...He returned, and was welcomed as the hero.
Mobius 1, the charisma silver-haired pilot, was swamped over by his peers and deck crew as soon as his plane landed. His deeds certainly earned himself the savior of the day.
The Witches were in glee as well calling out his nickname out of affection. I guessed that a part of his charm had captured their heart.
However, his wingman was not there…
On the far side of the runway, a rescue helicopter had landed after they successfully recovered a downed Witch, namely: Mobius 2.
Looking at the helicopter crew, I noticed their expression were clearly troubled by something.
With a worried heart, I rushed out with a fear in my heart.
"Mobius 2!" I called out her name.
I soon learned the true source for the crew's troubling.
Ribbon Princess...was a...'princess' indeed. She was sleeping quietly on the passenger seat without a care in the world. Despite a few attempts of gentle shaking, she did not budge.
"Can you take it from here?" One of the crew asked.
"I...I think I have ask her brother first." I answered.
...
\/ /\ \/
« It's time for another history lesson. » The A.I voice spoke up in a spirited tone like he was waiting for this.
« Let's study about Fuso. »
« It was renowned as the oriental empire. Until the 1986 VG1, aka. Ulysses changed all that. »
« However, the Fusoans were hard-working people. One would say...defiant. They recovered their economy at a remarkable speed, and they've built the Expo City, a modern trading city as the symbol of their resilience. »
A number of pictures capturing of the said city, appeared on screen. A noticeable one among them was a modern white tower with giant words: EXPO.
« It is a beacon of hope, and one of many Fuso's creations contributed to the world. Just like Doctor Ichiro Miyafuji, the one who invented Striker Unit for Witches to fight Neuroi, the enemy of mankind. »
« Speaking of such technology. There's one certain country that pushed the weapon research and development up to 120%. »
The screen showed a certain flag consisted of three colors: Black, white and yellow. With a gold line in the black portion.
« Principality of Belka. »
« Their ever first invention was the Goliath, an unmanned ground vehicle armed with high explosive. The Goliath has aided the Allied forces considerably in fighting the Neuroi. Besides that... »
A number of images showing historic remarkable weapons appeared.
« Karsland's V1 rockets. »
« Orussia's Katyusha rocket launcher. »
« Liberion's T34 Calliope. »
« The Belkan had helped in developing these weapons for the Allied to fight Neuroi on the front line. »
« In the last months of 1945, following the liberation of Berlin thanks to the gallant effort of 501st Strike Witches. »
After showing the image of the said group, the screen shifted back to the world map of 1945 as multiple documentary photos expanded. The contents of those pictures revealed an army of Neuroi, in many different forms and sizes.
« The Neuroi unexpectedly launched a surprise attack into Belka. Many viewed that this was the Neuroi's desperate attempt to regroup and launch the counter-attack, using Belka as their stepping stone. »
« The Belkans have fought heroically and ferociously but they couldn't stop the amassing enemy swarming in number. »
« Desperately. In hope of stopping the Neuroi forever, the Belkans detonated seven hydrogen bombs on their own soil. »
« On that very day, all remaining Neuroi were wiped out from the face of the earth. And so too, the Principality of Belka. »
« In every history book, they're acknowledged as heroes of mankind. »
« Even though their country was no longer existed, their technologies and the creators remained. Many Belkan scientists were recruited by Liberion and Orussia, helping and developing the space technologies. Hence came the Space Race… »
The A.I then noticed his master was remained silent throughout the course. Not staring, but sleeping, soundly.
« You must be tired. We'll continue this session later. »
\/ /\ \/
Fire...it's hot...
Everywhere she looked and turned. The strong blazing fire was consuming everything in her sight.
The wall. The paintings. The carpet.
Fire...
It's everywhere...!
To her own realization and horror, the fire began to make its own approaching toward her.
She was the only thing it hadn't devoured her yet.
She frantically turned to the path where the fire was not there and ran.
Where's everyone?
She ran and ran.
She hoped someone, somebody would help her.
However, there was only one person in mind that the young girl desperately wanted to see most.
