Greetings From Hunter Driver, allow me to introduce my Strike Witch story. Eventually I will tie it in with the original story line, but that will be later (much later). Please read, enjoy, and review.
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The rain was almost never ending. For almost a month now the Forward Operating Base (FOB) was muddy and flooded. Needless to say every flight witch hated it. FOB Remose was a small airfield FOB located on a plateau in South Korak, holding a collation force of Liberion, Britannian, Fuso, Gallia, and Karlsland. This FOB was the last in a chain of bases that separated Fuso from the Orussian invading force. The FOB held the areas artillery, air superiority, and close air support; to assist this it held 32 witches.
The need for the witches was to combat the Orussian witches. After the defeat of the Neuroi in 1958, the world finale settled down for peace. Or so it seemed, governments changed, heads butted. In the 1970's Orussia invaded Suomus, Ostmark, and the Middle East. This led to the UN team up of Liberion, Britannia, Fuso, Gallia, Karlsland, Aussik, Romagna, and Hispania. In the 80's the Orussian Confederate States invaded Kanta and began to push towards ruling Fuso. War was now declared, and for the first time Witch on Witch combat became a reality. This new form of combat was nothing short of brutal, almost inhumane. In the mid 90's it was discovered that a very select few of men had the same powers of the witch. These men were soon inducted into the witch's core and joined the fight.
Now in 2015 a small chain of bases was the last thing separating Fuso from Orussia.
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On a porch that overlooked the runway, a woman gazed at the gray sky with her bright blue eyes. She stood there leaning on the railing, her green flight suit not getting wet. She stood 5'11, her red hair braided into a pony tail reaching down to her lower back, and silver cross dangling out of her uniform. This had become the ritual for her when her former wingman went out. This woman was the Officer in Charge of the 325th Aerial Combat Witches Wing, Major Alexis Reynolds. At 31 years old she was the oldest witch in the unit, but second in combat experience.
"Excuse me Ma'am," a young 19 year old blond sergeant witch said opening the door, "they just called final, with no problems."
"Thank you Sergeant Mapes," was what she replied.
She looked down the runway to see two figures coming in. The first was a young witch they just received from Karlsland. She had just turned 20, had dark brown hair cut short and hidden by her helmet, she was one of the shortest members just pushing 5'2, currently wore the standard Karlsland jet black flight suit with an orange cat tail sticking out, and has a petit body to match. On her legs was a set of the sleek Typhoon Striker; a small winglet at the top of each side of the respected, a slightly bigger delta style wing going almost to the exhaust designed to hold mini-missiles, and a vertical stabilizer on the inner back side of each unit so if she put the striker legs together it would look like a single fin.
Followed behind her were the current Theater Ace, and one of the few airborne wizards in Liberions service. Without the striker unit he stood around 6'4", had a lean fighter-like physique which could still be seen through the dark green flight suit, his helmet covered his light brown hair and hazel colored eyes. On his chest was a custom tactical vest that held extra magazines another small equipment. The signs of his familiar were hidden under his suit and helmet, and his leg donned an old pair of Phantom Strikers. Based off the F-4 Phantom, it held the tale tell bent wings, and downward angled horizontal stabilizers.
She watched them land and taxi to their hangars side by side. She left her spot to join them in the hangars. Once she arrived at the hangar both of them were in their launchers and dismounting their Strikers. The Karlsland lieutenant handed off the M 2 .50 Cal machine gun to one of the mechanics, while her former wingman held on to his custom M4 assault rifle.
"Ah good afternoon ma'am," the lieutenant said as she dusted off her suit and took off her helmet showing a pair of orange cat ears.
"How was the mission Sarah?"
"It was boring ma'am, the skies were clear."
"Sounds like a good flight," she said walking over to the wizard.
"How was she Nick?" she asked him.
"She's young and eager to fight," he said as he removed his helmet with his eyes closed, "I recommend having her fly with 'Nesa."
"Ok I'll let her know, but how was the flight?"
"To quite," he stepped out of the striker, "There were no signs of the Orussians at all. I feel like something may happen, but then again I've been edgy since the Barring Straights."
"Well I got some news today," she said leaning against the launcher unit, "you and me got orders."
"Let me guess," he put his boonie cap on, "I'm going back the Straights and you got the Tokyo spot you've wanted."
