The Fight we Chose

by DFMRCV

"No one starts a war—or rather, no one in his senses ought to do so—without first being clear in his mind what he intends to achieve by that war and how he intends to conduct it."- Harold G. Moore

5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Assassins

---

April 12th, 1964

Dallas, Texas

"How are you feeling, son?"

The wounded soldier smiled at the American president.

"Doc says I'll walk again if I'm careful, sir..."

"That's excellent news... on behalf of the American people I want to truly express my gratitude for your service."

"Thank... thank you, sir... I couldn't vote the last election, but... but ma voted for you, and-"

"And I appreciate that I truly do, but right now I want to make sure you and your family are taken care of, alright? You've done your country proud, Martinez."

The American president shook the young man's hand and said his goodbyes.

Then it was back out to the cold halls of the hospital.

It had been a relatively decent hospital when it was founded and it still was, but now it had all the medicine and funding the American military could give as it was relatively close to the Gate and serious cases could be transported from the battlefield with ease.

His wife waved at the crowd of reporters, the members of the press respectfully keeping their distance and giving the American president and his wife some breathing room.

"Should probably take some questions before heading out..." he mumbled.

"They're going to follow you through anyway, let's just spend some more time pretending they're not an issue."

She clutched his arm a bit tighter.

He didn't argue, walking ahead to the presidential car.

News had been much in the previous week as the invasion force pushed into the lands beyond both the city of Itálica and Alnus hill, taking control of everything in between.

However, it was well known to him that the war wasn't over. Worse, if things didn't go properly, it would cause a lot more problems than he would like.

He glanced at the binder one of his secretaries had left him.

He had read it on the way over and now was very uncertain about his actions going forward.

Prime Minister Khan is requesting further assistance as the peaceful resolution appears to be less and less likely.

He rubbed his eyes.

Against what could perhaps be his better judgment and a variety of other reasons, the American president had allowed a coup to overthrow a certain Vietnamese Prime Minister, and now the Republic of Vietnam was, for lack of a better word, under a military junta that was not gaining the necessary support from the public. If it wasn't for the US pulling out and (perhaps embarrassingly) Soviet support keeping things from escalating, the US would likely be sending more soldiers to defend the South while things cooled down enough for a peaceful unification...

A unification that would likely favor a communist government.

But he already knew that.

The problem for him was that it could be used against him in the election.

That meant that he had to focus on winning the war in that other world as soon as possible... preferably without losses.

Moral reasons aside, it was the practical reason for his visits to both wounded troops and now the refugees rescued by US forces.

And the only way I could get the brass to agree...

He was as tired as anyone would be after dealing with the heads of the US Military, actively looking for excuses to keep him out of "their" affairs.

His mind briefly shot back to the October Crisis.

How close we came to the edge...

He was looking forward to meeting with this interestingly named princess.

The car stopped outside the military perimeter around the Plaza and the President kissed his wife goodbye, his security pretending to shield him from the dozens of reporters taking pictures, knowing full well the president needed to show that he was a family man to the American people.

The young president smiled and waved to said reporters, turned and entered the military perimeter, and immediately turned serious.

"Alright, what's the latest?" he asked the officer that greeted them.

He would only have a short time to get an early situation report before he met the press on the other side of the gate and he would have to put the mask on again.

"We've made contact with a variety of villages, some burned to the ground, some with survivors... seems the armies turned and went towards the mountain range nearby, and most villages and towns we've approached around that area have been sacked and burned. Almost no survivors."

"Damn."

"U2s are through, though, and we're ready to begin more effective aerial reconnaissance. We think they hide when the Thunderchief's and Phantoms do their fly-by's."

"Alright, alright... what's our situation in the capital after this morning's attacks? Odds are the press will have a lot of questions."

"All we know is that the emperor gathered the senate. We're waiting for news at the moment."

"Any civilian casualties?"

"None caused by us it seems, thank God. Our guys in the capital found some supporters that helped evacuate the area we bombed, but it seems that removing a crime lord is causing its own chaos, and we can only guess how many people will die from that. The troops we have are planning to secure an area once things settle down, place called The Red-Light District, appear to be the city's ghetto."

The president only grimaced.

"We'll have to move quickly then... If the emperor doesn't surrender, we'll have to continue pushing around the capital, protect civilian dwellings, make it so that they don't destroy everything they've built."

He got into the military transport, United States Marines guarding the entrance to the structure.

"Oh, another thing, sir. When the Marines made contact with a village early in the scouting operations, they encountered an individual who may win us the entire hearts and minds campaign. She seems to be highly respected by the locals and they seem to see her as a religious representative. She has very willingly sided with us."

"Sounds great, why do you look worried about it?"

"She's... a bit strange."

"Strange?"

"It's complicated and we're still learning about her. She seems to have superhuman capabilities."

The president froze as he entered the vehicle.

He turned to the aide and asked "Why wasn't I informed sooner?"

"Unclear, sir. It's possible she didn't reveal her abilities until recently."

The president said nothing.

No one spoke.

He finally said "Thanks for letting me know, John..."

His aide knew the tone.

He had heard about it but never been present when the young president used it.

The man was exasperated in a way that only happened when he butted heads with the heads of the military.

As the transport left, the aide could only wonder how large the divide was between the American president and the US Military.

Outskirts of Itálica

The small village was silent. Doors left ajar creaked and moaned as the wind shook them. The same wind pushed aside from tools and broken blades, some still splattered by blood. Some clothes had been left out, mostly dry now, except for one small cottage near the edge of the village.

The woman didn't complain as she put some of the recently washed clothes to dry in the early morning sun. She turned to the steps of her small wooden cottage.

Her son and daughter were still there, huddled together as she had told them, both toddlers watching her.

Worried.

None of them spoke.

The woman occasionally glanced at the remains of her home's grain supply.

Nothing remained of it but some ash.

She didn't complain.

The little girl's stomach on the other hand didn't have her reservations as it growled loud enough that she could hear it.

In the empty village, the noise might as well have been a drum.

She turned and said "Only one more day, Katia. Alright?" she said, trying to appear brave.

The little girl nodded weakly.

The little boy nervously glanced to nearby forests that covered the Dumas Mountain Range.

She followed his gaze.

It was quiet, green, and peaceful.

She shut her eyes, going back to work on the laundry they would try to take.

Assuming those monsters don't show up again...

She eyed the empty homes briefly.

Shook her head.

As she clipped a blouse to one of the cables, she heard it firsthand.

A low rumbling noise that sounded almost like a growl.

It was entirely alien to her and when she turned to look around, she was surprised to see vehicles coming up the road.

At this both children ran to her side, the little boy clutching her dress while the girl named Katia gripped her mother's hand, tugging at it.

"Hide?" she asked, whimpering.

Her mother nervously took a step back but said "N-no, I... I don't think it's the bad people."

And if they are, our hiding spot isn't viable anymore... I'll have to...

She took in a breath, now taking her son's hand, and slowly pulled the children behind her

Then she froze in place as she recognized a figure on one of the carriages coming towards them.

She held her ground.

The strange horseless carriage that carried the familiar figure stopped at the entrance, some continuing around the empty village.

Several men followed the Apostle of Emroy.

Rory Mercury, her smile never fading, asked "Hello, children. Are you alright? What has happened here?"

Upon seeing the woman begin tearing up, the Marines were all too ready to help.

"Are you hurt?"

"Is there anything you need?"

"Rory, did she say anything?"

The dark-haired girl only shook her head.

The Marine sergeant huffed, frustrated.

The United States Marine Corps had dealt with some of the bloodiest battlefields and warzones in American military history, and odds were that all Marines there had heard of the horrors of battlefields like Okinawa, where Japanese troops abused the civilian population to the point of using them as human shields if some accounts were to be believed.

In this world it was different.

Large armies could only maintain their own logistics for so long, and it was far more practical to rely on the land and civilian populations for food and water.

He noticed the woman fell to her knees and began begging or... praying(?) to their ally.

He narrowed his eyes as the older-than-she-looked girl nodded slowly as the woman sobbingly said something he didn't understand.

Miss Mercury turned to him then and said "This village was sacked and its population slaughtered once the men you pursue arrived. She and her children hid inside a part of the cottage's wall while her husband attempted to distract the men. He's dead now. The only reason this village still stands is that they didn't manage to get all the supplies, it seems, and may have been planning on coming back to it once they were a bit more organized. She planned on escaping with her kids to Itálica."

The Marine sergeant felt his nails dig into his palms as his hands balled into fists.

We're late again...

"Hey, sergeant! 7th cavalry says they landed in an untouched village! People there welcomed them with open arms! Captain says we're moving out to reinforce 'em!"

The Marine sergeant nodded.

"Alright, radio for a med-evac first. Want to make sure these people are safe before we head over."

Rory Mercury observed the man, internally sighing.

They were killers, all of them.

Damn good ones at that.

Their firearms slaughtered faster and more efficiently than any sword, and when it came to fighting enemy armies... well, she had seen the aftermath of the battles of Alnus and Itálica.

Yet here they were, worrying about the peasants and even devoting- no, diverting resources, valuable resources for the war effort, to making sure they were safe.

Not even she could say the same, mostly protecting worshippers of Emroy when possible, and even that required her presence.

Still doesn't make it fun for me, though... I wonder when they'll let me fight.

Imperial Capital

Zorzal's mind ran with wild possibilities as he pondered what the exact plan would be, but not doubting for an instant it would work.

He knew Tyuule would perform marvelously in her task.

The question on his mind now was whether he could get the support from the generals he needed for this to work.

Time was of the essence after all.

He found one of them in his office, going over several parchments.

"General, I need to speak with you!"

"Highness, I am at your-"

"Yes, yes, skip the pleasantries, please... I wish to talk about my father."

The general stiffened.

"Are you and your men really prepared to carry out these... what orders are these?" Zorzal asked, looking over the parchment.

"Ah, yes, sir... elements of the second and fourth armies are going to focus on grabbing whatever we can use from the surrounding countryside and burn what we leave behind."

"And I suppose also kill anyone that cannot be of use to us?"

The general did not reply.

Zorzal sat on the man's desk and said "Alright, general, err... Otto..."

The general did not reply.

"What do you make of last night's attacks?"

The man only huffed, saying "Cowardly, certainly... but I believe it clearly shows our enemy is far stronger than us. If we are to fight them, then we certainly need to follow the orders of the emperor."

"I sense a but coming along..."

"You're asking for my honest opinion, highness?"

"Otto, my good man... honesty is something I need in these trying times! Speak freely, please!"

General Otto nervously rubbed the hair on his head, saying "Well, highness, I would have at least tried to negotiate with the enemy first. These are last resort tactics when there is only total destruction that awaits a surrender... we don't even know for sure if the enemy was lying when they sent the princess to try and get them to negotiate. I do not entirely agree with these orders."

Zorzal's smile widened.

"I take it you are not alone in that opinion."

The general was silent.

Zorzal laughed.

"I'm with you, my good man. I, too, despise the way Father is despairing so quickly. I believe the enemy is powerful, certainly... but I also think they are desperate! Why else go to such theatrics for an attack on the capital? Felt more like a raid than anything else."

Zorzal grinned.

"Gather the other generals and burn those orders."

"Highness?"

"I believe my father is ill, Otto. I believe I will be able to prove it tonight."

"I... I don't-"

"Question not, my good general. Soon you shall see the truth, and... and besides. This way you won't have to burn down your home or... bury your sickly mother."

Zorzal relished the brief flash of emotion in the man's eyes.

Tyuule is already proving great at managing our spy network's information... I wonder if that little cook will pay off as well?

...

Dennis kept an indifferent expression as he walked down the halls as fast as possible without appearing out of place or like he was hiding something.

He made it to his room, closed the door behind him, and went for the radio.

"Stalker 1, you there?"

The garbled reply quickly arrived.

"This is stalker 1, what's the situation?"

Dennis sucked in a breath.

"Rabbit was way more competent than we expected. Just gave me the heads up on a plot to murder Emperor Molt and replace with him Zorzal headed by... well... Zorzal."

A pause.

"Trojan, is this a joke?"

"Negative, Stalker 1, I'll say again. Rabbit gave me a heads up on a plot to kill the emperor and replace him with his kid. Prince Zorzal plans on poisoning his father."

"Copy, Trojan, time frame?"

"To be determined. Soon if what she's saying is anything to go by. She wants to know our position on the patricide plot before pushing it along, though it sounds like they don't have much choice. Emperor seems to want to start a bigger scorched earth campaign."

Another pause.

"Understood, we'll discuss with the higher-ups. Keep an eye out for her. If things go south, we'll have to get you both out ASAP. Same for the knights and Senators still in the capital that sided with us."

"Copy, Stalker 1. Will be in touch."

He hung up and hid the radio once more, quickly standing up and turning to leave the empty room, a dark smile on his face.

Things are moving quickly... at this rate, I'll be out of here in no time!

He was walking down the hall when a hand materialized out of thin air and crashed some parchments onto his chest, Dennis barely able to grab them on time.

He turned to his left and saw the horrid figure of Bouro staring back at him.

"What-?"

"Tyuule is currently being observed by your uptight boss. Hurry up and pretend she asked you to deliver these papers."

Not about to waste time, Dennis nodded and sped away.

Surprise assassination plots, surprise shapeshifters coming from the walls... God, I want out of here.

Going outside, past the decorated garden, now sitting empty as it seemed nearly the entire palace staff was terrified of leaving their quarters after the previous night's attacks.

He got to the kitchen, finding the bunny girl staring at some unheated steaks.

Dennis looked around, noticing the door to Chef Clef's office was partly open.

Nosy bastard...

"Here are the papers, ma'am."

He spoke as professionally as he could, keeping his focus away from her.

Tyuule raised an eyebrow but took them.

Dennis whispered in as quiet a tone as possible "They'll discuss it and give me an answer tonight."

The girl heard, smiled slightly, and whispered "Good. I'll see you then."

Dennis nodded absentmindedly, making a point of not looking directly at her as he got back to work.

He didn't think anything of the last phrase until Chef Clef slapped the back of his head, startling him more than he would care to admit.

"You interested in that beast, boy?!"

"Sir?"

"What did she mean when she said see you then?"

Dennis shook his head, now unsure of what to answer.

"I... I don't know, sir! I sure ain't interested in her! She was an enemy of the empire and a savage one at that."

Such a savage she begged her people be spared, in fact... much more than I can say about you people.

As if noticing his hidden resentment, the chef smiled and said "Oh, is that all you have? Simple denial?"

You people...

Dennis crossed his arms and said "She's most likely referring to tonight's dinner. If she's Prince Zorzal's new advisor, odds are she'll be there when we-"

"What papers did she ask you to deliver?"

"Possibly a guest list. She asked me to do her a favor and bring it to her from her office." he quickly lied.

"And you went and did it?"

"Was I supposed to not do it?"

"So, you did not read the papers?"

"No, sir."

"Why not?"

"None of my business."

"Oh, but doing the bidding of a savage is?"

You people...

