Final chapter. It's a short one, but hopefully, it'll be a nice end.
He Came…And Went
Rirko and Ami would travel to Izumo Airport. From there, he would fly to Narita International Airport, in the Chiba-ken prefecture. Afterwards, it would be a long flight back to Canada.
Everything was said during the span of that week. Nothing else needed to be said. Rirko and Ami just enjoyed each other's company as they drove to Izumo. Still early out, the air was chilled, with the sunrise only hours away.
When disembarking into Matsue, the process took a lot longer than usual.
"That's strange. There shouldn't be any hold-ups on the platform. Wonder why it's taking so long?"
"Platform maintenance," Ami replied, answering without looking at him. "They usually schedule these overnight repairs until the early hours of the morning. Totally normal."
"Oh." Rirko's attempt at small talk ended in failure.
There were only a few cars both on the carrier and in Matsue. However, the rush hour would start up soon as it was still a weekday. Street lights passed as a streak of light. Rirko noticed that Ami was driving a bit recklessly as there were hardly any cars on the road. Feeling nervous about crashing, he didn't raise the issue, however. He knew, behind her regular behaviour beat a broken heart that was driving her loved one away.
He sat there…silently. Enduring the awkward silence between them.
Izumo Airport – Mid – Morning
A good rule of thumb when travelling: always arrive a few hours early before departure.
Rirko's flight wasn't scheduled to depart until 9:00 am. As Rirko used the automatic check-in kiosk, Ami watched on. She knew when he went through those security doors, it would be all over. Thinking about this unsettled her so much that she couldn't contain herself. Turning away and crossing her arms, she didn't want Rirko to see her like this.
But he did. Returning from the kiosk, he slowly approached her. Standing in front, he firmly grabbed onto her shoulders.
She was crying. "I'm sorry," sniffling and dropping a few tears on the floor. "I'm not handling this well."
Saying nothing, he embraced her, her face buried in his chest. Weeping silently, Rirko refused to show any emotion for her sake. He stroked her hair. "I need you to be strong. This love of ours is a beautiful thing. I would hate to see it end just because of distance or time. Buck up, you're a tough girl who can easily keep my ass in line."
She chuckled softly at his attempt at humour. She smiled at him, "I'm the only girl who can keep your sorry ass in line."
"Fair enough." He was happy that she was happy.
"Rirko…I'm sorry."
This was unsettling for him. "Sorry? For what?" As he turned toward the security gates, his jaw dropped. His heart skipped a beat; the feeling of shock overcoming him. Gritting his teeth, he mumbled one word: "no…"
Standing between him and the gates were both the members of Anteater and Hippo. They all had furious looks.
"Hold it right there!" Nekonya yelled, with the other two members of Anteater struck dynamic poses. "You're not going anywhere until our trade's been completed!"
Caesar gave a smirk. "Mr. Nagasawa. You didn't think that you could leave without saying goodbye to our Legate! In fact, the entire legion is here to see you off!"
At this, all corners of the hall were pouring with Oarai Sensha-do students. Rabbit, Duck, Leopon, Mallard, Tortoise, Turtle, Platypus and Anglerfish. Soon the entirety of the team converged near Ami and Rirko. He watched with amazement as he saw all of them here, in his place.
He turned to Ami, who gave a shrug. "I told you, didn't I. You can't leave until you said goodbye."
"Do you realize how early I had to wake up?" Mako was almost on the floor while Saori was holding her up.
"Mako, come on! You're heavy…"
At least six border guards converged near the group to make sure that Oarai didn't cause any problems. It was still early in the morning, so the commotion didn't affect many people. It was a sight, though.
Rirko was more touched than angry with anyone. No doubt Ami had a hand in this. Also, he suspected support from the school administration and the student council for this stunt. His plan to leave silently was no longer the case. Like it or not, he would receive a send-off.
The question now was: if the team was here, then where was its commander?
Some team members parted ways for the arrival of its leader. There she was. Ami stepped away as Miho stoically walked towards them. Swallowing a lump in his throat, this was the first time he saw her like this. Tranquil fury was the only way to describe her state of being.
The way she walked. The way she looked at him. As someone on a mission, there was no hesitation. Acting like a proper Nishizumi, striving forward towards a goal. Rirko didn't know what was going to happen next. Deceiving her twice, he had to accept the consequences of his actions.
Standing before each other, everyone waited with bated breath. Looking at him with the same brown eyes, Miho kept the same stoic stare. Rirko responded in kind, with a stare of his own. After a moment, what happened next surprised him.
*Thunk*
Miho swiftly kicked Rirko's right leg. Feeling the burning sensation of pain, he flinched slightly. Audible gasps went all around, and security seemed like they were going to jump in at any moment. Even Ami was surprised by this action.
Rirko nodded his head a few times, puckered his lips together as to not yell in front of everyone and rocked back and forth through the pain. "Okay…okay, I'm gonna go with 'ow.'"
