Witches and Warlock Heroes

Chapter 2

Now for the worst part of military and possibly even hero stuff: red tape bureaucracy. I somewhat kid, but Izuku and Eddy will have to prove the potential of their new armor to get it approved. And that they have to show they do have bonds with familiars. Which I know doesn't get brought up much in the Strike Witches series, but it's still a plot point. On with the show.

(No POV)

After a five hour train ride and another hour driving, the scrapyard crew finally arrived at the 9th infantry division's base. "I was kind of expecting an old fort." Pony noted with a scratch of her head. Before bonding with her familiar and picking up the case carrying the armor.

Izuku was still wide eyed at this and pouted to himself. 'If I still had my quirk I could probably do that,' he thought. Before his thoughts were interrupted by his wolf familiar, Toshi, coming under his hand. Basically, asking to be pet. Which Izuku obliged in.

His fellow "warlock" (as they had been jokingly calling themselves) chuckled until his eagle partner landed on his head. "Really Benny?" he said while looking up at the bald eagle. He just adjusted his positioning slightly before staying put on Eddy's head.

Mei and Oliver meanwhile were looking at the pair with confusion, given they couldn't see the two animal spirits. "That's kinda weird. Was it like that with your sister?" Mei asked with a tilt of her head. The former soldier thought about it and said it was similar. "But her familiar was a little more aloof compared to how these are apparently acting," he said while adjusting his dress uniform.

And he was glad he did as he saw who was arriving in a jeep to meet the crew. "General Devers sir! It's a pleasure to see you again." Oliver said with a salute of his cybernetic hand. An item that equally intrigued the general. "This type of gear would excellent for a lot of our boys who lost limbs. Did your brother make it?" the general asked while looking over Oliver's metal hand.

"Uh no. That would be the young lady here. Her name is Mei Hatsume." Oliver said before gesturing to the girl. Devers hums before holding out his hand to shake Mei's. Her excitement shows as she grips his hand tight and shakes it vigorously. "I can't wait to work with the military to make more of our babies!" she says with an even bigger smile than the ones Izuku has seen before.

And he sweatdrops before thinking, 'I'm going to have to be the guinea pig for more of her ideas aren't I?' Devers meanwhile just had a big laugh before gesturing for Pony to set the armor on the back of the jeep. "We can talk more in the hangers. Including, setting the lady here up with a striker of her own. Though I'd be curious on which would be best for her. Maybe a land striker to go with her strength? Then again, we could always use more heavy ordnance fliers on the frontlines. Oh wait. We still need to determine the capabilities of her shields and if her increased strength is the only intrinsic magic she has."

The general was thinking this and many other things aloud as the group was headed to a hanger to test out the equipment. Causing a few riding to look at him with confusion. "I suppose this is what I look like at times." Izuku quietly said to himself. Any misgivings about Devers mindset had to be put aside though as the somewhat refined armor was put on display.

It still looked somewhat like junk, but less like a pile of scrap mixed together so it would function and more akin to the metals having been repurposed. The body was a uniform grey color and seemed to provide a decent layer of armor to whoever would wear it. Pieces of the armor seemed to be able to slip into sections and allow for flexibility and movement of the wearer. With multiple small hydraulic pieces built within the limbs and entire body to grant the wearer increased strength and agility five to ten fold what a normal man could do. And to guard the head, the helmet completely surrounded the pilot's cranium and to allow for sight it included a specially made plexiglass faceplate.

"It even comes with a function that removes smudges and dirt when in use! That said…. It only works when. Well one of these two uses it…." Mei says after explaining a few functions. But she turns away sheepishly when she admits the final aspect of the suit. Devers raises an eyebrow at the matter but does admire the handiwork of the inventors.

With a nod he says, "I'm assuming the main issue is that these suits require an impressive power source or supply. Something we aren't quite capable of producing yet in the right sizes. But a familiar and witch can?"

