The Tigers of Chi-Ha-Tan ReRise Volume 4: The Scars of a Warriors Past Chapter 1: Prolouge, a girls und panzer/ガールズ&パンツァー fanfic

Foreword

I do not own any part of Girls Und Panzer

Hello dear readers!

We're back baby! With the 4th volume of this series!

Crazy that I was able to get this out to you, but all the hard work was definitely worth it.

Now first and foremost, a big thanks goes out to the artist DUSTBUNNYARTS, who made the commission cover you see, which is so awesome to have that I think really makes this feel like a series now, to me at least. While also she made one for my last volume that gave an image of what Fukushu looked like.

Next, this story is going to be a long one too, as once more I'm diving into having a look at a lot of characters in this story, though this is still Miho and Chi-Ha-Tan's, having to bring others in really opens the world up, so look forward to seeing a lot of girls in action.

While the best part is the outline for this is mostly done, so I know where I'm going instead of the last few volumes I adlib a lot of stuff, but glad it work out.

Alright, I know you want to get on to reading, but once more, let me take a deep bow to you readers who make this all possible, with your constant support by reading, favorites, following, and reviews, it all just warms my heart to see it all the time.

While this Volume if I get guest reviews I will reply to them in the review section, while users get a PM from me since I'll admit I did a poor job of reaching out to guest reviewers that I will rectify.

That's it from me, lets get on to the story that will prove to be another tough one for Chi-Ha-Tan to overcome, so strap in for another battle for Tigers of Chi-Ha-Tan.

Till the next Author Thought, be safe and be well.

"I won't abandon you, I promise. I'll be here for you, through thick and thin, like always."

"Me too," the girl said, then return the favor, by attacking the boy's neck with kisses, making him grunt in pleasure.

"Alright, I can't hold back," the boy said, then scoop the girl up into a bridal carry, making her yelp in surprise.

"What are you doing?" she meekly said, with a blush on her cheeks.

"I'm going to tame a wildcat," the boy tease, as he walk with her in his arms over to the blanket.

Knowing exactly what he meant, the girl blush even harder, but a part of her wanted this.

"You'll be gentle, right?" she ask, looking up at him with those shining red eyes that captivated him like no other.

"Of course, I'd be a terrible lover if I had my way, plus you'll beat me to a pulp if I didn't," he said with a chuckle.

That put her at ease, as he never lie, especially to her, then she spoke. "For me and only me?"

"Of course, for you and only you," he said, then lean down for a gentle kiss that she met.

Then he laid her on the blanket, adjusting so that he was above her while working to get his jacket off. To which the girl did the same, working to get her school uniform jacket off in a rush, leaving her down to a thin white undershirt, while the boy had a tight-fitting black shirt underneath, making the girl eye up the toned muscle that was evident. Then she reach her hands out to him, begging him to come to her, to which he did as they began to meld their bodies together.

Gripping the back of his shirt with more vigor, the girl unable to hold back, head spinning, lips yearning, pull the boy downward further towards her. Then felt his weight pressing down on her, as her back touches the blanket underneath her. The smell of alcohol is all over his breath, though she was no better, with the smell of alcohol on her breath as well, also coursing through her body.

The alcohol was supposed to have eased away her internal pain and fears, which it had, but now was fueling her lust. A sharp gasp escaped her mouth as the feel of her lover's tongue runs over her pale neck, followed by a gentle kiss, so gentle, so inviting, so caring, and so passionate. The lips of boy work on her neck then turn to whisper in her ear, trying to wash away her internal pain of something she had come to love being part of, that now was fracture. In turn was making her feel like a fractured person, hoping someone could put her back together.

"Relax, Tamada," the voice said softly, being that person trying to help her be put back together.

"Don't call…call…call…mmm….that…ahhhh….call….me…by my first name," Tamada said back.

Those hungry lips on her neck, that Tamada thought she could feel turn into a smile, now stop their teasing of her. As the boy lean back to look at her, the moonlight illuminated his features, those handsome features that hadn't changed since their time together as orphans.

His large green eyes drank in her sight, his neat black hair was a neat fade and with the top comb-over. With strong chiseled features with a light scar over his left cheek, which had happened when the two had fought off some bullies back at the orphanage which was always a must to be tough to avoid being picked on.

"Haru," the boy said, his desire evident in his voice, making a warmness build in the pit of Tamada's stomach.

"Tohaku," Tamada said back, moving a hand up to touch the small scar over her friend's face.

That made Tohaku smile at her, a smile she miss and treasured. After everything that had happened, her team being humiliated, the infighting with their seniors, that had caused them to split. Meaning there might not be a team to come back to next year, which would be beyond cruel when Tamada had come to love tankery so much, along with the bonds she had formed with Nishi, Hosomi, Ikeda, Nishihara, Kubota, Nagura, and so many girls from all walks of life.

It was because of this uncertain future, this uncertain path, which had made Tamada want to forget. To instead be given something that could make her feel whole again, not a broken girl anymore. That warmness that was so inviting was her old friend, the childhood friend who she share laughs together with, clung to when things were rough, and fought side by side if anyone mess with them. They had a dream of one day crawling out from the darkness of never having a family to belong to.

For they belong to each other.

"Haru, it's going to hurt a little," Tohaku said, his body press entirely down on Tamada.

With the alcohol in her system, Tamada felt bolder than ever before. "Just do it…I…I…I want you."

"I want you, it's all I ever wanted, nothing in this world can make me happier than just being with you," Tohaku said, gone was the husky voice, replaced by a desire to let the one who he held close to his heart, know how much she meant to him.

"You don't need to say such embarrassing things," Tamada said, turning her face to the side, that was flush from the drink, now becoming redder, as the words were just too much for her heart.

A small chuckle came from Tohaku's mouth, then lean down to softy kiss Tamada's cheek, which made the girl sigh in pleasure, then turn her face towards him. Each drank in the sight of one another, their breaths becoming short as their minds wanted more. Moving together, they both came forward, to clash their lips together. It was a slow affair, each kiss drawn out, their lips parting from each other when they were done, to only come together just as quickly to taste each other's desire once more.

As they continue their kissing, Tohaku double task, as he slid his hand down Tamada's body, again, there was no rush. As he could hear Tamada's breaths become shorter, as his hand ran down her body like it was electricity that was shocking her constantly, though pleasure was what was gained by such a simple act, that only excited the young boy more. As his hand came to the hem of her skirt, then reach under it, slowly working its way up the smooth thigh.

Finally, his hand found the sensitive spot, making Tamada gasp loudly while leaning her head back. As his hand only touch it softly, making her grip his back tighter, taking in handfuls of his shirt. An embarrassing moan escape her lips making her blush harder, trying to keep her voice down, even if they were out in the woods, she didn't want anyone to hear her.

"Don't cover up your moans, I want to hear them more," Tohaku said, working double as he move her undergarments out of the way, then look at her deeply.

Without words needing to be shared, Tamada knew he was asking for permission. He wasn't about to go ahead with this without it. She simply nodded, which made Tohaku smile once more, then as he was pressing his body down once more on her, to become one with each other, and enjoy this natural human pleasure, something interrupted this.

"Haru?"

The voice was so innocent, so pure, and so utterly filled with betrayal. Tamada quickly push her hands on Tohaku's chest to allow her to sit up some, as Tamada turn her head to the source of the familiar voice, a voice she knew well, a voice that she had come to greatly need to hear as seemingly every waking moment.

Tamada found that voice, and it horrify her. For it belong to Miho, standing some distance from them, wearing a white kimono that was covered in blue flowers, her hair was neatly done up. The pale moon illuminated her beauty, but her face, that face that could be so heartwarming and light up a room, was filled with tears. Miho look at Tamada with deep betrayal, while slowly taking some steps backs.

"No….," Tamada said, then push Tohaku off her, while quickly climbing to her feet.

Though Tamada only got to take a few steps before a hand shot out to grab her wrist. She turn to see Tohaku staring at her incredulously, with his own face now flashing a look of betrayal at her. It too, tore at Tamada's heart, seeing she was hurting him too.

"Didn't we make a promise?" Tohaku said quietly.

