Well, I'm now on Episode 7, which signifies the end of the arc. So once this Episode finishes, I'll be working on more important matters.
Also, the minor character introduced in this scene is a canon character in the series. Although the guy seemed to only appear in one episode, I thought I'd give him a little more significance considering the story this time around, even if it's not that much.
Anyway, here's the chapter.
That evening, the 501st returned to their base in Dover. Although they repelled the Germanian air forces and destroyed the Neuroi, they learned firsthand that the two were at least affiliated, if not allied with each other. But that was no longer their most worrisome concern; that was now the new addition into the unit.
In the briefing room of the Dover Base, the entire wing sat in their respective seats with Yoshika sitting next to Lynette. Sanya was also awake during this period, almost ready for her patrol.
"Would you care to explain this, Commander?" Finé sat on the next row behind the two younger Witches with Izetta next to her.
"I know that we get together for an important meeting, but-" Alice leaned by the windows with her arms crossed.
"Why is there a boy here?" Francesca cut in. Since Alice and the few others already knew about Kyoko and made attempts to his and the Titania's existence, they wondered why they had to reveal to the rest of the unit.
"We will get to that soon enough," the Commander faced the boy, who sat on the podium near the board. "Mr. Liu here can explain everything."
"I never expected a warm welcome," Kyoko snarked. "The question is, where should I start? And is there anything I should leave out?"
"You can start from the very beginning," Mio assured. "And there is no need; you're free to give much detail as need be."
"Very well, but I'll say this," he warned. "I won't sugarcoat things one bit, and don't call me crazy for being too outlandish."
"Try us," Shirley smugly challenged him, prompting her Commander sigh.
If he had anything in common with the nearby Archduchess and commanding officers, it was that explaining things was not going to be easy. What they don't know is that what he'll share may rile up some of the people in this room. But he already gave his warning, and there's no turning back. So he began.
"To start, my name is Kyoko Liu. I was born in China, but have a Japanese mother, and was a former student at No. 28 Middle School in Arahi."
"China?" Sanya questioned. "I thought that place was gone?"
"I never heard of the name Arahi either," Francesca was the most confused. "Commander, what's going on?"
"Calm down, everyone. Although it's hard to believe, Kyoko here will explain."
"Thank you, Commander," Kyoko addressed his grievances to Minna. "Sorry, but even now, it feels weird being supported by a Japanese and German in this era."
"Japanese and German?" Erica asked.
"That's Fuso and Karsland of his timeline," Gertrude explained. "Or rather, they're more like Germania."
"And I come from the year 2056, around 110 years after the war ended."
"110 years!?" Francesca jumped.
"It's unbelievable, but it's the truth," Minna assured. "He even gave us some of his belongings, and they're certainly not from this period."
"I also checked the giant's radio and equipment inside," Mio reported. "There's no way our people could make such a machine."
"You said you came from a time 110 years after the war ended," Lynette pointed out. "What did you mean by that?"
"A war similar to what you're in occurred the same period in my world. Only that it ended in 1945, and there were no aliens called Neuroi to fight."
"Then, who were they fighting? The Germanians?" Shirley inquired.
"Not just them. Germania, Fuso, and even what the Commander calls Romagna and Venezia were considered the world's enemy."
"EEEHH!?" Francesca jumped. Even Shirley and the others had similar expressions as they glanced at one another. "But that means-"
"This class would be split in half, killing each other by now. There was some fighting between Suomus and the Russians as well."
"Well," Now even Eila and Sanya glanced at each other with suspicion. "That's a surprising thing to know."
"Speaking this topic was never easy. My father's family had a terrible history in that era, and already has troubles with me having a Japanese mother. Let's say, whatever these Germanians in this period are doing now...the Japanese were not so different."
"I…I see," Mio looked at the Yoshika, who shrugged with guilt. "Sorry if this is hard for you."
"Don't worry. Even before I was born, we struggled to support ourselves, and my father did so much to support me just as she did. For that, I'm grateful."
"Your father must be a wonderful person," Yoshika admired.
"Not that wonderful, but it's traditional to honor my parents. Moreover, Fuso, or rather Japan, has changed dramatically since the war. Both culturally and on a global scale."
"Oh?" Mio narrowed with intrigue as Kyoko went on.
