker room to change. "Very well, Zero. I accept your challenge."

"Very smart, Princess." There was clear approval in Zero's voice. "Sir Guilford and our chosen warrior will meet five hundred meters from here, so as not to disturb them. It will be one on one." A red circle flashed to life on the map. "This is the location of the battleground. I'm curious to see who will prevail."

The line went dead. Cornelia sat back down. While her face was still impassive, there was no hiding the sadness in her eyes. Lelouch, Nunally, Euphie, Sebastian…could you still be alive? She wondered, a pang of hope beginning to form in her stomach.

(Saitama Ghetto)

Guilford's Gloucester rolled to the area seen on the map. A wide-open plaza with plenty of room to maneuver about. He looked to see Dire Wolf standing on the roof of a nearby building. "Blade Wolf, so are you my opponent?"

"Not quite, Sir Knight. I'm just here to see the fight. Your opponent…is right there." Dire Wolf pointed a metallic hand at one end of the plaza. Guilford's glasses nearly fell off his face when he saw the red Knightmare Frame rolling toward him. "Surprised that we can get our hands on prime military equipment like that? Don't be. We have connections all over."

"Indeed…" was the knight's only response. The other Gloucester rolled to a stop. "Hail, I take it you are the one I'm meant to fight?"

"Bet your ass I am." The voice on the speaker was definitely feminine. If he could tell by the tone, she was still fairly young, maybe as old as Euphie would be right now. "I've been waiting for this."

"You're a girl?" Guilford uttered without thinking.

"That's right, you have a problem with fighting a woman?" the voice snapped. The Knight winced, clearly his opponent had a temper, all of a sudden he was reminded of Cornelia when she was irritated about something.

"Not at all, you forget who my boss is." Guilford said, offering a salute with his lance. "I am Sir Gilbert G.P. Guilford, Knight of Honor serving under her Imperial Highness Second Princess Cornelia Li Britannia. It's only customary for you to give your name in return."

The red Gloucester drew its own weapon, a sword with a chainsaw edge, returning the salute. "My name is Kallen Kouzuki, I am the Ace of the Order of the Black Knights, and a proud daughter of the nation of Japan. Make sure you remember that last one." Both machines crossed weapons. "But enough idle chatter, it's time to get this show on the road."

Guilford silently filed away the name Kallen brought up, reasoning it must be the name of Zero's organization. He couldn't help but hide his anticipation. He could sense this young woman was indeed a strong opponent, and there was nothing he relished more. "Indeed, let's begin!" The landspinners of the two Gloucesters began spinning rapidly, the two war machines roared to life and rushed each other. Guilford opened up with his Slash Harkens, but Kallen nimbly weaved through them, responding with her own.

The Knight deftly batted one of them aside with his lance, the other scratching along its right arm. "She definitely has skills." Guilford assessed, bringing his weapon up in a guard position. "I'd dare say this girl would even be able to go toe to toe with one of the Rounds." The red and purple machines launched their Slash Harkens once more before chainsword and lance locked, their Fact Spheres opening up with ominous glows.

"I'll say this much, you're definitely a cut above the other Britannians I've faced in the past." Kallen commented, bringing her weapon up for an upward strike, managing to grind across Guilford's shoulder, managing to scratch the brilliant violet paint. In return the man known as the Spearhead of the Empire jabbed his lance, catching the Crimson Lotus on the left hip, causing a small dent in the red armor. "I suppose it comes with being the Knight of the Second Princess. She wouldn't just pick anyone to stand at her side."

"It's my greatest honor to act as Her Highness's Sword and Shield." Guilford didn't hide the pride in his voice. The golden lance once again locked with the orange hued chainsaw sword. The blade lock broke, Kallen's blade slashing through Guilford's cape. "You are also quite the fighter yourself, Miss Kouzuki. I recall your country was known for having peerless warriors known as the Samurai. You clearly inherited their spirit."

