Here's the second chapter for 'Demon Lord of the Strike Witches'. Now, I'm going to do something I haven't done, responding to reviews. Minna, can you help me out here?

Minna: Sure thing.

Colonel AmiruddinArifSulaiman: Glad you like the chapter. And you'll find out if Cipher helps Minna out with that hole in her heart.

Minna: (Blushes) R-really? I mean…

Relax. You two just met, and it's love at first sight? Let things go through first then we'll see.

Minna: (Smiles as her blush fades) Alright. Just friends.

Good to know.

Guest: I know. Thanks for the review. Greatly appreciated.

Ghost of Razgriz: Shirley will have a field day with the jets. Seeing that she's a speed freak, she can't wait to go into the cockpit.

Thorthemighty321: Seeing that Gault disappeared at the beginning at the Belkan War, I'll see what I can do, seeing that I'm following the Strike Witches canon while Galm Team finished Operation Battle-Axe. You'll find out soon. Also, you get shot down by Gault in 30 seconds? Ouch. I bet one of them used DFM mode. But you got to love those SU-47's, they're one of my favorite planes.

Well. That settles for the reviews. Time to start the chapter. Ready Minna?

Minna: Ready.

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Chapter One: Meet the Witches

Cipher

6th Air Division/66th Air Force Unit

Location: 'Folkestone, Britannia; Unknown Base'

Pixy had it easy because he's the one currently outside the mess I'm dealing with. I, however, am sitting across the red-haired girl who led me and Pixy to the command room. The girl sat at her desk as she got a good look at me. I don't want to break the silence, because, it's very tense inside this room.

"You look very different compared to the other pilots across the world." She said

"That is because we are different pilots." I butted "So, where has me, my wingman, and the AWACS brought us?" She started smiling

"You're currently located in Folkestone, in Britannia." She answered

"Britannia? I have never heard of that country before." I answered honestly

"It's in Europe, and right now, it's now a battlefield." She said

"Europe? And Britannia's now a battlefield."

"Britannia is part of the European continent where it's currently occupied." She said as she walked to the window. "Ever since the fall of Gallia, Britannia is the last bastion for the Allied Forces in Europe."

"Occupied by who? Is it Belka? Or is it those weird things that Pixy and I helped destroy?" The girl turned back to her desk

"The third question is a yes." She said as she sat back down "What you and your wingman fought against is a being called 'Neuroi'."

"Neuroi? Is it a Belkan superweapon?" She grew slightly cross "I'm just curious, that's all." She then sighed before she answered

"The Neuroi is currently the enemy of humanity. They came out of nowhere in 1939 and easily overran Europe for the past six years. Our armies cannot match the firepower of the Neuroi, so they resorted to using magical beings that can counter them."

"Just like the two girls we saved near Britannia, huh?" She soon smiled again

"Exactly, Cipher. The military calls us, 'Witches'."

"Witches? Like, one of those woman wearing pointed hats, fly on broomsticks, have black cats and have a sense of magic?" I asked

"Not like those Witches. We witches are militarily capable of bringing down Neuroi. We're here to defend humanity from this deadly threat."

"Speaking of which, when the two girls flew in the sky, how come they have animal features, having planes on their legs and why are you not wearing any pants?" She chuckled at my question

"Anytime we get into a Striker Unit, that's what our equipment is called, the skin contact between us and the Striker can greatly enhance the units' capabilities. Our animal features have been seen whenever we engage our Strikers. Mine for example is a Grey Wolf." She stood up as she closed her eyes for her familiar to appear. She is right. She has Grey Wolf ears and a tail at the back. I was stunned.

"I've never seen any pilot doing that before. Aside from your animal features, is there anything else you can do?" She nodded as a silver stream covered her outer frame.

"Your wingman is currently standing outside, two guard members are about to walk by and one of my wing mates is heading for her room right about now." Just as she said it, the sounds of footsteps became louder and softer as they passed by the room. This surprised me. She's just like the pilot that flew in F/A-18 Hornets over B7R in the earlier stages.

