Before I get into the story, I would just like to say 'Thank You' to the viewers out there for making this story great thus far. I really appreciate it. Now it is Oarai vs. St. Gloriana. Before you ask, I decided to recreate Momo's plan but with improvements, well only two reasons. No overboard designs and no trigger happy gunners. The chapter title 'Queen Meets Earl', means that Ciel is the Earl of the Phantomhive family, while the Matilda II is the Queen of the Desert. If you get that, great. For now, enjoy.
Chapter 7: Queen Meets Earl
Oarai vs. St. Gloriana Battle Area-Oarai Assembly Area
It is a clear day as Oarai's tank army is ready to take on St. Gloriana once again. The last time they met was a victory for St. Gloriana due to the fact that Oarai is freshly new and suffered drawbacks, thanks to trigger-happy gunners, no word on camouflage and faulty planning. It will be different though, because Miho revamped Momo's plan and creating a strike force led by Ciel Phantomhive, which practiced for urban combat. Miho walked up to her sub-commander and strike force commander to go over the plan again.
"It's basically the same as Momo's plan from last year. This time, a few modifications are placed." She said
"Didn't that plan not work last year?" he asked
"Well, it did work for a bit, but the overboard design on our tanks ensured a steady victory for St. Gloriana." Momo said "That and I missed a tank at point-blank range." Ciel gingerly placed his hand on Momo's shoulder and both smiled at each other but blushed red in unison.
"Make sure if Anzu is taking a break, try to hit something, alright?" he asked softly
"I'll try." She responded. Miho can't help but chuckle a bit.
"So, I'll have Anglerfish team recon the area for St. Gloriana's tanks. I'll draw them back to you, while Anteater, Leopon, Turtle and Mallard teams try to take them out. When they reach halfway up the slope, we'll lead them to the city. That is when Ciel will come out and take care of them, along with Rabbit, Rhino, Duck and Hippo teams." She said
"And you're sure it's going to work?" he asked
"This time, it will." She answered. All three nodded in unison that Momo's old plan will work and went back to their usual duties. It was then Miho's friends from St. Gloriana came to their staging area.
"Miho-san." Said a voice from behind her. She turned around and saw St. Gloriana's commanders, Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe.
"Hi Darjeeling." She said
"I see that we're now enemies again. But don't let it cloud over your head." She said as she looked over and saw Ciel finalizing preparations for his tank. He turned and saw Miho and Momo are talking to two girls wearing red shirts and black skirts with black combat boots.
"Ciel?" Miho said "Can you come over here for a minute? I want to introduce you to two people." Ciel hopped down from the turret and joined Miho.
"Miho, the Cromwell is all set." He began then made a sweat mark on his head. "All I need for the tank is a 17 Pounder then we're set." Miho giggled a bit then he regained his composure. "So, who are these two?"
"Ciel, I want you to meet Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe. They're commander and sub-commander of their sensha-do team." Ciel bowed to greet both of them but Darjeeling examined him closely and recognized him from a few weeks earlier.
"You're that boy who landed at Oarai via a blue orb, didn't you?" she asked
"Why does everyone keep reminding me of that?" he thought "Yes, that's me alright. I'm Ciel Phantomhive, commander of Raven team and head of the Phantomhive family. I see that your school is from Britain itself." He said
"You have quite the eye." She responded "Yes our school is of British origin. And we're of British-Japanese descent."
"At least I'm not the only British person here on the tank force." He responded "My team is filled with those of British-Japanese descent as well. And I grew in to respect them. Including Miho and Momo."
"Having respects for all three that are your friends and commanders. Have you heard of the term 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend?'" she asked
"Y-Yes, I've heard of that." He answered
"Then I'm sure that you made friends with the ones who you just faced in the last match and today's match." She said
"That's something out of a person who studies morals. Still though, I wish you luck." He said as he gestured his hand. Darjeeling took it and looked at him.
"Also, unlike Pravda and Kuromorimine, we will fight with fairness and chivalry in mind." She said "I wish you the best of luck also." Miho and Momo looked amazed as how he handled talking to Darjeeling like a proper English gentleman. He walked back to Miho and Momo while they looked amazed.
