The following story is a [FAN-FICTION]. Strike Witches are all owned by Humikane Shimada, Kazuhiro Takamura, Project World Witches, and KADOKAWA. Please support the official franchise.
Witch Musume Re:RISE
New World IV - The Angst Trauma is Tough for a Mob
12/7/2018 Barkhorn Farmland Residence, Nuremberg, Karlsland Morning - Clear Sky [PREVIOUS]
Third Person POV
It was early morning here in the outskirts of the Nuremberg farmlands. Of course, it was all peace and quiet in the vast lands. Here at the modern but old home. But the home also has a large dirt airstrip outside. There at the metal hangar where the doors were left slightly open where the young man with brown hair and brown eyes was inside that hangar. There, the radio was left on as it was playing classic Karlslandian music. Though, he was looking at the photo frame of a man next to his plane… The man in the photo was Gerhard "Gerd" Barkhorn as the young man placed his hand onto the frame just to have a small reminiscence for a moment. Then, he lowered his frame down to see of what's in front of him… Gerhard's plane… the FockeWulf Fw-190 D-9. It was that very same fighter he used in the war. Of course, everything was restored, repaired, and fully functional along with Gerhard's insignia. Of course, it has propellers on the front. While the mass-produced WW2 planes had magic propeller functions as the supposed advancement under the Tetras Act. This plane is still the same… And the man responsible for bringing it back to life… was Jered Barkhorn, the descendant of Gerhard. He never gave up on his dream. Yet, he still continues to follow in his grandfather's footsteps. But ever since the Witches came to this world. He even had an encounter with Gerhard's counterpart… of course, her name was Gertrude Barkhorn. Ever since that day… he was unable to open his feelings for her. He even tried to speak to her in order to provide thanks to her as if she is Gerhard but she is not. While similar but different. Of course, Gertrud would entrust her to Jered to look after her sister named Chris, who is based on Gerhard's wife but also different. And so this day, he would have to look after Gertrud's sister while also trying to restore Gerhard's plane.
"Okay… okay… let's see if it works…" Jered said to himself as he would climb on the wing of the plane, opening up the canopy and hopping into the cockpit since it was a two seater. In truth, he modified it to have it to be a two seater anyways.
There, he looked over the dashboard, controls, and etc. He would leave the canopy open since he needs to test it. But he has no plans on flying it as he was unsure if he managed to fully restore it. So, he proceeded to flip on the switches as the engine began to sputter and cough. But it proceeded to roar to life as the propellers began to wind up faster and faster. He checked the dashboards as everything looks to be fine. Then, he decided to test the flaps on the wings and tail… it was functioning, too.
"Alright… everything seems to be in place… Ammunition… check… Engine… all green… Flaps… good. Throttle… functionable." Jered said to himself as he would proceed to flip the switches again and cut the engine, turning it off as the propellers proceeded to slow down and stop. Then, Jered proceeded to get out of the cockpit, closing the canopy as he would stop for a moment and placed his hand onto the canopy, closing his eyes as he spoke to himself. "Gerhard… I swear to you and promise this. In the name of Barkhorn, I will not fail you. Your death will not be in vain… Please watch over me from the heavens…"
"B-Brother?" The voice of a young girl spoke as he opened his eyes, he would turn to his right and look down to see who spoke to him… It was Gertrud's little sister Chris who was seen holding something. "What are you doing?"
"O-Oh! I was… fixing this plane. I won't be flying it just yet but… soon it'll be able to." Jered continued. "So… Is this a lunchbox for…?"
"My sister." Chris continued. "If you got the time… would you give it to her? I cooked it myself to see… see if she likes it…"
"Gertrud? S-Sure, I'll do it for you." Jered takes the box from her hand. But not after that, he kneeled to look at her as he placed his hand on top of her head just to ruffle her hair. "Remember, you're going to be alone for a while. Traveling to Frankfurt will take a long time but don't worry, it shouldn't be a problem. Once I head off, make sure you remain inside and lock the doors. And remember…"
"No strangers, brother. I know." Chris remembered what he told her as Jered had a small smile, he was good with kids thanks to his part-time job at work at some daycare at the city of Nuremberg. So, he stood up and walked past her.
"Good. Now then, I'll be off." Jered said to her in a hurry as he would get on his motorcycle that he owns and he can drive it. So, he grabbed his helmet and put it on, of course, he had to bring his backpack and put the lunch box inside it. So, he used his motorcycle key and turned it on. Just as he did so, he flips on the visor and drives off onto the road in the morning.
As he left… Chris would look at the plane that he has been restoring for months on end. Sure, it looked like a regular plane that she saw all the time back in her world but she noticed something at the table where she would approach it and grabbed the photo frame. As she looked at it… the face of a young man next to his plane. Along with his name, Gerhard Barkhorn. Chris would place her hand on the frame as her mind thinks of Gertrud.
"Why… Are you so similar like my sister…?" Chris said to herself as she would put it back and prepare to leave. Of course, she would have to close the metal slide doors. She headed outside and pushed the doors one at a time. And just as that, she would close the other door as the light was gone…
OPENING 2 - Gamushara by Miyuna (Black Clover)
*Theme plays*
The scene starts as it shows the scene of the world map where the scene dives right into the map of Karlsland as it changed into a bird's eye view where it shows Minna, Trude, and Erica on their Striker Unit as they were taking off from the airstrip and into the sky.
Jirijiri to unaru asufaruto ni
Tokeru yume, takaru ari no mure ga
The next scene shows Keiwa, Mio, Aurora, Eihn, and Alexandra as they were seen walking down the streets of Frankfurt during the morning rise. Then, Keiwa raises his left hand up into the sky as if he tries to grab the sun the moment he clenches it while the breeze of the wind blows their hair from the wind.
Tadashiku ikiru honnou naraba
Naze atashi wa koko ni iru no?
The next scene shows Tomoko cleaning her sword at the Striker Hangar where the Ottilie and the Typhoon Witches notifies her as she noticed to see Bronislava and Huberta, she sheathed her katana as she would stood up and would meet up with them.
Kitai doori nado gomen na no
Jibun de yareru kara sa
Then the next scene shows the vertical split screen contract of both Gertrud Barkhorn and Jered Barkhorn as they were looking away from the direction as the split screen swipes away as it focuses on Jered as he he was grabbed by his own shadow's large hand as he was being drowned away by darkness. Then the next scene shows Hanna-Justina Marseille, Raisa Pottgen, and Edytha Neumann as they revealed themselves from the spotlight as Hanna had a smirk on her face the moment her familiar activates until the next scene shows Adolfine Galland relaxing in her office as she had a smirk on her face as the scene transitions.
Dou datte ii rikutsu bakka haritsuita haribote no sekai wo ikiteku
Dareka no tame janai ima wa mada jibun no oitsuku made
Then the next scene shows the silhouette of Keiwa looking down a bit and within that shadow shows Adolfine as she was seen standing there with her familiar active as she had her hands to her hips causally as it switches to show the silhouette of Adolfine looking up a bit as it shows Keiwa wielding a katana as he was covered in his own electricity. Then the next scene shows Jered standing alone as he begins to fall to his knees during the heavy rain as he proceeds to shed a tear in sadness as it shows the vision of his past where he was young as his father would turn around and leave him behind as his hand would try to reach him but fades away into the light as it shows Jered's right eye as the reflection of it shows Gertrud hovering in the air as she wielded two MG42 with a stern look on her face.
Gamushara de jimen ketobashita karadajuu no
Kore ga aaah tsubasa hirogete
Donna mirai no mau yo kaze ukete jibun wo oikosu made
Then the next scene shows Keiwa falling down the sky as he saw the Typhoon Witches and the Neu-Luftwaffe as they were fighting the Neuroi in the skies above Austria as they were putting all of their efforts to defeat it. Then, Keiwa shifted his momentum as he dives faster until a Fw-190 plane passed through him as it shows a split screen of both Keiwa falling and Jered piloting a plane up towards the sky as it focuses on Keiwa as he unsheathed his katana as his blade becomes electrified as the blade shows the reflection of his past where the young Keiwa was walking towards the path within the light as the scene transitions to where Gertrud approaching Jered the moment she hugged him to comfort the latter as he opened his eyes suddenly as the tear continue to rundown from his eyes as well as Gertrud's until the illusion of angel wings appears behind Gertrud the moment the wing slowly wraps around them. Then the scene ends with Keiwa opening his eyes as he places his hand to his chest to feel his heartbeat, letting down his hand as he looked up to the sky along with the Typhoon Coffin Platoon, Typhoon Witches, and the Neu-Luftwaffe as it ends with them looking at the sky together to see the contrails in the sky.