"How did you do that?" I asked intriguingly

"Part of a witch also manifests abilities. What you've just witnessed is my ability. It's called a 'Three-Dimensional Space Awareness'. It can help me pinpoint certain objects somewhere they are heading in the future. There are more witches who also have abilities, but with different skills, like a witch having medical abilities or one having strength augmentation."

"Do all witches have those abilities?"

"Some abilities are the same yet some are highly powerful than the others. Some abilities like 'Magic Antennae', are only used for Night Witches and some abilities can harness nature's abilities."

"I take it that these abilities are the reason why that humanity employs you girls to the frontlines?"

"Exactly. Now that we gave details about us, why don't you introduce yourself?" She asked

"For starters, I'm only known as 'Cipher'. Mercenary Captain of the Ustio Air Force. 6th Air Division/66th Air Force Unit or simply known as 'Galm Team', along with my wingman, Larry Foulke, or 'Solo Wing Pixy'." She's curious about what I've said

"You're a mercenary? Last I heard, mercenaries are only lusted for money and bends every major rule in war."

"I'm different than those money-grabbing personnel." I retorted "Instead, I'm a symbol of the people from the country I'm working with. If you want proof, I have quite the resume."

"Do go on, Captain." She said with curiosity

"My resume includes liberating Solis Ortus and the Ustian capital, Directus from the Belkans, attacking Belka's mountain fortress called 'Glatisant', destroyed Belka's chemical laser tower called 'Excalibur', and participated in the largest dogfight in history, 'Operation Battle-Axe', where I've earned my famous yet infamous title, 'The Demon Lord of the Round Table'." She was stunned when she heard my accomplishments.

"You did all that?"

"Along with Larry, yes. We go way back during the failed Belkan bombing raid at Valais Air Force Base." I chuckled. She then reminded herself that someone important is coming to the base soon.

"Oh, I'll help introduce you, your wingman and the new witch tomorrow. For now, you can take up residence here while I authorize your unit now being a part of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, the 'Strike Witches'." She soon stood up as I did also giving my hand out.

"It's an honor… um…"

"Minna. Minna Dietlinde-Wilcke. Wing Commander of the squadron." She shook it

"Well, it's a pleasure, Commander Wilcke." We soon exited the room, where Larry was waiting. The girl, now named Minna, left as she retired to her quarters.

"So, how did the conversation go with her?" Larry asked

"It went well. I finally know her name at least. She's going to introduce us to the rest of the Fighter Wing tomorrow. And their called Witches." Larry was about to say something before I answered for him. "And before you say it, no, they're not like the witches we're used to. They're girls who fights for humanity while trying to ward off unknown beings called the 'Neuroi'."

"The ones that we fought against a while earlier? At least Belka didn't go crazy with creating something that can act on its own." Pixy chuckled. With that, Pixy and I headed to our rooms for the night. As I settled down, I started thinking about why we're here. More importantly, how are we going home? We've been switched from one battlefield to another. The Belkan War back in our world is still ongoing. Now, we're here, to fight for humanity against a powerful foe. I finally reached my bed as I drifted off to sleep.

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The next day, Larry and I met each other as he stood in front of the commander's room. He felt refreshed whereas I didn't. Larry spoke up. "Hey buddy, you alright?"

"Somewhat."

"It's because of that little trip we went through, right? That's the only thing that's screwing around with your mind." I shrugged a bit. "If you're looking for the commander she left for a city called 'London'. She has a meeting with its Prime Minister."

"Oh. Alright." I looked away at Larry for a bit. He noticed with what I did.

"Is something wrong?" he asked

"It's nothing, Larry. Really."

"You sure? Because…"

"Really, it's nothing." Our conversation was suddenly interrupted when a girl was heard shouting in her room.

"Just who is she!?" Larry and I turned our heads to find where the voice came from, and came with a logical conclusion.

"Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed." Larry commented as I chuckled a bit. Just then, Minna walked up.

