"" Dialogue
'' Thoughts
Disclaimer: I do not own "Strike Witches", so this is just a fan made.
The Studies
(or training)
Helvetia
From time to time, Yoshika still woke up in the middle on the night with that image on her mind, but she had learned to get a hold of herself and was able to continue resting mostly in peace, and as the days had passed, the memories of that day had finally started to become just that, a memory. Nevertheless, she had something new to worry about, she had a lot to catch up with the studies at the Medical School, but thankfully, she did not have to do it alone, Althea helped her in everything she could.
"I wish I had brought some books to study when I was at Den Helder" Yoshika said as she flipped through the pages of the pages not knowing where to begin.
"But you were fighting the Neuroi in the frontlines, Yoshika, that would be a lot for almost everyone, I don't think you'd have time for that" Althea remarked.
"That's true but still, I'm not sure if I can learn everything by the time, we have the exams" Yoshika replied with worriedness in her face as she her rested her face on one of her books.
"Don't worry, Yoshika, we'll study together, and everything would be just fine", Althea comforted her as she touched her shoulder and shortly after, Yoshika finally decided to actually read the books.
Whenever she was not sure of something, she asked for Althea's help. they continued with that routine for a few days, attending classes and studying whenever they had time, in wherever place they could. Nevertheless, to Althea's surprise, Yoshika seemed to be catching up with her studies. She knew she had never been that great with books, but it seemed to her that the Witch was giving her best to catch up but there was a lot of to learn before the semester ended.
One of those days, Minna came to Helvetia, looking for Yoshika, and after asking for an exchange student from Fuso, she finally found her in the cafeteria, reading a book with a desert next to her.
"Good morning Miyafuji." Minna greeted the Witch.
"Commander Minna?" Yoshika said with surprise as she gazed up if she recognized the voice, "good morning to you", she added.
"How have the studies been?" Minna asked with a sweet smile.
"Great, in fact, I've almost caught up with the rest," Yoshika cheerfully replied wondering why she came there.
"That's good to hear it, but I'm here for other reasons though." Minna added as her expression became more serious.
"Did something happen to the girls, to Shizuka, to Lynne?" Yoshika asked with worriedness in her voice.
"Nothing has happened, I spoke with them a few days ago and they told me they're just fine" Minna soothed her.
"That's a relief." Yoshika said as she put her hand over her chest.
"My reason to come here, it's because I've been informed that we are going to be deployed again to the frontlines very soon, so it would be better if you were prepared." Minna announced.
Yoshika left her book on the table and stood up, "yes, ma'am," she said standing in attention pose.
Minna was a bit surprised to hear Yoshika's enthusiasm regarding training, nonetheless, but it was not totally unanticipated, "I will come back tomorrow's afternoon to pick you up, so that you can continue studying at the mornings," Minna noted.
"Thank you, commander." Yoshika said, and Minna left shortly after.
The next day
After the classes had ended, Yoshika was already waiting outside the school carrying backpack with a couple of books and spare clothes, with a thoughtful look on her face, and not long after, a jeep with two passengers and a trailer behind it, stopped in front of her.
"Good afternoon Miyafuji." Minna greeted the aspiring medic as she stepped down of the vehicle.
"Good afternoon to you too" Yoshika said to both as she got near the trailer, "are those our striker units," she asked.
"Yes, Miyafuji, they've been overhauled", Minna made a pause as she came to her side, "I've spoken with one of the administrators here at the school and one of the launch units will be left here in the building next to the supplies room so that you can save time by flying between the base and the school."
"That makes sense." Yoshika commented as she noticed the Shinden looked brand new.
"Let's get back to the base." Minna added her gentle smile.
"Yes ma'am." Yoshika said then she checked that her backpack was fully closed and jumped into the striker and Minna did the same too.
"You know your orders." she addressed the crewman.
"Yes commander." the man replied.
Then, two magic circles and they took off and they flew to the Helvetia air force base speechlessly and the only sound that could be heard, was the one coming out of the striker units, until Yoshika broke the silence.
"Commander Minna." Yoshika addressed her.
"Yes Miyafuji" she replied.
"I would like to…." Yoshika made a pause to gulp, "train harder than ever before."
'That's interesting but not unexpected,' Minna thought, "if that's what you want, I can help you," she said.
"I don't want to…" she hesitated to continue, "…feel powerless again like when I couldn't control my magic pressure." Yoshika added with a more serious tone of voice.
"We can work together on that," Minna replied with a smile, and she did know it would be for the better because after Berlin was liberated, she had gathered information regarding what happened inside the dome. When she asked Shizuka, she hesitated to give the details of what really happened, it did not surprise her as she disobeyed direct orders from Mio, she knew Shizuka had high regard to orders but the disobedience itself was not important, she herself had disobeyed orders if it meant protecting her fellow Witches.
What she did tell her was that she was injured from being shot down while protecting Yoshika but what she avoided to tell her though, was the fact that the injure was severe and she fell unconscious shortly after.