"Prince Zorzal made quite the show of her being his new advisor just a moment ago, sir, I don't think I'm in the position to ask questions."

The chef smiled deviously.

"Certainly, certainly... So... Young Den... son of Tobias... what is your game here?"

"Sir?"

"You're awfully obedient, you seem to be in the right place at the right time, seemingly unphased by these attacks... That dead princess hired you... son, why are you still here?"

Dennis suppressed a sigh.

"With all due respect, sir, I do like it here." he lied through his teeth.

"No, you don't. I'm old but I ain't blind! You hate cooking, it's obvious! Everything you do feels forced to the point that it's unnatural! We just got attacked by an enemy that came into the palace, killed several guards, stole just about all the slaves... yet here you are, calm as can be, ready for the day's work!"

"Ma and Pa always taught me to-"

"Oh, shut up about your disgusting little commoner family. I'd bet your father deserted the army and died as a bandit and your mother killed herself out of shame!" he slapped the counter in frustration before glaring at the American and continuing. "People want things when they act like you, and I want to know what that is! Or are you just here to honor the dead? Because if you are, then I only see you as another dead weight, unable to do anything of worth."

Dennis bit his tongue to try and hide the anger the words brought forth in him, only barely managing.

The chef still noticed.

"Oh? That bother you? Doesn't matter here. You want to work with the best you damn well act like the best. All you act like is a tool for someone else. Maybe that's all you are... all you'll ever be... unless you're secretly plotting something... Regardless, I'm sending you home assuming it still exists."

What?!

"S-sir?" he choked out, not expecting the statement.

"You are no culinarian; you are nothing but a rusty old tool that has been used too much to work in a kitchen, an errand boy whose services are no longer required, deadweight. Get out of my kitchen!"

You son of a bitch...

Before he could explode at the chef, someone interrupted.

"With all due respect, you are not the one that decides that, Chef."

The two men turned to look at the door and saw Tyuule standing there, arms crossed, her impish smile sending a chill down the American's spine.

Her smile widened, saying "In fact, Prince Zorzal very much enjoys his cooking skills... it would be a shame for you to make things difficult for his highness."

Dennis turned to look at the chef.

The Chef scoffed.

"Now you two are working together for something, huh? Whatever you think you have going on; the emperor is going to evacuate us and kill those that betray him. I'd do the same under these circumstances, beast. Unlike you, we actually care for our people."

"Evacuate? Where did you hear that? Are you doubting the might of the empire, chef? Are you afraid we may lose this war? It is clear the enemy is desperate and only wishes to frighten us. If anything, you spreading fear is making the work more difficult as we continue to resist this foe from another world."

"I have my connections. And what do you mean we?! You aren't-"

"I am his highness's advisor. A former enemy of the empire, certainly, but I know my place. Do you know yours or do I need to remind you of it?"

She kept a level stare, her smile maintaining an aura of danger that the old man recognized.

The chef only sighed.

Even if she was bluffing, she spoke with such tone and authority he simply had no way to argue. He turned to the American with a frown.

"Get back to work, child." then turning back to Tyuule, "And as for you... you're not worth the trouble. Get out of my kitchen."

He turned to go to his office but stopped.

"What were the papers for?"

Tyuule said "Just some information for Prince Zorzal, chef."

"And you dropped them off already?"

"Certainly."

Silence.

The chef muttered "Beast..." and entered his office, shutting the door.

Dennis didn't breathe a sigh of relief.

He didn't acknowledge the girl, only turning and continuing to chop the lettuce he had been working on as ordered.

Tyuule was tempted to say something but didn't.

I shouldn't have said anything when I left... I forget how difficult even the lower imperials can be.

She watched the American for a lingering second before fully turning around, grimacing.

Tool or not, he's my connection to the people that will help me avenge my people and destroy this empire. Can't let him get cornered like that.

She turned and left, leaving the American to his thoughts.

Dennis continued chopping the lettuce, but on autopilot.

His mind switching between the memories the chef had brought up and the present situation.

Memories of his mother preparing a meal.

His boots crunching a bloody hand as he walked over countless bodies back to safety.

The vague memory of his father throwing him a baseball.

His sore finger squeezing the trigger of the M16 as more bodies fell in a pile.

The memories kept interwinding like a string tying a knot that he couldn't untangle.

You'll lose it all and gain nothing.

He winced, noticing he had scraped the top of his index finger with the knife, not yet cutting it, but almost.

He sighed, frustrated.

From his office, the older man called "I told you, you ain't no cook!"

Shut up... just... shut up.

His jaw clenched.

He continued chopping the lettuce, masking his anger, thankful he was practically alone in the kitchen.

He wondered if it would be easier to hide if there were people around.

Trading City of Italica

The CH-47 landed neatly on the grassy fields outside the city and Pina exited, followed by a few senators who had been sent along with her.

Her first action was to hide how nauseous the ride had made her, both out of self-respect and to not appear weak before the Americans.

The pair of Senators accompanying her didn't have such reservations as one quickly vomited up his early breakfast, collapsing to the ground.

"Mister Tyueli, please... there's no need for such theatrics." the other Senator sighed, though the old man looked visibly ill.

"Are you okay, Father?" the little girl asked, her mother looking equally concerned.

The man sighed, nodded, and calmly stood up.

Pina only walked forward Beefeater trailing her.

Gray was standing by the entrance, waving.

"What's the situation?" she asked him.

"Oh, they're waiting to send you and the diplomats to Alnus. In the meantime, we're coordinating to get rid of this guerilla movement as quickly as possible, but it may prove a challenge." the older man said with a sigh.

"Challenge?"

"It appears they detoured from heading north and chose to hide up in the Dumas Mountain Range. The Americans have been trying to find them in order to engage them. Success has been limited, but Italica has remained safe since I arrived."

Pina nodded slowly, letting the diplomats catch up.

"I would like to summon the rest of the order, that way we could better assist them in these efforts. Maybe I can garner some support and rescue father."

Gray said "Not a bad idea. You have leadership skills, princess. You just have to apply them."

Pina only nodded, entering the city.

She froze as she saw the progress being made in regards to fixing the damages made by the attacks only a week prior.

Gray laughed, saying "They've been working nonstop to help this city. I'm a bit envious of their resources."

The destroyed wall was being rebuilt by their strange machines, and their workers were all over the place, guarded by armed Americans who were working with what remained of the local militia.

That's right... they intend to take all the territory up to Italica in order to carve out some land for themselves.

The fact was that the Americans were moving with or without her, and if she hoped to make things better, she would have to hurry.

Pina whirled around and stormed towards the flying machine.

"How long until we're back on track to Alnus?" she asked her interpreter, the soldier milling about, smoking something Pina did not recognize.

The young man said "Forty minutes. We had to... feed the bird. Take some time to relax, highness."

"Can it be any faster?"

The man said "Relax, our president won't leave without meeting you. Trust me."

Alnus Hill

11:00 AM

Oh, this... this is too much...

The young American president nervously shook hands as what he could only describe as a very happy werewolf. The canine humanoid vigorously shaking the man's hand as cameras rolled.

The wolf laughed, saying "A small man, but a strong grip! I must thank you for helping my people!"

The president only smiled, like any good politician, resisting the urge to rub the now sore hand.

He turned to his interpreter, asking "What did he say?"

"Err... it was a bit messy, sir. He called you small, but also thanked you."

"Ah, well... tell him we're here to actually make a difference."

The interpreter turned and spoke.

The wolfman laughed loudly, said something incomprehensible to the president, and left.

The president turned, expecting an explanation, but the interpreter looked just as confused.

"Well?"

"He said only the gods could make anything change... it sounded like there was more to it, sir."

The president only shrugged as the wolfman left the room.

He muttered, "Won't be easy getting people used to people like that... maybe we should rethink the whole citizenship thing..."

"Well, there's a reason we didn't grant citizenship to all US territories until some time had passed, sir."

The young man felt like arguing, but didn't.

At the end of the day, most of congress was on his side on several issues, and the fact that the US needed to carve some territory for itself in this world was a given.

The reports of abuse, atrocities, and awful living conditions were enough for most to agree that it was better for the Americans to just do their thing and at least improve some aspects of daily life in this strange world of monsters and magic.

But politics was still an ugly, ugly game...

An officer walked in, then, moving to the president and whispering in his ear.

"Mister President, we have confirmed the assassination plot against Emperor Molt Sol Augustus."

The president didn't reply, remaining as if nothing had been said.

Slowly, he turned to the man and said "Is the princess en route?"

"Yes, sir, she's expected to arrive in ten minutes."

The president grimaced.

This... complicates things...

Truth was, even he had expected the Emperor to at least come to the negotiation table after such an attack had been carried out, but the man had stubbornly refused even now?

Stranger still, he had support?

An assassination plot by his own people was clearly inevitable, but a part of him wondered if the same would have happened had the man come to the negotiation table. Would they have needed to make a deal with that fallen queen then?

Complicated indeed.

He sat back into his chair, wondering whether to approve the mission or not or allow the assassination to continue or not.

What to do? What to do?

"Mister President?"

"Yeah?"

"Princess has arrived."

…

For Pina, the base was both more impressive than she had expected and underwhelming.

The base was certainly large, but it appeared almost bare.

No grand constructions, no large buildings, no architecture...

It was a slightly more sophisticated version of the base camps she had set up with her Rose Knights during some expeditions into the capital's forests.

Well... except for...

One of the metal birds screeched through the air and Pina couldn't help but notice that when it passed over her head she didn't hear it... until it was farther away.

As if they could fly faster than even sound.

"Huh... so they used those to attack the capital last night? Didn't see them." Gray muttered aloud.

Pina only walked ahead, the diplomats and their families only looking on in amazement at the flying machines.

She saw the ever-present red cross sign that seemed to characterize all the medical personnel these men from another world brought with them. She stopped walking to look at the medical buildings, mostly large tents it seemed, but...

"Where are the refugees?" she asked out loud.

Her interpreter caught up to her.

She turned and asked "Where are the refugees? Didn't you say they were being kept here?"

He nodded.

"They're probably on the outskirts of the camp. We've been getting an influx of them and we can't just take all of them into the base, so we're helping them build homes around our main base."

"Ah... I see."

Why am I so surprised? They're concerned for the wellbeing of civilians, they hate slavery, they can fix century-old walls in a week...

The American base was forming quickly.

She briefly glanced at a few soldiers seemingly playing a card game of sorts, smoking something as a strange box gave off calming music over the sound of the bustling base.

She continued walking, noticing the different material on some of the buildings when the man she was looking forward to meeting greeted her.

"Ah, Salve Princess Pina!"

She turned to meet the man who was apparently the leader of the American nation.

Her interpreter immediately stood at rigid attention and gave a salute.

The president saluted back and said something as the soldier promptly lowered his arm.

Pina noticed this.

A nation without kings or emperors...

The man turned to her and smiled warmly, though Pina noticed the look of worry in his eyes.

Remember the words...

"H-How-Low... M-mist-err Precedent!"

The American president chuckled lightly and said something Pina didn't understand.

Her translator quickly said, "He says hello and how he wishes this meeting could be under less dire circumstances."

"Yes... it... it truly is a sad day. Tell him I wish to work with him to find peace amongst our two worlds. I have brought two senators to act as diplomats and we have a few sympathizers in the senate to help ease things over."

Her interpreter nodded and repeated what she said without question, which was a touch better than what the previous interpreter who would occasionally look at her with a judgmental expression.

The president nodded and pursed his lips.

"There is something we need to discuss first. It, unfortunately, cannot wait."

…

"He WHAT?!"

"Princess-" Gray tried, only to be ignored once more so he instead focused on the sickly grey walls of the room was contrasted by the green military uniform of the American officers and the far more colorful official uniform of the Rose Knights worn by him and the princess.

At least the table they were sitting on was well crafted.

"He-he-he can't kill father! If he does, then his confirmation will not happen!"

The interpreter translated.

"Princess, as of right now it seems that he has some supporters who are rather high up. This doesn't seem to be a plot that popped out of thin air, your father has alienated many people in your government. Surely he can still become emperor if his father were to suddenly die?"

Turn, translate.

"But... but then... but you cannot let this happen! He hasn't gotten the chance to surrender yet!"

Turn, translate.

"I'm sorry, princess, but it seems he isn't interested in surrendering. In fact, if the information I have here is correct, he plans on burning everything down in order to deny us the land."

Turn, translate.

Pina sank in the chair.

How? How can I save him?

She weakly said "Then... then perhaps you can kidnap him and bring him here? Make him see reason?"

Turn, translate.

The president glanced at his generals.

"It's... it's certainly an option, sir. Risky, but doable."

The president looked at the Army general who appeared to find the idea contemptuous at best.

"Speak freely, general." the president said.

The general seemed slightly torn at least, the military discipline one showed when in the presence of a superior clashing with his honest opinion.

One eventually won out as the man spoke.

"With all due respect, mister president, I disagree. This man ordered a surprise attack on a civilian population- our civilian population without any justification or warning. Perhaps he was unaware and the decision was made by his generals. That's a fair contention... but even ignoring the fact that he refused to send any form of communication in the months after his forces were beaten back and were clearly prepared for a counter-attack given the military presence upon our arrival here last month... the barbarity we have seen done to civilians on the countryside was done on his orders. This is beyond scorched earth, sir, and frankly, to even consider taking the son of a bitch alive is an insult to all those that died on the twenty-second... sir."

The president nodded, asking "Even for a trial?"

"I don't think he deserves even that. I say let his own kid poison him. It's the appropriate fate for someone like that... but that is my personal opinion, sir."

The president nodded.

He then turned to the princess who was tugging on the interpreter's sleeve, asking what had been said.

The young president only said, "Ask her if she knows about the scorched earth campaign her father is carrying out."

The young man nodded and did so.

Pina only shook her head.

"I... the senators and I suspected as such, but we don't know if he ordered it or not, but..."

Daughter, if you focus solely on protecting the people, then you will never be able to make the sacrifices often necessary to protect the Empire and you will lose both.

"...but it's not impossible he did."

Turn, translate.

The president nodded.

His mind went back to all the operations he had denied and greenlit.

He had ordered US support of an invasion of Cuba be greatly diminished and he was mocked for the failure the invasion was.

He had allowed a coup in Vietnam to go unstopped and now the place was a powder keg waiting to go up in smoke, only barely contained by both support from the US and NATO troops in the South, and Soviet support in the North desperately trying to manage tensions.

He had almost seen the world end twice in his term and had just barely managed to steer things in the right direction, but even that was mostly based on luck and chance.

He still had nightmares about it.

Despite being one if not the most powerful man in the world, he was often as helpless as anyone else, and didn't always know what the best option was.

But if there was one thing he had learned after the October Crisis was that sometimes it was better to not act rashly.

"Alright... I plan on staying here a bit longer... no one approves or denies the operation. I want to hear what information we can gather by tonight and then we'll decide whether to assist, leave alone, or deny this assassination. We'll give your father a chance, princess."

Turn, translate.

Pina swallowed away the knot on her throat.

"I... I appreciate that..."

