The Fight we Chose

by DFMRCV

"No one starts a war—or rather, no one in his senses ought to do so—without first being clear in his mind what he intends to achieve by that war and how he intends to conduct it."- Harold G. Moore

7. Chapter 7

The Fight we Chose

Chapter 7

Downtime

---

April 20th, 1964

Dallas, Texas

"Footage collected last week from the president's visit to the American military base in the world beyond the gate in Dallas as well as the investigations into the status of the military situation beyond the gate. Let's go to it now."

Grainy black and white footage switched over from the newsroom to the view of several mountains in the distance.

"Yes, the land beyond the Gate connecting two worlds has proven to be quite fantastical, indeed. From untamed lands rivaling those in Africa and South America..."

The footage showed the vast landscape of the forested mountains in the Dumas region where the fighting was likely going to get worse, as evidence by the multiple UH-1s flying in the frame as well as the unmistakable sight of smoke in the distance.

"To fantastical cities, where all manner of folk mingle and trade for goods."

The footage then cut to a pair of American soldiers, M1 carbines slung on their backs, handing something to a woman in a shop, the woman's cat ears more noticeable as she awkwardly smiled at the camera.

Quickly then, the footage switched to a man on the ground, walking on the main American base, several military jeeps and trucks carrying men and supplies drove behind him, audible in the background noise as the man spoke.

"With more attention shifting on pacifying the region under the control of this nameless 'empire', American forces have been able to establish friendly relations with the locals, as many have flocked to the area around the main base of operations. As I, and many of my colleagues, have discovered, many are former slaves."

The footage switched to a young girl holding a child closely, speaking the strange Latin variant that was close to the one many Catholics knew, but not quite.

The narrator took over, explaining what she was saying.

"This young woman and child were amongst the few survivors of a village that was sacked by retreating Imperial forces, the medieval army not caring for the needs of the very citizens they're supposed to protect. United States Marines, led by a helpful guide, found her and two children. She is currently helping in one of the many growing shops in the rapidly growing town near the main base."

The footage then panned across the landscape near the main road where several American trucks were seen driving off. Near that main road were several medium-sized huts and cabins, with small grainy images of people moving around in the distance.

The footage then cut to the town itself, and the first real matter of strangeness people could witness firsthand in the comfort of their homes.

...or in his case, the Dallas Post Office...

The footage showed a mix of half-animal humans or... perhaps it was a little less than that?

Terry Jones wasn't entirely sure as he and most other early risers observed the scene in the small television.

The narrator continued.

"While many regular humans have come to inhabit this growing town, this is where we see how varied and diverse the lands beyond the gate really are."

A girl with feathers on her head and bird-like legs walked around with a military helmet that labeled her as "Military Police". An actual American MP with an M1 Carbine stood by her, eyeing the pedestrian traffic. It was an interesting way to contrast the two worlds.

"This is Myuute Luna Sires, a being the locals call a 'siren', she now cooperates with the American forces helping keep this growing community safe and orderly."

The camera cut closer to her, a microphone on her face, the American suspiciously eyeing the cameras as the girl spoke.

"I was with the attacking forces of the Allied Armies that faced the Americans a week after the main battle at Alnus Hill... I surrendered, they took me in, and I treated well, and since I picked up their language quickly, I was given this position."

Jones only blinked, not entirely sure of what he was seeing as the footage cut to a short-haired girl with a staff illuminated a field with light.

"Miss Sires is also one of the few users of 'magic' in this region, in fact, she says her ability to 'summon the wind' helped protect her."

It cut back to the girl, her saying "Yes, I can call the wind to help shield me in case of attack."

Cut to a tank firing into the mountains, the explosion in the distance almost appearing as a speck.

"However, scientists have noted the extreme limitations of this so-called 'magic' system, and a young girl has also answered some questions about it, noting that 'magic' in this world is greatly limited by what she has discovered are the Laws of Physics. Essentially, almost useless against modern weapons."

Cut to footage of soldiers, target practicing on the range, M14 rifles cracking loudly as the targets were riddled with bullets.

Jones shuddered.

Cut back to footage of the nearby town.

"Magic isn't the only fantastical element to this world, as most viewers have no doubt noticed or read about, Miss Sires is amongst many of the different types of 'demi-humans. People who are as sentient, and as capable of any human activity, but are born with the features of animals."

A girl with pointy wolf-like ears and eyes stared at the camera, giving it a toothy smile, her canines being far bigger and pointier than normal humans.

Jones heard a man next to him groan something along the lines of "Damn, what kind of demonic hands caused-?"

As if to answer the man before he could finish the question, the reporter on the TV continued speaking, saying "Scientists speculate that this may be the result of some kind of alteration to the DNA of regular humans, but it is clear that these people have developed into races of their own, most of them able to wed and produce children of their own, regardless if they couple with a regular human or one of a different race. This is something some soldiers welcome, like Private Jay Alphonse, an interpreter for the 1st Armored Division's Second Battalion who deployed early in the invasion."

The footage cut to that of the soldier sitting in a booth with a girl who, anyone could agree, was quite cute despite the cat ears.

The private in question was obviously a Texas native given his accent and pale skin; his arm around the cute girl with cat ears in a warm embrace, both looking relatively happy as the journalist asked them some questions.

"And you two are... together?"

"Yeah, I know it's a little strange, but... we really hit it off, and she's been through a lot... if I can take her home-"

Jones didn't hear the last part as a man in the post office huffed in frustration, saying "Kid will get lynched if he tries bringing that girl over here! What's he thinkin'?"

As if to punctuate the statement, the journalist asked "You've heard of the violence occurring back home?"

"Yeah..."

"Does that worry you?"

"I suppose, I just... I just don't think I should cow-tow to some... hooligans who don't like people doing things they disapprove of... I mean, I get it, this is... strange... but I love her, she loves me, and if I have to move somewhere else in the states then I'll do it. I ain't leaving her behind."

Jones nodded, slightly.

Another man said, "Eh, she's pretty enough, I suppose. Hope he doesn't turn out like this guy I knew from Utah, Harris Conway."

"Same Conway from Westminster? Class of '44?"

"Nah, we served in Korea, he was too young to have graduated in '44. Guy married this chink gal from Seoul a little after we liberated it."

"What happened to him?" Jones asked.

The man said "Divorced her! Says she cheated on him with ten other guys when he went on a business trip after the war... And then the girl died in a fire. Police aren't sure if it was started on purpose by someone or if it was an accident, but the guy's a wreck now regardless. Say what you will, he loved her. I think that killed them both in the end."

Jones shuddered.

The TV Continued to play footage of the other world, now showing the American president chatting with and interacting politely with the "demi-humans".

One man muttered, "He's really pushing that they're people same as we are?"

Jones was quick to say "Well, I don't see why we should treat them differently."

The man frowned, not arguing, but not exactly agreeing.

Such was life in a free country.

"Number zero-zero-seven-one!" came the call from the counter.

Jones quickly got up and walked over, package in hand.

"Good morning, sir, how may I help you today?" the young man asked politely.

"Good morning, I, uh... there's a kid I know, he's deployed... across the gate..."

The man nodded, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.

"See, he's got no one back home, and I take care of his folks' place, God rest their souls... his name is Dennis Orville, and... and this package arrived for him in the mail at his house, so I would like to see if it could be mailed to him."

The young man gave him an empathetic expression before speaking.

"Unfortunately, we can only send written letters from family members across the gate, sir. We can always keep the package and let him know we have it so that he can come and pick it up when he comes back."

"Yes, yes, that would be excellent, thank you."

"Are you a close friend of Mister Orville, Mister Jones?"

The man cryptically said, "We're neighbors."

I wonder how the kid is doing now...

Imperial Capital

The cold rain didn't bother him as he dutifully hopped over the puddles to his home as the bus drove off. His yellow raincoat shielding him from most of the rain, though his shoes and socks were entirely soaked. The grass was the usual green, and his home was the typical faded white paint.

He happily opened the faded red door as he entered his home.

Dark.

Quiet.

Empty.

"Ma?"

No response.

With a look of childish naivety, he asked "Papa?"

No response.

Before he could ask again, a shrill scream as if a wraith straight out of hell had gripped the child's heart as it screamed and wailed, grieving for the fallen, breaking the silence like a crack of thunder in a horror movie.

Dennis felt his eyes shoot open.

He felt the knot in his throat tighten to the point he nearly couldn't bear it.

He nervously sat up on the bed and rubbed at his tired eyes, taking shaky breaths as he managed to compose himself if anything for his own peace of mind.

If I start breaking down like this...

He took a couple of deep breaths and stood up.

There had always been a degree of isolation for him, and the fact was only now beginning to really bother the 18-year-old.

Who would he go home to?

Nothing really motivated him to go back home, except the fact he didn't want to die.

He rubbed his eyes.

When was it, again?

The day he found out his father died in the battlefields of Korea was a quiet August afternoon in 1951, early in his first year of school.

He barely remembered.

It hadn't been raining, though it hadn't been very sunny either.

He'd already gone inside, he remembered his mother was in the living room, reading... they'd barely had time to greet each other when an Army car had driven up on the porch, and men in uniform had come out.

He'd never heard his mother scream so loudly before.

Preferring not to think on it, he scratched the back of his head and focused on the mission.

Stay alive, cook something edible, teach Tyuule basic English... don't die... don't let her die.

At the thought, unwanted images of the hell he had seen at Italica flooded his mind again.

He quickly shook the thoughts away, denying them any foothold on his mind as he considered something to distract himself.

Very briefly his mind drifted to the white-haired girl.

He didn't shake those thoughts away.

...

Sean shook his head as the little girl pulled at his shirt.

Somehow, it seemed she didn't mind the colder weather of the morning, that or her mostly stitched-up clothes were doing their job better than anticipated. The street they were on was empty, and they knew the Berets were already working on their own, far more important operations.

Still, the fact that her life was in danger seemed to mean nothing for the small child.

No, the dog-eared girl had other concerns.

"More?" Sean asked, making sure the girl knew he was tired and didn't want her that close to danger.

She nodded.

He reached into his pocket and gave her another salt cracker, which she happily took.

"Wasn't Misery going to take her off your hands?" Rhodes asked.

"Yeah, but She seems to follow us a lot, regardless. That, and I'm not sure if Misery's mother material... exactly. She probably keeps a loose eye on her and many other orphans, but I doubt she actually takes care of them... Ius?" He added in the local tongue.

The girl only chewed on the cracker, not looking at the American, ignoring the question.

Sean sighed.

Rhodes only said "You should have sent her with Orville. He got you to buy her, didn't he?"

"Not exactly, but even if he did, I don't think he has permission to bring her into the palace, let alone feel comfortable with a kid. He has this... you ever notice how he has a thousand-yard stare half the time?"

Rhodes nodded without reacting.

"Can't blame him too much. Alnus was a mess, but it was a coordinated mess. Itálica... I still don't want to think about some of those close calls."

He still wasn't sure how one massive soldier managed to slip through that wall of bullets and grab the young Ranger, tossing him into the crowd and nearly getting the kid killed. He'd known of surprises in combat, but rules were so different in this world, even someone with Ranger training would find themselves out of their element.

Sean said, "Still when we headed back, he kept talking like normal, seemed normal, but... I don't know. Point is, when he saw the kid crying, he reacted first, and then acted as if nothing had happened. Can't say it's entirely assuring, captain."

"Well, we've all got a lot to deal with. If he can't cut it, he gets shipped home."

Sean frowned, muttering "Right, he's got no one back home, right?"

"Yup. Mother died while he was at boot camp."

"Damn..."

Strength or not, the added weight could make him unreliable, which was far more concerning if something went wrong.

"Just remember that he did qualify and he hasn't complained. Who knows, maybe he can adopt this little pup and have someone to come back to."

"He can just do that?"

Rhodes shrugged.

"Given some of the plans for the land we're going to take, her becoming a citizen and him taking care of her isn't exactly insane, I would think. Even if it isn't, it's healthier to think positive things than to dwell on... everything else."

The little girl promptly sat down on Sean's foot, small tail wagging like any other dog, yet her face, body, and eyes were entirely human.

Rhodes shook his head.

"Tell her to run along, maybe Hastings or Tom can play ball with her..."

Sean nodded, kneeling to be on eye level with the kid, saying "We have to get to work, so you can't stay here right now" in the local tongue.

The little girl pouted but did not disobey, quickly rushing off.

Sean stood as he watched her run off and turned to the captain, giving him a worried look.

"I know, I know... hearts and minds are all well and good, but we have to keep our focus on the mission. She'd be more at risk near as than not."

"I know, captain... feel bad for the kid is all. We can't keep an eye on her all the time, and... three o'clock." He said quickly, shifting from the regular American to the US Army Ranger in an instant.

Both Rangers pushed themselves against the walls, hoping the early morning shadows would help conceal them to some degree or at least make them stand out less.

They glanced at the men entering the building across the street with suspicion. It was only a group of four, all shifting suspiciously and eyeing one another as they slowly pushed into the very clearly broken-down building, one of many, but one with a familiar star recently painted in black ink on the cracked wall, identifying it from the other buildings.

"Keep the safety off."

Sean only nodded.

Across the street, in the large, mostly empty building, stood several men now as there weren't any tables or chairs. A few rays of sunlight shone in through holes in the wooden ceiling above, and the rays of light emphasized the dust floating in the air. All the men stood in a defensive stance as if they would be ready to run or fight at the drop of a hat.

Drew kept his eye on his commanding officer, the older man quietly telling him what to say.

With a tired nod, Drew spoke in the native tongue to the best of his ability as he gave the instructions.

"We are aware the recent... incident left you all weak, as well as created a power vacuum in the Red-Light District."

The remaining heads of crime families of the district did not reply.

Drew continued.

"We recommend you stop the violence, cooperate with the empire to keep the peace, and we will pay you for your troubles."

Silence.

Drew didn't speak.

"Why?" one asked.

"We'd prefer to avoid conflict is all."

An older man, missing an eye, quietly said "Surely there is something else in it for you, Outsider."

Drew translated to his CO, the man nodding.

"Tell them our condition."

Switching to the local tongue, Drew said "We ask that you do not mention our existence to the imperial forces and that you do not attack our positions in the city. That is all."

"That is all?"

"Indeed."

A tense silence followed as the men who were technically trying to kill each other considered the offer.

"What if we refuse?" came the reply from another man.

"Then we will destroy every one of you upon your betrayal as we did with the Besarra crime family."

Silence.

"It's true then? You're the men from another world?" the beast-man, one that appeared to be a tiger of sorts asked.

Now it was his turn to be silent.

A third man said, "We've noticed your men treat the demi-humans with some level of kindness... surely you're not that powerful if you rely on them."

Drew spoke firmly, saying "Do not mistake our tolerance for weakness. We see people as people, nothing more, nothing less. If they wish to help us, we welcome it, if they don't, we won't force them, the same way we won't force you to accept our offer."

"Ah, but your offer doesn't leave much room for refusing it."

"False. You can refuse it. You'll just die before you can reveal our positions."

The crime lords sat in silence, none betraying whether the words had any impact on them.

Finally, one said, "Well, I don't think we have a choice in the matter... my people will not betray your people if you tell us your people's goal."

The other three men nodded slowly, if not reluctantly.

Drew turned to his commander and said "They're essentially agreeing if we tell them what our goals are."

The older man, already a veteran of two major wars, only said "Tell 'em."

Drew turned and said "The Empire attacked our homeland. We're here to resolve the problem started by them."

A pause.

"So... you intend to destroy the Empire?"

"We intend to defeat them, not destroy them. Keep that in mind."

Silence then.

"Alright. We'll stay out of your way." the beast-man said.

The others muttered in reluctant agreement.

The Green Beret didn't show how relieved he was.

"They agreed, sir."

The older man did not smile, walking forward slightly.

"Pleasure doing business with you all!" he said in English.

The men appeared to understand, and nodded, moving to shake his hand in agreement.

Washington D.C

The president sighed.

No, you're not supposed to just open fire on a group of protestors.

No, you're not supposed to just pretend it's all okay.

Worse...

"Look, if we just sit and negotiate with the Emperor further-"

"Oh, Christ, are you on that wagon again?!" the secretary of defense almost spat out at the unfortunate cabinet member.

