Now for the next Episode. In this chapter, I will introduce the third work on the selected roster, though that will not exactly come until the second part. Before then, I'll be getting to more on Germania and Karsland and the Witches' relationship with the Weisse Hexe legend.
Note: The Neuroi in this scene is based on the YB-35/YB-49 as found in the first few minutes of Episode 4 in Strike Witches.
Skies burned red over what was once the capital of old Karsland. What was once the major center of the old kingdom has now become a ruined landscape, a testimony to the new empire that was Germania.
Out in the distance, a wave of ME 109 fighters flew above the burning city. They witnessed as the Neuroi moved in overhead, raising whatever structures to the ground and destroying all man-made machines that were still intact. Unfortunately, for those below, these planes were not meant to protect the people.
"JG 132 to HQ," the radio called out in one of the planes. "We have entered Berlin airspace and sighted the Neuroi fleet."
"Understood," the commander's voice. "Refrain from engaging the Neuroi force."
"Sir?"
"Orders from the Special Unit: you are to ignore the Neuroi fleet and target the Karsland insurgents in the area. They are most likely at a broken train on the rail system following the Autobahn. Do you have visual?"
"Y-Yes, sir."
"Continue with your attack run. Remember, you're going up against the JG 52. Use your training and engage all prioritized targets in the area. That is all."
That was the chatter coming from Bassler's plane, who was still a Flying Officer at the time. As joyous as he was in living his dream to fly the skies, he didn't expect this battle to be against such dangerous targets.
Said targets were the primary aces among the mentioned fighter unit, particular the Witches within it.
Near the ground below, Lieutenant Barkhorn observed the running masses who were escaping from the trains. Karsland agents below her engaged the enemy soldiers trying to gun them down. Unlike normal former Karsland and Germanian soldiers, these forces belonged to the Schutzstaffel, the personal armies of the new Kaiser. They were escorting the dissidents away from the battle and getting them to safety where the boats waited to evacuate them.
Barkhorn joined the other Witches as they provided air support above. While her comrades were covering them on the ground, but they were still vulnerable from the air, especially against the Neuroi. Her unit distracted and outright engaged the alien machines while the civilians ran away. The current Neuroi they attack fired off more beams, which deflected as they impacted their barriers. Some beams ended up hitting the ground below, spreading debris into the escaping prisoners.
The Lieutenant glared at the devastation caused by the Neuroi. Unable to bear witnessing such massacre, she charged in a rage against the hostile craft. With one burst from her wingmates, she broke through its shell and destroyed the core shortly after that. Barkhorn took rapid breaths as the alien weapon collapsed into large white shards. It may not be the last Neuroi in the area, but it was the closest that threated the escaping prisoners.
Facing the prisoners, she thought she got a glimpse of someone particular, someone precious to her. She sighted her once during the mission when she escaped out of the train cars after the Karsland forces made their ambush. Now the girl was struggling with all the prisoners who pushed her around to escape. She was in the middle of the crowd, standing idle as if she waited for someone there.
Before Barkhorn could act, sounds of machinegun fire vibrated the sky once more. She expected to face another the Neuroi but instead came a wave of Germanian planes. They opened fire from above right in the direction of the escapees as well.
Of the planes in the unit, Bassler was mostly oriented towards the Witch as she put up her barrier. The others missed their target, but flew into the escaping prisoners, massacring them with bullets. Bassler made a turn around Gertrude as she opened fire on especially Minna, who was distracted projecting her shield. Erica intercepted him as he attempted to evade the gunfire, only save when another Me 109 flew into the path and got shot down on his place.
Barkhorn witnessed the rain of bullets flying into the prisoners as well as rapid bombarding the area from the dive bombers. The massacre committed fueled her rage as she went after Bassler. The two crossed paths as the two missed each other's shots. Bassler was just lucky enough for her to run out of bullets. However, both managed to get a quick look at each other's faces before resuming to the battle.
Gertrude attempted to reload before going into another run. However, another bombardment pounded the ground below with a new Neuroi coming into her view. While Minna and Erica went to engage, Gertrude was forced to project her shield against its beam weapons.
