Welcome back to 'Demon Lord.' Where we last left off, the Neuroified Warlock has been destroyed, Gault Squadron has made its appearance and you got the aerial jousting. Now, something that needs to be addressed first. Where did Gault come from? Well, I'll explain everything this chapter, because you're in for something… twisted. Thorthemighty321 should be happy because I got Gault into this mess, and just for him, the Gault Squadron was for you. Now, reviews.

Solo Wing 11: Yeah, don't worry. All answers will be revealed next chapter.

Gamerman22: Everything will be revealed next chapter. And she'll appear.

Colonel AmiruddinArifSulaiman: Once again, I never failed to amaze you.

Guest Reviewer: The Britannian Arc is nearing its end, yes. But, not this story. Thanks for the review.

Gropau25: Yes, I have read your beta-fic. You're off to a good start.

Wharl: I'm pretty sure I'll follow the same plot points. But, after this, it will be a filler season.

So, enjoy the chapter and see you at the end.

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Chapter 11: The Demon Lord Sleeps

Cipher's (Daniel Cross') P.O.V.

Everyone waited for Minna and I to return to the runway. I still had my hand in hers, confirming our relationship, but we decided to keep it to ourselves and only a select few are to know about it. We decided that Pixy, Barkhorn, Amirah, Claus, Hiyori, Lyla, and Yoshika are to know about this. The rest, they can figure out at a later time. Meanwhile, the MP's arrived and arrested the members of the 1st Special Assault Echelon, while Maloney had been taken in, unconsciously and shot.

From what Minna said, Tedder gave in the full details from the discovery of the Humanoid Neuroi to the disbandment of the wing. Von Stauffenberg gave Tedder full pardons and immunity for the Warlock's trial and Amirah gave made him an honorary Spec-Ops position for his inside work. One thing's for sure, Gallia has been liberated and Britannia is saved from Neuroi invasion. Meanwhile, the Britannian Coast Guard went in and retrieved the wreckage of the Su-47 that Hiyori and I fought against. Since no one wanted the jet to fall into the wrong hands, primarily those who hold contempt on the girls.

Minna, Amirah, Yoshika, Pixy, Aaron, Claus and I walked to the charred wreckage of the jet, which had been sunken and raised. "What is this jet?" Yoshika asked

"That little buddy, is a Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut." Pixy answered "What makes the plane unique is its swept-wing design. Not to mention it's Yuktobania's first stealth fighter. It can outfly, outmaneuver our Eagle without any competition from it."

"But what about Gault One's aircraft?" I asked

"The Morgan?" Aaron answered questioningly "Good news and bad news. The bad news is that the plane had been shattered upon impact, so it wouldn't be made again. Would have been good for the researchers to test on."

"And what's the good news?" Amirah asked

"We've managed to recover the data analogues from both the craft's pilot." He answered "This may also explain on how Gault Squadron arrived in this world."

"Speaking of which, what happened to Anton?" I asked. No one even know the answer. From what the analogues say, Gault Squadron arrived in this world via a hidden Belkan operation from the Pendragon Project. To test it, Belka's R&D department introduced Gault to the ADFX- 01 Morgan, the same craft the Anton flew in. The Morgan is equipped with a special device called 'Hydra', a device that can create portals to any end of the globe. Unfortunately, Hydra went haywire and teleported them here.

"That explains how Gault arrived in Britannia after the Warlock accident." Minna said "But how did he get a hold on the Karlsland V2 weapons?" Aaron and Claus sifted through the data and found another device linked with the Morgan.

"Here. Hacking device." Claus answered "Even with our world's advanced technology, it's easily hackable from his end. That's why the V2's were fired." "I can only guess that solves this mystery as to how Gault Squadron invaded this world. But, there was one thing that we now turned our attention too. We heard shots coming from the beach section.

