I'm shamed to say that I almost lost hope in continuing, but I pulled through. I won't give! I won't stop up until I'm done!

So I'd like to give special thanks to Sky EXE for the support and to all who are following me!

Oh and there might be a few, if not any mistakes on, Perren and Perrine names. I guess I kinda put Perren, in Perrine's place, so expect some mistake. Hopefully not.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Strike Witches series, it is fully owned by Shimada Humikane, Noboru Yamaguchi and Gonzo Animation Studios, I don't own anything owned by any Armed Forces, any car company, any aircraft, Apple/Microsoft, Call of Duty. Pretty much, if it isn't one of my OC's, I don't own it.

Warning: mentions of underage drinking, language(as in cursing), sex, violence, scenes of death, scenes of cruelty, scenes of torture, common military slang, nudity, time travel, plot loops and holes, OC's. Be warned. In every chapter it might contain different themes. I will give out warnings before the chapter starts so you'll know what's to come. So if you are disturbed by the themes then I recommend the readers not to continue.

Themes: violence, language, scene of (almost) death

Chapter 3 – We're Family / Thanks

Year: 1944

Location: Folkestone, Britannia; outside the 501st Joint Fighter Wing's base

It was the second day that the 141st Wing Task Force better known as the Storm Wizards shared their lives with 501st Joint Fighter Wing better known as the Strike Witches. It was a quiet morning for the Wizards as hung out in the yard, getting their 'breakfast' ready. Each of them had a bag of ramen, a bowl, forks or chopsticks, and a pot filled with water. Perren heavy breathed in and out, almost like he was trying to concentrate for something. He slowly move his arms back and forward then he aimed his index and middle fingers from both of his hands to the pots, that his squad mates were holding.

"Incendie!" Perren shouted as a straight line of fire was shot from his fingertips. The wizards quickly added their ramen in their already boiling water.

"Why can't we eat inside?" Kenny asked as he began to stir is ramen. Is not that he didn't like to eat outside, it's just that if it was ok for them stay in the witches' base, wouldn't it be ok to use their kitchen? "I just don't like to hold this pot all day. It be better on a stove."

"Quit exaggerating," said Perren as held his pot then used 'Incendie' to boil his water. He then added his ramen and began to stir it, "It's only 3 minutes or less. You should be grateful you get to eat something."

When their minutes were up, they added their seasons, stirred, poured their ramen in their bowls, then waited a few minutes before it cooled down a bit. To past the time Kenny decided to start a very interesting conversation. He looked around to see if anyone but them were able to hear him. When he felt that their surrounding were clear he looked at his commander.

"Commander Adolfo," he began. Adolfo turned to him, "I was wondering, you know remember that you said that we'd fall in love with these girls," Adolfo smiled then nodded, "Well I was wondering who you would think would be with who?"

This got everyone attention, as they began to look at their commander and waited for his answers.

"Well Kenny," Adolfo began, "I'm not a really a good matchmaker," He thought for a second, "Who'd you think would be good together."

"Hm,"Kenny thought. He looked at the guys and then thought about the girls, "Let's see, I think Perrine would be good for you Perren."

"No," Perren quickly said.

"Oh come on," Kenny tried to explain his reason although Perren already knew the reason from the day he was born. Back before when Perren was born his very wealthy parent wanted their child to be great like the legendary and protector witch of Gallia, Perrine Clostermann. So they decided to name their child after the witch of Gallia, but if it came out to be a boy they thought about Perren, since it was close to Perrine. Perren on the other hand didn't like it because he only did a few research about Perrine and read that she was wealthy and proper fifteen year old Gallian girl who looks down upon some of the less-refined habits of her peers. She often refuses to work as part of a team, develops a dislike for the upstart newcomers, and jealousy. He refused to be any of that and started to be his own person. "You're both rich, you two almost have the same abilities, and you two have the same name. You said your parents wanted to name you after Perrine, to be great like her, I bet they'd never thought that you would end up being her boyfriend."

"And they can keep on thinking about it because it'll never happen, I'll never be with that rich snob. Besides that she only can use 'Tonnerre', I can use far more than that."

"Kenny just because his parents wanted to name him after some witch, doesn't mean he should be her boyfriend," said Carlos as he looked at Kenny. Kenny turned to Carlos, "Next you're going to tell us that you should be with Lynnette Bishop just because you both have a last name that sounds the alike. Only hers is spelled with one 'p' while yours has two."

