Ghost Recon: The Gate War

by Skootmeister

2021, for 7 years relative peace has reigned over the world in the aftermath of conflict after bloody conflict. The Ghost Recon force takes on a seemingly inconspicuous mission in Japan. Fate however rolls the dice and soon the team, and the world, finds itself at war with an empire of might, monsters and magic. Once again, war has come to call the members of the Ghosts to action.

9. Path to Peace?

AN: Damn. Take time for work and myself and time flies. And Fanfiction apparently pulling much bullshittery with emails and messages. I wasn't notified about shit. For reason Fanfiction is doin more tomfoolery, and it happened a good time after I downloaded the app so I could work from my phone as the site itself was proving uncooperative with the desktop option. Ho boi. I can only hope nothing happens to this chap after it gets posted like constantly centering paragraphs.

Oh yeah, there's also there's apparently a new GR game called "Over" in the works if the leaks are to be believed. I'm pretty sure it'll just more of the same 'modern-day aesthetics' with no exciting new toys or gear. The setting at least seems interesting... but I won't hold my breath. There's really nothing else for me to say aside the usual writer's block and real life obligations... and site issues. -_-

Anyway, Back to it.

---

"You are still awake, my son?"

He did not look from the fireplace to the sounds of scampering feet, but Hamilcar hardly needed to. He new when his children snuck from bed and made their way around the family home making mischief. Off getting moonpeak snacks most surely. But of course, that's what made children so endearing. Just a shame it took more than a few times to get it into their minds.

"I cannot sleep either." Hamilcar sighed. Furrowing his eyebrows as he contemplated. "Tonight... I had a terrible dream. I saw Denzalcia in ruins, our temples defiled, our treasures scattered over the sands, and the terrible cries of our women moved the gods to tears." Even if he was smarter than most other children his age, Hannibal was still at the innocent age of 7. He still had much to learn about the world, much to learn about struggling and the pain that inevitably comes to everyone be they rich or poor. Hamilcar turned. His son stood there at the threshold of the doorway back to the halls, and indeed there are a few treats in his arms. Hamilcar felt the tug at his heart... it always came at random. Knowing one day this young boy would be thrust into adulthood. No longer would he be able to run and play with his carved toy boat, spend time with the slave boy that lived with the other servants of the family, or even just be a child. He's already learning how to be a proper adult. Just give him a few more years and he'd be learning how to properly use a falcata.

"Surely you do not intend to have those without milk?" Hamilcar asked with a grin. If his wife found out about this the gods would surely laugh at his misfortune. "My son, sit with me a while that I might tell you of our city. For one day her safety will be entrusted to you." He said, making to get said milk. Coming back, Hamilcar spoke.

"We Tyrans are a civilized people. Ours is a way of waves, the rule of law, and the pursuit of commerce. As traders and settlers we have brought wealth to many distant shores. The lands of Penukonda, the sands of the Khufus, the waves of the Avion sea, even the mysterious Miwa all know our merchants and coin. Yet, in strengthening our colonies and trade routes, we risk stretching ourselves thin. And as I looked beyond our beloved Denzalcia I see her surrounded by many dangers.

"Our client states are loyal, but such loyalties can be shifted should fortunes turn. Some even merely pay lip service. The petty and mighty kingdoms further afield that dot the continent are a mixed pot of many different motives and peoples. The orcs of the distant east, thieving bloodthirsty tribes who live to raid one another and the towns of more civilized folk. The Ictuns, so like ourselves yet foreign in all their values. And worst of all, the black hearted Saderans, bane to all they encounter. As you grow my son, you must study these peoples well, and learn their strategies of war. Be ready, do not let this man's dream come to pass."

It would be but days later he would make his son take an oath. An oath of eternal enmity to the Saderan people. One that would take time until he could exercise its will.

---

Southern Denzalcia

"Never be a friend to Sadera." His father made him promise. Ohhhhh the sweet taste of living up to that promise when those words were uttered. They were the words Hannibal remembered every time he woke. Already he put his word in motion when he attacked Tylis.

One of the benefits of Denzalcia's geographic position is there is no direct route through the mountain range leading towards it. Any enemy coming must either pass through the western desert and client states in the north before passing a smaller range of mountains or go south of this range and through more established clients and neighbors. Denzalcia's actual territory proper was very small, their central population hailing from smaller inland cities and colonies.

A sea attack is virtually useless as well. Even as undeniably mighty as Sadera's navy is, and as close as any ambitious Ictuns are. Denzalcia's wooden walls on the sea were nothing to sneeze at. They too possessed galleons armed to the teeth as well as xebec ships for raiding and quick attacks. Never mind their ability to tame and ride hippocampi to distract and harass as opposed to Sadera's preference to dragons and the occasional griffin. That being said, Denzalcia's gold reserves were far more than sufficient enough to hire pirates, crews from other lands, even simple riders of sea or flying creatures to level the playing field.

This was all well known to Hannibal. Skin touched by the sun like all his people, hair cut short with more length on top. Facial hair of brown with firm grey eyes. He himself was currently in attire meant for under armor use. Said armor elaborate with the face of an elephant and purposeful in its use. His plan was working it's magic. He failed to take Tylis to the north... that was unfortunate, but he made off with much in the way of loot for his men. But taking the city would have been a prize in the ultimate motive of war with Sadera. When the news of a Gate to the southeast in Alnus grabbed the attention of Sadera and the surrounding peoples, he knew it was time. How fortunate it was he spoke to a Saderan representative before then making it clear if he attacked Tylis, he would be attacking Sadera.

No doubt someone was already marching to respond to his attack. Perhaps Zorzal? That would be a sweet rapture with his plan going so well so far. Yet why come all the way down south past the mountain range if such a man was going north? Simple. With the chaos going on with the Gate, there would surely be legions in the way, but with the situation being as it is there was a chance to get through them. Perhaps unnoticed? Perhaps with these Otherworlders eating their attention. They would know he was coming inevitably, the Saderans had a network of outposts lining what they considered their borders, beyond them, minifortresses which themselves were bolstered by the mighty castra. Speed was key

"Brother." Having been taking time checking his equipment and remembering what his father told him, Hannibal did not hear someone enter his personal tent. "Taking your time grabbing your things?"

"Mago, you know I don't like to be disturbed." His annoyed response clearly a jest, a humored tone evident.

"Someone has to, so fitting it is your young brother who bothers you. Be quick. We're going to begin the meeting YOU were so insistent on having." Mago responded. Hannibal's youngest brother and commander of the infantry. He had the most heads to look after and the task of ensuring all forces from spearmen, swordsmen, engineers and all foot soldiers were in proper shape. And of course he was the one often pestering his brother like siblings do. Hannibal took to donning his armor and grabbing his things, but not before looking to the table he brought for holding items, a picture of his father on it. Hamilcar.

Already Hannibal heard the voice of his father again, the picture had that effect ever since he shut himself in after his recent defeat years ago. It was something that split the city elders, the naysayers and supporters who were doubtless arguing back in the mother city.

It marked the end of his father taking him and his siblings to war in distant lands to protect colonies and secure trade routes. Taking him through a path to prove himself as a man who could lead armies and defeat his foes through cunning and quick thinking. But it would damage his own family as well as the Saderans. He would personally kill a legate who just happened to be the uncle of Zorzal, while he himself would see his father confine himself to his home. Hannibal would be the one to take up his family's sword as his father foretold, and he would honor his words.

He shook the thoughts off. Enough reminiscing. Now equipped, he exited his tent, which was just one in thousands. Around him were many many MANY more. Occupying these tents was a wide range of peoples. A sizeable portion of them were proper Denzalcians. Citizen soldiers who often modeled themselves after and therefore fought in the manner of the Ictuns with spear, shields and armor. Infantry, cavalry and officers. These men were often only utilized to defend the inner lands of Denzalcia proper. Many men instead focusing their efforts on commercial activities. These men did however form a backbone to build around. And it was that element of the army the mercenaries and allied units made up. It was often common for mercenaries to be hired as a group rather than individually. One such force was the client state of Berbaho to the south. Their men were often well-disciplined and utilized as spearmen. Many made up a portion of the army here. Another client state called Numa had units in the form of cavalry. Swift like the wind and annoying to deal with. They harass and strike true while scouting on nimble small horses.

Among them were also Denzalcia's preferred mercenaries in the form of the Lusitanis. These people were famed for discipline and skill despite being less civilized in their more mountainous home where their tribes lived. Even Saderans praised them, and praise from Saderans is praise worth accepting. Often they came in two varieties of either those with large oval shields who fought similarly to Sadera's past legions and Centrarii who adopted a skirmish stance with javelins and a circular shield. There were those from more distant lands too like the Aedui people. Stocky, hairy, thirsty for battle, a result of having lived close to the savage orcs for generations. These people hailed mostly from regions to the east and northeast of the continent, some smaller communities having spread around however having a rather severe case of wanderlust. Some ended up swallowed by Sadera's influence. Their proximity to orcs has led to a behavior most similar to their green-skinned neighbors, notably a tendency to charge, fighting in loose order, and being excellent at delivering shock attacks. They compensated for their weaker physiology by making chainmail armor. Sadera and many others would adopt this and some still use it today despite the existence of plate armor. Cheaper anyway. Their cavalry was also a notable stock. Even Ictuns and knights abroad joined the ranks of Denzalcia.

Of course it was not just humans that were hired. Elves from kingdoms further north, east, and other lands formed archer formations not unlike Sadera's elven auxiliaries, but some of their most effective missile troops came in the form of halflings. Beings short like dwarves but more notable for the leathery soles on their feet and being rather sneaky, even lucky. A gift for when utilizing slings. They are notably feared for just how good they were at throwing stones, let alone tossing them down range with a sling. It all bellied their shy nature, especially with how willingly they went to fight. They also weren't as keen on coin, instead preferring payment with foods. They were notoriously gluttonous beings. There were others who had smaller numbers but just as vital roles. Icari, winged demi-humans who could harass and attack from above. Catmen who were excellent night scouts and watchmen, along with what few rabbit women decided to join up, orcs who can do more than fight and actually enjoy traveling and earning pay, some giants and cyclops for heavy lifting as well as hippogriff and griffon riders for airborne fighting.

And of course magic. Some hired, others from the city itself. Those hailing from Denzalcia were rather fond of spells pertaining to sand. It's coarse and rough and gets everywhere which gets on everyone's nerves. Perfect for disrupting formations, especially when it is hot and poured down one's armor. Otherwise great for getting out of a bind.

Many were levied troops from vassals, some were Denzalcian proper. But anyone, ANYONE, who wished to fight for coin be they armed with a bow, axe, sling, sword, beast or magic, they could join. Denzalcian coin was always welcome in one's pocket, for they were always welcome in her ranks.

And of course, a Denzalcian army would be nothing without elephants. An animal held sacred in Denzalcian beliefs. A caring, nurturing beast. A being of community and belonging. A wrathful monster of great size and power, much like any nation and kingdom. And were a great means to bowl through formations and defenses when a giant was unavailable.

Hannibal's army was massive without a doubt. It had to be. A collection of a mishmash of many peoples, colors and creeds from all walks of life with one purpose; Defeat Sadera.

"Hannibal!" There was Mago with other men at his side. The rest of the army commanders.

"Mago."

"8,000 calvary. 80,000 infantry. Spearmen, swordsmen, axemen, archers, crossbows, slingers, lancers." One of them said. "Our numbers increase."

"I want the men to be prepared to move without warning." Hannibal said.

"They are ready, my brother." Mago assured.

"Your Numa cavalry, Maharbal. They are fast?" Hannibal asked addressing another man.

"As fast as the wind, general." Maharbal, the cavalry commander and overall advisor to Hannibal's war effort responded.

An amused shake of the head. "Don't humor me, Maharbal."

"Faster than the Saderans, Hannibal."

"Elephants?"

"37. All healthy. They are being tended to by proper keepers."

"Good. We are preparing our next move."

The men converged at a large open tent, a map of the continent inside on a large table.

"Now... let us begin." Hannibal said. "With our attack on Tylis, war is all but inevitable. We know that Zorzal himself is heading for Knappnai before departing to the desert, but he will surely return when he learns of what I am up to. Beyond that the Saderans are surely preparing for whatever mischief the Otherworlders are up to at Alnus. The point being that there is little fear of a proper reprisal on our mother city or our client states. Our conflicts will be relegated to the border areas for the time being. The catch to all this? We won't be here."

Everyone looked to one another in mild confusion. Clearly Hannibal was moving much for the upcoming battle... the fact it was south of where Zorzal was going was one thing. But now he was saying they wouldn't be here?

"We always talked about taking the war to the Saderans, fighting them on their own soil. Well now that time has come. I do not just mean in what they consider theirs... that is much of the continent. We cannot go by ship. Our navy is mighty but we must tend to our trade routes should they decide to attack that. Instead, we will invade here." He pointed to a southeastern edge of the area of the mass where Denzalcia rested near, the Ictun peninsula on the other side of the sea. An area where Saderan influence began and was at its weakest.

"We will take the army east, into their lands, through other cities, go past Ictan's borders, towards Alnus and then towards their homeland. We won't face much resistance at first, but that will change when news reaches their capital. Especially when we get closer to Alnus... and that's where the good part comes, whether we curry favor with the Otherworlders or not, they serve our interest simply by fighting Sadera. We can't go towards Italica, they will surely have defenses there with gathering legions. So instead, we're going through the Great Mountain Range."

The moment those words left Hannibal's mouth, the temperature seemed to drop for everyone. Through the mountains!?

"All these men and beasts through the mountains?!" Maharbal exclaimed in disbelief. There were many mountain passes through the Great Mountain Range. All varying. But as one would imagine those that are well-used and maintained are watched over by Sadera or their friends in the Dwarven hollows throughout the range. The rest were hectic, ill-used, and very dangerous to a small party of travelers let alone a whole army. The other danger aside from the terrain and potential discovery being that of local lycanthropes of the more savage nature.

