The following story is a [FAN-FICTION]. Strike Witches are all owned by Humikane Shimada, Kazuhiro Takamura, Project World Witches, Striker Unit, and KADOKAWA. Please support the official franchise.
Witch Musume RISE
Chapter 1: Stack Black
From whom weeps the storm, Her tears on our skin. The days of our years are gone, our souls soaked in sin. These memories ache with the weight of tomorrow. Who fights? Who flies? Who falls? - Shadowbringers
9/2/2018 Train Station, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan Daytime - Cloudy
One year had passed ever since the liberation took place in Saudi Arabia. Now somewhere in the Tohoku Region in the city of Aizuwakamatsu, which has seen an increasing rise of tourist attraction. However, at the certain train station. The young man with brown hair and brown eyes who wore his white/orange zipped up hoodie and black sweatpants stepped out of the train as he finally arrived outside of the station where he could take a good look at the city itself.
First Person POV
The names Keiwa Takuma, just your typical job-hunting 18-year old guy who graduated fresh out of university. I pretty much forced myself to move out into a rural city out of nowhere. And the city I chose… was Aizuwakamatsu. Sadly, I know nothing about this place. But according to these small details, it's apparently a home to mountain views and hot springs. Sounds nice, ain't it. But the question is, why am I here in this city of nowhere? Well, it's complicated. I couldn't get a job at Satake Labs during the job interview. All five of us, and the man himself, Ichiro Miyafuji, were reviewing us carefully. The only thing I said… was world peace. He commended my dream but gave me a harsh reality that I wasn't the right man for the job. Before that, right after I left the building…
[Flashback - The Job Offer]
I remember all too well. It was two days ago where I was seen walking on the small bridge to cross over the street after I felt under the luck. My parents wanted me to find a job and that's what I did… Sadly, it didn't go well. I leaned my arms on the railing to take a good look at the city where the cars drive down the road. I looked up at the sky to see Witches in the sky also flying through the newly made sky road, all created with their magic. However, they seemed to be carrying floating carriages with ease. Man, all that for one year to pass and look has the world slightly advanced with magic. Then again, every Witches is still using their Second War strikers for very clear reasons. However, one person was walking past as he suddenly pushed me right off the railing. I didn't notice what happened but… this was the most unexpected. My life is going to end as I was about to fall to my death in the middle of the road. That until…
"I got you!" The voice of a woman swooped me from the air as I slowly opened my eyes. There was a woman with black long hair, silver eyes as she wore a leather jacket and had a sniper scope on her neck. And she has the animal ears of a cat which was grayish-white. And her Striker was that of a Spitfire. Yet, she was carrying me in a bridal-style. "Saved you from your death, did I?"
"U-Uhhh…" I had a hard time speaking of what's going on.
"Confused, are you? Don't worry. The authorities are going to catch that guy who pushed you off. Let's head somewhere peace and quiet so we can talk. How does that sound?" The woman then smiled at me as I simply nodded without speaking.
And so five minutes had passed by, I was seen sitting alone at the bench at the park with no one around except me and that woman. Though, she had already taken off her striker which I had to help her take off. Is she wearing black high knee socks? Well whatever, she sat down next to me as she had bought herself a bottle of green tea from the nearby vending machine. Though, she seemed to enjoy it.
"Ahhh…~ Nothing tastes better than a good ol' Green Tea. No wonder why Japan has a lot of these interesting technologies compared to our world." The woman then handed me a second bottle which was unopened. "Here, this one's for you."
"Thanks, I guess." I accepted her offer as I took the bottle from her hand and opened the cap to take a sip. "Umm… Look, thanks for saving me. But I didn't even notice that someone was behind me."
"Don't mention it. Besides, you need to pay attention to your surroundings more. The name is Adolfine Galland. Commodore. Or just call me Air Marshal of the Karlsland Air Force. Nowadays, I ended up working at the newly formed Witch Corps in Berlin. Now, what is your name?"
"Keiwa Takuma. Just a guy who graduated fresh from university and now I'm on a job hunt." I introduced myself to her.
"A job-hunter, huh? Congratulations on graduating, though. Tell me, Keiwa. What kind of job are you trying to get?" Adolfine said to me as I spoke.
"I tried to get a job interview at Satake Labs. I succeeded but got rejected." I explained shortly.
"Really now? What did you get rejected for?" She asked.
"Because I said world peace." I said it bluntly as she began to laugh at it as if she couldn't control it. "W-What's so funny?"
"S-Sorry, sorry. I'm just surprised that you got rejected for saying it. Then again, saying world peace won't do anything to get you in, kid. However, I do have a proposition for you. Consider this… my job offer." Adolfine said to me as I looked at her face. She was laid back, alright…
"A job offer? Alright, I'm listening." I said to her with interest until she brought something out from her jacket as she handed me a letter. "A… letter?"
"More like an invitation. I recently had to relocate the 503rd JFW out of Russia and into Japan after yesterday's incident that got people really afraid. After all, I still have full permission to do so. And perhaps this invitation that you're seeing might need extra personnel to keep their new base alive." Adolfine explained about it as I took the letter and looked at it. "Man, I'm just as glad that I can finally visit Japan with my own eyes after being stuck doing paperwork. My assistant Sebastian always nags me if I feel just a bit too lazy. You know how much fatigue I get?"
"Aren't you a bit too old? You're over my age, right?" I spoke to her with a deadpan tone.
"I'm currently 24 right now but I can still fly as a Witch. While my magic has slightly gone weaker, I can still fly freely with ease." Adolfine said to herself as she looked at the sky. "One year has passed since the war took place in Saudi Arabia. And now, our old enemy has followed us here…"
"What?" I said to her in confusion as she quickly looked at her as she waved it off.
"It's nothing. Perhaps I just think too much. Now then, you should hold on to it. Make sure you read it and-" Adolfine's voice was cut off.
"Ahh, Madam Galland! There you are. I was worried that you'd be out and exploring again." The voice of a British man spoke as he arrived to look for her.
"Aww great… Looks like you've found me, Sebastian. I was just exploring Japan if you don't know." Adolfine said to her assistant as I watched the conversation.
"Yes, I get that. But now's not the time. You need to head back to Karlsland. You're missing out on important paperwork that you need to look over!" Sebastian said to her as the two foreign bodyguards arrived as they carried her strikers respectively.
"A-Ahh… Right, sorry about that." She then turned around to look at me. "Sorry if our talk is short. But make sure you read it on your way back home, will ya?"
"Sure. I'll do it. And umm… Thanks for the talk." I said to her as she nodded with a smile.
"Don't mention it. I better get going, the more I stand here, the more Sebastian will yell at me. We'll meet again once I have the free time." Adolfine winked at me as she left with her assistant and her bodyguards. After that, I was left alone with a letter in hand.