"Yes I was. I'm glad we got that cleared out in our meeting, I was feeling a bit weird that I was flirting with my grandma or something," Kenny said signed in relief, "But there's two other BIG reasons why," he smiled at this.

"Those two BIG reason better not be what I think they are," Carlos glared at him, "or someone's gonna have a really bad headache soon."

"The fact we both use snipers and have the same abilities," Kenny said, trying to defend himself, "I'm always a pervert, Carlos." Wanting quickly get off the subject, Kenny looked at him then quickly thought about the girls, "I think Charlotte Yeager would be perfect for you Carlos. The way she was all over you yesterday, and you both like to be in the hanger more than anyone we know."

"She was asking for a ride on my Jet Striker, not a date," Carlos started, "Besides, I bet she doesn't like music as much as me."

"I'm only saying, but you should give her a chance. I bet you two could hit it off, and who knows she might end up liking music as much as you."

Finding his next target, Kenny looked at his remaining squad mates. As he looked passed Yasuo, he thought about a certain white haired witch. He smiled as he spoke to Yasuo, "Hey," he began as everyone waited for his next matchmaking, "Yasuo should get with that Orussian witch, Sanya Litvyak was it?" Yasuo looked down and blush a bit of embarrassment. "You both don't talk much at all, you both seem to wear mostly black and white, and you both are of the Night Witches and Night Wizards. I bet you two will end up together in the night, under the moon." Kenny could help but laugh.

"I don't think so," Kazuo interrupted, "There's no way I'll allow that happen."

Then there was Kazuo, Kenny quickly had knew who would be for him, "Kazuo should be with the witch that stood next to Sanya all day, come to think of it, isn't Sanya's really name Alexsandra, but anyways," Kenny not wanting to get off track, "You should be with Eila Juutilainen. The way I see it, two seem too overly protective. Kazuo to Yasuo, and Ella to Sanya."

"I am not over protective," as Kazuo said that, Yasuo, thinking that the ramen cooled down a bit, took a bite and ended up burning his tongue. Kazuo saw this, "Yasuo you need to be more careful," He turned to Perren, "Hey next time don't overdo it on the heat. Yasuo's hungry and he burned himself."

Kenny laughed at this, "You see what I mean," the rest of the guys started to think the same, "Come on, don't deny it," Kenny turned to Alejandro, who was eating his ramen, "Alejandro you should get with Francesca Lucchini." Alejandro started to blush, remembering how close Lucchini was to him, "You kids love to play around and who wouldn't love to experience young love."

"Yashio and," Yashio looked at Kenny, "Yoshika Miyafuji,"

Yashio gave Kenny a confused look. What to know his reason he asked, "Why?"

"Think about it," Kenny started, "Your Mio Sakamoto's grandson, and student. If I remember correctly, Yoshika was token under Mio's wing. Wouldn't it be cool that the students, of the legendary witch of Fuso, ended up together?"

"Kenny-san you've be reading too much manga," Yashio shook his head.

"Well now," Kenny looked towards his Squadron Leader. "All there's left is our Squadron Leader."

"Oh! Hey I know how would be good for him." Carlos quickly said, "He should get with the Karlsland soldier, Gertrud Barkhorn. She's like a female version of Lars, always talking about military members should abide by discipline and rules."

"You toke the words right out of my mouth, Carlos," Kenny started to laugh, "I think this was the easiest match ever made."

"You two are really asking for it," Lars said as he glared at them, "I think you guys' need some really discipline."

Adolfo couldn't help but say something, "Lars, you know their right," Everyone turned to their commander. Lars couldn't believe what his commander was saying. "But I don't think you should be with Gertrud. I think you should be with the other Karlsland soldier, Erica Hartmann. Now she knows how to kickback and still be an ace pilot. I'll have to have a word with her sometime."

"C-Commander Adolfo you can't be serious," Lars started to blush in embarrassment. Everyone laughed as they never saw their Squadron Leader blush or ever hear him stutter.

As they were still laughing a window opened above them, revealing Lieutenant Hartmann. She looked down at the laughing boys, she tried to get their attention. When she did shouted at them, "Hey you boys. Commander Minna would like to have a word with you."

"We'll be there in a second," Adolfo shouted back, "Thank you, for notifying us."

