Chapter XI:
Ruins and smoke, that was what could be seen in what was once known as Berlin, the Capital of Karsland, was now a pile of rubble, mountains as far as the eye could see and where the struggle for survival was the "common currency" within its devastated streets. The Kankers were determined, as in Romagna, Suomus and Orussia, to cause the greatest impact on the homelands of Erica, Sanya, Eila and Francesca. That was his goal, to hit them from the emotional flank, the heart, to hurt them and to make them lose hope. For the blonde from Karsland, arriving and seeing the devastation, from the air, gave her a sense of horror, her hands were clamped over her mouth, she could not articulate a single word. The combined smell of fire, fuel and bodies was nauseating, it permeated her nostrils as well as those of Trudie and Minna, who were by her side to give emotional support to the girl, who descended a little.
- Wait, Hartmann!.- The dark brunette tried to stop her, but felt Minna's right hand on her shoulders.
- Don't talk to her: I know that feeling.- She asked, as a piece of advice, and they followed suit.
Erica descended, her feet touched the pavement of one of Berlin's main avenues, she looked up and her heart fell against the floor, producing a sound that represented the emotional break in her being. He took a few steps forward. God, how much misery and pain could be perceived in the air. The first few meters were of countless buildings, houses, businesses, which were abandoned, looted and burned. A whole life thrown away, sunk in a sea of despair and loss. Those who had stayed, well, they had no luck at all. Their bodies hung, like monigots, among the rubble of their homes, even from the balconies of the tallest buildings, that Dantesque "scene" could be seen. The blonde was shocked to see a whole family lifeless, hugging each other until the end came for them. She couldn't hold back her tears and even more so when she thought of all they must have suffered until the Kankers killed them.
("The Drive Downtown", OST 04 from "World Trade Center")
Minna and Trudie scanned the horizon, both feeling rage inside but restrained themselves, they could not let themselves be carried away by this burden that would make the operation even more difficult. Karsland could be saved, there was a way, but how could such a plan be achieved when someone was suffering? In the rubble of an apartment block, among its ruins, Erica ran and noticed something was there. When she arrived, she found an abandoned teddy bear that might have belonged to a child, so she panicked and started digging, removing the debris.
- Oh, God, Hartmann.- Trudie ran when he saw her do that. He arrived just in time, grabbing her by the shoulders as she struggled.
- What are you doing!. Let go of me, Barkhorn, stop it!.- She shouted with all her might, managing to break free from his grip and pushing her away. The Lieutenant had never seen, in all her life, such a reaction from one of the officers of the "Strike Witches". Her eyes were wet with tears, she could no longer hold back.- You don't know what it's like to see your people suffer this fate.- She shouted and pointed her index finger.
- I know what war is, have you forgotten what happened to my sister, Chris?.- She reminded him of those bitter moments in his life.
She didn't answer him, she was right, so she went back to look for survivors among the debris, removing the fragments that were of medium to heavy weight. Minna ran up to her, grabbing her again, leading to the other throwing kicks in the air, towards an invisible target, in an attempt to do something for her people, however, Berlin had already fallen.
- I failed them! I failed as "Witch" for them, for my people! So many of them died in vain!.- She launched that scream and fell to her knees on the floor, exhausted, prey to the Adrenaline that ran through her body and spirit.
A deep silence fell, a silence of Mass, just like in a Church or Cathedral, where only the statues of the Saints and Jesus Christ were "witnesses". Erica didn't seem to move, she was kneeling and staring at the floor, breathing deeply and with tears falling from her eyes, hugging that teddy bear she had found in that apartment building. Trudie went to her and bent down a little, until she was face to face with the blonde, who did not open her eyes and from there she stretched out her hand for the face of the aforementioned.
