Prologue

Disclaimer: I don't own Vandread or the Ace Combat series.

Vandread Ace

The date's January 1, 2011, one year after the Circum-Pacific War ended.

Two fighter pilots stand before the tombstone of a fallen wingman.

The first person was a young man around 24 years old, stood around 6'3" tall, had short red hair, blue eyes and an athletic build. His attire was composed of a black jacket, white T-shirt, navy blue jeans, insulating socks and brown winter boots.

His companion was a beautiful young woman also 24 years of age, stood at 5'7, black hair that stopped at her ears while being longer at the back of her neck, brown eyes, perfect pale complexion to her silky smooth skin, athletic body, 36 C cup sized breasts and nicely toned legs that seemed to go on for miles. Her clothing was composed of a pink shirt, faded blue jeans, insulating socks and black winter boots.

These pilots were one half of the legendary Wardog Squadron or more commonly known as the "Demons/Ghosts of Razgriz" to both enemy and allied forces alike. It's led by a phenomenal Osean pilot known among his squad mates as Blaze.

The squadron's destiny began to take shape following a surprise attack on a group of nuggets led by Captain Jack Bartlett. Virtually all of the rookie pilots were shot down except for Blaze and his future wing mates. Blaze's piloting skills ultimately made him become Bartlett's favorite pupil. During a mission to shoot down enemy recon drones launched by an unidentified ship, hostile MiG-21s opened fire on them. Bartlett ordered Blaze, Nagase and Chopper to fight back, which they did. A surface to air missile was fired at Nagase's F-5 Tiger but Bartlett directed the missile towards him, clipping his F-4G Phantom II's wing. His last words were that he was going to bail out in the ocean while ordering them to send a search and rescue helicopter and his reserve plane. The rest of the Wardog Squadron were ordered to return to base for refuel and rearm then head over to the naval port of St. Hewlett that was being attacked by Yuktobanian aircraft. Here, Blaze's leadership skills were put to use, enabling them to protect the Osean aircraft carrier Kestrel. Throughout the war with Yuktobania, Wardog Squadron's popularity grew, culminating when they sunk the Yuktobanian super submarine Scinfaxi and its sister sub, Hrimfaxi. The sinking of those superweapons earned them the nickname the "Demons of Razgriz," a name they continued to live up to with each battle. However, things took a turn for the worst when they were labled as Yuktobanian spies and were forced to leave Sand Island, the base they were stationed at. They faked their deaths by making the public believe that they were shot down over the ocean.

They were "reborn" as the Ghosts of Razgriz by Osean President Vincent Harling, as indicated by the black color scheme on the body and red tipped tail of their aircraft. The emblem was in the form of a warrior wearing a black helmet. They also became his personal defense squadron after rescuing him from Stier Castle.

It's soon revealed that the war with Yuktobania, Harling's capture by the 8492nd Squadron and Razgriz Squadron branded as traitors were all part of a plan from Belka, an old nemesis the two countries defeated 15 years ago.

The words on the tombstone read, "Here lies Alvin H. Davenport, member of the Osean Air Defense Force, 108th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Born July 12, 1981. Died November 29, 2010. Aged 29."

The woman said, "Chopper, the war between Osea and Yuktobania is over. It's hard to believe that the world is at peace again." They think back to the mission they did last year.

Flashback December 31, 2010.

A black colored F-15C Eagle sits on a highway near Oured, the capital of Osea.

The operator said, "Your final sortie. It's almost kind of sad, huh?"

Blaze nodded, "You're right." He ignites the afterburners on his aircraft and pulls back on the control stick, lifting the F-15 into the air. He soon meets up with the other three F-15 Eagles.

The plane's landing gear were brought up as the operator told him, "Good luck out there, Razgriz!" Razgriz Squadron forms up with Blaze leading the formation. They fly through the early morning sky of a sleeping city.

Their AWACS informed, "This Oka Nieba. Hurry to the target area! The later you get there, the less time you'll have to attack the SOLG. The SOLG will descend to a vulnerable altitude in 5 minutes."

Archer cried, "The SOLG is falling!"

Nagase urged, "We have to get the SOLG fast!"

