"Paul, what's it like up there?" Michael called from his position at the loader position. "A storm is coming. I see dark clouds on the horizon. Probably gonna be a downpour."
"I hate driving panzers in the mud." Franz complained. "Franz you are already driving the panzer in the mud." Peter exclaimed sarcastically.
"Yeah but it isn't deep mud. It's dried mud and it's much easier to drive on when compared to wet and deep mud." Franz said as if it was all obvious.
Paul rolled his eyes at their antics and turned to look at the rest of the tanks with him. At the command, was the tank commander who had conversed with him a few hours ago.
That's when the rain began. It started with a few drops that resounded loudly against the panzer until it seemed thousands of drops were smashing against the panzers. Franz clutched his ears and screamed, "This is another reason why I hate rain! It's pure hell!"
Paul looked into his gunsights and his heart froze. "It's about to get a lot worse Franz." Paul whispered as he gazed at the line of entrenched tanks ahead of him. "You should have knocked on wood Franz." Peter groaned.
"Michael, is the main gun reloaded?" Paul questioned. Michael opened up the hatch and looked into the barrel. "We're good." He said giving Paul a thumbs up.
Paul nodded and stared into the gunsights once again. He fiddled with the knobs and increased his elevation. He accounted for wind speed and aimed for the turret of the large Fire Nation tank. Then he pulled the trigger.
Paul watched the shell fly through the rainy air and smash into the tank he had been aiming for. The tank in response exploded into a shower of sparks. The enemy tanks responded with a volley of their own javelins.
The javelins smashed into some of the leading panzers, knocking them out or exploding them. "Franz, whatever you do, don't stop. We'll blow right past them and shoot their backs." Paul screamed at Franz. "Aye aye sir!" Franz replied with a wide grin.
"We're reloaded!" Michael called. Paul looked at each individual tank in their own small trench. He aimed for the one to the left of the one he shot. He aimed slightly above the tank, hoping to hit the fuel tank towards the back.
"Michael, we have AP shells right?" Paul asked to double check and make sure his shot wouldn't be in vain. "We do." Michael responded solemnly. His brown hair was beginning to come out from under his cap from the stress. His breathing was heavy.
Paul grimaced and pulled the trigger. The tank he had been aiming for bucked up before exploding, sending the turret flying. Michael pushed his hair into his cap and loaded another AP shell into the turret. He sent a thumbs up to Paul.
Paul aimed again at the tanks that were to his right. Paul, unlike the rest of the group, had refused to stop and had Franz continue to drive so that they would be behind the tank.
Aiming for the closest tank, Paul instantly fired. The tanks gun slumped and Paul smiled. Another one bites the dust. There was the sound of the shell being reloaded and Paul aimed for the tank directly to his right.
He pulled the trigger once again and the new tank exploded in the flashiest one yet. "Franz pulled up behind these tanks." Paul ordered and Franz complied. Pulling up behind the group of tanks, Paul aimed at the lead tank and fired again. He gained another kill.
"Franz turned our front towards the tanks. Peter, shoot any of the tanks who's turrets are turning towards us." Paul said still aiming at the tanks and was watching their turrets slowly turn towards them.
Franz quickly did what he was told and Peter began to fire off the machine gun ripping through the armor of the lightly armored Fire Nation tanks.
Michael reloaded again and Paul fired. Again and again this repeated until the group of tanks were destroyed. Paul slid back into his chair and smiled. He didn't realize it yet, but he had just single-handedly defeated the final tank force separating the group from reaching the French line. The door was open for them to at least reach their objective. Now, all they had to do was drive.
Japan
"Souza, we can't leave until this guy wakes up." Anza stated to the man fiercely trying to stuff everything into his bag. "Yes, I know but when he does, we're leaving like that." He snapped his finger. "We've been attacked and blocked in. I'm not taking any chances with this stupid cave."
"I learned your a firebender as a result. Quite the horrifying prospect. I wouldn't have ever thought you were one. But I do understand why you kept it hidden." Souza added.
"No one ever wants to die Souza. I'm sure you know that. Colonial firebenders are usually used as troops to be sent on suicidal missions. Their nationalism used against them. Used for the nefarious needs of the higher ups." Anza replied with a shrug.
Souza nodded, "So that's what you did when we attacked the base. You blew it up with your firebending." Anza nodded. "I also used my firebending to knock out the guy real fast."
"Really? How so?" Souza asked in curiosity. She had at that time knocked out that soldier really fast. He had always wondered how when he had struggled to knock the other man out.
"I heated up his core temperature too fast and his body shut down. It was really easy. I've done it before to…never mind." Anza said turning away. Souza was extremely curious about how she knew how to do it but he let it go. He realized she had more important things to attend to, like the man.
He kneeled down next to Anza and began to help her with the man. "When is he expected to wake up?" Souza asked. "Sometime soon. He used to have a fever and was bleeding. Also a few infections as well. But other than that, he's almost all good."
"That's very good to hear. He looks like a city folk. Wonder where." Souza said gazing at the features of the man. His face was very chiseled and his black hair extended to the shoulders. A deep comparison with Souza's shorter hair in a top knot.
"Here let me try something." Anza said grounding some herbs together. "This," she said holding up the mixture she had created. "Will be extremely bitter and might wake the guy up."
Souza looked at the mixture with disgust. "I hate bitter things. I prefer spicy food." Souza said, sticking his tongue out at the idea. "I will never understand how you mainlanders can deal with all the spicy food." Anza laughed with a shake of her head.
