Has anyone noticed how long I was gone? Damn… Doing accounting classes and assignments is worth it! Wow… I'm aiming to build an accounting software starting next year cause it's really freakin freakin awesome! :D :D Next to that, maybe I'd go on software developing my whole life while I write a lot of stuff. Remember, this anime geek never stops on this BS. Ha-ha…
Anyway… ANSWERING REVIEWS ONCE AGAIN!
To this Guest from previous canon Chapter: Thank goodness you've been seeing the out-of-proportion problem. Thanks for your support and keep reading! People, please follow follow follow…
To Gamerman22: You're right. It's Xala. And as for your request… WAIT for the PART II please of this chapter. Got some stuff that's of first interest that needs to be taken attention first.
To Yandere-chan: Whoa, whoa… Tyler's off limits, Yandere-chan. I've seen your acts. Ha-ha… And of course… I'll keep him well equipped for scenes. You'll enjoy it.
To Motown Scrapper: Yup… kids… stay away. Mr. Motown, that's why there's a Mature rating put for the fiction. ;) But… if kids read this by accident… Well… OH WELL! Ha-ha…
To SWfan and Pina Co Lada: Yup… There's little reference coming from Futanari Lucy from the bonus chapter. And… Pina, your guess is right. ;) You'll see a short scene here, but Xala's gonna have a short role in the chapter. Stay tuned to see more of her at Part II…
Okay… That's it! Now it's on to the next chapter. HOT SCENE ALERT! I've just known yesterday that Ecchi is actually the letter H… Goodness, I'm an idiot for 2 years after knowing the term but not the definition… OH WELL! :D :D
Enjoy, folks!
CHAPTER 16
"The northern territory (part 1)"
No matter how many lives could be saved or taken away, all we could hope is see the best is done. Audrey once told me that. And it's only a matter of time we're all tested to our core once we're at our best and maintaining it. I was forced to go Berserk and destroy whoever killed her. It's the same with someone going mad and being assuming he could do everything to solve his unbearable problem with desperation, anger, and a lot of displeasure in his heart. In the end, everything just lies in our hands. I do well to remember that. So I tell you: a lot of bad moments will test you. Either you find the strength to go on, or collapse and give up. It's not the end of the world. It may be of yours, but not everyone is dead. As long as you keep trying until you die, you do so. ~ Ember Vermilion, who was still a major in her world while teaching a subordinate the perks of being a hybrid in a harsh way while she gives advice.
That night in the infirmary... Ember's eyes were wide open, while accompanied by Vera. The hybrid was sitting on her bed while her right shoulder was still bandaged that night. She couldn't believe the very one who just showed up to make things better. Her emotion was then accompanied by a smile. "I figure you could have been left behind but..." She stopped while her smile slowly faded and a tear fell from her left eye. "How?"
The Neuroi humanoid as the figure Ember saw approached Ember and stopped just beside the bed. She was looking like a female, and Ember already has the idea it was none other than Xala who stepped in that infirmary. "How are you doing, Ember?"
"Fine, thanks to you."
"Not just now, Ember. You arrived in this world too?"
"The same way you might have, I guess."
"I doubt it. I wasn't reincarnated. I immediately took the consciousness of another... A defector."
"Of course... They told me in this world you lost your position and defected. Can you tell me why?"
"Simply... It's because of the way the Neuroi have been acting under the Neuroi King. They can make quite the force not to be reckoned with and the King is set on destroying this planet after we lose. Although, I don't have all his plans, so don't put it all on me."
"Sure. I'll... I'll keep that in mind. Xala... How are you? You remember how you got in this world? You took the consciousness of the defector here, right?"
"And our minds have been made into one. I understand how I got here. However... The cause of why I was brought here from our world is unknown."
"Memory problems, huh? Kinda rings well. It's okay."
"You too, huh?"
"Yeah, Xala."
Vera sighed. "It seems the two of you know each other."
"Yup. We're old friends," Ember replied.
"Oh." Xala seemed to still wonder about something. "I remember you told me that, I'm not capable."
"Say what?"
"You heard me," Xala said before glancing away in irritation.
"Look... I was just pissed off that time, okay? Someone died that day, and I'm sorry if I shouted at you," Ember explained. "I wasn't myself."
"Oh." Xala glanced back at Ember with a laugh. "There you go again with how you apologize."
"Lay off, will ya?"
Xala chuckled. "I know, I know. You didn't mean it."
"What the hell was that for then? Sheesh." Ember rolled her eyes and glanced away while irritated. "It's nice seeing you, but you're honestly kind of a jerk now."
"Relax. I'm not here to just keep you irritated, Ember."
"Well, what's up then?"
"What's up is why I'm here, Ember. You see, I was one of the former blade specialists for the Red Neuroi forces made for the king. I was also a field general."
"No surprise there."
"Anyway, I was looking around and I discovered there were pods just outside of Earth, in outer space."
"Yeah... So?"
"I relayed this information to the Queen, the currently designated Blue Neuroi ruler. You see, the consciousness from this body before I arrived to unite, was already thinking of defecting after the plans of the Neuroi King were making a bit of a problem. Honestly, I would think less of the King's plans. I would want to wonder what to do. I decided in the fate of the Neuroi Queen to have better chances in winning against the King, she would need those pods. They contain 4 of my comrades. Ember... Three more were brought from our world to up there. I have to get to the Queen to retrieve them."
