Blazepanzer here with another chapter! This is a two patter, given I like to keep my chapters between 2,500 and 4,000 words and this story has close to 3,800 words as it is. Also...a lot of things will be explained in part two, which is why part two will be published in a week after this chapter goes live.
With that being said, enjoy! Blazepanzer does not own girls und panzer.
Most girls would be somewhat eager to return to school after being away for two weeks. Even if they hated school, seeing old friends was always something to look forward to in most cases.
For Hanoashi though, she was quite apprehensive about returning to Ooarai though. Shelia and Rikona might have been more than willing to forgive her major rule violation, but it seemed as though Heiress command wanted to weight in.
And in all honesty Heiress commanded her to relinquish her hieriss-ship, it wouldn't be all that bad in her opinion. Hell of an embarrassment, but it would make her life easier after a year or two.
"Hanoashi, Heiress command is ready for you," the head office official informed her.
Swallowing down her nervousness, Hanoashi pushed her way in, feeling more anxious of the situation she found herself in.
"Hanoashi Katoni, you've served a week and a half in juvenile for bringing contraband into this school, is that correct?" the head judge asked, staring at her.
"That is correct, your honor," she replied respectfully.
"And what do you have to say about your actions?"
"They were wrong sir," Hanoashi begin. "I should not have brought the contraband aboard this school ship, and I offer no excuses for my actions, just my apology and my promise to never break any more laws and school regulations."
"And what do you have to say about your future as Vice-heiress of Ooarai?"
"I have been given mercy enough not to have my juvenile sentence on my record, and I have no right to beg for my Vice-heiress-ship to remain in place. I do love this school, but if you decide to strip me of the privilege of the vice heiress-ship, then I'll abide by your decision, and if you decide that privilege will remain, then I promise I will work until I drop from exhaustion to help Shelia and Rikona to make Ooarai a better place for all."
The judge glanced at Sheila. "She's never broken any rules before?"
Sheila shook her head. "No, this is the first time, and I truly believe she's certainly been punished enough for her violation."
"Very well," the judge turned back to Hanoashi.
I really hope he's going to allow me to remain vice heiress, but if not then I'll stay true to my word.
"Katoni-san, while you'll still need to convince the heiress defense force, I see no need to strip you of the vice heiress-ship. That being said, please note that you are on inexplicably thin ice." the judge nodded.
"Thank you, your honor. I will." Hanoashi bowed in respect.
"Case dismissed," he remarked, hitting the desk with his gavel.
Hanoashi walked out of the room, heading to the next room to her left where three people where waiting for her.
"So...you've returned." the black haired 20 year old noted emotionally.
"Acer..." Hanoashi whispered.
"So...what do you have to say for yourself?" a woman asked, with long black hair and brown eyes. She looked a bit like Kuroyukihime from Accel world, but was slightly thicker and was missing her left hand.
"Sachi...I...I'm so sorry!" Hanoashi burst out, tears flowing from her eyes as the guilt overwhelmed her. "I...I caused all of you so much trouble, and I...I..."
Pausing, she took a deep breath. "Sorry, I've just been...overwhelmed with self loathing over what I've done. I...I offer no excuses, just my apology...and my promise to do better."
"It sounds as though you think we've already decided to let you keep your heiress-ship, which we haven't." the third man spoke.
"Yukaro..." Hanoashi whispered. "No...I know you haven't decided, but no mater wither that privilege is taken from me or not, I need to do better." Pausing, she glanced down. "Regardless, I especially owe you an apology, and my deepest thanks."
Glancing up, she flinched when she saw the glare Yukaro was giving her. "You're damn right you need to do better," he hissed.
"I think she's sincerely regretful for her mistake," Sachi butted in.
"I'm with Yukaro on this one," Acer growled.
"Look at her, she's distraught over her mistake and wants to do better." Sachi pointed out. "Besides, you and I have both broken the rules before, remember?"
"Yes, but nothing this major and we didn't go to juvenile," Acer argued.
"You remember when we first became friends?" Sachi asked. "That time she who must not be named knocked you out and blamed me for it?" she prompted.
Acer stiffened, but remained silent.
What's that about? Hanoashi asked. Given Acer's response, whatever happened to Sachi was not good.
"I don't trust you," Acer turned to the red haired girl. "But if Sachi's willing to give you another chance, then I'll begrudgingly agree."