He looks to Pony who shakes her head. "I uh… no sir. Mine doesn't seem to like the idea of going into it. Now maybe a different witch wouldn't have a problem. But I can't make the armor work," she explains while waving her hands in front of her.

Devers hums before asking if the boys would care to show him what she meant. "I'll go first. We should save the real show for when you and Benny take to the air." Izuku says with a wink at Eddy. Who smiled and gave his fellow "warlock" a thumbs up.

"Let's go Toshi!" Izuku says while hurrying to the back of the armor. The wolf howls before leaping at the armor to open the back of it to allow Izuku in. The armor seems to change a little and becomes a little more streamlined, to the fascination of Devers. A blue green shimmer appears over the helmet's faceplate, and a set of wolflike ears "form" on the head and a spectral tail comes from the rear.

Izuku hops around slightly while rolling his shoulders and neck. "Open the door," he says with a smile. Pony and Mei hurry to do just that as he rockets out of the hanger. "*whistle* Can only compare that speed to a witch with an airborne striker. And that agility is even greater than some of the best land witches. With less destruction from the weight." Devers says with an approving nod.

Oliver agrees before saying, "he went a little extra fast for the start of the demonstration and is slowing down now. But it doesn't change the fact that he can move around at impressive speeds. And it looks like he's demonstrating the newest feature they managed to make."

There were live rounds being used to train with various guns. Namely a few tanks and some machine guns for the troops to fire at targets. Izuku was uneasy but he was also excited as he ran in as they were firing at a target. Generating a green shield from his right arm as the bullets were flying. Even stopping a number of tank shots. Though he did get pushed back slightly.

"Not bad, but that's standard for witches. It's not that…." Devers said as they hurried to catch up to Izuku in the armor. Only to be surprised when the boy made another shield with his other arm. Defending from a different direction and then combined them together to make a magical dome shield.

Eddy smiled and said, "yeah I was surprised the first time he did that. Didn't think it was possible from what we know of magic and witches. But it might be different for us for a few reasons." He thought back on when they started working on this feature.

Flashback

"So a normal function or ability for witches is that they can make shields with their magic?" Izuku asked while testing out some of the capabilities he had with his familiar in the armor at the scrapyard.

Oliver acknowledged and said, "yeah. Not sure about everything, but it's a mix of like a natural instinct, training, and the strikers. At least in modern times. The biggest issues though is that the shields can only be focused in one direction and are pretty dependent on the magic power of the witch." While he had been saying this, Izuku was trying to follow Eddy's advice on how to use a shield.

But none of it made sense to the boy so he was puzzling it out in his own mind. 'It's a part of them. Similar to a quirk in a way. Not just mine with the ability to enhance their physical power. But also like Todoroki's, Kacchan's, and Pony's. Wait. Maybe I can use the shields a different way. And not in the way they're used to. What do you say boy?'

Izuku could feel his familiar barking in agreement with him before following his thoughts and feelings. Namely, Izuku sensing the magic and pooling it along the arms to create a shield in the area. He somewhat succeeded in this, but the shields were small. Not just because there were two of them mind you.

Of course that part made Eddy and Oliver's jaws drop. "How? What the?! I didn't know that was possible!" Eddy shouted when it happened. Mei though was more pragmatic about the situation. "Hmm. Maybe we've been looking at some of this wrong. Midoriya seems to be focusing the power to these points but they aren't connecting or channeling the magic properly."

"Well then maybe we need to modify the limbs to allow that." Izuku thinks aloud before realizing what he signed up for. Namely, the testing of a dozen or more limb configurations till they found the proper build that would let him create fairly large and stable shields. Namely, the forearms were built up a bit more and seemed thicker and wider compared to the bicep area.

While Mei was chuckling to herself about some matter (possible added weapons or features in the arms etc.), Eddy started contemplating a matter regarding the armor. Especially when he didn't have as much luck making more than one shield. But this thought he was uneasy about broaching at first and could wait until they were approved.