"How did you do it?" Momo asked
"Fairly simple. Just treat a lady as yourself but don't go overboard with what you're doing." He answered "Anyway, commander, best we get ready?"
"Hai." Miho replied "All tanks roll to assemble at the starting point." Soon all tanks are assembled as St. Gloriana's tanks all rolled to their starting points. As they rolled out, Ciel spotted each tank.
"Well well, they have a Churchill, 4 Matilda II's, 3 Crusaders and 2 Cromwells." He thought "The major 5 tanks have heavy frontal armor while the Crusader and Cromwell has relatively the same armor on all sides."
All of the tanks are at their starting points as the commander and sub-commander meet each other on the center point. "Today's match is between Oarai Girls Academy and St. Gloriana Woman's Academy." Miho, Momo, Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe met at the centre and bowed to each other before the match starts.
"Let's have a good match Darjeeling." She said
"Same goes to you Miho." She answered. Afterwards the starting flare popped overhead and the match started.
"Panzer Vor!" Miho boomed out as all of Oarai's tanks moved forward. As they moved, Saori patched Miho to all team members. "This is Anglerfish team to all tanks. I haven't told you this but, I'm revamping Momo's plan from last year." That put the original teams in shock, while Anglerfish and Turtle already knew what their plan was.
"Are you sure taichou?" Azusa asked "That plan didn't work out because all of Rabbit team ran away from the fight."
"Not to mention we have overdone our tank designs." Caesar said "Well, mainly us."
"And it was our first match when we revived the program." Noriko said "And we got defeated on that same day."
"Don't worry about a thing." Miho answered "I decided to revamp this idea because I've split the whole team into two teams. So I want the following teams with me via radio transmission from Saori-san." Saori channeled the following teams to their respective commanders.
"This is Saori-san to all tanks, the following shall go with Miho: Anteater, Turtle, Leopon and Mallard teams. You'll go to the ridge. Rabbit, Duck, Rhino and Hippo teams will go with Raven team to the city." She said "Every one of you copy?"
"Hai!" everyone said as they reported. They split up and went to their respective commanders. Inside Ciel's Cromwell, he relayed his orders from Miho to his strike force.
"Okay everyone, since I'm not use to the command structure…" he began to trail off
"It's okay young Phantomhive." Erwin said "We're with you."
"You'll have us for back-up." Azusa said
"It won't be that bad." Akebi said "You're like Commander Nishizumi for the first time."
"Don't worry Ravens, Rhino team has your back a hundred percent." The freshman said. Ciel though was still troubled. Two things popped up in his mind, one is that he is taking command of his own team and the other, it's Momo and his love for her. That was when he heard a familiar voice on his throat mic.
"Ciel, I know you're new. But stay calm and you'll get through this. I'm here for you whenever and wherever you're in trouble." She said. He was relieved when he heard Momo's voice.
"Thanks mom." He said
"No problem. Be careful, alright?" she asked
"I will mom." He answered as he smiled and regained his composure. "Emi patch me in to my team."
"You're on with all teams of your detachment." She said
"Alright team, Miho wants all of us to head to the city while she baits St. Gloriana's tanks." He began "This is the second time the lot of you has faced them while Raven and Rhino teams have faced them for the first time. Don't let last year's defeat cloud your head. Stay safe, happy hunting and good luck. Emi can you switch over to Anglerfish team?"
"Give me a second." She said "Ciel you're live with Miho."
"Commander, I've relayed the orders to my team. We're heading towards the city now." He said
"Alright Ciel, Saori will give the starting positions when you arrive." She said
"Umm… Miho?" he asked "This may be a bad time but I should ask. Should I start confessing to her after the match?" Miho giggled a bit as she remembered what she asked to him before the match.
"It can't hurt to ask her." She answered "Just as long you stay true to yourself."
"On that we can agree commander." He said
"No fair! Why can't Ciel be my boyfriend?" Saori pouted
"It will take time Saori-san." Hana said "Just think of how many boys will come to Oarai if our school is co-ed."
