Episode 08
~ Uninvited Guests (First Part) ~
Sakhalin Base in the meantime, one hour after the huge explosion in which occurred at former Oder-Niesse line…
Captain Misae Munakata was once again took another deep breath and sighed in annoyance, as she was having no choice to remain standby as per order from her current commanding officer. It was when her own personal senjutsuki in which being identified as F-15SEJ or Type-02 Gekkou kneeled right in front of the said Sakhalin Base itself, braving the incoming snowstorms in which should be very rare to be happening around this time of year. "Are you feeling unhappy over the decision that our superior officer just made before Munakata-san…? I think we really could only do what we have been ordered to do since there is nothing would change even if we are worrying too much over what was happening an hour ago at Oder-Niesse…" Munakata's aide/ vice captain in which being identified as first lieutenant Touko Kazama made her polite remark, as Munakata herself could only nodded back in agreement while smiled dryly at Touko in which happens to be her long best friend as well.
"Well, I have a feeling they would definitely be able to escape before the said explosion took place…we fought once side by side with them…Zhar battalion…and I should say, their skill and vast experiences shouldn't be taken lightly after all…" as soon as Munakata gave her reply back, Touko was only smiling at her best friend before she shook her head gently and answered back at her best friend's reply just before. "However you were still unable to help yourself from worrying about them…am I right Munakata…" as soon as Touko finished her reply, Munakata was only remain silent for a few moments while she took a quick glance at Touko's very own Type-02 Gekkou senjutsuki in which kneeled not far from her position. It was when Munakata took another deep breath and sighed as she decided to admit on how she was indeed worrying about Zhar battalion as well as everyone's safety along former Oder-Niesse line when the said explosion was happening.
"Misae-chan…Touko-chan…something wrong is going on over here…Kyosuke is currently trying to investigate on what's going on and…" for all the sudden an erratic transmission from Excellen's Gespenst Mk-IV (Mk-II Custom) Weissritter could be heard by both Munakata and Touko in their respective Type-02 Gekkou senjutsuki units before the entire communication went silent for all the sudden. "Second lieutenant Excellen please respond! Second lieutenant Excellen!" Touko tried to contact the sexy Weissritter's pilot without any success, as Munakata was only remain silent. "There is no temporal dimensional fissures being detected around here…but…for some reason, I couldn't help myself from having a very bad feeling about the entire thing that about to be happening…" as soon as Munakata finished her inner monologue, a single massive energy wave followed by huge explosion could be heard echoing across Sakhalin base, creating artificial avalanches across the surrounding area.
"Kazama! Take cover!" Munakata shouted as Touko's own Type-02 Gekkou quickly leaped to the nearest underground bunker in order to avoid being hit by the incoming avalanches. Munakata herself was also doing the same, as she couldn't help herself from smiling alone while deep down inside her heart praising Touko's skill and reflexes in which still as sharp as if not even better ever since the day they fought together in Alternative and Unlimited world. "Munakata, what was that…?" Touko asked, as she tried to scan the entire area without any success meanwhile Munakata herself was carefully inspecting her surrounding area in which displayed in front of her eyes by her fortified suit's retinal projection device.
"I don't know Kazama…although I do hope second lieutenant Excellen and first lieutenant Kyosuke as well as the others were safe and sound…" Munakata was replying back at Touko's question just before although Touko quickly noticed Munakata's worried and grim expression right after she finished her reply. "Don't worry Munakata, we know that second lieutenant Excellen and first lieutenant Kyosuke are somehow a lot more powerful and versatile on dealing with this kind of matter…both of them surely will be fine and I also have strong faith over our Eishi-cadets in which already receiving training from demon instructor Suzumiya herself…" Touko calmly gave her own insight over the entire situation, as her very own reply was definitely intended to cheer up Munakata from worrying too much on what was happening right in front of them.
"I guess you must be right Kazama and I…wait! I see something…nine o'clock from your direction Kazama!" as soon as Munakata finished her warning, Touko quickly followed her best friend's warning and direct her very own Type-02 Gekkou's sensor toward the nine o'clock direction from her location. It was when she saw a lone figure of young woman in medieval samurai armour plates stood on the top of the bunker while staring down at both Munakata and herself. "Who is she and the mask she was wearing…somehow remind me to Ogre from Heian-period fairytale…" Touko made her remark, as she was also referring to the mysterious figure's golden Oni-mask in which kept her face hidden. Munakata on the other hand decided to waste no time on deploying her four Type-87 assault cannons simultaneously and took a very good aim at the mysterious female figure in samurai armour plates and Oni-mask in front of her.
"Be careful Kazama…we don't know about her true intention is…but somehow my guts were telling me, she's the one that was causing the entire explosion and massive energy wave just before!"
Touko was only remain silent as soon as she heard Munakata's second warning although deep down inside her heart, she decided to heed the said warning by deploying her Type-02 Gekkou's Type-74 PB blade as well. It was when for all the sudden without any warning the mysterious female figure in samurai armour plates and Oni-mask unsheathed her own katana blade before leaped toward both Munakata and Touko's Type-02 Gekkou senjutsuki units to begin her assault.
