A/N: To all readers and reviewers, I have fallen to the machinations of the Ruinous Powers and committed HERESY.
Previously on Strike Witches: The Wings of Friendship
The Neuroi Eaters successfully survived their baptism of fire, now it'll only take a matter of time for them to be recognized as an official fighter unit within the 501st.
Chapter 7: The Chains of His Past
501st JFW Strike Witches, Dover Base – Days Later
[Archives Room – Shattered Silence]
Mac was assigned in the Archives as per his request to take this job from Trude Barkhorn but she stays inside the archives to help when she has the time, Mac spends most of his time here doing some paperwork and such but this is particularly his way to gather information about the war. Not only he helps the Witches by keeping the Archives organized, he also got a lot of information which is a win-win for him. He found useful information from the Neuroi Invasion of Europe, First Neuroi War and operations like the Evacuation of Gallia. He really loves history particularly those about World Wars in their world, however the history for the Strike Witches universe is much different than what he expected but the human casualties are always like in any war, very high. Yes, it was a very quiet time before…
*SLAM* the door opened violently, it was Erica who entered, she quickly closed and leaned on the door.
Mac stared at Erica and observed, she was panting as if she was being chased. This was the worst part of being in the Archives. The first time Erica came to his work place is when she needed to hide from Trude. The blonde Witch found a perfect hiding place which of course she had to convince Mac first to let her stay.
"What can I do for you my dear sister?" Mac asked in a monotone as he closed the book he was reading before she entered the Archives.
"Can I hide here please?" Erica asked playfully while catching her breath.
Mac blinked and remembered the last time she went to hide in the Archives was when Trude is pressuring her about cleaning her room. Trude did come in the Archives that time looking for Erica who hid behind a carefully arranged wall of books, Mac had to lie that time because Erica said she was about to patrol later that afternoon, but later he found out that Erica just used an excuse so she can get some sleep, she didn't really went out to patrol like she said, in short….she lied.
"I would require a valid reason to let you stay here because the last time I allowed you didn't go well…" Mac spoke in an angry brotherly manner. He still have a grudge about what happened last time, after Trude left to look for Erica somewhere else she stormed out of the room hitting the wall of books that he carefully arranged and it fell like the Berlin Wall.
"I'm sorry about last time, I really do but just please you have to let me hide here now!" Erica approaches his table and uses her puppy eyes to persuade him. Mac stood up and approached Erica and landed his hands on her shoulders, Erica smiled nervously.
"Look Erica, I will not tolerate this kind of behavior." Mac scolded firmly as Erica lost her smile and scowled.
"But Trude will bug me again about my room and…" Erica muttered but she was cut off.
*SLAM* the door opened and Trude walked in. She saw Erica and Mac standing close to each other but seeing a scene where a girl and a guy are alone in a room was a bit alarming to her.
"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING HERE?" Trude asked in anger making Erica yelp and hide behind Mac who just sighed and raised his hands in a surrender gesture.
Mac decided to explain everything from the time that he lied and tolerated Erica, but the moment now is different. He urged Erica to leave with Trude.
"Wow, that's very honest of you and knowing Erica, she's asking you to hide here from me again?" Trude said smiling.
"Yes, but I told her that I'm not gonna tolerate and let her use me again." Mac reassured. Erica was looking away with puffed cheeks.
"Indeed, I'm here to drag her back because she hasn't cleaned her room yet. We might receive a notice anytime soon that she will be awarded a medal for her outstanding performance and number of shot down Neuroi." Trude explained.
"But this outstanding performance doesn't reflect in her room am I right?" Mac asked and looked at Erica menacingly.
Trude nodded.
"But I don't wanna clean my room; it looks good as it is!" Erica grumbled and crossed her arms but…
"Ouch!" Erica suddenly yelps at the stinging pain she felt on her left arm. She looked to her left and it was Mac who flicked her with his finger.
Mac leaned closer to Erica's face.
"Are you saying it's basically the same like the first time I went to your room, nothing changed what so ever is that what you mean?" Mac asked accusingly while leaning forward to her with a devilish grin.
"Y-Yes…" Erica answered nervously.
For the past few days after the Neuroi attacks, Erica became so clingy to Mac which was noticed by everyone in the base. Minna had to drag Mac somewhere private to have a serious talk about her rules; no one knows what words were exchanged during their talk but after that, Minna dismissed the idea of Mac doing something repugnant to Erica. Trude also saw how Mac corrects Erica whenever she does something wrong, in a brotherly way. He scolds her like a big brother talking to a little girl, Erica sometimes uses her rank to gain the upper hand but Mac always countered with something that involves sweets.
"Erica you're not a little girl anymore. You have to show some discipline and do your responsibilities. Leave now and clean your room." Mac said sternly before returning to his table to continue his work.
"Aw, can't I just stay here? I'll even help you with your work, please!" Erica begs using her puppy eyes much to Trude's embarrassment but to no effect.
"No Erica, I'm telling you this because I'm your brother so be a good girl and do what you are told." Mac said sternly.
There was an eerie silence.
