The following story is a [FAN-FICTION]. Strike Witches are all owned by Humikane Shimada, Kazuhiro Takamura, Project World Witches, Striker Unit, and KADOKAWA. Please support the official franchise.
DISCLAIMER: This story will be a complete rework of Witch Musume RISE. Which means the old one is deleted and replaced with a new one. So this is more of a reboot of a rewrite of the first chapter while the story still continued to be a soft-reboot of the original Witch Musume story. While the synopsis will be the same but it'll be slightly altered in some way. No X-Frames and all that. But I suppose this story will be more leaning into the whole "Seinen" type of genre that light novels and mangas are pumping out that will explore the meaning of "existence". As well as exploring a world where humanity and Witches co-exists. But problems still arise that target Witches all around the world. Again, this is still a sequel to the original Witch Musume. So characters such as Ichigo Kazuraba and Matthew E. Yeager will still be present. That includes the 501st Witches. But here in this story, it will focus on Keiwa and the 503rd Joint Fighter Wing Typhoon Witches and their adventures in Shousetsu. And one more thing. The original story didn't leave a good taste so there will be revisions on how I design the lore to fit this new era in the world of Witch Musume. Now, with that out of the way… Let's begin this story, shall we?
Witch Musume Re:RISE
Witchpunk F - A Precious Little Life Is Tough for a Mob
11/27/2018 Sagelight Labs, Verdansk, Kastovia Daytime - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
"This is some fascinating research you've gathered here, Petronov." The researcher said as he was on his tablet to look at the photos that the lab members took. A shiny red gem-like core kept within the most secure area underground. The blonde man with glasses named Petronov spoke as he adjusted his glasses and had a small smirk.
"Of course, Dimitri." Petronov continued. "I only found it in the unforgiving cold of Antarctica. Indeed, the mining team of Sagelight only did what's best. That was two years ago. Way before those… Witches came."
"Is that so? What do you think of these… Child Soldiers?" Petronov asked.
"Tch… They're nothing more than an annoyance. They strive to protect the world they cherished. A sad story for them to lose their former world. I couldn't care less for these… Witches of the 1940s. But we should be thankful to them." Petronov said as Dimitri tilted in confusion.
"Thankful? To what?" Dimitri asked.
"Thankful that their arrival allowed real magic to exist into the world. With it, we can finally advance our country's technology with magic! Look!" Petronov then showed Dimitri the labs where weapons powered by magic are being made. Such as an assault rifle of an AN-94 that shoots out magic-powered bullets, leaving out an aetheric trace out of the gun's ejection. "With the weapons we've managed to distribute all over Europe. The military has been making full use of them. Of course, you'll never need to reload ever again."
"Does it come with a downside?" Dimitri said.
"It does… you just need to wait for 30 seconds to charge itself with a full magazine. That was Arshavin's idea. Not mine." Petronov continued. "And that Professor Ichiro Miyafuji from Japan decided to share the world with these… Striker Arms, the better upgrade of the Striker Unit for Witches… Again, I don't care. Ahem… So, do you wish to-"
"P-Petronov, sir!" The researcher rushed to meet him.
"Hmm? What is it?" Petronov asked the researcher as he tried to explain. His expression was filled with fear.
"T-The core!" The researcher continued. "The core is acting on its own! W-We didn't do anything with it but to observe! Suddenly, it just-"
"Less talking. Take me there. Dimitri! You're with me!" Petronov said to him as he nodded.
"U-Understood, sir!" Dimitri complied as all three rushed their way within the white walls of the underground labs of Sagelight.
They reached the room where the red core was kept as it was going out of control, trying to break free from captivity as the red electricity surges all around. The researchers were killed, too. Which was unexpected.
"S-See!?" The researcher pointed at the scene. "That core killed our men! We need to do something!"
"I know! Just let me handle this!" Petronov then rushed to the control panel as he typed in the computer in order to stop it from happening. "No… No, no, no! Why is this not happening? That core… is it capable of hijacking!?"
"P-Petronov! Verdansk's military squad is coming in! They're arriving to suppress it! S-Should we let them in!?" Dimitri frantically said to him as this annoyed him.
"Shut up! Don't let these unruly pests in! I can fix this…! I can… fix… this…?" Petronov noticed that the core had broken free, floating in the air. Then, it proceeded to gather all of the crystalized debris all around as it began to take form. Much to the researcher's horror… The military force came in, consisting of armed soldiers which arrived too late.
[KRA-KOOM!]
Outside of the labs where it was literally located within the downtown area of a Kastovian city. The skyscraper begins to crumble down as the civilians begin to run away in fear as the destruction kills many in the process. But under the rubble… began the formation as it proceeded to cover the downtown in a black red-lined hexagonal dome which the structures formed very quickly… and just as that… the only enemy of the Witches have returned with a vengeance.
OPENING - Silent Minority by Kashitaro Ito (Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for a Mob)
*Theme plays*
The scene begins to show Keiwa Kaburagi as he lifts his face up to look straight as his eyes open. Next shows Tomoko Anabuki lifting her face up to look straight as her eyes open as she has her familiar activity. Then, the two would look at each other as the black void suddenly switches into the sunrise of Tokyo where the two would look at the vast view of the city as the title appears for a brief moment until the screen transitions.
Zen jinrui wa mina kyodai
Ashitaninareba ashitadai onarishonari idainaru hito de itai
Then the scene starts to show Bronislava and the 503rd JFW Witches standing on the runway along with Keiwa, Aurora, and Alexandra who stood there to see the sunrise while looking at the view of the city of Shosetsu. Then it shows the next scene transitions to where Keiwa was seen walking down on the sidewalk with his phone active near the shores while Konbei was resting on his shoulders like a scarf where he turned to see the ocean where the Neurois hid among the dark clouds from afar as thunder was shown.
Antai nante mitakotonai anta ittai doko no hito dai
Darekare kamawazu naze mioroseru n dai?
Then the next scene shows the Luminous Witches and Grace Maitland Stewart where they were standing next to their Lancaster bomber as they were at the runway in Narita International Airport as they watched the blue skies where the Witches flew in the air to leave clouds of colored contrails. Then the next scene shows Richard Braun and Minna Dietlinde Braun nee Wilcke as Gertrud Barkhorn and Erica Hartmann followed them within the busy streets of Berlin. Then the next scene shows Matthew E. Yeager and Shirley E. Yeager where they were seen piloting a silver C-47 Skytrain over the skies of New York. Then the next scene shows the chains wrapping around the arms and legs of Keiwa as he was dragged down to drown in the bottomless sea.
Egao no ura ni wa
Raikuajakkuzarippa
Seijitsuna POKER FACE ima kara
Then the next scene where World War II aircraft carriers and warships sailing across the sea of Japan where it was heading towards where the Neurois are within the dark clouds. Then the next scene shows the bomb bay of the G5N1 Shinzan as the door opens to reveal the Fusoan Witches inside as they prepare to drop. Then the next scene shows Keiwa opening his eyes underwater to find Tomoko Anabuki reaching out to him with her hand extending out. He then breaks the chain as he struggles until he grabs her hand as the scene transitions.
Sa~a tada omou mama tachimukaou tadashi to omounaraba
Then the next scene shows the Fusoan Witches fighting the Neurois in the pacific as there were lasers, bullets, and shields as the battle was chaotic as Adolfine Galland was seen combating them on her own. Then the next scene shows Aurora pulling a large wagon with Keiwa sitting there to traverse on the road to watch the fight from afar until they encountered a blockade where they must deal with the groups of Magepsychos and the French Anti-Witch group.
Kizutsuke au koto mo iza to nareba kamawanai
Then it shows the next scene where Princess Shino is sitting at her desk where the group of government members bowing to her at the National Diet Building as she had a smirk on her face as her white katana was on her desk. Then the next scene shows Aurora throwing Keiwa in the air as his body begins to electrify all around him as his eye color glows blue.
Sakarau koto o warau nonaraba mada nanimokawaranai
Koko kara subete o nurikaeru no sa
The next scene shows where the Witch Races were happening in Tokyo where the people were cheering the racers to win as they were flying at high speed. Then it shows the scene where Tomoko flies into the combat where she uses her sword to shoot out magical gust of slashes to cut through them as she charged into battle as the same time when the scene transitions where Keiwa begins to unleash a surge of lightning all around him as the ground begins to crumble all around him when he was shouting his loudest. Then it ends with the scene where Keiwa, Tomoko, and everyone present where they watched the city of Shosetsu during the day with a windy breeze as it ends with Tomoko's striker left at the sand's shores as the water encroaches and falls back.
