Surprise, I'm not dead.
Chapter 9: First Flight
"Couldn't sleep?"
The older gentleman, dressed in the navy blue uniform of Tristain's Dragon Knights that look similar to Agnes' musketeer uniform but more designed to reduce drag, turns around. Like many of the others here, he has blonde hair and blue eyes, the former well kept and organized. He also has a trimmed beard and moustache, giving him a distinguished look that pairs well with the cane and sword with him.
"Commander Baker, good evening." He says, giving me a nod. Unlike some of the other nobles here, he has treated me with a lot more respect. "And I could ask you the same question."
His name is Andersen Gautier Onfroi de la Shilage, but has asked me to refer to him as Captain Gautier. We've been put together for the next assignment, which will be making a foothold on the floating island of Albion. The reasoning for us being together though, is a bit saddening. By the time we arrived, most of his squad had been taken out. He was down to a squad of six dragon knights, himself included. Thus, we were to form the first joint air-ground unit of Tristain's fleet. Why his unit wasn't co-opted into another company, I'm not quite sure, considering how dragon knights seem to be fairly rare. I'd figure they would have rolled his unit into another one in order to maximize effectiveness.
Well, relatively rare, anyways. Out of an entire brigade, I would estimate that only one company would be dragon knights. There were similar ratios for pegasus or griffin knights. Manticore knights on the other hand, were far more rare. I'd estimate that every division, there would be only one company of manticore knights.
"Well, I just finished doing some paperwork." I say, stepping next to his side, looking out at the dark sea of clouds that roll on by beneath us. "Figured I could take a walk before going to bed."
"I see."
"The same for you, I take it?"
"I was here to think of all the men I lost, is all."
"Ah. I'll leave you alone, if that's the case."
"No, the company is appreciated. I can tell that you've lost a lot as well."
I close my eyes and try not to chuckle bitterly at this. After that, the two of us simply stand there for a while. He's a lot older than me, I would say, based on his figure and wrinkles on his face. At that point I would have thought he'd be retired by now, but I guess for some of us, we just feel a need to come back.
"We're supposedly landing tomorrow. We should probably be rested for that." I say after about ten minutes goes by.
"Ah, indeed. We'll be putting our faith in that Vallerie girl and her familiar."
"What ship are they on?"
"They're on the lead ship, the Majesty. Why do you ask?"
"Her older sister is an associate of mine. I told her if I were to encounter her sister, I'd do my best to ensure that she came home, being only a child."
"Which one?" He asks, raising an eyebrow at me.
"What do you mean, 'which one'?"
"There are two older sisters of the youngest Vallerie girl." He says, a slightly concerned twitch going across his face. "Was she blonde or…"
"Yes, blonde, golden hair, eyes as sharp as a hawk's. Why?"
I can only describe the look he gives me as pity, concern, and one that says "Good luck" as he just turns away. "Well, I wish you well in your endeavors, then. And I would recommend to you that you don't stand out too much in her eyes."
"I see…?"
I don't know exactly how I am to respond to that, so I simply give something noncommittal.
"Ah, I'm afraid you don't quite understand, then."
"If you would please educate me, I would be most gracious."
"It likely won't concern you, as you are not of noble birth nor have you been given the rank of a noble such as a Chevalier." He says, chuckling. "But, if you were, then yes you should worry. The… eldest child of the Valleries is quite… prickly, let us say. A rose with many thorns."
"She indeed has a very strong personality."
He gives a snort of amusement. "It drives away many a man and it is custom that the eldest marries first. As you can imagine, perhaps, it is… with much difficulty that she finds one that sticks all the way from engagement to marriage."
"Ah, so that's how it is. Well, with any luck I shall avoid being given such a title, then."
"I believe it is more in your interest to avoid being in her sightlines in general."
"I shall choose where it is I go and when it is I arrive. But I will take your warnings into account." I say, crossing my arms. "I doubt that I'll have to worry too much, though. Judging from what I have heard through the trickles of the grapevine, I will not be given any such glamorous tasks."
