The next three days passed uneventfully for them, practice consisted of street-to-street fighting, but other then that, nothing of note happened. On the day of the fight, all of St Gloriana came out to see the first match of the Coed team. Scott and Darjeeling were hunched over a table finalising their strategy when a familiar voice called out, "Hello again Darjeeling!"

This caused Darjeeling to look up, "Miho! It's good to see you, how are you?"

Miho shrugged, "As well as I can be considering all things. This new influx of boys has made all of the girls that much harder to manage, some more than others." she mused.

Darjeeling's eyes shined in amusement, "Saori?" she asked.

Miho smirked, "Actually, no. The first-years on the other hand…" she replied.

Scott raised his head, "I think we're good Darling," he called.

This brought Miho's attention to Scott as Darjeeling nodded, "Good. Josh, take it to the commanders please." looking towards Josh.

Josh nodded and left, allowing Scott to walk over to Miho and Darjeeling where he smiled, "It's good to see you again Miho."

Miho's smile grew, "It's good to see you, Scott," she replied before sobering, "About your parents, I'm so sorry."

Scott's smile dimmed slightly, "Thank you Miho, but I'm just glad that I've got many happy memories to remember them by."

Miho nodded, "Yes, sometimes we say things regret, only to never get the chance to apologize for them," she murmured before drawing herself out of her introspection, even if Scott noticed it, "In any case, I look forward to seeing the two of you work together."

Scott chuckled, "I'm just the driver today Miho, the boy that was shot at the drawing ceremony was our driver for the Centurion."

Miho smirked, "Putting all of your skills to work then I see," she teased before growing serious, "I highly doubt my sister switched up her strategies, good luck!"

Scott and Darjeeling smiled and shouted their thanks to her as she walked over to her friends. Scott noticed Darjeeling glancing at him and asked her what was wrong, "Nothing," she replied, "I'm just thinking that proper introductions to Miho's friends would be in order after the battle."

Scott smiled, "I would like that, it's been a long while since I last spoke to Miho, and we were close when I was last here."

Just then, an announcement came over the loudspeaker, "Attention! Crews to your starting areas, Commanders and Vice Commanders, to the Greeting Area! The Battle is about to begin!"

Darjeeling and Scott walked over to the greeting area where Maho Nishizumi and Erika Itsumi were waiting. "Finally," Erika muttered.

Maho glared at her subordinate but chose to say nothing. Scott chose to speak up, "As I said at the drawing ceremony, it is good to see you again Maho,"

Maho nodded, "Yes, I had wondered what had happened to you since then."

Scott shrugged, "Eh, parents died, the Dukedom is under a regency until I turn twenty-one, I started dating Darjeeling, normal things for me."

Maho and Erika were astonished at Scott's unconcerned attitude towards his situation. Scott though continued, "I look forward to speaking with Miho after the battle to catch up with her, it has been ten years since we last talked."

At that moment, the judge approached and instructed them to bow, then dismissed them back to their tanks to begin things.

Scott and Darjeeling took their positions, and Darjeeling gave some last minute encouragements and reminders, "All tanks, remember the plan: rush to the town, and sell a victory dearly, Comet squad, obtain eyes on the Kuro tanks and await further instructions. FV squad, AT2, take up flanking positions on the main road's side streets, everyone else, let's ensure that we give it our all and keep their minds off of the ambush."

All tank commanders gave the affirmative and then the Match Start flare fired, Darjeeling looked up, "Fortune favours the bold, or so they say," she muttered before looking ahead, "Ahead full Mr Perkins,"

Scott grinned, "Aye Ma'am."

In the Kuromorimine camp, similar preparations were underway as Maho and Erika were in their respective tanks, "Same plan as we always use ladies: find them and blast them to the next town, no retreat!" Maho instructed.

Then the Match Start flare fired and Maho shouted, "Panzer Vor!"

In the stands, Miho was sitting with her girls watching the battle unfold. Well, Mako was napping as was her norm, but Saori, Hana, and Yukari were watching attentively. Saori had a question on her mind, "Miporin, do you think St Gloriana has a chance?"

Miho thought a moment, the fact that Darjeeling had not only allowed for most of her tank force in the first round to be replaced by forces from the boys, she also moved her flag to the Centurion, certainly helped her. However, the fact of the matter was that she was facing off against a Jagdpanther, Elefant, Jagdtiger, two Tiger II's, three Panthers, and a Panzer III J. While that would have been a tall order for most, Kuro had also brought their Maus, and they were looking for redemption for their performance in the finals. Miho eventually settled on, "I believe they will have a tough fight, but, from what I can remember about Scott, he'll put up a good fight."

Yukari had gone on what Anglerfish team called a "Panzer High" when she had seen what St Gloriana was using and couldn't help adding in her thoughts, "With the Centurion using the 20 pounder gun, it can knock out the Maus with relative ease. But I think the match hinges on the Comets if they can stay in the match, they would be a force to be reckoned with."

