Inside C17

Y/N POV:

I wake up from a dreamless sleep, but that's better than night terrors. Kuribayashi is sound asleep using my shoulder as a pillow. I look at my phone to look the time and it seems we crossed into Pacific Time. The Load Master walks up to me.

Load Master: Lieutenant, sorry to bother you. But we're almost there.

Y/N: Thanks  man.

I nudge Kuribayashi a little bit, she wakes up and rubs her eyes. 

Kuribyashi: Mmm...What is it?

Y/N: We're almost there.

Kuribayashi: Oh, that's great....Say, why are we going here first?

Y/N: Well first, I have to get my truck. Plus I figured we do some sight seeing to get over our jet lag.

Kuribayashi: True.

Y/N: Hey, did you familiarize yourself with the Marine rank structure?

Kuribayashi: Yeah, it's a little different from the SDF's.

Y/N: Yeah, it took me a while to get yours as well.

Major: *PA* Attention living cargo, we now beginning our final approach to Camp Pendleton Airbase. Please make sure your seat belts are secure with your  seats and tray tables are in the up right position. Once again we would like to thank for flying with the United States Air Force.

That makes me sigh annoyingly.

Major: *PA* Crew prepare for landing.

Camp Pendelton Air Base

The plane begins descending, the pilot puts the landing gear down, finally we can feel the plane touching down on the runway. The plane rumbles a little bit then it rapidly slows down. Eventually the plane slows down to taxing speed.

Major: *PA* Lieutenant, stand by while we taxi into the hanger. 

The pilot taxis then plane into a hanger and the plane comes a stop and the engines begin to shut down.

Major: *PA* Alright you two! Get your shit and get off my plane! Anything you leave behind we're calling dibs on it!

Kuribayashi: He is kind of a jackass.

Load Master: Tell me about it...Stand by while I lower the ramp sir.

We grabbed our packs and duffel bags and as ramp slowly comes down Kuribayashi leans up and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

Kuribayashi: Welcome home.

Y/N: Welcome to America.

The ramp comes all the way down and we step out. We see 20 Marines wearing desert cammies just outside the ramp parallel  to each other standing at parade rest. Then two men begin approach us one wearing a business suit and the other wearing the Marine Service Uniform and I recognize them.

Marine: Attention on deck!

The Marines snap to attention, we put our stuff down, and we snap to attention as well.

Kuribayashi: *whisper* Who are they?

Y/N: *whisper* It's Mattis and the Commandant of the Marine Corps....But Mattis retired some time ago.  

Mattis and the Commandant walk up to us and both of us salute them and they salute back.

Mattis: At ease...

We both stand at ease.

Mattis: Lieutenant L/N, welcome home. Sergeant Kuribaysahi welcome to Camp Pendelton, and welcome to America.

Kuribayashi: Thank you sir! I've heard a lot about you!

Mattis: Hopefully good things Sergeant.

Y/N: General...What is this?

Mattis: Well, it's Secretary of Defense now. President had an opening in the Cabinet.

Y/N: Congratulations sir.

Mattis: And think you why this is happening. Normally the Secretary of the Navy does this but I wanted to do this personally.

A Marine hands Mattis a small case and he opens it.

Mattis: Lieutenant L/N, on behalf of the President and the citizens of a grateful nation. I hereby award you the Navy Cross, for your gallantry while serving with friendly foreign forces, who are engaged in armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party. 

Mattis takes the medal out the case and pins it to my uniform, hands me the certificate, and pats me on the shoulder.

Mattis: If your father were here, he'd be just as proud of you as I am son.

Hearing that I get a little choked up.

Y/N: Th-Thank you, Mr. Secretary....

Mattis: I also have direct orders from the President. Once your leave is over, says you're to continue to be the attache and combat advisor to Japanese Self Defense Force. And represent our country in the Japanese Special Region until told otherwise.

Y/N: Yes sir!

Mattis: We're not done yet...Commandant.

Commandant: Yes Mr. Secretary....Sergeant Kuribayashi!

Kuribayashi: Sir! 

Commandant: As you know, Lieutenant L/N has been reporting on activity in the Special Region including combat engagements many of which have mentioned your name.

Kuribayashi gives me a smirk and and I look away with a grin.

Commandant: During one these engagements known as "The Siege of Italica." You charged a heavily armored hostile twice your size and weight bayonet fixed to your rifle, stabbed him, and shot him three times. Then proceeded to engage several enemies with both your weapon and hand to hand combat. That's some hardcore shit Sergeant!

Y/N: Told ya.

Commandant: Another noticeable instance was during an engagement at the Imperial Capital. Where you and the Lieutenant overcame numerical hostile force through superior fire power. And proceeded to engage in hand to hand combat with and enemy commander. All to save a Japanese hostage.

We both have a little chuckle remembering that.

Commandant: You have demonstrated the values of our Corps. Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Per the Lieutenant's recommendation along with continuing cooperation and solidarity between our two great nations I would like to present you with this.

A Marine hands the Commandant a framed certificate and he hands it to Kuribayashi.

