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

11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

War and Peace

---

May 14th, 1964

Rondel

6:39 AM

She wiped away at an irritating fly that got too close as she sat in a darkened street corner, teachers, researchers, and magicians walking past, none paying her any mind, thankfully. All around her were symbols of learning and knowledge, and there she was, only glad the Empire left this city mostly to its own devices. Her rabbit ears kept low, the young girl still heard the familiar footsteps.

Like most cities in the Empire, Rondel had to be self-sufficient to a degree. People grew their own food for the most part, and people kept their own defenses as well, which meant that it was genuinely more like a city-state than part of the Empire.

Of course, they paid their taxes, gave what Magicians were thought necessary to the Imperial Cause, but the still impossible to believe "Massacre at Alnus" several months prior had left the entire city in a state of shock. The Legionnaires maintaining the imperial presence weren't even sure what to make of the reports of an enemy that could swipe away even their best magicians with the ease of thunder striking down a tree.

But the young girl didn't really care about any of that.

"Oh, Salve, Patricia!"

She stood up, expectantly.

The cook smiled politely, handing her the loath of bread he was carrying.

"Savor it, if you can. There's a bit of a shortage due to the war, I may not be able to feed you much longer." he sighed as the girl took it quickly.

The blonde girl winced at the words.

"Also... I'm sorry, but I can't keep feeding you. The Academics don't like it that you're here living rent-free."

"I-I live on the street!" she whispered back, too exhausted to muster much of a response.

"I know, but you know how some of the older teachers can be... magic is one thing, knowledge is another, if you don't have either, then you're no good, unfortunately... I'm sorry I can't do much more for you."

"W-what about your kitchen?"

"If I hire a cook that can't do magic I'll be fired, you know that."

"B-but maybe I can learn! Just-"

"Even then, my boss isn't hiring... and if they find out I hired a Warrior Bunny..."

"I-I can cut my ears!"

"Patricia!"

"I'd die otherwise!"

The cook rubbed the back of his head, trying to come up with a counter-argument. Truth was, few cared if the demi-humans died out, especially the remains of the barbaric tribes of Warrior Bunnies. Many starved, and while the city wouldn't necessarily persecute them at all, if they couldn't help with certain tasks or do magic, then out they would go.

But the girl had nowhere to go after the war, and it was clear she'd rather not go back to being a nomadic slave, especially at her young age.

So, he said "Alright, look... I'll... try to buy you some time, maybe something will come up... if there's really no other choice, then... I'll try to convince my boss to hire you. Alright? But then you really would have to cut your ears..."

She wanted to hug him and not let go but she didn't think she could muster even that.

It wasn't a desirable outcome to cut herself after being able to avoid so much carnage and violence for so long.

But if her family and fallen comrades had gone through the same, then odds were that she could, too.

As she pondered this, she heard loud hammer thumps on one of the posts nearby.

The pair glanced at the end of the alley, seeing a pair of Legionnaires, one hammering a parchment onto a wall.

What is...?

She didn't care much, as she only turned back to the cook and said "Thank you, Adrian. I am truly in your debt."

The cook only gave her a concerned look before walking away, leaving her in the alley.

Patricia sat back down, wholly despondent as the news sunk in. Several men walked over to read the parchment as the legionnaires walked off.

Before tears fell down the bunny girl's eyes, she heard several exclamations of "Incredible!" and "Impossible!"

Oh, what is it with you people...?

She didn't care for news of the war unless it meant she had to run again. She could only imagine if the Imperial Army had been defeated or not, or if the new players were less benevolent or not. Right then and there she had to contend with the possibility that she would be kicked out of the city and have to contend with the lawless lands beyond it all on her own once again.

She heard the familiar footsteps, albeit moving at a quicker pace.

"Patricia!" Adrian called, running back to the alley, carrying a parchment in his hands.

Her ears rose on their own in curiosity as she asked "What's the matter?"

The older cook quickly said, "Here, read this!"

She raised an eyebrow and looked it over.

"An order from the Imperial Office and... what?"

She read the paper over again.

As of the tenth day of the fifth month of the year 687, the war between the Empire of Sadera and the United States of America has come to a cease-fire. All Legions still Loyal to former Emperor Molt or Former Emperor Zorzal are now under orders to remain at their post and not engage any American forces. As per an agreement with former queen Tyuule of the Warrior Rabbit tribes and in exchange for her assistance in the war effort, any people Warrior Rabbits within the borders of the Empire are under the protection of the government of the United States and have the option to become citizens. More information to follow.

"United... States? Queen Tyuule? I thought that snake was working with the empire... is this a trick?!" she growled.

"No... it... it seems the Empire was defeated and is working a peaceful settlement with the new players. Soldiers are putting up these... strange parchments all over the city." Adrian said.

"Strange parchments?"

"Feel it! It's unlike any I've had to write on."

She took the strange parchment and waved it around, noticing how thin it was, and how neat the lettering on it had been written.

"Maybe you should make for Alnus? That's where the Gate was."

The girl stared at the parchment.

More information to follow.

"If it's true then... I have nothing to lose..."

"I can get you some food for the journey."

She nodded slowly, sluggishly, the weight of what was happening not yet clear to her. As more of the teachers and intellectuals gathered and the streets became abuzz with the news as more people went out for their daily work, the girl only had one thought in mind.

Can I finally stop running?

Imperial Capital

8:00 AM

Drew felt awake before he opened his eyes, the pain gone but his body still felt maddeningly weak. He slowly began sitting up on the surprisingly comfortable bed, glancing around the room. It was well furnished, with furniture he could only describe as "expensive-looking" decorating it. The windows were open, allowing the sun and a soft breeze to enter, a chestnut-haired knight tying several curtains down.

Hamilton glanced behind her and said, "Oh, you're awake... good."

He rubbed his eyes, mumbling "W-what... happened?"

Hamilton barely understood the man's language, but she tried her best anyway.

"I guess you're confused... there was a big fight, many died... we've lost a third of our total army fighting your people."

"Third... what?" the American asked groggily.

Hamilton sighed, finally deciding to just mix what words she knew in the American language with her own.

"Big fight happened in the capital. We've lost a third of our army. You lost a lot of blood. Almost died!"

Drew nodded slowly.

Hamilton smiled to herself, saying then "Your officers are downstairs, Princess Pina has sworn to look after you. Feel honored!"

Drew only nodded, and looked around.

"So... it's over then?" he asked, a bit more awake now as he managed to switch to the local tongue as best he could.

Hamilton nodded.

"I'm... I'm glad..." he managed, doing his best to keep the memories of his dead partner out of his mind.

"You can relax there. Princess Pina assigned me to watch you, so if you need anything, let me know."

Drew said, "Good. That's good... I, uh... I was curious... what do you lady knights like to do in your free time?"

…

Pina felt her stomach churn over as she walked down the Palace halls.

Beefeater said, "Hey, it's alright to be nervous, madame."

Pina mumbled, "It's not that, I have an odd feeling I just played matchmaker while not having anyone to come home to except Diabo and Lady."

Beefeater laughed, saying "Ah, of course! You're older than most of us, you should have been able to score at least one soldier, no?"

Pina muttered "I was too busy running around to really get to know any of them... Hmm... that young interpreter wasn't too bad on the eyes."

"The rude kid Hamilton swore looked like he wanted to bite your head off?" Beefeater replied, bemused.

Pina frowned, saying "He was an insubordinate little prick, wasn't he? Maybe I could force him into a political arrangement against his will."

She stopped walking suddenly.

Immediately she appeared to crumble, sidestepping as she pressed her left shoulder onto the marble column for support, a sadness lining her face. Her childish discussion being little more than a distraction from everything around her.

"Princess?"

Pina said "I'm tired, Beefeater... I feel like everything I did was for nothing."

"But... princess, you saved the capital and most of our army!"

"We usually have four hundred thousand legionnaires not counting our reserves or vassal kingdoms... we lost well over seventy thousand of them in those first engagements, one-hundred-thousand if you add the deserters who also died alongside the legions that backed Tiberius's efforts... and Zorzal dragged a thousand more to their deaths..."

"But that wasn't your fault, princess."

"I must still carry that weight, and... I don't know if I can carry it alone."

"You have us and the senate, and the American leader clearly prefers you lead!"

Pina sighed, glancing away from her friend.

She said "Yes, but... I can only hope I do the right thing. How are the senators discussing the New Republican idea?"

Beefeater said, "We... were about to go check on them, princess."

Pina's hand went up to her forehead, she mumbled "Right... you're right... my mind is all... jumbled... let's go see how it is."

She walked down the hall, Beefeater with a worried look on her face as she followed her officer and princess. It was odd looking at the palace again, the purple curtains and decorations now appeared faded somewhat, and the gold and statues that decorated each hall somehow looked broken down and old despite being clean and well taken care of. Beefeater pushed all thoughts aside as they approached the entrance to the senate chambers.

They didn't even have to open the door to hear the rambling arguments.

Once inside, however, they could at least hear the objections and argumentations properly.

"Abolishing slavery is economically unfeasible!"

"Surrendering all that land will cripple us!"

"It's a small portion of land compared to the Empire, and the United States promises to help us rebuild!"

"And we should just accept that defeat?!"

"Did you not see their aircraft?! We can't fight against that!"

"Oh, a traitor like you..."

"Even if we could, why start a fight if they want peace?!"

Round and round it went.

Pina walked over to her seat, not bothering to take the one Zorzal and her father had used. Beefeater stood next to her as the girls observed the rambling men. After a moment, Beefeater turned to Pina and spoke quietly.

"You'll notice that there are only five or six senators that are objecting to it."

"They're objecting loudly." Pina sighed.

"Still..."

She looked around.

She saw Diabo and Lady standing together in a far corner, by some of the seats, observing the proceedings and arguments.

Senator Dussie stepped forward, saying "Alright, alright, gentlemen, we shall come to order! Order!"

The senators quieted down and took their seats.

"Good. We shall begin discussing the damages done and the requirements for peace going forward-"

"We can't have peace with those savages who so willingly set our capital ablaze!"

Senator Casel, who had been relatively silent so far, finally stood up and said "We attacked their city unprovoked, senator Pluvius! We incurred this-"

"Will someone remove that traitor from the premises?!"

Pina was about to speak, but her brother beat her to it.

"Gentlemen, enough!"

Diabo let out a tired sigh as everyone turned to him. He took a step towards the center of the senate chambers and spoke calmly but firmly.

"The fact is that the war is over and we are beaten. The poor leadership of my father and older brother led to such a catastrophe and they should be blamed entirely. After all, it was Father who hurriedly approved an order to attack the lands across the Gate simply because he believed the enemy wasn't prepared for us, and it was Zorzal's own madness that led to the bombing of the Red-Light District that day as well as the treachery of his spies that you all were fooled into believing there was a chance at victory!"

There were a few nods of agreement, some less than content than others.

Diabo continued "Meanwhile, Princess Pina and myself have been trying to work out a lasting peace, one that will not see our Empire shattered or destroyed! Must we continue spilling blood for pointless reasons? I have yet to even hear one good reason to continue the war!"

Senator Pluvius said, "Highness if the Empire surrenders itself to the whims of the enemy, nothing will stop them from taking all the land!"

It was Lady who said "Actually, senator, they have several reasons to stop now. They're aware that destroying our Empire will lead to more instability so it is better to leave our Empire as intact as possible."

"But the damages-"

Pina then interrupted, saying "Can and will be mitigated as our former enemies are willing to help us rebuild! Gentlemen, we are not dealing with savages here, which is what I was trying so hard to convince my father of..." she spoke the last part in an almost silent voice; a drop in the ocean.

And no one listened to me then...

Senator Casel said "We should count ourselves lucky. What if we had attacked a nation more powerful than this one? One without mercy? Would we be shown any mercy? Would we not be treated like the many demi-humans we enslaved?"

No one spoke.

Diabo cleared his throat, saying "So, gentlemen, the facts stand that we must look forward. The royal family is still intact, our army, while weakened, is still functional, so maintaining order along our borders now takes top priority as we stabilize things within the capital and... mourn our fallen. We should be grateful we aren't under a total occupation."

Again, silence.

Dussie spoke quickly then.

"I understand you and several senators were secretly working to draft a new code of laws to make things more efficient?"

"Indeed, we based it around our older codes of law and accommodated what was necessary to satisfy our hopefully mutually beneficial allies. Let's go over them now, shall we? Lady, if you please."

The girl with orange hair stepped forward, opening a scroll, sighing as she looked over the article.

"All basic freedoms we've held shall remain, those with money get to keep it, and since most of the masterminds of the initial attacks on the American nation were killed during the war, no one shall be prosecuted."

Several nods of agreement; a few sighs of relief.

Lady continued, a look of fear as she turned to Diabo, then to Pina, both of whom nodded for her to read the next line.

"The practice of selling individuals for labor shall immediately cease, and those who were enslaved shall be freed and paid proper... compensation."

And like that, the room erupted into an argument once more.

"We can't afford to do that! We've been trying to say that!"

"My concubine knows nothing of the world! If I free her now, she's as good as dead!"

"How will we build and fix things without slaves?! Paying the army to do it?! Are you mad?"

"How will we even enforce such a law?!"

Pina sighed.

"You know, the United States has a similar political system to a Republic... I wonder how they did it." She mumbled.

Beefeater chortled, "I'm sure it's more organized than this mess."

Washington D.C

"We must object, this act violates state's rights."

"States are violating the Constitutional rights of American individuals, and this act seeks to correct that!"

"Perhaps, but these infringements are being done through legal means!"

"Then the solution is within legal parameters, is it not? Just because the masses of the state agree to violate the rights of their fellow citizens doesn't mean it's constitutional or correct."

"Perhaps so, but is the Federal Government in the business of telling the states how they should handle their elections? Would this new law not equip the Federal Government with potentially tyrannical power that could be used against the American people in the future?"

"Let's say it was. How is that different from the state establishing a tyrannical rule and violating the God-given rights of the American citizens? If we don't safeguard that the liberties guaranteed in our Constitution apply across all fifty states, then how can we call ourselves a free nation?"

At this, the old Democrat paused as if thinking things over. Then he shrugged. He couldn't object, smiling slightly. The equally old Republican mirrored him. The American president drank the glass of water with several pain pills mixed in.

"Well, Mister Hart... Mister Javit... thank you for that... demonstration?"

The Republican senator turned to him and said "Well, Mister President, I believe this is how the objections boil down to."

The Democrat senator sighed, saying "It's at least where the Dixiecrat arguments I can find conclude. Most other objections are concerned with the possibility that an increase in the size of government would cause problems down the line, but those are few and far between."

The American president nodded, saying "The duty of the Federal Government is to ensure the rights of the nation's citizens are protected... when Ike sent troops to Little Rock, he was just doing what the state government should have done but was refusing to do."

The Democrat Senator said "My concern is more on the fact that we may not have the votes. Yes, several agreeable senators were elected in the midterms, both Republican and Democrat but... this deal with the hybrids, it's... well, it's also causing bipartisan concern. Enough to prevent the Act from passing in the Senate... maybe not, but enough that I believe it would be a risk."

"Obviously it is, and obviously it's going to cause concern. We've never seen anything quite like this in human history."

The president stood and looked outside the window in the Oval Office.

"I remember reading that seeing people with ebony skin was such a rarity in the ancient and medieval European continent people were shocked and amazed when they first saw them. Really, all this discrimination didn't begin until African slaves became much more affordable and efficient. I'd argue the same for the Indians, but let's be honest, I don't have the historian credentials to make such claims..."

He watched as cars drove by and tourists flocked around the White House, taking photographs, walking off, mostly smiles.

He sighed, saying "I'd bet most Americans are sympathetic to these... demi-humans. Most of them were slaves and we've already shown photographic proof that slavery was just as bad across the gate if not worse than what we saw a hundred years ago."

No one spoke.

"We need to push on. Approval ratings notwithstanding, I can't bet on a second term to get this done. We put it forth now, while everyone still has the horrors of slavery fresh in their minds and do our best to get the votes... then we deal with the aftermath... whatever it may be."

The men only nodded.

He shook their hands, dismissed them, and sat back down, rubbing his head as another door opened and several men entered.

"So... what's the latest?"

The men sat down, saying "Well, we've coordinated with this so-called apostle to organize a meeting between the Marines, and they're already set to go later this week. Meanwhile, news from Princess Pina is... mixed."

"How mixed?"

"Well, their Senate is somewhat split on the whole abolishing slavery bit."

"Too bad, they have to eliminate it."

"She's aware, but she's wondering if some of the land demands can be negotiated or at least said to be negotiated if anything to get some of the senators to feel less humiliated."

The president rubbed the now throbbing vein on his forehead, saying "Of course they do... at least she's not as naïve. When can we hear from the Marines and our 900-year-old friend?"

Skies above the Mountain Range of Ice and Snow

"I'd say they're bigger than the Rockies."

"Nah, they look more or less the same."

"Man, look at those peaks, are you insane?"

Rory Mercury only tightened her grip on her Halberg.

The Marine Seargent noticed, and he considered whether or not he should comfort the deceptively young-looking girl.

He called "We could drop you; you know. We know the fall won't kill you."

The black-haired girl shook her head, staring out the window of the helicopter.

