War Hounds(CW)((anybody who wants to add please PM me))

[Kaori]

http://www.dothackers.net/forums/viewto ... 15&t=19175(Read first)

Troy's Raptor and Yoko's Takemikazuchi rushed into the ruins at once.

As an alarm resounded noisily inside the base, they would eliminate all the enemies blocking their way and go kill their target Sawazaki Yukimaro.

The enemy’s TSF forces were comprised of variants of J-10, originally developed by the Chinese, and F-4B Phantom's, a variant of the American's F-4 Phantom. Both were outdated TSF's, however, Yukimaro had tried to compensate for their lack of mobility with pure numbers, and that method had been considered effective enough in these ruins—until the two TSF's from War hounds came.

The first floor.

The Takemikazuchi took out its Type-74 PB Blade and rushed into the midst of the enemy while violently swerving left and right. In an instant, a group of J-10's had their arms, legs and torso cut off and scattered around all over the place as scrap.

“You mass-production models will be in trouble if you come at me together!”

Troy horizontally fired his two AMWS-21 Combat System guns and filled the surrounding space with bullets. The throng of enemies had their armor torn off and scattered as if sent through a shredder.

The Takemikazuchi and Raptor reached the second floor.

J-10's and Phantom's formed a thick phalanx and rushed forward in order to block the corridor that connected to the floor above. Yoko changed the Takemikazuchi's weapon from the blade to the Type-87 Assault Cannon. Then, she literally blew a hole through the enemy's wall.

The Takemikazuchi rushed forward and skewered the J-10's and Phantom's all at once. An enemy tried to attack her from the side as the Takemikazuchi momentarily stopped moving, but it was taken down by Troy's Raptor. With their close formation destroyed, the enemy TSF's got in each other’s way and restricted each other’s freedom of movement. On the other hand, Yoko had no such restrictions. All the machines around her were enemies. Therefore, she could simply take them all down. By mowing them down, tearing them apart, smashing and piercing, the Takemukazuchi opened a path through the throng. Yoko used her thrusters to instantly jump into the center of the enemy. Troy's Raptor was still fighting with the enemies at the bottom of the passage.

The third floor—where Sawazaki Yukimaro was. The enemy attacked the Takemikazuchi with an impenetrable defence around the throne where Yukimaro had barricaded himself. Hatred and terror was visible on the face of the man in question when Yoko caught a glimpse of him through a gap among the enemies.

The enemy drove at the Takemikazuchi in throngs. Even if she overpowered them in performance ability, they could have reliably crushed the Takemukazuchi with their numbers. However, at that instant, all the TSF's suddenly lost power, Yoko had activated her Electromagnetic pulse device—Code named Ameterasu! The power supply from was cut off, and not only the TSF's here, but all the machinery within the area stopped functioning. Of course, the Takemikazuchi wasn’t an exception to this either. But—

“Hey, sorry for the wait!”

Troy's Raptor slowly appeared from the second floor. In its hand was a spare Energy Filler which had been placed under the influence of the Ameterasu. It was for this reason that Troy had remained on the floor below.

In the short time it took for the Takemikazuchi to reboot, the pilots of the disabled J-10's and phantom's scrambled out of their machines and ran away. Not a single one of them tried to protect Yukimaro with their firearms.

“Oh my, Yukimaro-kun really isn’t popular.”

Troy laughed.

Yoko switched the Takemikazuchi's equipment to the Type-87 Assault Cannon, and aimed it at Sawazaki Yukimaro, who was unable to get up out of terror.

“Playtime is over.”

A shower of rapid-fire 36mm Teflon-coated Tungsten bullets rained down, and Yukimaro’s body exploded like a water balloon and scattered into the surroundings before vanishing.

[Kaori]

as Yoko and Troy made their way out of the ruins, a single ship awaited them, "you two sure took your time back there" said a voice as they approached the ship, "we ran into more than we estimated martin, give us a break", said Troy as they maneuvered their TSF's into the ship, Yoko pondered on the currently finished assignment as the ship began to move...

(some hours ago before the operation, in a pub)
"Have you guys ever heard of Kyushu?"

In response to the woman's question, Troy shrugged his shoulders, and Martin made a joke asking if it was the name of some new cocktail.

"It’s a region in Japan."

Only Yoko responded expressionlessly.

"As expected of you, Yoko Tsubasa. You’re different from those pieces of junk over there."

"Yoko is just too serious and diligent. I at least know about Kyushu, you know? Since it was where the BETA landed during their invasion of Japan."

Troy retorted. Based on their Martin's expression, it was clear that he too knew about that place.

"I'm relieved to hear that."

Without showing any sign of anger towards how those two made fun of her, the woman continued speaking.

"Then, you must naturally know who was the central figure in charge of its defence right?"

"!…"

Troy and Martin involuntarily found themselves unable to respond. As the woman gave a satisfied smile at their flustered reactions, Yoko opened her mouth.

"Sawazaki Atsushi. The commander of the forces stationed there at the time. Sawazaki conspired with General Zhao of the Chinese, and tried to release Kyushu from the shogun's rule. However, the BETA invasion of Japan forced him to change his plans."

"That’s…correct."

The woman was taken by surprise by Yoko's knowledge.

"Then, this time, are we going to Japan?"

Troy's eyes gleamed in interest.

"Speaking of which, aren't you from Japan Yoko?"

"Hey, hey, weren't you a Royal guard Yoko? Is it all right to help a group like that? They might go after Yoko here"

Martin spoke with a suspicious tone.

"Don’t worry. This offer is related to neither Japan nor the Royal guards."

The woman smiled sweetly, and then began explaining the mission this time. The content of the operation was the elimination of a certain person—in other words, an assassination.

"Sawazaki Atsushi had a son named Yukimaro. Your target is him."

The woman showed the photo of an Oriental man to Yoko and the others. Although he was still young, his eyes were full of ambition and cunning. Yukimaro’s father Atsushi had failed in his uprising at Kyushu due to the BETA invasion and been captured, and had later been executed by the Japanese military. At that time, Yukimaro, who had already been working as his father’s right-hand man, had escaped Japan's investigations and washed ashore in China. Normally, he would have at most been kept as a useless pet by the Chinese, but this man had demonstrated his real value from there on.

Yukimaro had been captured along with his father, and afterwards he had been repatriated along with a certain General due to negotiations with Japan and given over to the Higher ups of the military party that had supported the general, and then he had been recognized as the successor to Sawazaki Atsushi who had declared himself the legitimate Japanese government. And then, he established the Japanese government-in-exile in the southern border regions of China.

"Government-in-exile? That didn’t appear in the news, now did it?"

Martin tilted his head in puzzlement.

"It hasn’t been announced yet. Because of a certain reason."

The woman's words touched on conviction.

(back to the present)
Yoko was leaning on the rails of the ship's deck, thinking about why would Yukimaro rebel against the shogun.

[Kaori]

The woman, their contact, was waiting for Yoko and the others, who had succeeded in returning alive from China. Having a new mission offer for them, she visited the private military consultant organization’s "War Hound's" home base.

"I want you to eliminate America's new-model bomber TSF."

The American Air Force was going to roll out the prototype of a super-long-distance and high-altitude bomber equipped with the state-of-the-art Flight System. If this bomber was deployed in actual combat, America would obtain the means to inflict damage to any base on the earth without resupply.

"The client may be the E.U., or the Chinese—"

“Or maybe a rival manufacturer that lost in the bidding war with the military?”

"That information wasn’t inquired into. Whichever it is, it’s possible to rewind America's world technological superiority schedule a little by preventing the development of this bomber. That’s important, you know?"

According to the woman's explanation, the aircraft manufacturer in charge of its development had completed the prototype’s assembly work at a location belonging to them around Lake Michigan within the American continent, and planned to do a manned test flight soon at an adjoining airfield.

“By Lake Michigan, you mean in the middle of America?”

"Yes. In one of America's largest industrial area."

"It's because a large quantity of fresh water is needed for the production of advanced technology. That area is full of various big and small factories that mixes munitions and private demand."

"How are we supposed to slip into a place like that?"

"Leave that to me. I’ll prepare the arrangements for that."

Listening to the silent conversation between Troy and the others, Yoko quietly opened her mouth to speak.

"We’ll take the request. We’ll come up with a strategy soon."

[Kaori]

South Haven, the industrial town that was situated next to Lake Michigan while commanding a view of the state capital of Chicago on the opposite shore. In a particular section within it that was firmly guarded by the American military was RAO’s—Refined Aeronautical Ordinance—airplane manufacturing facility. Most of those huge grounds were comprised of a test flight-use airfield. The American military’s new-model bomber would take off from this airfield and undergo various tests. The security checks on people going in and out of the facility were ranked among the highest and it would be difficult even for Yoko and her group to penetrate within it. Even if they did succeed in getting in, she couldn’t expect to be able to accomplish the mission and escape afterwards. However, War Hound's didn’t undertake plans with the resolution of suicide like that.

