Hello everybody, and welcome back to another chapter of 'Demon Lord of the Strike Witches'. Where we last left off, Cipher and Minna are now in Strangereal, and now hired by Ustio's Black Operations Division to undergo a major task. That's to sniff out who is the true conspirator behind the oncoming conflict between Osea and Yuktobania. We'll get into it, but first, reviews.
Thorthemighty321: Yep. He will be.
Colonel AmiruddinArifSulaiman: Thanks. I'm really sure that the Grey Men will be pulling their hairs thanks to the Demon Lord's interference.
Solo Wing 11: Well, at least you know how Gault managed to come over to the 'Strike Witches Universe'. For Minna being in an aircraft, she may be using a Tornado GRD, or an F-15E Strike Eagle. I may use her Striker Unit as for recon missions only, but that's just my thinking. If she gets contacted while still in her Striker, Cipher and Ascension can't take the risk, and they'll allow her to be in a jet.
Gamerman22: Survivor did join, and now the Razgriz will appear.
Darkstar01FTW: Since you say that, it may be. Thanks for the review.
Guest Reviewer One: Thank you, and yes, it has begun.
Ghost of Razgriz: Yep, I really did, didn't I? Thanks for the review. And adding Razgriz will be a great idea.
Jp: Unfortunately, no. Here, Pixy never defected to 'A World with No Boundaries'. So that means that he didn't get into the final dogfight with Cipher. Still, thanks for the review.
Liberty86: Thanks for the review. And I love Ace Combat 5, though I have Infinity. Still, thanks.
DrollerKnight: Maybe she will.
Guest Reviewer Two: Maybe they will be in the Strike Eagle.
That settles for reviews. Enjoy the chapter, since we're now in the 'Unsung War' Arc!
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Chapter 12: A New War Begins
Blaze's P.O.V.
Hi. My name is Isara Fuchigami-Cross. I'm the sister of missing pilot Daniel Cross, also known as 'Cipher'. I'm actually a Satsuman, but I'm born of Nordennavic blood. Ever since my brother went missing, I was devastated. I promised to find him by joining the Osean Air Defence Force, under the callsign 'Blaze'. Today, I'm assigned to Captain Bartlett's group called 'Wardog'. As a result, I'm moved to an isolated airbase out in the missile of nowhere, known as Sand Island.
This is the first step to finding my brother, who has been missing for the past fifteen years. Our first mission was at Cape Landers where an unknown reconnaissance plane ignored the warnings of Osean military warnings. My flight leader, Captain Bartlett, along with First Lieutenant Nagase and Second Lieutenant Davenport, are on the way to intercept it.
I was in an F-5E Tiger, the only aircraft in disposal for the Sand Island Airbase. That is when Captain Bartlett radioed the nearby AWACS. "This is Heartbreak One of Wardog Squadron. We're approaching the target."
"This is AWACS, callsign Thunderhead." AWACS Thunderhead responded "Roger, bring that target to the ground. Do not fire at the target. Repeat, do not fire at the target." I was behind the Captain's plane as Nagase and Davenport are on each side.
"You got that, nuggets?" Bartlett asked as he's waiting for a response from the three of us
"Wardog Two, roger." Nagase answered
"Wardog Three, roger." Davenport answered. I didn't respond, because I'm still trying to figure out where my brother has been throughout this time. My thoughts were then interrupted by the Captain.
"Wardog Four! Hello!? Can you hear me Kid? You better be marking our tail." The Captain said
"Y-Yes sir. I'm all set." I answered, albeit a bit saddened. The Captain took notice of my current expression, but not let it burst out. He just remained silent.
"Man, I'm glad you drew the first straw instead of me." Davenport said
"Second Lieutenant Alvin H. Davenport, zip it." The Captain ordered "You need a nickname too?"
"I respectfully ask to be called 'Chopper', Sir." Chopper answered "I'm afraid I may not be able to respond to any other moniker."
