We're getting close to the end, everyone. Now, this is the chapter where everything comes at a head between Cipher and Minna because… Well, you can watch Episode 8 and you'll see why. Now, reviews.

Colonel AmiruddinArifSulaiman: Glad you're liking it so far. We're getting close to the end of the first season.

Gamerman22: Keith is actually Keith Park. In Disciple, he's an advocate of Dowding in the use of Witches as JFW's and one major figure for Valkyrie. Here, he's now the Governor of Malta, whereas Dowding is currently training Britannian, Karlslandic, and Romagnian fighters there in case the Neuroi attacks Malta again. And the Blue Neuroi will make an appearance soon along with Lyla.

Thorthemighty321: Who will win? A mecha filled with advanced weaponry and powered by a Neuroi core, or an Ustian Squadron with highly advanced jets and has a lot of experience on their belts? Find out.

Guest Reviewer: She will, albeit getting dishonorably discharged and receiving a medal for her actions.

Kan-kun: (Chapter 5 review) Sadly, I don't have C&C Generals: Rise of the Reds, but I've seen what it's about. I'll try getting the game and download the mod. Factions for me are Russia, the European Continental Alliance and the United States. And of course, when I get the game, Manticore with Venom Battlegroup. Thanks for the review.

Konnigvanmessen: Don't worry, you'll see it. And… where did Eila go? (Hears something crashing onto the 501st runway, and sighs annoyingly) I'll be back. For now enjoy the chapter.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 6: I Won't Forget You

Cipher's P.O.V.

I was looking out from my window along with Pixy. It turns out that everything is alright in the world so far, albeit from the Neuroi continuing to harass humanity's progress. It was just us, listening to the calm wind while watching the ocean. For now, I sparked a conversation between me and him. "Hey."

"Yeah?" Pixy asked

"You ever wonder why are we here?" I asked

"I don't know, buddy." He answered "It's one of life's greatest mysteries. Why are we here? Are we the product of some cosmic coincidence, or is it God watching over everything? You know, with a plan for us and stuff. I don't know, buddy, but it keeps me up at night." I was confused with what he said

"What? I meant, why are we here? In this world, while back home, it's a wreck."

"You know what, I think on planning that I might stay here with the Witches." He answered "Reason why is that everyone fights as one to take on a sworn enemy. We even made friends with our former enemies when they arrived here."

"Touché." Just then, a carrier appeared. "Hey, isn't that the carrier we saved when we came here?"

"I believe it is." He answered "If I know history, I think Satsuma has an old carrier like that. They called it, 'Akagi.' They turned that ship into a museum."

"So, what will happen to their Akagi?" I asked

"Who knows?" Barkhorn soon came in with some news. "Why are you here Captain?"

"Minna has something to say to Cipher." Barkhorn answered "Only he will know of this notion." I looked at Pixy for a moment, then my ersatz sister.

"What for?" I asked

"She says it's confidential." She answered "She'll tell you when you arrived." I nodded as I head for the Commander's office. Inside, the usual expression of the Commander was not present. Instead, it's more of a soldier-type attitude, a mix of both Barkhorn and a soldier/commander. I took my seat as we began to talk. "Is something wrong, Commander?"

"Captain, I've set up a new rule. This goes for Pixy, and ROT Team also." She answered

"And what kind of rule is that?" I asked "If it's us as a separate unit, I can live with it."

"It's not that, Captain." She answered "You along with the others are forbidden from talking with the entire roster. You can only talk to the Witches during meals and training sessions." That got me a little irked. Pixy already made a buddy through Yoshika, and she's barring him from communicating with her aside from those suggestions.

"What are you thinking about setting up that rule?"

"It is for the benefit of the girls." She answered, starting to get cross.

"Look, Commander, in my world, the Allies and the Belkans enlist both male and female genders to fly their aircraft. They get along nicely, teaching each other their own skills in flying. But this? I understand not talking to anyone for a day, but prohibited from conversing with our teammates? That's not right at all."

"It's for your own safety, Captain. I want you and your wingman to follow this rule now. Do you understand?" Minna asked

"Minna, can't you reconsider what you're saying right now?"

"No. Again, do you understand?"

"Minna!" She got so cross that she slapped me hard. I recoiled in pain as I regained my composure.