12/7/2018 Neu-Karlsland Air Base, Frankfurt, Karlsland Nighttime - Clear Sky [CURRENT]
First Person POV
I was all alone… Yes, alone. I wanted to take time to reflect on the lapse of my judgment. I was seen sitting near the edge of the hangar where I had climbed myself just to enjoy the view. It's a bit far from the main city, sure. But it's nice to see some stars again at night. There, I saw some group of Night Witches taking off into the sky to begin their night patrol. I am seeing their magic abilities that they have as their main ability. I heard they can manipulate radio frequencies, which is pretty interesting. But that's not important… I proceeded to recall Jered's words… a monster… honestly… This is entirely a misunderstanding. Or is he offended by my behavior? Damn it, I don't know… I took a deep breath just to inhale and exhale… The side character… a Mob myself. Has truly made some small mistakes in life. Still, I was being blunt on my responses and he wasn't pleased with what I said. Should I apologize to him? Well, whatever. It's only a mistake and that's final.
"Excuse me?" The voice of a soft spoken girl talked to me as I noticed her floating until she hovered down just to talk to me. Of course, she's using her World War II weaponry… She had brown long but short hair, ears and tail of a german shepard, black uniform, and a black Striker Unit. She's a Night Witch alright. "May I ask why you're sitting on top of the hangar?"
"Oh… I was trying to reflect on what happened… Y'know? Involving the guy named Jered Barkhorn?" I asked her about it as she responded.
"Ahh… you must be talking about the descendants of the Barkhorn of this world." The Witch then mentioned him as I was a bit surprised.
"Really? You know him?" I asked her as she nodded.
"Of course. He was the one who helped me repair my Strikers when I landed at his private airstrip. That was a few days ago when my Striker Unit was having problems. But I'm glad that mine's fixed." The Witch continued. "Oh dear… Where are my manners? I am Helmina Johanna Sieglinde Lent, Flight Lieutenant of the Neu-Luftwaffe's 2nd Night Fighter Wing Unit. May I ask for your name?"
[Helmina Johanna Siglinde Lent - Flight Lieutenant of the Neu-Luftwaffe's 2nd Night Fighter Wing Unit - Karlsland]
"Keiwa Kaburagi. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said to her kindly as she was a bit surprised.
"Kaburagi? Then you must be the one who struck down a Neuroi back in your country. Is it true?" Helmina asked me as I responded.
"Yup, that's me. The guy who is hated by the Witches after I pulled it off." I lightly boast myself as Helmina would giggle about it. "Hmm? What's so funny?"
"S-Sorry… I can understand why these Witches don't like you after the incident. You did what you could, all to protect the town that you live in. I can respect that." Helmina said kindly as I smiled a little.
"Thank you, Helmina-san. You're too kind." I replied to her the moment I started to slip. "W-WHOA!"
Suddenly, the moment I fell… Helmina caught me in some bridal style. The moment she descended to let me go. I did so and looked at her.
"At least you should be more careful next time." Helmina continued. "Right now, I need to get back on patrol. So please head back to the quarters and get some rest, Kaburagi."
"I will." I replied to her as she would smile a bit, turning around as she propels herself into the sky as she takes off. Then, I proceeded to yawn. "Shit… Helmina-san, right… I gotta sleep or else I'm gonna feel terrible…"
And to sleep it is… I'll be looking forward to day two, I suppose.
Barkhorn Farmland Residence, Nuremberg, Karlsland Nighttime - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
And so, it was nighttime here at the Barkhorn residence here. The light was still lit up inside the hangar. Jered was seen doing some small repairs of the engines in order to do some tweaking. He then closes it on the side and proceeds to climb onto the wing, getting inside the cockpit. So, he would do the same process again. But this time, he would take a deep breath.
"Gerhard… I will get her to work…" Jered said to himself as he would look at the dashboard controls once more. He proceeds to flip the switches as usual. The plane begins to roar once one more as the propellers spin fast. Just like he did in the morning. "Good… now for the throttle again."
The moment he tries to push the throttle… just a bit far up… The propeller and the engine began to roar loudly until the moment things went downhill. The engine inside the fuselage shoots out black smoke as the propeller begins to stop functioning. At the same time… the black smoke shoots out from the dashboard controls as he coughs from it as he tries to fan the smoke away with his hands. And then, he felt defeated… He flipped off the switches in order to stop it. Then, he looked up to stare at the lights in the hangar above.
"Damn it! SHIT! Back to square one again…" Jered cursed as he sighed deeply. "Gerhard… What am I… What am I gonna do… How am I supposed to fly with you again?"
Then, he would get out of the cockpit and leave the canopy open where he began to hear the noise of a plane coming by. He looked at the entrance where he noticed that Gertrud was here. She hovered inside and used the nearby Striker Holder as she deactivated her familiar as her ears and tail hid away. She lifts herself to exit out of the striker as she would talk to Jered.
"How are you holding up, Jered?" Gertrude asked her as he would sit at the table and look at the same photo frame again.
"Awful…" Jered continued. "The propeller engine got busted up right after I pushed the throttle. Fw-190 D-9 must have been in some pain after I restored her."
Yet, he would continue to look at Gerhard in order to remind himself of doing this same process every single day when he repaired his plane.
Background Music | Final Fantasy XIII OST - The Promise
"I will get her flying. And once that… I… I want to fly." Jered said as he continued to look at it. In Gertrud's thoughts, she understands him, always in mental pain that binds him. So, she took the picture frame from him as she would speak as she looked at him… Just to see her own counterpart.
"You will. And I'm sure Gerhard will agree with it." Gertrud said to him as he noticed her.
"What do you mean by that…?" Jered asked. He could even see a small smile from her.
"Gerhard left behind a legacy for you to do. I'm sure you'll pick it up down the line." Gertrude continued as he placed the photo frame back on the table as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "And don't rage over what had happened. He's still with you in mind and heart, and he wants you to fly."
Yet, he wanted to believe in her words… Yet… he envisions himself… trapped by his own darkness. He wanted to find happiness and live the life he wanted to be… to follow Gerhard's footsteps.
"I… I know but…" Jered tries to talk as he begins to shed a tear. Though, Gertrud would climb up on the wing and enter inside the cockpit just to look around in which she spoke.
"You're getting there... But you're off to a good start, Jered." Gertrud said to him as he noticed her looking at her inside the cockpit.
"But, Gertrud…" Jered continued. "The engine's still busted after I pushed the throttle. What are you doing?"
Yet, she wanted to look around inside.
"I'm trying to get a feel of it. Maybe some faulty wiring or poor instruments." Gertrud said as she would assume on fixing this issue on Gerhard's Fw-190 D-9. Of course, he would wipe his tears and return to normal.
"Surely you know how to fix it… do you?" Jered asked.
"A little... Let's just hope that Liberion's tinkering rubbed off on me..." Gertrud could only assume the worst as she would remember experience with a certain orange-haired Witch who is considered a speed freak. As Jered was about to ask her… someone came in…
"I'm hearing so much noise… What's going on…?" The voice of Chris spoke and yawned as she approached them. Jered would kneel down and ruffle her hair again.
"Chris... It's bedtime. You should be sleeping, okay?" Jered said kindly to Gertrud's sister but she seemed concerned.
"Are you sure? Can I stay up a little?" Chris asked him. But instead, he would look at Gertrud where she would respond instead.
"Chris, it's good for your health to sleep now. And don't worry, we'll tell you everything in the morning, okay?" Gertrud said to her sister with a smile. Of course, she would listen to them.
"Alright… Night, sis… Night, brother…" Chris replied back to them as she would turn around and go to sleep back at the house.
"Now then… Gerhard- I-I mean… Gertrude…" Jered has slipped on his words as it caused her to giggle. "H-Hey now, what's funny?"
"We nearly have the same names, Gerhard and I." Gertrud replied as she would mention since both of them were similar.
"Y-Yeah... Though, if you... if you are Gerhard right now... What would you say to me?" Jered would be curious about it. And of course, Gertrud would reply with a straightforward answer.
"Hmm… If I were Gerhard right now, I would say 'Keep pushing yourself, and succeed where I left you.'" Gertrud said as she would pretend as her own counterpart but in a good way. Though, this motivated Jered. If he can finally find his purpose, then he has found it. To reach his goal… he needs Gertrud's help… the counterpart's help. "And one more thing… I want you to apologize to Kaburagi."
