A/N: I had a lot of difficulties lately and my schedule has been really sketchy. I apologize for the delay once again, but just to remind everyone again. This story is not dead yet. I present to you the latest chapter.
501st JFW Strike Witches – Dover Base Runway
"Marcus!" Mio exclaimed as Mac rolled hard and fell flat on the runway.
"Oh no, he lost consciousness." Lynne ran towards Mac followed by Yoshika.
"What the hell happened?" Dan exclaimed in panic as he ran towards his friend.
Mac is unconscious; Mio instructed Dan to bring Mac to the infirmary and asked Lynne to guide Dan onto it. Yoshika is also worried so she requested if she can accompany Dan and Lynne to the infirmary which Mio allowed but she also told the trio to return to her once they dropped Mac to the infirmary. Dan hurriedly carried him with Yoshika and Lynne in tow.
Infirmary – 15 Minutes Later
At the infirmary, the Physician, who's also a beautiful lady, was surprised at the sudden arrival of the group. She led Dan to one of the infirmary's bed and dropped Mac on it.
"What seems to be the problem?" asked by the female Physician while checking on Mac's vital signs.
"He dropped flat on the runway while we were conducting some training, over fatigue I guess." Dan stated.
"He was running really fast and was pushing himself too hard, I think I saw him fainted before he rolled hard on the runway." Yoshika said with a worried tone as she looked at Mac's face and arms full of contusions. She approached and extended both of her arms…Dan grabbed Yoshika's arm which surprising her.
"Yoshika, you don't need to do that." Dan said.
"But he's wounded, I have to heal him." Yoshika protested.
"It's just bruises, he's not gonna die from it so don't waste your magic on something so small. Besides, I bet Mac will only get pissed when he finds out that you didn't get to do flight training on your first day just because you wasted your magic on healing him." Dan stated calmly. Yoshika could only look on her hands down as she felt denied of her desire to help other people.
"It wouldn't be a waste, to help and protect people is the reason I joined the military. If I can't help someone, then how am I able to protect more people? Please Dan, let me heal his wounds." Yoshika insisted.
"He'll be alright Yoshika…" Lynne answered which surprised Yoshika. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…" Lynne tried to take back what she said.
"No, it's okay. You can call me Yoshika , is it alright if I call you Lynne?" Yoshika asked and Lynne nodded smiling.
Dan sighed. "You can ask Mac later when he wakes up." He said as he placed his hand on Yoshika's shoulder.
"We'll that's it girls, lets head back to the Major, I believe we still have some trainings to do." Dan pointed out looking at Lynne.
"I'll take care of your friend here." The female Physician assured.
"Don't fall for him Doc." Dan joked which made the Physician blush.
"Alright girls let's get back to the Major." Dan said in a hurry.
Dover Base Runway
The trio exited the infirmary leaving Mac in the care of the female physician. It took them a couple of minutes to get back to the Major in which they saw the Major waiting with Perrine on her side.
"Honestly, you people are really awful to make the Major wait." Perrine exclaimed in annoyance.
Dan coldly glanced at Perrine. "Don't start with me Perrine; Mac is not here to control me and don't even think the Major can stop me if I decide to lash on you." He spoke angrily while Perrine could only glare in annoyance. Lynne and Yoshika approached Mio and apologized for taking too long, Mio looked at Dan and asked him.
"How's Marcus?" Mio asked plainly.
"He's not dead yet."
"Is that sarcasm Sergeant?" Mio asked coldly.
"Not really." Dan sighed.
Me, Myself and I (Dan's POV)
To be honest, I don't really know what to do at the moment. From what I remember in the series, we or they should be doing rifle training first before they conduct flight training, that is when Perrine will volunteer to participate just to be near Mio. Since Mac and I caused most of the delay here, the story seems starting to get messed up big time.
"Darius, you should stay here and do some training on your own, the four of us will be conducting flight training with our Striker Units." Mio said.
"I have no problem with that, I'll just be here and observe." I could only say, if flying could be as easy as breathing then I would love to be on the air with them.
"Unless you can flap your hands and fly like a bird, you are welcome to join us." Perrine being sarcastic in her tone
I know Perrine is trying something on me, but that won't do her any good.
"No, Perrine I'll be fine. I'll just observe from here." I told her with sincerity, so much for being polite. Then I looked at Lynne and Yoshika as they are looking at me with worried glances. I have to ease their worry so they can focus on their flight training.
"I'm fine girls; I'll just stay here and watch." I said calmly and wow Lynne and Yoshika can surely give a warm smile.
"Alright, follow me then Lynne and Miyafuji, you too Perrine." Mio called out at the trio.
"I'll be glad Major." Perrine cheered as she walked beside Mio and gave Dan a snobbish glance before turning away.
Hmm, she's back to normal. Let's see.
"Hey Perrine" I called out to her with a smile on my face.
Perrine immediately stopped walking and looked back at Dan with a hint of anger.
"I'm looking forward to see you flying gracefully and elegantly in your Striker Unit." I told her with glee.
"What are you implying, are you trying to say that I suck at flying?" Perrine angrily exclaimed.
Ok, that was unexpected. I thought she would like to be praised but she took it the wrong way instead.
"No of course not, I'm just happy that I'll see you fly that's all." I gave a quick excuse.
"Are you done Perrine?" Mio asked while standing behind Perrine.
"M-M-Major, yes I'm done with him. Let's proceed." Perrine said in panic.
The girls went on to the hangar as Dan watched on the end of the runway.
I wonder how Mac is doing, it's surely weird. I looked at the girls as they launch themselves and took off as they begin to fly in pairs. My attention is currently on Perrine, that blonde Witch flew gracefully, every movement she makes is full of elegance. I switched my attention then to Yoshika, well she's completely out of balance and she barely keeps up with Lynne, she's really sloppy and she will really need a lot of practice. But I knew she will be a great Witch in a couple of episodes or so. I hope Mac wakes up soon. Well then, time to train.
Dan continued his training with some push-ups and sit-ups. Until he noticed someone approached him, it was Trude Barkhorn. He could only smile as he found himself being at the mercy of the Karlsland Ace.
Back at the Infirmary
The female physician gave Wing Commander Minna a call immediately after the group left Mac in the infirmary, Minna and Erica went to the infirmary to check on their new member, Trude was nowhere to be found that time. Upon entering, Erica was the one who approached first and looked at Mac who was still unconscious. She poked the man's cheek and looked at Minna smiling.
Minna approached Mac and held his hand. "Whatever happened to them before they arrived must be difficult for them or should I say to him?" She said solemnly as she held Mac's hand and looked at his bruised arm.
"So many things have happened in a very short time, adjusting to this world might prove difficult for him. Maybe that's also the reason why he can't reveal anything to us right now." She added.
"You know it's going to be an issue with the top brass especially with the RAF when they found out, even so…" Erica added. "Anyway, it's not something we can't handle right…after all we're the Karlsland Triple Aces." She cheered.
"I'm willing to take the risk Frau; I made a promise to him after all." Minna let go of Mac's hand and stood up as she looked at the female physician with a smile.
She noticed Mac moved a little and a faint mumble is heard from him.
Mac's POV / Mindscape - Foreseen Consequences
I looked around and it was dark, yet the feeling was the same. It felt like the void which Dan and I were before we were sucked into Dover Base. Wait, does this mean I will be able to come back? But where's Dan?
But suddenly, various landmasses appeared around him and the sky appeared was blue with some clouds and the sea was calm as rays of sunlight from the setting sun slowly illuminate the surroundings. The scenery was a magnificent view until Mac found myself standing next to a cliff. In front of him was a tombstone marker. Mac recognized the marker.
This just keeps getting weirder by the minute.
A man appeared behind Mac and spoke "Greetings…" I heard a voice as the wind blew; I turned around and saw a person I never expected to meet. This guy is Dr. Ichiro Miyafuji, the father of Yoshika and the man behind the success of the Striker Unit. What does he want, am I really talking to him or this is just a dream, damn it to hell, I can't even compare what's a dream and what is not anymore.
"Don't be afraid, I mean no harm." He spoke as if he was actually here. I want to get out of here as soon as possible but the vision came to my mind, his demise at the hands of those 'bastards'.