"You big jerk!" Miho screamed, closing her eyes and held her fists for everyone to hear and see. "How can you do something so stupid?! What made you think no one would know?! Do you see us being that shallow?! That we would just forget everything, you told and taught us?! Are we just another statistic to you?! Among a long line of students, you helped, then forget about?! Did you actually think we wouldn't care?!"
As Miho ripped on Rirko, all he could do was listen. Listen to the ferocity in her voice, some soft sniffles amongst some of the students. The adults whispering amongst themselves, questioning what was happening. Panting, Miho's silence was a chance for him to offer something. Anything. "I…I didn't want to trouble any of you."
"Well, you did!" She snapped back. "You didn't even give us a chance to say goodbye to you! To let you know how important you are! How many lives you changed through your actions and words!" She took a breath, but her eyes started to tear up. "Even though I could hate you now for what you did. Even though every one of us can just leave in disgust for your actions today. We won't! If we hated you that much, we would be here! But we are! WE'RE HERE BECAUSE…WE…CARE!" Roaring the last part, Miho collapsed on the floor and started to cry uncontrollably. Some of the other students began to cry as well. Some openly wailing while others trying to hold back tears.
Saying nothing, he knelt before her. At once, she leaped onto him and cried on his shoulder. Miho didn't know this, but he was crying too. "Why?" she asked him, in between sniffles. "Every time I try to do the right thing, it comes to hurt me in the end? Why do I always want to do what's right for other people?"
He sighed and whispered in her ear. "Because you're kind, Miho."
"I'm…kind?"
"You don't do the things you do for any sort of recognition. Or respect from anyone. You don't do it for any rewards, either. You do it because it's the right thing to do. Because you wanted to make, others feel good about themselves. About all else, because you're a kind person, Miho. That's who you are. The one that takes care of those who have given up. The one that shows hope to those who lost it. People need kind people like you. And even though you say these things, I bet tomorrow if someone needs your help, you will jump in with a smile. Standing by them, supporting them. At the end of the day, because it's the right thing to do. It's the kind thing to do."
He wiped away some of her tears. "I didn't want to see any of you like this. Parting from each and every one of you was sorrowful for me. Rather than face that sorrow, I decided to run. Run away from that pain of leaving all of you. It was a selfish reason, I know."
"You're only human, Mr. Nagasawa."
"It doesn't make it right, though. I'm sorry Miho. You were right. I was a big jerk to you."
Shaking her head, she took his hand. "Running away is sometimes never a good choice. We sometimes have to face our problems, head-on. With support. With the people who we care and trust."
"Spoken like a Nishizumi." Both of them smiled gently at one another.
As both got off the floor, Caesar spoke out. "Mr. Nagasawa let's fight the Alliance on this! Oarai wants you to stay! It's not right for them to take you from us!"
As the rest of the team roar in agreement, Turtle remained sombre for they knew the truth.
"I've already signed myself with the Alliance. If I refuse to go, they'll not only want my head but everyone else's! Can you endure it?! The amount of pain and suffering fighting a fruitless battle? Can either of you?" Rirko's powerful rebuttal caused them all to talk amongst themselves. He returned to a gentler tone. "I appreciate the sentiment, I truly do. I'm sorry for the trouble that I caused you all. But I'm asking you…continue your lives here. Play, laugh, grow with one another, and I promise I will do the same…in honour of all of you."
There were murmurs of defeat. The truth was harsh, but nevertheless, it was the truth. There was nothing to stop Rirko from leaving. No matter what could be said or done, it was just time to part ways. Miho had only now accepted this reality. In her heart of hearts, she hoped that there would be some chance…some miracle that he would stay.
But it wasn't meant to be.
She gently held his hands and looked at him with eyes of longing. Where there were pain and sadness before, there was now something else. Hope. "When I started school last fall, I thought things would be the same. But then, all of this craziness happened. I had no idea what was happening to me or what I could do. No one seemed to know, either. But then, you came. You showed me what was happening, what needed to be done. You also dared me to face my fears and confront my mother and sister."
Miho jerked on Rirko's hands, slightly, to emphasize the importance of his role in her recovery. "You were the best thing that happened to me. So, please…don't sell yourself short. Believe that Oarai has changed because of you and your dedication to us. You gave me the courage to do things I believed impossible. Now, it's my turn."
It was fear. Rirko's fear of Oarai not remembering. Not caring. To work diligently for a school and for them to disregard all of his efforts. He was dealt with this pain time and again and he expected the same here.
Not this time.
As he looked around, he saw the eyes of the Sensha-do team glued to him. They all had the same eyes that Miho had. Hope. Hope for a future in Sensha-do. A promise that no matter the trial, no matter the struggle, they would always come out on top. Because he taught them to be there for one another…and for each other. The lessons they have learnt, today and every day, would be his legacy in Oarai.
