Hey guys, well this is chapter 1 redone and I hope you guys enjoy it. Don't forget to comment and live some constructive criticism. Follow and Favorite if you truly enjoy the work. No OCs have been removed in the process of rewriting. See you all at the end of the chapter. Hope you enjoy.
This was not tankery. No matter how many times someone could try and convince her and no matter how many commercials she saw, Miho finally realized on that day that the United States did not do tankery. It did not make sport. It made war.
Armand shouted his orders through the headsets with tremendous ferocity and anxiety. "MIHO! What are you doing!? You and Principe team need to cover the advance of the 2nd Century! We have to take back the cliff!" Miho nodded her head feverishly as if he could see her reaction through several miles of trees, steel and flesh.
"R-r-ryokai!" She stuttered back.
Suddenly Saori screamed from a abrupt fright, throwing Miho out of focus. The radio operator yelled out a few panic words but soon her voice was drowned out by the roar of the infamous German buzz saw. Miho did catch one word however, it was one she didn't want to hear. "Bazooka!"
Saori refused to lift her trembling finger from the MG-42 as she unload hundreds of bullets in matter of a few chaotic seconds. Her eyes started to widen when the St. Mark rocketeer refused to waver in the face of a hailstorm of bullets. The machine gun unloaded shot after shot but he managed to press on. A shot slammed into his leg but the Battle Referee refused to mark him dead, and instead, sent him tumbling to the ground. With clear anguish on his face, the St. Mark rocketeer would not quiet and lopped the rocket launcher around his left shoulder and made ready to fire.
"Reverse!" Miho shouted into her neck comms. For the first, time with widen eyes and sweating palms, Mako threw down the Panzer IV's break and flung back the accelerator into reverse. The Ausf H's engine sputtered and groaned as the metal monster reversed away from what looked to be it's certain doom.
Then in a single flash, the struggle was lost. The bazooka fired off it's missile and direct contact was made with the Anko tank right above the coaxial MG42, from just thirty feet away. Miho's IV shuddered just once and just like that, she heard the dreaded pop of the white flag as her tank was knocked out of action...
...but Miho herself was not out of the fight yet.
Expecting to feel the effects of the tranquilizer that was to be released from the Battle Referee system, Miho shut her eyes to welcome the short nap. However, she was surprised when after several seconds, the BRS still hadn't picked the top of her hand to inject the tranquilizer. It was then that she noticed the BRS had ruled her alive and able for combat. Miho's bloodshot eyes flung open and darted to her right and left.
A sleepy smile was plastered on Hana's lips as she slouched over the gun's sight, fast asleep as she unintentionally used her flowing black hair as a veil. To the commander's right, Yukari's brown orbs were fluttering as they struggled to remain open. Miho's eyes looked to her loader's left hand and more specifically to the tiny metal circle on it. That metal circle was the accursed Battle Referee System and it was blinking a bright yellow light.
Yukari was "bleeding out" and if Miho couldn't bandage her wound in time, she too would slip into a peaceful nap with Hana. But before the commander could aid her loader, she had to check on her remaining crew mates.
Miho called out into the icy silence below her, eager to hear a reply. "Mako...Saori...Mako...Saori..."
After a few moments, Miho's question was answered by the soft snoring emulating from the bottom chamber. Miho sighed. It was just her and Yukari.
As countless rounds from the continued firefight outside slammed against the hull of the knocked out IV, Miho crawled her way down into Saori's quarters. Using what strength she had, Miho pushed the ginger girl to the side and reached for the first aid pack that was tucked away underneath the FuG radio set. With clenched fist, the commander wrestled the beige pack away from the tangle of wires and boxes. Miho prayed to herself that no second shell hit the IV to ensure that it was knocked out and it's crew with it.
Finally managing to squirm her way back into her commander stool, the Japanese girl turned to aid her friend but to her disappointment, she was too late and a soft snore was emulating from Yukari's mouth, coupled with a deflating and inflating saliva bubble. The yellow blinking light on her BRS had turned into a solid crimson
"Hehehe...so mannnnnyyyy tigeeeers...hehe..." Whispered the sleep talking girl in between her soft snores.