"Nope, they got us both going back home."
"Please don't tell me," he hung his head.
"Yep, they got us going to Salem."
"Fuck," he groaned as he cursed
"Nick," she stopped and looked at him, "you've done 8 years of service, 5 of which was deployed, and 4 as a wizard. You are one of the top ranked aerial witch for combat, it makes since that they want you as an instructor."
"Alex I don't want to teach these girls how to kill," he looked through the window of the break area, "look these girls are lucky. All we've needed to do since we got here was air support. You and I both know who is leading the Orussian witches; we'll be lucky if half come back from their first battle. They don't know how brutal it is when you engage another witch."
"Nick I know that, but that's why they need you as a teacher. After all in the four years we've known each other, how many witches have you saved?"
"I don't know," he said continuing the walk.
"Try all of your wingmen. Which reminds me the teaching class will be witches we have flown and fought with?"
"When is the report date and who are our replacements?"
"Major Upton is the new OIC and Master Sergeant Moore is taking your spot, and we are need at the end of the month."
"So Upton got promoted did she, but she's grounder."
"Well she needed the command and besides both are quit the ball buster."
"This is true," he said nodding.
"Now come on let's get something to eat," she said trying to cheer him up.
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Both now sat in the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and were going through the usual paperwork. While it was boring for both, it did bring a mood of slight relaxation. Nick still in his flight suit and wearing gloves, was talking to Alex like normal. But then it all changed when the air raid siren started to blare. Nick ran as fast he could to his primary launcher unit, as he hit the combat launch button it opened to reveal the rare sight of the Raptor Striker looking thin, boxed like, but still sleek, the small wings held sharp edges, and the vertical Stabilizers were angled outward. The exhaust mimicked the F-22's vector thrust system; this system took time to learn.
"Ok listen up," Alex said over the radio as the other witches reached their launchers, "Nick will lead the QRF consisting of Natsumi, Melisa, and Janet; and everyone else is on standby. Reports are coming in saying two flights of four witches at 18K."
"four on eight," Natsumi spoke up from her launcher wearing her dark blue flight suit a fox tail sticking out, "seem unfair."
"For them it is," Melisa spoke up from her launcher in a dark green flight suit and a fluffy rabbit tail puffing out.
"Ok here are the teams," Nick said seething a 10in blade on the small of his back just above his reserve chute and tightened the straps on flight vest, "Lisa, Janet 1000 feet above Natsumi and me. Remember to lead your targets. Orussians' are by the book flyers. Once you're loaded up make your way to the taxi way, we're taking off at once."
Nick was the first to be ready the engines of his striker on low. He held his custom M4A1 at the low ready. Next to show up was Natsumi armed with a larger M240B machine gun, and wore the Super Hornet Striker. The striker was sleek and narrow, its wings getting increasing narrow towards the tip. Janet was next in the dark blue flight suit a dark black cat tail wagging out of it, armed with a M2 .50 Cal machine gun, and sitting in her Strike eagle Striker with a set of mini air-to-air missiles. The eagle strikers were more boxy then the others, but they were more powerful than the hornets, and had more hard-points to carry munitions. Then finally was Melisa with a M249 and a Strike Eagle also donning her legs.
"Ok now stay calm and breath," Nick said loading in the box magazine and cocking the bolt back loading the first round, "call out all bogies and ask for help if you need."
They all nodded as they finished their checks and called in when they were complete.
"Remose Tower Witch QRF," he spoke over the radio.
"Go ahead Witch QRF," came the reply.
"Flight of four requesting immediate take off to intercept enemy flight."
"Witch QRF clear for take-off, good hunting."
With that call they all proceeded on the runway and pushed their magic out causing the engine to roar as they gained speed. Then as a group they all lifted off climbing into clouds past the rain.
"Be careful Nick," Alex said looking out the window, "bring them back."
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Nick looked at the small radar screen in his Advanced Flight Helmet (AFH). The AFH was a witch's greatest tool for combat; it reminded Nick of the helmet Tony Stark uses in Ironman. It displayed radar, basic readouts from the striker unit, and other forms of information. On the screen he saw the two flights at two different altitudes. He did the calculations and estimated another five minutes before battle. He could tell the 3 girls were scared.
