Welcome back to 'Demon Lord of the Strike Witches'. We're close to the end, just Operation Skyfall and that would be about it, but not before a surprise.

Minna: What kind of surprise?

You'll see. For now, reviews.

Thorthemighty321: Yep. Go Raptor.

Guest Reviewer: Thanks for the review.

Colonel AmiruddinArifSulaiman: Thanks. Operation Skyfall will begin next chapter.

Gamerman22: You'll see Skyfall in motion in this chapter.

Konnigvanmessen: I know Eila is pissed. I've already suffered her wrath and I hope no more pain. Thanks for the review.

Gropau25: Sadly, Bond won't appear in the chapter because it's more an SAS operation than one from MI6. And I think Eila is pointing her pistol at both yours and Konnig's heads. But I hope that the GSG-9 knows non-lethal combat. Thanks for the review.

Time to get started.

Minna: Enjoy.

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Chapter 8: Operation Skyfall PT. 1: She Wants You To Believe

Cipher's P.O.V.

After the Major has been shot down, Yoshika did her best to heal her. But she became tired as medical staff intervened in time as she's placed in the medical ward. I decided to take the time to get my head straight. First Perrine's duel with Yoshika, Lyla, Hiyori and Vera appearing and a Humanoid Neuroi. I gathered myself together as Pixy came into my room.

"Hey buddy. You okay?" He asked

"Not really." I sighed "After what happened today, I don't know what to do next." Pixy sat on my bed as he understood what I said.

"I've already seen your reaction, Cipher." He said "It's a heavy blow to everyone here. Even Yoshika has a hard time seeing what happened to her. What happened to her?"

"It all started when I found Perrine challenging Yoshika to a duel." I started "All I told her was to stand down but she refused. And they're loaded with real weapons. Then the Humanoid Neuroi appeared during the duel and it tried conversing with Yoshika, but she sees the Major and shot her down."

"Damn. What is Minna's reaction to all this?"

"She has a hard time believing it as well." He answered "When I entered the control tower, before Minna put a stand-by notice to Perrine and Yoshika, she doesn't want the Major to take to the skies after seeing her shield fail after Pas-de-Calais."

"And it was her own stubbornness to blame as well." I commented "If Minna doesn't want her to fly, that's fine, but with her magic failing, then it's her death sentence. Also, there is an Ustio squadron that has been sent to find us."

"You mean, Ustio hasn't forgotten us?" Pixy asked

"They haven't since we disappeared." I answered "Both government and military units have been working around the clock in order to find us since Operation Battle-Axe."

"Just… Who are they?"

"They're known as Invictus Squadron. They're a two-man flight flying a Raptor and a Thunderbolt. Their names are Lyla Czesława and Hiyori Kazane."

"I've heard of them. The 'Dancers of the Skies'." He said "And what about the third person with them?"

"Oh. Her name is Vera, a Blue Neuroi who's allied with humanity."

"Wait, there are Neuroi with different ideologies?" Pixy asked "And colors?"

"From what Vera said, the Blue Neuroi is willing to co-operate with humanity as a whole. They already established peace with them and wanted to learn with the humans. And they even went to our world when Vera's recruiting Lyla and Hiyori."

"Vera went to our world?"

"Yes. She did." I answered "I wonder. What will become of Yoshika when she sees Minna?"

"I have no clue, buddy." He answered "I'll go see Yoshika in the meantime." I nodded as he went to see her. Soon, Vera came in. "Something you need, Vera?"

"Just wanted to talk." She answered as she sat where Pixy was.

"Did any of the Witches see you?" I asked

"They were surprised at first. Mainly one such individual named Barkhorn. She even tried to kill me." She answered

"Don't mind my sis, Vera. She's a nice person, but she misunderstands that you're not like the Neuroi that we've fought against since coming here."

"Thanks for the heads-up." She said "Is the Commander available right now?"

"She isn't." I answered "She's been thinking about what happened today. Primarily the Humanoid Neuroi that appeared."

"Do you think she'll believe Miyafuji when she tells her that?" She asked

"I highly doubt it. She may wave it off as a hoax, including Barkhorn." She nodded as she went out of my room, leaving myself to think about what I'm going to say to Minna tomorrow.

Pixy's P.O.V

I arrived at the medical ward where Yoshika and Lynnette are at as well. She was especially shocked to hear of the Major's condition as she arrived to do her best to heal her.

"I hope she's okay." Lynnette said as Yoshika opened the door, revealing Perrine and the unconscious Major inside. Perrine got up to Yoshika and slapped her furiously.

"This is your fault." She reprimanded her "Say something! You've been sleeping without a care the entire time."