Cursing her slow pace and yet still smiling at Yukari's hilarity, Miho looped the first aid kit's strap around her shoulder and pushed the loader back in her seat. Along with the Luger in the holster around her waist, Miho prepared to leave the IV with her loader's MP40 submachine gun. Miho pulled back the sub's bolt and locked in the first round.
She tucked in the gun's extra magazine into her skirt's belt and pinched her neck comms one last time. "Armand...Armand can you hear me..." she called, trying to link up communication with her commander.
Miho doubled checked to make sure she was on the right frequency and to her sorrow, she was. All the girl could hear was the lonely cry of static, and for the longest time, she believed he too was knocked out. Just as she was about to open her IV's hatch, the voice of the commander of the Crescentius Legionaries broke through the static wall. "I read you, I read you Miho! Report, report quickly!"
Miho sat back down on her stool sharply and delivered the grim situation the Second Century found itself in. "I have been knocked out and all my crew are knocked out as well. The last I saw of Troy, he was being ambushed by three Saint Mark rocketeers. They have us on the ropes and the assault is losing steam. I'm preparing to exit the tank via the cupola to join the fight." Spat Miho quickly in Japanese.
She heard nothing in reply at first but eventually the boy's voice returned.
"Merda," he cursed in his family's native tongue, "should Anthony fall, you must lead the 2nd century. The assault can not let up, we have just about broken through in the North. Just a little longer, that is all I ask Miho, keep them occupied a little longer and I promise you, we will swing back around as quickly as we can to reinforce you. Like a goddamn door, we will shut an exit they have. Just a little longer is all I ask."
Miho quickly responded, "I'll try, good luck commander."
"...And to you!...Ah crap! Luke! Luke! To the right!" He suddenly yelled over the roar of his Panther's 75 mm.
Wishing to hear no more, Miho tossed aside her neck comms and relieved herself of the radio's tangling web. After closing her eyes for two quick seconds that she wished could have lasted longer, the IV's commander twisted open her hatch...
...only to be greeted by the smug grinning face of a Saint Mark Conquistador.
"Buenos Dias Señorita!" He greeted arrogantly, an American accent laced clearly in his Spanish. With a crooked smile on his pimply face, he pointed his old Spanish variant of the Mauser M 1893 at Miho's bewildered face.
"Looks like you're my prisoner of war, señorita. Get up and out quickly, your units' been routed."
The girl commander could do nothing but look on with helpless eyes as the boy offered his left hand to aid her in getting out of the tank, while his right hand kept his rifle firmly pointed at her.
This was the first time Miho had ever had a gun pointed at her face, in competition or not, and staring down the cold steel barrel left her stomach turning. With slow and reluctant movements, Miho began to lower her MP40 to the commander stool and extended her left hand out to accept his aid.
With in the blink of an eye, the situation found itself in a sudden reversal. A sudden and swift shell slammed into the front of the knocked out Panzer IV, giving the exhausted tank a powerful rock. Her opponents' black eyes widened as he stumbled forward. The Mauser was pulled from his failing grip and fell into tank through the open cupola. Miho fell backward with the violent shake, and nearly slammed her head against the cupola's optics but managed to maintain her footing. Her would be captor almost fell into the tank himself but the cupola managed to catch him. Taking her opportunity, Miho slapped his free falling rifle to the floor. It thundered against the turret's steel floor and any hopes of defense were dashed for the Saint Mark soldier with every violent clank the gun made against the tank's metal insides. Miho wasted no time in wrenching her submachine gun upward.
Miho thought she was sick before when the rifle was pointed at her, but now, it was as if she was on the verge of vomit. She didn't bother looking through the small ring at the end of the gun's barrel nor at the fearful face of the Saint Mark boy and pulled the icy trigger.
