Assault Lily: The Liberation of Niigata: Chapter 8
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Chapter Eight
Mission Drachentöter ~The Dragon Killer~
On that day, the skies above Ryuto Girls’ Academy experienced a rather strange phenomenon.
“What is that!?” said Soraha as she watched from Ryuto’s school building.
Above her, the midday sky was inexplicably colored by an aurora.
Just below the thick layer of clouds danced several multicolored ribbons of light, and at the same time, the Fafnir’s growls echoed from beyond the horizon. As if reacting to this event, the entire earth trembled, and the sea had become restless.
Together with the rest of Álfheimr, Soraha rushed to the Student Council office, and there, Byakuren, Asuka and Yuuna had already gathered, now arguing between themselves.
“What is happening!?” Asked Soraha, and Yuuna answered with a grim look:
“The sky had also turned like this when the Fafnir launched its previous assault. I fear we should expect another full force attack from it soon.”
Yuuna’s remark caused Álfheimr’s members to freeze in shock.
“It looks like we really got on its nerves this time.” said Marei with a sigh.
With her gaze still fixated on the sky above, Soraha was unable to muster any responses.
...
Meanwhile, in the Student Council office of Yurigaoka Girls’ Academy.
The abnormal events currently taking place in Niigata had also extended their effects to Kamakura, as news of a similar aurora suddenly manifesting above Yuigahama had begun to circulate, together with reports that the Nest ingrained in the city had become active.
After analyzing the information in the reports, Mashima Moyu presented it to the Student Council:
“By the looks of it, the ‘Sympathetic Nest Phenomenon’ taking place in Niigata had also begun to show its effects on Kamakura as well.”
“So now even Kamakura is under the Fafnir’s influence...”
Izue Shinobu, one of the Student Council’s Three Valkyries, had serious worries over the current situation.
It was a previously known fact that the Fafnir had the ability to provoke effects on other Nests, however, it was particularly concerning that it could affect the Nest on Yuigahama, which was hundreds of kilometers away from Niigata.
“What should we expect from now on?” inquired Uchida Mayuri, and Moyu responded with a rather laid back tone:
“Right now, we’re detecting a high concentration of Huge particles that are completely different from the ones emitted by the Nest in Yuigahama so far. To be honest, not even I know what could end up happening.”
“...............”
Shinobu listened with a stern look in her eyes.
“I guess this means we really should have deployed a three Legion battalion instead of just Álfheimr alone, shouldn’t we?”
Moyu’s provocative remark was met with a livid response from Shinobu:
“I suggest that you better choose your words. Do remember that you have absolutely no say in any of our strategic decisions.”
“’Kay~, that was my bad. But I have also been hearing that the Nests in all the northern Prefectures have become active too, so I really think we need to take action before something tragic ends up happening.”
“.... Is something the matter, Shinobu-sama?” asked Hata Matsuri, but Shinobu did not respond.
There was no doubt that this situation was a result of the battle currently taking place in Niigata. The Fafnir alone was enough of a threat, but now, the Nests all across Japan’s northern Prefectures had begun reacting to its presence, and such was also the same for the Nest in Yuigahama. This was no longer a concern of Niigata alone.
Shinobu then reached her conclusion, and communicated it to the others.
“Álfheimr’s operation shall be halted. They are to be brought back immediately!”
...
Two hours later, Shinobu’s order for Álfheimr’s immediate return was received by Ryuto Girls’ Academy’s communications room. Soraha, however, was fervently opposed to it.
“Why should we leave at a time like this!? We’ve just secured a clear path towards Sado. If the Sympathetic Phenomenon is a matter of such urgency, that is all the more reason for us to continue our hunt for the Fafnir!”
Soraha cast a direct gaze at Shinobu through the screen of the communication device as she attempted to reason with her. However, Shinobu had no intention of listening to her pleas.
“Ryuto has now seen multiple leaders of its Legions of the Nine retreat from the battlefield, and with a second Ultra-class present at Lake Chuzenji, I do not see it at all possible that you alone can succeed in neutralizing the Fafnir!”
Odaiba Girls’ School’s Legion Hronesnæsse and Ryuto’s Legion Kólga had taken it upon themselves to destroy the Nest at Lake Chuzenji. However, because of the Fafnir’s influence, the Cihuateteo had since produced an enclosure filled with a poisonous mist. Because of this, the Legions were completely unable to engage it, and decided to temporarily retreat to Ryuto’s campus.
“Should we retreat now, Niigata will be completely overrun just like Koshu was, and recapturing it will become even more unfeasible. We must undertake this battle right now!!”
“Soraha-san, this is an order from our Garden as a whole, you are not in any position to disagree.”