"I…we…yes…but…," Tamada try to say.

"Is this what you left me for?" Tohaku said, more vigor in his voice as he stood to his feet, as he pointed a finger at a frightened Miho.

"No…I…I didn't leave you…," Tamada stutter out, trying to get out of his hold.

Tohaku didn't buy it. "No you did, all I have ever done was for you, for our family we were to build one day. Yet you left me, and for what, a pampered rich girl. Is it because she has money?"

That made Tamada balk for a moment at the accusation, then grew angry. "No, she is my lover because of all she is and all I want to do for her. Money had nothing to do with this."

Tohaku wasn't convinced. "So I leave for a little, and you throw me away like trash just as each of our parents did. You're no better than those who abandon us, your just the same, and you will do the same to her one day."

"No, I never do that! I care about her! She's my world!" Tamada growl out protectively.

"Damn you, god damn you! I love you! Me!" Tohaku scream.

The shouting from the boy made Miho wince while backing away more, not knowing what to do.

Seeing her lover terrified made Tamada go into action, trying to calm Tohaku down. "Please ease off, I know what I did was wrong, just abandoning what we promise. Yet, I couldn't ignore my heart anymore."

"Couldn't ignore your heart anymore? That's your excuse!" Tohaku shouted.

"It is," Tamada said, looking up to the Tohaku who was taller than her, never wavering in her conviction.

Tohaku didn't even grow angry now, as small tears form in his eyes, while he began to chuckle as he spoke. "All my life I was always abandoned, by my parents first, then my friends in the orphanage, but you, you were the only one to stay by my side through it all. Now you abandon me too."

"Tohaku, you will always have a place in my heart, but…I can't leave Miho, not now or ever," Tamada said, every fiber in her being feeling pain from her own words.

Tohaku said nothing, just staring into the distance, then something compel him to act, speaking to Tamada now, with his voice sounding completely defeated. "I guess I have nothing left to lose."

Before Tamada could try to speak and understand what he meant, she felt arms grab her from behind, pulling her own behind her back. Tamada didn't even have a chance to fight back, as suddenly someone was pinning her down on her stomach. Quickly she struggle, but whoever was holding her down was stronger, while they took their hand and press Tamada's face into the side of the grass.

"Stop! Get off!" Tamada scream, only able to see Tohaku's outline, but also Miho who look ready to come to her aid.

"No Miho! Run! Get out of here!" Tamada scream.

Yet even with the betrayal by her lover, Miho didn't care to run from danger. Her heart still belong to Tamada, as she came forward as fast as she could in her kimono. Using whatever strength in her smaller frame she try to push whoever was pinning Tamada down off her. It prove to be a fruitless endeavor, as Miho couldn't get them off, while Tohaku use the opportunity to grab Miho by the back of her collar as she struggle to break free.

"Get your hands off her!" Tamada yell, struggling more, but to no avail, tears blurring her vision as Tohaku looked down at her, with a struggling Miho in one hand.

"We all have to pay for our sins," was all he said, then began to drag Miho across the ground, further away from her lover, with her hands reaching out for Tamada.

"Haru! Haru! Haru! Haru!" Miho yell in desperation.

"Miho! Let me go! Miho!" Tamada scream, with only one arm reaching for her lover.

Though there was nothing to be done now, their struggles were pointless, as Miho was pulled further and further away, with the darkness beginning to swallow her. With Tamada watching on, desperate to do anything to save her, but nothing was going to help her. Then suddenly Miho was gone, her lover, her world, and part of herself gone.

"Miho!" Tamada scream once more, her voice a wail as tears flow freely, then darkness took her as it did Miho.

XxxxX

"No!" Tamada said, shooting up from the bed breathing heavily, her long black hair that was usually braided was flowing freely and whipped around as she shot up. Her head pounding, sweat dripping down her face, her heart unable to calm down. With the image of her former lover dragging Miho away from her burned into her mind like a hot iron pressing against her skin, while Miho call and call to her, but Tamada couldn't follow, she couldn't save Miho this time.

Suddenly she realize where she was, as the soft clacking of the train was rolling along carrying Tamada and the rest of the Chi-Ha-Tan team with their tanks back to port after their victory over Oarai Girls Academy and their American allies, to board their school carrier the Akagi. They were going home, as a whole tankery family, no longer divided after the punishment laid down to them. With one who made this possible was sleeping right next to Tamada, the very one who was in her nightmare being dragged away from her.

Looking to her side, Tamada saw Miho sleeping still on her side facing Tamada. Even with the yell earlier, Miho was still sleeping peacefully in a tracksuit provided to her and the rest of the Chi-Ha-Tan team by the Federation, for those who fought in the battle with Oarai. Miho's chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, looking at complete peace, though a bruise over her left eye was evident, a result of her own half-sister punching her in the match.

Seeing her lover was alright, not being taken from her, allow Tamada to finally reach a relaxed state. Her eyes turn to the window, seeing that late afternoon was coming on, with night not far away. Meaning they had to be close to the port, since it was a two-hour train ride away, with Tamada ready to be back home in their academy, though she wanted to enjoy a few moments more of sleeping next to Miho since she couldn't go to Miho's apartment when they got back to the carrier since Tamada and the rest of the girls were require to sleep in dorms.

Though there would always be a chance to sneak out.

A small grin came to Tamada thinking about doing that, while knowing Miho would admonish her about being bad, but would relent eventually since Tamada knew what buttons to press to make her lover blush and forget to be upset with her. Something Tamada had been doing since day one fate had brought Miho to Chi-Ha-Tan and the journey they been on together.

Settling herself back down on the bed, Tamada lay on her side facing Miho who continue to sleep peacefully. Reaching out, Tamada gently brush some hair from her lover's face, touching her forehead that was smooth to the touch. She took in the sight of Miho's bruised eye, which still irk that her own half-sister could do that, with even now Tamada wanted to give that girl something back. Yet there was nothing to be done about that, and even if Tamada had the opportunity to do so, she knew Miho would stand against any retaliation by anyone on her half-sister.

That was just Miho, she never got angry or seek vengeance. What Miho sought was acceptance and friendship, something Tamada and the rest of the team provided her and more. With being born was their tankery family that's bond was taking them to heights never before seen in the history of Chi-Ha-Tan academy, all thanks to one girl who believe in them even at their lowest.

"You really are something special, Miho. You're a once in a lifetime tanker, friend, and more importantly lover," Tamada said in a whisper, now moving her hand to softly stroke Miho's cheek.

Again Miho didn't stir at her lover's touch, making Tamada want to wake her up since they had to be close to home, but relented to just let her rest since Miho had been in such a tough battle with constants duels with Oarai's tanks, giving everything she had to gain their hard fought victory.

It was strange to think how their victory was only obtained by mere seconds. Making Tamada wonder how their team would handle things if they had been defeated. Though she was confident they take it in stride, that they didn't just preach about staying together no matter the result, for they had been forged to never be broken, while there was always next year to fight with a veteran corps coming along with it.

Yet in the end, they had won, and now for the first time in 15 years, Chi-Ha-Tan's Sensha-do team was heading to the semi-final and a chance to go to a place no Chi-Ha-Tan team had been to since its founding, the final, and the opportunity to bring home the victory flag for their school for the first time. With everyone dreaming of this since they had won the qualifier, which now that dream seem a little more like reality with this current victory adding to their confidence.

Still rubbing her lovers cheek gently, Tamada suddenly felt thirsty, making her mentally curse since she was comfortable and did not want to leave Miho's side at all. Though reluctantly she have to obey her body's need while starting to rise from the bed slowly while making sure to keep the covers over Miho to keep her warm.

Then she move to the door while taking one last look back to a sleeping Miho as Tamada spoke. "I'll be back, don't worry."

After closing the door softly behind her, suddenly the dream from before plague Tamada's mind, making her stop and press her back against the door wanting to reflect. It had been a while since she had dreamed of Tohaku, maybe because she had been so focused on tankery and Miho that he had been push far from her mind. Yet the ugly truth was that she had all but abandoned him, like he meant nothing to her, was working its way back into Tamada's mind.

