Hello again, ladies and gentlemen to another chapter of 'Demon Lord of the Strike Witches'. Now, a few things first, more importantly, one review stuck right up.

Minna: "It's more of a question, 96. A majority of it comes from the incoming Ace Combat game, 'Skies Unknown', which will be available some time later this year. Anyways, the question is that will the story end somewhere in the Strike Witches Universe, or for one last hurrah which will tie into the upcoming video game."

To tell the truth… My hands are tied. With Skies Unknown coming later this year, and the third season of Strike Witches is in the works, we might be seeing drones fighting for the Allies against the Neuroi in Berlin. To top it all off, another spin-off series, Idol Witches, is also in development, which would be released three years from now.

Minna: "Maybe we'll them sometime in Berlin. Or they might be a musical group. But it's beyond me of what the developers might do."

We can only see for ourselves, Minna. Anyways, let us continue the chapter and onto Rome.

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Chapter 22: My Romagna

*BGM-Blue Danube Waltz-Johann Strauss II

A truck was seen flying over canyon. Inside said truck was Charlotte Yeager, Francesca Lucchini, Vera Neckiton, Survivor, Yoshika Miyafuji, Isara Fuchigami-Cross and Daniel Cross. While the former two are enjoying themselves, the latter five are screaming at the top of their lungs. Daniel and Isara are seen hugging tightly and screaming, while the Liberion Witch kept a speed demon face while jumping the cliff.

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

"Now… I wonder what on Earth are all of you readers thinking. Why is Shirley flying a truck while on our way to Rome? I think Shirley said something about really driving. If you want to know, we'll go back to about a few hours ago before I was hugging Isara to my hearts' content. And maybe… nearly everyone would need a barf bag."

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Minna and I are busy conversing with each other while the former was looking rather… displeased with herself. She sighed to herself while looking over some notices that the 501st is running low on basic necessities. "Aside from your Arcane Missiles and the fuel supplied for the aircraft… nothing much else for us girls."

"I can't blame you entirely." I answered her "Besides, selling off two giant crates of potatoes wasn't such a bright idea."

"I didn't even know how many potatoes the girls managed to gouge down." Minna then folded the list as we found the Major near the entrance of the kitchen. From what we heard, Yoshika and Lynne are making food, but running low on supplies. As the three are wondering how to handle the food crisis, we came up to them.

"We just happen to need some other provisions too, so why don't you go on a shopping trip for us?"

"Shopping trip?" They perked up almost immediately "OKAY!" Well, at least they seem eager to get away from the military lifestyle.

XXXXXXXXXX

A little while later, everyone in the entire wing, including the pilots, assembled themselves in the briefing room. Minna and I explained our situation to them.

"As everyone knows, we're not that fully stocked beyond what we believe." I began "I even thought the potatoes we have would last us for weeks, but giving off two containers worth… not a good idea…"

"So, we must now handle the task of procuring our own supplies." Minna continued "Shirley can take the supply truck, and Lucchini who is familiar with Romagna and knows her way around Rome, I'll task this mission to you two." Two said Witches completely agree to this, while I spotted Lynne with a nervous look on her face.

"Cipher, you and Blaze will accompany the two." The Major said "This is your first time visiting Rome, so I expect you two being on your best behavior." Isara then walked over to me and whispered,

"She's starting to sound like Mom, don't you think?" I can only nod in agreement.

"Miyafuji and Lynne will also accompany you four." Minna said. However, Lynne made another option for herself.

"Um… I'd prefer to stay on stand-by." She said shyly, which Yoshika was surprised to hear her best friend isn't coming. I wanted to ask her, but I don't want to make her feel more nervous.

"Alright then, it will be Yoshika, Blaze, and you, Cipher."

"How come you're not coming too, Minna?" I asked her "We are going to Rome after all." Minna shook her head and smiled

"It's alright, Dear. I want you and Blaze to enjoy yourselves. We already did it back in Britannia."

"Dude. You didn't tell us you went on a date with the Commander." Chopper said

"He tends to keep his private life a secret." Detlef replied back "I think he does a 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy."

