Chapter III:
The first page of the Story that had begun on a day like any other in Peach Creek, one in which an attempt was made to take an affair that ended in a war for the Future of Mankind. No one could believe, at first, that it had all been Jimmy's plan to get back at the Eds for the humiliation suffered at the hands of Eddy, having left a trail of false clues incriminating them until the truth was revealed: He had caused it all and when things were about to get more complicated for the trio of friends, just with the appearance of the Kankers, they had been saved by someone who happened to be in the right place at the right time. One would think that, perhaps, she would have left them alone, listened to everything and let the falsehood guide her, but it was not. Rather, she chose to put her chest out in the face of danger to protect them and she did.
Now with the Kanker in their last bastion, the "Witches" were preparing their weapons, verifying that the "Striker Units" were working perfectly while the boys were focused on finishing storing their belongings that they had brought with them to Romagna, Karsland, Suomus and Orussia. Minna remained finalizing the last preparations for the return to Brittania and having a conversation with the "High Command", since a meeting was waiting for them at the HQ with the Generals and Anna Ferrara, who was coming from Venice to attend that meeting and finish with the "Campaign to Liberion". Both she and the other "Witches" recognized that it would not be an easy task to recover the lost ground on the continent, but they had to do it. The war had to be ended once and for all, so she put away her cell phone and took her luggage, leaving behind the Office and the room in the Government Palace in Berlin, Capital of Karsland.
He walked through the corridors until he reached the place where the other members were. He stopped and looked at them calmly, smiling, noting that determination and strength that had united them for the fight. However, the "Final Test" lay before her eyes, Liberion, the last step, the last meters to finish the ascent of the mountain. What would it be like? These doubts and more put her on the ropes. She wished that the "High Command" had met there, in Berlin, with her and the others to determine how complicated the offensive against the last Kanker stronghold was going to be. Sometimes thoughts can become "heavy" in the subconscious of the Human Being and from there they become a very unfortunate burden to carry.
- Good morning, Commander.- Ed greeted the red-haired girl and gave her the military salute, as did the others.
- Good morning, boys. I hope you slept well.- She returned the greeting and then motioned for them to accompany him outside.- As you can see, I decided that we should now return to Brittania. The "High Command" has called a meeting, as you already know, and from there the last steps to follow with the "Campaign to Liberion" will be evaluated.
While they were talking and listening to what the Commander was saying, some of those present remembered the words of the previous night regarding Liberion and the fear that things, in their homeland, would never be the same again. Still, there was no time for dark and ominous thoughts, the war was still going on and they had to put an end to it once and for all.
- All right, we return to Brittania. There we will finish the last preparations and with it the offensive. Get ready, because it will be a great moment for history.- Trudie announced and took off with Minna. Then, the others followed in their footsteps, heading towards the Heavens.
- Goodbye, Karsland. When this war is over, I'll come back with Ed to see your beauty.- Promised Erica, holding her boyfriend's hand.
- The same goes for Suomus and Orussia.- Sanya joined in, while Eila nodded her head, accompanied by Double D.
- And let's not forget Romagna.- Said Francesca with Eddy at her side.
The trip had been calm, silent. The air that moved the hair of those present, the only sound that could be perceived, besides that Element was the sound of the "Striker Units". Soon they had left the German lands behind, moving closer to the Mediterranean Sea and a few hours later they were already crossing Galicia, Spain until they reached their final objective: Brittania.
The HQ was waiting for them and with it the members of the "High Command" who were waiting there. Yoshika and Lynne looked at those men and women in military uniforms, making the vengeance before them but the old times, those ghosts of the Past when they suffered the dissolution of the group by General Mallory and his "Coup d'Etat" that almost brought Humanity to the brink of extinction for his desires and ambitions, which ended up bringing the "Witches" back and putting an end to both "Project Warlock" and their attempt to control the course of the war.
- Are they to be trusted, Minna.- Fuso's Sergeant asked the Commander.
- Don't worry, it's not like what happened in 1944.- The redhead reassured her as they descended.
The "Striker Units" traced a descending arc, little by little they were landing in the center of the runways, raising an intense column of dust that was carried by the winds towards an unknown and remote point. Soon, once the first part was finished, one of the Generals approached Minna and held out his hand, kissing it politely and then made the corresponding salute.
- You are just in time, Witches.- Said the man, always keeping a serious but calm tone in his voice.
- We left this morning from Karsland, General Kevinstone.- Minna answered him.- We had to wait until the territories of my Nation, as well as Romagna, Suomus and Orussia were cleared of enemy presence.
- That I know. We have been checking and following in their footsteps. We have a deep respect for them on this mission.- Said the blond-haired man from Liberion. Still, this war is not over yet.- He lamented.
- I know, many lives have been lost during this conflict and so on, but we can't just sit idly by. We can still accomplish the objective.- Trudie vowed, approaching them.
