Hey guys, welcome back to another chapter of 'Demon Lord of the Strike Witches'. I know I've been away from it for a long time, and I'm sorry about that. Well, that and playing Yakuza and Mass Effect at the same time really works wonders. But enough about that for now, time to delve into the reviews.
Nighthawk6595: Yeah, it sounds bad. Maybe the Anti-Witch Forces will have their own advanced tech. I'm thinking of a Horten Ho-229 armed with missiles. And not only will Galm and the Razgriz face Grabacr, the 501st and everyone else will join in.
Gamerman22: We're going to need more Spec-Ops for this. And thank you as always.
Wardog1: I was leaning more of Sanya getting the Su-47. As for Miyafuji, either the ATD-X2 Shinshin, or the incoming F-3 'Godzilla' fighter. Thanks for the review.
CT7567Rules: Thanks for the review. As for the F-20 Tigershark? Maybe? We'll see in the future. Thanks for the review.
JoshHCA: Thanks for the review.
Hieu Duc: I smell a Drake and Josh reference. Though instead of dead Gallian troops, it's more like dead Anti-Witch forces.
Guest Reviewer: Both of us do, mate. But they'll pull through.
MrLek2001: Trigger and Strider Squadron… Hmm… Those four are an interesting bunch. I do have plans for Garuda Team to come into the picture. Maybe they'll join in on the way to Berlin. Thanks for the review.
Alright. That takes care of that. Enjoy the chapter folks.
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Chapter 26: Perrine's Bridge
Pixy's (Larry Foulke's) P.O.V.
"Set it right there, Pixy." After dropping off some materials needed for the town's rebuilding, I stretched a little. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot to tell you, I volunteered to help Perrine in fixing up a village after the Neuroi occupation. So far, things are going well. "Just a little more until the elementary school is complete." Perrine said as she picked up a few wooden planks. "The village's restoration has come a long way."
"No argument here, Perrine." I said to her "After all, places like these deserves to have a new lease on life."
"A valid point. Also, thank you for volunteering for helping me, and everyone here today, Pixy." The Gallian Witch said happily "I know everyone else is busy with their own work, but I'm glad someone came by and asked."
"I did ask where you were going back at the base earlier." I answered her "Cipher would've come too, but he's training the other girls on how to fly, and everyone else is doing patrols or doing the Major's training."
"It's better than no one helping out." I just agreed with her as a young girl tugged on Perrine's jacket. She looks worried "What's the matter?"
"Well, you see, my friends can't come to school!" The little girl answered
"Why not?" I asked her. The young girl took me and Perrine along, and we got our answer "Oh, dear…"
"The bridge is out…"
"Yeah… That's why my friends can't come to the school…"
"…We'll find a way somehow…" Perrine said silently
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After a few days of moving materiel, Perrine and I are just relaxing on the runway when the alarm went off. "What's happening now?" I asked her
"Looks like a Neuroi attack… Come on." Getting up from our seating areas, we've encountered the Major, as the other Witches, along with Blaze and Chopper took off.
"Perrine, Pixy, glad you can make it. Get in your Strikers and fighter jet, Neuroi has been spotted heading towards Florence."
"Roger!" We both answered as we soon took off to join the others. While heading towards the target, I caught up with Yoshika. "Hey, little buddy. You handling yourself okay?"
"This is my first time going into combat with the Striker Unit Oto-san made." She answered "Shinden will work out."
"Let's hope so. It's a prototype unit, so don't go destroying that thing after one combat mission. At least it's not a Jet Striker."
"I heard that, Pixy!" Barkhorn jeered over the radio "Besides, give Miyafuji time to adjust to her new Striker."
"I got it, I got it." I then looked over to Perrine, who is still concerned about the bridge as we passed over one. "I wonder if the thought of the bridge is getting to her…"
"Neuroi spotted!" The Major called out "Everyone, prepare for battle!"
"Roger!/Understood!" Everyone split up as the Neuroi began firing. Yoshika began to surge ahead with aid from her Shinden, while Perrine and I followed suit.
"She's fast…" Yoshika moved onto the Neuroi and began firing. It responded by launching a flurry of lasers, but the Fusoan Witch reacted quickly by putting her shield up. "You're rushing too far ahead!" I meanwhile locked onto the enemy.
"Fox Two, Fox Two!" A pair of Arcane Missiles slammed onto the enemy as Lynnette fired her weapon from a distance, creating a giant hole. However… "Oh, damn it! Enemy regenerated!" The Neuroi fired its main laser in response. Lynnette rushed out of her position to not get hit, but the laser hit a section of the bridge.
