Strike Witches: Worldwide Liberation
Fuso Arc
Chapter 10: Departure
Yoshika, Mio, and Kye were flying back to the base from Yoshika's final magic treatment. Although Mio already had her final treatment, she went along anyway to sit with
Yoshika and Kye throughout it.
"It really did take an extra sitting for you." Kye said. "You're magic is so powerful. Just wait until you master it. You will surpass me for sure."
"You've had a long time." Yoshika said. "It will take awhile for us to catch up."
"Not as long as you think." Kye said. "I didn't have a teacher when I was learning it."
"We're lucky then." Mio said. "When are we going to start?"
"I'm actually going to wait until we go to Egypt." Kye said. "We'll have plenty of time there, and out in the desert we won't have to worry about collateral damage."
"Why would we have to worry about that?" Mio asked.
"Heh." Kye said. "While learning to control it, energy projection can be a little destructive. I accidentally destroyed a hangar while I was working on the second stage. We were able to recover the strikers inside at least."
"I see." Mio said. Suddenly Mio had trouble staying in the air. She recovered fairly quick.
"Are you okay?" Kye asked.
"Yeah." Mio said. "I'm not sure what that was."
"Hopefully nothing." Kye said. "We should probably have your striker checked out just in case, though."
Minutes later, they arrived back at the base. Mio told the mechanics to check out her striker then followed Kye and Yoshika to dinner.
Everyone was present for dinner today.
"So you just finished your last treatment?" Lynne asked.
"Yeah, we're all done." Yoshika said. "I feel a lot better, too."
"That's good to hear." Minna said. "What about you, Mio?"
"My last treatment was yesterday." Mio said. "I feel like I can fight a million Neuroi."
"I sure hope we don't see that many." Minna said.
"Speaking of Neuroi, I have a question to bring up with all of you." Kye said. "Since we are all gathered, now's the best time. What do you think of leaving earlier for Egypt than previously expected? Originally I was planning for us to stay here in Fuso for another week and a half, but what do you think about leaving at the start of next week?"
"I'm fine with it." Mio said.
"Me as well." Minna said.
The other witches all agreed.
"It's unanimous then." Kye said. "We will leave for Egypt at the start of next week. If there's anything anyone wants here in Fuso before we leave, just let me know. I have an errand to run for now though, I will be back soon."
Kye finished eating and left.
"Se seems serious today." Mio said. "She's usually more laid back than that."
"There may be something on her mind." Minna said.
Kye talked to the mechanics about Mio's striker and found there was nothing wrong. She then went to the command room and turned the radio to a private, secure channel.
"Hello, are you there?" Kye said into the radio.
"Yes, Kye." A male voice said. "How are you?"
"I'm doing well." Kye said. "I've made contact with Yoshika."
"I heard." The voice said. "The news of you reforming the 501st has spread across the world."
"I'm not surprised." Kye said. "I need a favor. Are you familiar with Mio Sakamoto's striker?"
"The N1K5-J Shiden Kai? Yes." He said.
"I need an upgrade made for it." Kye said. "One to handle higher magic similar to mine and Yoshika's. Can that be done?"
"Yes." He said. "I can build the upgrade. When do you want it done?"
"As soon as possible." Kye said.
"I will have it ready in a week." He said. "Where do you want me to send it?"
"To the 31st Joint Fighter Squadron's base." Kye said. "We are heading to Egypt early next week to help them liberate Eygpt."
"It will be done." He said.
"Thanks." Kye said. She turned off the radio and set the radio back to the previous channel.
A few hours later, Yoshika found Kye in her usual place sitting on the edge of the docks.
"You must really like looking out at the sea." Yoshika said.
"I enjoy the serenity." Kye said. "After living in war for so long, this is a nice break."
"How long have you been at war?" Yoshika asked.
"Since the summer after I turned thirteen." Kye said. "I've been in war for fourteen years."
"Wow." Yoshika said. "I was only one year old."
"It's part of the reason I was never around." Kye said. "I want to end this war so families across the world will be able to be together."
"I'm happy having you around now." Yoshika said. "I want to know more about you."
"I will tell you." Kye said. "We'll have plenty of time to sit and talk on the way to Egypt."
"Okay." Yoshika said.
Mio walked up and sat down with them.
"Hey stranger." Kye said.
"Kye, I want to ask you something." Mio said.
"Shoot." Kye said.
"How did you get to your rank so fast?" Mio asked. "Last time I saw you, you were Lieutenant Colonel."
"I got tired of getting ordered around by idiots." Kye said. "I approached the top brass and I told them off. I half expected a court marshal, but instead I was promoted twice. I completely skipped Colonel and went straight to Brigadier General. Apparently they realized how good I am at war strategies. That was when I turned eighteen. Anything else?"
"How did the Joint Fighter Wings get formed?" Yoshika asked.
"The idea first struck during the evacuation of Gallia." Kye said. "I talked to General Dowding and the first wing was formed."
"Which one?" Yoshika asked.
"Ours." Mio answered for her.
"One thing led to another and now we have eight Joint Fighter Wings." Kye said. "This doesn't count the 31st Joint Fighter Squadron, the Storm Witches. They are not under my command."
"If it wasn't for you, I would have never met the other witches." Yoshika said.
Kye put her hand on Yoshika's head. "I'm happy you enjoy being part of the Strike Witches."
"Me too!" Yoshika said.
Over the next few days, the witches took it easy, at least after their morning drills. Some tried to progress toward their ultimates and made a little progress, but nothing substantial.
The departure day arrived and with everyone packed, Yoshika and Kye said goodbye to Sayaka and Yoshiko. The 501st Joint Fighter Wing boarded their carrier and headed for Egypt.