"Espionage and counterespionage go together like horse and carriage."

Charles McCarry


Chapter 6 – Saito in Tokyo Part 2


Part 1:

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters

Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda ward

Tokyo, Japan

June 20, 2011 AD

Decatilis 5, 6077 AB

11:32 AM GMT +9

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters.

The facility houses the top brass of the prefectural police department of Tokyo Metropolis. Like every other police department in the world, it handles the public security with jurisdiction over the Tokyo metropolis. This includes the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Public Safety Bureau, one of the 6 bureaus under the wing of the police department.

However, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Public Safety Bureau doesn't act like the American Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), despite some claims that it is. It does not concern itself with petty criminal cases like the usual stealing or robbery. Not even murder, well, as long as it does not involves high profile cases or international level operations.

Instead, they act more like the British 'Special Branch' Police Units. This unit is responsible for matters of national security and intelligence, as well as counter-intelligence. They also intervene on issues that concern the armed forces, to be specific, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

Riiiing! Riiiing! Riiiing!

The man raised the phone and placed it on his ears.

On his shoulder, the man has a gold-wreathed gold emblem with three gold bars. He is a Senior Commissioner, Senior Commissioner Toshiro Kashigawa of the Second Foreign Affairs Division.

His duty involves conducting public safety investigations as well as counterintelligence affairs related to Asia.

And on his desk are two pieces of documents.

The first document is labeled as Case No. 1-20091207-001. A case 1 document, which refers to a Level 1 crime, the highest class of criminal activity in the country of Japan. 20091207 is the date, which means December 7, 2009. And 001 means priority number 1. This kind of case usually comes out when the crime is exceptionally severe, and it usually involves international incidents.

The second document is labeled as Case No. 2-20110615-023. A case 2 document, which refers to a Level 2 crime, which can be anything that is considered high-class criminal activity in Japan, usually done by foreign agents. 20110615 is that it happened on June 15, 2011, just seven days ago. And 023 means its an urgent issue and that it involves foreign espionage. Usually, these kinds of cases happen when a well known high-level foreign intelligence agent enters Japan.

"Sir, Inspector Matsuhisa wants to come in. He said it's crucial information." The secretary said on the telephone.

"What does he mean crucial?"

"Sir, he says it's about that incident."

"Incident?" The Senior Commissioner glanced on the document he has been investigating for almost a week now. Case No. 2-20110615-023

He replied back. "Let him in."

"Yes, Sir." The secretary replied. Not long after, he can hear a knock on the door, and the door opened. The man entered the room and bowed.

"Senior Commissioner, we have a situation."

"I know, she's her."

"She?"

The Inspector looked dumbfounded.

"A high-profile Chinese operative is here in Tokyo."

The Inspector still has that dumbfounded look on his face. "I don't know who you are referring to Senior Commissioner. I'm here to report about this boy."

The inspector gave him a photo. Upon receiving the picture, at first, the man looked at it nonchalantly. However, as a few moments went by and as the realization of what he was looking sink into his mind…

His eyes widen, and his mouth opened in shock.

It was the picture of that man or boy. Wanted in 3 countries. Has 5 counts of homicide. And the most important of all, wanted for stealing military hardware and defecting, along with the F-2 fighter, to an alleged hostile government in the Korean peninsula.

The Mitsubishi F-2 multirole fighter plane was last detected on the Sea of Japan 40 km northwest of Kanazawa City with a heading of 313 degrees.

Straight towards North Korea.

A 20-year old boy who has a pending death penalty punishment in the country of Japan for crimes involving 5 counts of homicide. Two of them include senior military officials from the United States (an Airforce Major) and the United Kingdom (a Wing Commander). At the same time, the other three were JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force) airmen on which one of them was an Air Force Major General. In contrast, the other two were a First Lieutenant and a Military Police guarding the base at the entrance. In addition to that, he has 4 counts of attempted murder, destruction of public property, illegal trespassing to a military facility, stealing military hardware, espionage, and treason. The most wanted man in Japan is in Tokyo.

And it happened during the 68th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Also known as The Pearl Harbor Anniversary Incident.

Case No. 1-20080706-001's guilty individual is in Tokyo.

Saito Hiraga is in Tokyo.

"Hmmm…" The senior commissioner then stood up and holding the picture. "Where is he now?"

"His in Chuo. We are currently monitoring him as he is making way towards Sakuragawa Park in Irifune. " The Inspector said.

"Where do you think he is going? Is he alone?"

"For where he is going, we have no idea. However, he is walking with six other people. They seem to be of European descent. We also suspect they might be working with the Chinese."

"European descent? What do you mean?"

"This." The Inspector then handed the Senior Commissioner the photo of the other people who are with Saito.

"And the Chinese are involved?"

"It's just a suspicion for now. However, I suspect that the PLA has there hands on this."

The man handed him a photo of the man of Mongolian descent.

"It could also be the Russians." The Senior Commissioner remarked. "Good. Now, notify all police stations in the entire city. I will relay this information directly to the top. This might turn into an international incident. Continue monitoring the situation. Never let him get out of your sight."

The Inspector made a salute. "Yes, sir."


Part 2:

August 1 Building

Beijing, People's Republic of China

June 20, 2011 AD

Decatilis 5, 6077 AB

12:05 PM GMT +9

While things are stirring up in Tokyo, a sea away from Japan, another high-level problem has occurred, this time in Beijing.

A Chinese agent went AWOL.

About a week ago, June 15, a Chinese agent was reported to have abandoned her post in Qingdao. She was supposed to be assigned to the United States of America to gather information about the movements of the US navy. She was going to the United States under a different name and face as a businesswoman making a business deal with companies linked to arms contractors and ultimately to the Pentagon. However, instead of going to the United States through an air route via Singapore, then the Philippines, Australia, before eventually going to the United States, she instead flew straight to Japan.

Those were the last whereabouts the Chinese intelligence agencies have of the agent.

They're not aware if she was alone or has companions. However, she hasn't applied for political refugee status in Japan either.

Not as far as the PLA has knowledge about it.

Codename: Black Lotus, a high-level espionage agent of the PLA. She is known for her deployments and assignments to various Chinese affiliated spy networks all over the world. She is also an expert in counterespionage, cyberwarfare, and 'specialized' operations.

Specialized operation just means operations that involve network creation, commando operations, interrogation, diplomatic and political infiltration, propaganda, psychological warfare, social engineering, and sabotage.

She is well versed in French, English, Afrikaans, German, and even the Italian language. Her previous missions involve technological espionage in European countries, economic espionage in France and the United Kingdom, and diplomatic activities in French and English speaking Africa.

She is also very young, 22 years old.

And she knows plenty about the Chinese military, how it operates, and its facilities all over the world.

She is a valuable asset and a deadly liability.

However, new information came up just early on this date.

"She is a danger to the national interest of our country."

A man spoke inside the room. It was General Huang Taichen, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission.

The Central Military Commission is the armed force organization of the Chinese Communist Party and the People's Republic of China.

"So tell us, what do we know about the situation?" One of the executives of the Central Military Commission asked. It was Airforce General Yong Xia.

"So far, our operatives have managed to get this picture."

The picture was that of a boy and a girl exchanging documents somewhere near Dalian.

The man who gave it was Admiral Zhe Jiang, the director of the still new and unknown Bureau 18 of the East China Sea Fleet Naval Command.

