AN: Forgot to mention. Some vehicles from Shockwave, and a few other mods will make an appearance. Why did I forget to mention this you ask? I was lazy and didn't think about it.
Pravda Battlefield.
A few minutes after Jié left Miho on the hill, the schools were ready to fight. "It looks like the battle is coming, oh how I hate to just leave you like this. But duty calls am I right?" Mèngyáo said. "I'm afraid so." Hana said.
Mèngyáo suddenly took her hand and handled it as if it were a flower. "Will we have the chance to speak to one another again?" He asked. Her face turned red, and began to slightly stutter. "I-I-I'm sure we will, it's only our second round." "I do hope so. It's not every day you meet a diamond in a land of troubles. Especially nowadays." 'If he keeps talking to me like this I'm going to really have trouble have trouble watching him leave when the competition is done.' Hana thought. "Well I better go!" She suddenly said, running off to her team. Mèngyáo simply smiled as she ran off. "It's not every day at all." He whispered. As he went back to his crew, he was met by an obviously angry Jié with everyone else looking how they normally look, Jiàn with his same silly grin, Niú with a confused look, and Huáng with his emotionless stare. "What?" He asked innocently. "Don't give me that Mèngyáo! How many times do I have to tell you NOT to interact with these pretenders!?" "Come on sir. It's not like I'm sharing classified intel with her. I'm not that stupid."
"Stupid? No. Gullible? Yes." Jié said. "Aw, that hurt sir." "Let's just go, okay?" The crew began to regroup with the other Chinese soldiers to sit up on the bleachers, when they happened upon Katyusha herself. "Oh no." Jié mumbled. "If it isn't the Reaper of 'Sensha-dou?'" She said. Jié didn't really understand how 'Reaper' made sense. "If it isn't the short little hothead?" He shot back. "Nonna!" She said. Jié watched as the taller girl allowed Katyusha to climb and piggyback onto her shoulders. "You are beneath me. In stature and height!" She declared. With a bored look, Jié calmly put his hand up like he wanted someone to stop.
Then quickly pushed Nonna, knocking her and Katyusha onto the ground.
It was safe to say everyone was watching the moment unfold. Nonna rubbed her bottom while Katyusha rubbed her head. Jié smirked as he looked down upon them. "I reaped no one. You want reapers? Try the Fort Irwin National Training Center and compete against the 11th ACR. Height is one thing. But stature is nothing unless you can back it up. Which you clearly can't. Perhaps you should quit this silly sport and go back to finger-painting." He said before walking away. "Ooooooh." Jiàn said following. Katyusha said nothing as she walked the Chinese tank commander walk away towards the bleachers.
"I'LL SHOW YOU SVOLOCH!" She yelled getting up and rushing towards her tank. Jié couldn't help but smirk even more at this. If she acted like this due to a simple provocation, then it is a wonder she's the commander of the Pravda team.
"Wow. She's one feisty little girl!" Mèngyáo said with amusement. "What did she eat for breakfast?" "Can't be vodka, that's for sure. Otherwise, she would have slipped off from her perch." Jiàn said. "Maybe someone snuck some Sichuan chilis into her breakfast." Said Niú. Everyone laughed at the comment. "Hm." Huang grunted. His equivalent of laughter.
Jié entered the bleachers alongside his comrades and found a seat. It was just like last time. Stands and vendors everywhere with one set of stands for civilians, and another for the soldiers. Divided by Power. USA seats, Russian seats, etcetera etcetera. And the generals up in box seats.
"You know what I can't figure out?" Asked General Bradley. "Vhat?" Wolfgang replied. "If this is one of those competitions, how come we're carrying it out when that Kuromorimine class hasn't arrived yet?" "To keep the people from waiting." Said an official. "Half of the game is going on while the other half is put on hold. Once they get here, we can have that section of the competition begin while putting this section on hold to allow them to catch up." "Makes sense." Chen said. Again, Aleksandr remained silent.
The tanks of the schools met up in the center, with the Manticore approaching. "Hello Mädchen!" Said Aldrick, looking out of the turret. When the tank stopped, he hopped out and made way to the team leaders. "Zis should be interesting, Russian tanks vs various tanks. Zis battle will be an elimination battle."
This was a change. Nearly every battle Miho ever took part in was a flag battle. Elimination was pretty much Team Deathmatch without respawning. "Seems kind of weird, zese Russian tanks are no pushovers." He said quietly to himself. "Just a refresher for you, render all tanks on ze opposing team inoperable."