(Flashback end)

"Yeah he's creative. I still can't make dome shields like him. But I have learned how to form shields on both sides. I just have to wait for him to get back to show though." Eddy says with a smile. Devers' smile widens upon hearing that. Especially seeing Izuku picking up a few of the heavier weapons that some of the trainee witches were using. And hitting the targets properly with minimal recoil as he fired full auto.

He then leapt back to the hanger to give the suit over to Eddy for his demonstration. Of course it wasn't just the general watching now. Now the soldiers, witches, and a few of the children of the officers observing too.

"Whoa! Did you see all of that? Check out the armor. Think we'll get a chance to wear something like that? It could be a new weapons platform. Hey do you guys see those animals with them? Those are…. Wait you can see the familiars kiddo?"

A witch was saying this to Devers son, who was only 11 or 12 at the time. The boy nodded and was surprised as he saw the eagle join with the armor and Eddy stepped in. Unlike with Izuku who's familiar gave it a green glow and wolf features, Eddy's eagle made massive wings appear from the back of the machine. Wings tinted yellow, as was the face plate.

At first the onlookers assumed it was just for show. And were shocked when Eddy took off into the air and flew around. Even stopping midair to project shields and then grabbing some of the weapons and equipment to attack ground and air targets. Even aiming an air-to-air rocket launcher better than a number of witches. Causing cheers from the crowd all around.

Devers' son Frank was amazed by all of this, as well as the fact he could see the familiars present. Even Pony's Clydesdale partner who was next to her. "Son, are you sure you can see them?" Joshua asked in some fear. The boy nodded and said, "yeah daddy. It's just like when we saw the circus last month and I told you there was an elephant with them."

As this was happening, Eddy was demonstrating more of what he and Benny could do in the armor. Namely, marking weak points and similar that could be relayed to a panel and screen Mei had with her. "Looking good! While Midoriya has speed and those shield tricks of his, you seem to be able to transmit weaknesses to the rest of the group. At least if I can get a good heads up display built for average troops." Mei explained before handing the earpiece she built to a soldier next to her.

The man put the modified radio over his ear and adjusted the screen portion in front of his eyes. It displayed what Eddy was seeing and where the best points would be to attack. "This is huge! Check this out guys!" he said before passing the item to his buddies.

The general was intrigued by this development, but he was still concerned when his boy again said he could see the familiars. "Huh? What's that doing here?" Frank asked while leaning to the side. Devers looked back but couldn't see whatever it was that his son saw. Nor could most of the soldiers.

Izuku, Eddy, Pony, and the witches could though. "So is anyone else going to point out the elephant in the….. base?" Eddy said over the comms before landing. The beast then let out a trumpet and started on a charge towards the group. The witches scattered slightly while Izuku pushed the general and his son back. Frank though wouldn't go easy and slipped out of Izuku's grip.

And he just stood as the elephant charged right at him. Before it stopped just short of the boy. Who reached up his hand towards the creature. "Uh…. You seeing this too?" Pony asked with here eyes bugged out. Izuku and Eddy nodded as the pachyderm lifted it's trunk and gently grabbed Frank's hand. The boy smiling as it happened.

"Uh huh. Well now. Looks like we've got someone else to test our armor. What do you say kid? Want to see what the power of an elephant can do?" Izuku says with a smile to Eddy. Who returns the smile before asking Benny to open the back and let the little boy in. "No way! He's too little for this! He's just a boy!"

"That hasn't stopped numerous witches from jumping into the fray general. We know the risks. And we have our magic and partners to guard us. Seems like he does too," the witch from before, Johana Richelle Alison, said to Devers. Her eyes showing her determination to do the same for the USL and the entire world if needed.

