Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion/Code Geass - Hangyaku no Lelouch: Lost Soldiers
by: Ominae
Rating: T
NOTE:
All character of Code Geass are under the copyright of Goro Taniguchi, Sunrise, CLAMP and Bandai Entertainment. All other characters are under my jurisdiction.
Summary:
With Clovis suffering a setback during the Shinjuku Ghetto due to the unofficial intervention of the ex-COSMOS soldiers, the NRA has been given a morale boost. Will this be seen in the long term with Lelouch's new geass power? Stay tune to this chapter to find out.
Chapter 4: Hostage Situation
Dining Room, Clubhouse, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"So that's what happened to you, big brother?"
Nunnally asked Lelouch, the two Lamperouge siblings had finished eating dinner alongside Cornelia after the two girls had been grilling Lelouch on what he was doing back in the Shinjuku ghetto.
"Yes." Lelouch nodded, not telling them about his mysterious encounter. "I was lucky to get away safe and sound. It was only a matter of being familiar with Shinjuku that I was able to avoid being killed."
"Thank goodness." Cornelia sighed in relief. "I was worried when Rivalz told me that you used Shinjuku as a shortcut back here."
"So that's how it all happened." Lelouch told his older half sister when Sayoko placed a glass of water on the table after she had cleared it of empty plates.
"Here you are, Master Lelouch." Sayoko told the brown-haired teen.
Lelouch nodded. "Thank you."
"I just hope that this incident will be a lesson to you, Lelouch." Cornelia stared at the ex-prince.
"I understand, Cornelia."
Lelouch's Bedroom, Clubhouse, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
I did not somehow expect this to happen.
Lelouch stared at the main courtyard of Ashford Academy, now in his blue pajamas. He sighed in contempt, seeing an armed Ashford Academy security guard making his rounds as a curfew for students, faculty and staff living in the school's residential areas to be in their dormitories by 11:30 PM unless they had to leave the campus for emergency reasons.
With this new geass...Lelouch touched both his arms, remembering the time he had the suit and helmet on his body. I could perhaps do something to help Nunnally and Cornelia, as well as giving the Japanese their dues for helping us ease our pains from being banished away from Pendragon permanently.
"Still awake?"
Lelouch turned around to see Cornelia in his room.
"Um..."
His cheeks turned red when he saw the purple-haired woman in her pajamas. Purple to be exact.
"Hello." Lelouch was able to squeak out, blinking hard to see if the pajamas were hugging her figure or not.
"You seem surprised." Cornelia grinned.
"I thought you were going back to your dorm in the faculty dormitory."
"Chairman Ashford was considerate enough that I can stay here." She sat down on Lelouch's bed. "After all, I am a family friend of the Lamperouges. Right?"
"Right..." Lelouch answered sarcastically, closing the curtains. "So I take it that you're staying here for the night?"
Cornelia didn't answer. Instead, she tucked herself in Lelouch's bed.
Never mind.
Lelouch went in and tucked himself in after turning the lights off. As he went to sleep, Cornelia's arms snaked itself to Leouch's waist. A gentle tug brought him close to her, Lelouch's head placed near Cornelia's lips and nose.
"Good night, Lulu." Cornelia slept the entire night with a smile on her face.
Lelouch, on the other hand, cringed at the name.
Clovis' Quarters, Governor-General's Palace, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
In the early morning, Clovis got up from his bed after receiving a call from Bartley regarding a news headline that was of his concern. After changing to his usual royal clothes, Clovis turned the television and tuned it to the BRBC channel, which was reporting on an unknown tape sent to the station.
"At 6 in the morning, the Britannian Broadcasting Corporation station has received an anonymous CD left at the front door in an unmarked manila envelope." A blonde-haired, blue-eyed reporter in her late 30s was reporting the headlines, wearing a red pantsuit on. "The following footage has contained some footage believed to be from the Shinjuku ghetto..."
The 3rd Prince of Britannia and Governor of Area 11 was shocked to see the footage, which showed the corpse of Father McNeil. After a few seconds, it showed Sutherlands and M1A1 Abrams targeting unarmed Japanese refugees as they tried to flee before the Club and Gekka Prototype arrived in time to destroy them with their weapons. More footage was shown when the G-1 came under attack by the Gekka Prototype, firing its custom handgun at it.
"Who the hell?" Clovis was at a loss for words when he saw the footage. "Who the hell did this?!"
"What's going on?" Ambrosia arrived in Clovis' quarters, accompanied by Darlton and Guilford.
"Your highness." Ambrosia's subordinates greeted Clovis after entering his room.
"Those..." Clovis pointed to the television screen. "those bastards!"
"Who was able to take footages of those?" Ambrosia was surprised to see the footage reported by the BRBC. The screen had suddenly changed from the footage of the Shinjuku ghetto.
It showed five men dressed in black berets, balaclavas, gloves and bomber jackets. One was seated on a table with four of them standing near. Behind them had a red flag with a sickle behind a fist.
"That flag..." Guilford observed the flag shown on the television.
"They're from the Red Volunteer Army." Darlton observed the video. "The military wing of the underground Britannian Communist Party."
"They'll target anyone and anything that happens to be pro-Area occupation, including Britannians and Honorary Britannians alike from all walks of life." Clovis explained, being familiar with the RVA.
"If I do recall," Ambrosia told her subordinates and Clovis. "they were known as Layton's Army."
"You're right, your highness." Guilford continued to explain. "Named after a communist politician named Terence Layton, a senator from San Francisco, California who was assassinated supposedly by MI6 agents at his own home before the BCP was outlawed."
"To the entire Britannian nation." Clovis and Ambrosia watched the video, the former only a bit nervous. Darlton and Guilford, on the other hand, eyed the masked man who was reading the message from a piece of paper at his hands. "The video that we have shown you is merely one of the many war crimes that our government has done ever since the adoption of the Numbers system and Britannia's imperialist conquest overseas."
The footage showed Britannian soldiers herding off unarmed refugees while one of them had directed his comrades to execute Filipino Marines, divested of their weapons and equipment, facing them after refusing to face the wall behind them.