"It's the best route!" Hannibal countered. "Never in his wildest dreams would a Saderan think us capable of such audacity! The path we take isn't by chance either. Going through their lands that hold shaky loyalties, near Ictan where sympathetic feelings will replenish food and ranks, towards Alnus where the Otherworlders would see an opportunity. It is only the mountain pass that is our greatest obstacle! Gesco has just come back from there! Found guides willing to take us. And we all know he's the most cautious of us." The mentioned man giving a curt gesture of a head nod. "Much has been done with less! The Saderan boy, Savagii, he took a few legions, pushed back against the Ictans when he was but a child! Not bad... for a Saderan. But we can do better. Spread the word. Brief your men." No one moved for a moment until all but one man remained. Hasdrubal, another brother of Hannibal.

"They don't like it." He spoke up.

"... I know, but they don't need to."

Hasdrubal looked his brother in the eye. "I don't like it."

Hannibal became thoughtful, eyes closed in contemplation. "Mmm... fortunately for you, Hasdrubal, I can't take everyone. I need someone here I can trust to watch the south; make sure any retaliation is met with trouble."

Hasdrubal's gaze never left Hannibal's eyes. "Then stay and defend it." He always was quick to challenge Hannibal one way or another, if for no other reason than to give council or guidance, or at least be heard.

"You heard my intention." Hannibal turned away to make for his preparations.

Hasdrubal continued. "Our father fought for years to ensure our clients stayed safe and colonies prospered... and you're going to abandon it to take such a risk."

"Of such things great victories are achieved!"

"And great defeats!"

Hannibal turned back to look Hasdrubal in the eye again. "We must show the Empire we will not be kicked or humiliated again! I will do anything to bring honor and respect back to Denzalcia. And I can only do that if I know our path home is in safe hands... my brother," Hannibal placed a firm hand upon his brother's shoulder, "I promise you that one year from now we will stand together again on the coast of the Blue Sea, in Sadera! Victorious!"

Silence rested.

"Tens of thousands of lives are in your hands... surely more." Hasdrubal answered.

"Who would lead them if not me? You?"

"... no. Not me. They would not follow me. But they would follow you, brother. They will follow you to their deaths."

Hannibal knew that... and he couldn't convince himself he was entirely just in this. He was asking many of his men for nothing less than total sacrifice. To leave behind what is most precious. Some men would do so willingly... the citizens that is. Mercenaries however, they cannot spend their coin if they are dead.

Good thing then some served with his family for years. And they were blooded, hardened, a true elite. Loyal to his house. And in time he'd march all of them across the border and right towards the capital.

---

Knappnai

They say if you want something done, you have to do it yourself.

That essentially was what the Senate told Zorzal when he suggested going after Denzalcia for Hannibal's antics with Tylis. Had the Otherworlders not come and obliterated the army at Alnus he was certain the Senate would be fully in favor of attacking.

That said, it wasn't like he was given an impossible challenge. He knew very well of his own fame, and they weren't just throwing him out there, they more or less gave him full authority to do what he thought necessary. The scroll with the signature of the Emperor was for the stingy paper pushers requiring legal proof. He started small, sending out notices for volunteers who wished to teach the Denzalcians a lesson. This chance combined with who sent it out was met with 7,000 volunteers. Many being former legionaries, evocati. These were legionaries who completed their service yet returned to the army on an offer. These were men who knew how to fight, not fresh recruits. That said, a good chunk of the volunteers were men who hadn't seen a single battle. No matter, anyone was welcome and all would get a chance to spill blood. It was unorthodox even by Saderan standards,but it worked.

He had the means to look after these men on his family's denarii. As well as officers who could handle the finer points of logistics. He would concern himself with going into the fray. As they travelled to Knappnai, they collected more volunteers hoping to get even with Denzalcia. The fact that one and a half legions worth of volunteers had jumped on drew more from the area.

"We are closing in on two whole legions." His closest confidant, a portly but sharp-minded Legate named Arminius Telesphorus. A family friend along with his wife and own children, one of whom was serving as a Praetor here in Knappnai. He's already made his father proud. Another became a tribune of the Plebs, another well-off post. "The volunteers of auxiliary personnel is closing in on two cohorts worth. Cavalry and archers respectively. A mixed bag in both cases of elves, humans, the like. 2 giants which will allow us to lighten the load. And we have 5 dragon riders. That's 10,965 fighting men. Adding the slaves, pack animals and officers with the auxiliaries... 17,394 all together. To think so many more were lost at Alnus..."

"Survivors have been trickling in since then. Relax, Telesphorus." Zorzal dismissed. "They claimed four whole legions lost before Alnus. In actuality it was more like 2 and a half." The implications not lost on him of course. Indeed mostly it was the soldiers who were fighting and dying, and these were the men often counted altogether. In reality military formations were much larger with support personnel and pack animals, who sometimes if unlucky would meet the same fate. Never mind livestock and other helpers around like scribes and their commanders. A single Saderan legion was truly a massive organism. A city for all intents and purposes... and at least four were lost to the Otherworlders. All going through reorganizing and rebuilding with what fragments were left. Meanwhile the force Zorzal was gathering had much lacking in terms of support personnel and what not given how impromptu everything was. Of course this mattered little to him. That was the focus of Telesphorus and his subordinates.

"All that said... we have the proper material and food. Plus we can count on larger dragons to deliver provisions further ahead into Denzalcian lands." Telesphorus responded.

"Good. So we are ready to move now?"

"Patience, Zorzal. The scouts are to leave first. Followed by the vanguard, surveyors and the rest of the forces. We don't even have a time for the main body to leave yet."

Zorzal groaned. He DESPISED this part of campaigning. It's why he left it to others. He remembers how it was described to him way back when. With every other Legate. A legion on the march is like a coiled snake on the move. It's coiled state was it sitting in camp. As it moved, it slowly unraveled itself, only to recoil back when it set up camp again. The head leaves and arrives first long before the tail does. The longer the snake, the more time wasted coiling and traveling. A snake spends little time advancing and more time coiled up, hence why sometimes legions are split into smaller formations or 'snakes' and disperse to ease logistics. This was why it was important to look at the trade-offs between fighting power and travel distance. It's one of the reasons Saderans were so insistent on creating roads everywhere they went. It eased these logistics as well as streamlined the process for traveling armies. With all this planning it's a wonder formations even managed to get into battle.

Zorzal grumbled. The longer they tarried the more strength Hannibal gained, very much like these Otherworlders. Well, if he couldn't move now, he would enjoy his time here while he could. Knappnai was once the capital of a kingdom back centuries ago before Sadera's expansion swallowed it up. It still possessed a glimmer of that past glory with local businesses and old iconography still flying. But no one fooled themselves, Sadera was in charge now. An amphitheater and hippodrome, smaller Colosseum and Circus Maximus respectively, even a small mage's school. If luck held, some mages would join them in their war.

Looking up he saw a dragon resting on the edge of a roof. Like a stone gargoyle watching over silently. A smile came as he recognized the beast. Like his cousin Savagii, Zorzal had a dragon of his own. Ulixes, a dark plum shaded beast with knife edged horns and unfriendly looking blue eyes. A beak shaped mouth and sleek form. Ulixes was the sort of dragon who clearly lived for a scrap. At times Zorzal would let him off the hook and allow him to ravage scores of rabbit people during his subjugation of the Bloody White Queen.

And suddenly Zorzal didn't know where to go. He probably wouldn't have time to see a gladiatorial match or a race at the hippodrome. And all he knew about Knappnai was its magic school. May as well go there, see if any mages were willing to tag along. But not before stopping at a small food shop. There were many places like this across cities to cater to the wandering masses need to feed. Sometimes owned by the homeowners, other times rented out. As he made his request, a herald addressing a large crowd caught his ear. The man's voice amplified with magic so none may miss his words.

"All citizens and residents of Knappnai, hear this! In light of the battle at Alnus, the Senate has declared an edict to be passed through the entire empire. All men are to be expected for summons to war. The Denzalcian general Hannibal's attack on Tylis has created further concerns of a second front with our old foe. Those further from the Otherworlders and the border with Denzalcia are to be ready for news of summons be it for battle or support. Further, Martialus Narcissus Zorzal himself remains in the city looking for volunteers for his reprisal for the assault on Tylis. Those who wish to join are advised to visit the nearby camp and speak to an officer. Further, today's bread at the amphitheater and hippodrome is provided to you by the Guild of Millers, the Draco Brothers. The Draco Brothers use only the finest wheat to make true Saderan bread for true Saderans."

Zorzal continued, satisfied the word was still being spread before his eventual departure... perhaps sitting around wouldn't be too much of a bad idea. He would return to his tent in the camp outside the city. Sit around and just sleep. Let Telesphorus and his subordinates handle the logistics. Said camp was very much a large collection of tents with proper watches and small wooden walls. More a collection of outposts than the mighty castra seen across the empire. Sentries at spots on the walls and in three simple towers looking out across, just to be safe. Knappnai was practically upon the empire's borders with Denzalcian client states, where commerce and commutes were. And where this existed, trouble was never far away.

"Ave, Zorzal!" One of the guards declared seeing him approach.

"Ave. Don't fret, we'll only be here for as long as our quartermasters say we need be." Zorzal responded with a grin.

"Hope so. Rather be done and over with, marching into all that sand. If we're lucky we'll get mages that can conjure rain or a cool breeze."

"Air too hot for you?" His companion asked.

"Standing with you? Yeah. I keep remembering that egg you tried frying that one day. You nearly burned down the culina, just being near you makes me feel like I'm cooking alive."

"Oh go roll down a ravine! It was ONE TIME."

Zorzal shook his head in amusement and entered the camp. This one mostly made up of elves practicing their archery, of which they were already well-off on. Bows came to elves of all species as naturally as breathing, and Sadera was more than happy to accept any elves into her auxilia. A single elf is easily worth 10 humans when it came to archery. Magic was also a strong suit for elves. Both of which were attributed to their long lifespans allowing them to take more time to train and prepare. Zorzal was sure that a good sum of the elves here were veterans of past conflicts, and the one mage he spotted reading some books had to be around the 500 year mark in age.

Ahhhh and there was the cost of this. It took twenty to thirty years to train what the elves considered a basic soldier. In that time a Saderan Legionary could be trained in 4 months, maybe more if they aimed for a specialist role. As such elves were rare outside their kingdoms and realms such as those hailing to the large landmass off the southeastern coasts of the continent. If not that they came from communities within the empire from districts in cities or their own settlements.

They were easy on the eyes as well, particularly the women. Even Zorzal who mostly preferred the touch of his own kin admitted that... though that wasn't saying much as many desired him as well. He would be remise to not at the least entertain their desires.

One of the mentioned giants came strolling by outside the camp walls, carrying a load of lumber. No doubt to make a fort out there in the sands if need be. Hopefully not, as Tylis wasn't too far away. The giant would be a big help in any case. The rest of the men in this part of the camp were volunteer legionaries, most of them they picked up on their way here from Sadera and outlying cities. The rest came from provinces and the frontiers, and most of those were men who lived out here in and by the desert.

Entering his tent, which was kept noticeably cooler by enchantments. Inside were several individuals, women to be precise. Personal attendants and entertainers. "Hello, Zorzal. I take it you've gotten bored again?" One asked, this just so happened to an older woman, much older than Zorzal.

"Unfortunately so, Brigid. I'm afraid you're stuck with me."

"BAH!" The woman scoffed. "Ohhhh I should've known it was too good to be true when you left!" The bite in her voice was lost in the humorous wail she let out. Though Zorzal cared not. Brigid was wife of none other than Telesphorus, blonde hair turning grey with purple eyes that remained sharp. She was a skilled and educated woman who couldn't sit still, so often helped around as an attendent and healer wherever her husband went. Rather unorthodox, but it was welcome nonetheless. She was sharp and prone to brash barks like the one here. Zorzal's thick skin was a perfect match for her.

"You wound me, Brigrid. You forget how close our families are? You're practically my second mother!"

"Oh gods, don't make me wretch! The mere fact that my family is so closely associated with yours is enough to put me in a dour mood. Sometimes I think I'm in a bad dream and need a giant to slap me awake." Zorzal laughed at her jab, which was shared by the others in the tent.

"I finished cleaning your favorite toga. I gave it a spray of that tulip perfume you're fond of." One of the servants in the tent said.

"Gods be thanked. I need that when I meet Tylis' officials."

"AFTER you get covered in gore when you go into battle. You're as predictable as the weather, boy."

"Predictable as the weather. Ah, that's a good thing considering we're going to a desert. The weather barely changes at all." Zorzal joked.

"Indeed, and knowing you that means you'll be constantly battle-hungry and have no time for talk and sleep." Brigid answered. More laughs from her fellows as Zorzal brushed her off and went to his Iectus to lay down. "That's enough now, my dears. Go and enjoy yourselves."

"Brigiiiiiiiiiid I just got here." Zorzal groaned.

"You have woman around you more often than the apostle Faye. You can survive a moment without a maiden stroking your manhood. They've been working since they got here and deserve some free time. Gods know you surely don't need it. All you did was speak with my husband before leaving him to do what he does best whilst you lounge about." Zorzal could only shrug as she said that. Even Zorzal knew better than to argue with her, but that was mostly because she had quite the tongue and was no shrinking maiden. When all the girls had left, Brigid spoke again. "That's another thing I wanted to speak to you about, Zorzal. The new addition to your little troupe."

"You mean the Otherworld girl?" A nod. "Ahhhh... it has been a while. How is she doing?"

"She's calmed down and seems to be coming to terms with her new lot in life. I can only thank you for giving me that enchanted wristband. Her language was nothing like I've ever seen... that said she's picking up on our tongue rather quickly."

