Welcome back everyone, to another chapter of 'Demon Lord of the Strike Witches'. We're near the end of the 'Unsung War' Arc, and we're on our way to the 'Romagnian' Arc. It will lead us to the second season of 'Strike Witches'. This chapter will focus one rescuing Captain Bartlett, the one who has been missing from the war since, and the naval battle that defined peaceful nature. How will he react when seeing Cipher and Minna for the first time? I'll be the judge of that.

Minna: There are also some reviews about me starting a family with Cipher. The majority of them wanted Cipher and I to start sooner than expected.

Maybe, we'll do that when you and the pilots head off for Romagna. Any ideas for names yet?

Minna: Nothing so far. We'll come up with one while you continue the story, okay?

No problem, Minna. With that said, here we go.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 16: Heartbroken Peace

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

December 22nd, 2010

Isara, Minna and I are currently waiting outside of the Andromeda, where President Harling is currently trying again to tell the people that he is alive and well, and aboard an Osean battlegroup. I don't think it'll get through due to the fact that Vice President Appelrouth blocked all communications, considering it to be Yuktobanian propaganda. President Harling soon exited the ship and told us what had happened.

"Is anything wrong, Mr. President?" Isara asked

"Unfortunately, nothing can go through." He answered "Appelrouth blocked every communication access, both in civilian and military."

"So, any other ideas? One that does not involve trying to make yourself to the public known?" President Harling thought long and hard about it, until he came up with an idea that it might just work.

"Looks like I'll have to establish my own coup d'état, against Appelrouth and his cohorts." He answered "I'll have to borrow Kestrel's Marines in order for the coup to succeed."

"You'll have to talk to Andersen though." My girlfriend said "Also, since you're 'invading' the capital yourself, I'm sure that the Osean Generals and those that came back to Oured can stand down and let you in."

"That would be the best case scenario, Dear." Minna blushed as a result "Also, I haven't heard much from the Prime Minister of Yuktobania. He could be anywhere at this point."

"Yuktobania's Prime Minister has been disposed of since the two of us have agreed to go to North Point in Usea. That is, until Ofnir and the 8492nd changed all that."

"Which reminds me…" Isara then produced a slip of paper displaying a set of numbers. It listed as 18007130. "I copied this from the Andromeda's monitor while going through radio networks in Belka. It's a time and radio frequency. I think it may belong to the Captain."

"Hmm… It could be. If it is, then something big is about to come up." Isara then put the paper in her pocket before the RHIB brought us back to the Kestrel. "If it's a prison break again, you may want to be placed in stealth fighters. I don't want anything happening to you and your squadron. Unlike last time."

"I know." Isara, Minna and I then descended to the hangar to find five forward-swept wing fighters. "We'll take the Su-47 Berkut's this time. The prison camp we may enter may have long range radar capabilities."

"For us, Minna and I will take the Silent Eagle. Not to mention we'll provide overwatch in case any aircraft comes your way."

"Besides, you, your squadron, and the Captain will need a lot of catching up to do." Minna said as a Blackhawk carrying Osean Marines lifted itself to the carrier's flight deck. "They'll escort the President. We should meet out with the other pilots." We've found the other pilots in the bridge along with Pops, Genette, and Captain Andersen as they gathered around a speaker.

"Captain Andersen called us here." Edge said "Is there something that is important, Isara?" Isara nodded, pulled out the slip of paper and gave it to the radio officer. She nodded to the radio officer and tuned the radio to the exact frequency. We waited for five minutes until the speaker came to life, with an ever familiar voice.

"Hey, it's me!" The others are either ecstatic or filled with joy that the Captain is alive and well. "Get the wax out of your ears and listen up. We've found Nikanor, the leader of Yuktobania and we broke him out of his prison cell. This war wasn't his doing at all." Everyone was talking about the Captain being alive, including Edge, who was relieved.

"You okay, Edge?" Isara asked

"I'm okay, Captain. I'm just relieved to find that the Captain is still alive." She answered "However, you are my Captain. I'll follow your lead until it is our final mission."

"I know, Edge. I know." Edge walked forward and, to the surprise of Minna and me, kissed Isara without second guessing. A few seconds after the two kissed, both Edge and Isara were madly blushing. "You haven't expected that, didn't you, Captain?"

