A/N: Back with another update and I know some of you were waiting for this come. I have to confess, I originally did not want to go into what happened during the shootout after the Earthquake since it had been done to death. But some of you did say you were looking forward to that scene so I wrote in in just for you!

Also... am very certain this chapter will break the 700 review mark, so yay!

to panzer24015: I am Evil...

to celthcath: You fool! Reanu Keeeves is JOHN WICK!

and to everyone else, thanks for your support. But please give some words of encouragement to TheDrkknight12. I think he could use a bit of positive support right now.

Now on to the story...

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{ Chapter 39: On Shakey Ground... }

Alnustown, Alnus Hill...

Beefeater E Caty had an rather somber look on her face, as she and the rest of her Knights sat gathered at an outdoor cafe and had an late lunch. Normally, the members of the Rose Knights would be engaged in lively banter and conversation anytime they gathered to eat. As many of the members had been friends since childhood and it was just something they always did when they ate. But today, none of these young women were in the mood for any kind of friendly banter as they tried to enjoy their meals. As the gravity of the Empire's situation slowly began to eat away at their confidence.

Their day out in Alnustown had been a very eye opening experience for the Noble women, as it was the first time any of them had been exposed to the very same population they had once sworn to protect. From what they seen and from what they had heard, the people here held absolutely no love for the Empire and it's ruling class. As many of them had lived under direct control of the many barons who controlled the many estates that once covered the Provence. Barons who were more corrupt than anything and took advantage of the very same people who had no choice but to work for them for meager wages. The very same barons that fled the Alnus Provence once the other worlders came through the Gate and left the locals to fend for themselves.

These people had been abandoned by the very same Empire that was supposed to protect them and the ones who came to their rescue, was the very same enemy that was at war with Sadera. The Empire had failed its people and now the people found comfort and security in the arms of the Coalition Forces. It would also explain why she had fallen victim to a rotten tomato attack when her knights first arrived in town. But that was only half of the story, as both herself and her contingent of knights saw first hand the true power of the Other Worlders.

Alnustown was after all, in the shadow of the Other Worlder fortress and as a result, many of its occupants regularly interacted with the town's people. Not to mention, it also gave the residents a close up view of many of the weapons said other worlders used against the Empire. The Knights were horrified when they got their first good look at what the other worlders called "Tanks", as they witnessed a convoy of four Australian MIA2 MBTs roll through the town and towards the main highway on their way to Italica. Jut how could something so big move, yet be so quiet? But this was nothing compared to the "Aircraft" they would occasionally see flying over the town every so often at impossible speeds. No even Empire's swiftest dragon riders could boast such a feat.

These people were truly from another world.

The Knights were just about to get up for their table and make their way back to the Fortress when suddenly, the air around them was filled with a mournful wailing sound. A sound that seemed to get louder and louder as it traveled across Alnustown. But what happened next, made the situation more confusing. As Beefeater and her knights noticed that the town's people had begun to file out of the surrounding buildings and walked to some unknown location.

'Attention! Attention!" Myuute's voice boomed over the "Air Raid" siren. "All residents are asked to report to all designated Emergency Shelters at once! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!"

"We better do what they say." one of the establishment's workers, a Wolf-Girl by the name of Mora, said to the noble women. "Something big is coming!"

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Formal Royal Palace, Principality of Italica

By now a similar alarm had been raised in the small city state. Though the Formal Clan were the first to react the moment their Demi-Human members had told them about the strange feelings they were getting. The House of Formal had a long relationship with many of the Demi-Humans that resided on their lands and knew better than to question them anytime they had such feelings. So when several of the household maids said they suspected that an Earthshake was near, Kaine wasted no time in ensuring that Countess Myui was moved to a save location.

The Mansion that had been the seat of power for the Formal Clan, despite being considered one of the more impressive homes in the Empire, was a absolute fortress. The structure itself had actually been built after an event what was known as "The Great Shake" and as a result, special care taken to ensure that the mansion would be able to withstand any such future events. As not only would it ensure the survival of the Formal Clan, but also as a place were healers could tend to those who had her injured.