Sister...
Where are you?
Oh, how she wanted to see her sister. Her big, beautiful sister who had gorgeous golden silk hair, wearing a blue ribbon.
Sister!
The girl cried out.
...
…
With a certain fighter's engine was roaring above, it prompted Mobius 2 to open her eyes.
A cold grey-colored ceiling. A small spinning fan.
A minute later, she felt her whole bed was moistened. It was caused by her sweats.
...
"INTERMISSION"
1035hrs. August 28th, 2019
Yokosuka, Fuso
…
"Mobius 2, despite your claim." said Commodore Hayate. "The report on an Erusean Witch flying over the Orussia air space did not hold well."
She placed Mobius 2's report files on her desk.
"They applied it's your hallucination, under combat stressed and all."
The combat report about Erusean Witch was only reported by Mobius 2.
Her brother and the others did not make the account like she did. When they arrived to the scene, they only saw the aftermath.
"I simply reported what I've saw, ma'am." Mobius 2 said. Her expression remained passive throughout the conversation.
"True..." She sighed lightly.
"Well, although they said that, but a part of me do agree with them."
"You have worked hard lately, I apologize."
"..." Mobius 2 simply blinked by her words.
She rather found the Commodore's apology was rather...misplaced.
"But enough of that." Cmdr. Hayate then smiled, changing the mood. "A new Striker Unit is already on its way to you, the F-18 Super Hornet."
"Your brother will receive the same plane as well, along with some new upgrades."
"In the mean times, get some good rest. You've earned it."
"You're dismissed."
The silver-haired witch quietly saluted to Commodore and walked out of the room.
As soon as the witch left the room, Hayate settled back on her chair once more.
"Erusea and Orussia…This is certainly becoming a troublesome…"
This was an alarming sight. Sadly, some in the HQ decided to stick with their own 'delusion'.
"Sooner or later. their ignorance will be their own grave."
Quietly, Hayate made a phone call on her terminal.
"Hello Alex." She greeted the call receiver. "Is David awake?"
\/ /\ \/
An opened light blue sky with scatter clouds. How strangely peaceful it was. Completely contrast to the conflict she had involved.
Yokosuka. If she recalled it correctly.
It's an industrial city so which explain why there's many factories, hangars and ships parked along the river.
It's also the name of this naval base where Mirai and its crew were anchored here to resupply.
The impression of one military base was often given how spacious it was. The personnel and vehicles were moving like little ants by the distance.
After a good 10 minutes of walking aimlessly or so, Mobius 2 decided that's enough for her today exercise.
A wooden bench located right under a green tree was too tempting for her to pass.
She sat down. The feel of comfiness and cool air were too good.
"The weather is nice. I think I'll have a good nap here…"
Mobius 2 closed her eyes, hoping a day would simply pass by without waking her up…
"Ano…" A voice called out softly.
"Hmm?"
Mobius 2 opened her eyes, looking at a certain short, curly, brown-haired girl. Given the jumpsuit she was wearing, she's probably a reservist, given how 'green' she was.
"Ano! You're…a Witch...Mobius 2? Right?" asked the girl.
"Uh-huh." Mobius 2 nodded.
"Yahari! (I knew it!)"
The girl's face was brightened up.
"Oh excuse me!" The girl promptly saluted to the witch with high respect. "I'm Ensign Yukari!"
"You have suppressed the rebel base on one of our small islands. Thank you for hard work!" "
Mobius 2 took notice that the ensign was not mentioning about the recent base attack along with the cruise missiles.
I guessed it was remained a secret.
Noticing Mobius 2 was relaxing on the bench, the ensign quickly said.
"Oh I'm sorry! I must be bothering you. I will leav—"
*Growl~!*
Mobius 2's body was royal to its needs.
"Hungry..." She muttered.
"Oh, you must be hungry, right? Please allow me to guide you to the mess hall!"
…
…
The mass hall was usually empty except the operating hours, however, with the presence of having 108th Task Force staying as guests, the room was filled with a large number of people. Some decided to play cards, or eat the meal. Which put the kitchen staff to work around the clock to make more portion, the Fuso food was a popular choice for the allied force after all.