She gently put the herbs into the man's mouth and the two waited. The man instantly began to cough, as if there was a lion seal in his throat. The man jerked awake with wide eyes and looked around frantically.
"Where am I? Who are you? Where are they?" He cried. He went to reach for something and found it was gone. His eyes widened and he scrambled backwards. "Keep away!" He said, outstretching his hand.
"Hold on, hold on. You're safe. We're both Fire Nation." Anza softly spoke. The man's breathing hitched upon looking at Anza. "Where am I? Where are they?" He asked fearfully.
"Your in a cave, high up in the mountains. We have had only one encounter." Souza crossed his arms. "By they, you mean the Japanese right?" Anza asked quietly. The man nodded quickly.
"We rescued you about two weeks ago. You were in bad shape but she," Souza nodded towards Anza. "Rescued you from the brink of death. Your captors have been permanently dealt with."
The man nodded, slower this time and took a seat before putting his head into his hands.
Souza looked at Anza and gestured towards the bags. Anza shook her head and put up a finger. Wait a second she said. Souza shook his head in exasperation and double checked the area.
Anza moved to the man and patted him on the back. "Everything is going to be alright." She told him. "No it isn't. All my friends are dead. I haven't seen them in so long. We had fled together and we were all slowly picked off, one by one. I saw what the Japanese did to others and I grew fearful they would do the same to me." The man sadly said.
"What's your name, soldier?" Anza asked. "My name is Zim." The man said. "What about you?" He replied. "I'm Anza and the guy worrying over there is Souza." Anza said, pointing at Souza.
Souza was currently throwing stuff into his bag in desperation so that they could leave. He looked like a man who had gone insane.
"Is he usually like that?" Zim questioned. "No, he's worried. He's worrying about everything that's going on. He worries for my safety, his safety, and probably yours once he gets to know you. He saved me from death about a month ago." Anza solemnly said.
Zim shook his head. "I wish I had someone like that. I don't even know where my friends are. They could be dead for all I know."
Anza touched his hand. "Don't be so worried about everything. Stay positive and you'll be fine. They're probably still out there. How did you get captured."
Zim's lips quivered, his eyes seemed to gain a far away look and Anza realized what she had done. She shook him and his eyes returned to where they had been.
It was weird to imagine, a fourteen year old comforting someone a year or two older than her. But that was what was happening right now.
"Zim, just don't remember if it makes you feel better. Souza and I had nightmares after we escaped almost certain death at the battle we fought in. It's up to you to come with us or stay and look for your friends." Anza said grasping Zim's hand.
"No, as you said, it might be a lost cause to find them. I have no idea where they are or if they're alive. We all worked well together but now they're gone. I am going to take you finding me as an omen sent to me from the divine and wait, where are you guys going?" Zim asked confused.
"We're trying to reach the Fire Nation shores again. Me, you, and Souza are trying to finally reach home." Anza said with a smile as she imagined the beauty of home. The warmth, the children laughing and playing on the beaches of the many islands, the bright sun that makes you squint.
"Souza and I have each contributed to defending ourselves. I'm pretty good at defending myself and Souza stole a gun and has a sword. But don't worry, I won't expect anything from you. I wouldn't say the same for Souza though." Anza wondered.
"I could help if I had my bow." Zim said. "But alas I don't. The Japanese soldiers stole it from me." Souza froze where he was. Quickly he dug threw the bag and took out an ornate bow.
"Do you mean this bow?" Souza asked looking towards Zim. Zim's eyes widened in shock. "My baby!" He stood and grabbed the bow.
"My baby! It's so good to see you. I thought you were taken from me." As Zim continued to kiss and snuggle with his bow, Anza and Souza looked on in confusion. Souza turned away and Anza had her tongue stuck out in disgust as Zim gave the bow another kiss.
"You're a Yuyan archer?" Anza asked. "Hell yeah I am. One of the best I like to think. Thank you for finding my bow, my baby. My beautiful bow." Zim continued to hug his bow.
"Oh wait, I don't have arrows." Zim remembered. They too had been taken from him but were not found by either Anza or Souza.
"Arrows are replaceable Zim. We could always carve our own from the branches of trees." Souza said. "You just need a really sharp knife."
"Paul, what's it like up there?" Michael called from his position at the loader position. "A storm is coming. I see dark clouds on the horizon. Probably gonna be a downpour."
"I hate driving panzers in the mud." Franz complained. "Franz you are already driving the panzer in the mud." Peter exclaimed sarcastically.
"Yeah but it isn't deep mud. It's like dried mud and it's much easier to drive on that compared to wet and deep mud." Franz said as if it was all the obvious.
Paul rolled his eyes at their antics and turned to look at the rest of the tanks with him. At the command, was the tank commander who had conversed with him a few hours ago.
That's when the rain began. It started with a few drops that resounded loudly against the panzer until it seemed thousands of drops were smashing against the panzers. Franz clutched his ears and screamed, "This is another reason why I hate rain! It's pure hell!"
Paul looked into his gunsights and his heart froze. "It's about to get a lot worse Franz." Paul whispered as he gazed at the line of entrenched tanks ahead of him. "You should have knocked on wood Franz." Peter groaned.
"Michael, is the main gun reloaded?" Paul questioned. Michael opened up the hatch and looked into the barrel. "We're good." He said giving Paul a thumbs up.
Paul nodded and stared into the gunsights once again. He fiddled with the knobs and increased his elevation. He accounted for wind speed and aimed for the turret of the large Fire Nation tank. Then he pulled the trigger.
