This story is a fan-made work of fiction made for entertainment purposes only. I do not own Muv-Luv nor any other brands mentioned herein. All copyright remains with their respective owners.

Characters and events are the result of the author's imagination or a fictional representation to serve the narrative. Any relation with people or events in real life is merely coincidental.

When I deem the content warrants it, a warning will be present at the start of a chapter. Do not take them lightly, they're there for a reason. Also, violence is to be expected at times due to, well, Muv-Luv being Muv-Luv. The warnings are for the really messed up stuff, refer to Chapter 46 of the Legacy Version for an example.

Reader discretion is advised.

This story is a heavy AU, alternate universe that is, and also kind of very dark according to my prior readers. Be ready for anything up ahead, this tale of love and war will have its fair share of sunshine and explosions alike.

Without any further delays, let's get this show on the road!

Get some tissues, grab some cookies, bring a flamethrower too, and don't get too attached to anyone.

Here's hoping your stay is a pleasant one.

Zuoriel


"Down for the count

Rise in heat

Fall in down

I've already fallen

I can't drive my head

It's that I fall into you

Fall in you…"

Fall, from Armored Core 4.


Prelude:

Starting Point – Shooting/Fallen Star


[Recommended Music: Labyrinth III – Graveyard of Darkness, Etrian Odyssey V.]


June 28th, 1999.

(Imperial Palace, Tokyo.)


"Must I truly repeat myself here? This is a deal breaker for us, Marshal," a slow, cold voice warns, reloading its verbal venom.

As if welcoming the frosting blow of the AC, Professor Kouzuki faces the tide of narrow gazes that very much imitated the day's harsh sunlight in their constant tension despite offering not a speck of shine back. Graying as the walls were their auras to the small girl that hid for dear life behind the lab coat, trying and failing to remain standing in attention. The tumult of whispers rose back all over the conference room, embers and sparks sharpening with every passing glance, every drowned curse.

Resisting the urge to pinch her nose for the umpteenth time, she simply sighs short. "Kindly reconsider your position. The US army shall be put under the scope, even if they commit no sin."

"…I must voice my agreement, sir," a tall man then coughs, slightly tapping his cap and wincing. Colonel Radhabinod takes a second before looking up to those around, behind. "Should the US Army join the mission directly as proposed now, it is almost certain that many Imperials will react negatively even if their superiors order them to lower their arms."

"As regretful as it is," tapping his glasses, Prime Minister Sakaki relents a slow nod from his seat, briefly sparing a nod backwards, as if the sunshine and gazes upon his nape were raw lead, "the atmosphere towards the UN as well has been quite hostile. I believe it is courting with a needless controversy, to once more request American command to take part in this mission," he asserts.

"I must agree," a soft tone rose from said corner, smiling at the vicegrips of most around at his intrusion. "Our common fellows would take offense at the UN, and even at ourselves, should the Hunter and Black Knives Battalions be tasked to join in the offensive. In the name of my House and fellowship, I too ask you to reconsider, Marshal," Ikaruga Takatsugu said while giving a small bow, a smaller smile, with the smallest grain of honesty possible.

"If so then, we would have to make do with what troops are already in the Empire. And I do not believe further pressure should be cast onto your nation, with due respect," the Marshal states, immovable.

"Nonsense. Any and all of us would relish the chance to partake in this mission. The Empire is more than ready to march, Marshal."

"Siiigh… My apologies, but I doubt your account," another hand rose, from the other side of the room, from graying hair, aura and eyes, posture tightening when faced with the sharp end of the Imperials' glares. "We need the extra hands to ensure all of Lucifer's stages proceed smoothly, and allow me to remind you we already have all of COSEAN's support on the table," Brigadier General O'Connor says, sparing a nod to Radhabinod and his comrades, the gesture barely shared back. "If not from the US, where would you suggest we request reinforcements in such short time?"

"As I just stated, the Imperial troops available are more than enough, General," Ikaruga swiftly counters, thus causing not favorable gestures from the other Imperial Guards present, sitting or standing.

"Don't make me laugh, the IJA is already bleeding away, and the UN Forces stationed in Japan aren't in much better shape," the General asserts, almost scoffing, whipping the poison and papers out. "Your precious elite units, while valuable, cannot by their lonesome turn the tide of battle, Lord Ikaruga. We need either time or numbers, and if you request haste then might is what we provide to make up for it."

The young man gives a bored gaze to the waved reports, then simply shakes a no with the slowness of a drowsy cat. "And you wonder why we Imperials hoist certain doubts towards you westerners. To so easily dismiss the capabilities of the Takemikazuchi…"

"Numbers do not lie. The Type-98 might become a marvelous machine one day, I'm certain, but as things currently stand, it is not enough to tip the scales," O'Connor says, eyes doing half a barrel roll as he throws back the papers to the folders. "Less than a battalion's worth of prototype units. What can they do against the BETA's overwhelming numbers?"

Ikaruga chuckles, rolling his eyes slowly. "Well, they certainly did more than the US army during the Raid of Kyoto. Care to remind me where were you back then, General?"

"Why, you son of a-Cough.Without the aid of the US Army-"

"Without the US Army," Ikaruga retaliates, losing the warmth, gaining a smirk and causing young Yashiro to shrink, "the Capital was left with no choice but to have to be scorched to the ground."

"T-That was only- Many of us still remained behind under the UN flag to-"

"Without the US Army, our troops suffered appalling losses, retreated to the edge of the land, to most smallest shelters and bases, perishing to the dawn of the Sadogashima Hive."

"If you had accepted a joint-command structure with the UN Forces then that wouldn't-"

"And let us not forget, my fellows," he then closes his eyes, taking in air, impulse before leaning, lunging forward and widening the arc of his hands, "without the US Army, to guarantee our nation's, and the project's survival, we were bereft of alternatives save for the calamity of Shura's-"

"That's enough, Ikaruga-dono!" a frail yet sharp voice roars, a fist hitting the foremost seat off the Imperial side. The Shogun glares blaze backwards, tarnishing the perfect symmetry of both hair and dress, blue embers eating at the edge of her eyelids. "One more word, and I shall have to request you to step outside," she slowly says, chin raising to the echoing steps of the two Shinpan behind her, and the slithering whispers in venom from her own gallery.

"…Apologies, Your Highness. However, the truth behind our reticence had to be retold, apparently," Ikaruga deflects, waving a hand to the opposite row of desks with a very extended sigh, receiving not a small amount of nods in agreement.

"We're all here under the same goal, I believe," Kouzuki asks, pacing in front of the three rows of desks, garnering once more the loaded barrels' attention. "Kindly cease these attempts to hurl mud at the 'other side'. That's certainly not beneath any of us, is it."

"Exactly," the Marshal said, hitting the desk a few times, forcing both tides to simmer down to whispers again. "Lord Ikaruga, my apologies, however there is no feasible manner in which we can make do as it is. Simply arriving at Yokohama's gates will be a challenge, this mission must not only end in our victory but also grant valuable spoils, if the Fourth is to remain in operations."

"It is no jest what we assert, Marshal," hands joining tight, as do her eyes towards the Marshal, Takatsukasa Kyoko asserts. "My own retainers have sent reports to the UN, regarding our latest field testings. Our fleet of Type-98X is all but fine tuned for the coming operation. Also, the Shiranui 1-C is finally in proper form for most pilots in the IJA to use, in no small part due to the collaboration of the A-01 STF in these last months," the Regent softly ends in a downcast, deep nod, sharing the a glance with the captains of said squadron, who return the pleasantry from their standing positions. "It's OS has been polished to perfection, as you could corroborate from Captain Takamura's reports. The Empire is ready to march in all its might, Marshal."

Caressing his beard, the Marshal takes a few seconds in silence, eyeing said reports in his PDA. Yet, in the end, he too hollows a sigh. "Kouzuki, what's your opinion on the matter?" he requests, not wishing to step headfirst on the Imperial minefield.

The Professor remains undaunted as she observes the nobles, all the sheathes shaking to be emptied. Sparing a nod, she slowly begins, "While the defense operations executed during this year were… certainly a surprise to be sure, it would be erroneous to attribute this success solely to the deployment of the Type-98 units," she says with a sweeping gaze to the whole gallery, those in the Imperial glared far more than the incoming sunlight. "However, that being said, the prowess of the machines has been all but proven already. If a card to ascertain a counteroffensive is what you're seeking, the Takemikazuchi units are said lifeline, Marshal."

"…I see, coming from you I suppose there must be some truth to the rumors then," he then grimaces, the Imperials and their Sun do too. "However, if our intel is correct, the Yokohama Hive might have already progressed to Phase 3. And we are all aware of what this entails, aren't we?"

"While the assured presence of the Laser-Class will require the use of heavy metal missiles," Kouzuki sotly rests interlocked hands atop her papers, "it is nothing we haven't prepared for, Marshal. And with the support of the IRG assured," she stops, relenting a fair bow through the stiff neck, far stiffer the smile, "a laserjagd order has its own squadron at the ready."

"That is an incredible feat, however…" the words slur and end, fingers still playing with the beard while reading reports again.

"If I may, Marshal;" Sakaki speaks up in the silence, eyes linking with the subtle nod from the Shogun, then faced the unchanging veneer, "I believe this operation falls under the scope of Alternative IV?"

"Yes, what of it?"

"Well, as far as I'm aware, the Professor here requested no such reinforcements. We've hustled to provide the manpower necessary, spared no coffer, and emptied a few shelters too," he admits, recalling torn threads, fallen eyes, clipped wings, and all the chopped kuns. For a fragment of a second, all present in the conference room shared a downcast, somber nod. "Yet should the UN make a formal request, I assure you the Empire will redouble its efforts to match the plans you've received."

"That is, regrettably, not the sole reason behind our current proposal."

"Would the concerns then be political?" Kouzuki inquires when stepping forward, descending from the stage, facing the Marshal and only him. "Because if so, as the Director of the Project, I request to know who greenlit changes to the plans this late into the schedule."

"Please, there was no malice in our intentions," a slim voice raises from the central row, finds a small ripple coursing through Kouzuki when looking her way. Returning the frozen poker, Colonel Eberbach smiles while entwining his fingers faintly over his UN badge. "It would be must foolish on our part to ask the Empire to shoulder the burden of this one task on its own, when they've the duty to keep the Sadogashima Hive in check as well. Furthermore, we don't know how much time it'll take to repel the BETA from the mainland. I believe, it is in everyone's best interests to allow American troops to aid the forces of this theater, more considering what efforts wait ahead."

"I must admit, Colonel Eberbach raised many a good argument," the Marshal nods, reshuffling his posture, hiding his hands. "Considering his experience, this forewarning was taken seriously by HC, which resulted in this requisition for reinforcements to the original plan."

