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 2: Awaken
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
The scene starts with a split screen of Keiwa and Bronislava standing on the grassy plains during the starry night as the shooting star streaks down from the cosmic sky as the wind blows their hair from the breeze until they turn around where the sunlight has shined on them. They then steps forward as the split screen disappears as they are now together as they reach towards the sunlight where they now stands on the runway of the 503rd base where they stood there and looked up at the sky as Kim Seoyoon, Aurora Edith Juutilainen, and Matsunaga Roadagain Kogoro joined up with them. Then, all of the other 503rd Witches then flew past them in the sky as it left with the contrail of clouds. The electronic theme then plays as it transitions to the city of Aizuwakamatsu during the day as it shows the title before it statically disappears as the scene transitions.
Zutto mukashi no kioku
Tsurerarete kita kono hoshi de kimi wa
Negai tsuzuketeta
The scene starts with the Witches back in their world where everything was all in ruins as they felt desperation, loss, depression as one witch Bronislava who was injured as she saw a giant enemy looming over her until she completely woke up as if it was a dream as she goes back to to complete her paperwork in her office as she looked outside of the window to see a wagtail resting on top of the tree branch.
Tooku de kirameku keshiki ni
Tobikomu koto ga dekita no nara
The next scene then shows Keiwa walking down the morning street after the rain as he was joined by Kim who caught up to follow him as they were chatting each other while walk as they were soon followed and caught up by Katsura and Aurora who joined up with them as they all were walking down the sidewalk as Keiwa laughed and smiled.
Hitori kodoku na sekai de
Inori negau
Yume wo egaki
Mirai wo miru
Then the next scene shows Huberta leaning against her motorcycle as she was seen drinking a cup of coffee outside of the coffee shop. Next shows Alexandra walking down the hallway as Ottilie was seen being chased by Rosalie with a mop in anger. Next shows Fumiyo brooming the dead leaves at the abandoned shrine. Next shows Waltraud cleaning her Striker Unit alone at the hangar. Next shows Galina who was seen sitting at her desk alone in the room with a small smile where she was reading a novel to pass time.
Nigedasu yori mo susumu koto wo
Kimi ga eranda no nara
Then the next scene shows Keiwa alone in the black void where his arms were chained down and kneeled to the floor where he experiences the past of his sister's death where his hand was seen carrying the blade of the white katana in hand which he held it tightly, bleeding down from the blade. Then he lifts his head up to see Bronislava lending out her hand as he starts to move his arms to break off the chains as it shows his serious face as it quickly switches in static to show Keiwa in his Hresvelgr armor but in split second shows the black/red version where the pilot is covered in a silhouette shadow.
Dareka ga egaita IMAGE janakute
Dareka ga eranda STAGE janakute
Bokutachi ga tsukute iku STORY
Kesshite hitori ni wa sasenai kara
Then the next scene shows the Typhoon Witches engaging against an air-type Neuroi as they fired their weapons at it as it was followed up by Keiwa shooting his gunblade. Then the next scene shows Kim using her Scythe as she spun her weapon to generate gust of violent wind as she hurls it at the four legged tank-like Neuroi as it was followed up by Aurora in her tank striker as she hurls a tree log with one hand as it created a impact as it was followed up by firing a cannon to destroy it. The next shows the group of armed cultists running towards Matsunaga until he creates a ice pillar around himself when the cultists were in range, he immediately draws out his sword to shatter the pillar around him and the cultists with a icy wind as he has the animal ears and tail of a arctic fox spirit when it was activated but it was slightly translucent.
Kono hoshi ni umareta koto
Kono sekai de iki tsuzukeru koto
Sono subete wo aiseru you ni
Meippai no shukufuku wo kimi ni
Then the next scene shows KZ and his cultist members in black robes as there were slightly glowing red silhouettes of mysterious Neuroi forms behind him as the next scene shows Ryoko and Chris Keera standing away from each other as it shows their respective background of Tokyo and Paris where Chris drew out her daggers from her hand as the split screen swipes to the right as it shows Ryoko as her face starts to be covered in shadows, letting out her sinister grin as she activates her familiar. Then the next scene shows the battle back at the city where Bronislava manages to expose the core and yells at him to finish it off. Keiwa then dives with his gunblade as he pierces through the core, destroying the Neuroi. Then the next scene shows Keiwa having defeated the enemy where he sees Bronislava approaching him as he starts to smile as the two begin to high five each other. Then the next multiple scenes during the electronic theme play where Sato Yukimura was seen standing alone in the abandoned base with the torn hole on the ceiling during the moonlight. Next shows Rito Arsalini in her office as she was looking at the papers as she looked at the photo frame of herself and Kim together. Next shows Grace Maitland Steward and the Luminous Witches as they were on the runway with the Arvo Lancaster parked there. Then the last scene shows Keiwa in his room in the living quarters as he looks at the photo frame of himself, Bronislava, and the others together at the base as he puts down the frame as he leaves with a small smile as it ends with showing the frame as the scene ends.
9/5/2018 503rd JFW Base, Mount Iimori, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan Morning - Clear Sky
First Person POV
It was the next day, the day where Bronislava promised to train me to fight using firearms only instead of using the gunblade that my Hresvelgr uses. And here we are at the outdoor firing range where I looked at the basic target right in front of me. However, Bronislava isn't here with me but instead Huberta was there to take her place instead. I believe that she informed me that she has traveled to Karlsland for meeting reasons with the people working at Witch Corps. And that made Huberta a temporary Wing Commander until her return.
"Alright, Takuma. Today's going to be your first day using a real weapon. Judging by your looks, you seem calm about it." Huberta told me about it.
"Of course, besides, Bronislava doesn't want me to use the gunblade that I used from yesterday. And this weapon… Is this a MG42?" I asked her as she nodded.
"That's my weapon but yes. Once you get a hold of my weapon, I want you to aim at the target and try to land all the shots with no misses at all." Huberta gave me an order of what to do as I started to hold the weapon as I started to feel the weight of it. Goddamn it's heavy! But I managed to hold the gun somehow. "Good. Now try to aim at it and fire away."
"Got it…" I said with little to no confidence as I couldn't lift it up more to place my eyes on the ironsights instead, holding it like one of those american mobster movies as I began to pull the trigger… "WHOA!"
The sound of gunfire blast from the gun barrel as I begin to feel the force of the knockback where I eventually tripped and fell from the weapon as it had a lot of kick to it. Yet, I'm not too familiar with holding light machine guns from the WW2 age. I lifted my body up as I took a sigh and looked at Huberta who was thinking about it.
"Hmm… I guess that weapon's too heavy for you? Or rather, the knockback too strong?" Huberta said to me.
"I mean, yeah. Don't you like, hold it with ease?" I said to her as she began to activate her familiar to lift up the weapon with ease with two hands.
"Of course I do. I guess this isn't working… Here. This will do." Huberta then grabs something from her holster on her hip as she gives it to me… a pistol? A luger, that is. "It's less knockback but it'll be easier for you to wield it, no?"