11/28/2018 Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan Nighttime - Clear Skies
Third Person POV
In a style of found footage. The camera turns on to show a blonde man wearing a gas mask as he looks at the camera lens and cleans it a bit. Then, he shifted the camera with three other men as they were carrying large yellow canisters which contained a caution sign. However, that canister was reeking out something that felt dangerous. Unsafe for a person to breathe. But he shows his phone through the camera where he received a message from a person named CK which he looked at the text.
CK: "Es-tu prêt?"
EG: "Prêt."
CK: "Pas de japonais. Parle français."
So, the person named EG put his phone away as he looked at the concert going on where today's the concert performance of the Luminous Witches. The crowd were cheering them on with positivity and the dome of the arena was open to allow the Witches to fly in the air with an extravagant performance. But one of the people nudged him.
"[Hey, hurry up. We don't have much time.]" Said his fellow person as he spoke french. EG decided to attach his camera on his chest as he proceeded to lift the yellow canister. "[You see these people down there?]"
"[Yeah?]" EG replied.
"[What do you see in those people? Slaves? Cattles? Or Prisoners of Fate?]" The man asked him one of the three based on his question. In his mind… he would speak it out to him.
"[They're prisoners of fate.]" EG responded as the man smirked under his gas mask as he pats on his arms.
"[A wise choice of words.]" The man then looked back as the two would put the canister near the railing. "[It's time… to free the chains that binds them.]"
"[Understood. Mort aux sorcières.]" EG said as they proceeded to toss the yellow canister right onto the crowd in the midst of the crowd. As the canister falls and falls… and then…
[BOOSH!]
The canister exploded into a cloud of yellowish mist as it had already descended onto the crowd as it was met with screams and coughs all over. The large screen from the concert shows the Witches as they were confused of what's going on. Their job was done. Their only mission is to sow chaos and send a message. As soon as they were ready to escape…
"[Shit! They're here! They know our location!]" The third person pointed at the sky where the camera shifted to where the group of armed military Witches from the JASDF.
"[SHOOT THEM!]" EG yelled to command them as they brought out their rifles and started to shoot at the witches.
[RATATATATAT!]
However, the bullets they fired were no use as they put up their shield. The Witches returned fire as they killed three of his men. EG was placed at a disadvantage where he turned around and tried to flee. But the moment as the camera shows a Witch wielding a katana flying in… His torso was slashed as the camera fell on the floor which shows the night sky. Then just as that… the camera shuts off…
12/3/2018 503rd JFW Base, Shosetsu, Japan Morning - Snow
First Person POV
[BZZZT! BZZZT!]
"Ugh…" I groaned the moment I began to wake up. Opening my eyes to see the phone on my desk where I tapped on the screen to turn off the alarm. "Another day… another morning…"
I yawned the moment I lifted my body up from the bed and stretched my arms. Of course… my arms are freakin shivering here in this room here in the living quarters. Did someone forget to turn on the heater? What if hypothermia happens to us? Sure, Witches have their excessive boon where they're immune to any type of disease. Of course, if you're at a young age. But once you're older… you'll prolly no longer be resistant over time. Those were the words of Huberta… she told me. Well, explain to me what Witches are, such as their benefits. I looked outside to see that the whole base is somewhat blanketed in snow. Now then… I suppose I owe you an explanation, do I? Alright then… Let's start at the very beginning.
My name is Keiwa Kaburagi. I'm currently 21 years old, a former Kendo practitioner for a college club that I used to attend at. Though, I used to live in the countryside where the city people see us as country bumpkins. But that never bothered me. I attended high school when I first moved to Tokyo and lived entirely by myself. Sure, that was before when the Witches came right after I was ready to attend college. There was once the Witches Exchange Act thing that was introduced but that one is long gone since it was removed. Witches can now enjoy freely whichever they choose. Of course, I do need to explain the backstory of how it all began. They come from a world where they're constantly under attack by alien creatures known as Neuroi. They are said to appear in the 30s when they started to wreak havoc. Then, there were Witches, capable of combat against them. And they fly planes on their legs called the Striker Unit, which are based on real WW2 planes. But until 1945… Shit hit the fan. The Neuroi somehow brought out the big guns and decided to destroy the world instead rather than conquering it. So, the nations worked together under one banner in order to send all Witches and some human survivors from the world of Witches to our world in early 2018. Of course, they were devastated that their loved ones and the world they once lived in were destroyed. Key people like Ichiro Miyafuji are here in this world. So yeah, you got Witches who fly in the air… and Witches who traverse on the ground… with tank treads. That's their side of the story so yeah.
However, why am I residing here in the city called Shosetsu along with me living in this living quarters that has hangars and a runway, you ask? It's simple… but complicated. A Witch named Adolfine Galland sought me out 5 days ago when the incident in Tokyo began. I remember it all too well in my mind. I would even call this a traumatic experience. So where do I even begin? It all started when my friend Tatsumi gave me tickets to the concert of the Luminous Witches performance that was happening at the Tokyo Dome…
[Flashback - The Night Before The Incident]
Within my flashback, it was night here in the vibrant city of Tokyo. I was seen riding on the sky taxi through this flying carriage where the Witch was carrying it as I saw the view of the dome… I haven't been here before but this was my first time being here. The moment the Witch lands on the parking area exclusive to sky taxis. I got off and thanked her before she flew away. I looked around the place to see all the people gathered to watch the whole concert. And… There are some extreme otakus here as well. You know, the guys with glasses and a nerdy look where they swing their light sticks around? Yeah… those guys. And don't forget the posters of attractive female anime characters they carry on their backpack. But that's not important. I looked where Tatsumi was waiting for me as I arrived at the ticket stand next to the entrance.
"Keiwa-san!" Tatsumi called out to me as I arrived. "What took you so long, man? They're going to start soon!"
"Sorry about that… even the sky road has traffic and I can't complain." I continued. "I got my ticket and so do you. You wanna start heading inside? We gotta hand our ticket to the guy working here if we need to proceed."
"Man, you're always straight to the point. Even in the kendo club, man. Lighten up a little!" Tatsumi said as I didn't say anything. We would proceed to show our tickets to a worker before heading in.
And once we did… the concert performance already began. The Luminous Witches were in full swing. The dome was open so they could start flying and show off. Everyone started cheering for them as they chanted with yays and heys. But me? I had no interest in seeing concerts but Tatsumi has always been so stoked about it. He's the one enjoying himself. I'm just a guy being thrown along for the ride.
"Hmm? Keiwa? You're not interested?" Tatsumi looked at me as I sighed.
"Not really. I'm just here to listen to their singing and watch them fly." Of course, the Witches have already been integrated into our society fairly quickly.
Magic and flying aren't new anymore. It's pretty much a social norm now. Nations all over the world are finding ways to incorporate magic with modern technology. Karlsland… formally Germany for example follows that example. Their desire to combine both magic and technology into one. While our country, Japan… somewhat follows that but leans into more of the magic kind. Every nation has their own reasons. Of course, the world is facing problems and controversy like how the Witches are being used as Child Soldiers in war. It is a war crime in case you don't know. But then again, the world has forgotten about it. This isn't our world anymore… It's their world. Witches are becoming more dominant in both military and civilian life. Plus, there are Witches that are over 18 and have begun marrying with males in this world in hopes to pass on the torch to the new generation of Witches. Striker Units are being mass produced all over the world… and the UN had already announced the new Tetras Act… a worldwide ban that targets the use of jet-powered engines such as fighter planes or jumbo planes. And the nations all over the world must agree that World War 2-era planes such as Fighters, Bombers, and Commercials must be manufactured. It's a forced one so I'm not complaining. Of course, the Witches had to go through our world's history and the like. Many were horrified when they first came to our world but this was considered as a process to have them integrated with our society. However… This only brings up the worst possible situation here on this Earth. Anti-Witch groups were formed that specifically targeted the Witches and the Witch Corps whose HQ is located in Berlin. Of course, some Anti-Witch groups can break off and become dangerous terrorist groups where their type of methods are… extreme. Plus, there's already a recent problem that people have begun extracting the Witch's Magic from them and using them as drugs for humans. You inject yourself with it, you gain magical powers such as deploying a magic shield. But they won't last long, which only expires after 24 hours. Overdosing? Well… it's worse than that. Manapsychosis triggers. It's a mental illness that involves the over usage of the injection of Witch's Magic. Far worse is… you'll begin to lose the sense within yourself to the point where you'll become insane to attack anyone. We call them Magepsychos. But if you inject Witch's Magic to a Witch? Well? Nothing happens, really. But still, crime groups that align themselves with Anti-Witch groups are the ones responsible for kidnapping Witches just to take their magic and share it with everyone… I don't wanna explore even further about this. But that's not all, the Prime Minister of Japan is actually a Witch who was sworn in to take the office last year. And that caused the roles of both men and women to become inverted. Meaning females and Witches are considered to be more dominant and considered within their "nobility" and men are considered as unimportant to the point where they would be used as borderline playthings. And it's not easy for a male to try to date a woman, they'll decide when to date you. So long story short… the world is rife with problems. Which is why the Witch Corps have been combating these issues for a long while now while Japan changed drastically because of this Matriarchy. The other nations did not.
