Chapter VIII:

There are several steps when initiating a liberation campaign, it is not something to be taken so lightly, but it has to be carried out with the maximum possible caution and organization. One must know the enemy, study him, not launch oneself as a suicide against him because everything could end in failure. There was also the issue of logistics and the health issue for the wounded who would be taken to the various hospitals, as well as the dead, those who fell in combat.

For Erica Hartmann, her heart had been destroyed when the Kankers launched an offensive against her home. They had shown no mercy on anyone, not even the civilian population. Now the time had come to do justice, to take back her homeland and for that there were those members of "The Resistance", between military and common people who gave to protect those who could not and carried out actions of infiltration, sabotage and attacks against the "Shadow Neuroi". Now with the "Witch" and her "Squadron" in Karsland, determination and moral strength had been reborn, just like Nature in Spring, managing to recover a few neighborhoods of the Capital, as well as generating a wave of mobilizations throughout the Interior of the country, obtaining success after success with the expulsions of the enemy from their territories.

The liberation of Karsland was going well, however, in Berlin, things were not easy. The enemy was offering fierce resistance, especially in the center of the city, where they had installed their headquarters, and the reinforcements coming from Northern Europe and the East were a continuous coming and going, a "war of attrition", as it would be said in military terms. The armed struggle in the streets of the capital was hellish, so similar to ancient disputes of the past, where power was the main objective to be achieved.

Being in the middle of the war, Hartmann's group observed the enemy taking up positions near a series of apartments, so she signaled them to attack quickly. She and her boyfriend were the first to launch themselves against the group formed by May's "Elite Guard", taking them by surprise, but they reacted, offered resistance and a fierce confrontation began.

Shrapnel from both sides destroyed the walls of the buildings and alleys where Ed, Sarah, Jimmy and the others were hiding. Yoshika and Lynne advanced, zigzagging and attacked the first "Shadow Neuroi". The albino joined in and ran to where both girls were, firing his "Magic", causing it to explode into the air and the barricade that the opponents had erected, leading them to dominate the street. Erica soared into the air and, like a hawk hunting its prey, swooped down, launching rounds of bullets at the invaders, who had no time for anything, not even a reaction. To the left he had several attackers that he decimated with his weapons. Shells were falling from the sky and right over where Ed and the others were, leading the boy to feel one of these on his back, hot, smoking. He picked it up and saw small plumes of smoke, visible to him, rising high into the Heavens along with the shrill noise made by those powerful "tools" the young woman employed to decimate opponents and clear the way.


In spite of the bombardments with artillery and airplanes that were launched against the enemy positions, May resisted in the headquarters installed in the center of Berlin, located in the Government Palace. The girl was taking it all in stride, calm, relaxed, not caring that they were under siege. A new tremor caused the ceiling lamps and the ceiling to move and "dance" for a while until they calmed down. The blonde was eating lunch and guarded by the "Elite Guard" who protected her all the time. To one side was a series of reports written by her henchmen and which she read calmly, while outside, her Armies were in position and ready to defend the Capital until the end.

- Still no news of the advance to the East?.- She asked, who was in a virtual meeting with Lee.

- No, not yet. Marie is preparing to carry out the attack plan, once we liquidate the "Witches" that infiltrated Suomus and Orussia.- Replied the redhead, shaking her head, leading the blonde to blow a puff into the air. It expanded and from there she turned her gaze back to the screen.- They're like rats, always finding a nook or cranny to poke their noses into.

- I already know that. On top of that, the counter-offensive she launched against Romagna failed: Your boyfriend and Francesca destroyed my advance party of ships.- Added the girl, and that was a hard blow for Lee.

- Wait, what, you didn't inform me about it?!.- The redhead asked and seemed to be losing her patience.

- It's none of my business, besides, you wanted them to attack from Karsland.- May reproached.

- I can't believe we lost several important ships because of this!. You should have been in charge of securing the Alps and the Apennines!.- Exclaimed Lee, hitting the table with fury.

- Don't raise your voice at me, I know what I'm doing and you'll see that I'll succeed in driving those stupid women out of here, besides getting my Ed back. I won't fail and I have the 'Fifth Hive' on my side!. - The blonde carried the 'calm', although both didn't seem to agree on the situation they were in, the redhead was silent for a moment.