"It will be ok," he said in a clam voice, "wait for them to make the first move. Natsumi get right behind me and get ready. Ok girls safeties off, shields ready," he said hooking the M4 to keep it stowed for the time being and reached for the knife, "Janet, Lisa take out the lead first then pick off the remaining."
"Got it," Janet said with a nervous voice.
"Now you two climb and keep the sun to your backs," they did as told the enemy still in formation, "Natsumi when I tell you do a barrel roll and fire, got it?"
"Yes Nick-san I understand," she said getting her weapon ready to fire.
The distance closed and the Orussians opened fire making Nick throw a shield up. He continued on the course so it became a game of chicken. Neither side budging, just as Nick knew they would. He slid slightly to the right and threw up a second shield on his left only a few seconds before they met.
Timed slowed for Natsumi. This was her first real battle, and she wanted to defend her home of Fuso from these invaders. There was a moment they were 20 feet from the oncoming flight, when her life flashed before her eyes.
"NOW," Nick's voice boomed in her AFH.
Right as she span and began to fire, a knife from the enemy leader glanced the shield Nick threw up, but she saw Nick's blade move up cutting the head off of the leaders wingman, causing the now lifeless body falling to the earth. Her own gun fire took out one more. She looked up and saw Janet and Melisa engaging the other flight.
"Shit, Natsumi join Janet and Lisa now," Nick ordered as they turned back.
"Why?" she asked.
"Cause I need to focus on the leader."
She did not argue but flew towards her allies. Nick knew what he saw, a red falcon on the Fulcrum striker of the leader. When he turned back he saw that the leader and her new wingman standing in the air.
"Well, well, well, Nickolas it's been a while," a regal voice came over the radio with an Orussian accent.
Nick flew so he was 10 feet away from them, the wingman pointing her AK-47 right at him. Nick looked the leader over. He knew she 5'7, the dark red flight suit showed her curvy, voluptuous body, a dark colored falcon tail protruding out her suit.
"I was hoping it wasn't you Natasha," he replied seething his blade.
"Go join our comrades," Natasha told her wingman making her leave, "how is the arm?"
"Same as your leg," he said back smirking.
"You know Nickolas you could always defect, and I promise no harm will come to your comrades. After all Nickolas I know you, just as you know me."
"The answer is no Natasha; it always was and always will be."
"Oh but Nickolas you know I am not the biggest fan of my government. Think about it," she glided closer, "we could take over Orussia and end this war."
"Natasha you're stalling," he shifted to keep a slight distance.
"You know this move don't you?" she said with a similar smirk.
"Shit," he cursed realizing this maneuver from the Straights.
"That's right another flight will engage your girls shortly and without a doubt kill at least one of them."
Nick threw a flash bang right as she finished and took off to the engagement area, while the other was blind. He caught up with the Orussian wingman first and pulled a quick burst on his M4. The rounds hit her back and going through the chest.
"HELP! I GOT ONE ON ME," Janet screamed panicking.
"I got you Janet, don't worry," he said locking on to the Orussian.
He let the mini-missile go at an inescapably close range. The girl exploded as he flew by.
"Thank you Nick," Janet said still scared.
"Stay focused," Nick said rolling to the engagement area.
His M4 roared at 2 witches trying to trail Natsumi. This allowed Lisa to open up and fill one with lead, while the other pulled back. That was when Nick looked down and saw the new flight just above the tree line. He then looked at Natsumi to see her use her special ability to shoot a small ball of fire out of her hand and hit the left striker of enemy witch. The witch tried to restart it but was met with the .50 caliber bullets effectively exploding her head.
"Girls watch out a new flight is coming up from below us," Nick said rolling hard to avoid an oncoming missile.
He steadied his weapon and fired at the oncoming flight. The flight tried to shoot back but was blinded by the sun. The bullets were whizzing pass Nick and the others as they finished off the last two members. He looked over to see Janet in real hand to hand combat. They were both suspended in the air trying to push each other back. Janet let go of her right hand and punched the witch hard in the stomach. As the witch was recovering Janet pulled out her own knife and slashed the witch's neck.
