Ghost Recon: The Gate War

by Skootmeister

2021, for 7 years relative peace has reigned over the world in the aftermath of conflict after bloody conflict. The Ghost Recon force takes on a seemingly inconspicuous mission in Japan. Fate however rolls the dice and soon the team, and the world, finds itself at war with an empire of might, monsters and magic. Once again, war has come to call the members of the Ghosts to action.

1. Ginza Flashpoint

AN: Well, kept ya waiting huh?

Here we go again. Those who may be confused as to why we're starting all over again, here's an abridged explanation. The past couple years since the last update were filled with peaks of depression and real life, which has allowed me tolook back on what I've written and cringing at some of it. So here I am redoing it to better meet my new standards. Being the first chapter, you won't notice too much difference between this new iteration and the old one, but there's enough to distinguish them.

That and with the time that's passed, the formerly futuristic gear we've seen has more of a chance to appear in this story, so you can look forward to that, but I'm still being pretty selective on that. For example, don't expect anything from that garbage known as "Breakpoint" showing up. I'm going to be avoiding of a lot of the modern "Tom Clancy" games out there, basically anything before Siege will be referenced or featured as that's about the time where the franchise started going downhill.

In addition I now know how to better to label the world of Falmart in this fic. It's "high fantasy," basically epic stature of the elements. Widespread magic compared to Gate's rather small percentage of magic users, limited technology, though not necessarily "stagnated," compared to Gate's, and the existence of mythological creatures except here they're actually a threat. Not to mention some larger than life events that will be referenced in time.

But that being said, let's get the train rolling once more.

The year is 2021.

Since the year of 2014, peace has reigned over much of the world. There have been wars, but much have been wars in the periphery. Wars that ended quickly or otherwise did not draw the attention of the world as a whole. Not since the Third Korean War have the great nations of the planet vied in battle, not since the utter failure of the Blacklist have terror groups and insurgent movements ever dared raise their hand against foreign presence nor has the United States suffered the consequences of being a great power with a global presence. Not since the resolution of the Venezuelan Crisis has the People's Republic made efforts to influence world events.

Such a state of affairs had not sprung up overnight, and like many things in our world, it emerged drenched in blood. The Georgian Information Crisis of 2004 unveiling the grim new reality of information warfare, where dams, trains, and hospitals could be targeted by weaponized algorithms, on par with the Manhattan Project. Or the Phoenix Group terror plot in 2000 to unleash a modified ebola strain called Brahma. Then the likes of 2008 where the Russian Federation proved the fears of Eastern Europe correct when ultranationalists took over and began a war of expansion to reclaim former Soviet holdings, concurrent with the crises of African rebels ramping up attacks and Al-Asad's own detonation of an experimental thermobaric weapon after his defeat. And what of the Second Korean War in the previous year, a consequence of the East Asian Crisis which nearly ended with a North Korean nuke used by a Japanese admiral to threaten his own nation, or the following Third Korean War of 2011 that saw the Chinese finally bare their teeth against the forces of the United States? Perhaps the Echelon Conspiracy of 2012 that saw the capital fall to an EMP attack followed by an invasion by the Artemis PMC? And then there was the Vegas attacks in 2010, the Mexican Civil War in 2013, the Venezuelan Oil Crisis soon after that, and many many more wars and incidents.

After that, the blood, ash and dust from the American homeland to the streets in Europe, to the lands of Russia to the hills of Korea, the sands of the Middle East and the jungles of South America, a new day aged. A day of peace. This long process broke movements, it cemented American hegemony further and solidified European holdings, it revitalized Russian hope and secured Asian security. And the the thanks can be bestowed upon the heroes of armies, especially those who could be denied.

Among this unsung cadre are Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group-

Ghost Recon

Blackhawks buzzed in the skies over Fort Bragg.

The base is, by population, the largest military location on the planet, more than 50,000 active personnel were here. The US Army Forces Command based itself here, as well as the group's Reserve Command. Not to mention the Special Operations Command. Many Special Forces are stationed here, like the 82nd. But there was a fact very few knew, that there was another group that took residence here, in the guise of standard forces like Green Berets and Rangers. These men and women are the most secret of the groups. At one time, they operated among normal forces with their own objectives often in mind. They are Ghost Recon, a force that fights wars before they ever start. Nowadays, their existence is more well known yet nowhere near truly understood.

The Ghosts were founded in 1994 as another special operations force like Delta or the SEALs under JSOC, but with a far greater emphasis on classified operations. Armed with state-of-the-art weapon systems with training in the best field and combat tactics makes them the most specialized of operation units. First in, last out, striking swiftly, silently, and invisibly. In fact, the Ghosts are not only among the best of operators, they serve as a testbed for future weaponry and gear to inevitably be passed on to other units and the general foot soldier. Up until now, they were part of numerous wars and operations across the world

In one of the countless rooms of the base, was a man donned in OCP camo with a Lieutenant Colonel's rank on his shoulders. LTC Scott Mitchell. Essentially the second in command of Ghost Recon. Main leadership falling to General Joshua Keating. Mitchell is a 40 year veteran of campaigns in global hotspots and recent wars. Including Mexico, Eritrea, even North Korea of all places. The soldier was a natural leader. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, his father was a factory worker who worked his way up to foreman at the Lordstown General Motors Assembly Plant. His mother emigrated from Latvia at age ten, becoming an assistant pharmacist. When Scott was fourteen, his mother died.

He was the eldest of his siblings, two brothers and a sister. With his parents working up to his mother's death, Mitchell grew up independent and self-reliant. He took on the responsibility of helping his siblings grow, instilling his sense of leadership. An above average student, and worked part-time as a shop assistant. Graduation led to his realization of being unable to go to college, due to money. So he chose the military. He planned to serve, then go to school with his G.I Bill benefits. Fate had other ideas, and he found the army lifestyle was a perfect match. He became the professional soldier. Thus began his long service to being a leader. He had several moments in the field, but there was one that rested and truly ingrained in his mind. The Second Russian Civil War in 2008.

It was in reality, a major conspiracy launched by a maniac named Imran Zakhaev and some political allies, including a criminal force named Blatnoi, a resentful Russian general named Stagleishov, his subordinate, a Russian ace named Andrei Markov, and a die-hard named Vladimir Makarov. Working in tandem with rebels called SRN, Supreme Resistance of Nigera, in Western Africa and organizations like Al Alsad and the People's Liberation and Resistance force in Iraq, backed by Iran. He was deployed in Russia to combat the Ultranationalist threat. It was his biggest mission, his biggest conflict ever. Not long after some progress, he heard that a city called Carruth in Africa was destroyed by a bomb called Trinity. Some super thermobaric bomb. Another set off near Baghdad. It was here things in Russia got serious, and even more hectic when America and Russian Loyalists nearly attacked each other going after an arms dealer named Kaffarov. The final moments of the war consisted with Zakhaev taking control of an ICBM facility and Markov flying a small wing to DC to attack the capital. Imran failed as the ICBMs were detonated in midair and Markov was shot down by pilot Colonel Bishop. After all this, the war ended. Zakhaev was killed, Makarov was captured, and many others involved was either killed, captured, or in hiding. It was without a doubt the most turbulent event of the decade, perhaps the century. And it ended in a good note. Russia and America established closer ties after, and things between the countries grew warmer. A stark contrast to years ago when they practically hated each other.

Today now, he was spending the downtime he had carving furniture for fellow soldiers. To think his actions would be one of many puzzle pieces that would see to the end of many crises in the world.

There were incidents such as a covert war between Georgia and Azerbaijan in 2004, a war in Southeast Asia against Indonesian terrorists in 2005, and hell even a literal 4 hour conflict against 'rogue' Chinese ships in the Taiwan Strait in 2006, just to name a few. But the dominoes began to fall after the 2008 coup. The world today is a whole different place than it was since then. No news since the Blacklist had failed. But Scott would tell you it was a miracle. The biggest terror plot since 9/11, maybe even trumping every other in history, and it gets defeated. After that, the shock waves were felt by the major terror groups who began to crumble from a newfound mistrust and fallen morale.

That didn't mean terrorism was gone entirely. There have been incidents from time to time. Most notably the Malaysian Jihad Brotherhood being the most prominent. A Malaysian-born Islamic group that went from small, disorganized, and home-based to a larger, well-equipped, well-trained guerrilla force that filled the vacuum of power left by other forces in the Pacific area. And another, the White Masks. A new player on the block, so new no one knew much of anything about them save for the fact that they target indiscriminately all over the world, mostly using a chemical concoction known as 'White Death.' Despite this, terrorism was at an all-time low.

It wasn't just this however. North Korea, following two unsuccessful conflicts was slowly adopting unification, Mexico's old government, once filled with politicians in the pockets of cartels and drug lords were replaced following a civil war that would displace or kill most in response to the North American Joint Security Agreement, and said cartels would find themselves having spent money on nothing and having to relocate. The Middle East, despite lingering resentment that is to be expected is seeing reconstruction following suit. Things are beginning to look up.

It wasn't all peaches and cream however. A near-war situation of the global kind from 2007, and several other wars too close to them, not to mention PMC forces invading to cripple an American carrier group, has sent the island nation into military isolationism. While economic and political ties are relevant, the Japanese have refused to do anything military related outside their borders after the threat of nuclear missile was used by one of their own to return the Old-Japan back. Only for it to somehow be stopped. Media claims Japanese Special Forces did it, but Scott wasn't too sure. Then again when is the media ever 100% truthful? Then comes the Blacklist. In the aftermath of several terror attacks on America, a mother of all insurrections in Russia, an invasion by a mega PMC, other wars, and more, the US decided to back off from the Japanese mainland while Okinawa and Iwo Jima were still held. China of course made its usual protests of "re-militarization" in Japan occurring because of this, only for the Japanese to give them the biggest insult to ever be subjected to. To be ignored.

Even in isolationism, Japan was still an ally to other countries, so China was forced to watch as "re-militarization" happened.

Besides, China couldn't do anything to begin with. They had a lot of egg on their face that was added to over the years. This was caused by the two Taiwan plots and two minor wars. The first coming during the latter part of the 2011 Korean War, as China without any kind of warning whatsoever attacked their coalition allies. It was more than what was expected as no one expected this sudden move by the Chinese, considering the stigma gained over the years of 'Chinese tools and numbers.' It was a pretty big wake-up. It was Russia who threatened to invade from the north should the Chinese not fall back. Eventually this was done, and this would ensure whatever legitimacy that China may have in terms of military threats were diminished. So when they began their territorial claims, the response would be "Aha, sign the recognition of international waters, please."

And that wasn't to mention the second war, one that was just as surprising. China used cargo ships to move an army to Venezuela during millionaire Ramon Solano's coup and reign. It was quite timely considering they arrived shortly after the destruction of that rig in Lake Maracaibo. Pretty smart on their part, but in the end it was all for naught. In the peace deal, they were given the opportunity to get some oil... so long as they recognized Taiwan's independence and dropped their territorial claims. Guess which one they chose?

So Scott busied himself with his carpentry. At least until he heard someone over the sounds of his saw. He looked around, and found a familiar face. "Ramirez!"

"Hey Scotty boy!"

The Mexican-American replied. Heading over to the LTC and shaking his hand. Ramirez was one of the Riflemen in the force. "So how's life treating you?" Scott asked.

"You freaking kidding me? It's all good and going, man. Diaz is still a deadeye, Nolan's still a geek, and you're still the hardest leader around here." Ramirez joked. His passion lies in radios. As well as being what some would say, Scott's sidekick.

"You always say something cocky don't you Ramirez?" Scott asked. Ramirez innocently shrugged with a smug look.

"Someone's gotta do it." He said.

Scott turned to spot Nolan standing behind Ramirez. Nolan was the Medic in Mitchell's team, a smart guy who wanted a challenge in his medical field. "Careful in this place, Ramirez. Plenty of splinters to get. And if you get one I won't be giving him any medical attention."