"Neither shall I, I suppose."
"May I know why, then?"
"Oh, you know how it is. I am as decorated as they come save for the incredible such as Karin of the Heavy Wind. They cannot have such a figure leading the charge if they mean to grasp glory. I would overshadow them."
"Would you not normally have heroes leading the charge, then?"
"I would be inclined to agree, however, I believe that the presence of Germania has clouded some of their judgement. Seeing as how Germania is by far the kingdom with the most military power, some of them might think that this will be their time to shine. It has been a long time since the last major war and I am beginning to fear that they have forgotten its horrors. Instead of occupying themselves with coming home alive, they mean to prioritize their medals and glory. Granted, if this war drags on, then I am sure they'll learn the lessons I once did."
"Idiots."
He gives a smile of agreement before looking forward once again. "I intend to win all of my battles, of course, with minimal casualties."
"As do I."
"Then it seems it may have been fate working from the shadows to bring us together." He says, closing his eyes. "I do not like this war, but Tristain is my land, my home, and my heart. For that, I shall fight to the bitter end."
"Let's hope that it doesn't come to that tomorrow, then."
"Enfield, eleven o'clock!"
Agnes pokes her head out of the makeshift cover and fires a shot right into the chest of a dragon rider who was about to buzz us. His body soars backwards and starts tumbling down through the unfortunately not endless sea of clouds.
I peek out of the doorway, pulling back as a green flash of light streaks closer. It strikes further down the hall, right on the floor, blowing the planks of wood apart.
I'm not quite sure of the details of this operation, but apparently we're supposed to hold out while this Vallerie girl pulls off some kind of miracle. However, the enemy is incredibly strong, likely equalling if not exceeding our forces. Why this miracle has to be done after we engaged the enemy has not been explained, but it's the reality we live in.
Gautier's air support is downright amazing, however. The rest of his squadron, though only six strong, has managed to fend off approximately fifty percent of the enemy air power that attacks our ship. Twenty percent has been the rest of the ship's crew, while the other thirty percent is—
I wince as I hear another loud criiick! of a body hitting the deck of the ship. From the wound, it's obviously a gunshot that did him in. These dragon knights are a real pain in the ass, but there is one weakness of theirs. While dragons are apparently very armored and hard to kill, their riders are… dramatically less so.
For a normal human, even a mage, they're difficult to track and kill. Agnes is incredible for being able to target with such precision. However, for Springfield and the other T-Dolls, even if they aren't using their etched weapons, their calculation abilities far exceed normal human brain capacity. After approximately thirty minutes of analyzing their movement patterns and aerodynamics, they've been able to hit with I want to say ninety percent accuracy.
Honestly, the close air support has been fantastic. What I wouldn't have given to have this level of support during my time in Griffin…
My thoughts are interrupted by the ship shaking, with us having taken another volley of cannonballs. Everyone holds onto something to stabilize themselves, Gautier's squad doubling their efforts while our anti-air fire is currently inoperable.
"This is bad, we're going to lose the ship at this rate!" Agnes says, peeking out behind cover and shooting at another flier.
"What are our options?"
"Jump?"
"Very funny!" I yell, ducking away from another bombing run that rips up even more of the deck. "Not seeing a way out!"
Unless…
"Gautier!"
He quickly barks some words to his squad who form a protective dome around us as he lands on the ruined deck, facing me. "Make it quick!"
"How much weight can you carry?"
He glances around at us, immediately understanding the situation. "A lot more than you would think."
"Ah, the guns are a bit heavy, though."
I cycle through my head what the probable weight of each doll is. I know that some of the military grade Dolls were certainly on the heavier end, but the civilian converted ones are likely lighter. That is to say it isn't impossible to pick some of the smaller ones up, I suppose.
"Worst case, we can all use wind magic to help supplant the weight." He says before taking off to avoid an attack launched at him.
"Got it! Have your men approach from the stern towards the bow, we'll do stop and go landings!"
