=GRA=

"Commander Lynor!" his staff sergeant, a boy named Sigrid, shouted as the sound of explosion echo in their small make shift tent.

"I never thought they'd peruse us deep into our territory." I said looking at a local map of Arlem as the sound of explosion draws closer. "How are the preparations coming along?"

"We have enough volunteers, sir!"

"I see… well proceed as planned!" Never would we have thought that a Gallian Unit compromise of darcsen and a Black Tank would gave us such a hard time, again.

A group of twenty men, fellow brother in arms during the last and the current war, entered the tent.

"Hey Lyn… Guess I'll see you on the other side."

"Well I'll see you if you manage to make it inside."

Everyone laugh, with that the group takes there assignment and for old time sake, everyone, excluding the boy, drink our favourite booze.

"For Gallia Lyn."

"For Gallia Jack."

As we trek our way towards a more friendly location, the sounds of battle could still be faintly heard, the shouts of war cry and pain echo… until it stops altogether.

Sigrid looks at his watch and walks towards me.

"Their mission was a success, Sir." He said it all with a solemn voice.

"Then may their soul rest with the other great heroes of Gallia." Our escape from the general area is a success… although a pyrrhic one.

After a few more minutes of walking in Gallia's beautiful forest, we finally reach our destination a small almost forgotten village in the middle of nowhere, with its residences cheering as they saw us nearing it.

After a small feast prepare to us by the villagers, we decided to rest for the night and leave in the morning.

I gather my thoughts at today's battle; we fought an all darcsen unit and mercenary unit that have a Black Tank. I have come to associate a certain phrase whatever I saw a black tank, Ataha Abilia.

And like always into the night I woke up, sweating profusely, hands trembling and eyes full of tears…

I get up, brew a coffee and look at my watch. I then pulled a marker and cross on my January 30 off my calendar. I then gaze at my belongings; look at some photos before the civil war and gazed at the chocolate still unpacked with its wrapper. I think to myself, fifteen more days to go.

"Oh never thought you would be awake sir." It was the new kid, Sigrid. He then looks at my hand that's holding the cup of coffee "if you don't mind sir, I think it's still a bit too early to give that to your wife, considering its still January."

I chuckled "Don't worry it's not for my wife, it's for my daughter."

"Oh, prioritizing the child before a wife, sir."

"Well, I would have gladly given it to her first… if… only…"

"I-I'm sorry sir! I-I-I…"

"Hahaha don't worry about it kid, that was a long time ago, beside she hates sweets. Also I promised Emilia to get back home this valentines."

"Y-yes Sir!"

"Heh, Well since where in this kind of talk, what about you kid, is there someone you want to give some sweeting?"

"Not anymore sir."

"I see, well changing topics, how do you like your first week of active combat, and sorry it ended like this."

"Oh don't worry about it sir, beside I knew the risk when I signed up… and um I was actually mesmerize by the speech you gave to our small village."

"Thanks hahaha."

"And sir, I'm glad I joined the revolution, I'm glad to be part of victory."

I can't help but chuckle "Kid in the real world, there is no victory nor defeat, only choose and consequences."

"… but in revolution, doesn't one triumph or die?"

"Sorry kid, ha-ha, we don't do either."

Three men then enter the room carrying some booze, while calling my name. "Hey Lyn, got a minute?"

"I'll be taking my leave sir."

"I see, get a good sleep kid." The kid salutes and leaves the room, leaving me with the three.

"What was that Lyn? Destroying the kids hope?"

"So you three where listening, huh Andrew, Mathew, and Ian…"

"Oh don't be like that Lyn, where changing the world…"

"Andrew, it's not about changing the world. It's about doing our best to leave the world the way it is."

"There you go again, Lyn..."

"And there you go again, Ian."

Mathew, who's carrying the booze, put it in a large empty table, put twenty glasses and pours on all. "Now, now let's just drink…"

We take our usual seat and most of the time it was way to cramp, but now it's too spacious.

"Well this sure is… sad…"

"I think you meant… lonely, Ian."

Just last week we were chattering and joking now… where just silently drinking.

"This is all that goddamn darcsens fault! That fucking moron of an archduchess…" Andrew spat.

"I can't believe we fought and die for some darcsen… I can't believe I leave my home believing she has the power of a Valkyria." Mathew spouts.

"Hey Lyn, what do you think?" Ian asks me a simple question, and I have a simple answer.

"Well she's a failure of politician that's for sure… I mean who the fuck blatantly reveals her heritage, to the continent that despise and persecute that same 'heritage'… fucking darcsen and their way of thinking."

"D-do you think the Federation and the Empire would attack us?" Ian continues.

"The Feds no, the Empire yes… but what I fear the most is because of that 'little stunt' of hers the chances of us being drag on the on-going Europan War is high…"

"What you should really fear is the on-going mass entry of darcsen refuges from both the empire and federation, I heard many border villages have been decimated, and its citizen replace by those wrench, yet the government does nothing." Andrew rants.

"It's not just that… We pure blooded Gallian protected our country, risking our lives, fighting tooth and nail… yet those darcsen does nothing, they just wallow in self-pity, refusing to take up arms and protect this land." Mathew continues. "Yet they have the gal, to call themselves Gallian!"