She was eerily quiet. Normally she would be trying something to annoy the Marines, or looking for ways to get on their collective nerves, yet all she'd done throughout the chinook's flight was stare out her window, silently watching the ice accumulate as they began to descend.

"Alright, guys, we're close. We don't exactly know what we're going to face, but our leaders expect us to represent our country. We will keep immature comments to a minimum, we have instructions right here, and... Wade, you have the camera?"

"Aye, Sarge."

"Good! Miss Mercury here knows the land better than us; remember she's on point as we get to this... temple."

Normally an operation of such magnitude as "meeting a god" would have been carried out by more "official" government personnel, not grunts. But, as specified, the meeting could and would only happen if it was only the Marines who had directly fought the flame dragon went. Gisselle had given them instructions on how to arrive and where they could find an area to land their helicopter.

As the CH-47 landed in a clear area with a light layer of snow and smooth, black stones, the Marines walked out, rifles ready as they looked around.

It was an odd mixture of black, white, and blue as the morning sky met with the whites and blacks of the titanic mountain range around them, the jagged peaks reaching and poking towards the sky like the claws or teeth of a massive ancient beast, the cold air and snow-carrying wind adding an aura of mystery as the Marines walked ahead.

Rory stuck to the side of the sergeant like a kid, only pointing to a spot on the nearby mountain wall, a rocky peak that stretched far up at a vertical angle.

One Marine said, "Sergeant, got an entrance up here!"

The sergeant turned to Rory and asked "You're sure this is it?"

Rory only said "Once in there... we'll be in her domain..."

She gripped the man's coat tighter.

"Alright... Mason, Wade, clear the entrance, Ron, Dick, get the equipment... God be with us, we'll be home by dinner."

Above, two Marine F4 Phantoms flew nearby.

It was slow going. The entrance was a stairway that descended deep into the mountain, air whistling as it blew into the entrance like an archaic flute singing an out-of-tune song.

Lights were flipped on as the darkness enveloped them the more they descended. After a short while, it was as if even their flashlights would be swallowed up by the almost physical presence of a darkness that wasn't merely tangible, but alive.

Not that the Marines seemed to care.

Rory could still see them despite the cursed eternal night of the entrance to the underworld that Hardy had oh so politely given to them. From what she could tell, the men were mostly curious as they moved their flashlights up and down the unnatural cave as they continued their descent.

"Man, it's quiet..." one mumbled.

Another said, "Assuming this is the layer of a self-proclaimed god, I doubt anything living has been allowed to leave in a hundred years."

Rory wanted to correct them, as the truth was that nothing living had been allowed to exit the entrance of the underworld in the last ten thousand years, but that was simply impossible for anyone to tell as any remains had been swallowed up.

"We brought explosives, right?"

"Yeah, I got 'em."

As they continued descending, a faint glow could be seen further down.

"Hey, sarge... possible contact up ahead. Something's glowing."

The group stopped as the Marine Sergeant walked forward, Rory still clinging to him like a child. He looked ahead, noticing that there was no sound of any kind coming from down below.

"Rory?" he asked.

She only said "That's the place... it's the entrance to Hardy's Domain... going further will guarantee our meeting with... her."

The sergeant nodded, saying "Great, let's go."

Once again, Rory couldn't understand how the men were so relaxed.

The floor under them smoothened and leveled out as they came across the entrance, all the men glancing upwards, noting the source of the chamber's glow. The small entrance led into a massive antechamber, where smooth walls rose upwards to an opening that was completely covered in glowing, clear, ice.

"Huh... pretty." someone mumbled.

The sergeant said "I guess this is the place. Let's set up the equipment, maybe she'll-"

An even brighter light began to come from the ice then. It was as if rays of sunlight had pierced through the layer of ice, but as it began to brighten, a dark figure began to become recognizable within the ice. A loud choir could be heard through the cave as the figure began to descend, seemingly through the ice.

"Salvete, alterius militum mundi. Benvenuto nel mio regno. Ah! Rorī mākyurī, kon'nichiwa, kyō wa ogenkidesuka? Ah, Watashi no mottomo aisuru anata ga inakute sabishikattadesu..."

Rory cringed and stepped behind the Marines. The men stared as the glowing figure became recognizable as that of a young woman wearing tatters of clothing, similar to a Roman tunic, elegant, yet somehow symbolic of decay.

The self-proclaimed Goddess of the Underworld, Hardy.

The Marine Sergeant mumbled, "What the hell was that?"

The self-proclaimed goddess giggled, waving her hands as a large mass of black sand rose from the rocky ground like a geyser before freezing and forming a table and a seat.

"A mixture of languages... I'm just amazed you brought my precious Rory along!"

Rory hid behind the Sergeant, glaring at the seemingly older woman sitting ahead of them.

Said woman glanced at one of the Marines who had set up a camera.

She sighed in disappointment.

"Aww. You're not even going to bother with pleasantries, are you?"

She pouted, placing her head on her hand as she looked away.

"Well, we kind of need to. Our jets only have so much fuel, and we have much to discuss."

"Fair enough... you men did slay my dragons, after all. It's only fair I give you the privilege of an... interview." She then crossed her legs, passing a hand through her blue hair as she seemingly got comfortable where she sat, asking "So... where should I begin?"

The Marine sergeant turned to the young man called "Ron", the soldier glancing at a notepad before turning to the man with the camera and microphone.

He got a thumbs up.

Ron turned to Hardy and said, "Your name is Hardy, correct?"

"Indeed."

"No second name?"

"Not in a long time."

"Alright... You were the one who opened the gate between the Hill of Alnus and the City of Dallas?"

She chortled, saying "Well, of course, I was. Did I not answer these questions before? Come on, skip to the fun questions already."

Ron asked, "Why did you open the gate?"

Hardy smiled brightly, sweetly, almost as pure as a child.

"Boredom!" she said in a sing-song voice.

No one spoke. A tense feeling in the air as the men began eyeing her with some degree of disgust.

Hardy shook her head, saying "Well, boredom isn't the sole reason, but what else was I supposed to do? The stars were right, and it's been quite some time since I last opened the Gate."

No one spoke for a moment.

"What reasons?"

The self-proclaimed goddess stretched in her seat, saying "Well, for starters, I wished to teach The Empire a little lesson in humility. Honestly, we don't mind the mortals going on sprees of conquest and destruction, but these imperials kept thinking of themselves as so great... I figured facing them against a superior force would work. Of course, you lost lambs went so far, so fast... maybe I should have gone with the Japanese..."

The Marine Sergeant winced at the statement.

"Japanese? You... you know about other nations on earth?"

"Why wouldn't I? I'm a goddess!"

At this, Rory jumped at the chance.

She pointed at her, saying "A scatterbrain like you has little to no knowledge of anything other than your own disgusting self-interests! She's lying, sergeant! She probably can't tell you the first thing about Japan!"

At the smile the self-proclaimed goddess gave her, Rory quickly hid behind the sergeant.

Hardy only said, "I know more than you do, my dear."

"G-go on... ask her something about Japan..." Rory said, standing her ground.

The Marine sergeant shrugged, saying "I haven't been, but... okay, who's their Emperor?"

Hardy confidently said "A man named Akihito."

The Marine Sergeant said, "That's-"

"Before you try to correct me, I'm not talking about the nation of Japan any of you are familiar with. I speak of the Japan of the year two-thousand and fifteen if we're using your calendar."

The room fell deafeningly silent once more.

The Marine sergeant turned to Rory, the girl only glaring at the woman.

Turning back to Hardy, he asked "You mean... Japan of... the future?"

Hardy's grin widened further as she said "Ah, yes, the Japan of 2015. A beautiful place. So peaceful, so quaint... would you like to see it?" she asked, snapping her fingers.

A small baseball-sized bubble appeared from the darkness, floating slowly towards her. Once in her hand, she leveled it forward towards the Marines.

"Here."

The men took a single step closer.

Within the bubble, they could see smaller and shinier automobiles moving from left to right, people, Japanese people, walking and moving about wearing completely different clothes from what they were used to seeing back home, but not entirely different. What did appear different was how people seemed to be busy on some kind of device they were carrying, some holding them in their hands, others to their ears, some seemingly typing away on them like typewriters.

"That's Ginza, Tokyo, July 4th, 2015... I almost opened the Gate right there that fateful day." Hardy said with a longing sigh.

"Sarge, you... you're seeing this, too?" the Marine named Ron stammered as he made room for the camera to capture the image.

"Y-yeah... what are those Japs carrying? Portable phones of some kind? Some kind of... small typewriters?"

Hardy clapped her hands, the bubble popping as she said "Ah-ha-ha! So astute! Yes, portable phones! Earth has such interesting lore..."

Rory mumbled "Lore?"

The Marine sergeant said "You can open a portal to... any point in our planet's history? Past, present... future?"

Hardy huffed, saying "Don't get ahead of yourself, I can't bend time to my will. There are several worlds I could have connected the Gate to, and versions of your earth are oftentimes the most developed. This time, it was really down to the Dallas of your world, The Tokyo of that world, and the Moscow of this really strange version of your world that's similar to yours but for some odd reason Russians aren't... what do you call them, Red?"

The Marines collectively shouted "What?!"

Hardy shrugged, saying "It was extremely peaceful, so I ignored it. I think it had something to do with one of your Roosevelts becoming the leader at a different time or something, I don't really care. It was boring. As was that Japan... to a degree. Their culture is certainly interesting, but there's only mundane drama like politics and their dependence on your country. Even the occasional threat by other countries doesn't seem to spice up the place." she mumbled the last part like a teenager, irritated with a book she'd read.

The Marine sergeant asked, "But... but then why did you pick us?"

"Hmm? Oh, it was actually a really tough decision, see... while I was choosing where to open it, I was doing a bit of research, and I really wanted to open it in Japan because... well, it's a country that can't declare war and lead a boring existence, so if they tried to fight the Empire, it might spark some interesting drama, but they're also a very close ally of yours, and I'd really rather not have to deal with the Americans of the year two-thousand-fifteen... you'd destroy the Empire in a week and then go home, and then it's just politics about managing the land..."

She chuckled.

"Of course... unlike the Japan of two-thousand fifteen, your United States is in a much more interesting situation. In fact..."

Her grin vanished.

In a dark, melodramatic tone, she said "You should kneel and thank me for saving your leader."

No one spoke.

Hardy's childish smile returned, now somewhat bemused.

"Geez, you mortals... you really don't let anything phase you?"

Rory said, "You don't know humans, Hardy... you perverted wench."

"Easy on the hostility, kiddo... what do you mean by that, Miss?"

"Hmm? Oh, had it not been for me opening the Gate, your president would have most likely been killed by that man who wound up saving captured civilians."

"Wait, Oswald?!"

"Sure, why else did he have a rifle and a gun? Honestly, doing my research, I'm shocked your two world powers didn't blow each other up over it. Frankly, I figured the Gate opening might've risked a major war eventually, but... nothing ventured nothing gained. Plus, it's generating some prime drama that's made the last few months so much fun! I absolutely loved the first time you guys fought off the Flame dragon!"

"People died."

"C'est la vie."

No one spoke.

Hardy finally said "But enough about my decision. I want to hear from you! What do you men plan on doing to my world?"

At the disapproving glare from Rory, she groaned, saying "Oh, don't be so Childish."

"We're not done with our questions."

"Ugh... fine, ask away... buzzkill."

The Marine Sergeant nodded to Ron, the young man only swallowing his fear as he said "You claim to be a goddess, and our information claims that there are several so-called gods in this world... is that correct?"

"Indeed."

"But you don't have a physical form and cannot alter the physical world?"

"Correct... this desk is actually just a cloud I brought with me... if we usually want to communicate with mortals, we have to either appear in dreams, or find a priestess that's strong enough to withstand us possessing them, but... usually, the poor girl doesn't survive my unrestrained... prowess. In fact, the reason we're meeting here is that I really did wish to speak with you men. Hopefully, we can keep this location a secret, yes?"

"What did you want to talk about?" the Marine sergeant asked.

"I'll just assume you're agreeing to keep my home a secret... anyway, I'm sure Rory already told you... right?"

Rory raised an eyebrow.

With her ever-present grin, Hardy asked "Tell me... why is it that the humans of this world remain in such a stagnant society?"

No one spoke.

One particularly brave Marine said "Because human society didn't advance too much until the last few centuries? Progress can be slow."

Hardy said, "Even so, after a thousand or so years, surely there would have been some changes, no?"

Silence.

Hardy sighed, saying "Rory, have you told them about Emory's idea of the mortals advancing?"

Rory's face contorted in anger.

"Come now, dear, don't be angry. You're so ugly when you frown like that."

The Marine sergeant asked, "Advancing how, exactly?"

Hardy said "Hmm, apparently not. See, the gods of this world don't particularly appreciate the mortals being able to advance, so they send apostles like Rory and Gisselle to end any innovation that may become a problem."

All eyes turned to the dark-haired girl.

The simple question was asked by the sergeant.

"Is this true?"

Rory coldly replied "Yes."

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"Because I wasn't told to tell you this..." she said, seemingly worried.

Hardy sighed, saying "Ah, the gifts of being an apostle... so much power, so much strength... so little agency."

The girl appeared to shrink at the description.

"So... if your god ordered you to attack us...?"

"I'd do it." She admitted matter-of-factly.

"But... your god hasn't ordered that."

Rory only said "Yes. I don't know why. I was hoping he wouldn't mind this time..."

Hardy then said, "Well, see, that's what I wanted to talk to you about! This world is... well, for all intents and purposes, our own little playground, but it's clear there are benefits to your lonely cosmic existence."

"What?"

"I'm saying that your growth has allowed you to achieve great things. You've even left your planet, have you not?"

The men nodded slowly, Alan B Shepard's famous flight on Freedom 7 having occurred only 3 years prior, only one month after the Soviet's own Yuri Gagarin became the first man to be lifted into space.

Hardy said "So, many of the gods are curious about your world. While you haven't exactly solved your problems... well, you're clearly working to that, so... perhaps you could solve problems within this world that not even we... what words did you use... self-proclaimed gods? Yes, that... perhaps you can solve some problems even we cannot solve."

"W-what?" Rory asked.

Hardy's grin widened.

"Rejoice, my dear! The gods have taken an interest in you men who challenge their authority. What do you say?"

"We only recognize one God, ma'am."

Hardy sighed, amused as she said "Right, right... then perhaps you can consider a challenge from entities that rule these lands. Would you try and solve the challenges that plague this world that even we can't solve?"

Silence.

The Marine sergeant said, "I can't speak for my government, but... our president did say something about this."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Our problems are man-made; therefore, they can be solved by man. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings."

Hardy chuckled before laughing out loud.

"Ah-ha-ha, then I look forward to seeing how you do in this endeavor! You are... an entertaining people. Go on, I shall inform my colleagues of this. Odds are not all will agree, but I'm sure enough will and stay out of your way. Those that don't... well, Wareharun isn't exactly immune to flames, being a bunch of trees and all... hint-hint."

Again, silence.

Before they could ask anything else, she turned to Rory, saying "Ah, Rory, would you like to join-?"

"No!"

Hardy sighed and said "Always such a tease... oh well. I'll have Gisselle direct you to where your... man-made problems are."

"Wait, we still-"

"I know you have questions, believe me, we'll talk again. Your first task should be to the west... a plague caused by man's hubris must be rescinded as your first task. Then we shall meet once more!"

Then with a sly grin, she said "I'll allow you to keep the images of me without an offering this time... but only this time, understand? If you wish to keep my images an honest offering must be brought."

The Marine with the camera nodded very slowly.

With that, the self-proclaimed goddess grinned and began floating up into the air, back onto the block of ice as she glowed more and more before finally disappearing, the words "Good luck to you" echoing in the cave.

Ron shuddered.

The Marine Sergeant muttered "Hmm... We didn't even get to ask her all our questions... We'll have to hunt her down and-"

"S-sergeant, how are you so relaxed? The goddess of the underworld, the gods of this world, they... they just presented a challenge to not just you, but to your people?"

"So?"

"So... so, shouldn't you be more concerned? She basically asked you to obliterate the delicate balance that has maintained this world for millennia! And if the plague she mentioned is what I think it is, then there are horrors beyond the battles you have seen awaiting you!"

He shrugged, saying "I just do what I have to... come on, let's head back."

As the men began gathering their things, Rory could only wonder one thing.

How exactly do they intend to go about cleaning up that freak's mess?

June 28th, 1964

Outskirts of Crety

4:00 AM

The white-haired girl stared ahead with a slight smile on her face. The forest leaves touched her pale skin as she walked slowly and gracefully through the green forest.

There was a loud CRACK and then her skull was broken in two and she collapsed to the ground under her, a brown fluid trickling from her shattered head.

Dennis didn't react, Alex saying "Yeah, tango is down." before putting the radio down and adjusting his gas mask, tightening the straps around his face.

Helicopters flew above them, likely getting a far better view of the so-called "Arun Labyrinth". Allegedly, it had belonged to an ancient empire that had collapsed some centuries prior, though the exact causes weren't entirely known. What was known for certain was the fact that this "labyrinth" was the epicenter of a disease that brought terrifying fates for those infected with it, which was why every American soldier present in the area was in full protective gear.

The corpse ahead of them was the unfortunate proof of it all.

"Come on, let's take her to the pit..." Dennis muttered through his mask, lowering the XM16E1, and pressing out of the brush.