Seattle's airspace in the same time…
"Mami thought we would be getting Shiranui Second, but how come we still piloting our old Fighting Falcon?" the youngest Futami twins; Mami Futami whined as she and the rest of the Mondenkind squadron's idol-Eishi with Yukiho as an exception were ordered to sortie in order to intercept the incoming enemies. "Well, stop your whining Mami and focus on this mission! Remember, we need to ensure the safety of our fans in Seattle as well as many other innocent people here…don't you forget that you said you want to be a hero or heroine of justice before…?" Ritsuko Akizuki finished her scolding from the command centre as she was currently helping the rest of the Mondenkind's idol-Eishi with tactical forecast together with sergeant Kotori Otonashi in which served as command post's operator for the Mondenkind squadron as well.
"I usually would argue back to Rit-chan, but Ami thinks we should focus on this mission since to tell you the truth Mami…Ami really have a bad feeling about this…" in the meantime the older (and often to be more childish) Futami twins; second lieutenant Ami Futami made her remark at her younger twin sister before Mami was only remain silent and reluctantly nodded back in agreement. "Both of you…we will be arriving at the designated point…please be ready for any engagement against enemies forces…some of them are most likely pantheon-class DAMON…don't let your guard down…" this time around second lieutenant Takane Shijou decided to remind both Ami and Mami as well as the rest of her comrades in arm from the Mondenkind squadron to not letting their guard down as she was already deploying a pair of AMWS-21 combat system assault cannons of her own F-16C Fighting Falcon in the same time.
In the meantime, as both Ami and Mami were also readying their respective Fighting Falcons' AMWS-21 combat systems, Haruka, Chihaya, Miki, Hibiki and Makoto already took offensive actions against the incoming pantheon-class DAMONs approximately thirty of them meanwhile Iori and Azusa from Ryuugu Komachi fleet decided to try on doing their best in order to take care the incoming three rhino fort-class DAMONs in which towering almost three size bigger in comparison to their own Fighting Falcon senjutsuki units. "Ohime-chin, where is the local Britannia Union's army? Mami didn't see any of them or don't tell me…" Mami's voice trailed off as her face in the same time paled in horror from guessing the worst possible scenario that could be happening to Britannia Union's regular army.
"We're the only one left Mami Futami-san…since both Wardog squadron and Black Knives squadron were also busy on dealing the incoming enemies on the other side of this city…I shouldn't really say this, but we are indeed in a very deep trouble here…" as soon as Chihaya finished her reply with serious voice tone, both Mami and her eldest twin sister Ami gulped in nervousness while in the same time becoming even more pale than before. "Please don't jinx us like that Chihaya-chan! As long as we try our best…everything will definitely be fine!" Haruka in the meantime was trying to gave her positive encouragement at Chihaya while in the same time smiling at her, although by doing so she definitely laid down her guard for a mere second in which could be proven fatal in the battlefield.
"Haruka! Watch out!" Chihaya screamed in horror meanwhile both Ami and Mami were also shrieked in panic as well. "Harurun! Behind you!" although by the time Haruka came into realization on what was actually happening, a single flying pantheon-class DAMON already arrived right in front of her and ready to gave her a gruesome finishing blow. Haruka couldn't do anything except for closing her eyes while waiting the inevitable; moreover her pair of AMWS-21 combat systems won't be effective in close-combat quarter after all. It was when a violent shriek could be heard echoing across the entire battlefield as for all the sudden the said flying pantheon-class DAMON was shredded into pieces meanwhile its purplish blood and gore splattered all over Haruka Amami's F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki.
"Haruka-san! Are you alright? I'm sorry that I arrive quite late!" a lone F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki could be seen flying toward Haruka's very own F-16C Fighting Falcon as Haruka and everyone else quickly identified the incoming saviour in which just saved Haruka's life. "Yukipyon! What took you so long!" Ami was the first Mondenkind's Eishi that shouted at Yukiho Hagiwara and cried meanwhile the others quickly sighed in relieved after they saw Yukiho's F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki hovering nearby Haruka's very own Fighting Falcon. "Sorry everyone, it really took us quite a while…but now we are here to help you all, don't you also agree Yukiho? Perfy?" Isis Egret in her armour jacket was also made her cheerful apology before announcing that she was ready to help everyone else together with Yukiho.
"Yukiho…Isis…could you hear me, I just received an SOS distress signal from both Black Knives squadron and Wardog squadron on the other side of Seattle's airspace…apparently another new type of DAMON have been sighted there…Iori…could you deal with those two rhino fort-class DAMONs together with Ami and Azusa-san only…?" this time around, Ritsuko decided to contact everyone in order to update them with the current situation.
"It might be difficult Ritsuko…but I try my best! Although in the end, I still feel a bit reluctant to reveal my triumph card this early!" as soon as second lieutenant Iori Minase finished her reply, her very own F-16C Fighting Falcon could bee seen deploying four AMWS-21 combat systems simultaneously, as both Azusa and Ami were also readying their respective armaments in which consisted a pair of AMWS-21 combat systems and shoulder-mounted MGM-140 ATACMS missile launcher container systems in order to support Iori. "Like usual, Minase is always having this kind of unique way while performing her duty as the Mondenkind's storm vanguard…" Isis muttered alone inside her heart while smiling as soon as she saw Iori and the other two Eishi from Ryuugu Komachi fleet waste no time to welcome the incoming rhino fort-class DAMONs in front of them.