"I wonder what Commander Minna would want?" Lars asked Adolfo, "Kenny, she better not of heard you talking about the girls."

"Well," Adolfo said, "Before we go, guys our priority mission was to stop the Neuroi invasion, and as you all can see that's not going to happen. So we'll be assisting the witches, but our new prior mission will be 'to protect those how are precious to us'"

As the guys were about to enter the dining room they saw Trude walking out of the dining room. The guys didn't pay much attention to It because the look on her face seemed like she'd didn't want to be bothered by anyone. As they enter the room they heard Lucchini asking for seconds, guess she was hungry today. Yoshika, hearing this tried to hurry with Lucchini's seconds. The guys saw this and some of them laughed. Adolfo, trying to look for Minna, walked to her wondering what she could want with them. Lars followed behind him, but as for the rest of guys they waited. Out boredom Kenny decided to see what was going on with the girls, as well as some of the guys.

"It's not only Captain Barkhorn," Perrine said as she pulled up a spoon full of beans, "I doubt anyone would find these rotten beans edible at all!" she lowered the beans, then looked away.

Yashio hearing this got close enough to the girls, "You know Perrine," he said as he looked at Perrine then at Yoshika, "Natto is good for you."

"He's right," Yoshika said as she looked Perrine, "Even Sakamoto-san said she liked it."

Hearing this Perrine dropped her spoon in the bowl and made a look. She turned to Yoshika and got close to her, "Sakamoto-san? You will address her as Major Sakamoto," she said as she glared at Yoshika. Yoshika only looked at her, "Not even I'm… on such friendly terms… " Perrine slowly turning red and Yashio saw this. Looking down then back up at Yoshika, Perrine held a her Natto beans to her, "At any rate, regardless of how much the major may like it, I absolutely cannot put up with this stench!" with that she turned away from Yoshika.

Perren able to hear Perrine across the room thought, 'Spoiled little rich brat, there are people out there that wouldn't give a damn what the food smelled like, and they'd still eat it. You should consider yourself lucky that you can eat anything at all.'

At the kitchen, Kenny decided to make a small conversations with Lynne, trying to get to her more. He was gave a great time talking to her. Normally if he'd talk to any girl, they'd turn him down without a care in the world, but Lynne was different from any girl he'd ever talk to.

Finally done talking to Minna, Adolfo walked to his squad and informed them that they could eat with the girls in the kitchen, if they'd help out with minor chores. The guys agreed, but Kenny, unable to hear his commander due to his constitution being fully toward to Lynne, Adolfo walked to Kenny, "Kenny," he said as Kenny jumped and turned to him, "Seeing as your already in the Kitchen, help out Lynnette with the dishes. Is that understood?" Kenny was about to decline but saw his commander wink, "If Lynnette needs 'help' you better help, understood?"

"Understood,"

"Good," Adolfo turned to Yashio, "Yashio you won't mind helping out too, right?"

"Not at all Commander," he said as he nodded.

"Excellent," Adolfo said with a smile, "I knew I could count on you guys."

Outside the base, Yashio and Kenny were helping Yoshika and Lynne with the sheets. Kenny and Yashio waited for the girls as they would help with caring the baskets. As the girls doing their part to help, Barkhorn and Hartmann flew by them, causing the girls to flinch. Yoshika looked up and shouted, "Wow! Amazing!" Lynne looked up and saw who it was, "It's Captain Barkhorn and Lieutenant Hartmann!"

All the same Minna and Mio where watching the Karlsland witches. Adolfo and Lars stood nearby as they too watched. Minna, looking through a pair of binoculars, Mio commented on Barkhorn's flying, "She's out of sync…" and Minna agreeing, "Yes, she keeps falling behind…"

"Barkhorn's a perfectionist. This isn't like her." Mio said, "Maybe we should take her off the next shift?"

"Having an ace you can't rely on is kind of distressing,"

"Yes. Even though we can count on the others, they lack the firepower," Mio said.

"Not to worry," Lars commented, "Ours boys are already to assist."

"But even with our help," Adolfo started as the three looked at them, "We only have a limited of ammo and supplies."

"That is true," Mio said as looked at Mina and thought for a second, "Did Barkhorn overexert herself and make herself sick?"

"I think something has been bothering her…" Minna said, who looked to be certain, "Ever since Miyafuji arrived."

"Miyafuji?"

"Yes."