Commandant: This certificate makes you an Honorary United States Marine with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Ohh-rah! Gunny!

Marines: OHH-RAH! GUNNY!

Kuribayashi:It's truly an honor sir! Thank you!

Kuribyashi takes the certificate and we smile at each other.

Mattis: You heading home Lieutenant?

Y/N: Yes sir, I just came here to get my truck.

Mattis: There's a car outside that will take you to the Northern base. Go home, be with mother, and mourn your father.

Y/N: Thank you Mr. Secretary. I will.

Commandant: Lieutenant, Sergeant. Carry on.

Y/N & Kuribayashi: SIR!

We salute Mattis and the Commandant one last time and they salute back.

Mattis: Dismissed.

We pick up duffel bags and begin walk past the Marines still at attention. Kuribayashi reaches over and holds my hand and I hold hers back.

Commandant: Holy shit.

Mattis: I knew she was more than a subordinate.

Commandant: Marines! Ohh-rah Dragon Slayer on 3!....1! 2! 3!

Marines: OHH-RAH! DRAGON SLAYER! 

We leave the hanger and pile into the car I tell the driver to head the Northern Base.

Time Skip: Headquarters and Support Company Armory

Y/N POV:

 After we reached the base proper I told the driver to stop at the armory and wait, Kuribayashi gets out the car with me and we head towards the armory.

Kuribayashi: Why are we stopping here?

Y/N: There's someone here I need catch up with.

Kuribayashi: An old friend?

Y/N: Yeah.

We enter the armory and I already hear him yelling at a Lance Corporal.

???: How many times are gonna get it wrong  dip-shit?! Do it again!

Lance Corporal: Y-Yes Staff Sergeant!

???: Fuck it up again and it'll be my boot up your ass!

The Lance Corporal range walks away to go do his job and we walk up to his desk already laughing.

Y/N: I see you're still an asshole...Staff Sergeant Rico.

Rico turns around and sees us and comes out from around the desk.

Rico: I don't believe it....Lieutenant!

Y/N: What's up Frank?!

Rico and I bro hug each other and fist bump. Kuribayashi notices he has a few burn scars on his face and neck.

Rico: Who's this sir?

Y/N: Frank, this is Sergeant Kuribayashi of the Japan Self Defense Force. Shino this is Rico was my Platoon Sergeant  in Afghanistan.

Rico: Oh she's Japanese! How ya doing Sergeant? Staff Sergeant Rico.

They shake hands.

Kuribayashi: Nice to meet you Staff Sergeant....Are you the one that?....

Rico: Got the Lieutenant that M-60 through that Gate of yours? Yes I did.

Kuribayashi: And the scars?....

Rico: You talking about my beauty marks? Yeah, I got cooked pretty good if it weren't for the Lieutenant pulling my ass outta of that Humvee. I would have been extra crispy, you should see what I got underneath my cammies.

Kuribayashi: I'm sorry.

Rico: Ah don't worry about it.

Y/N: You were ugly before that anyways.

Rico: Hey, I get loads of pity points!

Y/N: And that's the only reason your  wife's still with you!

Rico: Fuck you sir!

Rico and I laugh at one another and Kuribayashi tugs on my jacket.

Kuribayashi: Hey...It was long flight and I need to freshen up sooo....

Rico: Latrine's down the hall Sergeant.

Kuribayashi: Thanks Staff Sergeant.

Y/N: Take your time Shino.

She nods and heads towards the latrine. After she's out of ear shot Rico starts playfully punching my shoulder.

Rico: F/N, F/N you got to tell me what's been going on with that Gate man! Every Marine here would give there left nut to be in your boots right now!

Y/N: Oh man, where do I even start.....

https://youtu.be/S3wsCRJVUyg

Rico: Holy shit sir....You've seen more action than any of us expect to see in 20 years.

Y/N: I know.

Rico: And actually killed a dragon?!

Y/N: I had a hand in and nearly got killed. But they're calling me the "Dragon Slayer"

Rico: You've met a lot of interesting people.

Y/N: "Interesting" doesn't begin to describe it.

Rico: And that girl you brought home with you. You're dating her sir?

Y/N: She's one of the best soldiers I ever encountered. I have seen her kill guys twice her height and size with a bayonet.

Rico:She'd make of helluva Marnie sir! You got yourself a little fire cracker didn't ya?!

Y/N: Man, once she's starts there's no stopping her!

Rico: She like that in the sack as well sir?

Y/N:....No comment.

Rico: *chuckles* I'm just fuckin' with you sir!....Hey, she's not a....

Y/N: She's not a Barracks Bunny man!

Rico: Okay....So where you heading next Lieutenant?

Y/N: Home.

Rico: Oh...Sir I'm real sorry about your dad...If it's any consolation I was a Pallbearer at his funeral.

Y/N: Thanks Frank.....

Rico: How you holding up F/N?

Y/N: To be honest this thing with my dad feels like Afghanistan all over again....

Rico: Lieutenant, I told you gotta let that go....I don't blame you for this,*points to scars* the others don't blame you either.

Y/N: Wish Williams, Pearson, Kerensky, and Jacobs could say that.