"Yeah you will. You can't avoid someone in distress. You're too compassionate." Scott joked.

"In Ramirez's case, I'll make an exception. Besides he still owes me fifty bucks." Nolan joked back, pushing his glasses up to his nose. Scott simply laughed. Nolan had become the target of some of Ramirez's jokes lately which the medic was only too willing to shoot back. More of Mitchell's compatriots were soon making their presence known in his workshop.

"So, Diaz, find anybody from out of the States that mistook you for a man yet?" Another Rifleman, Beasley asked. Beasley was a Detroit born latchey kid, a kind of lone wolf who got along with his squad.

"Nope. How 'bout you?" She replied. Laughter resulted.

"You know, first glance you take at him, he kinda does look female." Nolan said playing along.

"Ha ha, very funny, geek." Beasley replied.

"Aw come on, Beasley. Don't take it too hard." Diaz said.

"It's not the fact I take it too hard as it is the fact that I keep hearing the same joke. I get mistaken ONE time, and all of a sudden it's all the rage." Beasley said, amusement in his voice.

"How do you think I feel? I have to put up with being called 'nerd' or 'geek' all the time." Nolan said. Scott left the members to bicker, but not before telling them to calm down before someone got hurt in his workshop. After all, Nolan wasn't going to help anyone with their splinters as he just mentioned.

9:43 P.M.

Mitchell soon found himself alone again.

In time he went back to his apartment. completing a chair for a soldier at the base, he often sold his work to them. It was a marvel to look at.

"I've had quite a life haven't I pops?" He asked, apparently to his father's ghost.

"Been the dominant sibling, joined the army, seen combat all over the world. Including North-fricken-Korea. Twice. A captain in the finest damn Special Forces group since Delta. With a team worth dying for and a cause just as worthy. I've kicked the asses of rebels, militants, soldiers, mercenaries, drug lords. Just about all kinds of scum. I'm pretty sure I've seen it all." He winced at mentioning the 'finest.' Then again, the Ghosts did back up that reputation 100% At least 2 decades in action, not one force foreign or domestic came close to matching them.

The last leg was finished, and the chair was completed. "Then again, police say the same thing, and then some more happens." He said, seeing his new creation. He picked up the phone and dialed the number to let the soldier know his work was done, but was placed to a messaging machine. "Hey, it's me. Mitchell. Just wanted to let you know your chair is ready, so you can pick it up whenever you want." Mitchell hung up and prepared himself for bed. Early to bed, early to rise.

…

The alarm blared until Scott's hand silenced its rant. He got up and approached his wardrobe to don his fatigues. A knock was heard at the door. At a brisk pace, he went downstairs and to the front door. He found four men there. The first was the soldier he made the chair for. "Hello sir. Got your message."

"Keating?" Scott asked, referring to the man behind the younger soldier with two other officers.

"Hello Scott." The old man greeted, a small smile on his face. "Sorry to wake you without any notice, but I figured I'd drop by. See how an old friend was doing." Scott smiled at the remark, but he knew it was partly a lie. As good of friends they were, Keating rarely just visited him. Especially with additional officers. And something told Scott he wasn't here for a chair as well.

"Come in, oh by the way. Chair's in the garage. Want some help?" He asked the other soldier.

"Please sir?"

Taking care of the chair and sticking it into the back of the truck was taken care of quickly, the happy soldier paid his captain and drove off, waving. With that matter out of th wary Scott came back in and met Keating and the officers at the kitchen table. "I take it this isn't a 'playdate' visit sir." Scott said more than asked. The General chuckled, sipping on his glass of Scotch.

"You know me too well Scott." He said, his expression turning serious. "We have a bit of a serious problem. I need you and your team to handle it."

One of the officers placed a file on the table, opening it to reveal the face of an Asian man with a symbol next to it. "This is Ichiro Akihiko. A high member of the Red Nishin Yakuza. Our latest intelligence reported that he recently came to be in possession of some nasty secrets and is preparing a deal with the Malaysian Jihad Brotherhood." The officer said. Mitchell new exactly where this was going as he put 2 and 2 together. The MJB hasn't been making much noise in a while save for minor headlines. Yakuza was Japanese, meaning he was going to-

"You want me to go to Japan…"

"Unfortunately son." Now as far as Japan's isolation went, it wasn't strict like the days of the Tokugawa Shogunate where the country was blocked off entirely. American warships still moored there every now and then and there would be exercises and temporary garrisons. But there were no permanent bases under US control. Any facilities once holding US personnel were long now one hundred percent under direct Japanese control. It's one thing to have American forces in there for a set amount of time. But it's another for a special forces group to be acting in the country in a clandestine operation, let alone in country in the first place with no notice. Not like it's never happened before around the world, but Japan was a... special case given how the people have gotten comfortable with the fact that American forces have willingly left. So a secret operation was a bit... unusual. "As we said, he is in possession of serious items. Maybe dirty bomb schematics. We don't know how he got them, just that the Brotherhood is ready to pay BIG money to get them." Keating said. "So you can understand why we want someone who can be trusted with this. Someone who is a assured of results."

"Go into Japan. Avoid detection, and eliminate Akihiko." Scott said.

"And any Yakuza with him. We can't afford to let any others continue the trade or spill the beans. Once your job is done, you'll be extracted and intelligence will decide on the next action on how to deal with anymore Brotherhood forces.. Don't be afraid to scope out the area though." Scott sat back in the chair and let out a breath. Oh he was up for it, he was just trying to piece it all together in his head. This wasn't a typical region with trees and maybe a few buildings here and there. Or a small town or city. This was a damn metropolis, and he couldn't risk being detected once in battle gear. The problem was, the streets were usually packed.

"How much time do I have?" He asked.

"The mission is a go as soon as you say yes."

The risks of the deal being a success outweighed any risks that may have been within Mitchell's mind. "Ok. I'll do it. We've had 7 years of relative peace. We don't want another incident to ruin it all." Scott said.

USS Carl Vinson. Japanese territorial waters off of Tokyo Coast. June 18th 9:24 A.M.

The Ghosts had already been prepped, now they were ready to move. Scott took with him Nolan, Ramirez, and Diaz.

It wouldn't be just them though. He was bringing four extra Ghosts with them. relatively new in comparison to the others, most having earned their right to call themselves Ghosts in South America.

Lieutenant Cedrick Ferguson. Older black gentleman who is clearly a leader. Decisive, precise, and a long record of doing the right thing. Calm and collected even under fire. Master Sergeant Robert Bonifacio, often called Pepper. Marksman who has a lot of experience. Likes to talk a lot when giving his advice and giving breakdowns of plans, but that didn't stop him from being a superb marksman. There's a joke that he'll be the best in the unit soon. James Ellison, nicknamed 30K. A gunner who shoots with his mouth just as often. Up in your face and never afraid to speak his mind. Potentially a technophobe. Aggressive, especially for a Ghost. And also a comic relief. And John Kozak, a real tech-geek. Kid can hack faster than most can text. Even though he's proven himself, he still acts with more effort than needed and sometimes makes it up as he goes. More improvisational than most, but he gets the job done. They all had their real baptism of fire in Venezuela during Solano's reign.

Their position within Japanese waters was something that didn't make the island nation nervous. The bases were all under total Japanese control, but that again didn't stop Americans from stopping by. Usually by sea. And since US naval power was such a major force, not to mention effective at ensuring tensions didn't run high, their precense was mostly ignored.

The crew made their way to the Blackhawk, placing the gear inside while climbing aboard. "Everyone do their homework?" Scott asked pulling out a map of the area. His team nodded. "Ok. Let's recap. Our target is Ichiro Akihiko, high level member of the Red Nishin Yakuza. He's in possession of some dangerous secrets that will be in the hands of the MJB unless we intervene. From the intel we got, it could very well be dirty bomb material. We're going to go in covertly. We will operate in the Ginza district. No engaging until we are inside the target building. Silencers only. Diaz, there's a building here that will offer you a line of fire. Bonifacio, you'll take a building on the other side, provide additional cover. The rest of us will separate into two squads. I got Alpha, Ferguson's running Bravo. We clear the area and when we find the Yakuza, we eliminate them. Clear?"

"Yes sir."

"An questions?" Scott asked. No one answered.

"Good." Scott said grinning. "Ferguson, time for you and your boys to prove you're Ghost material. This is one of many missions in the field." The plan was a few other Blackhawks would fly, giving the impression of simple patrols, while theirs would slip away briefly to reach a piece of the coast until they could deploy.

"I shot the Sheriff. But I didn't shoot the Deputy. Noooo, no, no." Ramirez nodded off to sleep as Ferguson sang to himself. Nolan and Kozak engaged in Rock-Paper-Scissors. 30K and Pepper were chatting, while Diaz was scrolling through the pad she was given. Scott watched the sea go by from his seat in the chopper contemplating the mission. They weren't going to some shitty slum area in South America or a warlord-owned shanty in Africa or a forested region of Eastern Europe. Or the empty abandoned cities they've encountered. They were going to a live, bustling city where the people would undoubtedly notice suspicious activity. It's happened before, sure. But not as often.

'We've gone through worse before. Just take it carefully.' He thought with an assured smile. Shore was in sight as the chopper began it's 'patrol.' Only a few JMSDF vessels around, two patrol vessels and a frigate. The beach was white sand beautiful and the sea was crystal clear. The sky with just the right amount of clouds to give it that look for a vacation brochure. "Looks like a picture straight from an anime." Nolan said.

"You'd be the first to know huh?" Ramirez joked.

"Oh really? I'm not the one with a manga book under my bunk." Nolan shot back.

"AW Nolan!" Ramirez whined.

"He he he. Amerikano-meksikanskaya v yaponskikh komiksov. What a concept." Kozak replied. 'Mexican-American into Japanese comics.'

Mitchell's HUD went up and ready, with an incoming video message being brought to his attention in the upper right. "Mitchell, got you on satellite. Looks like you made it. Now comes the part of getting in the city." The briefing came as the Ghosts stepped off of the chopper and ran into the forest as quickly as possible. The General's face was replaced by a map overlay of Tokyo, with the region the Ghosts were at in view. "We have a contact waiting for you here. He'll get you into the city undetected." Mitchell became a bit suspicious. Not because of the sudden news, but because of the contact.

"Can he be trusted?" Asked Mitchell.

"Don't worry. He may be Japanese, but his father was a US soldier among those to leave after the military isolationism began. Trust me, he won't turn you in. Kid's name is Nagisa Watson."

"Copy command. Let's move Ghosts." Scott said checking his weapon one last time. The MR-C. Modular Rifle-Caseless. The weapon was made particularly with the Integrated Warfighter System in mind, combining advanced weapon systems, satellite based comm arrays and specifically built equipment. The MR-C is a prime example of such tech.. A bullpup design using caseless ammo and an all sides rail system. The magazine carrying 50 rounds, standard, at 900 rpm. By now the design was nearly a decade old and found itself into the hands of the average groundpounder in the US Army, but Mitchell often stuck with it, finding the ammunition capacity comforting. Other Ghosts such as Cedric or Kozak, opting for either a 417 or an ACR. Anyone could use virtually whatever in the Ghosts, perk of being the best.

A funny story was Kozak had an old AK with him that he used in Venezuela. Though perhaps old wasn't the right word. It was not a newer model or a later made creation, it was a gun from the literal year. An old gun from the release date added to over time, he told them. A rather unusual choice. Probably his Russian blood. He was after all, a Russian-American. And being a Ghost he could basically use whatever gear he wanted. Turns out his father gave it to him, just like his father before that. For this particular instance he had an ACR, if for no other reason than this was one of the days he decided to leave it at home. Diaz and Pepper both utilized M110 rifles.

