Chapter X:
The "Gemilli Hospital" in Rome had become one of the places, within the Capital, where the wounded were transferred for treatment. The entrance to the building was protected by the Romagna military forces, while a few blocks around the perimeter, protected by fortifications and barricades, you could hear the rumblings caused by the explosions and the constant exchanges of artillery and bombardments between the two factions. Ambulances kept arriving with new patients requiring immediate help, many of them civilians who had not had time to flee from the big cities. The same panorama was repeated in the other regions of Italy, where almost all the national territory was under Kanker domination, except for the North, where the military had been able to repel the enemy and establish an "Air Bridge" with Romagna to deliver medicines, food, weapons, ammunition and other supplies to those who were resisting in the Capital.
A few blocks to the West, the new provisional headquarters of the "Witch" had been established, which was located in the building of the national government, where the Officers were meeting with the High Commands of the Armed Forces of Romagna, discussing the next troop movements, counter-offensives to regain the national territory and the defense of its borders, as the other "Shadow Neuroi" Armies were stationed in Karsland, Suomus and Orussia, launching lightning attacks against the resistance positions.
Returning to the "Gemilli Hospital", some of the Peach Creek boys had been hospitalized to recover from their wounds. The Eds, Kevin and Nazz were the ones who were hurt the most after the fighting and shrapnel received from the invader. What they had received, on the combat front, was going to heal with time, but there were also those hopes of being able to reconquer Romagna from the enemy's clutches. The Kankers had proved to be, from this new point of view, ruthless, cold and heartless people. Gone were those sisters who sought to conquer the World "their way", now it was totally different: A relentless invasion, one that would consume every trace of Faith that Humanity had a Future. Everything was hanging by a very thin, fragile thread, which at the slightest movement could be destroyed and fall with all of them into the void.
Located on Floor 4 of that huge hospital, the Eds were lying on their beds, receiving the visit of the girls, who had gone there after finishing their shift of surveillance over the Skies of the Italian Capital. Two weeks had passed since the fall and the efforts to expel the Kankers were still at very low levels, touching the ground. Morale in the troops was still high, but there was also the question of logistics and with the waves of refugees going to other parts of Europe and the World that were still free of the "Shadow Neuroi" influence.
Eddy was the first to get up again, he was tired of lying in that bed and he got up with difficulty, as his legs were still hurting, although the pain was going down, little by little, he had to use a cane to walk "normally" around the Hospital and the huge park that it had. Francesca had arrived early, around noon to see him, so she went to his room that he shared with his other friends. There she found Double D sleeping peacefully and Ed, who was reading his comics that Sarah had brought him from Brittania.
When he saw his girlfriend, she gave him a tender kiss on the lips and took him by the hand so they could walk through the huge park that the building had.
- I'm glad to see you, Francesca.- Eddy broke the silence that was there, while they took a walk around the place, where they could see other patients who were recovering from their wounds.
- I could not leave you alone. You are my Hero, you protected me from Lee's ambush.- She showed her gratitude for that noble act. At the memory, the cheeks of the short boy turned crimson at the words, loaded with sweetness, given by the Italian.
- Hehehehehe, it has been a pleasure. A Gentleman should always give everything for the person he loves.- He acknowledged and spoke with a gentle tone. That had captivated Francesca. For some time now, Eddy had begun to change that personality of a liar who only thought of swindling. Now he seemed more friendly, cordial and willing to help, although this was only a beginning for that boy, but, even so, the black-haired girl admired that change.
The boy's slow pace on the path built in the park could be felt, although he was going slowly, his legs were recovering from his injuries and after a few weeks in bed, unable to go out for a walk, he had lost the ability to move on his own, so now was his chance to do it and also to spend time with his girlfriend. Eddy noticed that energy she emanated, that positivity and confidence, something he had never felt before but, at that moment, it was beginning to seep into him.
- Hey, Francesca.- He called out to her, who turned to hear him.- How are you feeling?
- Excuse me?.- The girl asked.
- It's...- She took a few seconds to think it over, she didn't want her next sentence to sound "offensive" to her, so she carefully chose the words she would use next: "It's about what happened here, in Romagna, lately the "Witches" have been a bit distant, not because they fought, but because of...well, you know.- She said after making a series of movements with her hands.