"I believe second lieutenant Iori Minase is not the only Eishi that utilizing such combat style when performing her task as storm vanguard…since my record was also showing second lieutenant Bernadette Le Tigre De La Rivière is also deploying the same combat tactic and strategy against her opponents…my friend…" it was when Isis' device Perfume Glove made her comment while in the same time gave her beloved partner/ master a reminder over Iori Minase's combat style was somehow indeed identical to Bernadette Le Tigre De La Rivière's very own combat style as well. "Ah, that palmtop tiger from Alternative and Unlimited world's French-Canadian Alliance, I should have remember her as if I remember correctly Minase always want to challenge her in order to find out who is really the stronger one among the two of them…" as soon as Isis finished her reply, Perfume Glove quickly beeping back in affirmative meanwhile Isis herself was only grinning as soon as she saw her beloved device's reaction.
Soon Isis as well as the rest of the Mondenkind squadron with the exception Ryuugu Komachi fleet decided to leave in order to assist the beleaguered Black Knives squadron and Wardog squadron on the opposite side not far from their location. It was around that time when second lieutenant Chihaya Kisaragi decided to contact her best friend first lieutenant Haruka Amami by using private channel. "Haruka, are you alright…?" Chihaya calmly asked, as Haruka could see her best friend's concerned look on the small communication screen portrait in which located on the top right corner of the main screen that was also displayed directly on her eyes by retinal projection device installed in her fortified suit. "I'm fine Chihaya-chan…it just…I might be pretty shaken up from…from what was just happening before…" Haruka tried to hide her fear as she was smiling when she gave Chihaya her reply, albeit her trembled voice somehow betray her intention in the end.
"I understand Haruka…as even a slight error from our end would definitely proven to be fatal for us…Eishi, although I hope you're not forgetting that in the very end you're still here and alive…something that you definitely need to be thankful for as well as cherish dearly…am I right…?" as soon as Chihaya finished her reply, Haruka could only nodded timidly and weakly at her best friend as somehow after the rush of adrenaline began to subsided, she felt a bit too weak to even flying her F-16C Fighting Falcon in formation without activating semi-auto pilot feature of the said senjutsuki itself. Chihaya on the other hand was only remain silent for a moment before she took another deep breath and decided to ask something else to Haruka. It was one certain question that might be related to what was just happening before, as Chihaya knew fully on how her best friend somehow remembered the incident in which happening back then during their stay in Alternative and Unlimited world, to be exact during the fateful day of Operation 21st to pacify Sadogashima Hive.
"Haruka…are you still blaming yourself over what was happening back then…I mean over what was happened to ensign Yuutarou Takagi…?" as soon as Chihaya finished her question, Haruka's expression somehow stiffed and paled, as her entire body started to tremble meanwhile Chihaya herself was also starting to regret her decision to ask Haruka the said question in which would definitely causing her best friend to remember the old wound and painful memories back. "I…I'm sorry Chihaya-chan…I couldn't answer that…I'm sorry…really…sorry…" Haruka finished her reply with trembling voice, as Chihaya noticed streak of tear started to roll from her best friend's eyes.
"Hey, Haruka! What's wrong? Both Chihaya and yourself were remain silent for the entire time?" it was when Makoto Kikuchi's voice could be heard booming through the open-channel communication, as Chihaya quickly gave her reply back in order to prevent the tomboy idol-Eishi as well as the rest of Mondenkind squadron's Eishi and Isis Egret to find out over what was currently happening to Haruka. "Haruka is fine Kikuchi-san…although I will try to make sure about it…would you and everyone else to go ahead, as we will try to catch up with you all as soon as possible…?" Chihaya finished her reply, as she was somehow trying her very best to give Makoto reassuring expression that everything is definitely fine. Makoto was only remain silent for a moment, as she tried to study Chihaya's expression carefully although in the end she decided it might be for the best to heed Chihaya's suggestion after all.
"Makoto-kun…is anything wrong over there…?" Yukiho asked with her soft-spoken voice tone like usual. It was when Makoto was only grinned back at her best friend before answering at the said question just before as well. "Nothing wrong here Yukiho, now shall we get going then? Since Haruka and Chihaya will definitely catching up with us soon!" Makoto quickly gave her reply at the concerned Yukiho before half-forcing her best friend and everyone else to left both Haruka and Chihaya behind. It was when Makoto saw Chihaya's smiling face of gratitude before she was also somehow could understand on what her vice-squadron leader tried to express.