Then suddenly from the side, Bassler struck the Witch. She had no wounds anywhere, but the attack badly damaged her right Striker Unit, sending her to the ground. Bassler flew closer to finish her off, but another wave of beams got into his sight. The same attack continued to bombard the ground as Gertrude's last vision was her younger sister. A flash then completely blinded her view.
What happened next was for fate to decide.
"Captain," Rickert woke Bassler, who slept in the passenger seat of their car. They drove for a few hours straight since morning, and Bassler was never the morning person, so it was inevitable that he would sleep wherever and whenever he could. "We have arrived."
Right now, they were in a special section of Nue Berlin that was the Imperial Technology Arsenal. Trees disguised the facility like the towering walls, so no one knew what was inside. It expanded by a least a few square kilometers with hundreds of warehouses, manufacturing plants, and testing grounds.
"A lot of weapons sure are being produced here," Bassler stated the obvious as the two walked down the road towards another warehouse. Along the way, he got some sight of the latest weapons. In one warehouse, he found them transporting the hull of a U-boat. Another had what looked like experimental rockets. He swore in his very eyes that he once caught a glimpse of the biggest tank he had ever seen, which won't be too out of place on a battleship. And all of this was in the hands of the Germanian Empire.
"I already understand why this place would be so confidential."
"The Major has already negotiated with the Director," Rickert entered the warehouse labeled "Design Division 8" along with the pilot.
"So the Special Unit is on good terms with the staff," Bassler assumed. "I don't find it surprising for someone who conducts espionage and goes through weird occult stuff."
"That's right. And now, you're one of us."
Bassler could not argue against it. Besides fighting against the White Witch, he recalled the dream he was having when he was in the old Berlin capital that was destroyed by the Neuroi and subsequently taken over by Germania. He could not get a glimpse that he shot down a Witch, but reporting it, let alone making it out alive, seemed to ease his way for a promotion to Captain.
In a sense, he was already involved in this Witch occult stuff the Special Unit was going through, but there was another matter he wondered. It was something to do with the young boy before him, Rickert Bisterfelt, which was supposed to be a renowned name.
"Second Lieutenant, you're from a noble family, aren't you? What are you doing working behind the scenes of the Special Unit?"
"To prove that I'm my own man," the young scion answered. "It's true that when my dad dies, I'll inherit his title. But I want to show that I don't need a title to succeed, just like Major Berkman."
"It's nice to be young, huh?"
"Are you making fun of me?" Rickert felt offended.
"No," Bassler waved it aside. "It's just something to be admired."
Ignoring his comment, Rickert turned to the nearby door. Major Berkman awaited the two as they entered with unknown equipment behind him.
"Welcome to the Imperial Technology Arsenal. I do not doubt this is the first time you've ever been to this facility."
"I only heard rumors of this place," Bassler search around the crates. "Underground factories where slave labor is used, covert facilities where captured Witches are examined and experimented upon, and even Neuroi core samples are stored in here."
"Don't you enjoy the atmosphere here?"
"No, it's that the place was far bigger than I expected."
"A large portion of the nation's military budget goes into experimenting with new technologies and acquiring those from foreign countries," Rickert went on. "It is without a doubt that His Majesty's devotion to such developments is the reason our nation surpasses the rest of the world in many ways."
"And we are allowed to use it however we wish," Berkman confirmed with sincerity.
"And so, what did you want to show me?"
"Why don't you have a look for yourself?" Arnold pointed with her pipe to the other side.
Before them, there was an immense rocket shaped aircraft that was in the final stages. It was so huge that it nearly stretched across the entire warehouse. Up above, a crane was installing the last component. The metal container was leaking red light from the sides as it started to release its contents. As it entered in, there was the presence of a red crystal dodecahedron installing itself into the machine.
"This is," Bassler discovered what looked like the same cores belonging to the familiar red and black alien craft.
"You weren't wrong saying this facility was rumored to experiment with Neuroi cores," Berkman confirmed to the unnerved pilot. "Details are classified, but they're specially contained to avoid corruption of neighboring systems. In short, these cores are tamed and completely under our control."
"Why are you going out to show me this?"