"Yoshika used up her magic-" Lynnette countered before being interrupted

"You be quiet!"

"How about you be quiet!" I snapped at her "It's your own damn jealousy that got Yoshika and the Major into this mess! What was going on in your mind when you decided to have a duel against her? And loaded weapons of all things?! What's wrong with you?!"

"It's just to-" She started before I interrupted her

"What? Prove a point to her that you love the Major more than her?" I calmed down a bit before answering her. "Look, the Major is close to Yoshika because she sees potential from her. That's why she's close. And you thought that it's some sort of romantic relationship? I think not." Perrine was shocked to hear what I just said.

"Pixy. I-I…" She was lost for words until Yoshika ran into the room and started to heal the Major. I sighed while continued to glare at Perrine.

"Find a way to apologize to Yoshika. And before you say anything… I'm sorry for snapping at you." I turned around and left the three, while Perrine was being close to breaking down, for what had happened, all to her jealousy and my snapping.

Sanya's P.O.V.

I was with Eila, Shirley, and Francesca as they talked about what happened earlier. Eila was busy with her tarot cards while Shirley was gathering a few things at the counter.

"Do you think the Major will be alright?" Francesca asked worriedly

"All we can do now is wait." Shirley answered "Now have some of this." She brought out a container of Spam and Francesca has a clear distaste in it.

"This again?" Francesca whined as Shirley told her to have some

"But do you think Yoshika will be alright? She disobeyed orders…" I asked as Eila brought up one of her tarot cards. "What is it?"

"I was checking Miyafuji's future." Eila answered as her card read 'Death'. We all agreed that it's not a good sign to Yoshika at all. "I also see Cipher's future. This card I've never seen before." She brought out a card that has two characters dueling each other while the card says, 'Demon Lord'.

"What does it mean?" I asked

"I have no idea. But all I can say is that this is Cipher's future."

XXXXXXXXXX

Cipher's P.O.V.

I couldn't sleep. I kept replaying that scene over and over again in my mind. I can only figure out what would it be like if it were me on that end. I guess everyone will be grief-stricken. My thoughts were interrupted by someone appearing outside of my room. It was Minna, and she looked worried. "What are you doing here, Minna?"

"I can't sleep, Cipher." She answered "Same thing with you?" I nodded as I sat up from my bed. "What happened?"

"After what happened, I'm not sure if I can sleep easy tonight." I answered

"Same." She said as she sat down with me "Trude and Erica talked to me about what to do with Miyafuji. The former recommended that she'll be court-martialed for disobeying orders while the latter wanted her executed by firing squad."

"What!?" I asked

"It's just a joke from Erica. I'm not going to execute one of my Witches." She smiled which then turned into a frown "But I'm still shaken of how Mio was shot down."

"I talked with Pixy, and I blamed on her stubbornness. And I'm not sure if you agree with what I said, but it's the truth." I said

"You're on the same boat as I am." She said "It turns out she's twenty years old. That's the age limit when a Witch's magic starts to cease functioning properly. Their magic doesn't deplete on most Witches, but it has a limit."

"I see. Have you met Lyla and Hiyori yet? They're a good pair of Ustian fighters."

"Yes. They are very nice to the Witches and I've offered them to join. They accepted it, and I've called Commodore Galland to set up a joint branch squadron. It won't be finalized until Gallia is liberated." Minna then turned red. "Another reason I'm here is… Is it okay if I can sleep with you? I don't want a sleepless night."

"S-Sure. I won't mind it at all." I laid back down as I scooted over to make Minna some room. "There's also someone I want you to meet. She's not here right now."

"Oh. Okay." She said as she laid down next to me. The good news is that the bed in big enough for us two. "You sure you're comfortable?"

"I don't mind. I just want to get the night out of the way." Soon we both slept but as I turned the other way, Minna did the same and hugged me.

"You feel warm." She said as her arm went around me

"Yeah. I guess so." With that, we finally slept in peace.

XXXXXXXXXX

The next day, Minna and I are in the command room, waiting on Yoshika to hear what Minna is going to say. Beforehand, I asked Vera to remain hidden until no one is around other than Minna and me. ROT Team was doing their daily business and the 'Dancers' are out doing training. Pixy, meanwhile, is helping out Sanya with breakfast. Finally, Yoshika came in, being flanked by both Barkhorn and Erica.

"Remember, try not to act too harsh on her." I whispered to her

"It's fine, Cipher. I've already came up with a few things for her to go through. That way, she'll avoid any harsh penalty inflicted by the higher-ups." She said as Yoshika stood in front of her. "Sergeant, Miyafuji Yoshika."