"We're not negotiating with that man any further. He said it himself, there's nothing to discuss." the president sighed, disappointed.

Outside what few protestors had been relatively peacefully standing near the White House had packed up and left, a sign of how unpopular the idea of avoiding conflict here was.

The man on the other side of the gate was not intent on negotiating.

The man on the other side of the gate wanted reparations and slaves to be returned to pay for "damages".

The man on the other side of the gate had given the United States one month to vacate the region.

On one hand, they weren't intent on leaving anyway.

On the other hand...

Protestors in Saigon were mowed down Sunday morning after the military Junta there faced serious opposition by civilians. Demands for increased military aid have so far not been commented on by US officials, but given negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the possible reunification of Vietnam are underway, with a likely northern controlled government, more aid to the government in Saigon appears unlikely...

And unlikely it was.

More troops were needed in the now nicknamed "Special Region" and the public was now demanding a larger force be sent through to ensure that a proper victory could be achieved. After the most recent report on the failed negotiations, Americans had been signing up in droves, especially with most of the fighting in the other world slowing to a crawl as the main enemy force was currently under siege mountain range and the Emperor was under the impression, he was winning so he wasn't sending out more troops. To the average American, there wasn't a better time to sign up for the military if you wanted adventure.

Probably also to get a chance at some half-human gal to bring home...

"Mister President, volunteers are still lining up to enlist by the thousands, we can more than spare the troops to aid-"

"The people don't care about the reds as much at the moment, and that is an unfortunate fact. Sending more military aid to Vietnam could actually cost us the election, make us lose the currently peaceful transition we're overseeing, worse..."

"But sir, we'd be abandoning-"

"I know! We need to..." the man began rubbing his head, reaching for a bottle of pills with his free hand. He popped it open, easily grabbing two and swallowing. Health had always been an issue for the young president.

"Dear God, I wonder how Roosevelt dealt with his problems... I don't know if I'd even last another term like this."

Taking a deep breath, he continued.

"We need to make clear... crystal clear... that this administration is not abandoning an ally but that we are allowing the people of a nation decide their future... we've already screwed up enough with Cuba and that mess back in November..."

"I somehow doubt Saigon will want to play along... a communist victory could mean their heads at worst, poverty at best. Sir, you've seen what happens when these people are given an inch!"

"I know, I know... I don't trust their guarantees either, but... you read the same report I did! We screwed up when we supported the French back in '54... we're not winning a hearts and minds campaign, not anytime soon... and say what you will, the reds up north know enough to keep their people in check enough to appear like the lesser evil."

He mumbled the last part, opening the newspaper and staring at the almost smug photo of the leader of North Vietnam, happily condemning the evil actions of the capitalist South.

Evil, certainly, worse than what was happening in the North's reeducation camps?

Not likely.

However...

"Rob."

The secretary of defense stiffened at the tone.

The president shook his head before speaking.

"If Saigon won't cooperate, then we need to replace them with someone that will. I'll keep in contact with the Vietnamese, maybe we can work something out. I want you to be ready in case we don't work something out. Understand?"

The Secretary of Defense slowly nodded.

"Go... get it done."

The man nodded, fixed his glasses, and stood up, feeling not unlike a lackey to the Mafia.

The other Cabinet members in the room were silent as the man left.

With a tired tone that the men in the room were now familiar with, the president said "This conversation didn't happen... alright?"

The reply across the room was fast and precise.

"Yes, mister president."

Now to deal with the issue of Vietnam...

Moscow, USSR

The relatively undecorated room was only filled with the noise of men long past their prime shuffled in, none speaking as they sat down on the large table, each looking over the documents briefly as the man who remained standing stood for a moment, lingering as he observed everyone there.

And only once the security officers closed the door did he sit down.

The General Secretary was not pleased.

And neither was the party.

He stared at the reports with nothing more than disappointment, then at the other men in the room, all reading what he already had.

One man muttered, "Then there is nothing we can do?"

Another angrily said "We must demand more access to-"

"It's pointless." The general secretary said.

The men on the table stared at him in shock.

They knew when the general secretary, a man who had lived through the Revolution, witnessed Stalin's great purges, hell, actively supported those purges, had almost pushed the world to destruction alongside the Americans twice... they knew when the man was dead serious about something and now was no exception. He eyed them all with the exhaustion that can only be achieved after witnessing the worst of times in the nation's history.

"The population in this other world is too primitive. Warning them of the evils of capitalism will be pointless. They have been utterly oppressed by an empire and are seemingly being rescued from it by another, seemingly much more benevolent one. They do not care about the sneaky and selfish actions because they either don't know about them, or these actions do not get in the way of them getting a better life... look at these!"

The photos of American tanks and aircraft were pushed aside as the General Secretary picked up the ones he wanted everyone in the room to see.

"This was an entire family that was rescued by the American Army. We all saw the news report! This... Empire... it does not care for its citizens. To have another, far more powerful force, suddenly show even the most basic amount of care... Many of you were here when the Fascist dogs of the Nazi Regime stole the land right from under Stalin's nose!"

Some men shuddered at the name.

The Russian dictator's legacy still gripped the hearts of the people and despite the reforms, many were worried about badmouthing the dead dictator. As if to even speak of him would somehow summon him from the beyond to bring more pain and misery.

The General Secretary, having worked for the man in person, had no such reservations.

"How quickly did the people turn on our motherland believing the lies of the fascists? Promises of liberation and better treatment that the supposed Man of Steel could never provide. Better yet, how quickly did they turn on them when it became clear the Fascist war machine cared only for their complete annihilation?"

Shaking his head, the General Secretary said "The Americans have won the hearts and minds of these people- ANY competent army from our world could have managed that by simply not attacking civilian dwellings. This is a barbaric world, one that we simply have no way of reaching on our own."

The room was dead quiet.

Then, with a breath, the man said "Which is why we need to focus on taking what we can. Comrades... we cannot win this battle, but we already have another one won! Vladimir, remind us of the status of the situation in Vietnam!"

All eyes turned to the KGB Chairman, who quickly said "The people there appear to mostly support us, both in the north and in the south... So assuming fair elections are held this year, we could be looking at reunification under our banner."

"Another ally to our movement and more proof that socialism works!"

"An ally... unless the Chinese get to them first." someone muttered.

The General Secretary eyed the man but did not lose his composure.

Instead, he said, "We've been giving as much support to the North as the Chinese, and thanks to our influence, things have not only been kept more peaceful... the southern capitalists have begun to panic due to the Americans happily abandoning them for greener pastures."

"Which in turn has pushed more people to support us."

"No, it's led to more people support the north. They are not on our side, they are on their own side."

All eyes turned to the moronically brave man who had spoken.

The General Secretary was quick to say "Which will benefit us in the end. The Chinese have been only worsening their attitude toward Vietnam... in time, they will side with us."

"Let us hope that is the case." the man muttered.

The frown on the general secretary's face deepened, but internally, the man smiled.

Even ten years ago, anyone even attempting to stand against the General Secretary's stance would have been so absolutely terrified they couldn't have gone through with it, but now...

It was the ultimate proof of his reforms succeeding.

Still...

He said "I've done my duty so far as General Secretary as has everyone here done their respective duties for the betterment of the Union, and we have come out on top. Our nuclear arsenal vastly surpasses that of the Americans, and our influence in this world, the more advanced world, is growing. Unfortunately, the situation in this other world is one where neither I nor any of you can come out on top. Let the Americans have control over such a primitive land where our ideology will inevitably succeed while we continue to succeed in this world, where things matter. Or do any of you wish to go to war with the United States over this other, far more primitive world where even basic necessities such as water or electricity have not even been conceived yet?"

Silence.

Thought so...

"Then we shall continue with the day's subjects... now, about those annoying British guitarists and their cacophonous rubbish, rotting our youth's mind away..."

Outskirts of Itálica

Pina only sighed at the scene.

Diabo was standing aside, arms raised, and a certain noblewoman was yelling loudly at the American soldiers standing in her way.

"What brutish behavior is this?! Do you children know who you're talking to?!"

The American general quickly said, "Alright, what the hell is happening here?"

Pina, not understanding every word but getting the gist of it, said "That's Lady... I suppose my brother brought her along for legitimacy if there is any..."

She gave Norma an exasperated glower, the knight only shrugging innocently.

How was he to know the noblewoman was so entitled?

The American general only stormed ahead, the angry woman quickly adjusting into a more composed stature, realizing a man with authority had arrived.

"What seems to be the problem?" he asked awkwardly, not entirely used to the quasi-Latin spoken by the locals.

The woman huffed, saying "Your men have blocked the road! How is Itálica going to trade with the imperial capital now? The city will starve and you will all come off as monsters to the people! How will you find peace then?!"

"We do not stop civilians from coming through."

"Ah?!"

"We do not-"

"I heard you the first time! Then why have you stopped us?!"

"Because brother and you are of great interest to the Americans. I gave them a description of you so they knew who to stop. They don't mean any harm."

Only then did the girl turn her gaze on the red-haired princess.

Diabo only waved awkwardly.

Lady seemed to shrink then, realizing her folly.

"C-cousin Pina... it would have been much less... embarrassing had you warned us of the enemy's location."

"They're not the enemy anymore, Lady, they're helping us. They've kept order in the lands from Alnus to Itálica and have stopped any bandits or rogue generals from attacking villages or the dwellings of our citizens."

Lady didn't say anything else then, Diabo finally stepping up and nervously saying "What exactly do you mean by rogue general?"

There was a sound, as if a distant TWANG of a bow, and a shout.

Someone yelled "Contact!"

And immediately Pina, Diabo, Lady, and Norma had to cover their ears as the Americans simply unloaded into the forest on the other end of the field.

M14s, M60s, Brownings, and finally one 90-millimeter gun firing a High Explosive round, all fired in the opposite direction of the arrow.

The colonel sighed, saying "Anyone hit?"

"Dan got hit in the shoulder!" someone yelled.

Diabo quickly asked, "W-what are they yelling about?"

Pina only said "One of their men was wounded by the arrow... they want to end this quickly, and right now... Tiberius is in the way of this, but if we reach him we might be able to put a stop to the small guerilla campaign he's running."

Diabo noticed the dark tone with which she spoke and immediately said "Tell me everything."

…

Tiberius observed the men preparing the small farms with some level of pride.

These men know how to survive...

He turned, observing others creating arrows and spears out of the cut-down trees.

Pullo's traps must be working if they refuse to push upward... good.

Hearing the very distant explosions of the enemy's weapons spitting death, his smile widened.

And the enemy is preferring to practice a defensive war instead of an offensive one... excellent.

He turned, then, appreciating the harsh but still traversable terrain of the Dumas Mountain Range. The forests made it easy to sneak his forces through, and he was certain that he could cause some damage now that they were slowly preparing themselves better.

Suddenly a young man rushed ahead.

"General! News from the raiding party!"

He turned, frowning at the alarm in the young man's voice.

"What is it?"

"Princess Pina Co Lada was seen alongside Prince Diabo el Caesar!"

Tiberius froze, eyeing the young soldier.

"What?"

"The princess-"

"No... that's... why would...?"

He sat down in the dirt.

Was she really a traitor all along?

The message she had sent could have been falsified, a trick by these "Americans" but... but to have it confirmed...

He frowned, standing up.

"If she wishes to talk, then we'll let her talk... but we have our orders. Inform the other officers and keep this information as quiet as possible. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

He rubbed his chin then, the information sinking in.

If the princess has aligned herself with the enemy, then she is either revolting against her own father, or perhaps something far worse has happened that...

Suddenly, another messenger interrupted him.

"General! Enemy flying machines have been spotted flying south... the smaller, slower ones... Pullo is suggesting we send dragons and wyverns after them to knock them down. Should we comply?"

Tiberius quickly shook his head, saying "No, we've seen how high up their other metal birds can go. They're probably above the clouds, hiding in wait for us to make a move. We must use our riders sparingly if we want a chance at causing any damage. Why the men are headed south... well, that isn't my concern."

"Understood, general."

He nodded.

Despite the miserable conditions, this wasn't the worst job the old general had taken.

His men were devoted, obedient, and above all, doing their job.

The enemy, he had realized, weren't like the barbarian tribes he had fought against on other fronts, expanding or defending the empire.

These were soldiers, same as his own, and they knew he had an advantage in the mountains.

Sooner or later, however, one side would have to make a move.

He looked at the vast fields below, muttering "Make a move, you bastards... show me how you fight."

Over the Elbe Kingdom

10:00 AM

Yao Ha Dushi shakily clung to the straps on her seat as the American flying machine continued to roughly move through the air.

The apostle of Emroy on the other hand, was almost childishly kicking her legs back and forth, humming some kind of foreign music that sounded somewhat familiar to the songs the Americans played on their small noise boxes... "radios" they called them.

She sighed, focusing on her mission.

Make sure the tribe is safe... Direct the Americans to the lair of the beast... kill it... I wish these noise blockers were better suited to my ears...

She let go of the straps holding her to the chair and held the "noise blockers" tighter to her ears, making it more bearable.

Over them, she heard the Americans speaking to each other... albeit, unable to understand them.

Their tone, however, suggested a sort of arrogant confidence, which she wasn't sure how to interpret, but a part of her decided that if they were able to hurt the dragon, then surely, they could kill it, and that was reason enough to feel secure!

The Marine only said, "Why'd they ask us to come along on this mission?"

Another replied, "To make sure the Army dogs don't... mess it up..."

It wasn't very polite to swear when a woman was around.

Of course, "making sure the Army didn't mess it up" wasn't the reason the Marine squad was being sent alongside the Army air cavalry on what was essentially a reconnaissance mission.

No, the truth was, a certain older than she looked Apostle had requested they be taken along in exchange for her services.

"Hey, sarge, think Rory can take the dragon if it attacks us?"

The sergeant didn't reply.

Rory grinned her evil smile.

"We're not engaging any giant monsters. We're scouting ahead to see if we can locate them... if it engages us, we run. We let the flyboys handle that... mess."

Yao turned to one of the men and asked "Why is she coming along?"

It had been a strange surprise to see the Apostle Emroy Rory "The Reaper" Mercury.

It had been an even bigger surprise to see her get onto the flying machine the Americans called a "Chinook" to accompany them on their quest.

Said apostle turned to the girl, smiling as she said "Do you think they can fully understand your people's language? You would have to speak the language of the Empire to one of their interpreters all while interpreting for your elders and then their interpreter would have to translate to the officers. It's easier to just let me translate for you all thanks to my gift of tongues."

The way she spoke always made Yao feel as if the girl was about to attack her for some reason or other as if there was an inherent danger behind every word.

The Americans didn't seem to notice, or if they did, they didn't seem to care much about it.

"A-ah... I... I see." she finally.

The small girl only went back to humming the unfamiliar tune and kicking her legs back and forth as if she were a child.

Yao then switched her mind to other things.

I hope these 'helicopters' don't cause a panic...

It was such a large metal machine, similar to a dragon, but louder and far less friendly.

Yao could only hope her people didn't panic at the sight.

That, and accompanied by several other of what the Americans called "Helicopters", their expedition was as deep into the land beyond the Gate as the Americans had penetrated yet.

The lands below changed drastically as the somewhat forested mountains became far more jagged and crooked. Rocks stabbing into the air in loose patterns, as if they were the skeletal ribcage of a titanic beast long since dead.

The Marine sergeant frowned and gripped his M14 tighter.

…

Down below it was a different scene.

The village was charred black, some ruins still smoking ever so slightly, to the point that it was a little difficult to distinguish charred wood from charred bodies. The ground itself was an ashen black that could only be caused by fire, and the remaining trees had burn marks on them.

A pair of arrow-wielding dark elves gave up on their task of lifting a fallen arch.

"Forget it, even if we found something, it's probably burned to a crisp." the first one, a deceptively young-looking boy, said.

The other one only said "It would be nice to find something we could bring back. That damned cave is-"

"It is what it is. Yao is probably still a month away from finding these... soldiers from another world. We don't even know if they'll be enough to stop it, and even if they do... I doubt we can rebuild this place."

The other one huffed, saying "I'm sure we can rebuild it. We have time after all. I just... hope... what is that sound?"