The team moved into the forest, careful to move slow and close. Chances of running into SDF soldiers was minimal, but you could never be too sure. This wasn't a third-world country who's lookouts consisted of a guerrilla force or a South American jungle patrolled by drug running sicarios. This was a modern nation with a well armed, well trained, and well advanced military. Said nation being an ally. No mess ups whatsoever. NONE. Mitchell's mind played out what would happen if they were found. Bad or not, their advantage would have to be the SDF's lack of experience. Something they would no doubt be unable to prove lest an incident gets even more volatile. The Japanese military hasn't sent a single soldier out of its borders since its decision in 2011. China was the only real concern in that sense, as North Korea was no longer pursuing a "self-sufficient" nation under their government, and was slowly opening up to it's southern cousin. Russia has pursued a more conciliatory approach with the country.

So in simple terms, they were practically in 'enemy' territory. If caught, they'd be without a place to flee if extract couldn't reach them. The Ghosts kept moving until they found a truck with canvas coverings. The contact was there. Leaning against the back with his arms folded all tough guy like, a cigarette in his mouth. Clearly delinquet material. He took notice of the soldiers approaching, immediately putting his hands up seeing the guns. "You the Yankees?" He asked, sounding more American than Japanese.

"That's right. You Nagisa?" Asked Scott.

"Yep. That's right. Here to get you in the city. We gotta go now though, I'm paranoid. Police can be pretty nosey around these parts." Nagisa said pointing to the truck before embarking into the cab, the Ghosts following by climbing into the tarped rear, disguised as a fish delivery truck. "Nice to see you Americans, believe it or not. Stinking Japs can't tell the difference between friend and foe nowadays." Nagisa said.

"Ain't that kinda like insulting yourself?" Asked 30K.

"No way. My father is an American soldier. My mother is Japanese and waits for a chance to move to him. I'm as American as you guys." Nagisa replied.

"Thanks for doing this son," Ferguson said approaching, "this is the kinda shit that gets you locked up."

"Only if I'm caught." Nagisa replied smugly. "Besides, not like they'll have proof. This is the kinda stuff that gets denied everyday. Those games and comics aren't entirely made-up when you boil them down to the base elements."

A turn of the key later, and the truck purred to life. The machine moved along the dirt road and onto a street, heading for the great city that was Tokyo. Scott opened the slide-window, allowing him to speak to Nagisa. "If you don't mind me asking, what branch is your father in?" He asked.

"Army. Great guy. His name is Walter. Been here for a few years until the isolation began. Our government in their infinite wisdom decided not to send the families with them. God knows why."

"Walter? Walter Watson? As in Lance Corporal Walter Watson?" Scott asked, recognizing the name.

"Hai. You know him?" Nagisa asked, momentarily looking at Scott.

"I do! We're stationed at the same fort. I made him a chair." Scott replied. Nagisa's eyes went wide.

"You KNOW HIM?! How's he doing?!"

"He's doing a-ok kid. He's constantly talking about you and your mother. But every time I inquired about it, he'd change the subject. He obviously misses you." Mitchell answered.

Nagisa showed signs of tears, while keeping his course forward. "Thank God he's ok." With the time that has passed, he already entered the city and was heading towards the location.

The sidewalks and buildings coming into view with people all over the place. Weird conspiracy theories or not, if someone saw them, it would be over. Mitchell was here once, but it was in Yokota, not Tokyo. After that, he was transferred. He didn't have much time here. It felt a little bit unnatural being deployed in one of the most advanced and important cities in the world, not to mention one of the most populated, but he pushed the thought out of his mind. "How much longer?" Scott asked Nagisa. The kid chuckled.

"With this traffic? About an hour." The Ghosts were unresponsive, but it was evident that they were a tad bit annoyed. "I ain't enjoying it that much either. I'm skipping school though, they think I'm sick. Heh, it works every time."

"Anyone up for Rock-Paper-Scissors?" Kozak asked. Four hands went up.

"Ok, last minute recap. The target building is a 6 story structure. The target is believed to be somewhere on the lower half, some guards here and there. Here's how we'll do it. I'll run Alpha team with Nolan and Ramirez. Cedric, you'll run Bravo with Kozak and 30K. Pepper, Diaz, you have your positions on the rooftops. Stay undetected and move fast. Any last minute questions?"

"Sir," Cedric began, "what's our strategy for extract?"

"I'm your strategy." Nagisa piped. "I'll wait for you as long as it takes. I ain't got nowhere to be. When you're done, climb back in and I'll get you out of the city. Your superiors will get in touch with me by then and I'll know where to go from there, right back to where I picked you up. Trust me, Yankee. I'm on your side."

10:55 A.M.

The truck arrived after an hour of traffic, crowds, and Kozak kicking everyone's ass in RPS. The vehicle backed into an alleyway without incident, allowing the Ghosts to disembark unnoticed. Pepper and Diaz stayed in the back to get to their own respective positions.

"Good luck Yankees. I'll sit here until you're done." Nagisa said.

"Thanks Nagisa. Ok. Alpha moves into the left side, Bravo through the right. Silencers maintained. We can't afford to spook them." The building was a generic structure with no outstanding features. Perfect for shady business deals.

"Deploying drone." Kozak said. The drone in question being a quad-rotor device capable of transforming into a four wheeled rc with basic cloaking capabilities. The drone soared up to the fifth floor, and found a collection of men there. "Got positive ID on Akihiko. Flashy SOB."

"Stack up Ghosts." Scott ordered. Alpha went to one door, Bravo took the other. "Get a sensor in there." Scott opened the door, and the device was tossed in there. Three contacts on their level. Others spread through the structure in the given radius. All with submachine guns.

"Take em down, quick and clean. On my go. One, two, three." The door was opened and three bursts took them down. No real contest pitting soldiers against men in fancy suits. Alpha moved forward and monitored their surroundings.

"Bravo is in the structure. No contacts."

"Roger Bravo, Alpha took down three contacts. Move forward and eliminate any hostiles encountered. No prisoners, no survivors. This is too sensitive to let out on the streets." Mitchell said.

"Kozak, check those corners. Don't let them jump you." Cedric said.

"Who? Me? With this magnetic vision, it's almost impossible." Kozak said. This revolutionary set of vision allows any metallic objects in the vicinity to stand out. Mines, guns being held, caches. You name it. "Got some guy taking a stroll. He's got some nice shoes."

"Your call, Kozak." Kozak waited for the Yakuza to pass before making a move. He moved, grabbed the man's head, and snapped the neck.

"Sayonara svoloch. By the way, those shoes are shit." Bravo advanced. Hiding the body while moving ahead.

"Diaz here. In position. No problems so far, Pepper you in the AO?" The sniper's voice cracked through the radio, and relief fell on the Ghosts. Even if they couldn't help. But they could hit Akihiko if things went bad.

"Roger that tomboy. Hey… that should be her new codename." The male sniper laughed.

"Call me that and I'll kick your ass." Diaz threatened.

Pepper just laughed harder. "Sorry Tomboy, but this isn't an anime." Ramirez chuckled at the remark.

The truth was that Diaz was for the most part, a tomboy. She grew up that way. Lead her to her Army service. "I vote for the codename." Nolan said.

"Then you'll be Geek while I'll be Funny Man." Ramirez said.

"More like Wannabe Joker." Scott said. More laughter followed. "Now, stay focused. We gotta get the objective."

"I have eyes on the target. He's on the phone. He looks upset, like he's in an argument. I think his boss may not like what's going on." Diaz commented.

"Or the buyer wants to renegotiate." Pepper added.

"That reminds me. Anyone have a guess as to where they got these plans? You don't find dirty bomb schematics just layin around." 30K asked, rounding a corner and knifing another Yakuza.

"It doesn't matter right now, that's for intel to figure out. Focus on what we can control" Cedric said. One shot a moment after the knife was used and another rounding the corner was killed, preventing an alarm from being sounded.

"Yeah no doubt. Look, we do the groundwork and the higher ups do the rest. But I'd still feel better if I had some kinda idea of what's happening." 30K said.

"He's got a point guys." Nolan said.

"Easy. We know it's bad, but that's all we need to really know. And all we really DO know. Leave the other details to intelligence. They don't know much more than we do at this point." Said Scott. Mitchell moved and plunged a knife into the heart of another Yakuza. The movies overdramatized the effects of knifes. It took a little time for someone to die from knifes. Quick, but it took time regardless.

"Tomboy. It's Pepper, you got eyes on the rooftop boys?" Diaz looked through the scope of her rifle, and spotted several Yakuza with rifles. They'd be real trouble if things got hot.

"Think you can take yours out faster?" Asked Diaz, a challenging tone in her voice.

"Hah. I can take your challenge. Let's do it." Pepper said.

Both fired, two Yakuza fell, one of their compatriots saw it before being shot from Pepper's side. Diaz shot another, sending a fourth Yakuza down hard. Two more were lined up, and a single shot took them down. "Beat it, Diaz." She responded by taking three shots in quick succession. Pepper was quick and shot the last one before Diaz could react.

"Five." Both said. Realizing it was a tie. They groaned.

"Not bad, Pepper. Not bad."

"Thanks. I guess that means the first rounds on you?" Pepper asked.

"It's the man's job to buy a drink." Diaz said.

"But you're the senior here."

"Then I order you to buy the drink."

"That's not fair."

"Life's no-"

"You two gonna marry yet or what?" Mitchell's tone killed the conversation. Alpha moved through their route and taking the stairs. Two floors were unoccupied. The fourth had more Yakuza. Most were concentrated in one room. "Got several in a room up ahead. Stack up to breach." Scott ordered. Himself on the right of the door, Nolan on the left. Ramirez ready to kick.

"Bravo, we're breaching, can you provide support?" Scott asked.

"Already there sir. We can see you on the other side of the room." Cedric said. Magnet vision proved it. Cedric was over by the door, ready to breach. He gave a wave to indicate he was ready.

"Ok. Ready to breach. We're smoking the room." Nolan and Ramirez each took a smoke grenade. Scott counted down, the doors slightly opened, and the smoke was unleashed. The Yakuza almost reacted immediately.

"Nan za-?" The Ghosts charged in and opened fire. The Yakuza were no match for the sudden entrance and were cut down by the barrage of subsonic ammunition. No one uttered a sound. The Ghosts scanned the room, searching for more threats. Found none. And made their way to the next staircase.

"Diaz. Pepper. Got visual contact with the target?" Scott asked.

"Diaz here. Got good contact."

"Pepper, that's a negative. No ID whatsoever. I'll keep an eye out for any reinforcements."

"Solid copy. Let's go. We're almost done with the mission." Scott said.

"So far we're doing very well. I expected a drawback or two." Nolan piped.

Pepper chuckled. "You know, I have some words of wisdom on that."

"What would they be?" Diaz asked sarcastically.

"You know, that moment just before you take the shot. When it's all lined up and perfect. When you know everybody did their part just right, and you own the battlefield. Then you pull the trigger, and it all goes to hell anyway."

There was a pause from the crew. "You know… that actually makes sense." Diaz responded.

"Thanks Tomboy." Pepper responded slyly.

"Don't push it." She responded kindly.

The Ghosts were finally at the door. Bunch of Yakuza with the boss in there. "Command, this is Ghost Lead. We're about to take down the target." Scott said.

"Good work Mitchell. Remember, after you take them down, find the intel, and make sure you bring it all with you. Schematics, maps, names, EVERYTHING. Intelligence dug up more on the subject. It is INDEED dirty bomb schematics." Keating said.

"How the fuck do Yakuza get their hands on dirty bomb stuff?" 30K asked.

"Probably came across it in passing or through opportunity. Only answer I can think of is profit. Criminals are in it for money, no matter how they paint their image. Probably got it for safekeeping until the Brotherhood decided to buy it." Kozak answered.

"And it sounds like there's a complication. I hear Akihiko talking on the phone." Ramirez said.

"Wait. Let's hear him out. See if he drops any names." Said Cedric.

Akihiko was talking, and he didn't sound happy. "What's he saying?" Asked Scott.

"Here we go." Nolan said, pulling translation from his wrist pad.