"Yes ma'am." She said quietly

"You've acted on your own authority, as well as ignored a superior's orders." Minna began "These are serious violations of military regulations. I ask as the sole law enforcement in this unit. Do you wish for a court-martial to be held?" Yoshika tried to answer, but she didn't. "As you have not responded, I hereby assume that you do not desire a court-martial. As punishment for your insubordination, you are ordered to stay in your quarters for ten days' time except for work, meals, and unavoidable-health related issues. Any objections?"

"Um… The Neuroi and I…" She began before being interrupted

"I will ask again. Any objections?" She asked again. This is starting to sound like the argument between Minna and I about that stupid rule.

"Please listen to me!" Minna had enough about what Yoshika said and asked the same question again. This time, Yoshika relented and accepted her punishment. After the three left, it was just Minna and I who remain.

"So, who do you want me to see?" She asked, remembering I asked to bring Vera in yesterday.

"Oh. You can come out now." I said as Vera uncloaked herself. Minna was shocked and surprised to find the member I talked about yesterday has been in the Command Room without her knowing it.

"Who…? How did you…?" Minna was lost for words.

"Relax, Minna. She's a Witch. And you might not like what I'm about to reveal." I said before having enough confidence to give her the answer. "She's also a Neuroi."

"What!?" She asked shockingly.

"It's alright." I said "She's not like the Neuroi you've faced before. She's very different and has already made contact with the majority of the roster." Minna inspected Vera from head to toe. She relaxed a bit because she found a major difference between them and her.

"Come to think of it, you're very different than any other Neuroi." She said "So, who are you and who are you affiliated with?"

"My name is Vera Neckiton. And like what Cipher said, I'm a Neuroi. Yet, I'm not like the ones you and humanity has faced since the invasion." Vera answered "I'm also with the Blue Neuroi. Unlike the Neuroi you've fought with for five years, we Blue Neuroi have been willing to understand and co-operate with humanity. Unfortunately, not all of humanity can fully understand us since we're currently at war with them."

"Just who understands you?" Minna asked

"Only a few military leaders." Vera answered "And, Minna. What Yoshika was saying was in fact true." Minna's eyes widened at this revelation "What Yoshika saw yesterday was an actual Humanoid Neuroi, but you decided to wave it off as if nothing happened."

"How come…? Cipher? Why didn't I receive notification about this?" She asked

"Because, I do not know if you'll believe Yoshika's story or not." I answered "If no, then I have to bring Vera in and prove to you that a Neuroi is not like any of those things."

"But the Neuroi killed Kurt, Cipher." She snapped "It's not like them to…" She calmed down a bit "I haven't seen any Neuroi like you before, Vera. I'm sorry if I didn't know whether to neither believe in Yoshika or you and Cipher." I patted Minna's shoulder as I gave her a comforting smile.

"It's alright Minna. I knew you wouldn't believe me or not, so I have to give you the truth. And it's right here." I answered "Like an Osean saying, 'Trust is earned'." She then hugged me as I returned it.

"I'll have to find a way to apologize to Miyafuji afterwards." She said as she turned back to Vera. "So, why are you here, Vera?"

"I'm here because I led the 'Dancers' to this world and find Galm Team. But that's not the entire reason why I'm here." Minna questioned this

"Why?"

"Something big is about to happen. And it involves the entire Fighter Wing as a whole." Minna and I are confused as Vera brought up a screen showing a few things, first Major Sakamoto, then Yoshika, then Britannian warplanes. What caught my attention is when a few scientists discovered an intact Neuroi core.

"That Neuroi survived?" Vera nodded as she continued to show more footage. The last picture saw a dark room containing some sort of mecha unit from the 'Gundam' series. It is also being powered by a Neuroi core, the one that survived. "What is that?"

"That, my friend, is called the Warlock." Vera answered lowly "Humanity has stooped this low and allowed an invention being powered by their enemy."

"Who in the right mind would make that?" I asked

"I have no idea. But my old friend, Aisyah, has been tailing this closely as much as you do. She'll tell you."

"I think I've already know." I said as Vera deactivated her screen "Amirah told us that Pixy and I are in the SAS and they have been watching closely as well. I have a feeling that Amirah wants the entire air fleet from Ustio and Belka to join up with them, so I might bring them along."

"I'll tell it to Aisyah." The Blue Neuroi said "For now, I'll be in London."

"What for?" Minna asked

"You'll see. Bye for now you two." Vera said as she teleported out of the command room. Minna was worried about what Vera showed her.