Shinobu ended the transmission immediately after making her final statement. Exiting the room, Soraha let out a large sigh.
(To think it would turn out like this...)
It was almost an exact repeat of the Koshu Withdrawal.
Back then, they had also secured a path towards the Nest, and yet, when faced with the choice to proceed or to retreat, they ultimately chose to give up completely.
(But the situation is different now...)
During the Koshu Withdrawal, they had absolutely no reinforcements, and even if they made the choice to press on, they had no way of knowing whether doing so would lead them to victory. Now, however, they had Odaiba Girls’ School on their side, and they had been given the opportunity to gather themselves at Ryuto Girls’ Academy.
(I have no doubt that this time, we’ll be able to win.)
When Soraha found her way back to Ryuto’s Student Council office, the rest of Álfheimr, as well as Ryuto and Odaiba’s representing members had already assembled.
“Soraha-san, will you really be retreating from this battle?” inquired Tsukioka Momiji, Odaiba’s Student Council president.
All the Lilies present had already been made aware of Yurigaoka’s orders for their retreat.
Then, Legion Hronesnæsse’s Funada Kiito prodded:
“You lot were the ones who requested that we help you, and here we are to do just that. Yet now you’re the ones turning your backs on us?”
“You really gonna say it like that? You know that they can go against a direct order from their Garden.” Yuzuriha attempted to argue back, but Kiito responded with a mere grunt.
Frustrated, Ichi turned her gaze downwards, and spoke:
“And we were so close to getting to the Fafnir...”
All of Álfheimr’s members lowered their eyes, equally frustrated.
“.... All that we’ve come to regret from the Koshu Withdrawal has become a reality once again, hasn’t it?” muttered Ena to Soraha. However, Soraha firmly spoke in response:
“No, I will not let that happen again.”
“You can’t be serious.” Ena said, her eyes widening in astonishment. To this, Soraha nodded in confirmation, and then bravely proclaimed:
“I genuinely believe now is the best time to strike the enemy down. This is our final chance to truly save Niigata!”
The Student Council office erupted in murmurs.
“We are no longer contended with just the Fafnir, but now the Cihuateteo as well. Saving Niigata now means going against two Ultra-class Huge, and you intend to follow through with that?” Asked Akane, her face bearing a serious expression.
“With the Lilies that we have assembled here, I’m confident that we can succeed. But I would like to know what the rest of you think.”
Smirking, Kiito wasted no time retorting to Soraha.
“I had heard rumors that Ms. Captain of Álfheimr was quite the obstinate little Lily, but I certainly did not think it to be on such a level.”
Standing by Kiito’s side, Shiba Tomoshibi said with a shrug:
“My~, how unfortunate. And here I hoped that with you stepping down, Odaiba would get to claim the spoils of hunting down both the Fafnir and the Cihuateteo all to ourselves.”
“Oh, please, don’t make me laugh. The Fafnir has always been Álfheimr’s prey from the very beginning.” retorted Araya, her lips curved in an eerie smile.
“Ehehe, it certainly sounds like an interesting time. Do count me in.”
“Agreed. I’m confident we have the strength needed to come out victorious.”
Ui and Momiji cast their votes in favor of Soraha’s decision.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be right there with you when they call you in for the spanking.” Added Yuzuriha, smiling wryly.
Then, Yuuna walked up to Soraha, and said:
“Thank you so much, Soraha. I knew I’d made the right choice to trust you. We will offer all the power we have to fight this battle by your side!”
“I just knew you wouldn’t have it any other way, Sora.” remarked Marei in an upbeat tone. But Ena followed up with a much more concerned look on her eyes:
“Now, the issue at hand would be the Fafnir’s weakness...”
Imaizumi Rion, who had allegedly learned of the Fafnir’s vulnerability, had been rushed to Ryuto’s medical bay, and had since been receiving constant care due to her wounds.
At that moment, a voice called out to Soraha and the others from the office door:
“Champions of Álfheimr, if you choose to remain in this battlefield, then let us take a stand by your side also.”
As Soraha turned to face the doorway, there stood both Imaizumi Rion and Miyairi Fubuki, tearing away the bandages wrapped around their limbs.
“Onee-sama!!” exclaimed Nanoha as she rushed to Fubuki’s side.
“I made you wörry plenty, haven’t I? I'm sorry, Nanoha.”
Fubuki smiled at Nanoha as she watched the tears well up in the junior’s eyes. Then, her attention was taken by her old friend Wakana:
“Have you truly recovered in full, Fubuki?”
“Yes. What kind of warrior would I be if I allowed myself to simply lay in bed while you dames take up a fight for my homeland?”
