OUTSIDE GATE MORNING

Y/N POV:

I finished the briefings with the brass and my next report to Washington regarding both the battle at Italica and my brief POW experience from the previous day. I made sure to to clarify that Knights that captured me had not being informed about the treaty. We're heading back to Tokyo and give our testimony at the Diet. From what the brass told us we are to testify regarding the dragon attack. Apparently it's caused a bit of a media storm; Tuka, Rory, and Lelei are also coming with us to give testimony. I walk up to the Gate and see Itami, Tomita, and Kuribayashi are all waiting in their Dress Greens and I arrive wearing my Marine Service Uniform.

Kuribayashi: Oh! *blushes* You look handsome Lieutenant.

Y/N: Um...Thank you Kuribayashi.

Itami: You clean up nice L/N.

Y/N: Yeah, amazing what a shower and a shave will do for ya.

Tomita: I thought you going to wear that other US Marine uniform sir.

Y/N: Oh, you mean the Blues. Those for more formal occasions, this is like a business suit.

A black car approaches and and Yanagida emerges from the drivers side.

Yanagida: I do apologize the paper work took awhile but we're done.

He then opens the rear passenger door, and Pina and Bozes emerge from the car much to our surprise.

Yanagida: They'll be flying under the radar, if you get my meaning Lieutenant. Keep an eye on them for us.

Itami: Are we just showing up unannounced?

Yanadida: People know they're already going to be there. *hands envelope* This is directly directly from the General. Says to treat them with all due courtesy. Treat them as any foreign ambassador.

Y/N: (Great, now we're also on VIP protection detail.)

TIME SKIP: GINZA, TOKYO

Y/N POV:

After we crossed the Gate and arrived to in Tokyo the Special Region people are fascinated by the skyscrapers.

Bozes: These towers...they're so...tall.

Pina: Look at that...there's people inside.

Lelei: Because of the limited lands they've upwards.

Rory: I suppose that means the country is relatively small.

Lelei: Or they simply have a large population.

Pina: One thing's for sure...We've discovered a country where they make miracles like this every day...and our Empire has started a war against them.

Lelei: L/N, is America like this?

Y/N: Depending on where you go. America is a vast country with different landscapes and climates. I mostly grew up in the countryside in my home state, I occasionally went into the city just to have fun.

LeleI: I would like to visit some day, your country L/N.

Y/N: *pats her on head* Some other time Lelei.

Later where at a Immigration and Customs checkpoint Itami is filling out paperwork Rory has her Halberd wrapped up not show any hostility with the civilians and despite wearing a sweater Tuka shivers because the cold though it is December.

Tuka: *shivers* Oh my, it's cold out here.

Kuribayashi: Yeah I toldja it was gonna be.

Itami: Are you okay? I can get you a coat.

Tuka: Hm? Nuh-uh. I'm fine.

I take off my coat and wrap around her.

Y/N: Don't be stubborn, we don't need you getting sick Tuka.

Tuka: Oh thank you L/N it's really warm.

I can see Kuribayashi smile at my selflessness. When someone approaches.

???: Well, there they are.

I look over to see an older looking man in a trench coat and two other men in business suits.

Komakado: Komakado from the National Defense Intelligence Headquarters. I'm here to make sure you get to your destination in one piece.

Itami: So you're Public Security?

Y/N: Like the CIA?

Komakado: *laughs* You're so perceptive! No wonder you're both such big heroes.

Itami: It wasn't really anything.

Komakado: Well not everyone agrees do they? I did a little reading on you. *pulls out notebook* You were second to last in the course for basic officer. Lucky for you one of your colleagues was injured and dropped out. It was says here they wanted to keep you as a Sub-Lieutenant for a while. But that your commander got so frustrated he sent you to Ranger School but somehow you managed to pass. Then here we go...transferred to Narashino...Where you superiors were content leave you at 2nd Lieutenant, but then there was the famous Ginza Incident. Where you received a meritorious promotion in spite of yourself. *closes book*

Itami: Give the man a gold star.

Komakado: *laughs* "Underachiever"..."juvenile"...and those're just the highlights. A Ranger maybe, but why the Special Forces?

