Those Who Hunt Elves Fan Fiction ❯ Road of Forks ❯ Road of Forks ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Road of Forks

A TWHE/GATE crossover fic by AZ

You will probably want to read `Forms of Battle' first…

The rain poured down, and the wind howled around the corners of the buildings in the dark of the evening. In most towns, this weather would mean that no one was out and about, as the torches would be blown out or the savage downpour would flood the streets and buildings, but this was not most towns. This was Alnus Town - more properly known as Alnus Living Community. Unlike other towns in other places, this one was far more advanced. The people who had built the town had graded the ground for proper drainage. They had installed a basic sewer system and set up rain catchment systems before the town had even been built.

Building the town had been the matter of a couple of weeks, seeing as how the people who had built the town had technology that meant fewer people could build more buildings than anywhere else. Other towns had concrete, true, but none of them had the kind of skill with it that the builders of this town had. All the buildings had concrete footings and most had concrete or stone floors. On top of this, wooden walls went up, anchored to the cement by the magic spell `An'Cor Ghunn'.

While most buildings in the Empire were either stone or wood, these were a mix of the two, with wooden walls and roof over concrete bases. At first, the population had been skeptical about the buildings, but that had had swiftly changed as they moved into the buildings. The fact that many of the buildings had a layer of mysterious, thin material between the outer laps and the frame puzzles them until the first heavy storm. The wind and water simply could not penetrate the thin barrier, no matter how much it rained. Another strange thing was the thicker, oddly-colored matting that were placed in the framed walls before being sandwiched by another layer of the thin miracle material. The purpose of that strange material - called `Insu Lat'on' by the builders - was the topic of much speculation until the first snows fell. To the surprise of nearly all, the buildings remained far warmer with much less wood than what they had been used to before.

Of course, it could be because the fireplaces were nearly all replaced by odd iron contraptions called `stoves', which generated more heat with less wood, and provided ample cooking area as a bonus. The citizens of Alnus Village could only marvel at the wonders brought forth by their new friends. The roofs were made from a thin metal that was like tin, but not like tin. Those who could speak the language of the builders had asked about it, but the answer confused most, who decided that `galvi nati'n' must be an alchemical process unknown to their world. Of course, most didn't care beyond marveling that their roofs didn't leak, and didn't have to be repairs after every windstorm.

No, most who lived in Alnus weren't much inclined to probe the mysteries of the builders or their tech. They had jobs - harvesting dragon scales for sale, some timber work, a few brewery sites and the mercantile trade - and worked at them during the day so they could mingle in their preferred taverns for a few hours before heading home to bed. It was the most comfortable living they had ever had.

The other-worldly lighting enabled them to close the doors against the weather without risking suffocating from the smoke that would typically choke the taverns from the torches and fireplaces. No, life was good in Alnus town, and no one wanted to disturb that comfortable living standard. There was always the occasional bit of excitement, and the inevitable friction that came with a trade town and lots of interaction with diverse species and cultures, but that was common to all towns, and the population of Alnus generally took it in stride.

“Another beer!” called out a cat-girl who worked in the `PX' - the biggest and most favorite store in this town and a few others. It was staffed by maids from the Clan Formal, which meant it was almost exclusively staffed by demi-human girls. To be sure, there was the occasional human maid, but mostly it was demi-human girls who greeted the customers and waited on them. Everyone insisted it was the goods that the store carried that made it so popular, but everyone also knew that was just an excuse; especially the builders, who were Men in Green, known more formally as the Jay'es De'if in the Empire.

“Yes! Coming right up, Meia,” called back one of the wait-staff of the tavern. Being next door to the PX, it was the biggest and most popular of the taverns for the nightly socialization. It, too, had several Clan Formal maid staff working there.

“Thank you!” called back the cat-girl before scarfing down another of the delicious `pot stickers' that the staff had learned to make from the Jay'es De'if personnel. Meia sighed happily, her ears twitching a little at the countless conversations flowing around the room. Across from her was her co-worker in both the PX and in being a maid to the Clan Formal, Dora. The fox-girl was happily gnawing on the bone from her steak dinner. The two were close friends, in spite of the fact that Dora was a fox-girl and Meia was a cat-girl. They had taken service with the Clan Formal under the late Clan Head, Count Colt Formal, and had been assigned to the same bunk bed unit during training. Ever since, they had been best friends. Even now, they shared a room in the housing unit for the Clan Formal maids, their beds next to each other on one side of the room and two more maids sharing the other half of the room.

“Another beer,” announced a bunny-woman, smacking down a large tankard of beer in front of her, her other hand filled with three more tankards, a tray with food on it balanced in the crook of that arm. Meia nodded to the woman, who was already moving away, gracefully slipping through the packed room and avoiding errant hands as she did so, her rabbit tail twitching frequently as she exchanged jokes, flirts and taunts with the patrons as she passed. Her right ear stood up full height, while her left was cut off half-way.

“I miss Delilah,” Dora noted, sighing before spitting the remains of the bones back onto her plate, having split the bone in half and sucked the marrow out of the center. Her tongue absently slid along her sharp canine teeth before she took a long pull of her beer. “These new bunny-girls just don't have her flair,” she added as she set her tankard back down.

“I know,” Meia agreed. “Delilah was approachable; and fun to be around. These new girls are ok, but something is different,” she mused. “Why did she take such a long leave from service? And Mamina is away, too!” she nearly pouted. Delilah and Mamina - two Warrior Bunny women who had taken service with the Clan Formal together and been tight ever since - had taken leave from both the Clan manor in Italica and Alnus more than a month before, and hadn't been seen or heard from since.

“Delilah's man - that Yanagida officer with the Jay'es De'if - came by today to ask if we had seen or heard from her,” Dora shared. Meia gave her an incredulous look.

“When?!” she demanded.

“While you were on your lunch break,” Dora replied.

“And you didn't tell me until now, why?!” exclaimed the cat-girl. Good gossip was worth its weight in dragon scales, after all. Dora shrugged.

“Busy day,” she replied, unconcerned about her friend's seeming-outrage. She waved to a large wolf-man who had just entered with some companions. “Wolfy is back from caravan duty,” she shared, Meia turning to look at the mercenary wolf. She waved at him when he nodded to her, his group settling at a table that had just been vacated by a group exiting the tavern.

“I'm sure he will be by the PX tomorrow for his usual shopping,” Meia noted. “Let's grill him then,” she grinned, getting a sharp-toothed smile from her best friend in return. Some shouting drew their attention. Near the bar, a guard for a trader stocking up in town was facing off with a dwarf who frequented the town and was known to have a short fuse. The yelling swiftly turned to shoving, but before it could escalate, Wolf stepped into the middle of things, kicking the guard - who was a human - in the nuts before driving his elbow into the face of the dwarf.

“Knock it off, blockheads!” he yelled at them teeth bared. “You both know the rules, and if you keep this up, you will be in trouble with the MP's at the minimum; and if you are unlucky, you could find yourself facing Rory the Reaper,” he reminded them. The two froze at the mention of the feared demi-goddess who passed her time enforcing the rules of Alnus town. No one was stupid enough to fight her - it was just impossible to win against a demi-goddess who was nearly a thousand years old, let alone one who served Emroy, the god of darkness, war, violence and death. Rory was a faithful apostle to her god; maybe too faithful if you asked certain people. She viewed killing people as a religious duty, and she was very devout.

“The Reaper left a while ago with that Itami guy,” the dwarf said, though he was sounding much less belligerent than before.

“So? Did she tell you when she would be back? Does she ever tell anyone when she is coming or going?” Wolf snorted. “If you idiots want to fight, do it outside the perimeter of the town; the rest of us are trying to have a good time,” he pronounced, giving the two each a harsh look before turning back to the table. The two looked at each other, silently debating if it was worth resuming the disagreement.

“Ahem,” came the clearing of a throat from the door. The two - and the entire room - turned to see who had cleared their throat. In the doorway stood Myuute, her clawed hands glowing with elemental magic. The two laughed weakly, moving away from each other. The siren let the magic dissipate before sighing and making her way to the bar. The bar resumed its low rumble of talk, laughter, shrieks and jovial voices. “Beer, grilled meat and vegetables,” she ordered, tossing a couple silver denarii on the bar. “Keep the beer coming,” added the demi-human.

“Right,” grunted the bar keep, already pouring a tankard of beer from the huge keg. Myuute sighed as she perched herself on the simple stool, guzzling beer as she waited for her food.

“Rough day?” asked the patron next to her.

“About normal, but I wish Her Holiness would hurry back,” Myuute replied, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “Or if they would at least give me a few more co-workers,” she added. Unlike most towns, the number of murders in Alnus was phenomenally low, but the number of fights was a bit higher than normal for some reason. Most would accept the trade-off, but most were not the ones charged with keeping the peace in the town. Alnus was unique in that it had a list of rules that applied to everyone - no exceptions were made for anyone. That did help the law enforcers, but it was an endless struggle, with the number of strangers coming and going and the general lack of awareness that reading the posted laws was necessary.

As the MP waited for her food and drained beers, a group of Rose Order Knights entered the tavern. The knights - members of the Empress's personal Order - were learning to speak and read Japanese. This was the second class to go through the school, in point of fact. They had started out acting like Imperial Knights, but over their time in Alnus, they had begun to relax a little. They rarely wore their plate armor in town due to their interest in clothing from Japan (especially the underwear and lingerie). As they were training to speak a second language, they had no need for their armor or swords, and only ever wore a blade when in public any more. Most of them simply wrapped their sword belts around their hips and headed to town. Given that everyone knew they were trained knights, it was very rare for there to be a problem involving them.

These groups of knights were regulars in the tavern, which had started serving Japanese dishes and carrying more varieties of alcoholic drinks. Finding an open table in the indoor VIP area, they settled in, not too far from Meia and Dora's table. Working in the PX had some unexpected privileges after all. “So, what news from the capital?” asked one knight of another. “And why are you so hesitant to speak of it?”

“My page just returned from the capital by way of Italica this morning,” another of the knights said. “She took correspondence to my family for me, and I asked her to submit my report to Lady Pina while she was there. She came back with news I am not sure how to interpret,” the knight leaned close to her comrades. Two ears - one cat, the other fox - snapped around to focus on the whispered discussion. “My page reported that our Lady Pina was absent, and Hamilton was handing the day-to-day affairs in her absence. Hamilton said that Pina had taken some time to do an inspection with a team of order-sisters.”

“Well, there you go - you know full well that Lady Pina is a hands-on type of ruler,” shrugged the third member of the party. “Who did she take with her? Bozes? Panache? Shandy, maybe?”

“My page reports Bozes is rumored to have left the order,” the gossip murmured. “Apparently, she is with child and will be married soon to a Jay'es De'if warrior.”

The other three gasped softly in surprise even as they leaned closer to the speaker. “And that is not all,” continued the talkative one. “My page is on good terms with most of the other pages and some of the Palace staff,” she bragged.

“Being of that family, it does not surprise me,” smirked the fourth member of the group.

“True, but she is a good page, and it come in handy sometimes,” shrugged the knight with the questionable page. “She found some of her friends, and learned that Pina took Leranna with her; and only Leranna,” stressed the speaker.

“Leranna is a junior knight,” frowned the first of the group. “She only won her spurs and rose a couple months ago. I personally instructed her in swordsmanship and lance, and I can tell you she is average at best. What is Lady Pina thinking, taking her instead of some senior order-sister?”

“It gets better,” promised the gossip. “Very few know Lady Pina is out of the palace. Also, they took no horse, no supplies and left no itinerary for Hamilton. The staff apparently thinks Lady Pina is in negotiations with the Lord Field Marshall of the Men in Green.”

“Except she isn't,” murmured the fourth, frowning more. The gossip nodded.

“Indeed. And then there is the news from Italica,” baited the speaker.

“What of Italica?” asked the first, eagerly.

“Panache is assigned as a guard for Countess Myui of Clan Formal, right? Well, Panache didn't know Lady Pina was missing. Panache, the White Rose, didn't know,” she reinforced her point. The four knights absorbed that information. “But, she did know that the Warrior Bunny Mamina who serves as a personal maid to the Countess and is counted highly in the council of the Head Maid has taken leave suddenly and has not been seen since. My page talked with a few junior maids and learned that there is a rumor that Mamina may be leaving the service of Clan Formal.”

This caused a stir among the knights. It wasn't that such a thing was unheard of - servants weren't slaves, after all - but that a servant, having reached such a senior position in such a short time as Mamina and Delilah had, would be a fool to leave the service of their lord or lady. Other nobles would be hesitant to hire them for one thing, and for another they would have to start over as junior ranking in the service of any new lord or lady. “That makes little sense,” the third member of the party said a few minutes later, having considered the news. “I know of Mamina; and of her friend Delilah. This does not sound like them at all.”

“It is said that another maid - a cat-girl named Persia - took leave at the same time, and has not been heard from since. Perhaps they eloped together? You know the reputation of Warrior Bunnies, do you not?” speculated the gossip-monger.

“Guard your words; there are several around,” murmured the first, glancing around. The cat-girl and fox-girl appeared to be paying attention to the common room, though each had one ear aimed at the table of knights. In the common room, a bunny-girl was moving around, beer tankards and food trays in her arms. Her one full ear was swiveling around, though she didn't seem to be listening to any particular conversation.

“I have heard a rumor about that,” offered the third female knight. “I heard that sister Panache reported to Lady Pina that she had confirmation that a new Queen was crowned by the Warrior Bunny tribes,” she nearly squealed. “And she said it was a human!” she revealed the juiciest bit of gossip.

“A human queen of the Warrior Bunnies?” blinked the other knights. The other knight nodded eagerly.

“Yes! I hear she is a red-headed Amazon, powerful of build, a user of sword and magic and apparently from another world,” she shared excitedly.

“Considering our reason for being here, that is not unheard of,” came the dry observation from the first of the knights. “Could she be Japanese?” she wondered, a thought occurring to her.

“I think we would have heard of it had she been,” came the doubtful reply from the fourth of the group.

“And I think you speak carelessly of things that do not concern you,” came a casual remark, making all four of them twitch. A cloaked figure had managed to slip up next to the table without them noticing. Reaching up, the figure flipped the cloak hood back, revealing a smirking Delilah. Shrugging her shoulders, she tossed the cloak back over her shoulders, revealing she was wearing her battle gown, combat sandals and weapons. Her exposed skin was painted in Warrior Bunny markings, as was her face. Her eyes reflected the lights from the electric bulbs that lit the VIP room, making them seem to glow softly. Both her ears rose to full stand proudly, earrings adorning them.

“D…Delilah,” stammered the main gossip. Delilah inclined her head.

“Lady Knights,” she said, grinning before moving past them. “It's good to be back,” she said, attracting the attention of the regulars, causing a big commotion.

“May we assist you, my lady?”

Countess Myui of the Clan Formal twitched, turning to see a smiling Mamina and Persia watching her. Startled, she had let the towel she had been holding fall, leaving her naked beside a steaming tub of water. The young Countess had been about to bathe, but was waiting for her personal maids to help as they always insisted on doing. “Mamina, Persia, you're back!” she squealed excitedly, rushing to the two and hugging them tightly. The two hugged her back.

“Yes, my lady, we have returned,” confirmed Mamina, stroking the hair of the young head of Clan Formal. “And we brought gifts, too,” she smiled.

“But first, your bath,” Persia said, the two maids swiftly getting Myui into the tub. Myui watched as the two undressed. Both had been wearing travelling cloaks, and when they discarded them, she blinked, realizing that Mamina was wearing her Warrior Bunny armor and was armed, while Persia was wearing an outfit she had never seen before. It was obviously armor of some type, but it only covered her breasts, hips, elbows and knees of the cat-girl warrior. Both demi-human maids undressed before beginning to bathe their lady.

“Where did you two go?” wondered Myui.

“We had to visit some places, and see some things,” Mamina replied easily.

“You went with Ritsuko, didn't you,” stated Myui. Young she might be, but she was not stupid. Persia glanced at Mamina over her young charge's head.

“Yes. We visited some places with her and took in the sights,” admitted the Warrior Bunny.

“Are…are you two going to leave me to serve her?” asked the young Countess timidly. Both demi-humans giggled before hugging her.

“You are our precious Lady Myui,” assured Persia. “Besides, Ritsuko is your friend, is she not? Maybe next time, you can come with us,” she suggested lightly.

“Really? I can go travelling with you and Ritsuko?” exclaimed the young ruler.

“If you promise to be a good girl,” admonished Mamina.

“I'll be good!” she promised immediately. The two finished up her bath, dried her off and got her to bed, finding Kaine waiting for them outside Myui's bed room.

“So, you two return,” said the head maid. Both gave her a steady look. “I don't care what you get up in your own time, girls,” began the old woman, “but I do care about Lady Myui. If you hurt her, I will find a way to hurt you,” she promised them evenly. Mamina gave her a casual smile.

“We both adore our Lady Myui, Kaine,” she began, “but you should remember that first and foremost, I am a Warrior Bunny. I was also a captain of the Royal Guards along with Delilah. We were among the last Warrior Bunnies to fight the Empire, and now we have a new queen; one who is worthy of the role. We remain thankful for the late Count's hospitality in offering us employment that doesn't involve selling our bodies, but we also remember that your choice to make Delilah a spy nearly cost us all dearly. We are Warrior Bunnies, Delilah and I, and if our Queen calls, we will answer.”

“Though Count Colt welcomed us to his domain, we cat-people remain our own persons,” Persia spoke up. “And the reason the late Count offered us work is not lost on us either; not that we maids of the clan mind,” she added, laughing softly, the sound like a purr and chuckle mixed. “We are not slaves, but servants. Keep that in mind when threatening us,” suggested the cat-maid.

Kaine gave the two a smile, nodding her head a bit. “Good. That is what I hoped to hear,” she said. “I also heard mention of gifts from wherever Queen Ritsuko took you,” she added, smirking at the two. The two sighed.

“Might as well get this over with,” Mamina said to Persia, who just nodded. Together, the two made their way to the maids' rooms, a large sack around each of their shoulders with souvenirs of their trip. They were mobbed by the other maids, all seeking trinkets and answers.

“So, Pina, what is it to be?” Ritsuko asked her fellow red-head. The two were standing in Pina's royal bedroom. The Queen studied Ritsuko intently for a long moment before sighing.

“We have an accord, Ritsuko,” she said, offering her arm, the other taking it in the Empire manner, sealing the deal. “I will have Hamilton write up the treaty,” she began.

“I prefer there not be anything in writing just yet,” Ritsuko pre-empted her. “Think carefully about why that might be,” hinted the older red-head. A moment later, Pina twitched.

“I see,” she said. Ritsuko gave her a single nod.

“I'll be in touch, Pina,” she said, turning for the window.

“Ah! Ritsuko!” called Pina, making the older red-head turn her head to look back at her. “You…won't say anything about…that, right?” she asked, blushing and poking her fingertips together.

“No. Why would I?” asked Ritsuko evenly before stepping up onto the window ledge. “Not like you were the only one,” she added teasingly before lightly jumping onto the air tarpon, the air fish silently and swiftly climbing up and away from the palace window.

Pina sighed, collapsing onto her bed. It had been a busy month for them, and she had a lot to think about and prepare for. Laying back, she considered that she should probably change, but it seemed like too much effort. When her door opened, she jerked upright, her hand grabbing her sword hilt and half-drawing the blade. Hamilton poked her head inside the room.

“Who is…Lady Pina!” the brunette exclaimed, rushing to her Queen, her sword in her hand. “You're back!” exclaimed Hamilton before tackling her ruler back onto her bed, landing on top of her.

“Yes, Hamilton, I am back,” giggled Pina, cupping Hamilton's cheeks with her palms. Surprising the other knight, Pina gave her a quick but warm kiss. “But morning is soon enough to deal with the issues that I am sure arose during my…inspection trip. I am going to bed now,” proclaimed the Queen. “You can join me if you like,” yawned the red-head.

Hamilton was not sure if she was shocked, happy or horrified at the offer.

“Countess Ritsuko of House Koeign,” proclaimed the herald as Ritsuko swept into the court, her formal court gown rustling softly as she stepped forward confidently. Behind her, by the door, two of the receiving staff maids were carefully tending to her wool and fur over-coat. Ritsuko had her red hair done up in a simple yet attractive way, jeweled pins and engraved combs adorning it even as the bulk of it gracefully swished against her back. She smiled a little as she felt her hair tickle her back; her gown was backless to just a finger above the base of her spine, and her hair tickled a little as it ghosted over her bare back. The front of the gown was no more modest than the back, the top barely covering her nipples and leaving a slice of her belly exposed from her breastbone to below her navel.

Looking forward, she had to smother a smirk as she saw that Liseria and Airi were both looking at her in mild surprise. Approaching the foot of the dais that Liseria and Airi occupied, she gave a quick yet smooth court curtsey. “My Queen, Chancellor Airi,” she greeted them even as she straightened. “I see your pregnancy progresses well,” she said to Queen Liseria. “I am glad to know you are in good health, my Queen,” she added, locking gazes with the Queen for a moment before turning her eyes to Airi.

“Welcome back, Countess,” Airi smiled at her. “We have missed you during your absence,” she added. Ritsuko was sure she had. Looking closer, she wondered what was different about Airi.

“Such is the nature of things, Chancellor,” Ritsuko replied unctuously. “Some matters came up that I had to attend to before the passes closed,” she added, for the benefit of the court. Already she could hear whispering among the ranks of noble women and even the male courtiers. “I might be forced to spend the winter away from home,” she added with a tragic sigh, though her eyes never left Airi's. The weather outside was cooling rapidly, the winds already cold and hard, promising first snow any day; not that it mattered any more for those who knew about the gate nexus.

“It is my hope - and I believe the hope of our Queen - that you do not need to be absent from our lands,” Airi replied smoothly.

“The decision is not solely mine,” shrugged Ritsuko. “But please, allow me to introduce a couple friends of ours, my Queen,” she turned the topic away even as she turned toward the door and gestured. Stepping into the doorway and pausing, Annette and Celsia waited a few moments before entering the room, the receiving maids swiftly hurrying to remove their outer wraps, revealing gowns of elven design and fine materials.

“High Priestesses Celsia Marie Claire and Annette, of the Temple of Celsia of Common Elves,” the herald intoned, striking his staff twice. Both elves moved forward toward Ritsuko, Airi and the Queen.

“My dear friend Celsia, it is good to see you feeling better,” Airi greeted the blonde elf.

“Better, but not fine,” Celsia replied, inclining her head to the actress. “And yourself?” she asked calmly.

“Well enough, I suppose,” Airi dismissed the question, which made Ritsuko frown slightly. “My Queen, may I formally present High Priestess Celsia, an old and dear friend of mine and Ritsuko's,” she gestured to the blonde elf.

“Any friend of Airi's is a friend of mine,” the queen intoned, nodding regally to the two. “Please, make yourselves comfortable while I conclude a few small matters,” she added, indicating an open spot not far from the throne. Ritsuko and the two elves made their way to the indicated spot, the Baron and his group who were closest to that spot easing away from Ritsuko as she approached.

“Why, my dear Baron, are you not happy to see me again?” cooed Ritsuko, a dangerous glint in her eye.

The baron's face paled slightly. “It would be ungentlemanly to crowd a noble lady such as yourself,” he managed. Ritsuko inclined her head, but didn't push him further. She had other fish to fry, after all. “Tell me, my good baron, where is the Queen's consort? I had expected him to be by her side, as he should be,” she said, her voice cool and flat at the end.

“Earlier, her majesty said he had come down with a cold, and couldn't attend,” he replied.

“Did he now,” murmured Ritsuko. “And I likewise do not see the husband of my dear friend Airi. Is he deep in his cups as well?” The edge in her voice made the baron's men ease away more.

“I do not think the Consort nor the Chancellor's husband is drunk,” began the baron, but stopped when Ritsuko slanted him a cold gaze. “Though they could be,” he caved in. The court knew that no love was lost between the Countess Ritsuko and the two men, though only Airi and Ritsuko knew just how little love there had been between her and them to begin with.

Ritsuko hummed. “Something is different about Airi,” she murmured. “What news have I missed while away, dear baron?”

“You did not hear, then?” blinked the older man.

“Apparently not,” came her cool reply, undertones of dangerous annoyance tainting it.

“Chancellor Airi announced last week that the rumors were true - she is expecting as well,” the baron smiled. Ritsuko froze solid, not even breathing. Annette reached for her, concerned, but Ritsuko unfroze a moment later.

“I see. I must congratulate her,” came the faint reply from the Countess. By her sides, her hands were clenched in fists and shaking slightly. At the center of the court, the Queen and Airi were dispensing with court business, mostly of the administrative sort. Some functionaries were being advanced, a few servants were receiving royal recognition, the new head of a minor noble family was to give the Queen his oath before formally assuming his position in court and other such minor things. As the last of the housekeeping was completed and Liseria was announcing that court was adjourned for the day, Airi looked over to where Ritsuko was, but she only saw Annette and Celsia. Her red-headed friend had vanished with no one the wiser.

While Airi attempted to break out and search for Ritsuko, only to be tangled up in court politics, Ritsuko was standing in front of a large chair in Airi's suites, arms crossed under her breasts, a black scowl on her face as she stared at the husband of her friend. “Countess Ritsuko,” the man began nervously. “Such an unexpected pleasure to see you again.”

He had been reading a tome on trade rules when he had heard what he thought was the door, only to look up and see Airi's terrifying friend standing in front of his chair, her expression one of homicidal rage barely kept in check. “I'm sure,” she snarled, leaning toward him at the waist. “You have been busy, I hear,” she nearly panted.

“In what way?” he asked weakly.

“In the procreating way, you ass-hat,” bit back the red-head. “So that was your plan, then? To get Airi pregnant to insure your position? Is that how it happened?”

“It was our decision,” he insisted. “Both of us decided it was time to start a family.”

“Why do I find that hard to believe?” wondered Ritsuko to herself. “Oh, right! Airi never wanted kids, you fucking dick-hole!” she proclaimed. “I should hang you over the fire by your nuts for what you did,” she growled, teeth bared. The man tried to shrink away from her, but couldn't. “You doubtlessly plan to use her pregnancy to usurp her position as Chancellor, thus putting you in closer proximity to the Queen, thereby increasing your political influence and reach. And I bet you have a lot of half-brothers you need to foist off on unsuspecting women, don't you?!” she accused, her arms uncrossing, fingers clenching and releasing like they were itching to rip him to shreds on the spot. “You and your fucking kin are a disease on this land,” she breathed softly, “but fortunately, I know a cure,” she smiled a death's-head smile at him.

“Ask Airi yourself!” protested the husband of the woman. “She will tell you! Do you really think a woman as careful as her would get pregnant accidentally?” he added desperately. Ritsuko hesitated, considering that. The man waited, not daring to move. Abruptly, Ritsuko straightened up, her arms crossed under her breasts again, her face a carved mask.

“Perhaps you have a point,” she said, staring at him dispassionately. “But know this: if you ever hurt her, I will flay you bit by bit, slowly, until the end of time,” pronounced the red-head before spinning on her heel and marching out of the room, the door closing behind her with an odd finality. The man slumped in relief, fumbling to pour a full cup of the wine he had been sipping. His third glass was interrupted by the door opening and Airi rushing into the room.

“I see,” she sighed, taking in the condition of her husband. “How long?” she asked simply.

“A few minutes, dear,” he managed. Airi sighed before making her way to the chair nearest his and sitting down.

“No point chasing her with that much of a lead,” she muttered. Ritsuko had always been faster than her and she knew it.

“She hates me, doesn't she?” her husband asked. “What did I ever do to her to earn such enmity?” he wondered.

“Nothing, dear,” Airi assured him. “It was a miscalculation on my part; though your half-brother's actions toward her did not help,” she added tightly. The man winced.

“I can only apologize, Airi,” he said, receiving a wave of her hand in response.

“That is but a symptom of the problem and the cause of that lies with me, I fear,” she assured him. “What did she say to you?” asked the actress.

“She was surprised to hear you wanted a family,” he recalled. “It would appear she was under the impression you never wanted kids.”

“I didn't,” Airi replied candidly. “And she used to talk about kids,” added the actress.

“What happened?” wondered the man. Airi slanted him a look.

“Many things,” was all she said, her hands caressing her belly. Their talk was interrupted by a knock on the door, and a moment later, Annette and Celsia were in the room for a talk. As they talked, Ritsuko was already on her way back to her home, her mind busy with plans and her list of things she needed to pack growing. Arriving back at her manor, she found her other guests just settling in for the evening.

“Change of plans,” announced Ritsuko. “We are going to be heading out again much sooner than expected. I will brief you all on the new plan after we eat.”

“Yes, Queen Ritsuko!” came the reply in unison from her guests.

General Hazama studied the report. “So, is there anything else that needs attention right now?” he asked his staff. The group shifted papers on their clipboards before all shaking their heads.

“No, sir,” the said in unison. Hazama smiled.

“Very well, gentlemen,” he said, standing. “You have your orders and I trust things will still be running smoothly here when I return,” he said.

“Sir! Yes, sir!” chorused the officers that formed his general staff along with the heads of the divisional teams that were stationed at Forward Operating Base Alnus Hill.

“Enjoy your leave, General Hazama,” smiled an officer by the door. The man was not standing as the others were; mostly because he was in a wheelchair.

“You know, I have the authority to assign myself a personal aide, Yanagida,” the general offered subtly. “And the medical staff has kept me abreast of your recovery.”

“I am still fit for duty here, sir, and I have things that I am best suited for,” Yanagida replied.

“Are you sure it isn't because Delilah is here?” Hazama asked, his mouth smiling, but not his eyes. He wasn't blind; nor was he stupid. He knew that Yanagida had become attracted to the bunny-girl who had nearly severed his spine with her sword, but unless he was completely misreading the former spy, she was only curious about him and had no intention of forming a serious relationship with him. Yanagida had lost the use of his legs, a kidney, nearly a meter of intestines and part of his liver to the Warrior Bunny's sword, while she had taken some 9mm ball in her side, which didn't do nearly the damage that her sword had. Hazama had quietly ordered that all MPs be issued hollow-point ammo for their side arms in the wake of that reminder of the weaknesses of mil-spec ball small-caliber rounds.

“No, sir,” the man said, coloring faintly. “Well, not entirely,” he amended the first part under the general's level stare. “Like I said, sir, I can still perform my duties here, and am best suited to several tasks here,” insisted the man, absently adjusting his glasses.

“Perhaps,” allowed the general. Yanagida was a hell of an administrative officer, it was true. But there were other factors involved. “When I return, I will make the decision on your status,” he said firmly. “Since there is nothing else, I leave Alnus Hill in your capable hands, gentlemen,” he said, saluting the group.

“Sir, yes, sir!” they chorused. The general chuckled softly as they exited the room. The general was bound directly for the Gate. He had thirty day's leave coming, and there were some matters to be discussed with the General Staff of the JSDF as well as some issues with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. He was not looking forward to that. He had also been told that the Diet wanted to speak with him, though they had not issued a formal summons yet.

He could guess what the Diet wanted to talk about. It was pretty obvious, after all. Russia, China and America were all pushing for access to the Special Zone, and the current administration was resisting. The steady flow of resources from the Special Zone dampened their insistence on access - after all, it was free raw materials that they didn't have to work for - but the political undertones were turning nasty. Hazama knew it was just a matter of time before something broke the balance, and then…well, it depended on several factors.

Hazama approached the gate, readying his identification. Pausing as the wind freshened he looked up at the sky, seeing storm clouds building far to the southeast. I hope that isn't an omen, he thought uneasily. Slowly turning back toward the gate, he swept his eyes over the base, absently checking everything he could see. Satisfied, he stepped toward the first checkpoint, presenting his military ID to the guard, who checked it briefly before motioning him forward, to the next checkpoint, which would allow him to the third checkpoint and then finally the Gate itself.

The general had entered the Gate almost ten minutes before a sergeant came running toward the Gate, seeking the general. The guards informed him that the general had already passed through the Gate, but that the other ranking officers could surely help him with whatever was bothering him. The sergeant composed himself before hurrying back toward the heart of the base. Passing out of view of the guards, he swiftly tore up the report he had in his hands, putting small parts of it in each trashcan he passed before making his way back to the Supply Unit. He didn't want any of the officers under the general to hear of the problem; besides, the general would be back soon enough, and it was probably nothing anyway.

The next day, Empress Pina Co Lada herself rode into Alnus Base, two female knights behind her, the banner of the Empire flying from one of their lances, the banner of their order - the Rose Knights - flying from the other. The fact that all three women were in polished armor instead of court gowns said much of their business. Though, for all the steel on them, they were all too aware that they had no chance whatsoever of forcing their way into the fort.

The guard by the outer-most gate - aware of the nature of the world they were in - stepped out of the small booth, absently straightening his uniform before standing in the middle of the road and holding up his left hand. “Halt!” he called in the local language. “What business have you here?” he asked. It was a formality, of course, but important to the locals.

The female knight with the Imperial Banner walked her horse forward slightly, turning her lance a little so the steady breeze unfurled the banner. “Empress Pina Co Lada, Preceptor of the Imperial Order of Rose Knights, Master of the Five Lands, would speak with your leader,” the female knight proclaimed.

The second female knight walked her horse forward as well, positioning her own lance so the banner of the Rose Knights rippled in the breeze. “As Knights of the Rose Order, we pledge to adhere to the alliance between our forces while here, and expect the same from your order,” she announced. The guard slowly lowered his arm.

“Be it known that we pledge our adherence to the alliance between us. Enter, Empress Pina Co Lada, Preceptor of the Knights of the Rose Order, into our lands,” he granted them permission, the red-headed woman inclining her head before nudging her horse with her spurs, the animal walking forward smartly, her two guards maintaining their positons just behind and to the sides of her horse. All three sat straight and tall in the saddle. At the next checkpoint, the three dismounted, leading their horses into the inner wall of the fort. Just inside the wall, three of the Alnus Living Community's young children hurried forward to take the reins, leading the horses to the small, make-shift stable that the JSDF had set up for when things like this happened. The horses would be watered, brushed and fed. If the knights were staying the night, the horses would be taken to Alnus Living Community and stabled there in the semi-private stable the Rose Order Knights had set up.

Pina, meanwhile, headed for the building that housed the general's office. Reaching it, she gestured for her guards to wait, the two taking up guard positions by the doors as she entered. Just inside the door, she greeted the sergeant major at the desk, asking for a moment of the general's time.

When she was told he was unavailable for the next few weeks, she asked who was in charge, and before long, she was speaking with the senior Colonel of the group, the commander of the garrison guard unit, Komura. Pina followed him to the same conference room where she had first met the JSDF leaders, the Colonel asking what brought her to the camp. “That is rather simple,” Pina said, pausing to sip the green tea an aide had delivered a moment before. “I have come to retrieve my gun.”

The colonel frowned. “Your...gun?” he asked, as if he must have misheard.

“Yes. It is commonly called a `hand gun',” she informed him crisply. “During the events of my visit to Japan, I captured a gun from an enemy. Itami and Kuribayashi placed it with their looted weapons for safe keeping. I have come for my trophy,” she smiled at him.

Colonel Komura had heard rumors of Itami's team of misfits returning from their visit to Japan with a large duffle bag full of sterile weapons, but hadn't really believed it. After all, he had never seen any paperwork on it, and no one who talked about it could claim to have personally seen it, though scuttlebutt about it was everywhere. But, here was their strongest ally in the Special Zone, confirming the existence of the looted weapons, and asserting a right to one of the guns.

Obviously, there were many issues with giving her a gun. Political issues aside, handing a thing like a pistol over to an untrained person was clearly a bad idea. And yet, diplomacy had certain laws, and he didn't doubt for a moment that Pina wanted the gun for political ends; she had even called it her `trophy'. And really, a gun without ammo was no threat at all, right? And from what I hear, collecting trophies runs in her family, too, he thought, recalling the reports he had read about Delilah's debriefing as well as some other - restricted - reports from the group identified as Nodachi. Better an unloaded pistol than a naked sex-slave ex-queen demi-human, right? he told himself. “Well, I am not sure exactly where that might have ended up,” he began slowly.

“Itami would know. Call him,” she replied crisply. Itami and his group were out of the base, but the Colonel knew he could reach the team if necessary.

“Setting that aside for a moment, what is your intent in regard to the trophy?” he asked her intently.

She smiled again. “As with all trophies: it is to remind my political enemies of my strength and to keep my military adversaries off balance.”

“You do understand that guns are dangerous to the untrained, right?” he prompted. She nodded.

“Of course I do,” she agreed. “It is a trophy, however - it serves it purpose by simply being known to be in my trophy collection.”

Against his better judgement, three hours later, he was unzipping a duffle bag filled with guns that had been hidden - if you could call stuffing it under a bed hiding it - in Kuribayashi's room. She shared a room with Kurokawa, the medic, and it made the Colonel uneasy to be in the women's room. Putting the duffle down on the boot-camp perfect dressed bed, he unzipped it, blinking at what he saw. Stepping back, he gestured to the bag. “Which one is your trophy, your majesty?” he asked.

Stepping up to the bag, she swiftly spotted the dark semi-auto pistol she had picked up and almost gotten away with. Picking it up, she turned back to the man - careful to keep her finger off the trigger and the muzzle pointed away from both of them. “This is it,” she announced confidently.

“If I may?” the Colonel said, holding out his hand. Pina handed him the pistol, which he swiftly checked before handing back to her. He is making sure it is empty, Pina noted. “Nice trophy,” he said, handing it back to her. Pina hummed, carefully tucking the gun into a thin leather pouch before easing it under her breastplate.

“I thought so,” she said, giving him a brief bow. “Thank you, good sir,” she smiled once more. “I will spend the night at Alnus before returning to the capital with my order-sisters,” she informed him before walking out of the room. The colonel swiftly followed her, re-locking the door behind him and handing the master key back to the older female Staff Sergeant who ran the women's barracks on base. The woman practically pushed him out of the barrack building where all the women - what few there were - stayed. He could feel her disapproval of his entering their domain right through the uniform on his back.

That night, in Alnus Town - as the Living Community was commonly known - she and her two knights entered the tavern next to the PX, joining several of their order-sisters in the VIP section, which was being served by Delilah, another Bunny Warrior, a Siren girl and a young fox-girl, the rest of the staff handling the common room, which was standing-room-only. Sitting down, the group enjoyed a good meal, good beer and caught up on gossip. Hours later, the Empress was lying in bed in a room in the best inn in town, wearing a pair of thong panties, the pistol resting on her stomach as she lay on her back.

“Pina,” a voice said from the darkness, making the Empress jerk in surprise. Delilah melted out of the darkness by the window, a grin on her face, ears erect. She was wearing her battle gown under a dark, ragged cloak.

“Delilah,” breathed the Empress, sagging a little. “Do you have it?” she asked eagerly.

“Mm,” hummed the Warrior Bunny. “The little sister of that animal Zorzal is before me,” she said, gliding closer to the human silently. “Though Tyuule and Zorzal have been dealt with, it isn't enough,” the demi-human murmured, her hand under her cloak where she usually wore her main sword. “Taking your life would settle many debts owed my tribe,” she suggested.

“And it would make you the traitor this time,” Pina replied. “Your Queen and I have an alliance, and killing me would be against her orders. Also, it would cost your tribe whatever it has left,” pointed out the human. Delilah glowered at her for a minute more before straightening, pulling a metal box from under her cloak.

“You were more fun when you took yourself too seriously,” she complained, holding out the metal container. Pina reached for it, only to have Delilah pull it back a little.

“Accepting this binds you to my Queen's cause, to the alliance, and to our other allies,” warned the Warrior Bunny. “Betray that trust, and nothing will save you or your lands. Do you understand, spawn of the Imperial family?”

“Your Queen scares me more than anyone I have ever met,” Pina grunted, grabbing the metal container. “The things she has shown me…” she shivered.

“I know she has shown you things,” giggled Delilah. “I was there for a few…lessons,” she reminded the human. Pina blushed as red as her hair clear down to her breasts. “But I bet I could show you some things my Queen hasn't learned yet,” purred the Warrior Bunny, leaning closer to the red-head.

“J…just go before you get caught!” Pina nearly begged. Delilah laughed softly as she eased back. “And be sure you tell Ritsuko I have it now,” she added urgently.

“Will do,” Delilah said, pausing to look back at the Queen over her shoulder, winking at her. “I look forward to getting closer to you,” she teased before vanishing into the darkness. Pina sighed, fingers tracing the sealed metal container. I have a gun now, Ritsuko, so it's time you taught me how to use one, she thought determinedly.

“This is Rondel, the academic city?” wondered Ritsuko, surveying the city from the low hill to the east.