"Thank you Acer. I...I promise I'll restore your trust in me someday."
"I don't think you can, but whatever. Just stay away from Sachi." he grunted.
"Hey! Don't be like that!" Sachi protested, socking Acer with her good hand.
"I'm serious," Acer grunted, glaring at Hanoashi.
"Hanoashi?"
"Yes Yukaro?" Hanoashi turned to her friend.
"I respected you. Loved you, wanted to make my life with you at one time. No more," Yukaro growled.
"I...I'm sorry Yukaro," Hanoashi whimpered.
"I don't want to hear it!" He shouted. "You...you broke school regulations, placed your life at risk! You could have lost one or both of your hands, do you want to be like Sachi?"
"Hey! Sachi protested.
"Or what if I thought you where lying?" Yukaro continued. "What if someone innocent was falsely accused of holding you hostage? Did you want what happened to you to happen to somebody else?"
"No...I don't..." Hanoashi protested.
"Keep your stupid heiress-ship if you want." Yukaro hissed. "But outside of my OHDF duties, you and I are through," he snapped, before whirling around and exiting the door.
At once she slumped on the floor, the tears flowing from her deep green eyes. "Why?" she whimpered. "I know I deserve it but still..."
"That little bastard," Sachi whispered, before turning to Acer. "Let Shelia know what happened, and that Hanoashi is still the vice-heiress as far as I'm concerned." she ordered.
"But..." Acer, glanced between them.
"Look, I know you don't trust her, and with good reason. But in her state she 's not going to do anything. Besides, I could handle her if she does."
"Alright then, but Yukaro needs be be booted off the force, there's no room for someone like that..."
"No."
"Mine heiress?" Acer asked.
"He's hurt, just like everybody else," Hanoashi stood up. "He doesn't deserve that hurt. Only I do, for what I did," she added somberly, turning to Acer and Sachi. "Thank you...for giving me another chance. I promise to do everything I can to restore the trust you had in me."
"That's a tough one," Acer warned. "Yet something's starting to tell me you may yet very well pull though. At any rate, I wish you the best of luck, mine heiress," he added, before heading out of the room.
Sachi lingered. "Are...you going to be alright?"
Hanoashi nodded. "Yeah...I kinda expected Yukaro to break up his friendship with me over this...he's always been very careful not to associate with rule breakers and I broke a major rule." letting out a sigh of frustration, she continued. "Still, I didn't expect it to hurt this much."
"Breaking up with friends always hurts," Sachi soothed, giving the younger girl a quick head massage. "Especially when it's a one way feeling. However, you have your other friends and family, to look out for you. And...irregardless of what Acer says, that includes me."
"Th...thank you Sachi..." Hanoashi whispered.
"Any time," Sachi smiled gently, taking her hand. "Now...let's go find Rikona and Aacob, alright?"
"Okay," she smiled, feeling a bit better.
"Imoto!" Aacob cried happily, nearly bowing the red headed girl over in a hug.
"Oni-chan" Hanoashi whispered, petting to girl on the head in greeting.
"I can't believe Yukaro did that to you!" Aacob hissed. "I'd really like to kick his ass."
"So would I," Rikona added, her arms crossed like she was trying to avoid hitting something. Or more likely, someone.
"Please, don't." Hanoashi muttered. "He's just hurt and really disappointed in me, and he has every right to be."
"Are you going to be alright?" Rikona asked, tipping her head as she let her arms down.
Hanoashi let out a determined nod. "Yeah, I'm going to prove myself a worthy heiress of Ooarai, and I'm going to start with the Sensado team."
"Very good," Rikona smiled, petting her red haired cousin on the head. "They'll be glad of a confident commander at the head."
Hanoashi couldn't help but smile slightly. Even if Yukaro isn't glad I'm back, Rikona and Aacob are, and right now that is what matters most. "Let's go and explain to our team what's happening."
"Right."
Still, it really hurt's though, Yukaro's rejection. But...I can't afford to let everyone down.
Driving at the Sensado shed, she noticed the new arrivals waiting for her. A brown haired girl with light blue eyes stepped forward. "Commander Katoni?" the girl saluted respectfully.
"Ma'am?" Hanoashi remarked, not too sure how to respond.