"- I understand you're upset, but you need to understand what we're going through… NO! We are NOT renegotiating. As far as I know, we have police here. My men from the lower floors and on the rooftop haven't responded… No I cannot move. It's dangerous enough as it is… DON'T THREATEN ME! Do you know who I am?!... Oh, oh I'm so scared, I hope Allah doesn't get me!... Oh, oh fine! I guess the Malaysian Jihad Brotherhood will have to find someone else to get a weapon from!"

He finished by yelling 'Baka' into the phone, then hanging up and telling the others to pack up.

"Diaz. Take the shot. Get ready Ghosts."

Diaz focused on the head Yakuza. The world slowed and her heart beat at a slow pace. The trigger was pulled, and the sound of thunder took hold as the window cracked and Akihiko was hit. He slumped and fell. Blood pooling at his head.

The door burst open as the Ghosts opened fire upon the now reacting Yakuza. Alas they were still too slow to even lift their weapons. They fell like rocks. The Ghosts scanned the room while Kozak ran to the desk where a laptop sat, the details on what they were pawning there to see. "Good shot, Diaz. He's down." Scott said, staring at Akihiko's lifeless corpse.

"Thanks sir."

"Command. This is Ghost Lead, objective complete. The Yakuza are dead, including Akihiko, and the intel is secured." Scott said.

"Outstanding Mitchell. In and out quickly. Now get to the extraction point. Now get to Nagisa's truck, he's going to take you back to where you inserted into Japan, a Blackhawk will pick you up and bring you back to the carrier. That's one crisis averted and another slap in the MJB's face. It's gonna be a while until they can come back from this." Keating said with a smile.

"Understood. We're heading for extraction now." Scott rallied the team, Diaz and Pepper moving to rendezvous with them. When he got back, Mitchell would start on another chair, or maybe a dresser. He certainly had time now that terror and other problems were mostly gone. "One of the less eventful moments of my career. And to be honest I prefer it that way all things considered."

"Amen to that." Cedric muttered.

"Jesus," Kozak breathed, "This is, hey sir. Remember that tsunami that hit Japan back in 2011? The one that caused their reactors to go crazy?"

"The Fukushima reactors? What about it?" Kozak showed the laptop to Mitchell plain to see. There wasn't just a plan for a dirty bomb, not entirely. In fact it wasn't just explosive device at all. It was schematics along with the location of a single container of water, no bigger than a typical coffee mug. "What am I looking at?"

"Irradiated water. Some fuck got some water from that ordeal. Meaning they got both the bomb AND the payload in this deal."

That opened up the questions as 30K began questioning. "Hold on, doesn't irradiated water like dissipate after a while?"

"Depends," Nolan began, "if its Iodine-131 it'd be useless a mere eight days after contamination. If its Celsium-137 it's around 30 years unless it's in the ocean."

"Wouldn't the guy who held onto this be... you know, dead?" 30K continued. Nolan again explaining.

"Likely. Radiation doesn't kill outright unless the exposure is direct and close to ground zero. Continual exposure as we're thinking would eat away at you slowly, sooner or later though you'll keel over dead."

"Look," Mitchell began, "whether it's a threat or not is moot, these guys were planning a major sale and the MJB likely had a big plan. Another Slipstone incident for all we know." Shudders were felt by some hearing the name of the abandoned town in New Mexico, and it would be that way for centuries. Before they departed Mitchell ordered them to look around the office one last time. making sure they had everything. It paid to be sure, especially with something like this. In time, they surmised everything was accounted for and prepared to leave. Mitchell was about to call for the exfil process when Pepper's voice broke into the comms.

"Uuhhhhhh Ghost Lead, it's Pepper, I got my eyes on something." He sounded uneasy, and confused.

"Report, Pepper?"

"Ummm. Well… you gotta see it to believe it. Outside the window where Akihiko was?" Pepper replied.

"I'm seeing it too sir. UN-BELIEVABLE." Diaz said

The Ghosts went back to the fourth floor, finding a window to get a look. A four way intersection ahead of them was full of people crowding the area, surrounding something that definitely didn't belong there. At first, they thought it was just their minds playing tricks on them. But as it turned out, it was indeed real. As strange as it was, it was real. A structure of marble, with a black abysmal entrance that seemed to lead into a dark void of emptiness sitting right there in the middle of the intersection. But what caught them off guard was what was in front of it, a large collection of… "Am I seeing things? What... what the-" Scott asked himself. There was a large collection of what is best described as Roman soldiers. They had the shield shape right, and the armor while appearing more as plate armor from the medieval times bore style and imagery that screamed Latin with tunics of purple, and the shoulders had the pieces one would see on the famed lorica segmentata along with greaves and wrist guards. The men were a few armor parts short of being fully covered. The soldiers were arranged with their shields in front and spears pointed ahead from behind said shield, gladii sheathed at the sides, in a semi-circular formation around the gate. There were others in their armor, with crossbows at the ready.

Among them were other soldiers dressed in white tunics and some that simply didn't wear identifiable clothes. But they didn't look… well, Human.

"I don't think so." Replied 30K.

"They look like Romans… kinda." Kozak commented.

"That flag is NOT Rome. And I studied them for a while." Nolan said. The flag was purple, with a dragon creature in the middle in front of two crossed spears.

"I'm seeing the white tunic soldiers. Elves, Dwarves, shit, are those Fauns?" Diaz asked.

"This is some Lord of the Rings shit." Cedric said. "Probably just a shitload of cosplayers. Japan does-"

"There are dragons flying around here. FUCKING DRAGONS!" Pepper said, his comment was backed by the sound of screeching from above, and sure enough. There the creatures were, of varying colors of red, white, and green. Some perched on rooftops, others circling the sky

"How the hell is this happening?! What is this?!"

"This has to be a movie. Right? I mean Japan is always coming up with some cool shit, so it's no surprise that this would be." Nolan did have a point. Japan's robotics department, and special effects were major industries at the top of their peak. So if this was some movie, than it would be one hell of a good one... visually speaking anyway.

"Sir, that thing just appeared out of nowhere. It's why I said I didn't see Nagisa. I thought I was losing my mind." Pepper explained.

"Pepper! The hell are you thinking?!" Cedric yelled. Mitchell waved a hand to silence the Lt, he decided to check in with command first. Surely they'd know what was going on.

"Pepper's right. And I'm not seeing any cameras or directors or anything." Diaz followed.

"Command… this is Ghost Lead… are- you seeing this?" Scott asked, slowly and unsure.

"I am Mitchell. But I'm not believing it. There is no way the satellite is malfunctioning. We're getting intelligence on what's happening." Keating said. Scott could imagine the confusion and disarray this would cause the personnel in Keating's command area as they race left and right to figure out what the hell was going on. If this wasn't a movie screening... Scott's mind already filled with the fallout this would bring. Science, history, religion… it was all terrifying.

"Ghost Lead, get out of there before something happens." Keating ordered.

"Sir. Come on, Ghosts. Kozak, get your drone. Keep an eye on that situation out there." Almost immediately they began descending the stairs. "Nagisa, you there?"

"What's up Yankee man?" Came the young man's voice.

"You see what's going on out there in the streets?"

"Yeah... I don't know what to think though. I know that if it's a movie we got some awesome marketing here, that's for sure." Came the kid's reply. "But I dunno... didn't see any advertisements or anything."

"Just keep your distance. We're on our way back." Mitchell ordered. Continuing downstairs and making way past the dead bodies of the Yakuza, the Ghosts made way to exit the building. No sooner did they reach the second floor did an update come to them from Nagisa.

"Hey, Yankee man. Something's goin on out here! I dunno, can't see but-"

"I got it." Kozak responded, the drone's video feed coming through the CROSS-COM. The large force of soldiers had grown with additional forces, including what was assumed to be lead elements.

A distinct armored figure flanked by two similarly dressed men on horseback let out what was speculated to be a shout, police officers near him and as if a tussle was beginning. His armor was far more likened to that of plate armor one would see on high ranking knights or even kings. A deep velvet with dark gold outlines and detail with short blonde hair organized into a sharp style.

Two police officers were coming close and speaking, as though they also thought it was a big spectacle. The words the man was shouting most certainly weren't Japanese, and on closer inspection neither was his ethnicity. In fact, none of the men the Ghosts could see fit the Asian demographic. When the officers tried reaching out for him, clearly reaching no the limit of patience and expectant compliance, the velvet armored man unsheathed a sword and swung at one with angry words, nearly taking his head off. The chain reaction began. The other officer took out his sidearm and fired, hitting the horse and causing it to fall over. One of the attendant men took out his own blade and strode forward on his own horse, lopping the offending officer's head off. Before the other could act, a crossbow bolt impacted his chest, causing him to fall over hard. This was followed by a soldier by the gate blowing into a horn, to which the creatures that had nothing to properly identify them roared, while the armored and clothed soldiers readied shields and weapons. The elves in the company readied bows, and let them fly.

"JESUS CHRIST! They're attacking the civilians!" Ramirez cried out.

"Get going, soldiers!"

"That doesn't look like fake blood sir. I've seen blood enough times to know real from fake." Nolan said, concerned.

"Mitchell, this is NOT a movie." Keating's voice said with dangerous concern. "Our techs confirm this thing appeared out of nowhere and that these things are actually attacking. This is real, son. And it's already making its way to the news."

"Oh god. Sir, w-we gotta do something!" Kozak said. Scott looked to the subordinate, then back to the rampage outside. More and more forces poured through a seemingly endless advance of might and fantasy. Scott at this time, made a decision. As politically dangerous as it was, he made a bold request.

"Command. This is Ghost Lead, requesting permission to engage the unknown forces." Scott said.

"Permission denied, Scott. We cannot afford to have your presence discovered within Japan's borders." Keating answered.

"They're killing civilians sir!" Scott yelled.

"And if Japan's government discovers you're there, relations with the nation will deteriorate from the bad PR the States will get, and no one knows how in the hell that will end!" Keating answered.

"Keating! You know as well as I do that nothing can stop me from helping! We can do it discreetly-"

"Son. There's bound to be serious political fallout from this. If you get spotted-"

Scott took a moment to breath, and contemplate the situation. "We both know the nearest JSDF garrison is far from here. If we wait or just leave it for them to deal with, the police will be slaughtered and the civilians massacred. Isn't it at least worth a small act?" Scott reasoned.

Keating put a hand to his head and sighed in frustration. He thought about it. And knew no matter how he looked at it, people would die if nothing was done. What to do? Risk an international incident to save lives? Or allow more people to die as opposed to the Ghosts involvement to prevent a major political scandal?

He let out a loud sigh, before answering with, "… the consequences are yours to bear son. I won't be able to keep you safe." Said Keating, finally giving in.

"Remember who you're talking to." Scott said.

Mitchell slapped a new clip into his weapon and bolted the chamber.

"GHOSTS! MOVE OUT! The Ghosts ran down the stairs to the ground floor, not even daring to slow down. As soon as they saw the door, 30K took the initiative and grabbed the front spot, ramming into the door and forcing it open. The time for subtlety was over, time for a firefight.

"SCATTER! WATCH THE CIVILIANS!" Scott screamed. Time for a change in tactics, from the stealth aspect to the lesser utilized firefight skills. It wasn't the first time the Ghosts were forced into the open like this, nor the first time they fought with civilians crowding around. It was, however the first to be so sudden in a 1st world nation. Civilians flowed like a tidal wave from the carnage with Diaz and Pepper providing their signature overwatch. While the other Ghosts took up positions of attack. Their HUDs were aglow with red diamonds indicating hostiles. Said forces moving forward shields raised with horses in the lead. Scott aimed and shot the lead horseman in the chest. The soldier fell from his steed, bleeding as he impacted with the ground. As one would expect, the armor did little to defend against modern weaponry.

"Short controlled bursts!" He shouted.

"MOVE! MOVE!" Nolan shouted as he and Ramirez urged the civilians to run. Another burst sent a horse tumbling to the ground. An arrow whizzed past Ramirez's head.

"FUCK!" He shot in the direction it came from, and got to one knee to improve accuracy.

"Command, we've made contact! ETA on SDF arrival." Scott requested.