Miho
The small town didn't have a proper port and the waters were far too shallow to advance any closer to shore. The Americans had no school ships and all teaching, from grades K to 12, as they called them, were done on land. Anko and Hippo team were going to have to board the school's transport ship after saying their goodbyes. Anzu made the preparations and gathered the girls of Ooarai's Sensha-dou club together one last time aboard the school ship.
Miho was excited to try this new "Preparatory Discipline Training and Competition" the United States had, and yet she felt the sharp knife in her heart that reminded her of all her memories at Ooarai thus far. She still felt a level of guilt for leaving her friends and teammates for a semester, even after Anzu told her many times that it was a chance to see and explore America. She also made sure to remind Miho that her promise to Anzu and Ooarai had been fulfilled and that she deserved what she described as a "paid vacation". In the end, Miho and Erwin agreed to the so called "trade", and "paid vacation".
Crescentius High School was the name of the school they were transferring to, along with the rest of their crew. The girls knew little of the school other than its location in Central California on the West Coast and that it had been doing tankery almost as long as Kuromorimine. Miho was excited and yet sad to discover this new country. She felt as if the pain of leaving her friends for another school a second time was becoming far too accustomed for her personal liking. But, the prospect of adventure and the inch to discover made the offer far too hard to resist.
The atmosphere in Ooarai's lower level cargo bay was anything from somber. A farewell party was thrown hours before their expected departure time and the only words to leave the mouths of the girls were those of happiness and joy, for sorrow and sadness had no place there. But, as in all things, the party had to come to an end when the giant intercoms of the cargo bay sounded.
"CRESCENTIUS HARBOR APPROACHING! CRESCENTIUS HARBOR APPROACHING! FIVE MINUTES UNTIL DEPARTURE! FIVE MINUTES UNTIL DEPARTURE!" boomed the voice of the naval student.
Miho was surprised to see that the harbor shared the same name as school. Momo called for order, and with reluctance, the girls ceased their activities to listen to the address of their class PR manager.
"Thank. We are gathered her today to say good buy to some real amazing girls and to thank them for their continued hard work. I speak for us all when I say we will miss you. Thank you for everything you have done for us and for all your sacrifices. Girls of Hippo and Anko team, go forth and enjoy your education in the United States, and take with you the ideals and traditions of Ooarai. Th-Thank you for your hard work. T-that is all. " she choked out, as tears started to fall from her eyes.
As if on cue, all the girls of the Sensha-dou gave a heartfelt "ahhhhh". Following up that "ahhhhh", was Momo shouting at them to shut up.
Anzu shushed the group's laughter and, with a sight, took up where Momo had left off.
"Just as Momo said, we all would like to thank you girls for the services you did for our school. We want to thank you for doing everything in your power to save our school for another year. We will miss your individuality and everything that makes you who you are. History club, we will miss your complex and ever so long lectures on the past glories of dead people. Anko team, we will miss the character you all brought to the team. We will miss your leadership, your courage, your 'unique' knowledge of tanks, your voices, and your energy, or some cases, lack of energy. Girls, go forth and enjoy your lives. May we meet again soon."
For some reason or another, Miho found herself touched by the words of the School President. Rarely has she ever spoken in a tone and diction of such seriousness and love. It was no surprise to Miho when she felt the tears start to stream down her cheeks. In fact, it was no surprise to anyone, when everyone began to cry. But these were not tears of sadness, no, they were tears of joy. Along with the tears of celebration, came one last massive group hug centered around a rather squashed Student Council President.
This was the last time the seniors were going to lay their eyes upon the saviors of their school, and Momo made that reality clear with the love she showed. The president managed to wiggle a hand and arm free and raised her blow horn. It shouted out a curt shriek that quickly freed it's tiny owner. Miho backed away from the hug as well and wiped away her soft tears. She cleared her choked throat and caught the attention of her teammates.
For one final time this year, she gave her orders. "Anko and Hippo Team, to your Panzers!"
