Strike Witches: The Wandering Ace

Chapter 3: The Wall of Silence

Winter had arrived in the world of Strike Witches, covering the landscape with a blanket of pristine snow. The 501st JFW was on high alert, intercepting a group of Neuroi heading towards their base. As the Witches took to the skies. Sarah couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unease.

As they soared through the cold, brisk air, Minna spoke through the radio, her voice firm and commanding. "All units, form up and prepare to engage the enemy, Remember, teamwork is our greatest strength."

Sarah clenched her fists, the memories of her past missions in Strangereal still haunting her. She couldn't afford to let her new friends discover the truth about her actions as a mercenary. The weight of her past was a burden she couldn't share.

Before the battle intensified, Sarah took a moment to speak privately with Minna. She looked at her commander with a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "Minna, I have a request. During missions, would you mind calling me by my callsign, it helps me focus."

Minna nodded understandingly, recognizing that Sarah had her reasons. "Of course, Sarah. Whatever helps you perform at your best."

Sarah offered a grateful smile, appreciating Minna's support. But as the battle unfolded, the memories of her past still pressed upon her, and she knew that she had to find a way to keep her past locked away, even as the snow-covered battlefield threatened to unearth her deepest regrets.

As the Neuroi came into view, Sarah focused on the task at hand locked onto the enemy, her finger tightening around the trigger of her cannon. Her heart raced as the snowflakes danced around her, reminding her of the chilling atmosphere during Operation Crossbow in Strangereal.

Her Striker Unit roared to life as she fired her cannon, the powerful blasts tearing through the Neuroi formation. The feeling of flight, of being a Witch, was both exhilarating and terrifying for Sarah. The rush of combat brought back memories she wished to forget.

Sarah's mind began to blur the line between Neuroi and the Belkan bombers and fighters from her past. The snow-covered battlefield seemed to transform, and her vision wavered. The cold reality of her actions during the Belkan War crept into her thoughts, and guilt gnawed at her conscience.

She pushed the throttle forward, charging further into the enemy formation, her emotions driving her forward. Minna's voice crackled through the radio, concern evident in her tone. "Cipher, fall back into formation! You're going too far ahead!"

Sarah's vision continued to blur, the past and present merging in her mind. The Neuroi slowly transforming into Belkan Bombers, their ominous silhouettes haunting her. Her grip on her controls tightened, and she muttered to herself, "I won't let history repeat itself,"

As the battle raged, Sarah fought with a renewed determination, pushing her Striker Unit to the limit. She couldn't afford to let her past define her actions here, in this new world. But the memories of her past, the guilt, and the weight of her actions continued to shadow her every move, threatening to consume her once more.

Sarah's rampage continued unrelenting, her attacks growing more vicious with each passing moment. She tore through the Neuroi formations like a wild dog unleashed, her fear of losing anyone else driving her to the brink of madness. The snow-covered battlefield was painted with the remnants of her fury, and her, fellow Witches could only watch in shock as she pushed herself to the limit.

As she continued her relentless assault, her comrade's voices over the radio became distant echoes in her ears. Her vision blurred further, and the line between friend and foe became increasingly hazy. The pain and regret of her past weighed heavily on her, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing her new friends in this new world.