"I mean, you're not wrong." I then took the pistol from her hand as I held it as it had some weight but not too much. "I think I should hit the gym after this."
"After all that training to the point where you can't even hold a gun? Pathetic." The voice of Alexandra who was seen arriving as she remains her usual tone. Why do I get the feeling that's always this mad?
"Alexandra… You do know that he's only a temporary member here. And please show some respect while I'm training him. Unless you want to show him the ropes?" Huberta said to her as she looked away with her eyes closed.
"Don't lump me in with that nobody, Bonin. But know this… we may be in this world that isn't ours. I will defeat you again for that title." Alexandra then opened her eyes a little as it turned into a glare as if the daggers tried to pierce her, only for Huberta to chuckle.
"Haven't you forgotten? Safonov is your commander now. I'm just a Deputy Commander. Even though I've beaten you once. You can try to take my rank if you want." Huberta said to her as Alexandra then decided to ignore her and leave to do something else.
"You've beaten her before?" I asked Huberta about it as she simply nodded.
"Yeah. This was back in our world when I was a Wing Commander at the time. When she first joined my unit, I could tell you that she never liked me from the start. But instead, declares herself as a rival to me. And that is when she decided to challenge me for the rank of Wing Commander where she would use the term 'the strongest will have the right to command'." Huberta explained her side of the story of what happened between her and Alexandra.
"And what happened after that?" I asked.
"Well, I won, really." Huberta continued. "While I can respect her discipline, she is a good witch. But things push to shove with her seriousness when she goes out there fighting. But when I really started to age… The people wanted me to stay as their commander. I couldn't take the risks so instead… I relinquished my rank and passed it on to Safonov, whom I consider a good friend of mine."
"Wow… I mean, you're older than me. I just graduated straight from University just to job-hunt. Think I'm legal to get drunk-" Just as I was about to get along with her… our talks… or rather our training was interrupted by Fumiyo who arrived with a sheathed katana in hand.
"Bonin! Bonin!" Fumiyo yelled her name as she arrived.
"Kawaguchi. Is something a matter?" Huberta asked her.
"Yeah. There's that weird girl carrying a weapon on her back just taking to me looking for some… work…" Fumiyo said as it almost reminded me of when I first came here. Feels familiar.
"A girl you say? Where is she at?" Huberta demanded to know lightly as Fumiyo pointed in the direction.
"The entrance. I can take you there. Come on!" Fumiyo said as she ran off on her own back to the entrance as Huberta took the luger from my hand.
"The training will have to wait, Takuma. I'll have to go see what this is about." Huberta then followed where Fumiyo ran as I followed her without hesitation. I wanted to see it for myself as well.
As one minutes has passed through walking. We had seemingly arrived at the entrance of the base where Fumiyo was trying to talk to the young girl. As I took a look at her… She had a black long hair with twin pigtails tied with white ribbons each, long sideburns on each side resting on her shoulder, brown eyes, bangs on the front of her hair, and the top of her hair hanging there. An ahoge type of hair. Either way, she was wearing her black unzipped jacket with a greenish-gray undershirt, black shorts, and black sneakers as she was holding a staff-like weapon with a blade on the top of it as it was folded. Is that a halberd?
"Bonin! You've arrived. Look, see? There's that girl that I mentioned about!" Fumiyo informed us as she pointed to her. Though, she seemed innocent. What's her deal?
"I see… I'll handle this matter, Kawaguchi." Huberta said as she approached her as she stood in the line between the entrance and the outside. I get the feeling that the line is invisible. "You there. Do you have any reasons for coming here? This is a restricted military area."
"A-Ah! You see… My boss Rito asked me to get a job here in this city because I was causing her too much trouble after what happened with the last gig in Barcelona involving the confrontation with corrupt loan sharks. Though, I did get a couple of bruises at times but I've still got it! In short… I'm here for work when I first came here to Japan and tried asking everyone here in this city until some guy recommended me to work at this place you're at and here I am." The girl explained her story of what's going on. Wait? She had a fight with loan sharks?
"That… is an interesting story. Now then, state your name." Huberta asked her as she quickly saluted.
"A-Aye-aye, ma'am! The name Kim Seoyoon! I'm the assistant of Rito Arsalini working for Horizon Finance!" Cha had introduced herself to the three of us. So she's Korean. Noted.
"Kim Seoyoon… I'm not too familiar with your names despite it coming from the country that you're born in. However… the commander Safonov is not here today, which is why I've taken the temporary role of the Wing Commander. She won't be coming back in two days. However, I'm willing to take you in for the basic work that you're searching for." Huberta said to her as it caught her excitement.
"R-Really? You'll let me in!?" Kim said with gleaming, sparkling eyes as she was filled with joy.
"Of course. Though, I do have to make a call for Safonov to let her know about your arrival. But right now, she might have a meeting with the higher ups at Berlin. The Witch Corps and all." Huberta continued. "But you're not the only person here. She also brought him in for work as well."
All three then looked at me… the only guy here living with these witches just to do some work… and help fight the Neuroi if they ever return.
"What?" I asked them.
"Nothing. This is Keiwa Takuma. Like you, he's also working here just about a few days ago. I think you two would get along just fine." Huberta said with a small smile as the Korean girl looked at me.
"Hey, hey! You're new here, right?" Kim continued. "You gotta show me around the place! Keiwa, right? You seem like a nice person so maybe you can teach me how to do things? Even though I have zero knowledge."
"Err… sure, I guess. I can show you around." I said to her as she seemed excited about it.
"Thanks, Keiwa! No wonder why you seem to be soft with some ladies." Kim had a smirk on her face as I stepped away from her once because it felt awkward.
"C'mon… I'm the only guy here in this base." I said to her as I felt both she and I can get along… Though, being friendly with Alexandra seems impossible. I guess she would treat Kim the same as I am.
However, we all heard the sound of the motor as it was getting closer… We looked outside of the entrance where we saw someone arriving where it appears to be a young woman with silver hair and light lavender eyes with the animal ears and tail of a wolf where she was seen pulling a wagon as she was on a striker with tank treads as she was moving that thing like it was nothing to her. I don't know anything about her at all. Her clothing does look like that she's from the military. But what's on the wagon is full of… logs?
"Well now… It seems I was right to come to this place since that woman from the Witch Corps' Japan Branch contacted me to assist you people. And I remember you from somewhere back in our world, Bonin." The young woman said casually as she had arrived at the base as it amazed Kim for some reason.
"I indeed remember you as well, Juutilainen. I guess you came straight from this… their world's Suomus?" Huberta said as she pondered about it.
"Actually it's called Finland?" I corrected her about it until Kim rushed to see the Witch on tank threads as it seemed to interest her.
"Whoooa… What is that striker thing? How does it even work? Do the tank threads even hurt you through your legs? Plus, how are you pulling this heavily?" Kim looked around her much to her confusion.
