Here We Go Again (DISCONTINUED)

by Shmack1812

"You can go home when the tank says you can."

21. Back to The Grind

Alright, look before ya'll come running at me with pitchforks n shit...

Ah hell, fuck it kick my ass. I'll be honest I got lazy prior to this chapter. Once my summer classes were done I just kinda kicked back and fell into gaming, the gym, and enjoying my time off.

Thank you Armored Warfare.

Needless to say, I'm already a week and ankles deep into a new semester of college. Definitely behind in updating, so I told myself. "Shit, well lemme get back on that ole dusty trail."

Did I or did I not say I wasn't quitting this? Pretty sure I did. As ever, before I go on I'd like to thank the support of the community and everyone who's been following this little tale of mine. Them follows and favs tho, ya'll awesome you know that?

So without further ado, the beast that is Hakone awaits. Hold onto your pants kiddies, it's gonna get RAW AS FUCK.

Edit: If you've made it this far. I changed Dirrel and various others with their real world counterparts. Why? Because I couldn't mirror this story to be reflection of real life if I didn't actually put them in. It makes things flow easier and really brings some sense of reason to all this.

---

Chapter 22: Back to The Grind

"For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected never know."

Inscription on the back of a flak jacket worn by a Marine machine-gunner on the DMZ, RVN, 1968

DECEMBER 14TH, 0400 HOURS, HAKONE ONSEN, JAPAN

"Ugh... what do you want?"

"Um...you have any, you know?"

Kincaid grumbled as he sat upright, his bed mate quickly scrambling under the covers to shield her dignity. "No. I'm busy, go ask Elton or something."

Benitez turned to the door and was about to leave before the gunner stopped him.

"Wait. What do you even want condoms for?"

"They're not for me."

"Then who are they for?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Well look man either tell me or bounce. This ain't a job for the Mystery Gang."

"Ugh, I'll tell you tomorrow."

The driver merely sighed and nodded, leaving the room and giving a quick, devilish look at Mari before closing the door.

Silence fell on the room before the medic spoke up. "Okay, Jasper, what the hell?"

The Marine sighed. "What?"

"Don't 'what' me. How can you be so calm after that? And who the hell needs condoms? It's four o' clock in the morning."

Kincaid merely stared at her with a raised eyebrow. "I don't know, maybe Itami?"

Kurokawa's eyes widened at the implications. "Oh my god. No. Don't tell me. And what was that all about? Why aren't you angry?!"

"Mari, we're Marines. We do this crap all the time back in the barracks."

"You what? Seriously?"

"Yeah. Wouldn't be the first time one of us walked in on each other."

"'Do this crap all the time?'" the medic scoffed indignantly. She nudged herself closer to him with hands on her hips, glaring daggers as she shoved her angry face as close as she could in an accusatory way.

Kincaid would feel her anger, she'd make sure of it.

"What kind of backwards thinking is that? Listen, Jasper. One, this is not your barracks, or an orgy house. Two, I'm not some random hooker, or a one night stand. I was expecting a bit more..." She paused for a second, her pride hurting as she struggled for words. "Consideration on your part. You can't-"

She didn't have time to finish before a set of lips locked her mouth. She struggled for a moment before her anger subsided, giving in to the kiss as their tongues began to dance. She closed her eyes for a second, then parted, leaving her wanting with a mess of emotions.

"Baka."

"Well, it worked, didn't it?" Kincaid grinned before getting a playful nudge.

"You... Either way." Mari scooped up the pistol and held it before his eyes. "Seriously, what's this for?"

"Well that's the gun I like to carry around for business. The other one-"

"Jasper."

"Yeesh, alright. Listen, my pops is just paranoid like that."

"Paranoid about what? That we might get attacked? Public Safety owns this place." The medic scoffed as she slid the pistol underneath one of the pillows.

"Who the hell knows, he's just weird like that." Kincaid shrugged, eyeing the pile of clothes beside him before crawling up and digging for his shirt. Kurokawa eyed him for a few moments, a small smirk forming on her face before something caught her attention.

"Jasper, what's that?" The medic slowly raised a finger and pointed at Kincaid's shoulder. The Marine paused from pulling his shirt down, glancing at the odd black skull shaped tattoo on his shoulder for a moment.

"What, this?"

"Yeah, what is that?" Kurokawa cocked her head to the side in curiosity. "Is that a mammoth skull?"

Jesus Christ...not you too.

Kincaid raised an eyebrow before pulling his shirt down and fetching his hoodie off the floor. "You don't know what this is?"

"No."

"It's a Star Wars thing. It's Boba Fett's logo."

Kurokawa sat there confused for a moment. "Boba Fett?"

Kincaid's eyes went wide as his head slowly panned over to look at the dumbfounded medic. "Boba Fett? Bounty Hunter with the jet pack? Star Wars?"

"Never watched it."

"Never watched it?!"

Kurokawa folded her arms with a look of contempt. "No Jasper, I was never into that sort of thing." The medic hadn't realized it, but she had just completely rattled the Marine's brain. He opened his arms with a look of sheer confusion on his face.

"I practically grew up on Star Wars, everyone knows who Boba Fett is!"

"Well I don't."

"Well you're just not fun then."

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing."

Kurokawa shook her head before pausing, a thought crossing her mind. "And just where are you going anyways?"

"Heading outside for a smoke."

"I really wish you'd stop that. That's a terrible habit, you know?"

"So is this job."

"Smooth. Though I'm fairly certain you've used that comeback before."

The Marine chuckled before sliding his pants back on. "Yeah, well.."

"Well?"

"I uh.." Kincaid paused before grinning. "Ran out of slick shit to say."

Kurokawa chuckled before shaking her head. "I'm sleeping with a clown. Do hurry back."

Kincaid gave a half hearted smirk before slipping his hoodie back on. "That was the plan."

With that, the Marine slowly made his way onto the walkway, sliding the door shut as he lit his cigarette. As he turned back, a dark figure met his eyes, its shape quickly recognized by the tanker.

Wilkes.

Kincaid let out a cloud of smoke as he walked over, placing a hand on the loader's shoulder as they exchanged greetings.

"Yo."

"Sup."

The two Marines stood there for a few minutes, tending to their cigarettes as they enjoyed the night's air.

"So, how was it?"

The loader sighed, his eyes fixed on the woods ahead. "Bruh, that shit was fucking weird."

Kincaid did his best to suppress a chuckle. "Oh? So you gonna tell me, or.."

"Nigga, I felt like I was the one getting fucked."

"I fucking told you man. I told you she'd twist your dumb ass into a pretzel."

Wilkes let out a cloud of smoke before grumbling. "Kiss my ass. Anyways, how about you?"

Kincaid chuckled. "A lot better than yours, actually."

The warmth of our bodies melting together as nails dug into my back, a series of words exchanged in the heap of drunk emotion.

The gunner smiled to himself before Wilkes jabbed him in the ribs.

"Yo?"

Kincaid snapped out of his daydreaming as he took another drag. "Sorry. Yeah, it was good."

"Uh huh. Good enough to fall in love with?"

Kincaid gave the unruly loader a sharp jab with his elbow. "Piss off, man. We were drunk, shit happened. Nothing more to say about it."

"Damn right there's nothing more to say about it. That's how it should be."

"Whatever, I still feel fucking wrong for doing it."

Wilkes rolled his eyes. "There you go again with that bull shit."

"Excuse me for having a moral compass."

"Uh huh, nigga you acting like you ain't never fucked and dipped before." Wilkes opened his arms with a look of disbelief. "I keep telling you man, this is how life goes for us. I dunno why you keep trying to rationalize it and shit, just fucking go with the flow."

Kincaid sighed. "'Go with the flow'? Bro like, I'm trying to 'go with the flow'. All of this shit just feels wrong. Like, it feels different this time."

"Nigga, this is about that snake head isn't it? Look man, you really gotta fucking stop with this shit. You're over here getting all melodramatic n shit over not one but two women you prolly won't ever see much of."

"And you and Shino are just fuck buddies too?"

"Nigga, don't rope me into this. This is about you, not me. I'm still living fine regardless of what the hell happens with her." Wilkes sighed, smoke pouring out of his mouth. "Look, what's the problem man? How many times have we talked about this shit?"

Kincaid sighed. "Look, I feel fucking devious man. Mari, she kinda reminds me of Kelly. Always wants her fingers in shit and trying to have control. She says she wants to 'help' but it feels more like she wants to fix me man. I don't need fixing."

And part of me wants my options open, which is fucking stupid considering I shouldn't even have options on deployment.

"Okay, like that I can understand. You always were bitching about Kelly, but lemme ask you this. Exactly what keeps making you stress out? Cause I know damn well your stupid nerd ass is only flipping out because of snake head. You and I know damn well you wouldn't give a rat's ass if it was just Mari."

Kincaid stood there for a few moments as he tried to find some sort of rebuttal. It never came, Wilkes was a brute but he was an intelligent brute. He knew people.

Years of hard living in and before the Corps did that to you.

"You know damn well I'm right too. You're over here trying to rationalize shit you don't need to be trying to rationalize in the first place. You got drunk, you fucked her and that's that. She prolly wants to date you and you're too afraid to just say no." Wilkes took another drag and exhaled a cloud of smoke. "I'm right aren't I?"

Kincaid sighed. "Yeah."

"Damn right I am, look my mans. You're in the wrong for flipping out about this, and she's wrong for thinking having sex while drunk means shit. Like, once we go back through that gate it's back to basics yo. She'll be lucky to even be on the same missions as us."

"I thought we'd be working with them more."

"Nigga, shit always comes out one way and goes another." Wilkes rolled his eyes. "Now, as for snake head. I think you only 'like' that shit because you're an odd ass nigga and want to fulfill your fantasy fetish. That's all well and fine, you get the chance to get yams go ahead and do it. But know that shit ain't any more likely to succeed than shit with Mari. In fact, you honestly stand a better chance of going somewhere with Mari. She's gonna come back through the gate with us at some point."

Wilkes glared. "Snake head won't, not anytime soon that is."

Kincaid had just finished another drag when he lazily looked over at Wilkes. "Dude I don't even know if it's like that. I mean, she's, cute but-"

"Dog, I've known you for four years now. I know when you're feeling a girl, ya'll were staring into each others souls dog. Like, I swear your eyes had become blank as fuck man. It, kinda freaked me the hell out."

"Yeah." Kincaid rubbed the back of his head. "I still don't kinda know what happened, felt like I was under a spell man. But that's not why I dig her man."

"Then what is?"

"I guess I just, I dunno man. You ever meet someone and you get that 'feeling'? Like, I dunno man. I feel like, maybe I should get to know her. Maybe I can do good in a girl's life for once. We did save her clan after all."

