Ace Combat: Skies of Deception
Chapter 17:End Of Deception
Archelon Fortress, Leasath, December 11th 2020, 03:45 hours
The base was on red alert. All pilots had to prepare for an Aurelian attack, that was meant to destroy both the XFA-33 Fenrir and the base itself.
-Our border radar has detected Aurelian fighters entering Leasathian airspace fifteen minutes ago.-reported the base commander.-Scramble all combat worthy fighters.
The Alect squadron was the first to take off. The four black Fenrirs took off without problems thanks to their powerful engines, one of them optimized for V/STOL capabilities. Those four Fenrirs had been equipped with the HPMs and the SASMs, and would be the ones to take out the Aurelian fighters. The rest of them were just used as decoys to lure the Aurelians into a trap.
10 miles west of Archelon Fortress, Leasath, December 11th 2020, 03:53 hours
The Gryphus, Falco, Aquila and Ninox squadrons were ready for the final assault on Archelon Fortress. The plan seemed simple: to provide air superiority over the island to allow an amphibious unit to reach an energy transmitter that powered the Fenrir's optical camouflage, destroy the XFA-33s in the area, and destroy Archelon Fortress itself.
-To all aircraft. This is likely to be our final sortie. Our mission will be to wipe Fenrir, and its production facility, Archelon Fortress, off the map.-said Crux.-Unlike you, fighting on the front lines, I stay behind and watch the battle through my monitor. I'm in no position to ask anything from you, but please allow me this one request. End this war and come back to Aurelia. That is all.
-"I will make sure of it, Crux. I'm not letting anyone down today!"-mused Gryphus 1.
-This is Aquila 1. Roger that.-said Aquila 1.
-This is Ninox 1. Understood.-said Ninox 1.
-This is Falco 1. Sure thing!-said Falco 1.
-We need to make certain that nothing like this ever happens again.-said Gryphus 2.-Isn't that right, Southern Cross?
-I won't be able to rest until we take out Navarro.-said Gryphus 1, as he nodded.
-Our lives are in your hands.-said Aquila 1.-Southern Cross, lead the way!
The twelve pilots headed for Archelon Fortress. It was a sight to behold. Four Super Hornets, four Lightning IIs, two Typhoons and two Raptors against a force comprised of 12 Su-35Ss, 6 PAK FAs, 10 Rafale Ms, 8 Su-37s, 8 MiG 1.44s and 6 Su-47s. However, this group of 54 high-end fighters was just a diversionary force.
And the main threat had just got behind the Aurelian pilots: the XFA-33 Fenrir, piloted by a revenge-thirsty Alect squadron. To make things worse, they were armed with other-worldly weapons.
Ninox 4 saw a purple light approaching his F-35C from behind.
-What the...!?-he said, startled.-What's that light!?
-Watch out!-said Crux.-It seems to be one of the Fenrir's special weapons...
Ninox 4 tried to evade it, but the light kept following him.
-Dammit, the light keeps following me! What the hell is this?-he said.
After that, the light began to send lightning-like beams to the F-35C, and Ninox 4 exploded.
-Ninox 4 suddenly burst into flames!-gasped Ninox 1.
-Crap!-said Falco 1.-Scatter now!
The XFA-33s passed over the remaining Aurelian fighters, and became visible for a brief moment.
-There it is! Fenrir!-said Crux, as the Fenrirs turned invisible again.-The destruction of Fenrir is the only thing that's going to end to this war.
-All right!-said Gryphus 1.-Bring it on!
Archelon Fortress, Leasath, December 11th 2020, 04:00 hours
-That attack probably came from the Fenrir's HPM.-said Crux, as an MPG appeared in every pilot's HUD.-Your fuel tank's internal sensor will be displayed on the MPG. The MPG will display any increase in fuel temperature. Watch it closely.
The eleven fighters got a lock on to the diversionary fighters and took the bait. The F/A-18Es, the F-22s and the Eurofighters spearheaded the attack with XMAAs and XLAAs, but the missiles were evaded.
-"These guys are much better than I though."-thought Gryphus 1.
-Fenrir is equipped with the same type of optical camouflage as the airborne fortress. However, with Aurelia's satellite surveillance system back online, we should be able to track its position.-said Crux.-Although, the tracking is far from perfect. Please keep that in mind when attacking.