"Err… can you… not get close to me? You might get hurt if I let this go?" The witch said to her.
"Hey, Huberta? Who's she who just came to this base? Friend of yours?" I asked her about it as she looked at Kim and the witch casually chatting with each other.
"More like an ally. Her name is Aurora Edith Juutilainen, one of the best Tank Witch aces with the highest Neuroi kills back in our world. Trust me, she's one of the best Witch you can rely on." Huberta said to me as Aurora looked at her and me.
"That reminds me. Aside from this girl. Is this boy new here?" Aurora asked her as she mentioned about me.
"Yup. He's been working here for about a few days now. This is Keiwa Takuma. What I can tell you is that he is the only person who wields this Striker I never heard about nor if it's really a Striker. You call it the 'Hresvelgr', correct?" Huberta said as I nodded to correct it despite knowing nothing of it.
"Yeah. Even though it was my first time piloting it. This sword here is the key to activating it. Again, I have a lot to learn. Also, sorry about Kim here. I don't know what's with her these days." I said to her as she shook her head as if it was nothing.
"It's alright. Besides, It's nice to meet a person like her who has an interest towards me and my Strikers- H-Hey! Careful with that tail!" Aurora felt it as she looked behind to see Kim who apparently touched her wolf tail as she stepped back a little.
"S-Sorry… heheh…" Kim continued. "But still! This is my first time seeing a Tank Witch! I mean look at her! She could give me a ride! Plus, that cannon! It looks huge!"
"Kim… you should step back. Y'know… She's pulling the wagon full of… logs? Aurora? What's with these logs for Aren't they too heavy?" I asked her about it as she seems fully aware.
"Oh, this? I just carry them." Aurora said it straightforward as me and Kim were both confused at the same time as soon she saw our expression. "I suppose I'll show it to you. Just watch closely."
As soon as Aurora gets to the side of the wagon, she uses her right hand to plant her fingers on the log as the piece of wood chips bursts out a little from the force. The, she starts to lift it up easily as if it was nothing…
"EHHHHHHH!?" Me and Kim were awed of how capable she is. Her strength is literally inhuman!
"Impressed? I can even hurl it at high speed. Been training myself to do this ever since back in my world's Suomus." Aurora said as she put down the log on the wagon.
"That's soooo cool!" Kim said in excitement as Huberta chuckled.
"Alright, that's enough introductions for today. Aurora needs to get settled in as she does her own thing. As for you two… You know what to do." Huberta said to us as I saluted.
"You got it." I said to her as Kim was confused.
"Ehh? What are we doing again?" Kim asked as time passed by once again where she would be seen cleaning the floor with the mop as she seemed bored. "Bored…"
"Don't feel too bad, Kim." I continued while I was cleaning the windows. "When I first took the job. I find it boring. But once I get used to it. So should you."
"I'm trying to. I've always thinked about finding the right job. But when I met you all… I feel like I'm family here… but the real family I got were my parents back in Busan and Rito. They're all nice to me. They really are…" Kim said as she stopped mopping as she stood there as I looked at her.
"I can understand why. Like you, I always used to have friends in high places. Yet, I ended up hanging out with the wrong friends and my parents would scold me if I caused some trouble with some guys." I continued to explain as I remember the past where I would be at the camp fire with three of my other friends. "These guys were also nice to me as well. Sako-san used to say the words 'We look out for each other' or 'Never turn your back on family and they've got your back'. Those words mean it. Though, everyone just moved on… Yuto-san… and Ieyasu-san…"
"You must have nice friends. Were you able to get into contact?" Kim asked me about it as I began to remember what happened after they parted ways and moved on. "Sadly, no. But I can remember what happened… Sako moved on to establish her cafe in Nagasaki to fulfill her lifelong dream. Ieyasu married a veteran Fusoan Witch in order to start a family…"
"And what of Yuto?" Kim asked me after I went silent…
"Yuto-san… I… Well…" I had a hard time talking about it as Kim spoke up.
"Actually… I understand how you feel. So I'll change my mind on this one. So instead. Why not change up the subject. I just finished mopping the floor so I guess I have nothing to do." Just as Kim said after she finished everything up. The door starts to open as someone comes in… The girl with brown hair and the white uniform. That's gotta be Rosalie.
"Ahh, Keiwa. I heard you were doing the cleaning duties today." Rosalie said to me as she continued. "Plus, aside from Aurora's arrival as our ground support unit… Who's she?"
"Hey there! The names Kim Seoyoon! Pleased to meet ya! Hopefully it'll be the first sign that we can get along." Kim happily greets the Witch as she lets out her hand.
"I see… Very well, I'm Rosalie de La Poype. It's a pleasure to meet you, Seoyoon." Rosalie then accepted her hand as it went into a handshake.
"Aww sheesh!~ Just call me Kim. I'm not too well with formalities." Kim said to her as she seemed to understand it.
"Very well then, Kim. That makes you the second person who is not too well with the formalities. First being Keiwa." Rosalie mentioned me as I seemingly talked in as I sat on the stool next to the bartender table.
"I mean yea, I'm not too well with these kinds of things such as calling them by last names." I said as I stretched my arms until…
"Seems this is the place. It's kinda confusing to know nothing about the layout of this building. But when I heard the talking from somewhere. I've definitely found it." The voice of Aurora had arrived as she was seen holding a pile of chopped wood with both of her hands.
"A-Aurora! Welcome! I'm glad that you have come to work for us. But… these piles of wood…" Rosalie examined it as I spoke in.
"It's for the fireplace. I figured it out if this lounge room has one and it does." I continued as I helped her out. "Here. The fireplace."
"Thanks, kid. Appreciate it." Aurora headed over there as I began assisting her to prepare it.
However, I noticed to see the window outside as I heard the downpour where it has started to rain at this time of month. But it was raining heavily as I can tell the air is cold outside as everything outside is pretty much covered in gray clouds. However, Kim sat on the couch as she was seemingly bored once again.
"Hey… maybe once you guys turn on the fireplace… I was thinking maybe we can all have a heartwarming chat. Just me, Keiwa, Aurora, and you Rosalie. So how about that?" Kim said to us as Aurora had ignited the wood in the fireplace as she closed the hatch.
"I assume that we should know each other? I haven't had good talks such as this. I tend to get carried away by just doing what I gotta do. So hey, why not." Aurora agreed to take part as we all sat down on the couch to relax.
"Now then… Who wants to go first to tell their story?" Kim asked us as we all went silent, unsure if we were willing to do so. "Alright… Say, Keiwa. Remember you mentioned your friend Yuto, right? Can you tell me about him? Is he still alive?"
"Yuto?" I asked her as she nodded. She really wanted to know… well, I have no other choice. I began to speak. "Well… Yuto-san… he claimed his life, committed suicide after he was down under after he was fired from his last job. Sako-san messaged me about it and… well, it was her last message. That caused me to alienate myself to step away from it all. Or rather… I didn't know how to respond to it."
