Vol 1 Chapter 7 (1/2)

Strike Witches:Volume1 Chapter7

Tomoko’s shoot-down count had begun to rise normally. It wasn’t long before Christmas arrived.

“Pilot Officer Anabuki. Flight Lieutenant Häkkinen would like to see you in the command room.”

Before noon…Tomoko, who was returning to base after finis.h.i.+ng aerial patrol, had been informed of the arrival of an officer. It was unusual for her to be called all the way out to the command centre.

As she rushed off, wondering why she’d been called out, she noticed someone other than F/L Häkkinen – someone with a face that invoked nostalgia.

It wasn’t someone that she knew, however. His face was one that was uncommon in a place like Suomus - the reason being that it was oriental.

F/L Häkkinen introduced her to the middle aged man: “A guest from your country, Pilot Officer.”

The man beamed at Tomoko.

“Wing Commander Sak.u.ma, a military attaché.”

Tomoko saluted in a hurry. He wasn’t in uniform, so she hadn’t known he was with the military.

“Please excuse me. I’m currently on civil service related business.”

It seems like this man is a well-informed officer. What on earth could someone like that possibly want with me?

“You’ve done a great deal of good work. I’m very proud. Congratulations on your 50th shoot down. Currently, you are the top ace of Fuso’s European detachment.”

Tomoko bowed out of respect.

Surely he didn’t come all this way just to give me a pep talk?

Just as she thought it odd that a military attaché would use his free time to pay her a visit, the following words that came from his mouth shocked her thoroughly.

“Well then, we can’t afford an ace like that to go without proper recognition, can we? On this occasion, we’ve decided to give you the appropriate decoration. You will be awarded the fourth cla.s.s Order of the Golden Kite. It is truly an honour, Pilot Officer.”

The Order of the Golden Kite is an award that carries a lot of honour along with it. It is even said by the Air Marshal you can’t receive it unless you demonstrate distinguished war accomplishments. It is the ultimate verification of one’s own potential.

“T-Thank you very much!” Said Tomoko, bowing once more with her utmost thanks.

Happiness was bubbling inside her.

“It’s likely that you will receive official directions from the higher officers shortly. The awarding ceremony is scheduled to take place in Paris. I’ve called for officers and officials alike. It’ll be a splendid party. I hope you’ll look forward to it.”

She was so overjoyed she was practically shaking.

Afterwards, she asked him briefly about current affairs in Fuso; and the war situation in Karlsland.

Looking at the war situation in Karlsland on a whole, it seemed that no matter how well the Karlsland detatchment were doing, nothing was changing for the better.

I wonder if Takeko is doing well?

Tomoko was filled with anxiety.

“How is the squad in Karlsland keeping up?”

“I hear that they’re still yet to report any victims.”

Tomoko was relieved. For now, it seemed like Takeko was safe.

Despite her relief, there was something that she was just itching to ask. There was no doubt that a high-ranking officer would know plenty of detailed information regarding the military.

“Wing Commander Sak.u.ma, Sir. I’ve got something I would like to inquire about.”

“Go ahead.”

“Who was the one who made the decision to have me sent to Suomus?”

Wing Commander Sak.u.ma was taken aback with surprise.

“You don’t know?”

“No.”

“It was your colleague, Pilot Officer Katou.”

The response drained all colour from her face.

“Takeko did?”

“Yes. We were in the middle of selecting the soldiers that would be sent to Karlsland. There was no doubt that we were going to be sending you off in the detachment. However, Pilot Officer Katou came along to the selection committee meeting one day. She had a request for us – quite simply that we shouldn’t send you to Karlsland.”

“Why would she…why…?”

Wing Commander Sak.u.ma flinched at Tomoko’s growing fury.

“Well…I didn’t hear it from her firsthand, so I don’t know the details myself... but…she suggested that you tended to fall flat during fierce battle. However, looking at your military records and service history that doesn’t seemed to be a problem, so I myself, am a little confused as to why she would say something like that. In the end, the most senior officer present decided that you would be sent to Suomus instead - based on her insistence. It’s nothing to be disheartened by, given your military achievements.”

Tomoko was appalled.

The one that decided that I would get sent to Suomus was…Takeko.

Why? Tomoko whispered under her breath.

