Happily Married?
Disclaimer: I do not own Strike Witches.
Chapter 1: Confession
"I love you, please marry me!"
Sakamoto Mio, second in command of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing blinked as she played over the proposition mentally while staring at source of it, her old friend and commander, a certain Minna Dietlinde-Wilkes who had quite literally kicked opened the door, kneeled down and presented to her a diamond ring before popping her question.
THE question as a matter of fact. It slowly dawned on Mio that the person she had shared her life with for the past few years had in fact asked to spend the rest of their years together in holy matrimony.
Minna wanted for them to tie the knot together, to raise a family and begin a whole new line of Witches to better to defend humanity. Following a more lewd and family unfriendly train of thought, Minna wanted for them to, legally and openly, bang like animals every other night, to keep their neighbours awake every night with their cries and moans while they find new and creative ways for their equipment to enter places it was never meant to... Mio blushed heavily as she stopped that train dead in it's tracks.
In short, it was a marriage proposal and it had completely caught her flat footed.
"Minna, I..." Mio struggled to find the words as she studied her old friend who was proposing to her. Her head was bowed, her eyes tightly shut while she was shivering in anticipation of what is to come. Familiar protective urges were aroused in Mio as she considered Minna's vulnerable form in stark contrast to her usual maternal visage. Mio was no stranger to situations when she had to protect the Karsland Witch and hated the times when she could not do so when it involved their superiors up the chain of command.
This time however, it was entirely up to her how this scenario will end. Mio wasn't completely blind to her commander's feelings for her, preferring to play dumb however as she had planned to go out in blaze of glory on the field. It wouldn't do to hurt Minna more than was needed.
Now however, she had found peace after the incident on the Yamato and was more than prepared to live out a rather uneventful life as an instructor in the Navy or even a desk job if needed. For her, the fighting days are effectively over.
This made her current predicament even more worrying for her as there won't be any convenient Neuroi to kill her off. She will have to be emotionally attached to Minna completely and utterly for the rest of her days. Somehow, Mio preferred facing a Super Neuroi hive alone. Or even a dozen of said hives with a toothbrush if needed.
Commitment to a cause or nation was so much easier than to a living breathing person who she cared about so much her heart literally aches when rejected by her or seeing her in any way unhappy. Nations and ideology do not wilt away and turn into a shadow of themselves when the other half when the object of affection inevitably leaves.
Sakamoto Mio had seen her own mother, a formidable woman who was passed over by the magic of the Sakamoto line and developed an impervious and steely persona to compensate for this perceived deficiency in a family famed for Witches serving with merit to the Fuso Empire, break down into wracking sobs at the death of her father.
The shock of seeing her stalwart and seemingly impervious mother's emotional reaction to the passing of her partner left an undeniable impact on Mio's own views towards romantic attachments towards others. The thought of leaving someone behind to such a fate or that she will be party to such pain...
The Fuso maiden was utterly determined that no one else should suffer as such due to her own passing. She had strenuously denied suitors where the attraction was openly shown and mimicked to perfection a density to love resembling a rock encased in cement when involving the not quite so subtle hints of amorous intention showed by Flight Officer Perrine Clostermann.
Minna however was one bullet she had failed to dodge mostly because there wasn't one initially. At the initial formation of the Strike Witches, Minna who was still getting over her dead boyfriend went as far as to bar non essential contact between the male personnel and the Witches that would serve in the 501st in a bid to prevent something similar happening to them.
Mio had felt a kindred spirit upon hearing that order, but grossly misjudged just how close they would be at the end of their tour together.
The half a year spent apart when the Strike Witches were disbanded at the liberation of Gallia failed to dampen their mutual attraction or affection for each other, and during the hours spent in their mutual office after the unit was reformed in Romanga, Mio had felt the other Witches gaze on her whenever her back was turned. It was a warm gentle feeling, one that Mio despite herself began to find she was relishing more and more.
The one thing that the eye patched Witch had sought to prevent from forming was beginning to take shape despite the best of her efforts and Mio found herself unwilling to do much about it.
