Isla Lawrence was not an easy person to anger. At least, they used to be. Many things changed during the war, and their temper was one of the last things to go. Isla stood in an improvised command tent on the outskirts of Auckland, their stolen Soviet-era BDU fitting loosely on them. Around them stood several people of various nationalities, gathered around several maps that were a combination of updated CIA maps and maps that had been looted from the nearest gas station during the opening hours of the civil war. Opposite Isla was LT Colonel Jack Reinhart of the US Marine Corps, the commanding officer of the US task force sent to reinforce the NZ government forces. However, upon discovering that the government had collapsed, he decided to support the Legion of Aotearoa, a coalition of mostly far-left forces that opposed the Army of Freedom, a Russian-supported extremist group.

"The 1st Battalion has reported sporadic small arms fire in the Botany Downs area, and recon has reported enemy BMPs stationed at Pakuranga, likely to lock down the area and prevent further incursions," Jack reported in a strained voice. Isla looked up and said irritably, "We have to secure Botany Downs. I don't even want to know what they're doing to the people there with that rifle fire." Isla paused for a moment and studied the maps of the area before continuing, "I'm redirecting the 3rd Cohort from their destination at Manukau to join the 1st Battalion. I'll also let the MI-24s in the region know to expect to be on CAS duty." Isla summarized their orders for the adjutants in the room.

"Manukau should be able to hold out for a while. I think this will work," Jack said, glancing at the makeshift extensions on Isla's collar and adding jokingly, "General." Isla groaned and covered their face with one hand before responding, "You don't have to keep calling me that. It's a temporary title until someone more experienced from your side takes over."

"About that, Isla. It's not happening," Jack said formally. "General Isla, the President of the United States has updated his Executive Order. Your title is permanent for the foreseeable future." Jack approached Isla, handed them a letter, and saluted. Isla read the letter before returning the salute. "So that's why you rushed to Whenuapai," they said, turning back to the table. "If that's how it's going to be, then so be it."

Jack turned to Isla, but before he could say congratulations, the sounds of activity pulled their attention away from the ceremony. A Marine rushed in and exclaimed, without any formalities, "We have to move into Central Auckland now, sir. It's chaos" Both Isla and Jack turned to face the Marine. Isla stood up, drew their service pistol, and asked" What is it? AOF?" The Marine shook his head incredulously before replying, "Worse. Much worse" Isla and Jack shared a moment of reflection before barking orders, recalling all units north of Browns Bay and south of Drury. They grabbed the nearest rifle and body armor they could find and loaded into a BMP-2 before it roared down the road towards the CBD.

A couple of kilometers out from the area, Isla and Jack can already hear the sounds of small arms and rocket support coming from MI-24 and Apache helicopters. Isla activates their radio and asks, "Any available units in the CBD, respond with sitrep. Over." A brief pause follows before a harried voice replies, "This is 1st Cohort, 2nd Century. We are taking massive casualties from what appears to be club-wielding assailants, supported by archers and heavy units." Isla looks at Jack with a confused expression before saying, with a hint of annoyance in their voice, "Why are we getting beat up by enemies with clubs, exactly?" The other voice replies, "Sir, I don't know how to tell you this, but they're using magic." The voice pauses for a moment before explaining, "One moment we'll be holding them off, then one of the assailants starts chanting and, next thing you know, we'll be lit on fire, or frozen, or attacked by vines, or electrocuted. They're extremely durable as well. We estimate at least half a mag is necessary to put one down, and even then their bodies disappear so we don't even know if they're dead or not!" Isla puts down the radio, then says to Jack, "Get every single fucking person you can muster and tell them to haul ass, I don't care if they're the company cook." Jack nods before using his radio.