"Do. You. Under. Stand. Captain." She said with venom. Admitting defeat, my eyes stared at the floor of the Commander's room.

"Yes, ma'am." I answered quietly

"Good. You're dismissed." I got up quietly and left the room. I entered my room and stared at the window. I can only wonder what was going on with her. My room door opened to reveal Barkhorn. She walked in and stood next to me.

"I heard something went wrong between you and the Commander?" She asked as I sighed deeply.

"Minna just enacted one of the most absurd military rules I've heard in my entire life." I answered "She calls for me, Pixy, and ROT Team that we're forbidden to communicate with you girls. I don't know why, but there's something off."

"You didn't see Minna's emotions when you first met her?" She asked "When you first arrived at the base, I can tell that you mentally kicked yourself. That means that you're already falling for her."

"What? Me falling for her? We're just teammates from different worlds and friends. But with that rule enacted, I think our friendship is severed."

"But not completely. You and Minna cannot seem to replace each other with someone else." We then saw Minna confiscating a letter from a Fusoan sailor who was giving it to Yoshika.

"Imagine what Pixy will say when he finds out." I inquired, to which Barkhorn agreed with.

"He and Miyafuji share a strong bond." She answered "Ever since you and Pixy came here, Pixy and her have the same ideas. They wanted to protect people from fighting each other. They also have some kind brother-sister relationship."

"But there is something going on between me and her." I said "You have any clue as to what drove her to this?" Barkhorn blinked a bit. She sighed before giving her answer.

"There was an event that occurred before you and Pixy came here." She answered "Operation Dynamo, the Evacuation of Gallia from the oncoming Neuroi forces. Minna lost someone on that day. She hasn't been the same since his death."

"Who was he, a family member?" I asked

"No. Someone important." She answered "I have to go now, Cipher. I need to supervise Angela's training." Before she exited, I realized something.

"Remember when you told me to decipher about what you said?" She turned to me and nodded "I remembered that she wanted to become a singer. And she stops talking to me whenever she reminds me of someone."

"You're getting close, Cipher." She said "You'll figure it out." She then left the room, leaving me with what I'm thinking of.

"Just who are you thinking of, Minna?" I thoughtfully asked

XXXXXXXXXX

Pixy's P.O.V.

"Back up again, Pixy." Fleisher asked "You're saying that we've been barred from talking to the Witches."

"I know." I answered "I was just shocked as you are. Heard it while heading for the dining room."

"Who in their right mind would do something?" Fleisher asked

"I don't know, ask the Commander. But, you're the same rank as her, so you can veto her decision."

"It's her choice whether she wants to implement it or not. But, how does it affect Waechter also? She's also a female while the other Witches can communicate with her."

"Maybe, it only involves men. The only times we can communicate with them are either during meals or training." Fleisher just crossed his arms and mused a bit.

"Like I said, it's the Commander's choice."

XXXXXXXXXX

Cipher's P.O.V.

It was around midnight, while I've been sleeping. I've tried talking with the other Witches, aside from my sister, who told me everything earlier after Minna implemented the rule. The results, some avoided me, some tried to talk but Minna stopped them at the last moment and Minna avoided me altogether. Pixy had some success with talking to Yoshika and Lynnette, mainly because the three were in the former's room at the time. When the Akagi's Captain invited her over to the ship, Minna said that the group has a battle tomorrow. Every time Minna stopped the girls from communicating with me outside regulation rules, she has that worried look in her eye. Meanwhile, in dreamland, I've been walking all over a small city port. "This must be the place where Operation Dynamo commenced."

I then heard a low-droning noise, to reveal Minna, watching over the evacuation attempts. I waved over to her, trying to make her find me. "Minna! Down here! Minna!" She only continue to fly to the docks. I lamented over this. "Minna. Ask me this. Why are you avoiding me?"

Minna's P.O.V.

Inside my room, I can only watch the midnight sky which rolled over the base. Without paying attention to the door, Mio walked in.

"I heard what happened." Mio said while I looked at her. "I hear you refused to accept the letter."

"Those are the rules." I responded

"You still can't forget." She said as she joined me. "You even made friends with the pilots who came from Ustio."