"For starters, it's one of the most advanced societies in our world. China, or rather Indochina, comes next. And they have a large share in the media industry."
"I'd be interested in hearing more about this."
"Perhaps not. Though when I think about, I've pretty much fallen into each of the most popular cliched genres they have. First, I learn that Magical Girls exist, then I fall into some mecha that played a crucial role in winning a battle. Right after, I suddenly find myself trapped in a different world. And now, I'm standing here getting the attention of so many girls who are probably looking my pants right now."
Kyoko's attempt to make a joke instead provoked an unnerved response from all the girls. Some of them, especially the more hardened girls like Gertrude glared at him. Shirley was the only who chuckled over the joke.
"So many girls," Yoshika trialed.
"Your pants?" Perrine also stuttered.
"That's enough," Mio hit the floor with her katana. "Kyoko, please be more considerate around here. May I remind you that you're dealing with military personnel and girls well below that particular age!"
"Sorry, M-Major," Kyoko apologized, feeling stupid for what he just said. "Those are just the kind of stories that are very popular in Japan nowadays. And from what I hear, they enjoy a lot of stories involving girl-only relationships, too."
"G-G-Girl-only relationships?" Izetta ended up blushing as well, turning away from the Archduchess. Some of the girls like Francesca snickered behind her back.
"Don't be too surprised," Kyoko shook it off. "As I said, I've been through so much lately I don't even know what's real or not."
"Can you at least tell us what happened before you arrived here?" Minna wished to resume the main topic.
"Like how you ended up going back over 115 years?" Alice also questioned. "From another timeline, no less?"
"I'll get to that, but first, you should know a little more about my world first," Kyoko went on. "Around sixteen years ago, the year I was born, there was a massive series of rogue waves and tsunamis that destroyed everything in that bordered the Pacific Coast."
"A series of tsunamis," Mio repeated by the side.
"The Pacific Coast?" Shirley's eyes narrowed as Kyoko continued.
"Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Los Angeles, any population center that resided near the Pacific got swept into the ocean. Countries collapsed, new governments established, power blocks formed, and reconstruction projects took place to rebuild society in that region. One such project was Arahi."
"Arahi, the island you mentioned," Minna recalled.
"After that incident, which became known as the Gunyawei Waves, refugees from all over set up Arahi as their new home. No one knows where the patch of land came from, but it was in the middle of the East China Sea, and the nearby powers could artificially expand the land. I'm surprised they even made it into a sizeable island out of a series of mountains and made a huge city on it, all in the first few years no less."
"Wow," Yoshika was naturally surprised. "I never knew your time could do such a thing!"
"Not exactly," the boy shook his head. "I was only there as an exchange student, but sometime after that, civilization on that island suddenly plummeted."
"Plummeted?" Gertrude questioned.
"High rates of crime, increasingly corrupt government, a large gap between the wealthy and poor, a brutal police force…the only real parts of the island that remained functional were its entertainment centers and paramilitary forces. But that's where Magical Girls started to appear."
"Magical Girls, you said that name before," Yoshika recalled. "What are they?"
"They're just like you Witches, except they don't wear ears and tails when they transform. They wear different clothes and gain magical weapons instead, and don't have to use Machina Units for flight."
"Machina Units?" Francesca was once again the confused one.
"They're the same as our Striker Units," Minna explained. "However, Kyoko says that the machine he uses, the Titania, is also one of them."
"So you can use magic, too?" Yoshika found himself amazed, though Kyoko shook his head.
"I wouldn't say that, and to be fair, I just started piloting that Titania recently."
"What!?" Perrine explained with suspicion. "Then how do you explain fighting so good against those Boche planes and taking down that Neuroi!"
"That wasn't my first time piloting it, nor was it as intense. I wasn't even able to use magic until I found the thing."
"Then how did you start using it?" Eila questioned.
"It was when I got caught up with the International Peacekeeping Forces. Think of it as a global military force dedicated to keeping peace around the world. At least that's how they put it."
"International peacekeeping forces?" Mio once again raised an eyebrow.
"The world must have developed a lot then," Shirley smirked.
"But why would they go after someone like you?" Yoshika wondered as the boy took a deep breath.
"Because apparently, they were a sub-unit affiliated with a much larger organization called the Anti-Magic Faction."