"That's something to hear from a person who's already dead for many years." I spoke coldly just to hide my fear, I think this will be the worst encounter I'll ever have.
"It seems so, but I am here because of you." Ichiro stated which surprised Mac.
This guy appeared here because of me? It doesn't make any sense! A dead guy appeared because of me? This is insane!
"Look, you're probably aware of the situation right now. Your daughter Yo…Sergeant Miyafuji finally joined the military because she wanted to protect people. It's her wish, but she hates the war. I know that she will make a big difference in the war effort. Not just in Gallia but for the rest of this region as well." I told him, yet it's unclear if this guy could be the actual or just my imagination so what's the difference? How the hell should I know!
"A storm is coming." Ichiro spoke. Honestly, it scared me when he told that. A storm is coming…is that something to be surprised about? Let's just say an entire Neuroi Armada is coming to wipe out humanity…now that's worth waiting.
"The Neuroi is not the only enemy, there are others who wanted to defeat the Neuroi and use their power to take over the world. They would do anything or kill anyone just to achieve their goal. Their goal is to unite the world under a sole leadership and a world government." Ichiro stated.
So what's there to be surprised? It was clear that our arrival would result in something like this. A new enemy would come up and be a more threat than the Neuroi, and this new threat wanted to unite the world under a single authority known as the World Government. Who are they, Nazis?
"You don't seem surprised." Ichiro asked.
"No, I expected far worse than that, but worry not. I won't let that happen, I won't let anything happen to them, the witches and the people of this world. The Witches are the ones who accepted us and in return, I will do whatever I can to protect them as well as your daughter." I assured him. I looked at Ichiro who was smiling at me, the very smile that he had on that picture of his. I wanted to ask him about his killers, yeah that would be a good idea.
"You have questions?" Ichiro asked calmly.
"Ichiro, I'm pretty sure you know that you are dead. Your killers, who are they and what are they after?" I asked him and expected to get a straight answer from the dead guy himself. Although Dan and I suspected that Trevor Maloney is probably involved, that red stone which is probably the Neuroi core for the Warlock and that damn bastard who pulled the trigger was Maloney's adjutant that was badly beaten by Barkhorn near the end of Season 1, I don't know his name though, but when I get my hands on him…
"I'm sorry, I can't tell you." Ichiro's respond was not what Mac expected. You bastard! How could you be such an ass?
"So it's up to me to unravel everything is that it? I asked him angrily but he only gave me a nod.
So who wants to play Phoenix Wright, anyone?
Suddenly
The sky splits as flashes of lightning appeared and large numbers by the hundreds and thousands of gigantic Neuroi ships with sizes bigger than any battleship of the SW era started entering the Earth's orbit like a floating armada slowly descending into the planet's atmosphere, Mac and Ichiro looked astound at the visitors.
"A storm you say, that's a damn Neuroi Invasion Fleet!" I screamed as I looked up in awe and disbelief. From what I observed, the smallest of the Neuroi ships are ten times bigger than a Battleship, the rest are just colossal that overshadows the smaller ones and there are so many dark blips at the atmosphere, I can't even count them, those blips are probably Neuroi ships outside the orbit. It reminds me of something I've seen in a game I think.
"What you're seeing right now is only one of the possibilities that can happen in the future of this world and it's up to you to prevent this particular outcome." Ichiro said as he looked towards Mac.
Well, this is getting really out of hand. I'll be getting hazard pay for this right?
"So you're saying that this is just one of the possibilities?" A World Government ruled by a damn psycho or total annihilation of all life on the planet, where's the harem ending in all this and I bet Dan will pick the harem one. Total annihilation could be the bad ending. .
Mac was still at his train of thought but then the sky turned red as all Neuroi ships started attacking everything below. A Mountain was pulverized; a city was razed, forests burned leaving absolute destruction around them. The sheer power of each hit on the ground was enough create intense shockwaves that hurl everything away from the point of impact leaving a large deep molten crater. The cliff where the two are standing started to crack as the shockwaves intensifies and each Neuroi attack came closer to their location.
"So that's it huh? Will I see you again?" Ichiro didn't answer. I tried to keep a straight face while Ichiro smiled.
"Please, protect my daughter and tell her…tell her that I love her." Ichiro said. What the…seriously?
A thin red vertical line appeared between them, it was glowing and expanding; the two of them looked up and saw red. The next moment was no more as everything in Mac's vision turned red. *Explosion*
Infirmary – Awakened for damnation
"GAAH!" Mac screamed as he sits up to his bed.
Erica and Minna as well as the base physician were shocked at the sudden awakening of the sole patient. Mac began to breathe heavily and sweat began to exude from his body.
"Are you alright, you looked like you've seen a ghost." Erica asked curiously as she took a closer look at Mac's face.
Mac held his forehead and gritted his teeth, he clearly remembers everything. That meeting with Dr. Ichiro Miyafuji is the very thing in his mind right now but the most important for him was the final words of Ichiro before his vision turned red.
Damn it, how am I supposed to say that to her? Damn you Ichiro, I should have punched you in the face.
"Marcus, can you hear me?" Minna asked in a worried tone, Mac slowly turned his head.
"Yeah, I'm good…although my body is aching with a couple of bruises and ouch, my face." Mac answered plainly as he checked his arms and felt his cheeks. The door opened and came in was Trude, her grumpy face is noticeable but her attention suddenly focused on Mac who had just awaken.
"Your first day is completely rough. I surely hope this won't be on a regular basis Sergeant." Trude frowns and berates him as she placed her hands on her hips.
"Don't be mean to him Trude, can't you see he's hurt." Erica scowls and sat at the side of the bed.
Minna and Erica both looked at Mac who was silent, but he smiled and extended his right hand to reach Erica's face. Erica was surprised a bit.
"You're a nice girl Erica; if I could have a sister right now I want it to be you." Mac spoke solemnly as he caresses Erica's cheek. Ah, her face is just adorable.
"How long I've been out Commander?" Mac changed the topic as he pulled his hand away from Erica's face; she blushes a little as she looks at Trude who was also blushing.
Minna sighed as she sat at the chair next to Mac's bed. "You were unconscious about four hours."
"What about Dan and the others?" Mac asked as he looked around the infirmary.
Suddenly, a sound of engines roared near the infirmary. It was Perrine and Mio landing to the runway on their way to the base hangar.
"It seems like they're done with flight training." Trude said while looking outside the window.
"Dan is doing flight training?" Mac asked as he looked into his thought and used his imagination.
Dan wearing a Striker Unit and doing some aerial maneuvers and stuff while showing the big lump on his crotch appeared on his mind.
"Please God, help me keep my sanity." Mac muttered to himself while doing a face palm.
"Of course not, he was at the runway doing some sit-ups and push-ups when I saw him. So I had to supervise him for a while until Sergeant Lynnette and the new recruit finished their flight training." Trude clarified.
"Really, did you happen to have a word with the 'newcomer'?" Mac asked as he looked at Trude's face.
"The newcomer?" Trude asked with a hint of annoyance as the door behind her opened up.
"I saw you in one of my visions while I was unconscious; you approached the newcomer Sergeant Miyafuji with a stern face and said something to her like 'this is the frontline, combat ability is all that matters here, if you don't want to die, then go home, the Neuroi will not wait for you to grow, unless you want to regret it later…simply become stronger'…something along those lines…" Mac stated not noticing Dan who just entered the infirmary.
I'm pretty sure she said those, wait a minute…
"A vision you say?" Minna and Erica asked in wonder as they both switch their attention to Trude.
"I don't remember saying something like that, at all. Did I say such a thing? I think not." Trude asked with confused look.
"But that sounded very likely you Trude." Erica said and giggled.
"You don't remember? Do you want me to…?" Mac didn't have the chance finish his sentence…
*Smack!* A powerful slap in the back was delivered by the newcomer.
"Argh! What the hell?!" Mac winced in pain as he turned his head at the culprit.