Coughing before any Imperial decided to release the already sharpened edges, receiving a faint nod from both the Shogun and the Prime Minister, Professor Kouzuki faces the man and takes a step forward, firing a frown towards his eyes. "I fail to recall these concerns being raised during any of the prior meetings."

"Why, I'm certain everyone was aware of this yet were not wishing to be who threw the first stone," Eberbach says, staring back at the Professor with his own glacial storm. "You were very adamant regarding the importance of a swift counterattack, so I merely decided to act now rather than regret remaining silent down the line."

"…Appreciated, yet meddling at such a late stage is only detrimental to the whole structure."

"Come on, please. This is hardly grounds to accuse me of meddling, Professor. Certainly, we both desire the mission and the subsequent reconquest of the mainland to proceed smoothly?" he tries, placing a hand softly atop his collarbone and smiling.

Yet finds a replica of a snowman in firm poker. "And if I remember, it was also you who suggested a change in the naming of the mission, weren't you Colonel?"

"…Please, Professor. It was only a suggestion, nothing more," he sighs, this time rolling his eyes, even barely pouting.

"Same as now, and we've already wasted half a meeting on it. Again."

"Kouzuki, this is no 'waste'," the Marshal reminds, grimacing. "The more troops on our side, the higher the odds of success. Is taking another week to join forces with the soldiers sent from America that impossible a compromise?"

"If as we believe the Yokohama Hive might be close to reaching Phase 3 then, a swift sortie is imperative, Marshal."

"Then in that case," Eberbach leans just a bit forward, tightening his interlocked hands, choking a pigeon, "is your STF in proper form to perform a laserjagd?"

"…But of course, Colonel."

"Might I see their trainings then? My eyes will give you a certain answer, I assure you."

"Why, yes, you're more than welcome to join in; As we ready to sortie as planned, that is."

"There truly is no dissuading you?" the Marshal asks, grimace knotting tighter in his face at her immediate nod, and at the smallest smiles on the Imperial gallery.

"Sorry to reiterate myself here, however, the arrangements are proceeding smoothly," she says, slowly walking back to the stage, nodding to her small assistant, who displays a few maps of shrinking red. "If our continued successes of late would remind, we've been able to hold our own against the current force of the Yokohama Hive's aboveground numbers. We cannot waste time, else our chance to reclaim the hive will slip from our grasp. Unless, of course, there's another alternative on your mind at the moment…"

"Kouzuki, please, be reasonable about this," the Marshal requests, sighing as he flattens his suit. "High Command is merely concerned on the possible losses, now and going forward. Nothing more could be asked of your Special Task Force, the Empire is already giving us their full support," he then takes a pause to nod towards the Shogun and Prime Minister, who return the gesture, "and as Col Eberbach said, we still must take into account how to safeguard the mainland after this mission. And that is why I must ask for your agreement, if haste is truly necessary. Your Highness, Prime Minister, is there truly no convincing you from accepting America's aid?"

Under the full focus, in the heart of the spiral the glasses were tapped, calming a glance towards the Shogun. Clearing his throat, a magnet for all fangs now, Sakaki gazed back at all the staring daggers, thunders starving for the scarecrow he had to be. If not for a long lost promise to one day go see a lacrosse tournament in Canada, Sakaki might have come down with a severe case of astraphobia at this very moment.

"…If there truly is no dissuading the High Command Council, then rather than force further altercations between both projects I believe a minimal cooperation could be allowed," he slowly starts, barely lifting the sails. "Keeping the American army as a reserve would be my suggestion, if they insist on maintaining their own structure and not join under your command, so that they can relieve the IJA from the field while the UN invades the Hive. With the Regents themselves leading the charge," he stops, relenting a bow towards the gallows for glares, "the risk of misunderstandings will be close to null then. I'm certain our fellows' actions will convince those who still doubts our reports."

"I, too, am of the opinion that is a fair compromise," the Shogun spoke, nodding slow, fingers treading her neck. "Rather than further delay the preparations once more, to coordinate with the arrival of the American troops would be our best choice. After all, to halt and argue twice could prove fatal. We can never be too lenient in regards to the BETA and their incursions," she says, almost in a whisper, silencing the entire room.

"…I suppose, that could be arranged," Eberbach admits, arms folding soft. "The time frame will be rather tight in that case. Would your armies be at the ready for the sortie, in that case?"

"As the documentation provided should clarify," Takatsukasa says, nodding short to the rest, "we are actually ahead of schedule. Our five battalions shan't disappoint, of that you can be certain," she insists, harsher than the sunlight yet as cool as a desert's night.

"Which is why," Kouzuki says, pacing in front of the monitors once more, nodding to young Yashiro who scuttles to send the correct footage to the screens, "I am pressing for the mission to be carried out as soon as possible. If we dally and allow the BETA to grow their numbers, there will be nothing we can do in our current strength, even with all the reinforcements in the world. If High Command wants American colors to fly as reassurance, then so be it. But Lucifer will proceed on the schedule already agreed on, with our without them."

"And on COSEAN's name," Radhabinod starts, brushing his mustache as he glances at O'Connor and company in perfect reflection, acidic reflection, "allow me to voice my support to the notion. Many of my men are very much spoiling for a fight, Marshal. They want revenge for Swaraj, for Gwangju, for their lost comrades. And if a single BETA outbreak ruins our logistics once again, that fire might truly be extinguished forever," he gives an upwards nod, shared by all his comrades.

"…I see. Your Highness, are you in agreement with this position?" the Marshal asks, dried of tone.

Yet the Shogun's expression gave no respite to the wounded, her shine was not the kind to luster those around today. Embers of blue still in sight, Koubuin Yuuhi gave a small yet sharp nod, barely raising a hand to halt the acceleration of Sakaki's and the other Regents' tongues.

"I believe it is now time for action rather than words. Time of course is of essence, and you should be aware we have already tempted the unjust mistress that is Fate unfairly. And before any of you ask, not a single one of us desires to accept the proposal to reinstate the Treaty," she fires off, pulling the petals slowly but pulling them all off nonetheless. "Should Tokyo fall, the Empire will have to evacuate its citizens. If so, Alt IV will fall alongside in need of exodus. Should Lucifer fail, Alt V and its supporters will gain a tailwind to their stance to employ… those armaments. If so, Alt IV shall certainly be forced to compromise or disappear. And so, the Empire will have to genuflect to the Treaty along the Fourth, only to labor for a width of breath."

"Please, Your Highness. There is no need for such extre-"

"No, Marshal, I do not believe I am being facetious in the slightest," she slowly says, resting down her hands and gaze, the ashes swirling away. Belatedly, the Shogun begins to tread her neck. "My people have been forced into smallest shelters, one could barely call them so. Far more vacant than the wasteland the BETA leave behind are their eyes, the future they see. If even a sliver of hope is not given to them, I fear for what may come next," she then sighs heavily. A few of her fellows nodding in agreement, others simply closing their eyes or flattening their uniforms, eyes drawn to the magnet that is the pit of shame. "Thus, while I shan't dispute this compromise, I must ask you to do the same for our own terms. The mission must be executed on the timeline originally requested."

"…I see. If this is the line that has to be drawn, I shall send word to the carriers myself, then. Kouzuki, our offices will be in contact to coordinate their arrival with our preparations," he says, she barely nods. "Well then, since you've already began to showcase your exploits of late, you might proceed with the presentation. I believe you had almost reached the ruins of Hiiragi?"

"Indeed," she nods faster this time, glancing at young Yashiro who was already clicking away, sending pictures of battle and the scenery.

A bridge tumbled and bent as if made of clay, an amusement park molten like a castle of sand to the waves' whims. Cracked buildings, cold spaces, empty places where the teeth were blunted. For all that they were worth, those flowers once blooming there had been stomped, bent and never fated to stand again. In reflection of the desolation of the houses that were, the wrong seeds sprout and grow tall in the expressions of all watching, the roots constricting all over their eyes.

Because those monsters were still there. Warm, moving, living.

Betraying the wounds resting on the floor, unmaking it all in a full reset.

Eating at family portraits, bashing their heads against doors and tubes.

Destroying the parks, the movie theaters. Eating books and all that in them might never again be read by anyone. Munching on plushies as they had done with their owners.

Or perhaps, were those monsters actually their owners, distorted by the aliens, reclaiming what was rightfully theirs? Even the most skeptical in the room couldn't stomach the sight of the Soldier-Class, and its implications after the report from Swaraj and that lone survivor.

Erasure, a concept so foreign to humanity, sent them another reminder.

A very simple 'You're next'.

Even the shadows of the large office stirred to the sight, almost flickering in defiance of the Sun. The Shogun shivered slightly, once more treading her neck, a few of her fellows shifted in place too, cold hands poking and piercing nails all over their frames despite the cloak of sunshine. And while the Americans soon wished to imitate the bountiful weather, none of that gentleness dispelled the roots nor the seeds to slowly, slowly make their way down their neck, on the wrong tunnel perhaps going by some coughs.

Through grumbling and cursing the meeting proceeds, neither side pleased nor angered enough for a concrete resolution to show itself. Neither the reports from the few surviving captains of the Special Task Force nor the venomous barrages in questions from the representatives of the council could sail this tempest to either shore.

It was truly akin to seeing two opposing air fronts colliding onto one another, from young Yashiro's eyes. Sadly, the small one right behind her clutched the lab coat, too tight this time, as the tendrils of dark covered any and all daylight she could have seen. Sheathes not yet emptied, edges to be soiled. Outside it was such a clear, such a humid day of summer, inside there was a snow warning alarm sounding in young Yashiro's ears. It was as if she had drawn a night sky, the clumsy crayon lines of dark crawling, trampling over everyone, from everyone.

"Nothing but a laundering scheme… They're not fooling anyone anymore."

"Why must we bow down to the Gaijin Regent? Her Highness should be imposing our terms, this is our land…"

"Damn these japs and their putrid pride. They should be lining up to suck us off for saving their asses again."

"Curse these Yanks and the Marshal, all they wish for is to enslave us once more."

"For fuck's sake, now that we finally have an easy to raid hive…"

"…I wonder if their Eishi are familiar with the concept of 'Kirisute Gomen'?"

"Why don't we let them commit seppuku against the BETA? Then we can simply reinstate the Treaty."

"Do not fret, my fellows… Anyone can become a recipient of 'strays' when in the field."

"We should be worrying about our shores, not the nips' ones."

"If Kyoto perished for this, if all our efforts turn fruitless here, then she truly was not fit to be the Shogun…"

It's never enough and always a surprise, how could such small bodies contain tremendous pungency within their minds. Barely peeking was plentiful for a geyser of pus to cast a distorted rainbow over the daylight, over the desks, debates and whispers.

