Chapter VI:
One by one, the "Witches" began their race towards the Heavens, the "Striker Units" emitted a series of noises and screeches that accompanied the phonetic cacophony until they reached their objective. There stretched the vast Firmament, the "Celestial Vault". Erica, Eila, Sanya and Francesca looked down and within seconds were joined by the Peach Creek boys, who caught up with them and flew in formation, united, without moving away. Each carried their weapons and the "Magic". Minna led the way, accompanied by Trudie, Mio, Yoshika and the others.
There was a deep silence from the Skies of Brittania and they had their fair share of travel ahead of them until they reached Liberion by way of the Western Front of the Pacific. It would not be an easy run, the Kanker would already be informed about their movement along with the plan to attack, with Fleet support in both oceans and that could make things difficult for them. They were unaware that they had become terrible "creatures", so to speak. Rather they were a "fusion" with the technology of the "Shadow Neuroi", directing them just like a "Central Command Unit" that takes care of data collection and sends directives to the henchmen. Not even in Science Fiction could such a thing be imagined in real life.
Maybe they appeared in books, movies and comics about Post-Apocalyptic Futures, ruled by Tyrants who thought only of themselves, keeping control over the defeated and helpless civilians who could do nothing but wait for the Hero to arrive to defeat him and thus bring peace back to the conquered lands.
They were that kind of villains: they were thirsty for power, they wanted more and they had already obtained one much more superior than the one they had over the "Shadow Neuroi", control that they still exercised over their hosts but this one could be much more dangerous, since it rivaled any other power given by the Mortals to their respective Chiefs. Power was to be harnessed for the common good of the citizens, not kept for themselves and used for evil.
That could lead to problems, but who would have the guts to fight against them? Unless they were members of "The Resistance", composed of military and civilians who were prepared to face all kinds of hardships, the rest were doomed to wait for their salvation. Others chose to end their lives, who wanted to live under the tyrannical control of those three sisters? Perhaps they would come across many people who would have chosen this "way" to save themselves from the misfortune of being slaves.
The trip was getting long, a few hours later, having left Brittania and Gaul behind, they entered Central-Western Europe, where they could see the mountain ranges of the Alps and Apennines, the orographic division of the borders between Romagna and Karsland, besides passing through a series of enemy "Checkpoints" that, now, were nothing more than a pile of ashes and rubble that were burned by the flames.
From the "Communications Room", the radar operators and others in charge of keeping under surveillance the conversations between their Commanders and Admirals, a message appeared and was written by a young man who took it to his Leader.
- Captain, a message from the "Atlantic Fleet": The Witches and their Allies are bordering Karsland and Romagna, soon they will be over Eastern Europe. They ask us to be ready.- One of the deputies informed the man who was in charge of the ship.
- All right.- He finished reading the information given in the message and then turned to the cadet.- That's the way it will be then. We already have our missile launchers ready and the same with the cannons. We will only have to wait for them to give us their signal.- Said the Captain and once he had given his orders, the young man left to continue with his work.
Karsland, Romagna, Suomus, Orussia, all of them had been the target of the Kanker to devastate the "Witch" of those countries emotionally but they failed. One would think that anyone would eventually give in and even surrender the battle flag for the white, surrender. What a foolish thing any desperate person would do, but those girls did not let themselves be intimidated, they kept going, fighting tooth and claw, fighting their way through the enemy ranks until they reached their objectives. The Homeland of each one of them was free but the threat continued, they had achieved a "small" victory in the middle of the "Sea of War".
It was of that "size" but it was worth its weight in gold.
Just before 3:00 AM, Sanya spotted the City of Volgograd, finding herself and her friends inside Orussia. There, as far as the eye could see, a "tide" of houses, buildings, skyscrapers and businesses that had been burned down by the Kanker henchmen could be seen, as well as those that managed to survive, in a very small percentage, the war, the bombings and the fighting. The Hotel where that "Shadow Neuroi Detachment" had placed a laser cannon and used it to attack the "Witches" and their allies could still be seen, however, thanks to the intervention of Jimmy and the others, they managed to destroy the position along with its occupants.