"Hey MAN, how are YOU doing?" Dan closed in, looking face to face with Mac as he wrapped Mac's neck with his arm and spoke with a grin face. "What kind of DREAM are you HAVING lately, or perhaps you SAW a PART of an EPISODE that you are NOT supposed to SPOIL yet hmm…are you perhaps still DREAMING?" Dan spoke with puzzling words which made everyone confuse except Mac.
Shit, those words that I just said are they still… Aw crap! Mac thought as he now realizes his big mistake.
"Hey bro thanks for the wake up slap. How's your training today? I heard you were supervised." Mac changed the topic immediately. Dan raised a brow realizing that Mac got his message and also knew that he is trying to derail the topic in which he followed.
"Oh, it's fun. Lieutenant Barkhorn is the one who personally supervised me; she did a really good job." Dan exclaimed with a grin on his face.
The Witches and the Physician are somewhat confused at the duo until Dan started his story about his training while under the supervision of Trude Barkhorn.
Dan's Flashback/POV – Balls of Steel
"Good afternoon to you Lieutenant."I called out to her as I saw Trude approached me so I greeted her first, seems like she's been keeping an eye on me for quite some time now. If I know any better.
"Why are you alone here Darius and where is your friend Marcus?" I think she's pissed off. Is something troubling her?
"Oh, he passed out and got some minor injuries so we dropped him to the infirmary for a while then we went back here as ordered by the Major. The Major and Perrine together with Lynne and Yoshika are currently sky high doing flight training whatnot and stuff while I'm down here doing some training on my own as advised by the Major." Dan explained.
"So you're currently on your own…well then, I'll personally supervise you for your training. Training alone could also give you a reason to slack and since I got some free time to kill. I'll supervise you whether you like it or not." Trude said in authority making Dan sigh and nod.
For the whole training, Dan made 120 push-ups, 92 sit-ups, 100 squats and 5 laps of running back and forth. Trude left Dan almost completely motionless after the last lap who later dropped flat on the runway, he's a true survivor. After a while, Dan was breathing heavily as he saw Lynne and Yoshika landed and laid down a few meters away from him, it's also noticeable that Yoshika was lying on top of Lynne with one of her arms resting on Lynne's chest. He sat up and faintly hear the group conversation, he even saw Perrine stick out her tongue at Yoshika before she flew away with Mio.
What a bitch…
He stood up, took a stroll heading for the infirmary. I wonder if Mac is already awake.
"And that's all what happened; the sun was setting already when I got back on my feet so I decided to check on you, and so here I am." Dan finished his story with the Witches paying close attention to him.
"Wow, you took all that punishment and still survived, are you even human?" Mac asked angrily realizing that he's completely no match to Dan's endurance. Good.
"You ain't seen nothin' yet, dude." Dan spoke with a bragging tone.
Awkward silence
"Well Marcus, I suppose you're alright now." Minna said while smiling to break the silence.
"Yeah, you looked ok now." Erica said smiling, Trude glared at her but she just ignored it.
"Yes Commander, does this mean I can be discharged now?" Mac answered and looked at the female Physician.
Finally, I can't stand this Physician any longer. Her stare is making me nervous like I'm about to melt.
The female Physician looked at Minna and nodded. "Yes, but the two of you must return here tomorrow." She added.
Mac looked at Dan, they exchanged looks and both looked at the Physician.
"You two will need to undergo medical examination, you also need to fill out forms for your medical record. It's a standard procedure whenever new recruits arrive." Minna enlightened the confused duo.
"So Yoshika will be taking a medical examination tomorrow as well?" Yay! Sneak peek, SNEAK PEEK! Dan asked looking at Minna who only shook her head.
"Not necessarily, right Doctor?" Minna answered and asked the Physician.
"Yes Commander, Major Sakamoto already filed Sergeant Miyafuji's medical record from her school, her medical certificate as well as her medical history from her family's clinic." The Physician clarified.
"Just me and Mac, OK does it involve giving us a 'physical' Doctor?" Dan asked in a sarcastic manner making the Physician blush. Damn not a chance! Physical! Physical exam!
"Shut it Dan…" Mac rolled his eyes and growled in frustration as he stood up just to find out that he doesn't wear any pants. Not gonna have it your way asshole.
"What the heck, where the hell are my pants?" Mac exclaimed as he took the blanket and covered his lower part. The Karlsland Trio looked away as they blushed while the female Physician could only give a wry smile.
Hallway – Calm before the storm
The Karlsland Trio and the duo are walking at the base hallway; they are being guided to the place where the two of them will stay. They've been walking for a couple of minutes now as they navigate the halls and corners of the base to avoid being spotted by the other base personnel. Mac is still pissed though.
"I can't believe it; my pants were not on while I was sleeping. I didn't even realize until I stood up!" Mac complains.
"It's only natural because she's a Physician, she would need to check on every part of your body, you get what I mean?" Dan teases as the Karlsland Trio smiles. I wonder what that Physician did to Mac. Dan thought as he smiles.
Suddenly, Minna stopped walking and she turned around to face the duo, Erica and Trude are behind them.
"Gentlemen, this is the room you'll be using from now on." Minna pointed at the door to her left. She opened it then entered; the duo looked at each other then entered as well with Erica and Trude behind them followed.
Inside the Room – Kids in the house
"Wow! It's cool there's a double deck man and also a small desk." Dan cheered as he ran around; he then went to the window and opened it. "This is great! We can even see the runway from here!" Dan exclaimed with excitement as the others could only look at him with amazement. I can probably jump out of the window and land on the terrace below.
"You're acting like a kid you know that?" Mac complained. Good work on surveying the area, I'm sure he saw something judging by his tone.
"Hey, I'll be using the top of the deck! You sleep below, got a problem with that?" Dan said in a serious monotone.
Whatever… Mac thought.
After a brief discussion and a handful of swearing at each other, Dan and Mac decided to use the oldest and most idiotic way of settling disputes…
"I win!" Dan cheered as he won the rock paper scissors. I'm not sure why, but I feel like sleeping on the top.
Mac didn't give a thought about him losing the top deck; he's content that the two of them has a place to stay for now. He looked around and saw something on the table. Mac approached the table and look at what seems to be a set of clothing, he then looked at Minna.
"I told you that I'll be preparing something before sun down, so this should be it for now until the next supplies arrive." Minna stated.
"COOL! Uniforms man! They have uniforms for the two us!" Dan screamed at the top of his lungs as the Karlsland Trio could only look at him annoyed while Mac approached Minna. Finally, some disguise.
"Commander." Mac reached for Minna's hand and held it wholehearted. "Thank you very much." He added.
Wow, Minna's hand is actually soft despite doing a lot of paperwork and shooting down Neuroi.
"It's the least I can do Marcus, you two are now part of this unit and I really hope I won't regret this later, just remember our agreement and I'll keep my promise." Minna said while blushing, Mac still hasn't released her hand.
"Ok, Ok, enough with that Mac." Dan moved in between the two which made Mac release Minna's hand.
Too much skin contact is bad for your health.
"Hey Minna, maybe we should bring them there now…" Erica said making the duo confused.
"I agree, it should be unoccupied this time." Trude supported Erica's suggestion making Minna smile and nod.
"Alright you two grab your uniforms and follow us." Minna skips outside the room with Erica and Trude in tow while the duo looked at each other first, the grabbed their uniforms and followed the trio.
I have a bad feeling about this… Mac thought
Hallway
While walking, Erica and Dan began throwing jokes at each other while Trude and Mac are berating and scolding them. Minna kept her smiling posture as she walks to the hallways but then….Minna stopped, she stood straight and turned at the duo, Erica and Trude are behind them…again.
"For now, you two are allowed to use the bath since it's currently unoccupied." Minna spoke in a cold stern manner and looked at the duo with a faint red in the face. "You have fifteen minutes." She added.
"Fifteen minutes?" Dan asked as she switched looking at Mac and Minna. Seriously, fifteen minutes?
"Yes, clock starts now." Minna leaned on the wall with her arms crossed smiling; Erica and Trude did the same.
Mac wasn't moving at all but he was suddenly pulled by Dan inside the bath. They entered the bath and saw shelves with baskets on it.