"This imperialist aggression towards other nations in the name of economic and social prosperity is a huge crime written all over Britannia." The masked man continued to read the manifesto. "In the name of ensuring Britannian welfare, you all topple on the rights of other people to live in peace."
"Hmph." Darlton sneered at the video. "Typical communist propaganda."
"Rise up, people of Britannia. Do not let our leaders cloud your mind regarding the false face they present to you. Speak up and see the true reality that we have presented to you in the Areas that our military has occupied."
How long is this going to be? Clovis watched the RVA's statement carefully. This would surely bring some trouble to my administration of Area 11.
The five RVA men began to recite the group's pledge in unison, raising their fists.
"Death to fascism! Death to imperialism! Long live liberation! Long live the people of Britannia!"
"Great." Ambrosia didn't believe what she had seen. "If this is bad enough, the RVA would incur the wrath of the Britannian Defense League."
"The BDL?" Guilford asked.
Ambrosia nodded. "Indeed."
The BDL is one of the many Britannian right-wing terrorist groups, mostly operating in the Britannian Empire's vast Areas. Their targets include Britannian and Honorary Britannian civilian and military officials, soldiers, civil servants, civilians and infrastructure if they deem to be a problem for the country in their eyes pertaining to the purity of their nation. They also target anti-Britannian terrorist groups, including homegrown ones such as the RVA.
"Get MI5 and the Special Branch to look into any movement regarding the RVA and BDL. Don't forget to tell them about the NRA and other Japanese terrorists out there." Ambrosia gave her orders to Darlton and Guilford.
"Yes, your highness!" Darlton and Guilford replied in unison before they left Clovis' quarters.
"Now my dear brother." Ambrosia grinned, facing Clovis. "What if I tell you that I'll lend you the strength of the Britannian Witch to victory?"
Corridor, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Cornelia was walking on the many corridors of Ashford Academy, seemingly empty as most classes were already over in the middle of the afternoon.
"What's going on?"
The purple-haired history teacher saw members of Ashford Academy High's student council, with cat costumes, placing some of them onto someone who resembles Lelouch.
"Is that Lelouch?" Cornelia walked towards the Student Council Room, seeing no need to announce her presence.
Student Council Room, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Cornelia peeked inside and asked. "What's going on in there?"
"Ah hello." Milly Ashford, granddaughter of Ashford Academy chairman/founder Ruben K. Ashford and head of the Ashford Academy High's Student Council, greeted the history teacher... in some sort of cat costume. "Nyan..."
"Is there something I should know about?" Cornelia raised her left eyebrow, seeing the other Student Council members wearing cat costumes.
"Not really." Nina Einstein, the shy black-haired girl replied. "We're just celebrating." The pigtailed, glasses-wearing girl tried to smile.
"Okay..." The purple-haired woman was confused when she heard the reply from the Student Council member. "I'm now officially confused..."
"Just the anniversary of using being together." Shirley Fennette added, the orange-haired girl standing near Rivalz.
"Is someone behind you?"
"Come on, you guys." Rivalz and Shirley were struggling against Lelouch, who had makeup on his face to resemble a cat.
Well... sort of a cat.
"I never knew that this was your new hobby." Cornelia tried not to laugh.
"Is that so?" Lelouch raised his left eyebrow.
"Excuse me..."
Cornelia turned around to see Nunnally, also in a cat costume.
"Nunnally?" Cornelia was shocked to see Nunnally, who also had makeup like Lelouch's.
"Milly placed it on me." Nunnally said, feeling embarrassed.
"Come on, Nana." Milly grinned. "It looks cute on you."
"I can't say the same for myself, can I?"
Cornelia was familiar with the voice, who was near Nunnally.
"Is that you, Alice?" Cornelia saw the 14-year old girl, wearing a cat costume.
"Y-yeah." Alice sighed. "Milly made me wear it, even though I'm not part of the council."
"Ah, don't be hard on yourself." Rivalz assured the blonde girl. "You've been helping Nunnally so much that we made you an honorary member."
"Aren't you going to wear one too, Cornelia?" The Student Council members and Alice were not surprised that Lelouch addressed the purple-haired woman by her first name; Cornelia had used her mother's name Stanford as a cover and is known to be a family friend to the Lamperouge siblings. "I was wondering if you're going to get into one."
"I know you want to see me in one, Lelouch." Cornelia teased Lelouch back, stepping out of the room. "But I've got work to do, so I'm sorry my dear."
Lelouch smirked before he shook his head.
"Ta, ta Lelouch!" Cornelia shouted her goodbyes to Lelouch, giggling after leaving the Student Council alone to to do their cat thing.
Lulu needs to dress up like that everyday...
Mobile Weapons Hangar, Covert Base, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Marc, Rai and the other ex-child soldiers were now back at the hidden JGSDF base, a day after their successful intervention back at the Shinjuku ghetto. They had their faces concealed their helmets and respirators as a safety measure.
"Hey Rakshata." Rai greeted the Indian scientist, conducting maintenance checks on the Club and the Gekka Prototype. "The Gekka Prototype's amazing, I tell ya!" The white-haired Eurasian tapped his helmet's visor. "I mean, I've never seen a knightmare with such cool features. Even the radiation surge arm was cool too!"
"I'm impressed." Rakshata smiled upon hearing Rai's compliment. "I'll be sure to pass that onto Kyoto."
"Are they going to make a machine based on the Gekka Prototype you handed us?" asked Jean, being curious.
"No." Rakshata shook her head.
"I'm confused."
"They'll be making two actually." Rakshata explained. "Two machines that would be based on how the Gekka Prototype's performance would be once you further bring this machine to the field."
"Sweet." Domingo whistled.
"But putting that aside now," Rakshata grinned. "you have guests in the base waiting for you." She directed her gaze to Marc, which took him a bit by surprise.
"W-who exactly is in here anyway?" Marc asked. "Come on. No need to hide it from us. We wanna know too." He pointed his right thumb to himself for emphasis.
"You mean us, right?"
The Lost Soldiers turned their heads around to see who called them, with great surprise.
"It's Todo and the Four Holy Swords!"
Lieutenant Colonel Kyoshiro Todo, an officer of the defunct JGSDF, was standing behind the Lost Soldiers and Rakshata. With him are four of his most trusted subordinates including Shogo Asahina, Ryoga Senba, Kosetsu Urabe and Nagisa Chiba, the only woman among the group.
