Chapter XVII:
[A small warning: If you saw that the chapter said "XV", the previous one, it is the XVI. My keyboard sometimes malfunctions for a few seconds].
Those signals began to increase in intensity in Sanya's team. The white hair turned around and began to search with her eyes, through that beautiful Night Sky, for the cause of all that. She took her weapon, she could not go in with her guard down and it was then that she flew a few meters to the West, detecting an important flow that increased more and more until it led her radio to start buzzing because of the sound that this unknown source emitted. She descended a few meters, the wind caressed her face gently but she could not see it, it only moved around the place and nothing more than that.
Suddenly, from the depths of the Night Darkness, like a bird of prey targeting its prey, a mysterious "shadow" emerged and swooped at her but, a few meters away, it stopped. Sanya was no fool and wielded her gun, ready to fire, keeping it in her sights, prepared for any offensive action that machine would take. It was in the shape of a white "Drone" with orange stripes and that it belonged to the "General Atomics MQ-1 Predator" class. The newcomer hovered in the air, the white hair was attentive, her finger on the trigger; it only took a second for the powder keg to explode in the air.
In an instant, that "Drone" flew away from her position and Sanya started chasing to find out where it was going. Perhaps it could be a "Scout" and indicate where the "Hives" were, another issue that was extremely important for the "Witches" and together with the interference had become a headache because of the great difficulty they had with both fronts. Covering a good stretch of the skies, the white hair noticed that the "Predator" traced an ascending arc and entered the darkness of the same, disappearing before her sight but, when she thought that this was the end of her investigation, something caught her attention again: Her radio was still emitting those signals she had picked up.
At first he had the feeling that this was due to his system but no, he thought twice and from that he came to a conclusion that, in theory, could end up being true. It was then that he returned to his patrolling duties, that "Shadow Neuroi", in case it appeared again, he would follow it closely but he was coming back with something in his hands, by the time his shift was over. His calm face was acquiring a gesture about it, while he was analyzing, step by step, the signs and from there he returned to his guard. His comrades should know about it.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Kankers, that "Predator" had returned and parked itself in one of the hangars designated by those Armies. Inside, many other fighters were preparing to take off, while May inspected each one of them, reviewed them and made sure that there were no problems in their flight systems. He approached her and showed an image of that white-haired "Witch", causing her to frown with disgust.
- Don't worry, continue with your work. We will deal with them later, for now, we must continue with the offensive. You go back to the "Hive".- The blonde asked, and he left again, after having delivered his message.
- How are the troops doing, May?.- She heard Marie's voice, who approached her and turned around.
- Everything is in order and the "Predator" is back from its mission.- She answered to the blue hair's question.
- Mmmm, I see, well, any news on his assignment?.- She wanted to know, while running her left hand against her chin.
- Yes, he had an encounter with one of the "Witches" but he couldn't reach it. I have returned him to the "Hive".- She said, which she feared some reprimand but nothing happened, just the blue hair's left hand on her shoulder and a few pats.
- Good, you did a good job. For now, don't worry, this offensive will begin shortly. Our forces are arrayed all over Europe and America. When we have eliminated all traces of resistance in those continents, the others will fall like dominoes.
He nodded, their conquest had only just begun. London had fallen and with it would follow the others who, futilely, resisted with all resources while driving civilians to safe zones, especially the camps, just as in the days of World War II. From the screens they had in their "Imperial Room", Lee stood there, watching these waves of refugees arriving en masse and many going into hysterics, even blaming the "Witches" for not being there.
- What else can I say?.- Alleged the redhead, while pouring some soda into her glass cup.- The world failed to appreciate the "Gift" our grandfather had. On the contrary, they treated him like a madman, a megalomaniac, and he only wanted to change things, to "make it better", but it wasn't like that. There are times when you have to fight tooth and nail if you want to succeed, because, in this life, all you find is misery and those who want to achieve success, must use everything to get what they are looking for. There is no other alternative.- He said, as he brought the liquid to his lips but did not hear the doors open wide, stopping his action and his words floating in the air.