"Take it to the pit... I don't wanna humanize these things." Alex said.

Dennis didn't reply, slinging the rifle on his back and grabbing the corpse by the arms, Alex grabbing its legs, both Rangers glad their gloved hands didn't have to touch the smooth but infected flesh. Dennis studied the dead girl as they moved her through the forest. She couldn't have been older than him when she "died".

It was an entirely unholy thing.

The disease, if it could be called that, weakened its victims, and while not always fatal, when it was, the family had no time to mourn. According to the people of Crety, they would have to move the bodies to the entrance of the labyrinth and immediately retreat, as the dead body would "reanimate" not long after. Not come back to life, but "reanimate". Dennis had a tough time wrapping his mind around the concept. The body remaining "alive" despite the person dying, the remains only existing to kill and eat. Not even rotting away, as if the person was just gone and the only indication was glossy eyes that no longer produced tears and even if they did it mattered not as the dead didn't blink or breathe.

The good news was that they also didn't think, so all their guys had to do was set themselves up into neat little outposts in the forests surrounding the labyrinth and wait for the dead to come to them, enter a proper Killzone, and destroy the numbers that shambled towards them. Slowly they had closed in around the large labyrinth. Slowly they had cleared it, little by little, with only a few stragglers moving around by that point.

Another gunshot was heard in the distance.

The Rangers ignored it as they came out of the forest and onto an ashen wasteland of burnt ground. Other American soldiers, all in full protective gear, were disposing of the infected corpses. This was where the real horror of the disease lay.

As it turned out, the only way to kill them properly once more was through destroying the brain, but burning them was apparently necessary so that the disease didn't remain.

"Toss it over there!" a man yelled through his mask.

Alex and Dennis nodded, tossing the corpse in a large pit, with several other "killed" infected.

"Light 'em up, John!"

The two Rangers backed off as a man stepped forward, using a flamethrower to set the pit ablaze, the napalm spewed by the old weapon purging all illness as black smoke rose to the sky. Dennis only stared at the pile of quickly charring bodies, the barely visible shimmer of white hair vanishing under the flame reminded him of someone he couldn't afford to think about right then.

Alnus

7:30 AM

No... please... let go...

She felt the hands squeeze her neck ever more tightly, the man on top of her howling with glee as she teared up and did her best to take the pain, he was causing her.

"Don't start crying! Remember what your people's lives depend on!" he laughed at her, hitting her with one hand, then moving the other to pull at her ears until she feared he might rip them off her head.

Please... stop... this is a dream... a nightmare... wake up... wake up!

Tyuule's eyes shot open, her hands instinctively clutching her stomach as if in pain, even though she didn't feel anything after a moment. The memories, however, made her feel like she was experiencing them again.

She sat up on her bed, wiping away some tears as she looked around her almost barren room, furnished only by her bed, a desk, a chair, and a small mirror that had been there when she was given the apartment; sunlight entering through the only window in the apartment as the sound outside of people going about their business as the day started flooded in.

She stood from her bed, and stretched, glancing at herself in the small mirror she'd placed on the wall. No marks or bruises remained visible, which caused a sad smile to manifest on her face. Several smaller scars remained on her arms and legs where Zorzal had hurt her plenty, a larger one remaining on her arm where he had cut her that day. As she glanced at her hand, noting the ring on her finger, she had to suppress her fears once again.

What if he doesn't want me?

She shook the thoughts aside immediately. Her daily life now permitted her to forget her worries if only a little.

...

"I feel fine, Parna. Thank you." Tyuule said, trying not to sound irritated, but the apprentice nurse was seemingly more than a little concerned.

"It's been well over a month. Are you sure? No signs of nausea, or anything?"

"Yes. Now please, I have work to do." She said, tying her hair in a large bun and placing a hairnet over her, lowering her ears so it fit properly as she walked over to a sink with several dirty plates.

Parna frowned, saying "You're just fine with working like this?"

"Well, why not? It's a little extra money..." Tyuule said, placing a dish under the faucet.

As well as an easy distraction from it all...

The dark-haired bunny girl glanced at the sparkling clean kitchen. It wasn't large or anything, the recent construction still showed as the kitchen lacked any paint, and was relatively bare, except for some counters, a stove, and the sink.

"Well, if you say so... is the chef treating you well?"

"Certainly. Other than yelling at the American soldiers, he's quite an appeasable gentleman."

Parna smiled awkwardly, quietly saying "Yes... that worries me... is he not American?"

Tyuule said, "He always emphasizes his Japanese heritage and the importance of discipline, but to my understanding he is American."

"I have American citizenship, but that is all." the tall, muscular man waltzed in, wearing an apron and a chef's hat.

Tyuule straightened, saying "Good morning, chef!"

"Good morning." then, turning to Parna, "I don't mind you asking questions during work hours, just don't cause trouble. Now, where's my...?"

"Right here, chef!" Tyuule said quickly, handing the man a just-washed butcher's knife.

"Ah, thank you... well, I'll leave you be." the older man said, heading out the kitchen door, grabbing a cup of parsley from the pantry on his way out.

Parna said, "Huh, so he's training new cooks, right?"

"Mm-hmm..." Tyuule mumbled, trying to get a stain out of the very white and very expensive plates.

Parna asked, "He hasn't bothered you with anything?"

"Not particularly. If you want to ask him about last week's incident, I'm sure he-"

"Did you see it?"

Tyuule said, "No, but Meia said the soldier pulled at her tail."

"You think the chef needed to break the man's nose?"

Tyuule only said "As I said, I didn't see anything. Maybe it was a misunderstanding, maybe Meia was underplaying what happened. Maybe the Chef exaggerated what he saw. I would tell you if I could back either one's version, but I can't."

As she finished with the plate, she said "I can say that compared to my previous job, this is an upgrade, so I may be biased."

"True enough. But... ma'am, you seem troubled."

"I'm alright, Parna... just a little... lovesick is all." Tyuule smiled slightly, holding onto the ring she'd been given not so long ago, her face reddening ever so slightly.

"Have you heard from him recently?"

Tyuule said "He was near Crety. That's all I know, but... I think he'll be back soon."

Parna only nodded.

With no more to ask, the nurse in training excused herself and left through the back exit, leaving the white-haired girl alone in the kitchen. The small restaurant didn't have a large selection of food, but now that the Gate was opened to investors and civilians from the other side, new businesses were opening and more people were able to come and go, and as the growing noise from outside the kitchen indicated, business was good.

Thus, she found herself here now. Washing dishes and cleaning.

After a short while, a girl in a dress walked in, closing the door using her cat-like tail as she carried several dirty dishes, she placed next to the white-haired girl.

Meia said, "Morning, Miss."

"Morning!" Tyuule replied, forcing a smile as she tried to appear friendly to her co-workers.

The catgirl reached into her dress pockets, grabbing a cigarette and a lighter, one of the many practical inventions that fascinated the local population. The ability to just make a fire with such ease was something only known to some magicians.

Meia lit the cigarette, saying "Wanna trade shifts? The soldiers would probably love you."

Tyuule only lifted her hand, showing the wedding ring.

Meia groaned, saying "Come on, even if he does come back, even if he does want to marry you, he won't need to know."

"Trading shifts with me would cause more trouble because I wouldn't stay quiet if they tried something with me. Can't you just tell the chef which soldiers bother you? I'm sure he'd forbid them from coming back after what he did to that private."

The Catgirl shrunk back at the suggestion.

"I don't want to cause any trouble."

"That's not necessarily a good path to take."

Meia said "Well, perhaps..."

"Alright, look, you don't have to tell the chef, just... make it clear you don't like what they do. If they keep at it, the chef will notice and probably kick them out or tell them off and you won't have to tell him anything."

The catgirl seemed to think it over.

She took a long drag and breathed it out, saying "Maybe you're on to something... I'll give it a shot."

Tyuule smiled ever so slightly.

Maybe I can do some good.

July 1st, 1964

Outskirts of Crety

8:00 AM

Decontamination was a frustrating but necessary procedure. The showers, the quarantine, the constant surveillance for infection. It mattered not that the disease allegedly only affected young girls, the possibility of one soldier going to Alnus or back home and accidentally bringing the ailment with him was too much of a nightmare scenario to contemplate, thus the Army maintained incredibly strict adherence to procedure.

"Should have just bombed the place with napalm..." Tom groaned as he picked up his rucksack.

"Archeological importance... now that the war's over, the eggheads want to analyze and study every nook and cranny of this place, and preserve what they can." Rhodes sighed, mirroring the red-head.

"Still, to deal with those walking corpses..."

"And infected animals, too." Alex sighed.

Dennis said, "Why is it that the animals were more dangerous, anyway?"

"Hey, they were still easier to deal with than the Imperial Army. At least the infected didn't get it in them to shoot back or think to go around a pit."

Dennis said "Fair enough captain, but still... I think it would have cost less to bomb it and then examine the remains than to do all this just to preserve a building."

"A building of unparalleled historical importance. We must fight to ensure our history isn't forgotten, after all. Is that not reason enough?"

The Rangers glanced at the voice that spoke in decent-sounding English, noticing a small girl with blue hair that was wearing a colorful tunic, carrying an odd staff, with the only familiar thing about her being the gas mask she had over her head.

"Uh... and you are?"

"Lelei La Lalena." She replied curtly.

No one spoke.

Tom finally said, "You people have the strangest names, you know that, right?"

Lelei's expression ever so subtly changed from indifferent to irritated as she said "I read it isn't polite to attack people's cultures."

"Certainly, certainly, but all I did was state a fact."

"Your world has strange names as well. I was reading about a man named Lu-Bu."

"Who's that? A singer?" Alex asked.

"A Chinese man who lived many thousand years ago. I'm certain if you were to walk over and introduce yourself as Thomas, he would claim your name was strange as well. Perhaps even stranger than mine... strange man with red hair."

"Oh, a smart-aleck little-"

Rhodes interrupted before Tom decided to say something to offend the young girl.

"Miss, why are you here, exactly?"

Lelei only handed the captain some papers.

"Your men are healthy is all. I was told to give you the medical reports. Good job!" she said without a hint of excitement.

Dennis finally said, "Are you a magician?"

The girl said "I consider myself a scientist now. If it can be explained, then it can't be magical in nature. I'm sure you all agree."

No one argued.

"Now, please excuse me." She said, her voice muffled as she put on the gas mask and stepped past them.

"Is she allowed back there?" Dennis mumbled.

"Not my problem." Tom groaned.

Rhodes only said "Correct. Frankly, let them deal with her. We're done here."

As the men walked out, Lelei walked into the encampment.

She proceeded out of the tent, adjusting the "gas mask" the Americans had given her to prevent her from inhaling any potentially dangerous pathogens. It was one thing to destroy those infected, but it was another thing entirely to prevent the sickness from spreading and keeping it there. At least that last part was doable with the present technology, as she doubted even the Empire's legions would have been fully able to neutralize the threats within the Arun Labyrinth.

A pair of soldiers escorted her down the hill, towards the now burnt down forest. Men with gas masks and the weapons that breathed actual fire continued lighting bits of it ablaze, but that didn't interest her much. Throughout her short time alive, Lelei had heard of and seen destruction on a similar scale, with small villages or nomadic convoys simply being pushed aside by warlords or gangs of roaming thieves.

No, what interested Lelei had to do with what had been discovered inside the labyrinth.

Once at its entrance, a large, white tent had been erected to contain the discovery.

She was let inside, some wore heavier protection than others, but everyone maintained their faces covered as they studied the strange body.

Yao Ha Dushi awkwardly prayed for the dead before stepping back, Shaun more than happy to translate for her, but knowing that the young mage likely understood the dark elf.

Lelei asked, "So it's true, then?"

Yao said, "Indeed... that... used to be one of my people."

Lelei stared at the deformed corpse, safely placed behind a protective sheet. Even with all the precautions, she'd rather not get too close to it.

The young mage then said, "So, then the ancient kingdom of Arun really did try to experiment with immortality for normal humans."

Shaun translated to the men present.

A scientist there awkwardly spoke through his Hazmat suit.

"Are there any indications or historical records of this that you know of?"

Lelei shook her head and switched to English, saying "Of this, no. Perhaps some of the scholars of Proctor know more, but... there were always whispers and rumors passed down. I'm sure Miss Yao has an idea."

Shaun happily translated to the dark elf.

She said "As you say. Rumors. When this took place, I hadn't even been born yet, and only the elders have some vague memory of those taken back then."

Shaun translated.

"Then it's safe to assume this is the result. Dark Elves were kidnapped and experimented on to find immortality. Now we have... well... had walking corpses."

Another one said "Not necessarily. There are a lot of stone tablets that may give some insight on exactly what happened here."

"Still... a plague of walking corpses... I'd rather not think about it."

"May I burn the body, please? It should put the soul to rest." Yao said a sullen expression as she glanced at the disfigured corpse.

Lelei turned to the scientists, asking "Did you take any samples for further investigation?"

The men nodded.

Lelei turned to Yao and said "Go ahead. We have what we need."

...

The Rangers walked out of the encampment, Dennis noting the rather odd sight of the heavy infantry of the Rose Knights, a blonde-haired woman, holding a long sword, chatting with a UN Peacekeeper, the Canadian showing off his C1 rifle as if they weren't in hostile territory.

Oh... Right... the war's over, so now both sides are free to mingle and exchange ideas.

As if to punctuate his thought, they met with yet another new sight in the strange world around them.

She had yellow hair, a United States Army combat uniform, an M14 Battle rifle on her back, a badge that identified her as a "Private Patricia", and droopy rabbit ears on her head. She glanced at the taller soldier next to her, the pale man only nodding.

She turned to them, asking in decent English "Captain Thomas Rhodes?"

Rhodes said, "Yes, ma'am."

The bunny girl only said, "Transports. Over there. Thank you for your service."

The men nodded and walked past her. Not really commenting on the girl until they were a fair distance away, already getting closer to the trucks.

"I think that means the president got an act through congress." Rhodes finally said.

Tom chortled, "Hey if girls like that were in the Army when I first signed up, I wouldn't have promised to marry. Sweet Jesus, think we share showers with them at the barracks?"

Alex said "Well, Orville has the right idea. I've yet to see a single one of the rabbit women who aren't easy on the eyes. Ears and tail notwithstanding, of course."

Dennis didn't say anything.

Sean waved at them from the truck, rifle slung on his back, a cigarette on his shaking left hand as other Rangers got onto the truck.

"You alright?" Rhodes called.

"Y-yea, cap'n... just... a bit rattled is all..."

Dennis winced, asking "What happened?"

Sean turned around, as men climbed onto the truck, quickly saying "I... I only saw one of... them earlier, y'know? I-I obviously took the shot, but... missed the brain, so... dead girl with half her head missing kept walking."

Tom said "Ah... yeah... they don't die even if they're torn apart. Cut one in half with the M60. Not pretty."

Sean only nodded, saying "Yeah... not... pretty."

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

"Yeah, captain, just... steadying my nerves... I mean, those things don't make any noise. They don't breathe, they don't cry out... they're just... dead."

Rhodes nodded, asking "Those Winstons?"

Sean glanced at the cigarette in his hands.

He nodded.

Tom asked "Got any more? I'm beat..."

"Y-yeah... another Ranger gave 'em to me. Want any?"

Rhodes didn't say anything, grabbing one.

Dennis raised his hands, saying "I'm good, thanks."

Sean shrugged, handing the others a couple before they got on the transport truck.

The engines roared to life and the truck began to roll down a hill and onto a dirt road which was now becoming more pronounced thanks to the constant tracks of heavy vehicles. The green pastures in the distance were a reminder of where they were. No one really spoke as the truck went down the road. Not the Rangers, not the other Army personnel, not the driver. They all appeared as if they'd been awake for days on end.

For at least a few of them, that was actually the case.

Dennis decided to unfold the letter he'd gotten some time ago, partly to re-read it, partly to distract everyone from the horrors they'd been subject to less than a day prior, and partly to distract himself.

Sean noticed, and quickly asked, "That from your girl?"

Oh, it worked...

Dennis shook his head.

"Nah, but there's a story to it. Wanna get angry?"

"Why would I get angry?"

Dennis glanced around the truck, noting that some of the soldiers were looking at him, seemingly interested.

He smiled slightly, happy to play the role of "entertainment" if it would get everyone to think about something else.

"Well, after ma died, I got in a bit of a disagreement with one of my neighbors. Good guy, but... well... very opinionated, you know?"

"Opinionated how?"

"Ah, usual crap. I think he read Marx or something. Didn't like me joining the Army, and he didn't like that his kids got drafted. So, the day I'm set to go, he waltzes over to my house to give me an earful about war being bad."

"Oh, is he one of those cowards?"

"Conscientious objectors?"

"That's what I said."

Dennis chortled, saying "Worse, he was in the Navy."

Some dry laughs from the others.

"So, that's the last I saw of him... but, last month, after all the drama with the capital and the emperor and all that, I find out he sent me a letter!"

A few confused looks.

"Yeah, so-so, I open the letter, right, and I notice there's something else in the envelope. So, I'm wondering what this is and when I look inside, I find... my mother's wedding ring."

A few men frowned.

Someone mumbled, "Did he go grave-robbing or something?"