"Our agents, along with the cooperation of the Ministry of State Security Bureau No. 8, undertook an operation to investigate corruption cases all over the country. It was undertaken under the authority of Chairman Xing Jiangping, and we found that Black Lotus, a month ago, has made contact with this individual."

"We have some intel that this man holds some information which is considered by the Chairman as something vital to the national interest of the Chinese nation."

He points out a man in the photo wearing civilian clothing.

"I don't know whats his connection to this boy." The man paused for a moment as he looks at everyone first in that meeting of the higher-ups. He is the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, as well as the President of China and the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Chairman Xing Jiangping.

"But as far as we know, she is currently in Japan. There is a chance that she is cooperating with this man. The reasons behind it, we don't know." Chairman Xing said as he points his index finger on the picture.

"Nothing?" A high-ranking military officer asked.

"We only know that she is somehow connected to Maoists organizations across the world. We also received intel from our collaborators within the Philippines that she has some connections with the CPP-NPA-NDF."

"The Communist Underground movements." Chairman Xing Jiangping said.

"However, that is nothing more but speculation." Admiral Jiang said. "Aside from connections, we have no direct evidence linking it to her possible defection to the State of Japan."

"Nonetheless, I think we must secure her. We also need to have the man be interrogated and see if there is any information we can get from him." Admiral Jiang presented the members of the politburo a few pieces of pictures.

"I have also received intel from our Japanese spies telling us that the Japanese authorities are also pursuing that man. His Japanese name is Saito Hiraga, a suspect for stealing Japanese military hardware. However, were not sure if that is a real name identity, or he might have stolen it from a different person."

"So, you're telling us that the Japanese and we are chasing the same targets?" a member of the Chinese Central Committee said.

"Is that a suggestion?" Chairman Xing asked. "Well, to be honest with you people, the last thing we want is Black Lotus defecting towards the Japanese side, or to any organization. We can't risk her revealing any classified information. And if we have this Saito person, perhaps, we can ask him valuable info regarding cases of corruption here in China, and maybe something more."

"By something more, do you mean things that involve other nations?" The Chinese Premier asked. It was Premier Lou Kichung.

"That's possible." The Chinese President replied.

"Yeah, about this, hmmm…" One of the members of the politburo was about to say something. However, he seems to have forgotten what he was about to ask.

"You mean about Saito Hiraga?" Chairman Xing intervened.

"Yes, about this guy, what do we know about him?" The man asked again.

"All we know is that he stole military hardware and presumably have killed Japanese and foreign servicemen who were at the base. Basically speaking, he is a wanted criminal in both Japan and in some countries, like the United States. So far, we haven't had any information about him, only that his identity might have been not his. We don't know who is affiliated with; what his motivations are." Chairman Xing said.

"What are you thinking, Chairman Xing?"

"What am I thinking? Well, think about it this way. There is a chance this Saito Hiraga guy might know precious intel. He might be a state secrets liaison. Worst case scenario, our girl might be on her way to sell Chinese state secrets to this boy. I am not sure. I am not 100% certain about this. This is just my mere speculations."

"So, you want us to catch the two of them?" One of Xing's generals asked.

"Is that a suggestion?" Xing asked.

"I have a suggestion." The Chinese Foreign Minister asked. It was Foreign Minister Wang Yin. "If we cooperate with Japan on catching this spy, it would make our relations with the Japanese administration better. It would also give us the chance to observe the Japanese intelligence agency work on the field. In addition to that, our spy network will be relatively intact."

"Good suggestion," Chairman Xing nodded. "Any other suggestions?"

None replied.

"Then, it's a deal." The Chairman nodded again. "Well, Mr. Wang Yin, and Mr. Chen Xidou, I will entrust to you the diplomatic and intelligence sharing with Japan."


Part 3:

Sakuragawa Park

Tokyo

June 20, 2011 AD

Decatilis 5, 6077 AB

13:25 PM GMT +9

Its been about two hours now since the group was walking across the city. Earlier, the group visited the Gold and Silver store in Ginza. On his trip to the store, he tried to sell his gold coins to the store. However, his gold coins were instead bought by a suspicious-looking person.

The person, although he looks suspicious, bought all of his 30 gold coins for a hefty price of 2 Million Yen. With two million yen in his pocket, the group ventured out into the city. So far, they have encountered no incidents noteworthy of anyone's attention.

"Hey Saito, I didn't know your world could be this rich," Kirche remarked as they walk in the street.

"Yeah, I truly did not expect this. Structures that taller than trees. This city is greater than any city I have ever been to in Halkeginia." Tabitha said. "And also, the roads are very wide."

"Then those iron carriages, they are also incredible," Colbert commented, as an 8 wheeler truck passed them by.

Julio remained silent as he looks at the things around him. But Saito can see how amazed the boy is by just looking at his face.

As they walk around the area of Irifune, Saito saw a park not that far away from them. Unknowingly, he walks straight towards the park. On which, the group behind him follows.

"Louise, do you remember the last time we were here?"

Louise looked at Saito with a hint of happiness and joy in her eyes. "Yes, I remember it very well."

"By the way, Saito, can I have that same thing we have here last time?"

Saito looks at the girl who turned down her hand as she plays with her hands. The tone of her voice was so low and sounds embarrassed that the other girl walking beside Saito looked at Louise, eyes squinted, staring at the girl.

Saito, as always, was oblivious to what was happening on the other side, about the blue-haired queen.

"You mean you want a cotton candy?"

"Yes, that one!" Louise raised her head up again, exposing her rejoicing reaction to Saito and the nearby Tabitha.

"Cotton candy?" Tabitha asked.

Saito turned his head towards Tabitha and asked. "Would you like to try it also, Tabitha?" He asked.

For a moment, Tabitha froze, her eyes locked on Saito. Saito as well is looking straight to her eyes. Seeing that she is looking at Saito's eyes, her face betrayed her as they lit up to a bright red color.

Louise saw this, which reminded her of that specific memory from back then.

In the night after her wedding with Saito.


Part 4:

Des Orneires Estate

Tristain

Quintilis 23, 6075 AB

February 7, 2010 AD

*Flashback*

Its been 2 months now since the Dragon was defeated, and 3 months after the war with Gallia. The Kingdoms of Halkeginia are celebrating the victory.

Victory from the fight against the Dragon and the Kingdom of Gallia, a war that was not without enormous costs.

The Papal State of Romalia is now a state under the leadership of a temporary government of the Provisional Church Council.

Gallia, on the other hand, became a pseudo-client state of the Kingdom of Tristain. And Albion is a supervised territory between the Kingdoms of Gallia and Tristain along with the Empire of Germania.

However, Tristain holds all the levers of power in the supervised state of Albion.

Also, two of the void users are gone, with Romalia still looking for their next void user. Gallia, on the other hand, is still searching for the next void user. Tristain, on the other hand, has two void users as well as an intact military force.

Rumors, however, states that a new void user has appeared in Gallia. However, his or her identity is still unknown, even back to the leaders of the Church in Romalia. The Church was still in a state of disarray as a result of losing substantial resources during the two wars.

In the end, the Kingdom of Tristain rose on top of the Halkeginian geopolitical arena. Its dominance over the continent was further solidified after Tristain, under the influence of Louise, and Lothorein, who Saito has excellent relations with the elves in the far south, forge a Memorandum of Understanding.

