Hi everybody! This arc is coming along slowly but surely…now the battle begins! Enjoy.

It was often said that dance and martial arts were linked, the later often disguised as the former. If so, it would explain Kallen's progress with the belly dancing. At least the physical aspect. She and Fadah had only begun with her training, and Fadah estimated that she was already moving at an advanced level. "Very good!" Fadah said, both dressed in the skimpy outfits. "Now, move your stomach!" She demonstrated, undulating her abs. While Kallen was embarrassed with her gold outfit, she had to admit she was having a bit of fun. At least compared to the last gig, there was a craft to this. She could respect that. It also helped they practiced in a room by themselves. She moved her stomach, like waves on the ocean, just as Fadah did. "That's it!" Kallen also had to make note of the difference of their outfits; neither covered much. However, Kallen's top at least fully covered her breasts (at least as best as any bikini could), and her bottom had a skirt both in back and front, however sheer. In the case of Fadah, however, it looked like she REALLY didn't like clothes. Her top only consisted of two circular jewels covering specific areas, and her bottom front's thong was exposed; it looked like it would explode too.

"Now, twirl! Like a Ballerina in the West!" Fadah ordered the red head.

Kallen hesitated. "Uh, I don't…."

"Kallen, your top will stay on! Your panties won't rip! Watch!" Fadah turned on her toes. Though her breasts swayed wildly and her skin stretched the fabric, her flimsy clothing held. "Now, do it!" she commanded again.

Kallen sucked in a breath. "No one's here…" she reminded herself. "It's just me and Fadah…" She copied her trainer's movements; indeed, though it felt like it would come off, the silk stuck to her.

"Good!" Fadah clapped. Had Kallen paid attention, she would have noticed a slight twinkle in Fadah's eyes. "You're a natural at this!"

Kallen sighed as she picked up a water bottle and sat down. "Well, athletics have always been my strong suit, though I could not show it in my public life."

"Ah. Something we have in common." Fadah agreed.

"So…you think they'll like it?"

"Oh? Want men to look at your ass?" Fadah teased.

Kallen only narrowed her eyes. "Only to ambush them."

"Of course. Shame." Fadah chuckled. "But to answer your question, I've no doubt. Your technique still needs work, but by the time we implement the plan we should have nothing to worry about. And being what's considered an exotic beauty here helps as well."

"Hn." Kallen agreed.

Lelouch eyed his laptop worriedly. "You seem concerned." CC noted as she lounged on the bed.

"I've been researching the clerisy." He replied.

"Official sources are probably saying rather flattering things." CC said. "Britannia needs the good press in order to keep good relations."

"Which is why I'm researching rumors instead." Lelouch said. "Rumors that are likely to be true." He scratched his chin. "One of them seems to have a thing for petite women; we may have a use for you after all."

"Told you." She said. "For every man that likes a women with large breasts, there's another that likes them compact."

"There is one more thing…" He bit his lip. "It's embarrassing…but it just might be the opportunity I need to get inside myself…"

"Nice design." Daniel said, observing the new knightmares.

"While the test pilots you selected are qualified, I would feel much better if you or Ms. Kruszewski took command of the Oberyn."

"I'm flattered, but I feel I must pass on the offer." Daniel replied. "We knights are very loyal to our personal knightmares; they are as sacred to us as the swords knights of old received. We will accept upgrades, but never replacements."

Nina sighed. "A shame."

"Even so, I believe it is not safe to test this until we have dealt with the Hawks."

"Why is that?" Nina asked.

Daniel hesitated to say. "…safety." He was given specific instructions not to mention Zero in front of her. He didn't know the circumstances, but when Schneizel gave a command, it was for a very good reason. He then was alerted to a message on his phone. Reading it, his eyebrow arched. "I'm sorry, something came up. Please let me know if you need anything, Miss Einstein."

"Thank you, Sir Horst." Nina nodded. Daniel walked off.

In another office, Daniel entered, seeing Monica sit across a table from Ramal. "Is something the matter?"

"Not too much." Ramal replied, sipping his tea. "First off, I feel I should inform you on the matter of woman you placed the tracer on." Setting his cup down, he said "She got away. She was rather clever. Sorry."

Daniel nodded. "I had a feeling; felt it was worth a try."