"Alright… Let's see what this is all about." I opened the letter to see the job application inside where I took a glance… And the job offer is taking place in… "Aizuwakamatsu…"
[Flashback End]
503rd JFW Base, Mount Iimori, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan Daytime - Clear Sky
As I walked on foot as it took me ten minutes by bus, I had to follow the map's direction that was included in the letter that I received. Just as I managed to set my foot here… It's there… the base where the so called 503rd JFW were stationed at. I look at the flag being swayed by the wind which says Typhoon Witches. Huh… Do they really have to call it Typhoon for some reason? But the base appears to predate back in the 40s yet, it looks restored. I suppose it was left abandoned once. It feels strange that there is no one here. I guess it was indeed recent after all. As I proceeded to step right into the territory where I began to look around. I suddenly stopped as I heard the propellers whirring behind me while feeling the wind. Not to mention, I also heard the weapon cocking as if I'm being aimed at from behind.
"Stop right there. Hands up where I can see them." The voice of a young woman said as I lifted my hands up. But, I turned around to look at her. She had long blonde hair, blue eyes. She had a military cap and had her black military uniform. Plus, she was on her striker as well while her animal ears are that of a snow hare. She kept her composure as she held a WWII light machine gun at me. "Are you trespassing on your territory just to spray some cans?"
"What are you talking about? I'm not here to do that." I said to her with composure.
"Then what are you here for?" She demanded to know.
"For a job." I told her about it.
"A… job?" She said in confusion while keeping her weapon up.
"Yeah. You see the letter on my right hand? Adolfine gave it to me." I talked about her name. Which caused her to lower her weapon as she hovered close to me to grab the letter from my hand. I lowered my hand to look at her and read the letter. After many seconds of her reading…
"So the Air Marshal speaks true… Seems you've arrived as she asked. I apologize for aiming at you. And for mistaking you as some common ruffian." The woman lowered her head down in apology.
"N-No. Please. It's alright. After all, I just want to talk." I told her about the talk as she blinked her eyes two times.
"A talk, you say?" She continued. "Very well. Please, do follow me to my office. However, I need to park my striker at the hangar so please give me time."
"Okay sure but- Oh… she's actually doing it…" I said with a sweatdrop as I saw her hovering right in the hangar as she turned off the striker… Might as well head to her office wherever it is.
As minutes passed, I followed her to her office where it looked completely normal as I sat on the seat where we finally met eye to eye. Yet, she is rather gentle and calm.
"Thank you for waiting as I was about to get ready. My name is Bronislava Feoktistovna Safonov. I am the current Wing Commander of the 503rd Joint Fighter Wing unit known as Typhoon Witches. And you are?" The woman introduced herself as Bronislava as I said my name.
"Keiwa Takuma. I'm currently job hunting after I graduated from University." I introduced myself as I continued. "The reason why I came to your base is to… well, find a job. I heard you don't have many personels here."
"That is true. But I'm quite surprised that the Air Marshal had to choose you. But since you are currently job-hunting. I assume you don't have experience?" Bronislava said to me.
"Nope. But I'm willing to work to make some money in order to find myself a living. You're not gonna make me fight, are you?" I asked her about the whole idea of me being a soldier.
"Oh no, I wouldn't." Bronislava continued. "We currently don't have any resources at the moment but I could confirm that you do not have any combat experience."
"That is true…" I continued. "Still. I'm willing to do anything to be hired for the job. I could perhaps do some cleaning work."
"Hmm… Now that you mentioned it. The main base is still not entirely cleaned yet. We had a detective and his sisters once to join in but they left on the next day, leaving it unfinished." Bronislava explained what happened. A detective? Why in all places would a detective come here and clean and leave it unfinished.
"I see… Are you the only one residing here?" I asked her if she's the only one as she shook her head.
"There are others here but they're out helping the people after another small tsunami has flooded the town from afar." Bronislava said about the others as I began to understand.
"I see. Witches gotta be useful after all." I said to her as she remained calm and looked at my face.
"Before I can hire you for your services. Can you tell me why you need a job at our base?" Bronislava asked me one reason why I came here. The only answer is simple. I couldn't get a job at every single place they offer in Tokyo. And yet, I failed to get employed five times because they see my reasons as a delusion. And so, here is my answer.
"World peace." I gave her my answer… the room was very silent as she lightly tilted her head in confusion.
"World… peace?" Bronislava asked about it.
"Yeah. World peace. The reason why I say it is because… Well… I wanted to help people. Make a greater good. For the longest time, All I ever did was take part in non-organization green communities by making the world a better place. I know saying it is rather childish or a bit too delusional to say. All I know for sure… is that I've always wanted world peace. That's one reason why I wanted to follow that path." I explained the whole process of why I desire to follow this one. But whatever I do, my mind follows it. After my thorough talk about it, she started to have a small smile and laugh at it for a little. So I'm being clowned on for saying it, am I? Damn it, me. I should have gone for something else! But I can't even think of something! "So… I'm going to be rejected?"
"No, no…" Bronislava regains her composure as she lets out a kindest smile like an angel. "I do understand why you want to go for this 'world peace' you mentioned. Actually, we Witches all wanted to strive for the same thing."
"Really? I mean, you serve to protect us people from the enemy." I told her about it. Though, she simply nodded.
"Indeed we do. You see, when we first come to your world. You people were unsure about us if we were able to be accepted into this society. Though, they see us as child soldiers because we're fated to fight against our enemy… the Neuroi. Sadly, our world is gone because they succeeded." Bronislava explained about their arrival as I remember all that well. That shook the world alright.
"I understand. Besides, we were all shocked about it. So… think I'm capable of helping now?" I said to her as she took her time to think. So, she reached her conclusion.
"Hmm… Very well. You've convinced me about your world peace. I can provide you a role as the only male personnel. Are you up for the task?" The commander said to me as I nodded. "Alright… I want you to clean the personal quarters building and make sure you make it spotless."
That literally shattered my soul in shock… I've landed upon a dead end job…
"Is something a matter, Keiwa?" Bronislava asked me as I quickly shook my head to snap out of it.
"N-No! Not really. I don't know where the quarter is." I asked her about the building as she seems to understand my confusion.
"Very well, please follow me." She agreed to lead me there as I followed her.
As minutes passed, we both headed to the location of the personal quarters. The three story building seems decent as it was partially clean from the exterior. But am I supposed to clean from the inside?
"And here we are. You don't need to clean the exterior. That was done previously." She continued. "However, I want you to clean the various rooms inside this building. But I cannot allow you to enter the member's personal rooms. The hallways are fine. The cleaning tools are inside there."
