Homeland

Leon was on a second date with Machi when it happened. It had been a week since the storm system had dissipated. For the first time sun shone down on Haven, and everyone was in a good mood.

Leon's phone rang, and he knew it was necessary as he had made it clear he didn't want to be interrupted unless it was important. Machi glared at Leon, and he gave an apologetic smile as he stood up and walked a few feet away.

Leon picked up the call, "What is it?!"

Gotoh was on the other side of the phone, "The Mafia has sent their troupes. They have two thousand by sea and another one thousand by air."

A cold smile shifted across Leon's face, "Get everyone ready to run the experiment and get our squads ready to be shipped out in an hour."

"I shall have it done, Sir." Leon hung up and walked back over to Machi, "So what is it? I assume our date night is over."

Leon shrugged, "Maybe, but how about seeing the efforts of our fruits. The Mafia is attacking, and I want to see them pay."

"Well, your not the only one. The Mafia separated our family all those years ago. Are we going to use Ymir?" Machi said while standing up and walking over to Leon.

Leon offered his arm, and Machi took it, "Of course, if this works, we'll be almost untouchable in our homeland."

Machi rolled her eyes, "So this is our homeland now?"

"Why not? We know that humans come from the Dark Continent, so we're just reclaiming our ancestral ground." Leon said with a smile.

Leon brought Machi to the command center. There was a large wall occupied with monitors from footage set up around the forest.

"Butch, how long before they touch down." The grisly war veteran saluted before he responded, "ETA is one hour, sir, and we have it on good authority that they plan to set up a base of operation before scouting the forest for our location."

"They must have lost it, they don't know where we are, but they're charging headstrong." Leon smiled at Machi's comment, "This is going to be better than I thought. Is Ymir in position?"

"Yes, he is. From what I've been told, he understands what his part is." Leon clapped his hands, "Okay then, have him sent out. I want all of this recorded. So look, alive people!"

On the main screen, there was footage from the camera on Ymir's back. On the outside, Leon looked calm and in control, but his heart was thumping. If this didn't work, all their efforts would have been for nothing.

The next hour Leon watched as his people prepared for the attack, then it happened one of the drones they sent out spotted the fleet of airships.

"Alright everybody, It's showtime. I want all drones on them like honey, and someone get me in touch with our people back on the mainland." Butch started to whip people into action.

Leon was in the observation booth with Machi as they enjoyed the show. This was the first major conflict his people would have to deal with, and Leon wanted to see where improvement was needed.

"You know after this. There's no going back." Leon looked down at Machi, who rested her head on his shoulder. "I never had any intention of going back." Machi smiled, "Good, otherwise, I would have to kill you and take over."

"Oh really?" Machi patted Leon's chest, "You're too wrapped up in those plans of yours. People are laying down roots. I haven't had a real home since my parents died, but your right. His is our homeland."

Leon didn't expect something so heartfelt from Machi, but he was glad he heard it from her, "We'll defend this place together and make it our home."

Machi leaned in to kiss Leon when the door burst open, "Oh did we interrupt something." Leon looked over his shoulder as Uvogin, and the rest of the phantom troupe walked into the observation deck.

Leon sighed, "Of course, you're here. Do you have another ability I don't know about?" Uvogin vaulted over the couch and sat between Leon and Machi, "Nah, just good timing. Oh, it looks like we missed the trailers."

Nobunaga sighed, "Do you have to make everything into a joke."

"How else am I supposed to survive? If I don't, I'll turn into a downer like the rest of you." Uvogin said, "Where's the popcorn."

Leon ignored Uvogin as the drones followed the Airships. Currently, they were being attacked by a large flock of birds the size of cars.

Fortunately for them, the airships were equipped with turrets that staved off most of the birds after a minute.

Nobunaga sighed, "Damn, we almost had our job taken care of." Leon shook his head, "Nah, we need them to make landfall. Otherwise, we have no one to test all our toys on."

Pressing the intercom button, "Hey Butch, it's time to release the hound."

"He's already on his way, and so far, we have seen results. Ymir is gathering a horde as we speak." Leon smiled, "So this hasn't been a huge waste of my time and money. That good to hear."

Leon looked over at Uvogin, who now had a bowl of popcorn, "I'm not going to ask where you got that."