"Are those shots?" Yoshika asked

"Wallcroft, have the base locked down. We may be experiencing a skirmish." Amirah radioed. We went over to the beach area and found Anton fighting another Humanoid Neuroi. He fired his pistol multiple times, but the Humanoid Neuroi easily evaded every shot fired by moving every single time.

"A-Another one?!" Yoshika asked. This time, the Humanoid is like the one from Yoshika saw, now fighting one of Belka's most highly accomplished pilots. "V-Vera-san! There's another one!" Vera ran up and found the Humanoid, but she made a low growl to find that the Neuroi is her sworn enemy, not the Blue Neuroi. Soon, Anton ran out of rounds as the Humanoid ran up to him and grabbed him by the throat.

"W-What are you doing!?" He asked as the Humanoid's hand clenched him tightly

"I deserve justice." The Humanoid answered "For what you have done to my people and for allowing to weaponize a monstrosity of a tool."

"The Warlock was his idea, not mine." He answered

"And you thought he could control us?" It asked "You disgust me. And I will ensure that every single one of you will not use us as guinea pigs. I'll see you in hell, Herr Doctor." With its free hand, it unsheathed a wrist blade and aimed it at Anton's heart. And with one swift ocean, the blade had sunk deep within his chest, right where the heart is. Pixy immediately covered Yoshika's eyes, not letting her see the blood spilled. "That is for my hive." Just as the Humanoid sheathed her wrist blade, she then sensed Vera.

"It sees us." Pixy said as Vera got in front of us. She then walked forward to the Humanoid and just completely looked at her. The Humanoid's face revealed that of a young girl with crimson eyes.

"I have no grudge against you right now, Vera." The Humanoid said "Neither one of us wants to combat each other at the moment since the Gallian Hive has been destroyed thanks to those two morons."

"I know." Vera answered "But why are you here? Your hive has been destroyed. And you look human, but with Neuroi armor." The piercing glare from the Humanoid got us a little scared. In case anything happens, Amirah ordered her troops to ready themselves, while Pixy and I retrieved our weapons. Just then, its facial expression turned into a sad one.

"I'm here because… I have no other place to go to." It answered "After the hive is destroyed, I'm not sure where to go next. Either it is back to the Alpha Hive, or head back to my home. After what they did to my allies, I don't know who to trust anymore."

"But you still have us." Vera answered as she turned to Amirah "Amirah? Is it okay if the Humanoid can join us?" Amirah thought about it long and hard.

"We will." Amirah answered "But, we have to keep it under wraps, not letting it being under the hands of Generals and scientists. I would like to know what its name is." Vera turned to the Humanoid again as it tilted its head.

"Your name. What is your name?" Vera asked

"Since I'm the last one to survive the destruction of the hive, I'm now named 'Survivor'." The Humanoid, now named 'Survivor', answered "It is an honor to join the team now. But please, don't see me as an enemy, but as a friend." We firmly accepted Survivor's position into our group, as the ones that witnessed it, are kept under lock and key. We even introduced ourselves to Survivor as it remembered the names of the group. Sure some people are either cautious are glad that Survivor has joined, that doesn't mean that we're hostile.

After the operation, everyone gathered in the common room where everyone wanted to figure out a few things. Who's going with who?

"So… since the battle for Britannia ended, I'm pretty sure that we may be going separate ways." Detlef said

"That's true, Lieutenant-Colonel Fleisher." Barkhorn answered "Since we've accomplished our goal, the members of the wing are free to disband of their own accord."

"Question is," Eila said, "who is going where, and what of the jet pilots?" Everyone felt dead silent. Some people shifted their legs, while others have that awkward silence. It was then that my ersatz sister broke the ice.

"Well… Hartmann, Minna and I are heading over to Belgica." She answered "The frontline has been shifted over to Karlsland now."

"If you want, we can come with you." Angela suggested "After all, the Belkan War is over for the two of us."

"Do you want to come with us, Fleisher?" Fleisher gave her a nod, showing that he'll go to Belgica. "That settles it, Cipher. Or should I call you Daniel now?"