Paul watched the shell fly through the rainy air and smash into the tank he had been aiming for. The tank in response exploded into a shower of sparks. The enemy tanks responded with a volley of their own javelins.
The javelins smashed into some of the leading panzers, knocking them out or exploding them. "Franz, whatever you do, don't stop. We'll blow right past them and shoot their backs." Paul screamed at Franz. "Aye aye sir!" Franz replied with a wide grin.
"We're reloaded!" Michael called. Paul looked at each individual tank in their own small trench. He aimed for the one to the left of the one he shot. He aimed slightly above the tank, hoping to hit the fuel tank towards the back.
"Michael, we have AP shells in right?" Paul asked to double check and make sure his shot wouldn't be in vain. "We do." Michael responded solemnly. His brown hair was beginning to come out from under his cap from the stress. His breathing was heavy.
Paul grimaced and pulled the trigger. The tank he had been aiming for bucked up before exploding, sending the turret flying. Michael pushed his hair into his cap and loaded another AP shell into the turret. He sent a thumbs up to Paul.
Paul aimed again at the tanks that were now 70° off the front side to Paul's right. Paul had, unlike the rest of the group, had refused to stop and had Franz continue to drive so that they would be behind the tank.
Aiming for the closest tank, Paul instantly fired. The tanks gun slumped and Paul smiled. Another one bites the dust. There was the sound of the shell being reloaded and Paul aimed for the tank directly to his right.
He pulled the trigger once again and the new tank exploded in the flashiest one yet. "Franz pull up behind these tanks." Paul ordered and Franz complied. Pulling up behind the group of tanks, Paul aimed at the lead tank and fired again. He gained another kill.
"Franz turned our front towards the tanks. Peter, shoot any of the tanks who's turrets are turning towards us." Paul said still aiming at the tanks and was watching their turrets slowly turn towards them.
Franz quickly did what he was told and Peter began to fire off the machine gun causing many of the tanks that were about to send the crew to meet their maker to meet theirs.
Michael reloaded again and Paul fired. Again and again this repeated until the group of tanks were destroyed. Paul slid back into his chair and smiled. He didn't realize it yet, but he had just single-handedly defeated the final tank force separating the group from reaching the French line. The door was open for them to at least reach their objective. Now, all they had to do was drive.
Japan
"Souza, we can't leave until this guy wakes up." Anza stated to the man fiercely trying to stuff everything into his bag. "Yes, I know but when he does, we're leaving like that." He snapped his finger. "We've been attacked and blocked in. I'm not taking any chances with this stupid cave."
"I learned your a firebender as a result. Quite the horrifying prospect. I wouldn't have ever thought you were one. But I do understand why you kept it hidden." Souza added.
"No one ever wants to die Souza. I'm sure you know that. Colonial firebenders are usually used as troops to be sent on suicidal missions. Their nationalism used against them. Used for the nefarious needs of the higher ups." Anza replied with a shrug.
Souza nodded, "So that's what you did when we attacked the base. You blew it up with your firebending." Anza nodded. "I also used my firebending to knock out the guy real fast."
"Really? How so?" Souza asked in curiosity. She had at that time knocked out that soldier really fast. He had always wondered how when he had struggled to knock the other man out.
"I heated up his core temperature too fast and his body shut down. It was really easy. I've done it before to…never mind." Anza said turning away. Souza was extremely curious about how she knew how to do it but he let it go. He realized she had more important things to attend to, like the man.
He kneeled down next to Anza and began to help her with the man. "When is he expected to wake up?" Souza asked. "Sometime soon. He used to have a fever and was bleeding. Also a few infections as well. But other than that, he's almost all good."
"That's very good to hear. He looks like a city folk. Wonder where." Souza said gazing at the features of the man. His face was very chiseled and his black hair extended to the shoulders. A deep comparison with Souza's shorter hair in a top knot.
"Here let me try something." Anza said grounding some herbs together. "This," she said holding up the mixture she had created. "Will be extremely bitter and might wake the guy up."
Souza looked at the mixture with disgust. "I hate bitter things. I prefer spicy." Souza said sticking his tongue out at the idea. "I will never understand how you mainlanders can deal with all the spicy food." Anza laughed with a shake of her head.
She gently put the herbs into the man's mouth and the two waited. The man instantly began to cough, as if there was lion seal in his throat. The man jerked awake with wide eyes and looked around frantically.
"Where am I? Who are you? Where are they?" He cried. He went to reach for something and found it was gone. His eyes widened and he scrambled backwards. "Keep away!" He said outstretching his hand.
"Hold on, hold on. Your safe. We're both Fire Nation." Anza softly spoke. The man's breathing hitched upon looking at Anza. "Where am I? Where are they?" He asked fearfully.
"Your in a cave, high up in the mountains. We have had only one encounter." Souza crossed his arms. "By they, you mean the Japanese right?" Anza asked quietly. The man nodded quickly.
"We rescued you about two weeks ago. You were in bad shape but she," Souza nodded towards Anza. "Rescued you from the brink of death. Your captors have been permanently dealt with."
The man nodded, slower this time and took a seat before putting his head into his hands.
Souza looked at Anza and gestured towards the bags. Anza shook her head and put up a finger. Wait a second she said. Souza shook his head in exasperation and double checked the area.