Ember then understood the matter. "So the whole matter was about going after them? So who are they?"
"Xeris, Enelia, Misaka, and Eva are in those pods. Others were refugees loyal to the Blue Neuroi."
"That's good news about the four. But the others in the pods are Neuroi too?"
"You see, after the war made on Planet Neuroi, refugees didn't take sides and escaped on their own to unknown parts of the universe. We've located them, and we can use them all to our advantage. As for why our three comrades arrived, I have yet to know. It's imperative we rescue them."
"So... You told me this for what?" Ember asked that to Xala, and the humanoid only returned with a smile, which means it was something Ember didn't like. "You gotta be kidding me. You want me to..."
"Exactly."
"ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY FUCKING NOT!" Ember shouted her answer. "I can't leave everyone in this war here!"
"Ember, don't you want to see our comrades again? It's not a surprise you're fighting here, but you have to see the extent of your Neuroi abilities."
"What do my abilities have to do with anything?" Ember asked and Xala crossed her arms.
"Everything. You're part Neuroi. You have what it takes."
"No. Don't force it on me, Xala."
"You haven't taken the full force of being a Neuroi yet. You find it disturbing then?"
"What if it is for me?"
"Then you obviously wasted my time." Xala said before she turned her back on Ember and started walking...
"WAIT!" Ember suddenly requested it before Xala stopped walking. "What do you want from me?"
"Perhaps I'm too fast for you." Xala muttered but was heard by Ember. She turned her head to her. "Look... It's just that I want you to start learning fast."
"It's not easy for me, Xala. Look, I just got kicked up by the forces of evil, or something."
"Those Neuroi are not the only ones you should worry about. There are more things that you don't know about this world yet. I'd be willing to tell you, but you seem to be out of it now." Xala said before she turned to the door and walked. "And Ember..." She said just before opening the door. "I trust you'll be okay. Heal up. Then if you're good, let me know." And she finally shut the door closed.
Ember sighed and just looked down. "This shit. Not again."
"You'll be okay, like she said." Vera commented.
"Don't lecture me. Get out."
"But Ember..."
"I SAID..." Ember faced Vera with a single glowing red eye. "...GET OUT!"
Vera narrowed her eyes, let her blue eyes glow, and then materialized her sword Retarynax at her right hand before she swiftly swung it at Ember, only letting it stop as much to Ember's neck. It was too close for Ember, but Vera knew she had to stop there. "What is this to you?"
"Terror."
"Wrong. It's fear."
"Isn't it the same thing?"
"No. Terror is used to make sure people see the destruction made by an individual or a group, in which fear is used to their advantage. Fear is what people feel whenever they're seeing something they're most afraid of and could never face them at all."
"Tch."
"You don't understand." Vera said before she 'pixilated' her sword away into nothingness before her eyes returned to normal. "If you're afraid, admit it. You know you are, but you should come out of that shell of doubt. Space may be a big step, but you shouldn't feel against it to anything."
"Even for Neuroi, some things just remain impossible."
"But are you a full Neuroi?"
"No, of course not. I'm a hybrid of Neuroi."
"Then you know how it feels. You would understand better since you've gone through the worst sort of hell. You'd know how rage works. You know how the surge of power comes when it happens. You also know there's a natural side to it, like a wave that just comes and goes."
"And you're saying?"
"Nothing happens if you keep staying at your state. You may be a hybrid, but acceptance is your only way to get you understanding more about what you can do."
Ember didn't say anything. 'Accepting it? I can't even remember why I'm born a hybrid!'
Vera narrowed her eyes and glanced away. "It always starts with your origin, right? You just come back to that basic question: How were you born a hybrid Neuroi and not a full human? Perhaps it's the wrong question." Vera glanced back at Ember's eyes. "Look me in the eyes and understand this now: What is my real purpose? You should remember that question. And you don't just stick to one answer. IT CHANGES WHENEVER TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE. You make your own answers all the while, Ember." And Vera knew Ember just needed to think so she just walks to the door and opens it. "Just get some sleep, okay?" She advised it before she got out of the infirmary and closed the door.
Ember frowned before lying down on that bed before shutting the lights off and her eyes were still looking at where the light once was. 'This is beginning to be a problem. Should I go? Or should I not?' She thought of it before she closed her eyes…
May 23, 1967… 0804 hours…
"I see," Sakamoto said while on the phone in the Commander's office. "So there's a possibility that Australis will become independent for a while?"
"It seems that way." Julie's voice rang out the phone. "See? What did I tell you? I told you I'd be able to get some news about Australis even when I'm here in Pinasis."
"Still… How did things turn out for you?"
"It's all that's well and ends well, I guess. I mean… The Phantom Elites are doing their job… Something better I guess."
"Nonsense. You know the 45th had done their best too."
"But if it wasn't for my stubborn attitude…" And Julie sighed. "Damn it. I wish the 45th never lost effectiveness. Two years in the service and it fell out."
"It's not your fault."
"I believe it just may be. I told you of the time I was too much of a disciplinarian that two of our squad mates almost left. One of them was Melinda Williams."
"And?"
"Well… They came back in good will."
"Did she tell you she told you so?"
"No, and it's rather a little strange."
"It isn't. It's irony. You hated her. She didn't."
