A/N: Edited version of the first chapter by Eliya Shirwood.

"I suppose some stories start when midgets and little things are so caught in the moment of their life and never looking of what might lie ahead of time… Why… I don't **** know," A quote found on a script of parchment paper, with the initials N.A., the only clue to the writer of those mitigating words.

[Date: 12 October 2008, Time: 13:00, Location: Somewhere around Narita]

The vibrant autumn sky flourished over the late bloom of the Narita landscape. The region experienced its last flush of sakura blossoms that dotted the hillsides and boundless tallgrass. The landscape was devotedly handled by the Kururugi family over the ages, and along with the archaic structures was once a tourist attraction. Nowadays though, that wonderful land became a new outlet for military activity.

The enlisted self-defense force had erected a station along with its supporting posts at strategic points where suspicious activity was reported and to gain an overlook at the nearby town. The military presence grew more and more as an ominous struggle seemed possible. At a certain road just at the bend of a tall hill before a lone rundown shrine, two guards marched by in a stern manner, vigilant for any malicious activity. However, they would fail to notice a benign event commencing just overhead in the tall brush.

"Target acquired; Operation Wet Willie is a go. Over."

From atop said vantage point, a petite figure spoke into her handheld radio. She took care to angle the antenna away from the binocular strap hanging from her slim neck. She brought herself low enough to avoid detection.

'Oh ho~, I have you now you big meanie. You've fallen right into my clever trap,' she mused to herself as she focused on her balance.

["Acknowledged. Operation Wet Wellie is a go. Give them hell, Bunny. Over."]

The response from the intercom was curt and to the point, punctuated by the low static.

The mission target was a single boy who walked towards the destination below with an air of importance- so absorbed in a complete pompous upbringing as he approached a flight of aged steps leading towards the old shrine. The wooden architecture appeared more so a forgotten stockpile to Bunny.

"Hmph! Just another reason why my family is superior to them in every single way."

Despite being in the presence of the beautiful sakura trees blossoming in their autumn leaves, the shrine was nothing compared to the massive, glorious shrine located at Bunny's residence.

'Even our whole roof is bigger than their statue of Buddha. How insulting of them to not show the gods some respect.'

The target was adorned in the usual Aikido-gi consisting of a white dogi, a deep blue hakama, and tabi in geta. He was adamant that the attire was neither skirt nor chaps, but the traditional clothing chosen by ancient martial artist during training.

"Yeah, that's why there is a zipper too- to hint at a warrior's hidden strength," Bunny summarized to herself. She continued to observe her target through the binoculars as the target reached closer to the designated ambush zone.

The scenario was just perfect. The target was so predictable! He followed the same mundane route, arrived at the same time, and used the same stance without fail. He was so caught up in his importance that he failed to notice his surroundings.

'This will teach him to leave behind for beetle catching. He dares to treat me this way- no on disrespects me or my clan so easily! Heh heh heh!'

Bunny chuckled in a light manner towards her absolutely perfect plan for 'oh-so-satisfying' payback.

"It is time."

Bunny reached for her rubber arsenal kept diligently by her side. Each one was swelled to the brink and primed for their objective... A violently wet destiny.

"Oh yeah, I forgot that I had brought this along…"

Before she got too caught up in the moment, Bunny reached into her silky woven sleeve to pull out a photo given by her papa. Who or what was captured in that frame was known only to Bunny, and the view brought a smile and a small blush to her face as she gazed lovingly.

'I wish you were here… then I would have someone to play with. Bet you would have loved to see this,' Bunny thought to herself before planting a quick peck to its surface and returning it to its rightful place.

The target arrived at the position. The trap was set.

Bunny picked up the closest rubber balloon in her soft small hand. She took aim to ensure a precise payload complete with overwhelming H2O.

"And 3… 2… 1… Bombs away!" The first munition arched out of the small hand and flew through the air as if lobbed by a professional.

A low mimicry of whistles slipped past Bunny's mouth as they trailed behind the payload, heard just in time as the target glanced upward. His dark emerald eyes widened in fear as the rubber bullet descended rapidly.

…*splash!*…

"Target has been hit! Repeat: target has been hit! Engaging additional bombardment! Fire at will!"

