The Imperial Capital, one week after the Jagears return...

"You didn't have to come, you know?" Drake asked the question to the young man besides him.

"I know you blame yourself for his passing and all, but you didn't have to come."

"I was right there when Bols died. It's only right I be there when his family learns of it. I owe him that much." Wave responded, determination springing from his voice. "Besides, I want to be here."

The two Jagears were on their way to Bols household.

Originally Esdeath desired to stop by personally and inform the passing of her subordinate to his family, but some event that has taken place in the Eastern Territories a few days ago has the palace in an uproar.

It wasn't the planned insurrection from the Path of Peace just about everyone in the know had been expecting.

Whatever was happening Prime Minister Honest himself showed signs of concern.

Now Esdeath and a number of other high ranking officials were bottled up in some secret meeting to discuss what the hell was going on and how they should react.

Seeing as her attention was needed elsewhere, the 'good' general decided to write a simple letter and see it delivered to Bols's family.

Now Drake knew fully well that for cases like Bols whom devoted themselves to the Empire (or whatever cause they've been fighting for) that was pretty damn close to giving his family the middle finger.

Best to deliver the news in person, helps give an idea of how much Bols or those like him were cared about by those they've worked with.

Drake had plenty of experience with similar matters over the years.

Wave, in his stubborn way, followed Drake as he took it upon himself to give Boll's family the grim news. After giving up on yelling at the boy that he could do this on his own, he decided to try and pick apart the boy's reasons for coming.

Sure Wave still blamed himself for Bols death, but given how out of sorts he'd been for the past week Drake though the boy wouldn't have the stomach for this.

It can get emotional real quick.

Yet here he was, brimming with determination and a 'no nonsense' attitude.

Drake admitted the boy grew up some since the lot of them got together, though this attitude he had about probably been brought on by his goal of 'making amends' with Bols.

He'd seen it countless times in the army. Half the time it helped people move on and become better people, the other half they stop somewhere along the way and everything comes crashing down.

Wave a strong lad though, he should be able to pull through with this no problem. Least that's what he hoped.

...

There he went again, carrying about the people he's been spying on.

Drake silently cursed. He honestly had no idea what will happen once his cover's blown.

'But that's why I'm here, brother.' The familiar and loathsome voice of his 'brother' rang out in his mind.

If Drake ever had a reason to kill himself, it would be to stop that damn alternate personality of his from takin to him.

And here most figured he as the normal one in Clockwork. Hell all of 'em were crazy in one way or another.

Except Joker.

Aside from the fact that he's perfectly fine wearing skin tight spandex and a painted mask that made him a sight that'll scare children he's the most normal of the group.

And these were the same guys planing to set everything right again.

Pretty concerning huh?


The two Jagears arrived at the household of Bols's family within the next half hour.

It was a simple abode, commonly seen across the Capital. Brown tiled roof, wood and stone build walls, the usual works.

Set in a somewhat open district, one with actual grass behind most homes within it. Sort of like a suburb you'd see around some massive cities only this one was inside.

So a reverse suburb.

Drake and Wave stood in front of the house for a few moments, the last quiet moments before walking into the almost 100% likely emotional shit storm they were about to set loose.

Drake step forward, knocking on the door three times.

By the time he stepped back the door was halfway open.

Peeking out of the gap was none other than Kurono; Bols's stunning, blond wife.

"Hello? Is there something you need?" The attractive woman asked, glancing at the two men before her home.

"Kurono, was it?" Drake started. "We have some news about your husband Bols. Tell me, is Illia home?"

"No...She's over at one of her friend's house for a party." Kurono replied, opening the door all the way. "Why? Did something happen?"

Drake glanced at Wave for a moment. The latter met his gaze.

He let out a slight sigh. "It's for the best she isn't here for this." Drake returned his gaze to the woman before him. "May we come in? It's...a bit of a long story."

"Sure..." The housewife replied with some curious concern. No doubt already forming ideas of what this was about.

She stepped aside, allowing the two to enter.

Drake step in first, Wave following close behind. The door closed behind them, a bitter reminder for Wave of how one's life can end as simply as a door opening and closing.

