"" Dialogue
'' Thoughts

Disclaimer: I do not own "Strike Witches", so this is just a fan made.

Interlude III: Notice

(discoveries)

Two weeks later, in Ingolstadt

On one of the balconies of the fortress, a young woman in her early twenties was there, wearing a blue dressing gown.

She was looking at the landscape, the setting sun, the snowflakes and the Rhine in the distance. And though the cold wind blew strong, it did not bother Mio, not even the fact her nightwear was being lifted with the gusts.

The wooden door was slid open, and another young woman went beside her, wearing a black nightgown, a bit longer than Mio's, "It's quite cold in here," Minna heated her hands with her breath, "You may catch a cold."

Mio continued looking at the almost frozen river, "there are no changes and it's been more than a month."

Minna sighed in regret, "I am starting to fear for the worst."

"It's quite paradoxical, I gave her permission to sortie, to help you or as she said, to protect you and she succeeded, you all did," Mio made bitterly a pause, "but when she heard I was in danger, she came back to save me once again. This time though, it seems she sacrificed more than just her magic," Mio looked at the sky, "and all for? A dammed late miscommunication from HQ."

Minna looked at Mio, "I am the only one who is to blame," Minna sighed, "I should have been clear with Yoshika since the beginning, after all it was just a cheap excuse for her to remain here or at least I should let her go to the hospital as she wanted."

"Was it?" Mio raised her voice a little, turning to look at Minna but nothing was said in response, "Miyafuji would have escaped, that's for certain but regardless of that, I need to speak with her family, personally." Mio stated while Minna lowered her sight as her demeanor became somber. "I cannot send them just a letter, they already went through that before with Dr. Ichiro. This is- this is something I need to do myself, after all I asked Yoshika to join the military." Mio put her hands on her shoulders, "And I am really sorry I know I promised you we will go on vacation, but this is something I need to do by myself."

Minna shuddered a little with her touch, "Mio…"

"In any case, I entrust you to take care of Miyafuji for me and of Lynne too, we saw her, she's the one who's suffering most, and well, everyone is," Mio stated firmly and even Minna could now feel her determination and her guiltiness as well through her warm breath, "I will return someday, though, I have a promise to fulfill, and besides we're still young and have many things to look forward to, the two of us."

Minna raised her head, "the two of us?"

"Of- of course," Mio nodded reluctantly while Minna cautiously put her hands on Mio's waist.

"Y-you mean?" Minna was about to say, when the door slid open again.

Mio tilted her head to see who came, "Michiko, there you are."

"Are you- are you going back to Fuso?"

"Indeed, but you need to stay," Mio stated, putting her arms down, "you have a new purpose here and you'll also have to look after Yoshika and help Lynne and Shizuka, right Minna?"

Minna took her hands off Mio right away and blushed a little realizing where her hands were, and turned to see Michiko, "of- of course."

Michiko nodded now with curious expression, "U-understood."

Mio grabbed her hand, "You were about to say?"

"It's selfish of me to even think about that," Minna started to walk as Mio let go of her, "let's get inside."

Meanwhile, in Munich

As the light turned green and after they were allowed to, Lynette and Shizuka entered the hospital room once again, one behind the other. Inside the somewhat dim room, Yoshika was still sleeping, in supine position, a grey hospital gown, band-aids on her wrists and a now empty bag tied on her leg, and she the rest of her body was covered with a clean white blanket.

Lynette cautiously approached her and after staring at her for a few seconds, her trembling hand caressed her cheek and cleaned the rest of her face. Afterwards, she covered her well and took a seat in a chair next to the bed and began caressing her hand with the same lost sight from the last few weeks.

Shizuka also gave Yoshika a quick look, yet she gave them some space so, she took a seat next to the window, beside a small wooden table, from where she could still see both of them and even the whole room.

After getting herself a bit comfortable in her seat, Shizuka picked up the Fusoan medicine book from the table that she found in Yoshika's room a few days ago, about healing magic and continued reading from where she left it yesterday.

They did so until half an hour later, the door opened once again, and two men wearing Britannian uniforms entered the room. Upon noticing their medals, Shizuka left the book on the table and stood in attention, yet one of them did not even acknowledge her presence while the other just nodded at her.

Both Britannian officers headed straight towards Lynette, "Master Seargent Bishop Lynette."

Lynette raised her head, as she rubbed her eyes, "Yes?"