A continuous stream of bombs drenched the target beyond words.

"Phase one complete. Now engaging phase two… moving into landing position."

The petite figure eased into a pouncing stance and narrowed her sights at the desired landing point. She launched from the vantage point in a roar towards the target.

"BAAAANNZZZZZAAAIII!" Bunny's carefree descent met with a soft cushion thanks to the target. Right on mark once again.

The target was dropped to the ground, indignant from the overhead attack and shocked by the abrupt assault. His close-up features became more prominent: his brown tanned skin, bushy dark-brown hair, and his damp clothes were clear indicators that he was overtaken.

"W-What are you doing Sumeragi-shi?!" The target inquired to the young girl currently straddled atop his thighs.

"Now do you see who the superior clan is? Suzaku-san, now do you see why you must marry me, Sumeragi Kaguya: the goddess of victory?!" Bunny proclaimed with a prideful smirk as she stared down at her defeated foe.

Bunny was dressed in a small white kimono with drapes of pink throughout, her shoulder length black hair fashioned upward in a gold pin, and a small gold crown-like band strapped around her temple emphasizing the bright green eyes below. Otherwise known as Sumeragi Kaguya, the only heir and daughter of Lady and Chairman Sumeragi of the Sumeragi Conglomerate, Bunny bestowed her majesty to the target: Kururugi Suzaku, the only survivor to the current Prime Minister of Japan Kururugi Genbu and the late Kururugi Tomiko (who passed during childbirth).

Suzaku only glared at the girl as she kept him pinned. He lowered his pitched voice in order to get his request across.

"Sumeragi-shi, would you please get off me?" Suzaku hissed as his hands moved to her waist so he may push her off. However, Kaguya was not one to be easily moved by anyone, instead grasped his hands and engaged in combat. His gentle effort to remove her was useless against her might.

Kaguya then lowered her head until just shy of touching Suzaku's face, then her smug confidence came through a retorted whisper.

"Make me," Kaguya taunted in the height of her pride that she was still dominant over her betrothed. Just as she prepared another taunt, a sudden painful tug came from behind. A much larger hand pulled her off the boy with great ease from the neck.

Kaguya was easily turned around by the adult figure who dared to lie unworthy hands upon her flesh (even hurting her, as blasphemous as it were). Any assertiveness that Kaguya had composed evaporated before the dire grimace from his sight of eyes. She yelped in fear after realizing who this was: Matsunaga Okino.

He was a fearsome man, standing at an imposing 186 centimeters with shoulder-length raven hair. His figure was more fearsome based on the long odachi sword strapped to his back within an obsidian sheath and an accompanying katana slinked to his right.

His rigid jawline emphasized his irate frown. His face was covered with records of previous battles, scars that trailed his feature; one in particular was a rather deep scar covering his right Arsenic eye. Something about those eyes truly stood out to Kaguya, as though hinting to his Asian lineage yet… seemed much more distinct that that. The way his eyes slanted sharper than the usual countrymen really stood out to the girl.

He wore the standard military garb assigned to the JSDF footmen: green fatigues complete with charcoal black coots. The army signature was proudly sown into the chest along with a careful stitching of his rank as Major and name.

"M-Matsunaga…" Kaguya stuttered as her body quivered beneath his clutch, her kimono giving away her sensation to the other observers.

"…That's Major. Okino Matsunaga," Okino growled with emphasis just as he brought her up face to face with him. "Do you find it amusing to be a delinquent, Sumeragi-sama?" Okino questioned in a lower tone before noticing the radio in her hand.

Without delay he snatched the device and threw it to the ground, then delivered the final blow with his katana's sheath.

"Running off from your lessons, causing trouble for everyone around you, also dishonoring your betrothed in such a manner… Is it all still amusing?" His left hand tightened against Kaguya's tender neck as he sought an answer, amused at how she squirmed.

Okino then glanced back to Suzaku and left out an annoyed sigh. "Honestly Suzaku-kun… You allowed yourself to be ambushed this easily? Haven't I taught you to mind your surroundings at all times? Brother Tohdoh ought to have packed that in your head too. You mistake your prowess for your head. A true warrior always uses their brain to read the environment."