While slowly and without realizing her own actions, Tamada brought her hand down to rub her stomach as she spoke softly. "We all have to pay for our sins, huh?"

Then realizing what she was doing, Tamada quickly brought her hand away, gripping it to her chest. "No, I can't think about that right now, I need to forget it and move on."

Though she had tried to reason with herself that she had no guilt, the reality was that Tamada had sins she wish to never come to the surface, no matter what, for the consequences might be to much to bear out in the open.

XxxxX

"Alright, raise her foot Watabe, gently now," Hamada said, as she was kneeling in front of the seat.

In front of her were 2 of Miho's crew members in first Watabe with her long flowing black hair flowing down her back with brown eyes, though she was missing her spectacles that had been smashed when the Tiger 1 flip over, leaving her vision a little stunted since she needed them. Already new ones were waiting for when they got back to port, while she was also covered in some bandages from small cuts she had received from the bad tumble as well, but much to everyone in the teams' relief she was fine for the most part.

"Ri…ri…ri…right, Mi…Mi…Miss Ha…Hamada," Watabe stutter out, a condition she had unfortunately due to a traumatic past.

"Ah!" Moteki hiss out, who was sitting across the seat, letting her injured right ankle rest on Watabe's lap.

The driver for the Tiger 1 was the tallest of the crew, with blue eyes and long brown hair that was usually tied into a bun, but was flowing freely now. With her usual M34 cap and tanker goggles gone as well, lost somewhere in the Tiger 1 that they hadn't been able to be recover yet. Out of the whole crew, she had taken the worst of the tumble, when a shell got loose from one of the ready racks near her seat and fell on her right ankle, as she had protectively put herself over Watabe to shield her from any harm.

"So…so…so…so…so...sorry," Watabe said frantically, with near tears in her eyes having hurt her tankery sister.

"Don't be, you're doing fine Watabe," Moteki assure her crewmate with a weary smile.

Yet Watabe didn't feel better, as a small amount of guilt was eating at her because Moteki had only gotten injured protecting her. The pain she was in was because of Watabe in her own mind, making her feel deeply depressed since the match had ended, as she wouldn't let her tankery injured sister out of sight, even when they were swarmed by their team checking on them.

Hamada play her role though as the big sister, turning to Watabe. "Dear, it's fine alright. I'm asking a lot of you, but you're doing so good helping me check on her ankle."

"Ye…yet…she got hurt…be…be…because of me, I ju…ju...just..wa…wa...want to help, no…not….ma…make it worse," Watabe voice out.

That made Hamada smile to see how much her little tankery sisters care for one another, making her reach out to run the back of her knuckles across Watabe's face affectionately. "Don't look at it that way, ok? You might very well be in this state if you had gone to protect Moteki. The thing you should take away from this is that it shows how far you're willing to go for one another when the time calls for it, so take heart from that strong bond you share."

That statement made Watabe smile now, as she nuzzle her face into Hamada's knuckles that were making her feel better with her words as well. Though a couple of irritants sitting on the other side of the train seats, cuddle up close now saw their chance to strike in the best way they knew how and that was to prod the needle.

"I don't know about that Miss Hamada, as there are even some things I won't go so far to do for Moteki," Nene tease.

"I for once in my life agree with my sis," Nomi said with an equal teasing smirk.

Hamada let out an amuse huff, then look over her shoulder to the twins. They were exactly the same in terms of not just looks, but hairstyles with matching long braided brown hair and brownish-yellow eyes. They each were cuddled up to one another, which was rare, as they at most times were at each other's throats, though that was in a more comical sense than any actual violent nature. Yet their bond for one another was strong, which help them efficiently work as a team as Nomi as the ace gunner and Nene as the quickest loader in the team.

"And what won't you go so far to do for Moteki?" Hamada ask in a amuse tone.

Both twins look to one another with a smile, then turn back the others to speak as one. "Help Moteki clean her room."

"Eh!" Moteki yelp, looking more distressed than earlier, which made Watabe chuckle now.

With Hamada letting an incredulous look cross her face, turning back to Moteki. "Is that true?"

"Don't believe those gremlins, they make stuff up," Moteki moan out.

"The truth hurts," Nene said while sticking her tongue out.

"Keep that up and you won't have a tongue in the future," Moteki growl at the teasing twin.

That made Nene mock gasp in terror, the spoke. "Big sis Hamada, Moteki is threatening meeeee."

Hamada chuckle, then spoke. "Yet your the one antagonizing her, so no finger pointing…my word you girls must be a handful for Miho to keep from strangling each other."

"It's Nene's fault really, she doesn't know when to let off, comes with being the little sister," Nomi said with a small shrug.

"Hey! Don't act like your innocent here, and once again I was born first, you're the little sister," Nene said, looking to teach her twin a lesson in allegiance and who was born first, a question neither had found the answer too.

"It…it…it's ju…just part of the cr...cre…crew's normal rou…routine," Watabe said with an embarrassed smile.

"Mom does get a lot of headaches from it for sure, but she holds it together somehow, a gift really," Moteki said with a smile at the thought of their surrogate mother.

For Hamada, it still surprise her that Miho's crew had looked at her in that regard. Making Miho their surrogate mother they never had growing up, even with the age gap at no less than a year, then again that was something apart of Chi-Ha-Tan's culture of building maternal instincts into the girls. It wasn't like Hamada didn't have instances where she felt like a mother towards the first years, sometimes cooking meals for them after practice or brushing their hair before they went to bed.

"I'm sure Mama Miho above all is very proud of you girls, especially after this match, which I honestly think you already become legends by your actions," Hamada praise.

"I know right, I made that insane record breaking long shot," Nomi boasted, bouncing in place, making her twin groan as she was causing the blanket to shift when Nene was comfortable.

"More like Miho adjusted you to it, probably would have missed wide if she hadn't done that, so simmer down wannabe ace," Nene said in a bored tone, looking to get the blanket back over her.

"That's it!" Nomi growl, while wrapping her arms around her sister in a playful hold.

Which made Nene begin to tap to let her sister know she was giving up, but to no avail as the other wanted to make sure her point was made not to mess with her. Hamada let out a sigh, then stood up and turn around to go over and break them up, with a motherly scold to make sure they behave, which made the twins obey, which satisfy Hamada who went back to check over on Moteki's ankle, while the twins cuddle up close with the blanket surrounding them, though they bicker silently so Hamada wouldn't get on their case again.

Kneeling once more in front of Moteki's ankle being propped up by Watabe. Hamada took off the ice bag that was covering it, to see the injured ankle that only made her grimace. It had angry shades of purple around the high part of the ankle, to which Hamada examined carefully. If anything, Moteki should have been given to the medics after the match, but in the chaos of the Chi-Ha-Tan team fighting back against the Federation medics who wanted to take Miho to be examined, had put Moteki in the background. Then Chiyo Shimada show up and force the medics to back off, though it save Miho from being taken from the team, the Federation medics hadn't looked over Moteki who was in obvious discomfort.

As the train ride wore on, Nishi ask Hamada to keep an eye on her till they got back to port, since Hamada was the most proficient in the medical field, as she was studying to be a nurse when she graduated as she always had a liking to help anyone who was injured, even as a little kid back in her home town. It also helped her want for this career, when her father was an ambulance driver and her mother a police officer, leaving a huge mark on her childhood that made Hamada want to match her parents drive to help people in need like they did.

Looking over the ankle one last time, Hamada finally let out a sigh. "I think you have a high ankle sprain, but I can't tell what grade it is. Did you feel like you twisted your ankle awkwardly before you grab Watabe?"

Leaning her head up from the pillow, Moteki spoke. "I don't know honestly, everything happen so fast. Does that mean the shell that landed on my ankle didn't cause major damage?"

"Maybe, it might have just rolled on at the end since you don't have a dislocation. Yet its heavyweight might have caused your high ankle sprain to get worst. The most dreaded outcome once we get the doctors to look it over might be a stress factor," Hamada said, lightly running her fingertips over the ankle, being as careful as she could to try and find how bad the damage was.

"Wh…wh…why…is the…str…stess factor w…worse?" Watabe stutter in concern.