Zorzal hummed. "What was her name again? Did she tell us her name?"

"Noriko. Her name is Noriko Mochizuki."

"Mm... not only does she look Miwan, but her name sounds like it... I suppose we can be grateful they rarely leave their island nation. We must keep her existence a secret for a time. I can already see a diplomatic incident coming out of this."

"It's clear she is an Otherworlder. The people here are smarter than you'd give credit for so you needn't worry there. Never mind that the news of some of these Otherworlder soldiers looking like Miwans is known now. She is a hard worker. Though not too well suited to manual labor."

"Mmmm that can't be helped I suppose. Though if she's good at learning languages she could be a good translator when spells cannot be cast. Remarkable given she still seems to be a young girl."

Brigid scoffed again. "HAH! You aren't even in your late twenties yet, young man! Remember yourself before you make such claims! I swear you're hopeless." This left yet another grin on Zorzal's face as he brushed her off. Yes indeed this woman, and the entirety of the people on the other side of the Gate looked like the Miwan people. They were well known across the world for being content with sitting at home, but they still had a name across the world. A very very... well, strange people. They were particularly known for their 'chi,' what they referred to as magic. Of course they would declare it was more than magic, but their life force. Essentially they were able to manipulate the elements as Zorzal recalled. Water, air, fire... and some things in between. He couldn't recall. All he remembered was because they were so rare outside their home they were seen as... 'exotic.'

Well exotic or not, this girl was protected by certain rules. Particularly against unwanted advances. Even so she caught Zorzal's eye every now and then... oh yes she did. "Where is she anyway?"

"She went out with the rest of the girls. I knew this was going to happen, now you can't even recall who's surrounding you!"

All things considered, perhaps sitting around for a moment wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.

With the servant girls, the mentioned Noriko was but a lost puppy, following her newfound group to enjoy time off.

The shock of it all still hadn't left her. It was a day off, she was spending some of her money on some goodies down in Ginza. Usually for someone like her working as an office worker, a salary like hers never allowed that, but recent weeks were kinder to her than usual. Then the attack came, and she was snatched off the street by the invaders and back through the Gate. When the shcok of it all wore of, she became deathly aware of her situation and was under no illusions she'd be taken into slavery. Probably off to work in some mine somewhere, sacrificed to some cruel war god, or worse. Maybe even end up as some random elite's fuckdoll. Instead, she was taken by this Zorzal guy and put into this group under the eye of Brigid-sama. She was firm and strict, but also a kind woman who showed more compassion and patience than Noriko expected.

Not only that, Noriko was helping with some mundane chores like tending dishes, looking after clothing, even a little bit of cooking. And instead of rags or even bare loincloth, she was wearing a modest tunic that reached just above the knees, with a symbol of a stylized wolf on her front and back, tied around the waist to keep from blowing around with a skirt. Sandals or caligae muliebres as they called them were on her feet. They actually looked pretty cute with a simple purple color to them.

She already learned the names of the other women, the one who was closest to her at the moment was a woman by the name of Leta. A bit older than Noriko and full of energy. The other was the 'in charge' attendant named Ianthe. Violet hair and a disposition betraying her otherwise lowly state. Xanthia was a servant on the more... muscly side. Vibrant auburn hair with eyes to match. She got along well with Brigid and was often seen tending to Zorzal's equipment. Apparently she was supposed to be a former mercenary before settling as a servant to stay fed. Finally was Thalia, a very quiet and reserved girl who kept to herself. From what Noriko could see, her behavior was less a matter of trauma and fear but more of her general tendencies. SHe saw little in the way of scars on them with what their attire revealed save Xanthia, but given her former life that was expected.

"Noriko, come along!" Leta chimed. "This is the time where food shops are open and not full of people!" What choice did she have but to follow? Leta was so much like those extroverted, energetic and friendly types in some anime she's seen. Forceful and dragging folk around. It certainly wasn't the first time she did such a thing. Though she did it with the others so Leta had some pushback. All of whom tagged along with them.

Noriko heard the phrase 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do,' but she was certain the one who coined that term didn't think it would one day be literal advice, especially for a slave. She had to lest she cause problems, and she could only thank heaven Leta was kind, as were the others in the group. Not very dour... then again it could be because of her master being a clearly well-off and influential man.

There was one thing Noriko did realize though. She was probably the first individual from her world to not only see the other side of this Gate, but be in the presence of the inhabitants' cities and home. Combine this with the fact that there were fantasy races like elves, dragons and even fairies... it was almost enough to make her forget the fact she was a slave. A slave now currently walking through the bustling streets of one of these cities to grab some food.

"Just stay close and follow me like before. As I keep saying, no one will try to pickpocket you or anything. Not with that sigil on your back or with Xanthia here." Said sigil was apparently a family symbol. Said streets didn't look very dangerous, but being a foreigner in a foreign land played havoc on her psychology as it is. Never mind plenty of people were giving her strange looks, at least until they saw the wolf symbol, to which they would turn away and back to what they were doing. Besides that it wasn't all too different from say a city back home as far as large numbers of people being out and about. Regarding back to the fact it was a whole different world now, she still had that childlike wonder anyone would feel seeing fantasy races about. She couldn't hear herself think with the hustle and bustle of the people around her at various stands selling things. It wasn't long before the smell of food hit her nose. Something that helped calm her down as they eventually found a place to wait in line for.

"After this I know a good bath we can go to. Unless you'd rather go back to Zorzal's personal tub." Leta's teasing voice resulted in a different kind of panic to rise in Noriko as she shook her head violently.

"No no."

"I jest." Leta laughed.

"As virulent as he is, he is not one to be forceful. He's more likely to get violent in the thros of battle rather than the bedchambers." Xanthia added, that didn't exactly make Noriko feel better either. Said line moved rather quickly. The inside was a spacious place. Catchy but subdued music filled the air as te banter of people was heard. Again the composition of people was mixed. It was surprising this place seemed so modest but there were two customers that clearly had much in terms of wealth if their fancy togas were anything to go by. The rest had other levels of clothing. The atmosphere was simple, but warm. It seemed this place didn't have a real theme but was a good place for gathering and eating like most other places.

"Hello, and welcome to- oh my." The greeting came from a tenant intending to bring them to a table. She saw the sigil on the back of Xanthia when she turned around to look at passerbys. "You are servents of Zorzal! Come come this way please."

"Be at ease." Leta said with a beaming smile. "Any table will do, we will need to be off soon anyway." The group was taken to a table. Slaves being treated warmly, again due to who owned them. "Who's ready for some isicia omentata?"

"Again? If I eat another patty I'm going to puke." Xanthia groaned.

"Oh come now, my dear. You eat them like it's nothing." Ianthe replied with a sly grin.

"It's all Leta ever makes, I'm no cook." She muttered. A short moment of silence fell before she turned to Noriko. "Noriko, you are doing well?" She nodded, keeping quiet.

"She's almost as quiet as Thalia." Leta said. "Don't be so shy, Noriko. You can talk to us too you know!"

Ianthe snapped. "Back off, Leta. She only just came to us days ago. She is likely still coming to terms with her new lot in life. She's probably still comprehending how lucky she is that Zorzal took her in his care." Was that a telling of how awful slaves were treated, or was it the fact Zorzal was a celebrity?

"I'm trying to help her by talking to her though!"

"Your method is speaking 6 words a second and asking question after question." Ianthe groaned. "You are far too energetic for your own good, especially for her."

"Then what do you suggest? We just-"

"I uh..." Noriko began, gaining their attention. "I'm fine. I'm just... adjusting."

Ianthe gave a nod. "What did I say?" Was her response in triumph. "Please, if you will... what is your home like?"

She had nothing better to do. "My home, back across that portal, it's called Japan. It's an archipelago off the coast of a continent called Asia. It's very rugged and full of mountains, so many of the cities and towns are very dense with people." She began carefully. "We tend to keep to ourselves but are very influential with entertainment. People all across our world enjoy it."

"Oh? So there's an Ictan of that world." Leta said with a small laugh.

"I... suppose?"

"She still doesn't know much of our world Leta." Xanthia said. "Go on."

"Well... I only know so much, being an office worker until now. My job was in accounting. I helped managed where money went and how it was used. I wasn't an expert, I was still a junior in my company."

"Company? You mean your associates?" Ianthe asked.

"No. It's a word we also use to refer to entities who intend to make money. Countless companies exist back home in all shapes and sizes. I... am unable to tell what a comparison here would be."

Ianthe smiled. "I think I am able to understand. There are entities in the empire that handle such duties. Leta, you recall the Draco Brotherhood Guild of Millers?"

"I was actually thinking the wine business that was started by the Vetius Brothers. They used the money from winemaking to earn their freedom and become a titan in creating wine." Leta chimed back.

"... earn their..." Noriko began.

"Ahhh more of that later. What else are you able to tell?"

"Well..." She thought trying to pick a topic.

"How about your government? Do you know anything about that?" Ianthe asked.

"Ah... we have an emperor who-"

"YOU WHAT?!" Leta cried in surprise, only to get a smack on the head from an irate Ianthe.

"Quiet down you buffoon!" She said clearly bashful from the eyes on them, thankfully the attention only lasted a moment.

"But she said-"

"I know what she said!"

"Leta has a point. An emperor? Who would've thought that would be the case here?"

Noriko gave a nervous laugh. "Oh uh... I apologize but it's a bit complicated. You see... our emperor is a ceremonial figure really. Power instead rests in our Prime Minister who is appointed by the Emperor upon being nominated, and from there his cabinet. From there the decisions come from our National Diet with representatives and councillors."

"So... wait... he appoints these ministers... what else does he do?"

"Well... he is really a ceremonial symboic figure. He is a symbol of our nation and people deriving, recognized as head of the Shinto faith, which in turn holds him as a descendant of Amaterasu the sun goddess. Though the faith itself is... not exactly unified." Noriko said that with some trepidation. She herself being a very moderate practictioner of Shinto faith.

"So... he's the literal descendant of a sun goddess, a head of faith... but he has little in the way of power? Then what good is he even for?" Xanthia asked casually.

"Mmm that's a bit too far, Xanthia." Leta warned.

"Am I wrong? If you're going to have a monarch, then he is in need of some sort of power beyond being a doll to look at."

"There's more tactful ways to express that. Now if you please keep such comments to yourself or put them in a more digestible manner. We're trying to get her to become comfortable, thank you..."

Granted it was very offensive to Noriko. Even as she considered how others outside her nation would see it. The only thing keeping her having an outburst besides her current situation was said people around her probably not having such a comparable system. With how they brought up the comparison to her emperor and the emperor here they surely thought he was the real head of state if not a powerful leader. At one time yes, but that was long ago. Back when Japan was a true emerging power in the world, and especially after the Shogun was removed in the Meiji Restoration.

"You said something about a Cabinet and Prime Minister?"

"That's enough politics." Xanthia stated, shutting Leta's question down. "Tell us something else about Japan. Like what kind of creatures live there, or what are the people like?" Before Noriko could answer, Thalia, who was silent until now, spoke up.

"You DO know more about your home's government and politics, right?"

"I said that's enough-"

"Zorzal may be interested." Noriko could already see that they were thinking about the fact she brought this up, and more importantly, what this could mean in regards to Zorzal..

"Yes... okay, but we leave it at that. This is for him to decide." Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of two tenants with their food on trays. The omentata or whatever it was called really was a patty. It came with other items like a basket full of bread, a small chunk of cheese, some grapes, and a vase was put on the table for them, probably some sort of condiment. Once on the table, they practically forgot the conversation and began digging in.

Noriko took the chance to change topics and continued with something else. "There is a rather scary insect we call the Giant Sparrow Bee."

Italica

The release of the Otherworlders wasn't on his list, let alone the fact they were there in Italica in the first place.

When Savagii first saw the contraptions surrounding Italica, his urgency in reinforcing the city increased. Originally expecting to find the city besieged by Ictun mercenaries. But there was no denying it was the Otherworlders. His peek through a telescope while high above the city showed their green and tan clothing. And since they were essentially all over the palace, he had no reason to doubt they took the place. Fearing for his sister's life as well as his fellow man, he attacked. About 5 of those contraptions were destroyed while the rest were driven away. They were fast and agile, and some spit a horrendous stream of projectiles that took down two of his rank, but nothing equal to a dragon. Not as maneuverable or striking.

So imagine his surprise when he heard these Otherworlders actually HELPED defend the city. He already knew they weren't butchers, as they spared him and the survivors at Alnus, but this? And for a few refugees to sell scales after the dragon attack? Had it not been for the words of Rory herself...

But this of course got him thinking. How close they got to pushing the Otherworlders out only to be repelled by reinforcements. How until now they did virtually nothing. And again, reinforcements came to help. With these contraptions of theirs, how seriously they took preparing defenses, it was hard to believe they weren't actually prepared for anything else. Yet the more he thought of it, the more he suspected there was more to it. And it started with the Gate itself.

It was large enough for a typical formation in marching fashion to move through, but even then it would take a while for a whole legion to get through let alone two with the dragons and giants they had. Probably how so many losses were inflicted. The rest falling through as advance elements continued on the other side and expanded, only to be caught by the counterattack. And those contraptions were big, probably only two astride could fit. And didn't Zorzal say it was in the crossroads of a city? A pretty inconvenient area depending where other roads and traffic traveled. That explained why the initial legions ended up being driven back. The Legate should've built some kind of fortification around the Gate if for no other reason than to stifle enemy movement.

"Your holiness?" He voiced, Rory herself resting on the couch nearby.

"Yes, Savagii?" She responded, not moving.

"Humor me, if you will. How vital are logistics to an army?"

The question caught her off guard. "Without logistics, your army is doomed to fail, no matter how effective it is. Why?"

"The Otherworlders... they are a mighty force, that cannot be questioned. But, it feels like we're missing something. We were so focused on how they obliterated our forces we missed a key detail... one that didn't become clear to me until now. You said their fortress is still being built, correct?"