"Let's have a bloody good game eh ladies?!" Winston shouted peeking outside. "DUMMKOPF!"
"Let's have a good game." All the competitors said. Aldrick ran back to the tank while Poldi flew out and high in the air. The tanks scrambled to their respective starting positions while the Manticore freely maneuvered throughout the field. Aldrick grabbed a flare gun given to him by the officials and waited. "Poldi says all of the tanks are in a their starting positions." Affonso said. Aldrick aimed and fired. The flare glowing bright red and shining for all to see.
"So it begins." He said to himself.
In the stands, the crowd went wild, and the Russians began yelling their iconic 'ura' as Pravda began to move out.
"Ooh boy, who do you think is gonna win sir?" Jiàn asked. Jié said nothing and stared at the screen, at Oorari's side. "Honestly? It could go either way. Pravda has expertly made Russian tanks." He finally said. "Indeed," Niú said. "Those 76 and 85mm guns pack a punch, and their armor is exceptional considering their angle. Let's not forget they have their IS-2 and KV-2. The IS is what you would call a bigger stronger T-34. That gun is something to avoid, the armor is all but invincible and its speed is fair. And the KV-2 is more akin to a fortification killer. However its silhouette makes it an obvious target. Not to mention a slow reload time and speed. The IS-2, if it goes down, is a big loss. Oorari has a variety of tanks. This is both a strength and a weakness, their weaker tanks can be a liability, but they can be faster than the Russian tanks, and the Hetzer and STuG are an absolute stay away for Pravda. The Panzer and Tiger Porsche stand a chance for armor. It all comes down to how their abilities and strengths are played out. It's all about who hits who first."
"Couldn't have said it better myself." Said Jié. He's encountered tanks like that before in the GLA. They would use ANYTHING and EVERYTHING they could get their grubby hands on. Some tanks even had scavenged and makeshift explosive reactive armor. Albeit performing poorer than real ERA. The GLA even had salvaged Hetzers in their divisions. Labeled as Chameleons, and rightfully so. Thankfully the Type-59 MK II's armor was better than its predecessor and could withstand a hit. And the reactive armor further enhanced it. Not only that, the tank's 125mm, with weapons grade uranium shells could one shot them.
Then again. It was he who hits first.
The Oorari tanks were spreading out in their formation while Pravda's stayed close together. Who knows why?
"Why am I suddenly reminded of our run in Kazakhstan a few years ago?" Jiàn asked. "I don't know Jiàn, maybe it has to do with the fact that Pravda's formation was similar to that of a GLA convoy they found. But Pravda had far less tanks here. They were easy pickings until technicals showed up with small recoilless rifles. Huáng didn't hesitate to ram and even crush the trucks. One of them was even shoved off of a cliff.
It was also a funny twists of irony because it's usually the GLA attacking POWERS convoys.
Panzer IV
"Duck team. Move ahead and scout the area. We don't know where the enemy is yet. Hippo and Turtle teams, move to the back. Everyone else stay in formation, we need to play it safe unlike last time." Miho said, straining 'last time.' Bringing everyone else's expressions to that of shame. Before Anteater and Leopon team joined, the fight with Pravda took a bad turn when everyone decided to Blitzkrieg the enemy, and instead went right into a trap.
This time they'd listen to Miho's EVERY word.
Duck's Type 89 raced head while everyone else remained behind Miho's Panzer IV. "Playing it safe Miporin?" Asked Saori. "Yes. Not like what happened last time. We barely scraped through that one. This time will be different. We play it safe and if necessary let them come to us." "Yes. Until further notice, we keep moving until Duck Team gives us an update."
"Listen and listen good comrades!" Katyusha shouted over the racing engines. "Last year we got beaten by these girls! We must not make the same mistake twice! Anyone who gets taken out is sent to the Gulag! If we lose, it'll be Vorkuta!" (NO that was NOT a Black Ops reference.)
The Pravda tanks were making good time as they raced across the snow. After all, Russian tanks were built for such conditions.
"Let's not forget, there are REAL RUSSIANS watching us! We must not fail, we must show them that we are worthy of operating their old relics! FORWARD AGAINST THE ENEMY!"
"URA!" Came the cheer from the Pravda students.
Up in the bleachers.