“Yes, it is,” confirmed her companion. “All the major academies are here, the Magician's Guild is here and all new research is conducted here. It is the center of learning in the Empire. And it also hosts the home temples of two deities, as well.”

“Let me guess,” snorted Ritsuko, “the deity of learning and the deity of knowledge?”

Her companion frowned. “Well, the deity of studying, anyway. How did you know that?”

“Because I do,” came the blunt answer. No imagination at all, she left unsaid, mentally rolling her eyes. “Come on, we're late,” she said, the two moving forward again, mingling with the other traffic heading for the town. It was early afternoon, but Ritsuko had been watching the place for a full day before, and knew that even late into the night, traffic came and went. Really, there was little reason for it not to, given the peace and the attitude toward the city by other cities.

Entering the city was simple enough, and with little trouble, Ritsuko led the way to the agreed-upon meeting point. Entering the inn, she got a room for herself and her companion, paying the price asked without even bothering to haggle. Climbing the stairs to the room, she opened the door and swiftly assessed the room. Satisfied, she dropped her travel pack onto the bed before stretching her arms. Her companion did the same, putting her bag next to Ritsuko's. “My team should have been on site here for a week now,” Ritsuko shared, looking out the window and judging the sun's position. “There should be time for a bath,” she said a few moments later.

Twenty minutes later, the inn's staff had their bath ready, and the two entered one of the private bathing rooms, finding a large marble and stone semi-sunken tub waiting for them. Swiftly undressing, they began bathing. “You do not trust me, do you, Lady Ritsuko?” observed her companion.

“What makes you say that?” asked Ritsuko casually.

“Perhaps the fact that you never leave yourself unarmed in my presence, or perhaps the fact that even now, you have a knife in your hand and your gun is close to hand,” replied the woman dryly.

“You are arrogant, if you think this is about you,” came the disinterested reply. “Tell you what: I'll sell you to slaver and let you enjoy yourself for six years then we can have this discussion again. What do you say, Leranna?”

“I am a knight…!” began the woman.

“Not now, you aren't,” came the cold, distant reply. “Right now, you are my servant. If at any point you prove a hindrance or betray me in any way, you will be dead. Do I make myself clear?”

The words of her Empress and Order Preceptor rang in her ears. Empress Pina had personally given her this mission, and attached her to Ritsuko's service. She had also taken her aside and warned her that Ritsuko was very dangerous and should be treated with the utmost respect, obedience and caution. Left unsaid, but clearly conveyed was the reminder that she was a junior member of the order and completely expendable. Should she complete this mission, however, she had a chance at advancement and perhaps even the opportunity to try for the newly-vacated position of Yellow Rose. The position was equal to a division commander in the Imperial legions, and commanded a lot of respect within the Order. Bozes had not - as far as anyone knew - appointed her successor, so when the Queen was ready, she would allow those knights she felt were worthy compete to see who would take up the mantle left by Bozes's departure.

Sadly, a knight leaving the Order suddenly was not uncommon; and usually for the same reasons Bozes had left unexpectedly. Formed of children of nobility, it was understood that duty to one's family came first, and for the female knights, that duty was usually marriage to another family for political gain. It was not even that uncommon for a female knight to have to leave the order to be a mistress to a powerful figure in the Empire due to politics. More than once, Pina had been in a foul mood because she had been forced to release a skilled female knight from the order just so she could be married and become a trophy for a Senate member or the like.

The order took in both men and women from noble families at the age of twelve and trained them until the age of sixteen. Most often, the males joined the Imperial Legions once they earned their spurs, as most of the enrollees were second, third and fourth sons. Heirs were assured a future, while their younger siblings were spares against ill fortune and expected to find their own way in the world until and unless needed. The girls were often told to enroll to form a friendship with her and to keep them occupied until their families decided who they would be traded to in marriage for political gain. For that reason, the Rose Order was nearly entirely women, with the upper ranks entirely female.

Most had only considered them a ceremonial unit until the war with the Jay'es De'if. In the aftermath of both the Battle of Italica and the Siege of the Jade Palace, they were regarded most often as a battle-tested order of Knights. The losses they had suffered in their two major battles had mostly been in the lower ranks and mid-ranks, with very few upper ranked knights falling. It was not because the upper ranks shirked combat; it was simply because the upper ranks were the most experienced and the Order fought with a sense of comradery that was not seen in other branches. Having covertly sided with the Japanese had helped a lot, too.

Thinking of all this, Leranna wondered if Empress Pina saw something in her. She had been chosen to accompany her when she had gone with Queen Ritsuko. It was she that had been given to Queen Ritsuko after Pina had sealed the alliance with the new Queen of the Warrior Bunnies and her shadowy `allies'. So, surely there was a reason for this; and the most logical reason was that Lady Pina saw potential in her. Everyone in the Order knew about how Bozes, Panache and Beefeater had gotten their positions, after all. They had been three of Pina's closest childhood friends, and had been the ones to encourage and support her idea of forming an order of knights; at the tender age of six. Such unexpected things could come from having an impressionable young girl watch a play.

Shaking those thoughts aside, Leranna covertly observed her new boss. In spite of spending nearly a month with her before being assigned to serve under her, Leranna had mostly been focused on Pina and her duties to her. Thus, she had paid little enough attention to the other red-head. They had bathed together before, but always with others around - usually Warrior Bunny women or other humans of both genders. The times that they had bathed with males had been a shock to Pina and herself, though her Queen bore up with it with remarkable grace. The other Queen - Queen Ritsuko - had seemed to be completely oblivious to the issue, acting as if nothing were wrong in the slightest.

For that reason, now that they were traveling as a pair, Leranna found herself curious about the older red-headed Queen. Careful not to be too obvious about it, Leranna studied the naked woman curiously. To be sure, Ritsuko was gorgeous in a non-courtesan way. Her body was lean, toned and strong, but was also unmistakably feminine. Covertly glancing at her own breasts, then back to Ritsuko's, Leranna felt a surge of envy. Hardly flat herself, she was noticeably flatter than Ritsuko up top. Pina was close to the size of the other red-head in that department, but Ritsuko's build and bearing made her seem far superior to both of the Imperials. It hurt her feminine pride to realize she was second-best to both her leaders.

Ritsuko tended to keep her hair in a thick braid, or tied back, not unlike Pina herself, but Ritsuko's red hair was a little darker of shade and fell to her thighs. For the most part, Ritsuko seemed indifferent to it, hardly doing more than washing it and occasionally trimming it, while Pina and most of her female knights tended to obsess somewhat over their hair. It was a daily occurrence for there to be a line at the baths in the female section of the chapter house in the capital. With hundreds of women getting ready, even a bath the size of theirs was too crowded, and the junior knights and acolytes were required to give way for full knights and senior knights, so they ended up waiting in line most times. Ritsuko often bathed with a speed and thoroughness that reminded her of the whispered stories of how the men bathed; though she was absolutely sure that Ritsuko lacked the same things between her legs as the men were rumored to lavish time and attention on.

Ritsuko was gorgeous. That was all there was to it. Her face had a very attractive composition, and was faintly tanned. Men and women both noticed her when she wasn't hiding under cloak hoods, behind masks or smudging her face with dirt or ashes from a fire. Leranna had not figured out what the purpose was behind that - yet! - but she was sure she would learn. Ritsuko's tan extended unbroken and even all over her body, excepting a slight change in shade over her breasts, and a marginally more pronounced area on her hips and groin from the loincloth she tended to wear while working on her strange devices or when doing manual labor.

That manual labor was doubtlessly a major contributor to her physique. Leranna admired her tight stomach that formed what Ritsuko had once called a `girl six-pack” when she tightened her stomach muscles. The Queen's waist was slim and yet very nicely proportioned to her hips and chest, giving her a figure that made Leranna jealous. The Queen's thighs were strongly muscled, but not in the bulgy kind of muscle she saw on some of her order sisters who trained those muscles hard. No, Ritsuko's thighs were lean, toned and tight without looking like `man-thighs'. Her calves were the same, though having a bit more definition that most other females she had seen; human females, at least. Many of the Warrior Bunny demi-human women had calves like Ritsuko's.

But it was the scars that really caught her attention. Ritsuko's body was marked with scars. Around the wrists and ankles, on her back, stomach and thighs, along her arms and legs and with a few on her chest, the scars made her wonder how a Queen had come to be so marred by injury. After all, who would dare strike a Queen? And she didn't think they were battle scars; most of them, anyway. A few were, looking much like the scars a few of her order-sisters had from battle, but most looked more like whippings and torture. She had seen similar scars on some of the slaves around the capital, but that made no sense, as Ritsuko was a Queen and a very accomplished fighter, from all she had seen and heard. The scars intrigued her, but she wasn't sure how to ask about them.

Yes, she had heard parts of stories and the odd exchange between Ritsuko and her elven friends, as well as a few overheard remarks and conversational snippets between the friends of Ritsuko. But the bits and pieces didn't make sense. After all, how would one go from a slave to a Queen? The bits of conversation indicated that Ritsuko was also someone of rather great standing in the land she came from, though it seemed to be under a different name. She also knew that Ritsuko was somehow connected to the Jay'es De-if, though the nature of that connection was murky to her at the moment. She spoke their language, but also other languages and the Common Tongue. She used guns, but didn't wear the clothes the Men in Green wore and didn't associate with them. Her new master was an enigma to her, and she wanted to learn more about her.

Sighing softly, she ran a hand through her own hair. She had solid black hair, fine and shiny, that fell to her shoulders, cut in a practical yet attractive manner that many told her looked cute on her. Her skin was pale, with some tan lines showing from long practice in the yards with the tools of her trade. While in no way fat, her body was softer than Ritsuko's and even than Pina's, though she was sure she was developing the same sort of body that most of the female knights had. Her breasts were perhaps larger than average for a woman of her age and linage, but still not as large as some of her peers; even a couple of the acolytes had larger breasts than her. Leranna wondered if that was why she still hadn't found a pledge-sister in the Order.

“Come on, we don't have all day,” Ritsuko's voice interrupted her. Blinking, Leranna found that Ritsuko had finished bathing and was mostly done drying off. Hurriedly getting out of the tepid water, she grabbed her own towel and began to dry off. As Ritsuko was drying her legs off, Leranna couldn't help but ask a question.

“Lady Ritsuko, Why do you have hair down there?” asked the young knight.

“Hmm?” came the distracted reply. “Down where?”

“Between your legs,” clarified the younger woman.

“I don't have hair between…oh, that,” she figured it out. One of her hands absently brushed over her the neatly-trimmed and defined narrow triangle of red curls just above her groin. “As a reminder,” she said, her expression a bit weird.

“Reminder? Of what?” wondered the confused knight.

“That I am a natural red-head,” grinned Ritsuko. Leranna knew she was being bullshitted, but had no clue about what or why. “Come on,” ordered the red-head, swiftly dressing in her `travel' clothes and heading for the door. Leranna barely got her own clothes more or less on before Ritsuko opened the door to the room, almost hitting a group of three men passing by. Turning to warn her to watch how she opened doors, the three men forgot that at seeing the haphazardly-dressed, heavily blushing Leranna.

“You gonna stand there all day staring or what?” Ritsuko cut into their preoccupation. “Get your eyes off my girl, or I will rip them out of your heads,” she added nastily, glaring at the men. The three hurried off. “Come on,” she said to Leranna, sighing. “We have a lot to do yet today.”

As evening fell an hour later, Ritsuko navigated them to a restaurant, the two taking a larger table in the back. Within minutes, another person quietly joined their table, then two more, and finally, just as they were getting their food, another figure arrived. “Boss,” murmured the last to arrive.

“You are late,” murmured back Ritsuko, digging into her food.

“Something came up,” the figure replied.

“Uh huh,” was all Ritsuko had to say about that. “What do we know?” she asked directly. Nothing was said as the waitress came by with more glasses and ale, quickly taking the orders of the new arrivals before moving off. Once she was out of earshot - the waitress being a human woman - the last to arrive answered the question.

“We have some good leads, Boss. Tomorrow mid-morning, we have an appointment with the dean of the magic colleges here. She is a bit crazy, but is very knowledgeable about history and supposedly knows a lot about that item as well,” he murmured quietly.

“Ok,” confirmed his Boss. “What else?” she asked.

“We found a lead on that other issue. It points to the western wilds. Could take a while to find anything, though,” the other loner spoke up. Leranna saw that the person was a cat-person.

“Let's talk logistics tomorrow,” Ritsuko said, making mental notes. “Any other families found?” she asked. He shook his head.

“No. If there are any, they have kept very quiet for a long time,” the cat-person said. “I think you have managed to get us all, my Lady,” he laughed softly, toasting her with his mug of ale.

“Thanks. Start on the canine and avian groups,” Ritsuko replied. The man groaned. “Cats and dogs, yeah, yeah,” Ritsuko dismissed the non-verbal protest. “Can you or can't you? If you can't, I will swap things around. If you can, stop complaining and get to it. You ok on resources?” she asked.

“Getting a little thin,” he admitted.

“I will get a resupply for you,” Ritsuko promised. “Get me a list; and I already know you want money,” she added dryly.

“Right, Boss,” the man replied, seemingly a bit embarrassed to be called out like that in front of the others.

“Anything to add?” she asked the two who had arrived together.

“Got a message from the other red-head,” one of the figures said, her hood twitching a little, indicating she was likely a demi-human. “She got her trophy and she accepted the item. We own her now,” the figure nearly purred.

“I don't own people,” warned Ritsuko, her tone making the other uneasy. “But that is good to hear. What else?”

“We managed to get your other friends in contact with their kinfolk, but I don't know if that is good or bad,” the second said, reaching out to pour more mead into her tankard, revealing a furred arm and claws. Another demi-human, cataloged Leranna. Does my Lady prefer them and elves over humans? She wondered.

“Time will tell. I am more worried about the `kin' than about my crew,” Ritsuko laughed softly. “They can be a bit salty,” she admitted.

“Salty? Those two walk into a sea-port bar, and ten seconds later, sailors come running out, blushing and covering their ears,” snorted the second figure. “Where did you find them?” wondered the agent.

“Here and there,” shrugged Ritsuko, grinning. Her grin softened a little. “What about my sword-user?” she asked.

“Safe with your other friend. I still say something isn't right with her head,” stated the first of the pair.

“Perhaps not, but I trust her,” warned Ritsuko. “How are your resources?” she asked the group at large.

“Could use some more funding,” admitted the pair.

“I will get some transferred through our usual channels,” Ritsuko promised.

“I haven't been spending as much as the rest of them,” began the second loner, “but I have been going through supplies rather fast. You keep sending me into places that are hard on clothing, weapons and equipment.”

“Buy what you need with war funds,” commanded Ritsuko. “I want you to loop back to the Capital when you finish your current search area. Wait for orders at the usual location,” she ordered the figure, who just nodded. “As for you two, I want you to return to the main group. Don't make a big deal about it, understood?” she said. The two nodded.

Just then, a group of boisterous men entered the restaurant. It wasn't their entrance that caught the groups attention, but the topic they were discussing loudly. “I tell you, that Reaper is amazing!” bragged one to the others.

“That may be true, but her companions are quite amazing themselves,” disagreed another.

“No kidding!” agreed a third. “Did you see that Dark Elf woman? What I wouldn't give for a night with her!”

“You sick bastard! You can't enjoy a woman if she isn't tying you up or kicking you in the balls,” jeered the first. “But I wouldn't mind a night worshipping Rory, if you know what I mean…!” he hinted crudely.

“Give me the little blue-haired mage,” sighed the second, his tone dreamy.

“You should know better than that,” admonished the apparent leader. “Magicians are trouble; and she wore the robes of a master, too. Better off not getting involved,” was his sage advice.

“What I don't get is why they were all focused on that weak-looking guy in the strange clothes,” the third complained. “They wouldn't even look at us! And those were our best lines!” he complained.

“Yeah, that is a bit of a mystery,” admitted the leader. “Never heard a name like `Itami' before, either,” he admitted.

“Tomorrow,” the third said resolutely as he hefted his tankard of ale, “tomorrow, I will get the dark elf chick back to my place!” he swore.

“I doubt that,” the last of the group said. “They left about an hour ago.”

“They left? This late?” wondered the group. Leranna looked around, blinking as she realized that she and Ritsuko were alone at the table, the red-head having finished up most of her food.

“Man, that sucks. We'll have to find new opportunities,” declared the leader.

“Hurry up and finish,” murmured Ritsuko, draining her glass of tea. Leranna hurriedly wolfed down her food. “Damn it,” muttered Ritsuko, her tone sour. Looking over, she saw the group of men eyeing the two women at the large table, smiles on their faces. “We're leaving. Now,” commanded Ritsuko, standing and fixing the men with a glare that wiped the smiles off their faces before she marched out of the restaurant, some coins on the table behind her and Leranna hurrying to keep up.

Itami sighed, prompting the driver of his truck - it was Lelei's turn to drive - to glance over at him. “Something wrong, Itami?” asked Rory from where she was sitting right behind his seat.

“No,” replied Itami. I just got a cold feeling in my spine. Something bad is about to happen, he left unsaid. The group was heading toward the Schwarz woods, where the dark elves lived. It had been a chance remark by a scholar in Rondel that had brought the idea to mind, and now they were going to check it out. Besides, he figured that Yao would like to visit her kin again.

“Are we avoiding heading to the northeast to look for signs about how that red-head and her friends got here?” asked Rory, grinning lazily.

“We are not,” Itami denied. But truthfully, he was delaying as much as possible. He felt a tingle in his spine when he was around the red-head named Ritsuko. It was the sort of tingle that made him feel like looking for the exit. Grenade with the pin pulled, indeed, he thought sourly. But more than that, he didn't want to find what he was afraid he would find: a way to another continent. One continent was plenty complicated for him, thank you very much.

“It must be nice, to be able to direct such a strange carriage,” a voice interjected. Itami sighed softly.

“Anyone with a working brain can do it,” Lelei replied indifferently. “Even you could, with practice, nee-chan,” added the young master magician. From the back of the truck came a growl.

“Arpeggio, please,” Itami asked, sounding resigned to the sibling flare-ups. The older sister of his favorite mage switched moods immediately.

“Of course, Lord Itami,” she nearly cooed, getting frowns from Tuka, Yao, Lelei and Kuribayashi; though for different reasons. The first three were not happy with her trying to horn in on their turf, while the latter couldn't understand how the otaku Itami could attract women like he did. Even his ex-wife loved him! The whole situation made her brain hurt.

The next evening, they arrived at the mouth of the canyon that was the heart of the Schwarz woods. Yao led them down into the canyon where the caves the dark elves called home were. Approaching the `main entrance' as it were, Yao frowned. “Something is going on,” she murmured.

“I hear it, too,” Tuka confirmed, her compound bow slipping into her hands. Yao shrugged off her leather bomber jacket, freeing access to her swords and leaving her in her corset and tight blue-jeans. Lelei calmly lifted her staff a little as Arpeggio pulled a handful of gems from the pouch at her hip, a silver chain falling from her other hand. Kuribayashi checked her rifle, as did the other soldiers with the group. Half the unit was still guarding the vehicles and manning the radios, since this should be a quick stop for the group.

Yao moved forward, low and silent, the rest falling into a train behind the dark elf. Reaching the first antechamber, off of which branched the different house-tunnels of the elven families, the group found the dark elves in a circle, in the middle of which were two familiar figures. “I knew it,” groaned Itami.

“You'll have to do better than that,” Gabriella laughed. Rapier sighed, but didn't disagree. Around them were some of the few young elves, and even an older one or two. “I'm almost embarrassed to call you kin,” heckled the red-headed dark elf from another continent.

“Have I told you lately that you are obnoxious?” Rapier asked her friend. “But, you have a point about them. I am glad I am a common elf, if this is what passes for dark elves here,” she added, grinning a sharp smile.

“Is that a fact?” came a hard voice from the rear of the circle, a dark elf woman forcing her way forward. “How about you try that when you aren't ambushing me?” invited Yao.

“Oh, it's my personal punching bag, come for another beat-down,” Gabriella smiled. Yao marched right into the ring, the other members of her party following. “You want a group rate or something?” Gabriella asked, eyeing the others.

“I call dibs on the other one!” an excited Kuribayashi called out. Rapier eyed the shorter woman.

“Boss said you were a short-tempered dairy cow,” noted the kick-boxer. “You must be trying to compensate for something,” she smiled thinly, unimpressed. Kuribayashi scowled, which only made Rapier smile more widely.

“Please tell me Nodachi 6 isn't here,” Itami nearly begged.

The two grinned, shrugging. “Who knows with Boss,” Gabriella dismissed the question.

“She does come and go as she pleases, much like a cat,” agreed Rapier. Yao and Kuribayashi were edging closer to the two, who hadn't moved, confident smiles still on their faces.

“At least tell me what she is doing back here?” asked Itami.

“You'd have to ask Boss yourself,” Gabriella answered him before ducking away from Yao's first punch. Rapier glanced to the side, giving Kuribayashi an opening, the short, top-heavy close-quarter battle expert seizing it with a quick double-kick at the black-haired, pale-skinned elf. Rapier slipped past both without looking at her human opponent.

“You're pretty quick, I'll give you that,” Rapier said even as Gabriella drove a fist into Yao's short ribs. “But you have nothing on Junpei,” added Rapier, lashing out with a low kick to the knee, followed instantly by another kick - a middle kick this time - to the side before flipping backward, allowing her to flicker a Kaiser kick at Kuribayashi's chin. The human woman had taken the kick to the knee in a braced position, though it still left her knee hurting, tucking an arm down to protect her side but leaving her arm hurting before leaning back to avoid the Kaiser kick to the chin.

“You're not half bad, either,” admitted the short Japanese woman, her fists coming up. “But you…” she never finished as Rapier darted closer, low to the ground, and swept her feet from under her. To their side, Gabriella punched Yao in the face again before catching her counter-punch and throwing her on top of Kuribayashi.

“Ready for your ass-kicking?” asked Gabriella of the two.

“Ready when you are,” Rory said, stepping forward, her lips darkening as she began to laugh psychotically.

“Rory…!” began Itami, only to be cut off by a pistol report, Rory jerking before falling down face-first, a pool of red spreading from under her and a hole in the back of her dress, right over her heart.

“I don't think so,” came a hard voice from the entrance. “Don't even think about it, magic girl, long-ears,” warned the voice as Lelei and Tuka spun toward the source of the fire.

“Um, hi, Boss,” Gabriella managed, her ears ringing.

“Don't you `hi, Boss' me,” grunted Ritsuko. “Get your hands away from that gun, or I'll see if you can regenerate your head, short-stuff!” thundered Ritsuko, pistol in hand.

“Nodachi 6,” Itami said, moving between the woman and his girls.

“Itami,” came the reply. “Put a leash on your rabid dog, or I will be forced to put her down; permanently,” warned the tall red-head. Itami sighed, not doubting the warning in the least.

“Tuka, Lelei, everyone else,” Itami said, turning to look at his team. “Stop this. Understood?” he warned them. Seeing Rory beginning to move, he stepped over to her and helped her up. “That means you, too, Rory,” he murmured to her.

“You like her,” coughed Rory, blood spraying as she coughed. The goth loli demigod wiped her lips with the back of her hand. “I wasn't sure the first time, but you like her,” she stated again, turning to face Ritsuko. Itami gulped, feeling the stares of his other women.

“Um, well, not the way you seem to mean it…” he managed.

“What's it to you if he does?” Ritsuko asked, her tone hard and distant. Rory giggled.

“Nothing at all,” she replied, pausing to spit some more blood from her mouth. “He will be mine in the end anyway,” she added smugly.

“I hope you make the most of the time you have left,” Ritsuko said, her own smile directed inward. Rory frowned.

“What are you saying, Red?” demanded the Apostle.

“Sir Itami, what goes on here?” came the voice of the Dark Elf chief. The withered old elf was well over five millennia old and commanded respect from all the other elves for his experience and wisdom. Behind him was the rest of the council.

“Chief,” Yao bowed to him, having managed to get up and help Kuribayashi up.

“Yao,” the old elf greeted her.

“Are these people known to you, revered chief?” asked Itami, gesturing to Ritsuko and the two elves, who had stealthily made their way to the side of the red-head.

“They are,” confirmed the chief. “Not three hours ago, we forged a treaty with the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies,” the dark elf said. “Is there some issue between you and her?” wondered the elf.

“Not unless he gets in my way, no,” Ritsuko spoke up before Itami could. “I will be in touch,” she said, offering the old elf a curious gesture, Gabriella and Rapier doing the same. The old leader returned the gesture, as did the other council members.

“Warrior Bunnies remain the same, I see, even if they are humans,” one of the elves in the circle noted.

“Nodachi 6 is a Warrior Bunny?” wondered Arpeggio. She was certain the red-head was no demi-human.

“Later, sister,” Lelei said softly.

“What is this treaty business about?” Itami asked the chief.

“Sorry, Lord Itami, but one of her conditions was silence,” the oldest of the dark elves replied.

“Your tribe signed a treaty with us first,” began Kuribayashi, only to stop when Itami thrust out his arm.

“Excuse her outburst, Elder, but she does have a point,” Itami smoothed over the outburst.

“Our treaty with the Warrior Bunny Queen does not in any way interfere with our treaty with you, Lord Itami. You may tell your masters as much.”

“What if you find yourself between us and her?” Itami asked softly, watching the old elf.

“Why would you think we would find ourselves in such a position?” countered the leader of the Schwarz Woods Dark Elf tribe. Itami said nothing, frowning a little. Because she is dangerous, he thought, but didn't say. The chief gestured to him. “Come, let us speak of what is on your mind, young Lord Itami,” he invited.

Mentally groaning, Itami did as asked, telling his team to stay down there and not cause any problems. When he came back an hour later, he was not surprised to find that his girls had caused trouble, but nothing more than usual. Spotting a sulking Rory by the entrance, he headed over to see what was on her mind.

It turned out that Nodachi 6 and her crew had slipped away, and though Rory ran after them as fast as she could, they had simply vanished without a trace.

Midsummer in Raltaow was a good time of year; if a short one. Arriving at her manor house in the small hours of the morning, Ritsuko made her way into the house, her core group following her. Not bothering to light any lights, Ritsuko made her way to her bedroom, stripping off her clothing and gear as she went, easing into her bed naked and half-asleep. Settling in, she unconsciously cuddled up to the warm body in her bed without much thought, her brain already mostly asleep after a hard two months on the other continent.

When she awoke well into morning, she noticed the other person. Adrenalin thundered through her veins, the red-head leaping back and away, hand grasping for a weapon before her analytic side came to full capacity as she landed in a crouch. “Well, that is quite a reaction, Rit-chan,” Airi smiled, languidly sitting up in Ritsuko's bed. The other woman was naked, her belly visibly swollen now, but not yet to the point of inhibiting her movements.

“Airi,” exhaled Ritsuko, calming herself. “What are you doing in my bed?” she asked, standing from where she had crouched. Airi got out of the bed, stretching as she studied Ritsuko's naked form.

“You still aren't eating enough,” chided the actress.

“Don't you have other things to be worrying about than me?” Ritsuko asked, yawning as the adrenalin crash hit her. “Where is your…husband,” she asked, her tone and slight grimace making it clear she really wanted to call him something else, but was trying to be civil for Airi's sake.

“At the palace,” Airi replied, carefully approaching Ritsuko. Seeing this, Ritsuko rolled her eyes, swiftly stepping into Airi and giving her a tight hug, her lips briefly touching Airi's.

“Which begs the question why you aren't there as well. Liseria needs you near-by,” Ritsuko noted, picking up a transparently-thin, barely-to-her-hips gown, shrugging into it before pulling her hair out from under it. Ritsuko paused. “Unless she needs me to deal with that man-whore?” she thought aloud.

“The Consort has not been in the Palace in nearly a year,” Airi replied dryly.

Ritsuko snickered evilly. “Not surprised,” she purred. “He knows he isn't safe there,” she giggled darkly. Airi didn't say anything to that, knowing it was a lost cause. “So, why are you here?” Ritsuko returned to the original topic.

“You have the most comfortable bed,” shrugged Airi, donning a thigh-length cotton under-gown. “And I miss my best friend,” added the actress, watching Ritsuko. “Why are you avoiding me?” she asked, forgoing subtlety.

“I'm not avoiding you, Airi,” Ritsuko said, wiping her face with a hand. “I am protecting you,” she said.

“What from?” wondered the actress. Ritsuko gave her a long look.

“From me,” she said softly. “I'm like the eye of typhoon, Airi - the closer you get to me, the more damage you get. I won't endanger my friend because of my…issues,” she grimaced a little. “Besides, you have a kid on the way, and that means you have to prioritize things,” she added, leaving her room and making her way to the kitchen.

“Morning, Airi!” chirped Milliea, who was working at the stove.

“Milliea,” smiled Airi. “Sorry to pre-empt your spot in Rit-chan's bed,” she added. Ritsuko didn't even bat an eyelash; let alone blush or try to make excuses.

“You knew she was here, Milliea?” Ritsuko asked the elf.

“We all did,” Rapier replied, entering the kitchen with Gabriella. She touched her ears. “We heard her breathing,” she explained.

“We'll get back to that in a minute,” promised Ritsuko, quickly making herself a cup of coffee. “Do you need my skills, Airi?” she asked her friend.

“Not that I am aware of,” Airi said. “But I would like to spend some time with you,” added the Chancellor. Ritsuko snorted softly as she sipped her coffee.

“Where is Junpei? I suspect he took your pregnancy rather hard,” she observed casually. Airi sighed softly.

“As a matter of fact, he did,” Airi replied. “In the end, I had to have Annette stun him, then put him in a deep sleep.”

Ritsuko stared out the window of her kitchen at the distant and not-so-distant snow-capped peaks. “I will take care of it,” she said unexpected, her tone decisive. Airi blinked, worrying about what Ritsuko might do. The red-head sipped her coffee saying nothing more about the issue. “Tell me the news and gossip,” directed the red-head, nudging Milliea aside and taking over the cooking of breakfast. Milliea smiled at Ritsuko before joining Airi, Rapier and Gabriella at the rough table in the kitchen.

“Very well, but only if you do the same,” Airi replied, smiling a little. Ritsuko glanced at her oldest friend, not committing to anything.

“If you don't want to share, don't,” was all she said before returning her attention to the food.

Three days later, Countess Ritsuko of House Koenig appeared in court for the first time in months. It caused a massive disruption, which only seemed to amuse the red-headed countess. Liseria had ended court early and hurried Ritsuko back to the Royal apartments, catching Venus and Artemis by surprise when she led the red-head into her private rooms. Ritsuko gave the two body servants a thin smile and nod.

The next week, under a crescent moon and a cool breeze off the mountains, a group of cloaked figures exited the palace, carrying a form wrapped in cloth. Outside the city, they put the form on an air fish before boarding the fish themselves. The air fish headed directly for the gate, silent and quick. The guards barely registered the presence of the fish before the gate glowed and the air fish vanished through the gate, which once more went inactive.

A groan escaped Junpei's lips as he sloppily sat up, one hand touching his head. “Ugh, what a nightmare,” he grumbled.

“Oh?” came a familiar voice. Blinking, the leather-clad fighter gathered both working brain cells as he looked around. He was lying on a simple sleeping pallet under the stars, a small campfire a short distance away from him and grasslands stretching out as far as he could see. A fitful breeze was blowing, cool but without the cutting edge of Raltaowian altitude. Looking past the fire, he spotted the source of the familiar voice.

“Ritsu,” he grinned, sitting up. He studied her. The younger woman had her hair tied up in its familiar arched pony-tail, her white school uniform blouse on over her blue uniform skirt, red sneakers on her feet. Around her waist was her familiar gun belt and pistol. Aside from the light tan and her leaner, stronger, more mature body, he would think it was the same Ritsuko he had been introduced to that first day by Celsia's mistakenly-cast spell. “Haven't seen you in while. Where have you been?

Ritsuko watched him with a cool, detached stare. “Here and there,” she said without saying anything. “What nightmare were you complaining about?” she pressed forward, sipping from a tin cup of tea before inclining her head to indicate a second cup by the fire. Junpei took the cup and sipped, finding it was something sharp, smooth and sweet.

“Wow, Ritsu, when did you learn to make this stuff? And what is it?” he asked.

“The nightmare?” Ritsuko denied him the answer he wanted. No point telling him it is Warrior Bunny liquor he is drinking, she thought to herself. Her own cup was loaded with an herbal tea blend that she had become fond of for multiple reasons. Airi and her wine, Junpei and his beer, and me and my tea, she thought fleetingly before pushing the thought away.

“Oh, yeah!” the fighter recalled, grinning. “I had this horrible dream that Miss Airi married some idiot and got pregnant. Ridiculous, right?” he laughed.

“No. She is married to some tool she actually seems to like a lot, and her child will be born in about six months,” Ritsuko replied flatly. Junpei froze for a second.

“That's not funny, Ritsu,” he grunted.

“It wasn't meant to be,” came the acidic reply from the red-head. “Listen to me carefully, Junpei,” she went on, her tone cold and hard. “Airi married someone else. She is having their child. You are not going to be marrying her. You will not be having children with her. What part of that is too complex for you to understand?”

Junpei leapt to his feet. “Never!” he pronounced, fist raised. “She loves me!” he insisted to anyone who might be listening.

“Sit down and shut up,” came a furious snarl from Ritsuko. Junpei blinked, realizing that the red-head was aiming right at his head with her pistol; and there was murder in her eyes. Slowly, Junpei did so, wondering what was going on with his annoying-younger-sister-surrogate of a teammate. Probably that time of the month, he decided as he settled back down on the pallet.

“I know you aren't the sharpest sword in the armory, Junpei, and I don't hold that against you,” began Ritsuko firmly. “But you are a drama queen and one hair's breadth away from being a stalker, too. That, I do hold against you because you choose to be that way. I had really, really hoped that you would mature, but I can see that you are eternally locked in your adolescent phase. Beer, curry, women and fighting is all you will ever have in your head, it would seem. For that reason, it is time for you to make a choice, Junpei.”

“Hey, Ritsu, I don't have women on my mind - just Miss Airi!” he insisted hotly.

“Bullshit,” cut back Ritsuko. “You jump at anything in a skirt you think you can get your dick into. That Akagi whore, Celsia, Gabriella, Rapier, god-knows how many slave girls while you were playing `my dick's bigger than yours' with your gladiator frat-boy friends in the Arenas, at least half the girls in multiple courts, most of the women in the Raltaowian capital, one of my Captains and I can only imagine how many others I don't know about,” Ritsuko paused for a breath.

“Heh! Like MacD's, Ritsu - over a billion served!” he bragged, grinning at her. “And I have no interest in you even though you wear a skirt,” he added, proud of his come-back.

“You prove my point for me,” came the cold reply from Ritsuko. “And I would kill you if you so much as tried to touch me; keep that in mind, you man-whore,” she added, heat growing in her tone. “Surprised your dick hasn't rotted off you,” she bit out under her breath. Junpei was somewhat confused by the fire in her eyes and the minute shaking of her hands with what he thought might be anger. Ritsuko closed her eyes for a moment, the shaking stopping as she relaxed slightly. Opening her eyes, the burning intensity was little more than a gleam in the corners of her eyes.

“You don't love Airi, Junpei, and we have always known that. She is a fixation in your mind, likely serving as an icon for your sexual urges toward women who are so far out of your league that they are practically another species,” Ritsuko smirked a little. “You have to accept that she never saw you that way, Junpei.”

“Oh yeah? Why?” he demanded belligerently.

“Because if you don't, you will never see her again.”

Junpei studied the younger woman across the fire from him. Slowly, he came to the suspicion that she was serious. “How could you stop me from seeing her again, Ritsu?” he asked, scowling.

“We are on the other side of the world from her. And you will not be going back without my permission,” Ritsuko stated calmly. “It is time for you to make some grown-up decisions, just like Airi and I have had to make,” added Ritsuko. Before he could speak up, she continued.

“How long have we been in this world, Junpei?” she asked. He frowned.

“Not that long,” he replied, wondering just how long they had been in the elf world.

“This is the start of the twelfth year,” Ritsuko said. Junpei frowned, working on a complicated calculation. Finally getting what he was reasonably sure was the right answer, he burst out laughing.

“You just turned into Christmas Cake!” he chortled.

“Says the man-boy who is approaching middle-age chronologically but is mentally still a fourteen-year old,” replied Ritsuko indifferently. “Focus, Junpei; as much as you can with only one working brain cell, anyway,” she muttered. “You have to make some choices, and you are out of time to put it off any longer,” she spoke more clearly, locking gazes with the older man.

“What are you prattling on about, Ritsu?” he asked, annoyed at her attitude and words both. I have to find a way back to Miss Airi, he thought to himself. It never occurred to him to question if Ritsuko had been serious about being on the other side of the world from the actress who consumed his mind; he knew she wasn't the kind to bluff like that. It also never occurred to him that there might be an ocean between him and his psychotic fixation.

“Tell me, Junpei,” Ritsuko said, her tone calm and even, “if you could go back to Japan - where the curry is real and tastes right - would you chose to do that?”

“Real curry?!” he nearly cheered. “Of course!” he nearly sang. “Back in Japan with Miss Airi and curry…!” he nearly drooled.

“Even if it wasn't our Japan?” Ritsuko asked quietly. Junpei stopped, frowning.

“What do you mean, `our' Japan, Ritsu? There is only one Japan, and that is our Japan!” he proclaimed, striking a silly adolescent hero pose. Ritsuko sipped her tea.

“For the sake of argument, let's say that it is a Japan where your family doesn't exist; or at least, not in the arrangement you know. Still sure of your choice?” pressed Ritsuko.

Junpei frowned, but nodded. “Well, yeah!” he stated, sounding like a petulant child. “As long as Miss Airi is there and they have real curry, it's all good,” he nodded to himself, proud of his assessment of the situation.

“Airi wouldn't be going,” Ritsuko said quietly, not breaking her stare. “But, yes, the curry would be real and it would be Japan,” added the red-head without any expression.

“Uh…” Junpei scratched his head. These stupid questions were beginning to give him a headache. Why is Ritsu being such a bitch tonight? Oh, right - that time of the month, he remembered.

“What if you had money to establish yourself? You could start a dojo, become the master of your own style. Maybe even start a real family,” Ritsuko poured poisonous words into his ears. Of course, any woman stupid enough to tolerate him deserves what she gets, Ritsuko left unsaid. “Fangirls of the great Master Junpei of the Invincible Idiot Style begging for your autograph and throwing their panties at you as you collect rival dojo signs…” she nearly purred, an evil glint in her eyes as she paused to sip some more tea. “No more elf world silliness, just curry, women and fighting. Well? Would you?” she asked sweetly.

Junpei was giving her his `stupid tool' grin. “That sounds pretty good, Ritsu,” he admitted.

“I can make it happen, you know,” she shared casually, tossing him a skin canteen. It was loaded with Warrior Bunny liquor. Ritsu figured it was about one twenty proof; maybe more. Junpei uncorked it and took a pull. “Do we have a deal? Money, women and curry in Japan for you?” pressed Ritsuko.

“What are you going to be doing?” Junpei asked, mildly surprising her. She had not really expected him to think of that, given how she presented things.

“Oh, I'm pretty busy here,” Ritsuko deflected the question. “I have a few projects to see through to the end,” she closed off the topic deftly. So does Airi. We are not going back; it has gone too far for that and is much too late as well, she thought to herself. Sometimes, it is the idiots who are fortunate, she mused. Junpei took another long swallow.

“Deal,” Junpei said, a grin on his face. She thinks she is so clever, Junpei thought to himself, but I'll show her who she is trying to trick! The money will have to come from Miss Airi since she is high up in that court thing, which means she will have to go back to get it, and I will just follow her! I can't wait to see the look on her face when she realizes I outsmarted her!

Ritsuko smiled behind her cup. Muscle-headed dork, she thought snidely. You have no idea who you are messing with, do you? “So, let's talk about the money,” she said, smiling sweetly. “How much do you have?”

Junpei frowned, wondering. He didn't really have to buy much, being the Arena Champ - people fell over themselves to buy him drinks, food was nearly always on the house anywhere he went (and even if it wasn't, someone was always eager to pay for his food), if he wanted something, someone nearly always got it for him, so he had no idea how much he had. In fact, during their time in the Elf World, Airi and Ritsuko had always been the financial managers of their group, seeing to the shopping, supplies and the like. He just did what he did best: beat people up, strip elves and make the ladies swoon. “Uh, I don't know,” he admitted. “Besides, you said you would give me money,” he almost accused.

“I said you would get money,” clarified Ritsuko. “And you should know that you work to earn money,” she added. Junpei had to agree that that was how things worked. “So, to earn your money, I want you to train some friends of mine in unarmed combat while I get things set up for your return to Japan,” she continued.