"Oh no… The bridge!"
"Don't worry, damage is minimal!" Blaze said as she fired a pair of missiles "Keep going! It's almost down!" Perrine then surged ahead
"Perrine, are you crazy!?"
"How dare you damage the bridge!" Perrine roared as she unleashed a hail of gunfire from her weapon. It caused the Neuroi to buckle under the attack
"Everyone! Give it everything you got!" With that, we work in tandem, dishing out both machine gun and missile fire. Fortunately, after a few rounds, the core itself was exposed, and Perrine took the final shot. "Target down! Nice job there, Perrine." All the Gallian girl can do is seeing the bridge still intact after the battle.
"Alright, everyone. Return to base for debrief." The Major ordered. Everyone did so, but Perrine stayed back for a minute. I slowed down and circled around her for a little bit before noticing that the team is far.
"Hey, Perrine. Come on, everyone's waiting on you." I called out to her
"C-Coming, Pixy." She answered before joining up with me
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By the time we returned, everyone gathered at the hangar entrance, just as I parked my aircraft for the ground crews to check everything. I joined up with everyone just as both Commander Minna and Cipher joined up.
"We got our report from today's attack. You all did well, everyone." The Commander congratulated us
"It appears you've grown accustomed to the Shinden, Miyafuji." The Major pointed out
"Hai! I want to train with it a little more until I've mastered it." Yoshika smiled
"Yep, little buddy's growing up now." That made the Fusoan Witch blush a little
"And Perrine!" The Gallian girl became silent "Perrine?"
"Y-Yes, Ma'am?" She asked
"You did well today." The Major gave her praise for the first time in… Who knows how long? Since Britannia? I think?
"Yes, Major Sakamoto. Thank you…" Without soaking in the praise, she just left without saying another word
"I wasn't expecting that." I said silently. Usually, I would see Perrine all giddy whenever the Major praises her for her initiative. This, however? It's rare to see her like this, apart from aiding Gallia's reconstruction.
"Something seems off about her." Shirley pointed out. Lucchini agreed with her.
"Really?" Yoshika asked
"It's just that whenever the Major praises her," Lucchini answered, "Perrine is usually like… 'Oh, Major! That is so very true!'"
"Oh yes! Praise me even more!" Shirley followed suit "All that, you know?"
"I think that would be back in Britannia…" I answered them "But I think she's past it. Probably."
"Ah well, see you lot tomorrow. It's going to be a fun day." As everyone head back inside the base, Cipher, Minna and I are the only ones remaining.
"So, how are things between you and Perrine, Pixy?" Cipher asked
"Apart from the back-breaking work, the town is starting to become its old self. Only problem is a bridge has been destroyed by the Neuroi during the occupation. In fact, during the battle, she's lamenting about it as well."
"Hmm… I don't suppose you know anyone who can build bridges, do you?"
"I wish."
"Anyways, Pixy, tomorrow, we're heading to the beach." Minna said
"Wait… you managed to keep you swimming gear?" I asked them
"Actually, before Daniel and I left for Ustio, I asked Trude to keep the gear." She answered "The good news is, every piece of clothing is here at the base. Oh, and I took the liberty of asking the tailors to provide swimsuits and trunks for the pilots."
"I wonder if it's based off the aircraft designs like ours…" I said silently "By the way, aren't you going to tell the girls about it?"
"I will after dinner. For now, I suggest you two getting ready for dinner." Minna then departed, as Cipher and I followed suit, ready for dinner
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After dinner, I was returning to my room, when I walked across Perrine's room. The door is closed which means she may be inside. I knocked on it and I heard her voice, allowing me to open it. "Hey, Perrine. You okay? I haven't seen you at dinner."
"…I feel conflicted right now, Pixy…"
"About…?" She then rummaged through her drawer
"About how I'll be able to raise funds to build the new bridge for the children." She answered "If you're asking if I should ask my parents for assistance, they can't. They're busy with running an orphanage in Britannia. Not to mention some possessions were destroyed during Gallia's occupation… And the possessions we had after evacuating, we sold them off." She then eyed something in her drawer and took a deep breath
"You found something?"
"…Unfortunately… Of the many heirlooms passed down in the Clostermann family, this rapier is all we have left. But if I sell this, is it going to be enough to repair the bridge? Pixy… What can I do if you're in my shoes?"
"I… honestly have no idea… Sell it, you'll have enough money to make the repairs. But that rapier you have is the last piece of your family. It's tough. Even if I bought over the paycheck I have back in my world, either it'll be enough, or the Allied armies will think it's forged."