"E-Ehh…?" Jered had a hard time speaking after what he did towards Keiwa. He felt bad and yet…
"He didn't know, and I'm sure he didn't mean it as an insult." Gertrud said as she would defend Keiwa due to his blunt misdemeanor. Of course, he would have to apologize to him.
"R-Right... Now then... If you want to help me. Then follow my steps." Jered said to her as he would climb up on the wings to see her in the cockpit. Though, she placed her hand on his with a smile.
"There's no need. We do this... together." Gertrud said to him with a better solution. Of course, he would chuckle a little with a smile.
"I suppose you're right... Let's get this girl fixed." Jered responded as the two would begin helping each other in order to fix Gerhard's plane in order to get it working.
The Barkhorns would spend countless hours in the night in order to make it perfect as it can be. Of course, both of them would take turns on using the instruction booklet that contains the repair guide for the Fw-190 D-9. Jered would help her and Gertrud would help him back. As if they were a real team. In Jered's mind it felt weird to see Gerhard's counterpart helping him as if a ghost of Gerhard is leading him into the right direction. As time passes more and more… they were finally finished… Gertrud was seen wearing a white tank top as she placed her uniform on the table since it was very tiring. Of course, Jered was tired too as he rested upon the edge of the cockpit… Gertrud who has already decided to remain in the cockpit after the series of helping each other. Of course, the two would sense a strong bond with each other.
"Phew… we…we actually finished it… from beginning to end…" Jered said to her as she sighed.
"Definitely… I can hardly think that Liberion's technique on repairs really paid off… I should do it on my Striker Unit next time…" Gertrud said as she proceeded to yawn. "It's been four hours, isn't it?"
"Yeah… I think you're right. I don't think we'll head back to our house and sleep." Jered said as he also yawned. "Should've drank coffee but oh well… Why not sleep in the cockpit, then? I'll just rest on the table and- Mmph!?"
Suddenly, Gertrud would grab him by his shirt as she would proceed to kiss him in the lips. For a few seconds… she lets him go as this leaves Jered stunned in confusion, only to see her smile.
"Get some rest for the night, okay?" Gertrud said to him with a soft smile as this flustered Jered a bit.
Background Music End
"R-Right… I'll do just that. And uhh… good night, Gertrude." Jered was still lost for words that he received a lip kiss from Gerhard's counterpart.
"You too, Jered…" Gertrud said as she would yawn and proceed to sleep inside the cockpit. Of course, Jered would slide the hangar to close them and turn off the lights above. Only leaving the lamp on the table that was lit, showing the photo frame of Gerhard. He would sit down and look at it once last time. Of course, he smiled a bit as he decided to shut off the lamp's light as it abrupted to black.
12/8/2018 Neu-Karlsland Air Base, Frankfurt, Karlsland Morning - Clear Sky
First Person POV
Today is day two… Of course, another day, another training. For me? I was seen walking down the living quarters within the girls area. I shouldn't be here but… I want to repay my kindness to Helmina-san. The way she interacted with me is like she acts like a guardian angel. I wonder if she's a Night Witch Ace, too. The doors that I saw have names on them. So I assume this is the living dorms for Night Witches only. I can only assume that her room is somewhere… Oh! There it is! It says Lent… So that means she's inside. Time to go in- Wait… would it be rude for me just to ask her out? I mean… No one in the world is aware that I'm dating Adolfine because of her beauty and looks. Wait… does Helmina have a boyfriend, too!? I don't know but… my god… if I were to date Helmina-san and Adi-san at the same time… Does that mean… I'M CREATING A HAREM OF KARLSLANDIAN WITCHES!? N-No! Calm down… My heart is for Adi and Adi only! I want to make friends with a Night Witch! I must repay my kindness to Helmina-san! That's my objective… Alright… here I go…
"H-Helmina-san? Are you there?" The moment I knocked on her door two times… no response… Okay… Plan B… if there is no one responding… check the doorknob. "I'm coming in…?"
The moment I twisted the doorknob… it was openable, so I decided to open it and find out… that her room is absolutely dark. Do Night Witches always sleep in dark rooms to conserve their mana? Weird… she's not even here…
"Ahem… need I remind you that it's rude to intrude in my room?" The voice of Helmina as I quickly closed the door and looked behind her as I jolted.
Background Music | Persona 4 OST - specialist
"H-Helmina-san! I… I was looking for you, y-y'know?" I tried to explain to her but I was stammering… I gotta calm down! C'mon, me… cool it! "A-And…"
"And?" Helmina said with a slight tilt.
"I want to repay you my kindness so… thank you very much!" I proceeded to bow down as part of Japanese tradition. Though, she was surprised about it as I looked at her.
"Hehe…~ How kind of you, Kaburagi. But again, please don't intrude on my room along with others. We Night Witches are always conservative with our mana when it comes to the night patrol. After all… I'm already 20 and my end is soon coming…" Helmina said as she held her arm with her left arm and looked away a bit. This confused me.
"End? What do you mean?" I tried to ask her as she looked at me.
"Apologies. I shouldn't have said that." Helmina continued. "But since you listened… I suppose there is no way of hiding it. You see… When a Witch will reach the age of 20, it is a sign that my magical energy is waning. Soon, my ability to fly will give in despite this."
"But you can fly without problem when you hit 20, right?" I asked her as she nodded.
"I can." Helmina continued. "However, most Witches either retire as a Witch immediately or continue serving until the end. Some Witches can retain their magic over 20 which is a rare occurrence. One current example is the Commodore Adolfine Galland."
Oh shit! She just mentioned her!
"Galland, huh?" I continued. "I heard she's a good woman."
"That she is." Helmina continued. "I heard that she also participated in the Battle of Sea of Japan. This is truly unusual for her to drag herself into the battlefield until you came along. If I recall, you belong within the Typhoon Witches' sub-division called the Typhoon Coffin Platoon, ja?"
"That's correct." I explained to her. "Though, I suppose we're somewhat comparable to Special Forces? We're not like those PMC if you know what I mean. We're simply a small fry platoon acting as support units for the Witches."
"Do you enjoy your job working under them?" Helmina asked me the question. Honestly, this never came to mind but… I smiled a bit.
"Yeah… I do." I said with a smile. "Not only that, it'd help me to understand them. On top of all that, we help each other, too. That's what friends are for. I'm sure you had friends like that back in your world, too. If so… would you mind telling me about them?"
"I do…" Helmina replied with a smile as she placed her hand to her chest as if she had experience in remembering her past experience. "Schnaufer and Wittgenstein… The two of them are Night Witches. We were once part of the Night Witch unit when we were hunting down the Neuroi. Afterall, through this hardship. It was I who kept them together. Of course, things changed in 1945. Schnaufer took over my rank and Wittgenstein moved on up to join the 506th JFW. Of course, that was the time when I considered retiring as a Witch until our arrival to our world."
"I see… And then what happened?" I asked.
"Well, after we were brought to this world… It was all new to us. But when I considered leaving things behind to start a new life not as a Witch, but as a person. Of course, the Commodore would assign me into the newly formed Neu-Luftwaffe under Schnaufer's 2nd Night Witch Unit. And then I met you." Helmina continued as she looked at me. "By the looks of you, you're an honest person. Even though the Witches hate you for who you are. But don't let that discourage you. I'm sure you'll find that answer as I am… What it means to be human…"
"To be human…" I recalled those words. "Honestly, that's the question I still seek ever since I've become a Slave. I discarded my own humanity in exchange for my own selfish ambition. Yet, I kinda feel empty."
"You're not. I can see it in your eyes." Helmina said to me as I looked at her. Of course, I can see that she is serious about this topic. "As long as you have these emotions inside you. That means you're still human. Like me. You and I lived in different worlds, after all."
Background Music End
"I know… In one world, you've been fighting Neurois for your whole life as a child. And in ours, humans kill humans for the sake of war. By the looks of it… I assume you've killed a person before?" I wanted to ask her that question where she looked down a little. Of course, she wasn't thrilled.
Background Music | Persona 4 OST - Traumerei
"…I have, coincidentally." Helmina continued as she felt a bit uncomfortable. "When those Anti-Witch terrorist groups stormed right into our base… Wing Commander Wilcke commanded us… commanded us to kill them in cold blood. When that man was wielding a rifle who was attempting to kill Schnaufer… I… I killed him… all that for a sake to protect her."
It seems this was her first time killing a human being. It wasn't the same for her. If she killed a Neuroi, everything would be fine since they're aliens. But a Witch killing a human being because she is a soldier? Well… there's a first time for everything. I can feel her pain. I can understand her. This must be my empathy… She looked guilty but… I proceeded to hold her hand as she looked at me with a blush.