It didn't stop the general from being nervous as his son walked up to the armor. "Don't worry. If that elephant really is your partner, then he'll help you understand what you need to do. I think." Izuku said with a light rubbing of the back of his head before pulling a notebook out of his back pocket. Frank gulped but he looked up to the creature as it nodded and became one with the armor and the boy got in.

"Uh does it look like it's getting…. Bigger? Or is that just me?" Mei asked with her head tilted to the side. Eddy and Izuku hummed before the former said, "sort of? It might be that we may have to move forward with those other ideas Mei. Especially for this kid." Upon hearing that, Mei started salivating at the thought of the new machines she would be making. And promptly passed out.

For little Frank though, the boy felt somewhat intimidated by the power and new stature he felt he had within the armor. 'Okay. Let's see how this feels,' he thinks while taking something of a runners stance as the faceplate turned red and elephant ears came from the sides of the helmet. And then charging forward at a decent speed. It was nowhere near as fast as Izuku and Eddy were capable of, but the boy could move faster than a tank.

But that wasn't all. He could easily send a tank flying with a basic shoulder tackle like he'd seen in football games with his father. And then picked up a tank like it was nothing before throwing it. Not as far he had sent it with full velocity, but still impressive. Izuku meanwhile was humming before asking a few soldiers to take aim and fire away.

"Are you nuts?" one soldier questioned. Izuku rolled his eyes before saying, "No. I just think we need to test more of what he can do in the suit. He'll be fine. Probably." The others looked uneasy, but they could see the logic of the matter. And what was General Devers doing to stop this? Nothing, mostly because he had passed out the second, he saw his son send a tank flying with his shoulder.

A few troops used their service weapons and took aim at the armor. Emptying their clips in the boy's direction. Only to be surprised when their shots were all stopped short by a series of small shields, and what appeared to be an "aura" of red magic around the armor. "Huh. Must be another way ours works differently compared to a witch." Eddy analyzed in fascination.

Devers eventually snapped out of it and said that was enough for testing. "I've seen enough to know what the potential is. And, if my boy is any indication, we might need to start checking with other boys to see if they have the same potential as witches." The other soldiers on base cheered as they had been impressed by what the group had managed and shown in the armor they had built.

Mei and Eddy were already coming up with new designs and improvements for the armor going forward. And the former was about to ask the general for materials and labor to make such a thing. But she was stopped by Pony who picked her up one handed and just said, "there's a but or however isn't there."

A little laugh from the general was had but he did agree. "I do think these have potential, but we've yet to see them in a true combat situation. If we're going to implement them, I think you need to go to more of a proving ground. And I might have just the location. Africa."

The two warlocks shared looks and then shot one Oliver's way. "Makes sense. That region is constantly contested from the Neuroi. And yet they also have a somewhat stable ground for combat testing," he explained with a nod. Izuku tightened his fist before saying he was up for the mission. Eddy was more hesitant but agreed as well. Frank meanwhile was scared of the idea. But he stopped himself from voicing his fear for two reasons.

'Daddy probably is trying to scare me away from this. I don't blame him. But these men and girls younger than me are on the frontlines as well. If I've got this power, I might be able to do something with it,' he thought while patting his familiar's leg. And it gently put it's trunk upon the boy's head.

Johana smiled at the interaction before saying, "maybe it'd be a good idea that they go with a couple of witches. Namely, me, pony girl there, and one or two others to the Afrika Corps." Devers gave her a look before hem hawing around. But seeing the look of determination from his little boy broke him down and he agreed.

"I'll make the arrangements. Put some calls in and see about getting the gear you need." Devers said before dismissing the soldiers and technicians. With a pair of technicians though there were new ideas being had. "You three have such varied abilities, I don't think we can just use the older baby to do the job." Mei said with some sadness. But quickly pushed it aside and tried to draw up some blueprints in the hanger.

Eddy nodded and said, "yeah I was thinking that too. I can fly, Izuku's crazy fast, and now we have little Frankie here who is as strong as an elephant. Which means we need to make some changes." The young engineer and warlock pushed in next to Mei to look over her plans before erasing a few and trying to draw his own.