"Understood! Relaying the order! There's too much noise so we'll have to do visual confirmation of approach!"
"Copy that, go!"
I watch him take off into the protective dome his squad has set up, likely letting them know what the game plan is. Now just to fulfill my end.
"All Dolls, listen up! Extraction is coming in, dragon knights will approach from the stern of the ship towards the bow! Extraction order will be Enfield, PPK, Spectre, then Springfield! Springfield, Enfield, provide covering fire!"
"What about you, sir?!" Springfield yells over another volley of cannonball shots that rock the ship.
"I'll be going last to issue orders as the situation changes down here!"
Worst case, if I don't make it, Agnes can be designated as a Commander. It's why she needs to get off the ship first. I can still forward commands using the Long Range Transmission Device once she's up in the air.
I see Springfield quietly nod before she returns to covering fire. I then move up ahead, breaking out of the cover provided by the entrance of the cabin and onto the deck of the ship, where some crates and barrels provide some measure of cover. I check behind us, towards the stern of the ship.
Two dragon riders, one flying a little lower than the other. The other one is probably providing cover as they go in, able to dissuade anyone from trying to directly engage the more vulnerable one.
"Enfield, extraction inbound, get ready!"
The dragon comes in fast, then spreads its wings for maximum drag, slowing itself down while Agnes runs for where the approximate landing zone is. The dragon rider is a sitting duck at the time, but his wingman helps to cover him along with the other air support we have active.
Though in order to speed up the run, as Agnes is being pulled up, the dragon is already moving to create a harder target; however, it doesn't really pick up speed until Agnes is fully situated. Once she is, the dragon gives a mighty flap of its wings and sends a gust of wind through the deck of the ship, taking off into the skies.
She's downright insane, though, as Agnes is already trying to land shots as she's flown about.
"PPK, take Enfield's previous position and get ready for extraction!"
"As you wish, sir~"
The ship continues to creak as the pair swoops in again, though this time the dragon rider that didn't pick up Agnes is in the lead. I doubt they've trained for this, but their ability to adapt is to be commended as they spread their wings to once again increase drag. PPK's smaller frame makes it easier, though compared to Agnes I can see the dragon strain a little bit under the weight before taking off. However, it doesn't have as much difficulty, so she can't weigh that much more than Agnes.
"Spectre, you're up!"
Another pair drops in, picking her up, then Springfield moves into position under my command.
"Commander—"
"Go!" I yell, seeing the pair that picked up Spectre swooping in to pick her up.
The whole time, the ship has been under fairly constant fire. It's to the point that whatever was keeping the ship stable is likely damaged as it's starting to sway back and forth. Springfield gives me one last look before running forward and catching her ride.
This thing better hold together just a bit longer…!
"Come on, Oliver!"
I see Gautier swiftly approaching from the aft of the ship, coming in much faster than his cohort as all of them are covering him along with the girls riding on the back of the dragons shooting. I brace myself against the cover I've been hiding behind as the ship tilts slightly so I don't go spilling overboard. This is going to be a much more complex landing…!
When I peek over again, his dragon's feet are just about touching the deck, with its wings fully spread for maximum drag. He holds out his hand, ready to grab me—
"Shi—!"
—when the ship suddenly lurches downward, nose first. Gautier's hand is withdrawn as he steadies himself even though he's harnessed onto his dragon. His dragon struggles to grip onto the wood but the angle soon becomes too steep. As I find something to brace myself against, an elevated portion of the deck where one of the cannons used to be that's thankfully there, I'm glad that my feet have some footing, and additionally I managed to find a grip around the railing of the ship as I see him take off.
"I'll loop back around and pick you up!"
Judging by how those things are more like planes rather than helicopters, unless he's capable of some kind of straight vertical lift I only see one real way of doing this!
It's a race against the clock as I see him circle around, evading enemy fire while I cling on for life. There must be something left keeping the ship up, just damaged enough to where it can't sustain the ship in full—at least I hope so, considering how it doesn't feel like I'm in free fall just yet.