“I don't know, Ritsu,” began Junpei, “I don't really teach people how to be as awesome as I am,” he began.

“They are women who like to be nearly naked all the time and…appreciate men,” baited Ritsuko. Junpei blinked.

“Are they hot?” he asked before he could even think about it.

“Like Playboy Bunnies,” smiled Ritsuko, busting her ass laughing inside. “And I am not asking you to teach them everything you know; just improve their fighting skills,” she added.

“Then deal, Ritsu!” agreed Junpei eagerly. The two nodded to each other, each thinking their own things.

Sucker! I know you will try to slip away to get back to Airi, and I will be waiting and watching. The instant you head to wherever Airi is, I will be right on your heels! Then, I will beat up that idiot who forced Airi to marry him, sweep her off her feet and take her to Japan with me! Hey! I bet if I tell her that I will raise the child like my own, she will be even more in love with me! Junpei thought, amazed at how much of a genius he could be.

Poor, simple Junpei, Ritsuko thought to herself, you just don't get it, do you? You just traded your Japan for gold, women, curry and the chance to make your own dojo. Honestly, what is he - fourteen? Still, can't leave him loose with his psychotic fixation on Airi, and I can't get him back to his own Japan, so this is for the best. Besides, he said he was a laborer for his father's construction business. Obviously, he won't be missed by his family; especially after more than twenty years of being gone. Not like my family at all… she forced those thoughts away; they served no purpose to her now save to hurt her.

An hour or so later, Junpei was snoring as he was sprawled out over the pallet, the canteen empty. Ritsuko sighed, getting up and stretching, absently stripping off her school uniform, revealing her battle gown and simple loin tabard. Out of the darkness emerged several figures.

“That was a generous offer, my Queen,” a Warrior Bunny woman noted, kneeling before Ritsuko.

“Certainly more than he deserved,” agreed Gabriella. “What is your goal, Boss?” grinned the dark elf.

“Say what you want, Junpei is a better unarmed fighter than any of you,” Ritsuko replied calmly, the others reluctantly agreeing. “While I am getting things set up, I want to make as much use of him as possible.”

“You intend to use him for breeding, my Queen?” wondered the Warrior Bunny.

“Personally? Fuck no!” stated Ritsuko. “And though he will be training with you and the other warriors, I do not want any of you sleeping with him. Leave that to the ones with cut ears,” she directed to the Warrior Bunny who was kneeling before her, both her ears erect and un-cut. “And before you ask, yes, I know that breeding rights with prime specimens are in order of rank, and you and the others have the right to breed with him before the ones who cut their ears, but there are reasons I do not want you all to have sex with him. It is the same reason I will not allow him to touch me like that. I ask you to trust me on this.”

“Of course, my Queen,” agreed the Warrior Bunny. “You have earned our loyalty.”

“You intend to use him as a breeding stud?” blinked another figure. Ritsuko turned a cool gaze on the figure furthest from the fire.

“Again, in spite of being a drooling idiot at times, Junpei is a phenomenal physical specimen, with good genes and I intend to make use of that,” she declared coldly. “I will use him as I see fit, Leranna, just as others have used me in the past. You do not have a problem with this, do you?” Leranna gulped nervously as she felt the pressure of the gaze of the others.

“N…no, my Queen,” she caved in to the pressure.

“Gabriella, Rapier, stick with my main group for a bit, keep an eye on the idiot over there. And do I need to say that I would prefer you two not spread your legs for him again?” she asked them.

“We satisfied our curiosity about him years ago,” smiled Gabriella easily, unashamed. Leranna gulped. Ritsuko nodded.

“Are you sure about this, Ritsu?” asked Milliea, frowning a little. Ritsuko sighed softly before turning to her dearest elven friend.

“Yes, Milliea,” Ritsuko said, stepping over to the elf and cupping her cheeks with her hands. “This is the best outcome possible for him. He is my friend, and I would not unnecessarily hurt him. Neither Airi nor myself have a better solution for him, and he will be happy, safe and comfortable in their Japan; which is more than I can say for Airi and myself in this world. Will you trust me in this?” asked Ritsuko.

“Sure!” chirped Milliea, satisfied that Ritsuko was doing the best she could for the man.

“How are you going to arrange for him to get through the Gate, my Queen?” wondered Leranna.

Ritsuko sighed. “By negotiating with the General, of course,” she said. “Though I don't know how hard it will be to get him to agree. Failing that, I think I have a way to get him through the gate without permission, but it will leave him in a tight spot on the other side and will probably put us in direct conflict with the JSDF on this side. Let's hope that the General is as smart as he seemed,” she said, meeting each of their eyes.

“In the meantime,” continued Ritsuko, “we have work to do. Milliea, Leranna and I are heading for Italica, then the capital. I want you three,” she indicated Gabriella, Rapier and the Warrior Bunny woman, “to get Junpei to the main camp and get him started on training the warriors. Be sure that the cut-ears know what he is there for; and I want the most promising ones of them to be trained in fighting as well. Understood?”

“It will be done, my Queen,” assured the Warrior Bunny as the elves nodded.

“And be sure to give Mike my love, ok?” smiled Ritsuko warmly.

“That tank gets more love from you than any living thing,” teased Rapier.

“Mike is just plain adorable,” shrugged Ritsuko, unconcerned. “If there are no more questions, I need to take a leak before bed,” she said, strolling out into the grassland around the camp. Behind her, the others turned to look at the snoring Junpei.

“She has changed so much, but not as much as it seems at times,” Gabriella murmured.

“Honestly, she worries me at times,” Rapier shared.

“Watch your tone, long-ears,” growled the Warrior Bunny. Rapier turned to give the rabbit-woman a steady gaze.

“Or what, rabbit-girl?” asked Rapier evenly. “She is your queen, but to me, she is my friend. I will speak of her as I like.”

“Insulting my Queen is unwise,” warned the demi-human. “If you persist in slandering her, I will have to kill you for the insult.”

“As if you could,” replied Rapier.

“And if you did, I would kill you,” Gabriella spoke up.

“My sisters would avenge me,” came the answer.

“Stop it, you guys, before…!” began Milliea.

“Before I hear them?” asked Ritsuko, appearing silently from the grass, still securing her loincloth. “Too late,” she said. “So you bunch of brain-donors would kill each other off over a supposed insult to me, leaving me with nothing to work with? Brilliant!” she proclaimed sarcastically. “Listen to me carefully: there will be no more revenge tradition among our group, is that clear? It is stupid, wasteful, idiotic and I will not stand for it. Do I make myself clear?” she all but snarled.

“My Queen,” the warrior bunny knelt again.

“Works for us,” said Gabriella calmly. Ritsuko turned to stare at Leranna for a moment.

“O…of course, my Lady,” the knight agreed.

“I swear, this is like babysitting,” muttered Ritsuko, moving to the simple pallet she had been sitting on. Lying down, she pulled her traveler's cloak over her. “Try not to get into any pissing contests while I grab a nap, will you?” she grumbled, falling into her usual light sleep moments later. The other followed her example.

“Welcome back, General Hazama,” the section heads saluted the general. Hazama returned the salute.

“It is good to be back,” he said before sitting down. “Bring me up to speed,” he said, scanning the papers on the clipboard before him. One by one, the section heads made their reports, with Hazama occasionally making notes or asking questions on the sheets in front of him. Once he was done, he leaned back. “Gentlemen, I can see the questions in your eyes,” he said. “So, I will brief you on the developments in Japan,” he stated.

“I do apologize for being two weeks late returning to my duties, but I found myself involved in political fighting back in Japan, and couldn't break away. I fear that things here could get quite…tense if certain things come to pass. But, first, allow me to share what I can of the general plans of the Diet and High Command,” he prefaced his remarks.

“It is the intention of the Diet to begin full-scale trade with the Empire, as well as setting up mining and refining operations within the borders of the Empire to exploit the resources we have found so far, as well as looking for new resources. The politicians have been making promises to the people about jobs and wealth to be had here, and unfortunately, the citizens are eating it up. Construction companies, industrial companies, merchant companies and collectives are all hiring like mad in preparation for the opening of the Special Region to civilian commerce.”

“Sir, what are they thinking? The Gate is the only way in or out, and it cannot even fit an assembled fighter through it. And even if it were the size of a tanker ship hull, it opens into Ginza. You know the streets there barely allow a tank through without hitting something. How are they going to get things in or out in sufficient quantities through that bottleneck?” asked one of his colonels.

“Apparently, they are of the opinion that a narrow-gauge rail line can be built through the gate, using specially-configured rail cars to carry goods in and out. I spent an entire day trying to explain the realities of the Gate to them, but I fear I did not succeed in conveying the limitations,” sighed Hazama.

“Are you serious, sir? What about security? A rail line can't be monitored efficiently to insure that no unauthorized persons or materials get through,” protested his base security officer.

“Why are you telling me this? Don't you think I already know that?” grunted Hazama. “Nevertheless, the topic has been deemed `irrelevant' by the Diet and most of the command staff of the JSDF,” he dismissed the issue, shaking his head.

“Money is all they think of,” muttered the head of the air force section.

“Possibly, but there is also this,” the general said, producing a folded page from a newspaper. “This hit the stands two days after I went through the Gate,” he said, handing the paper to the nearest member of his staff, who swiftly scanned it.

“This is why you don't let journalist into a war zone,” muttered the head of the air mobile forces, handing the paper to the next officer in line. “We no more deposed Molt than we put Pina on the throne. Damned sensationalist hacks,” he muttered darkly.

“The news agencies have always been highly critical of us,” the general agreed as the head of the airborne detachment scanned the article. “But, this is a bit more than critical,” he admitted.

“Somewhat, yes,” agreed the paratrooper commander, handing the paper to the next officer at the table. “I was not here for what came before, but I know that what is written there about our air drop is completely false and borders on slander,” he growled. “Not one civilian was injured by us in that operation. Where do they get off with that `reckless behavior endangering the citizens of the Special Zone' bullshit? That Zorzal animal killed more of his citizens than we ever have!”

“I wonder where they heard the name Diabo from,” murmured the head of the armored detachment. “Not many outside this room know that name,” he pointed out.

“They could have heard it from Noriko,” the general reminded his commander, “or from one of the Alnus citizens.”

“Would they have said anything, though? We were careful with the access the press had to the natives, as I recall,” his aide pointed out from the corner of the room.

“Immaterial now in any event,” sighed Hazama. “The Americans have been talking of `assisting' Diabo in his quest for the crown, though everyone knows it is a flimsy pretext at best. The Chinese have also demanded that they be allowed to speak with him in person in Beijing about securing their `assistance' in regaining a crown that was never his.”

“Bad idea,” grunted the Major in charge of the logistical units. The room nodded. They knew, after all, what kind of `assistance' China would offer - the kind that came from the barrel of a gun pointed at anyone who disagreed with the party line.

“All points I made to the Diet or to the upper brass,” Hazama replied. “Not that I believe I got the message through. I was told just before I was supposed to return that I was going to be promoted soon to four stars and rotated back to HQ before retirement.” The room stilled at that news. “It is my belief - bolstered by other events - that I am being removed by promotion because I oppose the plans of the Diet and the military for the Special Region.”

“Sir,” breathed the officers in the room. Hazama raised a hand, silence them.

“This is the way it works in the military,” he reminded them. “Besides, I was picked for this job because they needed someone who was expendable, and yet capable of doing the job if it could be done. That, in a word, is my service record,” he smiled. “But now, they have a choice to make: promote me to full general and give me the influence that comes with that rank and my record here so they can do as they like with the Special Region, or leave me here to deny me the reach but at the cost of their agenda.” The general chuckled a little. “I think I begin to appreciate how Itami feels,” he shared candidly.

“How long until they decide?” wondered Yanagida. Hazama gave him a level stare.

“There is horse-trading to be done, and some debts called in and favors granted before they can do anything, so I estimate at least a few months, Japan-time. However, that could change quickly, so I cannot afford to sit idle and wait for developments,” he said, firmly slapping the table with a hand.

“For that reason, I am issuing a field promotion to young Yanagida here to Captain - I think it important to keep you and Itami at the same rank since it makes it easier to contain the damage - and also issuing him certificates for the appropriate ribbons for his service before forwarding medical discharge papers to Command. Do not think this a reflection on your abilities nor your performance, Yanagida,” he cautioned the stunned young officer. “I need you - with your understanding of the realities here - to be an advocate and planner in Japan. If I am removed through promotion, it will be crucial that you be out of the JSDF so they can't gag you, but with an impeccable record to lend weight to your words against the plans of the military and Diet in regard to the Special Region. I will give you some names and introductions to get you started. Oh, and I have arranged for you to receive the best medical treatment on government yen,” he assured the young officer.

“I…I understand, sir,” the man said, sounding less than happy. “And what of Itami?” asked the man.

“Itami is a special case,” admitted Hazama. “I need to get him back into Japan, hopefully with those girls with him, to run interference for us as we prepare, but he is impossible to control reliably,” chuckled the general.

“Not really, sir,” smirked Yanagida, adjusting his glasses, “you just have to convince his girls, and they will control him,” he said, sounding cruelly amused. “Their control of him is…impressive,” he sniped at his friend/co-worker.

“That is a role most women excel at,” Hazama replied dryly, absently touching his own wedding ring. His mind briefly drifted to his time at home with his wife. He had awoken the second morning home to find her waiting for him, the picture of Airi Komiyama sitting on the table in front of her as she sipped her tea. Hazama had been married to her long enough to know what she was going to say without her saying a word, so he simply sat down, poured himself a cup of coffee and told her as much of the story as he could. By the time he was done, she was staring at him with a horrified expression, occasionally shifting her eyes to the photo of the naked Airi's `slave markings'. He had reminded her that such things were why he rarely told her about his work. She had gotten up and fixed him breakfast, never bringing it up again. The next day, he had found that the photo had been laminated carefully and placed with his personal effects on the small dresser he used. His wife had reminded him to keep it with him with the same sweetness as she used when reminding him to take a clean handkerchief with him. That was one of the reasons he had married her.

Shaking the memories away, he focused on the here-and-now. “Speaking of Itami, what news from him?” asked the general.

“He radioed in that he was heading toward base to re-fit before heading for the north east sector,” Yanagida replied. “He asked if you were back yet. If he maintains any sort of travel speed, he should arrive sometime in the next three days for the re-supply,” the crippled officer said. “Sir, I would like to ask if I can take a native through the Gate, if only for a visit.”

“I will sign off on one native, provided she agrees,” the general said, making Yanagida blink. “You do intend to ask Delilah, don't you?” he pressed, amused at the look on his subordinate's face. The man swiftly tried to compose himself.

“Well, yes, actually,” he admitted. The higher-ranking officers in the room laughed.

“That brings up another issue,” recalled the general. “We will probably receive new directives within the week about who can go through the Gate. The Diet has been fast-tracking legislation to allow the issue of Work Visas to Special Region citizens so they can come to Japan and work. I don't think I need to tell you why,” he suggested, raising an eyebrow.

Everyone in the room knew who was pushing this, and the kind of `worker' the money donors were looking for. Almost to a man, they all pictured Itami surrounded by the girls who had ended up claiming possession of him. Ever since the Diet broadcast, they had suspected this would happen. Unbelievable, the power of otaku in our country… more than one of the officers thought sourly. Of course, all of them frequented the tavern by the PX in Alnus Living Community whenever they could; and not because it was close by and handy, either. Delilah and her fellow demi-humans were a large part of the attraction; not that they would ever admit it even to themselves.

The ringing of the phone on the table interrupted them, the general answering the call. “Hazama,” he barked.

“Sir, Utatami in Recon,” the caller identified themselves. “Our drones have picked up something you should see,” he said.

“Put it on the monitor in here,” commanded the general, turning in his chair to look at the monitor. A few moments later, the screen lit up with an aerial view of grassland plains, with buildings in the distance. “What are we looking at, Utatami?” the general said, putting the phone on speaker phone.

“This is a location deep in the northeast sector, sir. We are almost to the location,” assured the operator. “Footage is from a Global Hawk, sir,” added the man. On the screen, the group saw a camp coming into view. Several semi-permanent buildings were visible, along with practice grounds. In the middle of the encampment, a group of warriors was practicing, the set-up reminding the group of CQB training or martial arts dojos. In the center was a human man, stripped to the waist, facing down three Warrior Bunnies, all of whom were armed.

“Is this…?” began one of the colonels, only for the three Bunny women to attack the man, who defeated them all without much seeming effort. The women picked themselves up, fresh ones taking their place. The man crossed his arms over his chest.

“Use high-res cameras and try to get some good shots of the group,” directed Hazama, watching as the picture tilted as the drone began an orbit of the group. Even as the UAV was steadying up, the group turned to look up into the sky, all of them scowling. Suddenly, the picture went crazy. Over the phone, they could hear alarms sounding in the drone control unit.

“Sir! Drone is losing flight control!” came the almost-panicked voice of the remote pilot.

“Apply full power to the engines and try to break away from the location,” Hazama ordered.

“Engine full, still losing altitude,” came the grim reply. “No damage to the flight systems,” murmured the operator. “Did they hit us with something?” he wondered aloud.

“Pilot, nose down to gain speed, then execute an outside snap roll followed by a split S,” ordered the head of the air force detachment. “It is probably a magic spell that is disrupting air flow over the control surfaces. Keep the engine at full.”

“Sir!” came the reply from the pilot.

“General, if that tank is still out there, one klick brings the drone into range of their fifty,” noted the armor commander.

“It is just a drone,” Hazama reminded them. “Besides, I doubt that Nodachi would shoot it down,” he muttered.

“Sir, drone back under control,” reported the pilot.

“Climb to altitude and RTB,” ordered the General.

“Sir,” confirmed the unseen pilot.

“General, Warrior Bunnies do not use magic,” Yanagida pointed out. Hazama frowned.

“I see,” he said. Drawing breath to say something, he was interrupted by the phone chirping. “I will have to call you back, Drone Ops,” he said, dropping that call and picking up the new one. “Hazama,” he answered crisply.

“Sir, Checkpoint Bravo here. We have a Rose Knight with a message for you from Empress Pina. She says it is eyes only, sir,” the guard reported.

“Is she known to you?” asked the General.

“No, sir, but there are over a thousand female knights in that order…” began the guard.

“Fine,” the general said. “Instruct her to come to the command post. I will call the duty officer and issue instructions. Hazama out,” he ended the call before picking up the phone and dialing a number. He murmured into the headset for a moment before ending the call and dialing another number. He spoke softly for a moment more before cradling the receiver.

“Gentlemen, I think we just got a priority dropped on us. If there is nothing else critical, we will resume this tomorrow,” he said to the group. They all saluted him. He returned the salute before exiting the conference room.

Fifteen minutes later, he was greeted by Bozes, formerly of the Rose Order. He exchanged the required pleasantries with her then asked her to accompany him and see if she recognized a knight of the order. She was a bit puzzled, but did as asked. Entering the working area of the command building from a side door, Hazama spotted the woman sitting stiffly in one of the few chairs in the short entry hall, in full view of the duty officer's desk. Bozes peered at the woman for a few moments.

“Leranna? What are you doing here?” Bozes finally placed the other woman's face. The knight blinked before shooting to her feet and standing at attention, fist over chest in the salute of the Empire.

“Lady Bozes, I didn't expect to see you here,” began the junior knight. Bozes frowned.

“You know her, I take it?” Hazama asked softly.

“Yes,” confirmed Bozes. “Her name is Leranna. She earned her spurs less than six months ago, if memory serves me right. And why are you not in armor; or at least formal clothing, Leranna?” Bozes demanded, falling back into her old habits as the Yellow Rose of the Order of Roses, one of three direct sub-commanders under Pina herself. “Have you no sense of propriety?” Bozes scowled. “You appearance embarrasses not just the order, but Empress Pina herself! How dare you?” she seethed, marching toward the younger girl. Pregnant or not, Bozes was no delicate creature.

Leranna was wearing a simple travelling dress, with sturdy boots coming to mid-calf, the bodice snugly tied and a cloak over her shoulders. Around her neck was the pure silver medallion that all Rose Order Knights were given when they won their spurs and were required to wear at all times. The younger woman's dark hair was braided and she wore bracers on her forearms, her sword belted to her side. Leranna leaned back from Bozes a little as the blonde got up in her face. “Well?” demanded the former Yellow Rose ominously.

“I am here on direct orders of Empress Pina herself,” Leranna said, managing to keep her voice almost calm. “Her orders supersede your former rank, Bozes,” she said. Bozes's lips peeled back from her teeth.

“You've grown an insolent little mouth, girl,” purred Bozes. “Maybe I should carve some respect back into your behind,” she suggested, eyes slitted.

“Enough,” Hazama stepped in. He knew hazing when he saw it, after all. “You have a message for me from Empress Pina?” asked directly. The younger knight eyed him up and down for a moment before carefully pulling a folded and sealed document from the bodice of her travel dress and offering it to him.

“With compliments of Empress Pina Co Lada herself, my Lord,” the younger knight bowed gracefully to Hazama. Bozes scowled at her. “And now, I must excuse myself,” she said, turning for the door.

“Not so fast, little girl,” Bozes commanded.

“I was ordered to deliver the missive to the hand of Knight Field Marshall Hazama and return immediately, Bozes,” Leranna said, not turning back to the blonde. “And so I shall,” she added over her shoulder as she left.

“To not even wait for dismissal,” disapproved Bozes. “What is discipline in the Order becoming without me?” she wondered aloud. Hazama was reading the message. “Lady Pina shall hear of this,” vowed the Yellow Rose. “I knew it was too soon to make her a full knight, the disrespectful little brat of the Igem house,” she sneered. Turning back to Hazama, she smiled. “What news of my Lady Pina, sir Hazama?” she asked sweetly.

“Hmm? Oh, just a matter that we must discuss,” he said, tucking the letter away in his shirt pocket. “If I may, Lady Bozes,” he began, only for the duty officer to clear his throat. Glancing over to the man, he saw he was holding the receiver of his phone out toward him. Stepping over to the desk, he answered the phone. After a grunt or two, he hung up the phone. “Please excuse me, but I am needed elsewhere, Lady Bozes. Thank you so much for your time,” he gave her a quick bow, the blonde returning a court curtsey.

“The pleasure was mine, my Lord,” she replied. Hazama made his way to the communication shack. Entering the room, he picked up the radio set, noticing that the encryption was running. Frowning, he couldn't recall ordering encryption being engaged.

“Why is the encryption running, sergeant?” he asked.

“Sir, the captain requested it,” the communication operator reported. The general brought the radio mic to his mouth.

“Highseat Actual, over,” he radioed.

“Alpha team Actual, Highseat actual,” Itami radioed back. “Unscheduled radio traffic, over.”

“Send traffic, Alpha actual, over,” he radioed.

“Highseat, we have a…situation here,” Itami said, his tone flat. “Fifty klicks out of Italica, on the back-road, we encountered an ambush, over,” he reported.

“Status, Alpha actual, over,” Hazama replied crisply.

“Alpha group untouched. Break. Trade caravan morbid. Break. Attackers tentatively identified as Haryo. Break. Spent shell casings found at scene, over.”

“Alpha actual, I copy spent cartridges. Did you fire, over,” he asked.

“Negative, Highseat, over.” Itami confirmed. Over the radio, he heard some commotion. “Hold one, Highseat, over,” Itami said, the radio going quiet for almost a minute before Itami came back on the horn. “Highseat, Alpha actual requesting priority debriefing, over.”

Hazama heard the tone of voice even over the radio. “Understood, Alpha actual. You are directed to RTB fastest route. Break. Is the scene secure, over,” he radioed back.

“It will be soon, Highseat, over,” came the grim reply.

“Can you document the scene before securing, Alpha actual, over,” Hazama replied.

“Already done, Highseat, over and out.” The channel went down.

“This is intolerable, your Imperial Majesty!” yelled a senator. Pina gave him a narrow stare.

“What, exactly, is intolerable aside from your tone when addressing me, senator?” Pina replied coolly. The man blinked before reining in his tongue. Molt had been one thing, and Zorzal had been insane, but Pina was of a different cut than either her father or her older half-brother, and the senators sometimes forgot that. And lately, she had been changing yet again.

“A caravan with new slaves for the southern markets was ambushed by brigands, at the loss of the merchandise and the guards. Where are the Legions? Inventory is at a century-low, Empress!” the man decried. She recalled that his family had been heavily invested in the slave markets for at least the last three generations. Her mind flashed an image of Ritsuko's face, almost making her twitch.

“Business ventures are risky by nature, senator. Did no one tell you that?” Pina asked calmly. “How many of you have lost money on a business venture, my dear senators?” she addressed the assembly at large. Murmurs from nearly all of them confirmed her point.

“Occasional losses are one thing,” bit out the senator, “but this is the third time this has happened. Each time, the losses are not just commodities, but guards, drivers and wagons. The brigands don't even offer to sell us back the equipment, my Empress! Savage, uncivilized barbarians, the lot of them!” he shouted again.

Pina wasn't overly surprised to hear that. Her impression of Ritsuko made her suspicious that when it came to slavers, the term `unrestricted warfare' would take on dimensions that even her JSDF friends would cringe at. Ritsuko has a personal vendetta against slavers, and I will not risk getting between her and what she wants to kill, Pina thought. That being said, she had a responsibility to the Empire to try to protect it as best as she could. To that ends, she was working on a way to phase out slavery; hopefully she could finish it before Ritsuko decided to burn her empire to the ground and piss on the ashes.

“I demand that Legion troops be sent to guard the trade roads and hunt down the brigands!” the senator demanded.

“Denied,” Pina replied flatly. “Our legions are still under-strength from the disastrous fight against the JSDF and we have much territory to protect. There is just not enough manpower in the legions to cater to private interests.”

“Empress Pina,” another senator said, standing and raising his short speaker staff as he moved to the floor of the still-being-repaired Senate building. “There are rumors that the brass discards of the Jay'es De'if staffs were found at two of the scenes of ambush. How is that to be interpreted?” he asked.

Everyone knew that Pina was tight with the JSDF. Most of the senators either liked or at least respected the Men in Green as well. A few were bitter or opportunistic, however, and always sought to incite unrest in the others or undermine her rule. This senator was one of the opportunistic ones. He wasn't after Pina as much as he was after whatever he could get from the skirmish between her and the senator with the slave trade interest.

“I will enquire about that with the Jay'es De'if myself, but for the moment, I can see no reason for the Jay'es De'if to be interested in the trade of our lands. In fact, I am suspicious of this as yet another attempt by parties both known and unknown to incite further unrest and conflict by sowing distrust between us and the Men in Green. I remind you all that we are still very much unable to meet them in a fight and survive. This is known to them as well. Why would they not simply march in and take what they wanted?” argued Pina.

“And yet, you do not deny that the brass discards only come from their staffs!” crowed the confrontational senator, getting some murmuring in the ranks.

“My dear senator,” began Pina, her tone sweet and poisonous, “are you suggesting that no one with dishonest intentions could collect those brass discards from one place - perhaps Italica, where the fields around the city walls are still littered with them! - and deposit them in another with the intent to be deceiving us into believing the Jay'es De'if is behind it?”

That thought gave the senators pause. The senator who was attempting to force the Empress to protect his business investment - the slave caravans - realized he had been cornered by logic and reason. All the senators knew that the brass discards of the Jay'es De-if staves were sold as jewelry, charms and even magical artifacts in the slums of the Capital. Even some merchants occasionally sold far bigger discards from the rumored `large arms' the Men in Green used from time to time, so there was absolutely no reason to think that someone couldn't gather a large bag of the discards from around Italica, or Alnus. As the Men in Green did not consider the discards to be of any importance, they didn't collect or otherwise remove the brass forms after a battle, so there were lots to be had.

“Be that as it may,” he changed tactics as best as he could, “subjects of the Empire are being killed and nothing is being done about it!”

“Very well,” Pina said, surprising him yet again, “I will dispatch some of my personal knights to look into this matter. Depending on what they find out, I may take a personal interest in these incidents. I am sure this satisfies your concerns, my good senator,” she stated, her tone flat and hard. Her right index fingernail was tapping her sword hilt as she spoke.

Again, the senators knew Pina had proven herself on the battlefield, and had even managed to broker a peace agreement with the Men in Green that left the Empire intact and with very little economic damage. She tended to be somewhat quick to act for an Empress, but she was also known to be thorough. The senate found that to be a troublesome trait in their new Empress. The fact that her personal Knights and the hero of the Jay'es De'if - the infamous Lord Itami - were the only ones she took council with further complicated their political machinations.

“When next I speak with Lord Itami or Knight Field Marshall Hazama, I will pass along your concerns as well,” smiled Pina. Several senators hastily called for her not to waste the valuable time of the mighty Men in Green over a strictly internal matter that they were sure they could resolve without involving the Jay'es De'if. Hiding a smirk, Pina ignored the senators as she glanced to the side of her seat, seeing Hamilton in the archway.

Hamilton gave her a nod, waving her arms to signal information to her like they were on the fields of battle. Pina nodded back before rising from her seat and raising her hand head-head. The senators quickly fell silent. “My dear senators,” Pina orated, “I wish to formally introduce the new head of the Formal clan. This is her first visit to the Capital, and I welcome her to this gathering,” Pina intoned, nodding slightly to the guards at the main doors, who turned and opened them, revealing a small group of people waiting.

“Countess Myui, head of Clan Formal,” intoned the herald, smacking his staff on the floor. The thirteen year old Myui - having just celebrated her birthday in Italica the week before - stepped forward, her gown resplendent with the fruits of her alliance with the JSDF. Her gown was made from patterned silk, with rich brocade and satin accents. Exotic jewelry adorned her, and the cut and style of her gown was remarkable as well. Behind her, at either elbow, came her attendants. Both were dressed as maids, but no one in the senate mistook them for anything but what they were.

Mamina and Persia walked softly, but both of them were sweeping the room with their eyes, their ears also sweeping the room. Both women had their hands hidden under their half-aprons, as well. A Warrior Bunny and a Cat-person were not the kind of people you discounted. Behind the group, a cloaked figure slipped into the room and assumed a spectator position against the far wall. The guards watched the figure, but didn't do anything, as they were sure this cloaked figure was with the Countess.

“Empress Pina,” Countess Myui greeted the older red-head, bowing to her. Behind her, Mamina and Persia gave court curtseys before resuming their vigilant watch over their young Lady. “As I have reached the age of majority, I have come to swear my oath as the head of Clan Formal, in accordance with the treaty between my house and the Empire,” she said, her voice steady and sure, even if Pina could spot a small bead of sweat on the young girl's brow.

“Countess Myui, it is good to see you again,” Pina greeted her with a warm smile. “How fares Italica?” she asked, moving off the dais and stopping in front of Myui.

“It fares well, Lady Pina,” Myui smiled.

“I am glad to hear that, Myui,” said Pina softly. Myui took a breath and then recited the short oath she had been practicing, the main gist of which was that as a neutral clan, Formal assured the Empire that it would not attack them, nor would it interfere in the affairs of the Empire so long as the Empire did not attack them or interfere in their affairs. Pina confirmed the treaty, and it was done.

In the back of the room, under the hood of the cloak, a red-head smiled a shark-like smile.

I really need to find a less strenuous job, Itami thought. He had just finished being debriefed by General Hazama and his staff. His debriefing covered his visit to Rondel and the Schwarz Woods, as well as his find on the back roads. Currently, his team of JSDF soldiers was seeing to the maintenance and re-supply of the vehicles in preparation for their next patrol. His girls - Lelei, Rory, Tuka and Yao - were eating and taking a leisurely bath. Itami wanted to eat, take a bath and check the latest online novels and doujinshi catalogs, but was stuck briefing his bosses. Life was horribly unfair to him at times.

Yawning behind a hand, he waited as the general and his staff studied the digital pictures and video of the site of the ambush. “Captain Itami, did you check the spent cartridges for indications of origin?” asked the head of S2 - the military intelligence section that also oversaw the MPs and development personnel in addition to the psychologists and councilors in the treatment center - which is what the hospital was usually called.

“Yes, sir,” he answered, digging in his pocket for a moment before tossing a spent casing to the lieutenant colonel, who caught it by reflex. “Head-stamp indicates it is American-made, sir,” he said without answering anything.

“Not Japanese manufacture?” asked the light colonel in charge of intelligence, his tone interested and suspicious. “Could America have infiltrated troops?” he wondered.

“Not a chance,” Hazama replied confidently. The Gate was entirely secure, and fully in their control. There was simply no way for an American unit to get into the Special Region without someone noticing.

“I agree, sir,” Itami spoke up, wanting to get this over with. “There were no sign of combat boots anywhere. Yao and Tuka both checked carefully - only some impressions from sandals, a couple of barefoot prints. There were a few tracks that might have been moccasins, or really, really worn out sneakers, but nothing the American military would use.”

“I see. The casings might be American, but it is not proof one way or another. In fact, I recall our supply officer said that a few pallets of ammo from America had arrived months ago as part of their `assistance'. Get a hands-on inventory of that, will you?” he directed to the head of logistics.

“Sir,” the man nodded, jotting down a note.

“And there were no signs of equipment other than the spent casings?” pressed the S2 officer.

“No sign of anything,” Itami replied, bored. “Not even a horse or cart.”

“How did they get in and out without leaving any tracks?” wondered the head of the security group. Itami had nothing to offer on that issue, but he did have something to offer on another.

“Sir, it is my belief - backed by those with me - that the caravan was a slave caravan,” Itami said quietly. Hazama gave him a sharp look.

“Are you sure?” he asked. Itami nodded.

“Where are the slaves, then?” asked Yanagida. Itami shrugged.

“Tracks led away from the carnage, but just vanished as well. A few were lost on the road, mingled into the other tracks there. Either way, no one was left except the bodies of the Haryo and the bodies of the caravan guards and wagon-masters.”

“You think it was Nodachi,” Hazama read between the lines.

“She was meeting with the Dark Elves, sir, and she certainly has the skills,” Itami replied without committing.

“And the mindset,” the S2 officer said. “Have you read the report the shrinks made on her mental condition?” he asked the room at large.

Itami's eyes cooled a bit. “Sir, I feel it my duty to protest the actions of S2 in regard to Nodachi Six's medical file on the grounds of the danger to our troops posed by provoking her,” he said to Hazama firmly, standing at rigid attention. Hazama hummed, considering the situation.

“Colonel, for the time being, I am ordering the files on all Nodachi personnel sealed. I want them brought to my office immediately, and I will lock them in my personal safe. Understood?” he said, meeting the gaze of the S2 officer.

“Understood, General Hazama, but I think it vital that we understand what drives this group, if they truly can come and go from this continent as they wish,” the light colonel replied. Hazama flipped a hand, both acknowledging the remark and dismissing it. He could practically feel the laminated picture of Airi through his shirt.

“Do you have any idea what her remark might have meant?” Hazama asked Itami. Itami sighed.

“No, General,” he replied. “And she probably did that deliberately, too,” he almost smiled.

“Not entirely out of the question,” Hazama shrugged.

“Which begs the question of what I am supposed to do if I do happen to find her or her way to and from these lands,” Itami continued. “I honestly don't think fighting her would be smart,” he added candidly.

“We have overwhelming advantage,” began the head of the armored division. “One Type 74 is easily dealt with…” he began.

“It isn't the tank that worries me; it's her,” Itami cut in. “In the end, sir, the weapon is her, not her tools. And if she has, in fact, become the queen of the Warrior Bunnies…” he sighed, shaking his head.

“We have gotten a lot of reports of Warrior Bunny women disappearing all over the place. Though there were few enough of them left, they all seem to be disappearing,” the S2 chief remarked, checking his clipboard.

“A hundred or so Warrior Bunny women are nearly inconsequential if she is gathering alliances. The Dark Elves said they reached an agreement with her, did they not?” asked Hazama. Itami nodded.

“And they refused to speak of specifics, too,” he reported. “Let's extrapolate a little here, sir,” he suggested. “Nodachi becomes the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies. She forges an alliance with the Dark Elves. We already know she had elves with her from wherever they came from, and Persia - the cat-girl maid of Myui-chan - suggested that the cat-people might have allied with Nodachi as well, if she is the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies. What does that suggest to you, General Hazama, sir?” he prompted.

“She is building a power base,” Hazama murmured, frowning a little.

“Didn't she make a treaty with us about staying away from this continent?” wondered the head of the air arm. Hazama shook his head.

“The treaty is that we don't set foot on her continent. It doesn't say she can't come here; though it does say she won't attack us unless we attack her,” he mused.

“Um, actually, she said she wouldn't attack us if we didn't get in her way,” Itami corrected. The room stilled.

“It seems the grenade is very much alive and appears to be coming back at us,” Hazama snorted sourly.

“Really?” Itami asked, almost making the officers face-fault. “She doesn't seem interested in us, sir,” he noted.

“Not so long as she can resupply from us,” interjected the officer over logistics.

“What does she want on this continent?” Hazama asked himself aloud.

“Vengeance is my guess,” Itami said, once more yawning behind a hand. Hazama studied the young officer who had proven to be highly capable in his own fashion.

“Do you think you can make peaceful contact with her if you run into her, Itami?” asked Hazama. Itami considered that for a long moment.

“I can try, but I think it depends on the circumstances and her mood,” he allowed. “Both times she got within sight of Rory, she shot her in the heart,” he noted calmly. This caused a small ripple in the room. “I swear, those two are too much alike at times,” muttered Itami. Seeing the looks on the faces of his superior officers, he gave them a casual grin. “What? It isn't like shooting her in the heart will kill her or anything,” he baited them.

A knock came on the door to the conference room, and Hazama told the person or persons to enter. The door opened to reveal Itami's girls. “Well, it seems you have things to do, Captain, so you are dismissed. Be sure to submit your patrol plan to operations before you depart. Dismissed,” the general threw the young man to the wolves.

“General, this is a serious matter,” the S2 chief pressed the general.

“Yes, I agree,” Hazama replied. “But for the time being, our options are limited. So, let's focus on a threat we know is coming, rather than on a threat that might not even exist,” he directed. “I have come up with a basic plan that should serve us well,” he began. The meeting ran long as the senior JSDF officers made plans to protect their investment in the Special Region.

Leranna was ready to quit - everything. She had thought that Lady Pina was a hard master. She had been sure that Bozes and Panache and Beefeater had been overbearing in her training. The entire Order has nothing on Lady Ritsuko! she thought miserably. Ahead of her, the red-head in question was steadily climbing the rugged side of the hill, the leather bundle slung over her shoulders, her pistol belt on her waist and a rucksack over the leather bundle. Leranna was carrying a pair of canteens, some dried meat and her sword.

“If you stop, I'll leave you,” came Ritsuko's voice from above her. The hill was steep, and even Ritsuko was breathing a little hard from the close-to-vertical climb. Leranna had swiftly learned that her new boss was in better condition than any of the knights. She tended to go for rather long runs at any hour of day or night, she worked on her tank, often lifting parts that weighed as much as she did or more. And her appetite seemed muted; a fact that Leranna attributed to her impressive physique.

“Y…yes, my Lady,” Leranna panted.

“Get moving,” came a voice from below her. Looking down, she frowned at the grinning dark elf behind her, who seemed to be amused at her struggle to climb the hill. “You are holding up the line,” she added. Leranna bit her lip, but forced herself to climb once more. Ritsuko had doubled the distance between them in the time she had paused. Looking up at her boss, she saw the last of the sunlight glinting off her arms and legs, which were shiny with sweat, though it didn't appear to inconvenience her in any real way. Leranna's own clothing was soaked with sweat, and it dripped from her face as well.

“We have to make the military crest before nightfall,” another voice said. Looking to the side, Leranna saw the other member of their party, a male cat-person of Persia's family. The young demi-human was slim and trim, with a rather attractive pattern to his fur. The young male was stripped to a pair of simple cotton shorts, his claws proving to be highly useful as he sinuously climbed the hill.

“Right behind you, pussy-cat,” cooed the Dark Elf, winking at the young demi-human. The male winked back.

“Flirt on your own time,” came Ritsuko's voice from further up the hill. “I want to bag me some Haryo after this much trouble,” she added, her voice low and rough.

Three days before, they had gotten a report from one of her scouts that a den of the mixed-race mongrel Haryo had been located in the hills to the southwest of the Imperial capital. Ritsuko had grabbed a team and headed out on her strange flying fish after issuing some directives for her other followers. Meeting up with the scout, they had been briefed about a mid-hill cave where Haryo had been seen coming and going.

The position and terrain meant they couldn't fly in on the air fish. Also, this band of Haryo seemed to have some reptilian blood in them, so their night vision was likely quite good. The scout - a fox demi-human - had been watching the site for several days, and estimated the number in the cave at about two dozen. Ritsuko had studied the area, convinced there was at least one other bolt-hole out of the cave. The scout had been told to locate it while Ritsuko sent the dark elf back to get some more of her unit. With the air fish, the dark elf made it to their camp and back with reinforcements in barely more than one night.