So yeah, that's the explanation of how our world works now. As we continue to watch the performance… I sensed that something was wrong. I looked up to find what appears to be four men in hazmat suits standing on the hanging platform near the edge of the opened roof. They were seen holding a large yellow canister. That was when I decided to take action…I had to inform Tatsumi but… I was too late… they dropped it onto the crowd. And just like that… a cloud intoxicating mist of gas covers the whole area of the arena. Everyone was screaming in fear and agony as me and Tatsumi were among those people affected by it. Of course, I was suddenly rescued by a Witch who carried me away safely but… they weren't able to save Tatsumi as he succumbed to the gas. After that… I was brought outside of the arena along with many people who were affected. Me included. There was that Witch with long black hair, a traditional white and red hakama with the insignia of some nation she was once part of… Fuso, I think? She even has ears and tail of a silver fox as she has her katana sheathed. And her legs have a silver Striker Unit where she landed me on the floor the moment she deactivated them to take them off herself… revealing her legs. Her beautiful eyes meet mine as if this was destiny. But again… I was on the verge of death. But she spoke to me…
"Civilian… Are you not feeling well?" The Witch said to me as I responded weakly.
"I… I can't die… I want… to live…" I pleaded to her with my conviction. I wanted to keep on living. I was afraid of death. But these constant fear of death will continue to haunt me the longer the darkness tries to pull me away.
"I… I see." The Witch said with a calm exhale as she continued, placing her hand to her chest. "My name is Tomoko Anabuki, I currently work for the Japanese Air Self Defense Force's 73rd Imperial Fuso Unit. I understand the situation you're in. You wish to keep living on, yes?"
"P-Please…" I pleaded.
"If you wish to keep on living. Then I have a proposal to you as a Witch myself." Tomoko then continued as she lends her hand out to me. "I'd like you to form a contract with me."
"Con… contract…?" I asked in confusion as I needed more detail.
"Yes, a contract. If you accept, there is a high chance that you'll get to keep on living. Saving yourself from the infliction of the gas. In exchange… There is something I want." Tomoko continued. "Your desires."
"My… desires…? Why…?" I said weakly as I continued to look at her.
"Humanity has desires like us Witches. But these desires that people strive for are impossible to reach once you hit a block that stops you. So tell me… what is your desire?" Tomoko asked.
"I… I made a promise… to find a certain someone… That's right… a promise to find a certain someone I loved… That… That was my desire…" I said to the Witch of my desires… for the longest time from high school to now… I always wanted to find a woman I liked… but I couldn't remember but that was my desire… my promise. And so… Tomoko spoke.
"Very well…" Tomoko continued. "I will take those desires from you. In exchange, I will allow you to keep on living. To cheat death itself. Will you accept?"
There was no other choice… I want to live… I need to live!
"I… accept…!" I reluctantly accepted. Taking her hand. And just as I did so… a magic circle appeared below us as it was quite large as everyone saw us. And then… there was light…
[Flashback End]
And that's how I cheated death and lived… by becoming Tomoko's Slave. Yes, you heard that right. I became a Slave. From what I've heard… A Slave is a person who accepts the Witch's Contract in exchange for a human desire. My desires have been taken away by her because I want to live. Of course, once you become a Witch's Slave, you can no longer find desires anymore. Any attempts of finding a new desire or pursuing the previous desire… You'll only face an electrocuting shock from the Slave Mark should it react, it'll only shock your torso so of course the pain will be greater. That's one downside: Your desires are taken away. What's it like having no desires, exactly? Well… it's like having a hole in your heart. The more it gets bigger the more you take it away. It's like a void. Of course… when the Witch Corps discovered that… It has been considered a great taboo for all Witches and prohibits them from doing so unless there is a special permission. So yeah, I'm pretty much under a watchful eye from the Witch Corps and Tomoko was lightly punished for it. And yes, I have the Slave Mark which is visible from the side of my neck. It'll help people to identify Slaves easier because of this. Slave Marks can only be seen on the left side of their neck. Are there any benefits to being a Witch's Slave? There is but… not much. You get immunity from any illness or disease and you cannot feel pain but you'll pass out if you bleed out too much. However, Slaves can get access to magical abilities as they're called… Slave Abilities. They're random so you'll never know what you'll get. It's like gacha but much more unforgiving of luck. Plus, they do gain a magical enhancement through the supplied magic from a Witch. But a Slave can die which is a downside. And another downside… If Tomoko suddenly dies… I also die as well. If she feels pain, her pain is transferred to me instead. So we're pretty much connected all thanks to her contract. Oh and… remember the magical enhancement I mentioned about? Unfortunately… Tomoko never gave or bestowed me one so that made me useless. And worse of all… I don't even have a Slave Ability, either. Talk about my rotten luck, huh?
And yeah, the Commodore of the Witch Corps from Karlsland named Adolfine Galland sent me here to work for the 503rd Joint Fighter Wing Typhoon Witches' separate unit called the Typhoon Coffin Platoon. Alexandra Serbanescu was chosen to lead this squad since the main unit is run by Bronislava Feoktistovna Safonov. Huberta von Bonin who I mentioned is part of the unit but acts as both an advisor and a negotiator. I did see her fly once but that's about it. There are other members here whom I met before I became a full member of the Typhoon Coffin. Waltraud Nowotny, Galina D. Kostylev, Rosalie de La Poype, Fumiyo Kawaguchi, and Ottilie Kittel. However, Tomoko was supposed to join the unit to replace Alexandra but she has not arrived… yet. Last time I heard, she's busy being part of a film for the next film propaganda for the Japanese military. I remember her talks when back in her world, she was famous for her film propaganda she was in called Fuso Flash of the Sea. Where it was meant to explore the battle or something against the Neuroi. And now, she's taking part in the remake of that said film under a title called SHIN Fuso Flash of the Sea. Now… Did I watch the original? I did when I asked Bronislava… or Bronya I called her if she had one and surprisingly, she did. Now what did I think about it? Nothing special. Perhaps my personality is changing because of my status as a Slave. Oh well, that's how life goes… I looked at my desk to find an action figurine stand of Tomoko herself… This was her gift to me that she held onto. Of course, that one came from her world, too. I continue to sit on the bed and think of what I should do now?
"Still thinking for yourself, are we?" The voice of a gentleman-like personality spoke within my head… Suddenly, a silver fox with a white rope attached with a bell on his neck and its eyes closed magically appeared out of my chest and leaped down from my lap and sat up on the floor. Of course… I couldn't forget about HIM all of a sudden.
This one here is Konbei… Tomoko's own familiar… You know how Familiars work. Witches have them. It allowed them to wield magic and fly on strikers. But this one here is a special case, it can appear out of their respective host as it pleases. Konbei is rather special. He is capable of human speech. So far, only Tomoko and I can understand him.
"Of course I am. What would I be thinking?" I asked the fox.
"Perhaps you're thinking about your desires again, no? After all, you've agreed to become her Slave. Ojou-sama's Slave, in fact." Konbei said sternly and calmly as I sighed.
"Yes, I get that. It's weird that you can just appear out of nowhere without warning…" I said as the fox would speak.
"Isn't it obvious? Since you accepted her contract and became a Slave. The two of you are now connected magically and mentally. After all, those connections act as traversable portals for me within the Soul Leyline. I can check up on you or Ojou-sama anytime, anywhere. Will that information suffice with that forgetful brain of yours?" Konbei then asked me for his explanation.
"I guess?" I continued as I looked at him. "Say, if you're bound as Tomoko-san's familiar… Can I use your magic, too?"
