(Near Italica, 0950 hrs. SRST)
On their way to Italica, the convoy were carrying some precious dragon scales in order for them to be sold in exchange for a large amount of gold coins. As they are moving, Takeo noticed some smoke in the distance.
"This is Gremlin, I spotted some smoke in the distance on our ten." Takeo reported. "Probably a battle going on."
"Are those our guys?" Itami asked. "I heard that another unit was launched few hours ago to check out on other areas."
"Probably no." Takeo continued "We'll check. Gremlin to Reaper, requesting the two of us to break off and check the area."
"Aknowledged Gremlin and Dragon." Reaper agreed. "Report back as soon as you see it."
The two planes then broke off formation to head for the source of the smoke.
(Italica, 0955 hrs. SRST)
In Italica, things have turned heated in the battle for the city. The militia were fighting an army of bandits that has plague them for some time. As bloodshed continued, Piña was trying to hold off a number of them that managed to get through the door.
"There's too many of them!" Piña shouted. "Do we have more non-combatants far away from here?!"
"We're trying, your highness!" A militiaman responded. "We have to hold on for much longer until reinforcements have arrived!"
"Alright! Get more men on the square!"
When Itami and Takeo are near the city, Takeo's suspicions has confirmed what's going on.
"Whoa, the battle has took hold of the city." Takeo said to Itami. "Looks like the city will surrender in about a few hours time at that rate."
"Yeah." Itami replied. "We better take out the rest for them."
He then began to radio Reaper what they saw and ask permission to open fire.
"This is Dragon, we spotted a battle going on in the city." Itami said. "Requesting permission to use live weaponry."
"Aknowledged." Reaper agreed. "You and Gremlin are free to engage. Save the rockets for larger threats."
"This is Dragon, roger."
Itami and Takeo then moved to attack position and began to arm their cannons. This caught the attention of Piña and the defenders as the saw the 'iron eagles' roaring overhead.
"Those are the iron eagles?" Piña asked herself in surprise. "This can't be happening!"
As the planes descended to low altitude, Takeo aimed his cannon at a band of bandits approaching the city.
"What is that?!" One of the bandits asked. "Is that..."
"Firing guns." Takeo said as he pulled the trigger, sending a short hail of bullets towards them.
"Is that magic?" Piña again asked after she saw what happened.
"This can't be." One of the defenders said with shock as the others felt surprised.
"Enemy down!" He confirmed as he saw the lifeless bodies shortly after.
Itami then aimed his cannon at yet another group of bandits. This time, within the city as they are trying to break a fence that is standing between them and the city defenders.
"Guns, Guns, Guns!" Itami said as he pulled his trigger and killed the bandits.
"We can't stay here any longer! Retreat!" The scared leader declared "Retreat!"
The bandits had enough and decided to regroup far away from the city. This gave relief to the town defenders and Piña who was almost worn out from the fighting they sustained.
"Is that what I think I saw, princess?" Hamilton asked Piña.
"Yeah." Piña responded. "That's the iron eagles the owner told us about."
While they are loitering above the city for some time, Itami decided to report to Reaper and the others what happened.
"This is Dragon, the enemy that is attempting to take the city is retreating." Itami reported.
"This is Reaper, roger that." Reaper responded. "We'll head for your location."
"Dragon, I copy."
"Hey Dragon, do you think we should land?" Takeo asked him.
"Negative, not yet." Itami replied. "We have to wait for the others."
(1002 hrs. SRST)
As the surprised Piña was wondering what happened, many of the defenders waved at the 'iron eagles' in gratitude, now that they have an ally despite coming from the very enemy the Empire tried to remove from Alnus.
"How's the militia?" She asked the leader.
"We lost some significant amount of men, your highness." The leader reported. "We may not be able to survive another attack."
"Don't worry." Piña assured him. "My knights will be here to help you and your people."
Then, Hamilton spotted something in the distance.
"Look princess!" She loudly informed Piña.
"What is it?" She asked as Hamilton pointed at where she first saw them.
In the distance, green wagons and what appears to be three more 'iron eagles' are heading for the city.
"More iron eagles? Green wagons? They're here."
"Guess that they are here for something." Grey said to her.
Piña is in a tight situation. Now that the rumored wagons and eagles have arrived, she has to make a choice.
"Sh-should we open the gate?" Piña asked nervously.
"As long as we are not fighting, we may." Grey replied.