"Well, it's nice someone actually acknowledges our heritage, considering what your country did to mine and how Britannians look upon us normally. You've earned yourself a few extra points in my book." Kallen remarked, firing off her Slash Harkens once again, noting with satisfaction as they dug into the right leg of Guilford's Gloucester, followed by another swing from her Katen Yaibatou, only to be parried by the lance once again. "Of course that doesn't change how I feel about Britannians in general!"

The two Gloucesters continued exchanging blows. Cornelia watched with bated breath. "The pilot of that red KF is better than I thought. I guess Zero does have some skilled fighters among his ranks after all." She continued observing the battle, waiting to see who would be the victor.

Guilford frowned. While he had certainly earned a great deal of respect for Kallen, this wasn't getting them anywhere. "It's time to take things to the next level." He spun his lance, looking to score a hit at the red Gloucester's midsection just below the cockpit block. However she was too quick, dodging to the left, and instead the tip of the lance ended up embedded in the right leg.

"You left yourself wide open!" Kallen smirked, going for a wide backhand swing. It was only through training and finely honed reflexes that allowed the Britannian Knight to evade getting a roaring chainsaw blade straight to his face; instead he only ended up with a shredded cape. Guilford gave a slightly disgusted expression as he ejected the remains from his machine's shoulder.

"Hope you didn't pay too much for that." Kallen quipped, bringing her sword up. "I mean, seriously, who puts a cape on a Knightmare Frame?"

"It can be replaced." Guilford said. He didn't waste time, opening fire with his Slash Harkens, he noted with satisfaction as he scored direct hits to the left shoulder and right leg, leaving holes in the armor, exposing the circuitry and hydraulics while fluids beginning to leak out, staining the red paint. "First blood is mine, Miss Kozuki."

"Meh, it's just a scratch." Kallen said, it wasn't like her machine could be repaired, and considering she had a serious hardware upgrade coming her away before too long, it wouldn't matter in the long run. "All things being said. It think it's time we cut all the nonsense and wrap this up, don't you think?"

"Indeed. You've proven to be one of the most challenging opponents I've had the pleasure to face, but Princess Cornelia is expecting results, and I always deliver!" the two Gloucesters waded in, exchanging every more furious blows. Slash Harkens pounding away, leaving dents all over both machines as both knights swung their weapons.

Eventually it would come down to one final joust. "This is it!" Guilford declared. Both machines rushed each other, the two yelling. Time slowed down, as the two warriors swung their weapons, Guilford aimed straight for the cockpit while Kallen went for a upward slash…that resulted in a metallic purple arm going flying, the tip of a golden lance following not too far behind.

The Spearhead of the Empire needed to take a moment to process what had just happened, as he gazed at the sparking stump where his Gloucester's right arm had once been mounted. Kallen reared up, pointing the tip of the Kaiten Yaibatou right at her opponent's face. "It looks I win, Sir Guilford." Amusement coloring her voice, "I'll be honest, I rather enjoyed this little match of ours. I wouldn't mind facing you again." With that she retracted her weapon.

"You're sparing my life?" Guilford said. If he were less level headed, the surprise would have been written all over his face.

"Yeah, if just so I don't piss off your mistress anymore than she already is. Until next time, Sir Guilford." With that, the Red Gloucester rolled off. It was then Dire Wolf leapt down from where it had stood throughout the entire battle. Guilford tensed, wondering if Blade Wolf would finish him off. Instead all he got was light clapping.

"Not going to lie…that was a hell of a match. Then again I wasn't expecting anything less from you." Blade Wolf said. "Since you put up such a great fight, Zero and I are feeling generous. So we've decided to give you a little reward." With that got his first look at Zero's right hand man. He wore a uniform very reminiscent of a Rounds uniform, over which was a long, sleeveless coat in a dark green, his face covered by a white and green mask carved to resemble a wolf. Clenched in his hand was a large brown envelope. "A gift for the Goddess of Victory."

(G-1 Command Center)

Guilford went immediately from the hangar to the command deck. He bowed low to Cornelia. "I'm sorry for my defeat, your Highness, but that's unimportant at the moment. I have something that will greatly interest you." He held out the envelope. "This was given to me directly by Blade Wolf. Apparently he felt my performance was enough to give us the intel we wanted." He pushed it into her trembling hands.