"Those of us from Jadkasota would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in your Sensado program," the girl continued.
"We're glad to have you with us," Hanoashi smiled.
"So...what are our orders, commander?" the girl continued.
Hanoashi pulled out a sheet of paper. "These contain the team groups most of you will be participating in," she explained. "Also...I didn't catch your name," she added.
"Adda. My last name is too damn hard to pronoun." the girl noted. "I was...briefly the last commander of Jadtasota before it was shut down."
"I see..." Hanoashi frowned. "I with I could appoint you a comradeship, your school had quite some skilled commanders," she added regretfully.
"No need to be apologetic about it," Adda smiled softly. "If anything we should have paid more attention to Pravda's complaints of a stolen KV that they made right after Mika acquired one."
"Still, I think you shouldn't have been punished for it," Hanoashi smiled gently. " So...is everyone treating you well?"
"Yes ma'am, There's been no issues as of late," Adda smiled.
"I'm glad to hear it, and if something does come up, don't be afraid to talk about it, alright?"
"Alright Commander, thank you," Adda bowed before returning to the former Jakdasota girls.
Hanoashi gave a small bow before turning to the other group. "How has Ooarai been treating you?" she asked politely."
"Very good, though I do get some funny looks when people hear my last name," a girl with long black hair and blue eyes admitted.
Hanoashi gently placed her hand on the girl's shoulder. "They'll come around, don't worry," she reassured her.
"I hope so...still, I can't thank you enough for this opportunity, especially when my sister did so much to you." she sighed as she closed her eyes.
"Hina..." Hanoashi begin gently. "Ami made her own choices, you...make yours."
"Hai...I'll do you proud," Hina promised.
"You already have, Hina-san," Hanoashi smiled. "Now...enough mushy talk, we have a meeting to attend to."
Heading into the building, she spotted Miho up on the stands looking a tad flustered.
"What do you mean Hanoashi's in charge?" A voice asked.
"It's the rules, at least one of the two heiress must be in charge of the Sensado team if one is available at their school."
Sighing, she stepped forward. "That is true, however, I do agree that Miho should be in charge of this Sensado team."
The team's eyes turned on her.
"After all, it was Miho who built this team. It was her who shaped the team, without much help from our...previous instructor. I only agreed to come back on as a loader for the turtle team. To me… she should be placed in charge, not me."
"But if that's the rules…" Erwin begin, before glancing down. "I studied your commander-ship at Nishmari while you where away. You...you shouldn't be that apprehensive about leading us, you've got the skills. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter whether you or Miho leads us, we are in good hands either way."
"Commander Katoni!" Asuza shouted, followed by Noriko and Aacob.
Closing her eyes, she took a breath and gazed at Miho. For a split second, she thought she saw anger in her friends eyes, but Miho's smile appeared so fast that she couldn't be sure. Maybe I was imagining it, she mused as she stood beside Miho.
"I'll be counting on you a lot, okay?" she whispered.
Miho smiled back. "I've got your back, Blaze," she whispered.
Yeah, I totally must have imagined it, Hanoashi put her thoughts on the look she thought she saw to the back of her mind, before raising her hand. "Th...thank you for your support," she began, nervous. "It is true that the rules stipulate that I mast take over, however, as my vice commander, Miho will have a very important position in this school," she promised.
Miho then stepped up. "Blaze and I talked about this, and we agree on the situation."
Most people simply nodded in acceptance. Hanoashi was about to speak, but she noticed a small glare from Miho, very subtle. Hey girl, I just said I wish you could be in charge instead of me...and I can't help the situation! She mused, before noticing Miho's encouraging nod.
Am...am I really imagining it? She mused, before turning her attention back to the crowd. "Now, it is time to appoint the deputy commander." She continued. "Miho, you take the honor."
Miho once again appeared to briefly glare at her, before stepping forward.
Really...what are...wait...she...she's testing me...right? Hanoashi wanted to shrink in fear for a brief moment, but pushed it back. Ignore her Maus damned provocations!
"Azuza Sawa will be the deputy commander of Ooarai." Miho announced.
"Wait...me?"
Hanoashi let out a very soft chuckle. "Yes, you Azusa," she smiled. "Please, come on up here."
Apprehensive, the freshmen walked up on stage, bowing slightly. "I...I'll do my best."
