A Pile of Empty Brass

by M3 Luck3y Charms

Tensions had been flaring in the Pacific. Japan along with multiple partners were conducting a massive military drill as a show of force. As relations between the nations were reaching an all time low, everyone was bracing themselves for the unthinkable to happen. Once it did, it came in the form that no one was ever expecting.

7. 5: The Cause

A Pile of Empty Brass | Sora no shinchū no yama

空の真鍮の山

Chapter 5

"The Cause"

---

"All warfare is based on deception."

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

---

Location: Alnus Hill, Falmart.

The Holy Hills of the Empire of Sadera

Currently in the garrison in the process of being constructed around the portal

Date: Julian Day 197. Calendar year 572.

Time: 12:02 Hours.

---

A Centurion decided to steal a glance up at the blue skies, getting lost in the blue hue as he allowed his mind a brief respite.

Only for him to immediately be brought back to reality upon hearing the tell-tale sound of a hammer slamming against the head of a nail, the instrument echoing across the section he oversaw. He crossed his arms, glancing around the ongoing construction around him.

Rows of tents had been erected, providing temporary housing for the steady flow of incoming legions occupying the upcoming garrison. Checkpoints intersected the man-made dirt roads, the sentries doing their due diligence of keeping a watchful eye of anyone suspicious or those who did not belong.

Not that there had ever been any conflict in Alnus.

The town had always been on the fringes of Imperial territory, hardly a place one would expect to see conflict in. The Centurion glanced around the lush green earth that so far had remained undisturbed by the ongoing construction, silently thankful that the snow on the meadows had begun to melt away as spring made its way into the continent. He then looked up at the streams running down the surrounding hills and mountainside, crossing his arms as a warm seasonal breeze flowed through his tunic.

Maybe I should think about settling down here. He thought to himself, admiring the scenery and quiet life that came with Alnus.

Another series of hammers against nails had brought him out of his reverie, turning his attention to the dedicated immunes who worked tirelessly with the strict timeline they've been given. Despite the rather late start on construction, the outpost was certainly taking shape. However, now was not the time to start getting lackadaisical. Orders from the Hierarchs were crystal clear; Have the fort ready by the month's end that could accommodate one-hundred thousand soldiers and auxiliaries.

"Failure to meet the deadline will have dire consequences." The Centurion recalled the legate all but threatening the carpenters and sentries who'd been tasked with the honour of building the outpost.

Naturally, this caused speculation amongst the troops, wondering if they were indeed about to once again embark on a glorious campaign.

The Centurion broke his gaze from the ongoing construction once more, setting his eyes towards the white orb that pulsated over the holy hills that they've been blessed the Empire with.

The mere fact they're constructing a garrison to house an expedition had all but confirmed that the Hierarchs had intent on pillaging and exploiting the lands beyond the portal. Why else would they waste all this time and resources that could better be used elsewhere? The only thing that appeared to be holding them back was the mission report from the brave scouts to see if an invasion was feasible or not.

Yet, with the urgency of completing the outpost, along with relocating legions of expeditionary and auxiliary troops, one would be forgiven for assuming that the Hierarchy had already made their decision.

Their construction had begun right before the scouts ventured into the world beyond, the brave men and mages partaking in the historical task of conducting reconnaissance. Many inside the outpost pondered what they'd find on the other side. Lush green lands? A dense jungle? A hostile hellscape? All sorts of ideas were tossed around as the Immunes and cohorts conversed amongst themselves.

The Centurion was about to admire Alnus' lush green meadows once more when he heard a panicked shout. whipping his head around to see the sentries pointing at the pulsating orb, their spears and shields raised as they got into a testudo formation. The Centurion grabbed his gladius sword, getting right behind the formation as shapes began to materialize right out of the orb.

"Prepare yourselves!" The Centurion commanded, assuming a defensive posture as more shapes appeared out of the orb, "Hold your ground!"

More cohorts arrived, all assuming the testudo shield wall as these unknowns materialized out of the orb. The centurion squinted his eyes, the bright orb making them a black silhouette. His eyes eventually adjusted to the brightness, the shapes of taking on a humanoid form as they blinked themselves into existence.

"Relax yourselves!" One of the blank silhouettes shouted, "It's merely us! We're returning from our reconnaissance mission!"

...The scouts!

The Centurion gazed upon his lightly armed counterpart, relaxing his stance somewhat as recognition and familiarity had set in. His ease turned into confusion, tilting his head upon gazing at the strange wardrobes he and the scouts currently wore.

What in the Eternal Gardens are those…?!

Were those pants? What material was that made out of? A toga? No, that was a shirt. A bright… blue and white, short-sleeved shirt. Were those boots? Why were they cut below the ankles?

"Relax your posture…!" The Centurion commanded, the cohorts withdrawing from their testudo formations. They too then joined in gawking at the strange attire, murmuring amongst themselves about the wardrobe choice the scouts sported.

It was then that the Centurion noticed a line of people that had been linked together by long stretches of rope, all having their hands bound together unlike that of captured prisoners.

"Sorry if we're late…" The leading scout trailed off, as if trying to come up with an excuse for their tardiness, "We were.. overwhelmed by what we've witnessed on the other side."

"Overwhelmed?" The Centurion cocked an eyebrow, "What did you see?"

"The portal appeared to have opened in the middle of a city…" The scout trailed off once again, "One so massive, You wouldn't believe it would be humanly possible."

The Centurion pressed his lips as his eyebrows furrowed, "A city?"

"We need to debrief the legate as soon as possible." The Scout Centurion brushed off his friend's question, blowing out a tired sigh, "We've managed to kidnap these natives. There are far too many questions we have in regards to their world that only they know the answers to. Unfortunately, they speak in a foreign language I couldn't even hope to recognize. So we're unable to do the interrogation."

"Foreign language…" The Centurion noted, looking down and counting the line of captives the scouts had managed to bring along.

Sixteen? Not too bad.

The Centurion began studying each native as they were led towards him, his brow furrowing more and more as the slender, slant eyed, pale skinned prisoners were forced to kneel in a row. They appeared human, although the slanted eyes were slightly throwing him off. He'd seen slanted eyes before, but from those hailing from lands far away. Most of them appeared obedient and passive, However, the dark skinned one kicked and struggled...

He blinked. Dark skinned?

The dark man was of medium build, his chiseled arms complementing his broad shoulders. The man towered over the other captives, yet the centurion couldn't help but notice his curly and wool-like black hair.

A dark elf? No, he lacked the pointed ears and trademark white hair. This man was human...?!

He wasn't alone. Next to him were two other ebony humans, a female and a child barely in his teens. Clearly his wife and offspring, no doubt.

The dark human glared at the centurion, his face twisted defiance while giving him a scowl.

The Centurion crossed his arms, evenly meeting the dark man's gaze.

"You said the portal opened up inside a city?" The Centurion asked his scout counter-part who'd stopped beside him, all the while keeping his gaze fixated on the dark man.

A warrior?

"Yes." his friend answered simply, handing him a thin piece of parchment. The Centurion finally broke his gaze from the ebony man as he took the parchment from the scout.

His eyes widened when he laid eyes upon the thin parchment, "By Aeila!"

On the parchment were rows of several tall gray buildings, their sizes taller than anything he'd ever seen erected here. All of them sporting symmetrical glass that reflected the sun above, almost like shining beacons of civilization.

While that feat alone caused the Centurion's jaw to drop, what really captured his attention was the details captured within the small piece of canvas.

Did an artist paint this?!

How? How could someone be so talented to paint something so life-like? Never in all his years did the Centurion ever witness a parchment that small so detailed. Almost like he was peering into a window of another world.

"Those buildings…" His friend added, "Most of these appear to be either bazaars, food courts, or places of residence..."

"By the divines..." was the only reply that came from the Centurion, his racing mind trying to come up as to why the Gods had opened a portal in the middle of a large urban sprawl. This was the total opposite of the tales he heard growing up.

He shook his head, realizing he could not come up with the answer to his questions. Fortunately for them, the captives taken from the world beyond did have the answers. "Men! Put all these captives inside the pin! Make sure they're to be guarded at all times! None of them are allowed to leave! If they attempt to escape, punish them harshly, but do not kill them! Not yet, at least!"

The legionnaires saluted, attending to their assigned task.

Both Centurions stared at each other, the Scout shifted uncomfortably in his weird wardrobe , and the Centurion's shaking hands as he flicks his eyes back down to the piece of parchment..

"Well... let's debrief the Legate..."

---

"It was night time when we had emerged from the other side of the portal."

The Centurion scout explained, his face glowing orange from the abundant torches around the outpost's command tent as he stood at attention amongst the other scouts. They had all dressed back to Saderan tunics, the strange wardrobes they once adorn laid out across the war table where the legate and primus stood by.

"Go on…" Spenstacus motioned, inspecting the stack of odd parchments and leather coin purses stacked alongside the otherworldly tunics.

"Even from emerging at night… we could see buildings rising as far as the eye could see. A lot of glowing bright from torches lit inside… torches encased in glass… I…"

Spenstacus kept his face neutral, allowing the scout centurion to compose himself as he struggled to convey what they saw over there. Glancing down at the bountiful parchments that depicted such buildings, he honestly could not blame the man.