A knock was heard from one of the gates.
"Hello?" A male voice asked and brought the attention to Piña.
"Is anyone here?" A female then called out, making Piña nervous.
"This is a city under the administration of the Empire!" She responded. "You have no permission to enter!"
"We are here to sell dragon scales." The female vocied explained further.
"D-dragon scales?"
"Yes, ma'am"
"Ugh, open the gate!" Piña reluctantly ordered the gatekeepers.
When the gate is opened, Piña and the civilians was surprised to see the men in green and three females holding a bag of dragon scales. They also saw the demigod Rory with them, which scared the citizens and defenders.
"Move out, men!" The black man ordered.
"Yes sir." A soldier, this time in white, responded as the wagons slowly entered the city. Piña asked the one who ordered the men to enter.
"Excuse me, who are you?" She asked him.
"I am Sgt. Robert Snow of the United Nations Forces." He introduced himself.
"'Snow'?" She asked. "That is one weird surname."
"It may be for you at the moment." He continued. "We need to sell the scales here so that the refugees can sustain themselves further. They are under our care for now."
"Okay then. Guess that explains your call."
"Thank you for your cooperation." He continued. "By the way, what is your name?"
"I'm Princess Piña Co Lada." She introduced herself as well.
"Good, your highness. That would clearly reduce misunderstandings for future talks."
He then asked Piña something.
"Your highness, is there any available space for the iron eagels to land?"
"Uhh, yes we have." She replied.
"Thank you." He finished as he began to take out a black box with strings attached, which surprised Piña.
"Sgt. Snow to Infinite Team, I managed to get in touch with a nobility, a princess named Piña." He said. "We have clearance to land. Popping smoke at the designated area."
"Aknowledged, Snow." A male voice was heard, which surprised Piña even more. "Get the smoke ready and ask command to get a fuel truck here."
"Is that box talking?" She said quietly to herself.
"Roger that, Reaper." He finished.
Grey then went to Piña.
"Did you talk to them, princess?" Grey asked Piña.
"Yes, Grey." Piña replied. "We may relax a little."
She began to lead Snow to an open area where the 'iron eagles' can land when Kurokawa approached him.
"Sarge, the wounded is in need of help." Kurokawa reported. "I need a few of your men."
"Don't worry." He assured her. "I'll get them to help."
"Thank you."
As Snow went with Pina, Kurokawa began to wonder how things are goinng on with the Infinites.
"Stay safe out there." She silently prayed for the pilots.
(1040 hrs. SRST)
As the city was busy recovering from the battle, Reaper, Itami and Takeo were busy talking about the battle that took hold on the city.
"It's a good thing you told me what you saw and took action." Reaper congratulated the two. "I'm proud of you two."
"Thank you, captain." Takeo replied. "We had to do what we had to."
"Anything else?" Itami asked Reaper.
"We had been ordered indirectly from the princess herself that the city is in for a bigger battle than what you encountered minutes ago." Reaper explained. "All hell will break loose for them."
"I see."
"Captain, the fuel truck will enter the city in 15 minutes." A female voice told her. "Also, command is expecting us to be prepared for a recall back on earth."
"Thanks for the info, Kuribayashi." Reaper thanked her. "We need all the fuel we can get to stay aloft more."
She nodded and turned her attention to Itami.
"Itami, I'm so sorry about that criticism a few days back during our first meeting." She said with regret. "I probably shouldn't have done that."
"It's fine." Itami assured her. "Besides, we are here to explore the region.
His words made Kuribayashi smile back. Suddenly, a young woman with brown hair and wearing armour entered the scene to inform the pilots.
"Her highness Princes Piña requests your presence at the manor." The lady told them.
"Alright." Reaper responded. "We'll be on our way."
The young knight began to lead them to the manor.
(Manor, 1128 hrs. SRST)
At the manor, the pilots were waiting for Piña when they encountered Akira, Snow and his team. They was also told the same thing. Akira was with Snow at that time discussing about the refugees back in Alnus.
"Guess all of us are here today." He said.
"Yeah." Reaper responded.
"Reaper, the refugees so far are feeling fine for now." Akira reported. "Snow told me."
"Thank you for the update, Akira." He replied with relief. "How are the girls?"
"They're still trying to look for a merchant to sell the scales." Akira continued. "They're also fine. Kurokawa is attending the wounded with the other personnel."
