New West Indies

quote

Kunkenga wrote:

The wasp was too late, the woman had been whisked away by two guards before it could reach her. It stopped running and looked into the chaotic crowd. She was making her way towards her ship. It had to quickly find a way past the line of guards that now stood between its target. It geared up and began sprinting, hacking away at the civilians who got into its path or tried to slow it down.

The wasp read the scene in a nanosecond, five guards spread out and armed with commando pistols. They posed as much a threat to it as the idiots who tried to tackle it as it continued running. But they were an obstacle nonetheless, and if they were good shots they could really slow it down. They were, after all, members of a prominent government official's security detail and they were likely selected from premier military stock. Their formation and body language also displayed great confidence, their marksmanship would surely reflect that. But they were also scared, although they wouldn't show it. The wasp took this into account as well.

"Take him out!" one of the guards yelled.

The shots were well placed. Bolts hit the wasp across its chest and face, creating small chrome colored holes as its liquid metal form was exposed. It was enough to stagger the machine as it continued running towards the guards, but not enough to stop it.

It quickly made its way to the line and leaped out towards them. It plunged its skewers into the chests of two of guards, one on either hand. Three of the other guards tried to dogpile it, but were rapidly impaled by a repeating succession of blades that budded out from its back.

The final guard, after making some distance between himself and the machine, continued firing. The wasp shook the dead guards off its back and began running towards him, but just before it got there a colossal figure emerged from out of the blue and and plunged a meaty fist into the machine's left temple.

The force created a gaping hole in the wasp's liquid metal head and sent it crashing backwards into a table.

An unpredicted variable, the target had a personal bodyguard. The liquid metal design of the wasp's nanomachines essentially meant it was one big eye, so it should have been able to react to the approaching woman, however her speed seemed to outpace its reflexes. This was an easily solvable problem, reaction speed was an attribute it could increase. Her strength however, was also able to severely compromise the its structural composition, she could levy considerable damage if she got too close. This was not a solvable problem. A plan had to be devised...

The wasp lay rigid on the broken table as its head quietly reshaped itself. The target was now out of sight. The bodyguard inched closer...

*snikt*

With impossible speed, the wasp stretched out a single skewer 12 feet from its index finger and stabbed it into the exposed shoulder of the bodyguard. It was the furthest it could reach.

Force her to keep her distance.

The wasp rose from the table and met eyes with the bodyguard. It couldn't feel fear, but it understood that this was going to be a tough battle. But she wouldn't be the one to destroy it, she couldn't. She neither had heavy ordinance, nor could she generate high heat.

A ship's engine blows up somewhere on the surface of a distant planet.

Ventus Prime wrote:

Raphtalia was no stranger to pain. She grew up with it from most of her childhood, working in the mines on Nubila. After that, she had to go through basic training when she joined the Naval Academy on Pontoon. It was also after training with her former master that she could mentally block out pain, or at least reduce it down to no more than a prick of a needle. Even so, this hurt a little bit worse.

Despite her shoulder being pinned, she was able to grab the vibroblade from her waist and managed to cut through the twelve foot blade, freeing herself before yanking the large piece of metal out of her. She winced as blood started dripping down her arm.

“I don’t know who you are, or rather what you are, but you are not going to lay a finger on Lysithea,” she stated as she drew her blade forward. “Regardless of whether you have emotions, you’ll have the honor of dying by my hand!”

She moved forward at a speed that most couldn’t find humanly possible. The man was keeping his distance, which was good for her but she had to keep his attention. She dodged his attacks, moving fluidly and using her blade as both weapon and shield. Perhaps if she got close enough and was able to lop off his head...

She glanced around at her surroundings. No, she had to get him away from the nearby surroundings to a more open area. She backed away, but only enough to avoid suspicion. There were just too many people around...

Then she saw it. A stadium which appeared to be completely empty. She made her way inside, hoping she was still being followed. The open field gave her enough room to move around. Now she had to keep him busy.

She attacked again, trying to keep him off balance. She just had to buy enough time...

That’s when she heard it. A small beep. The communicator in her beep made one single beep, but it was all she needed to hear. She then turned to the man and smiled. “I apologize, I know I said you’d die tonight but I’m afraid it won’t be from me...”

