To the Skies See Ooarai Rise
Kapitel Ein
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Five aircraft could be seen within the three-post reticle crosshair of a targeting sight, flying in a delta-like formation, packed relatively close to each other. The terrain under was cliff-like, and the sun brightly shined its rays across the area.
Each aircraft was single-engined, and had a distinctly thin wing, but one of them was unique from the others. The unique one had a greater-size propeller spinner and a different radiator arrangement, using two large inlets under the fuselage and one medium-sized inlet under the nose as opposed to one large and one small inlet under the fuselage and a very small nose inlet like what the other four had. The unique one also had a mixed cannon-machine gun armament instead of the all-machine gun armament of the other four, but all of them had armaments placed in the wings. From the current view, other notable features included exhaust stacks shaped like saxophone exhausts, plus elliptically shaped tail surfaces.
The four all-machine gun planes had a tropical camouflage scheme, specifically that used by the Royal Air Force during the fighting in the Mediterranean, with the topsides decorated with gray and orange splotches, and the lower sides being sky blue. The cannon-armed plane featured a different camouflage scheme, using the scheme that adorned RAF fighters operating over Western Europe, with a topside covered in light, bluish-gray splotches contrasted by flat green splotches, and a lower side being a very light gray, such that it would blend seamlessly with clouds.
"Five Spitfires, four early models and a later model, all Merlin-engined by the looks of it," a voice revealed. The voice sounded rather young and was also distinguished by a German accent.
"Spitfires are always so pretty, aren't they?" quipped another voice over a radio.
"Ja, I have to agree. These pilots sure have discipline, being able to maintain such a close formation."
"Be careful, those Spitfires will easily run rings around you in a turn fight."
"So it'll take more than just flying with muscle to take them down." The young German voice then chuckled. "This'll be fun!"
The three-post sight was then removed from the viewer's eye and revealed itself to be a sniper scope, apparently of German design.
The viewing point was none other than the cockpit of a fighter plane. This cockpit had all of its instruments running metric units, and every gauge and switch was labeled in German. The altimeter was reading roughly 6,100 meters. The cockpit itself was rather difficult to see out of, with its barred-off canopy and razorback construction of its fuselage, which prohibited rear vision almost entirely. Outside the cockpit could be seen two cannon barrels, one in each wing, along with squared-off wingtips.
The wings had markings that represented a blue variant of the German Balkenkreuz, but this version had the lower leg split into two and splayed out. The wings themselves were dark green in color.
The aircraft was now performing an Immelmann turn to turn around, which revealed the automatic leading edge slats the wings were equipped with.
"On, and before I forget, could someone wake up David?" the young German asked over the radio.
The radio was a requirement to be able to hear anything through the howling of the large displacement V12 engine propelling the aircraft.
The wise woman said,
'Once you're hardened in battle
There's no coming back.'
(Fight or fall)
The plane had travelled into the path of the sun, and when the pilot's vision cleared, there were some other aircraft waiting for it, flying in a holding pattern.
And before the attack
Feel your blood start to boil in your veins as you charge
(Hundreds fallen)
One of them was a biplane that appeared somewhat like a sesquiplane, with a slightly shorter wingspan for the lower wing than that of the upper wing. The plane also had fixed, spatted landing gear and a decently large radiator bath underneath the single V engine. It also featured an open cockpit, though the pilot could not be readily identified due to the flight mask worn by them. The firing ports of two machine guns could be seen above the engine.
As the fire inside
Is ignited by bloodshed
In berserkers from North
The biplane also had shuttlecocks painted on the upper and lower wing surfaces. There was also 'GUTS' written in white on the rear fuselage, and the aircraft was painted in an Imperial Japanese Army Air Service camouflage from the 1930s, that being a light green color covering every surface. The plane itself was most recognizable as a Japanese Kawasaki Ki-10.
Could it be as was said
When the serpent be woken
Fenrir howls
Another aircraft had a very reflective skin surface, such that it could blind someone easily. The blue five-legged Balkenkreuzen appeared as the markings on this aircraft, on the wings and fuselage sides.
Swedish Pagans
Marching ashore
Forged in Valhalla by the hammer of Thor
Out from Asgard
Our Viking ship sails
Never to turn back again!
The aircraft itself had a canopy that provided a great deal of vision all-around, and the pilot could be seen through it. The pilot was a young man with brown hair. The engine cowl resembled that of a radial engine installation, and featured a propeller spinner. The cowling also had two machine guns mounted above the engine. The wings appeared to be squared-off, but held some roundness around the tips. The wings also featured four cannons, two per wing. Two of them were mounted in the roots, and the other two were outside the propeller arc. If not for the platinum skin surface producing an extreme glare, the plane could be easily recognized as a German Focke-Wulf Fw 190A.
Where brothers have passed
Is where we will be proven
On ground stained by blood
(Standing tall)
Another aircraft was painted completely in red, but it was still recognizable as an American-built fighter. It had squared-off wingtips, and the wings themselves were mid-mounted on the fuselage. The wings had four holes in the leading edge, two per wing, that housed machine guns, though the size of the holes betrayed the large caliber of the machine guns. The aircraft had a razorback configuration, and the area covered by the wings and tail surfaces made the fuselage look comparatively small. Underneath the aircraft, the landing gear wheels blended seamlessly within their housing in the fuselage. The plane could be identified as an American Grumman F4F.
And we know if we fall
Our comrades await in the Hall
(Odin's calling)
The last aircraft was unique in almost every way. It was decorated with the phrase 'μολὼν λαβέ' on the fuselage sides, and on the wing surfaces could be seen traditional Balkenkreuzen instead of the blue five-legged variant. The plane was adorned with a Luftwaffe camouflage from 1943 using gray and dark turquoise in a stereoscopic pattern on the topside along with a sky blue underside. The fuselage sides also had a spotted pattern combining the three colors, appearing like a transition between the top and under sides. There was also a wolf insignia on the nose.
As the fire inside
Is ignited by bloodshed
In berserkers from North
The plane itself had two engines, recognizable as inverted V12s, with one on each wing in large engine nacelles. Under the wings and outboard of the engines was one radiator for each engine. The engine nacelles extended further forward than the nose of the aircraft, but the plane's main armament extended even further forward. The main armament could only be described as a tank gun. Just above the main armament were more guns, two cannons specifically. The fuselage had a turret on each side, each housing one large-caliber machine gun. The turrets appeared to cover every conceivable direction, and appeared to be physically unmanned. However, the large cockpit betrayed the presence of another crew member behind the pilot: a gunner. The plane was distinguishable as a German Messerschmitt Me 410 armed with the big 50 mm BK 5 auto cannon.
Could it be as was said
When the serpent be woken
Fenrir howls!