"You'll do fine," Hanoashi reassured her. "Now...to continue." she added briskly, wanting to get on with the commander's briefing. Turning to her new friend, she nodded for her to come up.
"Teammates, this Is Hina Chono, our one of our newest teammates. She is to be treated just like anyone else, and if anyone takes issue with her being the younger sister of our previous instructor, then you take issue with me. Am I clear,?" she asked, glancing around to emphasize her point.
Hina, for her part, let out an extremely faint smile, but no one else said a word.
Hanoashi had no idea of the daggers Miho was glaring at her, given that the ginger haired vice heiress was facing towed the around and not Miho.
"Also, I'd like us to welcome Hina's crew mates, as well as the transferals from Jadtasota."
A soft mummer of welcome erupted from the crew, but no complaints.
Aside from Miho acting odd, this is going quite well so far. Hanoashi gazed at the team briefly, before smiling. "Now...for the new commanders." she added.
The room got quiet, very quickly.
"Miho, you do the honors," Hanoashi offered.
To her surprise, Miho glered at her once again, before stepping up.
What the hell is her problem? She wondered, briefly.
"Hino will be commanding the second T-50."
Um...it's Hina, Miho. Hanoashi thought, but decided to keep quiet. Does...Miho have an issue with Hina being here?
"Miho...it's Hina," Azuza whispered.
Miho glanced back at Azuza, before nodding. "Hina will be commanding the second T-50." she corrected herself. Remaska will be taking over command of the Caffie. Hanoashi will be taking over command of the M24. Taeko will take over the P-40. And finally, Ceaser will be taking over the T-43-85. That is all."
Okay...we need to talk...I think...Hanoashi mused, not too pleased that she was being listed in the new commander's block.
"Who taking over the M-18?" Erwin asked.
"Aacob is," Hanoashi admitted, this time glaring at Miho.
"Sorry...I guess it slipped my mind," Miho stammered.
"Miho, Hanoashi...we need to talk...now," Azuza whispered harshly.
"Azuza...it can wait…" Miho began, but was intrupted by Asuza.
"Commander's office, now!" Asuza growled, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Know your place," Miho growled.
"Know yours," Hanoashi growled back at Miho. "This is your deputy commander."
"And I'm the Vice commander." Miho huffed.
"That means nothing," Hanoashi hissed. "Here at Ooarai, we listen to our Kohai, and take head of what they have to say. If they are wrong, we gently correct them, if they are right, we thank them for point out what we don't see. Understand?"
"You have it out for me, don't you?" Miho whispered.
"Miho, stop being a brat!"
Both Hanoashi and Miho turned to look at the voice, one Hanoashi had never thought she'd hear criticize Miho like that.
"Big sister," Miho whispered.
"Thought I'd swing for a bit since my school is having a match in Hokiado, and what do I find?" Maho remarked rather quite scathingly. "That, and heiress command wanted me to listen in to this meeting."
"First I've heard of this," Miho whispered.
"Yeah, I didn't tell you because Maho wanted it to be a surprise visit." Hanoashi admitted, Before glancing around. "Commanders, be prepared for the meating in five minutes. Miho, Asuza, you're with me."
"Actually...scratch that," A voice shouted from the entrance.
Whipping around, Hanoashi's eyes widened as she spouted a second Miho, standing next to Rikona.
"What, which Miho is which?" Azusa asked.
Quick as a flash Hanoashi tackled the Miho next to her. "Okay, Who the Maus are you?" she asked, pinning the girl down.
"Gah...let me go!" the girl screeched.
"The Miho I knew would have already beaten me to a pulp if I tackled her like that," Hanoashi growled. She glanced up at her sister as Aacob gently placed the cuffs on the imposer's hands.
"You'll pay for this!" she screeched as Aacob lead her away.
"Miho?" Hanoashi asked, glancing at the second Miho in the corner.
Rikona shook her head. "No...this one's a...twin sister of sorts, like that other one was." She admitted.
"What's going on cousin?" Hanoashi asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine, sis."
At once Hanoashi whipped around as she spotted a red haired Irish girl with green eyes. "Wait...sis? But...I...you...how?" she stammered.
"Don't know...all I know is that I woke up here on this academy." the girl admitted. "By the way...can you give me a name and a suggestion for telling us apart?" she added.