Isla thanks the person on the radio, then switches to a different channel. "General Isla to all armor units, you are to immediately cease combat operations and move towards Central Auckland. Prepare for heavy combat. Details to follow." They then begin checking their rifle, a rare AK-74. The BMP announces its arrival by firing its main autocannon, and the troops inside pour out, rifles barking orders of death upon their enemy. Isla takes a look around. Isolated pockets of men firing relentlessly upon a black and yellow horde are everywhere, as helicopter fire wipes out tens of them, which appears to thin out the horde somewhat. Isla takes a second to steady themselves, then opens fire adding to the orchestra of rifle, autocannon, and rocket fire that can be heard. Eventually, they thin out most of the bogies, but after encountering multiple supersized versions of the bogies that needed shots from tanks to put them down, Isla had to recall even the barely armed police force to assist. Eventually, they found the source of the bogies. And what they saw astonished them

"What the fuck is this?" Isla questioned in an increasingly confused tone. Isla and Jack looked at what appeared to be a giant gate made of stone. The only notable features of the gate were the giant insignia of three triangles pointing inward at the top and the fact that it seemed to lead to another world. "I couldn't tell you what this is, Isla, but I think we've just made the discovery of the century right here," Jack said. The gate was massive and had almost collapsed several office buildings that it had cut into when it materialized. "This could easily fit 10-15 Abrams side by side," Jack replied. Isla perked up, then radioed for a helicopter.

"You aren't thinking of going over there, are you, Isla?" Jack asked. "Look at the place, Jack. It looks safe and judging by the relative technology level of what we just faced, I'm not sure they'll be shooting us down with Stingers when we go through," Isla replied as they looked at the verdant landscape of the other world. "I'm staying here, Isla. I have to forward this to the Pentagon and see if they can spare more forces," Jack said before saluting and boarding a Humvee. Isla gathered some of the most elite troops they could find before boarding the MI-24 and embarking towards the other world.

Jean is too exhausted to pay much attention to the strange noise that gradually fills her ears. But when the sound becomes almost deafening, she can't ignore it anymore. She looks out to see a metal dragon landing in the center of Mondstat. She hurries towards the Knights of Favonius, who eye the dragon warily with weapons at the ready. The sides of the dragon open up and seven men in dark green uniforms with long black wands that resemble Fatui weaponry emerge, scanning the area. The commanding officer of the group steps out last, surrounded by his protectors. The metal dragon lifts off again, hovering just out of reach as it turns towards the center of Mondstat.

Jean walks past the Knights, eliciting calls for her to come back. She walks towards the commanding officer, taking great care not to make any moves that could be interpreted as a threat. The officer turns to her and says something in a language that Jean can't interpret but sounds very familiar. She then realizes she has heard the Honorary Knight sometimes utter phrases in a language that sounds like that. She orders someone to go and fetch him while attempting to signal that she doesn't understand the officer and that they are getting someone who can. The officer appears to understand and mimes for his troops to lower their weapons, which are then reciprocated. After a few quiet moments, the officer retrieves some sort of circular device and puts it to his mouth, breathing out white smoke after a few seconds. Jean is confused about how such a device can do that, and that confusion breaks through her mask, causing the officer to blush slightly and quickly stash the item back where it came from.

After a few minutes, the Traveller rushed towards the square, where he found Jean. "I came as fast as I could," he said, drawing his sword slightly. The officer noticed the movement and put pressure on the holster at his side. "Don't even think about it," Jean warned, smacking the Traveller's hand away from his sword. "I need you to translate peacefully between us and these people."

Aether turned towards the officer and greeted him. The officer's face lit up with relief. "Thank god you can understand me," he said, approaching Aether and offering his hand. Aether shook it firmly, but politely.

"General Isla Lawrence, of the Legion of Aotearoa and the United States Armed Forces," the officer introduced himself.

"Aether," the Traveller responded. "I'm just Aether. Although the people of Mondstat, this town, call me the Honorary Knight."

Isla released the handshake and asked, "Can you introduce me to the people of this town?" The officer adopted a more serious tone as he continued, "We've just had a couple hundred Bogies come through our side of the Gate and murder several hundred of our forces. We need to find out if there are any more of them."

Aether appeared to pause for a moment before saying, "Gate?" Isla then produced a picture that was of far higher quality than any kamera Aether had seen. It looked like a domain gate, but much larger. "It's located about 1-2 clicks west of here. This town appeared as soon as we came through."

Isla then showed a picture of the Bogies that had attacked their side. Everyone who saw the picture tensed up. Aether was the first to speak, saying, "By the Archons, that's a lot of Hilichurls."

