1st January 2002 - 1500h - Cheorwon Hive, Korea Peninsula
The time was 3 p.m. Blood sprayed wildly, dying the shores of Incheon in dark hues of red as explosions rang out like claps of thunder. The grating sounds of gunfire and the pungent smell of smoke supplemented this symphony of chaos, emboldening the performers of this elaborate dance of destruction to double their efforts. Up above, shells blotted out the sky while cascading down like heavy rain, sundering the Earth as the explosive payloads tore up everything in their area like a man-made natural disaster. Though Mother Earth screamed in agony, so too did the interlopers.
All across the beaches facing the West Sea, large silicon lifeforms clashed with the forces of man in a war that had lasted for decades. These mishappen creatures were a tapestry of anatomical details, pieced together in no particular order and molded into silhouettes that were inherently alien to the fauna of Earth. They are known as the BETA, beings of extraterrestrial origin hellbent on the complete and utter annihilation of the human race. Their untimely arrival pushed humanity to the brink of extinction many years ago, and mankind continued to struggle against their seemingly infinite numbers till present day. However, things were different now and the United Nations had chosen this moment to launch a massive counterattack. That was what Operation Ouka was about.
[Whew! Persistent little cockroaches, aren't they, Daniel? Fuckers won't stop coming!]
A pair of Grappler-class BETA were torn to bits as their bodies were ridden with holes from a volley of High-Velocity Armor Piercing Rounds (HVAP). Reduced to nothing more than a pile of lifeless limbs, their remains were splattered across the ground, revealing the F-15E Strike Eagle that had terminated these malicious beasts. Seated within the cockpit of the large bipedal mech was 2LT Daniel Williams, a robust man with a typical military crew cut, dressed in a Type-86 Fortified Suit required to pilot a TSF. Those deep blue eyes of his stared deeply at the BETA corpses through the HUD projected onto his retinas, observing them with sunken eyes.
[No shit, Jack. We're literally knocking on their front door. Command must be insane calling this a diversionary assault.]
[Well, we have no way of actually breaching the hive. Just gotta keep these buggers from heading over to the Kashgar Hive. Sigh…look man, I know you ain't happy being a glorified distraction but orders are orders.]
Daniel turned his TSF to face Jack, who was similarly piloting his own Strike Eagle. Behind them, a squad of 6 other F-15Es were likewise gunning down the encroaching swarm with ruthless efficiency. All across the warzone, other TSF forces from different nations had banded together under the United Nations, launching themselves at the BETA in an attempt to breach their hive.
Except…that wasn't their actual goal.
From what Daniel and his squad were briefed on, their unit's attack on the Cheorwon Hive was simply one of the many distractions created to prevent the BETA from reconvening at the Kashgar Hive - the first and the largest BETA hive on Earth. This was a large-scale operation spanning the entire globe, and though Daniel felt a rush of adrenaline seeing the world come together in this critical moment, he couldn't shake off the sinking feeling that the lives of him and his men were nothing but cannon fodder. They were, after all, risking their lives so that the main attack forces could breach the Kashgar Hive - an infiltration mission with only a slim chance of success at best. It wasn't because he was an incredibly pessimistic person that such despondent thoughts would live rent-free in his head, but after years of having their hopes squandered by the BETA, the success of this operation felt like a pipe dream.
Shaking his head, Daniel had his TSF reload its AMWS-21 Combat System, swapping to a new belt of HVAP rounds. Unloading another salvo of bullets into the approaching BETA, it was clear that they were losing ground. Hoards of Destroyer and Grappler-class BETAs surged from a yet unseen hive, barrelling their way like a herd of bulls that had just seen red.
[Sir! T-this is bad! I don't think we can hold out much longer!]
One of his men exclaimed over the communications channel with his voice clearly disturbed and shaky. All around Daniel, the other F-15Es were backing-up as they emptied their clips into the fast-approaching swarm, desperately trying to keep as much distance between themselves and the enemy. As per America's combat doctrine of eliminating BETA from range, none of them were particularly adept at dealing with the BETA in close quarters, and neither were the TSFs they were piloting.
[Don't falter! Maintain formation and fall back to the coastline!]
Jack shouted over the comms and Daniel bit his lip watching the BETA approach them. Because they weren't fully committing to destroying the hive, the forces participating in this diversionary attack did not bother with the dangerous task of hunting down the Laser-Class BETA protecting the Hive. Unfortunately, that also meant that none of their TSF could fly above a certain altitude, forcing them to fight on land to avoid being vaporized by anti-air lasers. They were at a major disadvantage and Daniel had no choice but to call for backup.