"O-Oh… I'm… I'm sorry for your loss…" Kim apologized about the death of Yuto. Both Aurora and Rosalie remained silent about it as they don't know how to bring it up.
"It's alright. I've learned to move on. Besides, I'm just as glad to meet you all. Even though we all feel… indifferent." I said as I looked down to take a quick glance of my hands as it started to shake a little as Aurora lightly grabbed my wrist and looked at me.
"I understand how you feel. We all lost good people. Even back in our world… We also lost good witches as well. We all can feel this pain. And sometimes we can share it." Aurora continued. "After all, I understand you. We've got your back."
"She's right. In the end… we're family. That's all that matters." Rosalie said with some reassurance as Kim seemed to agree on it.
"Yeah! I mean… we're family after all. But I… I mean we're friends as well!" Kim said as I was reminded by the fire once again where I was camping with my friends. I snapped back to reality once again as I began to take a deep breath to calm down.
"Thanks. Even though I shouldn't be taking my side of the story. But I do appreciate the way that you're looking out for me." I said them with a small smile on my face as I continued to look at the table next to us. What's there on the table is… a crystal globe? "Err… what's this?"
"A crystal globe." Rosalie said.
"Okay? And what does it do?" I asked her about it.
"Well… it sort of acts like a television of some sorts. You need magic to activate it. Which is why we can do so as a Witch. Want to see it?" Rosalie said to us but Kim insisted.
"Yes, yes! Please do! I'm all for that kind of magic!" Kim begged to see it as Rosalie didn't mind as if Kim acted like a child.
"Very well then." Rosalie then lets out her hand as she activates her familiar as her magic reacts to the globe.
And just as that, it appeared like a holographic screen of a television as Kim seemed surprised as I am. Both Rosalie and Aurora seemed to be used to it. As the screen projects… It showed us the tv news with the footage of what's going on. It was in the city of Aizuwakamatsu. There appears to be a group of people walking in formation like soldiers? The live footage came from a chopper as it zoomed in as it was showing the chaos with the civilians running away but some couldn't escape out alive. The policed units were doing their best to repel them but were forced to fall back after they failed the hold the line. The news reporter was seen speaking in Japanese… which is my language where the reporter said that there is chaos going on caused by the people in black robes. However, there were only a few Witch units part of the police. But it seems they won't last as we all saw what's happening.
"Hey… Keiwa? Is this normal in this country?" Kim asked me as I shook my head.
"No. If it was normal. Everyone would have gotten used to their lives. But this? This ain't normal. Those guys with rifles are straight up killing people…!" I said with slight anger that the city I'm now living in is under attack by a bunch of strange people in black robes… Unless… "Wait a second… I remember…! My friend Soju-san warned me about this… The guys in the black robes… I think he calls them the cultists I believe…"
"Whoever these cultists are… they deserve a beating! Is anyone in the base aware of this aside from us?" Kim stood up as she pounds her fists as she looks around to see who's here… but it's only the four of us right now until the door opens where Fumiyo had rushed in to find us.
"There you guys are!" Fumiyo said as Rosalie used the globe to turn it off as we all looked at her. "Safonov and Bonin had already called all Witches to take off at the main city to intercept this new threat."
"I heard. We've seen it." Rosalie continued. "I'll join you right now."
"Wait. What about us?" I asked as Kim nodded.
"Yeah! We can fight, y'know?" Kim added.
"I can act as a transport so you can get on the wagon and I'll take you there. It might be long to meet up with them but… mind the logs there." Aurora said to us as we both nodded. We couldn't waste any time… We need to go now.
Aizuwakamatsu, Japan Afternoon - Rainy
As a few minutes had passed, Aurora was already on her Tank Striker with her familiar activated as she was pulling the wagon with ease to act as transport. However, there was nothing to protect us from getting wet in the rain. The others had already gone ahead with haste. However, there was one log on the wagon as me and Kim sat on different seats to look at each other while looking at the city we're soon approaching.
"Huh… the rain is going to get harder as soon as we know it… You guys okay?" Aurora said to us as we responded.
"We're fine. Kim here is shivering." I said as I looked at her as she was holding her arms as she was shaking a little.
"I-I'm not…!" Kim retorted.
"Ahaha! Either way, we should get there soon enough. I can tell Commander Safonov is already there to intercept." Aurora said as Kim began to think.
"Even though our enemies are these black robe guys… Have you Witches killed people once?" Kim asked her the question… a hard question that Witches would never do: To kill a live human being. However, she made her answer…
"Even if these types of people are our enemy, we have to. That's typically the way it works. I can imagine a few Witches have done that before. Even here in this world." Aurora said with a straightforward response… Kim seems to understand why… but I wonder why she carries that bladed staff. "What about you, Kim?"
"W-Well… I did so for the first time… I ended up killing the loan sharks after the failed gig in Spain. I mean… they tried to threaten me right in front of my boss and I had no choice. But I think I'm not afraid. Even if I should help you stop these guys, then I must." Kim said with confidence as she held her staff tightly. I looked at her as she seemed to be ready about it. As for myself… I held the sword in my hand. The weapon that allowed me to activate Hresvelgr. Yet, when I use it… I start to see memories of someone else who once piloted that thing. And I have no idea who it is.
"Anyways, we're here now. So get ready." Aurora informed us as we entered the city where we were passing through people who were running away from the conflict as Aurora stopped. We both got off as Aurora took off her harness to pull the wagon as we met up with the Typhoon Witches who were standing their ground against the armed forces of the black robe cultists.
"Commander, Huberta! We're here!" I yelled at the two as we arrived to meet them.
"Keiwa? Kim? Agh… I forgot to tell you to stay put…! You need to turn back! This isn't safe here!" Bronislava said to us but Kim refused.
"No way! We came all this way here to help! Aurora took us here and no way we're turning back! Right, Keiwa?" Kim said to me for no reason but I have no choice.
"Yeah…" I continued. "I know you don't want us dead on the battlefield but at least let us help! You saw me fight against Neuroi last time."
"...Very well. However, if you want to help, focus on evacuating the civilians-" Bronislava was interrupted as we all heard someone spoke.
"I'm sorry? Did I hear someone say that the Neuroi was destroyed a few days ago? I was told that my great lord felt utter disappointment after that happened." The voice of a scruff adult of a man spoke as the cultists started to step away to make a path for someone… The person appeared to be a man as he had an armor vest, black trench coat and black pants.
"Are you the leader of this group?" Bronislava demanded to ask as he shook his head.
"I am but the right-hand man of the great lord. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Power. That is all you need to know. But I will ask again and I hate repeating myself… Who was the person that took down the Jammer Neuroi with ease a few days ago?" Power asked until all Typhoon Witches except Aurora and Kim instantly pointed at me…
"E-Eh? Me?" I was dumbfounded in confusion.