Cornelia didn't waste any time opening it up. She pulled out a sheet of paper, and her eyes widened in shock and disbelief. It was a photograph, containing who were unmistakably her siblings, apparently at a park. Nunally wore a simple green dress sitting in a wheelchair pushed by Lelouch, wearing a dark red jacket and dark pants. Euphie was walking along a low stone wall, enjoying the warm day, wearing a pink blouse and jean skirt while Sebastian supported her.

"It's really them…" She whispered, checking the time stamp. "This picture was taken just a few days ago!"

"Princess…" Guilford said. "Check the back, there's a message there."

She turned it around to see written in large letters. "Your Siblings Send Their Regard." – Z. BW.

(Ashford Academy, Underground Hangar)

Sebastian yawned as he powered down Dire Wolf. Some of his weariness faded when he saw Shirley standing there waiting for him. He climbed out of his Knightmare Frame, walking up to his girlfriend, where she immediately gave him a big kiss. "Welcome back, honey. Did the mission go well?" She asked.

"Yeah, Kallen beat Guilford, although he didn't make it easy for her." Sebastian said, recalling the red and purple Gloucesters dancing back and forth as they exchanged blows. "Cornelia knows we're still alive. She doesn't exactly where we are, but we gave her just enough to keep her on the trail. It's just a matter of time now."

Shirley took hold of his arm. "How about we lay down for a while?" She started blushing. "I'm certain you need some rest."

He ran his hand along her cheek. "I would never say no to some quiet time with the girl I love. Let me get a shower and then I'll come and join you." Shirley gave a brief nod, and they walked to their private area.

Shirley was lying on the bed in her blue school bathing suit, her orange hair pooling around her on the clean white sheets. Her cheeks were bright red and she had a happy smile on her face. Sebastian laid down next to her, taking hold of her hand, noting how soft her skin was. "Now this is more like it. Just the two of us together."

"Yeah, for me, these moments are the ones to be treasured the most." Sebastian replied. "It reminds me of what I'm fighting for, of who I'm fighting for."

"I've been meaning to ask you something, Sebby." Shirley's voice became solemn. "I know how important this mission is to you and Lulu. And I'll stand by your side for as long as you need me to. But I want to be honest with me. What are you going to do once Japan is free and Britannia's been defeated? What will you do when it's all over?" It was a simple question to be sure, but one that hit with all the force of a FLEIJA.

Luckily, the Blade Wolf had his answer. "Blade Wolf is meant to be a guardian and protector, not a politician. I have no stomach for that anyway. Lelouch will probably continue to engage in politics and guide the world the way he wants it to be. I say he can do whatever the hell he wants. As soon as the battlefield is truly silent, my work is complete. I'll dedicate the rest of my days to you, until I draw my last breath."

Shirley gasped. "That almost sounds like a proposal!" Her blush intensified.

"Yeah…that's because it is." Shirley was certain her little heart stopped when her boyfriend pulled a ring out from underneath the pillow, the simple clear diamond catching the lights. "I know the two of us are still young, but when this is all over, will you do this old Wolf of War the favor of becoming his better half?" She began crying softly, not able to form words in her mouth, only able to nod, as he gently slid the ring on her finger.

"It's so beautiful…" Shirley sniffled, taking in the sight of the ring on her finger, gazing at the diamond as it caught the lights overhead. "Where did you get this?"

"It was my Mom's. One of the few things I have left of either of my parents. I held onto it for all this time." Sebastian pulled Shirley close to him. "I think they would have liked you a lot." He stifled a chuckle. "I know Mom would ask how soon she'd get grandchildren." Shirley giggled as well. "I can see them now. We'd have two kids, a little boy and a little girl. The boy would look like me, and the girl would be the spitting image of you."

"What if they don't?" Shirley asked. "Our kids could easily take after either of us."

"It could happen like that," Sebastian grinned. "But I think the image of you holding a Mini-Shirley in your lap is equally cute and hilarious all at the same time." Shirley's she nuzzled up against him, her breasts digging into his side. She began rubbing her foot against his calf, her blush intensified. The young couple pulled in close to each other, deciding it was just time to lie down and rest.