The first German fighter, now turning around again and beckoning to be followed, was now more easily recognizable. It had the standard German camouflage used in France during 1940, with a dark green color covering the topside of the fuselage from nose to tail, along with the upper horizontal stabilizer and elevator surfaces, plus the wings. The sides and tail section were painted a light blue, as were the undersurfaces of the wings and fuselage. The fuselage sides had the same blue five-legged Balkenkreuz markings as the wings. It also had a nose painted to resemble a black tulip.
Swedish Pagans
Marching ashore
Forged in Valhalla by the hammer of Thor
Out from Asgard
Our Viking ship sails
Never to turn back again!
The aircraft had engine exhaust stacks on the lower half of the cowling, signifying an inverted V12, which drove a propeller that had a very small spinner. Underneath the engine was a small inlet for an oil cooler, and under each wing was an inlet for a radiator. On the left side of the engine cowl was a supercharger intake, sticking out into the airstream. Some strut supports could be seen mounted on the empennage, bracing the tailplane. The German fighter was instantly recognizable as a Messerschmitt Bf 109E.
(First to the battle
First to the feast)
The pilot of the Bf 109 could now be seen. It was a boy with a youthful appearance, with short blonde hair and blue eyes.
(Destiny waiting
No retreat)
The other planes then followed the Messer away from the sun in a disorganized line of sorts, in the order of the F4F, the Me 410, the Fw 190, and the Ki-10.
(Retreat)
"There are five enemy fighters down there," the blond-haired German informed over the radio. "As we planned earlier, I'll serve as bait for them. Everyone else, wait to attack until I come back with them following. Unternehmen Hnterhältig starts now!"
Everyone else replied over with either 'Roger!', 'Jawohl!', or, like one person, 'Rógiros!'
All of the planes then turned away and maintained their positions between the enemy fighters and the sun, except for the Bf 109.
"What exactly are you doing again?" asked a more mature sounding voice over the radio.
The blond-haired German pilot responded, "I'll be attacking the enemy and providing a target for them. I'm not sure how well it'll go, though."
"We don't want to lose and have to set up everything in our underwear, that's for sure," commented another more lively voice over the radio.
The German gave a quick laugh. "I'm sure we won't, but we'll be fine if we have to."
The mature voice responded, "Don't worry, it's our first fight. It's all about doing our best. So let's do so."
The lively voice replied, "You're right. Let's do it!"
The blond-haired pilot chuckled. "That's the spirit!"
Yet another voice spoke up, "I'm happy enough just seeing those Spitfires in flight!"
The lively voice quipped, "You actually sound really happy about that."
Swedish Pagans
Marching ashore
Forged in Valhalla by the hammer of Thor
Out from Asgard
Our Viking ship sails
Never to turn back again!
XXXXXXXXXX
The five Spitfires stayed in their delta formation. Up close, the markings on them could be identified. The markings appeared on the wing upper and lower surfaces plus the fuselage sides. The marking itself appeared as a light blue shield with a red banner above it, and a white teapot with a teacup were within the shield, along with a white cloud of smoke in the upper right corner of the shield.
A large burst of shell fragments occurred just in front of the Spitfire formation. White tracers, evidently fired by large-caliber guns, flew down into the formation simultaneously, shortly followed by the Bf 109 diving through the formation, cannons and machine guns blazing. Most of the shots missed. The Spitfires then broke and spread out.
Within the German fighter, the pilot sighed. "Man, I must be getting rusty. Oh well. Let's see if they take the bait."
The 109 continued its dive, pulling out gradually so as not to lose too much energy, followed by a zoom climb. The Spitfires all turned to follow, with the later model taking a potshot from range, which missed, albeit barely.
The German pilot did his best to make sure he wasn't hit, repeatedly changing his flight profile ever so slightly to prevent the enemy from acquiring a good shot. It was working thus far. White tracers spewed out from each of the four early model Spitfires' eight machine guns, and none hit their German nemesis.
The later Spitfire eventually started closing the distance, and lined up for a shot. The pilot acquired the 109, and opened fire. Red tracers from the cannons and machine guns raced towards the German fighter.
The blond-haired pilot looked back as best he could, and found the later model Spitfire on his tail. He expressed a bit of surprise at that, and prepared for the inevitable as tracers streamed out toward him.
XXXXXXXXXX
Within a small apartment early one morning, a blond-haired boy was seen sleeping in a bed. Around the extremely messy room were some posters of a particular Swedish power metal band.
"... Mehr Schokolade, bitte..." the boy muttered in his sleep.
Eventually, an alarm clock started going off. The boy ignored it, and continued his deep sleep. But the alarm clock persisted, and the boy realized he wouldn't win this fight by ignoring it. So he reached for it and threw the alarm clock across the room, which silenced it.
Silence followed, and the boy was somewhat disturbed by it, evidenced by his awakening.
"Okay, what gives?" the boy said as he got up from the bed, plainly showing his lack of sleepwear besides a pair of white boxers. "Normally I'd have been drenched by a bucket of water by now."
After looking around, the boy widened his blue eyes in enlightenment.
"Au, ja." The boy then smiled. "I'm not home anymore."
Ich nehme Luftkriegsführung auf!
He then got dressed into some clothes. He dressed himself into a uniform consisting of some black pants and a white button-up shirt with a green tie. He also wore some black boots. Some more personal elements he added to his outfit included a German Gewehr-Zielfernrohr 4-fach sniper scope on a string around his neck along with a black jacket resembling that worn by Luftwaffe ground crew in the early stages of the war. He left the jacket undone, both out of personal preference and to show his compliance with wearing the uniform.
The blond-haired German then left his little apartment and locked it.
He then set off. Along the way he passed a bakery. He took a quick sniff of the air. "Mmm, that smells good..." he sighed with bliss. "I should get some of that later."
He took note of one of the signs on the side of the street. It was similar to a 'ped x-ing' sign, but used knives in place of the pedestrians. He chuckled at it. "How odd..." He heard some people talking about lunch, and he found some girls wearing a girls' version of the uniform. "... Man, I wish Miho was here. I know she'd love it here."
The blond-haired German eventually reached his destination: Ooarai High School.
"Well, here goes nothing." He then walked inside.
XXXXXXXXXX
Later in the day, other students talked about plans they had for lunch as class was accordingly dismissed for it. As the other students walked out, the blond-haired German still sat in the class, asleep at his desk.
He stayed conked out until he heard a lively voice call out, "Hey dude! Wanna come eat with us?"
The young German shot up from his sleep, now on full alert, inspecting his surroundings until he found the source. He found two other boys of his class wearing inviting smiles. One of them was notably taller than the other, with black hair and brown eyes. He appeared somewhat European, but only slightly. The other one had blonde hair and hazel eyes, and appeared to be American. Both were wearing Ooarai's uniform, but without any personal touches.
The two had been smiling until they witnessed the blond-haired boy's reaction. They looked at each other. "Um, Anton. I think you startled Erich," the black-haired one told the other with a mature sounding voice.
