Arc VI: Suomus and Orussia Awakening
[And before the gates of "Easter 2022" I bring you, finally and after a well-deserved rest for this story, along with new ideas and inspiration, a new "Arc". After this one, comes the last one, so get ready].
Chapter I:
An icy gust of wind swept across the border between the two countries, the deep snow and its tundra forests covered under that white blanket and the skies covered by the cloudiness that played with a "palette of colors" ranging from gray to leaden. Another one surrounded and moved the branches of the extensive groves and with it fell a few "packets" of snow that had formed several days ago. The atmosphere was bitterly cold, but for those two girls, accustomed to the weather, it was no problem. A hand ripped through the air with a quick movement, the group moved a few moments after this action was performed and with it they moved into the border forests. In the distance, a series of explosions swept across the skies, plumes of black and gray smoke rose everywhere, as did tongues of flame, which emerged from the burning buildings.
At a given moment, the white-haired girl stopped and activated her operation radio, while her silver-haired friend stopped the march with a new signal, so the rest of the "Squadron" could rest.
- Ufff, I was already melting with all this running all the time.- Sighed Johnny, who took off the cap on his head, which was boiling for so much accumulation that served to avoid the sub-zero temperatures of the region. Then, he put the object on Tablón and sat down on a fallen tree trunk.
- You'd better keep it on all day, Johnny. Here, in Suomus and the same in Orussia, the weather is quite cold and I would not recommend you to take warm clothes off.- Advised Eila, who walked by where the bald man was and from there she observed her friend. Kevin and Nazz stood guard next to Mio, who had her katana drawn, just like the blonde and Double D covered the "Center" of that "Meeting Point" with his sword, while Johnny and Rolf recovered their strength with some hot chocolate they had brought with them.
- Rolf is used to the cold of his homeland, but after so much time in Peach Creek, one loses the routine.- Said the Foreigner, while he took a sip of the drink he had in a canteen.- By the way, any news about Hartmann's 'Squadron'?.- He asked Sanya, who remained silent and trying to establish contact with a friendly radio station.
- Nothing yet, since we left Italy behind, everything has been silent and I'm already getting worried.- Said Mio seriously, while a new explosion, located in the distance, made itself felt.
Sanya was on her knees with her communications equipment, the antenna was deployed and she was trying to pick up some signal but everything was in vain. The albino pursed her lips when she didn't get what she was looking for and to make matters worse, she was only receiving static. She thought about leaving it behind until, to her surprise, someone began to speak.
- "For those people who know me, I have some extremely important news: Karsland has been released. I repeat, I repeat: Karsland is free of the "Shadow Neuroi" influence, both Berlin, its Capital and the Interior of the country, are 100% clear. My message goes out to everyone in my circle of friendship".- They heard that familiar voice and then there was more.
- "This is Ed speaking from the newly captured Kanker HQ in Berlin: No kidding. The Shadow Neuroi Armies have been defeated and driven from these lands. And if you ask me, we are all fine: Sarah, Jimmy, Commander Wilcke, Lieutenant Barkhorn, Sergeant Yoshika, Charlotte and Lynne, as well as Erica and myself. It has been a hard battle but we got what we wanted".- Added the Science Fiction fan from that radio they had in the capital city.
- I can't believe it; they did it.- Mio celebrated when she heard the news and saw Sanya take the microphone of the radio.-Sanya, get in touch with them, hurry.- Asked the Major of the Fuso Empire. The albino didn't waste a second and went on to communicate with those present. She took her headset and set the frequency they were on.
- Is it safe?. The Kankers could intercept the message.- Nazz asked, and her theory was not absurd.
- Whether that happens or not, they already know we're in their territory, so there's nothing to be afraid of.- Eila claimed as she turned to her friend.
- I have contact.- Sanya reported and then adjusted her headset.- This is Suomus-Orussia Squadron to Berlin HQ, Karsland, go ahead.- She spoke in military jargon and then there was a deep silence.
- "Sanya? Sanya, how good to hear your voice. This is Erica Hartmann reporting, as Ed rightly said, from Berlin HQ, captured from the Kankers. All clear and we now have 100% of the national territory free of enemy presence. How are they doing over there?".-The blonde German spoke from the "Main Hall" of the Government Palace in the Capital.