"Just goes to show how much we can rely on you," Berkman smoked from his pipe again. "From my extra research, your dogfight in the Alps was not the only time you fought against a Witch. There was your battle in the old Berlin capital before the war started. You even went off against the legendary Witches who have now become Karsland's top aces."
"And I thought this was supposed to be just about the White Witch."
"Taking out the White Witch is not the only goal of this operation," Berkman walked back into the other room, and he raised his pipe to everything else. "Besides, if you're not convinced, we have several prototypes ready to field testing."
The Luftwaffe captain turned around, almost as if to argue. But he stopped over taking a closer look. On his right within the room were a row of fighter planes he had never seen. Despite that, his knowledge in aircraft told them that some of these were very good.
"You can't be serious!"
"We even have rocket and jet-propelled planes in the making," the Major offered. "As long as they're ready, you're free to pick whichever machine you choose."
"Four propellers and inverted gull wings!" the Captain was already jumping for joy while checking one of the planes "Does this thing even fly?"
While Major have to chuckle at the moment, Rickert sighed with exasperation.
Sheesh, and I thought I was the child here.
Back at the base, the Witches were all gathered in the kitchen. Sanya was the only one of the Witches not around since she returned from her patrol, although Minna received her report the other night.
Each of the Witches prepared their meals, but Yoshika and Lynette did most of the cooking. They served meals that were native to Fuso, so it made sense that most of them were not used to it. That included the White Witch who ate at the end of the table.
"Um, what is this?" Izetta played around with her food.
"You don't like the meal that I made?" Yoshika asked as she approached her chair.
"Sorry, but I can't eat this either," Alice wasn't much of a fan either. "It looks slimy and gross."
"Why the hell do you even eat this kind of thing?" Perrine tended to agree.
"Natto is a common dish in Fuso," Mio insisted, which made Perrine nervous. "You should try it before you judge anything."
"Well, I…"
Lynette then came next to Yoshika. On her tray was a dessert pie with a red filling.
"Here you go, Izetta-san. I hope I got this right."
"Straight to dessert, huh?" Alice was curious about what Izetta's new "sister" made.
"It was a request by the Archduchess," Bianca said from Izetta's right side. "Granted, it's been a while since we were able to serve this."
"I did not know that cherry pie was popular in your country," Lynette inquired.
"That would be Kirschbaum," Erica pointed out. "And it is not an Eylstadt dish, but a Karsland one."
"The dessert is popular back in Landsbruck," Bianca said with a hint of frustration. "I swear, Her Excellency always runs off to the local bakery when she tries to abandon her duties."
"She's a tomboy princess," Erica lamented. "What's to be expected?"
There was some laughter among the Witches as Lucchini stretched her arms out.
"Anyway, we have all sort of cuisines from around the world. You're free to ask any of us whatever you want!"
"You'll have to ask Sanya for any cooking from me," Eila trolled in the group.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!?" Alice reacted.
Lynette chuckled as she got closer to Izetta.
"Just tell us whatever you want, and Yoshika-chan and I will do our best."
"T-Thank you, S-Sister."
That made some of the girls jump.
"Did she just say, Sister!?" Perrine inquired.
"There's no need to guess that those two are related," Eila eyed on the girls' most important feminine parts. "Not only did Lynn inherit her powers, but she also inherited her body type."
"Eh!?" Both Witches went red and covered themselves when they realized what she was mentioning.
"They're still a little lackluster," Shirley played with her own rack. "They'll have to eat more they want to get this big."
"What's with all this talk about breasts!?" Perrine exploded in embarrassment. "She's not that type of girl to say such things!"
"Are you just jealous because you haven't seen her for a long time?" Francesca continued to troll her.
"It has nothing to do with that!"
As the Witches got into a quarrel, Lynette noticed something going with Izetta.
"Is something wrong? I know that this is my first time, but don't worry. I'll get some better with some practice."
"It not that," Izetta shook her head. "It's just whenever I'm not doing any work during any part of the day, I get…guilty? Anxious?"
"Do not fret, for you are our guest here," Mio insisted. "You are free to make yourself at home."