Anza moved to the man and patted him on the back. "Everything is going to be alright." She told him. "No it isn't. All my friends are dead. I haven't seen them in so long. We had fled together and we were all slowly picked off, one by one. I saw what the Japanese did to others and I grew fearful they would do the same to me." The man sadly said.
"What's your name soldier?" Anza asked. "My name is Zim." The man, Zim said. "What about you?" He replied. "I'm Anza and the guy worrying over there is Souza." Anza said pointing at Souza.
Souza was currently throwing stuff into his bag in desperation so that they could leave. He looked like a man who had gone insane.
"Is he usually like that?" Zim questioned. "No, he's worried. He's worrying about everything that's going on. He worries for my safety, his safety, and probably yours once he gets to know you. He saved me from death about a month ago." Anza solemnly said.
Zim shook his head. "I wish I had someone like that. I don't even know where my friends are. They could be dead for all I know."
Anza touched his hand. "Don't be so worried about everything. Stay positive and you'll be fine. They're probably still out there. How did you get captured."
Zim's lips quivered, his eyes seemed to gain a far away look and Anza realized what she had done. She shook him and his eyes returned to where they had been.
It was weird to imagine, a fourteen year old comforting someone a year or two older than her. But that was what was happening right now.
"Zim, just don't remember if it makes you feel better. Souza and I had nightmares after we escaped almost certain death at the battle we fought in. It's up to you to come with us or stay and look for your friends." Anza said grasping Zim's hand.
"No, as you said, it might be a lost cause to find them. I have no idea where they are or if they're alive. We all worked well together but now they're gone. I am going to take you finding me as an omen sent to me from the divine and wait, where are you guys going?" Zim asked confused.
"We're trying to reach the Fire Nation shores again. Me, you, and Souza are trying to finally reach home." Anza said with a smile as she imagined the beauty of home. The warmth, the children laughing and playing on the beaches of the many islands, the bright sun that makes you squint.
"Souza and I have each contributed to defending ourselves. I'm pretty good at defending myself and Souza stole a gun and has a sword. But don't worry, I won't expect anything from you. I wouldn't say the same for Souza though." Anza wondered.
"I could help if I had my bow." Zim said. "But alas I don't. The Japanese soldiers stole it from me." Souza froze where he was. Quickly he dug threw the bag and took out an ornate bow.
"Do you mean this bow?" Souza asked looking towards Zim. Zim's eyes widened in shock. "My baby!" He stood and grabbed the bow.
"My baby! It's so good to see you. I thought you were taken from me." As Zim continued to kiss and snuggle with his bow, Anza and Souza looked on in confusion. Souza turned away and Anza had her tongue stuck out in disgust as Zim gave the bow a sloppy a kiss.
"You're a Yuyan archer?" Anza asked. "Hell yeah I am. One of the best I like to think. Thank you for finding my bow, my baby. My beautiful bow." Zim continued to hug his bow.
"Oh wait, I don't have arrows." Zim remembered. They too had been taken from him but were not found by either Anza or Souza.
"Arrows are replaceable Zim. We could always carve our own from the branches of trees." Souza said. "You just need a really sharp knife."
"Yeah, I guess we could do that. But they're not the good arrows though. With the good arrows I'm much more accurate at a mile." Zim complained in annoyance.
"You don't need to be accurate Zim. We just need you to be able to shoot and land a hit from at most, 800 meters." Anza stated matter of factly. "That will most likely be the furthest we'll ever enter a fight but usually, we'll just try to avoid the fight so to not alert enemy forces in the area to our presence." Souza added before he began to think.
"On second thought, how accurate are you with a rifle?" Souza asked. He had an idea. Maybe with a rifle, this guy could be accurate past a mile which could do wonders for their survival chances.
"Never heard of it. What is it?" Zim asked.
"It's one of the guns the Japanese uses." Souza leaned over and grabbed the rifle he had leaning against the cave wall. "It's this. Pretty much an effective bow that has smaller ammo and shoots much further to the experienced."
"I think," Zim paused as he stared at the weapon. "I'll stay with my baby. I know how to use this bow. I know it as much as I know myself. I know when it will work or when it won't. I know when and where the bow will lose it's effectiveness. I don't want to lose that by using something I've never used before, like a rifle."
Souza nodded at the answer. Good and fair points, all of them. Was he annoyed the archer wouldn't use a rifle, a bit. But Souza knew that Zim might be more effective at shooting a bow than a rifle. The opposite of Souza.
"So are we finally ready to go?" Souza asked everyone. Anza nodded but Zim put up a pause signal. "Hold up, hold up." He said thoroughly confused. "I literally just woke up and now we're leaving. What's the rush? We could chill here?
"Yesterday we got attacked and only survived because of an avalanche that nearly blocked us in while you were asleep." Anza replied, knowing this guy had no idea what was going on.
"Avalanche! How did you guys remove all that snow and rocks?" Zim asked in horror. To realize that he had nearly died again before he had woken up was horrifying to him.
Souza watched Anza open her mouth but beat her to it. "We have our ways." Souza said with a smirk. Anza glanced at him and smiled brightly.
Near the border of France and Germany
"Cheers to us not dying!" Franz said from the drivers seat. Peter rolled his eyes. "Weren't you the one adamant that we wouldn't?" He asked sarcastically.
"I did say that didn't I. Well, I really didn't think we would. I just was trying to convince myself that we weren't all going to die." Franz said with a shrug.
"I was the one that actually believed we wouldn't die." Michael interjected into the conversation. "Remember how I said I would get you all through this."