"Yes. It's not even close to being finished."

Savagii closed his eyes in thought. "That means they need material to put up these defenses. But aside of the tents, barbed fences and trenches I saw, I didn't see any other material sitting around. Not even so much as a tree trunk for walls."

"That... is true. It turns out they do have engineers for building and forming defenses, but much of the work as far as dedicated structures goes is going to contractors."

"Contractors... you mean, they don't build their own structures?" Savagii asked incredulously, eyes open.

"They do... but from what I gathered they are entrusting other groups to better focus on their own efforts. I imagine depending on where you are a fortress in their world will vary. They also utilize contraptions not unlike their war machines for digging, moving dirt, creating concrete..."

Savagii closed his eyes again, somewhat satisfied with the answer. "Mmmmmm... so they have others building their structures and there's yet more they plan on making... that will require resources not easily gathered. And the time they take bringing these here depending on how the city on the other side is... pardon me, I must speak with Pina."

Rory did not protest. Her own mind was seeing the picture Savagii was painting. He himself already wanted to find ways of fighting, prepare for the enemy, gather resources... if what he suspected was true, he would have more time than he thought. Time that he would need to make movements and not much else, but time nonetheless. First he wanted to find Pina, she had the most familiarity with these Otherworlders so to speak. And since she was so insistent on sparing them... it may be worth hearing her thoughts.

"Kaine." His thoughts interrupted seeing the head maid of the Formal family. "Kaine, do you know where my sister is?"

"Pina? She is in her room last I checked. She hasn't come out since you released the Otherworlders." Kaine responded.

"And what of them? Are they not leaving?"

"The scales are still being sold apparently."

"Mmm... thank you." Cutting it close. A day had passed already. It was only the start of nightfall, the stars coming out. But any longer and the Otherworlders would probably have to be kicked out, the truce extending only so much further. He was not an unreasonable man, the fact he heeded his sister and the others here was proof of that... but he wasn't a soft man either. The sooner these people left the better. He would need to report this to the Senate, and if he didn't send these people away soon, it would give rise to questions. Especially this one Otherworlder named 'Sam.' He spent the entirety of the siege in the palace with the young countess and her servants as a last ditch defense, whatever he could do that is. True or not, something about that man screamed untrustworthy. His eyes screamed he knew how to kill, but something else, the way he carried himself. Like he wasn't given for crowds.

The fact he more or less had free reign to go around the palace wasn't helping the case.

"Pina." He called after knocking on her door. No answer. She must be asleep. The door wasn't locked, a quick peek won't hurt. But he wished to speak with her as soon as possible. "Pina, may I speak for a moment?" He found her awake, sitting up on her bed looking out the window. Already he was guessing what she was going through.

"Pina? Are you well?" Slowly going around he got a look at her face. Wide-eyed, blank face, staring off into nothing. It was a look that adorned the faces of many a warrior be they Saderan, Ictun, even the tribal folks that still dotted the continent. But many were able to tough through it and continue fighting, Sadera was no exception as Father Erebus saw his children keep their stout courage. The same could be said of many other peoples and their own war gods. Pina however seemed to be lacking that blessing. Soon the words He said to her back at the Senatorial chambers came back to him. Who would've thought these words would've been more prophetic than he intended?

"Do you need a moment, sister?"

"You were correct, Savagii." She bluntly responded. "I understand now... I'm not ready for this..."

Initially, Savagii said nothing. He only took a seat next to her as she continued staring. "Take heart, my sister. Battles do not often go how you plan, which is why you must be quick to think and quicker to act... something I myself learned the hard way. I'm merely lucky I had my friend, Leonius to help me, and there was Leontius to advise me in my efforts. I had everything necessary. Considering you only had four knights, two centuries and whatever armed townsfolk to help you, you did well."

"You really think that?" She responded, sounding dejected and not believing it.

"Yes... finding the Otherworlders here was quite a shock, let alone how they offered to help. But in the time I've had to think about it, I cannot help but wonder... why help you gain this victory? Just for the refugees?"

"No." She said firmly. "It's not our victory. It is the Otherworlders who did this."

"Hmmm... yes... quite surprising all things considered, is it not?" She didn't respond to that, at least not the tone he used.

"They came so fast, even when it wasn't going well... those contraptions. You took them down so well but that just begs the question, how many more are there? And now I'm being told that they are returning to their fort soon, and not simply because we wish them gone. They are to report to their senate."

"They have a senate?"

"Yes, these Otherworlders are in something called a... coa... a coalition. We attacked one country there, but they have many allies, so it is not one army we face. We face seven." Savagii let her continue. "The one we attacked was called Japan, they have their own senate who wish to hear of what has happened so far. To my knowledge they are preparing an ambassador but I cannot be certain... if this Mitchell or Itami or whoever speaks and say the wrong thing, we may see them unleash everything they have onto us!" By now she was up on her feet and pacing. "I've asked to be allowed to go with them! But it's just a roundabout answer of 'we'll see!' After your defeat at Alnus, the loss of more legions and now seeing THIS!? How can we possibly-"

"Pina." Savagii spoke firmly, gaining her attention. "You are correct, that is quite a problem. In fact it plays to being one of the greatest challenges we've ever faced. But... as morbid as it sounds, this entire situation with the mercenary attack has given me some insight."

"... how so?"

"Pina, do you remember how I was defeated back at Alnus?" He asked her.

"Ligu of the Principality acted too soon, you were attacked by their siege weapons and lost his force. Then in your next attack you were horribly mauled and were attacked by more of their reinforcements despite having the element of surprise... wait, that was an eighth country that joined they said... we're in bigger trouble." She moped.

Savagii nodded. "Yes. It is a mighty alliance. Surely a lot of manpower, material, resources coming in... all coming together at one point... a point that isn't quite accessible."

"I'm... I'm sorry I don't understand."

Savagii stood. "How vital are logistics to an army?" He asked his sister.

"... I don't under-"

"When the Otherworlders arrived here they did so to sell scales so refugees could look after themselves, right?"

"Yes..."

Savagii continued. "That implies they can't or won't look after them themselves... a sensible decision as far as keeping non-combatants away, but what else does it say? Perhaps... they can't spare material?"

Pina then looked down in thought. "Mmm... I suppose that does make sense... if you give to the defenseless you make friends, but it could cost you materials... right?" Savagii smiled, she was catching on.

"And when they agreed to help you... do you remember how that process went?" It was a seemingly asinine question. Of course she did, she TOLD HIM about it.

"Yes. They only came to sell scales, but their superiors wanted them back home, it was only when they found reinforcements to send they decided to stay. It was only going to take a matter of time before... they could come because it would..." He could see her mind working.

"The Otherworlders seem to have a logistical issue on their hands. They may not be able to efficiently send construction materials, war materials, and other supplies through consistently all at once. I saw the Gate... it isn't that large. Large enough for perhaps two of those contraptions side by side but still... and while I don't imagine these issues will remain, I am certain we are not in as grave danger as I thought."

"You mean..." Pina began sounding hopeful, "It's not as bad as I thought?" Echoing his sentiments.

"Perhaps not... that said, your hopes to go with them, I think that is actually a good idea. We can get an understanding of who they are, what they want, and more important, see just how bad these logistics are. If nothing else we could gain a ceasefire, whether it goes somewhere or merely postpones war, it will buy us time." He answered.

She didn't respond to that, clearly sorting through all the things she was given to think about. "Hopefully I've lifted your spirits, my sister. Now I must go speak to these Otherworlders... perhaps if I show some support for you joining them, they'll consider it. But we cannot do it immediately... we must let our own Senate know... and I'm going with you." Before she could say anything, Savagii left.

However this went, Savagii was certain of one thing so far; These Otherworlders are powerful, but all that power means nothing if you could not properly consolidate. And that was as good an advantage as any for him.

...

After having that talk with Mitchell, Itami couldn't be bothered to do much else... though that was more due to how tired he was. It didn't stop him from writing in his journal.

"So how can a milk run to help refugees take care of some scales to get money and look after themselves go wrong? How about mercenaries attacking the city you're visiting only to get attacked by reinforcements from your enemy who themselves are coming to aid said city, who then let you go because of you aiding their people?

I wasn't sure of whether or not I made the right call when Yanagida-San lectured me. I was hesitant enough to help them with that Flame Dragon flying around, but that's been taken care of. Thanks to that asshole, here I am more anxious about it all. I was thinking it was our damn job to help people, apparently not if that's what he's alluding to. Never mind the appearance of the dragons... how many of those guys flying the choppers are dead because of my decision? Never mind the fact I froze up finding those mercenaries and Kuribayashi-san went on a rampage. No one can doubt she can fight but... I can't reel in a woman like that... I don't think anyone can. I really don't think I'm cut out for this.

But it's not like they're gonna just let me go... I'm stuck where I am until further notice. I can only hope that we get out of here sooner rather than later. I can at least say everyone else is eager for that too. Everyone wants to go home. Too bad I have to go back and talk to a bunch of politicians. Can't wait for the news to pick up on that... especially if this Pina-san comes with us. That will be the day. I can only imagine the protests that will erupt from that.

He finished writing after that... no more energy for that. Yet having spent all the time after being released from the dungeon sleeping, he couldn't rest, so he decided to look on his phone. With the cell tower and all that fancy stuff set up, there was finally a connection to their world outside of radios to the base. Of course the moment he looked, the news notifications on websites were still blowing up. Much of it sensational news. A quick look on YouTube showed the usual suspects of clickbait titles and usual content seekers. Thing is unlike back home the only thing they could get is what was reported back. No satellite photos or anything.

So some either reported what they knew and cautioned against hype or they ran a wild range of theories of what the hell was going on here. It's quite different hearing them prattle on about what's going on when you're taking part as opposed to sitting back home and following the news. So needless to say he ignored that. Without anything to focus on, he decided to wander around the palace. So long as he stayed inside he shouldn't cause more 'incidents.'

First thing he ran into was a very happy Kurata. "Heya, Itami-san!"

"Heya... I assume it went well?"

Kurata's face went sly after Itami's question. "You could say that. Persia-chan isn't opposed to seeing me again.~" Persia being one of the servants here, a purple furred cat girl... that simple fact was enough to get Kurata going, Itami remembering his affinity for nekos from before, it was a given he'd try to get to know her better. Likely his role helping defend the town giving him some brownie points.

"Well then, guess you're gonna get some pussy after all." Itami's teasing remark made his friend go red.

"BAAAAH I mean I mean, come oooooon, I'm not that depraved!" Kurata protested.

"Mmmmm forgetting Mitchell-dono telling you to shush finding Tuka-san?"

"Gu- oh come oooooon I said I was sorry."

"I'm just messing with you." He said. He wasn't in the mood to talk morality or go over his own issues. "Think we deserve some nonsense after everything that happened."

"Heh... yeah... yeah I suppose. Anyway, you seen Tomita-san? I was gonna tell him about it." He added.

"Really... what for?"

"Leeeeeet's just say we had a bet on who could get a girl to talk to them first." Kurata admitted slyly. Itami shook his head in amusement.

"Sheesh you two are that desperate?" Itami teased more.

"Hey it's not like that! I mean..." Kurata began only to falter. "Not sure why Tomita-san even agreed... when I first told him he was the one to suggest the bet. Maybe he's just trying to get our minds off of... well, you know..."

"Now that you mention it... maybe." Was Itami's response. "Anything to get our minds off it. I'd rather not go through that crap again. Also have you seen those knights?"

"You mean the ones in. Pina-dono's order? What about them?"

"I mean if you need something to think about.~"

Itami shook his head, an amused grin. "Yeah I don't think so. Knights aren't really my thing."

"Aaaaaaahhhhhh c'moooooon that's just the fatigue talking." Kurata laughed.

"Noooo it's more of boredom." Was Itami's retort. The two were getting caught up in their nonsense, not noticing Kuribayashi go right by until her loud boots sounded her going by caught their attention. She didn't even bother to acknowledge them, to the point she stormed into the room she was given. The silence was only broken after the door slammed.

"She okay?"

"She's been like that since the battle ended." Kurata answered. "Not sure why... maybe something to do with that guy who escaped, what's his name? Hippopatos?"

"Hypatos."

"Yeah... she was complaining about it. Pops literally had to pick her up and carry her off." Kurata laughed, the two now walking.

"Oh yeah I remember. That was funny." As they walked, the two came across the exit onto the balcony. There was Tomita right there lookin up at the sky through his binoculars, night was falling and the stars were coming out. A sturdy young man with broad shoulders, short spiky black hair and brown eyes. Kurata shushed at Itami and crept over towards him. Itami for his part just let him do his thing. Kurata was right behind the man, about to do whatever he was gonna do, only for the larger SDF member to turn around and shout at him. Scaring both Kurata AND Itami.

"If you're gonna try to scare the hell out of me, try not to breath or giggle while you do it." He said.

Kurata all sprawled on the ground got up and protested. "No fair, you got that Ranger training!"

"All's fair in love and war." Tomita chuckled turning back to the stars.

"Yeah... so I guess I won the war then." Tomita turned around, a quizzical arch of his eye brow. "Yep... I, the great Kurata Takaeo, got myself a woman to talk to me." It was Tomita's turn to be surprised now.

"You're lying."

Kurata's shit-eating grin grew. "Am I? Itami-dono, tell him it's true." Itami just shrugged, admitting Kurata came to him about it and not elaborating. "Awwwww come oooooon. It's true! Her name is Persia-chan, the purple cat girl!"

"Pfft, why am I not surprised you'd go after a cat? So much for Elon Musk's plans." Tomita jokes.

"Oh I take it you found yourself someone?" Kurata shot back.

"Nope. Not yet." Tomita answered.