"Thank you very much Kikuchi-san…I owe you one…this time…"
It was after everyone else in which also include Isis Egret left, Chihaya's Fighting Falcon senjutsuki helped Haruka's very own Fighting Falcon to land on the nearby coastal beach area since the legendary songstress-Eishi of 765-Pro/ the Mondenkind was somehow realizing the danger for remain airborne and hovering on the same spot without any preparation for evasive manoeuvring from incoming enemies' assaults. It was when after taking first lieutenant Haruka Amami's emotion and mental condition into consideration, second lieutenant Chihaya Kisaragi decided to forgo any plan to catching up with everyone else and return to the battlefield at anytime soon since it would definitely be wiser for Chihaya herself to accompany her best friend and trying to keep on talking to her in order to try to cheer her up.
"Chihaya-chan…director Takagi…I don't think he would ever forgive me for what happened back then…again, even though now I am…here…as an Eishi…I only becoming burden for everyone…" Haruka sobbed, as Chihaya decided to remain silent and became a good listener instead. It was definitely very rare for someone like Haruka to cry like that since it was only second lieutenant Yukiho Hagiwara that usually prone to cry even to the slightest bad or sad thing after all. However Chihaya was somehow completely understand the feeling of guilt and sorrow within her best friend's heart for unable to protect someone that she previously promised to protect. Moreover Haruka somehow always blamed herself for the said incident in which happened due to the fact she let her guard down for just a slightest moment within the heated battlefield. It was when Chihaya started to remember the exact painful memories as well, as even though she never really showed everyone, she felt equally saddened and guilty for what was happening back then.
Flashback on Operation 21st in Alternative/ Unlimited world in order to pacify Sadogashima Hive…
Three hours after the said operation itself started, everything seemed to work smoothly according to the mission plan drafted by ZEUTH's tactical forecasters in prior. Even though the higher-up of Alternative/ Unlimited world's UN and Empire of Japan previously quite sceptical over the mission plan, the fact ZEUTH's arrival in Alternative/ Unlimited world with its armies of different humanoid combat machines from various different dimensions out there as well definitely boosting the chance of victory and morale for Alternative/ Unlimited world's Eishi as well as soldiers in which previously already tired and almost giving up due to the constant defeat they were suffered from BETA's onslaught.
It was when the Mondenkind squadron together with Empire of Japan's 133rd Regiment of Whiskey Unit, as well as Special Duty Section 6's Aggressor squadron began to mount assault in order to buy more time for A-01's Valkyrie squadron as well as expeditionary foreign legion of Cerberus Battalion on moving closer to Sadogashima Hive. In the end however, even with additional firepower from Steel-Dragon Battalion's Octopus squadron and SRX Team, advancing through Old Takatsuka area while defending their position in the same time proven to be quite a demanding task, even for the miracle aces such as idol-Eishi from the Mondenkind squadron themselves. It was when as soon as they reached Ryotsu Bay area, members of the Mondenkind squadron, 133rd Regiment of Whiskey Unit, Special Duty Section 6's Aggressor squadron and Steel-Dragon Battalion's Octopus squadron as well as SRX Team realized over how the entire situation have gone from bad to worse.
"Hyiiii! They're literally crawling from everywhere!" Ami shrieked in panic as she quickly emptied her F-16C Fighting Falcon's WS-16 assault cannons meanwhile both second lieutenant Iori Minase and second lieutenant Azusa Miura quickly made a very decisive move to support the panicked second lieutenant Ami Futami by engaging the incoming grappler-class BETAs and tank-class BETAs using storm vanguard vocation tactic. "Ami-chan, please don't panic and calm yourself down…conserve ammunitions since we don't know when we would be receiving additional supply…" Azusa tried to calm the panicked Ami meanwhile Iori could only gritting her teeth as she dispatched the incoming BETAs by using four WS-16 assault cannons simultaneously.
"Shit! This kind of situation is far worse from when we were dealing with those Einst creatures!" first lieutenant Katina from Octopus squadron cursed, as her RPT-005 Wildschwein M cleaved the incoming grappler-class BETA by using her Personal Trooper's plasma beam sword. "Couldn't be even worse than what it already have been…that's what I first thought…although after seeing this kind of reality, I started to understand the hardship and ordeal in which everyone include those Eishi need to shoulder…" second lieutenant Leona Garstein made her remark in order to answer her squadron leader with the usual cold voice tone before she took down the incoming hordes of tank-class BETAs by using Siegerlion's blade-railguns.
"Usually, in this kind of situation I would love to joke around with Leona-chan…but we're really in the deep shit here!" Task Shinguji; Leona's boyfriend made his remark as well as his towering Giganscudo Duro started to activate its anti-beam barrier in order to shield the entire allied units from the incoming bombardment of laser and heavy laser-class BETAs. "Captain Takamachi…how's the situation on the other side…do you manage to contact Lightning squadron and A-01's Valkyries in the end…?" this time around, second lieutenant Chihaya Kisaragi decided to ask the legendary Ace of Aces from Time-Space Administration Bureau about any possible new development that could occur for every second in this kind of hectic battlefield. However even the usually positive and cheerful Nanoha could only shook her head with grim expression on her face as well before Chihaya realized on how they were already isolated from their allies and any possible way to communicate with them somehow failed to function properly as well. In the same time Chihaya could only letting out a heavy sigh as soon as she realized on how Nanoha's almighty AEC armament Fortress already reduced into a single Fortress Shield Large.