"Oh...um...I guess Ashley?" Hanoashi mused. "as far as telling us apart...maybe twin tails?"
"Twin tails?" Ashley tipped her head.
"A type of hair style," Hanoashi continued.
"Does it involve cutting my hair?"
"No...It's just like a pony tail, but...like Anzu's hair," Hanoashi pointed to the shorter girl, just remembering that the president had twin tails.
"And what about me? I want a name too!" The third Miho announced beside Rikona. "And I don't want to be confused with this Miho…." she added.
"Um...you can be called...Hanoashi began, but was interrupted by a rather indignant voice.
"ugh...you alright."
"Yeah, I...think I am." A familiar voice sighed.
"Miho...what the Maus are you doing?" Hanoashi asked.
"No idea, I found this girl in the tankery sheds, one thing led to another, and we kinda knocked ourselves out." Miho admitted
"Okay...maybe I take back what I said about you being able to knock me out when I tackled that impostor."
"Impostor?" Miho glanced around. "You mean that other Hanoashi?" she asked, pointing to where the newly named Ashley was getting her hair done.
"No no...she means the third...you," the Miho beside Rikona admitted.
"Wait...there's two more of me?" Miho asked.
"That's what I was going to tell you girls," Maho sighed.
"Big sister?" Miho asked confused.
"Yeah...apparently some lab engaged in cloning techniques, and the clones where transported here. Most...can be reintegrated...but some cant," Maho explained.
"So...does this make me a big sister?" Hanoashi asked, glancing at Ashley.
"I'd kinda like that," Ashley sighed dreamily.
"Ohiho Sister!"
Hanoashi snapped to where the voice was just as Saori let out an epp as her clone tackled-hugged her. "Name's Sora...Sora Takabe! Nice to meat you, oni-chan!"
"O...oni-chan?" Saori stammered, clearly confused.
"Um...what about me...I don't have a name…, a black haired girl stepped out, with tan skin and blue eyes. She also had rather large Brest.
"Um...Hanoashi was confused.
"Hey, should I wear a buzz cut?" Sora asked Saori teasingly.
"A Buzz cut? Saori yelled questioningly.
"Might help me differentiate me from this Miho chick."
"I'm standing here! Miho shouted indignantly.
"Platoon! Attention!" Hanoashi shouted. At once everyone glanced at her. "Asuza, Keep watch over everyone. Miho, Maho. Rikona...and you four...please come with me." Hanoashi added, before making her way into the commander's barracks.
After a few moments she glanced at Maho, tipping her head. "So...what's going on here?" she demanded.
"Like I said, some lab in japan was engaging in cloning. Most can be integrated into society, but some can't...like that third Miho.
"Wait...there was a third clone of me?" Miho asked.
"Second," Ashley sighed. "Made a pretty good show of pretending to be you might I add.
"I still need a name and a way to..."
"We know muho, calm down." Sora noted sourly.
"Muho?" The Miho look-alike stammered.
"Sure, it makes sence. Maho, Miho. Muho." Sora laughed.
"Wouldn't it be Moho?" Hanoashi asked.
"Seriously Miho asked, shaking her head.
"More like...Meho," Maho joked.
"Not funny," The MehoMohoMuho girl pouted.
"Kaharu," Rikona noted in a monotone voice, before turning to the black haired girl. "You look a bit like El from Blue Devision High."
"El?" Hanoashi asked, tipping her head.
"Yeah, the commander of the Blue Division's Sensado team, you can't miss her." Rikona smirked.
"So...Emily?" The El looking girl asked.
"If you say so," Rikona shrugged.
"So...what's happening to them?" Hanoashi asked, gazing at the four new arrivals in sympathy.
"We're adopting them into the schools," Maho admitted. "They'll be participating in three years of high school sensado as well as finishing up this year as a special class."
"That's a relief," Hanoashi sighed. "But...are we adopting them into families?"
Rikona nodded. "Some of the families have already agreed to adopt some, Shela's adopting Emily, and the Takabe have adopted Sora."
Glancing at Emily, Hanoashi bowed. "It's an honor to meet you cousin," she whispered in awe.
"Likewise cousin," Emily bowed.
"So...what now? Hanoashi asked, tipping her head.
"We're going to help the police scout the carrier," Rikona smiled. "At least some of the team is. Dismissed."