Minna, Mio, Adolfo and Lars looked at where, Yoshika, Lynne, Yashio, and Kenny where at. Mio thought a second, "Should we try pairing them up?"

Back inside the base, the 141st stood near the bathroom. The guys waited for their commander to explain why he wanted them to gather near the bathroom. "Ok guys," Adolfo started, "I had a word with Commander Minna a few minutes age and this is where we be bathing."

Some of the guys, like Kenny disapproved but others, like Yashio didn't have a problem with it. "Come on Kenny-san," Yashio said, "It's like any other public bath. What the big deal?"

"I can't be bathing with a bunch of naked guys," Kenny said as he gave an uncomfortable look, "No thank you."

"What's the matter Kenny," Carlos said as he put an arm around Kenny, "Afraid to show us just how small Kenny Jr. really is?"

Yashio shook his head, "You'll be wearing a towel, Kenny-san."

As the three boys continued to argue, Yasuo spook, "Ano… Commander Adolfo," Adolfo turned to him, "How will we know if the bath is being used by the girls?"

"Yasuo, right," Kazuo backing Yasuo up, "It's not like you guys can see through walls and I'm surely not going to."

"Ah, yes. Thank you for bring that up, Yasuo," Adolfo took out a sign, but not any ordinary sign. The sign had the 144st insignia and the 501st insignia on the opposite side, "When the girls are using the bathing room, their insignia will be facing up, and if we're using the bathing room then our insignia will be facing up. Make sure the curtains are closed otherwise the girls will you. Commander Minna is informing the girls about our idea as we speak." Adolfo smiled, "Now then, it's time to have tea time with the girls"

His whole squad gave him a weird looks.

Outside, what looked like a big balcony, the 501st and 141st sat outside together. Commander Adolfo and Squadron Leader Lars sat with Commander Minna and Squadron Leader Mio; Yashio, Kenny, and Perren sat with Yoshika, Lynne, and Perren; Kazuo and Yasuo sat with Eila and Sanya; Carlos and Alejandra sat with Shirley and Lucchini. Minna stood to speak, looked at her squad.

"According to the strategy room's report," Minna started, "We're scheduled to have a sortie the day after tomorrow. So please relax today and restore your spirits, everyone." With that said she sat down.

"As for my squad," Adolfo looked at them and they turned to him, "I need you to be in your top form, so take it easy to day as well."

"Oh, Miyafuji and Lynne, you have training after this." Mio quickly spoke.

"Yes, ma'am! Understood!" the girls said in sync.

Yoshika, taking a sip of her tea, slurped making Perrine feel uneasy. She hit her face with the palm of her hand, commenting, "My! How ill-mannered…!"

Hearing this Yoshika quickly stopped, "Huh?"

"Yoshika," Lynne said, trying to get Yoshika's attention. Yoshika looked at her, "You're supposed to drink tea without making a sound." Finally realizing what she did wrong, Yoshika placed her hand over her mouth as she blushed in embarrassment.

Kenny wasn't really into tea time, as well as Yashio. As for Perren, he gladly toke his cup of tea. He closed his eyes, and began to drink it without making a sound. This surprised everyone, never have they seen a boy drank his tea without making a sound. Finally done, Perren noticed almost all eyes were on him.

"What?" he asked.

The morning went by and it was the late evening, and Storm Wizards decided to hang out in the hanger. Carlos decided to do a quick check up on their Jet Strikers, seeing as he was in the hanger. As he got close to his striker, his small animal ears and a tail appeared, and his hand glowed with his magic. Carlos' familiar was a Alasken Klee Kai. As he touched his striker with his hand the female's voice was heard.

"Wizard's magic acquired," it said, "Flight Lieutenant Carlos Bosby, welcome back."

"Hey there Sara," Carlos said, calling the female's voice by its name, "Can you do a full system scan?"

"Affirmative," 'Sara' said. Soon the other strikers turned on, "Running full system scan."

As Carlos was busy with the strikers and everyone else seem to be ok, Adolfo wanted to go to the highest point of the base, but not before having a word with Yasuo. As he got close to Yasuo, who was being talked to by Kazuo, he called out for his attention, "Yasuo," he said. Yasuo turned to his commander, giving him his full attention, "today's your first night duty from the 501st, are you ready?"

Yasuo nodded with a smile, "Hai!"