"Nya, ha, ha, ha, ha…I think I totally messed up this time Chihaya-chan…gomen ne…" it was when Nanoha tried to laugh in order to lighten the whole grim situation although Chihaya herself realized on how things definitely began to turn sour to not only themselves but their scattered allies as well. "Tsche! You should just leave it raw instead of trying to sugar-coat it Nanoha…we still need to deal with these sick creatures after all!" it was when first lieutenant Vita Yagami decided to made her remark, as she discard her already damaged AEC armament War Hammer in order to wield her AEC armament Strike Cannon with both of her hands instead. "Sorry, Vita-chan…I just tried to lighten the mood here…you're right, we need to deal with these BETA creatures first…and Chihaya-chan, please don't give up…since we might be able…no, definitely will be able to pull ourselves out from this grim situation together!" with Nanoha finally found her resolve to keep on fighting against any odds in front of her, Chihaya decided to do the same as well as she was smiling back at Nanoha and nodded in agreement as well.
"My master…another brigade size of these BETA creatures are approaching from six o'clock direction…please be ready for another long battle of attrition…"
As soon as Raising Heart in which decided to remain on standby mode and took a shape of necklace pendant around Nanoha's neck gave her a warning over the incoming BETA reinforcements, Nanoha decided to wield her Strike Cannon as close-quarter combat melee halberd lance on her left hand (Nanoha was left-handed after all) while using her Fortress Shield Large as a tower shield by wielding it on her right hand. In the meantime both Vita and Chihaya were also readying themselves for another long and tedious battle against the encroaching BETA hordes. In the end, Chihaya remembered on how even when supposedly legendary individuals such as instructor Nanoha Takamachi as well as the Ace Enforcer Fate Testarossa Harlaown began to be pushed back by BETA relentless assault.
It was when Steel-Dragon Battalion decided to pull out their triumph card earlier by authorizing pattern OOC (Only-One-Crash) to SRX Team in order to form SRX-00 unit and decimate the incoming BETAs with a single massive firepower together with A-01's very own triumph card XG-70b Susanoo II units piloted by Sumika Kagami herself. Unfortunately, as soon as both SRX and XG-70b Susanoo II manage to temporarily halt BETA hordes' advance, another even larger amount of BETA hordes reinforcements followed by sixty fort-class BETAs began to emerge from Sadogashima Hive, answering Chihaya's previous question over what was happening to some of her other allies. It was when Chihaya as well as the rest of the Mondenkind squadron's idol-Eishi began to realize the true horror that were being unleashed by BETA toward Alternative/ Unlimited world as even a smallest and simplest miscalculation could be proven fatal, especially when their supposedly expert tactical forecasters failed to predict sudden change on BETA's behaviour pattern that would previously never occurring.
"So…that's what happened Fate-chan…I'm sorry to hear that, but we need to try to buy as much time as we could while retreating…" as soon as Nanoha manage to establish contact with her dearest fiancé; Enforcer Fate Testarossa Harlaown, she decided to keep her promise to update everyone else with any new information as soon as the said information available regardless on how the said information might only hasten the process of decimating everyone's morale in which already started to crumble. "Chihaya-chan…everyone…we will begin the process to retreat at designated point 07-05-04 and 02…as it would be impossible to continue this mission plan without assistances from Sauber, Ghost, Lezard, January and November battalions from within the Hive itself…" as soon as Nanoha finished her instruction, the young ensign Yuutarou Takagi decided to ask the legendary Time-Space Administration Bureau's Ace of Aces herself about being more specific over what was actually happening within Sadogashima Hive after all. It was when Chihaya wished that she would never heard the said conversation between Yuutarou and Nanoha from her own F-16C Fighting Falcon's open communication channel nor Nanoha's very own answer that came after Yuutarou finished his question.
"Yuutarou-kun…we all fear the worst have already happened to those Orbital Divers…since we failed to establish any contact with them as well as no one emerged from the Hive stratum gates within the designated time…I'm sorry but they were all most likely…killed in actions…" it was a very harsh reality, as Chihaya as well as everyone else went pale as soon as they heard Nanoha's answer just before. Yuutarou in the meantime was only screamed in frustration before he repeatedly slamming his fists on the control panel of his Type-77 Gekishin senjutsuki meanwhile everyone else could only remain silent unfortunately. Chihaya remembered on how the Futami twins, Iori, Yayoi and Yukiho were crying meanwhile the supposedly tougher idol-Eishi such as Makoto and Hibiki went totally aghast with Hibiki herself fought very hard to keep her tear away from coming out. In the meantime even though Takane, Miki, and Azusa were only remain silent; Chihaya definitely certain over the fact they would also equally saddened after hearing such disheartening information from Nanoha herself.