"They are Japanese, but they have our spirit." Said a Russian soldier. "Da. It is nice to have your country idolized. Especially ours before Suvorov came to power." Said another. " 30 that the Type 89 gets shot first." "Forty that the M3 is first." "As difficult as it is to believe, fifty that the KV-2 is shot first." Said a third. "Ty idiot, (You idiot,) it'll be the Tiger on Oorari's team!" The Russians began to argue about who will get hit first. "These guys are ridiculous. Seriously? Making bets on the game?" Jiàn said. "Be thankful they're dependable in a fight." Mèngyáo said.
It was no joke. The Russians are quite the fighters, having learned as time went by and wars were fought. Like German soldiers, whenever someone mentions Russia, they immediately think of the World War 2 soldiers. The Russians did whatever it took to hold back the Germans, even just hand weapons to recruits, while others took ammo clips should another die, and point them to the fight.
Those were desperate times.
But those days were over for a long time. Now? EVERY Russian soldier was well-trained. EVERY Russian soldier had a weapon. And EVERY Russian soldier was battle-smart.
Though some could be a tad bit silly. But they've been thirsty for getting back at the GLA for staining their nation's name.
"I'm getting a feeling of Déjà vu." Said Jié. "What do you mean sir?" Asked Niú. "Pravda is just charging in like Saunders did last match. Perhaps this idiocy is instilled in their training."
Panzer IV
"Miho. It's Duck. We have eyes on Pravda's force. They're grouped up and heading your way… I can't see the IS-2. It might be in wait or circling around."
That wasn't good. The IS-2 was a big stay away for Miho and co. "Everyone keep your heads on a swivel. That tank will take you down in one hit. Duck, try to follow them from a distance. If they get a bead on you then don't risk it, get yourselves out of there." "Got it Miho." Miho sat in thought at the news she was given. "Everyone, form a circle around Turtle and Hippo, we can't afford to lose them with that IS-2 out there." Better to take one for the team in a situation like this.
"Miho. Duck Team, one of the T-34s is rushing ahead. Looks like they're scouting." "Finally, something to shoot." Erwin said. "Relax. We still don't know where the IS-2 is."
Manticore.
"So. I said, 'Well if you're so confident in your abilities, then why don't you just prove it in the next round?' And she said, 'I will! I'll prove to you our meddle and show you just how tough we are!' That little Katyusha's bark is worse than her bite it is!" Winston said, with an ushanka replacing his usual beret.
"He he he. That little girl is quite the firecracker." Said Edmond. "I bet a you that she'll break a down crying whenever something goes a bad." Affonso said. "Heh. I bet €35 she won't" Edmond said. "Oh really? Then I bet €45 that she WILL!" "You're on tea-drinker!"
"Does zis mean ve von't be having a peaceful referee watch zis time?" Asked Erdmann. "I suppose not mein Freund."
The interior of the super-heavy fell silent for a good while.
"Hey. Somezing hit my mind before ze match began." Erdmann said. "Vhat is it?" Asked Aldrick.
"Vell, I vas looking over ze rules of zis sport. Rule 3-01 (GUP Wikia) stated zat only vehicles whose design vas completed before, begun prototype trials before, or whose construction vas planned using only materials available before August 15, 1945 vere allowed." "Qui. Zat is correct." Erdmann said. "Vell it got me zinking. If zat's ze case, zen would schools be allowed to field heavy tanks like say… ze Maus?"
Erdmann brought up a good question. "Vell. Ze tank vas completed in 1944, vhich vould place it vell into ze rules. But it's a super-heavy tank, like ze Manticore, just obsolete." "If the Maus can find a way into the game, can other tanks in prototype and all that get in too? Like say the Black Prince prototype heavy tank?" Winston asked.
"One would a think. There's also that ARL-44 the French made." Affonso added.
"Exactly. But seeing as the Maus is super heavy, wouldn't zat be sort of like cheating? I mean zis isn't World of Tanks." Edmond stated. "Kinda makes a me wonder what would a happen if the Manticore got a place into this a game." Affonso said. "Zat should be a no brainer you pasta man. Obviously ze Manticore vould vin. It's technologically advanced, heavily armed and armored, und it has ze nano-orbs. Let's not forget zat ve're facing tanks from literally, nearly a century ago. Ze GLA do so too, but zey modify zeirs." Aldrick explained.