But instead of remaining in her Home, Myui and her maids/bodyguards had made their way to the Other Worlder camp that now existed outside of her city. "Fort Formal" Had a large medical facility within its pre-fabricated walls and it did not take a genius to realize that said facility would become very busy after the Earthshake. Myui did not like the idea of staying in her safe home while many would most likely need help after the upcoming event. But while the two largest settlements in Alnus prepared for the worse, there were a few Coalition units who were completely unaware of the coming Danger...

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Unnamed Waterway, somewhere outside of Sadera...

What had once been the main reason for the Empire's rise to power, was now being used against them. As a small flotilla of U.S. Navy Patrol Boats escorted a line of amphibious vehicles down one of the many waterways that linked the Imperial capitol to the rest of the continent. Normally, merchant vessels of various sizes and types would be using these waterways to travel in between the Imperial City and the coastal colonies. But that was no longer the case ever since the Coalition Naval Forces became active in the Special Region.

Sure there were a few who did not get the memo about the Empire's situation, but they soon learned just who was really in control. As more naval assets were shipped through the Gate and joined the ever growing force. Recently, the U.S. Navy had reactivated about a dozen PBRs (Patrol Boat, River) that had been in storage since the end of the Vietnam war and although they were almost fifty years old by this point, they were still kept in a state of readiness for use by certain Special Forces Teams. Specifically, U.S. Navy S.E.A.L.s who were now using them as part of Operation Black Paint.

The amphibious vehicles themselves had actually been towed up river by the river monitor JDS Tone, to a recently established Forward Operations Base code named "Battan Station" by the contingent of Marines that now called it home. Originally, the site had been used by the Bassara Family to smuggle every single kind of contraband you could think of from into Sadera itself. But with the Crime Family no more and the other syndicates trying they best not to get on the bad side of the other worlders, the former camp fell under the control of the Coalition and was now home to a joint American-Filipino force.

One of these vehicles, an ACV, was commanded by a certain corporal who after taking part in that display of force, was now being asked question he did not wish to answer...

"Come on, Punjab. Spill it!" Puller demanded, as the young Marine grilled his long time friend.

"No!"

"Come on! Spill the Juice!"

"There is no Juice." Williams replied, trying to maintain a straight face. But unfortunately for the Marine, he was out numbered.

"Don't act like you don't know what we're talking about. Sir." Santo said with a smile. "We've seen you hanging out with that Shino chick. As a matter a fact, you two have been a lot of time together since you came back from the U.N."

"And the fact that the two of you were snuggled up on the couch back home tells me that what ever feels Cutie McSlaughter has for you... is being returned!" Puller said with a predatory smile, as the Corporal began to cough.

"H... how...?"

"Oh please, the two of you were out in the open sleeping." his fiend replied. "Not exactly a private setting and from what I saw... you two looked very comfortable together."

"Look, what ever is between me and Shino-chan is none of any of your business." the Marine said sternly, though a noticeable red tinge could been seen formig on his cheeks. Which was really saying something since he was dark skinned.

"Wait...? 'Shino-chan'?" Kenny asked, a amused tone in his voice as he spoke. "You call her 'Shino-chan?'"

"Don't make me pull rank!" the Corporal warned the private. But just as the conversation was about to escalate, a new voice filled the ACV and thus saving the Marine from anymore unwanted attention.

'All units, be advised that command issued an alert on an potential seismic event.'

"Seismic event?" Puller asked with a puzzled expression on his face. "What does that mean?"

But before anyone could come up with a plausible answer, the ACV began to rock from side to side and it was slowly becoming more violent. Using the camera system, Williams could see that the river had suddenly become rough and the other vehicles were struggling as a result. A struggle that was also being shared by the PBRs.

Meanwhile in Alnustown, the residents began to panic as the ground began to move under their feet. It started off softly, but the movements soon became more and more intense as the Earthquake became more violent. In Italica, buildings rattled as the residents hid where ever they could. Some fled outside the city walls and into the open fields that surrounded the city. Something the people had always done when they were warned of an potential not everyone was able to make it to safety as a number of Italica's older buildings began to collapse.