"Best we can guess is anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour Scott. Maybe more. Activity suggests they're beginning to bug out. Choppers, APCs, the like."

"Copy! Ghost Lead out. With the civilians getting further from combat, and the enemy charging, the Ghosts made it a priority to fall back while holding off the enemy. Another burst from Mitchell's MR-C sent a soldier down.

"At least they ain't bulletproof!" 30K said, pounding away on his Stoner. The soldiers fell in the storm of bullets, their armor providing little protection while shields were easily dealt with too.

Suddenly, from the formation came an individual in robes, unarmed. But before any action could be taken, he rose his hands that began to glow with a pinkish aura, then putting them in front of him as if bracing for something heading right for him. A large translucent barrier of pink formed in front of him, and all the bullets that the Ghosts fired were stopped, falling to the ground after impact like they hit Superman.

"You were saying?" Nolan asked.

"Holy SHIT is that what I think it is?!" 30K stuttered out fumbling with his magazine.

"We aren't even causing a dent, bullets aren't enough!" Ramirez cried.

The formation advanced with the mage, to best describe him, unhindered by the modern firepower that pounded their barrier. The Ghosts knew it wasn't a sound idea to stick around began to fall back. "GRENADE!" Cedric shouted, tossing a frag as hard as he could behind the barrier. One soldier turned and looked in confusion at the small round object. Only for it to explode in a blast of shrapnel and bits. Some were sent flying from the impact, some limbs torn off. Despite this, they continued to advance with the barrier up, swords ready.

"Uuuhhh. Let's get out of here!" 30K slipped a new mag in while the Ghosts slowly went backwards, firing to keep the soldiers from running towards them. The sound of screeching tires reached their ears, and they saw a truck come drifting from an alleyway. It was Nagisa.

"GET IN YANKEES! COME ON!" In the back was Pepper and Diaz, along with a group of civilians that decided to climb inside. The Ghosts piled in while throwing one grenade each to slow down the enemy. The fantasy forces charged at last, tossing javelins, and Scott was the last to enter.

"GO GO GO!" He managed to avoid the javelins. Mostly. One nearly cut into his arm as it landed into the truck causing him to shout in pain. Turning, he fired a burst into a horse rider about to strike. The tires squealed on the pavement and the truck took off, Mitchell only getting a glace at the corpse of the horse, realizing it was no horse but rather a horse with the upper half of a human... a goddamn centaur! The streets were now filling with bodies and forces running about, beginning the process of causing mayhem and chaos. The truck's radio was going on and on about the situation. News travels fast in places like Tokyo. It was a matter of how long it would take for the SDF to arrive. Soon hopefully. From what Scott could tell, there were over 500 foot mobiles coming out of that Gate as the fighting began and the initial attackers formed up. Probably more. They only had enough ammo for one little infil op. Nowhere near enough for a stand up fight.

"Where the hell are we going?!" Kozak asked.

"The Imperial Palace. It's where everyone's heading right now!" Nagisa shouted back as he maneuvered through the streets. If anything could stop these forces, the Palace walls could. It was built for such an event back then, though if Mitchell remembers correctly but it never had the chance to prove itself. Well, it will now. Who would've thought? Walls, a moat, and several gates to hold them back. A hail arrows caught the truck as it ran, tearing into the canvas and causing the riders to duck and hope they wouldn't become a pincushion. Two grazed Scott's arm. More scars to add to his collection. Not that he wanted them.

"What the fuck is this?! What the fuck is going on?!" Ramirez muttered, the situation throwing him off. As with all other Ghosts in the team. This 'gate' unleashed this 'Roman' army with medieval characteristics with monsters like ogres, goblins, dragons, and God knows what else, and suddenly attacks the city. All because a couple of officers got too close, not the first time something so small caused a conflict to erupt. Scott swore he was dreaming, he couldn't believe what was happening. He closed his eyes tightly, hoping he'd wake up in his bed back in Bragg, the chair yet to be given to the soldier who requested it. He would get up and train the new recruits and the years would play out as they fought the MJB.

He opened his eyes, and he was still in the truck. He shook his head realizing it was all real. "Mitchell! Mitchell! Captain, come in!"

"Command, this is Ghost Lead. I'm here." It was safe to speak with the civilians here. They didn't know English anyway. "What is it?"

"Mitchell, only half an hour into this disaster and the entire goddamn world is reacting." The HUD displayed a slowly forming ring around Japan with multiple colors. Red, blue, and green being prominent. "President Caldwell has ordered a joint blockade of Japan in cooperation with China and the Russian ships in the area, they're expected to arrive in the next few minutes. South Korea and other navies are responding. The situation's deteriorating fast. If this isn't contained by the JSDF, we could very well be looking at an invasion of Japan."

Scott did not like the sound of that. "Well, there's our political shitstorm." Nolan dryly joked.

That just brought up another question. What if more gates appeared? Anywhere at any time? A tactical nightmare straight out of a scifi movie! And then take the fact that there's absolutely no intel on the strength of the enemy forces. Or their capabilities beyond seemingly Roman tactics and magic. Taking this into consideration, it was no surprise that an invasion would be justified. Fear of the unknown. And right now everyone is stumbling in the dark.

"We're heading to the Imperial Palace with the contact and civilians. We'll regroup and form a plan from there." Mitchell said.

"Careful son. The Japanese are obviously threatened right now. The fact that you're here is sure to add fuel to the fire." Keating warned.

"Understood sir."

"Yes...? Ok…" Keating was speaking with someone in the background. "Ok. I'll tell him. Scott, we just got some new intel. Looks like you're not the only deniable asset there."

"Sir?" Asked a confused Scott.

"We've gotten reports that a Rainbow team is also operating in the area. Looks like they had an HVT of their own. If you can find them. You may be able to hold off… whatever the hell this enemy is." Keating answered.

"Copy. Ghost Lead out." Rainbow? The Counter-Terrorism group? Here? Coincidence? It wouldn't be the first time they worked together since Bolivia, and that was a surprise in and of itself learning such a force existed. Let alone Mitchell knew one personally since that time. Not the time to ponder, this enemy was advancing already, the sky was being filled with dragons right now. Spewing fire, ice and some kind of gust.

"Hey! There are more civilians up ahead!" Nagisa said.

"Stop and let them on!" Scott ordered. The truck came to a squealing halt as the Ghosts piled out and set up a perimeter. A single policeman with two women. His partner was on the ground, arrow in his head. The officer, face full of fear, fired his pistol at an airborne dragon and hit the rider, who fell from his mount and onto the ground.

"He-hey nice shot." Ramirez said, giving the officer a thumbs up. The shaking law enforcer said nothing, shell-shock on his face.

"Get on the truck. Get on the truck!" Scott ordered. He heard a yell and turned. Despite the shot and fall, the rider survived, and was running for the officer. He pulled out a knife and was about to lunge. Scott was about to open fire when from out of nowhere, someone else joined the fray. Another civilian in an orange shirt. "Check fire! Check fire!" Scott ordered, beckoning for the soldiers to stop. The civilian held an arm under the rider's chin, obviously having some kind of training. Before plunging the rider's knife into his neck. The rider slumped.

"Daijōbudesu ka?" The civilian asked. Receiving shocked stares. The civilian turned his sight to the Ghosts, leading to his own expression becoming one of shock. "Nantekotta i?"

"The fuck you standing around for civies? Get on the truck!" 30K yelled.

"GET ON THE TRUCK!" Kozak repeated slamming a hand on the bed door. The officer and three civilians snapped from their shock and climbed aboard. Just in time to avoid the next incoming wave. Arrows fell like lightning as horses charged after them.

…

There were hundreds if not thousands of people around the primarily outside the East Gardens. All trying to get into the palace.

Those panicking and screaming. Others plain silent with disbelief. Children crying for their parents. Other adults searching for loved ones. The truck pulled in and offloaded the cargo. "Move move move!" Scott ordered. The Ghosts instantly drew attention as they scattered.

"Amerikahito?" A civilian asked. The flag on the shoulders being all too telling. "Nantekotta i...?" Murmurs rose from the crowd as the civilians took notice of the foreign soldiers. Obviously concerned with Japan's military isolation. That and US soldiers just here out of nowhere... you learn to add the numbers.

"Check the perimeter for hostiles." Scott ordered. The Ghosts dispersed, checking the perimeter. The civilian from before was heading towards a security kiosk and was speaking with the officers inside.

"Ghosts!" That was an American accent. Scott turned to find six other soldier types like him. They wore light blue uniforms with black-grey body armor and helmets. They were Rainbow operatives. Scott spotted the leading operative and immediately recognized the face.

"Bishop?" He asked jogging over.

"How do you know my name? Wait? Scott?"

Scott pulled the balaclava with the jaw of the Ghost skull down, revealing his face. "Small world, huh Rainbow?" He joked. Bishop weakly smiled. "The hell are you doing here?" Scott asked

"Since everything's going to shit... we were sent to find and eliminate a member of the MJB. Must've been here to buy your dirty bomb stuff. We were about to call for evac when these dungeons and dragons guys showed up." Bishop explained.

"We were sent to eliminate a Yakuza who just so happened to have dirty bomb stuff." Scott said. A confused grin came upon Bishop's face.

"Coincidence?" He asked.

"Who knows?" The gate to the Palace opened and the civilians poured in.

"So. You have a plan, or should I think of one?" Bishop asked.

"We go with the civilians and hold that gate until reinforcements arrive. Then we worry about the political fallout." That was sure to get some debates going.

"Patching you into our comms." Said one of Bishop's men.

"Bishop." A voice said in the radio.

"D. I hope you're still aware of what's going on." Bishop said.

"I am. I see the Ghosts have joined us. Small world." The speaker replied.

"Lieutenant Colonel, the man speaking is the Director, or as we like to call him, 'Six.'" Bishop explained.

His own image appeared in the CROSS-COM next. "We're as concerned with this as you are Ghosts, so let's not waste time and get to business."

"Sorry to interrupt Mr. Six," Keating said butting in, "But we just got an update from the fleet. The Abraham Lincoln has recently deployed a HAWX flight to intercept the growing air threat over Tokyo. JSDAF fighters are still scrambling to get here."

"HAWX," Scott began, remembering the name. "Haven't seen them since the Artemis invasion. Is Crenshaw still with them?" He asked.

"He is, alive and kicking. Until they get here, hold your ground. We cannot allow the enemy to overrun the Palace!" Keating responded.

"Well, goodbye isolationism," Six said, "Bishop, assist the Ghosts. Rainbow's priority is the civilians."

"Roger!" Bishop responded. "Michael, go with the Ghost gunner and get to the top of that gate. The rest of you go with them and provide supporting fire."

"Same for you, Ghosts. Get up there!"

A few minutes after the civilians crowded into the Palace, buses with flashing police lights came. SWAT had arrived. The SWAT commander came forward to speak. Mitchell and Bishop took the chance to listen. "Koko de yatte amerikahito wa nanidesu ka?" He asked noticing them.

"Looks like he wants to know our business." Bishop said.

"If anyone speaks Japanese, tell him it doesn't matter. Our concern is the civilians now." Scott said. Immediately, the civilian spoke. With an annoyed expression, the SWAT commander took to his men. "You know English?"

"Yeah." Was the response.

A moment passed. "What's your name son?" Bishop asked. Know who was who in case of emergency.

"Itami Yōji, Second Lieutenant." He replied.

"Lieutenant? You're in the army?" Scott asked.

"Yes." Was the answer. Bishop grinned and pulled the MP5 that was slung around his back, his other weapon being an M8.

"You know how to use one of these?" He asked, tossing the SMG to Yōji. The Japanese man smiled a little.

"I can use it to some extent." He replied.

"Well here, take all the ammo for it I have. Need all the bodies we can get." Bishop said as he handed over every MP5 clip he had. Swat forces began holding up outside the gate, as crazy as it was. Against a force like that, their clubs would virtually be useless unless they used tear gas. Of course they ignored any advice coming from the "gaijin."