"I suspect we'll see her again and the Black Knights very soon."

"Indeed." Daniel said, taking a seat. "But I suspect this has nothing to do with that."

"Wise as always." Ramal said. "Actually, I'm inviting a guest over."

"Do as you wish." Daniel waved him off.

"I'm afraid you don't understand." Ramal continued. "He is very…special. I will need a portion of the security forces to guard him."

"Any reason why?" Monica asked.

Ramal seemed to hesitate. "…I'm afraid I cannot say."

"I'm sorry, but I must decline your request." Daniel answered. "I must know the identity and importance of such a person before I divide my security force. I do not wish to risk the lives of my men without knowing why."

"I apologize, Sir Horst. I understand your position, really I do. But I'm afraid it is not your call." He then pulled a paper from the desk, handing it to the knight. Monica looked over his shoulder. "It has officially been approved and decreed by His Majesty himself. The only choice you have is any number above 20."

Daniel breathed deep, and rolled it up, handing it back to him. "I will call you tomorrow with an official number."

"Thank you, Sir Horst." Ramal bowed. "I am so sorry for the inconvenience, but I am confident you will be able to balance security for a secret VIP and defend us against Zero at the same time."

As Daniel and Monica walked out, the later finally let her thoughts be known. "What is his majesty thinking!?" Monica shouted. "We need every man we've got against Zero!"

"Schneizel has said on several occasions his father was rather…eccentric." Daniel replied. "Still, I would like to think even he would recognize defense of the Sakuradite and Clerisy in this region."

"Something's not right." Monica said, catching onto his line of thought. "Someone from above is hiding something."

"Indeed." Daniel agreed.

Abbass waited as he anticipated the arrival of the Black Knights at any minute. The Knightmares were ready, and today was said to be the start of the operation. "They're here!" one of the look outs called.

Abbass nodded to let them in. The steel doors lifted, and the Black Knights were all present. Except for a select few. "Where is Zero?" he asked.

"Elsewhere." Todoh spoke up. "He is involved in another part of the operation. On this side, I'm in command."

Then, Rakshata walked up from behind with her laptop. "Zero left a message for you. Everything should be explained." Her words Indicated that she was also in the dark.

She turned it on, and Zero's mask appeared on screen. "Greetings, Abbass. And the rest of the Sand Hawks." He said. "I apologize for my absence; some unseen variables have caused me to change my original plans. Kyoshiro Todoh, as you probably have been told by now, will command the Black Knights in my absence." It surprised Abbass that Zero anticipated to record a message ahead of time for this. "As for me, I will be engaging the clerisy directly."

Everyone looked to one another. "Though I cannot explain, do not doubt my methods. Your role is to dig a tunnel towards the Britannian base." In place of his mask, a map between their hideout and the base showed up. "Ohgi will pilot the Gurren in Kozuki's absence." Now Ohgi did a double-take. "All it will require of him is to blast the radiant-wave surger on low power against the rock when I give the command. That will be more than enough to create a path without draining it too much. The other pilots will line up behind you, in single file. If you follow my calculations, you will tunnel out from under the base. As you can imagine, as soon as you all emerge from the ground, you will be surrounded. That's where we come in. We will be taking the clerisy hostage…"

"Should we?" one of the clergymen, a fat, wrinkled man asked as he leaned back on his pillow sipping his wine. "Bad enough we put up with the Britannians."

"Are you not blind to this opportunity?" another old but more dignified man with a white beard and glasses said. "We have depended on the empire for too long! If this man is serious, it could open up opportunities for us!"

"Only to be dependent on another foreign country!" another objected.

"Gentlemen." Ramal said, silencing them. "Kamal is right. This is quite an opportunity we cannot afford to waste. Still, Omar also has a good point. We must also exercise caution dealing with any outside countries. We could be used if we're not careful. Not to mention, if the empire gets wind of this…it could spell trouble for us."

"You seem very confident in your opinions, Ramal, despite being our junior by 3 decades." Another said.

"Wisdom is not just for the elderly." Ramal smiled at him, lifting his chalice to him.

"And how did you obtain this wisdom?"

"A story for another time." He answered. "Let's not keep our guest waiting."