"I… well… I have told Daniel about what happened to you when you were shot down. I was really worried for you, and…"

"Hey. At least I'm here now. And don't worry, I promise that I won't get shot down again." She answered

"And promise me that you'll be my wingman when this war is over." Both of them agreed and Minna laid herself on my arm.

"They look so happy with each other." Minna said. I nodded and I escorted the other men out of the bridge and ready our mission.

XXXXXXXXXX

Pobeda Peninsula, Yuktobania

December 23rd, 2010

Early, the next day, the Razgriz and I flew over the Yuktobanian peninsula, trying to find the Captain and where he is hiding. The squad is in their Su-47 Berkuts, armed with unguided bombs, while Minna and I are in my Silent Eagle. It may be a breakout, but it turns out we're not going to a prisoner-of-war camp, but somewhere near a nearby airfield. Ascension then radioed us.

"Ascension to Razgriz and Demon Lord. I managed to establish contact with Captain Bartlett and members of the Yuktobanian Resistance. Patching it through now."

"It's me…" His voice filled the radio "I'm okay so far, and the car's hidden under a bush… Other Resistance members are hidden all over the place… But I still got a bad feeling about this. We're storming the gate at 0705 hours. Keep us covered. I'm counting on you. I think there's going to be an ambush waiting for us."

While the Razgriz is near ground-level, Minna and I are in charge of keeping the skies clear. Ascension then fed some more intelligence as we readied our weapons. "According to Captain Bartlett's information, the Resistance has already infiltrated the airfield and is currently awaiting his arrival. The road to the airfield is covered with checkpoints and defensive positions. We anticipate stiff resistance. Provide Combat Air Patrol and Air Support, give out reconnaissance as necessary and guide him to the airfield."

"Roger that, Ascension. We'll cover." I answered "Is? You alright there?"

"We're already set, Daniel." Captain Bartlett's convoy soon rolled out. "Razgriz One to all craft, Convoy's already rolling."

"This is Heartbreak One. The jailbreak tour starts here. We're counting on your escort from the air."

"I'll be witnessing your bravery from down here, everyone." A new voice from inside called out.

"What the-? Whose voice is that?" I asked

"Um… Is there someone else in the car?" Edge also asked

"Me? I'm Mystery Woman Number One." The woman laughed

"So much for a proper introduction." I sweatdropped "See anything on the scope, Minna?" She looked at the radar and activated her familiar.

"Hmm… I'm seeing some new aircraft incoming." She answered "Coming in due east, two o'clock and heavily armed." Minna's prediction was correct. Inbound are Su-34 Fullback's. They are one of the primary air-to-ground aircraft along with the Su-25's.

"Isara, intercept." Isara turned her plane to the enemy and shot down two bandits. "Is, I'm seeing two paths. One leads to where there is a lot of Yuktobanian defenses, and one where there is least resistance, but it takes time."

"I'll trust my instincts, and we'll take the shorter route." Isara answered "After all, we are armed with bombs. You got what I heard, Captain?"

"Okay, I'll bust through the shortcut." The Captain answered

"I'm detecting two Apache's, Daniel." Minna said "They're heading for the convoy." I made a quick interception and gunned down both of them. "Targets down. Also, Daniel? Is it wise for them to bust through the shortcut?"

"You know their Captain, Minna." I answered "I think they wanted to make a first impression since he disappeared a few months ago."

"He told me all about you guys. Kid, Chopper, and… um…" Mystery Woman Number 1 tried to remember Edge's name, until the person mentioned spoke first.

"Nagase… Kei Nagase. Kid's wingman." Edge answered

"Kurseli, is the Prime Minister alright?" The Captain asked

"He's regaining consciousness." Kurseli answered "They injected him with some kind of drug." Isara and Edge then dropped a few bombs onto the first roadblock.

"First roadblock down." Isara said "You also have some howitzer positions buried beneath the hills, Captain."

"How'd they pass training with that kind of aim?"

"No idea. Don't worry, I got them."

"We have another roadblock. This time, it's more equipment than the ones we destroyed." Snow analyzed. Both Chopper and Grimm took care of the next roadblock. Minna pointed out to find more Apaches inbound, and I shot both of them with the Vulcan cannon.

"Nagase. You fly like that and you're still not dead. You're really something." The Captain complimented Edge.

