Arc III: The Antarctic War

[Hi folks, it's been a while since my last update and I owe you an apology, mostly I've been finishing other fronts, which I've already closed and now I can give more attention to "Ed, Edd, Eddy Shadow Neuroi Invasion".

Well, as you may know, during the events of "Arc II", the boys received the "Magic" injection and had their "Baptism of Fire" in Africa, where they fought against the Cruels. However, in this new installment, things are going to get more complicated. Keep this in mind, because this is where things are going to get a lot more interesting. In addition to this, I want to work, besides the battles, on the friendship/future relationships between the girls and the Eds, so I may take a while to update (plus I'm going on vacation in February and I won't be able to write, since I'll be busy).

But well, in the meantime and that it's still February, it's time to get to the story. I thank, again, the followers of this fic, especially Matfix and Franco M. Romano.

Let's get started].


Chapter I:

A series of small thumps against the surface of a desk echoed through the "Operations Room". Sitting in their respective seats were the Kanker“s sisters, who had had to retreat and thus lost the Battle of Africa. Their forces had been decimated and they even lost the "Second Hive", causing the disbandment to be generalized and hence they had to reorganize to continue with their campaigns. A defeat can affect the morale of the troops and even their Commanders. It also happens when they get carried away by pride and unbridled power, once they are installed there, it corrupts them and when a war occurs, they become so attached that they refuse to leave their posts.

The First World War had been a hard fact for those who fought in the "Triple Alliance", especially when the "Schlieffen Plan" had been altered by General Helmuth Von Moltke The Younger, nephew of the famous military man who led the German and Prussian troops against the France of the "Third Empire" under the command of Emperor Napoleon III. For May, that humiliating defeat was compared to the Battle of Magnesia, where the Armies of the Roman Republic won over the Forces of King Antiochus III The Great of Syria.

At one point, Lee suddenly stood up from his seat and then faced the map, bringing his hands to rest on the screen.

- We can still launch our offensives. If we lost Africa, we'll get it back, sister, there's no need to be alarmed.- Marie maintained, but the redhead shook her head.

- It is not a question of seeing when we will be able to recover such a lost position. No, Marie, this is different and I am talking about maintaining the balance in our victories. Now, the scales are tipped against us because the "Witches" have our boyfriends with them. However, this is only the beginning, right now I have something in mind, an infallible plan that even they won't be able to get out of their astonishment.- She promised and with that he started to discuss with them about that matter.

Marie and May looked at each other, they were "exchanging" information about it and they were worried that Lee was so calm, did she already have a plan beforehand to destroy the enemies that were causing them so much trouble?

- "What do you have in mind, sister?.- The blonde wondered doubtfully and then noticed that she was pointing to a point in the North.

- This is where the action will begin and we already have the "Third Hive" ready for combat.- She announced and that left the two remaining sisters with doubts.

- But... what do you plan to take out of there?

- Everything in due time, calmly. Antarctica itself will be our new front for which we are going to fight.- She promised and they decided to see what else was going to happen.- They noticed that wound on his face, now that it was cleaned and healed, but the scar was never going to leave his eye; product of his fight against Francesca Lucchini.- For now, we are going to launch lightning operations over Europe and other continents, so let's go, we have a lot of work to do.

Having said that, the three of them left for their respective positions. There was an "Empire" to command and they needed to have as much time as possible to fulfill the dictated duties and with that they would get the fight against the "Witches". As Lee had said, time was their greatest ally.

- Our next offensive will be here: Antarctica, as said, but we are going to have to push our forces and logistical capabilities to the maximum.- Lee pointed at the map.

- But what is so important on that continent? There is nothing, except the scientific stations.- Marie pointed out.

- They have extremely important research there, which will be of great importance to us, besides, if we destroy that area, it will be another blow and a double one," answered the redhead, sure of herself, "And this mission is going to be very important, get our armies ready, we are back in action.- She asked, concluding the meeting and leaving the "Operations Room".


The success of the mission in Africa reverberated over Europe, the news had arrived and with it, celebrations erupted all over the South, from Spain to the Balkans, even, but that was a victory that barely represented 5% of the success of the war campaigns initiated since the outbreak of the conflict against the "Shadow Neuroi".