The scout centurion swallowed before saying, "We started stealing the clothes off the natives over there to blend in. We wanted to wait until sunrise to begin actual reconnaissance. Yet, even with the sun rising, we could hardly make any sense of the place. We couldn't risk venturing too far out because of how easy it was to get lost."

Before the legate could respond, the centurion added, "Our own capitol is a maze of its own accord. But that city? It's a damned labyrinth…"

"So... if I'm understanding this..." Spenstacus trailed off... his mind digesting all the parchments that depicted what the Centurion had described, "This was all achievable without the aid of magic or sorcery?"

The centurion scout nodded, "Yes, sire. I've tried many times to hone in on any magical sources over there. I did not detect an ounce or even a hint of its existence at all."

Spenstacus cocked his eyebrow, "No mages? None?"

The Centurion scout shook his head, "No sire, nothing. This was all constructed and engineered by man himself!"

Spenstacus scratched his chin, finding himself glancing at his primus as to non-verbally ask for his thoughts or input.. He shrugged, his expression as equally perplexed as the legate's.

An urban city of that magnitude is already unsustainable for long term occupation. Spenstacus sighed, finding himself becoming disappointed with the disadvantage held over them. "Any plains on the outside? Any fields or meadows we could extract minerals from? Anything there that we could exploit in resources?"

The Scout Centurion sighed, his eyebrows furrowing before saying, "Seldom did I see any vegetation there. Trees that had been planted here and there. Some patches of grass. But everything else was all cobble and metal. I'm not sure if that world is one large major city."

"It can't be," Spenstacus countered, "These people you kidnapped are humans like us. They need to eat, farm, trade, and export just as any society. Otherwise, their way of life wouldn't last. And certainly would not have expanded to the extent in which you and your scouts claim."

"If they had fields of farmlands or minerals, they're in places we couldn't see. And we wouldn't know how to find it." The centurion scout sighed, "We need another mission. Scouting for a mere day is not enough time to gather reliable intelligence. No disrespect to the Senate, I know they want to exploit the place as soon as possible. But in my humble opinion, even from a single day of being there, I believe invading this place would further cement our demise. Especially if it turns into a protracted conflict."

"Protracted…" The primus finally spoke, "Have you managed to see any soldiers on the other side?"

The scout centurion shook his head, "Minus occasional cohortes urbanae, I did not see anything resembling an organized army."

"But they do have an army," Spenstacus declared, "How else can a society advance that large without a standing army? A city as large as the one you claim would certainly draw the eyes of its surrounding neighbours. So it's a matter of where their garrisons are."

The centurion nodded in agreement, "I suspect the ebony human male we've captured might be a soldier of some kind."

Spenstacus tilted his head, "How can you be so sure?"

"His attitude, sire" he answered, "Plus his build. A lot of the men are small and meek in stature. However, his shape and attitude suggests some form of military training."

The legate nodded, "How did you manage to capture him?"

"A spell, sire." The scout centurion glanced at his principals, "We followed them into some strange bazaar. We activated a sleeping spell when they weren't looking. Carried them off into our rallying point. Had some odd glances, but we played it off as someone who was assisting their drunk friend."

"Hhmm..." Spenstacus paused, "Any more ebony-humans like him?"

"Other than his wife and son, the ones with the slanted eyes are the main populace inside that city-state."

A homogenous society? The legate tapped his chin, "And none of them can speak in our tongue?"

The scout centurion shook his head, "No, sire."

"That's going to make interrogations mighty difficult..." Spenstacus deduced, gazing upwards as if to ponder in deep thought. He then glanced at the scouts, a smile forming its way on his features, "Well, I'll be sure to put in the request for another scouting mission. You're right about one thing, one day simply isn't enough to scout and survey an area as large as the city you've found yourselves in." He paused, looking at the blue fabric trousers on the table, "Maybe if the portal opened in uninhabited lands. But this is a large city. so we're going to have to adjust accordingly. We'll take care of the captives you've brought us. Perhaps they would give us the answers both us and the hierarchs seek. In the meantime, get some rest. I need you all in top tier shape whenever you're handed your next assignment."

The scouts gave a crisp salute to Spentacus and the primus, both doing so likewise as he dismissed them to their quarters. The scouts all piled outside, leaving Spenstacus and the primus to ponder. Silence lingered inside the tent, only broken by the loose fabrics of their tent blowing against the spring breeze.

"By Hardy..." The primus he exhaled, casting a worried glance at Spenstacus who could only return the same uncertainty. "Just what did the divines bring to us...?"

---

"Onegaishimasu! Watashi o kizutsukenaide kudasai!" A young, petite native cried out as she was forcefully removed from her group of friends. Two other females attempted to reach out for her, only to be blocked by several cohorts keeping watch over the prisoners.

"Noriko-chan!" Both cried out in unison, the tears flowing from their eyes as they broke down in tearful sobs.

The centurion looked on at the spectacle with indifference, casually glancing at the primus in charge of their sector, "Are you sure that's the one Prince Zorzal would want? There seem to be better options here." He voiced, glaring wistfully at the two crying girls who could only watch their friend being dragged away.

"He said he wanted a native-girl. Didn't specify she had to be beautiful." the Primus casually responded.

The Centurion snickered, "Ah."

"Once you've been in long enough, you learn how to play the system," The Primus grinned.

A young captive, barely out his teens, fought against his restraints, charging into one of the cohort legionnaires using his bounded torso as a ram.

"Noriko-chan!" He cried out, attempting to use his momentum to knock down the surrounding Cohorts. The security detail easily sidestepped around him, the teen falling headfirst into the ground as he lost his balance. The Cohorts were instantly on top of him, landing him vicious kicks and blows to his face as reprimand for his foolish action.

The girl, Noriko, witnessed the beating the male teen had subjected himself to, wriggling desperately as the two Cohorts carried her off into the wagon, "Hiroki-kun!"

"Put that one in the mines!" The Primus pointed at the battered teen.

The Cohorts stopped administering discipline to the young man upon hearing the Primus' command, lifting him up with little regard as they tossed him inside the cart designated for the mines like yesterday's trash.

"Her lover?" The Centurion asked.

The Primus shrugged, "Who cares?"

The Centurion nodded, his eyes glancing at the native with the bright blue-tunic. He didn't resist so much as attempted to calm his people down whenever the legionnaires separated friends and loved ones whenever they got assigned their new role for the Empire.

The Centurion kept his eyes fixated on the dark ebony man, whose eyes were looking around his surroundings, no doubt trying to think of a way to escape capture like any good soldier would.

He's a soldier... I can smell it.

Time to test that theory.

"Those dark ones," The Centurion pointed, "The wife would certainly make a fine addition to Count Formal's collection of maids, don't you think?"

"That she would, my friend. That she would..." The Primus nodded. He then pointed his finger at the ebony woman, glancing at the legionaries who were standing by for orders, "Prep a ride for Italica! That ebony woman is to go to Count Formal as a gift!"

The legionaries nodded in obedience, walking towards the dark woman.

Like the defiant teen before him, the dark man spearheaded into the torso of a cohort, knocking the breath out of him. Two soldiers piled on top of him, the ebony man bending at the knees before launching himself in the air, nearly knocking both off him. They drew their swords, shouting commands demanding to cease his actions or face death.

"Don't kill him!" The Centurion shouted, "This man is a soldier of some kind! Subdue him and put him on the cart marked for the prison!"

The legionaries complied with the order, sheathing their swords as they encircled the defiant man. They all tackled him in unison, knocking over the fool-hardy man who had tried to brace himself for the impact. Both his wife and son screamed in horror, the dark-soldier trying desperately to shake off his attackers. The cohorts swung their batons, beating the man down with each violent clash of the bludgeon. Another one kicked the man's ribs, the loud thump reverberating from all the way over there as his foot came into contact.

"I said don't kill him!" The Centurion repeated, venom laced in his face.

The Cohorts ceased their relentless assault, the dark soldier groaning in pain as he tried clutching his bruises. After making sure the man was docile, the sentries carried him off into the cart designated for interrogation. The ebony woman pleaded in her unknown tongue before the sentries separated her from the child, the woman becoming more frantic as she was carried away into the cart bound for Italica. That only left the ebony adolescent, the kid bawling now that he was without his parents.

"Ugh!" The Primus sneered, narrowing his eyes at the child, "Get everyone who isn't of age out of here. I'm sure Lady will know what to do with them!" He turned to face the other captives, "As for the others, send them to the mines!" He paused as his eyes fell upon the blue-tunic Cohort Urbanae, who had all but lost control of the people he placed himself in charge of, "Except that one! He comes with the soldier!"

Once again, the Cohorts carried out their assigned task, rounding up everyone in the pin and separating them to their assigned wagons. A few more cried, some begged, others obediently doing what they were told. Soon, all the carts were rounded, save for the two girls that the Centurion had glanced on.

"So..." the corners of the Primus' lips curved upwards in a slight grin that exposed his pristine teeth. His eyes flicked towards the Centurion for a moment, before settling on the wide eyed women huddling together in front of them. "Which of these two do you lay claim to?"

---

Location: Sadera, Falmart.

