A/N: Several readers have expressed a certain dismay at the recent canon heavy chapters of this story. The changes here may seem small but trust me that we are moving away from such canon laden material. Also, posting immediately after this, we will have an interlude which has nothing to do with canon material.

That said, here goes!

Chapter 13: What Happens in Italica...

Appia Way (Several Hours Earlier)

Upon receipt of Princess Pina's dispatch from Italica, her senior commanders met in a hastily assembled council of war. Bozes looked grimly at her companions as she pointed to the fortress city on the map.

"Three days! It will take three days for the Order to reach Italica!"

"By then it could be too late!" Panache objected.

"Yes. Even forcing the march, it will still take two days and the foot will be worn out." Bozes reasoned, referring to the infantry. "What we will do is this: Vifita, you will take command of the main force. Move them along as fast as you can, ready to fight. Panache, you and I will take our best riders and horses and hurry on to Italica!"

Vifita acknowledged her instructions unhappily, although she understood their sense. She still would have preferred to be part of the advanced party but someone had to remain in command here. She looked at her two friends. "I'll see you at Italica then."

"At Italica," Bozes promised.

East Gate, Italica

Sir Norma knew it was coming apart around him. It had all happened with stunning speed but now he and a handful of militia were desperately trying to hold at least part of the upper wall, lest the bandits take it and get archers in a position to fire down into the second line of defense. As more bandits came over the wall and through the open gate, Norma felt like he would be washed away in a tidal wave of hostile forces. But he was a knight and upon his sacred honor, would never yield in the face of such filth as these brigands. The common townsmen who had already given their lives had proven their courage and worth as men far beyond their killers and Norma would honor their sacrifice either with victory or his own mortal blood.

"Defend this area with your lives!" Norma told the surviving militia who remained at his side, even as still more bandits fell upon them. Norma slashed out at one, then another. He was the better fighter but there was nothing he could do as he sensed the third bandit behind him and knew he was dead, a heavy blow stunning him and sending him falling to the ground some thirty feet below.

"The enemy commander is slain!" Boras cried in triumph to his men as the body of Sir Norma fell from atop the wall, Boras raised his sword aloft to his men. The battle was all but won, only necessary now to spur his men on to its end.

"Listen up men! Now, this is war!" It was a statement whose ironic truth he would never understand as suddenly, he felt a hot, burning pain and looked down to see three small holes in the front of his armor. His last thought in this world being an odd curiosity about what had just happened before he fell, his body falling next to that of the knight he had just killed. With his death, also perished the dark and ugly secret truth that had brought these men to Italica.

With the sudden, death of Boras, the bandit army hesitated as its leader fell as if struck from the heavens. Still, they were so close. Surely victory was in their grasp if they just pushed ahead and took hold of it!

"Hold firm!" Boras' second in command ordered. "Press on!" He shouted as bandits continued to storm over the wall as well as through the east gate. For these men, the death of their leader had given them pause but the fact that the manner of his death was so incomprehensible it assured that convinced their victory was still in hand, the bandits would only be paused for a moment.

For Myuute, it was as if the ancient gods had deemed her personally worthy of a favor. Not that she really expected the bandit army to lose but Myuute began to conceive that it could happen. If so, then she did not want to stand out as part of that army. Of course, it was still probable the bandits would win. In that case, desertion would be a fatal mistake, but now inside the city walls, she planned to find an out of the way spot and see if the gods truly did hold her in their favor.

In any event, the bandits now redoubled their efforts to secure their prize before any more inexplicable things happened.

Possibly the single person most aided by the momentary hesitation of the bandit army was by far the most important one. Princess Pina had found herself stunned as her plans unraveled before her, culminating in the death of Norma. She had lost any control over this battle. Yet in a few moments, things had changed yet again. In the moment of the bandits' hesitation, Pina shook herself free from the quicksand.

"The men in green are coming! Hold fast!" Pina shouted to the citizens of Italica.

Grey surveyed the situation quickly. "We need to clear the east wall. Then we can contain the breach."

Pina nodded and hoped there were still enough people to do the job. "Archers to me! Archers to me! Grey! Find whatever men you can and retake the wall! We'll pocket them inside the gate!"

"At once!" Grey smiled, glad to see his princess regain her confidence.

Taylor, meantime wished his Carbine had a full auto mode so he could sweep the wall with it but the model M4 he carried only had options for semi-automatic and three round burst modes. In any event this was probably just as well, Taylor figured as if he went full auto, he would burn through his magazines at a dangerous rate and it was useless as a suppression measure since the enemy did not have enough understanding of his weapon or any sort of firearms to know to duck when bullets started flying. So he had to calm himself, pick targets of value at opportunity, control his breathing and focus. Or in the words of Wyatt Earp: 'Take your time and be quick about it!'. He hoped the others would get here soon.