"Excuse me!? Absolutely not, Keiwa-sama!" Konbei retorted. "I'll have you know that I am Ojou-sama's familiar only! I would never lend some of a small speck of magic to a human being such as you!"
"Geez… I feel like you're insulting me…" I continued as I grabbed out my phone and checked the news. "How is she doing? Still doing the film thing?"
"Still doing the 'film thing' as you said. Both her popularity and her reputation has preceded the eyes of the public along with the military. Not only that… the production of the dolls that looked like Ojou-sama is also happening as I speak. Fuso's modern era is truly something." Konbei said as I spoke up.
"Japan." I continued. "In our world, it's called Japan. And we're Japanese. You know our terms don't mix, right?"
"It doesn't matter. Fuso, Japan, Fusoan, Japanese? As long as the languages are the same, I will call it regardless." Konbei continued. "Oh yes, I am also to bring the good news. Ojou-sama requested me to send her a message to you."
"What did she say?" I wanted to hear this message as the fox was willing to do so.
"She said that she's nearly done with the film production on her performance at the pacific. And once that's over, she will arrive in Aizuwakamatsu to temporarily join the 503rd JFW. That is all she has to say." Konbei explained as I seemingly understood her reasons.
"That's good news, I guess… so she'll come here tomorrow?" I asked the fox as he nodded. "Alright… Now then, I suppose you're done talking to me?"
"I do." Konbei's ears twitched as he sensed something. "However, Ojou-sama needs me once more to finish the film. We will talk again soon if possible…"
And so, Konbei decided to leap and pounced right into my chest as he finally disappeared, returning back to assist Tomoko with the film.
"There he goes… I was about to ask him if he wanted meat." I said to myself until the door began to open as I noticed.
Once it was opened… I was met with a woman with short white hair as she wore her usual military uniform that came from her country… I believe her's is called Suomus… and our world's name is Finland. Right, I met her before I joined. That's Aurora Edith Juutilainen, the older sister of the famed Diamond Ace. She, too, is also a member of the Typhoon Coffin Platoon but also assists with other stuff to maintain the base. Even gathers wood outside of the airfield.
"Hey there, Keiwa. I see you're awake?" Aurora asked me as I looked at her usual smiling expression.
"Yeah. I am." I continued. "Is there something you need help with?"
"Not really. Miss de La Poype is requesting your help in cleaning the lounge room." Aurora said as I stood up and looked at her.
"Really? Now? I thought she could handle this all by herself?" I asked her as she shook her head.
"She needed an extra hand." Aurora added as I sighed.
"Alright, I'll go help her out. What about you?" I said to the Suomisian Witch.
"I'll be heading outside of the base to gather more wood to feed the fireplace. Need to keep it warm since it's winter." Aurora said as she proceeded to leave the room.
Only for me to be alone here… In the end… I'm just a side character… a Mob to be exactly. Why did I call myself a Mob? Well, I'm not that important here in this life ever since I became a Slave. Of course, my Desires have been taken away by Tomoko and forced to strip of my free will. And joining the Typhoon Coffin Squadron will be my only way to prove myself that I can pull some weight. I can still fight thanks to my experience in Kendo
And so, I left my room in the living quarters and headed to the lounge room where it was quite spacious and large. The whole room design looks like it came from the World War II era. There, I noticed Rosalie at the bardenter table where she was seen cleaning the table as it was rather polished. She then looked at me after I arrived.
"Morning, Rosalie." I casually greeted her as I yawned.
"Good morning, Keiwa. I assume you had a good sleep?" Rosalie asked me with a kind smile on her face.
"Somewhat." I continued. "You need help with the cleaning?"
"Oh yes, of course!" Rosalie continued as she approached me. Handing me of the cleaning supplies. "The floors need to be polished so it won't be filled with dust everywhere. Think you can handle this?"
"Sure. Also… You mind turning on that magic orb? I'm missing out on the news." I said to her as she looked at it.
"O-Okay. I'll do just that." Rosalie then walked over to the magic orb. Using it through the gesture of her hand… the holographic television screen then appears as it shows the news of what's going on as I proceeded to clean the floors as Rosalie requested as we listened in.
TV News: "In the recap of what happened five days ago. A terrorist attack struck the Luminous Witches concert at the Tokyo Dome that injured hundreds and thousands of lives. Some were killed while majorities were sent to the hospital. Chief Officer Emu Imagawa has reported that the assailants of the terrorist group are confirmed to be French that is affiliated with an Anti-Witch Group that was formed in France last year. The investigation continues, more on the info."
Rosalie then switched channels to show a live concert of this particular witch who has recently captured the people's attention when it comes to the idol scene… Minna Dietlinde Wilcke, a Karlslandian… or German in our terms, who is popular with the Witches back in their world. She is one of the famed Karslandian Trio who were responsible for liberating their world's Berlin from Neuroi's control. Of course, after they came to our world. Everything went normal as is. I hear rumors that she's married to a loving husband and has a child. And this? Her idol career has been taking off very quickly. Hell, there's even a fan club! Very freaky if you ask me! Right now, she's live in Osaka to perform her concert to the masses. Her best song was called When The Moon Reaches For The Stars. I believed it was used in a game of some popular reverse harem otome game project. What was it again? Well, that doesn't matter with all the game's stuff. And yes… Germany changed their nation's name to Karlsland. All that to get away from the bad stuff from the past. Hell, these Karlslandian Witches are ruthless to the core. They value discipline and also… they're aware of our world's past. If you call one of the Karlslandian Witches a Nazi… Well, they're willing to tear you apart… alive. Ottilie is also Karlslandian so I need to watch my mouth, too. I looked at Rosalie where she was looking at the holographic screen to see her sing. She was entranced by it as her face was blushing.
"Hey." I asked the Gallian Witch. "You okay?"
"O-Oh! Apologies… I didn't mean to space out like that. I was just captivated by her songs at the moment. She's an excellent singer, isn't she?" Rosalie asked me as I started to have a single sweatdrop.
"At least you're being honest here…" I replied with a poker face.
"Anyways… about that concert incident… Is it true that you were among the victims who got affected by the gas? If so, I feel sorry that you had to endure that pain. Not to mention you as the Patient Zero of being the First Slave." Rosalie then decided to go to that topic…
That's right… I was the first person to become a Witch's Slave. Being in that hospital was not a good experience as I was experimenting on how humans are wielding magic and stuff. Even though I have neither of those. It's all thanks to Adolfine Galland who helped me get out of this mess and made me work here in Shosetsu for 503rd's own Typhoon Coffin not as a male personnel, but a member because she saw the potential in me. Of course, it's not easy living in the world where Witches and females are the most dominant and males are left to be household husbands. The World of Witches is tough for a Mob like me. And that's a fact. I decided to stop what I'm doing and lay on the couch the rest. Of course, I might as well watch the whole concert. That is until…
"Are you slacking off again, Keiwa?" The voice of a stern Witch spoke as we noticed her arrival…
Alexandra Serbanescu… The leader of the Typhoon Coffin Squadron. If I recall, she once had a rivalry against Huberta to take the title of the Wing Commander of the Typhoon Witches and lost. That is until Bronislava appointed her to be the leader of this said unit. I'll be honest… The only members are me, Aurora, and Alexandra. So we're pretty much a skeleton crew at the moment. Of course, Huberta's job is to keep her in check otherwise this unit would fall apart. If only we need to get more members… What if they're Slaves like me? But of course, I cannot forget about her. She cares about Discipline, just like those Karlslandians. She has that scar under her eye but the way she's glaring at me… She really wants me to get back to work.
"I just wanted to see the concert. Rosalie was interested in it, too." I said to my Squad Commander as Rosalie became flustered.
"I-I just wanted to have a listen, that's all!" Rosalie spoke as Alexandra sighed.
"Not you… Him." Alexandra continued. "Keiwa, I don't know why you would slack off and enjoy your free time. Your job is to clean the lounge and nothing else. Do I make myself clear?"
"Eh? But I don't want to…" I decided to lay back and deny her orders. However, this only angered her as she clenched her fist. Her familiar activates as her body is surging with magical energy. She approached me and…
[THOK! THUD!]
A powerful magic enhanced punch knocked me off the couch as I was seen flying right into the wall and then falling onto the ground. Rosalie quickly looked at her and seemingly apologized.
"I-I'm truly sorry for Keiwa's irrational behavior! Please! Go easy on him!" Rosalie profusely apologized continuously as I got up and was surprised… I feel no pain.