"There’s no need to approach the target. With a Mk. 57, it’s possible to aim and shoot at it from outside the guard zone."

That was the conclusion that Yoko and the others came to. Of course, doing that wouldn’t be easy, since neither Yoko nor Troy have a Mk. 57, "I know a coupe of guys" said Martin, "but that will mean having to share the money" he added, Martin usually does the transportation duty but for mission "the transport details were given to one Zhar Squadron" said Yoko, "I heard those guys used to be in the army till most of them got wiped out, joined War Hound's after the BETA war apparently they're wanted back in the Soviet Union" said Troy, "anyway Troy you said you know a couple of guys?" asked Yoko.

"60 percent" said the young man with blonde hair, "no deal" replied the Yoko, she stood up about to leave when her partner Troy reminded her, "we need those guns", she sat down and looked at the smirking face of Alistair Dylandy, a young TSF pilot and one of the best snipers in War Hound's, beside him sat his brother Nicholas "Nick" Dylandy, "40 percent" said Yoko, "hey, we're the ones taking out the target so we should be getting more" replied Nick slightly annoyed, "we're the ones handling the transport and cover, you two are simply doing the easy part, we're not settling for anything above 49" said Yoko, after some deliberation and a few drinks they came to the conclusion of 48 percent.

Martin was busy arranging the transport details with Zhar squadron, he was discussing it with a young man with chestnut hair, "so how exactly are you guys gonna get them all the way to Michigan? My team I mean" asked Martin, he was partly worried about his teammates but more irritated that somebody else was handling the transport the details the young man stared at him with a cold look in his eyes but nonetheless answered him, "We have a submarine, we can get them past the naval blockades, we then drop them off in new york, the rest will be taken care of the client, however we still have to wait for them" grumbled the young man irritated at the thought of waiting for them for who knows how long, Martin however mistook the attitude for dislike and retorted, "least I don't serve some two-bit war criminal", Martin suddenly found himself on the ground, with the young man sitting on him,

"DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT THE COLONEL LIKE THAT IN FRONT OF ME!" he shrieked,

he was about to punch Martin when Martin attempted to grab his shirt he felt something underneath it, "what is this?" it felt squishy, he kept squeezing it and noticed the young mans face turning red, "oh...." he then realized he wasn't a young man...

"That went rather well", said Yoko as they left the Pub they were returning to their quarters when they came across Martin, he was bruised in the face and had a red hand mark on it as as well, "Martin what happened?!" asked Troy in alarm, before he could answer a woman's voice answered for him, "he got touchy with my subordinate" a blond haired woman stepped forth followed by a young man with a reddened face,

"I am Fikatsia Latrova, leader of Zhar squadron, and this is my subordinate Nastassja Ivanova, the one your man groped"

said the woman as Nastassja gave Martin an angry glare, "we apologize for any problems our comrade caused you, we are truly sorry" said Yoko as she bowed, "apology accepted, we'll be off then-" "wait!" said Yoko, Latrova stopped and turned to her "I still need to go over the mission plan with you" said Yoko, "fine, but we'll do it in my office" said Latrova as she led Yoko, Martin was left with Troy and Troy asked him, "so where-" "Don't ask!" snapped Martin.

[Kaori]

On this site where RAO’s factory and airfield were adjacent to each other, the bomber could immediately go to the taxi way when it was rolled-out of the factory. According to nature of the plan, firing at the bomber just after takeoff was the desired outcome. This was because the American military would suspect machine trouble at first if an accident occurred with this timing, and more importantly it was expected that it would buy time for the group to escape.

A plan that couldn’t be accomplished without the sniping customized Mk. 57's that are equipped to the Dylandy brother's EF-2000 Typhoon's. Certainly, with the specs of these assault cannon's, it is perfectly possible for target to receive the cannon shell. However, "receiving the bullet" and "hitting the mark" are too entirely different things.

Seen from the spot where the Alistair will fire from, RAO’s airfield is located on the other side of the horizon—in other words, somewhere that can’t be directly seen without obstruction. Of course, this is natural in a normal firefight. Primarily, field guns are weapons that are meant to hit targets at a distance of 10 km, 20 km, or even further away. However, in this mission, Alistair would be facing a moving target, and would have to aim with pinpoint accuracy. For the sake of that, Alistair had stationed Nick at a location where it was just barely possible for him to survey the target as an observer. But this wasn’t to observe the bullet impact on the target. If it was a normal bullet shell, it was possible to correct the targeting alignment using the first bullet, but this was a one-shot deal this time. Therefore, Nick's job was to get as physically close to the target as possible, and to provide data on the various factors of the bomber as it moved down the runway and on the surrounding physical environment.


It could only be called an unfortunate coincidence that two Security Guard TSF's showed up at the empty hill where Alistair was concealing himself. For the South Haven police forces to lose their way because of land navigation trouble while doing practical training was outside of his expectations. Moreover, it could be argued that an encounter with these Security Guards was more troublesome than meeting the American regular army. Although the weapons equipped to the police-use TSF's had their power relatively restrained and their armor was light, they on the other hand had stronger than average communications functions with their disposition towards public order. If his presence here was reported, everything would come to nothing. However they had a plan for such an occasion.

The Takemikazuchi pushed aside its camouflage netting and drew its Type-74 PB Blade.

Attacking the Security Guards when they were unguarded and giving no time for them to react, Yoko drove the blade into one of their arm sections. The carefully calculated jab—the blow that severed the part that held the important wiring that controlled the functions of the TSF, which was equivalent to the human spinal cord, made all its circuits, including the emergency pilot system, go silent in an instant. With this, it became impossible for the pilot to escape from his machine and call for help.

The Takemikazuchi turned its attention to the second Security Guard. The pilot was desperately shouting into his communications device into order to communicate this emergency situation to the outside, but the Takemikazuchi was equipped with enhanced-type sensors that applied jamming interference for the mission and prevented that. However, this communication jamming would in itself call attention from the surrounding area. The group couldn’t afford to waste time here.

The Security Guard tried to block the Takemikazuchi's attack with its Supplemental armor. The Takemikazuchi didn't commit the foolishness of piercing its armor with its blade. It moved its thrusters and rammed into its supplemental armor with its shoulder. The Security Guard thrusted away its supplemental from the impact, and its posture was greatly destroyed as a result. The upper armor section of the defenseless cockpit was wide open. The Takemikazuchi pierced its blade through that thin armor.

"Enemies neutralized!" Reported Yoko as Alistair relaxed

"Ali! The guest is moving."

Alistair received the communication from Nick, and then entered its bombardment set-up.

The bomber had begun gliding on the runway in order to take-off. Its course and velocity. The wind speed and direction of the surrounding area. Those, along with the correction of the Coriolis deviation effect from the Earth’s rotation and the influence of geomagnetism, all naturally had an influence on the bullet’s trajectory. Not to mention atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity level as well.

In order to maintain the gun barrel's angle of elevation, the Typhoon opened its feet wide in front and behind itself. A small tremor of the feet could also cause a great calculation error in hitting the far off impact point. The several voltage stabilization circuits that had been specifically expanded for the sake of this operation perfectly restrained the output fluctuation of the assault cannon.

"This is—my Rifle."

Whispering that, Alistair quietly pulled the trigger. The high-pitched roar of the cannon resounded, and a precision bombardment-use special bullet was fired at supersonic speed towards the far off target. Alistair could vividly imagine the form of the bullet plunging forward towards the target which he himself couldn’t see. The bullet would run up to the sky above, and drawn a parabola with its path and then fall downwards. In its path should be America's bomber. That huge mechanical bird, without realizing the destruction that was approaching from above, would have succeeded in its takeoff by now. As he transferred from gliding to ascending, a smile of relief would appear on the pilot’s face—at that moment, the 220mm explosive shell landed.

Even before he heard the report from Nick, Alistair believed that the mission was completed.

[zerokoolpsx]

China, Hong Kong—Occupying the east of the Pearl River Delta which lies at the mouth of the Pearl River of China, this city has developed as an important point of traffic in the Far East since ancient times. The numerous high-rise buildings there, which stand close together on land that has never said to have been spacious, are the Far East base of financial circulation, a front for a terrorist group known as allegiance.

On a hill overlooking the base below, the mercenary group War hound's Yoko lay hidden. The mission this time was to attack this base, and retrieve or if necessary destroy a Tactical Surface Attacker captured by Allegiance.

"As usual, you’ve brought us a terrible offer, Grandma."

"!..."

At Martin's words, The woman's expression twisted ever so slightly. She knew quite well that he had purposely referred to her in that way that she hated. She had no intention of rising to his provocation.

"Isn’t it because it’s a terrible offer that it’s being entrusted to us? Isn’t that right, uncle?"