But when she asked General Patton, he explained in detail everything that happened since they were trapped in the dome, and how they went to the flank tower, how Yoshika healed everyone who was injured, how Shizuka protected Yoshika, how she was shot down and then the fact she was bleeding to the death and to him, it was apparent there was no way Yoshika could have saved her without healing magic.
Then, the general also told her how a desperate cry filled the dome and the whole place became irradiated when Yoshika got her magic back and then, she healed Shizuka right away. After that, he told her that he saw how Yoshika annihilated dozens of neuroi with only her shields and even though he had been in several battles, it was the first time he saw a Witch with such raw power.
So, after knowing how Yoshika regained her magic back, it was not a big surprise she wanted to train to avoid being in that kind of hopeless scenario again, and she could not blame her she did not tell her the real reason behind this request.
Shortly after, they base could now be seen, and as they approached it, Yoshika could notice that there were many news things since the last time she came, there was a shooting range, many barrage ballons as well as normal ballons around the whole place and it seemed there were more personnel working there.
"Woah, it has changed since I came here." Yoshika commented with a happy tone of voice.
"After the news of what happened in Antwerp reached the prime minister of Helvetia, it was decided to confer more budget to bolster military readiness just in case." Minna remarked.
"That seems right." Yoshika said as she recalled the barely maintained striker that used to be there.
Both landed at the base and Minna showed her the place, there was kitchen with just enough cookware to prepare something when she had time. On the other hand, the room she would be staying at had just what she needed, a desk, a lamp, a chest with enough drawers and interestingly, two beds and she could even see the Alps from the window.
After checking the room, she unpacked her belongings and went outside to begin with her training, she started with the same routine she used to do with Mio, which meant jogging, doing push-ups, stretching, and after warming up, she practiced a little of target shooting while wearing her striker unit but before she realized it the day was over.
As she headed back to her room, she noticed Minna had already prepared something to eat but to her surprise, it was edible, not the best food by any means but good enough, for European standards at least. She thanked her, then, she grabbed a book, went to the bed and she read it until she fell asleep.
By the next day, she woke up very early in the morning, took a bath, prepared breakfast, and flew to the school and, in the afternoon after the classes ended, she came back to the base. That was what she did for the next days, though the training was not as tough as the time when she first joined the Strike Witches or when she left the Navy, so she raised the bar every day and trained harder, and she has come to think about it more like a duty, not like a torture like she used to.
As the training got harder, one day Yoshika noticed some stutter during her drills, 'not again' she said to herself though she was not sure whether it was her magic or the Shinden, and thus, she landed shortly after.
"Is something wrong?" Minna asked with a concerned tone as she got close to her.
"Not really, it's just that" Yoshika hesitated, "I need to try something," and then, she got out of the striker and grabbed a broom.
"A broom? Are you having problems with your magic pressure again?" Minna asked her to wonder if Yoshika was pushing herself too hard.
"Not once, since I…" Yoshika hesitated, "… began to train."
"Why then?" Minna wondered.
"Well, I may not always have a striker unit with me, so I think it could come handy to use it to travel;" Yoshika said, 'that sounds believable, I guess' she said to her own head, 'if I told Commander Minna the truth, she may not let me continue training.'
"If you say so." Minna replied with a questioning look on her face, wondering if she was telling the truth.
"Just for a little, I'll continue using my striker after I practice a bit with it." Yoshika added with a playful tone as she sat on the broom.
"All right then," Minna added as she looked her trying to find out if she was telling the true regarding her magic or not.
Then, Yoshika took off, and to her relief, the broom had not exploded, and she rode it around the base for half an hour, and after not feeling that oddness again and not overcharging the broom, she landed.
"It's everything fine, Miyafuji?" Minna asked as she herself, did not notice anything strange in her.
"Yeah, I'm good." Yoshika said with a more relieved tone of voice, "I haven't forgotten how to fly with a broom," still she recalled how embarrassingly it was when she or rather them, learned how to ride a broom, but after she learned how to properly do it, it was not difficult as she thought. Then, she went to the launching unit, jumped into the striker unit, and continued with her usual routine, and she did so for the next few days.
Nevertheless, not every time she came back from the school Minna was at the base, but the personnel there helped however they could. She also overheard them that she received some letters from other divisions from, but they were not allowed to deliver them to her, yet Yoshika did not mind it.
On the other hand, when Minna was there, she practiced complex maneuvers that she had learned from watching the rest of the squad in actual combat and she followed her instructions with precision and no hesitation, though if it translated to be more compliant in an actual battle, remained to be seen.
As Yoshika prepared herself to begin training, Minna could not help but remember what she did after the dome vanished, thus before she took off, she signaled her to stop.
"Is something wrong?" Yoshika asked with curious tone of voice.
"Not at all Miyafuji, but there's something" Minna made a pause, "I've been wondering since the day of the operation."
Yoshika's face became a bit gloomy, wondering if it had something with what happened when they were trapped inside.
"When the nest was fleeing, you were only the only one who was able catch up and stop it, not even Trude could," Minna continued not noticing Yoshika's demeanor, "for a moment it seemed you were using a jet striker, how did you manage to accomplish that?"
