HOME | DD

Description
Ashford Academy, 5:00 p.m. Alistair entered the student council room, his eyes tired from boredom.

Alistair: (sighs) Where's the action, when you need it? (picks up magazine, sits down in chair) Well, can't help it, I guess. (puts magazine over face, leans back in chair and falls asleep)

Meanwhile, the Black Knights were preparing the Guren Mk. II for the upcoming operation, with Tamaki in charge.

Tamaki: Careful, guys! We don't want it blowing up, in our faces!
Asahina: Should we really be asking for help from these guys?
Chiba: We have no other options. Actively, the Mavericks can't do anything about it.
Urabe: Well, Kyoto said that they'd give us the new Knightmare models, so we should be good.
Senba: Still, I would have liked to join the Mavericks.
Asahina: Well, since the Black Knights and Tokyo Mavericks are allies, we'll be working with the Mavericks, nevertheless.
Tamaki: Guys! Be careful! Don't rush this shit! This sort of thing takes time!
Woman: Well, at least someone's reasonable enough to understand.

Tamaki turned around and saw a dark-skinned woman with blonde hair, with a smoking pipe, alongside two scientists.

Tamaki: Is there an exact reason on why an attractive person, such as yourself, is here?
Woman: That's a first. I happen to be the one who birthed the Guren.
Zero: (approaches woman) Right on time, Rakshata.
Rakshata Chawla: You're Zero? A pleasure to meet you. Your reputation precedes you. (extends hand)
Zero: (shakes Rakshata's hand) As does yours.
Rakshata: Huh?
Zero: Your breakthrough with medical cybernetics. If it wasn't for you, many people would be dead.
Rakshata: I don't know what you're talking about, but thanks, anyway. (pulls out Knightmare key ring) I've come with gifts. (opens case) From Kyoto.

Kallen approached Rakshata, wearing a skintight pilot suit, with the Black Knights' logo on it.

Kallen: So, how, exactly, does this help with the interfacing system?
Rakshata: It doesn't. It improves your life expectancy.
Kallen: Even though it's skintight?
Zero: Seems more like a sleeping outfit, to me.
Rakshata: And, what, pray tell, makes you say that?
Zero: Can you imagine a better outfit, when you're pulling off emotional therapy, on the romantic level?
Rakshata: Oh... Oh! Damn... That would be something to test out. But, where do I find a couple, like that...?

2 hours later, Ashford Academy. Milly, Rivalz and Nina enter the student council room, to find Alistair asleep.

Rivalz: What the-? How long has he been there?
Milly: I don't know. But, we shouldn't bother him while he's asleep. Don't want him getting pissed at me any more than he already is. He took down a 6 foot tall, buff guy just for so much as touching Nunnally. And he drenched the guy in his own blood and practically broke his entire body. So, don't wake him up unless it's absolutely necessary.
Rivalz: Alright, time to check the news.

Rivalz turned on the TV and turns to the news channel.

News Announcer: We have just received word that Lieutenant Colonel Kyoshrio Tohdoh of the Japan Liberation Front will be executed tonight.

At the sound of those words, Alistair quickly sat up, causing the magazine to fall to the floor.

Alistair: (flatly) What?
Milly: That's what it takes to wake you up?
Alistair: Did I hear that Tohdoh's gonna die?
Nina: Yes. Is something wrong?
Alistair: Expect a special on the evening news. That's all.

With that, Alistair exited the student council room and went into his room. He grabbed his laptop to print off an Ashford Academy newspaper ID. At this point, C.C. entered the room.

C.C.: What are you up to this time? I thought there was nothing for you to do?
Alistair: Something came up. Do you know of Kyoshiro Tohdoh?
C.C.: Yes. He is a high-ranking member of the JLF. Why do you care?
Alistair: The news said that he was gonna be murdered tonight. And I won't abide by that.
C.C.: So, you're going to bust Tohdoh out of prison?
Alistair: An increase of his morale should get him going. (grabs ID from laptop) That takes care of the ID issue. Try and stop me, and I will, personally, kick your ass.
C.C.: Coming from you, that is a valid threat for me.
Alistair: Very good.

Alistair brought out his duffle bag, and saw Kusakabe's katana, underneath his bed.

Alistair: I think I'll take this. (places katana in duffle bag) Had that puppy upgraded, so I won't just need my guns. I get the feeling that Zero will show up, too. Ah, doesn't really matter.

Alistair put the ID on a lanyard, put on the lanyard and began his trek towards the prison where Tohdoh was being held. Upon reaching the prison, he approached the entrance, where two guards blocked his path. At that point, a third guard approached Alistair.