"Okay Hana." She said "Just as long you find a boyfriend also." Inside Turtle team's tank, Momo began to lament on the situation. Her plan is being used again and she confessing to Saori that she loves Ciel. Yuzu saw that Momo has a worried look on her face.
"Momo-chan, are you okay?" she asked
"No, Yuzu. I'm not okay." She answered "I'm still wondering if it's the right time to confess to him after the match."
"Well you should." She said "You're the first one to talk to him when he landed on the ship."
"Not only that Yuzu. I'm still minded over Miho's decision to reinstate our first battle plan." She said
"It's more like yours remember?" she asked. Momo gave a blank gaze at Yuzu "Okay never mind."
At St. Gloriana's starting point, Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe are on their Churchill Mk VII. Soon they climbed back in and gave the command to all tanks. "All tanks, move out." That order made all of St. Gloriana's tanks move in perfect unison. Unlike the usual formation where the Churchill and the Matilda's are up front, that role has been given to the Crusader's and Cromwell's. The Matilda's have filed up at the back with the Churchill in the middle, the latter being the flag-tank. At a Cliffside, Miho, Momo and Yukari are busy scouting.
"Momo, you're right about one thing, St. Gloriana has upped their game." Miho said
"They are combined with their main five tank fleet, along with Crusader and Cromwell tanks." Yukari said "They also let the lightly armored tanks be at the front to take the brunt of the attack. Mainly because their guns are highly rifled, that means they'll land a shell with great accuracy."
"And they didn't know about Phantomhive's strike force." Momo said assumingly "I just hope he's okay." She thought.
"The Churchill is their flag-tank." Miho said "So that means all of the tanks are to aim at the others first, then go for the Churchill." That was when Ciel radioed Miho.
"Commander, the strike force is nearing the city limits." He said "Can you let Saori know where our positions are located?" Miho nodded and radioed Saori, who was relaxing inside the Panzer IV.
"Saori-san, Ciel has made it to the city. Give him the locations for each tank for where they are hiding." She said
"Hai." She responded as she turned the frequency to his tanks. "Raven team to point 0648, Rabbit team to point 0895, Rhino team to point 0726, Hippo team to point 0547, and Duck team to point 0423. Everyone got that?"
"We got it Saori." He answered "Thanks. All tanks proceed to your posts for now until Miho's team comes in."
"Miporin, they're heading to their positions." She said
"Hai. Team 1, head to the cliff. Anglerfish team will intercept and move back to the cliff." She said. Miho, Yukari and Momo headed back to their tanks and proceeded to their positions. Anteater, Leopon, Turtle and Mallard teams split off to the cliff while Anglerfish team heads off in the opposite direction, heading for St. Gloriana. Inside the Hertzer, Momo was lamenting over and over about Ciel's safety. Not only that but he's working on his own and commanding his own team.
"Please be safe." She thought as she closed her eyes. She then felt a hand placing itself on her lap and turns out it was Yuzu.
"He'll be fine Momo-chan." She said assuringly. That put Momo at ease a bit. Soon enough, Miho's team assembled at the cliff waiting for the call.
Miho's P.O.V.
The Panzer IV gathered itself on a slope while catching an eye on the tanks. "Hana-san, try aiming on one of the faster tanks. Firing orders are for the Crusaders and Cromwells." Miho said
"So the range is 800 meters." Hana said as she prepares to fire. "Firing now." She fired but the shot missed by a few meters. Inside the Churchill, both Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe felt the vibration that they are under attack.
"It seems as though they already started attacking." Orange said
"Well, let's just say hello to them." Darjeeling said as each tank aimed at the Anglerfish team.
"Sorry Miho-san, I missed." Hana said
"Don't worry about it Hana-san." Miho answered "We weren't trying to take them out anyway."
"All tanks, focus fire on the Panzer IV. Crusaders and Cromwells, match our speed and fire on them." Darjeeling said. Anglerfish team tried their best to avoid each shell by moving in a zig-zag pattern. Their tank sped as fast to their location. "Strike Division Cliffside, we're closing in."
Normal P.O.V.
Miho pressed into her throat mic and ordered the other teams to ready themselves. "Strike Division Cliffside, we're closing in. We're bringing the entire St. Gloriana team with us, so don't fire on our tank."