"Something like that. But it's not just hate… It's measurement of who's a danger to the team."
"At least you know better."
"And we're five strong members in Pinasis."
"Five?! I thought…"
"I know, right? Ragan told me that she considers me as a family type of witch, you know, and she convinced the rest."
"And her? How old is she? 27?"
"Right. And she's still got it. She'll be terminating service in three years since age is getting to her already. But still…"
"She's not giving up on you," Sakamoto said to finish and smiled. "By the way… if you're just five…"
"Esmeralda has split from us for a good reason."
"Why?"
"She had to find… Well… Something interesting. All of us know something about her endeavor before she left."
"And that is?"
"She had to find her parents' killers. I recently heard from her when she wrote a letter that she had finally done it, but can never come back now."
"Any reasons?"
"No. Although… Ragan considers her to be welcome anytime as long as the team is still together. Not only does she trust Esmeralda, but of me too."
"I'm glad. She still considers you as family."
"They're my second and I'm not forgetting it."
Sakamoto made a brief nod in agreement. "Then it's good to see you guys standing strong in Pinasis. Aren't they bored?"
"I don't think so. Although there's not much going on around here, they're enjoying themselves. The tropical atmosphere helps them relax for some reason."
"Nice to see you all protect and kick back then. I have to go, Julie."
"It's nice to hear your voice again, Major Sakamoto. Never forget: We're both dueling in the sky. We never tried that."
"Swords or guns?"
"Both." And Julie's answer made Sakamoto's grin somehow evil at a sort.
"You're my kind of girl," Sakamoto replied with a lick of her lip. "Be in touch, okay? Thanks for calling."
"No problem. Another time. Good luck… and don't die."
"I should say the same to you," the Fusojin replied before they both said their goodbyes. As Sakamoto puts the handset down, Minna just arrives in time. "Ah… Commander."
"How were things with Julie?"
"She's doing great, she says. It's not just her, Harley and Giraud after all. Narumi and the 'Bloodwings' have participated."
"The Bloodwings?"
"Ancestral duo. Spiritually connected. I'll tell you the rest later. Right now, we have some things to discuss."
"Ah." And Minna eventually found her desk and sat behind it. "You told me there was something you needed to discuss with me. So, what is it?"
"It's about Vera."
"What about her?"
"I talked to her early morning."
FLASHBACK…
0548 hours…
Sakamoto was doing her practice swings in the early morn while she's near the barracks when…
"Major!" Vera called Mio out who appeared to be just watching the major. Mio glanced at Vera in response. "Good morning!"
Somehow, Mio's expression turned from surprised to being happy. "Good morning. You look happy today."
"I guess I am for some reason. Hmm…" She briefly glanced to the barracks then back to Mio. "Master Tyler is still sleeping. Sorry… Habit."
"It's not bad if you call him that in private. Everybody knows about you and Tyler, and they're thinking it's rather a win situation for him only."
"But it isn't. It's a win-win situation between him and all of you, with the Neuroi Queen."
"I understand, but what I'm talking about is the circulating message of them disliking slavery."
"Well Tyler told they'll just have to deal with it. I like it the way it is. And I understand Perrine's more upset about this than the rest."
"I noticed."
"Major… I thank you. Your understanding of my situation is just what I need. Although it'll take time for me while I'm here in the base, I'll try my hardest!" Vera said it and eventually just bowed in gesture to Fusojin, which surprised Sakamoto. "I've learned to bow in respects to elders and those higher in rank or status. I'm nothing… and it gives me priority to give respect."
"You aren't nothing. At least be proud you… belong… to Tyler."
"Don't worry. Don't be ashamed of saying it either." Vera smiled and eventually started to walk away. "He told me I should exercise. I'll join your drills in the afternoon, Major! I'll see you!"
Mio only looked at Vera before the Neuroi girl eventually started to run. 'She just wants to fit in.'
END OF FLASHBACK…
"On Tyler's idea of Vera's bio-organic properties settling in…" Mio started her explanation. "…he believes the first thing she should do is make sure she recognizes her strength with the new body she has. She uses that body for two years without that much exercise even if she's surprisingly hungry. That means her metabolism is quite fast."
"For energy of a Neuroi girl, I don't think it's a surprise," Minna commented. "She needs THAT much for her body to be in complete control. The stomach growling is normal if she spent that much in a day. It looks like we need more rations set aside for her then."
"But isn't that going against standards in rationing? We really haven't accepted her as a military sort. She's still an emissary for the Neuroi Queen."
"Yes… But although she's a representative, she's willing to stay and assist. Until the Neuroi Queen arrives to talk of the terms between them and us, and the rest of the Allied Forces, we have to be ready to help her out too."
"Is it special treatment?"
"It isn't. It's only on the terms of rations, Mio. I can pull some strings since Karlsland brass can do favors for me. It's the benefit of being an ace of both former Bruruil and the now seized Karlsland," Minna replied with a chuckle. "Don't you feel quite excited of the day?"
"Only if I feel crazy."
"So I'm crazy?" Minna asked it with some irritation. "I'll let it slide."
"Fine."
0919 hours…
Tyler and Melody were in the gym together in their fighting stances at the center of the wide space of a fighting ring. Tyler's using kickboxing and the same fighting style was with Melody.