Archer called, "Captain!"

Swordsman joined in, "Blaze!"

Nagase cried, "Blaze!"

Blaze replied, "Razgriz Squadron, let's go save our home."

Archer responded, "Roger. Archer, engaging!"

Swordsman nodded, "Roger. Swordsman, engaging!"

Nagase said, "Roger. Edge, engaging!" They firewall the throttle, swiftly accelerating their fighters past Mach 2. For a while, everything is quiet.

Then they heard, "These fighters are definitely the Razgriz." That makes them enter fighter pilot mode, deactivating the afterburners.

Oka Nieba said, "Oka Nieba to the Ghosts of Razgriz, new enemy planes have been detected on radar. It's a double Belkan formation: Ofnir and Grabacr." A squad of S-32s appear out of the horizon closing fast. Blaze and his wingmen put their masks on followed by lowering their helmet visors.

Ashley Bernitz a.k.a. Grabacr 1 stated, "We will restore the pride we had 15 years ago!"

The Ofnir flight lead Michael Heimeroth sneered hatefully, "It's time to settle this, evil ravens!" Blaze gives his wingmen the order to disperse and authorized the use of special weapons.

Edge chases after Ofnir 2 in a game of cat and mouse, she soon acquires a lock-on for her AIM-9 Sidewinder. The missile is released screaming toward its target at Mach 2.5 but the enemy aircraft releases flares to confuse the Sidewinder, Ofnir 2 makes a hard left turn getting behind the F-15C Eagle. Edge hears the missile warning blaring in her cockpit, she takes evasive action to shake off the enemy's Quick Maneuver Air-to-Air Missile (QAAM). The Eagle descends towards the ocean with the missile right behind it and Edge suddenly pulls the control stick back hard making the Eagle scream upwards, outsmarting the QAAM that crashes into the water's surface. With the missile shaken off, Edge switches to her special weapons, the Semi-Active Air-to-Air Missile (SAAM). She executes a vector roll that places her right on the S-32's tail. She gains a lock.

Edge cried, "Edge, Fox One!" The missile heads to the target, Edge makes sure to keep it within the missile's steering circle. The SAAM obliterates the enemy aircraft's engines and the S-32 spirals down to the ocean in flames.

Ashley said, "You shall fall to your deaths and lead the way for the SOLG as it smashes into the earth!"

Archer informed, "We got to take out the one in command."

Blaze replied, "I'm engaging him, Grimm. You focus on watching your six."

Archer nodded, "Understood, Captain. Captain Chopper, if you're out there please look out for us!" Hearing his wing man mention Davenport's callsign made Blaze feel a lump in his throat but he can't allow that to distract him, they got a mission to carry out.

Two Grabacr S-32s appear at his 6 o'clock, he hears the missile warning and jinks right to break the lock, swinging around to shoot down Grabacr 2 with a Sidewinder.

Ofnir 3 yelled, "We will return to haunt you for eternity! Aaaaagh!"

Swordsman stated, "This battle's over, accept your defeat!"

The enemy pilot fired back, "We will never give in! Don't think you have won this. This isn't over yet!" Blinded by hatred, Ofnir 3 gets killed at the hands of Swordsman.

The Belkan squadron was dropping like flies!

Archer fires two Sidewinders that his target quickly dodges so he closes in, approaching gun range he fires the Eagle's 20mm, M61 Vulcan Gatling cannon. Round after round of hot lead come out of the 6 barrels and quickly tear apart the S-32. Archer turns his F-15 over to Swordsman's location for support against the remaining 2 members of Ofnir Squadron.