"You have not followed on the notices we sent you," the lieutenant General stated.

Hearing the statement, Lynette tried to focus her eyes on both generals, "I'm- I'm sorry, I haven't stopped by the base lately."

"It's imperative to move back to Britannia, to your new position as a Witches instructor."

"I can't- I can't leave Yoshika," Lynette stood up from her seat and stared both in their eyes, shaking her head, "I won't do that."

"It is a direct order," the lieutenant General stated as he took a glimpse to Yoshika, "and besides, you shouldn't be wasting your time, it is hopeless for you to be here," he upbraided but Lynette just lowered her sight in response, "you are aware about the fact that disobeying direct orders from HQ is a grave offense," he made a pause, "there would be consequences."

Several tears dropped on the wooden floor, "What are you going to do!?" Lynette snapped, looking at them again, as deeply as she ever could, "give me dishonorable discharge like you did with Yoshika more than year ago."

"If necessary, it will be done."

Lynette shrugged, "So be it, I could become a civilian for all I care."

Shizuka slowly walked towards them, hands clasped on her chest, "Lynne, you're throwing everything away, you will not be allowed to be here anymore, this is- this is a military hospital."

Lynette began cleaning her tears, "I am not going to leave Yoshika."

"If that is what you want, fine," Montgomery stated still staring her. "Tomorrow you will receive your discharge."

Without muttering anything else, both started to leave while Lynette just took a seat again.

Shizuka stared at Lynette who was now holding Yoshika's hand again, then she looked down, "If you're in need of an instructor, I can take Master Sergeant Bishop position," Shizuka stated as firmly as she could while everyone's eyes set on her. "I may not have her inherit magic or any inherit magic at all, but I have experience as a Witches instructor, when I stationed back in Sasebo, Fuso, I worked as teacher, Major Sakamoto can corroborate it."

A tense silence took hold of the room as one officer set his eyes on Shizuka while the other kept staring at Lynette.

"Something can be arranged," Major General Pferinger politely broke the silence.

"The deuce you say?" Montgomery loudly roared, looking at him, yet the Major General remained unfazed, "we need to take Bishop back to Britannia."

"You must watch your tone, I outrank you," Pferinger stated, his tone weighty. "Our orders were to bring an instructor, and miss Hattori can fulfill that role," Shizuka nodded in agreement. "Better get going."

Both started to leave but Shizuka remained there, now in front of Lynette, "Give me a minute, please, there's something I need to do."

"Understood, sergeant," Pferinger said as Montgomery opened the door, "and say hello to Minnie for me, please, Lynette."

Shizuka and Lynette were now left alone in the room once again.

"You don't need to do that," Lynette took several breaths to try to soothe herself, now that they have left. "I- I never really cared about the military anyways, and- and I will find a way to stay here."

"Listen to me," Shizuka raised her voice as Lynette tried to stare at her, "You do care and as I said, you would not be allowed to be here anymore," Shizuka made a pause, "We- we may have our differences but we both care, and- and love Yoshika and I just want the best for her, which means you need to stay here."

Lynette tilted her head in bewilderment, "w-what?"

"We may have the same feelings for Yoshika, but she doesn't for both of us, it's unrequited for me," Shizuka stated, her tone reassuring mixed with pensiveness, "Rest assure, I will never tell her, there are feelings better left in the heart, but you must promise me you'll take care of her and that you'll call me when she wakes up, I'll do whatever is necessary to come back here."

"I-I will do that, I promise you that," Lynette said, still confused, "and I don't even know how to thank you."

Shizuka was now caressing Yoshika's cheek, "I'll be back Yoshika, I promise you," then she gave her a quick peek on her cheek, "I- I have to go now, until next time, Lynne."

"Bye, Sh-shizuka."

The door closed afterwards, Lynette was left alone once again in the hospital room, wandering in her thoughts, worries and still as shattered as she had been on the inside and on the outside.

The next morning

Two Witches were approaching the hospital though only one of them showed skill, gracefulness even to control her Striker. The other one was struggling to maintain the pace and even to keep flying.

As they started to descend into the roof, one Striker unit stuttered, thus Perrine rushed to catch her.

"Are you alright?"

"I guess, I've already exhausted my magic," Wilma said, clinging to Perrine, "but hey, you must congratulate me, we made it from Gallia."

"It took us a bit more than what I expected."