The remains of the weapon lay scattered inside the room, but the "bodies" of the enemies were no longer there. Perhaps they had been taken to the bonfires, where the people threw them until nothing was left but their ashes, which were scattered by the winds until they disappeared.
- Sanya.- She heard Double D's voice and she turned around.
- Yes, don't worry, I was just looking down there and I was thinking for a while.- The albino girl reassured her, so the boy with the black cap and Eila flew close to her to accompany her in that hard moment due to the way her beloved homeland had been left.
- Poor Sanya and the same for Eila, Erica and Francesca," said Lynne, who turned her body and looked back to where those girls were with their partners, receiving their support to move forward, "It is painful that, despite having recovered their countries, the devastation left by the Kankers has been terrible.
- Yes, I'm with you, my friend," Yoshika supported her, while she accelerated her "Striker Unit" a little and with that she was close to the blonde.- This will take time, I'm talking about the reconstruction of the devastated cities and villages, without forgetting the fields that have burned because of those crazy women.- Said the Sergeant, and it was another very important point in question.
- Do you think they will be sentenced to the "Death Penalty"?.- Asked Charlotte, who was with Perrine, Jimmy, Sarah, Mio, Kevin and Nazz.
- It all depends on how this battle will end and there are three possibilities: The first is that they die in combat. The second one would be that they manage to escape and the third one, which I see as very improbable, is that they want to "redeem themselves" but nobody is going to give them that opportunity.- Said Major Sakamoto.
- After all the death and destruction they caused, the best option would be to sentence them to "Life without parole", let them rot there. They already caused us too much trouble in Peach Creek as well.- Said Rolf, who had a very good memory of the havoc caused by the three sisters.
- I know, I recognize that we are anxious to obtain Justice but remember one thing: We must not confuse things. Revenge and justice are not the same thing. If we go for the first option, then we will become them. Have, as a reminder, what they did in Orussia, Suomus, Karsland and Romagna. A sad example of how power and feelings turn people into terrifying and dangerous monsters.- Yoshika spoke to the others, who listened attentively.- With revenge we will get nothing, only a bad taste in our mouths, a very bitter one that will prevent us from seeing beyond our eyes. What was lost will be watered by the evil that they will impregnate in the hearts of others. So let us not fall before their temptations of power and supposed "glory", because they do not have that. The Sergeant of the Fuso Empire finished before those present, so she felt a hand on her shoulders and when she turned around, she found Mio.
- You spoke the truth, Yoshika, and I think the same as you.- Said the black-haired Major.- We want justice, but we don't want to poison it with the hatred caused by them. This will be nothing but an endless destructive chain, the best thing will be to defeat them, then they will have all the time in the world to answer for what they have done," said the girl and it was then that she felt a presence in the environment.- And that?.- She wanted to know and flew a few meters forward, being accompanied by Kevin, Nazz, Yoshika, Lynne and Charlotte.
- What do you see, Mio?.- Asked Minna, as she could not detect any presence in her team.
Fuso's black hair said nothing. She stayed quiet for a while, watching the horizon until she noticed a "Shadow Neuroi" ship, which was approaching towards them, ready to fight but Nazz and Kevin were faster. The blonde unsheathed her katana and the redhead launched a magical attack that combined with that weapon, causing the enemy to explode and fall to the ground, wrapped in flames.
The outburst took the others a little behind the group by surprise. Sanya came out of that "duel" when she noticed that her communications equipment was just emitting faint signals of enemy presence. Double D rubbed his eyes as he stepped inside the smokescreen as the tiny remnants of the ship drifted into his eyes, while Eddy and Ed shielded themselves from it.
- This is weird and it was just one. Maybe it was a scout.- Eila theorized.