"So you got no room to talk." Kurata laughed. The jab was ignored as Tomita looked back up to the sky. "Uhhhh don't think you'll find much all the way up there. The dragons are well..." said dragons were either resting on top of structures or nestled around the palace, kept nice and close to the soldiers just in case.

"I'm not interested in them. I'm looking at the stars, seeing if I can find any interesting patterns or constellations. Might be useful in the future."

"With binoculars." Itami said, pointing out the equipment's lack of proper lenses.

"And what do you mean useful?" Kurata followed up.

"Better than nothing. It's a start anyway." Was Tomita's response. "As for being useful, you know what things like horoscopes are, right?"

Kurata got a grin. "I seeeeeee, you're looking for a sign in the stars for who your destined love is, right?"

"Keep dreaming, little man. I majored in astronomy in university. I learned watching the stars and planets align and shift was something done by cultures across the world throughout history. Even though that's a different thing called astrology, both involve looking at the skies and seeing what's what. Both were closely related until the 19th century, but with the fact we've seen magic and talk of gods here..."

He didn't need to say any more. That said the night sky here did have some quirks. A moon was out, but it was noticeably much much bigger or closer than the moon back home, and there was an important distinction of being A moon because a second was was seen further off in space, much more like Earth's moon. Some nights the sky would have gorgeous nebula being seen far off in space. And plenty of times a shooting star would be seen.

"Back then, things like comets and meteor showers were seen as omens, be it for great things or impending disasters. Of course such things aren't true but... can't help but wonder about it here."

"Hey hey uhhhhhhhh let's talk about something else!" Kurata says nerves clearly shaken. The idea of Armageddon happening here was too much for the man right now. "Uhhh speaking of remembering things uhhhhh... you see that other guy that tagged along with us?"

"Other guy? OH that attaché guy, the SEAL dude. Yeah he's still here. He was speaking to the Lieutenant Colonel. Why?" Tomita responded.

"He's supposed to be helping us uh... figure out this negotiation stuff right?"

"He was to help us appeal to these people with the idea... and I'd rather not think about THAT given past events. The wrong thing said could put us back in those cells." Itami pointed out. "To be fair with everything going on, I'm surprised anyone remembered him."

Kurata, seeing his topic change work, shook his head. "Well here's hoping it goes well. I know Itami-san here would LOVE some down time." A teasing smile forming as he nudged his superior with an elbow.

"Hey, I won't say no to it. I think I've earned it. We've all earned it." Itami responded. "Oh... it's them." Pointing down to the palace grounds, there was the Pina with more knights sharing her armor talking to Savagii. More had arrived sometime after the arrival of this Savagii guy and their release from the cells. About 32, most of them female.

"Part of her order. Likely supposed to be here to reinforce their defense. A good thing we held those mercenaries back really." Tomita assumed.

"Yeah... most of them are human... sort of a letdown." Kurata mused.

"Is that all you care about?"

"Whatever helps get my mind off the apocalypse from the stars here. Hey... heyyyyyy maybe one of them is your type, Tomita.~" Kurata's voice returned to that teasing tone.

"The enemy? Kurata-san you're a damn moron." Tomita shook his head. As for the rest of Recon Team 3, they were holed up in a small gathering space, couches and a table for them to mingle at.

"To think... we were that close to being wiped out." Tozu muttered.

"Yeah, no thanks to the Lieutenant. You see how he ran for cover until Kuribayashi-san got all up and at 'em? Takes her going nuts for him to do his job." Sasagawa mutters.

"Now that's not fair. You were running for cover too." Furuta pointed out with a small frown.

"At least I hefted my machine gun and let loose as into that melee out there. So did Tozu-san, and you, everyone else did. All he did was drive us here then duck for cover." Sasagawa said.

Wataru grunted at the response. Like blindly firing a machine gun was ever a good idea. "He had a close shave with that centaur too. Nearly got trampled to death after we got bowled over."

"So what?!" Sasagawa spat. "He went and left us out to dry wnd Kuwahara-dono had to pick us up!"

"And you only focused after Kuwahara-dono got us up and running." Nishina spat.

"Enough!" The mentioned man shouted. The gathered soldiers went silent under the old man's bark. That demeanor he displayed to new recruits showing, making him more oni than man. "We have plenty to chide the lieutenant for, and no doubt he's going to hear it when we get back to base. But it's not our place to tell him how to do his job. That's what the chain of command is for."

"The same chain of command that put him there in the first place and told us to go out here?" Tozu replied calmly.

"The same chain of command that sends us out into danger by nature of being soldiers. Yes." Kuwahara answered coolly.

"Well tell them they need to see their mistake in letting him be in charge. If this was a bank he'd be tossed out."

"Here we go again." Nishina muttered. Tozu made it no secret he was well-to-do in his job outside the military. Being an assistant manager for a major bank back home. It left him being less of a people person than his comrade, but it was compensated for by his understanding of the hierarchy.

"I promise I will talk to them about this. But you need to stay focused and stop your outbursts." Said Kuwahara.

"Speaking of outbursts... Kuribayashi-San was real quiet. Uncomfortably so. Is she okay?" Wataru asked.

"Yeah... she didn't even give an annoyed grumble. That's enough to get my stomach churning." Nishina responded.

"Yeahhhh only one who can probably get anywhere near her is Mari-san, and she's busy helping patch people up with that Ghost guy. Surprised we had as many survivors from those chopper crashes as we did."

Tozu grunted. "Don't remind me."

The room quieted down after that. They'd have to go back home as soon as morning came, best not abuse kindness shown so far. One wrong move could continue the war here, and they were under no illusions more imperial forces were on the way.

The Lt. Col was right about one thing: they had to get the hell out of here.

...

Just when it seemed a plan to carry the war forward was in motion and everything was at the very least decided upon. This happens.

"I motion Loui to be punished for this outrage! Because of her one of our most profitable cities is defaced!"

"Peace, Senator! Let us focus on the larger matter."

"Savagii is one of our finest, but is it a good idea to so quickly believe the accounts so readily? The Otherworlders HELPING our men defend one of our cities to help refugees sell dragon scales?"

"Savagii can be an idealist at times, but he is no fool. I too have doubts about what we have been told in the message, but so much of this conflict thus far has been dealing with doubts until he came forward. More importantly he himself spoke of the Otherworlders having a sense of honor when they let the survivors depart Alnus Hill. It is not out of the realm or possibility."

"Forgive me Leontius, but if it is true then why do we not capitalize upon this and march every legion we have onto Alnus?!"

Podawan's voice came forth to challenge that. "That was before Hannibal attacked Tylis! Zorzal bears many volunteers as we speak, but that is all so far. We need every an we can get in case Hannibal tries something. You know as well as I do the Denzalcians are clever and cunning fighters!"

"Never mind the Orcs. They'll use any excuse to attack us. We have to hope Jacobus' plan keeps them occupied."

"There's no better choice, senators. Even if war is to continue should any session we have in securing a ceasefire fail, it will buy us precious time to mobilize and fortify our positions and replenish our ranks."

Molt was unusually quiet during all this debate. He was an otherwise avid participant in many Senate meetings as any leader should be. But the discovery of recent events had been a shock to him.

He wasn't surprised that a scuffle broke out between two nobles like this. What was a surprise was that it escalated to the point one of them hired out a whole small army of mercenaries from Ictan to settle the claim and NO ONE knew about it until now. Well, no one save the border guards and other officials who were given notice of the situation. That said the consequences wouldn't fall on their heads he thought. They had no reason to doubt. In response the empire would tighten its grip on the city now that this fiasco got so bad. Besides, Italica was a good ways into the empire's lands, right before the pass of land between the mountain ranges. It would make it easier to prepare for another arrival. Actually, the fact the Otherworlders managed to get that far into Imperial territory, isolated as the landscape was, was troubling. It was a small force but troubling nonetheless. This just reinforced the need to replenish the ranks. The other issue being Pina had taken it upon herself to defend the city. She had always wanted to be a fighter despite his efforts to keep her from the front lines. Thank Evangelus she was safe.

Of note to him was also the recommendation for these talks. A diplomat proper... and that PINA herself was insistent on going, to be joined by Savagii. And that was the other thing occupying his mind. Of course he could say no, but that was of little use for these children. His only comfort being that Savagii was cautious when he needed to be. It was Pina's penchent for antics that worried him. She was a good girl, but troublesome. Who knows what she would get up to if she were to be overwhelmed by whatever she sees there?

"Enough." His words were heard by the Senate and quiet descended. "Perhaps it is time for a recess. We will reconvene within an hour."

"The emperor has spoken. We shall reconvene in an hour." The elderly speaker declared, echoing the sentiment.

Molt retired to one of the windows looking out over the city. That's when his mind went on a tangent There were many emperors and empresses in Sadera's long history. How many of them were put into this position? Something that shook their world to its core? Okay, that wasn't exactly proper. How many of them were put into a position as precarious as this? Not even a week ago they were at war with these Otherworlders. With reports of survivors still coming in, a more accurate picture of their numbers was being made. The casualties were now looking more around the 45,000 mark... but that was still a large number in such a short time. And now here their killers were coming forward to ask 'can we stop for a bit?'

"A moment, your Majesty?" The voice of Marcus came, with him were other senators such as Leontius and Jacobus.

"We are at a crossroads in history my friend... and in such short a time. There is too much we don't know about this to be comfortable."

Marcus nodded. "It feels that way, your Majesty, but that is not entirely true. Your son spelled it out quite well in his letter how the Otherworlders may be just as stuck as we are with the other side of the Gate being what it is. It makes much more sense when one considers the reason for selling those scales. It also exposed how much we are lacking in keeping an eye on things."

"That is true. But we risk much in the meantime."

"You needn't worry, your Majesty." Jacobus said. "The orcs will not be a problem however this turns out. I've already sent my petition with your blessing. In a few day's time to this hour their tribes will be butchering one another."

Molt shook his head. "It is not that. It is purely the Otherworlders. If they are this quick to try and appease us, what stops them from turning on us when it suits them...? Especially when my children are there?"

There it was. "I see... your children have always been forceful and bold. You fear they'll become hostages." Marcus said.

"If that were to happen... I already nearly lost Pina to mercenaries. Now here she and my son are ready to go across for a ceasefire and I cannot STOP them."

Leontius stepped forward. "Your Majesty, you must have more faith in your offspring. Savagii has already won much, and Pina for all her lack of experience has shown admirable potential. The training she received from Grey did not go to waste. Think of what they can learn as they go across, unburdened by the troubles of the diplomat. Do not fear for them."

Molt looked to him incredulously. "Do not fear for them? In this situation? You forget yourself! I must go from knowing nothing about the situation to now fearing for the safety of my children!" The outburst caught them by surprise momentarily. Molt was a good emperor; Stoic but fair, of a mind dedicated to ensuring stability. He was no stranger to the reality of war as the Orc warpath and Ictun invasion showed. But he always showed a more political acumen, in addition he was truly a dedicated family man. One of the few things an emperor could enjoy without it impacting his gravitas.

"Forgive me your Majesty," Leontius continued, "but, we have no choice. You heard it yourself. We need the time and potential of advantage this would get. And we need it now. The messenger hawks need time to fly, a day at most, the more time we take bickering about this the more the Otherworlders will have time to reinforce their own position. We are at war, we need action." And there were the facts. Leontius, much like Marcus, has never been afraid of telling his emperor what was on his mind. It was the job of any good politician after all. Leontius had the right to speak of such matters, for his own son was in training to become a frontline soldier who could very well see action on the frontline. Or perhaps he was angling to avoid it?

No. No. Fearful maybe, but not cowardly, never cowardly, that's not Leontius. The only reason he would protest against sending his son to war is that fatherly love and fear of not being ready enough, the fear that all parents feel, the fear Molt was experiencing now.

"Leave me... I must process this." The group of men did as asked, sensing it was time to leave him be. The fear Molt was experiencing now. Now that he was thinking about it... the risks were great, but so were the rewards. Much like any plan in war. Already the ironic smile was forming on his face. They were right about one thing, action was needed. The legions could move quickly and efficiently, but they needed time as anyone did, especially with what Savagii proposed. Saderans were as familiar with defense as they were with offense. The walls of the Mother City are an example, enough to awe the workers and travelers beneath their shadows. Extremely costly, especially when the city must grow, but it was a price that guaranteed should an enemy reach Sadera, they would need to be among the most well-prepared besieging force. From the gatehouses at each entrance being made with two different gatesthat do not line up. Meaning intruders could not go straight through, and be exposed to arrow and magic attacks. Much of which would come from merlons and arrow loops at the top and throughout the walls respectively. To the massive towers being homes to large scorpions, balistae and catapults to lob projectiles at attackers. There were even certain portions of the wall that could be collapsed to allow any giants in the garrison to use their own oversized crossbows. That of course was the finest that could be built, most cities could only go so large or have simple stone walls. All however still had plenty of means of defending their cities.

That said, was just the cities. The defenses of castra were another story given they were the line of defense for legions. The largest, most established castra had such fortifications along with those that were learned from the feudal realms. Their castles were a defending commander's dream come true. Towers and walls combined with other features such as the terrain itself when built on the edge of a cliff or up a large hill along with the gatehouses capable of being locked from both sides should intruders get in, then being pelted from murderholes with all manner of things from hot sand to boiling water.

But all that meant nothing without the men to man them. Never mind many of these fortifications were meant for garrisonning a legion or two at anytime while others were on the march or temporarily disbanded as the men lived civilian lives until the call to arms. There were many castra around the empire, but the majority of them were held by reduced forces for when legions came, and those with legions were to the borders at the east, the west, north, and south. While those in the center grew lighter in presence with how bandits were handled by local forces and vassals along with the general stability of the empire. The problem was that the Otherworlders were well within this area, especially in a region where not many forces were thanks to the battle at Alnus.

But defenses weren't enough... you needed to act, proactively or reactively. You had to do something.