Her gaze moved back and forth, as if searching for something that would be the solution to the problems they were having. Out of the corner of her eye, observing every single thing that was in her HQ, May's sister brought her hand up to her face and seemed to let out a chuckle along with a smile forming on her lips.

- Is there something funny you want to share with me?.- Asked the other but she said nothing. She stayed in that posture and began to laugh for a long time.- Mom was right: sometimes you scare me when you stay in that state.

- Hey, more respect for mom. Both she and dad raised us very well and how to be Kankers. Neither you, me or Marie are going to be crushed by them, is that clear to you. And if I laugh it's because I'd like to see them try to take over the other countries. By the time they go to Liberion, they don't know what awaits them.- Lee told him, at first, and from there he took on a more serious posture with respect to the previous one, which was one of laughter and mockery.

- Well, despite the defeat suffered by my advance party of ships, I can tell you that my armies over Eastern Europe have captured a number of military factories in several very important "Industrial Poles", so it's a good haul.- Added the blonde.

- Excellent, although that mistake you made in the Alps and Apennines won't go away. We are not here to play, May, but in a war that we must end right now. I have to go, we'll talk again later: win this battle and don't even think of being humiliated.- She said and the transmission ended, leaving the device in the dark.

- You will see that I will win, I will not be defeated like you in Italy. They swept the floor with you.- She answered with mockery to that challenge, while another roar shook the foundations of the building.

She sipped her glass of soda, although she wanted something "stronger". He had asked one of his henchmen to bring him a wine to celebrate, along with his sisters, the victory over Erica and her group. She enjoyed the food, the taste and smell of it enticed the girl to continue tasting it. She brought her fork over and took another bite into her mouth, chewing it and enjoying its contents. She dreamed that she was having lunch together with Ed, sharing a romantic, candlelit dinner, while a group of Servants were serving them wine and other country dishes. It could be a sort of "Monarchy" so that there would be no fear of rebellion in the face of tyranny, however, the girl knew very well that any attempt at freedom or rights must be destroyed as soon as possible.

- Life itself revolves around its axis. Human beings do not know how to appreciate what love is. They live in a fantasy that it is the solution to all conflicts. How wrong they were. It doesn't feed you, provide a roof over your head, etc. It is only to appease appetites, to continue the line of succession in people," the blonde deduced and after making a sign to one of her lackeys, he poured her some wine that they had found in one of the mansions in Berlin. The red contents seemed to glow before the girl's eyes as it poured into the inside of the crystal glass. She took it and drew it up to her nostrils. The sweet aroma coming from inside reached her and created a fantasy that he was by her side: "Soon, we will have that dream, Dear Ed.- She promised herself and after completing this "roulette" of thoughts, she was taken out of them when the doors opened and a group of henchmen showed her, on a screen, what was happening.

There, the Karsland Armed Forces could be seen advancing on the national territory, recovering the main cities and infrastructures that had fallen before the enemy's thrust. The North had become a real battle zone, while the East was the only active front where the Armies under May's command were coming and going. The "Fifth Hive" had reached the gates of Berlin, while the battle for Berlin was increasing. The streets of the capital city were a real powder keg, the casualties that both sides were suffering were enormous but that did not matter to the blonde until she located Ed, who was a real "Knight" who destroyed all the opponents that stood in his way.

- Enough with the "Disney" style dreams: Let's go to the front, now!.- Ordered May, while she was leaving the Government Palace and heading towards the streets.

Today was going to be a great day for her.


As previously described: Karsland was a real "Hell", a battlefield where blood flowed everywhere, the destruction was unparalleled, while the Armed Forces of that country, motivated by Erica Hartmann, were fighting to regain their country, the blonde-haired girl was in Berlin with her friends and her boyfriend. The streets of the city were littered with casualties from both sides and everywhere. It was a sad, Dantesque scene.

A new opponent fell pierced by Ed. His "Magic" was high, being next to his girlfriend they were unstoppable, while he also protected Sarah and Jimmy from possible ambushes, since those beings were treacherous, they could attack them from any front so they took all the necessary measures to beat any deadly attempt of these. Soon, the blonde ordered to charge against the Center, having much of the city under their control, pushing the opponents into an encirclement that had never been seen before.