"I already know you're Americans but... who exactly are you guys?" He asked. Scott turned and looked at Itami dead in the eye.

"There's enough going on already Itami, don't pull a brain muscle trying to figure us out." Scott said before running to join his soldiers.

SWAT was formed into a defensive line with riot shields up. The enemy was already heading their way. The Ghosts and Rainbow operatives found appropriate places to line up with the police and held fire. Itami came over to join them. "So?" Scott asked.

"Five helis coming from Ichigaya. First Regiment out in Nerima." He responded.

"ETA?" Bishop asked.

"10 minutes." Itami responded. That brought some relief to the force. They just had to hold out long enough for support to get here and this whole mess would turn around. Shortly after, a handful of horsemen came forth from around the corner of the street at Otemachi Station. And shortly after that, a mage with a barrier up came forth, behind him a stream of soldiers followed, slowly fanning out across the other side of the Ote-Bori moat. More mages coming across to cover the additional soldiers.

"Koko de karera ga kimasu!" An officer yelled, the horde approaching.

"WEAPONS FREE!" Scott yelled.

"GO LOUD!" Bishop ordered.

"UTEI!" The SWAT commander yelled. The result was a combined hail of bullets from Ghost, Rainbow, and SWAT. Officers fired tear gas at the enemy, resulting in irritated, disoriented forces either marching or charging from the smoke-filled background across the bridge. Although disoriented, most of the formations still held, an obvious sign of training.

With the amount of firepower presenting itself, the barrier was beginning to show signs of faltering as it faded in and out of reality. "Dammit, I wish Bo Jenkins was here!" Ramirez said.

"Me too, his grenade launcher would've been really handy right now!" Diaz answered. Finally, the barrier came down, the mage retreating into the formation as it marched forward, the following ones gaining speed to keep pace with the lead element.

"FRAGS!" Bishop yelled. The Rainbow operatives each readied a grenade, counted, then threw behind the formation with all their might. The grenades detonated, nearly bringing the force in that section down completely.

In the rear on the other side of the moat, elves that had caught up with the rest of the force approached with their bows. In one clean, efficient action, they all simultaneously grabbed a single arrow and placed it on the string, then at the command, let them fly. Arrows came down from the heavens like rain. "INCOMING!" The SWAT officers held up their shields as the soldiers attempted to hunker behind them.

"AW FUCK!" A Rainbow yelled, an arrow landing in his shoulder. "AH GOD. AHHHHH!" The friendly forces were forced to take cover as much as they could since they had no shields. More of those damned elves out there with bows readying again. More and more arrows falling. It was proving too much at this point and they had to run from the ramparts, the injured operative carried by Scott.

"Nolan! You're up!" Scott ordered. Nolan sprinted to theman, grabbed the operative by the underarms, and dragged him from the area.

"Ok. Shit." Nolan was trained for modern wounds. This arrow wound was a complete enigma to him. All he could recall was the documentaries he saw on YouTube when bored. He just hoped it wasn't something like a broadhead. "Ok… let me see your back." He said.

"Bastards!" Michael yelled.

"Ever think you'd get something like this?" Asked 30K.

"No. It's bloody crazy! Whoever thought that Roman and medieval bunches would decide to show up here and go on a massacre?" The man asked.

"At least they're not bulletproof! Maybe we just need more firepower!" 30K replied. Another operative came to them, G36C in hand.

"You have a howitzer in your pocket?" He yelled, traces of Korean in his voice.

"Nope." 30K answered.

"Bloody fantastic! How 'bout you join us, Jung?" Michael asked.

"No thanks, I'll stick to sniping." Jung replied.

Back outside the gate, the SWAT officers with guns fired whenever they could as those with their shields blocked more arrows until no more came, but by then the enemy was on top of them. In the face of this, there was only one option. "There's too many, get inside the palace!" SWAT began to run inside the gates, those at the direct front though, weren't so lucky. The formations connected, and here the enemy was truly superior. The clubs the officers had were no match for the armor these men wore, while the swords stabbed through their Kevlar vests. The last officer fell with his neck cut open before the gates fully closed moments later. After the final officer entered, the attacking army fell back to put the place to siege. Ladders coming forth.

"Knock the ladders off! They're trying to climb!" Nolan cried, pushing a ladder off when a soldier was at the top. The collective defenders began to get up on the walls and hold off the force. But for each ladder they knocked down, it seemed another took its place. Knocking them off alone was tricky for even though the barriers were gone, javelins and crossbows were utilized throughout the enemy forces.

In time, the hostiles backed away to recuperate their loses.

"Check fire, check fire. We don't have the ammo to keep them away until reinforcements arrive." Mitchell ordered. "Let them lick their wounds." The defenders on the other hand weren't exactly better off. Whatever arrows didn't lodge themselves into the ground had found themselves into the bodies of officers or civilians that didn't get away in time. However Mitchell's thoughts were interrupted nearly immediately by the sound of soft thuds. Said thuds eventually growing louder, closer.

"What the hell is that?"

"Sir, you're gonna wanna see this." Ramirez said up on the walls. Mitchell ascended the stairs. Beyond the hostile forces now reorganizing their numbers there were three large forms coming closer. The Captain instantly recognized what he was looking at. Giants. Giants clad in oversized legion armor, including armor on their arms and legs up to the upper thighs. In their hands were oversized war hammers. And they were making their way straight to the palace gates.

"Ohhhhhhh son of a... where are those reinforcements!?" The moment Mitchell voiced the concern, the giants had made their way to the walls, with one swinging directly on the doors. They bent from the sudden force, clearly they wouldn't last too long. Not to mention the other two were bashing at other gates.

"Are bullets even gonna work against them?!" Ramirez shouted shooting back, though the giant just held a hand up like the rounds were nothing more than flies coming at him. The locals meanwhile seemed to be getting the message of this and began running for the next set of walls, and beyond them was the Imperial Palace Grounds themselves. If that wasn't enough, word quickly came that defenders over at the Kitanomaru Garden were also retreating, while Kokyo-gaien outer gardens were basically un occupied. Now it was just the Imperial Grounds. Worse still, dragons had arrived and some took their time to harass all involved parties as the invading forces began setting up in the fallen areas. WORSE STILL, said forces had brought up siege weapons in the form of catapults and scorpions, both in the small and large variety. The smaller variety usable by a single man firing bolts the size of pool cues, capable of skewering a man, the larger kin firing bolts the size of a truck or tree trunk that could damage buildings.

"How the hell did they make those things so fast?!"

"Shut up and fire!"

"I'm on my last mag!" Yelled Ramirez. "Any longer and we'll have to use our sidearms!"

"Aww hell! DRAGON!" Another operative yelled.

The beast came swooping in for a kill, fire forming at the mouth. NO way their weapons could penetrate its scales. Suddenly, a stream of tracers fell down and tore through it, causing the corpse to impact the ground outside the palace. The sound of jet engines filled the air as three planes showed themselves. F-18s piercing through the air as they hunted more dragons. "The HAWX are here! JSDF isn't far behind! Keep firing!" Scott ordered. They had to, even if their magazines were running out. Planes wouldn't do much against this force.

…

"HAWX flight, scatter."

Colonel Crenshaw banked as another dragon came into view, going into a nose dive straight for the city.

"Jesus Christ. Only a few years after all the shit Japan's been through and then this happens!" Said Talon, one of Crenshaw's wingmen, taking the chase on a dragon.

"Only instead of a PMC, angry Chinese, or rouge SDF forces, we get World of Warcraft!" Casper, the other wingman, responded while shooting down another wyvern.

"HAWX, this is Citadel, I have you on sight and dozens of contacts. Are those seriously dragons?" Came the AWACS support craft. Keeping tabs on developments for airborne forces.

"Yeah they are. You know, I always wanted to shoot down dragons when I was a kid." Casper said.

Crenshaw banked left and braked, the dragon passing by him. He picked up speed and fired the cannon, ripping through the dragon and sending the wyvern down. So far they hadn't tried anything to shoot him down. Guess the enemy didn't understand the concepts of dogfighting. His assumption was shot down as he saw another dragon spew fire at his jet. Going vertical and inverted, he scanned for the target and began the chase. Turning and burning.

It wasn't all peaches and cream though. While certainly faster than the dragons, and the fact that their JStrike missiles could lock onto the dragons. But the creatures were really slippery. Crenshaw and his pilots lost the amount of times they were about to loose their guns or fire a missile only for the beast to make a quick turn and fly under the city skylines. That alone was enough to keep the jets off them, lest more civilians get hurt by wayward munitions. "Look at all that smoke guys! It's like Artemis invaded all over again! It's like a fourth of the damned city's on fire!" Talon said.

"Only this time it's a bunch of knights and fantasy monsters here for God-knows-what. Were those giants back there?" Casper responded.

"Tally on four more, shake your follower Casper!" Talon said.

"Goddammit, I got ice shards in my wing! FUCKING ICE SHARDS the size of my fist!" Casper whined. "Outrunning them isn't so bad, it's cornering them that's the pain- DAMMIT he pulled a fast one!"

"This is Citadel, I have radar signatures coming in from the Ichigaya region, looks like SDF forces have finally arrived. They're ahead of schedule."

"Early for a change, not bad." Casper replied.

Crenshaw found the incoming signatures of SDF choppers and fighters inbound. More dragons came onto him. "Let's see how you react to this." He said. He disengaged his assistance and entered OFF mode. OFF mode disabled the fail-safes in a plane. For example, you could go slower than the required speed and perform impressive maneuvers.

He braked hard, went vertical, and flipped in place. He saw the rider's expressions go into shock. Eyes of riders met eyes of pilot as the jet inverted and ended up behind them. Unleashing the cannon. From there came the falling dragon and rider, both mulched. "Jesus but that was close." With the flying threat whittled, Crenshaw turned back and made for the Palace. With his remaining JStrike missiles he got a lock on two of the three giants in the area. Said beings were blown apart by the strike. Now fresh out of missiles, Crenshaw resorted to his vulcan cannon on the siege weapons in the area.

The sound of crackling hit his ears, and he saw a bolt of lightning zooming by his plane, followed by another, and another. All coming from the gathered enemy forces on the ground. "Oh you have GOT to be kidding me." Crenshaw muttered. Shot down not by a stinger or other AA weapon, but by some bozos on the ground shooting lightning from their fingertips, that's a way to go. He knew he couldn't count on the defenders at the Palace to take them out. There were damn barriers of magic either way. And with SDF forces still out a ways, he had to take the risk. Now he know how that one pilot felt making runs on other targets, what was his name? Colonel Bishop?

Crenshaw turned and made way back to the opposing forces, unleashing the cannon as lightning bolts shot his way. A satisfying scene of wooden splinters and the occasional group of people going everywhere filled the HUD as he made his pass. Once that was done, he made a turn to repeat his pass, the cycle of avoiding incoming lightning and destroying siege engines repeated itself.

"Citadel, how's it looking out there?"

"It's still ugly, but SDF forces are finally entering the city. A little longer and we can look forward to a proper counterattack."

"Good good, I'm making one more run before-" Crenshaw was cut off by a sudden rumble of his craft as it made its way back to the enemy. Electricity was surging over his plane in random patterns. He was hit. One of those lucky bastards actually hit him! His instruments were malfunctioning with displays flickering and gauges spinning out of control. Another rumble caused by an explosion hit his ears. His thrusters just detonated. Unsurprisingly this caused his craft to fall from the sky. "Shit, Citadel I'm hit, repeat I'm hit!" The response he got was garbled and incoherent. Without any time and hoping for some luck on his side, he pulled the ejection handle. Luck was indeed on his side as the canopy opened, his seat shooting out from the craft before the parachute released. Again, Crenshaw counted his lucky stars as he was landing directly within the grounds of the Imperial Palace. The F-18 was less fortunate, the fire eventually reaching the fuel tank and detonating the craft, causing it to fall in a blaze onto the ground.