Upon hearing this Kuribayashi starts freaking out. Called it back in Italica

Itami: K. you get two gold stars. Okay check it out. you kick one lazy ant out of an army, another one sloughs off to take it's place. It's just those things in nature.

Komakado: You're saying the military needs lazy soldiers?

Itami: All I know is I tried telling the Colonel that when he was chewing my ass

Komakado: And you wound up with even more responsibility.

Itami: I guess my logic got all twisted around.

Komakado: Who knows maybe it's just better not to get anything done.

Kuribayashi: *maniacal laughter* No! That's a lie! Tell me it's not a lie! This idiot's a Ranger but he's in Special Forces too!

I put my hand on Kuribayshi's shoulder to calm her down

Y/N: It's okay. I didn't believe it either but I saw his certification.

Komakado: Oh...I almost forgot about our US Marine here. *opens notebook* The US Department of Defense handed us your file.

Y/N: (Oh god.)

Komakado: Hmm let's see quite the opposite of Lieutenant Itami...Graduated top ten in your class in Quantico, Virginia. Deployed to Iraq with the 1st Marine Division. Saw heavy action in Fallujah, lead your entire platoon out of hail of fire, and nearly got your head taken off by a sniper.

Y/N: I made the right calls and we achieved our objectives with minimal casualties.

Komakado: And so modest as well...Later you applied yourself to Marine Reconnaissance once again finish in the top ten. Stationed here in Okinawa with the 3rd Recon Battalion and deployed to Afghanistan to Khandahar province. Your unit hit an IED and was ambushed by a large enemy force but managed to rally your unit a lead a counter attack surprised you weren't promoted for that.

Y/N: *sighs* My company commander had worked in supply and never saw combat. I told him were walking into an ambush after taking some pot shots from an insurgent. But he had us charge right at it anyway. When our lead vehicle hit the IED and they ambushed us. I managed to rally everyone pushed the enemy back without air support...I lost four marines that day, the Captain tried to pin the whole thing on me. So I punched his lights out for his incompetence and he had me wrote up. Putting a stain on my career.

My fist shakes in anger thinking about that day

Komakado: But then Ginza happend that put you back in the spotlight and got you promoted and you've been our attache ever since.

Y/N: Proud to do so sir.

Kuribayashi: No way! Why isn't he my Commanding Officer?! He's far more qualified than that jackass!

Y/N: It's fine Kuribayashi. That's the role I was assigned that's what I'm doing.

TIME SKIP: DIET BUILDING

After taking the "guests" to get some lunch and got Tuka a lady's business suit we arrived at the Diet. Itami, Tuka, Rory, Lelei, and myself get off the bus. While Tomita, Kuribayashi, Pina, and Bozes stayed on.

Pina: Are we not getting off here Sergeant.

Tomita: Technically, 'we' are not doing anything, Princess...you're not here...in fact I don't even know who you are.

COMMITTEE ROOM:

The five of us enter a room and take our seats with several Japanese government officials, representatives, and press are there. I'm not showing it but I am nervous as hell right now. Feels like the whole world is watching, hell it probably is.

Chairman: Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin questioning the witnesses.

A representative named Kohara begins the questioning.

Kohara: I'm going to be as straight forward as possible... The Self Defense Force gave us reports regarding an incident with a "dragon..." a creature which attack you. As well as caused the deaths of one hundred and fifty civilians.

Chairman: Lieutenant Itami.

Itami gets up form his chair and goes to the podium.

Itami: Yeah...well uh...It was a dragon, it was really big and scary.

Kohara: And what do you mean by that Lieutenant? People are dead, don't you think you and the Self Defense Force could have done more to protect them?!

Itami: I certainly have regrets that so many people died that day ma'am...However... We didn't really have any way to stop it.

Kohara: So then...are you telling me that the Self Defense Force is incapable?

Itami: No... I'm saying we didn't have the firepower. I mean the machine guns we had available to us didn't help much Senator. Neither the thirty caliber nor fifty calibers did any damage to it. We needed stuff like railguns and laser canons and graviton bombs.