Both readied a pair of arrows, hiding behind some rubble, knowing it wasn't the dragon as it sounded too different. Almost like the cracking noise whips made, but faster and many times louder.

Then they saw them.

"Down!" the older one said.

The gigantic monsters flew low overhead before beginning to land on the grassy plains nearby.

The two dark elves peeked from the rubble, watching the large creature, as well as several others, begin to land, with several humans hopping off the smaller ones.

The large one, eyes as hollow as a black cave, began to lower its gigantic mouth... and out came several more men.

"W-what is-?"

"H-hey... look!"

As more men walked off, one was followed by an unmistakable figure.

A short girl with jet black hair wearing an odd dress.

But behind her, a white-haired girl with dark skin and long ears.

"That's... that's Yao... and if that's Yao, then..."

"Those are the men in green?"

They both stared at the giant machines that carried them.

"They really are monsters..."

"Maybe, but they're our only chance of stopping the flame dragon... come on... let's... let's see if we can get their attention."

Imperial Capital

Tyuule sighed as her head began to flare.

She put the parchments on the small table and did her best to ignore the tugging of her skirt by a certain shapeshifter.

"Word, I bring word!" Bouro hissed.

With an exasperated expression, she asked "What?"

"The Rose Knights have received orders from the princess. She is ordering them to meet with the Americans and assist them in engaging Tiberius as soon as possible."

Tyuule frowned.

"Tiberius hasn't made any large-scale moves against them yet. Why would they need help?"

"I believe it is to gain their trust and support. With the emperor's knowledge of the present situation limited to the last bit of news he received-"

Tyuule's right ear twitched slightly, and she automatically lowered them in submission to the approaching man, quickly interrupting Bouro.

"Yes, yes, let me handle it... now scram, he's almost here."

"I'll be quiet."

"Leave, Bouro. You have your orders."

There was a silence, but she could still feel his presence in the room.

Then there was a disappointed sigh.

"Majesty, you make me feel like I'm worthless."

"Your pay is now in gold and silver. If you want a raise, you may ask for it."

There was a groan, but Bouro did not argue, his presence vanishing as the door to the main chamber opened and Zorzal marched in.

The emperor yawned loudly, saying "My... apologies, I knew you were busy last night, so I went and got some cheap concubines from a brothel... good enough for what I paid for, I suppose, but the wine I drank has me... all mixed up..."

Tyuule hid her disgust as she turned and pretended to cheerfully greet the emperor.

"Ah, I hope my emperor feels better after today. I bring good news! More merchants have been interested in supplying you with whatever you wish to fight the enemy from another world!"

Zorzal sat on the throne with a less than dignified groan.

"Don't remind me of such things, Tyuule, just... what's the business for today?"

"Hmm? Well, I organized the new recruitment laws so that the legions can bolster their ranks. You will more than likely be needed to judge officers that can be given the rank of general faster to accommodate-"

"Generals? Did- did I order this?"

No.

"Yes, actually. Last night, you requested it. General Rufus is looking into it now and he plans to bring you some capable officers for you to judge."

Technically on my orders, but he doesn't have to know that.

"Ah... ah, yes... Rufus... good man. An honorable man... hmm... and of the matter of the Rose Knights..."

"I'm glad you asked, Majesty, they seem to want to avenge Princess Pina."

Zorzal sat slightly straighter at the mention of his technically missing sister.

He put his hand to his mouth, appearing to be deep in thought, not that it fooled the white-haired girl, and perhaps even trying to emulate some of the older sculptures of past emperors.

"They... intend to attack the enemy? Directly?" he mumbled.

"Indeed!" Tyuule spoke as if it wasn't a big deal, as if the emperor could just wave his hand and decide based on a whim and it would not change the outcome of the situation.

Zorzal, however, did not envision himself as such a lax ruler.

"Hmm... the Americans have not returned to confirm if they will retreat from Itálica, but... a reckless attack by the Rose Knights may lead to another desperate raid... I don't want that, not after I just regained order in the capital."

Tyuule smiled sweetly, saying "Wouldn't your defiance have already pushed them to a raid after you refused to surrender, majesty?"

Zorzal nodded.

"Yes, indeed it should have, but they have not!"

"What's more, even if they repel some badly trained noblewomen in armor, maybe they'll do some damage and weaken the enemy for your inevitable reclaiming of the land."

"Yes... YES! Indeed! No matter how you slice it, I lose nothing by sending them on the attack! It's such a simple, yet... brilliant move!"

Tyuule giggled, saying "Oh, majesty, your intellect knows no bounds!"

"Indeed! Bring the Rose Knights to me at once!"

She bowed and nodded, smiling all the way.

Partly out of a need to remain pleasant around him, partly out of the fact that she was managing to accomplish what she had strived so long for.

With the planned system of conscription, more of the Empire's men would be drafted into military service or face jail time. Perhaps controversial, but since when did Zorzal care about the plebians? Assuming he attacked the Americans, and it seemed he wanted to do just that, it would lead to even more destruction.

Better still, the fact he wanted a larger army created the need for more officers, which meant that unprepared men could be put in a position of responsibility that did would only result in them doing more harm than good!

Then the thought occurred to her that she was going to genuinely bring about as much destruction on the empire as the empire had brought to her people.

She didn't have to imagine the wails of mothers who lost their children as it echoed in the back of her head, and deep down she didn't particularly care, but...

Why do I feel so uneasy about this all of a sudden?

She heard Zorzal's stomach growl, which reminded her of the individual in the kitchen that had, albeit briefly, gotten her mind off vengeance.

Her face grew warm.

Zorzal noticed and a perverse smile manifested on his face.

"Oh, did my little bunny miss me last night?"

Tyuule felt her blood run cold then, but she only said "Of course, majesty, though I understand how busy your schedule is."

"Oh, I can make time for you..." he muttered grabbing her arm and pulling her closer to him, his other hand reaching for her thigh and quickly moving up to her skirt.

Tyuule reluctantly maintained her smile, hiding her disgust with the young tyrant.

As he tugged at her already loose skirt, she heard footsteps approaching.

Just... just bear with it... Wait... is that-?

"Breakfast, your-" the American said, the guards opening the door for him and letting him push the cart of food inside.

Dennis froze, seeing the Emperor pulling at the white-haired girl's skirt.

He immediately looked to his right; eyes wide despite focusing on the marble walls.

Zorzal laughed, removing the girl's skirt entirely, causing Tyuule to completely freeze up, praying to whatever god would listen that the American didn't turn to look, saying "Oh, what an adorable young man. Have you never seen a naked woman before?"

Dennis continued staring at the wall, saying "N-no, Emperor... my... family raised me on the value that-"

"Oh, the family value of abstinence? Come now, if the gods intended for man to only lay down with one woman for his entire life, then why did they make it so much more fun when there are more than one? Can you not appreciate the beauty of my conquest at least?"

Dennis turned to look at the girl.

On the one hand, the girl's underwear was certainly different from the ones he'd seen on the Sears advertisements, but it was certainly eye-catching in its own way; as if Zorzal wanted her to bring about as much lust as possible.

On the other hand, she clearly didn't want him looking at her, so he turned away immediately as he spoke.

Zorzal laughed then, saying "Oh, you're adorable! Would you like to stick around?"

"An interesting proposition, majesty... b-but they do need me back in the kitchen... so, if it's alright with you..."

Zorzal sighed, saying "Fine, fine, leave the food there... but you can't remain naïve forever, son of Tobias."

"Of course, Emperor..."

Zorzal huffed as the young man exited the door.

"Honestly, loyal as he is, he seems like such a child... oh?"

Tyuule's face as red as a ripe tomato and she looked almost as if she had been violated.

"Tyuule are you unwell?" he asked.

"O-o-of c-course not!" she immediately stammered out, eyes not leaving the door.

Zorzal frowned, mumbling "You're embarrassed he saw you?"

"I-"

He didn't let her answer, standing up, saying "You're not embarrassed when I see you... what's that about?"

"w-well... his majesty has been with me for so long-"

"You're never embarrassed when others walk in on us..."

Damn!

"Well... majesty... none of them are... new..."

"You didn't seem embarrassed when you met him a few weeks ago. Your rags covered even less back then." Zorzal's tone was turning ever more ominous.

He put his right hand on her shoulder, squeezing it so that it hurt, smiling as he asked "Is he distracting you in some way?"

"N-no, never! It's just..."

Think! Think!

"I... he... he reminded me of... someone..." she half lied.

"Oh? Who?"

"A... close... person..." she fully lied.

"Oh... then let me help you forget them." he began, his hand going to her neck.

She braced herself for the beatings to come when the door was pushed open.

Dennis quickly walked in, head tilted forward not looking at the girl.

He picked up the cart, pushed it ahead, saying "My deepest apologies, I forgot to set your breakfast up properly... oh, and may I borrow Miss Tyuule, I need to inquire about some issues in the kitchen."

Zorzal frowned, saying "What issues?"

"Emperor, it's... it's a matter of... confidence. I'd like to consult her before making a decision."

He looked at the girl.

The girl only returned a worried glance before looking away.

Zorzal noticed, and quickly grinned.

"Oh, I see, I see... you've grown interested in her?" he asked, almost playfully.

Dennis knew the threatening tone, and was about to speak, when Zorzal slapped his shoulder, saying "I understand the degree of jealousy one must feel as their superiors have much more beautiful women to be with, no?"

"I... in a way, yes... I apologize..." he mumbled, eyeing the prince's hands.

If I have to kill him here and run... well, I wouldn't mind.

Zorzal surprised him then.

"Look, you helped me a lot, I will never forget that... but do try to remember that Tyuule is mine. I can help you find another Warrior Bunny if you're interested, but this one is mine."

Dennis glanced at the half-naked girl before quickly glancing away.

He turned to Zorzal and smiled childishly as he hid his inner disgust, saying "That... would... be greatly appreciated!"

Zorzal again patted the young man, saying "Well that's all cleared up then! Tyuule!"

"Y-yes?"

"Get me a list of the Warrior Bunny's locations! Our young helper will greatly appreciate it! Quickly now, hop to it!"

"Y-yes, majesty!" Grabbing her skirt, she bowed, and quickly ran off, vanishing behind the side door not too far from the throne.

If there was any relief to be felt, Dennis didn't feel it as Zorzal squeezed his shoulder tightly.

Zorzal's smile faded ever so slightly the second Tyuule was out of sight.

He turned to Dennis and said "I meant what I said... you helped us. I owe you..."

He put his index finger on the American's chest then, whispering "She was an enemy of the empire. I conquered her... not you. Do you understand? If you live by family values, then I'm sure there's something about desiring a man's woman."

"I... I didn't know you two were married."

"Oh, goodness no! Marriage is so tacky... but she belongs to me regardless."

Dennis felt his left hand tighten its hold on the food cart as his right hand moved to the colt.

This would be the moment he grabbed the villainous prince and put the gun to his head.

Maybe present some ghastly threats of bodily harm.

Maybe outright kill him there and then.

Instead, he nodded, softly saying "Apologies, emperor... I'll keep it that in mind when speaking to her."

I'm no John Wayne...

Zorzal's smile returned, slapping Dennis on the back, saying "Excellent! We'll see if we can get you a nice savage girl. You simply must invite me that first night, see how a creature like that plays with a boy like you..."

Dennis shuddered at the thought with a mixture of fear and disgust, moving the food onto a small tray that he handed to Zorzal as he sat back on the throne.

"You made this?"

"No, sir, August did. I mostly help prepare the ingredients they use now... it's good training."

Zorzal took one bite of the smoked meat and sighed in pleasure.

"That man's cooking is as good as it gets... almost makes me forget you interrupted me and Tyuule... oh well... I do have other matters to attend to today..."

Dennis didn't reply, now feeling some genuine relief.

Zorzal said, "Don't do it again."

"Of course, majesty."

Noting the American hadn't entirely understood, Zorzal said "I know you won't do it again. I'm telling you that you're dismissed, son of Tobias. I'll let you know of the status of your concubine soon enough."

"Thank you, emperor."

Dennis turned...

Walked out of the royal hall...

Down the main hall...

He stopped...

He looked around...

He made sure nobody was around...

Saw that he was alone...

And promptly turned and vomited into some bushes.

After a moment he straightened up, shaking his head.

I have to get that girl out of here... God, I can't take much more of this.

He steadied his breath.

Wiping his mouth, he walked back to the kitchen, his mind on a certain white-haired girl,

Said girl was sitting on the floor out in another hall, sun rays shining in through the windows and illuminating the purple curtains she hid behind.

Tears rolled down her face as she tried to compose herself, her body shaking as she cried as silently as she could.

Idiot! Stupid, stupid, STUPID idiot!

Her face remained red as she began to shakily calm herself, wiping away her own tears on her arm.

Don't risk yourself like that for me...

Not that she could actually tell him that given what his mission was. Maybe some other time she could be honest with him.

But not yet.

She sat there, taking soft breaths before she stood up, face hardening again and becoming cold once more.

There was still work to do.

10:44 AM

Clef observed Dennis continue his now DeFacto job of chopping vegetables.

He didn't talk to anyone; he didn't look at anyone.

He just did as he was told until the job was done and then he would leave.

And it looks like he didn't poison the current emperor... unfortunately...

Clef closed the wooden door to his office and pressed his forehead against the well-crafted stone wall of the well-furnished room. He had secretly been worried about his small sanctuary from the stresses of working in the place. His quaint wooden desk, the couch that had been a gift from none other than Molt himself, and the calming purple curtains gave him a wonderful view of the palace courtyard.

He had to be thankful to Zorzal for not pushing the Empire to its brink and forcing him to abandon this calming place... but was it the right choice?

He turned to the only other person in the office, the man staring out the window.

"So... nothing?"

August only said "Emperor is definitely fine. Den doesn't complain, he doesn't even comment anymore... he just does as told. I managed to get another decent look at his room, but I can't find anything... not without alerting that wench."

Clef quickly said, "Mind your tongue!"

"Chef, if the Haryo tribe wants me dead-" he began his defiant monologue, but Clef cut him off.

"You don't know how much reach they have! Even speaking of them is considered bad luck..."

The other man sighed, sitting back into the seat, a scowl on his face.

Neither man spoke, as if they were in the right position to do something, could do something, but didn't know what or how.

August broke the silence then.

"I'm starting to believe the situation is not as complicated as we thought, though."

"How so?" Clef asked.

"Maybe the rabbit is the one interested in him?"

Clef shook his head, moving to his desk to sit down.

"Even if that were true, it wouldn't explain why the emperor is also protecting him... the fact that he's not going to investigate Molt's death is proof enough of some kind of conspiracy is happening between them. And that's ignoring the disappeared praetorian guards I ordered to watch the exits that day..."

No one has asked about them, either...

"I want to investigate the death further, but avenues are limited."

"Indeed... best we can do is keep him at an arm's length."

August nodded, albeit angry.

There was a knock on the door.

Clef walked over and opened it.

"Sir, I finished the-"

"Good, that's all for today from you."

The young man winced, visibly confused.

"...sir?"

"Scram for the day. Go hang out with that rabbit you like so much. I don't want you buggering up the kitchen."

The young man was silent, but politely nodded and left.

August shook his head.

Clef said "We must walk lightly, August. Any misunderstanding could be used against us if the emperor is under the spell of that white-haired witch."

"Then what will we do?"

Clef peeked out the door, staring as the young man left the kitchen.

"We wait... Simple as that."

Near Dumas Mountain Range

Fire Support Base "Bill"

10:59 AM

"Why did they call it Bill?"

"Cause a guy that got hit by an arrow and shipped home was called Bill."

"Really? Shipped home for an arrow?"

"Arrow to the back; he may not walk again."

"Damn..."

"Yeah, keep an eye on those trees... this little trench is probably going to be all between us, the arrows, and the almighty."

"Why the hell are we even digging trenches? The enemy doesn't have any artillery."

"Ballista."

"What?"

"Ballista. It's like a giant bow and arrow. I hear some could take out our Hueys if they hit 'em, and I don't think a line of sandbags is going to be enough to stop a catapult."

"...Damn."

"Yeah, say what you will about the ancients... ways of killing was one problem they were more than happy to solve."

"Juan! Harrison! Less yapping, more digging!" the incredibly loud voice of the man walking over the dugouts snapped the Americans back into doing their job.