Troy spoke. The mission this time was unusual, as the client himself was present as well. The fact that the woman herself had come to the mission site as head of communications for the mission was not only exceptional but downright impossible; however, for even the client, whose identity was normally concealed, to be present was the exceptions among exceptions. This was because the client wished to explain the contents of the mission directly to Yoko and the others. At the same time, he also talked about the urgency of this mission.

"Please forgive me for not giving my name."

The young man, a leader of an anti-government group in China, apologized. At first glance, he seemed Caucasian, but looking closely he appeared to have Asian ancestry mixed in. His peculiarly bright red hair was tied up with a bandana and he had a rough appearance, but his well-bred background couldn’t be hidden from the way he carried himself.

"It happened 48 hours ago. A TSA that should have been delivered to us from Europe was stolen by the group known as allegiance."

According to the young man’s explanation, the TSA that had been stolen was called an A-10 Thunderbolt II, That was the kind of TSA that had fallen into the hands of the BETA fanatic forces.

"That’s really bad. Isn’t that a machine that anyone would desperately want for themselves?"

"Exactly."

At Martin's question, the young man nodded. Apparently, allegiance's technological development agency had already dispatched a force to Hong Kong in order to transfer the TSA to their homebase. Before that force arrived, they had to take back the Thunderbolt.

"—Or if that’s not possible, destroy it…huh."

Yoko spoke.

"At their home base, they are ready and waiting for the arrival of the Thunderbolt. The man in charge there, is quite good. If it falls into his hands, the advantages possesses by the Series will be quickly lost. If that happens, then in Japan—"

At that point, the young man held his tongue. There seemed to be circumstances that prevented him from saying anything further on that. The woman then asked Yoko and the others a question.

"The Hong Kong Base has been entrusted to a rich young woman known as Carol Kiring. What do you know about her?"

"I’ve heard that she’s a completely selfish and arrogant girl as well as a financial backer for the group."

"That’s a spot-on assessment. I think that Carol will try to get as much analysis data on the Thunderbolt herself before the arrival of the transport force.."

"I see. This really is a bad situation."

"I beg you. Please take back the Thunderbolt. And if that can’t be done, please destroy it. As you see fit."

The young man requesting the mission said this and bowed his head. That action was very similar to the Japanese gesture known as bowing.

While checking the reconnaissance data on the allegiance base, Yoko opened a comm line to Troy who was standing-by for assistance.

"Troy, can you hear me?"

"Yes, yes, loud and clear!"

"The guys at the base don’t seem to have any intention to bring the target outside until the transport force arrives."

"Really? That’s not good."

"I'll have to march in from here and drag it out."

"If you do that, won’t recapturing it be difficult?"

"That’s true. We’ll have to destroy it, then."

On the other side of the radio, Troy's voice indicated that he was smiling slightly.

"As I thought…That's Yoko's preferred method, after all."

"Yeah."

Yoko launched in the Takemikazuchi.

[Kaori]

"Listen well, Desmond! The ones from home base will be here soon. Before we hand it over to them, make sure to examine every nook and cranny of that TSA's abilities. Understood!?"

"Yes, Carol."

To the girl’s words that resounded from the intercom, Desmond responded with a voice that had none of his feelings in it. Of course, as a loyal employee, Desmond wouldn’t raise an objection towards the orders of one of the organizations top financial backers, Carol Kiring, even if it was unreasonable. On the contrary, today he was even listening with joy to the unreasonable demands dispatched by this selfish girl. As a member of the Pilots who piloted TSF's even a little, how he could not be thrilled at being blessed with the chance to pilot an experimental TSA—and what’s more, one of the famous Thunderbolt Series.

“Desmond Walken, launching in the A-10 Thunderbolt II.”

Through the Sensors, environmental information on the vast indoor practice grounds flowed in. In this town area constructed for mock battles, a group of F-15's linked to a weapons-performance-assessment system had deployed and were attacking the Thunderbolt using various tactics. As he opposed them, Desmond displayed the abilities of the Thunderbolt to its limits and recorded the data on it. The permitted time for this was about several hours, until the transport force arrived. But even with only that much time, it should be possible for his boss Carol to lead predominantly in the expected dispute over the rights to successions in the future, which was also tied to Desmond's own success in life, by collecting sufficient data.

Desmond advanced towards the mock-town area in the Thunderbolt. His weapons consisted of a single Melee halberd, a BWS-8 Flugelberte. In order to know this TSA's true ability, they didn’t go as far as to equip it with any assault cannons, although the GAU-8 Avenger miniguns stayed on. It was difficult to control the damage given to F-15's piloted by friendly forces when using an assault cannon or heavy artillery. On that point, it was possible for him to disable the other TSF's without harming the pilots when using the BWS-8 Flugelberte that he was accustomed to. Desmond was a man of the axe. His ability with it was great enough that he had competed once or twice among the organizations pilots.

At the same time as he entered the town, three F-15's hiding behind the shadows of buildings shot at him. The bullets that came flying at him were practice-use polymer bullets, which he dodged with some simple footwork. Mentally, Desmond clicked his tongue and tut-tutted at them. The F-15's shooting was accurate, but there was no element of surprise. The Thunderbolt kicked off a wall and jump through midair in a drawling-like low trajectory. He lunged with the Melee halberd, and sent a slash through the F-15 on the right. Then, he rotated his left arm at a 90 degrees rotation along his torso as an axis. Charging at the center F-15 from the side, this time he chose to twist his arm hard back around and collided it with the arm of the F-15, thereby plucking off its wrist along with its rifle. The F-15's finger was warped by the impact and was stuck in a state where it was pulling the trigger. He pointed the gun muzzle at the F-15 on the left. The 36mm practice bullets hit the F-15's seonsors and downed the delicate mechanism. The Thunderbolt had done this series of movements in a flowing-like and unfaltering fashion. What mobility. What maneuvering ability.

(This TSA…I can use it!)

As Desmond snickered, a segment of the roof that covered the practice grounds suddenly rained down from overhead along with a thunderous roar. At the same time, a white silhouette landed before him. It was a TSF. But, it wasn’t a model that Desmond had ever seen before. Perhaps from the Chinese or E.U.—no, this was different than their models. The TSF raised its right arm and pointed an assault cannon at him. The next instant, there was a flash as a shot was fired from its right arm.

[Kaori]

((Personally I don't mind anyone reading this, although I do wish for some feedback from time to time, maybe a pitch for story idea's))
For an instant, Yoko couldn't believe her eyes. The first shot had been fired from only 30 meters away from the target. It was literally a certain one-shot kill. But the Thunderbolt had narrowly avoided it.

Fast. Even among the TSF's she had fought against up until now, its maneuverability was top-class. So this was the machine whose performance Allegiance felt that they just had to investigate.

(Is it the machine’s ability? Or is it the pilot’s skill?)

Yoko quickly prepared to fire a second shot. The shell was the same as the first. But, just as she fired, the enemy jumped to the right with an amazingly quick movement. The shell pierced through a wall of lifeless reinforced concrete in the back and knocked down an empty building. Yoko thought to herself, "This will be a troublesome battle."

"Carol, please run away!"

Desmond shouted. But, Carol, who was encamped at the platform from where the town area could be looked at from above, showed no signs of moving.

"I refuse! If you are a Pilot of Allegiance, show it and splendidly cut off this intruder's head. I won't accept it if you make your boss lose face."

She declared it haughtily. It seemed that, in her mind, the victory of her retainer was an established fact. But, it could be said that those words were the best encouragement for Desmond.

"Yes, boss!"

Desmond raised his voice in sincere delight. This was a true battle. The ideal chance to collect the utmost data that couldn’t be obtained in practice.

While using the group of buildings within the practice-use town as a shield, the Thunderbolt skillfully shortened the distance between itself and the Takemikazuchi. Obviously, it did this in order to utilize its Melee halberd, the BWS-8 Flugelberte. This point could be said to be more advantageous for the Takemikazuchi, which was equipped with long-range artillery. However—.

(That’s the enemy’s aim.)

Even if she rushed victory and relied just on artillery, based on the maneuvering ability of the Thunderbolt that she’d seen, it was clear that she couldn’t hit it so easily. In this situation where the time and place were on the side of the Thunderbolt, there was little merit in sticking to long-range bombardment.

"In that case!"

She would take the opponent’s invitation. Yoko stored the assault cannon and replaced it by releasing her Type-74 PB Blade and firing up her jump unit, thereby instantly shortening the distance between herself and the enemy.

(So stubborn!)

As he watched the Takemikazuchi switch its weapons, Desmond growled. He didn’t know who the pilot was, but his resolution to give up the use of firearms deserved praise. This enemy truly was a worthy opponent.

The BWS-8 Flugelberte and Type-74 PB Blade hit each other with a loud clang and scattered bright sparks in the air. They then changed from a moment of silence to movement. The Thunderbolt sunk its back and forcibly pushed the Melee halberd forward. It seemed like a careless movement, but it was an invitation. But the Takemikazuchi's movements betrayed Desmond's predictions. It moved forward while sliding its blade along the blade of his melee halberd. Without minding the sword was being scratched by the BWS-8 Flugelberte, it shortened the distance between itself and the Thunderbolt. The meaning of that movement was—.

