Noise. Noise. Noise. Noise...
Well, 'noise' that I was talking about here was not the sound one, but the TV screen was showing it. A running screen of random dots, black and white.
There were many channels that I love to watch, cartoon and science for kids. And then they're all gone when our town was occupied, bummer…
The only thing that my aunt's vintage TV (the one that has a big box behind the screen) could show was the invader's boring propaganda and some of their permitted shows, which were terribly bad and boring.
But there's one show that I was able tolerate. It was the Princess's speech.
She was like an angel. Beautiful, and her hair was like gold. She was like a shining star on stage. I love hearing her voice too. Her speech was…interesting to hear. She shared her own pain like everyone else.
Even though the TV didn't say anything about the war, when I took a look outside the window today. I noticed that the soldiers were…happy. They usually would complain or bored about their patrol, but today they're getting excited for some reason.
As for my neighbors, there were worries and…fear, just like the first day when these soldiers came into our town.
I climbed on top of the roof of my house to see if anything was happening outside. The scenery was pretty much the same, calm and peaceful.
When I looked up to the clear blue sky, I spotted a…person who was flying.
I have heard a lot for stories about these people. The protectors of mankind, Witches.
Like the Princess, I thought she was an angel as well.
~ The girl's diary ~
- Page 7 -
...
"We're short on time so I'll make this brief." Following Commodore Hayate's voice, the system screen behind her came to life, and soon revealed the US mainland.
It showed 2 masses of color, one is blue, the other is red. The red has taken over a number of states such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Louisiana.
There was a white line separating between the blue and red, and this white line was being pushed slowly toward inland by the red-colored mass.
"It's been seventy-two hours after the Orussia Federation's boots had landed on the US soil."
"I know many of you are worried about your families and friends, but rest easy. Even though the enemy have made such a bold attack, they still account for the danger of Stonehenge Site No. 1 set on the West Coast. So far, the Washington DC is holding its ground as we speak. It had repelled back many Erusean air attacks thanks to the brave Liberion Witches."
"Moreover, a defense regiment is being led by Colonel Sawyer. I've served under him, I can say he is one tough SOB, and a good leader."
The screen then rapidly zoomed out away from the Liberion mainland, it then jumped into a certain strip of islands located in Pacific Ocean called: Comona Islands.
"In order to get some pressure off from the Orussia-Erusea invasion. President Harling, the Liberion Commander-in-chief and his Joint Chiefs of Staff have decided to utilize their maneuverable, low-orbiting spacecraft, the Arkbird."
"The Arkbird?" Fencer repeated the name. The whole room was rowdy up with the mutterings.
"Originally, the Arkbird's ordnance was used to clear out the asteroid's fragments in the orbit. However, the Liberions has finished modifying the laser gun that can be used to strike the ground targets."
"*whistle* Guess they've brought out the big gun." Omega 11 said.
"The weapon will be launched from the Comona base. And we have been tasked to defend the SSTO (Single-stage-to-orbit) shuttle that carries it."
"How come they don't launch it from their own mainland?" asked Rico.
"The enemy is already one step ahead. They've planned some spies and sabotaged the facility."
"At this moment, Comona Base's mass driver is the only site that is capable to launch the SSTO."
"There's intel that the Orussians will deploy a large number of their aircraft to prevent the launch. They will also deploy airborne troops. They might intend to secure the weapon instead of destroying it."
"Task Force 108 will work alongside with the Comona's stationed units and additional Liberion air squadrons coming from Hawaii."
"A large-scale air battle is expected. Make sure you prepare your aircraft thoroughly, as battle-ready as you can make it."
"Any words about those drones attack back in Tokyo, Commodore?" asked one of the pilots.
"Not at this time. We are continuing to develop intelligence."
Hayate frowned, silently endured a headache.
"We must win this battle. Otherwise…the situation will become more difficult for the Liberions and us."
A silence, but everyone knew that must be done.
"You're dismissed."
\/ /\ \/
There's one more thing that Commodore Hayate did not mention it.
The Tokyo attackers' identity.
They've revealed themselves. By one video clip uploaded on the Internet.
I opened my phone and run that clip once more.
« Twenty years after the Ulysses Disaster. » A male voice said. The clip used some old shots of the moment Ulysses struck the Earth.
