GATE: And So the Allies Fought There

by F-14 Tomcat Lover

The appearance of a mysterious gate in Ginza leads an unknown army straight out of a fantasy story to appear and attack the capital of Japan. Despite the heavy losses among the Japanese citizens, the more crushing losses had been to the diplomatic missions by raiding vanguards. Thus in response, the US Military joins the JSDF to investigate the mysterious new world.

1. Call to Arms

GATE: And So the Allies Fought There!

Chapter Prologue

Call to Arms

Summary: During the Invasion of Ginza, not only Japanese citizens were killed, but so were international tourists and foreign workers. In addition to these people, many of the embassies and foreign consulates in Tokyo were also attacked and heavy casualties suffered. In response, the United Nations mediated that Japan would send through an initial response, but also that the United States of America would also dispatch an expeditionary brigade under the command of the SDF's expeditionary forces.

XXXX

Approaching Tokyo Bay

Afternoon

June 2024

The crew and Marines of the USS America (LHA-6) could be said to be eager. They are approaching Japan and will be joining the United States Forces-Japan. It would be the ship's first deployment to Japan and her first Forward Deployment in the Pacific after years of service in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

As such, the ship's crew, Marines, and pilots are excited at the thought of their new mission assignment. Many already have their families moving in and once they docked, they would greet them on the quay.

Others among the crew and pilots are on their first overseas mission. The USS America is fresh from a slight refit to give her some new systems and increase her defensive firepower. These upgrades include new defensive LaWS and their mountings plus another pair of mountings to increase the the 20mm Phalanx from two to four as well improved Countermeasures. In addition, with the new systems, some space had been freed up during a minor structural modification. America now carries four additional aircraft and her medical facilities were slightly enlarged as were crew berths.

The result of this, is that the ship is largely crewed by new sailors and Marines, a large number being fresh from training. For most, this would be their first time in Japan, whether it would be their first time in another country or if they had been deployed elsewhere in the world. Everyone aboard are simply eager to get their ship into port and get some free Liberty before the real work begins.

Or that had been the plan anyways.

On the bridge of the essentially Light Carrier, but with embarked Air Assault troops, the Captain found himself agonizing over strange reports coming out of Tokyo itself. In addition to that, US Navy and the other branches' Tokyo-based USF-J communication facilities had gone off the air. Even the local radio stations had suddenly gone very quiet, yet the America is being pinged by other ships inquiring if they knew what is going, so it is most certainly not the ship's communications that have failed.

"No choice, tap the JSDF's communications as well as Police communications and let's see what's going on," the captain directs his communications section and they comply at once as the captain turns to his XO, "Bring the ship up to Stand By Alert. Inform the crew it is a last minute drill."

"Aye aye Captain," the the XO turns on her heel and quick steps over to the intercom, calling the crew, Marines, and pilots to their stations, much to their annoyance. They are in the process of getting the ship ready to dock at Yokohama. Not only that, many were beginning to change into their dress uniforms for their entrance into the military port. Now they are being called to arms so suddenly? What is the command crew thinking?

But the comms finally pick up the confusing chatter going on in Tokyo. Informing the Captain, the specialists report that the JSDF is mobilizing for real and that the local Tokyo Metropolitan Police are reporting an invasion. The crewmembers can't make heads or tails of it, but they can confirm that Tokyo is under attack at that moment.

Then a brief flash of a distress call from the US Embassy. It is from the Marine Embassy Guard Detail stationed at the US Embassy, Japan. The Marines are reporting heavy losses and that the survivors are falling back to the Imperial Palace. They report the death of both the Director and Deputy Director of the Mission, though the Ambassador has been safely evacuated.

As the radiomen listen in, they inform the Captain that the Marines are calling for a hot extract and air support. Reporting hostile air and ground forces. The communications are a bit difficult and reports sound similar to police reports about men in armor, monsters, and dragons in the skies.

Then a merchantman fleeing appears on the America's radar and the Captain orders it hailed.

After a brief communications, the Captain can safely say that, "Yes, Tokyo is under attack and that the chain of command regarding USF-J forces is disrupted and so is the JSDF command chain." Exactly who and why are yet to be determined. Until he sees it himself, he doubts dragons would be in the air.

Then the Iwo Jima Communications Training Center gets back online and sends details and photographs.

Well… The Captain said he'll believe it when he saw it.

"Battlestations!" he orders as the alarm is hit and all personnel informed that it is no longer a drill.