"I share your sentiments but let's stop for now and use this time to drink… to those who can't. But make no mistake we will come on top, there's a saying; history repeats itself. And with the power of the Valkyur at our side, our country can prosper and defend itself."

The four of us raised our glasses and drink all throughout the night. As the morning dawn, we each take our leave and bid each other farewell. I took the wrapper and chocolate and put it in my pocket.

I immediately order the preparation to leave the village. It's already past five and all of the new recruits along with most baggage's have been evacuated leaving us veterans, twenty in total, to be the rear-guard in case of any pursuit.

And as we ready ourselves to leave I approach the village elder to say our farewell.

"Thank you sir, for providing us shelter as well as food for our journey."

"Think nothing of it young man; we were more than happy to help loyal Gallians in their fight. Oh and ah we have recited your little script should the traitors enter the village."

"Hahaha, Once again on behalf of the Gallian Revolutionary Army we offer you and your village our endless gratitude."

And as the two of us shake hands gunfire's suddenly rang out in the direction of the forest.

"What the fuck was that!" I shouted.

Sigrid come running towards me.

"Sir, it's them!"

"Shit! Sir, tell everyone to hide."

"Good luck young man and may the azure flames guide you in combat."

I nodded and immediately ordered Sigrid.

"Kid! Order everyone to retreat, were leaving this village, ASAP!"

"But sir, the enemy is a small unit—"

"Precisely, that must just be the enemy scouts and by the looks of it the main force is not far from behind."

Sigrid follow my orders to the letter. I for one don't want to turn this peaceful village into a battleground, so the better way is to finish them quickly.

"Eradicate those, greasy darcsen. Death to all imperials, burn every single one of em." I shouted as the man rallies with me. I put my plan into motion, using our remaining tank we surprise and encircle the enemy force ending it in five minutes.

As things wind down, I order a group of volunteers to go inside the forest and warn us, if possible to slow down the enemy.

I think of my option. I could order some of my men to join the previous group and ambushed the enemy in the woods thereby buying the main group enough time to safely escape or I could leave now but that would mean we'd have to fight a series of rear-guard if they catch up to us, and what about the villagers?

As I weigh the pros and cons a massive explosion blows near me and as I look around I notice a ruined tank… our remaining tank.

"W-what was that? How is that even possible… unless"

"Sir! Our tank is down! We're also unable to contact with the support unit."

"Shit! Is the Black tank here already?"

If so then what happened to the scouts I sent ahead?! As I think of my next possible move, I notice a blue light inside the forest and with it dread. I put my hands in my pocket and pulled a wrapper, I then jolt down some words as fast as I could and wrap it up.

"Sigrid, get the hell out of here as fast as possible. And do this old fart a favour" I gave him the now wrap chocolate, I then pulled the ring in my hand and hand it to the kid "Give this to Emilia…"

"Sir? You could just come with me, or even order us to stay behind and—"

"Kid, I've doubted my guts for a total of two times. The same time I have fought a Valkyria… and each time I survive so trust me on this one, kid."

"Sir, that's the most illogical decision! We should just retreat and…"

"Kid, when you live long enough, you'll know when to trust your own instinct. Besides…" I then look back and saw everyone taking position "I can't just leave them here considering our opponent…"

"But… but—"

"Go kid, you have your orders, gave that thing to my daughter."

I watched as the kid takes the remaining truck, leaving only us old timers to form a rear guard to our most dangerous opponent, quite ironic…

The sounds of footstep and something being drag filled us with dread that was until Matthew asks me a simple question.

"Hey Lyn, how many does it now make?"

"Hehe well, if it's indeed that thing, then that would mean four."

"No fair! I only saw two of them in Naggiar."

"Well you'll be seeing two."

"Oh don't be like that, beside Lyn will only saw three if he dies today."

"Fuck off Andrew!"

"Hey who wanna bet that this one would be a bomb shell?"

What follows is an enthusiastic betting with a few, not child friendly jokes. And after a few chuckles that lightened up the mood, we as per our self-proclaimed tradition all take a quick sip. And just in time, almost out of nowhere a massive object landed in one if the houses destroying in on impact. And as the dust settled we saw a child…

"She should probably wait for a few more years… give or take."

"Now's not the time Ian."

We then opened fire, but all our attack have been block by her shield. And as she demolished building after building in quick rapid succession, we found ourselves completely… outclass.

"Help… me… Jamill… I'm sorry…"

Mathew said as the little girl step on his back.

The girl then begun to spoke as if she's talking to somebody.

"Yeah, it's been fun, you know."

She then drives her sword straight into Mathews back, and we can't do anything but watch, with horror… and terror.

"Roger… that Mama!"

The girl then shifted to a familiar stance and all I could say is…

"Scatter quickly, surround her while maintaining distance!" I shouted.

From multiple directions we open fired, and she dodges it all. And when we taught things couldn't be worse, we saw her weapon turn into a whip like weapon. And with a single swipe… most of us got wipe.

"Shit Lyn, I can't feel my body… hey at least I'll never be sent back in that damned… hospital… doing nothing… sleeping with the screams of-"

"G-good for you… Ian."