"Yeah, I know the time of a Wing Commander is priceless but well…"

"It's mainly an office job, therefore it's pleasing to have some time off, outside" Perrine sighed, "if only it were in better circumstances."

Perrine descended onto the hospital roof. After leaving their Strikers next to Lynette's, both headed to where Shizuka told them.

Wilma cautiously opened the door, and both stopped in their tracks in shock of the scene

Yoshika as expected was there, laying in supine position, a bag tied her leg and mostly covered in blankets. What stunned them both was that Lynnete was sitting beside her. She had bags under her eyes, hair down and she was just wearing her white blouse, which was clean for the most part and she was neither wearing socks nor a tie.

Perrine slowly approached her and do Wilma, "H-how's Yoshika?"

"Sis, Perrine, it's been while," Lynette caressed her hand, "she's- she's still sleeping."

"She indeed looks a bit better," Perrine said, not to reassuringly.

"I see," Wilma caressed Lynette's cheek. "But you haven't been sleeping well."

Lynette heaved a sigh, "I guess I haven't."

Perrine took a seat at the bottom of the bed, "You need fresh air."

"What about walk around Munich?" Wilma exclaimed with some persuasiveness in her tone, "You didn't show me around the last time I visited you all."

Nothing was said in response.

"It's not good for you stay here all day," Perrine added.

"I am aware, I'm not oblivious," Lynette's sight shifted between both, "and yeah, I've been neglecting myself a little, but- but I can manage just fine."

Wilma stared her in the eyes, "We talked about this,"

"We did, but-," Lynette caressed Yoshika's face, "but, I can't waste this chance, I have a promise to fulfill."

"We heard what happened," Perrine firmly said, "But Yoshika wouldn't like you to be like this, would she?"

Nothing was heard for a few seconds until Lynette stood up from her chair, "maybe so."

Meanwhile, in Romagna

Another box was delivered to the hangar, this time though, it had Charlotte's name written on it. It did not surprise her as she knew its content but as soon Charlotte readied it, Francesca clung to her arm and stopped her from jumping into the Jet Striker.

"Shirley, you sure about this?"

Charlotte's hare ears and tail appeared, "Of course I am."

"But you could hurt yourself."

Charlotte stared at her, "I can count on you, right?"

Francesca nodded in response.

"See, there's nothing to worry about then."

"But why?" Francesca asked her, "Nuremberg is freed and there's no need to try them again."

"To be honest with you," Charlotte sighed, "it's shameful that speedster like me cannot control a Jet Striker. Maybe, if I didn't give up so easily, we wouldn't be going through this, but I was scared that day."

Francesca lowered her gaze, "Shirley…"

"Perrine called, Lynne is a wreck," Charlotte stated while Francesca hugged her a bit tighter, "Don't worry, I am not blaming myself for what happened, Yoshika is reckless but…" Charlotte made a pause, "if she hadn't had come, we all may be dead, so I guess I am doing it for her or at least that's what I am telling myself. So, you ready?"

Francesca reluctantly let go of her, "Yeah."

By the evening

Lynette was once again alone in the hospital room, sitting beside Yoshika, and reading the medicine book that Shizuka left the day before. At least, that was what she was trying to do as she was kipping on the chair.

But she woke up suddenly as the door opened once again,

"I came to say, goodbye," Shizuka slowly approached her, not looking her in the eyes, "They gave me an extra day before the departing to Britannia."

"About what you said yesterday," Lynette stood up, "I wanted to apologize, I am so stupid for never apologizing before after what happened in Ingolstadt, you were right, we had an agreement and it- and it caused a lot of problems for everyone," Lynette stated as Shizuka looked her back, "it's just that, well Yoshika forgave for slapping for her but I wasn't sure if she forgave me again if she knew we fought because- because she cares so much about you and- and I just wanted to be by her side."

"Yoshika would never do that."

"That's why I am so stupid for not apologize before," Lynette made a pause to regain her breath, "but you care so much about her and even after what happened with Adolfine, Yoshika and me, you still looked after her, trying to avoid me as much as you could because we were resentful with each other."

Nothing was said for a few seconds that felt like an eternity for both of them.

"It- it must have been so difficult for you now that I know how you feel about her, and even still, you're taking my place as an instructor so that I can be with her."

"I just want the best for Yoshika, and I know how much you love each other." Shizuka took seat, on Yoshika's bed, "I guess I should be honest, so that you know why it came to this."