The blonde, now known as Anton, turned towards Erich, the blond-haired German, and apologized, "Oh, sorry about that. Didn't mean to startle you."
"Let me ask again. Would you like to come eat with us?" the black-haired boy asked Erich.
Erich, now calm, responded with, "You sure?" The other two nodded. Erich then smiled. "Alright. That'd be nice."
XXXXXXXXXX
Later in the lunchroom, the three boys waited to get their lunch in the line.
"Ugh, I wanna get some food!" Anton commented. "I'm starving!"
The black-haired boy looked to Erich. "We wanted to talk with you," he told the blond-haired German.
Erich looked back. "You did?" he asked.
"Yeah!" Anton confirmed. "It's funny watching you be so carefree with everything!"
Erich slightly smiled. "Well, I aim to please."
The three laughed for a short time.
"Oh, by the way, I'm-" Anton began, but he was cut off by Erich
"-Anton Silva. Born July 10th." Anton appeared slightly surprised at that.
Erich then turned to the black-haired boy. "And you're Herz Benz. Born January 1st."
Herz, the taller black-haired boy, nodded with a smile. "That's right."
Anton was impressed. "Wow, so you know our birthdays too?"
"Yeah," Erich replied. "I only know everyone's name and birthday because I scoured the class list to find a specific person. I didn't find them, but I'm pretty good at memorizing things." He finished with a smile.
Anton quickly laughed. "You're funny, Erich."
Erich chuckled a bit. "Thanks."
"Hey, here's your potatoes," the lunch lady said as she put them on his plate.
Erich was delighted with them. "Yeah, potatoes!" He spun in joy, but nearly lost his lunch, literally. Thankfully, Herz and Anton helped stabilize him.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Thanks for that back there, guys."
The three new friends were now seated at a table eating their lunch.
Erich continued, "You know, I actually came here alone."
"I see," Anton replied. "Well, life's not all fast cars and guns. There's stuff like cheaters, getting friend-zoned, and finding out the girl you like is a stripper."
"Um... I don't even..."
Herz pitched in. "Did something happen to your family then? Like a feud, or a money disagreement?"
"...It's nothing serious like that," Erich awkwardly replied.
"Did your parents move for work? Or maybe you moved for a sibling's opportunity?"
Erich became silent and lost his smile, now wearing a somewhat dark face.
Anton and Herz noticed how Erich didn't want to talk about it, so Herz quickly changed the subject. "We should eat, before everything gets cold."
Erich seemed to snap out of it then. "Oh, yeah! Potatoes!" He started eating again with a renewed vigor.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Wouldn't that be considered tampering?" someone asked. He had a German accent, but it sounded like it was from the southern parts of Germany.
Three people were present in a dark office-like room, but their faces remained to be seen. They could all be distinguished as boys, though. One of them was sitting on a chair with his feet propped up on the desk in front of him.
"It's alright, it's alright," the one in the chair dismissed. He also had a similar southern German accent, but sounded far more carefree.
"Understood," responded the third one beside the second one. He also had the same southern German accent, but he sounded far more strict. "I'll get on it right away."
XXXXXXXXXX
"Hey, there's this cafe I wanted to show you. Why don't we stop by there?" Anton asked.
"Ooh, you've got my interest," Erich responded.
"Sure, I'm interested," Herz agreed.
The three boys were now in a classroom, with Erich in his seat, Anton leaning on Erich's desk, and Herz standing behind Anton.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" Anton asked Erich.
Erich looked to Anton. "What is it?" he asked.
"I'm in a bit of an odd situation right now. I must be too handsome or something."
"This again?" Herz wondered.
"I swear, there are always girls that are hitting on me. I don't really know what to do about it."
"Girls hitting on you?" Erich asked.
"Yeah, a lot of the girls living nearby. Every day, they always smile at me and say, 'Hey there!' or, 'How's it going?'"
"Like I said before, they were just saying hello," Herz responded.
"But they obviously love me!"
"Sure, sure."
Erich then spoke up with a smile. "Anton, you're a real friendly and sociable person. That's probably why everyone is so nice to you." Anton raised his eyebrows a bit. "That's pretty impressive that you're so approachable, if you ask me."
He continued on. "You know, I'm glad we could hang out today. You seem like a very trustworthy friend." Anton smiled at his praise.
"You're just as good of a person, Erich," Herz said.
"Oh, no, you're too kind, Herz. You seem very levelheaded and strong-willed. You're also a lot more mature than I am, too. I somewhat envy you for that."
"No Erich. Everyone always says I'm far too stiff and traditionalist."
"They do?" Anton wondered.
"At my old school, everyone always berated me for not taking anything seriously," Erich revealed. "I wish I could be as disciplined as you."
"Well, it could be because I've been doing archery for a long time," Herz said.
"Ooh, I've always wanted to do archery! It seems so fun, so fulfilling!" Herz raised his eyebrows in surprise, evidently not expecting such a response.
Erich continued on with a sincere smile. "I'm really glad we all met. You're both fantastic people."
Herz and Anton smiled at his praise again, and Herz responded for the both of them. "No, thank you."
Three boys then walked into the classroom and stopped at the front. One of them was noticeably shorter than the other two, and had light brown hair with brown eyes. He was chewing on a strip of jerky.
On his left was a light blonde with hazel eyes. On his right was a boy with black hair and deep brown eyes. He was distinctive for the thin glasses he wore. All three of them were, predictably, wearing Ooarai's uniform.
Some of the students began talking amongst themselves in confusion.
"The President?"
"Why's the student council here?"
The glasses-wearing boy and the short brunette had a silent conversation with each other, ending with the glasses-wearing one pointing in Erich's direction.
"Hey, what's up, Erich?" the short brunette greeted with a carefree voice that had a southern German accent.
"Huh?" Erich wondered in confusion. "Um, who's...?"
"He's the President," Anton answered for him. "The other two are the VP and the PR rep."
The three student council members stopped at Erich's desk.
"We need to talk," the PR rep said with a stern voice underlined by a southern German accent.
"Er..." was all Erich could say among his great confusion.
XXXXXXXXXX
The four of them stepped out in the hall to talk.
"When you choose your elective," the short President said with a smile, "make sure you choose Jägermeistern. Understood?"
Erich raised an eyebrow. "Uh... I thought there was no Jägermeistern here."
"It's coming back this year," the PR rep informed.
Erich faced the PR rep. "But the whole reason I came here was because I thought there was no Jägermeistern here."
"It must be fate then!" the President said with a smile as he put his arm around Erich's shoulder.
"Do I not get a say in what I want to do?"
The President slapped him on the back. "Just sign up for it, alright?" The three student council members then walked away, leaving Erich standing in the hall. Anton and Herz were in the doorway to the room, and they witnessed the whole exchange.
Erich's face slowly displayed the signs of being pissed off.
XXXXXXXXXX
Back in the classroom, instruction continued after the discussion with the student council.