Okino reprimanded Suzaku for the oblivious mistakes, yet his voice was much softer and concerning than the one addressed to the younger girl.

"Un-Unhand me you peasant! Or I will sic Lucius on you when you're asleep!"

Kaguya began swatting at the major's hand, but the effort was wasted on delicate hands against hardened calluses. The action only garnished a smirk from the major.

"Heh, that's the best you can do little creature- threaten me? Do you honestly think I would ever let that thing or his slippery little master gets one over me?"

"Andre-kun isn't the person you think he is, Sumeragi. He and I have a fair bit of history together. You should have seen his face when we dealt with the Morimoto's. Yes, I saw what laid in his soul that very night. Even your parents take the same measure of delight with him in the most… Petrolicious of matters."

The mere sight of Okino's growing smirk darkened the mood; the mere mention of the name Morimoto caused a stir within Kaguya who struggled harder against her capture. He leaned in closer to Kaguya's sweaty face, his nose pressed against hers as his smirk grew to unimaginable heights.

"Then again, they were so pale compared to the things your aunt has done in her time… I wonder what her Britannian masters are doing to deface her at this moment…"

As if timed, the concealed photo within Kaguya's sleeve slipped from its slot and fell to the ground, earning Okino's attention. He bent over to pick up the photo, and then sighed upon noticing the object within the frame.

"Well, isn't this quite the photo you got… tsk tsk… You really shouldn't be thinking such thoughts, Sumeragi-sama. You might turn into a Brittannian baita if you keep that up."

During the conversation, Suzaku managed to pick himself off from the ground, dust off the dirt and mud caused by the childish assault. He couldn't believe what Major Matsunaga was doing; he had never seen the soldier act like this before. The man may intimidate and frighten anyone just by appearance, but to see such… bizarre conduct from him, was so unbecoming: to lay a hand on the Sumeragi heir; On his betrothed; On a little girl who meant no harm in her actions. Suzaku could not abide by this insolence thus moved to honor Sumeragi-shi's request.

However the boy did not stray far from his spot before being halted by a drawn tachi-style sword crossed at his path. Its wielder was a woman also adorned in military fatigue who accompanied Okino. This swordswoman had blond-brunette hair whose bangs shrouded the thin brunette eyebrows and icy blue eyes beneath. Her hair extended outward on both sides into ponytails which draped beneath her shoulders, constrained by white covers. She stood at a modest 164 centimeters and had a figure that earned attention: slightly curved at the sides and a modest bust.

Standing next to her was a similar military man, fashioned in the same cloth and inherited features as the woman: bushy wild brown hair with icy blue eyes (also keeping a rather lean and feminine figure by looks). The man must have been an exemplary pretty boy in his younger days, however time was not cruel to his face later; burn scars marked the majority of the left side of his face.

Suzaku only stared in fear without taking one more step. He may not recall their name at the moment, but the martial prowess emanating from them reminded him of their feats.

While the female brandished her tachi sword, the other held nothing but openly revealed the sling of grenades attached to his sache-belt. Not only grenades, but also military-grade explosives and detonators populated his waist.

Each one of their faces was blank, vacant of any emotion or feeling. Their eyes and skin were akin to Caucasian compared to the Japanese boy. Despite their appearance, they bowed in unison as if to offer apologies for the incident.

"I am afraid we cannot allow you to interfere with Brother Okino-kun, Kururugi-sama. Our master only means to amend the dishonor Sumeragi-sama has done to you this day… Even if the manner he chooses meets with your disapproval." The woman frowned as she spoke, and Suzaku did not fail to catch the quick disapproving glance she shot towards Okino.

The burnt man also seemed to grunt a sign of disapproval at the end of the apology. He turned to look at Suzaku, the boy who seemed more than peeved for someone daring to impede his path.

"Upon this day, Sumeragi-sama has acted with behavior most unbecoming from one of the Sumeragi clan, especially on how they insist they are above us all, based on their so-called belief system. Yes, a belief system that they hid behind for generations."

"O'course, when you have had power as long as they have… It's only fitting that they believe they're so special." The man's sneer was clearly audible to all within the area.