The signed MoU was the Agreement Framework Between the Kingdom of Tristain and the Caliphate of Lothlorien on International Cooperation.

The international treaty covers shared economic, magical, scientific, and technological cooperation on a bilateral scale. However, the last article of the treaty points out that signatories of the agreement "shall work out on efforts that promote co-existence between the races."

It was clear the treaty was pointing to a more significant agreement that might change the current order that exists in Halkeginia.

The principal signatories of the treaty were the Kingdom of Tristain and the Caliphate of Lothlorien, with the Empire of Germania and its puppet states, the Kingdom of Gallia, and the Supervised State of Albion as treaty observers. The Papal State of Romalia and its aligned states, however, declined on signing the treaty. Eastern states of the continent show interest in the convention but has refused to get involved for the moment.

The proposal was vehemently opposed by many factions within the ruling elites of the continent. At one point, Romalia threatened to excommunicate Saito and Louise for trying to move such an agreement. However, the Church has more significant problems to deal with for now. Many Orthodoxian leaders in the East have expressed supports for co-existence and tolerance. In contrast, the Northern leaders demand reformation of the Church. And in the West and South: Albion, Tristain, and Gallia, rumors have it that a new religious sect whos faith is still unknown is taking shape. Thus, resistance from Romalia wasn't as strong as it should be.

As a matter of fact, the Church Council, the provisional government of Romalia, as they're still waiting for the new Pope ascends to his throne, is powerless against the whims of the Kingdom of Tristain. The present Queen of Gallia and the Emperor of Germania also aligns there interests in the small nation.

However, the treaty remains fragile, and the populace has uncertainties on the agreement. To strengthen the effects of the settlement, it was necessary to bind the two advocates of the treaty. Louise and Saito have decided to tie themselves via matrimonial means. In other words, marriage.

And the person who pushed for marriage was Louise's father, Sandorion de la Vallière.

However, as the marriage was announced, some stories began to circulate around the court. Rumor has it that, in the Gallian Royal Court, the Queen herself opposes to the matrimonial binding between Louise and Saito. However, when asked about this, the Gallian Queen said those rumors are not real. Instead, she sends a congratulatory letter for Louise, and on a separate message, she sent her best regards to Saito.

And so, on the 23rd of Quintilis, 6075 AB, on 10 AM that day, Duke Saito de Hiraga des Ornières and Tristainian Crown Princess Louise Fran?oise le Blanc de la Vallière official became husband and wife. It was attended by leaders from all over the continent. The House of Valliere and the House of Hiraga finally became one, creating the House of Hiraga-Valliere.

Halkeginia's most influential house.

Then comes the part of Louise's flashback.

Nighttime.

The two moons, shined on the sky with the colors of red and light green, with the stars twinkling up in the heavens. Under those lights up above is a blue-haired girl.

"Tabitha."

A voice called the girl.

However, the girl remained on looking the skies up in the sky with melancholic eyes.

"Tabitha?" The voice called again. This time, she heard that familiar voice.

The voice she loves listening too.

"Saito." The girl turned her head fast back towards the boy.

It was indeed, Saito.

Saito then walked towards her and looked at what she was looking up in the sky.

Looking up, he saw a beautiful conglomeration of stars. And on the distance, a flock of clouds, illuminated by the moon, slowly marched across the horizon along distant hills.

"It's beautiful."

As Saito looks at the sky, the blue-haired girl looked at the face of the boy.

"Indeed, it is."

"You can tell me if you have a problem."

Tabitha replied in a very soft and low tone. "I'm looking at my problem right now."

Saito turned his head, "What did you say?" He asked.

"Can I ask you something, Saito?"

"You can ask me anything."

"Saito, what is the most important thing or person for you?"

For a moment, Saito was taken aback by Tabitha's question. He then paused for a while, prompting Tabitha to look at him.

"Louise is the most important person for me."

The girl then looked away at him and towards the distant horizon. "I see." She replied.

"I see." She repeated.

"Saito, can I share a story with you?"

"A story?" Saito looked at the girl. "You mean something like the story of I'valdi."

"Something similar." Tabitha looked back at him, giving him a smile.

"Well, once upon a time, there was a pair of twins who live in the countryside."

Tabitha paused for a moment, on which Saito then turned his gaze towards the girl.

Tabitha continued. "But then, due to circumstances, the town's lord killed the father of the twins. He also crippled their mother."

"After that, he took the twins. The more capable older twin was turned into an errand girl for the lord. The weaker one was locked in prison."

Tabitha looks again at the boy as if she was asking for something for Saito.

Saito, on the other hand, replied, "Please, continue."

"Once in a while, the twins would meet each other. When they met, the older twin tells her younger sister about her adventures and encounters."

"Until one day, she tells her younger sister of a faithful encounter."

Saito nodded as he listens to the story.

"Ever since then, the older sister tells her imprisoned sister of a tale of an incredible person. An amazing person. Not long after, the older twin fell in love with this amazing person. For the moment, the younger sister laughs and teases at her older sister for falling in love with a boy."

"Listening to how her sister tells her great tales about that boy, her imprisoned twin gradually felt love for that person as well. Her feelings for him were further cemented when the boy she fell in love with ended the reign of that man."

"The same man who held her captive. He liberated her from that man's horrible dungeons, freeing her at last."

Tabitha paused for a while as she looks at the stars. It was as if thinking about what she is going to say next.

"What happened next?" Saito asked.

Tabitha giggled, she continued. "Well, it's a sad story, to be honest. It's a pointless one."

The girl then looked at Saito, and there she saw Saito's face. Saito looks like he wants to know more.

"Oh well, I'll continue." Tabitha paused for the moment before she continued. "The younger twin then looked at her older sister. She was much pleased that her younger sister is now free. But then, it was too late for the twins."

"Why?" Saito asked.

"The boy they loved so much now belongs to someone else," Tabitha said. "The younger twin was much devastated when she learned that the man she dreams of becoming hers was now someone's man. And she didn't have the opportunity to see him or even talk to him…"

"…or even tell him her feelings."

"It was a sad story, indeed," Saito said.

For a moment, the blue-haired girl looked at Saito, and then…

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Tabitha responded at him like an insane person laughing out loud.

Covered by the dim lights of the moon and her hysterical laughter –

A single tear flowed out of her eye.

"What was that for?" Saito protested. "It was a sad story. Did I say anything funny?"

While Saito and Tabitha were talking outside the mansion, a certain pink-haired girl was looking for her husband. It was Louise. While walking along with the blades of grasses that are surrounding the house, she heard some laughed out loud.

She then saw two people talking under the dim shade of moonlight.

It was her husband and a blue-haired girl. A blue-haired girl that looked like Tabitha.

Except that the girl wasn't wearing the usual attire of the Gallian Queen, nor does she carries her staff.

"Saito? Tabitha?" The pink-haired girl emerged out, revealing herself to the two.

It was at that exact point when Saito asked her of did he said something funny. At that time as well, she was still laughing hysterically.

However, she immediately stopped when she heard someone called the name Tabitha with a voice she failed to recognize. She then looks towards the source of the voice, only to find it was a pink-haired girl.

It was Louise.

"Ohh, Hello there, Ms. Valliere." Tabitha greeted the newlywed bride with a tone that seems to be a bit off.

Something Louise has noticed.

"Oh, your Highness. How nice it is to see you…" She paused as she looked at the man standing beside her. "With my husband."