"I'm sorry Yuutarou-kun…Chihaya-chan and everyone…but we need to get going, or else it would be too late for us to regroup and recommence this operation…" it was when as soon as Nanoha finished her reminder, Katina quickly shot an angry glare at the legendary TSAB's Ace of Aces in front of her before shouting soon afterward. "Damn it Takamachi! Give them a moment for mourning, you heartless demon!" Katina finished her shout in anger as frustration as she was also in the same time as equally saddened over the revelation as well. Nanoha however seems remain unfazed as she was only stared back at Katina's Wildschwein M unit with equally sad and disappointed expression displayed on her face before she finally gave her reply. "We need to keep on moving lieutenant Katina, or their sacrifices would be left in vain…if by instructing my friends to their safety would somehow make me into a heartless demon…I would rather be the one then…" Nanoha finished her reply.
Chihaya could vividly remembered over what was actually happening soon afterward. Even after 16th Honour Guard Battalion and 19th Independent Royal Guard reinforced them, both defense and offensive line started to fall apart. "Everything…is somehow really went downhill after the cancellation of XFJ Plan after Yukon Incident, as A-01 and White Fang squadrons were recalled back to the Empire of Japan's mainland and stationed within the newly established Yokohama Base…even though Project Prominence still exist now under Time-Space Administration Bureau's banner…nothing have change in the end…" Chihaya muttered alone inside her heart, as she together with Haruka and Miki started to clear the escape route for everyone else by emptying the remaining 36mm and 120mm ammunition shells of their respective WS-16 assault cannons.
"Chihaya-chan…in this kind of situation, have you ever feel wondering…if only acting lieutenant-san is here with us…our situation might be improved slightly…" Haruka decided to contact Chihaya via private communication channel of her F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki meanwhile the legendary songstress-Eishi of the Mondenkind squadron was only shook her head before replying back at Haruka's enquiry statement just before. "I doubt it would make any differences Haruka…since acting lieutenant Takamachi alone would never be able to change the tide of war all by himself…moreover almost the entire members of Special Duty Section 6 with the exception of Enforcer Teana Lanster, Enforcer aide Shario Finieno, cadet Thoma Avenir, Lily-Strosek and Isis Egret as well as sergeant major Reinforce Eins and acting lieutenant Takamachi himself were currently here with us…so, indeed the very best decision we all could come up now is to retreat, regroup and make our decision whether we want to continue this operation or abandon it…" as soon as Chihaya finished her reply, Haruka was only nodded back solemnly in agreement.
"Indeed…even acting lieutenant Takamachi is having a very rough time on the other side of the world after such large-scale terrorist incident took place in Yukon Base…moreover the aftermath somehow made the entire thing went downhill, as the last information I heard about him is on how he together with Enforcer Lanster, Enforcer aide Finieno, cadet Thoma Avenir, Lily-Strosek, and Isis Egret as well as second lieutenant Yuuya Bridges went missing after abducting…I mean rescuing the Scarlet Twins…" as soon as Chihaya finished from adding another additional information on her following up explanation, Haruka was started to wonder if BETA somehow happens to be the only threat for humanity in this Alternative/ Unlimited world after all. It was when Haruka received another private transmission, as this time around came from ensign Yuutarou Takagi that was also part of the Mondenkind squadron albeit never being involved in blue flag exercise back in Alaska's Yukon Base due to some complicated circumstances.
"Haruka-san…do you think that we all could escape from this kind of hopeless situation after all…? Are we all will be alright in the end after all…?" Yuutarou asked with slightly shaken voice, as Haruka definitely understand over the fact none of them ever fought in a real war of attrition, as the bloodiest engagement Haruka herself together with the rest of the Mondenkind squadron's idol-Eishi have ever done was when they fought against the terrorist forces during Yukon Incident approximately two months a go. "I'm sorry…I couldn't answer your question Yuutarou-san…however, I could promise you one thing…no matter what would happen from now on…I will definitely protect you until we all return to our world…ne…" as soon as Haruka finished her answer, she was trying to gave Yuutarou a reassuring smile meanwhile Yuutarou himself somehow started to calm down for a little bit and smiling back at Haruka in return.
End of the flashback, on the present time…
"Haruka…you shouldn't blame yourself for what was happening back then…since I believe ensign Takagi would never want you to do so…" Chihaya muttered alone inside her heart, as she remembered clearly on how a single fort-class BETA was appearing for all the sudden in front the retreating forces, or to be exact right in front of Haruka and Yuutarou back then. It was also when the panicked Haruka unable to fight back as Yuutarou shielded the incoming attack from the said fort-class by taking the killing blow himself. It was when Chihaya gritted her teeth in frustration and anger as she realized on how she was still unable to do anything to help her best friend to overcome or at the very least easing her pain. She could only stood there back then, frozen in fear after she saw the crippled Type-77 Gekishin in metallic cobalt blue UN colour scheme that was previously piloted by Yuutarou Takagi; the very grandson of Haruka as well herself and everyone else's director back in their own world. Haruka screamed and wailing in anguish, as again Chihaya could only stood motionless, unable to do anything.