That afternoon, the scout had returned, reporting he had found what he was reasonably sure was the bolt-hole out of the cave. After some discussion, Ritsuko had decided to split her forces, with one attacking the mouth of the cave, and another waiting in ambush at the bolt-hole. Ritsuko had taken the bolt-hole lead for herself, entrusting the other group to a Warrior Bunny from her camp. That group was to hit the cave right as the sun began to set with some items that Ritsuko had given them. She said that the items would make the Haryo flee, and Leranna was curious about what such small things could do.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a not-so-gentle shove from below her, and she had to focus on climbing. Wheezing and with shaking arms and legs, she made it to the military crest of the hill, finding that Ritsuko had already set up her rifle in a good spot to cover the bolt hole. “Gabs, be ready with the flare gun, just in case. Feel free to use magic if you think it will do the job,” she directed, nestled behind the gun. Leranna saw a thin cord going from a choker around Ritsuko's neck to her rucksack. Touching the collar-like device, Ritsuko spoke softly.

“Thor one calling radio check for Hammer one, over,” she said.

A few moments later, Leranna thought she heard a very faint sound even as Ritsuko winced a little, reaching into her rucksack even as she spoke.

“Hammer one, turn the knob on top down, your gain is too high, over,” she said. Another moment later, Ritsuko spoke again. “Better. In position. Might as well begin, over.” A moment passed before Ritsuko laughed softly. “That is the idea, is it not? Standing by. Thor over and out,” she said. Leranna wondered who she was talking to and how such a spell would work.

“Three minute warning,” Ritsuko said, smacking a lever on the side of the rifle, which flew forward with an authoritative smack! The cat-man gave the dark elf a curious look as she handed him some small, soft items.

“Trust me, pussy-cat, you will want these,” the elf said knowingly, demonstrating how to roll them between the fingers before putting them in her ears. The cat-man did so, curious about the reason.

“I can't hear anything,” he nearly whined, his ears twitching at the unusual sensation.

“That is the idea,” Gabriella smiled. From the other side of the hill, they heard some faint sounds.

“Party's started,” Ritsuko reported, snuggling in a bit more, doing something that generated a soft click from the gun. “Watch our backs, Leranna,” she reminded the knight. Minutes passed in silence before Ritsuko suddenly shifted a little.

“Squirter out the bolt hole,” she said, punctuating the remark with a piercing crack! of gun fire. Shifting again, she exhaled before firing again. Two more shots rapidly followed, then a pause. “Looks like the others saw those last two get canceled,” she grunted, attention on her field of fire. Minutes passed. “Gabs, you got anything that might…motivate them to stick their noses out?” asked Ritsuko.

“I might,” grinned the elf, rising a bit and incanting before releasing a ball of crackling energy across the valley and into the small bolt-hole entrance. Just after the ball entered the bolt-hole, sparks flew out of the hole, along with some screams. Ritsuko smiled even as she pulled the trigger, one of her thirty-caliber rounds emptying the head of another Haryo.

“Hammer, they are holed up just inside the bolt-hole. Can you find the other end from where you are?” she radioed. A moment later, she spoke again. “If you have a tear-gas grenade left, use it. If not, use a white phosphorous grenade. Yes, the one with the yellow band on the bottom, over.” Ritsuko waited, humming softly.

Almost three minutes later, smoke began to come out of the bolt-hole, followed a few moments later by four figures. Ritsuko shot them dead in quick succession. “Eight down, Hammer. What's your count, over,” she radioed.

Moments passed. “Well, either our estimate was off, or there might have been another bolt-hole. We are moving in to meet up with you in the middle. Be on guard. Will identify ourselves with Charlie Whisky authentication, over.” Ritsuko got up from where she had been laying, swiftly packing up the rifle before slinging it over her back and moving down the hill with her party. As she reached the bolt-hole, she pulled a small item from her rucksack with one hand, the other pulling her pistol free. “Stack,” she commanded, the dark elf immediately moving behind her and placing a hand on her shoulder. “You two, follow us three paces behind, and do not get separated,” ordered Ritsuko before moving forward, the dark elf so close to her she was practically hugging the red-head. Leranna and the cat-man followed quickly.

Leranna was still amazed at what Ritsuko and the Jay'es De'if could do. The small thing in her off-hand was generating such powerful and steady light that it was simply mind-blowing. Ritsuko moved steadily along a crude passage, slowly sweeping the light around. The dark elf was still following her with a hand on her shoulder. It took the four several minutes to reach a larger room. Pausing just short of the entrance to the larger room, Ritsuko flashed her light in a quick pattern before turning it off briefly.

“Authenticated, my Queen,” came the voice of the Warrior Bunny. Ritsuko made entrance to the room, pistol still up. In the larger cavern, the other group was waiting. Around them were three bodies. “Two outside the entrance, another two in the passage that leads here, and these three, my Queen,” the bunny-girl said, bowing to her Queen.

“Good work,” Ritsuko said, quickly looking over the bodies. “Let's search this place for any other side passages and call it a day,” she directed. The group swiftly split up and searched, but didn't find any other passages. Ritsuko had quickly looked around the large room, noting supplies in one corner, a few crude sleeping pallets next to them, and some gnawed bones on the other side.

“My Queen?” the Warrior Bunny asked, seeing her Queen frowning.

“It's nothing,” Ritsuko waved her hand. “Just that this is a forward operating base, not an encampment,” she sighed. Once more reaching into her rucksack, she began to pull out some white-ish blocks. “Start kneading the C4,” she said, handing the blocks to the Warrior Bunny. “Leranna, I want you to gather up six small mounds of rocks - I prefer granite chunks the size of cherries if possible - and place them so they are evenly spaced along the wall of this room,” she continued, producing a spool of flat-black, thin wire and then a coil of yellow and black cord. Finally, she pulled up a small, metal cylinder and a pair of plyers. “Gabs, can you do something about the bodies?” she asked.

“Yeah, I have a spell that should take care of that,” the dark elf said, getting a nod. “Give me a hand, cat-boy,” she said to the young male cat-person. Within a half hour, they were done, withdrawing the way they came, Ritsuko the last to leave. She was smiling and giggling softly to herself as she led them away from the hidden base.

“Delilah!”

The Warrior Bunny turned her head, seeing Yanagida waving to her from the doorway before he pushed his wheelchair into the tavern. She gave him a smile. “Yanagida,” she greeted him. “Table's free over there,” she added before lifting a tray of food and drink and moving into the large room in front of the bar. Yanagida maneuvered his wheelchair to the indicated table, glad that his uniform and known association with Itami meant that people made room for him to pass. More than a few gave him some casual greetings, though nothing like Itami got when he appeared in the tavern.

Reaching it, he pushed the crude chair aside and got his own wheelchair situated at the table. A few minutes later and a fox-girl paused long enough to drop off a beer for him and tell him the roasted ox was especially good that night. He nodded, holding up one finger, and the girl moved off to relay his order. Sipping his beer, he surveyed the room, which was populated by humans, dwarves, demi-humans and even an elf or two. Looking at the dark elves, he wondered if they were from the same clan as Yao. Finishing his first beer, he found it refilled by a cat-girl before he could even say anything.

Nursing his second beer, he watched Delilah work the room, smiling to himself. The autumn-leaf-red-headed Warrior Bunny really was the star of the tavern. She seemed to know everyone, and was very popular; though only a fresh arrival would dare try to cop a feel, given her reputation and history. She oversaw the other waitresses with a calm competency that would shame most experienced infantry commanders, while also keeping things safe for the other girls. And of course, her uniform - such as it was - was very easy to look at, keeping the attention of most of the men in the place.

“Refill on beer, and a plate of roasted ox,” chirped a horned girl who was probably part sheep, given her curled horns, filling his beer before he realized it was nearly empty. She was gone before he could say anything, leaving one of the heavy fired clay plates in front of him, along with a folded napkin and dining fork. The fork was two-pronged and much heavier than forks he was used to, but it was that way by design. Plucking a folding tactical knife from his pocket, he wiped the blade off with the napkin before pinning the thick cut of ox to the plate with the fork and beginning to cut it into strips. It dripped with juices and the sauce it had been marinated in.

This really is better than usual, he thought as he bit into the ox. The tavern catered to mostly natives, and as such, it had a menu that reflected the world they were in. Ox, goat, pig and sheep was more likely to be roasted than beef, and not all their meats were cooked since different demi-human races preferred their meats rare to the point of being raw. He had tried other unusual meats here, as had many of the JSDF personnel. Horse, dog, cat, snake and lizard were favorites here, and meal worms were also popular on salads. He had had scrambled snake eggs and drank deer milk here as well. Fortunate, really, that Japanese would eat almost anything that didn't eat them first, considering.

“Ah! Break time,” sighed Delilah, dropping into the chair opposite him at the small table. “What brings you here, Yanagida?” she wondered, smiling at him a little, chin resting on a hand as she propped her elbow on the table. The pose showed off her cleavage in her low-cut blouse.

“Just thought I would come by and see how you were doing, Delilah,” he replied. “And to ask you something important,” he added, lowering his voice. Her ears twitched, indicating she was listening. “I am going to be rotated back to Japan soon, and I want you to come with me,” he murmured. Delilah watched him, no reaction visible.

“Why?” she asked him, her tone curious.

“I thought you would like to see how things are in Japan,” began Yanagida. “Maybe even move there permanently,” he hinted. He lived in bachelor officer quarters on the bases he stayed at, but if General Hazama was right, he would soon be separated from the JSDF; though he would receive a healthy disability benefit for his service. He had also managed to come by some gems and gold through trading with various entities which he could sell if necessary. Nothing close to what Itami had, though.

“It's tempting, Yanagida,” Delilah said, sounding more bored than anything. “But this world is my home, and my people need me,” she said. Yanagida blinked, wondering if he was hearing her correctly.

“You…that is, are you saying you have no interest in coming with me?” he asked.

“Correct,” Delilah answered without hesitation. “But I am sure an interesting man like you will do fine,” she smiled.

“Why would you stay here?” he almost complained.

“It is my world, and my Queen needs me,” shrugged Delilah. Warrior Bunnies never considered men as anything of any particular value, and they left them when they got bored or when they had more important things to do without a second thought. Yanagida had genuinely interested her in the way a pet dog would, but now that she had a Queen worthy of the crown, and the rebuilding of her race, she just didn't have the time or desire to continue things with him; especially if he was going to be retired from the Men in Green.

Yanagida felt a lurch in his stomach at her casual dismissal of the closest thing to a proposal he had ever even thought of making. “You…your Queen,” he struggled for words, “tell me about her.”

“She is my Queen, a mighty warrior and fit ruler of the Warrior Bunnies. What else is there to say?” Delilah smiled happily.

“How does she intend to rebuild your tribe?” Yanagida asked, no longer hungry.

Delilah smiled at him fondly, though it was like one would smile at a pet. “The usual way, of course,” she teased him as a boisterous group entered the tavern, swiftly spotting Delilah and calling out to her. “Oops, time to work,” Delilah said, easily rising and moving toward the bar, already exchanging ribald jokes and insults with the new comers. When she had finished getting them settled, she looked over at the table that Yanagida had been at, seeing it empty with a few coins on the table. Shrugging, Delilah focused back on her work.

In the pre-dawn darkness, Ritsuko opened her eyes. Feeling an arm across her chest and a leg half-over her own, she frowned a little before carefully slipping out of the sloppy embrace. Snagging her towel and a washcloth, she ghosted out of the basic shelter and down to the small stream not far from camp. Detouring to empty her bladder in the grass, she moved to the rocky water's edge and squatted, soaking the wash cloth before wiping up the mixed fluids covering her thighs and groin. Rinsing the washcloth, she heard someone squat next to her.

“Restless, Ritsuko?” asked Gabriella, a wash cloth in her hands as well. Side by side, the two cleaned up. “I thought you would sleep a bit longer,” the dark elf shared.

“Why?” Ritsuko asked softly in the stillness of the dark pre-dawn.

“What are you wiping off your thighs, again?” hinted the dark elf.

“A mess,” came the indifferent reply. Gabriella sighed.

“You have some messed-up standards, my friend,” she shared. “I would rate that young cat-boy as a solid seven,” she shared candidly. Ritsuko snorted.

“Four,” she replied, rolling her eyes. Gabriella turned to look at Ritsuko. “What?” came the curt reply from the red-head.

“He was certainly not a four in bed, Ritsuko,” declared the dark elf. “And yes, I do know,” she cut off the snarky remark. “What made you rank him a four?”

“He just wasn't that good,” shrugged Ritsuko. Her mind flooded with images and memories of Shinji and their time together. She also found herself recalling Huntsman momentarily. “He wasn't bad, but he wasn't that good,” she repeated herself. “I've come that hard and that many times with my fingers,” she muttered sourly.

“Maybe next time,” sighed Gabriella. The two women finished up in silence. “Honestly, I am surprised you accepted his advances,” admitted Gabriella.

“Not much choice,” murmured Ritsuko.

“How do you figure that?” wondered the elf as they made their way back to camp. Ritsuko wiggled into her battle gown and secured the bottom strap before turning to the coals of the fire to start breakfast.

“I am the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies, and there are duties,” murmured Ritsuko. “And he wasn't a jerk about wanting to get in my pants,” she added a moment later.

“Don't you mean loincloth?” came the voice of Rapier, the elf appearing a moment later with Milliea. Ritsuko shrugged.

“Whatever,” she dismissed the snipe. “Now Hamara can enjoy herself with him,” she said, pausing as she heard some sounds from the shelter she had shared with the cat-man and her Warrior Bunny the night before. “It's ok with me,” she called out a little louder. “Give my loyal follower what she wants,” she added before turning back to breakfast. Milliea was frowning at Ritsuko.

“You didn't want to?” asked Milliea.

“I didn't mind,” replied the red-head. “Grab the seasonings, would you?” she changed the subject. The three elves and Leranna weren't able to engage her in any more conversation all morning. Even her Warrior Bunny and the male cat-person failed to get more than a few words from her. The group headed for the Capital.

Pina settled her armor as she marched down the halls of her palace. “Empress, please reconsider,” begged Hamilton.

“It is decided, Hamilton,” Pina replied crisply. Her faithful attendant sighed, shoulders drooping. “But this time, you are coming with me,” Pina added, giving the girl a half-smile.

“Lady Pina!” Hamilton gasped.

“Grab you stuff; quickly,” ordered Pina. The brunette ran off.

“So, is Hamilton coming back or is she going to get lost as well?” asked a voice from her other side. Beefeater was leaning against a wall column.

“That depends on her, Beefeater. You are in charge until I return,” ordered the Preceptor of their order and Empress of the Empire as she absently checked her sword.

“Yes, Lady Pina,” Beefeater saluted her ruler, order head and friend. “When will that be?” she asked.

“When I return,” came the uninformative reply. “In the meantime, the minsters and senators can do most of the work. You are in charge of watching them. You understand, yes?” she hinted.

“Like a hawk, my Lady,” confirmed Beefeater. “And where will you be going?” she persisted.

“To Italica first, and then Alnus. I might make a few side-trips here and there, though,” replied the Empress. “Should anything happen that requires me to know, you are to make haste to Italica and inform the head of the Countess's maids you must speak with me. Do as she says as if I were speaking to you. Understand?”

“I understand your orders, my Lady, but not the reason for them,” admitted Beefeater. Pina considered her long-time friend.

“In time, you will understand,” she said softly. “Change is coming to our lands, and we must prepare for it or be swept aside like leaves on the wind.”

“My Lady, I serve you with all that I am,” Beefeater said, kneeling before the red-head.

“I know that, Beefeater,” Pina said, touching the other woman's head with her hand. “And if things go well, you will see what the wind looks like,” she murmured. Hearing a commotion coming down the hall, she urged Beefeater to rise with a finger under her chin. Beefeater was a little bit taller than Pina these days. “Should I have Panache switch out with another so she can come to you?” smiled Pina as Hamilton arrived back, her breastplate on and a sloppily-packed pack on her back. Around her waist was her sword belt and sword.

“Ready, Lady Pina!” Hamilton declared. Pina nodded, stepping forward toward the royal stables.

“See you later, Beefeater,” she said over her shoulder, Hamilton giving her order-sister a nod before hurrying after the striding Empress.

Four hours later, Hamilton watched their horses being led away by gruff, taciturn famer who said nothing but mumbled to himself, leaving her and her Empress in a small, secluded clearing well off the secondary roads. Pina seemed unconcerned. “My Lady,” began Hamilton.

“We're just waiting,” Pina cut her off, making a small fire and settling down as the sun fell toward the horizon. With nothing else to do, Hamilton sat across from Pina, absently feeding small sticks to the low, small fire as night surrounded them. The two shared some pieces of deer jerky and drank some water, Pina still silent as night deepened.

“My Lady,” a voice said from the darkness, almost making Hamilton shriek as she startled and grabbed for her sword. An arm shot out of the darkness, wrapping around her throat as another seized her sword arm and used it to pin her to the ground.

“Easy,” another voice cautioned. “Let Hamilton up,” ordered the voice. The hands released Hamilton, the brunette swiftly sitting up to find Leranna kneeling before Pina, another red-head standing to the side of her Queen.

“Leranna!” gaped Hamilton. “What happened to you and who are these people?” she demanded of the junior knight.

“You don't remember me? I'm hurt, Hamilton,” came the teasing voice of the other red-head as she turned to face Hamilton directly. Hamilton saw she was wearing Warrior Bunny armor, a crown-helmet on her head. Suddenly realizing who it was, she gasped.

“Queen of the Warrior Bunnies,” she placed the woman.

“So you do remember,” Ritsuko replied. “Come on, let's get going,” she said, tossing her head toward the woods. Hands pulled her up, Hamilton turning to look up at a smiling dark elf.

“Keep up little one,” warned the dark elf woman, herding her along. Before Hamilton could get her mind working again, she was being lifted up to sit on some strange creature. Pina settled behind the taller, older red-head, wrapping her arms around her fellow red-head.

“Try not to scream,” warned Ritsuko, doing something.

“Why would I…screaammm! screamed Hamilton as the ground fell away under them.

“What is this place?” Junpei asked, looking around.

“Alnus town,” came the quiet, distracted voice of Ritsuko. “This way, idiot,” she said, indicating a tavern. Junpei's eyes lit up.

“Now that is what I'm talking about!” he approved, hurrying into the establishment. Ritsuko followed behind him. Reaching the tavern, she found Junpei had already ordered beer and curry, though he remained unconvinced it would taste like curry. The residents of Alnus Living Community had learned about curry, and she knew that the cook in that tavern was a mean maker of curry. Of course, the kind of meat in it was best left unexamined, but that was the risk of living in a fantasy world. Ritsuko settled in at a secluded table in the VIP section as Junpei flirted with the female wait-staff.

“My Queen, you have a meeting with Hazama in one hour,” murmured Delilah, putting a cup of tea in front of Ritsuko, along with some pot stickers.

“Good work,” murmured Ritsuko, sparing a smile for her subject. As Delilah turned away, Ritsuko slipped her hand out, giving the rabbit-girl's rear a generous squeeze. Squealing softly, Delilah looked back at Ritsuko. “Tonight, my Queen - I am working right now,” she cooed sweetly, wiggling her ass a bit as she walked off. Ritsuko snorted in amusement before sipping her tea. A ruckus in the common room preceded Junpei making an ass of himself as he cried over curry and generally acted like a loon. Ritsuko quietly enjoyed her snacks.

While she was keeping Junpei occupied, Pina and Countess Myui were having a meeting with Hazama and his staff about security concerns and trade issues. The agenda had been seeded by Ritsuko, to lay the groundwork for her next move. She also wanted Junpei to be relaxed - buzzed, even - and full of curry before she shipped him off for his own good. In her pack was a fortune in gold, gems, map coordinates and observations to both buy his passage into the Japan on the other side of the Gate and to give Junpei his wages for services rendered.

Smirking a little, she reviewed the services he had rendered in just over six weeks. Her Warrior Bunnies were deadlier in close combat than ever before, and nearly three quarters of the cut-eared women were pregnant by him in the main camp. That meant it was going to be time to rotate them to a safer location until they gave birth and recovered. She frowned, recalling that it was almost time for her to return to Raltaow, as well. Airi and Liseria were due soon, and she didn't trust the local mid-wives at all.

Seeing Junpei about to get into a pointless fight with a belligerent dwarf and a tipsy caravan guard, she caught Delilah's eye and tossed her head, getting a nod as the former elite guard bunny stepped in. “Your table is over there, Junpei,” Delilah said, indicating where Ritsuko was sitting. “Stop making trouble and sit down,” she added firmly, one hand on her hip, the other pointing at Ritsuko.

“Aw, come on…!” Junpei almost wined. Delilah's eyes narrowed.

“Now,” she repeated firmly.

“God, what got her panties in a bind?” he muttered, moving toward Ritsuko, large beer tankard secured with an elbow, his plate of curry in hand and his other hand holding some grilled ribs. Settling at Ritsuko's table, he fell to eating. Ritsuko finished her food and sipped her tea. “You not eating or something?” Junpei asked between shoveling food into his maw.

“Already did,” Ritsuko replied quietly.

“I'm not saying you ever ate a lot or anything, but you aren't eating enough, Ritsuko,” he declared.

“Mind your own business, idiot,” came the truculent mutter from the girl. Junpei frowned, but did as she asked. Junpei had barely finished his food when she told him they had to go, and herded him out, gold coins left on the table behind them.

Junpei stopped complaining when he came into view of Alnus Base. Ritsuko prodded him along, guiding him toward the gate. When she got nearer to it, she told him to shut up and let her talk. When the guard came out to challenge them, she beat him to the punch. “Nodachi six to see General Hazama. He is expecting me,” she stated, her tone flat and hard. “This moron is with me. Get on the horn and tell him we're coming in,” she said, nudging Junpei forward as she walked past him.

The guard hurried to the shack and picked up the phone. By the time they reached the second checkpoint, the guard was waiting for them. “Weapons check,” he announced.

“Yeah, right!” scoffed Ritsuko, not slowing. The guard put a hand on the grip of his rifle.

“I'm serious, ma'am,” he intoned. Ritsuko turned to stare at him. “I have orders,” he insisted.

“I got this, Ritsu,” grinned Junpei, moving forward a step and holding out his hands. “Here you go,” he said carelessly. The man frowned. “You said you wanted to check our weapons, didn't you? Here they are,” he repeated himself.

“Ignore the buffoon,” Ritsuko said, throwing her travel cloak back over her shoulders, revealing her Warrior Bunny battle gown. “I'm armed and I am keeping it. Tell Hazama if he wants my guns, he can have the bullets first,” she snarled darkly, glaring at the hapless guard. A jeep arrived at the stand-off, and another soldier dismounted.

“They're cleared, corporal,” the sergeant driving the truck said. “Hazama is waiting for you, ma'am,” he said, offering a salute. Ritsuko grunted, stepping past him and climbing into the driver's seat.

“Get in, lord idiot,” she ordered Junpei. “You're wasting time,” she reminded him. Junpei hurried to the truck and jumped in, the sergeant hurrying to get into the passenger seat. Ritsuko roared off in a cloud of dust.

Five minutes later, she was shown into a room with Hazama, Pina, Myui and the General's staff. “Ah, Nodachi six, so good of you to come,” Hazama greeted her.

“I never figured you for the ironic type,” Ritsuko noted, taking a seat. Junpei was looking around. “Sit down, idiot,” she sighed. Grumbling about her under his breath, Junpei did so.

“Who's the red-headed hottie?” he asked, eyeing Pina.

“That's Pina, Empress of the Empire, and if you even think of laying a finger on her, you will be leaving your nuts here,” warned Ritsuko.

“You're in a pissy mood today, Ritsu,” Junpei sighed. “Told you you should have eaten,” he added. Ritsuko growled.

“Let's get down to business before I decide to ventilate Lord Moron here,” she said, pushing him from her mind. “I am guessing that Itami told you about running into me in the Schwarz woods, so let's not beat around the bush. I am forming alliances with the local powers here to better carry out a project of mine. This is my personal project, and has nothing to do with the JSDF or your goals here, so the details are of no importance to you.”

Some dark mumbling was heard from the staff, but Ritsuko plowed on. “I think you have realized you have enough on your plates already, but I could be persuaded to help you out while calling it a convergence of interests. I know you know of the Haryo, and the threat they pose. What if I were to tell you that they are more of a threat than you think, but less of a threat than another, more serious issue you have not yet considered?”

“What do you mean, Ritsuko?” asked Hazama directly.

“Not so fast.” Smiled Ritsuko. “There is a price for my information,” she purred, smiling sweetly. The murmuring grew.

“What are you asking for your information?” Hazama asked. Ritsuko hiked a thumb in Junpei's direction.

“He goes to Japan, I tell you what I know of the Haryo. Deal?”

“Who is he, exactly?” asked the S2 colonel.

“Junpei Ryuzoj, age thirty four, give or take. Laborer and martial arts otaku, no criminal record unless you count dressing like he does and general jerk-hole jock, but he has been a true companion to me and Airi. He is from the same Japan as Airi and I, and he wants out. So, he gets out, you get critical information, and we all walk away happy. Deal, Hazama?” pressed Ritsuko.

“Hmm,” hummed the general, studying the armor-clad young woman. “You and Airi flatly refused our offer earlier,” he began.

“What?!” exclaimed Junpei.

“Shut up, idiot,” ordered Ritsuko. “Yes, we did. But he isn't refusing. Different circumstances, Hazama,” she hinted heavily.

“Do you mind if we check him over?” asked the S2 general.

“Please do,” snorted Ritsuko. “If you can determine what is wrong with him, I will give you a hundred gold coins,” she added wickedly.

“Fuck you, Ritsu,” Junpei grunted in elvish.

“Sorry, not my type, man-whore,” she nearly sang back sweetly in the elven tongue.

“I want you to speak with our psychologist as well,” the colonel added.

“Fuck that,” was the flat reply, Ritsuko's eyes narrowing. “Time is wasting. Deal or no deal, Hazama?” she asked directly. “The longer your flunkies talk, the shorter my patience,” she warned casually. Pina and Myui were watching this silently. Seeing the looks on their faces, Ritsuko giggled. “I told you I wasn't with them,” she laughed softly, amused.

“Have him checked out while we talk,” Hazama said. After Junpei was gone, he fixed his stare on Ritsuko. “You worry me, Ritsuko,” he said plainly. “You have a dangerous look in your eyes and you are quick to open fire.”

“If you lived my life here, you would be, too, Hazama,” was all she had to say to that. “Tell me, though, what is it that the JSDF plans to do with this area? It is obvious what you are after, but how do you intend to go about it? The other countries are probably breathing down your neck to get in, but if you let them, you break your treaties with Pina and the Empire. Can you imagine what China or Russia would do to get what they want? Is that how you propose to honor your treaty with them? And it will come to that, eventually, you know. What are your long-term goals here?” she asked.

“Peace and stability,” Hazama said.

“Sell that shit somewhere else,” scoffed the red-head. “You were sent here for vengeance in the form of resources. But I think you personally have learned more about this world. How are you going to go forward, assuming you can stay here?” asked Ritsuko.

“And what are your motives, Ritsuko?” asked the head of the armored division.

“The complete and total eradication of every last single slaver on this planet, as well as the complete destruction of slavery as an institution,” was the immediate reply. “I am well on the way to done with that on my continent, and this one is next. If I have to eradicate a few death cults and some mongrels who get in my way, that's on them.”

“Death cults?” wondered Hazama. Ritsuko just smiled, saying nothing. After several minutes of Ritsuko staring at Hazama and him staring back, he sighed.

“Deal,” he pronounced. Ritsuko smiled.

“Let's talk Haryo,” she began. The meeting ran late, but none of them seemed to notice.

The stars were just coming out when Junpei found himself looking at Ritsuko. “Well, finally!” he said, getting to his feet. Ritsuko tossed him a heavy pouch.

“Your pay and seed money. Use it well,” she said simply, gesturing for him to follow her. He did so, looking around casually as she led him to the checkpoint to the Gate. An officer was waiting for him, papers in hand. “This guy will guide you to Japan,” she said, indicating the officer. “Beer, curry, dojo challenges and women await you, Junpei,” she said, lowering her voice. “On behalf of Airi and myself, I wish you a happy life there. Goodbye,” said the red-head, turning away from him.

“Ritsu,” Junpei called after her.

“What, idiot?” she asked, not looking back.

“What are you going to do?” he asked her. She turned to give him a look from the corner of her eye.

“Me? I am going to get revenge,” she said, a dangerous purr in her voice. “Now get the fuck out of here, moron,” she added, her tone mocking and hard.

“Take care, Ritsuko Inoue,” he said before turning to the officer. “Lead me to beer, curry and Japan!” he ordered. The officer bit his lip and did as asked. Within five minutes, Junpei was standing in Ginza, snow dusting down and looking around. “Japan. I'm finally back!” he cheered. Behind him, the Gate flickered slightly before going inactive. On the other side of the gate, Ritsuko was already outside the wire of the base, heading for Alnus town, where she would meet up with Pina and Myui to begin the next phase of her plan, now that Junpei was out of their hair.

“Where is this?” asked Hamilton, shivering in the bite of the bitterly-cold wind.

“My other…home,” Ritsuko said, gathering her wool winter cloak around her closer. “Come on; we have a ways to go yet,” she said, leading the group away from the gate. She had left the air tarpon and Mike on the other side of the gate for the time being, as they were needed or were more comfortable there. She knew that Mike really liked the open grasslands of the Warrior Bunny lands more than the tight, steep, cramped valley that Raltaow lay in, and she liked her dearest Mike happy, so she left him with her main group of warriors while she tended to a few things here in Raltaow.

“We're going to walk? In this?” blinked Hamilton, seeing the waist-deep snow around the stone base of the main gate.

“You can swim if you want,” shrugged Ritsuko, indifferent to the obstacle. She had put aside her battle gown in favor of wool leggings under quilted cotton and leather pants, a long-sleeved winter dress over that, with wool and flannel bodice and a heavy quilted vest. Her winter cloak - Raltaow made, of course - covered her from the top of her head to her ankles in warmth, having a sewn-in scarf-like length of thick wool that could be wound around the hood like a balaclava and had fasteners to close the front of the cloak against wind.

Further complaining was cut off by the arrival of a pair of guards in winter gear from the small but warm guard station near the gate. Further back, beyond the bend, was the small garrison that guarded the gate. “Halt and be identified!” challenged a guard, leveling his heavy boar spear at the group.

“Countess Ritsuko and guests,” stated Ritsuko, brushing back her hood for a moment to glare at the guard.

“Apologies, Countess,” the two snapped to attention. “But we were told to be on the lookout for your return,” one said. Under her cloak, Ritsuko let her hand fall to her pistol grip.

“Oh?” she asked, beginning to ease the pistol free of the holster.

“We were told to tell you that Chancellor Airi and her Majesty need to speak with you immediately upon your return. We have a sleigh waiting, Countess,” the man said, aware of the rumors of the young countess's volcanic temper and tendency toward violence at the slightest provocation. And there had been the rumors in the court and barracks about her falling out of favor with the Queen and Chancellor of late, as well. The last thing the guard wanted was to get caught between the Countess and the two most powerful people in the kingdom.

“Fine,” grunted Ritsuko, tossing her head at her small party. “I will head to the Capital on foot, you take my guests to my estate, then circle back to take me to the Capital if I have not already reach it,” Ritsuko ordered, her tone hinting at annoyance and ill-humor.

“I would rather take you to the capital first, Countess,” the guard said slowly. “The sleigh is large enough for them,” he added hastily. Provided they don't mind being cramped, he left unsaid. Ritsuko evaluated the options swiftly.

“The sleigh is ready now?” she asked a moment later.

“Yes, my Lady,” the other guard confirmed, saluting her. She didn't bother returning the salute.

“I and my friends will take the sleigh ourselves. Maintain your vigilance,” she ordered, tossing her head and heading for the small shack. The others dutifully followed her as she moved through the snow not unlike how Mike moved through snow. Reaching the shack, she found a crude lean-to had been added, with four horses and a carriage-sized sleigh waiting, the horses covered in blankets, but harnessed underneath. It was the work of a few minutes for the guards to hook up the sleigh to the team and remove the crude canvas cover from it, revealing thick blankets and animal furs waiting for them.

“Airi,” murmured Ritsuko, shaking her head. “Everyone in,” she ordered the small group, taking the driving position for herself. She found herself bracketed on the small driving bench by two of her party, but said nothing as the rest worked on getting settled in. “Move it,” urged Ritsuko, the rest of the party getting settled as she smacked the reigns, the team pulling the sleigh forward. The narrow road to the gate site had been tended, and provided a good ride, giving them a relatively fast trip. Arriving at the palace, Ritsuko pulled into the servant's entrance, instructed the stable-boy to keep the team ready as they would be leaving shortly and then led the others through the palace to the rooms of the Chancellor.

“This is for those of you who are new,” she said quietly, sweeping the group with her eyes. “You don't talk unless I - and I do mean me, personally - say so, no matter what. Understood?”

“Yes,” came the unified reply. Ritsuko nodded, turning to knock on the door briefly before opening it.

“You wanted to see me?” she said in a conversational tone even as she marched into the room, cloak thrown back to clear her gun and let her rest her fists on her hips. Near the fireplace, several people were sitting in chairs and talking. Ritsuko spotted Airi, Liseria, Airi's husband, the body servants for Airi and Liseria and two men she didn't know.

“Countess Ritsuko, it is good to see you have returned after such a long trip,” Liseria said, trying to rise, but her swollen belly making it hard.

“Please do not exert yourself, my Queen,” Ritsuko gave a rather short curtsey. “You are nearing your delivery date, and it is unwise to risk a mishap at this point.”

Liseria settled back into the large chair with a relieved sigh. “I thank you for your concern, Countess,” she said.

“Chancellor, I see your own pregnancy proceeds apace,” Ritsuko said to Airi. “I trust you and the Queen are in good health?”

“Yes, Ritsuko,” Airi replied. Beside her, her husband was looking at Ritsuko with a vaguely startled expression on his face. Ritsuko gave him a veiled smirk.

“What is with the surprised expression, husband of my friend? Did you think I did not care about their pregnancies?” she asked, a hidden edge in her voice.

“Be nice,” murmured Airi, not wanting to test Ritsuko's temperament so soon after she arrived. “We all know you care about our health and pregnancies,” she smoothed things over. Her dark eyes raked over the small group behind Ritsuko. “Who is this with you, Ritsuko? I recognize some of them, of course,” she smiled at the three elves with Ritsuko, “but the others appear to be new friends of yours.”

“Business acquaintances,” Ritsuko killed the question immediately. “I was told you wanted to see me immediately, so I presume there is urgent business to be discussed?” she warned subtly.

“Yes,” Liseria said, gesturing to the two men. “Excuse us, gentlemen, but we will have to resume this discussion at a later time,” she said.

“Of course, your Majesty,” one of the men said, bowing to her before leading the other out of the Chancellor's suites. Ritsuko's eyes watched them the whole way, absently memorizing their faces, just in case. Once they had closed the doors behind themselves, Liseria opened her mouth, but Ritsuko held up a hand, warning her to be silent. The three elves' ears twitched a little before Rapier nodded, removing her cloak.

“They're gone,” she said, moving to the fireplace and extending her hands toward the stove insert. “How is the wine?” she asked Airi.

“I am told it is good, but…” Airi shrugged, caressing her very pregnant belly.

Gabriella poured herself a glass and sipped it. “It is good,” she smiled, handing the glass to Rapier. Ritsuko gestured with her hand, indicating the others could help themselves to the wine and the small tray of cheese, cured meats and breads on the sideboard. Her eyes fixed on the husband of Airi.

“Ah, I think I will stretch my legs a little,” he began, smiling a bit weakly under Ritsuko's hard gaze.

“That would be a good idea,” Ritsuko approved with a sharp smile. Airi and Liseria sighed as the man retreated quickly from the room. Once more, Ritsuko looked to her elves, getting a nod almost immediately. “He can be taught,” she snickered.

“Ritsuko, please stop picking on my husband,” sighed Airi.

“If I were picking on him, he would know it,” came the disdainful reply from Ritsuko. “What is it, Airi?” she asked directly, taking the seat the husband had abandoned.

“Direct as always,” Liseria chimed in. Ritsuko glanced at her.

“It saves time, and I am a busy woman, Liseria,” was all she said to the hidden message. “Since you don't seem to know where or how to start, I will. Junpei is dealt with,” she opened the discussion.

“I might regret asking this, but how did you `deal' with him, Rit-chan?” Airi asked.

“Do you really want to know?” challenged Ritsuko. Before Airi could decide if she did or didn't, the red-head went on. “Not that it matters. He decided to trade us and this world for Japan, curry, women, dojo challenging and about fifteen million yen. We will never see him again, but he will be safe and happy; at least if he can keep himself out of trouble.”

“I see,” sighed Airi. “I suppose that is the best outcome possible,” she allowed. Her eyes went to the others with her teammate. “And these are?” she prompted.

“Empress Pina, her page Hamilton, Countess Myui and two of her maids, Aurea and Persia, along with two of my subjects. Mamina, Delilah, I give you Airi Komiyama, Chancellor of Raltaow, and Queen Liseria of Raltaow. Liseria, Airi, these are my two senior-most captains of the Warrior Bunny tribes, Delilah and Mamina. Mamina is the oak-blonde and Delilah is the strawberry-brunette, Liseria,” Ritsuko said. When they were introduced, each of the party had nodded.

“Why do you call them Warrior Bunnies?” Liseria asked. Ritsuko snickered, flicking a hand. Both of her captains fluidly threw off their cloaks. “Still want an answer, Liseria?” laughed Ritsuko. Both Warrior Bunnies had their ears erect, their fur visible as well as their weapons and the outlines of their battle gowns under the wool dresses they wore. Liseria gasped.

“Demi-humans, Liseria, dear,” Airi murmured. “The Lost Continent has many different types, it would seem,” she allowed.

“Aurea, if you would be so kind? You, too, Persia,” Ritsuko added, amused. The two did as asked, removing their cloaks. Aurea's snakes uncoiled and waved about, tasting the air with their tongues while Persia settled her small glasses as her ears flicked back and forth. Liseria was staring at them in awe. “It isn't polite to stare, Liseria,” giggled Ritsuko.

“Are the other two - the Empress and the Countess - also…?” wondered Liseria.

“Sorry, they are ordinary humans like us,” Ritsuko replied easily. Pina pushed back the hood of her cloak before shrugging it back over her shoulders, revealing her breastplate over a warm winter travel dress. Hamilton pushed back her hood as well. Aurea and Persia swiftly helped Myui off with her cloak, Persia folding it over her arm as Aurea made tiny adjustments to her mistress's outfit and hair.

“Airi told me you had become a Queen over there,” Liseria noted slowly, studying the two human women who had been introduced as royalty. “Yet you introduced her as `Empress'. What does she rule, exactly?” wondered the young queen. Hamilton stiffened in offense, but before she could say anything, she felt Ritsuko's eyes on her, and she swallowed the indignant words without uttering them.

“Pina rules an empire made up of what used to be smaller kingdoms. All told, it is slightly smaller than the sum of the old Allied Kingdoms here; before Airi and I crushed them,” she added, a hard edge in her tone that made Pina shiver slightly. She and her friend defeated multiple kingdoms here when they had started as slaves? Pina thought uneasily. She understood all too well the advantage that technology gave to the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies, but she had started as a slave, without that technology, and was apparently powerful enough here to cow a queen without even trying.

“The Empire has vassals and allies that almost completely cover the entire continent they are on,” Ritsuko continued. “Countess Myui is the head of the Formal Clan, a neutral clan that holds a relatively small area as its domain, but that straddles three of the four main trade routes, which gives her more influence than her territory would suggest. Her late father forged alliances with many of the demi-human races,” Ritsuko paused, smiling a little, “though there may have been reasons other than his compassionate nature for his generosity,” she laughed softly, getting a small giggle from Mamina and Persia as well.

“Late father? Tell me you didn't throw him off a roof, Rit-chan,” Airi nearly begged.

“Never even met him. He died leading the forces of his guards during the invasion of the other Japan. He never returned, and since his name is not on the list of those captured, it is very likely he perished on the other side,” Ritsuko filled in her friend. “That, or he changed clothes and is happily living in an otaku group in Akihabara,” she snorted, grinning.

“Be nice, Rit-chan,” chided Airi, though a small smile played at her lips.

“Myui-chan profits from her father's decisions,” Ritsuko replied easily. “Her maids are not only her close personal friends, but are very powerful fighters as well. She and I are friends as well, right, Myui?” she smiled at the young rule, who beamed back, nodding.