"Anyways, Lucchini, you'll be their guide." The Major said "And Miyafuji, be sure to follow Shirley's instructions during this trip."

"If anyone wants something, tell us what it is." Minna suggested. That got some of the pilots and the Witches thinking of what they want to get.

"Something we want? Like new training equipment…?" The Major pondered

"Seriously? I mean… Either R&D or some members of Allied Armies would bring in some things new for us to try." I answered

"I'm with Cipher on this one." Minna said "I'm talking about things we needed for relaxation."

"Relaxation, huh?" My ersatz sister began "It is important to train hard, and relax hard."

"I've heard of training hard, but relaxing hard?" Pixy said "I think there's no try in that."

"If that's the case, baths are important for keeping up morale after training." Minna sighed

"Is training all you girls can think about?" I wondered about this too

"Come to think of it… Major, you and Amirah have a reputation for… how do I put this…?"

"Fearing trainees to become better soldiers?" The Major asked "Back in Yokosuka, I did train other girls at the Academy. Amirah, meanwhile, had to deal with the Special Air Service."

"And… be thankful you went back to Ustio, Cipher." PJ said "When it comes to Britannian Commando training? You'll be dead the second you step onto the course."

"PJ, you haven't even seen what the Blue Neuroi Space Commandos can do." Vera chirped in "It's way more gruesome than the SAS or any other Special Forces groups combined."

"Some can handle it, but I don't think for the majority." Detlef said

"So… does anyone have a more realistic request?" Minna asked, changing the subject immediately

"Um… I'd like some tea." Lynne answered first

"Yes! Teatime is important!"

"Oh, uh… any specific types you need, Cipher?" Yoshika asked me

"Hmm… To be honest, my hands are tied. I'll try to find something that peeks my interest." I answered as she began jotting it down. "What about you, Minna?"

"I would like a radio. We'll use it to listen to what's happening in the other countries and listen to some music."

"Maybe some Satsuman music from where I'm from? I actually brought my iPod with me before we even came here." Isara said

"I didn't know you brought that with you." Edge said "You even said that your playlist has LiSA on it. But… I don't know if it'll work."

"We'll see. Anything else you guys want?" Eila then raised her hand

"A piano. I want a piano!" Minna chuckled at what Eila wanted

"A piano would be far too heavy too carry." That caught Angela's attention

"Say… wasn't there a piano back in Folkestone before you were disbanded the first time? The one that it was used for you performance, Commander?" She asked

"There was, but Liberion's Armed Forces wanted one for their Officers Clubs." Minna answered "So, the Britannians decided to loan it to them."

"That's sad." Eila remarked "Now what is Sanya going to play now that there is no instrument in the base? Speaking of which, is there anything you want from Rome?"

"Why don't you ask for something you want, Eila?" Sanya asked the Suomus Witch "Oh, maybe you can try and find me something, Daniel." I petted her while the Orussian Witch blushed a little

"I'll see what you like, Sanya. After all, last time it was musical sheets, but it was given from both Minna and I." Sanya nodded

"Okay, Daniel. I'll leave you too it." Yoshika soon approached Barkhorn

"How about you, Barkhorn-san?" She asked her

"I don't really want anything. Thanks for asking." My ersatz sister answered. Yoshika soon got the idea of Barkhorn giving something to her sister.

"Then, how about a souvenir for Chris?" That got the Karlsland Captain flustered

"Ch-Chris? Oh right…" She turned her head away from Yoshika for a moment. I can't really blame her because she does bear an uncanny resemblance to Chris. "Okay, some… Maybe it'll work…"

"Huh?"

"Some clothes!" Barkhorn answered quickly

"Got it! What kind would you like?" Yoshika asked

"Y-You decide. She's about the same size as Lucchini. I'll let you choose."

"Are you okay with me choosing it for her?" Barkhorn began to sidestep a little, trying to not show her flustered side.

"Y-Yes. I'll be fine with whatever you think is nice." Yoshika jotted down everything Barkhorn said, who then turned her attention to Perrine.

"Oh, how about you, Perrine?"