- Maybe, the Kanker would not send a "Combat Force" against Orussia again after the defeat. They need all their troops inside Liberion.- Double D backed up his girlfriend's theory.
- Yes, but why here? We have already left the country of Sanya, we are flying over Asia Minor.- Johnny wanted to know with doubts.
- The Kanker's plan was to reach the Caucasus and take over the oil fields and industries that were moved by the Imperial Government of Orussia in the midst of the war emergency. However, they never knew what to do after their hypothetical conquest. Asia Minor is also one of the regions with a diversity of natural resources, but due to the loss of their forces in combat, the idea of continuing to expand was suspended until further notice.- Said Trudie about the plan that the three sisters had, but that, due to their defeat in Berlin and on the other fronts, they had abandoned a good amount of extremely important documentation in the face of the advance of their enemies.
The bald boy remained thoughtful and shook his head lightly.
- But you'd have to be an idiot to leave something like that behind. At least, if they wanted to preserve their plans in secret, then they should have burned them to avoid any inconvenience to Futuro," the boy pointed out and Yoshika backed him up.
- True, but when the fear of being captured arises, then all your senses are focused on one thing: Survive as best you can.- Emphasized Fuso's Sergeant.- The Kankers had their chance to destroy the papers and other files of theirs but it was too late. That's something that anyone with two fingers in front should remember if they want to win a war.
- Even so, with or without documents, they still have a good number of armies capable of twisting their arm.- Eddy warned.
- I agree.- Ed supported his friend.
- And so do I.- Added Double D.- Many make fun of their opponents, but when they show their true face, that is when you have to watch out 24 hours a day or you will end up regretting it.
The Dawn was coming towards those regions of the World, meeting in Asia Minor, crossing the ancestral lands of Afghanistan. Eila and Sanya looked towards that country.
- The "Graveyard of Empires".- Said the albino girl, where many civilizations that tried to dominate them, ended up paying a very high price.
- Yes, it is true, although the Mongols did manage to subdue them until they broke up.- Added Charlotte and from there they flew over the mountains of the North, heading towards China and with that they would pass towards the Pacific.
The hours passed and once they left Afghanistan behind and entered China, they traveled in a straight line, crossing the mountainous areas until, finally, near noon, they spotted the longed-for ocean that was calling them. One whose name differed greatly from the original term of the word "peaceful", since it was one of the most dangerous and wildest in the world. Also with the stories of the adventures that many European navigators, in the 15th century A.D., carried out in those waters, being the case of Ferdinand Magellan of Portugal and also Vasco Nunez de Balboa.
The storms generated during the typhoon season made it a very dangerous place for navigation, not to mention the islands where cannibal tribes still existed. One mystery after another in a World that was barely known by its inhabitants in a small percentage.
- Stay tuned: We are approaching the Marshall Islands and the others belonging to Liberion.- Minna informed those present.- As soon as we cross them, have everything ready for combat and thus send our "signal" to the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets.
- Don't worry, Commander, we have it well secured.- Ed reassured the girl.
There was no sound, except for the waves below and the wind, but the enemy was nowhere to be heard. Where could they be hiding? The Kanker should have set up some "Checkpoint" or other over the islands, even if it was a small "Expeditionary Force", however, it was not.
- Everything in order back there.- Nazz asked the others.
- No news at the front.- Answered Jimmy, who remained with Sarah and Perrine.
- And I.- Added Double D.- Many make fun of their opponents, but when they show their true face, then it is there that one must be careful 24 hours a day or one will end up regretting it.
- That's what I find strange: there is not a single enemy ship in the air, what are those crazy women up to.- The redhead wanted to know.
- Good question, too bad we don't know now, but don't worry: We'll see them.- Trudie predicted when, all of a sudden, a small "dot" appeared in the distance, bright and gradually growing as it approached the combat group.
It seemed to be growing in size, Eddy whetted his eyes and advanced a few meters to verify what it was all about. Nazz and Double D had a bad feeling, so they brought their hands to their katana and sword sheaths, waiting for the signal.