Even though Takeko and I could have been fighting together as rivals…

We could have been competing together for military achievements…

Tomoko shuffled back to her own room and let her body drop onto her bed. She knew she had to write up a report for the aerial patrol she was on earlier, but her hand wouldn’t budge.

Just…why?

If I think back…Takeko had been a little odd. I guess she was jealous of my military prowess after all. Of course! That’s why she sent me to Suomus – a place where it would be impossible to achieve military greatness. Even though we were such good friends, I’m just alone now.

Just as Tomoko's thoughts slipped further and further into depression, the siren roared throughout the base.

“Air raid warning! Air raid warning!”

It’s the Neuroi.

The enemy sure knows how to beat me when I’m down.

Tomoko stood up, biting firmly on her lip.

As she ascended into the sky, she could hear an announcement from F/L Hakkinen.

“The Neuroi bomber formation of 20 units is currently at co-ordinates B-3 with an alt.i.tude of 5,000 metres and rising. Be careful. Today’s Neuroi is unlike anything we’ve faced before.”

She spoke in her usual cold tone. However, Tomoko was off with the fairies and paid the warning no heed. She felt her body moving automatically to the a.s.signed co-ordinates, and the correct alt.i.tude.

The 1st squadron, who by now would usually be attempting to take the enemy down - were instead circling in the air s.p.a.ce above the enemy.

What on earth were they doing that for?

The reason hit Tomoko in the face in an instant.

The Laros were circling around a much bigger beast…

It wasn’t the usual Kefalas.

The silhouette was three times as big.

Despite being one single unit, it had an overwhelming presence.

“This is ‘Snow Woman’ to fighter squadron. The large Neuroi bombing unit approaching is a new model called Diomedia! It’s a monster that took down an entire naval aviation unit in Karlsland! It’s equipped with a weapon that shoots hedgehog-like spikes. Coming close to it without careful thought would be dangerous!”

Upon closer inspection, it stood out from the Kefalas in relief.

The shape of the four engines it was towing along resembled that of a huge aerial fortification. It was definitely very unusual looking. The wings that extended horizontally from the body gave off an aura of ill fate. Both the fuselage and the wings were thick, and powerful. It was very likely to be suitably fortified, and bombproof.

Understandably, it seemed even F/L Mika Ahonen’s experienced 1st squadron had no idea how they should go about attacking the thing. They drew close to it, shot at it with their machine guns, then made evasive maneuvers.

Tomoko focused her courage.

It was scary.

She had a gut feeling that she couldn’t win.

That didn't stop her from beginning her approach.

Elma yelled out over the wireless: “P/O Anabuki! It’s too dangerous – don’t get any closer!”

Tomoko didn’t stop her charge.

Next was Katharine's protest: “P/O! Don’t go any closer! That thing’s deadly!”

And finally she heard Haruka’s voice: “P/O! Please stop! Stop and think about what you’re doing!”

She didn’t listen, and steadily drew closer.

The Diomedia began to fire defensively from the infinite number of turrets attached to its huge body. Blue metal bullets that looked like ice-pops flew relentlessly in Tomoko’s direction.

F/L Hakkinen’s previous words were burned into her mind:

It took down a Naval Aviation unit in Karlsland huh? That means Takeko couldn’t defeat it. To put it simply, if I can take down this thing, then I’ll be one better than Takeko. That would be better than any award – better than getting praise from the people of this country.

Watch and learn, Takeko. Tomoko whispered to herself.

I’ll prove to you that you will never be better than me!

The distance between them was now 200 metres.

The Diomedia’s defensive turrets began to hit at Tomoko.

If this is all it’s going to do, then I can probably survive with a simple magic s.h.i.+eld.

She spread around the figure of the large bombing squadron, keeping it in her sights all the while. She began firing at it with her 7.7mm machine gun.

It’s difficult to get that bulk out in the open.

Pa! Pa! Pa! The bullets dissipated across the surface of the Diomedia’s fuselage like fireworks but…it had as much impact as a small rock tumbling off a mountain.

It seems to be completely fortified against bullets and bombs. I’ll never take it down with just a 7.7mm machine gun!

“Get down already!”

Tomoko shouted at the top of her voice as she continued to pull on the trigger. The bullets just continued to ricochet off.

The relative distance between them was now only 100 metres.