"To be honest, I don't need anything." She answered

"Oh? But since this is a rare chance-"

"I just said I don't need anything!" Perrine left the meeting room, a bit irked, and shut the door. Pixy walked up to Yoshika

"Wait… Aren't you on friendly terms with her now since Britannia?" He asked her. Yoshika nodded before Lynne gave a reason

"Actually, Perrine has been donating all her pay and savings to the Gallian Restoration Foundation… You remember that too, right Pixy?"

"Yeah. She does want to see Gallia becoming its old self before the war." Pixy answered

"Anyways, is there something you want, Pixy-san? Because, it's not going to be a television the size of a billboard." Yoshika asked him, to which he whined playfully

"You read my mind, little buddy. Well, if you can find me some drinks or food, I'll be satisfied." Yoshika jotted it down

"How about you, ROT Team?"

"Let's see… See if you can find any literature for me to read." Detlef answered "Primarily anything historic. Oh, and some drinks too."

"For me, just some beer. And a vacuum flask." Angela told her

"Okay, some books… vacuum flask… How about you, Aaron-san?"

"Maybe you can find me a headset." Eagle Eye answered "I know the ones I have are still in good condition, but never have I used anything from this world."

"Quite a tall order, Aaron." Aaron just shrugged his arms

"Maybe I'll bring it in as proof to Ustio. Or just add it to a collection of other headsets, I don't know." Yoshika then turned her attention to Crow Team and Amirah.

"How about you four?"

"Maybe Coca-Cola, Yoshika." PJ answered

"I can go for a vacuum flask too. Mine's getting a little worn out." Jude answered

"Same with mine. And try to find me a pair of aviator sunglasses. Perhaps the flyboys from Ustio would want to know where Crow Team has been too." Aden said as Yoshika jotted what Crow Team wanted.

"What about you, Amirah?" The SAS Commander thought about it.

"Hmm… Try to find me a smoke pipe. Oh, and a Quran and a prayer mat. Thank you." Amirah answered

"Quran… Smoke Pipe… Oh, how about the Dancers?" She turned her attention to the two pilots

"Okay, Yoshika. Hmm… if… if you can find me a headpiece, I'm okay with it." Yoshika tilted her head to figure out why, just as Hiyori showed it to her. "It's more like I needed something to hold these bells on my head."

"Oh, I get it now." Yoshika smiled and wrote what Hiyori needed. "And you, Lyla-san?"

"I guess some Coca-Cola wouldn't hurt, Yoshika." The Second Dancer gave her answer. Yoshika then turned her attention to the Razgriz.

"Now… how about you five?"

"Actually, I want to come with you guys to Rome. Is that okay, Daniel?" Blaze asked me

"More company wouldn't be so bad." I answered her "Right, Major?"

"Okay. But she'll be under your jurisdiction, Cipher." The Major answered. I gave the thumbs up to Is, to which she smiled

"Since your Flight Leader is coming with us, anything you four want from Rome?" Edge went first since the other pilots are busy deciding.

"Well… I just wanted a bookmark. I had to catch up on my book."

"You're still stuck to reading that?" Chopper asked

"It's the only thing other than everything else that I brought with." The female Osean pilot answered "Besides, we know our Razgriz ended."

"As for me, try to find some rock music so that I can play it on the radio. Give or take. Oh, and maybe something for Kirk." Chopper said

"Who's Kirk?" Yoshika asked

"He's Chopper's pet dog. He's under the care of Pops and Captain Bartlett now that we're here." Grimm answered "Now… nothing special for me. Just some Coca-Cola. And try to find something that I can show to my brother now that I'm here."

"Maybe you can find me something to write on, Miyafuji." Snow said "It's for writing memoirs from up till now." As Yoshika jotted what the Razgriz wanted, she wants to know what Erica wanted. But knowing the latter, she's still sleeping. Barkhorn took the time to bring Yoshika with her to her room to see what Hartmann wants. While that's going on, Vera and Survivor joined in.

"Oh. Vera, Survivor. Is there something you want from Rome? We're going there for a shopping trip." The two Humanoid Neurois looked at each other.

"Maybe it'll be a good idea for you two to go with." Minna said "Get yourselves immersed with what humanity does for a living. Apart from the training and the military lifestyle."