The shrapnel did not stop resounding, the explosions shook the buildings, many burned, collapsed wrapped in flames and smoke, dust, debris. Blood and devastation. Fallen, wounded, people fighting shoulder to shoulder to save their home. Still, the enemy did not seem to show any sign of weakness or willingness to surrender. Soon, the fighting seemed to take on a strange calm, which pleased no one there.

- Hey, look, look.- Sarah called their attention and pointed to the line of Shadow Neuroi.- They seem to be retreating but...I don't know, it's too quiet.

- Yes, you're right.- Trudie backed up her protégé's words.- It's the calm before the storm.- The dark brunette warned, and it was then that it happened what many were not expecting: "Peace".

Erica scanned the horizon, Minna approached with Perrine to the position where Sarah, Jimmy and Trudie were. Charlotte was reloading her weapon, while Yoshika, Lynne and Ed sensed that something was not right at the moment. That silence could mean anything to those gathered there, while fighting persisted throughout the other areas of the Capital. The air presented a "combination" of blood, smoke and gunpowder, while a cold current descended from the heights and turned the place into a desolate postcard, a panorama of war.

- How calm.- Yoshika remarked, while the dust was blown away by the wind.

- Yes, it's true and I don't like it at all.- Lynne said with concern.

Trudie didn't feel anything around. Everything was static, still, it was as if time had frozen forever. The air was thick and cold, almost razor sharp. Plumes of smoke billowed across the Heavens, different shades of colors ranged from orange to red intermingled, the smell of burning continued and was too strong for those unprepared for combat. At one point, Charlotte grabbed the binoculars and looked for the "Shadow Neuroi".

- Hey, those fools can't have retreated. There's something fishy going on here, I'm telling you.- Warned the red-haired Liberion seriously.

- How do you know, is there any indication?.- Perrine wanted to know, and then a mysterious "earthquake" was felt. Thin columns of dust and small debris slid down from the mound they were on, but it was all in an instant.

- Strange, there are no earthquakes here.- Erica deduced.

- I don't like this. Guys, get out of there.- Said Trudie, and again the telluric movement was felt.

- It's happening again, retreat!.- Ordered Minna and after moving away from the mound, it exploded in the air, blowing its remains everywhere. Remnants of dust and other objects that made up this artificial "hill" crashed, to a large extent, against the ground but the largest ones flew until they fell against the facades of several buildings. A car crashed into the fourth floor of a hotel, windows exploded, and cornices gave way under the weight. A dense cloud of the material covered the place for a moment. Alarms sounded in the cars on the streets. Confusion and doubts in the midst of a battle zone that did not officiate for a winner.

Amidst the dust and debris, a dark figure loomed in height and impression. Rising toward the Heavens like a "Siege Tower," that which moved with great swiftness and lightness took those present by surprise. In front of the girls, the "Shadow Neuroi" hosts were marching back with May at their head, who was face to face with Hartmann and the other members. She smirked, almost certain that she had won the victory, and then the fighting broke out again all over Berlin.

- So you're finally coming out of hiding.- Erica asked seriously to the person who commanded the invading armies in her homeland.

- That's a good question, but it doesn't require an answer for someone as ignorant as you.- Said May, remaining silent and looking at each other coldly. Then, she turned around and looked at the fight that was taking place in the streets of Berlin.- Ah, there is nothing as "beautiful" as blood being spilled and hope being dashed.- She said with disdain and mockery.

- At what cost?.- At that moment, she heard that question and, turning around, noticed that a certain person was standing next to Erica. The face expressed a feeling of disappointment towards that girl.

- Oh, My Dear Ed, there is no need to cry for people who die on the battlefield. They are numbers, nothing more than that.- Replied the blonde Kanker, but that made Hartmann furious.

- Numbers?. They are people, people with dreams, children who saw their parents killed by your hosts, families who were separated because you turned them into slaves. They are not numbers, but Human beings with feelings, future, heart, who care about each other. Not like you: you are a thousand times worse than a monster, because even they have more honor than you. You are a Demon, a soulless one, and if you came all the way here, then stop talking and fight!