(Student Council Hall)

At the same time, Lelouch was putting Nunally to bed. He had made it a point to do so every night, saying it was making up for having pushed her away in the latter half of the First Black Rebellion and not getting to see her after she was taken away. The former Eleventh Princess still didn't want to believe that her brothers were doing this. "Lelouch?" She asked in the middle of her bedtime story.

"Yes Nunally, what do you need?" He asked, his voice so deceptively quiet and serene, as opposed how loud and bombastic he was as Zero.

"Are you sure there's no other way to do this? Can't we just leave well enough alone?" She asked. Lelouch's expression became somber as he ran a hand through her long, sandy brown tresses, so reminiscent of their mother's. Lelouch had inherited the Flash's raven locks, but Nunally was the living image of Marianne Vi Britannia.

"I know this is hard for you to accept, Nunally. I would be quite content to just stay here with you, and Euphie and Sebastian and everyone else, just be students and forget everything that happened outside of these walls, but I can't." Lelouch closed his eyes, letting all the memories of the past come out. "My hands are stained with too much blood. I hurt too many people the first time around. This is my curse, Nunally, this is also my penance, to fight this all over again. But this time, I won't lose sight of what I'm fighting for."

"Big Brother…" Nunally whimpered, reaching her hand up to touch Lelouch's face. "If you feel you must, then okay…" The hard expression on her face very unsettling, "Then I'm going to join you!" She didn't give him a chance to protest. "Don't you dare lock me out like you did last time, Lelouch Vi Britannia! If you must overturn the entire world, then I am going to be at your side for every moment! This is not negotiable! We do this together or not at all!"

The former Demon Emperor's respect for his little sister jumped by quite a few notches, reminding him that despite her infirmities, Eleventh Princess Nunally Vi Britannia, 87th in line for the throne, was still royalty, and could command just as well as he could, they were of the same blood after all…

He let out a low chuckle of amusement. "If that is what Your Highness desires, who am I to say no?" Lelouch smiled, the wheels in his head already beginning to turn. "In fact…I think I know exactly where I'm going to put you, my dear sister. Starting today, you are now in charge of all online media related to the Black Knights."

"Online Media?" Nunally said.

"That's right, Nunally. We both know that the most powerful weapon available to either side is not guns or tanks or Knightmare Frames, but information, and the internet is main place to gain said information. We need to show the populace the Black Knights will be there to fight for them, and you will be our voice in that regard. You will take the fight to chat rooms and message boards and defend what the Black Knights stand for." He smirked. "In many ways the battlefields you'll be fighting on are far more treacherous than anywhere Sebastian or myself will tread. Do you feel up for this Nunally? Can I count on you to take up the banner for the Black Knights?"

She nodded. "I'll do anything I can to help! So long as we're together, brother!"

"That's what I expected." Lelouch sat back. "Now that we've taken care of that part. For your own safety, you'll need a handle to go by online. Once you make your presence known, OSI will no doubt try to hunt you down. The question is what do we call you?"

"How about Nemo?" The Lamperouge siblings jumped at the sound, to see C.C., wearing a white button up shirt and not much else, leaning in Nunally's doorway. She sauntered in, taking a place on the bed. "It means 'nobody" in Latin, and thus it's a perfect compliment to Zero. Everybody wins."

"I like it." Nunally said. "It resonates with me for some reason."

"What about you, Lelouch?" C.C. gave her usual catty smile, leaning on her stomach with her legs in the air.

The former Demon Emperor just shrugged. He would never be able to deny his sister, and he didn't have any better ideas anyway. "If that is what Nunally chooses, who am I to judge? Very well." He took his sister's hand. "You are now Nemo, I welcome you to my fight."

(Kyoto)

When Britannia invaded Japan on August 10th, 2010 a.t.b, every city burned, crushed under the onslaught, led by the then new RPI-11 Glasgow. The only city to survive relatively intact was the city once known as the "Thousand Year Capital." Despite no longer being the seat of governmental power, it was a cultural and spiritual center considered by many to be the heart of the Japanese people.