"Will I get paid, though?" I asked her.
"I'll have to ask the higher ups at the Witch Corp about this since you've applied yourself to help this base. Now then, I need to head back to the office. Make sure you clean everything before sundown." She then turns around and makes her way back to the office to get back the thing she does: being busy.
"Well then… Here goes nothing. My first day of my dead end job… So much for world peace…" I took a deep breath as I headed inside.
And so, it begins. I find myself the cleaning tools that I need… I started with the mop which I damped it with water as I started cleaning the hallways during the daytime. Yet, it felt silent. I was thinking about listening to music but I decided to abstain from it as it would cause a bit of distraction in my perspective. Time passed once again when I began cleaning the lounge area where everything looked very old. I started to use the broom to find some small junk and leftovers found under the couch, chairs, and table. This gives me the feeling that someone within the unit really likes causing some small mess. Not that I care. However, I looked at the bartender table where I noticed a picture frame. I took a glance to see what it was… It appears to be a group photo of those Typhoon Witches. I don't know these girls except Bronislava, the one who hired me to be a janitor and to earn her approval that I'm capable. Yet, she looks so calm. I placed the frame down on the bar table as I headed back to work. And so, time forwards once more as the sky changes to orange where the sun was slowly coming down during this afternoon. I finished cleaning pretty much everything. For some reason, I wasn't able to enter inside the war room as it appears to be locked. However, I decided to explore outside on the runway to check something out. There, I saw the hangar from afar as it looked completely abandoned. This piqued my interest for some reason as if she's hiding something. Sorry, Bronislava. I want to see what's going on. Has anyone been there before? Sure, it looked closed but as I got closer… There was no lock between the huge sliding doors. I looked around to see if anyone is watching me but there is no one right now. So I decided to open the door a little in order to fit through the gap. As I entered inside. I see the abandoned hangar is actually abandoned where the flock of crows noticed me as it flew away right through the torn hole on the metal roof. The natural light from the sundown was somewhat shining on the white futuristic-looking katana stuck on the ground with the bed of flowers around it as if nature had overgrown from the inside. But what interested me was that sword as I got closer to inspect it. However, my instinct kicked in when I began to lift up my right hand as I was about to touch it… However, I started to feel the searing pain inside my head as it triggered the memories from my past. Damn it… not now…! That memory… Why am I forced to see it again…? That man… who stabbed my older sister…
"Setsuna-neesan…" I said to myself in pain as I kneeled down to ease the pain. The flashback of my memories began to appear more when I saw the body of my sister lying dead with blood spilt on the floor during the rain. Then, the hooded man holds a knife with blood stained on it as he turns around to reveal a neon red hexagonal mask. But I suddenly snapped back to reality as the pain was suddenly gone. Slowly getting back up my feet after what I just saw… I never wanted to see that memory again… "Damn it…"
I cursed. But… knowing that my shift on cleaning the personal quarters is done. I think It's time for me to head home. So I left the hangar but I quietly closed it just in case it was left abandoned. I checked my smartphone as I turned it on when I checked the time. Yup… time for me to find a new home. Or rather… an apartment. I think I have enough money to start paying rent but I'm remaining unsure if this Wing Commander of this base will pay me. Either way, I may start to find a real part-time job if I can land another interview… and try to go with the flow. As soon as I made my way out of the entrance of the base where I first met her. I took a glance at the city of Aizuwakamatsu from afar with the breeze flowing through my hair. The city's great and all but I feel like coming here was… a mistake? I don't know. Just as I was about to leave the base in order to find a place to live…
"Keiwa? Are you leaving?" The voice of Bronislava asked me as I stopped and turned around. Though, she was rather calm and quiet.
"Yeah. I just finished cleaning up the personal quarters building not too long ago. Since I'm done, I might as well find an apartment if that's available for me. Is there something you need from me?" I said to her as I awaited her response.
"Of course. Rather than living alone in the apartments. I can provide you a room just for you. After all, I did hire you to clean the basics rather than the advanced." Bronislava offered me a free place to live in the personal quarters that I just cleaned. Well isn't she nice.
"You sure? Do I have to clean my room as well?" I asked her about it as she shook her head.
"There's no need. As I said, the detective from Sasebo who came here along with his sisters helped clean all the rooms." Bronislava continued. "However, I too, am also finished with my paperwork. I'll be running some night patrols soon. Shall I show you the new room?"
"Sure thing, Bron- Umm… Bron… Err… Bronya." I had a hard time calling her full name. Instead, I decided to nickname her which would be much easier for me that way much to her confusion.
"B-Bronya?" The commander said it herself because of the nickname I gave her.
"Yeah. Your full name is Bronislava, right? I decided to shorten it to Bronya so it'll be easier for me that way. I'm not too accustomed to your full name as I'm not good with foreign pronunciation, sadly. Is it okay with you?" I asked her about the whole nickname ordeal. However, she responds to me with a straightforward answer.
"W-Well… If you wish to call me that… I… I don't mind. But… please keep it personal between us. My role as a wing commander is always serious. So please call me Commander while on duty, okay?" She said to me after seemed to accept it. Due to her role… I may need to call her Commander from now on. I suppose Bronya is a good name.
And so, time passes on to the night where I could see Bronislava taking off from the runway to do these night patrols she mentioned. And here I am, sitting on my desk with the desk lamp on here in my room that she provided me. I guess this will be my home from now on, even though the JFW base consists of all girls. Well, Witches… Now that I'm completely alone, doing nothing isn't going to work. I began to yawn as I started to realize that I need to sleep… and I should. I turned off the lamp on my desk and headed straight to bed to stare at the ceiling in pure silence. The ringing in my ears constantly goes on as I continue to do nothing. But my eyes started to become weary as I slowly shut my libs as I now experience pure black darkness as the sounds begin to fade away. But, I started to gain visualization of what's going on. I started to experience the past… the dream of my own memory. This younger me… This is from ten years ago when I was standing alone on the sidewalk of the Shibuya Crossing during the rain. I was forced to see the eyes of my younger self. But, I saw something familiar. The woman with long back hair and wore shorts and white tank top as she was waving at me… That was my sister… Setsuna Takuma. She's always caring and looks out for me. At times, she loves to tease me for fun which I do get pretty annoyed with. But overall, she's my sister. She was holding the umbrella as I looked at her with a smile on my face. Suddenly, a mysterious person rushed towards my sister… and stabbed her with a knife as my expression changed into a shock. After that, she was found dead on the ground with blood spilling out. Then, I saw the mysterious person donning the same robes as before… His knife was stained with blood as it dripped down from the tip of the blade. He slowly turns around to reveal himself… a mask where his face can't be shown. The same hexagonal mask with red neon outlines. My vision starts to become more static as the searing sound becomes increasingly painful… I started to wake up.