"Nice to see you as well, Ms. Valliere." Tabitha replied with a clear emphasis on the 'Ms. Valliere' part.

"Saito," Louise called her husband. "My father wants to introduce you to some of his friends."

"Oh, I see." Saito scratched his head and smiled. "I guess I have to go, Tabitha. Good night."

Tabitha smiled towards Saito and waved her arms. "Goodbye. I'll see you again soon."

And so, Saito walked back to the mansion, leaving the two girls behind. Louise and Tabitha.

"By the way, it's Mrs. Hiraga, your Highness," Louise said in a polite tone with hints of rage.

"Of course." The girl smiled.

Now that Louise stands closer to the girl, she noticed that the girl who Saito talked with earlier has long hair that stretches down beyond her shoulders. But she looks like Tabitha.

Looks like Tabitha.

The blue-haired girl then approached Louise and tapped her shoulder. "If you married Saito for other reasons aside from love, I would make sure to get him out of you. If you ever hurt him, I would make sure to do whatever it takes…"

The girl stared at her, with eyes filled with rage. "-with whatever means necessary."

Tabitha then walked away from Louise, but then Louise stretches her arm and caught her. "If you ever think of seducing my husband and take him away from me, I will make sure you will be dealt with accordingly."

"Don't touch me." The girl who looks like Tabitha then whisked her hand away. She then looked at her with a smile on her lips and anger on her eyes. "I will remember that."

She then turned her again away from her. She moved on, leaving the void user's presence, "Now, if you excuse me, I have some matter concerning the interests of the Kingdom of Gallia."

"Also tell your Queen, the Kingdom of Gallia will continue to be a client state of the Kingdom of Tristain. But it will only be until I deem that Saito's welfare and happiness are assured. Hurt even a single part of him, and the Kingdom of Gallia will act accordingly."

"Your Highness, I can assure you Saito will be as happy as he will ever be." Louise walked away Tabitha.

"Much more than you could ever hope to achieve," Louise added, as she picked up her wand out from her gown.

"Let's see about that." Tabitha, or the girl who claims to be Tabitha, also took her wand out and held it with her left hand.

As the two girls walked towards opposite directions.

With Louise going towards her husband's side.

With the girl, or someone claiming to be Charlotte (or Tabitha), rode her carriage and rode off alone towards the lonely castle that is the Royal Castle in the Capital of Gallia.

Both holding their wands on their hands.

As if a duel was about to happen,

A match that never happened.

*End of Flashback*


Part 5:

Sakuragawa Park

Tokyo

June 20, 2011 AD

Decatilis 5, 6077 AB

13:25 PM GMT +9

"Cotton candy?" Tabitha asked.

Saito turned his head towards Tabitha and asked. "Would you like to try it also, Tabitha?" He asked.

For a moment, Tabitha froze, her eyes locked on Saito. Saito as well is looking straight to her eyes. Seeing that she is looking at Saito's eyes, her face betrayed her as they lit up to a bright red color.

But then, the wife swooped in and held the boy's left arm tightly, putting herself between his husband and the blue-haired girl.

"I know you will like it, Tabitha," Louise said, with a clear emphasis on Tabitha's name.

In the same manner that happened some time ago.

However, Tabitha displays an expression showing herself being a bit clueless as to what Louise has precisely in mind.

"Is that so. Can I have some?" Tabitha said politely to the pink-haired girl.

"Yeah, sure." Louise then turned to her husband and smiled. "Can I have some of those paper money you have there?"

"Oh, sure." Saito then took out a full stack of 10,000 yen bills from his pouch. He then took a single 10,000 Yen bill out of it and gave it to Louise. "Here you go."

Louise immediately accepted the bill and pointed to the guy several pieces of cotton candy. The vendor immediately took out the cotton candies and gave her eight pieces of cotton candy. She then gave the 10,000 Yen bill, on which the vendor accepted it and gave her back her change.

Louise, however, did not accept the change and instead allowed the vendor to have it all.

"Louise, that's impressive," Tabitha said.

"I did?" Louise asked.

"Yes, you did. You manage to take it without using words. It seems that you can communicate with people here without using words." Tabitha said.

"Of course. I can. I'm not simply Louise at all. I'm Saito's wife." Louise said to the blue-haired girl in a rather dominant tone.

Tabitha made no reaction on it as if it was as usual.

Louise did not dwell too much on it. She gave one of the cotton candy to Tabitha. Louise then gave the rest of the cotton candy to the others while keeping the rest for herself.

Not knowing what to do with it, Tiffania looked at Louise. "So, what is this?"

"It's cotton candy," Louise replied. "It's a delicacy from this world. Try it."

Tiffania, at first, simply just looked at it. Then, she placed her nose close to it and sniffed it. And then she took a bite.

Kirche then looked at the elf and asked. "What do you think?"

And then Tiffania took another bite, and then another.

And again, another.

"Hey, what does it taste like?" Kirche asked again, this time a bit more aggressive.

And for a moment, Tiffania stopped eating the cotton candy and looked at Kirche. "It's sweet. It's really delicious."

Tiffania replied with enthusiasm and glee in her voice.

Looking at this, Tabitha looked again at her own share of cotton candy, on which she slowly takes a bite from it. The same was going on with Kirche. And then another bite. And again, then, another bite.

And Julio was doing nothing but look on the girls as they passionately eat the cotton candy.

As for Saito, he just simply smiled at the girls.

Until, just a little bit outside of his visual periphery, he saw a person standing on a metallic box not that far away from him. He then turned his head towards that direction and looked at who is there.

And there, he saw Professor Jean Colbert standing, looking very curious and mystified, on a vending machine.

"What's wrong, Mr. Colbert?"

Saito asked.

"What is this thing. And what are those metal like cylinders inside? What is this for?"

Colbert asked back with his eyes gleaming in childlike curiosity.

Saito then turned his gaze to what the man was looking at. It was the vending machine. He then took his stacks of 10,000 yen bills and picked out 10,000 yen. He then looked at the side of the vending machine, where it shows a picture of a paper bill. He then placed the 10,000 yen bill and pressed a button.

Then a metallic clanking sound inside the machine can be heard, soon a small door opened up in the bottom.

And there it was, a single cylindrical metallic object inside the compartment.

Saito immediately picked it up and offered it to Professor Colbert. Professor Colbert then hesitatingly accepted the object.

"It's cold," Colbert said. "What is this, Saito?"

"Its ice-cold coffee." Saito smiled. "You can try it if you want."

"Coffee?" Colbert asked again. " And what should I do with this?"

Saito then bought another one of the ice-cold coffee. He first shook the can well. Then he opened it in front of Colbert and drank the contents.

"Ahhh…" Colbert then looked at the can and opened it. He then cautiously raise it up to his lip level. And then he saw Saito looking at him with anticipation.

Seeing the boy was looking at him, Colbert simply just jug the contents of the can into his mouth.

And then, the man's look change immediately.

"Isn't it good, Professor Colbert?"

"AAAAH!" Exhaling air through his mouth, the Professor's face filled with delight to the unknown black substance. The coldness of the drink reached out to his insides as his skin was heated by the noontime sun.

"What kind of drink is this. This is so good."

"We call this coffee. It's from coffee beans extracts."

"Beans? You mean this is from beans?"

"Well, I guess, yeah. But let's say it's a special kind of bean."