Rico: Sir because of you everyone else made it and you pulled me outta that barbecue. I got to see my wife and my daughter again.

Y/N: I had write all four condolence letters to their families. Just wrote the same old bullshit...How do you tell someone's mom that their son burned to death you've couldn't saved them! Because you were just following orders! *shakes fists*    

Rico: *grabs Y/N shoulder* Sir, it's okay just take a few breathes.

I take a few deep breathes.

Rico: There you go sir...I gotta as how you dealing with it?

Y/N: My new friends have been a great help....Especially her.

Rico: The girl?

Y/N: Yeah I get nightmares sometime. One night I woke up sweating, hyperventilating and just losing it. Then she held me, held me real close and I just calmed down. And she didn't want let go or end things with me.

Rico: You definitely got yourself a keeper Lieutenant.

Y/N: Yeah...(And my other girls but he doesn't need to know that.)

Rico pulls out two travel bottles of whiskey and opens them both and I grab one of them.

Y/N: You drink under the table?

Rico: How do you think I make it through the day here?

We raise our bottles.

Y/N: Williams, Pearson, Kerensky, Jacobs. Till Valhalla.

Rico: Till Valhalla.

Y/N & Rico: Ohh-rah.

We toast and drink our bottles and Kuribayashi comes back smiling.

Kuribayashi: I'm back...did you two catch up?

Y/N: Yeah.

I notice she's wearing the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor I give her on her jacket collar.

Y/N: Hey, you're wearing the EGA I gave you.

Kuribayashi: Well I figured since I'm an Honorary Marine and all.

Rico: Wait you're an Honorary Marine?!

Kuribayashi: Yep, Gunnery Sergeant as well.

Rico: Well welcome to the Corps, Gunny.

Kuribayashi: Ohh-rah! Staff Sergeant!

Y/N: Well we better get going. Frank it was good seeing you again.

Rico: You too F/N, Kuribayshi it was good meeting you.

Kuribayashi: It was nice meeting you as well Staff Sergeant.

Rico and I bro hug again and shakes Kuribayashi's hand and leans close to her.

Rico: *whisper* Look after him Gunny.

She nods and start walking through the hallway.

Y/N: Guess I need to start calling you Gunny no-

Kurbayashi suddenly hugs me really tight and rubs her face on my chest.

Y/N: Shino?

Kuribayashi: If you're ever falling apart...I'll be there to hold you together. Me and everyone else, okay?

Y/N: Hey, you were eavesdropping again weren't you?

Kuribayashi looks at me and sticks her tongue out at me and smiles.

Kuribayashi: Guilty.~

I sigh and hug her back and rest my head on hers

Y/N: Thank you Shino.

After we had our moment we headed to a parking lot along the way Marines saluted me saying thing like, "Ohh-rah! Dragon Slayer" or "First to fight sir!"  I just quietly saluted back to and found a vehicle with a blue tarp on it. And I pull the tarp off to reveal my truck.

Kuribayshi: Nice truck!

Y/N: Thanks, I got it on sale.

We throw our duffel bags into the bed and get in the truck. I start reading a road map of the south west US.

Kuribayashi: So, where we heading?

Y/N: Colorado, but first were gonna head to Arizona and spend a couple of days sight seeing and adjust to the time difference.

Kuribayashi: I know I can't drive here,  but are you gonna be okay?

Y/N: *cracks open a Red Bull* Yeah, I'll be okay.

Time Skip

Arizona

Y/N POV:

 We spent a few days in Arizona  getting over jet lag and sight seeing including the Grand Canyon she was so amazed by it's natural beauty I took a picture of her when she wasn't looking. To get the memory of two beautiful sights. Right now we're in casual clothes having breakfast at a dinner. I'm having a coffee, pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Kuribayashi is having tea and Eggs Benedict, then the waitress comes by and drops off our check.

Waitress: Here you are.

I grab the check and noticed there's no total for and I wave her down again.

Y/N: Excuse me ma'am, there's no total on the ticket. Is something wrong?

Waitress: Oh, they covered it Lieutenant.

She points to a group of 3 older men, who raise their coffee cups at me. I raise mine at them.

Kuribayashi: Who are they?

Y/N: Veterans, their hats were from Vietnam, Korea,  even World War II.

Kuribayashi: Are all American veterans this close?

Y/N: There are generational differences but we all have common bond of serving our country. You're a veteran now too Shino, take pride in that.

Then the waitress comes back and puts a box of crayons on the table and I get a confused look about that.

Waitress: Sorry, *giggles* this is from the gentlemen at the other table.

I look over a the other table to see a group of 4 younger guys all wearing Army Multi-Cam uniforms. They're waving at me with stupid smiles on their faces. I chuckles a little and playfully flip them off.

Kuribayashi: Are those guys..?

Y/N: Army.

Kuribayashi: What's with the box of crayons?

Y/N: It's an inside joke, implying that Marines are so dumb we just eat crayons. Fucking Army, you know Army is an acronym.

Kurbayashi: Really?

Y/N: Ain't Ready to be a Marine Yet!

