“Ever since the revelation of the existence of magic and mages on Earth or ‘Mystical Revelation’ or ‘The Great Magical Revelation’ dubbed by many people when the Grand High witch representative of the North American Coven Council, Verona Soredin, appeared in the Senate Hearing and announced the existence of her kinds to the world. So far, the worldwide reactions have been mostly mixed.

Initially, fear and panic appeared in every corner of the world, leading to unrest and hundreds of protests. However, after many statements of world leaders regarding tolerance and all the good deeds that the mage population has done throughout history to keep society safe from supernatural threats like hostile spirits or rogue mages or contributing to positive historical efforts like in past wars against tyranny and genocide, social backlashes have shown sign of cooling down.

Recently, many communities and prominent people who know mages' existence have made statements in social media and media to advocate a peaceful coexistence between non-mage and mage. The most prominent voice is famous author JK Rowling, who recently completed a specular entrance to the press conference by riding a magic flying broom controlled by a mage she was acquainted with for a long time named Agnetha Southeil. It is revealed that Mrs. Southeil is none other than the modern-day descendant of Mother Shipton, a famous English clairvoyant, and witch.

During the press conference, Mrs. Rowling and Mrs. Southeil have made a powerful statement of acceptance toward the UK's people and across the world to live in harmony with the witches and wizards. Rowling even makes the statement that people should treat magic as something cool and exciting much like what she has written in her book. She even jokes that they can also treat magic like the Force from Star Wars.

So far, only countries in North American, Europe, and some Asian countries seem to accept and tolerate mages' presence. Many countries in South American, African countries, and the Middle East have outright rejected this revelation and state that it is a “tremendous” stun for the US to gain more political prominence by taking advantage of the Gate. It is reported that the Second Witch Hunt has started to appear in Islamic countries and African countries as there are rumors of tons of mages being hunted down by mobs.” - The Lotus Eaters

***

--- Fort Minick. Dojo---

Date: April 27th, 2026

Ling from Itami 3rd Recon looks at her Vanguard-7 students. Today she is training them on the concept of Chi's, a Chinese concept that helps people open their minds to new wonders. The idea around it is to help soldiers feel more comfortable with themselves in battle Apostles and other creatures this world has to offer.

"Oh right, Everyone! Today I will teach you the concept of Chi that can help you tremendously in close combat situations," she lectures Sharpe's rifle group.

"What is Chi?" Lelei asks.

"Chi in Chinese means life force. Lifeforce is an energy that flows through the body of every living creature. The flow of this energy is regulated through several energy wheeled nexus called Charkas, and there are seven Chakra points in the body that represent different living aspects like love, wisdom, awareness, and spirituality," Ling explains as she shows everyone the map that depicts the seven Charka points within the body.

"I thought you were enemies with the Chinese?" Rory asks as she yawns.

Sharpe looks at Rory. "It is wise to learn the arts of your enemy Rory. You should know that better than anyone."

“So, you are telling me Chi is a thing now?” Alicia asked in a sarcastic voice. “Are you going to be teaching us to run on walls, fly great distance, flip around in the air and use the force?”

Ling rolls her eyes, “Westerns. That is not how Chi works. That is a thing movie do to give their characters superpowers. What I am talking about is being one with yourself.”

"Normal people do not know how to control the Chi flow to enhance their physical body or fighting but trained martial artists can utilize and control the Chi flow to create powerful attacks with their fists and legs," she explains further. “Here is an example, a parent seeing a child in danger suddenly gains a new strength, being able to lift objects that normally they couldn’t lift.”

"A lot of Shaolin monks or master martial artists break bricks, ice, wood with their hands or with their heads. Fun watching it on TV," Sharpe adds.

“That is true,” Ling said. “Different nations in the East have different terms for that technique but those are things you can do once you learn to master your mind and body. It takes a lifetime to master.”