"Oh, Commander. Morning ma'am." Larry and I saluted

"No need for the formalities you two." She said as Larry and I put ourselves at an 'at ease' position. "I've talked to the Commodore in London and she's allowing you two to be in our ranks. She also finds it odd to find two pilots that are both males and have aircraft that are highly advanced for our generation."

"Really?" Larry asked "Well, our F-15 Eagles haven't failed on us since the failed attack on Valais Air Base." Minna acknowledged it.

"Because of your unknown ranks in the air force from where you're from, Pixy, you'll be the rank of Flight Lieutenant and Cipher, you'll have the rank of Captain, despite you two being mercenaries."

"We have those ranks since joining. But, we'll gladly take it." I said

"Good. Aside from you two, another member is joining our ranks." Minna said. Just as she said that, another girl appeared. She has brown hair, brown eyes, wearing a sailor outfit and wearing a one-piece dark-blue swimsuit.

"Commander, who are these two?" the second girl asked

"Oh. Cipher, Pixy. This is our other new recruit, Yoshika Miyafuji." She introduced the small girl to us. Larry took notice that she's the girl who she saved.

"Hello. Pleasure to meet you." She bowed to us. Larry got a good look at her as he smiled.

"So, you must be the girl that helped me yesterday." Larry said

"Hai. And you're the pilot with the single-red winged aircraft." Larry nodded

"I am. My real name is Larry Foulke. Or what the others call me 'Solo Wing Pixy'." He said

"How did you obtain that name?" Yoshika asked

"I'll give you the short version. Enemy plane shot off my wing and I managed to land it safely. In honor of that, I painted one of wings red to signify the missing wing." He answered

"Wow. Amazing!" Yoshika said with glee before turning to me. "And what about you, Cipher."

"Well, nothing important about me. My nickname is a real mystery. And I happen to shoot down multiple aircraft." I said sheepishly

"You mean, they're pilots inside?" She asked

"There are." Larry answered. "Why?"

"Because, I want to protect everyone." She answered. That showed Larry and I why we continued to fight for Ustio.

"Right back at you, Miyafuji." Larry answered as I nodded in response. Minna told us to follow her to the briefing room. While Larry and Yoshika continued talking about what they do, I decided to have a small talk with Minna.

"Commander?" She turned to face me. "I know it might be a little late for continued talks but, where are you from and what's your resume as a Witch?"

"I come from Karlsland." She began "I'm part of the Luftwaffe along with two other Karlsland witches that are part of the 501st. As for my resume, I mainly provided the defense of Berlin and providing the evacuation of Britannian, Gallian, and Karlslandian forces out of Dunkirk."

"And now, you're here. You know, you're kind of like me, but unlike protecting a small airbase in the opening stages of my war, here you are defending humanity's last nation in Europe from the Neuroi. You've done way more than me."

"You really think so?" Minna asked

"I'm sure. I'm just a mercenary who's contractually obligated to fight for a country, while you have a homeland to fight for." Minna nodded as a minute of silence passed between us. Soon, she spoke up again.

"I wanted to become a singer."

"Really?" Minna nodded

"Before the Neuroi invaded, I wanted to become a singer. That's another thing I'm good at aside from being a witch and all. But I have to put it on hold until after the Neuroi are destroyed."

"I understand. Just be sure that you don't have to be a witch for a long time." Minna smiled at that as we entered the briefing room, where nine other witches are present. I have a few bad feelings where this is going. One, Pixy and I are in a fighter wing, filled with girls. Two, I don't know how they will react. And three… You know what? I'll leave it up for Pixy to solve it. Yoshika, Pixy and I stood at the front of the room while the rest of the girls eyed us, from head to toe. "Okay everyone!" Minna commanded "Your attention please. I would like to introduce you again our newest member. This is Miyafuji Yoshika. Major Sakamoto brought her from the Fuso Empire."

"I'm Miyafuji Yoshika." She said as she bowed her head "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"She'll have the same rank as sergeant as you do, Lynne, so look after her, okay?" Minna asked. I looked to the back as a light-brown haired girl spoke up.