"I see. I have never imagined a drink will taste like this."

He then pointed on the glass window and pointed another can. "Is that can also Ice-Cold Coffee?"

Saito looked at what the man was pointing. It was a can of coke. "Ah, that one is soda."

"Soda?" Professor Colbert looked at it again, this time more closely. "You mean it's from that soda?"

"Soda?" Saito asked, imagining the soda, meaning soft drinks.

"Yeah, those kinds of soda." Professor Colbert said, imagining another kind of soda. This time it was the cleaning material soda. In Halkeginia, they call one of the ingredients for making soap as soda, which is the common name for the chemical compound sodium bicarbonate.

"Hmmm…" Saito thought for a moment how to reply to the Professor. "I think, yes. This is soda."

"I see." The Professor was filled with amazement as he looks at it. "You can drink it as well, right?"

"I guess." Saito, puzzled by the question the Professor, gave him a somehow vague answer.

"I see. Can I try it then?"

"Sure." Saito then took out the change he received from earlier. He then placed into the machine and picked the coca-cola brand for coke. He then gave it to the professor.

The professor immediately took the can. Like what he and Saito did earlier with the ice-cold coffee, he shook the contents inside hard. And then, he opened it. Once he opened it, a burst of air and bubbles rushed out of the can, spilling some of its contents out.

"It is indeed made of soda," Colbert exclaimed while referring to the soda as the soap ingredient soda, sodium bicarbonate.

Not long after, a strange yet sweet aroma reached his nose. Attracted by that scent, he placed the can to his lips and drank it all.

"AAHHHH!" Colbert exhaled with delight. "This drink is good. I don't know soda can produce this kind of drink."

"Indeed," Saito replied, referring to the soda as soft drinks.

"You know what, Saito, I like your world."

Saito glanced at the Professor as the Professor looked around the tall skyscrapers of the Tokyo Skyline standing around them.

"The level of technology and comforts of your world is above all that I thought they would."

Saito nodded silently.

"The level of luxuries your world has is beyond the level of luxuries the royal family can ever experience.

Professor Colbert exclaimed, this time turning his gaze towards Saito.

"I would happily support your endeavors to introduce all of this back to Halkeginia. I would help you with everything I can."

"Yes, Thank you, Professor." Saito smiled at the Professor.

"Good. I…"

The Professor was about to say something when he just paused and began looking around.

"However, Saito…"

"Yes, Professor?"

"Who are those guys?"

The Professor, using his eyes, gestured towards a few men wearing blue clothes not that far away from. Saito immediately turned his gaze towards them.

"Ah, those guys, those are the police. They are usually patrolling around to make sure the people are safe."

"To make the people safe?" The Professor looked away from them, somehow suspicious of the people watching them. "That many?"

On which Saito noticed several more men watching them. Then there is an ominous-looking white van parked not that far away from them. The trailer has an antenna on top of it. However, they don't have a logo. The antenna dish, however, is directed towards their general direction.

Saito then looked back on the other side, and there he saw a radio tower.

"Don't be silly, Professor," Saito replied with a slightly nervous tone in his speech.

"Is there a problem, Saito?" The Professor asked.

"Ah, no, nothing Professor," Saito replied.

"Can I ask something, Saito?"

"What is it, Professor Colbert?"

"Is it really that usual here in your world that people watch you all the time. To be honest with you, I have a feeling that people are watching us."

Saito then turned his gaze on a nearby lamppost, and there he notices a CCTV camera lying under the solar panel. The CCTV camera is a ball type, with its camera hidden inside a shaded glass. He cannot see, however, where the camera is watching.

For the moment, the boy remained silent, until he finally replied to Colbert. "I don't think they're actually watching us."

"Is that so," Colbert replied with a clear portrayal of suspicion in his voice.

And then, the police began to scatter, walking away from the scene. The white van, however, remained on its position.

"See. The police are just doing the usual patrol."

"I thought your country is at peace and that wrongdoers are low."

"Yes, that is true. And I believe its thanks to the police."

"So, that's how your world works," Colbert replied.

Suspicious but a little bit understanding.

"Anyway, Mr. Colbert, there is something I want to get here in my world. I wanna buy a laptop and an electrical generator."

"Laptop? And whats an electrical generator?"

"Ah, I forgot to tell you my plan."

Professor turned some of his attention on the boy.

"A laptop is a device here in my world where we can store information. You can also save documents in there as well and do all sorts of stuff."

"I see."

"And the electric generator, its similar to the engine that my zero fighter plane has. Except that it is used to create electricity."

"Electricity?"

"Yes, electricity… its what we use to make all of our machines here run, like that vending machine." Saito said as he pointed to the vending machine.

"I see. That's impressive." Colbert replied. "So, what's the plan."

"I plan to download as many books into the laptop as I can. And then we will bring it to Halkeginia on which we can use it to build things."

"I see."

Saito looked at the Professor for the moment. The Professor is indeed looking at him, but his attention seems to be somewhere else.

"Are you ok, Professor?"

"I'm fine." The Professor replied.

"Anyway, I think its time for us to go."

"Yes, we should."

"Ok."

Saito then turned his gaze towards the group who are sitting comfortably on the wooden benches.

"Everyone, its time to go."

"Coming," Louise replied first, on which she stood up and rushed towards Saito. The rest followed Louise and walk at a reasonable pace towards Saito.

Meanwhile, the Professor looks around him with extreme vigilance on the surrounding. It was clearly visible in his face that is very cautious.

Very suspecting.

It was as if danger is closeby.

"Someone is definitely watching us. I don't think its just my imagination." Professor Colbert whispered as he looks at a car parked not far away from them. It was a police car.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the park, a person was sitting on a bench. It was on the other side of the park. The person was sipping a liter of strawberry milk with a paper straw.

Also, the person was wearing regular civilian clothing – a long sleeve, jeans with a baseball cap, and a pair of glasses.

Drinking her cold strawberry milk, the person was looking at what is happening on the other side of the park.

The person was watching what seems to be a group of 'out-of-placed' people in the park.

Out of place.

They're wearing attires that are too formal for a park of that kind.

Or the current neighborhood they are currently in.

And they also don't behave like the people in that community would do in that time and place.

The person is a 'she,' as shown by her satisfactorily good-sized breast. The woman looks like she was in her early twenties.

And she was looking at the boy in the distance. A boy wearing a blue long-sleeves.

"Targets acquired."


Part 6:

Cabinet Office Building

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

June 20, 2011 AD

Decatilis 5, 6077 AB

13:30 PM GMT +9

After Inspector Matsuhisa has made a report to Senior Commissioner Toshiro Kashigawa, once the Senior Commissioner sent the reports to his team, confirming the identity of the man in the photo. And there, they have established, with 96% accuracy, that it was Saito Hiraga.

Japan's most wanted man. An international criminal responsible in 5 counts of homicide, 2 of which includes a senior military official from the United States and Britain. Also, 4 counts of attempted murder, destruction of public property, illegal trespassing to a military facility, stealing military hardware, espionage, and treason.

As soon as he was informed about it, he simply ignored the chain of command and immediately called the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was notified. Immediately, the Prime Minister held an emergency cabinet meeting.

After the call, the Senior Commissioner left his office and called some of his people to report with him. And off they go.

Which leads us to the present time.

Inside the Cabinet Office, the Prime Minister, along with the 19 members of the Japanese Cabinet, observed the group of seven personnel of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department stood in attention in front of them.