Still, she tried desperately to prevent their relationship from going official until Minna's latest move ended any thoughts of said relationship with her remaining stagnant.
Sakamoto Mio, one of the Three Crows of the Fuso Sea, Maiden and Defender of the Empire had been prepared for death since she first took to the skies six years ago like a model samurai.
Now she faces something bushido or her upbringing had never prepared her for. A whole life ahead with the woman she loved. Death she was prepared to laugh in his face. Marriage on the other hand was something that she wasn't preparing to deal with so she decided on the only course of action she could think of.
The infamously suicidal and reckless Major Sakamoto Mio of the Fuso Navy froze on the spot while her mouth did a goldfish impression of opening and closing with no sound coming out of it.
At the same time, almost the entire 501st Joint Fighter Wing was huddled outside the corridor leading to Sakamoto's bunk, with Gertrude Barkhorn in rubber gloves pinning down a desperately struggling Perrine Clostermann.
The blonde was bound and gagged as a precaution against her interfering in the proposal while the remaining ladies of the 501st tried- and failed- to remain inconspicuous behind the door. The rubber gloves provided some protection against the Gallian Witch's magic while Gertrude's own superior mass and training kept her from barging in. Word that their commander was going to propose had somehow leaked to Perrine and she had stomped to Mio's bunk with her family's rapier.
Fearing the worse, the rest of the Strike Witches had intercepted her and hog tied her. Gertrude however, was not about to be denied seeing her comrade's important moment, so had dragged her quarry along.
Right now however, it wasn't her charge's struggles that occupied the Luftwaffe captain's attention however. Rather it was the impromptu mime impression of her sub commander that was raising her ire.
"Major! Quit dawdling and answer!" Gertrude barked, "Yes or no!"
The irritated reminder by Gertrude snapped Mio out of her stupor as she cleared her throat. Holding the redhead in her arms while looking at her in the face with a stern expression, Mio began,""Minna, I'm so...so..."
Minna froze as she heard the target of her affection seemingly rejecting her outright, "Please, don't say that...It is my fault for pressuring you." she whispered as she staggered up and turned around to leave.
"I'm so happy! Yes! Yes! A million times yes!" the Fuso witch grabbed Minna in a tight embrace before turning her around and planting a kiss on her lips.
The rest of the gathered witches broke into rapturous cheers and poured in to offer their congratulations while Gertrude gave a satisfied smile to the beaming couple. As she gave a satisfied sigh however, she noticed that the ropes were empty; Perrine had broken free and was standing in front of Minna and Mio, the air around her cracking with electricity while her blade was shaking in her right hand.
"Perrine, I cannot pretend to know how you are feeling right now, but please, stand down." Mio had quickly stood in front her partner before anyone else had noticed the Gallian witch's approach. It was a familiar feeling and situation for her, and Mio quickly regained her usual composure.
"Minna Dietlinde-Wilkes, please accept my surrender!" Perrine held her blade with both hands before infusing it with a jolt of electricity and snapping it in half. Slumping to her knees, she looked at the couple in front of her.
"Surrender? I don't quite get you, Perrine." stated a now very confused Minna.
"For twenty generations, the Clostermann family had never failed to woo the desired target of our affections." declared the blonde. "As the first to ever to be bested, I can only offer you my broken sword as a sign of surrender."
Perrine then started bawling at the top of her voice. She knew it was pretty hopeless that Mio ever had any romantic intentions towards her, the obliviousness something too incompatible with the major's usual mental sharpness. Still, to see her one sided crush completely ended was still a blow she couldn't prepare for. As she continued wailing, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned around to see the gentle face of Lynette Bishop, one of her closer colleagues, "It's alright, Perrine. Let it all out. "she whispered gently.
The blond resumed her crying as she buried her face into the Britainnian girl's ample chest. This however, drew a cry of protest from Yoshika. "Hey, stop being so close to Lynne!" Perrine's response was to look up and snarl at her erstwhile rival, "Get lost, you uncouth racoon dog. I have no time to waste on you."