"I'm not sure?" Yoshika answered a bit confused.
"I figured as much, so it would be better if we discovered your top speed," Minna commented with a soft smile.
"Okay?" Yoshika replied and then she flew and made some distance from the base.
"I'm ready," she said through her intercom.
"Go!" Minna commanded her and Yoshika flew as fast as she could, while Minna measured her speed.
"One more time, but go further away this time," Minna ordered, and Yoshika flew even farther until the base was barely visible.
"That's far enough, Miyafuji, try your best," Minna said.
"I'll give everything I got" and Yoshika began accelerating as sparks came out of the Shinden and when she flew over the base, she created quite the wind gust than even some empty barrels ended up rolling in the hangar and she got further away of the base again.
"This is interesting." Minna commented looking the results, "that's enough Miyafuji, come back," Minna ordered her through the intercom but there was no response.
"Yoshika? Is something wrong?" Minna asked again but there was still no answer, "something happened to her," Minna felt a shiver recalling the last time that happened as she throwed her notes away and jumped into her striker.
"I'm… fine," Yoshika said struggling and not long after, she landed and got out of the striker.
"What happened up there?" Minna asked with a worried look on her face.
"It's just that…" Yoshika made a pause, but her stomach continued for her.
"It seems speeding up makes you hungry" Minna said with a soft yet relieved smile, but shortly after she noticed Yoshika was struggling to move, "let me help you," thus she used herself as a human crutch to aid her to go to the kitchen.
After she left Yoshika sat on front of the table, Minna prepared her something to eat, though but the time she finished and carried the food over Yoshika, she seemed to be kipping.
"Yoshika." Minna softly said as she touched her shoulder.
"Oh, thank you Commander." Yoshika replied as she opened her eyes, noticing the food in front of her, and then she started to eat it sluggishly.
'I think I overworked her.' Minna said to herself with a troubled faced, nevertheless, after Yoshika began eating, she seemed to have recovered a bit.
"That's better." Minna added relieved as she took a sit in front of her, while Yoshika continued eating, yet she felt regret as something could have happened to her just for the sake of curiosity.
"Well, you can be proud of yourself, Yoshika," Minna continued, "you reached more than two-thirds of Mach one speed," Minna commented as Yoshika finished.
"Woah." Yoshika said in awe as she gulped through the juice, but she was not still sure how fast that really was.
"It seems you could manage to exceed the Shinden's top speed," Minna made a pause, "but you're not allowed to do that again, it takes a toll on you, and I don't want you to hurt yourself." Minna said with a more serious tone of voice yet soothing.
Yoshika looked down. "Understood." She said disappointingly.
"Yoshika, you just regained control of your magic pressure there's no need to push yourself too hard, keep in mind you're not fighting alone, we all will be fighting side by side." Minna made a pause, "Now, for the rest of the evening, you will just rest or continue studying and that's an order, flying officer."
"Yes, ma'am," Yoshika said as she picked up the dishes, though Minna did not let her. So, Yoshika went back to the room and later Minna, also came to accompany her.
By the night, as Yoshika studied sat on her bed, she became stuck as there were some things, she could not really understand so she decided to do something about it.
"Commander Minna, may I request something?" Yoshika said as she put the book down.
"Of course, Yoshika." Minna replied as she continued working on the desk.
"May I bri…", Yoshika hesitated, "bring my friend Althea here to the base, I need some help with my studies." she coyly asked as she played with her fingers.
Minna looked at her, "you know civilians are not allowed in military bases", she firmly replied, which disappointed Yoshika and even made her a little nervous, "but it will do no harm," and then her eyes returned to the paperwork.
"Thank you, Commander Minna." Yoshika cheerfully said as she grabbed the book again.
The next day in the afternoon
Yoshika and Althea were carrying two bags as they headed to the supplies room outside the main building.
"Are you sure this good idea? I don't want to get you in trouble." Althea pointed out.
"It'll be alright, Commander Minna gave me permission and besides I really need your help, but I only have time to study at the night, I hope you don't mind." Yoshika stated.
"It's not a problem at all." Althea replied with a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"There it is." Yoshika said as they approached the striker unit, then her mameshiba tail and ears appeared, she put her bag behind her and then, to Althea's surprise, Yoshika wrapped her arms around her back and behind her knees making her blush.
"Yoshika I…" but before she could say something else, Yoshika jumped into the Shinden.
"Let's go!" The Witch said, and she took off and shortly after, the school became smaller and smaller as they ascended, and Althea became less nervous as she felt secure in Yoshika's arms.
"So, this what a Witch sees from the sky, it's amazing." Althea said in awe as she admired the Helvetian's landscape and the alps at the distance covered in snow.
"You bet." Yoshika cheerfully added.
But as they flew, Althea came to realize that Yoshika did not fly just enjoy herself but as a duty, "but aren't you scared of having to fight the Neuroi, here in the sky," she asked.
"I still am sometimes, but…" Yoshika confessed with a serious tone, "…I'd be more scared if I stayed behind even if I didn't have any magic left." she made pause, "even still, I'll want to protect my friends and everyone."