"Everyone has those first time experiences… I did, too. When I was a child… I lived in the countryside in Japan. Way far from the city to the point where they see us as country bumpkins." I continued telling her my story. Of course… I need to open that old wound… "When I was 12… It was when me and my younger sister Makomo were sound asleep until our home was invaded by a thief. At first, I thought it was my father coming home from what he was doing at night but turns out… I heard the screams of our mother. It woke us up as we checked. Then… our mother was killed with slashes on her stomach. Makomo was scared as I tried to protect my sister. Of course, my father would arrive and save us but he was too weak to fight back as he was being choked."
"A-And… what happened then?" Helmina asked as I lowered my head again.
"I took the knife and stabbed him in the back of the neck, killing the thief… After I saved him… my father looked at me… I was covered in blood everywhere. Of course, my father was scared of me after I saved him. After the police arrived to find out what's going on… our dad would vouch for us as he would lie saying that he had to kill the thief in self-defense. And to that day… that memory has haunted me continuously. But Makomo was the one who looked after me. She was too kind, yes. But throughout the year, I've learned to overcome it. And I hope you can overcome yours as well. Killing a human being is never good. If you don't want to do that, that's fine. Let someone else handle it. I… I hope you understood my whole point of the story." I continued. "Again, I lost my mother after this happened. But still…"
"Thank you… Thank you, Kaburagi… for telling me your story." Helmina continued as she wiped her tears away. However, her familiar activates as the ears and tail of a German Shepard pops out as well as her Magic Antenna. Of course, the antenna's color changed from green to pink as she noticed. "E-Eep!~ Oh dear, not again…"
"Does it always happen?" I asked her as she tried to deactivate it.
"N-Not really. Perhaps I let my emotions overflow but…" Helmina continues as she lets off a deep sigh to calm down as it switches to green. "Perhaps you and I do really live in different worlds, after all. We share the same pain throughout our lives. And yet, you suffered more than me."
"Hey, don't worry. My advice for you is this. No matter the trauma you face, such as killing a human for the first time. You need to go forward. Turn your courage into strength. With it, it'll help you in return." I provided her advice as she would proceed to hug me tightly as I felt it. It was surprising but… I hugged her back.
"T-Thank you, Kaburagi… Thank you for giving me hope…" Helmina continued. "While I fear that my days as a Witch will end. But I suppose you're right. I wish to go forward…"
Then, she lets me go as I did the same. Of course, she would talk as if she had bravery.
"I think I've decided…" Helmina continued as she had a confident smile on her face. "Starting tomorrow… I will retire as a Night Witch and start a new life as a human being with my boyfriend!"
"Really? That sounds quite a small goal- Wait… did you say boyfriend?" I asked her as she would blink her eyes two times as she looked at my surprised look.
"Y-Yes, I did. Why?" Helmina responded as I tried to hide my face a bit when I was blushing.
"S-Sorry! I didn't intend to pry about your life and stuff… and-" She cut me off and would giggle as she had her hands together behind her back like some ditzy high school girl.
"Hehehe!~ Please, no need to worry about it. I did have a boyfriend right after I came to this world. His name is Joan Stolzheim, we've been dating for about eleven months now. He's a pilot for a delivery company who performs flight travels at night. And I promised him that I'll join him to make full use of my abilities until my Magic Antenna gives in." Helmina would speak about it so carefree. So, I chuckled.
"Well hey, if you have your goal set in mind. Then go for it." I continued. "The world is ever changing. And one day… a new generation of Witches could be needed here. And perhaps you'd raise a fine daughter should it happen in the future."
"Yes… you're right." Helmina replied with a smile until her Magic Antenna began to have a static as it turned red… causing her expression to change as she placed left hand over her ear. "W-What in the…?"
Background Music End
"Helmina-san?" I asked her.
"I'm getting static… my antenna is going off all of a sudden… Kaburagi? Do you have a phone?" Helmina continued. "We, Witches are told to have our phones off because it distracts from our line of work."
"I-I do. Here." I grabbed out my phone as I turned on and tapped to the home screen. Then, she would use her magic to connect to my phone. She uses her Magic Antenna in order to find that specific frequency from within with her mind as she adjusts it a few more as the static goes away… and then… she manages to get the frequency working as it appears to be a radio chatter.
Background Music | Persona 3 OST - Calamity
Voice on the Radio: "Alright, boys. It's time to get our revenge for our people. V-formation and have the Stukas ready in flight! It's about time we're going to drop bombs on these cursed Witches and these brainwashed believers! Mort aux sorcières!"
"What's… What's going on…?" I asked her about how this shocked Helmina as would look at me.
"This is not good… the Anti-Witch terrorists are back!" Helmina continued. "They've… They raided a neighboring air base and hijacked the Stukas! And they intend to bomb this base!"
"What!?" I continued in shock. "Christ… they're beyond insane! What should we do?"
"We need to inform Wing Commander Wilcke of this situation! Come with me!" Helmina said as she was about to run as I called her.
"Wait!" I said to her as she stopped and looked at me. "Remember… you're fighting human beings this time like the previous. Are you willing to get blood on your hands?"
"I… I do… I'll protect Schnaufer and others in this base. I won't let these terrorists take them away from me." Helmina said with conviction as I seemingly nod in approval.
"Alright… Then let's go!" I said to her as we both ran in order to find Minna's office.
Third Person POV
Meanwhile… outside of the living quarters. The Typhoon Witches were seen training with the Karlslandian Witches as part of their three-day training from day two. Of course, they would run all around the airstrip as part of their endurance exercise. Suddenly… They all stopped and heard the air raid siren all across the air base including the whole city of Frankfurt.
"W-What's going on!?" Fumiyo said in confusion as she looked at them.
"Beats me… I bet it's those Neurois again… I'll make sure that it'll die quicker this time around." Hanna assumed it as she had a smirk on her face to look at the sky, hoping to see the Neuroi around… but that wasn't the case.
"I… I don't think so…" Rosalie continued. "I might be different."
"She's right…" Raisa continued. "It might be those terrorists again…"
"WHAT!?" Ottilie said in complete shock. "Out of all reasons… it always has to be them!? When will they stop harassing us!?"
Then, they all heard a voice from Minna through the announcement siren as she would speak through it.
"Attention, all Witches! The Anti-Witch Terrorist Group known as Sauveurs Luminaires are targeting the Neu-Luftwaffe Air Base once again. Those who are capable of fighting the terrorist, please sortie immediately. Those who refuse to fight a human being, run to the nearest shelter within this base. I repeat." Minna said through the announcement as this made all of the Witches here feel very uneasy. However… Hanna on the other hand…
"Good…" Hanna continues. "Better than killing Neurois in my eyes! I've got a bone to pick with these shitbags ever since they've tried killing us. Raisa, we're getting on our strikers! You too, Hartmann!"
"Do I seriously have to…?" Erica said in confusion as she wasn't stoked about killing people yet she was forced.
"I'm not joining you… Please, Tina. You need to reconsider this… And yet, Wing Commander Wilcke has grounded you for dueling Kaburagi." Raisa pleaded towards her as Hanna became slightly annoyed.
"Fuck staying grounded! If you're not helping me… then I'll go fight it myself!" Hanna then ran off on her own as Raisa tried to call her but it was no use… Erica sighed as she would take responsibility as an ultra ace. She decided to follow her in order to keep Hanna in check. But meanwhile for Keiwa and Helmina…
First Person POV
We've rushed towards a specific striker hangar which was specific for Night Witches, it has that emblem as she is part of it. Of course, we went inside to find out where Helmina's Striker would be there, different from the rest of the fighter model, this one is black with some patterns behind. Then, we noticed someone getting on the striker… it was a young girl with pale white long hair and red eyes as she had wireframe glasses. She got on her black Striker Unit as her familiar of a bird activated as it appears to be a Gyrfalcon. The Striker Holder then opens on the side to reveal her WW2 weaponry… the MG151/20. So that's Helmina's friend.
"Hmm? Lent?" The white haired Witch noticed Helmina the moment she got on her own black Striker… She told me that she pilots a Ju-88C-6. She gets on it as her familiar activates once again as both of their magic circles enlarge below them as their strikers were roaring. Of course, Helmina wielded the same weapon as her friend.
"Schnaufer- no… Heidi… This time, I'll protect you! I won't run away anymore!" Helmina said with her new found bravery as she was surprised.
"Helmina…" She asked her.
"I was scared of losing when that terrorist tried to go for your eyes… It brought me fear when I killed him. But when I met Kaburagi… he opened my eyes as he guided me though that darkness. It was him who helped me." Helmina mentioned me as Heidemarie detaches from the holder as she approaches me. I can see her Magic Antenna looking different from Helmina.