Adolfo nodded back then left for the highest point. As he continued to walk pass hall to hall, he some arguing, which sounded to be coming from Perrine and Yoshika. Not wanting to miss out he leaned on the wall and listened on their argument.

"You little raccoon dog!" Perrine shouted.

"Little raccoon dog?!" Yoshika shouted back.

"That's right! If you don't like it, then how does 'mongrel' sound?!"

"That's mean! What gives you the right to talk to me that way?!"

Adolfo couldn't hold it any longer, as he wanted to burst out of laughter. Lucky for him he didn't due to Minna approaching him. Before she could ask him why he was stand around, Adolfo placed his finger to his lips, hinting her not to say anything. Still wanting to know what was going on, Minna was about to say something but was stopped by an argument over heard in the bathing room.

"A bumpkin like you, acting so friendly with Major Sakamoto…!" Perrine shouted.

"Bumpkin? I come from the same country as Sakamoto-san, you know." Yoshika said defending herself.

"How many time do I have to tell you?! Call her "Major Sakamoto"!"

"I call her "Sakamoto-san" because she told me!"

Before hell could break loose, Minna decided to end this argument. As she enter the closed curtains, she spoke, "Okay, that's enough," Hearing their commander they stopped arguing, "Fighting is strictly forbidden! Do it again, and your punishment…" she said with a smile. Perrine backed away, trembling, as for Yoshika, she simply looked at Perrine then at her commander. "…will be a week of toilet-cleaning duty!" As she said this, laughter was heard outside, causing Yoshika and Perrine confused, "Are you going to respond?"

"Yes, ma'am!" the girls said in sync.

"Good! Then you're dismissed!"

It was night time, and back at the hanger, Lars, Carlos, Kazuo, and Yasuo were the only ones left inside. The rest of the boys left for their beds. Carlos done with Yasuo's striker looked at him, "Ok, Yasuo 'Sara' is ready for takeoff."

"Hai," Yasuo nodded with a smile, "Arigatō, Carlos-san."

Before getting in his striker, they saw Sanya walking to her striker, getting in, then taking off.

"Guess she's on night duty for the witches?" Carlos wondered.

Kazuo turned to Yasuo, "Are you sure you'll be ok?"

"Hai," Yasuo nodded with a smile, "Nii-san."

Yasuo walked to his striker, got in, and his small animal ears and a tail appeared. Yasuo's familiar was a Kai Kan. As that happened 'Sara's' voice was heard, "Wizard's magic acquired," she said, "Flying Officer Yasuo Yukimaru, welcome back."

"Hello 'Sara'" said Yasuo, "We have night duty, today." Yasuo checked his intercom.

(Yasuo)[Intercoms] "Wing Commander Adolfo Cruz, this is Flying Officer Yasuo Yukimaru, requesting the night sky."

(Adolfo)[Intercoms] "Flying Officer Yasuo Yukimaru, this is Wing Commander Adolfo Cruz, you have the night sky."

(Yasuo)[Intercoms] "Copy. My night sky."

"'Sara'," Yasuo said, "Let's go."

"Systems online," 'Sara' said as three square opened up, showing its mini exhaust, "Hover Mode: Engaged!" As he gained altitude, he tilted forward a bit, and in an instant the squares closed and 'Sara' changed modes, "Flight Mode: Engaged" just as she changed modes, Yasuo toke off.

After a few seconds, Carlos and Kazuo decided to get some sleep. As for Lars he decided to see if his commander was still on the highest point of the base, as he continued to find his way he heard a voice coming from a room just ahead of him, and saw Minna outside in the hall. It was the voice of Barkhorn's and Minna seemed to be talking to her. Not wanting to interrupt with their conversation, he waited outside in the hall, a few feet away from Minna.

"Were you thinking about your sister?" Minna asked, "That wasn't your fault."

This got Lars' attention, 'I wonder, did Barkhorn lose her sister?' Lars thought for a moment, 'She's been in the same situation as my commander…'

"No," Trude said, "Chris wouldn't have been caught up in it if I'd been able to attack the Neurois sooner."

'I guess I was right…'

"You slowed the enemy's invasion and gave the citizens time to evacuate!" Minna shouted.

"It's a fact that I couldn't protect my country!" Trude shouted back.

"You aren't alone when it comes to that." Minna said trying to reason with her.

"Sorry."