"I demand that you stand aside in the name of my father, whom you owe your fealty to!" Suzaku bellowed as he took up an aikido stance, poised to strike at an opportunity.

"… We are sorry Kururugi-sama. We cannot. Only Brother Okino and Master Kururugi can order us to stand down."

The swordswoman repeated with the same drawn apologetic tone as earlier. As if itching to take Suzaku's invitation, the burnt man removed a grenade from his belt and primed his right index finger into the safety pin.

"Think carefully Kururugi-sama. You wouldn't want to see what this can do, right? Those who do learn the ultimate truth in life: that we are nothing more than flesh and bone so easily destroyed," the armed man philosophized without baring an ounce of emotion.

The insinuated outcome shook Suzaku to the core. He had always felt uncomfortable when this soldier was around, but now he understood the severity of the man's actions and the realization of what a grenade can do.

-Nevertheless, he could not permit Okino from continuing to offend Kaguya, noticing how his grip was starting to bruise her neck.

Without hesitation, Suzaku moved at full speed, quicker than the man could pull the safety pin and toss the grenade forward. His determination surprisingly stunned the man though the woman was already prepared.

She arched the sword upward aiming for Suzaku's nape with the back edge, but he managed to jump high enough to evade. He rotated forward with the acceleration made from the jump to strike a kick to her back, causing her to stumble out of stance.

With both opponents fazed, he then moved in full force towards his true target. He jumped again, this time at a higher height and used his arms to generate more rotational speed to land a foot strike against Okino's face.

However, the young boy was easily refuted by a swift back hand from the target, all the while keeping his hold on Kaguya. Okino eased into a crotched stance and reeled his free hand inward, then trust it forward with torque in a karate-type strike against Suzaku's stomach. The impact was enough to send him straight to the ground without a chance to recover. Suzaku clinched at his abdomen to absorb the pain and hissed through his gritted teeth.

"Heh, most impressive young Suzaku-kun. But, you are not a master just yet. Much to learn you still have," Okino began to brag and he exited his stance. His overconfidence caused him to miss the rapid movement of another body just behind him.

Okino's senses came back to the alert, but that was already too late. An incoming palm strike rose from the ground and impacted against his large nose.

*WHAM!*

The power and ferocity behind the blow caused Okino to tumble backwards and release his grip on Kaguya. He gasped for air through his mouth as his nasal passages were distorted and broken from the strike. He wiped the blood against his cuffs as he looked to his attacker.

The lean female character stretched out her limbs to shield her master from any further attacks, her kunai leveled with her head and a pistol drawn to the side. The kunoichi dropped into a basic CQC (close quarter combat) stance with relative ease as though the act was mundane. The girl gushed in relief as her savior arrived.

"Tatsu! I'm so glad to see you!"

"Everything's all right now, Bunny. I'm here," the warrior assured in a tranquil voice as she kept watch over the others. She allowed herself a moment to turn and grace a comforting smile before resuming the guard.

Tatsu wore a large brown trench overcoat that obviously seen many skirmishes in its lifespan. Short spiky hair crept over the collar that was tied up in a ponytail. A silver-band forehead protection gripped tightly against her head, a small serpentine pendant hung around her neck, and her faithful radio dangled at her side.

Underneath the coat she adorned herself in a dark blue mini skirt wrapped around a full black bodysuit. Silver shin pads cover all her hands, arms (extended past her forearms), and legs. As if to complete the ensemble, she also wore dark-blue sandals that matched against her grizzled expression: cloudy irises and a slim toothpick lingering at the side of her lips.

"I was worried when you didn't report back and the radio signal was lost. Your parents and boss would never forgive me if anything happened to you, Bunny."

During her assurance, Okino managed to heave himself back into stance despite his bruised nose dripping blood, checking the contour of its length also to ensure it was not broken.

"Nice chap sho Tatsu, bet yo masta taugh yo tha fine art," Okino wheezed out though a nasally voice.

"That, and among many other things, Major. As you already know," Tatsu attached on with great confidence. As she spoke, her firearm wielding hand coiled backward and discarded the pistol, grasping something else meant to be hurled. "You should be more concerned about… this!"