"But you didn't." Peter pointed out. "It was Paul that got us out of the fight." They all turned to Paul. "Cheers to you Paul!" Franz called out holding up an imaginary glass.
Paul rolled his eyes and shrugged. "It was easy, sometimes soldiers are just really stupid. All we did was flank them consistently. They never moved their turrets."
"I wouldn't be surprised if you earn an Iron Cross." Peter said causing many heads to turn in his direction. "You really think so?" Franz asked.
"I know so. Did you see how the Panzer leader was talking to Paul in shock and awe. You could feel it in the voice. His tone made it all known. He even asked for Paul's name. That guy is definitely gonna recommend Paul for one. Then it's just a question if it gets approved or not." Peter argued.
"And, I'm pretty sure Paul made himself a Panzer ace today like me." Michael added. "So we'll have two Panzer aces and an Iron Cross recipient in Breina. We must be the most decorated crew." Peter said with a laugh.
"Wait! If Paul becomes an Iron Cross recipient, he might be moved to another crew!" Franz cried. Silence descended on the crew as they thought of the ramifications of that.
"Well, if that happens, we'll all still be friends. It's not like we'll all stop hanging out together. I'll just request to still be in this unit." Paul said. "We just won't all freak out together on how we'll all die."
Michael, Franz, and Peter laughed at the last statement. "What happened to the quiet Paul that used to reload the gun without a word." Franz asked still billowing with laughter.
"Oh I know," Michael smirked. "It's the girl isn't it." The laughter ceased instantly.
"Hold on, Paul has a girlfriend?" Peter asked in shock. Franz even stopped driving the tank for a second. Only for a short second though before continuing to drive at full speed. Paul blushed to the silence.
"Yeah, I have a girl." Paul gently took the picture out from the pocket in his jacket. His fingers gently clasped around it, slowly pulling it out. He was trying his best to prevent wrinkles on the photo.
"She's my frauline. My beautiful girl from back home in Wilhelmshaven. Her and I would walk along the shores of the sea every day." Paul wistfully said.
"Your from Wilhelmshaven? I'm surprised you didn't go into the navy." Michael said with genuine surprise. "I would've thought you were from Bavaria or the Rhine. Not right on the sea."
"No, I've had a fear of the navy after my uncle served on the S.M.S Leipzig." Paul quietly spoke. "Ah I see." Michael understood.
"You know, my father fought in the German Civil War on the monarchist side." Peter said trying to rid the awkwardness. "No one in their right mind would support the fascists." Franz grumbled from up front but his comment went unnoticed.
"Yeah, didn't our fathers serve together Peter?" Michael asked. Peter nodded, "They did, same Unit and everything. Now it's our turn to give ourselves up for the Kaiser."
"We're quite the patriots aren't we?" Michael joked causing Peter and Paul to laugh. Franz stayed silent throughout the conversation.
"Franz, what's up?" Peter asked. Franz usually always had something to say. He should have at least laughed at Michael's jokes.
"I'm just imagining." Franz said in a tone not usual to Franz. It was the tone of thought, his eyes were far off. "Imagining of what would have happened if the Nazis had won. They would've destroyed everything I know, I'm sure of it."
The Panzer descended into silence. They all knew what Franz was talking about. He was a Jew. "Well, than it's good that madman didn't win then. We all know everything he said is wrong. Your none of those things Franz." Peter softly spoke breaking the silence.
"You have done nothing to make us question your own credibility. We all know it isn't your fault all the bad things happened after the Great War." Paul argued. "They are the words of a man desperate for power. He deserved to be exiled from our great nation." Michael added.
"Yeah, let those fascist Italians go to hell." Peter said. "They don't realize how important and vital you are. I can't even imagine life in this Panzer without you."
"You mean Breina." Franz joked showing a semblance of his normal self. "Yes Franz, I mean Breina." Peter said with a laugh. Franz lightly chuckled too and turned back to driving the Panzer.
"I just know that what he would have done wouldn't have been pretty. I bet you, he would have tried to kill us all." Franz somberly said. "No one is crazy to do that." Michael replied, his mouth wide open in a large o.
"You underestimate this man I think Michael. If you ever read his book, you would see the intent behind the words. He wanted us exterminated. If he had stayed in power, I'm not sure what I would've done."
"Well Franz, you don't need to worry. That man or any of his followers won't bother him ever again." Peter told Franz, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Franz shot a smile at Peter and continued to drive. The only sound was that of Panzer gears moving, slowly churning, squeaking, scratching.
"So Paul." Michael began. "Yes Michael." Paul replied snarky. "Can I have my seat back?" Michael asked politely. "Nah, I like the seat." Paul said with a bellowing laugh.
"What happened to the silent and quiet Paul that we've grown so accustomed to?" Peter asked in mock concern. "You know Peter, when I get really comfortable, I become very talkative. To my friends, it's very annoying." Paul's very annoying smirk said it all.
"Really? You haven't been talking that much." Franz said in surprise. Paul smirked devilishly.
"Franz! What have you done." Peter screamed in horror. "You have created a monster." The entire crew of the Panzer laughed loudly as they continued to drive towards France.
Fire Nation
"Hurrah!" Fire Nation soldiers screamed bayoneting straw dummies. Han Zou stared down at them with a smile. He turned and looked to his left and saw Fire Nation soldiers practicing tactics with wooden guns.
He turned to his right and watched soldiers work on memorizing their tactics in the classroom. A teacher was explaining the uses of tanks and mechanized vehicles against infantry. A student raised his hand and asked about the effects of naval warfare on infantry warfare.
