Chapter 10

"Barkhorn, please stop. You aren't going to help me at all by dragging me out of bed." I said while trying in vain to stay in the small hole in the ground I had dug. "No you didn't get to bed last night and I was worried." She said. "Why would you need to worry, I lived like this for two years except in worse conditions." I responded before she finally pulled me out. "Damn no, I need to sleep." I try to crawl back only for her to grab my collar and pull me up. "You need to sleep in the bed like a normal witch." She said before she paused and sniffed the air. "Phew, But first take a bath." She said holding her nose and turning her head away. "Hey I smell fine." I said before I sniffed. "Never mind, I stand corrected." I said as I stood up effectively breaking from her grip., before I walked off to take a warm shower.

Entering the shower I turned on the warm water. "Ah!" I jumped as cold water suddenly splashed onto my back. "Damn, we are out of warm water in the showers." I mutter as I try to wash as fast as possible.

"Huh? We're out of rice." Yoshika said from the kitchen. "What? We haven't gotten any new supplies in yet?" Lynne exclaimed. "Sakamoto! We're out of rice!" Yoshika called from the kitchen. "Huh?" Major said as she walked by the mess hall doors. "I didn't think everyone would be gathering today... This is bad." She said. "Well no shit captain obvious." I said from my seat, where I was leaning back with a glass of whiskey in my hand. "I'm kinda running out of booze aswell. And you don't want a repeat of the last time I ran out of booze." "What should we do?" Yoshika asked Lynne before Commander cut in. "We need a few things. Can you girls go shopping for us?" "Shopping?" Yoshika and Lynne said at the same time before getting excited, I just groaned. "I'm gonna go through more booze today than any other day."

I had replaced my glass with a flask of whiskey and was taking sips every once and awhile. "So, we need to head out and procure some local supplies. Shirley is trained to operate large trucks. Lucchini, you're the resident Romagna expert, so I'd like you two to undertake this mission." Commander said. "Roger!" They both said before Shirley said. "All right! I haven't driven in ages!" "Sorry, wed send more people, but we don't know when the enemy's going to attack." Major explained. "Yay! Driving, driving!" Lucchini cheered. "It's nice to go off base from time to time. I'm delighted to take this mission!" Shirley said. "Lastly, I'd like Miyafuji and Lynne to join you." Commander said. "Excuse me." Lynne said. "I'd rather wait here, on standby." "Huh? Why?" Yoshika asked. "Understood. So Morrison will go instead." She said as she picked me. "Yes ma'am!" Yoshika And I said while I gave a quick salute a quick salute. "Now off the get some good booze." "Guide them around town, Lucchini." Commander said. "You can count on me!" Lucchini happily exclaimed sticking her left arm in the air before she brought it down to flash the Victory sign. "Miyafuji, you are to follow Shirley's orders out there." Major said. "Yes ma'am!" Yoshika answered. "Now, please get your orders in." Commander said. "Orders, Huh? Some new training tools would be nice..." Major said. "Yes, But not like that. Things to use while we recharge." Commanders explained. "Recharge?" Major asked. "The best way to recharge is to train hard and rest hard." Barkhorn explained. "Well, actual baths for people, to keep moral high after training, would be nice." Major said. "Is training all you guys think about?" Commander asked. "Please think of more practical items." "Excuse me... I would like some black tea." Lynne said. "Good call. We could all use some good tea-time." Commander said. "For me, I'd like a radio." "Don't you have a fancy Karlesland one?" Major asked. "I mean a radio we can leave out here, wouldn't you guys like to hear music and the news?" Commander asked back. "Oh, that's what you mean. That would be nice. Please see to it, Miyafuji." Major said. "Yes ma'am. Black tea and a radio, right?" Yoshika asked. "A piano. Please get me a piano." Eila said. "They're not going to be able to lug back a piano." Commander explained. "Boo, I wanted to hear Sanya play..." Eila pouted. "Say, Sanya, anything you want?" "Eila, why don't you ask for something you want?" Sanya asked. "Because it's not child friendly." I snickered while elbowing Barkhorn. "What about you, Barkhorn?" Yoshika asked. "Me? Nothing really comes to mind..." Barkhorn said. "What about a small gift for your little sister?" I asked. "Ch-Chris, huh? Right... H-How about something cute for her to wear... an outfit, please!" "An outfit... what style and size, we would need that to make it a nice gift." I said. "I'll let you decide. She's about Yoshika's size." Barkhorn answered. "You sure? She would be proud if her sister chose for her." I asked. "Y-Yes. I'll trust your opinion." Barkhorn answered "Understood." Yoshika said finally cutting in. "Oh, what about you, Perrine." "I don't need anything." Perrine answered. "Huh? But we're going into town, so..." Yoshika tried to convince her. "I said I don't need anything!" Perrine said before storming out. "Perrine..." Yoshika said. "She donated all her savings and pay checks to the reconstruction efforts in Gallia." Lynne explained to Yoshika. "I had no idea." Yoshika said. "Oh, I know, Yoshika. Please get me flower seeds, in addition to the black tea." Lynne said. "Sure." Yoshika answered. "So, umm, I still need Hartmann's request." "Is Hartmann still in bed?" Barkhorn asks. "Let's find out." I shrug.