"You must be Keiwa Kaburagi." The Night Witch continued. "Thank you for getting along with Helmina. It brings joy to my heart. As for my name… I am Heidemarie W. Schnaufer, Commander of the Karlsland's Neu-Luftwaffe 2nd Night Fighter Wing Unit. Apologies if our talks are short. But we must take off soon to deal with the invaders."
[Heidemarie W. Schnaufer - Commander of the Neu-Luftwaffe's 2nd Night Fighter Wing - Karlsland]
"It's alright. But… are you going to find yourself killing a person piloting a Stuka?" I said to her as she nodded without hesitation.
"Yes… They've threatened the peace that we protect. We may be Night Witches… but we won't hold back…!" Heidemarie said to me with her ambition as I smiled a bit.
"Alright… consider this an order from me… Win this battle and come back alive. You hear me?" I said to the two as I had my hand to the hip. The two would nod.
"Understood, Kaburagi." Heidemarie complied as she looked at Helmina. "Let's get going."
"Right… Launch!" Helmina responded as she would detach from the holder as the two flew out of the hangar as they proceeded flying off from the airstrip and into the sky.
[FWOOSH!]
"And there they go…" I said with a smile as I watched them fly, leaving a contrail as well. Man, I really am a peoplechanger.
"Keiwa!" The voice of Eihn approached us along with Mio, and Aurora. "We need to seek shelter immediately!"
"There's no need." I said to them as I had a smile on my face. "I think these girls I met could pull this off. What of the Typhoon Witches?"
"Alexandra told us that she'll be taking part in the fight but the others refused…" Mio said as he understood their reasons.
"They're not used to killing people… For now, let's watch them fight." I said as we would watch the Witches flying into the sky… Erica and Hanna joined in as well… Where is Barkhorn?
Skies Above Frankfurt, Karlsland Daytime - Clear Sky
Third Person POV
Background Music | Ace Combat Infinity OST - Keep Alive
-AIR DEFENSE OF FRANKFURT-
TRACKING… Heidemarie W. Schnaufer, Helmina Lent, Erica Hartmann, Hanna-Justina Mariselle, Alexandra Serbanescu
LOCATION… Frankfurt, Karlsland
DATE/TIME… December 8th, 2018 - [13:30:00]
Meanwhile at the city of Frankfurt. As the people were going about their daily lives as usual in that city. Few but many people noticed to look up to see five contrails in the sky as they would assume it's the Witches. In the sky above, All five Witches who decided to volunteer in stopping the terrorist threat as they were flying in V-formation with their weapons ready. Of course, Helmina would be in the middle since she asked Heidemarie that she'll take the lead.
"These pieces of shit are gonna ruin the day for messing with us… Terrorist or not, they're dead!" Hanna said as she gritted her teeth as she prepared for herself in a fight. Erica could only act with a sweatdrop.
"Honestly… never would I see you being this pumped…" Erica said as she continued. "Still, I can't believe it's the five of us."
"Focus, Hartmann. We need to defend this base against these terrorists. If they drop a single bomb…" Alexandra said as one of the Witches spoke up.
"There would certainly be casualties. Therefore, we need to prevent this. Our task as a Witch remains paramount. We will defend the skies from our enemies. Neuroi and terrorists." Heidemarie said as she remained calm while checking her radio in order to intercept an enemy radio.
"She's right. The days of terrorism will be stopped… and they're finally here…" Helmina noticed from afar in the sky where the hijacked Stukas were here.
It wasn't a small number but there were over 30 Stukas that the terrorists hijacked. But these Stukas are mass-produced to be magic powered as it does not require a Witch to power it. Magic powered WW2 fighter planes can be easily identified by its magic propeller similar to the Striker Unit's magic propellers. The enemy were flying in a formation which appeared to be highly coordinated. Of course, these five Witches weren't afraid to kill a human being… They only wish to fight and protect the sky they cherish. After all, they were ready to get their blood on their hands.
"Seriously… they just stole them just to bomb our base? Yeah, not happening…" Hanna said as she cocked her weapon as she readied herself.
"Girls… prepare to enter combat! Weapons free!" Helmina commanded them as they all responded.
"Roger!" All four witches replied as they broke off as the hijacked Stukas did the same. Both Helmina and Heidemarie were able to listen into the enemy radio as they would speak.
Anti-Witch Terrorist Pilot: "Team! Get ready to kill the Witches! They may be experts in maneuvering… Focus on shooting them down if possible! Doesn't matter if they use shields! Just kill them. The rest of the other squad, proceed with the bombings if you can!"
"Not happening…!" Helmina propels herself to gain more speed as she aims her weapon from the ironsight as she pulls the trigger…
[BANG! PIERCE!]
The bullet she fired was magic-enhanced as it pierced through the front propeller engine of the plane, though the fuselage, and out of the tail. The first Stuka caught on fire as it exploded, killing the pilot inside. Of course, she managed to get her first plane kill as she was being chased by the pursuing Stuka as she begins to shake it off but the pursuing Stuka fires at her as she avoids them. Her shield would activate it if it was directly close to her range but she kept flying. Then, she turned around while maintaining momentum as she aimed and fired once more…
[BANG! SHATTER! PIERCE!]
The pursuing pilot was killed inside his cockpit as blood splatter everywhere inside from her shot as the Stuka began to dive… another one down. Meanwhile… Hanna was acting on her own as she chased down a Stuka as she fired her weapon and destroyed one of the wings as it flew out of control while the engine caught on fire. Then it exploded. She proceeded to get another one as she flew up to see another Stuka as she aimed for the bomb which the plane was carrying, a hail of bullets shot from the upwards as it pierced the wings and hit the bomb…
[BOOOOM!]
The bomb exploded from the bullet as it killed the pilot inside the Stuka. Yet, she continued to pursue and looked at Erica who is chasing them down like a devil she is… Of course, she is the Black Devil based on her title. Erica fired her MG42 as she managed to shoot the propeller engine as it caught on fire and exploded as she noticed another Stuka flying directly towards her. She then uses her hand as it generates wind as she proceeds to do a barrel roll…
"STURM!" Erica shouted as she barrelled through the generated wind tunnel as she pieces through and shreds the Stuka's wing as it explodes.
"Hartmann! I got 5 plane kills right now! I can tell this is your second. But too bad that I'll be winning over you once again!" Hanna said to Erica over the radio as she is once again boasting her kill count. The latter would groan in annoyance.
"Can we not like to compete already? I just wanna get this over with…!" Erica replied in annoyance as she would fly up in the air and shoot from below to kill the pilot inside as another Stuka falls.
As for Heidemarie… She wouldn't give up the chase as she was aiming her autocannon at a passing by Stuka who is trying to drop the bomb over at the air base. Of course, she would aim for the bomb as she took a shot…
[BANG! BOOM!]
Heidemarie had shot the bomb to force it to explode, killing the pilot inside. Then, she made a sharp turn to avoid being pursued as the pursuer shot hail of bullets at her. She was having a difficult time reloading her weapon while being attacked. She put her shield up in order to prevent her striker being damaged… until an unsuspecting shot pierced through the engine as it exploded. She hovers midair to find Helmina who saved her. She nodded at Heidemarie as a way of having her back. She nodded back at her as they would continue shooting down the planes. Helmina, now brimming with confidence and bravery all thanks to Keiwa's words. She will do anything to protect her friends and the world she now lives in. Even though the Witches now live in a world where human conflict is commonplace. Even at times there would be a human to human war. Helmina then noticed at twelve o'clock where more hijacked Stukas arrived as they appeared to be air reinforcements who had come to shoot the five Witches down.
"Everyone… enemy air reinforcements have arrived… about twenty more of them…" Helmina informed them of the situation as Heidemarie shot down another Stuka she was pursuing from above it as she noticed to see more of them coming.
"They must be really keen in stopping us, Helmina… Are you sure you'll keep fighting?" Heidemarie said to her as she continued flying and fighting.
"Either way, we have to… I need to repay my kindness to Kaburagi… He expects us to return alive after this is all over… He's believing in us…!" Helmina as she quickly reloaded weapons through a tactical reload. Hanna reloaded her weapon from her rear as she shot down another Stuka.
"Enough talk! We need to focus on the mission at hand! Besides… This is my 11th plane kill now!" Hanna boasted again as she would continue her so-called competition with Erica.