"Either one of the two is fine, sis." I answered "Now that we're at it… Should I still call you Captain?" Barkhorn smirked a bit.

"It's your choice, Cipher." She answered. Soon, PJ spoke.

"I don't mind if the entire Crow Team can stay with you, Amirah." He said sheepishly. The SAS Commander chuckled a little before turning to the Osean mercenary.

"You are already welcome to stay with us, PJ." Amirah answered "Besides, it's fun having some pilots being trained by the one and only." PJ sweatdropped at that phrase. The Major laughed when Amirah mentioned her training.

"Trust me, PJ." She began "My training programs are on par with hers. But taking the SAS training course is a complete nightmare." Hiyori then spoke of her assignment.

"I was talking with Shirley and Francesca, and they said that they are to be deployed to Africa to assist the Allied Forces stationed there." She said

"And what did Lyla say?" Pixy asked

"She said that she's okay with us going to the desert." She answered before turning to me "Daniel, if we, or you for that matter, found a way to return to Ustio, make sure that we're okay in this world, and that Lyla and I already found you."

"On that, we can do, Hiyori." I answered "Now, what about us, Pixy?" Pixy was deep in thought, trying on who to go with.

"To be honest buddy, I want to know the condition of our world." He answered "But, I'm really getting accustomed to this world. Sure my ideal is out of the window, there may be more like me, but through violent means."

"Tell that to Bristow." Fleisher said "I just hope that Osea has put him somewhere nice and isolated."

"But where will you go, Pixy-san?" Yoshika asked. Pixy thought long and hard about where he wants to be. Either head home, if there is a way, or be with Yoshika. Lynnette soon spoke.

"Pixy, if you want, you and Aaron can come with Perrine and I to Gallia." She suggested. He seemed happy at first, until he looked at his little buddy.

"But… what about you, Yoshika?" He asked

"Sakamoto-san and I are heading back to Yokosuka." Yoshika replied "Unfortunately, I can't come with you four. I'm sorry."

"That's okay, little buddy. I'm sure we'll meet again somewhere, someday." Yoshika smiled as she hugged Pixy. Minna then spoke up.

"Is that where everyone wants to go?" She asked. Everyone agreed to where the pilots and the Witches are to be placed. They then turned their focus on me.

"Who are you going with, Cipher?" Sanya asked softly. To be honest, I wanted to go with Minna to Belgica, along with Barkhorn, Erica, Fleisher and Angela. Well, she is my girlfriend after all. I was about to answer when Minna interrupted.

"Actually, Lieutenant Barkhorn." She began "I'm not coming to Belgica. Instead, I'm going with Cipher… To the Republic of Ustio." The roster went wide-eyed over this revelation.

"If you're going to Ustio with Cipher, doesn't that mean…" Erica said before she gave off a cheeky smile. "I see where you're going with this, Commander." Some people didn't figure out what Erica meant, but after seeing Minna's reddened face and me averting my gaze from her, they figured out that I'm in a relationship with the Commander. They promised to keep it a secret, which is good.

"Question is how to get back…?" I said

"Hey, Vera?" Lyla asked the Blue Neuroi girl "You transported Hiyori and I to this world via one of your portals, right?" Vera nodded as she remembered that she brought the Dancers over. "Maybe you can create one and teleport the two back over to Ustio."

"I see where you're going with this, Lyla." The Commando said as she turned to me. "Cross, Wilcke. If you can follow me outside."

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The entire roster gathered on the runway to see me and the Commander leave for Ustio. Barkhorn gathered Minna's belongings and Erica along with the Major brought her Striker Unit. My ground crews brought out my Eagle while Minna said her goodbyes to the Witches.

"Barkhorn, you're in charge of the wing while I'm gone. The Lieutenant-Colonel will be your second-in-command. And make sure to keep an eye on Hartmann as well."