The Capital City of the Empire of Sadera

Bononia District

Inside the Household in Emerald Plaza

Date: Julian Day 199.

Time: 21:45 Hours.

---

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

Sasio Thanoios' eyes shot open, her head darting towards the front door, the purple snakes embedded in her scalp coiling up in a defensive posture around her head.

"Imperial business! Answer the door!"

This late into the night...? The gorgon stirred on her cot, letting out a soft groan as she wiped her eyes. She leaned upwards, her bed sheets sliding off her curvy frame.

Another groan erupted next to her, white sheets stirring in the adjacent cot as the form of another gorgon arose from it. Aroralia T'dasir's blue snakes dangled from her head, a few affectionately licking her face while she groggily rubbed her eyes. Sasio got out of her cot, instinctively covered her exposed bossems as she navigated around the damp dark interior of their household. Her yellow slit-like irises had long been accustomed to the darkness, spotting her purple tunic lazily piled on top of their other discarded linen.

"Coming!" She called out, slipping her purple-coloured tunic over her curvy frame.

Aroralia stifled a yawn, "This late?"

Sasio shrugged, "You know how it is, my friend."

After making sure she appeared modest enough, Sasio walked past their barren kitchen, opening the door and coming face to face with a trio of Cohortes Urbanae.

One of them took a step forward, his torch casting an orange glow over his youthful features, "Gorgon's Sasio and Aroralia?"

The purple-snaked gorgon nodded, "That would be us, my lord,"

His eyes darted towards her chest, Sasio catching him becoming mesmerized by her bust before quickly recomposing himself, "You're wanted at Hardy prison. Two very important prisoners you need to interrogate. The hierarchy has stressed the importance of it."

Sasio nodded, offering a soft smile, "We're at your service."

"Follow us, please."

Both gorgons stepped out of their home, Sasio's tunic blowing against the cool spring breeze. She glanced anxiously at Aroralia, who only returned the same worried look as they followed the trio of guards towards the dark section of the otherwise beautiful city.

---

Location: Hardy Prison.

South Cell Block

Time: 23:41 hours.

---

Darkness surrounded him.

Well, that wasn't entirely accurate.

The cramped room James Ironside found himself in was dimly lit by a lone candle mounted on the cobbled wall, the flame dancing along the small pillar of wax as it gave a dark orange hue that barely illuminated the small area. Illumination probably wouldn't have been a huge issue were it not for the fact that the cell he occupied lacked a window, robbing him of his senses of being able to tell night from day.

SERE training did not prepare me for this...

The Naval Officer shifted uncomfortably in the iron restraints that had bound him to the floor, his bruised ribs causing him to wince with every small movement he made.

Has it been hours? A day or so, perhaps? He honestly couldn't even venture a guess. He gradually found himself beginning to lose his sense of time after being thrown in here and left to rot by those Roman-dressed soldiers.

Roman-dressed soldiers…

He might have found that in itself laughable were it not the fact he and his family had been kidnapped, taken to places unknown and having God knows what done to them. He'd been stripped of his clothing, save for a few tattered rags that hardly covered his frame, in a room that reminded him of a dungeon from a fantasy movie set in the medieval period.

How did it even come to this...?

That question played into James' mind like a broken record, trying to recollect just how on God's green earth did he and his family end up in this situation.

Ok... Think...

The previous day had been simple. His leave had been approved by his chain-of-command prior to the huge multinational exercise kicking off, saving him the trouble of being caught in a six-week long exercise away from his loved ones. His wife, Tierra, suggested shopping in the newly built AEON mall in downtown Ginza, the multi-leveled shopping centre being a bastion of tourists for their wide selection of sales.

We were on our way to the mall... we stopped by the ATM inside the Seven-Eleven... I tried withdrawing yen from the machine... then...

Then...

Then it all went black.

As much as he concentrated on trying to remember the gaps, he couldn't come up with anything. No one sneaking up behind him with a clothed rag, no shading dealings...

Just... blank...

One moment he was withdrawing from an ATM, the next, he and his family were in some alleyway with several others, all bound and gagged as they struggled to break their restraints. To add onto his confusion, they disappeared in a bright flash of light, finding themselves in some trippy void-like tunnel straight out of a sci-fi movie.

They'd been forced to march by the Roman soldiers who kidnapped them, seldom did they pause for a break until they came to the bright blue light at the end of the void… ending up at camp in the middle of a green mountainous region…

He squeezed his eyes from the umptieth time to make sure he had not imagined all that. Did he and the others really traversed through some bizarre wormhole?

Jesus Christ…

The cries of his wife and son echoed in his mind when he remembered trying to defend her from being taken and sold off somewhere. James gritted his teeth, gripping his hands around the chains as he ignored the cascading pain that shot throughout his torso.

He gave the chain a hard yank, the metal remaining steadfast as he attempted to gather his strength to pull yet once again. His family was out there somewhere, and he wasn't there to protect them. And that simply would not do for him as a father and a husband.

Try as he might, all he successfully managed to do had been to rub the skin around his wrist raw, tinkles of blood flowing down his knuckles. Another hard yank, all composure within him slowly waning with each tug at the chains. After one last yank, the Sailor collapsed into a sobbing mess, his cries echoing off the small space around him as his wrists burned from the constant friction between skin and metal.

Maybe a couple of hours had passed before the door to his cell swung open, the Sailor immediately shooting his head upwards to look at the assailants walking into the room, teary eyes staring defiantly at his captors.

The one in front of them held a torch, casting a bright glow that illuminated his... no, her frame. The purple tunic she wore complimented her curves, the fabric so tightly enveloped around her body that James almost thought it was skintight. Needless to say, her wardrobe left little to the imagination.

Two other Roman soldiers flanked her on either side, appearing either cautious or uncomfortable around her if their body language was anything to go by. Plus the fact that the two seemed to keep their distance from her.

Upon glancing up towards her face, he understood why.

"What the fuck...?"

Purple-coloured snakes dangled from her scalp where hair should've been, each of their beady eyes staring intently at James as if he'd just been served as their main-course.

Oh hell no!

James yanked desperately against his restraints with newfound resolve, trying anything he could to get away from her.

Fucking snakes!

The snake-headed woman waved a hand towards the guards, the two simply nodding before shutting the door behind them, guarding the doors as they glanced at James with an expression he couldn't read.

The snake-woman slowly walked towards him, the small clacking of sandals on stone echoing louder with each step she took towards him.

Ah shit!

The way the Sailor had been bound to the floor prevented him from attempting to swing his arms and legs at his captors, leaving him completely defenseless and at their mercy. The hissing and slithering of the snakes on her scalp grew louder as she stood right next to him.

Eyes clenched while trembling in fear, He waited to meet his end, anticipating dozens of sharp fangs piercing through his skin to either poison or drain his precious blood.

Only for it to never come.

He opened one eye, slowly turning his head towards the woman like a frightened child peeking out of the blankets. The snake-headed woman was kneeling next to him, having mounted her torch on the wall adjacent to him.

"Jesus, fuck!" he screamed, "A-are those things really attached to your head?!"

The woman only tilted her head, her eyebrows cocked in confusion. "Numquam linguam tuam prius audivi."

Oh great. She also spoke in that strange language like those other soldiers.

She reached out a hand, James recoiling in fear as her fingertips gently brushed against his bicep. Her mouth went agape, reptilian eyes widening as they scanned his body, "Cutis tua vere obscura est."

As politely as he could possibly manage, James nervously stammered, "I'm..s-sorry. I-I don't... understand what you're telling me." His voice croaked, hardly able to clearly annociate his words at the snake woman.

Please... don't kill me...

She pressed her lips in a thin line, her shoulders sulking as her expression saddened. She then pointed at the snakes embedded into her scalp, "Vereris?"

He couldn't hope to understand what she just said, yet James simply nodded, hoping for the best.

At a snap of her fingers, the purple snakes slithered to the back of her head, almost giving the snake-headed woman the impression of a purple bun.

A leathery... withering... living bun...

"Incipe nunc, Anguis!" The guard on the right shouted, the snake-woman swiftly turning her head towards the man, fear and discomfort written on her face.

She faced James again with an apologetic look, slowly leaning towards him.

The sailor tried to inch away in return, only to remain fixed in his position.

"Shhhhh..." She cooed, the snakes still retreated to the back of her head. She gently brushed the side of his face, tracing her fingers down to his chin, likely in an effort to calm him down. It probably would have worked were it not for the ever present source of his fears literally living on her head.

After finally relaxing his guard somewhat, she leaned in more towards him, their lips inches apart.

Is she going to kiss-?!

He never managed to finish that thought, a jolt of pain searing through the side of his neck.

The snake woman had sunk her fangs into him, her arms tightly wrapped around him as he screamed and resisted her.

A sharp pain pierced into his brain, something, no, someone digging into his mind. Images of his life played out in front of him like a VHS tape on fast-forward.

Distorted images of his life… growing up in the suburbs of Queens, New York. A single mother who did her best to raise him and a younger brother. Spending many nights watching family movies. Flashes of his memories in elementary and middle school. Meeting the love of his life in high school. The birth of his son right after graduating. Attending Annapolis Naval Academy. Then being stationed in Yokosuka.