The president smiled.

She smiled back.

One of the secret service officers in the room cringed.

His companion only lowered his gaze.

Although both men doubted the president would pursue the red-headed princess, his reputation within the White House and the Secret Service was well known.

You become a secret service agent; you think you're going to be risking your life protecting the leader of the free world from assassins... then you find out your job is to make sure he isn't disturbed while he's having an interlude in the shower with two gals from Twelfth Avenue.

Still, it seemed that the American president would keep his urges in check as he was speaking with a fellow leader.

"Alright, let's walk... princess, what do you like to drink?"

Or perhaps not... Historians would never know for sure.

Outskirts of Italica

9:00 PM

Shaun sat in the fox hole, M16 on hand, eyeing the nearby forest.

He waved his flashlight around, actively trying to draw attention to himself.

Nothing happened.

He shook his head and turned to Dominique.

"Nothing."

His lieutenant sighed.

"What the hell are the higher-ups thinking? This is getting ridiculous." the young man muttered.

He glanced at the APCs and tanks nearby.

The very recently established "firebase" was made up of what could best be described as a disorganized meetup of whatever Army and Marine units were furthest away as the main force advanced into the lands beyond Italica and Alnus.

There were elements of the Army's 1st Armored Division... four Patton tanks and a few M113 APCs. There were elements of the 7th Cavalry milling about... four UH 1 Helicopters, just sitting in the middle of the ruined town. And of course, a platoon from the United States' First Marine Expeditionary Force... plus the "Reaper".

Shaun knew the artillery guns would come in soon, but at the moment, they were not a firebase despite the area being designated as just that.

They weren't scouting.

They weren't attacking.

And they certainly weren't killing any enemy forces.

We supposed to just act as an attractive target while the rest of the main force catches up?

Shaun sat in the dirt and rubbed the back of his head when the Marine Sergeant walked over.

The so-called "reaper" still clinging to his arm like a child... giant Halberg on her back like it was nothing.

"Nothing here either?" he asked in a much calmer voice.

"No... gotta be honest, the higher-ups aren't making much sense to me."

The Marine shook his head.

"Well, I have my orders, and miss Mercury here says they're around."

She happily pointed to the mountains.

"I can smell their bloodlust," she said with a child-like grin.

Shaun frowned.

The sergeant said "Not just that, but villages around here were sacked. Some recently, some as far back as last week. I think we've caught up to them, and if we can trap them in those mountains... well, the bombers should handle them well enough."

"There aren't caves or anything up there, right? Japs liked to hide in the mountains, too, and you guys had to drag them out." Dom said then.

The Marine Sergeant grinned.

"Even if they've got caves, I honestly have no doubt they'll surrender after our Phantoms drop some napalm on 'em. The area's all foliage that we can burn. Won't leave them much choice but surrender."

"Japs didn't have much choice either, and back in Italica these guys proved to be at least as fanatical..."

"What was that, sooty?"

Shaun said, "I'm just sayin' these guys ran at our machine guns as we cut them down by the hundreds with nothing but swords and knives!"

The Marine lifted his M14 up over his shoulder, saying "Let 'em! My sword's sharper than anything they can come up with! You ever see what happens when natives with spears charge a well-armed wall of guns?"

"Saw the aftermath at Italica."

"Yeah? My grandpa's from South Africa. Says them... Zulu warriors... they would charge the British with nothing but a spear and a shield. Guess how that turned out."

"Just saying it won't be easy." Shaun sighed.

The Marine shook his head.

The night was eerily silent.

Dom said "Miss Mercury, how well can we trust that nose of yours?"

"It's not my nose!"

"But you said you could smell them."

"Their bloodlust, certainly... however, I can see them just fine from here."

"Yeah?"

"Yes! There's an oak tree over there oh... a hundred yards away... and a skinny man is watching us with a spyglass from its lower branches. Under the tree he has three comrades, only one of whom actually has hair on his head as it seems the others have shaved it... they're all armed with bows and arrows, although the man with hair is also carrying a battle-ax. Not as big as mine, though."

Dom glanced at the girl, then at Shaun.

Neither man spoke.

"Oh, nonbelievers? Sergeant, can I-?" the girl began.

The Marine sergeant ignored her and said "She's clearly got supernatural abilities. I think we can trust her judgment here."

"Of course, you can. I'm on your side!"

Still ignoring her, Shaun said, "Be nice if we could prove what she says."

The Marine said "Actually, if we attract the Brigands, we're supposed to let her deal with them. Thing is, I ain't seeing them either."

"I can go hunt them down!" the girl protested.

"Goes against the rules of engagement... Pres don't want dead civilians, and frankly neither do I."

Shaun then said, "How close are they again?"

The Marine turned to the girl.

"They're in those trees." the girl said, pointing. "If you open fire, you'll likely kill all five of them."

She blinked and narrowed her eyes as if getting a better look.

"My mistake, all six of them... there's a scrawny looking child carrying something."

Again, Shaun shone the light on the trees, which were, at most, 100 yards away.

He checked with binoculars.

Again, he shook his head.

"Can't see any of them."

Rory frowned.

The Marine said "You try taunting them? Like... in their tongue?"

Shaun said, "No... think I should?"

"Well, if it works and they shoot an arrow at us, we can set her loose, see what she can do."

The smile the girl got when the Marine suggested that sent chills down Shaun's back.

Dominique said "At this point, we might as well see if it works. Go ahead, Robinson, let loose with that Georgia jive."

"Shouldn't he be using the local-? Meep!" Rory went quiet when the Marine tapped the top of her head to quiet her.

Shaun ducked down a bit and began yelling in the native tongue.

"PATHETIC DOGS! SIMPLE-MINDED COWARDS! YOU HAVE FAILED TO START A SIGNIFICANT WAR AND WILL FALL BY THE WAYSIDE FORGOTTEN BY HISTORY AND-"

The arrow that flew overhead landed on a rucksack with a noisy *THWACK*.

Another bumped the turret of a nearby tank, alerting the soldier on it.

"Contact, east side!" a yell came.

The Marine sergeant shouted "Hold your fire, we have a test to run... okay, kid, go on... show us what you can do."

Once again, the grin on the girl only sent shivers down Shaun's spine, and when her petite figure jumped high into the air before speeding into the forest, clearing the distance in a few seconds and disappearing into the brush with a jump, he nearly yelped in shock.

"W-what the hell?"

"Told you, she's super-human... Could make for a helpful ally if we're ever in trouble... assuming she behaves herself."

As soon as he said that, bloodcurdling screams in the forest began to fill the night air.

"Jesus..."

"Yup... this world is full of wonders." the man said, shaking his head.

"The higher-ups really wanted you guys testing her?!"

"Just to confirm how super she really is I suppose. The locals worship her or... at least consider her as an angel, and she thinks that Gate was opened because of one of her friends. She's a weird one, fellas, but she's helping us."

"So... there's more of her?"

"Yeah, maybe... but at the moment our war is with the empire and its allies, not them... Woah."

The girl exited the forest, dragging a man through the grass.

"That was all under a minute... not bad."

Dominique said, "Our helos could do it in half that time, but for one person... eh."

The girl tossed the scrawny young man into the foxhole, the captured person shaking and whimpering words that not even Shaun could fully understand.

The Marine shook his head and said "What's he saying?"

"I... I think he's asking for mercy? He's jumbling his words all over..."

The girl, now revealed to be covered in blood, cheerfully said "He's willing to sell out his comrades if we let him live!"

Shaun and Dominique cringed at the sight, although the Marine sergeant only shrugged.

"Ah, a coward... well, we can use him. Bring him up, let's go."

"Aw! Sergeant, aren't you going to reward me for a job well done?" she wailed, pouting.

The sergeant rubbed his chin.

"Hmm... alright, I'll put in a good word with the officers. Let's go."

"Huh?"

"Do you not want to join us in future search and destroy operations?"

"B-b-b-but-"

"No buts! Come on."

Shaun and Dominique observed the bloody girl drag the whimpering mess of a man behind the American line in awe.

"Devil dogs... they sure as hell don't disappoint."

"Yes, sir... Don't know how he's so relaxed around something like that!" Shaun replied.

The second the words were out of his mouth he noticed the girl turned her head slightly and gave him a devious grin. A cat eyeing up a mouse as if deciding whether to just kill it and be done with it or toy with it for a short while for some cheap entertainment.

Shaun swallowed, nervously.

Can't believe I miss Atlanta... at least the crackers back home can't lift two tons with their bare hands and zoom around like Barry Allen!

Imperial Capital

The atmosphere was much tenser as the officers conversed in the much smaller dining hall reserved for the Emperor.

Dennis stuck to a corner, holding a pitcher of what he assumed was an alcoholic beverage, ready to serve anyone, while the rest of the kitchen staff finished setting the night's dinner on the table.

He watched as August delivered the main dish to the table in a professional matter.

There were no congratulations or even a simple "thank you", the Emperor seemingly focused on something as his generals discussed things amongst themselves.

Then the crown prince waltzed in, the white-haired girl following behind him with a look of apathy.

Unlike the princess, the most Tyuule did was make a brief visual contact before continuing behind the Crown Prince.

Good...

Dennis strained his ears to focus on the conversations he was hearing, but couldn't quite catch much of anything.

August walked up to him then.

"Deliver the drinks, don't bother anyone, do what they tell you."

"Yes, sir."

"Don't embarrass us."

"Yes, sir."

With that, the assistant chef walked away.

Dennis noticed the Emperor wasn't touching his food or calling the meeting to order, or really anything.

Did he really care that much for his daughter?

Dennis immediately perished the thought.

Naw, he's more than likely panicking about the fact he's going to die soon... either from our hands or-

As if somehow sensing his resentful thoughts, the Emperor stood up and walked over to him.

Dennis respectfully lowered his head and began to serve the man who had ordered the attacks on his country that had killed hundreds of people the not yet poisoned beverage.

"My daughter hired you, yes?" he asked suddenly.

Feigning fear, Dennis said "Y-yes, your grace."

"Hmm... you're a farmer, correct? Or... no, you're the son of farmers."

"Yes, sir. It's... it's an honor to work here."

"Pina always cared for the common folk... I think that was her weakness."

Dennis wasn't sure how to respond.

Certainly, looking out solely for the people could backfire if a leader decided to allow mob rule, but the red-headed princess seemed far more worried about making sure people were safe from harm.

"Sir?" he decided to risk asking.

"Well, she's dead is she not?"

"I... I pray she isn't."

He'd replied slowly, cautiously.

The man only shook his head.

"The enemy likely murdered her and stole her body to prevent a proper burial. It's them compensating for even suggesting negotiations... a part of me thinks she somehow convinced them to let her go by promising our surrender, and once she failed to deliver, they killed her."

"Wouldn't that label my dear sister a traitor, father?"

Oh, please don't come over here...

Dennis lowered his gaze and shut his eyes tight, frustrated as the crown prince walked over.

The emperor did not react.

"Yes, Zorzal... though I admit, I have no way of knowing for certain."

"I agree. We should immortalize her once this war is over. A golden statue that will never be matched."

Dennis glanced at Tyuule who gave him a knowing look.

"Bear with it, American"

Molt glanced at the girl and said "Why are you carrying her around... and what is she wearing?"

The crown prince grinned from ear to ear and nudged her closer to the emperor.

"Ah, I'm glad you asked. I have decided to formally make Tyuule my advisor during this crisis!"

Tyuule bowed politely, emanating some degree of elegance that reminded the American that she had once been a queen.

"I look forward to serving- ah!"

As the girl hit the floor Dennis felt his body go rigid at the sudden violence.

It was so fast he hadn't even seen it happen.

Molt, in one motion, had knocked the girl to the floor with a single strike of his hand, not even letting her finish her words.

Dennis forced himself to remain in place, his hands griping the pitcher tightly, his jaw forcing his mouth shut as he resisted the urge to help the girl.

Not even Zorzal had reacted as Tyuule slowly began to sit up, albeit for different reasons.

Molt's glare was powerful as it bore on his older son.

"What is the meaning of this?" the emperor asked in a cold voice.

"What- what is the meaning of this?! How dare you strike her unprovoked?!"

"Oh, like you're any different. What are you trying to pull off here, child?! Are you trying to save your little slave? Out of anyone in this capital she's the one that stands the most to gain by betraying us!"

Dennis felt his jaw somehow clench tighter, eyes darting between the emperor, the prince, and the girl now sitting on the floor. He did his best not to look angry, but a part of him was weary of the fact he wasn't exactly the best person for the job.

He wasn't a trained spy, hell, his entire mission was to just act as an in-between! Why the hell did he have to be inside the castle?!

Because we may need to make a quick extraction from the inside... damn it all... But if it comes down to it, I'll grab her and run... to hell with these people, we should just bomb them and be done with it.

He shut his eyes tight and forced himself to calm down, opening them up again and planning how he would get both him and the girl out of there.

I'd have to be quick... run to my room, grab the .45, radio for extraction... oh, who am I kidding? I'm no John Wayne!

He continued to listen to the conversation.

"Isn't it obvious to you?!"

Zorzal immediately countered with "If she was working with them then they would have rescued her when they stole all our slaves! She belongs to me, father, not these Americans! She's also a former queen that was a capable leader while she ruled! How can I turn down her advice in such a time?"

"Oh, are you blind?" he turned to the girl then, saying "Look at her!"

The girl was staring at the floor and Dennis could never imagine the hidden sneer on her face as her hold on Zorzal was finally proven without a shadow of a doubt.

"Tyuule, stand." the prince said, not even looking at her.

"Yes, your highness." the girl said, doing as told.

Zorzal placed both hands on her shoulders, and without a hint of remorse said "Father, she is my slave. Her body belongs to me, her mind belongs to me, her soul belongs to me... she would never betray me, that is a guarantee."

Dennis eyed the prince now, finding a new appreciation for the fact that the red-headed princess somehow hadn't lost her mind dealing with people like this her entire life. A brother who was overly confident in his own abilities and a father so cold his warm drink had likely gotten icy by his mere touch.

He noticed the girl's cheek was turning purple and felt his body stiffen in anger once more.

Tyuule's crimson eyes briefly moved to him, as if to say "stay out of this".

In response, he immediately focused his attention on the emperor.

Molt finally said, "Oh, I'm sure... get her out of here, I don't want her listening in."

"I must object. The whole point of my bringing her is to see what she has to say about the situation."

"Then you brought her in vain. I know her people and I know her mother raised her well enough before we came along... a savage like her will forever retain her devilish ways..."

Tyuule only lowered her gaze in response, hiding the hatred burning in her eyes.

"You! Boy!"

Now Dennis lowered his gaze once more as the emperor turned to him, less out of pretending to respect the man, more out of necessity for hiding his disgust with everything he had seen.

"Yes, your majesty?"

You sub-human beast?

"Get her out of here and leave that pitcher on the table... I'd rather discuss things in private."

"Yes, your majesty."

"But-" Zorzal began, but Molt cut him off.

"Any more objections out of you and I will strip you of your birthright and give it all to Diabo, understood?!"