Hamada turn to her with a sad look. "Because that take three to four months to heal properly."

"What!?" Moteki yelp in surprise, causing team members around them in other seats in the carriage to tell her to be quiet, since some of them were trying to sleep.

"Sorry, sorry," Hamada apologizes quietly to her teammates, then turn back to Moteki to try and calm her down. "That's just a theory from me, I'm still an amateur when it comes to the medical field."

"Oh…sorry for making a scene, Miss Hamada. Thank you for looking out for me," Moteki said, though the sadness was plaster over her face.

That made Hamada scoot over to rub her fingertips over Moteki's cheek to soothe her. "It's alright, if it turns out to be just a high ankle sprain, it won't be so bad, but a timetable for that is three weeks and that be pushing it."

Nomi and Nene each grimace at the thought of knowing for sure Moteki would be out for the next match, no matter how hard she push her rehab. Watabe began to softly cry, because she didn't want to fight without her tankery sister, who had been protecting her since the first day they met. Moteki was her first friend in her entire life who didn't poke fun at her stuttering or did any of the awful things the other kids at Watabe's junior high did to her un top of her parents abusing her as well. Moteki just took her by the hand and ask her happily if she wanted to be friends.

No hesitation or anything just a simple question that made Watabe cry happily, though Moteki thought she had done something wrong and furiously try to make things right, only earning tearful chuckles from Watabe who was glad to have her first friend.

Now that friend turn tankery sister was going to have to be left behind for the next match.

Yet Moteki, seeing Watabe and twins looking downtrodden, perk up as she knew Miho would always want her surrogate daughters to be positive.

Were still in this fight…that's what Miho would say

Moteki thought with a warm smile coming over her face over the girl she held close to her heart, then spoke. "Well, I say I'll have plenty of time to clean my room while you girls are off training."

That made Watabe, the twins, and Hamada stare at her in disbelief but could see she was joking, which made the girls chuckle softly, as they needed to lighten up. Especially when they were so close to the dream of the final, after achieving so much, where other Chi-Ha-Tan teams had failed spectacularly.

Nene spoke up as the chuckles die down. "It better be clean or Miho might just get a little angry at you."

"Even her slight anger mode is frightening," Nomi added in to the fun.

"Heh, I don't think I have ever seen her at any level of anger," Hamada said, thinking about how sweet, yet ferocious her commander could be, and somehow all at the same time as well.

"I…it's wh…what…ma…makes Mi…Miho the bes…best," Watabe stutter happily, breaking from the dark clouds that hung over her earlier.

That made Moteki nod her head, grateful to get her fellow crew members out of their sadden state. Though she kept her internal anguish to herself over not being able to go in the next match, but there was also a fire there, to get back in the saddle as fast as she could. Meaning she needed to not mope around and feel sorry for herself since she believe with all her might that Miho could lead them to victory that would take them to the final, that would be enough time for her to heal up and be back.

Feeling like she had pumped herself, Moteki spoke again. "Miho can't get mad at me, not when I have the best puppy eyes."

"Wah, no way that's me," Nene shot in.

"No it's me," Nomi fought.

"N…no…i…it's m…me," Watabe said with a playful smile.

Soon it was the usual staple for the crew to play fight, with now Watabe joining in. Making Hamada shake her head in amusement seeing that there was no stopping them, as she put the ice pack back on Moteki's ankle to keep the swelling down. Then sat down on the floor space between the seats, leaning against the wall below the window as the train rolled on for home, closing her eyes as the cubs fought, but was like a melody to Hamada's ears.

XxxxX

Tamada walk down the hall to go find the snack area located in another carriage to get something to drink. As she open the door to the next train cab, she was greeted to a sight that made her instantly smile, with a feeling of warmness spreading throughout her whole body.

For the sight that greeted her was her tankery family sitting in their seats on either side of the walkway. They were cuddled up close together in groups, with many of the once suspended second years letting their first-year tank commanders rest against them, since their juniors had fought in such a tough battle against Oarai. They had been tasked with carrying the club's future on their shoulders, no easy task for these rookies, but they had trained zealously to continue this impossible dream for their upperclassmen, and had more than earned their rest.

Walking along the walkway, Tamada look left to right, to make silent nods to her fellow second-years who were looking over their juniors, to which she receive return nods or thumbs up. Some of the second years were allowing the first years to rest on their laps or were even singing softly to help them sleep, to which again warm Tamada's heart and reminded her that Chi-Ha-Tan Academy's culture brought out maternal instincts in its girls, having the older ones look after their younger ones, though that was down to many being orphans and this very academy being the one family they could finally rely on and cling too.

As she continue along the walkway, Tamada came by Nishi's seat, where Fukuda herself was sitting next to the sub commander, resting her head on Nishi's lap. Nishi herself was looking over some papers with one hand while stroking Fukuda's head that was unbraided so Nishi could run her fingers through it, while also Nishi had reading glasses on.

"Hey," Tamada said quietly to her friend.

Turning away from her reports Nishi look up from her seat to Tamada and smile as she spoke. "Hey, you sleep alright?"

The question made Tamada grimace a bit, remembering the nightmare about her former lover, but shook it away and tried to remain positive right now as she spoke. "Slept like a baby."

Nishi raise an eyebrow in a mischievous way. "Did you allow Miho to sleep?"

A blush came over Tamada's face being teased by her friend, then lean close to speak in a more hush tone. "You think I do that sort of thing to her when she is so beat up?"

"I be upset with you if you did," Nishi joke.

Tamada chuckle a little, seeing the Nishi wasn't being serious about it. "Yea, I wouldn't do that to Miho, she been through so much today, still boggles my mind how intense that match was, with our dear commander having to do everything to keep our dream alive."

"We really lean on her today, well her and all our little tankery sisters," Nishi said, looking down to Fukuda sleeping peacefully in her lap.

Looking down to her precious junior, Tamada lean down to run the back of her knuckles across Fukuda's cheek, equally proud as Nishi of how hard the pint size first year fought in that match. Even getting a takedown on the Oarai Type 89, being Fukuda's second earn tank kill of the tournament. Though they both were more proud of her solo attack against the entire Oarai scout force at the beginning of the match, to which Fukuda had taken on with no fear, only displaying her Tigress spirit growing stronger in her.

It was thinking of the enemy team's tank now, that made Tamada remember something.

"Hey, we never did talk to Oarai about what tank we wanted for the capture reward," Tamada said, turning to look at Nishi.

"Well, the Federation did usher us off the field pretty quick when the match ended so there wasn't much time to talk to them about it. Yet I'm sure we can get in contact with them later about it," Nishi explain.

That made Tamada smirk. "Good, because I want the Type 5 Chi-Ri for our capture reward."

"That's for the commander to decide," Nishi said with a joking stern look.

Tamada just shrugged with a smirk. "I got a persuasive tongue that can make Miho see my side of things."

"You're terrible," Nishi said with a small chuckle while shaking her head.

"Get in line, Miho's says the same thing of me," Tamada said.

"And she is right," Nishi joke, making both girls chuckle.

Once they calm down, Nishi took a more serious look behind her reading glasses. "I think we need to be more careful about what we pick for our capture reward. We can't just choose based on what we want, but more on what we need."

Picking up on the serious tone, Tamada ask the question. "How do you figure?"

"The Tiger 1," was all Nishi said.

The thought of the legendary tank that had been secretly stashed in the Akagi's lower hulls, had been found the year before Miho arrive and became her tank to use when she officially joined the team. While also being the team's rally tank, not just because it was powerful or cool, but for what it represented. For when the new era of Chi-Ha-Tan tankery had been birth, it was that very tank that was leading the way, for whenever they went into battle, the girls of Chi-Ha-Tan would look to it to when the situation was dire because the very girl commanding it would push back the shadows that threaten to engulf them.

Yet now that very tank now laid upon the transport train's open carriage, looking like a beaten kitten, instead of the fearsome tiger it once was. As it had taken a bad tumble after making the final shot to take the Oarai's Panzer 4 out, with its tracks snapping and the exposed wheels getting caught in the ground. Making it flip over several times, with its main gun snapping as it got caught in the ground. Not to mention the Maybach HL230 engine was all but destroyed in the end from overuse, then add on the small problems like gearbox damage, turret ring rupture, and other small but significant mechanical issues that were going to have to be worked out.