Melody came up with more a long combination while Tyler defended himself from her kicks and punches. 'She's good!' He thought of it while defending before he saw an opening and grabbed her arm. 'Not good enough.' He then kicked up Mel's leg from behind, making her fall down to the ground hard. To permanently pin her and get the win, he used his elbow and blocked her neck from moving up. "Score."
"Tch. Seriously?" Melody breathed out before she was let go and helped to stand up. "Tyler, you rather give me the creeps on how you handle things."
"Great. You're whining."
"I'm whining only because I got beat for the second time."
"Then don't get beat for the third. It's not doing you good if you keep losing."
"I only lose if you tell me to." Melody made that smirk before she got into her fighting stance. "Again?"
"Why not?" Tyler then got in his fighting stance. "Come on."
5 minutes later…
Melody got knocked down again on her back before Tyler did a mock punch which almost hit her face. "Score."
'This guy just doesn't stop, does he?' Her mind thought of the question before she was helped up again. "You're jinxing me on this. Give me a break."
"Hey. You said don't hold back. I guess I still got it."
"Whatever."
"You're afraid."
"What?"
"You heard me. Something's scaring you." Tyler seemed to get the idea and wiped his sweat off before approaching me. "Be open with me, kid. What's up? Besides you guys turning a year older now… Well… You're 20 now and…"
"It's not that!" Her sudden answer made her whine again. "Sheesh, knock it off with the father daughter thing! I'm not Vera."
"Just saying."
Melody sighed at it and decided to just tell him her problem. "My mind's filled with quite a lot of things. Sanya wants us both to train together. She's a night witch and she's rather the cute one in the team."
"Don't you mean she's the shy one?"
"There's that… But she liked me to be her partner in training."
"She wants to gain friends and people to trust. She didn't have an easy past, okay?"
"I got it."
"Come on. Walk with me." Tyler then led Melody out of the ring and they kept walking. "You gotta start getting used to her being behind you since you could be looked up at as a fighting figure. I mean…You're called the toughest. How could you be if you fight like a sissy?"
"What? I do not!"
"See? Denial already expresses your weakness. Acknowledge your mistakes, right?"
"Wow. A mentor now."
"Actually, my brother is. Kelvin's no joke. He taught me fighting, wisdom… Then he got me to other people too. Before learning the ways of the witch, there's always physical training and torment before magic. We prove there's power no matter what kind."
"It isn't like mine then."
"You've all gone through physical training but you guys got a grasp of more command and intelligence training than the physical aspect of fighting. You guys got your perks and I got mine. I'm just telling you to know your strength and evaluate yourself each time. It's your choice if you want to get stronger, or take it as a waste of time."
"Waste of time? Screw you. I can do this all day."
"Good. I guess you're starting to become to charge on to things you don't know. Rest up for the meantime. That sparring session was enough of a blast." And as Tyler got to the showers with her, he stopped walking. "Whoa, whoa… One of us has got to find another place."
"What's wrong?"
"Look… I don't want to find trouble."
Melody already knew what he meant and smiled seductively at it. "What's wrong? Can't bear to look at my body again?"
"Mel…"
"TY!" Melody shouted out to cut him off. "I know what you're thinking, pervert."
"That's why I'm going." But as he was about to walk, she held him. "What the?"
"Don't. Please…" Melody begged and he turned to see her.
"What now?"
"I know you want me too, Tyler. I'm not afraid of you. Like a said… You couldn't bear it." Melody giggled before she started to strip.
Tyler knew it wasn't his first time, but he wouldn't want to DO someone who's much too younger than his age. 'Can't blame her if she reads my mind, but is she serious?'
And by that time, she was finished and was fully naked. "I know you saw my body and you never bothered to comment on it."
"Do I have to? Fine. You're beautiful."
"Thanks." She had that smug face before she suddenly approached and with a hand, held his crotch, feeling him. "Oh… You are hard, you pervert."
"You forced me for the last time, Mel. I warned you."
"I know." But after her reply, she was held by him before she was faced against him pinned to a shower position with her chest touching it. "What are you doing?"
"What do you think?" He whispered before she heard some clothes drop. "I consider it payback. You don't want what I got in store. My brother warned me."
"With those pants down, I don't think it's a problem. Give it to me, Tyler. I want your cock in me." Melody spoke before her hair was grabbed fiercely before she felt her own flower being violated with something. "Oh… Shit… You're not cheating, are you?!"
Tyler eventually pulled her hair, being the mean man he is to her while he inserts his erection inside her flower fully. "If I was cheating I wouldn't be inside, would I?" She pulled her close, and she's no longer pinned to the shower position but has her hands on it before he held her hips before he started to ram her repeatedly.
"Oh… FUCK! Ahh, uhhn!" She cursed and moaned as she felt herself violated by his strong erection. "Oh… Shit… This is good… Fuck… Keep punishing me, big man! You're my teacher… And I lost to you! Yeah… Own me! Ahhn…"
"Damn right I will! You forced me!" Tyler was being mean to her, and she wanted it. As much as he wanted to say he wanted to stop… 'She's beginning to be a problem. Time to teach her a lesson.' "Safe today?"
"I am, Tyler. I wanted to do this with someone after so long."
"Good." Then his familiar features came out. "Then you're gonna be broken."
Melody made that evil laugh before she let her familiar ears and tail out too. "I thought you'd never say that?"