"At least you're thoughtful about it, Pixy." That was when we heard the doors suddenly flew open revealing Yoshika.
"Perrine-san!" That got the Gallian girl into a fright. She hid her rapier in time, but the force of her closing it allowed the top drawer to fly open and spilled out her undergarments. Seeing what she did, she checked on her "Perrine-san? Are you okay? Oh, and you're here too, Pixy-san?"
"Yeah, I was just checking in on her and… that's pretty much it." I answered to the Fusoan Witch
"I'm good, Miyafuji… But barging into someone's room shouting is not in my mind… But what do you want?"
"Oh, Commander Minna said that we're going to the beach tomorrow."
"Why the Beach?" Perrine asked
"Mostly swimming…" Yoshika answered
"Why do I have a feeling there's a catch…?" She asked herself "Anyways, Miyafuji. It's good you informed me, so now you can take the time to have a goodnight's rest so that we can go tomorrow."
"Hai. Have a good night, you two." She smiled before she left the room. Perrine sighed in relief before becoming stern again
"You okay?" She then grabbed something from my head, revealing for it to be a pair of panties. "I'm going to jail, aren't I?"
"At least you're not a pervert. But if you get any bright ideas, I'll make sure I'll fry your rear."
"Crystal." I answered in kind
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The next morning, everyone got themselves ready to do their training over at the beach. Cipher and I are wearing our swimming trunks that we wore since Britannia, however, much of the other pilots had their gear made by the tailors. By the time we got there, we saw what the others are wearing.
"You guys are looking good." I complimented them while Cipher just glared at me. "What?"
"I swear… Be glad you have Heinrike right now…" He frowned
"It does feel nice to change things up once in a while." Blaze answered as she wore a bikini patterned after her former Wardog identity.
"I… don't feel like I'm revealing much…" Nagase soon joined in, wearing a black bikini with orange tint
"Could be worse, Nagase." Grimm said as he, Chopper and Snow all wore their swimming trunks that donned the Razgriz colors. Detlef wore swimming trunks and a t-shirt while Angela wore a one-piece swimsuit in which both have ROT Team colors. As for the Dancers, Lyla wore a white one-piece swimsuit with red marks while Hiyori wore a black bikini with blue lining. Survivor, one of our residential Neuroi, is wearing a blue bikini with a red belt across her waist. Finally, Crow Team and Amirah, are wearing a wide array of colors, mostly blue, grey, and white.
"Okay, guys! Get in the water!" Shirley cheered as both she and Lucchini raced to the water
"Wait for us, we're coming!" Erica shouted while she pulled Barkhorn's arm
"O-Oi! Shouldn't we do some stretches first!?"
"No time for that!" While everyone got in the water, apart from Grimm who is sitting with both Sanya and Eila, I went along with Cipher to where Minna and Major Sakamoto are standing. Above our heads are Yoshika, Lynnette and Perrine, all of whom are wearing dummy Strikers.
"Are they doing what I think they're doing, Major?" I asked her
"We are near the water after all. If you two want, you can join them." She smirked
"We'll decline, thank you." Cipher quickly answered. The Major chuckled a little before turning her attention to the three above us.
"Listen up! You must not hold back just because this is a training exercise!"
"It's been a while, so be careful, okay?" Minna said to them
"If they somehow sink to the bottom, we're going after them." Cipher said to me
"I wonder if they improved since Britannia."
"Cut the chatter and dive in already!" The Major ordered as all three of them made their dive into the ocean. After a few seconds, Perrine took a deep breath as she came out first. "Oh. Impressive, Perrine."
"You okay there?" I asked the Gallian Witch
"I don't feel too bad at all, Pixy. But, I owe it all to the Major's regular guidance. It's important to always be prepared for-" She didn't get to finish her praise as both Yoshika and Lynnette finally broke the surface and clung themselves onto the Gallian Witch, causing all three to sink.
"Judging by all that, Pixy, my guess is a no." Cipher said "But they tried." The Major looked a Cipher for a moment. "Let me rephrase that, 'At least they did better.'" He turned to the Major who nodded in approval "Okay, we know our duty Pixy."
"Again, the water does feel nice." Both of us then went in the water to fetch the three sunken Witches.
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After fishing out the three Witches, Cipher broke off to join Minna, while I was with the girls, along with Survivor, Lyla, Chopper, and Angela. "I'd say your training went well, Little Buddy?"