"Humph, I thought having a brother is fun but turns out it's a pain in the butt." Erica puffed her cheeks.
Mac didn't say anything; he just went silent and stared at her. Although Trude saw it in his eyes that he was hurt.
"Hartmann!" Trude blurts out after hearing the statement.
"Humph whatever, let's go Trude." Erica shrugged and turns around towards the exit.
Trude tried to stop Erica but she was already at the door, she then looked at Mac and apologized.
"I'm sorry; she didn't have to say such a crude statement. I'll talk to her about it." Trude tried to ease the rising tension.
"No it's alright Trude. If I can't correct her wrongs and tolerate her misbehavior then I'd be a failure as a brother but no not this time..." Mac said in a calm but serious manner. "Not again." He added in whisper.
"TRUDE!" Erica calling outside the room.
"Alright Mac, see you later…" Trude turned around and walks to the door.
"TRUUDE!" Erica called out again.
"Coming!" Trude went out of the room and closed the door leaving Mac alone.
Mac stared at the door in silence for a while, he wasn't moving at all but deep inside he was enraged and in pain at the same time, to hear such words from Erica felt like barbed wire being wrapped around his chest.
[Hallway]
Trude was walking behind Erica heading to the blonde Witch's room, but Trude starts to ponder about the last words Mac said. 'If I can't correct her wrongs and tolerate her misbehavior then I'd be a failure as a brother but no not this time...not again.'
'What does he mean by that?' Trude asked in her thought.
"Hartmann…" Trude called Erica but she mysteriously went out of her sight.
"Gah! She got away!"
[Hangar – Mountain of Disappointments]
Dan is very angry while staring at his plane; his mood didn't improve even if Minna lifted their suspension and that was days ago. The ground personnel are busy checking the Striker Units, the planes however are in top good condition…that is of course.
"This is stupid." Dan cursed. He feels like this whenever he saw his plane, there are even times when he went inside the cockpit and meditates (sleeps) inside or talk with Diablos who enjoys his company. He even suggested to Mac to do the same but Mac said Bahamut will just keep on complaining.
Although the plane's propellers are back where it's supposed to, they still couldn't fly because of the lack of ammunition for their planes and the limited amount of aviation fuel which was meant to be used only for the Ju 52; this made the Neuroi Eaters situation direr.
There was also an issue regarding the soldier who reported to Minna about the planes not being dismantled, a day later after the Neuroi attacks, the said soldier filed a transfer request, Minna wondered why a good soldier would request such a thing, she even remembered that night after the attacks that the duo and the ground personnel are going to have a victory celebration for the night and invited the said soldier. She saw the soldier being surrounded by the ground personnel and they seem to be very close, Mac even requested for her permission personally to allow the said soldier to join their victory celebration. Minna had no clue and besides, she didn't even bother to check the victory celebration of Mac and his group that evening because Mac promised her that no alcohol will be consumed that night.
Eventually, Minna decided to grant the soldier's request, effective immediately, later that day the soldier left the base and is never heard of again. Minna is still puzzled until now at whatever happened during that victory celebration remains a mystery.
"The Commander really did it this time huh?" Martellus remarked, he saw the pain in Dan's eyes. A pilot that couldn't fly is as good as a dead pilot. After Minna lifted her suspension for the Neuroi Eaters they were really excited to be back in the air however, much to the Eaters' disappointment, their planes have no ammunition and the fuel left is just enough on the Ju 52 for a trip to London, in short they're still grounded because of the lack of supply.
"I've been thinking how stupid this is and the fact that I can't do anything about it makes me feel more miserable." Dan looks down. Martellus approached him and landed a hand on his shoulder.
"Cheer up Dan, everything will be alright." Martellus smiled.
"Oh, I'm cheering up everytime I remember that victory celebration." Dan smirked with an evil grin.
Dan and Martellus chuckled. Dan then thanked Martellus for the emotional support, he decided to check on his friend in the Archives, perhaps he has something in mind that they could do.
[Archives – Situation Analysis]
Dan's POV
I watched Mac as he carefully arranges a bunch of documents and files; its true how good Mac is in this kind of work. I noticed the changes in the Archives; it wasn't like this when it was Trude doing the Archival works but now it looks like a library of sorts complete with tags and all. He's really into this kind of work…
"Did you come here for a reason or you're just hanging around?" Mac asked coldly and I knew instantly that something is wrong based on his tone.
"You're angry, I can easily tell." I smirked at him, although it seems I annoyed him further.
"Yes indeed I am."
He then explained to me what happened earlier regarding Erica, I didn't realize she could be a brat. Mac, being possibly the eldest in the base regardless of rank, he should be the most mature, the father figure or big brother of sorts to the Witches…and me, but seems like his senses are being strained by Erica at some point.
"Damn, Erica could be like a brat sometimes huh?" I joked but…
"Erica is just being in her usual childish behavior, no wonder Trude is doing her best to discipline her and I'm not gonna give up on her so easily like that just because she's bitching about my brotherly love."
"Brotherly love huh…." Wait a minute, what?
"Yes, I was really keeping my rage in check earlier. I'm dying to spank her good but only as a last resort."