Would their neighbors do the same? The Hannibal question was being handled by Zorzal, the Orcs were being pit against one another. The Ictuns would do nothing, especially with this mercenary army having acted... what of the vassal kingdoms? The decree to lessen the burden was in place... but would it be enough for them? Would they have animosity for the loss of their kings? Rebellions could erupt from the most minor of things. And Hannibal. He was crafty, what if, Gods forbid, Zorzal ended up successfully falling for the man's guile? The Denzalcian continuing on and moving for the rest of the Empire? The Orks... they would fight, but for how long? The Ictuns, they wouldn't act... but they didn't have to. Perhaps a simple matter of more 'mercenaries' going to 'help settle disputes' in vassal lands.

Molt shook his head. He was letting worry cloud his judgement.

"Your majesty." The voice of another man came forth. A simple servant with a scroll. "Forgive the intrusion, but this message is urgent." Seeing the presented scroll, Molt saw the mark of a grey falcon head on the knob... the mark of Gregorius! Molt took the scroll and inspected its contents. It was from an assassin who operated in Denzalcia, he was gathering intelligence he found out- Molt stopped. Reread. The Denzalcian warhawks were making preparations to make a move if Hannibal was successful. Already armies were being levied?!

Hannibal was bad enough, but if more followed his example whether or not their council and king approved...

This information changed things. Molt made his choice...

The next day. Evening.

The sun was in its final moments before setting.

There was no telling what exactly would happen. But as they said 'the gods favor the bold.' If that was true then Savagii had no doubt he had become the 'model image' of this saying with his efforts to reach out to the Otherworlders. He was still amazed that his father had decided on it so quickly, though this was undoubtedly due to an outside influence. Hopefully what was decided here would determine how the conflict would progress, and more importantly how forces across the continent would react.

Travelling with him were two scribes to keep a record of what transpired at this ceasefire attempt, a diplomat with the full blessing of the Senate to speak on their behalf, 8 Praetorians to safeguard him against any mishaps and equipped with the finest weapons short of those put into the hands of apostles and their ilk, a single master mage for more mystical needs with other more studious fellows for research, and his sister Pina along with one of her fellow knights Bella Roxanna. One of her closest childhood friends. There was eventhe young Countess Mui and two of her maids. It was argued her testimony would help sway any opinoins on the other side. Nevermind her age. Finally, Rory herself. She 'insisted' on seeing the Otherworld, wishing to know what the land of Sadera's enemy was like. All mounted upon dragons. Leontius had taken the lead to the five mounts the Praetorians bore, all dressed in lavish silver-tinted armor with orange clothing. Said armor nearly encompased their whole bodies, with horse hair mounts that glowed, granting an aura of power so to speak. The scribes and his sister took to a far larger dragon upon whom a sturdy wooden structure was made not unlike that of a tower upon an elephant. Said structure however was far bigger to accomodate the size of a dragon while having room for at least a dozen people. Such things were often reserved for the most important of officials or the most crucial of suuplies. Anything else was kept to the ground, while the far larger things had the waves. Every one of them was granted an enchanted item to make speech without translations possible. A pendant, bracelet, something that would seemlessly blend with their attire.

Speed was key here though. Already Savagii could see the hills of alnus forming, and he could already feel that somehow, someway, the Otherworlders were tracking him. Perhaps even before they had Alnus in their sights. After all he had seen and heard he had little reason to be surprised by whatever he might see here. It didn't stop the feeling of trepidation as he went down into it. Being at the head of an army and fighting was a different feeling to 'interacting' with the inhabitants. That and he still remembered how he fell in the midst of that camp. Said camp looking more and more like a fort now that he could see more permanent structures being raised.

"Steady, Leontius." He said. He could feel his mount grumbling as they approached. With good reason. Leontius probably saw more of those contraptions that spewed uncountable amounts of projectiles into the air that tore many dragons apart during the battle, a dragon's eyesight was rivaled only to that of a bird of prey. A hand signal was given to stay close as they drew closer to the ground. It was verbally agreed by him and the Otherworlders back at Italica that if it all went forward it would be best if he landed outside the 'perimeter' as it was called. They'd see him coming long before then with these 'drones' and 'radar' as was described. If he was lucky, the Otherworlders would have everything on their end taken care of by now, or at least well underway for his arrival.

They were just moments from reaching the ground, and it was far clearer. These trenches were more reinforced and had more contraptions, a couple had three large pointed cylinders with fins reminiscent of fletchings on an arrow or bolt, perhaps they fulfilled a similar purpose. Everything else was manpower and a few other contraptoins, one being one of those long tubed ones that almost looked like an elephant.

"Steady, Leontius." He repeated, his steed however was set on showing some defiance to the opposition. The like of the Praetorian dragons was more controlled, while the larger one was almost placid with the current circumstances as his passengers disembarked. Once all were dismounted and grouped up, two guards were chosen to remain and keep an eye on the dragons. The rest would go forth.

Otherworlder soldiers came forward, very tentatively. No doubt they know what happened to the last men who tried to get close to Savagii. Among their number was Kato the mage, surely there to offer translatoin magic. Also among them was an older man in different attire. It appeared more formal, all black with white parts around the long sleeves at the end of the wrists and around the neck.

He had to be important. A military leader perhaps?

"Are you Legate Julius Aurelian Savagii?" The man asked as he fumbled with something on his wrist, it seemed that Kato had given him an enchanted item in anticipation to make this translation business easier.

"I am. To whom am I addressing?" Savagii replied.

"Sugawara Koji. I am a member of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and I have been assigned as the diplomat from my nation to yours should these talks prove fruitful." The man made a bowing gesture. Very rigid. A diplomat? This was promising.

"I am leading this endeavor, and my word will give credence on what has happened here. That said I am merely a witness along with my sister and her friend. So please, in regards to diplomacy I ask you to speak with Sextus Antonio. He is a diplomat of the empire and has full gravitas in this matter."

"Of course. It is good you have arrived, our government has everything prepared and is ready for you to attend."

"The emperor's word travels on a falcon's wings." Sextus replied. "It will be good if your words can do the same."

"Then let us go now. The Ministry is close by where the Gate opened." A ministry not too far off? Savagii remembered that Zorzal ended up in a city. But if it was a place so close to a legislative area... his assumptions of this being a tense issue for the Otherworlders would hold weight. Before departing he returned to Leontius, still growling. "Please my friend. Do not cause trouble while I am gone. Gods willing I'll be back before you know it." A less intense growl followed. "Now don't be like that. We have a chance to get an advantage if not stop this slog. I can't have you compromising it."

Leontius let out a whine to make his displeasure be known. But he ultimately chose to obey. Savagii turned back, adressing the two guards left to watch over the dragons. "Keep watch, and ensure our companions... or the Otherworlders, do not act rashly." A nod from the two, and he returned to the group. "Are you ready sister?"

"Ready as I ever will be." Now that she was here ready to depart she was enduring a severe case of the last minute shakes. Who wouldn't be upon realizing they were setting upon a foreign world?

"No turning back." Savagii replied. With that they all finally went towards the Otherworlder stronghold. It did not look much different compared to what was seen. Still a great number of tents. But the fact there were more permenant buildings being erected confirmed the fears that the Otherworld intended to have a presence here. Surely they would have other posts to act as sentries so to speak for the main base. In addition were the many men he found moving about, and giving stares as they came by. The patterns on their clothes differentiated in shades and form while ultimately following the same themes of greens and browns. It all lended itself to what Pina told him about this being more than one nation they opposed.

His attention soon was brought to a dome structure with a sizeable empty space around it. Said dome then unfurled as two parts opened outward, from the now evident entrance came a caravan of large contraptions with several wheels and what looked like canvas over segments not unlike that of a wagon. But far far longer. A single cabin of sorts where occupants sat in at the front. Supply caravan perhaps? There were no evident weapons on them so to speak. Looking back to the dome, Savagii could see the Gate itself. The black inky entrance standing apart from the now brightened interior. It was incredible to comprehend really. How ominous yet simple this thing was considering what it does.

It was indeed large enough for a typical formation in marching fashion to move through, but even then it would take a while for a whole legion to get through. Maybe one and a half at a time if they squeezed through.

"When we cross through," Sugawara began, "we will have to be subject to a decontamination procedure." Decontamination? "What it means is we are going to be cleansed of any foreign bacteria, viruses, whatever diseases we might carry here before going into our world." Ahh, cleanliness. That was sensible. Wait... Savagii and his fellows had come into contact with these people for a while now... any diseases THEY might have carried over... he kept himself in check, but already he feared the worst. Plagues were nothing new in the Empire, many had occured, some devastating, some maneagable. But they all had a cause and solution. An Otherworlder disease though? That was a whole different problem. Apprehension was evident in most of his party, the only ones that seemed dazzled beyond words were the mages.

"My friends, now that the Gate is before us you will have a chance to look at it and see what you can learn." The master began. "If this Kato is willing to assist us, then it would go a long way to help us in our understanding of its power." That and it would be a good start to trying to get this ceasefire implemented. And now the moment of truth. Another contraption came from the Gate, this one long in length but short in height. It sported a sharp black color and miniature flas at the very front of one of these nations he had to assume. The windows were dark, rendering him unable to look inside.

"Our transportation, we call it a limosuine. It'll take us straight to the Ministry under escort. There should be enough room for me, yourself and your fellows. Once we go through we'll need to step out for decontamination." Inside said 'limosuine was rather simple. Seats arranged around the body with the only exits being a door on either side. It at least looked comfortable for the likes of Sextus and the others. Savagii felt rather out of place, and not simply due to it being an Otherworld contraption. The next few moments passed in silence. No more words needed be said. Even as they departed into the Gate and found themselves in what could only be described as endless darkness, the only indication of their being there was the fact everything took an eerie outline of light shades in blues, purples and white. Amazing considering the outside of the glass blocked whoever tried looking in, yet offered an occupant a full view albiet slightly darkened. That was accurate to what was said by Zorzal's testimony.

The next sight to take in was that of what was indoors undoutedly. A shade of yellowish orange. He also saw figures wearing very outlandish attire, they almost looked like some kind of globulous beings with little transparent faces revealing actual human heads inside... said humans bearing some sort of attire over their mouths, strangely giving an impression of breathing, much like the enchanted masks vigiles and dragon riders wear to supply air when in raging fires and high in the sky respectively. The limosuine stopped, the operator exiting from the front and opening the doors. Sugawara motioning them to exit, this being the 'decontamination stage.' The Praetorians, arguably on edge and ready, were first to go out into the unfamiliar area, crossbows at the ready. Then the master mage, then scribes. Finally himself, the diplomat and Pina and Bella. One of the 'people' in these outlandish blobby clothes came forward.

A sound came from above, what appeared to be nozzles began spraying a substance down upon them as a mist. Said nozzles attached to metal poles that ran across the roof of this place. "Just stay where you are, keep your arms slightly out. this is normal. It'll just take a few minutes, after that you can continue on."

So this... substance wasn't water he could tell. it would kill any sort of disease on them? That seemed too good to be true. That said, the Empire was well aware of how outbreaks began and encouraged cleanliness and sanitation across the empire. Be they the water pipes and soaps for sinks and baths and cloaca to carry away their leavings. Preferrably far far out to sea or at least a passing river. All fed by mighty aqueducts leading from mountian rivers and lakes into cities. The spraying ceased soon after, and they were gestured to return to the limousine. Everything was in place it seemed. A large flap opened allowing them to exit.

Immediately what caught Savagii's attention were the buildings. Much of it was, or appeared to be, glass. Others wre more familiar with bricks. But most appeared to be made from some form of concrete, stone? It was hard to tell, they varied so much in color and appearance. All ranged in hight but appeared to have the same form of being rectangular. On them were glowing signs in the language Japan used, a series of markings that seemed all too-similar to what little he saw from Miwan documents. Looking left and right, then behind he saw the same thing, and looking down he saw what appeared to be- was this a road? It was a dark grey and had markings of sorts, their meaning lost on him. Further from these sights with what he could see, were more buildings further off, some even taller. The most distinctive structure was one with a curve, at the very top a small spire with what appeared to be a clock. He saw few outside of a Dwarven settlement.

The second thing he noticed was this area was walled off with barricades of concrete and other barriers. More soldiers and men in garments of black and blue moving about. Formed to the left as carefully as could be with how apparently cramped this area is were a small group of more of these contraptions in black and white markings and lights that flashed blue and red, some much like the limousine and others he saw back at Alnus with four wheels, others were upon two wheels with a single mount, almost like some sort of unliving mechanical horse with wheels instead of legs. To the right of this leading into a gate were even more of those long transports, whose line seemed to stretch far beyond and being monitored by these individuals and soldiers.

Finally what hit him were the sounds. Muffled by the fact they were inside the limosuine, but clear nonetheless. Sounds that could only be described as a cacophony not unlike that back in Sadera, but it seemed more... monstrous, mechanical like a Dwarven creation. Unalive yet indicating life. Using what room he had to look outside, he looked to the sky above he saw more of those contraptions like the ones back at Italica, but further in the heavens he could see more whose shapes were strangely like a bird or dragon, but without any flapping of the wings.

"Are these walls?" Bella asked.

"No..." Savagii replied. "Walls have no need of windows... not this much anyway." He got a good look into a few. More soldiers and these blue and black clad people inside. It was clear they took a massive interest in the area as of now. It was interesting and impressive but hardly mindboggling. There were many scenes like this back in Sadera and other cities across the Empire.

"Welcome to the Ginza District of the Chou Ward in Tokyo. If it so pleases you we can visit here when our business is concluded. There are many many shops and stores here." Sugawara said. A shopping district? The Gate opened in a shopping district? The words he spoke to Pina earlier came up in both of their minds, about supplies and how the Otherworlders were apparently not as imposing as they thought. The idea seemed to immediately interest Bella and Pina. Savagii had to admit it was appealing, but there were far more important things to look at... then again... maybe something around here could help him.