- Everything is ready to continue with the next part of the offensive, Lee. What do we do?.-Marie asked her.
- London has already fallen, but our forces will remain there, as they will serve us to counter any attempt of counter-offensive carried out by the "Witches" and the military as well.- The redhead looked at the map and pointed to a good "Wall" that they had established there.
- Even so, what worries me is the "First Hive", if we divert part of the "Shadow" that are there, it may be unprotected.- May warned, since if there was a single failure, the defense plan would collapse.
- Good point.- Lee backed him up.- Calmly, let those who are hovering over the coasts of Ireland and Scotland head for there, we will reinforce the security of the "First Hive" and from there we will proceed with the attack against the United Kingdom. These two nations must also fall, since it is obvious that they will have sent military forces there to continue the fight," he said seriously, while his index finger slid over the screen of the digital map.
There were a couple of minutes of silence, the three sisters looking at each other, trying to "decipher" what they had to say to each other. It was obvious that they had to work together if they were to fulfill their grandfather's wish, so Marie settled into her posture and looked at the other two. She tilted her head towards May, the latter remained with her eyes glued to the map, while the blue hair remained immersed in the upcoming plans that needed to be carried out. Then, turning to the screen, she could see the devastation in London, while evacuations continued inland.
- In two days we will launch a "Lightning Offensive" against Scotland and Ireland. May, you will be in charge of the attack.- Lee gave her the task. She nodded her head, accepting that "task".- We will divide our armies into three: one will remain between the North Sea and the English Channel to protect the "First Hive", the second will continue destroying any trace of resistance in London and the last one, which will be under your command, May, will take charge of Scotland and Ireland. Any doubts?.- She asked after finishing his plan.
Nobody said anything.
- Perfect, let's go, we have two days for this.- He ordered and they set off.
There was no time to lose.
The night passed quietly, under a deep calm that covered the "Witch" headquarters with its mantle, while the Peach Creek boys lay sound asleep. The change of scenery would take some time to get used to them, it was not easy to be from one point to the other, added to the problem they had on top of the Cruels. The offensive they launched against London was devastating and more so among the civilian population, so they were going to put everything on the table and thus take advantage.
Minna had managed to fall asleep for a while, so it was Trudie and Charlotte who were going to take over that day, so that the red-haired Commander could rest after a marathon of work. Both of them were in the "Main Room", enjoying a good coffee that would keep them awake. A good beverage that was steaming and allowed them to take a moment of peace. Liberion's redhead took a sip and leaned back in the armchair.
- Well, an hour, isn't it?.- She asked, turning to the dark brunette, who nodded silently.- I see,.- She understood the "message" and sighed.- What do you think the "First Day" of training will be like?
- If I could give you a concrete answer, then I would have to be honest even with myself; but no, I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly how it will be.- She said, shrugging her shoulders and closing her eyes after analyzing her words.
Charlotte looked at her for a few seconds, while she placed her coffee cup on the small table in front of her.
- None of us started the easy way, Trudie.- The redhead pointed out.- Even for us the training was very difficult, but... with those guys...- She couldn't finish the sentence, the Karlsland Lieutenant's watch began to sound its alarm.
- We'll have to save this talk for later, Charlotte.- Trudie stood up, finished her coffee and then called a young cadet to carry the cups to the kitchen to be washed.- Let's go, it's time.
The red-haired Liberion understood the message, looked at her watch and was right. Then she got up from the chair and they both headed for the exit door.
They walked down the outside hallway that led to the other Witches' rooms. The first one they arrived at was Francesca's, who, to Trudie and Charlotte's surprise, was already up and ready. She opened the door and saw the two girls standing there. He just nodded and let them both in, turning on the light.
- Get up, come on, upstairs.- Trudie called to the short boy, who grunted and turned to shield himself from the glare of the spotlights.
- Five more minutes, Mom.- He asked sleepily, using the sheets as a "shield".