As the Witch fell back her blood landed on Janet, and this made her freeze. She awoke from it when and enemy shot her through her striker. She screamed aloud and began to fall. She looked up to see the witch and her wingman chasing her and shooting at her more. She closed her eyes in fear until the bullets stopped. When she looked back all she could see was Nick flying for her.
He grabbed her and held her close as he pulled up.
"It hurts Nick," Janet said now crying, "It really hurts."
"I know it does," he said letting her cry, "Lisa break off and take Janet back, Natsumi cover them."
"Roger," came the reply.
Nick flew up and handed her off carefully. He opened fire on the two remaining witches making them break contact long enough to get the girls out of the area. He then pursued the last two with unrelenting anger. He rolled right as the leader joined in. He then went idle on the engine as he flipped his body, and grunted as he kicked them back on working against momentum. He felt the G's nearly tear him apart, but the maneuver caused him to stop right when one of the Orussian witches got close. Before she could move a knife had went through her visor and into her brain. Nick pulled her around to slow her down and pull the helmet off. This revealed the terrified look of a young 16 year old brunet, and then she fell down to the earth. Nick hooked the helmet to his belt as Natasha and the last witch came at him firing wildly. He dove for the ground quick, they followed still firing. Nick dove into the tree line and slowed down to a halt setting his own trap. Natasha stopped 50 meters above the tree line, but sent her last witch down. This was met with a hail of bullets, and the witch screamed in pain until both her heart and head were hit.
"You win this time Nicholas," she said turning to fly away.
But was stopped when Nick flew up to catch her. She went full after burner to escape, but Nick activated his own ability. His magic increased his speed for a short distance, and was now mere feet behind her. His left arm out reached to grab her, but she soon pulled out a pistol and shot at Nick, the bullet passed thrown his left arm and grazed his helmet making him fall back as she flew away. Nick shook himself back to normal and raised his middle finger at the shrinking sight of the Orussian head Witch Natasha Churchov. He then turned towards the FOB and flew full throttle.
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Upon landing he was met with Alex pacing in the hangar. He flew directly to the launcher and took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. When he opened them Alex hugged him unexpectedly, which he hugged her back.
"How's Janet?" he asked quickly.
"She's fine but really shaken up," she said as she let go of him.
He removed his helmet; his eye looked like those of a snake until he shut the striker down and slid out. It was at this point that Alex saw the bullet hole in his left arm.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah, everything work," he said rolling up his sleeve showing a robotic like arm, "these cybernetic parts are real good, but I do miss the real thing.
"You would be in more pain if you didn't already lose this arm back at the Straights."
"It was Natasha up there," this made Alex freeze, "we better warn the other units, and also got a new item for higher collection," he removed the damaged helmet from his belt.
"This is why they want you as an instructor," she said setting the helmet aside, "do you think that Janet or the others could have made it back today if you weren't the lead. You may only be a Staff Sergeant, but you're one of the best."
"Ok, ok," he said thinking back to the witch whose helmet he hand grabbed, "I fucking hate this war. That girl was no older than 17. Do you know how fucked up that is? That girl should be at the mall, texting, going to parties, not up there fighting. And Janet was scared shitless when she did her kill."
"I know Nick," she said rubbing his back gently, "go to Janet, she won't talk to anyone."
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Janet sat in the bed the medics have given, in the fetal position. Her bright green eyes red from crying, and her long red hair a sheer mess. Tears ran down her face as she saw the battle replay in her head. The feeling of killing another human, the sharp pain of the bullet, and the falling; it was too much for her to handle, and she couldn't talk to anyone.
"Hey Janet can I come in?" the voice of Nick brought minor comfort to her.
"Please," she said in a weak scared voice.
"How are you," he said carefully walking in and sitting next to her in the available chair.
"I don't know," she replied still in a ball.
"You did well, you know?"
"I got shot, and you had to save me twice."
"So," was all he said, "You protected your teammates and came back alive."
"But," she started to say only to be silenced by Nick's finger.
"You're intact and alive that's all that matters."
"But if you weren't there I wouldn't be here."
"Look don't think like that, ok?"
"Yes sergeant," she said starting to relax some
"Now let's get you some ice cream," he said making her eyes go wide.
"Sergeant what did you say?"
"It's a ritual I learned," he said walking to the door, "when a witch gets shot give them some ice cream and they feel better almost instantly. I'll have Lisa bring some to you ok?"