“Yes, Queen Ritsuko,” she confirmed.

“Besides Clan Formal, Pina hold alliances with five other kingdoms, though after the battle of Alnus, those kingdoms are depleted of military might. In theory,” Ritsuko slanted a look at Pina, “she controls the lands I rule, because her psychotic, sadistic ass-fuck of a brother conquered the lands through treachery and deceit. But that is only temporary,” she added ominously.

“You have been busy,” Airi murmured, half admiringly and half resigned.

“You know me,” shrugged Ritsuko. “Anyway, I have managed to forge alliances with most of the demi-human races associated with Myui's clan, as well as the dark elves of the Schwarz woods in the south,” she continued. “I would try for the elemental elves, but there seems to be only one left, and she is aligned with a JSDF officer. Ultimately, that is fine, as it means the elemental elves won't be against us, at least.”

“That is a strange stance for you, Rit-chan,” Airi noted. “I assume this officer is that Itami guy we ran into?”

Ritsuko nodded. “He will be useful, at least,” she remarked candidly. “The main problems we face over there are the presence of the Haryo and the Gate. The first I am in the process of dealing with, and the last is beyond our control, so no point worrying too much about that; at least for us,” she intoned, meeting Airi's eyes. “What is so urgent on this end?”

“It would appear it is less important now than before,” Airi said, meeting Liseria's eyes briefly.

“Let's have it, then, Airi,” sighed Ritsuko. Gabriella offered Ritsuko her glass of wine, Ritsuko predictably waving it off. To Airi's surprise, Gabriella insisted, Milliea and Rapier joining the silent pressure. Finally, Ritsuko took the glass, downed a quick swallow with a grimace and then thrust it back at the dark elf in a way that told her that if she didn't take it, it would be thrown on the floor. Gabriella deftly caught the glass without spilling a drop.

“Two weeks ago, Celsia and Annette found the last of the fragments. The Sarat is whole again,” Airi said. Ritsuko snorted.

“So? Damn thing never worked to begin with,” she reminded her dark-haired friend. “Tell Celsia to lock that damn thing back up in her spell book and be done with it.”

“That is what I suggested, though it was my thought to ask Junpei if he wanted to attempt it again,” Airi shared.

“It would just have compounded the problems, Airi,” stated the red-head.

“And you are not interested in trying it to get back to our Japan,” the actress as much as stated.

“I want to go home, yes,” came Ritsuko's tight voice, “but that time has long since passed; for both of us,” she added, giving a significant look at Airi's huge belly. “Come what may, we make our stand here. Agreed?” she murmured the last in English. Airi closed her eyes for a long moment before opening them and leaning forward to clasp Ritsuko's hands with her own.

“Agreed,” she softly.

“What else?” Ritsuko asked, giving Airi's hand a squeeze before letting go. Airi settled back into her chair.

“My consort was found dead in a town on the Western Coasts last month,” Liseria said, one hand on her belly.

“Good riddance,” was the reaction from Ritsuko. She paused, frowning. “And you think I did it?” she connected the dots.

“We don't think that,” began the Queen, “at least, not us,” she added slowly.

Ritsuko snorted. “Court fucking gossip,” she bit out. “Well, I was nowhere near there and I didn't do it, so who cares,” she pronounced.

“Unfortunately, we have to care,” Airi interjected.

“Oh?” Ritsuko asked, her tone icy.

“Liseria is without her consort, and everyone knows you and he were on bad terms…” began Airi.

“Unless I miss my guess, those two idiots in here were looking to pay court to the poor, grieving widow Queen. How is that cause for concern?” asked Ritsuko. “Widow Queens are always in high demand by scheming womanizing nobles. What is the problem? Pick one, break him and continue on,” she declared. She paused. “Did you already pick one and need me to educate him like last time?” she asked, a dangerous grin forming on her lips.

“No,” Liseria and Airi said as one. Ritsuko smirked.

“The problem is that rumors have been spreading for a long time now; mostly about you. I think I should have mentioned earlier that House Koeign has a somewhat acrimonious relationship with the other noble houses in Raltaow,” Liseria began.

“How is that my problem? Nobles don't know how to be anything else if no one teaches them better,” she added derisively.

“They are after you, Ritsuko,” Airi said directly. Ritsuko's grin turned into a positively vicious leer.

“Let them come at me, then,” purred the red-head, one hand patting her pistol suggestively. “Better yet, tomorrow morning I will fix the problem. Permanently,” she said, her tone a purr. “Unless you are in a rush, Liseria, in which case, I can probably get it done tonight,” she added, glancing at her elves and Warrior Bunnies. They all nodded back.

“Ritsuko, this is court politics, not battle,” Airi chided.

“No, this is how they think things work. They don't work that way; not with me, not anymore,” promised the red-head, smoothly rising to her feet, her eyes beginning to burn with anger. “If they want to attack me, I will fight back on my terms, in my way, and bury them all,” snarled the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies.

“My Queen!” declared Mamina and Delilah fervently, touching their chests with their fists in the Warrior Bunny fashion. Airi sighed. Truly, Ritsuko has found kindred spirits in these bunny-girls, she thought.

“Might I suggest a different solution? One less bloody and destructive?” she said smoothly.

“This better not be another attempt at marrying me off to some sleazy dick-hole,” warned Ritsuko, still upset about the fiasco with the relative of Airi's husband and the attempted match-making between them.

“No, nothing of the sort, though marriage would accomplish much the same goal,” Liseria helped out her Chancellor.

“We don't need any more accidental deaths by falling off the palace roof, Rit-chan,” agreed Airi.

“So what is your brilliant solution to the problem?” asked Ritsuko.

“Withdrawing you from court,” Liseria said softly. Ritsuko frowned.

“Withdrawing me from court,” she said slowly, clearly thinking it over. “You named me Countess to keep the relatives of the late man-whore you married from grabbing up titles and control here, and you made me the countess of the Koeign Clan because they were a court clan. Now, you want to withdraw me from court. Does that seem like a contradiction to anyone else here?” she asked the room at large, though her eyes were on Airi.

Pina was frowning as she listened, as was Hamilton. Myui was looking a little worried, but Aurea put an arm around her mistress, smiling at her, and Myui calmed down. The elves were watching and listening silently, while the Warrior Bunnies had unconsciously closed ranks with Ritsuko, standing right behind her on either side, scowling at the two most powerful figures in the kingdom. “What if I were to announce my impending marriage? Would that not solve the problem as well?” Ritsuko asked.

“Who would you say you are marrying?” Liseria asked, genuinely curious.

“Does it matter? How about Milliea-chan? Or some nameless man from far away if they insist it be a human and be male? Does it even matter?” she repeated herself.

“Actually, it does,” Airi said softly. “As a Countess of the kingdom, you have certain obligations to the kingdom. There are rules about who you can and cannot marry, and your choice must be approved,” began Airi.

“Were you planning on back-stabbing me on this, Liseria?” Ritsuko asked directly, staring a hole in the Queen.

“Of course not, Ritsuko!” denied the Queen.

“Then it would be approved,” she said, focusing back on Airi.

“It isn't that simple,” Airi said again. “The Church would need to approve the marriage and perform the ceremony, and you know…”

“I know I will string that wrinkled old fuck up by his testicles over a low fire if he even thinks of messing with me,” Ritsuko cut Airi off. “Who the fuck do those brain-dead shits think they are?” she nearly panted with anger. “If they dare to make a nuisance of themselves, Airi, I will kill them all to the very last,” she promised.

“And the Holy Orders?” Airi asked.

“First on my list; and I need to test out some ideas I had anyway,” she stated darkly, mind already busy.

“You would destabilize the newly-made nation over something so…minor?” Airi asked quietly. “Years of effort thrown away because you won't go around a problem again?”

Ritsuko gave Airi a sharp look, going totally still for a moment. “Are you telling me to leave, Airi?” she asked quietly. Hearing a soft gasp from behind her, she remembered the others. She raked the group with a glare that shut them up before turning to face Airi and Liseria directly. “Well, Liseria, Airi? Is that it? Is the plan to strip me of the title you gave me? I suggest you two be very clear on your intentions here,” she added. Shifting to English, she focused on Airi. “If you want me to leave, Airi, I will; and without a fuss. But you need to be damn clear about your intentions,” warned the younger woman.

“I don't want to lose you, Ritsuko,” Airi stated. “You will always be welcome in my home, no matter what. But we need to protect what we fought so hard for, and right now, this is a potential ignition source for a feud that could re-ignite the fighting. Do you understand?”

“I do,” Ritsuko said, still speaking English. “I have my title as Queen, and I am not so attached to this place that losing my manor and title will mean much, but I intensely dislike being treated like a pawn and even more dislike being treated that way by a friend, Airi.”

“I know, Ritsuko; believe me, I know. But what else is there to be done? Please let Liseria explain what she wants to do, and give it some thought. Please?” Airi asked, switching back to common base language half-way through.

“Well, let's hear it, Liseria,” Ritsuko said, eyes on the young Queen.

“It was our thought to withdraw you from court, then - after a few months - you could declare a successor; someone with friends among the other houses. This would effectively neutralize the problem. Airi and I have a list of people who would be perfect for your successor ready, if you would care to review them,” the Queen said.

“No point wasting the time,” Ritsuko flipped her hand. “I am sure they are all good choices. Anyway, if there is nothing else, I am a bit tired from the trip,” she hinted.

Knowing the signs, Airi tried to head off a bigger problem later. “You mentioned there was a problem with the Gate. What is the problem with it?” she asked.

“It is no longer any concern of yours; or even mine, beyond having a contingency plan either way,” Ritsuko dismissed the topic.

“Is general Hazama doing well?” Airi asked.

“They are going to sacrifice him,” Ritsuko said. “For the chance to get rich, they will sacrifice him and the men under him,” sighed the red-head. “And they don't even realize they are already doomed, either,” she muttered. “I will see you two in court tomorrow,” she said, twirling a finger, the others in her party swiftly following her.

“That…could have gone better,” Liseria said slowly, rubbing her belly.

“Indeed,” sighed Airi. “And yet, it could have gone much, much worse,” she reminded the Queen. The two sat in silence for a period before Airi's husband came back into the room.

“Are you all right, dear Airi?” he asked, moving over to her side. She smiled at him.

“Yes,” she replied. “Why do you ask?” wondered the actress.

“I encountered Countess Ritsuko in the hallway, and she…seemed moody,” he diplomatically explained. Airi laughed softly.

“Perhaps I should be asking if you are all right, if you encountered Rit-chan in the hallways,” she suggested playfully. “I hope she was not too rough with you.”

“Didn't even say a word,” he replied, touching Airi's belly. “Just glared at me like I was an ogre or something. It was the elf girl who said I should check on you,” he shared.

“The swordswoman elf?” Airi wondered.

“No, the dark elf with the fur bikini,” he replied, surprising the actress. “The two women with the Countess seemed very angry with me, too, for some reason. And call me crazy, but I think the maid of the smallest hissed at me; like a snake would,” he frowned.

“For your own safety, dear, do not get too close to any of them - especially the maid who hissed at you,” Airi urged him. “There are reasons, but I can't go into them right now. Please avoid that one if possible.”

Liseria sighed, struggling to get up. Venus and Artemis rushed forward to help her up. “Please see the Queen to her bed,” Airi directed the two servants, who bowed their heads even as they helped the heavily-pregnant Queen toward the door.

“I am not some invalid,” protested the queen, though she was soundly ignored by all of the others in the room.

“How about I help you to bed?” her husband suggested, smiling at her. Airi held out a hand.

“Sure. I have court tomorrow,” she noted.

The next morning, court convened, but Ritsuko was a no show. As noon drew nearer, the two wondered if Ritsuko had had a change of heart. With barely a half hour to go before the Queen dismissed court for the week, Ritsuko arrived. She was dressed in a formal court gown, her face set in an unreadable mask as she swept past the others to approach the throne directly. Heated whispering broke out in her wake, but none dared challenge her. Stopping in front of the dais, she neither bowed nor curtseyed.

“Queen Liseria, Chancellor Airi,” her voice cut through the hall like a sword. “I will keep this short. For personal reasons, I am abdicating my position as Countess of House Koeign. My last act as Countess is to declare House Koeign dead. As I have no heir and there are no other claimants of blood, I hereby declare all holdings and lands to be the property of my landsmen, their families and their progeny in perpetuity. Crown taxes will be paid from the remaining treasury of the Koeign House. By my math, there is over fifty years' worth of taxes in the account at this moment. Here is the decree, set by the signet of the House Koeign,” she said, tossing a sealed parchment to the pair before pulling off her signet ring. “And here is the signet ring,” she said, turning to the court, who had gone silent, holding the ring up so they could all see it. “Pay close attention,” she said, her voice going flat and mean.

Tossing the ring on the stone floor, she waved her hand, a cloaked figure tossing her a short-handled forging hammer. Catching the hammer one-handed with ease, she brought it down on the ring twice with full force. The ring was smashed flat against the floor. Straightening, Ritsuko indifferently discarded the hammer. “Do not test me,” she warned them all, her voice smooth with the promise of violence. With that done, she marched right back out of court.

“I was wrong,” Airi admitted, “It didn't go very well.”

“Still, this does solve the problem,” Liseria murmured back, massaging her stomach. “How long do you think she will stay angry?” she wondered.

“I don't know,” admitted Airi tiredly. “She can hold a grudge like few others.”

“That is what I was afraid of,” sighed Liseria. “Very well,” she said, raising her voice, “We declare…” she stopped, frowning as her hands came to rest on her belly before she gasped. Whipping her eyes over, Airi saw the royal gown Liseria was wearing suddenly stain at her lap.

“Your water just broke, my Queen,” Airi informed her. Turning to the court, she raised her voice. “Court is hereby adjourned. See yourselves out promptly,” ordered the Chancellor. The courtiers did as instructed stunned by what they had seen and very few having noticed what had happened. Airi turned to a guard. “You,” she ordered curtly, “find former countess Ritsuko and inform her that the Queen needs her help immediately. Go now. Run,” she ordered even as she helped Liseria up. “You and I, my Queen, need to walk to your rooms,” she said, guiding the younger woman along.

Ten minutes later, Ritsuko - now wearing her battle gown and a simple skirt - appeared at the Queens's door. One look told her all she needed to know. “Hot water and clean towels, now,” she ordered the two body servants, who scurried off.

“Send for my personal healers,” Liseria said, panting slightly.

“Maybe later,” Ritsuko replied. “Airi, you with me on this one?” she asked.

“Yes, though I did send Persephone after a local midwife who has a very high reputation for successful deliveries,” she admitted. Ritsuko snorted.

“You didn't know if I would show,” she interpreted what she had been told.

“It did occur to me that you might not, after what just happened.”

“Ye of little faith,” murmured Ritsuko. “Let's get the heir delivered, shall we, Liseria?”

While the citizens of Raltaow celebrated the birth of the heir - an extremely healthy boy - Ritsuko was showing her group around a new site far removed from the cold capital of the last Kingdom on the continent. “This is one of my alternate sites,” she said, sweeping her arm around. “Bunking over there, training grounds here and there, and there is a patch of vegetables planted over there that should have something ready to eat in it. I will go out a little later and get some meat,” she said, settling the air fish - a Jack she had acquired during the Revolution - in the simple shelter not far from the bunkhouse.

“I remember this place,” smiled Milliea. “I will go cut some firewood and check the spring,” she pronounced.

“We remember this place as well,” grinned Gabriella, getting a nod from Rapier. “Didn't think it still existed, though,” she added casually.

“I might have spread a few rumors about its demise,” admitted Ritsuko indifferently. Mamina and Delilah were smiling at they looked at their Queen with admiration in their eyes. “By the way, if there is anything or anyone you two need to do or see, now would be the time,” she suggested. The two elves who had ended up as undeclared partners glanced at each other for moment.

“It's not pressing, or anything, but if you want us to take care of it now, there are a few people we need to see and places we need to visit,” Gabriella said.

“Take the air fish,” Ritsuko said. “I need the air fish back within two weeks, though. If you need transportation longer than that, you know where other air fish are stabled - swap out for one and have this one sent back here within those two weeks.” The two nodded.

“We'll leave first thing in the morning,” Gabriella said. “For now, there is work to be done,” she grinned, the two moving off.

“Um, Ritsuko, where is this place?” asked Hamilton almost timidly. The flight to this place had been done in darkness, going through the transit gate in Raltaow and emerging from another gate without stopping.

“This is what is left of a plantation in what was once the Southern Kingdoms,” Ritsuko said. “Not a day's walk from here was the plantation I spent six years being a slave on,” her voice had gone cold and hard. “In some ways, this is the heart of the Rebellion,” she added. “The plantation house was past that copse of woods, as were the rest of the `important' buildings,” she continued. “I burned it to the ground with the owner and his entire family inside, as well as a few slaves that remained loyal to him. After the ashes cooled, I ordered the area dragged, raked and spread over the fields, so nothing would be left of the owners. The place became a staging area during the first year or so of the Rebellion, and was forgotten as things moved further away. I doubt there is anyone left who was a slave here, and even if there are, they have no desire to come here.”

“Why here, then?” Pina asked.

“This place offers a few important features,” Ritsuko said. “Location, location, location,” she grinned as if at a joke. “First, it is fairly remote,” she lectured. “Secondly, it is not frequented by anyone. Third, it is deep in lands inhabited by people who mind their own business. And finally,” she turned to look at Pina directly, “it is in a temperate climate with food readily available. We will need all of that while I teach you to use guns.”

“Guns?” wondered Pina, unconsciously touching her `trophy' handgun. Ritsuko gave her a smile that made her shiver.

“Guns,” confirmed the red-head. “No point in teaching you just one, right?”

Looking at Hamilton, Ritsuko pursed her lips. “I had originally planned to leave you with Airi and the Queen for some training in administration, Hamilton, but things sort of changed,” she admitted. “While I am not an administrator by trade, I do happen to have a few things I can teach you. And we need to get your fighting skills up to par, as well. I think I will have Mamina and Delilah help you with that,” she said, the two Warrior Bunny captains grinning hungrily at the Rose Knight. Hamilton nearly hid behind Pina.

“Can we train Pina as well, my Queen?” asked Delilah, eyeing the red-headed empress. Ritsuko considered that for a moment.

“When I am not instructing her or have her doing other things, sure,” she decided. “But I think you will find that she is not as you believe her to be,” Ritsuko warned her two captains discreetly. She had a good idea of what Pina was capable of, after all.

“And me, Ritsuko?” asked Myui. Ritsuko turned to the young Countess, giving her a warm smile.

“You, my dear Myui-chan, will begin learning some new languages, as well as some ideas and concepts you have not been exposed to yet. You are free to join in the other training if you desire, but you are a bit young for some of it,” she cautioned. “Aurea, Persia, please see to it that our dear Myui is comfortable. The barracks are likely a bit dusty and dirty, as well, so let's get to work,” Ritsuko said, glancing at the sky, where the sun was just clearing the low horizon. “Heat's coming on, and it will get hot soon,” she warned the others.

“Hot?” blinked Pina, already sweating a little in the thick, humid air. Ritsuko nodded.

“Hot,” she repeated, already removing her battle gown. Setting the armor aside, she pulled two clean lengths of cloth free from her pack. “I recommend you all dress down, or I will be treating you for heat exhaustion before noon,” she added, casually standing nude as she sorted out the strips of cloth, swiftly making a loin cloth out of one and a breast band out of the other. Gathering her braided hair, she used a length of leather lacing to tie the coiled braid up behind her head. “Especially you girls in maid outfits,” she warned the others. As if to underline her words, the others could feel the heat increasing steadily. “Late summer, it gets hot as hell here,” she said, almost to herself. Squatting, she dug into her bag before pulling out a pair of sandals, swiftly securing them to her feet and knotting the ties.

Mamina and Delilah were already tying their own loincloths before the others even shook themselves free of their stupors. Ritsuko headed toward the barracks, her two Warrior Bunnies following her. “Stop standing around and get to work. I don't care if you dress down or not, but I won't have any mercy for you if you get heat exhaustion because you were stupid,” came Ritsuko's voice from inside the barracks as the shutters were opened.

“R…right,” Persia shook herself. “It is getting very warm already. Aurea, let's help our Lady get into something cooler,” she said, the medusa nodding. Within moments, the two had figured out that one of Myui's thigh-length sleeping gowns would work, and had the Countess changed and her hair braided and secured like Ritsuko's. With that done, they stripped swiftly and donned similar clothes as their host. Mamina and Delilah had skipped the breast-band, but out of deference to their mistress, the cat-person and medusa wore breast bands as well, though both of them forwent shoes, Persia almost purring as she flexed her toes.

Pina and Hamilton were trying to figure out what to wear. They could already feel the heat penetrating their breastplates, and both were sweating as they went through their packs. “Lady Pina, did you notice?” whispered Hamilton, glancing around.

“Notice what?” Pina asked.

“Lady Ritsuko's body…” murmured Hamilton. Pina stilled for a moment.

“Yes, I noticed,” she said.

“What about my queen's body so fascinates you two?” came Delilah's voice from inside the barracks, where the three had already gotten started on cleaning up the place. Both Pina and Hamilton cursed their forgetfulness about the ears of demi-humans; especially Warrior Bunnies and Cat-people as they realized that Persia was watching them as well, absently flexing her hands so her retractable claws appeared and disappeared from view.

“Uh, just that she is in incredible physical shape,” Hamilton offered weakly. If there was to be trouble, it must not be laid at Pina's feet, after all.

“Don't bother lying,” came Ritsuko's voice, the woman appearing from inside the barracks, dust visible in the ever-strengthening sunlight that flooded the inside of the barracks. “All of you know that I was a slave for six years. I bear the scars of that time. End of discussion; unless you want lurid tales of how I got each of these?” she asked darkly, hiking a thumb over her back. The two shook their heads. They had bathed with her before, but her hair had always been down when she did that, covering most of her scars, though the few on her chest, belly and thighs remained visible. Those scars could have come from weapons practice, after all, as Pina and her knights had similar scars from mishaps and accidents. Her back, however, was another issue. “Let's just say I was a rebellious slave,” smirked Ritsuko, giving a nasty little laugh before she turned back into the barracks. “Day is getting hotter and we have a lot of prep work yet,” she added.

“Yes!” Pina declared, turning back to her pack.

“I have some extra loincloths and breast bands in my pack, if you didn't bring anything temperature-appropriate,” the unseen Ritsuko said. Aurea and Persia guided Myui into the barracks, joining the crew in there. After another few minutes of looking - and feeling the sun growing ever-stronger on their backs - the Empress and her personal page moved over to Ritsuko's pack and found the lengths of cloth.

Neither of them was familiar with the process of tying the lengths into loincloths. The breast-bands were simple enough, but the configuration of the loincloths was giving them trouble. “Like this,” a voice said, startling them. Ritsuko was standing beside them, covered in a mix of sweat and dust, though her lean, toned body gleamed in the sunlight. “You tuck this securely between the legs, then fold it over and around, twist it like so, back around and tuck the ends in securely. Simple,” Ritsuko said, having finished tying the loincloth on Pina in the time it took her to explain the steps. “Now, you show Hamilton how to do it. We are wasting time,” she added before pulling her PSG1 out of its scabbard and heading into the woods.

It took the group the rest of the morning to finish getting their camp in order, and early afternoon they spent in the shade, with only Ritsuko working - though she didn't do any strenuous work. When the elves had returned from their tasks, they had dressed down as well - even Milliea. Of course, Gabriella usually wore a strapless fur bikini, so it wasn't much different for her, but Rapier had been a bit embarrassed to dress like the others. Ritsuko had kept an eye on the pale-skinned Rapier and young Myui, and when she saw that they were turning red, she warned them to call it a day and stay out of the sunlight before heading into the woods. She returned a while later with some herbs and plants that she used to make a cream. Aurea, though pale of skin, didn't seem to burn, though Ritsuko did make a point to warn her about the symptoms of heat exhaustion. The medusa maid had smiled and said sunlight didn't affect her people. Nevertheless, the older red-head had told the snake-haired woman to take care of Myui and not let her get burned, figuring that it would keep her out of trouble as well.

Evening found them taking a cooling bath in a rough bathing pool that was spring fed. The spring and pool were a few hundred yards from the barracks, down a slight hill, at the bottom of which was a shallow, lazy creek. Ritsuko had set up a basic fish trap in the creek, and had a few fish to add to the venison from her morning hunt. Supper was enjoyed by all as they dined on the shallow porch around the building. With experience in this area, Ritsuko had set out several small candle holders with strange tin enclosures. After lighting the candles, she had put some grass and leaves on the screen over the candles, which soon generated a strange-smelling smoke as the green leaves slowly burned.

“Insect repellant,” Ritsuko had explained. “The mosquitoes and flies and the like don't like the scent of the burning leaves, and it keeps them out. These are a particular type of leaves, and a certain grass. I will show you all which ones and we need to keep the candles going during the evening and night if you don't want to be fed on or get a fever from the insects.”

The group turned in early, with Ritsuko being the last one to turn in. She was working on something on the shallow porch, Milliea not far from her, long after the others had gone to bed. Finally, Ritsuko and Milliea turned in, too. It seemed only an instant later when a cry of alarm woke Ritsuko, the red-head leaping up from the simple bed, gun in hand as she clicked on a flashlight, sweeping the room. Around her, her two Warrior Bunny captains were in fighting crouches, blades in hand, while Persia was crouched near Myui's bed, claws bared and fangs exposed.

Ritsuko finished her sweep, which included under the crude beds. “Clear,” she said, de-cocking her handgun as she focused the beam from her flashlight on Myui. “What's wrong, sweetie?” she asked, crouching next to the trembling Countess. Mutely, the girl held up her hand, which was smeared with blood.

“I…I thought my stomach was sore, but when I felt something between my legs, I found this!” sniffled the girl. Ritsuko swiftly checked Myui, certain of what she would find, and confirming her suspicions.

“It's ok, Myui, this is perfectly natural,” Ritsuko assured her even as Persia and Aurea wrapped her up in a double-sided hug.

“Yes, it is just a sign you are an adult now,” Aurea assured her.

“But…but I was an adult already,” Myui said, still sniffling a little.

“Legally, yes,” Persia said. “Now you are an adult physically,” she assured her beloved lady as she stroked her hair.

“It is a sign you can bear children now,” Mamina agreed, smiling as she crouched next to the young girl's bed. “All women bleed like this every moon while they can bear children,” added the Warrior Bunny. Myui blinked.

“Even Ritsuko and Empress Pina?” wondered the girl.

“Yes, even me and Pina,” Ritsuko confirmed, giving her a reassuring smile. “And it just so happens that we have some special things to help us out when it is our time,” Ritsuko continued.

“What is going on?” asked Pina, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“You sleep deeply for someone with assassins after you, Empress,” Delilah said casually, giving the still-sleepy Empress a lazy smile. One bed over, Hamilton sat up.

“Wha…?” she began, only to yawn.

“Dear Myui just became a woman,” Ritsuko said succinctly, digging in her pack for a moment before withdrawing a small foil pack. Breaking it open, she fetched a cup of spring water before moving back to Myui and carefully handing her two small, smooth items she had gotten from the foil pack. “Swallow these and drink the water; it will help you with the discomfort,” Ritsuko said. After a glance at Aurea, Persia and Mamina - all of whom nodded - Myui did as instructed. “It will take about a half hour for the medicine to work,” Ritsuko said, still smiling at her friend, “so let's get you cleaned up while we are waiting,” she suggested.

With help from most of the party, Myui was clean and back in bed with a loincloth and a thick pad of clean cotton bandage between her legs within a half hour. With the pain from her belly fading, she fell back asleep quickly. “Let's have a small celebration for her tomorrow,” Ritsuko said to the others, getting nods. “After all, it is an important milestone for a girl,” murmured the red-head under her breath.

“Yes, but now there will the matter of suitors,” frowned Persia. “Even before she reached majority, her shrewish sisters have been throwing men at her. Before, she could disregard them because Pina had assumed administrative leadership of the clan. But, now that she is both of age and has had her first bleeding, I fear the issue will be forced on her.”

“Oh, I wouldn't bet on that,” purred Ritsuko, plans already forming in her head. Those that knew her well could only think, `and here she goes again…'

“Hey, Cap, radio traffic for you from Highseat,” Kuribayashi called out. Itami sighed, lowering his binoculars as his chibi tit-monster sergeant made her way up to his position. “What you staring at, Cap?” wondered the short, top-heavy CQB specialist in his team.

“Nothing,” sighed Itami, turning away and moving back down the low hill to where his unit vehicles waited. Around the vehicles, his team was having lunch. They were deep in what had been the Warrior Bunny lands, searching for Haryo or how Nodachi managed to come and go as she pleased, either one. The day before, they had barely avoided running into a patrol of Warrior Bunnies thanks to a timely warning from Drone Command that they were on a collision course with the smaller party. So far, that was the closest they had gotten to anyone else.

“Vagabond actual calling Home Plate, over,” he said when he had gotten comfortable in the seat of the military truck that was the command vehicle. A moment later, the radio came to life.

“Home Plate, standby for priority traffic from Highseat actual, over,” said the communications officer.

“Copy that, Home Plate, Vagabond actual standing by for traffic, over,” he confirmed. “The general himself, yet again,” Itami sighed. He didn't like the weight of his Captain's bars, but they were growing heavier and heavier every time the general called. And lately, he had been calling a lot. For a guy like Itami - who worked to support his hobbies - it was the worst thing that could happen to him.

It was a few minutes before Hazama came on the horn. “Vagabond actual, return to base best speed, repeat, return to base best speed, how copy, over.”

“Roger that, Highseat actual, copy five by return to base best speed. Break. Is this an emergency, or can we drive it, over,” he asked. Best speed would be an air pickup by Chinooks, after all, not driving it back cross-country if it were an emergency.

There was a long pause before Hazama replied. “Vagabond actual, start driving and we will set up a scoop if you are too slow. Best speed, repeat, best speed. Highseat actual, over and out.” The channel went down. Sighing, Itami put the mic back on top of the radio sets before climbing out and stretching.

“What's the news, Cap?” asked his unit problem child.

“Listen up,” Itami said, raising his voice a little. “Mission is scrubbed, we are heading back to base best speed. So, finish up your meal, pack things up and let's start back to Alnus Station,” he relayed the orders.

“Any idea why the mission is scrubbed, Captain?” asked Kurata.

“Not a clue, and the general wasn't forthcoming,” shrugged Itami. “Let's get this done and hit the road,” he repeated himself. Within ten minutes, the vehicles were heading back to Alnus, taking the most direct route and at best speed. As Itami watched the grasslands flow by his window, he thought about the tank tracks he had seen in the valley. He had been debating rather to follow them to wherever the tank had been going, or to pretend he didn't see them when Kuribayashi had called him to the radio. From the look of things, those tracks might have led us to the place Nodachi uses to come and go, but if they had, it would have been troublesome, he told himself. It's for the better this way, he reassured himself as he settled in. “Wonder what is going on with Alnus Station?” he asked aloud, sparking a fierce debate in his vehicle. With his men - and women - thus distracted, he could catch a much-needed nap; so long as Kurata wouldn't hit every last obstacle in their path, anyway.

“Empress, welcome back,” smiled Beefeater. “You are looking…tan,” she chose her word.

“You have no idea,” replied Pina. Behind her, Hamilton was also looking rather tan. “How fare things here?” Pina asked, leading the other two to her personal quarters. The door had barely shut before she was undressing for a bath. Seeing the tan lines on her friend, ruler and Order head, Beefeater whistled softly.

“Things are more or less doing ok,” the black-haired section leader replied. “There were a few more murders, but nothing like before. Lord Suguwara decided to take Sherry to his land for a `visit',” the quotation marks were evident, even though Beefeater did not make them physically. “So Panache came back to help out. Want to bet Sherry comes back with child?” she grinned.

“Sure,” Pina replied as she started her bath filling. “I bet you five hundred gold Sherry returns from her visit with her maidenhood intact.” Beefeater frowned.

“Why would you think that?” she wondered. Pina just smirked.

“Take it or leave it,” she said. Beefeater wasn't a sucker, and she had been close friends with Pina since they were five.

“You obviously have privileged information, so I will pass,” Beefeater replied. Pina gave her a knowing smile and nod.

“Good,” she approved. “It happens to be that I know that Lord Suguwara is bound by the laws of his land, and those laws say that Sherry is not of majority for such things.”

“Sherry is of marrying age,” frowned Beefeater.

“Here, yes, but not in their lands,” corrected Pina. “Doesn't matter. What other news?” asked the Empress as she settled into her bath. Hamilton joined her, the two quickly washing up while Beefeater briefed them on the events of the last three weeks.

“My Lady,” came Panache's voice from the doors to the rooms, the platinum blonde kneeling briefly before approaching. “I heard you were back. How fare you?” she asked directly.

“I am fine, thank you, Panache,” Pina replied. Panache studied the tan-lines on her leader and her personal page.

“You seem…tanned,” Panache replied.

“To say the least,” sighed Pina, stepping out of the bath and gesturing for a towel, which Beefeater tossed her. The Empress swiftly dried off. “My clothes and armor, if you please,” she directed to Panache, who swiftly laid out the requested items. Pina's body servants had not yet learned of her return, it would seem.

“Is there trouble, my Lady?” wondered Panache. Pina gave her two best friends a long, assessing stare for a minute before speaking.

“Knight Panache, Knight Beefeater, I want you to give me the names of two knights who can perform your duties for six months,” she commanded firmly. The two blinked.

“Have we failed you in some way, my Empress?” Panache asked.

“No, but I am ordering you on a mission and you will be unreachable during the mission, so I need your sections to be run well in your absence. I expect the names by tomorrow evening,” she continued. “And ladies, make sure your nominations are of the highest quality,” she added, dressing.

“Yes, my Empress,” they replied in unison.

“Hamilton, take two junior knights and ride to Alnus Town. Speak with Bozes about that matter we discussed last week. You understand, yes?” she pressed.

“As you command, my Lady!” Hamilton saluted. Beefeater and Panache watched this, puzzled. Of all the knights who were original members, Hamilton was the least knight-like in all regards. She was acceptable with a sword, average with a bow, somewhat below average with a lance, her horsemanship was above average but not great, and she just didn't scream `knight' in any aspect. As Pina's personal page, it mattered little, since she was a born administrator, negotiator and organizer. Now, however, Hamilton appeared to have changed.

“There was one other thing, my Empress,” Beefeater recalled, thinking of Hamilton. “As they have for the last several years, the Ror family has request Hamilton be released from the Order so she can marry the fiancé they selected for her. As directed, I gave them the normal answer, but they have asked the Senate to force you to release her. Apparently, something has occurred within the family to make them more aggressive about removing her from the order.”

Hamilton went white under her tan. “Please, my Lady!” she begged Pina. “I wish to remain in your service!”

“I will not throw you to the wolves, Hamilton,” Pina said quietly. “But why are you so dead-set against marrying this person your family selected for you?” she wondered.

“T…there are many reasons,” Hamilton said.

Panache and Beefeater grinned at each other. “Now we're really curious, Hamilton,” they purred eagerly. “Do tell us, so we may protect you from this creature,” cooed the two.

“It is a personal matter,” began Hamilton, only to see Pina watching her with the same curious look as the other two. “Among the reasons would be…his age, appearance, marital history, grooming and…reputation,” she blushed a little.

“If Ritsuko could see you now,” giggled Pina, the blush spreading over more of Hamilton's face.

“Who is this Ritsuko you speak of, my Lady?” wondered Beefeater. Pina blinked, having forgotten they were there for a moment.

“You will find out,” she said, giving them a thin smile that made both of them twitch. Pina finished fastening her uniform cloak to her armor and checked her appearance once more in the mirror. She smiled as she once more congratulated herself on the foresight to get a glass mirror from the JSDF for her room, replacing the polished silver mirror that had been there before. Even though the polished silver mirror was the best that could be made before the Gate activated, it was no better than silverware when compared to the glass ones that the JSDF had.

“Have the latest works from Lady Risa arrived in Alnus?” she asked her two section leaders as she strode out of her rooms.

“Not when last I heard from Bozes,” Panache replied.

“Hamilton,” Pina said.

“Yes, I will inquire with her about that as well, Lady Pina,” confirmed her page.

“Where are we off to, my Lady?” wondered Beefeater.

“To speak with the Senate,” Pina said, her tone soaked in resolve.

“In your armor, my Lady?” wondered her two long-time friends.

“Yes, in my armor,” confirmed Pina, leading her knights toward the senate building, which was still being repaired from the JSDF air strike.

“Captain Itami, reporting as ordered,” Itami said, saluting Hazama. The general looked up from his clipboard.

“You must be wondering why you were called back,” he said, getting right to the point. “The answer is I need Lelei to study the Gate. Yesterday, a scheduled supply delivery didn't arrive because the Gate was down. For now, we are treating it like a one-off glitch, but I don't think that is what it really is. Nodachi six - Ritsuko - as much as said we were on borrowed time, and I think this might be what was behind her words. I know Lelei is a prodigy, and I have asked her master, Cato, to help her with her research, as well as footing the bill for whatever they need. Given your connection to her and the others, I am pulling you from all other taskings and assigning you to see to it that they can focus on the Gate problem.”

“Sir!” Itami saluted. Hazama frowned.

“Understand, Itami, this is top secret information for the time being. Say nothing to anyone not already aware. Do you understand?” he asked directly.

“Sir, yes, sir!” chanted Itami.

“Also, there are a few other issues and complications,” sighed Hazama. “The first is the Haryo situation. Nodachi reports only finding forward operating bases so far, though if she is to be believed, she has killed over two hundred of them so far in small-unit actions from the Western Mountains to the Eastern Coast and from the Northern Pillars to the Southern Swamp. The problem is that we still don't know their numbers or disposition, and the killings continue.”

“She has quite a range, doesn't she, if she is covering the entire continent like that?” noted Itami. Hazama nodded.

“We finally got a piece of that puzzle,” he smiled. “Yanagida noticed that she said `air fish' twice in the meeting with us, and he reported that Delilah had said she `flew' with her Queen. He has surmised that the big fish we see from time to time is, in fact, a form of aircraft from whatever continent she is from. Our drones are on the lookout for them now. Maybe we will have a picture of one soon,” he shared.

“It would make sense if they didn't have Ancient Dragons on their continent,” mused Itami. “But can any fish lift a tank?” he wondered.

“Doubtful, but this is a magic world,” Hazama shrugged. “Which brings up the next issue. I was informed earlier this week that the Diet - in its infinite wisdom - has organized a `site visit' for VIPs of the companies and groups they are receiving political donations from. It is a thinly-disguised preview of this world so they can start picking out locations for their share of the resource rights.”

“Sir, that is very unwise,” Itami noted.

“It is the decision of the Diet, Itami, it goes without saying it is unwise,” snorted the general. “But the decision is made, and we have our orders: we are to organize a tour of the safer regions of this world for a bunch of suits while also providing security for them.”

“And if something happens and they come to harm?” Itami asked.

“See to it that they do not,” Hazama replied.

“Then we need to keep them on their side of the Gate,” was the blunt reply from Itami.

“Not an option,” Hazama sighed. “And it doesn't end there,” he shared. Itami sighed. “Remember those press people who were visiting just before we learned about Noriko?” he asked. Itami nodded. “Do you recall a certain journalist who was so critical of everything going on here that involved us?” Once more, Itami nodded. “He is the liaison of the VIPs, and has them bringing their publicists with them. Naturally, the Diet has told them to bring who they want.”

“We're fucked,” muttered Itami. Hazama said nothing of the inadvertent slip.

“A friend of mine has suggested that some of the `friends' the VIPs will bring along might be more than simple businessmen. At least two of the names on the list have been confirmed to be Chinese PLA agents, and you know that at least as many will be American agents. Need I go on?” he asked. Itami shook his head.

“Good. So, now that you understand the scope of the problem, we need to discuss Pina's other brother,” Hazama said.

“Other brother?” wondered Itami, mentally reviewing what he knew of Pina's family. “Zorzal was the oldest, and Pina is the youngest and the daughter of a concubine, so how many people were in line for the throne before her?” he wondered.

“Three, originally. Zorzal is dead, Diabo is missing since Zorzal took the throne for his brief reign, another was killed in the fighting with Zorzal, and that left Pina. Until now, Pina wasn't worried about her other brother, but now she is. She wrote to me that he had fled just before the Capital was sealed, saying he would seek alliances with other forces beyond the Gate, and he had somehow heard the word `China'. Obviously, we control all access to the Gate, but the rhetoric of the Chinese has ratcheted up recently and taken a slant toward categorizing their intentions as `liberating' the Special Region from the evil, evil Japanese. I have been told by colleagues that they are once more talking about the Imperial army and Nanking, with obvious ends.”