A loud rumbling soon came as a lone V-Wing, almost invisible to the night sky, came screaming out of the sky towards the stadium. Raphtalia had already moved as the ship launched two missiles at the man, causing the area around him to explode into fire and dirt.

Raphtalia had been able to get out of the blast zone but only barely. The wound on her arm hurt almost worse as her arm became numb from the blood loss. It was then that another ship came into the stadium, this one much larger. She looked to where the man once stood. No one was there and she hoped it stayed that way.

The landing ramp descended as the ship floated a few feet above the ground. Lysithea was standing there and she reached out her hand for Raphtalia’s as she helped her on board. The ramp soon lifted and the ship took off.

As the two women made their way towards the bridge, Lysithea glanced over at Raphtalia’s wound. “You’re hurt.”

Raphtalia smiled slightly. “It’s nothing worse than I’ve experienced-” She was cut short as she felt Lysithea’s arms around her tight. She was surprised by the sudden gesture but smiled as she hugged her back.

“That was really stupid, you know that?” Lysithea snapped at her. “You had no idea what that thing was capable of!”

“I know...but I did what I had to do,” Raphtalia replies softly. “I did make a promise, didn’t I?”

Lysithea let go as she rubbed her eyes. “Yes, I remember. Anyway, let’s get you cleaned up.”

The door before them opened and an exhausted Wilmhar came through. “Well, this certainly isn’t the night I had imagined,” he said. He then looked to Raphtalia. “You alright, kid?”

“I’m fine, Minister.” Raphtalia then pouted. “But do you really have to keep calling me kid? I’m twenty-two now and-”

“I know, I know,” Wilmhar chuckled. His face then turned serious as he looked to Lysithea. “What now then?”

“Hopefully when this all dies down I’ll be able to send President Thompson an apology and let her know that I’m okay,” Lysithea replied. “But more importantly, Kunkenga has made it very clear how they feel about me. Now it’s time to return the favor. I want a task force deployed ASAP for Earth. It’s time we make them hurt for once.”

Two Hours Later...

Three ships jump out of hyperspace, two Nebula-class Star Destroyers and an Endurance-class carrier. Within a few moments, a squadron of Y-Wings and a squadron of ARC-170s exit the hangar of the Endurance and make their way towards Earth, specifically Kunkenga.

New United Carolinas wrote:

Ariana was unsure what had happened, but she knew that a tragedy had occurred. She heard panicked screaming. The kinds of screams that made your stomach twist. Ariana looked towards the commotion, to see that a man's throat had been sliced by a human-like figure. Though from what Ariana could tell, it didn't look human. Ariana quickly shielded her children from the brutal display, while Damarcus ran to pull the emergency signal switch on the wall.

Amongst the confusion, she could see Chancellor Lysitheia fleeing the room, as her guards restrained the attacker. Ariana took this as her chance to grab her family and bring them towards the nearest exit. All that mattered to her at that moment was their survival.

"Ariana! Take the kids to the limousine! I'll help these people out." Damarcus yelled. Ariana looked at him, frightened beyond all belief. "NO!" She screamed. She couldn't say much more.

"Ariana just listen to me, and go! Keep yourself safe!" Damarcus repeated. He looked at her with a frustrated, yet understanding expression. "I'll be okay." He said. "Just leave!" Ariana did as she was told, taking her children by the hand. "Righteous, Serenity, he's going to be fine," she said. They ran to through the door, followed by a bunch of frightful party guests.

The hotel's emergency was on, and the alarm system had been ringing. The elevators were inactive, meaning the stairs were their only option to get to the ground floor, safe and sound. Righteous and Serenity were in tears, full of even less understanding of the circumstances than their mother. But Ariana was piecing together what was happening as she made her way through the limousine. It was an attack. An attack most likely on Chancellor Lysitheia, orchestrated by Kunkenga. It had to be, especially considering the assassin had only gone after her personnel, with the exception of the innocent stranger.