"Yes sergeant but one question."
"What is it?"
"Why did the witch I was fighting say 'witch trial' when she saw you?"
"That's a story for a different day," he said with a heavy heart.
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A week had passed since the battle and the witches getting back to normal. Alex and Nick were in the TOC doing more paperwork. Nick working on awards for Janet, Lisa, and Natsumi for the battle and Alex getting ready to be relieved. Nick thought about how Janet was slowly coming out of her shell, and he looked out to the window.
"Hey Alex can we get Janet a transfer?"
"What do you mean?"
"She has the signs of PTSD from the battle. I already talked to Natsumi and Lisa and they are fine, but Janet can't even look at her striker without shaking. She will be better getting professional help, at least better than just talking to me. She won't talk the other girls like she used to, and I'm worried."
"I'll talk with Col. Jameson about it," she said agreeing with him, "Nick about you and Natasha."
"There's nothing," he said quickly, "you know what happened," re rubbed his left arm, "the bitch took my arm."
"I know she took more than that," Alex said sitting on his desks.
"I buried the past Alex," he said with anger, "all of it."
"Even us," she said looking at him.
"Alex," he said trying to find the words.
"I mean we do the Salem gig for a few years and then we both get out. No more fighting, no more death, just us."
"Alex, how many times do we have to do this? I don't want to hurt you, I mean I know you can find someone better than me."
"It cause I'm too old for you isn't it?" she said getting angry.
"Oh god Alex really now?" he said trying to get her to stop before this went too far.
"I knew it," she said huffing, "I bet if I was as young as Janet or Natasha I'd be in your arms right now."
"ALEX," he shouted, "THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR THESE THINGS AND NOW IS NOT THAT TIME. FOR GOD SAKE ALEX, YOU'RE ACTING LIKE A GOD DAMN TEENAGER," he said walking to the door, "now I got a meeting with base ops and I think someone has some questions to ask you," he opened the door quickly to the sight of 4 girls listening in on them.
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Alex sat back in chair with a heavy sigh before opening her bottom left desk draw. In front of her were the 4 witches listening to the argument. On Nicks desk sat Janet in her flight suit. In the two open seats were Natsumi; were black hair braided into a bun, her height no greater than 5'6, her petite figure hidden under a white flight suit. Next to her is Captain Amanda Ruiz; her bright brown hair pulled into a pony tail, her height of 6' intimidated most of the girls, and curvy body barely hidden by her green flight suit. And last was Lieutenant Vanessa Richards, she just hit 25, her white hair cut so her bangs framed her face and that got shorter in the back, she had a curvy body but was more top heavy, and could not be hidden by her dark blue suit. Vanessa was the third most experienced witch, and went to Salem with Nick and Alex.
"So you tried to get him to open up again?" Vanessa asked with a smirk.
"Fuck you 'Nesa," Alex quickly retorted and pulled an O' Duls beer out.
"So you did," Amanda said with a smirk, "you bitch."
"Um Ma'am," Janet spoke up, "what was all that about?"
"Natasha was up on the last engagement," was all Alex said.
"WHAT?! AND YOU DIDN'T CALL ANY OF US OUT," Amanda said stepping up, "she's been toying with Nick for years. "
"Excuse me," Natsumi now spoke up, "Who is this Natasha person?"
"Colonel Natasha Churchov," Vanessa said.
"The Blood Falcon of the Straights," Amanda followed.
"She is the Orussian Ace of Ace and the executive officer the Orussian Witches Corp," Alex finished.
"During the battle of the Straight she took down over 20 witches," Amanda said, "I fought her too, and barely survived."
"How did you?"
"Nick," she said with a smirk, "the idiot gave up a killing shot on another witch just to save me. She shot up my striker to the point that it failed, and I started to fall. I still have nightmares of it; falling hundreds of feet as that bitch watched me. Then Nick going full throttle right after me, I could hear him cursing as he got closer. And then I was just in his arms, feeling the G's as he pulled up and flew me to the nearest ship."
"But what does she have to do with Nick-san?" Natsumi asked.
"Before Nick joined the Witches he was a Ranger in the Army," Alex said, "and there was one day where he was flying towards Seoul, but the helicopter he was in was shot down, not by Orussians but a rebel national force."
