{ Chapter 56: Before the Storm... }

Jade Palace, Sadera.

17:00 hrs...

Two days had passed since Zorzal's Coup and tensions could not be any higher within the Imperial Capitol. Sadera itself was in complete lockdown, as forces loyal to the illegitimate Emperor patrolled the stone cobbled streets and arrested anyone they suspected to be working against the new regime. Those who had initially called for peace, or were even suspected of working with the Other Worlders, were either arrested or executed on sight by the Oprichnia. Those who were able to avoid Zorzal's men went into hiding, with a few even managing to make it to the Akusho District and in particular, the Playful Elf/Bletchly Park.

But as the Oprichnia tightened it's grip upon the Imperial City, it became more and more Dangerous to be caught out doors. As "Empeor" Zorzal had declared that anyone found on the streets after sun down, would be arrested on sight. As a result, many of Sadera's residents hid inside their homes as Zorzal's men continuer to patrol the streets and purge the Capitol of suspected tratiors. But eventually, word reached the Jade Palace that Zorzal's men were on their way and would be there within hours. Needless to say, Lady Boze and her contingent of Knights were a bit on edge by the news. Many of whom were not even sure if their families were even safe.

Other than with the other teams in Akusho district, the Jade Palace had no contact with anyonr else within the rest of the city. They had no choice but to rely on what ever reports were gathered by the Black Paint operatives who communicated with either Bletchly Park or Alice Springs. Then came the news that the Occupants of the Jade Palace both expected and dreaded. Scouts radioed the palace Zorzal's forces would be there much sooner than expected and at the lead, were the Oprichnia.

Now while the Jade Palace was not exactly defenseless, they were still more or less isolated and from what the scouts had said, it was a very sizable force headed their way. The Knights and their Coalition allies could hold out for a few days if needed, but there still was a strong possibility that the Jade Palace could be overruned before help arrived

In the main hall which had now been converted into a command center, Garrett and Ambassador Todo discussed their possible next course of action. Obviously, the Jade Palace would need to be evacuated but it would take time for any rescue helicopters to arrive from Alnus. Even then, there had been a increase of Imperial Dragon Riders patrolling the Airspace above Sadera itself. A slow moving Chinook or King Stallion would still be an easy target for multiple dragons after all and even with an escort, it would still take some time for them to arrive. Time, they were not sure they had.

"King's last transmission reported that this... Oprichnia has begun to approach Akusho." Garrett explained, as they studied the large map of Sadera displayed before him. "So asking him for reinforcements is out of the question."

"From what Lady Boze has told us, her Knights also spotted Imperial troops patrolling all the roads leading out of the area." Todo replied, as he looked at all the red markers on the map. "But they don't know if these men are loyal to Zorzal or not, though it's more than likely they are."

" We're surrounded on all fronts." The SEAL team commander said grimly, as he continued to study the map. Even with the Growlers, it would still be difficult to evacuate the Jade Palace and even if they were to break through, there was really no where for them to go. Akusho was now under siege and there was just so much that could go wrong if they were to leave their current position.

Right now, The Jade Palace was the only safe place they had.

Garrett was about so say something else when suddenly, one of his men ran in and gasped... "Sir... Zorzal's forces have arrived!"

"Shit..." The SEAL muttered under his breath, before instructing the Ambassador to remain inside and making his way outside to greet their unwelcomed guests. Upon exiting the Palace, Garrett could see that the Lady Boze and the rest of the Rose Order were outside as well with their weapons drawn. In front of them, were at least 100 Oprichnia wearing wolf hides as armor. They too had their swords drawn and stood in front of a sizable force of Imperial Soldiers who also had their weapons drawn. But what really caught the SEAL Commander's attention, were the presence of several catapults the Imperials had brought with them.

"Who in the name of Hardy do you think you are coming here?" Lady Boze growled, sword I hand as she glared at the man before her.

The man just smiled before he replied, "Ah! Lady Boze, it's such a pleasure to finally meet you and Pina's in person. My name is Gimlet Gin Lime, Chairman of the Oprichnia and I am here with a offer of our enlightened leader, his grace Emperor Zorzal El Cease I."

