The penultimate chapter of 'Demon Lord' has finally arrived. Time to find out which would win, a Neuroified Warlock, or the Demon Lord of the Round Table. Like last chapter, I'll skip reviews and get onto the point and let you read the duel. Enjoy.
XXXXXXXXXX
Chapter 10: Operation Skyfall PT. 3: Zero
Cipher's P.O.V.
Flying over the Britannian countryside, we've finally made it to Folkestone. As we entered its airspace, Aaron already set up ECM systems. "Galm One, Invictus Two, I've already set up ECM defenses. The base of the 501st won't be able to track you down."
"Formerly, the 501st base, Eagle Eye." Hiyori answered "They turned that base into a Warlock launching pad."
"There's the Warlock." I pointed "It looks different than last time." Aaron then sifted through the schematics of the Warlock and made a startling discovery.
"Galm One, bad news." He started "Officially, the Warlock eliminated the Neuroi within the hive, but it is now possessed by the Neuroi. We've got a Neuroified Warlock now."
"So much for gaining world initiative." Hiyori joked sarcastically "What now?" Aaron and I thought long, until he came up with an answer.
"We'll continue the operation." He answered "We haven't come this far for nothing." Before we entered the 501st base's airspace, my radio started to crackle
"Aaron, can you patch it up?" Aaron then picked up the radio signal from the base
"Cipher, are you there?" It was Minna. She had somehow found her way to break into the base.
"Minna." I answered "Listen… about what I said…" I thought back about what I said last night. It just rolled out and I'm not sure if she would agree or not. If she doesn't love me, then I can accept it.
"Later, Cipher." She answered as I accepted the fact that she holds no feelings for me. "What are you doing?"
"I'm here with Hiyori and Aaron." I answered her "We're going to destroy the Warlock. And I'll come back."
"Good luck, Cipher." She answered "And… I love you." I blinked twice about hearing her saying that. She actually loves me. We then found the Warlock as it's currently being attacked by a Witch.
"Someone is actually fighting the Warlock." I said as we closed the distance "Is that… That's Yoshika."
"We're confirming that Sergeant Miyafuji is engaging with the Warlock." Aaron said "It turns out that the Unit is actually Major Sakamoto's."
"How did she bring them to the Akagi?" Hiyori asked
"I don't know." I answered "But she needs some support." As the Warlock made its attack on Yoshika, a hail of gunfire by Hiyori made the Warlock turn tail and run. Yoshika looked surprised as she turned to find three distinctive looking jets. "Yoshika, can you hear us?"
"C-Cipher-san!" She said as we zoomed past her
"We'll take over from here." Hiyori said "For now, cover the Akagi." Yoshika nodded as she went to cover the sinking ship. "Cipher, give me your orders."
"Hiyori, I want you to be bait for the Warlock." I answered "Sure the Warlock is like our jets, but ours is not powered by a Neuroi, and we're highly experienced compared to that thing."
"Roger." Hiyori went in ahead of me and made a beeline for the Warlock. Her weapons came out of the Raptor and fired a pair of arcane missiles. "Fox Two, Fox Two!" The missile trail has a majestic blue flame coming out of the engine as it hit the Warlock. It surprisingly brushed itself off because it fired its machine guns, but one missile made a hit on one of the joints. "Target hit, but it's still flying." The Warlock responded by firing its own set of lasers, then transformed and went after Hiyori.
"I'm tailing behind it now." I said as my Eagle catched up behind it. "Eagle Eye, does the Warlock see me with the ECM activated?"
"The ECM is activated, but somehow, it can still see you." He answered
"I think that Neuroi Yoshika has seen a day ago may have its own consciousness." I analyzed as the Warlock transformed again and fired lasers on Hiyori. "Not today you scum." I fired my Vulcan cannon onto its back as it reacted violently by firing its own machine guns. "Whoa!" I jerked my Eagle up as the Warlock soon followed me. "Not good. Hiyori, I could use some back-up!"
"Copy. I'm on its tail." Hiyori got behind it and fired one of her special weapons. "Hit."
"The Warlock's armor is a tough one. Eagle Eye, where's the core?" I asked as I performed a cobra maneuver
"The core is located within the Warlock. I don't think you'll be able to pierce through the frontal armor. The only chance you'll be able to have to hit the front is if you fire your missiles." Aaron analyzed
"Easy for you to say, AWACS." Hiyori said "Every time I fire, that damn thing continues to stop my missiles from hitting it."
"Yeah, that thing is heavily armed." I knew what Hiyori had said "Maloney really decked the Warlock out with machine guns and Neuroi lasers. Before the mission, Amirah told me that the Warlock also has a honeycomb shield. I guess it's not using it."