Charlotte and Francesca shared a chuckle between friends, but Trudie didn't like the fact that someone wanted to delay something so important that had been discussed the night before, so she made a decision.
- This is not a camp, Eddy, but I hope you remember that the punishment for not being in training is with the dungeon, do you want to go there?.- Asked the dark chestnut seriously but he didn't answer.- Very well, I didn't want to do this, but I am forced to.- She finished, while she prepared to get him out of bed.
For his part, Double D had been more cautious and woke up a while before they went there. He brushed the remnants of sleep from his eyes and saw that Eila was not there. The same could be said for Sanya. But there was no time for conjecture or theories, this was his first day of training with the other Peach Creek boys, so he went to a closet, where he kept his clothes, sorted and classified according to the day they were in, took one and dressed calmly. He then looked at his watch resting on the bedside table, which he used as a workbench for his research.
- It was 5:00 AM. Perfect. All in order, Double D.- He congratulated himself and waited for his name to be called. He took a seat and looked at the microscope and took a pen to note down some new progress but, for the moment there was nothing under the lens.- Hmmm, looks like I'm going to need some more of Rolf's content.- The boy said to himself.
Just then, Eila entered the room and was surprised to see him ready. A small smile came to her face and the young man stood up.
- Good morning, Edd.- Greeted the silver-haired girl.- I hope you slept well.
- Yes, fortunately. I was checking the samples but there is no news. Still.- He recounted what had happened until a few seconds ago.
- Hmmm, I understand, but don't worry, nobody designs a formula overnight. Even Louis Pasteur and other great scientists of the time had their long hours of research, she said, while she approached the boy, but now to the most important thing and it is the first day of your training, are you ready? she asked and he nodded his head, perfect, we'd better...
He didn't have time to continue speaking, as a series of shouts began to be heard coming from the hallway.
- What's going on?.- Asked Jimmy, who was leaving the room they shared with Perrine, wearing a black eye mask.
- God, what a loud scream.- Sarah appeared and behind her came Rolf, Kevin, Nazz, Lynne and Mio.
- No! I refuse to be part of this training, I'm not a Soldier, I'm just a boy! No, please!.- Begged Eddy, who did not want to leave the bed and Trudie was pulling him out of it.
He managed to achieve his goal, as Charlotte gave him a hand and after leaving him out of that place, she faced him personally.
- You swore yesterday at dinner, or am I deaf?.Together with the others, you said that you would give your best for this war and here we do not tolerate lack of discipline and desertion. Do you think that the Spartans ran away crying? No, they fought in the Battle of Thermopylae with King Leonidas until the end and you want to refuse to fulfill this cause!.- The young man had his eyes fixed on the ground, feeling dejected for hearing those words that were true.
- Wow, I sure enjoy watching Eddy get his comeuppance, but man, this is enough. I even feel sorry for him.- Kevin said, regretting watching that scene.
- You said it yourself, my friend Kevin, even Rolf feels a deep empathy for the Eddy boy.- Added the stranger.
- Trudie is like that, you have already met her but she doesn't do it out of malice.- The same thing happened to Yoshika too, at first, but, as time went by, things changed. She wants the best for everyone. It has already been said, we are at war, not at a party," Lynne reminded them, who also felt a little sorry for the short boy but they should not forget their mission.
In those moments in which Trudie was finishing reproaching Eddy for his lack of will, Johnny arrived with Tablón and Yoshika. Francesca was at the boy's side, remaining silent.
- What happened? We heard the screams from the sergeant's room.- The boy in the white T-shirt wanted to know.
- It's... it's a little complicated to explain.- Said Kevin, who turned around and put his right hand behind his back, so Johnny came closer to see, in "First Row", that scene.
- We don't come here to waste time with idleness. This is an "Elite Corps" that has been fighting since 1939 against the "Neuroi". Do you think this is a joke? What is a day in the field?.- Trudie confronted Eddy, who was feeling miserable.
- No, Lieutenant Barkhorn.- He replied, crestfallen.