"You want to, Survivor? There is a lot more to this world than what the Red Neuroi sees." Vera asked the Red Neuroi

"Okay. I just hope that people won't notice." Vera patted her shoulder

"Well, we're coming with you guys." Minna smiled after hearing their response.

"Excellent." Yoshika soon came in after she received what everyone wanted. "Oh, Miyafuji. Did everyone ask what they wanted?"

"Hartmann-san wanted some sweets, although Barkhorn-san wanted her to have an alarm clock instead." She began as I heard some members snicker about her uptight attitude. "And Eila-san wanted a pillow tailored to her needs."

"And I guess it may be for you, Sanya?" The Orussian Witch nodded, confirming that Eila wanted it for her. "Though I still wanted to find you something… I'll think about it while heading to Rome."

"I'll get the truck ready. Lucchini, let's go." Both Shirley and Lucchini left while everyone else went about their usual duties. Blaze and I, along with the two Humanoid Neurois, got ourselves ready for the trip.

XXXXXXXXXX

After everyone settled inside the truck, we headed out to Rome. All is well inside, while Yoshika, Lucchini and the Neuroi are at the back, Shirley, Blaze and I are currently sitting at the front, enjoying the sights and the peace.

"Too bad Osea isn't like this. It's more like a concrete jungle." Blaze said

"I know. At least Ustio is a lot more natural. So does Nordennavic. Anyways, Shirley. How long until Rome?"

"It could take quite a while. However, I can get us there faster." She answered while keeping her eyes on the road.

"By Jeep? You left it at Folkestone, remember?" I asked her

"Even better." Shirley's face altered drastically. Gone is her calm demeanor is now replaced by a dark grin. "Time to really drive…" She changed gears, the dials went into the red zone, and the truck began speeding. I mean… really speeding.

"Shirley! Are you crazy!? We're gonna die!" Blaze peered over and sees the truck near the cliff's edge.

"Yeager, this is not funny! We're going to fall! And everyone's gonna wonder why a smoking truck is at the bottom!" She was not paying attention to the constant screaming coming from the cab and the back. From what we saw ahead, is a shortcut across a gap.

"Shirley…?" She kept going faster

"Shirley!?" Blaze began yelling until we began flying

"CCCCHHHHAAAARRRRLLLLOOOOTTTTTTTTEEEE!"

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*BGM-Blue Danube Waltz-Johann Strauss II

"That brings up where we are now… Isara and I are just hugging and screaming to our hearts content, hoping we made it to the other side. Or, we will crash into a fiery heap and much of the blame will be placed on a highly tuned engine. And some blame will be on Shirley, who just tuned it without our knowledge. I am just hoping and praying, we touch down safely. And between you and me… I think I may have wetted myself."

And… they did. Isara soon passed out from shock and surprise. As for me…

"Shirley… You are so grounded…" With that, I passed out too.

XXXXXXXXXX

Blaze's (Isara Fuchigami-Cross') P.O.V.

After that debacle, everyone piled up at the front. It took a while for the engine to cool down after the jump and I guess a majority are closing their eyes from the events that had happened, while Yoshika and I are sick to our stomachs.

"I feel sick…" Yoshika held her stomach

"You're telling me… I'll stick to my Wyvern thank you…" I even clutched my stomach too, hoping that I wouldn't throw up.

"Hey, guys! We're in Rome!" Daniel and the Humanoid Neurois woke up while Yoshika and I weakly got ourselves together and looked at the historic city.

"Whoa… So this is Rome?"

"Yep." Lucchini answered "I always enjoy coming here. Seeing the sights, meeting friendly faces."

"You always bragged about Rome when we're in Africa." Shirley reminded her, to which Lucchini whined a little. "Were cities like this back in your world too, Cipher?"

"Mainly on the Osean Continent, Emmeria, Nordennavic, Yuktobania and Satsuma." Daniel answered "Directus was just founded some time ago. If you want to find a historical city, either go to Nordennavic or Dinsmark in Belka."