"Cipher, I have an idea." Hiyori said as we dodged cannon fire while distributing ours "Why don't we try synchronizing our missiles. That way, we can overwhelm it with cannon and missile fire." I thought about it. Our arcane missiles are just deadly than our regular missiles, and firing one by one can really be a pain. I think it just might work.
"Roger that, Hiyori. I'm going with your plan." I answered as I contacted Eagle Eye. "Eagle Eye. Did you hear all that?"
"I did." He answered "Commence saturation attack." Our aircraft got in front of the Warlock as we aimed our missiles at the Warlock.
"Cipher, Fox Two!"
"Kazane, Fox Two!" We fired our missiles as the Warlock transformed into a jet and tried to fly away. But, unlike the Warlock, our missiles can hone in onto the target, making the Warlock trying to evade the incoming projectiles. "Try to get away from that you scum!" Soon, the missiles connected and the Warlock was forced to transform once again.
"It's back in its normal form." I analyzed "I'm going in!" I surged forward and fired a combined barrage of Vulcan cannon and missile fire at the Warlock. The Warlock then did a full laser barrage, but the lasers are inaccurate and it only hit a handful of cannon bullets. Finally, the missiles hit a combination of the engine legs and the core, located within the exterior and its demonizing red visor. It then exploded into white shards as it landed gracefully into the ocean.
"Bandit shot down." Eagle Eye reported "Mission complete. Stand-by for further orders." Hiyori and I flew around the base as we see the Neuroi Hive dissipating and the Akagi sinking beneath the waves. During the battle, Shirley and Francesca came back to the stricken carrier and brought the Major and Perrine in tow. Yoshika escorted them back to the base. "I've received a message from Allied HQ, I'm patching it in."
"This is Commodore Galland. Cipher, Invictus Two, we have seen the Neuroi Hive around Gallia as it disappeared." She began "I've also heard from anonymous sources that Maloney is behind the hidden disbandment of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing?"
"Uh… Y-Yes ma'am." I answered
"Well, since because he's been 'accidently' shot, Churchill and Atlee already has re-established Air Chief Marshal Dowding to Fighter Command. As for the members of the 1st Special Assault Echelon, they'll be court-martialed and await trial."
"That's good." Hiyori said "Now that Gallia is liberated, I'm sure that we can settle down and relax. Besides, I still have my Lyla to go to. Wait… I'm getting something on radar."
"Copy, Invictus Two." Aaron said "Wait, there's eight of them. Seven are flying Berkut's and the other is…" He was then interrupted when a laser shot past him and aimed straight for the fighters. "Break, break!"
"It's heading for the base!" Hiyori said as the laser aimed at the command tower and hitting it directly
"Minna!" I shouted as I then turned my head back to where the laser shot came from. I checked my IFF, and made a startling discovery. "They're Belkan."
"There are numerous possibilities." Hiyori said "The Luftwaffe is under reorganization and ROT Team is here. Maybe it's those two you've fought over Area B7R before you and Pixy got warped here."
"I've found out the targets." Eagle Eye analyzed "There are seven Su-47 Berkut's. And there's a plane of unknown origin." I looked out to the sky and found the eight-plane formation. They made a beeline right for us.
Belkan Air Force; 18th Air Division, 5th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Gault Team
"Gault One to all units, begin the operation." The lead pilot said "Let the victor, be justice." Hiyori and I are surprised at hearing that voice. Then, another voice spoke.
"Cipher, Invictus." Fleisher spoke through the radio "You're about to face down one of the Belkan Air Force's most elite squadron."
"Fleisher, who are they? And what happened to the others?" I asked
"Amirah and the others are alright. The Witches also. But… I don't know about Commander Wilcke." Fleisher answered
"Minna!" I shouted at her name again as I stared at the incoming enemy "Hiyori, take four and I'll take four and that plane."
"Roger." Hiyori said as she readied her missiles.
"Cipher, the pilot inside the advanced craft is Anton Kupchenko." Fleisher said "He was the head of Belka's experimental weapons project before being sent out onto the frontlines. Unfortunately, neither the government nor military didn't know that he went missing in action since the start of the war. Shoot him down so he doesn't see the light of day."
"Buddy, you have to shoot that guy down." Pixy said
"Roger." I answered
*BGM-Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War-Zero*
We entered from what Fleisher calls it the 'Golden Nest'. It is meant to lure enemy fighters into the missiles of Gault Squadron. Gault then unleashed a torrent of QAAM's as we evaded them. To make things a little worse, Anton then fired his laser.
"Demon Lord of the Round Table. I was hoping to meet you under different circumstances." Anton fired another laser as I took down an Su-47. "Listen to my orders, and you'll survive."
"I'm not sure if that tactic will ever work, Cipher." Hiyori said as we all heard what Anton is saying
"He may have copied that from the Sotoan Civil War." I commented "Hiyori, your two." Hiyori fired a missile as it connected. "Six more Berkuts."