"It was exhausting, Pixy-san… But we managed. Somehow." Yoshika replied "If I'm honest, we haven't been near the water for a long time."
"Tell yourself that, Yoshika." Survivor chipped in "This is my first time being in the water."
"You did just fine, Survivor." Angela said to her "One minute, you were just doggy-paddling, then the next you became a natural swimmer." That made Survivor blush a little
"It is good that Perrine is with me and Yoshika too." Lynne said
"I almost drowned because of you two. Honestly…" Perrine sighed just as Lucchini popped her head out of the water.
"Oh! Lucchini-chan! What are you doing?" Yoshika called out
"Guess what, guys! I found a box underwater!" She answered
"You found a box?" Chopper asked
"Yep! It's real big and has a lock on it! I think it might be a treasure chest!"
"Really? You've found a treasure chest?" Angela asked. That piqued Perrine's interest
"From what I've learned, the Adriatic Sea has always been an active area for trade. I wouldn't be surprised if there are one or two chests on the sea floor…"
"Why don't we check it out, Lynne-chan?" Lynnette agreed "How about you guys? You want to join?"
"I don't mind…" Survivor quipped
"We'll stay up here in case you need anything." Lyla said
"Hold up! You honestly think that there's a treasure chest down there? That's nonsense." Perrine said
"You just said it a minute ago, Perrine-san." Yoshika pointed out
"I did not! I only said that there's a possibility…" The three Witches and Survivor went into the water with Lucchini while we stood by.
"Is there a possibility that there's actually treasure down there?" Angela asked me
"If there is… Maybe I can finally get the flat screen television."
"Oh come on, Pixy. No one will buy gold coins when it comes to our world." Chopper said "It's better if you can pawn it off or something." I pondered this just as Blaze showed up
"Hey guys." She waved "What's everyone doing here?"
"The girls are underwater right now because Lucchini found a treasure chest." I answered
"Hmm… To be honest, I don't remember finding any near the base before." She said "If said chest contains anything…"
"I believe it'll be enough to cover the expenses and supplies needed for the base." Yoshika, Lynnette and Lucchini then managed to break the surface. "You girls okay?"
"We're okay… But Perrine and Survivor are still at the bottom. They've been down there for some time…"
"I hope the two are okay…" Lynnette said in kind
"Hopefully they didn't get eaten." Lucchini joked
"What!?" We all said in unison
"Well, there are all dangerous kinds of creatures in the sea."
"Like what?" Angela asked
"Lots, like giant squids, giant sea cucumbers, giant starfishes… Those things."
"I know there are giant squids, but the last two… I'm doubtful if they prey on human flesh." Chopper said
"We need to find her, and quickly!" Yoshika said just as something emerged from the water. Lucchini, Lyla, Lynette and Yoshika screamed at the sight of it while they hid behind us
"I thought creatures do not come onto land!" Chopper exclaimed
"Kill it with fire!" Angela called out
"Is it a Neuroi!?" Yoshika asked
"Actually…" Survivor removed what appeared to be seaweed and revealed Perrine underneath. "She's more human than I am… Somewhat…" Both Survivor and Perrine then threw the chest close to where Lucchini is
"You really wanted the treasure that badly?!" Lucchini asked surprisingly as the Gallian Witch stumbled a little
"I… I got the… treasure…" She then collapsed on the beach, exhausted
"What on Earth did you two do?" I asked Survivor
"After the three there can't hold the breaths underwater, Perrine and I decided to use our abilities to break the chains off that chest." The Humanoid answered "Only thing is, doing that underwater really took a toll on her. And I hope we didn't fry any fish in the area…"
"At least you two are okay, that's what matters." Survivor nodded, just as Perrine stirred herself awake. She sees what Lucchini is doing and marched over to her.
"What do you think you are doing, Ensign Francesca Lucchini?" Perrine demanded "I've already decided on how that treasure will be used." That got her spooked as the chest opened.
"Guys, it's open!" Blaze pointed out. Everyone huddled around, hoping to find something valuable like gold, diamonds and rubies, but… there's another chest inside.
"Well… that was…" Chopper began
"Anti-climactic…" Lyla seconded
"It's another chest…" Lucchini said
"Th-That just goes to show how valuable the treasure is!" Perrine assured everyone "I'll bet this one is filled to the brim with gold, silver and jewels!" However… chest after chest… everything came up nothing.
"So then… How many chests are there!?" Blaze screamed
"I've counted… Um…"
"About a few boxes. All contained smaller chests…" Lyla answered
"Okay… This is the last one… Let's see what is inside of it." Perrine opened it and found… Nothing.