Young Yashiro's shoulders slump, laying her hands over the keyboard as she watches. Simply watching, as always. Silent and stiff, an accessory, an extension of the machinery, recipient for commands and orders. Simply that, nothing more. Too stiff to stop her bunny ears from twitching upon too strong glares, too clear thoughts that she could only huddle back onto herself, try and continue to present the footage of the stages of the plan.

The naval bombardment, the diversion from Yokosuka, the coordinated flat-scissor strike from the forces closer to Tokyo, the eventual invasion of Hiiragi, the following raid of the Yokohama Hive.

It wasn't enough. While the spoken tone at large remained subdued and most polite, to her truest ear a mint candy fell in the canned soda the room was, had caused the inner venoms to erupt.

Yet as she shivered in place amidst the sparks and embers raising in voices and auras, something caught her attention on the corner of her sight, almost buried.

A small flicker. It reminded her of that 'candle' object the Professor had her bequeath a wish upon when introducing the concept of a 'birthday'.

That tiny, tiny light was almost out of sight within the dark storm, but even so still refused to die down. It was hard to see amidst the rainy auras thrashing about, yet it was there, in the background. But more than anything…

Yellow.

It was very much yellow.

Why would it be, though, she wondered. When everyone else was blazing red, sinking blue, or corroded into grayness, the color did not make sense in the current situation.

And as her bunny ears flap, a shiver runs down her head and allows young Yashiro to focus, to distill the auras and regain a natural sight, to search for the source.

Dressed all in a black uniform just as she was, a young man from the Imperial side stood at the far back of the large room, alone. Not too tall, not too muscular, seemed to be but a teen. Resting easy against the wall, under the shade, he watched the exchanges with an expression almost as bored as that of Kouzuki.

As she wondered different queries, their eyes met through the crowds for a few sustained seconds. A hand rose and waved at her then.

The aura was still yellow. So mellow, such relaxed yellow as if enjoying the fair weather and the AC. Almost carefree.

"…Yashiro, the report from Captain Isumi, if you would," Kouzuki reiterates, tapping her forearm, the tip of her feet repeatedly on the ground.

Sensing a twinge of anger red in the tone, the small bunny solidifies in place, fingers diving at mach speeds to the keys and delivering on the orders she had missed. While once more washed by grayness and glares towards her, the nod from Kouzuki dispelled the choking of her lungs inside.

And yet, when she again allowed herself to scout the room amidst the debate, she could not locate the young man twice. Not even when the meeting met its end, a full hour after it was supposed to. The standing galleries were the first to get a move on, sharing folders and formalities more dry than the Professor's cup of coffee after a long night. Bows and pleasantries waved for white flags between all parties, yet Yashiro could still see the lines of dark crayon slithering through. All she could do was hide behind the lab coat, inciting the first expression that was not gray from Kouzuki as she chuckles, messing with the silverish hair of the assistant.

Only for a moment it lasts, however, as a pair of footsteps approaches the otherwise avoided stage.

"Your feats of late have been truly surprising, Professor," Col Eberbach says, straightening out his UN dress, smiling down at the assistant. "It was very impressive, this presentation."

"…Not as impressive as the last minute additions made to the plans, however," Kouzuki counters, smiling with half lips and taking point in front of young Yashiro. "Though, I suppose that I should've expected something of the sort, coming from the Black Tag."

"Haha, flattery won't get you much, sadly," he deflects embers with a wave, taking a step closer, up the first steps, a dagger raising in the gaze as well. "I've already offered all I could to you, if you'd recall."

Facing away, arms fold over in tight posture, "Certainly appreciated, Colonel. What would we do without your invaluable advice?" she said, nodding a subtle frown back. Yashiro had to let go and step away, before drowning in the crimson fog shrouding the Professor.

Picking at his nails for a moment, Eberbach shakes his head, chuckling. "There's no need for such animosity, please. Considering the exploits you've made on your own, your stance today as well, I believe I can make a case, an assertion that you…" he looks up, smiling as he raises to the stage, to her gaze, "would make a perfect fit in our ranks. Are you still not interested?"

"No, thanks. Your detailed project has nothing to offer to Alt IV."

"Even if we could be of use to grant your STF state-of-the-art TSFs? You know my… reach extends beyond the proposal for you to back Prominence."

"And all you've managed to do is ensure American troops will take part in the mission. Quite curious, wouldn't you say."

"Come on, that was a necessary concession to ascertain that-"

"To say nothing on the change of the mission's name."

"…I cannot believe you're this upset about that."

"You should know why," she fumes, sending a gaze to the exaggerated wooden T the Colonel had hanging from his neck. "I rather avoid needless assumptions, you'd understand."

"Again, I'm only aiding you in my own way."

"Hmm. Well, I hope you're not opening yourself to strikes, Colonel. I rather your back not be scarred over this aid," she chuckles, placing her laptop under her arm, glancing at the few that were staring, some with the same wooden T on their necks.

"Pardon?" Eberbach blinks erratically for a second, glancing to the conference room, what few people remained in it, and his comrades mimic the scrambled expression. "Kouzuki, I haven't broken my word. My supporters and I haven't meddled-"

"But of course you haven't, Colonel," she smiles, words slithering through clenched teeth as she slides closer to pat his forearm. "I'm just returning the pleasantries, is all. We should all watch our backs, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes, of course… In any case, I am available for the next few days if you want my input for any laserjagd related plans. My finest have come alongside me," he smiles, gesturing to those who stood a short space away, who bowed through the stiff expressions.

"As I said before Colonel-"

"You cannot ignore the facts that lay before you, correct?" he presses, whispering. "We both know the aboveground grunts are but a fraction of the real might of a Hive. I insist, if only as a gesture of… fellowship, if I may be so bold."

Eyes seek support from the gallery, Radhabinod was surrounded by other UN officers, officers Kouzuki could not recognize, if not for the rim of a thread, the same one Eberbach and company were wearing. Her best friend was busy in talks with the Regent of the Takatsukasa House and her retainers along the remaining Captains of the STF. The Marshal was swarmed by the other Regents and the Prime Minister, bows and apologies and courtesies throw around as confetti for the parade.

For some reason she gazed back at young Yashiro, that then shrinks herself even more into a puddle, seeing only those dark auras surrounding them. Stepping back, she shakes her head and closes her eyes, not wishing to hear what the frowns hint at. As Eberbach insists further, his comrades step closer, closer, smiling up at the Professor, relenting another bow yet not breaking eye contact.

It very much looked like a slow, meticulous hunt from the assistant's little eyes, reminded of the wolf masquerading as Crimson Raiding Hood's grandmother in the tale.

Within the surrounding dark crayon clouds there was no woodsman jumping through for them.

There was only the glares of the hounds tapping their wooden crosses, starving forward towards the little bunny.

"Excuse me, Professor Kouzuki?"

Or so she had thought.

[Recommended Music: And Love You Shall Find, Final Fantasy XIV]

"Eek!" Yashiro yelps, turning around and twitching upon the voice, too close for comfort.

And finds a small chuckle, a gloved hand covering a mouth. "Pfft… You looked like a real rabbit just now," the young Imperial Guard she had seen before says, smiling and pointing at her bunny ears, that were raised in attention.

"Uh… You surprised me, is all," she states, taking a step back, flattening her dress. Looking up, it was so yellow she could feel goosebumps all over her, away from the numbness of dark gazes, that were as shocked as her upon the intrusion. "You weren't there before, I couldn't sen- see you approaching," she admits.

"Haha, don't be silly. I've always been here," he replies with a small smile.

Not too strong to force eyes to close shop, not too diluted to fade out. It simply was such a welcoming yellow fog, even if she couldn't hear a single thought seeping out like with almost everyone else. Yashiro could only nod back to the giggles of the dark-robbed guard, who then steps forward and bows down to the pair atop the stage.

"I do not mean to interrupt, however, Her Highness has extended an invitation to her chambers your way, Professor," the guard states, not lifting from the bow.

"Is that so?" Kouzuki says, casting a glance and seeing the Shogun had already departed, only a few Imperials remained in the room. "I see, better to not dally. Colonel, it has been a pleasure," she says, sideglancing him into a nod.

"Ah, no, the pleasure's been mine," he smiles, offering a handshake that is barely returned. "If you need anything, you know my number. May God be with you, and guide us to glory, honor and power in the coming mission."

"…Likewise, Colonel," she barely squeezes out, turning around to descend the steps, holding onto her possessions with Yashiro already having secured most of the rest. Kouzuki pets the little girl's head, whispers low, "Stay near Marimo and Pyatkh, I'll be back soon."

And with a nod and a flap of the bunny ears young Yashiro scuttles away, taking one last glance at the young guard, that again waves her way. She finds herself waving back, for some reason.

"Well, let us be off as well," Eberbach says to his troop, all stand firm and salute, bow to Kouzuki one last time. He turns to face the young guard, nodding short. "If you'd excuse me, could I ask which fellowship you belong to?"

"Koubuin, sir."

"Would it be possible to reach some of your superiors at the moment?"

"Oh, yes. Simply turn left as you exit and go forward, the guards at the desk should inform you which of our fellows are currently available. Although, do not get your hopes up. Appointments have been hard to arrange for some time, sir."

"I see… Much appreciated. Please do send my best wishes to your fellows, if you could deliver the message. I certainly hope we can ascertain dominion on the battlefield, and that everyone's pride is pleased to some extent. And do forgive the more ardent words of some of my comrades," he winces, resting his hands down.

"…Forgive the impudence, but you seem to be confused, Colonel, sir," the young man affirms, causing Kouzuki to look back, not expecting an Imperial to waste breath on foreigners more than necessary.

Neither did Eberbach, whose eyes seemed as watermelons yet regained a smile. "Is that so… From your position, what exactly am I mistaken about? Perhaps, a young Imperial would rather add a flair of heroism to the list?"

"There are no heroes in this room, sir," he answers, cold, folding both hands behind his back, straightening it under the darkening gazes behind Eberbach. "This is not about the land, or the glory, nor the honor and power, not even about any majesty or influence. This is only about war, and the devils that lurk in the details. I hope a veteran such as yourself still remembers that, Colonel, sir," a faint bow is given upon the step back, the sharp gulp Eberbach takes. A smile again greets the glacial glare of the UN crew, and after a nod the young guard turns to face the Professor. "Well, we've wasted enough time. May I proceed to guide you, ma'am?" he asks, curling some overgrown brown threads of hair behind his ears.

"Very well, let us be on our way then. Colonel," she says, nodding once.

"Until next time, Professor" he replies, lifting only a crack of the smile held beforehand, watching them depart while rubbing, playing with his Tau.