- Exactly, and now, let's get going. I don't want any more excuses.- She ordered and after finishing with those words, the boy turned around and went to get dressed. Francesca was there, so she followed Eddy with her eyes, who closed the door of the room.
The black-haired Italian girl stood in front of the entrance for a few seconds, took a deep breath and entered the place that belonged to her. There she could see the boy she had under her protection undressing, putting on his usual clothes, although in a bad way.
- Who does she think she is? She's not my mother, much less my leader.- He said angrily, while he was pulling his head out and putting on his yellow shirt, as if it was a big deal to fight against the "Shadow Neuroi".- Yeah, yeah, I'm not "Rambo" or "Captain America". This is stupid, but of course, we have to "return the favor". I would have preferred to stay in Peach Creek instead of coming here.- He continued speaking but not realizing that a certain person was standing there silently.
- What did you say about Lieutenant Barkhorn, Eddy?.- He heard a voice that made him pale as a ghost. His blood pressure dropped suddenly and he broke out in a cold sweat. He turned his eyes and out of the corner of his eye he noticed that his "Guardian" was there, behind him, with a serious look on her face and her arms crossed.
- Ahhh, no, no, Francesca, it's not what you think, no, please, don't tell Barkhorn, I beg you!.- He screamed in terror and with a mixture of tears in his eyes, he knelt down in front of the Italian, who began to laugh her head off.
- Hahahaha!. Oh, Eddy, don't worry, nothing's wrong! And look, I have earned the worst punishments in the past, but don't worry, it's not going to happen.- She answered, laughing, patting her back and reassuring her.- But seriously, don't ever disobey an order from Trudie and the others, okay?.- She let you off, for this one time, but don't do it again, okay?.
He nodded his head, not wanting any more trouble that day, which was just beginning.
- All right, are you ready?.- She finished and her "Protégé" finished dressing.- Perfect, let's go.
- I wonder if Ed is up yet?.- The short boy wanted to know.
- We can find out, come on.- Said Francesca and after leaving the room, locking the door and heading towards where the young man's friend and Erika were sleeping, whose room was a few meters away, they arrived and she turned the doorknob.
Soon, the door to the room opened and as they entered they could see Ed and Erika talking quietly. Something that caught Eddy and Francesca's attention, especially the latter, was that the blonde from Karlsland seemed attentive to what she was hearing and was laughing her head off at what her "Protégé" was saying.
- And then, we wanted to do a "Water Ranch", the idea was Eddy's, so we went to look for Double D at his house but we didn't realize that he had been all night working on a model of the "Brooklyn Bridge" and fell asleep. We took him to the creek and started to build the entrance and...hahahahaha, we needed sponges for the marine life but we didn't realize that...hahahahahaha, that the "Welcome Arch" we built collapsed and blocked the creek, causing all the water to flow into the neighborhood...- The young man told him this anecdote, while Erika's face had turned red because she couldn't hold her laughter and ended up bursting out with her friend.
- Hahahahahahahahahaha, I can't believe it, Ed, that was the craziest thing they did, hahahahahahahaha!
- And on top of it all, when the whole neighborhood was under water, Rolf together with Johnny, Tablón and his farm animals picked up Eddy and Double D on a mattress, while I said I was "The Little Mermaid", jumping through the water.- He added that last part and that was the final point, so Erika burst into loud laughter and tears started to come out of her eyes.
Both Francesca and the short boy looked at each other. The latter shrugged his shoulders, while the black-haired Italian could not believe what she was witnessing.
- Hey, is your friend usually like that?.- Eddy whispered softly.
- Well, Hartmann is...she's very serious on the battlefield but on land...emmm, let's say she's a bit lazy and even more when you saw that Trudie asked her to clean her room and now...well, there's nothing messy.- She answered frankly and once both friends finished telling each other anecdotes, they noticed those two "guests".
- Eddy," Ed greeted him with a big hug.- How are you?
