Authors Thought:
Hello dear readers, back again with a chapter I had to split because it got so long, sorry if this feels like im dragging things out, but i think I develop a trait of not wanting to skip over any details, probally not a good thing.
I digress.
I hope you all had a great thanksgiving with family and friends if you celebrate. While im also hoping yoir weekend is going well.
I'll hopefully be back next weeked with the conculsion of this 2 part chapter. While my goal is to have this story written up to the start of the fated battle, but will see how hard I can push myself, since at this point its all about just writing things down.
Till next time, be well and be safe, thank you for you support through it all.
"She's behind course time of thirty seconds," Konomi said, holding up her binoculars to look down from her observation point, dressed in her usual black business suit that fitted her body. Currently, she was standing under a large tent on a hill that overlooked the training course.
"Behind…by… thirty seconds," Fukushu replied, scribbling down what had been said in a notebook, wearing a Saunders school uniform since her clothes were being washed.
Konomi continues to watch the scene down below, with a sigh escaping her lips. "She's miss target four. Accuracy on the course is down to twenty-five percent."
"Down to twenty-five percent," Fukushu added to her notebook.
Bringing her binoculars down, Konomi shook her head as her first training session with her niece wasn't bearing the fruits she had hoped for. As Miho was taking command of the M4A3E8 tank, using the practice grounds aboard the Saunders Carrier for the training regime, which was approved by the Headmaster yesterday. Yet, even with the tutoring on the workings of the American tank, from its characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and among other things, Miho and her crew were struggling mightily for the entire morning just to do the basics.
It was like watching a baby trying to take its first steps, awkward and unsure. This was surprising for Konomi when she knew that Miho and her crew were elite by Sensha-do standards, maybe even the best of the tournament so far. Yet they looked like they were fresh out of basic Sensha-do training, or if Konomi was a little harsher, they looked like they had never commanded a tank before.
Every movement was stiff and slow. Getting the gun on target, maneuvers to meet threats on their sides, and other small things that were required of a crew were not being met. Making things a bit tense for Konomi, who knew that there wasn't much time left to get Miho ready, as USS George Washington was going to be leaving port in the afternoon, with Konomi staying aboard as she was going back to Oarai along with Fukushu and Linda for the time being.
"You think something is up with her?" Fukushu asks, taking Konomi from her thoughts.
Bringing her binoculars back up to scan again, Konomi sighs a little. "Possibly. Miho did seem out of it when we met this morning."
"Maybe we should ask about it?" Linda said, who was standing next to Fukushu watching the training as well and jotting notes down.
"I did ask if she is alright, but she politely said she was fine, but I can tell she doesn't want to talk about it…whatever is going on with her," Konomi replied.
"Damn, can't have our tigress be out it," Kay said, also in the tent watching, with her hands on her hip, with deep concern on her face. "Pravda isn't going to pull any punches."
"That's an understatement," Linda replies, then flinch as she remembers the embarrassing loss she suffered against Pravda the previous year, then turn to Kay. "Hey…sorry, I cause that to happen…with Pravda…and Chi-Ha-Tan."
Kay smirked while tilting her head in satisfaction. "Oh, is the great Linda now a big softy."
"Don't tease me. I'm still your senior," Linda growled at her former subordinate.
A shrug from Kay follows the response. "Hey, I get the right to do so, after all, you did do that. I'm a forgiving soul though, since Chi-Ha-Tan and we are on good terms. Not to mention you realize your mistake but didn't just say sorry to me. You went into the tigress den yourself to apologize."
"Yea," Linda said quietly, then brought her hand up to touch the spot on her cheek where she had been punched. "Wonder if getting punch was enough to make up for things?"
"You didn't need to get punched," Fukushu instantly defended. "That Tamada girl…she's out of control. Let herself get worked up by that upperclassmen."
"Hey," Kay spoke in a hard tone. "Best think about not saying that sort of thing in front of your sister."
"Huh, why?" Fukushu ask.
"That Tamada girl is her lover," Kay bluntly said.
For a moment, nothing was said, with Konomi staring in disbelief at Kay and Fukushu and Linda.
"What? I thought you girls knew," Kay spoke nonchalantly.
"Oh no," Alisa said, also in the tent, beginning to rub her forehead. "You spill the beans, commander."
"I don't think she meant to," Rosie said, with an embarrassed smile.
"My sister is into girls? Go figure…but she is an heiress now. Won't she have to marry to have more children?" Fukushu ask.
"Quite the conundrum unless science figures out how girls can get each other pregnant but don't hold your breath on that," Linda added.
"Enough," Konomi said, getting the attention of everyone. "That isn't important at the moment of who my niece is with. She has a match coming up against a powerhouse team, and if we can't get her up to speed, they will get trounced."
"Sorry, Miss Nishizumi," Kay said with a small bow of the head. "Your right, but I don't think going over the basics again will help. Miho's got a good memory and can already reiterate a lot of the manual I gave her yesterday on the M4A3E8."
"Quite the feat, really. Most first years take the entire year to do that for the basic M4 Shermans," Linda said with a low whistle of approval.
"Took Alisa two to master it," Kay teased.
"Hey!" Alisa complained. "How do you expect us to remember a wall of text?"
"Yet you remember Takashi's daily routine like the back of your hand," Linda said with an amused shake of the head.
"Linda! Please! You're the one who told me to do that!" Alisa fought back.
Rosie chuckle. "To think our former commander gave out love advice back then."
"Don't think I'm the romantic type, eh Rosie?" Linda playfully challenged.
"Ah, no, I didn't mean it like that," Rosie bashfully replied, waving her hands to avoid any retribution from Linda.
"Alright, enough of the horseplay," Kay announce. "We got a tigress to look after down there."
