Chapter XVI:
The invasion force, under the orders of the Kankers, had returned to their "Hive", after having almost completely devastated London, but they had decided to give them a "breather". Between the columns of black to whitish smoke, extinguished by the work of the Fire Brigade and the Emergency Services, those sisters left their "footprint" on the former Capital of the British Empire. Infrastructures such as bridges, highways, ports and other buildings were completely destroyed, the population would enter into despair, the food shortage would explode at any moment along with the fuel and with it would come the end of order in human civilization. There was nothing more "beautiful" than to see those beings killing themselves like animals for a little food, the sustenance that kept them on this Planet, but they looked at them with contempt, hatred and mockery.
Placed on the pedestal of "Social Darwinism", the three sisters were in the first place, the others were a few steps down the "Social Pyramid", but there was also that stone in their way, one that prevented them from progressing as they should and that had already cost them one of their warriors.
- Our agents have informed us that the "Witches" have not been able to find the source of the interference, nor the "Hives", so the plan is going ahead.- May informed her sisters, who were reading the reports.
- Excellent.- Said Lee, as he put those papers on the table.- For now we have to get ready for our next offensive.
- Is she already prepared?.- Marie was curious and wanted to know.
- Patience, girls, patience, you will know where we will attack next.- Promised the redhead.
With the last rays of the sun setting behind the North Sea, the night came under a blanket of stars that shone like the pearls of a Royal Crown, so beautiful it was impossible to describe them. One could still see and breathe of activity at HQ, where the military and assigned personnel were trying to find the source of the interference, while the "Witches" stood with their protégés in the corridors, as it was time for dinner. A moment of peace, if only for a few minutes or hours to recover from what had happened that day, which was full of inconveniences and misfortunes.
Double D was with Ed and Eddy, who approached him.
- Hey, you really got a double prize, hehehehe.- The boy in the yellow T-shirt said to his son in the black cap, who immediately "deciphered" it and then blushed.
- Eila is a little cold, but she is still my "Protector" and no, there is nothing romantic between her, Sanya and me, Eddy.- The boy corrected him, being sincere.
- Yes, yes, whatever you say, Romeo.- He said, grabbing him by the shoulders and pulling him closer, like "buddies" next to Ed.
That question had left him a little blushing and distracted Double D. He knew that those words his friend gave were meant to make him uncomfortable and he was right, he had no one in particular with those two girls. For now, the only thing on his mind was his research and he barely had a couple of results, very small ones, but he hoped he could increase that hope that they would give the girls a hand. He could see in the faces of the older ones, like Trudie and Minna, who looked tired but steady at their posts. Several memories of when they were about to be kissed by the Cruels and...all of a sudden, they were saved by Francesca, that day couldn't have been any weirder.
- All right, everyone is here.- Said Trudie to those present, after the roll call.- Please follow us to the dining room and do not separate.- She asked and without anyone saying anything or putting their opinion on the table, they started their march towards that place.
Those ancient stone corridors surprised the Peach Creek boys. It was like being in the Middle Ages, a dignified fortress resisting the onslaught of time and Nature, still standing firm. Once they crossed to the outside, being greeted by the night, Ed turned his eyes to rest his hand on Double D's shoulders, as he was seeing something rising towards the Heavens.
- Look, over there.- The comic book and Sci-Fi movie lover pointed out.
From the hangar where she had her equipment, Sanya took her "Striker Unit" and her "Fliegerhammer", a multiple rocket launcher, which, for an ordinary person without military training, would be very heavy but not for her. Once she had the order to take off, the silver-haired girl soared into the Heavens.
Majestic, a single word for that unique moment where peace reigned in the midst of a war that had just been unleashed on the world. Seeing Sanya ascending towards the Night Firmament, covered with Stars, made her look like one more in such a silent and perfect place. The boys, especially Double D, kept watching until it was just a dot in the distance, a glow that joined the others.
- Let's hope he can find the source of the interference.- Minna pleaded, bringing her hand to her chin.
- We can only wait, for now.- Said Mio, who turned to where the others were.- Okay, guys, it's this way.- She guided them and from there they reached a rectangular shaped building, in which the lights were on and once they sat down at a table, they noticed that the plates, napkins, glasses and cutlery were already placed on it.
Neither Eddy nor Ed made any comments. Kevin was chatting with Nazz, as were Jimmy and Sarah. Double D felt someone calling him and when he turned around, he noticed that it was Rolf.
- Is something wrong?.- Asked the boy in the black cap.