I doubt he could actually do what he says. Seriously though he's really in a bad mood right now, I guess I should leave him alone just to be safe.
"I'll be heading to the girls and see if Mio is done torturing Lynne and Yoshika." I deadpanned.
"Wait, stay for a while and take a look at this…"
What is he holding, is that some kind of article.
"What is that?" I asked while looking at some kind of report. Wait a minute 1917?
Then I saw him lay down papers, old ones and barely readable. They looked like old newspapers.
"These are reports of certain operations and articles about the First Neuroi War."
I looked at a certain page, it's an old Article. I don't understand; all these articles are about how great the Witches are, how they pushed the Neuroi back and how they saved humanity, pictures depicting the cheerful smiles of Witches receiving medals and awards, at the background of some pictures are soldiers and its noticeable that they aren't happy like the Witches….
I guess it's understandable; they've lost good men, brothers in arms, friends who they share the hardships of the war. While the Witches are awarded and thanked by the masses and possibly the world, those soldiers who died were only remembered by those who fought with them, the lucky survivors who watched in the sidelines as the Witches took the spotlight. Yes, I guess that's why there are people in the military who dislikes the Witches, Maloney is one of them but…
"It's sad isn't it?" I heard Mac spoke; his voice was full of dejection.
"What makes you say that?" I asked in a surprised tone and that made me wonder why we are talking vocally, shouldn't we be using our thoughts in discussing matters like this?
Yo, speak your mind brother…this shit is classified.
"The First Neuroi War ended in a victory for humanity but at the cost of millions of brave men!" Wait, is he fuming over something that has happened already? And he didn't respond to my thought!
"Mac, I was using thought channeling and you didn't respond…can you still hear my thoughts?" I asked in concern, this is bad.
"No, I didn't hear your thoughts, why?"
Fuck.
"Then we have a problem here…" I thought this was going to be good but without thought channelling then our conversations will no longer be as private and secured.
"We still used them yesterday right? I don't see a problem with it…perhaps there's a reason we can't hear each others' thoughts for now, anyway as we were discussing?"
He's right, something weird is about to happen and we would have to prepare for it. It seems he made himself busy this past days preparing for something. He gathered all this information while working here, the more we find out about what happened here is more informative that what we already know of the anime. So yes, it's basically better this way, anyway as we were discussing….
"Well technically, if we are going to base everything in these articles, old photographs, newspapers and reports…it's the Witches." I said wryly, of course it's obvious that the world will thank them…
"Yes, Witches." He nearly spat the word there…
"Why are you getting angry? Yes indeed, it's the Witches who led humanity to victory and they will do so again in the current war, it's the Witches that will save the day in the end…" I stated although I'm pretty sure that's not the case anymore, Mac is….
"No Dan, we will have to do something about it."
Do something about it?
"And how are supposed to do that exactly?" I asked and explained him the current situation, about no ammunition, lack of fuel, supply issues and possible budget cuts later on.
I saw his frown. He's really angry and I guess it's because he can't do anything about the situation like me. I'm looking at some old photos scattered in the large table, I can see pictures of Witches posing with medals and awards while not caring about the people on the background. But Mac dropped more pictures, newspaper cut-outs and articles, but this time it's from the current war.
"Check that pictures, it's basically the same…it's no joke. Even the Witches in this base are no different, the Witches are living a luxurious life while soldiers are dying every damn minute, the Witches eat succulent food and sleeps in actual beds while soldiers have to make do of rations or whatever they have in their supplies and to sleep in small tents or makeshift barracks while in fear of a Neuroi attack every damn fucking time."
I looked at the newer pictures he dropped and I saw Witches enjoying themselves in a camp, not far from the background is a soldier holding a binocular looking at the horizon, another picture shows Witches eating like having a damn outdoor picnic while soldiers are cleaning and placing ammunitions in the magazines of weapons at the background…probably the Witches' weapons. Aren't they supposed to be in-charge of their own weaponry?
"Mac, why are you…" I looked at him but his face focused on a certain article that he's reading and I can tell that he's getting more and more pissed by the minute.
"Just continue looking at those, I'm not finished yet."
Damn it, what in the world is going on with him?
I arranged some readable materials, these are old ones. I picked one and read it, November 1917, somewhere around Cambria, Gallia. Mission Reports, some actions taken during a reinforcement of a defensive line and there's photo attached at the next page; I flipped the page to see the photo. A picture of three Witches posing at the center wearing medals, it seems like they managed to reinforce the line to save the day and are awarded with medals. I looked at the right side at the background and saw two soldiers carrying a wounded soldier in a stretcher…
My temperature suddenly rose; I think I just noticed how these Witches in the picture completely ignored their surroundings, these Witches aren't those who I saw or know off, not all Witches are added into the wiki after all. But this particular picture increased my anger meter a substantial amount.
"I guess you're starting to feel how I feel now huh?" I heard Mac spoke; his voice is firm and deep.
"Yes, it's sad that the fate of this world lies in the hands of these girls however, not everyone is like the bitches in this particular picture." I told him to assure not all Witches should be branded as such while showing the picture in my hand.