"Tch!"

Desmond threw his Melee halberd forward. The Takemikazuchi's aim was a point-blank gunshot!

(Gotcha!)

Yoko equipped her assault cannon and pulled the trigger. At that instant, the BWS-8 Flugelberte burst through the gun barrel from the front and crashed into the bullet that had begun to accelerate. Due to the explosion that then occurred inside the gun barrel, the BWS-8 Flugelberte lost its tip and sustained heavy damage. On the other hand, the Takemikazuchi had also lost its assault cannon and had sustained great damage on its right arm. However, it still had another weapon it could use—its Type-74 PB Blade. The Type-74 PB Blade was ejected from its back to its left hand and the Takemikazuchi activated its Jump units. With the entire kinetic energy of the charging Takemikazuchi in it, the Melee halberd pierced through the body of the Thunderbolt. Yoko was aiming for the battery. If the energy of the battery that was stored within was all suddenly released, the Thunderbolt would be completely destroyed.

"Eat this—my Blade!"

Yoko roared that out.

"I won’t let you!"

Desmond caught the Takemikazuchi with the Thunderbolt's arms and locked their joints. If he was going to die, the enemy would be coming with him.

Just as the Melee halberd pierced through the armor of the Thunderbolt, Yoko realized Desmond's intention. The Takemikazuchi had been restrained by the Thunderbolt, and their mechanical bodies were glued together. If the Tunderbolt blew up while like this—.

"Desmond!"

"Boss!?"

Desmond became shocked. Behind the Thunderbolt, Carol came into view standing on the platform. If the Thunderbolt blew up, she wouldn’t be safe either. There was no room for choice. Dasko pulled the cockpit’s emergency lever. The cockpit opened and he jumped across multiple mock buildings. he made it on to the platform like that, and then Desmond picked up Carol and rolled into a covered trench.

As the Thunderbolt lost control, its arms also lost their gripping strength.

"!"

Yoko purged the Type-74 PB Blade. She then activated her jump units and retreated at full power. At the same time, an explosion occurred in the Thunderbolt's Energy source. Following the pale flash that was characteristic of an energy explosion, a shock wave spread out beyond the speed of sound, and the Thunderbolt was changed into a red-hot fireball and consumed everything—.

[Kaori]

That day, Yoko Tsubasa was in a town on the outskirts of Kyoto. The capital of the Japanese Empire. It was a bustling metropolis with many people living in it, the day was the same as usual.

"I've returned, Yoko."

Yoko was offered a small bouquet of flowers at the cornerstone of an old looking house. Everything looked old, but looking closely all the surrounding buildings were also old. In the not so far past, this area had been one of the oldest heritage sites in the world. It was then that the happiest time of Yoko's life were taken away.

Several days earlier—

"Kyoto?"

"That’s right, or to be more precise the outskirts of it. I’m meeting with Argos there."

Yoko said that and pointed at a map. Southern Japan, Kyoto. The meeting place was a location that wasn’t recorded on the map at all. The fact that the conditions for meeting with someone were being suggested by Yoko was unusual.

"There’s nothing at that place, isn’t there?"

"There used to be a village there in the past."

"Certainly, I’m grateful to him for lending us a replacement TSF until the repairs to your Type-00A Takemikazuchi are complete, but…"

That had been the proposal of one of War Hound's big sponsor, simply called "Argos". He said that he would lend them a high-spec custom Takemikazuchi for Yoko to pilot until her Type-00A, which received great damage in the battle against the Thunderbolt at Hong Kong, was repaired.

"Leaving aside the Takemikazuchi itself, why do you have to go to Japan to receive it?"

"It’s a personal matter. I have no intention of explaining."

Troy frowned.

"Really? We’re also going have to do various things, like transporting the TSF and performing countermeasures against inspection, you know."

"Leave it at that, Troy. If Yoko says she won’t explain, that’s the end of the matter."

So said Martin.

In Yoko's mind, there was always the smiling face of one Boy. Yuuki Toshiya—the only other person that Yoko had ever trusted. Because his existence was the only thing that had made it possible for her to endure those days spent showing results of her abilities at the royal guard academy. However, refusing to fight, she had plotted to escape along with Toshiya. The place the two of them stayed at was a small village in the outskirts of Kyoto. How did the forms of these two young people look in the eyes of the villagers—the two of them didn’t tell them everything, but the villagers had said nothing and accepted both of them. Toshiya mixed with the village men and helped with all the work, from farming to cattle-breeding. Yoko, who learned how to cook and sew from the women, also helped with making traditionally-crafted embroidery, and brought a modest income to the village through it. They were poor, but to the two of them, it was without a doubt a happy time. Until that night—when Allegiance attacked.

It was something she only learned later after she become a member of War Hounds, that the group that attacked the village were part of a group with a called "Allegiance". That group’s objective was to single handedly ensure that the BETA would succeed in overrunning the world, believing them to be messengers of god. The group that attacked the village with TSF's, killed all the villagers and piled their corpses for the BETA to devour. Also ironically, the only one that managed to survive was Yoko. Toshiya had protected Yoko and breathed his last breath in her arms.

Despite surviving, she was taken by the BETA when they invaded and experimented on, day after day she was repeatedly experimented on till they simply extracted her brain from her body, she didn't feel a thing, she was later on recovered after Japanese forces assaulted the hive she was imprisoned in, she was transferred into a new body and managed to fight during operation Ragnarok, after the war she still couldn't find peace, especially since Allegiance was still out there. So she flung herself to the frontlines of battle as a mercenary hired for money, it would definitely be possible to come across Allegiance—believing that, Yoko remained in War Hounds. It was only for the sake of revenge against them that Yoko continued living.

[Kaori]

A faint mechanical sound drifted through. Yoko stood up and turned her head in the direction the noise was coming from. Her consciousness clicked and switched over to battle-mode. She strained her ears. The whining sound of a TSF was approaching. Was it the Takemikazuchi that Argos had prepared? Yoko began to lower her guard back down, but—

"!"

No. This wasn’t the whining sound of a Takemikazuchi. It was the whining sound of an F-15—and moreover, the unique whining sound of a custom F-15 that clung to Yoko's ears and that she could never forget in her life. An Allegiance TSF that had once attacked this village. It had appeared once again.

Yoko ran. The enemy she had been searching for—But, she would never have thought that she would encounter them with this kind of timing. "Was I being watched? Had they already even learned that the Type-00A had received damage in Hong Kong? To begin with, did the enemy know that I’m a member of War Hounds?" No, that may be thinking too much. Really, it was impossible tell whether the enemy might have merely come here by terrible coincidence, or with Yoko as their aim. Various questions coursed through her mind, but Yoko made herself ignore them.

This situation was bad. For the time being, she had to get some distance away from the enemy and get in touch with Troy and Martin, and—

The sound of an explosion roared. The car that Yoko had taken to get here was going up in flames. The vivid flames scorched the evening sky.

"!"

Dropping her waist, she changed directions and ran while weaving between shrub bushes. The F-15 had fired at her car with its Assault Cannon. With this, things were clear. The enemy was aiming for her. She would find it out later, but the truth was that Yoko's movements had been marked by Allegiance since she entered Japan. The dark organization never forgot about a target they had failed to shoot—

A bullet from the Assault Cannon landed nearby, raising up a cloud of dust. The enemy was shooting at Yoko using the infrared images obtained through their sensors. Pebbles that were sent flying from the impact poured down on her head, and the stones of rubble that was blown off buildings hit her body hard. But Yoko ignored that pain and ran. The pain from her body was insignificant compared to the anguish of losing Toshiya. While keeping the adrenaline coursing through her body, Yoko calmly considered the weapons she had on hand. "It's useless. I only have a military-use handgun and knife for self-defence. They couldn’t possible help against an opponent in a TSF." At that moment, as Yoko broke through a cluster of tress, the F-15 appeared before her eyes. It was a TSF she recognized. One of the Allegiance TSF's that had once reduced this village to ashes. The eerie emblem that was stenciled onto its armor was something she never forgot even for a day.

She could feel unmistakable killing intent being emitted through the sensors. "Right now at this moment, I’m this guy's prey."

The F-15 prepared its Assault Cannon. Yoko looked straight into that empty gun barrel. A 36mm AMWS-21 Combat System. If hit directly by that bullet propelled at super-sonic speeds, her body would be smashed into small fragments. She wouldn’t even feel the pain—

"If that happens, I can meet Toshiya again."

The dark temptation of death. But, at the same time, a gentle voice resounded within her mind. It was—

"Yoko—Please. Live."

The words Toshiya had let out in his last moments. The wish of a boy that risked his life, only wanting for the one he loved, Yoko, to live.

"—Toshiya!"