Wilkes chuckled. "You got them visions of grandeur nigga. But, I've always respected that shit about you man. You a real justice ass nigga. Maybe you're a little misguided with it, but at least you try."

Kincaid continued to stare at the night sky beyond, his eyes focusing on the stars. It would be a long time before he ever saw those again.

"Yeah, too bad she could potentially kill me. According to Mari, Aurea's species sucks souls out of people."

"That's pretty fuckin gangster yo."

Kincaid shook his head. "I'm being serious man."

"So am I. Regardless my mans, I don't think she's gonna kill you. She's like half your size, if you get killed by that? I'm laughing at your tombstone. Real talk.

"Thanks."

"All love. Anyways man, what you do is on you. You're a grown ass man. I'm only here to be your raw ass conscious, but bet money on this."

Kincaid raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

"I swear to christ, keep your head in the fucking game. Our job over there is to end this fucking bull shit and come back. This shit isn't some fantasy love story my mans, we're at war. If I so much get the inkling of a feeling this shit is messing with you too much?"

Wilkes paused with a raised eyebrow, Kincaid merely exchanging the gesture. "Well?"

"Just stand the fuck by. All love man, you know I do it for you."

"Yeah."

Silence for a few moments.

"Bro?"

"Wussup?"

"If you and Shino become an item, I'm kicking your hypocritical ass."

"You can fuckin try, you know how I roll."

"Yeah, sometimes I wish I didn't. All love though."

Wilkes chuckled. "I'm necessary for you my mans. You can call me daddy two point O'."

"Bullshit."

More laughter.

"Bro."

"What?"

"Mari's never seen Star Wars, she thought my Boba Fett tattoo was a mammoth skull."

Wilkes rolled his eyes. "Nigguh it looks like a mammoth skull though."

"It ain't a god damn mammoth."

"They say it don't be like it is but it do."

"Ayy."

Some more laughter followed by the same contemplative silence.

"Man, Raymond would've loved to be here for this. Fucker would've probably killed that dragon on the first shot. Shit, you know I'm half the gunner he ever was."

"Shit, no joke there."

"Thanks asshole."

Wilkes chuckled before shaking his head. "Nah man, you did good. Shit happens, shit breaks. As for Raymond, yeah that nigga would've had a boner for this shit."

"Yeah he would've huh?"

"Yeah.."

Silence again.

"I miss him you know, I see him all the time. Well, you know when."

Wilkes put an arm around Kincaid's shoulder bringing his gunner and long time brother in arms close. "Yeah, yeah I know. I fucking miss his ass too. Think he'd be proud of us you know? Bet you he's watching us right now."

"You think so?"

"I know so nigga. You know how I do though, I live for him." Wilkes turned to look at Kincaid. "And I live for us."

Kincaid sighed before putting an arm around Wilkes. "Yeah, we all do." He paused to take another drag. "Hey man."

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you're here, I uh. We've been through a lot of shit you know? Tank school, the fleet, deployment and now this. I know I've said this a lot, but you're family to me man. I'm thankful to have you in my life, like. I fucking love you bro."

"Shit nigga, chill with that emotional ass shit. You know how I feel. I love you too man." Wilkes removed his arm from his brother's shoulder and turned to face him. "Ain't nothing in hell gonna keep us back. Not hadjis, not dragons, not even the fuckin gods themselves my mans. We're getting through this shit, and we're going home."

"Damn right."

"Amen!"

Suddenly the sound of a door sliding open interrupted the moment. The two tankers turned in the direction of the sound rolling their eyes as a nervous looking Itami stepped out. As the Japanese officer noticed the pair he sighed in relief before sliding the door shut and making his way over towards them.

"Oh thank god it's you two."

The Marines exchanged confused looks before Wilkes reached into the pocket of his hoodie and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

"You uh, good?"

Itami promptly swiped the pack and plucked a cigarette out along with a lighter. "Not really, give me a moment."

"Shit, aight."

The officer lit a cigarette with shaking hands, promptly taking a drag and letting the smoke billow out of his mouth. As he began to calm down he shook his head before leaning against a nearby wall.

"Alright so. George stopped by, right Jasper?"

Kincaid raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, at a pretty shit time too." He paused and shook his head with a sigh. "Let me guess, you sent him?"

"Yeah.."

Wilkes stood there with a confused look on his face."Okay, what the hell happened? Ya'll trying to clue a brother in or nah?"

"Fucking George came in while I was." Kincaid paused.

Naked after sleeping with Mari.

"Sleeping, he woke me up."

"Bitch, please." Wilkes glared. "You think Itami's gonna care you fucked Mari?"

"Wow cock head, way to go."

"Nigga you're the one over here playing who's in my pants. Secret squirrel having ass."

"Fuck you."

Itami coughed on the drag he had taken, sputtering for a few moments before receiving a firm thump on the chest from Wilkes. Once he composed himself, he sighed.

"That's, well. I'm not really sure what to say about that. I uh."

Kincaid groaned. "Listen it was kind of a spur of the moment thing. Can we really not fucking talk about it?"

"Fair enough, I guess." Itami rubbed the back of his head nervously for a few moments before sighing. "Regardless, so I sent George because. Well, I knew he could probably ask you easier for that sort of thing."

Wilkes raised an eyebrow. "Sort of thing like?"

"Do I really have to say it?"

Kincaid rolled his eyes. "Condoms? Youji, respectfully. I don't see what the problem is. Like, a simple knock would've been fine. I didn't have any anyways."

Wilkes chuckled. "Not any left, mister first name basis."

"Shutup man." Kincaid folded his arms. "We're all men here, we don't do gossip and we don't judge."

Wilkes nodded in agreement. "Lord knows all the weird shit we've ever done. The accused don't have the right to accuse and you can't bullshit a bullshitter."

"Exactly, so speak your mind Itami. Let it all out, probably not getting any fucking sleep tonight anyways."

Itami took another drag and stood there for a few moments before nodding. "Alright. So uh, I almost slept with Rory."

"If there's grass on the field, play ball. If not, flip em over and play in the-" Wilkes grunted as he received a sharp jab from Kincaid, the corporal rolling his eyes before sighing.

"Well, you don't have to explain the why of i-"

Itami groaned. "She just kinda threw herself at me, she started talking about a killing intent nearby and how it made her feel alive."

"Probably because there's fucking snake eaters in the woods providing security for this place."

"Snake eaters?"

Kincaid nodded. "Yeah your special forces and some guys from my dad's job."

"Oh, never heard SOGs called that before. You know I helped organize the security?"

"No shit? Learn something new everyday."

Wilkes rolled his eyes before lighting up another cigarette. "Man you gotta tell your pops to chill with the fucking Hitman shit."

"He's not a fucking hitman and you act like I had some sort of say in it." Kincaid swiped the pack of cigarettes from Wilkes before lighting up another one. As he took a drag he raised an eyebrow at Itami. "So my question is, what made you stop? More importantly, how the hell did you get away?"

Wilkes swiped the half crushed pack of cigarettes back from Kincaid with a scowl. "Yeah, like. My man's no offense, but you and Kincaid are nerd kings. I'd peg you as the last one to turn that shit down." He paused before letting some smoke pour out of his nose. "Like, I wouldn't exactly turn that shit down."

"Jesus christ man, we get it you're a monster." Kincaid groaned.

"What? She's nine hundred years old, it ain't exactly like that you know."

"Whatever man. Anyways, he's right Youji. We've been operating in Falmart for a while now, you got three different girls chasing after you and each one pretty much fits the bill for fantasy romance. I haven't seen you so much as bat an eye at them you know?"

Itami stood there for a few moments his gaze slowly going towards the forest beyond, his voice beginning to trail off. "I guess, being back so soon made me realize I haven't really moved on. As for Rory, I just told her I'd be back later."

"Which is a lie that's gonna cost you, I hope you know that."

"Yeah I know, don't remind me."

Kincaid chuckled before shaking his head. "Anyways, you mentioned not moving on yet?"

Itami sighed. "Yeah. Look, so I know Risa doesn't look like much to you, I know she kinda puts off this odd vibe."

"Birds of a feather flock together yo." Wilkes mumbled as he let out a cloud of smoke. "You oughta see the girls we've been with. No offense or nothing."

"None taken. Anyways, it wasn't that long ago I was with her. She was my wife." Itami paused for a few moments before looking off. "I really did care about her, hell I still do. Things just, happened, you know? Things were already kinda shaky before, we were still getting used to the marriage itself. It didn't exactly kick off the right way you know? We were young, needed the money, but we made end meets you know?.

The lieutenant took a drag and expelled a cloud of smoke with a sigh. "Then the gate opened, I guess that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Things got too real, it's one thing seeing me go off to train. It's another thing for me to actually get put in harm's way you know?"

Kincaid cocked his head to the side, taking another a drag before letting out a cloud of smoke. "Believe us man, we know that all too well."

Wilkes merely nodded in agreement, watching Itami with lazy eyes as the lieutenant began to pace back and forth.

"Look, part of me would love nothing more than to. Well, give in to temptation, but that's not right. What kind of man would I be to just throw away years of marriage to go chase after some fantasy tail? Risa and I have chemistry, those girls in there. Well, regardless of what we've done to help them out, they really don't know me. They just, I feel like they like me because I'm something new."

Wilkes raised an eyebrow. "Feels like they've gotten to know you pretty damn well so far. Hell goddamn Lelei wanders into our area all the time just to see what's up."

"That's not the point. The point is." Itami paused from pacing, taking another drag. "Is that I still have feelings for Risa and seeing her again. It feels like the old days you know? The normal days, I'm a simple man I didn't ask for any of this. I just want to finish this campaign. I never thought I'd actually have to deploy. Kill people in such a way we have."

"Nobody does, welcome to our world." Wilkes shook his head. "Welcome to the world of deployment my mans. No offense but there's a lot of NATO guys who've been dealing with this shit for a long ass time. Everyone wants to be a gangster until it's time to do gangster shit."

Kincaid put a hand up and glared at Wilkes. "Relax man." He then turned his gaze towards Itami. "Look, Youji. While my man's over here is right, what you're feeling isn't wrong. But you also can't let it get to you, the moment you do that you lose." The corporal finished his smoke, tossing the butt away into some nearby bushes."

Itami sighed. "I wish I could be like you guys, I feel almost weak for all of this. I should be focusing on my job, like you guys."

Wilkes shook his head. "My mans, you don't want to be like us."

"What? You guys seem alright to me."

"No we're not, we're really not man." Kincaid took a step forward and put a hand on Itami's shoulder. "You really don't want to be like us."

The lieutenant stood there confused for a moment, all he had ever seen were smiles and cock sure attitudes. Seeing the two Marines like this for the first time in months, it baffled the lieutenant.