Ling proposed this idea to Lieutenant Colonel Sharpe to help the Rangers fight against Apostles, Wraiths, and other strange and powerful creatures. She heard the rumors about Sharpe past, a war veteran and that some missions went bad. In war the mindset of a soldier could be life or death so she wants to see if she can help the Americans with their mindset.

Ling was part of a unit with Sergeant Azuma in learning Chinese tactics and traditions. The ancient tradition of knowing your enemy so you can counter them.

"It is more than that, Colonel," she says. "For example, I can make Rory unable to use her hands with just a poke with my two fingers by channeling my Chi through my fingers to temporarily disrupt the Rory's Chi flows through pressure points in her body, which are several points in the body that enables the outside force to affect the chi flow of a living being."

Ling then approaches Rory. She sees this grin on Rory's face.

"Ha. You wish!" Rory says as she laughs. "I am an Apostle. Mere tricks won't work on me."

Ling pokes her two fingers at both her shoulders. She puts much of her contraction into her technique as she moves her hand along Rory’s.

Rory notices a strange feeling in her hand. No matter how hard she tried, both her hands kept dangling on her body. "What did you do?"

"Did you just Chi Block her?" Andrew states

"Yes, I did, Sergeant," she replies and starts walking around. "This technique is real. Most people believe it is a hoax because only one in a million can master it, and the demonstration of the Chi technique is often too remote to be noticed. Don't worry, Rory, you will regain your hands back after three minutes, and I also have another trick to show you."

She goes to a block of three bricks and concentrates her might and Chi and slams her palm on the top brick, but it does not break, and instead, the bottom brick is broken.

"Holy shit! That is the touch of dead technique. Where did you learn all this stuff?" Andrew exciting asks.

"The master never reveals his/her most kept secret,” Ling said. Nevertheless, I prove that your Kartia Kid and Cobra Ki shows to some extent are real. However, these techniques take decades if not longer to achieve. That is why you see the great masters living in temples.”

Ling looks at Rory's hand as it recovers. “That technique that I just used is the max of my ability. Now I don't expect most of you to master Chi or ever use it; however, the point of this training is to teach you new ways to fight. To help expand your mind to new ideas. Once you believe you can achieve the impossible, you can.”

Ling then walks to Sharpe. "You of all need to master that part, sir."

"Why do you think that?" Sharpe asks.

Ling walks over to Sharpe so the conversation can be more private.

"Chi isn't about channeling your enemy lifeforce Colonel, however, knowing yourself," she explains. "And it isn't a secret that your mind is troubled. Learning these techniques will help you free your mind. Based on your reports you have lost every battle with Taylin. I am not ignoring your fighting abilities; a lesser man would have died however it was Rory who ended up saving you in each engagement.”

“I understand,” Sharpe said. He looks down the line and back at Ling. “Lets do this.”

***

--- Alnus Community, School ---

Date: April 27th, 2026

Sarah stands in front of her classroom.

Noriko just finished doing roll call, concluding that all the students were there, including the new ones.

Sarah is pleased about the recent growth; four more students including Mizari's daughter, Alazo. This brings her class to fifteen.

While she knows Sharpe never would be unfaithful, she was displeased that his friends brought him to the brothel(2). Her mother was correct; men never grow up and must be watched before they do something dumb. She is only glad that she got a new student from it.

And today she is getting a new student, Mandy. Unlike most children in the past, Mandy was rescued by Vanguard-7 during the Raid of Sadera(3). She was a pet maid for some Senator's daughter before Frost killed the daughter.

"Hello, class," Sarah said. "We have a new student today. Her name is Mandy, so please make her feel welcome. And this is her mother, Amira Fremis."

Unlike Mandy and Selina, who had horrific slave stories, Amira has an interesting one. She fell in love with her master Ekloias El Fremis, and he bought her for love. He betrayed everything and helped the Crime Lords in Sadera in finding the other American prisoners. The raid would have failed if it were not for him.

Sarah sees the Arab-American woman, and right besides her is Mandy in a cute blue and white blouse. She notices Amira is expecting through her clothing.