Then when I look around I saw haft the village was already destroyed. I only have one thing to do.

"Everyone get up! We have to force her out of this village or else…"

"You don't have to fucking state the fucking obvious LYN!"

Andrew along with the remaining survivors runs towards the forest while firing. But a blue light beam stop us like a barrier obliterating everything it touches; it was followed by an azure flame in every direction and the sound of walking.

"So this is… a legendary Valkyria… and you survive four encounters while fighting two?!"

I decided to correct Andrew one last time "I only survive three…" and as the blue light slowly absorbs us, I and perhaps all of us could only think of one thing.

The power to save Gallia, a power that transcends modern weaponry, is in the hands of a Valkyria not of a darcsen, so perhaps our chosen path is the correct path.

=C G=

Today marks the beginning of the month that constantly tries to remind you you're still a virgin, February. The 14th day of this cursed month is celebrated by everyone regardless of age and gender, a day whose symbol is a naked baby with wings, and they say I'm a paedophile.

What the fuck am I saying? It's still the first day of February… STFU inner me I will do absolutely fucking anything to take off my mind, I've been sitting in Brixy's Class for three hours strait. Two of which is all about math… FUCKING TWO HOURS OF FUCKING MATH!

"Oh before I forget Class, this month sees the preliminary round of the Laevatein Cup."

At last good old Brixy talks about something other than numbers.

"The leva-what, now?" Cosette said visibly confuse.

"A tournament, Cosette, Class faces each other in mock combat. It's a good test of class performance, and one of Lanseal's oldest traditions."

The more this goes on the lesser numbers I have to take in "That sounds pretty cool."

"Idiot… It sounds like a real blast. I can't wait to lose miserably."

Class participation is a must to further the time spent, talking "C'mon, Erik doesn't be like that. Seriously we fought and survive last week's encounter so a simple school event can't be that hard."

"Seriously bro, how's a guy supposed to fight if he knows he can't win?"

"Not you too, Joachim… beside you all say that last time and look what happed." Seriously is it that bad?

"As ever, you are truly the worst possible students."

You can say that again Brixy… but still this tournament… If we win, the rest of the academy will have to respect us. Consequently it would also gain the attention of the head honcho of this 'pristine' institution.

"Then let's do it! Let's show 'em we're the best! Will make everyone acknowledge us and force them to say we are more than enough to represent Lanseal!"

"That'd sure be nice. Yeah! So long as we're on it, let's go for the top!" Cosette says nodding with agreement.

"There's no sense in competing otherwise. This once, I'll agree with you." Zeri says as he adjusts his glasses.

Some join in an agreement, but most stood silently… more work, great.

"Heh heh. Well, I have a little present for you in light of your optimism. Lavinia has a little gift for you, head down to the R&D building to collect it."

The bell rang at last, and with it the end of Brixy's Class. I immediately dash outside towards the R&D building, on second thought I should head to the mess hall.

"I wonder if it's edible… Man, I sure hope its food!" Chances are low… realistically speaking. But... still there's a chance.

"Yo, Leo- Avan"

One of these days she will get it on her first try "Yo, Lavinia got something?" Please be food.

"I sure got something… and no it isn't food."

There goes my dream of getting something from a girl "Oh, Then what is it?"

"Well first an introduction, I'm Lavinia Class G's tank pilot."

Now wait a minute "A Tank pilot? Wait, we have a tank?! Are we getting something like that Black Tank?!"

"There's that intelligence again. Heh, every class here gets one tank. Also I hear a lot of rumours about you Class G kids. None of 'em is good. And that's putting it kindly. So just mind your p's and q's with my tank, or they'll be calling you Black-Eye."

"You mean to tell me everyone gets a tank and we got excluded until now, WTF!" Well better late than never.

"Hah, never mind. Anyway, best of luck and all that. Let's see… I guess first off the tank will need a code name."

"Are you saying I can name it? Awesome!"

"Just try not to pick anything dumb or inappropriate, okay? And I need something pronounceable."

"What about Big Dick 7, is out of the picture?"

"…"

"Oh c'mon, we both know that the tank is the way our military measure its dong!"

"… The tank is small… And not even the top brass is willing to show it."

"Never bothered me as my great brother once said, nimble will wiggle but ready to mingle."

"… I have no words… you sure you're not adapted?"

"Eh… Who cares, anyways back on topic. Tank G, We'll go with that."

"Okay… Anyway if you got any question about the tank, you come ask me. Got it?"

"Well that was lacklustre, but thanks anyway, Lavinia."

"Wait! There's something else I need to tell you."

"Hm, what is it?"

"Well Lanseal isn't just a military school It's also a testing ground for new equipment… meaning, we, mostly I, develop new weapons... to be use, okay."

"Okay, but why say it to me?"

"Disclosure, because I'm sure you just signed the terms and requirement without reading it."

I neither gonna deny nor conform that "I see, that would make us unstoppable and having tons of enthusiastic 'volunteers' would make any breakthroughs much quicker."

After a good small talk I take my leave and followed the scent of food.

= Afterword =

Yes I added the manga.