With a clap of his hands, the guards opened the doors for their guest. A blond Caucasian man, dressed in a business suit, entered. Behind him, the rest of the security carried four kago behind him. "Good afternoon, gentlemen." He bowed as the security guards set the kago down behind him. "My name is Brad Downey. I am a representative of a small business down under called 'Evans Industries.'"

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Downey." Ramal smiled. "Please, have a seat. We have prepared a good lunch while we discuss our dealings."

"Thank you. I enjoyed Kebabs back at the restaurants in Melbourne." He said, having a seat at the table.

"So, what is it you wish to discuss? What exactly does your business do?" Ramal began.

After biting down on some lamb, he replied "My company is part of the military industry. In particular, manufacturing of knightmares."

"Ah. I think I see now." He sipped his drink. "You want the Sakuradite."

"Very astute of you." The man replied. "We are planning to engineer new knightmares for our defense force. We want to make them on par with what the empire has. Of course, to do that, we need Sakuradite. I was sent to negotiate a reasonable fee…"

"I worry there might be a problem." Ramal stopped him, holding up his hand. "Whatever we do needs to be approved by the empire, who also has need for the Sakuradite. Why do you not meet with them instead?"

"Well, that's quite simple." "Brad" said. "The empire doesn't want even the neutral countries to rival their strength. Negotiations with them would be quite…problematic."

"Indeed. So, you can imagine this is also problematic for us. Even if you paid us a rather handsome fee, surely it couldn't match anything the empire already provides us. So, why should we deal with you?"

"I'm glad you asked that." The businessman said. "Though without doubt you have benefitted from the empire, we know your differences still keep a rift between you. I'd imagine you would all like to truly rule, and not remain figure heads. We will do everything in our power to keep our negotiations off the record. And if you agree to this, we will also agree to let you test out the prototypes."

Everyone's eyes lit up. The clerisy whispered among themselves, but Ramal stared skeptically. "I cannot deny it is a tempting offer." He said. "But it's not enough to convince us to risk our safety and comfort."

"I understand." Brad said, as he stood and straightened his lapels. "You seem to be the most knowledgeable on these matters. Perhaps we should discuss the details further, privately?"

"It would be rude to leave them out." Ramal said back.

"What's in the carriages?" one of the clergy-men suddenly asked.

"In those?" Brad asked, a bit shocked. "Oh, it's a gift." Their eyes got curious. "I was planning to bestow these gifts to you after we closed a deal, but if you'd like, I can present them to you for your enjoyment now. But you only get to keep them if we can come to an agreement."

"We have plenty of women for our amusement and needs." Ramal rebuked him. "It is really not necessary, and I'd imagine your country…"

"My country lets a lot of things slide under the table; if the public doesn't agree with it, we simply don't tell them." He said. "Besides, these girls would be quite happy to serve you. They didn't have anything going on back at home, so they volunteered for this." The clerisy's eyes widened. All of the women they had came to them reluctantly at best. Though most didn't care, they had to admit the idea of a woman who was genuinely happy to be here was very appealing. "I see I have your attention. I shall introduce them then." Brad said.

He pulled back the curtain of one, and a shapely leg teasingly poked out. As it touched the floor, she let herself out. Before them was a petite but beautiful woman with green hair, covered in fine pink silks and jewelry, in particular a gold tiara around her forehead. "This is Celestice, a gorgeous French beauty. She has long studied dance, and would like nothing more to perform every day."

"It is an honor to meet you all, masters." She smiled, bowing.

Brad pulled another curtain. A tall, red-haired Asian emerged, her gold silk barely able to contain her incredible curves. "And this is Kyoko. She is quite experienced in the ways of pleasing men…any way they want." "Kyoko" said nothing, but bowed and smiled.

Pulling the next curtain, an Arabic woman just as well-endowed as the last stepped out. Her outfit was even more alluring, using jewels instead of silks to cover her. "And this is Farrah. She's actually from our country, though her family was from around this area. She was born with a…condition."

"A condition?" one asked nervously. "What?" Farrah suddenly leaped upon him, drilling her tongue into his mouth, which he happily submitted to once he got over his surprise.

"She's a nymphomaniac, one of the worst cases we've ever seen. She was in a hospital, but some friends of ours got her out just for you." That point was emphasized as the woman rubbed her barely-clothed crotch against one of the men.