"I-"

"UNDERSTOOD?!"

"...yes... father..."

"And you, don't let her out of your sight. Rufus!"

A general walked over.

"Hand him your sword."

"Your majesty?"

"Hand him your sword. Scrawny as he is, he does have a soldier's posture."

At this Dennis was about to stammer an objection when the Emperor turned to him.

"The guards are on duty and I don't want to interrupt them. Just stand outside and watch her. If she tries something lob her head off, stab her, beat her with this... surely you can manage that much?"

"Y-yes, sir."

"Pina must have seen something in you... do me a favor and don't let her down. Now scram!"

He nodded and motioned for the white-haired girl to move ahead of him, exiting the chambers and walking to the main hall.

Dennis followed the former queen outside where she promptly allowed herself to sigh.

"You hurt?" he quickly asked once they were out of sight of the guards.

"No, but the man hasn't lost his skill; I can say that much..." she huffed rubbing her jaw.

Just another bruise...

"Guess his royal pain will have to let us know what was said."

"No need, I can hear it more or less from here."

"What?"

She pointed to the building only a few meters away.

Given the silence of the night, Dennis could just faintly hear the voices of the men inside, but nothing he could understand.

"You can-?"

"Don't misunderstand, I can tell it's far away, but I can make out the words properly from here especially since no one else is talking. All I have to do now is write down what I hear."

Dennis noticed the small quill and parchment she had been carrying.

She sat down and began writing.

"Huh, impressive."

"What's impressive?" she asked, still writing.

"Well, I can't hear that far."

"My hearing's been damaged since coming here... now hush, please. And keep watch in case someone starts asking questions. We'll discuss the details of the plan once this is over."

"...Understood."

Dennis stood up and focused on watching the halls.

It was a pointless task, Tyuule knew.

She would hear anyone coming and even if she didn't, she was in a spot where she could easily make a run for it without being identified.

And if they saw the American, they would likely just assume he was waiting for the meeting to wrap up in order to collect the dirty dishes.

No, the real reason she had ordered him to focus elsewhere was that she didn't want him close at the moment.

He can be distracting...

…

Molt sipped the wine and served himself a second cup before sitting down, ignoring the disappointed look his son was giving him and turned to the generals.

"The plans were already drawn up. Can we do this?"

It was Rufus who said "Well... your majesty... with all due respect, without the information from the senate-"

"Oh, we all know exactly what those bumbling fools will do. Claim they can't get it done, or come up with more excuses to delay..."

He gulped down the wine and served himself another.

"I can hear them now... oh, we need a little more time, oh, maybe we should negotiate, oh, emperor you are unwell... The senate might as well be working with the enemy. Rufus, I'm curious... how many men can you spare tomorrow?"

"Well... most of the men are out, capturing runaway slaves and-"

"How many can you spare?"

"Fifteen at the most."

"Hmm... it'll have to do."

"May I ask for what purpose?"

"I plan to make an example of Senator Casel tomorrow. He's the one leading this group of fools that think we should negotiate... cowards. I heard some of them disappeared last night, which is good news as they won't arrive at the senate to help him or influence others to try anything before, we deal with them."

"Father, are you planning on purging the senate?"

"Only if they refuse to do what is necessary, son. As for the main campaign, have we heard from Tiberius yet?"

"H-he left this morning..."

"So, no word yet?!"

"...no, sir... we haven't received word."

Molt rubbed his eyes.

"We need to know if he's alive at least. I want to know if they pushed out of Itálica after last night's attacks."

Another general said, "Your majesty, some of these measures... concern me."

"Your concern is noted."

"Well, many of the people will be unable to make the trip... would it not be better to leave them here in order to slow the enemy down? It seems these Americans care about protecting civilians, so perhaps we should use that to our advantage."

Molt immediately said "No. If they cannot leave then they are to be killed. We don't fully know how far these Americans can reach, and even if we leave the city filled with the sick and dying, this will only serve to garner them more support."

He went to serve himself another cup but reconsidered as he stood up.

"Our image is going to be very much destroyed after this, gentlemen. We will be seen as cowards who ran away... but it is the only way we can defeat this force from another world."

Rufus said, "We could consider at least listening to their demands."

"They want us dead, general. No two ways about it. It's why I'm so suspicious of that beast my son carries around with him. Perhaps they let her live because she's a civilian... or perhaps they're using her."

Zorzal wanted to counter that possibility but was smart enough to keep his mouth shut.

"In fact,... Zorzal, has she made any suggestions to you recently?"

"Of course not. I control her, father. The only thing she would have given us any advice on was our strategy which you decided against. I suppose I can ask her later and see what she says."

"No, I don't want that beast knowing of our plans."

He paused, considering something.

"Zorzal, why do you keep her alive? Her people are scattered to the winds, her lands belong to us, and she's been tortured for 3 years, far longer than any of our enemy leaders. Put her out of her misery already."

"I conquered her; I get to decide what happens to her. Plus, she's the only concubine I've had that can even handle my libido."

Molt resisted the urge to punish his son for his tastes in concubines. Like most of his children, Zorzal had been on military campaigns since he was a child, so his appetite was an unfortunate side effect of that, much like how some older emperors had grown strange interests before ascending to the throne.

The battlefields do things to men, it seemed.

"Oh, of course, of course... she was a head hunter, yes?"

"I don't think so."

"Right, right... bring me her head by tomorrow night."

There was silence.

"What?"

"You heard me. She's an enemy of the Empire. The second these Americans give her the opportunity she will betray you like she betrayed her own people. Do as you are told."

Zorzal only turned to the other officers and gave them a knowing look.

"Which reminds me... the surviving Warrior Bunnies... how many are left and where are they situated? We may have to take care of them as well. They are the ones who stand the most to gain if these Americans reach them... we slaughtered them once, we can surely finish the job, yes?" Molt asked.

The soldiers looked as uncomfortable as he sipped the wine.

…

The quill broke in Tyuule's hand as she finished writing the paper, her jaw clenched and her eyes widened in anger, amplified by their crimson color.

Images of her fallen family members shot back to her and she shut her eyes tight as she stood up.

She took a deep breath, lowered her gaze, and approached the American, silently handing him the parchment.

He turned and took the parchment, reading it over.

His eyes widened.

"He's lost his mind."

Tyuule didn't reply.

"Have to go tell my higher-ups."

She didn't reply.

Dennis noticed, he glanced once more at the parchment, noting the threats against her and her people.

"Hey... listen..."

She looked at him.

"I can get you out of here, tonight. If he's threatening-"

"No."

Damn it, you stubborn bunny-eared woman!

"They're threatening to kill you. It may be safer to just evacuate you immediately."

"It only means we have to get rid of Molt. Fast."

She sat on the floor once again.

"Keep that blade on me, they're going to come out soon... we can discuss this further in your quarters."

"...Understood."

Dennis awkwardly unsheathed the blade.

He wasn't at all good with a sword as he was with a rifle, but he kept it steady, pretending to be keeping her in place.

"Try not to look so uncertain with the blade. You look like a child." Tyuule spoke in a mildly irritated voice, her mind on other things.

"Our soldiers don't use swords anymore. Never trained with one." Dennis muttered back.

"Then at least try to-"

She immediately shut up.

Two seconds later, the door swung open, and the Emperor walked ahead.

He noticed the young man holding the blade and said "Sheath that sword and hand it back to the general, please." before walking off, two generals escorting him, two more waiting behind.

Dennis handed the sword back to the General who nodded and silently waited for the emperor to be out of sight.

"He's lost his mind." Rufus finally breathed to the crown prince.

Zorzal turned to Tyuule.

"We need to move quickly. How are things on your end?"

"We're sorting things out. I believe that with access to the Haryo tribe we can act tomorrow night."

"Good. Now, come with me. The meeting gave me the most terrible headache and I could use your help in relieving it." Zorzal said in a seductive tone that came off more boorish than anything.

"I need to sort things out, your highness. I apologize but I'll be a little late tonight."

"Ah... of course, of course. I need to sort some things out as well. We must make certain Father never finds out of the plan. But do try to get there before midnight, my little bunny." he said, lifting her chin and pressing himself against her.

Zorzal noted the look of disapproval on the young man's face.

"Come now, Den. I was serious about not discriminating."

"I... apologize." came the reply, the young man turning to look away.

"He's going to help us?" Rufus asked, not entirely comfortable with the prince's display himself.

"I believe so... did Tyuule show you the transcript of the meeting?"

"Yes, sir... it's clear the emperor is unwell." Dennis said, visibly uncomfortable.

"I'm glad we agree... Tyuule?"

"Yes, highness." she said, taking the parchment' from Dennis' hands and handing it to Zorzal.

The man read it over and frowned briefly.

"What's with this little blot of ink near the end?"

"Apologies, but the quill broke as I finished transcribing," Tyuule said, bowing her head.

Zorzal frowned, handing it back to her.

"Rewrite it and make sure every senator gets a copy before tonight. Understood?"

"Yes, your grace."

"Good. Now come, men, we have things to prepare. Son of Tobias..."

With a nod, the crown prince and the generals left them, moving with purpose.

Tyuule huffed once they were gone.

"He's really thinking himself the great hero... moron," she muttered.

Dennis only said, "He's getting the support of the senate?"

"Yes, even without this information they would likely back him. If it means saving their lands and titles, they'll back anyone. Now come. Much to discuss."

"Yeah, like getting you out of here."

"I cannot leave, his highness can only be manipulated by me at this point and I can handle him fine. This is my duty, American, I will not be pushed aside simply because you're uncomfortable."

"Ma'am-" he attempted to object but she quickly cut him off.

"I will hear no further, Orville!" she said in a firm tone, her crimson eyes tearing into his own like a bullet.

Dennis paused.

Her eyes lacked the madness he had seen during the battles at Alnus and Itálica, filled with a purpose he couldn't argue against.

Right... she wants to see the empire destroyed at all cost...

He shook his head and said "Understood. We can let the higher-ups know about the plan for Casel and the senate through the radio. Maybe we'll get some help and get it done quicker. Gives us options at least."

He took a step forward, paused, turned to the girl, and said "I do intend to help you, you know?"

Tyuule only nodded and followed him, her mind too busy on the deaths she had witnessed and the suffering she had endured to actually register the words she had wanted to hear for so long, the words she had last heard come from the meeting cutting deeper than she had anticipated.

The second these Americans give her the opportunity; she will betray you like she did her own people.

She ground her teeth.

You cowards betrayed your oaths first!

Any mercy she might have held for the royal family was crushed, and she eyed the American ahead of her, fully intent on using him to destroy those who had hurt her and her people.

Honor and chivalry be damned.

9:00 PM

Casel opened the door to his home to find the young Rose Knight named Hamilton and a man he had never seen before.

The man was wearing some kind of paint on his face and was carrying a strange contraption.

"American?" he asked.

Drew only replied with "Yes, sir."

"Alright, what's this about? Isn't dangerous for you to be talking to me?"

"Senator, the king is planning to kill you tomorrow as an example."

"...I beg your pardon?"

"King's lost his damn mind, sir. We're going to push your evacuation ahead to right now."

"I can't leave now. If Molt wants to kill me then it will prove to the Senate that he is unstable and must be removed from power immediately."

"He's already proven that by ordering the expansion of the scorched earth campaign! Sir, you're leading the pro-peace faction alongside Pina, we can't let you stay here!" Hamilton countered.

Casel said "Many senators agree with him as they see the Americans as any other foreign invader! I have to get it through to them that-"

"Sir, with all due respect, it doesn't matter what they think, Molt is going to be dead this time tomorrow," Drew said bluntly.

Casel turned rigid.

"That- why?"

"Take a wild guess. Look, even if we don't permanently evacuate you, we need to ensure the safety of you and your wife, and right now it isn't safe here."

"A regiment of the Rose Knights is heading to Italica tonight, sir. Please, come with us." Hamilton pleaded.

Casel looked around.

"Is... is this really what it comes to?"

"Afraid so."

"...I never supported this expansion. The empire is large enough given all the monsters and bandits in the area... damn that cocky bastard and his entourage... they're the ones to blame for this nonsense... I need to send a letter to Senator Dussie before I leave."

The man turned and called his wife, grabbing a piece of parchment and scribbling something on it.

"Lady Hamilton, can you deliver this, please?"

Hamilton took the parchment and asked, "May I ask what it says?"

"Despite being in favor of continuing the war, Dussie is an intelligent man... I'm asking him to oppose the emperor tomorrow. No given reason, just... a favor for an old friend. I'll be ready to go in an hour."

Drew nodded and signaled to the men hiding in the shadows.

A man with a portable radio brought it over to Drew who took it.

"Overlord, VIP has agreed to evacuate, proceeding with caution." the Green Beret spoke into the radio.

Alnus Hill

Pina listened to the translation without much interest.

More loss...

If what the information she had heard was true, then not only were her efforts to convince her father of peace truly doomed from the start, the man was almost suicidal in the way he intended to continue the war.

Such tactics would...

She glanced at the American president who was on the strange invention the Americans called the "telephone", talking with several other people, his "cabinet" the translator had explained.

Essentially, his political advisors.

She took some comfort in knowing this wasn't a man of war, but one who actively tried to seek peace like her, but it was obvious there was no option but to fight her father and his followers.

And the easiest way to do that would be to...

The American president placed the phone down and sighed, frustrated.

He turned to the general.

"How're the efforts on surrounding the mountainous region?"

"We're moving forward day and night, mister president. By week's end, we should have control over this region on the map here... we already have an open path to the capital, but if we want to ensure the civilian population is safe from enemy forces, then hopefully by then we'll have control over how much damage they can do and then we can neutralize them."

"Good... as for the emperor..."

All too often were some important decisions made at the last second.

He glanced at the girl who was studying the photographs of the destruction out in the countryside surrounding Italica.

"Princess Pina?"

She turned to him.

She looked exhausted, beaten.

Then she stood up and spoke.

"My mother was never of royal blood, I should never have been allowed to rule anything, yet my father kept me around. I was always grateful and... and it doesn't matter anymore. What has been allowed to happen is nothing short of evil. This isn't any better than the savagery we often found ourselves fighting against throughout our own history... I won't pretend we're any better, I won't pretend I know any better... but my duty has always been to protect the people of the Empire, and..."

She glanced once more at the black and white photographs of a burned village.

"And I cannot abide by this. Do what you must. I will support you however I can." she said, sitting down again.

Once the interpreter finished translating, the American president nodded.

"Alright, then it's settled. Inform our agents, I want details on what this assassination plot entails and if they need our help, we'll give it to them... God help us all."

Once again, he found himself allowing another world leader not only to be deposed but executed.

It was far from the idealist values he pushed at his rallies.

It was, unfortunately, the dark side of being a world leader.

He reminded himself of the man's actions and then proceeded his attention to some rather interesting reports on the table.

The Kingdom of Elbe...

Pina on the other hand did her best to hide her devastation.

Gray patted her shoulder.

"Princess?"

"Gray?"

"...This must be hard on you."

