Chapter III:

Nobody had time to react, to defend themselves, to take defensive positions, but everything became a real "Pandemonium", a disaster in which many of those who were in the boats that were not yet attacked, climbed into the lifeboats and exceeded the allowed weight. Some, in desperation and panic, grabbed what they could use as floats, such as chairs, and one even threw a bed together with his companions and threw themselves into the icy waters.

From their "Central Ship," the Kankers had seen success in the first phase of their plan. Soon, Lee ordered to fire on the Nations fleet and that was immediately carried out. A second ship was completely sunk, while a third was on fire on deck, leading to panic, just like on the "Titanic" after colliding with an iceberg in 1912.

- Hey, Marie, let my boys destroy those research bases, they are useless.- Asked May, who was bored to see that many of the assigned targets had been occupied by her blue-haired sister.

- Well, if you insist.- She left the control and the blonde went from there.

- Now, sit down and watch an expert.- She answered and with a series of movements of her hands, her hosts launched a huge bombardment against the buildings mentioned above, turning them into flames.

- Keep it up, I want to see the faces of those idiots when they find out what's coming.- Lee's voice was heard in the "Command Bridge". Over her eye, which had been wounded by Francesca during the last combat they had, was a black patch with golden edges. The girl was seated on an Imperial Throne next to her sisters, while they distributed the orders to their forces to attack.

From that "Panopticon", the "spectacle" they had was fearsome, their firepower had been devastating to the fleet, half of which was sunk to the bottom of the sea, while the survivors threw themselves from the ships to save their lives with every piece of furniture that could be of use to them to float. The scientific research stations and bases had been destroyed to the ground, many had not had a chance to escape from them before they were blown to bits, and there was an air of death and destruction in the air.

None of those on the ground could do anything to defend themselves, the remnants of the fleet fled in desperation, while the "Shadow Neuroi" ships gave chase. This was the opportunity for the Kankers to continue with their plan.

- They will reach Iceland soon.- May informed with a report in her hands.- Let them raze it to the ground, leave no stone unturned.- She asked, and without saying anything else, the advance party set course for that area.


Iceland and its Capital lay quiet, despite the war on the different continents, however, the government had ordered to evacuate all those who could not fight, so many families were sent to shelters along with the wounded soldiers and those who had the mission to protect them at all costs, while those who were prepared remained on their native soil, waiting for the enemy to arrive. From different points of the island, the icy wind blew calmly, the sky was cloudy but, from the north, one of the soldiers saw the arrival of the enemy ships, giving the alarm to his comrades, who went to their battle stations to defend their land.

- Hahahaha, look at them, they want to fight against us, how brave they are.- Argued Marie, with a mixture of mockery and respect.

- The Norse have always been like that, despite the passing of the years, their motivation to defend their homeland has never diminished. They are worthy.- Said May.- But it's a pity, so many young lives that will be forgotten by the passing of time.- She paused and shrugged her shoulders.- Well, what can you do?. Attention all ships: Open fire!.- Ordered the blonde, while the glow of their cannons could be seen, which began the bombardment.

In a few seconds, Iceland burned completely. Screams, gunshots and fury rose through the air along with the columns of smoke. Death was there, taking new souls from its recent harvest. Fresh, young. The war machines had not been able to be of much help in the face of the technology that those ships possessed, they could barely do some damage to them but they were, in short, a few "scratches", mere blows that disappeared with the passage of time.


In those moments, a deep peace reigned in the "Operations Room" until, all of a sudden, the alarms went off, the place was "painted" with an intense red color that put the operators and other members into action. One of the officers there went to get Minna, who was resting in her room, and after waking her up, they both went there and showed her the recent situation.

- When did it happen?. Why weren't we alerted before?.- Asked the redhead.

- There was no time for anything, Commander: they were attacked without warning.- Reported the officer who brought her there.

- I see.- Minna kept silent, her face was expressing great fury at what had happened and her fists were clenched in indignation at seeing the regions of Iceland destroyed by the enemy.

- So far, the enemy is advancing through Antarctica, if they continue with this, they will reach Australia and the Pacific Ocean Nations in a few days.- Another of the officers told him.

- Commander!.- Exclaimed one of the operators and she went to look at the map.- We have received a series of messages: Chile, Peru and the Federal Republic of Argentina have begun to mobilize their Armed Forces to protect their borders. Sightings of the "Shadow Neuroi" are reported over the skies of Santiago de Chile, Lima, Buenos Aires, as well as in the Andes Mountains!.