We should be high enough the ground where a crash isn't imminent just yet, but the real issue is that if the nose is diving more and more, the aft of the ship is rising. I really do not like this angle we are approaching!
"Oliver, above you!"
I look up, rapidly pulling my head back to avoid some falling debris. However, after poking out again, I see Gautier descending from the skies.
"Get as far out as you can!"
Oh God, this definitely is out of my pay grade. But if I need to stay alive…
I take a brief breath to calm myself down. I look down for just a second, trying to gauge where to throw myself to avoid any falling debris as I won't have visibility in about two seconds. I briefly consider trying to slide down to give Gautier the maximum time possible, but with the holes in the deck I'm likely to screw that up, so there's really only one option. Here goes.
"Hor-iah!"
With what little footing I have, I get a "running start" and catapult myself into the air. I spread my arms and legs out to get as much drag as possible to slow my descent while also turning my back as I don't have any eyegear to protect my eyes and also hold onto the LRTD just in case, mostly because we didn't exactly plan for it to be in this kind of environment, so it's lacking a chin strap.
Gautier descends like a comet, closing the distance between us as his dragon's wings shift to become more aerodynamic. I squint my eyes as the sun's rays are starting to get into them as I descend, hearing the rush of wind and the chills running across my body.
Eventually, I feel something grip my left hand, pulling me in. Opening my eyes just a bit more, I find Gautier dragging me in closer.
"Pull yourself in, Oliver, in front of me!"
I comply, using swapping hands to pull myself over in front of him while also keeping a hand on the LRTD, then pulling down to sit down on the dragon's back despite my reduced visibility due to the rushing winds.
"Brace yourself!" He yells, wrapping an arm around me.
We both grunt as he pulls a turn, with both of us straining under the force of the turn. I feel my head pull into his, with Gautier being pulled back into his seat on the dragon, but eventually we level out while still going at high speeds.
"Just keep your eyes closed, we're going to get back onto a ship where you can dismou—hold on, what is going on…?."
I feel us slowing down, and as we coast along I open my eyes, using my left hand as a small shield against the light winds.
"Are they… retreating?" I ask, narrowing my eyes as I try to get a better view.
"It seems like it... for now, we should regroup."
"Where to?"
"Don't worry about contacting your folks. We'll all fly into the Intrepid and figure out just what the situation is…"
We're not the only ones who touch down, apparently wondering what the hell is going on despite some people pressing the advantage. According to the reports, another massive fleet suddenly showed up in another area of Albion despite the fact that surely this was the main fleet. If we had a fleet that was apparently equal in number to the fleet defending Albion and really wanted to split them, why did we not attack at the same time?
"I see."
"Oliver?"
"The miracle that Vallerie was to pull off."
They had to be sure that the enemy engaged us first. They couldn't risk Vallerie being detected, perhaps, so they had to wait for us to be engaged before having her do whatever she did.
Gautier pauses for a bit before nodding. "Ahhh, it makes sense now."
A distraction for a distraction.
"Does it seem like the fleet is going to hold off?"
"Not at all." Gautier says, looking ahead. "It seems other ships are launching their knights and pressing the attack. No point wasting this opportunity."
"I suppose so. Unfortunately, there's much we can do without getting closer."
"Hmm."
I look over at Gautier, who glances at his dragon riders. It seems an idea is coming to mind.
"I have a plan. Ready your soldiers. We're going hunting."
It doesn't take long for me to realize what Gautier was up to, once the two-person harnesses are loaded. They're loaded especially quickly as everyone is scrambling to get as many fighters in the air while the Reconquistan fleet is in retreat mode.
I slide my legs into the harness, strapping myself in behind Gautier. Seating's a bit awkward, but it's better that he be in front so he can see where the hell we're going while I've got my pistol. I need to make a note to ask Agnes for more firearm training in the event I'm going to be out on the field again. I had that luxury back during the era of T-Dolls, but this is a far cry from that.
"Strapped in?"