"Anti-Magic Faction…"
"You're talking about a group that hunts Witches? Or Magical Girls at that?"
"Exactly," Kyoko confirmed the Archduchess's guess. "I only know the minimal details, but they are a force dedicated to hunting magic users worldwide. They have a powerful military, too, yet are very covert about it."
"Why would a secret military be dedicated to killing Magical Girls?" Lynette asked, sharing the same awful feelings as Yoshika.
"Beats me, but this war of theirs has apparently gone for centuries at least, or maybe millennia," Kyoko shook his head. "I don't know, everything I say just comes from word of mouth."
"And who taught you all of this?" Mio questioned.
"The Arahi military, or rather those on their flagship, the Black Iris."
"Black Iris?"
"After the reveal of Magical Girls and their war with the AMF, a series of attacks provoked a global response that resulted in the invasion of Arahi and occupation of the island."
"But you were on that island, weren't you?"
"I already left by then, returned my family, who set our new home in Singapore. I was just lucky not to get caught up in that mess."
"Then how did you end with that Titania and this Black Iris?" Minna joined the Major.
"AMF agents and IPF forces were already investigating the island for a magical presence there. The next thing I knew, I ended up a target because I had mana within me."
"They couldn't possibly have tried to arrest you just for that," Shirley said with some ire in her voice.
"I wanted to say that, too, but I'm afraid they did," Kyoko gave the unfortunate news. "After that, a series of events happened where I found myself on that ship, helping them fight off AMF forces as the pilot of that Titania."
"And with that Titania, you somehow got teleported here, into our world," Minna went to the conclusion, which the boy confirmed with a nod. "Thank you for everything you've told us, Mr. Liu."
"Don't mention it," Kyoko waved it away. "It's not like I had any other choice, nor do I expect you to believe me."
"Well now, that you're here, you could leave all your troubles behind!" Francesca cheered for once.
"You're not hunted by any organizations where we are, aside from Germania," Erica back. "Magic users are pretty famous around here. You can help us fight against the Neuroi."
"You can even come to our home as well!" Yoshika offered, which was shot down by Bishop.
"I don't think it's that simple, Yoshika-chan."
"Eh? Why not?"
"Because aside from being from a different period, he's still a foreigner around here," Minna answered for Kyoko. "Getting used this place will be difficult for him and cast suspicion among the authorities."
"And besides wanting to get back home, I don't think I'm the only person who made it here."
"You mean there were others who might have possibly come to this world with you?" Mio had suspicions of who that could be.
"I'm sure of it. Because when I got sent to this parallel universe, the Black Iris and I were in a battle together with AMF forces."
"So you're saying these AMF could be in this world, too," Minna assumed.
"That and the Black Iris itself."
"Damn, and if I thought this world has it bad enough," Alice stretched her back before facing the Murlock standing on the windowsill. "Now we got Witch-hunting bad guys from the future coming after us, too? What do you say, Tipler? Uh, Tipler?"
The Murlock remained on the windowsill, gazing at the other visitor from the future. It would have been no matter if his eyes were that of intrigue, but they brought worry as well. It was as if this kind of event was not supposed to happen.
"In any case," Minna resumed the topic as she faced Kyoko. "We will do what we can to handle this kind of situation. But keep in mind, we're not exactly going to let you do as you please around here."
"I doubt you're going to report me," he snarked.
"Of course not. Unless there is further proof other than your Titania, this will not be enough to report you without repercussions."
"So you don't believe me even now, huh?"
"I'm afraid so," the Commander gave the unfortunate news but was surprised when she heard the young Fuso Witch respond.
"Don't worry, Kyoko-san. Whatever happens, we'll help to find somewhere you belong."
"Find somewhere I belong," the boy trailed on those words. "I guess you're right."
"Please make yourself here," Mio issued. "We'll tell you once we arranged a room for you on this base."
The unit then got dismissed. Kyoko did not doubt that they swamp him with questions after giving the speech about his world. He could see it with several Witches who remained looking at him. As much as they'd want to know more about him, he had other things on his mind like usual. One issue, in particular, was what brought him here.