"Looks like the Japanese Liberation Front's finest are here to greet us eh?" Ken smirked. "Ain't that interesting?"
"Can it!" Rai smacked Ken on the back of his head.
"We've heard about your guys making a big debut back in Shinjuku." Ryoga greeted the Lost Soldiers, exchanging handshakes with Ken and Jean. Shogo and Kosetsu did the same with some of the other Lost Soldiers. Todo went to speak to Rakshata, greeting her by bowing.
"Isn't that nice?" Marc sighed, stretching his body. "Say. Someone's not with the guys..."
"You mean me?"
Nagisa was now standing before Marc, the latter not taking notice of her as he was busy stretching his body.
"Err..." Marc tried to wave off an apology to the lone female Holy Sword member. "Sorry, I didn't see ya."
"Come on boss man!" Jean laughed at Marc. "She's all over you because she's a lady."
"A hot one to be precise!" added Domingo. The other Lost Soldiers and the three Holy Sword members began to laugh at Marc and Nagisa in unison.
"Shut it!" Marc and Nagisa shouted to their comrades, which was surprisingly also done in unison.
Somewhere near Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
A black Chevrolet Suburban SUV with three men inside was parked near the entrance of the Westin Lake Kawaguchi hotel from the adjacent story, the people nearby not taking any particular note of it aside from the fact that it was allowed to park there after 5 PM. All of them were wearing dress shirts of various colors and neckties.
"It seems our men working in the Lake Kawaguchi hotel is correct." said the man seated on the SUV's front passenger seat, in his late 20s with black hair. "CO19 has heightened security around the hotel, especially the front entrance, due to the arrival of some Britannian VIP either tonight or early in the morning."
"So what do we do now, sir?" asked a man in his late 30s and with black hair, seated at the SUV's driver's seat. "Do we return back to base?"
"For now." A man seated in the 2nd row seat of the SUV, having long black hair and a rugged beard, sighed. "We need to wait for furhter confirmation from our men in the hotel staff, especially since we don't know who the VIPs are."
"Will this be alright, Colonel Kusakabe?" The man seated in the front passenger seat asked the ex-JGSDF Lieutenant Colonel, only in his late 20s and had brown hair. "I mean, General Katase and some of the other high-ranking officers haven't heard of this operation you're about to plan."
"Patience, Sergeant Ishida." Kusakabe grinned at the Master Sergeant. "General Katase and the others are too patient on waiting for the right time to move." He glared at the hotel from his seat in the SUV. "Soon enough, we need to show the entire world the plight of the Japanese and the other people living in the other so-called Areas of Britannia."
"I understand, sir."
"Lieutenant Fukuyama." Kusakabe called on the 2nd Lieutenant, gripping the Suburban's steering wheel.
"Yes, Colonel?"
"Return back to base. We'll need to wait for our supplies and our gear, especially the Raiko."
"Understood, sir."
The Suburban drove off from its parking spot, heading towards an unknown direction in Fujikawaguchiko.
Mobile Weapons Hangar, Covert Base, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Hey guys! Check out the news here!"
Rai ushered his fellow Lost Soldiers and the Holy Swords towards a television set somewhere in the hangar, which was provided by Kyoto like most of the support personnel responsible for conducting maintenance on their knightmares and a small defense force to ward off any enemy attacks.
"What is it?" Ryoga asked Rai, the first to arrive near him.
"News said something about the RVA's manifesto regarding the Shinjuku ghetto incident and a possible reprisal from the BDL anyday now."
"Great." Kosetsu sighed. "Just what we need. A Britannian communist terrorist group sympathetic to the freedom of the arms and a pro-Britannian Empire terrorist group dedicating to preserving the territorial integrity of their nation. Reminds me of the Northern Ireland conflict."
"As least we have an ally." Shogo told his Holy Swords comrade. "Someone who understands our plight under Britannian occupation."
"Shhh..." Marc advised the Lost Soldiers and Four Holy Swords to keep quiet while the BRBC channel reported on an upcoming conference in the Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel.
"Prince Clovis la Britannia, Viceroy of Area 11, had announced in a press conference that the Sakuradite conference, scheduled to be held tomorrow evening at the Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, will proceed as planned despite some security reports from the Special Branch and MI5 regarding possible terrorist attacks."
"Sure sounds interesting." Nagisa commented on the report, while her Holy Swords comrades agreed with her assessment.
"When asked about his possible involvement regarding the RVA's manifesto on anti-NRA operation in the Shinjuku ghetto, a spokesman for the prince had said no comment regarding the allegations."
"Same response he'd use to keep his hide safe and comfy." Henri sneered, hearing the report regarding Clovis.
"So what now?" Yi asked.
"Nothing's going to involve us for the next few days, I guess." Marc shrugged his shoulders. "Todo and his Holy Swords can stay here for the meantime since they're trying to get debriefed by Rakshata regarding some new knightmares Kyoto's making for them."
"I wonder what kind of knightmares are they?" Ken mused to himself.
Unknown Building Ruins, somewhere in Shinjuku Ghetto, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Thanks for coming out here on such a short notice." Ougi was with Kallen and Nagata, all wearing brown bomber jackets, jeans and hiking boots as nightfall came to most of the abandoned prefectures turned ghettos, including the Shinjuku ghetto.
"It's no trouble, Ougi." Kallen shook her head. "My stepmom's out of Japan right now doing business." She spat out the word stepmom like it was deadly to her health.
"You had no problem sneaking in here?" Nagata asked, leading their way with a flashlight on his right hand while he held the sling of his IZHMASH AKMS with his left hand. Geez! I guess I better not ask her about her family the next time I have the chance...
"Nothing to worry about." Kallen faced Ougi. "What's the problem that you had to contact me after my classes in Ashford Academy had ended?"
"Someone left a message for us, saying he wants to see us for some little meeting." Ougi felt a bit tense, despite being armed with an AKMS of his own.
"I wonder what that is?"
"One more thing," Nagata tried to suggest to Ougi and Kallen. "is how the guy was able to figure out our transmission codes and all that?"
"THERE YOU ARE!"