"What are your orders then?" I asked

"Just go about our daily chores, and keep cautious, because I do not know what that is. But, Cipher. Please, be safe. Same goes for them as well." I nodded as I left the room.

Pixy's P.O.V.

After training, I walked over to my room, but was stopped when I heard stuff being opened. I peered inside to find Perrine, looking for a few things. I entered without knocking and tapped her shoulder. She was surprised at first.

"Pixy, why are you here?" She asked curiously

"Just here to remind you of my apology to you for my actions earlier. I felt like that you didn't deserve." I answered sheepishly. Perrine touched my hand and squeezed it.

"It's okay, Pixy." She answered "I've already forgiven you earlier and took in everything what you have said. But, why did you tell me to lay off on Miyafuji?"

"That is because she's new to the war concept." I answered "You don't want to pressure her into something she's not familiar with. And she doesn't want to hurt a living thing. Which includes you."

"I see." Perrine said "I'll find a way to apologize to her someway."

"That's a good girl." I ruffled her hair as she blushed yet became cross.

"No, Pixy, don't do that." She complained "But it feels good."

"I know you're a good girl, but you have to ease tension between you and her. Do that for me, okay?"

"Sure, Pixy." She smiled as she went out of her room to be with the Major. Such an enigma, like Yoshika.

XXXXXXXXXX

Cipher's P.O.V.

Nighttime rolled in as I heard my ersatz sister locking Yoshika's room to not allow her to escape. She also came to my room and smiled. "Have a goodnight, Cipher."

"Night, sis." I said as she closed my door. It was about eleven at night when I saw Vera teleporting to my room. "What do you need, Vera?"

"I've already talked to Amirah and Aisyah about inducting the members of the Ustian and Belkan Air Forces into the mix, and they accepted it." Vera answered "However, Amirah wants you now."

"Are you sure?" Vera nodded as I got dressed into my pilot suit. "All I need is to wake up Pixy, ROT Team, Invictus and Aaron that we're heading for London. Can you do that?" Vera exited my room to wake the others while I head for Minna's room. She was sleeping and gathered myself next to her bed. "Hey Minna. Listen, uh…" I said. Luckily, she was sleeping.

"I'm heading for London. Amirah called me and Pixy in. I'm also bringing in the other pilots and Eagle Eye. I don't know about this, but it's related to that mecha unit that Vera showed us." I sighed "I do not know how long am I going to be away for, but I have something to get off my chest. I just want to say thank you for letting us in. I don't know how to react to that the first time I met you, but there's something more between you and me. And it's that I love you, Minna. Since the first day I met you, I couldn't get you out of my mind. Trust me, when either I find a way to get back home, or ending this war, I'll be glad that you come with me to Ustio, and see my world. I promise you that I will not die, and I will fulfill it. I'll be back, and I love you." I left her with a mix of emotions as I met the others.

"Amirah called in?" Pixy asked

"Yes. And ROT and Invictus Teams are going to join us as well. So is Vera." I answered "Aaron, is your E-3 armed with an ESM?"

"I barely use it during combat missions. But, I might as well for this operation." Aaron answered

"Alright, better leave now before someone caught wind of our plans." We head for the hangar and got into our respective craft and lifted off into the dark skies to London. "I'll be back, Minna. I promise."

XXXXXXXXXX

We arrived at a rainy and completely dark London, where we landed at Heathrow. The maintenance crews put our aircraft in the hangars and parked Aaron's E-3 underground. Amirah and Claus waited for us outside a rainy Heathrow.

"I heard from Vera that you need us, Amirah?" I asked

"Exactly." She answered "It's very important. Were you followed?" We shook our heads "Come." We climbed into one of the SAS' vehicles and drove to the Allied HQ.

"What is it for?" Pixy asked

"You remembered when you met Maloney, right?" Claus asked "I saw one of his followers attach a letter onto the car you were in when you're visiting Barkhorn's sister."

"It turns out that he doesn't want the Witches to look at the work he's trying to do." Amirah said "So, he came up with a way to disband them without the government or the military knowing it at all. And Yoshika seeing a Humanoid Neuroi can act as a smokescreen to unleash his new project."

"What kind of project?" Fleisher asked

"We'll explain more when we get there." Claus answered as we arrived. They led us over to the same SAS command building as a group of thirty men were waiting for us. We took our seats as both Amirah and Claus walked to the front.

"Please be seated." Amirah ordered as they all sat down. "Alright, if there aren't any problems, then I'll start this briefing of Operation Skyfall. It's fairly simple, depending on the forces that we're about to encounter."