- Melbourne has just declared a "State of Emergency" in view of the possible arrival of the enemies in their lands. There is panic in the Pacific islands: Tonga has been evacuated, the Mariana and Marshall Islands the same. In Indonesia, the government is having a series of problems getting civilians to safe areas because of the presence of armed insurgent groups. What will we do if this gets out of hand?.- One of the Generals gathered there wanted to know.

Minna remained thoughtful until she stood up and went to the map, where she began to draw her plan.

- I want all research stations in Antarctica evacuated and all non-Navy ships barred. Anyone attempting to enter the "Conflict Zone" will be detained immediately. Now, with respect to the civilians, let the governments take care of them, take them to safe havens and this is where we will go.- Announced the redhead. Nobody said anything else and they got down to work.


Returning to the Kankers, after they had ravaged Iceland, they set out for Antarctica, where their forces were advancing across the "White Continent" and setting their sights on Australia and the Pacific Nations, as well as South America. Lee was watching, from the ruins of one of the scientific stations, the smoke plumes and the evacuation of those who were there, unable to establish a defense perimeter. Despite her new victory, the girl felt a "twinge" where her eye that she lost during the fight against Francesca used to be. A pain, "twinge", discomfort, it could be anything that affected her but, still, the redhead could not shake off the moment of that "betrayal".

Yes, it could be so, but she did not think with letting herself be won by a "Witch", Francesca Lucchini was not going to take away her boyfriend, her future husband and King. She would fight to win him, even if she had to use force to succeed. Any idiot who tried to get smart with her would pay dearly, she would regret getting in her way, however, the bitter memory of the defeat in Africa was something that took a long time to fade.

- Lee has been very quiet.- May muttered to Marie, while they were inspecting the area.

- It's better to leave her alone for a few hours, she needs to free herself from that burden, after what happened with that pathetic "Witch", imagine seeing her boyfriend in her hands.- Said the dark blue hair.

The words of the aforementioned woman reached the ears of the redhead, who pressed her lips together, her wounded eye throbbed, she felt an "itch" but she restrained herself. She just stood there, contemplating the devastation unleashed on those icy lands. In front of her, that immense "Siege Tower" was moving around the perimeter of the destroyed bases and thus moving towards its next targets. The red-haired girl thought about it, there had to be a plan to keep the "Witches" out. "Witches", that damned "Combat Force" that had caused them so much headache, those wretches that had the audacity to come back to stop her grandfather's legacy, but, this time, she wasn't going to go with "playing tricks". She had an idea in mind and she would use it, so she turned around and faced her sisters.

- Listen, girls, there's something I want to announce.- She asked for their attention.

- I see you've come up with a plan, haven't you?.- May wanted to know and Lee nodded her head.

- That's right: As we all know, the "Witches" have caused us several important setbacks during the campaigns in Brittania and Africa, however, we are going to stop wasting our time attacking some countries.- The redhead began to relate her idea.

- One moment...- Marie had been the one to ask for a few minutes to digest this but the other one was quicker.

- We have already lost a lot of time, our Armies have to mobilize to attack and for that we must attack the "Witches" all the time.- Her proposal reached the ears of both sisters. They had carried out this type of tactics but they were on a smaller scale, now it had to be on a large scale. May and Marie remained silent, they thought about it and after discussing it, they decided to make a final decision.

- It sounds very risky.- Marie was opposed to the idea of attacking with everything they had under their power.- A war like this should be entering its final phase by now.- We have already lost two "Hives". The "Witches" are our enemies, sister, but I wouldn't want to be losing our fleet either.- She warned seriously, so Lee remained silent and walked back and forth.

- Besides.- May added.- Imagine if we hurt our boyfriends, we would never forgive ourselves for that.

- They will be fine. They're just "confused".- The redhead pointed out.

- Lee, understand, this is a major operation, do you know what it will be like to move a good part of our armies?. Even with technological superiority, no power became an Empire overnight by attacking quickly.- The dark blue-haired woman said.

- Even so, we must do it!.- The girl's shout echoed through those desolate and icy regions, causing Marie and May to stare at her with some fear.- Look, yes, we lost in Brittania and Africa, but they were only "minuscule" defeats and in that second battle I suffered too, if you haven't forgotten! We lost our boyfriends but we will get them back and those "Witches" who are laughing in our face, we will be the ones to crush them once and for all!.- She swore.- And I will not fail grandfather, we will fulfill his last will until the end!.- She promised and this deeply touched the morale of her other two sisters.

That oath they had made before their late relative still stood, intact, untouchable, how could they fail him?. May and Marie sighed, looking down at the floor and with that they were silent for a while.

- Think, do they want our boyfriends to stay with those Witches, do they want us to have nothing in return?. Life has been giving us so many blows and now...now that we have the World in our hands, are we going to leave behind a good opportunity like the one I am offering you! Try to reason, sisters, there won't be another one for a long time. It's the last train.- She detailed and it was true what he was saying.