- Oh, that, yes.- Remembered the black-haired girl, who closed her eyes and remained thoughtful.- It's true what you say. It's not that I'm angry, but, due to orders from HQ, Eila and Sanya left for Suomus and Orussia, while Erica and Trudie went to Karsland with Minna. They will be back in a few days, as it is a reconnaissance mission, but, apparently, the Kankers are well entrenched in those territories and intend to defend them to the last drop of their blood.- She recounted the icy panorama in which they now found themselves.
Eddy looked at his girlfriend and then towards the back of the building. He knew very well that Double D and Ed had had no news about their partners for weeks, they feared that something had happened to them. Both the black-capped intellectual and the Science Fiction lover were doing their best, while recovering, not to think negative thoughts about the girls' future. They had the Faith that they would see them again, they just needed to wait a little longer and from there they would return.
The boy of short stature contemplated that area, he breathed deeply, the air of the Mediterranean Sea got into his nostrils, fresh and salty, letting out a sigh in the hope that things would get better.
- I know, I think so too: that Erica, Eila and Sanya will be fine, that they will be back in a few days but, the latest news from the front is not good at all. The Kankers are ready to continue with the invasion, that is a very serious problem, since they fear waves of refugees and the governments will not know where to place them.- Said Francesca, while they continued their walk.
- It must be terrible and even more so since these damn things took us by surprise. There wasn't a single chance to establish a solid defense.- The young man from Peach Creek felt furious.
- Even so, with that plan, the attack would have been carried out, but with some modifications.- Francesca hypothesized, "Even so, a counter-offensive to recover Romagna, Karsland, Suomus and Orussia is going to be carried out, but that will cost a lot of time and preparations, both logistical and tactical. In addition to that, first of all, we must secure the interior of my country and look for the "Hive" that responds to this area.
- The "Hives", I had forgotten about it.- Eddy snapped his fingers.- You are right, but we don't know anything about the latter.
- Don't worry, we'll see what will happen later when we are assigned a reconnaissance mission.- Francesca promised him, and those seemed to have some "secret message".
- Who will go?.- Wished the young man of short stature.
- Minna and Trudie will tell us when they return from Karsland, but this task is going to be extremely important if we want to win Italy by any means necessary.- The black-haired woman predicted.
- I just hope we can do something to reverse the situation. This has already become more complicated and more complicated.- Eddy feared, just when a new explosion could be heard in the distance.
Back in the room shared by Double D and Ed, both remained engrossed in their "duties". The intellectual had just stood up when a young Soldier, who had been sent by the "High Command", entered and stood before the boy.
- Is there any news of Eila and Sanya?.- Asked the boy in the black cap.
- I'm afraid there is no news at the moment. But the doctors say that he will be discharged along with his other two friends.- Said the messenger as he left.
- If you see Eila and Sanya, tell them that I intend to continue in this war. I'm not going to retreat or anything like that.- He said.
- Don't worry, I know you will do well. In spite of the blow received from the Kankers, we will be able to tip the balance in our favor. But, for now, continue resting, you can leave tonight," promised the young soldier and left the room.
Double D got out of bed and walked, with the help of a cane, to the window, where he stood, firm, still, contemplating the hospital, its huge park and beyond the other buildings that were part of the complex, the City of Romagna, its Center and the Old Town. A series of distant explosions rang out and plumes of smoke continued to rise through the Heavens, drawing the attention of those there and those fighting in the streets.
Ed, for his part, having been concentrating on reading his Science Fiction comics, noticed the figure of his friend standing, looking toward the horizon, silent and with his hands behind his back. He set the object down on his nightstand, next to the bedside table (or lamp) and leaned back against the headboard.
- Double D, are you all right?.- He threw his question at her, full of concern.
There was only a nod of his head, in the affirmative.
- You don't seem very cheerful this day and you can't hide it. Tell me, are you worried about them?.- He questioned again.
- No, Ed, I'm fine, don't worry.- He told him, but he shook his head.
- You're not fooling me, my friend. You are suffering for Eila and Sanya. Don't lie to yourself.- He pointed out and his friend turned around.
When he turned to look at him, Ed could see tears running down his friend's eyes. He held on tightly to the cane as he wiped them away with the back of his right arm, trying not to shed any more but to no avail. He felt faint and took a seat again, choosing a chair near his bed.