The Lieutenant quickly turned to the map that rested on a wooden board on the Tactical Operations Center.

The name made it sound futuristic and high-tech, but in reality, it was just a tent and a few radios surrounding a table.

The colonel from the 7th rubbed his chin, saying "Right if we keep going at this rate, we'll have a fair bit of control over this area."

Another officer, the insignia making it clear he was from a different company said "We've got any more artillery coming here?"

"Couple of 105s. This firebase will probably be the least equipped."

The man shrugged, saying "Can't be strong in all places..."

"That's an unfortunate reality here. There's too much ground to cover and the enemy has gotten wise. They haven't tried anything this past week."

"Have we destroyed all their nearby forts?"

"Yeah, specifically the ones they kept those flying things..."

"Wyverns."

"I don't care. We bombed them and the places are nothing but rubble now."

"Good. Damned things could rip us a new one if they caught us with our pants down."

A pause as the men reminded themselves that even with superior technology they were still at risk of losing people.

"Any plans to begin clearing the forests around here? The cover and concealment those trees provide the enemy-"

"Air Force is cooking something up, but at the moment... we have to ease into this."

The other officers groaned.

A younger one, the pale-skinned young man likely eager to prove himself asked "Why the hell aren't we pushing forward into the enemy capital? What's the brass thinking?"

"Taking the main threats out first, lieutenant."

"Mark my words, this is going to be a mistake."

"Army doesn't make mistakes, el tee."

"Still. We have the main enemy force pinned to the mountain, we should push to the capital, capture it, and then force these guys to surrender."

"Well, not everyone gets to a high enough rank with their brains intact, son." the colonel said, lighting a cigar.

The young man huffed, saying "Don't have to tell me twice... and what's this about an order of knights?"

The colonel flipped the lighter shut and said "Right, Princess Pina has ordered her knights to join us and assist us any way they can."

"We already have guides and translators, what will we need them for?" another officer asked.

"Beats me, captain. They'll probably be arriving soon, though, so make something up."

Itálica

"So, you intend to talk to Tiberius, have him end the campaign, and then eliminate Zorzal to take the throne and establish a republic to better satisfy these... Americans." Diabo mumbled aloud.

The lavish rooms of the Formal Mansion were much more comfortable than the cramped carriage he and Lady had been practically living in the past few days, but the tension in the air was tense, making it difficult to enjoy it. Still, the cotton-linen on the couches was comfortable enough, and the tea being served by the Bunny girl was serviceable enough.

"I don't understand. If they're so powerful then why not just destroy them outright?" Lady asked in a low, almost accusatory tone, lifting her empty cup for the bunny girl to serve more, the girl dutifully moving to do exactly that.

Pina only said, "Because I begged them not to, and... and because of this."

Pina placed several parchments on the wooden table that were certainly... odd.

"What are these?" Diabo asked, grabbing one.

"Photographs, the Americans call them. I don't know how they work, exactly, but they can essentially capture a moment in time if I understood?"

Diabo shook his head, muttering "These are incredibly detailed pictures, so I'll assume that's true. What's this?"

He pointed to several Americans standing next to a hole in the ground.

"Those are photographs of traps Tiberius had his men set on the mountains."

"Ah, so they can't just charge in then. They're really as human as we are, then." Lady mumbled, elegantly sipping her tea.

"Correct, so they're considering other options, including just destroying the entire mountain range..."

Lady nearly spat out her tea.

Diabo quickly asked, "Can they do that?"

Pina only said, "I've seen enough to not want to find out if they can or not."

Diabo stood, and said, "Why haven't you negotiated with Tiberius?"

"I've tried! I sent a messenger to the mountains and haven't heard back yet."

"How long ago?"

"One week. I was speaking with their leader then, and we decided-"

"YOU SPOKE WITH THEIR LEADER?" both almost exploded.

"O-of course I did! We need to establish some form of alliance going forward, so..."

Diabo sat back, contemplating things.

Lady, on the other hand, spoke rapidly, saying "Would that not make you a puppet, dear cousin?"

"They don't intend to... I think... we're trying to create a fairer system where we can better manage our empire and keep the population in better living conditions."

Lady sighed, "You always did care for the commoners more than your heritage."

"C-cousin-"

Diabo spoke, saying "What changes do they intend to push?"

Pina rubbed the back of her head, saying "Well, for starters, no more slaves."

"Impossible."

"Necessary."

"The economy-"

"Most of the economy is already made up of farmers and the military, and if manual labor is so necessary then we can utilize the military, or perhaps a system of mandatory labor where citizens are required to assist in some of the maintenance work of the Empire for a certain amount of time... I have a couple of senators discussing a possible Constitution so that we can better manage things, but... slavery has to go."

Diabo rubbed his chin, saying "Perhaps not."

"Brother-"

"Hear me out... I think they want to end this war quickly."

"No."

"Listen to me. You saw their soldiers; the men have no armor other than their helmets. They didn't push straight into the capital not because of Tiberius... Tiberius is stuck in those mountains waiting for them to attack him."

"I asked them not to take the capital."

"I'm sure you did, but the fact they agreed means they have a vested interest in saving lives... we can use that."

"Brother, you're making the mistake father did. This isn't as simple as outlasting their will because we already killed so many of their people in the first encounter our two worlds had! Have... have neither of you noticed how secure everything is?!"

Silence.

"They prioritized securing civilians and getting them out of the way unharmed. Any army trying that in a total war like this one... would rightfully be called foolish and naïve... but here they went and did it. You read my letter; you know of what happened here!"

Silence, both royals shifting uncomfortably in the luxurious couch.

Pina said "Look... I need your help. Tiberius ignored me, but I doubt he will ignore you, brother. You're the second in line to the throne-"

"I am, aren't I?"

Pina stiffened.

Diabo grinned cruelly, and it reminded the red-headed princess of her older, far more violent brother.

"Indeed, I am, no?"

"Y-yes..." Pina ceded, clearly worried.

Diabo noticed and shook his head, saying "Apologies, but I had an idea I could use to... oh, maybe bargain with these Americans... but let's try things your way first."

He stood up, Lady eyeing him, saying "W-what are you going to do?"

Diabo only said "Why the very thing a leader is supposed to do... fix things. Come, let's do this as soon as possible."

"I... I sent an order to my order of knights, and they should be here in a day's time."

"Not soon enough. Come."

"H-huh?" both girls questioned.

"Tiberius is probing the enemy... I've seen his tactic before. We have but a limited window to talk to him and see if we can force a surrender."

Imperial Capital

12:00 PM

Bozes only sucked in a breath as she began to approach the royal hall.

Hamilton quickly said, "Chin up, we can do this..."

"This is a most unbearable of betrayals."

"Don't think of it that way. We're saving lives, remember? And princess Pina is right, General Tiberius is more of a traitor than we are."

"Perhaps, but to be used in such a way..."

"Just bear with it, please."

The guard opened the heavy doors to the royal hall and in the Rose Knights went.

Bozes did her best to hide her disgust with the white-haired girl standing next to the Emperor, Hamilton gently bumping her shoulder as if to remind her that she was working with them despite how much she hated them.

Tyuule, in contrast, relished in the blonde's disgust, more than happy that Zorzal had forgotten the incident in the morning.

Now Emperor Zorzal loudly said "Bozes! Hamilton! Daughters of the noblest of houses! Friends of my sister! Leaders of the Rose Order of Knights!"

Oh, enough...

With a confident grin, Zorzal finally said "I have heard your wishes. Are they true?"

Bozes said "Indeed. We wish to avenge our leader. We've always been battle-ready and... and we intend to demonstrate our loyalty to the Empire, even at the cost of our lives!"

"Hmmm... Tyuule, what do you think?" he asked, not turning to look at the fallen queen.

"A most wonderful display of loyalty, your highness... however, I wonder if their actions will demonstrate the same?"

Zorzal noticed the look the blonde gave Tyuule but didn't comment on it.

"Emperor, we've been battle-ready since the invasion several months ago! We're fully aware you plan on building your forces for a full-scale counterattack! Let us go ahead and assist General Tiberius!" Hamilton quickly added.

Zorzal mumbled, "Oh, right, Tiberius... haven't heard from him since he left."

I wonder why...

Tyuule's face didn't betray any of her inner satisfaction of the emperor being left in the dark.

Zorzal smiled further, saying "Well, I see no reason as to why I should keep you! You have some incredibly expensive equipment. Go ahead! And tell that moron Tiberius to give me a status report already!"

The two Rose Knights blinked.

Zorzal, perhaps believing they wanted a much grander exit, loudly said "Go forth! Order of Rose! Avenge my sister and push the enemy back! I long to see the results of your expedition!"

The two knights nodded, bowed, and left.

Tyuule only smiled.

It's all going to plan...

Zorzal then said, "Now, what else do I have to do for today?"

Tyuule quickly said "The meeting with the generals and heads of the army, highness."

"Ah, of course, of course... I hope to hear great things from them!"

As do I...

Noting that the Generals weren't there yet, Zorzal said "So... did that boy try anything with you?"

Tyuule forced herself not to react.

Oh, she had been caught off guard before, but not now.

"Nothing other than the occasional look, majesty."

Zorzal smirked, saying "Well, you are a beauty... and I suppose it's only natural for him to find your body attractive. Still, should he try anything..."

At that moment the generals arrived.

"Ah, gentlemen! What word do you bring?"

The men looked at each other, Tyuule noticed the uncertainty in their eyes.

"Good news, majesty, the troop numbers you requested appear possible, and with the support of the merchants, we believe we can be ready to push out in a few weeks."

"Splendid!"

"However, we have some concerns we would like to look into. Nothing certain yet, but... if it pleases his majesty, would it be alright to discuss them at length tonight, so that we can make certain we aren't missing anything?"

Zorzal smiled at the respect.

"Of course, men! I'll have the cooks ready a wonderful dinner!"

Tyuule hid her suspicions, remaining silent.

What concerns do you have, generals?

Dumas Mountain Range

Pina only sighed as she raised her hands in surrender, trying her best not to appear intimidated by the four legionnaires aiming their spears at them. They weren't wearing any armor, but several had the jewelry associated with the northern legions visible through the grass and leaves tied to their hands and legs to better blend into the thick forest of the mountain region.

Diabo on the other hand said, "Well now, is this any way to treat guests?"

"Brother..."

The men in the bushes didn't lower their spears, one loudly saying "Prince, you are out of your league in this forest. We suggest you return to your captors at once. We are not here to free you and do not intend to negotiate with the enemy."

Pina immediately said "Please, we need to speak with General Tiberius! It's imperative that he hear this first hand!"

The legionnaires glanced at one another.

A larger one muttered, "Search them for anything suspicious."

A lone man walked over and patter her down before moving on to Diabo and doing the same.

The man sighed, dejected, saying "I don't feel anything on them."

With an equally dejected sigh, the legionnaire in charge said "Fine. What message would you like to send the general?"

"We would rather speak with him to end this bloody conflict."

Diabo spoke with a confident smile.

The men looked at the forest behind the two royals.

Nothing.

"Fine. Scipio will direct you to avoid the traps. Go."

"Thank you..." Pina said, pushing up, her battle uniform making it far easier to move in the mossy, thick forest than Diabo's tunic. Though the crown prince managed well enough.

Several meters behind them, a pair of American Marksman raised their hands.

Down in the firebase, the colonel said "Tell command the princess is in... now we just wait."

The speck of red hair vanished in the treelined, and the short-haired knight muttered "I should have gone with her."

"Don't beat yourself up. If she gets in trouble, we'll get her out right away..."

On the mountain path, Pina and Diabo pushed on, vegetation partly clearing away as they reached the entrance to a rocky cave that was covered by trees and flanked by cliff sides.

At its maw stood the bearded figure of the old general.

"General Tiberius!" Pina exclaimed, waving at him.

"Princess, I'm glad you're alright."

"General, there is much to talk about. Did you receive my messages?"

"Indeed, though I doubted them until I saw you... what are you doing with the enemy?"

Diabo frowned, unsure as to why the general was addressing the princess and not him, but he wasn't going to interrupt armed men. If politics had taught him anything was that it was better to speak when it was opportune and not when one felt like it.

Pina quickly said "I've been discussing peace terms with the Americans. I have a few senators and nobles on my side already, and with your help, we can end this-"

"Princess, please slow down... peace? With them?"

"Yes!"

"How so?"

Pina felt a surge of hope as she said "Well, brother believes he has a chance against the enemy and will likely march out of the capital with an army-"

"Molt is dead?" he asked suddenly.

Pina winced, confused.

"Did I not mention-?"

"I... you did, but... I didn't believe it... so the capital hasn't been evacuated?"

"No. Zorzal wishes to continue the war in a more conventional sense."

The man scoffed then.

"Of course, the foolish brat would be the old man's downfall. It must be hard for you." the man said with a pained expression.

Pina was unsure of what to say.

Yes, it was hard for her, but she had been so busy and her father had practically tried to sabotage her peace attempts... grief was not on her mind as much as it might have been another daughter after the death of a patriarch.

Instead, Pina quickly said "General, I must be honest, father's choices would have ruined the Empire. They still might if we continue this war."

Tiberius stood there, staring into the distance.

He turned to her then, pointing at a nearby mountain peak.

"Princess, do you know what lies in that direction?"

Diabo raised an eyebrow, but Pina already knew.

"Our headquarters for the Dumas region. It was destroyed earlier this week."

"Correct. Sixty of my men died then. Good men. Veterans of the conflicts with the orcs, many of them even trained fliers."

"General, I-"

"Princess, you were at Itálica... I never got to ask you, but... what was combat like?"

Pina froze as the memories washed over her.

Hamilton holding a shield up as the American translator... whatever his name was... aimed his weapon that spat fire and death onto the attacking Brigands.

She knew how the rifle worked, but something she couldn't get out of her mind was how hellish the American's eyes looked as he killed and killed, as he saw bodies drop, as the night carried on, and it wasn't just him.

Every American soldier she saw had the same look as if they were somehow focused solely on their task of killing and yet focusing on something beyond that.

She only said "It was terrible... I wish to avoid it at all cost."

Diabo cringed, knowing the Imperial standard was to laugh at combat as if it was nothing. Men, soldiers, were supposed to take the brunt of war and show others how it was done, not once admit it scarred them, let alone suggest they couldn't handle it. It mattered nothing that Pina was a girl, as she was still a soldier of the Empire.

To his surprise, Tiberius only laughed, saying "Yes, I believe I had a similar reaction when I first saw combat."

The general shook his head.

"Naive... the innocence of youth... I miss it. However, princess, wishes are not what we are founded on, and I ask you now, Prince Diabo... what is the practical reason that I should choose to betray my dear friend and cease the fighting at once?"

Pina began to stammer something out, but Diabo quickly said "Put simply it will be the most beneficial. Your men will be allowed to live, they will be fed, and it will bring a quicker end to this situation, and we can actually negotiate with the Americans for better treatment."

Tiberius nodded slowly, saying "Negotiations... Princess, how many Americans were killed that first day?"

Pina quickly said "More than three hundred."

"And yet they've killed over a hundred thousand of us, taken the entire county of Itálica, and are surrounding the Dumas Mountain region?"

He laughed dryly.

"No, negotiations are long since done for, princess. Now it's surrender or destruction."

Immediately Pina said "No it's not! Surrender implies we gain nothing, but friendly relations with the Americans can be achieved if we-"

The dark glare the general gave her silenced the princess.

Tiberius darkly said "In all his years of moronic and incompetent spending choices, if there is one thing Prince... Emperor Zorzal... did right... it's that he almost exterminated the Warrior Bunnies. What those savages did to our men... unforgivable."

Angered by the statement, Pina immediately said "Is it any different than what your men did to them?!"

Silence.

"General, a cycle of hate will remain a cycle of hate until it is broken! If we don't try to find peace-"

"Then we face destruction... Princess, with all due respect... we soldiers are born in destruction... we live in it, we cause it, we experience it. After everything I've done, I cannot in good conscience disobey the Emperor's orders to continue resisting the enemy. I will continue to do battle-"

"General, that is not the most practical-" Diabo tried, but Tiberius turned to him in anger.