« We have faced untold pain and suffering. »
A number of taken pictures showing the condition of poor people living in a refugee camp that quickly turned into a massive slum. Deaths. Bodies lined up. The weeping, harrowing faces.
« Even now, the fragments of Ulysses still lurk near our planet. There is very chance that they could rain down upon us in the future, thus, repeating the tragedy of Ulysses. »
« We humanity, must united. And yet, for the past twenty years, our government and yours have disappointed you by their own little squabble. War broke out. This very war that you are in it. You are in it! »
« We, the so-called Lost Generation, we must take action! We must create a new order to replace those old, delusional minds. »
« We must form a new, powerful, united front to save our planet from oblivion. »
« All mankind must come together now to deal with this crisis, SALVATION! »
« Salvation is what we must do! »
« Brothers. Sisters. Of the new generation. Come, join us! For we, are the Sons of Troia! »
A symbol appeared at the end of the clip. It's looked similar to the Spartan Helmet.
"Troia?" asked a familiar voice.
I was momentary stunned to see the Badger girls were already behind me. I guessed 'stealth' was covered in their training.
"It's in Latin. It means Troy." Blake answered to Amber's question.
"Achilles' Heels, right?" This time, Omega 11 who overheard the clip's sound, joined in.
"..." "..." "..."
The silence was what he only received.
"What? I watched the movie."
"Sons of Troia, the global terrorist group…" I said, helping the man to get out of the awkward situation. "That's what NUN has decided."
"But the media is sucking up with this new war developing like bee with honey. And stocks are falling, that's for sure." Omega 11 said.
"This war really has turned into a complicated one." The girls sighed.
"Well, Commodore Hayate hates this more than anybody." Green Tails 1 spoke up.
"She'd rather have us to stay in Fuso and help re-establishing the security and stability. Instead, we were ordered to move, to fight this war, like a regular force."
"Speaking of the media…Jay-man." Rico turned to me. "How come you're still here? Shouldn't you ask for a ride to take you to the Liberion mainland to cover those war stories?"
"I decided to tag along with you guys." I answered it straightaway. "To me, it would feel...bad, to leave just like that."
"Hehe, glad to have you on board. Just make sure to take a lot of good pictures of me, mate." Omega 11 said.
"Will do."
Even though I didn't start in this line of work for long, I had a…hunch. As long as I stick with them, there will be stories of the century to cover.
Through these young Witches, these pilots, and them; the Mobius team.
And speak of the devil…
"Ah Mobius 2! Good to see you walk on yourself on two feet looking like a zombie." Rico greeted her.
"…"
"What…?" The staring from the silver-haired caused the twin-tailed felt uncomfortable.
"…nothing." She answered curtly, then dragged herself to the counter to get some hot chow.
I noticed Mobius 2's expression was quite down. It's the first time I saw her like that.
And I knew the reason why...
Zero 1, also known as Viper, the leader of Joint Test Flying Evaluation Squadron, was missing in action.
After the battle for Tokyo, the rescue helicopter quickly scrambled. But he was never found.
It took many hours to search, until some eyewitness said that an insurgent boat had arrived to his last known location. They presumed he's been captured.
'It's not your fault.' His wingman, Edge, said this to her. She knew that Mobius 2 had done all she could. There's no reason to blame or criticize her.
And yet, Mobius 2 herself...assumed that it was…
\/ /\ \/
As soon as Mirai arrived to the destination, everyone rushed all over the places.
Omega, Green Tails squadron and Mobius team quickly launched away.
Except Esteri team, the two Witches were remained on board. They have performed their night patrol and took down some reconnaissance flights. Commodore Hayate want them to have some shut eyes, and act as the last line of defense for Mirai in case of emergency.
As for me, I decided to join with 108's Ground Force as we're approaching to Comona Base, a SSTO launching facility.
It was a collaborative project of Liberion and many countries, including Erusea and Orussia.
It was built to be a bridge to outer space, with a mass driver 7.5 miles in length.
"This place didn't change much." I said, looking at the structure.
"You've been here before?" Violet asked.
"Uh-huh. For the space summit two years ago." I answered.
"Well, one thing I can say." Blake said. "This place is about to change a lot for the next 24 hours."
"Girl, that's dark." Amber hated the negative vibe.