Dressing Area
"I don't know about you man, but I'm taking a dip." Dan spoke quickly as he took off his shirt and removed his shoes, socks, pants and underwear until he's completely naked, he took a small towel and ran inside the bath leaving Mac alone in the dressing area.
*sigh* "What a bother…" Mac started undressing; he took off his shirt and everything then followed Dan inside the bath with just a towel. Those three won't enter while were inside will they?
"Wow, this is probably the best bath I've ever seen." Dan's jaw dropped as he looked at the scenery. AWW YEAH!
"Let's take a shower first…" Mac said behind him.
Mac walked over the shower and saw some soap bars and took one; he took a shower and started rubbing himself with soap. Dan stood next to him and took a shower as well.
Meanwhile…
"Ah, after all that trouble and intense training…it's best to relax in a nice warm bath." Mio said as she carried some bathing materials while walking the hallway followed by Perrine.
"Major if you don't mind, I would like to accompany you." Perrine requests as she was carrying some bathing materials as well.
"Alright" Mio agreed as they walked the hallway. They reached their destination however, 3 familiar faces are standing at the door. Mio and Perrine approached the trio.
"What's the catch Minna?" Mio asked as she approached with a basket that contains bathing materials.
"Major" Minna called out but she realized that Mio carries bathing materials.
"Major, the bath is currently occupied." She added in hurry.
"Oh, I shall join in then. Perrine wants to join in as well, so what are you three doing here?" Mio asked
"Major, Darius and Marcus are in the bath right now; I suggest you wait until they're finished." Trude stated.
"That's right Major, they'll be done in a few minutes." Minna added.
"I can't believe you allowed them to use our bath Commander." Perrine protested while Erica just yawned at the side.
"I allowed them because it's available this time which is also why we are here to supervise them. Anyway, they'll be done soon so please just wait for a while." Minna clarified but Mio doesn't seem to be bothered by it.
Mio walked pass Minna and opened the door to the dressing room. She entered the dressing area as Minna and Perrine were about to protest.
"Relax you two. I don't mind entering the bath with those two still inside." Mio said with a calm voice.
"But Major, that means you will have to show them your…this is wrong and they are men and men are…they are…I mean…" Perrine stuttered trying to glue a sentence.
Inside the Bath
"Hey man, the water is really nice and it seems that it's a natural hot spring flowing from that fountain statue." Dan stated his observation as he stretches his arms and legs while slowly drifting to the pool.
"Look, we better finish up alright." Mac took a bucket and washed himself with warm water.
"Tch how troublesome, just sit down here at the pool and relax, even if we pass the 15 minute mark none of the Witches will have the guts to enter here as long as they know two adult men are using it." Dan suggests which Mac obliged.
Mac and Dan heard some voices at the dressing area, but they just ignored it knowing that no sane girl would have the balls to enter a bath with two grown men inside.
Dressing area
"Major, you can't possibly go in there!" Perrine exclaims as she extended her arms to block the entrance to the bath.
"Major, it's too dangerous." Minna protested.
"I don't understand at all, Major this is too much." Trude starts to lose her composure.
"I think this is fairly normal by Fuso standards was it Major?" Erica asked.
"Ah yes, we have mixed baths back in Fuso which both genders can bathe together in an open area." Mio stated as she took off her last piece of clothing.
"But, alone inside the bath with two adult men?" Minna asked with a blush on her face.
"I won't be alone because Perrine will accompany me, right Perrine?" Mio looked at Perrine who was standing at the bath entrance. She's shaking at the idea of herself entering the bath showing all of her to those men.
"Major, I think I'll pass." Perrine fidgets her hands while blushing.
"I see, so I'll go alone then." Mio stepped forward but Perrine still refused.
"No Major, please just wait a little. Like the Commander said, they'll be done soon." Perrine extended her arms again stalling Mio.
"Step aside Perrine." Mio said in authority, her cold stare pierced through Perrine's glasses.
"But Mio…" Minna could only mutter weakly and defeated as she looked at Trude who was looking at her. Erica began switching looks with her fellow Karlslanders in confusion.
Perrine almost cried as she lowered her arms to make way for her Major. Mio proceeds and entered the bath.
[The following part is within the bath]
The Karlsland Trio and Perrine waited as they stand near the bath entrance waiting for something to happen.
The duo was having a discussion while Mio entered the bath silently, the steam of the water created enough fog to cover their surroundings. Mio stood behind the duo that was still unaware of her presence.
["Hello gentlemen, how's the water?"] Mio asked as she stood at the pool side.
["Gah!"] The duo jumped screaming in shock as they heard and saw Mio inside the bath.
["Good thing you noticed me already."] Mio said with a smirk on her face.
The Karlsland Trio and Perrine exchanged looks at what they heard.
["Oh shit, my towel?!"] Dan exclaimed as he turned around and search for his towel.
["It fell into the water, what the…damn it stop taking mine you idiot!"] Mac yelled as he battles Dan for his towel.
["At ease you two, just turn around and sit down now!"] Mio screamed at the duo. They sat and didn't move.
["Major, your startled us! What are you thinking entering the bath naked like that?"] Mac protested.
["You forgetting something Mac, she's from Fuso and they have mixed baths so she's not bothered by it.] Dan spoke.
["Ah, you know that. Yes, we do have mixed baths back in Fuso; does that mean Fuso also has a counterpart in your world?"] Mio asked the duo as she placed the towel on her lap.
["Yes."] The duo answered in unison.
"We need to stop the Major before something serious happens." Trude suggested as she leaned towards the bath entrance. "I agree, we can't leave the Major alone with those two!" Perrine favored. The Karlsland trio and Perrine continued their eavesdropping.
["Fuso in our world is called Japan."] Mac stated.
["What kind of culture does this Japan have?'] Mio asked.
["That would be a long story to tell.] Dan said.
["I see, I came in here because I would like to ask you a favor…will you hear me out?"] Mio asked calmly and the duo nodded in response.
There was a moment of silence, after a few minutes Dan started throwing lewd jokes and stuff while Mio just laughed it off with an annoyed tone. The Karlsland trio and Perrine planned and discussed on how they will enter the bath however… they heard laughter inside; it was the duo seemed like they were having fun as they laughed.
But Perrine took it wrong and snaps.
"That's it, I'm going in!" she stood up and charged inside the bath. The Karlsland trio was shocked. Perrine went straight to the pool but the fog was thick enough to cover the floor and she stepped on something that made her trip. Perrine slips and threw herself into the direction where the duo is sitting.
SPLASH!
She landed in the middle of the naked duo that's completely dumbfounded.
"What are you doing here Perrine?" Mio said as she covered her girly parts with a towel.
The naked duo was frozen in place while Perrine was sitting between them at the pool, she was soaked with water and her glasses fell. Her hands started moving in search for her glasses but her right hand landed into places they are not supposed to be. Her left hand found her glasses while her right hand grabbed something else.
"Guh." Perrine wore her glasses and looked up as she saw a man's naked chest but she felt her right hand holding something hard and warm. She slowly looked down and saw a man's erected penis; her face began to turn red as she pulled her hand away from the piece of meat while she suppressed the urge to scream , then she looked up and saw Dan mere inches away from her face looking down at her with irritation.
"How long will you stay there Perrine?" Mac asked angrily. Perrine started to get nervous as she slowly turned her head to face the person who called her.
Perrine, being a noble lady did her best to stay calm even when she saw Mac completely nude from head to foot. She cleared her throat and looked at Mio who was observing quietly. Dan evilly smiled however and decided to take it to the extreme.
"So you still won't move away huh." Dan said with a smirk.
Dan stood up in front of Perrine with his erected meat showing its full glory.
"Kyaa!" Perrine screamed loudly and fainted. Just as before she fell into the water, Mac rushed in and breaks her fall. The scream was so loud it even echoed to the halls of the base.
At the same time at the dressing area, the Karlsland Trio heard the scream and they all charged in, upon entering the scene they saw Perrine unconscious with Mac holding Perrine on her back. Dan was standing in front of the unconscious Perrine with his erected meat pointing at her face making the duo looked like they were molesting her. Mio was just silent as she rolled her eyes..
"Mein lieber Gott im Himmel." Minna froze at what she saw, Erica tried to cover her eyes but she remained looking while Trude clenched her teeth in anger as she called out her familiar.