As they reached the ground floor, Palmetto City SWAT members had stormed the building, charging past the presidential family and up the stairs. The next half hour to Ariana was a blur. As presidential guards grabbed her arm, along with her family, and pulled them through the crowd, and out a side exit where their ride awaited.

As the limousine drove away, Ariana could see helicopters and starships surrounding the area, most likely from the Cusabo provincial guard, and the Palmetto City SWAT team. She had no idea where her husband was; he wouldn't even answer the phone calls she tried. Her sight was blinded by tears and nausea, but despite this, she caught the glimpse of a bright flash of light and smoke just above the Palmetto City Collesium, followed by a loud thundering noise. Right above them passed an unfamiliar starship, that exited the atmosphere as quickly as it came in.

Ariana couldn't take any more of the situation. She closed her eyes, laying down on the back seat. One of the presidential guards came to her aid, taking the first aid kit in the car, and using an instant ice-pack to cool her down.

Back at the hotel.

Damarcus darted down the stairs. The fireworks had long been stopped the moment the Cusabo Provincial guard arrived outside. Damarcus was being escorted by a SWAT member, who had left the rest of his squad to guide the First Man to safety.

Damarcus had witnessed the assassin single-handedly take out almost all the guards. In no way was it human; its movements were too quick and precise. It had even stabbed a guard in the shoulder, but evidently it wasn't fatal. The guard had taken one look outside the glass dome of the building and quickly darted towards the staircase, the assassin following after her. It was at that moment that the PC SWAT team had entered the room. After searching the perimeter, they decided to follow the two unknown people, while one member escorted the President's husband to safety.

He was quickly brought to an ambulance. The confusion was so great, he didn't realize his phone had been ringing as his beloved wife called desperately tried to call him. But fortunately, he was brought to a presidential guard, who would continue to guide Damarcus to safety.

As they drove back to his family's location, he saw an explosion of sorts over the Palmetto City Coliseum. That's where the beloved Palmetto City Patriots played; the city's baseball team. Immediately afterward, Damarcus saw what appeared to two starships, a smaller one that had promptly left the stadium, and a larger one, that landed within the stadium.

"Jesus Christ." a presidential aid said. "What the hell is happening tonight?" Damarcus could only stare out the window. "I'm not even sure anymore," he replied blankly.

He pulled out his phone and saw Ariana's phone calls. He was relieved she was safe, but she must've been worried sick. He gave her a callback, to the presidential aid that answered, that he was safe.

PALMETTO CITY COLISEUM

The SWAT Team and the Palmetto Provincial guard had gotten quick intel that the two people of interest had made their way to the Palmetto City Coliseum. The wide-open area would ensure great aim on the target.

One person of interest was identified to be a Venutian Guard who had attended the party with the Chancellor of Ventus Prime. She was not to be harmed.

Only about three minutes after their arrival at the stadium, two unknown starships had entered Carolinian airspace, according to the Palmetto City International Airport's ATC. They had been given the clearance to enter due to an emergency situation response. As Carolinian starships and helicopters closed in on the Stadium and explosion had occurred in the center of the stadium. A Venutian V-Wing had launched two missiles at the assassin, with the guard coming out relatively unscathed. The SWAT was given clearance to enter the stadium, and the crater to ensure the assassin had perished in the explosion. It was clear that it was inhuman, so it's durability was unknown.

A Lancer Y-2, loaded with a Gatling gun, got close to the crater that had been formed. The Venutian guard moved away from the crater, giving a clear shot.

"Cusabo Provincial 23, locked and loaded on target. Initiating primary Gatling gun to ensure the extermination of the target."

At that moment, the gun fired a barrage of bullets into the crater for around 15 seconds. Not much could be seen coming out of the crater, besides dirt and a few chunks of metal. By the time the gun had stopped, all that was left were pieces of metal and black oil. The assassin was no more.

Police would soon fill the stadium, interrogating the Venutian guard, and the crew of the starship that had landed shortly after. She was identified as Raphtalia, who had served as a guard for the Chancellor for a number of years. However, she stated she was unaware of Chancellor Lysithea's whereabouts, but ensured that she was safe and sound and that nobody else had been injured.