Finding myself over 110 years into the past is hard enough to believe, but there was also that gray machine that sent me here, he recalled the battle. Right in the middle of that battle, a mysterious humanoid robot like his Titania appeared that looked like an AMF vehicle. But its weapons were utterly bizarre as it fired something that seemed to distort space in the area. If it weren't for his allies shielding the blast, he and the other likely would not have been alive, let alone end up in this place and time.
Father, mother, those on the Black Iris...I just hope you're all doing okay.
Germanian planes and ships were docked by the Sognefjord. This series of rivers and streams was one of many that bordered the North Sea. They were suitable locations for constructing large ships with one that housed aircraft docked nearby.
The Special Unit retreated with their bomber after the previous mission. For the past few days, the Germanian military launched seaplanes to retrieve pilots who miraculously survived. Some of that came from how a few of the Witches only attacked their planes, but not the pilots, allowing them to bail out. However, things were not exactly easy since a lot of other weird events happened that Berkmann read.
"All pilots have been retrieved," the Second Lieutenant reported. "A lot more survived than we anticipated."
"Captain Bassler's plane also made it in one piece," the Major smoked another cigarette. "Not that it's our concern."
"Major?"
"The amount of damage was significant, but it was more than enough to accomplish what we needed, the discovery of the White Witch's weakness."
"The White Witch's weakness?"
He recalled what he saw during the battle. While most of the 501st continued fighting their planes, they noticed how Izetta had trouble and even stopped working, especially nearly the island where she crash-landed. Still, to sacrifice that many pilots and machine, in addition to exposing their relationship with the Neuroi just for that little detail...
"Yes," the Major smoked again. "There are areas where she cannot obtain magic and is thus helpless against modern weaponry. The battle that other day displayed proof of that."
"Is that why you showed the Allies that we could control the Neuroi?"
"They would have figured it out eventually," the Major defended. "It was just a matter of how and when. Therefore, it was best to exchange one of our greatest secrets for one of theirs. That's why His Majesty approved the operation."
"To reveal the White Witch's weakness…"
While there was no doubt to the Major's words, it brought up another question: If the White Witch could not operate in some areas, was there a possibility someone mapped those areas? That's what Berkmann wanted to know.
"We have spies currently infiltrating the Duchy of Eylstadt for further information. It is said that the truth about the White Witch lies at the heart of its ancient castle. I want to get more information there, however…"
"However?"
"We've been assigned to a more recent matter," Berkmann said as he threw his cigarette onto the ground. "Apparently, there's large and unusual activity going on in the North Sea."
"That's right," Rickert recalled. "Do think it's related to that giant machine we saw?"
"I can't say for certain, but the reports of a large vessel appearing out of nowhere came in the same moment as that battle. The military is panicking over it."
"A large vessel?"
"They didn't get a close look at it, but the reports say that it looked like a giant submarine, far too big for our U-boat vessels. And it looked like it was running from something."
That last part made Rickert curious.
"Do you think it could be running from us?"
"I doubt it," Berkmann turned his away almost in laughter. "But the last report said they were in the middle of a battle with some unidentified group. There are at least two factions involved. The other had what they called "metal zeppelins" engaging the ship in mid-air."
"What kind of faction has that?" the Second Lieutenant openly muttered to the side over the fantastic idea of such a machine.
"That's why we've been sent to investigate. Once the Drachenfels is ready to depart, we'll be going."
"Drachenfels?" Rickert was surprised over that. The capital ship docked there so it would not be trapped in the Baltic as it finished construction, and it was only 85% complete. Even though it already had an aircraft complement and a launch system installed, the outer section and half of its equipment within were not ready yet.
"It's not exactly ready for combat, but it can still function as an aircraft carrier. We'll fly ahead in our Amerika bomber, too, for further assurance."
That said, the Major spoke like the carrier was only there for long-range support to avoid any danger of being sunk by the enemy.
"Do you think the Allies will intervene?"
"I do not doubt they will. That's why it should be important we get there first."
And with that, he stepped the butte of the burning cigarette. They then walked down the hallway to prepare for their next mission.
Nighttime came with the Witches getting ready to call it a night. But Alice was not prepared to sleep yet.
"What's up, Tipler?"
The Psionic girl called to Tipler within the room, which had no individual belongings that would make it distinct from the vacant ones. She got off from the bed after she caught him staring at the window for so long. That said, he's been quiet ever since that boy's introduction to his homeworld. He remained silent the entire time, which added further suspicion.