Soldier: Hey Jarhead! Which one of those is your favorite!?

Y/N: *grabs red crayon* This one, it taste like your mom! *bites crayon*

We all laugh at our inside jokes, Kuribayashi shakes her head but laughs a little.

 Solider: In all seriousness Lieutenant, we wish we were there with you.

Y/N: *raises cup* Carry on, Soldiers!

Soldiers: *raises cup* Hooahh!

Then my phone starts ringing and I answer it.

Y/N: Hello.

???: Hey, where are you now?

Y/N: Phoenix.

???: Oh so your only eight hours away.

Y/N: Yeah, we'll be there by dinner. Does she know anything?

???: Not a thing.

Y/N: Alright, I'll see you then.

???: Bye.

She hangs up and I put my phone away.

Kuribayashi: Who was that?

Y/N: My aunt, my dad's sister.

Kuribayashi: Does she know we're coming?

Y/N: She does, my mom doesn't.

Kuribayashi: Ohhh.~ We're gonna surprise her?

Y/N: Oh yeah, ready to go?

Kuribayashi: Ready when you are F/N!

Time Skip

Colorado

Y/N POV:

I got redressed in my woodland cammies with my Navy Cross pinned on it Kuribayashi stayed in the civvies and drove the entire way there we're about a few miles out I texted my aunt say we were close. Kuribayashi is taking a nap in her seat. I was listening to the radio along the way when DJ begins talking about Japan.

DJ: And at top of the news right now, Japan is on the road to peace with the inhabitants of the "Special Region" after a daring operation led to rescue of  several VIPs. The Japanese government has praised the actions of their Self Defense Force members and the attache from our own US Marine Corps and looks forward to a continuing cooperation with him. When asked for comment regarding Lieutenant L/N. The Japanese Prime Minister stated that the Lieutenant was granted a much earned leave of absence. Marine if you're out there somewhere we here at the station salute you. And now back to the music with Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire."

https://youtu.be/1WaV2x8GXj0

As the song plays my hands starts to shake a little and we coming up on my parents house. I reach over to Kuribayashi to wake her up.

Y/N: Hey we're almost there.

Kuribayashi: Oh good...Hey your hand is shaking, are you okay?

Y/N: I hate this song, not that it's a bad song....It was playing when my men died.

Kuribayashi  begins reaching for the radio knobs.

Y/N: No, let it play.

Kuribayashi: Are you sure?

Y/N: Tuka had to deal with  her trauma. This is how I'm gonna deal with mine. 

I rest my shaking hand on on the arm rest and Kuribayashi holds it to calm it down as reach our final destination my parents Colorado cabin. It has an American flag, a Navy flag, and a Marine Corps flag flying on three separate poles. Along with a blue starred Service Banner hanging in the window.  I start to feel very uneasy.

Kuribayashi: Wow!

Y/N: Yeah, Dad invested in some stocks in his spare time and made quite a profit for himself. Bought this place to spend his "twilight years." Bet he didn't he think those wold come to an end so soon.

I stop at the drive-way and we get out of the truck. And the uneasiness gets worse like stage fright. Kuribayashi starts rubbing my shoulders to help.

Kuribayashi: Hey, talk to me.

Y/N: It's been almost a year since I've been home. 6 months in Afghanistan, 6 months in the Special Region. Everything changed while I was gone a-and and....

Kuribayashi stands on her toes grabs my face and kisses me and I hold her waist. I start to feel better then lets go after a few seconds. I look at her smiling face.

Kuribayashi: I got your six Lieutenant.

Y/N: Thanks Gunny.

We walk to the front door and I take a few deep breathes and knock on door. I hear to some faint voices on the other side then the door opens to reveal a red-haired woman wearing and plaid shirt and blue jeans my aunt Kate. She comes out and gives me a hug.

Kate: Hey F/N, Oh my god!

Y/N: Hey Kate, how have things been?

Kate: It's...It's been crazy ride. I've been supporting your mother as best as I can.

Y/N: Sorry I wasn't here.

Kate: F/N, don't blame yourself for this....Who's your friend here?

Y/N: Kate this is Shino.

Kate walks up to and gives her a two handed shake.

Kate: Hi, I'm Kate I'm this one's aunt.

Kuribayashi: Hello.

???: Kate, who's at the door?

Kate: There's a man in a uniform for you here Shelia.

And there she appeared a brunette woman with some grey streaks in her hair wearing a red dress shirt and dress pants. She sees me lets out a huge gasp and hold her hands over mouth with tears building in her eyes. My mom Shelia.

Y/N: H-Hey Mom....I'm home.

She runs up to me and we gave each other a very tight hug while she cries into my shoulder. My aunt and girlfriend let out happy tears at our reunion. I start getting choked up looking at her face as my mom cups mine.

Shelia: F/N! Oh my God!

Y/N: I'm sorry...

Shelia: Sorry?! What are you sorry for baby?!

Y/N: I wasn't here for you...I wasn't here for you when we lost Dad...I'm so sorry!

Shelia: No, no *kisses Y/N's cheek* You've nothing to be sorry for! I'm proud of you! Your Dad was proud of you!