Dennis said "Attached was a letter of him apologizing! Apparently, he got so angry with me, he kept some stuff mom asked him to give me after she passed! Conveniently, too! He waited until I left and the war was over to send the letter!"

That last part was partially a lie, but he doubted it would go against him after what Jones did.

"Oh, so he found out you weren't dead, and then he sent you a letter about what he did?"

"Yup!"

"Hey, if you wanna go get him later..."

"Oh, yeah, that will look good on my record! Army beats Navy again in a one-on-one! No one surprised!"

"That reminds me of my dad's first in-laws." someone said.

Rhodes stared at Dennis as some of the men continued chatting.

Whether the 18-year-old was doing it to cope or something else, the captain felt a pang of relief that the kid appeared capable of sitting down and laughing at how insane life could still be.

Outskirts of Itálica

12:00 PM

Charlotte observed Tyuwal water some plants on the home's small but growing garden.

"Pretty soon, these will bear fruit, you know." the harpy said with a grin.

The little dog girl nodded, watching the garden plants peeking out of the dirt. Her mind partially elsewhere, but still carefully observing the small patches of green, guarding them against any unwanted birds or pests.

"You're sure these are necessary, Tyuwal? We're making money and we'll be able to afford food for ourselves, you know." the young man walked out of the door, petting the young girl's head as he did so.

Tyuwal said "One can't be too cautious! What if something happens to the Gate and we have to go back to how things were before?"

The two adults glanced at the little girl who seemed to understand the severity of the possibility as her ears lowered and a look of worry came over her face.

The blonde man mumbled "A fair point. Still, maybe I should hire someone. That way you don't have to work on that alone."

"That would be nice."

Charlotte's ears perked up then, and she glanced down the road.

She stood up, tail wagging as a cloud of dust was being lifted by what could only be Army trucks, the girl's ears allowing her to recognize the noise from farther away than anyone else.

As the trucks made themselves clear, she had already raised her hand and began waving at them.

"Bye-bye! Bye-bye!" she called.

The man sighed, saying "She can tell if they're coming or going by the direction... she's a bright kid."

Tyuwal said, "She's just guessing by the fact they aren't stopping here."

The little girl continued waving as the trucks drove off.

Inside one of them, the chats and noise had mostly died down by then, which gave Dennis enough of a chance to hear the small words carry through the air.

He turned around and stood from his seat, awkwardly walked to the edge of the truck, and peered outside. She was a brown speck waving at them in the distance, near a house, with a couple standing by the door.

His mouth fell open, but he was quick to close it.

Slowly he walked back to where he'd been and sat back down.

Sean said "If you want to visit her, we could probably go one of these days. Misery knows the girl caring for her and-"

"Nah..." Dennis said quietly.

"Nah?"

"It's better she moves on. I can't adopt her."

"She's right on the border of our new territory. She'll be a citizen soon."

Dennis said "Not for a while, she won't. In the meantime, she should get attached to the people actually taking care of her. Better she has a mom and dad instead of what amounts to an older sister and a lot of older brothers. Plus, I don't want to make her think I'll actually adopt her when I can't."

Sean shrugged, saying "Well, you're eighteen... Tyuule is... what, 19?"

"About. I don't think either of us is ready for a kid." Dennis half-laughed.

The truth was a touch more complicated. Even as he said so, his mind flashed images of the attack by the member of the Haryo tribe that one day. He'd been able to drown out the nightmares by keeping himself busy, and he didn't have them as often, but he'd be lying if he said they weren't constantly bothering him, constantly on the back of his mind, biting at his thoughts. He doubted he'd be able to keep his mind busy all the time, and he didn't want the little girl around when the dam burst once more or he had one of his "earthquakes". And that was ignoring the fact he had to look out for Tyuule's own inner demons as well.

He didn't want any kid in that environment, especially if there was a much better alternative.

Sean ended the conversation with an almost silent "Yeah, that makes sense." as the trucks drove away and the young girl's voice faded in the distance.

Alnus

5:25 PM

Upon the Rangers' arrival at Alnus, they debriefed, took some much-needed showers, and were set loose for the day, able to visit the fast-growing town near their main base. Sean had split up from Orville and the others and walked over to one of the shops that were opening up, a simple clothing store that brought all manner of clothing from both the United States and its nations on good terms with the United States. As he approached, he could already see a variety of different dresses on sale being modeled by, obviously, the locals. There was a regular human girl dressed in a flowery cocktail dress, handing out fliers, maybe special offers, as the store was clearly brand new and had only recently opened its doors. Next to her was another girl dressed in a shift dress which clearly didn't suit her all that well due to the wings protruding from her side, but it exposed enough of her shapely legs that odds were those interested didn't really care, especially since the girl's golden wings had been decorated with several bows.

Her wavy blonde hair was the only aspect of her that really appeared

"Feeling alright?" Sean called, trying not to look like he was enjoying the girl's new clothes.

Misery turned with an ever-tired expression, handing the Ranger a flier.

"They don't let me smoke my opium, but this is an alright job, I suppose." the winged girl said.

"I'm glad... I'm glad."

Misery noticed the strange look in the American's eyes. As if the soldier was on the brink of something.

She said "I finish here in a few minutes. Is there something you'd like to show me?"

Sean considered it.

"I... I wouldn't mind, actually."

He didn't really expect the chat to go anywhere, but like any soldier, he needed some respite from everything he'd seen in combat.

Not too far away, Dennis Orville was walking down a similar street, scratching his head, making sure his hair wasn't too messy as he walked down the irritatingly crowded streets, all manner of human activity happening around him as Alnus quickly became a strange mix of the modern and the fantastical, a wizard making tricks on the street for money, a Clothes store advertising all manner of attire for humans and their counterparts, restaurants that were technically from all over the world even though odds were they were operated by people who'd already been naturalized in the US.

He found the one that focused on Japanese cuisine and took a deep breath.

Before he got closer, a man in a chef's uniform dragged an American GI out before outright tossing him to the road, the people walking by quickly making room, staring in shock.

"You come here for food only!" the chef shouted in English.

The GI angrily said, "I didn't do anything to her!"

"I gave you a chance, I see you near her again, I'll crack your skull, you hear me?!"

Dennis only stared as the man started getting up.

A girl with cat ears and tail in a waitress getup stared from the large glass windows in the small restaurant, a purely satisfied expression on her face.

The GI shakily got up, saying "Look, man, I didn't mean any trouble, I thought-"

"You thought what? Did you not read the rules at the door?! Get out before I change my mind and crack your skull now!"

The GI, clearly shaken, only nodded and walked off on his own, staring at the floor, pausing as he made eye contact with Dennis.

"Don't touch the girls working there, man... Food's good, but..." Dennis was sure the man mumbled something else, but he didn't hear him as he kept walking.

Dennis crossed the street, the chef noticing. Not wanting any trouble, Dennis only raised his hand, waving awkwardly.

The chef asked, "If you want food, you need to wait patiently and follow the house rules."

Dennis glanced at the sign by the door.

It read: "No soliciting. No cursing. No bothering the staff. Be Polite. Detractors will be physically thrown out. All who enter agree to these rules."

"Yeah, I take it this place is popular enough to stay up if you can get away with that..." Dennis said, trying to make small-talk for once.

The Japanese man scoffed, saying "If it wasn't for the girls, I'm sure they would have already burnt it down... most of the girls I hire either have boyfriends with your Army or are friendly enough with them. This is, however, where they are to be safe and unharmed. Girls have it bad enough as it is, I might as well help them."

"Sounds great, but... I take it that means I can't go see Tyuule right now?" Dennis said, a slight vulnerability in his voice.

The chef looked him over, surprised.

"She... works cleaning the kitchen... you... her-? You?"

The man looked him over, studying his stature and eyes.

Dennis said "Yeah... I had to go off on an operation to Crety with several Ranger units attached to some of the LRR- er, Long Range Recon and Patrol teams... operation had to be extended due to the... situation... there."

The Japanese man noticed the discomfort in the American's eyes at the subject, and only asked "You didn't shoot up a village or kill unarmed women and children, right?"

"No. We're not allowed to do that."

"Eh, didn't stop your men in Okinawa, but no matter, right now you can't see her. Rules are rules."

Dennis said "Can't you make an exception? Haven't seen her in almost a month."

The chef gave him an understanding if not pitying glance, but said "If I make an exception for you then I have to make an exception for everyone with a girl in there and the whole point of keeping them safe here no longer stands."

"What? Keeping them safe from their guys?"

The man got a hard look in his eyes and quietly said "You'd be surprised... were you sheltered growing up, Mister... Orville?"

Dennis said, "I'm man enough to admit my mother coddled me a bit, what of it?"

"You don't know how much pain the wives of soldiers go through. You love her, you'll wait for her a little longer. She gets out at 7:00."

Dennis opened his mouth to argue, but only nodded and walked off, following the somewhat established sidewalk, not having the energy to cause any trouble, especially if it involved her. He didn't want to cause her any trouble, and if he had to wait a little longer, he'd manage.

"Hey, Orville! That you?"

Dennis turned around and winced, noticing a familiar face.

"James Hastings, you son of a gun, I thought they sent you home?"

Hastings walked over, a touch slower than his usual gait, but seemingly alive and well.

"Naw, they can't kill me yet! I have to go and get Persia first!" he said with an excited guffaw.

"Seriously?"

"Well, you're serious about Tyuule."

"Yeah, but... I got to know her over our mission... you only talked to her once or twice."

"Don't forget the letters and the bath-"

"Captain Rhodes ordered us never to bring that up, you animal! You want to get lynched?" Dennis hissed in hushed tones.

"You'd lynched a wounded vet like me?"

"No, the crowds back home would after they heard what... forget it..."

"Look, I was serious about it then and I'm serious now... maybe I won't have to go on missions, but I'm still in the Army, so if I can get her out of here, hey... even if she divorces me later, least I did one good thing, right?"

Dennis fell silent at that.

Hastings said, "Well, assuming the paperwork I did was done properly... it's such a mess of... anyway, your girl's working there or something?"

"Something like that. She cleans the kitchen... hoping she's okay."

Hastings glanced behind the street.

"I could probably help sneak you in through the back."

"Nah, I'd rather not cause her any trouble... especially not now."

"Alright... say, what exactly is your plan anyway?"

Dennis frowned, saying "Take her to my old house, I suppose. It's quiet, peaceful, far away from most people..."

"Out in the country? Georgia country?"

"Yeah."

"I'd reconsider."

"Why?"

Hastings got quiet, glanced around him, finally saying in hushed tones "I was in the infirmary, right? The nurse left the radio on a bit longer one night and I caught some news from back home... the President's pushing some big bill through congress and it looks like it might pass... a lot of folks back home aren't happy about it."

"What, like... Alabama? Arkansas?"

"Yeah... a couple of bombings in Birmingham were on the news. People are pretty worried about it spreading. If I were you, I'd look somewhere else to settle down in."

"Jesus... I don't think it's that bad... is it?"

Hastings shrugged, saying "Maybe not, I mean... I think it's only limited to Birmingham and only between blacks and whites, but... well, if you need a place to stay, go up to Queens in New York. Got some folks up there."

Before Dennis could reply, Hastings glanced at his watch, saying "Ah, I'm going to be late... This one guy with the Berets agreed to drive me to Itálica. Talk later, alright? Don't let the news dissuade you, young Son of Tobias!"

"Don't call me... that." Dennis sighed, the other Ranger walking away.

The 18-year-old's hands clenched into fists.

I'm not dragging her from hell only to lose her at home... no way...

As he began marching down the street, a second thought came to mind.

Fort Benning Housing...

Italica

6:04 PM

Delilah sighed as she broomed the entrance to the Formal Estate, ignoring the looks of some of the American soldiers. They knew better than to approach her, but they also knew they could avoid trouble if they just watched from a distance.

One, in particular, approached her, waving with a stupid grin on his face.

"Salve, Delilah!"

She sighed, muttering in English "Howdy, Hastings."

"Oh, shoot, you speak Texan now?"

"Ah? English! Learning!"

"Right, right... is Persia around?"

Delilah mumbled something he didn't understand before saying "Courtyard. Go on."

"Thanks!"

She noticed the man appeared to be walking rather awkwardly as he went inside. Whether it was due to him having been wounded or not, she didn't know, nor did she care. Delilah had other things in mind, after all.

She heard his footsteps first.

The darkened aviators were still eerie to her, but she was more accustomed to the man's unnerving presence now.

Trent asked, "So, what do you think of the big news?"

"I don't care if that snake helped you win sooner or if she got us a deal. She's still a snake."

Trent chortled, saying "Of course, of course... but what about the citizenship deal? I know you're studying our language more."

Delilah didn't reply.

"You could join the Army, y'know. We're working on getting some acts through congress, but you can start before that. Should be a faster path and we've met several willing survivors."

"Aw, and you can't get any of them to work for a creature like you?" she said with a sneer.

"Harsh."

"Truth." She said in English.

Trent said, "Come on, you're a trained spy to a degree, and you already-"

"I said I'd think about it, not that I would join your version of the Haryo tribe."

Trent pursed his lips, put his hands on his hips, and took a breath before saying, "Alright, what if I told you I found something that might pique your interest?"

"Like what?" she asked, not a hint of interest in her voice.

Trent glanced behind him, lowering his voice to a whisper as he took a step closer to the bunny girl. He handed her a folded-up paper. Delilah only raised an eyebrow as she took it, unfolding it. She gasped, as she stared at the profile on the photo.

"I figured you knew her."

"Parna... where-?"

"She's a volunteer with the Red Cross at Alnus."

"Y-you... you want to buy me with this?!"

"No, absolutely not... this is a courtesy."

Delilah growled, "I know what you're doing..."

"And I know it's working."

She scoffed, saying "You people are just like the Haryo..."

"Nah... see, the Haryo were amateurs compared to us."

"Sure..."

"Come on, look around you. Do the benefits not make up for whatever you may find objectionable?"

She scoffed, saying "You just want to use me."

"Of course, we do. I won't lie about that. I'm just saying we offer benefits, unlike the Haryo who would kill you once they used you. Genuine incentives make for better workers, especially now that we're getting more information and access without the opposition of the Empire and need the hardest work done."

She didn't reply.

Trent sighed, saying "Any fool can fight a war, and sometimes even win them... the difficult part is keeping the peace, Delilah. Think about it."

As Trent turned to leave, Delilah said "Wait."

Trent glanced at her.

"What do you plan on doing with Tyuule?"

Trent said, "Sorry, that I can't give you."

"Uh-huh... But if I wanted to get that information, what do I have to do?"

Trent gave her a toothy grin that sent chills down her spine.

Alnus

7:09 PM

Tyuule laid back on her bed with a soft sigh.

Her mind was busy with other things, she didn't really hear the quiet knocks on the door at first. She glanced at her door, realizing they were, in fact, for her, and sat up, not looking at the stack of papers on the table in her room as she went to the door.

She opened it.

Dennis stood there, the sleeves on his BDUs rolled back as he smiled softly. She gasped and threw her arms around him, the young man returning the gesture, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Hey..." he said lamely, doing his best to push away any of the troublesome images he had seen during the operation, focusing on her.

She noticed how he was holding her, and only held him a little tighter, hoping to help ease his own unease as he'd done for her.

Still holding her, Dennis noticed the papers on the table in the small hotel room.

"Any good news?"

She sighed, saying "A little. So far, twelve of my people have come forward, including the ones we already know about..."

"I think I saw one of them with an Army unit."

Tyuule nodded, resting her head against his chest.

"Most of those who appeared volunteered to help act as guides under the Army. It'll help them get an education, which... is good. One of them even has a child..."

"That's wonderful. And your job?"

At this, she pulled away enough to face him and grin, "I've saved up two hundred dollars!"

"He paid you that much?"

"Partly from the job, which he was kind enough to pay in advance, and partly from helping out here and there. Those who come here don't trust me, but... I can at least translate for them comfortably enough."

"Well, aren't you just miss amazing?"

"You taught me."

"Jesus Christ, I can hear you!"

They both glanced down the motel's hall, an irritated Tom waving from the farthest corner.

Dennis shut his eyes, saying "Sorry... I do have to head back for a briefing, and Tom's-"

"I know... I'm... happy I got to see you again..." she whispered.

She noticed the American appear a bit uncertain, so she decided to ask the question before he said anything.

"You... still want to get married?"

Dennis blurted out "Of course! You?"

"Mm-hmm..." she said, pressing her head onto his chest again.

Dennis let out a relieved breath.

"We have one more operation and I still have to get some things in order, but..."

"It's alright... I can wait... just come back to me, please?"

He looked at her red eyes, an ever-present tired expression on them that mirrored his own.

Dennis softly passed his hand through her hair, saying "Of course."

"Orville!" Tom called.

"Go... I need some rest, too..." she said, though looking at him expectantly.

"Yeah... yeah... good night." He said, letting her go and taking a step back, quickly kissing her on the cheek before pulling away entirely.

She smiled slightly, face turning pink, as she closed the door.

"Boy, you're such a kid!" Tom muttered as Dennis walked after him.

"Shove it, jackass, I didn't force your freckled ass to tag along."

"Someone needed to make sure you got back to base on time. You're welcome, by the way."

Dennis didn't reply, glancing behind him.

"Did you even kiss her goodnight?"

"I don't kiss and tell."