That didn't mean any good news at all for the Aurelian pilots. And things just got worse when they heard a voice over the radio. A voice that sent chills over the pilots' spines.
-Hah! We meet again, NEMESIIIIIS!-said Alect 1.
-Alect 1, still alive?-asked Gryphus 1, rage hidden in his voice.-A very big mistake on my part. But do not grieve. I will put an end to your miserable life!
-You bite more than you can chew.-replied Alect 1. The two squadrons attacked each other. However, the Gryphus squadron was on the defensive, as the Alect squadron didn't seem to get bored of using the Digital Optical Stealth.
-Here it comes, Fenrir.-said Ninox 1.
-It's glowing and translucent, like some kind of jellyfish.-quipped Falco 1.
-This is the first time I've ever seen it!-said Aquila 1.-Optical camouflage!?
The three remaining squadrons attacked the decoy fighters, despite being clearly outnumbered. A huge dogfight ensued, but the Aurelian pilots were constantly harassed by the Alect squadron. No matter how good they were, the Aurelian pilots couldn't attack the Leasathian pilots without risking their necks thanks to the Alect squadron, who shot HPMs, saving the SASMs.
Gryphus 1 attacked Alect 1, but suddenly, Alect 1 fired an HPM towards Gryphus 1. The pilot recognized the purple light sphere instantly, and tried to escape from it. However, no matter how hard he broke, he couldn't shake it off.
-You'll be caught in the HPM's plasma if you fly too slow!-warned Crux, as Gryphus 1's MPG's bar increased its width and changed from green to mustard yellow.-Try to maintain a high speed!
Gryphus 1 then hit the burners and swayed from side to side to shake it off. When the bar just hit red, Gryphus 1 managed to escape the lethal attack, and the MPG began to decrease at an agonizingly slow rate.
-These things are worse than they look.-said Gryphus 1.-I was very close to die this time.
-Serves you right, Nemesis.-said Alect 1, sneering.-And I'm still saving a great surprise for you!
The next second, Gryphus 1 spotted a group of fighters chasing his wingmen. He fired a volley of XMAAs to spook them, and he managed to get them off his wingmen, despite not shooting a single plane down. Alect 3 attacked Aquila 2 with his guns. The guns were extremely powerful, taking just 6 impacts to damage Aquila 2 enough to shoot him down, while most guns would take up to 10 bullets to take out a fighter like that, and the A-10A and the Su-25SM would need 8.
-Aquila 2, I've been hit!-he reported, as his plane fell into the ocean.-Controls are out!
-Eject! Aquila 2!-pleaded Aquila 1, in vain.
-This is the amphibious unit. The enemy is blocking our way.-reported the amphibious unit's leader. The amphibious unit was on board of a landing ship, escorted by two frigates and two destroyers.-Can you take care of it?
-Negative, amphibious unit.-said Gryphus 1.-We're currently under attack by the Alect squadron. We can't make it towards your position.
-With the Alect squadron behind its controls Fenrir is unstoppable.-complained Aquila 1.
-"There's gotta be some way!"-though Gryphus 1.-"There's not such thing as an unstoppable plane. The Gleipnir was supposed to be such a plane, and now it's rusting in peace in the Lenal River."
-Dammit, I can't get a lock on!-said Gryphus 2.-He's too fast!
Ninox 3 attack Alect 2, but, when he got in gun range, the XFA-33 Fenrir stopped short and flew vertically over him, making Ninox 3 overshoot.
-Oh my g...!-Ninox 3 said.-He just stopped in midair!
A second later, Ninox 3 was shot down by Alect 2. Gryphus 1's anger was slowly building up. The next 2 minutes were spent with the Aurelian planes doing evasive maneuvers and the Leasathian ones attacking without mercy. Despite that, the Falco, Aquila and Ninox squadrons managed to bag four Su-35Ss, two Su-37s, and another two Rafale Ms respectively.
-Amphibious unit. Our unit has just taken the electrical transmitter.-reported the unit's leader.
-This is the landing unit.-said a member of the amphibious unit.-Opening the gates, fire on them now!