We hugged for a few more minutes and then I brought my Mom over to Kuribayashi as she wipes her tears off her smiling face.

Y/N: Mom, there's someone I want to meet....This is my girlfriend.

Kuribayashi: Hello ma'am, my name is Shino Kuribayashi. It's a pleasure to meet you. *bows* And I'm very sorry for your loss.

My mom looks at me confused at to what she's doing and I just chuckle a little bit.

Shelia: Why she doing that?

Y/N: It's a Japanese thing, I had to do it when I met her parents.

Shelia: You got yourself a Japanese girlfriend?!

Y/N: Yeah.

Shelia: What's with all the formal crap?! Come here!

My mom walks up to Kuribayashi and gives her a big hug. Kuribayashi is caught off guard by this but then hugs her back. Warms my heart to see this and Mom lets go and holds her face.

Shelia: Oh my God! You are a cute little thing!

Kuribayashi: Um, Thank you...Ms. L/N.

Shelia: Call me Shelia, Sweet-heart.

Kuribayashi: Okay, Shelia.

Sheila: Kate did you know about this?

Kate: He may have called me ahead a few days ago saying he was Stateside.

Y/N: Surprise.

Shelia: Well mission accomplished! Now get your butts inside!

After all that, Kate sat Kuribayashi down in the living room to talk looking at old photos. My mom and I went to the kitchen to prepare iced tea and snacks. Also catch up with my mom regarding everything.

Shelia: That is amazing you got the Navy Cross. I am so proud of you.

I look over at the fire place to see dad's picture in his Whites and his funeral flag in a display case.

Y/N: How was it? The funeral?

Shelia: It was good. Gun salute and everything. Mattis was there, he gave me the flag.

Y/N: Where's he buried?

Shelia: Top of the hill bout a quarter of a mile away facing East.

Y/N: Always the romantic type.

Shelia: Why do you think I ended up married to him?

Y/N: I still real sorry...That I wasn't here to support you.

Sheila: What about you F/N?

Y/N: I grieved when I wasn't busy only a handful of people knew about it....Shino really  held me together when she found out.

Shelia: Tell me about her.

Y/N: She's a Japanese soldier. A very, very good one.

Shelia: Japan makes soldiers that tiny?

Y/N: I saw her beat the living shit out of a 6 foot guy after we engaged in a firefight. She is not to be underestimated. She loves a good fight but she would never hurt anyone unless they deserved it. I tell you more I got a whole slide show for you and Kate. Shino's got stories too.

Then we hear the front door a someone come in.

???: Mom, Aunt Shelia, I'm home.

Y/N: Is that who I think it is?

Shelia: Why don't you go see.

I quickly walk to the entry way to see a fifteen year old black haired girl wearing a lime green t-shirt, knee torn jeans, and a red back pack.

Y/N: Hey there Squirt!  

???: F/N!

We happily hug each other and stand up and spin her around an then hold her up by her armpits. As Kate and Kuribayashi come to greet her.

Y/N: Oh my god! Have you gotten taller on me!? Gonna have to knock you down a peg or two!

???: Jerk! It's been almost a year!

Kuribayashi: Who's that?

Kate: That's my daughter Lilly.

I put Lilly down and she goes to happily shake Kuribayashi's hand.

Lilly: Hi, I'm Lilly!

Kuribayashi: Nice to meet you I'm Shino.

Lilly looks back over to me and sees me smiling at her and looks back over to me.

Lilly: Are you F/N's girlfriend?

Kuribyashi: Yep!

Lilly: Well I'm his cousin, but he's basically been my big brother my whole life.

Shelia: Snacks and tea are ready. Oh hi Lilly!

Lilly: Hey Aunt Shelia! F/N you got to tell me everything that happened in Japan! My friends have all been asking about you!

Kate: Lilly take a breath honey!

Lilly: Sorry I'm just real excited that F/N's is home.

Y/N: I know, you've always been so damn energetic.

Everyone sat down on the couches in the living room as I hook up a USB drive to the TV. I sit next to Kuribayashi and wrap my hand around her shoulder and Mom also sits next to me. Lilly sits with her Mom on the other couch. I start the slide show with a picture of me and Itami fist bumping  in Tokyo just before heading to the Gate.

Y/N: That's Itami, he the Japanese officer I was working with since the beginning.

Kuribayashi: A major dork too.

Y/N: A dork that's in your Special Forces.

Kuribyashi: I still refuse to acknowledge that!

Shelia: Special Forces?

Y/N: Oh yeah, During the Ginza Incident I saw him tackle a hostile and stab him in the neck with a knife.

Kate: Goodness!

I change the slide to picture of me a two SDF soldiers collecting a bunch of EPWs after the First Battle of Alnus Hill.

Lilly: Is that?....

Y/N: Yep, that's the enemy.

Kate: Did you go to another world or go back in time? They look like Romans.

Y/N: Yeah, they pretty much drill just like the Romans. Expect they got pretty much a Wyvern Rider Corps.

Lilly: Speaking of....How many them did you kill?!

Kate: Lilly! You know better than that!