A representative interjects

Representative: Ah...Mr. Chairman. The Self Defense Force brought back samples for examinations. They are pretty tough, it has scales stronger than tungsten sheets. And they actually breathe fire. It's almost as if they're some sort of flying tanks. They were face with such a creature and you're telling them not to expect casualties? That's kind of an unrealistic expectation, don't you think?

Kohara: Very well then. Now...I'd like to call Lieutenant L/N to take the stand.

Y/N: (Oh boy, here we go. Please don't let me screw this up)

Chairman: Lieutenant L/N.

I sigh one last time and approach the the podium.

Kohara: You are the attache sent by the United States correct?

Y/N: Yes ma'am.

Kohara: How would you describe the Self Defense Force conduct in the Special Region?

Y/N: *clears throat* First of all, I would like to thank you for allowing me to testify before your legislative body as a sign of solidarity between our nations. And to answer your question ma'am, your Self Defense Force has conducted themselves in most exemplary manner. Almost equal to the Marine Corps. I'm proud to call them my battle brothers and sisters.

Kohara: You were present during the dragon attack?

Y/N: I was, and it's exactly as Lieutenant Itami described ma'am. The dragon was borderline unstoppable I'd say we were lucky that we forced the dragon to retreat. But I would highly recommend researching into finding effective counter measures.

Kohara: What do you have to say about the civilian deaths Lieutenant, and how has the US responded to the dragon attack?

Y/N: I regret that the casualty count wasn't zero. As for Washington I cannot say because I only report to them and they don't send anything back. And I am under Japanese command while in the Special Region ma'am.

Kohara: All right then I call Lelei la Lalena to the stand.

I step back and Lelei takes the stand.

Kohara: Do you understand me?

Lelei: Yes, a little.

Kohara: Then let's get started. I want to take a moment to address living conditions at the camp...Do you have any restrictions?

Lelei: I'm not sure what you mean by "restrictions..." isn't that every single human being. We're all born into this world with some kind of restriction.

Kohara: *frustrated* Let me rephrase it for you... Are you lacking any of life's basic necessities at the camp?

Lelei: Well, no...we have plenty of food, clothing and shelter... there's really nothing missing I guess. We never seem to run out of anything.

Kohara: Really... You don't feel the SDF, which was described as ill-equipped is responsible for the one hundred and fifty victims?

Lelei: No.

They finshed questioning Lelei and Tuka takes the stand.

Tuka: I'm an elf from the Forest of Lodo, the daughter of Hodrew...Tuka Luna Marceau.

Kohara: I'm sorry but I'm afraid I have to ask this... are those ears actually real?

Tuka: Sure...these are my ears. *rubs ear* Do you want to touch them?

I can see the camera's flashes intensify and everyone clamoring and pulling out their phones. And can feel the Internet have a collective nerdgasam right now.

Chairman: Quiet! Order please!

Kohara: Miss Tuka. When you were attacked by the dragon, did you witness the SDF soldiers doing anything inappropriate?

Tuka: Uh...I...can't say. I was...unconscious at the time.

Kohara: Very well then. The next witness please!

Rory then take the stand wearing a black veil for some reason.

Kohara: Please state your name.

Rory: Rory Mercury.

Kohara:Please tell us what your life is like in the Alnus Hill camp.

Rory: It's simple really. in the morning when I wake, I pray. And then...Then I take some lives. Then pray. And when night comes, I go to sleep.

Kohara: What do you mean, "take some lives?"

Rory: I kill... I kill people for my Lord's sake. He is the God of death... It's kind of his thing.

Kohara: Let's try a different question. You appear to me to be a person who's lost someone dear to them recently. Is it safe to say the Self Defense Forces are to blame for that?

Rory looks to Lelei

Lelei: She doesn't understand the meaning of your question... Rory's entire family-

Kohara: According to the report when the dragon attack it killed one hundred and fifty people fleeing the village... but not a single soldier was killed or injured during that engagement. The Self Defense Force is supposed to risk their lives and fight for those in danger. But here... they chose to run from that fight and cost people their lives!

I get angry on the inside, didn't I just tell her we forced it to retreat. She gets an evil smirk on her face.

