20 years.

More than 20 years have passed since Gab reincarnated into this Strangereal world, and all thanks to Orby, an entity of the unknown. A lot of things happened throughout her entire life since her reborn, especially the falling stars raining upon them.

When the asteroid designated as 'Ulysses 1994XF04' was discovered by Usean scientists in the year 1994, astronomers at first believed it to be another random space rock to name, measure, and categorize - one of the dozens that had already been discovered and categorized since Osea launched the groundbreaking Hubble Space Telescope in the year 1990.

As the astronomers, astrophysicists, and geologists went and calculated the numbers and predicted its intended orbit and trajectory, they came to a shocking and terrifying discovery.

The countries that will be affected by the Ulysses sprang into action. They began building bunkers, preparing food and water supplies, Arkbird, Stonehenge, and praying for their safety.

Other nations, they're not so lucky.

Despite their preparations, Estovakia, the Erusean Republic, and countless other countries were devastated by Ulysses. Thousands of lives had been lost to asteroid fragments the size of a small hill impacting the heart of city centers and other populated areas. Countless smaller meteorites rained like hellfire onto the inhabitants of the planet below.

The Ulysses Disaster.

That was what they were calling it, and it triggered many changes and upheavals within the nations of the world and had a profound effect on the lives of its inhabitants. The event became the catalyst for several crises and military conflicts within Usea and around the world, leaving a lasting legacy of nearly twenty years.

Gab can't blame them for what these people have been through in their lives. Even though she is a pilot, she began to plan and work hard, trying different jobs and talents to help their lives return to a peaceful life. With the help of her friends and supporters, they will find a way to return their ruined place to its glory. And thus they created the organization called "Team Life".

After the Circum-Pacific war, Blaze has hidden in the shadows, and now Gab sets foot on a new beginning of the pilot's life.

•=•=•=•=•=•=•

5 August, 2012. 1317hrs
Gracemeria International Airport

Coming outside from the airport, a young woman wearing an elegant short white dress, a denim jacket, a pair of brown boots, and white headphones. Gabriel Williams, former leader of the Ghosts of Razgriz, drags two of her luggage. Today, she's going to live here. Thanks to President Harling, she was able to get Emmerian Citizenship so she can apply to Gracemeria Air Force. She calls for a taxi and drives to a nearby hotel. She thanked the driver and went inside a hotel for a 2-days stay. Once she enters her assigned room, she kicked off the books and immediately jumps onto the bed.

"Whew! What a day!" Gab said, chuckling, "I can't believe this is happening."

"Well, you chose this path so I can't blame you for getting too excited." Orby came out from thin air. Floating beside her best friend.

"Yeah. I admitted." She stands up and went close to the window, seeing the view of Gracemeria from the top building.

"Even I vanished as Blaze, part of me still wishes to continue the path of being a pilot." Then she looks at Orby with a smile, "A pilot that will fight for the peace of the world."

Orby hums in agreement, seeing that she made the right choice. "So, what's your plan?"

"Tomorrow, I'm going to find a permanent house to live in. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open concept, and move-in ready. At least 400,000 to 500,000 Emmerian Dollars. At least somewhere peaceful in the neighborhood." Gab explained.

"Woooow" Orby amused, "Why 2 bedrooms?"

"Well just in case someone visits me and stays overnight."

"Hm. Good point."

"Alright." She clasps her hands, "Let's take asleep and tomorrow is our estate search."

Two days later, she was able to buy a house. 2 stories house. The exterior is filled with white wooden planks and a dark grey roof. Inside is completely modern furniture that she liked for 450,000 Emmerian dollars. She took off from the taxi along with some of her belongings and a few supplies needed for the house. On the 2nd floor, there is a small balcony in front of the master's bedroom, there you can see a beautiful King's bridge. One of Gracemeria's tourist spots. Gab stares happily at her new home. While carrying all of her stuff inside, a young girl came to see their new neighbor.

"Hello!" Gab looks around and saw a short blonde hair girl waving her hand at her.