"Are there any more of these Hilichurls?" Jean asked, having realized what they were talking about. He approached and asked Aether to translate. "I am Jean, acting Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius and the leader of Mondstat. May the Anemo Archon guide you through your troubles," Jean introduced himself, receiving the same handshake and greeting from Isla as Aether.

"As for your question, there are no more Hilichurl camps from here to Liyue, the closest city to us," Aether translated for Jean. "Most of them disappeared a week ago, which I assume is due to the gate."

Isla relaxed at the news. "Thank you for telling me that. I hope this culling benefits you more than it did us," he said. Isla then pulled out a strange contraption from his armor and spoke into it. Soon after, a dragon sped off in the direction of the gate. "I've sent our helicopter to inform the other side of this news. They'll be pleased," Isla explained.

Aether turned to Jean and accidentally spoke in English, "He looks like several tonnes have been lifted off of him."

"They, please," Isla corrected, and Aether and Jean turned to look at them. Isla repeated, "You accidentally spoke in English, Aether. And I prefer to be referred to as 'they' if that's not an issue."

"Don't worry, Isla," Aether reassured them. "It's rare, but not forbidden." Isla apologized for the interruption, looking embarrassed.
"Our apologies for the informality of our arrival. We needed answers to prevent my superiors on the other side from bombing a 500km radius around the gate. Speaking of superiors, did anyone bring the radio antenna from the helicopter?" Isla asks his troops, only to realize they didn't. "F-crap, we'll have to wait for their return," Isla says before Aether interjects with a gasp. "I think I have a solution for the language issue. There's this thing I learned about in Sumeru, a nation dedicated to knowledge. It uses Dendro to transfer information. With that, I should be able to transfer my knowledge of the Teyvatian language to you. Unfortunately, it's a trade of information and a portion of what you know must be transferred to me."

"Can I choose the information that is transferred, Aether? It's not that I don't trust you, but I have access to information that could be detrimental if leaked." Isla asks.

"Of course, Isla. You can choose whatever you wish, as long as it's something I don't know. However, I must warn you that, just like you, I am a foreigner in this world. I can act as a channel for the information, but we will need to choose someone else for the trade. Someone like..." Aether looks around at the group gathered before pointing at Jean. "Her."

Isla considers Aether's suggestion and nods. "Very well, Jean it is. Let's get this information exchange started. I have a feeling it will be very useful for both of us."

Aether steps forward and holds out his hand, palm up. "Place your hand on mine, Jean, and focus on the information you wish to share with Isla. And Isla, do the same with the information you want Jean to receive."

Jean hesitates for a moment, then slowly places her hand on Aether's. Isla does the same, and all three close their eyes in concentration.

For a few moments, there is silence as the information transfer takes place. Then, Jean and Isla both gasped and pull their hands away.

"Whoa, that was intense," Jean says, rubbing her temples, as foreign flashbacks of unspeakable horror flash through her mind. She immediately retched and threw up, the knowledge of the current Civil war too much for her to handle. Amongst those memories, was the trauma of the very person she stands next to.

Isla is the first to reach Jean's side, rushing to lift her and bring her to the nearest bench. Aether follows, along with a couple of Knights who remain wary of the newcomer. "There must be some sort of difference between Teyvatian and Human brain chemistry," Aether says wearily, "because even I saw what Jean saw. What kind of people would do that to their kin, the people they worked with days ago?"

Isla takes a moment to process the language of these people, then says in fluent Teyvatian, "I am so sorry, Jean. Nobody should see what I have seen. Those horrors...they kill you on the inside." Jean looks up and, in an uncharacteristically emotional moment, wraps Isla in a hug and brings them down onto the bench as well. "I will survive, Isla," Jean says, "but for a 17-year-old to see what you've seen is a crime against your family's honor!"

Isla looks up and says blankly, "Look deeper into your memories of me, Jean." Jean does, and with a gasp exclaims, "By the Archons, they helped commit those atrocities!"