Sadera itself, the Capitol of the Empire, was not immune to this act of the Gods and while the upper levels of the city were mostly able to withstand the shaking. The same could not be said for the lower levels. As building began to collapse as they were not as well built as those found in the well to do districts of the city. In the Playful Elf, the Demi-Human girls screamed in fear and held their heads as if they were in pain. As many prayed to what ever gods they worshiped and begged for mercy.

Meanwhile, back with the coalition flotilla, all amphibious vehicles and somehow managed to make it to the river bank and onto the shore. By now the river had gotten so bad that it posed serious risk to the armored vehicles and they made to collective decision to head for dry land. The PBRs and their crews had also done the same and had beached themselves, before running towards the now parked amphibious vehicles. Inside Tanker 6, Williams and his crew held on as best they could as the ACV rocked from side to side for what felt like hours.

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Jade Palace...

The shaking had finally stopped after five long minutes of uncertainty. The lime stone building had held stong and apart from some broken windows, the palace was still intact. Save for some quite literal rattled nerves, the Jade Palace's occupants had survived with the worst injury coming from a Japanese soldier who got a cut on his arm from falling glass.

Princess Pina herself was unharmed during the event, as she had hid with both Itami and Ambassador Todo under a desk in said Ambassador's office until the shaking ended. It was no everyday that the Imperial Capital was subjected to a Earthshake, let alone one so violent and lasting as long as it did. Emerging from Todo's office, the group were surprised to see that the quake had not caused as big as a mess as they thought it would. Apart from some broken windows and certain items falling from their place, the Palace was mostly untouched. A testament to Imperial engineering. Many of the Soldiers and Rose Knights that occupied the building were busily tending to those who had suffered some form of injury from the even, as well as cleaning up the mess as to allow easier movement within the Palace.

"My Princess!" Bozes called out, as the blond haired knight ran up to her friend. "Are you alright?"

"I am fine." Pina replied. "What is the situation within the palace? What about the rest of the knights?"

"They are fine as well." the Noble woman replied. "We were in the Stables when the shake hit. I have them inspecting the palace grounds right now to see if any damage as been done and to see if anyone needs help."

"Very good." The princess replied. "Have a runner sent to the Marigold Palace and have the knights there head into the city to if anyone there needs assistance."

"Marigold Palace" was where the "Marigold Knights" were headquartered. The Marigold Knights themselves were basically nobles who had an genuine interest in becoming members of Pina's Order of the Rose and were currently in training to do just that. But they also served as auxiliaries to the Rose Knights and usually were sometimes used to assist the main order when the need called for it. Lady Bozes just nodded before she ran off to carry out her princess' orders.

For the next couple of hours, the trio toured the Jade Palace and helped with cleaning away the mess the quake had caused. But while the Jade Palace had survived, it was very clear to see that there were many quarters of the capitol who were not so lucky. As smoke could be seen rising from the city itself.

For those who lived in the Akusho, the Earthshake had been especially devastating, as many of the already poorly built structures had either been damaged or in some cases, completely flattened. Some buildings just simply pancaked onto themselves while others just imploded once their support structures gave out. By some miracle the Playful Elf itself and its occupants had survived the shaking, though just barely. But now a new crisis was developing as thousands of Akusho's residents now found themselves homeless with little to nothing to survive. The situation in the district was already bad even before the Quake, but now there was a clear and present danger that thing would get worse. A humanitarian crisis was on the horizon and the worst part? Due to the reputation of the district, it was more than likely that the powers that be would completely ignore it.

The Soldiers stationed at both Alice Springs and Kabukicho sprung into action in an attempt to prevent the district from falling into chaos. Armed personnel patrolled the streets to prevent looting from happening, while others assisted in rescuing those who were trapped in the rubble. Both the Playful Elf and Bassara's former residence were now turned into make shift medical centers for those who had been injured. While a message was sent back to Ginza, requesting more medical supplies and bottles of water. Though not equipped to deal with the situation, the coalition forces in Akusho were able to maintain some form of law and order in the district and in a strange twist, they received assistance from many of the crime families and syndicates that remained after the fall of Bassara's organization. As these groups had managed to acquire and distribute sacks of flour and blankets just hours after the quake.

But the rest of Sadera was still struggling to recover from the quake, as help had still yet to reach those who had been affected. Though several fires could be seen raging throughout the upper city levels. But as the people of Sadera and the continent at large tried to adapt to this new situation, their were completely unaware that this Earthshake was about to have a profound effect on the war...