James gritted his teeth, his mind pulsating as his head flared in agony, feeling like it was about to explode.

"Noli eum occidere!" One of the guards shouted.

The snake-haired woman lifted her head up to retract her fangs, James feeling a stream of blood pooling out of the bite wound that flowed down his neck and torso.

"Fucking Christ...!" he cried out, recoiling his neck towards the bite wound in an attempt to stop the bleeding.

The snake woman rubbed her temples as well, blood trickling out of her nose as she gritted her teeth.

"Sorry…"

James' eyes shot open, "Y-you can speak English?!"

"I think so..." The snake woman stated, "I'm sorry you had to… experience that."

James uttered a sound that could only be described as somewhere between a cry and a huff, trying to shake off the nauseating feeling over him.

She continued, "It is the only way that I can understand you… If it gives you any peace, it is also a painful process for me as well…"

Once again, James let out a haughty cry before leering at the snake-headed woman, "'The hell was that?! Were you seriously just mind raping me back there?!"

She gave a confused frown, "I was digging into your memories in search of knowing who you are and how to best communicate with you."

"So you were mind raping me." James deadpanned.

"If… that's the term you use for it, then yes."

A single sarcastic laugh escaped his lips, "How about a little warning next time…?"

She gave a small smile, "I promise to warn you of any other methods that might be painful."

"Gee, that makes me feel so much better…"

She retained her sweet smile despite his sarcasm, one that didn't feel forced as to give him a false sense of security. A soft smile that complimented her soft skin and youthful features. Her yellow reptilian eyes did not appear to hold any malice or ill-intent, all the more giving her a motherly vibe rather than an interrogator.

Were it not for the writhing snakes on top of her head, James would have considered her drop-dead gorgeous.

Still…

"My name is Sasio Thanoios." She formally introduced herself, "As you can probably tell by now, I'm a gorgon contracted by the Empire of Sadera."

Empire... Sadera?

"...What?"

"I know you must be very confused," Sasio observed, her soft smile never waning. "As simple as I can explain it... A portal between our worlds recently opened. The Empire… sent over some scouts to gather information about your world. However, they were... confused and overwhelmed by its... infrastructure."

...Portal?... Worlds?

"The scouts decided it was better to kidnap the natives of your world. You... were an unfortunate victim."

His confused expression only deepened, his mind going back towards the alleyway and that weird void they traversed through.

"...What?!"

"You've been abducted from your world, James," Sasio reiterated, the two guards watching them converse with suspicious glares. "The scouts had brought mages with them so they could teleport back into the void that currently connects our world. That's what you saw after that bright light in the alleyway… The void they made you all walk through."

James' clenched his jaw as he closed his eyes, his jumbled mind trying to digest what she just explained to him. So that weird tunnel that they marched down, bound and gagged… that was some wormhole that connected to their world…?

Which means… he's essentially marooned on an alien planet…?

She knelt, taking good measure to meet him at eye level. James regarded her with caution, but he tried to meet her gaze evenly.

"This... nation that the portal opened in… Japan, is it called? The city doesn't... appear guarded. Just blue-tunic men and women who patrol the streets, but lightly armed. Are they the main protectors of the city?"

James cocked his eyebrow, "Police officers?"

Sasio's smile widened, "Yes! Are they the main protectors? How far away is the nearest... legion headquarters... erm... Bases as you call them?"

"Look…" James sighed, his gaze becoming cold as he looked at the gorgon dead in her eyes, "If you've peaked in my head, you're well aware that I have a wife and son that was also kidnapped with me, right?"

Sasio nodded her head, "Tiara… and your son named after you… Yes, I'm aware of them."

"Where did those soldiers take them?"

"They…" Sasio shifted uncomfortably, her once soft smile replaced with dread and guilt, "They were most likely sold off or given as a gift to some rich noble. There aren't really dark skinned humans like you in Falmart, so I suspect the latter...You'd be seen as a valuable rarity…"

Bastards! James clenched his teeth, his heart rate spiking as he tried leaning forward, "Where would they be taken? Who would they be sold off to?"

"I don't know, James." Sasio responded, "They could be anywhere. They didn't tell me anything about the captives they've taken from your world. Just that I needed to ask you questions concerning your world and how your society functions."

"So they're gone… Going through God knows what…" James sighed, trying to mask the despair in his voice.

Sasio's lips pressed into a thin line once more, "James, if you tell me all that you know, I promise I'll do everything I can to-"

"That isn't good enough." James interrupted, Sasio taken aback, "How do I know they're not currently being tortured or worse? Until you can verify that they are alive and unharmed, you're not going to get anything from me."

Sasio opened her mouth, James noting that her expressions appeared conflicted. Other than biting his neck, she seemed to be somewhat concerned for his wellbeing.

However...

"Estne un-cooperantem?" The guard on the left asked, casting a threatening look at James.

That didn't change the fact she was his interrogator for an unknown empire.

"James…" Sasio began, her voice sympathetic as well as cautious, "I can't leave this room without the answers they want. If it comes down to it, they'll force me to probe inside your mind again. You've seen for yourself how painful that can be."

James grimaced, his eyes darting towards the bite marks on his neck. "You kidnapped me, separated me from my family, and you honestly think I'm willing to cooperate...?"

"James…" Sasio sighed, her expression still remaining sympathetic albeit annoyed, "You only have two options. You can either tell me what they want to know and make this as much of a painless interrogation as possible…" James remained stone-faced, the Gorgon matching his, "Or I can bite into your neck again and probe inside your head, causing much unnecessary pain to the both of us."

James continued to defiantly glare in silence, her sympathies slowly waning and replaced with increasing irritation over his futile display of bravado.

"Either way, they're going to get the answers they want, rendering your resistance futile. So please… I beg of you… just answer the questions."

James' face contorted in a display of ponder, as if weighing the options presented to him. Sasio continued to look on at him pleadingly, silently begging him to give her the answers that her superiors wanted to know. From the short time he'd known her, it became apparent that she didn't want to be there, but was rather forced to be there due to her unique abilities. Otherwise, he'd probably be in a world of pain by an actual soldier more qualified for the job, noting the two Roman-soldiers who appeared to give both him and Sasio threatening glares.

James glanced over at her, his expression stone cold "Lieutenant James Eugene Ironside. United States Navy. EDIPI 1458952862."

"If that's the way you want to go about it, James…" The gorgon sighed once more, not withholding the disappointment in her tone as she drew her fangs.

---

Aroralia stood by the narrow corridor of the prison, leaning against the wall as she intentionally avoided eye contact with the prison guards who've escorted her and Sasio.

Minus the part where she had to bite into his neck to both learn his language and see into his memories, her interrogation had been rather easy.

Japanese is such an odd language...

She found out the captive she interrogated was named Saitou Nagumo, and that he wasn't a soldier, per-say, but rather something they called a Police Officer. She compared their roles to the Cohortes Urbanae who oversaw security and order inside the cities of Imperial territory.

She rubbed her temples, the headache subsiding from having to probe into the officer's mind. Images of colours, buildings, and smells lingered on inside her head, the young gorgon still trying to process the life Nagumo had.

Japan...

She smiled, memories of a happy life that weren't hers. She salivated at pastries and sweets he'd eaten, the friends he'd made and interacted with, being captivated with the freedom of movement he had, as well as the responsibility he took when swearing an oath to protect the innocent.

A life of no persecution.

A life where she was free to choose her fate

A life where she was not judged by her race, but by her character.

She'd been so mesmerized at the collection of memories, she did not notice the nasty looks the prison guards were giving her.

"What in the Seven Hells are you smiling at, snake?!" The guard closest to her bellowed.

Her smile faded, recomposing herself as she stood up straight, "My apologies."

The guard mumbled something under his breath before resuming the unheard conversation between his peers.

Why did I have to be born in this world and not theirs?

She didn't ponder that question for too long before the door next to hers opened, the two guards walking out of the cell followed by Sasio a moment later, a solemn expression on her face.

The lead guard either didn't notice or didn't care, crossing his arms whilst leaning forward inquisitively, "Was she able to extract anything useful?"

One of Sasio's guards nodded, "The bastard tried being uncooperative, but we were able to learn quite a bit about his world."

"Is that so?" The leader asked, directing his question towards Sasio.

Sasio nodded her head, a fresh stream of blood trickling down her nose, "Found out a lot of useful things..." Her voice droned, almost drowsy like.

Aroralia walked over to wrap an arm around her friend, aiding in helping her stand up right. The poor gorgon had obviously over exerted herself on her captive.

The leading Imperial Guard took a step towards them, "Now is not the time to rest. We need you to report your findings to the Legate. Only then do you have permission to rest."

The two Gorgon's nodded, following the guards who led them towards the Imperial Palace.

One day... we will hopefully be free of this oppressive life...

---

Location: The Capital City of the Empire of Sadera

Currently in Imperial Senate War Planning room

Date: Julian Day 200. Calendar year 572.

Time: 12:02 Hours.

---

"What sort of sorcery is this?!" shouted Prince Zorzal El Caesar as spitals of his wine flew out of his mouth. "T-these buildings! This architecture! This has to be some kind of advanced sorcery!"