"I will not be denied my right to challenge and face the enemy on the field. You two can either help me or get out of my way..."

Diabo noticed the nearby guards reach for their blades.

He sighed.

Pina only said, "General, they don't want to destroy us."

"Men are practical, princess. They only sent you up here because they fear a fight as much as you do... so... in a way... I must thank you for confirming some of my suspicions."

"General!"

"I said that I will not be denied my battle. My men died, princess... I will not cease until I have paid these men with the same."

Pina sucked in a breath.

"Is there no way to convince-?"

"No."

So, with a saddened sigh, Pina said "If you are alive by the end of the week... please know that I will try to keep you alive. You've served the empire well, Tiberius. Farewell."

Tiberius frowned as the princess began to leave.

Diabo only shook his head, saying "We would be stronger if you sided with us."

"Why would I side with traitors."

Diabo rolled his eyes and followed his sister.

This time no guards escorted them as they walked down the mossy mountain path.

"Watch your step... they set traps in places."

Diabo ignored her, saying "Well, it was worth the effort. Do your American friends have any plans?"

"Yes, unfortunately. They said they would kill the forest first. I fear as to how they intend to accomplish such a task."

Diabo said "I'm more disappointed in the fact Tiberius refused to listen. I guess I underestimated how much he cared for father..."

"Indeed. Maybe-"

"Stop!" came the hushed whisper.

Both Pina and Diabo looked at the ground, the grass shifting in place.

A man!

The American, almost perfectly camouflaged, said "Traps. On the left. Go to my right slowly."

"...you men are a rather peculiar bunch..." Diabo muttered.

The soldier only said, "I just do as told, sir."

Pina nodded, moving to the right and continuing down the path.

Her mind knowing that hope for a bloodless outcome was looking less likely by the day.

She forced herself not to appear affected as she knew she still had work to do.

Red Light District

12:15 PM

Dennis stopped walking, his tired expression going from tired to startled and back to tired in the span of two seconds as the kid grabbed onto his leg.

He glared at Sean who was only grinning slightly.

"What the hell have you been telling her?" he groaned.

"Oh, nothing much, just that you bought her freedom."

"You bought her freedom..."

"Technically, Uncle Sam bought her freedom, all you did was point her out to me... and besides, look at her. She's scared and alone and doesn't have anyone."

Dennis's face twisted slightly and for the first time, Sean saw the young American appear genuinely insecure.

"I don't want to get attached to anyone here, man."

Sean said "You could always adopt her. You're a grown man, odds are any girl you marry will love someone with such paternal instincts."

Dennis turned and picked up the girl with both hands, unsure of how to even hold the tiny child.

The wagging tail only disturbed him further.

"You're a strange creature, aren't you?" he asked in English, the girl's head twisting to the side slightly.

"Be nice, she's technically yours now."

"I didn't ask you to buy her as a gift, alright, I asked you to buy her freedom after-"

"I know, I know... still. Don't be scared of opening up a bit."

He huffed.

"You college boys are a bunch of effeminate sissies, aren't you?" he muttered, seemingly irritated.

Sean shrugged, not entirely sure how much of that was the young Ranger joking or being genuinely spiteful.

"Just trying to do the right thing here, man."

Before Dennis could reply, he winced as the little girl tugged at his ear with one hand, and his quickly growing hair with the other, as if to steal away his attention from the other soldier.

"Let... go..." he ordered in the local tongue, not meaning to sound dangerous.

The girl quickly did as she was told; eyes wide in fear at the dark tone in which he had spoken to her.

"Pa... pa?" she whimpered, sounding almost betrayed.

"No..." he said, giving her an exasperated look, pitying the child.

"I'm not your dad, kid... I'm sorry." he sighed, putting her back on the floor.

She lowered her head, sitting down in the dirt.

"You don't let a girl down easy, do you?"

"Shut up, college boy... where's her caretaker?"

"Over there... probably not happy you just ripped the kid's heart out." he sighed, pointing to a dark alley across the street.

Dennis turned around, seeing the winged figure smoking an opium pipe.

"Hmm... well I'll be damned... wings."

The figure continued eyeing him with suspicion.

He scoffed, saying "Can she fly?"

"No."

"Oh... then what're they for? Ornamental?"

"Man, I don't know."

Dennis turned his attention to the little kid, still sitting on the floor.

"I wonder what the scientists back home have to say about 'em..."

He knelt down to the floor, trying to level with her so that she could look him in the eye.

"Are they treating you well?" he asked her, trying not to sound scary but also trying not to sound too friendly.

The kid only nodded.

"Good... what's your name?"

She looked at him with confusion.

"You have a name, don't you?"

The kid only shook her head.

Huh?

"You guys haven't called her anything yet?"

"Not really. We've thought up a couple of options, but to be honest, she doesn't stick around enough. I was thinking of calling her-"

"Charlotte."

"Huh?"

Dennis ignored his question, turning to the girl, saying "I'll call you Charlotte... because you look a bit like a Charlotte... that alright?"

The little girl slowly nodded, never having heard such a name before.

"Looks like a Charlotte?"

"What's she look like to you?"

"Uh... a Lassie?"

"Hilarious."

"Not as hilarious as you naming her after saying you're not her dad."

"Well, someone has to make sure she isn't getting raised by the wrong people. I mean, the more I talk to you, the more I worry you're a communist spy."

"Really?"

"Kom... moon... east?" the little girl half repeated the word, half asked.

Both men turned to look at the kid.

Dennis immediately picked her up, grinning as he said "Very good, Charlotte! Communists are very bad people!"

Switching to English he said "Communists... bad."

"B-b-bad!" she repeated, happy with the sudden praise.

Sean said "Brainwashing them young, huh?"

"Shut up, commie."

"Commie!" she repeated happily, having no idea what the word meant.

"You know, McCarthy almost got my dad fired back in '52." Sean groaned.

"Probably deserved it. Come along, Charlotte!" he said, carrying her away to teach her the ways of the English language and probably how to practice "better dead than red" without any real context.

Sean groaned.

Misery chuckled lightly.

He turned to her, asking "What?"

"He's a funny young man."

"I don't know, the kid worries me."

"He's just playing with you."

"Well, maybe... Something about him feels off, though."

"Soldiers have a unique sense of humor... I find it odd how you're more concerned with making sure the people here are alright instead."

Sean frowned, saying "Well, we want everyone here to be alright."

…

"You sure you're alright, Orville?" Rhodes asked.

Maybe not, but I can handle it.

"I'm fine, captain."

"Black circles under your eyes suggest otherwise... you sleeping well?"

Better than last week, at least.

Dennis frowned at the question, saying "Well enough."

Rhodes noted the dodge but didn't pursue it further instead moving on to the main reason the American had been called into their little hideout. The room was as bare as possible, with only a chair for the younger of the two to sit in while Rhodes read over some papers. Other than that, some blankets and sleeping bags were on the floor, indicating this was, in fact, one of their rooms.

"Right, so there are some questions about our rabbit's allies, the Haryo Tribe."

"Alright."

"To the point that the spooks back home are concerned about security leaks, so we brought you here instead of doing it over the radio. You've mentioned they can shapeshift?"

"Looks like it, captain, but like I said when I reported last week, it's hard to describe."

Rhodes rubbed his chin, looking over the papers.

"You also know my opinion on the whole situation..."

"Yes..."

"We should evacuate our allies and just bomb these savages into submission... there's some good people out here, but they don't think the way we do, and the more we let that moron stay in charge, the more danger we'll be in. Miss Tyuule will likely be able to keep him from finding out our true movements, but it's already a pretty risky position for her. The man's a perverse... animal... just today I accidentally interrupted him when I delivered breakfast..."

Rhodes noted the disgust in the boy's words but didn't say anything about it.

"Didn't sing up for the easy jobs, Orville."

"Of course, I'm just speaking my mind. But I'm getting worried about my cover, as well as the safety of the VIP."

Just her safety?

Rhodes ignored him, getting back on the subject of the Haryo tribe.

"You've seen Bouro, their leader, presumably appear invincible on more than one occasion?"

Like any good soldier, Dennis answered truthfully when it came to matters of the battlefield.

"Yes, captain. You can't tell when he's in a room or not. Seen him come in and out without making much of a sound. Unsettling as that is..."

"Do you know if everyone in his tribe has that ability?"

Dennis said, "No, captain."

Rhodes nervously rubbed his chin as he paced in the room.

"So, in theory, you might not even be Dennis Orville."

Dennis immediately said "Yes captain. For all I know, you might not be Captain Rhodes... honestly, it makes trusting people here a bit difficult... oh, but I will say that I've never seen him pretend to be someone else."

"Really now?"

"Yeah. Though I don't doubt it's impossible given his own description. A guy turning invisible like that isn't too far from being able to turn into another person, right?"

"Maybe... just to be safe, what was your mother's name?"

"Agatha, though I'm pretty sure he heard that when Tyuule asked me the same thing."

"Okay, I'll ask you something only we know next time... now... how are you feeling?"

"I'm alright, captain."

Dennis spoke with a smile.

Right...

"No nightmares, nothing?"

"Nothing I can't handle, captain." his voice trailed off, looking nervously past Rhodes, worrying about the memories clawing at the back of his head.

None of their business... as long as they don't get in the way of the mission it's fine.

Rhodes spoke then.

"Look, kid, I'm a bit worried about you. You've been out there on your own, you don't have anyone back home waiting for you... not exactly the most stable recipe."

"I can do my job, captain, and I don't feel like I'm crackin' up. Not yet, at least."

"I don't doubt that, but that can change if your mind isn't in the right place. Alright? I've seen it happen. So it's better that you don't try to play the tough guy alright?"

"Of course, captain! I wouldn't risk the mission-"

"Good! Now... keep an eye out, ask our little friend if she knows anything about the Haryo Tribe, maybe ask Bouro for some information, nothing serious, and don't force it... just ask out of curiosity."

"Understood, captain."

"Good. If you need anything, don't be shy about asking."

"Understood, captain."

Noting the young man wasn't going to ask for anything, Rhodes said "Alright, dismissed."

Dennis stood up and walked out the worn door, the sun shining annoyingly bright in the late morning. Once outside he saw the little girl he had affectionately named "Charlotte" sitting down on the dirt, waiting. He noticed her chestnut hair had visible splotches of dirt and dust.

Dennis frowned, asking "Did no one give you a bath? You're going to get sick if you stay so dirty..."

The little girl shook her head.

"Perhaps you should care for her in the palace?"

Dennis glanced at the figure on the opposite end of the door, large useless wings made her difficult to miss.

"Huh... Angel Lady... don't you people have places to bathe?"

"To an extent, but do you honestly trust she'll be safe going along with us there? What exactly is your impression of this district?"

Dennis didn't reply, knowing that even with the relatively small American presence now keeping some degree of order, this was still the slums.

He only said, "I can't take her to the palace, it's dangerous enough as it is with certain people looking at me funny."

"Funny?" the little girl repeated.

Dennis grinned then, saying "Yes, Charlotte. Bad guys look at me all funny... how about I ask the captain if you can use our showers?"

"Showers?"

"Where we take our baths. It's not much from what I've seen... but you should be able to... get some of this muck off you."

Misery asked, "Are you going to invite me?"

"No. Get your own free shower ticket."

"Oh, so you'll bathe her, then?"

Dennis blinked.

The older woman only stared back, not judging but implying there was something to judge, which bothered him in a way he didn't entirely understand.

But he didn't like it so he said "Fine, I'll ask for you, too." and got up and went back inside.

For the first time in a while, the blonde demi-human grinned.

"Your caretaker is a funny young man, is he not?" she asked Charlotte.

The little girl only returned an inquisitive stare that only infants that hadn't fully seen the worst of the world ever could.

Mount Tube

She twirled her scythe around like a toy, balancing on a particularly thin ledge, her wings taking in as much wind as possible to keep her from losing balance and falling over, though even that wouldn't be much of a problem as she could fly.

In the back of her mind, she heard the call.

Gisselle, how is the dragon?

She stopped moving and stood straight, observing the expanding mountain range in the distance.

After a moment, she said "Stable. Its wounds have healed for the most part, and it should be able to begin attacking other villages soon enough."

Gisselle felt the mischievous goddess smile as she spoke.

Oh, how wonderful. I am so curious to see how the men from another world face up against it.

Gisselle only said "They moved faster than I was expecting. Honestly, excellency, what were you planning on doing with them? At this rate, they'll really destroy the empire."

She heard a giggle.

No, Pina is playing her role quite well. Better than I anticipated. The Empire will be humbled, not destroyed... although I wonder if Tiberius will be able to do any damage.

Gisselle huffed, saying "Maybe you should have opened the gate at a different time."

Her goddess only sighed.

The Japanese of the 21st century do have a much more different philosophy compared to these Americans... far more interesting technology as well, but... oh, they're too peaceful! How exactly were the Japanese supposed to challenge the gods of this world if they're always terrified of decrying the big nation they hate but can't live without?

"Still, maybe the flame dragon could have kept them in check?"

She heard a frustrated sigh.

Honestly, that was my mistake. I should have looked more into these other worlds and timelines. These Americans may not have the technology of that other time, but they're probably even more destructive... it's one thing to fight it off, but to hurt it so easily that day?

Gisselle then felt a smile in the voice.

Which will make this future engagement all the more entertaining!

Gisselle said, "I obey you, my goddess, but I often worry about your priorities..."

Hush! I think they bring Rory-chan along!"

"Rory...chan?"

Silence! It's a... Japanese thing... if you see Rory, tell her I said 'hi' alright?

"A-alright..."

Good! Remember my orders!

"Yes, excellency... I'll deliver your message loud and clear." she mumbled, gripping the scythe as she heard the loud noise of the machines she now knew were "helicopters".

In the back of her head, she was then able to faintly hear them.

Interesting...

"Angel 1, status?"

"All clear on our end. Skies are as clear as can be. We will circle around to provide additional cover."

"Copy that, approaching LZ."

The helicopters began to land on the relatively rocky but flat land near the base of the mountain where the Americans planned to observe for the Flame Dragon and begin coordinating the strikes that would hopefully kill it.

Rory hopped off the chinook and looked around.

She turned to the Marine sergeant, not unlike a hunting dog turns to its master after it finds a trail.

"The elders said it should be further up, though the helicopters won't find much of a landing spot... what should we-?" Rory began but was quickly cut off.

"Big sister!" came a sing-song voice from the mist, loudly speaking in perfect English.

All eyes turned upwards.

As the mist cleared, the first notable things were the wings.

It was like a demon from hell, as the figure stood on a large edge above them, looking down. Horns extending from a head covered in silver-white hair that flowed with the wind, a dragon-like tail swung similarly in what could best be described as excitement. The white dress she wore was torn almost to pieces, yet somehow it only added to the appearance that implied that she was a fallen angel, a demon from hell... there to rip the souls of those who challenged her and send them to an eternal slumber without a shred of reluctance.

But that paled in comparison to the scythe she carried and the hungry smile on her face.

"Hello!" she called, her smile widening, white teeth being visible even from down below.

M14s and M16s were immediately aimed at the creature, none of the Americans feeling remotely safe in their location.

"What the hell is that?!" someone yelled.

"Oh, it's Giselle..." Rory muttered as if disappointed.

The Marine sergeant immediately said, "You know that thing?"

"Unfortunately, I do. She serves that lascivious goddess I told you about."

It was Yao who was somehow more confused than the Americans.

"What the-? Huh? Why is an apostle of Hardy here?"

Rory huffed, saying "Why else? I'm sure Hardy is up to her annoying schemes."

The Marine Sergeant quickly asked, "You mean that goddess you hate?"

"Indeed."

"Huh... well, if that's her apostle I can kind of get behind your disgust with her..."

"Blasphemy! How shameless are you lot?!" came the angry yell from the mountain top.

"We believe in one God, madame! All others are false or manmade!"

Gisselle only took a step forward, dropping to the Marines, her wings slowing her fall.

No one fired, but the men took several steps back and kept their rifles level with her.

Despite her womanly features being rather attractive, her horns and blue skin made her far more alien and intimidating than anything the Americans had seen yet, and even Yao took a step back, worried.

Gisselle only said, "You have some nerve... the goddess Hardy has a message for you."

The Marine sergeant only said "Go ahead." with a bored expression.