30 minutes later…
Melody was dead wrong. She thought she wouldn't be broken, but he was better. For pleasuring women, he seems to have quite the advantage. Right now, both of them were seated and her back was on him as she was the one moving her hips while he gropes for behind. "Damn you… I wanna make you lose, but you made me cum more times!"
"You don't need to lose or win something between us in this. We can both win it for ourselves. If you're happy, I am too."
"What? I thought…"
"Just deal with it, Mel."
"But it's…" Melody somehow felt with her hip-shaking and his erection in her was another feeling. 'What is this? It feels weird…' Her normal lustful blushing was accompanied by her blushing with that weird feeling. "Tyler…" She then slowed down until she can get to that speed so she could calm down and talk. "Ty… Do you… Do you love me?"
"Why would I say that?"
"You're mean to me… But you're also concerned of me. You want us both to win something like this?"
"You're a real idiot for realizing it just now. But at least I got your soft side up."
Melody laughed. "My soft side? I guess so too. But… Tyler… I love you. You may not have an answer for it now, but it's what I feel. I thought I'd let you know."
"Thanks. At least it's easy for me this time."
"Wanna finish it? Don't be a meanie this time. I want us both to feel good." She requested in sincerity and he started to slowly move his erection in her. "Tyler?"
He kissed her neck as he did it slowly to her. "I'll make sure we both feel good, Melody." He then made sure to ram a little faster than usual before he was finally feeling his own urges about to come to reality. "Mel… I'm almost at my limit."
"Me too. My sixth time's coming up. I love you…"
"Fuck… I wanna put it all in you!"
"Then cum in me, Tyler! I still love you! Cum lots for me, big man!"
Tyler rammed her much faster than before his urges felt like exploding. "Damn it… Mel… Shit… You got me… I'm… UGGH!"
"TY!" Melody shouted before she was groped tightly for the last time by Tyler before she felt his strong hot liquids course into her. She let her body arch back and her head rise up. "Shit... Damn… Your cum… It feels so good… Your 'big man' cum is the best…" She turned to him before their lips closed up to a kiss. She used her tongue for him. She wanted him, and as she felt some of his sticky liquids leave her flower, she kept kissing.
0954 hours…
Melody was walking with a smile towards the runway of the base, and eventually find her three other sisters assembled as one group. "What? Ready to go?"
Delilah's arms were crossed. "YOU are late. You're supposed to be here four minutes ago."
"What? Aren't our watches in sync?" And her question already got Lex beside her while she looked at Mel's wristwatch. "HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET HERE FAST?" She pouted.
Lex ignored Mel and examined the watch. "Mel, you just put your watch exactly four minutes behind all of ours, you know."
"Wait, what?" Melody looked at her watch and Lex said it right. 'Oh. He must have done me a favor.'
Frida sighed. "Come on, Mel. Set it right so we can get it going. Our patrol's coming up now."
"Oh… Right." Melody then adjust her watch. 'He must have set it minutes early so I wouldn't be considered late. They wouldn't know about what really happened and just consider me having a wrongly synced watch. Thanks, Ty. I wasn't wrong about you.' She smiled and finally synced her watch with theirs. "All set."
"Good." Delilah glanced around. "Stand by."
Melody nodded before she saw Vera walking by, and somehow, away from them. 'I swear her eyes were on me.'
Vera was walking away from the group, especially from Melody with a frown. She was thinking of something so deep, it let her think of more things. 'That baby should be a new symbol for the Blue Neuroi. The Queen should know that. The bridge between our race with the humans should be sealed by doing so. It has to be done. It has to be.' She thought of it before she heard the drone of helicopter engines above her and passed her, seeing four Cobra's in formation, assuming they're the Dragon Witches in their aircraft form. 'Melody… I hope that moment with you and the master is worth it, because I like to have it with him too… Someday.' Then that frown slowly turned into a smile…
Yoshika was doing her pushups together with Lynne. Once again, the two of them were in a training session, supervised by Mio Sakamoto. "STEP IT UP, YOU TWO! YOU THINK BARKHORN IS WORSE WITH HER BARK?! YOU HAVEN'T SEEN OR HEARD ANYTHING FROM ME! KEEP IT GOING! LYNETTE, HOW SLOW CAN YOU GO?! YOSHIKA, GO LOWER! YOU DON'T HAVE A BIG RACK LIKE…" And before she finished it, both girls were down. "Arara… (Oh my…) Miyafuji, How many push-ups were that?"
"18…"
"And Bishop?"
"8…"
Sakamoto sighed. The two girls were getting worse, and Miyafuji was surely having her ways with Lynette more often. 'These two hogs need to learn restraint. They have each other, while Miyafuji owns Lynette thanks to the lustful marking.' And she glanced at a separate brunette witch doing more push-ups than the other tired witches. "Barkhorn, you're not counting."
Chris grunted before she stood up. "Major… I've done 50 as you have requested!" She reported it with a monotone voice.
"Well done," Sakamoto said. "I never saw this side of you, Chris."
"Guess there's no stopping me."
"Indeed. It's the second day after we've been doing physical training and you're still going."
Yoshika saw Sakamoto smile at Chris, and it irritated her. 'Not fair! I'm able to do my best for Sakamoto-sensei. There's no way I'm letting Chris through with this! I've got to to do something.'
"Barkhorn, you don't mind if you go through sprinting?"