"What's with that scream?" came in running was Shirley but she too went frozen instantly followed by Lucchini who stared blankly at the scene.
"Hey what happened, why does that stuck up four eyes screamed like that?" Eila arrived but she didn't have enough time to react at what she saw but instantly realized that Sanya was behind so she immediately blocked Sanya who was following her.
"Sanya don't look!" It was too late; Sanya already got a glimpse of the scene in which she could only cover her mouth in shock with eyes wide open.
With a big slice of bad luck, last arriving at the scene was Lynne and Yoshika also with eyes wide open and hands covering their mouths with expressions mixture of shock and disbelief when they saw the naked duo that looked like a scene of two brutes molesting an innocent young lady, Lynne couldn't take it and she fainted. All this happened in a very quick moment.
"Oh shit." The duo muttered in unison while looking at the group of Witches that is staring at them with both anger and disgust combined. Trude and Shirley finally snaps followed by Lucchini and Eila who charged at the duo. Then all hell breaks loose.
Moments later, Briefing Room – Here Comes the Pain
The duo finally got to try their new uniforms on them and Perrine has finally dried herself and covered with a blanket, but the thing is…the duo got beaten and got their hands tied up on their backs as they kneel at the floor while surrounded by angry Witches. Dan suffered the worst as he took most of the beating, a crushed nose from a flying kick, a left black eye, some additional minor bruises and a broken tooth which he got when he was thrown to the pool steps. Fortunately, he still has his manhood intact. Dan even requested Yoshika to heal them but to his shock she refused despite her promise to her father that she will use her ability to help people.
There was a moment of silence, but the air in the room was so heavy. Most of the Witches looked at the duo with anger and disgust. It was a very bad feeling. Mio was still silent and who knows why, but the current issue is focused on the duo.
"THEY TRIED TO MOLEST ME!" Perrine exclaimed in anger breaking the silence while switch pointing her finger at the helpless duo while sobbing. Lynne approached and hugged her.
Best Actress of the Year… Dan thought gritting his teeth
"It's alright Perrine, you're safe now." Lynne looked at Dan which surprising because her stare is full of hate.
"Yeah, good thing we just arrived in time, you're safe now Perrine." Shirley said as she looked at Dan too.
"They were really bad; I was beginning to like them. I thought they're different, but they were bad men after all." Lucchini said with stern look and disgust.
"Thank you everyone." Perrine said as she wipes her tears.
Mac was silent; he just stared at the floor and ran his thoughts. It was uncalled for, but the situation is dire as they found themselves in an extremely serious misunderstanding. Dan however…
"Hey! Just like that you assumed that we molested her and gets a damn beating? Why is she in the bath in the first place?! Ask the Major to clear things out!" Dan protested as he looked at Mio who was still silent.
"Don't try to reason with us you molester, we know what we saw and you can't deny that, also the Major's words won't do you any good." Barkhorn spat and pulled Dan's hair to raise his face.
"You're lucky to be alive at least." She added, and then she released Dan's hair.
"If that was Sanya, I would shoot you in an instant! Damn with the regulations!" Eila exclaimed as she walked near Mac and kicked him in the shoulder. Mac fell sideward and grunts but didn't say anything, he just went back to his knees and stared at the floor again, this however pissed Eila even more.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Eila landed another kick on Mac's chest making him fall backwards. The rest of the Witches didn't react at what's happening. For them, the men deserve what they're getting.
"Eila, it's not worth it. Let the Commander decide what to do to them. I don't want you to get into trouble." Sanya protested and looked coldly at Mac who was slowly getting back on his knees.
"That's it, you had your fun. Mac say something damn it!" Dan grits his teeth as he looked at Mac who just got back on his knees and stared at the floor again. "Hey are you even listening?" Dan asked in frustration.
"He's silent because he's guilty, so I suggest you admit your sin and take your punishment like a real man should." Minna said as she stood in front of Dan. Her stare was heavy as if she's drilling into his soul. But Dan didn't yield and looked back at her with burning hatred.
I didn't expect you to believe us anyway, but physically harming us is enough ground for disciplinary actions! Dan screamed in his mind.
"His silence proves nothing and I will not admit something that I didn't commit so save your threats, Minna." Dan's tone changed and it was heavy especially when he spoke her name. Minna's expression changed and slapped him.
"You bitch!" Dan cursed and was about to charge at Minna but then…he was stopped.
"Dan, don't waste your time to explain…no matter what we say it's useless. They only believe what they want to believe, in their eyes we are the bad guys, to them we are dirty and disgusting molesters. I spoke nothing about it because it's not worth the effort, one cannot reason to a person with a closed mind." Mac looked at Dan with calm but sad expression, the Witches focused their attention to him as he continued.
"We know things that the Witches do not, we have information in our minds that could endanger us all, but why do we remain quiet? It's because of them; we don't want them to know the horrors and the inevitable that they will encounter in the future, for their own sake, even though we may suffer for it." Mac took a deep breath and look at Dan again.
"I rather have the entire burden unto myself and our task is given…" he paused while thinking about what Ichiro showed to him. Dan looked at him with puzzled expression.
"So you're saying we owe you guys big time is that it?" Shirley asked in a mocking tone.
"Then let's just give it to them and get on with it! I don't care what will happen or what consequences it will cause to this world anymore!" Dan blurted out and spat at Minna's foot making her eyebrow twitch. Take that you bitch.
"You dirty bastard!" Trude walked forward and hit Dan in the face with a left hook. He fell and on his back and received a follow up stomp on his chest. "That's what you deserve you prick!" she added while enraged.
Dan coughs and spat some blood on the floor; he looked at Mac and smiled then returned to his usual position and looked at Mac again. Damn it, I felt that one really hard. Dan thought cursing.
"What was that task again?" he asked while completely ignoring Trude making her grit in frustration.
"Help bring salvation of this world or deliver complete total annihilation." Mac said, it only took seconds for Dan to realize that Mac knows something that he doesn't. Mio blinked her eyes on the statement.
"What kind of nonsense are you saying?!" Perrine walked towards angrily at Mac and slaps him. "Are you telling us that this world's salvation is on your hands? That is the most ridiculous idea you can come up with!" she added.
"Such nonsense, he's not going to achieve anything with that kind of crap." Erica speaks and sticks out her tongue.
"Huh, acting high and almighty won't do any good for you. That's what we Witches are for, we fight the Neuroi to protect this planet and with the support of everyone, mankind will surely to survive." Shirley said mocking.
"No man has the ability to fight the Neuroi, that's why they rely on Witches like us to take the fight directly to the Neuroi. We are their hope and we bring that hope to the people, their cheers and admiration gives us the strength to continue fighting, it's the reason why we Witches have been successful in every battle we had fought. To bring annihilation you say, heh, bring it on! I'd like to see you try." Eila spoke, her tone was almost bragging.
"We Witches can bring that salvation because we can provide it and we can also prove it. We can win this fight. Your nonsense means your ignorance on what we Witches are capable of." Eila added.
"I can't believe these Witches are two faced bitches, now I understand why there are people in the military that doesn't like them. I guess it's time to get rid of my garbage and stuff when we get back." Dan stated. His words we're insulting for the Witches but before any of the Witches react Mac speaks up.
"What garbage stuff?" Mac asked confused.
"SW Anime." Dan answered
The Witches looked at them confused at what the duo were saying.
"We're currently in it…" Mac answered back.
"Damn it, I forgot…" Dan muttered looking down defeated.
"Oi, speak English damn it…" Shirley protested. Dan raised a brow.
"You want English? Here's one for you Shirley…FUCK YOU!" Dan spat the word which made the Witches gasp.
"You jerk!" Shirley charged, she kicked Dan in the chest then reached for his neck before he even hit the floor and raised him by his collar with her right hand. "No one has ever said something like that to me in my ENTIRE LIFE!" Shirley raised her left fist.
"Congratulations then, I'm your first." Dan smiled before he fell from the impact of the punch.
"Let's get rid of them already, they're freaking me out!" Shirley exclaimed as she walked away.