XXXX

"That's the way!" the US Army soldier holding onto the side of the 20-ton construction vehicle shouts as the vehicle plows through the first of the out of time or dimension or even planet army. "Excellent work driver!" he gives the man a double thumbs up.

The driver waves, showing confidence from inside the cab.

The other vehicles from the construction site are also assisting. Behind them, a few police officers pick off enemy commanders, easily distinguishable by their Roman Centurion look, and fire skyward to keep the wyvern knights at bay.

The US soldier is in uniform. The red and yellow Taro Leaf with central Lightning bolt symbol of the 25th US Infantry 'Tropic Lightning' Division and the American flag are both on his sleeves and located on his chest is a single upright chevron denoting him as a Private Second Class. His uniform, like most off duty military personnel, is plain except for its camouflage. His family name of 'Ryan' is located on his right and the US ARMY tag on the left of his uniform coat.

Private Ryan spots and unloads half a clip of Glock 21 .45 ACP into three of the orcs that are rampaging through the city. All of the orcs fell dead as he shot for the heads. Still, he is concern for his ammunition. He only brought four magazines with him when he left base two days ago for his Liberty.

Technically, he should be unarmed. The agreements between Japan and the USA state as much. But he considers himself one step away from a potential frontline and with terrorists these days, he often said 'The frontline is the direction you find yourself facing the terrorists to your front.'

Still, even Department of Defense regulations called for all US Military personnel to be unarmed when not required to have firearms. Something that has been controversial for a few years now, given that US Military installations and facilities are being regularly attacked even in the States. So technically, he is also in violation of those DoD regs, which he just ignored as just plain stupid no matter how old, and international agreements, which he has to admit there is reasonable and justifiable concern.

Not like the cops behind him are going to be arresting him anytime soon.

Especially not with this invasion going on all around them. Something that worries him as he expected that 1st Division would have deployed a response by now. Unless they are in a defensive position to muster strength and mobilize reinforcements.

It makes sense, but this is the Japanese Capital! The 1st Division is a stone's throw away from the Imperial Palace. And the invaders have to be all over that castle complex by now. So where the heck is the 1st Division?

Knocking on the window to the cab, he signals for the driver to come to a stop. The man surprised, complies nonetheless. Private Ryan knows that the driver and those behind them, are wondering why he is calling for them to stop for the moment.

Reloading his pistol as he steps down and holding in his concern for having only half a spare magazine left as he checks to make sure his pistol didn't jam. Ryan reloaded without removing the round in the chamber. That gives him 14 shots right now. Yet, he has had problems with the pistol not liking being reloaded that way. Fortunately, it seems to know its duty at the moment.

Signalling the officers with hand signals, he indicates to them to check a Hino Rainbow II Medium Bus facing them with a broken front window pressed up against some shops to the right and an abandoned Isuzu Giga Facelift Phase III with the open trailer on the left, clearly parked after driving the same direction they are traveling now. The body of presumably the driver of the bus and several other bodies around the Giga are visible.

As the officers move up, Private Ryan taps on the window of the cab door and gently indicates for the driver to be ready.

The driver has seen this kind of thing before. It is real popular in the entertainment industry. So he sits tight and hunkers as low as he can at the ready to charge forward and provide some cover. He just hopes he isn't needed for now.

There are one too many cracks in his windows for his comfort.

XXXX

The police officers move in on the bus first. They look in. The body is definitely the driver and from the amount of blood everywhere, he bled out sometime ago. Aside from him, the bus is empty except for abandoned belongings and items. The side doors to the bus also aligned with a doorway into a shop.

XXXX

The officers signal Ryan, All Clear. He indicates he receives and then indicates the truck next. The officer signalling nods and soon the officers carefully, but quickly make their way over to the truck.

XXXX

The officers begin checking the truck.

As anticipated, the cab is empty. The whole front cab is unharmed. The keys still sitting in the ignition in the Power On position, providing power to the cab, but not running the engine.

Once that is done, they move to the back, finding the driver and his assistant are both dead. There are several dead invaders as well. Mostly the monsters who lacked helmets and got their skulls crushed in by the discarded baseball bats.

A body of a young man, maybe mid to late 20s dangles from atop the trailer. He's half on and off and pinned there by a bent spear that looks a bit like a Roman Pilum, but with what Ryan would say as an Anime or Video Game touch to it. Blood still drips from the edge of the trailer top to a pool that continues to drip onto the ground itself. The two pools are rather large and the body is clearly bleached white.