"Oh, hi there!" She puts down the box and walks towards her, then slightly leans her torso forward. "Are you from this neighborhood?"

"Yep! I live just beside your house." She points at a large yellow house beside them.

"I see. So what is your name, beautiful girl?"

She was about to say her name when her mother's voice came by. "Matilda!"

Gab stood up straight when her mother, blonde and presume to be in her early or mid-30s, arrived. The mother saw her and Gab greets her with a smile, "Hi, you must be her mother."

"It seems you have met Matilda already." She said, "My name is Melissa."

"I'm Gab, from Ustio. Just become an Emmerian citizen a few days ago."

"Oh, so you are going to live here from now on?"

"Yep!" She sheepishly smiles. "Plus, I'm planning to join the air force soon."

This caught Matilda her attention, "Oh, Oh! My dad is an Air Force pilot! You should meet him tomorrow!"

"Really? That's nice." Gab grins.

Mellisa giggles. Oh, how joyful her daughter is. "Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow with my family?"

Gab chuckles nervously, "I'm a bit shy on those offers. But sure, I'll come tomorrow."

"Yay!" Matilda cheered, making both adult ladies laugh. Just a few days in Gracemeria and her life turns great.

•=•=•=•=•=•=•

A few days later, Gab visits places around Gracemeria. She got to try various types of tea, pastries, and desserts that she like. Orby told her to buy some food and drink supplies since her parents are coming to visit her soon. They quarrel about whether to get the baking products or not Gab almost talks and people probably think she's talking to a ghost. To be truthful, she taught of having a small business selling small cakes and other desserts so she agreed with Orby's decision.

One day, Gab visits Gracemeria Castle, an ancient castle located in Chester City. One of the best tourist destinations in Gracemeria, with King's bridge being second.

She looks around, amazed at the antiques displayed around the castle. One that caught her interest is the statue made out of gold. She listens to the tour guide explaining the statue. The king's name is King Aurelius II. Even to this day, in the throne room of that famous castle, the king continues to watch over our city in the form of an eloquent golden statue of his likeness. Known by the populace as the "Golden King", he's been smiling for a good six hundred years. He was a gentle ruler that wasn't the most physically well built of kings, but with the giant suit of armor he wore atop his steed, his enemies were convinced to surrender without a single fight.

And afterward, they found such warmth in the smile he would give them, that they bowed down to him in humility. His smiling face still touches the hearts of Emmeria's people, and those who come from across the globe to see the smiling king.

Once the tour guide and other tourists left, Gab stands in front of the golden king. She can't imagine how the king was able to stop a war without a fight, but that was from the past. She looked to the ground and saw some coins scattered around the throne. Gab grabs her wallet for the offering, but sadly she has no coins. She only has paper money and a credit card, and all she could do is facepalming.

"What am I supposed to offer to him?" Gab mutters. She didn't realize a person was standing beside her, throwing a coin as an offer.

"Here." She looked to her side, seeing a man offering a coin. He is tall, has short dark brown hair, and has a warm skin tone. He wears shades despite being indoors. And if Gab has to say something cliche, he is handsome.

She immediately shakes that thought out of her head. "Ah, no thank you. You might need it-"

"No, it's fine. You might end up panicking if you didn't have the offer. And it's just a coin." He smiles. Gab just blushed in embarrassment. She cannot deny the offer now that this man is helping her kindly. She shakily grabs the coin and takes a deep breath before giving an offering to the king.

"Thanks." The man nods and they both stare at the statue. Silence surrounds them, only a few quiet chatters from the people around them.

"Your accent alone is enough to convince me that you're not from here." He said. She looks at him with wide eyes.

"This guy is smart." Gab thought, "Yeah, I'm from Ustio. Now became an Emmerian citizen a few days ago."

"So you're going to live here from now on, eh? How nice of you to stay in this glorious city."

Gab scoffed and smirked, "Says the man who kindly gave me a coin for the golden king's offering."

The man chuckles. He took off his shades and put them in his pocket. She can now see his beautiful grey eyes. He offers a hand for a handshake. "I'm Ilya Pasternak."