Itami snorted, but said nothing.

“I have had my staff running scenarios, and one of the most likely they keep coming up with as a worst-case is if the Haryo interacted with the guests - killing them or allying themselves with them either one. I don't think it is hard to see the way things would likely turn out with the people involved.”

Itami saw the potential; and he didn't like it. If the Haryo killed some VIPs, it would turn into another campaign, but this time with pressure from the money men to just wipe the natives out. This would destroy any and all goodwill they had built, and open up the world to plundering the likes of which the locals couldn't even conceive of. But it would be almost worst if the Haryo got in touch with the Chinese agents and managed to find a way to get their lies out. China would react as it usually did, and it might well end with an invasion of Japan by China, which would trigger in the major powers as they either defended Japan as an ally and to protect their treasure share (America would likely play that role), or to seize advantage of the fracas to grab land and power, even if the Gate remained in Japanese control (Russia would love to cut some pieces off China regardless of rather or not it got the Gate). It would take very little to see a devastating war engulf Japan and most of the world as a result.

“And there could well be a problem with the Gate, too,” Hazama reminded him.

“What is the plan, sir?” Itami asked.

“That is your new top priority, Itami,” Hazama smiled at him. “I am taking steps to delay the process as long as possible, and have my staff slaving away on ideas, but you are my expert at avoiding unpleasant things, and I look forward to your escape plan.”

“King Duran, it is a pleasure to finally meet you,” Ritsuko said, giving the old king a bow.

“Likewise, Queen of the Warrior Bunnies,” the old man said, offering his hand. Ritsuko clasped it, Empire fashion. The old man inwardly winced at the force she put behind it, but he suspected she didn't know how strong she came off as, since there was no indication she was doing it deliberately. “I have heard much of you from many sources,” he said, waving his arm to signal for another round. The serving wench waved back. “But why are we meeting in this tavern and not in my court?” he asked.

“Because what I would discuss with you is not for your court's ears,” Ritsuko said. “Were you able to review the letter I asked be given to you?”

“I have read it several times, but remain skeptical,” the king said.

“That is a reasonable thing to do,” Ritsuko was not offended. In fact, it sounded to him like she was amused. “Tell me, what would it take to sway your mind?” asked Ritsuko. Duran considered that, weighing possible scenarios in his mind as he eyed the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies.

“What if I were to say I wanted personal attention for my consent?” he asked her, watching her carefully.

“I would say fine,” Ritsuko replied. “Do you find me to your liking, or would you prefer a blood Warrior Bunny to warm your bed?” she asked as easily as if she were ordering an ale.

“And if I wanted an elf? That elf, perhaps?” he asked, using his chin to point to a corner of the tavern, not too far from them, where a cloaked figure nursed an ale in silence, back more or less turned to them.

“I would ask why you think that one an elf, as well as why you would suppose they are with me,” Ritsuko replied.

“I am an old man, not a stupid man,” Duran replied dryly. “She is an elf, and she is with you, though I admit I do not know why.”

“Would you agree to the treaty if she joined you in your bedchambers?” pressed Ritsuko. Duran watched her eyes carefully.

“I am not so easy,” he denied. “Nor do I think you are so easy. You certainly are not the type to be so free with your subjects, Queen Ritsuko,” he admonished her. “Tell me, do you know of the Apostle Rory Mercury?” he asked her.

“I have encountered her twice,” Ritsuko admitted, getting a feeling that he was fishing. “She is a rabid dog that needs a shorter leash,” added Ritsuko. Duran chuckled at that as the bargirl dropped off two large tankards of ale and left.

“I was told you are the rabid dog in need of a muzzle.”

“I assure you, my dear King, my bite is far, far worse than my bark,” purred Ritsuko. “And unlike certain mutual acquaintances, I am not going to be abandoning this world when things go sideways,” she hinted, placing a hand on his left arm, which was a prosthetic arm given to him by the JSDF staff. His left leg was also fake, both having been lost in the Battle of Alnus Hill.

“It is not my impression of those we both know to be the sort to run,” he replied.

“And it is my belief that they will have no choice. After all, they are not of this world, and when it comes right down to it, they are more bound to their world than to this world. What then, oh King of Elbe?” Ritsuko pressed.

“My kingdom has an alliance with the Empire,” was his reply. Ritsuko inclined her head.

“Indeed, and yet,” she paused, leaning closer to him, “Pina will not always sit the throne, and it has been the experience of many in this land that most of the Empire's rulers are not men of their word,” she reminded him. “Are they?” she asked, rapping her knuckle softly against his fake arm. “My predecessor found that out the hard way, as did your ancestor and even you, yourself. How did Molt strike you as a man with whom you had a treaty?”

Duran was silent. He still harbored a massive grudge against the previous emperor for sending him and his fellow vassals on a suicide mission under the guise of `assisting' the Imperial army. Through dumb luck or the will of the gods, he had survived the slaughter of his men, only to be taken by the savage invaders. Invaders, who despite being enemies, treated him better than anyone could imagine. He had expected to die in the nunnery where he had taken refuge, but instead, he was not only healed, he had replacement limbs for those taken from him in battle - and the enemy asked not a single thing for any of it. He had heard they likewise did not sack and loot Italica, nor even occupy the city after saving it, as was their inherent right as the victors. No, he was certain he had a good grasp on what sort of people the Men in Green were.

But this human Queen of the Warrior Bunnies - a race with a very well-established reputation as savage and immoral - was not like the JSDF personnel at all. She was the same race and nationality, he was sure, but the look in her eyes was very different. He had seen a similar look in Rory's eyes. His eyes fell to her wrists, noting the marks on them that he knew came from slave shackles. “Tell me, Ritsuko, what is your intention behind this alliance?” he asked her directly.

Ritsuko smiled. “Peace. Revenge. Freedom. Justice. All the good things in life,” she smirked.

“Setting aside the contradictory nature of your words,” Duran said, “I asked what your intention was, not what your goals were.” Ritsuko studied him for a long moment before leaning forward, almost across the table, until she was nearly face to face with him.

“I will end slavery forever, I will destroy those who profit from misery and I will control my own destiny,” she whispered, fire in her words and her eyes alight with intensity. Duran saw the flickers of madness in there as well. Am I looking at the birth of an Apostle in this girl? he wondered. “I ask you once more, Duran, will you be with me, against me, or caught in the middle?” she murmured before sitting back and staring at him, unblinkingly as she waited for his answer.

“I will make a treaty with you,” he said at last. She smiled.

“I am relieved to hear that, my lord,” she said, shifting enough so he could see the gun in her hand. Duran shivered a little at the realization of what saying `no' would likely have meant for him. “Oh, this? It was not for you,” she said, inclining her head to the side, where another figure was sitting at the table with the elf. This figure was slumped over the table, ale in hand, apparently drunk. The cloaked elf rose and silently departed, gold coins glinting on the table. “I will be in touch,” Ritsuko said, distracting him. “I ask you get in touch with the king of Mudwan and the Duke of Ligu. I would like to make treaties with them as well. As I said in the letter, it will not only be a military alliance, but an economic one as well. If you doubt me, go to Italica and speak with Countess Myui about it; or Empress Pina. Until next time,” she said. Duran glanced back at the table where the elf had been. The barmaid was collecting the coins and attempting to wake the apparently-drunk figure slumped over the table. Looking back, he couldn't spot the Warrior Bunny queen anywhere.

Sighing, he rose and moved over to the table. “Hey now, neighbor, this is no place to sleep,” he said, roughly jostling the figure. Seeing how the figure moved, he frowned. “What passes here?” he murmured, grabbing the cloak and pulling the hood back, revealing an inhuman face. The barmaid shrieked at the hideous sight; as well as the dark blood pooled under the face. Her scream attracted the attention of the other tavern inhabitants, and by the time Duran had managed to get free of there, he knew he would never catch up with Ritsuko or her mysterious friend.

“Haryo, is it, then,” he muttered, heading back to the palace, his mind busy. He had some people to speak with and a few letters to write.

“This is the place?” wondered Beefeater, looking around the small town.

“This is where we were told to go,” confirmed Panache. The two were dressed in basic leather armor like common mercenaries usually had, their ornate swords swapped for plain versions, traveler packs on their backs and rough travelers' cloaks. Pina had been rather specific about their orders; and that they not use any equipment that could be linked to the Order or herself. She had been most insistent on reminding them that they would not be travelling or working as knights, and that the mysterious `Ritsuko' would not cut them any slack because they were heirs of noble clans. It had come across rather clearly that the person Pina spoke of may very well treat them worse for being noblewomen.

The fact that Hamilton had shivered a few times as Pina talked about Ritsuko told them much about the type of person they were being told to spend the next six months with.

“Might as well find an inn and some food,” Beefeater said, getting a nod from her order-sister. The two searched the small town for a decent-looking tavern. Finding one, they occupied a small table and had a good meal, having rented a room for the night. After lingering over ale as long as they could, the two headed up to the room they had rented, finding a simple pallet on the floor. After some basic preparation, the two cuddled up on the pallet, glad that field exercises had conditioned them for such conditions.

The two awoke to blades at their throats. “Shh,” hissed a voice softly. “It would be unfortunate if you two were to die of stupidity before my Queen has the chance to enjoy your suffering.”

“Who are you?” asked Panache quietly, carefully feeling for her sword hilt. It was not where she had left it.

“We are your guides,” the voice answered, a soft scraping sound preceding a small flame. The meager light revealed a painted Warrior Bunny holding her sharp short-sword to Beefeater's throat, while another Warrior Bunny held a knife to Panache's throat. The small flame was being held by a male feline demi-human.

“Get up,” ordered the Warrior Bunny who had been threatening Beefeater. “We have a long night ahead of us, and it starts now, humans.” The two demi-humans let the humans up. Rising to their feet, the two barely caught their cloaks being thrown at them.

“Our gear,” began Panache, only to feel the Warrior Bunny next to her prod her with her sword.

“You will get it back later. Quickly now,” the bunny said. The two swirled their cloaks around their shoulders, covering their sleeping shifts.

“You will want your boots,” warned the other bunny, the two swiftly stepping into their boots. “Out the window,” ordered the apparent leader of the group. Beefeater and Panache barely managed to keep from falling to the ground as they were rushed out of the room. The two Warrior Bunnies just jumped out the window, landing easily on the ground.

The two human women had barely hit the ground before they were being hurried away from the inn. “What about your companion?” asked Beefeater suspiciously.

“He will be along,” dismissed the darker-furred bunny girl indifferently. Even as they slipped into the dark trees, the cat-person caught up. “You set it up properly?” asked the bunny. The cat-person gave her a toothy smile.

“Of course, bunny-girl,” he nearly bragged. “No one is better than a cat-man,” he added.

“My Queen says differently, and I myself am not overly impressed,” scoffed the bunny.

“Then why do you keep inviting me to your bed?” he challenged.

“Boredom,” came her indifferent reply. “Stop dawdling; we have much ground to cover,” she pushed Beefeater a little, urging her to a faster pace in the pitch-black forest. Branches and bushes and vines grabbed at the two and caught their cloaks and thin sleeping shifts. When Panache's hand brushed Beefeater's, the two grabbed on to each other, and things got a bit easier. Before they knew it, they were in a small clearing and being handed up onto some beast.

“You should hold on tight,” warned the bunny. “And try not to scream; it hurts our ears,” she added with a snicker. A moment later, the two were trying to force down screams as the beast they were on lifted into the sky.

A continent away, Ritsuko was running through the halls of the Raltaowian capital. Reaching Airi's apartments, she slammed the door open, striding in just as Airi groaned painfully. “Airi,” Ritsuko said, entering her friend's bedroom. “Sorry, I was far away,” she apologized, throwing her cloak aside as she moved to the bedside of her friend. “How far along are you?” she asked. Her battle gown was adorned with weapons of many types, making the others in the room edge away from her.

“The contractions started about six hours ago,” panted Airi. “I think it is about to get serious, though,” she added before grimacing.

“Well, the communication system seems to work,” Ritsuko said, swiftly washing her hands. “Everyone but Hecate, Persephone and the midwife get out,” she ordered, moving to the foot of the bed. “That means you, too, sperm donor,” she added, slanting a look at the husband.

“She is my wife…” he began.

“And if you don't get out now, she'll be your widow,” growled Ritsuko.

“Go on,” Airi said to him. “You don't need to be here for this. I will see you afterward; with our child,” she promised him. The man looked at Ritsuko like he wanted to say something, but the half-smirk on her lips warned him against provoking her. He left, closing the door behind him. “Ritsuko,” she chided her friend.

“You can thank me later for saving your sex life,” muttered Ritsuko. Airi hissed in pain. “Breathe deep, then push. Let's get this over with,” she said to Airi. Airi didn't object, but it was still another seven hours before the husband heard the cry of a baby. He started to rush the doors to the bedroom, but stopped just short of them, reconsidering. From inside the room, he could hear Airi's voice, and Ritsuko's, so it appeared to be a safe delivery. The crying baby went silent. Once more, he reached for the door, but stopped as the doors to the suite of rooms opened, and Liseria swept in, her own child in her arms, and her two body servants - now doing nursemaid duty as well - followed after her.

“Queen Liseria,” he bowed to her.

“How goes the delivery?” asked the Queen directly, heading for the door.

“I believe - pray! - that it went well,” he replied. Liseria reached for the door. “The former Countess is in there with Airi, my queen,” he warned her. For just a moment, Liseria hesitated. Then, she opened the door and entered the room.

“Thank you,” she said to the new father. “Remain outside,” she ordered, closing the door behind her and her party. The man sighed. A half hour later, the midwife exited with a pan of bloody water in her hands. Once more he started to enter the room, but stopped when he saw the midwife shake her head.

“Give them a bit,” she suggested. The man felt worry at her words. Had something gone wrong with the delivery? Was Airi or their child in danger from the birth? He wanted to enter the room, but the memory of Ritsuko's glare kept him anchored in place. He forced himself to sit down in a chair near the fire and think of something else - like names for their child.

It surprised him when a hand landed on his shoulder - rather painfully. “Well? You going to sit there with a stupid look on your face or are you going to meet Airi's child?” Ritsuko asked him, her hand gripping his tunic and nearly jerking him to his feet. The red-head more or less dragged him into the room, where Airi was propped up in bed with pillows, a cloth-wrapped bundle at her chest and a smile on her lips. Ritsuko gave him a none-too-gentle shove toward the bed.

“Airi!” he breathed.

“The child is healthy, of good weight and size, and Airi should heal nicely,” Ritsuko said, all business. “You better not even think of fucking her for the next six weeks, or I will castrate you. Understood?” bit out the red-head.

“Yeah, yeah,” he replied absently, his attention fixated on Airi and their son. “My son,” he whispered hoarsely.

“You mean Airi's son,” came the dark voice of Ritsuko. “Don't forget my warning,” caution Ritsuko as she picked up her cloak.

“You are leaving so soon?” asked Airi.

“Unfinished business elsewhere,” Ritsuko replied. “You have a healthy son, and as long as you care for him like a sane person, he should grow up fine. My job here is done.”

“Ritsuko, I want you to be my son's godmother,” Airi said softly.

“Mine as well,” Liseria chipped in.

“You have no idea what you are asking, Airi,” Ritsuko said, her hands making fists. “The only kind of godmother I am capable of being is an evil godmother. Pick someone better; for your child's sake if nothing else,” she suggested, fists clenching and unclenching.

“There is no one better, nor is there anyone I want or trust more,” stated Airi.

“Ridiculous,” breathed Ritsuko, back to the room. “You two will outlive me,” she said, striding out of the room. Liseria sighed, turning to look at Airi.

“We have lost her,” she murmured before blinking at the small smile on Airi's face.

“Don't be so sure,” Airi murmured. “She didn't say `no', after all.”

Dawn on the Lost Continent found Ritsuko staring dispassionately at two somewhat-the-worse-for-wear Rose Knights. “I am Ritsuko, and for the next six months, I am your goddess,” she said flatly. The two had one shared thought as they looked at the woman staring at them, hands on hips.

What have you gotten us into, Lady Pina?!

“They said no,” stated her agent. The goblin, ogre and troll tribes were notoriously unfriendly, and the pig-men were little better, so Ritsuko was not surprised at their rejection of her overtures toward them.

“And the horned tribes?” she asked.

“They are…discussing it, by and large,” her agent reported. “The four-arm tribe was eager to sign up after your last raid, and the lamia tribe and siren tribe are on board, as well.”

“Good,” approved Ritsuko. “What about the dwarves?” she asked. Her other agent shook his head.

“They are not interested in anything other than their mining, drinking and building activities. It isn't surprising, really - they are stubborn, stand-offish and stiff-necked to a fault,” he shared.

“Could have used the cannon fodder, though,” sighed Ritsuko. “Oh, well,” she dismissed the tribes and races that had opted out of the alliance. “At least Duran came through with the other two main vassal states,” she thought aloud, studying a map of the continent she had gotten from the JSDF. “But we still haven't located their main base or bases, and that bothers me,” she murmured.

“It could be more complicated than that, Boss,” came the voice of her male insurgent. Ritsuko had chosen to rendezvous with her agents at his home in Italica. It was well past midnight, and the group was meeting in his study. As a prosperous and respected merchant, he had a large house near to the Formal manor, and visited the Countess regularly. So, his study was a good meeting place.

Earlier that evening, she had met the woman he had selected as his cover. She was a nice enough girl, Ritsuko supposed. Following her directions, her insurgent had selected a loyal if not overly bright woman to marry. She was already pregnant with their first kid, and was obviously convinced that her husband was nothing more than a successful merchant who happened to know the Countess very well. She was the kind of woman who found her happiness in being a housewife, and while Ritsuko didn't find that appealing, she did understand it at a certain level.

The cheeky little bastard has introduced her as a friend of his mother, and ever since, the wife has treated her like she was the mother of her insurgent. Ritsuko played along, though the narrow gaze she directed at her spy had made him sweat nervously all evening. When they were alone, she had head-slapped him hard enough to make his eyes water, though she left it at that.

“My sources tell me that the local groups of brigands, muggers, disgruntled former soldiers and general malcontents have been disappearing from circulation. At first, I thought you were working the problem, but it is too wide-spread and too few bodies have been turning up. I think someone is recruiting,” he suggested.

“You have the traces of one or more of your sources on your pants,” Ritsuko said dryly, making the young man look down at his crotch. There were some stains there.

“So I do,” agreed the young man easily, grinning.

“Man-whore,” muttered Ritsuko, rolling her eyes. “What do you say to your wife about those suspicious stains?” she asked, a nasty glint in her eyes.

“I tell her I spilled something on my clothes,” he shrugged. Ritsuko gave him an indecipherable look, but said nothing.

“Details,” she ordered instead, focusing on the map.

“Not a lot to go on, Boss,” he admitted, moving to her side and tracing a few routes. “Some scattered sighting of groups moving along these routes, but nothing conclusive. I like your new look, by the way,” he added, grinning at her.

Ritsuko was wearing her battle gown under her cloak, with boots on her feet and her crown on her head. Ritsuko turned to stare at him for a long moment before grabbing his shirt and lifting him off his feet so he was face to face with her. “Keep your dick in your pants, kid,” she warned him, her persona full-on Boss of the Rebellion.

“Yes, Boss!” he gulped. Ritsuko dropped him back to the floor.

“Besides, you already got me in bed once,” she reminded him, something in her tone making him nervous. “Anyway, change of plans,” she directed at her two local agents. “Start looking for these missing criminals and any trace of who might be recruiting. I have a couple of suspects, but it will take me some time arrange for a definitive search. So, let's get to it,” she said, rolling up the map and tucking it away in her traveler's bag.

“You are leaving already, Boss?” blinked the young man.

“Of course,” came the immediate reply. “You need to be beside your wife when she wakes up, or there will be questions you don't want eventually. And cut back on the wenching and whoring, you sorry gigolo.”

“Boss?” he wondered. Ritsuko just brushed past him, her agents already slipping out of the house silently. Ritsuko moved to the window at the end of the hall and easily hopped out of it, even though it was on the second floor. She landed on her air fish, immediately guiding it up and away silently as her agent watched her go, a frown on his face before he closed the shutters and moved to the bedroom, where his wife was sleeping. Entering the room, he silently stripped and eased into the bed, not wanting to wake his wife.

“Dear? Did I hear someone talking earlier?” she asked sleepily, rolling over to cuddle up to him. He swiftly debated his choices before speaking.

“Yes,” he said. “Rimoa left; something came up unexpectedly, and she had to hurry back,” he lied easily. Rimoa was the name he had used to introduce Ritsuko to his wife. It also happened to be the name of a woman merchant in the Elbe kingdom. Should his wife ask, his story would hold up well unless the two actually met; which was unlikely. His wife had been born and raised in Italica, and showed no desire to leave the city.

“It wasn't because of me, was it?” she worried. He smiled ironically in the darkness of their bedroom.

“No, dear, it wasn't,” he assured her. “I believe she is quite satisfied with you,” he added, knowing his wife was worried about making a good impression on the older woman who she pictured at her husband's mother-figure.

“Thank the gods,” sighed his wife before yawning and snuggling closer. “She looks like a strict woman; the kind that does not tolerate shortcomings,” she murmured.

“Really?” mused the young man, thinking of all that Ritsuko had done and taught him and the others, and how absolutely terrifying she could be. “How strange you would get that impression from her.”

Ritsuko eased out from under the arm that lay across her naked chest, carefully extracted herself from the bed and moved silently out of the room. Exiting the building, she had her gun in one hand and a washcloth and small bar of soap in the other. Ritsuko was bound for the bathing area of the Warrior Bunny encampment.

“Once more, you skip the post-sex snuggling,” a voice came from her side. Ritsuko glanced over, finding Gabriella and a silent Rapier approaching.

“So?” murmured Ritsuko. The moon was about to set, the stars dimmed by a high, thin cloud layer. All three women were naked.

“Those two should have been about an eight,” predicted Gabriella.

“Five at best - and that is combined,” Ritsuko muttered as they reached the bathing area. She saw that at least one of her subjects had already bathed that morning, even though it was still in the small hours of the night.

“Oh, come on!” scoffed Gabriella. “What is the excuse this time?” she demanded. “I have seen those two naked and it isn't like you are the only one they flirt with. There is no way that they are a five combined.”

“It isn't an excuse,” Ritsuko said, scooping up a bucket of water from the spring-fed trough and picking an area to bathe at. Gabriella and Rapier followed suite, settling beside her as they began to clean their bodies. “Their skill was average, their focus on me less than good, and they were a one-trick pony as far as teamwork went,” she critiqued the last two males to make it into her bed. “I am releasing them for breeding or fun to anyone who wants them in the morning,” she added.

“Even though the older one had a nice, big dick?” lilted Gabriella.

“It was long, Gabs, but thin. There is a term in my word for guys like him - pencil-dick,” she related. “Sure, he got deep, but that is less important than girth when it comes to making it feel good. And he just didn't have it,” she shrugged. “As for the younger one, he was a bit thicker, but shorter, too. Guess I should be glad they were needle-dicks, though, given how much they wanted to ass-fuck me,” she noted casually, washing her groin with her soapy washcloth.

“You let them do that? Even though you don't like to do it?” Rapier asked. Ritsuko shrugged.

“They really wanted it, and it wasn't like I haven't taken it in the backdoor before,” she said.

“Why are you allowing men into your bed, if that is your mindset?” asked Rapier. Ritsuko didn't answer.

“If I can find a guy with a long, thick dick, you should be fine sleeping after several rounds of sex, right?” Gabriella cut in.

“Gabs, this isn't about me. And I have never been able to sleep well when a man is in my bed after my time as a slave. Leave it alone,” she urged. Finishing up her clean-up, Ritsuko stood. “I'm going for a walk,” she said, moving away from them, back toward her home in the camp. Moments later, she re-emerged, a jog top on, a loincloth on her hips and her gun-belt around her waist. Ritsuko loped off into the dark grasslands around the camp.

“I don't know, Gabs, this doesn't seem to be working,” Rapier said softly as the headed back toward the house they shared in the camp. Milliea was probably still sleeping in their bed, but that was fine with them.

“I'm not so sure of that,” Gabs said, making her way right to the house Ritsuko lived in when she was in residence. It was by no means a palace, or even a simple house. Half tent, half crude mud bricks, it was nevertheless the Queen's home in the Warrior Bunny lands. Marching into the room, she studied the two sleeping males in Ritsuko's bed. “Useless,” she muttered before kicking them harder than necessary to wake them. “Get up, you two limp-dicks,” she growled.

“Wha…Ritsuko?” they blinked.

“She's long gone,” sneered Gabs. “As for you two, your poor performance last night got you relegated to breeding and pleasure duty for her bunny girls. Get your clothes and get the fuck out before she comes back and kills you,” grunted Gabs. The two blinked at each other, not moving.

“She said `get out',” a voice came from the door. The two elven women turned to see Parna in the doorway, naked and fur damp, her ears erect, though her left one was cut. “You two dark elf boys failed to please my queen, so you are no longer allowed in her home,” stated the Warrior Bunny. “I will tell the tribe that you are available for pleasure or breeding as they choose. But never come in this house again without my Queen's express invitation or I will kill you,” she warned ominously. The two dark elf men - both barely over two hundred years old - scrambled around for their things.

“Hope it was worth it,” Rapier grunted.

“What?” wondered the older of the two.

“Pressing her for anal,” grunted Rapier. “I swear, you two are dumber than shit on the ground,” she snorted before leaving.

“She didn't object,” the younger one said.

“Of course she didn't,” Parna snarled. “But you should have known better than to push her,” added the former whore. After making sure the two dark elf men left her house, the two elven women returned to their house, finding that Milliea was missing as well.

“At least she lets Milliea close to her,” Gabs murmured.

“Does she?” replied Rapier, just as softly.

When Ritsuko reappeared nearly two hours later, drenched in sweat and panting softly, she bathed again before dressing in her battle gown and getting the day started for the camp. While the others ate breakfast in the first full light of the day, Ritsuko was going over a map in her house, a notepad open next to her and a cup of her tea next to her elbow. Panache and Beefeater found her that way when they reported to her, Ritsuko having sent for them.

“My Lady?” Panache asked.

“Gear up; we have a trip to make,” she ordered. The two waited. “Go,” she said, giving them a look that promised pain if they lingered. The two hurried to get their gear.

“Did she eat?” wondered Beefeater.

“Not that I saw,” Panache replied. “But I am sure she must have eaten before we awoke,” she added. “More to the point, those two dark elves who were hanging around her are gone. What do you think happened?” asked the platinum blonde.

“They followed her into her house last night,” Beefeater noted.

“Both of them?” asked Panache, blushing a little. Beefeater nodded. “Do you think she…?” hinted Panache. Beefeater shrugged.

“Seems likely,” admitted the knight. Her eyes glanced over, hearing some laughter from a little ways away. Looking over, she saw a group of Warrior Bunnies talking with each other. Nudging her partner, Beefeater guided Panache closer to the group of bunny-women. She noticed that they all had their left ears cut, signifying that they had been slaves or prisoners. Her experience at the hands of any Warrior Bunny with both her ears intact had proven to be harsh, while the ones with their left ears cut tended to be somewhat nicer. Of course, there were exceptions - like Parna, whose left ear was cut but treated them like the others without cut ears. She had heard that Parna cut her own left ear nearly a year after the fall of the Warrior Bunny kingdom to Prince Zorzal. It was apparent that Delilah and Mamina were close friends of hers.

Drifting to a stop a small distance away from the group of Warrior Bunny women, they listened carefully to the not-quiet-but-not-loud conversation. “Queen Ritsuko kicked those two elf men out of her bed,” one of them was saying eagerly.

“Are you sure?” asked another. The first nodded.

“I heard it from Parna herself,” she nearly bragged. “They are fair game, girls,” she purred, licking her lips.

“Our Queen has very high standards,” a third noted, frowning a little. “I mean, she has not had a single male in her bed for more than one night in a row. I am worried about her, if she is so picky,” the older Warrior Bunny said.

“She is our Queen; she gets to be as picky as she likes,” snorted the first. “And unlike the previous Queen, she is generous with men, too,” she grinned hungrily.

“That bothers me a little, as well,” chimed in yet another. “She is the Queen, and her leftovers should first go to the Captains of her Royal Guard - like Delilah and Mamina and Sarina - before being offered to the other Warriors and finally us, but she just offers those men to us as a group. She should follow tradition and ranks,” insisted the bunny-woman.

“Our Queen is human by birth, so she doesn't have the same view of traditions,” disagreed the first. “Besides, she is rebuilding our clan from near-extinction, so our traditions will have to change some if we are to rebuild our nation. Besides, some of the men she had given us have been prime breeding specimens,” she giggled lustily.

A burst of similar sentiment rippled through the group. “But that brings up another point,” insisted one of the group. “Our Queen has lain with many men, but she hasn't conceived yet. That's not good,” she insisted.

“Again, she is human by birth, so she probably isn't as fertile as we are,” the older one responded. “Besides, she is still young and leading the fighting, so it is for the best if she holds off on producing heirs.”

“Even human women get pregnant,” insisted the other. “Maybe the gods disapprove of her,” she suggested.

“Say that again, cut-ear,” came a furious growl. “I dare you to disrespect our Queen like that again!” Parna and another Warrior Bunny - this one with both her ears intact and standing erect - were standing less than two steps behind the one who had been speaking, both wearing their battle gowns and with hands on their swords.

“P…Parna, Sarina,” the gossiping bunny-woman stammered. “I didn't mean any disrespect…!”

“Be silent,” commanded Sarina. She was a Warrior Bunny who had black hair with white highlights, her skin darker, eyes lighter and her face more angular than most Warrior Bunny women, suggesting some interesting breeding in her past. “You should be fortunate that our Queen is willing to accept those such as you who cut their ears rather than fight to the death or escape to seek vengeance against those responsible. You have shamed your clans and heritage, and yet our Queen forgave you for that. How do you repay her? By gossiping about her behind her back,” sneered the dark Warrior Bunny.

“What about Parna, who cut her own ear?” demanded another of the group. “She was not captured, nor was she sold as a slave. She cut her own ear and sold herself as a whore, yet you treat her as a Warrior!”

Parna stepped into the group, her leg lashing out and sending the other Warrior Bunny to the ground. “You want to see why?” Parna asked, pulling out a knife and tossing it to the ground next to the bunny-girl. “Pick up that blade and I will show you why I am treated as I am,” she invited. “I did cut my ear, but it was in despair and desperation. Our Queen had betrayed us, we were scattered and so few of us remained in the fight that it seemed hopeless. But then, we got a new Queen; one worthy of the crown, and I remembered my pride as a member of the Royal Guard, my pride in being one of the last to still fight the Empire, and I regained my true self. You and those like you have not done even that.”

“And yet, they still serve the clan,” came the voice of Ritsuko, making them all flinch. Their Queen was standing unobtrusively by one of the crude structures, watching with an indecipherable look on her face. “Pick up your knife, Parna, and get back to your duties. This goes for all of you as well. And I want it understood that fighting in the ranks will not be tolerated. Do I make myself perfectly clear?” she asked, her eyes raking the group with a gaze that seemed to sear their flesh.

“Yes, Queen Ritsuko!” the entire group shouted, saluting her.

“As for you two,” Ritsuko turned to where Panache and Beefeater had been watching, stunned into immobility, “if you have time to be eavesdropping on discussions that do not concern you, then you obviously are bored and need more to keep yourselves occupied. Fortunately, I have plenty more to teach you,” she smiled, making the two tremble, their knees threatening to buckle. “Follow me, girls,” she purred, crooking a finger at the two.

“Y…yes!” they exclaimed as they hurried after the obviously-grumpy red-head. Sarina caught movement, spotting the armored elf girl moving to intercept Ritsuko. The dark-furred Warrior Bunny smiled slightly.

The group had just started to break up when the two dark elf males came looking for the Queen. “Morning, girls,” smiled the older of the two, smiling at the Warrior Bunny women.

“Drop dead, thin-dick,” sneered Parna.

The men ignored the icy greeting, since more than a few of the cut-eared girls seemed receptive to them. “Have any of you seen your Queen this morning?” he asked.

“If it is death you desire, I can accommodate you,” Sarina offered. “Because if my Queen sees you two, death is the most likely thing she will give you, and there is no point in bothering her with so minor a task.”

“Oh, I doubt she would be unhappy to see us,” disagreed the spokesman of the two.

“After you failed to please her in bed last night, I disagree,” smirked Parna. From behind her, near the edge of the camp, came a faint shriek from behind a rapidly-climbing air fish. It seemed that Ritsuko was going to go somewhere more private to beat the living crap out of the two knights. The thought made Parna smile. Imperial knights were not well liked in the camp, by and large, the memory of five years before still too fresh in the minds of most Warrior Bunny women.

Focusing back on the group, she found several of the cut-ears were flirting with the dark elf men. Shaking her head, Parna and Sarina reminded the others that they had work to do and they could fuck on their own time before moving toward their own tasks. Which was training in the new way of fighting Ritsuko was teaching them.

Back in the center of camp, other Warrior Bunny women were tending to the domestic chores. One of those was kitchen duty. The young Warrior Bunny girl - barely nine years old - who was in charge of taking food to the Queen and the Captains of the Royal Guard and bringing the dishes back for washing - entered her Queen's quarters, finding the cup of tea almost empty. Picking it up, she hurried back to where her mother was working in the cooking area. “Mom, Queen Ritsuko didn't finish her tea. May I drink the rest of it?” she asked eagerly, showing her mother the remains of the tea. To get to drink the rest of the Queen's tea was quite an opportunity for her. She - like many of the youngest Warrior Bunny girls - worshipped their new Queen, who seemed infallible and invincible to them.

“You shouldn't,” warned another of the women who worked in the kitchen area.

The young warrior bunny girl frowned. “Why not? The Queen left on her flying fish already, and the tea is left-over. I don't think she would want us to waste it,” she argued.

“It isn't that,” replied the older demi-human. “If you asked her, I suspect our Queen would give you the battle gown off her back. The problem is the tea.”

“How do you mean?” wondered the young bunny-girl's mother.

“I cannot say more, but I wouldn't drink any of that if I were you,” sighed the older Warrior Bunny. The others in the kitchen group gathered around, having heard the warning.

“What is wrong with the tea?” asked the Warrior Bunny in charge of the kitchen staff. “If the others think the Queen is being poisoned or drugged, they will kill us all, you know,” she reminded them of the ferocious loyalty Ritsuko engendered in her fighting bunnies. The older woman shook her head.

“They would if it were true,” she argued. “But this tea is the Queen's own blend, and she will drink little else, so we are in no danger of being labeled traitors, no matter the effect of the tea.”

“What is the problem with the tea?” asked the leader, her tone harder.

“You do not smell it?” asked the older Warrior Bunny. The demi-human women all crowded around the cup of nearly-empty tea, sniffing intently.

“It smells herbal,” noted one.

“And it has a sharp scent, too,” noted another.

“It contains mantis flower leaves,” said the older Warrior Bunny quietly. Only one other seemed to understand what was being said.

“What does mantis flower do?” wondered the youngest of the group, still holding the cup. Shaking her head, the older one took the cup, tossing the remaining tea onto the grass.

“Do not speak of this again; to anyone,” warned the older woman, “unless you want to see a civil war erupt; or a slaughter. Now, we have a lot of work to do, and the day passes.” She clapped her hands, the others going back to their tasks. Before the youngest of them could leave - her ears having dropped in disappointment - the older woman put her hand on her shoulder. “As for you, little one,” smiled the older Warrior Bunny, “tonight, if the Queen is back, you will take her food to her. When you do, ask her if she will share a meal with you. See what happens,” winked the older Warrior Bunny. The young girl's ears perked up immediately.

“Ok!” she chirped, smiling widely before hurrying away. The older bunny-woman smiled a little before it faded.

“Assuming she comes back tonight; or this week,” she murmured to herself before turning back to her own tasks.

“Pina.”

The Empress jerked in surprise, spinning to see Ritsuko standing casually just inside her windows in her private bath. The younger red-head was naked, having just gotten out of her bath, the thin cotton gown having slipped off her form when she spun around to see who had spoken her name. The two body servants in the room hurried between Pina and the stranger.

“You are dismissed,” Pina ordered the two, waving them off. They gave her a questioning look, but did as ordered. “And you are not to speak of this to anyone,” added Pina. Ritsuko padded toward her silently as the servants left the room. “What brings you here, Ritsuko?” asked Pina.

“You do,” replied Ritsuko, stepping into Pina until Pina's bare breasts pressed against Ritsuko's larger breasts encased in her royal battle gown. Pina stepped back nervously, Ritsuko shadowing her silently, until Pina bumped into a wall, leaving her pinned between the wall and Ritsuko, who was practically pressing her to the wall. Leaning forward and down slightly, Ritsuko brought her face to Pina's, her lips practically brushing the other red-head's lips. “Or more accurately, your family brings me here.”

“M…my family?” blinked Pina, feeling Ritsuko's breath on her lips and the heat of the other woman through the battle gown, her nipples hardening even as she felt herself growing warmer in her lower belly.

“Your only surviving brother, Diabo,” Ritsuko said before stepping back, a half-smile on her lips. “Or did you think I came here to seduce you?” she asked playfully. Pina was panting slightly, her thighs trembling a little and her nipples hard as rock. Ritsuko picked up the cotton gown and returned to Pina, gently pulling her away from the wall and getting the gown on her.

“The thought…crossed my mind,” Pina managed, blushing.

“So I noticed,” Ritsuko replied. “But we have business to discuss,” she said, closing out the teasing and flirting. “For instance, why is Diabo the dip-shit gathering up brigands, murders, thieves and former soldiers? What do you know of this, Pina?” asked the older red-head.

“I know nothing of it, Ritsuko,” Pina protested. “I have not heard from my older brother in quite some time. In fact, the last time I spoke with him, he was fleeing the capital for his life. He talked of raising an army or seeking help from beyond the Gate to overthrow Zorzal, but I doubt he has done either,” she admitted.

“What makes you say that?” asked Ritsuko.

“Because he is big brother Diabo,” shrugged Pina, as if that explained everything.

“You do realize that your family tree is nothing more to me than a bad experience and names, right?” prompted Ritsuko. “Though I could easily convince myself that the world would be better off without any of your family blood left un-spilled save yours,” added the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies grimly. Pina gulped. Damn you to the deepest hells, Zorzal, she thought fleetingly.

“Big brother Diabo is prone to over-thinking things to the point of insanity,” Pina began, restlessly moving toward her bedroom, Ritsuko pacing her easily; silently. “In fact, he often fails to act because he is too busy trying to figure out every possible outcome of every decision or action. Zorzal was the opposite, of course,” she sighed.

“No doubt,” came the dark reply from Ritsuko. Pina decided that was more than enough on the topic of her dead older brother.

“Diabo just isn't the type to actually do something like that; too many variables, too much hands-on. In the end, he is an idea maker and organizer, not a leader or strategist,” pronounced Pina. “I find it beyond unimaginable for him to be trying to make an army out of left-overs like that, let alone being able to find an ally beyond the Gate. The Men in Green completely control it, do they not? Why would they allow him to communicate with their rivals on the other side of the Gate?” she wondered aloud.

“It isn't that simple,” Ritsuko said as Pina dropped down to sit on her bed, the gown falling open to reveal her naked body. “As you might have learned from your own trip through the Gate, there are political considerations on the other side even as there are here. One of the problems is that the other nations want to plunder this world of resources; and the politicians involved are little different from the ones here, in the end. I suspect that the Haryo are once more manipulating events. I have it on good authority that the misshapen little fucks betrayed my predecessor and have no real concept of `collateral damage'. They are dangerous, Pina, and if they are in play again, something will have to be done. Are you prepared for that?” asked the older red-head.

“Like what?” asked Pina nervously, licking her lips.

“Like you might be the last living member of your family before this is done,” replied Ritsuko bluntly. “Like seeing what modern warfare looks like before this is done. Like mountains of corpses and the loss of this world if your idiot brother and his little buddies succeed in bringing in another player from the other side of the Gate. That kind of `like', Pina.” Pina considered the other woman's words, slowly beginning to tremble. She, of all the nobles and leaders in her Empire, understood the true scope of the threat they had foolishly brought down on themselves. Losing strength in her body, she fell back on her bed, shivering.

“I…I…” she tried. She felt something brush her thighs, and blinked away the gathering tears in her eyes to see that Ritsuko had stepped to her bed, kneeling with her legs on the outsides of her own thighs, and leaned forward over her to look her in the eyes. Her legs feels so strong, yet her skin is soft and smooth, Pina thought absently, feeling the warmth from Ritsuko's body once more penetrate her own, driving the chill in her soul away.