Officers shake it off and gently step up onto the lift and, avoiding the blood, enter the trailer.

XXXX

Ryan watches as the officers turn on their lights as they begin to search the trailer. Taking a moment, he steals a look at nearby signs and checks them on an English translated map of Tokyo. The 32-year old, despite looking several years younger, American soldier is never more glad than he is right now to being able to read maps.

Just as he hopes.

If all is going according to plan, they should be somewhere inside the Nerima Ward. His present plan is to head to the base of the 1st JGSDF Infantry Division at the Camp Nerima. The 1st Division is made up of some 6,000 Japanese soldiers. He also suspects that the Central Response Force would also likely have moved up troops from the 1st JGSDF Airborne Brigade and the 1st JGSDF Helicopter Brigade.

The JSGF would also likely be deployed and possibly the men of the 101st NBC Protection Unit.

Looking up and around, he scans with his dark blue eyes and sees nothing hostile. He would have said out of the ordinary, but that would be incorrect. Running a hand through his regulational hair cut, Ryan sighs for a moment. Looking at a broken window that reflects his appearance, he notes that the thin line of blood on his cheek had finally stop slowly bleeding. If one would look at him, they might not be able to pick him out of a line up. Up close, he has angled cheeks and a noticeable chin with a partially round face that time in the military was smoothing out to angles. His nose and eyes were average, except that his nose was a bit more round on its end. His short hair appears brown, but is actually a brownish-blond while his eyebrows had remained a stark blond in comparison to his hair. He wears standard issue black military glasses, the left lens thicker than the right. Despite his glasses, he's actually a very good marksman. So good, he's the Designated Marksman in his squad. He's built sort of heavy, weighing in at 227 pounds, which is a far cry from his 283 pounds before he worked to lose the weight on his 6 foot, 3 inch body. Though he never looked like he almost weighed 300 pounds. Quite the opposite. Like his age, people always thought he had been some 40 pounds or so lighter. Now he is lighter and more muscled that he's pretty solid and hard to hit.

And he didn't mean because he has great footwork. Honestly, he's more quiet than quick.

'Focus,' Ryan suddenly reminds himself. He can't lose his SA if he doesn't want to lose his or someone else's life.

He looks around again. Smashed windows, doors, bodies, and everything else. It may have looked like a riot came through, until one saw the dead… wait a moment?

Where those bodies always there?

Tapping the window, the driver clearly had seen Ryan notice something and so he is ready. Ryan slowly indicated with his right hand before putting his map away and bringing his pistol back up. Making himself as small as he could against the front loader, the vehicle lurched forward gently and began moving up.

XXXX

"Do not scare me like that, okay," it isn't a question, but a statement from the half spooked officer glaring at a civilian that had been hiding in a crate.

He nearly shot the fool when he reached out and tapped the officer on the shoulder.

The other officers managed to take a breath after that scare and began opening or moving crates revealing survivors that had been in hiding. Aside from Baka-san, there are a surprising 27 people in the back of the trailer. Some packed like sardines in a can. Yet, they are alive and well otherwise.

Making plans, one of the officers has the bright idea to use the truck to transport those weak or who can't walk anymore. The other officers agree to the idea. The sporting equipment might also be useful. There are bats and helmets for baseball. It might give some of the people a chance. There is even some bows and arrows if they have anyone that can use them.

"Why is the front loader moving?" an officer at the back asks, seeing the piece of construction equipment moving, Ryan making himself as small as possible and aiming at something past the truck outside.

XXXX

The front loader gently pulls to a stop, angling itself a bit to present an obstacle. Ryan hops down and gently approaches the bodies.

"Hold it!" someone orders him in a harsh whisper and Ryan freezes, "Name, rank, and serial number."

"Ryan, Steven Gray," P2C Ryan begins, rattling off his serial number next.

There is silence for a few moments. Then an audible sigh as a police officer with a radio steps around the corner in his duty uniform, vest, and wearing an older military helmet. In his hands is a M1 Carbine likely taken from old National Safety Force stocks that the JSDF still has in storage and he has some added on pouches to his vest and belt to hold the smaller magazines.

"Forgive me Private Ryan-san," the officer bows slightly, "But myself and a few others have been posted here to create a checkpoint."

Ryan nods and indicates the dead 'Legionnaires.'

"Only thing we could find," he then turns to point back past some buildings, "That allowed the Forward Observers to sight mortars in on this spot." He turns back to the American, "You gave us quite the surprise when that big yellow heavy started moving suddenly," shaking his, "We couldn't see you until you started moving. I apologize about that."