- Very...fine...but...Ed...Ed...Ed...Ed!.- Replied the young man, his voice cracking with shortness of breath.
- Oh, hehe, I'm sorry," he apologized.- Good morning, Miss Lucchini.- He addressed him respectfully.
- Please, just call me Francesca, we are among friends.- Said the Italian with kindness in her voice. Now it's time for you to come outside: it's time to train.- Shhe told to the boy who loved Science Fiction and comics.
- Okay, let's go there.- Erika said and after a few minutes to finish dressing, the group left the room they shared and headed for the outside of the HQ.
The Sun had not yet risen, the Darkness was still around, however, there were Commander Minna with Trudie and Mio. The wind was blowing with some intensity and moved the dust that was deposited on the ground, as well as their hair. From the heavens, Major Sakamoto noticed a "dot" in the distance, something coming closer and closer to them. Then, she began to descend, slowly, and her figure could be better distinguished. The three approached the white-haired girl, who was holding her combat weapon and communications equipment.
- I am glad to hear that you are well, Sanya.- Said Minna to the young woman, who nodded her head.- Were you able to find anything during your watch?
The white-haired girl shook her head again.
- Yes, that's right, my team detected these signals and it could be, in theory, an answer to the search for interference.- The girl handed them over and spoke with that calm tone but, deep down, it could be seen that she was sure of what she had found during her patrolling mission.
- You've done an excellent job, Sanya, will you stay and watch the boys on their first day of training.- Minna congratulated her and she nodded.
- And here they come.- Charlotte pointed to the Peach Creek group, who were escorted by their "Protectors".
Soon, the Sun was rising, leaving behind the darkness of the night, its mantle that covered that part of the World and its rays were peeking out, timidly and changing the color of the Firmament. The boys were grouped in a row and each one had his "Witch" to protect him. Kevin let out a deep yawn, while Nazz rubbed his eyes to get rid of the remnants of sleep. At one point, a loud stomp against the ground caught his attention, looking up and meeting the girls, who were looking at each of them and standing at attention.
- Good morning, boys!.- Minna greeted with her military tone in her voice.
- Good morning, My Commander!.- They replied in unison. The redhead nodded her head and with that she addressed those present.
- I hope you had a good rest last night, because, from this very moment, you will begin your physical training. Every day from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM.- She told them and that was like a bucket of cold water, since they were going to be exhausted. Minna walked from one side of the arena to the other and focused on those present with great attention.- As you know very well, the "Shadow Neuroi" attacked London and reduced it to rubble. We still don't have exact information about the positions of the "Hives" held by the Kankers.- Then she paused, looked at Sanya for a few seconds and then returned to those present.- I know that many of you will find it hard to cope with this kind of training but, I say it again, it is for your own good and with it you can be great Soldiers on the battlefield together with us. Well, any questions?
No one dared to say anything.
- All right, I'll take that as an "Ok".- She slapped her palms together and the sound was felt all over the place.- We'll start with the warm-up. I want you to run around the track for 30 minutes.- Minna imposed that first exercise and without anyone saying anything, they started with the mentioned objective.
While the training began, the redhead left Trudie and Charlotte to watch over them. There was still a very important matter to attend to and she turned to Sanya and the others.
- You'd better tell me everything you've seen tonight and especially with these signals your team has picked up.- She asked the white-haired woman, who nodded her head once again.
And while the Commander headed towards her office, the Peach Creek boys started their first exercise, being supervised by the other two "Witches", dark brown and redhead.
That day was just the beginning.
[I'm really sorry if it took me a long time to update this fic, but my hands were tied last week with several issues that I had to close. And with this chapter I'm starting the exercises that the Eds and their friends will do, but we must also add what Sanya found during her patrol shift.
Now, what will they do next, and will the Cruels strike their next blow? All this and much more you will see in the next chapter, the last of this "First Arc" and which will be longer (I don't know how many words it will have in total, it depends).
I send greetings and thanks to all of you, friends. Take care and I wish you an excellent start of the weekend from me].