- It's been two weeks since they left for Suomus and Orussia, no news. I know it could be due to different factors such as the weather or that communications are not in a suitable terrain to send messages, but...I can't fool myself anymore, nor you either, Ed: I am suffering for them, I am afraid that something has happened to them and even more with the Kankers out there, with a terrible thirst for revenge. Did you see how May and Marie were? They were no longer the ones that harassed us before, together with Lee, now they looked different, as if they had crossed over to another World and exchanged bodies with their other versions. Now they are full of resentment, hatred, fury, among other feelings and I fear for them. I know they are forces, I will not deny it, but the "Shadow Neuroi Forces" are no longer as they were before, now they represent a danger to all of us. Look how Kevin, Nazz, us ended up - He let out all that fear, while he brought his hands to his face - I'm sorry, I...I...I...I know a Soldier shouldn't cry but...but...- He couldn't go on any longer, as Ed came up to him and gave him a tight hug.
- It's hard not knowing what could have happened to them, but they are neither weak nor cowards: they are strong, they know how to fight, they have experience. If they faced the "Neuroi" in the past, then now they will do the same with these, but do not let yourself be cowed by fear, nor stay with that "burden" inside you. Let it out, free yourself from it. I think of Erica too, a part of me fears that she has been taken prisoner by the Kankers, but my heart and conscience tell me that she is fine, the same goes for Eila and Sanya. You just have to listen to them, Double D, their answer may not always be the right one but, somehow, you will see that everything will work out.- His friend predicted, without letting go of his embrace.
As time went by, Double D was recovering from that emotional blow.
- Hi, guys!.- They heard Francesca's voice, who came into the room with Eddy.
- Finally, it was time for me to be discharged.- Sighed Kevin, relieved after being in bed for a while.- I needed to get up and stretch my legs.
Both he and Nazz had suffered some serious injuries during the ambush, especially the redhead. Both were recovering, but it would take a while longer. The boy with the bicycle remained in his bed, while Nazz was outside, practicing with a "Kendo" sword that had been given to him by Major Sakamoto, who was standing, watching her in silence.
The boy was standing in front of the window, watching the blonde, who was tracing a series of fine and elegant movements with that "training weapon". He watched her jump, hit the air, cut it like a blade and from there attack anything that "was in her way". He took a deep breath, he had gone to look for her when the battle against the Kanker was over, but he almost died from the loss of blood caused by the combat and the explosions. Never been close to knowing the "Beyond", nor what he felt inside.
- Ah, good morning, friend Kevin.- He heard the voice of a certain dark blue-haired stranger.
- Hello, Rolf, what are you doing here?.- He returned the greeting to the boy, who entered and took a seat in a chair.
- I've been busy, helping in the shelters and also practicing with my "Magic". I see you are doing better.- Said the Shepherd´s son.
- You could say so, although I will be discharged, perhaps today. Still, I have to be prepared for when we return to the front. Do you know anything about it? he spoke and asked that question, but Rolf shook his head.
- There is still no news, Commander Wilcke and Lieutenant Barkhorn have not returned from Karsland. The same situation is happening with Eila, Sanya and Erica.- Reported the blue-haired man, while giving a sad outlook.
- I see...- Kevin looked at the floor, closed his eyes and sighed.- There are Francesca and Eddy by the hospital park, but Double D and Ed still haven't left their room. I'm worried about them.- He emphasized and showed that feeling he had never expressed before.
- Believe me, I feel bad for them too. I just hope those three girls come back safe and sound from there. But the Kankers, God, brother, they're crazy. They're not in their right mind anymore.- He pointed out and Rolf nodded his head.
- Absolutely right: they are a danger, not only to us, but to themselves. They are blinded by anger and revenge. They will not rest until they get what they want and this is already the hardest thing we will have to face," added the foreigner.- But, listen well, Kevin, from now on, we will have to fight in a more "synchronized" way, this defeat we suffered at the hands of the Kankers in the Italian Capital was just the beginning.- She gave that advice.
- I know, it will be a little difficult but we cannot stay here, hidden while they do what they want. Count on me.- Promised the red-haired man and they shook hands.
- By the way, to lighten the mood a bit, I brought something to eat: some marshmallows, we could roast them tonight and I also brought some meat from my stash, what do you think if we invite the boys.- Rolf proposed.