"I see… You there, boy…" Power continued as I looked at him. "How did you take down that Neuroi…"
"Err… It was this…" I then bring out the sheathed sword of Hresvelgr on my hand. However, Power was shocked as he seemed to know what it was…
"That thing… No…! It can't be…! That sword… Can it be!?" Power begins to say in awe until he adjusts his throat. "Ahem… Boy, that thing you're carrying… is that X-Frame. Unfortunately, that X-Frame is apparently the only and last of that cursed weapon."
"X-Frame? Is that what it's called? All I know is that it's called the Hresvelgr…" I said to him while I was surprised by this information? That Hresvelgr is a X-Frame. If it is… then who made it. Then I need to ask him. "But… Who made this X-Frame? Who?"
"That isn't for you to know. So I'll be clear with you. A proposition if you will." Power continued as he pointed at me. "Hand over that X-Frame… and I'll order my men to stand down and leave."
"And if I refuse?" I asked until Power used his left arm as the black fluid floated and spiraled around his arm. But the fluid formed around his arm as it turned into a blade and stabbed his own men much to the Witches' horror as he pulled out his blade…
"I'll kill more men like him for example. So… don't make me regret this. You either give me that X-Frame of yours… or, y'know. I'm going to kill you? So, what? Are you gonna stand there and do nothing?" Power said as I was making my decision… This should be easy enough.
"No." I replied.
"Excuse me? I heard you said the opposite of 'Yes'. So… what did you say again?" Power asked me again.
"You heard me. I said no. I'm not going to give this to you just because you openly said you intend to kill us all." I said with a straight, serious face.
"Well then… I suppose this so-called 'negotiations' is over. So I guess I'm left with a choice… We're gonna kill you now. Shoot 'em." Power signaled his men as they readied their AK-47s and fired at us as Aurora deployed her shield.
"Get behind me!" Aurora yelled at us as I and Kim rushed to go behind her as she protects us with her magic shield as some of the Typhoon Witches do the same. The rest such as Galina, Alexandra, and Waltraud went at them with their firearms at hand. "Way to go making them mad. That's how things should be."
"Tell me about it…" I said to her response as Kim looked at me. "What is it?"
"I know we're in a pickle here but we gotta devise some plan here. And I mean… serious plans!" Kim told me about it… a plan. That's right! If Aurora's shield begins to break… who knows what we could do next.
"Okay? And what's the plan?" I asked her about it as she thinked.
"I… I don't know…" Kim immediately forgot as she doesn't seem to think one as I sighed.
"Honestly…" I said to myself as I looked down a little.
"Wait, why not use that sword? I don't know why he calls it the X-Frame, so why not use it?" Kim said to me as it gave me an idea. I managed to summon it the last time… and I can do it again.
"Good idea. Aurora. I'm going to activate my X-Frame." I said to her as she heard my words.
"What now? X-Frame?" Aurora asked as she turned her head to look at me as I nodded.
"Yeah. Just watch…" I began concentrating as I held the sword. I grabbed the handle tightly as I began to pull it out as I raised it up into the air. "Come! Hresvelgr!"
The bright light shines upon me as it dies down… as I slowly open my eyes… I began looking at myself… nothing changed? But… wait… Why is it just my arms now? And I can also hold the gunblade.
"This is different… Did I do it wrong?" I said to myself.
"Hey, at least it worked, right? So why not get him- Kyah!" Kim felt the incoming bullet through a near miss as she hid behind Aurora as I used my left hand to deploy the shield that is not similar to the Witches' shield but a energy shield to protect myself.
"Well now… so you decided to use the X-Frame after all…" Power said as he continued to observe until most of his men ran out of ammo. "Good timing. Time for the second phase… You know what to do."
The cultists dropped their guns as they began bringing out a gun-like syringe device that contained something inside that is blue. However, most of the witches felt the presence of it as they know what that exactly is.
"How on earth did they have that Magic Injector!?" Waltraud said in shock as I never heard of it before.
"A Magic Injector?" I asked.
"A tool that allows anyone to inject themselves with Witches' Magic that were extracted from us Witches. However… It's extremely unsafe for humans like you. In other words… it'll kill you from the inside." Aurora explained to me about it as I watched the cultists starting to inject themselves with it. After that, they began to feel the powerful surge within them as they cooperated to conjure up elemental magic attacks ranging from fire, wind, and thunder.
"Damn it… This is not good…!" Bronislava said as she and the other Typhoon Witches were defending themselves.
"Then leave it to me!" Galina then flew above the sky as she fired her weapon right at them as some got killed as the other men began firing bolts of fire at her as she easily dodged them.
"Shoot the Witches in the sky! Are you guys stupid!?" Power yelled at his own men.
"B-But sir! We're trying! She's too fast!" The cultist said to him.
"Then do something!" Power replied with anger.
"Kim. Stand back…" Aurora said as Kim nodded to move. She then look at the wagon. She uses her magic to plant her fingers on the log by using her right hand. And then, she whistled to Power to get his attention. "Hey! Catch this!"
Aurora then tossed her log directly at Power's men as most of them took too late to notice as most of the cultists felt the impact as they were crushed by the log as blood splattered everywhere on the floor, walls, and poles. However, she took Power's attention!
"Hey! Those are my meatbags you're killin'!" Power barked at her.
"I know. And I'm going to take you out…!" Aurora then uses her cannon that was attached to her Tank Striker as she aims and fires directly right at him. Then, Power smirked as he quickly spray on the floor to create a wall made out of black mysterious substance as the shell created an explosive impact. As the smoke died down… the wall was still up as he lowered down the wall of liquid as he started to laugh. "The hell…? How did you…"
"Ferrofluids." Power continued as he played with the a little as he created a spiked sphere made out of the fluids as it was hovering on his hand. "Magnetic liquids if you wanna call them. I can create any shape it desires. From defense to offense. Besides, you think you can kill me with that shell of a tank cannon of yours? My wall can stop anything such as a speeding car."
"Damn…" Aurora silently cursed.
"Keiwa. I see you have called on your weapon, did you? Looks different." Bronislava said to me.
"Yeah. But… that guy has ferrofluids. Your bullets won't penetrate." I said to her as she seemed to understand about it.
"I know. But, since you can fight… I'll leave it to you, Kim, and Aurora. Girls! We're taking it to the skies!" Bronislava commanded her Witches as all of the Typhoon Witches took off in the sky to deal with the magic wielding cultists. All that leaves… is us versus him.
"Hey, Kim. Your weapon isn't for show, right?" I continued. "What can it do?"
"I mean… My staff scythe can gather gusts of wind where I can toss them in any direction. Plus, it can explode upon impact so it should be strong." Kim explained her abilities as I nodded.
"Gotcha… Aurora. I have a plan now. I want you to throw me directly at him." I said to her as she seemed unsure about the idea.
"I'm not sure about this one, Keiwa. I can't risk your safety." Aurora said.
"Trust me on this one! Kim knows what she's doing! So please!" I begged as she sighed. Having no choice but to agree.