- In every war, as you well know, this kind of thing happens. No one is prepared to deal with something as strong as this, Erica.- She spoke to her, looking at her face to face.- I understand your pain, I know how it feels to see your home destroyed, since I was also born in this country, just like Minna, but you have to recognize that they, the Kankers, want to see you like this: Destroyed, devastated, that you suffer without any peace with you, they are only there for it. And if you follow the "game" of those damned ones, then we will have serious problems in our combat force. It is not wrong for you to cry for the fallen, for the destruction but, in time, you will see that they will fall, I promise you", he gave her his word, helping her to stand up. She held out her hand and she took it, rising with difficulty from the floor, while carrying that teddy bear with her.
- She is right, Erica: The Kankers, this time, in addition to the other crimes they have committed, added a much more sinister and horrible one. Now we will show them no mercy on their "Hives". When we return, I will order an urgent meeting where we will plan our operation against them. You'll see.- Minna predicted, while the blonde wiped her tears, recovering from that blow and then looked them in the face.- Think about what would happen to you if you intervened alone, what do you think those damned ones would have done to you?.- The redhead asked her.
- I don't even want to say it.- Answered Erica, who was already exhausted for having witnessed all that disaster.- I just want Justice, nothing more than that.
- And you will get it, we are all going to get it.- Promised Minna.- Now let's go back to Romagna, there is a lot to do.- She asked and they left the place, leaving behind the ruins of Berlin.
Both Eila and Sanya could not describe what they were seeing at that moment, the streets of Suomus and Orussia seemed to be taken out of some post-apocalyptic book, it was sad to see the remains of the Capitals, destroyed, ruined, covered with debris and smoke, product of the fires. From one point to another, the devastation stretched as far as the eye could see. For the silver-haired girl, when she had returned home, she found it in that state. The same situation happened with the albino, who, for the first time, burst into tears, being hugged by her friend tightly, trying to give her support so that they could move forward.
- Sanya.- The Suomus girl called the Eastern European girl.
The latter said nothing, the pain flooded her inside and any attempt to speak would be meaningless, since she was, completely, emerged in that "World" brought by the Kanker, wondering if there would be any Future. The albino girl's head was sunk against her friend's chest, feeling the warmth of tears wetting her clothes and hence her hands.
- Eila...- The young girl from Orussia could not say anything, only silence fell, one that no one expected.
- I know, I know, I know.- She spoke with a maternal tone, running her hands through her friend's hair, trying to give each other the support they needed for those difficult moments they had with her.
- I'm afraid, not only for what happened here, but for Double D...what could happen to her if they hurt her badly?.- She let out that deepest fear, together with the destruction of her home.
She didn't say anything, she was going through the same thing too and she was suffering for whatever happened to that intellectual boy. She needed to think of something else but it was in vain, she clung tighter to the girl and from there she patted her back.
- Hey, look at me: Whatever happens, I'm here and we'll protect each other. Nothing is going to happen to Double D. Those Kanker idiots are going to pay dearly for what they have done, but don't be discouraged: Soon their downfall will come and we will bring them to Justice. Have faith that we will succeed.- She promised and looking at each other, Sanya nodded and Eila followed him with that movement.- Well, now, let's go back to the others in Romagna.- She asked and after leaving, they set course for that country.
War in all its extension, a word that turned people's fears into reality. Its consequences, what the enemy armies did, crimes against humanity, razed cities, similar to scenes from old movies of survival after some cataclysm, where people tried to get by, but all that became a long and arduous struggle to see who was the strongest. Good point: Survival of the fittest was taking the reins, with a new and important role in this "theatrical play". The Kankers had no time to celebrate their victories. The fall of those countries had to be concluded immediately, but the resistance in Northern Italy, as well as in the sectors dominated by the "Witches" in the Capital, Romagna, put in check their precious booty, so they insisted on continuing to produce and train the new "Shadow Neuroi" who would carry out their task to the letter.
Lee was one of the three sisters who had recovered after what had happened in the aforementioned city. Another scar for her person, a new "medal" she had with her, but the desire for revenge was still there. However, he was not going to give in to those passions, first of all, but he would fulfill the mission of dominating the World together with Marie and May. His grandfather would be proud of them, from wherever he was, he watched them with his head held high and enjoyed the chaos they had unleashed on those countries. If he were there, he would raise his glass of wine and toast to his granddaughters, wishing them success for the rest of the military operations.