"Alright, we have our order. Let's dig in." Rico called out.
While everyone was doing their own job, my eyes looked upward to the dark blue sky. Hoping to catch the sight of Arkbird, the magnificent giant white bird that was flying above the Earth.
Its purpose was to clean up those asteroid fragments floating in the Earth atmosphere.
I wonder how President Harling would feel about this? Used the very symbol of peace, and turned it into a weapon.
How ironic…
Not only the United States were under attacked. The remaining Europe countries that were not fallen by Erusean's hand are now fighting the invading Orussian.
I can only picture the whole world now is truly…engulfed in the flame of war.
...
MISSION 5
SILVER BRIDGE
1215hrs. September 2nd, 2019
Comona Islands / / 11° 43′ 56" N 170° 5′ 15" W
Cloud Cover: Scattered
Operation: Delivery Stork
\/ /\ \/
« The SSTO craft is being prepped to be launch. » said a Comona's staff.
« We have to make this launch successful. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a home for us to come back. »
« Yeah! Let's do this! »
« Attention all aircraft. This is Comona Base. »
« This supply launch is critical so maintain the air superiority until the launch is complete. Let's all do our jobs and see this through to the very end. That is all. »
« Begin the count down. 10 minutes…starting, now! »
« We've only got one window of opportunity for this launch. Shoot down as many fighters as possible to preserve top cover for the mass driver. » said Sky Eye.
« All aircraft engage. Weapon free. »
[BGM: AC4 - Comona]
« Omega 1, engage. »
« Green Tails 1. Engage. »
« Mobius 1, engage. »
« Mobius 2, engage. »
The 108 fighters and the Witch began the dance with Orussian fighters.
« Bandit on my six. »
« Enemy aircraft on my nose. »
« I've got multiple Flankers. They're going for the Mass Driver. »
« Don't fly in a straight line! » A voice gave the advice.
« These Liberion cowboys are pretty good. » An Orussian pilot flew in a Su-27 said.
« Negative. Those planes are NUN. »
« Mobius 1. He's on you. Turn hard! » The Ribbon Fighter narrowly evaded the incoming missile.
« Thanks for that, Green Tails 2. »
« Anytime. »
« Alpha Mike Foxtrot! » Omega 5 said, sending a MiG-21 to meet its maker.
« Mobius 2. Incoming missile. Deflect! » Sky Eye cried out.
The Ribbon Witch deployed the shield, taking the missile head-on. After the explosion, the Witch immediately counter-attacked, damaging the fighter's engine.
« Damn! My engine is…! I'm heading back to base. »
The damaged fighter had no choice but to turn back.
« Lock on. You're mine! » Fencer took down a MiG-29.
« There are a lot of vigorous boys out there, fufufu. » Archer chuckled.
« Looks like we got ourselves a real dogfight here! » Omega 5 said.
« The enemy has a large formation of formation of transport planes escorted by a squadron of fighters. » Sky Eye updated. « They are conducting an air assault to capture this base. »
« They're dropping their troops! » A ground unit cried out, seeing the Orussia cargo planes deployed the assault force.
« Airborne tanks spotted! »
« Go for the parachute! Shoot their parachute! » The AA-guns tore up the sky with lines of tracers.
« They're all over the launch site! »
« Destroy them before they hit the ground! »
« This is Pikeman 1. We're engaging enemy paratroopers at the Alpha Line. Requesting air support! »
« The Orussian ACVs are moving this way. Do not let them get near to the mass driver! »
« We've got tons of enemies above and below. » Archer reported the situation, seeing numerous descending parachutes have blanketed all over the island.
« Damn, I can't believe they're doing an air drop! » said a friendly unit.
« We have to defend this base all by ourselves. »
« Don't forget about us, boys! » The leader of Wild Badgers platoon announced their presence.
The Marines witnessed the brave front of the young girls clad themselves in a towering Land-type Striker. They moved fast along the trenches, taking out any threat that approach near to the defend line.
« Those girls are Ground Witches! I think we're going to be ok. »
« Well, don't just stand there. Start shooting, Corporal! »
The Marines quickly complied their Sergeant's order.
« I've shot down a few, but it seems I still haven't made a dent yet. » Omega 11 sighed.