"Good. I appreciate it."
Itami was busy writing a battle report when Snow approached him.
"You heard about the recall order, right?" Snow asked him. "They wanted the Gleipnir gone as soon as possibe."
"Yes, we had." Itami responded.
As they are discussing, the door opened and a old lady appeared to let the guests come in.
"Come, we must enter." The lady politely told them and the combatants complied.
As they entered what appears to be a throne room, they were surprised to learn that there is a little girl beside Piña.
"Is that what I think it is?" Itami asked Takeo quietly.
"Yeah, A little girl is sitting on a throne." Takeo explained. "Probably a noble in that attire."
"Oh."
Princess Piña then stood up to discuss with the soldiers and pilots.
"I brought you here because of a few things." She told them.
"Go ahead." Snow replied. "State your business."
"One, who are you?" She started her topic regarding the soldiers allegiance.
"We are part of the United Nations Forces, a unified army comprised of nations and kingdoms to protect our world from wars and instability." Itami explained to her. "The army is part of the United Nations, an organization established to promote peace."
"Two, if you are talking about peace, why did you enter our world by using the gate in Alnus?" She asked them regarding the UNF's entry into Alnus.
"Listen, we never had any intention of entering this world until three months ago, when your army went wild and made a bloodbath in one of our cities!" Snow stated his case, which made Piña spooked.
"Uh...mm...so you don't have any intention of invading us?"
"No, at least not mainly." Reaper said. "We are mainly here to get compensation from your government for the loss of numerous innocent lives back then."
The tone from the now-feared pilot made Piña rattle her nerves.
"The people and I will not bow down to you people who invaded our land!" She rebuked them.
"If you are not going to cooperate with us, we will launch a swift assault on all of the Empire!" Reaper warned her. "Our forces are much more powerful despite our numbers and we have the equipment to do the job!"
The words Reaper said made her back off.
"I...I can't take it!" She admitted her embarrassment. "We need your help!"
"Okay, just calm down!" Akira comforted her. "Just tell what happened."
"We already got your request for support minutes ago." Takeo said. "You said that a large horde will try to capture the city again."
"Yes, I know." She talked back. "That is the third thing we had to talk about."
The soldiers nodded as Piña began to tell them what happened.
"Days ago, your forces took out the allied and Imperial armies in just mere moments. Some escaped and the fight took its toll. They resorted to looting to survive and this caused their minds to lose way. Eventually they started killing civilians as well."
"I see." Takeo said. "That explains the smoke."
"Excuse me, your highness." Kuribayashi said to Piña regarding the child beside her. "About that little girl here. Is she really that young to rule this city?"
"Oh, you are wondering about her, right?"
"Yes." Kuribayashi replied.
"You see, she is the only rightful heir to Italica. Since there is various infighting going on over who's getting custody over her, she hasn't been able to sleep well."
She then gave the soldiers one request.
"For the sake of Italica, for the sake of everyone, will you please protect us from the bandits?" She pleaded.
"Do you think we have a choice?" Snow said to Akira, Reaper and Itami.
"If that's what they need, I'd say we have to go for it." Akira said.
"We'll provide air support." Itami agreed.
"That's official." Reaper declared. "Tell command we will be on guard duty for the night. I want this city secured."
"On it, Reaper." Snow responded.
"Thank you." Piña said to them. "We'll be guarding the east gate while you will take up the north. We have to scare them off."
(City square, 1601 hrs. SRST)
"I was wondering. How are we going to get the supplies back to Alnus?" Tuka asked Lelei.
"Don't worry about it." Lelei calmed her. "It won't be that hard to carry. I'm pretty sure Itami can figure it out."
"Oh, good." Tuka replied with relief. "I feel kinda tired with the scales we collected."
As the three girls were busy finding a merchant, Itami ran towards them in order for him to warn them.
"Tuka! Rory! Lelei!" Itami shouted and got the attention of the girls.
"Anything going on?" Lelei asked.
"Yep, the city is going to witness another bloodbath for the second time." Itami explained.
"We'll help you." Lelei told Itami while Tuka nodded. "We can't just sit here waiting and I believe Italica needs some more help as well."
"I sensed something exciting is going to happen." Rory said before creepily licking her lips. "We'll be with you for this."
"Thanks, everyone." Itami said with gratitude. "With you around, things will turn out all right."