9/3/2018 503rd JFW Base, Mount Iimori, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan Morning - Clear Sky
I gasped for air as I immediately woke up as I lifted my body from the bed. My eyes were trembling with fear after I experienced the past of my memory… the death of my sister… and the killer who concealed his face with a mask. I would never experience this ever again. However, I started to hear the birds chirping… It's morning now… The sun's already out and I assume the commander had already finished her night patrol from yesterday.
"Damn it… Oh well, might as well get started on my second day of my job." I said to myself while taking a deep breath to calm down.
So, I got off my bed and began to leave my room. The hallways were clean thanks to my work from yesterday. The windows do look clean as I can see the runway and the hangars there. So, I began looking around my surroundings until I turned to my left where I saw the door being opened as someone came out of it… There was a brown short haired girl with small twin pigtails tied on her back and brown eyes. She apparently wears those shrine maiden-like outfits that seemed all too familiar. She was apparently yawning after she must have woken up. However, she started to rub her eyes a little and looked at me as we made eye contact.
"Eh?" The girl saw me for a few seconds as she started to take notice… "U-Uwwah! An intruder!"
"What?" I said in confusion as she ran back to her room. Seconds later, she came back with a katana in hand which was unsheathed as she held it at ready. Oh no… "H-Hey! What's the big deal? Why are you holding a katana?"
"Shut it, Intruder! I'll take you out for trespassing on our base!" The girl spat in arrogance as she began to make her move, running towards me as I couldn't do anything. It was too late… She's going to kill me!
"Not my day… NOT MY DAY!" I yelled in a panic as she leaped to gain more distance for her attack range. Oh shit…! I'm done for!
That is until… Someone stepped in, another woman appeared as she had animal ears of a cat as she activated her magical barrier circle to block the attack as the blade came in contact.
"Fumiyo! That's enough!" The woman commanded her as her attacks stopped as her shield disappeared. Though, the katana-wielding girl kept her serious composure about it.
"Why are you stopping me!?" The girl demanded.
"This man here isn't your enemy. He works here now." The woman replied to the girl as she lowered her sword. Now, she was confused.
"O-Oh… I-I see…" The girl said as she looked at me, bowing in apology and ran through the hallway. What's with her, though?
"Don't worry, it's not your fault the first time you came here." The woman continued. "You must be Keiwa Takuma, right? Wing Commander Bronislava told me all about you when you first came here for a job while we're away helping people rebuild."
"Y-Yeah. That's me. Who are you, anyways?" I asked her name as she began to introduce herself.
"Huberta von Bonin, Squadron Leader of the 503rd JFW. Pleasure to meet you." The woman known as Huberta greeted me with a soft smile. I suppose she's kinda laid back but it's nice to meet people like her who aren't willing to kill people such as me. Then, her animal ears and tail retract as it is completely gone. "Huh… guess my magic has started to wane a little. Can't believe her blade nearly cut through my shield."
"Are you… okay?" I asked her about it. I think I read the history of how the age of Witches work. Their magic will become weaker over the age of 18. Once that's gone, it's gone for good. But some Witches can still use magic regardless if they're over 18. Though, she seemed to shrug it off.
"I'm still good. Besides, you do know that you've got a job to do, right? The commander expects you to do your job on cleaning the strikers today. She said that you'll have to clean them spotlessly so the other members can do their daily flight training." Huberta informed me about my task today. Seems Bronya really wants me to keep going, huh? Not that I don't mind.
"Really now? I never had any experience on cleaning the strikers. What if I'm not careful with it? Y'know, like accidently breaking it?" I asked her about the risks of the problem as she shook her head.
"Not a problem. I'm also looking over you for this task. If anything goes wrong, I'll help out right away." Huberta assured me about the situation as I felt a little relieved there.
"Thanks. So, is there this main hangar anyways?" I asked her as she nodded.
"Follow me and I'll take you there. Commander is currently busy right now so I'll be taking charge." Huberta replied as I began to follow her out of the living quarters to get started on my task. So much for my second day… meeting these kinds of people like this. I suppose that wasn't bad at least.
Third Person POV
Meanwhile, far from the base where the Witches resides where at the other side of the mountain was shown where a man was seen at the mountain view of the entire city itself as the morning seemed quiet and less bustling. But the man had black robes blown by the wind as he stood there with no one around. His hands start to move a little. But the hand was covered in black metal-like skin as it was flowing with red neon lines flowing to the end of his right hand. Then, his hand starts to conjure up the mysterious white flakes appearing in the air as it forms itself into a reflective red icosahedron, floating on his hand.
"Not perfect… But it will do…" The man said as his mask glowed red hexagonal lines in response as he raised his hand up into the air as the object elevated right into the sky. Then, the white flakes begin to attract itself to the object as the bright light morphs itself into a mysterious floating aircraft as it makes a screeching noise. "Go… Destroy."
His mask glowed more as it gave the mysterious ship-like object a response as it started to slowly fly towards the city itself. All he can do is to watch the chaos unfold. But meanwhile back at the base…
First Person POV
"Not bad, I see you're getting the hang of it." Huberta lightly praised me when I was cleaning her strikers using a lightly wet towel to ensure that it remained spotless.
"I mean. It's like washing a car, right? It shouldn't be that bad." I said as I continued to clean the striker since it was all new to me. But, I suddenly stopped as I started to hear something… Are these sounds… air raid sirens? But it's far from the city… So what's going on?
"Huh… This city's sirens never went off for a long time. Too bad our base isn't installed with it… yet." Huberta said as we heard someone running into the hangar. It was Bronislava who was on high alert as she informed us.
"Huberta. Get on your strikers. We have an enemy… A mysterious flying aircraft is seen closing in on the city." Bronislava said with a serious tone. "Have the others returned yet aside from Fumiyo?"
"Sadly not, but I'll radio them to assist us once I take off. Hey, Keiwa. You can skip the Striker Unit cleaning. We'll have to deal with the enemy. After all, you are defenseless." Huberta said to me as the commander nodded in agreement.
"She's right. While you're new working for us as the only male personnel in this base. I cannot allow you to join us. So I suggest you should take shelter and hide somewhere within our base." Bronislava said as she looked at the girl who tried to attack me from before. "Fumiyo. We're going to intercept. Huberta, stay with me on this one."
"Understood!" Fumiyo responded with stoicism.
"I'm with you!" Huberta nodded as she hopped on her strikers as her legs slipped right on in as animal ears and tail came out of it. Same goes for both Bronislava and Fumiyo which they got on their respective Strikers. Then, the large blue magic circle appeared below us as I saw as they were ready to take off.