Momo heard everything and told each team to ready in their tanks. "Everyone, back in your tanks. Anglerfish team is bringing them over to our positions so don't fire on them when they arrive." All teams are ready to fire and saw the Panzer IV driving into their crosshairs. "Hold fire. Don't give away our positions." She said. The Panzer IV headed up the Cliffside and found St. Gloriana's tanks. Miho gave the orders to fire.
"All tanks, open fire. Aim for their tracks or side armor." She said. Each tank fired in unison though the Crusaders and Cromwells provided cover fire for the Matilda's and Churchill to advance up the slope. Anteater team was the first to score a direct hit on a Crusader.
"We did it." Nekota said "Our first kill."
"Nekota, incoming Matilda II." Momoga said. "I think it has our names on it."
"Keep firing, try to take out the Crusaders and Cromwells." Momo said
"All tanks advance." Darjeeling commanded. While the main five attack Oarai's cliff force via the slopes, the Crusaders and Cromwells focused fire at the bottom with much more angle elevation as tanks placed on a perch would not aim low enough unless it is sloped enough.
"All tanks, open fire." Darjeeling said as all of St. Gloriana's tanks fired one by one. Shells rang back and forth between tanks from opposite sides. The Churchill made a direct hit on the Chi-Nu as it was coming up.
"Anteater team, you okay?" Saori asked
"We're all fine." Nekota answered "At least we achieved our first kill."
"Miporin, Anteater team is fine." Saori said. Miho nodded while trying to hold her ground. Mallard team scored a direct hit on another Crusader, but one of the Matilda's hit the Char B1 in the engine.
"Sodoko here, the Matilda made a direct hit on us. Good luck." She said. Miho realised that they reached the midway point of the slope. She then pressed her throat mic and said to all of the tanks on her remaining team.
"All tanks, St. Gloriana has reached the midway point in their climb. I want all remaining tanks to follow us and head for the city." She said "Everyone copy?"
"We copy taichou." Anzu said
"On our way taichou." Nakajima said "Expect raining shells when we enter there."
"Ciel, this is Miho, we're coming to you. Expect our arrival in a few minutes." She said
"Hear you commander." He answered "We're lying in wait." He suddenly closed his eyes and dozed off, not knowing when Miho will get there.
Ciel's P.O.V.
Strike Force Phantomhive has its team separated in different points all over Oarai. He is inside along with Yuri, Emi and Kimi, who are waiting as well. Unlike the three girls who are talking to each other about what they do, Ciel was meditating. His eyes were closed trying to focus what's coming. Instead his thoughts were consumed by Momo's image, even confessing to her that he loves her.
"Ciel? Ciel?" He was either crazy that his mind was speaking to him or…
"CIEL!" He woke up with a start and he noticed that his throat mic was buzzing in.
"Miho, sorry, I was just dozing off and…" he said
"It's not Miho, its Momo." She said "We're coming in to the city, with what was left of Cliffside team."
"How many of you are left?" he asked
"Just Anglerfish, Turtle and Leopon teams." She answered
"What happened to the other two?" he asked
"Both Anteater and Mallard teams have been taken out. While also, we managed to take out two Crusaders." She said "Anyways, we're a few minutes out. Better get your team ready."
"Okay mom." He answered "All teams, Cliffside team is luring St. Gloriana's tanks to our positions. Get the guns loaded with shells and wait until their tanks meet up with us."
"What would be the name of this operation Ciel?" Aya asked
"Let's see… How about 'Operation Hailstorm?'" he asked "Miho's Cliffside team is the first wave. We're coming in next and we're about to strike, like a hailstorm."
"Sounds like a plan Phantomhive." Erwin said "Maybe you can be part of Miho's command chain."
"So she's on top, Momo can be sub-commander and me as third in command." He said "I'll ask her about that. For now, wait up until they show up."
Normal P.O.V.
Miho and her team led St. Gloriana's team to Oarai itself. With the remaining tanks right behind her, it seems as though Darjeeling has another victory against Miho in her pocket. What she didn't realise was that Miho assembled another strike team in the city. Darjeeling realised something was amiss. Orange Pekoe saw her expression and asked her.