"Hmm. That does fit you well… I've got a better name for you, but I'll keep it to myself. Okay?"
"Aw, cut me some slack man." Chopper whined as I let out a quick giggle
"Tally ho, we've got company. Let's go." We followed the Captain's lead to the unidentified spy plane. It turns out to be an SR-71 Blackbird. "You're forbidden to fire until I give permission, understand?"
"Yes sir." I answered simply
"Good girl." He complimented me. He then focused his attention to Chopper. "Alright, where's Motormouth Chopper?" I think I heard Chopper being stunned for a moment.
"Wha…? That's your name for me?"
"You've got a knack for comedic dialogue. You mind sending a surrender request for me?" The Captain asked
"Oh no, please. Age before beauty." Chopper answered
"I'm real shy around strangers, you know…" Chopper finally relented and ordered a surrender request to the spy plane.
"Testing, testing… Attention, unidentified aircraft. Set your course for our beacon immediately."
"Good."
"Uh… we will direct you to the nearest airfield. Lower your gear if you understand." I watched the Blackbird as it didn't lower its gears.
"Something is not right." I said silently
"Warning, we have four high-speed bogeys inbound." Thunderhead announced "Approaching unknown aircraft bearing 280, altitude 6,000. Hold your fire until further orders."
"Crossing the pond to fly cover for their spy plane, huh?" The Captain lamented "Now there's a fighter pilot worth his wings. Enemy inbound bearing 280! Head on."
Cipher's (Daniel Cross') P.O.V.
"Ascension, I'm getting four radar hits. Probably reinforcements." I said as I looked at the four plane formation. Apparently, one aircraft in particular caught my eye. The aircraft's insignia has the Cross Family Crest. A white-golden linen shield with two swords sheathing diagonally, with a Christian Cross as the backdrop. It also came with the mark of the Ustian Air Force under a gold bird, and under the shield is a red ribbon stencil that said 'Cross' marked in black.
I'll be fair to you, that the Cross Family are known as the 'Ace Family', due to us having fought in the air since the Osean War. Right now, I'm trying to figure out who flies with that. Ascension then spoke.
"Roger. Targets are MiG-21 Fishbed's."
"Hey, Ascension. I can only wonder. Who flies MiG-21's anymore?" I asked
"Maybe they like to manufacture those jets." Minna suggested
"Maybe." I answered. Minna chose to place her Striker back at Kirwin Island under strict protection. Therefore, she's now flying a Tornado IDS. "How is flying a plane for the first time?" I saw her Tornado waggling its wings.
"I'm getting control of this aircraft." She answered "It's different compared to flying my Striker Unit."
"I'll help you train more in a jet, okay sweet pea?" Minna smiled under her helmet as she waggled the jets' wings again.
"Uh… Cipher?" Ascension said "I'm getting something from the squadron. Patching it through."
Blaze's (Isara Fuchigami-Cross') P.O.V.
"Heads up! They're firing at us!" Chopper pointed out as the incoming planes started firing at us. I jinked left to avoid the barrage of missiles.
"Wardog Squadron, weapons safe!" Thunderhead ordered "Hold fire until further orders!"
"Oh come on!" Chopper whined "Those aren't blanks they're firing out there!"
"Chopper." I said silently "Do the world a favor and fire back." I fired a missile and destroyed a Fishbed.
"Captain Bartlett, this is Thunderhead. You are…" I then hear the AWACS go offline as a new voice chipped in.
"All planes in this sector. This is AWACS callsign Ascension. You are free to take down the hostile craft." The new AWACS named Ascension ordered
"Now that's an order I like to hear." The Captain acknowledged "Alright nuggets, knock them out of the air!"
"Edge, engaging!" Nagase got behind a Fishbed and shot it down while the Captain took down his. I was preying on the fourth Fishbed, until Chopper went to the side of my aircraft.
"You mind if I grab this kill? I will you know." Chopper asked
"Go for it." I gave him the thumbs up as he took down the fourth aircraft. "Good kill, Chopper."