[Viper Leader to Command Post. Our squadron is currently low on ammunition and is about to be overrun by the approaching BETA. I repeat, our squadron is currently low on ammunition and is being overrun by the approaching BETA. We are in need of reinforcements. Are there any other squadrons available?]
[Command Post to Viper Leader. The nearest squadron available to assist you right now is the Orochi Squadron from the Japanese Imperial Royal Guard. They will arrive at your current position in T-minus 6 minutes. Please hold out until then.]
Imperial Guard? Daniel wasn't familiar with Japanese culture but he knew enough to know that it was the Imperial Japanese Army that usually handled overseas matters. The Imperial Guards usually did as they pleased and rarely left Japan, so when he heard that an elite squadron of theirs was participating in this Operation during the briefing, he was rather shocked. As soon as communications with the command post were cut, Daniel relayed the information to his squad which prompted a response from his second-in-command, Jack.
[Orochi, huh? Heh. Still can't believe that crazily strong squadron from Operation Lucifer would come all this way rather than defend their homeland. Sheesh, if we're lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of the One-Eyed Witch!]
[Jesus Christ, Jack. Focus! We're about to be torn to bits here and you're fawning over some woman!]
Daniel snapped back while continuing to fire into the ever-growing hoard. Well, to tell the truth, he could in some ways understand why Jack was so relieved. Back in 1999, Japanese forces collaborated with the UN to capture the Yokohama Hive at the Far East Defence Line. In that operation, one of the few IRG forces to participate was the Orochi Squadron and their abilities could only be described with one word: "Monstrous". With just 8 machines, they were able to slaughter close to 10 000 BETA by themselves, demonstrating superb piloting skills, situational awareness, teamwork, and fuel management. Even more terrifying was the leader of said squadron, Major Saionji Sakura or better known by her nickname of the One-Eyed Witch. Even today, data gathered of her performance during Operation Lucifer were used by the United Nations as a means of training their own forces. In fact, her abilities were so great that they were even more potent than the Espers from the Soviet Union, a feat that was not easy to achieve.
"Well, I hope she's as good as they say. If not we're fucked right-"
All of a sudden, an ear-piercing scream snapped Daniel out of his train of thought and jolted him back to reality. A tank class had slipped through the cracks of their concentrated gunfire and latched itself onto the TSF belonging to one of his men's..
[AHHHHHHHHHH-]
[Shit! Hurry up and shoot that fucker off, hurry!]
The creature opened its eerily human-like jaws located on its abdomen and began tearing through the Strike Eagle, biting into its shoulder as its arms and legs clung onto the mech's torso. Whipping around, Daniel and another member of his squadron fired at the uncanny creature, carefully dispatching it without damaging the TSF's cockpit block. Instinctually, the rest of the squad formed up on their brethren, creating a defensive circle around the damaged unit and Daniel quickly checked in on the fellow soldier.
[Viper-5! Are you alright? What's your status?]
[Damage to the right arm, Sir! The range of movement of the arm is now limited but otherwise, I can keep fighting.]
[Affirmative. Be sure to inform me if you can't continue. I don't want to use combat hypnosis on any of you and I don't want to see any of my men lose their lives over this oper–.]
The sensors flared and warning signs appeared all over his HUD. In their moment of panic, a few more BETA strains managed to break through sustained gunfire and close in on them with terrifying speed. It was only for a few seconds but it was enough for their alien foes to capitalize on their mistake and finally get in close. Spinning his machine around, Daniel was too late. All he could see was the silhouette of a Grappler class coming down on him and his vision regressing into static as the F-15E's head was wiped clean off.
1st January 2002 - 1455h - Cheorwon Hive, Korea Peninsula
"132…133…134…"
Tank-Class BETA exploded into unrecognizable pieces.
"135…136…137…hehehe…"
Grappler-Class BETA were split cleanly in half.
"138…139…140. Haaa... Thank you for the meal, abominations."
The last Destroyer-Class BETA found their weak, unarmored back torn to shreds before they could react.
Over the mesmerizingly golden sand of Kongdol Beach was a thick layer of BETA corpses spread as far as the eye could see. Blood, limbs, and other unknown components that made up these extraterrestrial creatures were strewn about without care or concern. It truly looked like a tornado had swept through the area, pulverizing everything in its wake and leaving only the twisted remains of its victims.