Made him realize just how much he didn't understand these men.

"You see, if anything we envy you. You have brakes, you can avoid temptation. Us? We're the worst America's got to offer, only we harness that bad and put it towards good. We're the closest thing to living cavemen, what you think we're not in pain twenty four seven?"

Kincaid shook his head. "Not a day goes by where we don't want to quit this shit and get the fuck out, but it's like. We hate this shit and love it at the same time, like we just feed off the negativity."

Wilkes nodded in agreement. "You're lucky my mans. You were still fresh before this, we went on our first deployment angry as fuck and we came back even angrier. Be thankful this is your first deployment, hero shit all around. If you think we wouldn't rather be home right now you're high."

The loader paused before shaking his head. "As for temptation? You don't know the half of it."

Itami removed Kincaid's hand and folded his arms. "But I don't understand, this is good work. We're helping these people, making a difference. You should be excited, proud."

Kincaid shook his head. "Nobody said we're not, but it's like." The corporal sighed. "I can't really explain it to you man, you just gotta be us and do what we've done to understand. You think being a tanker is all fun? You should try it sometime, be cramped inside a metal box for hours. Try working on track or busting your joints up doing maintenance. Our bodies and souls are tethered to those things to the day we get out."

"You're done when the tank says you're done. All that shit we do? The stupid shit? That's a coping mechanism my mans, we're a hurting ass bunch of people." Wilkes mumbled.

"Yeah, and the tank says we're not done yet. So no rest for the wicked. As for you and Risa?" Kincaid smiled. "We'll do everything we can to make sure you get back home safe to her. I mean, so long as we're both outside the wire. Everything else is on you man."

Wilkes nodded, the heavyset loader giving a thumbs up. "You're good people's Itami, I respect that. There ain't a fuck ton of people I say that to either, so you let that sink in my mans."

The Japanese lieutenant stood there confused, but content. There was a good chance he'd never understand these men, never figure out why they acted the way they did. He could still respect them though, respect their mental fortitude. "Thanks, it feels good to let this all out. I needed this, I really fucking needed this."

"Shit, you know. Misery loves company." Kincaid chuckled.

Suddenly another door slowly slid open, Shino's head sticking out and looking at the group of men for a few moments before smirking. "Well, I hope I wasn't interrupting some sort of moment." Suddenly her eyes went wide as she pointed at Wilkes. "But I need that one, he owes me."

Itami's looked at Kincaid with a look of disbelief. First his medic, now another one of his troops. The lieutenant wasn't really sure what to feel as Wilkes grumbled.

"Yeah, yeah I'm coming." The loader looked at Kincaid and Itami before waving. "Well, I'll see ya'll later." With that, he slowly made his way to the door and an excited Shino, promptly vanishing from view as the door slid back behind him.

Itami and Kincaid stood there for a few moments. Everything had been so deep up until that point, seeing Shino yank Wilkes along like a dog had completely killed the mood.

"Him too?"

"Yep."

"Well, that's."

"I told you, you don't wanna be like us."

"Well, it's not that bad."

"You're the first officer I've met who's cool with the idea of his troops being fucked by guys from another unit he's working with. Just being honest."

"Well, as long as it doesn't interfere with the mission."

"Don't think it will, at least I hope not."

Mari isn't going to just let this pass.

Itami raised an eyebrow. "Well, what about you and Kurokawa? Look, I know you were giving that Medusa a look over at Italica. I mean, once we go back through the gate-"

"It's business, look I know. Can we please drop that shit? I'm going to take care of it alright? I've been through worse." Kincaid folded his arms and shook his head. "Look, lets just go back through. This visit was too much of a cock tease, we're nowhere close to being free."

"You know, I'm not mad at you. I'm a little, taken aback I guess, but this is all new to me. Just." The lieutenant shook his head. "I don't know Jasper, perhaps you're right. Let's just get through the gate, back to the grind tomorrow right?"

"Yeah, back to the grind." Kincaid looked at his watch and sighed. "Look, I'm gonna head back inside. Might as well try to rest my eyes."

Itami nodded. "Yeah, me too soon. Provided Rory doesn't catch me."

As Kincaid made his way back to his door, he paused. "Hey Itami, have you actually talked to Risa much since we've been back?"

Itami looked down in shame. "No, not really."

"Well, you might want to do that. Tonight if she's still up or tomorrow before we go back through. You only get so many chances with women man, take it from someone who knows best. Give her something to hold onto while you're away, otherwise the deployment will destroy what little you might still have."

Itami raised an eyebrow. "Jasper, have you ever had your job force your relationships into separation?"

Kincaid's hand was resting on the door, his gaze burning into the wood. "Yeah."

"How many?"

"Too many to count, I didn't get the luxury of a quick drive through a gate to see them. Or being stuck in the same zip code for that matter."

With that he opened the door and disappeared into his room as it closed behind him.

Itami stood there alone for a few moments, enjoying the cool night air of his home country before sighing.

"You're not the only ones who have things bottled up Jasper..."

XXXXXXX

"Took you long enough."

"Well, Wilkes and Itami were outside. We were just talking."

Kincaid chuckled as he sat next to the side of the tatami mat, slowly stripping down to his boxers. "Or were you just that anxious to see me again?"

No response.

"Mari?"

"I heard you."

Kincaid looked over his shoulder and groaned. His phone was on the mat, she had seen the wallpaper.

"Okay, is there a particular reason why my phone is over there?"

"It was laying out on the floor, I was cleaning the room up a bit." Kurokawa paused before folding her arms. "Is there a particular reason why that thing is on your phone screen?"

Kincaid had shifted around to look at the pissed off medic, his own anger slowly starting to rise. He knew this was coming, saw it from a mile away. He was just too drunk to control the urge in his pants.

"Thing? Uh Mari, that's a she. That's kind of disrespectful don't you think? And why does it matter? It's just a photo. I took that before you told me everything about her."

"Okay? Well now that you know that, you can take her off."

"I don't see what the problem is. Excuse me if I've been kinda preoccupied with everything else going on, swapping a phone wallpaper is kind of last on my to do list."

Kurokawa scoffed. "Well you got time now."

Kincaid rolled his eyes, he'd been down this road before. He could keep arguing with her and not get any sleep, or just bite his tongue and let her win. It boiled down to a simple choice, sleep outside or sleep on the mat.

"Alright, alright."

Kincaid slid onto the mat and next to Kurokawa, making sure to show her every step as he took the photo and replaced it with a stock background. Once that was done he set the phone down.

"Happy?"

"Yes."

Kincaid grumbled before relaxing.

"It's for your own good Jasper."

"Yeah, you're right."

"Are you just saying that to get me to shutup?"

Possibly

"No, you're right. It was pretty fucking goofball of me. Wasn't thinking right you know?"

Kurokawa gave a small sigh of content, securing her hold on what was she believed was rightfully hers. "Anyways, enough on that. Let's get some sleep Jasper, we have a long day tomorrow."

"Yeah."

The pair lay there for a few moments, Kincaid staring at the ceiling for a few moments before he felt the covers shuffle.

"Jasper?"

"What's up?"

Kurokawa shifted over towards the Marine, resting her head on his shoulder once she got situated. "So we're really going back tomorrow."

"Yeah, back to work."

"This all felt so, bittersweet. Being home like this, we're so close yet it feels like we're so far away."

Kincaid blew some air out between his lips. "Yeah, the gate being there and all. Yet it's a completely different world, might as well be a universe away. Think about it like this though, you guys go through that gate and you're home. Us?"

The corporal paused before sighing. "We got the gate and Japan between us and home. I mean, if you really want to get technical about it we also have all of United States between us and the east coast. Factor in having to move the tanks back with us."

He grumbled. "Shit, I don't even want to think about that."

"When you put it like that, I won't lie Jasper. I can't help but feel bad for all of you."

"Don't, we signed the contract. We knew what we were signing up for, hell I chose to be a tanker. I knew damn well what the hell I was getting into, my dad warned me you know? Told me damn near a thousand times to not choose this MOS."

Kurokawa shifted her head up Kincaid's shoulder some more, slowly draping an arm across his chest as she did so. "I'm not surprised, bull headed boy." She paused. "Do you regret it? Being a tanker that is?"

Kincaid slowly looked over at the medic, staring for a few moments before looking back up at the ceiling. "Nope, all the pain, all the experiences. I don't regret any of it."

"Really? Any of it?"

"Not a damn thing. You can't appreciate the good things in life until you've put yourself through the bad things. When you're sitting in that tank for hours at a time with your crew, you really learn a lot about yourself you know? Inside the tank, rank comes off, all the real comes out. You gotta rely on the other guys and they rely on you. That tank is home, it's your own little personal piece of the pie you know? You gotta take charge, take control. It's like, we love it and hate it at the same time."

Kurokawa lay there silently for a few moments, trying to process it all for a few minutes as she imagined being inside the tank. The cramped interior, the loud noises and stuffy smell.

The smell of death.

"You confuse me Jasper Kincaid, all of you do. From the moment I met you and the other Marines, I haven't been able to put a finger on it. It's like there's this wall I can't climb."

"Good."

"What?"

"You're not supposed to understand. You gotta be one of us to understand us, no offense but you're only gonna make your head spin if you keep trying."

"Well, how am I going to ever help you if you don't help me understand?"

"Mari, you don't have to help me. Listen." Kincaid sighed. "I've got the guys to help me with that, I'm fine all things considered. All you gotta do is just sit on the side and watch. Accept us for who we are and leave it at that."

"Well that's not how I operate Jasper. You're not alright, I know people, know how they work. You need help and I can help you, besides."

The medic traced a finger along Kincaid's chest in a swirling motion. "I don't sleep with random men, I don't intend for us to just part ways after this. I'd like to talk more, really get to know you. Today was fun, all of it. It's been a while since I've done all of that."

"And you call me stubborn."

"Am I wrong for that?" Kurokawa lifted herself up, looking down at Kincaid with a look of concern. "You weren't going to just do all this and drop off the map were you?"

Kincaid's face twisted into a look of disbelief. "No, of course not."

Liar.

"Look, you need someone to take care of you. Having night terrors doesn't count as 'being alright' Jasper. You need a shoulder to lean on, I can be that shoulder." Kurokawa slowly lowered herself back to original place, meanwhile Kincaid sighed.

"Well, once we go back through the gate we gotta stay focused. I mean, we can't let this affect our performance."

"And why would it?"

"I'm just saying, maybe we should take it easy while we're over there? Just kinda keep the mood but keep it in the back you know? When we get the time we hang out, but nothing too crazy you know?"

Kurokawa's face twisted into one of abject disbelief. "Jasper, we just had sex. You don't do that and 'keep it in the back'."