- No, no, no, no, don't worry, Edd. I'd just like to know what the results of your investigation are so far.- Said the foreigner very calmly.
It was going to be a bit complicated for that boy, since Rolf would find it difficult to understand the scientific procedures he was carrying out. He took his time, thought and grouped the words together so that his conversation would be easy to explain. At that moment, from the kitchen, the dinner of that night was arriving, so the members of that place were depositing the plates in front of each one of them.
- I'm just going for the first results, they are very small, tiny, Rolf.- Edd began to talk to him about that problem, the other one paying attention to him.
- I see, I see.- He shook his head and then asked him to continue.
- This is just a beginning and with the trainings it will be a double work. However, my goal is to turn it into an "Elixir" that will allow us to fight the Cruels and last as long as we need it to.- He added and the sound of chatter spread to the others.
- Is that true, Double D?.- H heard Nazz's voice.
- Yes, that's right, this, as it will require time but we will see how the results will be later. I can't give you an estimated date, this is a very important matter and it must be analyzed carefully, step by step.- Answered to that question.
Nazz nodded and a second later they noticed that the Officers stood up, sitting at the front of the table, in a firm position, silent and looking at each one of them. Some were waiting to take their cutlery and taste the food, however, the gazes of those girls remained undaunted, untouched, fixed and Minna was the first to speak.
- I hope you have taken advantage of this day to rest and other activities.- Began the redhead, her tone was serious, like any Commander who had command of her Armies. The eyes of her and the others were focused on their "Protected Ones", silence abounded and there didn't seem to be a single voice that had a chance to interrupt the speech. Not even Eddy or Kevin, they all listened to her with great attention and did not dare to interrupt her.- Because, as of this moment and as it was said before, the trainings are about to begin for you, that did not seem to influence the astonishment, but they remained silent for a while.- Whoever has a question, is free to ask it.
Eddy raised his right hand and Minna was ready to answer.
- From what time?.- He asked, while Francesca stood a few meters away from him.
- The exercises will start at 6:00 AM and will be divided into endurance, physical training and flying.- Said the redhead. That was like a bucket of cold water, the eyes of the boy of medium height opened like saucers before such a schedule that he was involved to participate. Before he could say a few words, even if he had half a sentence in the middle of the training process, Minna spoke again: "I put on record that tardiness will not be tolerated, your "Guardians" will wake you up at the agreed time and will follow you outside, where you will train. No fights or any kind of disturbance that may disturb the order will be tolerated. You know what happens with troublemakers.- Added the redhead with seriousness in her voice and that led to Eddy's words falling flat and he had to eat them.- Does anyone have any other questions?
At that moment, on this occasion, it was Ed who wished to ask it.
- This flying practice, Miss Minna, is it going to be with thrusters.- She asked. Francesca was about to laugh because she thought it was funny, but Trudie gave her a cold look, so she had to stop. That question was due to the boy's unfamiliarity with an exercise like that, one he had never done before.
Just as she was about to answer him, Erika spoke up.
- There is nothing to worry about. I'll be there myself, along with the others, to teach them.- The blonde promised, and that caught Minna and Trudie's attention, since she had been too "busy" with lounging around, although she had no problem sharing her room with Ed.
- Well, I have to admit that this is not going to be like the training we had in school, especially for the soccer games.- Kevin differentiated the current situation with the past.
- Not at all - This time it was Mio who spoke and moved a few meters away from her place to go with Minna and Trudie - And as you know, food is also going to be very important, especially at dinner. You must be prepared, both physically and mentally for what is to follow.
- But how will we know that the Shadow Neuroi are going to attack us?. I mean, when we are on the battlefield.- Johnny asked.
- Don't wait for the enemy to "invite" you to fight. They will appear out of nowhere and attack you with everything they have.- He heard Yoshika's voice, who was next to Lynne and Perrine. Plus, their Magic skills will progress as soon as they master it," he said.
- Still, I'm worried about this whole mess. I...I still can't digest it, 100%...I feel weird. No offense, but...I'm not prepared," Nazz said with her eyes downcast, "It's not that I'm weak, it's...it's just that I don't know how to deal with it. It was so sudden...- They listened to her carefully, Mio went to her and when the blonde thought that she would be reprimanded for her words, as it would happen in a military movie, the right hand of the Japanese black-haired Major was placed on her shoulders.