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Flashback
A young 18 year old Nick sat in the seats of the UH-60 Blackhawk. He was wearing the Multi-cam combat uniform. He looked tired as he sat back, his M-14 rifle slung across his front, a pair of Oakley sunglasses shielding his eyes, and a dull green helmet on his head. He had to head to Seoul about some medical test results. He took the trip as a needed brake. So far the flight was perfectly fine; a breeze rolling in the bay had moved the humidity had around. All was fine, until an alarm was sounding. He looked out and saw a missile shot out of the tree tops and aim directly at them.
"SHIT, SHIT, SHIT," was what could be heard from the crew chief.
The explosion rocked the helicopter and then the world began to spin as they fell. Nick quickly locked himself in and braced for the impact. The impact rocked the helicopter, and Nick tried to focus as he un hooked his self. He slightly fell forward stopping before the cockpit. He looked quickly to see a branch impaled through the heart of one of the pilots, and the other knocked out. He then checked the 2 crew members; one was starting to get up the other had a broken neck.
"Hey man you ok?" Nick asked.
"Yeah," he said starting to get up, "just a hell of a headache."
"DO you know if the call went out?"
"Yeah I think so," he said checking on the unconscious pilot.
"Hey do hear that?"
Off in the distance the rumble of diesel engines could be heard. The sounds got closer, and louder. Nick went to the Mini-gun and confirmed it still working.
"How much longer?"
"Just a few more minutes."
"Shit," nick said, "We got company!"
"Orussians?" he ask as he pulled the pilot back.
"Nope their flying the old flag," Nick said keeping the safety off.
The row of vehicles came to a stop just 50 feet away from the helicopter.
"Attention Liberion soldiers," came a voice over a loud speaker, "surrender and you will remain alive."
"FUCK OFF," was all they got as a reply.
A small force of 12 men started to make their way to the helicopter. Nick fired a warning shot, but got a reply of AK's opening up. He pushed the buttons firing at the squad of men. This only caused more rounds to be fired at the helicopter. Nick continued to spray the area, the crew chief began to fire out the side of the. Then at the same time a set of bullets went through the hull hitting Nick and the Chief in the leg. The chief drew his pistol and continued to shoot till a round traveled through his neck. As Nick began to sit up a rebel jumped in and delivered a powerful butt-stroke to the side of Nick's head, Knocking him out.
A splash of water impacting Nicks face awoke him instantly. His visor slowly focusing in one the room being illuminated by a dangling light bulb.
"Glad to see you are awake," a voice spoke up, "it's a shame you had to put up a fight. You are the sole survivor. Now then I have some questions for you, and I want you to answer or else."
"Or else what?" Nick questioned seeing a masked man across the room.
"Or this," the statement quickly followed by a punch.
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"You mean they tortured him?" Janet said in shock.
"Yeah for months," Alex said finishing off her beer, "but Nick would never give in. He would just say the same thing every day."
"Let me guess name, rank, and serial number," Natsumi spoke.
"Not quit," Amanda said with Vanessa snickering.
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"Or I'm going to be slapped by a bitch," Nick said with a smirk.
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"You're kidding right," Natsumi said.
"Nope," Alex said with her imagination playing out the scene, "now let me finish."
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Another punch was delivered to his stomach.
"Seriously," Nick said spitting, "a baby back bitch. And I just introduced alliteration to you."
"We'll start in the morning," the man told Nick before speaking the local language.
They blindfolded Nick and dragged him out of the room forcefully. He took in as much as he could from the sounds, and smells. He could tell they dragged him to a new house and threw in the room.
"Are you ok?" came a new voice as the door slammed shut.
"I guess so," Nick said as he took off the blindfold and saw his cellmate.
This woman was very beautiful, stood 5'7, had a curvy, voluptuous body, mysterious red eyes, long snow white hair reaching her hips, and was wearing an Orussian flight uniform.
"I guess we can make a truce for the time being. You know the whole; the enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"That sounds good," she said getting up and helped him up, "I'm Flight Lieutenant Natasha Churchov."
"Name's Private Nickolas Bodai."