Don't ever come to the states then. Better yet, don't ever learn about my past experiences.

"I'm not saying that, but we're gonna be off in different places. Once we go back, I'm back to doing tanker things. You'll be doing medic things, we'll be busy. Can't really date in a warzone."

So then what the hell did I think was gonna happen with Aurea?

"I suppose you're right, but we'll do something. We'll keep in touch somehow I don't know. I like this Jasper, I like you. You're different than the men I've met before, you're unique. You've got so much to say and it just interests me. Your personality is just, it draws me in." Kurokawa cocked her head to the side. "You do like me right?"

I don't know a damn thing about you though. I don't even know why you enlisted or anything about your family. I don't even know anything about Aurea though, and she doesn't know jack shit about me. Goddamnit Wilkes.

Kincaid nodded. "Yeah, you're cool people Mari. Today was fun, it was a taste of normal for once you know? I could see this going somewhere, when this campaign is over." He paused before looking over at her. "I mean, you understand I gotta go back to the States at some point right? Go to college and pick my life back up."

I'm being so rational here trying to cover my own ass. I have a gate between where Aurea and I live, a whole god damn different dimension and Japan to boot. Like, who the fuck am I kidding? I'm in the wrong no matter what.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. One thing at a time." Kurokawa smirked. "Like this, where are right now. Let's focus on this for right now."

"Yeah, let's do that."

Yeah, normalcy. Focus on this man, just focus on this. When we get back, focus on the normalcy. Maybe I can just ignore Aurea? Maybe I won't have to see her. Can't be tempted if there's no temptation. Everything will be good when we get back., just get through this and put some distance between Mari and I.

Kincaid slowly extended an arm over towards his phone. In moments the room illuminated as he began to slide his fingers over the screen. Kurokawa's face scrunched up to keep the light out.

"Jasper what're you doing?"

The corporal remained silent for a few moments until he finally found whatever it was he was looking for. In moments a song began to play from his phone, as he clicked the screen off and turned the volume down a bit, he smiled.

"You said focus on this for right now."

---

Kincaid's Album of Awesome

Track 28: Drake "Too Much (feat. Sampha)"

Play?

---

"You're such a dork."

"You like it though."

"You're right, I do."

You really shouldn't though.

In moments the two troops' bodies were intertwined once more as they absorbed themselves in the moment.

Don't think about it too much, too much, too much.

There's no need for us to rush it through Don't think about it too much, too much, too much, too much.

This is more than just a new lust for you.

---

1500 HOURS,WASHINGTON D.C., WHITE HOUSE, OVAL OFFICE

It had only been a day since the Diet, and already gears were turning in the international community. President Obama sat on his chair in the Oval Office, his desk surrounded by TV screens and officials from his cabinet. Hushed whispers went back and forth between the suit-dressed men, while a live broadcast of the United Nations played through the screens.

At first, the world's leaders had underestimated the gravity of the Gate; the 'terrorist' attack perpetrated by the Empire only adding to the long list of bombings and murders. But the diet changed that. Not a minute after it was over, the president got a call from the Secretary General of the UN himself.

The Security Council was having an emergency meeting. Which, of course, could only mean one thing. More red tape.

Thankfully, the American people were supportive of the operation. The revelations from the Diet triggered an immediate boost of support, news channels and social media exploding with discussions and theories about what to do. This came at the perfect time, too, with the presidential elections mere months away. In the eyes of the voters, America was finally going through the right path, and if the cards were played right, the reelection would be right around the corner.

It was a good feeling for the Commander in Chief. If all went as planned, his position in office was secured.

But, of course, not everything was so simple. The President averted his eyes from the screens, lowering the volume with a remote before turning to his cabinet members.

"Something wrong?" Vice President Joseph Biden raised an eyebrow at Obama, several of the other men doing the same. The President sighed and shook his head.

"All these formalities and salutations. Sometimes I wish they'd just start the discussions and get to the point."

The elderly Vice President fixed his glasses before folding his arms. "Well, it is the United Nations. There's a process to it all."

"I understand that Joseph, but time is something we don't have right now. Every minute we sit here is another moment the situation both inside and outside the gate moves far left or far right."

Several other cabinet members nodded in agreement as the President continued. "If things weren't dicey before, they sure as hell are now. We've got the rest of NATO trying to get a piece of the action, and as much as I'd like to have them along I think we can all agree that Japan won't allow that."

Biden nodded. "Or Russia and China for that matter."

"Exactly."

"Well, we can't argue that do we need assistance. Perhaps they'll be let in with the Peacekeepers? Under the banner of the U.N.?"

"Nonsense, nobody is that daft. The other powers will wise up to that tactic quick fast and in a hurry. If NATO wants anything they're going to have to wait and be content with what we can feed them. If any peacekeepers come in, they're going to be handpicked based off what the U.N. agrees on, you can count on that."

Obama rubbed his forehead. "We still have China acting up in the South China sea. The situation in Syria and Europe is getting worse daily and Russia's still pretty damn pissed off at us for the sanctions over Ukraine. France is still suffering from the terrorist attacks in Paris."

"God help em."

"Amen." Obama paused a moment, reflecting on the suffering France had endured. Since those attacks they were more concerned about joining in the bombings against ISIS than the gate itself. They had already began sending jets and coordinating air strikes.

With a great vengeance no less.

Obama sighed before continuing. "Then we got the damn Turks thinking it was real smart to shoot a Russian bomber down. God damn Erdogan."

Biden raised a finger. "If I may? We can't get too involved in Syria and you know that. Special forces over there or not, continuing to help the rebels is all we can do. Unless you want a shooting war with Russia. As for Turkey. Well, NATO or not, Erdogan is a loose cannon and you know it. I'm pretty sure the rest of NATO doesn't want to get bogged down over the actions of one madman." The Vice President sighed. "As for the sanctions in Ukraine, you and I both know the Russians brought it on themselves. Everyone signed off on that."

"Please Joseph, you and I know damn well they see us as the sole perpetrators behind the sanctions. The goddamn Ukrainians aren't helping either, looks like they're taking a tool from Erdogan's toolbag and trying to agitate the Russians."

"Probably because they know the EU wil-"

"Cut to the chase Joseph, they know the international community will pressure us into helping them. The EU isn't going to be the ones who pull their asses out of the fire, it'll be us and any other NATO members. Both Turkey and Ukraine."

The Vice President nodded. "No argument there."

Both men remained quiet for a few moments, the rest of the cabinet exchanging glances unsure of what to say.

"You know the what the core problem is behind all of this right?"

"Barrack?"

Obama sighed before taking a sip from his coffee mug. "Resources. Regardless of what kind of magic that world uses, how many species it has, how colorful the people's hair is? The resources are what's on everyone's minds. If the Special Region was a blasted dust ball nobody would care and you know it."

"Which is why we're still there with Japan?"

The President scoffed. "You're starting to sound like those conspiracy theorists on the online forums. No, best put that notion far behind you."

Biden stood there confused for a few moments, a few of the other cabinet members doing the same. Resources weren't on the table? At all?

"You see Joseph, that gate could close at any time. What sort of sane minded company would send the machinery through knowing damn well they have no idea if they'll be able to secure what they mine? No, the only way we're getting anything out of there is through fair trade agreements."

"And the only way we're doing that is by stabilizing the region."

"Yes and let's not forget." Obama shook his head. "We have to be good with the Japanese too, or did we all forget they consider that entire world an extension of their own territory?"

"The UN isn't actually allowing them to do that are they?"

"No, but so long as they hold the only entrance to that world? Nobody is going in without their say so, we got lucky Joseph. Real lucky, and now that we're in we can keep an eye on them. We're too big and too influential in the world to be pulling something slick like what they did. That'd be nothing short of political suicide."

"Which is why we're trying to bring the UN in?"

"Precisely. With the U.N. in there we can help ease the tension of the international community being left in the dark. It shows we're willing to cooperate. Besides, it might do that world some good. Teachers, doctors, peacekeepers, it'll help free our hands up and bring the two worlds together. There's a great deal more we can get out of there besides resources Joseph, the sky is the limit."

"What about the Japanese? Do you think they'll agree to this?"

Obama smirked. "Not unless they want to become public enemy number one. Besides, how much say do they have over us or anyone else? They're not even members of the security council. Their territory or not, this gate can turn out to be a world issue if not handled correctly."

Biden nodded. "Well then let's hope the Council meeting goes as planned."

Before the conversation could continue, one of the cabinet members cleared his throat. "Mister President? Ban Ki-moon is about to speak."

Obama nodded before promptly picking up a remote and turning the volume back up. "Well then, let's see what he has to say. Time to make history gentlemen."

All the officials remained quiet as they watched the elderly South Korean U.N. Secretary General begin his speech.

"Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, members of the council. I thank you all for attending this Security Council meeting on such short notice. As it was revealed to the International Community during the Japanese National Diet conference, the situation in the Japanese Special Region is more than alarming. Genocide, blatant human rights violations, and slavery appear to be commonplace in this new world, and it is the duty of this council, formed by peace loving nations, to take action.

The land across the Gate is very different from our own. There are no civil rights, no educational institutions or true freedom for it's inhabitants. In the alarming revelations given during the Diet conference, refugees spoke of racial cleansing, tribal wars between many actors, with no sense of true, modern organization. That is why the United Nations must act, and bring the banner of civilization, freedom, justice and equality to the people of the Special Region.

Earlier this morning I had a phone call with the President of the United States. As we are all aware of, the American government, together with the Japanese, are leading a military expedition in this new world. However, it was made clear that they cannot do it alone. In this phone call, the American President and I came to an agreement, one which, I hope, this council will also agree to.

The Japanese-American coalition has called for our help, and it is in our best interest, as peaceful nations of the free world, to assist them. The inhabitants of the Special Region, human or otherwise, all have the same rights we do. That is why, on behalf of the American government, the secretariat prepared a draft resolution for this council to oversee. The stabilization of the Special Region is paramount for peace to be achieved, and for the people to receive the help they need.

On your desks you will find a written copy of this draft resolution. I sincerely hope all members of this council take it to serious consideration. The time to act is upon us. It is our duty, as the free nations of the world, to do so. Thank you."

As the UN delegations began, Obama and the rest of the cabinet remained silent for a few moments.

"Well, I'm sold." The President chuckled as he took another sip from his mug prompting many of the other officials to do the same. Suddenly a woman's voice came through a small speaker on his desk.

"Mister President? The Joint Chiefs of Staff are here."

Obama nodded before looking at the rest of his cabinet. "Right, gentlemen if you would excuse me. I need to clear the room up a bit, monitor the council meeting and keep me informed as things commence. If someone so much as makes a funny face, let me know."

The rest of the officials nodded, Biden grabbing his suit jacket from a nearby coat hangar and following them.