"Yes ma'am." Barkhorn answered "Be careful on your trip." Major Sakamoto then walked up.

"I guess this is where we part, Commander." The Major said

"I guess so, Major." She said "I wish you the best of luck in Fuso. Miyafuji as well." The Major nodded as Yoshika gave a quick salute to me and Minna. The entire roster said their goodbyes as Pixy soon walked up.

"Can't believe Galm is going back home." He said "Well, mainly you and not me. Make sure to tell the Ustian people that Galm Team is still alive and not dead or missing."

"I sure hope so." I answered "Sure would have wished you can come back to Ustio. But it's your choice." He smiled and grabbed my shoulder.

"You keep the Commander safe, alright? And if we do meet up somewhere, back to business as usual." I nodded as Aaron did the same with what Pixy said

"Roger that, buddy." I then turned over to Vera as I put on my flight helmet. "Vera, you all set?"

"Just waiting on you now." She answered. I walked into my jet as Minna got into her Striker Unit. I looked one last time at the roster. They waved goodbye as Minna and I took off into the sky as Vera radioed me. "Alright you two. I'm opening up a portal for you right now. Be warned, however, that the time and placements are far apart from each other."

"Roger, Vera." Minna said "You can open the portal now." Vera opened up a blue portal and we went through it. I have no regrets of leaving my teammates behind, but hey, it's my choice.

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After leaving the portal, we flew over the Valais Air Base where they finally spot us on radar. "Unidentified aircraft, you are in restricted Ustian airspace. State your… Wait, you're in an Ustian craft, right?"

"Affirmative, tower." I answered "This is Captain Daniel Cross, callsign Cipher, of the 6th Air Division, 66th Air Force Unit. Otherwise known as Galm Team."

"Galm Team…? My God, the team's alive!" The tower cried "Get on the horn with the President! Tell him that Galm Team's alive!" The entire airbase was ecstatic of Galm Team's return. Just me, however, since Pixy stayed behind in Gallia. After landing, the ground crews, pilots, and the Base Commander gathered to meet me.

"Captain Cross." The Base Commander said "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes."

"It's good to see you again, sir." I saluted as I went to an at-ease position "So, what has happened since I was gone?"

"One thing is that the Belkan War officially ended after we destroyed 'A World with No Boundaries'." He began "Belka ceded its southern section to either Osea, Sapin or Ustio. The good news, is that Ustio gained control of Area B7R, so we have the vast well of natural resources buried underneath."

"And what did Osea get?"

"Much of the territory Belka captured when they invaded the former." He answered "Where's Pixy and Eagle Eye? And who's the new pilot?"

"Pixy and Eagle Eye remained behind in the world where the three of us were transported to." I answered "And that world is where she is from." I looked over to Minna as she soon spoke.

"Hello." She introduced herself "My name is Minna Dietlinde-Wilcke, a member of the Karlsland Luftwaffe and Wing Commander of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, known as the 'Strike Witches'."

"Witches?" He asked. I gave him the rundown of everything that happened. From the first day we've arrived in their world, to Operation Skyfall. I even gave them the specific of how a Witch works, and no one must tell a single soul about it, until they carry it to their graves. When I finished, they were surprised about a magical girl fighting against an alien threat. It sounds suicidal, but at least they were happy that the world Minna came from is a united front.

"Wow. That is quite a story there, Daniel." One of the ground crews commented

"I regretted that I left their world to come back here to ensure that Galm, Crow and the Dancers are not either missing or killed." I said

"We've already phoned the Ustian president that you have returned." An Ustio mercenary pilot said "He'll have the military brass remove you from the MIA/KIA slot to active duty."

"Thanks." I looked at the Valais mountain range once again "It's great to be back here."

"Oh, and just a reminder, Ustio has stepped up its forces since the end." A ground crew member said. I tilted my head in question "Since the end of the war, Osea and Yuktobania have been watching each other. That's why Ustio has been the place of all of the negotiations."