- Very well, we have new Divisions and Corps to continue with the offensive on Romagna, besides the "Hive" that is located in those lands, will be of great help to us.- Marie showed her report to Lee and May.
- No.- The redhead stopped her, reflecting and stretching her body on the chair.
- Excuse me? What did you say, Lee.- Asked the dark blue hair to her sister, who slowly turned to where the other one was.
- What you heard: We are not going to risk the "Hive" of Romagna for a conquest on the ground. It would be a waste of forces and logistics, besides, we will need it to send reinforcement troops to Karsland, Suomus and Orussia.- She answered calmly and then got up from his seat.
- I understand your position, but don't you think it is a bit exaggerated?. We already have a good amount of support in those countries.- She insisted but the gleam in Lee's eyes, hidden under his hair, made her shudder at that perception.
- All right, you're right. Next.- Called Lee to May, who approached, turning on some screens with a button and from there showed, inside the holograms, the progress.
- As you can see, our forces have encircled the Romagna Center, as well as the resistance strongholds in the North.- Said the blonde, passing one image at a time.
- Excellent, how much do you think...- The redhead asked, being interrupted by her sister.
- I'm sorry to stop your "motivational questions", but there's more.- She emphasized and continued with the exhibition. She moved a little from his seat to one end of the "Operations Room", turning her hands, making a series of circles in the air, almost perfect, and from there she turned to observe her.- But, if I were in your shoes, don't you see that there are other things to add?. I mean, because, up to here, Karsland has fallen easily, but Suomus, Orussia and Romagna are giving us a lot of fight, even when we dominate the Capitals, they attack our warriors with guerrilla tactics, so, first of all, if we want to have our territories secured, completely, we must destroy the remaining pockets of resistance, no matter the consequences.- She left that warning. Marie was going to say something else but held back, it wasn't worth it.
- You are right about that. Okay, but my question is when will we attack.- She asked.
- Soon, very soon.- Lee augured, who was leaving the place and heading for the corridors.
The dark blue hair returned to her duty, while May approached to talk to her.
- It's all too easy.- Said the blonde.
- Yes, but, as Lee said, we can't be too confident. We have already lost several "Hives" and such an attack could destroy us in a matter of minutes.- Warned the girl, while she took some papers and turned off the projection.- We will have to go one step at a time.
- I agree.- May understood and went outside.- I will be watching the new "Shadow" and from there we will pass inspection.- She concluded and opened the door.
Each of them had a motive: revenge. The last defeats had marked, within the pages of their history, a before and an after since the beginning of the war, a deep emotional change, something that broke their way of being, changing, disrupting their personality and turning them into people with a thirst for revenge, eager to destroy their enemies to the point of breaking the willpower they had. Like a tornado that sweeps away everything in its path, the Kankers had left their "message" to the "Witches" when they attacked the countries of Francesca, Eila, Sanya and Erica, devastating the buildings, destroying the lives of countless people, causing casualties among their ranks and deep emotional damage to the girls. The images of their spies on the ground provoked a sweet sense of triumph regarding those girls.
Lee delighted in seeing Francesca without much energy, Marie laughed when Eila and Sanya hugged each other tightly at the sight of their destroyed homes and the same could be said of May, who toasted to more pain for Erica when she arrived in Berlin. That was their revenge, they were no longer going back for the old trucks they used to go, now they were bloodthirsty and they would not rest until they fulfilled their grandfather's last will, that dream, that project of having the World at their feet.
Returning to Romagna, it was late afternoon, the sun was beginning to set, leaving behind a devastated Capital, where gunshots and explosions could be heard, exchanges between the warring sides fighting to regain or conquer the lost territories, while the evacuation of civilians continued. Meanwhile, at the "Gemilli Hospital", while starting a new round of work for the medical staff of the place, Yoshika had managed to think it through and allowed Rolf and the others to have that little party in the huge park that the complex had, but without using too much lighting for fear of attracting the attention of the enemy.
