Chapter V:
That light disappeared, the Kankers were teleported by it to an unknown location, the wind calmed down and it was just a nice and cool breeze that deserved the trees, but, previously, the gale had caused several trees to fall, one of them destroyed part of the fence that was in Rolf's farm, scaring the animals, which fled terrified until their owner was able to return them to their place. The patrols were still there, as well as the boys from the neighborhood along with the Eds and the three Officers, but on their faces there was awe, astonishment, surprise, they could not believe, not even describe in their own words what they had just seen. The first to turn to the others was Eddy, who was frozen and with his forehead pearly with sweat.
- Ok! I must say this, after everything and more with what we have just seen...- He took a few seconds, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.- AHHHHHHHHHHHH, THE CRUELS ARE GOING TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD!.- He shouted with all his strength, shaking his arms in the air, frantically, as he was under the control of paranoia.
- They're going to enslave us, there's no way out! What can we do!.- Ed had his hands over his head and then, from all the pressure, he fell to his knees on the pavement, seeing that there was no hope.
- What difference does it make? We kick their asses and save the world.- Said Kevin, who cracked his knuckles, ready for combat, but Nazz and the others weren't so sure, they even looked very nervous.
- And what's your bright idea, "Captain America"?.- Asked Eddy to the red-haired boy, facing him.- Don't you realize that they are superior in technology?!
- Hey, relax, I have a plan and it's...well...it's...it's...great...- At that moment, Kevin lied, he knew well, like everyone else, that he didn't have it in mind, besides he looked really scared.
- Eddy is right, Kevin, what are we going to confront them with?. What weapons can confront those...things?.- They heard the voice of Nazz, who walked up to them, with his arms crossed.
None of those present had any idea or project to expose, there were only empty words, without any use or value. The only thing they could do was to accept their fate or fight, even if it was in vain. However, at that moment, in the midst of all the fear that had developed, Eddy remembered something very important.
- Wait a minute. Francesca, you had said that, together with your friends, you had fought against these invaders in the past, didn't you.- The boy with the yellow shirt and red stripe approached her, hoping to find a solution to the problem.
- That's right, but it's been a while since the "501st Joint Combat Wing" was disbanded.- Answered the black-haired girl, crossing her arms and closing her eyes, causing all attempts at celebration to cease.
- Maybe so, but it's time for you to go back to fighting: the World needs you. The Kankers have a powerful army of mechanical monsters capable of destroying the Planet.- Said Eddy with determination, being heard by Trudie and her friend.
- That's true, but we also have two problems: Minna is our Commander but we are missing Sakamoto Mio to have the Officer cadre ready, since she and the others are living their lives peacefully. Everyone went their own way when the "Neuroi" were annihilated in the past.- The dark brown-haired Karlsland girl pointed out seriously.
Hearing that, Kevin approached them.
- Wait a minute: You three are "Witches"?.- The red-haired man wanted to know, having heard that story.
- As you heard, we were, but we are not anymore.- Minna answered towards the boy.
- But you can make that call, bring back the missing ones. Otherwise, we will all be lost.- Ed advised them.
- As "simple" as it may seem, it's not.- Said Minna.- No one knows where they will be and we will also need weapons and Striker Units to fight the forces of the Kankers.- Added the orange-reddish haired girl, adding two more new problems.
- What are these "Striker Units"?.- Asked Double D with curiosity, approaching them.
- They are anti-Neuroi machines that allow us to fly through the skies, as well as to use our magic against the enemy. It was Dr. Miyafugi who was responsible for creating them, however, we have not seen them since the end of the war," explained Trudie to the boy with the black cap.
- So, you have no idea where they might be?.- Eddy wanted to know at that point.
- The last time we had news was that Sakamoto Mio was in Fuso, in the naval base with some weapons but we are going to need some heavy caliber ones to face this new threat.- Said the Commander and from there she took her cell phone.- I will make the call.- She accepted that "test" and began her work, dialing that person's number.
- Hurry up!.- Francesca asked, since time was not in their favor.
For his part, Kevin, who had returned with Nazz, Sarah, Jimmy, Johnny, Plank and Nazz, could not believe what he had just witnessed. He was having a hard time digesting it all, it was like a waterfall that had come crashing down on him and now he had to acknowledge the magnitude of the problem.
- God, this day can't get any worse and to think that all this started with a Chinese wedgie that Eddy made for Jimmy.- Growled the red-haired man, mentioning that event and the present they were in.