"Who's in the fourth?"

The man hoped none of them would see him tense up. "This is a special case. A bit…taboo, here in these parts. But, since we're doing so much of that here already, I suppose we can bring…'her out.' Ramal noticed the other dancers started shaking their upper bodies; almost as if they were trying to center all attention on them. Either they were extremely jealous of this fourth one…or they were desperate that they did not notice her.

Out stepped the next dancer. She was covered in blue silks, only her black bangs and purple eyes visible. Unlike the bikini-like outfits of the others, hers were more like a proper dress. "Introducing, Lila! I hope she can bring you joy today as well!"

"Hm." Ramal noted. "So, what is…'his' story?"

Their eyes widened. "I beg your pardon?" Brad asked nervously

"Perhaps your disguise would be more convincing if you attempted to make the chest stick out at least." Indeed, "Lila" was flat as a board. Looking closer, all would notice the prominent Adam's apple on her neck.

"Technically, good sir, you are correct." The transgender said. "It was always a hobby of mine, to dance and entrance others with beauty. I heard there were some among you who would enjoy a dancer of my type."

While most of the clerics gave him hateful looks, another simply smiled. "Well, I am certainly inclined to welcome you and dance for us." The others looked to him in shock. "What? It's as Ramal said; we are deemed holy enough to enjoy our carnal needs, whatever they may be."

"I certainly did." Ramal sighed. "Very well, it seems you and I will discuss this in private. I think my men need to get…'things' out of their system, as you say in Western countries."

"You almost got it." Brad answered. "Lead the way."

As the two men left, the odd man in the clerisy approached Lila. Extending his hand and clasping hers, he said "My lady, I apologize for the behavior of my compatriots. Personally, I think even we can be too strict at times. Even among ourselves."

"Something I can relate to." She agreed.

"Perhaps you can give me a private show? There is no need to create unwanted tension"

"Yes, I would love that." She smiled. "I perform better with a happy crowd." With that, he guided her to his room.

While the others were inclined to be more active in Ramal's discussion, they had to admit they didn't get girls like these very often. Perhaps they should enjoy the show for a little bit before they formally discussed the matter with Ramal…

"Is everything okay?" Monica asked over the phone.

"Everything's fine, your highness." The soldier on the other end said. "Do you really think we'll come under attack? In broad daylight?"

"You'll have to ask Sir Horst for a more certain answer." Monica answered. "For now, just stick to your orders, and inform me if you catch anything suspicious."

"Yes ma'am."

Monica hung up, as Zahra brought her some tea. "Thank you." Monica said.

"I heard stories about the Black Knights." Zahra said. "Is what they say true?"

"Depends." Monica answered. "What do 'they' say?"

"As you can imagine, the Black Knights have some fans in this region." Zahra answered. "However, many found them to be as….problematic as Britannia."

"Oh?"

"Many were hoping the two would take each other out and leave us alone." Zahra then added "It was once my opinion too. But after meeting you, and how you've treated me with more kindness than my own people…I just don't know anymore. I certainly wouldn't want anything to happen to you."

Monica nodded. "I wish I could honestly say the same for the rest of my people."

"But doesn't his majesty have absolute rule over the people?" Zahra asked. "He could make them behave any way he wanted."

"He could. And yet he ignores them." Monica sighed as she looked at the dunes out there. "He leaves the ruling to all the princes and princesses. Some are good people. Others…" She sighed again, nothing more needed to be said.

"Then, may I ask why you chose to be part of the military?" Zahra asked.

Monica looked at the dunes as she smiled sadly. "To make whatever difference I can."

Ohgi pressed the button and pushed forward. The Guren's radiation wave surger blasted a wide tunnel for a further 10 meters. Behind him, the other knightmares followed, along with the Sand Hawks, as they got into position.

"According to the map, we should be right under the base!" Chiba called over the radio as she observed the map on her screen.

"Alright then!" Tamaki called. "What are you waiting for, Ohgi!? Let's blow a hole and attack!" he cheered him on.

"Negative." Todoh belayed his request. "We're in place. We were given strict instructions to wait for his signal!"

"How do you know he'll do it?" Another asked.

"This is Zero we're talking about." Todoh sighed. "Somehow, he always does."