"So let's take a look at this one," the instructor began. "Mr. Hartmann?"
Erich simply stared ahead with the same pissed-off expression he had before.
The whole class noticed. "Erich!" Anton whispered from his seat.
"Hmm?" he responded, lifting his expression a bit.
"What's wrong?" the instructor asked. "Is everything alright?"
"... May I please be excused?" Erich asked. "I need some fresh air."
"That's fine," the instructor granted. "Go clear your head."
Erich got up and made his way out while Anton and Herz observed him.
"Excuse me, sir! May I get some air, too?" Anton asked the instructor as he raised his hand.
"My eyes are overstressed again," Herz informed as he raised his own hand.
XXXXXXXXXX
About a minute later, Erich slammed his way through an exit door and walked outside. Anton and Herz were not far behind.
"Erich!" Anton called out to him.
"Are you alright?" Herz asked.
Erich turned around, with a flared-up attitude and fire in his eyes.
"Whoa, Erich!" Anton said as he stopped and held his hands in front of him. "Relax! It's us."
"If you don't want to talk, that's alright," Herz assured. "We understand."
After seeing who was there with him, Erich calmed down. "Sorry about that," he apologized.
"What the hell did the President tell you?" Anton pressed.
"Would you mind telling us?" Herz asked more politely.
"They said they're bringing back Jägermeistern this year," Erich informed.
"Jägermeistern? That Art of Warfare traditionally meant for boys?"
"What does that have to do with you?" Anton asked.
"He told me to choose Jägermeistern as my elective," Erich told them.
Anton raised his eyebrows in wonder. "Huh? Why?"
"I think..." Erich began but trailed off.
"Are they trying to harass you? Wait, I know! You're hitting on the girlfriend of one of the student council members! Good God, a battle for a girl's heart?! She better be worth it!"
"No, it's-"
"Seeing as how they personally asked you to join," Herz interrupted, "could it be that you're an ace of the skies who's shot down scores of enemies? Dogfighting, running wild, and shooting everything that moves?!"
"No, that's not it either."
"Well then, why?" Anton asked.
"Well..." Erich hesitated to gather his thoughts. He then sighed. "My family... is one of the biggest names in aviation."
"Oh?" Herz wondered, impressed.
"Wow..." Anton similarly reacted.
"But I wasn't praised for my ability. Instead, I was berated for not taking the sport seriously and staining my country. I came here so I wouldn't have any obligations to uphold," Erich coldly revealed.
"So that's why," Herz said in revelation.
"I see," Anton similarly expressed. "Well then, don't force yourself!"
Erich looked to Anton, who now had a smile. "What?" he wondered in confusion.
"Most people don't do those Arts of Warfare nowadays anyway!"
"If you want to tell the student council you want to do something else, we'll support you," Herz offered.
Erich looked to Herz, and he slowly smiled again. "Thanks, guys," he thanked them.
After they finished, some bells could be heard ringing.
"Looks like classes are over," Herz observed. "And I was really enjoying the outdoors, too."
"Just homeroom's left," Anton stated.
The school's intercom system then flared to life.
"Huh?" Erich wondered.
"Attention all students," the intercom broadcast. "Assemble in the gym. Repeat, assemble in the gym."
The three boys looked to each other as the intercom cut out, evidently confused about the broadcast. They headed back inside anyway.
XXXXXXXXXX
A few minutes later, all students had assembled in the gym.
In the middle of everyone were Erich, Anton, and Herz.
"What are we doing here?" Erich asked the other two.
"Who knows?" Anton replied with a shrug.
"We never know what the student council is thinking," Herz responded.
Erich digested their information. "You're all used to this, huh?"
"Quiet please," Momo commanded from the stage with her fellow council members alongside the three student council boys. "We'll now begin the orientation for one of two of the school's elective programs." The six student council members then walked off the stage, with Anzu, Momo, and Yuzu exiting stage left and the boys exiting stage right.
The lights were darkened almost completely, and the first film, 'Introduction to Panzerkraft,' was played.
XXXXXXXXXX
The first tank to appear was a British Mark IV landship.
"Panzerkraft..."
The next to appear was a German Sturmpanzerwagen A7V, followed by a British Medium Mark A Whippet.
"Throughout its long history it has been used all over the world as a way to train girls."
Many young women in black uniforms were then shown, lined up rank-in-file.
Erich rolled his eyes. 'Propaganda,' he thought. 'Now I wish Miho wasn't here.'
Next, the crew of a German Panzer III J1, painted in a desert camouflage scheme, elegantly bowed, and then set off to man the Panzer.
"It's an Art of Warfare that strives to nurture polite, graceful, humble, and brave women."
The commander barked a command to move forward, and the Panzer III did so.
"Learning Panzerkraft will give an edge to your femininity. You'll become as hot and tough as steel, as robust and lovely as caterpillar tracks, and as passionate and accurate as a cannon."
The Panzer III stopped and fired off its 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 main gun, which startled some of the audience.
Next, a column of many Panzer III J1s passed through a town parade-style.
"If you learn Panzerkraft, you will without a doubt become a great wife, a great mother, and a great career woman. You will be a healthy, kind, and dependable woman who will appeal to many men."
The Panzer III crew was shown waving to the crowds while being showered with confetti.
Multiple Panzer III J1s were next shown crossing a desert, seemingly ready for combat.
"Now, let's all learn Panzerkraft and become sound and beautiful women, in both mind and body."
On screen serving as the end of the film was the phrase, 'Step up, maidens!'
XXXXXXXXXX
At the end of the fild, the sound of a 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 firing was heard again.
"Please remain seated, for we will start the second elective's orientation at this time," Momo commanded.
'Great,' Erich thought as he rolled his eyes. 'More propaganda.'
XXXXXXXXXX
The next film started was called, 'Introduction to Jägermeistern.'
The first aircraft to appear was a British Vickers F.B.5.
"Jägermeistern..."
Next came a German Fokker D .VII, followed by a British Bristol F.2B.
"Throughout its history it has never failed as a method to train young men."
Scores of young men in black uniforms, somewhat similar to Luftwaffe uniforms, stood at attention.
Erich sighed out of boredom and tried to find something to distract him.
The ground crew for a slightly different model Bf 109 finished preparing the plane for combat, and the pilot entered the cockpit.
This Bf 109 had a different wing planform, using semi-elliptical tips. It also had a new propeller spinner that covered the entire frontal area of the plane. This model also had a hole in the center of the spinner, where a cannon mounted between the engine's cylinder banks fired through. There was also a dust filter over a new-design supercharger intake that had a distinctive 'elbow' appearance, mounted on the left side of the engine cowl, with a dust filter over it.
This model lacked any markings, but featured a German tropical camouflage of a tan upper surface and a very light gray lower surface. No form of deviance such as personal emblems existed on this Bf 109 F-4/trop, solidifying its status as a film star.
