Imperial Calendar. August 10th, 2010. The Holy Britannian Empire declared war on Japan. Japan, which was unable to mount any resistance against Britannia's newest weapon, the Knightmare Frame, was defeated, and had it's freedom, rights, honour and name taken away. 11. That was the new name for the Japanese people.

It’s springtime 1985. Ricardo Mendez loves clove ciggies, street fights, and Steve’s dimples. And oh, his God-crazy aunt damns him with sermons and tamarind candy. His neighborhood lights abuzz with tales of him and Steve k-i-s-s-i-n-g. But before Ricardo has a chance to explain to his family, rumors and circumstances blow out of control. In response, his parents kicks him out of his house. Alone and afraid, Ricardo has to navigate hoodlums, night stalkers, his God-crazy aunt. He may have to shed his prejudices to survive. But he may just lose his heart or life before he can find his way back home again.