A sigh escape Tamada's mouth, feeling her heart ache as the memory of that happening on screen had sent her into probably her fifth freak out about Miho's safety in the rest area, with said safety being completely disregarded by her lover, who seem to want to use every maneuver possible just to keep the flag tank safe. Only making Tamada wonder if she now should be more aggressive when it comes to future strategies, if only to keep Miho from doing her crazy stunts all over again and would unbelievably smile at the end as if it were nothing but just the norm now.

Has the look of someone who never harm a fly, but put her in a tank and she becomes a wild child

Tamada thought with a smirk, but then turn serious as she spoke. "What's the damage report on the Tiger 1?"

"Well…," Nishi said, turning her papers over till she found the one she wanted. "Engine is completely gone, I doubt Himi could work her magic on it, the gearbox is completely shattered, Torsion bars are all but gone, several of the interlocking wheels need to be replaced, and much more. I could go into detail, but we be here all day."

"Mean's will need a host of new parts to get her back up and running," Tamada said, touching her hand to her chin. "Can our budget afford it?"

Nishi shook her head. "At present no, we're in the green now, but a whole new Maybach engine and 88mm gun would push us into the red, unless of course, we can find someone to lend us those parts and pay back later."

"Well, that seems like an easy solution, since we literally have the commander of Kuromorimine's little sister at hand, which mean Miss Maho would more than be willing to help out," Tamada boasted, with a confident smirk, while quite proud of herself for the ingenious idea she believe she had.

"I've already tried to get in contact with Miho's sister, but she hasn't answered my calls, so I guess she might be busy," Nishi said causally, which deflated all of Tamada's build up.

"Oh well, just glad we have an avenue open to get our proud Tiger 1 back up and running. What about the rest of the tanks," Tamada ask now.

Again Nishi began to flip through her pages fervently, then found what she was looking for. "Alright, for the most part, nothing out of the ordinary besides denting some of the armor out, tracks that are going to need their linkage reacquired, and a couple of tanks will need new periscopes or vision blocks since the glass was shattered during the battle."

"Sounds pretty easy repair, we can help Miss Himi with that tomorrow, well that is if the first years can even rise out of bed, but I say let em' rest," Tamada joke.

Which made Nishi chuckle a little. "True, they will be tucker out after such a long battle."

"Well I know I won't be, going to be ready to just jump back into my Jumbo Sherman the minute it's repair and ready to go," Tamada said, already picturing the tank she come to love.

Though Nishi didn't add to her friend's excitement, instead she grimace a little at the mention of the Jumbo, which Tamada pick up on quickly.

"What is it Nishi?" Tamada ask.

The sub commander seem to mull over what she was going to say, then began to flip her pages once more to find the one she was looking for and spoke. "The Sherman Jumbo took a big hit in the battle."

"What? How? It practically bounce all those rounds the Chi-Ri and Porsche Tiger threw at it. Was it that side shot I took from the StuG 3?" Tamada said frantically.

"No, but it was when you took that final volley from them in the side and rear from point blank range," Nishi said.

That made Tamada remember her final part of the desperate charge with her Jumbo, trying to buy time for her first-year platoon to make their way through the rubble to reach the adjacent street to continue their assault on the city to find Oarai's flag tank, since the Jumbo was too large to fit. Tamada had made a good fight of it, even taking out the heavy armor Porsche Tiger, but was tracked shot by the StuG 3 who had been hiding in a building further down the road. Their tank commander who call herself Riko Matsumoto had tried to make a surrender plea, but true to Tamada's stubborn nature, she decline in favor of going down as a warrior. Which she got her warrior's end as the Type 5 Chi-Ri and StuG 3 fire at the rear and side, ending the American tank's fight for good.

"What happen?" Tamada ask.

"Well call it a freak accident, as the side shot did nothing but register as a kill shot. It's the Type 5 Chi-Ri's gun that did the most damage, in the end, firing from your rear," Nishi explain coolly.

Tamada took a breath, then spoke. "So what's this freak accident you're referring to?"

"The Chi-Ri's gunner didn't aim for your engine block, instead aim for the left side of your turret probably thinking at close range it could penetrate, which the 152mm armor all around bounce the shot and ricochet oddly right into underside of your 76mm gun and clip a piece of the barrel," Nishi explain.

"Are you serious? How did I not notice that when we came back to the rest area on the tow truck," Tamada ask with a bewildered look, thinking over and over how she missed that.

Nishi gave her friend a reassuring smile. "Maybe because you were worrying over our commander so much, which made you care for little else."

"Eh…maybe your right," Tamada said with a blush coming on, making Nishi chuckle lightly.

Once Nishi calm down, she spoke again. "We all were worried sick over her, so we all miss it, up until we started to get the tanks on the train. Your gunner Chisato saw the damage and reported it to me, I had some on-site mechanics look it over."

"What they say?" Tamada ask.

Nishi sigh. "The 76mm gun is useless now. When the Chi-Ri's shell clip the underside, it sent hot fragments up into the tube and back towards the breech. Luckily the breech was closed or the fragments might have shot into the turrets itself…I don't even want to think of what it would have done to you and your crew."

The unsaid part made Tamada feel fear course through her body as if someone had splashed her with cold water. Knowing this was just a sport, but things like that could happen, where you might very well be putting your life on the line. If the hot fragments had come down the tube, it would have been like a shotgun blast coming at Tamada and crew, which could maim them or worse….

It brought home to Tamada that maybe she needed to be more careful or more to the point less reckless. She should have just surrwnder, especially knowing now how her decision might have hurt not just her, but more importantly her tankery sisters in her crew. Had they been shredded by the backblast, she might not be able to live with herself knowing that happen, while it sicken her that the only reason she wanted to go down in such a fashion, was because even now, after all the change she and her team had gone through to let go of the past, the code was still held close to Tamada's heart.

The past code Tamada had tried to push away.

One that require her to never retreat.

Never back down from a challenge.

To never hesitate in the face of the enemy.

And meet them with a ferocious charge.

An outdated code.

The code of the warrior.

Thinking about how zealously Tamada followed the year before, taking to every part of it and sewing it to her heart, made her feel sick now. Seeing how blind she was to what the code was doing their club, turning their upperclassmen at the time against one another, to which follow somewhat to the following year. With the worse of it was when Tamada had snapped at Miho for her just suggesting new tactics that was perceived as heresy. Yet in the end, the very same girl she snap at, had offered Tamada and all the girls of Chi-Ha-Tan a new perspective on tankery now, opening their eyes up to see how effective they could become with her advice and drills.

A single girl had changed their fortunes.

Not a dead code.

Letting a sigh out, Tamada spoke. "This is my own fault, for following our warrior's code that made me not want to surrender, even now I'm holding onto pieces of it, and once more it cost us something."

"It's alright Tamada. You did what thought was right, even I might not have surrendered in the heat of battle," Nishi try to lighten her tankery sister up.

Which seem to work, as Tamada reply with a smile. "That might be true, you did give that Erika girl a little something by saying you show her your sharp fangs when we meet them in the finals."

"Heh," Nishi said, letting out an embarrassed laugh. "That was more a spur of the moment thing, to stop you two from fighting."

"Still sent a shiver down my spine to see how fierce you've become," Tamada said with a friendly pat on Nishi's shoulder.

"Well back to business, the fragments in the 76mm gun have rendered it inoperable," Nishi said, looking over her reports again.

Tamada shook her head. "Can we get another one from Saunders?"

A frustrated sigh from Nishi follow the question then she spoke. "I've called Miss Kay about it, but unfortunately their Headmaster has restricted her from offering any more of their Sensha-do materials out. As you know, they have been quite busy with lending tanks out, having practically gift some free Shermans to Bonple with ammo and spare parts."

"Too bad that didn't help them overcome BC Freedom Academy," Tamada said.