The Psionic patted the Murlock's head, almost forcibly by pressing heard and squeezing it. Tipler spent time to recover from that as he faced the girl.
"Alice-sama?"
"I know something is going on," she demanded. "I may not be that smart, but something from that boy's speech caught your interest. Is there something you're not telling me?"
"I," Tipler remained hesitant. It's as if he wanted to say something later, but there was no time for that now.
"Tell me. Did you come from a future 110 years ago? Or what is more than that? Was it even the same timeline?"
"I do not know," the Murlock shook his head.
"You say that you want me to save this world from the Vilag," Alice exclaimed in frustration. "And you're saying you don't know when or where it you came from!?"
"I'm afraid so," Tipler replied with remorse. "Even I do know how far across time I went through, only that it has existed for at least millennia."
"At least millennia?" Alice sat by a nearby chair and crossed her legs. "Explain."
"From what my master told me, the reign of the Vilag has gone for an indefinite amount of time. It could be decades, centuries, or millennia, or far longer. What I do know is that every timeline that fell to the Vilag belongs to a period known as the Convergence."
"Convergence?" the Psionic girl inquired, never hearing the word in her life.
"A place and time where all the timelines become the same and where the master declares even time stands still. That is the home of the Vilag."
The whole thing left Alice scratching her head. How could countless timelines that had different results and settings end up with the same outcome? That she did not know.
"I don't get it, the whole timelines combining into one thing," Alice confessed before displaying whiplash in the mood and slamming her fist. "However, if you say there's a way to stop, I'll be to prevent it, no matter what. And if Kyoko's world is trouble, too, and I'll stop the Vilag there as well!"
Just then, Murlock started tittering. It was more like squeaking, but it did not sound like crying. His reaction left the Psionic girl confused over his response.
"Huh? Was there something that I said?"
"This the first time, I've ever laughed like this," Tipler confessed. "Even when my master taught me, I was always unsure of what to do, if I was doing the right thing. But now, I see you've become surer of yourself than ever before."
"Of course, I am!" Alice then responded with smugness in her tone. "Just who the hell do you think I am?"
"A Psionic girl certain to take on things to come."
"You know it."
With that remark, the Psionic girl felt more satisfied. She may not have something to protect, but that doesn't mean she will protect nothing, because everyone else's future here was at stake. It was not just her own life, and certainly not only Tipler's.
Air raid sirens went off in the morning. But although it was urgent, it was not an enemy attack. All the Witches lined up the hangar, needing onto their Striker Units to launch, with even Alice included. Commander Wilcke and Major Sakamoto stood in front to brief them. Alice leaned on a wall while Izetta stood by Finé near the commanding officers. Kyoko was the only one not present.
"This entire base has been recently ordered to dispatch," Minna addressed everyone as they stood by in a single line. "Our observation post just reported that a massive object has appeared in the middle of the North Sea. We don't know what it is, or who it's affiliated with, but it's approaching the coasts of Britannia. Command wants us to intercept it and confirms its affiliation before we recognize it as a hostile."
"The reports say that the machine looked like a black submarine floating in the ocean," Mio continued. "If it is hostile, we should take it down immediately before it can reach Britannia."
"Furthermore, the White Witch has also been tasked to help us in the following mission," Finé spoke to the 501st witches with Izetta in her typical White Witch gown. "Spectators, including Bianca and myself, will fly in an observation plane to witness the event."
Lynette was the first to jump at such a statement. Alice was next to respond, considering her status as a civilian.
"Finé, you're coming with us?"
"Tipler, too?"
Tipler stood in between Izetta and Finé. He talked to the Archduchess about seeing a mysterious object as well.
"I wish to investigate this matter."
"And I wish for representatives around the world to witness the power of the White Witch," Finé briefed. "Besides, I also would like to see this unknown object for myself."
Another man walked into the room. He wore the same uniform as a Britannian Air Force officer, which was the reason Lynette spoke first.
"Wing Commander Groman of the 633rd Air Squadron," the Britannian Lieutenant saluted "It is an honor to fight alongside the 501st Joint Fighter Wing in this endeavor, especially one of our own."
"T-Thank you, Wing Commander," Lynette responded with a blush.