"Omega 11 got dumped. Omega 11 got dumped~"
The members of Wild Badgers platoon were teasing the poor Britannian male pilot.
"I didn't get dumb, you arse!" Omega 11 retorted.
"Of course. Of course. Different designated air base." Blake said.
"Still got dumbed." Amber said.
"Oh, shut up!"
While the girls were enjoying Omega 11's annoyed expression, Rico spotted a certain silver-haired was accompanied with somebody.
"Well-well-well, look who's here?" Rico said. "It's our reckless Ribbon Princess."
"Look at that, she has her own entourage this time." Blake said.
"I want one too." Amber said, showing a little jealous.
"Ano…Who are you guys?" Yukari asked.
"I'm glad that you've asked!" Rico puffed her 'humble' chest up proudly.
"Girls!"
Once more, the Wild Badgers put up their own iconic posture.
"Rico!" "Amber!" "V-Violet!" "The Black Death Bringer, Blake!"
"..." "..." "..."
All three stared at their dark-haired member with a most dumbfounded look.
"What?" asked the dark-haired.
"What the hell was that?!" Rico cried out. "Are you intending to gloat yourself over us!?"
"Well girl, I feel it's imperative that our posture is in need of change." Blake explained.
"I think it's good enough."
"No, I think she is right." Amber agreed. "We do need a…new change."
"I second that…" Violet joined in.
"So…it's treason then." Rico glared at them,
"I think that's pretty cool though." The Fuso girl said.
""Which part?!"" The fours asked.
As the atmosphere was getting riled up by the girls' noises, Mobius 2 decide to get some chow for her growling stomach.
"Oh-ho-ho."
Mobius 2 turned her head, seeing a certain elderly woman. She dressed with a few layers of clothes to keep herself warm from the AC.
"Want...some?" She spoke slow but with a clear voice as she was handing out an orange-flavored milk bottle.
"Yes please." Mobius 2 preferred the strawberry flavor though, regardless, she took the bottle from the elder's hand. "Arigatou." She bowed to the old woman briefly.
"Ah, Obaa-san!"
"Yukari-chan. Irasai, irasai (Welcome, welcome)."
"Moo~ you always managed to sneak in. Come now, I'll escort you out. This place is never meant for civilian anyway."
"Eh, I'm not that senile yet, you dork!"
"Come on."
Soon, the Fuso girl lead the elderly out of the mess hall.
"It's good." Mobius 2 commented after she took a sip of the milk bottle.
The TV volume was suddenly got louder as the crew were focusing what was on the screen: The Sky Race.
An introduction clip run with catchy music as it's showing many faces young Witches along with their propeller-type Striker, painted in camo style or colorful/girly design.
« Alright! Alright! Let's give it to our wild and untamed sky girls! »
The screen showed a certain Liberion Witch dressed boldly in hotpants and Liberion flag-printed bikini top.
« She is young yet her boundless energy had put many to shame. Daisy, the Mustang! » She blew a kiss in front of the camera as it was panning out on her.
Next up, was a tomboy-cut girl with a pale complexion.
« Steel in her bone and water of the North in her veins. She is Nikki, the Glacé. »
After that, a tall dark-skinned girl with purple hair.
« Just one look and she's gone. Another look and there she is. Right behind your back! Maple, the Mirage! »
The introduction continued on with a few racers to which Mobius 2 lost interested, so she decided to eat. Oh, that tasty looking crunchy fried chicken.
« And...finally, our newest rising star that taking the first step into the big league…Reiko Nagase! »
Nagase?
Before Mobius 2 could look up to see that person's face, the TV already switched to a different channel. There was a small commotion between two parties who want to watch their own channel.
With a small sigh, she returned back to her meal tray.
"You're Mobius 2, right?"
A voice with Fusoan's accent stopped her from taking a full bite of the wing.
Another one?
Mobius 2 looked up to the voice's owner.