"Fine. I'll toss you but be ready." Aurora said as she lent out her hand as I placed my left hand as she held it tightly.
"Alright… Once she throws me… Kim. If he tries to put up a wall when I'm at his range, do it." I said to her as she nodded. Then, Aurora began using her tank striker as she began spinning me as I can feel the force until she tosses me.
"Go…!" Aurora yelled as she threw me directly at Power as I held my gunblade ready.
"Oh no you don't!" Power said as he tried to quickly raise up a wall of ferrofluids.
"Not happening!" Kim then uses her staff scythe as she spun it as the winds began to gather all around her all towards her weapon as she gathered just enough wind as it formed into a whirling blade of wind. "Aerial Vortex!"
Kim then swung down her scythe to toss her projectile as it passed by me. But right as the wind blade collided with the wall that was rising… it instantly created an explosion of wind as I went through it much to Power's shock.
"What the fu-" Power didn't have time to react as I thrusted my gunblade to his chest as I also hit something behind him which was his backpack tank for the fluids as it started to leak out. I managed to pin him down to the ground as he started to cough out blood. The rest of the Typhoon Witches had already wiped out most of the magic-wielding cultists.
"It's over…" I said as I pulled out my gunblade as all witches and Kim approached me to see the body of Power which he is still seemingly alive. But he started to laugh and cough at the same time. "What's so funny…"
"You really… you really think… you've won…?" Power said as he slowly brought out the red core in which we all took notice… A Neuroi Core! "Think again… Everyone has their… last ditch efforts…!"
"Keiwa! Get back!" Bronislava yelled but it was too late. The bright light engulfs him as I was knocked back with my Gunblade in hand.
"I got you!" Aurora then grabbed me from the knockback as she put me down as we all saw what's happening.
The life force of the cultists were being sucked away as we all saw the red streams of life flowing onto the light as we continued to watch. Then… the body of Power begins to float lifelessly as it starts to show signs of life.
"Ahahahahaha…! You've made a grave mistake killing me. That only delayed the inevitable. And now… I'll kill you all for the sake of the greater lord! Feast upon my glorious rebirth and witness the unlimited strength flowing within me!: Power then taunted us as we watched to see his body taking shape into a much more stronger form as the glow dies down… revealing to be an armored 7 foot tall man with red hexagonal lines. He began looking at his hands to see how much he's changed. "This… is a perfect body. With the Neuroi core… it will only follow my commands! The power of advanced alien technology… IS MINE TO WIELD!"
Power then unleashes his body as it fires lasers everywhere as it starts to destroy some of the buildings with minimal damage but me and Aurora put up our shield as Kim was behind her. This man is out of control… Yet, he's already drunk on power. Just as he finishes, he turns his right arm as it cybernetically morphs into an arm cannon and fires at the witches in the sky as Bronislava blocked it.
"This isn't good… Break!" Bronislava commanded her unit as they broke formation and fired at Power as he felt little to no damage as it was nothing to him. Then, Power aimed at us as Aurora blocked it with her shield. The laser was so powerful, it nearly knocked her back.
"Damn it… This guy is going to be a problem to defeat…" Aurora said as she readied her cannon again as she was ready to fire…
"Now then… You will hand me over that X-Frame, you piece of shit!" Power then dashed towards me as he threw a punch as I defended myself with the gunblade. "You may have killed me once… but with this rebirth… Your sword will mean nothing to you!"
"Like I'd give in to a freak like you…!" I began to struggle as he continued to apply more force as my legs couldn't take it…
"Hey! Leave him alone!" Kim then rushed in as she swung her scythe to fire a gust of wind at him which struck his back. Then, Bronislava and others joined in as they fired at his back as well.
"All Witches! Support and help Keiwa!" Bronislava commands them as they continue to suppress fire at Power from behind as he starts to become irritated. "Aurora! Take the shot!"
"Understood! Keiwa! Stand back!" I heard Aurora's voice as I pushed him away as I slashed his chest as he was knocked back a little until she fired her shell which directly hit right to his head. The smoke died down as I saw that Power was completely headless until the white shards reformed itself to fix his head. After that… he was angry.
"CHRIST! DID ANYBODY EVER TELL YOU THAT YOU'RE AN ASSHOLE!?" Power shouted in rage as he shifted his eyes on Aurora.
"So what? You're so obsessed with him. I can do that again if you want." Aurora taunted him as he was not too happy about it but enraged.
"Fine… I'll deal with you later once I deal with this bitch…!" Power then punched me in the stomach as I was flung right into the building where I crashed into with such a speed. But with my Hresvelgr, it managed to mitigate the damage to my body somehow. But, Kim rushed to me where I crashed in as I looked at her as I regained my vision.
"Hey! Wake up! Are you hurt? You okay!?" Kim exclaimed as I watched her worry as I slowly got up as I stabbed my gunblade to the ground to get back up on my feet.
"I'm fine… Seems this guy just won't rest until he kills me, right?" I continued. "And you should help the others… I'll do my best to fight back- huh?"
I suddenly gained another vision from the past as I begins to saw the same silhouette once again but the Hresvelgr changed where it had more of a dragonic-like features such as the tail but the weapon she held was different where it would appear to be a chainsaw sword dripped with blood as if she had killed someone before. But I suddenly snapped back to reality where I started to look at my gunblade… There was a ring cord on the hilt of the weapon when I saw it for the first time.
"Hey… Kim…" I asked her.
"Y-Yes?" Kim replied with slight confusion.
"I suggest you stand back on this one." I said to her as I put my finger on the ring cord as I pulled it swiftly as I hit the stopping point. But the gunblade then proceeded to rev up with such a loud noise… the gunblade begins to shift and take form as parts and pieces of the gunblade move around and transform itself into a chainsaw as the color begins to switch from white to black with neon red lines. "Guh!?"
Third Person POV
But suddenly, he felt his heart beating heavily as his eyes began to shake a little. Then, the burst of black-red aura exploded around him as it completely destroyed the building with Kim inside but she was unharmed. Everyone noticed to see what's going on with the pillars of black-red beam.
"What in the Sam's He- No… NO! I… I remember you…! I haven't forgotten about that look! You just can't appear just now… BAHAMUT!" Power then yelled at the name of the X-Frame when it was once Hresvelgr. He was furious but scared.
"Bahamut…?" Bronislava said to herself as the beam died down… Keiwa was still piloting the same X-Frame but the designs changed a lot. The X-Frame was completely jet black with glowing neon red lines flowing through but the designs entirely were more leaning onto the dragonic-like features like the tail and the dragon-like claws while still holding the Chainsaw Sword as he opened his eyes as he was ready.
First Person POV
"You brat… I don't know how the hell did you reawaken Bahamut… But you're giving me a very clear reason to kill you…" Power threatened as he aimed his arm cannon and fired directly towards me. Kim was behind me as I used its right arm to lift up a shield to deflect it as it splits off into small parts of the laser. "Don't make me hurt you painfully… You don't like it when it'll kill you the most, kid."