Enroute From the South Gate

"She runs fast!" Kurata commented as he maneuvered the truck, trying to keep up with the Apostle of Emroy.

"Just don't lose her," Itami ordered.

"Yes, sir!" Kurata affirmed

Rory raced as fast as she could to battle, her blood burning and demanding release. It was as she told Itami: Life and death were intimately bound. To have a death with meaning required a life with meaning and an appreciation of life required an appreciation of mortality. While she occasionally fibbed and told people that she literally could not die, part of the exhilaration of battle was the danger. Claiming the lives of those who did not respect life gave her purpose, while the danger gave a euphoria to being alive. This was something that she very much feared losing when she ascended, therefore she reveled in the moment.

Behind her, she knew Itami and his people were following. These men in green were a curious lot. They were interesting and thought in new and interesting ways. Helping them would be fun. Just ahead was the east gate. Now the fun could begin!

At least Rory saw it that way. To the brigands, the amused laughter of the apostle was the end of their happy little war. They had thought to bring war upon a peaceful people. They believed that to offer up the blood of those who could not fight back would ensure the favor of the Dark God Emroy but to the Apostle of Emroy, these men were fools. Had they either the wit or heart to understand courage or valor, then perhaps she could have felt something other than disdain for them. But they held no mercy, nor honor and she was their reward

Those in the best position to observe her movements did not live to share their insights into the fluidity of her motion. It was a ballet of death and every move perfectly timed and executed, a master demonstrating her art as amateurs tried to find a solution to the problem she posed, Soon Kuribayashi rushed in, as much drawn to battle as Rory, the two complementing each other's moves and Rory smiling, regarding Shino as a disciple, a hand-chosen agent of death. This continued with Itami and Tomita covering their backs while Master Sergeant Nishina, Kurata and privates Tozu, Sasagawa, and Katsumoto joined Lieutenant Taylor and the surviving archers Princess Pina had summoned in keeping fire on the east wall as the brigands desperately tried to work around Rory and Shino who continued to cut down the bandits storming through the east gate like wheat at harvest. But avoiding Rory the Reaper only meant that those coming over the wall had to contend with Sir Grey and those volunteers he had gathered, and now they had a clear advantage in cover fire with Taylor's carbine and with Myuute no longer acting to disperse the arrows from the surviving Italican archers

This dance of death continued until the rays of dawn arose and Rory paused, now like a conductor with a single gesture summoning an unimaginable tornado of devastation upon the bandits outside the city walls as Colonel Kengun's helicopters and those of the Marines arrived and began their attack. Some men tried to fight, many tried to run, rushing desperately to get inside the safety of Italica's walls. Some froze in place, covering themselves in terror and some laughed, having been driven insane by what was happening around them.

Then the order was given to clear the target area inside the gate. Not that there were that many, this was merely to be the final note in a symphony of death, As the strange men in green carried away the Priestess of Emroy and ran from the giant iron dragonfly, a few of the bandits sensed what it portended in the general if not in specifics and dropped their weapons and raced toward the inner defense line. Most were too confused or stunned as the helicopter's 20mm Gatling cannon opened fire. Active resistance ceased at this point as JSDF and Marine troops started landing and began mop-up operations.

Taylor saw that Hamilton and Princess Pina had been just as stunned as the bandits had been.

"A monster." Hamilton breathed staring at the helicopter.

Pina looked at Taylor. "An Iron Pegasus? What is this? A violence that destroys everything and power that crushes everything. What is this thing?"

Taylor shook himself, looking away at the carnage which made him ill inside. "This is war. It's not fun and it's not pretty and we're very good at it." He sank to his knees exhausted and emotionally spent. "But it's over. Thank God it's over."

Down below, he heard one of the townspeople thank one of the soldiers.

"You saved our town. Thank you! Whose army are you?"

"We're with the Pacific Allied Forces."

Pina felt a chill as she faced one of the hovering 'Iron Pegasi.' Whether it was appropriate or not, Taylor draped his jacket over her shoulders, She had seen enough and given a choice between a small kindness and nothing, Taylor opted for a kindness. Perhaps even more than Pina needed it, he needed it, if for no other reason than to affirm his own humanity.

"If you will excuse me, Your Highness? I should probably go report in."