"Well, you're marrying her."

"Yeah."

Tom was silent for a moment, eyeing the younger Ranger as they walked down the dirt road.

"You're really from the country, huh?"

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Pretty sure you're celibate, and you're clearly controlling yourself around her. That cause they teach y'all to wait down south?"

Dennis was quiet for a moment, considering it.

He finally said "One month ago she had bruises on her neck and legs that made me feel ill, God only knows how she managed for three years of... that. I'm more than happy holding her if she's uncomfortable with anything else. 'Til then, I'll wait."

"Can't relate. My girl's all over me when I'm in town... sleepless nights aren't so bad with her around, that's for damn sure."

"You're marrying a hussy?"

"I'm marrying a girl who's crazy about me."

"She slept with you before the wedding?"

"Maybe... jealous?"

Dennis didn't reply.

Saigon, Republic of Vietnam

July 2nd, 1964

10:00 AM

"Then I suppose we're done here?" the American president sighed.

The leadership of the Republic of Vietnam appeared disappointed, the American generals appeared disappointed, the president of the United States appeared disappointed, and the Chinese representative appeared disappointed... but the Soviet and North Vietnamese representatives appeared content.

Yet no one objected.

"Right then... the elections will be monitored by third parties..."

Which will likely result in a communist victory...

"...they will take place this August, and everyone will be allowed to campaign..."

Including the communists...

"Depending on the choice of the population we will move forward, and regardless of the victor, we assume the opposition will not be persecuted?"

"Of course." said the Northern representative.

Liar...

Some words were exchanged, some deals were made, but it was very clear that the only people who came out of the meeting content were those of the Soviet and North Vietnamese governments and their supporters. Americans didn't want to lose any ground in the ongoing war against communism, and now he'd effectively guaranteed they'd lose Vietnam to it, which could mean that the leaders of the capitalist side would be persecuted despite the promises of the North.

Not that they don't deserve it to a degree... then again, the North isn't exactly better.

Really, the only hope they had was the potential that this would be resolved peacefully given how many people had grown to support the slightly more united north due to the brutality of the unstable south, something that could allow a genuinely peaceful reunification between a nation that had been divided by two ideologies. Most of the allies the United States had weren't complaining from the looks of it, but if looks could kill, the South Vietnamese leadership appeared to have given the American president a death glare.

Not an undeserved one.

They were abandoning them for all intents and purposes, but what was the alternative? Divert more troops and escalate the situation into a major war? Perhaps if the Gate hadn't opened that would have been an alternative, but as it stood, it was better to avoid a major war now.

Especially with the war against the "Empire" over with an overwhelming victory.

"Oh, mister president!" a somewhat accented voice chimed in.

"Huh? Oh, hello, Mister Gromyko."

"Hello, hello... Secretary Khrushchev wishes to send his congratulations to you on handling this situation, mister president."

The president forced a smile, saying "Well, I'm happy we're able to avoid bloodshed where possible. In the end, people should choose their own destiny, should they not?"

"Indeed. Indeed, it is." the man said, also forcing a polite smile, trying his hardest to come off as warmer and friendlier as he said, "Now, if I may, we're rather curious about the possibility of letting in some scientists and researchers... perhaps a camera crew or two."

Ah, by "scientists and researchers" you mean spies and subversives, and by a "camera crew or two" you mean weapons and propaganda?

"Oh, well, that shouldn't be a problem. We were able to end the war rather quickly thanks in part to support from several individuals within the other world. There are plenty of scientists interested in crossing over to research this new world, so I'm sure we could figure something out." he replied, the friendly demeanor hiding his clenched teeth.

The fact was that, despite all outer appearances, despite his want of peace and his going against his own military officers, the young president was still staunchly anti-communist and very much in favor of stopping it where possible. The soon-to-be-lost South Vietnam might even be the push needed to get other nations in Southeast Asia to fall in line, potentially strengthening the anti-communist forces to more effectively put a stop to its spread, as if saying "either you help yourself or fall by the wayside".

But that was a battle for another time, as he glanced at the green trees outside the government building, he was reminded that he still had a lot of work to do at home, the news still ringing over the airwaves.

Kanppnai Region, outskirts of the Tuba Mountain Range

"So... the second cute girls with animal ears get involved we all get equal rights, is that it?"

"You already have equal rights, Sooty."

"Oh, then I guess Kennedy's civil rights act is just to protect those equal rights we always had, eh?"

"Oh, shut up, so a few hicks down south don't like you and suddenly it's like slavery never ended, right?"

"Jesus Christ, Collins, Callahan, can you two shut up?!" Dennis blurted out. The hot sun above them already had the men sweating buckets, the BDUs already soaked through, and their M16s clearly too hot to carry normally, and as there was currently no hostile contact, were kept on their backs, despite the eerie feeling the dead region of the mountain gave them.

The somewhat older Ranger huffed, saying "What? It's not like we're doing anything much."

"Yeah, come on, man, we're just discussing the latest from back home." the somewhat younger dark-skinned man replied.

Dennis said, "Well, knock it off, you're giving me a headache."

"Pfft, yeah, white boys tend to get headaches over this."

"Stop..."

The dark-skinned Ranger chuckled to himself.

"Perhaps you'd prefer we switch it over to your rabbit." the older man sat on the rocky ground, stretching as he said, "So, tell me something, do they eat their own excrements like regular rabbits or what?"

Dennis stared at the man with a perturbed expression, the early morning sun not helping matters.

"It's a genuine question."

Dennis said "Last I checked, the only similarity they have to our rabbits is that the ears and tail. They're not hairy like the wolfmen, they're not disturbing mutations like the Haryo... they don't even have vocal quips like the cats. They're pretty normal people. Sure, their hearing's better than ours, and with training, they're stronger and faster-"

"And the breeding?" the Ranger with the name Callahan on his BDU asked.

"Still takes nine months, the main difference is a high likelihood of twins."

"Oh, just that."

Dennis rubbed his temple as he stared at the dead landscape around them. Choosing to change the subject, he turned to the dark-skinned Ranger, saying "Hey, Collins... tell me about you negroes in the Carolinas."

"Why?"

"Is it cooler than this?"

The dark-skinned man shrugged, saying "I wouldn't know. I signed up before my parents moved there. We lived in Alabama before... I guess it's about as hot, though."

Callahan said "Alabama... What did you think of the governor?"

And back to politics... ugh...

"An ass with a mouth. I take it you like him?"

"I hate our politicians in general, so no... that's the thing about me. I hate everyone equally... Orville, where's your family from?"

"I'm as American as apple pie." Dennis groaned.

Callahan made an odd face before saying "Then I take it you're self-righteous and that's why you're marrying that girl. Think you're some kind of hero, too, right? It's how we Americans think so obviously... self-righteous morons, the lot of us."

No one spoke, the other two Rangers staring at him.

"I'm including myself in that. See? Hate everyone equally. Don't hide it, either. It's healthy living."

"Jesus, who raised you?"

"Virgin Mary's Orphanage in Cleaveland. Come on, it's better to let out what problems you have than to bottle 'em all up, don't you think?"

Dennis said, "Yeah, but my only problem right now is waiting with you two motor mouths for the other squads to give the green light so that we can get out of this hellscape."

Alex walked up the trail then, radio on hand.

"Orville, anything?" he shouted.

"Negative. Nothing alive far as we can tell." Dennis called.

"It's just to confirm. They were doing some sweeps higher up... I think we're almost done here."

"Great!"

I just want this op over...

He glanced at the sky, trying to ignore the many wild wyverns that circled above, knowing they were under the control of that "apostle" but appeared agitated anyway. As if they'd figured that something was wrong, but being ordered to remain in place. Allegedly that was the reason there were now Long Rage Patrols being pushed into the area and why down in the lower parts of the mountain scientists were looking into the local flora and fauna.

At least what was left of it.

Gisselle stretched, muttering "Do they really believe their technology is capable of stopping even the Apocryph?"

Rory only said, "I'm no expert, but if it works, then it will be a good thing, no?"

Gisselle shrugged, watching the men take samples from the dirt and pick up the dead plants. The men muttering things, looking concerned as they did so. She heard a few mutter things aloud, some more concerned than others, discussing the possibility of some "poison gas" under the ground or "a deadly chemical leak of sorts", whatever those words meant.

If it was, indeed, the Apocryph, then it would spell trouble for even them, surely.

But they'd surprised her before.

Alnus

8:00 PM

Glad their unit hadn't been needed longer, Dennis hopped off the UH-1, feeling the still hot air of the evening made worse by the heat from the helicopter's engines. He removed his helmet, passing a finger through his recently cut hair, noting his captain in the distance.

"So, how'd it go?" he asked once he was within earshot.

"Uneventful. The area was bereft of life. Callahan and Collins are both a pain. Glad they weren't with us at the capital."

"Oh, well that's just how some people are."

"Right..." he sighed, more exhausted than anything, his mind wondering why men who were older than him failed to act as mature as him despite all of them having completed the Ranger course.

Rhodes said, "Hey, I got some good news for you."

"Yeah?"

Rhodes only handed him some papers.

Dennis winced, grabbing them as everything else suddenly became a secondary priority.

"My wife's also heading over. She's been studying up the local dialect, so if Miss Tyuule has some trouble with English she might be able to help her out."

"Captain, I..."

"No need to thank me, yours was easier than Hastings. Miss Tyuule is at least openly interested and is already working with us to a degree, so it's not as difficult to get some of the information necessary."

"Thank you..." Dennis said.

"Well, you're very welcome. Now, you need to start coming up with your plan. Anyone wrote back?"

"No."

"Hmm... so, what are you going to do?"

July 10th, 1964

Dallas, Texas

6:00 AM

The post office was just opening as Dennis got there, glad to be first in line. Some of the early risers were already reading the newspapers, the recent passing of a certain act through congress still had the public discussing it left and right.

"Yes, how may I help you?" the clerk asked in a somewhat tired voice.

Dennis said, "I'm Dennis Orville, I got a letter a few months back saying there's a package for me?"

"Oh, you're the soldier stationed across... right, right, I remember the man who left it here. Just a moment."

The man walked away from the front desk and out a door.

Thirty seconds later he was back with a package.

"Here you go, mister Orville, if you could sign here, as well..."

"Sure, thanks."

Dennis did that, taking the box with his free hand and walking out of the post office.

Captain Rhodes was waiting, arms crossed.

"Got it."

"Alright, great... you open it yet?"

"Maybe I should open it at the hotel? Not sure what's in here..."

"Alright, we can get a bite to eat there, too. The shop opens in an hour, I reckon."

"And your friend?"

"He'll see us later today... then, maybe, you'll be married by this time tomorrow. My wife should be here pretty soon, too."

"She knows the language?"

"Well enough."

"Cause I could pick up Tyuule and-"

"Nonsense, Orville. The groom cannot see the bride twenty-four hours before the wedding. Even if your wedding is going to be small and... relatively short, we shouldn't throw out all traditions, now should we?"

Alnus

7:00 AM

When informed of the tradition of the groom not being able to see the bride a day before the wedding, Tyuule almost laughed.

This isn't an arranged marriage!

It was an odd reminder that these two worlds weren't entirely different, with the practice apparently being descended from arranged marriages in the past, similar to how they still did it there. Still, she had to admit that it was an interesting cultural aspect. She was walking down the still mostly empty street when she heard a familiar voice.

"So, you're heading out?"

Tyuule turned around, seeing her boss- well, now-former boss, waving at her while walking over, a small bag in his left hand.

"Hello, Chef Haru." She said.

"You don't work for me anymore, no need for formalities." the older man sighed, a look of worry on his face. "So, you're really heading across?"

Tyuule said "Yes... thank you for hiring me."

Chef Haru said, "I plan to have room still if you ever need work."

Tyuule smiled, saying "Thank you. Genuinely..."

"I mean it, if he ever tries to hurt you or if you think you're in danger... I'll be here. Business is good."

Her smile wavered ever so slightly, but she was steadfast.

"Thank you."

The man nodded, and then said "Here. I made you and your betrothed some rice cakes as a parting gift... take care, miss. I wish you happiness."

"Thank you!" she repeated, taking the bag, staring at it as her former boss walked away.

Wish you happiness, huh?

Her smile faded ever so slightly.

Dallas, Texas

7:30 AM

Dennis walked into his motel room and stretched, placing the package on the bed, sitting down next to it. The only noise was the traffic on the streets outside.

Rhodes was on a payphone downstairs... "coordinating".

Better get it over with.

Dennis began opening the package with a tired expression, unsure of what exactly Jones had kept from him as he pulled back the tape and opened the cardboard flaps.

He blinked as he saw a small book atop an envelope.

The 18-year-old picked up the book and flipped through it.

Mom's diary? What the hell?

Another envelope fell from the book onto his lap.

He picked it up and tore it open, this time recognizing the handwriting and the date.

01/22/64

To: Dennis Orville

Hello, I hope this letter finds you well...

I suppose that isn't the best way to start a letter. I apologize. The men made me see a doctor and the news isn't good. I'm writing my thoughts down, entrusting Terry to give this to you once you're back, assuming I don't see you before.

Dennis, I never wanted you to be a soldier. I thought we'd paid enough. Your uncle in Europe, your dad in Korea, I thought that was enough. I can't say I'm not afraid of where this path will take you. But at the same time, I can't help but feel that you were always going to go down that same, rocky road your dad took when he was your age. It isn't easy, and I don't have much that I think will help you on that path. You were with me for so long, you know how difficult it could be, and we were blessed to have dear friends who were helping us every step of the way.

I worry about you, day and night. I pray you don't get separated, I pray you don't become isolated, I pray for you to seek others out.

Oh, I suppose that's one piece of advice I can give: find someone to be with! Even if you don't go back home, or move away, don't isolate yourself.

It was at that point Dennis wasn't able to read past as his vision became too blurry to make out any other words. His throat had tightened, his breathing had grown ragged, and just as the dam he'd been building up for so long was about to burst, the door swung open.

"Orville, I- you alright?" Rhodes asked.

Dennis composed himself as best he could, saying "Yeah, captain... turns out it was a letter from ma and... her journal... I think there's some money here, as well. I just opened it."

Rhodes eyed the younger Ranger for a moment.

"Oh, are you Orville?"

Dennis looked up, glancing at a short woman right behind Rhodes.

"W-? Captain?"

"Oh, right... this is my wife." Rhodes said, putting an arm on the woman's shoulder, smiling softly.

"H-hello..." Dennis said, his grief pushed aside by the surprise, and partly as some realization hit him.

"Hello, I'm Noriko."

Alnus

"You have everything you need?" Parna asked.

Tyuule nodded, fixing the buttons on her light pink sweater as she approached the entrance to the Gate between worlds.

"You have the picture of the woman you'll meet?"

"Yes... one Noriko Rhodes. She's apparently a touch short, so she may be easy to find."

"Oh, she's also Japanese?"

"Indeed. An interesting people, I suppose. Chef Haru, now the wife of captain Rhodes..."

As the bus that took civilians through the Gate came into view, Parna stopped.

"Will you return?" the dark-haired girl asked.

Tyuule looked around her, the military buildings surrounded by untouched nature and distant mountains that kissed the bright blue sky above were a beautiful sight, certainly one she would miss. But as she glanced to the north, the painful memories washing through her once more, she forced herself to only say "I don't know."

Parna said "It's alright if you don't... I know you're helping those of us that are still around... I don't blame you for what happened, but... some are still grieving."

"Yes... it's better this way. Parna... thank you."

The dark-haired girl only gave her a bright smile in return.

Tyuule boarded the almost empty bus and sat on the back, noting the other passengers were mostly a few exhausted-looking American soldiers, some glancing at her, others closing their eyes and trying to sleep it seemed. She glanced out the rear window as the bus began to move. The transition from the road into the Gate and the Gate itself was palpable as the ground became far smoother and the sky behind her vanished into the dark void of the Gate.

Her heart was pounding. This was it, after all. There was no going back. The young man who had helped her was on the other side, waiting for her.

She glanced at the ring on her finger once more.

Mother... father... would you want this?

After a short drive, the sun shone onto the bus again, and the doors were opened.

She walked out and looked around.

The buildings around her were certainly taller, and yet...

This isn't alien...

"Hello!" a voice called.

Tyuule glanced around and saw a short woman waiting near a guard post, the white helmet on the MP almost being knocked off when the short woman raised her hand and waved, accidentally hitting the white M1 Helmet.

"Sorry!"

The young man only huffed, walked over to Tyuule, saying "Papers?"

Tyuule was only carrying one bag, and she was quick to locate and hand over her identification.

The man looked them over, said nothing, and nodded her ahead, Tyuule walking past the entrance towards the short woman.

"Miss... Rhodes?"

"Yes... you're the future Miss Orville?"

"I... am..." she mumbled, feeling her face growing warm.

Noriko laughed.

"Well, come along then! We need to get you ready, do we not?"

"Hmm?"

"Clothes, a haircut... though you have the hair of a supermodel..."

"I-"

"Is English alright?"

"Yes?"

"Okay, 'cause I have this book just in case you don't know a word or two. Father always told me to be prepared. Now, come along, I know a place."

Thus the white-haired girl found herself sitting in a small hair salon, the stylists apparently fascinated by her rabbit ears and lengthy silver hair, not batting an eye at the terrifying machinery and strange chemicals they used.