"It's an Art of Warfare designed to bring out the very best in men."
The Friedrich took off from a desert airstrip with haste, showcasing its power.
"Flying an aircraft gives a slew of benefits for those that learn how. You'll become as cool as a sharpshooter, as versatile as a Jabo, and as accurate as a well-executed attack."
The Bf 109, now higher in altitude, flew up into the center of a Lufberry circle consisting of several British Spitfires, pulled a very tight turn with flaps extended, and fired off a quick burst of its two 7.92 mm MG 17s and single 20 mm MG 151/20 Motorkanone. The short burst decimated a Spitfire in the circle.
The display surprised and impressed much of the audience. Three of them were young freshmen of German descent. One of them was shorter than the others and had blonde hair with blue eyes. The other two had brown hair with brown eyes, though one of them had longer hair. Another boy, roughly similar in age but shorter than Erich, Anton, and Herz, with black hair was more or less annoyed by being woken up. He went back to his nap soon after.
'Wonder how much they paid Hans to do that,' Erich thought. He was less impressed, evidently having seen such a display before.
In the film, the Bf 109 came in to land, dropping its distinctive narrow-track, splayed-out landing gear along with its flaps, which included the radiator flaps.
"Learning Jägermeistern will without a doubt turn you into a functional man in society fit for leadership. You will be much more diverse in personality, and will greatly appeal to women."
Many others in the audience had their interest aroused. One was a young blue-eyed brunette, appearing to be from the northern parts of North America, who appeared to be absorbed by the film. Four badminton players with an American appearance watched with interest. Two others also watched with interest. One of them was a German dressed in a dark green Luftwaffe trench coat and peaked cap, and the other appeared to be of Greek descent and was wearing a breastplate with a spear on his back.
Three other young freshmen of German descent were among the interested people. Two had blonde hair, and one had black hair. One of the blondes had brown eyes, and the other two had blue eyes. The three student council boys also watched with interest.
Anton went wide in the eyes with awe when he saw the possible appeal to women.
Erich shook his head. 'Pferdscheiße,' he thought.
In the film, the pilot of the Friedrich was welcomed with great enthusiasm by a large crowd.
Multiple 109s were later seen flying in a large formation through very clear skies.
"Let's all learn and strive to become Jägermeistern, and become the men the world needs."
At the end of the film, the screen read, 'Step up, gentlemen!'
XXXXXXXXXX
The sound of an MG 151/20 firing was heard for a second, and the gym filled with smoke at the same time. This impressed two more boys. One of them appeared to be Nordic and he wore a cuirass painted blue with a yellow cross. The other appeared American and was wearing a black top hat.
A registration form for electives was then displayed on the screen as the three student council boys along with Anzu, Momo, and Yuzu walked back onto the stage.
"Wow!" Anton awed.
"That sounds wonderful," Herz commented.
Erich remained indifferent, appearing bored by the film.
"The International Arts of Warfare Tournaments will begin in a few weeks, and Ooarai High School has been invited to participate in the Panzerkraft and Jägermeistern tournaments," the boys' PR rep stated. "In preparation, the student council has seen fit to bolster both."
Anzu continued in her carefree tone, "So we brought back Panzerkraft and Jägermeistern! There are many advantages to signing up for one of them." She cued the boys' VP. "VP!"
The VP accordingly continued. "Those who perform well will get one hundred food vouchers for the cafeteria, two hundred tardiness excuses, and triple credits for both courses!" He finished off with eagerness.
The formerly napping black-haired boy was greatly intrigued by this information
"Sign up now, everyone!" Anzu finished off.
XXXXXXXXXX
Later that day, Erich, Anton, and Herz were walking out of the school talking amongst each other.
"That's it. I'm doing it!" Anton proclaimed.
"Huh?" Erich asked in confusion.
"Don't you know girls love a charming pilot? You get popular if you're in Jägermeistern, right?"
Erich didn't look convinced.
"Hey, Erich, you should join up, too! You said you're from an aviation family!" Anton continued with plenty of eagerness.
"I... don't think..." Erich began apprehensively.
Herz joined in. "I know. I know what that feels like, Erich. I mean, I'm from a line of archers, after all."
Erich looked to his direction, intrigued by his words. "I see."
"But Jägermeistern seems really interesting!" Herz returned looking pumped up about it.
"Eh?"
"I've always wanted to do something more thrilling than shooting an arrow at an apple on top of some unlucky kid's head."
Erich appeared a bit surprised at his implication.
Herz continued with confidence. "I want to do Jägermeistern, too."
Erich was now more startled by his words.
"Erich, you should join us and show us the ropes."
Erich looked very unsure. "Um..."
"You'll be the best in there, no doubt!" Anton encouraged with a friendly slap on Erich's back.
XXXXXXXXXX
That night, Erich was in his apartment at his desk, wearing just his boxers. He was staring at the elective form in front of him in very deep thought. His thoughts then wandered off to an incident from some time ago.
XXXXXXXXXX
A mangled Bf 109 on a forest floor, in the German tropical camouflage, had caught fire after crash landing. From the ground, a similar-size fighter, slightly different in design, was seen flying past at very high speed, nearly skimming some treetops. Someone in black was seen rushing to the fallen 109.
XXXXXXXXXX
Back in the present, Erich shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"I didn't want to leave you all alone," he muttered. "I really didn't." He then grew a pissed face. "It's all because of those glory-seekers, that I couldn't go back for you, my friend."
XXXXXXXXXX
The next morning in class, Anton and Herz were seated in front of Erich's desk, with Erich himself behind the desk. His elective registration form had 'Abstract Art' circled.
Erich looked down at the sheet with a dark face. "Sorry. I can't."
He further elaborated. "I came here because I wanted out of Jägermeistern."
Anton and Herz looked to each other and had a silent conversation before giving off reassuring smiles.
"We understand," Anton assured.
"Sorry for stirring you up with that," Herz apologized.
Both Anton and Herz crossed off their choice of Jägermeistern and chose Abstract Art as well.
Erich seemed taken aback by their choice.
Anton saw, and said, "We'll sign up for the same thing."
"No, don't do that!" Erich pressed. "You two should go for it!"
"Don't worry about it! It's better to stick with your friends!"
"We don't want to make you mad or upset by taking Jägermeistern," Herz added.
Erich tried to smile. "Don't let me drag you away from your desires, I'll do fine."
Herz persisted. "I don't like upsetting my friends in any way."
"I just do what the girls think is cool anyway, so it's no issue for me!" Anton added in.
Erich slowly regained a genuine smile.
XXXXXXXXXX
Lunchtime came around and everyone had gone to the lunchroom to get food.
"What did you choose for electives?"
"I had a hard time choosing, but I eventually chose Jägermeistern!"
Many people were talking over their elective choices during lunch.
"Wow! Me too!"
"I wonder what tanks are like!"