"Cipher… Pixy…" I said silently "I only wanted their safety, and… I've set up that rule out of my own conscience. Pixy is a great teammate. He even made a buddy out of your own protégé, Mio."

"And what about Cipher?" Mio asked

"He's… different from all the other pilots we flew with." Mio raised an eyebrow "Look how much he changed the group ever since he entered our world."

"From Lynnette to Sanya." She smirked "He definitely fits Miyafuji's profile, though he's a mercenary. But a different type compared to the others."

"An ace to be exact." I said "Mio. There are three types of aces." Mio listened to what I'm saying. "Those who seek strength, those who live for pride, and those who can read the tide of battle. Cipher, however, doesn't fit any of those profiles. He's just like us. Only willing to do what's right. But, I can't seem to ignore him for some reason."

"You can't blame anyone, Minna." She answered "You can thank fate for bringing these events." I only nodded as we continued to look at the night sky.

XXXXXXXXXX

Cipher's P.O.V.

The Eagle's jets roared to life as me, Pixy, and a few Witches are set to takeoff. Only ROT Team, Eila, Sanya, Francesca and Shirley remained at base if any Neuroi made a counterattack. I then replayed the briefing in my mind before we began.

"Reports indicate the enemy is on its way here from Gallia." Minna started

"I guess the predictions were right again for once." The Major commented

"Yes. It's currently flying at 15,000 meters and heading straight for this base."

"Alright. Our routine intercept pattern should suffice." The Major began "Today's strike team will consist of Barkhorn and Hartmann at the fore and Perrine and Lynn at the rear. Miyafuji will be direct support for Minna and me. Galm Team, you'll be the first strike units. Since your jets can reach the destination before us, you'll have the opportunity to take down as much Neuroi as you can before we arrive."

"What can we expect?" I asked

"Expect either drones or small types. They'll be destroyed easily. Now, let's get going." We lifted off soon after, as Eagle Eye is way above us.

"Galm Team, head to the target destination. Reach there before the Neuroi makes a move."

"Roger that, AWACS." Pixy said as our jets sped to the target area in an instant. When we arrived, Aaron picked up the Neuroi on radar.

"Tally on the target. It's just a cube. You'll be able to shoot it down before the Witches get here." Aaron reported. "Wait. The cube just split into multiple pieces."

"I think they noticed us, Aaron." I said as the Neuroi fired.

"Damn. Time to dive into the fireworks." Pixy commanded as our jets rolled into a steep dive and attacked multiple units, guns blazing.

"Pixy, use SP." He did so and fired four missiles and destroyed a couple, either on impact of blast radius. "Fox three!" I fired also and destroyed a couple. "AWACS, how many are there left?"

"About 280 more cubes. Witches are also at the scene. They're attacking now." I turned to find the Witches diving to attack formation.

"Better do our part. Pixy, take the ones on the left while I take on the right."

"Heh. Just like the Round Table, Cipher." We split as we took our designated zones. One by one, we and the Witches shot down each of them.

"There's no end to them!" Erica cried out

"Which one contains the core?!" Barkhorn asked

"More than that, we're approaching Europe." Pixy commented "We may be even close to one of those Hives."

"Found the core!" The Major founded the core carrier

"All units, keep the Neuroi off of us as we intercept it." Minna commanded. "Cipher, you're with us."

"Ma'am?" I asked questioningly

"Just follow." She chimed in as I followed the three. "There!" The Witches fired their weapons while I resorted to my Vulcan cannon. The Neuroi tried to escape, but Yoshika intercepted it in time, shooting it down and destroying the other Neuroi in the process. They then used their shields to block any shards. I then found Minna beginning to worry for the Major, as the others congratulated her. Minna, on the other hand, has other ideas.

"Minna." I followed her as she landed near the harbor runway, while I landed on the sand-filled runway.

"Cipher, where are you going?" Pixy asked

"No, leave them." The Major ordered

"I see." Barkhorn said "This is Pas-de-Calais." I silently followed Minna, to where an intact Volkswagen Beetle was set. I just watched her movements as everything began to decipher in front of me.

Flashback, Operation Dynamo, 1940

Cipher was standing in front of an intact house. He looked at through the front window to reveal Minna and another boy. "Who is he?"