...

Only a few streets away, Dennis Orville and Thomas Rhodes stared at the older man with a bald head as he read over the papers on his desk using some almost comically large reading glasses. The office, adorned with several certificates and the Texas flag, was cooled by the air conditioning system.

"A rabbit?" the judge asked.

Dennis suppressed the urge to call the man blind, while Rhodes said "Stan, come on. She's clearly a girl."

"I'm aware, and I'm aware of the recently passed act... I can't exactly deny you service just because she's not fully human..."

"Stan, you're a judge, and you helped me with Noriko."

"You and Noriko are a different story, this... kid, enlighten me, how many kids do these women have?"

Dennis said "Sir, with all due respect, they're not that different from us. Twins are common, but that's about it. Pregnancies still take 9 months-"

"Oh, really? My pastor said they'd spread like actual rabbits."

"Based on what?" Rhodes asked, a friendly smile badly hiding his bemusement.

"Well... she's part-rabbit, isn't she? I can understand someone being black or yellow, but scientists can't explain that."

Dennis said "I hear the one theory has to do with the fact this other world has some abnormalities, like supposed magic. Maybe the Demi-humans were the product of an old experiment, maybe not, but the point is that they're people, right?"

The judge sighed, saying "Another theory says they're devil spawns... but I never questioned their humanity, I just worry that this may be too much for a kid like you to handle. Even if her rabbit traits are limited to the ears, being married isn't easy. Are you sure about this?"

Dennis winced.

He'd not only completed the Ranger Course but fought in three out of the four major battles of the war.

"Sir, I passed the Ranger course... I think I can handle this."

The judge looked at him for a moment.

Then, with a low chuckle, he said "Well, wives are different, son... but if you can get her in here, say... tomorrow morning I'll officiate the matrimony. Wait, you're Baptist, aren't you?"

Dennis said, "Yes, sir, but since I don't have any family left, I figured this would work a little easier."

"Hmm... okay, then we'll do it at my church. Tomorrow's Saturday and as long as I don't tell my pastor about the whole... bunny-girl deal... he won't have a problem with it."

"What?"

"Don't look at me that way, boy, do you want to marry this girl properly, before God, or do you just want to sign a paper and be off to the bedroom?"

Dennis only said, "Before God."

"Good."

"T-thank you, judge." Dennis managed.

The older man only shrugged, grabbing the office phone.

Rhodes led him out of the office, saying "Well, that went better than expected."

Dennis said "Yeah... I thought we'd have to look further for a judge to officiate it... I didn't think I'd even be able to go to a church for it."

"Yeah, I knew Stanley would come through... eventually..."

As they exited the building, Dennis noticed a newspaper stand being moved to the door. It was a local headline about an attack on an NAACP office. It seemed someone had tried to firebomb it with homemade explosives and gasoline. He paused, trying to read more of what he could without picking it up.

Rhodes noticed, and said "Come on... you have enough on your mind without worrying about that."

Dennis said, "Yeah... but I should still keep it in mind."

...

Several streets away, Tyuule was trying to get used to the massive presence of automobiles as Noriko kept analyzing her hair.

"I mean, it came out great!"

But they only washed it and straightened it a bit...

"I wish I had the time to take care of hair like that, honestly... so what kind of clothes do you like?"

"Um... I guess I don't have much of a preference..." then, gripping her sweater, said, "Though I do like these light pink colors."

"Hm-hmm. They go well with your white hair... I think we can find something nice for you before tomorrow."

The remainder of the fact she and Orville were about to officialize their relationship made Tyuule's heart accelerate again.

"Miss... Rhodes?"

"Yes?"

"What was your wedding like?"

"Oh, not really magical... I didn't marry Tommy for love, to be honest."

"Huh?" Tyuule winced, suddenly worried about the man advising and helping in their wedding.

Noriko sighed, saying "Don't get the wrong idea... I do love the man... now. You've heard about the war?"

Tyuule nodded another car speeding by.

Noriko said "Well, I was still a child when it really heated up... my dad had a business in Korea, a nation near us, and we were doing alright, though I'm sure the locals didn't like us all that much... we were an Empire, we had colonized them, and my dad only sold to fellow Japanese. Obviously, they didn't like us, but I never realized it. I was sheltered."

Tyuule felt a pang of sadness. The fact that empires like the one that had destroyed her people were technically made up of normal people like the woman talking to her reminded her that, through her actions, she had ripped away many sons and daughters of entire families. She wasn't innocent whatsoever in the scenario, yet she'd been allowed happiness.

She pushed the thought aside, listening to Noriko continue her tale.

"Well, the winds were changing by the time I was ten, and my father decided to return to Japan. The very day the Americans dropped their atomic bomb no less. Even if he'd changed his mind with the news, we would have been forced back to Japan regardless of his decision and we thankfully were back by the time the war had ended, long before another war began in Korea."

She let out a sad sigh, saying "Life was hard those early days... I remember some of my older friends decided to leave with the first American who was willing to take them. I was too young, of course, but... my family was still struggling when the war in Korea started so even if things were improving, they weren't easy. Tommy was stationed with a few other units in Japan before shipping to Korea, and he met me in my father's shop. As the war stagnated, he would always come and visit me. Mother and father encouraged it, and... well... once he became an officer, the deal was sealed, so to speak."

"He bought you?"

"What? No... well... I'd be lying if I said the money wasn't a motivation but the fact is that it was a good opportunity, and he was good-looking so... I guess you could say it was a marriage of convenience for me, but he's a good man. Better than some of the ones my friends married. One still refuses to tell her parents she divorced him after a year."

"O-oh..."

"It's why I understand why the Army doesn't make it easy for guys to get a wife overseas."

Tyuule was quiet for a moment, the two women walking down the sidewalk, ignoring the occasional double-takes of passersby.

Noriko then added "Chin up, the way he looked, I'd say you two are an exception all your own. Plus, now that this Civil Rights Act got through, people can't deny you because of how you look! Coming to America has never been better!"

Tyuule smiled slightly.

"Oh, speaking of, I'm sure you'll love the gals at Fort Benning. We have this little group where we meet every-"

"Gals? As in... soldier's wives?"

"Ah, yes... we help each other... it's better than to spend your man's tour alone, especially if you have kids."

At the mention of kids, Tyuule felt her heart accelerate.

Washington DC

"And the south?" the president asked.

"Not too much resistance overall, and private businesses are seemingly going along with it, but... well, there are concerns about possible restrictions placed on voters, and we have quite a bit of opposition both within our own party and out of it based on how far the act can extend."

"Well, of course... election year..."

Even if they don't plan on repealing it, their opposing it could gain them some votes...

"That and, some Republican opposition-"

"I thought they mostly backed the bill."

"They do, but some are also concerned with the potential extension of federal power."

"Hmm... Goldwater?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, in that case, we'll have to prepare out counter-arguments if he's going to try and play that card. Honestly, I would have preferred the idiots who would call me a secret socialist or something. Less complicated, less of a headache."

"Actually, sir, we have plenty of those from our own party due to the recent communist victory in Vietnam. That and... well... it seems the victory had inspired other communist movements in Asia, but particularly..."

The president glanced at the paper.

"Thailand?" he asked.

"The Communist Party there has... become much more outspoken and if the Chinese are willing to give more support to gain an ally..."

"Damn... we can't solve one problem without two more popping their heads up."

"The brass is already discussing diverting what we had in Vietnam to Thailand and making a stand there."

"A stand, huh? Stop the dominoes from falling..."

He glanced at the papers, a tired expression on his face.

It was far more feasible. Vietnam was a divided nation that had suffered too much, but Thailand was a touch more centralized and its communist insurgent could face more effective opposition if their threats were ever acted upon.

At the same time...

"What about the Gate? We can't just hand it all over to the UN, it's our responsibility."

"A hands-off approach might be better now that the war is over and we have no serious opposition. Plus, we can consolidate the new territory and begin focusing there while the UN does more to police areas outside of it... it's been working so far, and we've beaten whatever challenges that self-proclaimed goddess threw at us."

"Don't remind me... and the supposedly deadly mist?"

"We're researching it, sir. The girl, Miss Lalena... she's working with our scientists-"

"Maybe the opposite is true." the president said suddenly.

"Sir?"

"Maybe the hands-off approach should apply here... to a degree... maybe..."

"Well, we have the volunteer numbers to send significant aid Gate-side and abroad, mister president."

"True... true... I'm just a touch tired is all. Speaking of Gate-side, how are the war brides doing? I hear a few were brought home this last week."

July 11th, 1964

Dallas, Texas

"Alright, that officiates it... you may kiss the bride." the judge said with a sigh.

Tyuule nervously turned her head somewhat to the side and closed her eyes, letting her lips meet Orville's.

Noriko clapped cheerfully and Rhodes nodded.

Other than that, the church was empty.

To say it was a typical wedding would be inaccurate. There wasn't a wedding dress, the groom in his Class A Uniform and the bride in a simple church dress, there weren't any flower girls or bridesmaids, no organ playing Here Comes the Bride, the marriage license was to be signed there and then by the only two witnesses that were available that day, and the bride had bunny ears that would likely have been sacrilegious if they had been fake.

Judge Stanley only rolled his eyes at how red the girl's face was as she pulled away from the kiss.

These are just kids... I give it a year...

Rhodes however walked over and patted his Ranger on the back, saying "Well, congratulations, you two!"

"Thank you, captain..." Dennis mumbled.

"T-thanks..." Tyuule whispered.

"Aw, you two are so shy... stay like that, I want a picture!" Noriko exclaimed.

Tyuule made a noise as she covered her face, Dennis looking away from the fairly small Kodak camera.

Rhodes put his arms around the two, saying "Come on, pictures last longer! Say cheese!"

…

"See you kids, soon!" Rhodes called.

Dennis shut the car door the second Tyuule did, the newlyweds sitting stiffly in the car seats.

Noriko and Rhodes waved them away as the 18-year-old drove off in the relatively new Chevy.

Once they were on the road, finally on their own, it was Tyuule who said "So... um..."

"Y-yeah?"

"Was that your... first kiss?"

Dennis only said "I... think... I don't suppose I can count an old aunt who kissed me when I was five, can I?"

She giggled slightly, almost bubbly, saying "No. You had an aunt like that?"

"Only saw her a few times, but yeah... could you... tell?"

The girl's smile diminished as she said "No... I couldn't."

As they got on the highway, Dennis took his hand off the gear shift and placed it on her own, which she happily took.

Dennis then said, "So... how's my country treating you so far?"

She said "It's... interesting. It's similar to back then and... not. I got a few odd looks, but they referred to me as miss or ma'am instead of beast or rabbit. Miss Rhodes- Noriko, she's... she's from Japan, and... interestingly, she didn't get harassed, being part of an enemy nation... the former enemy nation... people appear to be more polite here."

A sad look manifested in Orville's eyes, his mind going back to some of the darker news he'd heard. Keeping his eyes on the road, he said "I guess that's one way to look at it."

Tyuule eyed the road by them, saying "It's hard to imagine how faster transportation actually is... even when you told me, I didn't expect it to look like this."

Dennis smiled.

Wonder what President Eisenhower would think of that...

They passed a sign that read "I-20" and sped past it, along with many other cars coming and going from the city that connected one world to another.

Georgia

8:00 PM

The drive had been uneventful and long, Tyuule having fallen asleep by the time they got to the lonely house that stood on its own. As his hometown was on the way to their main destination, they had decided to stop and pick up some things before continuing. Dennis hoped to be in and out relatively quickly, but Tyuule waking up and stretching. She followed him inside, Dennis moving up the steps.

He said, "I'll be right down, but feel free to look around."

Tyuule nodded and looked around.

The counter and chairs were moved aside, an emptiness lining the main floor. There weren't many pictures on the surprisingly clean walls, one was of an American soldier in full uniform, one was of a young woman and a baby, one of all three, and a single one of a somewhat younger Dennis.

"How old were you in this picture?"

"Four in the family portrait, twelve in mine!" he called down.

She smiled, noting the innocent grin on the younger face.

Dennis walked down the steps with a box, saying "Ma wasn't much for taking pictures, but we had a camera for trips and stuff... plus, some emergency cash."

"Pictures..."

"Yeah."

"I'm curious about that, actually... I saw many interesting photographs in Dallas."

"Well, it's a career."

"Really? Then maybe I can-"

Tyuule's ear twitched.

"You okay?"

She said, "Car... coming this way..."

Dennis groaned, placing the box down and reaching inside, grabbing the M1911A1 and the magazine on it.

Tyuule winced at the weapon, Dennis said "Just in case." as he inserted the already loaded magazine.

"I know, but... do you think someone would come after me? Now?"

Dennis felt his mind go back to the newspaper he had read and Hasting's words.

He said, "Maybe not... probably not... still."

Dennis saw the headlights out the window before hearing the truck.

His eyes darkened ever so slightly.

"Jones..."

"Your neighbor?"

"Yeah... the guy who kept mom's things away from me out of spite..."

"Do you think he'll apologize?"

Dennis placed the M1911 back in the box and closed it, saying "In case he doesn't, I'd... rather not ruin our first day together by getting us in trouble."

Tyuule only nodded and gave him a soft smile that helped him relax.

The old truck parked next to their car, and the door popped open.

"Orville, you there?" Terry Jones called in a hoarse voice.

Dennis opened the door and stood there for a moment.

"Jones... evening."

The man half-smiled before looking away, seemingly ashamed.

"Uh... Chuck called me; said he saw a car coming up here and... I... I want to apologize in person... I wasn't thinking straight that day... it..."

Dennis stared ahead, shocked at his own apathy over the situation despite knowing he should be angrier. As if he'd grown so numb the betrayal didn't really bother him as much.

So, he said, "Forget about it... how are your boys?"

"Ah... they're... they got stationed in Korea... They... Oh, hello."

Tyuule had been standing behind Dennis, Jones only now noticing the white-haired girl.

She waved slowly at the older American.

"Who's... your...?"

Dennis only held her hand and said "Tyuule."

Jones' eyes went wide, noticing the wedding rings glimmer in the light for a second.

"Well... Dennis Orville, this... I'm sure your mother would be... proud."

The girl appeared a touch shy, but he had to admit she was attractive despite the... rabbit ears.

Looking around, he asked, "You two... leaving?"

Dennis said, "We're just picking up some things before going on to Atlanta for a bit..."

Jones shifted in place, saying "Would you... like to come over? Have a quick dinner?"

Dennis glanced at Tyuule, the girl looking unsure, but before he could decline, she said "I wouldn't mind."

8:34 PM

Terry Jones had a wife, Dennis knew, but how physically tired the woman appeared was something he hadn't expected. She was skinny, her features stretched and lined with a sad look, not unlike some artistic depictions of an elderly grandmother.

And yet, all that vanished when she saw them.

"Oh, dear me, hello, Orville! Terry said you might come to visit! Come in! Come... hello."

Tyuule held on to the young man, the fact her ears were visible seemed to put people off more than she had anticipated.

"That's Tyuule... she and Dennis got married earlier today."

"Hello..." she said slowly.

The older woman only said, "Oh, bless your heart, that boy was always so alone working with his mother every summer instead of being with boys and girls his age... we worried he might've had an Oedipus complex!"

"A what?" the newlyweds asked, Dennis less out of ignorance more out of disbelief.

"Vick, come on, let's not-"

"And I do hope this sorry animal apologized, to you especially." She said, wagging a finger at her husband.

"I... he... did... it's water under the bridge, ma'am."

She huffed, saying "Good... well, don't stand out in the cold, come in!"

Tyuule glanced at Dennis as they walked through the screen door, asking "What's an Oedipus complex?"

"When a little boy never grows out of their phase of wanting to marry their mother. It happens."

"Oh. Does it now?" giving Dennis an odd look.

Dennis opened his mouth to deny the allegations, but Vicky Jones interrupted him.

"Oh, I'm just teasing, sweetheart... by the way, your English is incredible."

At that, Tyuule moved a little closer to Orville, saying "Well, he helped me a lot."

"Really now? Oh, you must tell me about it!" she said, taking Tyuule's hand and pulling her away.

Dennis opened his mouth to object, but Jones came in with two cans of cola, saying "Here, dinner will be ready soon... let the ladies chat..."

Dennis eyed the man, Tyuule smiling at him as if to say I can handle this. With a shrug, Dennis took the Cola can and followed Jones outside, the temperature dropping as the door closed behind them. They stared at the stars for a moment, neither speaking, Dennis not particularly caring much it seemed.

Jones finally decided to break the silence.

"So... wife?"

Dennis didn't reply as he took another sip, letting the wedding ring speak for itself.

Jones didn't react as he looked over the yard, almost entirely devoid of anything between the fence and the nearby forest.

"Her English is good."

Silence.

Jones turned to the 18-year-old, saying "Dennis, come on, I'm trying here."

The kid stared at the ground for a moment, not speaking.

Finally, in a tired voice, he said "Me, too."

Neither man spoke for a moment. The Georgia breeze carrying a low whistle implied a potential coming rain.

Dennis took a breath, saying "Don't really know what to say. Thanks for watching the house, I guess. I assume it wasn't dusty and infested because of you?"

Jones shrugged, saying "She was a kind woman, it's the least I can do. I'm sorry I didn't-"

"Don't. I don't want to hear any apologies right now, alright, sir?"