He glanced at the picture a little and flipped another page of the document he's holding, it seems his anger increased again because I noticed his grip on the document became harder. Better find out what he's reading…
"What's that in your hand?" I asked by curiosity, he's getting edgy now so I have to ease him up or he might do something really stupid.
"Let's just say an interview of sort by a journalist from an anonymous guy, a story during the First Neuroi War from a fighter pilot's experiences, a veteran."
"What's he saying?" Now what he said got me intrigued.
"Stories about the battles he'd been and witnessed, he's describing their hardships and how people die every fucking time, and it's amazing how the author placed so intense feelings in it."
"Did they say anything about the Witches of the time?" I had to ask, since there are pictures of Witches in the
"Well…" Mac described what he's reading in his point of view.
It was depressing to hear the descriptions Mac is telling me, the soldiers fought hard yes that's great but many would die first before the Witches arrive to save the day. Then afterwards the Witches will be awarded with medals and honors while the dead are just listed as casualties and so on only to be replaced by fresh recruits.
Then Mac started placing both pictures from the First and Second Neuroi Wars and specified the similarities on the articles shown, he pointed:
The Witches are damn celebrities.
Men from both wars were equally fucked when facing the Neuroi.
The Witches always saves the day in the end but not before many men died holding the damn line.
The dead became forgotten heroes
Men can't talk shit about the Witches because they'll pay for it dearly.
It is these points that made Mac furious even more, the Witches got the spotlight most of the time. The families and friends of the dead are the only ones who remember them because the world is very busy on thanking the Witches after all.
"Do you see how miserable humanity right now just because they have Witches to rely on and those that they rely on aren't really helping at all…?" He spat the obvious.
"So you're saying it's better to send these men to their deaths?" I countered, although he has a point. Humanity did rely on Witches now. For the regular Joes they'll just hold the damn line and wait for Witches until they arrive.
Many would die before the Witches arrive and there are those in High Command that would just say to the families of those who died 'sorry for your loss or his/her death will not be in vain', then after that they'll just leave off not looking back because they need to look good for the awarding ceremony of the Witches who arrived to defend the damn line, the line that good men died defending.
"No Dan, what I'm saying is that…." I noticed Mac paused, his eyes suddenly turned blank as he dropped the book he's reading and collapsed.
"Mac what's wrong…ugh."
I stood up to see what's wrong but my vision became blurry, what the heck…it's like earlier back then, like from Barkhorn's memory…my vision...are we going to see someone's memory…again?
Mac and Dan lost their consciousness.
[Dining Hall]
Mio just finished Lynne and Yoshika in what she called 'Extended Morning Exercise'; somehow the girls are improving physically. The Witches gathered for lunch as usual but it's noticeable that two seats are empty. The Neuroi Eaters are not present.
"Where are those two?" Perrine asked her tone is a bit annoyed.
"Hue, what's the matter Perrine, did you missed Dan already?" Eila joked.
Perrine glared at her. "Of course not, but I'll be thankful if I wouldn't be seeing them for lunch."
Lynne and Yoshika started to serve the food, the Witches began to eat without the Neuroi Eaters; the dining hall became lively as if the Neuroi Eaters didn't exist within the Joint Fighter Wing. Shirley wiping Lucchini's mouth, Perrine eating as elegant as possible, Eila serving food to the sleepy Sanya, Erica who just eat silently next to Trude. Mio finally decided to take a seat next to Minna who was sitting next to Trude.
"So how's it going?" Mio asked.
Minna sighed sadly.
"Not good, the supply lines are stretched out and we wouldn't be receiving anytime soon after the arrival of the next supply drop."
"It must be hard; I wonder how the other fronts are coping up." Mio sighed but noticed something odd.
Mio looked next to Minna, Trude was seated and next to her was Erica who was surprisingly silent.
"Hartmann is a little quiet, did something wrong happened Barkhorn?" Mio inquired to the Karlsland Ace.
"Now that you mentioned it…" Minna looked at Trude as well.
Trude sighed and explained everything, from the moment she found Erica trying to hide in the Archives and all but there was a bit of concern in her words especially when she mentioned about Mac's last words.
"Oh my, maybe that's why Mac is not here with us for lunch and knowing Dan he's probably with him." Minna said worrying. "Erica you didn't have to say such statement, he chose you to be his sister. If I am to have such a brother I would be very happy." Minna added.
"I know right, but Hartmann here didn't even apologize yet." Trude said while looking at Erica sternly.
"Why does everyone picking on me?!" Erica stood angrily getting the attention in the entire dining hall.
Minna's eyebrow twitched as she keeps her composure. "No one is picking on you Erica, we are only concerned and didn't you notice that Mac isn't here to join us for lunch?"
"I thought having a brother is going to be fun but now I'm starting to detest the idea, I don't want to be his sister anymore!" Erica blurted out not realizing her words.
There was an odd silence, before the Witches gasped upon her statement.
"Humph, I'm leaving…" Erica turned around and walked away.
Trude stood up to run after Erica but she was stopped by Minna who stood up as well.