"Not really... I don't feel much of anything right now."

"I believe you made the right choice. Allowing the emperor to carry out these operations-"

"I'm killing my father, Gray... not directly, but I allowed it. All I can do now is try and make up for it. Once Hamilton arrives, I want all the Rose Knights to evacuate the capital or... or at least most of them. I want to support our American allies as best we can in dealing with these Brigands... maybe we can even convince General Tiberius to surrender."

Gray said, "Tiberius is an intelligent man, but he is also a harsh and steadfast general... he never questions the emperor, and if he's away..."

"Correct... he'll need more than just my word to know he has no chance. And I doubt Zorzal will call him off given his warped view of this conflict. We're going to have to work on..."

"Princess?"

"Diabo has been away for some time... if we can get to him..."

"Princess?"

"Gray, could you get me some parchment? I would like to send Diabo a letter."

"Of course," he said, reaching into a satchel he carried with him, taking a quill and parchment he quickly handed her.

He noticed how both Princess Pina and the American President were focused on different yet similar things, both still doing the work of leaders.

It was a sight he appreciated throughout all the darkness at hand.

10:00 PM

Tyuule studied the mostly empty room as the American was speaking on the strange machine in a language she did not understand.

Dennis turned to her, and said "You're sure they can get the poison by tomorrow?"

"Yes. The plan is for you to simply pass the drinks over to the assassin."

"Do you know the poison they intend to use?"

"A potent blend of seeds that will not take effect until later in the night. Don't worry, it's not something that can afflict via touch. One must ingest the poison in order for it to afflict."

She noticed the American seemed bothered by the method but said nothing.

The young man spoke into the strange box, the box spoke back.

He turned to her.

"This poison will kill him? Guaranteed?"

Tyuule paused, lifting a hand to her chin.

"That's a good question... it's certainly meant to kill, but I recall stories of some who were able to resist its effects long enough for a healer to intervene."

"Healers, like... magic?"

"Yes."

The American pursed his lips.

His mind briefly thought back to the amount of firepower it took to stop a mob of armed savages with blades and axes. The fact this medieval society had incorporated some magicians in order to greater utilize flame arrows and if the battle of Itálica was any indication, create a primitive HE round.

Magic healers would certainly screw up the plan for both of us...

"Stalker One, Trojan Two just brought up a hiccup for the operation. The poison is safe to use so long as it's not ingested, the problem is that the Emperor has a magical healer, and if he resists the effects of the slow-acting poison long enough to get help, it could easily be undone."

"So, she needs something more instant?"

"Affirmative."

"Copy, hold one..."

He turned back to Tyuule.

"You may need something a bit more potent than poison seeds. If he's going to die, it needs to be a guarantee. He lives, not only will he set the capital on fire, it'll be harder for us to effectively defeat the imperial forces."

Internally she smiled as it appeared their goals were the same.

Instead, she said, "So you desperately want him dead?"

"Have a job to do, better do it right."

There was a pause.

She then said, "Perhaps your people could provide a killing agent?"

"Checking to see just that."

"Oh... interesting," she said, studying the American's face.

He didn't say anything, seemingly staring at the wall, patiently awaiting a response from the talking box he called a "Radio".

He looked uncomfortable with the methods they were using but said nothing of it.

Interesting indeed...

She heard the crackle of the "radio" and he then spoke into the box again, language being impossible for her to understand in spite of some words sounding similar

The box spoke back, he nodded and said something before turning to her.

"We'll provide the poison."

"I see. Shall I inform Bouro?"

"Yeah. We're going to need to organize this properly. Our poison acts much quicker, but it can also be dangerous to handle so we're going to set it up so no one else dies."

"Perhaps you could use a sacrificial lamb? There are plenty of imperial trash we could get to do this simple task," she spoke, the question clearly loaded as she wondered if her allies and the young man representing them.

What do you think of that, soldier?

The American frowned and quickly shot down the idea.

"Absolutely not."

"Oh? Why not?"

Naivety? A self-righteous sense of morality no different from the Empire... which is it?

Dennis turned, angrily saying "I'm not in charge for one thing, but if I was, I'd shoot it down right away to ensure success. The guys up top are the ones planning this with what they have, and they prefer not to leave evidence behind as far as I know, and if the person we get to do it for us is captured or kill it could lead back to us."

Practicality? Surely that's not all you have to argue...

"Ah, but the dead body would turn the trail cold, no?"

"Yeah, which leads me to another point. Prince Zorzal is secretly orchestrating this with the full support of the Senate and several generals if that dinner was anything to go by. Body or not, this won't go anywhere if it links back to him so why bother leaving a body? Just not necessary."

She smiled slightly, which to the American was creepy enough, but the tiredness of the girl had a way of making him uncomfortable in a way he didn't entirely understand.

"What?" he asked, placing the radio away.

"I'm just fascinated by your strange reluctance to kill your enemy."

"I'm not reluctant."

Liar...

"Of course, of course..." she said instead.

Dennis narrowed his eyes at her words.

"Hmm?" she hummed, tempting him to say anything, grinning cruelly, fully expecting him to push her away now that she was annoying him, secretly hoping he didn't.

"Nothing. Get lost, I'll give your assistant the information he needs once I get it."

He was clearly tired.

Her smile faded slightly, but she turned to leave.

Perhaps out of his guilty conscious or perhaps out of pity for the girl, the American quickly said "Before I forget, I'm grateful that you helped me out earlier in the morning... the old bastard was out to get me and you had my back. I appreciate it."

She stopped and turned to study the American, finding herself shocked that the gratitude appeared genuine in spite of his abrasiveness towards her.

"...think nothing of it."

She exited the room.

The instant she closed the door she covered her face...

...took a deep breath...

...and immediately turned and opened the door to the American's room.

"What's with you?!" she demanded.

"Huh?"

She then shut the door.

Dennis blinked now VERY confused.

He got up and went to the door.

He opened it and saw her by the entrance, arms crossed in frustration as if he had been late to an appointment.

"What was that all about?!" he demanded.

The analytical glare she returned stopped the American from asking further.

Tyuule looked him over before speaking in an annoyed tone.

"I'm trying to figure you out! You're clearly frustrated and bothered by your situation, yet here you are trying to be polite to me! There's no need for that nonsense!"

"You're telling me... not to be polite?"

"I'm asking why you're being polite when you don't have to be!"

"I- is that really so hard to figure-? Oh, of course, it is..." he groaned.

...backward planet, backward people...

At least she had the excuse of being tortured for several years and was still pleasant to be around...

Pleasant? Forget it...

He turned to her, stared her dead in the eyes, and said "Because back home we're taught to treat people as people, so yeah, until you do something to really piss me off, I'll treat you like anyone else."

If his word had any effect, she didn't show it. Remaining silent for a moment, seemingly analyzing what he had said, making sure she had understood.

"Is... that how you see me? Another, typical, human?" she asked, not cowering from the intense staring contest.

Dennis paused.

He glanced at her smooth legs, her fair skin, her slender form, her snow-white hair, her crimson eyes, her obviously human face that could convince any man of-

FOCUS!

"Yeah, you're human, same as anyone. Wouldn't say typical but... um..."

Now the girl seemed perplexed.

"Right, look... I'm what you would call... white, right?"

No less perplexed.

"Uh... Alright, we don't have any Bunny people in my world. Or cat people, or Centaurs, or goblins or any of that. What we do have are different types of people. I got white skin, I know a guy who's got dark skin, I know another guy who's got yellow skin, all human, all American. Maybe not as smart or maybe actually smarter than me, doesn't matter, they're people- same as I am, same as you are."

She didn't say anything.

Dennis said "So, yeah... I see you as any other person... you have the... different ears and... a tail, but..."

He motioned with his hands, unsure of what else to say.

The girl responded by closing her eyes.

The hallway was deathly quiet.

Dennis waited for her response, not sure what to expect.

"You're naïve." she finally said after a minute of thought.

Now the American crossed his arms.

"Maybe."

"You aren't arguing?"

"Lady, what do you want from me? Yeah, it's a naïve idea, hell, my world wasn't much different from this one a thousand years ago, and my country's pretty young comparatively! You're right, it's naïve to think of every person as just another person, it just hasn't stopped us."

"Hasn't... stopped you..." she repeated, a lingering sadness in the words.

Before he could respond, Dennis noticed her ears perked up once more and her crimson eyes darted to the left.

She turned and looked at him again.

"We shall continue this matter another time. Coordinate with your superiors, I'll inform Bouro to meet with you. We must end Molt Sol Augusts' reign no later than tomorrow." she sighed.

She turned to leave but paused.

"Thank you for the conversation."

She said, looking away.

"...sure."

She walked away, disappearing down the hall's corner just as footsteps came from the opposite direction.

Dennis closed the door and frowned at himself.

Being polite when you don't have to... am I that desperate for some company?

He couldn't get the fact his eyes had occasionally turned to admire her form.

Yeah, she's attractive, but...

His mouth formed a thin line when his door shook.

"Open this door, child!"

Oh, what do you want?

He stood up and walked to the door, finding August outside.

"I'm missing a knife."

Dennis nodded, his patience running thin.

"It's of sentimental value. My wife bought it for me before I moved here."

"Sorry, I haven't seen it."

The man grabbed his tunic and pulled at it, looking him over.

"I don't have it." he sighed.

Realizing the 18-year-old had nothing on him, the man shoved him aside and entered the room, looking around.

Just a bed, a cheap desk, a cheap chair, and a small crate that appeared empty.

Realizing there really was nowhere to hide the blade, the man turned and said "Are they paying you?"

"For?"

"Working in the kitchen?"

"Probably. Haven't been paid yet."

"Huh... that explains this bare-bones room. It also makes you suspicious as my knife is rather expensive and would go for a steep price."

"So, if I see it, I should sell it?"

The man gave the American a dangerous smile.

"You have quite the mouth on that head of yours."

Yeah, ma always told me to keep it shut... should've listened more...

"Sorry, I was trying to lighten the mood... long day."

"No excuses. Step out of line again I'll hurt you. I find out you took my knife; I'll kill you and feed you to the pigs."

Dennis didn't reply, only lowering his head as the man exited the room.

He closed the door only to immediately feel the temperature drop a dozen degrees as a voice said "Trained spy or not, you're certainly patient with these people."

The voice being in English made it clear who was in the room.

"How do you get in and out of here?" he asked, still speaking in the local tongue.

Bouro said "I'm a trained spy. Her Highness said you had some information for me?"

"Yeah, my commanders are thinking of delivering the killing blow themselves. We have no guarantee your poison will work and if Molt is hellbent on burning everything to the ground in order to slow our advance then he needs to be taken out as soon as possible."

"Our poison is effective and it will give time for the killer to escape."

"Our poison is quick and gets the job done. The killer doesn't even have to be present when he drinks it, he just has to put it into the chalice."

"That leaves a small window of opportunity to deliver the poison. One cannot place it before the cook inspects the drink, it must be after it is served."

"My superiors are looking into it. You're pretty sneaky, couldn't you just sneak the poison into his food if we give it to you?"

"I... I mustn't get involved too directly at the moment."

"Any reason why?"

"Some in my clan are still loyal. I planned on manipulating things so that the loyal ones took the blame for the poisoning of the emperor..."

...you're hiding something...

"Understood. I'll inform my officers. I think we can cook something up if you help us gain entrance to the kitchen."

Silence.

"Do you have someone to deliver it?"

"We're looking into it according to the higher-ups. I think we have some well-trained individuals that can accomplish the task at hand. I think we can have the plan in motion by tomorrow morning."

"I see. That way you can poison his dinner by tomorrow night. I'll hold my people back then. If your operation fails, then we'll accomplish the task. Molt must not be allowed to carry out his scorched earth policy."

Dennis only nodded.

He felt the presence begin to leave when it hesitated.

"So... do you have an interest in Tyuule?"

"Get out."

"Is it not a valid question?"

"It's none of your business is what it is."

The low chuckle sent a chill down his spine as the presence fully disappeared from his room.

With an exhausted sigh, Dennis shifted slightly and fell on the wooden bed, falling asleep in seconds.

Not too far away, Bouro appeared next to Tyuule, the fallen queen staring into the starry sky.

"Did he tell you about the poison?" she asked.

"Yes, though I worry about your new allies."

Tyuule only sighed.

They're naïve... certainly naïve... at least he is... and yet...

"Molt was serious about killing you. He ordered me to finish the deed if Zorzal does not."

She smirked.

"It's nice knowing things are changing. Just this morning I was still that bastard's toy... now I have some power back and the spineless coward of an emperor knows he should be afraid. He dies tomorrow, understood?"

"Yes, your majesty... now, if I may..."

"What?"

"I'm curious, are you interested in the American?"

She never expected to be caught off guard by a question the disgusting creature in the shadows made, but to her surprise, she was very much caught off guard.

"Interested how?"

"I noticed how you eye him up. After he said he was here to help, I thought-"

"He said that?" she asked quickly.

"Yes... he told you once the meeting ended earlier. Did you not hear it?"

Tyuule fell silent, faintly remembering that he said something while she was busy thinking back on her people, too distracted to hear him properly. Internally she grimaced, as help had been exactly what she had wanted a long time ago.

Even when she was in charge of the tribes, she had been acting alone, helpless to stop the armies of the Empire, a suicidal last stand being the inevitable result, she had chosen to surrender. She had resented never having allies, never finding any sympathy in the senators... the offer of help had never been made to her in those long 3 years of abuse.

She felt her throat tighten as she considered that the American might have been genuine in his intentions to help her.

Still, she couldn't let the creature believe it had something to hold over her that wasn't information.

"Mind your tongue, Bouro. I don't like that it drifts to places it shouldn't."

She spoke more composed now.

"He said something similar." came the response.

Tyuule did not reply.

She focused on the word "help".

She was helping them if anything, but they were helping her get her revenge and avenge her people. She thought back to her family, shut her eyes tightly once more as she recalled the screams of mothers as their babies were ripped away to be torn apart or sold into slavery.

If only they had arrived then...

Zorzal hadn't given them any mercy and had sent his most sadistic men to take ensure her people suffered before dying. She recalled how he mocked her, how he hurt her... and then she felt the all too familiar arm on her shoulder.

"Oh, there you are. Is the matter settled?" Zorzal asked her.

Bouro was still in the shadows, she could feel him, but that mattered little

Exhausted as she was, she was still strong enough to brave a fake smile.

"Yes, your highness. The matter is settled."

Knowing what was to come never made it easier, but it helped knowing she could manipulate her tormentor with greater ease now.

April 13th, 1964

Trade City of Itálica

12:00 AM

Delilah's posture compared to Mamina's wasn't entirely different, yet it showed a clear contrast between both maids.

Mamina was clearly a touch more professional, arms on her lap, staring straight ahead, and Delilah allowed herself to a touch more freedom, arms crossed, head looking around.

What Trent Colbert noticed both the bunny girls had in common was the posture of trained soldiers. He turned to Caine who only nodded at him in order to confirm that yes, the US government had permission to make the request of the Formal Clan.