"What has that son of a Akusho whore done to our Princess?" Boze demanded angrily, tightening her grip on her blade.

"Don't worry, the traitor Pina is alive... for now, and she will stay that way if you accept Emperor Caesar's offer." Gimlet replied, a hint of arrogance could be heard in his voice as he spoke. "Emperor Caesar, in all his benevolent and wisdom, is offering you and your knights amnesty and a place in his Royal Court, if you hand over all the Other Worlders currently inside the Jade Palace. You have his word that no harm will come to you or them if you submit to our demands."

Boze was about to reply when she noticed that Commander Garrett was now standing along side her. "I am sorry, but who are you again?" The SEAL asked the older male.

"I don't speak to barbarians, other worlder." The leader of the of the Oprichnia sneered.

"Well, my name is Lt. Commander Garrett of the United States Navy and I am charge of the Jade Palace." The SEAL replied. "So if there is anyone you should be talking to, it should be me. But in any case, I am, going to have to ask you to leave these ground right now, as you are violating the Sovereigen territory of the United Nations and I have an obligation to protect both it and its Occupants from any and all threats. Internal or... otherwise."

Gimlet's frown deepened, how dare this savage talk to him in such a manner. "Listen barbarian, I only answer to Emperor Caesar and not Savages like yourself! I am giving you one final chance to surrender peacefully, what is your answer?"

"Nuts..." Garrett replied, before he turned to walk back towards the palace itself. "Lady Bozes, I strongly suggest that you and your knights follow me back inside."

"What?"

"Trust me, just do it." Garrett replied, motioning for her to follow him.

Though hesitant, Boze agreed and had her knights follow them inside, leaving a rather perplexed and crossed Gimlet behind.

"What did he mean by 'nuts'" The Oprichnia pondered, before turning to his troops and ordering them to prepare the catapults for use. He tried to end this peacefully, but now it looked like blood would be spilt before the Jade Palace fell to his men.

But just as the first stone boulders were being loaded up, two of the Catapults exploded. Both them and their crews being engulfed in a massive fire ball and sending flaming debris into the Imperial ranks. But before anyone could collect themselves and realize just what was going on, two more Catapults were destroyed with similar and devastating results.

It was now utter pandemonium, as Gimlet's force began to panic and flee the palace grounds. "Stand your ground!" The Chairman barked out to the fleeing Imperial soldiers. Only the other Oprichnia remain at his side, unbiased by the carnage taking place before them.

"By order of Emperor Caesar, I demand that yo-" Gimlet never got a chance to finish his sentence, as a hail automatic gun fire silenced him and his men once and for all. The remaining Oprichnia who were lucky enough to to survive the gunfire, fled along side the fleeing Imperial soldiers, dropping their swords as they fled.

Meanwhile inside the palace, Boze could only look on in wonder as the Garrett's men used their SMAWs against Gimlet and his men. She could not help but to think that this was what the "SEAL" had in mind all along and most certainly, it had brought them all some valuable time. Zorzal's forces would think twice now before launching another attack, but they will be back. She just hoped help would come soon and that her Princess would be alright.

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Forward Operations Base "Somerset"

60 miles South-east of Sadera...

04:25 hrs...

Initially called "Ilvermony" by the British Troops that now occupied it, F.O.B. Somerset was an old Fort that had long since been abandoned by Sadera before the Coalition came. Just one of many such compounds that were now being used for operations by the Coalition and prior to Black Paint, it was the closest Coalition outpost to the Imperial Capitol.

It was in Somerset where the first units were deployed into Sadera for Black Paint and it was intended for Somerset to be used as a launching point if the Endgame Protocol waa unacted. At first it looked as if Somerset would have just been a footnote in Tiger Strike, as it seemed that the war would end with the Empire's surrender. But now it looked liked as if Somerset would be used for its intended purpose, as the contingent of Royal Marines and Commandos now hosted elements of Third Tracks and JGSDF.

The ACVs of the United States Marine Corp were now parked just outside the old fort's walls and were now under heavy guard. An impromptu tent city having been created by the Marines now positioned there, as a pair of CH-53s delivered another payload of ammunition for the combat vehicles.