"I…if only I could react a bit faster and not to get distracted by my own personal thought…but now, let me at least do something to protect you…" Chihaya closed her eyes for a moment before she later on turned her attention swiftly at the incoming pantheon-class DAMONs in front of her. It was when her very own F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki stood between Haruka's immobile Fighting Falcon senjutsuki and the incoming DAMON hordes, as Chihaya readying her pair of AMWS-21 combat systems while in the same time readying herself to expend the last remaining ammunition she had left with her. It might be the only thing she could do at the moment to made an amend over her failure to protect both Haruka and Yuutarou back then, although Chihaya realized fully deep down inside her heart over the fact she could only accomplish a little to almost nothing with her current state of her own Fighting Falcon senjutsuki as well as her own self.
"Haruka…at least let me try to protect you this time instead…in return to everything that you have done to me, since in the end you are like a family for me…so…please stay alive…"
However before Chihaya could ever begin her diversionary assault, a single humanoid fighting machine was flying toward her position in incredible high-speed manoeuvring that could even rival Type-04 Shiranui Second's very own maximum manoeuvring flying speed. It was when the said humanoid fighting machine quickly deployed its main armament in which happens to be the very same Jötunheimr Carver combat system before starting to rain the pantheon-class DAMON hordes with massive amount of metal and plasma energy projectile hails simultaneously. "Is that…acting lieutenant Takamachi's Gespenst Haken…? No, the colour is a darker version of metallic cobalt blue ESUN paintjob instead of metallic ebony colour of Gespenst Haken as far as I could remember…and it is also sleeker compare to Gespenst Haken itself…" as Chihaya could only stared in awe, the said mysterious humanoid fighting machine landed right in front of Chihaya as its pilot decided to establish contact to the legendary songstress-Eishi of the Mondenkind squadron herself.
"It has been a long time second lieutenant Kisaragi…how is the situation here?" it was when Chihaya finally could take a long deep breath and sighed in relieve as soon as she realized the identity of the mysterious humanoid fighting machine's pilot in front of her. "Indeed it has been quite a while acting lieutenant Takamachi…although I never expect you to be here, moreover piloting an unregistered new unit…" as soon as Chihaya finished her reply and greeting, Ave was only smiling back in return before answering her question afterward. "We have important meeting to attend here and in the same time I also happen to try to gather more valuable combat data for this new RPT-007S Gesterben myself while Gespenst Haken is still currently undergoing heavy maintenance and extensive upgrade back in Mid…by the way, I don't think it would be a good time for casual conversation like this…behind you…is that second lieutenant Amami…?" as soon as Ave finished his answer, he quickly asked Chihaya to update him with the current situation in front of them, as Chihaya was only remain silent for a while before she gave her reply in which happens to be something that Ave never look forward to hear.
"Yes, it is Haruka…although unfortunately acting lieutenant Takamachi…her post-traumatic syndrome disorder seems returning back…" as soon as second lieutenant Chihaya Kisaragi finished her answer, Ave was only remain silent for a while before he decided to ask Reinforce Eins a favour. "Reinforce…could you bypass the security lock on Amami's Fighting Falcon? If you could do that…please activate the suggestive hypnosis program that I would be uploading to her senjutsuki's main OS now…and also, after second lieutenant Kisaragi retrieve her to the safety, I will be controlling her Fighting Falcon via slave mode…" as soon as Ave finished her instructed, Reinforce Eins quickly nodded back in affirmative before her tiny hologram appearance disappeared instantly from the said young Enforcer's eyes. It was when Ave returned his attention back to Chihaya before he gave the legendary songstress-Eishi of 765-Pro his instruction as well.
"Second lieutenant Kisaragi, as soon as Reinforce disable the safety lock of Amami's Fighting Falcon, I want you to retrieve her and retreat to Wolfram…I already inform commander Yagami in advance over your would be emergency arrival as Special Duty Section 6's medical team will be ready to take care Amami for emergency medical treatment…" as soon as Ave finished his instruction, Chihaya quickly asked the older young Enforcer back as she was in reality feel totally disagree for leaving him alone in the battlefield. "I couldn't do that acting lieutenant Takamachi…aside from retrieving Haruka, but leaving you alone here would be a suicide and I don't think Haruka would be happy if she heard that later…" before Chihaya could finish her reply/ argument, Ave quickly gave her a serious look from his stare and answering back with an answer in which Chihaya totally hate to hear.
"I'm sorry second lieutenant Chihaya Kisaragi…but this is not only a mere request…this is an order…"
Chihaya could only grit her teeth in frustration before she reluctantly nodded back at Ave and saluted. It was also when Reinforce Eins finished from disabling Haruka's Fighting Falcon's safety lock and ejecting its cockpit block automatically. "Meister Ave…is your decision is somehow for the best…" Reinforce Eins started to question Ave's decision, as the said young Enforcer himself could only took another deep breath and sighed before smiling at his faithful Unison Device (Unity Knight) in front of him. "Not something that I would love to say or do, however in this kind of situation…I believe this decision would be the best in which I could come up with…" as soon as Ave finished his reply, Reinforce Eins was only remain silent and closing her eyes for a few seconds before in the end gave her answer back to her beloved surrogate Lord in front of her.