Kohara: So..you need to tell us everything! Tell us what you saw! Tell us what they did! Tell us the truth.

Rory: *inhales* ARE YOU A GOD DAMN IDIOT?!

The mic feedback is so loud everyone is holding they're ears except for me. My hearing is already used to loud noises.

Kohara: Huh...what..excuse me?

Rory: I believe you heard my question. You're probably asked that a lot. *folds her veil back* Little Miss Thing *giggles*.

Y/N: (Sick burn Rory.)

Kohara: You understood me.

Rory: Well look who just caught up. I assume what you really want know is how Itami and his people fought against the dragon, am I right?

Kohara is stunned by that statement.

Rory: They did everything they could... and then some. They did not hide in their carriages nor behind civilians. I tell you they did nothing of the sort.

Kohara: Uh..I

Rory: Let's get to the point shall we? There are times when a soldier must protect their own life. You sit here safe and comfortable, and accuse others of being cowards. If you ask me you're the coward Little Miss Thing.

https://youtu.be/CdLqerS0A6M

Kohara: *eye twitching* What did you call me?

Rory: They faced a flame dragon...and lived to tell the tale. So you should offer them praise for pulling off such a feat. You demonstrate a rather creative way of manipulating numbers to make them look a certain way don't you?

Y/N: (Jesus, politicians are all the same no matter where you're from.)

Rory: Your Self Defense Forces SAVED four hundred and fifty people. I can only imagine the problems the soldiers this country face if this is how they're treated.

Y/N: (Damn! Need to bring her to Washington!)

Rory: Itami and his team accomplished something no one has ever done. And that is my answer to that stupid question of yours. Is that true enough for you, Little Miss Thing?

Kohara: *seething* It looks like someone forgot to teach you how to speak to an adult. "Little Miss Thing"

Rory: You're not talking about me are you?

Kohara: Course I'm talking about you! I don't know how things are done in the Special Region, but in this country we respect our elders!

Rory goes into murder mode and is about to unveil her halberd.

Rory: Oh, I am going to love this.

Itami gets up from his chair to stop Rory.

Itami: Ehhhhh! Mr. Chairman! There has been a huge misunderstanding!

Rory: Hmph...What do you think you're doing?

Itami: Just put that thing away, okay? Dear God.

Rory get back in her seat next to me and I lean in close to her.

Y/N: *whisper* I would have let ya done it.

Rory gives me a smile as Itami take the stand again.

Itami: *clears throat* I should take this opportunity to let the Diet know that Miss Mercury is actually the eldest person in attendance here today.

Kohara: Hmph! And how old is she supposed to be?

Rory: Nine hundred and sixty-one of your years, honey.

Everyone: Huh?

Kohara: And...just how old do you happen to be, Miss Marceau?

Tuka: One hundred and sixty-five

She looks to Lelei

Kohara: Uhhhh.. What about you?

Lelei: I'm fifteen.

Lelei takes the stand once more.

Lelei: And I'm human. Where I come from we live around seventy years. In fact most of the people in my world are human beings. Tuka is an elf, and elves have incredibly long lifespans. Those of her kind have to potential to live forever. Rory started out as a human being but her body stop aging when she became a demigod and an oracle. A demigod will abandon her body after a thousand years, transforming into a spiritual apostle and eventually a god. She has no concept of "life expectancy."

Everyone is astonished by what they just heard.

Chairman: Do you have anymore question, Ms. Kohara?

Kohara: I guess I don't.

TIME SKIP: TOKYO SUBWAY

Y/N POV:

After the deliberation me and Itami got in casual clothes and headed to the subway. The bus we used to get to the Diet Building is now a decoy. Apparently somebody out there is interested in us. The train arrives and the door opens and it surprises the girls.

Lelei: It's opened.

Itami: Yes, it did.

Itami and I enter the train.

Itami: Let's get going guys!

Y/N: Come on we don't have a lot of time!

Tuka and Lelei rush in but Rory is hesitant and Itami pulls her in as the doors shut and the train begins to move. As we notice onlookers prying eyes on us.