"Racoon? That's it!" Yoshika jumped on her and began to pull at her cheeks while Perrine did likewise, her earlier sadness seemingly forgotten.
"Okay, that's enough rough housing for today." Mio walked up to the brawling pair while clapping her hands, settling comfortably into her familiar role as disciplinarian. Looking at Perrine, she said, "Perrine, I will repair your sword and return it to you. You will find someone for yourself someday, and that blade will be a treasured gift for your children, just as it was for you."
"Major..."sniffed the blonde, touched at the gesture. Mio bent down and looked into her eyes. "You are a beautiful, fine young lady, Perrine Clostermann. First loves sadly tend to bittersweet with the bitterness typically at the end."
Mio began to straighten Perrine's frazzled hair, " Despair not however, for you are young and a real catch for anyone lucky enough to have you. "said Mio before kissing her on the forehead. The Fuso witch however did not seem to catch the irony of her statement. Hers too was a first love. Fate typically responds badly to temptation.
"Major..."Perrine threatened to bawl again before Mio placed a finger on her lips. Standing up and turning to address the gathered Witches, Mio said, "Now, thank you all for your well wishes! I have something to discuss with Commander Minna and require some time alone." Breaking into her trademark hearty laugh, she continued, " Thank you all for witnessing this precious moment. Now, if you will excuse us."
"Major..." the Gallian witch felt a firm hand grab her collar and begin dragging her out. "Come on, let's go." ordered Gertrude as she kept a death grip on the younger Witch before closing the door behind her.
"They're gone, Minna. "Mio turned towards her partner only to see a scowling face.
"I don't really find kissing Lieutenant Clostermann a very appropriate act, Major." fumed Minna as she puffed her cheeks.
Mio smiled at her partner's reaction, glad that Minna no longer felt the need to hide her emotions " She is opening up to me." thought Mio as she hugged Minna tightly.
"Mio!"exclaimed a shocked Minna before she was cut off with yet another kiss on the lips. "Time for our...meeting, Lieutenant Colonel Wilcke." whispered the Fuso Witch into her partner's ear before pushing her down onto the bed.
As the discussion lasted throughout the day, the rest of the 501st resolved to educate their commanders of the finer points of noise pollution.
...
It was a pleasant late summer afternoon as the sun shone on the lively streets of Santiago. The provisional capitol of the His Majesty the Kaiser's government in exile was a bustling hub of activity as it's native inhabitants roused from their after lunch siesta and began resuming their business. The sounds of hawkers shouting out their wares mingled with the roar of passing vehicles large and small. To a visitor fresh from Europe, the sight of multiple civilian vehicles sharing the roads with military ones would be a sight for sore eyes. With the Neuroi staying far away from both North and South Liberion, the tension felt in Europe was sorely lacking here in the New World.
Chancellor Franz von Papen however was anything but relaxed, despite being seated on a comfortable wicker chair and facing a wide open window where a gentle breeze blew in. Dressed in a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and his top two buttons open, the politician wore a simple pair of Bermuda shorts with the hem cuffed, a neutral observer should have no reason to guess Herr von Papen was extremely worried.
Of slight build and an elongated face, the chancellor sported a brush moustache and slicked back hair. His wide forehead was wrinkled with age and his hair a light grey with streaks of colour running through it. His eyes however, betrayed a sense of unease and worry.
Wiping his wrinkled forehead with a handkerchief, the chancellor reached for a glass of fruit juice on his desk even as he tried to enjoy the cool breeze. Furrowing his greyed eyebrows in worry, the tension evident on his face eased slightly as he heard a knock on the doors three times.
"Come in." von Papen straightened his shirt as he turned to face the opening door. A middle aged brunette man, dressed in a similar fashion to the chancellor walked in holding onto an envelope with a wax seal.
"Good afternoon, Chancellor." The younger man said simply as he broke the seal and removed a stack of papers from it. Handing it over to von Papen who took the proffered material with thanks, he stood at ease, waiting for further instruction.