Both the JDS Shinano and JDS Tome were now docked on the small jetty that lead to the fort itself, as a flotilla for fast attack craft began to form up along side the Japanese river monitors. Their crews checking their equipment to pass the time, as they waited for the order to move on the Imperial Capitol.

Despite their obvious technological superiority, the Marines and Soldiers currently posted at Somerset held no illusions about the upcoming operation. They were quite literally going into heart of the enemy, against a highly motivated foe who would be fighting to protect their homes. Both Afghanistan and Iraq had thought the Marines just how dangerous such an enemy could be and there really was no telling just what kind of nasty surprises waited for them. An arrow could still cut flesh, an Spear can still impale a human body, an enraged dragon/wyvern could still dangerous on the battlefield and the Coalition would be going into the thick of it.

In the camps, some of the ACV crews decided to pass the time by doing some final checks on their vehicles. As well as "decorating" their war machines with rather interesting paint schemes and Tanker 6 was no different. A menacing "Sharks Mouth" with reptile like eyes now adorned the front of the amphibious vehicle, much like many others in their unit. But what really made Tanker 6 stand out, was that both Williams and Puller had painted the seal of the Berks County Volunteer Fire Department on each side of their vehicle's turret. Normally, such practices would be frowned upon by those in command, but had relaxed those rules to allow moral to build among the troops.

But while the troops did what they could to pass the time, those who would be leading them into battle were going over some final details that needed to be sorted out.

Sadera itself covered an area roughly half the size of Manhattan and had a population of just under half a million people. There were also several major canals that not only ran through the city, but connected Sadera with the Gorda river. Which itself, flows into the Tyran river. As a result, ships of the coastal Colonies could sail directly into the Capitol itself and there were even several docks that allowed goods to be off loaded from said ships. Not surprisingly, the Coalition leadership saw Sadara's canal system as a way for their forces to enter the city. As well as deny Zorzal a means of escape.

Certain units would be assigned a particular canal to infiltrate and capture the "Port Facilities" that existed on them. As well as support Coalition units that would be deployed through other means.

In one particular tent that had been set up next to Tanker 6, the ACV's crew were sound asleep. The last couple days had been rather stressful and with an offensive set to happen sometime in the near future, the Marines we at least trying to get some sleep before they would be forced to move out. Well... most of them were, as there was one individual who was absent at that time.

Laying on top of the ACV, Corporal Williams stared into the pre-dawn sky as he took another swig from his bottle of cherry coke. The Marine had woken up half an hour earlier out of habit and had decided to spend some time alone. His mind awash with thoughts of both the upcoming operation and his pending discharge from the Corps. But most of all, his mind was focused on a certain young woman he now found himself in an relationship with and was thinking about just what life would be like with her in it. The Marine Corporal chuckled to himself at this point, realizing just how absurd the last twelve months had been. Last year he was single and being deployed to Japan for what was supposed to have been a training exercise. Now here he was with a aggressive yet cute Girlfriend, in another world and waiting to launch an attack on a enemy city. Life could be rather screwy at times, ya know?

"You know, she's probably thinking about you too right now." A familiar voice said with a giggle, something that caught Williams off guard and almost caused him to fall off Tanker 6.

"Rory, how did you get here? And why are the rest of here too?" The Marine asked the Apostle, noticing that she had brought both Leilei and Tuka with her as well.

"As the Apostle of Emroy, I go where I please." Rory replied with her trade mark smile.

"Still does not explain why Tuka and Leilei are here with you."

"They came with me." Itami announced, as he walked up to the ACV commander.

"Itami?" a surprised Williams replied. "I thought you were heading to Roundel?"

Roundel in question, was home to many of the Empire's top scholars and some of the most powerful magic users in the Special Region. It was also home to the "Magic Academy of Roundel", an institution where many young and aspiring magic users hope to enter to further their studies and perfect their craft. Originally, Itami had agreed to accompany Leilei to Roundel so she could apply for a "Masters" status. But...

"I have decided to postpone my request until after the issue with Zorzal can be rectified." The young Mage explained. "Despite being part of the Empire, Roundel has always enjoyed a level of autonomy. But Prince Zorzal may change that if he is allowed to remain where he is."