"I must say, Kid. I'm rather impressed by your skill." The Captain complimented
"No time for celebrations yet." Ascension said "More hostiles incoming, and with more Fishbed's." I made a head-on pass and took down the first plane as more and more planes have been shot down, until I destroyed the last plane.
"All hostiles have been confirmed destroyed." Ascension analyzed "Transferring radio frequency back to your original AWACS." Afterwards, Thunderhead soon spoke as he saw his radar being clear of any hostiles.
"This is your Captain. Can you hear my voice?"
"Read you loud and clear, Captain." I answered
"Good, looks like we can all hear each other." The Captain said "You all alive? Alright. Nice work nuggets. Wardog Four, you still following us?"
"I feel great, Captain."
"Well, to commemorate the fact that we all made it out of that battle alive, I'm gonna let you keep your nickname. From now on, I'm gonna call you 'Kid', no matter what. Got it? Good."
"Man, I swear…" Chopper said quietly as we left Cape Landers. I looked up as I saw three aircraft soaring overhead. One aircraft caught my attention as it was an F-15C Eagle with blue markings on its stabilizers and its wings. That can only mean one thing.
'Daniel. Is that you?' The three aircraft then flew north as I was left with my thoughts.
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Cipher's (Daniel Cross') P.O.V.
Kirwin Island Airbase
"So what do we know about this incident?" I asked as Luke and Minna gathered in the hangar
"We have eight MiG-21's that has crossed the Ceres Ocean to Cape Landers." Luke answered "Apparently, the only airbase within the vicinity of both Sand Island and Cape Landers is the Murska Airbase. It's in Yuktobanian territory."
"Weren't Osea and Yuktobania allies during the Belkan War?" Minna asked
"They are, sweet pea." I answered "They worked with Ustio and Sapin throughout the entire war. Afterwards, both countries decided to slash their defence budgets to invest in other projects."
"And what happened?"
"Some disgruntled generals have left the military due to this act." I answered "I can't blame any soldier nor leader for that idea."
"That's how warmongers are, Daniel." Minna said "It's like what I told you back in Britannia."
"Oh, right." I turned to Luke next. "Did you find anything intriguing during the battle?" Luke then dropped a few pictures on the table, showing the four MiG-21's and their air force roundels. "The Yuktobanian Air Force?"
"It happened before I got a message from Wulfstan." He said "We received intelligence from the Ustio Intelligence Agency that Yuktobania's Prime Minister has been disposed in a silent coup d'état by warmongering generals who opposed of the Prime Minister's peace plans."
"I guess the Yuktobanians have the same feelings as do the Oseans." Minna said as she analyzed the photos "But why wouldn't they sue for peace? Someone is actually pulling the strings behind this, and I don't like it."
"Guess I'm on the same boat as Minna's." Luke said "Someone, not either Osea or Yuktobania can't hate each other completely. Who else hates the two countries?" We thought long and hard until Minna suggested something.
"Daniel. The Belkan War." She said simply
"What about… Wait, Luke. What did Osea attain after the war?" I asked
"Osea got back the land that the Belkans conquered years ago." Luke answered "Also, during the signing of the Treaty of Lumen, Osea received the southern half of Belka, and has the city of Sudentor within. Sapin also received some of Belka's territory as it now has Lumen as part of its spoils. Ustio, you know what it is."
"For Osea, what's in Sudentor that is essential to the Belkans?" She asked
"Inside Sudentor, it was home to the South Belkan Munition Plant." I answered "A munition plant that fueled the Belkan war machine. The Allied Forces in the last war was on Sudentor's doorstep until the Waldreich Mountains. After the war, the South Belkan plant was turned over to Osea, and its citizens swore alliegence to their new country. They even renamed the plant 'North Osea Gründer Industries'. But I have a feeling that something's not right."