Shamar, the man who invited the transgender into his private chambers, extended his hand and gently lead her in. "Do not worry; I will not force you to do anything you don't want to." He said. As he took a seat on his bed, he poured himself some wine. "All I ask, is that you dance for me."

"That's what I'm here for." Lyana stood in front of him, and began swaying her hips. Shamar found something….off. It wasn't fair to judge so early, but it seemed she had no experience in dance. "Look into my eyes, kind sir. And you will see the true beauty of my dance." He looked up…and saw something red in her eye. "And now, you will do as I say!" she said, her voice rapidly dropping in tone. Shamar could not react, as his consciousness faded.

His body responded, as his eyes glowed with a red hue. "Yes, how may I help you?"

"Go cut off all forms of communication in the palace." Lelouch ordered, taking off his wig. Shamar did not react to that revelation. "And stand by. I'll need you for later."

"Understood." Shamar said as he left to do his master's bidding.

Lelouch sighed as he reached into the back of his dress. "And now to ditch this humiliating dress for something much more alluring." He pulled out Zero's mask, and stared at it in anticipation…

The rest of the clerisy applauded and whistled as the three women danced for them. It was nice to have a few exotics. Kallen was doing well, keeping up her act, smiling and dancing as if she was having the time of her life. Of course, inside she was disgusted. She really shouldn't have been surprised; yet, it wasn't the lavish lifestyle these men lived that bothered her. It was that they signed on to be Britannia's puppets just so they could live this way. She was brought out of her thoughts when Fadah seemingly collided their breasts together. Kallen didn't break character still as she pressed against her, blowing up their assets; the clerisy applauded at the sight before them.

"I've got him." Zero called into her ear piece, as he did the others. "He's disconnecting the lines and locking up the place now. Prepare to stand by."

The three finally finished, standing in place on one foot, before bowing. The men all applauded. Noting the sweat dripping from their bodies, one of them motioned them over. "You three have been a delight! Why don't you come over and have a break with us?" one motioned to them.

"Why, thank you, kind sirs!" Fadah bowed.

The three walked over to them, putting extra sway in their hips. CC planted herself on one's lap as he gently grabbed her waist. Fadah faced hers right in the front, straddling him and embracing the back of his head, as if she was about to kiss him. Kallen merely kneeled at the feet of another, allowing him to pet her red hair; she was going to enact a special revenge on him when she was ready. The clerisy engaged in small talk, which Fadah and CC were able to do well; appear interested, but ignorant. They liked that. Kallen just couldn't, but they didn't seem to mind.

Finally, Zero spoke. "It's done. Take them."

Kallen looked to Fadah, who winked at her. Kallen nodded, and suddenly punched the one petting her between the legs. Fadah kneed hers, and CC smashed her chalice against the face of another. Quickly, the three flipped away, putting distance between them. Fadah then pulled three daggers from her thong, tossing the other two to her partners in crime. "How do you keep these things in there?" Kallen asked.

"Very carefully." Fadah said, wincing thinking about it.

They rushed to the clerics, taking three of them hostage. The others just froze in place. The guards broke through, weapons drawn. "I wouldn't do that, if I were you!" Kallen said, pressing the blade towards her hostage's neck. "I can slit his throat faster than you can pull the trigger!" Still the others cowered on their knees, especially the one who was missing his hand. "Pathetic." Kallen thought.

"Do as they say!" CC's hostage screamed. "Please!" The guards grunted, lowering their weapons.

"This is blasphemy!" one of the clerics cried. "Women like you-"

He was cut off when CC shoved her foot in his face. "If men truly believe themselves superior, they should not cower like little girls in the face of a crisis." CC said.

"Well spoken." Fadah agreed.

"Why are you doing this?" another asked. "Money? Retaliation?"

"Nothing so petty." A voice said. The guards whirled around, pointing their guns at Zero. "Though I cannot deny you do deserve it."

Before the guards could react, Fadah called their attention. "Ah-ah." She said, pressing her blade again. "You have priorities."

Calmly, Zero walked down the hall towards them. Inside though, he was sweating. Now he truly had to be Zero. "You!" another cried as Zero stopped to stare down at him. "I heard all about you! Why do you attack us!? We are not-"

"The enemy?" Zero finished for him. "Those who aligned themselves with Britannia for riches and pleasure, especially at the expense of their own people, are the enemy of the world!"