Shizuka stared at the ceiling, "When we were making road to Berlin, I really got closer to Yoshika as a friend, as an equal, not as some sort of idol, but I still admired her and her determination to protect everyone, with or without magic, not really caring that she could die." Shizuka made a pause, "Ironically, I was the one who almost died, and although it may not seem like it, that's what changed everything for both of us."

"What do you mean?"

"After Berlin was freed, the Joint Fighter Wing was disbanded and we went our separate ways, I accepted to become a teacher in Fuso as I am a foreigner, I don't have anything here nor I was close with anyone else, other than Yoshika."

"You could've come with Perrine and me."

"I didn't want to be a bother." Shizuka took a deep breath, "and- and, I was saying, after Yoshika was done with her semester, she went back to Fuso, and just after her arrival, she was promoted to Flight Lieutenant, I obviously congratulated her and well, she invited me to her home," Shizuka hesitated, "and that's- and that's when things started to change. We slept in her room but in separated futons, but somehow Yoshika always ended up sleeping over me, on my breasts."

Lynette smiled a little, "Yoshika always does something like that."

"I am not going to lie to you, it felt strange, because after all, we're friends, we're both girls and I am not really interested in girls, or at least that's what I thought," Shizuka stared at Yoshika, "It's just that when we were cuddling together, it sometimes crossed my mind that we- that we could become more than friends, a couple."

Shizuka rubbed her eyes, "but it took me far too long to realize that Yoshika was just afraid that I could die, she just wanted to protect me, even when we were sleeping, and maybe I just was lying to myself," Some tears began to form in her eyes, "she- she had nightmares of what happened in Berlin, she's broken on the inside."

"Yoshika never told me that."

Shizuka cautiously grabbed Yoshika's hand, "Lieutenant Yeager believes that's why she changed her attitude, and why she's having magic and health problems again."

"And I'm so stupid I didn't notice that before."

"And I'm too for not telling you anything before but…" Shizuka hesitated, "it's just that I was jealous of you."

Lynette tilted her head a bit surprised, staring at her.

"When we were called back to the front lines and she was assigned to share room with you and I started to grow jealous of you even if I didn't realize it," Shizuka shook her head in shame, "I mean, you get to share time with Yoshika, all alone."

Lynette just continued listening attentively.

"When we fought, and Yoshika learned about how you really feel about her, I- I just couldn't stand it, and I wanted to get away from here, to anywhere," Shizuka stroked her hair, "This is so stupid, actually, even we continued sharing a room, a bed, I would never have the courage to ask Yoshika to become more than friends."

"I wouldn't have either, if it weren't for Adolfine even though we- we," Lynette made a pause, "we used to sleep together until we moved from the fortress."

"I suspected that, but I don't have the right to be mad nor to say anything," Shizuka smiled if faintly, "and in any case, I should be happy for both of you because you're really love each other, I understand the length of your feelings for her and that's why it's best for you to stay here, to take care of Yoshika."

"I am not going to let you down again," Lynette hesitated, "and- and I know I won't deserve to call you my friend, but- but can we at least, leave this behind."

"I wouldn't want it to be any other way, Lynne" Shizuka opened her arms a little as she stood up. Lynette did the same and both wrapped their arms around each other's back, "And we're friends and I want that but there's one thing, you must be there for Yoshika, to help to finally overcome it."

"I will."

Shizuka slowly took her arms from Lynette, "I need to go now."

Lynette did the same, "Thank you again and good luck."

Shizuka opened the door, and gave Lynette one last look, "And Lynne, look after yourself, Yoshika shouldn't see you like this when she wakes up."

Shizuka left the room afterwards, leaving Lynette looking at the window, or rather, at her reflection there, "I should stop by the base."

In Ingolstadt, later

Just when Eila and Sanya were changing clothes in the latter room, a Striker unit made it to the fortress. After recognizing the engine sound, both rushed to the hangar, only in their underwear.

Lynette was there, same unkept appearance from a few weeks now, just wearing her blouse, yet somehow Eila and Sanya could notice that she seemed a bit happier or relieved at least. After greeting her, and explaining why they were just wearing that, they offered her the leftovers from lunch, and she accepted not before taking a quick bath and declining politely the invitation to go to the celebration.

Both put on aprons, to reheat everything and to their surprise Lynette came back pretty soon, now wearing her usual blue nightgown.