All the girls cheered as loud as they could and watched with watery eyes as Miho's and Erwin's crew climbed their respected armored vehicles, one by one. The luggage belonging to the girls were strapped tightly to their vehicle's engine decks and any left overs were tucked in between the IV turreted spaced armor.
The engines of both the tank and the assault gun roared awake in a flash. Miho flipped open her commander hatch and turned to face her team a final time. As the Panzer IV Ausf H and the StuGIII Ausf F boarded the transport ship, she waved back, along with the rest of her crew, to friends and teammates. With a thunderous groan, the massive cargo bay doors pulled slowly apart from one another. The transport ship was pulled to sea by two massive winches. She continued to wave as the transport ship began to distance from the ship. The silhouettes of the girls in the cargo bay started to fade but Miho's heart and body refused to give in and she only waved even harder.
Caesar
Shiori Ayaka was her name. She was the Captain and helmsman of Ooarai's transport ship and the last person from Ooarai, outside of Anko and Hippo team, Caesar would see for the next five months. When the StuGIII rolled off of the ship and onto the small harbor's concert pier, Shiori tipped her pearly white captain cap and pulled the ship back out to sea. Caesar and the rest of the girls waved one final time before turning their attention back to the new, and so very different land before them.
A gentle morning fog had rolled over the beach side that morning and limited the girl's line of sight. The homecoming, definitely wasn't what they were expecting. The pier was all but empty, save for a few wandering townsfolk. Some gave a glance to the girls while others simply went about their daily business. However, Caesar did produce a smile when she saw a young girl point at the foreign tanks and tankers with glee. Her mother looked to the girls and flashed them an ever so quick smile before lightly tug her daughter away. But, before the girl was pulled away, she gave some cheerful waves to Caesar herself.
Erwin rolled her eyes with mockery before she questioned her second in command. "Since when did you become so popular with the the public?" Caesar simply shrugged and tugged at the red sash around her neck.
Miho called out to her fellow commander for the cupola of her IV. "Erwin. Is this really Ridge Wood?" It was only then did Erwin and Caesar pay closer attention to the scattered building before them.
The city of Ridge Wood wasn't what the girls were expecting it to be either. It was more of a village than a city and the girls could only count some twelve building in a total, with only three blocks and two streets. Out of those twelve buildings, five of them looked to fishing homes located directly on the beach. There was also certainly no school let alone a prestigious boarding school, as they were told.
A silence fell upon the girls as they entered into a state of ponder as to what to do next. Caesar couldn't help but laugh when she realised Anzu didn't provide them with even a phone number, let alone an address. Erwin suggested they ask someone for aid. Miho and Caesar agreed, not wanting to give up on this American venture just yet. The "Roman" girl was elected to be the one to ask.
She lifted herself from the loader's hatch in her StuGIII and jumped down from the assault gun, making sure not to damage her school skirt. With caution, she approached a man sitting on a worn out blue beach chair.
A newspaper was covering his face while a fishing rod was balanced nearby on the pier's railing. She thought twice, not wanting to interrupt his slumber but when she looked for an out, no one else remained on the pier. Her fate was sealed when before she could even think to back away, he began to stir and the newspaper fell to the floor, exposing his face to the sun.
His skin was light but still ever so slightly kissed by the sun. He was advanced in age, perhaps in his mid seventies. His aged forest green eyes felt cold and distant and what must have once been a full head of jet black hair, was now nothing more than a few scattered grey hairs in a field of white. Caesar quickly noticed by his white collar and black top that the man was a priest in the Catholic faith.
Before she could say a word, he spoke first, but the question he gave her was not the one she was expecting. "Who's there?"
First she felt confusion, for the old Father was staring right at her and nowhere else. However, before she opened her mouth to question his own inquire, it hit her like a bucket of Atlantic water.
The man was blind.
She quickly closed her mouth and formulated a new response in the best English she could. "My name Cae-Suzuki, I going to ask you where Crescentinus is but you don't have to an-?"