Obama raised an eyebrow. "What, military talk too much for you?"

The elderly Vice President rolled his eyes. "Something like that."

"Well, go right ahead old man."

"You're not too far behind yourself."

Both men chuckled as Biden left with the cabinet. No sooner had the officials left, a new group came filing into the room. Unlike the men before them, these officials were garbed in a different uniform. Each a high ranking officer from one of the many service branches; Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force all present and accounted for.

"Mister President."

"Gentlemen, good to see you. Have a seat."

Each of the officers took a seat in the spots previously held by the former occupants. Once everyone was situated, Obama folded his hands.

"Gentlemen? What do we have?"

A Navy Admiral was the first to lean in and speak up. "Mister President, the Seventh Fleet and our patrols in the South China Sea are in good form and maintaining their current positions. So far the Chinese are staying in their territory without any signs of aggressive action. They seem content to be working on their artificial islands. As for the Pacific, everything is business as usual unless something goes high and to the right with the gate."

"Anything of note regarding those Chinese artificial islands?"

"Aerial reconnaissance suggests they're building radar towers and runways. Sir, they are definitely attempting to project their capabilities."

Obama shook his head. "Christ, well maintain our current positions. Hopefully the talks between the Asian powers resolve themselves."

Doubtful.

The admiral nodded as one of the other chiefs of staff leaned in to say his piece, Army this time. "Mister President the situation in Ukraine seems to be quiet for now, but all the same we should look into reinforcing the Baltic states. Our exercises thus far have done a good job in bolstering confidence in our Western European allies, but there's still a matter of those near the Russian border.

Obama nodded. "We'll look into that, any recommendations?"

"Yes sir, the employment of more heavy armor. Should the Russians come steam rolling through, we don't have enough heavy assets to mount enough of a defense."

"Right then, if we can spare the material without spooking the Russians we'll see what we can do." He paused. "Then again it doesn't take much to rustle them up does it?"

Some chuckles.

"Yes sir."

Next came the Air Force general. "Mister President our wings remain in good standing and are ready to assist anytime anywhere. Our F-35's should be arriving mid to late this year."

"For all the yammering I hear about them they damn well better be shooting lasers out of their cockpits. Let's not forget the price tag."

"With the flight results we've been getting so far, they might as well sir."

"I'm sure they will general, nothing but the best for our boys. How about our F-22s?"

"Performing well sir, having their production resumed only helps our air power. Many of our allies are thankful knowing there's never a wing too far away. The Iranians learned their lesson, guessing the Russians aren't trying to tempt fate either. We've already dissuaded them from flying into any territory the rebels or our SOGs are operating in."

It was a well known and often frequently discussed story in which a flight of F-22s had discouraged the Iranian air force from shooting down anymore U.S. operated drones. The jets had actually been able to sneak up on a flight of Iranian Phantoms. The Iranians only knew the jets were there once one of the pilots had explicitly told them where to look.

Which was right above them in this case, a show of force if anything. The F-22s could have killed both the Phantoms from miles away without so much as second thought.

Obama couldn't help but smirk at the thought. With F-35 variants en route for the Air force, Navy and Marine Corps. America's ability to have VTOL capable fifth generation stealth fighters anywhere would be a definite boon in the coming years. If that wasn't enough, there were plenty of allies both NATO and otherwise who had expressed interest in buying them.

Finally came the Marine general and chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Joseph Dunford or "Fighting Joe" as he was nicknamed. This had been the man Obama had wanted to speak to the most.

The hawkish Marine adjusted his service Alphas before clearing his throat. "Mister President? Thus far the campaign in the Special Region has been an overwhelming success. We've just recently established a presence in one of the largest trading hubs in the region and are currently in the process of establishing good relations with the ruling family."

Obama nodded. "Outstanding general, casualties?"

"None so far sir, thank god."

"Agreed and the Japanese?"

"So far they've been adhering to their constitution. This means we have to do a majority of the heavy lifting, we push forward and they move in behind us. This way they can avoid any political backlash, they are a self defense force after all. The goal is to continue to push up towards the capital, establishing FOBs at key locations along the way."

"Good, have we learned anything new?"

"Yes sir." got up and made his way over towards the president's desk, dropping a small manila envelope. As Obama opened it, he was greeted with maps and photos. Most of the photos were of a medieval city, but it was the last three that caught his eye.

The first one was a thermal image of what looked to be a dragon, Obama raising an eyebrow at it. Sure enough, it was missing an arm and looked worse for wear with various signs of battle damage all over its body. He could just barely make out a jet banking over the beast, the creature looking up in what almost looked an expression of confusion.

"I'm guessing this is the dragon everyone's been talking about?"

nodded. "Yes sir, that image was taken a few days ago. A flight of our Harriers engaged it before it could attack a small village."

"Good to know, I'm taking it they didn't kill it?"

"No sir, but they were able to scare it off. We're learning now that standard anti air missiles won't cut through its hide."

Obama put the photo down and rubbed his forehead in frustration, another problem to add to the growing list. "Guess that confirms the flying tank intel. Tell me, do we know where it is now?"

The general shook his head with a grim, almost disappointed, face. "No sir, it's been hiding since."

"Hiding?"

"Yes sir, looks like it learned its lesson trying to fight us the first two times."

Obama sighed. "Regardless, we need that thing dead."

The Air force general cleared his throat. "Mister President? If it's a tank, we have just the planes cut out for that task. We do have twenty five A-10's stationed in South Korea with the Twenty-Fifth Fighter Squadron."

Obama put a finger under his chin and glanced at . "What do you think general? How many you need?"

The general's face twisted into a smirk. "A chance to have the hogs with us? I'd never turn down that firepower. Four would be a godsend."

"Perfect." Obama glanced at the Air force general. "General Prescott, how long will it take you to send em?"

"As soon as you need them sir." Prescott paused. "And as soon as the Japanese clear them to come in."

Obama chuckled. "Don't you worry about that. Regardless that settles that problem." The President glanced back at the photos and paused at another one that caught his eye. This time it was an elderly man in regal attire, a small crown on his head. He stood atop an ornate balcony with his arms outstretched in front a crowd of citizens.

adjusted his uniform. "Mister President, that photo was taken by SEAL Team Six. They've been operating in the capital with Japanese operators for a while now. That man is Emperor Molt Sol Augustus, he's the current leader of the Empire."

"Well, at least we know who declared war on us."

"Yes. While the first attack at Ginza was comprised solely of Imperial regulars, the subsequent attack at Alnus was also comprised of armies from their Vassal states. The Imperials led the first wave, all the other waves after that were solely made up from other kingdoms."

Obama put the photos down and looked up at the General. "So what you're telling me is that he sent his allies to die?"

"Yes sir, we believe he may have done this in order to prevent further losses on their behalf as well cut off any potential alliances they could forge with us. His forces have been held up at the capital ever since. As for the siege of Italica, those were bandits that were former members of the allied kingdoms' armies. There was also a firefight that broke out in a village called Burglen, we believe that the enemy there was also comprised of former members from the other armies."

"All aboard the sinking ship. Guess the Empire didn't want to take the beatings alone."

nodded. "Looks that way sir. Currently the Empire rules over the continent we know now as Falmart, with Sadera being the Capital. We understand that the Imperial family is comprised of Molt, princess Piña and two other sons."

"And I'm guessing we don't know who they are?"

"The sons? Currently no, but Kane assured me he'll keep us informed as soon as he gets the intel. As for Piña, so far it seems as though she's all for the idea of coming to some sort of compromise."

Obama nodded. "Good to know one of them is sane. Regardless, we need that information , keep me informed as soon we know." The president paused as he looked at the last photo, it was Rory Mercury. Obama remembered her spectacle at the Diet, and while it amused him he still couldn't help but be unnerved at the girl all the same. She stood atop one of the tanks inside Italica, her halberd covered in crimson as she winked at whoever took the photo.

"So this Rory Mercury, what's her angle?" Suddenly he paused as an email alert popped up on one of the many computer screens on his desk. As he clicked through various folders and typed a number of passwords, he paused before glancing at .

"General? I have an email here that says 'Rory Mercury Italica fight'. I'm guessing this is something that'll explain her 'angle?'"

"Yes sir."

"Right then, might as well play the home movie for everyone."

Obama pressed a number of keys and picked up a remote from his desk, thumbing a small button on it. Suddenly, one of the many televisions began playing the file that was attached to the email.

Jesus christ Jay-Kay, are they going through the fucking gate?!

No, they're gonna fucking knock!

The footage was obviously from a helmet cam, the owner in question currently behind the wheel of an armored truck. In the bottom right corner of the footage, a small time stamp accompanied the name Emerson.

It was nighttime and pitch black, the only illumination coming from gunfire and various other fires off in the distance. It looked like hell itself and all the men present could see that the truck was following two tanks going full speed towards a large wooden gate built into a stone wall.

In moments the two tanks crashed through the gate, the large wooden doors disappearing in a cloud of smoke and wood splinters. Obama and everyone else were almost certain they saw men get sucked under tank tracks or scattered aside like leaves.

Ah fuck!

Stop the belly aching Nutt, you wanted action you fucking got it!

All the men watching the footage jumped a little as the truck swerved into a position between the tanks.

Masterson stay on the Deuce! The rest of you, out!

Rah!

In moments, Emerson thumbed the safety off for his carbine and piled out of the door. Not long after he slammed the door shut he was already letting rounds off at a seemingly never ending number of medieval troops. Every so often the camera would pan just enough to capture the tanks, a sight no less grisly from everything else shown so far. Both vehicles' turrets swung every which way as all their machineguns opened up. Men fell from atop walls like flies being swatted, torsos were torn in half like a buzz saw cutting through wood. It was chaos, but amidst all of it there was one noise that seemed to carry over all the others.

The sound of Rory laughing.

Suddenly the camera panned over, almost freezing in place at what happened next.

Rory had hopped off one of the tanks and had joined the fight in earnest. Everywhere she went she laughed, limbs flew every which way and dust clouds kicked up where she bounded to. It wasn't so much what she was doing, but how fast she was doing it. The girl moved like a blur, faster than any normal human was capable of moving.

Cover Rory!

Excuse me!? Jay Kay, are you seeing this?!

Yes I'm fucking seeing it, and I don't give a rat's fuck!

The footage continued to play. The longer the battle dragged on, the more carnal it got. By halfway through, one of the tank crews had piled out of their vehicle and had begun to use their small arms.

They had expended all of their small arms and the area was too confined to use main gun.

Upon closer examination it was the same crew that was present at the Diet. Before Obama and the others could see how the crew handled themselves the camera was jerked over and face to face with a man running forward swinging an axe.

Whatever the man was hoping to accomplish was promptly shut down as Emerson brought his carbine up and dropped the man with robotic precision.