- That's the way I like it! Attack, my Warriors!.- She finished and a new confrontation broke out.

As if it were a puppet obeying its master's movements, that immense "Siege Tower" launched itself against the "Witch" and the defenders of Berlin. Taking off a series of missiles and enemy ships, that "fortress" swept away everything in its path, like a tornado in the middle of the city. From a powerful blow of its machines, several buildings suffered severe damage to their facades and others collapsed before the eyes of those fighting in the streets, retreating from the impact zone.

- Behold the power of the "Fifth Hive": A true "living fortress", an amalgam of different features and technology designed by the best lackeys of the "Kanker Clan"!.- Showed May that aberration, a mechanical monstrosity that devastated anything in its path. She and Erica, for their part, were fighting in the air, while Ed helped to take out the civilians and fight against the blonde's hosts.

Everywhere the sci-fi and comic book fan looked, there was pure destruction caused by the war. He saw hundreds of combatants being carried on stretchers to the hospitals and those set up by the Army. The smell of blood, dust and gunpowder was unmistakable, a sweet and sticky one like the humidity of Summer. I watched Sarah, Jimmy, Perrine, Yoshika, Lynne and Charlotte fight, separated from Minna and Trudie, against a horde of those machines that were relentless in their efforts to destroy them. Each fallen was replaced and seeing that his sister might be in trouble, he went to help them clear the way a little, but when he got to his position, the "Fifth Hive" blocked his way.

- No, Ed, you go on, help Erica!.- Sarah asked him and that took him by surprise, since he did not respond with his classic hostile tone, but one that reflected security and brotherhood in his words.

- But, sis, I can't leave you alone, they might kill you!.- He exclaimed, trying to put cold cloths. The redhead destroyed a few who were in her way, Jimmy launched several magical attacks, causing breaches in the enemy ranks and that gave the first one the opportunity to run to where that "border" was.

- Listen to me, we don't have time: If May manages to win the Battle of Berlin, then all morale and hope will collapse. Decisions will have to be made and this is one of them: We are going to resist Jimmy and the others. You take care of May, help Erica and destroy this piece of junk.- She entrusted this mission to his brother. The latter pressed his lips together, pulling them inward, but seeing that there was no other option left.

He thought about it for a few seconds, time was running against him. He closed his eyes and reflected.

- You're becoming a real woman, Sarah: strong, feisty, but you've let go of that hostility towards me. I notice, and I can attest to it, that Trudie took good care of you and raised you well. Mom and Dad will be proud of you and me when we get back.- She said with confidence and a smile. After that, he turned back to the front, but not before giving his brother a look of respect.

- You're becoming responsible too, Ed. Be careful, okay, and do me a favor.- She asked him.

- Tell me.- The young man agreed.

- Give May the beating of her life, let her pay dearly for what she has done.- Was the order and the young man nodded.

- We will send her and her sisters to justice. I promise you.- He swore and from there they both departed to the battlefield.

A fierce guttural and metallic roar emerged from the depths of the "Fifth Hive". The ships were still coming out and their missiles were heading towards the brothers, who dodged them and hit the ground along with other targets out of sight. Three of those flying machines were aimed at Sarah, who gave them what they deserved, destroying them, while Jimmy and Perrine distracted that huge "living fortress". One of its legs was directed towards the "Guardian" and her "Protected" but the albino boy traced a series of magical shots into the air, which hit the structure and caused a "fire" that spread until it reached the first levels. It didn't take long for the explosions to come, a series of fireproof fragments fell, like comets, all over the place, burning and smoking like crazy.

- Excellent attack, Jimmy!.- Congratulated Perrine, who concentrated her ballistic fire against the other legs of the "living fortress".

- Thank you, Master!.- Replied the boy, respectfully addressing her.- Even so, we must continue to distract it, we need them to be able to destroy it!

- You're right, let's make it retreat with its hosts!.- Added the girl from Gaul and they started an attack against the "Hive", while Charlotte, Minna, Trudie, Yoshika and Lynne helped to clear the way.