"Gabriel Williams, or called me Gab at least." Both made handshakes. She felt his calloused hand that has been used for so much work but was able to maintain his healthy body.

"So!" Pasternak rubs both of his hands, "Are you going home early today or do you have to go somewhere?"

"I haven't visited other places around and I was thinking of you know, exploring around at least."

"Good. Would you like to come around with me?" Gab froze on the spot. She cannot believe that this man, Ilya, is offering a guide, hopefully, it's not a date. Hopefully.

"Sure." She answered, "I would love to."

They walk around the city as they talk about their life. Gab found out that he is a pilot and he lives in Estovakia, which is currently in a state of civil war. She told him that she and her team will help Estovakia rebuild to its original once everything is settled in his country, which Ilya is lighthearted in her words. Gab was the kind and understanding person that he started to like. Two people immediately become friends.

"Beautiful view, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

They are currently standing on the King's Bridge, watching the sun slowly descend to the night. Gab caught sight of two stars shining above them, like beautiful silver diamonds.

"Hey, Ilya." Gab looks at him and smiles. "Thanks for taking me around. It was fun hanging out with you."

Pasternak grins, "Well, I'm glad we became friends. And thank you, for being a caring person."

"At least it's a good thing! It's not like I'm backing out or something." He laughs when Gab pouts at him. Suddenly, his phone rang from his pocket.

"Oh, may I excuse for a minute?" She nods. He picks up the phone and distances himself a bit for privacy. While he talks to someone on the phone, Orby took a chance to talk to her friend.

"Looks like someone finally found a boyfriend!"

Gab suddenly blushed when she mentioned it. "No, it's not!"

Orby giggles. "Just admit it, you love him."

Gab shakes her head in disbelief. "We just met for a day and now you want to talk about having a relationship? Orby, you need to stop thinking about Disney princess characters who are in love with a man in an instant without knowing who they are."

She can imagine Orby shrugging her shoulder. "Well, if you want to take things slow then it's fine. But you still need to get a boyfriend before you turn 30."

Gab sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose that she didn't realize Ilya pats her shoulder. She jolted, "W-what is it?"

"Are you alright?" He asked, slightly worried. "You zone out."

"Oh, uh..."

"Why are you blushing?"

"No! Don't bother about it!" She said, embarrassed. "I-I just forgot to buy something t-that's all!"

He nods and didn't ask further anymore. "As much as I want to help you, I need to go now. They need me."

Gab frowns a bit "Aw, too bad." She was having a good time with him around. "So you're going back to Estovakia?"

He sighed, "Sadly, yes. But at least gave me a phone number so we can have a chat at least in my spare time."

Okay, now Gab DIDN'T expect that to happen. But hey, her friends did this when she got to know them better so it is normal for her. So she gave her number to him just as he did.

"Are we seeing each other again?" Gab asked.

"I don't know when." He replied, "But I damn make sure we'll meet again."

He patted her shoulder and smiled. "See you soon, Gab."

Gab returns a smile. "Be careful out there."

He chuckles and nodded, "See you again, Gab."

After that, he walks away from her. Gab sighs and stares at the sunset. She was grateful to choose to live in this country.

•=•=•=•=•=•=•

14 October, 2014 0953hrs
Gracemeria Air Force Base

A C-5 Galaxy has landed on a runway, then made its way near the hangar. Once the plane's door is open, several crews and personnel came out, including a few pilots that were transferred or stationed there. One of them is Gab, who just transferred here after getting promoted to Lieutenant for winning Wargames at Nordennavic. She can see the view of the city from here, with a cold breeze passing through her despite its summer.

An officer in their mid-40s, with dark gray hair with few white strands, has dark brown eyes, with eyeglasses, approaches her. "You're a transferred pilot, right."

"Yes, sir!" Gab snaps a salute, and the man salutes back and introduced himself. "I'm Lieutenant Colonel Henry Douglass, callsign 'Ghost Eye'. I'll be your AWACS from now on."

Gab smiles, "Lieutenant Gabriel Williams, callsign 'Talisman' at your service."