"Well, I…"
Just then, another guest came into the room. She dressed in the usual red fur coat, whose breast size made Yoshika and Lynette blush just as much Izetta.
"You can't be Queen if you remain so indecisive like that," Elvira joked as she came into the room. "After all, you're a world celebrity now."
"Elvira," Shirley greeted the woman. "Never thought I'd see you here again. Work in Liberion's not good enough for you?"
"I'm here to serve as Izetta's media specialist. The public opinion requires her to maintain face if she wants to gain support for Eylstadt's protection."
"I'm afraid that is true," Mio had to agree with her. "Witches all over the world acknowledge you."
"Acknowledge?" Francesca questioned the world while playing with her spoon. "More like worship."
"You got Trude to blame for this," Erica turned to her superior and idol, who said nothing throughout the conversation "Ehh, Trude?"
Now that she mentioned it, they noticed that her plate was still full. Even though she made the food herself, she barely ate a single thing from it. Yoshika wondered if she didn't like the food she created.
"Barkhorn-san? Are you okay?"
"I am fine."
"But you haven't touched your food. If you don't eat well, you won't be able to-"
"Do not pry over such personal matters!"
The Lieutenant stood from her seat and walked out of the room in a hurry. The other girls could only watch as she left them to their own devices, while Yoshika gazed at her. It was like Gertrud did even want to see her.
"Barkhorn-san…"
"Coming to think of it, shouldn't she be the one enjoying this the most?" Francesca questioned. "I mean, she's the one who even proposed the idea of the other Witch clans coming to support her."
"I heard from Minna that the event caused an upheaval in the military," Mio added in, who was brought up to speed thanks to Minna. "Commander Wilcke and Commodore Galland spent days talking with the military forces to stabilize the situation."
"You don't think," Yoshika theorized in worry. "She hates me for some reason?"
"You just imagine things," Lynette shook her head. "Barkhorn is usually hard on everyone."
"Hello?" Erica nudged by the side.
"Uh, Commander Wilcke and Officer Hartmann are the exceptions. They've been fighting together ever since the fighting started. They even participated in Karsland's operations to enter right into Germanian territory to rescue civilians."
"Wow…" Yoshika's response was not expected.
"It is that really wonderful?"
"Of course, it is! How can we protect everyone if we can't protect even a single person in need?"
"Even if she's in the middle of enemy territory?" Francesca questioned.
"Or out in the middle of the ocean?" Shirley also added.
"That's right," Yoshika nodded without giving a second thought.
"But she's always so strict and hardworking," Erica mentioned. "She always dedicates her life to the unit. That is until Miss Weisse Hexe came along."
"Indeed, her vacation days have been piling up," Mio came to agree with her. "She's also giving away every paycheck. Whatever the reason is, only Commander Wilcke and Officer Hartmann seem to know."
"Barkhorn-san…"
The whole conversation left Yoshika even more curious about the Karsland Lieutenant. Perhaps the Commander, her superior, might know something about this.
"Izetta appears to be doing well as it is. Her popularity has spiked in the past few days."
The Commander of the 501st was at her desk in her office. Across from her was the Archduchess as they discussed recent events and their progress regarding support from Eylstadt. Both leading officials had teacups that they sipped from as they conversed.
"She's also getting along well with the 501st," Fine replied. "She's become quite interactive with Officer Bishop recently."
"Never thought that Perrine would be close to her either," Minna thought about the Galian girl who met the Witch for some time before her debut. "The rest of the world aside, she's become quite the idol among the 501st."
"So it seems," Fine looked away for the moment, facing the posted newspapers as she took another sip. "Though I have to pity her. Izetta is not the one for popularity."
"Nonetheless, her demonstrations have put up an effective front on the world stage. I even received word from Commodore Galland that a few other units want to see her in action as well."
"So the other clans are acknowledging her role as Weisse Hexe?"
"It's too early to tell. But the Commodore has been talking to the Allied leaders recently. Although it will take some time, she says there might be a way to procure reinforcements and supplies to Eylstadt."
Now that raised an eyebrow from the Archduchess. This was the first time she heard something about this, even though the possibility was already talked repeatedly since their journey from Eylstadt.