"Of course," Pina gave a small smile and offered the jacket back. "Thank you. But I'm all right now." She told him. She appreciated the gesture but she needed to be an Imperial Princess right now, a being of iron, not of mortal fibers. Especially as she realized the terrifying truth: That these men in green were the enemy. These were the men that had decimated the Imperial Army and who held sacred Alnus Hill.

Strange that such noble and kind men could be the enemy. But they were and she, The Imperial Princess, had invited them into one of the most important cities of the Empire. If they chose to, they could take the city with open arms. It only remained to be seen how high a price the men in green would demand for their services.

With Lelei's assistance, Itami and Taylor handled the minor negotiations concerning the establishment of the 'Alnus Trading Cooperative' and matters concerning the aftermath of the battle. While accepting the claims on prisoners as put forth by Hamilton as the negotiator for Princess Pina and Countess Myui, Itami specifically requested that he be allowed to select a number of prisoners for 'interrogation'. Taylor was not surprised to see Itami exclusively select female prisoners, obviously fearing that though they were not apparently willing volunteers of the bandit army, they might still be subjected to 'reprisals' from the native populace.

Itami also insisted on an assurance that the remaining prisoners would be treated humanely. The notion that people who had tried to kill and pillage the city should be given any consideration went down hard for Hamilton but she recognized she had no leverage in the negotiations to refuse. Taylor resisting the temptation to compare the attack on Italica with the attempted invasion of Tokyo. That might not only be provocatory but open up matters that were not appropriate to discuss at this point. They did negotiate for the possible establishment of a diplomatic mission. But beyond that were topics for another day as they took their leave of Princess Pina and the girls returned to their mission of selling the dragon scales they had collected. Taylor making a note to inquire into the disposition of the corpses of the dragons killed in the attack on Ginza but while in Italica, he too had business to attend as he waited for the girls to finish their negotiations with the merchant Lyudo before sitting down with him to discuss other business.

It was interesting to note that Lyudo and his surroundings made Taylor think of Renaissance Florence. Lyudo was obviously doing quite well for himself, judging from the art on the wall and the furnishings of his office. There was a good chance that if he did not know the people Taylor was looking for, he certainly knew people who knew.

As the girls left, Rory eyed him curiously, Taylor merely shrugged. "I'll be along in a little while." He sat down and set a gold cinque piece on the table

"I need to speak to merchants who specialize in a very specific commodity." He told Lyudo.

"I'm sure that we can provide whatever goods you are looking for," Lyudo replied confidently.

I hope not, for your sake. Taylor thought. "Slaves."

"Oh no! I'm afraid that is one commodity we don't trade in here. The previous Count of Formar had very strong opinions on the subject."

"Good. But I'm certain you know people who do deal in slaves. I want to know who those people are and where they are and I'll pay top price to get that information. I would also suggest that if you have friends or family in the trade, you encourage them to get out of the business."

Lyudo considered it. Slaves were a vulgar commodity in Lyudo's view and if he could make a profit selling the names, then this information was simply another commodity. And Lyudo only sold top quality merchandise.

"I think we can supply you with what you need, sir."

About an hour later Taylor carefully folded the list and slipped it into his jacket. He was certain that the men on this list would be getting visitors soon. He took his leave of Lyudo and headed to the south gate, where the rest of the team was waiting. It had cost him a fair amount of his 'allowance' but if it was accurate, would be well worth the price.

"Sorry, just had to take care of one last thing." He told Itami.

Itami tiredly waved it off. "As long as we're ready now."

"As far as I know," Taylor replied. After he got in the truck, Taylor secured the list in his note binder for safe keeping.

The girls were all nearly wiped out from the long last 24 hours or so. They all were. Up front, Itami was dozing contented. Taylor jotted notes on his observations on Princess Pina, Hamilton, Formar, and Lyudo. What he really wanted was to study history as written by the locals but that would have to wait, quite probably until after the war. Lady Octavia had been more concerned with him understanding the Empire as it currently existed rather than discussing history and that was sensible but it left him wanting to know more. Feeling just as tired as anyone else, he stowed his notebook and put his head back and closed his eyes…

Only to be jarred fully awake by Kurata suddenly hitting the brakes. Helping poor Lelei up off the floor, he then turned his attention up front.

"Smoke up ahead!" Kurata reported.

"More smoke?" Itami asked as Taylor leaned forward. "It's coming this way?" Itami wondered, confused.

"That's not smoke, that's dust!" Taylor corrected. "Somebody's in a real hurry." They must have seen us by now. Wonder what they're thinking...

"They're moving fast for ordinary carriages," Panache noted calling to Bozes.