"Thank you, Sir!" Edge answered, surprisingly quickly after not seeing the Captain for so long.

"That you, Grimm? I was planning on promoting you to the squadron on the next evaluation."

"Thank you very much, Sir." Grimm answered

"You are awfully quiet, Chopper. Or has Kid finally able to talk some sense into you."

"Oh, cut me some slack, man! And it's good to hear your sweet voice as well." Chopper laughed it off

"Captain Snow of the Naval Air Force? Sorry I haven't introduced myself. I'm kind of shy, you know."

"So I hear, Captain. Greetings." Snow introduced himself

"And I gather that's your brightest student?" The Mystery Woman asked

"You mean Kid? Well, that goes without saying." The Captain answered "Now… I wonder who's in the sixth aircraft."

"You can fondly guess who is inside." I answered before shooting down two down two more Apaches. "I mean, we have seen each other before."

"Don't tell me you're that missing pilot everyone in Ustio is talking about to this day, right?" He asked happily "And weren't there supposed to be two of you?"

"He's in that place where we were at." I answered

"Has the Osean planes penetrated this far in?" One of the Yuktobanian helicopter pilots asked

"I'm sure of it." Another answered "Call in the AC-130's. Tell them to stop that convoy." More enemies appeared on the radar, something that Minna hasn't seen before.

"Daniel, we have more incoming. Looks to be like heavily-armed transports." Minna analyzed

"Those are called AC-130 Spectres. You do not want to be on the ground when they arrive." Minna checked the radar to find more Su-34's.

"More Fullback's, Daniel." I turned the Silent Eagle and destroyed both aircraft in one fell swoop. "This is becoming a little too easy. Isara, how is the convoy?"

"They are still steaming through, Daniel." She answered "Also, we've destroyed the next barricade, and they've taken the next shortcut."

"Once we get to the airfield, things will get pretty hectic there." I commented. While the Razgriz and I continued destroying Yuktobanian roadblocks, artillery positions, and Fullback's, both the Captain and the Mystery Woman constantly flirt with each other. "Isara, was there something that happened between your Captain and the Mystery Woman?"

"I have no clue. The only piece I found so far is his callsign, 'Heartbreak One'." She answered as Snow destroyed another barricade. "I guess that's why." Minna then found the AC-130's on the radar.

"Incoming Spectre gunships, Daniel. They're about to attack the convoy." I pitched my Eagle upwards and found two gunships, heavily armed and waiting to strike.

"Heads up, Captain, you have gunships coming right on top of you." The convoy soon spotted the gunships and began taking a serpentine maneuver.

"Roger that, Pilot. Have everyone take a serpentine maneuver until those gunships disappear." While the group continued to evade cannon shot after cannon shot from the gunships, Isara and the Razgriz pilots continued to harass Yuktobanian forces that stringed across the path.

"Captain, how much longer until you reach the airfield?" Grimm asked

"In a few minutes." The Mystery Woman answered "I just received word from the Resistance that they managed to capture a few tanks before we busted the Prime Minister out of jail."

"But can you go any faster?" Chopper complained "We're faster than you."

"Chopper, just keep your eyes in the sky and destroy any roadblock that's littered with Yuktobanian troops." The Captain ordered. We neared the airfield as the Captain, along with the convoy, ordered the Resistance forces to make themselves known. I easily shot down the two gunships as the convoy made it to the airfield.

"Okay, it's time! Begin operation! Seize the hangar!" We flew over the airfield to find dozens of Yuktobanian Resistance units opened fire on their own. We covered them all over the place, either bombing positions or shooting down Apaches from the sky, while the Captain, along with the Mystery Woman and the Prime Minister tried to get to a plane.

"Captain! You're taking too many risks!" Edge called out and destroyed a three tanks with a bomb.

"Hey, Nagase, you're starting to sound like my mom." The Captain pointed out. A complete firefight broke out, with the Resistance managing to stem the tide due to our intervention.

"This one Mr. B, use this plane." One of the Resistance members showed him.

"Hey, I'll take any plane you got. Better than a car." He answered "By the way, thanks for the navigation, Kid. Knew I can count on you."