Fuck you!

Throughout the rest of the footage and all the way to the helicopters arriving, Obama remained silent and wide eyed. Alnus had been one thing, nothing more than footage of gunfire racing towards a mass of enemies in the distance. This footage, was an entirely different matter. It was close, personal, and brutal. Obama was no stranger to war but this was something entirely different.

This was a slaughter house.

"Alright, I think I understand now." Obama shook his head before turning the footage off and looking back at . "So, she's obviously not exactly.."

"Human sir?"

"Not if she's nine hundred years old no. So, what are her intentions?"

"We're not sure at this time sir, but she seems particularly fond of both Lieutenant Itami and our tankers over there."

"Any particular reason why?"

"If our intel is correct, she serves a god that represents war and bloodshed. So there's that."

"Right." Obama sighed. "Are we keeping tabs on her?"

nodded. "Yes sir, Lieutenant Emerson has been tasked with the rest of his raiders to keep eyes on her. The one who recorded this footage."

"Good, and do we have contingencies in case she goes rogue?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, then that's that. If she puts any of our men in danger you put her down without hesitation."

"Of course."

Obama brought his hands together. "Then that settles that, now then general back to the campaign. According to what Miss Lalena said at the Diet, magic does indeed exist in this world. So my next question is this, is this something that our forces need to be concerned with?"

All of generals sat intently, waiting to hear what had to say next. Magic had naturally been the biggest topic of various hushed discussions in the highest echelons. It had all been rumors and scattered reports up till now, noone had actually believed something as outlandish as magic even existed. As far as the brass were concerned, there was a scientific explanation for the gate opening as well as everything else. Once Lelei had confirmed these rumors as being true nobody was sure what to say next.

"Mister president, while we do know that magic does indeed exist. We have been led to believe that it's a 'lost art'."

"'Lost art'?"

"Yes, apparently very few individuals such as Miss Lalena herself are capable of actually putting it to any use. Even still, it's not potent enough to be weaponized to any real extent."

"Define what you mean by, 'any real extent' general."

"Thus far based off reports from Italica, a magic user was able to jam our communications inadvertently. This was before she had attempted to use a form of it against our troops, to no substantial effect. At best she was able to send up some small pressurized wind blasts, all those did was counteract explosive blast waves."

"She?"

"Yes, a Myuute Luna Sires. According to what information we've been able to gather she's a siren."

Obama shook his head in confusion. "A siren?"

tried to find the words to best describe what Myuute was, not human. "Yes, half bird half human."

"Right, and she's in our custody?"

"Yes, and very cooperative. Apparently she warmed up upon realizing we weren't going to execute her for being part of the siege. Kane has informed me he would send up any further information. Soon as they know we'll know and right now the big focus is figuring out how to prevent the jamming from happening again."

"Very well, the sooner the better General."

Suddenly one of the doors opened, Biden coming in and looking as though he had run up five flights of stairs.

"Barrack, they're starting the actual discussions."

Obama nodded before turning the volume up on one of the televisions. "Bout damn time."

---

HAKONE ONSEN, 0600 HOURS

Aldritch rubbed the back of his head and sighed for a few moments, a concerned Piña sitting a few feet away from him. After a few hours of sleep plagued with stress filled dreams, Aldritch had decided a peaceful night's rest simply wasn't coming to him. Originally he had came outside to clear his head in hopes that it would help him go back to sleep easier.

A notion quickly squashed once Piña stumbled outside wide eyed. At some point Bozes had snuck out of their room and the confused princess had been looking for her ever since. Once Aldritch had informed her of the royal's whereabouts, the princess merely shook her head in embarrassment.

She was with Tomita.

Now the pair sat outside, neither able to sleep. Too much on their minds.

"Lieutenant?"

"Yes, your highness?"

"Do you think peace can exist? Tell me, do you think this war will be over soon?"

"You want my honest answer?"

"Yes."

Aldritch shook his head. "I don't know, I really don't. I'm just a tank commander princess, I command what's left of my rag tag company. All the big talks and big movements fall on shoulders much higher than mine. I don't have a say in any of it unless it concerns me and my men and even still."

Piña's face twisted into a frown as she brought her hands together. "But, you've been contributed in their efforts greatly. Surely that has to account for something?"

"It doesn't. My men and I might get a few promotions, some accolades, but that's it."

"But."

Aldritch sighed. "What happens next is on you. I've told you all I can, showed you our world and how my nation and Japan got to where they are now."

Piña looked off into the distance and closed her eyes before shaking her head. "It's, not that simple."

"Why's that? You're the one with a higher status, if there's anyone who's gonna help us out here it's you."

"That's just it." The princess stared at her interlocked fingers before looking at Aldritch, her expression only worsening with every minute. "You see, even as the Emperor's daughter. I don't."

Aldritch raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. "What do you mean? That doesn't make sense, you've been in our care for a while now. The next time you see him, he'll understand that we took care of one of his own. That's gotta account for something."

"It's not that."

"Well? Then what is it? Anything you pass along to me gets sent up to my superiors. If there's something important you want to let us know, I'm all ears."

"No, this is for your ears only." She paused before leaning forward, the look of pleading on her face clear as day "You must promise to tell this to noone."

For but a moment, the Aldritch caught himself admiring Piña. The way her hair was braided, her eyes and the delicate features on her face. He was never one to argue that she wasn't beautiful.

But she was also a high ranking figure and to even think of doing anything with her was idiotic. More importantly, she had direct connections with the enemy. There was no bonafide guarantee she was actually sympathetic towards the coalition's cause. It wouldn't be the first time someone had put on an act, a good one at that. Yet, a small part of Aldritch felt like just for once, military protocol could take a backseat. The sincerity in her eyes and the way she behaved, something in there had to be true.

So he did as she requested and a small part of him hoped he could keep the promise. He didn't like being a dishonest man.

"Alright, here." Aldritch slowly extended a hand with a smile, his pinky outstretched. "I pinky promise to keep this secret to myself."

Piña eyed the finger wide eyed for a few moments. "What manner of pact is this? A pinky promise?"

"Yes, it's one of the most timeless and important of promises. Only the worst dare to break it."

Piña glanced at the finger then back at Aldritch with the same dumbfounded expression. "I'm honored, but what do I do?"

Aldritch shook his head, his smile not fading. "Here, extend your pinky out."

Slowly but surely the princess did as instructed.

"Now wrap yours around mine."

Aldritch swore he saw the Princess's face turn almost as red as her hair for a second, but the princess wouldn't be deterred. Slowly but surely she wrapped hers around the lieutenant's.

"Okay, good." Aldritch let go of Piña's finger and nodded. "And that's it, nothing to it huh?"

Piña nodded. "For such a powerful pact to be established over something so simple of a gesture. I must say I'm taken aback."

"Yeah, we have some strange customs in this world. So anyways, what is it you wanted to tell me?"

"Right." Piña sighed as she prepared herself for what came next. "Regarding my position. My father Emperor Molt, he does not consider me next in line to take his place on the throne."

Aldritch raised an eyebrow. "I don't understand. Why wouldn't he consider you next in line? Your his own flesh and blood."

Piña shook her head, her grim expression not changing. "I have two brothers, Diabo and Zorzal. Out of the three of us, I was born last." She paused, struggling to utter the next words. "I was also born to a concubine, a lowly one at that. It is because of this that my brothers hold a great deal more sway in my father's decisions. In fact it was Zorzal himself who personally led one of my father's legions against the warrior bunny tribes, with my father's own approval. Aldritch, my brother almost completely wiped out their race. He took their queen as a slave and she now resides at our palace."

Aldritch made a mental note of the last thing Piña had said. If there really was a queen enslaved by the Empire, rescuing her could prove useful to winning her peoples' hearts and minds. As for Zorzal, he would be public enemy number two.

Now to tend to the distraught princess, a task easier said than done. The lieutenant remained silent as Piña continued to talk.

"What do I get? Command of a group of inexperienced knights and even then my father humored me knowing full well they were ceremonial guard at best. Italica was their first fight and I already lost one of my own. We were undermanned and sent out by order of my father. Do you know why that is?"

"No.."

Piña looked into Aldritch's eyes, a tear beginning to creep down one of her own. "We were sent to spy on your forces Aldritch, my father sent us knowing full well what you were capable of. There were survivors from Alnus, their testimonies were no secret to our planners or my father. Yet he still sent us out, us Aldritch. Not my brothers, not any of our spies, us. I am not afraid to fight and die for my people, but to be ordered to spy on an enemy we can't even fight against? What manner of love is that? My loyalty is unwavering to both my people and my father, what did I do to deserve this?"

"Your highness.."

"I want to love my father, I want to stand by his side. But with everything that's gone on as of late, it's hard. I fear for my people Aldritch. I won't deny that we have stepped on a Griffon's tail, but surely we can turn things around?" Piña brought a hand up and tried to wipe her away her tears. "I just don't know what to do."

Aldritch sat there for a few moments, unsure of what to do. He couldn't really talk to the princess like a soldier, and he really wasn't sure how to talk to her as a fellow leader.

She was only nineteen.

For all intents and purposes, Piña was around the same age most Marines were when they hit the fleet. In another life, she'd just be entering college. She was young, inexperienced and filled with fear. So, Aldritch talked to her in a way he figured she'd understand. How a girl her age wanted to be talked to.

"Piña?" The lieutenant slowly extended a hand and rested it on the princess's shoulder. "You're strong, you know that?"

The princess looked at Aldritch confused for a few moments, the tears on her face slowly drying up. "What do you mean?"

"Everything you've gone through. You said you and your troops were undermanned at Italica right? How long did you aid in the defense?"

Piña sniffed. "A few days."

"Exactly, and then when we showed up you took charge. Piña, give yourself more credit. We may have saved Italica, but it was your cooperation with us that helped expedite that process. You then averted a potentially disastrous situation with Bozes and continued to show hospitality."

Aldritch began to smile. "Then you took a leap of faith and came with us back to Alnus. That's bravery Piña, that's the sort of thing the Marine Corps prides itself on. Bravery against all forms of adversity, standing steadfast against all odds."

Piña's sniffed, her expression not changing as the words began to hit deep. "Really?"

"Absolutely. Now look at you, you went through the gate and came to our world. Why? To learn more about us. So, if you think about it. You accomplished your mission, but you also accomplished something else. You singlehandedly bridged the gap between us and the Empire. Both you and Bozes came through as representatives for the Empire did you not? You were well mannered and professional were you not? That's good diplomacy Piña. Were it not for you, we'd probably still be in Falmart bogged down in god knows what."

Sort of, if push comes to shove we'd just thunder run the capital. Not a fun day for anyone.