Tatsu then launch forward an item that caused Okino to recoil in fear. A long stranded animal that glided towards his face.

"L-Lufius?!" Any pride that Okino boasted quickly diminished in the wake of the snake. It coiled easily around his temple and grasped tight against his skin, and the major squirmed to work the animal off him.

"G-Get thiph damn snake offa me!"

His composure was completely gone as he jumped about swatting at the creature to no avail. He must hurry to remove this snake- he knew all too well what Lucius was there for, and who its master was.

Its black mouth bared great venomous fangs sharpened to sink deep into the prey's skin, injecting its poison via the bloodstream directly. This snake was designed to stop all who dared harm its master and those that master deemed worthy.

However, before Lucius could consider its attack, it quickly unwounded itself from Okino and dropped to the ground at the closing proximity of the tachi sword. Okino breathed heavily through the mouth to regain his posture, embarrassed that his fear of snakes surfaced before his subordinates.

As the swordswoman and demolitionist approached, he stopped them with raised hands then moved closer to pat the top of their heads. "Thank you Sisfa Misao, Brofa Kento. I know I caf always rely on ya two for anythin." Contrary to his prior actions, these words were filled with sincere affection.

"T-Thank you Brother… Now breathe slowly," Misao instructed as she pat his back in return, resisting the hint of annoyance present in her tone. She obviously demonstrated that this sort of care was quite tiring to do.

"Just look at us for now. Don't look anywhere else, Brother." Kento assured Okino as he ran his own hand down Okino's back in support.

In the meantime, Lucius had slivered his way back to Tatsu and eased into a crescent position aside her, ready to pounce at any opposition.

"Good Lucius," Tatsu praised as she leaned down for a pet and a kiss atop its head.

"Attaboy Lucius! See? I told you peasants! See what happens when you mess with the Sumeragi!" Kaguya gestured towards Okino in mockery as she also stroked the back of Lucius's nape.

["Tatsu, have you found her? Over."] The radio that dangled at Tatsu's side broke the tension seeking a response. She reached down and pressed against the input dial.

"I have boss. Let me put you on to her. Over." Tatsu pulled off the radio from its latch and handed it to Kaguya.

"Uncle?"

["Ah, there you are! Are you alright, bunny?"] The masculine voice came through with such warmth and gentleness it made the girl smile.

"I am, uncle. You sent Tatsu and Lucius for me, didn't you?"

["Haha, I did. I'm sorry for letting Okino touch you like that… Hm, I should have kept my eye on you better. Please come back to the shrine with Tatsu. Your parents and I are… Ah… Waiting on you."]

Despite the odd stills of silence and random noises in the background, Kaguya felt obliged to confirm.

"…Okay. Can I bring Suzaku over? He needs aid after Okino hit him."

["Of course. Tohdoh and Senba are on route now to fetch him. They started worrying after he missed his lesson. See ya soon, Bunny. Over and out."] The radio went silent just as Kaguya noticed Tohdoh and Senba in the distance.

Tohdoh and Senba were also dressed in the same military fatigues, but their high rank was evident as the other soldiers quickly scrambled into attention. Senba came to Kaguya's side as Tohdoh tended to Suzaku.

"Are you alright, Sumeragi-sama?" Senba asked in care he helped her up by the hand.

"I am. But is Suzaku okay?" She eyed at how Tohdoh pressed his hand against the wound caused by the earlier strike.

"He will be, that little one. He was brave to come to your aid against someone as tough as Okino." Senba was unable to suppress the grin that followed.

"Yeah… especially after what I had done to him," Kaguya admitted to her own deed."

"Are you oaky, Suzaku-chan?" Todoh also asked his student as he stabilized the boy to his feet.

"… I am, sensei. My tummy hurts a bit though," Suzaku panted as he tried to subdue the agony to put on a front. Tohdoh nodded towards the spirit presented in Suzaku's statement, but then turned towards Okino.

"You dare attack the heir of the Kururugi clan, Major Matsunaga? Your lord's very son?! The man who you owe everything to for your current status and achievements?! You dishonor the uniform, yourself, and your ilk with your actions!" Tohdoh barked with such a stern tone and insinuation that even the ground would tremble at his words.