Kurono lead the two further in, sitting them down in what was assumed to be the living room. She set off to make some tea, allowing the two Jagears to steal themselves for the task at hand.

Honestly, that calm might have been the only thing keeping Wave from breaking out right then and there.


Meanwhile, inside the Imperial Palace.

Gathered within a vast, closed off room was, Prime Minister Honest, Koukei the Minister of Military Affairs, Fuyu the Chairmen of the Sentate and every single general available to attend the emergency summons.

That matter of which they discussed many almost immediately ruled as a inconsiderate prank by some noblemen or other member of status whom wished to cast the Empire up at arms.

An expected response, given the matter at hand.

"What the reports say make no sense!" One of the various generals -a short black haired man with a curly mustache- shouted. "It's impossible that this is accurate. Clearly whomever wrote this is either insane, a fool, or a damn prankster with far to much time on their hands!"

A chorus of acknowledgments ran out for several other generals.

"I believe we should send a detachment of soldiers to the region to ascertain the truth." One of the few generals differing in the opinion of the majority suggested.

This suggestion was meet with a wave of endless, mostly resistant opinions.

"And waste valuable time and resources? Are you quite mad?"

"We need all available troops here for the rebellion we've all been expecting for sometime. If there are any merit to these reports, and I'm certainly not suggesting there is, wouldn't it benefit us that these event are transpiring in Kyoroch or all places? Why should we step in if these...things are assaulting the one likely sparking flame of revolution would take place?"

"Don't you think we have an obligation to the people of the Empire to protect them from dangers such as those reported?"

"Absolutely not because this so called threat doesn't exist! These people want us to divert troops to the city in the hopes of distracting us for the real threat in the South!"

"What sense would it be to divert are attention to the one place the revolution is likely to start?"

"I have absolutely no idea, but seeing as your mind is set on sending forces there then why don't you ask the rebel sympathizers within the city? I'm sure they will be delighted to reveal their grand scheme to a high ranking Imperial officer such as yourself. Assuming they don't draw their blades at the mere sight of your presence, meager as it maybe."

"Enough!" Minister Koukei shouted.

The minister was a young, blond haired male no older than 26. He, like most in power, climbed to his current stature through blackmail and bribery.

Currently he uses his stature to cover his illegal trade of military munitions and arms for his own personal profit.

Additionally, the man aided Honest in eliminating several generals that openly opposed the current government through falsifying crimes against the Empire and swiftly executing each and everyone.

Though Koukei's as corrupt as most within the Empire, the boy knows enough to handle his charge quite well. Damn fine minister for this field.

Whether this was natural talent, inspiration to hold his current position for as long as he's able or in his own twisted way a die hard patriot of the Empire was anyone's guess.

"Regardless of if this threat is realistic or not. The matter warrants us to investigate the area, thoroughly, for anything even remotely related to these sightings." The minster said with unquestionable authority.

"A waste of time Minister Koukei." One of the generals all to hastily replied. "This is nothing more than a prank, and a poor one at that."

Koukei's eyes narrowed on the general.

"I think not, general. If this was nothing but a mere jest we wouldn't have revived the overwhelming amounts of reports that my subordinates are still filtering through. There is something going on in the East, and I intend to find out what with or without your approval."

The minister paused a few moments before continuing. "And one more thing, speak out of turn again and I will have you shot."

That particular general shuttered. He, along with everyone else in the room knew Koukei as a man of his word. The general decided it best to comply and remained silent for the rest of the meeting.

"That's quite enough hostility minister." Prime Minister Honest toned in. "Like you say, we've gathered here to decide our course of action in response to the events transpiring in Kyoroch, not bicker among ourselves like a flock of poultry."

"Prime Minister, I believe I have a solution." Chairman Fuyu cut it, raising his hand both to draw attention to himself and receive permission to speak.

The Chairman stood next to his fellow Partas survivor General Esdeath, the latter portraying a face of pure boredom.

Before Honest or Koukei could reply, whispers among the generals flooded through the room.

"What's the Chairmen of the Senate doing here?"