"I'll make a note of that." Shirley said as we stopped at our destination. We went inside the shop and found multiple items, ranging from books to clothing. The Neuroi, meanwhile, are busy looking at the basic needs humanity wants in their lives.

"Wow… I can only imagine people living with these…"

"People can buy stuff like these to improve their lifestyles." I answered Survivor's comment "I'm pretty sure you both might want something."

"I'm still looking… But what do I want…"

"Maybe go for something that the other Humanoids don't have." Survivor nodded at Vera's suggestion while Yoshika found a pink dress that Barkhorn wants for her sister

"Oh, that really suits you, Miyafuji." Shirley said

"Oh no, this is what Barkhorn-san asked for." Yoshika said. Shirley was in shock for a moment.

"Wait, what!? She asked for this!?" That got me and Daniel thinking about what would've happened if Barkhorn wore it. The result? I am trying my best not to laugh at the idea, all the while Daniel got a bit of a nosebleed.

"D-Daniel! Your nose!" He looked down and covered it "Were you thinking about Barkhorn in that? Or Minna?"

"I've already seen a picture of her when she's a little girl." He answered while his mouth is covered "Besides, I think the nosebleed is on accident, not perverted thinking."

"Are you sure? Because if Satsuman Anime serves me right, anything that is perverted, that would lead the main male character to have his nose bleed upon seeing stuff not suitable for the kids." I then produced a tissue and wiped his nose.

"Hey, it's not like a few days from now there will be a lot of perverted content from happening at the base." Daniel answered back. After a while, we got everything needed for the girls. The Humanoid Neurois brought some stuff as well, mainly postcards and other trinkets.

"Got everything you needed?"

"Yeah. If any more Humanoid Neurois join up, I would give some of these." Survivor answered "Speaking of more, where's Lucchini?"

"You're right… Has anyone seen Lucchini during our shopping here?" Daniel asked

"Not sure…" Shirley answered "She even has the money for us to spend with. I doubt she has gotten that far."

"Maybe we'll cover more ground if we split up. If we don't find her, just meet up at some café of sorts." Everyone agreed with that plan. Yoshika and Shirley took the truck, the Humanoids looked at the main roads, while Daniel and I looked for her at some side streets and alleyways. So far, nothing.

"Hmm… I could've sworn we checked this place already…" I complained

"Can't hurt to look a second time, right?" Daniel said "Besides, it's not as bad as her running away from the time back in Folkestone. Shirley told me about it."

"What did she do?"

"I was out with Minna back then, but what she told me was that Erica managed to snatch Lucchini's pants. It became a chase because since her pants was stolen, she had taken the liberty of taking Perrine's, which in turn started that fiasco."

"So… what happened after Lucchini got her pants back?" I asked him

"Well… I think Barkhorn gave her a major mouthful for stealing." He answered "And causing chaos back at the Folkestone base. And losing her pants in her mess."

"And you were sleeping that time. Pixy told me that bit." He chuckled at that

"Yeah… at least me seeing Erica wearing Lucchini's pants didn't give me a nosebleed." I sighed a little

"Honestly, Daniel…" It was then that we heard a noise. "You hear that? It's…" I ran ahead and found a small black kitten, meowing. "Hello there~. Are you lost?" The kitten meowed in agreement, for which I picked her up. "Where's your Mommy?" Daniel then caught up with me

"Found her? Oh… Never mind." I looked at Daniel while I'm petting the kitten

"Seems as though she's missing a Mommy. We'll find her and Lucchini."

"Well… she does look cute." Daniel petted her, to which it licked one of his fingers "I'm not sure how the others would react to this. For Sanya, I think she would like having a kitten around."

"I guess so too." After a few more hours of searching, we came up empty as we rendezvoused with the Neuroi, who in turn led us to the truck to which Shirley is inside sleeping, while Yoshika is still searching.

"Shirley, any luck finding Lucchini?" Daniel asked. She shook her head "And Yoshika is still looking for her?"

"Yeah… She said she'll be back in a bit and-"

"Shirley-san!" We looked over to find said Fusoan Witch. We thought she found Lucchini, but it's another black cat. "I've found a cat!"