-They've opened the gate.-said Crux.-Strike now!
-Roger that.-said Gryphus 1.-Gryphus 2, let's take out that energy transmitter!
-Understood.-said Gryphus 2.
The two F-22s dived in towards the transmitter and dropped two GPBs each over it. It suffered too little damage.
-"How can this be possible!?"-thought Gryphus 1.-"Four GPBs would have been enough to take a battleship out!"
However, they had no time for a second bombing run, since the Alect squadron attacked them with missiles. The two pilots evaded by the skin of their teeth.
-What are you doing!?-asked a member of the landing unit.-We can't keep the gate open forever! Hurry up and fire!
-We can't attack now!-replied Gryphus 2.-We're being attacked by the Alect squadron!
To make matters worse, a couple of tanks attacked the landing unit, forcing them to retreat.
-This is the landing unit. The enemy counterattack has intensified. Temporarily withdrawing.-a landing unit member reported.
The energy transmitter's gate closed afterwards.
-Energy transmitter gate has closed.-said Crux.-We'll just have to wait for the next chance.
-Gryphus 1, we aren't getting anything done screwing around like this.-said Gryphus 2, as he evaded Alect 3's fire.-We can't be certain there will be a second chance!
-OK, let's try another pass.-said Gryphus 1.-It might be suicide with the Alect squadron behind us, but there's no other choice.
Gryphus 1 and 2 attacked the tanks with missiles, destroying them, and the landing unit, who took control of the energy transmitter again.
-This is the landing unit. We've managed to push back the enemy forces and are opening the gate again.-reported a landing unit member.
Gryphus 1 and 2 fired two GPBs each, and this time, they also used missiles and guns. Fortunately, this time, the energy transmitter was destroyed.
-The Southern Cross destroyed the energy transmitter!-said Aquila 1.
-Fenrir's cover's been blown!-chimed Falco 1.
-Aha! Let's see what they can do now!-boasted Ninox 1.
-Crux to Gryphus squadron.-said Crux.-You did it! Fenrir's camouflage has been disabled! They're in plain view! Now's your chance!
-Landing unit, continue with infiltration and destroy the fortress from the inside.-ordered the leader of the unit.
-Landing unit here! Understood!-acknowledged a member of the unit.
-"Now you will not be so cocky, Alect 1! You are as good as dead!"-mused Gryphus 1, sneering.
-Don't you dare to think you've won, Nemesis!-said Alect 1.-Here's a little present for you from Leasath!
Alect 1 fired an SASM towards Gryphus 1 afterwards. However, before Gryphus 1 was within range of the destruction area, Gryphus 2 committed the unthinkable. He got himself between the missile and his flight lead, being hit by the SASM and dying in the process.
-GRYPHUS 2! NOOOOOO!-shouted Gryphus 1, overcome with grief, as he saw his wingman falling into the ocean.
Alect 1 smirked cruelly when he saw the unfortunate pilot being shot down. Meanwhile, Gryphus 1's grief rapidly changed into a murderous wrath.
-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!-he shouted, as he headed towards the Alect squadron.
The Alect squadron was taken aback by Gryphus 1's seemingly reckless move, and scattered soon enough. However, Gryphus 1 chased Alect 4, firing his guns and two XMAAs at him.
-This is Alect 4! Somebody help meeeee...!-he said, but he was shot down before someone could help him.
-The Southern Cross destroyed Fenrir!-said Ninox 1.
-They're only human!-said Aquila 1.-You can take them!
-NO!-roared Gryphus 1.-They're mine! Stay out of this!
-But, sir, you can't take them on your...-said Crux.
-Shut up, Crux!-shouted Gryphus 1, interrupting the AWACS operator.-SHUT. UP.!
Crux's blood froze when he heard his friend's voice. It sounded very different from his natural voice; instead of sounding rather calming and friendly, Gryphus 1 now sounded like a enraged and bloodthirsty demon.
-"Sir..."-he mused.-"What's happening to you? Even now I can feel the pain in your voice."
Gryphus 1 kept attacking the Alect squadron, hellbent on killing them and anyone who dared to interfere. Alect 3 found himself being attacked by Gryphus 1.
-This is Alect 3! Nemesis' behind me! I can't shake him!-he said.