She was interrupted by the weak grin that formed on his lips. He felt for his fishing rod and took it in hand before he gave his own inquiry to her. "Young lady, could you give me the time?"
Caesar looked to the sun hiding behind the fog and delivered the time. "It's near 8 o'clock, Father."
The priest began to rial in his line but when the bait broke the surface of the water, the worm was still attached to it's hook, and nothing was accompanying him. The old man sighed from the lack of weight that he must of felt.
"Oh well, another day and another empty box. Perhaps he doesn't wish for me to catch any more. I'm sorry for making you wait my dear, my nephews will be here quite shortly and they might be of some help to you." Caesar took what she got from the old man and thanked him. She turned to head back to her friends to tell them the news.
"So what did he say?" Asked Miho first. Caesar took a seat on the Assault Gun's mantlet and laid out the story as it was told her.
Erwin wrinkled her forehead and eyebrows in confusion when her loader has finished. "Why did he say we should wait for his nephew?"
"Well the man is blind, perhaps he has forgotten his sense of direction and it's not like we have much of a choice, the beach is deserted."
Upon hearing that, both Erwin and Miho looked to the man and to the surrounding shoreline again. She was right, the only other person for miles was that old priest. It was then that Miho suddenly perked up. "Wait, did you say he is blind?"
Caesar nodded her head in confirmation. Miho then quickly made a pained looked on her face. "Oh...That didn't sound right, did it?" Both Erwin and Caesar cringed in agreement. "Anyways," continued their commander, "Anzu told me that Crescentinus' president is a blind priest. It's what she heard from the American representatives. Perhaps he's the president, did you happen to catch his name?"
Caesar shook her head. "No I didn't, sorry, do you want me to go ask?"
"No it's ok," replied the commander, "if he said his nephews could help us, perhaps his nephews knows who we are, because if he's the President of the school, blind or not, he must have a sort of vague idea as to where his school is and would tell us."
"So what is our plan of action?" Questioned Erwin.
"We do as the Father says and we wait for his nephews." Caesar and Erwin noded their heads in unison.
The wait wasn't very long. In a matter of five minutes, Miho saw the small German jeep, a 166 Schwimmwagen, enter the town from through the fog. She was able to make out two people in the vehicle through her binoculars, but their distance inhibited her from seeing their faces.
"Do you think that's them?" inquest Caesar.
Miho nodded her head. "They're driving in a 166 Schwimmwagen. It has to be them, if I'm right about who I think they are."
The girls turned their attention back to the jeep, just as the crew of the IV had finished unbuttoning. "Oh boy I can't wait to see them," giggled Saori, "I've always found American boys to be cute."
Yukari rolled her eyes but couldn't hold in the giggle. "Are boys all you think about Saori-dono?"
Saori pouted but spat our with a rather quick comeback. "Are tanks all you think about Yukarin?" An embarrassed Yukari slowly slid back into the tank murmuring something about assault guns and SPGs.
Miho smiled and watched as the 166 pulled up next to the Father. The one driving was of a slightly darker color than that of his passenger and of the priest, but he shared the same forest green eyes and the same wavy combed forward style as the Father. They also shared rather large noses and bushy arched eyebrows.
Miho noticed, that while those two looked like Uncle and nephew, the similarities the Father and the nephew shared with the other boy were scant. His tone was of a much lighter color than his supposed cousin or brother, and his eyes shimmered with a light fawn colour. His head was covered with a portioned layer of thin auburn hair and the only thing that Miho saw any similarity in was the nose, which actually turned out to be quite comedic for her.
A few words were exchanged between the two before they stepped out of their jeep. In their hands were old Second World War field caps worn by tank commanders. Each had the associated rank of lieutenant attached. The driver had an Italian cap while the other had a German one. They quickly placed them upon their heads and fully emerged from the behind the jeep's doors.
Caesar's eyes, along with the eyes of everyone else, widened from an abrupt sense of shock. She whispered under her breath in a shaky voice filled with sudden joy and surprise, "The-the Lorica Hamata."