Ryan shakes his head, "No worries, just a bit worried was all," giving a slight bow back, it is a combat zone still, "Thank you for coming. You saved us."

As Ryan said that, the officers with him came forward and soon everyone is relieved. The situation is now in hand. The group has safely reached friendly lines.

"Is the big yellow in the way?" Ryan indicates the 20-ton front loader, "I don't want to block the path of the 1st Division when they counterattack. One of the reasons I chose this route. So we wouldn't be in their way, but would still make contact with their flank."

The checkpoint officer nods, thankful that Private Ryan kept his head about him. Fortunately, he is able to inform Ryan and his fellow officers that the 1st Division was already in motion to counterattack. He also tells them that the US Marines from the USS America were inbound with a flight of Marine fighter jets.

"Then all I guess is left is to sweep the area, round up stragglers, and lock the area down until reinforcements arrive to relieve us," Private Ryan knows the battle is hardly over. As such, he plans to see the civilians and officers on their way and dig himself in right here, unless otherwise ordered.

He hopes that if he is otherwise ordered, that a squad of soldiers can help keep the area locked down.

"We should start where the bus is," Ryan indicates where they should look first, "My bet is the driver purposely parked like that to enable his passengers to escape safely after losing their pursuers."

The officers nod. That made a lot of sense. It would explain how perfectly parked the bus is. Also explains why there are no bodies other than the driver.

A very smart move before he died.

"We can take care of that," a squad of SGF men suddenly materialize. "Stay here and keep an eye on things," the commander states to the officers before moving, but not before stopping and taking a weapon and a web gear with ammunition already in out of a drone mule, "Here you go private. Defend this position."

Nodding as he takes the weapon and gear, "Yes sir," Ryan makes ready to defend the checkpoint.

XXXX

Second Lieutenant Yōji Itami looks on as the fleeing masses of civilians rush into the safety of the Imperial Palace. Looking around, he spots various representatives of different countries waiting to let the innocent go first. With them are their security details, including members of the US Marine Corps and the UK Royal Marines.

The Marines are to be expected of professional soldiers. They are digging into their new positions even as Riot Police unload from vehicles. Off duty US Military personnel and escaped personnel from overruned facilities are assisting and arming up, some with Tokyo Police issue.

Non-Combat US personnel are seen waiting nervously to withdraw into the Imperial Palace. Though they find the time to help others, they mostly keep the foreign nationals, especially their own, calm. Only the medical and Military Police personnel are active.

"Second Lieutenant Itami!" a Japanese voice calls out as uniformed and non-uniformed members of the JSDF gather around the first combat officer they can find.

Lieutenant Itami recognizes the one who called out to him as being in the next platoon of his company. The man is clearly out of breath and his off duty uniform is stained with blood and dirt as well as torn in a couple of places. Despite that, he manages to keep himself standing upright and salutes.

"Sir, you're the only combat officer we can find," the man informs him, despite a uniformed captain being present, the man's markings are that of general staff. "What are your orders sir?"

Itami didn't like it. Enemy numbers unknown, lack of arms, and no communications between the various units. It is doubtful that the US Embassy Marines have been training with the JSDF at any recent exercise and then there were the UK Royal Marines.

Itami could not remember the last time he ever heard of a training exercise with the Royal Marines.

Just great. How did he get stuck with this? All he wanted to do was feed his otaku lifestyle. Now here he is, effectively commanding the only JSDF response on the ground until the Central Readiness Force and the Eastern Army could organize and bring up its troops.

"Get yourselves sorted first and foremost," Itami orders the gathered men and women, "Rifles in one group, Engineering in another, Medical in a third, and so on. Move it!" he claps his hands for added emphasis.

In moments, Itami has his motley command sorted out. The highest ranking officer is the captain in uniform. Itami has him take command of the non-combat personnel and gets them out of the way by assisting the overtaxed police and Palace Guards with support duties. Then he takes the combat personnel and sees what he can arm them with.

It isn't good. The US Marines had brought some extra weapons, but are critically short on ammunition. A supply column ferrying supplies for the 25th US Infantry Division had arrived and unloaded their supplies, but most of that is, admittedly very badly needed, medical and food supplies. What the convoy did have are four M1126 Stryker IAVs with ammunition crates full of .50 caliber BMG rounds and belts. The four have their Brownings loaded for action, but must be manually operated by volunteers as the Protector systems have been taken offline and only the drivers are with the vehicles.