"It will take some time, but they are conjuring up a battle plan that requires an invasion into Romagna and Venezia."
"Romagna," Fine recalled the name. "From what I understand, that country is undergoing unrest between the pro-Germanian fascist movement and the co-belligerent loyalists who are part of the Allies. Reasonably, one of your own is a member of the latter."
Minna nodded in confirmation.
"With the situation deteriorating and the threat of a combined Neuroi-Germanian attack, Britannia is considering a plan to back up that region. If this is successful, they'll be able to open a supply route to Eylstadt and the Witch units can have access to your country."
"I take that as good news," Fine assumed, or at least was the sugarcoated version of it.
"Yes, but that's if we keep up the White Witch's appearance as an invincible enemy."
Fine nodded, understand what she meant.
"We played a part in helping her, but it helped us in the long run. Still, before encountering Izetta, I never thought a day like this would come. It may not be a long reprieve, but it's something of which to be grateful."
"A Germanian or Neuroi counterattack is not the only worry either," Minna pressed the issue. "The real concern is what's come up within the unit."
That was also a problem. More people were becoming aware of Izetta's weakness, that she couldn't use her power in a certain area due to the Weisse Hexe's special way of obtaining magic. The enemy does not know, but who knows how long that will last?
"To think about Izetta's weakness, and now the rest of the unit is starting to learn it, too."
As if it were speaking of the devil, there was a knock on the door. Moments later, two familiar faces came into the room.
"Um, Minna-san," Yoshika entered first.
"Miyafuji? Lynn?" Both witches approached their Commander. "Is there something you need?"
"S-Sorry to interrupt," Lynette apologized. "Yoshika-chan said she wanted to speak with you."
"If it's about the ceremony we're giving to the White Witch, I have to apologize. They are our guests here, after all."
"It's not about Izetta-san, it's about Barkhorn-san," the Fuso Witch confessed. She was unsure of what the Commander would say in the matter, but she was the only one she thought could help.
"Is something about her that's bothering you?"
Yoshika nodded to Minna with concern.
"I always get the feeling that she's watching me when we're apart. And when we're together, and I try to talk to her, she always keeps avoiding me."
Minna sighed as if she knew the issue would come, sooner rather than later.
"I won't be too surprised," Fine assured Yoshika. "Izetta came here before and said she has been feeling the same way."
"Izetta-san?"
"Major Sakamoto and I have sensed her performance slipping lately," Minna replied. "She has been like that ever since she returned from mainland Europe. I would have given her a more appropriate punishment if I were to soothe opinion of the military officers, but…"
"The loss of an ace pilot would be damaging to your military strength," Fine assumed. "Her act at Coenenberg was quite sudden. I doubt there was some other time she acted like this."
"This is the first time," Minna confirmed. "Lieutenant Barkhorn is usually a perfectionist. She would never let such matters bother her. Unless…"
"Unless what?"
Minna took a deep breath. She was about to speak something sensitive to both herself and her comrades but believed was something worth sharing.
"Do you remember the time of Kristallnacht?"
"The burning of the old capital of Karsland," Fine recalled. "That city was the center of the country's opposition forces who were against the new regime. You and the Karsland forces fought against the Neuroi who attacked, and helped the citizens escape when the SS forces began rounding them up."
"Lieutenant Barkhorn's sister was among those captured."
"No way," Yoshika was surprised by that fact. "I never knew Barkhorn-san had a sister!"
"In a way, she looks like you," Lynette said from the side.
"Lynn-san?"
"I only saw her once, but Barkhorn's sister is very young and has short hair. Perhaps she keeps seeing you because you're a reminder of her."
"Eh?"
Yoshika found herself blushing as Minna continued.
"Despite our efforts, the Neuroi destroyed the city, and the Germanians killed many of the escaping citizens. Chris was disabled in that incident and fell to a comatose. Even though she has recovered, Trude has never left the 501st to see her."
"Horrible…" The Fuso Witch felt sorry upon hearing that.
"I can understand her feelings. But her time away from Chris is a bit concerning."
"Do you think her sister is why she was so erratic the other day when Izetta showed herself?" Fine asked.