"We were tricked!" Lucchini, Blaze, and Chopper screamed
"Great… there goes the billboard sized TV…" I lamented
"You're still on that, Pixy-san?" Yoshika asked me
"It's been hanging over me since Cipher came back…" I answered
"That can't be…" Perrine's voice began to crack "No treasure? Then how are the kids supposed to…?" She held her hands over her face and started crying
"Perrine-san, is something wrong?" Yoshika asked her
"Actually, it all started back in Gallia while I was helping Perrine with the recovery efforts." I began "One of the Neuroi attacks destroyed a bridge that the kids use to get to the school. However… it'll cost a fortune to rebuild it."
"I see now… That also explains yesterday during the attack too. You pushed yourself so hard so you could fix the bridge…"
"Money won't be that easy to come by after all…" Perrine spoke up "I guess I have no choice but to sell my family's heirloom rapier…"
"Are you okay doing that, Perrine?" Lynnette asked
"I don't know…" That is when Lucchini shook on the smaller chest
"Guys? This small chest here is making some sort of noise."
"There's a gold coin hidden in there?" I asked her
"I don't think so." Lucchini answered "But I know there's something inside."
"Wait a second… Lucchini-chan, can I see that for a moment?" Yoshika asked as the Romagnan girl gave it to her "There's a place in my neighborhood that makes things like this." After fidgeting around some loose areas of the chest, it revealed a small piece of paper inside.
"Whoever made these are crafty people." Survivor said with interest
"What is this…?" Perrine looked at it "It's a treasure map!"
"So, how about it? Shall we?" I asked her
"I suppose so. Everyone, I'm going to need assistance should the need arise. Can I count on you all?" Perrine asked everyone around her
"Yes! Ma'am!" We all answered
"Alright. Let's head out." We followed her as to what the directions are saying on the map, and it led us to a cave entrance.
"Looks like the treasure should be inside."
"Perrine-san! I'm surprised you can read this kind of writing!" Yoshika complimented her
"I always knew you can read Latin." Lynnette said
"Well, every daughter of a decent family is well-versed in it." Perrine smirked in amusement
"Let's see where it goes then." Blaze entered the water as everyone else followed suit. We then broke to the surface and found ourselves inside the cave. "Whoa… This looks nice, guys."
"I'll say." Angela quipped as everyone got on shore. However, in front of us are two separate tunnels. "So… which way now?" Perrine looked at the map
"They both seem to lead further inside, but…" The Gallian Witch pointed her head left "Should be this way."
"Are you sure?" Both Chopper and Lucchini asked
"If you don't want to get separated, just pipe down and follow me." She answered as she ventured further in
"So much for covering ground if we split up…" Survivor sighed
"Well… it could be worse if we split up. One of us might be even lost down here." I said to the Humanoid
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Cipher's (Daniel Cross') P.O.V.
"Here you go, Dear." Minna said as she handed me a towel. I smiled while I dried myself up. "I can't believe we caught ourselves up in another water fight."
"If I'm honest with you, Minna, it's good to let loose. Also, it's your fault for looking at nothing." That got the redhead pouting
"Daniel, that hurt." She blushed until we laughed. Everyone else is busy getting themselves ready to head back to base as Shirley ran up
"Commander, Cipher. I can't find Lucchini."
"She's missing?" I asked her
"Yeah. She went over to the rocks to catch some fish or something, but she hasn't come back."
"Come to think of it, Miyafuji's group went there after their training too…" The Major pointed out
"I know Pixy is with them. Blaze joined them soon after her training is done as well."
"Let's go check it out." Minna ordered. Along with Minna, the Major and myself, we're accompanied by Nagase, Barkhorn, Hartmann, Amirah, Fleisher, Snow and PJ. Grimm stayed with Sanya and Eila while Jude and Aiden are on stand-by if anything. We then found the area where the other group has gone, which has stacked chests and footprints leading to a cave. Everyone then swim underneath and came out the other side.
"Okay, so they entered in here… Anything else?" I asked
"Someone was just walking here. They must've gone further in." Barkhorn answered
"Which way, though?" Shirley pointed out
"Should we split up?" The Major suggested
"Splitting up would be dangerous." Minna pointed out "Let's head right." Everyone agreed to it and we head inwards.
"You know, I've never ventured inside caves before." PJ said
"First time for anything, right?" Fleisher asked "Just don't try to get lost while coming in and heading out."
"My girlfriend is an expert in this field. If she's here, she would have a field day with this."