Jones laughed dryly.

"You're a grown man already, no need to call me 'sir' or... anything like that."

Dennis didn't reply.

The older man shifted in place awkwardly.

Finally, he said "How bad was it? Over there, I mean."

Dennis turned to him, glaring past him with a look not unlike that of a frustrated yet confused child as if he didn't know where to begin or even if he should say anything.

"That bad, huh?"

No reply.

Jones sighed, saying "I'm not going to say 'I told you so' but... to be fair, you did have other options." then, realizing what he'd just said, quickly added "There I go again, running my mouth. I'm sorry."

Dennis didn't reply.

Jones said, "Look, I won't blame you if you hit me."

"I'm not an animal. It was bad, but... I'd do it again." came a dead serious response.

"Of course, you would. Army sets you in your ways, makes you feel like you're part of something..."

He glanced at the house behind him.

"Of course, you actually got something out of it... didn't ever meet someone who married a girl overseas."

No reply.

He added, "She is drop-dead gorgeous."

No reply.

"Hmm... I'm assuming this is your first time, so my advice is to let her on top as it gives you a better view of her-"

Dennis choked on the cola and began coughing.

"Woah, easy, boy, easy!"

With a huff, and wiping his mouth, Dennis quietly said "I don't understand you..."

The older man sighed, saying "I suppose... most of the guys I knew back in the navy couldn't help but talk about their girl and... well... I apologize."

"Navy... yeah..." and then chuckled.

He glanced behind him at the home.

"I want her to be happy... safe... after all of that, I..."

Jones nodded slowly.

"You hear about the Birmingham bombings?"

Nodding again.

"Scares me... scares me a lot... even over there, fear of ambushes, fear of sneak attacks, monsters, actual dragons... the idea I could be going out and then have everything ripped away from me back home... where it's safe..."

The image of his mother flashed in his mind.

"Scares me..."

Jones offered a sympathetic smile, saying "It's the cost of any fight... justified or not. I like to think that things are getting better, though. Thirty years ago you could sweep a lynching under the rug, and now... now the party of the KKK pushed and passed a bill to help those very people that were once at risk."

"I thought you said-"

"I said I didn't think some fights were worth it, not that none are... I'm not going to ask, but gauging your reaction and the girl's demeanor, I take it she didn't exactly have it easy back there."

Dennis didn't reply.

Jones only said "I may not agree with the war or our nation intervening where it shouldn't... that's just me... but you take comfort in knowing that you did some good. I'm sure your parents would be happy about that, I reckon."

At the words, the 18-year-old felt his throat tighten, so he opted to stay silent, the stars above twinkling ever so slightly in the cool night breeze.

Atlanta, Georgia

10:00 PM

After the dinner and another uneventful drive, the couple got to the state capital, the place where a certain civil rights leader had been arrested during a sit-in during the 1960 election. The city was now relatively quiet, although that was more than likely due to the light rain that was falling that night.

They got to a recently constructed motel and got their room.

And now Dennis found himself alone outside the room, fiddling with the key as he spoke on the payphone, his heart pounding.

Over the phone, Rhodes said "Just take it easy. Noriko and I will get to Fort Benning tomorrow. I also got a call from a friend of mine, and he thinks he can accommodate things for you two before we ship back out."

"Alright, thank you, captain."

"Other than that, try to relax..."

"You... can tell?"

"Yeah, but I can figure why... unless... did the staff look at you two funny?"

"Not really, Tyuule kept her hat on, and the guy at reception didn't seem to care... I'm just... nervous."

"Hey, keep in mind, this is a first for you both. I'm sure she's nervous, too. Word of advice, take it easy, and..." switching to a whisper, he said "Relax, you'll both be more comfortable by the second time. Good night!"

Dennis hung up the payphone and let out a worried sigh, walking down the well-lit hall, rubbing the back of his head. It had been both a short and a long day and he was exhausted in more ways than one.

The trips, the arrival, the media presence, the wedding, visiting his empty home, the wedding, talking to Jones, the wedding...

He paused, glancing at his ring, holding it briefly.

Don't get cold feet now...

He opened the door to their room, slowly, seeing her by the half-open window, her hair flew in the late-night breeze present in the balcony, the rain receding.

She was still wearing her dress.

He glanced at the pair of beds, unsure if she would be entirely comfortable sleeping in the same one, let alone... sleeping with him.

At least that first night.

Dennis took a breath and closed the door behind him, asking "You okay?"

She turned to him, smiling warmly as she said "Yes, thank you..."

He walked over, standing next to her, unsure if he should wrap an arm around her or what. Noticing the 18-year-old was a bit uncertain about what she was comfortable with, Tyuule stepped closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

He sighed, relieved.

"Your heart is pounding..." she said after a moment.

"Well... that's... it's because I'm with... you..." he said lamely.

Tyuule sighed, saying "Don't pretend to be tough around me, I'm nervous, too..."

Dennis said "Look, I'm... really happy to just have you. If you don't want to... well, there are two beds, and the bathroom has a door if, so I can take some blankets and-"

She grabbed his hand tightly, pressing her face into his chest, saying "I want to... for the first time I... I want to be with someone... I won't let what happened before stop that."

He held her there for a moment, remembering that fateful night where he'd promised to hold on to her no matter what.

She shakily asked him "Are you comfortable?"

He pursed his lips, nervously saying "Yeah, I just... I've... never..."

He let out a dry laugh.

"Is it strange I'm more nervous now than I was seeing you walk down the aisle?"

She smiled, saying "No."

His smile faltered slightly, a sad look in his eyes.

Cars passed below, people talking could be heard in the distance.

After a moment, she spoke.

"Dennis?"

"Huh?"

"Jones... he asked you if you had any regrets. You told him you did but that you'd still do it all over again."

Dennis nodded, not entirely surprised she'd heard the conversation.

"I wish I could have done more, I guess... I wish I could have said more to my mom before leaving, had I known..."

He turned to her then.

"I don't regret being with you, and I would do it all again."

He felt her grip tighten around his hands, a sad expression on her face.

"I love you." He said in as genuine a voice as he could bring about before closing the distance between them and pressing his lips to hers. A somewhat awkward task, neither of them used to the act, but as she returned the kiss, it was obvious both were willing to learn.

Tyuule pulled away from the kiss after a moment, taking a small breath of fresh air.

She held his hand tighter as if to make sure she wasn't dreaming, her tired eyes drifting down to look at the city before turning back to him.

The night felt far more peaceful than any she'd had back home despite the louder noise.

"I don't regret this, either." she finally said, turning back to him.

Dennis swallowed, but pushed on, pressing his lips against her own again, his half-open eyes never leaving hers, as he pulled her closer. She could hear his accelerated heartbeat, noticing hers was moving even faster. She shut her eyes tightly then, trying to focus on her sensation of his hand on her own, his free hand on her hip, pulling her closer, and his warm lips on her own.

To finally be able to after so much time had passed.

This... this is...

She pulled away again, gasping for air, Dennis mirroring her as he seemed almost out of breath himself. She covered her mouth, the intensity of the moment being something she simply wasn't familiar with, leaving her not a little insecure. After catching his breath, Dennis noticed her expression.

"You okay?"

"Yes, it's... I'm not used to... t-this." she stammered, face growing redder, heart rate going higher, body temperature rising.

"Do... you want to stop?"

Tyuule shook her head, quickly pressing her lips to his.

She forced her mind not to think of the awful memories, choosing to instead focus on the young man with her. His warmth, how he held her, how he was kissing her... he was clearly not used to such interactions but, in a way, neither was she.

It's alright... this is alright...

She didn't pull away, putting a foot forward, leading him to the nearest bed by awkwardly taking a few short steps, something he didn't seem to mind as he moved with her, happy she took the lead. Unlike the many times Zorzal had tossed her or dragged her into his bed like a toy he could discard at any moment, Dennis held her close as she sat him down, letting her straddle him, neither wanting to break the kiss just yet or let the other go, but the need for air made that impossible.

Dennis pulled away then, taking a breath, looking at her as if unsure of what to do. Then, as if making a decision, he moved to kiss her neck. She was somewhat startled by the action, but as his hands began pulling at her blouse, his right hand reaching under it, cautiously feeling her skin as if afraid of hurting her, wholly unlike anything she had experienced, and despite her own insecurity, she welcomed it. He wasn't tearing her clothes off, or beating her, biting her, demanding she perform, or even focusing on himself. He was cautiously feeling her, letting her decide how far it went, and while that could be explained by his inexperience, she remembered he also wanted to make sure she was comfortable with everything happening.

She couldn't hold in her own gasp as his hands moved over her body, and his face glided to her chest then, pressing against her with a sigh. He slowed down there, listening to her heartbeat. She caressed the back of his head, playing with his hair, pulling him into a gentle embrace, happily accepting him.

After a moment, he lifted his face to hers and kissed her again, tenderly.

Cautious...

Her eyes met his own, tiredness in both of them, welcoming the respite after everything. Tyuule felt his hands move again as he tugged at her blouse again, a wordless query. She slightly pulled away and nodded. He began to slowly undo the buttons to her blouse. At this, she quietly shuddered, though if it was out of fear or something else, he didn't quite know. As the buttons came loose and pale skin was slowly exposed, he faced her again.

She was clearly expecting him to do it but was also nervous.

This is a first for you both...

Deciding not to hold off any longer, he completed the task, helped by her lifting her arms before holding him again.

Now he stared at her.

Definitely human...

She didn't say anything, nervously holding on to him. She didn't cover herself, nor did she squirm away. For once, she had chosen who she showed herself to, throwing what fear she'd had to the side, but entirely unsure of what to expect now that another boundary had been crossed.

"Tyuule?" he said after an eternity.

"A-ah?" she barely managed to vocalize.

"You're okay with this, right?"

She nodded and said, "M-mhmm... ah!"

Dennis had suddenly pulled her closer so their bodies touched, which had startled her. She only pouted at his amused expression, her ears lowering back.

You really are like a schoolgirl...

He pressed his lips to hers again, feeling her warmth closer than before as she happily returned the kiss, a little more intensely than earlier.

Tyuule felt his right hand begin to softly move across her figure, moving down further, following her legs, caressing them, feeling her skin, and seemingly tracing their length before lifting her skirt ever so slightly, and then, slowly, surely...

Tyuule pulled away, gasping and taking ever heavier breaths. She shifted her position slightly, guiding his hand while pushing herself closer to him, pressing her already flushed face against his. Dennis took the opportunity to focus on the side of her he hadn't kissed yet, her arms tightening around him.

She mewled as he focused solely on her, kissing her cheek, and her exposed shoulders, apparently enraptured by how soft her skin was. There was the physical pleasure of course, but the fact he was going so far for her once again, after going through so much already made her want to hold him tighter than before, not just lean on him to enjoy some respite, but actually cherish him as she couldn't help but tear up, finally being with someone she could hold on to.

The conversations during the mission.

His efforts to help her throughout.

The night she felt him near the breaking point and the night he held her.

I love you...

With a sharp drawing of breath, her back arched, her body seized over and Dennis wasn't sure how to react as she shook and shuddered as he held her, holding on to him tighter, taking heavy breaths as she did so, her face pressing into his shoulder, as if too embarrassed to look at him. After a blissful moment, her breathing steadied and she slowly pulled back to face him, face flushed, heart racing.

Dennis almost asked if she was alright, but she kissed him first.

Now she was tugging at his shirt, and he didn't complain, pulling it off and tossing it aside. Her bare chest pressed against his own, and she moved him down onto the bed. Just as suddenly, moving further over him, albeit slowly enough that he could react when she moved to kiss his neck.

"Hey, hold on... hold on!" he said quickly.

She stopped, looking at him.

"I... uh..." he choked out.

"Hmm?" she asked innocently.

He looked petrified as he muttered in a voice she could only describe as vulnerable.

"Slow down..."

Tyuule smiled slightly, resting her head on his shoulder. She moved his hands over to his, getting his attention. At first, she thought he wanted to touch her, but he surprised her. Dennis took a shaky breath and began passing his hand down her back, pressing her closer to him again. He didn't speak, feeling some of the remaining scars on her skin, a painful reminder of the cruelty she'd come from, and his face twisted slightly, his eyes expressing a sense of hurt that he wasn't sure he could convey.

He almost jumped when her hand pressed against the side of his face, where he'd needed stitches after that day. She pressed her forehead against his, a sad look in her eyes that he could only imagine was a reflection of his own.

Right, we're in this together...

"Dennis?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm alright..." she said, firmly.

He nodded.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and shifted slightly as if just getting comfortable in her current position over him. The young American shuddered, stifling a sound from his throat, and a look of silent panic on his face.

She opened her eyes and switching to English, nervously whispering "Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah..." he managed, his breath catching before he pressed his hand to her cheek.

She blinked, somewhat confused before realizing the cause for his reaction. She smiled, taking his hand and pressing herself against him a little more.

"It's okay." she breathed.

"I know... I... I love you." he managed before pressing his lips to hers again.

Tyuule wasn't entirely sure when they actually began making love or if there had ever been a line to cross. Her parents had never told her enough to have a frame of reference, and she knew all too well that what Zorzal did to her was by no means "making love", so that wasn't much to go on, either. All she knew was the level of intimacy and closeness she was experiencing there and then was far beyond the meaningless night of pleasure her people were known to sometimes take part in, where both partners would separate and continue on their own way the morning after, Tyuule remembering the vows they had both read.

'Til death do us part...

By now they were both in a similar state.

Clothes had been discarded, their breaths had become heavier, and they both held onto each other as if the other was their lifeline.

In Tyuule's mind, that description wasn't entirely far-off.

She pulled away from yet another kiss then, looking down at him, watching how he tried to keep himself with some degree of restraint, arms holding her. As she looked into his eyes, seeing how they weren't just looking at her body, his breathing ragged and heavy, a worried look as she shifted her position again. She felt her breath catch in her throat. Her grip tightened further, and in response, so did his, the intensity of the moment catching up to them like a surge of electricity, passing all too soon.

They both remained there, holding one another for a moment.

Her lip quivered, the barriers she had put up to maintain her outwardly cold nature long gone, but the realization hitting her then. She wasn't alone. She wasn't being tortured. Here and now, she wasn't hated or seen as a traitor. Tears began to fall then, a couple landing on his shoulder as she tried to compose herself.

"Tyuule?" he asked, his expression worried.

She laughed quietly.

"I'm alright... I'm just... happy." Tyuule shakily breathed, trying to wipe away her tears.

He held her there, caressing her and gently passing a hand through her hair, not saying anything. Tyuule felt her heart relax at the action and moved to meet his lips once more. Her tears trailed down her face as he returned the kiss, but she clutched his hand tightly as they remained there.

With a shaky breath, Dennis slowly pulled her back onto the bed, and she moved to his side, resting her head against his, her tears finally stopping.

Nervously, she breathed "I love you..." and closed her eyes, face resting on his chest, a degree of happiness to everything despite the road that led them there.

Dennis remained there, not wanting to let her go, his eyes staring at her pale figure now softly breathing as she relaxed and began to fall asleep.

She's still here... you didn't lose her...

The memory of the long-dead Emperor nearly killing her had shaken him to his core, but at least for now, he could be content with holding her, slowly falling asleep to her soft breaths.

8:00 AM

Her eyes opened slowly and she found herself in an unfortunate position.

She was comfortable, resting her face against his chest, hearing his heartbeat, feeling more than comfortable resting where she was. She also had to use the restroom.

With an internal sigh, she sat up, pausing briefly to look at her sleeping lover. His face was pressed against the pillow in a rather silly position that she wasn't sure could be entirely comfortable. The young man had been left out of breath and exhausted it seemed.

Husband now...

A part of her still worried she was dreaming, but she suppressed it and left the bed, doing her best not to wake him.

Dennis felt his eyes open but didn't see anything except pillow fabric, which was a reminder of where he was. He craned his neck up and saw the bed empty beside him. Glancing at the bathroom door near the entrance and hearing the shower on, he allowed a sigh of relief as he laid back into the bed.

It was an oddly euphoric feeling. He didn't feel like he had so much accomplished something but felt great all the while. As if everything was right in the world. On the other hand, there was a sense of fear and concern for the future he couldn't just ignore. Oh, he wouldn't let it ruin things, but it was on the back of his mind.

The door opened and he turned to see her. She was wearing the bathrobe that hung on the bathroom door, loosely tied around her waist. She smiled nervously but approached him.

"Morning." He said.

"Morning!" she repeated, closing the distance.

He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but when she got on the bed and crawled on top of him, pressing her nose against his, he really couldn't help his accelerated heart rate.

"Sleep well?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck similar to what she'd done the previous night, he instinctively placed his hands on her hips as if it was part of some dance recital.

"Y-yeah..." Dennis breathed, his heart pounding on his chest as he looked at her eyes, but his mind was focusing on how she was pressing herself against him once again.

Relax, you'll both be more comfortable by the second time...

He moved to kiss her but was stopped by the girl's hand moving over his mouth.

Tyuule only smiled slightly, saying "Good... now you should really wash up."

"Huh?"

She only pointed at his mouth. Dennis paused, realization taking a minute to come over him. He wouldn't pretend he had a fantastic sense of smell, but he knew damn well one didn't just wake up with good breath, and given how heavily he'd been breathing two seconds prior... He closed his mouth and shut his eyes, visibly embarrassed.