Now he helps manage the Alnus economy, aiding the Americans with their understanding of the Falmartian economy so both sides can properly trade. He had vital input in FETA(4).

Sarah looks at Mandy, "You can go sit by Selina."

As Mandy leaves, Sarah notices how quiet Mandy is. She looks at Amira.

After the raid, Amira married Ekloias soon after arriving at Alnus. Like Noriko, Mandy's parents perished during the Philadelphia attack as they were trampled over by a troll. Amira adopted her so she did not end up in an orphanage.

"Poor girl! Looking at her is like looking at what Selina has been through all over again?"

"Yes," Amira said. "She is always quiet at the dinner table. I am hoping to be here with other kids will help, but she went through a horrible experience that no ten years old should ever go through."

"I understand," Sarah replied. "My boyfriend thought the same. Mandy is in good hands. Selina went through a similar experience, and she will watch over her."

"That is good," Amira said. "I've been talking to my husband about your school. I was wondering, "what exactly do you teach?"

Sarah looks over and sees that Noriko took over the class and would teach the subject of the day; writing. That is good, allowing her to talk with the wife of a government official. Noriko has finally started breaking out of that shell, enjoying life again. She thinks it is the school, giving her something positive to do.

"Nothing crazy," Sarah said. "Most of the kids don't know how to read or write. They know a little math, but only related to farming. Even Selina didn't know how to read well until six months ago."

Sarah looks at her students. "I do writing, math, reading, history, US history, some economics, and religion. I know it sounds like a lot, but I know just a little of everything. With religion, I don't pick sides, so no worry. I am a Christian, but I am not trying to push that. I want the kids to know what god they follow and why."

Amira chuckles, "no worry, I understand. As long as that is your goal, Allah will be happy. If the kids were that uneducated, I am shocked their parents are not forcing them to come here."

"It has been a pain in the butt to get the students I have nowhere. Most of my kids are from the Columna Lactaria with no families. The kids with families all said no. The ones with parents would rather keep their kids home on the farm or house chores, which I get. Having a kid off the farm might be life and death with some families.

"The other thing is, not everyone is happy that a woman is teaching," Sarah added. "They weren’t dicks about it, but I could tell. For Nassico there, I had to use my boyfriend's name to convince his father for him to be here. Sharpe’s kind of a hero to some from the Flame Dragon incident. I had to do that three times."

"I understand," Amira said. "While we achieved equality, it is still a masculine world. The funny thing is, a year and a half ago, I would have been complaining about that, but then the Empire came, and after everything I have been through, I wish I could go back in time and slap my old self. I never understood how lucky I was. It’s easy to be at a Starbucks, drinking a twenty-dollar coffee saying how bad and oppressive life is, and then go home without a second thought. You never know how fortunate you are until you lose it. Allah reminded me how spoiled I was spoiled."

"It still baffles me to this day. Like, it was evil men who took me, enslaved me, beat me, but it was good men who saved me, took care of me, protected me, and brought me home," Amira continued. "I guess that's why it will always be a man's world."

Sarah noticed that Amira called Alnus her home. She is glad that she is not the only one who thinks this. She started seeing Alnus has a home because of the Girls, that is why she created the school. And while Sharpe might not admit he sees Alnus as a new home too. She does not think he could willingly leave the Girls.

"That is close to what I told Selina, she had to learn that the hard way," Sarah replied. " I know I am sounding a little traditional here, but my mother told me this. When I was taken by the Empire, I was praying for Sharpe to come save me. But I also say to her and my female students that we women are what make the world beautiful. I tell them that we bring love to that man's heart. That while it is a man's world, we have a place in it. Be a doctor, be an artist, a writer, or a mother.”

“Trust me, Sharpe and the other men in my unit need a manual on what flowers to pick and why color matters. Without us, the world would be bland, so I tell the girls. I want them to feel like they have a place which they do. I want them to feel brought to be a woman, not feel like a second-class citizen who has lived in the shadows. A strong woman, but I let them figure out what that is.”