"Ostmark has fallen…" He began

"Yes. I'm being sent to the front lines." She answered

"I volunteered too." Minna was shocked into hearing that

"But, you wanted to be a musician!" She blasted at him

"You wanted to go to Vienna, and the Mozarteum yourself." He suggested

"I'm a Witch. It's my duty to protect everyone." She said while she's clutching onto something

"I can't let you fight by yourself." He countered

"But you going to the front lines is crazy…" She answered

"This way, I can be with you." He smiled. She then walked over to the fireplace and tossed the object into it. Cipher then came to the docks, where an enormous amount of people are trying to flee from the Neuroi. Since he's only a ghost, he can see and hear everything without bringing himself attention to the past. He then found himself standing next to the Volkswagen and listened to their conversation. "Operation Dynamo seems to be going well."

"Is it really possible to evacuate all of Gallia?" She asked

"I'm sure most of everyone can evacuate from the south by rail." He answered

"There isn't enough time."

"At the very least, we need to let the civilians escape."

"So until then, we're stuck here."

"Yeah. You're the only ones we can count on." Cipher then found himself near a military hangar where the sounds of battle are inching close. The boy is working on Minna's Striker Unit, as she is about to head towards Britannia. "There. All set." He said as he closed one of the hatches "We're abandoning this base. Continue on to Britannia after the battle."

"What about you?!" She asked worried

"We'll come afterwards." He answered "See you on the other side."

"You promise?"

"Yeah." She then took off as he called out to her. "Minna! There's something I want to give to you later!" Cipher soon found himself in one of Britannia's dockyards, where hundreds of thousands got off ships, both civilians and soldiers. He just stood in front of the burning Europe while Minna was shocked to find that he never arrived. He turned to the three Witches, where Erica confirmed of his absence. Minna even tried to go back to Europe to save him.

"Wait! Minna!" Barkhorn commanded "The others are helping out in the evacuation right now. There's nothing we can do; we're out of magic right now."

"But…! That's where…!" He took one last look at him as the Neuroi destroyed the dock, killing him in a flash. Cipher was surprised. He then analyzed what happened.

"He and Minna must be very close with each other. They share a passion in music and always have each other's backs. I see now. They're…"

Cipher's P.O.V.

After that experience, I inched close to the red-haired girl who continued to look inside the Beetle. "Hey, Minna." She turned, albeit having that calm look on her face.

"Cipher. Why are you here?" She asked

"I'm just here to check on you. That's all. But there was something off between you and me."

"What is it?"

"You told me to decipher what you said. Before Operation Dynamo, you have kept close tabs on someone that's important with your life." Minna remembered everything.

"His name was Kurt Flachfeld. He and I are inseparable, he took the piano while I sang. He volunteered to join the army as a maintenance soldier. With that ranking, he would follow me across the battlefield. Unfortunately, after he promised to meet me up at Britannia, he died." Minna no longer maintained eye contact with me. After the memory, she didn't feel like herself.

"Minna. I didn't know anything about it. If you want to maintain that rule you've implemented, its fine. I'll be out of your way now. Talk to me only during meals or training if you need anything." I turned for my aircraft, only to feel something grab my right arm. My head then shifted to Minna, who then started to get mad, but started shaking. "Minna?"

She tilted her head up as she started tearing up. Her stern eyes turned to those of worry as she hugged me very tightly. "It's not your fault, Cipher." Minna said but she lost control of herself and started crying onto my chest. "Why, Cipher? Why him and not me?" I was lost for words. Back in Ustio, I never had to deal with anything like this. Here, however, I have to comfort a girl that after meeting her the first time, I suddenly have feelings for her. For being a mercenary, it feels different. I never loved anyone during my military service in Ustio. I tried to come up with a good answer, but nothing came up.

"Minna, he died because… because… he wanted to protect you." I answered "He doesn't want to see anyone close to him dying in front of him."

"He promised to meet me in Britannia. But he didn't."

"He wanted to see you live. He wanted to see that your still you."

"I've already lost someone in my life, and I don't want to lose you, Cipher."

"Minna, I won't die. Promise me that. I won't end up like him."

"You don't want to end up like him… That's all you have to answer… You're terrible… You're terrible, Cipher…" She then stayed silent and covered her face again as I comforted her. The Major soon arrived, witnessing what was happening. I looked at the Major, who is either surprised, or confused about this little scene.