"Mr. Prime Minister Nabe and to the honorable Cabinet Officials of the Japanese Government, Saito Hiraga is here in Tokyo."

As soon as the Cabinet Officials heard that declaration from Senior Commissioner Toshiro Kashigawa, the members erupted into a flood of murmurs.

Prime Minister Nabe immediately raised his hand, on which the members of the Cabinet silenced themselves impromptu. "Tell us more."

The Senior Commissioner turned his head on one of his subordinates, on which the person then turned on her computer. Not long after, the computer booted up, on which the female official opened an application. And since the computer is connected to the main screen, all cabinet officials and the prime minister witnessed what the female official was doing.

And then a video popped up on the screen. It was footage taken in the Gold and Silver Store in Ginza.

In the video, everyone can see the face of the boy. It was that same boy who two years was flashed for all the citizens of the world to see. The boy that almost dragged Japan and the United States into war with North Korea.

"That's him, alright." The Prime Minister said.

"What now?" Deputy Prime Minister Tosa Toriyama asked.

"We will catch him, of course. The sooner, the better."

"Are we going to involve the Americans on this? Or the British?" The Deputy Prime Minister asked again.

"I recommend that we bring in the Americans and the British on this. We are dealing with a high-level terrorist. We also have evidence that North Koreans might be involved."

"The North Koreans again?"

The female official fasts forward the video to the part where a Mongolian looking person was present.

"Sir, we think this person is an accomplice of theirs. Then we have these Europeans along with him."

"Europeans?" The Prime Minister asked. Right on cue, the female officer then highlighted the other individuals present in the video.

"Who are those people?" Chief Cabinet Secretary Taijo Suruga asked.

"Our agents said they speak of a language that resembles French. However, we cannot say for sure if they're actually French."

"You think ISIS or any of the Islamic Militant Organizations are behind this as well? We have received reports from our allies that ISIS has recruited members from European states as well and joined the fight in the Syrian Civil War." Chairperson of the National Public Safety Commission Ryoma Toki asked.

"I doubt it's them. After all, the JSDF intelligence department hasn't received any information with regards to any infiltrations by Islamic Jihadists into Japan." Defense Minister Musashi Nagato said.

"By the way, Defense Minister Nagato, we have received reports of a Chinese spy entering Japan. The infamous Black Lotus." Senior Commissioner Kashigawa said.

"I know. She is here. However, we have no idea about her whereabouts nor her objectives. We received that report last week that she is her from our agents in China. However, our agents noted that the information seems to have been intentionally leaked by the Ministry of State Security. We have reasons to think that she might be a defector." The Defense Minister said.

"Hmmm, strange." The Prime Minister responded. "I…"

Riiiing! Riiiing! Riiiing!

The Prime Minister was about to say something when the telephone rang. The Prime Minister picked up the phone.

"This is the Prime Minister speaking, who is this?"

"This is from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Prime Minister, we have received a call from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the People's Republic of China. He said it's urgent and that he needs to talk to you right now." The person on the telephone said.

"From China? And what did he said about this urgent matter?"

"He said it's about Black Lotus and Saito Hiraga."

The Prime Minister paused for a moment and looked at everyone. A few moments later, he replied.

"Ok, Put him on the line."

"Yes, Prime Minister."

After that, the call ended. The Prime Minister immediately placed the telephone down.

Not long after, the Prime Minister grabbed the microphone and prepared for the incoming call. The incoming call arrived not long after, as the room speaker crackled up.

"Good noon, Your Excellency, Prime Minister Nabe. This is the People's Republic of China Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yin."

"Mr. Wang Yin, you said you have something urgent regarding Saito Hiraga and Black Lotus."

"Prime Minister, one of our agents, went AWOL just a few weeks ago. However, our counterintelligence agencies found out that there is a connection between Saito Hiraga and our agent. Also, we found out as well that weapons and explosives have been stolen from our stash. And that they were smuggled into Japan through unspecified channels."

"You're telling us that a possible terrorist attack might take place here in Tokyo?" Ryoma Toki, Chairperson of the National Public Safety Commission, said.

"We have no intelligence about. However, we have found some evidence that our defunct intelligence personnel has met with the person who looks similar to Saito Hiraga."

"Anyway, Prime Minister and to cabinet members of the State of Japan, we, the People's Republic of China, would happily share our intelligence resources." The Chinese Foreign Minister added.

"And what would be the cost?" The Japanese Prime Minister asked.

"We ask for immediate extradition of Black Lotus back to China. Also, we would like to have access to this person Saito Hiraga during the interrogation process." The Chinese Foreign Minister said.

"I see." The Japanese Prime Minister massaged his chin for a moment. He then looked at every member he has on his cabinet on the eye one by one. When the Prime Minister looked at his Defense Minister, Minister Musashi Nagato, on which the man gave him a nod. He then looked at the Minister of Justice Megumi Towa.

The Minister of Justice, Megumi Towa, seeing that the Defense Minister gave his approval, the female Minister gave her permission as well. And soon, everyone gave the Prime Minister the approving nod.

"Okay. We will allow the Chinese intelligence agencies to work with the Japanese Police and the Japanese Self Defense Force. Also, we will allow the terms and conditions of the People's Republic of China. But on one condition," The Prime Minister said.

"What is it?" The Foreign Minister asked.

"We will allow the extradition of Black Lotus to China, but she will stay in Japan first for the space of 14 days. That is if she is not linked to Saito Hiraga or any acts of criminal nature here in Japan. However, if she ever is linked to the terrorist attack or an act that is deemed as criminal activities here in Japan, she will be interrogated. On those terms, she will be thoroughly investigated here in Japan and will stay for 60 days." The Japanese Prime Minister made his terms to the Chinese official on the phone.

"I will add an additional term on the agreement. Allow a Chinese intelligence official to monitor our AWOL agent for the entire time she is in detention at all times. The Chinese intelligence official also must be close to her. Also, questions will only be limited to question that relates her to Saito Hiraga or her objective in Japan. Questions that expose information that is crucial to the national security of the People's Republic of China is strictly prohibited."

As everyone heard about that, everyone looked at each other, monitoring what everyone has in there minds. The Japanese Prime Minister raised his hand, which silenced the group. He then placed his fingers on his lips. On which he gave out a slight smirk.

Since the call was only audio and no video, the Chinese side did not see what was happening there on the Japanese side. However, the Japanese side has no idea either what the Chinese are doing on their front.

"I agree." The Japanese Prime Minister said. "And besides, why would we do that?"

"Then we have an agreement then." The Chinese Foreign Minister said. "The person who will oversee the sharing of intelligence resources on our side would be Admiral Zhe Jiang of the East China Sea Fleet Naval Command."

"Noted. And also, on our side, I will delegate Senior Commissioner Toshiro Kashigawa as our intelligence liaison." The Prime Minister then turned off the phone speaker.

"Is that fine with you, Senior Commissioner?" The Prime Minister asked on the old man who, earlier, presented to him the fact that Saito Hiraga is in Tokyo.

The Senior Commissioner immediately straightened himself up and made a salute. "It would be an honor for me to be delegated on such a great mission for the nation."

"That's good then." The Prime Minister then pressed the button on which the phone speaker turned on.

"Are we clear here?" The Japanese Prime Minister said.