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For four months now he had gone through the same routine. Get woken up, dragged back to the dark room, get asked question everyday about Liberion Intel, and get beaten and dragged back to the room with Natasha at night. Natasha would use her few healing spell she had learned to make him feel better. Slowly they opened to each other and grew closer. One night winter had come early, and there was only one blanket for them. Nick looked over to see Natasha shivering.
"Here Nat," he said groaning as he got up, "you take it."
"No Nickolas you need it more than I do."
"Nat you're shacking like a leaf. You need to stay warm."
What happened next surprised Nick. Natasha walked over, lifted the blanket up, and laid on top of Nick pulling the blanket over them. Her arms wrapped around his frame, her head rested on his shoulder. She felt the rise and fall of his chest rubbing her own.
"Here now we're both warm," she said as her breath sent a shiver down his spine.
"Hey Nat, what do you plan on doing once we get free?"
"I don't know. I guess go back to Orussia."
"What if we escaped and you came with me to Liberion."
"What are you saying?"
"Natasha I want you to come back with me."
"Let me think about it," she said giving him a kiss on the cheek.
They both soon fell asleep in each other's arms. But this peaceful bliss did not last. The door was kicked open violently, and a group of men entered the door. Two pulled Natasha off of Nick while two more dragged Nick to his feet. All of them men were masked as a fifth man walked in holding a 9mm Berretta.
"Now miss you will tell us what we want to know," he said pulling the slide back.
"Nat you're a proud soldier don't tell them shit."
"Quiet," a man said punching Nick.
"Oh I see he got his sister to teach him."
"Now tell us or else."
"Why don't you just fuck off," Nick said not wanting Natasha to get hurt.
BANG, the shot rang out in the room.
"AHHH, YOU FUCK," Nick said after taking the bullet to his leg.
"NO STOP," Natasha said wanting to run to him.
"Don't talk Nat," Nick said trying to push through the pain, "AHHHHHH," the man's finger pushing in the wound.
"Now the longer you stall the more he suffers."
"AHHHHH."
"Or I could do the same to you."
This made Nick snap, he leaned back and put the man in a triangle choke. His guards trying to pull Nick off.
"DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT YOU DIRTY FUCK," he shouted before getting butt stroked to the head. The man gasping for air, as they threw Nick against the wall.
"That's it you Liberion scum, tonight you die," he said as the three each aimed at Nick.
Timed slow to a painful craw, as Natasha look at Nick with fear. She could read his lips mouthing 'it will be ok', but her faith was dropping. Then the leader headed exploded and his body fell forward. Three armed men in Orussian camouflage stormed in killing the remaining captives. Then an older man with a gray beard walked in, wearing the standard gear for the Spetznaz.
"Lieutenant Churchov," he asked.
"Da," was she could say.
"We are here to rescue you," he then look to see Nick getting up, "oh and who is this? By the looks of you I'd guess a ranger. Well then it must be, how you say, my lucky day."
"Fuck off Boris," was Nick got out as a boot slammed into his chest.
"I'd love to take you with us, but unfortunately your comrades are minutes behind us," he pulled out a Makarov pistol, "and I wouldn't want you back out on the battlefield," he put the barrel against his chest, "But I need to test Miss Churchov. So miss Churchov come here please," Natasha walked over and the man handed her the gun, "kill him, quickly."
"Nick," she said in a whisper her hand trembling, "I can't do it."
"Yes you can Natasha," he said in a clam voice, "go back to your family, and find that guy you always dreamed of."
"But you idiot he's right here," she said now crying the barrel back against his chest, "right in front of me."
"Then a last request," he said shifting to the left slightly, "kiss me."
She leaned in the barrel still in his chest, they both kissed passionately.
"I love you Natasha Churchov," he said as he closed his eyes, "see you in the sky."
"Good bye my love," she said as she squeezed the trigger to fire.
The shot echoed in the room as Nick limply fell to the fall.
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"So what happened next?" Janet asked on the edge of her seat.
"The rangers rolled in just after the Orussians left. They found Nick bleeding but still alive. Apparently when he kissed her he threw up a small shield that only caused the bullet to stop before it hit anything vital. As for Natasha, they she went dark, she joined the Orussian Arch-Angels wings and lost all touch of humanity killing anyone and everyone. Once Nick got the green light from the hospital he was reassigned to become a wizard, and that's where we met him."