"I'll handle this…" Minna's face is serious as she walked towards the exit, but Mio also stood up.
"Where are you going Major?" Trude asked.
"I'll go and look for those two." Mio left the dining hall after Minna.
"Lynne what do you think happened?" Yoshika whispered next to Lynne.
"I'm not sure, it seems like Flying Officer Hartmann had a fight with Mac."
"That's surprising; they were really close these past few days."
"I know Yoshika, although I'm sure Wing Commander Minna will handle it so let's just wait and see."
"Agreed."
"Seconds!" Lucchini shouted.
"Coming!" Yoshika responded.
"Ah! Sanya the sauce, quick wipe it off before it leaves a stain!"
"I'm sorry Eila."
"My goodness, can't we just all eat in peace?" Perrine said in annoyance.
"Whoa! Are you sure you can eat all that Lucchini?" Shirley asked in shock as she saw how many much was the seconds that she asked.
"Yoshika's cooking is good and tasty but not as good as Mama though."
"Ehehehe, thanks Lucchini." Yoshika laughed dryly.
The rest of the Witches continued to eat as if nothing happened.
[Outside the Dining Hall]
Erica was leaning on the wall, she really wanted to finish eating but she went out because she felt guilty about what happened earlier. What Trude said is basically true, she hasn't apologized yet to his ersatz brother and she even said out loud that she doesn't want to be his sister anymore.
*sigh*
Erica sighed and looked outside the window
'Just because I didn't want to clean up…' Erica thought about what happened earlier, because of her…
"Is something wrong Erica?" Minna asked surprising Erica.
"Uhm, I mean no of course there am not…I just, well…" Erica stuttered as she tries to make a sentence.
"Listen to what I have to say Erica…" Minna approached Erica and for Erica it's scary, Minna rarely show this kind of attitude and it scares her, what Minna would do to her at this situation.
"But..."
"No Erica, listen to me…"
[Minna's Flashback /1st POV]
It's been days after the Neuroi attacks, although I'm thankful for Marcus and Dan's help I'm still worried. But the changes in the atmosphere around the base is very noticeable particularly with Hartmann, she and Marcus have been close to each other and I'm not happy about it. I guess I need to remind Marcus about my rules. I bid my time and wait for the right moment and here I grabbed Marcus and pulled him somewhere private, just the two of us out of sight from the rest of the group. Although it always reminded me of what he did in the hangar whenever we are alone together, that day when I met Dr. Miyafuji…but that's not important now, my primary concern is about Erica.
"Alright Marcus, what's going on here?"
"I don't understand what you're talking about?"
"Feigning ignorance won't help Marcus; you and Erica are being too close…"
"Wohoho, getting jealous are we?"
"Don't be a smart mouth, I'm serious!"
I heard him sigh deeply; at least he knew that I'm actually serious about this.
"So are you going to start talking now?"
"I had a sister Minna and Erica reminds me of her."
Past tense, Erica reminds him of her? Could it be…?
"Where is she?" I asked softly, although I have a feeling I know what will his answer be.
"She died years ago; she was at the same age as Erica when it happened." What have I done, I'm such an idiot but there's no point in stopping now.
"I'm sorry to hear that…" I looked at his eyes; there is no sign of deception. I can feel the pain just by looking in his eyes.
"What's her name?" I asked with a curious look and he smiled.
"Erina, she was …" I saw tears started to appear in his eyes…
"It's alright Marcus; you don't have to tell me if it's…"
"No, I failed to be a brother to her, I couldn't protect her. I should have been a better brother to her."
Mac told his story.
[Mac's Story]
When Mac was at the late years of his college studies, his sister Erina would always come and visit him in his dorm. She was very popular after all and there are even guys from other schools who would go to her school just to see her. Several boys staying at the same dorm as Mac kept asking about her likes, dislikes, if she is seeing someone etc., all of this however got into Mac's nerves; he just wanted to be left in peace.
Unknown to him, there's something wrong and he didn't notice it.
"Brother! Are you there?"
*SLAM*
Erina entered his dorm room without opposition, a beautiful girl with a pair of brown eyes and fair white skin, 152cm in height with body measurements of 30, 24, and 32 and have long hazelnut brown hair. She's wearing a black with white trim seifuku uniform. Because Erina is also an otaku.
Mac was in a desk doing his homework completely uncaring about the invader in his room.
"It's amazing how you can enter freely; this is a boy's dorm remember?" Mac spoke intently looking at his sister.
"Aww, it's not that difficult. I befriended the dorm mother!" Erina closes the door and waltz her way toward Mac.
"Somehow, I doubt about that. You didn't do any blackmailing did you?" Mac stopped writing and turned at his sister.
"Ara ara ufufu of course not." Erina hugged her dear brother directly in the face.
"Ow, ow alright I get it." Mac tapped Erina's arms and she let him go. She turned around jumping on his bed and looked around.
"Wow, you sure know how to keep you room clean, I wonder why your room at our home is always a mess?" Erina asked in wonder as she stretched her arms and lay herself down.