From the first impression, everyone could tell she was a Fuso Witch, having the Miko-like attire, and also…a katana was hanging on her waist.
Beside the serious impression on the girl's face, she had a beautiful, silky long black hair was tied into a ponytail.
"Yes?" The silver-haired witch answered.
Without a warning, the Fuso Witch drew the katana from her scabbard. The tip of the blade was very close to Mobius 2's sleepy face, which quickly shifted to a fully awake/stunned one.
Everyone sitting nearby was also shocked by the developing event.
"Shoubu da! (I challenge you!)" She declared.
And Mobius 2 thought today was supposed to be a peaceful day.
...
...
"Ah Mobius 2. How are yo..."
I stopped my greeting as soon as I noticed something was wrong. The silver-haired girl was making the fast approaching toward me. Quickly like a squirrel, she put herself right behind my back.
"Mobius 2, w-what wrong…"
I soon learned why.
"Why are you running?" called the voice that belonged to a certain Fuso Witch carrying a katana in her hand.
"Why are you running?"
Am I about to be cut down by a Fuso Witch?
"THAT'S THE ONE, OFFICERS. GET HER!" Rico shouted out. There were a few MPs with her.
"Hey you! Stop right where you are!"
...
...
"So...the thing that you're about to be 'hacked' by a Fuso's sword was not a joke." Mobius 1 said.
"It's not." Mobius 2 curly replied.
I almost laughed by the siblings' exchange. After the whole…ordeal, we returned back to the mess hall, along with the Fuso Witch who was placed with the charge of murder (supposedly).
"Ano…everyone what is going on…" A certain short-haired Fuso girl asked.
She soon noticed a certain person placed at the center of attention.
"H-Hijikata-taichou (Captain Hijikata)!?"
"Ah, Yukari." The pony-tailed greeted nonchalantly.
"You know this person?" Mobius 2 asked. Somehow the two was already acquainted.
"O-Of course, she is my superior!"
"Your superior certainly has a strange habit of cutting people down for no reason." Rico said.
"Eh? Eehhh? Eeeehhhhhhhhhh?!" The girl exclaimed.
"Hijikata-taichou...I mean, Captain Hijikata would do no such thing…well…"
Somehow, the flustered girl stopped there, showing hesitation before she finally said this.
"Uhm…well...a little bit..."
She admitted it!
Everyone made the same thought.
"It's just a friendly spat. A friendly spat." said the witch. "You Westerners are always on the assumption too much."
"I'm sorry, who are you again?" asked Rico.
She then stood up as she began the introduction.
"Captain Ren Hijikata. Nice to meet you all." She bowed.
"And I see that you already have met my Ensign."
"Damn, this sword is pretty nice looking." Omega 11 examined the blade without consulting anyone.
"That sword is..."
Even though it bore the distinctive shape like any other Fuso katana, I noticed something of it that was rather…stood out.
"Reppumaru." She answered. "It is the name of the sword, Reppumaru."
"Reppumaru…Is this the same one that actually can cut those behemoth-sized Neuroi in half?" I asked.
"Not 'can'. Did." She stated. "This is the very katana that was forged by my great grandma."
Omega 11 felt the sword's weight in his hands got heavier all of sudden…
"Not just behemoth-sized. I heard that it had cut a whole battleship!"
"The Yamato, right?" Mobius 1 made the assumption.
"I thought it was some big ass Neuroi core or something." A crewman said.
"H-hold on. Now I remember! You're that Witch who cut down that steel door. Back on that island." Rico said. It prompted everyone's memory to review back at that time.
"Oh yeah, she did cleave a drone in half with this sword…" Omega 11 soon realized the weapon in his hands was rather…unworthy for him to wield.
"And she intends to use this to cut down Mobius 2?"
"..." "…" "…"
The imagination only made the person in subject sighed out of disbelief.
Omega 11 accidentally let the sword hit the floor, which prompted a few to jump.
The Reppumaru owner soon took the blade and placed it back into the scabbard.
"So that means…are you, by any chance, related to Mio Sakamoto?" When I mentioned the name, it gained quite the attention in the room.
