"Day of The Victory" (Flock'⁴⁴/ıı)

## Plot

D-Company gathered in the parking lot, observing the bustling streets as Jonah, Camille, and Otis arrived with bags of supplies given by the welcoming locals in Oslo. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as they awaited Jerrard's return.

Finally, Jerrard appeared, accompanied by two gatekeepers named Harald and Henrik. These brave Norwegians had survived the horrors of the Nazi regime and now stood as guardians of the mansion.

Inside a nearby restaurant, Trace, Louis, and Jerrard engaged in conversation with Harald and Henrik. Outside, Jonah and Hazel watched the fireworks illuminating the night sky and witnessed the joyous dancing of the crowd. As the music filled the air, the celebration continued, and the women's inviting gestures couldn't be ignored. With a hesitant smile, Hazel accepted their invitations, his body moving with a natural grace that hinted at his hidden talents. He had always been a skilled dancer, and this was his chance to shine.

Meanwhile, Jonah watched from the sidelines, his heart torn between wanting to join in the festivities and his fear of embarrassing himself on the dance floor. Memories of that one Christmas party in 1938 flooded his mind, where he had awkwardly stumbled through a few dance steps as a young boy. Since then, he had always avoided dancing, believing he simply wasn't cut out for it.

But something stirred within Jonah as he watched Hazel twirling and moving effortlessly. He realized that this moment wasn't about skill or perfection; it was about breaking free from the weight of their past as child soldiers, even if just for a little while. Gathering his courage, Jonah approached Hazel and asked him to dance, his voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination.

Hazel's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't hesitate. With a warm smile, he took Jonah's hand, their fingers intertwining. Together, they stepped onto the dance floor, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of the music. Hazel led, guiding Jonah through the steps, and as they moved, they seemed to forget their fears and worries.

At first, Hazel stumbled, his nerves getting the best of him. But Jonah's reassuring presence and gentle encouragement lifted his spirits. With each failed step, they laughed, their laughter echoing through the room like a symphony of joy. Jonah's words of support and kindness filled Hazel's ears, reminding him to persevere and not give up.

As the night wore on, their dance evolved into a beautiful display of resilience and friendship. Their movements became more fluid, their bodies swaying to the music with newfound confidence. No longer burdened by their pasts, they embraced the freedom of the present moment, finding solace in each other's company.

In that dance, Hazel and Jonah discovered the power of friendship and encouragement. They realized that sometimes, the greatest strength came not from within themselves, but from the support of those who believed in them. Together, they overcame their fears, proving that even the most daunting challenges could be conquered when faced with a kind and unwavering spirit.

As the night drew to a close, Hazel and Jonah basked in the euphoria of their dance, grateful for the memories they had created and the bonds they had forged. They knew that no matter what hardships awaited them in their military duties, they would face them with renewed determination and the knowledge that they were not alone.

Meanwhile, Louis asked Harald to assist in finding a local place for D-Company to camp for a day. Impressed by D-Company's arrival in Oslo, Harald and Henrik gladly agreed, expressing their gratitude for the fight against fascism. They took D-Company on a tour of the rural areas of Oslo in their jeeps, with D-Company waving at the locals they passed by. In the distance, Ellie noticed some Lebensblood children hiding their faces, avoiding eye contact. Her suspicions were aroused, but she decided to focus on the present moment.

Driving through the woods in their four jeeps, Jonah couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness knowing that the Nazis had been defeated and the Führer and his party had disappeared. Thoughts of Wulf, his loyal friend, brought comfort to his heart. Hazel, seeing his joy, cheerfully encouraged him, reminding him to stay positive as they searched for a place to stay.

Finally, they arrived at a mansion that had once belonged to a Jewish family. The fate of the family during the Holocaust remained unknown, but the mansion had been taken over by the Norwegian resistance, serving as their headquarters. The resistance fighters warmly welcomed D-Company, recognizing their heroic fight against the fascist regime. As they entered the mansion, they noticed a picture of the family, a poignant reminder of the lives affected by the atrocities of the Holocaust. Additionally, they discovered that Elva, who was pregnant, had a worsening leg injury that required immediate attention. D-Company knew they had found a temporary sanctuary, a place where they could rest and regroup before continuing their journey.