"Please." One begged. "Please don't kill us."

"Not yet." Zero replied. "And hopefully, with good behavior, I may let you go. But for now, I need you alive. It's the royal army's job to protect you. And I will use that against them."

"Why isn't the army here now!?" Another cried to the guards.

"I cut off your phones, and locked your doors. The Britannians will not know until it's too late." Zero was so caught up in instilling fear into the clerisy, he did not notice the shocked look of his female comrades.

"Somehow, I doubt that."

Zero heard the sound of a gun clicking against his helmet. Knowing he would not be able to reach for his own pistol, Zero put his hands up. "Blast!" "Ramal Shams." Zero said as he turned to identify the man. "I heard about you. You don't seem to fit in with the rest of this scum."

"And what makes you think that?" Ramal asked.

"I heard you were actually likable." He replied. "And David was supposed to have taken you hostage. That should have been easy for him."

"He tried." Ramal said, wiping some blood from his lip. "Good fighter. I'm better." He then motioned to the three women, who reluctantly dropped their weapons. Seemingly getting some new found courage, the clerics tackled them and pinned them to the ground. "I do not know how you got Wahh to do what you wanted so willingly." He said. "But I had anticipated a break-in of some kind."

"As did I." Daniel Horst then stepped into view. "I told you we would meet again; on my terms."

"So it seems." Zero replied. He knew Horst was a great strategist, but still he underestimated him.

"I figured you would take the clerisy hostage; you were always one for making big moves. And for leaving your victims helpless." Daniel explained. "So, the best way to catch you was to let you come to us."

Ramal pulled out a primitive walkie talkie; it was most likely on a different frequency than their espionage equipment, one they did not bother to scan. "So, now you will bring the entire army here?" Zero said, slowly turning around to face him. "A bit overkill, don't you think?"

"And leave them all to be attacked by your pawns?" Ramal replied. "I think not. A base can always be replaced. We're running low on soldiers as it is. Our best will stay at the base to wipe your dogs out."

"Now or never!" A slot in Zero's helmet lowered, revealing his left eye. "You will not contact the base!" Zero waited…and Ramal just stood there, keeping his gun pointed on him.

"And why is that?" he asked.

Kallen stared in shock, knowing what Zero tried to do. CC seemed surprised, though not as much as Kallen. "It didn't work!" Lelouch thought in horror. "How!?"

"You are in no position to make demands, Zero." Ramal said. He brought the walkie talkie to his mouth. "This is Ramal. Bring the transport. And send the base this message…"

Todoh checked the clock on his knightmare. "They're behind schedule…"

"Kyoshiro." Ohgi said over the radio. "It's been a while. Do you think we should move?"

"No." Todoh answered. "Zero is very methodical. We need to surprise the enemy; a moment too early and they'll be able to fight back…"

Suddenly, the caverns shook; the Sand Hawks and Black Knights without knightmares below shielded themselves under whatever they could. "What's happening!?" one of them yelled.

"Everybody, stay calm!" Todoh ordered them. However, the shaking got him nervous; this region had no fault lines that he was aware of, and there shouldn't have been any weapons tests so close to a base. But he couldn't help but feel but that the tremors were deliberate. "What IS happening?"

"Madam!" one of the technicians called as he observed his screen. "Our sonar found something! They look to be several knightmares, right underground!"

"So, it's as Daniel said." Monica said, as she rubbed her chin. Daniel was a famous strategist among the rounds…this was the first time she found out for herself.

"Monica!" Daniel's voice called over the intercom. "We've captured Zero and his cohorts! Prepare for Phase 2!"

When Daniel first explained their defensive strategy, Monica thought he was overdoing it. But after observing how Zero set up his soldiers for a surprise attack, she realized there was no taking chances with this individual. "Understood!" Monica turned her attention to the soldiers. "I will select our five best to cover me! The rest of you, head over to the clerisy's palace! We're evacuating the base until we have dealt with the crisis!" The soldiers saluted, as they exited the base. She then turned to Zahra. "Zahra! I need you to evacuate with Miss Einstein! You'll be safe with her!"

"Yes, my lady! Be careful!" she bowed as she was escorted out.