« Work it harder, Omega 11. You hear those two siblings complaining? » Fencer said.
« Well, those two don't talk much, but I guess you're right. »
« Attention all personnel. Complete final launch checks immediately. » A Comona Base's staff announced over PA.
Despite the battle was escalating, the staffs performed their task with calm.
« This is Rocketeer Squadron. We're have entered the AO. We even brought two EW (Electronic-warfare) aircrafts with us. »
« Yes. This should be a good edge. EW aircraft have ESM on board. They will improve your dogfighting capability, enhancing missile range and more. » Sky Eye explained.
« Thanks for the assist. » Omega 1 said.
« Yee-haw! Here we go, cowboys! Get them! » A high-spirited Liberion pilot shouted out over the channel.
The planes' contrails. The missiles' contrails. The columns of smoke. The explosions. Everything intertwined together like a spider web.
« Now this is the biggest furball I've been invited. » said a friendly.
« Mobius 2 slashed a bandit. » Sky Eye confirmed her kill.
« Friendly hit. Rozky! » The Orussian pilot could only look at his comrade's burning plane exploded in mid-air.
Despite the loss of one allied and many before him, the attackers continued press on without any waver. In fact, these pilots were getting excited.
« Now this is the air combat I've been waiting for! » said a young Orussian pilot.
« Heh, you all don't even care about the space craft. Just wanting to have a good fight huh, comrade? »
« Warning. Enemy reinforcement inbound. They're Erusean fighters. » Sky Eye updated the situation.
« Watch out, guys. I've spotted two Raptors among those flights. » Green Tails 3 reported.
…
…
« White 2 to White Leader. The enemy is still holding the line. » reported the Erusean F-22 pilot.
« We really can't rely on those Orussians out there. » White 1 said. « The bombers behind us will engage the facilities. Concentrate on wiping out the enemy fighters. »
« They also have got a Witch with them. »
A Witch? Even out here?
Grunting, the lead pilot did something that was rather unexpected.
« Do yourself a favor and get out of there, pants-less girl. This is the fight between real pilots! You are not belonged here! »
His voice transmitted right through the opened frequency, which took many by surprise.
"What?" Mobius 2 was rather astonished by this.
« Whoa! Somebody is edgy out there. » Omega 11 said.
The enemy Raptors flew right by, completely ignored the silver-haired Witch.
Before Mobius 2 could make the pursuit, the intense dogfighting conducted by other allied fighters forced her to get away, to avoid colliding.
Among this frantic chaos.
Explosions. Roaring cannons. Roaring jets.
Driven by their own adrenaline and bloodlust, the pilots sought out their own prey to hunt.
Even her brother, Mobius 1. The intense battle drawn him in, he unconsciously slowly turned into a Grimm Reaper. No plane could escape from his scythe once he made a swing at them.
She somehow felt that she was not welcomed to this…furball.
She was a different kind. And alone, she was.
...
...
"Isn't she working too hard?" I asked.
"What's that?" Rico heard my question.
"Mobius 2's magic. I think at this point, her magic should be already exhausted, but she still fights on."
"Well, that's her ability."
"Her ability?"
"In a nutshell: the strongest battery that can last long. She is the most endurance Witch than anyone here in the unit."
...
...
« Those Raptors have a stealth capability. It's hard to detect them on radar so reply on your eyes. And don't let them get behind you. You'll be in a world of hurt if they do. » Sky Eye gave the advice.
After taking down another MiG-29, Mobius 1 looked toward the Erusea-affiliated F-22.
One thing he could say about the pilot flying in it: Amateur.
Even though they have the best plane, they don't know how to utilize it fully.
« Sanitize my 6 o'clock. » White 1 ordered.
The Erusea-affiliated F-14 tried to flank Mobius 1, but the Ribbon Fighter didn't give them such chance. He timely pulled a hard break, repositioning himself behind the hostiles.
« Mobius 1. Fox 2. » He fired away as soon as the HUD locked on target.
« He got me—tsssk! » The voice cut off abruptly by the explosion.
« We've lost White 6. »
« Damn, that was one of ours! »
A missile would be a waste on this bastard. Let's just gun him down.
« Mobius 1. Gun. Gun. » The 20mm cannon placed in the F/A 18's nose unleashed hot leads.