He held the thin piece of parchment in his hands that had been brought over by Legate Spenstacus, his eyes heavily fixated on the tall gray buildings depicted on it, all of them reflecting the sun's glare from the symmetrical rows of glass built into their foundations.

"And the streets!" Zorzal added, "Paved with a smooth dark material?!"

"I'm intrigued by their infrastructure as well, brother." Diabo El Caesar added, who himself held one of the various parchments and pamphlets neatly displayed on the Imperial war planning table.

The parchments weren't the only things displayed on the table. A bunch of other artifacts had found their way into the clutches of their skilled scouts, ranging from maps, clothing, and strange colourful books and posters that portrayed odd, perverted versions of humans, typically women.

Perhaps the most odd and perplexing objects they've confiscated from the natives they captured were the then slick slabs that would glow bright bright light whenever one would press the tiny levers or thin glass plating, assaulting one's eyes with a bright image of peculiar artworks. Some appeared to be scenic, others portraits of themselves or family, or colourful abstract artwork one couldn't guess the nature of.

"T-these paintings…" Marcus stammered, his eyes scanning the small thin-canvas in front of him. "Not even our best artists in our capital can paint something so life-like!"

Emperor Molt nodded, observing both his sons and his highest echelons going over each individual artifact recovered from the world beyond. Molt tapped his right leg, taking in all the details of his own parchment that barely fit his hand.

This city the portal decided to open in... it easily trumps the size of our own capitol...

He continued analyzing the buildings and streets that crisscrossed and intersected with one other, appearing uniform and symmetrical, yet random and chaotic. Many bazaars with slabs projecting bright artwork had been mounted outside. Despite the large metropolis painted on these thin canvases, Molt couldn't help but note the big mountain behind the tall buildings.

Such a feat… achievable by man…

Molt could only half-listen to the shouts and awes of the others as they went over each item that had been brought over.

"Those are the horseless iron carriages?!"

"Carriages are only for the rich and noble, are they not?!"

"Horseless iron carriages! Signs that glow bright without any magical manipulation! Roads paved out of dark elements! Glass buildings as far as the eye can see!"

Molt could only silently agree with them. The towering behemoths of iron and glass, fantastical lights that illuminated entire roads without so much as an open flame. His eyes endlessly roamed the strange scripture and lifelike paintings as the chatter of his friends and advisors became a dull accompaniment. There was no end. Every time he looked, something new popped out to his eye. One more thing that could hardly be dreamt of. One more thing that this... this civilization had advanced leaps and bounds past them in.

And man had been the one to build it all.

"-Well, now that we know what our advisors think…" quipped Zorzal at the unheard question, looking at various parchments and maps of the city streets, "I'm just wondering how such a civilization like this is even possible. If their foundation looks like that, then what do their armies look like? What are they equipped with?"

Now that is the question of the century.

"Have we found out anything from those two soldiers the scouts managed to capture?" Molt inquired, all conversations hushed as they gave their Emperor their full and undivided attention.

"We're still in the process of interrogating them, sire," Marcus answered, his bald head shining from the torches lit above them, "From what we've learned about them, one is a cohort nauta, the other one is an cohort urbanae."

Diabo smiled upon hearing the word nauta, showing off his pristine white teeth, "Oh? So this world has a dedicated Naval force as well?" He turned towards Legate Cornelius, who only gave the prince a mildly annoyed look, "And you thought that our Navy becoming an autonomous force was a complete waste of resources."

Cornelius huffed, "The Imperial Navy was good at defending the island chain against the Athubian Empire. But your Naval shock forces are too small to take on the brunt of their Armies.''

Diabo kept his smile, "We have our role, you have yours."

"Let's stay on topic..." Molt breathed, clearly not in the mood for yet another Imperial Army versus Navy debate. "Have they disclosed any garrisons in or around the city? Size and strength of their legions?"

The Legates and advisors stared at each other before Cornelius decided to answer, "From what the gorgons have probed from their minds along with their confessions, this city-state... To-kio doesn't have a traditional army. More of a glorified militia."

"What?!" Both Diabo and Zorzal exclaimed, Molt cocking his eyebrows while waiting for Cornelius to elaborate further.

He continued, "They appear to be a vassal-state of some sort, who's only allowed to keep a militia as a defense force that can't wage offensive campaigns."

"You're joking!" Zorzal laughed haughtily, arrogance showing on his countenance, "Please tell me that is a joke!"

"If it's a Vassal-state, then surely there's an Empire that oversees their protection." Molt deduced, his lips pressed in a thin line as he digested the information being fed to him.

"There is, sire." Spenstacus joined in, "The ebony-human is a part of that Empire who oversees the protection of To-kio. However, from what gorgon Sasio explained to me... his Empire is an entire ocean away."

Both brothers raised their eyebrows.

"An entire ocean?" Diabo raised an eyebrow, "Then clearly they must have a garrison or a few around the territories. Same as us having outposts scattered throughout the isles across the Blue Sea."

"From what Sasio and Aroralia managed to pull from them, there is a Naval garrison as well as a garrison for their militia. However, both of them are outside the city at a far distance."

"How far?" Molt asked

"About a day on horseback. Perhaps more."

Molt kept his expression neutral, "And the size?"

"From what was explained, maybe fifty-thousand soldiers at the most."

"Fifty-thousand?!" Zorzal laughed arrogantly, "That's it?! We could easily assemble an expedition thrice that size!"

Diabo crossed his arms, "Are those numbers combined with both their militia and naval legions?" he asked, his tone skeptic.

Marcus nodded, "Yes, my lord."

"That's ridiculous!" Diabo waved a dismissive hand, "A city of that size guarded by a combination of a militia and naval legion consisting of a mere fifty-thousand men?! Preposterous! How can you trust the words of these gorgons? Even a vassal-state relying on protection have higher numbers than that!"

"Sasio and Aroralia have proven themselves over the years of loyal service to our cause, despite her nature as gorgons," Spenstacus countered, Diabo face appearing unconvinced, "They've made wonderful contributions in our campaign against those barbaric Warrior-Rabbits. Particularly those taken captive who've refused to give up information. Their will was strong, but even they couldn't keep the gorgons from melding into them and seeing their secrets."

"Ah yes," Zorzal clapped his hands together, "I can definitely vouch for their wonderful services they've provided! Both have certainly been instrumental in routing out ambushes and using their tactics against them! Thus leading to their delectable Queen to surrendering herself to me!" He finished that last part with a devilish perverted grin.

Diabo's face soured, "I still don't know why you keep that... thing around."

Zorzal waved a cocky finger, "Because, she's one of the only few who can match my libido!"

"Focus..." Molt growled, stopping his sons from once again getting sidetracked. He turned his gaze towards Spenstacus, "You're willing to believe the word of two gorgons?"

Spenstacus nodded his head, "Yes, sire. As I've said, they've been an instrumental help in our campaigns in the past. Including our thirty-year war with the Athubian Empire. I see no reason as to why they'd turn their backs on us now."

Molt folded his hands, his eyes furrowed as he deeply thought about everything presented to him thus far, "How many cohortes urbanae are present in the city?"

"Despite being plentiful, they're scattered all across To-kio. Apparently, they have very small garrisons that can only house a several dozen at one time. They have a main headquarters of some sort, but it appears lightly defended."

"But how many men in total?" Zorzal piped up.

"Close to forty-five thousand." Marcus answered.

"Forty-Five Thousand..." Molt repeated, his words lingering. "Forty-Five thousand cohortes urbanae, plus another fifty-thousand from the legions and militias..."

"We'd still easily outnumber them, father!" Zorzal boasted, shiny teeth showing off from a smug smile. "This is nothing short of a guaranteed victory!"

"You outnumbered the Warrior-Rabbits five to one in your campaign." Molt countered, Zorzal's smile immediately vanishing, "And look at the abysmal casualties your legions sustained!"

"T-they were fighting with no honour, relying on cowardly tactics!" Zorzal stammered, struggling to come up with an excuse as to why he initially suffered humiliation in his expedition.

Molt was not having it, pointing a lecturing finger at his son, "You've underestimated your opponent and suffered dearly for it!" he spat, Zorzal immediately zipping his lips. "I will not make the same foolish mistakes of underestimating these otherworlders."

Molt turned his gaze towards his commanders and advisors, "There's still too many unknowns. What we do know is that we cannot annex and subjugate this city. It's far too large for that. We could conscript every man, woman, child, and beast into our armies and even then, I still believe it wouldn't be enough."

The Emperor paused, the silence lingering in the war room as the commanders and advisors looked on at the man in charge, their expressions mixed with worry, ambition, and zeal.

"While we could win a short and decisive war, anything beyond that will further cement our collapse." Molt concluded before blowing an exhausted breath.

"Then what shall we do?" Zorzal cocked his lips, looking at his father for answers.

"There aren't lands of resources. No minerals, oars, plain fields of wheat… Yet a city with technological marvels that trumps our own…" He rose from his throne, his subjects snapping to attention.

"Imagine what our Empire could become if we were to get an abundant amount of laborers and scholars from the other side. The minds over there who know how to construct the technological marvels and know-hows depicted on those paintings! The endless possibilities of what Sadera could achieve if we were to take those from the world beyond and subjugate the individuals into our society!"

