It's been a long time, you know, since I last posted. I hit a wall, (writer's bloc), combined with laziness and here we are. I tried watching and reading other anime for inspiration, but nothing stuck because it's difficult to make an original story on your own without guidance. But now I've plenty of material to work with and I'm more or less following the manga, starting from chapter 92. So go read up on it unless you want to go without prior knowledge and get stuck trying to figure out why the setting is moving along without explanation. I realize that manga chapters take forever to release, so that's why I'll fill in the gaps with my own originality. After all, that's what fanfiction is, right? If you haven't read this and decided to gloss over it, you're in for a heck of a time, bucko.

Back on the Black Tortoise, a few of the base's facilities were damaged during the chrono transport. They've been rendered inoperable for quite some time, until now.

Nano production increased by 300%

Mechabay production increased by 300%

Wave Force Core online

These were the alerts that were strewn across Yuki's PDA as she read them after disembarking.

"Yuki?"

"Hmm… yes?"

"I was wondering… why didn't we reveal ourselves during the Diet summons?"

Yuki explained as she continued reading.

"To reveal ourselves to the world means legitimizing ourselves as a foreign power. We did this during the war, when the emperor broadcasted his 'Day of Destiny' speech. World powers would have to acknowledge us with the appropriate response. If the Earth beyond the Gate knew of us, no doubt they'd illicit a military response, despite what Japan has to say about it. I bet those Americans would try to pull up some old post-war articles of how they have control of the country or something. Russia has a sizable force overall, meaning brute force would not be far off the mark. China would just threaten the west of halting trade with them just to get shadow allies."

"Would this cause a war?"

"Unlikely, but the United Nations would have something to say about it. Like say, the Security Council threatened to sanction the country if they don't allow restricted passage of the Gate to powers of the Council."

"So they all want the plentiful resources in the Special Region?"

"There's so much of it here in abundance. The technology on this side is medieval, so resources used to make modern products, such as oil or aluminum, can be gathered in great supply."

"Why don't we take over the Special Region then?"

"Because we don't have a way back home. If we experience losses, we can't replenish our numbers. The men and women of the Imperial military have fanatically devoted their lives for the Empire. They're not reckless, and they're not so easily swayed by propaganda to turn coats, but we only have such a sizable force. At best, we can manage 3 bases here, but that only covers a fraction of the entire region. Once we make a portal home, I can discuss this with Imperial High Command."

"Do you want to go back?"

"Of course I do. I didn't make my way to the top of the chain just to lose it all and stay in some otherworldly paradise. Back home, I'll have little to no restrictions on the things I want to do, places I want to go, choose where to live, who to love, what to eat, drink, or anything else I'd like. Made possible only because of my status as Supreme Shogun."

Yuki put away her PDA after going through everything.

"So, what's our plan now? I mean, it looks like things are going to get better for the people of this side since the coronation of the crown princess."

"There are still forces still loyal to Zolzal, and the JSDF have their hands full dealing with that. However, I am interested in something."

"What's that?"

Itami felt a chill.

This can only mean one thing…

As he thought to himself, a Striker VX landed in front of him and let out an intimidating roar. He was more or less used to this by now. The other members of his party as well, though the same couldn't be said for the guest members.

You weren't thinking of going on an incursion without us, were you?

Kyosuke said using the Striker's external speakers.

If he's here, then she's…

The screech of car tires was heard behind him. A black sedan with tinted windows drove up and drifted to a stop just a few feet away from Itami.

"And out steps the lovely Miss Yuki and Yuriko."

As soon as they closed the doors, the car shone a bright beam of blue light before completely disappearing into Yuki's wrist device.

"Never leave home without it."

"I assume you're coming with us, no matter what?"

"Don't be mistaken, we're not coming with you, we just happen to be going to the same destination."

The look on his face said it all, unfazed.

"But are you sure you want to travel in that?"

She gestured the CH-47 they planned to board.

"You got something better?"

He knew what he was asking, and he knew what to expect from Yuki.

"I'm just saying it'll be cramped if everyone takes one transport chopper."

"We're not taking a large group, just enough to last a round trip."

"But of course, we're coming along."

Itami, with the most unfathomed expression, looked behind Yuki, where General Hazama gave an approving nod. He sighed.

"Might as well…"

Cnappnuy express, round trip, final call

"All Itami wanted was a simple life where he could read manga, watch anime, buy doujins, and slack off. Whether it's fortunate or unfortunate that his actions led him to this point in his life is unknown. But what is known is that he's persistent, that he won't give up or give in. He'll do anything to secure the freedom in being a lazy man."

Yuki gave a short monologue during the ride. Itami pretended to sleep, but he kept getting nudged awake by the sights outside. Given, they were seeing clouds, but it was a sight that ordinary people wouldn't see if they've never travelled by air before.

"Itami, could you have us land so we may walk upon the celestial realm?"

Asked Pina with starry eyes.

"Those are clouds. You'll fall through and hit the ground before regretting your mistake."

"But you can try with these."

Yuki brought out a pair of chromed boots with a red outline.

"These are ones our Rocket Angels use. Put these on, and you'll soar through the sky."

She quickly stored them away afterwards.

"But we're so high up, you might faint the moment you step outside, so we'll save these for later."

"But…"

"You can try them later. For now, just enjoy the view."