"Do you understand now, Keiwa? Get back to cleaning. Otherwise… my patience with you is growing thin." Alexandra warned me again until someone came in once again.
"Alexandra. Do please go easy on him. It's his first day here. You don't want Commodore Galland to find out that you're abusing him as you please, do you?" The voice of another Witch arrives… There she is… the blonde herself… the Orussian beauty… Bronislava… or Bronya as I like to call her.
"C-Commander Safonov!" Alexandra continued. "I merely told him to get back to cleaning. Nothing special!"
"I see. But, I heard the slams on the wall so I expected it was you." Bronislava said as she poured herself a tea. "Make sure you restrain yourself next time."
"U-Understood…" Alexandra complies to look at me. "Understand this, Keiwa. You may have earned her blessing. But don't let that blessing to go waste the more you continue slacking off. Got that?"
"Yeah, yeah… Crystal clear…" I replied to her with a boorish tone as I grabbed the cleaning supplies. "Rosalie. Let's get back to cleaning, shall we?"
"Right." Rosalie replied as we wasted no time here at this base. I can imagine Bronya looking at me. Though, I'm not sure if she's taken interest towards me but… while my desires are gone. My heart… lies somewhere else towards. For now, I need to be busy otherwise I'll have to deal with Alexandra's wrath once again.
Arena, Osaka, Japan Daytime - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
Meanwhile at the concert stage within the arena at Osaka where the performance was already over… A young red-haired woman who had switched back from her idol outfit back to her usual green Karlsland military uniform as she left backstage where she was approached by a blonde young man who wore his leather bomber jacket. This was none other than her husband she was married to last year after her arrival to her world. It was him who helped open her eyes that there is a second chance in this world. Of course, she was enjoying her new lifestyle in this modern world where her dreams can be realized in hopes to make her former lover proud back in her world. She lets out a kind smile when she greets him.
"So, how did I do, dear?" She asked her husband about her performance as he nodded.
"Amazing, Minna." The man, named Richard Braun continued as the two would share a quick kiss on the lips. "Never would I think you'd bring out your Striker Unit to sing your heart out to your fans. That reminds me, what of your manager? Did he update your tours?"
"He did." Minna continued as she brought out her phone and looked at her schedule. Of course, she had gotten used to using the world's modern technology such as smartphones. "My concert is next month, which is in January. Rest assured that I told him that I needed to take a break from my idol career for a month."
"So does that mean you're free?" Richard asked her as she giggled cutely.
"Always, dear." Minna then nearly forgets. "Oh, that reminds me. Where is Ann? Surely you were looking after our daughter, have you?"
"Ahh, I had Trude look after her. Don't worry, they're waiting outside for us." Richard continued. "Oh yes, there was one more thing… you're aware of what's happening in Kastovia, no? In the city of Verdansk?"
However, her carefree mood dies down the moment he mentions it. She looked down to respond as she kept her serious expression.
"I'm well aware of that, Richard." Minna continued. "To think your world would have its own Neuroi here out of nowhere…"
"This was the first time I heard it when Galland provided these messages to me on my phone. Sorry that you had to deal with the enemy in our world. Of course, no offense. I'm just worried if you're still dealing with this trauma." Richard did have a hard time speaking but didn't want to make his wife sad. She shook her head.
"Please, pay it no mind." Minna said with reassurance. "It's no surprise that our enemy would follow us there. Even though my magical energy would soon fade away throughout the months and years… I do hope our daughter Ann can inherit everything from me so I can live free."
"Ahh, you did tell me about it before. I remember when Erica told me the side of your story when you had to use the Komet to-" Richard was interrupted when Minna quickly placed her index finger to cover his lips.
"Can we not go there?" Minna said to him, knowing that she has that trauma that happened back in her world.
"R-Right… Though, you're aware about the whole Tokyo Dome incident. Can't believe there are Anti-Witch groups that exist for a sole purpose." Richard then mentioned the recent incident… the one where the hate group threw gas to affect and kill thousands of people there. Though, the Witches are not too keen on killing a human being. Some have gotten used to it but some refuse to kill a human even if they're beyond evil.
"Humans kill humans, right?" Minna continued. "As long as there is conflict. Hate will find its way…"
"Yeah… That's the reality, Minna. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows. We just wanted to live a happy life. After all… I have you. We're family. No matter what. I'm sure your familiar Krawatte would be pleased with your newfound idol career." Richard said to his wife as she chuckled.
"How kind of you, dear. Ahem… now that it's over. I do hear that in the city of Shosetsu that the 503rd JFW has this new separate prototype unit formed which involves the usage of Slaves." Minna then mentioned something as it confused him.
"Slaves?" Richard asked her as she nodded.
"If a person accepts the Witch's contract, your desires will be taken away. Thus, becoming a Slave. Gaining abilities similar to a Witch but vastly limited. Such as being unable to pilot the Striker or deploying a shield." Minna continued. "Right now, there are only 100 Slaves active in this world. Commodore made the right decision to forbid any Witches from turning people into Slaves. Who knows what would happen."
"Uh huh… I'll… pretend I listened." Richard continued. "Anyways, let's get going. We can't leave them hanging. We wouldn't see Ann crying, would we?"
"Certainly not. Let's catch up and go with it." Minna said to him as the two would leave the arena on their own in order to meet up with Trude and Erica in order to have Minna and Richard reunite with their daughter Ann.
Downtown, Shousetsu, Japan Afternoon - Clear Sky
First Person POV
We were at the downtown area of Shousetsu where Aurora was seen on her Tank Striker as she was pulling a large wagon filled with logs that she had gathered and Alexandra gave her an a-okay to use them as weapons. Of course, I was on the front of the wagon since I was thrown in for a ride. But still, Aurora is the only person who cares for my well being. Rosalie, too. I can tell the other Typhoon Witches such as Waltraud, Ottilie, and Gallina are doing their patrols all around the town here as usual. However, I looked up at the sky to see Alexandra hovering in the sky with her Striker Unit to watch for something… That's right, Alexandra informed us that there is a Magepsycho on the loose. It's no surprise that people would be so hooked on injecting themselves with Witch's Magic. I guess there is a reason why their base was moved from Chelyabinsk to Shousetsu at Adolfine's order. Man, Witch Corps are really something… Suddenly, Aurora stopped as I felt it as I looked at her.
"Hmm? Aurora-san? What's wrong?" I asked her as she pointed to what's in front of us.
"A police blockade." Aurora continued. "It seems a Magepsycho is really roaming around here."
"So… what now?" I asked her as Aurora placed her finger next to her ear as she had a radio earpiece to talk to our Commander of this Typhoon Coffin Platoon.
"Leader." Aurora continued. "There's a police blockade going on. We're going to take a detour around the area."
"Alright, make sure you arrive at that specific location- Wait… nevermind that! A Magepsycho is heading your way!" Alexandra quickly informed them as Aurora's wolf ears twitched as she noticed something as she looked at the top of the apartment building where a mysterious figure jumps off and lands on the top of the police vehicle as it was destroyed.
"Magic… I need more magic… YOU!" The Magepsycho who turns out to be a civilian male as his eyes were glowing blue but something was clearly wrong with him. Seems he was talking to Aurora. "GIVE ME YOUR MAGIC! ALL OF IT!"
"Sorry, but I'm off limits." Aurora talked back as I got off of the wagon the moment she detached the chain from the back of her striker. "Keiwa, focus on the evacuation. We cannot allow them to get hurt."
"No need to ask me twice!" I said to her as I rushed over to the police officers as I talked to them. "This is Keiwa Kaburagi of the 503rd's Typhoon Coffin Platoon! Get out of there now and help focus on the evacuation of the civilians! It's too dangerous!"
The police unit understood where we came from as the would comply and proceeded to go with the process by helping nearby civilians evacuate from this scene of battle. Taking down a Magepsycho isn't an easy feat. Witches are forbidden to kill them. Same goes for people, too. The only way to stop them is to apprehend them. I watched the battle to see it happen…
Aurora grabbed one of the logs as she planted her fingers into the wood and held it easily with just one hand, but rather than swinging it… she would use it differently… by throwing it.
[FWOOSH!]
As Aurora hurls the log towards the Magepsycho, he gets hit as he gets flown into a nearby store as it caused a crash as the property was damaged as it created a puff of smoke. However, the log was hurled back directly at her as she had to use her shoulder mounted tank cannon to fire a shot.
[BOOM!]