Miho absently nodded, remembering something Scott had told her years ago about the tactics he had dubbed as "The Rings of Defense" "If you are seen, do not be hit," she muttered.

The girls looked at her curiously, and Miho elaborated, "Scott told me years ago about some tactical doctrine he dubbed 'The Rings of Defense': 'If you can, do not be there; if you are there, do not be seen; if you are seen, do not be hit; if you are hit, do not be penetrated; if you are penetrated, do not be knocked out; if you are knocked out, do not be killed.' that is why there is a difference in what the boys brought and what the girls brought in terms of comparison. Scott stressed the importance of the line 'If you are seen, do not be hit,' while Darjeeling stresses the line 'if you are hit, do not be penetrated,' it will be interesting to see the doctrines clash."

Saori looked doubtful, "Will they though?" she asked before continuing, "If he is as smart as you claim he is, he might just offer some observations rather than orders since he has no experience fighting Kuromorimine."

Miho smirked, "Doesn't he?" she replied, "He would often play strategy games with Maho and me when we were younger and she never won, either getting beat soundly or bled to a draw between them before I swept the floor with what remained of them."

Scott looked as if he had heard Miho, "Let's see if Maho has matured her strategies any since we were children, shall we?" he muttered before finishing his positioning and popping his hatch to allow so fresh air into his compartment.

St Gloriana had, by good fortune, beaten Kuromorimine to the town and set up in position before the Comets made contact with the opposition. A few minutes passed, many of the crews had decided to pop their hatches to keep a better lookout and get some fresh air. All of a sudden, the radio blared, "Commander! We've made contact with the entire hostile force! They brought the bloody Maus and they're angry!" Jasmine shouted into her radio.

Darjeeling though, was quite calm, at least on the outside, "Calm yourself, Commander Dawson, your job is to draw them in, do not take a shot if you do not feel the need to."

"Roger," Jasmine grumbled.

Scott groaned "Ugh, she'll never let this go,"

Slowly, the crews reentered their tanks. Once Darjeeling closed her hatch and sighed, "Our worst fears have been realised," she murmured.

Josh snorted, "Let's be thankful they don't have a Jagdpanzer E 100 to throw at us."

Darjeeling and Scott glared at him. Stan spoke up first though, "Joshua, you're not helping. Just shoot the gun," he said, exasperated.

Josh winced, but before he could say anything, they could hear shots being fired. Over the radio, Jasmine called out, "Flag on Tiger II at the rear of the formation, Jagdtiger, Jagdpanther, Elefant, Maus heading the formation. Double line. Panthers and other Tiger in the second line. Get ready, we're coming in hot!"

Darjeeling nodded, "If your shot would be ineffective, aim for the tracks, immobilize them for the flankers."

Before she finished, the Comets blew past them and ducked into a side street. Then, they saw the Jagdtiger, Jagdpanther, Elefant, and the Maus. Darjeeling simply said, "Fire."

Seemingly as one person, the Centurion, Comets and the Matildas fired their first salvo. Much to their surprise, two of the Comets landed a knockout hit to a Panther each in the second row, and the Centurion tracked the Jagdtiger.

At this, the Kuro tanks unleashed a barrage that, if it had been aimed properly, could have done a great deal of damage. As it was, one of the Comets was tracked and a Matilda reported difficulties in turning the turret.

Miho leaned back in her seat. The crowd was stunned, they had been expecting a slaughter and they were getting it, just not how they expected. In the first volleys from each team, Kuromorimine was down two tanks with a third unable to move while St Gloriana only lost the mobility of one of their tanks. Saori's eyebrows were in her hairline as she asked Miho, "Is that what you are talking about Miporin?"

Miho shook her head, "Just wait."

The wait would be worth it, after another relatively ineffective volley from Kuromorimine that actually managed to knock out the immobilized Comet. Darjeeling sprung her trap, "Ms Robbins, execute now!"

Terre smirked in her tank, "With pleasure commander," then she tapped her driver, "Let's end this."

The FV304s sprung into action and the AT2 lumbered behind them. Because of where the Kuro tanks were, they actually caught them in a pincer move. Maho was standing out of her hatch when she looked behind her and saw the three tanks. Her mask slipped for a split second and fear crossed her features, but before she could issue any orders, the AT2 fired a single shot and the distinctive POP of the flag could be heard. Then it came over the radio, "Kuromorimine flag tank disabled. St Gloriana Wins!"

At that, the battlefield became as still as a tomb, the Kuromorimine contingent was in shock and St Gloriana was relieved.

The stands were just as shocked, except for Miho who was smiling. Eventually, the St Gloriana students came out of their shock and began clapping and cheering.