"I cannot guess," Minna said truthfully. "Like the other Karsland Witches, we are big fans of the Weisse Hexe legend. But Barkhorn has a much closer relationship than even the Bishop family."
"Is that so…"
"Perhaps, that is what's keeping her from being herself."
"Barkhorn-san…"
Those words have left Yoshika pondering. Even Fine had questioned why the Lieutenant would go this far.
That night, the Karsland Lieutenant remained up all night, standing in the hallway against a set of glass windows. She could not sleep, especially after that nightmare over that fateful day.
Little did people know the long history of the Barkhorn family, or rather the clan whose bloodline they inherited. That clan carried a burden so big that it became a curse among those who wielded it.
It's been centuries since that day when the Duchy of Eylstadt was in great peril. That was the day when Weisse Hexe made her appearance and emerged as the hero of our time. We witches, who were subordinate to her, rallied behind her during her call. Under her power, we saved her home country and protected her and the prince who became her lover.
That was the legend not many knew. It was only until recently did the other Witches discover and understand that many other Witches joined the Weisse Hexe in their crusade to save the country. And they made an oath to protect her and her clan no matter what the cost might be.
We, the Barkhorn family, was supposed to be her protectors that time, to stand by her to the very end like all the others. And yet, we…we…
The Barkhorn clan broke that oath. When not only the country but the Weisse Hexe herself was in peril, her clan abandoned their duty. Even when the stories state they were in no condition to support her, her clan got discounted as too weak. Since then, her clan had focused on strength, so that when the Weisse Hexe clan emerged again, they would stay by her side until the very end.
"Are you thinking about Chris again?" Minna asked as she entered the room. "Or are you think about…that?"
Gertrude said nothing. What good were the Commander's words, even if she was her superior? There was nothing she could do for her.
"We discussed this before," Minna insisted on continuing. "We are both fans of the legend, and we know your sister idolizes her just as you do. We know how important it is for us to honor Izetta's clan, and I know that your clan carries a burden unlike any other. But you cannot let your emotions get in the way."
"I have to," the Lieutenant replied. "It's the only way we could atone for that crime. And Chris has…"
"It wasn't your fault, Trude," Minna wanted to comfort her to no avail.
"No, it's because I was too careless that Chris got involved!"
"You saved her from the Neuroi and liberated her from the SS. If it wasn't for that, she could have died for sure."
"It's a fact we could not protect the city at all," the Lieutenant retorted. "Kristallnacht, the day when the Neuroi and Germania attacked our people and rained shards of glass on them. If we were able to stop them...If we were able to kill the Kaiser sooner..."
"You're not the one responsible; there was nothing we could do to stop it," Minna paused for the moment. "Look, your vacation days have been piling up, and Chris has recovered ever since that day. Why don't you take the time to visit her?"
"There's no need," Gertrude turned around. "Since that day, I've been prepared to fight for the preservation of Witches. Even my call for the Weisse Hexe was for that goal. The Chris I knew died that day."
"You're only chaining yourself to the past either way. It doesn't matter if your family is indebted to the Weisse Hexe, or if your sister is gone. You got to stop blaming yourself for everything that's happened."
"I am prepared to face my fate," Barkhorn walk away from her. "If I should die, then so shall it be. Prepare me for my next mission."
With that, the Lieutenant left the room. Although she was her superior, she was convinced there was nothing to do. At the very least, she could not persuade her alone. If she really wanted to contribute to the 501st as well as the Weisse Hexe, throwing her life away was not an option. She had to live for Chris's sake, for the 501st's sake, for Izetta's sake, and above all, for her own sake.
As a side note, Kristallnacht was a real event that happened during the rise of Nazi Germany. Historically, it was a time when Jewish stores and businesses were trashed by rioters, killing nearly a hundred in this act of anti-Semitism. In this fic, I decided to take the name and use it to fit with Germania's persecution of Witches and Strike Witches' history. For that, I decided to make it the incident where the Neuroi destroyed Berlin, and then added something that contributed to Germania's crimes paralleling Nazi Germany.
In any case, the next work will appear briefly next chapter. Only then will I fully reveal information about the next work.
Either way, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