"Don't you know? He and General Esdeath used to be quite the pair a few years ago."

"Ah yes, the Tyrant Duo I believe."

"While Esdeath is a powerful general who knows how to get the most out of her men, Fuyu's a tactical genius. They say he defeated an entire invading army with only a single platoon."

"Not to mention he's the fastest man within the Empire. How do you think he acquired the name Flash Demon?"

"But he's retired from the army, so why is he here?"

"Politicians should know there place."

"Quite!" Minister Koukei shouted -A tad more calmly than before-

"Chairmen Fuyu is present here upon my request. I thought the expertise of a previously formidable general would prove invaluable for this situation."

Prime Minister Honest gaze upon the Chairmen, half-smiling. "I hope words of these foolish men doesn't deter you from sharing your solution."

He moved one hand towards his grey beard and began stroking it. "Please, speak your mind my friend."

"Gladly." Fuyu replied with a smirk. His gaze shifting to the Minister of Military Affairs.

"As you say Minister Koukei, we require more information in order to properly react to the growing situation in the East. I purpose we send my dear sister General Esdeath and her Jagears for that very task."

A slight roar of quite gasps and mutter came for the generals around the chairmen.

"The Jagears are a special policing force. Sending them to ascertain if these reports are true certainly falls within their jurisdiction." The Chairmen continued. "Under that pretext, there will be no need to deploy a military force of any size thus leaving the Capital well defended."

"If the reports are false, then the Jagears will search for the ones responsible for spreading these lies and punish them accordingly. If they happen to be true, then I'm certain that a group comprised of Imperial Arms users should be more than able to handle the situation."

"In either case, I'm positive General Esdeath and her subordinates will bring us a favorable outcome."

"You make a good point." Koukei replied. He glanced at Honest, waiting for his output.

The latter nodded slowly a few times, seemingly contempt with the idea. He looked at General Esdeath. "What do you say General Esdeath? Are the Jagears up for the task?"

The Partas survivor grinned. "I think my Jagears are more than capable for the task at hand."

"Then it's decided." Honest said with a cheery smile. "Care to make it official Minister Koukei?"

The Minister nodded in response. "General Esdeath and the Jagear special police force are hereby assigned to investigate the situation in the Eastern city of Kyoroch, report back their findings, and act accordingly to whatever you may find."

"With this deceleration, I call this emergency meeting adjured."


Back at Bols's household...

Kurono came back from the kitchen, tray in hand. Atop the simple metal piece was a tall kettle and three decorated cups. She set the tray down on a table between her two guests.

She pored the tea into the three cups, handing each out once she had finished.

The two Jagears thanks her, Wave a bit more quietly than Drake.

The latter glanced at the young man before taking a sip of the tea. Wave hunched over, simply stared into the cup all doom and gloom like.

Drake let out a sigh, taking another sip before looking into the eyes of Bols's wife.

By that time, Kurono had taken a seat, cup in hand, patiently waiting for either of the two to start on why they were here.

"There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just say it." Drake said in a resigned tone. "Bols is dead."

Kurono blinked a few times. There was no change in her outer appearance.

She's a strong woman, Drake had to admit, but even so he knew the news hit her hard.

After a few lasting moments of silence, Kurono opened her mouth to speak. The words didn't come at first, but when they did they showed some hints on how she was taking all this.

"How did he die?" Kurono asked.

"He died in the line of duty. Fighting against the enemies of the Empire." Drake slapped a hand on Wave's back. "He save young Wave here, one of his own comrades from sharing the same fate."

"That's not true!" Wave suddenly shouted, snapping out of the trance he seemed to be in. He shot up, almost tipping the cup held in his left hand. "Bols died because I wasn't strong enough! If only I was he would be-"

"I'm sure you've done everything you could have." Kurono said with a sad smile. She turned her head to the young man. "My husband is-was a good man. Don't blame yourself for his sacrifice, that's the last thing he would've wanted."

Wave clenched his fist. Don't blame himself? How could he not?! If he noticed sooner, if only he was faster, stronger then Bols would been alive.