The log was destroyed as the psycho dashed by pouncing towards her. She deploys her shield to stop him but it wasn't enough… his body begins to emit a static of electricity in order to overload the shield as she took notice but was too late… her magic shield was shattered as she was catching her breath to see her enemy now covered in electricity.
"Don't resist… give me your magic…!" The Magepsycho then tried to close the distance in order to get what he wanted… but Alexandra fired her MG42 to keep him away as he stood a step back.
She descends down to hover next to Aurora the moment she grabs out a syringe that contains Witch's Magic… of course, we would use them but it's meant to help refuel the magical energy for a Witch so it's meant for Witches only… not for people. Even though she did kinda confiscate them in her previous mission that involves drug trading here in Shousetsu. So, Alexandra injects the syringe onto Aurora's side of her neck as it was being injected. Just as that, she pulls it out as Aurora gets back on her feet.
"Thanks for the save, Leader… This Magepsycho is using lightning magic…" Aurora said to Alexandra as I watched.
"So I've heard. It won't be easy to take him down. Not sure if he's running out of magic very soon but…" Alexandra then aimed her weapon at him. "Surrender now or there will be consequences. There is no reason for you to wreak havoc with a dangerous magic like that."
"You stand in my way…?" The Magepsycho stood weirdly as he tilted his head. "If you won't let me have your Magic…"
He then proceeded to bring out four syringes of Witch's Magic much to our surprise. He held them two on each hand as he began to inject himself with it as his body began to alter in some way as veins began to reveal all over his body.
"Then I might as well kill you…!" He lost his mind. Unwilling to listen to reason. He had finally snapped as his body began to emit more electricity than ever as it was surging out of control. The zaps of lightning begin to damage buildings and asphalt all over. Alexandra and Aurora had to put up their shields to protect themselves. However, I noticed a person on the balcony of the apartment where she had her phone up to record it. I know things are gonna be bad.
"Hey! Get back to your room now! It's not-" And just as I tried to warn the woman…
[KRAKOOM!]
The lightning strike has struck the balcony as it begins to crumble and she has no time to get back soon. Everything's in deep shit all because of the Magepsycho but I know what I must do.
"Konbei… You there?" I asked Tomoko's familiar as he spoke within my mind.
"Is there something wrong? By the looks of things, it seems you're dealing with a Magepsycho, yes?" Konbei said as he was watching through my vision.
"Of course! But the woman on the balcony is about to fall and die. I need to save her! To do so… I need you to merge with me. To use your magic!" I said to the fox as he didn't seem thrilled.
"Have you gone mad!? Need I tell you twice that I am Ojou-sama's-" I interrupted the fox.
"Shut up!" I retorted as I gritted my teeth. "If you don't act now! My teammates are in danger and the woman will die! You're just gotta do nothing, huh? Is that it!? So help me for once, damn it! Please!"
"Honestly… you're truly a stubborn one, Keiwa-sama. Very well, I will lend you my power… for now. But in return, I require your blood. It's a simple exchange, is it not?" Konbei then said to me with the exchange… I wouldn't care about this so I spoke.
"I don't care. Take some of my blood. I just need you to assist me." I said to Konbei as he responded.
"Very well, this will suffice. Consider this a temporary one." Konbei responded as I felt an inner pain within me as my blood was being used as Konbei took them. Suddenly, a magical energy flowed around me as I started to have ears and tail of a silver fox as he was with me now. "Remember, you're on a time limit. Ojou-sama needs me but you must make it quick."
I looked at my rear and felt the fox ears for the first time and thought of it.
"Honestly, it feels weird to have one. Sure, I'm not a Witch but since you said it's temporary… I might as well go for it!" I spoke with confidence the moment I lightly crouched my legs in order to concentrate… the magical rings proceeded to appear on my legs as I started to maintain this focus… and just as that… "Let's go!"
[FWOOSH!]
I propelled myself like a bullet as the balcony began to break as the woman began to fall as she started to scream. I managed to catch her mid air and stuck my foot on the wall as the magic circle appeared. Allowing me to defy gravity by sticking on the wall as long as my two feet are planted. The Magepsycho is still surging out of electricity so I need to shut him up. I propelled again as my right foot kicked right into the psycho's head as he crashed into the ground.
[KRASH!]
And just like that… I ran over next to Aurora and Alexandra. However, I gave the woman to Alexandra as they dropped their shields.
"Keiwa…" Alexandra asked in confusion but remained calm.
"Look, we don't have much time. Bring this woman somewhere safe. I know you're surprised that I have Tomoko's familiar with me yet…" I looked at the psycho as I cracked my fist. "I may be a kendo practitioner even though I have no katana but… I'm not afraid to use my bare hands to knock some sense into him."
"…Alright. I'll leave it to you two to suppress him." Alexandra said she would take the woman as she flew away to land her somewhere safe.
"Aurora-san… you ready?" I said to the Suomisian as she smirked the moment she grabbed another log.
"What are you talking about? Of course, I'm ready." Aurora said with a smirk as the Magepsycho got up as he was pissed.
"How dare you interrupt me… I'll kill you!" The psycho threatened as we prepared ourselves.
"Now!" I told Aurora as she swung down her log directly onto him. He catches it with his two hands as his body surges with electricity. However, I dashed under the log as I was within his range. My right fist begins to channel magical energy as the magic rings appear to enhance them. Then…
[POW! FWOOSH!]
My right hook created a forceful blow onto his stomach as he was thrown back into the building as he crashed into it. So, I chased after him as I grabbed his shirt as I held him up and looked straight into his eye.
"You won't be needing that magic anymore…" With such a threatening tone, My body begins to react as the surge of electrical magical energy begins to emit from the psycho as I start to sap all of it entirely in order to take it as my own. I don't know how but Konbei is helping me somehow.
"N-No… I need it… I NEED IT! GET AWAY FROM ME!" The psycho screamed as his body began to emit more electricity as it was spiraling out of control.
"Keiwa-sama! You must finish it!" Konbei informed me as I gritted my teeth as I stood my ground.
"I am, damn it!" I exclaimed as I continued to resist it. "Just a bit more and it's over…!"
"N-NO! No! N-No…! My… magic…" And so, the psycho begins to finally lose all of the lightning magic within him as I ended up stealing it as my own.
"This is what happens when you go out of control. Don't worry, the police will take great care of you." I said to the psycho as he passed out. And just like that… it was over. And the ears and tail finally disappeared as the time limit was up.
"The time is up, Keiwa-sama. A perfect timing, to say the least. Now that you've stopped him. I must return back to Ojou-sama. She will be arriving in Shousetsu soon once she leaves Tokyo." Konbei said to me as I nodded with a sigh.
"Right… Thanks for helping me, Konbei." I can only assume that Konbei nodded with my mind as he went back to return with Tomoko.
After this was over… I met up with Aurora and Alexandra after the whole mess happened downtown. The police have returned to arrest the Magepsycho whose magic is depleted. I looked at my hand which was surging with electricity as I looked back at them.
"Aurora told me that you managed to stop him on your own. Reckless and dangerous. But, I must praise you for it… well done." Alexandra remained her stoic personality as I pondered.
"Huh?~ Does that mean you're starting to fall in love with me now?~" I teased her as Alexandra blushed madly.
"S-Shut up! I have no interest in dating men such as you!" Alexandra spat back in embarrassment as Aurora laughed.
"Ahaha! You two really do get along after all." Aurora said with a carefree smile as she continued. "Anyways, we should head back to base, right?"
"I suppose we should. However, Keiwa! You won't receive your break just yet… I want you to clean all of our strikers at our base! That includes Aurora's! Are we clear?" Alexandra then gave me another task as I sweatdropped.
"Y-Yes, Ma'am…" I had no choice but to comply. I got on the large wagon as Aurora pulled it with her Tank Striker as we began our way of returning back to base.
Alexandra just flew back on her own as the snow continued to fall. Honestly… this wasn't so bad after all. Helping to protect people from harm is our duty. I looked at the sky where the clouds still cover it as the snow begins to fall on our faces. However, I noticed a strange black figure flying through the sky as it created some foreshadowing… What was that..?
Swordsmith Shop, Yongen, Japan Afternoon - Snow
Third Person POV
[CLANG! CLING!]