Several murmurs of agreement between his audience, Zorzal being the most vocal about how they'd secure their status as the beacon of civilization.

"Instead of attempting to annex and subjugate the city, we could simply do a raid. We'd send in a raiding force to pillage and loot as much as they can. Take as many of their people as each legion is able to, slaughtering those who attempt to resist us. Then retreat back into the Gate before we could face any real opposition. If we can pull that off, we could very well enter a new age of prosperity. It may take generations, but if we could construct and invent even half of what we've gazed upon in the form of paintings, our neighbors would look at us in envy as their citizens migrate to a better life-style."

The legates and advisors grinned at each other, Zorzal prancing around like a headless chicken, although Molt assumed it was some sort of horrible attempt at a dance. Molt noticed Diabo appeared to have remained skeptical, crossing his arms rather than join in the jubilee crowd.

"However," Molt continued, halting whatever premature celebration they had, "I need more information before I can make the proper decision of moving on from here." Molt glanced towards Spenstacus. "Legate, have your gorgons resume interrogations. I want to know everything about their world. Their culture. Their fighting spirit. Their sense of loyalty. I'm going to give you a long checklist of everything we'd need to go over."

"Your demand is as good as done, my lord!" Spenstacus saluted, "Also... my scouts have requested for another scouting and survey mission. They wish to completely map the area around the portal."

"Permission granted," Molt replied, giving the Legate a small nod, "They only can go through one more time. I don't want people to continue using the portal. It might cause it to collapse prematurely. So make sure they take what they'll need to make it count."

The Legate saluted once more before immediately departing. Molt discussed with the other commanders his concerns over supply lines and the construction of the garrison at Alnus, particularly what materials they'll need to embark on an expedition to the world beyond.

---

Location: Bononia District

Sasio and Aroralia's household

Time: 18:55 Hours.

---

Sasio placed a wet cloth over her throbbing forehead, her snakes smoothing out the wrinkles and applying pressure around her temples.

Stubborn bastard...

She recalled the interrogation that happened nearly a day ago, the pained screams the ebony man emitted whenever the gorgon bit into his neck, herself grunting in pain as flashes of his life and knowledge came flooding into her mind like a whirlwind.

Metal naval ships, all in formation as they drilled across the coasts of Japan.

She shifted uncomfortably.

A large ballistic... missile shot out of the top hull of his ship, causing devastation as their target erupted in an orange glow of fire and debris.

Another uncomfortable shift.

A larger ship... a carrier, having a cavalry of metal birds on its deck... aircraft... launching off its deck with a speed that even their fastest wyvern couldn't even dream of matching.

She sat up on her cot, hugging her knees as she felt the blood rush from her head.

Ships carrying thousands of soldiers, armed with ballistic weaponry, who could deploy from aircraft and smaller boats, trumping even the Empire's best imperial shock troops.

She shuddered, turning on her side to gaze at Aroralia preparing to cook tonight's supper.

"What are you cooking?" Sasio asked in a meek tone.

"I've wanted to have seared slaughterfish," Auroralia replied, opening a sac of fruits and vegetables, "But they were out… or so they claimed… Not that many are willing to sell to us."

She frowned, her mind going back to the bad interactions she during her days living in the capitol.

"We don't serve your kind here, snake!"

"Why do they even allow you in this part of this city?!"

"Didn't your kind go extinct a while ago?!"

She clenched her fist, her snakes affectionately brushing against her cheeks after detecting she'd become distraught.

I'm sorry, little ones. She mentally cooed, lighting stroking the heads of the only few companions she really had in this world.

She closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind as she tried to think pleasant thoughts and memories. Despite her best efforts, her mind kept drifting back to a certain individual as well as his background.

James…

America…

Giant cities. Endless seas of people going on about their lives. Plays broadcasted through a strange device they apparently called a television, something the gorgon still struggled to grasp the concept of, even with his absorbed knowledge.

New York. A land of opportunities.

America's military, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

She gritted her teeth.

Where were you people when my people needed you the most?!

Why now? Why now after everything was said and done?

Why now, after she had lost almost everything?

Why now, after Sadera had solidified its absolute rule, looking down upon those who were not like them?

So much unneeded suffering...

A brief flash of her mother's face appeared in her mind's eye, giving her that same soft smile that had let Sasio know that everything was going to be okay. The gorgon placed a hand on her chest, her lips beginning to tremble as the weight of her life and struggles had started hitting her all at once.

"Mother…"

Aroralia glanced over at her, "Are you okay?"

Sasio glanced over at the blue-snaked gorgon, whose face was riddled with concern. Even her individual snakes looked worried as they stared at the older gorgon. Sasio smiled, removing her hand off her chest, "I'll be fine."

Aroralia gave a sly smile, "You're thinking about the world beyond, aren't you?"

"Can you honestly blame me?"

Aroralia smiled, taking out a knife as she started chopping some of the vegetables on the counter, "I can't. The world I saw through my prisoner… Nagumo-san was... overwhelming..." She paused, closing her eyes before taking a deep breath, "I absorbed much of his knowledge, yet it's still a lot to process. That world is so advanced that..."

"So different, yet eerily similar..." Sasio finished, Aroralia only nodding in response.

"But peaceful…"

Sasio huffed, "James..."

Aroralia turned towards her, eyebrows raised.

"James' memories... told a story of the people in the world beyond pride themselves of individual rights above all else." Sasio finished, Aroralia nodding.

"It would seem..." The blue-snaked woman agreed, "It was peaceful. Japan seems to not resolve itself around conflict and expansion if what the knowledge I've absorbed from him indicates. Rarely did I see much conflict in his life. Even as a..." She trailed off, closing her eyes as she struggled to remember his profession.

"Police officer?" Sasio guessed.

Aroralia nodded repeatedly, "Yes! That's the term!"

Sasio gazed up at the ceiling, keeping a hand on the cloth on her forehead, "I guess the portal decided to open in a land of peace..." She paused, her mind wandering as she recounted the memories of James and his home, "James' country... America... seems to always be ready for the next war..."

Aroralia tilted her head, "What do you mean?-"

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

Both gorgon's darted their heads at their main door that nearly shook off its hinges.

"Open up, snakes! Imperial business!" A voice commanded from the other side.

That certainly wasn't the same young cohort from yesterday.

Both gorgons looked at each other worryingly, Aroralia placing her kitchen utensils down before taking a few timid steps towards the door. She slid open the thin wooden frame, revealing four cohortes urbanae, who Sasio noted, appeared cautious if not hostile from the way a few of them gripped the handle of their swords.

"Grab what belongings you need," The leader of the group ordered, "Your presence is once again needed at the prison."

"S-so soon?" Aroralia stammered.

The leader grumbled something she couldn't decipher.

"B-but we still need at least a few days to rec-"

Thwack!

A hard slap from the leader sent Aroralia spiraling into the kitchen floor, a panicked and pained shriek escaping her lips. Sasio immediately dashed forward, ignoring the throbbing pain in her head as she reached out for her fallen friend. Both Sasio and Aroralia's snakes subconsciously hissed at the attacker, the cohorts all drawing their swords as they gave both gorgons death glares.

Sasio swooped over to her fallen friend, cradling her up as their snakes continued to hiss at their attackers. Aroralia reached a shaky hand over her cheek, stroking the red spot on where she'd been struck.

"Are you protesting against your orders, snake?!" The leader bellowed, pointing the tip of his sword at both gorgons.

Thinking fast, Sasio smiled, holding up both hands in submission, "Forgive her! She's still young! She not knows what-"

She never finished, the leader throwing her a hard jab onto her jaw, knocking her down on the floor right next to the blue-snaked gorgon.

The leader sneered, keeping his blade pointed at them, "I don't get a damn about your excuses! You get your orders! You follow them, no questions! Simple instructions!"

Bastards! You ungrateful, inconsiderate bastards!

Once again, Sasio held her trembling hands up in a submissive manner, trying her best to fight through the searing pain in her forehead as well as the swelling bruise on her jaw, "O-of course! We're always glad to help the Empire whenever we're needed! Forgive our slip of the tongue!"

The leader sneered before withdrawing his blade, "You have two minutes to grab what you need."

"Yes, sire!"

Sasio helped a trembling Aroralia up, who still caressed the spot where she had been slapped earlier, "Let us make haste, Aroralia. We shouldn't keep the Imperials waiting!"

Aroralia stifled the tears leaking from her eyes.

"Hurry up!" came the uncaring bark of their leader.

Sasio closed her eyes, for it was the only way to stop her own tears from flowing.

---

Location: Hardy Prison

South Cell Block

Time: 20:47 Hours.

---

The gorgons held each other's hands as they traversed inside the tight corridors of the prison, mindful not to bump into any of the sentries doing their routine patrols.

With the exception of the lit torches mounted on the walls, darkness creeped around the long corridors, faint distant groans and soft cries all the more to paint the impending sense of dread to those who found themselves confined inside this palace of pain.

The cohortes urbanae who led them had not said but a single word since they've left their home. Not that either gorgons minded. Sasio had nothing to say to them.

After turning around a few corners, the party finally reached the two cells their important prisoners occupied.