The frown on the eyebrows of the aged politician returned with increased force as he looked over the papers. After a few minutes of browsing, he laid it on the desk and scowled, turning to the messenger as he did so.
"How accurate is the assessment of the situation?" The chancellor growled out in frustration as he reached for his now warming juice.
"As fair as anyone can get when the subject of study is a supposed conspiracy by the Witches, Excellency." The messenger shrugged. Noticing the scowl forming on the politician's face, he hastily explained, "Our resources are mostly focused on Witches in active service and high potential. We don't really wish to spend too much assets chasing shadows or rumours of a potential conspiracy of Witches planning a coup."
Reigerung von Hexen. A government of Witches, thought the older man as he glowered at the man in front of him. Throughout history, mass hysteria had often been linked to wild stories of the animal eared women rising up and imposing tyranny on the non magical populace. Such waves of violent persecution are often bloody and messy, leaving governments struggling to contain both the riots and the rumours.
Inevitably, it turns out to be unfounded. Witches are not supermen or superwomen for that matter. They died like all humans did, even if it took more to down a Witch than to down a man. Their limited numbers also further retards any possible takeover by them. Any rational man would take these factors into consideration and dismiss the spectre of a Witch taking over any nation of consequence to be scare mongering.
von Papen for one prided himself of being just the sort of rational man, who was not prone to superstitions or jumping to conclusions based on irrational fears. But the possibility of the old fear of the defenders of humanity becoming the rulers instead refused to die.
"It is the duty of the Abwehr to be chasing shadows and rumours."The older man shot back at the representative of Imperial Karsland's intelligence.
The messenger resisted the urge to roll his eyes or snort and instead replied evenly. "The report is clear, Herr Chancellor. Several Witches deemed to be unfit for active duty due to advanced age or temperament issues have been deployed to form the new 66th Mechanised Witch Corp. Unorthodox to be sure, but at least they will still be under arms and military law instead of going renegade and disappearing into the underground."
Von Papen glared at the intelligence representative in front of him, "So the consensus of the spies are that if all the misfits who have displayed resistance to authority are gathered, armed and trained to fight as a single unit, there will be no untoward consequences?"
"Pretty much. The War Minister also agrees on our assessment and had indicated to us he will not be encouraging the deploying of more assets to chasing down blind alleys. He advises that conducting such a distrustful investigation of our most powerful weapons against the Neuroi when we are preparing to take back the Fatherland is highly unwise." The Abwehr rep stated.
So if I were to press the issue, I would stand accused of splitting the Cabinet of His Majesty's Government at a time of crisis in case the War Ministry pushes back. But what are they playing at? These people who are now covering for Galland are the same who tried to prevent her from promoting to general in the first place, thought the politician as von Papen snorted at the thinly veiled challenge.
Grabbing the glass of lukewarm juice, von Papen slurred smoothly, "If that is the advice of my esteemed colleagues currently holed up in Brussels, I do not see the reason to contradict them." Downing the drink in one gulp, the politician placed the cup on the desk and pushed the papers towards the messenger, to indicate the end of the meeting.
As the brunette messenger packed the documents and left the room briskly, von Papen turned back towards the open window, where the sun started to set and the sky turned a beautiful red. Sighing, the politician took in the changing patterns of the clouds before reaching out to the telephone on his desk.
It rung exactly four times before von Papen heard a click indicating someone on the other line had answered the call. No greeting or pleasantries were exchanged, but the chancellor knew that only one person would answer this particular number.
"Good evening to you as well, Ms Eva. I hope I did not disturb anything?"
Author's notes:
Yes, that was a blatant piece of foreshadowing. I plan to squeeze Mio and Minna for every piece of comedic value they are worth. After all, marriage tends to be the start of the problems a couple face, not the end of it.
The newly added scene was originally meant to be for Chapter 7, but it felt out of place and too abrupt a scene change. Placing it into Chapter 1 however helps to set the ground for the overarching conflict as well so in it goes with the rewrite.