"Ze capitaine is right. Zis tank is nigh indomitable. Und let's not forget zat when you compare ze two, zose beauties running around on ze playing field wouldn't stand a chance against ze GLA." Edmond said. "Vhy did you have to put zat image in my head?" Aldrick said through his teeth. The thought of the girls getting slaughtered by those savages was a horrifying one. The GLA was known for their ruthless approach to war. Prisoners were treated like cattle, if they were inclined to mercy that is. It was hard NOT to imagine anything like ending up in the hands of more unbalanced commanders. And for the GLA, mercy was an indication that the worst has yet to come.
They were truly no better than the terrorists before them.
"OH UH! AFFONSO! Yeah! What's in the buckets?" Asked Winston, attempting to get everyone's minds of off the situation. "I went a ice fishing while everyone was busy. And you were a getting your hat." The Italian radioman said. "Ooh. That's enough to feed a good sized group." Winston said. "Ci. Grub for the girls when a the game is over." "OOH! A celebratory feast? C'est manifique!" Edmond said.
"OOH! I saw a cannon fire on a Poldi's screen! Looks like it's a that IS-2!" Affosno said excitedly.
"Gott help zose Ōrari Mädchen."
Panzer IV.
"JEEZ! Where'd that come from!?" Erwin yelled on the throat mic. "I saw a flash, over up on that tree covered hill!" Nekota shouted. The Panzer's turret already swung in the direction and fired. "Miss. Darn it." Other tanks followed suit, but the enemy tank was gone. "Had to have been the IS-2. Don't pursue! That's what they'll expect!" Miho said. "Duck team report!"
"We're still tailing Pravda. They seem to have no idea we're following them. But their rear is moving suspiciously slower." "Be careful. Everyone, keep moving forward!" Miho replied
Bleachers.
Jié's gaze once again carried the same clinically critical expression from the Saunders match. "They aren't going after the IS-2. Well, that's a good call. Sometimes going after the biggest threat isn't always the best choice." He said. "Though I believe it's only a matter of time until the Pravda tanks realize they're being tailed." "You know, I can't help but think about-" "Again?! Jeez you should be a historian or a story teller instead of a radioman Jiàn! Everything you see reminds you of SOMETHING!" Niú said.
"Hey it's not my fault. Besides, I like being a radioman, there's never a shortage of sights and action to see." He replied. "Besides, where would you be without me telling you what the superiors are shouting next?" "Jiàn!" Mèngyáo said as if he said something bad. "What?"
"Still, I'm amazed that the IS-2 didn't hit anything. Luck is on Ōrari's side I guess." Said Niú. "Indeed. They lose either the STuG or the Hetzer, they're in a lot of trouble
Battlefield.
"Pravda tanks sighted!" Midoriko shouted. The tanks came around a snowy hill and there in the distance were Pravda's tanks. "Everyone open fire, then scatter!" Miho said. As each tank cleared the hill and took a shot, they ran into a different direction. The Hetzer and STuG stayed together though. The Pravda tanks returned fire, the snow erupting into explosions of white mist.
Duck team came racing through their formation, and took potshots at individual tank treads. At least two treads were hit. One of them being the KV-2. "Duck here, two tanks have their treads hit. Including the KV-2." Said Noriko, Duck's commander. "Good work, think you can find the IS-2 for us?" Miho asked. "Heh. I know we can."
Duck team raced off, dodging shots from individual T-34s. The KV-2 let off a shot in the Panzer IV's direction, and as expected from a shot barreled tank, missed. The reload time was not short. The Pravda tanks that weren't disabled began to scramble. "Man, this isn't a tank battle, it's a clusterfuck!" General Bradley said.
A tank shot flew and finally knocked one of the Russian tanks out. And it just happened to be the KV-2. "I got one I got one! Firstblood!" Piyotan, Anteater's gunner shouted with joy. "First kill goes to us!" "Don't lose your focus! Everyone take a few shots, then fall back and regroup near the town!" Miho commanded.
"Looks like you owe me 50." Said the third Russian. "Chyort!" Said the others.
The tanks of both sides scattered, however Ōrari was able to break off while some of the Pravda tanks ended up colliding with one another, not being knocked out though. Then a familiar cannon fire sounded in the air. And Mallard was hit. "The IS-2 is at it again!" Midoriko said. It didn't take a genius to know that. "Everyone travel in a zigzag patter! Keep them from getting a bead on you!" Miho said. The Ōrari tanks complied as the snow around them erupted from the tank shells landing near them. "Remember! Regroup at the town!"