"You've found a cat too, Yoshika?" I asked her while I held the kitten. Surprisingly, both cats meowed at each other, as it turns out that it's her mother. "Oh, we've found your mother, little one." I walked over to the mother that Yoshika is carrying as the mother began nuzzling her infant. "Maybe we can bring them with us."

"You sure, Is?" Daniel asked "I… don't know if they allow pets on military bases."

"It can't hurt to try." I answered. After a few more minutes trying to find the Romagnan girl, we became exhausted. Everyone was hanging around the porch of a café where Shirley is tired of all the searching, while Daniel continued searching some more. In the meantime, we did order some cakes to help boost ourselves.

"We can't find her at all…" Shirley slumped over in her chair

"We asked around everywhere too. I'm beat…" Yoshika said as she took a bite of the cake she ordered. "Oishi! Shirley-san, this is really delicious! Here!" Shirley took her bite, to which she became ecstatic about.

"Oh! That is really good!"

"Isn't it, though?!"

"We'll have another cake! Make that two!" I looked over at the Humanoid Neurois while I took a bite of my own.

"Vera, what's this… food?"

"The people call it 'cake', Survivor." Vera answered "It is usually enjoyed after meals whenever they want something sweet."

"I think Erica would like some at this point." The two Neuroi continued to talk while I continued to eat until the day started to wind down.

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

"Hmm… If I were a thirteen year old Romagnan girl, who just adores Rome, where would I hide?" Clearly, there hasn't been any luck on finding Lucchini. It nearly took the entire day just to find only one Witch. That was when I was approached by two men, who are heavily bandaged on their faces. "Uh… Is there anything I can help you two with? More than that, you two okay?"

"We've been better…" One answered "Anyways, have you seen a Maria lately?"

"Maria? Who's she?"

"She's the Duchess of Romagna." The other answered "We've been assigned to accompany her to Rome, however, she wanted to maneuver a little freely."

"Do you know where she went?" I asked them

"We haven't seen which direction they went." The first agent answered "We were kind of knocked out after a small girl just did a flying dropkick on us."

"That… may be Lucchini…" I thought out loud "But, yeah… If she's with Maria, then that means Lucchini is with her too."

"If that's it then… We'll catch up later… We still have to tend to our wounds…" I nodded before heading back, but not before saying that the guards looked like the Mafia. After getting back in the truck, with Shirley driving, we continued the search. However…

"Neuroi? Here? Now?" The air raid sirens are heard around Rome, as every civilian ran for an air raid shelter or a soldier manning the AA guns. "We should've taken our aircraft with us, Is."

"Well, good thing I have our Striker Units with us in case of an event like this." Shirley then parked the truck in front of a building and removing the tarp to the Striker Units. Just then, Lucchini jumped in from out of nowhere and landed perfectly in hers, while Shirley and Yoshika got in theirs.

"Lucchini! Where on Earth have you been!?" I shouted at her

"I'll explain later!" She then began to take off "Right now, I've got a nation to protect!" While the three are taking on the Neuroi, with help from the Humanoid Neurois, a new person appeared from behind me.

"Excuse me? Are you by any chance called 'Ci-pher'?" I turned to find a red-haired girl, who is just about either Minna's or Lucchini's age, who is wearing a light blue dress and a summer hat.

"Uh, Yes. Wait… aren't you Maria? The Duchess?" She smiled as she curtsied

"Yes. And I have to apologize for the wild goose chase."

"Why are you apologizing for and, it's Lucchini isn't it…" I deadpanned said to which she nodded "So… how did you two meet?"

"It all began while you and her teammates are busy shopping." She began "I was followed by my two bodyguards at the time, so I wanted a little more freedom to move about."

"Being bodyguards, I don't think they want you out of their sights, right?"

"Exactly. Seeing that there might be danger coming anywhere at any time, they do not want to take any chances. That was when Lucchini came in."

"She just did a flying dropkick on your guards, didn't she?"

"How did you know?"

"I met the two guards. Their faces are injured after that maneuver and they continued to search after you disappeared."

"Oh. I see." She answered. "I also had a talk with Lucchini too about what I should do to help the country."