Lead Guard: What's your business, here?
Alistair: (smiling) Hi. I'm with the Ashford Academy newspaper. I'm here to interview one Kyoshiro Tohdoh.
Lead Guard: Really? You think that just because your with a school newspaper that you can get into a high-security prison?
Alistair: No. (activates Geass) I expect you to let me in out of the kindness of your heart.

With Alistair's Geass activated, the leading guard was persuaded to think clearly, upon hearing the eagle's cry.

Lead Guard: You got it. (to other guards) You can let him through. He's a VIP. (to Alistair) I'll escort you to the cell block where Tohdoh is. I'll tell the cell guard beforehand.
Alistair: Tell him to get a chair. I prefer sitting down when I give serious talks.
Lead Guard: Right. Oh, I'm Sergeant Alex Richardson, by the way.
Alistair: Lead the way, Alex.

While Sergeant Richardson and Alistair began walking into the compound, Alistair activated his Geass again, this time to scan his current surroundings. With the area fully scanned, Alistair deactivated his Geass and every part of the compound was imbedded into his memories.

Alistair: Those guard towers, over there. Do those also function as Knightmare hangars?
Alex Richardson: That would be correct, sir. We have Sutherlands and Gloucesters here. The military found the schematics for the linear cannon used by the Japan Liberation Front during that hotel jacking.
Alistair: The Raiko?
Richardson: Yeah. Except this one is blue. We also have multiple Bamides on site, as well.
Alistair: I'm guessing that they're foreign Knightmares?
Richardson: More like Knightmare-sized tanks. Probably as big as these buildings.
Alistair: Yeah. But, those guard towers also keep an eye out for enemy attacks, right?
Richardson: Attacks?
Alistair: A prison break starting from the outside. Work their way in past the units that are sent out, hoping to God that there's going to be enough time to bust out whoever needs saving.
Richardson: Yeah. But, that's not how you're doing things, is it?
Alistair: Talking your way in is also badass. Just less action-packed.
Richardson: So, how are you going to get Tohdoh out of here?
Alistair: I make things up along the way. If Zero shows up, then I've got a good enough distraction.
Richardson: Are you going to use that eye trick on the cell guard, too?
Alistair: Maybe. It's all about thought patterns, Alexander. If he's not a dumbass, then there's no need.

Within a few minutes, Alistair and Sergeant Richardson reach the entrance to the cell block.

Richardson: We part ways, here. If there's an attack, I'll make my way out as best as I can.
Alistair: Good luck. What is my purpose, by the way?
Richardson: Hope, Freedom and Change.
Alistair: Always keep that in mind, Sergeant.

Alistair was led to the cell where Tohdoh was being held and saw a guard standing by it. Alistair stopped in front of the cell.

Guard: You're the VIP Richardson was talking about?
Alistair: I am he.
Guard: The name's Private Fleming. I have your chair. It's one of those steel folding chairs.
Alistair: Ooh! Part weapon, part furniture. My favorite.
Fleming: Yeah, yeah. Just keep the conversation short. He's going to be executed, tonight.
Alistair: We'll see about that.

Alistair took the folding chair, opened it and sat down in front of the cell. His gaze was focused on the bushy-eyebrowed man in the cell, Kyoshiro Tohdoh, who currently had his eyes closed.