"Come to think of it…" I pondered "When was the last time you met her? I have a feeling she's missing you literally."
"Ah, don't worry about that." Amirah answered "While you and Minna were gone, I had Aisyah make contact with her and assured her that PJ is in my care. Maybe when things die down in this theater, she can teleport her here to see him."
"Wouldn't she freak if she sees us?" Hartmann asked
"I doubt it." Snow answered "Cipher did bring the Commander to our world before we wounded up here. Needless to say, everyone is curious how she performed, despite not using her Striker."
"So… she sat at the WSO's seat." Barkhorn said "Better there than showing off what she can do. Military in your world might not like the idea of people flying without being in a plane."
"But being in the back does feel relaxing." Hartmann casually said
"When you start flying Cipher's plane, you'll have to pay attention. Lots of it. No laughing matter, Hartmann."
"Yes, yes…" We continued onwards as we looked at our surroundings. It became clear that these are ruins.
"This cave appears to be man-made…" The Major pointed out
"Ancient Witch ruins used to stand where our base is now." Minna replied "Perhaps this cave is a part of that."
"There are Ancient Witches?" Fleisher asked intriguingly
"Yes. In the past, Witches are used to quell monsters from harming humanity." Amirah answered "Their presence is felt throughout history, even important events before the First Neuroi War. That was where they caught the attention of soldiers, government leaders, historians, scholars. You name it, they jot it down."
"Umbra Witches is what we call them." Shirley said "There are still traces of them lying around."
"I can only wonder what the Umbra Witches look like." Nagase said "They are an enigma like that in space." We then stopped for a moment as we looked at a jar.
"Something catch your eye?" I asked Minna
"That jar there." She pointed it out
"That is the work of our early predecessors." The Major answered "Beautiful, ain't it?"
"It really is…" I heard Hartmann yawning as she held her arms over her head
"Who cares about that…?" She leaned on an object which turned out to be a lever. However, that caused the jar to lurch forward. The Major saw this and pushed Minna out of the way but…
"MAJOR!" I saw that the jar flattened her and it covered everyone in the area a red substance "Oh my…"
"Don't tell me… She's…" Nagase was lost for words
"Please don't tell me she's dead… Please don't tell me she's dead…" PJ quivered over what he witnessed
"I hope not. She's too strong to go yet." Snow assured him as I saw Hartmann biting her fingers in fear that she killed the Major.
"Barkhorn! Ready!?" Amirah and Barkhorn gathered their magic and Neuroi abilities respectively and punched the jar, revealing that the Major is somehow alright… Despite being crushed by a jar filled with liquid substance.
"Mio! Are you alright!? Mio!" Minna tried to shake her awake
"Wait a second…" Barkhorn said "Do you smell that?" She then took a whiff at the substance on her wrist. Shirley did the same.
"Don't tell me…"
"It's wine." Erica said with a deadpan expression
"That's not good…" Fleisher said
"Why's that?" I asked
"While you and the Commander were gone, the Major was visiting Paris at the time for a military meeting." The Belkan pilot answered "However, said meeting has wine as part of refreshments. She only took one glass and-"
"BANZAI!" The Major has awakened herself, albeit in a drunk state, before nodding off
"That…"
"Um… Mio? It's me, Minna. Are… Are you alright?" Minna asked her
"Of course… I is Albright…" Without warning, the Major literally kissed Minna
"Whoa!" PJ exclaimed
"That's… something…" Snow said
"Cipher… Minna's your girlfriend, right?" Amirah asked. I just simply nodded, because I am completely speechless over what I'm seeing. Same goes for both Shirley and Barkhorn, who are at a loss for words. After kissing Minna, the Major got up and ran off.
"Major! Stop!" But she was too far away to hear us, let alone listen in her drunken state.
"What do we do, Minna?" We looked down as the Commander passed out "Minna?"
"Minna got knocked-out…" Erica said while holding her
"Great!" I threw my hands up in the air "We just have to catch up to the Major now… Hartmann, you carry her."
"Why me?" She complained
"You're the one who got us into this mess, so you carry her." I answered
"Fine… At least help me out here!" Without another word, Erica and I carried Minna while we continued trying to catch up to the Major.
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Pixy's (Larry Foulke's) P.O.V.
"What on Earth is that!?" Blaze screamed
"Could be a ghost!" Chopper answered
"Of all the time's I didn't bring my rifle with me!" I complained
"Guys! We need to hide!" Yoshika called out as we all hid behind some rock formations. Someone, or something, then ran past us.