"Besides, they insisted on being here." Itami added on, as Rory, Tuka and Leilei stood together with the Japanese officer. "We came in on one of the helicopters from Ginza, but Rory insisted on finding you first before anything else."

"Really? Why?" The Marine asked, as he crooked his eyebrow. A puzzled expression forming on his face, as the Apostle of Emroy walked up to the ACV and leapt onto the amphibious vehicle. Effortlessly landing next to Williams, the Demi-goddess then proceeded get on her knees and hug the dark skinned Marine tightly. Much to the surprise of everyone that saw them.

"Thank you." she whispered to him in English. "Thank you for being my first."

"WHAT?" A now very shocked Williams exclaimed, his eyes wide in horror as he almost lost his balance but the Apostle's embrace held him in place.

Rory just giggled before she replied, "Not in that way... I thank you for being my first... couple."

"What?"

"Williams... although there are many gods that exist in this world, there are none for love." Rory began to explain. "When an Apostle finishes their 1000 years of service, they have the option of becoming a god themselves. Yet, none of those who has ascended to such status has ever taken up the mantle of the God or Goddess of Love. Love is quite possibly thee most powerful emotion a mortal can possess, more powerful than hate, so powerful it can bring two lonely souls together to form a bond that cannot be broken. My time as being an Apostle of Emroy will come to an end in less than forty years and I intend to become the Goddess of love when my time finally arrives. I have not yet ascended to such a status, yet... i am happy to see that you and Shino found each other when you did."

"Wait, what?" a still very much confused Corporal asked the raven haired demi-goddess that was still holding him.

"I may not have had brought you and Shino together, but i can tell that the two of you had a bond the moment i saw the two of you together, though it was more of an one sided affection at first." Rory giggled. Remembering how Shino was all but falling over herself to get the marine to notice her."But eventually you did develop feelings for her and I can tell that those ferlings strong, even though you do a better job of concealing that fact from others."

"It still does not explain how I am your... 'First'" Williams grimaced at that apparent title. Rory just smiled.

"I say that you are my first because... You and Shino are my First." The Apostle explained. "The two of your are the First couple to have my blessing, even though i am still just an Apostle to the god of war. With my blessing, will come a life filled with love and bliss between the two of you and i am certain that Shino will bless you with many children."

"Whoa! Whoa! who said anything about us having KIDS?" Williams exclaimed, almost falling off of Tanker 6 and Rory released him. "We're just dating!"

"For now, you mean..." Rory replied, before she leapt off the ACV and rejoined her companions. "I think we should get some rest, yes?" and with that, Rory made her way towards the old fortress with both Leilei and Tuka in tow. Leaving a stunned Itami and Williams behind.

"If it means anything, Lewis" Itami began, "You took the news a lot better than Shino did."

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Fort Ginza, Alnus Hill.

21:45 Hrs...

Despite being rather conservative since crossing into Falmart, the Japanese Self Defense Forces were certainly going all in for Endgame. Thirty Kawasaki C-2 Transport Aircraft had been shipped through the Gate and reassembled in record time for the up coming operation. They would be joining twelve Indian Air Force CN-295s which had been operating in the Special Region, for what would be the largest operation since the Coalition crossed through the Gate almost a year ago. Elements of the Narashino Airborne Brigade had arrived during the day and were joined by American and Indian Paratrooper units that had arrived from their respective nations as well In the case of the Americans, would also be jumping from Japanese aircraft for this operation. It just was not practical to deploy C-17 aircraft to the special region on such short notice.

In another sign that Japan was indeed going all in, Several V-22 Ospreys with Japanese markings were parked along side their American counter parts. The Ospreys being used by the Marines now sporting Shark-mouths that had been painted on by the ground crews, partly for good luck but mostly to mess with the Saderan Troops. Several Type-60 Self Propelled Recoilless Guns, which had been in storage since the vehicle's retirement in 2008, were now sitting on the tarmac with a fresh coats of paint and refurbished everything. They had been pulled out of storage by the JGSDF when the Endgame Protocol was created and were intended to be used along side Japanese paratroopers once they were on the ground. Its small size and light weight meant it could be easily transported by aircraft, yet carried enough fire power to drop anything the paratroopers might face. Not to mention, their size also meant they could navigate Sadera with ease.