"Who the hell are you?" Ougi shouted, pointing his AKMS at the familiar masked caped figure.
"Freeze!" Nagata raised his AKMS also to support Ougi. From a hidden holster in Kallen's jeans, she produced a Vektor CP1 pistol.
"I see that you made it out here, despite your hesitation." The figure raised his hands up. "That reflects your cautiousness and courage. Something that I admire..."
"Heard some talk that you helped out some of our guys during the Shinjuku incursion by the Britannian Army." Nagata focused the sights of his AKMS at the unknown man. "Is that true?"
"Indeed. The reason I wish to ally with you is that you have some influence over the Japanese. Those who have refused to become Honorary Britannians and decided to stick to their true heritage. That's the exact qualities I've been looking for some time now."
"Are you trying to praise or mock us, dammit?!" Kallen was about to pull the trigger of her CP1 when the figure raised his left hand at her, gesturing to her to stop trying to fire the pistol.
"It doesn't matter." The figure shook his head. "You and I both have some goals that we wish to achieve."
"And that is?" Nagata lowered his AKMS.
"The destruction of the Holy Britannian Empire."
"You serious?" Ougi asked the man. "They hold more than 1/3 of the land around the world."
"Which is why I'll need your support."
"What about the Lost Soldiers then?" Kallen asked, lowering her CP1. "You could just ask them."
"Perhaps. But for now, I wish to ally with an indigenous anti-Britannian guerrilla group such as yourselves."
"Who are you anyway?"
"Me?" The figure had his left hand on his chest, his cape slightly moving due to the presence of a light breeze.
"I...AM...ZERO!"
Mobile Weapons Hangar, Covert Base, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"ACHO!" Marc sneezed loudly, while watching Rakshata conduct maintenance check on the Gekka Prototype.
"Something wrong?" Rakshata asked, pipe in her mouth.
"Nah." Marc shook his head.
Either I have a cold that's developing or I'm getting a bad feeling about this...
First Class Cabin, Monorail, en route to Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
I'm glad everyone's here. Let's see who's with us today...
Milly had been able to schedule to go to the Westin Lake Kawaguchi hotel on a weekend, even with her grandfather to go as far as to arranging a first class cabin for her to use.
Shirley, Nunnally, Alice are here. Even Nina too.
Milly saw the shy girl talking to both Nunnally and occasionally Alice too.
"Um, by the way..." Milly saw Shirley was talking to her.
"Yes, Shirley?"
"Is Lulu coming with us?"
"I'm so sorry." Milly began to tease her. "But your suweet, widdle Ruru can't come today."
"Madam president!" Shirley was angry. However it brought some laughter to Nina, Nunnally and Alice.
"Hey ladies!" Rivalz came inside the cabin, having some soda cans in his hands. "As requested for Shirley and Alice, I got some pop for ya."
"Thanks." Shirley got one from Rivalz and passed the other to Alice.
"So what are we going to do in the hotel anyway?" Nunnally asked, smiling at Milly.
"You'll see, my dear." Milly grinned at her.
Loading Dock Entrance, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Hold it there!"
A CO19 operator had his left arm raised up high, making a Freightliner Cascadia semi-trailer truck stop as it was about to enter the loading dock's entrance next to the Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel. Due to the stepped up security for the VIPs in the hotel, a few CO19 operators were posted at every entrance leading inside the hotel. In this case, two CO19 operators were posted at the loading dock entrance.
"What's your business here at the West Lake Kawaguchi Hotel?" The masked CO19 operator asked the Cascadia's driver, who was seemingly wearing an olive drab baseball cap, jacket and pants on with working boots.
"We're here to give the hotel her supplies." The driver explained. "Especially since we've been told that the VIPs already arrived in the morning."
"Food supplies huh?" The CO19 operator was handed a clipboard, showing the inventory of the truck's supplies. He also noted that there were at least two more Cascadia trucks behind the first. Guess a lot of guests are being hosted by the Lake Kawaguchi hotel.
"Hey." The other CO19 operator patted his comrade's left shoulder. "We've got word from the other guys in the hotel. Management's confirmed that the supplies for the party are supposed to be in now."
"Yeah, yeah. Just radio them and tell their manager it's basic security checks."
"Anything else?" The driver got the clipboard back.
"Your ID will be fine."
"Sure." The driver handed the ID card, which was issued by Penske Truck Leasing.
Let' see. Driver appears to be from the company's Penske Logistics division. Takasu Fukuyama. Must be an Honorary Brit, not that I care for Britannian politics anyway.
"Here you go." The CO19 operator handed the ID card back. His comrade radioed the hotel's security, which opened the automatic gates for the truck from the control room.
"Just be sure to head inside all the way." The CO19 operator warned the driver. "And be careful with your unloading, last thing you guys'll need is some trouble from the guests."
"Gotcha." The Cascadia drove off, heading towards the direction of the loading dock.
Inside Side Tunnel, en route to Loading Dock, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Colonel." The driver took off his cap, who turns out to be really Lieutenant Fukuyama. "We're now inside the tunnel. Looks like our disguises paid off."
"Indeed, lieutenant." Kusakabe took off his cap, reclining back on his seat. "At least our recon was right on the money; this tunnel were in connects to a T-shaped intersection to the main tunnel leading to the mainland."
"How shall we proceed?" Fukuyama asked, already moving their Cascadia on the main tunnel after making a right turn from the side tunnel they used to get in.
"Our boys should meet us by the loading dock and help us secure it. You know the drill?"
"Understood, Colonel. I'll do my part as well."
"I'm sure you'll do. Their security is so lax that we might be able to pull this off..."
Loading Dock, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Colonel!"
The three Cascadia trucks had parked on the loading dock, being greeted by two armed hotel security guards. The corpse of a guard was found next to them, who died after being shot on his right temple with his face flat on the ground.
"Good work, Private Kitamura." Kusakabe praised the work of the Private First Class, who was in his middle 20s. He and his partner had Minebea PM-9 submachine guns slinged on their necks, once used by the JSDF prior to the occupation of Japan.
"Sir!" The other guard greeted Kusakabe. "Private Kitamura and I were able to secure this area 5 minutes earlier than expected. Only one guard was in the area and we took care of him promptly."