"You know the deal." Their leader said, holding out two scrolls for each gorgon to take. "The hierarchy left a detailed list of questions they need answered from the prisoners. Make sure that all of them are answered. Neither of you are leaving this place until it is all done."

Both gorgons took the scrolls, opening them to analyze its contents. A lot of specific questions of what to ask underlined in ink.

Sasio put a smile on her face, "Consider it done, sire!"

He didn't bother even looking at her, simply waving them off to complete the task at hand. The prison guards slid their keys into the slot of the metal doors, unlocking them with an audible click.

They opened the doors, a loud metallic groaning echoing across the tight space.

Swallowing hard, Sasio and Aroralia each grabbed a torch, each looking in each other's eyes before disappearing into respective cells.

The door closed behind them.

Sasio raised her eyebrows, perplexed that none of the cohorts had followed her inside the cell like they typically did. So that left her and James alone in the room, Sasio shining her torch towards the ebony-man who shakily glanced at her direction.

He narrowed his eyes at her.

"Hello, James..."

She glanced over the trail of bite marks all over his neck and shoulders, some still bleeding that had yet to scab over.

He averted his gaze, opting to stare at the wall opposite to her.

"...How are you feeling?"

He kept his gaze averted, staring at anything but her.

What do you mean 'How is he feeling'?! He's separated from his family and you tortured him! On top of that, you invaded the deep recesses of his mind! Of course he's livid!

Biting her lip, Sasio slowly walked towards him, sitting down on the hard cobbled floor as she leaned her back against the wall.

She held the scroll up, going over the questions the hierarchy laid out for her.

What is the morale of their people?

How tenacious is their fighting spirit?

How many conflicts have their kingdom/empires been in?

What is the size of their kingdom/empires?

How quick are their legions to respond to an invading adversary?

How many alliances and vassal-state does each kingdom/empire have?

Sasio went over the huge list of questions in no particular order. The headache she had earlier made an unpleasant comeback as she thumbed through the long list of questions, her snakes doing their best to assuage it as they massaged her aching temples.

After what must have been nearly an hour of complete silence, Sasio turned her gaze towards him, lowering the scroll.

"Your… nation. America it's called... It comes in defense of Japan?"

James didn't react, keeping his back towards her.

When he didn't reply, Sasio continued, "When... I kept digging into your memories... I saw glimpses of your Army..." She shuddered, fidgeting uncomfortably as she tried recalling the images she witnessed, "A single ship from your Navy could wipe out a city... You have iron wagons... trucks.. tanks... that could plow through hundreds of Legions... Entire garrisons who could take over even the most fortified and defended castle..."

James still had yet to respond.

"It's... the most terrifying thing I've witnessed..."

Silence.

"You... grew up in a land of opportunity. A... nation that believes in the rights of its citizens, regardless of their sex or background..."

Silence.

"My life..." her voice croaked, tears flooding down her cheeks as the reality of her life came hitting her in full force. Years of pent up anger, sorrow, and despair had finally clawed their way out, the gorgon finally losing her composer as she broke down in sobs.

At this, James finally turned around to face her, his eyebrows raised as his lips parted upon witnessing the gorgon finally letting her emotions out.

"My life under this Empire... It's been nothing but Hell my whole life. It's been Hell for anyone who simply isn't human... "

James' cold expression softened more, wordlessly looking on while she went on to explain her life's story.

"Long ago, my species waged a war against the Empire when they annexed our lands for its resources." She stifled the tears that were threatening to leak once more, "We put up a commendable resistance, but it was all for naught. Eventually, our forces were routed and everything was taken from us."

James shifted uncomfortably, his expression blank as he stared at the sobbing gorgon.

"Because of our... unique abilities, a lot of the survivors were simply executed. Only a handful of us managed to escape death. A few of us went into hiding in the wilderness. Fewer sought refuge in any village that would take us." Her face soured, gritting her teeth and she tightened her fists, "Eventually, many of those villagers would turn their backs on us when the Empire put a bounty on our heads. A handsome reward for anyone who would turn us in Imperial custody, dead or alive."

The gorgon gazed at the cold, dark walls of the cell, losing herself in the darkness as she continued talking, "When I was a child... My mother and I lived in a secluded village. We kept to ourselves mostly." She wanted to smile, yet found herself too grief stricken to make the effort to.

"I was too young to understand the bad blood between my species and the Empire..." Her fingers clutched against her tunic, "One day, my mother tasked me with fetching water by the stream in the meadows... While I was filling the buckets, two men had snuck up behind me. They threw a net over me before I had the chance to scream. I tried fighting, but they easily overpowered me. After I was subdued, they tossed me into their wagon without a care in the world."

She paused, wiping yet another set of tears that managed to break through despite her best efforts.

"That was the last day I ever saw my mother..."

She sniffled as she subconsciously wiped her eyes, the orange flames from the torch illuminating her soft, smooth skin, "After my kidnappers turned me in, the Imperial troops were quick to make use of my abilities to see into people's minds. It wasn't long before they had me interrogating prisoners and dissidents they came across."

She huffed, a pained smile making itself known, "You would think I'd be treated more fairly because of how much contribution and loyalty I gave to the Empire, despite having no say in the matter..." Her face soured, the snakes on her head affectionately rubbing against her cheeks as if to console her, "I'm just a tool in their eyes, immediately discarded with little care in the world until I'm needed once more. Years of loyal service, and yet they'd put me on the streets the moment I stopped being of use to them! As if my time and contributions have meant nothing to them!"

The silence lingered, both parties opting to stare off at the walls on either side of them. Sasio bit the bottom of her lip when James didn't respond, becoming self-conscious as her cheeks started flaring in embarrassment.

Had it been wise to blurt out her life's story to this man? To her prisoner? To a man who was a potential enemy of the Empire?

Even if he wasn't, why should he feel pity for her? She had already inflicted physical and mental anguish upon him whenever she sank her fangs into his neck, invading his private and personal thoughts on top of that.

He could tell her to burn for all he cared, Sasio fully prepared for James to unleash an onslaught of verbal and derogatory insults.

Instead, James softly asked her, "Why are you telling me all this...?"

Sasio lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze, "When I saw your memories of the joyous life you've lived... I was so envious of you..." Sasio admited, her tone convoying that of guilt and shame, "Then... I saw the power of your world's armies... It gave me hope, the first real hope I've had in a long time..."

"They hit you…" James noted, staring at the bruise on Sasio's jaw.

"It's nothing, James… I've been through worse…"

"Why…?"

"I'm just a disposable asset… nothing more…" Sasio deduced, James keeping silent as she continued, "Yet it seemed your world was far kinder and merciful… Do you think… If I lived there, I could actually be happy?"

James sighed, "You'd be… different… there are only humans where I'm from… You're kind only existed in mythology, so it will be… an adjustment…" James paused, looking at the dejected look Sasio appeared to be giving him, "But you wouldn't be mistreated or abused… not like this…"

"I wouldn't?"

James nodded, "You've said it yourself, we pride ourselves with rights. Rights everyone is born with and entitled to… You'd have a far better life if you were over on our side."

Sasio smiled softly, wiping another set of tears from her eyes. "If your military were to declare war on the Empire... they will certainly be victorious..." Her expression then changed to fear and worry, her voice nearly trembling. "But I don't want to trade one oppressive ruler for another..."

She turned to James, tears in her reptilian eyes as she stared into the Sailor's dark-brown, "James... would your nation actually liberate and not enslave us should they go to war with the Empire?" She placed both hands on his shoulder, keeping her snakes in a "bun'' so as to not alarm the Sailor.

"Please, James. I need to know, now!"

Swallowing hard, James nodded, "My country doesn't believe in slavery. We actually have organizations that specify protect those from being subjected to it."

Sasio slowly nodded, however, James noted the concern ever present in her eyes.

"When kingdoms and empires wage wars upon each other, they indiscriminately slaughter anyone on the other side. Including citizens so as to not allow their Armies a fresh batch of conscripts to replenish their ranks." She paused, James having a pretty good guess where she was going with this, "Would your Armies decimate non-combatants as a means to an end to get the edge above your enemies?"

James shook his head, "No."

"Would you conscript those you've conquered into your ranks, even if they're unwilling?"

Once again, James shook his head vigorously, "No, Sasio. We're long past doing those methods. When my army fights, we plan to avoid as much collateral as possible." She continued gazing down upon him, as if staring into his soul, "I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but we strictly stick to fighting enemy combatants, and enemy combatants only. If we run into civilians, we try to help them."

Another tear slid down her cheek, a warm smile managing to form across her face as her face softened.

"Thank you..."

James cocked an eyebrow, "F-for what?"

"For allowing me to know what I must do now." She simply stated, James eyebrows only furrowing deeper into confusion. She put on that sweet smile she'd been known for, however, she couldn't mask the shame and guilt she felt when glancing down at the Sailor.

"Whatever happens, James..." She paused, her sad gaze fixated on him, "Please... I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

James tilted his head, "Huh?"

She stood up, proceeded to walk towards the door to exit his cell.

"Sasio, what does that mean...?!"

She opened the door, making her exit.

"Sasio!"

The door slammed shut, leaving him alone in the dark once more.

---

Location: The Capital City of the Empire of Sadera

Currently in Imperial Senate Council

Date: Julian Day 201.