The sound of a blade was swung on impact by a hammer. There, a young woman with long black hair held the hammer as she swung it down. Of course, she was being assisted by her husband and Fusoan Witches who were willing to help create swords… magic swords. Though, her life as a Witch is over. And has no interest in returning back to her military life like how she used to back in her previous world. The once proud Fusoan naval officer life was casted behind. With the Witch workers helping to apply magic on a blade… it was finished…
"Oh, Mio-san. You managed to finish it?" The voice of a young man who had black hair as he wore a white hakama and a patterned haori as he placed the produced katanas to the side. "By the looks of it… I assume that's another one finished, then?"
"It is, Genya." Mio then picks up a katana and looks at the reflection of the blade to see herself. "Even though my life as a Witch is over. I still can't feel its magical presence coming from that blade but…"
"But…?" Genya asked her as he lightly tilted his head.
"Whenever I look at this blade… I was reminded by my younger self… always striving to become strong. But now that I've become older… Genya, I want to ask you." Mio then continued as she looked at her husband. "Who am I to you?"
Genya, who stood there… trying to understand her. His wife whom he married last year. He was the one who helped her leave her previous life behind and live the rest of their lives as swordsmiths because of Genya's father and his tradition. Then… he answered straight.
"I…. I don't know, Mio." Genya said as he continued as he approached her. "While I wasn't able to give you a straight answer. But I want to be honest with you on this… Everytime you look back at your past self… the more you'll become trapped. No matter how many times I try to escape… Those past wounds will come back. But the only thing is this: Keep going forward. Strive for the future you desire for. Those… those were the words of my father when I was young."
Mio was moved by his words. Though, she could see Genya smile as he placed his index finger to her chest, assuming where the heart would be.
"We all have hearts, Mio. I don't wish to see you go through the mental pain as I did. Leave the past behind. Be true to yourself." Genya said to his wife as Mio closed her eyes and smiled when Genya lowered his hand. Knowing that her husband has some words… she opened her eyes to look at him.
"Heh… you really had to convince me with your words… but you're right" Mio then sheathed the katana. "Perhaps it's best for me to leave the past behind and move forward. However, that doesn't mean we're done with our task yet. You, too, also strive to follow your father's footsteps."
"I suppose you're right…" Genya said as he chuckled a bit until the door opened where Mio turned around to see… it was her oldest ally back from her world. One of the many human survivors from the World of the Witches…
"Hijikata? Is there something wrong?" Mio said to her ally… he also left his military life behind to become a humble villager and farmer of Yongen.
"Sakamoto… you have a visitor." Keisuke Hijikata informed Mio of someone's arrival as both Mio and Genya stepped outside of their Swordsmith shop to find out who it was…
"Man, you're really hard to find in their world's Fuso. But again, I'm glad that you're still alive, Mio Sakamoto." The voice of a woman who was seen hovering in the air despite her age over 20.
Usually, once a Witch hits 20, their life as a Witch is over. But their magical energy's presence still lingers. Of course, they can still fly and deploy shields albeit weaker. She had her Striker Unit on as it appeared to be made from their world called Britannia. She had blackish-brown hair, a brown leather bomber jacket with a Karlslandian military uniform under it. Her familiar has white animal ears and the tail of a cat while having a sniper scope over her necklace. Of course, she had black hair and brown eyes as she had a carefree smile as if she enjoyed this world. Indeed… Mio instantly recognizes her.
"U-Umm… Mio? Who's she?" Genya asked.
"Who's she?" Mio said. "This Witch is none other than the head of the Witch Corps and one of Karlsland's best aces back in our world holding the rank of the Commodore… Adolfine Galland…"
"Ahh, so you remember me? Great!" Adolfine continued as she handed out the invitation envelope. "Then I won't need to ask twice. I'm sure you know what this is."
Mio's eyes widened as she looked at the envelope… the moment she takes it and opens it… Much to her surprise, her life would be changed forever… that the past would catch up to her already…
But meanwhile back at Shousetsu… A young man with white long hair arrived here just recently. However, there was one noticeable thing… he had a Slave mark on the side of his neck and a tower kite shield on his back as it was leaking out magical energy from within.
"So there is where Aurora is at, huh?" The young man said as he looked at the map and looked back at the view where he would look at the base of where it's at. "I still need to repay her with my thanks. With her words of motivation… I shall become the shield where humanity believes in me…!
[KEIWA'S SUSPICION OF AN MYSTERIOUS ENEMY, MIO'S LIFE IS CHANGED, AND A NEW SLAVE ARRIVES AT SHOUSETSU.]
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
ENDING - Embrace Blade by Afilia Saga (Anti-Magic Academy 35th Test Platoon)
*Theme plays*
The theme starts with the scene that shows a starry night in Shousetsu where Keiwa was seen resting on the ground within the mountains free from the trees as he raises his hand in order to grasp the shooting star as it flies through the night. Then, he closes his eyes slowly as the scene begins to transition.
Moshimo jidai ga bosho ga chigau doko ka nara
Bokura wa nani ni natte ita darou?
Katachi wa chigau to shite mo kitto hikare ai soba ni ita darou
Then the next scene shows Keiwa leaking against the wall of the building where the civilians and vehicles were passing by as he looked up at the sky to see the Witch's contrail as it was soaring through the sky. Then the next scene shows Aurora pulling a cart filled with logs in the snowy forest as she had a small smile on her face as she was moving on her Tank Strikers. Next shows Alexandra looking through the papers as she looked outside of the window to see the sunlight. Then next shows Mio Sakamoto training alone with her sword in order to maintain her focus until she noticed that Keiwa and others have come to meet her.
Daraka kizu mo itami mo, kimi dake ga seou no wa owari ni shiyou
Mitsumeru boku wo douzo
Shinjite ii HETA ne ogao dakedo
Hashire!
Then the next scene shows the lounge room where Keiwa was seen playing a Otome game through the magic orb's television screen as he was sitting on the couch. Next shows Mio cleaning her katana. Next shows Alexandra drinking tea as she was looking at the paperwork where Rosalie was behind the couch to clean the window curtains. Next shows Aurora relaxing on the couch to look at the sky. Then the next scene shows Keiwa falling down from a bottomless sea with no water as the glass fragments show the memories of the Witches' World that depicts the liberion of Gallia, Venezia, and Berlin thanks to the efforts of the 501st. Then, Keiwa landed on the ground where Tokomo appeared behind her with her familiar activated Striker Unit as she placed her arms over him for a hug until it transitioned with Keiwa unsheathing a katana filled with electricity as his face showed brimming with confidence.
Nagare nagareru ryuusei ga
Hiroi sora ume tsukusu Sleepless Night
Kono te de! Chikau yo!
Tsuyoiai no Embrace
Tsukame!
Then the next scene shows Keiwa free falling down from the sky as it shows the country of Japan as Mio, Tomoko, Aurora, and the 503rd joining in as they held hands together as the Witches with Striker Units flew towards the boundless skies. The next scene shows Yoshika Miyafuji and Ichigo Kazuraba helping to tend the wounded in Yokosuka, next shows Matt and Shirley fixing up the XP-51F Striker Unit as they were working together, then the next scene Minna singing for the crowd as winks at them as there were sparkles everywhere.
Kedakaku hikaru kissaki wa
Nayami no kumo mo hiki saite yuke
Yami wo terashi susumou
Kinou yori tashikana kizuna de
Then the next scene shows the poses of Keiwa unsheathing his katana filled with electricity as he swung it, the next shows Mio reading her stance of her Iaido as she slashes the air, next shows Alexandra firing her weapon as the gun's ejection was raining out bullet casings, next shows Aurora reading her cannon from her Striker as she fired it. Then the last scene ends with Keiwa waking up from his sleep where he was still on the mountain where the sun rises. He stood up and turned around to see everyone looking at him with smiles. Keiwa smiles as he returns back with them as it ends.
Author's Notes: It's back… Witch Musume is back! While the Strike Witches/World Witches franchise is underrated. I finally have a chance to work back on it by soft-rebooting the Witch Musume story, lore and world building entirely. Including RISE. Of course, I do need to provide a deep explanation of how this new soft-rebooted story will proceed going forward. So I wish to try my best on making this story that I've been wanting to work back on for a long time. Special thanks to kh2996 for A LOT of ideas in mind which led to this. And of course, the "Active Time Lore" or Glossary will be present. It may or may not appear but it'll be there for a reason. Of course, the important theme for this story will focus on Keiwa as he grows bonds with others around him… even towards Tomoko, the Witch who saved his life which ended him up as a Slave. So yeah, be sure to look forward to it. Until then, peace out!
[Explanations: The World of Witch Musume… REBORN.]