- We are glad to hear from you, my friend. We have reached our destination but the "Shadow Neuroi Forces" are mobilizing all over Suomus and in Orussia we have no confirmation of anything. We believe that communications are down, so we will mobilize with caution.- Informed the albino about it.
- "Be careful: I confronted May Kanker and she said that the other enemy Armies are marching towards the East of your country, Sanya, to take over the oil fields and the industries that were moved there. You must stop them as soon as possible".- Said the blonde, which took the girl from that country by surprise.
- Repeat that, please.- She asked.
- Tell them to be on alert: Marie Kanker may go there. The objective of those madwomen is the capture of the oil fields and industries that were moved there, by orders of the Imperial Government. We have only recently discovered it, since they tried to destroy all evidence in Berlin".- She said to the girl, while Sanya remained serious for a while.
- We will be back in touch later. Thank you very much, Erica, and take care," she said goodbye and ended the communication. She then hung up his equipment and grabbed the map he had with him, looking for a way to continue the journey.
- Sanya, are you okay?.- She heard Eila's voice, as Double D approached.
- Yes, you were stunned when you heard that news.- Added the black-capped boy.- What's wrong?.- Heasked, leaning over to where she was, placing his hand on her shoulders, but she stood up and looked first at her friend and then at her boyfriend.
- Don't worry, I'm fine, but... we must get going, hurry.- Asked the girl from the Empire of Orussia, something that caught the attention of those present.- Eila, Double D, can you check the terrain?.- She asked and that cast more shadows than light on what they had in front of them.
- Wait, wait, wait, wait.- Interjected Kevin, who approached the girl.- Why everything in such a hurry? Did you forget that we are in enemy territory?.- He asked her those very logical questions.- If we do that, we could alert their "Checkpoints". I mean, aren't they set up at points like this to keep watch? It may be a "quiet" place but it's just a facade.- He warned, Nazz nodded and so did Rolf.
- I agree.- Interjected the blonde Cheerleader.- Sanya, you could tell us that, there's nothing to be afraid of.- She rested her hand on the albino's shoulders, who remained still, in her position, without moving. Her muscles seemed to be tense but she relaxed until, finally, she let out a sigh from the depths of her soul.
She deposited her communications equipment, weapons and ammunition. The cold caressed his cheeks, moved his hair as white as the snow that fell in those woods of the frontiers, while he removed all the tension in his body. Then he turned around and looked at his friends, articulating the words until he finally got what he wanted to get off his chest.
- The Kankers are planning to take the oil fields and the industrial plants that were taken to the East of Orussia, to the Caucasus.- She answered and that was like a bucket of cold water.
- Wait, what?.- Rolf asked in astonishment but she shook her head, nodding slowly.
- It's no joke: Despite the defeat they had in Karsland, they continue with their objective and that makes the war worse for my country and the same for Suomus.- Said the albino girl, causing a tension never seen before to fall on them.
- Well, what are we going to do? Are we going to wait for "The Avengers" to help us," said Kevin, taking a few steps towards the young girl.
- No, but we must help both Sanya's people and mine. We cannot allow the Kankers to fulfill their objective.- Eila approached, walking with a firm step and from there she looked at those present.
- This will not be like what happened in Romagna and Karsland.- Sanya warned and that produced a deep emptiness among those gathered there.- This time you will have to be very attentive, your eyes open, your senses sharpened, like those of a lion. Do not trust anything, not even the rocks. It may seem a very quiet place here, since we are on the borders between my country and Suomus, but it is not so, it is a very wild area and the "Shadow Neuroi" must also be having problems.
- Are you talking about militias? Resistance groups like in Karsland?.- Asked Double D and the albino nodded his head.
- That's right, that's why don't try to do something stupid like taking the remains of the "Shadow Neuroi", just like you are doing, Johnny. Don't try to make fire, do you want to give away our position?.-Sanya pointed out and the bald boy had to keep the matches in the packet he had with him, while rubbing his hands, looking for warmth.
- But I'm so cold. I'm freezing, even Plank is in the same position as I am.- The boy maintained, so the albino sighed, deeply, throwing a column of mist that disappeared in the air. She walked up to him and adjusted his scarf with his coat.