Izuku chuckled before saying, "uh guys. I might have something of an idea or two. Based on how we moved around with our partners." He set his notebook down and showed his sketches to the pair of engineers. And both were wide eyed and excited for what he had suggested. Well Eddy was more excited, Mei was annoyed because, "dangit. I wanted to make some of these ideas but you beat me to the punch!"

Oliver cleared his throat before asking, "are you guys really sure you understand what you're getting into?" Izuku looked back and just said, "it might be hard to understand, but for me and Pony we were already preparing for such a possibility. It just so happens we're going to be doing the same as we would have originally. Just with different powers."

The man was confused by that but he took a moment to see the design ideas that Izuku had for the armors. And let out a small snort at the fact the boy was playing into each of their partners for the designs.

For example, his armor would be made a bit sleeker compared to the others. While still having bulky sections on the forearms for projecting shields and including a couple of strong shotguns with Mei's additions. There were thrusters in the back of the machine that allowed for even greater bursts of speed and limited flight. The hands of the armor were clawed to possibly allow that kind of attacking power. For the helmet, aside from making it a bit more wolflike, the faceplate would be adjusted to allow for greater perception of the world around him while at top speeds.

The design ideas for Eddy's armor had minimal changes compared to the one they currently had. The biggest modifications were a set of transmitters on the head that would relay information better. Extra large projectors from the back to make the wings of his familiar even larger and maybe allow for even faster flying. As well as dispensers or sections that would hold explosives for bombing runs at high altitudes and the like.

And last was Frank's armor. It was much bigger than the original, to the point Oliver questioned how the boy would really operate the machine. "I can rig something to allow the kid to do it. This one looks like it'll be a real beast when it gets going!" Mei said while looking at Izuku's ideas. An obvious aspect was the increased armor and magic hydraulic power systems. But he included larger forearm sections to not only project shields but including several possible weapons to be attached to the limbs. And a big cannon (or two) that would sit across his back before being adjusted to be fired over the shoulders of the machine. "Think of it like the "trunk" of the elephant partner of his." Izuku explained before noting the projection area for not just the ears, but the possible tusks as well.

Oliver and Pony both shook their heads before the latter said, "how long have you been thinking about these plans Izuku?" The boy went over the thoughts in his head a few times before saying, "oh about three or four days. Frank's though was just my first thoughts slapped together."

They all gave him a look as if to say it was impressive and unsettling how quickly he put these ideas together. "Okay. Uh, moving on. Let's get to work once the metal shows up. We're going to need some real hardware if we want to show what we warlocks can do. You ready for this Frankie?" Eddy says with a hand extended toward the boy. Who gulps before looking his two seniors in the eye. Neither really hesitating and showing a readiness to fight.

The youngest among them takes a shaky breath before grabbing Eddy's hand. "Okay. I guess this is who I am now. What do I need to do in the meantime?" he says while looking between the pair. Oliver meanwhile interrupts and says he'll handle some of that. Namely, training plans for all of them with the first suit. "It might be the way we test what each warlock's potential is. So we should keep using it." And with that, the new combat unit was thrown together. While Devers watches with some fear of what his boy is getting into.

There we go. Now I've set up what Izuku and the other warlocks will be dealing with. Next chapter will have to deal with them proving what they can do to the other members of the brass. As well as showing their potential as a combat unit. I decided to go with variations of the suits rather than them sticking to one size fits all. Namely because I wanted the first trio to fit into the "Mage, Fighter, Thief" categories. Specifically, Izuku is the thief, Eddy the mage, and Frank is the fighter.

That and it would make sense that some might develop personal combat potential based on who they bond with. Given it's different from witches who just get animal ears, wings, tails and the like. Instead, they use the armor like a medium that the warlocks must direct. And before you ask, Shirley will come before long. You'll see. Please review!