If that wasn't some relief, being over a friendly area, the sound of chopper rotors hit his ears. The SDF were finally in the house. "Ahh that's good... that's uh... oh man I think that lightning did something to me."

…

"Took em long enough!" Ramirez shouted in response to air support.

"Look at them fall!" Diaz commented on the dragons. A Japanese Cobra gunship flew overhead, followed by the rest in its wing On the ground, SDF troops and vehicles came barreling in, causing the armies crossing the moats a world of hurt. Type 96 APCs and 89 IFVs. The combination of 50 cal, 40mm grenades and 35mm cannon rounds respectively unleashed chaos onto their ranks.

"Watch your fire, we got friendlies!" Shouted Bishop. If the line of shields didn't fall before, it did now.

"Mitchell, Bishop, satellite is showing SDF forces pushing through the city and taking back the area. Looks like these hostiles weren't expecting a fully organized defense. The element is on our side now. HAWX are sweeping up the dragons. The President is sending in humanitarian aid as we speak. And it looks like the Emperor is not putting up with the politics." Keating said. At least there was some good news. The Emperor, although ceremonial with no real power, still held strong command over Japan. Looks like he knew that sooner or later, this was gonna attract the United States and her allies.

"Anything else?" Bishop asked.

"Right now it's all politics. The United Nations is forming an emergency meeting with a big demand for Japan to show up." Six said.

"Standby and help however you can until aid arrives."

"Copy. Bishop out."

"Let's move! Secure the area!" Scott ordered while Bishop assisted. Itami seemed willing to help as he followed.

"About time," he said relieved, falling with his back against a wall. "I was on the last clip." Nolan came around with the injured operative.

"LOGAN!" Bishop yelled, referring to the operative. He ran to the man, making sure he was fine.

"I'm okay sir." He replied, a southern accent in his voice. A hand around at his chest, still wearing his vest.

"The arrow went straight through. Luckily nothing major was damaged severely. Just had to cut the tip off and get the rest out. He's got a bandage on and will heal perfectly." Nolan explained.

Logan breathed in through his teeth. "Hurts lick a mother, though." Logan chuckled, trying to numb the pain.

The area was filled with dead enemies. Of course the Ghosts knew in the city, it was worse. Civilians in the mix. The sounds of gunfire emanating from the city as screams in the area were heard. Scott stood in place as he watched the civilians come out. Some were relieved while children cried. Phones were used to inform loved ones while others frantically searched for their own. "I can't believe what I just saw." Scott said blankly to himself, unable to completely suck it all in. He noticed Itami speaking to a young girl without any parental guardian. He looked to his feet, finding a sword. His hand grabbed the handle and inspected it carefully. It was shaped just like a Roman gladius. Good for cutting and slicing, but perfect for stabbing. The inscriptions and artistic style it possessed had Medieval written all over it. "What the hell is going on? It's like a goddamn fantasy thriller." He thought out loud.

He let the sword fall with a clang. Mitchell moved to keep tabs on his team. Nolan was attending to the wounded, Cedric and the other recruits were doing the same, while the remaining Ghosts were searching for more hostiles.

"Quite a day huh?" Bishop asked, looking at the corpse of one of the giants.

"Yeah… quite a day." Scott responded.

"So. Any thoughts on this?" Bishop asked, seeing the ejected pilot coming forward with a stumble.

"Crenshaw?"

"Ahh... hazza? That thunder... not doin too well, friend.

"GOT A LIVE ONE!"

Two operatives were holding what looked like the leading individual. One by hand, the other by gunpoint. A Japanese officer marched over and grabbed him by the neck. "Who are you? Where did you come from? How did you get here?!" He roared.

"Si enim oportet interficere me, ego non liquor!" The man said, followed by a very defiant spit. At this point, Mitchell wouldn't be surprised if this guy was an actual Roman. He certainly had a backbone like one, and if his ears didn't know better, that sounded like Latin. Too bad he didn't speak it. The sound of additional helicopters became heard, and Blackhawks appeared. With the US emblems. "Reinforcements. Alright, thank the lord." Ramirez commented. As the choppers unloaded soldiers and equipment, one was waiting for the Ghosts, while another awaited the Rainbows.

"Well, I guess it's time to leave." He said.

"Looks like it. Honor fighting with you Scott, here's hoping we can do it all over again." Bishop said, holding a hand out.

"Yeah. Same here." Scott said shaking it. Something grabbed the attention of the crowd, as gasps of awe were heard over the rotors of the helicopters.

"Hey guys… check it out." Kozak said.

Approaching the group was an elderly man. With two SWAT officers pleading for him to go back inside. "Is that… who I think it is?" Bishop began.

"I think it is." Approaching them was in the flesh and blood, Emperor Akihito. "Ghosts, attention." Scott said calmly.

"You heard him Rainbow, about face." Bishop said.

The Emperor stood before them. As if judging these foreign soldiers violating Japan's military isolationism. Which to be honest was justified. The man bowed to the captain, who was rather flabbergasted. 'Is this really happening?' Scott thought. The hug was transferred to Bishop, who shared the confusion. 'I must be dreaming right now. Being bowed to by the Japanese Emperor was not on my expectations list.'

The Emperor spoke. "I care not that you are here illegally, you have assisted in the evacuation, and ensuring civilian lives were kept safe. Thank you for saving so many." He said. Scott cleared his throat after some shock and replied,

"Of course Your Majesty. Doing what we Rangers do best, right Bishop?" He asked, hoping to prevent questions.

"Uh, yep." Bishop replied.

The Emperor held a finger up as if to say 'hold it.' He had a sly smile on his face. "To tell you the truth? I was aware you were here the moment the chaos began."

"What the-" Bishop said.

"Forgive my language Your Majesty, but how the fuck did you-" Mitchell began.

"I am sharper than you think. I know a bit about secret forces."

"Caldwell told you." Bishop said plainly.

The Emperor chuckled. "Ooh you read me like a book." He turned serious now. "But no doubt there will be more blood to follow. And that the forces here are wary of you."

No joke at all. The gaze of police and SDF were upon the deniable soldiers. None were happy looks, with the exception of Itami. The Emperor turned to speak. "Regardless of why they are here. These forces have assisted in the evacuation and saved many lives. I ask they be allowed to leave while the US Army gives humanitarian aid."

The words were heard, and while there were lots of grumbles, were obeyed. "Looks like His Majesty still has some power after all." Whispered Scott.

"More than you think." Was the reply. Scott turned his head in slight embarrassment.

"I hope we can count on your support when the time comes." The Emperor said.

"Of course, just don't let our names slip ok?" Bishop asked.

"My lips are sealed." Emperor Akihito said.

With that, the Ghosts and Rainbow took to the choppers. Itami returned the MP5 and the ammo first. The Blackhawks took to the air and headed straight for the carrier while others came into Japan. The city was now filling with SDF forces, and from the looks of things, it was going in their favor. "So… looks like another war is beginning." Scott said.

"Looks like it Scott, the world leaders are organizing and for the next few days, they'll be discussing the issue at hand. God only knows what's gonna happen next." Keating replied.

"Sir? Is it true this 'gate' just came out of nowhere?" Asked Kozak.

"I won't lie son. No one knows how it got there except for eyewitnesses. It just came into reality. A big black abyss in the entrance, and that's how the enemy came through." Keating replied.

"Casualties?" Scott asked, dreading the answer.

"It's not pretty son. The death count is about 1,243, and it's getting higher as we speak."

"My god… all those people in such a short time on a day like this. Some random moment, bam… just like that." 30K said. Gone like lights. No mercy, no hesitation. It was clear to them. Whoever was in the way was deemed a threat by these soldiers from the 'Gate' and were killed.

"That's not all," Keating continued, "Some were tourists. As quickly as the attack ended, the investigations began on the dead. So far we've got some Americans there, a few Europeans, and even a Russian. It's bound to go up from there."

"That's it then. The 7 year streak of peace is over." Scott said.

…

"The death toll has reached 1,9-"

"The United States will not stand for this and will see this act, regardless of perpetrator is pun-"

"-NATO is already preparing military forces to be sent for-"

"If Japan does not allow the Russian people to get vengeance for the blood we lost, it will be a gross dismissal of-"

"- news, China has made no comments, other than sent a message of sorrow for the event taking-"

"Speculations have been running wild as people from all over the world make their arguments on the origins of the Gate. Religious and scientific communities are scrambling to come up with some sort of explanation as to how-"

"I ask the Japanese people to come together and cooperate with the coalition being formed to bring those responsible to justice."

United Nations meeting room.

To say it was a world event would be an understatement.

What happened in Ginza was something that would be planted in history books of the century. Hell, maybe the millennia. An army of might and magic emerging from a gate that just appears in the middle of a city and attacks anyone in sight was something that did not go unnoticed. The UN was filled with leaders, politicians, news networks, hell there were even civilians crowding outside to hear what was going on. Japanese Prime Minister Shingenori Hojo was currently at the podium addressing the audience before him.

"This is a place that does not appear on any map, it is truly a great unknown to us. We've no idea what anything's like there, neither the man nor the people. Nevertheless we must learn what we can." Agreements made themselves known. "During the engagement, we've captured some of the perpetrators. For now- we've charged these individuals with breaking the law as we would with any criminal or terrorist operator." More agreements. "It seems destroying the opening isn't the answer. For all we know there is a danger of another Gate opening up somewhere else if we shut this one down." More agreements. "So for now, we've decided to treat this 'Special Region' as if it was part of domestic Japan itself."

"That is preposterous!" British Prime Minister Erica Pritchard cried in response to the claim, and this time SHE was getting the agreements. "Just because the Gate rests on your soil does not mean the lands beyond can be considered part of Japan! Not to mention it would be seen as a blatant attempt to use the disaster as a means to enrich Japan after the conflict!"

"I am in agreement with the lady!" Yelled German Chancellor Ulfric Liutpold. "Such a reality could be construed as being the same claims European powers laid to lands in the New World, something that may I remind you still eats at the hearts of indigenous peoples! Such a declaration means we cannot involve ourselves without permission, something we already went through a headache to achieve. If we just ignore this incident in Japan and leave it in your hands, there is still a chance that more Gates will open, and more people will suffer! If the Japanese want to embark beyond the Gate, they should bring us with them!" More members of the audience agreed.

"Enough." President Patricia Caldwell said, bringing silence to the audience. A rare woman she was, having a hand in the end of terror throughout the world and ending pointless involvement oversees. Not to mention direct the nation through the Artemis Invasion. Come 2016 she allowed other candidates to run, saving her second term for the next four years after. "As you stated, Hojo. We know little about this world. However, with what we've seen, we can assume they are civilized, advanced, and dangerous. As stated in this report, 'Enemy forces displayed high levels of discipline and courage, marching headfirst into gunfire. In most of these attacks, a single man emitting a magic barrier would come forth, said barrier blocking small-arms fire and requiring the need of heavy weapons.' Also in this report is the strengths of dragons in the battle. Emitting fire, ice and wind attacks. A few spitting actual lightning..."

"Attacks that are strong enough to melt or pierce tank armor." Russian President Treskayev added.

"Another report of arrows sometimes detonating in mid-air before contact, into fire, ice, or even shock effects. From what I understand, when the SDF first arrived, the advantage was in their hands. However, when they pushed into the city, they met resistance. Not to mention the attributes demonstrated by the white tunic-clad soldiers, who seem to take on support and specialist roles. Spears, bows, etc. And this is not to mention the likes of the giants in their ranks."

"That may have been the small stuff! What else do they possess?" Patricia asked.

"Hojo, if you go there alone, you may end up biting off more than you can chew."

"Be that the case or not, I cannot violate the isolationist policy we have adopted. Otherwise we could see a resurgence of tensions and diplomatic incidents from all foreign military presence! You know very well how xenophobic we Japanese are!" Hojo argued.

"Not in Japan. But on the other side." Louis Fracois, French President, said. "You may be isolated, but you are still an ally, and that means we are inclined to assist you in war. Not to mention there's only one way in, one way out."