Minna lowered her head, Trudie was pointing down, there were Liberion Navy ships there waiting for the signal and it was then that, all of a sudden, a violet lightning bolt shot through the air, cutting it like a blade and from there came another one. They both dodged it just in time, producing a close burst towards Yoshika, Lynne and Charlotte's position.
- Are you all right, girls?!.- The Commander asked, as the smoke was disappearing.
- Don't worry, it was nothing. We were able to create a "Magic Shield" with the help of Johnny and Rolf.- Answered the brunette Sergeant.
- It looks like they were waiting for us.- Argued Lynne and it was then that the point ended up "breaking" until it split into a large group of enemy ships that flew in the direction where they were.
- The party has started, now!.- Mio gave the order and it was then that Minna took her communications equipment to give the signal to the warships.
- Commander!.- alled one of the radio operators. The man ran to the communications station and from there he knew what the whole thing was about.
- It is now: Open fire, sailors!" the man ordered loudly, while the shuttles and cannons were being raised to be fired at the targets on the continent.
They were near the coasts of Hawaii and it was there where an aerial combat never seen before began. The enemy was accompanied by important warships and defenses that the Kanker had implemented, something that would cost too much in being able to shoot them down. Even so, they had an extremely important mission to accomplish, so they launched the assault. The girls started the counter-offensive with their firearms, shrapnel fell non-stop everywhere, hot as iron on the cattle that marked their skin.
- This way!.- Lynne led them with Yoshika to a group of enemies, who distanced themselves from their main group and fell into a trap set by the blonde Brittania and her brown friend Fuso.
In the blink of an eye, the two friends managed to destroy three of the ships, while Eddy and Francesca attacked the others, inflicting serious damage to their structures and defenses. Double D, on the other hand, was fighting against a "Shadow Neuroi" belonging to the Kanker "Elite Guard". This one was armed with a dark violet lightsaber and did not come alone, since an important "Combat Force" was accompanying him as its Commander. The black-capped boy dodged several slashes that furrowed the skin and could feel the brief heat as the weapon rubbed against his skin, avoiding not to damage it.
From there, the boy counter-attacked with his sword. He raised both arms forcefully and from there he traced a downward arc, straight towards the neck of the "Shadow Neuroi" but the latter was able to evade it for a few seconds. Behind the intellectual, the enemy ships were falling one by one from the sky, wrapped in flames, but that led the opponent to take advantage of the smoke screen raised and from there out to attack treacherously against the intellectual.
That was described with the "right" words: a real "Hell" in the Heavens, in the middle of cannon shots, missiles, smoke trails, gunshots, the shrapnel that fell without stopping and the explosions that were produced in the "Shadow Neuroi" ships formed a scene worthy for a painting. Everyone fought united and without giving ground, in spite of the iron and hostile fortress that the enemy offered.
Sanya aimed her rocket launcher and with it came a new round of projectiles that knocked down a group of the "Elite Guard", who did not have time to defend themselves, since they were coordinating the offensive actions against the intruders. Once her mission was accomplished, the white hair turned her head and noticed Double D having his duel against the Commander, who did not stop hitting and slashing with that luminous saber. A part of her was telling her that she had to go to help him, but the other was stopping her, as her friends were also needing cover to stop the enemy advance, so she had to go with them.
- Sanya!.- She heard the voice of Eila, who was reloading her MG-42 but when she touched it, it was extremely hot, so she had to switch to her "Suomi M1931 Submachine Gun". With a quick exchange of weapons, the young silver-haired girl pointed towards another enemy formation flying towards her. The Orussian girl nodded and checked that she had all the ammunition, however, the advance party caught up with them and when they fired, they did not come out, as the chamber was empty.
- Eila, cover me!.- The albino girl asked, while looking for a new round of projectiles.