"This discussion is over; we will now decide what we'll do to them." Minna announced as she gathered the Witches up to decide the fate of the two men.
"Mac, are you alright. As much as I want to do something about this but you lost me there. What do you mean about annihilation and salvation? I don't get it." Dan said as he sat next to Mac as he coughs.
"I finally remembered what it was called, the vision that I saw while I was unconscious." Mac stated as he slowly turned to face Dan.
"You saw a vision while at the infirmary?" Dan questioned and received a nod from Mac.
"Spit it out already!" Dan yelled in frustration. The Witches returned their attention at the duo.
"What's with that racket?" Eila barked at the duo but none looked at her.
Dan and Mac were looking face to face. Then Mac uttered the word Dan was waiting for.
"Exterminatus…" Mac said and stared down the floor while smiling. Dan blinked for a couple of times before the word finally reached his understanding.
"No way, you're kidding right, you can't be serious, that's crazy, it just can't be true right, you're just trolling me right, say something more realistic will you, Exterminatus, but that's to…" Dan stuttered as he saw the image of Exterminatus in his mind.
"Rid all life on the face of the planet." Mac continued and connected his sentence to Dan.
The Witches heard their conversation; it was disturbing for them to hear such description. To rid all life on the face of the planet was something they never heard from any person. Then, the duo went silent as they gaze at Mio.
"Preposterous!" Perrine yelled and took everyone's attention. "Don't listen to whatever he says, don't believe them, we've been fighting the war for quite some time and it's only a matter of time before we liberate our homelands." She added and looked at the duo and she's angrier than before.
"I agree, we've been fighting the war valiantly that we managed to push the Neuroi back to their hive and destroy anything that it throws at us. What they're saying can be used against them; we take that information as black propaganda for the war effort which might cause a huge drop on morale not to mention it will cause an outburst from all those people who hated us Witches." Minna said in authority. The statement made Dan chuckle.
"What's so funny?!" Perrine asked in annoyance.
"Pushed the Neuroi back to their hive? Pretty impressive indeed…" Dan remarked sarcastically.
"You damn bastard…" Perrine was about to finish her sentence when she was interrupted.
"We are Witches and there's nothing a Witch cannot do." Finally, after a long wait Mio decided to speak up.
"How nice of you to finally join this racket Mio, the one who started this." Mac remarked smiling.
"This racket started because of the two of you arriving in this place from the start." Perrine defends Mio.
"Ask your Major then." Mac barked back.
Everyone looked at Mio in wonder.
"It's my entire fault." Mio admits as she looked down and smiled.
"Major! You can't possibly say that they're innocent! We saw what they're doing!" Barkhorn protested.
"Riiiiiiggggggghhhhhhttttttt…." The duo said in unison with a long slow tone which made Barkhorn hiss.
Eila walked forward and protested as well. "Wait up Major, why didn't you stopped us when we started beating them up?"
"I also want to know why you've been quiet for the whole time and yet here you are defending these two, what's going on Major?" Shirley added.
The duo was smiling and kept silent; they just waited until all the questions are asked.
"Major, if there's a reason why it's your fault please say them now to clear things out." Minna requested.
Mio walked towards Mac and kneeled in front of him.
"I'm sorry if it had to be like this, I have my reasons for prolonging it but what impressed me is that you kept your anger into your head and that is something ordinary men are incapable of." She pulled a handkerchief and wiped Mac's face. She also pulled out a small knife and cut them loose.
"You took all that punishment and yet you remained calm despite what has been done. You earned my respect and in the end it all ended well." Mio added as she handed over the handkerchief.
"Just as planned" The duo replied in unison with smirks on their faces. This drawn confusion in the faces of the Witches however.
"I will clear things out so everyone pay attention." Mio announced.
Mio's Flashback
Moments before Perrine entered the bath, this conversation is a little quiet and none of the witches outside the bath heard it.
The duo still sitting at the poolside but still looking away from Mio, she decided to ask them.
"Let me ask you something, how much beating both of you can endure?"
"We can endure a beating, well if it's the Witches it depends." Dan said.
"Well, if it's just normal strength of the Witches, I think we can manage, most of them are aged 14 to 18 so it doesn't seem so hard to endure them, after all some slaps and punches might even feel like children hitting you. Although kicks and below the belt blows can be as painful as adult strikes. If they used magically enhanced strength, that's not pleasing at all and it's really gonna hurt." Mac clarified.
"Why do you ask Major?" Dan asked curiously.
"I wanted to ask a favor if you don't mind. I want to know if you trust me, and of course I wanted to know if I could trust you as well. So are you good?"
"What's your plan then?" The duo asked in unison.
"I want to make it look like you two are molesting me." Mio stated her plan.
"You can't be serious." Mac protested. 'Molest Mio; I don't want to die yet!'
"It's not that hard, after all I'll just scream and well you can touch me on my chest to make it look authentic." Mio said with a smirk while the duo sweat dropped.
"Why make such a plan, I mean what's the point in this?" Mac asked curiously as he turned and looked at Mio who didn't even bother to cover her body.
"Well, I can assure you that they will probably beat the hell out of you and make you suffer, from then on I will observe your tenacity on how well you manage your anger, I will decide whether you pass or not, and from that decision I will also decide on what to do to you after the ordeal." Mio said. "You can turn around now Darius." She added.
Dan turned around and covered his crotch with a towel. Mio however saw it and smirked.
"Don't laugh, it's only natural." Dan said while looking away.
"To test our endurance, to measure our tenacity and see if we're gonna break?" Mac asked to clarify.
"Exactly, if I am to trust you guys, I want to make sure on how well you can endure, you know very well that we are all girls here and I wanted to make sure that we can sleep peacefully at night knowing that you guys are able to resist temptation and not having lewd thoughts or ideas to ensure that you won't do anything to any of our Witches in this unit ." She said, but she looked at the crotch of the duo and sighed as she saw how lively their penises are.
"I guess you guys already failed on the lewd thoughts part." She sighed.
"It's natural because, well you yourself Major is physically and sexually attractive and being naked in front of us just made it worse, but as you can see we clearly held our ground." Dan stated proudly.
"Why thank you Darius." Mio smiled.
"I assure you Major that we can resist the temptation and we can endure, so bring it." Mac said proudly.
"Let's get this done but, I can't promise that we won't be quiet about it though…" Dan remarked.
"What do you mean?" Mio asked as she stood up and relocated herself to the fountain next to the pool steps.
"Can we swear and curse just to keep ourselves in check, but we might get overboard, though it will surely keep our heads in the game." Dan confirmed.
"Hmm, I guess you can… but try to make it minimal, because it could escalate if you went overboard so don't get carried away if you know what's good for you." She voiced her concern.
"It's cool, if the Witches beat us up and we cursed, insult or swear at them, it will be even. They can harm us physically but we can harm them emotionally, intensifying the ordeal might as well be beneficial, it could also make them believe like it's actually real." Dan said.
"So ok, I get the beating part, but during the ordeal we might spill some nonsense that can be puzzling or disturbing, just don't take anything we're gonna say seriously okay? Mac said with a grin. Mio nodded and smiled
"Let's get this over with…" Dan said as they sat next to each other and stared at Mio.
But Dan was so erect and Mac was staring at Mio, the duo began laughing which Mio followed.
But just as before Mio could open her mouth to give her signal to begin 'molesting' her, Perrine appeared out of nowhere and landed between the naked duo
"That is all that we planned, but we didn't think Perrine would make it turn out quiet well." Dan smirked.
"Thank you for your participation Perrine." Mio said making Perrine blush.
Trude approached Mio and spoke. "Major, so what you're saying that everything was just an act?" she asked.
"On our part yes…on yours I don't know." Dan said with a smile making Trude blush.
"It all started with Perrine after all, if she didn't enter this wouldn't have happened. Things turned out quiet well plus we got a terrible beating and the damage has been done but since everything is cleared out, it's alright with me." Mac stated. He stood up and looked at the Witches who beaten them up and clearly saw regret on their actions.
"Don't feel bad girls, it's only natural to do such things to protect one of your number and what happened earlier was understandable. Although, you didn't even give us a chance to explain and continued assaulting us mercilessly." Mac said in detail.