The hallways of the palace returned a grand, olden air to the way away from the all white conference room. Soon enough, idyllic aromas ran circles around them both, not as fast as the staff committing speed crimes on their way back or to somewhere. If only their TSFs could move with such relative speed to their size, if only.

"You'll have to forgive me, but we shall have to take the stairs. The elevator is-"

"I am aware," she shuts down, knowing the subterranean location of the emergency command room very well.

Throwing glances around, over her shoulder doesn't dissipate the shiver, the breath of cold that falls on her nape. And in the reflection in the window, she saw something she didn't expect. Well, two things actually. One, that her eyebags were worse than she had thought, skin almost as white as that of her own assistant. The other, that the guard walking ahead of her seemed to be drowning a chuckle.

"…Is something the matter?" she asks, dry, pressing her laptop and folders more onto her person.

"Oh, my apologies. It's just, you seem rather tense, ma'am. Please, you've nothing to worry about. No one would dare lay a hand on you."

"Hmm… Sure. I expected a sturdier retinue to be present to escort me to the higher floors. Has the Shogun truly sent a call for me?" she asks, sharpening her ears, eyes, looking for anything out of place.

The ever-present smile in the guard could be taken as something of the sort, if not for the absolute lack of tension in the walking. "Why, yes, ma'am. Everyone else is, as you should know, quite busy. Her Highness was… advised to sent a simple guide, to avoid rumors to brew or to make you uncomfortable."

"…I see," she simply says, looking to the window as they take the stairs.

Following on his steps, a hand clutches the railing. Numbness spreads, tip of her feet hits a step, almost makes her trip. Gaze blurry and doubling over, she stops and braces, pressing folders onto her sides tightly.

"Are you alright, ma'am?"

"Y-Yes, I only stumbled. It's nothing… Cough."

"Would you like to take a short rest?"

"Heh… I rather not make the Shogun and her… retainers wait," she coughs again, brushing her hair, her inner wordings.

"If you'd like to take a minute it's alright, in my opinion. We are allies, after all."

"Hmph… Certainly, if you say so, boy," she scoffs, walking past him up the steps, waiting for the young man to ascend and resume his protocol guidance.

Although when turning around, she's lost admiring the city from the height, that she had never seen before. Under the daylight the hustling seemed to be only raising. Clinks, clanks, vrooms and the like abundant, but rather than cars and bicycles there were humvees and tanks on the roads, even a TSF or two doing rounds up above.

"…I believed Kitanomaru was supposed to be a shelter?" she asks when basking in toxic gray where stalwart green should have been, hearing the steps stop behind her.

"It was, yes. A requisition came not too long ago, it has now become a camp of the Royal Guard."

"…Such a waste."

"Well, at least they didn't tear down the entire park."

"What? They were wanting to turn all of the greenery into a military complex?" she asks, gaping upon the nod.

"Sadly, that is the situation we're in. Each and every inch must be exploited, to secure the coming victory. That is why I said there's no honor nor glory in this before. When you look closer, there's only shadows and devils around," he shakes his head, sighing, expression withering as a TSF zooms out, the echo of its boosters passing through the windows. "Well, let us be on our way," he whispers, turning to a side, resuming his walk.

That she follows, closely this time. "…For your age and rank, you're rather well informed."

"All of us must do our share, ma'am. Mediocrity has no place in the Imperial Royal Guard. Our rules are quite strict."

"Hmm," is all she gives, following after.

Observing the guard saw no insignia appointed anywhere, thus the dark attire signaled an inductee he was. Only problem was, an inductee at the bottom of the totem pole wouldn't be guiding none other than her to the Shogun's chamber nor know the answer to her prior query. Yet that was not what she focused on at the moment, be it due to exhaustion, curiosity or whatever it was.

"You… had waved at Yashiro, didn't you."

"Huh?" his steps halt, staring briefly back at her in poker, giving another smile while messing with the already rebel hair. "Who, ma'am?"

"My assistant, the little girl. You waved at her."

"…Yes?" Upon her silence, brows and lips shrug, lungs too. "Uh, is something the matter, ma'am?"

"Oh, no, I was merely wondering why, is all," she says, walking again, reaching another set of stairs.

"It's only courtesy. Sympathy, if you will. For such a little girl to be in the room, as scared as she was, I simply thought it'd be a nice gesture, is all."

"Sympathy, hmm," for a moment her eyes darted to his neck yet found nothing in it, despite scanning as he turned on the ascent.

"…Ma'am, my eyes are up here," he chuckles back, shrugging. "In these dark times, some small kindness can mean much. That's all," he nods, extending an arm for them to keep raising through the steps, into hallways adorned in gold and purple.

"Is that so… It is a first, for a Royal Guard to extend such a gesture. I honestly hope your time here isn't as pleasant as mine."

"Ha! Come on, now. It's not that bad, being here."

"If you say so," she rolls her eyes, finally sighing as they take a corner, sparing an honest shake of her head for the young inductee. "Speaking out as you did with the Colonel won't simply fly in the IRG. You'd be best served to keep a low profile, and avoid being used as an escort for VIPs," she admits.

Arriving into a large hallway without windows, framed by a long, distant carpet, starry and abstract paintings are guarded by glass, and the finest curved pottery still remaining in the Empire. The distance exuded the light of other days, unchanged from the situation. A stronger yet far more pleasant scent of lavender along the emblem of the Koubuin House in the banners on the walls reaches them, even when barely finishing the ascent.

Taking in some of that aroma, the young guard smiles. "Well, that's what shooting stars do, don't they?"

"Huh? Stars?"

He nods, waning the pace of the walk, observing the paintings. "Yes. All we can do is fly in the sky for some seconds, hope someone sees our meager light. Even if we're all alone in our loops, we can only hope that our warning is heard by those below."

"…Stars also may end isolated in the vast blackness of space."

"Such grimness… I'd expect a more bright outlook from someone like you."

"When you're as high as I on the ladder, it's hard not to. I advise you to keep to yourself, boy. I've seen younger faces torn in half for less than you've done on this guidance."

"…Your concern is appreciated, but unnecessary. Even a little spark can triumph over the eternal night waiting over the horizon. Hoping for the dice to roll our way is all we can do, before being left with no choice but to crash down… and burn everything away," he spits, low, as fists clench and gloves are strained.

"…What does that mean?" she asks, suddenly halting her steps.

The guard simply nods upwards to her frown, a hand on his chest. "I'm merely hoping, is all. For the next mission to be a success, for us to not crash against an Iceberg," he notes before resuming his walk down the hall.

Yet the Professor's steps gain haste, following after. "To not have the next sortie crash against an iceberg, huh. What an odd turn of phrase. Is it from somewhere in particular?" she asks, drawing a blank on her mind's shuffle, as blank as the smile and shake of the head the guard relents.

And then, silence.

Only their steps echoing in the lavish hallway, as if time had come to a stop.

The absolute lack of other sounds, of any other people seeming to be around, caused folders to be bent, choked into her lab coat, eyes sharpening. A piece not wanting to fit in, an oddity.

"…May I ask why you said that last word in English? As far as I know, members of the Imperial Royal Guard would soon rather swallow lead than willingly speak the official international language with another fellow Japanese."

"Please, don't think much of it, ma'am."

"Yet it is odd, quite so. Why would-"

"We've arrived, by the way," he smiles, brushing a hand to the other end of the hallway.

To a large, regal door, to two approaching Royal Guards garbed in red, Shinpans, the nobles right below the Regent Houses in the totem pole. Much like harpoons was their advance, equally striking their gazes upon the scientist.

"I see… Your guidance was appreciated," she says, nodding, "even if your attitude was rather curious for a Royal Guard. For your own good, stay away from these requests of your superiors and remain as a grunt, boy. Hell has taken its fair share of victims thus far," she sighs, almost limping forward, her old base, her old school flashing in her mind, in flames.

"…Orpheus had to descend into hell, only to come back singing again like never before," he whispered, only audible to the Professor.

Frozen in place the Professor remains, glaring and scanning the unassuming smile of the young guard. Something tugs at her, in the back of her head, right below the ears, as if cold hands were massaging her scalp. Her observing, however, is cut short by a throaty cough.

Turning around meets her with an emerald green gaze, a stoic feature and weary eyes, what she had grown used to expecting from the IRG. "Greetings, Professor," 1st Lt Tsukuyomi Mana relents a slight bow, the young girl right besides her doing the same. "Her Highness is finishing a meeting, if you'd only wait a moment," she says, gesturing for her to follow.

"I see… Allow me to thank you in my STF's stead for the collaborations in the sorties of late."

"It is nothing, we of the Koubuin fellowship are only performing the duty entrusted on our shoulders, for our nation and people. On that regard," she looks to her side, to the young girl standing right besides, "seek your cousin, and deliver the reports now. We've no time to waste," she orders.

The girls stands upright and salutes, her long and emerald green hair swaying as she does. After a bow towards the Professor, she gazes at the guard standing behind Kouzuki, who rather than a formal gesture returns another smile and a simple salute to the Professor and the Lieutenant, and in tandem the two young Imperials depart in rushing haste, the inductee leading the way down.

"He's either the densest person in the entire world or the illegal son of a Regent…" Kouzuki reasons in front of the irreverence shown in front of the Shinpan guarding the Shogun, feeling a pit in her stomach and a sting in the back of her head, knowing already what such plays end on.

"Something the matter, Professor?" Mana calmly observes, arms lightly folding.

"…Nothing, it's simply odd to see a young Shinpan heir made to contribute as well. I had thought most were relocated to Hokkaido," she says, recalling nights of debates as orphans were made to take the spear while high nobles were, and still are, cuddled in silky, fine cotton.

Yet the compressed brows and lips do tell Mana mirrors some of the scientist's opinions. "We do not have enough hands as is, despite the mass induction draft. It is also for morale, even as only a vain display, to show all of us Japanese are doing what we must. And make no mistake, young some may be yet their aptitude far surpasses that of many older fellows in the ranks. Even if… this comes with its own share of issues," she admits, softly rubbing the base of her neck.

"I see…"

For a moment, the image of those kids, almost children to her eyes, marching into the ruins of Hiiragi froze her blood dry, far more frozen than the eclipse in her best friend's face when they had to depart Hakuryo, with half the staff still inside. A cherry blossom opening, in perfect form, only to bathe it all in fire as it drowns in gunpowder.

Her reminiscence is cut short as the door opens, brusquely, followed by a booming shout.

"-then you and your fellows may go and burn in hell. I shall despair after I perish!"

"Raiko-sama, wait a moment! I'm not finished with-"

"Oh, but I am with you, Tsukuyomi. Heard enough already," the tall, lean yet muscular shape of the woman with almost literal red thunders coming out of her eyes slashes back, making the turquoise haired guard flinch. "Save your breath, you'll find it precious in the battlefield," she scoffs as she runs a hand into her long, sharp feather-shaped lily hair, and only then notices Kouzuki's presence, eyes narrowing then.