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Saderan Imperial Palace,

20:45hrs...

"Father!" Pina exclaimed happily, as the imperial princess entered the thrown room. "I am so glad to see that your are unharmed! But where are your guards?"

"I had them head into the city to assist in the clean up efforts.." The emperor replied, just as he realized that his beloved daughter was not alone. "Tell me child, who are these strangers you have brought with you?"

"Father, this is Lord Todo and his people." Pina replied, gesturing to the joint Japanese-American contingent that stood behind her.

"Ah, so the rumors are true." Molt said with an amused tone in his voice. "The Other Worlders are in the capitol after all."

Pina was surprised by this statement, but did not let that fact show. Clearly her father was still rather well informed about events in and around the city. "W... Well... Lord Todo is here to offer us assistance in the wake of the Earthshake."

"Is he now?" Molt asked, as he crocked his left eyebrow.

"Yes, your majesty." Todo addressed the Emperor, as the diplomat walked up along side the princess. "In my world, we experience such events on a regular basis and we know just how violent they could be. Therefore, I have been given permission by my government to offer any aid you may require."

Wait... was an enemy of the Empire offering to help them after an Earthshake? These Other Worlders were certainly an odd group. "And why would you want to help an nation you are currently at war with?"

"Because we-"

"FATHER!" a new voice boomed, as everyone's attention was now focused on the rather large, muscular man who had no entered the Thrown room with his own entourage in tow. He had unaturally blond hair and wore attire that only the wealthiest of Saderan nobles could afford. This was the infamous Prince Zorzal the Coalition had been warned about by King Duran and many others. "I am so glad to see that the Earthshake left you unharmed, but we must get out of here now!"

"Brother, what are you doing her?" Pina asked her older sibling. It was not often she interacted with the crown prince and known his reputation within the court, she made an effort to avoid him when she could.

Zorzal for his part, just sneered for a bit before he replied "I don't have time to deal with you! Noriko says that another Earthshake could be on its way!"

That name caught the attention of the Japanese soldiers, that did not sound like an Saderan name. In fact it sounded a lot like a...

As if to answer their questions, the prince suddenly dragged a young slave woman into the room roughly and threw her to the ground. The Prince then smiled as he said "This is Noriko. She is one of the slaves that were brought back from beyond the Gate last year." He then lifted the poor girl up by her throat and demanded that she tell his father what she told him.

"P... Please... no more... I beg you..." the helpless woman pleaded... in Japanese.

This was all the permission Itami and his men need, as the lieutenant and his party drew their weapons at the Royal. "Let... her... go..." Itami said in a low, yet dangerous voice. As the JGSDF Officer pointed his weapon at the Prince's head.

Pina for her par, was in full panic mode. As in an instant, any hopes she had of ending this war peacefully evaporated before her very eyes. All because of her brother's sadistic hunger.

"Who the hell are you!"

"Lieutenant Itami Youji, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. And I think it would be in your best interest that you let go of her and release her right now!"

"I could give a damn who you are!" Zorzal shot back, as he dropped Noriko. Another slave, a bunny girl, rushing to her side to tend to her bruises. "Who do you think you are to make demands of the Son of the Emperor and Crown Prince?" he then snapped his fingers and his personal guards became between him and the so called barbarians.

"With you permission, Ambassador?" the lieutenant asked the diplomat.

"I think this is why Col. Gibbs gave us some of his Marines. Do what you have to do."

Itami nodded just as Zorzal's men charged the group, a charge that was short lived as the joint Marine/JSDF contingent made short of the would be attackers. The thrown room echoed with the sounds of semi-automatic gunfire and the screams of men. The only ones who survived, were the one smart enough to drop their weapons upon Kuribayashi's demands.

Of course being they type of person that he was, Zorzal blasted his men for being cowards for not pressing their attack. Just as the Demon Girl of Chiba garrison and two Marines rushed in to attended to Noriko.

"Now prince." Itami spoke again, sounding more serious than anything. "You said she was just one on the slaves you took. Where are the others?"

The Prince laughed arrogantly. "I don't answer to Barbarians who fight with no honor!"