The three girls took a seat on the dining table and talked about nothing really important, though Sanya and Eila could notice that Lynette avoided talking about Yoshika and Shizuka, even though Perrine told them what happened. Not long after that, Lynette finished her dinner and though she was about to clean everything, Sanya offered to do it for her.

Thus, without nothing else to do or to say, Lynette went to her room, while Sanya and Eila went back to the former's room, after being done with the dishes, to finish dressing up.

Now in the room, both finished dressing up and Sanya took a seat on a chair, in front of a mirror, while Eila was behind her, brushing her hair, "It seems Lynne is doing a bit better,"

"Yeah, I guess, Shizuka must have spoken with her."

Sanya looked at her through the mirror, "About Yoshika?"

"Yeah, I guess," Eila sighed, while Sanya frowned her little.

Sanya moved a little on the chair, "I guess it's done."

"Just a bit more, it's just that your hair is a bit longer and it's even softer," Eila passed her hair through her fingers, "and we still have plenty of time."

Sanya turned her head to see her directly, "I have to do your hair too."

Eila heaved a sigh, "I'm done then."

Sanya stood up and adjusted her white coat and finished buttoning her grey blouse. Then she pulled up her white stockings and extended her white skirt a little to cover her matching panties as it was on the smaller side.*

Eila tried to stare at her through the mirror, "Turn around to see how you look," Sanya did so, and Eila could now have a good look at her, "You look so beautiful."

Hearing the comment, Sanya blushed a little, "This, this is not the first time I use this outfit, it's protocol."

"Yeah, but" Eila blushed as well, "but it suits you so nicely."

"Eila, you're embarrassing me."

"S-sorry."

Sanya also took a look at Eila, who was wearing a high-low dress, blue ribbon on her waist, v-neck with small straps thus it showed a bit of cleavage and barely enough to cover her white panties, , "t-take a seat, I have to do your hair."

Eila did so, a bit disappointingly, "of course."

Sanya began doing her hair and stood on her tiptoes and leaned forward to Eila from above her head, "you look beautiful too."

"Th-thank you," Eila gulped loudly, "it- it means a lot, coming from you."

Later that night

As expected, just the two of them went to the event, though it surprised them a little that neither Minna nor Mio were there like in Berlin a few months ago. Most of the guests had already left due to the cold weather but since Eila and Sanya were pretty used to it, they decided to walk around the snowy city, arm in arm.

Sanya stared at the mostly dark buildings, "the city feels lonelier than I was expected."

"It's far too cold for people to move back," Eila stopped and so did Sanya, "I almost forgot, there's something we need to do."

"Huh?"

Eila got a small piece of paper from her cleavage and showed it to Sanya.

After reading it, both walked back towards where the event was held, then they entered one of the few buildings that was illuminated.

After passing through its somewhat dark corridors, and stairs as well, Sanya stopped and so did Eila, "You sure about this, Eila."

"You read it," Eila began to drag Sanya, "and besides they really want to meet to whom they're celebrating."

Yet both stopped in her tracks again as the small animal passed just between them, "What was that?"

"Some sort of bird?" Eila shrugged, then she checked the piece of paper again, "I guess this is the room."

Eila put it back on her cleavage and opened the door, and both were a bit surprised, noticing that even more animals were there, cuddling on a carpet and on themselves just in front of them, next to a piano and chimney.

Eila smiled at the scene, "Huh? So- so many animals," But to her surprise, Sanya tried to drag her out of the room, but she did not bulge, "What's wrong Sanya?"

Sanya pointed the left side of the room, "Look!"

"What?" Eila turned to see what she was pointing and blushed right away, noticing that nine girls were changing their clothes, some of them were just wearing their underwear, and some not even that, yet all of them covering themselves with their hands, and also were looking at the two recently arrived girls, "we're so sorry!" Eila slammed the door shut.

Both headed to the closest windows and stared at the darkness outside, still a bit red-faced, until the wooden floor began to squeak.

Both turned to see who was coming and a girl about Yoshika's height, wearing a uniform like Lynette's with the addition of a green skirt, was slowly approaching them, yet she could help but notice that both still were locking arms, "Hi, I'm Virginia Robertson but you call me Ginny."

"Hi, my- my name's Eila and she's Sanya."

Sanya stared at her with a curious expression, "Nice- nice to meet you."