At the same time as she cried his name out, Yoko jumped to the side and dodged the F-15's shot. "I can’t die yet. But, how can I break through this situation?"

At that instant. A shell exploded in the F-15's hands. The mechanism of the Assault Cannon was destroyed, and the gushing-out energy illuminated the vicinity like a strobe light. Yoko reflexively looked away to protect her eyesight, and then looked up to the sky above. A black, atypical humanoid form—a TSF. It seemed to be holding and suspending another different TSF in the air.

"Su-47 Berkut—So it's Argos!"

"Use this, this ain't the first time I saved a girl from certain death!"

At the same time as he said that, the Berkut let loose the suspended TSF—a yellow type-00F Takemikazuchi. Landing, the Takemikazuchi's cockpit opened and invited Yoko in.

"—Thanks!"

Yoko quickly started up the Takemikazuchi. By just lightly testing out the response of the operating system, she quickly understood it. This TSF was good. Everything was splendidly adjusted—no, tuned to Yoko's habits. From the instant she got on it, she could pilot it like the Type-00A.

Yoko quickly confirmed the situation. After delivering the Takemikazuchi, Argos' Berkut seems to have retreated. It appeared he had no intention to further participate in the battle. Well, that was also fine. Supplying the Takemikazuchi to Yoko was all the support she needed. Meanwhile, having lost its Assault Cannon, the F-15 had taken out a BWS-8 Flugelberte.

Yoko activated the Takemikazuchi's weapons system and chose the Assault Cannon. She rapid-fired with the 36mm bullets. The F-15 avoided the firing lines with its thrusters, and reliably shortened the distance between itself and the Takemikazuchi. Strong. He must have been as accustomed, no, more accustomed to battle than Yoko. In that case—.

Yoko aimed the Assault Cannon sight not at the F-15, but at its feet and pulled the trigger. Rubble was sent flying and the field of vision was hidden. The cornerstone where Toshiya had offered flowers to Yoko was also smashed up. But, there was hesitation in Yoko.

"Live."

Toshiya had said that. And this was a battle in order to survive and live.

Catching the moment when the sight of the F-15 was blocked, Yoko threw away her Assault Cannon and activated her Type-74 PB Blade. At the same time, she approached the F-15 using her thrusters. She avoided the blade of the Melee Halberd and thrusted with the blade.

"Eat—my Blade!"

The structure of the special alloy that the Type-74 PB Blade was composed of, which was strong enough to cut through super carbon, it penetrated through the reinforced metal sheet that was used as the armor material for TSF's and boasted maximum strength, and reached the cockpit. The F-15's operations stopped. It had lost combat power.

Yoko descended from the Type-00F and carefully approached the F-15. She opened the cockpit and pointed her handgun at the pilot. But, it wasn’t necessary to pull the trigger. With one look, she knew the enemy was on the verge of death. The high frequency wave that was given off when the Type-74 PB Blade when it penetrated the cockpit had thoroughly burned through his body. The pilot was slowly but surely breathing his dying breath. The pain would continue until he died. Thinking that, Yoko felt good.

"Speak. Where is Allegiance's base? Where is your leader? If you tell me, I’ll put you out of your misery now with this gun. Now, speak. Where is the master!?"

The pilot spit out blood mixed with reddish-black bubbles.

"Alle…giance will…kill…you."

He looked up at Yoko with no strength left in his eyes and bent his lips. He was smiling.

"…"

Yoko left the pilot in the F-15 and left that place. She wouldn't return to this village again.

There were still people remaining that she had to carry out revenge against.

___________________________________________________
meanwhile in an unknown location the pilot of the Berkut known as Argos was inside a hangar, "so how did it go?" asked a woman, she kissed him on the cheek and looked at his Berkut, "pretty well her situation was just like yours in Kamchatka" replied Argos, "except you were piloting a Shiranui, ensign Bridges" said the woman as Argos kissed her on the cheek, "I don't remember you having a sense of humor back then either, princess Yui" retorted Argos as the woman chuckled, "how did you get two Takemikazuchi's anyway?" Argos asked the woman, "I have mine from the Royal Guards, and the other one 'the one you lent' was the one from Yukon" replied the woman , Argos laughed as he and the woman exited the hangar.

___________________________________________________
The curtain of night had come down upon the ruined village.

From the cockpit of the stranded F-15, faint breathing and occasionally foaming sounds could be heard. The pilot still hadn't died.

A black shadow softly lightly stood over the cockpit. A man who hid his face with a mask.

"Cerberus."

When the masked man muttered that, he crouched over the pilot and took off his mask. On the blood-stained face of the pilot called Cerberus, an expression of shock appeared. He moved his lips a little in order to say something. the man picked his body up in his arms, as if tending to him.

"Forgive me. My friend—"

the masked man's hand quickly flashed, and Cerberus became quiet. A thin and sharp knife had pierced his neck and destroyed the lower half of his brain stem. Laying Cerberus’ corpse back in the cockpit, the man stood up and got back down to the ground. If Yoko had happened to be present there, what would she have said?

Because, when Cerberus saw the masked man's face without his mask, he called out a name. 'master—.'

[Kaori]

Out of all of the offers that Yoko and the others in War Hounds had undertaken until now, this one could be called the strangest.

"Escort bodyguards for artwork?"

The usually reticent Yoko unintentionally repeated back the words as a question. Her partner Troy Parker and the chief mechanic Martin Spiegel also looked at the Woman, the intermediary for the client's offer, with bewildered expressions.

"Something like art isn’t exactly up our alley. Right, old man?"

In response to Troy's words,

"Please speak for yourself. Even if I look like this, I'll have you know that I have great aesthetic taste."

Martin laughed, and then turned to look at the Woman's glamorous body with her elegant curves.

"The fee for appreciating looks is high, you know."

Martin pretended to look scared at the Woman's words with a theatrical gesture. Cutting off that flow of exchanges,

"According to rumour, there are specialized artwork-guarding teams within the mercenary world as well. So tell us why they haven’t requested such specialists."

Yoko asked.

"The other party doesn't have the time to be picky about the team they request. Right now, the only ones that they can rely on is War Hounds."

"Very well. We'll accept the offer."

"I thought you would say that. The mission reward will be three times the usual. Necessary expenses will be paid separately."

"Where is it?"

"St. Petersburg."

"…!"

Troy and Martin held their breath, speechless.

That was the name of the city that had been determined in advance several days ago that it would transform into a hellish battlefield.

Situated in western Russia, St. Petersburg—the largest metropolis in northern Europe. Its history was also surprisingly shallow, as it had first formed as a city in the 18th century. Possessing a harbour facing the Gulf of Finland that lead to the Baltic Sea, its value was immeasurable to the EU not only because of its importance in commerce trade, but also as a strategic military point. Of course, it was also the same for the Russian's.

"If I remember right, isn’t there an EU regiment that barricaded themselves in St. Petersburg and are deployed for a besieging battle against the Russian's?"

Troy said that.

"Russia is also preparing to attack with their current fighting strength…It wouldn’t be strange if they were crushed quickly and pushed back."

It was just as Martin said. It was tactically common sense that the attacking side would need more than 3 times the fighting power of the defending side to suppress an enemy that had barricaded themselves. But—

"The Russian forces surrounding St. Petersburg will begin an all-out attack soon. This is definite information from well-informed sources."

"If that’s the case, the damage on both sides will be huge. Why does Russia need to hurry that much to recapture St. Petersburg?"

"You'll have to ask the Russians that."

The woman answered bluntly.

"In any case, when this attack is put into effect, the streets of St. Petersburg will become a battlefield. If that happens, it will cause huge damage."

"—I see. The Hermitage, huh."

Yoko said that. The Hermitage referred to the Hermitage Art Museum in the center of St. Petersburg. Various artworks that were collected after the middle of the 18th century were kept in this art museum. Their value could certainly be called treasures of humanity.

"Da Vinci, Raphael, Velasquez, and Renoir…the names that could be mentioned are endless. Are you knowledgeable about paintings, Yoko?"

"I'm not interested in them. But, I do like Rembrandt. Have you seen 'The Return of the Prodigal Son'?"

While Troy and Martin thought it surprising to hear the name of a Dutch painter come out from Yoko's’ mouth, The Woman who had originally asked was herself even more surprised.

"Rem…brandt?"

Yoko faintly laughed at the confused Woman.

The client this time was a secret organization of rich art lovers who established themselves beyond the barriers of state, race and principles for the sake of protecting artworks from the war. This organization was using its wealthy assets for the sake of collecting and safekeeping every single piece of artwork under the fear that they would disappear from war damage. For the sake of protecting the Hermitage art collection from the imminently approaching collision between the Russian and EU armies here, this organization had been vigorously moving artwork here over the course of several weeks. But, it had become clear that Russia's all-out attack was approaching sooner than they had expected. Because of that, the team that had been the last one to carry out the art collection had been left behind in St. Petersburg.

"We will rescue that team, and back them up in their escape to outside the city along with the art collection. Understood."