He took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Apologies for the short notice, but I've uh... been informed you two are... best suited for this task."

He wasn't as well versed in the local tongue as he would have liked.

He could speak it well enough, but it was obvious to anyone with ears that it wasn't his language.

Delilah only asked, "What do you want with us?"

"Your help."

"Help? With what?" Delilah asked.

Mamina's eyebrow furrowed ever so slightly, silently asking the same question.

The man from the Central Intelligence Agency stood up and walked to the desk in the room.

He retrieved a folder with several pictures and papers.

Handing the photographs to the two women he said "Recognize him?"

The black and white images showed Emperor Molt Sol Augustus from a distance.

Delilah quickly took it and excitedly said "Are you moving in to kill him?"

"What?"

"Are you moving in to kill him?" she repeated, slower this time.

Trent shrugged.

"We're waiting on today's word to confirm if we're carrying the operation through or not. The man may finally see reason at the very last second and try to negotiate with us for peace. But if not, then yes... the plan is to kill him."

Mamina only said "Is it safe to discuss things here? The Empire has ears everywhere."

Trent only said "Doesn't matter much if they do when they can't do anything about it. The man we have on the inside has the help of several important people within the Emperor's inner circle and we plan to use that to our advantage."

"Can't you just use them to do the deed then?" Delilah asked.

"Not directly. But they will be helping us take out the Emperor."

Mamina then said, "If taken out, won't his son make things worse?"

"Not necessarily. Prince... Zorzal... he can be manipulated. In fact, your queen is helping us do just that."

At the mention of the former ruler, Trent noticed the room temperature dropped significantly.

Mamina's expression didn't change in spite of her eyes seemingly turning hateful.

Delilah on the other hand...

"You're working with that snake?!"

Trent replied by frowning at the girl.

"She betrayed us all! How can- Eek!"

Caine suddenly flicked the girl's forehead with her index finger.

"How often have I told you that vengeance is a fool's errand, Delilah?"

She didn't argue, only sitting back down.

Trent replied with "If you're not capable of carrying out the mission then I suggest you leave right now."

She quickly shook her head.

"What's the mission?"

Trent rubbed the back of his head.

"We're going to poison the emperor, but make the prince think the Haryo tribe he controls did it. The problem is that the palace is under much higher security after the attacks on the eleventh. It's going to be an issue getting our agents in and out with ease, so we plan on using you two instead as you can blend in as slaves. Once inside you'll meet up with several of our soldiers who will give you kitchen uniforms. You are to sneak into the kitchen, pretending to be slaves hired for such a task. Then, when dinner's served, drop this into the Emperor's chalice."

The girls stared at the tiny... thing... wrapped inside a transparent... something.

"What is that?" Mamina asked.

"A special poisoned pill we have. You drop this into any liquid and it dissolves like salt. Anyone drinking from the alcohol will die in a minute. Two if they're unlucky."

"Unlucky?" Delilah asked.

Trent nodded solemnly.

"You want revenge, right? Well, tonight we take out the man who allowed your people to be enslaved."

Delilah immediately asked, "What about Zorzal and Tyuule?"

"We're using them."

"For WHAT?!"

Caine was about to discipline the girl again but Trent said "It's a valid question. We're going to allow Zorzal to become emperor for a brief time as we take control of the area between Itálica and the capital. That way we can manipulate what information he gets if he sends troops out like he keeps saying he wants to do. Tyuule is very cooperative in helping us there as she's his only remaining slave."

"S-slave?!"

"Yes. As she showed loyalty by 'choosing' to remain his slave, he gave her the role of advisor. He thinks he has made her fall in love with him it seems, and we're going to use that to our advantage."

"Why not just use your flying machines to destroy him?" Mamina asked.

"You saw the princess?"

"Yes."

"Well, she's begging us not to bomb the capital again... in the interest of saving lives we're obliging her, but we're bringing in more... flying machines if things go south. But things haven't gone south yet. The only thing that we didn't expect was the Emperor panicking and accelerating this... scorched earth campaign. It's why we need him out of the picture right away."

Delilah asked, "What if we kill him and Zorzal surrenders or comes to the negotiation table?"

"If he does then we'll give him the option of surrendering and stepping down to allow Princess Pina to rule the Empire. We can arrest him for crimes against humanity then."

"And Tyuule?"

"Tyuule is actively cooperating and evidence suggests she did not betray you. In fact, it seems she surrendered in a desperate attempt at saving-"

"Lies..."

"Lies or not, it's what the evidence suggests."

"I saw her! She was supposed to lead us from her fortress yet SOMEHOW, she appeared in the Imperial camp! Zorzal even-"

"Did Tyuule order you all to surrender? Personally?"

"No! But the fact she-"

"Yeah, yeah, surrender is the coward's option, that's why you see her as a traitor, I get it! But the fact is that she didn't do it to save her own skin, or at least that's not what happened. We've seen the conditions she's been surviving under. She isn't living it up with the nobility, she's sleeping in a cold cell wearing nothing but rags. According to the princess, she was very willing to help and she's been cooperating immensely."

"I... I don't believe it."

"Yeah, well I don't care if you do. We have a job to do and you two are probably the best equipped to get it done. You can claim to be part of some new slaves the emperor bought in order to ease the work of the palace staff, and before anyone has time to question it, you've already done the job and would be extracted from the capital."

"...so you intend to take us there and bring us back."

"Correct."

"How?"

"Flying machines. Are you up for it?"

Delilah turned to Mamina.

The still sitting maid said, "If we can avenge our fallen comrades and help bring the Empire to its knees then I don't see why we shouldn't go ahead with it."

Delilah only said "Fine... but if Tyuule gets in the way..."

"Oh, no. If she shows up you don't touch her. We need her and right now you need her, too. Uncle Sam is willing to give your people dual citizenship in exchange for your help, but we need her for that to go through."

At this, both girls turned to raise an eyebrow.

"Who's Uncle Sam?"

"Oh, right... the United States government."

"Why do you call your government an uncle?"

"Because the letters in our language are... oh, forget it. It's not important. You have two hours to prepare, so get to it."

He was impressed at how quickly both maids stood, bowed, and rushed off.

Caine said "They suffered a lot before Lord Formal hired them. Despite their duties, I think they have both been waiting for this moment a long time."

Trent only replied with "All that matters is that they get it done... better go give the others the heads up."

He put on his aviators, grabbed his things, and exited the room, looking at another paper folder he had with him.

On it was a picture of a young girl with aqua-teal hair.

Imperial Capital

7:00 AM

Emperor Molt observed the uneasy looks coming from the senators.

He knew very well what was to come.

He glanced at his daughter's empty seat, his features hardening.

He then looked a touch beyond it and frowned.

Where's Senator Casel?

He impatiently tapped his fingers against his chair, wondering about the potential traitor's whereabouts when Dussie approached him.

"Majesty, I received this letter from Senator Casel mere moments ago." the senator said, handing him the parchment.

Molt raised an eyebrow and took it.

He read it aloud.

"An emergency came up and I had to evacuate the capital. I plan on returning no later than next week, please prevent the Emperor from carrying out the scorched earth-"

He crushed the parchment and tossed it to the floor, garnering the attention of the senators.

"Emperor-"

"Sit, Dussie... as for ALL of you... what have you achieved since yesterday?"

The senators glanced at each other.

Dussie pursed his lips and spoke calmly.

"We believe it can be done, sir. Between us, we have fifteen thousand men ready to set fire to the fields, and we believe we can evacuate most of our domains in a week's time should General Tiberius hold them off for that long."

"Good. We organize today and begin tomorrow morning."

"But... your majesty... if I may... some of us would like to at least consider listening to what the enemy wishes."

"Who?"

Silence.

Molt leaned forward in his seat.

"Dussie... who thinks we should listen to the men that attacked our capital, killed our generals, and stole my daughter?"

Dussie only said "It was said in confidence, Emperor. I cannot in good conscience-"

"Rubbish! Who amongst you is betraying me?!"

The room was silent.

Dussie finally said, "We still require salt in large quantities if we wish to make the earth-"

"Get it done!" he said, standing angrily.

He glared at the fact that his son's seat was empty and stormed out of the senate building.

Outside, in the early morning hours, it appeared things were calming down slightly.

There was no smoke in the air, and the noises of the city appeared to be less panicked.

He stumbled upon his personal chef, Clef, seeing the man smoking some opium.

Clef turned and said, "Emperor, care for-?"

"Please." the emperor sighed, taking the offered pipe.

Clef sighed.

Molt only said, "Is your staff ready for tomorrow?"

"Most of them travel light. Give us the word and we'll be set to go at a moment's notice."

"Good. Clef?"

"Yes?"

"Make tonight's feast special... it will be the last time we eat so well I believe."

"Nonsense. You have August and me as cooks, and all our underlings are top class... well, most of them. Regardless, we'll work to make the best out of this crisis."

Molt took a breath, more relaxed.

"...Pina always wished to negotiate... she never understood how... how... how important it is to maintain control of things. I did say we should be open to negotiations, but right now... right now it would destroy us."

"Of course, sir."

Both men stared at the palace gardens for a moment, the green grass and well-trimmed bushes decorating the marble palace, a structure that took decades to construct and centuries to reach the level of elegance it had now.

Destroying it would be a tragedy, but a necessary one in Molt's eyes.

"If I may, majesty?"

"You may."

"Your son's attachment to that beast is concerning."

"Yes, Marcus has complained as well. My son's young, he doesn't understand that he should strive for more victories, not just fixate on the first one. Worry not, if she's not dead by tonight, she'll be dead in the morning."

Clef only nodded.

"About time, if you ask me."

"It's... it's good to know people still support me. Not everyone understands how my actions are, in the end, correct."

"The old legends are full of men who knew what the right thing was when the people did not. It is why you are the ruler, after all, Emperor."

"Indeed. Who knows? Perhaps I am overreacting and Tiberius will crush the enemy."

Dumas Mountain Range

"Yeah, up on the ridge! Concentrate your fire on coordinates zero, one, five, two!" Dom said over the radio as gunfire continued to roar around them.

That kid wasn't lying...

Men were in the trees several meters above them, shooting arrows down on the Americans pushing up the mountain.

"Thought this was going to be an easy scouting operation." Shaun sighed, firing a quick burst, not really aiming as the men were too far away to see clearly amongst the trees, which only meant the same for them as the arrows weren't hitting anything.

Then the artillery shells impacted, the sound briefly silencing the battlefield as the smoke cleared and the men waited.

When there wasn't any movement from the hill, Shaun stood up.

Dom pushed ahead of him and shouted "Alright, everyone, move up! Keep your eyes peeled."

The men from the 7th pushed up cautiously.

The forest itself was mossy and full of dead leaves, which would have made for decent concealment of any enemy army.

Not the brigands, however.

A man from the 7th moved a dead body with his foot.

"The hell? This guy's wearing pelts."

Shaun noticed it.

"Probably a commander of sorts. Not great for concealment, though."

There was a reason soldiers no longer saluted their commanding officers on the battlefield.

"How many bodies up there?" someone called.

"I count ten... or maybe ten and three quarters!" Shaun called back, eyeing up the gory mess left behind by the artillery.

Dom shook his head.

Makes no damn sense... was this another probing attack? Why waste soldiers like this? Unless...

Hidden a fair distance up the mountain, General Tiberius observed the men from a rocky ridge.

The leader of the Brigands said "This is what they do every time we try to take their soldiers head-on, even with arrows. They wait for that magic to kill most of us and then they move in."

Tiberius shook his head.

"Then attacking head-on was always suicide. We need new tactics... any word on how far they've gotten?"

The leader of the brigands only said "They're pushing daily, it seems. We had that town in our sights and they already set up a base there."

Tiberius said, "Then they will reach the capital in a few days at the most."

"Is the emperor serious about burning everything down?"

"Yes. Somehow, we must achieve that. I- down!"

The men hid behind the rocks as several of the large metal birds flew on by.

Tiberius shook his head.

"Those birds could be vulnerable to our wyverns... send messengers up the mountain to our bases, tell them to conceal what fliers we have. I don't want them finding the nests and using that magic on them."

The leader of the brigands eyed the craters left by the explosions and nodded.

As for the metal birds...

Were they headed straight for the capital?

Imperial Capital

8:00 AM

Mamina searched among the crowds for the person that was supposed to take them into the castle.

It was Delilah who said, "This is insane... do they really expect this mission to work?"

"Look around you. The capital is essentially in chaos."

Delilah only sighed.

Mamina had a point, the streets were full of people who were walking around far more cautiously than normal as soldiers and armed civilians patrolled the streets.

The Americans really did release most of the slaves... no wonder there is such chaos.

Someone pulled on her sleeve and Delilah instinctively went for her knife but froze as the girl said "Fireflies in the night..."

Both leporine girls turned to meet one of the Rose Knights.

Mamina said, "Individually shine."

Hamilton sighed, saying "Thank goodness... I'm glad I recognized you. If it weren't you two then I don't know what I'd do."

"Do you have the official documents from-?"

"Yes. Right here." Hamilton reached into her satchel and handed the girls forged documents that classified them as slaves to a certain pro-peace senator.

"Come, I'll take you into the palace."

"Understood."

Both girls followed the young knight through the chaotic streets.

Delilah noticed a few people go to blows only for a soldier to pull them apart and arrest both.

Hamilton said "It's getting worse. The Emperor never made any announcements yesterday and the legions have been struggling to contain some of the chaos. Most of the escaped slaves have gotten away into the capital or into the Red-Light District, so cleaning things up isn't easy, either."

"Impressive..." Delilah said.

"Watch your tongue, please. The soldiers are just as uneasy as the mob. Beefeater found that out the hard way..."

"Who?"

"One of our knights. She got into a fight with a legionnaire... she's fine but her black eye won't be gaining her anyone's favor."

Mamina said, "Is Senator Casel alright?"

"Yes, he's in hiding with the Americans. Once the assassination plot was confirmed he decided to hide here and see if he could... I don't know, try and steer Zorzal to seek peace? I doubt it will work. The emperor is too paranoid and the prince is too delusional."

Delilah laughed.

"I must admit, seeing your kind get what's coming to them is quite cathartic!"

Hamilton didn't say anything.

Mamina chastised her partner, saying "Do not draw attention, Delilah. Right now we're in the lion's den..."

"Right... sorry."

"Forget it. As long as you keep your head down you should be fine. Plus you have the American backing you."

"Right..."

Never met him, but if he hates the empire then he's a friend of mine.

They walked several blocks before the entry to the palace finally appeared.

"Right, we're here. Remember your roles, do what you can... I'm sure you will succeed."

The palace gates lay ahead and Mamina and Delilah braced themselves.

...

Being in a crowd made it worse.

Or... at least being in this crowd...

There was a strange isolating feeling that came with being in the middle of a group of busy people that he knew not only cared little for him but openly resented him. Here he was, an amateur cook working with the best of the best, only hired because a royal liked him while they had to actually work their way up to their current position.

It was an entirely understandable resentment.