Given the circumstances, the police couldn't have held on to the Venutians for much longer. The ships were given the clearance to leave the atmosphere, promising to not return to Carolinian airspace until the war between Ventus Prime and Kunkenga had ended.

Unexpected. Though prepared.

Kiyomi and the Section 9 Agent were sitting down rather surprised that the party had shifted to the talks of Kunkenga's foreign aggression to war plans and then eventually to New Years. Though due to time differences between Japan and the East Coast of America. Japan has celebrated New Years 13 hours ahead. Basically meaning 13 hours later she had been celebrating Oshogatsu. As New Years was announced the Empress would smirk leaning over her chair and stretching herself. She felt exhausted even though she had slept in the airplane.

The Section 9 Agent watched their surroundings and observing people passing by and gathering information. However her attention focuses to the Empress.

Kiyomi: "What are the odds of meeting a new leader here?"

Phantom Fox: "If you want my inquiry, I would say slim, who do you think will take interest in a deteriorating Japan?" she asked in sarcasm.

Kiyomi: "I guess that's true," she answers.

Phantom Fox: "Huh? You're taking my word for it?" I was only just using sarcasm, cheer up your Majesty, it's not like everything will go smoothly in the world. Nor can you expect anyone to talk to you. After all there are more democratic institutions than Monarchial Regimes."

Kiyomi: "You are right on that note," she says with a sigh, "I guess they are all jealous, I don't have to go through bureaucratic nonsense to change society. People are united under my benevolent rule and it is my sole job to guide the country towards the righteous and best path. Different and opposing views? Those halt certain reforms that is needs mending."

Phantom Fox: "Yet the people of Japan stand divided in race, humans against Kemonomimi's. Kemonomimi's against humans. The Yamato and minority groups of Japan think your family and your people stole their land. Kemonomimi's think that what humans have done don't add up to the centuries of suppression and slavery they have faced. Not to mention a few of your kind dislikes how your family fled at the time the Kingdom had fallen apart," she replied crossing her arms, Kiyomi disrelish the fact that her family fled, current problems in Japan had traces back to the past and people still are not contempt in the Monarchy.

Kiyomi: "Are you my advisor on how I run my government?"

Phantom Fox: "Well I wouldn't exactly call it advising you, I simply just gave you details on current affairs found on wiki or news outlets. You should go open the news more often,"

Kiyomi: "ugh, you know I disdain the news. It is their 24/7 job to report something and even the smallest of events they make it such a big and dramatic event."

Phantom Fox: "Still as a leader at least you should have some consideration to the current affairs of your nation and how your people are doing. At least when your older you can look admirable looking down upon a papers wearing your spectacles and crossing your legs on a comfy couch. Perhaps by the side of the fire?"

Kiyomi: "Now your giving tips on how I should dress!?" she said, suddenly they heard a cry and many people running about screaming in horror, "What on Terra?"

Phantom Fox: "We should leave."

Kiyomi: "Perhaps it could be a fireworks accident or maybe an event happened in another room, people are pretty sloppy these days with technology so advanced as my mother said,"

Phantom Fox: "That's a bit rude to say to a Cyborg, though look!" she said as they saw a strange humanoid figure with a metallic skin color, Ventuan's firing their blasters at it, Kiyomi held the palm of her hands to her foxy ears not being used to the sound of a guns, without a word Phantom Fox grabbed her arm and pulled her to the nearest exit and called the limousine to meet beside the hotel. By the time they reached outside with many people running out of the hotel.

Kiyomi: "What on Earth was that thing!?" Kiyomi said rather terrified.

Phantom Fox: "Do pardon me your Majesty but if I may inquire that you do know I am not a walking Wikipedia?" she said as they still ran with Phantom Fox still leading Kiyomi out of the area. The Japanese limousine was parked around the hotel. Phantom Fox opened the door and Kiyomi sat inside it. She then closed the door of the limousine though not getting inside. Kiyomi was confused with the matter and she rolled down the window.

Kiyomi: "What are you trying to do?"

Phantom Fox: "Have a bit of fun, it is not often you see an alien creature from some distant stars arrive to a New Years Party killing anyone that gets in the way of its target." she responds.