"Taking off…!" Bronislava said as she took off as Fumiyo and Huberta followed her. And so… they've taken off into the sky from the runway. I ran outside to see them head off towards that large thing floating in the sky… What the hell is it, anyways?
Third Person POV
Meanwhile in the sky, Bronislava was leading the charge as Huberta and Fumiyo were following her. However, they were equipped with old WW2 light machine guns that consisted of the DP-28, MG42, and the Nambu Type 11. But they've already reached the city of Aizuwakamatsu in order to stop the supposed enemy floating in the sky… It reminded the Witches something all too well from the moment they saw red neon hexagonal lines flowing and screeching.
"As expected… The Neuroi… seems like they've really followed us to this world now…" Bronislava said in slight shock but kept her composure.
"We better thank Professor Hartmann for sending us to this world as a second chance. Bronislava, we should strike while we have the chance. I'll need to take Fumiyo with me." Huberta said as she readied her weapon.
"Very well… I'll handle this on our own-" Bronislava was about to speak until the beam of red laser fired right at her. Fortunately, she was able to put up a magic barrier in time as the beam scatters off upon contact. "Break! Find the core and destroy it!"
The three Witches have begun their combat as they fired their respective weapons onto the Neuroi as it started to shred it piece by piece as white flakes scatter off. But the unknown skin of a Neuroi begins to repair itself as the enemy retaliates by shooting off lasers in multiple directions as the stray laser beams destroy some buildings and cars in the process while the civilians are running in panic while the others are using their phone to record the battle of what's going on. But as for the man on the mountains who was overlooking the view where the Neuroi is flying over the city. He starts to see three Witches fighting against it with ease. But he begins to calculate where they came from. After a few seconds of quick thinking. He uses his mask's interface to zoom in on a certain place where they resided at… their base. The man then slightly raised his left arm up as he began to give it a new command.
"Forget the Witches… Destroy their base." The man's left hand glows in response, giving the Neuroi a new command. Then, the Neuroi itself begins to shift and transform into an advanced and yet futuristic aircraft based on the AC-130. The Neuroi screeched again as it began to gain more speed as the Witches noticed.
"What the…! Where is it going!?" Fumiyo asked one of the two as Bronislava realized where it was going…"
"The Neuroi… It's heading to our base! And Keiwa is there!" Bronislava informed the two as she continued. "We need to head back!"
"This ain't good. I don't think we'll make it in time with our speed like this." Huberta said as all three flew to chase their enemy that was heading right towards their base.
First Person POV
"Oh shit…! Not good!" I cursed that thing that shoots red lasers… I think they're called Neuroi as Bronya mentioned! Worst of all… it's coming here! Damn it… I'm defenseless. So much for world peace! Wait a second… "Aha!"
The hangar! I checked it out yesterday! The sword, however… I don't think it'll do good but the design of it is way too advanced. None of it makes sense but I need to go there now! The Neuroi is getting closer…! I pick up my feet in order to go as fast as I can, I continue to run on the runway while turning my head around a split second to see the Neuroi getting closer and closer. While I continued to pick up the pace, I made it to the hangar that I checked out from yesterday and quickly tried to slow down but I slammed my hands onto the door to stop my speed as I slided the door open and went inside.
As soon as I headed inside the hangar where the white mysterious katana still stands on the bed of flowers. I stood there with the natural sunlight behind me where my shadow was stretching towards the sword. I remember the flashback that popped up the moment I got closer to it… It reminded me of something. But I still need to find an answer through it. I got close to the sword and took a look at it. I proceeded to let out my right hand as soon as I touched the pommel of the katana… I started to re-experience the whole memories once again… Setsuna… my sister who was killed by that man with a mask. The memories were no longer static… but real. But, I began to experience the other memory as I saw the mysterious silhouette which appears to be a girl with armor and bladed wings on her back as she held a bladed rifle. I can't tell who she is… But when she was about to turn her head… the memory just stopped there…
"Who… are you…?" I said in question but confused. I don't get it. Has someone used this before? If so, who was she? Either way… I'm done running away. I refuse to throw my life away. I want to live. I want to fight. The reason why I came here to work for the Typhoon Witches… was world peace. That was the very start of it! And so… I made my choice… "Whoever you are… lend me your strength… I wish to fight alongside you… including Bronya… Because I want to live!"
As soon as I announced myself. I was filled with determination as I grabbed it and pulled out the sword from the bed of flowers with my right hand. Just as I held it… the sword began to react brightly as I started to look at it… the light began to flash my eye as something began to happen next…
Third Person POV
Back at the sky where the girls were chasing their enemy which had already reached their base and had started to destroy the parts of the runway and some hangers that were meant to be used for later. The Neuroi continued to ignore the gunfire from the Witches as the girls tried to get their attention.
"Hey! That Neuroi is already causing damage! We gotta do something!" Fumiyo exclaimed as she continued to fire until she eventually ran out of ammo. "Damn it!"
"We're running low on ammo. At this point… We'll all take a hit if it starts to take notice of us… And the next problem… is our girls won't return as soon as possible." Huberta said as Bronislava eventually ran out of ammo.
"Tch… You're right. There's nothing we can do unless… Oh no… Keiwa! He's in danger!" Bronislava panicked about him despite him being defenseless and the only single male personnel in the base. But, she saw something from the hangar that had a hole on the roof… it was Keiwa holding that katana in his hand. "That hangar… We never touched it unless… No! Keiwa-"
The Neuroi detected a reading coming from the hangar they left alone with Keiwa inside it as it fired a powerful beam right directly towards the hangar as it caused a huge explosion as all three Witches saw the Neuroi had claimed its victim… Sending Bronislava in full fear.
"N-No… NOOOOOO! KEIWA!" Bronislava cried out for his name in despair as the other two watched her wail and cry of Keiwa's loss… until the beam of light shot up in the sky coming from the destroyed hangar she stopped crying to look at what's going on.
The blue beam fired upon the Neuroi as it pierced through the body but merely left a scratch as the damage repaired itself. The billowing smoke goes away as it reveals that Keiwa is alive. But he was floating in the air, donning an white sharp armor that resembles a blade, a mechanical ring wrapped around the waist, and has two auxiliary legs that extends backwards. The overall configuration is completely unknown, even for Keiwa. But one of his arms of the mecha wielding a large sword with a configuration of a rifle while his right arm was also holding the same white sword that he picked up at the abandoned hangar.
"W-What is even that thing!?" Fumiyo said in awe as Bronislava watched.
"Keiwa…" She said his name as Huberta watched to see the event unfolds.