"I don't. I'll do my best."
"Two laps at the whole runway. GO!" And Chris ran on Sakamoto's order, getting parallel on the runway.
Chris was breathing and kept it regular, making sure she doesn't tire out due to loss of breath. 'I better be careful. Ha-ha. My hormones are helping me out! Thanks to the words of Big Sis, I'm going to make sure in running laps past Yoshika and Lynette every day!'
Minna was watching the scene from the main strike hangar. 'Chris… So much has happened ever since you were brought here. You've improved in your training. I wonder how you'll see combat more often. Would you be reacting too much like Lynette? Would you be like your sister while carrying two MG42's at the same time? You have super strength too, Chris. I hope it helps you.'
"Commander?" Tyler just came beside Minna. "I hope you didn't come to talk to me about Vera again, cause it's really bugging me."
"No… It's for something else Tyler. Thanks for coming."
"Sure thing, commander. So, what's the problem?"
"I'm sure you handle a lot, Tyler. There's just one though, and I need someone very trusted to handle it."
"Can't rely on the others?"
"This is more of your expertise, Tyler." Minna said before she was leaving the hangar. "Come with me. I have the details."
1004 hours…
It took only a while before they finally got to the briefing room by themselves in the main office building of the airbase. Last thing they needed were the lights to be off, which was the opposite as they both talked.
4 minutes later…
Tyler was looking at the map on the table in front of the chairs just beside the podium. "So… That base is discovered, eh?"
"The northern Baltland airbase has been discovered at this spot here. This is actually an abandoned research post once used by the Karlsland military. Semi-urban in environment and there's so much cover since there are buildings that can be used for you to lay low."
"Yeah. Urban training really helps here. I got this, I guess, but I'm looking, for what exactly?"
"Good question. The Neuroi airbase is rather unusual, not being covered by the same barrier."
"Think it's a trap?"
"We'll have to assume it is."
"There's got to be another way."
"If we assault this airbase without proper support from the exterior of the area, we'll easily be pounded away before we even take out the main targets. There are four main targets here: Dismantled multi-core carriers, oil refinery buildings for some reason, the Grand Anti-Air Cannon that some Neuroi airbases use for long-range AA defense, and lastly the command hangar."
"Damn… a Grand AA Cannon?"
"Don't underestimate it. If there's a squadron with its units too close to each other, its cluster beams will easily be able to get surrounding units from its explosive radius."
"Explosive cluster beams?! What the hell?!"
"I know. They're stepping up their game. AA Cannons are new. It's confirmed in Orussia Major too."
"Then this is obviously guarded with good reason. You think that Zelian the Conqueror would be stationed in this base?"
"There's no other thought about it. She's continuously sending reinforcements to Orussia Minor, which is something we need to take care of immediately."
"So you're going to fully assault that thing and get in the sights of the Grand AA Cannon?"
"No. We're not planning to run into the trap they set us with, which is where you come in. Your mission is to infiltrate the base."
"And?"
"Your insertion point will be via a flying witch carrying only an SMG. You both fly low by it and you make less suspicion to the Neuroi forces guarding the airbase. You'll be inserting from the east side. Confirm if there's a Neuroi barrier present. If it's not visible, there shouldn't be anything, but it becomes quite the opposite when there's a hint of red colored on a surrounding field. DO NOT enter if that's the case. Your main objective is marking up the targets on the map so we'll know exactly where to hit. We'll be using a mix of ground attacks and bombing runs for this. Also… do find out whatever you can about the base while you're at it too. We need more information about the enemy Neuroi forces in this region and other places. Intelligence reports are appreciated too."
"Got it."
"And… another thing you could do is trying locating barrier generators. If they go active immediately, you'll at least have a chance to sabotage all of them. You'll be given C4's for this mission too. I suggest you make it your last objective before leaving or your Plan B if you're compromised. Last thing we need is you being captured, or trapped whenever you DID escape inner security. That's all. Questions?"
"You think the base won't recover it's barrier like that?"
"No. It's because the C4 contains anti-regen plasma."
"Oh shit," Tyler cursed. "Don't tell me it's something we can use in the air."
"No. It's already hard producing them as weaponized projectiles. It's only produced as explosives in packages, and this comes straight from League Intelligence."
"So they're finally out with the plasma… But… I thought the research was scrapped."
"Nope. The past months were quite easy on them. The top brass is able to make use of them, but it's limited. They tell me a hidden factor within League Intelligence was able to make a factoring problem for the plasma a big solution."
"That means someone helped them."
"Exactly." Minna then looked at the back entrance of the briefing room. "You can come in."
And the back door opened to a figure with blonde hair and the notable green headband on it. He noticed her natural black eyes and the fair complexion she has. And… she has the same height as he does. "Whoa…" His own remark made the teen chuckle.
"Oh, señor." The blonde teen spoke up, who revealed she was a Hispanian. "Nice to meet you too, Agent Tyler Fray."
"And you know me how?"
"Kelvin, your brother."
"Bull."
"No es una mierda. (It's not bullshit.) I've been with League Intelligence not as a member but a nomad. I've been fighting with them against the Neuroi forces and happily showing who I am."
"Who you are?"
"Yes… I'm both a witch… and a Neuroi."
"Wait… You're a WHAT?"