Meanwhile, from the Heavens, Erica ascended like a missile and attacked May Kanker. The latter remained in her position but the moment she received the impact, she dodged it and counter-attacked the blonde German, hitting her in the chest and then grabbing her by the neck, shaking her as if she were a bag of potatoes, trying to destabilize her flight. They both looked at each other face to face. Ed's girlfriend felt a deep anger against her rival, who enjoyed her suffering and pain for the destruction unleashed on Karsland.

- Fight me to protect Ed?!. Ha, don't make me laugh, Hartmann! My grandfather was right: You "Witches" are strong, but when it comes to a person's heart you don't know how to act. You don't have a clue how to handle it and you give in like a house of cards!.- She snapped at her and hit her again in the stomach and face, causing her Officer's plate cap to fall from the heights along with a few drops of blood.- You should know better than to expect something as pathetic as you!

When he was about to give her another blow, the Karsland girl stopped his left fist and started to exert pressure on it, making him recoil, despite being dizzy.


Ed felt the object fall from Heaven and picked it up. It was with some blood stains on its surface, while some drops of the same vital liquid fell on his face. He took them off and noticed how that girl was wounded, having been taken by surprise by the other opponent, while he was fighting in the streets against her hosts.

His blood boiled and it was then that he launched himself towards the Heavens, ascending like a rocket, going to help her.


Erica's strength was leaving her, while May's seemed to feed back again and again, causing her fist to recover and the pressure to increase on her. It was then that, making a quick movement, she broke away from Hartmann's grip, kicking him a few meters away and then flew back to where she was, returning all the blows she had previously suffered. One by one, especially from the humiliations they had faced in Brittania, Africa, Antarctica and Italy.

Her muscles were tightening as she gathered her physical strength and repeatedly attacked the German, who tried to defend herself but was attacked relentlessly. May looked like a bull charging at her target, a tornado sweeping through a city without mercy, an earthquake lashing the surface and breaking it, while her opponent was doing her best but the other had a great superiority. At one point, the opponent flew upwards, up to a certain point and calculated her next and, perhaps, lethal blow that would put an end to the one she had worked so hard to destroy.

- This is as far as you've come, Erica! Say goodbye to your miserable life, you've failed them all. Find peace...in Death!.- May exclaimed and swooped towards her, ready to kill her.

She was just a few meters away from finishing off her opponent when a powerful fusillade hit her, taking her by surprise and sending her flying backwards, leaving a trail of smoke in the surroundings. When it disappeared, the blonde noticed that someone had gotten in her way, covering Erica and looking at her opponent with a cold stare.

- I can tell that you are a person... No, I couldn't call you that, nor a beast: You are trash, May Kanker, did you hear?!.- She heard that voice and those words as sharp as blades that didn't give her time to anything.

- Ed...- Said the blonde when she discovered the figure of her boyfriend, who was protecting the Germanic girl from her attacker and charging another wave of "Magic".

- I'll tell you in one word: Get out of here, leave Karsland and Erica in peace, take your Armies and don't come back.- He ordered and that was destroying the young woman.

- How could you...?.- She asked angrily.

- Shut up!.- Bellowed the Science Fiction and comic book fan.- This is as far as my tolerance for you goes: You destroyed Erica's country along with the others and attacked her mercilessly. I'm giving you the last chance to get the hell out of here or you'll regret it.- He said coldly.- I don't have to explain anything to you, nor do I owe you any favors.

May frowned as she saw Erica lying in her boyfriend's arms. She felt anger and gritted her teeth, so she prepared to charge.

- You do one harm to her and I swear I'm capable of destroying you. I will have no mercy on you.- Ed warned seriously.

He heard the roar of the "Fifth Hive" and the blonde rushed towards the top of the hive, mounting it as if she were a rider and commanding it to go into action.

- You asked for it, you will be the only one responsible if you die!.- Exclaimed the Kanker girl, while a new confrontation started, this time between Erica and Ed against her.

- I'll leave you with Yoshika to heal your wounds.- Ed advised her but the blonde Germanic girl shook her head.