Pravda had 9 tanks left. Ōrari had 7.
Jié's mind was entering flashback mode. The same battle with the Toxin Marauders in Tibet. Those terrors scrambled across the battlefield before running to the town to make the Chinese's job harder. They had fixed turrets like the first generation Marauders of the FGWT, but who needs a turret when you could lob anthrax blobs at your targets?
These tanks were exclusive to the GLA general Dr Thrax, a mad scientist type who was responsible for the toxins in the GLA's arsenal. There was the standard anthrax, green in color. Then Beta, blue and faster acting. But those under Thrax's command were fond of Gamma. Purple in color, and acted so fast you were dead before you hit the floor. Your skin falls off the bone and you experience a painful burning sensation all over. Breathing becomes impossible, and you die. Many souls met their end to this substance. "Sir?"
Jié's attention shifted to his radioman. "You're daydreaming again sir. Let me guess. Negez desert? Tajiki-border? Tehran outskirts?"
"Tibet."
Enough was said and Jiàn went silent. They won, but it wasn't a glorious one. Much of the village was rendered uninhabitable by the toxins. "At least we don't see any of that here. Try thinking of our endeavor in the Golan Heights." Mèngyáo said. "The Second Yom Kippur again hmm?" Jié asked. "It is our first war after all sir. And that was one of our more fortunate battles." "But it's also what led to the Second Global War on Terror. AKA our current war we should be fighting instead of watching this!" "Sir please, calm down. It's getting good." Niú said.
"We made it. No sign of Pravda's tanks." Said Erwin, peeking out from the hatch. "Good, we have a chance to re-strategize." Miho replied. Mallard was out. That left them with 7 tanks. And Pravda still had 2 more than they. Not to mention the IS-2 decided to play hide-and-seek. "Everyone here?" "Rabbit Team still isn't here." Said Nekota.
As if on cue, Team Rabbit's M3 Lee crashed through one of the houses.
"OH! That was NOT a smart maneuver! That was someone's HOME!" Bradley yelled. "Actually, this is an abandoned town, used for our competitions." An official said. "Huh? Oh. Well- GOOD!" "Jumping to conclusions eh meine amerikanischer Freund?" Wolfgang asked. "Stuff it Kraut." "OOH. Now zat vas harsh." "Silence! This game is not yet over!" Chen said. "Though the home-wrecking move was quite unclean I will admit."
"That is why you fall behind in time to finish your tasks. While I forge ahead." Aleksandr said. "At the costs of a hundred destroyed homes." Bradley said. Aleksandr wasn't really known for his collateral concerns. As far as buildings went. "You Americans have a belief along the lines of… I believe… 'I would rather have a hundred of my homes destroyed, than to have a single one of my civilians dead.' Is that not your mindset?" He asked.
…
"He's got a good point." Said Wolfgang.
"Just shut up and watch the game!" Chen yelled. The other 3 generals decided that would be best, for bickering gets nobody anywhere.
Battlefield.
"Duck. Have you found the IS-2 yet?"
"No. We've got a T-34 tailing us, and boy is it persistent." Miho had to think fast, the rest of Pravda's tanks are going to waste no time in reaching them. "Hmm. I got it. Let's give them a taste of their own medicine!" Yukari suggested. "Huh?" Miho said confused. "Remember how they lured us here last round? Let's see if we can do the same to them!" Yukari replied. "That seems like a good idea, but what if we can't?" Hana asked. "If we can't we can scatter like before. But it would be better to try and lure them in. But we'll need someone to be the decoy. Duck's away, and Mallard's out."
"We'll do it." Anzu said over the radio. She was the president of the student council. "There's no way they would miss out on an opportunity to take out a Hetzer!" "Good idea. Go out and draw them in. Everyone else, find a hiding place. We're going into the structure from the last competition." The Hetzer raced off into the snowy plains while the other tanks scurried to find a place to hide. "Duck here! We see the IS-2, it's running off in the direction of the town. That T-34 is still chasing us. AHH It almost got us!"
Bleachers.
"Oh. I see. They're gonna try and bait the Pravda tanks with the Hetzer. Experts or not, anyone would jump at a chance to kill a lone Hetzer," Said Bradley, "I should know. But had it not been for better judgement, I would've ended up falling for them." "Indeed. Still, who would've thought that the GLA could've gotten their hands on Hetzers?" Chen asked. "Vell vhen ze Allies pushed zrough the deserts in Africa, zey didn't give ze Whermacht much time to gazer zeir zings." Wolfgang said. "Huh. Yeah, guess it was one of those things that came to bite us in the ass without us thinking." Bradley replied.