Still, there are simply not enough arms and armor to go around. The unarmed soldiers hide, waiting for the inevitable weapon to be made available. All they can hope for is that the JSDF gets to them fast.

Before and around them, as the police finish arraying their lines and the soldiers get as comfortable as possible in their shallow fox holes, the great gates of the Imperial Palace slam shut. The sounds of the gates being barricaded could be heard next. Fortunately, some enterprising road workers had brought their vehicles with them. As such, the gates should be well fortified.

Hopefully.

Those walls now didn't seem like they could resist a European-style siege that they are about to be subjected to. At least not for long. Defenders could be seen on the ramparts. The towers manned by guardsman.

The sounds of the advancing enemy reaches their ears. The battle horns blowing, the occasional wyvern flying just out there. The sounds of marching feet and hooves. The monsters that had come also make noise.

And before them, are late arrivals. Civilians fleeing death. The gates are now closed and barred. The officers usher them where they can. Fortunately, there are few approaches. All of them guarded.

'But for how long can we hold?' Itami thinks to himself. 'We are maybe a 500 strong. They must number at least 5,000. Worse, they are armed. Most of us are not.'

Eyeing the American Strikers, the 33 year old otaku lieutenant worries they will not be enough.

The enemy is visibly lining up now. They have siege equipment. Just perfect. Just what they didn't need.

Itami notes his guess of numbers have been off. There must be closer to 10,000 directly before them. Fortunately, some are moving off to attack other areas. Unfortunately, even if they repel the first attack, they might not hold for the second one. The third one would be it. There would be no fourth time.

"Huh?" an American Marine with binoculars suddenly mutters, "Looks like the enemy commander is unhappy with his mission. But he looks like the duty-bound kind. Great."

Lieutenant Itami sighs.

'Just my luck to be right here with an enemy commander who doesn't like his assignment and yet carries it out faithfully.'

Sighing once more, he mentally counts down.

On zero, the horns blow and the first assault begins.

XXXX

Private Ryan stabs his bayonet deep in the pig monster and fires two bursts as he yanks his borrowed bayonet free.

He looks around, another pair of officers, ones he guided here safely through the hell that this part of Tokyo has become, get dragged away wounded by their fellow officers.

Fortunately, both men are still alive, but badly wounded from spear and axes. It is more than he can say for the Military Policemen who had arrived to reinforce their checkpoint. All, but one of the 20-strong detachment are dead or wounded. Those damnable wyvern riders being the cause, along with their mounts.

They lost the high ground and now enemy archers are taking as many shots at them as they are back at the invaders.

And numbers are telling.

"Where the hell are those reinforcements!" Ryan shouts angrily as he brings down another pair of enemy pigs before spinning back into cover where a couple of officers are hiding in fear. "You two, get back up and fight! You'll die for sure if you don't!"

Neither man understands his words. But they soon understand what he means. Kicking and smacking them, he gets them into covered positions where they begin to fire into the invaders.

At first, there is fear and hesitance. Yet with each passing shot and every positive prompt from him, that changes. Slowly at first, then somewhat faster, and suddenly the two are helping hold the line. Their shots well placed and the enemy paying the price.

Moving up and down the checkpoint's line, the American soldier helps shore up the defenses. Pushing bodies out of the way and reopening lines of fire and rebuilding defenses. He drags the wounded away to safety, sometimes carrying them as he dodges arrows. He encourages the police officers with actions. Single handedly forcing the enemy archers to seek cover. He reorganizes the defense and brings new energy back into the worn out defenders.

And the line holds under the Private's guidance.

Nodding as the enemy falters for a moment, Ryan roadie runs to where their CP had been set up. Up until a pair of wyverns had guided catapult stones on the position. If only they had been able to put it in one of the buildings. Unfortunately, it needed a clear line of sight to communicate with the mortars once the Forward Observers had been chased away or killed. Yet they were able to get the catapults back with one last communication before the CP was destroyed.

Now Ryan is rifling through it and finds what he is hoping for.

By luck, fate, or the Grace of God, there is the radio and the trench binoculars. A little battered, but once Ryan clears the wreckage and bodies, he manages to reestablish contact with Camp Nerima.

"Welcome to the net," the operator has confirmed his identity. "What's your situation."

A cry as the last MP gets grabbed by a wyvern and then tossed into a parked car doesn't bode well.

On the other hand, the wyvern's rider made a fatal mistake. One of the energized officers plants a round through the man's head.