"Yes ma'am." She answered shyly

"Also, I would like to introduce these two pilots." Minna introduced Larry first. "First off, his name is Larry Foulke, or Pixy. He's a member of Ustio's 6th Air Division/66th Air Force Unit."

"Nice to meet you ladies." He saluted

"And this is 'Cipher'. Just like Larry, he's also affiliated with the squadron and said nation."

"Uh… Hello." Silence filled the air for a couple of seconds, until a girl with blonde hair and golden eyes spoke out first.

"There are two males?! In the Wing?! Are they even witches!? That's not possible!" I sweat dropped and Larry followed suit.

"Actually, we're fighter pilots." I chuckled "We're completely different from you girls." Yoshika noticed something wrong.

"Umm…" Minna answered her as Yoshika looked at the podium, where a box with her name laid "Umm… I won't need this." Yoshika said as she walked over and handed her pistol to Minna.

"You should really keep it in case something happens." Minna said

"Exactly." Larry putted in "All pilots have to keep a weapon in case we're behind enemy lines." Yoshika then looked at Larry.

"But… I don't want to use it…" Minna then gave in as she took the pistol from her.

"I see…" Soon, the blonde-haired girl got up, completely irritated.

"Who do you three think you are!?" She got out in a huff and left the room.

"Was she always like this?" I asked

"Who, Perrine?" Minna asked "Nothing to worry about her. She isn't used to seeing two males being part of the group." I shrugged it off. "Seeing that you two are both 'Captain' and 'Flight Lieutenant', you'll be under Barkhorn's command, understood?"

"Yes ma'am." Larry and I answered

"You also have training with her afterwards. For now, dismissed." Minna excused herself as Larry and I heard a shriek coming from Yoshika.

"How are they?" An orange-haired girl asked

"Consolation prize." A small girl answered

"Lynne's are bigger." A white-haired girl said as Lynne plopped her head

"She has nothing compared to mine." The orange-haired girl said. She was doing… I don't want to say it as Pixy covered my eyes while covered his.

"Is it over yet?" Larry asked. I was about to answer when she properly introduced herself.

"I'm Charlotte Yeager." She said as she held out her hand "I'm a 'Flight Lieutenant' from Liberion. Call me Shirley." Yoshika grasped her hand as she applied what I think is pressure. She also did the same thing to us, albeit harder. "Nice to see some male pilots."

"Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen, Ensign in the Suomus Air Force." The white-haired girl said while she's holding a sleeping silver-haired girl. To tell you the truth, she looks cute. "This is Sanya Litvyak, a lieutenant in the Orussian Air Force." Sanya opened her eyes to see us in acknowledgement, before she slept again.

"I'm Francesca Lucchini, an ensign in the Romagnian Air Force." The small girl said as she continued to cling onto Shirley.

"Nice to meet you all." Yoshika said

"All right." Major Sakamoto said "That's enough for self-introductions. Everyone should return to their normal duties." The Major than spoke to us. "Cipher, Pixy. You have training with Barkhorn. You'll find her in the hangar along with your fighters." Pixy nodded as we exited the briefing room. When we arrived at the hangar, our fighters are on station, where Barkhorn is currently observing our aircraft.

"Uh… Barkhorn?" She then turned to face us. "We're here to train."

"Like what Minna said. I'm Captain Barkhorn of the Karlsland Luftwaffe. You can call me 'Captain', 'Barkhorn', or a combination of the two." She introduced herself "Until I see that you're indeed airworthy, I will not believe that two male pilots are part of the wing. Now, let's see what you do. Get in your fighters and show me your skills."

We did just that as the F-15's exited the hangar and took off from the airstrip that's attached to the base. Barkhorn contacted us again. "Show me what you know. No risky maneuvers though."

"Yes ma'am. Let's show the Karlsland Captain what we do, Pixy." He nodded as we did maneuvers that no one has seen before. Pixy got behind me, as I pitched my aircraft skywards and dropped back down in a second. Pixy overshot me as I got on his six. As I got behind Pixy, he barreled left and got on my six. We kept it going for a few minutes and I think the Captain may be impressed.

Barkhorn's P.O.V.