"Glad to hear it," Amira said. "It blows me away the only reason I made it out of there was because a man loved me. I know a lot of the boys mean well but I noticed it can be hard to break through that women are lessors. I am shocked that any of the boys in your class listen to you.”

Sarah giggles, remembering Nassico(5) sexist attitude towards her. At first he wondered why he should listen to her because she is a woman. His views have changed on the matter and has accepted her and Selina authority in the classroom and as friends.

“It was easier than I thought,” Sarah replied. “I just showed them respect for their views but plainly pointed out how wrong he was without demonizing him. Over time he learned to respect me. You just have to stand strong and don’t let them get to you and in time, you earned their respect.”

“That is amazing, I cannot believe you done so well,” Amira said. “By the way, if you need supplies and support, just come and ask me. I might be able to have my husband provide city resources and help fund your school."

Sarah is happy to hear that. Sharpe has helped, but he is busy with the war and dealing with the Girls, and that is where she wants him to stay focused. She thought about going to the government but decided against it, wanting to keep her school to herself.

"Thank you," Sarah replied. "The thing is, I don't want the Department of Education to come knocking on my door and ruin a good thing. I am doing this for the kids."

"I understand and respect that," Amira said. "Well, if you ever need anything, you have a friend in the Department of Commerce."

***

--- Ohio, Mansfield Military Prison Camp ---

Date: April 28th, 2026

It took far longer than Pina expected to get permission to go to the Ohio Mansfield Military Prison Camp. It seems the Americans have a personal hatred towards these soldiers, probably because they were attacked, and recent events have not helped them.

After two days in Fremont waiting for the President's permission, she was finally allowed to visit her people at the prison. She is hoping to turn many of them against the Empire and build an army against her brother.

As she walks through the prison, she definitely can feel a different mood compared to Fort Alnus. She sees most of Alnus, and while it is a military base, there is a sense of positivity, honor, friendship in the air. Here, she feels only hate.

"Don't expect much from these people Princess, they are animals," Brigadier General Miles Graham said.

Pina caught how Graham said that. He considers her people animals. "I am hoping to give them an alternative. They might join me and fight against the Empire."

"In a cold day in hell where it would be a good idea to let these people out of the pain," Graham said.

"You can't keep these soldiers here forever," Pina replied. "They have lived for their people."

"People don't cross the galaxy just to burn us," Graham said with much disdain in his voice. “They think they are healthy because they are defiant. I would love to toss these animals into a Taliban prison."

Pina heard about this group before from the older soldiers like Yang and Randy. She figured out they were the last generation’s enemy before the Empire.

They come out of the hallway and enter the main camp. The prison is an open facility; there is a roof that has heating units.

The first thing Pina noticed was all the guards everywhere on the ramps. She saw four. Fifty caliber positions, all pointed into the camp. She doubts she has seen all the defensive positions.

"You have much security," Pina points out. "Have you had problems?"

"Of course," Graham said. "I want them to know that I can and the means to mow them down." He then walks to the railing. "Prisoners, Princess Pina Co Lada wants to address you. You will form up to be addressed."

Pina sees thousands of her people line up down below. Everyone is wearing these orange suits. She still considers the discipline among the soldiers, lined up professionally within ranks.

"There you go, Princess," Graham said. "They are yours."

Pina walks up to the railing so everyone can see her.

"My comrades, I am Princess Pina Co Lada of the Empire, your Princess. My father sent you here with no chance of victory. He stained your honor, betrayed your trust, and more. As you know, my brother overthrew the Empire and is waging an all-out senseless war against this world in a hopeless attempt of saving his pride."

"My brother will lead our once proud and mighty Empire to destruction with this pointless war. I have vowed to overthrow my brother before there is nothing left. I call upon you warriors to join me and overthrow my brother. All will be forgiven if you join me. You will be freed from this prison and get to go home, to fight for your home. As soldiers, you must save the Empire from a madman and regain your honor!"