Kiyomi: "What!?" she said, as the driver of the limousine rolled back the windows. Phantom Fox then walked up to the driver who was sitting in the limousine, the driver then rolled the windows back down on his side.

Phantom Fox: "So what did Section 9 brought for me," she asked.

Driver: "It's in the trunk, there should be 3 mags for an MSR-3 Barrage, I'm sure you know what that is, handheld Metal storm system. Also a visor to see in the dark, infrared and targeting systems, as well as the P-2110 S with about 4 mags for that. Oh did I also mention I'm the body bag there should be an exo-suit for you? All made by your trusted BlackSteel WorldWide arms selling corporation," he said.

Phantom Fox: "Good enough, what about you?" she asked and the Driver took out a 20th century revolver, Phantom Fox sighed and she shook her head, "I hope you know the life of the Empress is on your hands now, and I hope that revolver of yours is good enough for aliens,"

Driver: "Haha no worries, this babe-- wait did you just say aliens?"

Phantom Fox: "Right, I'm bored, open the trunk, and make sure to come back with a bike for me, okay, thanks," she said as she left and waved back at the driver, the driver opened the locks to the trunk and as it opened it revealed the aforementioned items stated by him, she took and equipped it though as she went back to the driver and handed him the mags of the pistol and the P-2110 S itself, "I'm not trustworthy of your out dated weaponry so take this for safekeepings, I'm sure those 7mm liquid propellant will do good on armored vehicles," she said.

Driver: "Wow okay, thanks for that, it's not like I brought 60 bullets for my revolver." he said as he took the pistol and its magazines and left it on the seat next to him, he then rolled the windows of the drivers seat and slowly took the limousine out of the area. Meanwhile as a lone wolf of the National Public Safety Commission of Japan, she proceeded her own investigations of this unknown entity. If her recon went as expected she would return back to the airport on her motorcycle and go back to Japan with information upon the incident. Whatever else happens that may draw her back may happen.

Aftermath

After the attack happened Kiyomi made a voicemail to the President of NUC.

Kiyomi: "Greetings President Ariana, I hope you and your family are in good health after tonight. It is rather unfortunate that the world couldn't have came together during such a peaceful event to celebrate a new year of, let's say Earth still being habitable and a year where the children of Terra can begin a new chapter of scientific advancements and understanding of the universe. This inhuman event where people were killed in the crossfire will go down in history as starting a galactic war, I'm sure you are aware of that. I didn't wish for that to happen and at least have that New Years Eve to be the start of a new chapter of Japan's diplomatic relations. Understandably I'm sure you won't be accepting towards my leadership."

"A 17 year old nonhuman sitting on the throne making decisions on how the country should be led instead of having the people's opinion. Not to mention she is praised by many of her people and is seen as a deity to them alongside the Yamato family. My nation may have no democratic institutions and is an absolute monarchy, with a bit of powers to the ministers and prefecture governments and city governments. That aside, I Hope ideology doesn't become an issue when creating diplomatic ties to both our nations, I wish you and your family well," she says, she then hangs up and awaits for a call, going back to her studies.

ShangXiang Imperial Palace
40 mins after the attack in NUC

Hiei clicked about in her strappy high heels. Reading her various reports from the days events in the world. She rolled her eyes at the report from the New Years Event. While annoyed at the fact that something so barbaric could happen at an event of genuine kindness and celebration, she was also equally pleased that she had successfully protected her ruling Monarchs from this vile act. She walked purposefully down the long eloquent hallways of the Imperial Palace, and arrived at the door of Emperor Erwin Zenzefer III's Study room, where he had been doing his paperwork, as well as the general legislation, and the polls from his people regarding current issues that were important to them.

Hiei knocked on the door. "Come" said a voice from behind the door. Hiei opened the door, bowing reverently before entering. Erwin was signing papers with Momo close beside him, as always. She simply refused to be away from her husband, and her love for her husband ran as deep as her love for her home country of Japan, and the bond equally inseparable. "Princess Hiei, come my sweetheart." Said Momo looking up. Hiei shut the door quietly behind her. She banged her heels together and bowed again. "Empress Kawashima, Emperor Zenzefer III, i come with news from the New United Carolinas." She said, rising from her bow.