- Are you saying that I'm to blame for the Kankers wanting to conquer us with their armies of machines of mass destruction?! Even I didn't know what they had, they always harassed and chased us, but this was the last straw...- Eddy had heard all that and faced the boy with the bicycle.
- He is right.- Francesca supported him with a serious tone.- They were waiting, as they said and finally they did it to free him, at that moment, the Italian black hair turned to her friends.- Have you managed to establish communication with Major Sakamoto?.- She asked Trudie and Minna.
- Not yet, be patient.- Said the dark brown-haired girl.- She might be busy.- she said and from there, while the Commander waited for them to answer the call, she looked at her friend.
- And to think that this was going to be a simple detention, like any other but when May took out that radio to call the "Shadow Neuroi" it took us all by surprise and added to its new characteristics, it will be impossible to find any trace of the "Hive" or it may be invisible.- Minna theorized, something that was not good for them at all.
- Sorry, what do you mean by a "hive", like a bee hive or something like that?.
- Yes, like the one you mentioned as an example, but with "Neuroi"; but the strange thing is that they cannot become invisible. Even so, the "Shadow Neuroi" can do anything, besides we don't know how resistant they are in combat and the damage we must do to destroy them.- Minna emphasized in her explanation.
- How big can this "Hive" be? The only one we fought was the size of a country.- Said Francesca and that produced a deep silence among those present.
- It could be, but we will find out as soon as we have finished calling the others.- Trudie promised that they would make progress in the investigations and from there they heard Minna's voice.
- Yes, it's her!.- Exclaimed Minna, satisfactorily.
- It's about time!.- This time it was Eddy, tired of waiting so long.
Meanwhile, in Fuso, located in the naval base of that Far Eastern country, a girl with black hair, ponytail, white uniform and a patch over her left eye, was supervising the new recruits. Her cold and serious gaze was fixed on each of the members, who were standing at attention before their leader, without any word of mouth or incident. Everything was going well until a call pulled the girl from her task, so she moved away and went to a secluded area to see what the matter was.
- Hello, this is Major Sakamoto Mio.- She greeted with a military tone in her voice.
- "Mio, this is Minna, we have a very serious problem".- Spoke that orange-reddish hair.
- Minna, it's a big surprise to hear from you again.- Mio said, but she didn't change the serious expression on her face after hearing about the problem they had on their hands.
- "I'm in Peach Creek, California State, but...we have a very serious crisis to deal with".- She answered that question, getting to the point.
- Tell me about it.- The black-haired woman asked.
- "Okay, you won't believe this, but...a new type of "Neuroi" has appeared: The "Shadow Neuroi".- The girl told that part of the story, which surprised the Major.
- What, a new type of "Neuroi"?! It's impossible, they were destroyed years ago in the Battle of Asia by Sergeant Miyafugi Yoshika and I when the "True Final Shin Reppezan" was used to eliminate them. There is no way they could have built such an army.- She told that part of the story, seeing images of her and a brown-haired girl, who put an end to the enemy.
- "I know, but we found out who built them".- Minna added more information to the matter - "A man and his family in Liberion, Dr. Reginald Kanker was responsible and his granddaughters made the "big leap".
- I can't believe it...they attacked Liberion in the Past, why would those people do something like that to the enemy?.- Asked Mio and Minna's tone turned cold.
- "Two words: world domination. The Cruel sisters seek to be the dictators of the Planet and are the successors to their grandfather's legacy. They have disappeared with these and we don't know where the "Hive" may be, as we were going to arrest them because they were harassing a group of friends where we met, to become their boyfriends but they didn't like that. I will give you more details about this event when you are here: We are gathering the "Witches" to put an end to this threat."- He left that meeting point for the black hair.
- Minna, you know well that you and I and the others have retired and live as simple civilians. Can't the Army take over?.- Theorized Mio, since that was crazy.
- "Don't you remember that they tried in the Past and failed. The same thing will happen again. We, the "Witches", are the only ones who can defeat them and the last thing would be to see the Army employ Neuroi technology, just like General Mallory did, knowing that it is a double-edged sword. That is why we will meet as a team once again".- Said the Commander and the Major knew she was right.
- It is true. It has been a very long retreat but we have no choice: we have to do it.- The girl gave her word that she would join the war.
- "All right, but hurry. I don't know how much longer this peace will persist before the "Shadow Neuroi" starts invading other countries".- Minna asked and the black-haired girl nodded her head, putting an end to the communication.
- Just like in the old days.- Mio maintained, showing a smile and throwing a small laugh into the air, while reaching for her katana.
The time had come to save the World again.