Erich, Anton, and Herz were exceptions. They ate their lunch in peace, instead.
"They said it's perfect training for girls!"
"Well, there are the guys and their Jägermeistern, too."
An anonymous person was reading a Jägermeistern magazine, and a British Hawker Typhoon Mk 1b of later production was on the cover. It was adorned with the British tropical camouflage scheme.
"I wonder how girls see Jägermeistern."
By now, the talking was getting to Herz a bit.
"My girlfriends said she'd love to see me in a military uniform!"
Anton got a bit miffed by that comment.
"I really want to shoot those cannons!"
"KABOOM!"
Erich was highly startled by that shout, and hacked out a piece of chewed potato after nearly choking on it.
"Apparently Jägermeistern used to be offered here a long time ago."
Anton had enough, and tried to speak with Erich. "Hey, do you want to come get some sweet potato ice cream after school?"
"Ooarai is famous for their sweet potatoes," Herz elaborated.
"Oh, yeah, I heard about them," Erich responded. "The dried sweet potatoes are also well known! That's actually one reason I came here!"
"Some people call them 'dehydrated sweet potatoes,'" Anton explained.
"Wow, I didn't know about that."
The school's intercom kicked on again.
"Erich-Dietrich Hartmann, repeat Erich-Dietrich Hartmann."
Erich's attention was drawn to the intercom, as were Anton's and Herz's.
"Report to the student council office immediately. That is all."
Erich lowered his eyebrows. "So they want to play that way, huh?"
"Want us to come with you?" Anton asked.
"We'll support you however possible," Herz offered.
Erich looked to his friends with a grateful smile. "I'll be fine, guys. But thank you for your support. I really appreciate it." Erich then got up and walked out of the cafeteria to the student council's office.
Within the halls, he heard the intercom flare up again.
"Miho Nishizumi, repeat Miho Nishizumi. Report to the student council office immediately. That is all."
Erich stopped as he digested the new information with wide eyes. 'She's here?' he thought. 'She's actually here?'
Soon after, he recovered and continued on to the student council office.
"Wow, talk about coincidence," he said to himself. "I hope she didn't take that personally."
Unbeknownst to him, Anton and Herz were stealthily following him. They were both confused by Erich's actions.
"Do you know who that is?" Anton asked Herz.
"Not a clue," Herz replied.
XXXXXXXXXX
In the student council office, the three boys on the student council were in front of Erich.
The PR rep showed Erich his elective sheet. "Explain this," he commanded.
The President was in his chair behind his desk, looking greatly dissatisfied. "Was signing up too hard for you?" he asked with a monotone.
The PR rep turned his head to the other two. "No other boys have experience with aircraft," he informed for Erich. He then turned back to face him.
The VP looked down in dismay. "It's over, isn't it?" he asked, disappointed. "We're done for."
Erich stood across from all of them and stared back with his arms crossed, looking not too pleased. "Once again, do I not get a choice in what I want to do?" he coldly replied.
"Perhaps you won't be here for much longer if you continue down your chosen path," the President responded.
"Like I haven't heard that before."
"That's no hollow threat," the PR rep answered back. "The President is always serious."
The VP approached Erich. "Come on, just say you're sorry," he pleaded.
"No," Erich replied.
The PR rep was getting slightly agitated. "The student council may compel students as they see fit," he informed.
"That's our privilege," the President confirmed.
Some raised voices could be heard in the office next door, and they drew the attention of Erich and the student council.
Erich went over to the right side of the office where a bar-like area was, which included a bar window with a lowered shutter. The student council followed, curious of Erich's actions. Erich opened the shutter forcefully, sending it to the top of the window.
"Hey, can you keep it down?!" he snapped at the other side's occupants, revealed to be the student council girls, plus Saori, Hana, and one more girl Erich couldn't readily identify. The girl in question was hidden somewhat by Hana's presence between her and Erich.
Saori and Hana stopped their argument with Momo and Anzu as all eyes turned to the blond-haired German. Unknown to everyone else, Anton and Herz had slipped in to the girls' office to listen better. Their entrance was masked by the diversion of attention to Erich.
"Danke," Erich said, exasperated.
He then turned back to the three boys of the student council. "Now as I was saying, if you offer me this elective like you would any other elective, and I decide I like what's being offered, then I'll join up and perform as you wish of me. But if you try to coerce me into doing it, then I'll resist until my last dying gasp."
There was another gasp, not a last dying gasp but a normal one, in the now-connected offices. "Um, I...!"
Everyone, including the boys, diverted their attention to the voice, revealed to be that of Miho Nishizumi.
She steeled herself and announced, "I'll sign up for Panzerkraft!"
Saori and Hana were greatly surprised. "Eh?!" was all they could say.
"Thank goodness!" Yuzu said in relief.
Anzu and Momo both smiled slightly at their success.
Erich, however, was more shocked with Miho's mere presence, let alone her response, evidenced by his wide eyes and slightly hung-open mouth. He noticed Anton and Herz, but wasn't nearly as concerned with them as he was with Miho.
While all that was happening, the boys' President was thinking over his next words. He got them and turned to Erich.
"You win, Erich," he said without his carefree tone. "Trying to coerce you was a horrible idea, I guess. We both stand to gain nothing from continuing to fight each other. Could we try starting out again on a clean sheet?"
Erich turned to the President, now confused.
The President continued. "Just one last question and I'll let you go, and never bother you again. I'll be fine with whatever answer you give. Would you like to participate in Jägermeistern?"
Erich thought over his words, and a few images flashed through his head. The first one was that of a propeller spinner painted a distinct black. The second one was that of an aircraft distinct as a Bf 109, but was slightly different from the F model. This model had two distinctive 'Beulen' on the upper engine cowl, where two machine guns were mounted. The rest of the black nose paint job could be seen, revealing an overall resemblance to a black tulip. A third image showed a more heavily framed canopy, obstructing the pilot. The aircraft itself had a German tropical camouflage in better condition, with a darker tan, almost orange, topside and light blue underside. There was also a black number 1 on the fuselage sides. The aircraft appeared to resemble the G-6 model of the 109.
Erich snapped out of his thoughts and came to a decision. 'Try and stop me this time, Bruder,' he thought.
"Okay. I'll do it," he answered with confidence.
His confidence became radiant as everyone in both offices grew a smile upon seeing the conflicts come to an end.
As he looked back to Miho, who was distracted and thus remained unaware of his presence, he grew his signature smile.
XXXXXXXXXX
Later that evening, Erich, Anton, and Herz walked into a restaurant as they talked.
"Are you sure that's what you want?" Anton asked.
"Ja," Erich replied, confident in his choice.
"Okay, but there's no need to force yourself."
"I'll be alright."
Erich faced both Anton and Herz while still walking with his gentle smile.
"I really couldn't ask for any better friends than you guys. You're willing to help me out even when I don't realize I need it. You're the first in a long time to do that for me. Most others just wanted to be rid of my presence."