A nod from Nishi follow the statement. "Yes, though because of the excessive handouts, has caused their headmaster to restrict Kay before he believes she'll hand out their entire arsenal to the rest of the league."

"Darn, but can't argue against that logic," Tamada said with a small amused sigh.

"Though the good news is that Kay was able to negotiate with her Headmaster to at least send us a new gun, though it will be a downgrade to an M3 75mm gun, yet with more spare ammo to use," Nishi said.

"The potato launcher?" Tamada said with a less than happy look.

"It's still an affected anti-tank gun, but you're going to need to get up and personal against well armor tanks, I say it suits you," Nishi said encouragingly.

That made Tamada shrug in amusement. "Alright, fine, beggars can't be choosers…Nishi, thanks for all your hard work."

"Oh, it's nothing. Just doing my job as the sub commander, nothing more, nothing less," Nishi said, trying to deflect praise.

"No, you've done more than that, you should be resting like the rest of us. Yet you're putting the team's need in front, this could of all waited till we got back home, but you're pushing yourself to make Miho's job easier," Tamada praise nonetheless.

A blush came over Nishi, but smile still. "Miho gave us everything we can ask for and more. Pushing so hard for nothing more than a dream over her bruises and pain. I need to do as much as I can to repay that spirit and love she has for our team."

"Sometimes it dreams that make us do the impossible when our minds and bodies beg us to stop," Tamada said back.

"Yes, a dream for the impossible that's gotten us this far," Nishi said, feeling herself daydream of Miho hosting the Victory Flag with all the Chi-Ha-Tan's girls behind her, cheering loud for all of Japan to hear.

"Hey, Nishi?" Tamada ask in a timid voice.

Bringing herself out of daydreaming, Nishi look up Tamada. "What's up?"

"Do you think we made Mizuko proud of us, of all we accomplished," Tamada ask.

Nishi felt herself tense up at just the name itself. The name of their once sub commander for their club last year, the very one who had been at the forefront of making sure the warriors code was preserved. While at the same time had been always in Nishi's face about not keeping with the code, though that was down to Nishi taking after her then commander Ako, who brought Nishi along with a different style, hoping to break away from the stifling ideals that had led their club to this state.

Just as Miho had done.

Yet for Ako, she didn't get the results she had been hoping for. Instead, she was subjected to humiliation by Saunders that had led to all the upperclassmen quitting leaving Nishi to pick up the pieces of her club, to try to preserve the dream Ako had started of reforming the club. To which now Nishi was seeing through, with the help of a Tigress who inspire all of them to great feats.

Bringing herself back to the present Nishi answered. "I don't know, none of us have talked to her since she quit the club."

That isn't exactly true for me

Tamada thought, then without realizing it, started to rub her belly once more, which made Nishi look at her in a questioning manner.

"Tamada, are you alright? Feeling sick?" Nishi ask with concern.

Realizing what she was doing, Tamada instantly stop. "No…no…just…it's nothing."

Nishi didn't believe that, while wishing Tamada wouldn't keep things from her, but the sub commander relented and return to the matter at hand. "Miss Mizuko I'm sure must feel some pride in what we accomplished."

"Maybe we should reach out to her, you know, show her the new era of tankery under Miho. Show her the warrior code is still with us in a way," Tamada said earnestly.

Yet Nishi didn't want Mizuko to return to the club, knowing ruthless she could be. With that ruthless nature that might make Mizuko try to bully Miho, to which no matter what, Nishi was not about to let that happen at all. For Miho had suffered enough before trying to meet expectations place so heavily on her shoulders by her family, which knowing Mizuko she would do the same thing to Miho, with probably even more ferocity than Miho's family.

"Tamada, I know you and Mizuko were close, but she was set in her ways. Bringing her around the club might just make her lash out at how different things are now," Nishi try to make her friend see reason.

Tamada wasn't deterred though. "Yet we won and advance to the semi-finals for the first time in fifteen years. Even that sort of achievement should make her see our side of things."

"We won sure…but not with the warrior code have we?" Nishi said in a solemn tone.

Hearing that made Tamada freeze up, because it was the truth. They hadn't won with the very thing Mizuko preach to them was never to be abandoned. Chi-Ha-Tan had won with Miho's style, completely opposite of their old way, as they become flexible and agile on the battlefield, while also retreating when the time came and not stay around to just get blown away.

"Your right…you're right as usual Nishi," Tamada said, with her eyes downcast.

"I don't like to be right about that part. I once told Commander Ako that I wanted to win so we can bring Mizuko back since Mister Hidemichi suspended her for the first round of this year's tournament, and I honestly at the time really wanted to do it," Nishi said, remembering the conversation with her beloved former commander by the water as their club fell to pieces.

"Really?" Tamada said in surprise.

"Yep, but now I don't feel that way. Mizuko is set in with what she believes, we can't change her and we can't force our change on her. At least she hasn't harassed us since she left, so I think it's the best thing to do is leave her alone, but maybe when we win the Victory Flag, she might come around," Nishi said with an encouraging smile.

"Pretty bold of you to say that," Tamada said while shooting a smirk at Nishi.

"Only because Miho makes me believe," Nishi said.

"Nah, we found some of that hidden fearlessness you always had, not bad for a pamper girl," Tamada tease.

"Ah, please don't call me that, Miss Mizuko tormented me enough last year with that name for me," Nishi said with a grimace, remembering the constant name Mizuko heap on her.

"Oh, sorry…wait I know, princess, you have the look of royalty," Tamada added to the teasing.

"Ugh, I remember you call me that on the first day when I help you finish that brutal run," Nishi said, shaking her head at the memories of their start of being friends, no, tankery sisters.

"Well, you do have the look for it, though that goes for Miho too," Tamada joke.

"Your impossible sometimes Tamada, but I guess that's really your endearing part," Nishi joke.

"I know right, I'm just too likable for my own good," Tamada boasted loudly with her hands on her hip.

What followed was a round Shush, from the other tankery members in the seats nearby, as they wanted their juniors to rest, to which Tamada wasn't helping with her loud boast. Making her turn around to bow profusely to her teammates.

Nishi let a graceful chuckle, then spoke. "Guess you're too loud for your own good."

"Great, just take the knife and twist why you don't you," Tamada shot back.

"Only because you make it so easy…alright back to the topic at hand, I'll relent some, as I think one day we should go talk to Mizuko, maybe show her all the good our tankery style has done for our reputation…but most importunately we need to show her that we have not forgotten her," Nishi explain.

"Not forgotten her, huh?" Tamada said quietly to herself, then turn her eye's to Nishi. "I'm the worst in that regard, I have forgotten our former commander Miss Ako. I even called her a coward during that match with Saunders, when in reality all she was trying to do was help us not be a joke anymore."

Nishi let a sympathetic smile cross her face. "Ako truly believe in what she was doing. Even more, she believe in us first years the most, knowing we were the future. She carried so much on her shoulders but never waver. Yet unlike with Miho who we will hold up together when the task becomes too great, we let Ako shoulder it mostly alone till it became too much."

"That's what makes it worse, knowing I was the most vocal against her. One day I want to apologize to her, let her know I should have been honored to follow her lead," Tamada said, while rubbing her arm in frustration at remembering how she acted then.

"I'm sure Ako would love to hear that from you," Nishi said with a pleasant smile.

"I hope so, well I better get on to get something to drink, thanks for talking with me Nishi, you put me at ease knowing everything is cover," Tamada said.

"It's what family is for Tamada, you can come to me for anything," Nishi said.

Tamada nodded, then tap Nishi's shoulder. "And as your family, would you take an order from me?"

"Sure, what is it?" Nishi said with a sidelong glance.

Before Nishi could react, Tamada shot a hand out and snap the reports out of Nishi's hands, making the sub commander gasp at Tamada's action. Though the fiery girl just smirk like she knew everything, as she folded the papers up and shove them into the pocket of her tracksuit.

"My order is for you to rest, you've done enough for us. Catch a few winks before we get back to port, I'll make sure to keep these safe," Tamada said, while tapping her pocket with the reports in them.

"But-," Nishi try to argue.

Reaching a hand out, Tamada wave her finger at Nishi. "No buts, just rest sister, got it?"