"What did she say?" I asked

"Well… mainly it would be up for me to decide to which path Romagna chooses. Maybe it could be good or bad. It'll depend either way. Also, she told me to do what I can, in order for the people to have a future to look onto." I nodded at that solution. Not only have I thought Lucchini stole the Duchess, but she gave some helpful insight for her to the war as well. It was afterward that the Neuroi is finally destroyed and Lucchini came in afterwards, only to pick Maria up into the sky.

"Well, Daniel, looks like the Neuroi is destroyed." Isara said to me as I watched Lucchini continue to gain altitude, making sure that Maria didn't plummet to the surface. "Also, I talked with Shirley. She asked Lucchini what had happened to the money we carried."

"And?"

"Well…" I sighed judging by Isara's answer. "I can't blame her entirely." Lucchini and Maria arrived back soon after as the day is starting to wind down. While Lucchini entered the truck with Yoshika, and said her goodbyes, I had a talk with Maria once more.

"Judging by what you did when you came here, I couldn't decipher what you and your friends might do to our world. But, I now know. You've done things people couldn't imagine."

"I had help. Mainly from those in the Strike Witches." I answered "I may be a mercenary, but I have good company to keep." Maria smiled as I then see two of her guards coming right up. "Anyways, I'll leave you too it, Your Highness."

"No need for formalities, Cipher. You can just call me Maria." I smiled at that gesture

"Well, if that's fine, you can call me Daniel. Until we meet again, Maria, so long." The two of us waved goodbye as I climbed into the truck, but not before glaring at Shirley for a bit.

"What?" She asked me

"Do another jump off the cliff again, or I will kill you." She laughed a bit before we departed

XXXXXXXXXX

General Perspective

The next day, Mio and Shirley was seeing Lucchini near the hangar entrance. It turns out the Romagnan girl spent the entire budget yesterday while giving Maria the full tour around Rome, which includes purchasing items and giving some children food and clothing. Her punishment? She had to clean the entire runway. Needless to say, Lucchini wasn't at all happy.

"I'm sorry!" Lucchini cried out while she's holding two buckets of water

"I can't believe you spent all of our food money…" Mio lamented "This was a leadership oversight! To be honest, part of it was my fault to begin with… I will reflect on this as well." Mio then left while Shirley left her as well to carry on her punishment. "And I understand you drove a truck off a cliff yesterday?"

"Uh… Yes?"

"It's more better if Miyafuji, the Humanoids, and the Cross siblings rather take to the air in their aircraft or Strikers. Honestly…" Shirley just laughed a little, hoping to not get on the Major's bad side. Meanwhile, inside the briefing room, Yoshika and Daniel are busy handing out the gifts they bought yesterday.

"I see you've gotten the radio." Minna said while she's busy trying to find a place for it to turn on

"I would've gotten a plasma screen television for Pixy, but seeing how it's the 1940's…" Pixy just huffed

"When we get back to Ustio, if we can, you're so getting me one, Buddy." Cipher laughed a little as Yoshika handed Eila her gift.

"Here you go, Eila-san." She handed out a pillow with a red cat stitching on it

"Did they have what I asked for?"

"She found what you wanted? That's great." Sanya said. Yoshika then handed Sanya over her gift, while Daniel came in with his after helping his girlfriend. "You found something for me, Daniel?"

"Well… more or less…" He then felt something stroking against his leg. It was the kitten from yesterday. It turns out, after getting permission from Minna, and the Major, that they can keep the black kitten and her Mom as pets. "I had to talk a lot yesterday into keeping them." The black kitten walked over to Sanya and meowed at her.

"Hello…" She smiled as she picked it up "I'll call you Daniya, okay?" Daniya meowed again before nuzzling her. Yoshika, meanwhile, chuckled a little after the gift she brought for Eila was something of an order not to get screwed upon. "Eila. You need to be a little reserved when you ask someone a favor."

"That's… easy for you, Sanya. Cipher got you a kitten, no less." Yoshika then presented some of the other gifts to the pilots. Everyone was thanking her for what she got for them. Daniel even watched the Humanoid Neurois smiling as Survivor showed what she brought yesterday.