"Wow." I said as I looked through my binoculars "I thought our aircraft can only do those maneuvers."

"They're really good Trude." Hartmann called out from behind "They may be different than us, but they're all pilots."

"True." I got on my intercom as I radioed the two pilots. "Okay, you two, I've seen enough. You are permitted to land." As I finished saying it, Cipher did a move I thought only the Liberion Mustangs did. His aircraft pulled into a hard stall as the rudder hit left and got behind Pixy as their demonstration was finished.

Cipher's P.O.V.

"Damn buddy, you're more of a nutcase than I once thought." Pixy said over the radio. "And that move, where did you learn it from?"

"I watched videos on YouTube about Osea's P-51 Mustangs. I thought it wouldn't work on a jet, but, hey, I did it." I said as we landed our craft. Barkhorn stood at the hangar's doorframe, with an impressed look on her face. We exited our craft as we waited for our results.

"Cipher, Pixy. I must say, I'm rather impressed by your performance. Those moves are completely unknown to us. And Cipher, that last move of yours, two Liberion pilots and one Karlslander pilot I know have used those moves before. Primarily Colonel Richard Candelaria, First Lieutenant Joe Little and Captain Luka Merkel. What did you call that move?"

"For me, I've called it 'Phantom Bullet'. I don't know what the other pilots called it, so yeah, 'Phantom Bullet' in my case." Trude nodded as she inspected our aircraft.

"What are these craft you two are flying in?"

"They're called F-15C Eagles. They're made by McDonnell Douglas in Osea." Pixy answered "They're the cream of the crop for Ustio's 6th Air Division. Mine's the one with the single red wing. Buddy here has the blue wings and tail fins."

"Our craft can go 1,450 km/h while at max speed, it can go over 2000 km/h." I continued as Shirley went, who was in the hangar at the time, went ecstatic.

"Over 2000 km/h?! In these jets!?" She went over and touched my jet in awe. Trude was not impressed with the way she's acting.

"Oi! Liberion! Don't touch the pilots' aircraft." She demanded

"Is she like that?" Pixy asked

"For a speed freak, then yes, she does. But, what about the armaments?" She asked

"Our aircraft is armed with a twenty millimetre M61A1 Vulcan Gatling cannon. Our aircraft is also armed with Sparrow, Sidewinder and AMRAAM missiles."

"Amazing!" She said with passion.

"Trude has a tendency to be awed with heavy weapons." A bobbed-cut blonde haired girl said.

"Hartmann! I'm not really like that." Barkhorn said

"Oh, don't deny it Trude." Hartmann slyly said as Barkhorn looked to find the Major, Yoshika and Lynette in the hangar.

"I think they're ready to train to." I said as Barkhorn ordered the maintenance crew to clear some space.

"Well, good work training with you two today. Tomorrow, Minna might ask me to train you again." She said "Anyways, dismissed." She entered back to the base as she got a good look at Yoshika. Pixy and I were about to enter the base too, as the blonde-haired girl from before entered the hangar.

"I'm Perrine H. Clostermann of the Free Gallian Air Force. I owe very much to Major Sakamoto. I will be joining you today." Perrine said

"Th-Thank you!" Yoshika bowed her head. "I promise to do my very best!" Perrine scoffed it off as Pixy and I entered the base.

'I have a feeling this will not go well between those two.' I thought to myself.

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That's Chapter Two done.

Minna: I've checked out the fanfiction site. This story is starting to come along nicely.

I know. I'm sure both Cipher and Pixy has impressed you and the Wing so far.

Minna: They are. Although you used the F-15's former company name. Why's that?

Not offending Boeing, I find McDonnell Douglas to be the true maker for the F-15. I also wanted to use the Muv-Luv name for McDonnell Douglas for the aircraft, but I want to stay true to the manufacturer.

Minna: Oh, I see. So, when will you be releasing the next chapter for '501st Disciple' and publish 'Infinity'?

When I have chances. But it won't stop me.

Minna: Try not to destroy yourself, okay?

Sure thing. See you readers in the next chapter.

Minna: See you soon.