Pina takes a breath after her speech. She felt like she did a good job, that she got her message across. She looks down and sees soldiers looking at each other. However, she sees none of them reacting as she hopped.

Then there is a loud, slow clap.

This man walks out of the ranks and walks up to the front.

"Excellent, Princess, but I will have to reject your offer."

Pina is shocked to hear this. "What is the meaning of this? And what about everyone else?"

"I speak for everyone here," the man said.

Pina looks down, getting angry. This is how she imagined. She remembered seeing Krysist give a speech to his men, and they all celebrated, fielding loyalty. She thought everyone here would want to go home and want revenge against the people who sent them here. "What? Who are you?"

“My name is Olgrondo Altrona of the House of Alt,” Altrona said.

She closed her eyes while realizing who this man is. She could not get a good view of him from this height. Altrona is from a powerful house by the Island Sea, far north of Sadera. His house has been a long supporter of the Empire expansion. She remembers reading his name on the list Ambassador Willington gave her when she was selected prisoners to be released. She forgot all about him.

"Why do you reject your Crown Princess offer?"

Altrona waits to respond, smiling the whole time. "I always found it fascinating how little women understand the word honor. You said many keywords to a group of men, honor, duty, but your words are hollow. We have been here for over a year and a half, and this is the first time you came here."

"There is a war going on, and I have been battling my brother. This is the first time I came to Earth and-."

"And nothing of your highness," Altrona said. "I remember the first peace treaty you were going to sign. You only picked, what was it, twenty prisoners? All of them were your buddies from the Senate or Marquis while the rest of us froze her."

"I was only allowed to pick a few prisoners," Pina replied. "Once the treaty was signed, everyone else was going to be released."

"But that never happened," Altrona said. "Your father might have sent us here with no hope of victory, but it was you who permanently sentenced us to stay here. Why should I swear loyalty to you after you abandoned us once already?"

Pina stands there speechless, unable to find an answer. Everything she had planned in her head, the opposite happened, and she does not know how to change it or get the results she wants.

When she got the list to pick from, she did prioritize the most important and highest of ranks. They are the leaders of the Empire and should need to be prioritized. She hoped that most would support her peace attempts, but that failed. She has thought about these prisoners. However, she did not take an interest in the issue, believing that they were safe on Earth and that she did not see an opportunity to address the issue.

Altrona smirks. "We have been prisoners here for a long time. The ways of the Legion, proper, loyalty, pride, discipline all kept us alive."

"So, you are going to stay here for my brother? I am offering you the freedom and a fresh start."

"I will not leave the place to fight for the Empire. As you said, they sent us here for nothing, and they care nothing for us. But you, you are nothing without the arm of the Americans, which makes you weak. You came here out of desperation, not strength. As I said to my Princess, I gratefully reject your offer."

Graham holds out his hand. The guards put their weapons on the prisoners. "This is enough. Prisoners, go back to your camps until further notice."

Pina glares at Altrona. She turns around and walks back into the facility.

"I cannot believe this. How dare he insult his Princess like that," Pina said in a ferrous tone. She stops and looks at Graham. "What is the meaning of this? How could he act in such a way?"

Graham stands there as he thinks, "Permission to speak freely, Princess."

"Of course, General."

"First, it is Brigadier General, not General," Graham said. "If you are going to be in the Army, you need to use our ranks properly. Especially in front of them and the lower ranks."

"I am sorry, Brigadier General," Pina replied, trying to calm herself down. "I don't understand what I did wrong. If that were my brother Krysist who made that speech, all those soldiers would be begging to go to war with him. If it were Sharpe, they would have fallen in line."

"I don't know these people, only their names," Graham replied. "I do know that they are veterans of war, and you are not. Your speech was pathetic, Princess. I know that sounds harsh, but it is the truth. I never thought I would agree with Altrona, but your words were hollow."

Pina looks at him, upset. She does not fully understand. After everything she has been through, she thought she could lead. She begins to cry, realizing that this is harder than she expected. "Altrona is correct. I will never be a leader if all I have is you might."