"That's good work, Private Suzuki." Suzuki and Kitamura took off their peaked caps, having brown hair underneath their head gear. Kusakabe began to give orders to Fukuyama to unload their stuff.
The second and third Cascadia trucks had parked, their cargo doors opened. Within minutes, several armed men leaped out of the trailer with automatic weapons at the ready. They wore JGSDF Type II Flecktarn uniforms, complete with everything including web gear and Type 88 ballistic helmets with Type II Flecktarn covers.
"Sir!" Fukuyama reported to Kusakabe, about to change his uniform. "Where do we put the Raiko once we unload it?"
"On the main tunnel directly connecting the hotel to the mainland. The Britannian knightmares will be surely using that area to get in for a direct entry."
"Understood, Colonel."
"Fukuyama. Get two men to operate it once preparations are done with the Raiko."
"Yes, sir!"
Hawaii Ballroom, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
So far, so good. The VIPs were being treated cordially by the hotel's waiters and waitress. Even more so were Milly and the other Ashford Academy students, as they are invited guests for the convention being held in the hotel.
"What's wrong?" Alice asked, who was only a simple red cocktail dress provided by Milly.
Nunally was looking around the ballroom, despite being blinded before facing her friend. Like Alice, she wore a cocktail dress except it was black. "It's nothing, Alice."
Corridor, en route to Hawaii Ballroom, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"It appears that the corridors are cleared of guards, Colonel. Especially the unused ones at the hotel's convention center."
Fukuyama told Kusakabe, the two leading two squads of armed men with JGSDF gear and weapons. Kusakabe had already wore his JGSDF Type II Flecktarn uniform, complete with a katana strapped on the left side of the belt. On the belt's right side was a holster that housed a Minebea 9mm pistol, a licensed copy of the Sig Sauer P220 pistol.
"Of course, Fukuyama." Kusakabe grinned. "It was merely a good thing that the guards are busy guarding the ballrooms that a few were manning the back corridors."
"We were merely lucky, Colonel." Fukuyama sighed, patting his black tactical vest over his chest. He didn't have a Type 88 helmet or headgear as he had been an ex-Special Operations Group operator before the anti-terrorist group went underground. "If our men didn't move fast and silently, the guards might have alerted their colleagues."
"Perhaps." Kusakabe nodded, agreeing with Fukuyama's assessment. "But for now..."
Kusakabe personally opened the double doors leading to the Hawaii ballroom.
"We have more pressing matters to attend to ourselves."
Hawaii Ballroom, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Who are the hell are you guys?!" A Caucasian man in his late 30s, wearing a brown suit, was shocked to see Kusakabe and the others enter the ballroom. All of them were heavily armed, their weapons aimed at the guests and VIPs inside. "They look like soldiers!"
"Hold it right there!" A guard rushed at Kusakabe, trying to draw out his S&W M-50 pistol. The armed soldier retaliated by firing his assault rifle, a Howa Type 89, at the guard.
The guests cried in terror when a few SPs in black suits tried to engage them when they drew out their M-50s. The soldiers fired either their Type 89s or their PM-9s at them.
"Nunnally!" Alice and Milly shielded Nunnally from the gunfire, from concern that she could be wounded or killed by a stray bullet. A few minutes later, the gunfire had ceased once all of the security guards and SPs were all shot dead.
"Ladies and gentlemen." Kusakabe spoke to the frightened guests. "I have an announcement to make."
The ex-JGSDF officer grinned at them.
"Tonight, all of you will be official hostages of the Japanese Liberation Front."
Rooftop, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Sniper team here!" Two JLF soldiers were on the rooftop of the hotel, being armed with Remington M24 bolt-action sniper rifles. "Master Sergeants Sakurai and Kayabuki are on the rooftop as planned." They were in their early 30s.
"Roger that." replied the transmission. "We've managed to take control of the hotel's security rooms. Other JLF teams are in process of gaining control of the entire hotel."
"Orders?" Sergeant Sakurai loaded a single 7.62 NATO bullet into the M24's chamber.
"Colonel Kusakabe wants to send out a message to the rest of the outside world. He also said that he'll send out some men up the roof."
"Are we allowed to deadly force?" Sergeant Kayabuki asked.
"Green light, soldier."
"Understood, sir."
The two JLF snipers peered through the scopes of their M24s, ready for action.
Entrance, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"What a boring night."
One of the CO19 operators sighed, guarding the front gate of the hotel. His comrade was conducting a spot check of the area, eyeing the surroundings for any suspicious activity.
"I know." replied the second CO19 operator. "I'm sure nothing's going to happen to the hotel right now."
"I guess I win the bet then." The first CO19 operator chuckled. "Man, I knew that this'll be a quiet night."
"I admit defeat. When do I pay the money to you? Right now or when we get back to HQ?"
"Perhaps..."
The man never finished his sentence when he was shot at the back, specifically at his throat.
"Who the?" The other CO19 operator was shocked to see his partner shot dead, aiming his Heckler and Koch G36 around. "Who the hell did that?"
He didn't get a direct answer, except for being shot twice. One at his chest, going through his heart. The second went for his forehead.
Rooftop, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Guards neutralized." Sergeant Kayabuki chambered another 7.62 NATO round, removing the exhausted casing from the M24's barrel.
"If any other CO19 operators are coming to retrieve their colleague's body, let them be." came the reply from the security room. "Otherwise, feel free to take the shot."
"Understood."
Kayabuki peered through the M24's scope, seeing two more CO19 operators trying to climb the gate.
"I wonder if they're trying to investigate us or somethin'?" mumbled Sergeant Sakurai, staring at the gate from his M24's scope. He saw one of them pointing their location before he fired his G36 at the JLF snipers. "Never mind. They found us."
"Taking the shot." Kayabuki pulled the M24's trigger upon getting a target. The CO19 operator who climbed on top of the gate was shot in the forehead, which made him fall down back on the street dead.
"One more guy to take out, Kayabuiki." Sakurai noted the second CO19 operator trying to budge the gate open with his gloved hands. "I'll take care of this..."
"All right." Kayabuki nodded. "I'll go and keep watch for you."
"Thanks." Sakurai fired his M24, hitting his target on the chest.