He continued with a bit more animation. "My brother was always like, 'You have to take your duties seriously, or you'll stain our name and country!' Well, he can take his whole life seriously if he wants, but I'd rather have some fun in mine. Of course..." Erich hesitated a bit. "No one ever agrees with me..." He then spotted Miho and her friends. "... except for her."
Erich, with his friends in tow, approached Miho's seat unnoticed as her friends gave her samples of various kinds of sweet potato ice cream.
"Do you think you can keep all that potato goodness from me, Miho?" Erich greeted as he approached her.
Miho quickly turned around to find Erich smiling at her. She displayed shock at seeing him as her eyes widened. Her friends turned around right after, and spotted Erich's friends alongside him.
"Erich?" Miho asked with disbelief.
"Who else do you know that loves potatoes as much as me?" Erich asked with amusement in his voice.
Miho blinked, then grew an eagerly excited grin and launched herself at Erich, tackling him to the ground in a hug. Both of their friends were surprised by her actions.
"Erich! I can't believe you're really here!" Miho exclaimed.
Erich, trapped by her hug, choked out, "Oh, believe it. I'm as real as the pain your hug's causing!"
Miho realized what he was saying, and she jumped off of him. "Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to-"
Erich cut her off. "Don't worry about it." He then got himself off of the ground and continued. "I can't fault you for actually wanting to see me." He then noticed Saori and Hana. "By the way, who're your friends there?"
Miho looked back at her friends, and then looked back at Erich. "Oh! Let me introduce you guys!" She then turned to her friends with a smile. "Saori, Hana, this is Erich. We've been great friends with each other for a long time." She then turned back to Erich. "Erich, these are Saori and Hana, two of my newest friends."
"Nice to meet you two," Erich greeted the two of them.
"What are we? Chopped liver?" Anton quipped.
Erich turned around to see his two friends being left out. "Oh, my bad," he said sheepishly. He turned back to Miho. "These are my friends Anton and Herz."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Herz politely greeted.
"So, Erich," Anton began with a mischievous smirk. "Is this your girlfriend?"
Miho's response was predictable. She deeply blushed as her entire face turned red with embarrassment, and she was looking around trying to avoid eye contact with her friends or Erich's friends.
Erich's response, however, was not predictable. He laughed heartily for several seconds before he regained his breath.
"Huh?" was Saori's reaction. Everyone else, excluding Miho who was still recovering from her embarrassment, had similar reactions of confusion.
"Sorry," Erich said with his signature smile. "I just find it funny how that was the first thing you assumed, Anton."
Anton stood there, stupefied. "That's not how you're supposed to react!" he responded in denial.
Erich quickly laughed before he spoke again. "Okay then. No, she's not my girlfriend. Like she said, we've been friends for a very long time, so we're pretty close." He then turned to Miho. "Now, do you know where I can order?" he kindly asked.
Miho pointed to his right, and Erich turned and spotted the place.
"Ah, thanks."
Erich headed over there, and the others followed. He then got to the ordering area.
"Welcome," the cashier politely greeted. "May I take your order?"
"Yeah," Erich replied. "I'll have..." He trailed off as he observed the vast amount of items on the overhead menu. "Ah, forget it. I'll take one of everything."
The cashier blinked. "One... of everything?"
"Yeah."
Miho face-palmed hard. "Au mein Gott, not this again..." she muttered as she began shaking her head with an exasperated smile.
The cashier blinked again before she recovered. "Ah, yes sir!" she replied. "Right away!" She then rushed off to deliver the order.
Erich turned around to find his and Miho's friends staring at him, bewildered, and Miho with her face in her hand.
He blinked. "What?"
"And I thought I was a big eater..." Hana finally responded.
XXXXXXXXXX
Eventually, the next day came around.
Erich and his two friends were in front of the Ooarai High School hangars standing around with other members of the newly constituted Jägermeistern team.
Among them were four badminton players, all boys and American in appearance. One of them was noticeably shorter than the other three, and was wearing a white t-shirt with black, baggy shorts. He had short brown hair and blue eyes, and appeared to be a leader for the other three.
The other three badminton players were roughly equal in height, and all wore the same clothes, presumably the badminton uniform. It consisted of red, baggy shorts along with a white jersey with a red vertical stripe going up each of the sides. One of the three had blonde hair of average length and brown eyes. Another had black hair and brown eyes. The last one had brown hair with a bit of a beard.
Six freshmen, appearing to be of German descent, were also present. The four dressed in historical outfits were present, as well. Behind Erich and his friends was another brunette that was all alone.
The student council conversed with each other as they took in those that had shown up.
"Not as many as we thought," the PR rep commented.
"Eighteen in total," confirmed the VP. "That makes twenty-one when you include us. Anyhow, we'll manage."
"All's well, then," the President stated.
Erich and his friends were talking with each other during the wait.
"So now it begins," Herz observed.
"Ja," Erich agreed.
"If more girls start to come after me I wouldn't know what to do!" Anton chipped in with some eagerness.
Erich shook his head in amusement as he chuckled.
The student council then stepped forth from their positions.
"The Jägermeistern class will now begin," the PR rep announced.
Some of the crowd asked questions.
"Um, are the planes Mustangs or..."
"Uh, what were those things called again?"
The hangar was opened and the crowd entered. Within the hangar and obscured by shadows was a plane that had clearly seen better days.
"What is that?" one of the freshmen asked.
"It looks completely trashed," another freshman said.
"No way," yet another freshman added in.
"Let's just say it has transient appeal," Herz said to try and lighten the mood.
"This is just a rusted-out piece of junk," Anton replied to him.
While everyone was talking, Erich started walking to the plane. He meticulously inspected it, noting everything that needed to be fixed.
He then bent down to run his hand over the surface of one of the wings, which were both lying on the ground separate from the aircraft.
Erich then smiled once more. "The wings look fine, and the fuselage appears intact," he noted. "This could work."
The crowd took in a delighted gasp, happy to hear they had a plane available.
The plane itself had a highly faded skin surface that was unpainted. The unique blue five-legged Balkenkreuz markings of Ooarai adorned the upper and lower sides of its wings, along with the fuselage sides.
The plane also had distinctive landing gear that currently supported it. The landing gear had a narrow track and was noticeably splayed outward, being hinged at the fuselage. This explains the current appearance of the plane resting on its landing gear with its wings detached. The exhaust stacks on the lower sides of the engine cowl signified an inverted V12 engine, which drove a three-bladed propeller. A supercharger intake with a bit of an elbow-like shape stuck out of the upper left portion of the cowl into the airstream. In the upper cowl resided two machine guns.