"Heavy fighting, heavy casualties," Ryan states immediately, "Requesting fire mission, danger close."

"Roger that," the operator at the other end requests how close is Danger Close.

Ryan's answer comes straight from the history books, "Stay on the line and you can talk to them."

"Roger that, we have a battery of 155s at the ready. Detailing two guns to you," the operator reports.

"Where are our mortar teams?" Ryan is grateful for the bigger punch. Yet where are his mortars?

"Mortars teams had to relocate," the operator supplies, "Those flying bastards have been a pain in the ass."

Ryan sighs. Then reads off the coordinates as he gazes through the observation sights.

"Shots outbound, find cover."

"TAKE COVER!" Ryan shouts to the officers, "INCOMING MAIL!"

Their English, thankfully, is good enough to know that artillery is now coming in.

Ten minutes later, four Type-74s and a squadron of light vehicles roll in. The tanks and vehicles are covered in soldiers. Once they park and the tanks fire off a four round volley, the infantry advance up. The two 155mm Howitzers have already decided the fate of the checkpoint.

Ryan sits down breathing heavily as an entire case of bottled water is dropped next to him. He looks over to see a medic reaching down and taking his helmet off. The SWAT helmet is pitted and scarred, but Ryan is alive thanks to it and the SWAT armor he wears. Nevertheless, he discovers his thirst and that he has half an arrow sticking out of him.

Even with all of the red blood, Ryan would think he would be feeling it as he drinks some desperately needed water before suddenly blacking out.

Of 36 bottles in the pack. Ryan alone drank 15 of them in rapid succession before passing out from resulting blood loss.

XXXX

Itami puts a round through one of the monster's' chest. Taking careful aim, he shoots another through the left eye. Then he reloads.

The Marine next to him is lifted up by two Royal Marines and they make off for the makeshift field hospital.

But the JSDF officer is too busy directing his own men to spare a glance at the wounded Marine. Not since he stopped the bleeding of the man's neck. Then managed to bind the wound close without cutting off the man's air supply. The Royal Marines then arrived and took over while Itami had taken up the wounded man's weapons and ammo.

Somehow they have repulsed two of the three assaults already. Wrecked battering rams and destroyed ladders bare mute testament to this. Along with hundreds of enemy dead.

Yet as Itami pulls the trigger, he mentally counts his remaining rounds.

Already, the M9 Beretta is out of ammunition. Not that it matters. Itami had chucked it at some enemy soldiers during their last rush on the defense lines.

But the M16 he has in hand now is almost out of ammunition and the bayonet is deeply lodged in an enemy dead. Itami hadn't been able to free it and had left it. Now he's just down to two magazines that are barely half full and he's already three-quarters of the way through his current magazine.

'Where are those reinforcements?' the Japanese man wonders.

Then there is the roar of jet engines and the air is shattered by the arrival of F-36 Thunderstorm fighters from the USS America. The single engine aircraft identify their targets thanks to UAVs hovering over the combat space, far above the enemy dragon riders and their mounts. The planes streak in and release their General Purpose Gravity Bombs.

Founts of pyrotechnics exploded upwards. Short lived orange, yellow, and red balls of flame burst to the heavens far above. The curling smoke gives them the temporary appearance of sickly black mushrooms.

As enemy ranks fall or scatter, several planes activate their fanjets and spin in tight arc to come back around for a Gun Run. The American planes spit out twin streams of 25mm General Purpose shells at the enemy ranks, causing mass confusion and causalities before the pilots switch back to horizontal flight and shoot off to escape charging dragons and their riders.

At that time, the America's embarked Marines begin their approach in their assault helicopters as the JSDF starts its counterattack from several other locations.

The first to arrive are the helicopter gunships of both the JSDF and the USF-J. The Cobra Gatling guns and Apache chain guns begin clearing the air. Then vehicles of the 1st Division appear driving forward while others stop and unload troops who quickly begin engaging the attackers.

The Imperial Palace manages to get through the hours long siege as the US Marines fast rope in and bring up their heavier firepower, including 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm Mortars to give the defenses more of an edge and finally drive back the forces that had reached the gates and left massive dents in them.

XXXX

Hours later, the battle still rages. Many pockets of resistance have to be found and cleared out. The number of enemies are still estimated to be in the thousands, well over 20,000 opponents in fact. It will take a whole day to clear them all out.

But now, the JSDF has been joined by the USF-J and both are beginning the process of finding and sweeping up the hold outs.