Gisselle chortled, saying "Brave man."

Rory purposefully got in between the sergeant and Gisselle, doing her best to stare her younger, but far taller "sister" down with her magenta-colored eyes.

"These men are mine, Gisselle."

"No, we're not." came the near-unanimous reply from the Marines.

Rory ignored them, saying "Tell them what mad plans does that harlot Hardy have for them?"

Gisselle glared at Rory but turned to the Marine sergeant.

"The Flame Dragon is almost fully recovered after your people wounded it. In three days' time, it will exit its cave and begin to hunt. If you want to kill it, you have until then."

The Marine Sergeant asked, "Why does a goddess wish for the Flame Dragon to be destroyed?"

Gisselle said "Because she's bored and wishes to see if you can kill it. Do not fail to entertain, men from another world."

The Marine sergeant didn't reply.

Rory angrily said "Oh? Again, with the boredom?! How much damage has she caused because she was bored?!"

"Silence, Apostle of Emroy. I'm only doing my duty... and I take it you'll do yours?"

The Marine sergeant pointed up the rocky mountain.

"That the direction of the cave?" he asked.

Gisselle only nodded.

The Marine sergeant turned to one of the radio operatives.

"Tell command we just got issue a challenge. If the B.U.F isn't here this week... well, our Phantoms will probably have a fun time with this Flame Dragon."

"You're so confident."

"As I said, we believe in one God because all others are either false or manmade. One of the manmade ones is the power of destruction wrought by our weapons. Don't underestimate us."

Rory sighed dreamily.

Gisselle smirked, saying "I won't. Keep your eyes out then. I'll be nearby... watching."

With that, she flew into the air and disappeared in the cloudy mist.

No one spoke for a moment.

"Is... anyone going to ask why an Apostle of Hardy is-?" Yao asked but Rory silenced her.

"It's Hardy. Your goddess is nothing more than a spoiled brat, bored of her toys, so she seeks new ways of entertaining herself despite how many of her followers she hurts and kills."

"That's-"

"That doesn't matter. Now get to work. Only have a few days to prepare, so let's get to it!"

No one spoke as they began setting up their equipment, Rangers quickly working to set up a radio antenna, and the Marines began to look for possible grounds for placing artillery guns in case the monster woke up early. Several others placed boxes on the ground, opening them to reveal M67 recoilless rifles.

Here we go...

Imperial Capital

8:00 PM

Tyuule stood straight as Zorzal ate his meal.

She kept studying the generals sitting on the table across from them, as they appeared to be rather unsure of something or other. She had a decent idea of what the cause of their unease could be, but she wasn't entirely sure if her intuition was correct.

It was almost comical how the fancy table, with golden cups and silverware, made the unease of the military officers all the more obvious.

She could almost grin at them.

Still, given the progress, the Americans had been making and how she had successfully intersected any attempts of getting information to Zorzal and his officers about Tiberius and, odds were their concerns had to do with that lack of information.

They weren't incompetents after all, just out of their league.

Finally, with an audible gulping noise, Zorzal swallowed the last of the broth and said "Well, gentlemen... what business requires my attention?"

General Rufus was the one to speak.

"Emperor... we've grown some recent concerns about the upcoming... campaign?"

"Indeed, a campaign of reincorporating the lands stolen from us back into our fold. That's the plan, at least. Is something wrong with it?"

The generals looked unsure, but finally, Rufus said "Well... Emperor... we have a fair lack of information regarding the enemy forces. We haven't heard from Tiberius, and we haven't been able to properly research their strategies or even their weapons."

Zorzal huffed, saying "They use machines instead of dragons or horses to move around and they're stuck in the domain of Countess Formal, are they not?"

Another general quickly said "That's one of our concerns, emperor. Rumors from the capital suggest the enemy has pushed out of Itálica and may well be on its way here."

That got Zorzal to sit up and Tyuule to quickly begin to focus on what she would say.

"They're pushing out? So soon?" Zorzal asked, visibly shocked.

Rufus, realizing the Emperor wasn't dismissing them, quickly said "It appears so. The fact we have not heard from Tiberius in the weeks since he departed only adds to this. We believe they're going to try to surround the capital and attempt a siege sooner than we expected."

"What evidence is there, exactly?"

All eyes turned to Tyuule.

Immediately, she said "Apologies, majesty, but this all seems more like conjecture."

Zorzal immediately lightened up, smiling with confidence as he said "She has a point, gentlemen. How do we know these rumors are true?"

Rufus said "Well... the fact is rumors are rumors. However-"

"We are going to be sending the Rose Knights to investigate and they promise to send word. I don't see why you need to worry if we'll have news in a day or two."

Rufus frowned, saying "Listen here, milady, while word travels fast, it seems the enemy can move faster than-"

Zorzal cut him off.

"Oh, we can settle this with great ease. Tyuule, what has the Haryo Tribe said?"

Tyuule smiled sweetly, saying "They have not told me of any changes in the enemy position."

Zorzal raised his hands then and clapped dramatically.

"The matter is settled!"

One general nervously said, "But Emperor, what about the merchants that described enemy vehicles and fighting near-"

"Oh, please, assuming they saw what they claim they saw, it's possible it was just a scouting party."

"But-"

"Are you questioning his majesty's intellect, Rufus?" Tyuule interrupted.

The man swallowed as those crimson eyes bore into him.

Zorzal didn't seem to notice, happily sipping some wine.

He hadn't partaken in the invasion of the northern plains, but he'd heard how ferociously the Warrior Bunnies had fought.

"N-never... milady."

"Good."

She smiled sweetly.

She had to force herself to maintain that smile as Zorzal's hand once again began pulling at her skirt.

"Ah, apologies, highness, but I do have an appointment..." she said quickly.

Zorzal gave her a disappointed look.

"My little bunny... so loyal... Though I have to continue this meeting, so get your work done and be in my quarters no later than midnight, alright?" he sighed.

"Of course, majesty."

Taking a step back and adjusting her short enough skirt, knowing exactly where she was going, she left.

She overheard one man mutter "Majesty, must we trust her with-?"

"Oh, please, she's as capable as any of you. Trust me, I conquered her. She belongs to me; she will not let me down. Now, how quickly can we train a larger army?"

She scoffed at that, quickly rushing away, grabbing the cloak she had hidden away in the great halls where she could easily pick it up and throw it over herself.

She moved swiftly out of the main palace and onto the staff quarters. Her eye twitched slightly, her knowing she shouldn't look forward to her educational sessions with the American, but it was the only respite she ever really had. A shelter of ignorance where she didn't have to think about vengeance or staying alive, and perhaps even spend time with someone who may genuinely like her not out of convenience or need or lust.

Her face allowed a broken smile as she shook the thoughts away.

It's a nice fantasy...

She didn't have to knock on the door, it already being open for her as she arrived.

Tyuule noticed Dennis appeared, for lack of a better word, chipper.

"Hi, come in!" he said almost... happy.

She nodded and stepped inside his room, tugging at her cloak to try and hide more of her legs, which was unfortunately not possible. Not that the American seemed to mind as he, again, almost happily picked up the language book from under his bed.

Better give him the information now...

"The Rose Knights are heading out tomorrow morning, and the prince is planning on seeing some of the newer legions this week, more than likely in three days. He's already planning an expedition to retake the lands he believes your people are in. He has no idea about the operations in the Dumas region or how far your forces have come. However, the generals are getting suspicious due to rumors in the capital. I doubt they'll deny the emperor, but it's a possibility." she said quickly.

Dennis paused for a moment, listening and taking it in.

"Understood, I'll relay it."

He placed the books on the table and moved to the radio.

She listened closely, now able to understand more words, albeit not all of them.

Confirmed... Con- Firm... the way they use it...

"Alright, they know... thanks for the heads up."

"Ah... of... course..."

As Dennis sat down, she nervously said "Can I ask you a question?"

He turned to her.

"Yeah, what is it?"

She pursed her lips, saying "Why are you in a good mood today?"

"Huh?"

"Your mood, your spirit... first you recklessly interrupted his majesty when he was about to..." she shuddered at the memory, "...and now you're all... cheerful... what's with you?"

Dennis smiled awkwardly, saying "Oh, I don't know... met a little lady-"

"A lady?" she asked suddenly, caught off guard.

Remembering how that winged lady had talked to him, Dennis was quick to make sure his words weren't misconstrued.

"Little lady... a kid, demi-human, she kind of latched onto me when I went to report to my superiors and... I dunno, it felt nice to just..."

He shrugged, leaving the statement hanging in the air.

Tyuule sighed, somewhat relieved, saying "Oh. You made a friend."

Relieved?

He scratched the back of his head, saying "Not so much a friend, it... I don't know, it's hard to explain."

At this, Tyuule huffed, somewhat disappointed the American didn't know how to put his own feelings into words.

"You're a foreign soldier in the enemy capital, your family is either dead or too far away to make much difference, and your only interactions are with people you work with. You're just glad you have someone else for once is all."

It ignores his actions in the morning, but that can just be seen as part of his mission... nothing else... certainly nothing else... don't get any ideas.

Dennis stared at her, surprised at her assessment of him.

After a moment, he spoke, saying "Yeah, I guess it's just nice having someone not in the Army waiting for me... um... thanks?"

"For what?"

"I was having a tough time admitting it..."

"Why?"

He shrugged.

Weakness and vulnerability weren't something men in the United States were raised to just show anyone. Why would they? They had to be strong and take adversity head-on, no?

How could they do that if they were constantly talking about how sad they felt?

Though a part of him wondered if he could at least be vulnerable around her.

Finally, he said, "I guess I just have a hard time admitting my vulnerabilities."

"Saying you made a friend makes you feel vulnerable?"

Now Dennis scoffed, saying "No, it's... I don't know, the... ugh..."

Tyuule smiled slightly, "It's admitting you have a problem, to begin with. You don't want to be seen as weak. I understand. I won't judge."

"I... thank you."

"Oh, hush, you're helping me more than anyone right now. I don't mind listening to you now and then."

"I'll keep that in mind..." he said in a tone that surprised her.

As if there was much more that he wanted to say but wasn't. What that "more" could be was beyond her, but a part of her deeply hoped it would be something that...

No! He's just a soldier... you have your mission, he has his!

She stared, not saying anything, expecting him to speak then.

Suddenly, he said, "Right, my commanders are requesting as much information on the Haryo tribe as you can give us."

Tyuule slowly nodded, saying "Of course. I can get you a few records tomorrow, but most information about them is based on rumors, so there's not much of a written record to go on."

Dennis made an odd face, as if unsure of whether he should or shouldn't say something.

"What is it?" she asked, eyes narrowing.

"Do you... think you can come over to our hideout? It'll be good to get you acquainted directly, cause most of us have a description of you, but the guys haven't seen you, so if we have to evacuate quickly and I'm not there to identify you it could create problems."

Tyuule blinked, listening to the accelerated heartrate of the American.

"You want me to deliver the information directly to your hideout? Would it not be safer for me to just hand it to you?"

"Y-yeah... um..."

"Did they request my presence?"

"No..."

"Is this a trick to make me leave before Zorzal is dead?"

"Of course not!"

She sneered then, asking "Are you just looking to spend more time with me?"

The question seemed to hit a nerve as Dennis briefly winced as if he hadn't realized it himself.

"I... guess I am..."

The sneer vanished.

Her response was to face him directly, somewhat surprised, but not wavering in her composure. Dennis on the other hand, seemed somewhat nervous as if him even asking the question was crossing a boundary.

"Don't be so childish. I'm the emperor's favorite slave. I can't just disappear whenever I want! You know as much." she spoke with a hint of melancholy.

"Isn't he going to be busy tomorrow?"

Yes, but... I can't let this go so far... I can't...

Partly guessing where this was going, she decided to cut to the point, this being the one place she could genuinely be even remotely vulnerable to another person.

Dennis noticed her lips form a fine line as she seemed to consider something, her ears lowering ever so slightly.

"Dennis, do you have any aspirations after all of this?" she asked bluntly, eyeing him with cold eyes.

Now Dennis rubbed the back of his head, muttering "Aspirations... aspirations... um..."

Tyuule frowned.

"Surely there's something you wish to do after this."

Dennis gave a sad smile, saying "Well, obviously after this I want to take a vacation for a bit, but... I plan to stay in the military. I'm a soldier... don't think there's anything else for me."

"W-? Don't you enjoy cooking or-?"

"I despise cooking. Drives me crazy... I hate the kitchen, I hate preparing the food, I hate serving it up... mom has- used to have a little diner- a small family restaurant, mostly for people working to eat on their downtime... I didn't mind helping her, but I hate cooking. I'm not really good at it and honestly, I think I'm better suited for other things." he said, the sad smile remaining.

Tyuule considered it, remembering that the one meal of his she tasted was very much unremarkable. Nothing awful, but not something she would go out of her way to eat.

"But... surely there's something you want to do with your life!"

"Yeah. Survive through all of this... maybe become an officer... get married, get a nice house... maybe have a kid... I don't know, I don't think I'm good with kids, but..."

His mind briefly went back to the smiling child, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose that was making him feel like his actions mattered more... as well as a sense of melancholy because he knew he would have to leave the kid behind once he was shipped home.

Tyuule stared at him, partly relaxed by the fact his ambitions appeared so normal for someone his age but also disturbed by how detached he seemed to be from all of it. As if the idea didn't really interest him at all.

Much like herself.

"Why do you ask?" he asked suddenly.

She turned away, suppressing her emotions as she stared at the far wall.

"Because my ambitions are only to see the Empire crumble. I want Zorzal to be humiliated, to realize what helplessness feels like, to have him die for absolutely nothing... I want him to die no different than an animal on the street and for him to realize what my people suffered through." suddenly lowering her tone, she said, "But... unlike you, I don't have any plans for what comes after."

She left out her doubts she would have an "after".

Dennis winced at the statement.

Turning to him again, she said "So you don't have to pretend for me."

"When did I suggest I was pretending? I just figured it would be nice to have some downtime tomorrow. Think we could both use it, so why not come along?"

Tyuule fell silent, her hands gripping her skirt as she was again faced with the fact that the American's concern for her was clearly a little beyond his mission. Still, a part of her refused to believe it.

Dennis frowned, tapping his index finger on the table.

"Why am I teaching you English?"

"Huh?"

"If you have no plans for the future, then why do you want to learn English?"

Now Tyuule shrugged.

"I just thought I could use it, I suppose..."

Dennis then said "Good! Tomorrow you'll use it. I'm going to show you off to the guys."

"What?" she half asked, half groaned as she noticed he was smiling.

"I, a humble servant of his majesty, will help escort you on an important delivery that the emperor asked you to make personally. It's not like my presence is necessary at the kitchen, they hate me more than I hate them!"

"His majesty hasn't asked me to deliver anything. He's not so stupid that he won't notice-"

"You can just tell him you have to go receive some information from an informant of the Haryo Tribe or something, then tell Chef Clef the Emperor ordered you, and if he complains to the emperor, you can tell Clef that technically you were under the emperor's orders as you manage intelligence, and even so, you know what the emperor wants more than Clef does."

She stared at him.

Certainly, if Clef complains to Zorzal, Zorzal will stand by me, but...

"You are such a child..." she muttered.

"I doubt I'm much younger than you."

She let out a tired sigh.

"Come on, it'll be good practice for your English."

An excuse...

"Why should I go? You just want to show me off to your friends for your own ego."

Dennis turned away for a moment as if considering something before a suspicious smile appeared on his face.

"Alright, then consider it a date."

"A what?"

"A date. I am asking you to accompany me to meet the soldiers helping you, deliver some vital information, maybe enjoy some genuine American food... just... I don't know, just to relax for a short bit. Doesn't have to be a big deal or anything."

"Don't you need permission?" she asked, not entirely impressed.

"They already asked me to get as much information I can on the Haryo Tribe and deliver it over there... in case they're listening, you know? Shouldn't be any trouble bringing you there."

She stared at him, saying "You don't trust the Haryo Tribe."

"My superiors are properly paranoid about everything, it's nothing serious... unless we really can't trust them."

Tyuule looked at him, seemingly in pain, as if considering the proposition hurt her somewhere deep down.

Dennis noticed, saying "Come on, it'll be good to just take it easy for a bit."