"They are nothing to my Golem tanks." Aleksandr replied. "Well I'm certain the GLA didn't think about taking on the largest country on Earth, who happens to make great tanks too." Chen said. "Yeah. But whenever the Russians throw their huge tanks into the mix, the GLA start puking out their own forces, especially those combat cycles. JEEZUZ. Remember that op in Tajikistan? When my Mammoth tanks showed, they had so many of the goddamn things coming at us you'd swear they were coming out of their ears!" Bradley ranted.
No joke. You'd swear the GLA really were making them out of thin air.
Jié was watching this new development unfold before him. "They're letting that tank go alone to draw the enemy in. Where's their backup?" He asked. "They probably can't spare it." Jián said. "Preposterous! In our army, regardless of our own forces, if we have the proper number of tanks, we always ensure at least two tanks go side by side in a situation like this." "Then what about our moment in the Negev Desert?" Asked Mèngyáo. "We had no other tanks to spare. The only ones available had to stay behind to hold back the enemy. And last I checked, WE VOLUNTEERED to go alone." Mèngyáo went quiet after that, realizing his mistake.
"HOW COULD THOSE PRAVDA GIRLS LOSE ŌRARI?! They should be used to this kind of warfare!" A Russian soldier yelled. "Hey, calm down comrade, no one is perfect." "Zatknis'! (Shut up!) They call themselves Russian themed and they lose the enemy so quickly. IN THE SNOW!" "CALM DOWN!" "Oh boy. The Russians are freaking out now." Said Niú. "Starting to look like a Dota server." Jiàn said. A few chuckles resounded after that comment. Jié's attention however, remained on the big screen. The Hetzer was within range of the now organized Pravda tanks, and let off a shot, taking out a set of treads. "TY POLNYY OTSTOY! (YOU SUCK!)" A Russian yelled, dissing the accuracy of the crew. "I find myself in agreement with you!" Jié said, loud enough for the Russian to hear. "I've seen GLA Hetzers hit bullseyes from farther." He said sadly, and quietly.
Battlefield.
"We got their attention! But they're after us now!" Anzu said.
"Get back here now! Get ready everyone! Duck, where are you?" Miho said. "We can see the town in the distance! HEY TRY AIMING NEXT TIME! That T-34's just spraying and praying now!"
A few minutes after Duck's report, the Hetzer came blazing through the town, but only 4 of the 7 tanks followed. "Looks like Katyusha's caught onto your strategy, but her crews are too focused on us." Anzu said. "How can you tell?" Miho asked. "I can see her yelling. I'm looking out of the hatch as we speak. Wish I had a camera."
As soon as the Hetzer made it past the center, the T-34s found themselves being fired upon. Two were taken down, while the others tried to find a target. Rabbit's M3 and Leopon's Tiger came into view with the STuG behind them. The T-34s withdrew, to be stopped by Anteater, who opened fire immediately. The shot grazed the side skirt of one, and the T-34 fired in desperation. The Ōrari tanks opened fire again, and the T-34s were hit, but not before the M3 got hit. "We're hit!" Azusa cried. "Are you all okay?" Saori instinctively asked. "We're okay!" Each member said.
Now it was 5 to 6. Things were looking good for Ōrari.
"It's Duck! They got us!" Make that 5 to 5. "Are you okay?" Miho asked. "Yeah, we're okay, but that IS-2 packs a mean punch! Guess we didn't learn our lesson from last time." Then another shot rang out. And Anteater was hit in the rear. "Aw man." Nekota said. "At least we got firstblood!" Piyotan said. 5-4 now. "I think the winds of war are turning against us." Erwin said. "Just like everyone else who tried to invade Russia." Caesar said.
Bleachers.
The Russians, split between the schools were yelling at one another. (No I don't hate Russia, I just figured it would be funny to do this) It was all 'You owe me X amount of rubles,' and 'you owe me that amount,' and it just went back and forth. "OKAY MANEKEN! (Dummy) I bet you 60 that the HETZER gets taken out!" "SEVENTY on the STUG!"