Unfortunately, Okino did not take kindly to said words. He placed his fingers along the bridge of his broken nose, and then shifted the cartilage back into place without flinching.

"What typical words from you, Brother Tohdoh. You should be ashamed to call yourself his sensei from what I've seen today." He pointed right at Kaguya to present his next argument.

"That THING attacked him in ill intent without any provocation on his part, making him miss his lessons and acting so unbecoming for someone of that status. To think THAT will one day be the wife to our glorious leader's heir brings ill wind for our country's future! So many youths fail to appreciate their blessings; it makes me think.. why at times we must spend so much time planting trees if they are simply going to wither no matter what!" Okino raised his voice as much as his nasal could ensure, using several hand gestures for emphasis. Such blatant acts were not taken well by Tohdoh.

"Enough, major. We will see what the prime minister makes of this when it's brought to his attention."

Okino swayed his hair aside to hide his eyes behind his hair. The weight of that statement was devastating.

"…Yes we will. And you know damn well what he will say and do…. We have both dealt with Genbu Kururugi for long enough to know that answer… Don't we, Brother?" Okino finished the conversation by walking away, with Misao and Kento in flank.

"Sumeragi-sama, we shall accompany you back to the Sumeragi Shrine now. As Nathan mentioned, your parents are waiting for you for the meeting with Kirihara-sama." Tohdoh returned to his soothing composure as he carried Suzaku over to Kaguya.

"…Okay." With some reluctance, Kaguya walked beside Tohdoh and Senba as they returned back to the shrine. Tatsu of course kept to the rear guard to keep vigilance of any ambushes.

During their trek, Kaguya reached out her hand to Suzaku's and grasped his fingers laid on Tohdoh's back. He squeezed back to convey he was fine. No words were required between them to mention such.

In the distance atop a nearby shrouded tree, two figures were carefully observing the party. Despite the dexterity and flexibility required to reach such a height, one of these observers managed while in a full military parade uniform.

"The potential is there… My son's gift will fully blossom the more he is tested and trained by my men. Don't you think so?"

The other was more cloaked than the other, the only visible feature was the distinguishable golden mask which boasted strips of white on the sides, a red spot at the forehead, and the kanji for 'love' embroiled.

"I concur… Genbu-sama."

[Date: 20 April 2007, Time: 11:00, Location: Onshi Hakone Park]

"Ka-chan, come on! Let's get a picture taken with Onii-chan!" Kallen dragged her mother by the hand, geared forward by the ever-petulant smile on her face.

Kallen was dressed in an orange jumper, complete with denim jacket, skirt, white socks that reached up to her knees, and red trainers. Her short red hair bounced along as the spring winds breezed through the forest they traversed.

Naoto-kun was pacing himself ahead of the two in his quest to reach the precipice as soon as possible.

"Alright dear, you don't have to pull so hard. We will take the photo once we catch up to Naoto-kun," Kallen's mother, Mizuki Kouzuki, chuckled as she allowed her child to lead the way.

Mizuki was dressed in a simple lilac dress complemented by a pearly cotton jacket, simple flat heel shoes that made walking easier on the often rough and rocky surface of the Hakone forest. The time was perfect for the hike, just as the end of winter blossomed into spring attested by the sakura trees.

Mizuki handled the burden to carry a small yellowish-brown handbag in her spare hand as they moved closer into the forest.

Her standard chocolate brown, shoulder length hair and deep blue eyes were a grand contrast to Kallen's bright blue eyes and crimson brunette hair. Mizuki knew most of Kallen's traits came from her father's side, the Baron James Malgus of the Noble Britannian House Stadfeld. He was an elegant slim figure, complete with a pointy goatee which Kallen loved to pull on as a toddler. Looking at her daughter, Mizuki enjoyed seeing such a great blend of her and James' genes within Kallen.

Unfortunately, James was not able to join their party that day. He was called in to report on family business and 'schmoozing' in local affairs. With the heavy focus on sakuradite trade between both Japan and the homelands of Britannia, such an overwhelming duty was to be expected.