"That's sweet coming from you, Captain. Plan on sugar coating it?" Isara asked childishly

"I'll compliment you when we get back." He answered

"Hasn't it been a while since Captain Bartlett flew a plane?" Grimm asked

"Since he was inside a prison camp for so long, I have no idea how he'll fly one." Snow answered. Bartlett's airplane turns out to be a C-1 Trader, as it rolled out of the hangar. The sounds of battle still raged, even the Yuktobanian forces tried to stop the airplane by blocking the runway, only for them to be blown up by Isara. Bartlett, meanwhile, was getting used to the plane he's flying.

"What is this? I haven't seen a plane like this in ages."

"It's a little dusty in here." The Mystery Woman analyzed the plane.

"Get the safety belt tight on the Prime Minister." Bartlett then taxied over to the runway and began with his takeoff procedures. "All right, taking off. Hello, sky! I'm coming home!" Bartlett's C-1 Trader then lifted off, as the Yuktobanian Resistance forces disengaged.

"Edge to Heartbreak One. We'll fly past our allies' front lines and head for the ocean. The Kestrel will meet us on the way." Edge gave out the directions for Bartlett to take.

"Roger that. Just hope we don't run into any more bad guys." Minna then scanned the skies, only to find more enemies.

"Daniel. We have a bit of a problem. Have Ascension listen in as well." After Ascension tuned in to our frequency, Minna gave the details. "Four incoming Osean aircraft, all F-15S/MTD's. You know who they are."

"It's Grabacr, isn't it?" Minna nodded. "Ascension, radio the Razgriz pilots of the Grabacr Squadron approaching."

"Roger that, Commander Minna." Ascension then gave the news about Ashley arriving, while Minna and I are about to duel with Grabacr once again. Soon, four ever-familiar F-15S/MTD's zoomed across the Yuktobanian skies.

"Is that really them?" Ashley asked curiously "I saw those planes plunge into the ocean along with the Colonel on my radar."

"It's them, the 'Ghosts of Razgriz'." One of his wingmen answered "They were the ones that attacked the mine too."

"All right. Let's find out for ourselves in battle." Grabacr then broke formation while I did the same maneuver that Pixy and I did when we arrived over Area B7R.

"Ready Minna?" She nodded "Time to dive into the fireworks!" I pitched the aircraft's nose down and applied full throttle.

"Kid! Get the Grabacr! Don't let a single one escape!" Bartlett ordered Isara

"The 8492nd is here. This will be our final showdown!" Edge said as they backed up Isara. I launched one AIM-9X Sidewinder missile as Ashley jerked right to avoid it.

"You again, Demon Lord." He gritted his teeth and began attacking me, while his wingmen went for the Razgriz. "I was wondering when you would show up, Demon Lord."

"You need to make an appearance sometime soon, Bernitz. You don't have to appear whenever we try to make a mess of your plans." I argued

"Tell that to the Chancellor. He managed to derail our operations in Belka." Ashley then got on our six and let loose with his cannon. His wingmen meanwhile, are having a predicament of their own. Isara was on one, Edge and Chopper on the other and Grimm and Snow on the third. "You really do lead a pack of Demons, Demon Lord."

"That's what the Razgriz were made to do. Not to cause havoc and destruction, but to bring in peace once again." Ashley put in all the stops to shoot me down, but all of them failed due to Minna helping me out. I soon watched as Isara and her squadron destroyed the Grabacr's planes.

"Daniel, I'm coming! Just hold on!" Isara then pitched her plane upwards, and met Ashley's cannon rounds. It pierced her wing, but not too much damage. "If you want Cipher, you'll have to go through me first!"

"Gladly." Surprisingly, Isara got Ashley to tail her, and not me.

"Minna, have the Sidewinders ready for launch. I'll take us right behind Ashley." Isara managed to dodge every attack Ashley made and I got behind him. The rest of the squadron just looked on in case any reinforcements appear. "Got you in my sights, Bernitz."

"Look at the way the Captain moves… so that's how an ace pilot flies." Grimm said in awe

"Blaze just keeps surprising me." Snow agreed "She's getting better every second."

"It's Kid. She's always been through all this, and always kept her head in the game." Chopper also agreed

"You almost got him Captain. Just a missile and we can head home." Edge said. Ashley kept tailing Isara, but every time I fired my Vulcan cannon, he usually breaks off his attack and tried to get another lock on Isara again.

"Fox Two!" I fired a Sidewinder, but Ashley evaded it with ease. That is when I got a message from my sister.

