[Xiomera]

The Milintican delegation entered next. The front row of athletes were dressed in traditional Paora and Huenyan outfits, showcasing the dual heritage of the modern Milintican state in colorful fashion. Behind them were several rows of athletes dressed in identical red jumpsuits and blue berets bearing the Milintican star, and each carrying a small blue and red book. The Milinticans cheerfully smiled and waved to the crowd as they walked into the stadium, singing their national anthem. As they reached the end of the anthem, the Milintican group stopped in the middle of the stadium. The front row suddenly shifted positions, with the Paora taking the front row and the Huenyan Milinticans falling behind them. In unison, the two rows fell into a ceremonial stance. They began to perform the traditional haʻa dance, with the sounds of their stomping feet and shouts echoing throughout the stadium. As they reached the conclusion of their dance, they bowed to the stadium crowd. The crowd cheered enthusiastically, caught up in the excitement of the ceremonial dance that had just been performed. Having ensured that their entrance would be quite unforgettable, the Milinticans moved on for the next group.

The delegation from Huenya was next. Despite being perhaps the newest delegation in the Olympics, the Huenyans also made a memorable appearance. A group of five Huenyans, representing the four original Huenyan ethnic groups and others living in Huenya, led the group under their new flag. For the first time, the blue flag of Huenya would fly at the Olympics, followed by several more rows of Huenyans. All of them were wearing blue and white tracksuits bearing the name and flag of their new country. Like the Milinticans, the Huenyans waved enthusiastically to the crowd, with huge smiles on their faces. They were distinct underdogs heading into the Olympics, having barely cobbled together a team in time. But it was clear that no matter what their chances were, they were immensely proud and happy to be able to represent both their country and its aspirations for the future. For them, their appearance in the Olympics made Huenya real in a big way. From his seat in the stands, the new Great Speaker Texōccoatl smiled in pride and waved to the delegation.

After a few moments of perhaps-wise delay by the Eirian organizers to provide separation between the Huenyans and the next delegation, the delegation from Xiomera marched in. Literally.

At the head of their delegation, a single Xiomeran dressed in traditional garb carried the orange and gold Imperial flag high and proud. If Xiomera was a chastened nation after recent events, one would never see it in Xiomerans themselves. The Olympic delegation was no different. In fact, as representatives of the Empire, they would make it a point to be anything but quiet.

All of the Xiomeran athletes were clad in identical black jumpsuits and black boots, with orange and gold trim vaguely similar to military uniforms. They stared straight ahead, not acknowledging the crowd or the other delegations at all. The sound of their marching echoed in a suddenly silent stadium. They allowed no expression to cross their face until they arrived at their designated place in the stadium. Stopping on a dime, they turned with military precision to face the stands where the Xiomeran Prime Minister, Toquihu, was observing with his entourage. With a sharp Imperial salute to the Prime Minister, they shouted the Imperial motto in unison. As the cry of "long live the Empire" echoed and finally faded, the Prime Minister returned the salute with a smile.

Observing Toquihu and the Xiomeran delegation, Texōccoatl gave the Prime Minister a glare so icy that if he had been blessed with superpowers, Toquihu would have become a block of ice on the spot. Toquihu pointedly ignored both Texōccoatl and the Huenyans.