"I believe we have a mutual understanding here. In one hour, Admiral Zhe Jiang will initiate contact with Senior Commissioner Toshiro Kashigawa through official military channels. Thank you, and good luck."

And with that, the communication died.

"Prime Minister, I don't trust them. I bet they have something else in mind." The Minister of Defense, Minister Musashi Nagato, said.

"Foreign Minister Taiga Yamamoto, call the CIA. Tell them we have Saito Hiraga here in Tokyo. And also the verbal agreement we have with the Chinese. But keep it a secret."

"I will do that, Prime Minister," Foreign Minister Taiga Yamamoto replied.

"Also, Defense Minister Musashi Nagato and Chairperson Ryoma Toki, prepare the JSDF, and Special Police Forces. Have the airforce and the navy on standby."

The two ministers replied with a nod.

"Also, Ms. Megumi Towa, prepare the arrest warrant and all legal papers necessary to catch Saito Hiraga and his companions."

"I will." The female Justice Minister replied.

"And Senior Commissioner Toshiro Kashigawa, from now on, you will be in charge of tracking down and constant monitoring of Saito Hiraga and his cohorts."

"Yes, Prime Minister." The Senior Commissioner made a salute.

"Chief Cabinet Secretary Taijo Suruga, coordinate with the media and make sure we have full control of information." The Prime Minister said.

"As you wish, Mr. Nabe." Taijo Suruga, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, replied.

"Then, Deputy Prime Minister Tosa Toriyama, coordinate with the National Diet and with the members of our political party. If the situation gets grim, ensure the approval of the National Diet, that they will be in line with the policy of the cabinet." Prime Minister Isami Nabe said.

"Can I do whatever I want there?" The Deputy Prime Minister asked.

"As long as your playing safe. The last thing we want is a political scandal." The Prime Minister replied.

"Ok. I will." The Deputy Prime Minister said.

"And so, everyone, I now formally close this emergency meeting. May God be with us."

The Prime Minister made his final statement, which formally ends the emergency cabinet meeting.


Part 7:

Akihabara

Tokyo

June 20, 2011 AD

Decatilis 5, 6077 AB

14:10 PM GMT +9

"What kind of place is this?" The blue-haired girl said.

"What kind of creature is that?" The redhead asked as she points at the girl in the corner wearing a maid-cat outfit costume.

"What kind of thing is that?" Tiffania asked as she looks at the humanoid-like mechanical contraption as it walks along the sidewalk.

"What is that thing?" The Professor asked, hands pointing at a large monitor on which two mecha are fighting in the sky.

"Does your armies fight like that?" Julio asked, looking at the same thing as two machines fight to the death.

What they were watching was an infomercial of the last episode of the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn OVAs. The infomercial featured a massive structure with a size that makes mountains look small crashes into the city. It also featured the battle between two Gundams, the Gundam that colored white and one that is of black color.

Then they saw a beautiful blue ball-shaped object in the middle of the video. It was the Earth and all of its glory. In front of it is a bright yellow ball that shines an almighty light in the darkness of empty space. It was the Sun. And behind it is a white, pale-looking circle. It was the Moon.

Then the infomercial moves to show a massive structure floating in space surrounded with mirrors, on which the structure fired a gigantic beam of light. The beam of light was too potent that ships who found themselves in the middle of the beam were destroyed.

And the infomercial ends.

"I see. So they finally featured the last episode of that anime."

"What was that?" Julio asked, looking quite shocked.

"Its an anime," Saito replied.

"What's an anime? And why does it look too real?" Julio asked again.

However, at that same time, he asked that question, the Professor also asked him a question. "Saito, what were those three circles that thing just showed us? Why does it look too familiar?'

Saito answered the Professor first. "Ahh, those? The blue planet was Earth, my world. The white thing was the Moon, and the Yellow one was the Sun."

Without giving Saito a break, the Professor asked again. "What is Earth, and what is a Planet?"

"A planet is, well… Let's say it's a huge rock that moves around the Sun. Just like the world in which we are now, or the one where Halkeginia sits."

"Like Halkeginia? But our world is flat. That one was shaped like an orange or a cannonball." Julio said proudly. "Our Lord Brimir had once said to his disciples that the world is flat. He also said that the ends of our world are like a huge cliff that falls somewhere deep and unknown."

"Exactly. Also, according to Brimir, one of the reasons that windstones exists was that the land seeks to escape its eventual fate of falling to that deep and far unknown. But that far unknown will eventually drag the lands as well down. The only way for us to prevent it was to take the lands of the elves and seek refuge their before the inevitable arrives." Louise said as she defends Julio's explanation.

On which Saito was left dumbfounded on the claims his wife and his friend just said. "But, I thought Halkeginia exists on a planet similar to ours?"

"Brimir is right. He is always right." Louise and Julio remarked with expressions of anger and disbelief visible in there faces.

"But Halkeginia, I'm sure exists on a planet just like mine."

"And what's your proof?" Louise asked.

"The gyrocompass in my zero-fighter and the F-2 fighter works there in Halkeginia."

"Huh… That's your only proof. Well then, our…"

Louise was about to say something more when Tabitha stood in front of the two of them. "Please don't fight."

"Yeah, the three of you should not fight here," Kirche said as she gestured the three of them to look at their surroundings. "You three are making a scene. I thought we agreed not to make a scene."

"I… I agree with Kirche," Tiffania said, in a very light voice.

"Kirche is right. The three of you should not argue here." Professor Colbert said.

But then.

GRRRRRRRR!

Someone's stomach growled in hunger. It was Tiffania. "Sorry."

"I think we should eat first before I buy what we need in Halkeginia," Saito said.

Julio immediately replied to Saito with the statement: "Do it fast. And make sure it's not something heretical."

"Ehem." The Professor cleared his throat while staring at Julio. Julio then immediately walked away and positioned himself behind the group. Louise followed suit, leaving Saito with only Tabitha and the Professor with Kirche and Tiffania walking just right behind Saito.

"Where are we, by the way?" Tabitha asked.

"Where in Akihabara," Saito replied as they walked past the Sega Building as they head northwards towards McDonald's.

"Exactly what kind of place is this?" Kirche asked.

"It's like a cultural center. Usually, we go here and get some mangas and anime. Usually for fun and entertainment. Also, this place is very known for their gadgets."

"So it's like the towns square then?" Kirche asked again.

"Sounds like that," Saito replied.

"It sure is far bigger than a town square, that's for sure." Professor Colbert said.

"I want something like this in Germania. The glamour of this place is alluring." Kirche said.

"I do sound like a good idea," Tabitha replied.

And so the group continue their way straight on that road until they arrived at a pedestrian lane. When they arrive there, they waited for the green light to light up. However, as they wait, Professor Colbert asked Saito a question.

"Is this city always like this?"

"Yeah, it was always like this. I don't see anything new or weird so far."

Saito replied.

"I hope you are right." The Professor replied. And right after he said that the green light indicating the go signal lighted up. Saito and the group with Louise and Julio, who stands not far away from them, crossed the street. After they have crossed the road, the group turned right, and not long after that, they have arrived at their destination.

A McDonald's fastfood chain in Akihabara.

Saito entered first, followed by Tabitha and Professor Colbert. Kirche and Tifannia followed them. And not soon after, Louise and Julio entered the building. And there they were, assaulted by that usual oily and the meaty scent of a fast-food restaurant, with colors everywhere that stimulate the brain to feel hunger.