Besides a small oil cooler under the nose, no radiators could be seen on the airplane. Instead, the radiators were placed within the squared-off wings, which were currently under the fuselage, stacked on top of each other. Each wing had an auto cannon within it, along with distinctive automatic leading edge slats. The canopy had a squared-off design, as well, and the fuselage had a razorback design. The tailplane was braced with a strut on each side, and both struts were mounted to the fuselage. The plane was a German Messerschmitt Bf 109E.
The hangars everyone was within were behind the school, which was almost directly in the middle of the absurdly large carrier-like ship that housed it. The Zuikaku continued on its journey through the oceans undisturbed, as if completely oblivious to the events occurring on its top deck.
XXXXXXXXXX
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."
Anton tripped on his way to standing in a photo with him, Erich, Herz, and two others. One was shorter with black hair, and the other had brown hair and blue eyes. Everyone besides the short, black-haired boy appeared concerned, but Anton shrugged it off, appearing fine. He then got everyone to look at the camera.
"If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat."
The camera zoomed in on Erich, who gave off his signature smile.
"If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."
"To the Skies See Ooarai Rise"
Erich could be seen struggling to get out of bed and get ready, but eventually he got up and out the door of his apartment, with some help. Miho had pulled him out by his ear, with him struggling against her grip.
I stand
Alone and gaze upon the battlefield
The both of them raced down the sidewalk, Miho dragging Erich the whole way by his ear, to meet up with their friends: Saori, Hana, Anton, and Herz. Anton and Herz each had a tiny knife on their keychains.
Wasteland
Is all that's left after the fight
The black-haired boy in the original shot could be seen walking past six freshmen of German descent, who appeared to be conversing with each other. The brown-haired boy from the initial shoot was close by.
And now I'm searching
A new way to defeat my enemy
A plush wildcat carrying two M2 Browning HMGs was seen on a keychain.
Bloodshed
I've seen enough of death and pain!
Three American-looking boys were talking to each other. One had shoulder-length blonde hair, another had shorter gray hair, and the last one had almost burgundy hair. The last one was noticeably shorter than the other two. They were standing in front of a chalkboard that had a violet lightning bolt drawn on it.
I will run,
They will hunt,
Me in vain.
I will hide,
They'll be searching
Someone was typing on a laptop with a shrike bird on it that appeared to be performing a roll.
I'll regroup,
Feign retreat,
They'll pursue coup de grace
The three student council boys were walking down a hall.
I will win but never fight,
That's the Art of War!
The PR rep appeared unemotional, the VP appeared to be pumped, and the President had a smile that turned to a predatory grin.
That's the Art of War!
A light brown-haired young man of American descent was seen cleaning the wing surface of a Bf 109E. Another black-haired boy of German descent finished messing with the inverted V12 engine, wielding a large wrench with a comet painted on it. Another blond-haired boy of German descent was lifting a box of parts for the plane. Another brunette of British descent was helping out. All wore coveralls, but the British boy had undone the upper portion, leaving the sleeves tied around his waist.
Breaking,
The will to fight among the enemy
Erich was seen running through a forest to a burning wreck.
Force them,
To hunt me, they will play my game,
He was shown watching a sunset, but he noticed Anton, Herz, and the brown-haired boy from the initial shot behind him. All three joined Erich.
And play by my rules.
I will be close but still untouchable
The short black-haired boy from the initial shot stepped down from the cabin of a large halftrack, only to find a puppy Dachshund on the hood. Erich threw a tennis ball and the Dachshund pup ran to fetch it.
No more,
Will I see suffering and pain!
Erich climbed into the cockpit of the Messer. Anton installed an access panel on the Bf 109's engine cowl and latched it down. Herz manned the large cannon mounted on the large halftrack's platform. Erich moved the throttle forward, beginning a take-off run.
They will find,
Me no more,
I'll be gone.
I will have,
Them surrounded
An F4F, an Me 410, a Ki-10, an Fw 190A, and a Bf 109E were flying in a delta, and the 109 pulled up.
They will yield,
Without fight,
Overrun, coup de grace
Three British Spitfires, two early and one late model, flew in a vic formation.
I will win but never fight,
That's the Art of War!
Four American twin-boom, twin-engined, single-seat fighters flew ahead in a finger-four formation.
That's the Art of War!
The brunette from the initial shot finished loading up the 109's cowling machine guns and latched down the access panel.
Broken and lost!
Tired of war!
They'll,
Surrender to me!
The four historically themed boys stood at each other's side with an image of a hornet behind them.
Caught in my trap!
There's no way out!
Fail,
Never again! (Never again!)
A control stick was pulled back, then returned to center and pushed left.
The four American badminton players stood side-by-side with an image of a cyclone behind them.
Three Bf 109 F-4s and a Bf 109 G-6, all covered in a German winter camouflage with white undersides and gray-green topsides, flew in a Schwarm.
Anton appeared by a radio, getting the attention of ground crews.
The Bf 109E dived and brought its guns to bear as Erich calmly lined up his shot, and then opened fire with the two auto cannons and machine guns.
A late-model Spitfire was at rest on the ground, with two British boys at its side, talking to the pilot.
I will run,
They will hunt,
Me in vain.
I will hide,
They'll be searching
Three American boys were hanging around a landed American twin-engine, twin-boom, single-seat fighter.
I'll regroup,
Feign retreat,
They'll pursue coup de grace
Two fighters, one radial-engined and one inline-engined, were flown by two boys of Russian descent, one obviously calm and the other hot-headed.
I will win but never fight,
That's the Art of War!
Several German boys were near a landed Bf 109 G-6 with a black-haired, familiar-looking pilot alongside another pilot with shoulder-length blonde hair.
That's the Art of War!
A man in a modern Japanese Air Self-Defense Force officer uniform was observing within a modern fighter's canopy.
That's the Art of War!
Three boys, looking very similar with black, neatly combed hair and an English appearance, were shown. They all wore armbands adorned with a storm cloud.
That's the Art of War!
An Fw 190A was leading a Schwarm-like formation, consisting of a Ki-10 as its wingman and a Bf 109E as the element leader, with the element wingman being an F4F. Behind all four of them was an Me 410 equipped with Umrüst-Bausatz /U4. Erich was seen, relaxed as ever, in his Messer.
"Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence."
Erich's 109 was later seen leading a Kette consisting of the Fw 190A and Ki-10 back to the Zuikaku.
"Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."
On Erich's desk could be seen a picture of him and his friends Anton, Herz, the short black-haired boy, and the other brunette from the initial shot.
Part of Projekt Jägermeistern.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Next time on To the Skies See Ooarai Rise: Ich werde an Bord des Flugzeugs!"
XXXXXXXXXX
The author doesn't claim to own "Girls und Panzer," the music used, or any other references made. "Girls und Panzer" belongs to Actas. The music belongs to Sabaton. Any references made belong to their respective owners.
Feel free to ask any questions if you have them. Please note, however, that questions asked without being signed in will not be answered. The author would prefer to address questions outside of the story, and leaving questions while signed in provides that ability.