The group formed by the "Witches" and the Peach Creek boys began their descent towards the landing strips located at Brittania's headquarters. There they were greeted by Anna Ferrara, who watched them and nodded to the youngsters. She then made a movement and gave the military salute in front of them, who were surprised.

Without words, that was what the boys had received before the Veteran of Venice after having learned with her. That show of respect lasted a few minutes and with that, the woman walked from one side to the other of where they were located, hearing the step of her shoes against the floor.

- I have to congratulate you. You have shown a great feat this day in Africa.- The woman began to speak.- I was listening in the "Communications Room" about the events during the combat against the Kankers. You have fought very well.- When they were about to celebrate, Anna raised her right hand in the air, stopping any emotional attempt.- This was just the beginning of what you will be facing from now on, there is no turning back and you must control your powers, that is why you will continue training with the girls as well as with me. All this is very important and the war is going to get more complicated.- She left that warning and that led Johnny to take a step forward.

- How much?.- He asked but the Veteran kept silent.- Miss Ferrara, please, we want to know.

- I'm sorry, Johnny, but that's up to you. In the war no one will come to tell you how to prepare you, now it is part of you and you have the "Magic", answered the woman with seriousness but under a tone of concern, do not let anyone defeat you, you are not just any children, you are "Witches", Soldiers and I know you will do your best to defeat this race of "Shadow Neuroi", just as they and I did in the past.

- She is right.- Nazz spoke, turning to his friends.- This is no walk in the park, much less a Hollywood movie, my friends.- The blonde cheerleader clenched her fist and thought of her own, while the "Magic" flowed through that part of her body and sighed.- None of us wanted this war, but today we gave our "Baptism of Fire", what is the most sacred thing for those who fight? Should we stand idly by and wait for help to come?. That will not happen, we are the hope for those people along with the "Witches". Now it is up to us to take matters into our own hands and face the cruel ones without fear. It is not a Sin to fight for Justice and the people we love, they will never understand the words and...- At that moment, Nazz fell silent for a few seconds.- Maybe they think I am wrong.

- Not at all, you are right.- Johnny backed him up.- You said it yourself: None of us wanted a war. Nobody is guilty here, destiny wanted things to be this way and now we have them threatening the world. I'm not going to keep quiet either, we fight together and we will triumph in the same way, isn't that right, Plank? There was a few seconds of silence and then he nodded his head.- He also shares the same.

She felt grateful for the bald boy's support and from there she noticed Mio placing her hand on his shoulders. She looked up and there she was.

- What they did today was a great feat, but things will get more complicated as time goes by. They must not let their guard down and they will finish their last training, which will be for them to master their powers 100%. But as for you, Nazz, there's something I'd like to talk to you about.- Said the older black-haired girl and from there she asked for the blonde's attention.- We'll discuss it in a while.- She promised and walked away, leaving the girl with a lot of doubts.

- For now, friends, go and rest. You have earned it.- Asked Commander Minna, who was folding her arms and looking at those present, "roll call". Once the business was finished, she shouted for the ranks to break and so they moved away to carry out their activities.

Anna went with Mio and the other Officers, moving out of the way and with that, some took advantage of the moment to be with their friends. Jimmy was the first to leave with Sarah, however, the albino boy had one thing to do. He saw that Eddy was with Ed and Double D, walking towards HQ when the boy stopped them.

- What now?.- Wondered Eddy in amazement, and then he saw the boy hold out his hand to him.

- A "Peace Offer". You saved my life, Eddy, during the Battle of Africa.- Said the young man, which made the other close his eyes.

Eddy was thoughtful, that moment when he had been about to be made Lee's boyfriend, both at Peach Creek and at the front, caused him to reflect on it. He had told Jimmy, clearly, that he had done it because it was in military regulations not to leave a Comrade in Arms behind, but here was also a matter of friendship that the albino had with Sarah. It was then that he shook her hand, but said nothing, remained silent for a while, shook his head and left.

That would take time.


- Hey, Eddy, what you did for Jimmy was a very good act of kindness.- Said Double D. "It's true, you risked everything to bring him back.

- It's true, you risked everything to bring him back. What motivated you?.- Asked Ed, curious, while they were walking to the room he shared with Francesca.

He didn't know what to say at that moment, he just took a deep breath and looked at his friends calmly.