The limosuine then made its way off, the contraptions with flashing lights taking off itself, some in front, others in the back. More protection besides the Praetorians. Who if they were surprised in any way, they didn't show it. Even Rory herself seemed stoic, though with how long she's been around that wasn't surprising. The vehicle took off shortly after. "The drive will take a while. With the convoy you see here we need to make a detour." That was clearly seen as they continued going straight and more of this convoy was seen. Now slowly but surely moving. More variety being seen in the shapes and sizes before a left turn was taken, that was after an opening in said convoy from a different direction was made. His speculation on supply issues was holding weight.

Going through he noticed a sizeable final barricade of these black and blue clad people, who he was evnetually told were called 'police,' keeping back an otherwise small crowd of people. This is what appeared to be the vigiles of the Otherworld. What caught his attention however was not their rather strange and seemingly casual clothing but rather the signs they had in their possession. Said people were clearly gathered for some sort of demonstration. Something even Sadera had from time to time for all manner of reasons. The most prominent right now being that of shorter service times for auxiliaries and a revision of the legionary retirement reward. What were these individuals protesting? Surely something to do with this Gate business? Beyond this the sides of the streets were filled with people and a wide range of more of these contraptions. He had to know what they were called, some big, some small, long, short, a few even had these seemingly magical pictures upon them that moved and glowed wih lovely lights. And the buildings, now that he was further out he saw just how tall they got. Again, many structures such as these could be seen back home, but the sheer amount was what took him aback. And they had to have done this without the help of giants or demihumans.

That said, they all seemed... bland. Saderans themselves keeping their own glamour and extravagence for more eccentic citizens or the temples of the Gods. Public service structures had decoration but it was conservative and did not overtake the function a structure had. The only other structures that were very minimalist back home were that of castra and other military field fortifications.

Pina on the other hand... she had been in better spirits. Everything had collapsed upon her yet again. From the news of the Gate opening to the end of the crisis in Italica, she was at first slowly introduced to how brutal life could be to being tossed into the pan as though she were a dragon whelp ready to fend for itself. She was well aware of how dangerous life and fighting was, but those who experienced it truly knew it was equal parts glorious and bitter. She had a massive taste of bitterness. Now seeing this city, this capital of the Japanese threatened to throw her back into that state of panic. Not to mention the brief but very impactful sight of the Otherworlder fort being built outside the Gate at Alnus. She at the very least was able to keep a brave face up. Perhaps it was because her friend Bella was at her side, or perhaps it was her brother's presence, a man who always seemed to have a handle on things. But SEVEN nations? Already the implications were falling onto her. If seven were initially ready to make an effort to fight... what was stopping them from enlisting more help? And if so, how many nations would join? It would be a slow process, but no different than a legion's march or a building's creation. Already there were permanent structures being erected! Did they also mention 'contract workers?' Hired help? How long until mercenaries decided to take part?

Worse. How long until Sadera's enemies took advantage of this? The Denzalcians were sure to jump on the chance. What of the Ictuns, the orcs, the kingdoms who lost their kings

A brief pat on her shoulder broke her thought process, there was Savagii looking at her. "Your mind is racing, is it not?" He asked. There was no answer as she looked away with embarrasment. A smirk crossed his face. "Well don't be so apprehensive. The fact you're so daring and insistent on coming here in light of the situation and Italica is a relief. Just keep calm."

Sugawara spoke up next, gaining their attention. "Once we enter the premises, we'll take a moment to collect ourselves before beginning. In the spirit of common ground we are allowing your bodyguards to keep their armaments. We simply ask you remain on the premises and in our company until further notice."

"Understandable." A gesture of faith. That much was clear. After the limosuine pulled in and stopped at the Ministry, they departed and entered the structure. All save Rory.

"I must apologize, but we ask you to remain in the vehicle."

"Is there a problem?" Savagii asked.

"No... but we understand Rory-san was it?" A nod. "She was present when our soldiers brought refugees back to the base when the Flame Dragon attacked. Across the street there is the National Diet Building where a hearing is being held in regards to that event. A friend in the Diet is asking if you would attend now that you've arrived."

The request was sudden, but also surprising. They wished to hear her speak in regards of this? What about? What would they hope to learn from her? And why? Before Savagii could give his own thoughts, Rory answered with a yes. That settled the matter then and there as much as Savagii felt it was a rather "intentional" choice. A more subtle way of separating them.

That said, it was too late, no going back. A smile from Rory set him somewhat at ease, a prideful, unconcerned smile. "Do not worry about me." He had to carry on as Rory was driven away out the entrance and across the street. At the very least the inside of this Ministry had the appropriate ambience. A room was their destination. Inside was a single woman in clothing not too dissimilar to Sugawara.

"Hello. I am Shirayuri Reiko, advisor to the Prime Minister. Please, have a seat. Savagii signaled his guards and the mage to wait outside. All other parties were to participate. "Before we begin the session proper, I simply wanted to ensure we are on the same page that this is not a peace conference, but an attempt at a ceasefire. We are in agreement to this?"

Sextus answered. "That is the intention, madame."

Savagii allowed them to speak, looking around the room, and his focus fell behind his hosts on what appeared to be a map of Japan mounted on a wall. His guess was due to the measurement line on the bottom as well as a star with a letter that appeared to designate north. Something that was seen on some maps back home. He couldn't make heads nor tails about the words, but he noticed this county appeared to be made up of five large islands arranged in a fort of forward crescent chape with other smaller spots that were clearly much much smaller islands. On the picture's right side he saw other landmasses with lines representing what he assumed were borders and word that had to be the names for other lands. Finally, while rather small, he saw a circle on the map with Japan on it, but much smaller and highlighted in red, the landmasses were shown too,but much larger. A whole continent with more masses of islands further down south.

The timing of reinforcements in the defense at Alnus, the lack of action after that, the small party helping Italica only to be rescued by yet more reinforcements. The caravan of contraptions that clearly had to navigate through this city... all on this island nation? You needed ships to reach an islands. And how long did it take said ships to sail in this world?

There was much more to learn... but for now, he felt much MUCH better about the future should the ceasefire not fall through.

...

She was impressed. But not that much so.

When you live to be just under 1,000 years old you see many things, and Rory had seen many things. She saw Sadera's slow inexorable expanse over Falmart over the centuries, all manner of villages, towns and even cities taking the Saderan identity and culture, even mixing with local customs and spreading the Mother City's light. She saw the subjugation and extermination of several orc tribes who in their lust for battle either whittled each other down or presented an issue the empire couldn't ignore, something the Uzca tribes curiously broke free from and chose a mroe isolationist hands off lifestyle. She saw the sparse but major wars between Denzalcia and the Empire from the shores to the mountains, the two were true rivals of the continent, both with their influence and strengths. She saw the Itcuns come together to create times of prosperity and harmony, only for new blood to come along decades later and squander it, only for those bad times to be cast aside by greater threats like ratmen from the strange lush continent to the southwest or a particularly large raid from pirates of Northmen, all of whom avoided Stratos of course.

She conversed with elf nobles from distant lands across the waves and the dwarf kings in the Great Mountain Range, seeing the magic aptitude and incredible creations respectively. It was truly a wonder to see how well the elves could build cities without taking too much from nature or how the rough, firm hands of dwarves could sculpt from stone works that would make many artists jealous. On rare occassions she even got to see more distant lands such as the Mehmed Empire and the Land of the Khufus, those two warring peoples for whome faith and loyalty were a staple... that and controlling mighty rivers to grow crops. She still remembers those beautiful domed structures and the strange yet alluring music that played in their houses of worship. The Khufus were just as enticing with their mighty pyramids and statues of rulers past.

So when she came through that Gate and saw the city that this Japan had, she was impressed, and a sense of wonder did fill her. But to say she was taken aback would be an exageration... her interest came mostly from the fact that magic and beings like giants and orcs did not exist here, but they were still able to create such large structures and contraptions like those she saw flying over this city. She had to wonder just how big it really was.

She did see one thing that actually surprised here when the contraption... limosuine, vehicle? Whatever it was it pulled to the front... and what struck her was the Saderan look of the building. Particularly the columns in the front entrance. It was a moderate amount of it but it was undoubtedly very similar to Saderan columns. They did not invent the column and many could be seen around in other nations, but Sadera went into the architectural piece with fervor and expanded it with enthusiasm. Seeing them here, in the Otherworld was a surprise that made her question more and more what this world was like.

She wasn't the only one here. The outside was filled with a menagerie of people and bystanders, some carrying strange blocky things on their shoulders with an of protrusion pointed at individuals holding some sort of sticks in their hands, speaking while staring at the protusions like some sort of staring contest. All managed and kept away by police. As she stepped out of the limosuine, she could feel every eye be drawn to her as though she was a goddess. Not entirely wrong. She was also aware of how her attire may grab the attention of those who were likely not use dto such a look. The black of her armor shined from the sun's rays, the red glowing that ethereal glow signifying her as the chosen of Erebus. She lacked her shield and halberd, taking only her gladius which remained in its sheath. But from what she could see, and the distance to the Gate, she had no doubt she could get away should things get uncomfortable... and she knew a few spells to help even things out.

She continued, paying no heed to the eyes on her as she was guided to the entrance. Anytime she did look in someone's way, they would instinctively avoid her gaze. 'How amusing.' She thought. Even a lowly slave in Sadera could keep eye contact with Rory. If only for a moment to then look away our of reverent fear. But these Otherworlders... a simple look seemed to terrify them. Were these simple civilians then? Or was there more to it? That said, uuntil now her only contact with the Otherworld was with soldiers. They all still gave her a wide berth. Perhaps despite their ability to battle they were not as... hardened? No. No that was not the case. Men like this Mitchell and his fellows, she could feel their hardened auras, they were warriors. They knew war. The same for many of the others and some of their generals. But many others, while clearly soldiers, lacked this same aura of experience.

That was not surprising on its own. Every legionary did not know true battle despite how brutal the regimen was. Many legionaries will serve their time without seeing a battle in fact.

Now that she dwelt upon it, she wondered... did anything approaching magic at all exist here? Did any sort of gods reside here?

No, she could dwell on this later. She had a session to attend. If anyone wanted to protest the idea of her carrying a sword with her, no one spoke up... at least not after she got up close to them. She grew ever more amused at the idea these people never witnessed anything divine.

She entered a very formal room. Inside was a gathering space with dozens of tables, at which individuals in formal attire similar to Sugawara's own sat. More could be seen up on balconies presiding over the room. At least 2 podiums stood with more of those sticks. Along with more of those boxy contraptions that now focused on her. But the immeidiate sight was that Itami man with others of his group in more dark green formal attire with Tuka the elf, Lelei and Kato. They were here too, ah?

Flashes grabbed her attention, in the balcony were bright white lights that flashed like miniature suns several times. What were these Otherworlders doing? She mildly shook her head, taking a seat for this session, whatever it was.

"We will now ask questions of the witnesses. Kouhara Mizuki has the podium" A man began after everyone was settled in. A woman took to a podium. Brown hair with a light blue Her face betraying no emotion as she picked up a small sign with Japanese on it next to numbers.

"I shall get to the point," she began, "Why were 48 special region refugees, who were supposed to be under SDF protection, killed by what is being referred to as a Flame Dragon?" Her voice was also measured. Either she was good at hiding feelings or was a natural at being stoic. That actually seemed to be the case for most people here, at least those in official positions. Not one had an emotion that could be easily read.

"Witness First Lieutenant Itami." He rose after that, he was a special case as he was visibly trembling. Once more his clear nature contrasting with his military profession. It was expected he would be here, he was in charge of that group of Japanese soldiers... but where was the American named Mitchell? Come to think of it, not a single one from the group she encountered before the dragon appeared was there. Why?

"Well... to begin... the dragon was very big... strong..." He said, doing his best not to stutter. Everyone waited for him to speak. "That and our own abilities at the time were... lacking."

"Explain." Mizuki stated.

"I uh... I guess it's because we lacked sufficient weaponry." He answered.

"You guess or you know?"

"I uh- I know! We had small arms, mounted weapons, even a couple shots for a anti tank launcher but this thing was a real beast. It wasn't until reinforcements finally appeared that we drove it off." Itami explained.

"A real beast as in-"

"If I may Chairman?" One of the attendants raised a hand to be motioned to speak. This was granted to him as he got up and took Itami's place. "We have analyzed several samples from dragons downed at the previous battle, and cross referenced them with the Flame Dragon's scales we collected after the fact. As it turns out these dragons have scales that are comparable to steel and tungsten. The larger being however, while studies are still being made, is believed to have the strength comparable to the armor of a main battle tank."

Steel perhaps, tungsten? She never heard of that material before... perhaps the Dwarves would know? And a battle tank? Either Rory had much more to learn of the Otherworlders had some powerful weapon in the form of a container. Most likely the former.

"It is sensible to say that casualties are inevitable when facing such a beast... very well." Mizuki responded. "With that in mind, why did you take the refugees with you back to the fortress?"

"It... it was the right thing to do." Itami responded.

"Morally? Yes. But you had to have known the situation with logistics is adequate in terms of travel. No doubt you have seen demonstrators at the edge of the containment area wanting the Ginza district reopened to normal hours. They are both shopkeepers and customers along with employees. Ginza is a major area for shopping." Mizuki stated.

"I am. And I feel their pain, I go to stores there too. But I was in the moment when coming back to base, and my concern were the lives of those around me. My men and the civilians. I can only... well... morbidly so, be grateful not all came with us."

"Not all?"

Itami shook his head. "Some elected to go elsewhere. They weren't comfortable being wtih us... kinda hard to argue as we were the ones who invaded... counter-invaded?"

Mizuki gave a nod. "Thank you. Our next concern is in regards to the refugees. May Lelei step forward now?" The mage did as asked, her face ironically fitting right in with the rest of the crowd despite being a foreigner. "It is my understanding you bear items that allow you to understand what we are saying?"