"Bring me the Lamorak!" Monica ordered.

"I don't like this, Todoh…" Ohgi insisted.

"Either way, we wait." Todoh ordered. "We can't afford to diverge from the plan without Zero's orders…"

Suddenly, the earth over them caved in; those without knigtmares took shelter under the mechs. As the sun shone in through the massive cloud of dust, several airborne Sutherlands hovered in the air; in the center of them was Monica's Lamorak. "Black Knights of Zero!" she called, pointing her sword at them. "By order of his Majesty, I sentence you all to die!"

I know this chapter is shorter than usual, but I felt this was a good place to leave off.

And now, I'll leave you with something I normally don't do…a political rant.

Of all the places I could go to give my opinion on politics, I never wanted this place to be one of them. After all, this is supposed to be a fun little place to share harmless ideas. I'm also aware that not everyone will agree with me, and I don't want to agitate others unnecessarily.

Had the republican nominee been someone like Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush or even Ted Cruz, you probably wouldn't hear from me about this. But I am deeply troubled by Trump.

I could go over how I disagree with his policies, but truth be told, no one knows exactly what his policies are. He said so many things on the campaign, and now he's backing off of them. What REALLY bothers me is that a con man is going to be president. From his Trump University scandal, to his "failed" businesses, refusal to release his tax returns, I cannot see how people missed this red flag. His behavior in his personal life also troubles me. This isn't some Lewinsky nonsense between two consenting adults, this is someone who regularly touched others without their permission and jumped in on underage beauty pageant contestants while they were changing. And before you say this 'allegedly' happened, can you imagine the uproar others would be in of Obama or Clinton (both) pulled this? And coming from a sensitive guy, I cannot get over how thin-skinned this man is. Every time someone says something bad about him, even just pokes fun at him a little, he goes on a twitter war like he's 13 (and that's probably an insult to 13 year olds). Bush never lost sleep over what some random comedians and actors said about him. When you're president, there are some people who are not going to like you, and a statesman would just shrug it off. But Trump? It's like he disagrees with the First Amendment! Policies aside (if anyone can figure them out), Trump is simply rotten to the core. He's demonstrated that in the past, he's demonstrating it now and I have no doubt we'll see more of it in the future.

It would be easy for me to blame the people who voted for him alone, but truth of the matter is, I'm angry at just about everyone for this. I'm mad at people who wanted to vote the elites out, and put a [supposed] billionaire in power. I'm mad at the media for giving Trump way too much attention and not enough on his opponents. I'm mad at the Democrats for not giving the people more choices than Clinton and Sanders (say what you will about the Republican primaries, but at least they had several choices). I'm mad at the DNC for weighing the primaries in Clinton's favor. I'm mad at Clinton for not doing enough to reach out to others on her side and setting herself up to fail. I'm mad at the people who viewed the two as the same. I'm mad at the people who thought Trump could never win. I'm mad at the people who blame Political Correctness for driving people to vote for Trump. I'm mad at the people who shout to and harass immigrants and minorities to get out. I'm mad at the people who harass and assault known Trump supporters and make things worse for the rest of us. I'm mad at the people who are trying to move out of the country just because things didn't go their way.

So yeah, lots of anger to go around, and I know it also makes it sound like I'm angry at all of you, for that matter. Sorry about that. All I can do is be thankful for what's good in the world, and move on with my life. I'm trying to act like that Zen Master quoted in Charlie Wilson's War, keeping in mind good things can come out of bad things as well (and vice versa). Maybe something completely wonderful will happen as well. Who knows? Though my past paragraphs have sounded like I'm prophesizing doomsday, I'm also keeping in mind things may not always be as bad as they seem. The hard truth of democracy is you can't always have it your way. All you can do is keep bringing awareness for issues and work to improve your country (not just the US) from the ground up.

I'm sorry I went off like this. "Unusual" doesn't begin to describe this election year. I know this all may strike a chord with you all, both for and against this piece. Please leave your thoughts of the story in the reviews, and if you want to add something to this little rant of mine (for or against), just PM me and I'll see if it's worth talking about further. I hope I never feel like I have to do this again, on a site that's just meant for fun. Wherever you are, Red State, Blue, Swing or a foreign country, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and whatever happens with the new administration, I wish you all well.