Graham shrugs, realizing he might have been too hard. "I apologize, Princess. There is a reason why I was given this command, and it is not because I am a snowflake. I can see you've come far but not far enough. There is a reason why achieving a rank takes a long time. To give the soldier time to gain experience, learn, and be given mentorship, they are prepared to take over the responsibilities when they are promoted. Now, I have a business to do."

Pina watches Graham walk away. She takes what he said to heart. Both Sharpe and Krysist are in their thirties, and both have fought in many battles. When they speak, she knows they are speaking from the truth, from experience. She realizes she needs more training, not just being a soldier but to be a leader.

Pina has vowed to overthrow Emperor Zorzal and replace him. She realizes in her current state; she would never be able to do it. Yes, NATO can win the war and topple the current regime, but afterward, once it is done Stanford talked about having a plan for after the procedure – meaning what happens after that.

With some thought, Pina decides she will go back to Sharpe and ask him to mentor her so she could be a true Empress, an Empress with meaning besides a title. When she meets soldiers like Altrona, they will accept her besides seeing her as a joke.

***

--- Czech Republic, Pardubice Region, Svitavy District ---

Date: April 28th, 2026

Myuute looks around with amazement. She is looking at the countryside, finding it cute. Since coming to Earth, she has only seen the major cities. Seeing the countryside feels more at home.

"You have a cute home."

Like the other country homes, Myuute has seen Miloslav's home as a black and white two-story house for the past hour. The chimney for the fireplace. The small barn and farmlands all around.

"Mother would love to hear that," Miloslav said.

Myuute looks at him and smiles. She takes his hand and pulls him to his family door. After knocking, the door opens, and she sees this middle-aged woman standing there.

The woman backs up but then leans right into Myuute. "Milo, you lied to your mother."

"Excuse me?" Myuute asked, confused. She looks at Miloslav and back at his mother.

"I didn't lie to my mother."

"Yes, you did! She is far more gorgeous than I expected."

"Mother."

Hearing that, Myuute blushed, not knowing what to do. She did not expect this; she expected her boyfriend to be scared or curious, just like all the other Humans on Earth. "What were you expecting?"

"Milo here said you were a bird lady. Hey Igor, get off the couch and say hi to your son. That bird woman Myuute is here."

"I am coming, Vera!"

Miloslav's father walks up behind Vera. He looks at Myuute. "Wow, she is far better than what you described her to be."

"What did he say!" Myuute asked, now wondering what Miloslav said.

"Milo here said you were a bird in a Human body," the father said.

"Yeah?"

Vera points to one of the chickens that is walking around. "We thought it was a chicken with human arms, legs, and head."

"Mom… I never said that… you’re making me look bad."

"Nonsense!" the mother yelled with joy. "This is far better! Please come in and eat!"

Myuute blinks, seeing the cause that is about to come. Vera grabs her arm and gets pulled into the house.

Once inside Myuute gets a good view of everything. She sees a rich house full of antique foods. She sees plates hanging on the walls with different farm animals. Nice looking wooden chairs everywhere. Nice looking at clothes everywhere. The first time being on Earth she felt, homy.

"This place is gorgeous!" Myuute yells. "Look at all the small little people!" She sees these cute small glass people on a shelf.

"Ahh, thank you," Vera said. "Please sit down. I have something in the oven for you."

"You always have something in the oven, mom."

"Because you never know when quests will arrive. You should know that my sweet boy."

Myuute looks at Miloslav with an adorable look, finding his mother cute. She can see that he is embarrassed.

"Please sit down," Igor said.

As Myuute sites down, she notices that Igor is wearing a cowboy hat. "Nice hat. I see some American soldiers wear that."

"My dad loves John Wayne," Miloslav points out. "You should see the barn."

"When the wall came down, I got to see western movies for the first time," Igor said with a chuckle.

"All he does not is watch those movies all day," Vera said as she brings over some tea and biscuits. "How long are you two planning to be?"