- Anyone would have done it, but given the context we were in, it was me who went to rescue him from danger.- He answered and yawned.- Excuse me, guys, but I'm sleepy. I'm going to sleep.

- Go to sleep, I have to make some more notes in my research notebook.

- I'm going to go read my comics, see you guys.- Said Ed and they left for their respective places.


The short boy entered the room and closed the door. He was sleepy, so he was getting ready to lie down on the bed. Sleep was about to overcome him and it was then that he took advantage of it, closing his eyes and letting himself be carried away by Morpheus. The Italian was not in the place, the room was silent, not a single movement or noise could be heard inside. Maybe she was with her friends or sleeping somewhere outside.

He was immersed in his "World", he hoped he could find some peace after that confrontation but, for some reason, the boy felt that someone was there, standing and looking at him, so he opened his eyes and found a certain girl, who was in that position, with her eyes fixed on him and that led to that almost gave him a panic attack.

- Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe.- He laughed that laugh that he didn't like to be scared, but he didn't get angry with his roommate.

- No, I was practicing meditation, Francesca.- Answered Eddy, as he rubbed his eyes and headed for the bathroom.

- Ohh, come on, don't be a spoilsport. You are having a good time with me and on top of that everybody is talking about your feat when you rescued Jimmy at the front.- Said the Italian girl and then the boy was wetting his face with fresh water from the faucet. Francesca was sitting on her bed, leaning against it and looking at the young man, who came out of the bathroom.

He returned to his seat, but the other would not leave her position.

- Hey, don't you have something to do? I mean, you're an officer, don't you have tasks to perform.- He wanted to know, but she shook her head.

- Not at all, what, are you kicking me out?.- She asked and pretended to cry.- Don't you love me?!

- No, no, I'm sorry, don't be angry, please, it wasn't my...!.- He tried to make amends but the Italian burst into a series of laughter and tapped him on the belly.

- Hahahaha, you fell for it!.- She exclaimed, laughing her head off.- You should have seen your face, you were desperate!

Eddy wanted to get out of there, not that he hated her, but she was very active that day. He got ready to get out of bed, but was stopped by Francesca.

- It was a joke, don't be like that.- The black-haired girl defended herself.

- I know, it's just that...- The short boy put his hand against the back of his head, remaining thoughtful. I still resent Jimmy for what he did to us, but now...I'm in a kind of "Void".- He said and then he noticed that the black haired girl was looking at him, leaning back on the bed, I don't know how to describe it, it's as if one part of me said I should leave him there, but the other urged me to save him...and I did it.- He stressed and then he felt Francesca's right hand on his shoulders.

- Do you know what that's called? Empathy. You don't want to forgive him, it's your decision and you will be the one to see the moment, but you can't live with that memory either, it's over. It's over. Do you want to carry resentment for the rest of your life? You must move on, Eddy. Besides...- At that moment, the Italian sighed deeply and smiled.- The Battle of Africa was the "Baptism of Fire" for you, you fought a great battle and not only that, you also faced Lee, although it was only for a few moments.- She gave him those words of motivation, which left the boy speechless.- Don't live with that feeling, sooner or later you will have to put your cards on the table.

Eddy remained thoughtful, that was an omen, maybe it would not come true, everything depended on the events. From there, he looked the young woman in the eyes.

- Thanks for the advice.- He thanked her.

- That's what friends are for.- He replied, while he stared at the ceiling.- Hey, let's leave this boring "routine" aside, let's go for a walk, let's do something productive. We have a lot to talk about.- She proposed, energetically and without Eddy being able to say a single word, she got up and took his hand, leaving the room.


- Ed.- The sci-fi lover voice of Erika, who ran up to him.- I'm so glad to see you.

- What are you doing?.- He asked calmly and she shrugged her shoulders.

- Ah, bored, the other officers are in a meeting so... How about watching a movie.- The blonde proposed.

- But won't that scare you? Last time Trudie almost challenged you.- The boy wanted to know but the girl didn't care about that.

- No, don't worry, nothing will happen, besides, hehehe, I feel like watching a movie with you. You have very good tastes.- Erika remarked and with that approval, that show of confidence, the Science Fiction lover went to bring his DVDS collection and choosing one of them, he put it in the player and the show began.