"If that ghost takes a whack at us, we're getting out of here." Chopper said
"Ditto." Blaze agreed
"If you guys get hit, try not to shadow box it. We're going to look bad for ourselves." Survivor quipped
"How about it, Perrine? Should we continue? Or head back because… I don't know… Punching Ghosts." I asked the Gallian Witch
"I'm continuing this venture!" She answered "I'm coming, treasure!"
"Perrine-san!"
"Wait up!"
"Don't leave me behind!" Lucchini screamed
"Us too!" Everyone shouted. After running away from some… would-be punching ghosts, we managed to find a light near us, only to find ourselves in what appears to be a throne room of some kind.
"Is this the treasure room that says so on the map?" Lynnette asked
"No question about it! We've finally reached it!" Perrine answered excitedly
"There's a statue of some… person here." Survivor pointed out
"It's as big as the giant Buddha statue in Kamakura." Yoshika said
"Kind of looks menacing too." Angela said "There might be some traps, so I advise caution."
"You're right, but the only thing we encountered was a specter." Blaze answered as Perrine eyed on the map again
"It says that the treasure is beneath the statue." She analyzed "That's where the treasure must lie. Pixy, want to help out?" I joined up with her while everyone else is busy looking at Lucchini holding a rapier and a wooden shield that she found on a wall. Survivor however, felt something cold.
"Is something the matter?" Blaze asked
"I wish I can say no, but… I think I hear something…" Her irises glistened in realization "Incoming Neuroi detected!"
"Neuroi!? In here!?" Chopper. That is when Perrine and I heard a roar, as the statue came to life.
"I thought statues don't move!" I pointed it out to Perrine
"It shouldn't!" The statue then attacked us as we dodged away in time "That was too close, Pixy!"
"We're still in one piece! We just have to take it down… Only problem is that without weapons, we can't take it on." I turned as I found Lucchini holding the rapier "Lucchini! Throw it!"
"Huh? Oh! Perrine!" The Romagnan Witch then threw it while Perrine jumped high to grab it. The statue tried to intercept her, however, she grabbed onto the statue's fist and used her momentum to surge forward. Her familiar then appeared as she struck her weapon dead centre of the target.
"Tonnere!" Her ability went through her sword and then finally destroying the statue. "And that… is how you do it." Everyone then cheered and applauded her for her actions
"That was awesome, Perrine!" Blaze cheered
"Who knew that she is an excellent swordswoman." Chopper complimented
"Trust me, her family's been like that for a long time." Survivor said. Just then, a door opened where the statue sat on beforehand. Perrine and I went in and found another large room with multiple entryways and what appeared before us was…
"These are herbs…" I pointed out
"Cloves and bay leaves…Oregano, saffron… and this is pepper… Don't tell me this is the treasure!?" The Gallian Witch's voice cracked a little and her head dropped in defeat.
"Damn… And I thought we'd find something useful in here… I'm sorry, Perrine." As I was about to comfort her, a familiar face instantly popped up.
"Perrine?"
"Holy shit! Punching Ghost!" I got myself ready, but I relaxed as I realized it was the Major "O-Oh… It's just you, Major. Sorry if I didn't notice you."
"Don't worry." She said "And I'm not sure why a ghost would even punch someone even if they're dead." She then eyed the Blonde Witch "Perrine? Are you crying?"
"I can't help it…" She began "I can't believe this is the treasure I was looking for… These are all spices… It would've cost a lot in the old days, but they're all easy to come by now… This won't even help the Gallian Restoration Fund one bit…!"
"Don't cry, Perrine." The Major comforted her "Your feelings are what counts. Your feelings for Gallia and its people are the most important treasure of all."
"Major… Thank you…" Perrine smiled a little
"Pixy? Blaze? You in here?" I raised my head and saw Cipher
"In here, buddy! Took you guys long enough!" Soon enough, Cipher and his group came inside, along with what appears to be Hartmann carrying the Commander. "So, you led a search party to find us."
"I did get worried about Blaze's safety." He replied "Not to mention trying to find the Major after she got herself into a drunken state."
"So that's why I heard a hiccup earlier…" I pointed out "Come to think of it, my group did hear maniacal laughter from inside the caves. I thought it would be those ghosts who punches people."
"Since when do ghosts punch?"
"…I… don't… know…" I then looked at the Commander who is sleeping while Hartmann carried her "And… what happened to your girlfriend?"
"Oh… Funny story about that… I'll tell you when we get to the surface."
XXXXXXXXXX
After heading back to base, everything pretty much is normal. I, however, is in Perrine's room in which Yoshika, Lynnette and said Gallian Witch are conversing about our treasure hunt.