*BGM: Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War-Briefing 2*

"We've intercepted communications between Maloney's group members, also known as the 1st Special Assault Echelon." Amirah began "One of the members involved said that the plan is set in motion to disband the 501st Joint Fighter Wing after Sergeant Miyafuji made contact with a Humanoid Neuroi. The Warlock is a mecha that is powered by a Neuroi core, the same one that Vera and Aisyah showed me." Claus then handed out photos of the Warlock to every soldier and us.

"What you're saying is that the Warlock is powered by your sworn enemy?" Detlef asked

"Unfortunately, yes." The entire room vented out this frustration until Pixy, Amirah and I calmed them down. "Don't worry. When we capture him, he won't have the power of the Neuroi to back him up anymore."

"To do this, we've divided the operation into three objectives." Claus said "Operation QUANTUM is the infiltration of the base. Only Amirah herself will take part in this disguised as a business salesman to enter the base and knock out the guards involved. Operation SPECTRE is the raid inside the building. Ten personnel will be split into groups of three. The first will secure the outside for the transport trucks to enter the hangar. Team two will secure the eastern half while Team three will secure the western half. They'll link up with each other and seize the control room, to make the Warlock go offline."

"Pixy, Crow, ROT, Vera and Lyla of Invictus Squad will help with SPECTRE. After all, they trained themselves with pistols." Amirah said

"Good thing I'm armed with a rifle." Pixy commented

"And then, there's Operation CARTE BLANCHE. This is the operation exclusive only to Cipher, Aaron and Hiyori." He said "Once the SPECTRE operation is completed, the Warlock will either go offline, or the Neuroi core powers down. That will leave Cipher and Hiyori to make an easy run onto the Warlock and destroy the core. In the likelihood that it will be under Neuroi control, make sure you hit the weak spot or the legs where the engines are located, and don't get destroyed by those Neuroi lasers."

"We only have one chance at this." Amirah said "There are no second opportunities like this. The operation will begin at 0800 Hours. Until then, get some rest, we'll depart at 0830. Cipher, Aaron and Hiyori, you three will take-off at 0900. That will be all." The entire roster left the room, before Claus said one line.

"Demon Lord, I pray for your success." He said as I gave him a slight nod and left the room.

XXXXXXXXXX

Already, Amirah, Pixy and the others left, which only left me and Hiyori at Heathrow. I hope nothing happens to the girls, especially Minna, who I seemed to confess my feelings with. Hiyori and I taxied onto the runway to await takeoff.

"I've heard from the intelligence network of MI6 that Maloney has ordered the 501st to eliminate Miyafuji." Hiyori said "She defiantly ignored orders and went in to find that Neuroi once again."

"I know Commander Minna." I said "She wouldn't do something that she was supposed to do. I would expect a harsher penalty on Yoshika, but I think that would be a ruse for Maloney to come knocking at their door." We watched as Eagle Eye took off first.

"I've heard stories about you, Cipher." She began "You're the one who people look up to."

"Just like the same thing what Pixy said." The control tower soon spoke

"Galm One, Invictus Two, you're clear for take-off." We thrusted down the runway and into the sky. "Altitude restrictions cancelled. Good luck up there."

XXXXXXXXXX

"Galm One, Invictus Two, make your way to the 501st base in Folkestone. It will take a while for you to get there." Aaron reported

"How long do we have?" Hiyori asked

"About two hours." He answered "I'll activate ESM for the two of you when we approach Folkestone, so the 1st Special Assault Echelon can't see you."

"Roger, Eagle Eye." I answered. It had been an hour until Aaron reported to us again.

"Cipher, Hiyori, I'm getting a transmission from the 501st base." Aaron turned to the transmission where the 501st have landed at their base. Also, Maloney and a couple of Britannian soldiers were present as well.

"Amirah, are you hearing this?" I asked

"I'm listening in also." She answered as we heard a distinct cocking of weapons. The moment we heard them, we realized that the 501st has managed to regain Miyafuji under the cover of being punished instead of being shot down. I know one thing, shit just got real.

XXXXXXXXXX

ETA to Folkestone, Britannia; 501st Joint Fighter Wing Base-One Hour

Operation Skyfall Status: Begun

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Now that the preliminaries are out of the way, the official Operation will begin next chapter. And before anyone asks, unfortunately, Bond won't be present because Ian Fleming is currently working on Operation Goldeneye. But pretend he's there in spirit, and the SAS coming in. Tell you what Operation Goldeneye in the SW universe is the monitoring of Neuroi activity located at the mouth of the Mediterranean. And for all the readers and reviewers coming in, you'll get to see Skyfall next chapter, so don't you worry about a thing. For now, thank you for reading this chapter and I'll see you in the next chapter. Bye!