"I know! You have plenty of vacation time saved up!" Minna said hoping this could cheer her up, "Why not take some time off for a while? You haven't gone to visit her, right?"

"There's no need!" Trude shouted, "I've given this life to the Witches. The sister that Chris know died on that day. Please let me participate in the next operation!" with that said Trude left the room, walking the opposite direction Lars was at.

Thinking this was an ok time, Lars got closer to Minna, "Is everything ok?" he asked as Minna saw him. "I'd like to know, so I can help anyway I can. If you don't want to, I still know about the three past Karlsland witches of the 501st."

Minna sighed. He was right not only is he from the future, but he's also from Karlsland.

The next day came and everyone tried to do their normal routine. In the hanger, all of 141st hanged out, expect Yasuo, who was sleeping, and Kazuo, who was making sure no one disturbed Yasuo's sleep. All the guys could hear Mio explaining about Yoshika and Lynne's training for today.

Carlos started on his time machine; Alejandro was laying around on the ceiling; Yashio, Kenny and Perren were having a conversation about Perren's tea drinking, which Perren started to get annoyed of; Adolfo laid back against the wall, and Lars stood up straight watching his squad.

After the girls took off, an alarm went off. Adolfo quickly ran to his strikers, got in, and his small animal ears and a tail appeared. "Lars, Yashio, Kenny, Perren! Let's do!"

As the boys ran to their strikers, got in, and their small animal ears and a tails appeared. Lars' familiar was a Alsation; Yashio's familiar was a Shikoku; Kenny's familiar was a Australian Shepherd; Perren's familiar was a Beger des Pyrenees. As that happened 'Sara's' voice was heard, acquiring their magic, calling their respective ranks and name, then greeted them.

"Systems online," 'Sara' said as three square opened up, showing its mini exhaust, "Hover Mode: Engaged!" As they gained altitude, they tilted forward a bit, and in an instant the squares closed and 'Sara' changed modes, "Flight Mode: Engaged" just as she changed modes, they toke off.

As they made their way towards the witches they over heard the Neuroi's location from Mio.

"They've been breaking from their usual attack cycle lately," said Mio, remembering the first time was when they meet the Storm Wizards.

"They've apparently been active in Karlsland, but I don't know the details…" Minna said, flying close to Mio.

"Karlsland?!" Barkhorn wondered.

"What's wrong?" Mio asked.

"No, it's nothing…"

"All, right change of formation! Perrine will be Barkhorn's second, and Miyafuji will come with me."

"As for my squad," Adolfo began "Lars, you're with me! Yashio. Kenny, and Perren, Trio formation! I see that close and long range teamwork!"

"Enemy sighted!" Mio shouted.

"Barkhorn team! Charge!" Mio ordered.

"Roger!" Barkhorn shouted as her team flew towards enemy faster.

"Major! Cover them!"

"Roger! Follow me, Miyafuji!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Move in," Adolfo shouted. "Trio"

"Roger!" the three said in sync as the got closer.

Once close enough, Barkhorn using both her MG42s, began to fire hitting the Neuroi front to back, once done, she flew away, leave Perrine behind. Moving, Mio and Yoshika fired together aim their fire in one area, then take off. Taking this opportunity, Yashio, Kenny, Perren made their move. Perren charged in shooting load of lead, causing the Neuroi roar. Having enough, the Neuroi returned fire towards Perren and Yashio. Yashio quickly raised his shield, protecting both Perren and himself. The Neuroi, not giving an ounce of giving up, charged more laser and focused them to the boys, causing Yashio to be pushed back.

"Rei!" Yashio shouted as his animals ears moved slightly. In that very second his shield grew, surprising the girls, but mostly Mio.

'Is this really my grandson's true magical potential?' Mio asked herself as her eyes widen.

Seeing this, Barkhorn moved in and began to shot the Neuroi. The look on her face showed hatred great hatred. Minna saw this and commented, "Something is wrong!"

"Huh?" Lynne questioned.

"What is it?" Adolfo asked, "Is it the Neuroi?"

"I mean Barkhorn," Minna studied her closely, "She always keeps her second in her field of vision! But she's going off all by herself today!"

Perrine, finally getting close helped Barkhorn, and fired with her. Adolfo saw this too and didn't like it. He turn to Lars, "Lars, give them cover. I know things will go bad if one doesn't watch their second."

"Understood," Lars said as he got closer to Barkhorn and Perrine.