With that, the discussion was over.

[Kaori]

The repairs to Yoko's Type-00A Takemikazuchi still had yet to be completed. Therefore, she would use the Type-00F Takemikazuchi that Argos had given to her for this mission. The land route from Hungary where the team was currently staying to St. Petersburg was by no means short. But, compared to disembarking at the strictly guarded waterfront district, the danger there seemed much lower. The reason the offer had been sent to War Hounds was because of that exact point. Moreover, if it was the Takemikazuchi that was a model used by some within the Russian army (though this one’s interior had been enhanced by Argos), their passage would be easy even if they were questioned by an inspection. Thanks to that, Yoko and the others were able to arrive behind the front lines of the Russian army surrounding the city of St. Petersburg without significant trouble. The late-night interior of the city had already transformed into a battlefield. Gunshots resounded through the streets they walked through, and the wreckage of destroyed TSF's and armored vehicles were turned over and burning everywhere. The sound of cannons that roared sporadically was for the sake of preventing the EU soldiers barricaded within the city from going to sleep.

Yoko observed the movements of the Russian army. The movements of the squadrons had become active. The amount of encrypted communications had also increased by leaps and bounds several hours after they arrived.

"I say, it feels like the Russian attack will start soon. If it goes according to theory, the all-out attack will begin before dawn."

Troy muttered that.

The two of them approached the rear of the Russian army's encirclement. The plot was that Troy was escorting a Takemikazuchi piloted by a superior officer. Both of them were dressed in the uniforms of Russian soldiers. By going in the darkness right before dawn while gunpowder was still hanging in the air, the fact that they had stripped these uniforms off of solders they had killed who had been groping along within the dark wouldn't be easily noticed.

The Russian army had deployed so as to surround the EU forces that had confined themselves within the city. When they finally arrived at the rear of their deployment, Yoko got down from her Takemikazuchi.

"What are you going to do?"

"Having only this Takemikazuchi is insufficient fighting power. We need a TSF for you as well."

After saying that, Yoko minutely observed the movements of the Russian army. In front of her, there was a MiG-31 Plamya-Lisa that was equipped with only a fully-charged Energy pack and a Type-87 Support Assault Cannon. The Pilot had just completed a roll call by his superior officer. Yoko decided to obtain that TSF. First, she burned into her mind the voice of the superior officer that was giving his subordinate directions, she covered her face with her hat then chose the moment when the superior officer left and the pilot became alone, and she adjusted her voice to make it sound like the officer's.

"Follow me."

Yoko was accompanied by Troy and stepped up to the pilot of the MiG. The pilot saw Yoko approaching and easily believed that the superior officer had returned for some business.

"What is it, Captain?"

"Sorry, there's been an equipment change. You will be piloting a new model TSF that has been newly deployed."

"A new model!?"

The pilot smiled broadly. Piloting a new model meant a promotion as well. Yoko ordered the pilot to hand over his MiG to Troy and to remain on standby here until the new model arrived, and then he and Troy left from there.

"Hey, Yoko. Shouldn't we have disposed of that guy?"

"It's not a problem. It would be more troublesome if his corpse was discovered and they sought us out before killing us."

"—Guess so. Did you see how his face lit up when he heard about a new model? That guy is definitely heading to the disciplinary squad because of this."

Troy laughed in amusement.

[Kaori]

Yoko and Troy succeeded in penetrating into the interior of the Russian army's encirclement by pretending to be powerful scouts that were the first wave of the all-out attack.

"We got into the city unexpectedly easily."

"Yeah. But getting out will be the hard part."

The two of them got down from their TSF's and slowly approached the Hermitage Art Museum. Then, the stifled voice of a man came out from within the darkness.

"Stop."

The stinging air gave off a murderous intent. There were without a doubt several guns being aimed at them. Yoko responded back calmly.

"This is the art museum, right? I heard they have Giorgione here."

Instantly, he heard the man"s breath catch from the other side of the darkness.

"…Yeah. The Judith is magnificent no matter how many times one sees it."

"I prefer the Tempest. I discover something new no matter how many times I see it."

"…You guys are the people from War Hounds?"

"That’s right."

Suddenly, she felt the murderous intent disappear from the surrounding presences. From out of the darkness, exhausted men carrying guns appeared.

"We intended to escape from St. Petersburg along with the last of the art pieces, but—"

The man who was introduced as the carry-out team’s leader pointed towards a shock-proof container for the exclusive use of transporting artwork. Troy spoke in an amazed voice.

"Can't you leave it behind and just go?"

"Don't be stupid. As if we can endure losing artworks like these in times of war! They're humanity's treasure which can never be regained."

"Life can't be regained either, you know?"

"It’s a cheap price if we can protect these works with our lives."

There was no hesitation in the man’s words.

"I understand. Both you guys and the artwork, we’ll help you all escape from this city. That is our mission"
said Yoko.

[Kaori]

"Please change into these."

Yoko gave Russian military uniforms that he had been prepared to all the members of the carry-out team. She had gathered them while coming here. Like this, the improvised Russian Special Forces unit was completed. Once they finished that, the group went out from the north side of the Hermitage Art Museum, which was adjacent to the Neva River. They advanced cautiously while keeping the trailer carrying the container in the middle, Yoko's Takemikazuchi in front, and Troy's MiG in the back.

"Whatever happens, don’t panic. Right now, we are a special forces unit of the Russian army. All right?"

The group crossed over Palace Bridge which spanned the Neva River and went across to Vasilyevsky Island on the opposite bank. Then they crossed through the plaza, and as they approached the bridge Bridge, the leader of the carry-out team questioned Yoko.

"Do you intend for us to cross the bridge?"

"No. We’re not using a land route."

Their line of vehicles went west across Makarova Street while staying alongside to the northern coast, and headed towards the Tuchkov Bridge. Near the bridge, there was a pier where tourist ships were anchored. Yoko's plan was to descend from there into the Neva River, escape to the Gulf of Finland, and then finally escape to the Baltic Sea.

"!"

From in front of them, five Russian MiG's approached. Yoko gave instructions to the group.

"Don't reduce speed. It's a Russian patrol."

"Meeting a patrol at a place like this wasn’t in the plan, right?"

"The schedule can change. Send your complaints to the Russian's."

While gazing at the enemy with a calm expression, Yoko undid the safety of her TSF's special fixed armament; a blade motor which hid a chain-drive 4-barrel Gatling gun under it. Jokingly called the "Blender" by Troy, he said it was the most brutal close-range battle weapon.

"You there, stop the trailer. We’ll be inspecting the cargo."

The voice of a Russian soldier resounded out from a speaker.

"What should we do, Yoko?"

The leader of the carry-out team asked.

"No problem."

Yoko contacted Martin on her comm.

"Martin, can you see us?"

"Yeah. You’ve gotten yourself into a troublesome situation, haven’t you?"

Martin was approaching the pier of the Bridge by barge. Yoko changed the plan and issued directions to pass through to the pier as it was. Looking at the sky, the ground to the east was faintly but definitely being dyed dark red. Dawn was going to arrive soon. Yoko ordered the line of vehicles behind her to slowly reduce speed.

"Are you serious? It'll be the end if we're inspected, you know!?"

"Don't shout. Soon, we'll commence Plan B."

"…Plan B?"

At that moment, a wind-cutting noise like a shrill scream was heard from above. Everyone there reflexively looked up at the sky—however, just one person, Yoko, didn't.

"Troy! Drop the container into the river!"

At the same time as he shouted that order, she thrusted the Blender through the MiG in front of her. At the same time as the bits of special steel, which spun at a high velocity, penetrated the enemy’s armor, she discharged the Gatling gun. Having its interval mechanism pierced and shredded, the MiG died in an instant. The men of the carry-out team behind her screamed. Troy's MiG had thrown the container carrying precious works of art into the river.

"What are you doing!?"

Tumbling out from the trailer, the leader ran up to the riverside with a face that had lost all color. Then—

"Perfect timing, right, boss"

Martin stuck out his head from the pilothouse of the barge, whose deck was covered with a shock-absorbing material of expanding foam. The thrown container was wrapped around by the shock-absorbing material and was already being fixed in place.

Yoko swung the Blender horizontally and mowed down the enemy with machine gunfire. The Russian patrol party, recovering from the shock of the surprise attack, at once prepared themselves to counterattack. It was at that moment that pillars of fire rose up behind them. The patrol party became confused at the unexpected events that kept happening one after another. Pillars of fire were rising up not only here, but also everywhere within the city. Someone had come flying from the sky above and was laying attacks on the Russian army.

"Get on the boat quickly!"

Yoko directed the members of the carry-out team. While Troy protected the members with his MiG, she shouted out to Martin.

"Now!"