- Good idea. Tonight? And where?. Remember that there is a curfew outside, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.- He reminded him of that point.
- Don't worry, I'll talk to the Hospital managers and if they let us do it in the park, the trees are very big and leafy. Their canopies will be our "shield" so that the enemy will not see the fire or the smoke.- Promised the foreigner, who stood up and went to look for Yoshika with the intention of telling her what he was planning to do that night.
Meanwhile, in the streets of Romagna, near the hospital, Sarah and Jimmy were with Johnny and Plank under the care of Charlotte and Perrine. The girl from Gaul had proposed to go for a walk through the areas controlled by the military in the Capital, taking advantage of the fact that, at that moment, a temporary peace reigned. Crossing the central streets of the city, one could appreciate its buildings, both old and new, along with the homes and businesses that served the public, despite the war. Many of these people had their lives there with their jobs, if they left, they would lose everything, a whole life down the drain, so they refused to leave Romagna and remained there until the war ended one way or another.
Jimmy looked up and noticed that some buildings had been hit by the bombings, their interiors blackened and abandoned by their owners, as well as debris being picked up by the "Civil Defense" teams to encourage movement through the streets and sidewalks. From time to time there were sounds of gunfire exchanges between the two sides, as well as air and artillery attacks.
Vehicles could be seen coming and going through those streets that knew so much history, so many memories in civilians and that, in the blink of an eye, everything could be over for anyone who wished to have a future in Europe or in other parts of the world they knew. No one could believe, in their right mind, that the Kankers had attacked those countries in such a way. For Jimmy it was a "lucky" premonition, something was going to brew deep in the heart of those sisters and its result was given, one that no one expected to see or witness.
The albino ran a few meters until he was close to Sarah and Perrine, since he had moved away. The silver-blond hair ran her hand through the boy's hair and smiled at him. It brought her a lot of tenderness to know that her "Protégé" was progressing in his day to day life to be a real man and face the problems. Sarah was calmer with her brother, not attacking or insulting him, but that took time. No one could improve overnight and that was a task they had to keep working on together.
- This city is beautiful. I love it.- Jimmy broke the silence.
- You can say that again. When this war is over, I promise to take you to Paris to see it.- Promised Perrine, putting her hand on his shoulders.- Oh, by the way, look what's here.- She showed them a fashion gallery, which they entered.
- Plank and I will go for a walk around. We won't be long, Miss Clostermann.- Promised Johnny, who didn't have the same taste as Sarah and Jimmy.
- All right, but let us know where you are. Don't get lost.- Said the young woman from Gaul, who nodded and left to fulfill her task.
- A little party? Mmmmm.- Rolf had told Yoshika about the plan he had in mind, however, the issue was security. The Japanese woman remained thoughtful for a while, while the foreigner waited for her answer.- It wouldn't be bad to do something like that and more to celebrate that the kids are better but... the thing is that the fire and smoke would attract the enemy, even with the trees.
- I know, there's a good chance they might see us, however, it wouldn't hurt to do something like that either; the Ed and Double D boys have been very quiet lately and it's because of Eila, Sanya and Erica. Since we left Brittania, the three of them, as well as Francesca, want to bring the Kankers to justice at any cost.- Said the dark blue-haired man with seriousness in his voice, while the Sergeant let out a sigh.
- It's true what you say: I would be in their shoes too. There has been no news from Erica, Sanya and Eila for weeks now. I know Trudie and Minna, I know that they know how to fight very well together but...it's those moments when you cling to the hope that nothing has happened to them and that they will come back.- She paused and thought about it again.- Yes, you are right, Rolf: Let's do it.- Concluded the Nipponese and from there they went their separate ways to carry out the organization of that event.
[There are three last chapters left and we finish with this "Arc", then the next one will come. Well, the next one is going to be focused on Erica, Eila and Sanya together with Minna and Trudie in their respective countries, while, in Romagna, the preparations for the aforementioned event will take place.
What will happen at the front, how will they be able to regain their land? We will see in the next chapter.
I send greetings and thanks to Matfix, Franco M. Romano and the other followers of Fanfiction and Wattpad.
Take care, friends. Have a good Tuesday from me and see you next time].