As such, Mizuki was often left to raising these two children since the Baron was already married ('engaged' as he preferred it) to another woman. She kept the affairs of her life a secret from the children- they didn't need to know the complexity of their parent's relationship.

~"A child's innocence is such a precious and fragile thing to preserve. To fracture it is one of the most despairing things you can do."~

The sudden melancholic deduction phased through Mizuki's hand as they hurried on. She was aware of the brewing troubles sprouting between japan and Britannia recently. The fear of war affected both the behaviors and attitudes of the Mikata community where they lived.

Though words were never overtly spoken, the sluggish and doubtful expressions and movements of those around her were enough for Mizuki to draw conclusion of the foreboding fate.

Kallen in particular grew unwanted attention at school, garnished due to the fact she has more Caucasian physique than her fellow students and brother. Many fellow residents like Ohgi Katsura and Tamaki Kiyoshi took the mantle to dispel such concerns and notions from time to time, but the increasing awareness and accusations were quick to assault the Kouzuki family.

A taint sad smile crept across Mizuki's face, trailed behind the weighty burden of motherhood in recent times.

'Still, I must consider what would be best for my children… Even if they don't necessarily see it that way at first.' She considered in thought as she looked ahead to find Naoto-kun standing by.

Naoto was dressed in plain blue jeans, beryl colored shirt with a bottle green undershirt, white sneakers, and a brown strap backpack that finished his overall youthful look.

Mizuki could see that Naoto's sight was locked to the ever wondrous view of Mount Fuji alongside its ever fleeting snow draped atop the peak. Today was a fine rare day to gain a complete clear view of the mountain from their location. In fact, this was such a rare instance that one could see Tokyo in the distance without a speck of obstruction.

Mizuki took in a deep breath as if to absorb all the fragrance in the air around them. Naoto-kun had his arms stretched out to take in the entire world at his feet and inhaled deep the same way.

Mizuki watched as Naoto's glance switched from side to side until resting on a nearby sign explaining the current route taken. That route was part of the Tokiadio Highway, one of Japan's most critical checkpoints. Mizuki was sure she caught a glimpse of the awareness behind the dark irony.

Mizuki recalled how Naoto-kun recited as a part of his homework that the purposes of this road used during the Tokugawa Shogunate era as a means to secure their domain.

"Onii-chan! We finally caught up to you!" Kallen released her grip and charged towards her brother. She eagerly jumped straight into him just as he turned from the site to catch her.

"You got me at last, sis," Naoto-kun admitted as he lifted Kallen up and squeezed her in a hug. He then swung her around so she may take in the view of Mount Fuji and the local Lake Ashi.

The group still had some distance to cover before they would arrive at the cable cards bound for Owakudani: the city known for its black eggs (which the children loved to engorged upon). Kallen especially came into the phenomenon after Naoto-kun pointed out the legend that each egg can extend your lifespan by 7 years.

The red pirate boat which ferried people across the lake was just arriving with new passengers. Just earlier Naoto-kun had gone off to the port side to spout a favorite quote: "I'm the King of the World!" Mizuki loved the nostalgia stirred by the scene, verbatim to a line made by a young Britannian actor in one of her favorite foreign films.

'Naoto-kun's father used to like doing those gestures back in the day as well,' Mizuki reminisced in sorrow about her youth.

"One day I'm going to surpass you Onii-chan. Just you wait!" Kallen exclaimed with a great grin while pointing at Naoto's face.

"Heh! We'll just see about that!" Naoto-kun teased as he put Kallen down to the ground.

"Ka-chan, this is a great spot to take our photo," Kallen stated as she pulled lightly on her mother's jacket.

"Alright Kallen-chan, we will take the photo now. Naoto-kun, will you help me set up the camera? You know I'm not good at setting up these tripods," Mizuki requested of Naoto-kun as he pulled out the required equipment.

Mizuki knew Naoto-kun often liked taking photos on a day like this. The reason mainly because the views like this were so inspiring, something he would enhance later during his Photoshop club at school with Minami and Ohgi.

Mizuki placed her hand over her mouth to suppress a chuckle when she noticed Naoto's ironic Fuji camera, remembering in his youth how he was insistent that Mount Fuji could not possibly make cameras.