Alect 1 and 2 attacked Gryphus 1, but their attacks missed. Gryphus 1 chuckled when he heard their frustrated groans.
-You are worthless!-he said.-All of you!
Alect 1 felt insulted, but he realized that Gryphus 1's voice sounded very different from before his wingman was shot down. He realized what Gryphus 1 was going through and smirked a bit.
However, Alect 3 was again on Gryphus 1's sights, and this time, he was not going to allow him to escape.
-I can't shake him!-Alect 3 said.
Gryphus 1 fired two XMAAs at him and fired his guns at the XFA-33. The plane exploded shortly after.
-HAHAHAHAAA!-laughed Gryphus 1.-I understand you don't want to fight back, Alect 1, but I'm going to kill you all, no matter you fight back or not!
The remaining Aurelian pilots shivered at Gryphus 1's words. He was no longer the friendly pilot he was before; in fact, Gryphus 1 now seemed to be exactly the very same kind of pilot he formerly despised.
Even Alect 2 was scared of Gryphus 1 now.
-Alect 1, get us out of here!-he begged.-Nemesis has gone crazy!
-Negative, Alect 2.-replied Alect 1.-Not until he's down!
Gryphus 1 sneered when he heard Alect 1 and 2 arguing.
-You're digging your and your wingman's grave, Alect 1!-he said.
After that, he chased Alect 2. Alect 2 seemed to be fearing for his life, turning and jinking to evade Gryphus 1.
-What? Are you running away like a coward now, Alect 2?-said Gryphus 1, mocking at Alect 2.-I guess it's true, after all! You're all talk and no action! Nothing more than a piece of trash!
-Help me!-begged Alect 2.-He's right behind me!
Gryphus 1 chuckled cruelly, hearing his enemy begging for his life. After a minute of maneuvers, Alect 2 was hit by a burst of guns, which scratched his plane badly, but not enough to cripple the XFA-33.
-I'm hit!-reported Alect 2.
-No, you're dead!-retorted Gryphus 1.
He fired two XMAAs at the unfortunate pilot, destroying the plane and shooting it down.
-HAHAHAHAHAHAA! Bleed! Bleed, you filthy bastards!-barked Gryphus 1, snarling.-Let you bastards rain from the skies and cover this planet in blood!
The Leasathian pilots trembled at Gryphus 1's violent words. Gryphus 1 attacked Alect 1 with his last two XMAAs, but Alect 1 evaded both missiles.
-What's wrong, Alect 1?-asked Gryphus 1.-Still not comfortable with the idea of dying, you scum? Hahahaha!
One of the Leasathian pilots finally shook his fear off.
-If Nemesis destroys the last Fenrir, it will be the end of all of us!-said that pilot. He was piloting a PAK FA, and he was certain that Gryphus 1 would kill them all after taking out Alect 1.-NOOOOO!
He streaked towards Gryphus 1, got behind him, and fired two missiles at him.
-How dare you!?-growled Gryphus 1.
Gryphus 1 evaded the two missiles, turned around, flew head-on towards the PAK FA and fired his guns. The bullets pierced the left engine, but didn't shoot it down. Gryphus 1 flew past the enemy fighter, so close that the PAK FA pilot could almost see his face, twisted by wrath.
Gryphus 1 turned around to finish the PAK FA off.
-"Please, Ángel, don't!"-begged a voice.
It wasn't any of the Aurelian pilots, and it wasn't Crux either.
It was Lucía Moreno, or more exactly, Gryphus 1's memories of her.
-"Please, let him go."-she said. Her voice sounded pleading.-"He's already defeated."
-"Ángel, you're not a monster! You're one of us!"-begged Julieta's voice, which sounded desperate to calm Gryphus 1 down, and on the verge of tears.-"Please don't turn into the same kind of monster you've been fighting!"
-"Ángel, don't throw your humanity aside for this."-said Boris' voice.-"Don't kill him. If you do, my death will truly be in vain!"
Gryphus 1 then realized what he had been doing and what he had said during his psychotic episode. He felt ashamed of his actions.
-"Oh, God, what have I done?"-he thought.-"I was so close to become a monster!"