Standing squarely under the midday sun was a single TSF - a Type-00R Takemikazuchi dyed in the blue hues that represented the Reagent Houses of Japan. Its sleek and elegant form was both powerful and regal in appearance, though its pristine paint job was unfortunately covered in the blood of the countless foes it had just dispatched. Untouched by anything but viscera, its uniquely heterochromatic optics of red and yellow flashed brightly, as the beautiful machine began to slowly press down on the unfortunate Tank-Class beneath its foot.
"Fufu…are you feeling fear?"
Deep within the machine, a soft and sultry feminine voice cooed. The pressure is increased. The creature struggles under the weight of the Takemikazuchi, flailing its arms in a futile attempt to attack its aggressor.
"...Do your kind feel fear?"
The pressure is increased again. An indentation is starting to form in the monster's fleshy body. Even then, it continues its meaningless attempts at offense.
"...You don't do you? That's alright. All of you have plenty of time to learn after all. That's why I'm here, hehehehehe…"
The creature finally buckles under the machine, bursting as the Type-00R's foot slams into the hardened sand. Fleshy remains splashed onto the mech, and the Type-00R gently placed its Super-Carbon laced fingers over its body to smear the foreign substance away.
Chilling laughter filled the cockpit of the Takemikazuchi as its pilot squirmed in her seat. Her body shivered, not from terror or cold, but from the sheer ecstasy that the bloodbath brought to her. A long lock of smooth black hair obscured one of her blood-red eyes, hiding the scar that served as the only blemish on her perfectly sculpted face. Her voluptuous body was clad in a blue Imperial Guard Fortified Suit meant to better interface with her Type-00R, its skin-tight material hugging her sensual curves perfectly. At first glance, one would not expect a woman of such beauty to be fighting on the frontlines, but such notions would be easily squashed when faced with the oppressive atmosphere that surrounded the sexual sadist.
–This person was none other than Major Saionji Sakura, the One-Eyed Witch and the alluring commander of the famous Orochi Squadron.
With her palms firmly gripping her machine's control sticks, Sakura lifted a finger and stroked the controls.. There was a fire burning between her thighs, a passionate catharsis that could only be achieved in the heated dance of combat. Like a marvelous piece of music, she enjoyed the highs and lows of the score, reaching climax after climax as she lost herself to the masterful choir of blood, pain, and gore. Unfortunately, the BETA were dull partners to dance with, lacking any sort of religious fervor in their footwork. Still, for someone like Sakura whose insurmountable strength had forced her to become a shield for the Shogunate, she would take any treat she could get.
Brandishing its PB Blade, Sakura's Takemikazuchi swung the weapon in a wide arc. The grime and blood that clung to its form were flung aside, exposing the glistening metal hidden under the filth. Returning the blade to its mount pylon, Sakura watched as the other members of the Orochi Squadron returned from their respective hunts.
In total, there were 6 white Type-00A Takemikazuchis and a single red Type-00F Takemikazuchi that returned. Like her own ride, their machines were stained by the reflections of their kills, a sight which yielded a subtle yet vicious smile from the Major. The red Takemikazuchi steps forward, piloted by Saionji Sakura's retainer, Kobayashi Kuro.
[Mistress, the surrounding BETA have been wiped out.]
Sakura focused her attention on Kuro's face through the live feed projected on her retina HUD before allowing the intentful smile to curl higher up on her sultry lips. Though they were bound as Master and Servant, as was custom between a noble and their retainer, the two of them had shared the bliss of adolescence together and so the Major was receptive to the raven-haired woman's emotions seated within the crimson TSF.
[Mhm~ Excellent. Though…it seems something is bothering you, Kuro. Those furrowed eyebrows and coarse scowl are unbefitting of your good looks, dear.]
[I- ahem, it is as you say. The fact that we are able to have any sort of breathing room is alarming. I fear that the BETA might have concentrated their attacks on the UN forces in an attempt to break through.]
A plausible assumption. Ever since Operation Ouka started, BETA around the world had started to show signs of strategic thinking previously unheard of. There was even news of a new BETA strain encountered at the Evensky-Hive, but any further details on this specimen had yet to be conveyed to the rest of the world by the Soviets. It was likely that they had their hands full on the attack and were still currently trying to dispatch the new foe. In any case, it would be wise for them not to treat the BETA as mindless creatures anymore.
Leaning back in her seat, Sakura heaved a satisfied sigh before having her Takemikazuchi raise its arm. At once, the 7 TSFs standing around formed up around her machine.
[Orochi Leader to all units. The Orochi Squadron will now proceed to lend assistance to the UN and IJA. Give me a status report on your munitions and fuel.]