Made with multiple links of rings made of iron and steel, the two boys sported a lighter and compact version of the lorica hamata - one of the battle armors worn by the ancient Roman legionaries of old - that hugged their figures. The famous, or rather infamous, overlapping shoulder layers, that gave a sense of character to the armor, were thinned and curved downwards to protect more of the upper arm and grant better mobility.
Underneath the Hamatas, the two wore grey camouflage tunics, and instead of a Roman battle skirt, they ported a pair of matching grey combat trousers that were tucked into their shin height leather boots.
When they walked over to the Father to help him first, Miho took the chance to shot Erwin a look. Erwin interpreted it as a look of confusion. Several schools in Japan, especially the foreign cultural schools, love to use uniforms that mimic the old combat uniforms of nations involved in the last Great War, but this...seemed rather excessive to the girls, especially giving the fact that the sport was simply tankery and their nice replica Hamatas, though beautiful, would be rather useless with it's owner confined to the belly of metal monster.
Before Erwin could respond to Miho, the two who were apparently sent to greet them, had finished loading their amphibious jeep with their uncle's fishing gear and were walking with the said man towards the two panzers. When they drew close enough, Miho motioned for Erwin to disembark from her StuG. The two climbed down from their respective vehicles and meet the three halfway. Miho could hear the hatches of their tanks reopening up as the curious girls sought a better view of the three. Seeing two in person Lorica Hamatas could perk anyone's interest, especially those of tank girls.
When their greeters were close enough that the commanders could see their expressions, they saw neither excitement nor welcome in their eyes, only what Miho could describe as...exhaustion.
The boys transferred the old man to their far right side, who then in turn clutched the arm of boy with the German field cap. As they neared within arms reach of one another, all the teenagers removed their respective head gear. Miho felt out of place as she removed her wide brim sun catcher.
Erwin and Miho extended their free arms for a handshake, only to see that the others had all bowed in a Japanese manner. The girls dropped their arms and returned the gesture of goodwill presented before them.
Once the formal exchange was completed, Miho still couldn't help but notice that the looks upon their faces hadn't changed.
The boy in the Italian cap didn't even try to smile when he broke the silence. "Welcome to Ridge Wood and welcome to the United States," He greeted in surprisingly well-maintained Japanese but in a tone that was neither friendly nor hostile, "You two must be Nishizumi Miho and Matsumoto Riko? My name is Armand DiCesaro, and along with my brother here, Paul Stark, we are the commanders of Crescentinus' Preparatory Discipline Training and Competition Team. And as you already know, this is our uncle, Father Aaron DiCesaro, he is the President of the Crescentinus Preparatory School. Thank you for agreeing to support and aid our school."
Paul managed a weak smile to his lips, like his uncle, before he continued where his brother left off in just as adequate japanese. "It's a pleasure to meet you two. As Armand said, my name is Paul Stark and on behalf of Crescentinus, we would like to welcome you to our city and school."
Before Miho or Erwin could say a word, the two clicked their boots together and held a closed fist over their chest, as if in salute. All five could hear sudden gasps, followed by several "oohs", and "ahhs". The girls of Anko and Hippo team gave a quick round of applause in approval.
Armand and Paul rather quickly, and as if in shame, dropped their fisted hands. No blushes of embarrassment rose to their cheeks. Their hands simply fell to their sides and their eyes looked to the ground. The old man tried to smile but that too vanished rather quickly.
Immediately, the claps fell silent as well and before the situation could turn any more awkward for them, Miho found her words. "We are more than happy to finally meet you two as well and we thank you for your hospitality. But if you don't mind me asking, is this all there is to Ridge Wood and where is Crescentinus itself?"
Before she got her answer, the two boys replaced their caps on their heads. At their motion, Erwin and Miho replaced theirs as well.