Barkhorn throws open the door to Hartmann's and commanders room. I could tell who slept in which bed and who's side was Who's. Hartmann was a mess person so she had all of her stuff piled up. "Wake up, Hartmann!" Barkhorn shouts. "Eh... just give me another ninety minutes..." I heard Erica say from somewhere in the mounds of stuff. "Oi Erica we're going shopping what do you want!" I call in quickly cutting Barkhorn's speech off. "Sweet stuff!" She called out as her head appeared from under a mound of clothes on her bed. "What you need is an alarm clock!" Barkhorn snapped. "But I want sweets!" Erica said before repeating "sweets!" Over and over again. "Shut up!" Barkhorn finally snapped and stormed out followed by myself then Yoshika. "Yeah, get her an alarm clock." Barkhorn said to Yoshika before leaving. "R-right..." Yoshika trailed off. "Alright, cya later Yoshika." I called as I walked off in the opposite direction. "Hello Eila." I greeted as I passed. "Friends all tried to warn me but I held my head up high. All the time they warned me but I only passed them by. They all tried to tell me but I guess I didn't care. I turned my back and left them standing there. All the burning bridges that have fallen after me. All the lonely feelings and the burning memories. Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door. Burning bridges lost for evermore. Joey tried to help me find a job a while ago. When I finally got it, I didn't want to go. The party Mary gave for me when I just walked away. Now there's nothing left for me to say. All the burning bridges that have fallen after me. All the lonely felling and the burning memories. Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door burning bridges lost for evermore. Years have passed and i keep thinking what a fool I've been. I look back into the past and think of way back then. I know that I lost everything I thought that I could win. I guess I should have listen to my friends. All the burning bridges that have fallen after me. All the lonely feelings and the burning memories. Everyone I left behind each time I closed the door. Burning bridges lost for evermore. Burning bridges lost for evermore." I sang 'burning bridges' while walking throught the halls.

Some time later I found myself sat in the back of a truck with Yoshika and Lucchini. "See you guys later." Lynne called as we started to leave. "We'll be back in a bit!" Yoshika called back as I placed a cigarette in my mouth before lighting it. "Ah finally, I can smoke in peace." I said blissfully.