Blaze said with determination, "There's no way in hell that we are going to allow you crush the new era of peace that's right around the corner. Many lives were lost because of your desire for revenge over the humiliating defeat you suffered at the hands of Osea and Yuktobania!" Grabacr 3 shoots a QAAM to make Blaze break off his attack on the squadron leader. Blaze displays his amazing piloting skills, making the enemy missile follow him in every turn then he cunningly leads it back to the owner. Grabacr 3 spots the black F-15 Eagle flying to him, he switches to the aircraft's 30mm cannon but then Blaze pulls up letting the QAAM come at him. The Belkan pilot only has enough time to scream in horror before his craft is transformed into a fireball. Switching back to the enemy leader, Blaze arms another Sidewinder. He hears the tone in his helmet, which meant it was tracking the heat given off by the engines. When the tone becomes loud, he unleashes it on the target. Ashley pops flares to direct the missile away. The two aircraft flyby each other back to back and the pilots exchange glares, Blaze can see the burning hatred in the man's eyes. Getting on Blaze's 6 o'clock, the Belkan fires the S-32's 30mm, GSh-30-1 Auto cannon basketball-sized rounds screech past the Eagle's cockpit and Blaze makes a hard right turn then retaliates with the M61 Vulcan Gatling cannon that the Grabacr leader barely avoids however, Blaze doesn't let up because he quickly selects the SAAM. The S-32 releases chaff to disrupt the missile's radar.

Swordsman commented, "Their skills are solid but their hearts and minds have been distorted!" The rest of Razgriz Squadron agree with him, the hatred that these Belkan aces possess is proving to be their downfall.

AWACS Oka Nieba cried, "2 minutes till the SOLG is within striking altitude!" Blaze gains a lock for his Sidewinder.

He called out, "Blaze, Fox Two!" The missile screams toward the hostile and it spears the S-32 right in the belly like a javelin.

Ashley said, "I...I never thought you would be this good." The radio goes dead as his aircraft disintegrates and rapidly falling from the sky then shatters to hundreds of pieces when it hits the ocean.

Swordsman downs Grabacr 4.

Oka Nieba stated, "All enemy planes destroyed."

Blaze said, "All planes form up!" The other three F-15C Eagles form up with Edge on Blaze's left, Swordsman to his right and Archer protecting his 6 o'clock.

Archer cried, "I can't wait to see it...the most beautiful sunrise ever."

Blaze informed, "Hey Nagase, after this mission's over there is something I'd like to ask you about." The timer soon reaches zero.

Their AWACS alerted, "The SOLG has descended to a vulnerable altitude long enough for you to attack. It's currently 80 miles from the capital city Oured. I know you can do this, destroy it!

Swordsman exclaimed, "We gotta stop that thing, Grimm!"

He nodded, "I know! Captain Nagase!"

Edge nodded as well, "Yeah! Blaze, let's go!" The Ghosts of Razgriz ignite the afterburners once again until they meet the orbit attack satellite at 50,000 feet.

Oka Nieba instructed, "I received a data link from your guy, Pops with the SOLG's structural details. The outer shell has a rotating accelerator. The only way to attack its core structure directly is through the gaps in this accelerator. That's bad news, this will be tough!"

Blaze responded, "All the more reason to prevent it from hitting the ground in one piece, turning the capital city into a giant smoking crater." They commence their attack on the satellite's solar panels.

Edge warned, "Watch out for fragments falling off the SOLG." After the superweapon is stripped of its energy source, the Razgriz Squadron targets the core structure. Once the main target is critically damaged, explosions start tearing the SOLG apart prompting the black aircraft to withdraw.

Far above the still sleeping city of Oured, a powerful explosion turns the SOLG into shooting stars and the destroyers fly over the city in victory.

"When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself first, as a dark demon. As a demon, it uses its power to rain death upon the land and then it dies. However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns. This time, as a great hero." Were the infamous words that the journalist Albert Genette said one time since he knows a little about the legend.

An Osean solider demanded, "Salute the Aces of Razgriz!" His men chanted 'Razgriz! Razgriz! Razgriz!', "Can you hear these cheers? Don't tell me you can't hear them!" Tilting their planes, the Ghosts of Razgriz salute them with a smile before correcting the F-15C Eagles and vanishing from sight.

The F-15C Eagles land at a base outside of the city. The pilots exit and change into normal clothes.

That night on New Year's Eve, Nathan Brooks, Blaze's real name, and Nagase stand on a balcony of their hotel room. Nathan looks at his watch, counting down the remaining seconds to the new year. Once the minute and second fingers reach midnight, fireworks are launched into the air, welcoming in 2011.

Both Osean pilots look at each other.