One by one, each member of the Orochi Squadron listed out their remaining ammunition and fuel, with every member having more than enough to sustain combat for another hour. Nodding her head to her men, Sakura opened another channel, this time to the command post.
[Orochi Leader to Command Post. The Kongdol Beach had been cleared. Our squadron will not assume Active Defense and assist other units.]
[Command Post to Orochi Leader. Copy that. A distress call from the Viper Squadron has been received. Transmitting their current position to you right now.]
A location was marked on the map. It would appear that the ones in distress were only a few clicks away from their current location. In fact, it was in the direction of the distant sounds of gunfire just East of Kongdol Beach.
Sakura licked her lips. It was time for another glorious dance. Conveying the order to her men, the 8 TSFs took off, flying in an arrowhead formation towards the coordinates given to them. Naturally, Sakura took the lead, spearheading the formation as she led the charge toward the next legion of BETA. Flying across the beach at low altitudes, the sounds of distant gunfire become louder, as did the deafening noise of a stampede.
Bursting through the clearing, the 8 machines found themselves greeted by an unnecessarily warm welcome. A wave of BETA had just crashed into the Viper Squadron, with the latter having been pushed back to the shoreline while spraying rounds wildly into the unrelenting swarm. Among the sea of Strike Eagles, Sakura could pick out 2 machines with dysfunctional limbs and a single TSF which was completely out of commission. Its head unit was missing in its entirety, and the upper portion of its chassis was warped and disfigured. The One-Eyed Witch, however, couldn't care less about their safety. All she thirsted for was the carnal release that the ensuing battle would bring her.
[Orochi Leader to Viper Squadron. We are here to lend support. Take your wounded and return to the USS Ashleigh. We will handle things here.]
[Viper-1 to Orochi Leader. Understood. Our flight leader is currently stable but unconscious. Still, i-its an honor to meet you in person Major…Good hunting. ]
What a weird man. Sakura could not resist scoffing in mild amusement. She knew that the other countries were paying attention to her but never really saw it as a good thing. Like many things, her strength and history were secrets closely guarded by the Saionji House, and they didn't take things too kindly when pests were snooping around. Still, her status as a war hero from Operation Lucifer would most often than not earn her praises such as this one, almost like she was a celebrity or something. Such songs of admiration were, unfortunately, wasted on someone like her. Major Saionji Sakura did not consider herself a person of virtue. No, she was just a woman with a disturbing personality, where her happiness could only be achieved through the spilling of blood.
After all, Sakura was bred for the sole purpose of moving a giant machine of war. The only time she felt truly alive and comfortable, was at the controls of a TSF. Her obsession with her craft had caused members of the other royal families to distance themselves from her. In their eyes, she was nothing more than a killing machine, a powerful weapon, and a monster. But, to her, those were far from derogatory comments. Nay, they were the real compliments in her ears.
Sakura's blue Takemikazuchi blitzed through the battlefield, swerving through the BETA swarm with unparalleled agility and a masterful application of thrust vectoring. The Type-00R was a whirl of blades as it wielded a PB blade in each hand, slicing and dicing with finesse. It was almost like an elegant waltz, her machine darting to and fro with grace as it hacked through a large group of BETA fearlessly. The rest of her squadron followed suit, with Kuro barrelling through another wave on her own. Those girls would be fine, she trained them herself after all. Right now, Sakura's focus was on the fight.
"Hehehehehehe…HAHAHAHAHAHAHA-"
Crazed and hysterical laughter flew out of the One-Eyed Witch's mouth as she began her massacre. The juxtaposition between her TSF's smooth, efficient movements and her lustful, battle-crazed demeanor was as clear as day as she hacked the creatures to bits. With the superb CQC abilities of the Type-00 variants and the impressive handling of their pilots, the BETA swarm was held off long enough for the Viper Squadron to retreat.
Like the mythical eight-headed serpent from Japanese mythology, the 8 TSFs fought calamity with calamity until the sun started to sink. Later, news of the successful infiltration of the Kashgar Hive and the Superordinate's destruction was received. Operation Ouka was a success, and the forces attacking the Cheorwon Hive made a swift retreat now that they have completed their mission.
Spirits were high. Cheers worldwide coalesced in celebration of mankind's biggest victory yet. But there was still work to be done, BETA hives to be destroyed and G-elements to be retrieved. The Cheorwon Hive, among many others, had yet to be conquered…
In a prison cell, a man is awoken by the triumphant cheers of the prison guards.