Eila bowed and so did Sanya, still arm in arm, "We're really sorry about what happened earlier,"

"It's okay," Virginia grabbed their hands, "let's go, everyone wants to meet the legends of the 501st."

And so, they all headed to the dressing room, again, still a bit embarrassed.

Meanwhile in Ingolstadt

A H8K were stationed in the hangar and two young women, and a young man were in front of it, though only one of them was carrying a bag.

"You sure about this Mio."

"Sure am," Mio firmly said, "besides Shirley and Francesca will escort me from Innsbruck."

Minna sighed, "There's no way to change your mind, is there?"

"You know me pretty well," Mio grabbed Minna's hand, "and I'll be back, I have a promise to keep."

Minna shuddered a little with her touch, though she did her best to remain unfazed, "Mio, when you come back, there's something I have to tell you."

Mio tilted her head, looking at her, "Why not now?"

"There are far too many things happening now, it would be irresponsible," Minna lowered her gaze, "I hope that by the time you return, everything will be better, then again, I am not even sure if I should let myself go through that again."

"You should be honest with yourself," Mio raised Minna's head from the chin, to look her in the eyes, "and pursue what you heart really wants, Minna," Mio smiled at her, but Minna did not reply anything then Mio looked at the man beside her, "and speaking of responsibilities, you know what you need to do with Hattori, Hijikata and I'll see what I can do so that she doesn't get in trouble in Fuso."

Keisuke bowed, "Yes, ma'am."

Mio let go of Minna, "So, this is it then."

"I guess it is." Minna took a deep breath, "Be careful."

"I will," Mio grabbed her bag and steadily boarded the H8K not before taking one last look at Minna, "you too"

Its four engines started, it taxied through the runway track, and it departed not long after that. Without anything else to add, both Minna and Keisuke headed back inside the fortress.

Later, in Nuremberg

"…"

Eila was sitting on the floor, petting a wolf while Sanya was playing with Kyuu.

"Your familiars are quite active, to say the least."

"Not too surprising, yours must be more disciplined," Aira stated, her tone a bit weighty, yet it was enough to catch everyone's attention, "after all you're risking yourselves in the frontlines."

Eila sighed, "yeah, you could say that."

Sanya looked at Eila, "Is something wrong?"

"I haven't seen Yoshika's familiar in a while," Eila rested on the wolf, "I guess- I guess he passed away after saving her, I don't think she would like to make a new contract."

"I saw it the other day," Sanya looked at the rest of the familiars who were peacefully resting, "but he is not the same."

A depressing silence took place, for a few seconds but to everyone's surprise, the piano made a sound. Sanya stood up right way and grabbed her familiar, "I'm sorry, he's normally very well-behaved."

Noticing what happened, Eila sat, "maybe he wants you to play it," Eila said, catching everyone's attention, "it's been a while since you played a piano."

Virginia tilted her head a bit curiously, "She knows how to play it?"

"Of course she does and she can also sing," Eila stood up in excitement, "Sanya's actually a musician."

Sanya blushed a little, "Eila, please."

"Show them!"

"Yeah!" the whole group exclaimed in unison.

Noticing their enthusiasm, Sanya sighed embarrassingly as the whole group, including their familiars, gathered around Sanya who reluctantly sat behind the piano.

Sanya began playing the piano accompanying her voice, humming softly, while everyone kept listening and watching her attentively.

Though most of them were delighting themselves with Sanya's performance, Eila could not. She kept staring at her with a sorrowful yet somehow hopeful expression, "Her voice makes my heart ache," though Eila could notice that the rest of group were exchanging sights, "is something wrong?"

Maria looked at Sanya, who had now finished, "That song again."

Sanya smiled at the group, "you may have heard me singing when I'm a night patrol."

"Yeah," Eleonore petted Sanya's familiar, "but this is the second time we hear this song on piano."

"That can't be," Eila shifted her gazed between the group, "Sanya's father composed it just for her."

"When passed by Chelyabinsk," Virginia raised from Inori's lap, letting go of her hand and hugged her familiar tightly, "Moffy was a bit sick, and a lady named Anna helped him."

Sanya's eyes widened hearing the statement, "That's my mother's name and- and she used to heal familiars."

"Wait!" Virginia exclaimed Sanya and Eila's were focused on her, "you're that Witch Miss Anna and Mister Vol-Vol…"

"Volodya," Silvie corrected her.