"Maybe. But we have a lack of evidence so far. Only known thing is that Yuktobania's government has been overthrown and Sudentor now under Osean cooperation." Luke analyzed
"Do you think that Belka may be behind the conflict?" Minna asked "After all, they were the ones who were defeated."
"Now that I think about it, there are some Belkan hardliners who wanted the country to return to its former glory." I answered as I became skeptical with the country's intentions "Can you get me a line to the Field Marshal?" Luke nodded and dialed the Field Marshal.
"Hello?" Eleanor asked
"Field Marshal. We may have a lead on who may be playing the strings on both sides." I answered "We believe that Belka is behind the oncoming conflict. I know that Belka has been on the peaceful end, but someone is more… patriotic to let Osea and Yuktobania strangle each other's throats."
"Hmm… Belka is undermanned to be a superpower, and much of their military equipment is being made as defence forces only. It will take about four to six years for them to get caught up to speed once again. I'll contact Chancellor Melchior and we'll go over what is happening."
"Alright. Call back whenever you're able." I said. Wulfstan hanged up and we're left to figure out who might hate both countries at once. "Who is causing all this?"
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It took a long time to figure out who is causing this mess. But, our fears became true when Yuktobania finally declared war on Osea, though it doesn't mean that our black operation is complete. That meant that our search is easier to connect the dots. Before the war, Isara's flight leader, Bartlett, has been shot down by an unknown reconnaissance vessel. From what people say, he's the first prisoner of the war. That also meant that Isara is now the leader of the squadron.
Days later, Yuktobania launched its first strike by attacking the port of St. Hewlett, which houses the Osean 3rd Fleet and tried to sink the OFS Kestrel. I can't believe that carrier is still afloat. After the raid, Sand Island was raided itself by bombers. When the intelligence agency analyzed the raid, a new member joined Isara's group. He's known as Hans Grimm, or 'Archer'. He's now placed as Is' new squad mate. Each and every day, I heard that people from both countries wanted to be friends again, but that didn't happen. The opening days of the war has been hard for the Oseans. A burst missile has destroyed two of the three carriers of the Third Fleet, leaving the Kestrel and her task force as the sole survivors. This war has become more deadly.
We always flew overhead of Wardog, closely monitoring my sister, and phasing out Thunderhead for Ascension. They made a reputation as they are now known as the 'Four Wings of Sand Island'. They are composed of Isara, Kei Nagase, Alvin Davenport, and Hans Grimm. Recently, Wardog guarded the Arkbird, saved Sand Island again from an invasion force, and sunk the Scinfaxi. But, back at Osea, Wardog is escorting a transport aircraft containing valuable cargo.
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October 22nd, 2010
Akerson Hill, Osean Federation
"From what Field Marshal Wulfstan said, Osean President Harling is heading to North Point near Usea." Luke said "He's going there to broker a peace agreement with the current Yuktobanian leader." The three plane formation soared over Akerson Hill, where it was stringed with multiple AA defenses.
"One thing I have to question is why they have to put so many missile sites over here." I commented as I looked at the green-rolling hill. Aside from the SAM sites, there are also wind turbines and a pair of aircraft down below us. I can also see a transport plane that had suffered serious damage. "Ascension, there is a transport plane that is heading right for the hill."
"It appears to be damaged." Minna said "I wonder what has happened to it." She then activated her ability, and scanned the area, the four fighters and the damaged plane. "So far, the four planes stationed above Akerson Hill have dispersed into two pairs. So far, Blaze and Edge are currently at the western section while Chopper and Archer are at the eastern sector. The transport plane currently has engine trouble and descending at a slow rate."
"Any idea how did it get damaged?" I asked
"May be from enemy missiles or sabotage? I don't know." She continued "The bad news is that their aircraft is in bad shape. Not only has one engine failed, much of its avionics has been disabled, and its IFF reading is out. That means that the Osean SAM sites can lock onto it, whether be friend or foe."