"No… This will hurt you… painfully." I proceeded to rev the weapon once again as the chained blades spin extremely fast as the exhaust pipe on the right side of my sword spews out the flame as I hold it ready… the memories of a certain someone showed me something as I quickly snapped back to reality. And so… I was ready… "Reload on Fire…"
My eyes turn red as I said the words as I started to ready up my stance as I proceeded to dash towards him at high speed, leaving the trail of red light as Power reacted quickly as my weapon slammed right onto his arms when I swung my sword downwards as the blades start spinning to cut through but it won't budge as Power's arms were spewing out white flakes and blood.
"You… You… PIECE OF SHIT!" Power yelled in rage as he struggled to defend himself. "You will never kill me! As long as I continue to live, destroy, and kill for the sake of the greater lord!"
"You won't get to live… You will die today…! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" I screamed in rage as the wings behind me started to spew out red flames as the weapon's exhaust pipe spews out more flames. I can feel the rage within me… this hatred… what even is this… I can't control it…!
The blades start to push through as I manage to cut through his arms as it starts to violently spew out more white flakes and blood when he merges with that Neuroi Core… But as soon as my chainsaw sword slammed right onto Power's head… he started to bleed out of white flakes and blood violently as I pressed my sword down further as he started to scream in pain.
"OH GOD! SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT! MY HEAD! AAAAAAHHHHHHH! NO! NO MORE! PLEASE! I GIVE! I GIVE UP! I CONCEDE! PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He begins to wallow in pain and begins to scream in fear and suffering as the chainsaw blades begins to cut him as I managed to pressed down even more where I eventually cut the core along with his body as I completely slashed Power's Neuroi body in half with blood spewing everywhere along with the white flakes. But… he begins to say his last words. "Damn you… Bahamut… I'm… supposed to be… the strongest… the… strongest… the…"
Power's body begins to glow as he shattered into white flakes since I managed to destroy the core. And so… everything was over… the weapon and the X-Frame that Power calls it disappears as my eye colors revert back to normal as I look up at the sky where the clouds begin to clear up. I started to show a calm smile on my face as I began to inhale from my nostrils and exhale but I began to cough out blood in the process as I remained calm.
"It's over…" I said in relief. However, with my eyes closed. I started to fall on the ground after I felt exhausted after what happened. I guess unleashing 'Bahamut' turned out to be a slight risk after all… however, I started to hear voices of Kim, Bronislava, and others approaching me as everything became silent.
?/?/? The Dreamscape Unknown - Unknown
I find myself falling asleep where my body is pressed into something soft as everything still feels quiet. But, the sounds all around me started to pick up a little loud when I heard a voice… a voice calling out to me.
"Keiwa… Keiwa… Wake up!" The voice of a young woman felt familiar as I started to open my eyes where I found myself in my room where I looked at her face… It was Setsuna… my sister… Why is she in my room? "So you're finally awake."
"I am… but did you change your hair color again to blonde?" I asked my sister about it as she nodded and looked at her long hair.
"Oh this?" Setsuna continued. "I heard it was quite a trend in America so I was thinking I could give myself one. Like it?"
"Err… I guess?" I said a little quietly as I looked away a little.
"What's that? I can't hear you. Unless…~" Setsuna then decided to tease me by grabbing my neck from her arms as she started to use her knuckle as she started to do so. "You're giving me much of a choice for a good ol' noogie. So, come one… say that it looks cool."
"L-Looks cool, sis! Please! Just let me go!" I begged her as she did as my sister began to let out a laugh.
"I knew you'd compliment my new look! Thanks, lil bro!" Setsuna said as I sighed.
"Uh huh… Your welcome, big sis…" I said sarcastically.
"Anyways, our parents are calling us for breakfast. I'll be heading downstairs to eat first before I head off to university in Tokyo." She said to me as she headed off my room as I got off my bed to stretch my arms and headed out.
As soon as I headed out… I began to take downstairs where I found the small dining room with my sister, mom, and dad sitting there. However, the sunlight was very bright so it was hard to see the face of what my parents were like. All I know is that they were caring. I looked at the three where they were seemingly having bacon, eggs, and toast.
"Morning, sunshine. Have you slept well?" My mother asked me as I sat down as there was breakfast ready for me.
"I did. Setsuna-nee woke me up by giving me a knuckle noogie again…" I told my mom about it as she looked at her where Setsuna was eating.
"Setsuna, dear. Can you ease him up just a little?" My mother said to my older sister.
"I know. But he kinda woke up late, didn't he? I heard him snoring all through the night." Setsuna told me about it. I mean… Did I sleep that late? Oversleeping ain't a big deal.
"All people need a good rest. But, don't forget that you need to have a better lifestyle." My father said to me as I nodded.
"I know, I know…" I said to my father as I proceeded to eat the toast first.
"Mmm… That was delicious! I'm off to work! Later!" Setsuna then headed off as she opened the door and left with the door closed.
"Ahh… there she goes… Didn't even have the time to spend time with us." My mother sighed as she continued. "That reminds me, Keiwa-kun. Have you decided on your future yet?"
"My… future?" That question rang in my head… It's about the future. Right… I remember. There was something missing within my mind. That the only thing I should look forward to is the future itself.
"Your mother's right. Every child like you needs to seek for a future that you want to focus and strive towards. I'm sure you'll find it in your heart." My father said to me as I finished up eating my breakfast.
"Though… I believe there is something waiting for you at the door. So why not head there and see it for yourself." My mother said as she pointed at the door that my sis left… That's right… the door that will help me search for that future.
I stood up from my desk as I walked past them, behind me was the pure whiteness swallowing up the room behind me the more I continued to walk. Then, I placed my hand at the doorknob as I proceeded to open as the bright light shines on me the moment I walked through it… and so… everything was completely blank as it fades to black in pure silence…
9/6/2018 503rd JFW Base, Mount Iimori, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan Morning - Clear Sky
As everything ends… I suddenly felt sleepy, something soft but rigid. So, I slowly opened my eyes where I found myself in a room that I'm not familiar with… is this an infirmary? But my eyes were pointed at Kim and Aurora who were worried about me as Kim rushed and hugged me as I woke up.
"Keiwa! Thank god you're awake!" Kim was rather overjoyed but worried at the same time as she let me go.
"How… How long was I out for?" I asked her.
"Just about a day to be exact." Aurora said as I looked at her. "After what you've pulled off after killing that Human-Neuroi Hybrid that he fused with the core… You started to cough out blood in the end. Either way, I'm glad you're okay."
"I see… I guess it was that X-Frame that I was piloting…" I begin to wonder about it.
"Really? If that X-Frame you pilot is causing you harm… Is something a matter inside your body?" Kim asked as I got off the bed and stood up as I started to feel normal today.