"A hybrid." Then she closed her eyes before she opened them, revealing yellow glowing eyes. "I've known to myself to be of service to everyone. I've hidden from being as a soldier after I left the Flash Squad."
"I heard about the Flash Squad and how Julie and you left… But Julie came back. You didn't."
"It's because I was scared. I don't know the dangers I could face if I remain. If only there was so much I can do… But then I realized as I trained myself further I can still do something. I gave myself purpose. When I found who from the Neuroi enemy regiments killed my parents, I set myself a goal to find them and execute them. When I found them and did so, I know peace in my heart just didn't do. Many more were being hurt and killed. I know how I signed up on vengeance before, and now, I'm paying humanity back for being a hybrid. It's because I found out later my own mother was a full Neuroi. She was with the Queen's forces the whole time. But now with her gone, I continued fighting to make this world a better place instead of leaving it in ruins. I don't like to see this world crumble just like that." Her explanation was made before she smiled. "The name's Esmeralda Montesano. For my friend's sake…" She raised her arm. "…call me Ezmee for short" And starting from her hand of the arm she raised, it neurified with a black Neuroi shell armor. Soon, her arm was neurified and the rest of her body followed. She has small yellow hexagons tiled as lines that goes on her body. Her face was covered with a mask, but she let her eyes be exposed for Tyler and Minna. Once she had done her transformation, she lowered her arm. "Both of you will get my assistance for the infiltration of the base."
Minna crossed her arms. "Indeed we will. Thanks for coming to our assistance, Flight Lieutenant."
"Flight Lieutenant?" Tyler asked in confusion.
"I was," Ezmee replied. "You see… Before I was discovered that I was fighting for a cause by the Hispanian military, I was invited back. They sent me rather a lousy invitation, but I didn't mind as I saw their message: The world needs me again. I took it well and I got back, but I also told them I can be great asset. When the Hispanian officials found out what I am, they were at a constant debate, but I was allowed to participate in combat nonetheless."
"Wow."
"It was the least they can do. They had to accept in secret that I was a hybrid and can still function as a unit. Thus, I was promoted. They can give me responsible tasks this time. And when I got the call League Intelligence needed me again, I didn't say no. I swore to the people of Hispania that I'd return one day after the war. Then… I'm reassigned to this place for the meantime."
"Great. We got another hybrid neuroi here, and then another Neuroi emissary for the Queen."
"An emissary?! You mean to say a representative for the Queen's forces arrived?!"
"The Queen has no particular move yet." The three were surprised to see Vera standing at the main entrance. It was a good thing the door was closed before she started walking towards Tyler. "Tyler?"
Tyler nodded. "Hey Vera. How'd you find us here?"
"It wasn't hard to find you especially if I have a sixth sense only for you." Vera giggled at this and eventually got beside Tyler, then seeing the yellow-colored hybrid Neuroi next. "Another hybrid?"
Ezmee nodded. "You're the emissary. Then where's the other hybrid?"
"She's still recovering from her injuries to be sure she's good to go but she'll be out soon."
Minna cleared her throat. "Since Vera is here… I think we all agree about something. We have to at least find a way to get the Neuroi Queen on our side."
"She's already on yours, commander." Vera glanced from her to Esmeralda. "If what we're looking for is peace… Then you should have been the symbol of our united races. It's alright if you aren't known to be such. But humanity has to know about a new hope soon."
"I understand," Ezmee replied. "I'm way past it now since I'm 19."
"Yes… We'll figure out that part sooner or later." Vera then glanced back at Minna. "I see you were all talking about a mission to the suspected airbase in Baltland."
"Vera, think you could help out?" Tyler asked.
"It's not a good idea," Minna opposed. "One Neuroi is enough to take you but another would mean a party, and they can be more conspicuous if spotted on radar."
"It won't be a problem," Esmeralda said. "If she truly is a Neuroi, then she knows how to fly without strikers. I on the other hand need them but I also need to activate my cloaking ability to be sure I bring him closer. If she approaches, she must make sure to not use her Neuroi form or she'll be detected at about half a mile away, which is the barrier border for detection."
Vera nodded at this. "And turning to my human form won't cause me to be detected. Good plan."
"The plan won't change, commander." The hybrid crossed her arms. "I think you can consider this Neuroi girl to be a part of the team."
"Call me Vera, by the way."
"Ezmee," replied the Hispanian.
Tyler chuckled. "You two agree too well. Alright, Vera's coming. Well, commander?"
Minna sighed. "If the plan won't change then there's no reason for barring Vera against the mission. She just needs to know the objectives from Tyler if she'll infiltrate with him."
Vera smiled and looked at Tyler. "You can count on me, Tyler!"
"I will, a lot."
And the Neuroi girl winked an eye before it briefly flashed blue. "Thanks."
"Everyone agree and understand?" Minna asked the three before she all positively answered. "Good. You're all dismissed. Tyler, take that map with you so the marked areas can be defined when you leave the base."
"Got it." And after Tyler's response, Minna left the briefing room, only leaving himself with Vera and Esmeralda, now morphing back to her human form. "So, Ezmee… When did you arrive?"
"Top brass took my insertion method as a secret and I had to insert in by cloaking and flying low."
"You aren't detected at all?"
"I had a good place to sleep just off the base in a tent. Don't worry about me."
"And you carried what?"