"I assure you that will not be necessary, this is a Japanese matter. We will be accepting supplies and ammunition, should you wish to send any." Hojo said.

"You are right in your regards, Hojo." Began South Korean Prime Minister Yin Eun-Kyung. "However, there is a matter that is in major need of explaining. While you are in the Special Region as you call it, how will we know what is happening? As you say, we have NO idea of what is over there, and if anything, it'll be you who reports it. But... I think I speak for many in this matter. There will undoubtedly be those among us who may call your bluff, be it true or not." Yin waved his are to the crowd, showing his point. "And you know what they say, someone says something long enough, people will start listening. How long until it's your own?"

"What are you saying, Eun-Kyung?"

"I'm saying if you allow us to come, you have more people to verify what is seen. The more people seeing the same thing, the more concrete it is. It is sure to end any topics that can become a problem. Just look at America's rampant media before the Blacklist." Caldwell nodded at the Korean's comment. "HELL! Even now we already have articles with quote on quote, THE REAL ORIGIN OF THE GATE. THE GATE IS A LIE! THE GATE IS THE NEXT 9/11! And, you're gonna love this one, THE GATE, an end to Japanese independence."

"And to repeat myself," Liutpold began, "how long until it becames a 'colonial' effort?"

"On that matter, it would be a matter of time until people get tired of seeing foreign soldiers march through our streets, and before you know it, peaceful protests become riots. Your concern is wasted, old friend, you know not what you ask. So in a way, these articles will start a fire those soldiers will only fuel." Hojo answered.

"All we ask is to take part in this, Japan is not the only one to have suffered from this incident. America, Korea, Russia, and more have had blood spilt over there." Patricia began.

"Da. And while it was only ONE Russian to be killed, this Russian happens to be the son of one of my generals. He's already gearing up his soldiers and preparing to move them as we speak. Do you want me to have to tell this to him? Because he's not the only one who is upset at this incident. You surely recall what I said in my speech addressing this issue." Treskayev said, glaring at the Japanese man.

"Easy, Treskayev. You won't get what you want through brute force, unless you forgot what happened back in 2008." Treskayev leapt up, to be ushered to sit back down by security personnel.

"You obviously forgot about the I-SDF, Hojo." Treskayev growled.

"We're getting nowhere!" Caldwell shouted. "Let us also add this to our reasons of joining. If Japan is the only nation to depart, and another Gate opens somewhere, what then? Will more nations go there instead, and what to say of whether or not it's the same same world? And if it is, would that help or hurt our relations with each other? How long until we are fighting each other over this world? For as far as I can tell, we'll find something there. Not to mention anyone else who may wish to join our efforts. The world is SCARED Hojo! WE are scared!" More murmurs of agreement circulated, and any last efforts of Hojo's was shot down.

"If our people percieve that we are inviting entire foreign forces to our bases-"

"Bases? Your people HONESTLY think I give a shit about getting American soldiers back into your country after the ratifications?! When America still has plenty of bases in the Pacific?! I We're trying to help you find the bastards that did this!" Caldwell shouted.

"OK! OK...! What do you propose?"

Caldwell stood, and moved to take the podium. "I believe that the best way to address this threat is a multinational Coalition. At first we'll need only about seven nations. Japan of course, America, Russia, Britain, Germany, Korea, and France. At first it will just be us, but over time, when we consolidate ourselves and can get a better hold on deployments. We should not need more in the way of large deployments, but we'll accept more forces, be they medical, security, expeditionary, etc. We'll accept any contributions to the war effort. So any nation that wishes to help doesn't have to sacrifice too much."

"I approve of this idea." Piped Mexican president Ruiz-Pena.

"So do I." Another leader said. The support for the plan was immediately found. No more beating around the bush, as no one wanted to get into day long debates. Not now. Gates just showing up in countries have a way of stopping personal interests despite arguments. Hojo sighed, hoping his people wouldn't go crazy for this.

"When will we start?"

Ginza. Location of the Gate.

Scott was aboard one of the Blackhawks heading back to Japan, and landing. The spot was in the same part of the city the gate is. Which now was surrounded by a dome-like structure with SDF forces trained at it.

He wasn't the only one. Since the decision on the 20th, forces from seven countries have streamed into Japan, and it was only because of the Emperor's wishes and Minister's reasoning that no one was starting any riots. Good, this place saw enough chaos. Interrogations have been made on those arrested from what he heard. But they turned fruitless. These soldiers, whoever they were, were iron men and didn't break. Be the pressure legal or not so legal. It was frustrating, yet at the same time admirable.

This coalition being formed was done so out of fear. A fear that this wouldn't be the only incident, that these forces wouldn't just sit and stay and would come back sooner or later. And Ginza wasn't exactly a good place to defend if another force came through. And that's ignoring the fact that it's smack dab in the midst of one of the largest cities in the world.

"Hard to believe it's only been a few days." He said seeing the now clean streets. Not that long ago, it was full of blood, bodies, and rubble. Now, it was nearly completely repaired, and almost filled with foreign soldiers. The buildings were still being rebuilt, so there was that.

"I hear ya. I was at the base when I heard about the attack." John Hume was the speaker. He was a sniper, but mostly anti-tank and demolitions. This 'Coalition' that was devised was for the most part, led by Japan and the United States, rightfully so considering the Gate's location and the country attacked. Though, it was agreed that leadership would eventually be divided between the first nations to begin this endeavor. The US, as well as nations like Britain, Germany, and France, and even Russia were a part of it. Mostly because of agreements, alliances, and tourists who have died there. Whether or not other nations joined depended on the debates said nations went through. Time would tell. It was like the get together all other again. Only this time it was for war, not peace. The mission was given the parameters as described by the Emperor himself. Go to the other side, designated the 'Special Region'. Set up a base, find those responsible, and bring them to justice. Special Region… pretty lazy title. Mitchell would've thought they'd pick something like 'The Other Earth' or 'Westeros' or even 'Super Magical World,' but hey.

Russians, Europeans, Japanese, and American forces were organizing as the Ghosts arrived, they would be departing in one of the lead vehicles. The force composition that would depart was made up of elements from various regiments that would become fully dedicated to the war effort once proper facilities were set up. America's 1st Infantry Division, the Big Red One, a combined arms division. Japan's own 1st Division, infantry division. Britain's contribution came in the 16 Air Assault Brigade. France deployed the 3rd Marine Parachute Regiment while Germany mobilized the 31st Paratrooper Regiment. From Russia came the 36th Independent Guards Motor Rifle Brigade. South Korea provided the 2nd Armored Brigade.

"Well then, looks like there's a big war ahead of us. Just like old times eh sir?" Hume asked, patting his Zeus T2 anti-tank launcher. Scott sighed, before smiling and saying.

"Damn right. We still have some time before we go through the Gate. Get the team ready, I'm going to look around." Scott took his time to take in the surroundings. A big banner was hanging over the main force, written in Japanese. A memorial was nearby, with people leaving flowers and tears. And at least 1,900 died here, along with law and soldiers. Without warning as well. A vast majority of the Japanese soldiers were keeping to themselves and not interacting with the foreign soldiers. Only very few were either socializing or preparing. But even then it was safe to say they were mostly displeased, it wasn't hard to see why. Given Japan's isolation from a military standpoint, they weren't exactly fond of the current events.

But, like soldiers, they kept it to themselves and continued.

"Never thought I'd see a day like this. Now all we're missing is China." Scott said, half joking. Relations were still abysmal at best between the two countries, as they have been for at least the past 6 decades. Hell, it's been abysmal for everyone. Easy to see history considered.

"Hey!" That voice was familiar. He turned to find an SDF soldier with a very familiar face.

"Itami?" Scott asked.

"Heya Yankee."

"Well, look at you, ready to go to war." Scott said.

"Yep. Who knows what we're gonna see over there." Scott noticed a patch on his shoulder.

"First Lieutenant?" Scott asked.

"Yeah. Got it after the stunt I pulled with you." Itami answered.

"Oh man," Scott began, "I forgot to introduce myself." He held a hand out. "Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mitchell. Green Berets."

"Lieutenant Colonel... in the field like this?"

"Some of us are still old fashioned." He whispered. Itami was taken aback with a silly expression of fear on his face before he nodded in understanding.

"Lips are sealed got it." He said before sighing.

"Something wrong?" Mitchell asked.

"Yeah. I'm just bummed out." Itami replied.

"Bummed out? Why?" Scott inquired. He was promoted, a hero, and given a chance to become a bigger leader. Why would he possibly be upset?

"The doujinshi event was cancelled. I never got to buy anything."

… Scott paused. "What?" He asked dumbfounded.

"I was originally here for the doujinshi event. Once a year. And this year they hosted it early. When this happened, I lost my chance. I can only hope that I can attend the winter event. Hobby you know?" Itami said. Mitchell had a bit of understanding at this, war has a way of ruining important things. And considering Japan's isolationism. He placed a hand on Itami's shoulder.

"I hear ya son. I had to miss out on a lot of things before. But remember, you're a soldier. And a soldier is always willing to make a sacrifice. Nothing greater than that. You'll get another chance for sure, Itami. I mean, there's always next year or winter as you said" Scott said with a smile. "I have a hobby too. Carpentry. I practice it in my father's memory. But, I work to support my country, you know. So if you asked me which I'd choose, my job or my hobby, I'd choose my job, my duty, my responsibility. Because it's more than that, it's my life. No second thoughts, every time."

A few moments later, the forces were ready. Up at the podium, an SDF soldier came forth. A rank of general on his person. "I'm Lieutenant General Hazama, your commander. Until the superiors of the other Coalition members arrive, I'm all you got. Japanese or otherwise. Understood?" He asked. Clear and cut.

"SIR! YES SIR!" This was a man they could get behind for now.

"Many scouts have entered the gate in the past couple of days. All have returned safely. We successfully placed cameras on the other side to monitor the situation between scouts, revealing a hostile force deploying in the area. Thus, you must be prepared for combat to begin from the moment we cross the Gate. We will have only one way in, one way out. Any weapons you have that rely on satellite guidance or GPS positioning will be worthless, so you must rely on your instincts and fellow man!"

As he spoke. Itami glanced over to the memorial and found a woman weeping, with a girl. The same girl he met after the attack. He could see her face, unsure of what to feel, but clearly her eyes were watering. It hit him. 'Is this part of what Mitchell meant?' He looked down. A mixture of emotions flew inside him. Anger, stress, sadness, anxiety.

"We'll be entering the Gate shortly." Itami focused after that was said.

"I'll answer that later." He said to himself. "The old man doesn't know me."

The tanks would enter first. Abrams, Armatas, Type 10s, the works. Go in with the big toys and take no chances. The tanks entered the Gate, with the APCs and IFVs following, next came the other myriad of vehicles. Mitchell was looking out of the window and saw complete blackness, but the vehicles were outlined in beautiful shade of blue. "Hey, sir?" Asked Ramirez.

"Yeah?"

"You think there will be more than what we faced back home over here? Like… other forces to fight?"

Scott thought for a few brief seconds. Then immediately said. "Count on it. But we can handle them." He said.

"Hey. Lieutenant Itami…" The speaker was Kurata, someone with similar interests with Itami. "Think there are any catgirls on this side?" He asked with a sly face.

Itami sighed, that face still fresh in his mind, affected how he was reacting. "Why wouldn't there be?" He replied softly. Looking away.

The tanks made it through the other side, it was dark. Night was upon them The tanks formed a defensive line while scanning for any threats as the remaining vehicles came through. As soon as the Ghosts came through, they disembarked and ran into the night. No one saw them do so.

Suddenly, torches lit in the distance. Hundreds of them "Enemy army sighted!" A Japanese tanker said.

"Get bearings on them!" Replied an American.

"Ready to fire!" Said a Russian. The other vehicles that came through unloaded soldiers, who ran to find desirable positions. Itami among them, he readied his Howa Type 89 rifle.

It was time to fight