Time: 11:05 Hours.

---

Both Sasio and Aroralia knelt before the Senators before them, the members of the Warhawks, Doves, and Neutral party having a mixture of distrust, anxiousness, and curiosity.

Sasio did not let that deter her from keeping the soft smile she's been known for. "They're cowards, gentlemen." Sasio answered, the eyebrows on everyone's head rising several inches high.

"Cowards?" One of the doves scoffed, his eyes remaining skeptical at the purple-snaked gorgon kneeling before him. "How could an advanced civilization such as theirs be full of cowards?"

Meeting his gaze, Sasio answered, "A lifetime of luxuries have made them not only weak, but spoiled. They know not of hard times, thus creating a society of weak men. Their reaction to a foreign opposition would be that of a flight mentality."

Each of the respective sides conversed amongst themselves, Emperor Molt sitting on his throne in the centre as he processed what the gorgon had relayed.

Another dove scoffed, "Flight mentality? So what about their militia and cohortes urbanae posted all around their city?"

"They're one of the only few in their society who possess the will and courage to put up any opposition," Sasio answered without missing a beat. "Even then, most of them are inexperienced due to decades of not participating in any campaign to test the resolve of their men."

Another discussion they had amongst themselves before another senator decided to ask her another question.

And again, Sasio would answer with another deceitful lie.

It had been her plan ever since she left the prison. Lie to the senate and hierarchy to paint a picture of a weak society, weak enough to be too irresistible to exploit whilst giving the Empire a false sense of superiority.

"How long would it take for their cohortes urbanae to react?" A warhawk had asked her

"Too long." She stated.

"How far away is the imperial castle where the ruling class resides?" Another warhawk asked with an ambitious grin on his face.

"About several city blocks, certainly within acceptable distance." She answered again.

"How long would it take for their militia to mobilize and counter-attack?" One of the neutral party members asked.

"About several days, A at the most." She smiled sweetly.

So on and so forth.

Each question they asked her about their military, will, and ruling class, she'd reply with the opposite of the actual truth. The better she made Japan appear weak, the easier it would be to convince the hierarchy to launch an assault, believing they could come out on top in a quick skirmish.

Thus, sparking a war they couldn't hope to win. She smirked inwardly.

It appeared to have worked.

Several of the warhawks donned cocky smiles, anticipating an easy campaign to grab what they needed in an effort to keep their sinking Empire afloat.

"How can we trust the word of these snakes?!" One of the neutral party members asked, pointing an accusing finger, "You've read the testimonies of the scouts that went beyond the portal. That city is massive! To oversee the protection of a city that large, one has to wonder how impressive and powerful their armies are to protect it!"

"I agree!" Marquis Palesti chimed in, "A city that large is somehow protected by a garrison of only fifty-thousand soldiers? Those numbers are surely off!"

Sasio's lips pressed into a line, finding it ironic that part actually wasn't a lie.

Baron Clayton, however, interjected before Sasio could form a rebuttal, "Fifty thousand. Five-hundred thousand? What difference would it make? We wouldn't be there long enough for their armies to respond in kind. You've heard the Emperor's plan! We go in, we take what we want, we leave. No lingering occupation! Easy!"

"By the divines! Look at the artwork that depicts the city!" Palasti held one of the now crumbled piece of parchments of Tokyo's downtown districts, "You want to send an expedition into that?!"

"Then we should better start training the men for urban combat." Molt's voice echoed through the chamber, the senate falling quiet as all eyes fell on him. "I want a team of engineers to construct a Gateway around the portal. Once we've done that, we will not have to worry about the possibility of it prematurely closing."

Baron Clayton stammered, "My lord, does that mean we're invading?!"

Molt stood there for a moment before nodding once more, "If we can establish a perimeter and remain within the district, we can take what we need and make a strategic withdrawl before their forces can make an effective response. Their allies are an ocean away, and their militias are untested in real battle. The only real lingering threat are the cohortes urbanae. But even they are untested in a large-scale assault."

He gazed upon the gorgons, who nodded their heads in agreement.

"The world we're raiding is... an advanced one." He paused, "The infrastructure is similar, but there are several glaring differences. The streets are wide enough to use wave tactics. However, I imagine there will be plenty of indoor combat from anyone who seeks refuge in the abundant buildings."

A few nods in agreement.

"One advantage that we have..." He paused again, "Is that we have magic on our side. Their world lacks any magical properties. If we're fast enough, we can easily overwhelm them within the first hour of making contact."

More chants, cocky smiles flashing along with several nods.

Molt turned towards the gorgons, "Their society strictly consists of humans, correct? No demi-humans or beastmen?"

Sasio nodded vigorously, "Yes, my lord! Strictly humans of different shades."

Molt pressed his lips, "Then we need not to worry about any odd anomalies..."

He turned towards the senate.

"Make sure to assemble the carpenters within three days. The sooner we can secure the portal with the Gate, the better."

They all bowed, "Yes my lord!"

He turned towards the gorgons, "You two are dismissed. You will be summoned once your expertise is needed again."

They both bowed their heads before standing up from their kneeling position.

Sasio smiled once more, "Thank you, my lord. It is always our pleasure to ensure victory for our Empire!"

He nodded, softly smiling before motioning them away.

The two exited the building, their escort taking them to their residence as the senate chatted amongst themselves, taking care of their individual task to get what would be needed to spearhead into the world beyond

The two gorgons made eye-contact several times, however, neither of them said a word to each other.

---

After walking a fair amount of distance, the two are dropped off by their residence, the guards walking off without so much as a goodbye or a thank you.

The two walked inside, shutting the door behind them.

They both just stood there, each one avoiding looking at one another.

"You know they'll execute us once they suffer a humiliating defeat, right?" Aroralia asked in a whisper.

Sasio glanced down at the floor, "I know..."

Aroralia snickered briefly, but then her tears began to flow, "Too bad we won't live to see the change we both dreamed of..."

Sasio finally met her gaze, wiping the tears which began to form from her youthful features. "But at least the change will come... I can die in peace knowing that."

But in order for that to happen... thousands will have to die.

She pulled Aroralia into a tight hug, their snakes intertwining with one another.

Thousands of innocents will have to die before any real change can be made... a sacrifice that is tragically unavoidable.

Sasio began to tremble as she hugged her friend tighter.

Will Emory forgive me? It's the only way for this to happen! What choice did I really have?!

She recalled James' voice calling after her, "Sasio, what does that mean?!"

Tears fell, the images of the happy citizens in Japan blissfully going on about their daily lives, immediately replaced with men, women, and children crying in fear as they became victims of yet another Imperial expansion.

Please forgive me, James... Please...

---

A/N: Well... this was... a chapter.

Sorry if this chapter was completely from the POV of the Saderan side, minus James. I tried making it short, but once again, I got invested in trying to write out a plausible scenario in which the Ginza incident could happen.

In canon, the Empire simply raided Ginza, mindlessly slaughtering and pillaging despite the fact a first glance would immediately tell any commander that sieging a city of that magnitude would immediately drain their resources real quickly. I'm not sure if any of you have ever been to Japan, but Tokyo is MASSIVE! It's easily one of the largest cities in the world. So sieging and trying to occupy it would've been quite a struggle, even if they didn't get clapped at Ginza.

It's been far too long since I've picked up the manga. I kinda dropped it right where the Anime ended. From what I've been told, there really hasn't been a solid reason as to why the Empire chose to invade, despite sending in a small raiding force prior to the Ginza incident according to Noriko. So, I guess I wrote this chapter as a means to give the Empire more of a backstory as to what caused them to spark the war.

Arrogance, ambition, as well as deception.

I won't lie to you guys, writing this chapter had been extremely difficult to me considering there wasn't a real good reason as to why'd they go ahead and send a force into Ginza with everything they knew. Granted, it used to be an old Roman custom to act as an introduction to some new society and show how dominant they can be, maybe even annex a bit of land if they're weak. Yet, I hardly think they'd attempt this if there had been plenty of clues and visuals of the sheer size of Ginza, let alone the entirety of Tokyo.

But... we wouldn't have a war story if they made peaceful contact, would we?

So forgive me if I hand the Empire the idiot ball on this one. I know I claimed I'd make them smarter, but I feel like this is the one exception I'll make simply for the sake of the plot. So instead of trying to make them invade and Annex Tokyo, I just made it so as they raided the place with the intent of withdrawing soon afterwards.

Not the best... but I was spitballing, here.

So I'll graciously await for the flames and pitchforks telling me I'm wrong and this is unrealistic. Again, I know that this is... but I tried to give them a reason of invading, they were led on by Sasio into believing a easy victory.

Oh, some of you might recognize the name. Sasio was actually my OC I let DFMCRV borrow for his story The Fight We Chose. This chapter was supposed to be posted long before he finished his wonderful fanfic. But again, I came into a writer's block and it took me a year and a half to come out of. Thankfully, I've had wonderful talks in the Here We Go Again Discord with 15Zer0, DFMCRV, Karaya, TopHatGuy, among many others. They helped sparked me to continue pushing on into writing this fanfic.

The next chapter is the one you all been anxiously waiting for, the Ginza Incident.