"Eagle Eye, what's the name of the unidentified aircraft?" Hiyori asked
"I don't know." He answered "If you can destroy the aircraft's weaponry, then I'll be able to identify what kind of aircraft it is."
"Roger." I said as two Gault members fired at me. "Damn, they're even tougher than Bernitz and Heimeroth." Hiyori got behind them and took down two in just a second.
"Four left." Anton then fired another laser towards us as I got behind him.
"Demon Lord. What is it you hope to accomplish on the battlefield?" Anton asked as Hiyori went after the three remaining jets. I got behind Anton's plane as I fired a set of missiles at him.
"What I hope for is to see this world free from the Neuroi, and protecting my new friends." I answered as I fired my Vulcan cannon.
"You're good, Demon Lord. Too bad you would've fought for Belka." He said as he went behind me and fired a laser. I avoid it in time as I got behind him again. A few bursts from my Vulcan cannon and the laser weapon is knocked off his plane.
"Yeah? Well, I've chosen my side. And it's Ustio and the 501st." I then watched Hiyori shooting down two of the Berkuts while she now has the last Gault wingman on her tail.
"Phase One analysis complete." Aaron said "Second weapon load has been confirmed." Anton then fired one of the second weapon systems as it didn't come right for me. Instead, it just detonated mid-air.
"Whoa! Burst missiles?!" I asked as I jerked my aircraft away from the explosions. "Since when did Belka made those?!"
"Since the beginning of the war, Galm One." Eagle Eye answered "If you one fired, take evasive action and get behind Gault One again." After the blast dissipated, I got back behind Kupchenko and fired my Vulcan cannon once again
"Gault Seven, I need cover." Anton ordered
"I have problems of my own, Gault One." Gault Seven answered "This female Ustio pilot is like a mongoose stalking its prey."
"It is because you were hiding while I gained experience, Gault Seven." Hiyori commented as she fired a missile at Gault Seven. He easily evaded it as Hiyori continued to chase him down. Anton then fired another burst missile as it exploded mid-air and I have to avoid it again.
"Damn, you're hard to shoot down." I complimented him "But, it won't do you any good." Anton just kept silent as he tried to outturn me. "My Eagle can't outturn you, but I'm more experienced than you can ever imagine." I then fired my Vulcan cannon as it knocked out two of the burst missiles. "Almost there."
"Gault One, I'm coming right for you." Gault Seven said as I saw him and Hiyori heading right towards us
"Gault Seven, break right when I tell you." Anton ordered. He's doing this in order for me and Hiyori to intentionally ram each other.
"Hiyori, you heard that?" I asked as Hiyori confirmed my suspicions "On three. Three!" Anton and Gault Seven broke right, hoping that we would collide each other, but we have other ideas. Hiyori and I did our own version of 'Phantom Bullet', and then screamed towards our targets. "Got you." I fired my Vulcan cannon and destroying the last of the burst missiles while Hiyori shot down Gault Seven.
"It's time." Anton said darkly. I questioned this until Galland came in.
"Cipher, multiple V2 rockets are heading towards Paris and London." Galland said "The Karlsland military didn't know who hacked into their V2 mainframe, and so did the other nations."
"Demon Lord, you have failed to protect everyone." Anton said "When the V2's hit the city, humanity will no longer have to fear the Neuroi, but with what they have built."
"This is AWACS, listen up Galm One." Aaron said "We've identified the status of the enemy craft. Codenamed, Morgan. This aircraft is armed with an advanced ECM defense system. It's only weak point is in the front air intake. You'll have to attack it from head on." Without arguing against it, I agreed "Go, take down Morgan. You're the only one that can stop it. Demon Lord of the Strike Witches, I pray for your success."
"We're behind you, Cipher." Hiyori said
"Do it, buddy. Knock him out of the sky." Pixy encouraged me. Soon, a raucous approval came in from the Witches, the airmen, and Minna.
"Cipher… Please… Come back to me…" Minna said weakly
"I will, everybody." I said silently as I thrusted towards Kupchenko. I fired a missile at him as it hit the intake. "That's it." It soon became a jousting session as Kupchenko and I tried to hit each other. "Come on, come one." I fired another set as it hit the intake again.
"Galm One, significant damage has recorded on the Morgan." Eagle Eye reported "Keep going."
"Impossible. I'm being bested by the Demon Lord." Anton is now having second thoughts on dogfighting me. When I went for him the final time, I unleashed a hail of missiles as it hit Kupchenko completely. "COME ON!" A trail of smoke belched from Kupchenko's plane as he intend to ram me. Instead, I jerked right as I was able to avoid him. His plane then exploded as he ejected.
"Cipher, good news." Galland spoke again "The V2's have been destroyed mid-flight. Every government is breathing a sigh of relief now."