- I know what it feels like, Nazz, the same for all of you: it's the insecurity, the fear, the doubt of whether or not you will do well. It all depends on how you perform. The trainings, as said, will be very tough. Nobody becomes a "Witch" overnight. On the contrary, you earn it with blood, sweat and tears. The same thing happened to us: we were not prepared. Sergeant Yoshika also went through the same thing," she explained and those memories bloomed again in the mind of the Japanese brunette.
- It's true. At first, I wasn't prepared for something like that, but, as time went by, things changed. You don't have to think negatively, Nazz. There's only one thing you can do in training. The same goes for you guys: You have to obey and follow to the letter the instructions given to you. Yoshika spoke very calmly, so that there would be no doubts or fear the day before the start.
- Okay," Nazz got the message. He took his time and then finished his sentence, "We have to do it, I can't stand idly by while the Cruels are attacking entire countries. There are many people who are suffering. It would be selfish of me to stand aside while you do all the work," she said and gave her approval to be present at the training.
The rest followed her with the same determination. However, Eddy was the one who had no interest in participating in this war. Inside him, what stood out the most was that it was all nonsense, something very "childish" and not worth it. Besides the fact that the other "Witches" looked down on him for what he did to Jimmy, since they considered him a bully, one who abused others.
- Eddy?.- Double D called him with Ed.
- Don't count on me.- Answered coldly.
- But everyone will be there, if you don't go, you'll look bad.- Said the boy in the black cap.
- It's true, Eddy, you can't do this. It would be very sad if you're not with us.- Ed argued, but that didn't seem to change the short boy's mind.
- For you, but I'm not going to be the "Trio of Witches" judging me for what happened at Peach Creek. It was just a joke, I didn't kill anyone.- He defended himself with that arrogant tone and a frown.
- And what you did was horrible?.- Double D pointed out, staring at him and took him by the arm to speak privately.- Listen, do you want to end up in the dungeon? Have you forgotten what Commander Minna and Lieutenant Barkhorn said about those who do not respect order and disturb it? Do you want that?.- He asked seriously and motioned for Ed to join him.
- Whatever they do, you're not going to convince me, Double D and that's it.- Said the boy in the yellow shirt.
- It's no joke, Eddy, they are very serious and they will keep their word.- The Science Fiction and comic book lover tried to convince him.
- Is something wrong?.- They heard a voice and when they looked up, the three friends met Francesca, who approached them.
- No, everything is fine. Thank you for asking, Miss Lucchini.- Said Ed with a white lie.
- Okay.- She replied and with a smile she walked towards them. I understand the nerves of all of you, hehehe, but don't worry, stay by my side, I won't be as severe as Trudie," she giggled, avoiding not to be heard by the dark brown girl. It would be very inconsiderate of you not to go, and especially, it would be horrible for me, since I'm your "Guardian" and I would look bad.-
- What do you say, buddy, are you coming?.- Double D and Ed asked again.
Now it sounded hypocritical of him to turn around and especially that it would be a very hard blow against his "position" he held as the Peach Creek scam expert. One can feel "backed into a corner" when one has no fixed and official answer to get ahead. Eddy, deep down, knew he had to. It was then that he looked at each of them gathered there.
- I'll go," he finally replied. I'll go.- He answered, finally, and that eased the tensions that hung in the air.
- Perfect!" celebrated Francesca, "I knew I could count on you. Don't forget: tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. training starts", she reminded him of that schedule and that made him pale again. Once she walked away, he grabbed his two friends by the collar of their clothes.
- You owe me, you idiots!.- He exclaimed quietly and stared at them.
- Or rather, someone changed his mind because a certain girl approached him.- Double D's words evoked a comical air, but Eddy's look showed a different path.
- I'm not in love with anyone. Don't give me that nonsense. Now, I hope this is worth it.- He finished and let them go.
Once all the questions were finished, the dinner continued. They ate in silence, some chatter hovering around until, once the business was finished, the dishes were collected by the kitchen staff and from there Minna addressed them again.
- Okay. I hope you liked the dinner.- Said the redhead.- Now it's time for you to go to your rooms and get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a very important day for all of you.- She finished and from there, each of the "Witches" assigned to guard the Peach Creek boys went and returned together to the HQ to rest.
Again they were greeted by the night and its blanket of stars, the moon shining in the firmament, the cool wind coming from the North Sea. The base was operating 24 hours a day and with the lights on at that hour but not shining brightly, as it could attract the attention of the enemy. As they made their way back to their quarters, they noticed that Sanya had not yet returned from her mission involving night patrol, but there was no time for that, she would be back.