A few hours later, once she left her things in order, as well as with the recruits, where one of her lieutenants remained as a replacement, Mio Sakamoto left for the airport, where she ran into an old friend, someone she had known for a long time and who was in that place at the right time and the right moment. There, on the runway, stood a girl with blonde hair, blue eyes and wearing a pilot's uniform.
- Ha...Hartmann, do you work here?.- Heard the voice of the black-haired girl, who brought the young woman out of her task.- "Finally got her wish".
- Huh? Oh, hello, Mio? Are you going somewhere? I've finished my work today.- Greeted the young blonde with a warm tone of voice.
- And that's precisely the person I wanted to see.- Said Mio, approaching her.
- Wait, what's wrong?.- The girl asked the black-haired girl hesitantly.
- I received a call from Minna and it's urgent.- She answered.
- What is it about?.- The other wanted to know, while she brought her right hand to her cheek.
- A new threat has arisen and they are called "Shadow Neuroi".- She informed him but that was a big surprise for the girl.
- What?! It can't be, but we had destroyed them.- The blond girl exclaimed in amazement.
- Apparently, the "Shadow Neuroi" were created from the destruction of their predecessors and did not appear until today in Liberion. That's why I got the call from Minna, we are needed, Erica. I'm heading to Galia to pick up Perrine, then we'll go for Miyafugi. From there we will leave for Brittania to get Lynne, Charlotte is in Liberion, so we will meet her there. Finally, we'll be left with Sanya and Elia, wherever they are.- She announced her plan to gather the team once again and travel to that country.
Erica jumped up from where she stood and walked over to where Mio was standing, giving the Major a military salute.
- Then count with me, get in!.- She exclaimed with determination to fight the enemy.
- Thank you, Hartmann.- Mio thanked him and gave him a smile.
No more was said, they both boarded a plane that the blonde girl was using and from there they took off towards Galia, where they would look for the next member of the "Witches".
It was a long enough flight, but they finally made it to their destination in Europe. In a quiet French village, surrounded by a beautiful and rich architecture of the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth century, among these was a hotel that was run by a beautiful young woman with silver hair, very elegant but with a serious personality, besides wearing glasses, her eyes were light brown and wore a blue uniform.
- Thank you for coming.- Said the girl to a guest, who was leaving the building and going back to work.
Suddenly, the hotel doors opened and the welcome bell rang. The girl stopped what she was doing to see the new visitors, but she was very surprised to see a certain black hair and a blonde as guests, so she could not contain her excitement.
- Wow, I'm impressed by the number of guests you've been having these days, Perrine Clostermann.- She heard that voice and went to her.
- Major Sakamoto!.- Exclaimed and hugged the girl tightly.- I am so happy to see you and Eric again. Please, come in, come in, I was just about to prepare some tea," he invited them.
Once they were settled in the main hall of the hotel, on a coffee table there was a very fine tea set, which the three former "Witches" Officers were enjoying. At one point, as Perrine finished taking a sip of her tea, she set the cup down on a china saucer and looked at the three of them.
- Well, what brings you here?.- She asked kindly.
Mio and Erica looked at each other, there was no time to lose.
- You won't believe this, but we are reuniting the former "Witches" in the "501st Joint Combat Wing".- Mio explained the reason for the visit, although the silver-haired girl was confused.
- Sorry, but Major Sakamoto, but we retired years ago after the fall of the "Neuroi".- The girl reminded her but the black-haired girl shook her head, in one part.- Erica...- She was speechless when she saw the blonde with a serious look.
- It will be strange what I'm going to tell you, but...- Mio took a few moments to be able to choose the right words to describe what was happening.- But a new type of "Neuroi" has emerged.- she told her and Perrine almost choked on her tea, so she coughed.
- What? It's not possible, we destroyed them years ago!.- She exclaimed, surprised.
- Yes, but a Liberion scientist, who worked under General Mallory and then was expelled, continued with the project. Now they are called "Shadow Neuroi" and this person's granddaughters are the only ones who are still working on the project. Now they are called "Shadow Neuroi" and the granddaughters of this person are responsible for continuing his legacy.- Mio said seriously, while the girl from Gaul found it hard to digest all that at once.- They want to dominate the world, Perrine, along with their armies.- The girl emphasized and the other had to remain silent, trying to find a way to calm the waters.
She did not know what to do or say, all this was so sudden, without any luxury of doubts or problems, Perrine had to choose between her retreat or return to the battle front. And with remembering the great devastation that the "Neuroi" had caused in the Past on her beloved Homeland.