The Professor relents a small nod, if only to douse the pyre and not deal with more shouts. "1st Lt Amato, it has been a long time."

"Not long enough, Professor. And it's Captain now," the woman sighs, scrunching her features before storming past Kouzuki and Mana in red zone speed, as red as her dress. "I shall be on my outpost if Yuuhi-sama requires me."

A hand quickly blocks the way forward of the other one by the door, Mana shakes her head. "We've other matters to tend to, and sadly, I knew your proposal would end in this way," she whispers, still embers glaring back at the one departing in haste.

"I know, it's simply frustrating…" tapping her glasses, the other Shinpan coughs and kills the ashes, standing in attention, nodding at the scientist. "Forgive the yelling, Professor Kouzuki," 1st Lt Tsukuyomi Maya says, in perfect apathy and poker as she gives a brief bow. "It is no manner to welcome this overdue reunion."

"No, it is alright. The invitation is enough of an honor," Kouzuki says in petrification, if only to kill embers cold. "How much time will I have allowed in the Shogun's presence?"

"I was not told, Her Highness deems this talk with you as imperative. There are other meetings scheduled soon, but we shall try and grant her wish so that you can platicate at large," she ascertains, unchanging as she brushes her turquoise hair. For a sustained moment, she looks at the hallway and blinks erratically. The two guards share a gaze, Mana grimacing a no which causes Maya to sigh, enlarging the cracks in her lungs. Coughing into a hand again, she nods at Kouzuki. "Well then, Professor, please do enter the chamber. We shall stand guard outside."

The Professor thanks them and rearranges the folders onto her person as both guards stood side by side, ready to close the door once she passed. This allowed Kouzuki to observe and contrasts both guards, the different badges attached to their necks. The three horns the turquoise one had in her insignia, the redder tint to her eyes and the veins that in them surface.

One breath later, Yuuko walks into the chamber, the echo of the closing door hastening her steps. Following the purple carpet laid in between the marble pillars she finds a small stage at the far end. A slim shape waits there along the sunburst banner, and her own fellowship's sign. Slowing down into a deep bow, remaining as such for a moment and gazing at the polished wood bouncing back the sun into her eyes, Kouzuki raises, hand on her chest.

"It is an honor to be welcomed to your presence, Your Highness."

"No, the honor is mine, Professor," the young lady says, sporting the habitual docile smile, lukewarm as the cloak of daylight. "Would you favor a chair, perchance?"

"If at all possible," Kouzuki admits. Letting some air out, glancing around, waiting for some movement left her raising a brow, or both when solid contact meet the back of her legs. "What the- When did-" she asks, staring back at the neat office chair awaiting right behind her.

The Shogun's eyes and lips narrowed, gazing around and about, before relenting a heavy, audible sigh as the symmetry of her fringe and dress is disturbed for a moment in inner repining.

"Uh… Your Highness, when did-"

"Please, let us begin. Some of my retainers are… quite timid, is all. No offense is meant against you."

"Is that so…"

Along the steam of the tea and the spreading orange of an incoming sunset they spoke, debating numbers, impressions, edging wordings in a slow but never ceasing debate.

"-so the support of both the Ikaruga and Takatsukasa fellowships is all but assured?" Kouzuki asks.

"My, of course. They shall remain in the rear, to safeguard the ground while the UN proceeds with the final stage of the mission. On that note, your petition to bolster our numbers was heard. Even the Heads of Houses of renown such as the Takamura and Yamashiro shall be leading their fellows to battle. I hope you appreciate," Koubuin says, resting the rim of her cup on her lips, "the lengths to which the Empire has gone to support you, and the Fourth."

"But of course, Your Highness," Kouzuki replies, finishing her own beverage slowly. "And, as arduous as it will be, I hope my final petition is resolved peacefully once all is said and done."

"…Frankly, your small victories have done much to raise the spirits of our fellows, doubly so for the people. If you lead us to reclaiming Yokohama I honestly doubt anyone would dare discredit you further."

"Let us hope our preparations have been enough, then. Of course, any spoils will be shared with the Empire, within the boundaries of the UN," she notes, nodding and standing to offer a folder. "The proposition from HC is here. There are some debatable aspects, such as relocating other cadet squadrons along the 207th Training School to the new facility. I advise you to review it to the utmost detail before disclosing any of it to other Regents."

"It is most gracious of you," the Shogun nods, smiling bright as she takes the envelope. "However, if you'd forgive my skepticism; is reclaiming the Hive truly within our boundaries? On my reviews of the reports forwarded by the survivors of Palaiologos and Swaraj there seemed to be no end to the tunnels, much less the BETA. My advisors have also been rather pessimistic about the notion…"

"Stating that it's possible would be a… disservice to the challenge. Yes, I admit it is madness to ponder, however, even when every equation has been perfected, there are times when one must pray for the coin to land favorably," she sighs, looking out to the balcony, to the sunset and taking in the air, dirtied by oil and smoke. "Yet even against the grim future that awaits on the horizon's rim, I'm certain that the only doubt to be cleared is how high the casualty count will be," she says, closing her eyes, sighing and feeling the final breath of the wind reach into the room.

"It simply didn't seem to be real. One minute the photo-op was going well, the other the crafts were hovering in erratic patterns. Before we knew what was happening, all our monitors were bursting in alarm and then… Heh, I'm sure you've heard plenty. Ever since that day they've been locked up in the deepest vault. Sorry, but I can't help you get the XGs out."

"-and as you can see, there is barely no remaining effect in the nearby area. Hm? Yes, Professor Kouzuki, you're right that there was a small distortion left in our equipment afterwards but that seems like a small price to pay for an otherwise flawless bomb. Our orbital bombardment tactics are already polished, and clearing the aboveground BETA has not been the issue thus far. I believe now we possess an alternative, a real one, to deal with those hidden soldiers that seem all but insurmountable today."

Her breath, held hostage. Eyes, lost on inner twists and turns of numbers and ice. Tugging and folding and flattening the edge of her lab coat, onto her thighs, onto her stomach, still she could not remain.

"Is something the matter?" the Shogun asks, leaning a bit forward upon the first moment of true silence.

And looking back into the young yet firm woman's eyes, Kouzuki crosses her arms, tightly so, far tighter than the gorgonic expression she raises. "I am aware that to request such out of you, Your Highness, after the bountiful support already bequeathed to my project may ring inappropriate and opportunistic to your ears. If you'd forgive my audacity, the certainty of all stages of the mission is assured, except the final one."

"I believe that is why the American troops shall be rendezvousing with our own during the mission?" she asks, idling a hand on her symmetrical fringe.

"Yes, however, that comes with its own risks. To truly ascertain victory over the BETA I fear I must ask you to relinquish one final favor to this mission."

"And that would be?"

"…For you to deploy the swords which could break any fangs to Lucifer," she asks, holding breath and sight in lock, drying her cheeks as the Shogun seems to do too. "I know this petition would place you in a compromising position, yet-"

"If your intent is to inquire on our commitment to the cause, allow me to clarify; The Koubuin fellowship in all its might shall stand in the battlefield as well, only in more modest numbers due to the availability of TSFs for mine own troop," Koubuin replies, slow and cold, daggers in unblinking eyes as she lays her fingertips on her lap. "After all, you yourself requested the deployment of both the Type-98X and 1-C for this mission, citing similar arguments. I shall allow it, and will expect a matching spoil for this petition."

"I see… Thank you kindly for the unwavering support, Your Highness," Kouzuki says, giving a short but honest bow. "I assure you, Alt IV shall bear fruit even if it is the last I am to do on my life."

The Shogun shakes her head, basking in the horizon seen through the balcony. "No, I, too, should be showing gratitude to you. Even after the passing of Professor Kirigaya, you have remained in support of the Empire despite the less… favorable views some of my fellows hold of your person."

"I believe that, if we agree on only one matter, it's that Alt V is a ship that must not sail, regardless of the cost. The UN is well aware of the pressure we're being subjected to, and despite the nickname believe me the Marshal wants nothing to do with the Regent Houses," she admits, shrugging wide, sighing wider.

Causing the Shogun to quietly laugh. "I see… We must be a rather troublesome few to their eyes."

"Indeed. So, as long as we remain on alignment in that fact, everything else is negotiable, Your Highness."

"Sigh… Indeed," she nods, losing herself to the sky and clouds, the sliver of oil in the air. "I suppose, wishing for our efforts thus far to endure the storm brewing ahead is all that's left. Simply wait and watch, and hope that our dreams do not crash against an iceberg…"

"…Hm? Your Highness, if I may ask; Why such an analogy?"

"Huh? Oh, well…" she momentarily looks back into the rows of pillars, a few fingertips brushing her neck, "it is nothing of import, merely an image that appeared in my head, is all. Nothing more."

"…I see."

Then, a knocking rhythmically echoes from the door. 1st Lt Tsukuyomi, the emerald haired one, swiftly enters the room, signaling the end of the meeting. Mana moves to the Shogun's side, whispering something or the other, making Koubuin sigh into a frown.

"My apologies, Professor. It seems our time is at an end."

"It is alright, you've given me more than enough today, Your Highness," she relents another bow when standing, placing her laptop and remaining papers back under her arm. "You know how to reach me were you in need of anything."

"Certainly. Now then, until we meet again."

"Until next time. Now, if you'd-" Yuuko then twitches, the slight backwards movement to bow not finding resistance. Looking back, the chair was gone, and the food offered to her was all gathered in a small box by her feet. "How in the- I didn't hear anything…"

"By the Emperor…" Mana pinches her nose, slowly, so slowly shaking her head. "Apologies, Professor. Some of us have truly learned to tread the shadows far too silently. Allow me to escort you back to your crew."

"…Very well. Your Highness," she says, back into a straight posture to give the bow, a small smile and a nod received in return.

"Please do take the sweets, if you'd like as well. Perhaps the young assistant will find them fitting to their taste?" Koubuin suggests, joining her fingertips, to the wince of Tsukuyomi.

"If you insist…" Yuuko said, eyeing the delicacies sideways, finding most of them to actually be of chocolate, the scent of coconut still briefly lingering. How had they actually guessed young Yashiro's particular taste was something she did not felt like questioning, given the situation and that apparently chairs had a will of their own in the IRG. "Thank you kindly, Your Highness."

And with one last row of pleasantries, a few looks shared with Takatsukasa and her retainers as they entered the room while she made her exit, back into the hallways it was. Back to the planning of the day that would make or break her life's project, wondering if there truly was nothing else left to do.

And cursing herself inside as she thought of that damned Tau cross.