"Whoa." Kayabuki whistled. "The guy dropped dead. But I heard CO19's got body armor..."
"Our ammo's modified for armor-piercing." Sakurai glared at his JLF comrade. "You know, like the guys at the North Hollywood shootout."
"Right. Right. So what now?"
"We wait. And see how the world will respond to our incursion a the Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel."
Mobile Weapons Hangar, Covert Base, somewhere near Tokyo Settlement, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Hey guys!" Rai called to his Lost Soldier comrades, his helmet and respirator removed as Todo and his Four Holy Swords had left after concluding their business with them and Rakashata. "Something on the BRBC. They got broke off their coverage regarding a Britannian Empire documentary for a breaking news!"
At his words, Marc led the others in rushing down to the hangar. Some of them doing parkour moves such as hopping over carts or tables just to get through. Rakshata herself was found nearby, standing next to the white-haired boy as the BRBC began to broadcast the breaking news headline.
"We bring you up to date with a breaking news headline from the outskirts of the Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel..." began the BRBC broadcast, shocking the Lost Soldiers.
"A convention regarding the distribution of Sakuradite's suppose to be taking place in the hotel!" Michael pointed to the TV. "At least, that's what I've read from the newspapers a while ago in the morning."
"Did terrorists attack the hotel?" Michelle asked if her comrades had any ideas.
"Not sure." Domingo shook his head. "I'm just as shocked as you are, Michelle."
"Something's up." Yi told the others. "Looks like the BRBC's trying to show some amateur video footage of someone standing near the window or something."
"An amateur video footage shot by one of the guests of the hotel was immediately sent to the BRBC station moments after CO19 officers stationed outside were shot dead by unknown gunmen."
The semi-choppy video showed a familiar man standing near the window of the hotel, which was from the building's second floor as it housed a lobby area for the guests.
"That's Kusakabe." Marc murmured, seeing the katana's sheath strapped on his belt.
"Who?" Jean asked the Eurasian.
"Lieutenant Colonel Kusakabe." Rai explained for Marc, busy eyeing the footage. "Ex-JGSDF officer who went underground with several other JSDF officers and enlisted personnel to form the Japanese Liberation Front or the JLF, one of the largest anti-Britannian guerrilla groups. At least in the right-wing faction. He's known for some of his radical and questionable views on how to regain Japanese independence."
"But why this?" Ken commented. "The JLF's main targets are either the Britannian military or the police force. This doesn't make sense."
"I agree." Rakashata agreed with Ken's sentiment, twirling her pipe on her left hand. "Something's not right at that hotel."
"As of now, the unknown men inside the hotel have not publicly released any statements, aside from the fact that hostages are being held. Some of them including VIPs attending an annual International Sakuradite conference. We will release more details when available..."
"It won't be long now before the world knows who they are aside from us here." Marc gritted his teeth before he faced the Lost Soldiers gathered in the hangar. "Come on guys! Let's go!"
"Where to?" Rai asked Marc, most of the Lost Soldiers running off from the hangar with Marc after telling Rakshata to take charge of their knightmares.
"The Lake Kawaguchi hotel." Marc said, a bit upset on what had happened. "Things aren't going to go well if Kusakabe's involved."
Living Area, Unknown Truck, somewhere in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"So what are we going to do about the situation, Zero?"
Ougi confronted Zero aka Lelouch, moments after Kallen and the other NRA guerrillas in Ougi's faction began to watch the news regarding the takeover by Kusakabe's JLF faction.
"You mean that the news has confirmed that Kusakabe's JLF faction is responsible for the takeover of the Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel?"
"Y-yeah..." Ougi said, noticing a sort of suitcase near Zero.
"I'll take care of that." Zero then pointed to a stack of boxes in a corner near the bookshelf. "After I contact you again, make sure everyone wears the uniforms that I got ready."
"Got it." Ougi then questioned the caped person. "But what for?"
"You'll see..." Zero said in an amusing voice, which somehow confusing and starled the ex-teacher.
"I don't like this." Ougi began to ask Zero a question. "What do you intend with all this?"
"Yeah." Tamaki added, backing up Ougi. "We oughta help them instead of doing something against them."
"Shut it, Tamago." Zero replied to Tamaki, using the sushi joke on him.
"What I intend to do..." The masked man raised his right arm before he clenched his fist. "is to deliver justice!"
"Justice?" Tamaki scratched his head. "Wonder how's that going to work?"
Bridge, G-1 Base, near Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"I don't like this." Darlton made his assessment of the situation to Ambrosia and Clovis, the latter surprised and upset about the takeover of the hotel. "Now that BRBC's confirmed that the JLF's responsible for this, we should strike first. The deaths of four CO19 operators killed by sniper fire is bad enough. We should have the situation handed over to the SAS as soon as possible."
"True." Guilford was about to agree with Darlton's statement. "But don't forget that they have hostages held in there, mostly those VIPs attending the Sakuradite conference."
"Not to mention some teenagers who're being held with the VIPs." Ambrosia surmised Guilford's explanation of the situation.
"What about the main service tunnel?" Clovis spoke up next.
"Hmm?" Ambrosia didn't understand what Clovis was trying to say.
"If we can insert a knightmare team in there..." Clovis showed Ambrosia and her subordinates the tactical map's image of the tunnel and its connection to the hotel underground. "we can perhaps use them to hold an insertion point for our forces to use later on."
"I agree with the Viceroy." Darlton said, assessing the map. "Attempts to use our helicopter and VTOL gunships and conduct an underwater infiltration by the Navy SEALs have failed."
"The only problem here is that the JLF could have stationed some anti-knightmare weapons to delay them."
"It shouldn't be a problem if we have skilled pilots with us." Ambrosia pointed to the entrance of the main service tunnel, which was a few blocks away near the hotel from where the G-1 is stationed. "Have the Purists deploy their best men at once."
Inside Main Tunnel, en route to Loading Dock, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"Everyone, stick together!"
Jeremiah and Villetta led a squad of four Sutherland Purists, already been dropped from the surface via cranes to the main service tunnel minutes after they had been given the go by Clovis and Ambrosia.
"Lord Jeremiah." Villetta hailed Jeremiah on her radio. "We've been told by MI5 agents on the ground that the JLF may have an anti-knightmare weapon ready for us."