Once they entered the HQ, they went to their rooms and lay down to sleep.
- Have a good rest, Johnny.- Yoshika wished the bald boy.
- Thank you, friend, and good night.- He answered and with Plank they closed their eyes.
- Tomorrow will be the day when you will become a man, Jimmy, and I have faith in you. Did you have faith in yourself?.- Perrine spoke to the albino, who nodded his head.
- Yes, I am, I trust in what you have been teaching me.- He said and she passed her hand over his head.
- Sorry, Minna, Trudie, Mio, aren't you sleeping?.- Kevin asked the girls who were standing next to Nazz.
- The others are, but we have to stay awake for a while longer, plus Sanya is on duty tonight.- That was the answer the older black-haired girl gave to the red-haired boy, "But don't worry, we'll be fine.- She promised them and with that, without saying anything else, Kevin and Nazz went to their room.
- Well, friend Lynne, it will be an honor for Rolf to train with you and my friends for this war.- Said the stranger.
- The same to you. I wish you good night and rest. Tomorrow will be a very active day in training.- She replied with a smile and after saying goodbye, they went on their way.
- Hey, I'm glad you're my roommate, Ed, you don't know how bored I felt here.- The blonde from Karlsland spoke to him.
- Really, Erika?.- Asked Ed, between amazed and happy to hear that.
- Yes!.- She exclaimed excitedly and jumped up on her bed.- Finally I have someone who won't chase me with "This room is a disgrace, clean it up!".- She said, referring to Trudie's stance on the girl's mess.
- Well, thanks for the compliment. Hehehe, the same thing happens to me at home, but with my sister, Sarah. She... - Just when Ed was about to start, they heard footsteps and the voices of Minna, Trudie and Mio, who were inspecting that nobody was out of their beds - I'd better tell you later, I wouldn't want to have problems with your Superiors, Erika - He asked to leave that for later.
- Don't worry, it's okay. I can tell them a little "white lie" and nothing will happen.- She promised, winking at him and with that she turned off the lights.
- Owww, what a day: Between the Kankers who almost kissed us and now want to dominate the world and tomorrow, I'm exhausted.- Yawned Eddy, who went to his bed.
- You said it yourself and I hope I can give those three crazy women what they deserve.- Listened Francesca, who was ready to go to sleep.
- Is it a joke?.- Asked Eddy with astonishment.
- No, not at all, I love them. Hehehehehe, especially that "Chinese Panties" you made. I have my "funny moments" too, but I'll tell you about them someday. Now get some rest or we'll have to endure a "Sermon" from Trudie.- Finished the Italian and giving her a friendly smile, she turned off the lights and they went to bed.
Double D was the last to go to the room he shared with Eila and Sanya. He got there, opened the door and checked to see if the white hair had returned but no, there was no one, everything was as before, except for the bed, since it had been made by the girl's friend. He entered and ran into the aforementioned girl, who was putting some things away and from there he went to the boy with the black cap, who opened his own.
- Miss Eila, is everything all right?.- He asked.
- Yes, don't worry.- She answered with a calmness in her voice.- I was thinking about Sanya, who is out there, on her patrol mission.- She said and looked outside.
- Are you worried about your friend?.- He asked another question but she shook her head.
- Don't worry, she is very strong and knows how to fight those bastards. You'd better get some rest, tomorrow will be a very important day.- The young woman encouraged him, while he got into bed and lay down.- Have a good rest, Edd.
- Thank you, the same to you and I also wish good night to Sanya, for when she comes back.- He finished, being kind and with a small smile, being on his back, Eila went to lie down and rest for a while after a long day.
The Skies were calm, the cold air was felt but for Sanya, that night was like the others. With no report to deliver, the front was calm until, all of a sudden, a strange frequency began to be heard on her radio. At first, she thought it might be from the source of the interference and began to investigate further.
To her surprise, it was not coming from the enemy, but seemed to be a signal that could be of great use to the "Witches". It was then that he set off north to find the answer they needed for this war.
[Well, two more chapters and "Arc I: The New Threat" (original title along with the others owned by Matfix. All rights reserved to him) will end. Training is coming up for the Peach Creek boys and it will be a long road ahead.
On the other hand, Sanya seems to have found a clue that could be very important, what will it be, how will the Eds and the others fare on their first day of practice. Don't miss it.
I'll be seeing you, folks. Take care, I send greetings and thanks to Franco El Maestro Escudero and the rest of the followers.
I wish you a good start of the week, Comrades].