'I wonder what happened to her,' Althia thought, "just like when you protected my father," she cheered.
"I'm just happy you could reunite with each other," Yoshika replied with a smile, and not long after that, they arrived at the base.
Minna was already waiting for them, and after both girls greeted the commander, the Witch resumed with her training, and to Minna's relief, Yoshika's issue did not have any long-lasting effect on her as she could her drills as usual. Meanwhile, Althea watched in awe how much effort Yoshika put into her training, until the night arrived so that she could help Yoshika with her studies.
That became the routine for everyone there, and she even tried to practice some flight formations but without more Witches, the training was just mostly theoretical, not practical, so, Yoshika did not learn that much. On the other hand, her aim had never been better though, but when she asked if she wanted to use another gun besides the Type 99-2, she declined as it was the one, she had more experience with. Moreover, the strength of her shield or rather shields was impressive to say the least and she was now able put out two of them simultaneously without overusing her magic power and not exhausting herself.
One night, after both Althea and Yoshika had fallen asleep, Minna went to her office and lifter up the phone, to speak with the former Commanding Officer of the 501st.
"Mio, do you copy?" Minna asked as she served herself a cup of tea.
"Loud and clear, it's good to hear you again, Minna." Mio told her which made her blush slightly, "so how's everything been going there?"
"You know lots of paperwork, but things are going well," Minna commented.
"Not a lot has changed then," Mio pointed, "and how are the girls? Have you spoken with them?" the former Witch asked.
"I was in contact with them a few days ago and they assured me they're fine, though I wasn't able to speak with neither Shirley nor Francesca." Minna said as she t.
"Do you think they are in Africa again?" Mio enquired.
"They weren't assigned to any Africa division but they're not in Venezia or Romagna either so I can't be certain about their whereabouts." Minna stated.
"I'll try to contact Marseille to see if she knows anything," Mio said, "and how's Miyafuji doing?"
"She's been doing pretty well with her studies, and she's been working tirelessly since she requested for special training" Minna commented as she took a sip.
"Has she had any problems with controlling her magic?" Mio asked with trace of worriedness in her voice.
"She was struggling a little keeping up when she first began," Minna said, "but her magic has remained stable," she continued, "and as for now, she's never been more prepared." Minna announced with pride in her tone.
"Well, I'm happy to hear that", Mio said with more a relieved tone a voice, "but do you think she's ready?"
"I can't still be certain of that, but one thing is for sure, she has matured, for now, it would be better if we sent the recommendation letter we agreed upon." Minna suggested.
"Send it to me and I'll make sure to delivery it personally to HQ here in Fuso."
"Always being sure that things are done right, you haven't changed a little Mio."
"What can I say, you know me pretty well."
"I'll send it to you tomorrow morning."
"I'll be waiting for it, let me know if I can help you with anything else." Mio added.
"Thanks Mio," and then, the call ended, and Minna started to write the recommendation letter though her mind wandered back to the conversation she had with Mio.
'Being prepared', she said to her own head, she knew she was not getting any younger and neither was Gertrud, she wondered when the time would come when she was no longer prepared to continue fighting. Still, she needed to continue working so they could resume operations as soon as possible.
The next day, in the evening
Yoshika was doing her usually drills, supervised by Minna while Althea was reading a book, sat in front of the hangar when an engine could be heard in the distance.
"A Witch" Yoshika said as she stopped midair, "I recognize that sound."
"Lynne!" Yoshika beamed as both flew to each other and ended hugging excitedly while Althea watched with curiosity how affectionate both were.
"Yoshika, I missed you." Lynette cheered.
"Me too, I'm glad you came" Yoshika cheerfully said.
"How have you been, how are the studies?" the Britannian Witch asked.
"Quite good, I've caught up with the rest and we will have the exams in a couple days I'm sure we'll approve with no problem!" Yoshika proudly said.
"We?" Lynette wondered.
"Althea is here, she was kind of enough to come here to help to study after I finish training." Yoshika said as she wiped the sweat off her face.
"Althea? the daughter of the captain of the Doge, right?" Lynette said as she remembered the girl who was with the captain back in Antwerp.
"Yep, I want you to meet her." And thus, both Witches landed and Yoshika reintroduced Lynette to Althea. They spend the rest of the evening, talking about what they had been doing in the months they had been separated. Yoshika learned that Perrine's mansion had almost been fully reconstructed; she also learned that there were more orphans living at her place, and she had become their teacher, but the school reconstruction had almost finished, and Perrine would be soon relieved of that duty.
Though, by the night, after having dinner, Yoshika seemed to be dozing on the desk and noticing that, Lynette carried her to the bed with the help of Althea, still, she could not help it but be worried about Yoshika overworking herself and overusing her magic.
Then, she helped a half-sleep Yoshika to change into a nightgown; but when she undressed her, Lynette could notice her body seemed to be toner, not quite as muscular as Gertrud's, but just enough to be noticeable. Then, she finished dressing her, covered her well on the bed, while Althea watched the whole scene with curiosity in her eyes, and then Lynette left the room and went to speak with her superior.