I slide my goggles on top of the LRTD and tighten them to secure both the goggles and the headset, nodding. "Good to fly."
"Understood."
He whistles, with all of his dragon knights forming into a two column three row formation. PPK and Agnes are at the front, with Springfield and Spectre in the middle.
"Alright, we're taking off, ten second intervals between each pair! Follow the fray and keep your wingman alive!"
"All T-Dolls, you are clear to engage all viable targets. Don't hold back."
"Roger!" Both sets of fighters say back.
"On my mark. Three. Two. One. Mark!"
The first set of dragon knights surge forward with their dragons, taking to the air. Ten seconds after them, the second pair go. Ten seconds after that, we shoot off into the skies.
It's not going to be easy to keep my gun in my hands, but worst case if I lose it, I can always just do callouts for Gautier now that I've got visibility.
"Commander, this is Enfield."
"I copy, what's going on?"
"Looks like a real mess up ahead, just giving you a heads up. The retreating Reconquista fleet might be running away but they've still got some fight in them."
"Understood. Keep your wits about you and trust your pilot. Provide cover fire for them as intended."
"Got it. Enfield out."
"That's a pretty handy device. I'll have to ask you about getting one after this."
"It's pretty expensive."
"Is that so? It seems that war is always changing. While this old pilot can still do something, let's dive into the fireworks."
With that, I can feel my stomach lurch as Gautier rolls us left and dives down before readjusting us to be heads up, his wingman following. I hold onto my pistol and look around, knowing that I'm no marksman.
Gautier makes a series of hand gestures with his left hand, likely communicating what he's seeing to his partner. Dead ahead is a formation of four fliers, clearly Reconquista in colors, which slightly disappear as Gautier dips just slightly into a cloud. Judging by his speed and heading, he's aiming to break their formation with a straight drive, his with partner providing both a distraction and covering fire.
This old man's really got some steel to him, doesn't he…?!
The wind is howling as we drive straight in, performing exactly as he intended. The flight is scattered as they are relying on visuals and the sheer chaos of the fight is making it hard to keep track of where everything is.
I grunt as he pulls a fairly high speed turn after going vertical, probably trying to use the sun to limit their view. Plus, if they're looking up, they aren't looking at his wingman.
Glancing down below us, I see that his wingman has taken the opportunity to take a few easy shots in, managing to get at least one down before pulling away as we loop back in, pursuing the trio now chasing his wingman.
Steady now…
It's now that I really appreciate having radar and other electronic measures, back home, as it's only when one of them peeks back to check behind them that they're alerted to our presence. However, in the moment when he's paying more attention to trying to communicate this information to his flight is when Gautier calmly fires a wind spell at the distracted man, scoring a kill with a direct hit as the rider goes limp.
With that, the two remaining dragon knights split off. However, we stick to pursuing the one pursuing Gautier's wingman, trying to get a hit that'll stick on him.
"Coming in around eight o'clock." I say, looking over my shoulder to continue tracing where our pursuer is.
"Can you get a shot off?"
"I don't trust my aim firing behind me."
"How far back is he?"
"I give it maybe fifteen meters or so?"
"Got it. Hold on."
I grunt under the strain as Gautier pulls up slightly, spreading the wings of his dragon to maximize drag. I see underneath us, the dragon rider that was behind us passing us, but instead gaining speed to put as much distance between us and him when we come out of the attempt to get behind him.
"It won't be enough."
Gautier's voice has the chills of a hardened veteran as his dragon immediately swoops back in, flapping its wings and gaining speed. I ready my pistol, trying to find the perfect shot as we close in. Steady… steady… got you!
I squeeze the trigger as we close in, aiming for center of mass. Somehow, I manage to hit him, the pilot keeling over and slumping in his harness. Gautier pulls away, now ready to support his wingman fully.
Reloading is definitely a hell of a lot trickier on this thing, though!