Lieutenant Itami chooses to sit this one out for the time being. After reuniting children with their parents and checking in on the wounded to see how they are doing, he now just sits observing the battle. His uniform is still at home and his post is with the 5th Brigade of the Northern Army all the way in Hokkaido.

As such, like the other personnel unable to return to their parent units and currently unneeded, he is just observing the battlefield and keeping an eye out for any invaders that had slipped by fighting forces.

At least this time, he's in a uniform. It is a spare uniform from the stores at Camp Asaka. Same with the gear he's wearing and the rifle he has. The only thing that are his is the shorts, dog tags, and socks he's wearing.

The 33-year old Second Lieutenant looks just as he acts, a slacker. He's a self proclaimed, though he follows through on it, otaku. He's only in the JGSDF because it helps to feed his hobby. If asked which came first, it would be his hobby.

Aside from short, brown hair grown to slightly longer than regulational, he's pretty average in the looks department. A few freckles and a somewhat longer face than average. His brown eyes tend to have a bored look about them, unless it has something to do with his hobby, then they light up with excitement.

Really, just like any other soldier in uniform, if it wasn't for the rank tab, you'll think he was a mid-20 something year old private. Just another face in the ranks. Completely forgettable. Unless you are a friend of his, like say the Minister of Defense Kanou Tarou for example, or his wife, Itami Risa.

Suddenly, a pack of gum appears just below his eye level. He looks down to see a fully kitted US Marine holding out the pack. Thanking the man, Itami takes one of the pieces of gum out and slips it from its packaging before he begins to chew on it. The Marine just leans back against the wall that Itami is sitting atop as chewing some gum.

"Must have been hell," the American's accent isn't too bad. To Itami that said the Marine had previous deployments to Okinawa.

"As always," Itami begins with a sigh, "It could have been worse as they say."

"Much worse if the America hadn't been scheduled to come in today," the Marine sighs as another ambulance arrives to offload more wounded civilians. "Sorry it took so long lieutenant. We were prepping to dock, not fight off a medieval fantasy game come to life," the Marine shook his head, "I can't believe I just said that and yet, there's a dead, what's the term? Wyvern?"

"Depends on the language translation, but yes," Itami supplies also seeing the dead small dragon some 90 meters away from them. The rider, a young man of perhaps 17 or 18 years had been arrested by Riot Police after his mount had been shot out from under him by a JSDF AH-64D Apache.

"Completely insane," the Marine responds shaking his head once more. "And no doubt we'll be seeing magic sooner or later. Hopefully after the balance of forces are moved in after we can fortify that weird structure in Ginza."

"How bad was the US Embassy hit?" Itami asks out of the blue and the Marine shifts to look at him briefly before turning back to the front he's watching.

"Bad," the Marine responds, "A number of senior staff were killed and most of the Marines stationed there as well. The whole complex was torn up or gutted by fire. Mostly the latter. These guys did use some siege weapons on it, that's how they overpowered the Marines there."

"Talk about annoying," Itami responds growling lightly, "I was all set to go to the doujinshi convention too and now my country has to worry about a mysterious gate and army that have killed not only our own people, but foreign nationals and diplomatic staff," Itami finishes off with a sigh as he feels a migraine coming on.

"And that's before we get a headcount of how many we're going to lose to mop up the rest," the Marine added with genuine concern for those heading into harm's way right now.

Just because the Devil Dogs love combat, doesn't mean they love the dying part that goes with it.

Unless it is the other guy doing the dying. Then they are perfectly fine with it. Just as the other guy would be perfectly fine with of his guys being safe and the Marines dying instead.

Eh. Just how war is.

"What do you think President Gray will do?" Itami wonders as he knows that the US President is currently new to the job, despite having served in Congress for years. He only hope he doesn't act anything like the disgraced previous President Derril did.

"The guy's nephew was caught up in this and barely escaped with his life," the Marine sighs, "It will likely be a firm approach, short of war, but enough to send a message and if need be, establish a forward base by which to wage war if peace cannot be obtained peaceful means."

"My thoughts as well," Itami replies and sighs again.

There goes his plans to visit places of his hobby for the next year or so.

XXXX

Yes, short, but what prologues are supposed to be stories unto themselves? They are meant to be short. Not a full chapter. Hence why they are called Prologues.

Admittedly… I think I can still use some work in them.

Now some might wonder why I suddenly jumped into this one?

Well, I was watching the Anime and got a bit angry about the portrayal of the USA.

Need I remind Japan, that our presence in Japan is because Japan ATTACKED the USA and LOST!