"Commander Minna." Lynette knocked the door of her office.
"You can come in, Lynne." The commander said, and Lynette slowly opened the door. As she took a look inside, she noticed the room was partially lit, there were lots of papers over the desk, a lamp, and an unopened bottle of what seemed to be wine near her.
Without her realizing it, Lynette stayed still midway between Minna and the door, speechless, until the commander broke the silence as she continued working.
"Don't worry about Yoshika, this is the routine she's been following for weeks now;" Minna paused her work as she looked at her directly in the eyes, "and she hasn't had any problem controlling her magic, in fact, her stamina seems to have improved." Minna stated yet, Lynette did not look too relieved.
"I'd never let anyone of you get harmed if I wasn't completely sure you can handle it." Minna said with a kind smile, which made Lynette realize the fact that she had just done that throughout these years, even when she first joined the JFW and refused to sortie with them.
"I know." Lynette said as with a more relieved expression, "And I'm so glad you're our commander, I'm really thankful for that." the Britannian Witch added and shortly after she left the room. Though, Minna became thoughtful after hearing Lynette's comment about her commanding.
By the time she came back to the room, she noticed Althea was already sleeping on her bed, so she put on her nightgown, went to Yoshika's bed and laid next to her. Shortly after, Yoshika was hugging her with her head snuggled in between Lynette's breasts and she hugged her back, and she fell asleep too; but unknowingly to them, Althea wasn't asleep, and she watched them with a curious look on her face.
'I've never noticed Yoshika that close with anyone else', she thought, then she turned around on the bed and actually fell asleep.
The next morning
Yoshika was the first to wake up before even the sun appeared, she prepared breakfast for all of them, and not long after, Lynette and Althea wake up and went to the kitchen. The Witch was relieved to see that her friend was lively as usual and shortly, Minna also came there to Yoshika and Althea's surprise. Yoshika and Lynette ate breakfast quickly and when Yoshika was about to do the dishes, Lynette offered to do it for her, so Yoshika finished packing her books.
"Althea, are you ready?" Yoshika asked as she opened the door.
"Just a minute." Althea said gulping over the juice.
"I'll be waiting for you at the hangar," the aspiring medic told her.
"Okay!" Althea said as she packed her books.
And thus, Yoshika headed for the hangar followed by Lynette.
"I'm happy to see you haven't had problems with your magic." the Britannian Witch said.
"I'm happy for that too;" Yoshika replied with a smile on her face.
"You'll be back in the afternoon, to continue training, right?" Lynette asked.
"Yup, that's what we have been doing these past weeks but I think I can take break so we can spend the evening together." Yoshika cheerfully commented.
"I'll be not here... I need to go back to Gallia." Lynette regretfully said.
"Why? I thought you'll be staying for a few days." Yoshika said with disappointment in her voice.
"I really want to, but the Gallian Air Force had requested Perrine's presence." Lynette made a pause "and Amelie needs help to take care of the orphans."
"Don't worry, I'll come here again after Perrine gets back, that's what I hope." she added.
"I'll be waiting for you, or I'll visit you after we're done with the exams." Yoshika said as she grabbed her hand.
"It's a deal then." Lynette said.
"I'm ready." Althea said as she came running towards them.
"Let's go then", she let go of Lynette's hand, her ears and tail appeared, she grabbed Althea and jumped onto the Shinden and took off.
"Bye Yoshika!" she said as she waved them.
"Bye Lynne!" Yoshika said as she disappeared into the Helvetian's still dark sky, shortly after the commander came to Lynette side.
"I also thought you'll be staying for a couple of days" Minna commented, "you both could have trained together."
"I was going to come here a few days ago, but Perrine was really busy with the reconstruction of Gallia", Lynette continued, "and I couldn't leave Amelie and Jean Paul all by themselves."
"And three days ago, a notice arrived stating that the Gallian Air Force required her, so before she departed, I came here." Lynette stated.
"Did she know the reason?" Minna wondered.
"I don't think she did." Lynette replied.
"Hmm," Minna wondered, "I'll try to see if I can get any information regarding the request." she added.
"Thank you, commander." The Britannian Witch said.
Meanwhile, at the sky, the first rays of sun had started to appear over the alps and although the wind was blowing strong, Yoshika was using a shield to protect Althea of the cold air, not long after, they were already close to the school.
"Yoshika, you and Lynne are really close, right," Althea asked with a curious tone of voice.
"Well, yeah," Yoshika made a pause as her cheeks became slightly red, "she's the first friend I made when I joined the Strike Witches."
"I didn't know that." Althea added.
"We have been through many things together, and we have always been there for each other," Yoshika gleefully said.
"That's why it seems you really like each other." Althea commented which made Yoshika completely blush now, "she's your best friend I bet."
"My… best… friend…" Yoshika made a pause thinking about what say next. "I mean… yes, she's my best friend", she added, still blushed but to her relief, Althea did not notice anything and not long after, they arrived at the school.