Gryphus 1 then saw the PAK FA he had hit before. Its left engine was on fire, and the fighter shook badly. It was certain that it would go down soon. However, the pilot hadn't ejected.
Gryphus 1 tried to contact with that pilot.
-Gryphus 1 to Leasathian PAK FA pilot, Gryphus 1 to Leasathian PAK FA pilot,-he said once he found the correct radio frequency.-Why haven't you ejected?
-My canopy is stuck!-replied the pilot. There was a "Master Caution" alarm as a background noise.
-I see.-said Gryphus 1, ashamed of what he had done to that pilot. He still was sure about what he had to do.-I'll try to get you out of there.
-What!?-said the PAK FA pilot.-First, you fire at me, and now you want to get me out of here!?
-Would you prefer to resign and die?-asked Gryphus 1.
-...OK.-said the PAK FA pilot after a moment of silence.-Do what you have to do.
-I need you to invert and stay invert.-said Gryphus 1.-I'm going to try and blow the canopy off so you can jump out of the plane.
-Are you sure about this?-asked the PAK FA pilot.
-If you have a better idea, I'm all ears to it.-replied Gryphus 1.
The PAK FA rolled over and stayed in that position.
-Nemesis,-said the PAK FA pilot once he completed the maneuver.-I can barely control my plane.
-Try your best to keep it steady.-begged Gryphus 1.-And make sure you duck when I shoot.
-Understood.-said the PAK FA pilot.
Unfortunately, just before Gryphus 1 could get a clear shot on the PAK FA's canopy, Alect 1 came in.
-You'll pay for getting in my way.-he said, and he fired.
Alect 1 had fired his last SASM to the damaged PAK FA. Gryphus 1 desperately tried to shoot that missile down, but before he attacked the missile, Alect 1 fired two missiles to him. As he evaded, Gryphus 1 was forced to see how the pilot he had tried to save was shot down.
He almost gave in to rage again, but he tried his best to calm down. If he failed, the deaths of all the pilots there, and thus, all people during the Aurelian-Leasathian War would be in vain.
A Leasathian pilot was taken aback by Alect 1's horrible act.
-I saw him...-said a Su-47 pilot.-Nemesis,... and Alect 1...
-What do you mean?-asked a Rafale M pilot that didn't witness the attack.
-He shot him down...-continued the pilot.
-Who?-asked an Su-35S pilot.
-Alect 1!-shouted the Su-47 pilot.-He killed one of his own allies!
There was an angry murmur around the Leasathian pilots.
-You've got to be joking!-said the PAK FA pilot's wingman.-I thought Nemesis was cruel, but to think Alect 1 would shoot down his own allies...
-I heard that Alect 1 is Navarro's enforcer.-said a MiG 1.44 pilot.-At least Nemesis has a good reason to shoot us down. He's our enemy, after all. But Alect 1 has crossed the line.
-I don't know you guys,-said the Su-47 pilot who had seen Alect 1's attack.-but I'm sure as hell I'm not going to follow the orders of a dictator who allows his enforcers to kill their comrades. I'm leaving!
-You won't be alone in this!-replied another pilot.-We're all turning against Navarro. This is a coup d'etat!
Every surviving Leasathian pilot disengaged and headed north.
-Get back here, traitors!-roared Alect 1.
-They finally realized Navarro's government is no longer worthy to protect.-said Gryphus 1, in a calm voice. His voice sounded even more calm than usual.
Alect 1 attacked Gryphus 1 immediately after.
-So, why don't we finish this?-asked Gryphus 1.
The two fighters engaged each other as the Aurelian pilots watched. It was a battle of aces.
-People who survive a long time of the battlefield on nothing but negative feelings begin to think they're invincible and above human morality.-said Gryphus 1, as he tried to shoot Alect 1 with his guns.-I was so close to become someone like you, Alect 1. It's scary.
-Don't you dare to lecture me!-retorted Alect 1, as he got behind Gryphus 1 and tried to shoot him down.
The XFA-33 and the F-22 kept evading each other's attacks for a while, alternating their positions every now and then.
-I'm going to have my revenge.-swore Alect 1.-That's what the Fenrir is for, besides changing the world.
-That fighter is just the dream of a sick dictator.-replied Gryphus 1.