"Daniel. I have a plan. But it doesn't involve you." She said as I started to question her decision.

"You sure about that, Is? I mean, you haven't perfected that move yet." I answered

"Trust me. I'll take a page from your book, Daniel." I relented and gave her the go-ahead.

"Alright. Surprise me, okay?" While Ashley kept himself being locked on Isara, he didn't know that I slipped away from him.

"Once I'm done with you, your Demon Lord is next." Ashley then looked behind the cockpit to find me flying below him, following his movements. "Where did he go?"

"Yeah, you're worried about the Demon Lord, instead of trying to shoot down a Ghost. Well… here's my answer to that." Isara then did a maneuver I never expected her to do. The 'Phantom Bullet'. Her Berkut broke hard and poured missile fire onto Ashley's jet. It then turned into a fireball, bit Ashley bailed out with seconds to spare.

"We'll be back. You can count on it." Ashley sneered as he sailed towards the ground.

"And try to come up with the battle area next time." I answered as we linked up with the other planes, with Captain Bartlett and the Prime Minister in tow.

XXXXXXXXXX

En Route to Kirwin Island

OFS Kestrel

While the Kestrel headed towards friendly waters, everyone gathered around the Captain and his entourage, manly the Prime Minister and the Mystery Woman. From what Pops said, it turns out that she's a Recon Major in the Armed Forces. Not to mention the one who broke the Captain's heart fifteen years ago, hence his callsign. Minna found out about what the Prime Minister has been doing. She said that Yuktobania has the same problem: both wanted peace, not war.

While the squad talked with their Captain once again, the Prime Minister walked up to the two of us. "Captain Daniel Cross of the Ustio Air Force." He then hugged me out of the blue and I returned it. "Thank you and your squadron for helping us out. I just can't believe that there has been horrible things made by both of our countries."

"You can tell that to the war that happened fifteen years ago." I answered "I was there when Yuktobania, Osea, Sapin, and Ustio are allies. But, how are we going to let the people know that you're still alive?"

"We'll see. And I assume this is your teammate?" I grabbed onto Minna's shoulders and introduced her.

"This is Minna Dietlinde-Wilcke, my teammate." She smiled and waved. "Now, who's the one with Captain Bartlett?" The Recon Major walked over and introduced herself.

"Sorry for not introducing myself proper." She apologized "I'm Major Obertas, a Recon Major in the Yuktobanian Army. Now, I bet you're wondering why I'm here with the Prime Minister, right?" She then produced a small disc that hanged off her fingers. "These are the plans of what the Belkan 'Grey Men' are trying to do next. Since Ustio is on the side of both countries, I have a feeling that they'll have a chance to crack it." I nodded as everyone head inside.

At night, Minna, the Major and I looked up at the starry sky. I just wish it'll be like this when the war ends. Minna then sprouted her familiars and soon tracked something above the atmosphere. "I'm detecting something high-up. Something that I've never seen before."

"Where is it, Dear?" Minna and Major Obertas pointed it skywards.

"The SOLG." The Major answered

"What is a SOLG, Major?" Minna asked

"A 'Strategic Orbital Linear Gun'." She answered "A military attack satellite that Osea built during the Belkan War. The project was then abandoned in favor of peace. The Arkbird was reborn partly to resurrect that dreadful star. Now, even after the Arkbird was destroyed, the Space Center's mass driver is still launching supplies into orbit. "

"You have any idea what are they transporting?" I asked

"I have no idea. But I know it will not be a good sign for us all." She answered

XXXXXXXXXX

December 29th, 2010

Ceres Ocean

The Kestrel and her battlegroup, now nearing Osean shores, has been sailing peacefully across the morning sky. Minna and I looked at the sunrise that we saw as she snuggled against my arm.

"It sure is peaceful, isn't it, Daniel?" She smiled cutely

"I can only imagine what it is in your world before the Neuroi invaded." I answered while Minna chuckled

"You can say that it's like in your home country, Nordennavic. Speaking of which, any news from there lately?"

"Hmm…" I thought about the status from my birthplace. It took a while before giving my answer "Nothing happened yet. Though the Anean Continent near Nordennavic is under fire now." Minna started to wonder what was happening there. "You know those Ulysses meteors that we heard about? It turns out a majority of them hit Estovakia. The country is still undergoing civil war between the Lyes United Front, and an eastern faction which they called themselves 'The Generals'."