With the entirety of the Witch Musume lore reworked based on your vision, what's the timeframe this time?: It'll be set after Strike Witches: Road to Berlin and in 1945 during their midst to liberate Southern Karlsland. Of course, our world will be set in 2018/2019 albeit with some changes where it'll resemble our world's 2023/2024 with a near future flair. But less in the near future motif like Black Ops II. So there will be some references to pop cultures and anime in general such as the boom of Isekai Novels and Mangas, Kagurabachi, Chainsaw Man, Scott Pilgrim, and the like.
So, is the world of Witch Musume going to be the same?: It will still be the same as the original. Nothing is touched. Just a rework of world-building and lore.
What's going to happen with the original protagonists of Witch Musume?: Some characters will have names changed and others will keep them. However, the roles will be vastly different from the original. So who knows what they're doing right now.
Are the members of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing coming back?: I cannot say any further. But perhaps in later chapters… someone is willing to explain what happened. But remember. Spoilers, readers.
Why is Keiwa Kaburagi the main character instead of Ichigo Kazuraba?: I think it's better to focus on a character who has his viewpoints of the world around him as Keiwa needs to journey throughout life, pain, and hardships. Character development is always at the core to put focus on one character rather than many. Too Many Cooks, y'know? Though, I think Ichigo is enjoying his carefree life now that he's a manga artist who wants to tell his story of his adventures. Which is a direct nod and reference to the original Witch Musume story I've worked on. Oh and, he's still helping out Yoshika from time to time.
Surely there's gonna be extra side chapters that don't focus on Keiwa but instead focus on the world's problematic conflict behind the scenes, right?: We'll see… While the idea of EXTRA Chapters could be interesting. But we'll see.
-[Glossary #1]-
[Keiwa Kaburagi]
Info: Characters
Desc: The fresh member of the prototype test unit, Typhoon Coffin Platoon. Before he joined and became Tomoko's Slave. He was a former Kendo practitioner at Tokyo University and was considered the best until an incident that disqualified him from a match that was meant to be rigged. After the Witches came to this world and integrated into society, he would live his life as a shut-in with no communication in hopes to stay away from trouble. He came to Tokyo Dome at his friend's behest until a terrorist attack struck the concert with gas. After his life is saved and losing his friend, he is now under the watchful eye of the Witch Corps due to the "Slave Probation" placed on him. Ever since he became Tomoko Anabuki's Slave. He loses his desire to find a certain someone he loves. No matter what, he'll find it, even if he forgets it.
[Tomoko Anabuki]
Info: Characters
Desc: A Ace Witch from the Fuso Imperial Army's 1st Squadron who rose to fame due to her contribution at the Fuso Sea Incident and former member of the 507th JFW Silent Witches back in her world. After she came to the world of reality, she would later join JASDF's own Fuso Unit specifically designed for Fusoan Witches to continue their military service. She is responsible for saving Keiwa's life and turning him into her Slave with his Desire taken away in order for him to live not as a slave but a human being. However, she would be later informed by JASDF's top brass that she is to transfer to the 503rd JFW in Shousetsu to fill in Alexandra's place for the main unit. And in hopes to continue looking after Keiwa to make sure he lives a happy life. Rumors say that she is dating someone in Japan. Perhaps the secret is best kept alone.
[Konbei]
Info: Characters
Desc: The Silver Fox who is Tomoko Anabuki's Familiar. He is capable of human speech and refers to Tomoko as "ojou-sama" in some way. Tomoko and Keiwa are the only people who understand him. Outside of the person's perspective, they would see Konbei making noises of what a fox would do.
[Alexandra Serbanescu]
Info: Characters
Desc: A Witch from Ostmark, a real life counterpart of Austria-Hungary. She was once a member of the 503rd until she was approached by the Witch Corps to lead a new unit within this JFW. She holds the rank of Commander of the Typhoon Coffin Platoon and hopes to see it thrive. Dislikes Keiwa for his snarky behavior. She values discipline above all else… and once a former rival towards Huberta von Bonin.
[Aurora Edith Juutilainen]
Info: Characters
Desc: A Witch from Suomus, a real life counterpart of Finland. She is the older sister of the Diamond Ace of the 501st JFW Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen. She was sought out by the Witch Corps to become a member of the Typhoon Coffin Platoon which she accepted. However, she also acts as a support unit for the 503rd JFW. As the only Tank Witch, her magic ability allows her to increase her strength greatly. An example where she can destroy logs and carry them with just one hand. As the member of the Platoon, she looks after Keiwa and others like a family and is willing to protect them on the frontlines. But rumors fly that she has a Slave… but who?
[Mio Sakamoto Agatsuma]
Info: Characters
Desc: Former Witch of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing Strike Witches. She is among the many who came to the world of reality in Early 2018. In September, she would eventually marry Genya Agatsuma in Yokosuka and later moved to the rural small town of Yongen with her husband to become Swordsmiths. While conflicted with her past self whether she wants to return back to her military life or her normal life. That is until Adolfine's visit… She is left with a decision to make…
[Tetras Act]
Info: Topic
Desc: After the Witches arrived in the world of reality on January 1, 2018. After the Witches were accepted and integrated into society. The UN decided to create an act which would be approved. It is a worldwide ban on all jet-powered aircrafts and instead favors more that is in line with World War 2-era aircrafts. However, concepts of Jet Striker exist such as the Komet but it has been considered as "Contraband". Therefore… all nations would build Fighters, Bombers, and Commercial models which were mass produced in over eleven months. However, Helicopters are not affected by the Tetras Act. While controversial by the masses, but with magic… It was made possible.
[Typhoon Coffin Platoon]
Info: Topic
Desc: A prototype test unit created with backings from the Witch Corp and the 503rd JFW in response to the existence of Slaves appearing all around the world. The platoon is considered as a black-ops squad meant to take on dangerous missions no Witches or soldiers can take. Even if it means getting their hands dirty in order to clean the world from evil. Headed by Alexandra Serbanescu, the platoon consists primarily of Slaves like Keiwa and unorthodox Witches like Aurora. But they have yet to take on a dangerous mission… yet.
[Tokyo Dome Incident]
Info: Topic
Desc: An incident that happened within Tokyo on November 28, 2018 caused by the Anti-Witch Terrorist group originated from France where they dropped the Nebula-V Gas that affected hundreds and thousands of people. Some died and some survived. However, the terrorists were apprehended by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police's Witches Unit for questioning.
[Witch's Magic]
Info: Topic
Desc: A dangerous drug conceived as an idea created by Anti-Witch groups and later shared to criminal groups who would go out of their way to kidnap Witches, extracting their magic till there's nothing left. However, this is considered a drug as the need for Witch's Magic is at an all-time high. If a human injects Witch's Magic onto themselves, they would receive magical abilities of a Witch as well as a magic shield barrier. However, they do not have the ability to pilot Strikers. The effects of Witch's Magic will expire after 24 hours. Overusing it will lead to devastating effects. Hence why Witch Corps are actively fighting these issues here and there as well as the nations dealing with this drug situation. However, if it was used on a Witch or Slave, nothing happens. But if you apply it to a former Witch such as Mio? Perhaps only time will tell.
[Manapsychosis]
Info: Topic
Desc: It is a mental illness that involves the overuse of injecting extracted Witch's Magic onto a human body. To trigger it, one must have Witch's Magic active that is ongoing or nearing the end without cooldown. Though, overusing it will require the said user to inject as many times as will cause the user to lose all reason and rationality, thus becoming a Magepsycho. Any further overdoses will result in death or a mutation that is beyond comprehensible.
[Japan's Matriarchy]
Info: Topic
Desc: After the Witches came to our world in Early 2018. A Fuso Imperial Army's known Witches named Princess Shino took over as the new Prime Minister of Japan and has drastically changed entirely to the point where Japan might have regressed back to the "Imperial" days. At the same time, the roles of men and women are greatly inverted in Japan's society. Women and Witches have become more dominantly supreme in this country as the Witches no longer face discrimination due to the controversies. While men are considered unimportant to the society or paramours to noble ladies and high ranking Witches over at the age of 20. However, the rest of the nations remained unaffected as Japan would be the first to do so.
[Shousetsu (Fictional)]
Info: Location
Desc: A sea port town located north of which neighbors between Tsuruga and Mihama. With a population over 150,000 people including Witches. Its notable location is its shrines located within the mountain called Mount Wasara along with shrines in the sea at Port Izaka. This is where the 503rd JFW resides.
AN: This town is a hybrid between Nagasaki and Kanazawa. Just think it in your head.