First Person POV
I began to realize that I'm now flying… or rather hovering in the air where I have complete control over this thing. Hell, this is coming straight out of some mecha anime that I watched. Can't remember what it is. But I started to look over my arms as the robotic arms also followed my movements. This is just weird… Is the sword the cause of this? However, I started to feel the small head pain as the memories of the unknown started to inject right inside my head where I began to vision the combat of the mecha. The same woman piloting it where she was flying in the air as she was doing slashes and shooting out of that sword as it snaps back to reality. The pain was gone but I looked at the Neuroi… It's about to shoot at me!
"Hey, kid! Watch out!" Huberta called out for me as I noticed the laser coming right at me until I quickly reacted out of fear as the robotic hands mimicked me as It somehow put up a shield to protect me from that attack. I noticed it since it was different from the Witches' shield where it's all just glyphs. But with all of these memories belonging to that woman… I somehow understand the combat. I made my choice… I'm going to fight.
"My turn…" I said to myself as I started to propel myself as the blade thrusters began to roar as I began to build up speed as I charged toward the enemy as it shot a laser at me but dodged thanks to the maneuvers from the memories that aren't mine. I used it to my advantage to continue to dodge the barrage of lasers except there are some that hit my shield upon contact. However, I used one of my robotic arms to aim at the Neuroi as I laid down some heavy fire as the beam did some heavy damage as parts of the body chips off but begins to repair itself… "The hell? Is this bastard cheating?"
"The core!" Bronislava called out for me as I looked at her hovering, but she was indeed shouting. "You need to find the core and destroy it!"
"The core… got it! Can't you help me out already!?" I asked them as they seemingly cannot for some reason.
"We could but… We're out of ammo. You're the one who can pull this off, Keiwa." Huberta said to me as I seemingly understood why. Fine then, just find the core and destroy it. That's what I need to do but… Where is the core? Unless… if I can't find it… Keep shooting its body.
"Alright… Here goes nothing!" I began to continue shooting down the enemy as I started to riddle the Neuroi with enough damage to go deeper. However, the laser shot at me as I didn't have time to react as I blocked it with my sword, pushing me back in the air as I started to balance myself. "Damn it… It's repairing again. There has to be some way to do more damage…"
But, I noticed the Heads-up Interface where I saw the weapon list that I currently have available aside from the gunblade that I have. Looks pretty advanced, not gonna lie. But, I saw the gauge that indicates how much power I have… Photon Energy…? Is it similar to the magic that the Witches use? But, I looked more into the weapon list… and there was only one… Photon Salvo. As I saw it, the memories of something pops up where the woman piloting that thing fires the multiple beams out of its side legs which homes onto the target. I snapped back into reality again as the memory taught me one thing: Learn from the best.
"Eat this!" I began using the side legs of the mech as it opened itself halfway, firing all twenty beams that were homing onto the Neuroi as the contact was met with consecutive explosions. As the smoke died down, I started to see the red object inside the body of a Neuroi… "The core…"
"Quick! Destroy it!" Bronislava shouted at me, telling me what to do. I started to realize that the body is starting to slowly regenerate now that the core is exposed.
"Got it! Gotta attack the core!" I said while reading the sword to dive down toward the core at high speed. Then, I planted my gunblade right onto the core which was not enough… I just need to finish it off. "Now begone!"
I pulled the trigger of the gunblade as I fired a beam that pierced through the core and body. After that, the core shatters along with the body being engulfed by the night as it causes an explosion of white flakes… It was finally defeated all thanks to my efforts. Whoever gave me those memories… thanks… I think… I'll put it to good use. After the battle against the Neuroi was over. I noticed all three hovering towards me. First being Bronislava. However, she wasn't happy about me.
"L-Look, I know it's hard to explain but you gotta believe-" However, she slapped me in the face and lightly looked away a little while wiping tears off of her eyes. "O-Ow! What was that for?"
"D-Don't ever do that again… I was worried that you'd be killed! And also… how did you even get this… thing?" Bronislava said to me about what I'm using.
"I'm sorry, okay? Plus, this? I got it from the hangar that you girls left from the moment I pulled it out. I received some sort of a memory that belonged to someone. And I heard what she calls this… I think it's called… Hresvelgr? Huh?" I noticed on the HUD once again that the energy was running low as it was warning me about it. Then… the thing known as Hresvelgr I was piloting began to disappear around me as I started to fall. "Whoa!"
"I got you!" Bronislava quickly grabbed my hand as I was left there hanging as she held my arms.
"I gotta say, Keiwa. You're not half bad despite having no combat experience. But judging from what I saw… Was it a new Striker Unit? I wonder if it's got to do with Professor Miyafuji's new work." Huberta pondered about Hresvelgr being a new Striker. The designs of it? I can tell that it's not a Striker but something else. I just need to hope and find someone who knows what it is and why I chose to pilot it.
"Aww man, we're late and the Neuroi's already defeated?" The voice of a young blonde girl spoke as we all looked at 5 other Witches who had arrived late after I fought against the Neuroi and defeated it. "And moreover… Who's that guy that the commander's carrying?"
"Either way, they defeated it. Commander…" The Witch with brown hair continued. "I hope you have some explanation of what's going on."
Geez… my life has really turned upside down…
Third Person POV
"Hmph…" The mysterious man had seen the defeat of the Neuroi at the hands of Keiwa's new weapon. Yet disgruntled that his plans have failed. He decided to turn around and walk away as he disappeared out of sight…
9/4/2018 503rd JFW Base, Mount Iimori, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan Morning - Clear Sky
And so, it was the next day where all witches that are present here in the classroom-like area in the main base where Bronislava was seen standing on the podium where Huberta was seen standing next to her. There are other witches like Fumiyo who was sitting at the desk along with the others who have done the same. However, the five have yet to reveal their names.
[Waltraud Nowotny - Flight Lieutenant]
[Galina D. Kostylev - Flight Lieutenant]
[Alexandra Şerbănescu - Flying Officer]
[Rosalie de La Poype - Flying Officer]
[Ottilie Kittel - Flying Officer]
"Hey, Fumiyo!" Ottilie continued to ask. "You met that guy who fought Neuroi, right? Tell me he was the real deal?"
"From what I can tell you… Yes… he fought it." Fumiyo replied to her question.
"But that Striker… Is that thing really a striker?" Rosalie said as she pondered about it. "I may have seen it from afar according to what we saw. It's very powerful."
"So what?" Alexandra, the Witch with a scar over her right eye said. "It doesn't matter if that man proves he can defeat a Neuroi. He needs to show proof that he really defeated it. In the end, he's simply dead weight."
"We shouldn't be this too critical of him." Waltraud said as she looked at the two in front of her. "Commander. Bonin? I hope you can explain this about what happened while we're away helping the people at the town."