"Look, I'm not sure what will happen from here on. But I do know this, if there's anyone who's going to help end this thing and bring about peace? It's gonna be you. Your people should be proud to have someone as dedicated as you."

Aldritch gave Piña's shoulder a pat. "So keep on pushing. If your father doesn't want to see reason, then what can you do? You've served faithfully and maybe even more than you should have. At the end of the day, that's what good leaders do. They take care of their subordinates and serve their people."

"And what if my father won't see reason?"

"Then, we'll take him off the throne and replace him with someone better suited to the task. Someone who can lead their people as well as see reason through diplomacy. Being a good leader is about more than just power, it's about using that position to better your people both at home and abroad. In our world the concept of tyrants is frowned upon, we have an entire community of different countries that work together."

Aldritch sighed and shook his head. He had been so busy trying to fill the young royal up with hope, he'd almost forgotten the reality of it all. "Piña I won't lie to you, your father is going to answer for what he's done regardless. Him and anyone else who orchestrated the attack on our world. Your cooperation helps us speed that process up without any further loss of life."

Piña sat there for a few moments as she tried to comprehend everything she had been told. There was still a long and uncertain road ahead, and while it had unnerved the princess initially. Aldritch's words had given her hope.

The praise had also made her smile more than once.

Piña looked at Aldritch with determination in her eyes. "You're right. I love my father, but it is because of that love that I will continue to try and make him see reason. I do not wish for my people to suffer any longer nor do I wish to see our capital razed to the ground as a result of a needless war that could've been easily halted earlier. I will continue to push forward and serve to the best of my abilities."

"That's the spirit." Aldritch removed his hand from Piña's shoulder and folded his arms. "Spoken like a real Devil Dog your highness."

"Devil Dog?"

"Yeah, that's a nickname we go by. One that goes back a long ways."

Piña couldn't help but chuckle. "Devil Dogs, if I may Aldritch. Your men certainly fight like devils and behave like dogs at times, so I suppose it's a name aptly given."

"We aim to please your highness."

"You do that and much more lieutenant." Piña smiled. "Seeing them interact with the others, my people. I can see the care in their eyes, the lengths they'll go to to help. When they're around, when you are around, I can't help but feel safe. Itami and his troops are capable yes, but you? You're on a different level and I can feel this."

Aldritch tried his best to hide the creeping feeling of pride in his chest as he nodded. He also tried to hide the blush that was slowly forming on his face.

She did say she felt safe when he was around.

"So long as we're over there, you have my word that the Four Horsemen will continue to aid in whatever way we can."

"Of this I have no doubt."

The pair went to being silent for a few moments as they reflected on everything that had been discussed.

"Aldritch?"

"Yes your highness?"

"Thank you, for everything up till now. Thank you for showing understanding at Italica and cooperating with us." Piña paused and smiled looked at the jacket she was wearing, the same one Aldritch had bought her. "And thank you for our visit here."

Aldritch nodded. "It was my pleasure your highness."

The princess smiled as she stared deeply into Aldritch's eyes. "Lieutenant? You can call me Piña, we are friends now. Equals both on and off the battlefield, even if you are more experienced than I am."

"Well then, if we're going that route. You can call me James and believe me, I'm no more experienced at war than you are."

Piña cocked her head to the side in curiosity. "Really?"

"Yep, this is my first time going to war. In fact, the only men in my platoon who have seen war are Kincaid, Wilkes and Elton. Everyone else is just as green as I am. I might know how to lead men, but I've never spilled blood prior to now."

"Well, then I suppose this a trial by fire for both of us. One we've both performed well in so far."

"Indeed."

Silence for a while longer.

"Piña?"

"Yes?"

"How's about I show you a little bit more about us? What makes us Marines, tankers. It's clear to me neither of us is getting anymore sleep." He gave a weary chuckle. "Might as well make the most of time."

Piña smiled. "Very well, but only if I get to teach you more about the Empire." She paused. "The good aspects that is."

"Fair enough." Aldritch took his phone and scrolled through some photos before pausing at one. He beckoned the princess over. "Here, take a look at this."

Piña inched over closer and closer till she was leaning on the lieutenant's shoulder, her eyes going wide at the picture displayed. A large group of Marines stood at parade rest in the middle of an assembly area. Piña could just barely make out fourteen tanks sitting behind the Marines in a coil. Unlike the tanks she had seen up till now, these ones were painted dark green with swirls of black and brown.

"That's a lot of tanks and a lot of men."

"That's how big our company used to be, see that man in the center? That's Captain Steele, he was our company commander before I had to step up and take his place."

"And there you are on his side. Is that Kincaid and the others?"

"Sure is, this was taken not long after they came to our company. They weren't always with us, they actually fought with another group of Marines."

"And what happened to that one?"

"They disbanded, much like ours is about to." Aldritch paused and looked at his watch. "Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure that might have just been put on hold with all of this going on."

Piña sat there wide eyed for a few moments. "Do you have more of these miniature paintings?"

"Sure do, and they're called photographs Piña."

For the rest of the time, the pair sat and discussed their representative troops and the history that went with them.

---

1600 HOURS,WASHINGTON D.C., WHITE HOUSE, OVAL OFFICE

"Well then, that's that."

Obama turned the television off before reclining in his chair and dragging his hands down his exhausted face. The commander in chief sat there for a few moments as he thought about the discussions that had occurred and what that would entail for the rest of the campaign.

The UN delegations had been tense, but successful. It was now well understood by most that the U.S. Japanese coalition had the military situation under control, there simply wasn't anything the Empire could throw at them that posed a big enough threat. The same couldn't be said for the humanitarian aspect however. With the large regions of unexplored territory, the large amount of refugees filing into Alnus and the actual military campaign itself. The coalition's troops found themselves stretched thin.

The worry was that the troops, although well trained, weren't cut out for the large scale relief efforts necessary in ensuring the smooth transition. This was a campaign that required an approach equal both humanitarian and militarily. Teachers, doctors, scientists, and peacekeepers to maintain refugee areas. Those had been some of the key points discussed. This was an entirely different world with thousands of years worth of untouched culture and history. This was more than just a war, but an expedition of knowledge and discovery.

"A bridging between worlds." As it had been called. The coalition needed help from the international community if they wanted to stand any chance of ensuring an expedient end to the campaign.

Of course, the world of politics is never so easy.

Some countries were hard pressed to agree with the possibility of Japan and America embarking on some sort of imperialistic quest for resources. The other world had the potential to greatly increase the strength of both powers, and some representatives at the UN were nothing short of reluctant to aid in that potential outcome. Some countries flat out didn't care. Fantasy world or not, they still had Earth and all the problems that came with it to be far more concerned with. Others such as Russia and China were still on a razor's edge with all the political hot spots that had been erupting as of late. All they could see was more troops and material crowding up the Pacific.

Nobody was heartless enough to disagree that the civilians in the other world were in desperate need of support however. At least, not vocally.

So, after a long series of nail bitingly close agreements, the coalition got the help it had requested. This came had no short cost however and only after certain conditions were met. The coalition was not to send in any more heavy equipment or personnel that hadn't already be formed up to go through. UN peacekeepers themselves would hail from neutral countries, so as not to arouse suspicion of some sort of undercover NATO operation. Finally, once the region had been sufficiently stabilized, news teams would be allowed access through the gate. There were talks of scientists, but that had been largely pushed to the side due to time constraints.

"Mister President?"

"Barrack?

Obama snapped out of his haze and glanced at the rest of the men present in the room. The Joint Chiefs and Biden were still there.

There was still work to be done.

"Right." Obama sighed before picking up his mug, his face then promptly twisted into a frown as he eyed the porcelain vessel.

It was empty.

Biden merely rolled his eyes with a chuckle and swiped the mug out of Obama's hand. "I got you."

"Thanks."

"Yeah yeah."

As the Vice President left the the office, Obama looked over at . "General, how long is it going to be until the Third MEB goes through?"

"About two to three months sir. General Augustine is already en route to Alnus in order to conduct a meeting with key leaders."

"Right." Obama rubbed his forehead. "They were coming with a company of tanks correct?"

"Yes sir, though they haven't even been signed out or even prepped for transport yet."

"Great, that means they weren't officially documented. You heard what they said during the talks, we're not getting those tanks now."

"Understood sir, but that's going to leave our own armored capabilities limited even with our LAVs. The Japanese are regulating their tanks more towards defensive operations. There's word they're even sending some units back through the gate, their goal is to be left with about one to two companies."

"Plus our own platoon of four tanks?"

"Yes sir."

Obama groaned. "Necessity or not, more tanks would've been good. Regardless, that's where our next option comes in general."

"Sir?"

"I need you to get on the horn with Augustine or Kane, both preferably. Whatever they need I want you to compile a list and send it up, you've got a blank check general. New vests, retrofits for the tanks, any potential upgrades. We may not be able to send more materiel or men through, but that doesn't mean we can't improve on what we already have."

had already began to take notes in his binder as Obama looked over at Prescott. "General, I need you to get those A-10s through as soon as possible as well."

"Consider it done sir."

Obama scanned over the rest of the Joint Chiefs. "The rest of you, keep up the good work. We still have a world out here to contend with, I don't want our adversaries to think we've got our hands tied behind our backs. They may have won some talks over the gate, but they still have a game to win outside too."

All of the officers nodded as Obama returned the gesture in kind. "Right then. You're free to take your leave, have a good day gentlemen."

With that, all of the generals got up and stood at the position of attention before leaving the room.

"Well, the plot thickens." Obama groaned before getting up from his desk and looking out his window at the capital beyond. He smiled for a few moments as he took in the sight. Snow had began to fall, slowly blanketing the ground and the trees beyond with a white coat. Over the trees and distant buildings he could just barely make out the Washington Monument.

"Good things are coming for us."

I hope.

"Yeah, I suppose they are Barrack. Lord knows we're gonna need em this year."

"Don't remind me Joe...don't remind me."

Obama turned around and smiled as Biden came in with a fresh steaming mug of coffee. As the Vice President set the mug down on a nearby desk, he joined the President in looking out the window.

"Gonna be a long winter I'm thinking, and an even more eventful new year."

"By 'eventful' you mean stress filled. We need to hit some sort of satisfying conclusion to this conflict beyond the gate, we still have plenty of nasty business on this side we still need to take care of. If we don't wrap this conflict up quick the burdens' going to fall onto someone else."

Biden shook his head and sighed. "You mean whoever gets elected this next year? I don't even want to think about what Trump would do."

Obama chuckled. "Oh I don't think it'll come to that. The likelihood of him becoming president is non existent, the people of America know what they want, What they need. We'll help Hillary get where she needs to be."

"If you say so."

Obama took a sip from his mug before nodding. "I know so."