"Yes. And they are heading on a direct line out of Italica. I want them stopped!"

"This could be part of that other world army." Panache agreed.

Bozes nodded. "Possibly. If they are, that's all the more reason we need to make sure they don't escape. Millet!" She called to one of the other knights."I want six of you to block the road behind those carriages! The rest of us will cut them off. If they try to leave the road, we'll have the advantage!"

"Yes, ma'am!" The eager brunette haired knight replied and waved for the knights behind her to follow and break from the main group.

"I can't get a good look," Itami complained as he tried to get a view through his field glasses.

"I see something!" Kurata announced, bringing up his own binoculars.

"What is it?" Itami asked.

"A Tiara!" Kurata answered.

"Oh, a tiara. Okay." Itami responded confused. "A Tiara?!"

"Blonde hair in ringlets!" Kurata continued. Itami hanging off each word as he brought his own glasses back up.

"I've sighted one blonde girl with Ringlets, one beautiful girl in boys' clothes, and several hot girls behind them!"

"What are they doing, Sergeant?" Taylor demanded. Was this a contact report or the fashion parade?.

"Those are Roses!" Itami announced looking at the standard held aloft.

"Crap!" Taylor realized. "And Princess Pina's knights are here." He said while Itami and Kurata babbled about ringlets and who was what flower. If the enemy doesn't kill us, I may strangle those two myself! Let's hope this can be handled peacefully.

"All units alert status." The voice of Sergeant Major Kuwahara called over the radio.

"Hold up, old man. No overt shows of hostility. It could violate the treaty." Itami cautioned in reply as the seven riders approached their little convoy.

Good call. Taylor agreed. Gunning down a bunch of Princess Pina's personal retainers and friends really wouldn't do much to help the peace. Why did we not specifically get a copy of the agreement or at least a writ of safe passage with Pina's signature and seal? I know we were all tired but that was stupid. Oh right. We sent our copy of the treaty back with Colonel Kengun! Genius move that!

"Roger."

"This is Private Higashi. We've got riders behind us!"

"So the road is cut behind us," Taylor noted sourly.

Currently, Panache, or the 'White Rose' as Itami identified her, approached the half ton and addressed Sergeant Major Kuwahara with a tone of authority.

"Where did you come from?"

"We're returning home from Italica," he replied.

"Going to where?" She pressed.

"Alnus..." The Sergeant began to answer as Taylor nearly facepalmed, less than surprised as the woman drew her sword and lances were now lowered in their direction.

Unbelievable! Good going! Taylor thought. You could have said 'Nagoya' or 'Sendai', or 'Cleveland' for crying out loud! But you had to tell them we were going to Alnus! Can this get any worse?

"The hill of Alnus?" She repeated in wrath.

It was clear, one side was paying attention today, Taylor thought. And they're not happy, surprise, surprise.

"Old man! Don't let any of our guys fire." Itami instructed over the radio and then turned to Taylor. "Maybe I can calm things down." He said and reached for the door handle.

"Hold on. Maybe they'll listen to talk but I wouldn't count on it. I've got a plan."

"A good one?" Itami asked.

"Good as in 'will it get our people out of here without starting a battle'? Yes. Good as in I like it? Not at all. But if we run, they'll chase us. Unless we toss them some bait."

"I hate this plan," Itami muttered as he got out a minute or so later.

"I hate this plan too and it's my plan." Taylor agreed as he got out the back

In the meantime, Bozes had dismounted and grabbed onto Kuwahara's shirt.

"Are you the enemy from another world?" She demanded.

It's all a matter of perspective, Taylor thought as Itami addressed the 'Yellow Rose'.

"Excuse me, Has my man done something to offend you?" Itami asked politely. The intent of his tone was apparently lost on the knights he was addressing as Panache lowered her sword at him.

"Surender!" She demanded quite firmly.

Well, she's clearly established who is in control here. Taylor frowned, noting one of the other knights shifting her mount to watch him carefully.

"Now calm down," Itami answered carefully. "I'm sure we can work this out."

Bozes rewarding him for his careful tone by slapping him hard across the face. "SIlence!"

Taylor could hear Kuwahara ordering the others to hold their fire. He glanced over at Itami as Itami ordered everyone else to pull out. Miss Yellow Rose snagging him by the back of his collar as the trucks pulled out. Taylor and Itami watched them go as each man found a sword pointed directly at his neck. Itami, this may have been my plan, but I still blame you! You and Kurata! As he glanced over at Itami, the words of one of his waifus passed through his thoughts. Mihoshi! I swear I'm going to kill you!