"Regardless to any decision that you choose…I will always be on your side to support you meister Ave…now, it seems second lieutenant Chihaya Kisaragi have just finished from extracting second lieutenant Haruka Amami…" Reinforce gave her answer back at the young Enforcer in front of her while in the same time smiling gently at him like always as well. It was when Ave nodded back before he gave his reply back at Reinforce Eins. "It seems the suggestive hypnosis program is working perfectly fine to calm Amami down from her current unstable emotional mental state…Reinforce, could you begin the procedure to bypass and uninstall Amami's Fighting Falcon's main XM3 Operating System and replace it by installing the update version of TC-OS ver.7.02 so I could control it on slave mode via my Gesterben unit…?" Ave asked in his reply before Reinforce Eins quickly answering back to her surrogate Lord's reply/ question just before.
"It will take three to five minutes…would such time frame be sufficient for you meister Ave…?" as soon as Reinforce Eins finished her enquiry, the young Enforcer Ave J.C Takamachi was only smiling back at his faithful Unison Device before he in the end nodded back in affirmative as well.
"It won't be as easy as controlling both Nacht and Abend since those two were possessing sentient Artificial Intelligences…however, I don't think I would find any problem on controlling Amami's Fighting Falcon as well…since I am also definitely stronger than that day…the day when I realize my own limitation…" as soon as Ave finished his own inner monologue, both of his retina colour starting to change from dark emerald green crystal into platinum rainbow spectrum colour, as he started to control the interface of Amami's Fighting Falcon in its slave mode directly. In the meantime Reinforce Eins was only remain silent as she finished the installation process for TC-OS ver.7.02 on Amami's Fighting Falcon, as she was only smiling and muttered alone inside her heart.
"So in the end…meister Ave is also becoming Innovator after his involvement in many different cases, incidents and adventures across countless different timeline and possibilities out there…meister Hayate, please don't worry since meister Ave is definitely becoming stronger…far stronger than before…even though he might not even realize it himself…as for me…I will always be on his side to help, assist and support him…since meister Ave is also an important person for me as well…" as soon as Reinforce Eins finished her inner monologue, she stared at the young Enforcer in front of her before her deep crystal burgundy eyes met with Ave's eyes. "Is there anything wrong Reinforce…?" the young Enforcer asked, as Reinforce Eins gently shook her head before answering his question afterward.
"Everything is fine meister Ave…please don't worry about anything at the moment since I will be helping you by using my very best capability…in the meantime, please just focus yourself on the incoming enemies in which would be arriving in around three minutes from six o'clock direction…" as soon as Reinforce Eins finished her answer, Ave's Personal Trooper RPT-007S Gesterben's sensor started to give him warning signals over the incoming six rhino fort-class DAMONs. "Thanks Reinforce! Now, shall we give them a red carpet welcome then?" as soon as Ave finished his reply, he was quickly positioning Amami's F-16C Fighting Falcon on the right side from his Gesterben, as the said Fighting Falcon senjutsuki itself starting to arm itself with a pair of AMWS-21 combat systems in order to provide Ave and Reinforce Eins with significant additional support fire. It was when Reinforce Eins decided to give her beloved surrogate Lord another reminder.
"Unlike Gespenst Haken…Gesterben is just a streamlined model based from the aforementioned Personal Trooper unit just before…because of that please don't act carelessly meister Ave, since we don't have enough data to determine whether Gesterben's Zol Orihalconium and E-Carbon composite armour plates could withstand the same amount of damage as Gespenst Haken itself…so again…please be careful…" as soon as Reinforce Eins finished her reminder, the young Enforcer Ave J.C Takamachi himself was only smiling back at his beloved Unison Device before he answered back at her question just before. "Please don't worry Reinforce, since I would be using Gesterben according to how it mean to be used on fighting against its enemies…and I won't be careless like how I fought those terrorists and BETA creatures back in Alternative and Unlimited world…" Ave finished his answer as in the same time he was also smiling at Reinforce Eins in order to reassure his beloved Unison Device that he would be more careful in his upcoming fight.
"I always believe in you meister Ave, and because of that…I will be doing my best to close the performance gap between Gesterben and Gespenst Haken in order to ensure you can fight to the fullest of your fighting capabilities as well in the end…" as soon as Reinforce Eins finished her reply, Ave was only laughed before he grinned at Reinforce Eins in which currently having an appearance as tiny hologram version of her similar on how she would be seen when she was performing Unison-in with her former dearest Lord; meister Hayate Yagami herself. "Gesterben isn't weaker when you compare it to Gespenst Haken…since it just merely a streamlined version of Gespenst Haken itself with an emphasize to high-speed long, middle and close quarter combat altogether…similar to any multirole senjutsuki such as the original Type-94 Shiranui or JAS-39 Gripen…so, everything will definitely be fine since we're going to prove it now…don't you agree Reinforce…?" as soon as Ave finished his reply this time around, he quickly deploy his Gesterben's Jötunheimr Carver together with its mounted carver blade was being activated in the same time as well.
"I do agree with you meister Ave…although we better talk about it later since those enemies are finally here…" as soon as Reinforce Eins finished her reminder, Ave quickly nodded back in affirmative at his beloved Unison Device in front of him before his Personal Trooper RPT-007S Gesterben unit started to open fire toward the incoming six rhino fort-class DAMONs in front of them.
To Be Continued…