August 5th.


Smoke explodes to dark, evacuating empty buildings, lifeless places and gaping holes burnt into sulfuric bodies. All around, mirrored, a thousand fire darts fly and reverberate in a chain of fire. Through it all, two blue shapes cut the blaze and advance.

"Dellingr 8, 9! Return to your positions at once!" Captain Michiru shrieks, almost biting on her tongue when having to backdash away from the desperate, loving hugs of the Tanks.

The two signals refused to answer, keep on boosting through shallow concrete corridors, tackling aliens and sprinkling giblets and sulfur around.

"Damn you!" Michiru again tries to spam the comms, to no avail. "Valkyries, regroup around my position. We must hold the line, at all cost!"

And the only four remaining barely raised their throats, coughing up sand for voices. From every little corner, from every crack more of those appeared. More red hands, more claws falling from the skies upon pounces, more hollowed bricks rammed with full violence.

Flapping already clipped wings, unable to leave the spider's nest, all Michiru can afford herself is a crunching prayer upon her bottom lip. Blockaded by the buildings still standing, risking laser fire were they to employ jumps to leave, swarmed on their flanks, molested from all angles. At this point, whether their rifles' barrels or their blood were boiling more than the other, it didn't really matter.

Because in the middle of the Red Zone, they were not the only ones lost to the gaping maw.

As if someone, perhaps Lady Fate, had pulled at the seams of the Earth, a fissure had bared its fangs and the ull throat at the incoming army. Those lucky enough not to fall soon found themselves prey to loving hugs depleting all air in their lungs, forevermore.

"Listen to me, stay close in elements. Cover each other's flanks as we slowly make our way back to the main force!" 1st Lt Sagiri shouts to his fellows, not really halting the manic shots all around.

A step forward into a crouch, sliding under a Grappler's assault, his blade meets the bone, cracking the central head, bathing his craft and the soil in more of that pink, sulfuric tincture the beasts had for blood.

"Hey, get a hold of yourself!" he curses at the tumbled Gekishin, only for his Kagerou to ring out in red.

Hands reach out, bend his arms backwards, take the sword away. Moving up, caressing thighs and drooling acid, jaws open, wiggly teeth tickle burns and reach out, aim for his chest.

Only to be blasted apart by that fallen Gekishin getting its shit together, followed by hacking, smacking motions with a blade. Far more rough is the rasping desert departing the cracked lips.

"Die, die, die! How many more will you take from us?! Just disappear already, you-"

"C-Calm down, hey!" Sagiri warns, managing to make his TSF stand. "It's alright, this sector is clean. We should pull back, now. Cover my back, and remain alert. We can make it back, so please don't lose yourself to battle."

"Ah… Y-Yes, my apologies, sir," the young woman tapped her glasses, 2nd Lt Komaki gulps down, teeth shaking as she boosts behind the Kagerou.

The rest of the IJA was in a similar state, haggling with pain and blood. Plating already damaged, shields gone far too long ago, sanity about to follow suit. From his position, everything truly seemed about to collapse for Sagiri. For not even the fabled Shiranui 1-C models were reaching the gates.

And seeing blue stalling, at some points overtaken again by the red on screen, made O'Connor tighten a fist, beat it onto the deck.

"Sir, you've a call," an operator said.

"Sigh… Patch me through. O'Connor speaking."

"General, Hunter 1 here," a gruff, deep voice calls, holding a small key with his squadron's logo, "any news regarding our deployment?"

"None, still not allowed."

"…Sir, with all due respect, should we not sortie regardless? I believe-"

"Give me some more time, Walken. I'll get you off the ship, without risking your head on it," O'Connor sharply says, cutting the connection, sighing the pit in his stomach. Turning to his side, he nods low, taking off his cap. "Could you try and call this time?"

"…Which one?" Eberbach asks, already moving for his own private comms.

"At this point, I don't even know… I can't truly fault anyone here, even if our coordination-"

An explosion sends a Gekishin into a spin, the fire not even granting the pilot inside the mercy to look up at the pictures stashed besides her.

"Why didn't you cover us?!" a comrade protests on the common channel.

"Your orders are to secure the district! We of the IRG are the aggressors, we cannot dally by covering other units," a cold tone so remarked, darker than a new moon night.

"Wait, what are the Guards doing here?" a pilot from a blue Shiranui asks, bending both arms backwards, sending a rain of missiles to their Eleven. "Cpt Isumi! We've got company!"

"What do you mean by- Wait, why are the Empire's troops in our area?"

"Why are you UN soldiers in our area, is the actual query?"

"Actually," an IJA soldier taps his glasses, stalling his Kagerou and dropping a sword that had been rusted to the bone in a sea of red jelly and sulfur, "this was originally a zone for my IJA squadron to cover."

"…Wait, then, when did we strafe from our coordinates?" the Royal Guard inquires.

"Oh, the metal clouds!" Michiru inhales sharp, hitting her controls. "Valkyrie One to all! Do a system check on your radars, ASAP!"

"You heard the woman, my fellows. We should- Wait, Valkyrie?!"

"…Sometimes, I think it's a miracle we've made it this far," O'Connor rubs his temple, eyes closing shop sharp to not stare headfirst at the chaos.

"God acts in mysterious ways," Eberbach notes, nodding short while taking out his personal comms. "I'll try and see what I can do."

The tone rings, and rings. Yet eventually it stops, a low sigh coming through.

"Allow me to tell you, their patience is being tested as we speak," he slowly starts, moving to the far back of the Command Room of the ship. "Is everything within your predictions still?"

"…For the moment, yes."

"The Hunters and Black Knives are at the ready, if the Imperials insist on not deploying their Type-98X units yet."

"Colonel, I already answered this question. If you'd excuse me, I've an operation to oversee," she fires off in acid, nibbling at her lips, cracking nails at the state of her STF, plans throw all but into the campfire.

"I am as well, Kouzuki. And these numbers are not what we expected. Should I… extend a prayer to the Heavens for our victory?" he whispers, smiling while playing with the wooden T.

Causing Kouzuki to frown, gulp down what tries to rush out from inside. Seeing Pyatkh shaking her head in the operator's rows, the line from the Shogun's and IRG's vessel all but dead almost made the Professor stain the lab coat. If not for those small hands that still tugged, gazing up in concern.

Petting that silverish hair again and taking a long breath, she straightens once more. "It's not the time yet, this is still within my calculations," she nods, looking at the two dots, the two sole survivors of the Dellingr squadron making their way to the Laser-Class against orders and warnings from Command.

It causes the hands to stop spinning the wood, snow to hit Eberbach again in the face. "I've seen this tale already, Kouzuki. Allow me to tell you, God does favor the faithful. I can cast the brightest light down to Earth to aid those in the frontlines, before further unnecessary losses occur."

"Quite the hero, aren't you."

"Somebody has to do what's necessary. After all, the morningstar will always rise when the shadows are at their darkest. Would you join me in prayer, Professor?"

"…The laser density is not low enough. This is not what we agreed beforehand."

"Give your permission for the US Army to mobilize. I assure you, my… siblings have the skill and equipment to solve this conundrum, for both of us."

"And then leave your siblings to infiltrate the Hive, hmm."

"Haha, ever the cruel rose. Your STF may regroup with our troop. It's only beneficial to band together on this night, wouldn't you agree?"

"And tie Alt IV with the American army, in front of the Empire?" she scoffs, the whisper rotting the inner side of her mouth, forcing her to spit. "I knew you and your compatriots enjoyed beer since an early hour, but today is not the day, Eberbach."

Hitting the wall, causing eyes to go to him, Eberbach tilts his back, old grudges and bones tell in his stead, "Then when will it be, if not today? I believed you, too, were not in agreement with the plans outlined should this result in another stalemate? Also, must I remind you the other… heads of this beast do not look upon you as kindly as I do, Professor. I can only stymie their hunger for so long," he admits, again clutching the cross.

"Only a few minutes is all I ask. I will play my part, when the time is right. Only do care to remember this day, Eberbach. Every apple has its snake, after all."

"Haha… So long as we remain in alignment, correct? Haha, you have indeed been the correct choice, my fellow. Contact me when you wish His light to fall upon our enemies, then. The sooner, of course, the better. I… don't think I can hold them off for more than ten minutes, to be honest."

"That's more than enough," she dryly states, smashing the cancel button, shutting off the comms, pretty much throwing them like a bowling ball into her small desk. "…Sigh. How come speaking with him is far more exhausting than watching over the operation?" she repines inside, before briskly walking back to the monitors.

Radhabinod informs Yuuko of the deteriorating situation, sharing the spotlight with panicked reports from other soldiers, Isumi reporting the correction of their course back to the gates and the hill. The duo from the Dellingr squad remained stalling the BETA, yet the rest of the force couldn't catch up to them. Surprisingly, even the IJA had started to cooperate, allowing the first elements from the Royal Guard to play their part.

Or so it should have been.

"…Only when the curtain is about to fall should we make our entrance. To rush our hand would be a sign of weakness," Ikaruga told from his machine, always smiling small.

"Remaining on this ideal might prove fatal, Ikaruga-dono," the Shogun requests, tightly joining her hands as she looks into the monitors. "The troops need the vigor of seeing the Regents on the field, not only to turn the tide of battle but to prevent the chaos from spreading."

"Worry not, Your Highness. Our own men are out there at the moment, sailing this tide to our port. Isn't that correct, Kyoko?" he asks, leaning onto a hand as if about to doze off.

"Ah, y-yes, of course," she replies in haste, bowing down, not wanting, unable to look into the Sun. "Takamura and Iwaya are out in the field, please do not despair so, Your Highness. Once the Hiiragi District is secured as per the accord, we shall immediately deploy through the catapults."

"Howe-" Yuuhi's words halt as a hand pats her shoulder, her own General, Guren Daizaburou, shakes his head, the spikes for hair even curling down in sobriety. And so, the Shogun imitates the crestfallen expression, simply opting to acknowledge the position, cut the connection.

"…Please do not despair so, Yuuhi-sama. All we are waiting for is a small reprieve from the lasers."

"All the simulations I've practiced in show this to be the focal point of any battle. Failure to measure against the rapid developments in the field spells doom for any operation."

"I know, however, to deplete our reserve units-"

"I already lost my Father and Mother, Daizaburou-sama. How will I face them were I to repeat the mistakes of the past?" she asks, clawing at the metal of the command room in the ship, bending most well decorated nails, hiding dampness in her eyes with the tip of the cap.

All those watching, all those fighting, all of them shared the sentiment to some degree. Normally, even a 'low' casualty rate would equal a hasty retreat, to avoid wasting resources on the BETA. Today, however, was not one such occasion, so more meat was sent headfirst into the grinder.