- We are in this together, since we became a couple and we swore to fight each other to defeat them, so I will not stay behind.- She refused to rest and rested her hand on the boy's shoulders. He wanted to give his opinion, that she was far away from the front, but she was a military woman tanned in a thousand battles and this was a very personal one, so she understood what it meant to fight for her homeland, so she stood up and faced May.- We must destroy that "Hive", only this way we can win the Battle of Berlin.- She said and her boyfriend nodded his head.

- Do you have a plan?.- He asked.

- Yes, but, first of all, we are going to need an aerial and terrestrial distraction.- The blonde German maintained at that moment.

- We will help them.- They heard Lynne's voice, who went with Yoshika and Charlotte.- We will provide air cover against that "fortress"; while Minna, Trudie, Perrine, Sarah and Jimmy fight on the ground".

- Perfect!.- Erica said and called the members of her "Squadron".- Very well, concentrate fire on both fronts while Ed and I take care of Goldilocks!.- She exclaimed and after obeying the order, those present pointed their weapons and "Magic" towards the enemy, unleashing a combined rain of those two mentioned "elements" that fell against the "fortress", which resisted without any problem. All right, let's go, Ed!.- She ordered and they both flew towards the interior of the "Hive", in whose first "floors" tongues of fire and black smoke were coming out.


May saw the damage in the "Fifth Hive". She did not pay much attention to them, she was going to survive, she could do it and even crush the "insects" she had down there. No one would stop his plans, his sisters would be proud that he managed to win the arm wrestling so he avoided any weakness on his fronts and especially in Berlin, where the enemy forces were pushing his hosts until they were surrounded in several places. In the North and South they were still fighting, but the West was a real disaster, while the East of the Capital was hanging by a thread and he knew very well that this meant the loss of an extremely valuable "key" for the plan of his sisters.

At one point, the fortress growled and from it several missiles were fired and ended up being destroyed by two people heading towards it. She frowned and through the smoke she saw them coming.

- So, is this how it all ends?.- She asked with disappointment.

- May Kanker, you are under arrest for multiple charges ranging from mass murder, genocide, forced displacement of civilians, among others. Surrender now or suffer the consequences.- Erica gave him that ultimatum. Ed looked at his girlfriend and the blonde of that clan seriously.

The rival let out a sigh into the air, one that was lost and from there she brought her hands to her face, then to the back of her neck and smiled wickedly. The German wanted to throw herself against her and tear her to pieces but her boyfriend restrained her.

- Pure unnecessary words, Erica Hartmann: That's war and you should understand its concep.- S he pointed out with disinterest.

- Still, it doesn't give you the authority to harm civilians.- The blonde "Witch" spat at him.

- If that's how you want things to end, fine, so be it!.- She exclaimed, accepting the duel and after that the missile barrage returned, flying in all directions, tearing the air and leaving their trails everywhere. Ed counter-attacked and destroyed several, while a third hit another and from there the battle intensified. On land, Sarah and the others kept firing at the "Fifth Hive" so May ordered her to stomp them like garbage but Erica jumped on her, attacking their position, damaging the deck and unleashing a series of explosions, while the two engaged in a fierce melee.

Ed flew towards them. The fight the two blondes were having was impossible to describe in words. The surface of the "Hive" was burning beneath their feet, the fire and fresh shots being thrown from the younger sister of the Sci-Fi fan and the others had set fire to the hangars and circuits that began to explode one by one, consuming everything inside. Three new explosions went off and when they went all the way up, just like the material thrown up by an erupting volcano, it caused the roof to split in two, blowing debris everywhere until he could see, before his very eyes, something glowing inside.


In a fit of rage, May grabbed Erica from behind on the back of the neck and prepared to throw a series of punches but the girl managed to break free, directing hers into her opponent's face, exerting an enormous force that broke her mouth and nose. She heard the crunching of bones in the area of her septum and teeth popping out of her gums.

- Consider this my "gift" for the blows you gave me earlier, bitch!.- Exclaimed the Germanic woman, while the rival stood up, feeling dizzy. She touched her nose, felt a deep pain piercing it just like a sword to the flesh and something hot was coming down from inside her. Then she felt her mouth "light" and four teeth she had fell down to her hand, intermingled with blood.