And the fast-food restaurant was kind of spacious. The time is of course 2pm and the busy hours were over just some time ago.

"Ah, Louise, what do you…"

"Hmmph."

Louise walked away from Saito and instead proceeded together with Julio, who is also distancing himself from Saito.

Professor Colbert then looked at Kirche, who is his fiancée.

"Don't worry, my love, I'm not as immature and narrow-minded as Louise," Kirche responded as she smirks.

On which Colbert replied with an awkward "Hehehe!"

"Ok, Saito, I'll leave my fiancée on your care. I will accompany Louise and make sure she doesn't make any scenes."

Kirche then walks off as she heads straight where Louise and Julio sits.

"I'll come with you too." Tiffania followed Kirche, now leaving Saito along with Tabitha and Professor Colbert.

"I'm sorry if the three of you are fighting now because of my question."

"It's alright," Tabitha replied. "I find your question actually very fascinating. There might be more out there that is there. And besides…"

"Ah, Sir, your order." The cashier asks.

"Hello, Saito Hiraga, Queen Charlotte, and Mr. Colbert." Another voice asked from behind them.

On which Saito and the other two immediately turned their heads. Behind them was a girl with long jet black hair that falls down below her waistline. The female was wearing a baseball cap and a gray hoodie paired with navy blue jeans.

Saito was stunned when he saw the female utter his name and the others as well. And it looks like the female standing behind them is a very serious and dangerous person.

"Who are you?"

It was Professor Colbert who broke the silence. On which the female replied.

"I'm a friend. And you are all in danger." The woman said in French.

A language that Saito understands, thanks to the spell cast to him by Louise.

A language that Colbert and Tabitha barely understood, but they got more or less what the woman meant to say.

"I repeat. I am a friend. And you are all in danger."


End of Chapter


Well, sorry for the late post.

I was doing my part in the internet community. I try to do my part in the current pandemic that we are currently fighting now. I'm quite sorry for the delay. I promised to post this update on the 27th of March. And now, here I am, posting this on the 1st of April.

Happy April Fool's Day. Also, Happy nth lockdown to all of my readers, wherever you are.

I also failed to make an advance writing on the next update, or Chapter 7. This update also is a "Fresh from the Oven" and is a "Rushed Work." I expect some weird constructions for this update.

Anyway, I would like to remind everyone about the calendar layout again for the readers.

Ianuarius – January – 31 days

Februarius – February – 28 days (29 on leap years)

Martius – March – 31 days

Aprilis – April – 30 days

Mauis – May – 31 days

Iunius – June – 30 days

Quintilis – July – 31 days

Sextilis – August – 31 days

Septilis – September – 30 days

Octilis – October – 31 days

Nonatilis – November – 30 days

Decatilis – December – 31 days

AD or Anno Domini will represent Earth reference time while AB or After Brimir will represent Halkeginian reference time. The Halkeginian calendar will also be 195 days behind Earth's timeline. So if the date in Halkeginia is Ianuarius 1, 6077 AB, then Earth date will be July 16, 2010 AD. And if the Earth date is January 1, 2010 AD, Halkeginian time will be Iunius 17, 6076 AB.


Review Response Section:

YF-23: Yeah, I'm reviving the story, now with a new and different story construction compared to what it was before.

Guest: Thank you for the remarks.

mizugaki: Thank you for the remarks.

Guest: I am still trying to sort out what the geopolitical situation that would be present in Halkeginia. Though I already have a layout for it, there are still some parts of it that need fixing. You have a point, Germania, who is a more significant state compared to the rest of the other countries in Halkeginia, should have a more say in the continent. The nation of Germania has a level of power in the continent that is possibly on par with the theocracy that is present down in Romalia. Romalia as well as significant influence over the continent, thanks to the religion that I will call "Brimirism." Queen Henrietta is still the Queen, but she is a proxy. The face of the Kingdom. That's all I would say for now. As Mao would like to say, 'political power comes from a barrel of a gun.'

OechsnerC: Thank you for reading the story. I will try to meet your expectations as much as I can.

semsas: Yes, I will appreciate your every criticism, and I will expect more, and I will try to work it out in the future chapters. I will try as much as I can, put into dialogue the individual progressions of the story. Chapter 1 was my first attempt at writing, it was written years ago, I think it was 6 years ago, maybe 5. I just kept it like that. I will work out on shortening the sentences too.

For the intelligence part, though, I think I need to flesh out which intelligence agency we are talking about. For example, the United States has 16 intelligence agencies, 17 if you include ODNI and more sub-branches between collaborations between private personas, paramilitary, and national institutions. All these intelligence agencies and groups create the formidable 'Alphabet Soup of American Intelligentsia.' The same goes for the Russian Federation and the Chinese Intelligence Agencies. Especially the Chinese Intelligence Community that some say there are 4, then 10 agencies, some say 13. No one really knows to be precise since reports are saying that the Chinese are camouflaging entire agencies as ordinary agencies or military branches. No one even knows the structures of the Chinese intel agencies since the Chinese are prone to creating departments whose only function is to serve as a diversion.

And the last part. It was more like the usual Russian bias. But it is possible if you have the device that can decrypt military communication. I think the problem is more in the noise + encryption. But yeah, let's just call it the usage of Russian bias as a plot tool. I find it silly as well, even at the time I was rewriting it.

Anyway, I hope you will do more reviews in the future.

DewElr: Maybe. Let's see.

navyfield90: I'm really sorry for the delay.

That's all for the review response time. Thank you again for reading my story. The next update will be by the end of May, maybe June, if I work on the other story I have, my Gate Fanfic – Red Star Rising.


Also, I would like to leave this message here:

"'This is the time for facts, not fear, the time for science, not rumors, time for solidarity, not stigma.'

Those are the words of the WHO Director-General. And I agree with him.

The COVID-19 Disease - it spares no one.

It knows no borders, no race, no religion, no culture. It knows no class and differences.

If we are to win this war, we must set aside our differences.

You are a human, as human as everyone around you - WE are the Human Race.

I am as human as you are, as everyone else. Everyone is as human as you and me.

Let's stand together. Fight as one.

This is our common destiny, a shared future.

Let this crisis prove human unity.

United we Stand. Divided we Fall.

To those who think other humans are their Enemy, a focus of Hatred and Racism, Remember this,

Humanity is not your enemy.

However, I argue that the coronavirus is also not your enemy – our enemy.

No one is your enemy.

It is the natural order of things working on its own – Evolution, Survival to the Fittest.

I insist that this is a human challenge.

True that the virus has already killed a number of our race.

It is deeply unfortunate and that I express my most sincere condolence.

But still, Sars-COV-2 is our challenger – an inevitable challenger.

A challenger that will test our systems.

A challenger that will show us our weaknesses.

A challenger that will prove why humanity must unite.

We learn our systems are vulnerable, and some even outdated.

That we are truly weak and exposed, that we are not as invulnerable as we thought we are.

And most of all, we are divided more than ever, our unity - fragile.

Now that we see these, isn't it time that we amend the human condition?

Isn't it time that we fix this issue?

The time for unity is now.

Unity or Extinction. The Stars Above or Six Feet Underground.

I hope we choose our option before mother nature does.

We will never know if Mother Nature will be merciful when the next crisis comes.

Thank you and Long Live the Human Race. "


Thank you for reading When Two Worlds Collide...