The projectiles hit struck one of F-22 Raptor's twin engine, causing smoke and fire.
« A Raptor is trailing smoke. Whose kill was that? » asked a friendly.
« Mobius 1 did that. » Omega 1 confirmed.
« Sierra Hotel! » Fencer exclaimed.
« Who was it that shot me?! See who's responsible for that shot! » White 1 demanded.
« It's a ribbon! » His wingman reported.
« Aghh! To think those low-borns can humiliate me like that! »
« Sire. We must retreat. We can't do anything with the damaged craft. » White 2 insisted.
He really wanted to stay and fight. But to survive was his priority.
« You better remember this. » The pilot said before he turned back.
« Those white fighters are bugging out. I guess we are too much for them. » said Archer.
« Judging his cocky voice earlier, is he related to the royal? » asked Fencer.
« Could be. Now I kinda feel bad for the guys who have to serve under him. »
« Stay focus. The enemy is on the offensive. » Sky Eye reminded them.
« I saw a ribbon emblem on his plane. That guy is good. » The Orussia fighters started to pay attention to the ace of 108.
« I'll take him on! »
« It's getting very intense outside. should we abort the launch? » asked a staff.
« Are you crazy?! Continue with the count down! »
« There's no way we would let all these hard works go down the drain. »
One by one, the planes were falling, burning, cutting through the sky with a dense black trail.
« Yahoo! » A Liberion pilot shouted out gleefully after he scored another kill.
« So many of them. I even lost count of my own kill. » Omega 6 said.
« You had it easy, I can't even confirm kills in this furball. » Sky Eye sighed.
Green Tails 2 tackled onto a Su-27. Before she could use the cannon, a friendly F-16 swooped pass over her by one o'clock.
« Woah-hey! Watch it! » Fencer shouted out. « Green Tails 2 to Sky Eye, can you tell those nuggets to keep out of the fight? One of them almost collide into me! »
« S-Sorry! » A rookie responded.
« Don't let that air squadron get in close. All we need is a flock of angry birds overhead. » Omega 1 said.
« Stay in your element. I don't want to see any fratricide. » Archer said.
« Shite, bandit on my tail! » Omega 11 shouted.
« Omega 11, you are spiked! » Omega 5 gave the warning.
The Flanker released the missile.
« Jink! Right! » Omega 11 made a sharp turn but the missile detonated in mid-air, damaging Omega 11's plane with shrapnel.
« Omega 11, status report! » Omega flight leader asked.
« *cough*...yeah...I think I have to bail out here. I'll leave the rest to you guys. »
The Britannian pilot soon ejected once he was near the beach.
« Another plane added to the bill. » Fencer muttered. « He is like Nipa, the 502nd Witch back in the war. »
« Except this one is a King Bailout, not Queen Crashing. » Omega 5 said.
« Hahaha! »
« The ground force is retreating. Look like they've given up capturing the base. » The ground unit reported.
« Sky Eye here. B2 bombers approaching from the west. » The AWACS updated the situation.
« Seem like they decided to flatten this whole place instead. » Mobius 1 said.
« Intercept them before they reach the launch site. »
« Negative contact, nothing on my radar. » said a friendly aircraft.
« Like F-22, B2s have a high degree of stealth. »
« Three minutes to launch. » Comona Base reported in.
« I have three bogeys. Judging by the signature…they're Witches. »
« Witches, huh? Never expect to face those girls here. » Archer sighed.
« I don't know if I can do it. » Omega 5 said with a nervous tone. If it's a drone or aircraft, he would gladly to take them on, but a Witch? It was rather a…'grey' area to tread in.
Moreover, there's no glory in killing them.
« Mobius Team, intercept them. » Sky Eye chose the best and suitable team to meet them.
« Mobius 2. Copy. » replied the Witch, who fully aware her role, and the consequence of it. Then again, if not her, then who will?
« Mobius 1. I can handle them on my own. »
« Kindness will get you killed, sister. »
The Ribbon Fighter soon joined with the Ribbon Witch side-by-side.
« I will take care the leader. You can dance with the other twos. » Her brother suggested.
« Roger that. » The Witch responded.