"Colonel" Han Zou's thoughts were interrupted by the man behind him. Han Zou turned around, smiling. "War Minister Qin" Han Zou said with a nod. "It is good to see you."
"You too, Colonel Han Zou. I feel like I have not seen you in a very long time. I remember when I found the report on your ideal warfare doctrine many months ago. It was a very interesting read, I thoroughly enjoyed it."
"I'm happy to hear that Minister." Han Zou replied. "I see your new school is doing well Colonel Zou. I'm happy that I had funds put into this place." The Minister said looking around in admiration. He too gazed at the many soldiers beneath him, practicing.
"I am eternally grateful for your funds, Minister. I'm sure we will have good results from this school." Han Zou said in an orderly fashion.
"We might actually stand a chance now thanks to this school. Come, Colonel, let us take a walk." The Minister beckoned for Han Zou to follow, which he did.
The two were currently in a large control tower that overlooked the many sectors of the school. It was one large building divided into smaller sections that whoever in the control tower could gaze at. Han Zou had spent many hours doing it. You could say that the control tower was practically the headmaster's office.
War Minister Qin turned around and began to move towards the stairs. Han Zou followed after rather hastily. The two began to descend the stairs at an easy pace next to each other. The only sound was that of their footsteps echoing against the walls. Han Zou waited to see what the Minister needed.
It was a few minutes before the Minister began to speak. "Han Zou, I needed you to explain to me more thoroughly the doctrine. I understand the main idea but I wanted to hear your thoughts. I know that all these teachers here have been trained by you but I wanted to hear it from you directly."
The Minister turned and looked at Han Zou expecting an answer. "Sir, what aspects of the doctrine need to be explained?" He asked in curiosity. "Just get to the big idea please Colonel." The Minister replied curtly.
Han Zou nodded before beginning to explain. "The idea is to use everything we have to its full capabilities. It is to defeat the enemy through shock and fear. We shock them with a heavy bombardment with air and artillery from planes, artillery guns, or ships. Next, we strike fear into our enemies with a heavy strike. We send in our new armor along with waves of artillery to strike fear into the hearts of our enemies. This does a good job of demoralizing and defeating our enemy. It is easier to defeat our enemy when they are demoralized compared to heavily moralized enemy is what I learned out on the field."
"Interesting, you learned this in the Earth Kingdom?" War Minister Qin asked in curiosity. "Yes, in the many battles against guerrilas, I learned that they had very high moral. If you get rid of that moral, they flee like rabbits. It in the end, will decrease the amount of casualties on our side while inflicting maximum damage on the enemy both mentally and physically."
"Your a good man Colonel, better than most men." The Minister said. Han Zou turned and gave him a weird look. "Thank you sir." He said in a worried tone. Qin realized what the Colonel probably thought.
"There is no need to worry for me Colonel Zou. It is merely a complement for you. Most men would be frothing from the mouth at the idea of even having a school named after them. You, however, are a nice, kind young man. You understand the value of human life. You understand how to fight. Hence why I asked you to form the doctrine, not a random general. I saw what you did the North Pole and I was deeply moved by what you did. You care for your troops and that's what makes you a great colonel."
"Does this mean your giving me a promotion sir?" Han Zou asked rather jokingly. "No Colonel, it's been too soon since your last promotion. You haven't done too much on the field yet." War Minister Qin said with a laugh.
"Now to the real reason I came. I wanted to see the school for myself. You did advertise it as the Fire Nation's finest." The Minister added causing Han Zou to chuckle.
"If I hadn't added that, than many wouldn't have enrolled. Many were already skeptical of the new technology, especially the bending nobility. By giving them a way to attain prestige for their non-bender children, I significantly increased the enrollment."
"So I realized that you didn't include firebending in your doctrine Colonel. Is this on purpose?" The War Minister asked curiously. "Our firebending doctrine didn't need any changing Minister. I deemed it well enough to still use along with new technology."
War Minister Qin nodded in understanding. The two walked in silence as they continued to descend the flight of stairs. "So Minister, I heard the Fire Lady has joined our war efforts in France. Is that true?" Han Zou asked turning to the Minister.
"That is indeed true Colonel Zou. The princess…" The Minister began but Han Zou interrupted. "She doesn't like to be called that."
"I don't have much respect for the child Colonel. She is still 15 I believe. My loyalty is not for her, but for the Fire Nation and it's people. That's what I have learned through my entire experience. Whoever can help me to the highest power and responsibility, I'll help but not if it means betraying my people. Azula, I fear, will lead us down a dark road if she ever becomes Phoenix Queen. I have absolutely no respect for her. She acts smart but is still a spoiled child. She understands politics but not the power needed. Hence why I refuse to call her Fire Lord."
Han Zou was startled by the War Minister's sudden outburst. It wasn't like the man who usually held so much control over his emotion to suddenly explode. He wasn't sure why the Minister was suddenly all angry about everything.
The Minister caught Han Zou's startled expression and shook his head. "I'm sorry Colonel. All this stress of trying to speed up our industrialization is getting to me."
Han Zou looked at the Minister in confusion. "What are they up to on an industrial scale?" He asked.
"Some of our spies tell me that some of the nations industrial capabilities are almost double the Fire Nation's. It would take us to go into overdrive to match one of the nations. Problem is, we're against them all. Luckily, we also have lands in the Earth Kingdom that I'm, we're using for factories and industrialization."
Han Zou nodded to the Ministers words. "So what your saying is?"