While it's true there was no point in wallowing in self pity over it, Wave couldn't help but think of what could have been and ended up hating himself for it. It's in his nature after all.

If nothing else it helped fulled his desire to create his ideal world.

Now if only he could figure out how to usurer it in.

"How long are you going to keep beating yourself over this boy?" Drake half shouted. "It's like I told you before, there was nothing you could've done to change it."

Wave turned his head slightly, closing his eyes as his face cringed up in anger. "It's my fault!" He shouted. "Bols would still be alive if I wasn't so careless!"

Kurono shook her head. "You're not the one to blame here Wave." She smiled.

"Don't hate yourself for what you couldn't control. Life has it's good and bad points. What matters is if we have the strength to overcome those hard times and keep moving on."

Wave opened his eyes. His gaze hit the floor. Not only Drake but now Bols's wife was lecturing him. How embarrassing could this day get?

Drake turned his gaze to Kurono. "Your taking this better than I thought."

The latter turned her head. "I've...We've been preparing for this situation for some time now..."

She closed her eyes, smiling. "Bols taught us everything he could for this day. He wanted us to know that even though he's gone that we should continue living for him."

Wave turned his head to Kurono, eyes flickering in surprise. "Did Bols really say that?"

Kurono opened her eyes. She nodded. "My husband always knew one day he'd be judged for all his past sins. In spite of that, Bols didn't want us to wallow in despair when he eventually passed."

"It'll be hard without him here any longer. Little Illia especially will take it hard. Those two were inseparable when he was home."

Drake saw balls of water forming at the ends of Kurono's eyes as she spoke the last bit.

She had a damn fine talent for hiding her feelings. The poor woman must be torn up inside.

Seeing as the act was starting to fade, Drake placed the cup on the table before him.

"Sorry for taking up so much of your time." He said before standing up. "We'll be leaving now."

Kurono wiped the tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes. She stood up, smiling.

"I thank you for taking the time to personally deliver the news of my husband's passing." She said with a slight bow.

"Don't mention it." Drake replied, tapping Wave on the shoulder.

The two Jagears moved down the hallway they originally came from and out the door. They turned, facing Kurono whom followed them to the doorway.

"Bols was a close friend to many in our unit." Drake spoke. "Should you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"I will, thank you." Kurono humbly replied. "Take care."

"You too. Say hi to the little one for me."

Kurono closed the door. Moments after, Drake let out a sigh.

He always hated these 'condolence runs', left a bad taste in his mouth every time. Though this time was one of the more mellow experiences, so at least there's that.

He turned to Wave, the latter silent which was rather abnormal for the lad.

Hell this entire day the boy hadn't been acting right. 'Not that it should matter.' Drake reminded himself.

Wave repeated what Kurono had previously said over and over in his mind.

To live for him, that's what Bols wanted from his family.

To live for him...

It had been simple, yet the young man in his sorrows failed to see it.

They were right. Bols didn't want people to mourn for his passing, rather renew themselves with the determination to continue living.

The young Jagear could punch himself for how idiotic he'd been up till now. No more hating himself for what could have been, for Bols's sake if nothing more.

Wave looked up to Drake staring at him.

"You ok old man?"

Drake raised an eyebrow. "Are you boy?"

Wave smiled. "Yeah...Let's go home."


Sometime later...

Chairmen Fuyu casually strolled the halls of the Imperial Palace.

Keeping pace beside him was Jast, whom informed him of his recent success of gaining the Emperor's trust by opening his eyes to the truth and that Commander Budo is a like minded individual whom wishes to rid the Empire of the rotten cancer infesting it's beating heart.

Now with his added gain of diverting General Esdeath and his Jagears to the East there was little in the way of Clockwork's next step.

With Prime Minster Honest personally debriefing the Jagears, now was the best time to talk with the young Emperor.

"Damn fine work Jast." Fuyu said, barely containing the joy in his voice. "Thanks to you, our ideal world is one major step closer to coming true."

"I should be thanking you for placing such trust in me." Jast replied. "It's only through you that we've managed to come this far."

"It's through the efforts of many that we've come this far. Though I'll admit its thanks to my coordination that those efforts bore fruit."

