Gate: And So the United Republic Fought

The URGF was deployed to the Special Region. There Lt. Itami Youji, Commander of the 3rd Recon Team, met the Elf Tuka, Apostle Rory Mercury, and the Mage Lelei. While in Republic City they came under attack from an unknown group and now seek shelter with Itami's ex-wife.

"Someone is crazy enough to marry the Lieutenant?" said Shino in disbelief

"Hey! Who are you calling crazy?!" said Risa

"You!" said Shino pointing at Risa like she committed some terrible sin. "But this is a pairing I can actually see happening…"

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"You like doushinji don't you?" ask Shino

"Actually I write doushinji…"

"I thought so!" said Shino smugly

After keeping Risa from pummeling Shino Itami informed her of their dire situation. "I understand the situation." Said Risa taking a bite of the burger Itami got her. "But what I don't understand why you roped me into this."

"She has a point Itami." Said Akira "Ex-wife or not she is still a civilian."

"I wouldn't go as far to say I'm a civilian. I went through basic like all Hanoians and I'm a member of the Republic State National Guard. It helps pay the bills."

"Not very well…" mumbled Akira glancing at the pile of past due notices sitting next to her. Unfortunately Risa heard him and responded with.

"I'm still only a private so I don't earn as much. My doushinji usually solves my money problems but his one is coming along a bit slow."

Akira's curiosity was rising so he picked up one of Risa's works. He admitted he read a good manga every now & then. Who knows it might be pretty good. After viewing a single page he immediately closed it. He didn't know she drew that kind of art.

"To each his own.' Said Risa grinning at Akira's response. "I'm sorry but you guys can't stay here for long. I still have payments on this place and getting it shot up is last on my list."

"Is there anywhere else we can hide? Somewhere defendable?" asked Akira

"I know of one place…" said Itami with a grin.

The next day everyone split off into 3 groups. Akira with Pina and Bozes. Itami with Lelei and Rory. Shino with Risa and Tuka. They all knew where they had to go. Though Akira and Shino were against splitting up at first Itami did make them see the logic behind it. Whoever was following them would have to split their resources. They would also hang around areas with large crowds and plenty on security to make an attack on them much more risky. They were to also enjoy the sights of the city and pretend nothing was out of the ordinary to lull their pursuers into a false sense of security. Itami did warn them that once they realize their destination they'll most likely attack in desperation.

Itami walked along Republic City's familiar streets. His apartment wasn't too far from here but he didn't want to risk paying it a visit. It might be under watch. Looking at his surroundings Itami noticed he was close to the Museum District. Lelei and Rory might find it interesting. They came to a large stone white building. Its columned façade was one of the most recognizable of the Republic's landmarks. Fitting since it was the first.

"Itami what is this building?" asked Lelei as they climbed up it stairs.

"I thought you guys might appreciate this place. This is one of the oldest buildings in the entire Republic. This is the Great Library."

At the word library Lelei hurried up the stairs. Itami smiled at her reaction. He thought she would like it. They would hang around the Museum District for a while. Spend an hour or two here at the Great Library, move on to the Smithsonian, and meet everyone else in the Monument Square before proceeding to their final destination.

Despite being thousands of years old the Great Library looked just like one you'd find in any city just a lot larger. Not to mention it had works you wouldn't find anywhere else. If you made a reservation and was cleared you could read the original copies of Alice in Wonderland or The Divine Comedy. Clearance wasn't just given to anyone. The library had to be sure you wouldn't damage the works. Even if you couldn't get ahold of the rare items like any library there were plenty of regular books.

Lelei was currently embroiled in a physics book while Rory was reading a translated copy of the Odyssey. Itami was enjoying the library's free wi-fi. While he was waiting for his energy to recharge he felt a tug on his shirt. It was Lelei.

"Itami are there any more books like this?" she asked pointing at the book of basic physics she was reading.

"Well there more advanced versions of that subject and other branches of science. They should all be found over there." He replied pointing to a group of bookcases.

"I have a lot of reading to do… Could we perhaps stay here for the rest of the day?" she asked

"Sorry but its best if we don't hang around in an area for too long." He said "Though you can always check out a few books."

"Check out?"

"You can borrow a few books from the Library so long as you promise to return them."

"You mean lending? But I don't have any of your money…"

"It's free. All you have to is sign up for a card though since you don't have any records that might take too long so you can use mine." Itami pulled out his wallet and removed a small card from it. "I don't really check out books that often."

"All of this knowledge free for anyone to use." remarked Rory

"How many can I 'check out'" asked Lelei

"I think the limit is 3" said Itami

"ITAMI!" said Rory who held his arm in a way that caused many raised eyebrows. "I want to check out a book too."

"Which one?" he asked to which Rory held up the copy of the Divine Comedy she was reading. Of course she would pick that one…

They had to wait a few minutes until Lelei was finally satisfied with her choices. The checking out process took a bit longer than normal. The librarian on duty happened to be a robot. Rory and Lelei asked him all sorts of questions. He didn't seem to mind answering though. Itami guessed he must appreciate the attention.

While the girls were handling that Itami used this time to check in on everyone else. Shino reported everything was all clear. She, Tuka, and Risa had apparently went shopping. They were waiting at the rendezvous point now. Akira, Bozes, and Pina seemed to be doing alright. Itami asked Akira where they were currently but he was reluctant to answer. After enough pressuring he finally relent.

"We are currently in…" Akira stopped to sigh heavily "In a shop that specializes in male on male doushinji."

To his credit Itami didn't laugh. At least outwardly. "Any particular reason why you chose that kind of establishment?"