Itami: And I look like one of those shady internet talent scouts.

Y/N: Could be worse... You could be one of those shady Hollywood talent scouts.

Tomita: Lieutenants!

We look over to see Tomita and Kuribayashi in casual clothes along with Pina and Bozes.

Itami: Hey. Good work, man

Tomita: Almost didn't make it. I wasn't aware that the bus was a decoy...I got lucky back there.

Itami: Well...we got everyone back together so it's all good.

Kuribayashi: Maybe for you but not for them. They're scared to death of the tunnel. I mean they keep saying something about being dragged into the abyss.

Y/N: Sounds like a friend of mine talking about his marriage.

Itami: It's everyone's first time on a subway, Just give'em a chance.

The train bumps and Bozes leans on Tomita

Bozes: Pardon me.

Tomita: It's fine.

The train bumps again and Rory clings to Itami

Itami: What's the matter, you okay?

Rory: No it's just that the underground reaches are Hardy's territory!

Itami: Who's... Hardy

Rory: She's completely nuts! She asked my to marry her two hundred years ago. And she demanded over and over again! I just don't want to be close to anyone right now.

Itami: OK...so why are you close to me?

Rory: So she won't come near me. She absolutely despise men. So if I am around you maybe she won't come around me!

Train PA: Kasumigaseki Station. Kasumigaseki Station.

The train stops and the door open and we find Komakado waiting for us.

Komakado: Hey, stranger.

Komakado rides with us and he explains there's a mole in Public Security and Rory is getting more restless about being underground the next stop is at Ginza.

Itami: All right... let's get off here.

We move out and Komakado stops us before we hit the stairs

Komakado: Look you can't just your stops! Stick to the plan!

Subway PA: The Marunouchi Line is currently out of service due to a wiring incident between Ginza and Tokyo.

Y/N: (What the fuck is going on?)

We make our way to the surface much to Rory's relief. The area is filled with Christmas music and lights.

Itami: Stopping the subway. So what're they after, anyway.

Komakado: To show us they can do it. They want to let us know we're not safe anywhere... But they've also shown they don't know where we are either. Next time they won't be able to do something that can just be passed off as some kind of accident. Ah, for example

Some guy in hood runs up and tries to steal Rory's halberd and it crushes him under it's vast weight

Komakado: Eh...Certainly direct, but not too bright. *picks up halberd* Amateurs.

Y/N: I wouldn't pick that up if I were you.

Komakado: Hm? What's that?

*CRACK*

AHHH!

An ambulance arrives to take Komakado to the hospital a few moments later. He's lying on his stomach in the gurney.

Rory: Mister Creepy Pants *spins halberd* probably should've known better.

Lelei: Well he's not a demigod Rory.

Komakado: *painfully* Keep going till you reach Ichigaya, all right.

The ambulance leaves.

Tomita: Are you about to get moving, sir

Itami: No, hang on a second.

Kuribayashi: We're not going to a nerd convention, okay?

Itami: That's not what I was thinking.

Y/N: You don't mean?

Itami: Yep.

Y/N: Oh shit.

TIME SKIP: OUTSIDE APARTMENT

We're outside an apartment and I know who lives in it Itami has bag of food and goes into the place and Kuribayashi pulls me aside.

Y/N: What is it?

Kuribayashi: I caught your testimony on my phone sir, and did you really mean it when you said that?

Y/N: Said what?

Kuribayashi: *blushes* When you called us your "battle brothers and sisters." Did you really mean all of that Lieutenant?

Y/N: Absolutely. Every word of it, you're almost on par with the Corps.

Itami: Okay guys come on in.

We stand outside the door. I look inside and see a familiar face

Tomita: Um, Lieutenant? who is this?

Itami: Oh, this is Risa...She's my ex-wife.

Kuribayshi: She's your...

Tomita: ...ex-wife? Sir?!

Y/N: *waves* Hi Risa.

A/N: Well that's it for now I am glad I got this chapter done at both around the time of the Marine Corps' Birthday and Veterans Day. So thank you everyone for reading you know the drill by now share, vote, follow if you like, have a great day or night and I'll see you next time! LATER!!