"Yeah, Volodya have been searching after they evacuated Moscow."

Tears started to appear on Sanya's eyes, "That's- that's my father's name."

Joanna raised from Silvie's thigh, "Yeah, and actually, you look just like their daughter."

Eila stood up right away and rushed towards and she lifted her up, then hugged her as tightly as she could, "Sanya! you found them!"

Sanya wrapped her arms around her bared back, and let herself cry on her chest, "We- we h-have."

Eila tried to contain herself from crying, yet tears began to fall on Sanya, "Where- where exactly were they?"

The next day, somewhere between Karlsland and Helvetia

A small trail was being left behind as a Witch passed through the cloudy sky, though she was not carrying a gun on her arms but a girl, and she was holding her pretty tightly and covering her from the wind with her own body.

Christiane grabbed her from the jacket, "Are we there yet?"

"Just a bit more," Gertrud speeded up a little, "I promise you I buy you a dessert there."

"Yay!"

"I hope we don't take long to find her."

"Why you think that?"

"It's a bit weird, I called her school, but they told me they hadn't seen her," Gertrud added with a hint of worriedness in her tone, "but it's a big school after all so it's not that strange."

Not long after, Gertrud made it to medical school and after overflew for a bit, she descended next to a building next to the supplies room.

After leaving her Striker Unit, Gertrud and Christiane searched around the school for Yoshika.

Though they did not stand out as much as Gertrud thought, it may have something to do with the fact that she was wearing civilian clothes. It did not matter to her as she needed to find Yoshika though even after asking around, no one seemed to have seen her, but they were a bit surprised to know that such a famous Witch was part of that school.

After walking around the school, they ended up in the cafeteria and since it was pretty cold, she decided to buy two hot drinks for them.

"Can I have coffee?"

"You know the rules," Gertrud tried to remain serious, but her sister just gave her puppy eyes, thus she sighed, "just for today, okay."

"Thank you!"

It seemed like it was a break at school thus Gertrud got in line, though as she was waiting, she noticed a familiar face, ordering something in front of her.

Gertrud got out of the line and followed her, also beckoning her sister to follow her.

"Althea, wait."

Althea turned to see who was calling her and stood at attention noticing who was approaching her, "Good- good morning, Wing Commander Barkhorn."

"Good morning to you too, but there's no need to that," Gertrud said, as Christiane hugged her from behind, "I'm not in the military anymore, kind of and this is a school," Gertrud also hugged with her right hand, "And she's Chris, my little sister."

"Good morning!"

"Good morning to you too," Althea happily said.

"Have you- have you seen Yoshika?" Gertrud asked her, her tone was a bit more serious, "I promise Chris that she will meet her someday, and we, well I wanted to see how she was…"

Nothing was heard in response while Althea just kept staring at her confusingly.

"…and to find out how her medical exams went."

Hearing the last part, Althea gazed downward, "Yoshika's not here."

"What?" Gertrud exclaimed surprisedly, "But she said she'd come back to Helvetia after visiting the hospital in Gallia and Minna is back in Munich."

"I spoke with Group Captain Minna or well, my father did," Althea's demeanor became gloomy, still not looking at her, "and she told us Yoshika's in the hospital, in Munich, she suffered a serious accident."

Gertrud's colors faded away, "that- that can't be."

"I wanted to visit her but- but my father is back in the North Sea," Althea looked at her, tears forming in her eyes, "and we're about to end semester so I don't have any way to go there, at least not now."

Gertrud grabbed Christiane's hand, "We- we have to go now."

Althea raised her hand, as if she was about to stop them, yet both started to rush out of the cafeteria, "Please let me know how she is."

Author Notes:

* There are official illustrations of Sanya and Eila in those outfits, but in case you haven't noticed, Eila is wearing Sanya's outfit since hers is too cropped, so it shows quite a lot of underboob, and it would be way out of character for her to wear it to a formal event.

Of course, this is not the end of Shizuka's story.

Sorry for the late update but there were too many things going on in this chapter.

So far, the inclusion of familiars in this chapter does not seem to be too forced, or at least that's what I think, but what do you think?

Thanks for the fav.

Yeah, I am aware that the relationship between Minna and Mio is by far the least developed one and it will take many more chapters for Mio to understand how Minna feels about her.

And finally, there are only two more chapters left (Alone and Looking forward) in the first part of the story, then I'll let you know what my plans are for the rest of this fanfic.