"Is that your school's official uniform?" Mac asked in wonder, what kind of school uses a uniform like that?
"Nope, our school doesn't have a uniform policy as long as it's decent." Erina explained then she sat up and leaned her face closer with a sheepish smile. "Do you like it?"
Mac blushed and saw how beautiful and fitting it is, if she wasn't his sister he would be making a move already.
"Well it suits you however that makes me wonder why a school wouldn't have a uniform policy. By the way while, I don't mind the company Erina, did you come here for a reason or it's just a random visit hoping to catch me by surprise while doing something indecent?"
"Hihihi you mean like masturb…"
"Don't say that word out loud and besides you're a girl and you shouldn't be discussing things like that to a guy even if I'm your brother." Erina crossed her legs; she smiled wickedly and began to slowly unbutton her uniform…
"WHAT IN THE WORLD?!" Mac screamed in shock upon seeing what she's doing.
Erina smirked and stopped halfway. "Ahahaha! You should have seen your face brother, IT'S PRICELESS!" Erina laughed and rolled at Mac's bed and nearly cried while Mac's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
"Grrr, so you wanna play that way huh?" Mac charged and tickled Erina so hard.
"Ahahaha brother, please stop! You're killing me ahahahaha!" Erina squirmed hard.
They took a break from their stupid game and sat on the bed.
"Seriously though, why are you here?" Mac started the conversation; he knows that Erina needed something.
Erina lay down and pulled Mac down as well.
"When was the last time we lay down like this…together?" Erina asked softly while caressing his chest with her index finger.
Mac ran his mind trying to remember. "I think two years ago, but we can't do that anymore because we're grownups now."
"But we're doing it now, why can't we just stay like this?" Erina drilled her face to Mac's chest and hugged him.
Erina started to cry on his chest, Mac was stunned.
"Why are you crying? Is something wrong at home or is someone bullying you at school?" Mac asked questions, he held her tightly and caressed her hair down to her back.
"I miss you brother…"
"Eh?" Mac blinked, he didn't expect this.
"I always think of you, at home or even at school. Sometimes I sleep in your room so I can feel your presence there whenever I'm feeling lonely…because now you're away, there's little time that we can be together."
"The circumstances are there Erina, you know damn well why I need to stay in a dorm and besides you said you befriended the dorm mother right, so you can just visit me here whenever you like…"
Erina pushed Mac and made him lie on his back; she then moved herself and sat on Mac's abdomen in a very suggestive position while her hands are on his chest. She smiled warmly and stared at him with lubricous look in her eyes.
"Erina what are you…doing?" Mac felt his temperature suddenly rose, his body is reacting the way he didn't want to. His heart is beating wildly and his thought is racing. In short, he's getting excited and what's worse is that it's his sister.
"I can feel your heart brother, it's beating really fast."
"That's because I'm alive damn it…"
Erina leaned closer and rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat with her eyes closed.
"Erina stop this…" Mac held her shoulders, but before he could push her away she suddenly rose and looked at him intently.
Mac blushed.
"Brother…" Her voice is soft as if it's wanting.
"Erina?" Mac looked at her and became nervous however his thought wasn't running the right way as images of him and Erina doing something incest are flooding his head.
"Hold me…." Erina spoke again softly.
"…"
"Brother?"
"Don't scare me like that!" Mac screamed in frustration as he tries to push Erina off of him but to no effect.
Erina pushed harder on him and she rested her head again on his chest.
"I'm not getting off until you hold me first."
"Alright, I get it!" Mac held her tight.
"Harder…" Erina demanded.
"Urgh.." Mac closed his eyes and held her tighter.
Erina rose slowly and looked at him directly; her face is just inches from his.
"Brother…"
"What is it now?!" Mac asked tensely.
"Have you had sex before?" Erina asked plainly.
"…" Mac was lost for words from such a terrifying question from his younger sister.
"Brother?"
"ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE ME A HEART ATTACK? OF COURSE I HAVEN'T!"
"But you have a good body, why aren't you getting laid yet?"
"Just get off me!"
Erina did get off of him. Mac was panting heavily while wondering what's gotten to his sister.
[Minna's 2nd POV]
I find myself and Mac in a table facing each other, although his story sounded ridiculous which made me wonder how siblings would do things like that even if it's a game or a joke.
"I see, so you're relationship with your sister is like that? I couldn't believe how close siblings could possibly be in your world, but with Erica it's just not right of course."
"So you're saying that I might do something immoral to Erica?"
"No, I didn't say that…"
"But you were THINKING it." Marcus glared at me; I don't like this…he can read minds!
"Anyway, what happened next?"
I saw Marcus became serious as he continued his story.
Mac was standing in front of the hanging mirror, looking at himself as he fixes his outfit; he's currently at their residence. He was going on a date, well not an actual date. It's a bonding time with Erina, something that he hasn't done in a while. He heard a knock and he knew that it's Erina.
He opened his door and saw Erina, she was wearing an alluring black dress showing her back with high heel shoes, her hair was curled up and she was absolutely stunning.
"Wha?!" He said in awe as he stared at Erina.
"What?"