"Oh Hiei, you and your formalities. You know, you don't always have to be so formal. Relax a little bit will you sweetie? Mother and Father is also fine, we didn't adopt you for you to be so formal about it." Momo said. Erwin was notably silent. Signing papers and writing personal letters to citizens wasn't an issue, more like he was quite bad at speaking to others. He hated speaking, he found the tradition of public speaking to be boring, and incredibly contradictory. He didn't like speaking in general. He enjoyed the peace and quiet, sure. However, the dulcet tones of his wife's voice were music to his ears. He did enjoy speaking to his family, even if he was rather bad at it.

Hiei bowed again. She pushed her lustrous ruby red glasses up her nose. "I understand. This is quite true. Ehm, Mother, Father, news from the New United Carolinas. A murder was attempted by an agent of Kunkenga on the Chancellor of Ventus Prime, whom we have recently become economic allies with. Notably, as well, Celestial Empress Kiyomi I of The Sakura Nippon was in attendance, and while thankfully safe, was in harms way at the moment of the attempted assassination." Hiei said. Erwin violently banged his fist on the desk. "Dirty communist barbarians!" he shouted. Momo jumped. "Adi...p-please calm down." She said in a fearful tone. Erwin gently embraced Momo, remembering he wasn't the only person in the room. He kissed her gently on the top of her head. "Im ok angel." He replied softly.

"Hiei, I am indebted to you. It is because of your advice and your wise council that I did not have to suffer the traumas of that event. You are a shining example of how effective advisors are when a leader puts their trust in the wisdom of those trained to do your work. I'm beginning to wonder if you are a fortune teller. I am aware that is impossible, but you couldn't have predicted this as accurate as you have without some sort of 6th sense." Erwin said.

Hiei bowed again. "I am here to serve. For the health and welfare of my Monarchs, my parents, and my nation." She replied. "Emperor, Empress, what do you plan to do about this? Surely there are some thoughts and some ideas that you must have." She asked. "Glass them. Every square kilometer of their nation....glass" Erwin said. "Adi please." Momo said. "I know girly girl. Lets just continue the seraph fighter supply to Ventus. Ill prepare a letter or parchment of sorts for the Celestial Empress. I think it is wise to offer the confines of High Charity II to our allies." He said

Ventus Prime wrote:

“I’m not sure how credits convert to Yen but each ship would average around... 500,000 credits. Of course, we wouldn’t want to bankrupt your nation. Though regarding your technology, perhaps some of our best minds could help with that?” Lysithea had the cup of tea to her mouth but the smile behind it was obvious.

Kiyomi: "Well let's say you wanted to buy a $2 Caribbean Dollar soda pop in Japan. That would be ¥200 Japanese Yen. Unsure what it would be in Credits but that's rather cheap for a space ship?" Kiyomi said rather confused, "Not too many space ships cost below a million Caribbean Dollars and I am afraid it could lead to your industry having to need more money to get and make the materials for the ship. Though I'll see to it that we purchase a few of your ships,"

Kiyomi: "With the technology and Space Craft development I mean you have to talk to the CEO of Tenko Corporations, it is a Private Industry, I don't know if I should actually call it private now since I'm also a shareholder of the corporation. If it does something I don't like I'll reduce the value of the stocks which they don't want me doing. I can put in a good word for your scientists if needed be, however it's not really the problems with manpower but more to do with funding. My government can't funnel in 400-900 Billion Dollars in R&D to complete the Space Crafts. It would take around 2-3 years to get that sort of money in Japan with the GDP estimated to rise after this year because of the ending of Japanese Isolationism," she replied using her hands to gesture as she was talking and then brought them together on her lap.