"That won't sound good at all." Ascension said "And here comes the reinforcements." We watched as both Nagase and Isara linked up with the wounded transport. "Seems as though they have upgraded their aircraft. Ascension was right. Ever since replacing their F-5 Tiger's to F-14 Tomcat's have been a major blessing. They are back at Sand Island for routine maintenance, so Davenport and Grimm are in Typhoon's, Nagase, in an F-22 Raptor, and Isara, in a new plane made during the Second Usean Continental War. The X-02 Wyvern, or Switchblades. They have been made by a rogue military group who call themselves 'Free Erusea'. What Isara doesn't know, was that Ustio manage to get one in working order, so we shipped one to her.
"Guess they stepped up since." Minna commented. We then watched as Both Isara and Nagase led the wounded transport across Akerson Hill.
"That's it Isara." I said silently "Fly slowly, and let the transport follow your every move."
"Got that move from your family?" Minna asked
"Yep." They were almost out of the coverage net as the rest of Wardog joined up with Isara and Nagase. When they were out of the AA sites, a squadron of Yuktobanian planes made a run onto the transport plane. "Ascension, incoming Yuktobanian aircraft. All of them are either Tomcat's, Falcon's or MiG-31 Foxhound's."
"Roger. At least that dope Thunderhead isn't around." Ascension commented "Always a bloody stick in the mud. But hey, at least I'm like Eagle Eye to an extent."
"At least we're glad that you're our AWACS." I said "Anyway, send out data for the Wardog Squadron and try to analyze an open area for the transport plane to land in. I don't think that bird will stay up in the air for long."
"Alright. I'll try and search an area." As Ascension looked for a place for the transport to land, Wardog continues to shoot down any fighter aircraft that tries to shoot down the wounded bird. Isara did a mini-loop in her Wyvern and shot down a Foxhound. "Cipher, Minna, I've found a place for the transport to land in."
"Go ahead." Minna answered
"There's an open field at the end slope. It's perfectly ideal for the transport to land there, but wind turbines are blocking the space needed to land. I'll have Blaze destroy those wind turbines and the transport will land safely." Ascension analyzed
"Alright. Have Wardog receive the data." Minna said
"Already on it." Ascension then radioed the Osean squadron. "Wardog, this is Ascension. I've already marked out a position for where the transport needs to be landed."
"This is Blaze." Isara answered "Roger. Send the data." As soon as Ascension did his job, Isara then turned her plane right and destroyed two wind mill turbines that are blocking the path. "I'm coming up onto the wind mills now."
"This is Edge. Captain, you have a clear run." Nagase said as she took down the last plane.
"Thank you, Nagase." Isara answered as she destroyed both wind turbines in one fell swoop. "Mother Goose One, this is Blaze. You have a clear path for landing."
"Mother Goose One, roger. We're landing." The transport pilot said as it started to descend. It performed a belly landing as it landed on the soft ground.
"Wardog Two to Mother Goose One, are you alright?" Nagase asked
"Uh… yeah." The pilot answered "That was a pretty smooth ride actually."
"Mr. Cargo, I've got a question I'd like to ask you." Nagase said
"What is it?" He asked
"The bird of peace… did you really have to use that beautiful white bird for this war?" She asked "Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"She is really entranced with that advanced plane." Isara said
"I really admire it, Blaze." Nagase said before turning back to Mr. Cargo "I wanted to see your… your bridge of peace span into outer space."
"It's still possible." Mr. Cargo answered "Thanks to the bird, we're on even terms now. I'm trying to get to North Point because I believe we have a chance."
"They'll use North Point in Usea to hold talks in neutral territory." Blaze said
"Right. Communication is vital." Mr. Cargo answered
"So, I can still believe in you then? I don't want to see any more young men or women lose their lives."
"Me neither." I smiled under my helmet, hearing the conversation between the three planes, how they want peace instead of more bloodshed.
"This is the Osean 8492nd Squadron." The lead pilot said "We observed the emergency landing on our radar. Can you see us?"
"Cipher, incoming allied squadron. All flying F-15S/MTD's." Ascension said. I stayed silent because I know something is not right.