"The Russians can sure be funny." Jiàn said. "Indeed. I'm starting to think of them as a sort of comic relief." Mèngyáo said. "No that tends to be the job of the Americans." Niú said. "I HEARD THAT!" An American yelled a bleacher set away. "Now it's an even match. And that IS-2 is still operational. Given a chance, it can and WILL take out Miho's tank destroyers. But if they can take it down. Then she has a great chance to win." Jié said. "No margin for error." Huáng said. "You think she's gonna make it?" Niú asked. "I could care less one way or the other. I'm not here because I want to be. Remember that." Jié said, authority filling his voice. 'Though if she does, it would still back up that she has SOME talent. But like I say, it pales in contrast with ourselves, even the GLA is more skilled. I can't believe I'm thinking this.'
Manticore
"Bloody hell. Looks like it's anyone's game now." Said Winston. "Qui qui. One wrong step and little Miho is done." Said Edmond. "Looks like it's about to get tense." "Ja. Erdmann, get us in closer, into ze town. But not too close, ve don't vant to scare zem into being careful around us." Aldrick said. "Ja Kommandant." Erdmann replied. "Engines engaged." The EVA said. "Stop shouting! Ve're not deaf!"
Miho had to think carefully. One wrong move, they were done. The IS-2 was still out there. And the Manticore was getting closer, no doubt to defuse any tense feelings. She could see its cannons peeking from around the side of one of the houses. Then that same drone from last match zip by in Pravda's direction. "Hippo, Turtle, hide in the structure. Leopon, follow us, we're going to try again. If you see the IS-2, don't hesitate to open fire!" "GOT IT!" Everyone said. As the tank destroyers went and hid, the Panzer and Tiger raced out of the town and headfirst towards the Pravda tanks. A funny fact being that the Manticore was following them. Albeit slower. "Wait. There are only 4 tanks. Where's the IS-2?" Asked Nakajima, Leopon's commander. The answer came as a geyser of snow erupted from behind. The IS-2 maneuvered around the town! 'We got this one!" Nakajima said. The Tiger and IS-2 proceeded to have a 1v1 in the town, while the Panzer was left with the other 4.
"Trade one issue for another." Said Miho. "We're coming." Erwin called out. "NO WAIT!" But it was too late, as the TD's raced to help their leader, the Hetzer was hit. 5-3 now. Hippo team managed to get away unscathed. And came out guns blazing. The appearance forced the T-34s to back off a little. At least until they let off their volley. Thankfully they missed. The STuG fired again, and a tank was hit dead center. 4-3 now.
"Come on. Let's see what this bad boy can do." Leopon and the IS-2 were facing down one another from opposite ends of the town. It was no doubt that Pravda's second captain, Nonna was in that tank. "Let's try to keep it clean," Nakajima said, "Big Blue's watching us." Sure enough, the Manticore was indeed watching them.
"I'm betting ze Tiger vill vin." Said Erdmann. "Oh really Kraut? Well I bet €70 that the Russian's gonna win!" "You're on Tommy!" As soon as they said that, the tanks opened fire and began moving, circling around the center while trying to get a bead on one another. It just went over and over. Fire, reload, repeat. With Miho, the 3 T-34s were trying to flank her and Hippo.
"Don't lose focus!" She yelled. The STuG fired, and another tank went down, but was taken down itself by the other tank. Now it was just Miho and the other tank. The hatch on that tank opened up, and it just so happened to be Katyusha herself. Miho followed suit, and the two commanders had a little stare down. "So… it's come down to us pirozhki. I don't intend on losing. But I'm not going down without a fight!" She said. "Neither do I." Miho replied.
"By the way Miho. I met your boyfriend. Quite the charmer that one." Miho's face instantly turned red. "H-h-he's not my boyfriend! He couldn't be! He's from China! There's no way he'd agree to it!" "I tease you pirozhki. But enough! It is time we settled this fight now!" Katyusha said, descending into her tank. 'Well, I guess she was trying to tease me.' Miho thought, entering her tank. The two tanks began to move and fire at one another like the Tiger and IS-2. The bleachers, notably the Russians and ECA sections were going nuts. The Americans simply cheered, and laughed at the predicament, while China remained silent.
"Fire!"
BOOM
"Fire!"
BOOM
Again and again the separate fights raged, with the distance closing between the two competitors. All four tank crews could feel adrenaline coursing through their veins. It was almost like the Second World War all over again. Four crews, two Russian, two German, back from the dead to settle who was better one last time before departing to the afterlife.