Jast nodded in agreement. "We owe everything to you my friend. By the way, how did you managed to separate Honest from the Emperor in the first place."

"It's quite simple. I ask one of my girls; Luna to be specific, to divert the fatass's attention." Fuyu bluntly replied. "Fortunately Luna's clever enough to have avoided sleeping with the bastard, but she's still steaming mad at the whole ordeal."

Senator Jast remember that particular one. Blue hair, quite type who likes to speak her mind, quite sassy. Surprised she agreed to the whole thing.

Then again, Fuyu did save her and her friends' from a worse fate...

"I'll be surprised if she doesn't try to kill you." Jast said with a smile.

Fuyu let out a single laugh. "I know right? I'm sure she'll be giving me an ear full once this is over with."

The two remained silent for the remaining time it took to reach the thrown room.

They stood in front of the door, staring at the massive form for the next few moments.

Fuyu turned his head to Jast, the latter meeting his gaze.

The Chairmen smirked. "Ready?"

Jast nodded. They turned back to the door.

Fuyu stepped forward, pushing the massive double doors.

The doors swung opened, revealing a line of Royal Guardsmen lined up a few feet from the entry all the way to the steps leading to the young Emperor.

Standing beside the young ruler was Commander Budo, looking intimidating as always.

"Chairmen Fuyu. Senator Jast. Welcome." The Emperor cheerfully said as the two stepped further into the room."I hope your trip has been eventful Chairmen."

"It certainly was, your highness." Fuyu replied with a smile.

Finally, all their planing and actions had lead them to this moment.

The official start of their fight against the corruption.

"Now if I maybe so bold your highness." Fuyu smirked. "Shall we get down to business?"


Meanwhile, at Night Raid's HQ...

Najenda, in her personal study, glanced at a few dozen maps and other documents spread across the desk before her.

She sat in her favorite lounge chair; a simple wooded one with red cushions.

The leader of Night Raid let out a sigh. Her last plan, a simple ambush on the about half the Jagears ended in less than satisfying results.

1st was the unexpected appearance of Chairmen Fuyu, the Flash Demon. His power rivals that of General Esdeath, but this wasn't played against them as the next unexpected event took place almost immediately after.

The interruption of two other forces; the known Clockwork -whom despite knowing of HQ's orders to eliminate the group still treated Night Raid as allies for the most part- and a mysterious group referring to themselves as the Sons of Nores, most likely cultists given their fanatical vocabulary.

Najenda hadn't a clue who they were are what their goal is, but one thing's for sure. They possess powerful, ungodly abominations.

The Dracolith, a skeleton dragon like monstrosity capable of going toe to toe with an Ultra-class Danger Beast and win. Not only that, but upon its seeming defeat several dozen dark purple 'shadows' spawn from it's remains.

According to Susanoo, whom fought them in the previous battle, these shadows weren't nearly as powerful as the Dracolith.

However, they seemed to excel at physiological attacks as they can communicate directly into a person's mind sending various messages referencing death and the afterlife.

On top of being able to closely mimic the Dracolith's dreaded screech, these shadows would dishearten the hearts of most any they could fight against.

Fortunately these shadows were all seemingly destroyed when the canyon collapsed.

Another cause for concern was the mask assailant. He fought five opponents at one point and still overpowered them all. It wasn't until Chairmen Fuyu engaged the man that he began to seem beatable.

He escaped, more than likely. As have the majority of the Sons of Nores.

The 3rd, and possibly the most frightening of these events, was Kurome's Z-class Danger Beast: Iwa Armadillo.

The Z-class were known for their overwhelming powers and strength capable of destroying small countries single handed or reshaping the face of an entire continent. Mostly they've died out in this day and age thanks to infighting between the Z-class.

Najenda honestly hoped that the Empire of all nations hadn't tangled with the formidable beasts especially given their disastrous results fighting them in the far distant past.

With Kurome in possession of one such beast, overlooking the fact it's a corpse puppet, the Jagears have become a much greater threat then ever before.

And who's to say that the Empire doesn't have a few other Z-class Danger Beasts hidden away?