"And Nathan will be at the forefront?" Minna asked

"Hopefully not." I answered "I do not want another war. Just this, and the one back in your world, Minna." She nodded as she is about to doze off again, until she spotted something coming their way.

"Are you seeing ships, Daniel?" She asked and my answer is realized. She then activated her familiar and intercepted communications between every ship. They're indeed Yuktobanian. "I'm hearing chatter amongst the Yuktobanian ships. It's a Carrier Battlegroup and it's coming right for us."

"We need to tell it to Captain Andersen." Minna nodded and ran to the inside. My girlfriend went to tell the Razgriz pilots while I head for the Kestrel's bridge to tell it to Andersen. When he soon saw the incoming fleet, the Kestrel and her escorts went on high alert.

"All hands, proceed to battle stations. Yuktobanian fleet ahead. The enemy fleet contains eighteen ships, arrayed in a battle formation designed to block out fleet's path." While everyone is preparing for the worst, Nikanor soon spoke through the ship's intercom, to the Yuktobanian fleet.

"Attention, Yuktobanian fleet. This is Prime Minister Nikanor, representative of your government. I am on the… Kestrel?" He turned away from the intercom and asked Andersen to verify the ship.

"Yes, Kestrel." Andersen replied to him before turning back to the incoming fleet.

"I am on the Osean carrier Kestrel, for the sake of restoring peace between our Yuktobania and the country of Osea. We will once again…" His calls for peace have been cut off by the lead ship, a Kirov-class Cruiser.

"Attention, all vessels. The only thing that exists between Yuktobania and Osea is hatred." The flagship said "Prime Minister Nikanor has joined the enemy. Recognize him as such, and sink the enemy fleet with him." Minna and the others soon joined up on the bridge and watched the events unfolding.

"They don't trust the Prime Minister?" Isara asked

"What are they thinking? We're not Red October or anything!" Chopper whined again. Minna was holding my hand tightly as she looked at what's happening.

"But, Commander, that's the Prime Minister speaking." One of the Yuktobanian ships pointed out "Please, stand down. We don't know what we're fighting for anymore." One of the ships soon turned, trying to block the fleets advance. "Sir, please! Cancel engagement and stand down!"

"All vessels loyal to the fleet, a traitor is blocking our way. Attack the frigate ship, Pitomnik. Open fire." The Yuktobanian fleet opened fire on the lone ship blocking them. Everyone on the bridge was shocked at this display, especially Minna.

"Do you think… our world would have been like that… haven't the Neuroi interfered…?" Minna asked as she's shaking a bit.

"I have no idea, Minna." I answered. Everything was silent for a few seconds before one of the frigates started speaking out.

"This is the missile destroyer Gumrak of the glorious Yuktobanian Navy. We cannot follow a Fleet Commander willing to sink one of his own ships. We will protect Prime Minister Nikanor. All ships who are with us, change course and follow us." We then soon saw five destroyers coming at us at full speed, defecting to our cause.

"Any vessel who does not follow the flagship, will be fired upon." The flagship threatened

"Protect those brave defectors, launch fighters!" Andersen ordered "That's your cue, everyone. Good luck." We nodded before heading to the hangar and into our respective fighters.

"Cipher, any aircraft you want us to launch with?" Edge asked

"Everyone will use the F-35C's, they're already equipped with anti-ship missiles. I'll provide cover as well." Everyone got in as the Kestrel's flight elevator's lifted the Razgriz onto the deck, and launched in a quickened pace. We then found the five Yuktobanian ships steaming away as the rest are awaiting orders.

"Minna, what do we got?" I asked her as she activated her familiars.

"I'm getting thirteen ships still loyal to the flagship." She answered "One carrier, two cruisers, five destroyers, and four frigates in total. The carrier is the Admiral Tsanev, but the flagship is the cruiser Umely. For the ones coming to the Kestrel, all are destroyers."

"Good girl, Minna." She smiled and blushed "Anyways, preparations are complete, ready for battle."

"A group of comrades has come to our aide. Protect these brave souls!" Captain Andersen ordered "Commence battle. We are not alone!" Right at that moment, the radio started playing that song of defiance from the November City battle. It was gut-wrenching when hearing the song again, this time, those who want to fight for what's right.