- Damn and to think that I was enjoying this retirement, but, for you and my friends, Major Sakamoto, you can take me in this fight.- Said the silver-haired woman.- Although there is a problem: The weapons and our Striker Units.- She remembered that crucial point.
- Don't worry, they're stored in a base in Karlsland, ready to be used.- Said Mio.
- Very well then, let's get going!.- Perrine finished and went to get ready for the trip.
In Fuso, the young ex-Sergeant Yoshika Miyafugi had achieved her dream of becoming a doctor and just that day she had finished healing the last patient who had come to see her at her home clinic, which she ran with her family, where she also healed injured animals, both wild and domestic. She had short brown hair, the same color as her eyes and was dressed in a sailor suit.
- Thank you very much for coming.- She kindly said goodbye to a little girl who had brought her hamster, which had an injured paw and thanks to her magic, the little creature felt better again. Soon, the owner and her pet left the house, leading Yoshika to close the door, but, just before completing her task, she noticed that a group of people were walking along the path that led to her home.
They stopped and she recognized them instantly.
- It's been a long time, Yoshika.- Said a well-known black-haired woman, which made the young girl very excited.
- Sakamoto-san, Perrine, Erica!.- She exclaimed with emotion and ran to welcome them with a reunion hug.
- Miyafugi!.- The blonde girl approached him and joined in the tender moment.
- Wow, Erica, how much you've grown and your uniform looks great on you!.- Congratulated the ex-Sergeant to the girl, who felt grateful for the compliments.
- And I see that you managed to fulfill your dream, Yoshika.- She heard a certain voice, which sounded a little serious but not as hostile as the first time they had met. She recognized her and went to meet her.
- Perrine, thank you very much. And I was just wondering what happened to your lives.- Said the brunette.- You must be tired, would you like to come in? My last patient has just left.- She invited them to enter her home, but Mio's face became serious.- Oh, is something wrong?
The girls looked at each other, being the Major the one who had to give her such important news.
- I'm sorry to have to ruin this meeting, but we have a very complicated matter on our hands, Mio.- Said the black-haired girl, taking the young woman by surprise.
- What is it?.- Yoshika wanted to know, while she closed the door that led to the inside of the clinic.
- The "Witches" must meet again immediately, a new threat has emerged: the "Shadow Neuroi".- Explained Mio, leaving her surprised at such a revelation.
- The "Shadow Neuroi"?.- Asked the girl with astonishment.
- That's right, and those responsible are a family from Liberion, whose grandfather was, in his time, with General Mallory in the failed "Warlock Project". I know it sounds strange, but it's not: Minna called me from Peach Creek, California, where this whole incident occurred.
It was hard for the young brunette to understand the context they were in, she herself had been the one to strike the final blow against the enemy, putting an end to the matter, but they had a, so to speak, "new generation" dominated by three sisters who wanted to conquer the World.
- Many people suffered in the Past with the "Neuroi" and now I learn that there are people from Liberion who built those monsters for their own purposes. I will not allow it, no one has to suffer again for the actions of others. Count on me!.- Swore Yoshika and joined the group.
- Excellent, we only have Lynne, Sanya and Eila left. Charlotte should be on her way by now.- Said Mio at that moment.
- Lynne is with her family, working on the farm they have in Brittania. We haven't talked for a long time because we're busy, but I'm sure she'll be happy to see me again.- Said the brunette.
- Very well. All the world to Brittania.- Finished Mio and with that they set off for that country in Europe.
It took its time that trip and while that was happening, in a farm located in those lands mentioned above, a girl with whitish-brown hair was picking blueberries and putting them in a wicker basket she had with her, while she was whistling quietly through those meadows.
- "This has been a great harvest. How I wish Yoshika and the others were here".- She thought to herself, looking up to the Heavens and hoping that someday they might be reunited.
Just as those thoughts ran through her mind, a shadow covered the Sun and then returned to normal. The girl looked up and saw an airplane landing a few meters from where she was, while its burning propellers lifted the ground and formed a cloud of dust, she approached to see who it was. From there, the doors opened and the first one he saw was a dark brown girl, who ran to where he was.
- Lynne!.- Shouted the girl in excitement, jumping up and falling into the arms of her friend, whose eyes were wet with the excitement of the reunion.
- Yoshika, how...how nice to see you here!.- She greeted and after turning around with the girl, the others arrived.- Oh, Major Sakamoto, Erica, Perrine, I can't believe it, you're here!
It was quiet, but, after that, it was time to reveal the real reason for her visit.