This, along with the newest faction of power made the Revolutionary Army's goal of overthrowing the Empire all the more difficult.

As a result of that disaster, Leone was gravely injured but recovering nicely thanks to her healing factor and Chelsea's off who knows where.

The only real benefit to the battle was the death of the Jagear Bols, killed by the hands of the Clockwork agent Pyro.

That's twice he killed a mutual enemy and still HQ deems Clockwork as an enemy.

Who knows the reason why. Maybe the higher ups see something the rest of them can't.

In any case, it wasn't her place to question orders.

Some knocked on the door three times, snapping Najenda out of her train of thought. She looked up with her single eye.

"It's open." She said aloud.

The door slowly opened, revealing Walker on the other side.

"Hey boss." He said with a smile. He stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.

"Rough evenin?"

Najenda let out a sigh. 'You have no idea.' She thought to herself. "You could say that." She replied.

"Our last engagement with the Jagears have revealed a number of variables that I need to take into account for our next mission."

"It's a really pain in the ass, ain't it?" Walker said, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a cigarette.

"I know how you feel. When I used to lead my old mercenary unit and plan out these huge jobs it was always a headache. Worth it in the end though, since we all usually make it out alive and paid well."

Najenda watched as the merc lit his cigarette. It made her crave for a cigar. Later she told herself, once she was finished going over the details.

"We have to assume that there's a chance we'll run into these Sons of Nores on our way to Kyoroch. There's also the high possibility we'll run into the Jagears again if they caught onto our plan of assassinating the rat within the Path of Peace. Then we have the certain chance of meeting with Clockwork again as they seem to be following us anywhere we go."

"Loads of problems with few solutions eh?" Walker commented, exhaling a puff of smoke. "I remember those good ol' times. Doya always greeted the challenge with that confident smile of hers."

The merc frowned for a moment. "Shame she ended up a toy for some twisted little girl." He said in a half-whisper. "I shouldn't have left her in the North. Could've avoided all that had I known better."

Najenda waited in silence for a few moments. Doya was one of Kurome's other corpse puppets, one Walker knew well.

She could relate to her subordinate having gone through the same experience during that battle.

The only differences is that while General Rokgough's body has been shredded beyond recognition let alone use, Doya still remained one of Kurome's puppets despite the amount of damage her body had taken.

Walker would have to face the pain of fighting a friend who's not only fighting against their will but who's body is being desecrated through the usage of an Imperial Arms.

Thinking it best to get the man's mind off the terrible ordeal, Najenda began to share her plan for the upcoming mission.

"I though it best that once we've reached the city limits we approach in pairs to avoid suspension. Those of us who's faces are known will be in disguise to reduce the chances of drawing unwanted attention. Infiltrating the city should be easy enough given Kyoroch's a massive trade route in the Eastern territories."

"Aye." Walker simply agreed.

"Once we're in, we'll spend a day or two gathering information. Maybe we can find a way into the Path of Peace's Headquarters that doesn't involve breaking though the front door. There are a few agents in the city already so I'm sure they can help."

"I have a few allies in the city, least last time I heard from 'em." Walker added. "Havin' talked to them in ages so I'm sure they'd like to catch up."

"If you think that they can help."

"Aye they'll help. Number of 'em owe me a few favors."

Najenda half smiled. "Once we've gathered enough info we'll plan the assassination accordingly. That includes the approach, how we'll handle any bodyguards Bolic might have, how we'll divide our forces and so on."

"Look at you. Here I thought you were having trouble making up a plan." Walker said with a smirk.

Najenda returned it with one of her own.

"This is only the start of it. Everything else comes after I know the situation in Kyoroch and who we have to contend with."

"Understandable, given all the crap thrown into our eyes the other day."

Najenda leaned back in her chair, casually crossing her arms across her chest. There were a lot more factors added to this mission, all the more reason why it could fail.

It couldn't fail. The fate of the revolution as well as the Empire depended on the success of this very mission.

She looked at Walker.

"We'll be moving for Kyoroch tomorrow. It should take us a few days ride to make it to the city. I brief the others on the plan once we start to move."