Slam dunked into neckbreakers, explosions and screams, sometimes the former is denied thus enhancing the latter. Some try and escape, some stumble, limp about, see long lost friends or dear ones calling for them in the broken parks, on the doors of old houses.

At least they smile, amidst the chaos. At least they're free in their final moments. Unlike those turned into TSF-shaped Destroyer-Class, only hitting anything in sight.

"Dellingr 8, 9! Stop advancing! We cannot-"

"Isumi, respect their wishes," Kouzuki interjects, cutting into her visual. "It is their choice, and this is their hometown. Understand their feelings, and do not waste the diversion they've given us."

"However, we won't be able to rendez-"

"It is what it is. We must honor their sacrifice, this is our… duty to see through. Victory is the least they deserve," she tells, narrow the eyes and nod. "You're the last standing captain, do not let this ruin your efforts thus far. Focus on what you can accomplish, make the Reaper proud."

"…Yes, ma'am. A-Apologies, it is all so frustrating… I shall not disappoint the expectations you've placed on me, Professor!" she roars, yet it cracks as her lips.

Cutting the connection, Kouzuki sighs and claws at her elbows. Almost as Isumi's parched throat is hers, and no rubs from young Yashiro on her arm can cleanse the inner drought. Sight closes shop all to abruptly, as sudden and harsh as the shrieks echoing through her earpiece which halt her breaths.

"M-Mitsukiii… Gaaah… P-Protect!"

"Stop BETA… Defeat BETA… For H-Haruka and Akane-chaaan… Grr… Graaah!"

The two Shiranui continue their rampage through concrete, meat and sulfur. Yet the dusk for voices whimpers more and more, rasping through the sulfur as the peeling steel of their machines. Kouzuki can only nod down, glancing at the button she herself had pressed moments ago. That little red and yellow button whose light bathes the eyes of the two pilots, reading Combat Hypnosis Level 10.

"You're doing a spectacular job, Isumi. There is only one fair target for the hatred…" she remarks, scoffing at the air into a small chuckle, something breaking off and falling inside her chest.

The cracks spread, air sent back into the highway of her lungs, nails cracking against the solid counter. The same happens on all other vessels, when a new rumble appears on the ground and a rave flashes to the sky. For only a second, the wobbly shapes of the Laser-Class appear on screen before the signal is lost.

More and more, red floods and drips down from the fresh wound.

Shouts and demands erupt in the speakers, entangling into a mound of taunts.

Only those two Shiranui kept moving forward through their hatred, their daze. But even that burning flow grows cold, stalling in front of cleansing light.

Kouzuki runs numbers and patterns on her head, finding no quick solution, the tumbling of the Shiranuis almost sending her eyes to her comms. The looming T again flashes in her mind, she bits her lips.

Clouds pierced shower no daylight to the troop, no matter where they look in the oscillation only yet to ignite signs appear.

And at the lowest point in the battle, right before the break of dawn, amidst the incoming darkness, when red was all the monitors could display-

"Swiftly. Firmly. Fiercely. Calmly."

[Recommended Music: Fall, from Armored Core 4.]

-a wave of blue washes over the frontline, silencing all operators and overseers.

One by one, dots once red become blue, marked as 'DEAD'. A blurry silhouette blitzes past the Valkyries, the Guards, the BETA as well. What it was, they did not know. Only the flamboyant backflip, the sharp turns almost colluding with charging aliens remain on their minds for a moment. A drunken dolphin spinning madly against the enemy, drilling a path through the unlimited ashes and embers.

That small, tiny azure lane burning through the BETA ranks reaches the other two blue dots, the Shiranuis whose armor was as plastic in front of an oven. Aiming a barrel that no longer could scream, their lungs were equally squeezed tight. One of the duo disappears in front of the blinding light, the small advance of the Lasers. The other smothers itself against a building, sprawled on the rubble by the panic dodge.

"N-No… Haruka is waiting. I have to be there-Cough!Wheeeze… w-when she wakes up…"

"…Sorry, Suzumiya," the downcast nod lasts only a moment, the head is molded to the back of the seat as a dash starts, as boosters ignite to full.

Rushing into the stares of the Lasers, a hand extended forward.

Forward, towards that shakily standing Shiranui.

Forward, into the light.

Three seconds, then dark smoke raises to the already clogged sky. From within the thick threads of pollution, however, an even darker shadow falls upon the lasers. Spinning into a twister, the aliens, the street, the buildings nearby coughing blaze, it is all cleanly, evenly cut in halves, to bits.

Rearing the visor backwards for a moment reveals charred remains, almost as charred as his heart. More roses for ashes. Another vow unfulfilled. Yet one more dart to the heart.

"You need to learn how to cope."

"I know, 1st Lieutenant. I know… And I'm sorry."

Warning alarms bing and ding, clinky clanks march to the darksteel machine in a martial snare. Many many spiders, many many hands raise and try to hug, and a cloud of white ants try and climb the feet, trampling each other. As hard as the breath taken is the ignition of the jump units, reviving the flames and sulfur. A barbecue of the Soldier and Warrior-Class, the Tanks nearby partly on fire grill to medium in a moment. Even more scorching is the sigh, the chuckles.

"Remember to hold your grip steady before shooting, and to always aim for their belly!"

"Don't worry, I've got this."

Leaving behind the cauterized remains of the fallen in between large BETA beef steaks and homemade meatballs in their own juice, the pure black Shiranui marches forward. Without a callsign, without a squad patch, without anything but the two rifles mounted on its pylons and a reversed blade on each hand.

"The military must do all it can for its people. Don't you dare and screw this up."

"Hey, have some faith in me, will you?"

Bouncing, spinning, radars couldn't keep up with the lone dot that rushed forth into the enemy's territory. Faster than his boosters were certain heartbeats, choking themselves, recognizing the patterns. And yet, nothing reached the cockpit, and they in turn received nothing but the 'NO CONNECTION' message.

And yet, for some reason, a smile rose to greet the tilt of the head the Fort-Class did to welcome the dark machine before launching its claw-tail at it.

"More speed is not equal to more mobility. Remember to decelerate gradually to be able to turn and do a power slide properly!"

"No need to remind me, we've done this a hundred times!"

Dominoes, Fort-Classes, skyscrapers, it was all the same. As exaggeratedly large were eyes and lips aboard ships and in cockpits, almost popping when the action was repeated.

"A leader must always know where to look, what role they have to play in the operation. And remember that, no matter what happens, you cannot protect your life on your own."

"…Well, but I gotta. Come on, don't scold me like that… It'll be fine, trust me."

Sharp turns and spins in the air tears the skin, releases the acid within the Forts. Soon, a warm bath befalls all the Tanks and infantry strains chasing after the shadow, arms raised as if singing along in a concert. More so when the tailend of the boosters sets it all ablaze.

The BETA. The town. The roses below the ash.

Smoke parts in twain, a curtain of fire brushed away by the darksteel giant as it hops away from the colossal bonfire. A small moment of respite, a blank radar. A moment where the machine gazes down at a park, at a broken swing, a hollowed out sandbox.

At another rose. One that those hands cannot burn.

"…Everything will change from now on. Even if you come back, I won't be there to catch your fall. So go out there…"

"If only things were still so simple, if only. There really ain't another way, is there…"

"If you have never experienced a sudden farewell, then you must have lived a truly enviable life."

"Don't you start, sister. My mind's made up, I know there's no turning back. Is a single second that hard an ask?"

BOOM!

"Why the fuck do I open my mouth, dammit… Every time."

Dashing away from the incoming lasers, missing them by a hair, saving the park as well, the shadow flees the light. Only to backflip in an arc, a happy carp meeting the starlight, the very first few rays of sunlight. Unlike the fish however, this one carp had talons too.

Returning the blast, squashing the little wiggling aliens, the Shiranui dashed forth towards a building. Using it as a trampoline to sharply change directions, it is then melted away through laser. Time and again, the surrounding area is made into a techno disco, intense light hovering above to the mad dance and spins of the darksteel. Surfacing suddenly, pylons below arms and at the ready, the small Lasers' backs are wide open, and is then snapped wide open.

More and more BETA crawl out of the ground, some piercing it as well, receiving the fire of the boosters into more fireworks in sulfur, small supernovas decorating the district in revenge. Slicing the stubby legs of beetles, stepping back and spinning, cutting off the pincers of Grapplers, both swords giving them a tight embrace. And treating the Tanks to all of the ammo one could afford to present.

Sliding over the remnants of concrete, blasting those who try and use the skies against him, the starving venoms meet no steel. Even when bruised, the painting vanishing when surrounded overlong in the acidic sulfur of the blood, barely dodging the lasers and diving behind corpses.

Burning away, fading with every slash, every shot.

In the eye of the storm of concrete, sulfur and laser beams below the brightening sky of early morning, the final slash was granted, the area secured. Then, and only then, did the dark Shiranui walk up to a ruined house, next to another where a comrade's Gekishin had fallen and was still burning. Just like the hearts of another rose, the previous owner of the building.

Again, he cannot burn it.

"…Coward."

"Not today… Not anymore… Never again."

Threads of light above catch onto a barrier, reflecting the sunlight that still remains behind the horizon. A glowing orb, or rather two, in faint purple are slowly, but assuredly falling down upon the area. Right on top of the Shiranui, to be precise.

For a sec, a flick is switched and the sound of the alarm starts blaring. Only this time it reads 666. Eyes regress into the skull upon the chaotic orchestra that would match his gun parade in the common channel, insults in more languages than thought possible given the members of the sortie.

Shutting off the comms again, a code is pressed, the cockpit opens. Standing and admiring the view, the clearing cerulean in the sky framing one side, dark blue decorating the other, those two purple spots continue their descent, more and more beams of light trying pointlessly to stymie the arrival.

Slight shaking, a tilting of the machine. Sulfur and acid raise to the nostrils, along a pitless roar. A shadow covers the sky, an alarm rings out as the TSF enters the shock countermeasures, as the jaws are broken and a Tank lunges upon the Shiranui from below, teeth wiggling and drooling acid over the metal thighs of the Shiranui.

"…You're blocking the view, asshole," and without even looking down, the whole cartridge of a machinegun is emptied on the beast, falling away like a spider slapped off the wall. Watching the surrounding area, all other BETA were gazing at the make-believe stars coming down upon them, mesmerized. "At least the others have good taste? Heh…"

And so, again, the falling bombs grow in the sky, their protective shell enlarging, almost blocking the sunlight of daybreak, showering the Hiiragi district in light purple. Triggering the pulley and making the Shiranui knee, the descent is uneventful, the BETA pay no mind to the soldier even as a few steps are taken amidst their ranks.