"Stop announcing your kill count already! Just where the hell is Trudy?" Erica said she would holster her weapon as she would bring out her phone and check the contacts where she would find one person she could talk to… "There! I just hope Trudy's descendant could pick it up by now…"
Background Music End
Barkhorn Farmland Residence, Nuremberg, Karlsland Daytime - Clear Sky
Meanwhile, back at the Barnhorn residence within the farmlands where Jered and Gertrud continue their way of making some final adjustments. Of course, Chris came by and watched to see them doing their thing until she noticed Jered's phone vibrating. The moment she looked at it… her eyes widened as she could call to the two.
"Sis? Brother? It's from Erica!" Chris said to them as Jered took notice and looked at Chris. He got off the wing as he would take the phone and answer it.
"Hello? Erica?" Jered said to her as he was hearing some background noises. "Why am I hearing gunfire and plane noises? Is everything alright?"
"You think that's alright? We're in the middle of defending the air base from these lowlife terrorists piloting hijacked Stukas! Where is Trudy?" Erica asked her as Jered would walk to the other side where Gertrud was seen applying ammunition on the wing.
"We're making some final adjustments on Gerhard's plane. Why?" Jered asked her about it.
"She's with you!? Okay, look. Tell her that we need help right now and protect Frankfurt! We don't have much time!" Erica shouted as he was completely confused. Just as Gertrud finished with the wing, she looked at him.
"W-Wait a second, Erica. What are you…" Jered tried to speak to her as the call ended. "…talking about?"
"Something wrong, Jered?" Gertrud continued as she wore her Karlslandian uniform again as she crossed her arms. "I assume it was Frau on the phone?"
"Yeah." Jered continued. "Erica and the other Witches are under attack by Anti-Witch terrorists using hijacked Stukas in order to bomb the airbase? I believe that's what she said to me."
Of course, Trude's eyes widened in shock as she would respond quickly as she talked to her descendant.
"We need to go save Hartmann and others, now!" Gertrud exclaimed as Jered would interject.
"Hold it." Jered continued. "Remember that I told you to test your Striker during the flight test? The magic pump on the right one is busted. Right now, it'll take a whole day to fix it. So I got a better solution… Please fly Gerhard's plane."
"But the fuel…" Gertrud said as she looked at the plane.
"You may be right… but it doesn't count out your magic, right?" Jered continued. "You can use supply magic to this plane as it'll use it as fuel! You're a Witch and anything's possible! Surely Gerhard would do the same… I think?"
"Wait… My Magic as fuel… Jered, you're a genius!" Gertrud would get on the wing and get in the cockpit. Jered would rush to follow her as he looked at her. "Get in. We're taking off."
Of course, Gertrud would have a smirk on her face as Jered chuckled. But…
"Are you leaving?" Chris asked the two.
"Of course we are. Our friends need our help, so we can't sit idly by and do nothing." Gertrud continued. "Don't worry, we'll come back to you once this is all over."
"W-Will you promise me?" Chris asked.
"Trust in your sister. We'll get this done as promised. Look after the house for us, okay?" Jered said as Chris nodded with a small smile. "Alright… Let's do this… Sigrun!"
Of course, Jered would name Gerhard's plane as Sigrun the moment he got in the back seat where Gertrud would pilot it. She closed up the canopy as it was locked tight. He provided her with a set of goggles as she put it on as Jered did the same. She flipped the switches as Gerhard's plane Sigrun roared to life as the propellers began to whirl faster and faster. But that's not all… she would also concentrate her magical energy as she feeds her magic into the plane as her familiar activates. Suddenly, Jered suddenly felt a magical surge within this fighter as the propeller began to glow magically as it was similar to a magic propeller while the front exhaust fuselage spews out flames on each pipe.
"Gertrud! System check." Jered said to her as she would proceed to do some quick tests.
"Flaps, good… Engine, all green. Throttle, stable. Everything's good to go, Jered." Gertrud continued. "Kinda strange that you named this plane after my familiar.
"Hey, it needs a name so yeah… prepare to taxi and take off." Jered said as she proceeded to push the throttle a bit in order to taxi on the dirt airstrip. And just like that… it was ready.
"Gertrud Barkhorn… LAUNCHING!" Gertrud then pushes the throttle as the plane Sigrun begins to build up speed.
As it builds speed faster and faster… it successfully takes off into the sky as she retracts the landing gear. Of course, there was one subtle change… he added Gertrude's insignia on the tail of the plane as her request. Of course, Jered was surprised for the first time ever… he managed to get Gerhard's plane flying. He looked from the canopy to see the view of the vast land. He was happy… very happy, in fact.
"Gerhard… I… I did it… I did it! Now, we can finally fly together!" Jered said as he took off his goggles to wipe the tears away as he was sniffling from his emotions.
"Glad to see you being happy about it, Jered. He is definitely proud of you for sure." Gertrud continued as she put her focus first… to save her friends. "But for now… we need to protect Karlsland's skies against these lowly terrorists."
"You're right. No time to be crying…" Jered said as he put his goggles back on. "Full speed ahead, Gertrud."
"You got it!" Gertrud said with confidence with a smile as she used her magic to enhance the plane the moment she pushed the throttle all the way…
[FWOOSH!]
A magical boost of speed sends Gerhard's plane into the sky as it was finally making its way to the skies above Frankfurt…
Skies Above Frankfurt, Karlsland Daytime - Clear Sky
[RATATATAT! BANG! BOOM!]
Meanwhile back within the skies… as the battle to protect the Neu-Luftwaffe continues… Alexandra had pursued them down as she shot a pilot when she passed through as she gained another kill as it sent another Stuka falling.
"These terrorists aren't giving up. How resilient…" Alexandra cursed as she dodged an incoming bullet as she was being chased.
Helmina and Heidemarie flew together as they performed a tactical offensive maneuver as they would split off each other and shoot their same weapons in a synchronized timing…
[BANG! BOOM!]
One bullet for the pilot, one bullet for the engine. The two would rejoin as they would perform a somersault to continue their battle against the terrorist. Ever since those reinforcements came, Hanna and Erica continued their efforts in stopping any Stukas from reaching the base while the other Stukas were meant to be diversions in order to throw them off. However, Heidemarie would be the Witch to inform them that someone is wrong.
"One of the Stukas has gotten through us and is already making its way to the air base!" Heidemarie quickly informed them as Erica saw as it already did.
"Damn it! Are we already too late!?" Erica cursed as Hanna noticed to see as she would try to stop it.
"Oh no you don't…!" Hanna then proceeds to boost herself in order to chase it down. That is until…
[RATATATATATAT! BOOM!]
The rapid hail of magic-enhanced bullets shredded the plane's engine as well as the bomb as it exploded the magic-powered aircraft very easily. Hanna immediately stops to hover to figure out what just happened…
"H-How in the…?" Hanna said in confusion as she would turn around to see a plane heading their way until they picked up radio chatter from someone familiar.
"Sorry we're late. But I'm glad you did your best in protecting the sky right before our arrival." The voice of Gertrud spoke through the radio comm as Erica was happy to hear her voice again.
Background Music | Ace Combat Infinity OST - Fire Youngman
"Trudy! Boy, I'm glad to hear your voice again! Hanna has been bothering me to no end!" Erica said while whining in joy over the fact about Hanna being very competitive more and more towards her is considered an unhealthy obsession.
"Honestly… but we'll take it from here." Gertrud continued. "I won't let these damn terrorists destroy our base, our sky, our fatherland. We are the pride of Karlsland!"
"Now there's the Trudy we all know and love!~" Erica cheered as Helmina placed it over her ear as she spoke.
"Wait a second… Barkhorn, you have someone with you, no?" Helmina spoke as she mentioned a passenger inside.
"That would be me." Jered spoke in.
"Jered? What are you doing with Barkhorn?" Helmina asked in question.
"It's a long story, Helmina. Trust me. But right now, we have an enemy in front of us and in all directions. Which is why I devised a plan to cull the numbers in order to secure our victory." Jered continued. "Me and Gertrud will handle the reinforcements. Helmina and Heidemarie, focus on shooting down the squad from the east. Erica, Hanna, focus on the west. And the fifth Witch who I don't know of…
"You speak of Alexandra Serbanescu, Commander of the Typhoon Coffin Platoon." Alexandra introduced herself on the comms.
"Right… Serbanescu. Focus on the diversion trying to reach the airbase." Jered said over the plans as Erica would have to hover next to Hanna.
"Are you finally getting serious now, Frau?~" Hanna said to her as she groaned.
"I am getting serious so yes… and only Trudy gets to call me that!" Erica replied as the two would ready themselves.
"This feels nostalgic, Helmina…" Heidemarie said with a small smile as she hovered next to Helmina.