At the end of her remark, Fubuki then called out to Rion. “Of course”, she answered with a smile, and began speaking:
“The Fafnir’s weakness is its arms.”
“The arms?” Soraha questioned, and Rion confirmed, continuing:
“I’ve taken notice of it during my previous encounter with the beast. It seemed to use its arms to intercept and absorb an immense flow of Magie that emanated from its Nest. Therefore, I believe our victory lies on severing that connection.”
Hearing this, a pleased Mozuna Noa remarked:
“Now we even have a method to kill the Fafnir dead~”
“That certainly has me excited for our upcoming battle, ehehe.” added Okada Kisara, licking her lips in anticipation.
“To step forward and take her stand in the midst of chaos, that is the essence of a true Lily.” proclaimed Misora, with Tatsuki and Tsukushi nodding in agreement.
Finally, Kusumi held onto Soraha’s hand, and said:
“Soraha Nee-sama, we will all follow you to wherever you lead us!”
Soraha then took Kusumi’s own hand in hers.
“.... Thank you, all of you.”
Álfheimr was Yurigaoka’s prized Expeditionary Legion.
The very goal of an Expeditionary Legion was to fight for the liberation of faraway territories that sought their help, to be a symbol of hope for the people of these areas. This ideal was one that remained unchanged for Soraha from the day that the First Generation Álfheimr was formed, one that she held close to her heart every time she stood by her teammates’ side on the battlefield.
(Right now, we have the opportunity to take the leap of faith that we couldn’t two years ago. We can walk down a brand new path this time!)
Filled with conviction, Soraha called out to all Lilies present:
“Let’s go, then! It’s time for all of us to save Niigata!”
Several hours later, all the Lilies who would be taking part in the operation had gathered in Ryuto’s auditorium. Taking the podium was none other than the Student Council president, Yakuwa Byakuren.
“We will now divulge to all of you our strategy for the neutralization of the duet of Ultra-class Huge, Fafnir and Cihuateteo.”
As Byakuren addressed the crowd, Asuka displayed on the massive monitor behind them the codename for their operation:
“Its name is Mission Drachentöter!”
Byakuren revealed the name that was chosen for their operation, which translates to “Dragon Killer”. It was a strategy originally devised by Yuuna and Marei, who had been planning a strike by Ryuto on Sado Island from the very beginning, which Ena and Ichi then took the reigns in rearranging into its current form.
Marei soon began her explanation:
“According to the analysis conducted by Yurigaoka Girls’ Academy’s Mashima Moyu, it was concluded that both the Fafnir and the Cihuateteo are the primary cause of the Sympathetic Nest Phenomenon. In other words, should we succeed in bringing them down, then their resonance should come undone.”
Pointing at the monitor, Marei continued:
“We predict that tomorrow, the Cihuateteo will dissipate its barrier of poison, and will move to join the Fafnir for a coordinated attack. In order to prevent this from happening, both of them must be destroyed at the same time.”
“Taking down two Ultra-class at the same time. That is sure to make it into the history books.” Said Ui, smiling ever so gracefully.
Yuuna then continued after Marei:
“At its core, our strategy consists on having Álfheimr undertake the Fafnir’s neutralization, being joined by a selection of our own Ryuto Girls’ Academy’s Lilies. As for the Cihuateteo, it shall be the responsibility of Odaiba Girls’ School’s two Legions to bring it down”
Displayed on the monitor was a plot of the Huge’s trajectories.
“Fortunately for us, the Huge have stopped their advances both in Sado and in Lake Chuzenji in order to prepare themselves for their upcoming attack. This leaves both areas vulnerable to a strike from our side.”
“A rather straightforward operation this is. Though I can’t say I dislike it myself.”
Kiito had a confident smirk on her face as she spoke, but the one sat by her side, Amata Hanako, appeared unsure. It bothered her that she was made to retreat from her mission to take down the Cihuateteo, and now, she’d be forfeiting her position in that battle entirely to the Lilies of Odaiba Girls’ School.
“... What is with the look on your face, Hanako? You don’t mean to tell me that you’re feeling ashamed about leaving the Cihuateteo for us to deal with?”
“I can’t ever get one up on you, can I, Kiito?” Hanako answered with a strained smile, and Kiito turned to face her with an impatient look.
“Rather than worrying yourself over such moronic details, you’d be much better off keeping your focus on ridding your homeland of the calamity that afflicts it. I’ll be sure to wipe the Chuzenji clean of the Huge in the meantime.”
Hanako bowed her head to Kiito, offering her a “thank you.”
“Excuse my interruption, but what will Ryuto’s battalion consist of?” asked Momiji, prompting Asuka to puff out her chest as she responded:
“That’d be us, of course! The captains of all of Ryuto’s Legions of the Nine will be standing against the Fafnir at the very frontline.”