Entering the tattered house while the aliens compulse and make a poor attempt at break dance on the ground, the steps are slow. Still vigilant scents reach the intruder, a scene of older days still intact. And yet no pulse is felt when advancing into the kitchen, not even moss would deign the place of company.

Shaky are the stairs, dust the only roommate.

Short is the time wasted on the room above, a passing glance. Only edges of the puzzle remain, sheets pointlessly left behind pictures and books thrown around, an only a piece of a poster by the wall, close to the broken window from which the gentle rays of purple danger shower.

Quickly moving to the forniture, opening it and closing it almost as fast. A small, small piece of paper is nudged into a book on the shelves then dropped under the bed. Sighing enough for the hand to feel it, fingers slowly unroot themselves to lay a tiny metal on the desk, a small wisp of breath and warmth to the room. The intruder looks all around, one long, final time, before nodding upwards to the nothing and speeding down the stairs.

Remaining by the door frame, however, both eyes long back into the house, into that sweet thread of vanilla that cradled the walls. Slowly, a hand dares a thumbs up.

"See you later," a smirk and a nod later, the door closes.

The soldier checks his surroundings, sees the BETA still mesmerized by the light and walking up the hill, the Shiranui undisturbed.

"Well, all the prep is done," slowly, the growing halo above catches the soldier's attention once again while strolling up the steep hill along the aliens that ignore his presence at large. Merely a chuckle escapes the lips. "Guess it's time to see whether the dice will send me a wink or not."

"S-Silence! You understand nothing!"

"I know, never claimed to do so. I knew this day would arrive, though."

The orbs begin to grow, to distort, cover the area in darker and darker shades of purple. Warriors shake their trunks in the air like elephants washing themselves, Soldiers begin to claw at the sky and grunt moisty, the Tanks simply climb all over the fallen buildings and even attempt to jump at the light. A silly Grappler even holds onto a house, pincers wobbling a bit as if to pinch, only to slide off the hill and roll down into a burning mess.

The soldier, however, keeps on marching through the rave of madness.

"Do not speak such nonsense. You cannot possibly be serious about this!"

"I left my whole life behind to come this far, can't exactly chicken out here."

"How many lives will then be entrusted upon your shoulders?"

"I know."

"To carry on as a leader, it equals forfeiting your individuality. Swallowing your pain, to not waste the sacrifices that had to be made."

"I know."

A dark sun stretches, dark tendrils reach out to hug the skies. Buildings turn to moss, moss fades back into the soil, the soil cowers in fear, covers its head and sinks further, runs away from the darkness. The BETA try and do the same, only for their limbs to coil around like pasta on a fork. Wounds and holes snap open leaking an odd concoction like a broken icecream machine.

"Then why insist? What reason have you to proceed with this madness?"

"Because this time-"

All around withers, the Shiranui falls to its knees, bunny ears melting inwards. The houses do too, even the BETA are prostrated on the ground through their twitching, explosive decompression.

"-I'm getting you, and everyone, out of the cave. Even you have dreams, right?"

"Would you be truly prepared to stain your own hands, then?"

"Haven't I done enough already to prove that to you? Geez…"

"Well, don't worry too much. You know how it is, time might be cruel or kind to us. But that wholly depends-"

"-on what we do with it. But…"

Looking at the dried, squeezed towel his arm had become, limping forward, ignoring compulsing BETA on the ground, that dark sphere covered his whole sight, burning and freezing at the same time.

"…It's gonna take me more than three days, that's for sure. I wonder if my hopes will remain a reflection of yours by then, sunshine."

"However, for me at the least, the most important thing you could do is remain alive. Even if you're derided or called a coward."

"…Sadly, that is the only thing I can do. The- Cough! Cough! Wheeze… only way to alter… this accursed fable…"

And slowly, so carefully, the Shiranui, its pilot, the BETA rose from the ground for a moment. One blinding moment where the spheres shone in bright purple, before expanding, swallowing the buildings by the hillside in large chomps, the TSFs, the aliens, the smoke, the ashes.

Wings of dark spread over the firmament, denying the soldiers of the sunrise. Even the light itself was absorbed by the dark spheres, surrounded by a slight halo. Gazing into midnight in pure daylight, the seams of the sky now stripped, torn and being pulled by the swirling, swirling dark that reflected nothing.

And as quickly as they had appeared those orbs melt away. Silence, only the jogging of the wind.

Where the monument once stood, nothing.

Where the BETA-infested ruins were, nothing.

Where comrades were fighting for dear promises, nothing.

"Masatada?! Hey, answer me… T-This isn't funny! Y-Yui is waiting for us. A-Answer the line, you fucking prick!"

"2nd Lt Komaki, hold your ground! Do not approach the area, it might still be dangerous!"

"B-But my brother- He's the only thing I-"

"1st , should we proceed into the Hiiragi district? The UN and IJN units do not seem willing to move out… Lieutenant?"

"H-Huh? Oh, yes, by all means… My radar… isn't working, however. And the comms aren't… No, she must be there, somewhere. Let us go, my fellows!"

"…Professor, do you copy?"

"Loud and clear. Your report, Isumi?"

"Please ready the hypnotherapy once we get back."

"Huh? What?"

"Dellingr 8 and 9 are… MIA." I'm sorry, Hayase. I'm sorry, Instructor… Never enough, why am I never enough for my troop?

"Cpt Isumi, I need you to head to the following coordinates, post-haste."

"H-Huh? I- Could you grant us some minutes, Professor? The others-"

"The American troops are dashing towards the Hive as we speak, Isumi. If even one of them enters, we both know what will happen with the rest of the Empire's troops," Kouzuki warns, cold as the night, thrusting the same ice into Isumi's stomach.

On another vessel, the commanding voice is in the opposite side of the pendulum, however.

"I ordered not to raise arms, Ikaruga-dono!"

"Your Highness, if I may-"

"You may not, I am speaking."

"However, would you truly have us genuflect-"

"Silence! Our duty is to safeguard the land, not set it ablaze in rampant pride!"

"A-Ahem, Your Highness, please, how could we stay neutral after-"

"Ikaruga-dono, we do not yet know how many have passed away. We all are rightfully wrathful at the moment, yes, however, to sink here to anger would only be equal to throwing mud at our fellows' sacrifice. Thus again I tell; Safeguard the surrounding area of the Yokohama Hive, without engaging the American Army nor the UN forces unless provoked. And of course, do not attempt to enter the Hive."

"Y-Your Highness," Takatsukasa cuts in, panting and flushing in exertion, "Iwaya reported that a fight has broken out. It seems some American TSFs are trying to advance into the Hive. Radars and comms seem to be distorted near the bombing site, however."

"As I suspected, they spare no second even over this massacre," the Shogun clutches her forehead, taking in a deep breath. It kills not a single ember in her. "Ensure the damage is kept to a minimum, we cannot risk altercations in the field from being used against us in front of the High Council."

Ikaruga shakes his head, sighing hard while pinching his nose. "I shall relent on your designs, Your Highness. Leave the battlefield to us, seek formal answers while the vessels remain in our waters."

"…Of course. I shan't take more of your time. Godspeed."

The connection is cut, yet the Shogun remains immovable.

"Your Highness?" Daizaburou approaches slowly, tipping his cap.

"Yes?"

"We've confirmed our intel with the other forces' vessels. There are… no readings on the periphery of the bombing site."

"Is… that so…"

"Would you like me to take the reins for a moment?"

"U-Unnecessary," she states, a few fingers going to the base of her neck, to try and calm her breathing. "I've duties to see to, as the ruler I am to be…"

"Yuuhi-sama, please-"

"Silence. I am alright… I must stand strong, to ensure our future remains smiling… I-I can- No, I must see this through. It is time for action, not words, y-yes, that is right… General, let us request a connection with the UN's and America's vessels, before matters escalate further," she insists, inhaling sharp and nodding, yet still eyeing the radars in the screen sideways, a small heartbeat knocking on her chest.

Some of them were ignited to true blaze, others are merely standing where once something used to be, shouting names, callsigns, what may you. A few rose barrels, taunts and insults, others were shaking in fear and rightful hatred. Even those who came from the vessel responsible have to stall their moves, feeling the air take a reverse turn in the hairpin of their lungs. The bright sunshine of a new day only served to further ingrain the image, fleeting but destructive, of those dark spheres. And while some at least extend a hand to their lucky stars for having found what seems thus far to be a victory, others simply fall to their knees, slump and spill on their cockpits.

Without the bombs, by the might of humanity, it is impossible to turn the tide. Such is the fact that they replay in their heads.

And while some tug at crosses in smirks or clutch their blades in imitation of a BETA, only one person remains completely calm while observing the battlefield, the readings from the bombs.

"…Far more destructive then expected, and without even taking into account the lasting environmental damage," Kouzuki reasoned, grasping her chin as if reading the newspaper while chaos itself had an intimate date with the lips and ears of all the other staff. "This will certainly give me some more time, even if I can't taint the Fifth's image as much as I'd like. Still, the real heroes behind this victory, those that gave their lives will go forgotten. In the end even that dazzling pilot that saved our laserjagd was but another sacrifice. Just another… debt that I must repay…"

"P-Professor!"

"What is it, Pyatkh?"

"T-They found- Bravo Team found- Ugrh, mmgh…"

"Hey, stay still! What did they find, a new BETA strain? Were there any survivors?!"

"…B-Brains. T-They said… there's only brains left…"

Sadly, the quiet part of the day was over. By noon, all that had survived would no longer even think about those brave fellows that dared to keep the tide at bay, unless they were close friends or relatives. Those foolish that attempted a laserjagd, those two young boys from the Dellingr squad, that Gekishin crashed onto a house, or that dark Shiranui either. The ensuing fight over the entrances to the hive, and the rather lacking amount of spoils found in its atelier, were cause of concern and doubts, challenges and demands for inspections. It would be more than twenty four hours before those taking part could be granted the mercy of rest.

In the end, a brutal method was what brought victory through the death of the many, to keep the torch burning one night more. All those who flew and fell on the wake of this day, in the large scope of history were nothing but shooting stars that pointlessly burned away before the darkness claimed truth for itself.

However, while it is true that, by their lonesome, shooting stars are extremely sad entities one should never underestimate the value they do hold for those that watch them, that would still remember them.

Even if their warning goes unheard, even if their trail remains unseen, even if their hopes are unfulfilled and all their vows end up unmade, in the end they will come and crash down all the same. It is their only logical conclusion, for the meteors cannot escape the looping dance they play over space, their duty to warn those that after themselves will walk.

All that remains to be seen is whether those wishes entrusted to the living remain true through the storm in this tide, in the wake of this August 5th where Operation Lucifer reached its desired outcome.

And if, in the end, the light birthed through the descent will be that of a bright dawn or the breaking of it.