The Tiger and IS-2 literally had their cannons side by side.
"FIRE!"
Both the T-34 and Panzer IV had their cannons aimed at the bodies of their opponents.
"FIRE!"
BOOM.
Everything went silent as smoke filled the air. No one said a word. Even the wind stopped. The IS-2 and Tiger were seen first. Both had their flags up.
The T-34 and Panzer IV were revealed next. The Russian tank had a burning hole in its side, while the Panzer had the same. Only one difference. The sideskirt had the hole, but the tank itself didn't the shell simply lodged.
Aldrick climbed out of the Manticore and spoke into the mic he was given. "All Pravda tanks rendered immobile! Ōrari is VICTORIOUS!"
On cue, the civilians and ECA soldiers cheered, while most of the Russians were mildly disappointed. The US soldiers calmly clapped like before. China remained silent.
"WHOO! I was holding a breath I didn't realize I was holding!" Jiàn said. "Indeed, I'm sweating." Said Mèngyáo. Jié got up and left the stands. Like last time, and made his way to the maintenance areas. Prompting his crew to follow.
"Draw?" Winston asked. "Draw." Erdmann replied.
The Manticore was leading the Panzer back to the area where the other tanks were being looked at. Miho was absolutely beaming. The last match that was so close was against her sister last competition. "WE DID IT! THAT WAS AWESOME!" Yukari yelled at the top of her lungs. Miho laughed shyly at her friend's behavior. Not long after she was praised, Katyusha came along on Nonna's shoulders. "Looks like I underestimated you again pirozhki. You're full of surprises aren't you?" She asked. "He he… I guess so." Miho replied. Katyusha smiled. "Guess I got too laid back. You're going to go far Miho. That I am sure of." Katyusha proceeded to dismount Nonna's shoulders and extend a hand to Miho, who promptly took it. "Hmm? Ah. It seems your druzhok is here." Katyusha said. "Huh? (Druzhok is Russian for boyfriend.) Attention was turned to five males in the area. It was Jié and his crew. Jié looked rather annoyed like always when encountering the girls.
Everything went quiet.
Jié stepped forward, and made his way to Miho. Walking right in front of her. He was easily a couple of inches taller. "You, like everyone else here, are an amateur." He said. No one said anything. "But a skilled one at that." He said. Girls gasped slightly at this. "You have some skill, there is no denying that, I will admit. But know this, it pales in comparison to those of enemy tanks I have encountered. You may be at the top in this… sport," he said, hesitatingly saying 'sport.' "But compared to us? You are but bamboo before a mighty typhoon."
He turned and made his way back to his crew, before looking back. "That was impressive what you pulled. But your crews need more discipline, more control. Especially your Hetzer crew." He began to make his way to the exit of the area.
"Jié!"
Miho called him. He turned and even though far away, looked her dead in the eye.
"Thank you." She said, smiling sweetly.
"Do not expect such courtesy all the time." He said. Finally departing.
"Sir? Did you really mean that?" Jian asked. "I did. I meant everything I said. EVERYTHING" Jié said, straining the last word.
The Powers and schools began to pack up, it was quite a day, and another approaches.
Somewhere in a brush.
"Quite the event." The man said. Akar was once again in the field. Watching the action take place, and the Manticore. He had two new men with him, courtesy of Rudolph. Arturo Sanchez and Severo Alhambra, ex-Grupo de Operaciones Especiale. Considerable experience operating as a sniper team, dozens of confirmed kills in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and especially in North Africa fighting the GLA. Several weapons were mastered by them, including the .50 cal antimaterial sniper rifles. "Why are we watching fake tank battles again senor?" Asked Arturo. "We need a good idea on how the schoolgirls work, as well as The Powers if we are to get our prize."
"Si, about that," Severo began, "A Manticore? Isn't that a little, crazy?" "They say the things I've done are crazy." "Good point senor." The men began to get up from their prone positions. "Let's get home. We'll begin our plan tomorrow, we have enough recon for now." Akar said.
And with that, the three rogues vanished into the blizzard
AN: JEEZ! OVER 6000 WORDS! I need a break, it's 3AM! Also, I got some news everybody. I've been reading other fanfics of Girls und Panzer, and have been thinking about making a few changes to the fic. Now don't get into a frenzy, the plotline, characters, and The Powers will still be in the way that it is. I just plan to add more to it.
See ya next time!