- My face...You fucking motherfucker, my face! I WILL KILL YOU!.- The blonde Kanker screamed, unleashing all her anger but Erica wasn't going to go down like before.

- This is for my people.- She grabbed her arm and pinned her down, but May was still exerting a fierce resistance.- This is for Karsland.- She wrenched the air and threw another punch, this time against her chest.- And this is for wanting to hurt Ed and his friends.- She bellowed and directed a kick against her jaw, leading to more blood and teeth flying everywhere, just like the shards of a grenade exploding.

She staggered and looked down, taking in an image that devastated her: Her hosts had been cornered and had nothing to continue the fight with. All fronts were closed, and both the military and those who made up Erica's "Squadron" were shooting down all those who continued to resist. As far as the eye could see, a real "sea" of destroyed, burning "Shadow Neuroi" could be seen. The smell of fuel from the ships and other war machines burning in the streets was indescribable, along with the gunpowder. She stood up, she had to give an order but her body destroyed by blows together with the weakness she had with her prevented her from standing there, as the leader she was.

She heard Hartmann's footsteps and as she turned around, May knew it was all over.

- This is the end of your rule over Karsland: You will come with me to be judged for your crimes. Don't worry, your sisters will also join you.- She told her, and it was a complete humiliation.

- To be locked up in a prison cell, to live like a prisoner? No.- She shook her head slowly, hissing the words through her missing teeth, placing a cloth between her nose and mouth to prevent her from losing any more of that precious liquid.- My grandfather will be extremely proud when my sisters have crushed your friends in Suomus and Orussia. Liberion...will be an "impregnable bastion"...all their hopes will disappear.- The rival augured, as she walked towards the edge of the "Hive", while it was engulfed in flames and smoke.

- Don't give me that bullshit, May!. You're too old for this kind of fantasies! Erica exclaimed and pointed at her.- Now, you're coming with me, whether you want to or not! If you throw yourself, I'll come for you!. She threatened but, suddenly, a fierce explosion was unleashed around the place, causing an "earthquake" that threw the Karsland girl to the ground and the young Kanker into the Void.

- Erica, let her go, she wants to kill you!.- Intervened Ed, as he ran towards her, feeling as if the "fortress" itself was going to collapse at any moment. Remnants that were part of it were falling, as if they were simple papers, fluttering and impacting against the floor.

- If I let her go, she will get away with it!.- Exclaimed the girl, defending her position.- She will go to Justice, I don't care how, but I will take her there!.

- There will always be another chance, now it's not worth it, she's dragging you into the void!.- The Science Fiction fan tried to convince her, noticing the mocking smile May had on her face: "Please don't do it, I don't want to lose you.- He asked and those words reached the heart of the blonde German girl, who reconsidered and from there decided to make a decision.

- Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!.- May burst into a loud laughter.- It's a pity, you're both coming with me then!.- She sentenced and when she let go of Erica's grip, she used her strength to throw them into the void.

- I WON'T LET YOU!.- The blonde Germanic woman bellowed, while she flew away with Ed, who saw, for a few moments, the mocking smile full of superiority on May's face, which disappeared in the middle of the waters that overlooked the Rhine River.

The last laughs of the opponent remained in the air until they dissipated forever. Her body remained there, under the aforementioned surface, being seen by Ed and Erica. They both stood up and saw that the explosions had weakened the powerful "armor" that protected the "Core" of the "Hive", so they both launched a powerful final attack against it. In a matter of seconds, the interior overheated and began to explode, while the pair fled through the air and those on the ground kept their distance before the future explosion, which occurred and from there they saw, with their own eyes, witnesses of a long battle, that the "Fifth Hive" had been destroyed, its tiny fragments were falling everywhere like a harmless "snowfall" and the remaining "Shadow Neuroi" Armies were fleeing from there in their ships, in a hurry, panic-stricken, while being pursued by the defenders of the country.

The Battle of Berlin was over, soon, the news about the victory in the capital city echoed through the interior of Karsland, leading the Armed Forces and "The Resistance" to recover more lost territories until expelling the invaders out of their corresponding borders.