"Not really. I'm still fine. I guess I kinda overdid it but it is what it is." I reassured her that everything is going to be okay. However, we noticed the door opening as someone came in… it was Bronislava.
"I see you're awake, Keiwa." Bronislava continued. "But I need you all outside at the entrance of our base right now. Apparently, the woman who leads the Japan Branch of the Witch Corps wants to see us… and you as well Keiwa."
"Someone wants to see me?" I asked her as she nodded. "Alright… I'll be right over."
So, we followed the Wing Commander out of the room as we exited out of the living quarters to meet up with the others at the entrance where the woman with brown long hair with a suit stood along with her assistant who is a young man with silver hair. But that woman had a calm smile as she was eager to meet Bronya.
"I see the remaining members are here?" The woman said to her as Bronya nodded.
"Yes. I have. However… I never expected you to arrive here at the moment's notice." Bronya continued. "Keiwa. I'd like you to meet Ryoko. She's currently the head of the Witch Corps' Japan Branch situated in Tokyo."
"O-Oh… Hello." I greeted her with a light bow to show courtesy.
"Hello to you as well, Keiwa Takuma. As she said, I am Ryoko. This is my assistant Akihiko Masahiro." Ryoko continued. "I know all about your data ever since you were placed into this unit as the only male here. But what interests me is that thing you're piloting… I believe it's called an X-Frame? Yes?"
"I believe so, yeah. Though, I want to know why you're here, exactly." I asked her as she nodded.
"Aside from that Hybrid you had killed yesterday. I must congratulate you for your efforts. However, despite circumstances about your position as a 'Pilot Officer' within this unit. As of today, you'll be removed from this unit." Just as Ryoko said it… most of the Witches including Kim and Aurora were shocked as I am.
"Y-You're joking… right?" I asked her as she continued.
"However, the only reason why I said so is because you'll be moved into a newer unit here in this base as part of my request. A small-budgeted PMC group affiliated under both Typhoon Witches and Witch Corps' Japan Branch. You, Aurora, and Kim will be those very members within that separate unit." Ryoko said as the three of us stood there in confusion to know why.
"So… what you're saying is… we're going to operate differently? Like a black ops-type of mission?" Kim asked her.
"You can think of it but… all you need is a leader. Safonov? I assume you'll intend to manage two at a time?" Ryoko said to her as she shook her head.
"Sadly, I cannot." Bronya continued. "As much as I want to lead it… It'll cause me more stress than I ever imagined. But give me time to think when the time is right for me to decide."
"Very well. I'll leave you to it then. Once you decide. Please give me a call once you do. Now then, Akihiko. Let us be off." Ryoko said to her assistant as she turned and begun her leave.
"Wait. What about a business card in case we forget?" I asked her about it as she made a hand gesture.
"Akihiko. Please do it real quick." Ryoko commanded him as he nodded.
"Understood." Akihiko said as he quickly walked and gave Bronya a business card and went towards us to give Aurora one as well but not us. I mean… okay? But he started quickly whispering to her ear as she seemed to be confused as he left to follow her in the process. Just as the two finally leave the base. Aurora felt concerned about what she just saw on the back of the card.
"Hey uhh… what did he do just now?" Kim asked in confusion.
"Aurora… What was that about?" I asked her as she hid the card away.
"It's nothing. He tried to flirt with me…" Aurora said as Kim had her arms crossed.
"Really? That's it? Don't tell me that he's desperate to get a girlfriend. Unless… he tried to seduce you!?" Kim quickly assumed that way as Aurora quickly blushed as she tried to hide it, looking away to avoid it.
"P-Please don't pry any further, Kim…" Aurora said to her as Bronya approached us.
"Ahem… Now that everything has settled down. As part of Ryoko's agreement. You three may have been separated from our main unit. But working as a new unit under my wing would provide some benefit per chance. Remember, our main enemy is with the Neuroi and the mysterious cults." Bronya then continued. "All that's left… is to appoint a leader for this unnamed unit."
"If you please, Safonov." Alexandra said as she approached us with a serious look on her face. "I believe that I would be appointed as a leader of this new unit. Plus… This would give me a clear reason to get rid of this fool once and for all."
The way she said that… she's mentioning about me… Seems she's dead serious about it. Yet, I still don't understand this hate towards me.
"Are you crazy!?" Kim exclaimed. "He did nothing wrong. Why do you have some beef with Keiwa for!?"
"That's none of your concern. Unless you want to be removed next time I deal with Keiwa?" Alexandra threatened as Kim slightly stepped back with a gulp. I don't understand… But she gave me no choice.
"Then let's make a deal." I continued. "If you win, you're free to do whatever you want with me. Or if I win… I'll relinquish my rights by leaving this base… and giving this… X-Frame to Bronislava and never come back."
"Huh… Well then, I'll accept those terms. Which means I'll make your day even worse just because you're a man." Alexandra said with a smirk on her face until Bronislava quickly stepped in to stop it.
"That's enough! Alexandra, be on your best behavior! And Keiwa… I don't know of why you want to duel against her…" Bronislava said to me as I spoke to her as she was worried.
"I understand how you feel. But please give me permission to duel against her. I just want to prove myself. Trust me on this… Please…" I lightly begged her as Bronislava as she finally gave in with a sigh.
"Very well… I'll accept your request. However, the duel will start in three days so spend your days freely if you wish to do so. While forming this new unit will take some time, yes. But I expect the process to be smooth once I finalize everything. For now, you're all dismissed." Bronislava said to everyone as she looked at me. "And… I wish to have a talk with you, Keiwa."
"Alright… What is it then?" I asked her about it as she seemed rather concerned about me.
"I know how you feel but… Alexandra isn't like this. While I understand that she's… always like this but you have no skills in flight combat against a Witch who has the skills of an ace. You're severely at a disadvantage here!" Bronislava lightly exclaimed as I tried to talk to her.
"Look, I know… I know… It's just that I have a lot to talk about after what I said… and there's no turning back on my decision. It will be final." I said to her as she let out the sigh.
"Alright… I'll believe you on this one. But you'll be throwing yourself into a dangerous path. Even if you're bluffing about your conditions on winning… I… I don't know what to say…" Bronislava said with some concern as I reassured her.
"Don't worry… I… I'll find a way somehow. Just give me time." I said to her as she respected my decision with a nod. She then turns around and heads back into the building to get back to do her thing. I approached back to my group as Alexandra went the other way to train in preparation to battle against me.
"You gonna be okay, Keiwa?" Kim said to me.
"Yeah… I'll manage." I said to her with composure. As I started to look at the sky… I begin to wonder… will everything turn out okay? That was one answer I wanted to find out. In the end… I'll find a way.
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
Author's Notes: It took a while but I did it. Thanks for reading this second chapter. I know it'll be short but I will be straight to the point. With new games I wanna play and videos to chill since my laziness is increasing ever further. I'm going to take a long hiatus on this project. Though, you might see me work on another story but I'll get back on this one once I have a chance. Until then. Peace out.