In the Centurion, Darjeeling and Scott slumped in their seats, the adrenaline leaving their bodies. It took them a moment, but eventually, Darjeeling said, "Take us back to the garages Captain."

Scott mutely nodded and began driving back. His thoughts were racing. Supposedly Kuromorimine was one of, if not the best team in the league, Ooarai being a strong contender for that title.

He didn't have long to ponder on the matter as they reached the garages soon thereafter. The members of the Senshadou team that couldn't participate in the match greeted them enthusiastically, they had never won against Kuromorimine and so they were already being celebrated as celebrities. Many of the boys had struck up March of the British Grenadiers for the girls and everyone was in good spirits. Then Scott noticed something out of the corner of his eye, turning to see what it was, he nudged Darjeeling when he realised that it was Maho and Erika.

Walking over to them, completely unnoticed by the celebrating St Gloriana students, Scott offered a sympathetic smile to Maho, but Darjeeling spoke, "It was a good match Maho,"

Maho took a deep breath, it was then that Scott noticed her mask had completely shattered, this concerned him so he turned to Darjeeling and asked, "Love, could I speak with Maho alone?"

Darjeeling nodded and, much to their surprise, Erika gave them some space as well. Scott then looked at Maho, "I know it's been a decade since we've so much as spoke to each other, but I am concerned Maho, is there something wrong?"

Maho trembled, but she remembered that Scott was willing to stand up for what he believed was right. So she began, "Scott, I've had one championship, and to Mother, that's what matters. We've been beaten by Pravda, then Ooarai, and now you. I'm worried what Mother will do because I want Miho to be free to do what she wants to, not what is expected of her as a Nishizumi Heiress."

Scott frowned, "A mother should offer unconditional love to their children, no matter if they succeed or fail. However, it is unlikely that Shiho will do anything drastic as she does need an heiress and with all the animosity between them, I doubt Miho would even consider it." then he rubbed his brow, "Is there anyone whom you feel comfortable around? A friend or someone more? If you share your worries with someone who knows you better than me, then you'll do better."

Maho looked down and Scott's heart dropped, afraid of what she would say. But when she finally spoke, his heart would remain down in spite of it, "Yes, but Mother wouldn't approve of it."

Scott's frown seemed to deepen, something that an observer would not have believed possible, "Why is that?"

Maho chose not to say anything, rather she looked away, but Scott followed her gaze and it became clearer to him, "You view your second as something more than a friend, don't you?" at Maho's nod, Scott's frown lessened, "Then talk to her! If she feels the same, then you'll cross that bridge when you get there. But just talk to someone about your troubles, no one expects you to carry the world on your shoulders."

Maho looked at him, "How did you do it?"

Scott thought for a moment, "You're talking about how I got Darjeeling as a girlfriend?" he asked and she nodded, "Well, we were going to shadow two members of our crew on their date, just to make sure everything went off well. When they couldn't go on the date, I asked her if she still wanted to go ahead with the plan."

Maho frowned, it would be impossible to do that, but she was certain that she could think of something. "Thank you, Scott, I better not keep you from your girl."

Scott smirked and said his farewells to Maho. he walked over to Darjeeling and rested his head on her's, "How'd things go Scott?" she asked.

Scott sighed, "Rather well, I hope."

Before Darjeeling could ask further, Terre approached them, "Scott, there is a man from the mainland wanting to speak with you, said it's about Archibald."

Scott frowned, but before he could say anything, the man came up to them, "Mr Perkins, it is my duty to inform you that your testimony has been rendered unnecessary."

Scott glared at this man, but he continued, undaunted, "The reason for this is the fact that Archibald Evans no longer resides in the Land of the Living."

Chapter Ten, good lord. Before this story, my longest story was my first Harry Potter Fic, which will be revised at some point, now, I've effectively doubled the word length of my longest story and this is nowhere near finished.

The First battle is over and St Gloriana was victorious, they shall face the victors of the Saunders/Anzio match. Expect that the next chapters will contain less tankery and more personal life, especially given that Archibald Evans was killed in a Maximum Security Prison (Or it's Japanise equivalent).

In response to the review of the last chapter, let's tackle it in the three parts it concerns: 1) (Kill Evans) well, I mean, he was always going to die, but I was debating how to do it. In the original draft for the last chapter, Rosehip would have killed him, but I didn't want to write that, namely the Psychological effects of killing someone. After that, I was debating between Execution or murder in Prison, as to who murder him though, well, I've got the beginning of the next chapter planned out. 2) (The contingency for dealing with Anglerfish) right now, Scott's thinking much the same as dealing with the Maus, Pray. 3) (How Archibald got a gun) all shall be revealed next chapter.

Please do leave a review, Favourite and/or Follow, it helps me knock down the brick walls my muse sometimes runs into.

Until next time: Panzer Vor!