One female cook plopped some more lettuce next to him on the counter, no instructions were given, and the second he made eye contact all he got in return was a glare whose message was obvious: "don't get in my way."

Dennis didn't allow himself to complain, simply continuing the job he had already been doing.

At this point, he was in a small corner of the kitchen where he was chopping vegetables... again... in order to pass it over to the man next to him who would mix it into some strange salad that included beef of some sorts.

Dennis didn't know the man's name, just that the man appeared to like talking to himself out loud but not loud enough for anyone not paying attention to hear. This was probably for the best as all the man was doing was nervously asking the same things over and over again.

"Why are we doing this now? Why are we doing this when we're under attack? What is the Emperor thinking? Why did they pair me up with this unskilled brat? Why are we preparing such a meal in the middle of an emergency? Why are we doing this now?"

The man kept going in circles, asking the questions as he flawlessly handled the ingredients to create a fairly enticing dish.

Dennis didn't care for it, passing the man the chopped-up lettuce, the man not even acknowledging it as he mixed it into the beef(?) salad.

He got back to chopping more lettuce when Clef approached them.

Dennis could tell it was the chef by the man's stature.

"Good to see you both getting along... Den, come with me for a moment."

"Yes, sir." Dennis stopped what he was doing, noting the cook added "why did they take him away when I need him?" to his circulating list of repeated questions no one would answer.

"Kid, I know you're from the country. What region?"

"The northern province, sir. Close to-"

"Right, right... Do you know these two?"

Dennis only raised an eyebrow as the man opened the door to his office.

Mamina and Delilah both responded with an awkward wave.

Their kitchen clothes hid their ears and tails perfectly, and they looked like normal cooks in the kitchen.

Why the head chef was asking him was beyond the American.

"Do you recognize them?" he asked again.

Dennis responded with "Not that I recall. Have we met?"

"I don't think so? Perhaps at the market?" Mamina spoke politely and relaxed.

Clef only narrowed his eyes.

"Chef, is something wrong?" Dennis asked.

"Get back to work."

"Yes, sir!"

And with that Dennis was off.

Clef eyed the two girls with a glint of frustration.

"The Emperor did not tell me you two would be helping us..." he said after a moment of studying them.

"Well, it's been a chaotic week, hasn't it? Perhaps he was busy." Delilah said with a polite smile.

Clef only responded by saying "Busy and paranoid. Unless you intend to help carry things, I don't see how you're qualified to cook anything."

"I know many dishes, but I was ordered to just help here as there is a very limited number of slaves in the city after the attacks..." Mamina said.

"I don't know much about cooking, but I clean up better than anybody!" Delilah replied cheerfully.

Clef narrowed his eyes.

These "slaves" are well cared for...

"Tell me, who was your previous master?"

"Oh, Senator Casel."

"That coward?!"

"Perhaps, but he's a good master." Mamina lied with great ease.

Clef scoffed.

"Allow me to verify that information first..."

"Senator Casel had an emergency and had to leave if I'm not mistaken."

"Oh, how convenient..."

"He left word with Senator Dussie."

"Ah, of course... another coward. Interesting..."

The Chef eyed the girls.

"Go clean up the kitchen. Do not step outside, do not speak to anyone unless spoken to. I may just be the head chef, but if I suspect either of you of working for the enemy, I won't hesitate to sick my personal guards on you."

Both girls stood, but the man stopped them.

"Of course, first things first... hats off."

Mamina and Delilah did as they were ordered.

Clef smirked.

"Oh, well what do you know? Warrior Bunnies?"

"Yes, sir." both girls replied.

Clef only said, "Huh... you're aware of your current status?"

"Yes, sir."

He got close to both of them.

"I'm already being very patient with that brat, and he has a bit of an interest in your kind... you do not get to leave this kitchen unless you have my permission, understood?"

"Understood, sir."

"Good. Scram. If it needs cleaning, clean it, if anyone needs anything provide it. I'll be watching you."

"Yes, sir."

Clef watched them exit his office and quickly move to grab the cleaning equipment.

Not like it matters. They'll both be dead soon.

"Can you believe how pompous he is?" Delilah mumbled almost silently.

Mamina only responded with a stoic "Compose yourself, slave. We have a job to do."

"Yeah, yeah... I'll keep an eye out."

"You two! Get these plates clean!" a tall man yelled.

"Yes, sir!"

They quickly got to work.

Clef on the other hand frowned.

He stormed out of the office and rushed to where he knew Emperor Molt would likely be.

Nearing the man's chambers he was shocked to find himself face to face with the beast the crown prince actively kept alive.

"You!" he said, surprised.

"Chef Clef... how may I help you?"

"I'm here to speak to the emperor."

"The emperor is quite busy right now. You shouldn't-"

"Oh, is he now? Why are you standing outside his door?!"

Tyuule frowned at the interruption but continued.

"You shouldn't bother him. He is discussing important matters with the crown prince and does not wish to be disturbed."

Clef scoffed.

Tyuule did not reply.

Clef walked up to Tyuule and got uncomfortably close to her.

"I know you're up to something. Those warrior bunnies that showed up at the kitchen today are yours, and I promise you they are not leaving this palace alive."

Clef felt a degree of satisfaction at the brief hint of anger manifesting on the girl's face, but it quickly disappeared when she said "If you intend to kill them, that's none of my concern."

Clef winced.

Tyuule followed up with "I betrayed my people for the empire, remember? Why would I care for some vermin from the plains? Do with them what you will."

Clef only said "You beasts are truly disgusting creatures. Tell his majesty that I wish to speak with him."

Tyuule bowed as the man walked away.

She glared at his back with enough hate to burn him alive should she have a machine that transformed her thoughts into action.

Instead, she whispered to no one "You will rue the day... I swear it!"

12:00 PM

"No! No! No!"

Dennis did not reply as the cook tossed the chopped-up vegetables to the floor in anger.

"You need to be more delicate! Delicate! Did they not teach you this back home?!"

No reply.

"Do it again! Properly!"

Dennis turned to August who only smirked at him.

In turn, Dennis took the bowl of vegetables from the floor and picked up the fallen chunks of food.

The kick startled him, but he did his best to remain composed.

"Don't clean it up! Get a new batch! Now!"

"Yes, sir."

"Slave!"

"Yes, master?"

"Clean!"

Mamina quickly ran over and picked up the mess from the floor before bowing and running off to get rid of the wasted food.

August rolled his eyes.

Dennis got back and quickly started chopping up several vegetables at once, not taking his eyes off the food.

Chef Clef walked over to August.

"How's the meal for tonight?"

"The main course is still being cooked. Den and Kelvin over here are preparing some side dishes... Kelvin is doing me a favor of making sure Den learns how to properly chop up vegetables."

Clef turned, eyeing up the two slaves, efficiently cleaning up the kitchen far better than any of the previous slaves in the palace.

He turned to August and said, "What about the bunnies?"

"Haven't let them out of my sight. They're doing a decent enough job of cleaning, though. Shame we won't be able to use them after tomorrow."

Clef said nothing, eyeing the girls.

The fact they did not react to the words bothered him.

It was common knowledge Warrior Bunnies had impressive strength and agility, but their incredible hearing capability was a less talked about aspect of their race, and he knew they could hear them perfectly well talking about the fact they would likely die soon.

Yet they continued on as if nothing had happened.

As if on cue, Den turned and said "The girls aren't going to work with us tomorrow?"

August and Kelvin immediately shouted, "Back to work!"

Outwardly, the young man cowered and did as told.

Internally, Dennis smiled.

Any way I can get on the nerves of these pompous jackasses works... so long as I don't push it too far...

He considered it vengeance for the kick to the face Kelvin had struck him with.

Delilah on the other hand was nowhere near as internally calm.

They plan to kill us... more than likely immediately after the dinner is served...

She hated to admit it, but she was nervous.

Sure, they had an easy escape route, but then the mission would be...

She kept looking around the kitchen, fully aware of the poison in her pocket.

Just have to get through this...

2:00 PM

Drew Goldwater silently scratched the skin just below his eye, careful not to remove much of the dark camouflage his unit had painted on their faces in order to better blend in with the dark forest just outside the palace.

He observed several guards patrol the outskirts of the palace.

Turning to his radioman, he said "Number of guards definitely increased from four to eight. Same pattern, though."

The radioman nodded and quickly relayed the information back to the other teams.

This entire operation is a mess...

It was hastily planned, dangerous, but ultimately necessary.

Molt could not be allowed to continue that scorched earth campaign.

It was rarely stated how little satisfaction most soldiers found in killing their fellow man.

It was so simple and black and white on the big screen. Once the hero got to his objective and had his happy ending, the audience could cheer and forget about all the death and destruction that had transpired in order to really reach that happy ending.

Like many other soldiers, Drew had to think back to the film "The War of the Worlds" and how dark and grim that film managed to be in spite of its happy ending of God's tiniest creations ultimately saving mankind from an unstoppable threat from across the stars.

He gripped the M3 "Grease gun", his rifle left behind at their little headquarters and glimpsed at the marble walls.

To his surprise, two guards dressed in purple walked over to the forest.

"Hey... hey, Clark!" he hissed.

His radioman glanced up and froze.

Both men lay as flat as they could under the bushes.

The two purple guards walked over to the edge of the forest and stood there, laying two large spears on the ground.

Drew didn't move an inch.

The older of the guards sighed, saying "So the damned warrior bunnies are in here?"

"You saw them. Better to be safe than sorry."

"Ah."

"...how long till they send them here?"

"Few hours. No later than sundown so we have plenty of time to wait. Got the cards?"

"Yeah, got my money?"

"Yeah, but don't get too greedy. I feel lucky today!"

"Sure, sure..."

Drew clenched his jaw.

Things just got more complicated.

8:00 PM

Kelvin looked at the chopped vegetables and smiled.

"Good. See? You're getting better by the minute."

"Thank you, sir!" Dennis responded, ignoring his bleeding fingers.

Kelvin picked up the vegetables and mixed them into... Dennis wasn't sure what the man was preparing anymore, and he honestly didn't care.

He noticed Clef and August were busy inspecting the Emperor's chalice where they would serve exactly what would kill Molt.

A special Wine that had allegedly been aged to perfection.

August tasted the wine himself and stood his ground for a moment, Clef observing.

After a moment, August nodded and they began to fill the chalice with the special wine.

Mamina and Delilah both pretended not to notice as they washed the floors by hand and polished a counter respectively.

Dennis went to wash his hands, fully aware he needed to bandage them soon, unfortunately...

"Den, get the cart ready! We serve the meal soon!"

Damn it all...

He strode to grab the cart where they would put in the main meal for the Emperor and his generals, never noticing that Mamina had decided to try her luck at poisoning the drink.

She pretended to walk to a washbasin but headed for the one that was closer to Clef and August.

Clef wouldn't allow it.

"Hey, beast. Why are you still here? Your shift's over, scram!"

"I was heading to wash this cloth, master. I do wish to serve-"

"Don't start with your false loyalties. In fact, I want you out of my kitchen immediately!"

Dennis froze.

Mamina was about to agree when Delilah spoke up.

"Are you serious? We've been helping you all this-"

Dennis whirled around, as did every member of the kitchen staff, when August loudly stormed towards Delilah, yelling "You will speak to the head chef with respect!"

Delilah shrunk back.

"Your kind has caused us enough trouble as it is! YOu do not get to speak like that to any imperial citizen, let alone those in the royal kitchen."

"I apologize, sir, I-"

"Grovel and beg." came the cold reply, and Dennis noticed the cook's hands ball into fists.

Damn...

The attention was on the assassins and Dennis couldn't allow it to remain like that.

He gripped the cart and got an idea, albeit an idea that would hurt, but...

Rangers take point...

He turned the cart around, walked over to Delilah, and said "Actually, August, I need her help."

The dark glare August returned didn't faze him, already used to the hostile environment of the Royal Kitchen.

"Miss, can you help me push this over there? My hands hurt quite a bit."

Noticing that he was giving her a chance, Delilah was quick to take the cart over to Chef Clef.

August said, "You don't have the authority to order her around."

Knowing he needed to make sure everyone's attention was on him, Dennis promptly said "I think I have the authority to order slaves around. After all..."

He turned and gave the man the most irritating smile he could muster.

"I don't lose my wife's gifts."

Oh, now you've done it!

The hit to the face knocked Dennis to the floor, where he immediately proceeded to cover his head and neck as August began to kick him in a silent fury that no one seemed to really mind.

Noticing even Clef was shocked by the act of insubordination, Delilah was lightning quick in dropping the strange pill into the wine, marveling at how quickly the pill dissolved and vanished into the beverage.

Noticing the slave was too close for comfort, Clef shouted "I said I wanted you two out! NOW!"

"Yes, master, apologies!" Mamina said, quickly taking Delilah's hand and rushing out of the kitchen, pitying the young American.

The two Warrior Bunnies quickly began to run down the dimly lit halls, Mamina saying "Our extraction is on the north exit!"

"If memory serves! Think he'll be okay?" Delilah said as they ran out of the palace grounds and closed on the forest.

"Well, I hope so. Under the circumstances, I was amazed we even got the opportunity to-"

"HEY!"

Both girls froze as two tall shadows blocked their exit, spears in hand.

The praetorian guard had many roles, including protecting the palace staff, so when the head chef warned them of a pair of possible assassins on the palace grounds, the men already had a decent idea of where said assassins would try to escape through.

"Don't bother resisting. Your kind has suffered enough, don't you think?"

Both girls stood their ground, unmoving.

Neither was surprised when two figures emerged from the brush behind the praetorians.

The guards whirled around only to be tackled to the ground, struggling for an instant before being immediately silenced.

Mamina sighed.

Delilah said, "Gave us quite a fright there."

Drew said "Help us drag these bodies in here. No clue who might've heard us but there are more guards out tonight. We have to move. Fast!"

In the moonlight's shine, Delilah saw both men hide the bloody knives that were far straighter than any of the knives used by her tribes.

Given the bloody hole in the men's necks, they clearly did the job as effectively.

Now all that's left is...

9:00 PM

Molt tapped his finger with little patience as he observed the very much alive warrior queen standing to his son's right as the young man feasted on the very delicious dinner Clef had prepared for them.

The generals seemed just as tense as he was, but to his ever-growing irritation, the one person- nay, beast, that did not appear tense was that damned fallen queen herself!

No one had eaten.

He turned to August, who was holding his drink.

"I heard of the two new slaves Casel sent." he finally said.

August said "We plan to get rid of them tonight, sire. Given the preparations and need for some... disciplinary action, we were unable to-"

"Perfectly understandable, August. At least you tried to do your duty." he added the last part, glaring at his son.

Zorzal appeared oblivious as he said "August, you and Clef have outdone yourselves! I dare say this is the best meal I've had all year! I would like some more of this for-"

"Did you hear of the new slaves in the kitchen, Zorzal?"

The prince paused, looking confused.

Molt scoffed.

"Of course, you haven't. That beast likely has you wrapped around her finger... or mouth."