"I carried a camp bag and an assault rifle as my weapon. Don't worry though. The ammunition stock for my weapon was delivered here way before I arrived. They wanted me to really be here sooner, but I got caught up in some other things."
"It's fine then. Staying?"
"Yes. A raiding party needs a big force, and our side needs to have a good hold of ground."
"And showing them you're a hybrid would make a good way for being an ace."
"I don't need to always show it. Telling them is enough. It's up to me when I'd fight with my power. It's natural to me, remember? But I'd fight more as a witch instead. After all, my cloaking ability is a cross between a witch's and a Neuroi's power. That's what makes my ability unique. And it's more effective if I'm in my Neuroi form though. Showing full power as a Neuroi would need me to be visible. And…" Ezmee raised her left arm as it glowed yellow before it was covered by her Neuroi armor. Her arm changed shape into a form of cannon, which somehow has a big opening up at the tip of where her hand should be. The hole glowed yellow from inside the cannon as she showed it off. "The Buster Cannon is something I used for avenging my parents too. The last of the regiment that got to my parents were slain by the same weapon. Those blader units never saw me coming. It might have been easy, but it was only my beginning. My fight against the King's forces isn't over yet." Then she shape-shifted her Buster Cannon into her arm before she removed her Neuroi hide. "That's that. I guess… I'll have to introduce myself. I'm Esmeralda Montesano, Flight Lieutenant of 47th Hispanian Air Force and once assigned to be the guardian of the skies together with my former teammates. It's a pleasure seeing you, Tyler. But I'm afraid I don't know you, though."
Vera knew she had to step up and she introduced herself. "I'm Vera Neckiton, emissary to her majesty, the Neuroi Queen."
"Pleasure." Esmeralda then approached Vera and offered her hand. As what Ezmee expected, Vera reached and grasped the hand. As they looked at each other, they had a plan. "Shall we?"
"Why not?" Vera smiled before she neurified her arm, with Ezmee doing the same thing. Then their hands grasped tighter before a mix of blue and yellow glow started to pulsate from them both. "You're amazing… I… You want to really trust me?"
"The Queen has a sound mind and I'm convinced."
"Did your mother convince you that?"
"Actually, she showed me… everything." Esmeralda then loosened her grip. "Thanks, but this is all I need."
"Of course. It's the same with me. We'll let go now." Vera stated it and loosened her grip before she lets go of Ezmee, then letting her neurified arm return to normal. "Your memories… It's true."
"You too. So… It really happened… Your planet…"
"We can't return it, and we won't jeopardize our ideals to recreate or save it. Everything that is considered better is something we follow."
"Better… Or lesser than two evils."
"I hope it doesn't come to that." Vera then glanced at Tyler. "Tyler, think we can show her around?"
Tyler shrugged. "Why not?"
"Not necessary." Esmeralda rejected the offer. "I already know my way around. The next question is if everyone will accept me."
"Ah." Vera then spoke up for herself and Tyler. "Ember will first if she sees you first. She's in the infirmary. At around lunch time, she'll be leaving."
"Good. Who is she?"
"Another Neuroi hybrid like you."
Esmeralda winced in surprise. "Shut up."
"I'm not joking." Vera giggled afterwards. "You'll love her."
"Hmm…" Ezmee seemed interested, and she thought of different things, like how her introduction would be with Ember. "How should I call her?"
"Ember would be a first choice. Although… Shirley calls her Embs. I call her Ember…"
"Okay, okay." Esmeralda then started to walk towards the entrance. "There's no use getting used to friends if I can't tell them my presence, right?"
Tyler chuckled and followed with Vera in tow. "I bet you won't get used to their screams and moans."
"You're kidding. Some of them are…"
"You know what I mean."
"Well… I'm beginning to like this wing better than my former." Esmeralda said it before opening the briefing room main entrance. Not only was she excited for this, but she was willing to be friends no matter who or what she is.
[ESMERALDA MONTESANO a.k.a. 'Thundercloud']
"I'm not perfect. Just so you know… I like being different. And… I love my Buster Cannon so much! ¡Sí! ¡Sí!"
Birthday: November 13 (Currently 19 in May 1967)
Species: Neuroi-Hybrid
Height: 6 feet flat
Hair: Clean Blonde, neck lengthened (Light-green headband)
Eye color: Black
Skin: Fair Complexion
Body Shape: Thin (B-sized)
Rank: Flying Officer
Nationality: Hispanian
Affiliation: Flash Squad (45th JFS), League Intelligence Experimental Regiment, Phantom Elites (Coordinated as a specialist fighter but not as a member), 501st JFW
Aircraft / Striker: Dassault Mirage III (etherjet strikers)
Familiar: Mediterranean Chamaeleon
Weapons: CETME Model L (Advanced Test Prototype) Hispanian Assault Rifle, Neuroi Buster Cannon
Intrinsic Ability: Visual Stealth Cloak (Its main function is to visually make her invisible to the naked eye with the use of cloaking magic, which uses more magic each time. She can also assume different environment camouflages depending on her locations with less magic effort.)
Neuroi Ability(s): Buster Shot (She can charge up her shot to release a projectile-based beam shot powerful than her usual PB beams.), Portable Shield (She can throw the Portable Shield to any location and make a sphere from that area. How big the sphere should be depends on her target. She cannot cover targets of more than 15 feet in diameter of the sphere.)