A moment after preparations, the camera was set up onto the tripod and Naoto-kun had the timer ready to countdown. Mizuki sat at a nearby stone bench with Kallen who was impatiently kicking the air with her legs waiting for the family photo.

Perhaps due to the boredom, her attention was caught on a random red lotus that floated atop her nose thanks to the breeze. The wind suddenly picked up and drifted the bud away thus she gave chase with her hands. Mizuki had to pull her back in before the girl would fall over the barrier behind them.

This was the first in a long time for the family to venture out of the home, due to Mizuki's overwhelming job at the health center. James' busy work schedule and Naoto's upcoming college entrance exams kept causing delays in their planned trip.

Mizuki was stern on ensuring Naoto-kun studied extra hard for his exam, even arranging for him to take a cram class or two at the local institute.

'He'll need them if he wants to enroll at Tokyo University of the Arts as an Ukiyo-e artist. Prizes or not, it will matter little when he's among other top students,' Mizuki reminded herself to award her persistence.

Mizuki knew that Kallen had been the most determined to get a photo taken after James had to pulled out due to his business issue. That decision had irritated Naoto-kun for most of the bullet train ride from Shinjuku to Odawara station. He had spent the majority of the time brooding by the window as they passed major cities such as Yokohama and Kamkura. Naoto-kun had brightened up drastically as soon as they passed by the Shinozaki martial art/wrestling academy on the bus ride to Hakone.

"Alright. Everything is set up. I've got it angled so that Fuji will be the in background so Ka-chan will need to be in the center with Kallen-chan and I at your sides," Naoto-kun instructed as he primed the buttons for a 10 second countdown.

"Ok. Kallen-chan, please seat on my left and Naoto-kun will be at my right." Mizuki scooted over towards the wooden fence that acted as a gate to the path.

"Heads up, we got 10 seconds before the flash."

Naoto-kun compressed the button then quickly shot to his position on Mizuki's right.

As the two waited for the flash with blissful smiles, Kallen's attention was once more taken away by a red lotus that drift up and away towards the ever-glowing sun. The way the sunlight bled through its petals created a mystical sight for the young girl.

So captivated by the sight, Kallen grabbed at her mother's jacket to get her attention-

*Flash*

[Date: Unknown, Time: Unknown, Location: Battleship Carrier]

A flash of lightning struck once again through the everlasting storm that continued to gather strength and speed across the narrow waters. The torrent of waves bashed against the carrier's port side with vigor, causing its crew to tumble like blocks.

The powerful downfall continued its course as the roaring thunder clapped overhead.

Below the main deck, sheltered within the comforting lodges of the ship, stood a lone figure clad in a dark red military uniform hemmed by a Commissar Cap. She was further buried beneath a thick layer of silky fabrics and a dark black cloak to shield against the weather, though her shined military boots reflected the principle of discipline through the ordeal.

White gloves traced against the thin spectacles that barely concealed the bright violet eyes aligned by mascara on the eyelashes. Dark brunette hair that greyed at the tips was wrapped upward in a bun. A single mole existed on the otherwise smooth skin of the soldier, and only a thin layer of purple lip gloss covered those lips.

The slow flap of powerful wings could be heard in the distance before a golden brownish eagle flew in to perch atop the soldier's right shoulder. The soldier reached up and rubbed along its thick neck just as a smile crept across her lips.

"Hm hm… Let us begin."

That small smile transformed into a smirk just as a flash from a lightning bolt brightened the lodge. The violet eyes behind the glasses glowered with righteous beauty at that moment.

In the distance lightning once again struck as the sound of engine cogs and mechanical movements buzzed in the background. The magnificence of the carrier came into view of the town just off the coast.

Below the rumble of thunder multiple mechanic noises erupted onto the scene as a siren came to life. Above deck crewman ran to their stations as robotic frames primed themselves for launch and planes prepared for liftoff. The ballistic guns turned in succession to the target off the shore. The name of the target was lost below the loud battle cries and the eagle's screech as it returned back to the skies.

"Caaaaawww!"

A/N: Here is a translation of the Japanese word Baita, roughly it means whore.