It was only through the urging of a prominent member of the court who had vacationed there in the years before the invasion that Kyoto was spared the worst of any attacks, and mostly remained as it had been even while its sister cities were replaced by alien landscapes of metal and glass. Yukimasa and Konoka walked along the streets in civilian attire. The weathered looking blood red coat a sharp clash with the tailored Dolce and Gabbana suit underneath.

"Keep on them, Kono, we can't lose sight of them." He said to his long time friend and companion. Konoka was pretending to be a student, wearing a purple coat that covered the sailor uniform colored dark blue, thigh length dark stockings covering her very long legs. They were currently tailing a group of men a few years older than them, also wearing civilian garb.

"Relax, as far as anyone knows, we're just a couple out on a date." Kono put on a playful smile, latching onto his arm, all the while keeping their targets in the corner of her eye. They turned right down an alley near an old warehouse. The two nodded, quickening their pace, as they saw them enter through a side door. They stopped in front of the warehouse, scanning for any possible lookouts on the roof.

"And so here we have standard bad guy hide out 203, abandoned warehouse, seriously, could Kusakabe be any more cliché?" Yukimasa grumbled. He nodded to Konoka, who drew a compact Heckler and Koch HK4 semiautomatic pistol out of her purse, drawing his own weapon of choice, a FN Five-Seven out his shoulder holster. They cautiously entered the building, taking care to open the door as quietly as possible.

Prowling around on the walls and in the shadows, they found Lieutenant Colonel Josui Kusakabe standing on a raised platform made of old shipping pallets with about thirty men gathered around him. "Thank you for coming so promptly gentlemen. I know that you've all been eager for this day." He held his katana in front of him. "For far too long we've sat on our laurels while those foul Britannians desecrate our land and strip it bear."

"And what do our leaders do? Absolutely nothing!" Kusakabe snorted in derision. "Katase has become complacent in his old age. He refuses to mobilize our forces and take back our homeland! In my mind he is unfit to call himself our leader, much less a samurai! I suppose senility affects the best of us after all." Both Yukimasa and Konoka bit back their rage at the insult to their commander. "Toudoh is too much of a submissive lapdog to do the right thing and take command! They refuse to listen to the cries of our countrymen, but I have, and I will do something about it! We will show Britannia our terrible resolve, and send their entire bloated empire a message they will not soon forget!"

Kusakabe's followers began cheering. Many of them were younger, orphaned during the invasion and taken in by the JLF. While they had respected Katase and Toudoh, many of them desired to take a more proactive role in liberating Japan, but they were constantly stymied with words like "It's not the right time.", "We can't risk it.", and most annoying of all. "We don't have the resources."

It hadn't taken much for Kusakabe to get them on his side. A few well placed words here and there, and these men would do anything asked of them. One of the soldiers raised his hand. "If I may be so bold to ask, Lieutenant Colonel, what exactly kind of message are we sending them? What is your plan?"

An evil grin crossed Kusakabe's face. "A very good question, Corporal." He shouldered his weapon, looking across at all of his men. "In another couple of weeks, all the Sakuradite producing countries will be having their annual summit at the hotel on Lake Kawaguchi. We'll be taking part in this little gathering as well, although we won't be talking about Sakuradite. Instead, we'll let everyone know that our great nation is still very much alive and well, even if it means having to shed some Britannian blood along the way!"

Every one of Kusakabe's men got an evil glint in their eyes, none of them had any love for Britannians, the world would be better off with them gone. Kusakabe drew his blade. "Gentlemen, we stand on the eve of victory! For all Japan! Nippon Banzai!"

"Nippon Banzai!" They all raised their fists in the air. Both Konoka and Yukimasa strained to keep silent. They knew exactly what Kusakabe intended to do, he had no desire to make demands, ultimately he was leading his men on a suicide mission and any hostages they took were collateral damage. As quietly as they arrived, they snuck out of the warehouse, and immediately made for the hotel. General Katase and Colonel Toudoh had to hear about this immediately!