"Just like old times. I wish it was night by now." Helmina said with a chuckle as they were prepared. Alexandra then reloaded her weapon as she was also ready. And so… the climax in the sky begins.
"GO!" Jered commands them as the separate groups would proceed to dealing with the hijacked Stukas… as for Gertrud and Jered… "Gertrud. The guns are ready for weapons free, alright?"
"No need to remind me, Jered. Just watch." Gertrud said as she would perform maneuvers within the sky as Jered held on. With the plane running on Gertrud's magic. It has been made possible thanks to its enhancement.
"I got it in my sights on this asshole…!" The terrorist pilot said as he looked through the reflector within his cockpit as he was chasing down Gerhard's plane. That is until…
[FWOOSH!]
Gertrud has used the plane to immediately cut the engine to drift midair and return on the engine, creating a magical pocket boost that somehow defies the laws of gravity.
"T-The fuck!?" The pilot said in confusion until he sensed from behind… Of course, the plane was behind him that quickly. "I-I'm being targeted-"
[RATATAT! BOOM!]
Gertrud had pressed the trigger to fire out magic-enhanced bullets to shred the Stuka's wings and engine as it exploded as she flew past the explosion. Of course, she hunts them down like a hound. And a hound would never stop hunting its prey. However, one of the pilots targets the plane from the side. As he fired at them… the fight being fueled by Gertrud's magic… She responds by raising up her shield to determine the direction of the attack to block all bullets as the shields were raised down.
"How the fuck can a plane have a shield!?" The surprised pilot said in the utmost confusion.
"Does it matter? Shoot down the plane and get the Witches after!" The angered pilot responded as Gertrud continued the chase as Jered continued to hold on…
However, both of them aren't feeling any G-Force at all. He would only assume that her magic can negate the G-Force entirely as if nothing happened when she pilots this plane. However, he has his own right to worry since this plane was restored and repaired with their efforts. So he isn't sure when Sigrun will give in. Yet, Gertrud made it useful thanks to her magical enhancements. Of course, her main magic ability would be her Super Strengthening regardless. But within his mind… he can sense this plane for sure. Both Gertrud and Gerhard's plane Sigrun are in perfect harmonious sync.
"You're not getting away…!" Gertrud then boosted the plane to chase down the Stukas as she fired at them. All three were caught by the hail of bullets as they exploded at the same time. More and more… the kill count that Gertrud is doing is already rising. Jered did bring out his computer tablet only for this plane where he can check the status of the plane in terms of damage, sustainability, and fuel. As well as tracking aircraft kills. And yet, the numbers are already rising with every Stuka she destroys. She truly is the hound.
"40 Aircraft Kills, Gertrud. There's a lot more left since they're out of reinforcements. The witches are putting up a good fight." Jered informed her of her kill count.
"Good, keep me updated." Gertrud replied.
"Wilco." Jered responds as Gertrud drifts the plane mid air to shoot another one down.
"Wait a second… that insignia that the FockeWulf has on its tail… I know it!" The pilot said through the comms.
"What the hell do you mean?" The irritated pilot asked.
"That insignia belongs to a Barkhorn! Damn it…! We're fighting against the Hound!" The pilot revealed who they were fighting up against upon their surprise.
"Damn it all! So the ace pilot is wiping us all out in seconds… He must be pretty good…" The irritated pilot said as Jered was confused since they're intercepting their radio comms.
"I'm surprised that you think I'm piloting it while you're piloting it… I'm not even an ace…" Jered said with a disappointed sigh.
"Ignore them, they're just complete buffoons asking to get killed. Keep tracking my kills, Jered. It's about time we end their invasion attempt for good!" Gertrud said as she would be pushing Sigrun to its limit as it proceeds to go faster than ever before.
However, it's not capable of breaking the sound barrier as she proceeded to mow down more and more as the Stukas were getting destroyed like fireworks. And then… she would finally pursue the last retreating Stuka.
"I-I don't wanna die! I don't wanna-" The pilot tried to flee until…
[PANG! BOOM!]
Helmina would be the one to take the last kill as Gertrud saw.
Background Music End
"A good kill from Lent." Gertrud said with a smile. "Jered, what's my kill count now?"
"52 Kills, Gertrud." Jered continued. "And that's all of the reinforcements. Just as I planned, no Stukas managed to get through. The victory is ours."
"Phew… I was nearly out of ammo! 13 aircraft kills! What about yours, Hartmann?" Hanna asked her as she sighed.
"9…" Erica replied.
"Ahaha!~ I win!" Hanna said with pride as Erica would think so.
"You think of that… but Trudy has like 50 kills now because she was in that plane." Erica told her of her highest plane kill count as this shocks her.
"W-What! Grrr… damn you Barkhorn you skank…!" Hanna would shake her first as her Striker Unit would begin to sputter out black smoke as Erica shrugged.
"It's finally over… We… We actually did it, Helmina." Heidemarie said to her friend as the two would fly together to meet up with Gertrud.
"We did." Helmina continued. "And it's all thanks to Jered's insights… Witches, the mission is a success. Time to head home."
And so, the five witches followed Gertrud in a V-formation as Jered would finally take a deep breath now that the skies are protected once again. He noticed Helmina to his left as he would see her.
"Hey, Helmina." Jered continued. "Me and Gertrud won't be returning to base soon."
"Hmm? Why is that?" Helmina asked.
"We made a promise to Chris that we'd come back to her safely. Sorry about that…" Jered said as Erica was disappointed after hearing the conversation.
"T-Trudy? Is that true?" Erica asked her as looked at her friend and nodded.
"It's true. Chris expects me to return and I will keep my end of the bargain. Tell Minna that I'm sorry, okay?" Gertrud said to Erica about it as she would let off a sigh.
"Alright, I'll let her know. But make sure you come back to base tomorrow, okay!?" Erica said as the latter would only chuckle and let off a small smile on her face.
"Helmina. I want to ask you one more thing. Can you relay a message for me?" Jered said to her as she nodded.
"Anything, Jered." Helmina said as she awaits his answers to relay.
"Tell Keiwa Kaburagi that I'm sorry… for my irrational behavior. Hopefully he'll understand." Jered said as Helmina nodded with a small smile.
"I'll let him know. Return home and rest, you seemed tired from all of this but… thank you for your contribution." Helmina kindly said to him as he let out a chuckle.
"Thanks." Jered continued as he looked at Gertrud. "Let's go home."
"Let's." Gertrud nodded as she would split off from the rest as the Witches would return to base.
Below back at the Neu-Luftwaffe Air Base… Keiwa, Mio, Eihn, Aurora, the Typhoon Witches, and all Karlslandian Witches here saw the plane flying by as they knew it was Gertrud flying it. Of course, all five Witches would land on the runway safely upon their return. The Witches greeted them back as both Minna (holding her daughter Ann) and Richard arrived to see what's going on. Of course, the mission in protecting the Karlslandian skies was a success.
Barkhorn Farmland Residence, Nuremberg, Karlsland Afternoon - Clear Sky
And so, back at Jered's home where Gertrud lands the plane with perfected ease as it proceeds to slow down and stops the propeller was no longer glowing with magic as it was reverted back to just being a normal plane. Of course, Jered was proud of this progress now that Gerhard's plane Sigrun is a success. The would get off the plane and take off the goggles where they noticed Chris who was waiting for her. She started to shed a tear and ran towards her as Trude kneeled down with open arms. The two shared a hug as Gertrude would show care for her sister. Of course, she is the only family she has. But that's not all, she also has Jered. She would finally accept him as Gertrud's own descendant, who succeeded in following Gerhard's footsteps in flying again. So, Jered then looked up to the sunset sky as if Gerhard was watching him from the heavens. Then, he raises his right hand into the sky the moment he clenches it. Indeed, he has finally achieved his dream with a smile on his face.
Neu-Karlsland Air Base, Frankfurt, Karlsland Nighttime - Clear Sky
First Person POV
Background Music | Persona 4 Golden OST - A Sky Full of Stars
I had my right hand clenched into the sky as if I was trying to grab the star. Of course, it was night here after what happened regarding the Anti-Witch Terrorist Group's attempted invasion in Frankfurt. I was seen sitting on top of the hangar where I was casually relaxing. Yes, I snuck out again because I want to. But still… I never knew Trude could pilot that plane so efficiently despite being run on magic. I wonder if she'll be rewarded with a medal… hmm… meh. Too lazy to know any further. Once again, I heard something approaching as I looked up… Helmina and Heidemarie.
"Still on top of the hangar again?" Helmina said to me as I casually nodded.