"Hey guys…?" Chopper began asking "Isn't this…?"

"It's that same song from November City." Edge remembered "Do you think that…?"

"They want peace too." Minna answered "Everyone, target the rogue Yuktobanian ships. Don't let them sink one of us."

"Roger!" Just as we broke off, the rogue Yuktobanian fleet opened fire on our new allies. Gunfire and missiles screamed across the ocean, trying to hit the defectors.

"Attack any ships that desert the fleet immediately!" One of the ship captains ordered. When they spotted us, they resorted to shooting us out of the sky as well.

"Unbelievable! They're firing at their own ships!" Grimm watched the Yuktobanians shooting their own allies. While Edge and Isara aimed at the destroyers out front, Chopper, Grimm and Snow focused their fire on the larger ships. A few destroyers have been sunk in a matter of seconds after pattern shots have been made by Edge and Isara.

"We've got incoming aircraft, and they're launching from the Tsanev. All Su-33 Flankers." Minna analyzed. I pulled up my Silent Eagle and met the Flankers up ahead. They even joked about a squadron can on a Carrier Fighter Wing. They noticed of my presence and began evading missile fire. Only two fighters have been shot down while the others tried to cover the fleet, but they can only use cannon rounds without damaging their allies.

"Those planes… are you the Razgriz?" One of the defecting Yuktobanian ships asked

"Yes we are." Snow answered "We're here to support you."

"I knew it!" Their Captain cheered "This is the Yuktobanian destroyer Chuda. It is an honor to fight alongside you."

"Kestrel, we are joining your fleet." The Gumrak's Captain called out. The five Yuktobanian destroyers continued their course while giving support fire against the enemy.

"You have my gratitude." Andersen acknowledged them.

"Look! The battle's just taken a new turn!" Snow said

"Someone out there understands us. I can't believe it!" Edge said in awe.

"Sorry. My eyes are just tearing up looking at our new fleet." Grimm said while Chopper comforted him.

"Don't worry about it, Grimm. There will be more like this when the President reaches Osea."

"Roger. I knew you'd say that." The five destroyers entered was about to enter the Kestrel's side and we're almost finished mopping up the Yuktobanian fleet. Only the Admiral Tsanev, the battleship Upor, and the flagship Umely. The Razgriz combined their firepower of ASM's to destroy the Kirov cruiser and both Edge and Isara made holes in the Upor, which it sunk. Admiral Tsanev, meanwhile, was sunk by Chopper, Grimm and Snow.

"Minna, how many more aircraft?" I asked her

"Just six more, Daniel." She answered. The Kestrel's CIC room soon found something on their radar.

"Allied fleet approaching." One of the CIC Officers said

"Osean ships, you mean? Hmm… It's probably a waste of time, but try requesting some support." A few seconds later, while I'm continuing evading missiles from the Tsanev's air arm, the CIC officer reported some bad news.

"Looks like the Osean fleet has been listening to our communications as of late. They're calling us traitors that joined forces with the Yukes." I was appalled by that.

"So the Kestrel is actually a rogue unit?" I asked the Kestrel.

"Unfortunately so. Have the Razgriz cover the Kestrel fleet and our new allies."

"Roger that last. Isara, you and the squad head over to the Kestrel and provide cover against the incoming Osean fleet." I ordered

"Got it, Daniel. Everyone, cover the Kestrel." The five aircraft then moved to cover the Kestrel fleet as I shot down the last of the Yuktobanian flyers.

"Osean ships attacking! Transmitting new IFF data. Intercept their attacks." The CIC officer ordered

"Copy that, Kestrel. We'll begin the attack now." The Razgriz zoomed over the Kestrel and began to prepare their weaponry.

"We're counting on you. Be very careful not to drop any planes on our allies." Just then, the IFF signal changed and two Osean ships identified themselves as friendly.

"This is the Osean Destroyer Iolite along with Aegis Destroyer Halcyon and Cruiser Chivalry. We do not know why we are fighting each other. We're coming over to your side. Cover us." The Captain of the Iolite said

"You heard them. Cover them while attacking the rogue units." Isara ordered. I joined up with them just as the Osean warships began firing on them.

"Hey! We're on your side!" Chopper yelled "Don't shoot us!"