May was the first to look up.

- You know I don't want to have inconveniences in our Armies, Lee, but...but...but...my Ed...he...he...he...is with the enemy and nobody is going to take my man away from me! I swore he would be mine and that's what I'll do!

- Same here: Double D will be my husband, whether he likes it or not and besides, nobody rejects the Kanker sisters as if nothing happened. Now, the time has come to give them their comeuppance. Count me in, when do we attack?.- The dark blue hair joined in, while the redhead smiled.

- We'll be in action soon. Patience, girls. Patience.- Lee finished and then they turned to watch the fall of the other scientific bases.


The day was over for the boys and after dinner, where there was no lack of chatter and laughter, among other reasons to be so, they had decided to go to rest, since they would have the training to master the "Magic" at 100%. While the "Witches" remained in the Dining Room, even when the dishes were already washed, dried and put away in the furniture, in the Officers there was an atmosphere of seriousness, icy, that went all over the place until it ended at the exact point where they were sitting. Yoshika was the first to speak, while holding a cup of tea in her hands, still steaming from the heat inside, she brought it to her lips and proceeded to take a sip.

- Today has been a very busy day.- Began the Fuso Empire Sergeant, as Lynne nodded in agreement.

- Yes, Antarctica has been attacked and there is talk of a possible invasion of the "Shadow Neuroi" against Australia, New Zealand and South America.- Replied the blonde Brittanian, turning to her friend.- At least the boys can now fight with their power, although they need to prepare. Africa has only been the first part of this war.- She warned and looked at the others.

- The situation, for now, in those countries, girls, is of a tense calm that can be lost at any moment.- Warned Mio, who settled into her chair.

- How are the evacuations going?.- Asked Perrine.- We should go there and give them a hand.- She put her idea on the table.

- That's what the Kankers want, in theory.- Spoke the black-haired Major, calling the attention of Galia's girl and the others.- It's a theory, but it wouldn't be strange that they are waiting for us to attack, just as they did in Iceland: They destroyed the scientific bases in Antarctica of that country and thus provoked them, leading to their destruction.

- Mio is right, girls.- Now it was Trudie's turn to speak, resting her hands on that piece of furniture.

- But we can't leave those people alone, we have to go!.- Yoshika said with concern.

- And we will go.- Said Minna ahead of the others.- We will go, but first of all, the Peach Creek boys must finish their training. Anna will be of great help to complete them, but don't worry, we will go there and expel them.- Promised the red-haired Commander, going one step at a time.- Their "Baptism of Fire" has been a great feat and now they will need to rest. Tomorrow you will have a very busy day until you have mastered it.

- But, Commander, we are with time against us, the Kankers can attack at any moment, they have no compassion and know no limits.- Charlotte intervened, but the redhead raised her hand in the air.

- Calmly. I know, I know it's complicated at the moment but we can't throw them into a new battle that could be much worse than in Africa.- Answered the girl, while the orange-haired girl sat in her place.

- Even so.- Yoshika interjected.- Tthose guys are very special in the group. Johnny, in my case, is someone very sweet and you can tell he has a big heart.- Said the Japanese girl, putting cold cloths to the tension that was breathing, leading her to relax her body.- There are times when I wonder if his friends have realized the kindness he has. He may be a bit absent-minded and talk to "Plank" but still, I consider him a good boy.- She replied and a smile showed on his face.

The others joined in and started talking about it.

- Well, Sanya and I are still getting to know Double D better, although...- Eila paused, ran her hand over her right cheek and nodded.- He's a boy prodigy, I'm amazed at the passion he has for research and projects. You can tell he never wants to give up, even if he has to stay awake for hours and hours under the light of the lamp on his desk, he doesn't plan to go to sleep and leave it for the next day: If he starts something today.- She finishes it the next day.- Said the girl from Nordic Europe, since the albino was not there, because it was her night patrol shift.

- Ahh, interested in Double D, Eila?.- Asked Perrine with a suspicious and mischievous look, causing the other to startle and hide a slight blush on her cheeks.

- What? No, no, no, no, no, it's nothing romantic. He's just a friend, the same for Sanya. Let's not confuse the meaning of words. Friendship is one thing and love is another.- She answered, defending herself from something she didn't know.

- Hehehehehehe, hey, relax, it's not that big of a deal. But, if I remember correctly, you were a little bit jealous when Sanya chose to be the "Guardian" of Double D.- Charlotte pointed out, while Yoshika and Lynne laughed under their breath, since they were present there.

Eila didn't know what to say, she still remembered that event and the talk she had with Sanya in the room some time before, so she needed to find the answer to those inner questions she had.