"A week if you don't mind," Miloslav said. "Maybe longer. I am on leave because of my surgery."

"What happened?" Igor asked. "The government won't tell us anything. The news said there was an explosion at that hill."

Myuute thinks back to that night(6). The Haryo Tribe brainwashed Miloslav by a Brainslug after the Earthshake(7). He helped them save Herm and kidnapped children. He was going to kill himself with a grenade to protect his masters. However, she was able to stop him, not with weapons but with love. She did not realize how much she loved him until that moment. The MPs were going to kill him because he would kill everyone, but she used her wind magic to prevent that. She then reached out to his heart, forcing him to choose to kill her, and he could not do it. It has been a rough recovery for Miloslav. He gets headaches all the time, usually just minor ones but sometimes major ones, but she has been there every step of the way.

Myuute was about to explain everything to them. However, Miloslav stopped her.

"There was an explosion at Alnus. We responded to the attack. During the attack, I got caught in an explosion and had to go into surgery."

Myuute remembers the brain slug and Haryo Tribe are highly classified. During her time in the Imperial Army, they never would have been able to keep a secret like this; soldiers like to talk. She is impressed with how well secrets are kept.

Vera walks back over, "And that is when you figured out that you love our son?"

Myuute nods with a smile. "That is correct. I saw him lying on the ground, and I was helping him. We started as coworkers, but I guess things evolved from there. It just took a crisis for me to realize it."

"Ahh," Vera said.

Igor laughs. "It sounds like how we met."

Vera slaps her husband. "You kidnapped me."

Myuute blinks, unable to believe what she just heard. She looks at her boyfriend, and she sees him rubbing his nose in embarrassment.

"I did not kidnap you."

"Yes, you did! You took me into the mountains, and there you have, this adorable picnic all laid out. It was so lovely."

"You kidnapped your wife?" Myuute asked.

Igor laughs. "She kept turning me down. I figured if I didn't ask, she couldn't say no. Besides, how is it my fault, she said yes when I proposed. It wasn't that big of a deal."

Vera slaps him on the arm but giggles as she walks away to pull a ham out of the oven.

Myuute giggles after witnessing that. She looks to Miloslav. "Why didn't you ever kidnap me?"

Miloslav hesitates to reply. "Whatever answer I give, I probably would get arrested. Besides, I never said I was not planning on it."

Myuute giggles again.

"Tell me about yourself Myuute," Igor asked.

"I understand," Myuute replied. "I got used to it. I wanted adventure, but I didn't want to become an Adventurer," Myuute said. "Before Lelei, the blue-haired girl you had seen on your TV's discovered new uses for magic, I joined the Army to try and enhance my magical wind abilities. I wanted to save it(8)."

"I also felt the urge to serve, like your son here," Myuute said. "My clan lived on one of the islands in the mouth of the Blue Sea. The Imperial Navy protects our islands from Avion pirates from the east. But I didn't want to live a life on the water. That is why I joined the Imperial Army."

"The Imperial Army, is that the name of the enemy?" Igor asked.

"Dad."

"What?" Igor asked. "The American government and NATO refuse to tell us the Empire name. They only call your people the Empire. So, I don't know what else to call them besides the enemy."

Myuute holds up her figure. "Sir, that is their name. I understand the confusion; I met many of your soldiers who were confused by that. The Empire is called the Empire. They don't have another part of their name like in this world. I don't know why or even considered it an issue until I met your people."

Igor looks at her, confused. "Huh, I always thought it was propaganda."

"To answer your question,

"That is very interesting," Igor said. "What is it like being a bird human?"

Myuute giggles, finding how he says things humorous. This was not how she expected to meet her boyfriend's parents.

"I feel birdy at times," Myuute replied. She noticed that response amused Igor. "It just feels like being a Human. I still groom; I have feathers besides hair. I still eat like a human. I have bird feet."

“Can you fly?” Vera askes.