The Sakura Nippon wrote:

Kiyomi: "Well let's say you wanted to buy a $2 Caribbean Dollar soda pop in Japan. That would be ¥200 Japanese Yen. Unsure what it would be in Credits but that's rather cheap for a space ship?" Kiyomi said rather confused, "Not too many space ships cost below a million Caribbean Dollars and I am afraid it could lead to your industry having to need more money to get and make the materials for the ship. Though I'll see to it that we purchase a few of your ships,"

Kiyomi: "With the technology and Space Craft development I mean you have to talk to the CEO of Tenko Corporations, it is a Private Industry, I don't know if I should actually call it private now since I'm also a shareholder of the corporation. If it does something I don't like I'll reduce the value of the stocks which they don't want me doing. I can put in a good word for your scientists if needed be, however it's not really the problems with manpower but more to do with funding. My government can't funnel in 400-900 Billion Dollars in R&D to complete the Space Crafts. It would take around 2-3 years to get that sort of money in Japan with the GDP estimated to rise after this year because of the ending of Japanese Isolationism," she replied using her hands to gesture as she was talking and then brought them together on her lap.

“Ah, I see. The only reason we would charge less is because I realize you wouldn’t be able to afford them at regular...meaning I’m doing it as a gesture of good will and all. My fear is that, while it’s unlikely, someone will take advantage of your economic and military shortcomings and try to invade you. If anything, having a few ships that can fly circles around the enemy can’t hurt?”

Ventus Prime wrote:

On the way back to Szel, Lysithea was sitting in her room, absorbing everything that had happened when she suddenly heard a scream outside. “Raphtalia!?” Lysithea suddenly got up and went to the door. She saw Raphtalia standing outside her room, looking panicked. “What’s wrong!?”

“We forgot about Kiyomi!”

“...What?”

“We took off and left her there without saying goodbye!”

Lysithea facepalmed. “Raph, I’m sure she’s fine, I don’t think anyone was after her and even if they were, did you not notice the bodyguard with her?”

“Well, I did, though to be honest something seemed...off about her. She was difficult to read.”

“Pretty sure that’s a good thing for a bodyguard.”

“Maybe I’m just overthinking it. That being said...I really want to check up on her!” The look in her eyes would’ve broken even the strongest of wills and unfortunately Lysithea couldn’t resist either.

“Alright, alright go ahead. I mean you can speak freely to any leader now that you’re Vice Chancellor.”

Raphtalia blushed as she rubbed the back of her head. “Y-Yeah...I’m still adjusting to all this...”

To My Best Friend Kiyomi

Dear Kiyomi,

As I write this, I feel terrible I didn’t get ahold of you sooner. I hope you’re okay and I hope you can understand why we had to leave like we did. Don’t worry though, we’re okay, though I did get wounded by that...thing. Just a flesh wound though!

I have to be honest, this whole thing seems rather terrifying. I know being a leader has many risks, but to just kill someone in cold blood... I also feel a horrible amount of guilt. Six people died, five of them brave soldiers who’d give their life to defend Lysithea. If I had acted sooner, maybe they would still be alive...

I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be acting all mopey and sad, I’m just happy you’re safe. Unfortunately, Lysithea probably won’t be making any future trips anywhere so I’d be going in her stead. If you’re ever in the mood to chat and have some tea, please let me know!

Your friend,
Raphtalia

Dear Raphtalia,

It is great to hear from you! Especially after the New Years Party which didn't go as I thought it would. I'm rather sorry to hear that the alien thing hurt you and I hope that wound gets treated. ThoughI understand why you had to leave in such a hurry as so did I.

I had hoped people from Earth or elsewhere would at least show a bit of kindness to sentient beings but it turns out some are rather cruel, wicked, and want to watch the world burn and bleed upon their daggers. You shouldn't feel guilty for something that can't be changed because of your reaction. Whatever is done is done. We must face the future and honor those who have protected us when they have sacrificed themselves to buy us time to prepare and attack. Their brave acts shall not be forgotten I hope.

I have been doing fine physically. The event had rather shocked me in a way I feel that I don't know who people are anymore. The sight of innocents dying has really changed how I view the worlds morality. I understand that you or the Chancellor shall not be making anymore visits to Terra until your business with your rivals are finished. I will make sure to contact you in the case we would wish to have you or me over for some tea. It is a pleasure writing to you my best friend. I wish you best as Vice Chancellor on your war efforts.

Warmest Regards,
Kiyomi I Kitsune.