"Found a few things, Survivor?" Daniel asked the Humanoid

"Just some clothing. Even though I may be wearing Neuroi armor, that doesn't mean I can try stuff at what the humans are wearing." She is seen wearing what Fusoan Witches wore during their time at school or on the field. "Although I do have to complain about not wearing something where the legs are."

"I'm afraid you're going to make peace with it." Daniel patted Survivor's shoulder.

"Here you go, Perrine-san." Yoshika said while handing over the seeds she brought yesterday

"What are these?" Perrine asked curiously

"We got flower seeds." Yoshika answered "Lynne-chan thought it might be nice to plant flowers around the base."

"You thought up of it, Lynne?"

"Yes. Maybe you can teach me how to grow flowers." Perrine thought about it before gladly giving them some needed advice on how to plant them.

"Hey, buddy? Have you seen Hartmann?" Pixy asked Daniel about the Karlsland Ace's whereabouts

"Oh that… Well…" The two sees Erica being carried by Amirah, who just finished training and her prayers. "That."

"Barkhorn asked Yoshika to give her an alarm clock instead of sweets." Amirah said "To which she didn't get any." Daniel started to relent as he opened a chocolate bar.

"Okay, Erica. Since you got up, this is yours." She started to be a little chipper and took it.

"Thank you." Yoshika then handed out the remaining gifts to everyone else in the 501st. The last item she gave was Barkhorn, to which she showed it.

"How is this, Barkhorn-san?" She presented the pink dress she chose out yesterday, to which Barkhorn agreed with

"Y-Yes… It's perfect."

"The chest area is a little small…" Shirley analyzed, as Barkhorn became a little irked

"Nonsense! It's perfect!" Daniel then watched PJ working on the radio, and finally it turned on.

"There we go… And if we adjust the dials… Perfect!" The radio program PJ tuned to is a message from the Duchess of Romagna. To Daniel, he just casually strolled over to Minna and leaned on the table.

"Now for an address from Maria, First Duchess of the Duchy of Romagna in her first official appearance at a garden party today."

"Yesterday, a Neuroi attacked our capital of Roma." Maria began her speech "However, the Neuroi was repelled, thanks to the actions of a small Witch and her compatriots fighting alongside her. I learned something very important from her then: that every person should do what they can to protect this world. I, too, will do all I can to keep Romagna safe from harm. Thank you, my dear friend, Pilot Officer Francesca Lucchini." That caused a majority of the base yell at the thought that Lucchini made friends with the Duchess of all people. Cipher, meanwhile, just mused at everyone's reaction

"With sincere gratitude, I present a small token to the 501st Joint Fighter Wing. And… to the Witches of her unit, keep continuing the fight, until all is peaceful here. And as for the pilots, primarily to the ones from a world that is different from ours, protect everything you hold dear." Everyone then heard a large bang from the outside. Being the first to see it, Cipher spotted a large number of crates on the runway, delivered by the Romagnan Air Force on behalf of the Duchess.

"Huh. Minna. I don't think we'll be able to worry about our food shortages." Minna then looked outside the window and saw the results as well.

"Well, looks like we're in good hands now." She smiled "Now, I think we should help out Lucchini."

"Good idea." With that, the two left the briefing room to help out the Romagnan Witch with her current predicament.

XXXXXXXXXX

Hey guys, sorry for the huge delay. A lot of stuff keeps happening in life, multiple parties, and sometimes I have to work until closing at my workplace. Again, I'm not stopping, but expect writing delays and sometimes writer's block. Pray I don't have any. Also, if you've spotted an Easter egg at the beginning, try and look it up as to where I've gotten the inspiration from.

Also, I've been hearing about Ace Combat 7's release date. It'll come out next year in January. I wonder if there will be any DLC Campaigns pertaining to Cipher's whereabouts after the Belkan War. I hope that the Erusean pilot in the game didn't shoot him down. And that got me thinking too. I wonder if there will be any Strike Witches game that follows the Ace Combat formula. I'm interested in it. Though I have to think about the fan service in a third-person sense.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed the chapter, and be on the lookout for other chapters in my other stories. Thanks for reading, cheers.