"Darjeeling-san, what's wrong?" she asked
"This feels a little too easy." She answered. Miho and the remnants of her team lead them to an intersection.
"I want the remaining tanks to link up with the following. Leopon, go to point 0423 to link up with Duck team. Turtle team go to point 0648 to link up with the Ravens. Anglerfish team will keep moving to an ambush position." She said, and then she pressed her throat mic. "Ciel, you ready?"
"Ready commander." He answered
"I also sent out Turtle team to meet with you." She said
"Copy that last transmission." He sighed as he heard Momo's tank is heading right for him. St. Gloriana managed to arrive at the intersection, but was surprised as last year because Oarai's tanks have disappeared again.
"All tanks, spread out and look for Oarai's team. Don't get shot this time around." She said
The Cromwells along with three Matilda's searched east, the lone Crusader tank and two other Matilda's searched west. Darjeeling's Churchill went north. For those that went to the west, they didn't find anything and searched for the Panzer IV instead. The ones that went east, they are walking towards Ciel, Raven and Turtle team. The Matilda's split off with the Cromwell's after Darjeeling told them to report to their position, leaving the infantry tanks on their own. Ciel heard incoming tanks and told Turtle team to get ready.
"Momo, I hear rumbling." He said
"Yeah I see them." She replied "Anzu, Matilda II infantry tanks incoming, only three of them."
"Maybe the other two broke down or headed for the Churchill." Anzu said "We can't be sure."
"Maybe we should have bought one of Saunders' intelligence balloons." Yuzu jokingly said
"Yuzu, we don't have the money to buy one of theirs." Momo said "And we all know how well that worked out." As Turtle and Raven team waited for the tanks, she closed her eyes also. "Make sure you hit something. It's what father taught you. Also, ask him when it's over." She thought. The Matilda's came into their crosshairs and Raven team fired first, knocking it out. Turtle team waited for their turn but Anzu took a little break. Momo decided to do something no one knows she ever done. She removed her eyeglass and has perfect vision. It paid off and Momo finally received her first kill as a gunner.
"Momo-chan, you hit something?" Yuzu asked. Momo remained silent as both her and Ciel knocked out the last Matilda.
"That can't be right." He said "I thought she is a bad shot but…" he trailed off as he knew her singular eyeglass disrupted her eyesight, just like Mey-Rin from back home. "Momo, you hit them?"
"Guess I just did." She answered "I'll tell you about it after the match. For now, let's head to Nishizumi's position." She said. He complied and both tanks head to find Miho. The remnants of St. Gloriana's tanks found the Churchill. They followed it and went into an ambushed set up by Ciel's strike force. Already the fast cruiser tanks have been taken out, and the Matilda's got out unscathed, and continued forward.
Darjeeling find it surprising that Oarai upped their ante again, mainly Ciel. "I guess Miho-san, her friends and her newly acquired student are pressing hard to defeat us. All remaining tanks, form up and find Oarai's flag tank." The flag-tank went to Anglerfish team before the match, making them a prime target. She picked up the radio and transmitted to her teammates.
"Is any team still operation?" she asked
"It's just Raven, Turtle, Leopon and Rhino. All of the other teams are wiped out by combined attacks from the cruiser and infantry tanks." Momo said. They heard another shot rang out and Leopon is hit right in the engine."
"Leopon here, we've been dealt with by the Churchill." Nakajima said
"Are any of you hurt?" Saori asked
"We're all fine here." They all said at once. Saori breathed a sigh of relief, but it's not over yet, as they have Turtle and Raven remaining.
"Nishizumi-dono, we only have three tanks remaining." Yukari said
"Who are the teams we have remaining?" Miho asked
"Only Raven and Turtle teams." Saori answered
"And how many does St. Gloriana have left?" she asked
"Three left, two Matilda's and one Churchill." Yukari said.
Miho looked down to her knees and have a plan. She pressed her throat mic and talked to Raven and Turtle teams. "Emi, Anzu, I have a job for the both of you and it involves you two coming in from behind."