"Rog, boss." Walker replied with a smirk. "Guess my visit helped you find you confidence huh?"

Najenda closed her eyes, shrugging her shoulders as a smile formed on her face. "Let's just say I found it reassuring to speak to someone about this."

"Happy to help." Walker said with the tip of his hat. "Unless you need anythin else on this fine evening, I'll be takin my leave."

"Carry on then."

With a nod, Walker turned around and exited the room.

Najenda opened her eyes. In a few days time everything would be decided at Kyoroch. Whether the revolution starts now or later and in turn the overthrow of the corrupted government all depended on Night Raid success.

Little did she know that the events at Kyoroch will decide more than if the Revolutionary Army moves now, rather it would become a foreshadowing of what could be in the near future...


Several days later, on the outskirts of Kyoroch...

On separate approaches, the Jagears and members of Night Raid traveled to the city of Kyoroch. Each unaware but suspecting of encountering the other, even if the chance was low.

Having fought each other for so long, the Jagears and Night Raid have accepted encountering each other with the same air as one would expect the sun to rise every single day.

Night Raid traveled along the eastern approach while the Jagears marched down the center path.

The two forces closed in on their destination, yet only one had an idea of what was waiting for them.

"Kyoroch just over this hill." Bulat said to his comrades.

"We should see Kyoroch soon." Run said, addressing General Esdeath more than any of the other Jagears.

The two groups held Kyoroch in sight.

Night Raid stopped at a cliff edge of sorts, more of a edge of a hill but with a jaggeder end.

They stared down at the city, jaws dropping, gasping and/or eyes twitching with disbelieve.

Najenda said what each of her subordinates were thinking.

"What the hell is this?"

The Jagears reacted in a similar way despite being debrief on the situation. The only two keeping their composure were Run and General Esdeath.

"It's worse then the reports say." Run said.

"This will certainly prove to be an interesting experience.." Esdeath added with a smile.

The forces of the Empire and Revolutionary Army witnessed an event so unbelievable that most wouldn't even consider a possibility.

The city had been surrounded on all sides.

The enemy force weren't Imperials, Revolutionaries, nor were they any sort of bandits.

It was something far worse, and far more nightmarish than any human.

Their sluggish movements, the dull grey color of their skin and most of all the moaning.

These beings are monstrosities.

This was abundantly apparent as the numerous arrows flying through the skies hit their targets and the damn things still wouldn't fall, unless hit with three or more at a time only to start slowly crawling towards the city.

It had been made clear to all but those who choose never to believe such a sight presented before them what force surrounded the heart of the Eastern Territories.

Kyoroch was under siege by the living dead.


Several days earlier, on the outskirts of Kyoroch...

Syura smiled widely, pleased at the sight before him.

While grotesque in every way, the army of the undead would become the open act of his plan for toying with the inhabitants of Kyoroch.

"Have to hand it to you Sons of Nores, never thought we could reuse toys after they reached their expiration date." He said with a smirk. "Necromancy, what a lovely art."

"These are but simple fodder. Easily to slay if one can figure out their weakness." Raven humbly replied. "However, if we were to employ such a spell over the entirety of the Empire their numbers would be endless."

"Now that would be a sight to see!" Syura said with a laugh. "The look on my father's face when he sees the country side overrun with walking corpses would be absolutely priceless!"

"I too look forward to seeing his face should that come to pass." Raven turned his head to his partner. "I've been meaning to ask, shouldn't those others you've been expecting have arrived in the Capital by now?"

"Maybe, maybe not." Syura replied with a careless shrug. "It's not like I care if those pawns have to wait around a few days for me."

Raven frowned. Syura always treated everything like a childish game. It made it rather annoying to deal with such an individual, still it was necessary. His status would aid them in furthering the grand design.

Now if only he would act seriously, this process would be so much more bearable.

"You should go and bring them up to speed. Any delay could hinder the plan and that would be bad, especially for the two of us." Raven started. "I'll oversee the situation here and join you once our business is concluded."