A particularly big pillar of illuminated the early morning Neva River in red. The bombs that Martin had prepared beforehand on Dvortsoviy Bridge and Tuchkov Bridge exploded, and the bridges were knocked down into the river. As for the Russian army who were moving on top of there—

Yoko confirmed that Troy had gotten out of his MiG and climbed onto the boat, and then thrusted the Blender into the last of the enemy TSF's that was still resisting. As she closed the blades at the top while spinning the bits, pieces of metal that had torn apart with an uncanny breaking sound and pieces of crimson meat scattered across the surface of the ground.


Yoko jumped onto the barge which was starting to go down the river with her Type-00F. It was necessary for her to remain on standby inside her unit until they escaped to the Baltic Sea.

"What's the situation?"

Yoko activated her communications system and asked that to Troy who was investigating the situation of their surroundings.

"It seems that Woman's information that an EU special forces unit would be conducting a surprise attack was true. We were saved thanks to that."

"That's practically an act of suicide. According to a rumor I heard, they seem to be marching into there in order to save the stupid sons of some higher-ups, after all…"

Yoko went back into her Type-00F's cockpit. They couldn’t be negligent until they escaped to the Baltic Sea. The streets of St. Peter that were spread out on both banks of the Neva River were wrapped in the continuous sounds of gunfire and explosions. The story of the group that swooped down on St. Petersburg on the morning of this day, was a story that Yoko would only learn about much later.

[Kaori]

((Okay, I'm currently out of idea's for the next mission so if anybody has any suggestions, I'm open to them, just PM me your idea's and I'll go over them, thank you for reading!))

[Kaori]

Carol Kiring had many faults as a human being. For example, her greed, arrogance, and cruelty—. And those faults were also at the same time the disposition that was indispensable to surviving as a financial backer in Allegiance, where trickery and intrigues whirled around. Among those necessary qualities she possessed, boldness was also included.

Carol was currently fully displaying that boldness. That was because the atmosphere that drifted from the man sitting before her was gloomy and annoying.

Richard Russo. The current head of the Russo family, a minor family in the organization—however, that was only his public title. The Russo family's true form was the shady-jobs organization Underworld—they were a clan that had, undertaken various dirty jobs that never appeared on the front stage of of the organization's history for its sake. Assassinations, kidnapping, blackmail.

As Richard stared back at here with an expressionless face that did not reveal what he felt inside, Carol silently threw over a paper folder with various sheets of print-outs inserted inside it. He quickly looked over the contents.

"…Then, I'm to annihilate this organization?"

Richard asked quietly.

"That's right. These guys oppose the Master, and have repeatedly performed activities against us. Crushing this organization is directly connected to our interests in the southeast Asia region."

The folder that Carol had given to Richard was an investigation report about the details of a certain anti-Allegiance militant group. Inside it, it showed that the base of this organization was established within a jungle. If it become known that Carol had annihilated this organization, Carol's presence in the organization would surely increase by leaps and bounds. However, instead, she had taken it upon herself to entrust this operation to the Russo family that existed in the shadows.

"Pardon my impoliteness, Carol, but…if the information on the target is so clear, instead of requesting us to do it, wouldn't the master would be more delighted if you drafted and commanded the subjugation operation yourself, Carol Ma'am?"

"There is no need for you to know of such filthy things."

It was an open insult, but Richard didn't mind at all.

"I said something intrusive. Please forgive me."

"It's fine, but keep this in mind. Everything I do is for the sake of the master, and not for my own gain."

"I'll take that to heart."

"Ah, there’s one thing I forgot to tell. There will be an observer accompanying you on the subjugation operation in order to make sure it is carried out. Desmond!"

A young Pilot stood in front of Richard.

"Desmond Walken. My right hand man. I won't have any complaints about this."

"Yes, Ma'am."


The first thing that Richard Russo started to do was collecting and sorting through the information that Carol had investigated about. The result was that everything was just as Carol had said—except, however, for one point. The important fact that there were people from certain governments that were participating in this anti-Allegiance militant group's actions had been excluded from Carol's report. And then, Richard immediately understood.

"I don't know who they are, but she's blackmailing the members who control the group, and is making arrangements so that a promotion will advance in her favor—As expected of someone like her."

He whispered lightly to himself, 'Power is a wicked and evil thing because of those who always seek it'. Richard was not an exception to that either. In the past, in order to get his hands on all of the Russo family, he had murdered his elder sister who had been the family head at the time—. However, Richard hadn't expected that feelings of guilt over that act would sprout in his heart over time. He spent everyday feeling tormented over what he had done. And then, the situation that dealt the final blow to his tortured self occurred. Underworld had followed their orders and executed some Targets for the Organization. However one target survived, Yoko Tsubasa.

Richard hated the act he had committed at that time. Was this the punishment handed done to those like him who were entranced by darkness and had their hands dyed in blood?

However, Yoko hadn't died. Having survived the attack by Underworld, Yoko joined the mercenary organization War Hounds, fought as one of its members, and swore revenge against Allegiance and Underworld. Learning of this, Richard hid his history and supported the activities of War Hounds as the mysterious sponsor Firenze. All the while expecting that these actions would lead to his own destruction one day—.

______________________________

"So How's the Type-00F Custom?"

Asked Argos as he and his female companion shared a drink with the War Hounds team, "It's actually better than my old one" said Yoko Half jokingly, "Well it did belong to a pretty good ace" said Argos' female companion as he chuckled, "The arm blade motors came from a couple of Russian friends, they were known as the Scarlett twins back then." said Argos as he described what Troy referred to as the Blenders, "They beat the crap out of both of us, ain't that right princess?" Argos asked his companion as the group laughed, "I was just out of fuel, I could've handled them" said his companion sheepishly, "so how did you beat them?" asked Yoko intrigued,

"I hugged them"

Replied Argos with a smile, his companion blushed, "I wished I could've hugged my companion here but she'd get all ENSIGN! On me" said Argos as his companion's face turned red as the group laughed.

[Kaori]

"There’s been a request from Firenze."

The woman said.

"Allegiance is trying to crush an anti-Allegiance organization in southeast Asia using "underworld". He wants you to prevent it. Here are the details."

The woman distributed documents to Yoko and the others. It was a skillfully processed version of the documents that Carol had handed to Richard, but of course none of the members of War Hounds had any way of knowing that.

'All right, we'll accept it."

Yoko answered promptly without even touching the documents.

"Hey, hey, wait a minute, Yoko. I know that there is no reason for you to be informed about underworld, but…I’d like to hear a bit more about it at least once."

Troy said.

'That's right, there are still things you haven't told us, right? These fellows we're rescuing are probably in the same business as us, but they don’t have that much of a connection with us, do they?"

Martin looked up from the documents at the woman in his hands with a look.

"That's exactly why we accepted the request."

"What does that mean?"

In response to Troy's question,

"It means it's not bad to put them in our debt here."

The woman answered with a smile. Martin prodded Yoko's shoulder.

"Hey, do you see that, Yoko…That demon woman is definitely laughing at us with such a face."

"Either way, our lives are merchandise for sale. Don't worry about it."

Yoko said.

[Kaori]

Six TSF's were hiding themselves in a tropical jungle. Five of these TSF's were F-15's of Underworld that were given a jet-black coloring. The remaining one frame was the vividly red-colored Shiranui Custom—the TSF that Desmond was piloting. This TSF was a Japanese-made TSF that was captured in Japan and remodeled according to Desmond's orders. Once before, Desmond had test-piloted the Thunderbolt for a test. Impressed by its performance, Desmond chose to pilot his new favorite kind of TSF that was developed by the enemy, rather than reverse-engineered F-15's. Among the many pilots that existed, not many made such a choice.

With the sun having set a long time ago, the light of the moon that rose over their heads outlined their complexly contrasting silhouettes.

Eventually, one of the Underworld pilots came out from within the shadows of the jungle’s leaves. He used his hand to signal his comrades, told them that there was nothing abnormal in their path, and then returned to his cockpit.

The six TSF's quietly rose up and started advancing forward.

However, they didn’t know. That their movements were already being observed by Yoko and the others.


"They’ve started to move."

Troy said that while watching the movements of the six TSF's of Desmond's group displayed on his TSF's monitor. Following their strategy this time, Try was using his Raptor with a strengthened electronic military system.

"What should we do, Yoko?"

Troy called out over the comm. line to Yoko, who was remaining on stand-by at a location further away. Since the repairs to the Type-00A still had yet to be completed, Yoko was piloting her customized Yellow Takemikazuchi this time as well.

"You don't need to even ask."

In response to Yoko's answer,

"Okay. Then first, shaped charge anti-Tank landmine-chan, you're up!"

Troy flipped a console key.


An explosion occurred when the Underworld TSF squadron, who were advancing while circumventing around the dense trees, reduced their advance speed as they passed in between two deep groves of trees on both their sides. It was set off in the middle of the six Units that were advancing in a straight line. The anti-Tank landmine exploded at the feet of the third F-15 in the line. The following plasma, which was created from the explosion that detonated on contact, became an intense metal jet according to the Neumann effect and instantly pulverized the F-15's leg mechanism.