With the help of Perrine and Charlotte, who were with Sarah, Jimmy and Johnny, they put effort in the decoration of the exterior, placing some Oriental lanterns, they lit a few lamps that illuminated the surroundings and with that there were also Kevin, Nazz, Mio and Lynne in charge of the tables and chairs. Director Giuliani had allowed them to use that furniture, as it had long been stored in the materials closet and was used for anniversary parties for the doctors. On top of that, the food to be prepared was already beginning to whet the appetites of those present, while Rolf was preparing a small grill that had been brought all the way from Peach Creek and which had a great family history with it.
- Edd Boy, could you give me a hand, please?.- The Foreing called out to Double D, who was making sure the lighting was securely fastened. He walked over to where he was, still thinking about Eila and Sanya and remembering the motivational support Ed had given him earlier.
- Tell me, Rolf.- He said, while trying to maintain an active tone of voice and not show any "break".
- I need you to bring me some logs from the Warehouse, the one over there. I'll go with you.- He gave him that task, nodded and they went there together.
Eddy was watching them, he was at the drinks table, enjoying a glass of refreshing soda, bringing it to his lips and enjoying the taste but thinking about the latest news. She looked around, Francesca was chatting with Yoshika, Lynne and the others, while Sarah and Jimmy were busy finalizing the decoration of the place.
- Tough day, don't you think, Eddy?.- Asked Ed, who left a couple of round trays with fried food inside on the table.
- Yes.- He replied and sighed deeply.- Too much. I don't feel like this is the world I was born into, it's like I'm a stranger.- He said and leaned against that piece of furniture.
- I know.- His friend, a fan of comic books and science fiction movies, joined him.- Believe me, it's hard for me too to witness everything we are living: A war against a more advanced race, both in technology and knowledge, it's weird and I thought this would be just like "Independence Day" from 1996.- He recalled and threw a chuckle in the air, after scratching the back of his neck.
- Tell me about it: The three of us were spending the Summer in Peach Creek, running scams, many of them went wrong but we had fun and now... look at us, we are fighting a war for survival and the Future of the World.- He poured a glass for his friend, as he was thirsty from the work he was doing.- Hey, by the way, did you talk to Major Sakamoto, does she know anything about Erica?.- He asked but the other young man shook his head, being busy with his drink. I'm lucky that Francesca stayed here, since this is her home, but... I'm worried that something might happen to her.
Ed finished his drink and poured himself some more from one of the pitchers that were there.
- We can't see the Future or draw conclusions about what it will be like, Eddy, but if we work together, if we continue on this path, you'll see that we'll be victorious.- He augured and that caught his attention in the short boy, since Ed didn't show that degree of reasoning, due to his innocence and the clumsiness he was sending himself, but at this moment, something had changed in him.
- You're becoming like Double D, in the "Voice of Reason".- He told him in a calm tone.
- I owe it to Erica, she taught me, since we were friends until now that we are a couple, how I should act in my actions and so on.- Explained Ed, while they toasted together.
- I support you in that. I lack, maybe something more than Double D and you, but I'll make it.- Eddy promised after clinking their glasses, giving that oath.
In the small wooden warehouse, Rolf and Double D were taking a few logs to carry them to where the roast meat was going to be cooked. After finishing their task, the foreigner closed the door with the key he was given and from there they went to the previous point.
- Double D, friend, tell me something, are you worried about something?. You can't fool Rolf, I recognize the sadness in someone's face like the wrinkles in my grandmother's face.- The dark blue hair wanted to know with concern, while the other had nowhere to hide it.
- I'm not going to lie to you: It's true, I'm really afraid for Eila and Sanya. It's been two weeks since they left for Suomus and Orussia, there's no news and I'm afraid that something has happened to them.- He told him that fear and the shepherd's son nodded his head, walking close to him.