"Hmph." Jeremiah grinned after hearing Villetta's report. "I'm not so scared of a knightmare armed with anti-knightmare capabilities." He accelerated his Sutherland Purist hard. "Push on everyone! Let's do this for the Purists!"
"Yes, my lord!"
With confidence, the Purists began to accelerate their knightmares further. Unknown of the danger that lies ahead of them.
Cockpit, Raiko
"Four enemy knightmares approaching the loading dock!" A JLF soldier with the rank of Sergeant told his comrade seated behind him, a fellow soldier with the rank of Warrant Officer. "As expected, they're coming towards the area at full speed." Both of the JLF soldiers wore white headbands that had the red circle on it to indicate their commitment to restore Japanese independence with their Type 88 helmets removed.
"Start up the Raiko!" The Warrant Officer told the Sergeant.
"Understood! I'm starting it up as we speak!"
"Ready the super electromagnetic heavy cannon!"
"Ready and waiting, sir!"
"Understood!" The Warrant Officer gripped his controls tightly after getting a visual on the incoming Sutherland Purists. "Super Electromagnetic Shrapnel Cannon! Fire!" The Warrant Officer activated the fire controls, sending a projectile which later broke into several anti-knightmare shrapnel balls that dispersed around the entire tunnel.
Inside Main Tunnel, en route to Loading Dock, Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, somewhere in Area 11, Britannian Empire
"What the hell?" Jeremiah noted from his console that several projectiles were moving fast at his group. "They're moving too fast!"
"Lord Jeremiah!" Villetta warned Jeremiah on his radio. "There are too much projectiles! We should evade!"
"But how?" Jeremiah challenged his subordinates. "How do we..."
The entire Purist group was seemingly eradicated when the projectiles made contact with the Sutherland Purists.
"NOOOOOOOO!"
Jeremiah's cries were drowned out by the projectiles hitting his entire squad without any chance of evading them, followed by a series of explosions underneath that soon resonated to the surface.
Bridge, G-1 Base, near Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
"It seems that you don't take us very seriously, Viceroy Clovis."
Kusakabe appeared on a screen on the bridge, having the sheathed katana on his lap. He was seated on a brown chair with the Japanese flag behind him, which somehow infuriated Clovis and Ambrosia.
"To prove my point, I'll be executing this man."
The screen changed with three JLF soldiers aiming their Type 89s at a disarmed security guard, facing his captors. The two helplessly watched as the guard was gunned down by the soldiers, falling down from the roof to his death.
"For the sake of all the hostages here," Kusakabe appeared on the G-1's main screen, not moved by what his subordinates have done. "you better negotiate with us without pulling any tricks. Otherwise, another hostage will be killed after 5 minutes. Don't you make us kill them any faster."
"Damn." Clovis clenched his fists after the connection ended. "What now?"
"Britannian policy calls for non-negotiation with known terrorist groups." Darlton told Clovis and Ambrosia, reminding them of their country's position. "But with this, our hands are tied up."
"Indeed." Guilford fixed his glasses. "So what happens? Do we negotiate to release anyone old or ill?"
"You heard Darlton!" Ambrosia shouted at Guilford. "Our government doesn't negotiate with terrorists!"
"My apologies." Guilford apologized to Ambrosia, who gladly accepted it.
"This does put us in a bind." Clovis drummed his fingers on the throne's armrests. Unless...
"Is there something you have in mind?" Ambrosia asked her younger half brother.
"Get Colonel Madd at once!" Clovis shouted his orders to a nearby officer.
"Yes, your highness!"
"You're serious about calling them?" Ambrosia was stunned to hear him summon the Irregular's commanding officer.
"I heard stories about them having people who may be able to accomplish things like this." Clovis sighed, telling Ambrosia.
"Rumors have it that Irregulars personnel are augmented in ways that are medically questionable." Guilford was seemingly against Clovis' orders. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"I'm positive, Guilford." Clovis replied. "At least they can buy some time for us for a while."
Darlton stayed silent; he thought that being Ambrosia's subordinate after the Second Pacific War would allow him to move on after having spent some time with the Special Honorary Foreign Legion Corp's COSMOS division as its commanding officer.
Why am I seeing that bastard again?
Inside Dodge Sprinter Passenger Van, en route to Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
Marc and his comrades were driving in a white Dodge Sprinter with false government plates so as not to arouse suspicion from Britannian security forces when they arrive at Fujikawaguchiko. Henri was at the driver's seat with Marc at the front passenger seat. The rest, including Rai, Ken and Jean were seated at the passenger seats.
"So any action plan, boss man?" The blonde asked.
"Not now, I guess." Marc sighed, crossing his arms around his chest. "Except that we'll need to pass ourselves as special forces."
"We probably need our fake IDs ready." Domingo suggested. "But you think they'll check with their database just to be sure?"
"Britannian special forces policy states that any soldier, once selected for active duty, must have their name deleted from any list with their names on based from their original unit to prevent any kind of prosecution against them."
"Isn't that smart?" Michael sighed, hearing the black-haired teen's comments.
"You got a call." Rai handed a Nokia cellphone to Marc. "I answered it myself."
"Hm? Didn't notice that." Marc took the phone from Rai. "Thanks, Rai."
"Hello?" Marc answered the cellphone when he heard the reply from the other party.
"This is General Katase." The Filipino Eurasian was startled to hear who had personally called him.
"G-general?" Marc murmured, confused as to why Katase had called. I don't know whether I should feel honored with a Japanese war resistance hero calling on me. "But why?"
"I have heard that one of my best officers, Lieutenant Colonel Kusakabe, had crossed the line when he took over the Westin Lake Kawaguchi hotel."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Yes. Well, I've convened an emergency meeting with some of the other officers a few minutes after the BRBC made the annoucement on the hotel takeover."
Marc noted that Katase, on the phone, was somehow a bit hesitant.
"Is there something that you want me to do when we go in to save the hostages, General?"
The line was silent for a few seconds before Katase said his answer blunt and straight.
"The decision's made for Kusakabe to be killed."
"Are you serious?!" Marc practically yelled on the phone, startling everyone inside the van. "Why such a quick decision?"