"It was clear that you didn't trust us, but since we put our trust deeply to the Major, it was worth it." Dan added.
"I have to admit, I was starting to doubt the Major's words but I decided to hang into it. After all, we have nowhere to go and we are outcasts in a world we didn't even know." Mac added.
Minna approached and speaks up. "You did that just to gain our trust? I understand the thought and all but you didn't have to put your lives on the line just to prove yourself trustworthy!" Minna exclaimed.
"Sometimes, you need to take extreme measures." Mac countered.
Mio did her signature laugh. "See that Minna, my hunch was right after all. We can trust them and let them stay at the base, you can even let them inside the bath with everyone." She said surprising the Witches.
There was awkward silence for a bit until Mac smirked and looked at Mio
"Ahem, I think it's necessary that you give them punishment for their actions earlier." Mac said with a smirk.
"However, I am the CO of this base." Minna countered but Mac doesn't want Minna to get away with it.
"But you are not safe from disciplinary action because your behavior earlier did not fit your rank and you also slapped Mac." Dan added with a smirk.
"But…" Minna was starting to get nervous.
"By the way, Shirley and Barkhorn did most of the beating; they surely to be punished as well." Mio followed.
"Why are you siding with them, Major? I was the victim here!" Perrine exclaimed protesting.
Dan and Mac chuckled at what they just heard.
"What's so funny? I believe she has a point." Eila spoke.
"Well Perrine slapped me so she's included also, don't forget Eila that you kicked me not once but twice." Mac countered chuckling.
"So whose it gonna be Major?" Dan smiled and walked next to Mio facing the Witches.
"You think the Major can just do something like that?" Barkhorn protested with pride. "Minna is our CO and she gives orders here, not the Major." She said proudly.
"Erica, Lynne, Yoshika and Sanya, get on this side." Mac called out to the four pointed on their side of the room.
"Do what he says." Mio said and the four young Witches did so.
"Major, what's the meaning of this?" Minna asked in panic.
"As a matter of fact Minna, you have violated military regulations regarding the handling of military personnel, you also let your subordinates physically assault them, you let them suffer and you yourself are involved." Mio chuckled.
"It makes sense now, no good will happen if you give in to your emotions." Mac remarked.
"I agree, like when the Commander slapped me!" Dan exclaimed.
"You provoked her!" Barkhorn hissed.
"And you punched and stomped me!" Dan countered shutting up Barkhorn.
"Look girls, I understand that you are still confused and none of you want to take the punishment." Mac said.
"But if you keep this up and prolong this, this discussion will make a big mess so just admit to your mistakes and accept the punishment, like a real soldier would do." He added.
"All those swearing and cursing that you did, do you think we forget that?" Shirley protested.
"We are just acting and we didn't mean any of the words we say alright? We wanted to piss you off so we can get the act like we actually mean it. The Major already admitted everything and she will take full responsibility but first you have to accept your punishment." Dan replied and chuckled.
"Barkhorn, Eila, Perrine, Lucchini, Shirley and Minna…you will accept the punishment that Mac will give to you." Mio smirked and looked at Mac while the named Witches groaned in frustration. Minna went silent as she ponders on how did this happen.
"Wait a minute why does he's the one to give the punishment?!" Barkhorn protested in anger.
"She's right Major, I don't mind accepting the punishment but why from him?" Eila followed.
"Do you also disagree with my decision Perrine?" Mio stared at Perrine who shuddered.
"Of course not Major, whatever you say." Perrine said and went silent. Barkhorn and Eila glared at her.
"I guess that's just fair after the beating I gave them, but what kind of punishment we will be expecting Major?" Shirley asked. "I don't wanna be hit hard or do laundry." Lucchini complained as Shirley began patting her head.
"Any objection Minna?" Mio looked at Minna and stared at her for a few seconds before she replied.
"None." Minna answered and looked at Mac. "I hope your punishment would be fair for us." She added and turned around not revealing her teary eyes to everyone.
"You must be wondering why these four are not included." Mac smiled pointing his right thumb behind him.
Barkhorn steps up and pointed her finger at Erica. "Hartmann, you should join us here!" she yelled as the young blonde shudders in the corner.
Mac walked in front of Erica and hides her behind facing Barkhorn. "Erica is safe because I say so, and she didn't hit any of us, she just watched although she gave some rude remarks it's not enough for her to be punished like the rest of you, Sanya was to be punished as well but I remembered her words when she stopped Eila so instead, her punishment will be added to Eila's. Lynne and Yoshika just listened and watched the entire time so they're good. Lucchini just did the extreme and Dan suffered for it so she's included. Perrine slapped me and the Commander slapped Dan." Mac added bringing back smiles on Erica's face. Sanya, Lynne and Yoshika also smiled in relief while Eila puffed her cheeks. Perrine glared at Mac while Lucchini hid her face on Shirley's chest.
"Also, from this day onward I take Erica as my ersatz little sister and if you have a problem with her you say it in my face, Lieutenant." Mac looked sternly at Barkhorn shocking everyone at the statement.
"What did you say?" Barkhorn stuttered as the man in front glared at her.
"Whoa! Yay! I got a new brother!" Erica cheered as ran and hugged Mac dearly.
"Alright, alright don't be so hard on me, my body still hurts, geez." Mac smiled as he tapped Erica's head.
"No seriously thanks bro!" Erica hugged him again.
"I wouldn't be so happy if I were you Erica." Dan said with a grin, making her blink in wonder.
"What do you mean?" Erica asked.
"Oh, I bet Lieutenant Barkhorn will enjoy this, Mac is a strict big brother, I know too well because I treat him as one." Dan remarked and looked at Barkhorn. "You'll never have to keep a close eye on Erica because she never knows what she got herself into." He added making Barkhorn blink before she smiles.
"I see." Barkhorn grinned while looking at Erica. "Have fun with your new brother, Hartmann." She looked at Mac smiling and Mac responded with a nod.
The entire room became lively as the duo started clearing things up with the Witches. Minna however remained silent as she felt she was betrayed, but she was surprised when Mac stood in front of her. She looked at the taller man anxiously and moved back a little.
"You ready for your punishment Commander? Mac smiled making her sweat drop.
20 Minutes Later – Dining Hall
It has been decided that the punishment for the Witches will be held at the dining hall to prevent other base personnel to see.
"There, you should be fully healed by now." Yoshika sighed as she finished healing Dan after she healed Mac.
"Thanks Yoshika, I don't suppose you can fix the broken tooth as well?" Dan grinned making Yoshika laugh dryly.
"Great job Miyafuji, now go and help prepare dinner with Lynne." Mio ordered
"Hai!" Yoshika responded and ran into the kitchen.
At the corner of the dining hall lined up the Witches, Minna, Shirley, Trude, Perrine, Eila and Lucchini, all were standing while holding 2 buckets of water on their hands. It's been decided that their punishment will last until Lynne and Yoshika finishes cooking dinner.
"I can't believe this; I have been working so hard in discipline and here I am taking punishment, but no matter. As a soldier of Karlsland, I'll take this punishment as a true soldier." Barkhorn hissed.
"Whoa, I bet that hurts Trude." Erica sighs while sitting at the chair with her elbow on the table.
"Wah, It hurts..I can't hold it anymore." Lucchini shouted.
"Bare with it Lucchini, if you drop it your punishment will be extended." Shirley scolds while tightening her grip on the bucket.
"Why does mine have to be holding buckets and balancing a book on my head at the same time?" Eila complains.
"So you want Sanya to be punished as well?" Dan said while chuckling. Eila glared at him.
"This is not right; it's not supposed to be like this." Perrine started muttering to herself.
Minna was surprisingly calm while holding 2 buckets of water. "I have to admit, your punishment is just fair as I expected although…"Minna paused as she looked at Mac who was sitting at the floor in front of her. "Why do you have to be so close and could you please stop staring at me like that?" She added while smiling dryly.
"It's working man, I thought the Commander was tougher that I thought but there you are mentally attacking her." Dan grinned while wiping the dining table.
"Shh, I haven't blinked since I started staring at her. Don't talk to me or I'll lose my focus." Mac said as he continued staring at Minna from head to toe.