"I see." I answered "Also, did you contact my family? They may have been worried sick as to where I was the entire time."

"We did. The president will contact them." I sighed in relief, seeing that my family is alright. I visited them back in Directus, the capital of Ustio. I asked how the family is doing, what happened back in Nordennavic, and I even introduced them to my girlfriend. They were surprised at first, but they came to accept Minna into the family.

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September 20th, 2010

Years went by, up until the year 2010. Before coming back, Vera and Survivor gave both Minna and I youth magic. That meant we stay at our current ages in both worlds. For the past fifteen years, everything really made ups and downs. The Usean Continental Wars, the Ulysses meteors, Minna enlisting herself as a member of the Ustio Armed Forces, and the ongoing tension between Osea and Yuktobania. Now that I think about it, how are the others doing? Are they surviving in their respective theaters? I will never know.

Minna and I stayed in a condo in Directus, where I was searching up stuff on the internet while the Commander was making breakfast. I checked my e-mail and soon found a letter from the Ustio Armed Forces. "You have anything, Daniel?"

"Yeah. I got a message from the Ustio Armed Forces." I answered as I showed Minna the contents inside.

'Captain Daniel Cross,

I know you are honorably discharged from the Ustian Armed Forces, but we need you back. The reason why I'm writing this is because of a soon-to-be conflict between the Osean Federation and the Union of Yuktobanian Republics. Under the President's orders, you are required to come back but you and Commander Wilcke are under Ustio's Black Ops Division. Come to the Directus Military Academy and we'll discuss more of the details there.

Signed, Eleanor Wulfstan, Field Marshal, Ustio Armed Forces'

"Black Ops?" Minna said "Ones that go way beyond the military protocol?"

"You could say that." I answered "When do we leave?"

"I guess we should leave tomorrow, seeing as we have a lot of time on our hands." She answered as she served our breakfast. We delved in as we began talking to each other. "Have any contact from your squad mates?"

"I tried to via familiar." She answered "I only received contact from Belgica, mainly Trude and Erica. They said that they faced minor skirmishes with the Neuroi along the Rhine."

"And everyone else?"

"I've heard nothing. But from what Trude said, Gallia is undergoing reconstruction with Lynne, Perrine, Pixy and Aaron's help, Eila and Sanya are continuing to search for the latter's parents, Shirley, Lucchini and the Dancers are continuing to combat the Neuroi and Major Sakamoto and Miyafuji are back in Fuso. The Major is back at the Yokosuka Academy and Miyafuji is continuing to run the clinic."

"How did the Fusoan government react?"

"Miyafuji is dishonorably discharged and received the Order of the Golden Kite 4th Class for her heroism." I smiled at that last bit

"I'm pretty sure that Pixy will be happy to hear about what Yoshika had done." Minna chuckled at that comment

"I guess so."

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September 21st, 2010

Ustio Army Headquarters

Directus, Ustio

"It's been a while since I was in an Ustio uniform." I said as I experienced Deja-vu while dusting off my uniform. Minna was wearing black pants since wearing underwear without pants is illegal, unless if you're insane enough to pull that off.

"Weren't you an Ustio mercenary before you came to Britannia?" Minna asked as we walked inside

"Well, yes and no." I answered "I was a mercenary, until I enlisted myself to Ustio's Armed Forces, because the people here wanted to see the Demon Lord himself." We soon found ourselves trying to find Field Marshal Wulfstan's office. After asking, we soon found it.

"Come in." Wulfstan answered. We opened to find her sitting at her desk. Her raven-hair went down to her neck as her ice-cold blue eyes stared right directly at us. "Captain Daniel Cross, 6th Air Division/66th Air Force Unit, callsign Galm, TAC name, Cipher. And Wing Commander Minna Dietlinde-Wilcke of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing. I assume you received my e-mail?"