Lilly: Sorry Mom...

Y/N: It's fine Kate.

I flip the next slide showing me with 3rd Recon processing the Coda Village refugees. To break the mood.

Kuribayashi: Oh I remember this, that's after we fought that dragon and brought everyone back.

Lilly: You fought a dragon F/N?! What was that like?!

Y/N: It was big, red, hide was impenetrable to bullets. We got lucky that an RPG blew her arm off.

I click to another slide showing me and Tomita wearing full gear, in the front lean and rest. With Rory siting on my back with Kuwabara judging along with many SDF soldiers cheering on from the sides.

Y/N: Oh, Tomita challenged me to a push-up contest. I gave him a handicap.

Kate: Who is that little girl on your back?

Kuribyashi: That's Rory, she's a demigod.

Shelia: That's the one of the girls that testified at the Japanese Parliament?

Y/N: Yep.

Kate: They made a little girl like that testify before the Japanese government?

Shelia: Kate she's older than the both of us.

Kate: By how much?

Y/N: By nine hundred years.

Kate:.....

Y/N: Yeah that was my reaction too.

I click another slide showing Tuka aiming her composite bow with me spotting for her.

Lilly: Is that the elf that's all over the internet? She's so pretty!

Y/N: That's Tuka, we found her at the bottom of a well in her village....What was left of it anyways.

Shelia: What happened?

Y/N: Dragon attack.

Kate: Oh the poor girl.

Y/N: Yeah, she was heavily traumatized by it. But we've been helping her get through it.

Shelia: Ain't she a hundred and sixty five years old?

Kate: What?! She looks around Lilly's age.

Lilly: I so envy her.

I clicked to another side showing the SDF bringing up the dragon's disembodied head.

Y/N: That's what's left of the dragon we killed with 165 lbs of explosives.

Kuribayashi: And you nearly got yourself killed.

Y/N: That's just part of the job. 

Everyone gawks at me hearing about my near death experience. I click to another slide showing Yao aiming a Type 89 rifle with me instructing her on how to use it properly with JSDF safety officer supervising.

Y/N: That's Yao, a dark elf she quickly learned and adapted to fire arms but they wouldn't let her take one. Itami and I saved her tribe from the dragon.

Kuribayashi: You're not gonna tell them?

Y/N: *looks away* T-tell them what?!

Kuribayashi: That she owes to a life debt. And is basically your sla-

Y/N: *mumbles* Inxnay on the aveslay!

Kuribayashi: Huh?

Shelia: What was that F/N?

Y/N: Nothing! Moving on!

I click to another slide that also a video of Lelei demonstrating some her magic on the firing range.

Y/N: Oh this is a good one.

Video Play

Y/N: Alright Lelei show us what you got.

Lelei: Okay.

Lelei raises her hand at a carriage 110 meters out. The she quietly incites an incantation an magic circles form in front of her and then a magic energy ball fires out of her hand and obliterates the carriage.

Y/N: DAMN! Lelei you gotta teach me that!

Video Ends

Y/N: She couldn't teach me that.

Everyone but Kurbayashi is shocked and mouths are hanging open until Lilly breaks the silence.

Lilly: Holy shit!

Kate: Lilly! Language!

Y/N: Yeah Lily, watch your fucking mouth.

Kate: F/N!

Everyone:....HAHAHHAHA!

After that little show, we sat down to dinner I cooked t-bone steaks on the grill Dad and I favorite. Mom made baked potatoes, sour dough bread buns, and Caesar salad. I sat at the end of the table, My mom to my left with a glass of wine and Kuribayashi with a glass of whiskey to my right. Kate also with a glass of wine and her daughter who has a glass of sparkling cider sat parallel of each other. But at the end of the table was my Dad's officer hat, a glass of Dad's favorite scotch, a plate with two lemon slices with small pile of salt, and a bible.

Y/N: Well dig in everyone.

As we begin to eat my Mom picks up her glass and stands up.

Shelia: I just want to say, F/N I'm so happy you're home and you brought this wonderful girl home with you. And if your father were here he'd be so proud at what you've accomplished. I love you Paul.

Y/N: *raises whiskey glass* Fair winds and following seas Dad.

Everyone raise their glasses, toasts, and sips their drinks.

Kuribyashi: What's with your dad's plate?

Y/N: It's symbolic for the dead and missing. The lemons are for the bitterness of them not being here with us. And the salt is for the tears shed by comrade and loved ones but they always have a place at the table.

Lilly: Hey F/N, You don't have to talk about it....But can tell us about what happened when you passed through the Gate?

Kate: Lilly he doe-

Y/N: Kate, it's okay.

Kuribayashi holds my hands, smiles, and nods.