"Very well, Sargent Kuribayashi!" Itami barked. Catching he young woman completely by surprise. She had never seen the Lieutenant act this way before... and it kinda scared her. "Explain to him why it is in his best interest to tell us everything her knows."

"Hai!" the CQC expert said with an smile, as she got up and faced the muscular prince. She was most certainly going to enjoy this. Zorzal just smiled to himself as he looked over the shorter woman. Certainly this barbarian could not believe that a woman could do anything against him... boy was he wrong.

No sooner had he thrown the first swing, Shino was able to dodge it with ease.

"Sloppy..." the Demon Girl replied, as she slammed her fist into his jaw and sent the prince staggering back. She drew blood... his blood. This whore was gonna pay for that, as he tried to strike back. But before he knew it, Shino had not only tackled him to the ground hard, but was now pinning him to the ground with her own body. What came next confirmed to everyone there who saw her that the CQC was indeed a demon in human form. As she proceeded to savagely beat the crown prince with her gloved fist. The prince was absolutely helpless, as Shino continued to lay into him with such a fury, it would make Conor McGregor cringe.

She continued to beat him, even as he begged for mercy. but there would be none. Blood was now pouring from the Crown Prince's noise, as his skin began to swell and take on a dark black and blue color. All the while the demon girl demanded that he tell her where the rest of his slaves were and just how many he had. Pina could not even look at her brother at that moment, as she secretly hoped that the demon before her would show him some mercy. Her brother may have been many sinful thing, but not even he deserved such a punishment. Molt himself showed no emotion as his son was savagely beaten before his eyes, but inwardly he could not help but to think his son deserved such treatment. Zorzal was just too arrogant for his own good and now he was paying for his own actions.

But after what felt like an eternity, Shino stopped her assault and got off from the crown prince. Her fists still ringing after repeatedly striking their target, as the Sargent smiled at her handy work.

"Now... before I allow my friend here in for round two, I strongly suggest that you answer my questions." The Japanese Ranger/S told the prince, as he leaned over him. "WHERE... ARE... THEY...?"

"They'er... they're in my Palace..." Zorzal finally replied, as his body experienced a pain he never thought was possible. "P... Please... leave me alone..."

"See... was that so hard?" Itami said with a smile, apparently he was spending way too much time with Rory. He then turned to the Emperor and said "I think it is best that we leave with our countrymen in tow and to show no hard feelings..." He pointed to the Bunny-slave "We will be taking her as well."

Tyuule's ears twitched as she heard the man's words. Was he really serious about taking her too? But without hesitation, the former Queen of the Northern Warrior Tribes ran towards the other worlders and stood behind them. After so many years... her hell had finally come to and end.

Molt just raised an eye brow and replied "Very well. I will admit though, the World you come from has very strong soldier, but they all have one major weakness"

"And what is that, exactly?"

"Your arms are strong, but your hearts are soft." Molt Explained. "That is a dangerous combination and one that would lead to your own downfall. You do well to remember that."

"I think you will see that our hearts are just as strong, as it is our dedication to our county men that brought us to your world." Ambassador Todo replied, "And although your army out numbers us, you will find that our teeth are might big and sharp if you continue this war."

"Noriko... you are going home now." Shino told the young teen in a soft voice. To which she hugged the soldier and openly cried on her shoulder.

As the Ambassador and his daughter left with their contingent, Emperor Molt took a good long look at his once immaculate thrown room. His son was beaten within an inch of his life, while dead bodies pooled blood on the cold, marble floor. The Other Worlders, the enemy he had once believed he could defeat, had done this and there was nothing he nor his son could do about it.

It was I that moment did the Emperor finally accepted the reality he did not want to admit to...

The War was over... the Empire had lost...

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A/N: It was in that moment Emperor Molt Realized... he F(YAY!)K up!

Of course you realize I have completely deviated from the main story line with what I did with Tyuule and I will admit I have not given her the proper sceen time she deserves. But I will make up for that in future chapters. This story is not done yet and I dont think I am even close to finishing it. If that is a good thing, is yet to be seen.

As always, please leave a review... or Shino will beat you up. Until next time, NIGHTSTALKER OUT!