After awhile I looked out the back of the truck and saw the landscape. "It sure is beautiful here." I commented as the girls were leaning out the back of the truck. "It's so beautiful. I can't believe Lynne's missing this!" Yoshika exclaimed. "Clear visibility ahead with no oncoming traffic..." I heard Shirley say before I felt the gears change. "What was that?" Yoshika asked. "Well my dear Yoshika, that was the gears shifting." I explained as I got a firm hold onto the trucks bed. "Here we go!" Shirley suddenly said as I felt the truck speed up rapidly. "Haha. She'd be the perfect Winnipeg driver." I called out as the truck sped up more. I could hear Yoshika's screams of terror and Lucchini's shout of joy. "W-We're gonna fall off the cliff!" Yoshika panicked. "This is awesome!" Lucchini called out. "Whooohooo." I called out while we sped around the corner. Suddenly we were airborne and the earth was rushing to reclaim us. I felt the truck land and slide alittle before righting itself. "Yay!" Lucchini And Myself cheered as we landed.

Before we reached Rome the girls moved to the front while I hung out in the back smoking away. "Ah." I said as I closed my eyes. "The sun is shining, the wind is blowing and everything's feels perfect, nothing can go wrong." I said not realizing that I just jinxed us. I could hear the girls talking but couldn't make out what they said. I looked around and saw all the old buildings from the ancient Roman Empire.

"Is this place okay?" Shirley asked as we all exited the truck. "Yup. They'll have most of what we need." Lucchini responded. "Alright I'll be off to find my booze. We should meet back up by lunch." I said looking at the time. "It's 1000 hours right now." "Alright, Have fun." Shirley waved me off.

As i as I wandered away from the group in search of a place to buy booze I came across an odd sight, an artic fox cub in the store window across the street. "That's interesting." I say as I cross the street. "Hello good sir, how can I help you?" The man behind the counter said as I entered. He had his back to me until he turned around and saw who I was, now I didn't know that I was well known as I rarely read a newspaper that was newer that two years as they didn't get to me much. "You-you're the male witch that works with the 501st, you're from Farawayland correct?" He asked. "Uh, yes I am good sir, I noticed the artic fox cub you have in the store window so I came in to look around." I said. "Here, here." he said as he put a dog leash in my hands. "Consider this as a gift from th Romagna people to you." He then proceeded to attach the fox cub to the leash and give me directions to the nearest butcher and after me asking him he gave me the directions to the nearest liquor store that sold Canadian Whiskey.

Once I was three blocks away did I realize what happened. "Commander isn't gonna like this." I muttered as I looked at the fox cub. "Ah well it's not like I can in good faith return you so, you need a name." I said while thinking as I thought Yoshika and Shirley caught up to me. "Have you seen Lucchini?" They asked. "No, I haven't seen Lucchini, isn't she supposed to be with you?" I ask while my new fox friend hides behind my legs. "Yes she was But she ran off." Shirley said. "Well I'll keep an eye out for her while I purchase my whiskey." I say before turning and walking off with a wave.

"I still have to name you..." I said while tapping my chin, I had purchased all the booze I would need and had placed it in the truck, now I was sitting on the curb looking down at the little fox on the leash in my hands. "I know... how does Vadim sound?" I ask the fox who tilts its head in what I assume is agreement. "Alright Vadim it is."