Nishi could see the hidden concern in Tamada's eyes for her, which warm her heart. "Alright, fine, can't rightly argue against our fiery vice commander. Thanks, Tamada."

"As you said, that's what family is for, talk to you later," Tamada said, then gave Nishi a salute and walk off.

As soft giggle escape Nishi's mouth, then turn to look down at Fukuda's head sleeping peacefully in her lap. Making her rub her fingertips over her precious junior's face, feeling herself finally relax, as she brought her other hand up to take her reading glasses off. Then lean back against the seat, feeling the tension in her neck relieve a little, while closing her eyes to let the much need for sleep take over.

With one last thought passing her mind, as the long climb to the top of the Sensha-do mountain seem so close.

Ako, are you watching me? Have I've done right by you? To repay all your kindness and words that were the first to inspire my love of tankery…have you caught some of the light coming off this new era of Chi-Ha-Tan tankery that you so coveted…I hope so…I hope Mizuko can see it too…and be…proud of us…

Then the tired sub commander floated off the dreamland.

XxxxX

"Ah, finally a can get a drink," Tamada said, as she reach the train carriage that was set up as a snack area.

Though at present no one was there, just Tamada since her other teammates were resting in the passenger carriages. Quickly she made her way over to a small group of tables that was adorned with bento boxes, candies, and other snacks for the girls to enjoy on the way home. Tamada could see that some of her teammates had already helped themselves to them earlier and greedily as well, leaving not much left, but luckily Tamada wasn't hungry.

She made her way over to a wall mounted water cooler and open it up. A cool breeze shot out, making Tamada shiver a little, even with her warm tracksuit on. Yet she press forward, dipping her hand into the ice filled container till she found a water bottle, then close the water cooler when she was finished. After popping the cap off, she took a few heartily sips, feeling the thirst from earlier now evaporate with the fresh tasting water.

Just as she finished her drink, the door to the carriage opened, making Tamada whip around to see Hosomi and Ikeda walking in, wearing their school uniforms since they hadn't participated in the match. Yet had cheered the loudest for their team, all the same, leaving no doubt of the solidarity of the Chi-Ha-Tan team off and on the field, which made Tamada smile at her close friends who came up to her.

"Finally awake sleeping beauty, also nice to see your hair down for once," Hosomi tease coming with a pat on Tamada's shoulder.

"I think I earn it," Tamada said with a smirk.

"Mm, I don't know about that, what do you say Ikeda?" Hosomi turn to her friend.

"Mm," Ikeda began, touch her hand to her chin. "I say nah, only one tank takedown for you, doesn't get you anything."

"Why you two," Tamada growl at her friends teasing her.

Hosomi spoke with a wave of the hand. "Oh, don't be so hostile. You tease Miho all the time, try to be cuter with your reactions, like her."

"Kind of difficult with Tamada, don't you think?" Ikeda shot in playfully.

"Only thing that's is difficult here is being around you two when you're like this," Tamada said with amusing annoyance.

Ikeda shrug. "It's part of our sisterhood."

"You think you would have learned that already," Hosomi said.

"How about I show you something you haven't learned," Tamada said with a sly smile.

"Oh, do tell me teacher on what lesson I'm missing out on," Hosomi challenged, placing her hands on her hip to display her confidence.

Which made Tamada happy to see her tankery sister not understand the danger she was in. "A lesson on why it's not a good idea to get on my bad side."

All of Hosomi's confidence was soon dash, as Tamada eyed her up like she was prey. Making the twin bun girl try to make a break for it, but was no match for Tamada's speed as she pounce on Hosomi, causing both girls to go down in a tangle of flesh. Then Tamada put Hosomi into a camel clutch submission hold like she had seen the wrestles do on her favorite tv show, making poor Hosomi tap repeatedly to say she gave up but to no avail as the fiery vice commander was having none of it.

"Ugh," Ikeda said touching her hand to her face in mocked annoyance. "You two never cease acting like children sometimes, it sets a bad example for our juniors you know."

"Le…le…less…talk…mo…mor…more..hel…hel…helping," Hosomi struggle to say as Tamada wasn't letting up on her.

Ikeda chuckle, then tap Tamada's shoulder. "Alright, enough, you made your point."

Tamada did so with a victorious smile, then help Hosomi to her feet, though not without the playful twin bun girl shoving her friend that threaten to start another round roughhousing, if Ikeda didn't play mediator for the two, who calm down soon enough.

"So, how's Miho doing?" Ikeda ask, with some concern.

"Sleeping like a log, didn't even stir when I left the bed," Tamada said.

"You did let her sleep right?" Hosomi said, though in a serious joking tone.

That made Tamada roll her eyes. "Ugh, you and the rest of the girls think so little of me, Nishi ask the same thing earlier, and yes I let her sleep."

"Did you?" Ikeda ask, leaning forward to get in Tamada's face.

"Yes!" Tamada whine at her prodding friends. "I never push anything on her, plus…it was nice to just hold her close like that for me."

Seeing Tamada blushy madly at her own words, made her friends smile warmly at her. As Ikeda and Hosomi were the closest to Tamada because they both had come from rough upbringings in the form of being orphans. With no place to call home, no family that wanted them, and no place they felt they belong till Chi-Ha-Tan came knocking. With this trio coming together by fate, that saw them cling to another as each other's surrogate family, along with all the girls in the club now, whether they came from warm homes or cold streets, all of them proudly said they were family.

And as Tamada's family, Hosomi and Ikeda were more than happy to see the fiery vice commander find happiness with Miho as her lover. Having seen the two walk around the issue of pushing their feelings out to one another, but luckily Hosomi gave Tamada the final push to get them together. Now there was nothing but delighted faces every time they saw the two young lovebirds walking hand and hand

"Alright, alright," Ikeda said, leaning back now with a hand on her hip. "We're just glad she's alright."

Hosomi nodded in agreement. "Me too, our girl went the extra mile for our team. Like even though I saw it, my mind can't register her maneuvering the Tiger 1 like that."

"Yea, it was like she knew when the enemy was going to fire, that sort of instinct is uncanny," Ikeda added, just as amazed at Miho's stunts in the match.

Tamada didn't add anything to it, remembering Miho talking about a dream she had during the match when she fell unconscious. About her late grandmother talking to her, that she was the reincarnation of a great warrior from the Nishizumi's past. Like something out of a fable story, but was here now in the real world. It seem to be the only explanation of Miho's ability display in the match that no one has seen in Sensha-do's long cherished history. Yet Tamada didn't feel she had a right to tell her friends since it was Miho's business that she herself didn't understand yet, so Tamada would not say anything out of respect.

"Well, she's always wow us, should be something we expect at this point," Tamada said, which made the three lightly chuckle in agreement.

Hosomi calm down first. "Yea, she has really wowed us. All with that sweet smile that too."

"Looking like she couldn't hurt a fly, but put her in a tank she becomes a terror like no other," Ikeda said, making the girls amusingly nod their heads.

"Yet it wasn't just her that wow this day, it was all of our little sisters. They each fought as hard as we could ask them to and more, they were the real MVP's today," Tamada said with an affectionate smile at the thought of her little cubs giving them so much this day.

"Welllll," Hosomi started. "We always know about their abilities, know how strong they were. The Sensha-do world just got a treat in seeing them roaring their names so they never forget."

"Yea, never forget this is a team that is deadly top to bottom, first or second year, they're going to have to fear every one of us," Ikeda boasted.

"Heck yea sister!" Hosomi said elatedly.

"And now we got a chance at the semi-final, with an experienced force. It will be pretty awesome to see twenty-plus tanks on the field altogether," Ikeda said excitedly.

"And with Miho at the front, will definitely make the final, then really shock the world," Tamada said confidently.

"I know right! Then I can use that fame to get me a boyfriend," Hosomi said, with hands on her hip, daydreaming about herself meeting her own lover one day.

"That would be ideal, can't let Tamada be the only one having all the fun," Ikeda added.