"From what I heard from Shirley, those are ancient ruins belonging to the Umbra Witches. They even put a spell there to protect its treasure from pillagers. Maybe some collaborative Neuroi even joined in protecting it. I guess that's why the statue attacked you, Perrine." Lynne stated
"Sheesh… What nuisance was that…" The Gallian noble nonchalantly replied
"Still, having some guardian protecting what they have is something I never heard of." I said "These Umbra Witches… You think that there may be descendants of them?"
"Maybe we're just not looking hard enough, Pixy." Perrine grinned as Yoshika then produced a letter
"Oh that reminds me. This letter is for you, Perrine-san." She began to open its contents
"Hmm… It's from Gallia… This is…!" The contents revealed a letter and a photograph which has the kids sitting or standing on a newly built bridge.
"Are those the kids from the village we helped out days ago?" I asked her
"Yes…" She smiled "Everyone came together to build a new one. So this is what true restoration looks like. Pixy?"
"Yes?"
"Your world may be at war… somewhere… but I know nations can rebuild to its old glory, just like how Gallia is. Ustio, Osea, Yuktobania, Belka. Anywhere and everywhere, it'll come back stronger. Then that means we'll have to defeat the Neuroi here so that I can return home."
"Then we'll just have to do it one battle at a time." Both of us smiled brightly
"I want to go to Gallia too!" Yoshika pitched in
"Same here! I want to visit!" Lynnette said
"Well… In that case, I'll be kind enough to at least show you around." Both Yoshika and Lynnette are eager to visit Gallia, to which they agreed to.
"Speaking of, I wonder how everyone else is doing?"
XXXXXXXXXX
General Perspective
"Ow… Geez…" Grimm complained as he touched his own skin, which was burned underneath the sun "Knew I should've put on sunscreen…"
"You even carried your flight jacket with you." Eila barked "Why even drop it?"
"I knew it'll be hot there. But Sanya asked me if she can use it, so I see no problem in doing so." The Orussian Witch smiled at the young Belkan/Osean pilot
"And it worked." Sanya began "It did get a little hot in there, but it's better than getting my skin all burned. So, thank you, Grimm."
"No problem. Maybe if I come with you guys to a cooler environment, I may have a feeling it'll be nice." Sanya agreed to it, while Eila mutually agreed to the arrangement. Meanwhile, Major Sakamoto, having recovered from her drunken stupor is seen pondering next to the window, with Survivor, Shirley, Nagase, Barkhorn and Erica in tow.
"This base is filled with mysteries." The Major began "Who knew what Perrine found was built under it."
"After all, place is built by the Umbra Witches." Survivor quipped "Those girls are your ancestors who were against my race."
"Although seeing you as a Humanoid does bring a lot of peace in mind. Aisyah as well." The Humanoid Neuroi nodded "Speaking of which, has anyone seen Commander Minna and Cipher?"
"Should we talk about it?" Nagase asked
"Not one word, Edge. Not one word." Barkhorn answered
XXXXXXXXXX
Cipher's (Daniel Cross') P.O.V.
After what had happened today, I managed to find Minna after asking the girls where she is. She was just staring off into the midnight sky as I joined her.
"Hey, Minna. You don't mind if I sit beside you?" After hearing no response, I took it as a yes and sat down "You okay after… what happened earlier?"
"Daniel… I don't want to talk about it." She answered
"Well… it's not your fault. It's just on… instinct, I guess?"
"Maybe."
"Say… what would have happened if you're in a relationship with her instead of me?" I asked. Minna's face flashed bright red, rendering her speechless. "Ah, don't worry. I'm just playing with you."
"…You jerk." She said bluntly after recuperating herself "Least I have you, so that's alright with me." She smiled as we stared at the night sky some more "Say, Daniel. If you want, maybe we can sleep outside? It does feel nice."
"Sure. It'll be nice to sleep under the stars." With that, both Minna and I retired for the night, but not without bringing in sleeping bags and sleep under the stars, knowing that today has been… quite hectic.
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Hey guys, thank you for reading another chapter of 'Demon Lord'. Again, life itself can be quite irritating. But, I am surviving with the pandemic and all. And I did play more games on the PlayStation. Still no sign of me grabbing a PS5, but maybe I can grab a slim model which might be next year. Again.
Still, I am taking my time making chapters for the other stories, so expect delays. Sometimes. But I'll try my best to make another chapter in months. Hopefully. With that, thanks for reading and see you in the next chapter. Bye for now.