"You can leave the rest to us." The lead pilot said "We'll provide support until the transport plane's crew is rescued."
"Roger 8492nd." Blaze responded "Take care of the crew for us."
"Sure thing." The four Wardog pilots then banked right away from the airspace while the 8492nd took over.
"That's a good thing that the 8492nd just did." Minna commended the incoming arrivals but noticed my period of silence. "Is something on your mind, Daniel?"
"Yeah… Something doesn't feel right…" I answered "Ascension, did you record everything between Wardog and the 8492nd?"
"I did. Why?"
"Let me hear it." As the recording replayed itself, I heard a familiar voice on the radio. "It can't be. I shot him down."
"What is it, Cipher?" Minna asked worriedly
"That voice. I'll explain when we head back. For now, back to Kirwin." We banked right and just in time as well, because the 8492nd Squadron was about to contact us.
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Minna's P.O.V.
"Who was he, Daniel?" I asked my boyfriend as he produced a pair of photos. One was a face with brown hair and hazel eyes. And the other, an Su-47 with an ERDL-patterned brown design.
"Ashley Bernitz. A member of the Belkan Air Force whom I met over Area B7R fifteen years ago." He answered as I sighed "I still can't believe he survived for this long."
"I take it that you two had quite a history." I said as he chuckled a bit.
"Yep." He played with my hair as I blushed "He and I met over B7R, The Round Table. It turns out that during the battle there, a MiG-21 Fishbed was seen flying into the maelstrom as it was being followed by an escapee killer squadron known as Schwarze."
"An escapee killer squadron?" I asked
"They are notorious for destroying both Allied and Belkan aircraft. The latter of which that whoever retreated from their objectives, they're sent to shoot them down."
"Who in their right mind would do that?" I asked
"I don't know. Bernitz and I met after he shot down the lone Fishbed, along with an Osean Tomcat. I thought he was dead after I shot him down, but he somehow survived that."
"And from what it looks like, they might be doing something that will continue this war further." I analyzed as I examined the photos. "Daniel, who else was with Bernitz at the time at B7R?"
"Hmm. If I remember correctly, it's a member of Ofnir Squadron. Separate members from both Grabacr and Ofnir are on different sectors while both Ashley and Michael are chasing down the Fishbed."
"Who's Michael?"
"Michael Heimeroth, the lead member of Ofnir Squadron and an old associate of Ashley. I haven't seen him since." He answered "If they're behind this war, then we have multiple leads that Belka may be behind the entire conflict."
"Cipher, Minna!" Luke said as he ran towards us
"What's wrong, Luke?" I asked him questioningly
"President Harling… He's captured…!" Daniel raised his head
"What?!" He asked "What happened?! I thought an Osean Spec-Ops group managed to retrieve him! And…! Bernitz."
"Hmm?" I asked
"He has sent the President's location to a nearby Belkan Spec-Ops group so that he's easily captured."
"So, what do we do?" Luke asked. Daniel sighed as he stood up.
"For now… we watch and follow." He answered simply.
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The first chapter of the 'Unsung War' Arc is complete. First off, I'm sorry to not include some additional stuff and allowing the 8492nd to be introduced early, because some people like getting into good parts. And I'm pretty sure that there will be a lot of people who are pissed of the 8492nd. Watch, when Hamilton betrays Wardog, Cipher and Minna will be pissed, including me.
Second, we now learn of Blaze's name. Meet Isara Fuchigami-Cross, a pilot of Satsuman/Nordennavic origin, and sister to Daniel Cross, aka Cipher. Her appearance… well… look up Shino Asada from 'Sword Art Online'. Next, the Invasion of Yuktobania, Wardog being framed, Cipher saving Chopper, and betrayal by Hamilton. Don't worry, Cipher and Minna will intervene until Snow is sent to falsify Wardog Squadron's deaths.
So… enjoy the chapter and thank you so much for reading. Until next time, bye.