Kei said, "Happy New Year, Nathan Brooks."

Nathan replied, "Happy New Year to you too." He knelt down and opened a black ring box, "Since we started flying together as a fighter squadron, I knew you were the right person that I wanted to be with. Kei Nagase, will you marry me?" The ring in the box was gorgeous with white diamonds decorating it.

Tears appeared in Nagase's brown eyes, "I would love to be your wife, Nathan!" Smiling, Nathan stands up and places the ring on Nagase's ring finger then pulls her in for their very first kiss.

End of flashback

Nathan chuckled, "If you were still alive, Chopper you would ask me that we should listen to Face of the Coin, one of your favorite songs." Tears run down his face. Even though he's a battle hardened ace pilot, Chopper's death still had a profound effect on the squadron.

A voice said from behind, "Nathan, Nagase." The two turn around to see Hans Grimm and Marcus Snow.

Grimm was the youngest of the group at 19 years old, stood at 5'4, short brown hair, green eyes and an athletic build. His attire consisted of a white T-shirt under a navy blue jacket, charcoal gray jeans, socks and camouflaged winter boots. He became a member of Wardog/Razgriz Squadron following a failed attack on Sand Island base.

Marcus Snow was the oldest at 34 years old, stood around Blaze's height, short black hair, dark colored skin, brown eyes and athletic in build like his comrades. He wore the white camouflaged zip-up jacket he was seen wearing during his time on the OFS Kestrel, red T-shirt, black jeans, insulating socks and brown boots. Snow helped his fellow Razgriz squad mates escape the 8492nd Squadron by telling them via morse code to bail out as he shot down their planes. This order to fake the Wardog Squadron's death came from former captain of the Kestrel, Nicholas A. Anderson. After Chopper's death, Snow took his place as the third wingman.

Marcus continued, "The press conference is about to start." Kei and Nathan follow them.

Inside the conference hall of a building in Oured, President Harling and Yuktobanian Prime Minster Seryozha Nikanor sign a peace treaty then shake hands and turn to look at the flashing cameras of journalists to solidify the signing with a smile. The people attending the meeting start applauding knowing that both countries are allies again. The healing from this war will take time but Harling and Nikanor vow to work together to rebuild and ensure that this era of peace continues into the future.

The sight of this made Nagase cry but she too was applauding.

At noon, Nathan and Nagase have a wedding. It's nothing big, just a small marriage. The rest of Razgriz Squadron, Genette, Jack Bartlett, Nastasya Obertas, and Kirk attend. Nagase and Brooks never got the proper time to get a wedding dress or tuxedo so they chose attire as close to it as possible.

Pops served as the priest.

He asked, "Nathan, do you take Kei Nagase as your wedded wife?"

Nathan nodded, "I do."

He looked at Kei, "And Nagase, do you take Nathan Brooks as your wedded husband?"

Nagase answered, "I do."

Pops finished, "Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The newly wed couple place the wedding ring onto one another's ring finger and kiss.

The next day, Razgriz Squadron receives an urgent assignment from the President himself.

He said, "I'm sorry for having to disrupt the peace you are getting accustomed to once again but the intelligence gathering vessel Andromeda received an encrypted Belkan transmission. We were able to decipher it and the message was bad news. Apparently, some Belkan extremists still refuse to accept the fact that Osea and Yuktobania are no longer fighting one another so they are planning on using a pair of V2 MIRV missiles to destroy half of all metropolitan areas in both countries. According to our intelligence, they plan on launching them from a military base they secretly built in the Waldreich Mountains. Razgriz, your mission is to rendezvous with a Yuktobanian bomber squadron and escort them towards the base. You are authorized to shoot down any hostile aircraft that might get in your way. Once the bombers reach the base, they will commence their bombing run to destroy the V2 missiles. This is officially your last mission, Razgriz. Go out there and protect the peace that has just been formed. Move out!" The pilots exit the briefing room and head over to the locker room to put their g-suits on.

Nathan looks over his shoulder to see his wife hanging her head low.

He walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Nagase, you okay?"

Nagase nodded, "Yeah, it's just that...we will be flying over the place where 7 cities were vaporized when the Belkans detonated nuclear bombs to stave off advancing allied forces during the war 15 years ago."