\/ /\ \/
/ / MATAGOT \ \
Kingdom of Erusea Air Force / 13th Air Division / 9th Tactical Witch Squadron
Their symbol was a black cat's full face, showing the blue-color eyes without pupil. With a coin and a rose place bearing on both side of the roundel.
Gently cocked the RPK-16, Matagot 1 finished checking her weapon. She took a look over the shoulder. On the right, there's her wingman, Matagot 2, still grinning over the fine loot she got from their previous sortie, a minigun, like the one showed in those Liberion action movies.
On her left, Matagot 3, a new member who joined the squadron recently, despite her thin-looking body. She got quite a stamina, hence explained why she was able to carry the missiles man-portable launcher over her shoulder at ease.
A Witch often armed themselves to the teeth, but in this case, they armed themselves quite heavy. Too heavy, in fact.
« Tally-ho! There's one Witch coming for us. » Her wingman, Matagot 2, reported.
« No, there are two. One fighter, it's flying with her. » Matagot 3 remarked.
« A Witch and a pilot? This should be interesting. » The flight lead said.
« More like they are underestimating us. » The brute girl disagreed.
« We'll see. » The squadron leader then turned back to Matagot 3.
« How are you holding up? »
« Y-yes, Captain. It's alright. I can still fight. » She reassured the leader, but there's a hint of tired behind her voice.
Before they arrived here, they have encountered two Liberion-affiliated F-15Cs on the way. They successfully shot them down, at the expense of Matagot 3's magic.
Back there, to her surprised, the Liberion pilots must have thought that the Witch carrying a launcher posing a higher threat than her and her wingman. She had no choice but to ordered Matagot 3 to become the bait while they're flanking those fighters.
In that air combat, Matagot 3 took three missiles frontally. Her magic shield held firm, but everyone can guess that it had exhausted quite an amount of mana.
« Just hang back. We will take care of them. »
Matagot 1 decided it would be best to have the girl stand-by and conserve energy. It'll be a long way back home.
« Yeah, like she said. » Matagot 2 said.
To her confidence, Matagot 1 thought that two of them should be suffice.
But that was soon to change.
[BGM: Aldnoah Zero OST - Keep on keeping on]
« There're only two Witches are engaging. The last one is hanging back. » Sky Eye updated.
« Is she a leader? » Omega 1 asked.
« Negative, she could be a rookie. Usually a mother hen doesn't want to put her chick into harm way. » Archer expressed her opinion as a former Witch.
« Let the Mobius team handle this. We still got those B2 Bombers to worry about. »
Task Force 108 decided to split up their force in order to deal with the incoming threats and maintain air cover for SSTO shuttle.
« Two minutes to launch. » Comona Base said. « All stations. Final pre-fight check. Go over everything one last time. »
Matagot 2 had herself tackled with the hostile Witch while her leader chased the fighter.
« A Super Hornet, huh? Lets see if my Lastochka can catch up with you! »
Matagot 2 focused her magic into her Striker MiG-29A Fulcrum. She fired the weapon while she was the move. She had the tendency of being a happy trigger. Even if she missed, that was fine, as long as she was able to taunt them. She wanted them to come to her instead.
It was a game of tag. Matagot 2 managed to land a few hits on the Witch, but the hostile timely deployed the shield to deflect those attacks.
The distance between them was maintained.
Even though Matagot 2 tried to shorten it, the silver-haired gave her no such chance.
She is different from the others.
Matagot 2 had done many sorties before, she fought the Romagna, Britannia Witches. Karslanders were the toughest (thank god for their scarce number)...and Liberion were rather somewhat unpredictable, but this...
This Witch is on a whole new level.
« What's that symbol? A ribbon? »
She spotted a ribbon symbol on the Striker, so was on the fighter's tails.
The silver-haired suddenly turned her front toward Matagot 2, with the machine gun placed by the hip.
The attack didn't cause any damage to the Erusean, but it certainly taunted her.
« I'll make sure to clip your wings! » She boastfully declared, activating the weapon system to rotate the gun barrels.
The roar of minigun blended in with 20mm cannon in the distance.
…
…
The Ribbon Fighter fired the weapon in moderate short bursts. The large projectiles were stopped and deflected by Matagot 1's magic shield.
« What is with this pilot? He is matching my move. »
She learned the pilot's intention was to disable her Striker.
Is he familiar with the Witch's flying style?