“Sadly no, I need wings to do that,” Myuute replied. “But I can move very quickly if I need to.”

“Enough of all that,” Vera said after setting the table. “How was your trip here? How was Prague?”

“I find your country very lovely,” Myuute said. “Prague was amazing. Everyone there was very nice. The mayor and President made a great speech. I think they were using us to promote their re-election, though.”

“Politicians,” Igor said, not feeling the need to finish this thought.

“I did notice one thing, why are there so many gray buildings?” Myuute asked. “I know Milo said an Empire once occupied your country?”

“The Soviet Union,” Igor said. “The communist hated expression because its expression is a sign of individualism. Color is part of that. They believed that if all the builders were the same color, everyone would feel equal and happy because everything was forced to be the same. Our country is still recovering from those times, but it is getting better.”

“What did you see there?”

Myuute then explains that they got a private tour of the city. They went to Prague Castle, a massive structure. They went on the Charles Bridge and saw the Prague astronomical clock.

“My favorite place was the Vyšehrad,” Myuute said. “That church is so beautiful, and the sights were amazing. That city is so pretty at night.”

Myuute meant everything she said. While she liked the American cities, they felt too new for her. Coming to the Czech Republic, she feels how old the history and culture was and feels at home.

“Are you two planning on getting married?” Vera asked.

“Vera,” Igor said. “Don’t be rude.”

“What?” Vera asked. “I want to know. He is our oldest son and yet to give me grandchildren. Our other son and daughter already had one kid and been married.”

“Mom,” Miloslav mumbles. “It is a little early.”

“But I am not against it,” Myuute responded as she lightly kicked her boyfriend in the leg.

“Good,” Vera said happily. “I left his bedroom the way it is upstairs. I did wash up the sheet and dust everything.”

“Thank you,” Myuute said. “Please tell me about your home.”

--- a few hours later ---

Myuute walks around the Miloslav room. "So, this is what an Earth child room looks like. I see you were into batball?"

"It is called baseball," Miloslav replied. "My family never had wealth, but we always had a rich family culture. One of the benefits of living on a farm, you have plenty of space to play games. Got to spend much time with my family out there."

"Your parents are nice and humble," Myuute said. "I was so worried that they wouldn't accept me, being a Siren."

Myuute walks around, looking at pictures, toys, games. "How is your head?"

"Hurts," Miloslav said. "Thank you for not bringing that up. I would worry about my mother."

"I understand. My mother would worry too."

"I do like your home. I feel at peace here."

"Funny you say that," Miloslav said. "Nations and Empires have been fighting over these lands for a thousand years."

"It is funny," Myuute said. "Two different worlds but the same old problems still walk the lands. War seems to be a common path in life."

"Yeah, well, so is this."

Confused, Myuute turns around. She sees her boyfriend standing there with something in his hand.

"I was planning on doing this next week, but mother forced my hand," Miloslav said. He walks up to Myuute and kneels before her and opens a small box.

Myuute looks down and sees an Emerald ring shaped like a feather. "It is pretty, but what is this?"

"After all the things we've been through and many moments we have cherished together until now, so I ask you this. Myuute Luna Sires, Will you marry me?" Miloslav said. "."

"Yes, I do!" Myuute said and then jumped on him and started to make out.

Falling on the bed, Miloslav takes off Myuute's shirt while she takes his off. He then lifts her and flips her around the bed.

Miloslav grabs the clip that holds Myuute pants together. Because she is a Siren with a bird fleet, regular pants do not work. This clip allowed her to wear pants by enabling them to wrap around and clip them on.

Once done, both continue to strip. Miloslav then gets on top of her and moves her legs. He leans in close to her, hand lightly grip her breast and kisses her.

"Are you sure?" Miloslav said in an intense voice. "Your head."

"Worth it,"

Miloslav then leans into her. Myuute holds onto him tight as she feels him enter her. His hand goes onto her right breast as she lets out light chipping moans.

As Myuute feels her lover enter her over and over, she kisses him.