Alistair: So, you're Tohdoh. What led you here?
Tohdoh: (says nothing)
Alistair: Hello? Can you here me, man?
Tohdoh: (says nothing)
Alistair: The hell did you do to my bushy-eyebrowed friend, Fleming?
Fleming: What are you blaming me for? I didn't do anything.
Alistair: If you're bullcrapping, I swear to God, I'll end your kneecaps!
Tohdoh: I'm fine. I just don't feel like talking.
Alistair: Oh, thank God. I thought they threatened to shave your eyebrows, and that I was going to shove this chair up Fleming's ass. Killing him in the process, mind you.
Tohdoh: I suggest that you get to the point. What do you want?
Alistair: Well, you need someone heroic to talk to, right?
Fleming: Heroic? What the hell are you on about?
Alistair: Bite my ass, Fleming.
Tohdoh: (opens eyes) What do you mean, exactly?
Alistair: Well, I don't want you to get bored, being in enemy territory and all.
Tohdoh: I find that hard to believe.
Alistair: You'd best believe it, man. I'm Alistair Wake.
Tohdoh: I'm certain.
Alistair: (sighs) And, if you must, you can call me by my middle name. It's...Ulysses.
Tohdoh: S. Grant?
Alistair: (laughs) I didn't even think that you knew who Grant was! Oh, my God! I think- I think I'm crying! Oh, God! (tries to catch breath) Oh. Oh, man. Did not expect that one, man.
Tohdoh: And I didn't expect you to have such a high-pitched laugh.
Alistair: My laugh has actually made other people laugh.
Tohdoh: A good enough reaction, I suppose. You're intriguing, Alistair.
Alistair: Thanks, Tohdoh. You're pretty cool, yourself.
Tohdoh: I'm curious, though. Why does a Britannian care about me?
Alistair: Maybe it's 'cause I'm American. Just got some Irish, Scottish and Native American in me. But the Irish and Scottish parts are mostly Celtic.
Tohdoh: Like Cu Chulainn?
Alistair: A descendant, actually. Except the only spear that I would use would have to be slashing, not piercing. Can't stress that enough.
Tohdoh: Slashing spears? So you can decapitate someone from half a mile away?
Alistair: Yep!
Tohdoh: (pauses) That is very useful. I... Oh, my God, that would be great on Knightmares.
Alistair: Right? Could, like, extend to different ranges and be great for pole vaulting into the air.
Tohdoh: You have an impressive mind. Too bad that I'm going to be executed.
Alistair: No, you're not.
Fleming: He is going to be executed, whether you like it or not.
Alistair: (looks at Fleming directly, activates Geass) No, he's not.

With the activation of his Geass, Alistair persuaded Fleming into ignoring commands from his former commanding officers.

Fleming: Yeah, I'll just stand here and...belay.
Alistair: Cool.
Tohdoh: What the hell?
Alistair: Instantaneous hypnotism, brother.
Tohdoh: I suppose you're going to use it on me, next?
Alistair: Hell, no. I'm gonna use my words.
Tohdoh: Really, now?
Alistair: Any minute, Zero and his cronies are gonna bust down one of the outside walls, in an effort to rescue you.
Tohdoh: And what makes you think that I'd be willing to join the Black Knights? I can tell that you're some kind of scout.
Alistair: Ooh! You could tell that I have my mom's scouting skills? Neat! Except for the fact that I'm the leader and founder of the Tokyo Mavericks.
Tohdoh: (surprised) What?! You?!
Alistair: Yep. All good guy mercenaries in my group.
Tohdoh: Then... Then what are you doing, here?!
Alistair: Busting you out, man.
Tohdoh: No. I'm at peace with myself.
Alistair: Don't pull that "I want to die" bullcrap on me.
Tohdoh: It's true.
Alistair: Man up.
Tohdoh: Excuse me?
Alistair: You feel like you should die? Ignore those feelings until they die of boredom.
Tohdoh: (stands up) You think you know how I feel!? You don't know what it means to feel loss! You're probably just some rich kid, going through life like it's a game! You see people die, and you think "that's life for you," like a little brat! To put it in layman's terms, you don't know jack shit about me! I suggest you-(suddenly screams)

During Tohdoh's rant, Alistair took off his left leather glove to show his cybernetic hand, which caused Tohdoh to scream.

Tohdoh: What... What is that?
Alistair: Cybernetic replacement for my original arm, which was shot off by Knightmare SMGs, when I was 6. Same with my right leg. And my parents. Then, I was ditched in the Mojave.
Tohdoh: Oh... Shit.
Alistair: I've been shot at, had the crap beat out of me by every girl I tried to ask out and experienced the equivalent of being set on fire by over 500 degree temperatures from focused jet turbines. All this flesh that you see? Burn scarring. Amazing enough, the scarring is as smooth as normal flesh.
Tohdoh: I- I, uh...
Alistair: A word of advice, Lieutenant Colonel. Never mock a teenager who is more mature than you.
Tohdoh: I'm... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things.
Alistair: You didn't know, man. I really can't blame you.
Fleming: True enough.
Tohdoh: So, you'll let me join the Mavericks?
Alistair: Nah. Well... Maybe.

As soon as Alistair responded, an explosion could be heard from outside.

Alistair: There he is.
Fleming: Zero's here?
Alistair: Yeah, I'm gonna need the key to get Tohdoh out.
Fleming: Alright. (gives Alistair key)
Alistair: Get the hell out, while you still can.
Fleming: Got it.

At that moment, Fleming began running towards the exit.

Alistair: I think it's time for us to make our move. (opens cell door)
Tohdoh: Very well.
Alistair: And away, we go.

Before Alistair could turn around, the wall behind him collapsed into rubble. Alistair turned around to see the Guren Mk. II and Zero's Burai on top of the rubble.