With the Striker Su-33 model, she easily did the post-stall maneuver, allowing the F/A-18E to overpass her. Matagot 1 then aimed her weapon at the cockpit, but the Ribbon Fighter already rotated and swiftly pulled himself away from her line of shot.
« Tsk! He's good. His movements are better than I expected. He won't let me take a shot. »
« Captain, do you need my assistant? » asked Matagot 3.
« Negative. Go help Matagot 2, I think that ribbon Witch is more than she can handle. »
« Ah shut up! » responded Matagot 2. « I'm just getting warming up! You stay right where you are, Matagot 3. This will be over soon! »
Matagot 1 clicked her tongue. Her wingman's stubbornness often had put herself into hairy situations more than a few occasions.
« Come on! You want a piece of me!? Come and get it! »
Matagot 2 put herself in a stationary position and then fired the minigun in a full 180 degree. The tracers followed the silver-haired Witch relentlessly, even when she dived into the clouds.
The Erusean witch leveled her weapon up high while continued firing. Until…
"Guh…!"
What entered her eyes was a strong ray sun. She felt her eyes were being pierced and at the same time, she felt dizzy all of sudden. To her unbeknownst, at this moment, she already walked herself in a deadly trap set up by the very bogey she intended to destroy.
In the moment of recovering, Matagot 2 spotted the Ribbon Witch was diving toward her.
"Shit—!"
With a firm trigger pulling, 7.62mm rounds hit the Erusean witch's deployed shield mercilessly. Round after round, round after round, until the blue shield was finally shattered like broken glass.
What came next was the inevitable outcome.
While the attack caused a major damage on the Matagot 2's Striker, a few bullets pierced through her legs. Even her lower abdomen received the same fate.
"GAH—hah!"
Matagot 2 realized that her wings were brutally cut apart by this reaper, and she then fell down from the sky.
« Mobius 2 shot down a bandit. » Sky Eye reported.
Usually he would be pleased if her kill was either a drone or a fighter, since the human, adults were flying in it, but seeing a young Witch like Mobius 2 was shot down like that? Frankly, it left a bad taste in his mouth.
« Matagot 2 is down! » Matagot 3 cried out with horror.
« No! It can't be! » The leader could not believe it. She scanned the surrounding, confirming Matagot 2 was falling, and Matagot 3 already dived in, hoping to catch her in time.
« The third one is going for it. She is going to save the downed witch! » said Liberion-affiliated fighter.
I have to save them. Even if it means...!
Matagot 1 soon decreased her speed, to which Mobius 1 noticed it.
The Witch then did something that made the Ribbon Fighter was wary.
She dropped the heavy machine gun along with her sidearm, effectively putting her out of a fight. She even put both of her hands up to her head's level.
There were a few rules regarding in dogfighting with a Witch, but ultimately, when the Witch had dropped all of her weapons, it automatically made she as a non-threat, and will be treated like a bail-out pilot.
With that, Mobius 1 soon disengaged.
Seeing that the Ribbon Fighter had let her go, Matagot 1 immediately descended down to where her squadron was.
…
…
« Final launch checks complete. Launch in 60 seconds. »
« Incoming missile. Take cover! » A staff called out.
An explosion occurred in the background.
« We are gonna launch this thing even if it kills us! » The senior staff declared with a determined voice.
« Come on. Launch it now! » Many urged the shuttle to take off.
...
...
She's bleeding!
She felt the warm of Matagot 2's blood was pouring out from her wounds. She needed to stop it. She wanted to, but...but...
The Death. It was still there, pointing the still-warm barrel at her and Matagot 2 in her arms.
"Pl...Please..." Matagot 3 felt her brain numb, but she mustered all the strength she could. To plead with...this being.
While her hair, her pale complexion was resembling to a doll, bearing little emotion. Her blue eyes were intense, like a dagger. They did not have any intention of letting them go.
"Please...we're surrender." Matagot 3 was struggling a bit in holding the wounded, but she finally proved her words by removing the weapons. She dropped them all to the blue ocean below. "Just...let me take care of her wounds, please..."
"…"
Her heart was beating like drum.
She then noticed the Death...well, a young girl, like her. Her expression suddenly turned severe. She looked...hurt, angst, for some reason.