Nathan hugged his wife, "I know, dear. I watched those nuclear explosions being reported on the news. I was only 5 at the time. We'll make sure that no other city suffers the same fate that the 7 Belkan cities near the gate to Nord Belka did."

Kei kissed him, "You're right. I got to remain positive." The pilots head for the hanger to board their planes.

For this mission, Nathan goes for a formation of two F-15E Strike Eagles and two MiG-29 Fulcrums equipped with unguided bombs as special weapons to take out anti-air defenses or any targets that the Tu-95s miss.

The Razgriz Squadron lines up on the runway. The turbines roar to life.

Nathan said, "Blaze here, I'm taking off!" He ignites the afterburners and pulls back on the control stick making the Strike Eagle gain altitude. His wingmen take off next.

Halfway through the journey, they do a mid-air refueling.

Nearing the Waldreich Mountains, a squadron of Tu-95 bombers come within line of sight.

Nathan said, "This is Blaze of Razgriz Squadron. Allied bombers, do you read me?"

The main bomber pilot came over the radio, "Read you loud and clear, Razgriz. It's a real honor to be flying in the same sky with you. As you already have been told in your mission briefing, Belkan extremists plan on using V2 MIRV missiles that, if not stopped, will vaporize half of all metropolitan areas in both of our countries with casualties exceeding over 40 million. Therefore, it is imperative to make sure that those missiles don't become airborne. We request close air support during our journey towards the enemy base." The black planes form up behind the Tu-95s.

The other bomber pilots look at the Ghosts of Razgriz, to think that these legendary pilots that put fear in their hearts last year are the ones that figured out that the Belkans instigated the two countries in trying to destroy each other and then Belka would reclaim the southern lands they lost during the Belkan War 15 years ago.

A while later, they pass over the craters where the 7 Belkan cities once stood.

The pilot of the second Tu-95 said, "Man, what a dreary place. It's chilling to imagine that all those poor innocent souls perished in the blink of an eye."

Kei said in a depressed voice, "This is what the end of world looks like, barren. Lifeless, never to flourish again. Even the air around this place is heavy with the memories of Belka." The radar soon picks up a squadron of enemy Su-37 Terminators closing fast.

Nathan ordered, "Razgriz, prepare to engage the enemy." They put their masks on and Blaze gives the order of disperse.

Razgriz Squadron flies past the Tu-95 Bears to do battle with the hostiles.

The enemy lead pilot said, "They've come. The Ghosts of Razgriz. Make sure that none of those cursed fighters leave here alive."

His wingmen replied, "Roger!"

Blaze hears the missile warning as the Su-37 shoots a missile at him. The F-15 Strike Eagle performs a hard right turn to shake off the projectile then circles around to line up with the Belkan fighter's tail, gaining a lock-on Blaze fires an Aim-9 Sidewinder. The Su-37 releases flares to direct that heat seeking missile away from its intended target, Blaze switches to the M61 Vulcan Gatling cannon. The enemy does a barrel roll so that the rounds scream by harmlessly.

'This guy's good.' Blaze thought.

The Su-37 gets behind him and fires the GSh-30 cannon aiming to tear the Strike Eagle to shreds but Blaze expertly avoids the deadly rounds. A missile warning alerts him that a swarm of surface-to-air missiles have been launched forcing the Osean pilot to take evasive action again. It's pretty clear that these extremists will protect the base with their lives.

Edge chases after 2 Terminators since they're closing in on the bombers. She fires the M61 Vulcan Gatling cannon making the hostiles break off their attack. Afterburners ignited, the F-15 Strike Eagle quickly ascends until it vanishes into the clouds. The Su-37 pilots look around for their attacker then an alarm warns that someone is locking onto them, they look up in time to spot the Osean fighter breaking through the clouds like it had descended from the heavens. Edge arms her Sidewinders.

After acquiring lock, she said, "Edge, Fox Two!" The heat seeking missiles following the infrared radiation given off by the enemy's engines. The AIM-9s strike the center of the body, splitting the Su-37s in half the pilots have enough time to bail out. The canopy blows off and the ejection boosters on the seat ignite, propelling away them from the disintegrating planes.