"My grandfather came from Nord across the North Sea, so I consider it a homeland," he introduced himself to the Archduchess and White Witch. "I am willing to support the White Witch in any way I can to teach those Germanians and Neuroi a lesson."
"I am glad to hear it," Finé accepted her assistance. "We are welcome to have you abroad."
"I will do my best, and whatever I can. So please, help me however I can" Izetta bowed to him. "Thank you very much!"
"Likewise, White Witch," the Britannian officer chuckled. Izetta being submissive to the Britannian officer had to crack a smile among a few Witches, especially Gertrude and Erica nowadays.
"Groman will assist us in this operation," Minna added. "He and the Archduchess will remain distant in a Halifax to support the White Witch by providing her with 760 kg torpedoes to attack the enemy."
"7-760 kg torpedoes!?"
Perrine jumped by that statement. Even Eila and Sanya were surprised by it since the latter carried the only heavy weapon in their unit that was nowhere near that size. These were anti-ship torpedoes they were talking about, which was seriously heavy ordinance.
"I swear," Alice remarked. "The White Witch is getting far more powerful than she initially was by the second."
"Just shows how much they can trust her on this one," Gertrude addressed.
"If this submersible craft is indeed hostile, the 501st is ordered to support the White Witch immediately," Mio continued the briefing. "She will use the torpedoes to hit what appear to be launch bays and the command bridge on top. That shall reasonably be enough to bring down the ship with minimal armaments."
Izetta suddenly felt Finé wrap her arms around her shoulders. The sudden act left Izetta speechless, and the Archduchess relished in the bonding moment.
"Just make sure you come back."
"I promise," Izetta responded after a moment, right when Finé let her go. "For the sake of protecting everyone."
The moment prompted more smiles from the 501st. This time it was Yoshika that felt the happiest, with Gertrude second. Things have changed so much for the White Witch, just like they did for the Karsland Witch. Since that incident days ago, including their visit with Gertrude's sister, they never felt this emotional before.
"Protect, huh?" The Psionic girl continued to contemplate that word. She had been thinking about it for days, even weeks, ever since the 501st commander told her that word. Even now, she had no idea what to do. She was to save the world, and that's all that mattered to her.
"One other thing," Minna gave a final warning. "There were also reports of the object being attacked by several airships nearby."
"Neuroi?"
Yoshika asked, which Minna denied by shaking her head.
"They say that the ships were blocky and metallic gray. They also shot what looked like conventional weapons, except far more advanced. They even fired what looked like rockets that homed in on their targets. The large object, on the other hand, fits the description better with its black colors and energy weapons."
Just then, someone else burst through the hangar door.
"Where's my Titania!?"
Kyoko's voice echoed throughout the building. He was breathing heavily, indicating that he's been searching around for a very long time. The Britannian Wing commander was oblivious as to who the man was, though the others were more surprised at his arrival.
"Kyoko-san?" Yoshika wondered what was going on.
"I can't find my Machina Unit. Where did you girls put it!?"
"What are you saying?" Finé questioned him as he approached the girls.
"That object," the boy went up to Commander Wilcke, who was the one to speak about it. "Were those flying gray airships attacking a large black submarine in the sky?"
"It wasn't exactly in the sky," Minna recalled. "But the reports said that it looked like a submarine, save for some additional deck guns and runways that ran inside the ship."
"Get to me to my Titania this instant!"
Kyoko rushed past the commander and around the 501st. He searched around the rear of the hangar, looking for doors or other large objects covered in black tarp.
"Why are you panicking like this?" Alice asked, followed by Yoshika.
"Kyoko-san, what wrong?"
"That mysterious object is the Black Iris!" Kyoko exclaimed. "The Black Iris is in danger!"
He rushed over what finally looked like the Titania. The Commander on eyed on him as he looked for a way to remove the tarp covering and get inside. He already left the guests stumped by appearing the first place, but now it seems like things were about to get more complicated than she had hoped.
The Black Iris will come up right at the start of the next chapter. A few weapons belonging to the Anti-Magic Faction, including a character I decided to throw in, will appear as well.
The introduction of Groman was a recent addition since should this be an actual game, one of Izetta's attack will require bomber support to use of her attacks (her torpedoes, that is).
Either way, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