Mio did her signature laugh. "You guys really ended up an unusual punishment for them."
"It's nothing really Major, after all we got ourselves pretty roughed up at least we can exact revenge this way." Dan said while accepting the plates from the kitchen counter as Lynne hands it over.
"So Mac how do you rate the Commander?" Dan grinned as he puts plates on the table.
"Well, she's 85 over 100." Mac said making the punished Witches confused.
"I rate Perrine 80 over 100." Dan smirked. "It would be overkill if I say 90 over 100." He added while placing drinking glasses.
"When this is over, I would like to talk to you alone Major." Minna said while sternly looking at Mio while keeping her grip at her buckets.
"Why are you looking at me, I'm not the one who gave your punishment." Mio countered with a grin, Minna glared at her making Mio look away and drop a sweat.
"Ok, dinner is ready." Dan cheered as he faced the Witches, Lynne and Yoshika placed the food on the center of the table.
"Good, drop your buckets everyone. Give them a round of applause. " Mac stood up; he gestured at Dan to come. Every Witch that has not been punished clapped their hands making the punished ones smile in awe and sigh in relief.
Dan quickly walked next to Mac and stood straight facing Minna who was still stretching her arms. The other Witches were doing the same.
The duo saluted. "Wing Commander Minna, command is yours once again." Mac announced. Minna sighed and saluted back.
"Thank you Sergeant." Minna said and smiled. She walked pass the duo and took a seat. Lynne and Yoshika began serving the food and drinks while everyone waits.
Minna's shoulders were still stiff as she started moving her arms, but to her surprise, a pair of hands landed on her shoulders. She looked up and saw Mac. "Wha…what are you doing Sergeant? unnecessary contact with the Witches is prohibited." She said sternly while blushing.
"I don't think so Commander." Mac smiled and started massaging her shoulders; Minna closed her eyes and felt relaxed as Mac continued. The witches stared in awe as they saw Minna's face turned pink and moaned.
"Hey why does the Commander get a special treatment?" Shirley yelled as she stared at Minna and Mac.
"Want me to massage you then?" Dan offered but Shirley declined.
"Honestly…" Perrine sighed as she stretched both of her arms but unknown to her. Dan was already behind her.
Dan landed his hands on Perrine's shoulders shocking her, but before she could react she released an erotic moan when Dan started moving his fingers on her shoulders which took everyone's attention.
"Ah, Pl...Please…stop it." Perrine protests weakly as Dan grinned at her.
Mac paused and Minna looked at Perrine in disbelief, she herself was barely keeping her voice down but Perrine was moaning loudly.
"Whoa, who would have thought that a stuck up four eyes can moan like that." Eila remarked while looking wide eyed at Perrine.
Dan has a smirk on his face as he let go of Perrine who completely went silent. The Witches looked at her and observed, she was trembling and was red in the face but she can't speak up because of pure embarrassment.
The food was served, everyone took their seats and they all began to eat.
"Wow, this food is great Lynne. What's food is this?" Dan praised as he took his first bite.
"Thank you Dan, its called Banger's and Mash and it's one of my favorite food to prepare." Lynne cheered.
"I have to admit this is really good, you should grow up soon Lynne so I can marry you." Mac praised and joked making Lynne blush.
"Ahem, I appreciate what you said about her cooking Marcus but please leave the marriage topic out of it." Minna said in a monotone making Mac cough.
"Whoops, she got you there Mac." Dan grinned and switched his attention to Perrine.
"How are feeling milady?" Dan asked but Perrine who was still blushing didn't respond and continued to eat.
"I bet she's still tired, she was really loud after all. If I hadn't seen you massaging her I would have thought of something else." Eila teased but Perrine still didn't respond.
"Why does Perrine moaned like that anyway?" Yoshika asked curiously. This time Perrine glared at Yoshika.
"Anyway, let's just drop the topic and eat." Mio said.
"Thank you Major." Perrine said smiling and continued to eat.
"About what happened earlier in the bath?" Minna spoke taking everyone's attention.
"I thought we already cleared that one Commander?" Mac responded. "You already saw everything so why do you have to bring that one up again? No offense but, reminding us about the bath is just…embarrassing for me."
"Don't you mean us; don't leave me out like I liked what happened." Dan commented looking at Mac sternly.
"I wasn't referring to that scandal." Minna answered blushing as she remembers the images of the naked duo.
"Commander, we already got over it. We are healed; everything is cleared and settled…" Dan spoke; he then switched his attention to Mio. "I guess it's the Major who should be prepared instead." Dan smiled cheekily.
Minna's expression changed and glared at Mio who paused eating. "Thank you for reminding Dan, I'll speak with the Major after dinner." She then proceeds to eat. They finished eating and everyone was satisfied, the rest of the time went silent.
The Lounge
After dinner, everyone gathered at the lounge. Dan found a good spot to seat at the stair steps while Mac froze when he saw something of great interest for him. Mio and Minna left the dining hall earlier to discuss something while the other Witches went on the lounge, Lynne and Yoshika stayed at the kitchen to finish washing the plates
"That's just great Mac, they've got a piano." Dan remarked as he saw Mac staring at the piano for quite some time.
"Do you know how to play the piano big bro?" Erica asked cheerfully, Mac only nodded. "Play it then!" Erica cheered as she pulled Mac's arm and dragged him towards the piano.
Mac looked at it for a moment and noticed that everyone was waiting for him to try it. He sighed and sat at the small chair as he raises the fall board to reveal the keyboard. Mac gently touched the first keys feeling it with his fingers, he closed his eye and gently press the first note followed by the next to create a melody. Everyone was agape at the sight; Dan smiled as he observed the Witches. Everyone in the lounge enjoyed listening to Mac's piano performance.
Author's Note: This is where we end this chapter; I would like to apologize for this chapter because it was too delayed, this has been rewritten, and to be honest I wrote 3 versions of this chapter.
The first version that I came up with has a chase scene where the duo ran outside the base naked causing panic to the whole base, they were chased by the entire wing of witches both from the ground and some in the air, also the ground personnel was involved.
The second version also has the same elements of the first (running naked was not included) but has a scene where Mac was accidentally shot by a ground personnel, Dan blamed Minna for it. Mac told Dan to leave him in which he complied but promised that he will return with vengeance, this part was the original idea I came up with when I was writing the first chapter (not the prologue) that could lead to where the duo will side with Maloney and 'use' him for their own benefit in exchange for information about the modern world and modern weaponry ideas.
The third version is this one; the added part was the bath scene. The others after the bath scene were supposed to be in the next chapter but I decided to add it here as an extension. I'm still thinking if this part could also lead to where the duo will side with Maloney, I might also add some parts where Maloney and the duo will have a scene. How funny that the last one I wrote was the one I chose to be Chapter 3.
Ideas currently working on / Planning Stage:
It was easy to come up with an idea, but the thing is, connecting and placing them in the story could be a real pain in the ass/head. This comes when you thought your idea was fine then you'll come up with another one and see if it's fit then if it is then you will have to discard the first one. That is why I had to rewrite this chapter THREE TIMES because the 2nd idea popped up after finishing the 1st one and so on. Anyway current ideas I'm working on for the next chapter are the following:
Next chapter will be containing the events for the Episode 4 of the series, the idea is that the duo will realize that they skipped episode 3 which supposed to be Lynne's first aerial victory. This is still subject to change though.
Still figuring out if I'll be able to include the OCs and Maloney team up against the Witches. This might result in altering the whole SW story.
Notes:
Exterminatus is the name of a terrible order given by the authorities of the Imperium of Man to destroy an entire planetary biosphere and all life upon a world. The vision that Ichiro showed Mac is the Orbital Bombardment Method of Exterminatus. I believe the Neuroi is capable of such feat because they came from outer space and I think of the Neuroi as a Hive Fleet. For more information about Exterminatus read at wiki/Exterminatus.
The piano piece that Mac was playing is Giniro from Air TV Original Soundtrack.
Any comments, suggestions and criticism will be accepted. So far how would you rate my writing and if you notice some mistakes and errors don't hesitate to pm me.
Thank you for reading.