"Hahahaha!" The Fuso Witch laughed out loud. "You got me there. I'm her great grandchild."
"G-great grandchild?" "Mio Sakamoto?" "One of Witches of the 501st?"
The others muttered among themselves.
"Oh wow, she looks identical to her." Violet looked up on the Internet and quickly saw the similarity between the one stood before her and the one in the picture taken in 1945. The only different was that the current one didn't have an eyepatch.
"That's some genes for you." Amber said.
"So why the name is Hijikata…oh right, she is married." Rico said.
"That's right. Sakamoto was her maiden name." Ren confirmed. "She went by Hijikata after the war."
"However, my duty as a Witch remained. Like my mother, and my grandma have taught me."
"The way of Bushidou."
"Bu-shi-do?" Rico asked.
"It's a type of code of conduct. Samurai thing." I explained. "There're eight virtues."
"First is Justice. Courage. Compassion. Respect. Integrity. Honor. Loyalty. And Self-control."
"I think she's violated the last one though." Mobius 1 said.
"True…" I nodded quietly.
"One sword keeps another in the sheath." Ren continued.
"A warrior and a philosopher." I was impressed.
"More like a mental." Rico quickly averted her eyes from the Fuso Witch's gaze.
"This is the tool of justice. To protect everyone."
"Justice…It sure feels good when you say that..." Mobius 2 muttered.
"?" I was rather found it's odd by what she said.
"Ah, and you must be Mobius 1." Ren took notice of the male pilot. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance."
"Likewise." Both of them shook hand.
"It is a pity that we could not contribute our aid to Stonehenge assault." Ren said.
Maybe it's my imagination, but I felt, the mood was…changed to…negative.
"…" There's a brief pause before Mobius 1 said.
"…Yeah. I share the same feel like you."
The man smiled.
It's a forced smile.
As for Mobius 2…she only gave a fixed look down to the floor, to her dangling feet.
"Oh right, back to the matter at hand." Ren turned to the silver-haired Witch. And once more, the blade was unsheathed.
"Shoubu da!" She declared.
"Wrrrrryyy?!" Nico and others cried out while Mobius 2 only let out a big sweat drop.
"Because I've heard about her deeds." Ren said. "Besides being a witch along with a fighter. It's rather a rare combination. So I'm curious to see what's she capable of."
"You can just…sit down and talk?" I suggested an idea.
"My father have a saying: 'When you want to know what's inside the hardest shell, you have to crack it open to see it'."
"Uhm…her parents are certainly…eccentric." Rico spoke up what's on their mind.
"…Alright, I'll do it."
Mobius 2 answer was rather unexpected as many went gasp.
"You sure, sister?" Mobius 1 asked.
"That...is what I'd love to say. Unfortunately, my Striker is not available right now. I don't think we ca—"
"Hahaha! Not to worry. we can let you borrow our Striker. I'll also wear the same model." She said it flatly. "We'll be on the equal footing…eh…equal Striker…power!"
"…"
Mobius 2's plan to escape from this troublesome Witch was already backfired.
"So, what kind of match do you wish to challenge my sister?" Mobius 1 stepped up from here.
\/ /\ \/
The news traveled faster than a wild fire.
All personnel, both from 108th Task Force and Yokosuka base, had learned of the challenge match between a Fuso Witch and an ARRF Witch.
The type of the match that decided was a racing one.
While many would prefer the dog-fight match, the second party feared that the challenger would draw her blade in the heat of the moment and then 'one-hit-KO' on her.
Still, no matter, the betting was enthusiastically being placed with their chump of money.
'Make the most out of it before it dues'. That's pretty much the spirit of every personnel in the army, regardless of nation.
The runway was swarmed with everyone presence. They're cheering to their own contender.
Both of them equipped the same Striker, F-15J model. And each carried their own weapon of choice, Ren's was Type 89. Mobius 2's was Mk 14 EBR.
All loaded with a drum mag.