"Have Barkhorn carry her Strikers, Major. She needs some alone time." I mouthed the words to her, as she nodded and flew into the skies to tell the Captain. Minna then stopped crying as she looked at me again. "You okay now?"

"Not that much." She answered sadly "Thinking about Kurt again makes me feel… uneasy. After losing him, I don't want to lose anyone important in my life again. It includes you now, Cipher. You're the third person I've held so dear in my life until now, I can't risk you going suicidal and being killed. Promise me that you'll never leave my side."

"Yeah. I promise." She hugged me as she let go in a second. "Say, you ever wonder what it feels like to be inside an aircraft?" She shook her head as I gestured to her to enter my Eagle. Luckily, we both fit inside the cockpit as the Eagle took off.

"Cipher, I have an idea." She said "And it involves what I have in my hands."

"Sounds like a plan."

XXXXXXXXXX

At sunset, everything was in place. The entire JFW and the base personnel took their seats while Barkhorn worked the camera, Sanya on the piano and Shirley with the radio. This plan is a parting gift for the crew of the Akagi while being escorted out by Yoshika, Lynnette and the Major. There is only one thing missing. Where is Minna? It turns out she's in her room as I stood guard. The door opened to reveal her in a red dress.

"What do you think, Cipher?" She then latched onto my hand as I twirled her

"You look beautiful." I answered as she stopped spinning "You all set?" She nodded as we head over to the common room where everyone was waiting. As she took her place on the microphone, I stood next to Pixy and ROT Team.

"What kind of plan does Minna have now?" Pixy asked

"You'll see." Shirley then connected the radio to the Akagi, and to extent, all of Britannia. Sanya then started playing as she began singing.

Heisha no ookina mon no mae

gaitou ga tatte-ita

ima mo mada aru no nara

mata aou narande

soko ni tatou

itoshi no Lili Marleen

Futatsu no kage ha hitotsu ni

aishiau futari no sugata

dare ni demo wakaru

minna ni mite hoshii

narabu sugata wo

Itoshi no Lili Marleen

Heisha ha yake, tairiku ha ochita

tatakai no sora ha mada tsuzuku

kimitachi ha tobi-tachi

sayonara tsugeru

kimi to yukitai

itoshi no Lili Marleen

Kimi no hikou wo ENJIN on wo

gaitou ha oboete-ita

soremo mou yakeochita

boku no koto mo wasuretekure

mou todokanai

itoshi no Lili Marleen

Shizuka na daichi no soko kara

kimi no kuchibiru ga boku wo yobu

uzumaku kiri no naka

yofuke ni boku ha modoru

katsute no you ni

itoshi no Lili Marleen

Uzumaku kiri no naka

yofuke ni boku ha modoru

Lili, Lili Marleen

Lili, Lili Marleen

When the song was over, everyone applauded for her performance. That song reminded me during the times of the Osean War. Both Belka and Osea played it for the men to hear, and it catched on quickly to every country and continent. They played it always whenever the soldiers wanted a morale boost or during peacetime. And the Belkan War? I think that song would be great right about now.

During the performance, I catched Perrine casting glares at Yoshika for being close to the Major again. Geez, I don't know what's going on between the two of them. Pixy then nudged me. "I've never heard that song since peacetime."

"I know how you feel." I commented. Fleisher and Angela both voiced their agreements, as I retired to my room.

XXXXXXXXXX

It was around 2100 hours when Barkhorn told me to see Minna. It turns out that she still wore her dress as she presented her smile once more. "Is there something you need, Minna?"

"I just wanted to thank you, Cipher."

"For what? All I did was comfort you into remembering Kurt. Not to mention you've put in one huge performance." Minna grimaced at the moment

"Kurt may be gone from my life, but I have to look forward to yours."

"For my safety? After all I did promise you that I won't die."

"That's true." She hugged me one last time until she let go of me. "I have to see the Major in a bit. Have a good night, Cipher."

"You too, Minna." I went out of her room as I smiled as I retired for the night.