She felt her cheeks begin to grow warm again.

"A-alright... just to help you... remember, I'm only doing this to guarantee the destruction of-"

"Yeah, I'm with you." Dennis sighed, though clearly not disappointed.

She felt her own heart rate accelerate as she noticed how apparently chipper her agreeing to his little plan seemed to make the American.

"Right then! On to your next lesson!" he said in a dramatic tone.

"One more question..."

"Ah?"

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

He's eighteen?

"E-eighteen and how many months?" she added quickly.

Dennis did the math in his head.

Was born December 8th, 1945, so that's...

"I'm eighteen years and four months old."

Tyuule did the math in her head.

"So... you were born on the twelfth month?"

"Yeah."

She smiled then.

"Then I'm older."

"Yeah? By how much?"

"I was born on the third month... I'm almost a year above you."

Dennis almost commented that she looked older than that, but he wasn't surprised.

Three years of torture would have likely made anyone look older than they were. Plus, he had heard his mother always mumble things about girls "maturing" faster than boys.

Once again, he couldn't help but notice her shapely figure, but he quickly moved back to the book.

"Yeah, well... it ain't a contest. Now..."

"Oh? Do you not want a bunny girl near your age?"

"Maybe I do..." he said, looking at her.

Again, with the obvious flirting?

She turned away, saying "Lech."

He chortled slightly.

"Maybe I'm becoming one... now, English?"

And so quick to pretend nothing happened, too...

"Oh-Kay!" she said, switching to English, perfectly content to drop the subject.

Neither noticed their conversation had been watched.

But then again, how could they?

Bouro didn't tend to allow people to see him or even sense him if he didn't wish for them to sense him in the first place.

12:30 AM

Bouro chewed on his overgrown nail as he paced around the dark, murky room deep under the main palace.

It was his place of residence for quite some time, away from the brightness of civilization, and explicitly created to remind him how little his almost extinct tribe actually owned. The room only had an old bed, an old chair, and an old desk, all musty and difficult to clean after years, perhaps even decades of neglect.

He didn't mind it.

No, at the moment, the creature only had one major problem in mind.

What to do about the enemy?

Contradicting his attitude towards the Americans and Tyuule, the leader of the Haryo Tribe had an open despisal towards both the men from beyond the Gate and the Warrior Bunnies, albeit not limited to either.

The Americans, despite clearly being an empire in their own right, hated the concept of autocracy and absolutism, which the Haryo didn't mind too much, them technically being a sort of "democratic" tribe if its origins were to be believed. But their goal was, and always had been, to dominate the continent in the same way many of them had once been dominated before. There was no way the Americans would allow them to rule in such a way and this made them an enemy, albeit a less insulting one than the Warrior Bunnies.

He didn't understand it.

No one really did.

Usually, interspecies and interracial reproduction could be achieved across most sentient species in the Saderan continent.

Human males were usually able to intermingle with any demi-human female and breed a child, beast-men, for the most part, were capable of the same... but there were exceptions.

Orcs and goblins, for example, remained strictly within their own kin, and he was unaware of any successful interbreeding between them and humans or demi-humans.

More relevant to his situation, however, was the fact that the Haryo tribe, for some unknown reason, could not successfully mix with Warrior Bunnies, and only Warrior Bunnies.

It should have been incredibly easy, as the tribes were almost entirely composed of women, and they usually sought human males out to continue their lineage. In fact, he had successfully gotten a few bunny girls on his own, albeit not all voluntary but what did that matter when none produced a child?

It wasn't a matter of compatibility as some in the Haryo tribe could change their own nature, but likely a part of the nature of the Warrior Bunnies.

Again, he didn't understand it.

Perhaps it was just a whim of whatever god created the detestable creatures that made it so they could only mingle with each other and with regular humans.

Once the Haryo managed to infiltrate the Empire in some ways, the Emperor would use them to his advantage, a position Bouro had taken advantage of when he pushed for the destruction of the Warrior Bunnies.

Now he realized that he had made a mistake in pushing for their conquest when Emperor Molt sought new lands.

He wouldn't have minded at all if they were just wiped out, and it would have made it far easier to get the crown prince to marry a member of his tribe, finally bringing a member of the Haryo Tribe in total control of the Empire. If then crown prince Zorzal got a few warrior bunny slaves, it wouldn't really matter. Bouro himself wouldn't mind it as he could also enjoy them whenever he pleased while they went extinct.

Instead, the crown prince had fallen head over heels for the queen and didn't fully exterminate her people to have some leverage over her, that much was obvious.

Even more obvious than the American's already obvious attraction to her...

Worse, day after day, it seemed as if the Crown Prince was focusing more on her, now that the girl was actually busy acting as an advisor and wasn't there every second to do his bidding. As if being denied his desires only served to fan the flames.

And now with the American in the way...

Oh, Tyuule had played her cards quite well.

She was the only one who could handle Zorzal's appetite, and no man in his right mind would deny her beauty.

Add to it her administrative ability and seemingly undying loyalty to the very man that "conquered" her... why for the Crown Prince it was a dream come true!

He'd conquered her.

And through years of having her as his slave, she had obviously fallen in love with him!

Surely there were no possible alternatives!

Surely, she wasn't biding her time, hoping for the opportunity to strike!

He knew damn well the new emperor was blinded by his own lust and ideas of grandeur to see through the girl's manipulations, and that's why he liked Zorzal! The emperor was easy enough to manipulate despite some degree of competence in the field! It would be incredibly easy to have him have a child with a member of the Haryo tribe, but as long as Tyuule had him wrapped around her fingers, and the enemy from beyond the gate were helping ensure that air of grandeur didn't vanish...

Bouro slammed his fist into the stone wall in anger.

He remembered Zorzal's orders to allow the fallen queen to see the Empire's information on how many of her people were enslaved, and he had been watching as the Crown Prince defiled the girl over and over again, loudly mocking her people and their attempts at resistance.

To her credit, she had taken beating-after-beating with some level of dignity.

But, oh, he knew how much rage and vengeful fury lay within that woman's soul better than anyone, maybe even herself, and he wanted to crush it fully and without mercy. Show her who was really in charge, and how despite her beauty, her power, her unending desire to avenge her fallen people, she was nothing but an ant under him and the Empire.

But now...

My commanders are requesting as much information on the Haryo tribe as you can give us.

He was on a tightrope now, the possibility of falling over or getting himself hanged was very real. Even with almost no written information on Haryo Tribe existing, if the Americans decided to start asking questions...

I have to both take Tyuule down... as well as keep Zorzal from finding out about the enemy's conquests...

Bouro swiftly moved to the musty desk to look over the parchments and written information on the remaining Warrior Bunnies.

It had not changed since his last reading of it.

All the ones in the capital were either dead or missing, likely having escaped to the areas he knew the Americans now controlled.

The ones accounted for were also in American-controlled areas.

Blackmailing the queen wasn't an option if she found out, but all he could do was ensure the queen did not receive that information, though at this point it was more than likely the blasted American mentioned how many of her people were now safe.

He clenched his jaw in anger.

Tyuule was now, unfortunately, the biggest threat to his plans and he might just lose the only bargaining chip he had.

He needed a better plan.

The princess was going to be the new leader of the empire, which was unavoidable, but did Zorzal have to lose power as well?

Bouro frowned further.

If I inform his majesty, he has been receiving disinformation, he will more than likely believe me, but if Tyuule decides to call on the enemy, there's nothing more I'll be able to do...

The Empire would be destroyed, and he would have lost centuries of work!

...but if I somehow get Tyuule out of his majesty's favor...

He shook his head.

That was almost impossible. Tyuule had the young emperor wrapped around her finger, and if she was focused, there was little way for the emperor to realize how much she was manipulating him.

Not even his generals informing him of possible danger made him question her once she suggested the opposite...

He would have to do something that would be even more of a gamble, especially if the girl found out.

He began to formulate the plan in his mind, but it was frustrating to do so.

The Haryo tribe WILL gain control of the Empire and its prestige... these men will NOT... CANNOT be allowed to interfere more than they already have!

He walked around in another circle, considering things... then, an idea popped into his head.

Two, in fact.

He moved the parchment aside and grabbed another one, which he had stolen the night of the American attack on the capital when they released many slaves to cause chaos. It was partially burned, but thankfully most of the information was intact.

He looked over the list of slaves held by the Besarra gang, noting one particular slave near the top of the list.

His mind briefly considered the scared girl hiding behind all that turmoil and rage.

If he could stab right into that scared and grieving heart, what were the odds that she would ruin things for both Zorzal and the Americans?

Hmm... it's a gamble, but... if not her then surely someone else...

Then he turned his attention to his own memories of seeing the American hideout.

What weapons do they have in there I wonder...

2:00 AM

Drew kept his well-trained eye on the street, moonlight barely illuminating much in the cold night air.

He yawned, before quickly shaking himself awake.

You're in enemy territory, Drew! You know damn well what these people can do if given the chance.

It was one of the odd things about fighting an enemy that used spears and wooden bows to fight guns and tanks.

One tended to underestimate the enemy.

Worse still for the Green Beret, there had been very little action in the past week. The news about the American advancements in the mountains was good from what he understood. The capital itself looked darker than any other city in the middle of the night, but it was peaceful. Fighting had all but ceased once the American presence filled in the power vacuum Basara's demise had left behind, and now that the new emperor had regained law and order...

Well, it's like there isn't a war going on.

Clark, his radioman walked over, M2 Carbine slung over his shoulder, asking "All quiet on my end. Anything over here?"

"Nope. Quiet as can be... don't much like it..." he muttered the last part, a bird, likely some owl variant (the exact fauna of this other world wasn't entirely classified yet) flew by.

Clark only said, "Watch your mouth, after what we saw at Alnus, I'll happily take a boring and quiet night over fighting an enemy in the dark."

"We have some flares and last I checked; the flyboys will happily give us a hand."

"Hey, you want to coordinate a bombing run in the middle of the night again, be my guest."

"I know, I know... still, it all feels... off."

The other man shrugged, his eyes darting to the side, noticing something in the street below.

"Is that a person?" he asked.

"Where?"

Clark pointed to the street corner to the left, barely illuminated in the moonlight, just as a shadow appeared to hide behind a corner.

Drew narrowed his eyes, mumbling "Could be... could be just your imagination. Call it in, anyway."

Complacency is a death wish...

Clark muttered into the radio "Stalker 3, be advised, we have possible movement on our end, south side of the district. Could be heading towards your entrance..."

Drew kept his eye on the street.

Clark said, "Stalker 3 has no contact."

Drew only frowned.

"I'm going to check down there... cover me?"

Clark lifted the M16 with a sigh.

"I got you, brother."

"Thanks... I'll be quick."

The Green Beret ran down the steps, M2 on hand.

He opened the heavier wooden door and stepped outside. He looked left, he looked to the right... nothing.

He looked at the abandoned buildings... nothing.

He looked at the empty street... nothing.

In the back of his mind, he could have sworn he saw someone sneaking past, but without more proof or even any signs of an individual...

He didn't make a sound as he walked back to the hideout.

"Anything?"

"No... I don't like this."

"Me either, but I'm not seeing anything."

His frown deepened.

"Keep an eye out... I'm going to go make sure nothing's missing."

Outskirts of the Imperial Capital

3:04 AM

The grass and dirt she slept on were cold and she couldn't help but shiver in the night's breeze.

After the attack some weeks prior, she had been amongst many slaves released by these men from another world. She knew most had gone into hiding, many running away, hoping to reach Alnus or perhaps the dense forests not too far from the capital.

She, on the other hand, hid alone.

She'd surrendered long ago to her fate, nearly dying more times than she could count, her soul and will to live torn apart so much that the only thing that kept her from ending it all was her training as a warrior to stay alive...

...and kill the one who betrayed them all.

Movement in the tall grass alerted her that she should be on guard.

She shakily awoke, grabbing her blade, sensing the presence before seeing it.

The... thing... whatever it was... raised two hands in surrender.

"Apologies, apologies for disturbing you!"

"W-who are you? W-what do you want?" the girl nervously asked.

"Oh, a selfish request, unfortunately, but... but I believe it's something you want to hear."

Bouro hid his smile as he saw the cut-down bunny ears lift ever so slightly.

"W-what is it?" the girl asked, shaking.

"Warrior Bunnies are in short supply, are they not?" he asked, reaching into his cloak and grabbing a loaf of warm bed that he had pilfered on his way out of the capital.

He offered it to the girl.

She didn't take the offer.

"It's not poisoned, I promise."

The girl didn't speak.

Bouro said "Alright, may I ask with what tribe you were with before the queen betrayed you?"

Silence once again.

"Can I ask you your name?"

"How did you find me?" she asked.

Bouro sighed, saying "Come now, little one, I'm trying to be nice here... I found you because we in the Haryo tribe have ears and eyes everywhere."

The girl stiffened then, gripping the rusty knife tighter.

Bouro quickly said, "Please, even if I intended to kill you, I doubt you'd put up much of a fight."

She didn't reply.

"You know, there's an American base in the red-light district."

"I'm not going back there."

"I figured. Are you on your way to Alnus or Itálica?"

She shook her head.

"Why are you still here?"

The girl again didn't reply.

Like any good soldier, she was guarded and not naïve enough to just allow someone she didn't know to teach her deeper secrets.

Bouro, however, already had a decent guess as to why she had stuck around.

"You know she's in the palace, yes?"

Again, no response.

"What if I told you, I could get you into the castle?"

The girl immediately asked, "What do you gain from Tyuule dying?"

The response was a simple chuckle.

The girl angrily said, "Who are you?"

"A humble servant, nothing more... so, what do you say? Are you interested?"

April 21, 1964

Washington D.C

7:30 AM

"The question, general, is whether or not you expect to win the election after-"

"Since you've abandoned us-"

"We're not abandoning you." the president said, gripping the phone tightly.

"Yes, yes you are. You are leaving us to the communists to focus more on the lands beyond the gate."

"Now, listen here..."

The president popped two pain pills into his mouth and swallowed them in one gulp.

"Your people were the ones that wanted the prime minister out of office ASAP. Your people promised you could do a better job and in less than a year you've already failed and your government is disintegrating!"

"Your commitment-"

"Our commitment is to secure freedom and democracy around the globe, what the hell are you doing over there?!"

"Oh, is that what you were preserving when the Koreans began purging dissidents?"

The president only grimaced.

"What the previous administration did is not the same as-"

"Or is preserving freedom what you did when you let the Communists keep Cuba? Do you think I'm a fool, mister president?"

"You're acting quite foolish right now if you ask me."

Silence on the other end.

The young president continued, saying "Now look. After last week's incident your administration has lost all support and sympathy, hell my own allies have been advising we pull out altogether, and I have to agree with them. Your soldiers are being treated like mercenaries by your own officials, your staff is corrupt, people can't talk... if they choose to have a communist government then your actions are partly responsible."

"...what will you do, then?"

"Me? Oh, I plan on handling things as best I can so that this doesn't look like a defeat or a retreat. My recommendation? Pull your soldiers back and let the people cool off. I've already ordered my officers there to pull away from the DMZ and prepare for a complete pull-out. There are still some Australian forces there, and the reds are keeping their part of the deal and aren't trying to push through... you're the one making things the most difficult right now."

"So... I'm the fall guy?"

"Not exactly. If we play our cards right you'll come off as a bad leader who knew when to quit and did so gracefully. Think you can do that?"

There was another long pause.

Finally, after what genuinely felt like an eternity, the reply came.

"Alright... we'll do it your way. I'll order the military to pull back and let the people let off some steam... I'll work with you."

Despite knowing full well the man couldn't see him over the phone, the president said "Good. That's good."

The president felt his headache begin to subside as he hung up.

He turned to his cabinet and nodded in a way that said "that went better than expected".

Then he sat down and said, "Maybe I shouldn't have run for president, John..."

The vice president shook his head, saying "You're still fairly inexperienced. The political world is an ugly one, you know that."

"Yeah... yeah, I do... Rob, what's the situation with the bombers?"

"A combined Marine and Army force encountered another Apostle... no one died, but it seems there's more than just men and monsters to worry about. There are talks about gods and goddesses. They even say the dragon we're after was awoken on orders from a goddess named Hardy."