(2012 hrs. SRST)
By night, Italica was already prepared for another attack by the bandit invaders. The Infinite Team is on standby, ready to take-off should anything go wrong since Snow's team has automatic and semi-automatic rifles at hand. They began to look at the land beyond the north gate, the area which Princess Piña assigned them to watch over.
"Hey, Itami" Snow called him via radio. "You sure the plan will go on as planned?"
"Probably." Itami replied. "But I'm not even sure if Piña's right about the bandit's advance. Do we have a back-up plan?"
"Yes, we have." Snow responded back. "I didn't tell the princess this, but I ordered five of my men to secretly guard the manor if the bandits ever breached the defenses."
"That would keep the leadership strong. We won't be able to handle an entire city by ourselves if it falls." Itami finished .
"Copy, Itami. Over and out."
Shortly after that, Kuribayashi went to Itami and opened another talk.
"Umm, Itami?" Kuribayashi asked. "I was wondering. Why were you and Takeo assigned to Reaper's squadron? They are an elite team back in Eternal Liberation."
"Am I hearing something?" Rory asked which surprised everyone.
"Uhh, maybe you want to sit down with us?" Itami asked her.
"Sorry to bother you." She apologized.
"Nothing to worry about." Itami assured her and Rory sat down.
"Okay, the reason why me and Takeo joined the Infinite Team is not because we chose that." Itami said to the two laides. "It was because Reaper believed in our ability to stay calm. Soon after, he taught us all the tricks he did in his career. I was his favorite student back then, aside from the fact that we were called 'nuggets' before Kuribayashi did."
"And that means he has taught you quite well?" Rory continued with some curiosity.
"Well, kinda." He said to her.
"No wonder you and Takeo got his attention." Kuribayashi continued. "I wish I could had been picked earlier."
"Probably you would had." Takeo joined in and sat down.
"After the Ginza Incident, we were under some intense training before entering here. It's not easy doing multiple sorties, but we managed to get the hang of it as time passed."
"I imagined you two were worn out by it." Rory said to Takeo. "It's not easy doing one thing to another in between."
"We're fine back then." Takeo replied. "Our captain is not bothered by it almost at all. It feels like he was sharing us our strength."
"Then the bond just made you stronger." The demigod complemented Takeo.
As they are talking, Grey sensed something disturbing.
"Weird." Grey said. "It's quiet."
"Yeah." Norma replied. "Too quiet. Do you think the enemy just gave up Italica?"
"Maybe not yet." Piña answered. "We'll be get through the next day. Hamilton, you noticed anything?"
"No, nothing." Hamilton reported.
While they are still wondering what is going on, a small UAV launched by Snow's team spotted something east of Italica. The images are then fed into the operator's computer.
"Uhh, Snow, you might want to see this." The operator told Snow.
When he saw the image feed, this shocked him and the team, prompting Snow to radio the Infinite Team.
"This is Sgt. Snow to Reaper, we're seeing a massive build-up of bandit forces east of Italica."
"What?!" Reaper said in shock.
"Looks like the bandit has figured out what we're planning!" Snow explained. "They're going to do a head-on attack on the east gate! How damn cunning!"
"Alright." Reaper responded. "We'll be on alert."
Reaper alerted the pilots and mechanics about the situation.
"Everyone, were on full alert!" Reaper told everyone. "Get to your planes!"
Itami, Kuribayashi and Takeo heard of what Reaper said and they decided to continue the talk later. Before heading for his plane, he went to Rory.
"You sure about this?"
"I'll be fine." Rory calmly told Itami. "This will be a night of crazy. And here. I believe it is yours."
Rory then gave Itami his flight helmet.
"Thanks." He said in gratitude.
Immediately after, Itami left for his Harrier.
(2020 hrs. SRST)
Shortly after the UNF units had noticed the feed, the princess, her knights and the militia saw a large horde of bandits heading for the east gate. Under the cover of arrow attacks, the bandits slowly went to the wall, climbing to take out the defenders.
"They breached the wall!" One of the militia said as the bandits began to slaughter the defenders.
The knights began to fight back the hordes as they try to defend to the death.
"Do you think we can hold on?" Piña asked loudly as she was fighting with her sword.
"I think we have to hold out!" Grey relplied. "There is too many of them to handle!"
While the fight continues, Itami, sitting in his cockpit, began to think of a question regarding now.
"Princess, can you try to think of something else?" He silently said.