"Well what would you expect, I was shocked and words fail me…"
"I knew it, I don't look good."
"Hey! You look wonderful, don't say or think lowly of yourself!"
"Really? So to put it simply, I'm beautiful?"
"Definitely and it will be of great honor to be with your date you know!"
Erina giggled and extended her arms to his neck.
"Erina?"
"Don't move." Erina said and fixed his collar. "That's better." Erina smiled cheerfully.
They bid farewell to their parents and went on to their 'date'. As they arrived on the town and looked on areas of interest, they stumbled upon Erina's friends and classmates who mistook Mac as her boyfriend. They watched a movie and ate in a fancy restaurant. It was then at nightfall that they tread to a plaza where lovers gathered in a large fountain with beautiful and colorful lights illuminating the surrounding.
Both sat in a bench, Erina still clinging on his arm.
"I wonder when we will be able to do this again."
"Are you happy to be with me?"
"Of course I am. Who wouldn't?"
"It just puzzles me though, girls of your age normally likes to hang out with their friends or even lovers and so on…"
Erina looked at him with surprised look on her face.
"Don't compare me to the other girls, I'm special."
"Indeed you are." Mac agreed returning the gaze as he caressed her hair. Both are locked onto each others' eyes not caring about the people looking at them. Their train of thought however was interrupted by the sound of fireworks display that appeared above them.
Later on their way home, they walked in certain alley. This was a shortcut, a two meter wide alley that ends in an intersection directly at the front of their home. The only thing about this alley is its dark and obviously deserted, but Mac and Erina knew this alley very well and reaching their home through here will be faster than the main road.
However when they reached the halfway of the alley, a shadow of a man stood in their way and two additional guys appeared behind them. It turns out that the two were waiting for potential victims at the entrance to the alley while the one at the front will be blocking their intended victims.
"Hello there Erina, I've been waiting for you." A guy with dyed hair with ear piercings, obviously a gangster type or a delinquent of sort spoke while sporting a menacing grin.
"Who are you? How did you know my name?" Erina asked in panic, she was trembling as the person in front of them eyed her from head to toe. Licking his lips with the disgusting sound of saliva is heard.
"I've been watching you for quite some time now Erina, and looking at you right now it seems you really prepared for this night…" The guy menacingly looked at Mac.
"W-what are you talking about?" Erina panicked, she suspected that his guy is probably a stalker.
Mac stood firm and heard footsteps behind them.
"Going on a date with your boyfriend and then you will give it to him tonight do you?" The punk crossed the line. This made Mac furious. A sound of chains was heard behind them, the guys behind holds a chain and a steel pipe while the guy at the front has a switchblade in hand.
"Sorry but Erina will be mine tonight, get him!"
"Erina run!" Mac screamed.
Erina felt herself being pushed aside and saw his brother kicked the guy with a steel pipe however his was hit and got pinned by the guy with a chain.
"Stop it! No, please don't!" Erina cried out until she was pulled by the guy with the switchblade to the corner of the alley followed by the guy with the steel pipe.
"Erina..." Mac muttered as he was near passing out. The chain wrapped around his neck as he looked at two guys holding and pinning down his sister. He clenched his teeth and cursed, the pressure is too much.
"Leave something for me guys, this guy is going to…" The guy with chain called out.
"No, let him watch…" The leader said.
"Stop it!" Mac screamed.
Maniacal laughter
Erina screaming and calling out to her brother
Psychopathic moaning and muffled screaming
Maniacal laughter and faint crying
Complete silence
[Minna's 3rd POV]
I looked at Mac; his hands are folded in a tight ball as he trembles. I think I went too far, he had to remember something painful from his past because of me. I had to refresh those painful memories of his. I'm such an idiot.
"It's alright Marcus you don't need to continue anymore." I reached and held his right hand.
He took a deep sigh, it seems he calmed down.
"I'm sorry; it's just that those memories are still…"
"Stop…" I ordered.
"…"
"Promise me that under any circumstance now matter how enticed or tempted you are you won't do anything to any of my girls…"
"Including you?"
"!"
That shocked me and made my heart race, of course I'm included!
"What wrong Minna?" He asked as if I'll consider letting him do something to me, this guy is really…
"Of course I'm included!" I screamed, this is getting embarrassing for me.
"I'm just clarifying."
"So do I have your word?" I asked for assurance.
"Only if you promise that you'll keep everything I told you between us, not even Dan knows about my past."
"I promise." I gave him my word.
"Then it's a promise." He assured.
[End of Flashback]
[Outside the Dining Hall - Present Time]
Erica was looking down not only because she felt guilty, it's because she wasn't aware and she didn't had the slightest idea that his ersatz brother have such a dark and painful memory, tears slowly appear at the side of her eyes.
"I had to break my promise to him just to convince you Erica, now I want you to go to Marcus and apologize to him." Minna said in authority, she stands in front of Erica arms crossed.
"I don't know but I feel really bad about this, but thanks for telling me Minna. I'll go now and apologize to him." Erica turned and walked slowly towards the Archives however…
They saw Mio running fast towards them, she was panting heavily and her eyes are in panic.