Blame yourselves, not the USA!

Then our continued presence is the wish of the Communists and Russians. For whatever reason, they can't seem to think peace is any good. Then again, if there is peace, then there are calls for Democracy and Transparency. So yeah. Good reason to keep the world in a state of permanent conflict.

Anyways, rant aside (no matter how true it is), I actually really took a disliking to the USA portrayal. True, I believe that if the CIA were to go up against some well trained and equipped personnel, the Political Desk Jockeys in it would get their teams killed because let's face it, the SGF is actually a professional SOF group, not a bunch of murders and rapists with guns, knives, and enough drugs to make the Cartels jealous.

But then again, they would have to be truly inept to send personnel up like that. Even the Russian and Chinese agents wouldn't be THAT brash. Why? Because it isn't Chechnya or Eastern China. So going to a place owned by the Japanese government and likely guarded by the SGF is something that wouldn't happen and most definitely not with an overnight plan.

In addition, I checked a few things. While I don't have all of the locations for the Embassies in Japan, a great many embassies are in the immediate area near Ginza. If the Empire's expedition had spread throughout the city of Tokyo, then yes, there is an almost certainty that the Minato Ward which borders the Chūō Ward, where Ginza is located, would have been attacked. It is in Minato Ward most of the embassies, including the USA Embassy Mission to Japan, can be found.

The translation for the number of tourists and staff lost because of this simple fact cannot be understated.

Especially among US Forces-Japan personnel since Tokyo is home to several US Military facilities and the Yokota Air Base which hosts several units of the US Air Force, including a CAP squadron.

In addition, other installations, both operated alone by the USF-J and jointly with the JSDF are located in the immediate surrounding cities. Both Kanagawa and Yokohama host not only USF-J military facilities, but also support facilities and housing for dependents of USF-J personnel.

There will be American losses, one way or another. The size and scoop are the questions.

The JSDF would also likely swallow some pride in order to move quickly and call in available support from the USF-J. Maybe not directly to help the fighting in Tokyo, but at the very least to support the JSDF's counterattack with rearguard support and evacuate civilians and wounded.

In addition, 15 Embassies (but I could only find named: UK, Belgium, Ireland, and Israel) are in the area of the Imperial Palace. Of them, I found that the UK Embassy borders the Imperial Palace, separated by only the western moat. Two others are located in the same area, Belgium and Ireland. Israel's embassy is in Nabin-cho. All five, plus the 10 other embassies, are located in the Chiyoda Ward which borders both Chūō Ward and Minato Ward.

So any attack by the Empire from the Special Region would immediately involve an international incident. Given that the Empire's expeditionary forces arrived and were in the process of beginning to lay siege to the Imperial Palace, it can be assumed automatically, that the 15 embassies around it were also put into considerable danger, if not outright attacked.

So there was a major foul up in regards to the damage done. In real world concepts, the US would have likely gone with Japan to the Special Region. Other nations 'might' have volunteered, making the mission a UN mission. Unless the USA had been able to use some of its political clout to confine the number of forces to a smaller number.

In the Crunchyroll subtitles, the unit of the JSDF sent through the Gate to the Special Region is translated to be the 5th Division. That division was disbanded some time ago. Its elements passed onto other units, though I've read the core forces were used to form the 5th Brigade. But using the 5th Brigade is a bit of a stretch. The men of the 5th Brigade are part of the Northern Army on the northern island of Hokkaido.

The JGSDF's 1st Division is located within sight of Ginza. They are stationed in Nerima (yes, THAT Nerima). Nerima Ward is just two Wards over from Chiyoda Ward or borders with a small strip between two others. The 1st Division would have likely learned something of an attack was going on in quite the hurry.

Storywise, JGSDF 5th Infantry Division could have been reactivated and reformed as the expeditionary lead unit of the JSDF. As time passes, additional assets are assigned to the division and it expands in size including elements of the JASDF.

This time, though, in my story, the US military will be tagging along. While recognizing the Japanese claim, for now, it can be argued to be a bit much. So to keep the ChiComms calm, the US military assembles an Expeditionary Brigade made up of elements of the US Army and Marines in the first wave.

The Army, because they have not only Tanks like the Marines, but also the Stryker IAV and Bradley IFV/CFV. The Marines will be tagging along as part of the brigade because they have their AAV-7 Amphibs and also operate Cobra Attack helicopters and Huey Utility Helicopters.

More to follow as the chapters develop.

(Can't tell everything up front, now can I?)