Syura crossed his arms behind his back. "But I wanna see the zombies attack the city~" He said in a childish whining way. Purposely of course, as a sort of joke.

Raven let out a sigh. "You can see the beginning if you really want Syura, but no longer than a day understand? I'm not kidding, should you delay this everything we've planned will go to ruin."

Syura frowned. "Alright fine! Don't get too inspired with these toys in my absence though!"

"No need to worry about that, I'm not as addicted to 'entertainment' as you." Raven swiftly replied. "Besides, this be an exceptional distraction while my men lay the ground work for the Corpse Garden."

"Guess you have a point. You are a dull person most of the time Raven." Syura said with a smirk. "Alright, I'll go once I see the opening act. Need to at least see the looks on these fools faces when an army of the undead comes limping up to their doorstep."

"That's fine." Raven replied.

'You spoiled bastard. If you weren't necessary to the plan I would've killed you long ago.' He thought to himself. 'One day, you're own actions will prove to be your undoing. And as you lay there dying in the mud, I'll be stand there smiling as I watch the light fade from your eyes.'

Though Raven didn't mention it, the real reason he wished Syura gone was so he can freely retrieve something quite necessary.

Somewhere within the city below laid a particular item.

One he desired greatly.

One absolutely necessary for his plans.

One he would gladly tear apart the city and all whom resided in it to obtain.

For now, he would simply bide his time experimenting with the army of routing corpses and see how effectively the citizens of the Empire combat the undead.

If they failed to slay these disposables then the Empire would easily fall to what the Sons of Nores planned to unleash in the next few months.

A grand display portraying the strength gained to those whom pledge themselves to their holy god.

Raven smirked.

"Soon the land will run red, filled with endless corpses. Once the Corpse Garden is complete, only then will he return and bring this world to it's knees."


And thus end another fine entry to Clockwork.

Also this is the mark of 4,100 view. Thanks so much guys and girls!

So the Sons of Nores begin to show their true capabilities: Necromancy.

A deadly art, one that is a certainty in this anime.(cough cough Yatafusa cough cough.)

While it's true that no one can create any additional Imperial Arms in this day and age, no one said anything about replicating the abilities of said Imperial Arms.

Yes certain one can't be replicated unless you were some sort of demigod but others are within reason to do so.

Necormancy has long been considered a form of magic. So if a nation devoted to magic over the millennia discovered how to preform the art then Zombies and other undead figures suddenly become feasible. Who's to say that they haven't already?

Yatafusa has to have gained its power either through powerful magic or some type of Danger Beast in order to have the power to raise the dead in the first place.

Course the current Necromancy spell used by the Sons of Nores is far inferior to Yatafusa's abilities in terms of quality, this spell makes up for it with quantity.

And we finally have Wave getting himself together after the death of Bols, at least until he possibly sees Pyro again. Then who knows what will happen.

I felt the scene necessary due to a number of reasons. Mostly cause Wave seems to be so bloody stubborn.

Also have the appearance of the manga character Koukei, Minister of Military Affairs.

I really, really, really wanted him to be more significant than his role in the manga, which was SCREAMING, SCREAMING, RUNNING WHILE SCREAMING and finally dying.

He(appears to be) the youngest of the targets assigned to Night Raid once the Revolutionary Army begins to lay siege to the Capital. So given that I figured he's a bit of an intellect, knowing at least who to bribe, blackmail, etc to climb to his current position and how to smuggle arms and munitions out without ppl whom look into it noticing.

Unless Honest decided to give him the position, which is a possibility.

Finally the Emperor and Commander Budo have join Fuyu and Jast in their crusade to cleanse the Empire of corruption. What sort of roll will the Emperor, Commander Budo and the Royal Guard have once the coup begins?

With the arrival of the Jagears and Night Raid at the city of Kyoroch, how will the two groups deal with the corpse army besieging the city? Is there a possible change of a temporary truce between the two opposing factions or will they battle each other among the undead?

And what exactly is this planned Corpse Garden? While it seems to be a sort of ritual to summon someone, who and what are the Sons of Nores trying to return?

Find out the answers to some of these questions on the next entry of Clockwork.