"Yes ma'am." We both answered

"I'm glad you're here." She began "We have reports from Ustio's Intelligence Agency that the Osean military base at Sand Island has been frequently attacked by Yuktobanian aircraft. Prime Minister Nikanor has denied any wrongdoing, but we believe it's not him at all."

"What happened?" Minna asked

"Nikanor has been targeted by members of a military coup who are disgruntled by policies made by the former." Wulfstan answered "The reason why is that Nikanor wanted to follow the peace path like what President Harling is doing with Osea. Both leaders are targeted, however." Minna and I looked at each other, and then back to Wulfstan.

"What do you want us to do?" I ask

"Since Galm Two, otherwise known as 'Pixy' is in your world, Wing Commander, you and her are now a Black-Operations Squadron." She answered

"What are Black Operations?" Minna asked

"Black-Ops are covert operations allowed by the government that no normal military unit can carry out." Wulfstan answered "The Ustian government, along with the DND have allowed you two to head to Osea and carry out recon missions at Sand Island and along the Osean Federation. Your objectives are to find out who are the true conspirators of the incoming conflict."

"Yes ma'am." We both said

"Also, you'll depart for the Kirwin Island Airbase on the 23rd. From there, that base will be your main hub and a vital link for the Sand Island recon mission. Your first mission will be above Cape Landers. Pack your belongings though. Dismissed."

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Kirwin Island Airbase, Osean Federation

September 23rd, 2010

After leaving my old airbase of Valais, in which they allowed me to come back anytime, Kirwin Airbase is much larger, but it doesn't feel right at all. I mean, an Ustio and a Witch from another world using an Osean airbase just for recon missions. Oh well, at least they lent over one of their AWACS craft for us to use.

"Hey Captain." Called a voice as he came to us. "Just like old times, huh?"

"Luke Hastings. It's been a while. Weren't you Crow Team's AWACS?"

"I was, until they got warped to her world." He answered while pointing to Minna

"I see." I answered "So you're going to be our AWACS for the time being until we find whoever is pulling the strings between Osea and Yuktobania."

"Yep." With that, Galm Team now has a new mission. Stomp out the masterminds behind the brewing conflict, and bring peace once again. Question is, how are we going to do it?

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Skies above Cape Landers

September 24th, 2010

The tanker craft refueled my jet, while Minna continued to stay by my wing. AWACS Ascension listened to a squadron that is not far from their position.

"What are we looking for, Daniel?" Minna asked as she checked her weapon in case if anything happens on our mission in Osean territory

"We're surveying any potential conflict between the two superpowers." I answered "They've been at each other's throats since Yuktobania attacked an aerial division. Ascension? Are we not being surveyed by Osean radar?"

"I've already applied ECM." Luke answered "Stay in the coverage net so that they won't pick us up." After a few radio tunes from Ascension, he managed to receive transmissions from the Osean planes.

"This is Heartbreak One of Wardog Squadron, we're approaching the target." Heartbreak One said. We spot a four-plane formation of one F-4 Phantom II 'Wild Weasel' and three F-5 Tiger craft soaring above the coast.

"This is AWACS, callsign Thunderhead." Thunderhead responded "Roger. Bring that target to the ground. Do not fire at the target. Repeat, do not fire at the target." I looked down to the four-plane formation and sighed.

"This is going to be a long day." I commented as we continued to listen

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The Britannia Arc is now complete. We're on the 'Unsung War' Arc now, and both Cipher and Minna are now part of Ustio's Black-Ops units to find the main conspirators of the war. I know, I made a big jump from 1996, to 2010, but it would keep the story going. I know I should had made it more clearly as to how Cipher introduced Minna to his family, but hey, more will be revealed in the coming chapters.

Originally, I was supposed to give 'Demon Lord' like several books, but I wanted to continue the story as is. So, until the next chapter is published, enjoy this one. Thank you for reading and see you, for the 'Unsung War' Arc.