I glance over after struggling to reload, looking around, finding similar tactics going on with the T-Dolls. Weaving left and right, their more pinpoint shots due to their skill in aiming makes for a ferocious combination. Dragon knights and other fliers such as actual pegasuses, pegasi, whatever the word is, fall by the squad as the skill of Gautier's fliers combined with the aiming and power of the T-Dolls makes short work of each of them.
"If we can deal a decisive blow here, what do you estimate Reconquista's air power will be?"
"We'll have to see what's left." Gautier says as he eliminates the dragon knight pursuing his wingman, both of them rejoining as a unit and looping around back towards the rest of the squad. "The most important part is dealing at least enough of a crippling blow to secure a supply line for ourselves. That will be the critical thing going forward. I don't think this campaign is going to end quickly. We'll need to maintain the air corridor, so as long as we can deal enough damage to them to keep them away from a direct attack on our supply port, everything will go smoother."
"I see. Though, what made you come up with this strategy?"
"I just had an idea and wanted to see if it would work. I trusted in your soldiers' skills, is all."
"I'm glad that they've earned such trust from you so quickly."
"I'm more surprised you went along with such a thing, on a spontaneous strategy that hadn't even been field tested before. Quite the risk, for someone who seems as cautious as you."
I smile, thinking back on all of my narrowest, and yet most triumphant, victories. "I think you'll find that when the chips are down, Gautier, that I like to go all-in. Miracles only happen if you try your best, after all."
He chuckles at this while speeding up. "I suppose that's true. Now then, let's get back to work."
Sooner or later, I'd like to have a gun that can fire more than once before having to reload, as it would have helped in the dogfight. However, Gautier proves just why he's been able to fly for this long, pulling turns that give us easy shots and generally outmaneuvering the opposition.
I have to say he's been very patient with me, but I suppose that for doing something on a whim, that he should give me at least that. For the most part, in between my very tenuous reloads, I glance around the battlefield and give callouts.
"Enfield!" I say through our transmission device, turning my head as Gautier pulls another turn. "You've got two pegasus riders, seven o'clock, above!"
"Copy. Spectre!"
Likely there's some shouting going on between them as their riders, flying as a unit, move into position. One acts as the lure for the pegasus knights to go after while the other acts as the punishment hammer for taking the bait.
If only I had more of these, I could actively communicate to the whole team at the same time. I suppose that during ground operations, I really only need to communicate with Agnes, but in the event they get separated, I'd like to have one that I can reach the T-Dolls with as they can at least relay commands to each other. Having Agnes as the recipient of the transmission device represents a weak point in our command structure; however, it's a compromise I have to make for now.
"Gautier, got two dragon knights on fast approach. Four o'clock, high."
"Got it."
He signals to his wingman again, with them moving into position. I make sure that my pistol is loaded as I clench on tight, waiting to provide support. They sweep around, making a tight turn to face the enemy knights head-on. Both sides fire off spells, each weaving around the respective vollies as I keep looking for an opening.
Got you!
The first of the enemy dragon knights goes down as he burned a lot of his energy going into a turn to try to get into a position above us. It would have normally worked, except that there's a man in back this time around.
"Surprised we don't see more fliers like this, flying in pairs like us."
"Oh, you know how some of these nobles are. All about the glory for themselves, even when they don't do the work." He says, grunting as we pull into a turn to support his wingman. "If a familiar accomplishes a task for its mage master, then it is to the credit of the mage. If the familiar fails, it is the fault of the familiar."
"How brutal." I say, taking the time we're out of the curve to reload.
"So, why bother splitting the glory when you can take it for yourself? It seems that most nobles have forgotten just how brutal the world can be."
"I'm glad you're not one of them."
"Oho, then remind me never to tell you of my younger years." He pauses as his wingman is chased after, with the target taking the bait. Gautier swoops in and immediately starts locking on, and about thirty seconds later the enemy dragon knight is taken out of the skies.
We continue to soar around, taking out whatever aerial power we can find without straying too far from the fleet. No need to overextend to where we can't retreat to friendly airspace if shit goes south, I suppose.