Lelei lifted a pendant around her neck. "You spoke of refugees being killed in the dragon attack and asking how such a thing happened. Then it was explained just how dangerous dragons are, let alone the Flame Dragon."

Mizuki nodded. "I am told you are living in a camp as of now. Are your needs being looked after?"

"Yes."

"There is nothing you are lacking?" Mizuki continued.

"Forgive me but what do you refer to? If you are referring to a proper place to stay with basic amenities that that is true for everyone."

"Hmm... allow me to rephrase. Are you lacking anything you require?"

"All of my needs are being met. The same is essentially true for everyone else in our group. The recent trip to sell scales has allowed us to better look after ourselves. If we asked for more, especially now, there would be no end." Lelei responded.

"Then you believe the military has done an adequate job thus far?"

"I do."

"Thank you."

Where was all this going? Was it a means of assuring the Self-Defense Force and Otherworlder force in general were doing their due diligence? That was an admirable thing, but then she brought up the fact this Ginza area had shops and people were protesting to reopen it. So that area was a place filled with shops, not just for show. That was surely an issue for the economy if it was as popular as this Mizuki was claiming. Any society, whether it be an expanding one, one that kept to itself, or even one that existed on its own terms, needed to spend money within its borders to make and spend money beyond. It was basic economics, at least Rory believed so. This was something one of the other apostles would surely be knowedgable in.

"Tuka Luna Marceu." The mention of the elf's name gained her attention. She also had attire that was rather formal. Less so than the others around them, but it was far better than whatever the hell those pants she had earlier were. What were they called again? Jeans? They were ghastly.

"I am an elf of the Lodo Forest Clan." She began. "I am the daughter of Hodor Marceau, lead hunter and auxiallary centurion in the Saderan military."

Mizuki looked around, then said, "Forgive me but... those ears are real, correct?"

"Huh? OH, right. Yes they are." Reaching a hand behind the hair coming down over her ear and moving it, showing it was indeed real. "Would you like to touch them?" She asks, making said ear wiggle. More of those flashes occured, at a much more frantic and infrequent rate with audible noises of surprise. Rory had to keep herself from laughing, this confirmed that there was no such thing as elves in this world... as far as in flesh and blood that is... even this Mizuki seemed surprised, the arching of her eyebrows being evident.

"Order! Order!" The resulting commotion dwindled quickly.

"Then, Tuka, did you see anything wrong with the way the dragon attack was handled?"

A pause. "I... don't know. I was unconscious at the time. They found me in my burned out village and took me with them."

"I see. Thank you. Next witness please. Sergeant First Class Kuribayashi Shino." The petite, well-built woman came forth. It was rather strange, how her attire seemed less ladylike in comparison to say what Pina would wear during formal events. The only real difference being the skirt on her uniform, she was virutally identical to the men in her team. Perhaps it was just a difference in perception? Or a means of saving material? "As one of the lieutenants subordinates, do you have any thoughts of how the situation was handled?"

"Forgive me," Shino began, "but are you referring to the attack itself or the entire situation as it unfolded?"

Mizuki seemed to contemplate the words. "For the sake of argument, give us your thoughts on the entire situation."

"Well..." She began, "honestly, the First Lieutenant is not exactly... command material. Heck, I wager he doesn't even belong out in the field." Someone actually making negative points. No surprise it is this woman, she practically hated the man's guts. "While we did what we could with what we had, I would hardly commend his choices."

"So you believe the Lieutenant is responsible for the refugees deaths?"

"No. What I am saying is his way of going about it may have inadvertendly had a hand in how it went. Essentially it was out of his hands, but his lack of experience showed." She answered.

"And the choices he made themselves?"

"To be brief. He did the right thing helping those people."

"... I see. Next witness. Rory Mercury." Rory almost didn't hear her name, the banter had been brief but boring, she was more focused on what the point of all this was, and what else this world had to offer. She already yearned for a library or archive to visit just so she could see... then remembered the linguistic item she was given didn't translate the written word. Once again she felt amused seeing everyone seem uneasy as they watched her, just like outside. As she removed her helmet she had to wonder... was there any sort of war god here? "Please, describe your life in the refugee camp."

"I must apologize, but I am no refugee. I am not even an inhabitant of the village."

"Then who are you?"

"I am the apostle of Erebus. The Empire's god of war and will. I came across your soldiers as they took the refugees back to their fort." Murmurs began to be heard.

"I'm sorry... apostle?"

"There are twelve of us, all representing the twelve gods of Sadera. We are essentially their chosen representatives to their mortal followers." Rory answered.

"And you said your god is a war god?"

"Erebus, and we are his children... children whose blood your soldiers have spilled. By all rights, they should already be dead." The last part of her sentence was spoken low and rough, eliciting a few nervous glances away. Mizuki remained with her stoic expression, though Rory could feel the fear.

"Then... why not kill them?" She asked hesitating.

"They spared the survivors at the first battle, of which the son of the Emperor himself, Julius Aurelius Savagii was a part of. That alone proved that this world was not just a realm of savage barbarians who lived only to kill, and the fact you saved refugees added to that fact. I merely tagged along to ensure no harm came to them."

"I... I see... so you were there when the dragon attacked."

"Was I there? I helped keep it away." Rory answered.

An enthusiastic Shino made her voice heard. "It's true! She actually ran at the thing and took an inferno from its mouth without a scratch. She even climbed onto it and stabbed the thing!"

"Witness Rory has the stand now." Was the reply.

"She is not wrong." Rory said with a grin. "Honestly if it wasn't for me they surely would have perished. Granted I did break my legs after falling." She let that part hang, expecting to recieve stares of disbelief considering how well she walked now. These people didn't see it. She was not disappointed as many looked t her with slightly furrowed brows. "We are not vulnerable to the same ailments mortals face. I even allowed one of your generals to attack me with his weapon, right here in the head."

Her declaration was met with more disbelief. Disbelief that it happened due to how awful it was or how it never could have happened? "It hurt. A lot. I had a headache for a good day." She added wincing.

"I see... so you remained with the fort?" Mizuki continued.

"I have. It wasn't until the plan to go to Italica to sell scales was enacted that I believed the refugees would finally be safe. I knew that whatever comes our people would be relatively safe in the conflict."

"I see. And what of the people lost to the dragon attack?"

"Regrettable... but if I could not do anything in time, then there is little chance your soldiers could. People are lost when battles erupt, the dragon attack was no different. It was simply fortuitous your soldiers were able to relocate more with their flying contraptions ahead of time. A decision I am certain has compromised their readiness should we have attacked again."

Mizuki closed her eyes contemplating. "Then I have no other questions in relation to the dragon attack."

"This session has ended. We shall have an hour of recess, after which we shall reconvene to discuss the Italica incident." They were going to talk about that too? The plot thickens as they say... even so she still had to wonder what the point of all this was... did their government think some mischief was about? It was an inconceivable thing back home, as any governor or senator had a sense of military knowledge, including the emperor. Other societies were less militarized but they still had an inkling in the business of war, with nobles, aristocrats, or other officials who had some hand in the process including but not limited to direct command and engaging in battle themselves.

Did the Otherworld operate the same way?

That was enough. A recess had been called, and she was going to enjoy scaring people with her presence as was now clearly established.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The session was broadcast over the TV and all across the world on all manner of entertainment and infrmation mediums.

At least that was what Savagii was told when his attention was brought to the TV. Sextus was taking over, and was doing a splendid job as intended, so when he asked if he could look around the building, he was given a yes in response. He had to go with a ministry official, surely a guard, but that suited him fine. He had a Praetorian to go as well His intention was to look around anyway. It was when he found a space for guests and workers to gather he saw the 'television' as it was called. It allowed 'moving images' so to speak. Even in realtime, as in you could see something elsewhere as it was happening. The guard essentially told him it was technology, and it was a great way for entertainment and information. It intrigued the Legate right after, and thank the gods his enchanted item allowed him to understand what was being said. There was Rory on the TV herself, looking the apostle he knew her as, telling of how the decision to spare Savagii and the survivors of Alnus saved their men from being slaughtered. As it turned out they were talking about the dragon attack, so they knew about it here too.

Not surprising, he imagined the people here would be interested in what was happening across the Gate. After the call for recess, the image changed to a flurry of blues and whites with a bit of red. It was too fast to make out save seeing a spinning sphere with blobs on it going to the center with ared line appearing along the blue background, complimented by white lines traveling as streaks in random directions. The red line expanded to take up more space, and the sphere dimmed as the blobs became distinctive.. it almost... looked like a map. Words appeared that he couldn't read, but they weren't Japanese, they almost appeared similar to his own Saderan letters. The background and words all then disappeared as the map changed to a square which became hollowed to show a letter flanked by two more, and a larger, more dim map in the background spinning to the right, and a word beneath said letters. Perhaps the biggest thing that caught his attention was the jingle it made, it sounded... so unlike anything he ever heard, like some kind of alien sounds.

The image faded altogether and reealed an aged man in a 'suit,' the attire these people called. And the background was very much like the city he was in but at a more bird's eye view, and stylistic. "Welcome back to World News Media International, I'm your host Morris Odell and I hope you are all having a splendid day. Here's the latest news." News... NEWS. The moment that hit Savagii's ears he found a seat and paid close attention.

"The first hearing of the dragon attack on a refugee convoy has come to a close at Japan's National Diet. With an hour of recess, the next session will focus on the incident regarding a city called 'Italica.'" So they knew about that too? Word travels fast it seems... there's transparency with the people here. "The hearings have so far garnered viewers from around the world from televisions to personal devices projected to be in the tens of millions, possibly more. With much of the attention being drawn to the attendees such as the mage named Lelei and the elf Tuka Luna Marceau."

Tens of millions were watching this with these TVs and devices? All around the world? Just like that? If anything word could travel fast in the Otherworld... Savagii was staring to understand Pina's concerns more often.

"In other news, with the increase in shipping and air traffic to Japan to establish a fortress now overshadowed by the possibility of terrorist attacks, Japanese Customs is to be bolstered by uniform law enforcement to ensure nothing happens to ships in port, while on the sea, drones that have been hijacked much like the one that attacked the Cape Douglass are being hunted for by US ships and their allies. This increased naval precense along the Strait of Malaca and throughout Southest Asia, bringing concerns of confrontations between American ships and those of the People's Liberation Army Navy who have been aggressively asserting themselves in the South China Sea, this has already led to several instances of encounters between Coast Guard ships and fishing boats from the many nations in the vicinity."

As Savagii listened, he saw the session wrapping up. But when the talk about this 'Cape Douglass came up, it was replaces by a series of more. Police and other individuals speaking to and setting up areas where very bizarre looking ships were moored. From there it went to more ships with more odd designs, they bore a grey pattern with markings at the bow and what Savagii assumed was a weapon there. Is this supposed to be a warship? More followed, including one with a flat top, a 'structure' to the side, and contraptions strewn along the top... what in the name of the gods was it? When this People's Liberation Army was brought up different ships came into focus, the same grey color and some whites, different designs and assortment too. Plus a short segment of these 'Coast Guard' ships spraying water at smaller boats, nets cast over their sides... why were they doing that?

"The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has commenced the 'Persian Lance' exercise within Iran to simulate an escalated conflict with western forces responding to a conflict with Iraq. The Iranian and Chinese governments have both stated this is all for practice and is no different than the exercises the Americans and Soviets did in the Cold War like Able Archer or Zapad 81, and are merely a show of force. The statement was recieved poorly by Iraq's government who remarked it was 'in poor taste with not even a decade having passed after the many conflicts which erupted throughout the Middle East.'"

Shanghai Cooperation Organization. A military exercise. Previous exercises, wars in the Middle East. What was all this about? Was there competing powers in this world? This seemed to support that. Wait... didn't he mention something about one of their supply ships being attacked by a drone... whatever that was?

"In addition to the supply situation, citizens throughout Tokyo have petitioned the city government to take into account the commuting issues the convoys are beginning to pose, the more affluent among them along with city officials have voiced concerns with the impact this will have on the Ginza district's profit in the long run. Being home to the flagships stores of many fashion houses as well as western shops in Tokyo, it is considered a prime location for luxury goods with such companies as Chenel, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Reidel, and the Carolina Herrara New York compenies. Not to mention the first Apple Store outside the US and other electronics stores, the area is a smorgasbord of choices from food to clothing. A sustained flow of supplies is sure to have an effect on this otherwise lucarative part of the city."

And there it was, the final vindication of Savagii's hypothesis. There was indeed a supply problem. They had all they needed, more than they needed, but all that meant nothing if you couldn't get to where it needed to be. And looking at Tokyo, there were plenty of roads from what he could see, but if he couldn't figure it out, he couldn't imagine how foreign soldiers could figure it out... hell, all the roads and twists he saw. It made even the more messy of Saderan roads in cities look even and plain. In addition Saderan cities, and those of other lands, had entire areas where shops and restaurants operated, going about their business with people hustling and bustling about. Perhaps if the Otherworld had a system like allowing these trucks through until the ninth hour they would manage to find compromise.

And this Shanghai group... whoever they were... those were US ships patrolling the sea as he saw on the TV... the United States if he recalled. They were one of the nations in this Coalition. If they were also responsible for monitoring maritime routes and this Shanghai group was acting. A nation, especially a mighty one needed to pick and choose where to send men.

He looked to the Ministry guard attached to him. There was no evident expression, though Savagii had to wonder how well-known this supply issue was among others. And what else? Does this man realize he understands the news perfectly? Is there a need to control information, if so then why not deny his viewing? He put these thoughts of possibilities aside and continued viewing.

Ceasefire or no, the calm Savagii felt before grew to a comfortable bliss.

AN: And there we go. It's not much, but now that I'm back it hopefully won't take 84 years for the next one to come out.