The same day, in the afternoon
After Lynette left earlier in the morning and due to the lack of Witches as even her fellows Karslandian witches were busy. Gertrud was taking her place in Berlin and Erica was doing the same in Belgica, Minna decided to test Yoshika's training by herself, so she decided to have a mock battle with her.
The sun was shining, and it was as clear as it could get; both Witches were already in runway track, equipping their striker units. Meanwhile, Althea was watching with eyes filled with amazement, after all, it would be the first time she would see Witches in action and many crewmen also stopped with what they were doing to watch the battle.
"Just one round, give me everything you got." Minna said as she readied her machine gun.
"I… will" Yoshika replied with a hint of nervousness in her voice, because even if it had been almost three years since she became a Witch, this would be the first time she had a mock battle with Minna, then she readied the Type 99-2.
"Prepare to take off at my signal." Minna stated.
"Yes, ma'am" Yoshika replied as a courageous as she could.
"Go." Then, two magic circles appeared, and both Witches taxied at the runway track creating a windblast that even throwed away some objects at the hangar.
A few seconds later, Yoshika noticed Minna was now following her closely and she was struggling to keep her out of her tail because even as she flew towards different directions, she was still just behind her, until she was not.
'I lost her.' Yoshika thought with a bit relief until Minna suddenly appeared in front of her and shot her, though she was able to put out a shield just before the paint balls impacted her.
"Be more vigilant of your surroundings." Minna said as she continued with her assault, then Yoshika turned around and she continued with the pursuit.
"Yes, ma'am." Then, Yoshika dived and flew shielded as close to the ground as she could, still being chased and shot by Minna.
"You can't destroy a Neuroi if you only flee." Minna pointed out as she tried to get pass her to corner her again, but Yoshika speeded up and made some distance.
"I know." she said as she speeded up headed to the watchtower not stopping.
"Be careful." Minna said worried as she slowed down a bit but to her surprise, Yoshika did not and before she crashed, she flew vertically against the watchtower's wall and then she did a turn around it and went head on against her as she shot her but Minna dodged her paintballs, then she did a hard turn and began shooting her again though this time she blocked them, then she reversed again but, she was nowhere to be found.
"Above me, how?" Yoshika doubtfully said noticing where she was, and used her shield to protect herself, then she flew on her back to be able to see and shot her as she headed to the forest.
But as Yoshika maneuvered around the branches, she slowed down considerably, 'maybe this was not such a good idea after all,' Yoshika said to herself as Minna was still shooting her and shortly after, the forest became too dense to maneuver through it, thus, she used her shield as drill to make a hole just big enough for her to pass it.
Minna had now had a clear aim on her, but as she readied herself to shoot her, Yoshika put out a second shield behind her.
'Interesting.' Minna said to herself, noticing that, Minna flew outside the forest and waited for her to come out but only paintballs did, though she dodged them easily.
"There you are." Minna said as she used her spatial magic to locate her through the trees.
"Did I get her?" Yoshika said but then paintballs impacted in the branches around her, 'this is useless,' realizing that Minna's spatial awareness gave her the exact location even if she could not see her, thus, she drilled her way out of there, only to realize paintballs were already on the way to her, and it was too late when she tried to move her shield to protect herself, as many balls impacted on her.
"I lost." Yoshika disappointingly said, as Minna flew towards her.
"There is no need to be sad, you did an outstanding job" Minna cheered her up, "but… you need to be more analytical regarding your strengths and weaknesses," Minna said panting a little.
"Huh?" Yoshika added.
"The Shinden can achieve greater speeds, and your shields are more powerful than every other I've ever seen," Minna continued, "use those as your advantages," she made a pause to regain her breath, "and you also may also have noticed the Shinden was difficult to maneuver at low speeds."
"I did." Yoshika said.
"It's not intended for close quarter encounters, so I suggest you to not be cornered and use hit-and-run tactics whenever it's possible" Minna kindly commented.
"I guess that makes sense." Yoshika added recalling the times she fought with the Shinden.
"Well, Mio and I have assessing how have you perform with the Shinden, after all, it used to be only a prototype, so we know where you perform your best." Minna added.
"Huh, I've almost forgotten it was only a prototype." Yoshika added.
"I've heard the Fuso empire still has some development problems with it, so it hasn't reach mass production yet, so take care of it" Minna said.
"I will commander."
"Let's go back to the base, it's getting late" and thus both Witches headed back to the hangar.
The days of the exams were nearing, and in order to be ready for them, since a few days, Yoshika's drills were becoming shorter though not less intense as she took advantage of every minute she had. On the other hand, since the encounter Minna had with her, the commander decided to train her to be more aware of her surroundings. The personnel were requested to be stationed around the base and they were asked to shot paintballs to Yoshika from different places at her signal, and she needed to avoid or shield herself from the shoots.
Yoshika was already equipping her striker unit, with Minna beside her,
"So, are we clear with the instructions Yoshika?" the commander asked.
"Yes, ma'am"
"Take off", then a magic circle appeared, and Yoshika did so and started to fly around the base, until a gunshot was heard, and Yoshika avoided it with easiness.