"A landmine!?"

The reactions of the four Underworld F-15's that escaped damage were so quick that Desmond was involuntarily impressed. But they still couldn't escape from the shots fired by Troy's Raptor.

The F-15 who was at the front of the group had its head pierced and it fell where it stood, closing off the forward path of its allies.

(An ambush, huh. They've made the first move.)

Desmond clicked his tongue within his mind.


"Yoko isn't the only one good at sniping, you know?"

Troy whispered quietly as he surmised the result of his sniping and watched the enemy's confusion using his sensors.


Despite having lost 1/3 of their force in an instant, Underworld's movements hadn't weakened.

At the same time as they quickly deployed themselves, they went into a counterattack formation against the Raptor. But, Underworld's expectations were betrayed here as well.

The next attack was not a bombardment from out of range, but instead a close-range attack from a Yellow Type-00F Takemikazuchi—from Yoko.

The Takemikazuchi jumped over one of the disabled F-15's, and advanced without stopping while piercing forward with its chainsaw machine gun "Blender".

"Fall back! Fall back!!"

Desmond overstepped his role as a mere observer and reflexively shouted out. This enemy was strong.

The front tip of the Blender mounted on the Type-00F penetrated the cockpit of the second F-15 while rotating at high speeds. Yoko fired the machine gun while in that same position, and then pulled out the Blender from the F-15 by using the firing recoil.

Panicked by Yoko's quick work of that F-15, the fourth F-15 hurriedly turned around, pushed aside his comrades and Desmond's frame, and tried to escape from there.

But, before its Thrusters could start up, an artillery shell that came flying from within the dark jungle pierced through its back.

"If you show me your back, I'm going to shoot you, you know?"

Troy confirmed that his target exploded over the monitor.

"Out of the way!"

Desmond quickly passed by the last remaining Underworld F-15 and sprang towards the front of the Type-00F. They couldn’t escape from this trap. The only way they could survive this situation was by beating the enemy before them.

The red Shiranui Custom's weapon was the BWS-3 Great Sword that was Desmond's other specialty weapon. With skilled and quick hands, he made many lunges with it at the Type-00F in rapid succession. But, the enemy displayed a dance-like step-work and dodged the point of the sword at paper-thin distances. Desmond recognized those movements.

"This guy…was in that White Takemikazuchi at Hong Kong!"

At the same time, Yoko recognized the movements of the red Shiranui.

"To think we would meet again here. It seems that we're connected by fate…"

Yoko repelled Desmond's Sword with the Blender. An intense metallic sound resounded, and a flash and sparks tore through the darkness of the jungle.

Desmond called out to the only remaining undamaged Underworld F-15.

"Go! I'll hold him here. You go ahead and complete the mission!"

After saying that, Desmond rammed the Type-00F into a wall of thick trees.

"You have my thanks!"

The F-15 quickly passed by the back of the Shiranui Custom and advanced forward.

"!"

Yoko tried to push back, but because of her unstable posture from the thick trees in his way, she couldn’t push back against the Shiranui Custom's full power dash very well. But—.

Through her Sensors, she heard the sound of an explosion from the darkness of the path ahead.

"I've disposed of the last F-15, Yoko."

Troy's voice flowed over the comm. line.

"You should hurry up and finish that guy off as well."

"Yeah…I'll tear off his throat with my Blade!"

At the same time as Or Yoko said that like a growl, she pierced the Blender through the arm of the Shiranui.

"What?"

Desmond unconsciously muttered as he watched the Type-00F's unexpected movement. Then, the next instant—the Type-00F spun around at high speed and threw a strong kick at the Shiranui Custom.

"GAAAAGH!"

The Shiranui Custom was knocked down by the impact and its posture was destroyed.

"Here's the finishing blow!"

The Type-00F drew the Blender and lunged it at the Shiranui Custom. But, the ejection system activated an instant faster, and the cockpit containing Desmond flew away deep into the dark jungle.

"So he got away, Yoko?"

Troy said.

"Yeah. But—"

Yoko muttered quietly towards the endless darkness.

"—I'll probably meet that guy again somewhere."

[Kaori]

"Since the water here doesn't stay at this temperature for long, your feet can slide and fall into the sea. It makes it easy for you to slide off the side of the submarine, and you won't be found again until the sorrowful sun rises like this."

Martin said that while laughing. Troy, who was on his knees at the side of the submarine and had finished emptying the contents of his stomach into the sea, wiped his mouth and turned around with watery eyes.

"Ugh…Forgive me…"

His face was pale from being hit by severe seasickness. Usually he would retort back fiercely, but it seemed that he didn’t have the energy for it this morning.

"Do you have any questions, Yoko?"

Fikatsia Latrova asked as she pointed at Yoko with her pointer. Yoko shook her head.

"I already have everything about this operation in my head. The problem is whether or not it will move according to your plan.""

Yoko looked up at her beloved machine that he now met again after such a long time.

"Oh my. It couldn't be that you doubt me, do you? —Though I say that, failure is a natural accompaniment when anything is done for the first time. It's impossible to make 100% guarantees. The only thing I can say is that I will merely do my 100% best."

"Hearing that from you is enough."

Yoko gave a thin smile.

The huge submarine was moving at cruising speed near them the boundary line between the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea next to Norway's west coast. It was a moonless night. The starlight wasn’t strong enough to illuminate the deep darkness that came just before dawn, and it wasn’t possible to see the jet-black sea that spread out around them with the naked eye.

On the deck with all its lights blacked-out, men and women equipped with infrared goggles were silently taking care of the Type-00A's takeoff preparations. The ECM and ECCM were still functioning, but the possibility of this submarine being accidentally discovered by HUMINT by information collection gathered by human eyes and ears was not zero.

In order to avoid being detected from the coast, the crew of the submarine was notified that they couldn't approach the coast any closer. Beyond this point was within the sphere of the Russian Navy's anti-submarine web.

Yoko boarded the Type-00A. It was the reborn "Type-00A prolonged Flight-Enabled Version" that was equipped with more powerful thrusters, propellant tanks to increase flight time and four wing stabilizers.

"…She said she "fixed" it, but she put in an unbelievable addition."

Hearing that quiet murmur from Yoko, Martin raised his head as he did the pre-flight check.

"Ah? What did you say, Yoko?"

"I was talking to myself."

Yoko activated the Type-00A.

"We've received a communication from the ground troops. They're also standing-by just as arranged…so with that, I'll be counting on you."

Latrova said.

"You mean, for the real battle data on the flight system? Or do you mean for the other part of the mission?"

Troy said, seeming to be feeling somewhat better after letting all that out before.

"Obviously, for both."

Latrova smiled sweetly.

"I'm taking off."

The Type-00A prolonged Flight-Enabled Version slowly floated up from the deck, and started moving towards the surface of the deep black sea.

[Kaori]

The mission’s target was the uranium mining base that the Russian army was building in Norway on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Geologists estimated that the vein deposits here were equivalent to 30 years worth of Russia's needs. If full-scale mining started, it would be unavoidable that the resistance groups in Europe that continued the anti-Russian conflicts would be dealt a great blow. However, the highly explosive Mining facility could not be simply destroyed. If an explosion caused a chain reaction within the entire vein, all of Scandinavia might collapse. If that happened, all of Europe would be destroyed.

"That's why we’re going to sink and submerge the entire facility. If we do that, we can make the facility impossible to use without causing an explosion. Also, if it goes well, a local group can occupy and use the facility later."

On the topographical map that their usual female contact displayed during the briefing session, it was indicated that there was a dam at Gudvangen that lied upstream of the river that adjoined the mining base.

“Of course, the Russian army is prepared for such an attack and has placed forces at the dam.”

The woman displayed the artillery composite platform that defended the dam. On the concrete-made pedestal that had been created so that it nestled close to the surface of the dam's wall, several artillery cannons with various ranges and firing angles that were connected to a fire-control radar were installed, and so everything that approached the dam would be completely pulverized. Attacks by multiple groups including the special forces of the EU regular army had been tried against it until now, but they were entirely repelled by this impenetrable wall’s defenses. However, they hadn't given up. The resistance groups in Europe were going to attempt a final attack by concentrating all of firepower in order to destroy the dam.

"How tenacious. As expected of the descendants of Vikings."

Martin said. However, it was clear that they wouldn't be able to make a dent in it if they attacked using the same tactics.

"And that’s where you guys from War Hounds come in."

The woman said. Preceding the bombardment of the ground troops, Yoko's Type-00A Prolonged Flight-Enabled Version would penetrate inland along the fjord. She would neutralize the dam defenses with close-range attacks and support the bombardment attack.

"There's something I'd like to ask. Isn't Yoko in the most dangerous position here?"

Troy pouted.

"You're thinking that it's possible if it's me and the Type-00A, right?"

Yoko asked The woman.

"Yes. This is a job only you can do, Yoko."

"I understand. Then, it's decided."