"My IFF is inop! They're really shooting at me!" Grimm answered back

"Of course they are! They don't know us! We're supposed to be dead!" Snow pointed out. They evaded missile and CIWS fire made by the Osean ships, aside from Iolite, Halcyon and Chivalry who are covering them as well. I joined up with them and soon found naval variants of the F-35's coming towards us.

"Incoming Lightning II's, Daniel. They're coming right for us." Minna said as I went in front of them to make an interception run.

"Those planes flying above us… Aren't they the Razgriz?" One of the Osean Captains asked

"One, I'm not. And two? The ones attacking you are." I answered and began locking onto two Lightning's before shooting them down.

"So you have the nerve to respond!? You'll pay dearly for your crimes of treason!" The Captain gloated before getting onto another Lightning.

"You'll have to go through Ustio to put me under treason." I answered smugly and shooting the Lightning down.

"No way… You're…" I can tell he's starting to make a dark stain on his pants right now.

"Yep. And better pray you live to tell about it." The Razgriz then began its attack on the Osean fleet, destroying a good portion of it. While their ships have taken damage, the Razgriz hesitated to kill their own allies, but they have to do so.

"We can't let them crush our chance for peace." Edge boldly stated

"These idiots. Can't they see that they're being used?!" Snow questioned

"Blame the Grey Men for starting this hate in the first place." Isara answered "Daniel, status?"

"Almost finished here. How are things with you?" I asked until I soon found F-2A Viper Zero's closing in on the Kestrel fleet. I turned to intercept them while Isara and the Razgriz continued attacking.

"Almost finished here as well. Just one more to go." The last ship, an Osean Carrier, continued to fighter, until a swarm of anti-ship missiles made several holes in it. "Osean Carrier destroyed. All that's left are the fighters."

"More incoming." Minna said "All of them are Typhoon's and Raptor's. You don't want to know how many."

"What!? Those are land-based aircraft! Do they have a runway somewhere around here?" Chopper complained

"I don't know! Fire back!" Snow answered as we soon tangled with the enemy planes. The Raptor's and Typhoon's tried to shoot us down, but they are wrapped around in confusion around the entire Razgriz Squadron being dead. One by one, they have all been shot down, mainly by me, Isara and Edge. Everyone formed up as the Kestrel's fleet reported on the success, and started to fish out survivors from both fleets, all the while ships who defected from both sides started complimenting each other.

While everyone landed back on the carrier, the Razgriz pilots collected themselves and started shaking each other's hands. But, for me, Minna, Isara and Edge, it's a different story. We just hugged each other. Minna was especially hurt by what she just saw, attacking one's own ally. I just comforted her off the bat. "You okay, Minna?"

"I just… I do not know what to say, Daniel… But… I'm glad the Neuroi invaded our world." My eyes were wide as dinner plates.

"You're actually… thanking the Neuroi for their invasion?" I asked confusingly

"I am. If it weren't for them, the entire wing would have been at war with each other." She answered "I have friends in the unit, but if we butt heads with each other, there's no telling what will happen." I petted Minna as she blushed

"At least they fight for the right cause, including me and the Razgriz. But I have a feeling that the war is coming to a close soon. Just when though." Minna nodded as Captain Andersen showed up.

"Captain Cross. The Andromeda has picked up a transmission from a joint Ustio-Belkan command following a raid. They said that the Grey Men has retreated to Sudentor in North Osea, and that's the location where North Osea's Gründer Industries are located."

"I guess that site where the final battle will take place." I said "What else did they say?"

"Field Marshal Wulfstan said that both Ustio and Belka are ready to help out any Yuktobanian or Osean forces that are there."

"Let's hope that President Harling and Prime Minister Nikanor made it to Oured safely. Otherwise, we would have to fight two superpowers ourselves." Minna said. "Anyways, it's getting late." She then tugged my arm. "Ready for bed, Dear?"

"I sure am, Minna." She then escorted me to the sleeping quarters onboard the Kestrel and finally we slept, waiting for what will be a final battle.

XXXXXXXXXX

We're one step away from finishing the 'Unsung War' Arc and into Romagna, where the events of the second season will take place. Sorry if it took a while, but I hope it's worth the wait. I'll try to upload the next chapter as early as possible. Though I still have to contend with 'Strike Witches Infinity', 'GDI Chronicles', and 'Devil Dog'. Anyways, see you in the next chapter, hope you enjoy it. Cheers.