Though it was a joke, hearing the mention of boyfriends made Tamada go quiet in thought. Remembering her dream earlier of her old friend and lover Tohaku. Seeing him drag Miho away telling her that all sins must be paid for, only made Tamada fearful. Because no matter how she look at it, she had betray him to be with Miho, leaving him behind and their promise to be together one day.

Tamada look down to the white ribbon tied around her wrist, as it held the promise of being together, a promise that was no longer capable of being kept.

Seeing the change in mood of their sister, Ikeda reach out to touch Tamada's hand. "Hey, you ok?"

Feeling that warm hand on hers brought Tamada out of her dark thoughts. "Oh, yea sorry space out on you."

Hosomi press forward, touching Tamada's hand too. "It's ok, tell us what's wrong. We have been around each other long enough to know that face means you're in distress."

For a moment, Tamada took in the sight of her sisters, grateful they were in her life and to have someone be concerned about you, though Nishi had shown the same concern, Tamada had never told anybody about Tohaku save for Ikeda and Hosomi, not wanting to unveil that part of her past to everyone. Taking a deep breath, Tamada now unveil the nightmare she had of her former lover, how Miho was dragged off by him with no way for Tamada to save her. After she was done explaining things, both Ikeda and Hosomi wrap Tamada up in a group hug, trying their best to comfort her.

"It's ok Tamada, it was just a dream, nothing more," Ikeda said, using one of her hands to stroke through Tamada's hair.

"I just can't unsee Miho's look of betrayal," Tamada said in near tears of that memory that was haunting her.

"As Ikeda said, it was just a dream. We know you never hurt Miho, you do everything in your power to protect her," Hosomi said, rubbing the back of Tamada's neck.

"But…bu-," Tamada try to say.

"No but's, no self-doubts," Ikeda said, now pulling back to grab both sides of Tamada's face to make her look her in the eyes. "You've done what you thought was right, what made you happy. Sure, there will always be regret in your heart, but Miho is holding your heart close to hers, treasure that."

"I agree with Ikeda, I know the guilt is eating you, but one day I'm sure you will have a chance to explain yourself to Tohaku," Hosomi added in trying to soothe her sister's soul.

Their words seem to have the effect they wanted, as Tamada began to calm down now, as she nodded into Ikeda's hands, then pull them both into a hug, grateful for their words and comfort. Not knowing where she be without them in her life.

Suddenly the intercom rang through the carriage. "Attention to all Chi-Ha-Tan Sensha-do members, we are ten minutes out from the station for drop off, I repeat ten minutes out. Please be prepared to vacate the train, make sure all trash is cleaned up, and most importantly congratulations on your stunning victory girls, have a good evening."

The trio of girls broke apart, looking up at the intercom, then back to each other, with Tamada speaking up first. "Well, better get back to Miho and wake her up."

Hosomi saluted with a smile. "Roger that, I and Ikeda will see to the cubs."

"Make sure to just wake her, no teasing alright," Ikeda said with a weary smile.

"No promises, see you in a minute," Tamada said, then walk out of the carriage to go wake thier sleeping commander.

When she was gone, Hosomi turn to Ikeda. "She's never talked about her former lover like that before, that dream got her really shook up."

"I know, but it's not like I don't understand how she feels. She slept with the guy, not just as hookup either, they meant something to each other," Ikeda said with cross arms.

"Maybe if they could talk again, they can bury the hatchet you know," Hosomi said.

"I don't know, it will not be a pleasant conversation to have, but one Tamada is going to need to have if she wants to wash this guilt away," Ikeda said with a small sigh.

"Well, no use worry about that right now, let's get back to the others, Because I'm ready for dinner, a shower, and then bed," Hosomi said stretching her arms outs to get the kinks out.

Ikeda nodded. "Right behind you sister."

XxxxX

Closing the door as quietly as she could, Tamada turn to the small private compartment afforded to her and Miho. Though they were close to the station and needed to put everything back in place before they left. Looking to the fold out bed, Tamada saw Miho was still sleeping on the bed, with the covers drape over her, with her chest still falling and rising steadily with her breaths. Making Tamada smile seeing her lover sleeping so peacefully, like a little angel almost. Though she had to stop staring and get Miho up, much to Tamada's regret.

With careful steps, she walk over to the bed, then kneel down beside it. Reaching over, Tamada ran her hand over Miho's cheek softly, mesmerized by how beautiful she was. Yet it was not Miho's outward beauty that was what draw Tamada to her so fiercely, it was the beauty of Miho's soul, of who she truly was when she found that place she belong to. That open Miho up that even now surprised Tamada of how confident she had become in the few short months, as Tamada knew of Miho's harsh upbringing with her family that had sent her into a timid state.

Yet she still loves her mother even now…I hope they can be reunited one day…I don't want Miho to go through losing a mother as I did…

Tamada thought, thinking of how her mother had left her at an orphanage after no one adopted her when Tamada was born. There were day's Tamada would stare at the starry sky, wondering who her mother was or what she might be like. Was she someone struggling through life and didn't want Tamada to follow that? Or did she never want a baby? Was Tamada herself a mistake?

Those kinds of questions always stay with her, but Chi-Ha-Tan Academy had all but wash those thoughts away, for now, Tamada had the place to call home. The family that held her close, told her that she was important to them and wanted her happiness. To which Tamada did the same to every girl in this club, who she do everything in her power to protect, for Tamada would be their shield, as they were for her. While now Tamada was also a shield for Miho, blocking any who wanted to tear down this beautiful soul who needed to shine, and that was what the fiery girl would do no matter the cost even to herself.

"Alright, need to get her up," Tamada said to herself, then began to talk softly to Miho. "Hey Miho, time to get up."

The words had no effect, as the Tigress continue to sleep soundly.

A heavy sleeper, heh, didn't think Miho was that way

Tamada thought with a light chuckle, then brought her hand down to Miho's shoulder, and gave it a small shake. "Come on Miho."

Yet the small shake also had no effect on the sleeping girl, making Tamada cock an eyebrow, wondering what else to try. With a little worry starting to take over, wondering what was wrong, but calm herself that maybe Miho was just wiped out from the battle that had taken its heavy toll on her. Having to keep the flag tank safe while being chased by half of the Oarai team, jumping into a rushing river to save her half-sister from drowning, then getting punched by her and once more having to do the impossible by taking on 4 tanks alone.

Even one of those tasks would have taken everything out of someone, but once more Miho did the impossible and took them all on.

Shaking her head at her reckless lover with a smile, Tamada lean forward as she thought of a different way to wake Miho. Hovering her face over Miho's cheek, Tamada laid gentle kisses, hoping that might be a more pleasant way to wake up than shaking her awake.

After her light kisses were over, Tamada move up to Miho's ear and whisper. "Wake up Miss Tigress, we're almost home."

Pulling back some, once more hoping she had had the effect she wanted, Tamada look down at Miho still sleeping soundly, not even showing any signs of waking or that she might be messing with Tamada by pretending to be asleep. Which made Tamada feel some panic begin to rise, since it shouldn't be this hard to wake Miho, unless something was wrong, but that was pushed from Tamada's mind once more.

"Ok Miho, if you're messing with me, you got me, now come on wake up, or I'm going to tease you like no other," Tamada said, leaning forward to give Miho another shake on the shoulder.

Nothing.

"This isn't funny anymore, Miho," Tamada said in a bit of desperation, now lightly tapping Miho's cheek to wake her.

Once more, no effect. Making Tamada now try raising her voice a little, that also had no effect. Then try to give a harder shake, but Miho didn't stir, making Tamada become distraught about what was wrong with her lover. Now going so far as to throw the covers off Miho and scoop her up off the bed into a bridal carry, giving her some more shakes to try to wake the sleeping Tigress.

"Miho! Come on! Wake up!" Tamada now shouted, caring little if she was being rude.

Yet Miho didn't stir at the desperate yells, as her head rested against Tamada's body, her breaths even and in rhythm, her face peaceful. Though Tamada didn't feel her earlier admiration to look upon her in this peaceful state, as Miho wouldn't wake up. With Tamada's yelling now not having any effect only amplify the fiery girl's worry, wondering what she should do.

It was now with her panic that was at high octane, did a voice begin to replay for her.