As Adolfo saw Barkhorn and Perrine move away, he turned to Kenny, "Aim there!" he shouted.

"Roger!"

Kenny toke aim then fired with Lynne. The shots caused great damage to the Neuroi, as the Neuroi cried in pain, causing it to shot its laser with everything it had. Its laser were strong causing everyone, but Yashio to be moved back.

"You're staying too close, Barkhorn!" Mio shouted as Yoshika fired back.

The Neuroi fire its laser at Barkhorn, but she dodged them, causing the lasers to hit Perrine's shield. Not being prepared for the hit, she was moved back, and continued as she hit Barkhorn back-to-back. Losing her balance, the Neuroi fired at Barkhorn. She luckily in time was able to bring up her shield, but the laser was able to hit her weapons ammo causing a small explosion, injuring Barkhorn and able to take her out.

(Adolfo)[Intercoms] "Lars!"

(Lars)[Intercoms] "I'm on it!"

"Captain!" Perrine shouted as she flew towards her.

"Barkhorn!" Yoshika shouted as she too flew towards her.

"Damn you!" Mio shouted as she charged towards the Neuroi.

As Barkhorn kept falling, Lars caught up, and held her close. She slowly opened her eyes a bit to see who was it was, and was surprised to see it wasn't one of her squad mates, but another's squad mate. She closed her eyes and then thought, 'Why?'

As she opened her a bit again, she noticed how good looking he was up close, this cause her to slightly blush. Lars seeing her eyes open a bit, he quickly tried to comfort her, "You're going to be ok, just hold on."

As they reach the ground, he gentle placed her on the ground. Yoshika and Perrine soon came down, and Yoshika quickly ran to Barkhorn's side. As she removed her jacket, Perrine commented, "It's my fault! What do we do?!"

"She's bleeding badly!" Yoshika said as her only option was to heal her there, "We can't move her. It'll only make it worse."

"You really know your stuff, Sergeant Miyafuji," Lars said acknowledging, "Then what do you plan on doing?"

"I'll have to tend to her here,"

"Please! Help her!" Perrine said nervously.

"Stay calm. Easy does it… concentrate…," Yoshika told herself. As she began to heal Barkhorn, Yoshika magic potential showed, surprising Lars, 'Such power, that's incredible.'

"You have that kind of power?!" Perrine said, as she too was amazed. She quickly turned to the Neuroi, as she heard its laser coming at them, quickly she raised her shield.

As Yoshika continued to heal Barkhorn, she slowly opened her eyes again in pain.

"I'm going to heal you now!" Yoshika said as she looked into her eyes.

"It's dangerous for you two to stay with me!" Barkhorn shouted back, "Get away from here. Just forget about me. Use your powers on the enemy…!"

As she continued to say these words for some reason Lars felt angrier by second. He didn't know why, but it did.

"No! I will save you! We're on the same team!" Yoshika shouted back, trying to reason with her.

"Beat the enemy… I don't care if my life sacrificed doing that!"

That's when it hit him… it was almost the same, back in the 141st missions together.

Lars was in bad shape, his own blood all over him and his magic was low. He was shot down by a human-shape Dark Neuroi that he destroyed, but in all he didn't care if he was going to die because he knew he already did his part in the mission. He was partnered up with his commander and were to take down two Neurois, so the civilianizes could escape will out being put in any danger. As he lied on the ground, he heard his name being called out by someone. He opened his eyes to see who it was, and it was none other than his commander. He was in the same condition as he was, and by the looks of it, it looked like his commander took out the last Neuroi.

When Adolfo was close enough to Lars, he grabbed his arm, wrapped it around his neck, and held him up with his other arm. Slowly he moved towards any help he could find, but didn't have enough strength to move any further. As they fell, Lars told his commander to leave him and save himself. He was in no condition to be saved, he wouldn't have make it, but his commander could.

"My magic is low," Lars said weakly, "Even if my wounds are treaded, I would die of too much magic lose."

He closed his eyes feeling weaker by the second, just as he was about to lost hope, he feel a bit more energetic. He opened his eyes to see his commander giving him some of his magic. His eyes widen, couldn't believe his commander would do that. Was his commander real in such a hurry to die?

"Commander Adolfo," Lars shouted, "Why did you do that? I don't care if my life is sacrificed!"