"Ah~ where is my peaceful day?" Mobius 2 sighed, looking up at the clear blue sky with dazzling sun.
"That's called life, little sis." Mobius 1 said. "Or may be…karma."
"Raijin! Show what we Fusoan can do!" A Fuso pilot cheered to their Witch.
"Go get her, Mobius 2. Our money is on you!" Rico and others shared the same energy.
Once their Strikers are finished being prepped, the two Witches summoned their familiar.
Like her great grandmother, Doberman ears and tail popped up on Ren's proportions.
She then turned to Mobius 2 with a question in mind.
"Now that I think about it. I haven't learned of your TAC name yet."
"It's Mobius 2." She answered.
"Souka (Is that so)? Easy to remember." She accepted it easily.
Didn't you just use that name all the time?
« Exercise flight number eighty-four...Commencing! »
[BGM: AC2 - Lightning Speed]
Following the operator's words, the utility holder released the locks. The moment it did so, both Witches launched away with bullet speed.
Despite wearing the same Strikers, same specs, the Fusn Witch already took the lead. The ARRF Witch showed no sign struggle, or rather, she maintained a moderate distance between them.
The first area was an opened blue water, however, the Witch's headgear HUD had put them to fly into through the designed course which bore a lot of floating circles.
To make it more challenging, the Fuso decided to put a few guided missile destroyers acting as obstacles in the race.
« Here they come. » said a Fuso XO.
« Copy. Open fire. »
The CWIS on board came to life as it quickly unleashed a barrage of bullet at the approaching Witches. To break off the sense of life-threating, all projectiles were ball-shaped bullets packed with color paint, but it still hurt if you got hit.
Both the Fuso Witch and ARRF Witch passed them all with agile, however, Mobius 2 was held back a bit as she occasionally put up the shield to protect herself.
« Checkpoint 2 passed. Raijin is in the lead! » The Fusoans cheered out.
Next up, the balloon shooting.
Hey, who said that this was simply a race?
Around 50 or more target balloons have set up in the area.
Ren aimed her battle rifle and opened fire. While firing, she aggressively charged in with bayonet, slashing the balloons left and right as she run them through.
Contrast to the Fuso witch's style, the Ribbon Witch kept moving while pressing the trigger. Sending round after round onto the designated targets.
"Pretty aggressive there." Raijin commented.
Because of her wild yet steady shooting, Mobius 2 has cleared all the targets before Raijin.
« Checkpoint 3. Mobius 2 is now in the lead! »
« Alright! »
« Keep going girl! »
The last one was an all-out race. There's no need to hold back as both contenders poured their magic into their Striker to pushed through the air resistance.
Almost there…
Fast and smooth, both contenders flew through the floating hologram rings that created by their headgear.
However, when the silver-haired Witch had passed through another ring, she noticed something that her rival did not.
Not a moment too soon, Mobius 2 did something that no one could have foreseen.
« Mobius 2 is...leaving from her designated flying course! »
« Something's wrong with her Striker? »
…
…
Noticed the happening, Raijin decided to stop to check up her rival. It didn't take long for her to notice the same thing that Mobius 2 did.
"You certainly have got a keen eye for this." She was impressed.
« Raijin, what's going on over there? »
"Raijin to Control. I've got two civilians are lost in the woods. Two females. One of them is appeared to be injured. Mobius 2 has moved in to assist them. Sending the coordinate now."
…
…
"The rescue helicopter will be here soon. So please hang in there." Ren talked to the two civilians. One of them, who appeared to be a mother of the tearful girl, was cut her leg due to the falling, she was bleeding but Mobius 2 quickly did some first aid kit.
"Arigatou gozaimasu. Arigatou gozaimasu!" The daughter thanks her saviors.
Ren returned to Mobius 2's side who watched the calm scenery bathed in the orange sun silently.
"You did a pretty good job there." Ren said. "My thanks to you."
"No problem."
"The weather is pretty nice. Hey, how about we—"
Without a warning, Mobius 2 increased her Striker's output and took off.
"Eh?" Ren's dumbfounded expression was the same as everyone back at the base.