Shaking his head slightly, he could only chuckle about the very fact that one of his students was now teaching him. He had no choice but to accept her logic, gracefully. "Then, let it be as you say. On one condition."
"Y-yes?"
"…That you will never change. That you will always stay humble and kind." Smiling at him, she gave a big hug. Initially surprised, he responded with an embrace of his own. Everyone was full of smiles and cheered. This was the send-off Ami was hoping for his loved one.
She whispered softly, with a smile, "this is what you deserve, Rir."
The team gathered around him. Each side took their time in recognizing Rirko and what he had done for them. Turtle, with a grumpy Momo in tow, bowed for his service to the school. Rirko could see the three girls holding off on tears. Suddenly, Yuzu jumped in on him embracing him in a tearful hug. Momo, not being able to hold her composure anymore joined in too. All the while Anzu started to laugh, hysterically.
Leopon was next. It was more emotional for them for it was Rirko who helped Hoshino with her return to Sensha-do. The automotive team was grateful for his help, and Nakajima punched him softly in the arm. Hoshino hugged him tightly while the rest of Leopon watched on.
Mallard and Platypus were next. Sodoko gave Rirko an ethical committee armband, and Mallard bowed out of respect for him. Risa was off to the side while Maki and Yumi said their farewells. Risa could only give him a curt nod, but Rirko could see that her eyes were gleaming.
Anteater gave Rirko a small tank model of the Type 3, while Nekonya made glowing recommendations to a mobile game that he could download so they could stay in touch. Piyonya and Momoga were just as enthusiastic. He listened to them spiel for five minutes before he paused the conversation.
Tortoise and Rabbit came together and huddled around him. Every girl wanted a chance to speak with him. Some of the team members gave him letters while others gave him small trinkets to remember them by. The most notable gift was a small tortoise and rabbit plushie.
Duck waited patiently for everyone else to finish. Noriko told Rirko to take out his phone and start recording. Duck then proceeded to do a two-minute cheer for him. While he was outwardly smiling, he was embarrassed, to say the least.
Lastly, Hippo came and gave him three books. Each book was a volume on each girl's historical expertise. He promised he would read it on the plane. Ceasar proudly presented them with the rest of Hippo giving off the same pompous flair they were known for.
It was then he was face-to-face with Anglerfish. The members formed a straight line.
Hana was the first to speak. "Mr. Nagasawa, we owe you a lot."
"I was just doing my job, Hana."
"Don't you be saying that again!" Saori butted in. "People either do a good job or a bad job. You did a great job! An excellent job! A-"
"Alright! We get it!" Mako was annoyed with Saori's rambling. "We'll do our best to take care of Miho. So, don't worry about her, okay?"
Rirko was surprised that Mako knew about his own apprehensions about Miho. "Then, I'll leave her in your responsible hands."
"Good."
"Um, excuse me." He turned to see Yukari standing meekly beside him.
"Yes, Yukari?"
"Um…I don't know how to say it but…" She hesitated for a moment, then hugged him tightly. "Thank you…thank you for caring. For Miss Nishizumi. For us! For everyone!" As Yukari started to cry softly, Rirko patted her head gently. However, this started a chain reaction with some of the team members ranging from weeping gently to openly wailing. (Momo)
Miho was trying her best to hold her tears. She felt she had shed enough. However, some drops fell to the floor. All the while, the airport staff and passengers alike watched the entire spectacle and wondered, 'what the hell is happening?' When everyone had said his good-byes to him, he stuffed some of his souvenirs in his carry-on. Miho gave him one last hug before he departed from the group.
Ami was waiting at the security gate.
She smiled at him. "I'm sorry for the blindside."
"Nah, it's cool. Actually…maybe a part of me was hoping for that."
"Maybe we'll see each other again?"
"That'll happen. Believe me, it will."
"Stay in touch?" Ami held out her hand to shake, but he had a different idea. Instead, he moved in swiftly and kissed her on the lips. The entirety of the team was hooting and hollering. After this embrace, she whispered to him gently, "I love you, Rir."
"See you again, Ami." Turning towards the Sensha-do team, looking at them one final time, he gave a respectful bow. Everyone bowed in the same manner. Seeing and knowing that Miho and Ami were in loving hands, he showed his boarding pass and passport to the guard and didn't look back.
Miho and the others looked at the security gates, seeing the student councillor leave Oarai was one of the hardest things they had to see. Initially, his teachings were foreign but over time came to partially accept them. In turn, they recognized him as a member of Oarai's family.
Sighing, Miho turned towards her team. The team who would have her back always. With Yukari, Hana, Saori, and Mako looking proudly at her with the rest of her friends, she relayed her orders. "We still got school today, so we'll be leaving immediately. Mr. Nagasawa's wish will be fulfilled. That we all play, laugh and grow both in our love of tanks and in our daily lives. In honour of him."
Epilogue