-Dead men's words hold no meaning!-said Alect 1.-This fighter will terrorize anyone who opposes Leasath.
-Your problem is that you cannot tell between friend and foe.-said Gryphus 1.-Terror is not your friend!
Alect 1 fired two missiles at Gryphus 1, who evaded them. After that, Alect 1 tried to use his guns to shoot him down, but Gryphus 1 evaded the bullets.
-It's not over, at least not for Leasath.-said Gryphus 1.-This is where it all starts. You know what I'm talking about, right?
-You fool!-retorted Alect 1.-There is no mercy in war. People live and people die.
-And that's why Navarro's twisted game needs to be stopped.-said Gryphus 1.-When Navarro is defeated, freedom will return to Leasath.
Gryphus 1 fired his guns at Alect 1's aircraft. Some bullets hit the XFA-33, but it was not enough to affect its performance the very least.
-How dare you!?-roared Alect 1, attacking Gryphus 1.
Gryphus 1 evaded the attack by inches. When Alect 1 passed him by, Gryphus 1's radar went crazy.
-Dammit!-said Crux.-Alect 1 activated a powerful ECM system!
Gryphus 1's targeting system was impaired. He could still track Alect 1, but his missiles couldn't lock on.
-"I guess this will be like the first dogfights. No missiles, just guns and the pilot skills."-mused Gryphus 1.
The two fighters attacked each other head-on. Gryphus 1 had to evade Alect 1's missiles, which passed his F-22 by buzzing. However, his evasive maneuvers prevented him from having a clear shot on the Fenrir.
-You and I are opposite sides of the same coin.-said Gryphus 1.-When we face each other, we can finally see our true selves. There may be a resemblance, but we never face the same direction. Today we will find out who's number one!
Alect 1 was overcome with rage. He was not going to let Gryphus 1 win this time.
-I'm the best pilot of Leasath!-roared Alect 1, after a second pass.-That's why I'm going to kill you! You will die by my hands, Ángel Román!
Gryphus 1 and Alect 1 went in for the final head-on pass. Alect 1 tried to kill Gryphus 1, but he evaded the attack and fired his guns. The Fenrir was badly hit, and it began to trail black smoke. There was no way the fighter could make it even to Archelon Fortress' base. However, Alect 1 still turned around and tried to ram Gryphus 1 in a last, desperate try to kill his sworn enemy. However, Gryphus 1 evaded the enemy pilot's attack, and the XFA-33 Fenrir, with Alect 1 inside, exploded three seconds after the pass.
However, the pilots' problems were not over yet.
-Fenrir's been destroyed!-gasped a soldier in the Archelon Fortress' base.-Looks like the Southern Cross was the real monster!
-We've got no choice!-said the base commander.-Prepare the fortress defense weapon! Let's sanitize the skies!
A large dome on the top of the island began to move.
-Something on top of the fortress is moving!-said Crux. He then realized a terrible fact.-That's... the same Shock Cannon that was on the airborne fortress! We can't allow Leasath to remain in possession of that kind of weapon. Do what it takes to destroy the Shock Cannon.
-"An anti-air Shock Cannon!? You've gotta be joking!"-thought Gryphus 1. He was calm but unnerved nonetheless.
-Shock Cannon firing preparations complete.-reported Crux. He then saw Aquila 3, Aquila 4, Falco 2 and Ninox 2 flying too high.- Aquila 3, Aquila 4, Falco 2 and Ninox 2, lower your altitude!
The four pilots tried desperately to lower their altitude, but Crux began an ominous countdown:
-5, 4, 3, 2, 1, cannon firing!-said Crux, as the Shock Cannon fired. The four planes were destroyed.
-Aquila 3, Aquila 4, Falco 2 and Ninox 2 have been hit!-said Aquila 1.-Dammit, we've lost them!
-Destroy the Shock Cannon!-said Crux.
-Leave it to me.-said Gryphus 1.-I owe you for being such a monster before.
Gryphus 1 switched to GPBs and fired two of them on the Shock Cannon on the top of the island, but the damage was minimal. He tried to do a second pass, but then the Shock Cannon prepared to fire again.