- There, you'll be fine. You don't feel cold anymore.- The girl asked and he nodded his head.- Very well. As I was saying, if there are resistance groups around here, they must be military and civilians who will be protecting the border towns and villages that have not yet fallen into enemy hands. But, here is my warning, do not try to provoke the local defenders. If you do, then someone may get hurt or much worse...killed.- She continued speaking, while taking his communications equipment, weapons and ammunition. They then resumed their march.
- Do you know the way? Where are we going?.- Kevin asked her.
- Are we going to the Capital?.- Added Nazz, but Sanya and Eila shook their heads.
- It's very dangerous, both are taken by the enemy and on top of that they are divided into two sectors, where the warring sides are fighting for control of them.- Pointed out the silver-white hair and from there they went into a clearing in the woods.- Although, in itself, not all of Suomus and Orussia fell into the hands of the Kanker, but there are some places where they could never be taken. Eila and I will guide you there so that you can rest and talk to these people. They will need our help.- Concluded the girl.
Soon, once the talk was over, they set course towards one of those points, however, the enemy was watching them from the skies. A "Drone" of the "Predator Class" flew over the place and after taking pictures, videos, more than solid evidence, set course towards an unknown site.
At the Kanker Headquarters, located in the Skies of Europe, Lee and Marie were at a terrible crossroads: Karsland had been recovered and that meant a serious loss for their "Empire", because the roads to the East were closed and their Armies had to move to Northern Europe, to Suomus in order to defend the strongholds of that country and Orussia. In addition, both sisters were trying to establish contact with May but nothing, there was no sign of the blonde's whereabouts. The redhead left the headset on the table and turned off the communications equipment, taking a deep breath. One of her henchmen entered and left a report, which was placed on a pile that was getting bigger and unstable.
Marie, for her part, was receiving warnings of the retreats that her forces were executing after losing their last strongholds in Karsland. The last one, located on the North Sea coast, right on the border with Denmark, had fallen into the hands of the Karsland troops and that made her furious, added to the photos and videos where Ed and Erica were raising the national flag in the recaptured government buildings.
- Great!.- The dark blue haired girl shouted angrily, hitting the table with both fists and pulling her sister out of her thoughts.- We lost that strategic area and that idiot May disappeared!. Great way to be the leader when she should have resisted until the end!.- She shouted and then stood up. The red-haired girl massaged her head, she felt as if she had a drill that kept destroying her brain and that's when she took a pill to alleviate that discomfort.
- Could you lower your voice and not scream again?.- She asked, looking at her seriously.- I haven't slept for 24 hours after the fall of Karsland at the hands of the Witches, and you're squealing like a pig.
- Oh, excuse me, "Your Majesty"?.- Tdark blue-haired woman said sarcastically, waving her hands in the air.- But let's remember that you were the one who wanted to defend Karsland after losing Romagna.- She added and pointed to the scars Lee had received during the battles in the aforementioned capital and in North Africa.
- Are you suggesting that I self-sabotaged the mission?.- The redhead wanted to know, who stood up and faced her personally.
- No.- Marie felt a little intimidated by her sister's look and lowered her hostile tone a little.- I was just saying that we must make an effort to find May.
- She'll show up. I'll let you get past this mishap, you hear. Next time you won't be so lucky.- Lee warned.- I'm going to lie down for a while, if anything interesting happens, let me know.
- Don't worry, I have everything under control.- Finished Marie and after seeing how her sister left the "Operation Room", she was left alone in charge of May's search, "You better show up alive, you idiot. I'm not going to hold a wake for you because you wanted to play hero against Erica Hartmann to take Ed. You should have been patient and you cost us a lot, including another "Hive". So show up, now, May, and come back here", thought the young woman, who took a seat, opened a soda, and prepared herself to enjoy that moment of solitude, while watching, through the different screens, her "Agents" on the ground, searching for the missing girl, especially on the coasts of Denmark.
The first thing he felt was how a small wave drenched his face, leading to it entering his nostrils and then opening his eyes, removing the contents of his nose. through her nostrils and from there she opened her eyes, removing the contents of her nose. Then she noticed that she was far away from the battlefield. She did not know where she was, but the first thing she remembered was that she had been wounded by that "Witch". Her mouth hurt, she was missing several teeth, as well as other parts of her body that had received the beating of her life at the hands of the blonde from Karsland. She felt her body as if it were a bag, she was very light from the loss of blood and it was then that she picked up a fallen branch and used it as a cane, as she started her way back to the front.