"We're dead if we don't do something. I have already supplied some of the troops defending the portal in France with the new guns. They should put up a good fight, especially with the princess there."
Han Zou nodded as he finally touched the last step. "Looks like we're here." The Minister said reaching for the door and opening it. Han Zou gripped the side and held it open for the aging man. The Minister nodded at him in thanks.
"Now that I have gotten that out of me, would you care to show me around Colonel Zou."
Han Zou nodded and led him over to a shooting range. Here, men were practicing firing rifles. One took careful aim and shot, hitting the straw dummy in the head. Han Zou and the Minister watched as the soldier pumped his fist up and down. The man next to him patted him on the back.
"I think this one is self explanatory Minister." Han Zou surmised. The Minister shook his head. "If you don't mind, I would like to stay and watch. I need to figure out how accurate they are."
The two stood and watched men continuously use rifles in the shooting range. Some missed entirely, others had spot on shooting. One man was an expert at trick shooting. The Minister chuckled at each of his more daring shots. One from between the legs, another spinning around and shooting. His antics caused the Colonel and Minister to laugh heartedly.
"Minister, there is another shooting range over this way if you want to see machine guns in action." Han Zou said after they had finished laughing.
The Minister nodded his head. "I love when people make the most of stressful situations." He chuckled. He had never seen such misplaced skill before. The man though, most likely had an awesome shot. "What was his name?"
"I believe it was Zujao. He's a brilliant man, he knows and understand everything. Plus he has a bit of a funner side. He's great for moral purposes." Han Zou replied. Zujao was really a great student and pupil. He was utterly brilliant on and off the battlefield.
Next there was a shooting range containing six men practicing shooting and loading a machine gun. The accuracy of the men firing was awesome, they were hitting almost every shot from every range. The loaders threw the magazine back into the machine gun with divine speed allowing the gunner to fire again within 10 seconds.
The Minister was satisfied with the results and continued to walk. Here, they saw a man trying to identify how to drive a tank. He was pulling levers until finally he got a green light. He smiled before getting out and letting the man next to him try.
"What's happening here Colonel?" The Minister asked. "Here, we're teaching future tankers how to drive. If you look to the right, you'll see men practicing reloading and firing anti-armor guns and tank guns. The shells are fake however, it is to my knowledge we couldn't spare any." Han Zou answered.
"Are they practicing doing this in real life and not in a room?" The Minister concernedly asked. If the men had no real life experience in aiming and hitting far off targets, they wouldn't do so when on the battlefield.
"I have a video of the men doing the exercise right now outside and hitting long range targets. If you want to see it, it's in a room inside the tower. It's also on the first floor. The room is literally right there." The Colonel replied.
The Minister nodded at Han Zou and he led him to the room. Han Zou took out a key and put it into the lock and twisted. He gripped the handle and pulled it open revealing a tv and a set of discs.
Han Zou walked to the discs and scrolled through them, checking the back of each. Finally he grabbed one and clicked a button on the tv, allowing it to open a console with a disc shaped hole. He finally placed the disc into the hole and closed the console.
Then, a video began to play. It showed men practicing long range firing and shooting at a hill. It showed them reloading, setting range, then pulling a string allowing the large artillery gun to fire. It flashed to a close range show of the hill and showed an explosion. This process repeated many times until the Minister watched the entire video.
The Minister nodded. "I have seen enough of the firing range. I think it's time for me to see what your teaching these men Colonel. Not to see their skill. I want to see the tactics."
Han Zou nodded and opened the door, holding it open for the Minister before following. The two walked over to the classroom Han Zou had gazed upon earlier. "Here is one of the classrooms Minister."
Han Zou opened the door and walked in along with the Minister. "Ignore us Mr. Zeg. We're just watching." The teacher nodded at the Colonel and continued his lecture.
"Just like in usual combat, gun on gun combat is all about flanking. You must never show much of yourself to the enemy. One shot from a well placed sniper can be the end for you. You must try to remain as hidden as possible when moving. It's imperative for you well-being to do so. We have evolved to a time where one man can take out 500 if he has the right wits. If his gun is good, and his aim is well, he can inflict massive damage on the enemy."
"Now next, you will all be going into the arena. You will practice the tactics as a team. I want to see team play here. It'll be front half against back half of the room." At these words the Ministers face knotted into concern.
"Are they using real guns?" The Minister whispered to Han Zou in concern. Han Zou shook his head. "We modified them for rubber bullets. Works like a gun, fires like a gun, just doesn't have real bullets."
"Good, then let us watch the match." The Minister clapped his hands together and walked out of the room. The Colonel led the Minister to a viewing room and were soon followed by the teacher.
Han Zou crossed his arms as he watched the two sides get on the field. One was in black, the other in gold. This exercise was to stress the importance of hiding when you stand out so much to the enemy.
The arena was like a real battlefield, lots of greenery with many trees and hills along with fences and a house in the middle to simulate a strategic point. The house was on a hill and whoever controlled it usually won.
The exercise began and the black team pushed up first while the gold team flanked with a prong attack. The black team was being reckless while the gold team was cautious with pushing forward. The black team captured the house first and began fortifying themselves for the inevitable gold invasion.
The gold team realized this and the teams captains signaled for them to crawl behind the hill. A single golden soldier was able to see a black soldier and took the shot. The soldiers aim was splendid when it hit the man directly in the stomach. The black soldier raised his hand and walked off.