I can’t get out of its line of sight…it looks like my magic s.h.i.+eld is reaching its limit.

“Ah!”

In an instant her engine was. .h.i.t. Smoke was pouring from her beloved Fuso made machine. She felt her body begin to fall down with rapid velocity.

If I don’t slow down soon I’m in big trouble!

Tomoko desperately tried with all her might to get out of the line of fire…but it was too late.

“Ugh!”

A bullet hit her in the arm. Next she felt excruciating pain in her leg.

Just as she thought there was no hope left…She could vaguely make out a brown shape fall down from above, spreading itself over her.

“Eh?”

The bullets that should have been hitting Tomoko were now hitting that shape instead.

“Beurling!”

Tomoko was gobsmacked. She had become Tomoko’s s.h.i.+eld…taking all the fire by herself... with a pained look on her face, was P/O Beurling.

“What on earth are you doing? Let go!”

Beurling didn’t let go. Her s.h.i.+eld was beginning to reach its limit from the battering…her body was dented with bullet fire, and Tomoko could hear the sound of padding as her s.h.i.+eld started losing power.

“Do you have a death wish or something!?”

Even still, Beurling would not separate from Tomoko. As she continued to hold Tomoko in safety, she unsteadily began to fly closer to ground level.

Just when they were out of the range of the Diomedia… Tomoko felt a burst of strength from Beurling’s body. She collapsed, and began to glide straight towards the floor.

“Beurling!”

Tomoko screamed. She made an effort to chase after her, but her body wouldn’t do what she wanted out of sheer pain.

Her vision blackened out…and she lost consciousness.

When she came to, Tomoko was resting in a bed in the base’s medical bay. Next to her, F/O Elma, Katharine and Haruka were peering down at her with great concern.

“You’ve finally regained consciousness.” Katharine whispered.

“Thank goodness…you’ve been out for an entire day.” P/O Elma informed Tomoko.

As Tomoko whispered, “... Where am I?” Elma responded, telling her that she was in Kauhava’s medical bay.

She made a futile attempt to move her body, but agonising pain shot through her as soon as she tried.

“Ahhh! You really should rest!”P/O Elma suggested.

“But Beurling…Beurling is…”As Tomoko continued to mumble to herself, Katharine made a movement with her lips.

“Well um, about that…that is…”

Haruka and Ursula looked towards P/O Elma with pleading eyes.

She hesitated for a while, and then bit down on her lip. Eventually, she mustered up some courage and raised her head.

“…She took fire all over her body and her magic s.h.i.+eld subsequently failed. And then-”

Tomoko’s skin became pale.

“No way…”

Before then, she’d been so scared that she couldn’t speak. After s.h.i.+vering for a while, Tomoko struggled to muster up the strength to squeeze out a few words.

“…Why? Why would she do that for my sake? Even though all I ever did was say horrible things to her…”

Elma continued her sentence this time in a more apologetic tone: “P/O Beurling said that P/O Anabuki is a very important person to this squad…that’s why…”

“That’s why she said she’d use herself as a s.h.i.+eld!? What kind of reason is that!”

P/O Elma shook her head. Tomoko was completely inconsolable.

“Please just relax and let your wounds heal. Don’t worry about anything else.”

“But…but…without me and Beurling…”

“I-It’s totally fine!”Katharine nodded with an optimistic smile.

“Next time we’ll try out that new thing that Ursula made! Uh, what was that again, anyway…? Ursula?”

“Air-to-air rocket.”Ursula responded in a quiet voice.

“Yes! That’s it! That rocket! If we hit it with one of those, it’ll go down no matter how big it is…”

Tomoko was apprehensive.

A rocket, huh? You’d probably have no choice but to be fairly close to hit it with a rocket.

P/O Elma grabbed Tomoko’s hand.

“…P/O Elma.”

“Things will definitely work out! We’ll find a way. So please, just relax and let your wounds heal up.”

Haruka piled her hand on top of Elma’s.

“D-Don’t worry! The Neuroi definitely won’t come anywhere near here!”

Everyone hurriedly lowered their heads at Tomoko: “P/O Anabuki Tomoko, thank you.”

Tomoko stared at her bandaged arm.

I…I wonder if everyone will forgive me for what I’ve done?

…I’ve been nothing but selfish. I get the feeling that I’ve been far too enforcing.