“I see.” nodded Momiji. “It does make sense to center the strategy around Soraha-san, as her near-unrivalled Magie retention capabilities make her a suitable counter to the Fafnir’s own vast reserves. And having her be joined by Ryuto Girls’ Academy, who have the most experience fighting the Fafnir, is quite strategically sound.”
“And while they’re handling that, Odaiba will make sure to kill the Cihuateteo dead.” Yuzuriha remarked confidently, eliciting a positive response from all of Odaiba’s Lilies.
Finally, Yuuna then declared:
“We shall depart on this mission by six in the morning! Until then, you’re all dismissed!”
...
After the planning session concluded, the Lilies launched into hectic preparations for the mission to come. Members of Álfheimr, Ryuto and Odaiba enjoyed their time conversing with each other as they worked to get everything in order. In fact, the feeling of festivity evoked by the sound of their laughter as it echoed throughout the school building made it hard to believe they would soon set off to a battle that may cost them their lives.
But steering clear of this positive atmosphere was one Enomoto Komomo, who alone stared up to the skies at the school’s rooftop.
“Now aren’t you all a merry bunch? All of this when you might end up dying tomorrow.”
Komomo breathed a sigh, and just then, a voice called out from behind her.
“.... So this is where you’ve been, Komomo.”
The voice elicited a twitch from Komomo, and upon turning around, she found Sumitani Miki standing in front of her. The girl’s unexpected appearance caused Komomo to flinch backwards, but not wishing to make her surprise apparent, she scowled at Miki, asking:
“What do you want? Are you worried about tomorrow?”
Miki did not respond.
“If that is what you’re worried about, then you can stop. Taking down the Fafnir means taking revenge for my sister, so I will be sure to fight at my very best.”
Komomo then attempted to walk past Miki and return into the school building, but then:
“Wait. This might be my last chance, so I want to say this to you.”
The word “last” was enough to bring Komomo to a halt.
“I’m truly sorry, for being the only one to survive.”
“.... I’ve had more than enough of your apologies already.” responded Komomo, refusing to look her in the eye. Meekly, Miki continued:
“If you cannot forgive me, then that is fine, too. But even still, I want you to know this: Yaya Onee-sama genuinely wished for you to be happy. For that, you absolutely must not die tomorrow.”
“...... And I wanted my sister to tell me that in person.”
Komomo responded with a trembling voice before rushing back into the school building. As she began descending the stairs, she encountered Araya, who stood reclining against the wall.
“Are you truly okay with this? This might be your last chance to set things straight, you know?”
“..... Go away, I did not ask for your sympathy.”
Komomo pushed Araya to the side, and continued making her way inside the building. When she was once again by herself, Komomo suddenly felt a stinging pain on her chest, and turned to stare at her own reflection in one of the windows.
She almost felt that she could see back into her younger days, when her sister, Miki and herself could all smile at each other.
“Hey, Yaya, what should I do...?” Komomo asked her sister, her voice sounding completely hollow.
The next morning, Ryuto’s schoolyard was illuminated by a mere sliver of sunlight passing through the thick clouds above.
All the Lilies who would be participating in the operation had gathered by the Garden’s entrance, and the Gunships were on standby for their deployment. It was not only Álfheimr, Odaiba and Ryuto’s special battalion that were present, as while they would be busy battling the two Ultra-class, all the other Lilies of Ryuto would continue to fight in defense of Niigata.
With Fubuki and Byakuren’s blessings, Soraha took to the stand to speak as the mission’s forerunner. Right now, her voice would reach the ears of every one of Ryuto Girls’ Academy’s branch schools.
After taking a deep breath, Soraha let her voice soar:
“All of you, listen! Today begins our very last battle! Today, we stand in resistance to an enemy whose very name is known across the whole world as a symbol of fear. One of the Seven Great Ultras, the Fafnir! Today, we challenge an enemy like absolutely no other!”
Soraha’s words stirred excitement amongst the Lilies.
“This is not a battle that we fight for ourselves only, but one that we fight to instill hope into every single Lily across the entire world. And so that may happen, we cannot allow for a single life to be sacrificed. So I want you to promise me that we will all see each other again by the end of this!”
Soraha then poured all of her welling emotions in a single, final remark:
“To us brave Lilies that dare to bloom amidst lands of war, may to us be given the grace of true heroes!”
Soraha’s speech was met with a roaring cheer by all the Lilies, their voices so loud, one might even say they could be heard across all of Niigata.
Then and there, the battle that would become a feat of history in the war against the Huge had just begun.
To be continued