Suddenly the Neuroi alarm went off. "Damn it, I jinxed us!" I said as I took off towards where I last saw the truck. I was stopped by Yoshika shouting. "On top of the basilica!" Followed by Shirley asking. "Basilica?" "Come on Vadim, follow me." I said as I took off towards the truck. "Hold my whiskey!" I said as I thrust the Crate into Shirley's hands before hoping onto the truck and slipping into my striker unit. "Stay Vadim." I commanded before taking off and climbing quickly to get a view of the city. I was soon joined by the girls. "Where is this basterd." I muttered while looking around with my aura sense before I spotted it. "Ah!" I shouted as a laser cut my side open. "Damn it. Let's go, Neuroi form." I said before shifting forms. "Hey Morrison, it's me." jarvis said. 'What, I never called on you' I thought as I moved away from another laser. "Well now that they appear to be hunting you and me I thought I'd give you a heads up." Jarvis informed me. 'Gee thanks' I responded. "Now move left and fly in close." he suddenly directed. 'Alright' I thought as I followed his directions. "Fire dead center on the underside of this model." he directed. 'Okay' I thought as I went to follow his orders only for a laser to push me back. I watched as Lucchini barrels into the Neuroi with multiple shields infront of her acting like a drill. Then the ding of the Neuroi exploding and the white crystals burst outwards. "It's over." I said as I shifted back to my normal human form. Only to realize I was still bleeding heavily. "Yoshika, I could use a patch up!" I called over to her with my hands glued to my side as I slowly bleed out. "Ah, hai." She responded while flying over and healing. "Thanks Yoshika." I said as the blood stopped flowing out of my wound. "Can you make it home okay alone?" Lucchini asked. "Yes!" The lady she was speaking with responded. "I had an amazing time today." "Really?" Lucchini asked. "Yes. I realized what I have to do." She answered. "Yeah? Good luck." Lucchini said. "Thank you." She responded before kissing lucchini's cheek. "Sorry to ask this of you madam, but think you could take care of Vadim for me?" I asked as I held out Vadim's leash. "I can't exactly keep him on base." "Alright I will until the war is over." She responded. "Thank you." I said as I handed over Vadim's leash. I could see the sadness in his eyes as we drove away. "Bye-bye, Maria! See you again!" Lucchini called.

The next morning I was standing outside the hanger with Shirley, the Major and Lucchini who was holding a bucket full of water in each hand. "Wah! I'm so sorry!" She cried. "Still, for her to spend all the food money..." Major said. "That's your superiors fault!" Shirley went from relaxed to panicking. "Good luck." I say while patting her on the shoulder. "Me included." Major finished. "Let's review what went wrong together." "Sorry, Lucchini." Shirley said while walking away after the Major. "Have fun." I said as I followed Shirley.

Min the briefing room I watched as Yoshika gave everyone their stuff while I popped open a bottle and poorer myself a glass. "Now, her highness Dutchess Maria, in her first day of official duty in the Principality of Romagna, will address the people from the garden party." I heard an announcer say over the radio. "Rome was attacked by the Neuroi yesterday. However, one small witch's actions helped thwart the attack. I learned a valuable lesson from her while this was all transpiring. We each must do everything in our power to protect the world. I will do everything I can, starting today, to defend Romagna. So, I thank you, my dear friend, Ensign Francesca Lucchini. As a small token of gratitude, I send these gifts to the 501st joint fighter wing." I heard the lady that Lucchini was talking to yesterday say all that. "Holy, shit." I muttered. Suddenly the sound of a SM.79's three engines could be heard over the base. I book it towards the hanger.

Reaching the hanger I see Lucchini burried up to her neck in boxes. "Want some help?" I ask. "Yes." She answers. "Alright, here." I saw as I start to move boxes. On the fifth one the rest of the girls finally arrive. "Hey Morrison What's this?" I heard Barkhorn ask while standing over one of the boxes that I have yet to move, upon closer inspection it looked like it had air holes in it. "I wonder what it is? It is addressed to you." Barkhorn states. "Alright I'll open it." I say as I use a crowbar to pry open the lid only for a blur of white to slam into me knocking me over. "What's this Morrison. I don't believe that you are allowed pets on base without me knowing." Commander said as she pulled a note that was tucked into his collar. "What's this?" She said before reading it outloud. "'Commander Minna please allow Mr. Morrison to Vadim on base as He was sad while he was away from him. Signed the Dutchess of Romagna.' I'll let you keep him Morrison, but on one condition." She said while Barkhorn picked up Vadim. "What's that?" I asked while getting back up. "That everyone else gets to help care for him." Commander said. "Okay. I can agree to that." I said before Barkhorn cut me off with. "He's so cute and fluffy." Looking over I see her hugging Vadim and rubbing her face in his fur, he was equally as happy and was panting with his tail wagging very quickly. "Barkhorn could you maybe pass him back please?" I asked. "No!" She responded while holding him away from me.