XXXXXXXXXX

Valais Air Base, Republic of Ustio

January 1st, 1996

It had been a day after the Battle of Avalon Dam, and the New Year changed everything. But not much has changed since the Belkan War began. Search and Rescue units are still trying to find Galm Team, with no success. Ustio and its citizens always prayed that the legendary 'Demon Lord' will return. Right now, the war is over after one pilot destroyed the 'World with No Boundaries' plans in its tracks. An A-10 Thunderbolt-II if you ask. An F-22 Raptor is also joining the group, who just joined during Avalon.

Her name is Lyla Czesława, she's a member of Ustio's Special Operations Division and a member of Ustio's 6th Air Division during the final days of the insurgency. Today, she's gearing up for her daily patrol around the airbase in case Belka tries anything funny. Her callsign is 'White Eagle', named after Ustio's highest award. Her Thunderbolt gathered itself onto the tarmac and awaiting takeoff. The one in the Raptor is Hiyori Kazane, callsign 'Black Hawk'. She's a Satsuma pilot who happened to be Lyla's high school friend. She has short shoulder length black hair which goes up until the end of her neck, and hazel brown eyes. During their tenure, they say that they're in a relationship, which happens to be true, only in the ones they trust.

"White Eagle, Black Hawk, you're clear for takeoff."

"Roger." They both said as the Thunderbolt and Raptor's engines kicked in as they lifted off. "I can't believe the war is over. Also, it's good to see you again."

"Same here. I miss you so much. We might as well enjoy the peace, Lyla." Hiyori said "I don't know if there will ever be another war. If there is, I hope it does not involve us."

"Agreed." The patrol lasted for a full hour before she heads back. "At least we won't be able to see Bristow anymore. The Osean traitor got what he deserved." When they entered the mountains, Lyla saw a strange human being, flying without an aircraft. "Valais, I'm seeing something in the skies. I'm heading over to investigate."

Lyla and Hiyori flew close where she got her image. She has brown hair, blue eyes and paled skin. Lyla soon got in contact with the new girl. "Attention unidentified personnel. You're in restricted Ustian airspace. State your intentions and follow me to the airbase or you'll be shot down." The girl looked at her.

"I've found you. I've finally found you." She said as her voice started to fill in her intercoms

"Who are you? Some sort of Belkan experiment?" Hiyori questioned her

"Nope. I'm something completely out of this world." She answered

"Is this connected to Galm Team's disappearance?" Lyla asked

"Yes. Can you trust me? I'll take you to them." Lyla thought about everything, before she reported back to Valais.

"White Eagle to Valais, I'm afraid we're coming back later than I thought."

"Why's that?" The Tower asked her

"I think… I think I know where Galm Team ended up to." There was silence all over the place, until the tower has a response.

"If the Ustian Military caught wind of your actions, you might be AWOL. But, I've got on the horn with the Ustian President. He wishes you two luck. Help find them."

"Roger. Wish us luck." Lyla nodded over to the new person as she opened a gate. "By the way, who are you?" Her hair color then changed to yellow as she smiled.

"Vera Neckiton. Member of the Blue Neuroi Elite Guard and member of the 1st Blue Neuroi Space Commandos." The three then flew into the gate portal, after Vera said her name.

XXXXXXXXXX

Hey guys. So, while writing the story, I've received an email from one of Colonel's friends, pen name 'Empty Promise'. You know, the guy who created Peter Von Luck to be with Ursula Hartmann. From what he told me, was that the Colonel's mother is currently in the hospital. I don't want to go into details in case if any of you readers are squeamish. I've already sent out my best wishes for him and his mother. You should all do the same too.

Anyway, we're getting close to the end. We're now onto the 'Humanoid Neuroi' arc which involves a different episode compared to the one in canon. Instead of the three Karlsland Witches pulling off their coup, I'm planning on involving the SAS into the mix, and having Pixy, ROT, Crow, Lyla and Hiyori as ground elements led by Amirah. Cipher will handle the aerial role against the Warlock while the ground focuses on… him. Hence the term 'Operation Skyfall'. And allow me to introduce Hiyori Kazane. If you want to know her appearance, check Himeko Inaba. Hard to believe, that her seiyu also voices Perrine, and I'm starting to like Himeko.

Also, how did I handle things between Cipher and Minna? Say it in the reviews. And I'll see you in the next chapter or Infinity. See you soon.