"Yup, yup." I continued. "I was trying to sleep but… it was rough for me. I just want to see the sky full of stars again since we're far from the city, of course. Isn't it nice?"
"It is." Heidemarie continued. "Even though my night vision does not remove the stars in the sky. It's still pretty to look at."
"Hold on… you have night vision, too? How do you enable it?" I asked her about it as Heidemarie would take off her wireframe glasses… I can tell she has it enabled. "Oh…"
"That's… pretty much about it." Heidemarie continued as she put it back on. "This helps me reduce my night vision ever since I was born with it."
"Ahh… I assume you'll tell me your story?" I asked her as she shook her head with a smile.
"Another time, Kaburagi." Heidemarie responded back.
"Oh yes, I've come to relay a message from Jered." Helmina continued. "He said he's sorry for his irrational behavior. I hope you understand his reasons.
"Really now?" I said in slight surprise. "Tell him that I accept his apology."
"Good.~ I'll let him know when I visit him tomorrow. Now then, are you going to sleep?" Helmina asked me as I pondered.
"I don't know…" I continued. "But… Can I ride on your back?"
"U-Uhh…" Helmina would blush a bit as her striker sputters out gray smoke for some reason. "M-May I ask why?"
"It's simple." I stood up and looked at the two. "I want to create some memories here in Karlsland. I'll be honest here. I like it here. I could think of moving here in the future if Alexandra allows it. But still, it's a nice country."
"I see… If you wish to create some memories here…" Helmina would turn around as she turned her head a bit to look at me with a smile. "Then hop on."
"Really!?" I asked in excitement.
"But you'll have to carry my weapon, deal?" Helmina said she chuckled. Of course… there's always a catch. There's no way for me to turn down her deal.
"Deal. Best show me around what's best in Karlsland." I said to her with a smile as we proceeded.
As fifteen seconds passed… I was seen carrying Helmina's large but heavy firearm as I was doing my best to hold it while Helmina was holding my legs with her arms in order to keep me steady. And of course, we were high up in the sky as she was maintaining the speed as Heidemarie followed. Man… the wind feels great…~ A bit cold sure but again… I'm a Slave with a resistance to cold. As well as me being a background character… a Mob. I know, I know… I repeat this stuff so many times. I kinda lost count.
"The moonlight is truly shining on us today in this patrol." Helmina said with a smile as I would speak on giving facts.
"Say, have I ever told you about how America would be the first to send their astronauts to the moon back in the 1960s during the midst of the Cold War?" I asked the two about it. However, this was their first time hearing it.
"Liberion did that? How is that possible?" Heidemarie asked me the question.
"That's the part that made me curious, too. Please, tell us more about Liberion's efforts." Helmina joined in as this piqued her curiosity. Of course, I'd be willing to prove them answers and the backstory.
"You mean America- Actually, let's go with Liberion…" And so, I would begin telling this story. "So, during the Cold War, which is basically after World War II. You see, there was an arms race where both Liberion and Orussia had a bitter rivalry between each other in order to become the most superpower state on this Earth. So Liberion decided to come up with the idea of using rocket-powered science and stuff in order to build… a rocket. Sure, there was trial and error but they've got it working. But Orussia was the first to send a dog named Sputnik into space. But what Liberion did the impossible…"
And so, my story telling about the Cold War really intrigued them with captivation as Helmina still held my legs as we flew across the sky… Wait… I forgot… How am I going to record my phone when I'm holding her weapon?
Background Music End
[HELMINA AND HEIDEMARIE'S UNWAVERING RESOLVE PUSHES ONWARD. ATTEMPTED INVASION THWARTED. JERED'S DREAM FULFILLED. KARLSLAND'S WAR LOOMS ON THE HORIZON…]
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
ENDING 2 - Ai o Oshiete Kureta Kimi E [TV SIze.] by Qaijff (Inuyashiki)
*Theme plays*
The theme starts with a black background as it shows white lines as more lines appear as it proceeds to create what appears to be line sketch style as it turns into raindrops that shows Jered Barkhorn standing alone in the rain as it transitions.
Kikoeteimasu ka boku no koe ga?
Taisetsu na hito wa mou imasu ka?
The first scene then begins with Jered who was seen as a youth as he was seen walking as it transitions to his adulthood where he stood there and looked up, seeing the contrail in the sky.
Tooi you de angai soba ni iru yo
Kimi ni wa boka ga mienain darou kedo
Then the next scene shows Gertrud Barkhorn who stood alone until she was approached by Chris. There, she would kneel and ruffle her hair as she would notice to see Minna and Erica waiting for her as she would stand up as the two would meet up with them.
Wasurenaide nante ieba kimi wa komaru darou kara
Wasurete ii yo nante saigo made tsuyogatta
Kidzuite hoshii yo tte imasara tsutaetara
Yaparri komatte kao shite warau ka na
Then the next scene shows the field of flowers being blown by the wind. The next scene shows the city where the people were walking on sidewalks to go about their day as some were on their phones. Then the next scene shows the Karlslandian Witches flying in the sky as they were flying in a V-formation. Then the next scene shows Jered who was seen leaving his home as he then proceeds to run the moment he decided to chase after the contrail.
Ima no hibi o aisanaide
Soko ni wa boku wa inain da yo!
Nanigenai koto ga shiawase datte tte
Atarimae desho
Then the next scene shows Jered running down the road where he continues to run and run until Gertrud begins to fly past him. Causing him to continue running with all he can muster. Then, he proceeded to lend out his hand until he was dragged backwards as he proceeded to drown slowly.
Moshimo negai kanau no nara
Tonari de waratte kureru no nara
Ai o oshiete kureta kimo to mata
Mouichido aitai
Jered continues to drown as the sketched circle shows a full colored memory of Jered's past of his childhood until he opened his eyes where everything was no longer sketch styled as everything around him was full color. There, he looked at his hand where he was grabbed by none other than Gertrud. There, she lets off a soft smile as Jered's eyes widen the moment he shed a tear as he smiles. And so, it ends with the two walking towards the light with their hands together.
Author's Notes: Thank you for reading this chapter. This was interesting to make as this finally explore Keiwa's past of what happened. While also befriending more Karlslandian Witches along the way. As well as Jered finally earning his dream to make Gerhard proud. I'm gonna keep this short because we're nearing the end of the Karlsland Arc. So the next one will finally allow Karlsland to finally take action and liberate Poznan from Neuroi control. So look forward to it. Until then, peace out.
-[Glossary #5]-
[Helmina Johanna Siglinde Lent - Character]
Nationality: Karlsland
Age: 20
Striker Unit: Jungfrau Ju-88 C-6
Weapon: MG 151/20
Desc: A Night Witch hailing from Karlsland who is considered a great ace who was the first in history to achieve a shoot down count of 100 units during nighttime combat. Thus, her reputation is widely known back in her world. She is earnest and diligent. She gives off a somewhat cold impression when silent, but she actually has a bright and extroverted personality that honestly expresses human emotions. Her favorite thing is inviting her subordinates to go cooking and shopping. Due to her shyness, she is bad at things like covering an event or collecting data for articles. After she came to this world, she eventually would meet Joan Stolzheim in Frankfurt when he tried to throw himself off the building. Of course, she would be the Witch to help open his eyes and help confront his past. The two would eventually date and become lovers. However, she was invited by Galland to rejoin the Neu-Luftwaffe's Night Fighter unit. One day, she will consider leaving her military life behind as a Witch and start a new life with Joan as a human being.
[Heidemarie W. Schnaufer - Character]
Nationality: Karlsland
Age: 16
Striker Unit: Messerscharf Bf-110 G-4
Weapon: MG 151/20
Desc: She is considered to be the strongest Karlslandian Night Fighter near the end of 1944 back in her world. Hailing from Karlsland and born in Calw (located in southern Karlsland). She is known for having two abilities in one due to her status as Night Witch. A Magic Antenna and her Night Vision, which she received both abilities during her childhood. After an incident involving her latent magical abilities. She was forced to reside in the wine cellar to help improve her abilities. Later on, she would outrival Helmina in terms of skill performance as one of the best Karlslandian Night Witch to exist. Though, she had no friends once but would later get along with Helmina. She wears wireframe glasses with a very strong prescription due to her optic nerve which couldn't be cured through medical or magical treatment. After coming to this world, she immediately rejoins the Neu-Luftwaffe to lead the Night Fighter unit to continue her role in patrolling Karlsland at night and to protect the skies. After meeting Keiwa, this opened up her possibilities and understanding of this new world they live in. Where Humanity and Witches co-exist in this society. And hopefully, search for answers in life… and to make friends along the way.