Isla nods, their expression grim. "Yes, they did. And they would have done even worse if they had the chance." Jean pauses, as her mind struggles to come to terms with what this young person in front of her has seen. "Isla, what you've seen, what you've had to go through," Jean says, struggling to hold back tears, something that confounds the Knights around her. "No person, no matter where they hail from, should ever have to bear witness to the atrocities committed by those husks of humans. I refuse to call them people, no human should be able to do that with a clear conscience."

Jean looks down at Isla to discover them quietly sobbing, their repressed memories roaring to the surface like Jean's rage at their parents. She reaches out to embrace them, offering comfort and support as they cry. "It's okay, Isla. You don't have to hold it all in anymore. You have us now, and we'll help you through this. You're not alone."

As Isla's sobs subside, Jean gently pulls back to look them in the eyes. "I know it won't be easy, but justice will be served to those who have caused you so much pain. You are not to blame, Isla. You are a survivor, and your strength will make even the Fatui tremble in fear."

Isla wipes the tears from their eyes and says, "Hey, we'll talk more about this in private," gesturing to the people who have gathered around them. "As a leader myself, I know how important it is to maintain a front, and this may or may not have shattered it."

Jean nods, understanding the need for discretion. "I'll be there for you whenever you need me, Isla. We'll get through this together."

Isla smiles, grateful for Jean's support. "Thank you, Jean. I'm glad to have you by my side."

Their moment was shattered by the sound of rotor blades. As the sound of rotor blades fills the air, the residents of Mondstat turn their heads skyward to see five sleek MI-24 helicopters descending towards the city. The helicopters, painted in a distinctive camouflage pattern, hover above the central square, their rotors kicking up a cloud of dust and debris.

As the engines roar, the sides of the helicopters open up and heavily armed troops pour out, their weapons at the ready. The troops, dressed in matching uniforms and tactical gear, quickly fan out and take up positions around the square, their movements precise and coordinated.

As the last of the troops dismount, the helicopters rise back into the air and circle overhead, their gunners scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger. The residents of Mondstat stand frozen, unsure of what to make of this sudden increase in military presence in their peaceful city. Isla stands up and runs towards the troops, Yelling in Teyvatian for the Knights to calm down. The troops stand to attention, seeing their commanding officer present. "This is a diplomatic mission, what made you think that deploying more troops was a good idea?" Isla says sternly

The commanding officer of the troops, a tall and imposing figure, steps forward and salutes Isla. "Apologies, sir. We received intelligence that there was a potential threat to our mission, and we deemed it necessary to increase our security measures." "Who's order was it for you to enter the Gate" "We are operating on direct orders from the President sir, to Protect you" Isla relaxed, then asked Jean over the uproar of the helicopters "Is there anywhere we can set these helicopters down?" Jean thinks for a moment, then nods. "Try and have them land around the city outside the walls. We'll set a guard around them."

Isla radios the orders to the helicopters, who begin to land as instructed. They turn back to Jean and say, "I know we've only just met, but is there any way we can secure accommodation for our troops?"

Jean nods, her expression determined. "I'll make some calls and see what I can do. In the meantime, let's get these troops settled and try to minimize the disruption to the city as much as possible."

With that, the two leaders set to work, coordinating the efforts of their respective teams to ensure the success of their mission and the safety of the city.

5 and a Half Hours Later
Isla collapses onto their bed at the Knights of Favonius headquarters, completely and utterly exhausted. The past five hours have been a blur of formal introductions, informal meetings, and trying to smooth over the tensions between the people of Mondstat and the LOA troops.

As Isla's head hits the pillow, they let out a sigh of relief. It has been a long and challenging day, but they are glad to have made some progress in establishing a more peaceful and cooperative relationship between their two groups.

But as they close their eyes they realize that their work is far from finished. There are still numerous questions and issues to address, and they know that the journey ahead will be fraught with challenges. They must continue to fight for victory in the civil war, while also dealing with the seismic political changes brought about by the arrival of this new world. The road ahead will not be easy, but Isla is determined to persevere.

As they drift off to sleep, Isla can only hope that tomorrow will bring some much-needed rest and a chance to regroup before tackling the next round of problems. As the final shreds of consciousness are removed from them, they think "I wish I could stay here"