A quiet movie, a zombie movie to pass the time, although Ed had preferred to go with "Zombieland" so as not to scare the blonde. The latter, for her part, had gone to bring, from the kitchen, a bowl of popcorn to enjoy the show. While they were enjoying their meal, Erika stretched and looked at her friend.

- Tell me something, Ed.- She called his attention.

- Yes?.- The boy asked, looking away.

- Are you happy to be here? It's not easy to be in the military, but that's my question. How do you see it.- She asked the boy.

- Well, it's true, I didn't even expect this "Magic" and flying, since, at first I thought it was like in the movies, but you end up seeing it from another perspective," he answered and she nodded her head. Still, things change, a person, with time, understands the position he is in and here, with you and my friends, it...makes me feel happy to be able to count on you, especially with you, Erika, since you are a great friend.- She said and that made the blonde blush for that show of kindness.

- Awww, you're so sweet.- Said the girl, giving her a hug.

- Really? Many people think I'm a fool.- The young man's words silenced the other one.

- A fool? Who? It doesn't matter. You are not, you are a very good person, you have a big heart, you care about your friends. You may be a bit of a "brute" but it's a 10% percentage and that doesn't mean you're not a danger. You have to be yourself. Nobody forces you to change.- She said with determination, looking him straight in the face. Then, she took him by the shoulders and he looked her in the eyes.- Listen to me, I don't want you to ever consider yourself like that again: You are not a fool, you are a great person who would give everything for his friends. Never despise yourself because of what others say. They don't know you deep down, they only draw cheap "conclusions". You are worth much more than those so-called "geniuses", okay?.- She left that moral support on the boy.

- Yes...- Ed's voice sounded low, but from there he looked up.- You're right, Erika, I'm no fool!.-He exclaimed, now, with determination.- I'm not going to let myself be crushed by people like that, not even the Kankers.

- Exactly!.- Joined the blonde-haired Officer.- Tell me something, what were they doing with you?

- They only harassed us and wanted us to be their partners, nothing more than that.- He answered and the girl nodded her head.- They even ruined our scams. Yes, that was wrong but we didn't want to hurt anyone, those were mistakes that happened many times in the projects.- He added and the girl patted his shoulders.

- You see? Those three are nothing to you, they only lived for that: to bother you, to make your life impossible. That's not love, much less friendship.- Erika emphasized and he nodded.

- You're right, we should have been smarter, but now that we're here, they won't chase us anymore, even if I don't want to depend on others, one must also fend for oneself.- Said the boy.

- It's not bad that, from time to time, someone gets help, nobody is perfect, remember that.- The girl encouraged him.

- Thanks for your support, Erika, I appreciate it a lot.- The boy finished and she smiled at that fact.

- You're welcome, that's what I'm here for, not only as your "Guardian", but also as your friend.- She said sincerely and from there she took the remote control.

For Ed, having Erika as his "Protector" was the best thing that could have happened to him. That girl from Karsland was very special, not only for her sweetness, kindness and concern, she also had a good taste in movies and even didn't mind having her room so clean. Yes, it was like looking in the mirror and when he heard her laughing since the movie started, he recognized that, perhaps, they had something much bigger to share.


Double D was sitting at his desk, writing down in his "Investigation Diary" about the latest events and more with the results during the Battle of Africa, but what he did not see was that someone took him by surprise: A shadow emerged and covered the sunlight that entered there, so he felt a pang of astonishment and when he turned around he noticed that it was that silver-white-haired girl. She was standing on the threshold and from there they remained silent for a long time. Then Eila came into the room.

- I was just leaving, I was just finishing writing some things down and that was it.- Said the young man with the black cap.

- No, that's not necessary.- The words came out of Sanya's lips, which took the other one by surprise, who could not believe it.

In the midst of his silence, Sanya had been the one to speak and that was the "prelude" to what would happen with him later on.


[As I said, I have started to focus on the theme of the friendly relationships and their subsequent evolution that the Eds will have with Erika, Eila, Sanya and Francesca. On the other hand, I will also be focusing on the other Peach Creek kids with the rest of the "Witches" and the upcoming token move of the Cruels.

I'm really sorry if it took me a while to update but I had a couple of "Blocks" but that's it, plus the heat has been terrible in Buenos Aires. Yes, a heat wave that is over now but it was the worst. But don't worry, I will keep writing.

I send greetings and thanks to all of you, friends. Take care and have a good start to Wednesday from me].