"Very well…" Bronislava continued. "As you all know, our old enemy. A Neuroi appeared out of nowhere and had seemingly followed us to this world as we know it. But before that, I had hired a young man whom I had the role of the only male personnel. That won't be the case. After a certain event that transpired. I have come to a conclusion that he will be joining as an additional unit. Though, he will not receive any ranks but he'll be helping up in a fight against our enemy."
"I will present to you, the first male joining the 503rd JFW as a temporary member. Keiwa Takuma." Huberta called him out as he stepped into the room.
First Person POV
I stepped forward into what looked to be a style of a classroom where there was Fumiyo and the others sitting on their desks just to look at me. Honestly, I'm not sure if they're feeling uneasy that I'm around or just not surprised at all. Then, I stood next between Bronislava and Huberta as I stood there, ready to make introductions to them…
"Err… Hey. The names Keiwa Takuma. I'll be looking forward to working with you all. I promise that I won't let you all down." I introduced myself to the Witches and proceeded to bow in respect as I always do.
"You? The one who destroyed the Neuroi on your own? Don't make me laugh." The young witch named Alexandra said to me with stubbornness on her face. "I don't even believe you even once. Yet, you come in here to join us? I don't believe you."
"Alexandra… Aren't you being a bit harsh?" Rosalie said to her until the Witch became a little annoyed.
"Hmph. I tire of talking. I'm going to take a breather." Alexandra refused to elaborate more as she stood up and left the room. The others felt concerned over her behavior about me being here.
"Do please forgive her rudeness, Keiwa. She comes off as a nice person once you get to know her. Anyways…" Huberta continued as she looked at everyone. "While Keiwa is only a temporary member here in this unit. His starting rank will be Pilot Officer."
"Now then, you'll be dismissed." Bronislava said as she looked at me. "Keiwa. As for you… your training starts tomorrow. While I have seen your combat firsthand… I don't think you're ready just yet."
"You think so? I mean, I have the memories of someone else when I first piloted Hresvelgr." I said to her as she shook her head.
"While I understand that you have the memories of the previous. It'd be better for you to learn things in your own way. Which is why I'll be personally training you." Bronislava told me about it. So I just need to do things my own way instead of relying on someone's previous memories of that thing. I'm not sure how that'll work. But working with them as a temporary member as a Pilot Officer? Seems like a lot to take in. "Now then… Fumiyo? I heard reports from Huberta that you nearly attacked Keiwa, mistaking him as an intruder. Is this true?"
Fumiyo begins to step up to approach us as she seemed guilty about doing it. I can tell she admitted it on doing it.
"Y-Yess, Commander…" Fumiyo then looked at me as she quickly bowed in apology. "I-I'm sorry that I attacked you yesterday! I promise this will never happen again!"
"Oh no, it's fine. Besides, I'll be looking forward to working with you all. Though… My training starts tomorrow. What about you?" I asked her about the plans. But she starts to act a bit unnerving for some reason as she is having a hard time talking…
"Err… Umm… P-Please excuse me!" Fumiyo then rushes out of the room. The others left the room after the dismissal. So that leaves the three of us… Me, Bronya, and Huberta.
"Huh… I suppose I should apologize to her as well." I thought of myself.
"No need. After all, she's just as having a hard time as you are." Bronislava continued. "After all, she's just as confused as you are. Although, you're a bit naive."
"Really? Am I?" I said to myself to give it some thought process. "Huh… No wonder. Anyways, I was hoping to ask you something."
"Is that so? Please, what is it?" Bronislava asked me.
"It's… uhh… kinda simple enough but. I'm going to leave the base for a little bit. I received a text from my friend that he's provided me with some necessities ever since I pretty much moved into your base. Though, I never realized that he now works at the convenience store before he even came here. So uhh… Maybe you can give me that permission so I can go there? Please?" I lightly begged her about going out for a bit so I can meet up with a friend of mine who now lives here at Aizuwakamatsu. After she made some considerations and thought, she took a deep sigh and allowed it.
"Very well. On one condition… allow me to accompany you. While I finished my paperwork an hour ago. I do have a next night patrol to run. How's that?" Bronislava said with her finger pointed up with a small smile. I guess I couldn't turn down her offer, can I?
"Fine. I guess we'll go together." I had no choice but to agree.
"Well then, commander. I expect you to return soon?" Huberta asked her as she nodded.
"Of course, this won't take long. We'll be back soon." Bronislava then looked at me. "Now then… Shall we get going?"
"Err… Yeah. We should. Can't waste time." I said as we both headed out as we began our trip to the store on foot.
Owlson Convenience Store, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan Afternoon - Clear Sky
And so, we arrived at the small convenience store as she looked at it, which was apparently her first time. I looked at her to see her staring off at the building. I took a deep breath and headed inside as she noticed to follow me as the noise emitted as we entered the store. I looked to my right and saw a young man with black hair wearing the job uniform which was sky blue as he seemed to be on his phone. However, Bronislava looked around in surprise as it was filled with food, drinks, magazines, you name it. You can just go there to buy food yourself whether you're eating instant food, or cook 'em at home. That's the place you'll need to be. And that guy? He's a friend of mine. His name was Soju Narukami. We met all the way back in elementary when I was once a loner. He approached and tried to befriend me. And so I did. At times, we would cause some sort of trouble back in our youth just for fun. Then towards all the way to high school where we would hang out on the rooftops with other friends. I miss then… Naoto-san… Shibuya-san… Yotaro-san… I'm sure they've moved on with their lives. But that's enough remembering the past. I decided to call out his name.
"Hey, Soju-san. You sleepin'?" I said to him as he quickly opened his eyes as he still held his phone. Then, he starts to look at me with surprise on his face.
"Yoooo! Keiwa-san! You've finally made it! Actually, I did see you arrive in the city that I moved to just a few days ago. Pretty quiet if you ask me. Well, except for that one time when that thing was floating above the city." Soju said as he instantly mentioned about the Neuroi from yesterday. Right… we took it down. But I decided to act normal either way.
"Really? I was in an apartment, fast asleep right after I came here. And somehow, I completely forgot about it. Either way, you said you got something for me?" I asked him about it as he remembers that.
"Oh! Right! Anyways… To welcome you into the city of hot springs of Aizuwakamatsu… I bought you a good package for you! This one's on the house, bro. No need to worry about the cost." Soju said with a thumbs up and a smile as I looked into the bag of what's inside…
"Instant noodles, Musubi, chips, mints, and… hydrogen spray? Really?" I asked him why he wanted to give me a spray.
"So you can feel refreshed with the good ol' misty water? C'mon, you know the heat and boredom's gonna kill ya, no?" Soju proved my point as I began to think about the living conditions at the base. While it is clean, it'll be prone to the sunlight's build up in the heat overtime. So I guess he's right about that one.