“It might not come to it, but you better be prepared for if it does,” Ritsuko said, once more all but pressing her body full-length against Pina's. “If it does come to it, I will likely be doing most of the heavy lifting, as it were,” added the Queen, her lips just brushing Pina's lips. “Just keep in mind that you are part of an alliance, and that the good of your subjects is your first concern. You are not alone, Pina.”

A fingertip traced along Pina's cheek and down her neck, then Ritsuko was gone, standing once more. “But there is something else that you need to consider,” Ritsuko said.

“Wh…what is that?” asked Pina.

“What happens to you and the Empire if the Gate closes again,” Ritsuko said. “You should give your plans some thought. If the JSDF is cut off from the Empire, it leaves you in a vulnerable state in regard to many of your enemies, both personal and as a ruler. You are on that throne because you picked the winning side of the fight. Make sure you can keep your throne and head if you lose that god-like power gained from that alliance. Of course, you wouldn't lose all of the power granted by the JSDF, so long as you remain aligned with me. Some thought on that is recommended.”

“The Gate might…close?” breathed Pina, suddenly considering the ramifications.

“Oh, it isn't a question of `might',” Ritsuko said quietly. “It is a question of `when' and who is left on which side of it.”

“Captain?”

Itami turned to look at Kuribayashi, the CQB specialist watching her unit leader, a strange look on his face. “Yes, sergeant?” he answered her.

“What is going on, sir?” she asked bluntly. Behind her, the rest of the JSDF members who had started out with him in Recon Three were silently asking the same question; even Kurokawa, the tall medic wearing an odd expression.

“Didn't your read your orders?” he asked the group. “You have a three week leave in Japan. Congratulations on a job well done, team!” he cheered them. None of them reacted.

“Why now? Why us? What is going on, Captain?” Kurokawa asked. Itami sighed as if it was an odious chore to answer; which it might have been for the resident escape artist.

“We have been in combat or on special operations since we got here. The brass is worried about combat fatigue - like what America is seeing in its soldiers in the Middle East - so they are implementing a leave rotation to help alleviate the problem. Our team has been selected as one of the first units to be rotated for R&R back home. I thought you all would be ecstatic about it,” he frowned at them.

“It's too suspicious,” snorted Kuribayashi. “Besides, I signed up to fight,” she added, grinning.

“Brainless chibi tit-monster,” muttered more than one of the team.

“Who said that?!” roared the shortest of their unit. Recently, there had been debate about rather or not Kuribayashi had cheated to make the minimum height requirements to join the JSDF.

“Putting that aside,” Kurokawa cut in smoothly, “Why us, sir? We have not completed our last two missions, you know,” she noted.

“We were recalled, so the missions are complete,” argued Itami.

“Bullshit,” Kuwabara grunted. “We all know better. Nodachi is still out there, and there are the…other issues,” he edited himself, knowing that privacy was not assured. “And I note you did not receive leave,” he pointed out.

“Ah, well, I was a bad boy and so the General didn't grant me leave,” Itami offered, smiling sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head.

“Setting aside your personality, sir,” Sasagawa joined the discussion, “you have more accomplishments in this world than any other officer. Why no leave for you?”

“Ah, but the accomplishments are because of the men - and women! - under my command,” countered Itami. “Besides, I am saving up my leave for comiket!” he declared grandly. None of his unit bought it.

“I spoke with Tuka-san earlier,” noted Kurata. “She seemed surprised we were being given leave.”

“Well, it is a different world,” began Itami. “The workers at the PX Store didn't know what `paid vacation' was either…”

“Stop treating us like idiots, sir,” interjected Kurokawa. “Lelei has been spending every waking moment in the enclosure, Rory brought in that crazy old woman from Rondel, Tuka and Yao have been flying around on choppers like they are trying to build frequent flier miles, and you have missed two doujinshi events, which Risa-san says indicates you might be dying. What is going on, sir?” she repeated herself.

“Nothing is going on,” insisted Itami, giving them his best idiot look.

“We both know that is a lie,” a voice interrupted them. The entire group flinched at the unexpected voice, turning to see a grinning Delilah standing behind them practically close enough to touch them. She wasn't wearing her waitress half-apron, nor was she wearing her casual clothes. Instead, the Warrior Bunny was wearing her personal battle gown, paint on her face and body, weapons all over her. More than half the group stepped back from her. She had been dressed that way when she tried to assassinate Noriko, after all.

“Delilah, what can we do for you?” Itami asked.

“I need to speak to the General on…official business,” the Warrior Bunny said, sweeping the group with her eyes. “So, your unit is taking a break? Good. They will need it,” she said casually as Itami stood. Together, the two headed for the command building, where the light was on in Hazama's office.

“Well, get your gear together and pack - you transfer to Japan at oh five forty five tomorrow,” Itami said to his team. “And one more thing - enjoy your leave!” he ordered them as he walked away.

“We're being treated like mushrooms,” grumbled Kuribayashi.

“Should we refuse the leave?” wondered Sasagawa.

“No,” came the immediate reply from Kuwahara. Their Sergeant Major was not one who was disobeyed; even by higher-ranked officers. “We have been ordered on leave, and we will obey orders,” he stated, giving the group his best Sergeant Major glare. They all capitulated to the unspoken authority in that gaze. “In particular, those with family will visit them. Is that clear?” he warned them. They all nodded. “Then fall out and be ready for leave oh five forty five tomorrow. Dismissed!” he grunted. The group separated, leaving Kurokawa staring at him.

“That goes double for you, Kurokawa,” the sergeant major grunted. “You are the medic, and you have family. When it comes time, you will need to be rested and focused on what will be going on. As a sergeant, you should know this already,” he lectured her.

“So, you see it, too,” murmured the medic.

“We are soldiers, Kurokawa,” the oldest man in the unit said quietly. “You knew the risks when you signed up.”

“And if the risks are not what I expected them to be?” wondered the tall medic.

“That changes nothing, girl,” grunted the sergeant major. “Go back to Japan, visit your family, pay your respects to your ancestors and if you are so inclined, get laid. That way, when it comes time, you are ready and will have no regrets if it doesn't go well.”

While the team was preparing for their three week leave, Delilah was speaking with the General; and he wasn't liking what he was hearing. “And your Queen is sure of this?” he asked for the third time.

Delilah shrugged. “As sure as we can be without finding the main body, killing them all and counting them,” she smiled easily. Hazama grunted, considering the ramifications. Itami was uncharacteristically quiet. “So, what has Lelei found out about the Gate?” Delilah asked casually. “Our estimates are based on conjecture, but we figure the party is about to end,” she hinted.

“You think of this as a party?” he asked instead of answer the question. Delilah shrugged, saying nothing. Finally, Hazama sighed. “Delilah, I want to have a face-to-face meeting with your Queen as soon as possible. Can you arrange that?” he asked.

“Perhaps, but my Queen is a very busy woman,” Delilah replied.

“Obviously,” muttered Hazama.

“And I doubt she will agree to come here. There are…reasons,” Delilah noted.

“And I suspect she doesn't want to have me come to her any more than she is willing to come here,” Hazama anticipated. Delilah nodded.

“She said to tell you that while she is sure your drones have been quite busy, they should stay away from us or they might have accidents,” her eyes glittered as she said that. Hazama said nothing. “As a personal observation, general,” she offered, “your flying swords are not safe from our defenses, either. Keep that in mind, hmm?”

“Elven magic seems quite versatile indeed,” Hazama fished. There was less than no reaction from Delilah. “The meeting with Ritsuko?” he reminded her.

“I will ask,” was all he got. “But it might mean a trip for you to a place you might not like,” she warned him.

“Life is full of risks,” he chuckled. I am sure that she isn't our enemy; even if she might not be our friend, he thought silently. “Can you arrange the meeting before two weeks have passed?” he asked.

“Oh, a challenge,” grinned Delilah, flicking an ear. “I like challenges,” she breathed softly before turning for the door. “Keep the map,” she said, her tail flicking a time or two, drawing attention to her magnificent ass, which was well-displayed by her battle gown. Even a married man like himself had to admit the Warrior Bunny had a truly superior ass.

“So they set a time?” Itami asked, having read between the lines. Hazama nodded.

“I set up the leaves so your unit would return through the Gate - if it is still working! - with the delegates. Since your unit is assigned to watch over them, it makes sense to keep an eye on them from the very start.”

Itami nodded, not liking it. “General, sir, I would like to ask if it is possible to keep the members of my team with family in Japan either on the other side of the Gate, or at least here in Alnus Station. If the Gate does go down, I would prefer to only have those without families in the line of fire, as it were.”

“Impossible, Itami,” Hazama said. “I can probably find an excuse to keep a couple of them there, but not all of them - we need them too badly. Your team is literally irreplaceable in this situation.”

Itami said nothing, frowning at the hidden message. He knew that if - when - the Gate went down, it could be centuries before it opened, and it would probably open to another dimension, like it had every time before. Those who didn't make it through would be trapped here; forever. While he wasn't sure he would mind, exactly, he was sure he was a special case, being without family as such. Risa had divorced him, his mother was insane, and he was an otaku, which made him the perfect candidate for being trapped here forever. People like Kuribayashi who had family and weren't otakus would probably not react as well.

“By the way, Itami, I have a special project for you, courtesy of the Foreign Ministry,” Hazama said. Itami groaned. “Don't be that way. You are to set up the procedure for returning all prisoners of the Ginza Incident to this side of the Gate. Work with Pina or whoever she appoints, make it happen, and make it fast,” Hazama ordered.

“Have you heard anything about your promotion, sir?” wondered Itami. Hazama gave him a thin smile.

“It should have been this week, but I managed to bog things down with a little creative interference. It should take the high command at least a few months to cut through the red tape I generated and the interference I set up. But time is pressing us, Itami,” he warned him. Itami didn't disagree.

“What do you suppose Ritsuko is planning to do about this mess?” Itami thought aloud.

“I have a few ideas,” Hazama sighed. “Which is why I want a face-to-face with her if possible.”

Ritsuko yawned. “So, you up for it or not?” she asked.

“I am considering it,” replied Airi, studying the two nervous-looking knights before her. Panache and Beefeater had been on the go since that morning two days ago, and neither had slept much more than a few hours while moving on air fish. For some reason, Ritsuko and Milliea didn't seem overly tired, unlike the two knights, who were practically dead on their feet. Since they had been hurried off, they had only the clothes on their backs, as well. “But you two need to bathe; and immediately,” stated Airi, frowning at the two knights.

“Yes, my lady,” they both said unison. Flicking a hand, Airi had Persephone lead them to the baths.

“And you, Ritsuko, need a good meal and sleep; lots of it,” Airi said.

“I'll sleep when I'm dead,” came the surly reply. Airi sighed, feeling her son wiggle in her arms.

“You will sleep now, Ritsuko; after a good meal. You, too, Milliea,” she said to the swordswoman. Ritsuko gave her a half-smirk.

“Mommy voice doesn't work on me, Airi. It never has,” she murmured before yawning again. “Besides, I don't have a home here anymore, and you know I won't sleep in your bed,” she reminded Airi of her intense dislike of sleeping in a bed a man had slept with Airi in.

“I was thinking of Liseria's bed, actually,” Airi said, smiling a little. “I can promise you that no man has ever slept in it; certainly not with her.”

“Of course not,” this time, the smile was sharp and dangerous. “But that would cause talk. A former countess sneaking into the Queen's bedroom in the middle of the night…” she giggled a little.

She is more tired than I thought, if she is that loopy already, Airi thought to herself. “No one will know, as you won't get caught and Venus and Artemis will never speak of anything that may happen in the Queen's bedroom. I will have some thick soup sent to you there,” Airi said, flicking a hand at Hecate, who slipped out of the room. The loyal body servant had been on night duty with Airi's young son when Ritsuko had arrived out of a thick snowstorm, a small party in tow. In the other room, Airi's husband was either asleep or very wisely giving an award-winning performance of being asleep.

“Have those two shown to an available servant's quarters,” Ritsuko said, making it to her feet. “Come on, Milliea, bath and then bed,” she said, the elf nodding.

“We will be along in a bit,” Gabriella said, Rapier nodding. In moments, the two were gone.

“You have something to share,” stated Airi, seeing the two lag behind. “I can only presume it is about Ritsuko.”

“Well, yes,” Gabriella replied. Airi indicated she was listening even as she freed her breasts to feed her son, who was beginning to fuss. Latching on, the infant settled back down. “How should we put this?” wondered Gabriella aloud.

“In the last few months, Ritsuko has begun to accept advances from men,” Rapier said. “But every time, regardless of what race or how many she takes to bed, she kicks them out the next morning. Any idea why?”

Airi blinked.

“Yeah, that about sums it up,” Gabriella admitted. “And a few times now, we have caught her dancing and singing with the Warrior Bunnies, but for some reason, it just feels…sad.”

“I see,” Airi murmured. “Please tell me you two aren't pressuring her into sleeping with men.”

“Not directly, no,” Gabriella replied.

“If we happen to see a handsome man, we will make note of him to her, but beyond that, not at all,” confirmed Rapier. “Her Warrior Bunnies are far more direct. More than once, they have nearly forcibly dragged a male over and asked her if she had any interest in bedding him. That tends to result in…excitement,” the elf admitted.

“I have been told of a hierarchy in the Warrior Bunny ranks that would make Ritsuko - as the Queen - the one who has the first pick of any males deemed suitable for breeding or for entertainment. Ritsuko has always been very responsible and takes her work seriously. I worry this could well be what is driving her actions. Earlier, you said `regardless of race'. What has she slept with, or do I even want to know?”

“Well, humans, dark elves, cat-men, we think maybe a wolf-man, but we aren't sure,” admitted Gabriella. Airi blinked again.

“And the `how many' part?” she asked.

“Well, the dark elves were a pair of brothers, but the rest were likely single,” Rapier said. “I still think they should have scored higher, idiocy notwithstanding,” she said as an aside to Gabriella. “They were handsome enough,” she mused.

“Not for her, apparently,” snorted Gabriella.

“What is this?” Airi wondered.

“Well, it is part of that thing about one-night stands,” Gabriella explained. “She has never given a single man a satisfactory performance evaluation; and at least a couple of them should have been near perfect, too! I know that cat-man knew how to work a woman,” she grinned.

“Your scale and hers are obviously calibrated differently,” Airi said. “You should know that Ritsuko had her first several times with a boy she really, really liked; probably even loved. Then, she spent years being the sexual plaything of a bunch of asshole slavers. So, her high score is very high and her failing score sits higher than most. Also, she is still not done processing her emotional traumas, so that is complicating things,” mused Airi. A thought occurred to her. “Is she taking steps to prevent pregnancy?” she asked.

“Yeah, she is using a special tea and most of the men she makes wear some strange thing that she got from the JSDF people over there,” Gabriella assured the actress. “Though, that might just be for the human men; she has cleaned her womanhood of male seed more than a few times.”

Airi wasn't sure how she felt about this latest news, as it could be good news, or bad news. She was glad that Ritsuko was sleeping with men again, though she worried it was not for the reasons she hoped it was - that being that Ritsuko had finally processed through her emotional trauma from being abused as a slave for years. If it was because Ritsuko felt she had to due to her position, things would only get worse. “Tell me about the dancing,” she said instead.

“The Warrior Bunnies seem to be a rather happy-go-lucky bunch when not killing each other or their enemies. At least once a month, they have group parties, usually involving drinking, dancing, singing and then lots of sex. Usually Ritsuko makes a point to be out in the field when these come up, but lately, she has been participating in so far as she has been dancing around the fire with her subjects, and also singing,” Gabriella replied. “Hell, even Milliea has been seen dancing and singing,” she smiled.

“She has a surprisingly good voice,” Rapier noted.

“Ritsuko did say she loved to hang out with her friends at karaoke places, and I know she likes going to clubs from time to time. Sometime, I will tell you about her stories of her trip to Okinawa, in the other Japan,” she mused to herself, switching her son to her other breast as she processed new information. “Is she still shacking up with women?” wondered Airi.

“Not sure, but she does like to sleep with us or one of her bunnies when possible,” admitted Gabriella. “Other than some flirting and teasing, though, I haven't gotten her to have sex with me; and I don't think anyone else in our group has either except you.”

Airi blinked. “You think Ritsuko and I…” she began, only to stop, shaking her head. “If Ritsuko were to have sex with any of us, it would be Milliea,” she murmured thoughtfully.

“That is our thought, too, but we haven't found anything remotely resembling proof of that,” sighed Rapier. “And you know Milliea can't keep a secret from us to save her life,” she added, smiling a little.

“True,” allowed Airi. “What else have you been up to over there?” she asked. Gabriella and Rapier were late to bed while Ritsuko and Milliea slipped into Liseria's room and into the Queen's bed, the three cuddled up together.

Pina frowned at the letter in her hand. “Where did this come from?” she asked Hamilton, who could only shrug, as she knew nothing more than Pina did about the origins of the letter. Looking at the seal, she didn't recognize it. From the size and shape, it was a ring signet, not a formal seal usually used in official communications. Tugging on the string, she broke the seal and unfolded the letter.

“Diabo,” she breathed, recognizing the handwriting. Hamilton's eyes widened a bit. The missing older brother of her Lady was a serious topic for the Empire. Reading the letter, Pina frowned, her expression troubled.

“My lady?” Hamilton hinted.

“Big brother Diabo claims he has raised an army and secured alliances beyond the Gate. He wants to meet with me to discuss the Empire's future,” Pina summarized the letter.

“It is a trap, my Lady,” Hamilton said earnestly. “You know as well as I do that if you go to meet him, he will either force you to abdicate the throne or kill you. And this army of his is likely mostly brigands, criminals and the left-overs of the Battle of Alnus who slipped away, so the Imperial Legions should have little trouble with them.”

“Yes, Hamilton, I know all that,” sighed Pina. “It isn't that part that bothers me,” she admitted.

“Then, what does bother you, my Lady?” Hamilton wondered.

“The handwriting is Diabo's, but the…feel of the letter is…not right. The turn of some phrases, unusual word choices…even the overall tone of the letter feels…off,” Pina grasped for a way to describe the unease she felt after reading the letter.

“Maybe someone was dictating for him while he wrote?” hazarded Hamilton.

“Why would someone dictate his own letter to him?” Pina blinked in confusion.

“It is not uncommon for staff to help their leaders with composing speeches, letters and decrees. Your late father hired professional scribes and writers to help him compose official letters, and Zorzal had that Warrior Bunny helping him compose his legal drafts and letters. Why would Diabo be any different?” Hamilton explained.

“Because it is Diabo,” Pina replied simply. “He is nearly paranoid of others learning his plans, he takes great pride in his penmanship and is, in fact, a published poet under a pseudonym. He would never let someone dictate his own letter to him; and certainly not one to me. I think this is something different,” Pina suggested.

“But, what, my Lady?” Hamilton asked.

“I do not know,” Pina sighed. “But I do need to speak with some people,” she murmured, standing abruptly from her desk. “My armor and have my horse saddled,” she commanded Hamilton, who hurried off. While Hamilton was working on the tasks she had been given, Pina was quickly writing a letter. Finished, she folded and sealed it before ringing a bell. A moment later, a young page entered the office.

“My Lady?” he asked, kneeling briefly.

“Have this delivered by bird to Italica. Quickly,” Pina ordered, handing him the letter. The young boy ran off. With that done, she left her office, heading for her rooms to don her armor. In her room, Hamilton was waiting, her armor laid out beside Pina's own. Without pause, Pina shed her casual toga-like gown, leaving her naked as she began to put on the under-tunic and breeches she wore under her armor, Hamilton assisting her with the armor. When Pina was done, she quickly helped Hamilton into her own armor, the two heading straight for the stable, where four horses were waiting. They would rotate mounts as they rode to maintain speed over distance. Pina made a mental note to ask for lessons on driving one of the iron carriages the JSDF used and to buy one if possible for her use. After all, she knew that Lelei drove one frequently, so it shouldn't be something she couldn't learn as well.

“Were do we ride to, my Lady?” Hamilton asked.

“First to Italica, then on to Alnus Hill,” Pina said.

“What of your appointments and the Senate sessions?” Hamilton asked.

“They can talk until they are blue in the face, but without my seal, nothing happens,” smirked Pina. She had learned a lot from Ritsuko and Airi about ruling, leadership and politics. “Besides, I have eyes and ears in many places, and will know what they try before they try it,” she bragged, the two urging their mounts to a brisk walk out of the palace grounds and toward the eastern gate of the capital. To the side, they could see the scaffolding surrounding the senate building as the sound of hammers on stone echoed through the city. Glancing up, Pina saw the thin, straight line in the sky that she had been taught to look for. It indicated that the Men in Green were watching from above. Ritsuko had taught her more than just how to work a gun; though she got the very distinct impression that Ritsuko had not even begun to teach her a fraction of what the other red-head knew. In minutes, the two were through the gate and Pina urged them to a canter, the settling in for the ride to Italica. It would still take them a couple days, but they would be moving much faster than usual, and with mounts to rotate, they could shorten the time to bare minimum. Still, it seemed so slow to Pina after having ridden in the marvelous machines the JSDF used.

When they reached Italica in early afternoon of the second day, they had dissuaded a small band of brigands that had considered making them victims, but had an otherwise uneventful trip. Riding directly to the manor of Countess Myui, they had been greeted by the Head Maid, Kaine, and shown directly to the Countess, who was sitting in her garden, a cup of tea and a small plate of snacks in front of her, Aurea and Mohmu close to hand as the young ruler relaxed in the sun.

“Countess Myui, I trust you are well,” Pina greeted the young girl, giving her a brief bow of her head before offering her arm for the traditional greeting of the Empire.

“Oh! Yes, I have been, Pina,” she replied, standing quickly and accepting the arm clasp greeting. “Please, join me,” she invited, indicating the other chair at the small table. “These are called `madeleines' and come from beyond the Gate,” Myui nearly chirped, indicating the small plate of snacks. “Meia sent some to us from Alnus,” she smiled. Pina found herself smiling back.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” she accepted the offer even as Mohmu poured her some tea of her own. Biting into the treat, she closed her eyes as she sighed happily. Myui giggled at her reaction, but Pina didn't care. Minutes passed as the two ate and sipped tea. Hamilton, Kaine and the other two maids hung back a bit, Kaine behind Myui's seat, Hamilton behind her Lady's seat, and the two maids flanking Myui, though at a slight distance.

“Are Persia and Mamina still out on business?” Pina asked, used to seeing the dark-blonde Warrior Bunny and the cat-maid close to their beloved mistress. Myui nodded.

“They sent me a letter just the other day, though, and said they would be returning soon,” she said. Her smile faded a bit. “I…think they will be asking me to release them from service to me,” she said softly, her tone sad.

“It is likely, Myui,” agreed Pina. “But remember that they are not asking to leave you, just to be released from obligation to Clan Formal. They will, I believe, always be dear friends with you no matter if they are your maids or not.”

Myui brightened a bit. “And I think they will join Queen Ritsuko's service, so it isn't like they are leaving me completely,” she thought aloud. Pina nodded. The two finished the treats and the last of their tea in silence. When she was done, Pina turned her attention to Myui.

“Did you receive my message?” she asked directly. Myui nodded, glancing back at her Head Maid. The older woman nodded gravely.

“I have made the necessary arrangements, Empress,” Kaine said, “though I hope you and Knight Hamilton will accept our hospitality for the night while some smaller details are seen to,” she added. Pina considered that.

“Yes, I believe we will,” Pina smiled.

“I have your room prepared,” Kaine smiled. “And your horses will be rested and ready for tomorrow morning.”

“I can save you the trip, though,” a voice said, making them all flinch. From a side entrance, a familiar figure strode into the garden, ignoring the tensing of the two knights and the maids around Myui. “I hope you don't mind, but I let myself in,” the figure said, brushing back the cloak to reveal an armored red-head wearing Warrior Bunny armor and the crown of the Warrior Bunnies on top of her head. A long, thick braid of red hair fell to her knees.

“Queen Ritsuko!” Myui nearly squealed, jumping to her feet. Ritsuko smiled back at her.

“Myui-chan,” she said warmly. “And I brought some friends,” she added.

“Lady Myui,” Mamina said, appearing from behind her Queen. The Warrior Bunny wore her armor, her body painted in tribal markings, her long ears adorned with ear rings, some of them new. From the other side, Persia appeared, also smiling at the young ruler of Clan Formal.

“Lady Myui,” she greeted her dear friend. Persia was wearing armor as well, though not Warrior Bunny armor. Her armor was much different, but was the armor her clan - the cat-people - had perfected to work with their fighting style. It maximized mobility and flexibility of the wearer while protecting the most vital spots. Pina noticed a pair of thin, fine ear rings in Persia's cat-ears as well as tribal markings on the feline demi-human.

The two maids knelt to hug their mistress as she hurried to them. Once she had gotten hugs from both of them, she got one from Ritsuko. Ritsuko guided Myui back to the table with a hand on her back before greeting Pina with a tight hug and a few whispered flirts that made Pina blush crimson. Snickering softly, she released the flustered Empress and turned to Hamilton, the knight unconsciously stepping back from her. “What's with that reaction, Hamilton, dear? Aren't you glad to see me again?” snickered Ritsuko, Mamina and Persia also giggling.

“Of course, Queen Ritsuko,” Hamilton managed. “It is always a pleasure to see you, but I am a mere knight in service to my lady…!” began the personal page of Pina.

“Hamilton, she is teasing you,” said Pina, having gotten control of herself to some measure. How is it that she can affect me so much with so simple a thing? She asked herself for far from the first time. Ritsuko knew how to push her buttons that was for sure.

“Spoilsport,” sniffed Mamina.

“It isn't any fun if they know that,” agreed Persia.

“You said you could save me a trip to Alnus, Ritsuko?” Pina closed out the teasing as quickly as she could. Ritsuko nodded, handing her cloak to Aurea.

“Yes. This evening, General Hazama will be arriving here for an unscheduled meeting between us. I can add you to it, if this is about what I think it is about. Myui, I would like for you to sit in on the meeting as well, though it might be a bit over your head right now. Perhaps Kaine could accompany you?” hinted Ritsuko to the youngest of the group.

“I would be honored to escort you, Lady Myui,” Kaine volunteered, bowing deeply to her mistress. The young ruler looked back and forth between the two before nodding.

“I will, thank you,” she said to Ritsuko. Ritsuko knelt so she was eye to eye with the young ruler.

“It's ok, Myui,” she said softly. “Most of what will be discussed will be handled by Pina, me or the JSDF, but you - as Countess - have the responsibility to your subjects to protect and look after their well-being. Do you remember what I told you about trust and loyalty?” she asked.

“That they must be a two-way street,” Myui recalled a moment later. Ritsuko nodded, smiling at the young ruler.

“Your maids and your subjects all trust you, Myui, so you have the obligation to be worthy of that trust. Same for their loyalty. Because they are loyal to you, you must be loyal to them. That is what it means to rule. And you are developing into a very good ruler. Your father would be very proud, I am sure,” she said softly, cupping Myui's cheek. The girl blushed.

“T…thank you, Ritsuko,” she said softly. “I…”

Mamina's ears and Persia's ears suddenly twitched. “There is a commotion in the hallway,” Mamina said, spinning toward the door nearest to the commotion, her sword rasping out of the sheath at the small of her back.

“Sounds like a scuffle, too,” Persia said, her claws unsheathed as she pulled a curved blade of her own, the two moving to get between the group at the table and the door where they could hear the commotion. Hamilton quickly got in front of Pina, drawing her blade.

“Careful, Hamilton, you might cut yourself,” Mamina said, her tone playful.

The sound of a mechanical click preceded Ritsuko settling her M4 at the low-ready. “Aurea, Mohmu, Kaine, keep watch behind us in case this is a diversion,” said Ritsuko calmly, an eager look in her eyes. “Myui, you stick close to Kaine, and Pina, you stay out of the front ranks, got it?” she said quietly. The message was understood by the Empress, though she didn't like it. The odds were good that she was the target, after all, and joining the front line was defeating most of her protection. “Hamilton? Don't use a high guard like that; if it is the Haryo, they tend to come in low and fast. Use a low guard,” she lectured the knight, who immediately shifted her sword stance to a low guard. The doors banged open.

“Oh, there you are dear sister,” came a screeching voice, making Mamina and Persia flick their ears back.

“You get back here, harpy!” came another shrill voice.

“Neither of you greedy sluts are worthy of being her guardian,” a third challenged. “I will look after our dear little sister and the clan home!”

“All of you are going to end up dead if you keep acting like that,” snarled Ritsuko, moving to stand between Persia and Mamina. The two spread out a bit into flanking positions. Ritsuko signaled with her off-hand, and Hamilton fell back two paces to stand directly in front of Pina. The empress had her hand on her sword-hilt, but had not yet drawn it. Three women, dressed in finery and jostling each other froze as they looked at the group.

“Myui, who are these people?” demanded the first one.

“You will address Countess Myui in the proper manner and with proper respect,” Ritsuko said, her voice stabbing into the women.

“Who are you to tell us…!” began the first.

“I'm the one considering killing you all where you stand for barging into the Countess's private garden. Is that sufficient for you?” growled Ritsuko.

“She looks like a common mercenary,” sniffed the second of the women. “And look at that shameful outfit. A prostitute would not be so immodest.”

“Mamina,” Ritsuko warned, knowing the woman who had just insulted the royal battle gown she wore was about to lose her head for it. Her captain of the Royal Guard growled as she glared murder at the woman, who only then seemed to realize they were flanked.

“Is that…an Imperial Knight?” the third wondered.

“It isn't her you should be worried about,” Persia said, fangs exposed.

“Ugh! These foul beast-people still remain here even after father's passing? That will be the first thing I fix,” declared the first.

“I assume these hags are related to you, Myui?” Ritsuko asked. “I really am considering killing them right here and now, so if you want them spared, let me know,” she said, smiling a little.

“They are my older sisters,” Myui replied.

“I'll still kill them if you want,” offered Ritsuko, winking at the younger girl. Kaine stepped forward.

“Empress Pina, Queen Ritsuko, forgive my laxness. These three are Lady Myui's older sisters, who married out of clan Formal,” stressed the head maid. “I give you Lady Mytani, Lady Mynia, and Lady Mycia.”

“I detect a theme,” Ritsuko snickered. Kaine sighed.

“So was the habit of Lord Colt,” she said simply.

“Well, at least Myui turned out good,” Ritsuko muttered. The group of older sisters were staring at the group after Kaine had spoken, seeming much less sure of themselves. Pina stepped forward, using a hand to guide Hamilton aside.

“What business have you here?” she asked, her tone royal and disdainful.

“Do you suppose that is the new Empress?” murmured one of the three to the other two.

“Red hair, knight's armor and the right age,” assessed the foremost of the group. “It could be her,” she admitted.

“But why would she be here?” the last of the three wondered.

“That is my business,” came Pina's harsh answer. “Your behavior is disrespectful and boorish. Leave here immediately,” demanded Pina.

“With all due respect, Empress, this is the lands of Clan Formal, and we are here on family business,” the foremost of the three said. “As the older sister of my dear Myui, who just became of age, it is my responsibility to find her a proper husband and see to the administration of the family estate.”

Ritsuko glanced at Myui, seeing her expression. Her own expression cooled a bit. Flicking the safety on her rifle, she swung it back on its sling, making a few gestures to Mamina and Persia, who both sheathed their blades. “I see you understand the situation,” began the oldest sister.

“Oh, we most certainly do,” purred Ritsuko, marching forward with Persia and Mamina. “Please allow us to show you three hags the door,” she said, lunging forward and seizing the oldest of the sisters, Mamina and Persia doing the same to the other two. With a joint-lock on the woman, Ritsuko frog-marched her toward the door. “The doors here are quite exquisite, wouldn't you agree?” Ritsuko said casually. “Hand-crafted of top-quality hardwoods, well stained and sealed…you just can't help but notice craftsmanship like that. But what I am saying? I promised to show you the door, didn't I?” she grinned, one of her hands gripping the hair of the sister and slamming her face into the door. “Do you see what I mean?” she asked before repeating the head-slam. “Have you seen the door enough yet?” snarled Ritsuko, ramming her captive's face into the heavy door a third time.

Mamina and Persia were likewise showing the door to the other two. Pressing the face of the oldest of the sisters into the wood, Ritsuko murmured in her ear. “I am Queen of the Warrior Bunnies, and if you ever dare to set foot in Myui's domain again, I will not be so sociable. Do you understand me, bitch?” she asked, grinding the woman's face into the door. “You come back here and you are fucking dead.”

Some muffled sounds came from the woman she was showing the door to. “I'll take that as a yes,” murmured Ritsuko. “Oh dear, the door wasn't open,” she said, her tone louder and mocking. “How embarrassing. Let me get that for you,” she added, using her grip on the woman's hair to jerk her away from the door - leaving a bloody smear on the hardwood door - so she could open the door. With the door open, she force-walked the woman to the front door of the manner, where she literally threw the woman out of the house, swiftly stepping aside as Mamina and Persia did the same to their prisoners. The three landed in a heap on the stone entrance pavers.

Behind them, three carriages were waiting, each with an entourage. The guards of the women blinked then started to rush forward. “You want to play this game, boys?” came a dark, ominous growl, freezing them in place. Something about the three women in front of them made their testicles shrink to the size of peas. “Pick up that trash and fuck off before we get annoyed,” Ritsuko ordered, tossing her head toward the three women who were slowly getting up. “You are all banned from the lands of Clan Formal on pain of death. If any of you set foot in Myui's lands, I will kill you all - horribly.”

The three watched as the guards hurriedly collected their respective bosses and got them into the carriages. “You think you can treat us this way, whore?” the youngest of the three demanded, holding her bloody face. “I'll make you into my personal slave for this!”

“Shit!” muttered Mamina and Persia at hearing that. “Grab her,” they said.

“Oh? Is that a fact?” Ritsuko said, ice in her tone as her M4 came up. “Try it!” she hissed as Mamina and Persia both grabbed for her. The two wrestled with the Ritsuko for control of the carbine, trying to keep the muzzle away from the woman.

“You dumb cunt, get the fuck out of here while you can!” yelled Mamina to the woman. My Queen is stronger than I thought, she realized as Ritsuko muscled the muzzle into line and fired a short burst. It chewed up the carriage pillar just behind the woman. The sharp report of the carbine spooked the horses, who lunged forward hard in the harness, nearly ripping the carriages apart. A second burst chased the carriages down the half-circle that led to the main street.

“Get off me,” warned Ritsuko. Mamina and a Persia decided they had done all they could and released the volatile red-head, stepping back. Ritsuko sent them both a scathing glare, but put the rifle back on safe and turned back toward the garden, making the maid staff that had gathered scatter with half-muted shrieks. Mamina and Persia followed the fuming Queen back to the garden, where Myui was waiting, pale and sweating a little.

“Did you…?” worried Hamilton.

“No, not yet,” Ritsuko nearly growled.

“Then…?” wondered Pina. It was clear she was wondering about the gunshots.

“One of them mouthed off, said she was going to make Ritsuko her slave,” Mamina said, shaking her head. “We barely managed to save the stupid cunt's life,” she snorted.

“Either way, I think they got the message, Lady Myui,” Persia said.

“If they didn't, the next message will be unmistakable,” promised Ritsuko, still worked up. “Excuse me for a bit, Myui,” she said, clenching and relaxing her fists as she nearly paced. “I need some fresh air. I am feeling a little…anxious.”

“O…of course, Ritsuko,” Myui said, the red-head already moving away, muttering in a strange language as she went. Mamina and Persia glanced at each other for a moment before Mamina hurried off after her queen.

“Ritsuko seems restless,” Pina noted.

“Restless?” Persia repeated, tilting her head in thought. “Of the many words to describe her, that one is the least accurate, I think, nyaa,” the cat-woman said. “If you have any herbal tea, you might want to brew a strong pot of it,” the maid suggested, Kaine nodding and gesturing, a maid appearing briefly, Kaine whispering to her before she hurried off.

“Any idea what she is planning to talk with Knight Field Marshall Hazama about?” Pina asked.

“Some idea, but you should hold your questions until he arrives,” warned Persia. “Here, try these, mistress,” she said, rummaging in her small travel pack for a moment before producing a few bits of food wrapped in shiny metal. “These are amazing,” promised the cat-woman, swiftly removing the foil from one and offering it to Myui. “It is called `milk chocolate', though I do not know why,” she said, giving her mistress an encouraging smile. Myui slowly reached out and took the offered treat. The instant it touched her tongue, she nearly moaned in delight. Persia smiled. “Told you,” she purred.

“I want another,” Myui nearly demanded. Persia gave her a curtsey.

“As my precious Lady commands,” the cat-woman said, producing another handful and beginning to show the Countess how to unwrap the treats while also warning her about their tendency to melt if held in the hand. The others wanted to try the treats as well, and when Ritsuko returned a half hour later the women in the garden were all fully drugged with chocolate, making Ritsuko snort in amusement.

“You owe me more chocolate,” Persia said, giggling softly.

“Uh huh,” Ritsuko said.

“Tea is ready for you,” noted Persia, indicating the tea pot. Ritsuko poured the cup Pina had been using full of tea and sipped. When she was done, she poured another.

“Now we just need Hazama to get his ass here,” she muttered. Before she finished the second cup of tea, Mamina's ears twitched.

“Chopper incoming,” she noted. Ritsuko cocked her head for a moment.

“Little bird. Probably Hazama and a security team,” she said, pulling out a radio. “Nodachi six to little bird, do you read, over.” A moment later, she got an answer.

“Kite two one to Nodachi six, we read you, over.”

“Kite two one, popping smoke at LZ, identify, over,” she said, producing a smoke grenade and pulling the pin. Releasing the spoon, she shook the grenade a time or two before under-hand tossing it into the center of the garden. Thick purple smoke rose in a column.

“Nodachi six, I got eyes on purple smoke, repeat, purple, over,” the little bird radioed back.

“Confirmed, Little Bird. Drop right on the smoke, over.”

“Roger that, Nodachi, dropping on the smoke, over and out.” Ritsuko turned to the group. “He will be here in a bit. I'm having him land in the middle of the garden, where the smoke is. Is a secure room ready?” she asked Kaine, who nodded. “Good. Hold on to your skirts,” smiled Ritsuko as the small helicopter zipped in, circled once and then set down right on top of the smoke canister. Sure enough, two troopers jumped off one side, and Hazama and another got off the other.

“Hazama, you wanted to talk?” grinned Ritsuko, her eyes on the troopers with the General. These guys are special forces, no doubt about it. Maybe this is `Saber' group? She mused silently. The three guards maintained vigilant watch over their general.

“Thanks for making the time, Ritsuko,” Hazama said. His eyes landed on Pina. “Your Majesty, I did not expect to see you here,” he noted.

“Nevertheless, we need to talk; all of us,” Ritsuko said. “Myui-chan has prepared a room and will be sitting in on the meeting along with Kaine. Your men can guard the door, but unless you really trust them, they don't need to be in the meeting, general,” Ritsuko said, maintaining eye contact. The general studied Ritsuko for a long moment before nodding.

“Agreed,” he said. “Post a guard on the chopper, two of you with me,” he ordered crisply, the special forces soldiers obeying immediately.

“And boys? This is the home of an ally, so behave yourselves,” Ritsuko said. “The maids here are friendly, but are not accustomed to our culture or our procedures. Keep that in mind, hmm?”

“They will,” assured Hazama, getting a small nod from one of the troopers. And now I know who the leader of the security element is, Ritsuko thought happily.

“If you would, this way, please,” Kaine said, bowing and gesturing. The others followed her.

“No Itami?” grinned Ritsuko. Hazama glanced at her.

“He is busy on another matter,” replied Hazama. “Did you hope to see him?” he asked.

“Myui did,” Ritsuko said, making Myui blush.

“Please stop teasing my Mistress, Queen Ritsuko,” Kaine said crisply. Ritsuko just laughed softly as they entered the room where they meeting would be held.

The room was a small study, with heavy bookshelves lining the wall and two large windows, each with heavy curtains that had been drawn. On the rather small table, a large candelabra had been placed. The room had two large, overstuffed chairs and a couple of simple wood ones in it. Ritsuko guided Myui to the best of the overstuff chairs and settled her in, giving her a smile and a caress to her cheek. Kaine took up a spot directly behind her young mistress, eyes focused on the group.

Pina hesitated, glancing between the overstuffed chair and the plain wood ones. “Take one of the overstuffed ones,” Ritsuko said, “Hazama and I will take the table.”

Pina gratefully settled in the other overstuffed chair. Ritsuko sat at the table, Hazama joining her on the opposite side. “So, general, what did you want to talk about?” smiled Ritsuko.