Yuki took out her PDA and started working. After reaching the halfway point, they landed and received a care package from a transport plane containing additional fuel, rations, materials for shelter, and other necessities. This was the perfect time for a break as the helicopter was fueled up and loaded. But Yuki took this time for a peaceful relaxation as she laid back on a hill with her head on Kyosuke's lap. She looked up at him and poked his chest. Kyosuke answered in kind.

"You've gotten a bit pudgy. Have you-"

She poked him again to shush him.

"Finish that sentence, and you won't see the end of the week."

Yuriko was in a nearby flower field, playing with a family of rabbits.

"She's enjoying herself."

"Yeah, she is."

"Don't you want to join her?"

"Nope. This will be a subliminal life lesson for her."

"Oh?"

"We won't be around for her forever. That's a depressing thought, but that's how life goes."

"Are you implying we won't live eternally as we dreamed?"

"C'mon, you know we won't be around forever either. Eventually, we'll be gone and all we will have left behind are memories to the people around us. Yuriko's test results say that she might live longer than the average human by a century or so. Longer if she understands her abilities more clearly."

Yuki sat up and sat next to Kyosuke, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"I don't want her to turn out like I did. She deserves all the happiness we can afford."

Kyosuke put his arm around her and held her firmly.

"You're starting to sound like a real mother."

"Mmm."

He threw her onto the ground and stared into her eyes with a hungry look.

"How long is it before this mom is ready to breastfeed? Let's find out."

Just before he started to nibble on her, they were suddenly called back. Of course they were frustrated, but Kyosuke reassured her that they would continue where they left off after they'd landed. Resuming the flight, they were nearing their destination as they descended through the clouds.

"Level your altitude as we're approaching a series of plateaus."

The pilots decided to trust as Yuki said and started pulling up, slowing their descent from the clouds. As soon as they broke through the bottom, they had a clear visual ahead of them. Indeed there were plateaus everywhere. A grand canyon of sorts.

"What's that black mist there?"

One of the researchers pointed out. There was a black mist-like substance flowing from the bottom of the ravine. Though it wasn't everywhere, it was still a cause for concern. The pilots were concerned since their instruments weren't working properly. But Yuki safely guided them onto one of the plateaus. As soon as they touched down, the combat group exited and formed a perimeter around the helicopter. Kyosuke landed his VX next to the chopper, but stayed inside. Everyone could feel a disturbance. It was as if they were being watched from all around, yet they saw no one. This sense of unease put everyone on edge.

"Rory, what was your sister's name? The blue one that tried to kill us with the fire dragon."

"Oh, you mean Giselle?"

"Yeah, isn't that her?"

Yuki pointed out ahead and above the group, revealing a large group of dragons.

"Tsk, so you noticed? I wanted to surprise Rory."

"Mask your appearance, don't extinguish it. You were as obvious as a blotch of red paint on a white wall."

Soon, everyone was surrounded by dragons led by Giselle. The soldiers took aim, ready for the order.

"Don't worry, she's as docile as they come."

Yuki made a bold claim.

"A mere mortal such as yourself thinks I'm docile?"

"Rory is here, for one. Itami is also here. With these two present, you won't try again, lest you want a repeat of what happened last time we met."

Giselle was frustrated, but she knew Yuki was right. After a brief exchange of information and clearing up a misunderstanding, Giselle told everyone that they needed to descend further down into the ravine. To do that, they had to ride the dragons, or wyverns as they were identified as. Pina had a bright idea, but Yuki was already ahead of her. She already had the jet boots taken out and ready for use. Pina and Hamilton put on the jet boots and followed Yuki's instructions on how to properly use them.

"You don't suppose you've got more, do you?"

One of the researchers asked. Not everyone wanted to ride dragons off a cliff.

"Just so you know, these were designed for young women in mind. It's not the size, but the compatibility I'm concerned with."

Yuki winked at Itami.

"But if you really don't want to ride dragons, then I've got something."

And so, everyone rode down to ground level. Some rode the wyverns, Pina and Hamilton flew down in jet boots, while the rest were safely escorted in Yuriko's psionic bubble. They floated freely inside the bubble with little to no distress.

"Amazing, simply amazing! Suspended animation? No, that's not it."

One of the older researchers floated over to Yuriko.

"Young miss, you must tell me how you can do this and if this is recreatable."

"Uh…"

"I can give you a data packet with non-classified intel."

She slides her PDA over to him and he immediately begins reading through it. Yuki floated next to Yuriko.

"You're so cute when you're confused."

She planted a kiss on her cheek. Yuriko blushed.

"Stop it, you'll make me lose concentration. It's not easy holding this many people at once."

"You'll get better at it, I know it."

Yuki floated over to get her PDA back. After touching down to the ground, everyone took a moment to get their bearings right. Yao was sulking after touching down, claiming to have lost her lucky charm.

"You know, we have an ethnic group in our world called Irish. While they may have lucky charms of their own, the one thing they believe more than any charm is that they make their own luck. Whether it's chasing rainbows, holding onto a rabbit's foot, or finding a four leaf clover, the charm has no meaning if you don't believe in yourself."

Yuki picked Yao up and straightened out her clothes.

"Before charms, it's you. Before fate, it's you."

With that, she walked off, leaving Yao to comprehend what just happened.