"SHUT UP!" Adolfo order, causing Lars to be taken back, "I would never leave you or anyone behind!"

"But," Lars asked, "Why? There's no point in saving me."

"Because," Adolfo started to say weakly, "You're my comrade, my squad mate, my family…" with that said Adolfo fell unconscious.

"You can protect many more people than I can if you live through this!" Yoshika said again trying to reason with Barkhorn.

"I can't. I can't protect everyone…," Barkhorn said, "I can't protect one person… just go. Forget about me."

"Is this really it?" Lars asked her with anger in his voice, "You're going to up, die, and leave that one person behind."

"How did you…?"

"I knew everything," Lars said looking into her eyes, "Her happiness is you, and if you die then so will her happiness. Can you really go and die like that, knowing that she will be sad her whole life, and you can no longer be there to cheer her up?"

"I… can't…,"

"Maybe we can't protect everyone!" Yoshika said not giving up just yet, "But I can't just abandon someone who's hurt. I want to protect as many people as I can. Even if it's just one more person!"

Barkhorn seeing the hope Yoshika had, she finally accepted that maybe there still something she can do. As Yoshika was almost done with treating Barkhorn, more lasers came, and they started to be too much for Perrine to handle.

"Hurry I can't hold on much longer!" she shouted worriedly.

As soon as Yoshika was done, she fell unconscious on Barkhorn. The Neuroi charged full power, hitting Perrine's shield, making her close her eyes. As she was hit by the impact it seemed like she held out. She opened her eyes to see that Perren came to her aid.

"Don't interfere!" Perren shouted at the Neuroi. He then turned to Perrine, "You ok?"

Perrine simple nodded.

Barkhorn opened her eyes, thinking about her sister, quickly got up. Taking Yoshika's gun, she looked back at her than at Yashio, who was getting closer to Yoshika, "Don't worry about her," Yashio said as he held Yoshika, "We'll stay here and make sure that they'll be ok,"

Barkhorn nodded then turned to Lars, as he nodded as well. Looking up she saw the Neuroi's core, and flew at it with great speed, Lars followed next to her. As he look at her, he saw the look in sees changed, 'This time she's fight to protect.'

Passing Minna and Mio, Barkhorn fired with all her might then finally breaking the core. Everyone watched her from afar as she stood there as the bright shards continued falling to the ground. Adolfo turned to Lars, and nodded with a smiled, Lars doing the same commented, "…to protect."

Suddenly Minna flew towards Barkhorn, once close enough, Barkhorn could hear some near her and turned to see Minna, "Minna" she happily, but was soon slapped, stunning everyone, but mostly Barkhorn, as she didn't move.

"What were you thinking?! What would we have done if we lost you, too?!" Minna asked with worriedness in her voice, "We may have lost our homelands and everything else, but we're a team! No, we're family! Everyone in this unit is!"

Trude finally get up was embraced by Minna, "I'm sure your sister, Chris will get better, too! So don't be in a hurry to die! For her and your new comrades! We Witches are the only ones who can protect everyone!" with that said tears formed in Minna's eyes.

"Sorry. I forgot that we're a family…" Trude said understanding, "Can I… Can I have some time off? I think I'll go visit her."

Minna simply nodded as Adolfo, Lars and Mio go closer, "Well said Commander Minna." Adolfo smiled, "I couldn't say that any better then you did."

"Looks like she's finally feeling up to it." Mio said. Trude simply tilted her head with a smile.

Back at the base, late evening came and Lars was felling exhausted. As he sat on his bed he heard a knock on his door, wanting to get some rest, he simply told who was knock to come in. As the person enter his room, he heard the person run at him. Before he could see who it was, a pair of arms wrapped around him, then heard a female's voice, "Squadron Leader Hermann! Wing Commander Adolfo told me how you saved Trude." Turing to the girl's voice, it was none other an Erica Hartmann, this caused him to blush, and stuttered.

"I-I didn't do anything at all," Lars said as he tried to get some distance between them. It seem to be useless, "Sergeant Miyafuji was the one who did all the healing."

"Yea, but if it's wasn't for you catching her. She wouldn't have survived the fall,"

"I guess in a way I did…,"

"Either way I just wanted to say 'Thank you'" with that said she let go of him, then went off to find Yoshika, leave Lars alone in deep a though.

OK! That all forks! Until next time! XD I will try to get the next chapter in. R&R Please!