-The Shock Cannon is preparing to fire again!-said Crux, as the Shock Cannon prepared to fire.-In 5 second, 3, 2, 1, cannon firing!
The Shock Cannon fired again. This time, all the surviving pilots were out of the danger zone.
-Watch out!-warned Crux.-This cannon firing time is shorter than the airborne fortress'!
Gryphus 1 went all-out against the Shock Cannon, firing his last two GPBs and missiles on it. He even strafed it to destroy it. Eventually, he managed to destroy it.
Meanwhile, the ground forces were trying to infiltrate into the fortress.
-Landing unit. We've arrived at the front gate.-reported a landing unit member. He hacked the security system and tried to open the gate.-Alright! It opened!
The unit spotted something from the entrance.
-What's that...!?-said another member. He picked up his binoculars and spotted a dark blue XFA-33 with a pilot climbing into the cockpit. The pilot spotted the Aurelian soldiers and he made a bras d'honneur combined with a finger before the canopy closed. He then proceeded to do a vertical take off.-Oh, crap, it's Fenrir! And there's a pilot inside! He's taking off! We can't go after him! Take care of him for us!
-The amphibious unit has opened Archelon Fortress' front gate. There are still working Fenrirs inside. If we let even one escape, they're sure to take data from this battle back to Leasath. If that happens, then this war will truly never end!-said Crux.-Enter the fortress, chase down and destroy Fenrir!
-Understood.-said Gryphus 1.-In case I don't make it out of here, please forgive me for shouting at you, Crux.
-This is the landing unit. Sorry we couldn't deal with him ourselves.-said the member of the landing unit who spotted the Fenrir.-Go get him for us.
Gryphus 1 flew into the fortress' tunnel. Once he went in, the front gate began to close behind him.
-Oh no... the gate is going to close! The Southern Cross'll be trapped inside!-said a member of the landing unit, as he saw the gate closing behind the pilot.
-We have no choice. We must withdraw.-said the leader of the landing unit.-We leave it up to you to end this.
Gryphus 1 headed towards the Fenrir. Unlike the Alect squadron ones, this was dark blue. The pilot tried to attack Gryphus 1 once he got behind him, but Gryphus 1 fired two missiles to the XFA-33. One of them missed and hit a fuel tank, but Gryphus 1 used his guns to finish off the fighter.
The fighter debris hit some fuel tanks, provoking an intense fire and making the whole base go ablaze.
-Fenrir's been destroyed!-said a Leasathian soldier.
-Put out that fire!-ordered the base commander.-Protect the control system!
-It's no good, the fire's spreading!-replied the soldier.-Dammit! It spread all the way in here!
-Use whatever you can find! Put that fire out! Leasath's future depends on it!-ordered the commander, mishearing the soldier's words.
-The hallways are engulfed in flames! There's nothing we can do!-said another soldier.-It's too big! The flames are spreading!
-It's no good! The fire extinguishing system is out!-said the soldier who saw Gryphus 1 shoot down the Fenrir.-The warehouse just burst into flames! It's too late! There's nothing we can do! Run for it!
Most of the soldiers got out of the complex, but the commander stayed, in a catatonic shock.
-The future of our country destroyed, all because of one single pilot: Nemesis!-he said, before the fire engulfed him.
Gryphus 1 saw the tunnel around him exploding and being engulfed in flames. He tried to get to the other side of the tunnel to find an exit.
Gryphus 1 saw an ascending section of the tunnel and headed towards it, but the explosions shook his plane...
Sentry Island, Leasath, December 11th 2020, 04:19:35 Hours
Aquila 1, Falco 1, Ninox 1 and Crux were waiting for his friend. They saw the whole complex exploding.
-Where is the Southern Cross?-asked Aquila 1.
-He's still inside Archelon Fortress!-said Falco 1.-But his radio is not responding!
-Oh, God!-gasped Ninox 1.-Gryphus 1...
-Gryphus 1, Gryphus 1...-said Crux, trying to get an answer from his friend.-Come in! Sir!
The base kept exploding and it was engulfed in flames. The three pilots and the radio operator watched in grief as the only exit began to expel fire.
Suddenly, a grey F-22A Raptor flew out of the fire.
It was Gryphus 1.
-There he is! Gryphus 1!-said Falco 1.