The "Advance Group" was closing in on them little by little. Double D remained engaged against the Commander, who did not stop attacking him and now went on the defensive to avoid being wounded. At one point, the boy in the black cap noticed that the girls were in serious trouble. Both Eila and Sanya had an "encirclement" imposed by the "Shadow Neuroi", who did not give them time to shoot and had to protect themselves. He wanted to help them but that enemy prevented him from going towards them. He had to be quick and the best he could do was to take his sword with his left hand, holding it tightly and with his right hand he wove a "Magic Shield", just like the Knights of the Middle Ages and Arthurian Mythology.
He brought that white, sharp and shiny weapon up to the shield, with which he struck to get his opponent's attention. It was a challenge to fight, so the other wielded that lightsaber and from there began a fierce onslaught. The first arc that the Commander traced hit against the defense, leading the intellectual boy to duck to protect himself from the heat and sparks that flowed from the contact between the "Shield" and the enemy saber. From there he gathered courage and pushed him hard, throwing him a couple of meters backwards.
- Resist, girls, resist. I know you can do it. You are strong.- He threw them that proclamation of support and then looked at the enemy, who was smiling, mocking and moving his weapon like the expert he was, "A Commander or General would not do that in front of his troops, since you are leading them to a possible defeat. What a shame.- The boy lamented as he saw that his adversary was securing the "honey of victory".
The Commander of the "Elite Guard" was "calling" him with a gesture of his left hand, which was free. The other "accepted" to continue with the combat and so it was that, just as in a "Joust of Gentlemen", they both threw themselves into a final clash that would mark the Champion.
It was then that the two weapons collided and a loud noise was heard that tore the air.
- Double D!.- Shouted Eila but she could not tell who had come out on top. Guided by the words of support, both the silver-haired and her albino friend counter-attacked and began to decimate the "Advance Party" that stood in their way. More reinforcements were arriving to renew the fallen lines but something caught the opponents' attention. One of them emitted a "signal" and his Comrades stopped.
Suddenly, panic began to surround them and they began to flee en masse from there along with the ships that had managed to survive the initial attack.
The Commander of the "Elite Guard" could not move, something was preventing him and he began to "feel" some spasms in his mechanical body. He lowered his head and noticed that Double D's sword had pierced his chest, leading him to cling to his shoulders, raise his head to Heaven and with that, the boy buried it deeper inside him.
- You were a worthy opponent until you made the mistake of challenging me when we were in combat.- Said the boy and with that he pulled the sword out of the enemy's body, causing him to fall into the void along with his other henchmen who perished in combat.
Eddy watched his friend put the sword in its sheath and with that he went to where they were. Down in the Pacific, the incessant bombardment and retreat of the "Shadow Neuroi" continued as they headed for the mainland, harassed by the warships and the defeat at the Battle of Hawaii, where they suffered heavy casualties and were now on their way to regroup.
- Is everyone all right?.- Trudie asked them.
- Yes, Eila and Sanya...?.- Double D wanted to know but they both arrived safely and without a scratch.
- They put up a very good fight but this is just the beginning, my friends. We must continue, we only have a few kilometers left before we reach our destination.- Yoshika encouraged them and from there they resumed their journey towards Liberion.
- The "Advance Group" has been defeated, Lee and they are coming back here.- Informed May from her observation post.
The redhead tilted her head to one side, calmly, and then looked at her other two sisters, who remained attentive to the changes suffered during the combat.
- Take it easy, okay? Let them come, we'll be waiting for them here. We are the "Last Line" before they can destroy the "Seventh Hive" and on top of that, they won't have any chance of defeating us.- The girl augured and with that she smiled wickedly.
[And finally we have reached the most important point of this "Arc". What will happen in Liberion once they arrive? We'll see about that in the next chapter.
Take care, friends. I send greetings and thanks to Matfix, Franco M. Romano and the other Fanfiction and Wattpad followers.
I wish you a very good start of the weekend from me, Comrades].