- What? I can't believe it!.- Lynne was speechless when she was told about the "Shadow Neuroi".
- That's right and it all started in Liberion, so we'll have to go there to meet the others. Are you coming with us?.- Said Mio and the white-haired brunette was not far behind.
- I fought them once and I'll fight them again.- She promised with determination and clenched her fists against her chest.
- That's the spirit. Welcome aboard, friend.- Said Yoshika and once again, with the girl gathered, they set course for the plane, which took off into the skies towards their next destination.
As they flew over Orussia's airspace, an airplane appeared out of nowhere, twisting and turning in the sky, attracting the attention of those in the plane. Immediately, a voice began to be heard on the radio system, so Mio turned it on to listen to the person behind it all.
- "What's up, girls, did you miss me?.- Came the jubilant and energetic voice of a certain redhead, who was greeting them from outside.
- It's Shirley! Hi, friend, and of course we missed you!.- Yoshika recognized that voice.
- "Hehehehehe, I'm really glad to hear that. I'm on my way to Orussia right now and I met you on the way".- The American girl informed them.
- Charlotte, were you also called by Minna?.- Asked Mio to the young girl, who was approaching the plane.
- "Of course, besides, I wasn't planning to miss this trip to the front".- She answered with a knowing smile and from there they went to the airstrip located at an air base in Eastern Europe.
Near that base, in a fortune-telling booth, two girls, one with blonde hair and platinum touches, while the other was a silver albino, the first one was with the "Tarot Cards" for a client who wanted to know how life was going to be, if it would be full of failures or successes. Once that vision was given, the young man retired satisfied, while the silver-blond girl was about to prepare some tea for both of them when, suddenly, someone knocked at the door of the store.
- Eh? who is it?.- Wondered the young girl, and when she opened the door, she was surprised to find herself in front of certain acquaintances.
- Hello, Eila, Sanya, it's been a long time since the last time we met.- Said Mio, who was together with Yoshika, Perrine, Erica, Charlotte and Lynne.
The silver-blonde hair welcomed them, while the latter stood up and made a nod, a bow, in front of them, silently. Soon, once they were settled there, the girls took their seats at a long table that was there and began their chatter.
- I see you've been working hard with this post, girls.- Erica's voice broke the silence, while Sanya nodded her head.
- That's right, it took us a while, but people come every day to ask us to read their Future and we do it for them.- The silver-white hair spoke with a calm tone of voice.
- As we used to do it before.- Perrine gave that "secret message", so both friends shared a look at what was the real purpose of the meeting.
- Girls, we are not going to lie to you or anything like that, but, once again, we are needed to face a new threat: The "Shadow Neuroi", created in Liberion after the fall of their predecessors and at the hands of one of the scientists who collaborated in General Mallory's "Warlock Project".- Mio broke the silence.- I recently received a call from Minna, who is with Trudie and Francesca in Peach Creek, State of California and they have found those responsible for that person's legacy. And that's why we need them in the "501st Joint Combat Wing" to take on this new threat.
- Wait, what do you mean by this, how come there is a new type of "Neuroi".- Eila stopped him with doubts about whether the information they were sharing was true or not.
- It may sound crazy but it is true: We are facing an unprecedented threat. So far, their origin is that they were created by the Kanker Family, especially by Dr. Frederick, who was part of "Project Warlock" in the past. But now it is his granddaughters who carry on their grandfather's legacy. Barkhorn and Minna informed us of this part that we are telling you and they need our help.- Mio explained to those present.
They were silent, it had been a long time since they had fought together against the "Neuroi", so they both understood what they were facing.
- In view of the events and the fact that the world has already suffered, so it is our duty to fight them. Count on me.- Said Eila, standing up.
- I am also joining this war, we will not let them win.- Promised Sanya confidently.
- Great!.- Exclaimed Yoshika when she saw that everyone was back.
- Very well, let's go to the plane to go to Karlsland to get our weapons and "Striker Units", from there we will head to Liberion.- Asked Mio and the girls responded with the military nod and in a firm position.
- YES, MAJOR!.- Exclaimed those present.
Soon, once on the plane, they were on their way to that country in Western Europe and from there they would go to the other country to save the World from the danger that was at the gates for the sake of Humanity and the Future.
[Sorry if it took me a few days to update this fic, but I had to detail, a little more, the reunion between the girls and their subsequent trip to Peach Creek.
I thank very much those who have started following this story.
I'll see you in the next chapter. Take care, friends and until next time.
Good start to the day Wednesday from me, Comrades].