"The princess and her knight insisted. They apparently sampled some of your ex-wife's work and have become fans. This was the only place they wanted to go…"

"Well it's time to head to the rendezvous point. I don't want to tempt fate by staying out here for too long."

"Thank god… We're not too far from the rendezvous. It'll only take us…wait. SHIT!"

"Akira?! What's going on?" Akira didn't answer but he could hear gunshots in the distance before the phone cut off. Did they get Akira? Itami could only guess. Though he wanted to go and see if they were okay he knew this was most likely a trap not to mention he didn't know which doushinji shop they went to.

It was best to continue on to the rendezvous and hope they make it. After collecting the girls who were still heavily engaged in conversation with the robotic librarian. Heading outside Itami could see nothing out of the ordinary.

The rendezvous is only a couple of blocks away and the sooner they get there the better. Itami began to wonder if they were being followed. He looked through the crowd around them but no one stuck out. It was best to draw them out now rather than having them get the drop on them later.

"Girls, I think we're being followed." He whispered "We're going to have to draw them out."

Lelei nodded in understanding while Rory grinned in anticipation. They ducked into a nearby alley away from any people. They eventually came across a dead-end. Right on que three overcoat wearing men blocked off the exit reaching into their coats. Not a good sign. Itami quickly glanced around for anything that can be used as cover. The only thing that stood out was a large metal dumpster. It'll have to do.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" Asked Itami as he gripped his pistol.

The men looked at each other before pulling out suppressor equipped SMGs and opening fire. Itami pushed Lelei behind the dumpster to protect her from the bullets. He would have done the same for Rory but she leaped into the air and in a single motion ripped off the cloth covering her halberd. The men fired at her but the bullets missed their mark. Rory brought her halberd down on one of the unfortunate men turning him into a bloody pulp and staggering the others.

While they were disoriented Itami pulled out his laser pistol, took aim, and fired into the closest target. The bright red beam flew through the air hitting the man square in his chest. The laser blew through his chest causing a messy exit wound before dispensating in the open air. The force of the laser going through a person's body also has the nasty effect of taking any blood that was in the area it hit and sending it out the exit wound making energy weaponry a lot bloodier than most people realize…

Itami grimaced as huge splash of blood and what looked like bits of bone hit the wall behind the man he just shot. It was enough to shock his partner long enough for Itami to shoot him in his head. The beam made a perfect circular entrance would but the exit wound was anything but. Large pieces of his skull and brain now decorated the alley's wall. This was why he didn't like using energy weapons. They were powerful but messy.

At the entrance to the alley a van pulled up blocking their way out. Itami readied his pistol while the girls took a combat stance. The van's side door open allowing them to see the van's occupants: Bozes and Pina. The passenger window rolled down and from the driver's seat Akira called out "Hurry Lieutenant before more of them show up!"

They didn't need to be told twice climbing into the van which set off for the rendezvous.

"How did you find us?" asked Itami "And where did you get the van?"

"You said you were at the Great Library so we drove here and laser fire has a very distinct sound. As for the van I well… borrowed it."

"You stole this?!"

"He'll get it back! It's not like I'm planning on keeping it!"

"What if the van has a few extra bullet holes in it since these guys aren't playing around?!"

"The URGF will reimburse him I'm sure."

"I heard gunshots over the phone." Itami asked "What happened?"

"They attacked us in the store. One snuck up behind us trying to put a gun to the back of my head. Luckily there was a security mirror that let me see him in time. I searched him for some kind of identification and I found this…" he said pulling something out of his pocket.

It was a black patch with a skull in the center. Around it written in German was Waffen-SS Rache.

Itami stared at the patch with all the hate he could muster. The Special Region natives couldn't understand how this simple cloth patch could upset someone as laidback as Itami. Itami reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He called Shino to inform her of the situation.

"Shino both me and Akira were attacked." Itami said calmly

"Is everyone alright?!" she asked in concern

"Everyone is fine." He said again in that calm voice

"Itami what's wrong? Who were the attackers?"

Itami sighed before finally replying "It's the fucking Nazis!"

The Wanderer sat in his personal study playing video games. A wonderful invention. They were the perfect way for him to unwind after a hard day. Lt. Youji and the Special Region visitors have went missing, gunfire heard throughout Republic City, and a rumor… A rumor that an enemy he considered destroyed might be behind it all.

The Wanderer swore as he died once again. When will developers understand? Challenge didn't actually mean making sections of the game needlessly rage inducing. After dying for the 4th time in a row a knock at his door. The palace staff knew not to bother him during his 'Me Time' unless it was important.

"Come in" he said pausing his game.

The head of security entered and after giving him a crisp salute said "Sir, We have some guests."

"Terrorists?"

"No."

"Republia Party Members?"

"Heaven Forbid."

"Girl Scouts?"

"If only. I'm getting kinda hungry?"

"Well then who is it?"

"Go and see. Think of it as a surprise sir…"

Lacking anything else to do the Wanderer took the long walk to the front door. God this place was huge… He's lived in this house for over 6000 years and he still gets lost from time to time. Arriving at the front door he opens it to be greeted by Itami and his friends.

"Hello sir." Itami said with a big smile "Could we room here for the night?"

And So The United Republic Fought

AN: The Library. Is there not a better place? I did a bit of research on medieval libraries for this chapter. I was surprised to learn that the lending of books actually was practiced back then. I expected the opposite since the printing press wasn't around then so books were a lot more valuable. You had to pay to borrow a book so only the rich could afford to do it regularly but it was still done. The more you know huh?

Oh and about that certain line. I've been dying to use that.