- I understand what it feels like not knowing the fate of someone you love. It's a horrible feeling, it burns you inside, just like an acid spill and you just have to hold on. But, hey, relax, you're counting on Eddy and Ed, same with us. You don't have to be afraid and if something like that happens to you, you should talk to someone about it. On top of that, Eila and Sanya will know what to do, they are "Witches", not just anybody.- The dark blue hair encouraged him, taking that, both the support Ed and now Ed's gave him, he could smile a little.
- Thanks for the advice, Rolf. I'm very grateful for it.- He said.
- That's the way I like it, don't let this war hurt you, you'll see that soon this will be over, peace will return and the Kankers will be behind bars for a good time.- The foreigner augured.- Now, let's leave aside the battle front for a while, let's enjoy the night, which is young and surrounded by the people we love.- He added and once they reached the small grill, they placed the logs nearby and started the next step, lighting the fire.
The first logs were already on the surface, while Rolf took some stones and hit them together, causing sparks that fell on the wood, lighting, little by little, that Element. With a little more work, the foreigner finished his work, creating a fire that would grow thanks to the wood as "natural fuel".
- Ah, perfect, that's the way I like it, just like my great-great-grandfather used to do during the harsh winters of Scandinavian Europe.- He felt proud of his task and from there he began to put some dry branches, making the fire grow more and from there he went to get something to drink, being accompanied by Double D.
He met his two friends, who were talking and looked calm, in spite of the situation they were living in. He remembered Ed and Rolf's words, not to let himself get hurt or blame himself, he had to move on and that he would see them again. He just had to be patient, so he began to leave behind those fears and anxieties to go to where both boys were.
- Look who's coming, if it isn't the King of Rome.- Eddy greeted him, handing him a glass of soda.- It's good to see you again, Double D.- He said.
- Yeah, that's right, how are you, buddy.- Asked Ed, as Nazz was seen setting up a small stereo and turning it on.
- I've been fine.- He answered and sighed deeply.- I remembered what you told me and also with Rolf: I know Eila and Sanya will be fine and will come back.- He promised and smiled at them.
- Awwww, come on, everything will be fine.- Promised the Sci-Fi fan, having a group hug, even though Eddy didn't like them, he had to do it for Double D. Once the waters calmed down, the three of them went back to how they were before, those three friends who spent their Summer in their crazy adventures and scams, laughing, talking animatedly, making up for lost time.
("No more Mr. Nice Guy", Alice Cooper)
- Hey, Nazz.- Charlotte called out to him.- Great choice.- She congratulated him on his choice of song.- We had to add a little cheer to this party. It already looked like a funeral.- He laughed and went to her.
- Thank you, my friend. Yes, we could use something like this.- The American blonde said and turned to look at the others who were going about their business.
One of them was Sarah, Jimmy, Johnny, Yoshika and Lynne, who had finished with the Oriental decorations, especially the lanterns, lamps and garlands, while they walked around the place, reliving those times when they played together in Peach Creek before getting into that war. Kevin, meanwhile, remained busy with the drinks he was carrying around, being helped by Mio Sakamoto.
- Ufff, I think that's all of them.- Said the red-haired man, wiping his sweat with the back of his right hand, towards the bottles he had brought with him.
- That's it, Kevin, go with your friends, you did a lot this day.- Mio encouraged him.
- But, Major Sakamoto, are you sure, don't you want me to do something else.- He asked but she shook her head.
- Relax, as I told you, you did your duty, now you deserve a rest.- Said the black-haired woman calmly, while he thanked her.
- Thank you, I'm going to need it, the same for the others.- Said the redhead, knowing very well that this was the calm before the storm that was going to be unleashed at any moment over Romagna.
The party was about to begin at that moment, the food was on the grill and the music was playing non-stop. While the Capital was plunged in a night where it was expected to wake up and see the invaders defeated, five girls belonging to the "Strike Witches" were arriving at the "Gemilli Hospital", finding that welcome, a celebration in the middle of so much war.
[New chapter and there are two more to finish with this "Arc", then the last ones will come. I send greetings and thanks to Matfix, Franco M. Romano and the other followers of Fanfiction and Wattpad.
Take care, friends, and have a good start of the weekend from me].