"Thanks, Soju-san. I suppose I'll be taking my leave now." I thanked as I was about to leave.
"Wait, hold on. Before you go. I need to talk to you. It's super important." Soju said as I looked at him. When he said super important… I wonder… So I got close to him as he lightly whispered something to me.
"I know I'm wasting your time a bit but here me out…" Soju continued. "There were rumors here in the city that there were actual people… I mean, crazy people."
"Crazy… people?" I asked him.
"Yeah. Trust me. There were two people threatening an old man because they think that he does not believe in the higher deity… I think they call them the Leader? I dunno. They sound like nutjobs part of a cult. That's what I think. Now, you should get going. I need to get back to my work or else my boss will kill me."
"Gotcha… But thanks for letting me know. Take care of yourself, okay?" I said to him as I turned around to see Bronislava looking at the woman's magazine that featured a person on the front cover by the name of Doglio. "Hey, Bronya. Are you done? I got the bag for free from my friend."
"O-Oh! I see… So he provided you with the needs?" Bronislava said as she put the magazine back and looked at my bag inside. However, she seemed unimpressed with what he gave me. "Well then… I suppose I'll allow it… for now. But remember, I need you to make sure you start eating something healthy."
"Gotcha, gotcha. I hear you loud and clear, Bronya." I said to her as we both left the store to make our way back. As we continued walking, I looked up at the afternoon sky as I started to inhale with my nostrils and proceed to exhale from my mouth just to feel the fresh air. After what happened yesterday of my piloting the Hresvelgr and fighting the Neuroi on my own for the first time. Yet… everything feels so weird… and familiar. Whoever you are… that woman… Thanks… for saving my life…
Unknown Location, Somewhere in Japan Afternoon - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
Meanwhile in a hidden location unknown… A dim-lit room where it appeared to be a medieval-like throne room where the man with black robes who was seel falling on the floor as he was spazzing out as his eyes became pale and his skin starts to lightly deteriorate as his mouth, nose, and eyes bleeding out black blood as the seeps of mana particles slowly exits out of the man's body. However, the same man with a mask stood there as he was disappointed behind the mask, only grunting a little in annoyance.
"So it seems he has failed to wield the Witches magic… Wise. Tell me… now…" The man asked the man with a white 'X' mark mask while donning white robes as he was seen next to the man, trying to explain the problem.
"Y-you see, my lord. The blood of Witches' Magic is unsafe for humans like us to wield. Sure, it can provide us abilities like any Witches but in a different way. You must remember, that man Uruk… the tyrant who was killed last year had somehow perfected the way of wielding it without the negative side effects." Wise continued as he starts to fear a little as the man's ominous aura glows a little. "Ahem… now then, as for him… I'm afraid that he doesn't have something that can withstand it. But rest assured, I am currently working on a medicine that can hopefully and temporarily repel these negative effects."
"I see… I believe you. But make it quick… The… core…" The man said as he placed his hand to his chest as he could feel it "It grows disassistied… I don't have much time left… I need… sacrifices…"
"W-Well, my lord. There is the corpse over there! Surely you'll eat him… right?" Wise pointed at it as the man then approached towards the corpse as he planted his hand to stab within the corpse of the stomach, he pulled his hand back as it was stained.
But he uses his both hands to control the blood of the corpse. Despite the color of the blood being black due to the effects. He begins to swallow the blood entirely and finishes it off. The corpse was left lifeless as the other men in robes took the corpse away.
"This blood… will only keep me alive… but not enough. Wise… you are dismissed. I… need time… to think…" The man said to Wise as he nodded.
"Y-Yes… Lord KZ…" Wise said his name as he stepped back into the darkness. Now, he was left alone as he looked at his hand and clenched it.
"This boy… and those Witches…" The man known as KZ begins to remember his plans to send his Neuroi to attack their base but was thwarted by the man named Keiwa who had defeated it by using a mysterious mecha that allowed him to fly and fight. But, he started to remember the memories from the past where he looked at the face of the younger version after he stabbed a woman during the heavy rain as he snapped back to reality. "I see… this boy is related to her… It seems it must have been fate… Soon… I must defy death… Soon…"
KZ said to himself as he looked up to see nothing. But everything slowly fades to black… and then… there was nothingness… The journey of Keiwa is already just the beginning.
OPENING - Shukufuku by YOASOBI [TV Size Ver.] (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury)
Haruka tooku ni ukabu hoshi wo
Omoi nemuri ni tsuku kimi no
Erabu mirai ga nozomu michi ga
Doko e tsuzuiteitemo
Tomo ni ikiru kara
Zutto mukashi no kioku
Tsurerarete kita kono hoshi de kimi wa
Negai tsuzuketeta
Tooku de kirameku keshiki ni
Tobikomu koto ga dekita no nara
Hitori kodoku na sekai de
Inori negau
Yume wo egaki
Mirai wo miru
Nigedasu yori mo susumu koto wo
Kimi ga eranda no nara
Dareka ga egaita IMAGE janakute
Dareka ga eranda STAGE janakute
Bokutachi ga tsukute iku STORY
Kesshite hitori ni wa sasenai kara
Kono hoshi ni umareta koto
Kono sekai de iki tsuzukeru koto
Sono subete wo aiseru you ni
Meippai no shukufuku wo kimi ni
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hey all, Thank you for reading this story. It's been a while, huh? I know, I know. The lack of creativity has stopped me once again. But I'm glad that I managed to get this done. Now, I know what you're thinking… What happened to the original Witch Musume's story I planned to work on? Well, it's complicated. I decided to label it as "Complete" because honestly, I'm done with the story of Ichigo's adventure. So instead, I decided to create a sequel. When I define the term "sequel", I want to create an entirely new story within the WM Universe that will feature new characters and a new setting which will be much more grounded. Instead of going around the world. I wanted to have the story be set in Aizuwakamatsu as it is known for its hot springs and mountains. It took me six months to create this sequel in order to embrace this "power fantasy" but not too much. So I'm pretty much leaning more into "coming of age", "self-discovery", and "strange mystery". The protagonist Keiwa Takuma is pretty much that example, he kinda lives under the rock while trying to do things for the very good in the world. But doesn't feel like he fits in. Now, I know what you are thinking. No. I'm not putting the "Romance" sub-genre because it doesn't make sense despite Keiwa's relationship or bonding with Bronislava. But, I also want to embrace the "modern fantasy" as magic has become pretty much part of the commonplace, but it also invites much more stranger people with attitude. I won't say much but I already have plans of what the second and third chapter will be. So I guess it'll be much more bizarre the more it progresses… if Keiwa tries to get stronger with that Hresvelgr or whatever. Now then, look forward for the second one… when it's ready… Until then, see you.