“I was given your map and notes,” he began. “What it suggests is troubling. But your conjecture on the Gate is dangerous,” he added, his tone harder.

“I think we both know it isn't conjecture,” Ritsuko replied blandly. “What are you going to do when it closes, Hazama?” she asked directly.

“I am working on some plans,” he said without committing to anything.

“Better work fast, then,” snorted Ritsuko. “And you should decide while you can what your fate will be. I see a wedding ring on your finger, General. I know a lot of your men have family on the other side. When the Gate closes, that is it. You are here, or you are there; forever. Ask yourself if you can live here knowing you have lost your other life forever. Is this where you want to be, General, when the music stops?”

“I could ask the same of you, Ritsuko,” Hazama replied. “But I already know you and your friend have decided this is your home now. If you can do it, so can others,” he suggested.

A mirthless smile cut Ritsuko's lips. “You have no idea what that decision costs, General,” she said, her voice low and rough, “and if you are half as intelligent as you seem, you will pray you never find out firsthand.” She stared him in the eyes for a long moment. “But we are getting off track. Your plan does not affect me, so I don't really care if you get yourself and your men stranded here for eternity or not. What does concern me is the after-effects of having modern Japanese troops cut off here for the long haul. Societies were not meant to be mixed in this way; though it is not the natives I worry about, but your men.”

“How so?” frowned Hazama. He knew his fighting capability was unmatched on this world, so why was she worried about his men getting trapped here.

“You have enough fuel, food and munitions to last for several years, General, so you would have some time before things got real. But I haven't seen any indication of the equipment to make fuel, or ammo, or maintain your equipment long-term. You would be stuck here forever. Did you study history, General? In particular the Roman Legions who were stationed in Britain, Germany and the far eastern edges of the empire?”

“Yes, I have studied that period,” Hazama said. History was not his best subject in school, but it wasn't his worst, either. His worst was Japanese Literature.

“You and your men would be those Legions, late in the decline period,” Ritsuko murmured, holding his gaze.

“You and your friend seem to have gone native very well,” Hazama noted. A mocking snort came from Ritsuko.

“Bullshit, Hazama,” she grunted. “But we aren't talking about me and Airi. How do you think your men would react to losing every modern convenience they have been used to all their lives, trapped in a world not their own, surrounded by unknown enemies and unsettling allies. First, military discipline would fall apart, then supplies would run out due to black marketing. There are things here that will make some of your men slaves to them; and I don't mean just physically. Ask Itami about dream sap in the poor quarter some time; or that tall nurse, better yet. When that becomes a problem, things will get messy,” warned Ritsuko. “Your weapons will attract scavengers of every stripe, resulting in constant siege status for your forces, who are anchored at Alnus. You already know what that kind of constant pressure does to soldiers over time, and time is all you will have when the Gate closes.”

None of this was new to Hazama. He had considered most of the points carefully over the last few weeks. And no matter what, he did not want to leave men in this world if he could help it. A few men lost was the reality of war, but many men lost was bad leadership; more so if lost in a withdraw action. “And what would you suggest, were the situation reversed?” he asked her.

“Plan for a swift, fast withdrawal on short notice. Most valuable personnel first, a rear-guard if necessary, and leave as little equipment as possible for the natives. In this case, what gear you can't get back through the gate - I suspect you will not have time to return the Phantoms, the buildings and the heavy equipment if the collapse is sudden - I can make sure it is destroyed or put to proper use,” she smiled.

“Do you plan to conquer this world, Ritsuko?” Hazama asked.

“I have no interest in ruling this world, Hazama,” said Ritsuko coldly. “And I see no point in conquering it either, as I would then have to administer it or rule it. That is not my desire, nor my specialty.”

“And yet, you are Queen Ritsuko,” he returned.

“I did not ask, I was volunteered,” Ritsuko smiled thinly, glancing at Mamina, who just smiled and saluted her.

“And on your continent? Were you not the leader of a rebellion that crushed all the kingdoms?” he asked.

“Damn right,” agreed Ritsuko proudly. “Airi and I crawled out of slave's chains and crushed the ones responsible,” the red-head hissed. “But even now, the kingdoms are ruled through a body of elected officials, not unlike how Japan is, though with some changes here and there. There is peace, prosperity, order and freedoms, but no slavery. Yes, I led the Rebellion, but not as a conqueror. In spite of what I am often described as, I am not Conan,” she smirked.

“So, you plan to eradicate slavery here, too, then?” Hazama asked, peeking at Pina, who seemed a bit nervous.

“Oh, indubitably,” Ritsuko confirmed easily. “But we are getting off track. I don't want the black markets here flooded with leftover equipment, so either take it with you, leave it to me, or destroy it. Which one you chose depends on how much warning you get of the Gate closing, I suppose. Either way, not my problem,” she smiled benignly at him.

“And your map?” he asked.

“It appears the Haryo are up their tricks again, gathering up an `army' of dregs, criminals and trash. It is hard to say what their real goal is, but from what I understand of them, it is nothing good.” Pina had twitched at that bit of news. “Have something to say, Pina?” Ritsuko asked, giving her measured look.

“I received a letter from my other older brother, Diabo,” she said, producing the letter. “It seemed…wrong, somehow, and now that I hear what you have to say, I understand part of it better. But the part about `allies from beyond the Gate' still worries and confuses me. Have you allowed any natives through the Gate, Lord Hazama?” she asked the general.

“Not without good reason and never without an escort, much as with you and Bozes,” he replied. “However, I was informed that some radio gear went missing a while back, and there is the delegation issue,” he admitted.

“Tell me of this delegation issue,” Ritsuko said intently. Hazama swiftly sketched in the details.

“My Queen,” murmured Mamina. Ritsuko nodded.

“Yeah, me, too,” she replied, ignoring the others in the room. “General, we are at a cross-roads,” she said simply. “When the delegation gets here, it will be the moment of truth. What happens in the next two weeks will determine the fate of you and your men here,” she stated.

“That certainly sounds ominous,” Hazama replied. “What aren't you telling me, Ritsuko?” he asked her directly.

“Oh, a lot of things,” she smiled sweetly. “I am a woman, and we need to keep secrets, after all,” she toyed with him. “But, if I were you, I would start pulling back your farthest outposts. There is a high probability that they will either be attacked in depth or be beyond range to pull out, which will doom them. I suspect that you have been pressured to expand operations in preparation for the arrival of private enterprise here, but you are a military man, and you should understand the difference between a withdraw and a route.”

Hazama studied the woman before him. She dresses like a Warrior Bunny, and seems to have become rather feral, but behind that is a sharp mind; and a tough one. Six years as a slave. I can't even imagine what that must have been like for her, but she not only survived, she conquered the entire continent. I hate to think it, but I think it's for the best that she isn't coming to our world after all. “Unless they have improved their technology beyond any rational expectation, no rag-tag army can penetrate our defenses at Alnus,” he said slowly.

“They don't need to overrun you to win,” said Ritsuko quietly. “You lose the Gate, you are doomed. For all that our technology gives us a huge advantage, soldiers still have to eat, drink and sleep. Alnus does not have the land inside its perimeter to grow enough food to support your troops, you have no manufacturing capability to replenish armaments expended, and you have allies spread out all over the place that depend on you to help them fight off threats. What would your men do if the enemy decided to sack and burn Alnus Town?” she asked him, her expression cool.

“We would sortie and wipe out the attackers,” Hazama said. Ritsuko smiled thinly.

“Idiot. That is exactly what they want. Even if you just lob artillery from inside the wire, each shell is one more nail in your coffins. Cut off, you are doomed, and you should know that. Tanks and jeeps can be destroyed by simple pits, after all, and you would only have so many ways to get from your base to any ally. Helicopters are a good option, but they have their own weaknesses. What will you do when the enemy figures out that simply launching lengths of heavy cord or chain from a catapult will destroy the `Iron Pegasus', making them nothing more than thinly-armored bunkers. And they don't even have to do that,” argued Ritsuko. “Attacking, let's say, Italica, would bring an immediate air mobile response, but if the enemy runs the instant that their picket line hears the rotors, you will not accomplish anything but burning fuel that you can't replace. They need not over-run Alnus Station to win, General,” she repeated her warning.

Myui and Pina had grown paler as she talked, imagining the scenario she was describing. She turned to the two. “It's true, you know. When the Gate closes again, the JSDF will lose much of their might; and what they don't lose immediately will swiftly be used up. Don't fall into the habit of relying on them. I, on the other hand, am not going anywhere. And I am not nearly as restrained as Hazama and his men,” she said, smiling a dangerous smile.

“Forgive me if I find it suspicious you are focusing on the Gate closing. It could be taken that you are trying to eliminate competition through psychological warfare,” Hazama said.

Ritsuko snorted. “You would be a fool to just take my word for the threat the Gate poses to you, Hazama. But you wouldn't be sitting here if that blue-haired mage girl hadn't confirmed my hypothesis, now would you?” she said knowingly. Hazama said nothing, staring at her.

Finally, Hazama spoke. “I want a sign of good faith, Ritsuko,” he said evenly. Ritsuko tilted her head a little.

“Such as?” she asked.

“The secret of your ability to move between continents,” he replied. For more than a minute, the two stared at each other silently. Ritsuko went through every scenario she could think of and finally made her decision.

“Elven spells from my continent, forming a point-to-point teleport transit.”

“Tuka and Yao both said such spells were myths,” Hazama pointed out.

“To them, maybe, but believe what you like,” shrugged Ritsuko indifferently.

“Is it true, Empress Pina?” Hazama asked the younger red-head unexpectedly. “Countess Myui?” he pressed. The two twitched, Ritsuko silently groaning at their obvious tells while also giving points to Hazama for the shrewd tactic. Glancing over, Ritsuko minutely shrugged her shoulder.

“It is,” Pina said as Myui nodded. “Is that how you propose to get our economy going again? Those stone arches we passed through?”

“Pina,” sighed Ritsuko, shaking her head even as the Empress covered her mouth with her hand, realizing her mistake. “But, in answer to your question, yes,” she confirmed.

“So, you two did go to the other continent,” Hazama smiled. Pina said nothing.

“No point being shy now, Pina,” came the droll remark from Ritsuko.

“We have,” Myui spoke up bravely. Ritsuko gave her a reassuring smile. “We met some of her friends, and saw some of her lands. It was amazing,” she pronounced.

“They have things there that are as wonderful as things I saw in Japan,” Pina agreed. “But sadly, they have little art,” she added.

“Not everyone is a yaoi-obsessed fangirl, Pina,” sniped Ritsuko.

“Could your teleportation spells be used to keep the Gate open?” Hazama asked.

“Do I look like an elven sorceress?” Ritsuko asked no one in particular. “My elves say no, though, so I will take their word for it. The two appear to use entirely different magic principals. I know where you are going with that, too, Hazama. It isn't a good idea for many reasons.”

Hazama knew that, having given a lot of thought to the various scenarios before him. But he was a career soldier, and would do all he could to carry out his orders. “Why don't you bring your elves to study the gate themselves,” he invited.

“Pass,” Ritsuko immediately replied. “That goth-loli pisses me off and I don't trust your bosses enough to step into their den.”

“You don't trust anyone, do you?” he asked softly. Ritsuko stared at him.

“I trust those worthy of trust,” she replied carefully. “And I have become a student of human nature,” she added, her tone darker.

Hazama frowned, recalling what he had read in her medical file; in particular the psychological section. The shrink who had interviewed her when they first met her had - in spite of her persistent and deliberate snubbing of him - come to the conclusion that she was a sociopath and likely suffering from PTSD. The head shrink really wanted to take her back to their Japan for further study and treatment, but Hazama - while no psychologist - knew that was a suicidal idea. He was also sure from his talks with Airi that Ritsuko had become that way during her slave years. The general could only hope he never had to find out if he would turn out like that if he went through what she had. In his shirt pocket, he could suddenly feel the laminated picture of Airi and her disfigured body. Looking at the cold-eyed Ritsuko, he made his choice.

“Let's talk about the Haryo,” he said, putting away the issue of the Gate. He had made his decision, so there was no point in discussing it further.

“And Diabo,” Pina spoke up.

“Diabo is either of use to them, not knowing they will betray him, or he is their prisoner, in which case, he is dead,” Ritsuko stated. “Their goals, as much as we can tell, is chaos to dispatch the other pure races. We saw it with Tyuule and Zorzal, and with their assassination attempts. Now, it appears that they are using Diabo as a front to continue their stupid little scheme. If that is true, we will end up in a fight with them. If they plan to have Diabo spread the flames by making contact with the agents in the VIP tour, it is likely the fight will turn nasty and very public.”

“I agree,” sighed Hazama. “But I can't block the orders,” he added.

“Assign Noriko to be their liaison and make sure you hire either Delilah or one of the demi-human maids from Formal as their guide. I have a few ideas, and Noriko is the best choice for making them work. Don't worry,” she headed off the protest from the General, “I only work with volunteers, so I will meet with her in person in Alnus Town sometime soon and lay it out for her, the risks and the rewards, and if she is in, good. If she declines, just as good. In the worst case, I will be their guide,” Ritsuko gave a thin smile.

“They will have dossiers on you and Noriko,” Hazama interjected. Ritsuko gave him a look. “There were leaks from the Ministry of the Interior,” he admitted.

“Then it has to be Noriko. If they come away empty-handed, they will likely try to kidnap her anyway,” Ritsuko noted.

“What about one of your Warrior Bunnies?” Hazama asked. Ritsuko shook her head.

“They will be far too busy for that,” denied the Queen of the bunny-girls. “Do you have the itinerary for the visit?”

“A circle, from Alnus, to Italica, to the Capital, then along the west road to Elbe and then back up from the southern route to Alnus Town before going back through the gate. Eight days, plus one at each end,” the general said. Ritsuko pulled a folded map from her bag, opening it and studying it.

“Pina, what are the conditions of the Legions?” asked Ritsuko.

“Rebuilding, but they are still not recovered, and the majority of them are green troops,” Pina said. “My own Rose Order is mostly intact, but…” she trailed off.

“Naturally,” nodded Ritsuko, completely baffling Hazama as to the nature of that exchange. Obviously, the red-heads were on the same frequency and understood each other's unspoken message, but he hadn't a clue about what they meant. Glancing at Myui, he saw her nodding to Kaine, who was smiling a bit. Women, he thought, dismissing the issue. He had been married for far too long to not recognize when something was not worth getting into when it came to women. “The fighting power of the vassal kingdoms is depleted as well thanks to your idiot father's stupidity,” she remarked candidly. Pina twitched, but didn't disagree.

“The JSDF can protect the delegation,” Hazama suggested.

“Not without tipping your hand; and increasing the risks from the Gate. Focus on your problems, Hazama,” she said, her tone distracted, finger tracing along the map. “Mamina?” she said, her subject moving to Ritsuko's side, practically pressing against her as she followed the finger of her Queen on the map. “Is it possible?” murmured Ritsuko.

“It is, my Queen,” Mamina said. “But we will be overextended if they attack in the later stages. We will fight to the last,” she vowed.

“The hell you will!” snapped Ritsuko, grabbing Mamina. “I don't need dead heroes, Mamina! I need living soldiers. No more suicidal last stands, no more glorious death in pointless fights. Do I make myself clear?” she demanded.

“My Queen!” saluted Mamina. Ritsuko gave a curt nod.

“Hazama, if we need an air strike, can you have the Phantoms ready for quick reaction scramble?” she asked the general. “Most likely a close air support ground attack role. You got some gravity bombs and napalm in your arsenal?” wondered Ritsuko. Hazama chuckled.

“Snake and `nape is a tried and true load with Phantoms,” he smiled. “How big a bang are you looking for?”

“Small delivery; those things tend to drift a bit, and I would rather not puree the delegates or my forces if your pilots have a `mechanical problem' in the run,” came the dry reply.

“We can do that,” Hazama assured her. Ritsuko was making some basic measurements on the map.

“All but the southern-most end of the trip should be within range of your Chinooks, so if we get into it, you need to send a couple with some gunships to haul the delegates out in a hurry,” she said, tapping the map with a fingertip.

“Naturally,” Hazama agreed. “And if they don't hit you where you expect?” he asked.

Ritsuko gave him a smile that made him uneasy. “Then I will hit them instead.”

“You know where they are?” he asked.

“Somewhere in this area or over here,” Ritsuko said, pointing to the sparsely-populated north western mountains and the far south eastern area, which was mostly swamps.

“We could search for them with drones,” Hazama suggested. “An air strike in those areas would be the best approach,” he added.

“Won't work well against the Haryo,” Ritsuko said. “They like to burrow and hide,” she snorted. “We need them to come to us. And then, there is the issue of smoking out the agents in the delegation,” she reminded him.

A dark suspicion bloomed in Hazama at hearing that. “What do you plan to do, Ritsuko?” he asked her.

“That is one of my secrets,” smiled Ritsuko. “But you might want to have them all sign a waiver that states that they understand that this is a wild, dangerous fantasy world, and it isn't the fault of the JSDF if they get…hurt,” she nearly purred. Mamina was smiling a similar smile, the two giggling together.

“You can't kill them,” began Hazama.

“No, you can't kill them,” corrected Ritsuko. “I can do pretty much whatever the hell I please. Like I said, you might want to make them sign those waivers. If I am right, and they make their play, I am the only one who will be in a position to protect those who need it. Besides, it gives you perfect deniability, doesn't it?”

Sociopathic tendencies, anger issues, trust issues, emotional trauma…maybe the shrink isn't as far off as I thought, Hazama mused uneasily. Forcing those thoughts aside, he considered the situation from a purely military aspect. In the end, he couldn't offer a better plan. When he and his team boarded his chopper an hour later, the stars were out and they had a plan. Stretching her arms, Ritsuko turned toward the door she had entered from.

“It's been fun, but I think it is time we left,” she said to Myui, leaning down to hug the young girl.

“Please, stay here tonight!” blurted out the young ruler. Ritsuko hesitated. “Please?” Myui asked. Ritsuko considered for a moment before nodding. Myui sighed happily, turning to Kaine.

“I had rooms prepared earlier, mistress,” smiled the Head Maid. “And it is getting late, mistress,” she hinted. Myui sighed, but followed Aurea and Mohmu toward her bedroom. “Empress Pina, we would be honored if you would accept our hospitality as well,” invited the Head Maid.

“Thank you,” Pina inclined her head. Kaine clapped her hands twice, two maids appearing nearly instantly. One was a fox-girl and the other was a horned girl, with deep red skin and curved, glossy-black horns on her head, her eyes black and gold, with the tips of two fangs protruding over her bottom lip. “Show our guests to their rooms,” instructed Kaine, the two curtseying. “Do you desire company for the night, Queen Ritsuko?” Kaine asked blandly.

“If there is a guy in my bed, you will find his body nailed to the ceiling and his head in your bed, Kaine,” Ritsuko warned her. “Honestly, why would you even ask that?” she complained.

“Your exploits are something of a legend around here,” Kaine replied, unimpressed. Ritsuko groaned, but said nothing. Watching the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies follow the horned girl to the room she had given them, Kaine smiled. Mistress Myui has found strong allies and friends, she thought happily.

Ritsuko hummed softly to herself as she languidly stroked the soft hair and ears of the young Warrior Bunny who was cuddled up to her. She had come back to organize her forces for what was coming and had been asked by the young demi-human if she would have dinner with her. With no reason to say no, Ritsuko had agreed, smiling at the excitement that shone in the eyes of the young girl. Before she knew it, the girl was sitting on her lap, the two eating the meal that was supposed to be Ritsuko's and talking.

When the girl began to yawn, Ritsuko had decided it would be easier just to let her sleep in her bed, so she picked her up and settled her into her bed, only to have the girl cling to her and ask her not to leave. Wanting to get started on the deployment plans, Ritsuko nevertheless found she couldn't resist the earnest plea from the young girl, and had joined her in bed. The young Warrior Bunny had cuddled up to her, Ritsuko drifting off to sleep without realizing it. Waking early in the morning, she found the girl hugging her, sleeping soundly, her face against her breasts. Smiling, Ritsuko had shifted enough to get comfortable, and since then, she had remained in bed, gently stroking the hair and fur of the young girl.

“This is rare,” a soft voice said from the door, Ritsuko recognizing the dark form of Sarina. “Did you find the young one to be to your liking, then?” smiled the older Warrior Bunny.

“Actually, yes,” Ritsuko said quietly. “But not in the way you suggest. Her purity is fully intact, and you are a deviant for even joking like that.”

“To find favor in the bed of our Queen is a high honor for any of us,” shrugged Sarina. “You knew we were considered debauched when you agreed to lead us, my Queen. No one would judge you for it.”

“Like I care what people think about me,” grunted Ritsuko softly. “But she doesn't need that kind of stigma,” she said, hearing the young girl make some sounds as she nuzzled Ritsuko's bare breasts.

“You misunderstand, my Queen,” Sarina said. “Everyone would praise her and she would gain a lot of status for having found favor in your bed.”

“Uh huh. And later, they would accuse her of sleeping her way to the top,” came the dry retort from Ritsuko. “Enough of this pointless debate. We need to start planning for our first major action,” the Queen changed the conversation away from the young girl in her arms.

“Mamina briefed me and Delilah. We have some preliminary plans ready when you rise. But there is no rush, my Queen,” Sarina said, her tone playfully suggestive. Ritsuko shook her head as Sarina vanished from her doorway.

“I'm not going to stop hearing about this for a long time,” she muttered sourly. Her sour disposition faded as she felt the warmth of the young rabbit-girl in her arms. Screw it, she thought, dismissing all concern about the matter in favor of just enjoying the moment.

It wasn't much longer before the girl stirred. “Morning,” Ritsuko greeted her, smiling softly. The girl twitched.

“My Queen!” she gasped, nearly leaping up before giving her Warrior Bunny salute. “I apologize for my behavior,” she managed. Giggling softly, Ritsuko rose easily, stretching before wrapping up the naked girl in a hug.

“It's fine,” she said, kissing her forehead. “You are one of the best bed companions I have ever had,” she said, tracing a finger along the girl's ears playfully. The girl nearly melted.

“I…I will get your breakfast immediately, my Queen,” she said. Ritsuko released her, the girl grabbing what little clothing she had worn the night before and scurrying out before even putting it on. Sighing, Ritsuko quickly tended to her battle gown before slipping into her armor.

By the time breakfast was done, the camp was buzzing with activity as groups of Warrior Bunnies organized and moved off, some with Mike and others by air fish. Ritsuko had reserved the small air jack for herself and Milliea. Afternoon saw the air fish slicing through the air toward Alnus station. As the sun was setting, she and Milliea settled the air fish in the hide they had made and secured it before making their way in the deepening darkness of night to Alnus Town, where they sought out the PX Tavern. Entering the establishment as unobtrusively as possible, she nevertheless realized all the Warrior Bunny women working the establishment recognized her, as did the fox-girl who had worked beside Delilah for so long and a few others - like the cat-girl Meia and the siren-girl MP girl.

Fortunately, none of them made a scene. Ritsuko and Milliea - who gathered a bit of attention herself with her armor and swords - made their way toward the VIP section. Just before entering the VIP section, Ritsuko spotted someone at a small side table and made a quick detour. Arriving at the table, she slipped into the open chair opposite the man and brushed back her hood.

“Itami,” she said quietly, giving him a smile, “come join me in the back room; my treat,” she invited, locking gazes with him.

“Sorry, I came here to relax,” he began.

“So relax with me so we can talk,” Ritsuko said, refusing to let go.

“Well, you see, I came here with someone,” he began.

“Something tells me they will find you,” she replied evenly. “Though if it is the crazy little goth-loli, you know what will happen,” she warned.

“He is here with me,” a voice came from the side, Ritsuko turning to see the blonde elf who was a Summoner. “And we are expecting Yao and Lelei any moment now.”

“The dark elf and the magic using little bluenette, right? Perfect,” Ritsuko said, eyeing the blonde. Milliea was watching her with a friendly smile as well. Itami sighed. “I heard you are an escape specialist, Itami, but if I have to chase you down, you will not like it,” warned Ritsuko. “Now come on and let's get this over with,” she said, standing and waiting. As if he were burdened by the weight of the world, Itami rose and dragged his feet to the VIP section, where Ritsuko quickly made a table large enough for them from the smaller tables. A couple of tables were occupied, but after a look at Ritsuko and feeling how thick the atmosphere in the room suddenly was, the others moved to the regular room, leaving the group in relative privacy. A Warrior Bunny maid swiftly moved to give them drinks and ask if they were ready to order.

Before their food arrived, the dark elf and the mage arrived, finding their man to be sitting with two women they were not very familiar with. Lelei and Yao moved right in. “Mind your manners,” Ritsuko warned them softly. “We are talking business.”

“What business do you have with my husband?” Lelei asked. Itami winced.

“Husband?” grinned Ritsuko. “If you weren't in this world, you would be locked up as a pedo,” she snickered.

“Do not insult my master,” Yao said, scowling at Ritsuko.

“Master?” Ritsuko asked, curious. Yao touched her choker, where the small metal tag proclaiming her the property of Itami hung.

“Master Itami is my owner. In exchange for his slaying the Fire Dragon, I became his slave,” Yao nearly bragged. Milliea gasped, turning to grab Ritsuko.

“Ritsuko! No,” she urged.

“You are a slave owner, Itami?” asked Ritsuko, her tone deadly. Milliea hugged her tighter, trying to keep her best friend from opening fire on him then and there. It was well known what happened when Ritsuko ran into a slaver or slave owner.

“It's not like…!” began Itami.

“And what is wrong with Itami being my master?” Yao asked indignantly.

“Nothing I can't fix,” snarled Ritsuko, beginning to struggle against Milliea. “Let me go, Milliea,” she demanded.

“Sorry, I won't let you ruin all the work you have put in to get this far,” Milliea said, struggling just as hard as Ritsuko.

“It really isn't like that,” insisted Itami.

“I see it differently,” came the furious snarl, her tone cutting into the common room. The din of conversation died off as people became aware of the pressure coming from the VIP room. The two bunny-women on duty came running.

Myuute poked her head around the corner, saw the situation and ducked her head back, reaching for the radio to call for backup. The Warrior Bunny women hurried to the table. “Please be calm, my Queen,” one of them urged softly. “Sir Itami is not like that.”

“If this gets too far, Rory will come here,” the second bunny-girl said.

“I have what I need to kill that loli-bitch,” Ritsuko nearly laughed. “For good,” she added darkly. Itami felt this was his cue to go. But no sooner had he shifted his weight to push back his chair than Ritsuko focused on him. “Where do you think you are going, Itami?” she asked.

From outside the tavern came the sound of a military truck, followed shortly after by four big MPs entering the tavern. Myuute silently pointed to the VIP section. The four moved toward the room, but stopped at the doorway, seeing what was going on. “Of course it would be Itami,” one of them grunted sourly. “Itami, what is it with you and trouble?” asked the leader.

“I didn't start it,” began Itami.

“Don't worry, I will finish it,” Ritsuko offered. The two Warrior Bunnies were aiding Milliea in restraining their Queen.

“Didn't you say you came here to talk business?” Lelei asked, cocking her head to the side slightly. Ritsuko fixed the mage with a look that made her twitch, but then forced her anger aside.

“Yes, work first,” she said, relaxing a little. “I am sure that Hazama has spoken with you, so I won't waste time repeating anything. Go get Noriko and bring her here,” she said, grabbing her glass and draining her tea. “Beer,” she said to one of the bunny girls, who swiftly ran to get the beer. The other one and Milliea exchanged worried looks. Ritsuko didn't drink. The time or two she had were not good memories for any of the others who had seen it in person.

“Queen Ritsuko,” a surprised voice came from the doorway. Glancing over, Ritsuko saw four Rose Order knights watching in surprise. Bozes was in the front, wearing a fancy gown, while the three with her were in less fancy dress and wearing their swords. “I had not expected to see you here,” Bozes said, moving into the room. Ritsuko noticed the blonde former knight's belly was beginning to show.

“Bozes,” Ritsuko greeted the blonde. “Why are you not in Japan?” she asked, slanting a look at Itami.

“Currently there are no visas for Special Region citizens,” Itami offered.

“She's pregnant by a JSDF soldier, blockhead,” bit out Ritsuko. “And you know there will not be time later,” she said, her voice dropping. “When you go fetch Noriko, tell Hazama that I strongly urge him to send her through the Gate.”

“Of course,” Itami said, bolting for the door, Tuka on his heels. Ritsuko was impressed; he really was good at running away.

Her beer arrived, and she took a drink, grimacing a little, but saying nothing. Shortly after, her food arrived, and she set to eating with an air of irritation and malice that made the group watching from the doorway to the VIP Section retreat back to their own business. Bozes and her three friends took a table not far from the Queen of the Warrior Bunnies and her friend. Milliea gradually let go of her friend, reasonably sure that she was under control again. Yao and Lelei were watching the two, Lelei with a curious and detached expression and Yao with a miffed one.

“You keep looking at me like that and I might just cut your ears off, Yao,” Ritsuko grunted. “For someone so damn proud of being a slave,” she nearly spat the word, “you have a very uppity attitude.”

“Ritsuko,” murmured Milliea.

“You are welcome to try it, human,” Yao invited thinly.

“That's not a good idea, bitch,” both Warrior Bunnies said. “Our Queen is far more vicious and skilled than any of her guards, and she has fought Rory twice and walked away without a scratch both times. You wouldn't stand a chance against her.”

“Really?” Yao asked, raising her hands. “I know about her use of `guns', but she is no mage,” smirked the dark elf.

“If you know I use guns, what do you think is pointed at you under the table?” Ritsuko smirked. “First sign of hostility and I will cut you in half before you can say the first word of your incantation.” Yao frowned, realizing that one of the human's hands had drifted below the table top at some point she wasn't sure of. “Ready when you are, long-ears,” she snickered.

“Please do not cause another disturbance here,” Myuute said from the doorway, her hands glowing.

“It isn't me causing a disturbance,” Ritsuko replied. “And don't think that distance will save you, siren-chan,” she added almost as an after-thought.

“You are that sure you can get us both?” Yao asked. Beside Ritsuko, Milliea raised her hands, sighing before her hands began to glow.

“While magic isn't my best area, I have been practicing for a while now, and I won't let you attack Ritsuko,” Milliea nearly apologized. Ritsuko was surprised. While she knew that Milliea - as an elf - was inherently a magician, she had never seen her use any spells, and her mental disability had led her to believe that Milliea and magic just didn't work right. But, Milliea could surprise her, it would seem.

“Would you all calm down before we have to ask you to leave?” Dora said, entering the room, her hands loaded with trays.

“I am calm,” Ritsuko said, still casually eating one-handed. If I weren't, this place would be a blazing ruin by now, she left unsaid. “Did you see the notes I sent to Hazama, Lelei,” she asked the mage.

She nodded, saying nothing.

“How close am I?” she grinned at the mage knowingly. Lelei considered that for a long moment.

“Closer than you should have been able to get, without being a magic-user,” admitted the girl after considering several factors. “Who are you, exactly?” she asked, sounding genuinely curious.

“I am who you see - Queen of the Warrior Bunnies,” shrugged Ritsuko. Lelei said nothing, though her slight canting of her head indicated she was analyzing that information. Bozes and her friends were watching this raptly. Milliea settled back into her seat beside Ritsuko, though her attention remained fixed on Myuute, who was still watching from the doorway.

“What will you have?” Dora cut in firmly, hands on hips. When she didn't get a response, she cleared her throat.

“She's talking to you, long-ears,” smiled Ritsuko. Blinking, Yao turned to the fox-girl.

“Beer, roasted meat and pot stickers,” she ordered. “Lelei, you want the pan-seared steak and potatoes as usual?” she asked, getting a silent nod. “And a beer for her, too,” Yao added. Dora nodded.

“Beer and pot stickers all around,” Bozes said. Ritsuko's eyes flickered over to the pregnant knight, but she decided not to say anything; it wasn't her problem. Ritsuko had finished nearly all her food by the time that Itami returned, Noriko and Tuka in tow. Ritsuko was glad that the goth-loli psycho hadn't appeared yet. But she wasn't worried if and when the little head-case would appear - she had been dead serious that she was equipped to kill the bitch for good; if her theory was correct, anyway. At the very least, it would take the regenerating little cunt a while to recover from it if it didn't kill her.

“Ritsuko,” Noriko breathed before smiling. “I was wondering when I would get to see you again,” she said, moving toward the table. Itami sighed as he turned to leave again.

“Stick around, Itami,” Ritsuko called after him. “You don't get to run; not this time,” she added, her tone darker than before, but carrying a disturbing amount of glee in it. Itami stopped, his shoulders dropping a little.

“Guess not,” he muttered before turning back toward the table. Milliea pulled a free table over so they were all sitting at the same table. Dora returned with the drinks and food for the others, Ritsuko's two Warrior Bunnies returning to their work in the other room.

“What has been going on with you lately, Ritsuko?” Noriko asked, not sure why there was such a tense atmosphere around the table.

“This and that,” declined Ritsuko. “Being a Queen is a lot of work,” she smiled pleasantly. “Just ask Pina,” she added, fixing Noriko with a searching look. After the new-comers had ordered, Ritsuko continued. “Tell me, Noriko, why haven't you returned to Japan?”

Noriko frowned, considering that. “There isn't much of a point,” she said at last. Ritsuko hummed. “It's hard to explain,” she offered weakly.

“Trust me, I know exactly what you mean,” Ritsuko replied. Noriko twitched.

“Yes, I suppose you would,” she murmured, looking down at the tabletop for a moment.

“You have decided this is your world now, haven't you?” Ritsuko asked quietly. Noriko frowned.

“Well, I guess, but it is more a case of this world having what I have left,” she weakly argued.

“There are also the memories and scars from what happened to you here, too,” murmured Ritsuko, maintaining eye contact. “The bite scars, the marks on your body that will never go away. No one who didn't go through that would ever be capable of understanding. And yet, here, people do understand. They don't look at you with ignorant sympathy, nor with judging stares. The locals understand at a level no one in Japan ever would what happened here; and they would never understand why you won't - can't - go back to your old life.”

Tears began to form in Noriko's eyes. Tuka and Itami both looked like they wanted to say something, but a sharp look from Ritsuko shut them both up. “Like I said, Noriko, I understand. You took six months with a lunatic. I had six years under a group of sadistic fucks. I understand better than you can ever imagine. And so,” Ritsuko paused, leaning forward a little, “what would you say if I offered you a chance to make sure that what happened to you didn't happen to anyone else while also protecting this world from those who would seek to exploit it in a way very much like how Zorzal exploited you and Tyuule?”

Noriko's quick inhale of breath was nearly a hiss, while the rest of the room fell silent. “Noriko…!” began Itami, only to have Ritsuko raise her hand, freezing him in place as her furious gaze hit him full force.

“Lady Ritsuko, what are you…?!” began Bozes.

“Be silent,” Ritsuko ordered. “Not one of you here can understand this conversation between Noriko and me, so be silent!”

“What do you…?” began Yao.

“Shut your mouth, long-ears, before I shut it for you,” came the dark, dangerous growl from Ritsuko. “You and your silly little slave tag, pretending to have any clue whatsoever what it is really like to be a slave. You and those like you who pretend to be slaves, thinking it gives you insight into the reality of slavery disgust me,” she went on, her eyes burning brightly. “Itami is a fucking otaku - he bears as much resemblance to a real slave owner as a cosplayer in Akihabara wearing bunny ears bears to a Warrior Bunny! You have never been raped for entertainment, been whipped until blood dripped from your heels, been forced to work from sun-up to sun-down on a single bowl of rice and dog meat, or been disfigured on a whim, so you know nothing. Fucking pretenders like you make me want to puke! And if you open your ignorant mouth about something you know nothing about again, I will tear your jaw off and beat you to death with it! Do I make myself clear, elf?” Ritsuko was half-standing, her entire body nearly vibrating with rage.

“Ritsuko,” Milliea said, touching her arm. The others nearly recoiled at the act, sure that it would trigger the red-headed Queen of the Warrior Bunnies. Instead, Ritsuko exhaled forcefully before giving the cowed Yao a final glare and focusing back on Noriko.

“Sorry, it's a pet peeve of mine,” she managed a smile for Noriko. “From the look in your eyes, you feel much the same way as me,” noted the older of the two. Noriko sighed.

“Not to the extremes you do, but…yes,” she murmured.

“Then I am talking to the right person,” Ritsuko's smile was sharp and disturbing to many of the people seeing it; but not Noriko.

“I guess you are,” she said, offering a small smile in return. “What is it you want my help with?”

“I want you to volunteer to be the guide for a bunch of corporate rapists and enemy agents from the other side of the Gate, knowing that they are no better than Zorzal was, and that some of them will try to kidnap you to interrogate you for information on this world. Need I continue?” she nearly giggled.

“Um, ok,” Noriko wondered, nervously fiddling with her cigarettes.

“Great attitude,” approved Ritsuko. “So, while doing that, you would also be bait. Live bait,” she grinned eagerly. Noriko twitched.

“Bait?” she asked slowly.

“Yep!” confirmed Ritsuko. “Like a worm on a hook, or a small fish on a hook - bait.”

“For what?” wondered Noriko.

“For a faction of natives over here that want to kill everyone on this world,” replied Ritsuko easily. “But don't worry - unlike most fishermen, I want my bait back alive and unharmed, so I will be watching your back. What do you say, Noriko-chan? Want to play in the big leagues?”

A weak laugh escaped the black-haired girl. “That's a tempting offer…” she seemed uncomfortable trying to respond without setting off the older woman.

“Do you remember when Delilah tried to kill you?” Ritsuko asked, Noriko nodding. “The same people behind that are what we are fishing for; well, them and the ones in the delegate party that need stepping on,” she added casually. “Because of them, you were nearly killed as a political ploy, Delilah ended up with a half-dozen slugs in her, that JSDF guy was nearly vivisected, and if it had worked, Pina would have been slaughtered by the JSDF response to your assassination. I can't see you wanting to leave that sort of group alive and working against this world; especially when we finally have a chance at peace,” she added.

“But what about slavery?” Noriko nearly whispered.

“There won't be slavery when I am done, I promise you. And there won't be a living slaver, either,” she added, giving the younger girl a dark smile. “If this is the world you have chosen, why not make a stand to make it better? Of course, I will not force you - I only work with volunteers. But, as a personal suggestion, if you aren't going to stand with us, you would be much safer and happier on the other side of the Gate. This isn't a threat, mind you - in or out, you and I won't have a problem either way. But there are other considerations.”

Noriko had been nervously playing with her cigarettes, and finally tapped one out, putting it in her lips and bringing her lighter up. Ritsuko stared at her as she lit the cigarette and took a drag. Exhaling, Noriko studied Ritsuko. “Can I think about it?” she asked.

“Sure,” Ritsuko agreed. “You have until the end of the week. But don't get stuck being indecisive. If you opt out, I do have a back-up to take your place, though that might prove to be an escalation I would prefer to avoid. If you haven't decided by the end of the week, don't bother thinking about it any longer - we will have moved forward with Option Bravo, and you won't be hearing from us again on this matter. I wish you good luck, Noriko,” said Ritsuko standing and moving for the door, gold coins on the table behind her and Milliea right behind her.

“Wait! Where are you going?” Noriko asked.

“You have until the end of the week,” was all Ritsuko said, pushing past a couple of men who were too slow to move out of her way. “Until then,” she said, exiting the tavern. Noriko's hand shook as she smoked her cigarette.

“Noriko, you know you don't have to…” began Tuka.

“No, Tuka,” sighed Noriko, “I actually do have to,” she said, giving the group a weak smile. “Please excuse me; I need to be alone for a bit,” she said, nearly stumbling out the door.

“She is…overwhelming,” Lelei observed.

“She is dangerous,” Yao disagreed.

“She is what she is,” sighed Itami. “Yao, I think we need to do something permanent about you being my slave before something permanent happens to me.”

“I will protect you, Master Itami,” vowed Yao. Itami shook his head.

“You can't protect me from her like you think you can. She is a sniper, she won't hesitate to kill you to get to me, and she has a bone-deep, raging hard-on for killing slavers. No, better to fix the problem at the source,” he nodded to himself.

“I…like being your slave,” murmured Yao, blushing.

“And that is a large part of the problem,” came a voice from behind them, making them all flinch. Turning to look, they saw Rory frowning at the group.

“Rory! How long…?” gasped Tuka.

“Quite a while,” Rory dismissed the question. The group waited, but Rory just stood there, a small smile growing on her face.

“So, um, you…?” wondered Itami. Rory turned to him and smirked.

“Didn't I tell you? I like her,” giggled Rory. “Maybe I should try to convert her to worshipping Emroy,” she thought aloud.

“Don't!” came the unified cry of the entire group.