A few more seconds passed, the silver-haired Witch then lowered her weapon as she was receiving some directive over her comms.
"...Understood."
By this very moment, the tension was gone. The Death no longer had the interest in taking their lives.
« 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…ignition! »
Then from the above, a familiar face reunited with them.
" Matagot 2, 3!" Matagot 1 called out.
"Captain!" Matagot 3 was so relief to see her leader was well and unharmed.
"Erza..." The wounded Witch tried to reach out to her. Her blood-soaked hand was soon held by her dear friend.
"Hush! Hush! It's alright, now. It's alright, now." The named Witch put up a smile.
« SSTO increasing speed. » The staff reported.
« Passing check point 1. »
« Passing check point 2. »
« Passing check point 3. »
The shuttle moved all the way, toward the end of the silver bridge to outer space.
« Lift off! » The SSTO craft launched away like a slingshot.
« Have a safe trip! » Violet waved good bye.
« Whoa. »
« Yeah! » The allied fighters admired the launching scene.
« Observation room reporting. The SSTO has reached 50,000 feet. It is now immune to enemy action. »
« The launch is a success! »
Cheers echoed, not only from space center staffs but also combatants and fighter pilots who shared the same spirit.
It's soon became clear to Matagot 1 that they had failed the mission. Matagot 2 is injured, and now they're captured by the enemy.
\/ /\ \/
I saw things today that I can't forget.
When the space shuttle had left the Earth, Mobius 2 returned with three prisoners, Witches nonetheless, in tow.
Informed beforehand, the corpsman and nurse staffs rushed to the wounded Orussian Witch.
"Take her to the emergency room. Ready the transfusion now." said the Corpsman.
"Hang in there."
"Whoa-there!" The Marines stopped the two Erusean girls, separating them from their wounded fellow who was quickly taking inside the medbay.
"Sorry girls. But I need to put this on you first."
"What's that?" I asked, spotting a certain large object in the Marine's hand.
"It's a…specialized prison collar for the Witches." Violet answered.
"The one that make you can't summon your familiar? Can't make you use your magic?" I was familiar about the device.
"That's the one."
The leader squadron quietly allowed the Marines to place the collar in her neck and locked it tightly. The youngest one soon received the same treatment.
"Just seeing it makes me puke." Rico muttered.
"Don't worry, we got the best doctor in the house. She will make it through." A female Marine reassured them.
One thing for sure, even though we were at war. The Witches were treated with a high sense of respect.
The two captured Witches were soon guided by the Marines to elsewhere.
"How old do you think she was?" asked Rico.
"…probably younger than you." I answered.
"Never mind, I really shouldn't have asked that." For some reason, she felt…awkward about that question.
…
…
Placing her bottoms on the grasses, Mobius 2 relieved herself from the still-warm Striker Unit. The Unit had performed well.
She quietly took a look at her dominance hand, the hand holding the trigger.
She remembered that Erusean Witch's tearful face, pleading, begging for their life…no, for her friend's life.
It reminded her about that moment, back in the Middle East conflict…
« Hey sis, still alive? » Her brother radioed in, taking her mind back to the present.
"…I'm fine."
« You did what you have to do. »
"I know..."
The Witch quietly looked up to the sky above and the surroundings. They all blended in, becoming a scene of tranquil.
\/ /\ \/
"No!"
"Oh come on! Please, let me use your spare plane. Please-please-please!"
Before the Britannian pilot called Omega 11's pleading, the Karsland-born female pilot named Fencer still denied his request.
"What are you, five? And my answer is still stand!" Fencer was annoyed.
"What happened?" I asked one of the crewmen.
"King Bailout has trashed all of his sweet reserved planes so he is out asking for someone to lend-lease him."
While the scene was continued invoking some laughter from the spectators, a sound of alarm rung up.
"What's going on?"
"We have some friendly aircrafts incoming."
When I arrived to the flight deck, the silver-haired siblings were there as well.
The aircraft came into view as it was making the landing, in a VTOL style, like a Harrier.
"Shinden II?"
Following the advanced craft's landing, three more figures made the same landing. They were Witches, Fuso Witches, thanks to their iconic Miko-like attire.
"Yah, we meet again, Mobius 2." greeted the pony-tailed Fuso Witch carrying a katana.