Zero: Kyoshiro Tohdoh! We are here to aid you!
Alistair: Dude! I just opened the door! Go around to the front!
Zero: Oh, what!? Are you freaking kidding me!? (thinking) What the hell is Alistair doing here?!
Kallen: We've made a lot of effort in getting here, and you brush us off? How'd you get in?
Alistair: I talked my way in! And I already gave Tohdoh the motivational spiel! So, heed my advice, guys!
Zero: (out loud) Understandable. Tohdoh, come with us!
Tohdoh: I agree with my new friend, here. Go around!
Zero: Why!?
Alistair: Well, there are those guys behind you, for one thing.
Zero: Shit. Forgot about them.
Alistair: Deal with them, go to the front. Easy, right?

Once Zero's Burai and the Guren Mk. II sped off to deal with the enemy Knightmares, Alistair and Tohdoh began running towards the entrance to the prison.

Tohdoh: I'm curious about something. What's in that duffle bag?
Alistair: (snaps fingers) Thanks for reminding me, dude!

Immediately, Alistair opened his duffle bag and took out the katana.

Alistair: I got this bad boy from Kusakabe's corpse. And upgraded it.
Tohdoh: Kusakabe was an idiot. What "upgrades" could you put on a sword?

Alistair and Tohdoh stopped running when they saw a blockade of military infantry standing in front of them.

Alistair: Allow me to show you. (hands Tohdoh duffle bag) Hold this.

Alistair drew the katana and walked towards the blockade and the infantry troops charged towards him. Alistair then began to slash through the infantry, like they were training dummies, wielding the katana in his right hand and the scabbard in his left. Upon reaching the last 5 soldiers, Alistair dashed forward and utilized a horizontal left slash, a diagonal right slash, a diagonal left slash and a horizontal right slash before reaching the fifth soldier, jumping into the air and making a downward slash, completely missing the soldier. The other soldiers that Alistair struck were still standing, to Tohdoh's surprise.

Tohdoh: Uhh... Did you miss?
Alistair: Give it a sec.
Tohdoh: Why are they still standing?
Alistair: Hold up.

Immediately, Alistair began to sheath his katana in a flashy manner. Once the katana was sheathed, the soldiers fell to the ground, bleeding and dead.

Alistair: Yeah, took me a few weeks to get that down. Pretty impressive for an American, yeah? (points to living soldier) The real hard part was reaching that guy's gun.

At that moment, the assault rifle held by the soldier split in half and fell to the ground.

Alistair: That just feels so satisfying.
Soldier: (whimpers in fear)
Alistair: So, wanna join the Mavericks?
Soldier: (nods in agreement)
Alistair: All right! Meet up with Sergeant Richardson, and he'll set you up.
Soldier: (runs away)
Alistair: Yeah, sweet.
Tohdoh: Are you...a samurai?
Alistair: An American samurai.
Tohdoh: I am glad that you talked me into getting out of that cell. Otherwise, I wouldn't have seen your... What's a good word for such a thing?
Alistair: Badassery?
Tohdoh: Yes! Badassery! Thank you!
Alistair: Anytime. (retrieves duffle bag)
Tohdoh: So, why would you want me to join the Black Knights?
Alistair: Someone's gotta keep an eye on Zero. If anyone, it should be you and your teammates.
Tohdoh: The Four Holy Swords?
Alistair: Yeah. Although, you could have equaled out the gender issue in the membership.
Tohdoh: What the hell does that mean?
Alistair: Nagisa Chiba, I believe her name is? She's the only girl in your club. I'm just saying that you could have had two dudes and two girls within the Holy Swords.
Tohdoh: That sounds... Wow, we look like sexists.
Alistair: My mom stopped sexism within the Rangers.
Tohdoh: Rangers? You mean the U.S. Army Rangers? How did your mother-?
Alistair: She was the very first female Ranger.
Tohdoh: Holy shit.
Alistair: Cool, right? She was so badass, that she had her own squad of Rangers, wearing the uniforms of the Nevada Desert Rangers.
Tohdoh: My God.
Alistair: You know, despite me being a mercenary benefactor, the military in my country refers to me by rank. In the Army, I'm a Major. In the Marines and Navy, I'm a Captain. Sometimes, I'm referred to as Ranger, since I graduated from Ranger School.
Tohdoh: (salutes) It is an honor to meet you, Ranger Wake.
Alistair: Just Alistair is fine. Besides, Ranger Wake was my mom.
Tohdoh: I understand, sir. Wait, you're Cheryl Wake's kid?!
Alistair: You know my mom?
Tohdoh: Who hasn't?
Alistair: Well, at least you remember her. Come on, I think Zero's got some new duds, for you.