- Indeed, Lieutenant Barkhorn.- Emphasized another of the military, a blonde woman also from the aforementioned country.- That is why we are here: We have called this extremely important meeting because...well...- She paused for a few moments to think it over.- There are some points we need to discuss regarding the "Liberion Campaign".
- Okay.- Minna understood and from there she headed towards the "Witches" and the Peach Creek boys, "Group, dismissed!.- She ordered and from there they went to their respective activities, which ranged from training with the katana and the sword, by Nazz and Double D, as well as taking advantage of the day to be with friends and their partners. Minna authorized them to do so, since, sooner or later, they would go to the front, again.- This way, please.- Asked the redhead and they went towards the headquarters, especially to the "Operations Room".
A small journey that ended in that place, which bustled with activity 24 hours a day, non-stop. With rounds and breaks for those who had a big task on their hands. Once they were settled, the redhead and the dark brunette from Karsland took a seat at a large table next to the members of the "High Command", who settled in and placed a briefcase with a series of extremely valuable documents for them to see, as well as the "Holographic Map" of the Earth was turned on.
- Before going to the "Central Point", let us show you our last achievements throughout the months," said the girl and from there she began to point out, on the digital surface, the fronts where they won victories, "I want to remind you that they have not been easy campaigns, on the contrary, we had to face numerous dangers and the machinations of the Kanker.- Began the redhead with her story and pointed to the first place where they fought.- The first victory we had was in the Battle of the North Sea," she said.
- Oh yes, I remember that one: The damned ones used a "Predator Drone" of theirs to generate interference for us.- Kevinstone recalled.
- Unfortunately yes, but, as the saying goes: "All's fair in war" and with that they took the opportunity to bomb Londo.- Added Trudie, closing her eyes, as that had been the first and hardest of the blows suffered, in addition to the enemy offensives against Romagna, Karsland, Suomus and Orussia", continued Minna.
- Yes.- At that moment the Commander touched another of the regions of the World, producing a "movement", like the waves in the Ocean and from there a "Zoom" was made to the place.- We managed to destroy the "First Hive" in the North Sea together with the "Predator Drone". Then we confronted the Kanker in North Africa, where they were almost victorious and we destroyed another of the aforementioned hives - he recalled and scenes and images of the aforementioned battle were seen. Here I would like to pause, since in this combat, Eddy managed to perform an extremely brave feat by saving Jimmy's life.
- Excuse me, are those guys...?.- Asked one of the black-haired women.
- They are two very important members of the team.- Trudie showed some pictures of two boys. The first was short in stature and the other had snow-white hair and wore braces. The members of the "High Command" looked at the pictures and then placed them on the table.
- I understand that these boys have had their "Baptism of Fire" but, even so, they could have suffered.- Intervened another of the military men but they noticed that a certain Veteran of Venice was looking at them, with her arms crossed and with an air of seriousness in her spirit.
- With all due respect, Generals, I have seen the potential of these boys. At the beginning it was hard for them to stay afloat in the air, they had to use the Witches' brooms like those used by Major Mio Sakamoto in the Past but, even so, with much sacrifice, they came through and I can tell you, from my own words, that they made me proud at all.- They heard the wise voice of Anna Ferrara, who stood up and took a deep breath, always maintaining her cool but respectful posture: "I don't want to hear doubts about my students again.- She warned, as there was a certain "prejudice" towards them.
- Miss Ferrara is right," Minna joined him and showed more pictures, "This boy with the black cap is a prodigy in Science and managed to create, from the contents of some barrels brought by another member of Peach Creek, a "Serum" that led them to have "Magic" in their being and thanks to the training they received.- She looked at the Venetian, who shook her head slowly.- They achieved the impossible.
- Added to that, they made mistakes, all of them, but they learned. They left the conflicts behind and now they fight shoulder to shoulder. I don't know what may happen later on. We cannot predict the Future but I am proud of my friends and myself, as well as Miss Ferrara, for educating them, showing them the way and now they are ready for the ultimate fight. You have earned our respect and that of many in the military. Now it is time to leave the words behind and engage in combat," said Minna firmly, being heard by Trudie and the others gathered there.
- Commander Wilcke.- General Kevinstone of Liberion addressed her, taking off his glasses and placing them on some sheets scattered on the table.- I hope you know that liberating the last bastion will not be a walk in the park.- He warned her.
- I know.- Minna understood the risk.- I know the Kankers will put up a fight and...- She continued, but the man stopped her.
- Our "Intelligence" planes have taken pictures of the fortifications erected by those three madwomen. They have Heavy Artillery, Anti-Aircraft and others on both coasts, West and East, as well as they have recovered the percentage of their Armies fallen in combat.- He continued speaking and showed the photos to those present, so Minna took them, "In addition to this we have to count the large number of slaves they have in factories, laboratories and mines for the extraction of minerals. This will not be like Europe or Antarctica. It is a thousand times worse.