"Commander, Enfield here." Comes Agnes' voice after maybe thirty minutes or so of air action.
"What's the situation, Enfield?"
"Enemy air power seems to be drastically reduced. Should we attempt boarding action?"
"Gautier, I'll defer to you. Recommend boarding action?"
"Don't board solo, but it looks like some of our ships have a handle on it already from here. We might just get in the way of the infantry. Back into formation, we'll just be on standby in case anything goes south."
"Enfield, fall back into formation. We're on contingent air patrol, but looks like the battle's over for now."
"Copy that. I'll relay it to the others. It looks like our own ships are moving in, just like you said."
"Got it."
It seems that the battle was starting to wrap up anyways. At this point it's mostly the ships that were unable to flee in time or were instructed to remain here while they dealt with the other fleet that supposedly popped up. I can already see a few of the enemy ships raising flags of surrender...
After about fifteen more minutes, we get word that the day is won. We've sustained some moderate losses, but it's a lot better than what the alternative was. We'll be able to fight off the rest of the force that was split off due to the miracle that Vallerie girl pulled off early. Seems like Tristain lives to fight another day.
"Yo buddy, still alive?"
Gautier turns his head towards me and laughs. "I'm right here, aren't I?"
"Ah, sorry. It's just… nostalgic in a way. A dear friend of mine would ask that question to me as well, after operations, despite us being mere inches from each other."
"I see. What was the correct response?"
"I don't know if there was one." I say as I see the rest of Gautier's squadron moving in after they spot us.
"Then, what did you say in reply?"
"'Who knows?'" I say, earning a chuckle from the older man.
"Well, I hope your answer has changed now."
I only smile, deciding not to give a response in return. I wonder what I would say, if she were to say those words to me now. The kind of face I'd make, what I'd think about, and what words I'd use. And I wonder if I'd say that I was.
"Count them, six dragon knights." Gautier says as his squad moves in to fly with us. "Welcome home, boys."
"Yee-haw!" They cheer back.
"T-Dolls, sound off!" I call out after their hooting and hollering is done with.
"Enfield, reporting!" Agnes' usual cool voice shouts.
"PPK, reporting in just for you, Commander~" PPK says, getting some wolf whistles from Gautier's men.
"Spectre, present!" Spectre calls out, a bit more energized than how she was after the battle at the Academy.
"Springfield, returned!" And last but not least, Springfield's warm voice to welcome us all home.
We all fly in, nice and tight, as I glance over back at my new squadron. While it's likely we won't be making air operations all the time, I think this was a good experience for all of us. It does help us understand what our air operatives are capable of. And perhaps with it, comes a nice bond. It's nice to have people like that on the field, whom you can really trust to come through for you.
And I wonder, as the wings of the dragons spread out to slow us down for a smooth landing, if I'll be able to find that kind of bond again.
Sorry for how long it took to get this out. I had this chapter like, half done for a while, but I couldn't figure out how I wanted the battle scene to play out. I don't have too much else to say about this chapter, actually, other than that I just wanted to play around with the idea of air combat and the T-Dolls flying around with dragon knights.
That was the trick, really, since T-Doll weights are kind of a wonky subject. I tried to think about how heavy they should be, but I remember someone mentioned in one of the outfit memories the commander straight up picks one up, so it feels slightly inconsistent. I decided to go for something that was somewhat believable, in that Oliver is worried about how they'll function, but it's mentioned that the Dragon Knights can both use wind magic to offset weights, and also that dragons are stronger than he knows. I figured that you know, it's a dragon, so it's believable enough that a dragon could sustain the weight of a T-Doll or something like that.
Either way, getting a bit into the war arc, I suppose. I haven't even started the next chapter lmao and I got no clue what I want to do next, so I guess I'll have to puzzle that out. I do have a general idea of the big overarching story, but who knows if we'll get that far since I've slowly started drifting from GFL. I did also submit a story into their contest thing, so we'll see how that goes, haha.
Catch you guys all next chapter.