The president felt his headache begin to flare up again.

"The interesting thing is that she doesn't seem to be against us... in fact, it appears she's curious about us according to her apostle... Giselle."

"Oh, another one of those?"

"Yes, sir."

"So, she isn't hostile?"

"According to the reports, she has hostile intentions but is acting on orders of this alleged goddess and is more or less just observing our men while we prepare to bomb that mountain into oblivion, dragon and all."

"And this so-called 'goddess' won't interfere?"

"Apparently not."

The president raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, but... once we deal with this Empire I want as many scientists going through as possible. We need to figure out just what is happening in this other world."

Imperial Capital

6:00 AM

The cemetery now had faces staring at him.

He shook in place, unable to move, his eyes focusing on the various wounds. Some were almost impossible to see, the body pale and dehydrated. Others were missing eyes or arms. Huge holes blown out of their torsos, a few had entire chunks torn out of their face.

They all eyed him, questioning similarly.

Why?

Dennis glared at them in a state between terror and the desire to fight, but he didn't move.

Why?

The question angered him.

You know why.

No response.

Silence reigned for a moment, the bodies staring back at him, the images being those burned into his mind after the battle of Itálica, eyeing him as if they knew something awful would happen sooner or later regardless of what he did.

Dennis woke with a start.

Sunlight washing through the windows.

Dennis huffed, a cruel grin on his face.

It's getting easier...

The nightmares weren't bothering him every night anymore.

It was becoming slightly easier to keep the painful images out of his head, focusing mostly on blending in and just not thinking about it.

Just don't think about it. Not today... today...

He frowned as he sat up in bed, his mind briefly going to his thoughts from the previous day. He didn't have to protect the girl as much as he wanted to as she was perfectly capable of protecting herself, but a part of him hated seeing any bruises on her skin.

In fact, he couldn't help but feel glad he'd asked her on a "date" if anything to distract both her and himself from all the danger they were in.

At the same time...

Just what do I think of that girl?

A VIP he needed to protect?

A girl he only felt pity for?

Something more?

With a frustrated groan, he decided to just not think about it.

I'm here to fight the enemy, not start a romance.

Deep down, a part of him knew he wouldn't mind one.

...

Tyuule met him at the exit of the palace, wearing a larger cloak to conceal her identity, the praetorians paying them no mind.

The very first thing she did was hand him the parchment with the information on the Haryo Tribe, saying "Here."

He took it and looked it over, briefly glancing at the girl.

"Well, that's... interesting..." Dennis mumbled, eyeing Tyuule's getup as she passed a hand through her white hair.

"Unfortunately, it's all I could find."

"Yeah, secret organizations leaving papers behind isn't exactly in character... I'm sure these will help us a bit, at least to soothe some concerns..." he said, skimming the parchment before placing it under his tunic.

"I can always answer some questions if that helps."

"I'm sure it will..."

The girl shifted slightly in place as if to say "well, let's get it over with" as she placed a mask to cover her face, lifting a hood over her head and lowering her ears to conceal her identity.

Dennis said, "Alright, you coming?"

She only followed in step with him.

The capital was, at the very least, far more organized now.

People were trading and buying things, soldiers appeared stationed at most corners, but there weren't any more sudden bursts of violence. The streets appeared cleaner, and there was an odd sense of normality that the locals had fallen back into.

As if there wasn't a war going on.

Tyuule kept her head low, eyeing the people that were living so carefree all of a sudden.

Her eyes darkened.

"Hey, Orville?" she whispered.

"Hmm?"

"How much destruction do your people plan to bring to the capital?"

"Only what's necessary."

"...oh..."

"Believe me, lots of us want to bomb this place into oblivion. The Princess and many people want peace, though, so we have to hold back just a bit. Honestly, if it wasn't for how warmongering a culture this is, there wouldn't even be a need for us to fight them."

Tyuule was silent.

Dennis added, "Don't worry, the empire is going to be destroyed. Even if Zorzal isn't killed, he will lose all his power and probably face life imprisonment for all he's done."

She didn't reply.

Could that be enough?

She eyed the American walking ahead, a part of her wanting to reach out and support herself on him.

Maybe... maybe that's more than enough and... and I can...

The possibilities of a happy future began to run through her mind.

A whistle caught her attention and the American stopped suddenly.

Dennis eyed the busy street, then saying "Over by the alley... that's probably Sean."

Tyuule nodded, moving after him.

They both reached the alley, and Tyuule met the other American soldier.

"Rangers" Dennis called them.

The other one was taller, clearly older than Dennis, but not by a lot.

He gave her a friendly smile, saying "Miss, how are you?" in an awkward tone.

Tyuule only said, "I'm fine, thank you."

"She got us some info on the Haryo Tribe."

"Great... come on."

She paused briefly, watching the two soldiers walk ahead.

She noticed the difference in their stance and the way they walked ahead, seemingly both relaxed and tense, but most importantly, on guard.

She quickly walked after them.

After a few turns, they were in the infamous "Red Light District" where things had, to put it mildly, quieted down. The only real noise was the wind causing wooden window panes to squeak as they were swung to and fro.

"Feels like a ghost town..." Dennis muttered.

Sean said "The crime lords have honored their side of the deal. They've relaxed their activities and have let their people walk around. The Berets even rendezvoused with a Chinook and came back with some supplies, which we happily shared with the locals."

"Did you now?"

"Hearts and minds, Den, hearts, and minds."

"Uh-huh..."

"Don't look at me like that. I'm not the one using my position to find dates."

Dennis didn't react, saying "I'm just being nice."

Tyuule interrupted, asking "Is my presence causing problems?"

Sean shrugged, saying "As long as you're friendly, it shouldn't. Though I'd keep your head down if I were you. Never know who's who or what they may or may not want."

Tyuule only nodded, making sure her hood wouldn't betray her should a stray breeze blow it back down and expose her identity.

Dennis asked, "Any incidents last night?"

Sean said "No, but Alex said the Berets saw something weird, though they don't know what or even if they saw anything. Other than that, all quiet on the front."

"Huh."

Silence then.

Tyuule tried looking at the hidden weapon carried by the soldier named "Sean", not entirely sure how it was meant to work as it looked wholly alien to her, but given the way he was carrying, she could assume that, much like any sword, the point being aimed away from the soldier was the "dangerous" part.

As she considered this, Sean said "We're here, home away from home."

It was both beyond what Tyuule was expecting and somehow less than even that.

It was one of the larger buildings, two floors, and it was in the middle of a spacious area, which likely made it easier to defend. Men were standing around the entrances to the area armed with the "rifles" the book Dennis showed her described. It was also inconspicuous enough that no legion scout would suspect it of being the main base for the enemies from beyond the Gate.

At the same time, for some reason, she expected something a little more grandiose.

Still, she pushed on, sticking closer to Dennis as the men turned to look at her.

They waved slowly, not really paying her any mind.

I'm alien to them...

Before she could think that further, a little demi-human girl ran out of the building and hopped over to Orville's leg.

She didn't say anything, Dennis chuckling and picking her up.

"Aw, ready for more English lessons, Charlotte?"

"Yeah!" she said in one bark-like breath.

Tyuule blinked.

She really is a little lady...

Dennis turned to her, saying "Come on, I'll introduce you to Captain Rhodes. We can give him the information and, then you can meet the others."

"Alright..." Tyuule said, eyeing her surroundings.

It was Sean who noticed, asking "Is something wrong, ma'am?"

Tyuule looked around her once more.

"I don't know... keep an eye open, please. I have an odd feeling."

Dennis didn't say anything, looking behind them, particularly at the shadows.

Nothing...

But he knew very well that looks could be deceiving in this world.

"Will do... you two go ahead."

…

Hamilton waved at the occasional child that appeared to be excited to see the Rose Knights. The armored clad women on horseback rode slowly out of the capital city and on to "retake" the lost lands. The people for once appeared excited to see the newest order of Imperial Knights, a mostly female one at that, suddenly be given such an important task.

Their equipment shone in the early morning sun, making them obvious targets for any aircraft, but he wouldn't deny they looked good.

Drew took his eyes off his scope and sighed.

Clark asked "What?"

"Not gonna lie, man... that girl named after one of our Founders... kinda cute... wanted to talk to her more."

Clark laughed, saying "While on a mission? Don't even think about it. Maybe when we get back to base you'll be able to see her more often."

"I suppose. I just figured I'd find someone who wasn't half animal."

"Any of the girls we met any good?"

He scoffed, saying "I ain't going near those. It's one thing to have animal ears and maybe a tail... but the bugs they carry..."

Clark nodded, looking at his watch.

"We should move. The emperor's newer legions should be arriving pretty soon and we need to get some photos."

Drew watched the chestnut-haired knight briefly make eye contact with him and wave.

He waved back and said, "Yeah, let's go."

As the Berets stood to leave, Clark stopped and grabbed Drew's arm, pointing to his radio.

Drew heard very little, but Clark's expression quickly grew to one of worry.

Then, with a look of uncertainty on his face, he spoke.

"Someone tried to steal our grenades."

9:47 AM

Rhodes finished transcribing what Dennis had read.

"So... shapeshifters?" he asked.

Dennis translated.

"That's the way this document describes them. Bouro and his minions... more or less appear able to blend in with just about anything, although I've never seen them... err... shape... shift." Tyuule replied in slow but effective English, turning to Dennis who only nodded.

Rhodes frowned.

"How can they speak English?"

Dennis didn't need to translate that part.

Tyuule shrugged, saying "I apologize, but my knowledge of this subject is limited."

Rhodes mumbled, "Well, it's better than nothing... were they helping you before-?"

"No."

Rhodes raised an eyebrow.

Tyuule said "Bouro approached me one night... in exchange for... a payment... he would get me information. Ever since you've... begun working with me... well, he's more useful now."

"Well, I don't suppose he'd volunteer for some questioning?"

"Even if he did, the Haryo Tribe has its own goals and I doubt he would share them, but I cannot speak for them. I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize, ma'am, this is all greatly appreciated... I'll pass the information along, so..."

He motioned to Dennis.

Dennis nodded, saying "Captain wants to talk with me."

"O-oh... alright."

"Don't worry, the guys outside don't bite... Charlotte's out there too, so maybe you can see how good her English is."

Tyuule only stood up, lifting the hood over her head and stepping outside.

She closed the door.

Rhodes eyed Dennis, noting the thousand-yard stare wasn't as present and the American appeared almost relaxed.

Rhodes said, "Boy, you move fast."

"Excuse me?"

"We're still on a mission, yet you're already getting a girl to swoon over you?"

"Swoon, captain?" came the less than impressed reply.

"Oh, come on, you're not going to tell me you can't see how she's acting around you. Reminds me of the younger girls in high school when the older boys talked to them. You can't tell me you haven't noticed."

Dennis sat back, saying "Maybe I have, captain. But we're on a mission."

Rhodes chuckled, saying "Correct... but you're interested in her..."

The 18-year-old raised his hands in surrender saying "Look, captain, maybe once this is over, but laws back home-"

"I know, I know. It's just nice to know you're as human as the rest of us."

"Wait, what?"

"Ever since you joined our unit you're almost... I don't know, focused solely on the mission. Yeah, you chat with the guys, but there's... no offense... some distance between you and everyone."

"I... yeah, that's..."

It's admitting you have a problem, to begin with. You don't want to be seen as weak. I understand. I won't judge.

"It's just... dad died... mom died... technically I didn't finish the Ranger course-"

"Dennis, you finished it. Just because you had to end it a day early doesn't mean you didn't qualify."

"Still, captain... mom died a few months ago, and... I guess it's keeping me a bit closed off... I can handle it, of course, but... it's a distraction."

The captain shook his head.

"Look, kid, this is a hard mission, you've done alright so far. Take a load off, chat with the girl. Clearly, she likes you, too. Maybe you'll get something more than just a paycheck once we ship back."

Dennis nodded slowly, a weak smile on his face.

A few thoughts ran through his head, optimistic thoughts maybe, but they were preferable to the ones about the battles he had been in.

Stepping outside, he was surprised to see Tyuule nervously sitting in place as the little girl sat on her lap.

"She likes sitting on people's laps..." Dennis said.

Tyuule muttered, "She didn't even ask."

"Yeah... kids are like that."

Dennis replied, sitting down next to her.

Neither spoke.

Hastings eyed them from a distance.

Dennis pointed at him, saying "That's Hastings. He's got a long-distance relationship with a catgirl in Itálica and I think he's trying to stay faithful."

At this Tyuule turned and asked, "Your people are alright with... those kinds of relationships?"

Dennis shrugged, saying "I don't know. We have certain laws back home about this sort of thing... not with Demi-humans, certainly, but... I think most people don't really care... I think."

"I... see..."

There was an awkward silence between them then, Charlotte's eyes darting between the two of them as if she were trying to put together a puzzle.

Dennis finally said, "So, I take it you heard me and the Captain talking from down here?"

Tyuule didn't reply.

Dennis awkwardly said "For what it's worth-"

Tyuule cut him off.

"You're on a mission... I understand that much."

"Still, I don't want you thinking I don't like you."

"Don't concern yourself with what a slave thinks."

"You're not a slave, you're our ally. You're helping us..."

Tyuule turned to look at the little girl still on her lap, clearly trying to understand the conversation, barely able to keep up.

"You freed this girl as well... and your people liberated all the slaves they could that day... you don't have slaves back home, do you?"

"Been a hundred years since there were slaves in my country. We hate slavery as a concept."

He kept looking away from her, seemingly glancing at the other men, chatting nearby.

There was certainly an edge on his voice as he spoke, but before she could ask, he turned to her.

"So yeah... I'll concern myself with what a slave thinks."

She swallowed, her heart accelerating at the intensity behind those words. He clearly wasn't lying, and while she hadn't understood all of it, she wasn't so naive that she wouldn't notice.

Still, despite what she wanted or would have liked or would have done... revenge for her people came first and foremost.

But before she could say anything, the door opened behind them and Alex walked out.

"Hey, fellas, I don't know if you'll like 'em, but the food's ready!"

Dennis turned, saying "You promised it would be good!"

His fellow Ranger only said "Man, have you tried making a burger with the stuff they give us? Can't imagine what the Marines have to contend with... come along, Charlotte, we have food."

"Food!" the little girl repeated, though if she understood the word or was just repeating and reacting to the smell of cooked meat in the air was up for debate. Though it didn't matter as she hopped off the bunny girl's lap as if she were aerodynamic and rushed inside.

Tyuule didn't speak.

Dennis only huffed, saying "Yeah... kids do that, too."

She didn't speak.

"Come on, my cooking may not be all that great, and frankly neither is Al's, but... who knows, you might like it."

After a moment, she said "Alright."

...

Drew stared at the broken crate, confused.

His CO said nothing, analyzing the shattered wood.

With a sigh, he said, "You said you saw something last night?"

"Yes, sir."

"But whatever it was, it didn't come in here... and you didn't hear anything..."

"Yes, sir."

There was an eerie silence as the older officer began to go through the grenades dumped on the ground, all intact and not a single pin pulled, thankfully. The man picked them up one by one, placing them back onto the crate before freezing.

Drew realized it then as well.

We're missing one.

---

A/N: ...You know, I still feel this whole chapter is kind of rushed.

It was originally supposed to cover way more ground, but THAT was definitely rushed, so I decided to give you guys a fairly relaxed chapter showing the "downtime" during the war.

This, in turn, resulted in probably being more typical of the original Gate series chapter than I ever wanted to approach, but... hey, some sweet moments here and there will probably give weight to the coming storm.

Let me know if the character interactions feel forced or off in any way. Romance isn't really my strong suit, but I'm trying here because I think it's unrealistic to assume two people around the same age in this situation wouldn't wind up at least interested in each other to some degree.

Also, I am indeed inferring on Tyuule's age as there isn't any official word on how old or young she is, but given that she is described as acting "like a schoolgirl" when the guy she's interested in is around and the fact she is the only other character aside from Pina to even consider seeking peace with the enemy invaders instead of fighting to the end (more on that as the story goes on) I think it's safe to say she was younger than we might have originally thought, but that's just a theory.

As always, thank you all so much for reading!

Suggestions are greatly appreciated!

I hope to see you all soon!