He spat against the ground, the blood intermingled with the saliva, the pain affecting his mouth from the loss of his teeth. He still felt that heat inside the gaps, his gums seemed to burn and so on. He walked a few meters, while ascending those hills that bordered the woods and from there he was feeling cold. The weather was getting frigid by this time and all she had was a coat, which was completely soaked, so she had to put it on and wait for her own body heat to help her.
At one point, a light ripped through the stillness of the woods and from there she could see a ship of her own. An armed party of the "Shadow Neuroi" had found her and were giving orders to descend and take her back to HQ.
- Good thing they found me...We must return to Karsland, the war...is not over yet.- May asked but a screen unfolded before her eyes, showing what she feared the most.
There, in the streets of Berlin and the rest of that Central-Western European country, there was a great celebration for the defeat of the "Shadow Neuroi". The military and civilians set fire to the remains of those defeated enemies and raised the national flag, while I saw Erica, holding the hands of her boyfriend, Ed, who was smiling and happy for having triumphed in the Battle of Berlin with the rest of the "Squadron".
- No...No, My Ed!.- Shouted May angrily and ordered the screen to be put away. One of the henchmen gave him an anesthetic so that they could treat his wounds and so they started the return trip.
A signal had gone off at HQ and Marie was the first to receive it, noting that it was one of their ships. One of their pilots informed her that they were bringing May with them and to report to one of the landing bays they had. It was then that, turning off the screen, the dark blue hair went to Lee, who was sleeping soundly in his room and opened the door wide. She stepped inside and from there she moved it gently. She hated to do that, it seemed stupid, if they yelled at each other and everything, but in order not to wake her up rudely and make a mess, it was better to be cautious.
- Lee, wake up, they have found May and they are bringing her here.- Called the girl, who kept moving her repeatedly until she succeeded.
- Huh? What are you saying?.- Asked the redhead, while she stood up and rubbed her eyes, yawning and sitting on the edge of the bed.
- It's no joke: May was found alive, she's coming.- Said Marie and then she felt the bed creak and Lee got up.
- Okay, let's go.- She ordered and from there they set course for the assigned landing zone.
The huge steel doors opened wide, revealing an immense battleship. It began to descend, tracing a circle and after touching the surface, leaving behind a column of smoke that disappeared, before them were the members of the party that had found her alive. Two stretcher bearers descended, carrying her lying on the aforementioned object, and from there they ran to see her.
- God, May, who did this to you?! Speak, please!.- Asked Lee, astonished and touching her sister's face.
- We lost...Karsland...girls...I'm sorry...- It was the last thing she said, before becoming unconscious. In an act to "forget" that quarrel they had, Marie and Lee took her hands and looked her in the eyes.
- It's okay, May, don't worry. We'll see how to recover her, for now, go and rest.- Both sisters advised her, while she lost consciousness and was sent to the "Emergency Room" to be treated for her injuries.
Seeing the state May had been left in and recognizing the loss of Romagna and Karsland had been a double blow to both sisters. Marie turned around and rested her hand on the redhead's shoulders.
- Lee, let me take matters into my own hands: we need Suomus and Orussia for us to continue the war. If we lose them because of our bad decisions, then we will look ridiculous. Besides, we still haven't been able to capture the oil fields and industries to the East. Think, what would grandfather say if he saw us like this.- Marie interjected, so the other had to make a decision.
- If you know how to do it, then go and destroy them. I don't want any defeats.- She warned coldly.
- Why do you say that?. We have vast armies still to subjugate our enemies.- The dark blue hair wanted to know.
- And if we lose them, then it will be the end, we will have to divert all our resources and forces to Liberion, because it is obvious, sooner or later they will go for that bastion and we have to fulfill the mission. Go and not only destroy the "Witches", but every resistance force that is causing us problems in the North and East of Europe.- She concluded.- If something serious happens, which I hope to be wrong, we will come to your aid.
No more was said and from there Marie Kanker left for the battle front, ready to fulfill the mission that had been assigned to her.
[And with this chapter begins the penultimate "Arc" and both of them will be very important, and I will try to make them long. I will also continue with the English translations of this fic. I thank a lot to everyone who has followed this story since its beginnings, especially Matfix and Franco M. Romano.
I'll be seeing you, friends. Take care and have a good start of the week].