Things were quiet for a few moments before the president placed a finger under his chin and pondered for a few moments. "Would've been nice to have the Special Region guests come here, show them what a super power looks like."

"Perhaps when things cool down, maybe we can? Although, I'm sure the concept of a place even bigger than Japan would just make their heads spin."

"Yes, I suppose you're right. Say, perhaps I could visit them? Go to Alnus, it'd be good for troop morale. Besides, I've been wanting to see this world from beyond television screens."

"Oh and of course you'd just leave me here."

"I'd be sure to take photos, maybe bring you back a feathered hat?"

"Very funny."

The two men shared a laugh and continued to enjoy the sight beyond the window.

---

DECEMBER 15TH, 1000 HOURS, GATE DMZ, GINZA JAPAN.

Once everyone had woken up to DS agents banging on doors and yelling around the Onsen. The rest of the morning had proceeded as planned, but not without its share of misery.

The packing and subsequent drive had been a quiet one. Nobody, not even Rory had anything to say. The entire trip everyone had known what the endstate would be, knowledge definitely not lost on the troops.

A short visit, a taste of freedom and learning. Then right back to the gate.

Back to war.

After hours of silence the group watched from behind windows as the Japanese countryside was slowly replaced by the city. Now they stood outside the gate, the bus ferrying them back waiting as its engine idled.

"Daddy, no go."

Elton scooped up his daughter, comforting her as he held her close. A teary eyed Samantha doing her best to compose herself as she stood by them.

"Shh, shh I know. Listen, daddy has to go back though, the bad men still need to get beat up before he can go home."

"No go!"

"Hey, hey now. What did daddy say before he left huh? You gotta be strong for him, strong for mommy too."

Abigail began to sniff as she buried her face in her father's shoulder. There was more she wanted to say, but her young mind and limited vocabulary denied her that. All she knew was that her father was going away again.

And for a child her age that was all she needed to know.

"Do you know how long you'll be gone for?" Samantha mumbled as she embraced her husband and daughter, her tears drying against Elton's jacket.

"No, I don't. Nobody does, this isn't like Afghanistan Sam. Until we reach whatever end state they want, we're staying there."

He paused to wrap an arm around his wife. "Listen I'll be able to write and probably call from time to time too. You're still going to get the money every month, hell, double what I normally make. Good combat pay you know?"

"I don't care about the money Parker, I care about you. You said things were dead, that you wouldn't be sent anywhere after Afghanistan. I turned a blind eye to Okinawa, but this?"

"Sweetheart, there is not a damn thing in that world that can take us out. We are kicking these guys' asses every time they see us. I give this campaign maybe a few months more and we'll be back. Can you do that for me? One more time?"

Samantha stood there silent for a few moments before nodding. "Yeah, for you and Abbie."

Elton chuckled. "Damn right you can."

Elsewhere, everyone else prepared themselves for the trip ahead. Itami stood talking to Risa, no doubt finding the courage within himself to talk to her after what Kincaid and Wilkes had told him. Shino and Mari stood off to the side talking to a news reporter and her cameraman. Evidently the new reporter was none other than Shino's sister.

They did share a striking resemblance to each other after all.

The rest of the special region guests had long piled into the bus. There was anything in particular they had to say to this world, it wasn't their home. That didn't stop a small part of them from wishing they could see it again in the near future.

Meanwhile, Kincaid shared one last phone call with his sister on his father's phone. The Marine paced back and forth as Jackson stood off to the side, giving them the privacy they needed.

"So, you're going back?"

"Yeah, this was never meant to be anything longer than quick trip."

"I know, god Jasper. I just, I just wish you were out now and back home."

"You, me, and everyone else Janice. It shouldn't be much longer."

"It shouldn't be much longer but you know and I both know you have no idea how much longer that'll be."

Kincaid paused from pacing and rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I know. Just trying to be optimistic."

"Well at least one of us is trying."

Kincaid glanced at his father and shook his head, Jackson merely returning the gesture as his son returned to the call.

"Look, you don't need to worry about me sis. There's nothing over there that can hurt me, just focus on your studies alright?"

"Kind of hard to not worry about my brother when he's off fighting in another world." Kincaid could hear his sister sigh. "But I'll do what I gotta do. Just promise me you'll bring your bull headed ass back through safe alright?"

Kincaid smiled. "Yeah, dieing off in fantasy land ain't on my to do list."

"Not funny."

"Hey I tried right?"

"Yeah yeah, mister I call mom drunk off my ass."

"Can we not talk about that? I already feel like crap for that."

"She's just worried about you, we all are Jasper." Janice paused before talking off in the background. "Look I gotta go, Dylan's here to pick me up. We're going to go see the new Star Wars. Our theater is showing it early."

Kincaid groaned loud enough for just about everyone to hear him. He had completely forgotten the newest installment in the series was coming including all the game releases he had missed. It was enough to break his nerd heart.

"Ugh, don't remind me. You two are lucky as hell. Well look, have fun and be sure to tell me how it was alright?"

"Alright will do. I love you Jasper, stay safe and go make those assholes pay for Ginza."

"I'm about to make em pay for making me miss Star Wars too."

"Jasper."

"Alright alright. Love you too sis, take care and let Dylan know I said what's up."

With that Kincaid hung up the phone and gave it back to his father.

"So, how was the phone call?"

"Good, you know. The usual, she seemed to be alright."

Jackson put tucked his phone away into one of his coat pockets before smiling. "Yeah well you know how she is. She's a tough girl."

"Yeah, smart too." Kincaid chuckled. "Smarter than her brother that's for sure."

Jackson put a hand on his son's shoulder. "Give yourself more credit son. You're smart too, you just had your own route to go."

"Yeah, I suppose."

Father and son stared at the gate's dark abyss for a few moments.

"So, this is it."

"Yeah, back to the grind."

Jackson sighed. "Look, I'm not gonna give you a long ass speech. You know the music son, it's time to dance. Got some freedom, got a quick break. I sure as hell never got that when I was in the Gulf War."

"You also weren't off fighting in another world."

"True, regardless. You go in there and keep doing what you gotta do. Stay near the tank, keep your wits about you and watch each others backs alright? You survived Afghanistan, you'll survive this too."

Kincaid looked down. "Yeah, yeah I know."

Jackson open his arms and embraced his son, Kincaid returning the gesture. "You make me proud son, me and everyone else. You've been through a lot and you're still pushing hard, just like Marines do."

"I have you to thank for that pops. You made me what I am."

"No, I just laid the foundation. You did the rest."

Father and son gripped each other tightly for a few more moments. As Jackson opened an eye, he saw Itami waving and nodded in response before letting go of Kincaid.

"Alright son, off you go."

Kincaid nodded before making his way over towards the bus with the other troops. As he began to embark he heard Jackson call out to him, pausing for a moment as he looked at his father.

"Son!"

"Yeah!?"

"I love you! Semper Fi Marine, give em hell rah!?"

"Rah gunny! Love you too!"

With that he made his way onto the bus, doing his best not to look back. As he sat down with the other Marines, he joined them in looking out their windows. Slowly but surely the vehicle lurched and began to make its way into the gate, the light from the outside being replaced by darkness and strobe lights. As each of the lights began to pass, Kincaid sighed as a tear began to stream down his face.

"Here We Go Again.."

XXXXXXX

As Jackson watched the bus disappear into the mouth of the gate he sighed before making his way back to the SUVs. Clambering back into the lead vehicle, he closed the door behind him.

"Well that was fun I guess." Roger yawned as he leaned back against his seat. "A couple hiccups here n there, but nothing too dicey."

Heidegger had been sitting next to the younger agent, merely rolling his eyes as he continued to look out his window. "Never did find out what the hell was going on though. Busses breaking down, hotels catching on fire, thieves trying to make off with giant ass halberds."

"And getting an ass whooping the process." Roger chuckled.

"Yeah that too. Regardless, I was pretty damn sure we were gonna see something go down. Room Three was pissed as hell all last night, said the Jap SOG guys kept bugging em over the radio." The agent paused before smiling. "Evidently one the Japanese soldiers slept with one of the royals too."

Roger raised an eyebrow. "How the hell do you know that?"

"One of Room Three's guys said he saw ole girl sneak into his room."

"No shit."

Jackson sighed before shaking his head as he reached for one of the dash mounted handheld radios. "Let's just send this up and head back to the hotel. I'm ready to change into civies and get something to eat."

The other agents nodded in agreement. "Amen!"

Jackson depressed a button on the handheld. "Hotel Five this is Room One. Be advised, VIPs are through the gate."

"Solid copy on your last Room One. Be advised we got intel on the series of, events that transpired."

Jackson raised an eyebrow before turning the volume up on the radio for the rest of the agents to hear. "Send it."

There was silence for a few moments before the operator came back over the net. "There was absolutely nobody involved. The bus breaking down was a legitimate mechanical failure, nobody found any proof of engine tampering. The hotel catching on fire was because some drunk couple were smoking in their room. Long story short, their room started to catch on fire and the embarrassed pair made their way out with everyone else."

Heidegger and Roger facepalmed before Jackson keyed out once more. "And the thief? Did we run a background check on him?"

"That's an affirm. Public Safety identified him as some weird otaku guy who runs his own shop. A Satou Ichiroku, he just wanted to sell the halberd."

All of the agents sat there dumbfounded for a few moments before Jackson keyed out again. "Tango Hotel Five. We cleared to RTB?"

"That's an affirm, standby for debrief. After that you're free to go about your day."

"Tango, Room One out."

As Jackson returned the handheld to its station, he rubbed his eyes and groaned. "I'm getting too old for this shit."

"If this keeps up I won't even bother trying to get old in this job."

"Roger?"

"Yeah?"

"Shutup."

"Got it."

With that, the SUV gunned it out of the DMZ with the others it had arrived with.

---

"Okay, what the hell Faust? Where's muh shootout? Where's muh Devil Dogs going Call of Duty n shit?"

Nowhere fam. Ya'll know damn well I never liked that original scene, it was fucking stupid. Russia and China may be on some plotting ass shit, but they wouldn't do something that stupid. Hakone should've been a chance to see these characters more in depth, they had one last night before going back through the gate. You telling me their emotions weren't all over the place?

Bullshiiieeet.

So what did I do? I went against the mold. I brought these characters to life. After all, what's a story without character development? What's a fanfic without cannon divergence?

Also, if you find yourself looking at the Marines and being utterly dumbfounded with what to think? GOOD, that's why I'm here. To help you get CLOSE to understanding why we act the way we do. We're a strange group of guys, but that's a conversation for another time.

Regardless, Japan is done. We're back through the gate people and shit only gets more wild from here. So I will see YOU in the PMs or on my forum. Ya'll take care now and let's hit this shit hard and heavy next chapter.