The golden soldier perked up in his happiness and another black soldier saw him and shot him square in the face. The golden soldier fell to the ground clutching his nose before raising his hand and walking off. Even from here, Han Zou could see the blood spilling from beneath his hand. He clicked a radio and said, "We'll need a medic at the arena. Some guy got hit in the face." Then he went back to watching.
"That will teach him." The Minister joked. "That's the point of this exercise Minister. Soldiers learn what to do and what not to do. The hard way." The Colonel pointed out to Minister Qin.
The gold team was getting really close to completely flanking the house and the black soldiers were getting close to freaking out. But one women took control and ordered them in the house, arguing they couldn't be shot from inside judging by her hand signals. She also sent out a patrol of three to scout for the golds.
The patrol retreated to where they had began and had dropped to the ground before moving around stealthily, using some of the natural trenches in the area.
The gold team had stopped their flank and were now on both sides of the house. Han Zou could see the captains giving a three, two, one signal and he prepared for the onslaught. When the captains put down their fingers, all gold soldiers jumped out from behind the hill and began to shoot at the house.
A few from the black team were taken out instantaneously but many had retreated to within the house. They cautiously peeked through the window and began to pick off the golds. The black patrol which had been close to the golds were now almost next to the men and women firing.
The black patrol seemed to exchange some words before slowly getting up from their hiding place and pushing their way through the golden line. It was a long time before the golds realized the enemies in their midst but by then it was too late.
One side of the prong horn was eliminated leaving a single group of troops wide open for a black advance. The patrol members signaled this to the women who took charge and she nodded. One side was done, should be easy to take the others out.
The women sent out another group of three to flank the golds from both sides of the hill. The blacks would pick them off till then. The groups of three hugged the hills, slowly pushing their way forward towards the golds. The golden team still hadn't realized that half their comrades were gone.
The black patrol members checked their ammo and finally could see the golds upon the hill. The members took aim before firing. The gold team was taken out very quickly from there from being hit from three sides. It would be a black team victory.
War Minister Qin was very impressed at the show, Han Zou could tell. "Mr. Zeg, if you would mind telling the Minister what will happen next."
"Yes, so, what will happen is that we'll make sure all the students are good, we don't want any injured. We might actually need to implement face mask too don't you think Colonel?" Mr. Zeg asked Han Zou who nodded in reply.
"After that we'll talk about what they did wrong. How to improve. How to avoid some of the mistakes of past. This is a significant improvement from the first time however. They just fixed bayonets, fakes of course, made out of wood, and charged at each other. I'm very proud of my students."
"Who was the woman who took control of the black team?" The Minister asked curiously. "That was Mrs. Fiona Minister. She's a natural leader. I imagine great things for her." The teacher replied.
"Well, then I think I have seen what I need to. I have some business to attend to in the Capital. Mr. Zeg." The Minister shook the teachers hand. "Come Colonel, help me find my way out of this maze." The Colonel chuckled and followed.
When they were in the hallway the Minister spoke first. "I can honestly say I'm happy with what I'm seeing here Colonel. We might stand an actual chance."
"Thank you Minister! But you never saw the armor section. It's outside." The Minister laughed at the Colonel. "Colonel, I have most surely overstayed my welcome. I must get back to the Capital and continue our aggressive industrialization efforts."
"Of course Minister." Han Zou replied.
"Ah but before I leave. I have to tell you something." Han Zou nodded at the Minister waiting for him to continue. "We need you on the front again Colonel. We need brilliant minds like yours."
"But what about the school sir? I'm in charge here and am deeply respected. What would happen if I leave?" Han Zou asked in confusion.
The Minister scoffed. "Colonel, the school can function on its own. Under Mr." The Minister began to snap his fingers like he was trying to remember something.
"Mr. Zeg?" Han Zou offered.
"Yes. Mr. Zeg can serve as headmaster while you are gone Colonel. You have shown me that it can." The War Minister said. "So that's what you wanted to see. You wanted to know if I could join the front again." Han Zou exclaimed.
"You have caught me Colonel. Now what do you say?" The two had finally gotten outside and the Minister was looking expectantly at the Colonel.
"Just say the where Minister and I shall go."
The War Minister smiled. "That is very good to hear Colonel Zou. Meet me in the Capital when you have tidied everything up. I have much to talk to you about when you arrive."
War Minister Qin then nodded at the Colonel and turned and walked to his carriage. He opened the door and stepped inside before the carriage began to move away.
Han Zou watched it for a long time before turning and walking back inside.
Japan
It was early in the morning when the group left the cave. Souza as he was walking away gave one last look at the cave that had became his home. "Souza you coming?" Anza called out to him. Souza jumped, "Sorry I was just reminiscing."
"It's alright. What are you reminiscing about." Anza asked. Souza looked at the cave and remembered all it had done for him. Everything it had helped him achieve. The success it had created. The protection it shed to him and Anza when they were hiding.
"One day." Souza said. His eyes gained a far away look as he imagined something in his mind. "When all of this is over, I'm going to come back here and I'm going to thank the spirits for all they have done to us in this cave. I shall create a shrine maybe to bless the spirits here. Perhaps."
"That is if spirits existed." Zim replied sullenly. "It would be pretty cool if they did."
Souza shook his head. "They exist, we wouldn't have survived if there wasn't any spiritual intervention. I believe that something was helping us, protecting us. When I return, I'll praise the spirit that did it. But enough of my spiritual wandering, let's get moving to find that portal."
Souza turned away from the cave and followed Anza and Zim deep into the forest in search of home.