That night… Just as Tomoko was about to succ.u.mb to tiredness after everyone had left, there was a knock at the door. As there was no answer, the door creaked open.

It was F/L Häkkinen.

“Flight Lieutenant.”

As she spoke, she was handed a single sheet of paper.

“…And this is?”

“It’s a leave order.”

“…A leave order?”

“Exactly. I received word from Wing Commander Sak.u.ma that we couldn't possibly have a soon to be decorated ace die….”

“….”

“A s.h.i.+p has been called for - it’s due to arrive tomorrow. you should take it as far as Brest Naval Base in Gallia.”

After F/L Häkkinen had left, Tomoko lowered her face.

“We could’t possibly have you die…”

F/L Häkkinen’s words echoed in her mind.

They reminded her of the heavy burden she was carrying... Beurling's death.

Lowering her voice, she began to sob quietly.

Beurling’s death was…my fault. 'It’s all because I rushed in to get my glorious military victory…'All because I was pursuing the t.i.tle of ‘ace’…'I killed an important comrade.

No, I killed a person who acknowledged me as a comrade.

I shouldn’t think of this as just another burden. 'But it looks like it’s become my scapegoat.

“Why did you have to protect me... Someone like me who is only interested in my shoot down count…”

Tomoko wept until morning.

The following morning…

Wing Commander Sak.u.ma arrived in the medical bay, followed by a subordinate officer. This time was different – he was clothed in his Fuso Imperial Army uniform.

“Today I’m here to give you formal orders. Pilot Officer Anabuki Tomoko of the Fuso Imperial Army and the Suomus Independent Volunteer Air Squadron, I order you to return home.”

After that, he smiled broadly.

“You did a fine job. You’ll surely be greeted with enthusiasm from the people of Fuso as soon as you return.”

Tomoko lay down on the stretcher that had been prepared for her, and was wheeled outside. She looked out at the place she had been living for the past two months.

The tattered warehouse…

It’d taken a smattering of machine gun fire during the first air raid, and as such the wall had been left scored with bullet marks.

I used to wonder why they’d left the building in such a disastrous state… but as I’m pa.s.sing by it on my way home, I can’t help but feel strangely nostalgic…and lonely.

“Where is the rest of the squad?”She asked the reserve officer who was beside her.

“Ah, they’re ready and waiting to go on a sortie.”They answered.

My war may have ended abruptly… but for them it still rages on. I wonder if they’ll be all right?

She began to feel worrisome feelings welling up insider her again.

But…perhaps I don’t even have a right to be worried about them anymore. 'I didn’t co-operate with them not even one single time. 'I called them hopeless, good-for-nothing nuisances… and completely disregarded them.

Just as Tomoko was about to get in the car that would drive her away from the base…

The siren began to sound.

It wasn’t long before F/L Häkkinen’s voice echoed from the speakers near the airfield.

“Air raid warning! Air raid warning!”

Wing Commander Sak.u.ma’s subordinate, who had been pus.h.i.+ng the stretcher up until now, tutted.

“And we’d just arrived! It would have been better if they hadn’t shown up right at this moment…”

Tomoko pursed her lips.

They just don’t give up…

“The approaching enemy is the exact same Neuroi bomber formation we saw a few days ago! Its alt.i.tude is 4,000 metres! It’s in the middle of preparing for an attack on the base!”

Tomoko bit her lips.

They really have come for us…

She could see witches flying up into the sky from the airfield one by one.

The smart looking units that were gradually propelling them upwards were the Messerscharf Striker units of the 1st squadron.

That tubby looking unit is Katharine’s Buffalo. That waddling flight is something I’m very familiar with.

That small girl next to her looks like Ursula. She’s clutching a large tube with both hands. I wonder if that’s this so called ‘rocket’?

The white unit that just took off was Haruka’s A6M3 Model 22. Hey, if you don’t look ahead of you whilst you fly you’ll get separated from the rest of the squad!

P/O Elma was the last one to take off. Even though you’re the squad leader? What are they supposed to do without you! 'Look, the G50 doesn't have a lot of acceleration power so you really ought to have taken off sooner…

It was as shaky as start as ever. Tomoko stared up at the Suomus Independent Volunteer Air Squadron.

A bunch of ‘misfits’ thrown out from their own countries… my friends.