Then, more shots were heard but Yoshika was not able to distinguish where they were coming from and though she was able to see where a few of them were shot, she could not see them all, thus, she put out a shield to cover herself.
"Miyafuji, do not rely only your eyes, use your other senses." Minna stated.
"Roger that", then Yoshika decided to train just like that time, she untied her scarf and blindfolded herself, and flew like that around the base again, but her flying pattern became sloppier.
Shots were heard again, and Yoshika could avoid the first few but as soon as she was hit, she panicked, and put out two shields, blocking the rest of the shoots, then Yoshika then pulled down her scarf, 'this is just as difficult as the last time,' she said to herself, realizing she was further away from where she believed she was; that previous time, she had other eyes to relay on, Sanya's, now she only had the rest of her senses.
"Good call to cover your eyes to force yourself to use the rest of your senses, continue like that." Minna encouragingly said through the intercom.
"Yes… commander," Yoshika hesitated, nonetheless, she covered her eyes again and began flying around for a few minutes, until more shots were heard, and she only used a single shield this time around, until more shots were fired, though this time, they came from in front of her and seemingly further away, she moved to avoid being shoot as she continued either shielding herself or dodging the shoots from below.
"You can pull the scarf down, Yoshika." Minna said through the intercom and then she realized that Minna was in the sky and flying towards her.
"Pretty good attempt Yoshika, but the time is up, you need to study" Minna said as with genuine smile on her face, 'maybe she's ready after all', she said to herself as she did pretty well, taking into account she did not possess any kind of magic that aided her.
"Okay," Yoshika happily said, and both Witches landed, and Althea was there with an unopened book near her.
"That seemed really difficult Yoshika," Althea said as she noticed how Yoshika was covered in paint.
"It really was," Yoshika said as she tried to clean some residues of the paint out of her, "I better put on some clean clothes", she commented.
"We can continue studying in the room then," Althea added.
"That sounds good to me," and thus, and both girls headed to their room, while Minna went back to her office.
That was what Yoshika practiced until the weekend before the week of exams came, though she had not made much improvement, as she still relied mainly on her sight to fight. The last two days Yoshika completely skipped trained and both girls were studying at the base as they had a few books there as well as some notes, and they continued that preparing themselves for the exams, just until the night arrived so they could go to sleep a little earlier.
To Yoshika's relief, she had not had nightmares since she began her new routine, though she avoided thinking about them, deep inside of her, she had started believed the training sweated off the guiltiness she felt.
By the time they woke up, Minna had already prepared them breakfast and to their relief, it was actually good yet with a strong flavor, both girls thanked her and sortied shortly after.
"Good luck to both of you" Minna said as both girls flew away from the base, 'I hope they do well on the exams,' she thought.
Still, after Yoshika is done with the semester, Minna had already planned their next step, the two of them will go back to Berlin to wait for the time they would be called to the frontlines and to reunite with Gertrud and Erica, and hopefully, the three could train together.
Meanwhile, the dawn was just making its way to Helvetia and created a tranquil landscape, though Yoshika mind was wandering to one of the toughest weeks she had just ahead of her.
"Are you nervous, Yoshika" Althea asked.
"Yes, a bit," Yoshika replied with a worried tone of voice.
"Don't worry, I'm sure we will approve," Althea commented.
"I hope you're right", Yoshika replied with some hesitation in her tone, yet she knew she could not afford to fail, she had a promised to keep, after all, this was the reason she came to Europe.
Shortly after, they arrived at the school, and after leaving the Shinden at the launch unit, both went to their classroom and not long after, the door was closed, and the first round of the exams began.
After they ended, the girls did not go back to the base as the exams were scheduled throughout the day the whole week, thus both girls continued studying until the night when they went back to their own rooms.
By the next morning, when they were in the classroom, Althea could easily notice that Yoshika did not have a good night as she had bags under her eyes, and she was one of the last students who finished the exam and the same thing happened with the rest of the exams of the day.
Still, after they were done, in the evening, Althea continued helping Yoshika as much as she could and when they reviewed the notes, Yoshika seemed to know everything she needed to, though she could notice that as they studied, Yoshika seemed to be getting more distressed.
The next day, something similar happened and Yoshika's baggy eyes were becoming more noticeable and after they ended with the exams, Althea decided to speak with her.
"Yoshika, is something wrong?" she asked.
"I'm fine" she replied, not moving her eyes from the book.
Then, she took a look of what she was reading, "Yoshika, we've already reviewed that."
"I know" Yoshika then gazed at her directly, "I just need to be certain that I know it well", she said with a polite yet tired smile.
"If you aren't sure of something just let me know," Althea stated.
"I will, I'm thankful for all the help you've given to me." Yoshika cheerfully added with the same worn smile.
Then, Althea took a sit beside her in the stairs and together waited for the next exam. Since Althea started to spend more time with Yoshika, she had come to understand how important protecting people was for her, and if there was not a war going on, Yoshika would happily continue studying to become a medic just to help everyone. And for now, the only thing she could do for her is to be at her side and to help her to study whenever she needed.