The celebrations were not long in coming and from the Heavens, Erica and Ed witnessed the excitement that had been so hard to obtain since the beginning of the enemy invasion. The Germanic blonde hugged her partner tightly, spinning in the air, feeling happy for the result she had so longed for and the tears were not long in coming. Ed looked at her and put his hands on the girl's face, feeling her warmth and from there came a tight hug from the aforementioned.

- I would never have made it without your help and that of my friends, Ed.- The girl thanked him.

- Don't say that, Erica: You got it yourself. You are not weak, but, on the contrary, a great military woman, an excellent Soldier. What May said is worthless.- The young man backed her up, giving her that motivation, while wiping away her tears.

- I know.- She understood that message and looked towards Berlin.- We have won the battle, but the war continues. However...- At that moment, she took his hands, pulling him close to her face, "I know that together we will be able to succeed. Today we have saved many lives.- She held him and gave him a tender kiss on the lips, causing him to blush as she placed the officer's plate cap on his blond hair.


- Inform Francesca and Eila and Sanya: Karsland has been released along with Berlin.- Minna asked the military in charge of the "Communications Room" in the recently captured May's headquarters, and they complied with the redhead's order.


Outside that building, located in the center of the city, Sarah, Jimmy, Perrine, Charlotte, Yoshika and Lynne were resting, recovering their strength when they saw the two of them arrive: Ed and Erica descended from Heaven, being welcomed by the festivities between the civilian population and the military, where there were fireworks and traditional music from that country. The red-haired girl noticed that her brother was blushing, as well as the German girl, holding hands. It was obvious that they had already been a couple for quite some time, but she could not help but notice that a kiss had taken place in the middle of the celebrations.

- Well, it seems that all of Karsland is being cleansed of enemy presence.- Yoshika approached the couple.

- Really?.- Erica asked in amazement at what she was hearing, while the Sergeant nodded her head.

- Indeed.- She said and then noticed that Sarah was approaching them.

- You fought well, brother. I congratulate you for what you did today.- Said the redhead with emotion and gave him a big brotherly hug.

She had never received something like that from Sarah, however she had already changed. Erica noticed that show of affection and with that she went to her friends, who congratulated them, while Minna and Trudie went outside when they received what they were waiting for.

- Hey, what about May?.- Charlotte wanted to know but the blonde shook her head.

- She fell into the Rhine River. We haven't seen her again.- She replied to that question.- I would have liked to have brought her to Justice.

- Don't worry. She and her sisters are like weeds: they never die.- Said Ed, going to where she was.- I think there will be another chance.- He predicted, and after that, the German woman took him by the hands.

- Wherever she wants to hide, we will go after her and bring her to justice. She will not be able to hide from us.- She gave her word and from there, while the fireworks were launched to the Sky, the blonde gave another kiss to her boyfriend, being observed by her friends and others, in the middle of the celebrations.

Karsland had been freed from the enemy's clutches.


Meanwhile, on the border between Suomus and Orussia, under the cloudy Skies and the skin-chilling cold, the "Squadron" led by Eila and Sanya had set foot in their respective homelands, accompanied by Double D, Kevin, Nazz, Mio, Johnny, Plank, Rolf and Major Mio Sakamoto. The frigid air hit the faces of those boys who were not accustomed to the aforementioned climate. They were in front of the tundra forests located between Northern and Eastern Europe. A wild and inhospitable region that did not know the heat of war, but, beyond those forest paradises, there was the battle front. One from which they were to face their worst enemies and thus free those nations from their yoke.

End of Arc V: "The Liberation of Karsland".


[It took me a long time but, finally, this "Arc" has come to an end and we only have two left. Yes, it pains me, from the bottom of my heart, to announce that this story is ending but there are still adventures and battles to be fought in these last mentioned.

Now come the questions: What happened to May, did she survive the fall into the Rhine River? What will the fight to free Suomus and Orussia be like?. All this and much more we will see in the next chapter of the new "Arc".

I will leave this fic on hiatus until next week and get more inspiration for the next chapters.

I appreciate a lot the support received from Matfix, Franco M. Romano and the other Fanfiction and Wattpad followers.

Thanks a lot, friends. I'll be seeing you. Take care and good start of the day Thursday from me.

Coming soon: "Arc VI: The Awakening of Suomus and Orussia".