Paul was the one to answer the question. "This is simply a small residential area by the water that's under our city's jurisdiction. The rest of the city and the school are located past this small village and over a couple hills you couldn't see through the fog. Follow us and we shall make proper introductions at the school. Our 166 is equipped with a FuG radio. Do not hesitate to contact us on the way to the school if u have any questions."
Both Miho and Erwin nodded their heads in approval. "Will do." Confirmed Miho.
The men of Crescentinus quickly back stepped and bowed once more to the girls. Yet again, Miho and Erwin returned the bow. Just like that, the introduction was over and the three were walking back to their 166.
Erwin turned to Miho. "Well...that was...different..." She said.
Miho smiled. "At least they speak Japanese and are polite."
Erwin shrugged, "I was expecting German, especially from the one that had the German M43 field cap. Those things are genuine."
Miho quickly turned to her teammate at that. "They're genuine?"
Erwin nodded her head with crossed arms. "Yep, and so was the Italian one, though I forget the name of it. Those were made during the Second World War, no doubt about it. I'm kinda of jealous and mad that they are wearing them so carefreely."
Miho nodded her head. "Perhaps they don't know?"
The blond girl shook her head. "No they know, I have a feeling they know. Not even a fool would wear such collectables outside. Never mind that, we should get going."
At her words, Miho noticed that the 166 was loaded up with all three of them and Armand, who was driving once more, was looking back at them in a silent wait. The only thing different that she noticed was the fact that the two boys had removed their Loric Hamatas.
Perhaps it was getting hot for them, pondered Miho to herself.
"So we should. Let's go." answered Miho, returning to the situation at hand.
They quickly ran back to their tanks and ordered their crews to button up. Miho took her position outside of the commander cupola like normal and told Mako to follow the German jeep...well after they shook her wake that is.
Caesar looked that her friend with eager eyes, waiting for a response to their unspoken deal.
Erwin rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "No I didn't get the answer to your question. I never even got a chance to talk. They just said hello and told us to follow them."
Caesar crossed her arms and did a rare pout. "Dammit. They're wearing a Lorica Hamatas and you both just happen to say nothing about it."
Erwin chuckled. "Maybe you can ask them yourself, they said they had a FuG with them in the 166."
Oryou started the Assault gun's engine and fell into line behind IV, taking up the rear guard role of the small three vehicle convoy.
Caesar could do nothing but groan with impatience. "No, no, I have to ask them in person, I want a proper explanation for what I saw. When I heard that click the armor made, I knew it wasn't plastic."
Erwin wrinkled her brows when she heard Caesar's statement. "Huh. Well, those caps on their heads were genuine as well. Wonder what that means?"
Caesar could give a blank expression and simple answer in response. "Perhaps they're collectors and like to show off to girls?"
Erwin smiled but highly doubted that answer. "That can't be it, when you think to impress a girl you don't think of armor from antiquity and world war two field caps."
Caesar nodded her head in agreement but changed the subject after that. "Anyways, what did you make of them so far?"
Erwin scratched her chin as she responded to her friend's inquiry. "Pitiful. They have a look in their eyes that screams defeat. It's as if they have no energy or drive to speak of, and I just barely meet them and I can tell. I'm not liking the vibe of this school so far, and I haven't even seen it."
Caesar shook her head in dejection. "That doesn't sound too great. I hope they fight like the Romans too and don't simply copy their uniforms."
Erwin gave her friend a knowing look. "I couldn't agree more."
The conversation slipped from there as Caesar looked to the surrounding countryside. As the tiny convoy left the equally tiny village, the low level fog began to recede, and the view to the rolling Central Californian fields came into view.
Gentle hills in the near distance rose and fell with the advancing vehicles. In a few minutes, the village was cleared and the convey was cresting the large hill from which the 166 descended from. Expectations were shattered in a matter of seconds for Caesar upon the StuG's crossing. She heard a hint in the form of Miho's sudden gasp, but she never expected what she saw next.
Well that's chapter 1 redone guys. The rest will be done soon and I hope you guys will enjoy the story as it progresses.
Till next time guys,
GEaGlE signing off.