Y/N: In Tokyo, at the containment area around the Gate we assembled for a speech from the Japanese Prime Minister.  After that the Division Commander General Hazama he told us to be ready for a fight as soon as we pass through. Once it was done we locked a loaded our weapons and boarded transports. Itami and I with an infantry company boarded up with the first wave along with a 2 platoons of tanks and mobile artillery. Then we arrived on the other side of the Gate. The tankers spotted an entire army corps down the hill. The tankers called contact and we disembarked from our transports. I organized the men into fire teams and spread out along the hill. I saw torches all over the place and were in marching columns. I know, haven't seen those since the Civil War right? The enemy sounded a bunch of horns and started marching at us. Then I gave the order to open fire....We absolutely cut them to shreds. It was a god damn turkey shoot. Hell I went through half my ammo and lost count of my  kills. When it was over most them were dead. They didn't even get close enough to shoot off an arrow. It was reported nearly fifty thousand dead, some were captured, the rest scattered.

There was a bit of a silence after that then I drank some whiskey and I let off a sigh of relief.

Y/N: It's fine...I was told it was best not to bottle things up.

Time Skip

3rd POV:

After dinner Kate and Lilly went home. Kuribayashi goes in to the kitchen to Shelia washing dishes.

Kuribayashi: Do you need any help ma'am?

Shelia: No, no I got it....Hey, how did you end up with my boy?

Kuribayashi: Well, when I heard the was going to be a US Marine coming with us through the Gate. I was curious at what he was like, then I was told he would be our 2IC I was really curious. Then he briefed us with so much motivation and confidence I had an instant admiration for him, more than my commanding officer that's for sure. He's a such a dork.

Shelia: Oh, what made you fall for him?

Kuribayashi: It was during a battle at a city called Italica. I was being attack by renegades it was just the thirteen of us at the time. The enemy had broken through the East gate and I charged right into the thick of it with Rory. F/N followed after me and covered me with a machine gun. Soon the three of us were fighting back to back....Then F/N, He took an arrow in the chest....for me.

Sheila put her hand over mouth hearing her son was shot by an arrow.

Kuribyashi: After the battle, I helped bandage his wounds with our Medic. He told me he would do the same for anyone under his command...That's when I really fell for him....And to be honest, I....*blushes*....got a thing for badasses.

Shelia smiles at her potential daughter-in-law then they notice Y/N sitting outside on the balcony alone sipping whiskey and looking at the stars.

Shelia: Why don't you go out there. I got this....By the way.

Kuribayashi: What?

Shelia: Did you get him to quit smoking? Cause I've trying do that for years.

Kuribayashi  just shrugs and heads to the balcony. Walks up to Y/N hugs his left arm and leans on his shoulder and gives him a kiss. Y/N rest his head on hers.

Y/N: Hey.

Kuribayashi: How you feeling?

Y/N: A little drunk, *sips whiskey* it felt good to talk about things. Even if made them uncomfortable.

Kuribayashi: Well, you have wonderful family. And glad you brought me into your life.

Y/N: I'm glad you are too.

Kuribayashi: What about our arrangement with Tuka and Yao?

Y/N: Let's keep that to ourselves for now. You didn't tell your family about them either.

Kuribayashi: *giggles* True...Well right now I have you all to myself. Will you...show me your room?

Y/N: Of course.

Time Skip: Brought to you by the writer thinking about doing a lemo-

https://youtu.be/08vk9g-jcsM

Morning

Y/N POV:

I woke up in my bedroom after having a very awesome night with Kuribayashi as she sleeps resting her head on my shoulder. I slowly and quietly freed myself her grip got put on a pair of sweat pants, a t-shirt, and a hoodie. I put an extra blanket on her and gave a kiss on her cheek. She moaned little and I gave her a kiss on her head. I headed into the kitchen to the smell of fresh coffee brewing. I pour some into a thermal with splash of whiskey of course along with a spare mug.

 Backyard

The air felt so crisp and cold I can see my breath. I start hiking toward a hill about a quarter of a mile away from the house. I climb up a hill as the sun comes over the horizon. At the top stands a lone stone cross, I walk up to it pouring coffee into the spare mug and place it on the cross and read the inscription.

CAPTAIN PAUL L/N

1956- 20XX

FATHER, HUSBAND, SAILOR   

I sat down on the cold grass and start drinking my coffee.

Y/N: Hey Dad, I'm home.

3rd POV

Y/N's Room

Kuribayashi wakes up to find her lover gone, she stretches and redresses herself in a white tee shirt, green hoodie, and green sweat pants. She went down stairs to find Sheila pouring coffee in a mug.

Shelia: Good morning.

Kuribayashi: Morning....

Shelia: Did you enjoy yourself?

Kuribayashi: *blushes* Wh-what are you talking about?

Shelia: Honey you're glowing and I was married to a Sailor for 20 years. You can't fool me.

Kuribayashi: I guess not, do you know where F/N is now? I woke up and he was gone.

Shelia:...Visiting his Dad, you know he's always been a fighter my boy. He came into this world fighting. He was born premature, 2 months....My husband Paul had just came back from tour at sea. Doctors said there was a 50-50 chance of him surviving. Despite that we read to him, sang to him, let him know we loved him. Then he made a fully recovery. When he got older and told us he wanted to join the Marines. I wasn't surprised at all.

Kuribyashi: Wow!....You didn't have a problem with him joining up?

Shelia: Didn't have a problem, but of course as Mom I'm worried sick about my baby going to war. Iraq, Afghanistan, and now this thing.