The other members of Razgriz Squadron splash their targets and the Yuktobanian bombers are over the target.

The main pilot said, "Initiating bombing run." The bomb bay doors open and the bombs start screeching down to the ground. One bomb strikes an ammunition depot that sets off an explosion so huge that the pilots can feel the shockwave from their location.

Swordsman said, "Whoa, did you feel that? Must have had untold amounts of ammo to blow up like that!" Out of the corner of his eye, Blaze discovers the silo doors opening up and the V2 missiles getting into launch position.

He informed, "Bomber squadron, have you located the launch control facility because the silo doors are open."

The lead bomber pilot replied, "Negative, Razgriz. We've used up our entire payload."

Blaze ordered, "We'll take over from here, you guys go ahead and start retreating."

The bomber pilot started, "But sir..."

Blaze cut him off, "Our bombs are the only thing standing between them and over 40 million casualties! Get going!" He contacted his squad mates, "Edge, Swordsman, Archer, switch to special weapons. We are going after the launch control facility!"

Edge answered, "This is Edge, roger that Blaze." The planes zero in on the control facility but then anti-air fire causes them to break off. Blaze remains clam and orders Swordsman and Archer to deal with them while Edge and him target the launch control facility.

Archer and Swordsman fly their MiG-29 Fulcrums through anti-air fire and drop their unguided bombs then pull up. The bombs detonate upon impact taking the AA guns and SAMs out. The two target the others.

Nearing the target, Blaze and Edge drop their large unguided bombs then they pull out.

The base operator, "The launch controls have been destroyed! We can't fire the missiles!"

His superior barked, "Activate the V2's self-destruct system!"

The operator protested, "Sir, if we do that this base will be vaporized!"

The commander warned, "I don't care if we get caught in the blast, those Razgriz Ghosts must pay for ruining the plan we made! Activate the self-destruct system now or you will be killed on the spot!" The Tu-95's HUD displays a countdown commencing.

The pilot said, "Uh-oh. Razgriz, we got a problem. The Belkan extremists have started a countdown for the V2s."

Archer gasped, "What?"

Blaze narrowed his eyes, "Since they can't launch the MIRV missiles, they plan on blowing them up taking us with them. All planes, retreat!" The Strike Eagles and Fulcrums light up the afterburners to gain as much distance as possible.

Swordsman exclaimed, "It's too late, Captain! Only 10 seconds remaining till self-detonation!" The timer reaches zero and a blinding flash of light occurs before the V2s explode.

Blaze said, "Incoming shockwave! Hang on!" The wave reaches them at supersonic speed and the Tu-95s start spiraling out of the sky while the blast cloud envelops Razgriz Squadron. The pilots scream in horror but then something unexpected happens. The color of the cloud's interior changes from bright orange to an aqua green. When the explosions subside, the Ghosts of Razgriz are nowhere to be found so they were presumably vaporized by the intense heat.

However, fate has other plans for them.

A/N: Prologue done. Here it is at last, folks. My Ace Combat 5/Vandread crossover.

The Emerald's Edge and 1st Lieutenant Fae proposed this to me last year. Emerald's Edge was originally going to do an Ace Combat 5/Vandread crossover but he decided to hand it over to me.

I'm a fan of the Ace Combat games, the first one I played was Ace Combat 2 on the PS1. I instantly got hooked on the series from that game alone. The other Ace Combat games I've played are Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies, 5: The Unsung War, Zero: The Belkan War on the PS2 and Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception for the PSP. Ace Combat 5 is my favorite.

I know officially Razgriz/Wardog/Sand Island Squadron fly F-14A Tomcats but I rarely use it in the game so for this story, they will be piloting the F-15E Strike Eagle and MiG-29 Fulcrum.

During battle scenes, I will be using the Razgriz pilots' callsign.

Emerald's Edge is doing an Ace Combat 4/Vandread crossover, an Ace Combat 0 one for Fae and me doing the Ace Combat 5 crossover.

Read and review.

Stay tuned for chapter 1.

Vader 23A