A good minute later, Mobius 2 went through the finish line.
"I won." She declared as she put up the V sign, with a face remained passive as ever.
"…" "…" "…" "…" "…"
Even though the winner of the race has been decided like that, many was seeing this win, was not genuine. Or rather...cheated.
"Man, somebody is gonna commit sudoku tonight." Omega 11 said.
"Sudoku?" Rico was puzzled.
"You own me twenty." Mobius 1 smiled as others were grimaced.
"Money opportunity, baby!"
…
…
The rescue helicopter soon retrieved the pair of civilians and returned back to the same base where the ambulance was waiting.
"Mama. Please hang in there." The daughter encouraged, however the mother was showing a lot of pain.
"She lost quite a lot of blood." said the female nurse.
"Quick, prepare the emergency transfusion. We nee—"
"Are you alright, dear?"
Out of nowhere, a certain elder took many by surprise.
"That old lady." Mobius 2 recognized she was the one who gave her that orange-flavored milk.
"Ma'am. I'm gonna need you to step back…"
Before the staff could push the elder away, a dim glowing of magical sphere was expanded right beneath their feet. With a pair of ears and tail were summoned on the old lady, she placed her both hands on the bloody wound.
It was a scene that everyone was stunned, unable to say to say anything as they stood there, watch in awe as the glowing sphere surrounded between the old lady and the wounded.
The opened wound was soon closed and disappeared. The mother's expression showed less agonic.
"Mama!" The daughter hugged her mother out of relief.
Healing spell? Mobius 2 was impressed. It's amazing she is able to retain her power like that at her age.
The day soon ended, much to Mobius 2's dissatisfaction because she wasn't able to spend a whole day to sleep, and her stomach was growling once more.
\/ /\ \/
Stonehenge Assault.
My curiosity got the best of me when heard that name again, so I decided to look it up.
It's a topic that many knew, but none want to share or talk it like for…some conversation.
Operation Grip and Release.
After the declaration of war from Erusea, Liberion immediately launched the first attack onto Erusea's soil.
They had two primary targets:
1. Farbanti, the Capital of Erusea.
2. Stonehenge Site No. 3.
The purpose of attacking these targets was to pressure the Erusean Royalty to come into term of cease fire.
However, in the first hour of attacking the capital, Farbanti, B52 bombers were nearly wiped out by its defenders.
The same fate applied to the Liberion's attack force on Stonehenge.
Many decorated aces in Liberion air force were shot down.
Grip and Release Operation ended in a total disaster. Following it was the might and fierce Erusean army came and conquer the unprepared neighboring countries. Britannia, Baltland, Romagnia, and a small eastern part of Karlsland. Their defense lines were what stopping the Kingdom of Erusea from the complete control of Western Europe.
Many believed that they're lost due to the terrifying power of the railguns. However, the reality was different.
The report was not official, but during the Stonehenge assault, the survivors said that they have faced powerful Erusean Witches.
And one particular word that kept popping up in those reports.
Yellow.
There's a taken photo, unfortunately, the man's hands must have been too shaken to take it properly. It's just a blurry photo, bearing the same effect like those UFO photos. At least I was made it out some of the details.
A long-haired Witch equipped a Striker, model Su-37, painted with bright yellow color, and there's a number on it.
…
…
We're soon departed for Indoan Commonwealth. A few colleagues who stationed there reported that a few terrorist activities were popping up.
Just when I thought to myself this would be a calm voyage, the sound of alarm abruptly sounded off.
« General Quarter. General Quarter. All hands man your battle stations. This is not a drill. »
It took me about a minute to realize what's really happening, I then quickly rushed up to the top side.
« I say again. All hands man your battle stations. This is not a drill. »
All personnel were rushing to their own position as I saw the pilots were preparing themselves.
"Scramble all available fighters!" A runway crew leader shouted out. "Prepare the Striker Units for the Witches as well!"
"What happened?" I asked one of the crew.
"It's an air raid!" He said with whatever breath still have inside his lungs.
"Tokyo is under attack!"