Yoshika's bags under her eyes were becoming easily noticeable even from far away, it was apparent to Althea that she had spent most of the nights studying and just barely sleeping. But to the relief of both, on the last day, they only had one exam in the evening, and after they were done with it, they headed to the cafeteria.
Yoshika was drinking what she usually did throughout the whole week, a disposable of cup of very strong of coffee.
"I'm sure everything is going to be just fine," Althea commented, trying to cheer her up, yet she knew the results would come in at least a week, but Yoshika did not reply anything and stayed in silent drinking the coffee.
"Well girls, it seems your efforts had paid off." Minna said as she came from behind and then she put several answer sheets in front of them.
Yoshika choked with her coffee when she heard that voice.
"Commander Minna." Althea said as both grabbed the papers.
"But how? I thought we were supposed to know the results next week." Yoshika commented anxiously as she checked the papers.
"I requested them to grade yours first," Minna stated with a smile on her face, "we cannot afford to lose time."
Yoshika carefully reviewed each one of the answers sheets and she still could not believe what she was seeing.
"I approved…, I really did approve" Yoshika beamed as happy tears came of her eyes, then she tightly hugged Commander Minna and then Althea, which made the latter blush slightly.
"Thank you, thank you I really couldn't have done it without your help." Yoshika bubbled as more tears came out of her brown eyes.
"C'mon, we need to go back to the base," Minna added, "there are some things we need to discuss, and with you too Althea."
"With me?" Althea wondered why she needed her to discuss and at a military base, nonetheless.
And shortly after, they took off and Yoshika was still beaming not believing what just happened, but now, she knew what she wanted to do, yet she knew it would neither be easy to do nor to get authorization to do it on the first place, but she remained hopeful.
By the time they arrived, the sun had almost completely set and after leaving their striker units on the hangar, the three headed to Minna's office. The Commander slowly opened the door, and a tall man in his late forties or early fifties was there, sat in front of the desk with a military blue hat with matching uniform and small moustache.
"Huh?" Yoshika wondered who that man was, but Althea instantly recognized him.
"Dad!?" Althea yelped, not believing who was there, and she rushed to hug him.
"Hello Althea," the captain tenderly said as she hugged her back, "thank you, Commander Wilcke." Carlo said.
"It's the least I can do to thank Althea for everything she's done for Yoshika." Minna stated with a kind smile.
"How?" Althea asked with teary eyes as she held tightly his hand.
"Well, your father has been serving the Venezian navy for a long time, so it was only natural he needed some time off." Minna added.
"If may I ask, what my Althea has done for you, Sergeant Miyafuji," the captain asked.
"She's helped to approve the exams, I could not have done without her," Yoshika said with happy smile and still teary eyes of happiness.
"Then, I must congratulate you, Sergeant and you too, Althea," then the captain hugged her again, as Yoshika watched the scene with happiness, yet she realized that it had been a while since she visited her own father.
"Well, now that you have approved, you can come with me to Karlsland…" Minna said.
"But I…" Yoshika tried to reply.
"…Trude and Erica would be more than happy to see you and you three can train together" Minna enthusiastically stated, but Yoshika did not share her enthusiasm, "or do you have other plans?" Minna asked.
"I'd" Yoshika hesitated noticing Minna's excitement, but she continued, "I'd like to go back to Fuso, I want to see my family again," Yoshika said smiling yet her voice seemed wistful, "it's been almost year since I saw them and lots of things have changed since I left them."
"I understand," Minna made a pause realizing that the last time she saw them, she seemingly did not have any magic left.
"I'm sorry." Yoshika regretfully said.
"Don't be, it's only natural you want to see your family," Minna made a pause, "well, I'll try to see if I can arrange a plane to take you back home…."
"I would like to…" Yoshika tried to say.
"…. A ship would take a couple of months." Minna commented.
"To travel by myself" Yoshika said, "I mean flying."
"Yoshika, you've never traveled such long distance, never mind alone." Minna stated.
"I… know that" Yoshika said thoughtfully, "but I'll never know until I try." Yoshika eagerly added, "I haven't had any magic problem in a long time and my endurance is better and I…"
"Yoshika, Yoshika," Minna interrupted her, "I've seen you how hard you've trained these past months, and how much you've improved," Minna continued, "tomorrow, we will arrange everything for your journey, and we'll plan the route you'll be following as well."
"I can't thank you enough Commander, I really appreciate all you have done for me." Yoshika happily said.
"I'm sure you will not have any problem in your journey, Sergeant, I know how brave you are," Carlo added.
"I've also seen how hard you've worked, Yoshika," Althea commented, "you'll be just fine."
Yoshika blushed slightly, "I really hope the same," she added with hopeful tone of voice.
Author Notes:
I hope the next chapter is ready before the next week but I cannot promise you anything as this one took me way longer than what I initially anticipated.
And one last note, if anyone is wondering, Yoshika do not have a new skill aka, "speed boost", she just speeded up through brute force, that's why she was feeling very tired just after.