"Minna get to the Archives, I'll go get Miyafuji and some ground crew!" Mio ran past them, she felt the something happened in the Archives. Erica's face paled as she and Minna ran to the Archives.
When Minna and Erica arrived in the Archives, they saw the duo unconscious. Erica immediately ran towards Mac and hugged him, crying and begging him to wake up. Moments later the ground personnel led by Martellus arrived at the same time as the rest of the Witches and brought the duo to the infirmary.
[Infirmary]
"This is my fault, it's my entire fault!" Erica cried and hugged Trude who caressed her back.
"Don't cry Hartmann, we have no idea what happened here so don't blame yourself." Trude said to ease her mind.
The base physician examined the duo but found nothing wrong.
"There's nothing wrong with their bodies, they're perfectly in good health." The Physician stated as she sat straight while Minna was looking at her who confirmed with a nod, that was enough for Minna.
"So meaning could it be in their minds?" Shirley asked out of the blue taking the attention of everyone in the room.
"Sleeping like that, I read a book before but I can't remember what the title is and it involves a kiss to wake someone up, maybe a kiss should wake them up too!" Lucchini joked.
"That's 'La Belle au bois dormant', I had that book as well as other works by Charles Perrault." Perrine spoke which got the attention of Eila.
"Wow, can you read it to me sometime Perrine?" Lucchini went puppy dog eyes which made Perrine drop a sweat.
"It's in Gallian, how are you suppose to read it?" Perrine retorts.
"That's why I'm asking you!" Lucchini countered.
"Hey, be quiet you lot." Mio ordered which silence the group but Eila got a weird idea in mind.
"So who's gonna do the kissing part?" Eila asked before looking at Perrine's direction.
"Why are you looking at me?" Perrine exclaimed in panic.
"Ah, sorry I thought you wanted to volunteer." Eila chuckled as she scratched the back of her head.
While the Witches continued with their bantering, Minna considered what Shirley said earlier and held her chin as she ran her thought.
'Could it be that they're in the other world like the one I've seen?' But then she remembered the files that were scattered on the table in the Archives. First Neuroi War, old articles and reports about the war, pictures of veteran Witches of the First Neuroi War and some pictures and documents about the current war.
'Could it be that they're investigating something, why in the world would they look up old reports and records. Unless…'
But her thought was interrupted by Mio.
"So what are we going do now Minna?" ask by Mio.
"I guess we should keep them here for now, as the Doctor said that they're perfectly fine so we just need to have some people to watch over them."
'They'll eventually wake up anyway, I hope.' She added in her thought.
"I'll stay!" Erica yelled.
"Hartmann?" Trude asked in surprise.
"I'll wait for him to wake up, I'll stay here!" Erica insisted, her eyes are stern and determined.
Everyone in the infirmary wondered, while earlier she told that she didn't want to be Mac's sister anymore. The rest of the Witches can only guess while Minna could only sigh in defeat.
Minna briefed everyone, so Erica will be on watch because she insisted to stay. So two Witches will watch over the duo but Erica will not be relieved, for now she will be paired with Trude as the rest of the Witches left.
Silence...
"Trude…" Erica spoke quietly.
"What's wrong Hartmann?" Trude blinked and saw that Erica is looking at Mac's face.
"I'm scared." Her voice was shaky.
"What?"Trude asked in serious concern.
"What if he doesn't wake up, what if he doesn't like me anymore, what if…" Erica stuttered, her voice started to sound agitated.
"Shush, Hartmann. They'll be alright. Believe they will." Trude spoke to calm her down.
"Is this how you felt when you're sister went into coma?" Erica asked taking Trude by surprise.
"Well…kinda, but I'm alright now because I believe." Trude smiled warmly and looked at Mac.
"Hmm?" Erica stared in wonder at Trude's face before switching her look to Mac.
"Mac told me that Chris will wake up soon and he told me that if I believe in it, it will happen."
"How did he know that?"
"He said he had foreseen it, I don't even know how's that even possible." Trude chuckled.
"Do you believe?"
"Yes, of course."
"Then I'll believe that he will wake up!"
"That's right, believe in it." Trude sighed.
Both looked at each other and smiled.
[Mindscape]
Mac and Dan were floating; clouds below them are blocking their view. But sounds of cannon fire, booming explosions and screams men, cries of pain, cursing in agony and prayers, all of it are flooding their ears. It was only when the clouds cleared below them that they saw the carnage.
"What is this?" Dan asked as soldiers, tanks and planes are being blown to pieces. Oddly enough, the flying units are a bunch of biplanes and the tanks are the like of Male and Female World War 1 tanks.
"This Dan is the First Neuroi War…" Mac stated, his voice was calm but deep. Unable to blink in shock or disbelief as he saw a group of advancing soldiers got blasted to nothingness leaving a smoking crater.
Then both of their visions went blank, their consciousness went somewhere.
Author's Note:
The continuation is here. We are facing Excommunicate Traitoris by the Inquisition.
Yes, FOR CHAOS!
Review at your own discretion.
Next Chapter: Origins of Hate - Part 1