Chinooks and King Stallions were fueled up and waiting for their passengers to arrive, while a quartet of MH-60Ls and MH-47Gs slowly taxied out to runway and prepared to take off. They would be the vanguard of what was now being called "Operation Downfall" and would be the first Coalition aircraft to enter Sadera. In one of the Nightstalker Chinooks, Tyuule sat quietly as the sound if the Special Operations helicopter filled the air. These were the elites, the former queen had been told and she would be assisting this... "Delta Force" in their mission to capture Zorzal. Needless to say, Tyuule was more than happy to finally get a chance to get back at the one person to who had caused her and her people so much suffering... Hell! She was practically grinning like a demon when she heard just what the Other Worlders had planned for that monster.

For so long, she had dreamed of this day. Not only was the Empire going to burn, but Zorzal would finally get what was coming to him and the best part, it was all of his doing. In his quest for power and glory, Zorzal had more or less sealed the fate of Sadera. Obviously the Other Worlders would not burn Sadera to the ground, it was not in their nature from what the former queen had learned. But there was no telling just what would happen to the crown prince or even the Empire once all was said and done. Zorzal was the hier to the Saderan Throne after all, even with all his flaws, just who could take his place? She had not heard anything about Prince Diablo in a while and although Tyuule knew he was leaps and bounds above his brother when it came to intelligence... he just did not have the charisma his older brother had.

As for Pina... well there was no way the Coalition would ever think of installing the imperial princess as the new Empress. Pina may have been as head strong as he Father, but the young woman was far too nieve for her own good. There was no way any of the noble houses would ever support her and not just because her mother was just one of Molt's many concubines. If anything, the Coalition just might end up carving up what was left of the Empire for themselves.

But right now Tyuule knew she needed to focus on the mission at hsnd and not politics. She would soon be making a surprise visit on her former master and make him pay for all the pain he has caused. Tyuule was no longer content with just simply killing the self proclaimed Emperor, that would have been too easy. Oh no... she wanted Zorzal to know pain and suffering that he had never felt before. She wanted him to know just what true pain and suffering was before he died, that he was in fact mortal like all those he had hurt in the past. There were fates that were more worse than death, this was somthing Tyuule knew all too well. Zorzal was not worthy of a quick and painless death, monsters like him did not deserve such a luxury. Tyuule was going to make sure that the crown prince felt pain and missery like he had never felt before, she was going to personally make him beg for death by the time she was through with him.

She was going to make Zorzal pay for everything he had done.

Within a few minutes, the Nightstalker Helicopters carrying Delta Force had taken off from Alnus Field and had set course for the Imperial Capitol. They would be joining other Special Forces teams who would be going in to soften up Zorzal's forces before the main assault came. Command wanted a swift and decisive outcome, with as little collateral damage as possible. Zorzal could not be allowed to escape, there was no telling just what kind of damage someone with his base of supporters could do if they simply vanished into the Falmart countryside. The last thing anyone wanted was a insugency like Iraq. The Coalition needed to move quickly and deny the illiegitimate emperor any and all means of escape.

Eventually, Patatroopers from the United States, Japan and India, boarded their assigned aircraft and settled in for their short flight. The resident of near by Alnustown could hear the rumble of jet and turbo-prop engines echo thoughout the cold night air, as Japanese and Indian Aircraft took to the sky and formed up before setting course for Sadera itself. An hour later, Coalition Helicopters also took to the air as well and followed their fixed wing counterparts towards their intended target.

The Endgame Protoacal had now been fully initiated...

Operation Downfall had begun...

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A/N: Okay guys, I got some bad news many of you will not like. I hate to tell you all this, but this might be my last update for a ilttle while. My laptop died on me while writing this chapter abd my Tablet is on the blink right now. While i dont need my Laptop to write, i will have to see if my Tablet could be repaired since i am on it more. Best case senario, it could take a week before it is Repaired. Worse case, i will have to by a new one outright and i won't be able to update as regularly as before.

So wish me luck. Anyway, leave a review and telk me what you think. Until next time, NIGHTSTALKER OUT!