Kuribayashi: Oh I'm sorry.

Shelia: Oh honey, I'm not blaming you call it fate or divine intervention. You want me to take you to him?

Kuribayashi: Sure.

Backyard 

Shelia walks Kuribayashi to the hill where Y/N is sitting in the grass talking to a cross.

Kuribayashi: is that...?

Shelia: Yes, go to him. I'll make breakfast.

Kuribayashi: Yeah.

Shelia gives her pat on the shoulder and walks back towards the house.

Sheila: (Our boy's home Paul.)

Meanwhile Y/N continues to have his conversation with his father.

Y/N:....And then these guys chased us on horse back. And Japanese operators blew them up with an IED in the ground and we escaped with the VIPs intact....You know, it's still new to me that you're gone. When I called you after Afghanistan...I told you I considered resigning my commission. You told me, "Son I'm sorry about your men. But you can't give up you gotta keep going for the Marines you lost and for the Marines you saved...I'm with you boy, every step of the way..."

Y/N eyes become watery and slumps his head down. Then he feels a soft and warm embrace wrap around him. He knew exactly who, it was his loving girlfriend. Kuribayashi is kneeling behind giving him a warm hug resting her head on Y/N's shoulder. 

Kuribayashi: Hey.

Y/N: Hey.

Kuribayashi: Did you get to say goodbye?

Y/N: Not yet, Shino this my dad Paul.

Kuribayashi: Hello sir, I've heard a lot about you. I'm happy to have met your son.

Y/N: He would've really liked you....How'd you find me?

Kuribayashi: Your mom brought me here.

Y/N: Figures.

Kuribayashi gives Y/N a soft kiss on the back of his neck and Y/N holds her hand.

Kuribayashi: Are you ready to come back to the house? Your mom is making breakfast.

Y/N: A little longer....please.

Kuribayashi: Okay.

The two spent some time together, Y/N took the time to mourn with Kuribayashi comforting him. Until Y/N was finally ready to say goodbye, he stood up and pours the remaining the coffee on his dad's grave and the two stood over it.

Y/N: Bye Dad, *sniff* save me a seat at the bar up there.

Kuribayashi: It was nice to meet you sir, I only wish it could have been in person. *bows* May you rest in peace. 

Y/N: Thanks for that, he would have appreciated that.

Kuribyashi: You think so.

Y/N: I know he would have.

Kurbayashi: Ready?

Y/N: Yeah....I love you Shino

Kuribayashi: I love you too F/N.

Y/N taps the cross one last time and the couple walk back to the house holding each other in one arm. They walk back up to the house to the smell of coffee, bacon, and eggs cooking.

Y/N: Mom we're back.

???: Where do you want me to put these ma'am?

Shelia: Oh right over there Hun.

Y/N: Wait?

Kuribayashi: That voice.

They find Tuka and Yao helping Shelia setting up the table for breakfast. Having so many questions right now Y/N and Kuribayashi stand there speechless as to why and how they got here.

Kuribayashi: *whisper* Did you know they were coming?

Y/N: *whisper* I had no idea....Um Mom we're back.

Shelia: Oh hey F/N.

Tuka & Yao: Darling!/Husband!

Tuka and Yao run up to him and hug him really tight.

Y/N: Tuka, Yao how did you get here?!

Tuka: Surprise! Oh this is from Father. *pulls envelope from pocket*

Yao: And everyone at Alnus Hill sends their regards.

Y/N opens the envelope it has a letter written in Japanese. So he hands the letter to Kuribayashi.

Y/N: Can you read it please?

Kuribyashi: Dear F/N, I hope you're doing well. Tuka and Yao really missed you and wanted see you again. So I talked  Suguwara and he got in touch with the US Embassy in Tokyo and granted them temporary visas into the country.

Y/N: Mom, who dropped them off?

Shelia: Somebody named Graham. Said he worked for the State Department.

Y/N: (Sounds like somebody got demoted.) What else does it say?

Kuribayashi: Tuka and Yao are under your care until their visas expire which will be....when your leave is up and you report back Alnus. Everyone from 3rd Recon sends their best. Lelei  wishes she could be there too. And Rory sends her thoughts and prayers. Hope you all enjoy your time together. Sincerely....Your friend....Yoji Itami....Japan Self Defense Force.

Kuribayashi has a crazy look in her eyes and crumples the letter.

Kuribayashi: I'm....I'm....Gonna kill that goddamn otaku!

Shelia: Son, have a seat......we have a lot to talk about.

So Y/N sits down with his Japanese girlfriend and elven "wives" sit down and prepare to explain their little arrangement.

A/N: So I guess that's it, this the end of cannon for know if the show gets another season I'll consider make a sequel book to this. But before that I want ask you guys about the OVA chapter. Should I cover the Raid on the Capital or just make up my own scenario? On that not it's Memorial Day when this is being published so if you have a friend or a family member that died in defense of our nation take a moment an remember them. But let's end this on a high note. Ladies and Gentlemen Madison Rising! I'll see you guys next time! LATER!!

https://youtu.be/dPHWecAelHY