"What's the plan?" Emi asked
"I want Raven team to come in from behind of St. Gloriana's tanks and trying to target the flag-tank. Turtle team will come in from the alley to come in to the front by not letting them escape."
"Sounds good taichou." Emi said "Anzu you got that?"
"Just heard it over the radio." She said "Koyama, take the alley."
"Hai. At least Momo is now a good shot." Yuzu said
"Mako, try to avoid their fire as much as possible until we lured them into a trap." She said
"Where do you want to go?" she asked
"Remember that constructed part of the road where we got caught in the middle between that and their tanks?" she asked
"Oh yeah, I remember that place. Okay, leading them over now." She said. She drove the Panzer IV to the last spot they have been cornered at last year. The Matilda's opened fire on them, with each shot missing until they come at the same road that is almost done its maintenance.
"Mako-san, this is the place." Miho said. Soon enough, Darjeeling's tanks caught up with Miho and cornered her in reminiscent of last year's events.
"They're behind again." Mako said. The Panzer IV turned around and saw what is left of St. Gloriana's team.
"Miho, do you remember last year's message to you before another tank showed up?" Darjeeling asked
"All's fair in love and war?" she asked
"Yes. That's it." She said as St. Gloriana's tanks take aim at her.
"Hana-san, ready the gun." She commanded
"Hai. I'm gonna go with one of the Matilda's though." She said
"Actually aim for the Churchill." Miho said
"Okay." Hana aimed carefully at the Churchill when at the same time, Raven and Turtle teams came out of nowhere. "Raven and Turtle. They're here." Inside both tanks, Ciel and Momo have their eyes locked on the Matilda's.
"Hasha." They both said as both shells hit the Matilda's straight home.
"Now Hana!" Miho commanded as Hana pressed the trigger and hit the Churchill right at the hull. The white flag came over and the match is done.
"St. Gloriana's flag-tank has been knocked out. Therefore, Oarai Girls Academy takes the match!"
"Great shot Hana!" Saori boomed. Ciel climbed out of the commander's cupola and surveyed the destruction, followed by Miho and Momo in their tanks.
"Momo, you alright?" he asked through the radio.
"I'm fine Ciel." She replied "At least we secured another victory. Right taichou?"
"Hue. Nice job team. Especially you Ciel." Miho happily said
He giggled a bit before he answered. "Thank you commander."
At the station area Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe met Miho again and talked to her. "Nice work out there Miho-san. Your team have upped the ante since we last met."
"I thought we were goners again, but in traditional Oarai fashion, we beat the odds again." Miho said. Darjeeling extended her hand and Miho took it as a sign of respect and friendship. She soon caught eye on Ciel talking with Hippo and Rabbit team, for which they were taken out by the Cromwells. After he talked to them, he found Miho, Momo, Darjeeling and Orange Pekoe talking and they asked him to join.
"You're quite the fighter as I predicted." Darjeeling said
"Well, it's my first time participating in tankery." He began "Not only that but I got a lot of help during my time here."
"And you have a sniper's touch. Try using it against Nonna when you have your match with her." She said
"Who's Nonna?" he asked
"Pravda's second-in-command and sniper. Don't underestimate her one bit." She said "Still though, it has been fun fighting against you and I wish you luck in your future matches." She extended her hand and Ciel took it.
"And thank you Darjeeling, for giving me a good fight." He said happily. After their conversation, both St. Gloriana's girls departed back to their carrier. Momo moved in beside him and talked to him.
"Ciel, Miho wants to talk to us about chain of command." She began "I think it's for adding you into the mix."
"I like the sound of that Momo." He said. "Afterwards, I want to tell you something. Something important."
"And what would that be?" she asked
"You'll find out when we get back alright?" he said. Momo simply nodded as she followed Ciel back to the tank assembly area. She then thought to herself "Is he really going to confess to me this time?"
Looks like Ciel and Momo are about to confess. Though I have a thought that Momo's eyesight was like Mey-Rin's in the Black Butler series. So yeah, Momo may be far-sighted without the eyeglass. Chapter 8 will be coming out soon though and a proposed Christmas special after the Pravda match.
