Strike Witches: The Wandering Ace

Chapter 8: Dreams and Reflections

The evening found Sarah seated among her fellow witches, gathered around the flickering flames of the fireplace. Amidst the warmth of her friends, her eyes were inexplicably drawn to Minna. Almost everything about the commander reminded her of someone dear from her past, her thoughts spiraling into a whirlwind.

Feeling overwhelmed, Sarah excused herself, slipping away to the balcony to gather her thoughts. Minna, sensing Sarah's sudden departure, followed her, silently standing beside her in the chilly air.

"Something on your mind?" Minna asked, breaking the silence.

"What do you think?" Sarah replied with a hint of sarcasm, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Sorry, it's a defense mechanism... Anyways, you're on my mind."

Minna's brow furrowed slightly, caught off guard by Sarah's straightforward confession. "Excuse me?" she asked, her tone tinged with surprise.

Sarah turned to face her, her expression softening as she met Minna's eyes. "I mean, you remind me of someone I used to know," she explained, choosing her words carefully.

Minna looked at her with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Someone from your past?"

Sarah nodded slowly. "Yeah, a close friend. You have this way about you, a familiarity. It's both comforting and disconcerting."

The revelation seemed to hang in the air between them, the crackling of the fire a distant backdrop to their conversation. Minna's curiosity sparked. "I'm curious, but what was she like?"

"She was... passionate," Sarah began, her voice carrying a touch of wistfulness. "Strong-willed, always ready to take charge. But beneath that exterior, she had a heart of gold. Always looking out for others, even at her own expense."

Minna observed Sarah closely, sensing the weight of sentimentality in her words. "Sounds like someone special," she remarked softly, encouraging Sarah to continue.

Sarah nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips amongst the swirl of memories. "She was... She had this unwavering determination. We shared a lot of our dreams, hopes, and fears."

The faint shimmer of sorrow flickered in Sarah's eyes as she recalled moments spent with her old friend. "We faced some tough times together, especially during the war," she added, a tinge of sadness creeping into her voice.

Minna listened attentively, offering a comforting presence. "It's good to hold onto those memories," she gently remarked.

Sarah nodded, the echoes of the past slowly fading back into the recesses of her mind. "It's been a long time since I've talked about her," she admitted, a mix of emotions in her voice.

Minna placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder in a gesture of understanding. "Thank you for sharing, Sarah," she expressed sincerely.

As the waves gently crashed against the shore below, their conversation carried on. Unbeknownst to them, their supposedly private chat on the balcony had attracted the attention of their friends. Eila, Lucchini, and Erica exchanged mischievous looks and wordless nods before sneakily approaching the pair.

"Come on, you two! What are you doing out here? It's game time!" Eila exclaimed with a wide grin, her enthusiasm infectious.

Before either Sarah or Minna could respond, Lucchini chimed in, grabbing Sarah's arm. "You're coming with us! We've got games set up in the common area," she declared cheerfully, her energy irresistible.

Erica, with an amused glint in her eye, nudged Minna gently. "And you, Commander! No escaping, it's a game night!" she teased, offering her a playful smile.

Caught off guard by their sudden intrusion, Sarah and Minna exchanged a brief glance, a hint of amusement coloring their expressions. With a shared understanding, they followed the other witches back inside to join the lively gathering.

In the common area, the witches had set up an array of games - from card games to charades, creating an atmosphere buzzing with laughter and camaraderie. Sarah found herself drawn into the infectious energy, her initial reluctance melting away in the warmth of their shared company.

Minna, although initially taken aback by the sudden turn of events, soon found herself engaged in the games, relishing the moments of levity among her fellow witches.

As the games progressed and laughter filled the air, Sarah found herself enveloped in the warmth radiating from her friends. The evening's celebrations had a magical quality that exceeded the mere joy of games. It was a shared experience, a bond weaving its way through their interactions.

She glanced around the room, taking in the smiles and camaraderie that surrounded her. Eila's infectious enthusiasm, Lucchini's carefree spirit, Erica's competitive edge - each of her fellow witches brought a unique essence to the gathering, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusion.

Minna, too, appeared to be enjoying herself, her usually composed demeanor softening amidst the playful banter and shared moments. Her smile, though subtle, spoke volumes, echoing the sentiments of unity that had blossomed within their midst.

As the evening drew to a close, the fire's embers dwindled, casting a gentle glow across the room. The games had ceased, but the sense of camaraderie lingered in the air. Feeling a pleasant fatigue settle over her, Sarah bid goodnight to her companions and made her way back to her room. The soft embrace of her bed called her, and she collapsed onto it, feeling the weariness of the day seep into her bones. The events of the evening played in her mind like a soothing melody, lulling her into a peaceful slumber.

Sarah's dream took an unexpected turn as she found herself standing before her old friend, amidst a field of colorful flowers. The scene, haunting yet strangely comforting, felt like a long-awaited reunion.

"Amelia...?" Sarah called out, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

Her friend turned, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Sarah, what are you doing here?" Amelia's voice held both warmth and concern.

Stumbling over her words, Sarah struggled to articulate her feelings. "I-I missed you," she managed to express, her voice filled with regret.

"I know you do... and I'm sorry for leaving you alone. I know I broke our promise," Amelia spoke, her words carrying a weight of remorse. "But I can't bring myself to see you living like your life means nothing."

Sarah's heart ached with the weight of her past actions. "After everything I've done, I don't think I deserve a happy life," she confessed, her voice heavy with guilt.

In a surprising turn, Amelia's hand met Sarah's cheek in a sharp, stinging slap. The shock of the moment jolted Sarah, her eyes widening in astonishment.

"You've carried the weight of our past for too long, Sarah," Amelia asserted firmly. "It's time to forgive yourself, to let go of the burdens that bind you. Look around you, you have family, friends, comrades – you're not alone anymore."

With those words, Amelia pulled Sarah into a heartfelt embrace. Sarah felt a rush of emotions flood through her, a mixture of sorrow and relief intertwined. Her dream, though bittersweet, offered a sense of closure she had longed for.

As she slowly awakened from her dream, the words lingered, echoing through her mind. They resonated deeply within her, instilling a newfound sense of peace and resolve. The dream had served as a poignant reminder, urging her to find solace in the connections she had forged and to release the burdens of her past.

With a heart heavy yet lighter, Sarah emerged from her slumber, her spirit rekindled with a renewed sense of purpose. She carried the dream's message with her, ready to embrace the present and find closure to the chapters that had weighed upon her for so long.