Minna was silent for a while. Little by little she was looking up at those career and renowned military men who were waiting for an answer from their Commander. She had to possess something that would allow her to guarantee that the "Liberion Campaign" could be a success but the question was, in the middle of all the tense debate that hovered over their heads, that time was playing against them, so the girl stretched her body and from there she looked at each one of them.
- I recognize that there have been moments where one did not know if one was going to return alive from the front. Every war is unfair, no one wants to be a slave, to lose their freedom, among other things, but we cannot negotiate with them either. They are the Reincarnation of Evil, an evil seed that must be destroyed as soon as possible. As we speak, their forces, you said it just now, are regrouping and from there they will launch themselves for any offensive. What will happen if they decide to execute the civilian prisoners in the big cities? What will they do with those who are starving? Kevinstone was going to stop the redhead who was speaking but she went ahead: "You know what they will do? I will tell you, General: They will kill them without mercy. As if they were dogs. Even animals shouldn't have such a thing done to them: Horrible, barbaric, merciless. That's what the Kankers are. They don't think of anyone else but themselves. They live, breathe and wish to have this World under their feet, to trample on the dreams of others. But we and the guys from Peach Creek fought against them," he hit the table with his right fist, firm and fair, "We destroyed six "Hives", six that were in different parts of the World, they faced those madwomen face to face as it happened in Romagna between Francesca and Eddy against Lee and Ed with Erica against May! Even Double D with Sanya and Eila were able to give them their due Marie! If they could, then we will defeat them once and for all and I don't care what happens: we will triumph.- She promised and then the soldiers were silent.
The pause they took to discuss the "Liberion Campaign" took time. They got up from their seats and went to another room to discuss it. It seemed like torture, neither of the two Officers had anything to help them put those issues behind them or be able to think differently until they came out and gave their final result.
- You gave a very motivating speech, Minna.- Said Trudie, who brought her some coffee.
- Thank you.- The redhead thanked her friend.- I may have raised my voice a bit, but I'm sick and tired, Trudie: sick and tired of thousands of people dying at the hands of these madwomen and these "Office Military" coming to ask for a meeting when time is playing against us. I am sick of seeing images of cities turned into a sea of rubble and dust. Just as I'm sick and tired of those bastards still out there, ready to commit more horrors in this fucking war.- She revealed that hidden feeling that he was releasing little by little.
In that moment of doubt and uncertainty, while outside the other "Witches" and the Peach Creek boys were busy with their respective activities, she felt a hand resting on her shoulders. She looked up and there was that Veteran of Venice, standing firm and resolute in her actions.
- Fear. Fear is part of all of us, don't you think those soldiers don't have it? Of course they carry it with them but they hide it, they want to show that they are in control of the situation but they are not. Do you know how to deal with this situation?.- She asked after showing the reality of the matter, so she knelt down and came face to face with Minna and Trudie.- It is achieved by fighting, fighting on the battlefield and you and the Peach Creek boys have shown that. You don't want to live in chains, working as slaves to these madwomen. You have great motives in your hearts, that motivates you to fight to the end and so you should not be afraid of what you want to accomplish. I know you will succeed in defeating them.- Said the Veteran, so Minna understood that.
- I don't know how to thank you for your support in this complicated moment, Anna. I...- She was about to say, but the woman put her hands on her shoulders again.
- Nothing. You don't have to give me anything in return. This is valuable advice I learned in my time at the Military Academy and passed on to Major Mio Sakamoto. In every war you win and lose, but you also get to command respect. You have it, they don't. The Kankers have no respect, nor do they have the guts to fight you. They ran away repeatedly like rats, so now you have to go and put an end to this domination.- The woman encouraged them and they just heard the door of the other room open, meeting the Generals of the "High Hand", who took a seat at that long table.
Soon, Minna, Trudie and Anna sat in their respective chairs, looking at those present and then they noticed that Kevinstone was expectant, wiggling his fingers and then took a deep breath.
- In view of the fact that we do not have much time regarding the situation in Liberion, my comrades and I have decided...- He paused for a few seconds but it seemed like an eternity, "We have decided that you will lead the attack against the last bastion of the Kanker," the soldier began to speak to those present. Anna turned around and was pleased with his words of support.- We wish you the best of luck, Commander. To you and your Comrades in this battle where the fate of the world is at stake.
In the midst of this show of respect, they were given the military salute and Minna responded.
- You have nothing to fear: We will bring the Kankers to Justice, whatever it takes.- Swore the redhead and from there they ended the meeting, leaving with Trudie and Anna.
The "Liberion Campaign" was about to begin, they only had to get organized and from there they would leave on a very important trip in order to free that country from the enemy.
[As I said, this chapter has been the calm before the storm. Now that the "Witches" and the Peach Creek kids are getting ready for their trip, we will only have to see how the fight to put an end to the Kanker's tyranny once and for all will go.
I hope you like this chapter, friends. I send greetings and thanks to Matfix, Franco M. Romano and the rest of the followers.
Take care and have a good start of the day Tuesday from me, Comrades.
See you in the next chapter].