-Unbelievable!-said Aquila 1.-He destroyed that entire fortress!
-He did it!-exclaimed Falco 1.-Yeah!
-That's our ace!-said Aquila 1.-The Southern Cross!
-Argh!-groaned Ninox 1, although he was glad to see his friend alive.-If the door hadn't closed, I could have been the one to destroy the fortress!
-Give me a break.-retorted Falco 1.-Like there's any way you could have made it through there.
-Whatever.-shrugged Ninox 1.
-Crux to Gryphus 1. Good to see you're alright.-said Crux.-It made me nervous just watching you. I thought for a second you were caught in the explosion. It wouldn't feel like a victory if you weren't there to celebrate with us, sir.
-It wouldn't feel like a victory if I had given in to my hatred, either.-said Gryphus 1.-I can't help but wonder what could have I done if I had.
Gryphus 1 stared at the destroyed fortress as it burned down.
-When you think about it, you can't help but feel sorry for Leasath's soldiers.-pointed Crux.-They were nothing but pawns in Navarro's sick game...
-"I was so close to become a puppet of his game..."-mused Gryphus 1.-"In a different way, but still..."
-Well, it's finally over, isn't it...?-said Crux. The four surviving planes got into a cross-like formation, one that resembled the Southern Cross.-Let's get home. To Aurelia.
The four planes headed to the northwest. The fight was finally over.
Phuku Lagolla Base, Aurelia, December 11th 2020, 06:45 Hours
The four pilots had split up once Ninox 1 and Aquila 1 reached their carrier. Gryphus 1 and Falco 1 had continued to the mainland. On the way, Falco 1 praised how Gryphus 1 had let go of his hatred, helping a pilot who didn't deserve a terrible fate. Gryphus 1 replied that, if it wasn't for his memories of the ones he loved and cared for, he might have ended up like Alect 1: killing for the mere pleasure of battle and hatred.
The two pilots landed on Phuku Lagolla at 06:45 hours.
Ángel Román went to his room and took the few things he had there. Once he came out, he bumped into a woman. Her brown eyes, red hair and fair skin showed that she was Silvia McCloskey, Boris Valiente's girlfriend.
-Hello, sir.-said Silvia.-I'm looking for Boris Valiente. Could you tell him I'm looking for him?
Ángel's face went sad.
-Lady, I regret to tell you that Boris Valiente has died.-he said.
Silvia's face was twisted with grief. She fell on her knees and began to sob.
-I wish I had better news.-said Ángel, as he put a hand on her shoulder.
-W... were you his wingman?-Silvia sobbed.
-Yes, I was.-said Ángel.
-I just hope you did your best to protect him.-Silvia said, as she dried her tears.
-He was the greatest pilot I flew with.-said Ángel.-And he really loved you.
-I know that.-said Silvia.-I just wanted him to know something. Something I couldn't tell him.
-What was it, lady?-asked Ángel.
-I wanted to tell him that I'm pregnant.-answered Silvia.-I wanted to tell him, but the same day Leasath declared war on our country, and I lost contact with him. I just hope you have better luck than him and I.
After that, Silvia entered Boris' bedroom and took his stuff. There were very few things, so she had no problem taking them.
-Sir,-said Silvia, after he got out of the bedroom.-I don't blame you for what happened to him. I know that you didn't want him to die. I can tell you're a good person.
After that, Silvia McCloskey left the base.
Ángel went out of the HQ building and took a look at the sky. He had never seen such a beautiful sky in 17 months.
However, he planned to make a visit to Aubrey Base. He wanted to say goodbye to his former wingmen, some days later.
Eugene Solano met him some minutes later.
-Ángel.-said Eugene.-It's good to see you alright.
-I've never been better.-said Ángel.-At least, I didn't give in to my hatred, and I still could avenge the innocent people who died in this pointless war.
-But, what about Navarro?-asked Eugene.
Seventeenth chapter. The final battle has ended up with an Aurelian victory, but which will be the consequences of this turn of events? The next scene, which will be split in three parts, will give you the answers. Good luck and take care. See you next time
EDIT(14/5/2015): Changed Fenrir's designation to the one it received in the 9th update of Ace Combat Infinity.