Zorzal only frowned.

"Two Bunny Warriors reported themselves to the kitchen today, seemingly on Senator Casel's orders, August and Clef kept an eye on them, ready to kill them before tonight, yet-"

"Oh, that's right! August, is it true the new cook was beaten half to death by you?!" Zorzal demanded.

August only said, "He disrespected my status."

"On purpose?"

"Does it matter?"

Molt said "It does not. As much as I would like to believe my dear daughter had a keen eye, it's clear he helped would-be assassins escape, even if it were an accident. If he dies, he dies, but I would prefer him elsewhere... the same goes for her."

Tyuule calmly said, "What makes you believe they were assassins?"

August said, "They kept eyeing the main course, and their posture was not one of the slaves, but of trained killers."

"Most of my people are trained killers, sir."

"Silence!" Molt ordered.

She was all too happy to ignore him.

"With all due respect, your majesty..."

...Which is none...

"After our tribes unified, my people can no longer carry out an assassination without a direct order from me, and I have granted no such order of assassination against you."

At least... directly...

Molt slammed his fist on the table, saying "Oh, so the senator that disappeared for no known reason this morning sent two slaves who just so happen to have been your subjects to work in the kitchen on his orders the very day after my son makes you his advisor all while we are facing an enemy that for all we know still resides within the capital?!"

Tyuule only returned a polite smile as she said "If there is any proof to the contrary, I would happily hear it. It would bring me much dishonor knowing that my people are acting against the arrangement we have with your empire, oh Emperor."

Molt scoffed.

"You're going to allow your beast to speak that way in my presence?"

Zorzal feigned innocence, saying "She sounded quite respectful, father. Would you like me to punish her?"

"Oh, you'll punish her alright... Rufus, find these slaves, and bring them here."

"I-"

"With haste, young general!" Molt stood and grabbed his chalice.

Tyuule held her breath.

Molt brought the chalice to his lips.

He drank the wine in one gulp.

Then he whirled around and said, "We're going to do to you savages what we... what we should have..."

Molt began to grow pale all of a sudden, dropping to his knees.

"Majesty?!" August yelled,

Seeing this, Zorzal stood up, saying "Father? Are you alright?"

Molt began to lose his breath, feeling as if his throat was swelling and suffocating him from the inside.

"Get a healer! Now!" August shouted.

Zorzal ran to him.

"Lay him down! Help him breathe!"

The emperor's body began to shake violently as the man grabbed a hold of Zorzal's arm.

"Father, no! You cannot die! Please!"

Molt however was looking beyond his son.

With horror, his eyes met those of the white-haired girl.

Her cruel smile, entirely devoid of pity or mercy, was the last thing he saw as his body succumbed much faster than the Americans had advertised.

It had only taken fifty seconds.

August shakily took a step back.

Zorzal shouted "Well?! Hurry for the healer!"

As if without his own will, August whirled around and did as told.

Tyuule immediately hid her smile by covering her mouth, feigning shock.

General Rufus only said, "Is he dead?"

Zorzal nodded.

"He was ill, the senators will not question it, and we can cancel the scorched earth plan he had in mind... but we will immortalize him. He is to be remembered as a brave leader, as great as any!"

The generals nodded.

Tyuule said nothing.

"And then... and then we will face our enemy and crush them utterly!"

"Ave Caesar!" Rufus shouted, followed by the other generals, wrapping the now very much on his way to the throne young man in an air of victory he had not sensed his victory over the people the girl in the room had ruled over.

The men chanting his name, pledging their undying loyalty to him...

He never noticed Tyuule did not follow in the chant.

9:43 PM

I wish I had a mirror...

Dennis removed the wet cloth from his forehead and dumped it in a bucket.

The pounding on the door startled him.

"Open this damned door!"

August...

He cocked the M1911 and hid it under his tunic before walking over and opening the door.

"Sir?" he asked, too exhausted to start anything.

The man responded by grabbing Dennis by the collar and pulling him in close.

Briefly, within his mind, memories of getting tossed into a hostile crowd, swords and spears ready to turn him into a bloody mess, his salvation only coming from a mortar round exploding nearby.

Dennis forced himself to remain focused on the man screaming at him, pushing the intrusive memory aside.

"You did it, you poisoned the emperor's cup!" August accused loudly.

Dennis only said "What?"

"No one else could have done it! It had to be you! Or you helped them at the very least! Am I right?!" the man screamed hysterically.

"But I couldn't- hrrk!"

August pulled him closer, his face inches away from Dennis.

"Oh, don't try to deny it. Those girls that showed up today disappeared. They were both very close to the chalice when you distracted me... I know you helped them. I know you did!"

"That so?" he asked, allowing himself to glare back at the cook, his hand on the M1911.

August paused with a look Dennis wasn't sure he could correctly interpret.

Shock?

Disdain?

Anger?

Before the man could say anything, a voice from the opposite end of the hall called.

"What is the meaning of this?" Tyuule asked; two guards by her side.

August released Dennis and pointed at him.

"I believe Den here is responsible for poisoning the emperor."

Tyuule only raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

"He distracted me in the kitchen today, I think the assassins must have poisoned the chalice then, therefore he's in league with them."

Tyuule replied with "How do you know it was poison?"

August huffed.

"Simple. I've seen this before! Do you think cooking for the emperor is a safe job? I've been here five years; I've seen more than my fair share of tasters die from poison. This was an assassination and he is a part of it!"

Dennis didn't bother defending himself, too tired to play the part, more than happy to let the rabbit handle things.

Tyuule didn't disappoint, saying "Emperor Zorzal has said his father was showing signs of illness."

"That little idiot doesn't know a damn thing!"

"That's the new emperor... and say it's true, August. Say it was poison... whose responsibility was it to ensure his drink was safe?"

August once again froze.

Tyuule then said "And if it wasn't the wine that was poisoned by Den over here. How could he have poisoned anything when he spent the evening in his room after someone beat him half to death?"

"It's the appropriate punishment for a brat that thinks so highly of himself. He lacked discipline!"

Tyuule only said "Certainly, certainly... but it leaves him indisposed if it meant poisoning the chalice, does it not? Unless he did it in such a way no one can trace it back to him... unless you have some hard proof, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself, August."

The cook glared at her, then at the guards.

"You men are following this beast's orders now?!"

The older of the two guards took a step forward and said "August, come now. We aren't blaming you and the new emperor isn't blaming anybody. We have no evidence it was poison."

"But I know he did it!"

"I'm sure you do, and if he tries anything, then, believe me, we'll deal with him..."

The guard gave Dennis a dangerous glance as if warning him.

He didn't react.

The guard continued.

"But right now, we need to recover. We're still at war, and the new emperor has a different strategy. Come on, we'll escort you back."

"Stay away from me! I can get to my quarters on my own!"

"We know, August. It's just to keep you safe."

"...what?"

"It's a precaution. We know you didn't do it, but who's to say other staff members know? We'll keep you safe."

At this statement, the professional cook appeared to collapse emotionally.

He only nodded and turned around, silent.

Finally, without looking at her, he said "Beast... why are you down here?"

Tyuule only said "His majesty heard about the new member being beaten half to death and sent me to evaluate if he needed to send a healer. Would you like me to ask his majesty something?"

August didn't reply, walking away, the two guards following behind him.

Dennis didn't say anything as Tyuule walked into the room after the men disappeared.

He closed the door as she began to giggle.

God... here we go...

Dennis gave her a questioning glance but said nothing.

She only said "He's dead." with a triumphant sneer.

He didn't reply.

"The crown prince- no... the new emperor... ordered a day of mourning, so you won't have any work in the kitchen tomorrow. Consider it payment for your assistance."

The American only said, "I'll go report it."

"You... you do that..." she said, confused as she composed herself.

Is he not happy we succeeded?

Feeling somewhat brave, she took a step toward the American and observed as he operated the strange machine called "radio".

She heard the voices, she heard his own, again not understanding anything.

With a somewhat nervous breath, she decided on her next course of action on the spot.

Dennis turned from the radio and said "My commanding officers want to thank you for your efforts. The citizenship deal is still on the table, and we're pushing further into Imperial lands. We're hoping to locate some of your people on the way, maybe move them closer to our main base of operations."

"I... I see... give them my thanks, please..."

The boy nodded and spoke into the radio.

She still couldn't determine what word meant "thank you", or if he had a shorter version, but figured it didn't matter.

She decided to ask her question quickly.

"Orville?"

"Yeah?" he said, not looking at her.

"You... you said you were here to help?"

The American said "Yeah." still not looking at her.

"Can you teach me your language?"

Then he turned to her and said "Why?"

"Am I going to be a citizen of your country?"

"Well, yes."

"Therefore, I need to learn your language, yes?"

"Yes, but there're other classes you can take once this is all over."

"A head start doesn't hurt, does it?" she replied, giving him a look that said, "this is not a request".

Dennis couldn't disagree.

He rubbed the back of his head.

"Err... I'd have to go fetch some books, some parchments... how exactly do you plan on learning if you're dealing with the royal-?"

"I'll worry about that! Can you teach me your language?"

The American eyed her for a moment.

"Fine..." he said, tired.

She smiled, saying "Good! That's... good."

Neither spoke after a moment, Tyuule noting the awkward silence.

"Hey, Orville."

"Ah?"

"...Are you sure you don't need a healer? You look out of it."

Dennis shook his head.

"You're certain?"

"Yeah, he mostly hit my side a bunch, don't feel like he broke anything. Anything else looks worse than it feels. I'll be fine, so don't worry about it... I'll need to go get some books if I'm going to help you learn English."

"In-go-leash?"

"My language."

"Ah... I see..."

Another pause.

She finally said, "Then I'll meet you tomorrow night, at around this time, yes?"

"You sure you can?"

"Yes, I can make excuses of administrative nature to get away from that lecherous creature, now that I'm his advisor."

"You sure?"

Again, with the concern?

"I... I think I can make it even if he demands my... body. Does... does the time work for you?"

"Yeah, but... don't overexert yourself. We need you alive, remember?"

She nodded, slowly.

"Alright."

"Then I shall see you then!" she said quickly before whirling around.

She went to the door and stopped.

She turned, noting the American wasn't even looking at her.

What's bothering him?

She then got an idea.

"Dennis?"

The young man turned to look at her.

She said, "I'm grateful for your help."

His expression didn't change, but he seemed to manage a tired smile as he waved her away.

She waved back and closed the door behind her.

Finding herself in the dark hallway, she internally asked herself why did you ask him to...?

The answer was obvious, but her mind wasn't as soothed by everything as she had hoped.

The screams of her people still haunted her, and...

How come you get to be happy?!

The voice in the back of her head wasn't easy to ignore, but she managed to keep it behind her as she walked down the halls.

She still had a mission to accomplish.

Dennis watched her close the door and went for the radio.

He switched frequencies.

"Hastings? Alex? You guys there?" he breathed.

Alex answered.

"Read you loud and clear, Den, what's up?"

"You guys got any spare language books?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I need one. Think you can get one to me tomorrow morning?"

"Yeah, man, we also have to get you some maps. Might as well do it tomorrow. Market place?"

"Yeah, market place. Don't forget the books."

"Copy."

"G'night."

Radio shut off, he sat back on the bunk and sighed, rubbing his head.

I'm grateful for your help.

He shut his eyes.

He lied down on the bunk and shut his eyes, hoping for some sleep.

One minute... two... four... eight... sixteen...

An hour...

Then his eyes shot open as he began to draw heavy breaths through his nose as he suppressed the urge to scream.

He grabbed his chest, trying to eliminate the images of the swords and spears, and mountains of bodies tormenting his mind.

He sat up and stared into the darkness of his room, barely making the outline of the table and chair he had to work with.

A single voice echoed in his mind.

You'll lose it all and gain nothing.

He clasped his hands together and covered his mouth, shaking slightly at the realization.

"Oh, God..."

Out here you don't hear them, sure... but go stay in a hotel in Atlanta or Savannah and you'll hear them.

Breathe.

...Night terrors...

Breathe.

...Japs, Krauts, or Reds...

Breathe.

...coming to get you in the night...

He swallowed.

...The boys that went out and their bodies came back but they didn't! ...Not truly... their minds stay there and yours will too!

Dennis shut his eyes as tight as he could and forced the stubborn images of death and blood out of his mind, he willed himself to calm down by taking slow breaths only to freeze up as he thought of his parents.

He stopped shaking, his eyes slowly moving to the floor as he remembered one of the last things Mister Jones told him.

...Out here... no one will hear you screaming for help.

He kept his eyes open, blinking only when he needed to, letting the unwanted thoughts run their course as he managed to regain control of himself.

He had no one back home waiting for him.

He wasn't sure if it made it easier or harder going forward, but it put things in perspective.

Outside he knew the stars still shone, life continued, and it cared nothing for him.

All he could do was deal with it however he could, fulfilling his duty.

And hell, if staying awake kept him from exposing himself then so be it.

He still hadn't slept by the time the first rays of sunlight hit his face.

Dennis slowly reached for the radio.

He pressed the button to talk, hesitating slightly before saying "Stalker, it's Trojan. Still alive."

"Morning, Trojan. You good?"

"...yeah. I'll go pick up the books and maps."

"Copy."

He hid the radio again, turning to stare at the room once more as the sun began to shine into it.

Bear with it... just bear with it.

Then he turned and went on with his mission.

A mission that now included teaching English to the bunny-eared woman.

---

A/N: So... that happened!

Yeah, I tried showing how gray things could be from the side of the US as even our attempts at achieving peace aren't bloodless.

This makes me feel bad for Pina, but I don't see Molt surviving given his attitude in the original canon. I mean, the guy started a scorched earth campaign despite the JSDF not pushing out of Alnus, lied to the Allied Kingdoms that the JSDF was on the ropes and all they had to do was reinforce the Imperial Army knowing full well they would be destroyed (and therefore unable to challenge him), let important imperial cities be left to their fate, and I honestly believe that the sole reason he didn't fall on more desperate measures is that the JSDF was actively seeking peace, something the United States armed forces aren't pursuing as much. So, in typical Cold War fashion, better to discretely get rid of the more threatening leader and allow a less competent one to take over.

Speaking of, the Cold War is still raging on, and the Vietnam situation is still an issue given how much of a mess it was by 1963. Odds are full-on war could be avoided, but it's still a problem for the Americans which will impact the Gate campaign. Point is, the sooner they resolve the Gate situation, the better.

I again want to comment on Tyuule, but I think I'll save that rant for the next A/N (If you've PM'd me, you probably know what I'm talking about). Bottom line, she's a vital asset to the war effort and I wanted to show that here, especially by having the CIA employing the Warrior Bunnies to poison Molt, which may be a stretch, but hopefully I was able to handwave it away well enough. And now she'll be learning English... Yup!

That said, thank you all so much for reading! I really appreciate all the suggestions and advice I've been getting, and if you found something that seemed off please let me know. I want to improve my writing and with matters of history such as this one, I can use all the help I can get.

Thanks again for reading! Hope to have the next chapter out soon!