"Roger that, Commodore. Thanks." I breathed heavily, thinking that the nightmare of the Warlock, the Gallian Hive, and Gault Squadron is all behind me.
"Mission accomplished, Cipher." Aaron said "Come on, you two, let's go back home. We wouldn't want to keep anyone waiting for you." We then arrived back at base, well, what was left of it because of the laser attacks. Everyone gathered at the hangar entrance as everyone ran up to our two planes and started congratulating me or hugging me, mainly Barkhorn and Yoshika. Perrine was especially gratified to see Gallia liberated due to our efforts, and even made amends to Yoshika by befriending her. Still, it was a celebration for our success.
"Way to go, buddy." Pixy congratulated me
"That, will be one for the history books." Lyla commented
"I never knew that a mercenary like yourself can destroy one of Belka's best. Well done, Cipher." Fleisher said as Angela agreed with him. PJ and Crow Team congratulated me as well.
"Hey, brother." Trude said "What was that title Eagle Eye called you?"
"Demon Lord of the Strike Witches?" I asked. All of the Witches nodded in agreement. "I guess that will be my new title now." Amirah walked in and gave me something. "What is this?"
"It's one of Britannia's highest awards. The Victoria Cross." Amirah said as other soldiers gave the pilots other medals. Pixy earned the Distinguished Service Order, Hiyori received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and the other's received the Distinguished Flying Cross. "Before you ask, King George VI gave the medals to me to commend you pilots. You have done what no one can achieve, and that is to bring down an entire hive and destroyed a soon-to-be corrupted machine. And, Field Marshal von Stauffenberg along with Kaiser Wilhelm IV sends their regards." One thing soon clicked my mind.
"Where's Minna?"
"She's waiting for you." Trude answered
"At the front of the base." Amirah continued as she pointed where she is. I nodded as I jogged down to find her. I then found her in front of the base, where she is looking at the security entrance. "Hey, Minna." No response. "I came back, just like I promised." Minna then turned around as she started to well up tears.
"C-Cipher… I…" I then hugged her. This is starting to remind me of Pas-de-Calais. "I thought… you aren't…"
"Hey, I'm here now. I'm no ghost. I'm just a Demon Lord, a mercenary, and a pilot." I answered as I look at her beautiful red eyes. "Minna… I…"
"I've already know, Cipher." She smiled "When you first said you loved me, I was awake at the time. I wasn't sure on how to react to it. Ever since Kurt died, I wasn't sure if I wanted to be close to someone again. Seeing how you arrived in this world, Cipher, everything changed."
"What do you mean?"
"How you maintained the group. How you managed to befriend everyone on the base. The list goes on, Cipher. But… How long did you have your feelings for me for?" Minna asked
"Since I met you." I answered "I mean… You are one of the girls in this world that I have met. But I wonder, will you come with me to Ustio?" Minna smiled as she leaned closer
"I would love to." She answered "Just let me fly with you as your wingman, Cipher."
"Actually, Minna. I have a name too. Not just Cipher." Minna became curious at this revelation "Daniel. My name is Daniel Cross. Callsign 'Cipher'. And I'm glad to have met you. Can we…?" Minna leaned forward and kissed me. I was wide-eyed in surprise as I let everything come into view. When we let go, both of us looked at each other's eyes, mixed with happiness, love, and a special bond.
"Is that the answer you're looking for?" She asked cheekily. I was speechless. "You look cute when you're confused… Daniel."
"I… I don't know what to say." I chuckled "This is the first time I had someone in a relationship with." Minna chuckled cutely
"I guess so. But, I may have stolen your first kiss, Daniel." She said
"I wonder… How are we going to say it to the others?" Minna smiled as she took my hand and kissed me again.
"We'll let them find out." I smiled as we head for the interior of the base, while von Stauffenberg arrived with MP's to arrest what remains of the 1st Special Assault Echelon. Here, it's mission complete. Within me… I'll leave it for you to find out.
XXXXXXXXXX
Now, I know what you're thinking. Yes, I wanted to use the combined Warlock-Akagi, but a certain reviewer of mine wanted to add a little addition to the final battle for Britannia. But, hey, at least I have fulfilled a promise. I mean, you can't have Ace Combat with the addition of 'Super Fighters'. Without it… Yeah, good thing the reviewer and I put in the Morgan.
Now, finally, the 1st Special Assault Echelon has been dismantled and Cipher even manages to get his girl. For the name, Daniel Cross, no, it's not the one from Assassin's Creed. At least he made friends with all of the Witches, and made a relationship with the one that he cared the most. I'm pretty sure you lot already figured it out from a mile away. Or that's just me. Anyway, Cipher x Minna… confirmed.
See you in the next chapter. Oh… and I'm going to do a filler season. I won't spoil it yet, but anticipate it. Hope you enjoy the chapter and tell me about Cipher x Minna.