"It can't be helped." Marc heard Katase sigh hard. "Kusakabe's actions are not in line with the rest of us. We do not and will not attack any civilian or civilian-based infrastructure."
"One can argue that the Britannians had no respect for that during the war..."
"Yes of course. But this is a policy that everyone in the JLF follows so that we can have popular support for the time when we can reclaim Japanese independence once more. Injuring or killing civilians will radically decrease support from the Japanese here and in overseas exile communities. We're not like some of the more radical anti-Britannian guerrilla groups out there."
Marc was silent, thinking over what Katase had said. Katase may have a point there right now. I really don't like Kusakabe's fugly guts for his radical thoughts on intimidating civilians. On the other hand, the Britannian army didn't care of that when they conducted invasions on other countries with some being occupied as Area colonies... What do I do now?
Collecting his thoughts, Marc turned his head around to hear the advise from his colleagues.
"Is this about Kusakabe?" asked Rai, who just shook his head. "Come on, big guy. If I were you, I'd take the opportunity to use our rescue op and just trash the guy."
"Since he's the odd man out," added Michael. "why not just get rid of him to relieve his JLF comrades from giving their organization a bad name."
Hearing his colleagues agreeing with each other on taking out Kusakabe, Marc replied back to Katase with an answer.
"I'll take you up on the offer, General Katase."
"Really?"
"Yes, sir. I'll personally take down Kusakabe to help save face for the JLF."
What do I have to lose anyway? Marc ended the call, handing the cellphone back to Rai. At least I'll do all anti-Britannian groups like the JLF and the NRA a favor for pricks like Kusakabe to disappear from the face of the Earth.
Outside G-1 Base, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Area 11, Britannian Empire
A Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter landed on a section of the cordoned intersection, which was among the many streets block near the Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel to be cordoned off by CO19.
"He's here." Clovis was in the landing area, accompanied by Ambrosia, Guilford and Darlton when the chopper landed outside of the Viceroy's G-1 Base. "Just in time."
"Your highness." Madd came out of the chopper when he personally opened the cabin door. When he saw Darlton, the bald man grinned at him before he introduced himself to Ambrosia, Clovis and Guilford.
"I'm Colonel Madd of the Special Honorary Foreign Legion Corp." began the Irregulars' commanding officer, saluting Clovis. "I have arrived here just as requested by the viceroy from RBA Tokyo."
"We've heard of your success of the Second Pacific War and the subsequent occupation of Japan, Colonel." Guilford spoke to Madd. "His highness needs your help in securing the hotel."
Madd grinned at Darlton again, who was clearly irritated at him. It's nice to see some familiar faces around here, at least. "I take it that the Purists have failed in their first attempt?"
Darlton gritted his teeth when he saw Madd grin at him. If I can just grab him and take out his cybernetic eyes just this once...
"They have." Ambrosia replied. "Will you be able to give us some time? At least until the SAS can start preparations for an immediate rescue operation?"
"Even breaking through their heavy anti-knightmare cannon that decimated your squad?" Madd questioned Ambrosia.
Ambrosia glared at him. "Are you saying your teams can't if they can do so?"
Madd smiled at the woman. "My teams and I will try to live up to your expectations."
"Make sure that the Irregulars are ready." Guilford laid down instructions for him.
"Understood, sir." Madd nodded. "I'll get some Irregular commandos on standby."
"You seemed nervous, Darlton." Clovis asked the scarred man when Madd was escorted by two Britannian soldiers towards a makeshift CO19 command post somewhere in the cordoned street. "You know Colonel Madd?"
"We..." Darlton began, feeling nervous upon seeing the man. "worked together during the Second Pacific War."
"At least they could either give us a break or not." Guilford spoke to Clovis. "If they can take out the anti-knightmare weapon, then we can use that as a diversion to get SAS teams in the hotel."
"Otherwise," Clovis added, staring at the Westin Lake Kawaguchi Hotel. "they'll save the Purists some trouble. As I still remember, they don't like them as most of their personnel are made up of mostly Numbers with some Britannians."
Ambrosia also faced the hotel, her arms crossed on her chest as she said. "Exactly correct."
Chapter 4 END
PS - I guess you guys have noted the presence of the RVA and the BDL. Well, I was inspired by the conflict in Northern Ireland between the IRA and various Protestant factions such as the Ulster Volunteer Force. I've yet to create a faction within the Britannian Metro Police for an organization based on the Royal Irish Regiment. Maybe none for the Police Service of Northern Ireland since the Areas are seen as colonies and such, not permanent states/provinces of the Britannian Empire. Perhaps I'll introduce an auxiliary-style force to augment the BMP. Also, real-life bullets such as the 5.56/7.62 NATO bullets are also live in this fic, so yeah. Just wanted to shout it out as I previously stated in the 1st chapter that aspects of the real world are in the fic.
For the cat costumes that you've seen here, check Nightmare of Nunnally for the basis. Alice's costume is kinda cute. Lulu's based on the anime though.
As usual, let me know how the story went. Dibs on for mistakes and anything I need to double check for the chapter. Thanks a lot. Scenes here are a mix of mostly NoN (How Kusakabe was able to infiltrate the hotel in the first place) and LoTR with some of my stuff in.
Apologies for updating the story late. Was busy playing Metal Gear Online, especially its recently opened Survival Mode to get lots and lots of reward points, and Valkyria Chronicles after I got it in the mail a few days ago this month. Friggin' sweet, I tell ya.
Anywho, I don't think I'll be able to update once again for this month as I'm going home to the Philippines real soon after this update I guess to spend Christmas and the New Year 2009 holidays with my relatives and my friends, not to mention that I've got one more final exam to follow up soon. So updates for the story are next year, or whenever it's convenient for me or somethin'. Enjoy the rest of 2008 for you readers out there. Meanwhile, ideas and suggestions to get the story going are accepted. Though some may be rejected if the ideas are getting way too, too bizarre. XD
If you enjoyed this chapter, I invite you guys to read and review my other works (Prefences to the unreviewed ones if it's okay. LOL!) And don't worry about Suzaku, he'll show up soon.
In Japan, SP is sometimes refered to as Security Police, the close protection unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. It is structured like the American Secret Service. For this fic, SP would mean security personnel.