- Still, I'm sticking with Sarah's education. At least, for now, she showed concern for her brother, Ed, when we fought in Africa. She flew out to where he was and hugged him tightly, crying, although I hope this is a step towards him becoming someone better and not just for a while.- This time it was Trudie who spoke up.- That little girl will need more of my help.

- At least you're not taking her to levels she can't tolerate, remember: She's just a kid.- Minna said, placing her hand on her friend's shoulders and speaking with a calm tone, knowing that she was the antithesis regarding her character.

- I know, I know," answered the dark brunette, who closed her eyes, "I just hope I'm doing a good role as "Guardian".- She asked and from there she looked at the black-haired Major, "And how are you doing with Kevin and Nazz, Mio?.- She asked her, as she and Minna were taking care of the redhead and the blonde.

- Kevin is very good in physical terms. His years of experience as Captain of the American Football Team have served him well in endurance and fighting. However, with Nazz, I've been thinking it over and have decided to go one "Level" higher.- She replied and that led the girls to listen more closely.

- A new "Level"? What is it about?.- Lynne asked curiously.

Mio knew very well how sensitive her words could be to what she had in mind. Her face took on a colder and more serious posture, as she was "putting together" her sentences inside her head. His mind worked like a machine, without rest until, finally, he got what he was looking for.

- I plan to teach Nazz the "Reppuzan"- She gave her official answer, leaving the girls nodding their heads.

- But, Major Sakamoto, that technique is very difficult, it takes time. Do you think you will be able to?.- Perrine asked, but she was already determined.

- I will not give in, Perrine. Nor will I give up: Nazz is a girl who has a very good physical ability, being a cheerleader, and I have faith that she will make it. That's why I'm going to train her.- She vowed to those present.- You also have your "protégés", you must also have your likes and dislikes and something special within them.

- It's true.- Lynne took the floor.- Rolf is a hard worker, he never abandons his work in the fields and he has even given me advice on how to take care of my family's lands.- The blonde from Brittania said.- Besides, he is always willing to give me a hand.

- Jimmy still needs to advance on his way to be a man, someone mature, serious and who can face problems on his own, but he is a very sweet boy and has a very nice taste in tea games and being at peace.- Perrine remarked, proud of that albino.- Who else has to contribute?.- She asked and then noticed a certain blonde from Karsland, excited.

- Me, me, me, me!.- exclaimed Erika and was given the floor.- Hehehehehe, Ed is a big fan of Science Fiction movies. We recently watched a comedy movie with zombies that made me die laughing. On top of that, despite being seen as clumsy, he also has a big heart.- The blonde's words were reflected in the slight blush she was having on her cheeks, something that went unnoticed by the others.

- Well, Eddy and I are still getting to know each other.- Francesca added.

- Even though he did that "Chinese Knicker" to Jimmy, I now pay my respects to him for rescuing him during the Battle of Africa.- Said Perrine, who took a sip of her tea.

- Yes, and he told me he feels funny about what he did. Part of him was telling him to leave him, but, in the end, he recognized that it would be a mistake to abandon a Comrade in Arms at the front, so he brought him back. Even so, he is still going a very long way.- Said the black-haired Italian, while Minna and Trudie were analyzing the context in which they found themselves.

- It's common, she'll get used to it. We all went through the same thing.- Yoshika pointed out, while they continued their conversation.

- Even so...- Charlotte's voice called the attention of those present.- After what happened in Africa and now that there are enemy movements in Antarctica, we don't have much time, you will have to face many dangers from now on, but you will also have to be prepared for when the time comes".

- Why do you say that seriously, Charlotte?.- Francesca asked doubtfully.

- I don't know.- She answered, after letting out a sigh and then turning to her friends.- I fear that this war may take a very ugly turn later on. The Kankers are dangerous, yes, but so is a mind that becomes more and more obsessed until the end.- She warned, and that could not be left behind.

- It may be true, but, even so, the kids will be able to make it. Let's not lose faith, we are the last hope for Humanity.- Eila asked for calmness and that there were no bad thoughts.

Soon, they went back to their talks of various matters, while Charlotte's words struck deep into their being. They had to prepare themselves, a new front was opening before their eyes and now it was on the White Continent.


[As I said, in this Saga I want to focus on the friendship between the characters of "Ed, Edd, Eddy" with those of "Strike Witches", a relationship that will evolve later, something that we will see later in the other chapters.

On the other hand, I'm sorry if I'm taking too long. I want to finish this part as soon as possible, but I'm taking my time.

Without more to say, I send greetings and thanks to all of you. Take care and have a good Tuesday from me, Comrades.

Until next time].