Tyuule's smile widened somewhat.

"Right..." he muttered, glancing at the section of the robe concealing her chest just enough.

"I didn't say you should wash alone..." she whispered, pressing herself against him and meeting his lips despite her previous actions.

After a too-short shower, Dennis stepped out of their room, fully dressed, Tyuule following after him.

"So, where first?" she asked, quickly grabbing his arm as she moved the sun hat over her ears with her free arm.

He looked at how the hat went over them and said "Well, we could go see some of the historical sites that aren't too far away, once we get breakfast, of course... you sure that hat's comfortable?"

She took it off, her ears perking upwards as she said "Touch them."

He blinked.

He passed his right hand through her white ear, nodding at the soft fur on it which was in complete contrast to her otherwise entirely human figure.

"Soft..." he mumbled.

"Exactly. I can wear this just fine."

He looked at her, unable to hide his worry, which was something she quickly noticed.

"We'll be fine. This isn't like back there." She said, placing a hand on his cheek.

"Yeah..." he muttered, holding her hand.

The Newspaper article about an attack on a Negro Church had him worried as it was, but the reaction of the people back home was far more concerning.

Still, no one had tried anything despite him not exactly being secretive about Tyuule's identity.

"Guess I'm still in soldier mode... I'm sorry."

A look of concern on her face appeared before she moved up to press her lips against him once more. She remained there for a moment, unsure of what else to do now other than try to help him out of this mental state as he'd helped her.

After pulling away, she whispered, "Don't apologize... come on."

He was still in "soldier mode" as they sat at a booth in a restaurant.

It wasn't very full, and it certainly wasn't the "whites only" establishment he had seen in other parts of the south, but there was clearly a sense that the new law was taking effect, and people were just starting to get used to it.

The waitress at their table had a smile was a bizarre mix of confusion and politeness.

Tyuule didn't seem to pay her any mind as she tried reading the smaller letters on the menu, which were good for practice, Dennis assumed.

He glanced at the waitress with uncertainty before settling on a simple phrase.

"We're ready to order."

That got the young woman to snap back into her role in the dramatic stage of the workplace and quickly asked "What would you like?"

Understanding that, Tyuule said "This..."

She showed her the menu and pointed to an offer for a breakfast for two, which included bacon and eggs alongside a cheese sandwich and French toast. The young woman smiled, equally polite, equally awkward, and perhaps not equally diligent as she took the order and walked away. Dennis made a face, eyes widening and then relaxing as if he had sighed, but not quite.

Tyuule said, "These menus are a bit more colorful than the ones at Alnus..."

Dennis nodded, smiling slightly.

"You never got to try French Toast?"

"No. That restaurant didn't have that while I worked there. It was mostly seafood."

Dennis smiled, saying "I think it's good, but I prefer pancakes. Add some syrup and... it's better than porridge."

Tyuule blinked.

"If you hadn't noticed we're very talented at coming up with sweets."

"Ah."

She glanced behind him, seeing the little boy at the booth further back staring at her.

Immediately self-conscious but not about to let her nature ruin her day, she smiled and waved.

The little boy hid behind the person Tyuule presumed was his mother.

Kids are still the same...

She smiled softly.

July 15th, 1964

Fort Benning, Georgia

"What about... this color?" Dennis asked, handing her the catalog.

Tyuule put her catalog down and looked at it, nodding before saying "It should go with the rest of the home, yes?"

Dennis shrugged, saying "I'm not much for decorations, to be honest."

Rhodes said, "You realize it's just a couch, right?"

Noriko pulled at the captain's ear, saying "Hush, she's learning."

Tyuule said "I know how to buy things, I'm just not used to so much choice. Hey, do you think this would look better on a picture?"

Noriko smiled slightly, saying "See? Learning!"

The home was one among many in the American base and belonged to Rhodes and Noriko. As it turned out that there was a waiting period for approval so, once Orville had to head back, Tyuule would likely have to stay behind for a while. Preferably, she would stay with someone they could trust. Preferably somewhere safe, and preferably somewhere she could be in communication with the armed forces to assist with any questions of her people now that they were being incorporated into the nation. Since Fort Benning had several families of soldiers that could support each other...

Well, then the answer was obvious.

"So, what couch should we get?" Noriko finally asked.

Tyuule said, "Well, this model looks relatively comfortable and aesthetic."

Noriko looked it over and her smile widened.

"Thank you for your help here, Tyuule."

"No... problem?"

Rhodes sighed, saying "Alright... I'll get on the phone."

"Thank you, honey!"

Rhodes sighed and walked off, Noriko giggling as she followed after him.

Dennis mumbled, "You think she set this up?"

Tyuule only said "Possibly, but it's only natural to get a third opinion to decide if a couple is unsure of what to do."

Dennis nodded, and finally said, "So... how does a house like this feel?"

Tyuule looked around at the wooden furnishings, the glass windows, the strange mix of humility and luxury. It wasn't a mansion but it was, by no means, a tiny dwelling for the plebians in the Empire.

"It's... homely." she finally said, "I wouldn't mind living around here."

Dennis smiled, saying "I'm glad... I don't want you uncomfortable or anything once I... go."

The smile vanished.

She glanced at him, noticed quickly how nervous he was about heading back to his duty. She moved closer to him on the couch and laid her head against his shoulder, unsure of what she could ever say, deep down knowing there was nothing to say. All she could do was stay and do her best to be there for him, the same way he couldn't just say something to make her feel better, but by being there for her, he could actually help her.

Still...

"I don't regret choosing this." She said.

Dennis only nodded, aware of Rhodes and Noriko in the other room.

Imperial Capital

Pina followed Diabo on the horse as she observed the rapidly constructed factories on the outskirts of the city, right above the area the Red Light District had once stood, the rubble now cleared, and the area quickly becoming filled with the almost alien equipment and machines as the men from the other world worked on the early attempts at modernizing this other world.

She saw some kids glaring at the machines.

Diabo said, "I take it you're happy about this?"

Pina replied with "We need to catch up, otherwise how will we maintain our own sovereignty?"

"True... however, do you not worry the people don't want this?"

Pina glanced back at the group of children who were glaring at the workers from another world.

"I do... I can only hope they understand that working with our former enemies is how we can move forward."

"I agree, I just worry it won't be an easy path... even after that display of power, many still resent these men and their ways..."

Pina nodded, a sad expression on her face.

"We can work together to mitigate this, of course. Two rulers are a touch more capable than one if you ask me..."

"Yes... brother, have you read the reports on the coastal cities?"

"Yes... I wanted to talk to you about that. Should we divert more men and prepare a naval assault on the pirate islands or-?"

"I was thinking we work with the Americans... show that now that the war is over there is no animosity. It may not stop the hate for those who lost their loved ones, but... it should be enough to show that they are beneficial to us and aren't going to be a hindrance."

Diabo nodded slowly, considering the prospect.

"Well, that's an interesting idea... But isn't their government in an election year?"

"Yes, but to my understanding, it is far more organized and less chaotic than the elections and senate races from here." She said confidently.

July 20th, 1964

8:21 PM

The television blared in the dimly lit room as an early debate was broadcast to the American people.

"Now, Senator Goldwater will have you believe that the act is going to cause trouble down the line. That using federal power for such a purpose is dangerous. That perhaps it is better to allow our society to gradually change without the need for legal action. The problem with that line of thinking is that it fails to account for the suffering of American citizens. Are the American people supposed to stand idly by and allow injustice to continue?"

"Senator Goldwater, your response?" the moderator said.

The Senator from Arizona said "I think most if not all of us are against injustice, and my opposition to the Civil Rights Act was not because I oppose the concept, let me be clear. My problem is the growth of the federal government and the potential threat it could become. I believe racism is an evil practice, and I believe the American people see it that way as well. In my own hometown, we had almost no segregated shops or whites-only areas because it is fundamentally insane that you would deny service to an entire group of people over something as silly as a person's race... but I also believe that it is the right of the citizen to choose who he associates with and who he decides to do business with. If someone wishes to commit economic suicide, that's their prerogative."

The young president quickly said "But what if their decision affects other individuals unjustly? Should a son have to go tell his father that his wife died because the only pharmacy that sold the necessary medicine didn't serve his kind?"

"That's horrible, I just don't think the solution is government intervention. I believe we should encourage the citizens to act on their own. Supporting businesses that aren't segregated is one way-"

"Is the election of politicians that support these policies not the citizens acting on their own?"

"Man, it's getting more heated than the 1960 debates..." Rhodes muttered, sipping some coffee.

Dennis said "I didn't actually catch it. I heard Nixon wasn't all there and that's about it."

"Eh, maybe, but still... what do you think? Kennedy or Goldwater?"

Dennis shrugged, saying "Mom told me she voted Nixon but I have no idea what his policies were... don't follow politics enough, I guess."

Noriko walked in, saying "Well, I'm more worried about the deal in Asia."

Rhodes sighed, saying "Come on, we just pulled out of Vietnam. Odds are things will relax for a while before the commies decide to start things up again."

The line caused Tyuule to shift a touch closer to Dennis.

The phone rang in the hall, Rhodes sighing as he got up.

Dennis noticed Tyuule's ears perk up slightly, and he placed a hand over them. She pouted at his denial of her attempt at eavesdropping but didn't say anything.

Noriko, noticing, said, "Hey, Tyuule have you been denied service outside?"

"No, not yet at least. So far most people I meet are polite."

"Hmm... same. But clearly, this stuff happens."

Dennis was about to speak when Rhodes walked in.

"Orville, got a minute?"

Dennis nodded, Tyuule sitting up and glancing as he got up and followed his captain outside. As the television continued to show the debate, Noriko saw the girl's expression grow ever more worried.

"What is it?" she whispered.

Tyuule only said, "They have to head back."

Noriko said, "Oh..."

Tyuule sunk into the couch.

"He'll have to be gone for months..."

"Hey, we'll help each other, remember? And the war is over."

The white-haired girl nodded slowly.

Dennis walked back in then.

Tyuule forced herself to look at him without worry.

He said, "Captain Rhodes got called back... apparently there's a mission specifically for our unit."

July 21st, 1964

Dallas, Texas

6:00 AM

Dennis adjusted his helmet and did his best not to look at the girl holding onto him.

Tyuule didn't want to let him go but forced herself to as the time passed.

It is not surprising that some would have us stay where we are a little longer...

He said, "I'll write to you..."

She nodded.

But this country of the United States was not built by those who waited and rested!

Dennis glanced behind him, the entrance to the Gate awaited him there as other men came out, some reporters, some military officers.

"I'll see you as soon as I can, okay?"

She nodded, hugging him tightly once more, saying "I'll wait... you come back."

This country was conquered by those who move forward... and so will space.

The couple winced, noting that a reporter had snapped a picture of them, the man sheepishly stepping back at the glare he received from the Ranger.

Dennis sighed, kissed the girl he'd married, and did an about-face before walking off.

Because that challenge is one we are willing to accept.

Dennis sat on the bus, eyeing the city behind him, Rhodes sitting next to him.

As the bus moved into the Gate, Rhodes said, "We'll be back soon. They'll be fine."

"Yeah... I hope so, captain."

The energy, the faith, the devotion... which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it.

Noriko started the car with a sigh, Tyuule sitting on the passenger's seat, eyeing the window, listening to the radio as the President's speech continued.

Noriko said, "Hey, Thomas hasn't let me down, he'll bring them all back alright."

"I know..." Tyuule sighed.

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

The Radio cut slightly and a man's calm voice said "President Kennedy finished his speech in Chicago which was an interesting amalgamation of his previous speeches earlier this week prior to his debate with Arizona Senator Goldwater. The debate had appeared impromptu as Goldwater's nomination for the candidacy of the Republican party's was still being challenged by..."

Noriko changed the channel, saying "I wish the news didn't try to be so gloomy all the time."

Tyuule sighed, saying "You should hear the words across the gate... street performers had to read announcements, sometimes wearing ridiculous makeup."

Then she laughed, genuinely. For the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of optimism. Even if it was all ripped away, for a moment, she'd regained a little of what she'd lost.

Her mind briefly going back to her parents teaching her how to write so long ago. Her mother, always a tired expression but a brave smile, her father, always direct and serious, her brother, usually energetic, oftentimes curious, staring at her with his own reddish eyes as he quizzed her on whatever they had been taught that day...

I miss you... I miss you all so much...

But for once she didn't think about them and desire nothing but destruction.

For once, she could smile again, watching the still-rising sun on the horizon.

Alnus

7:30 AM

Dennis Orville followed his team around the far more well-built Army base that surrounded the Gate between worlds. The base had been paved, the barracks secured, the land cleared... as the Rangers walked towards the command center it was clear that a turning point had not only been reached, but they were well beyond it.

Alex said, "I hear it's pirates."

Tom said "Pirates?"

Rhodes sighed, saying "Yeah... apparently near the coastal cities."

"Lovely."

Dennis huffed, saying "Let me guess, the Princess wants us to try and figure them out peacefully?"

Sean said "Hey, who knows? Maybe we'll meet our very own Anne Bonny!"

"Who?"

The older Green Beret captain interrupted as they got to the building "I think the brass wants to test some of the more... exotic... recruits."

Rhodes said, "Captain, long time no see. How's the arm?"

"Told you, I've had worse... now come on, this is straight from the top and we'll definitely need your translator."

Dennis nodded and quickened his pace, still taking the new sights around the base. He noticed a few men in blue, the UN presence now very much extended to other nations as exploration and scientific discovery required more security, and quite frankly it did seem the lands beyond the Mountains and imperial weren't exactly "civilized" in a way that made them safe to travel. He noticed a group of Warrior Bunnies in Army BDUs chatting, M14 rifles slung on their backs, a badge on the uniform identified them as a local unit, the likely older of the two had white streaks of hair mixed with brunette.

One with brown hair made eye contact with him, recognizing him, but staying silent.

Delilah shifted slightly as she observed the Americans walk into the building and sighed.

She glanced in the direction of the Gate and sighed with a degree of melancholy and frustration.

One day... I'll find you... one day...

She turned to the other Warrior Bunnies, the girls now assigned to a military unit, and said "Let me know how easy these men are. I haven't bothered with them yet."

The younger girls blushed, causing Delilah to huff.

"Come on, are you already forgetting your culture?"

The youngest one said "N-no... but... isn't it a bit inappropriate to do that with your fellow soldiers?"

"Who cares? Who's gonna stop you? Men are men, aren't they?"

The other one said "Ah... well... we'll see, I guess. See around Delilah."

She only huffed.

I guess they're having more of an effect on the others than I thought... oh well. It could be worse...

Dennis kept walking, trying to keep his mind off the girl he left a world away.

As they got to the command center and began walking up the stairs, Dennis got a view of the field outside the base walls through the large window, seeing the growing town in the distance. Out in the fields, tombstones were visible from where he stood, not unlike the Normandy Memorial. White stones, neatly positioned so that people could walk around them and pay their respects even if the body of a loved one wasn't there. He could see a few figures, barely specks in the distance, moving and placing flowers and food offerings on the graves.

He knew he'd killed many, especially in those early battles where thousands were massacred mercilessly, the bloody images seared into his mind. He stood there for a moment, watching the scene in the distance and playing the images, the blood, gunpowder, and the screams of that day again and again in his mind.

Then he pushed the thoughts aside and walked on.

---

A/N: … welp! Really hope THAT scene doesn't get me in trouble...

Look, I just wanted to avoid a situation where the narrator just says "and then they made love", while also avoiding the Harry Turtledove trope of practically writing smut... but yeah, I have never written anything like this, which is weird this makes me more nervous about publishing cause this fic includes many horrors of war. Anyway, not sure how much in terms of "amateur hour" THAT scene was, but I was basically taking a page out of the Jack Reacher school of writing... scenes. I know some fics can get away with leaving this as a T, and the whole point was to focus on the emotional side of things, but... well, you guys let me know, though at this point I'm not sure changing it to an M will mean much since it's practically over.

The US has a stronghold on the "Special Region", I know the threat of the "gods" could crop up, but there's not much they could do, and I had it so that they would keep put and not threaten a situation that could result in their "petting zoo" being destroyed. Unlike canon Japan, odds are the US can allow allied nations access and actually help develop the region faster. I don't think there will be a lot of modernization even a year later, but certainly more than what we saw in canon where Japan was content with not developing the area for the most part. Vietnam is... sort of unified, but the Cold War rages on, and how these alterations may impact this timeline is certainly up for debate, but most of the main story threats have been beaten, and our two leads are building a new life together, both trying to heal after everything.

I plan to make a final chapter with a time skip to give some more details on this, but yeah, I think you can pretty much end the fic here... but I'm not gonna end it yet!

I'm planning on the next Author's Notes to include an entire section speculating how this timeline might develop, Alternate History Hub style!

That said, thanks so much for reading and following this fic thus far! I wasn't entirely sure how far I would take this fic when I first started writing it, but I am glad it turned out the way it did.

Thank you so much for the TV Tropes page, seriously, you guys are awesome! Thanks for the reviews and suggestions, special thanks to TopHatGuy for the assistance in more accurately portraying this fic and to AirsoftAl for the video reviews he's made.

Thanks for following this fic thus far! Hope to see you soon!