"Agreed," Konomi replied, bringing her binoculars up to watch Miho go through the last part of the course. "Once she is done, I will head down and try to sort things out."
"Ummmm…do you think I can talk with Miho alone? I think I might have a way to bring her back up"
The voice came from the back of the tent, making all eyes turn in the direction of the voice. It was Naomi sitting down at a table, going over some stat sheets while also keeping Moteki company since she had nothing to do because of her injury. Up to that point, the ace gunner and tank commander had been quiet to the point that the group had forgotten she was there. Though that was down to Naomi thinking up her own way to help the Chi-Ha-Tan commander, but not with how to operate her new tank.
Naomi had something else in mind.
"Huh, never seen you so eager to help before, Naomi," Kay commented with a sly smile.
Naomi shrug. "I just want to do my part, is all, Top."
"Is that so?" Kay spoke in a low tone. Her jovial face had a hint of suspicion behind it.
Konomi turn to look at Naomi now. "Do you believe you have a solution, Miss Naomi?"
"I do. It should hopefully fix the issues your niece is having and get her on track before we set sail," Naomi replied with a determined look.
Konomi kept staring at Naomi, trying to gauge if this was the right thing to do. However, she could see that something Naomi's eyes told her the ace gunner had a solution and was doing this for the benefit of her niece. With time running short as well, Konomi had to trust this young girl could help before it was too late.
"Very well, I'll stay here, Naomi and the rest of you Saunders girls do what you can for Miho's other crew members for the time being," Konomi ordered.
"Ma'am!" They reply as one.
"I hope this is going to work," Linda quietly said, leaning over to Fukushu.
"Me too. I want my sister to win…more than ever," Fukushu reply, while reaching out to grip Linda's hand for comfort.
"Miho…we should stop seeing each other."
"Wa…"
"I'm sorry, but I'm no good for you."
"I don't understand Tamada. Talk to me, please…just talk to me."
"Talking won't fix this. I've failed you. I went against everything you are about. I was going to hit your sister without a hint of mercy. Are you going to say you can look past that?"
"I…I…I am upset, but we can work this out. Thiers no need for you to walk away…please Ha-."
"Don't call me that!...don't call me by my first name. I have no right to hear you say…I have no right to hold you close as I have done before….you deserve something better."
"I want you! Please, talk to me, tell me what I can do, what I can fix."
"Miho…you can't fix what I've done. It's my sin that has come back to haunt me…One day it will take you away if I don't confront it, so it's better that we end this now before you get hurt more."
"Miho, what are your orders?"
"What is this sin?"
"Miho, what are your orders!?"
"Something that makes me the biggest hypocrite in the world."
"Miho!"
"Ah," Miho said, her mind racing with the conversation from the night before, suddenly dragged back into reality.
Looking forward, she saw the greenery around her pass by as the M43EA8 rolled over the dirt road to their final objective. Miho was standing tall in the commanders cupola of the American tank, leaning against the brim of the cupola for support, while wearing her tankery uniform, along with her 1938 US Tanker helmet painted in Chi-Ha-Tan's color scheme, which Fukushu wanted her to use in the next match, googles included.
Shaking her head, Miho sat down in the tank commanders chair and look to see it was Nomi who had been calling for her. She too was dressed in their tankery uniform but had also added the US tanker helmet as well, wanting to match Miho in wearing it, which was the same for the rest of the crew in Nene, Watabe, and their newest member in Ellie Cunnigham taking over driving.
"Sorry," Miho said in a solemn tone.
"It's ok, I was just worried. You've been silent after that last miss, I thought you were mad or something," Nomi replied with a dejected tone.
Though Nene in her loaders chair just made annoyed huff. "As if our commander has a mean bone in her body, I thought you knew her better."
The response made Nomi growl, looking at her twin. "I thought I knew you better."
"Eh! What's that supposed to mean?!" Nene growl back.
"For one of Sensha-do's supposedly elite loaders, I've seen you down more pork buns today than get shells into the breech correctly," Nomi said with a smirk.
"I have my reasons! I'm not used to this position in the tank having to load with my right arm now, compare to my left in the Tiger," Nene shot back.
"Excuses, excuses," Nomi continues to tease.
Which made Nene flush with agitation. "Well for one of Sensha-do's supposedly elite gunners, I've seen you hit more trees than targets today, maybe you ought to look into a career as a trees trimmer, dear sister."
"Only thing I'll be cutting down next is you if you keep running your mouth," Nomi shot back, letting go of the gunnery controls, in anticipation of going after her twin.
"Enough girls," Miho said, the tone light, but had authority behind it that made both twins clamp up.
"Sorry," the twins said in unison.
Miho took a deep breath to calm herself, while touching Nomi on the shoulder since her gunner position was right in front of Miho's seat in the Sherman tank.
"We need to focus, I know this hasn't been an easy task trying to master this tank, but we're all struggling here, that includes me. If we don't get ourselves together, we're not going to be of any help to the team," Miho gently chastises.
Both twins wince at hearing the truth, knowing that they were only arguing like this because they were on edge. Each didn't want to admit that they were failing at their jobs, especially after all the trials they had been through to this point, and all the hardships they had had to endure up to this point. Their experiences should have made them adaptable, yet here they were feeling like complete rookies and it was eating at them.
"W…w…we…ca..can do…be…better…I…k…k…know it," Watabe said from her bow gunner position.
Miho smiled at the stuttering girl and then spoke. "I know we can, just have to keep persisting."
"Roger that," Nomi agree, placing her hands back on the traverse hand wheels, ready to fire the main gun.
"Can't let this get us down," Nene resolutely said, then lean down to the ammo stowage below her seat, ready to grab a fresh shell.
A nod of gratefulness from Miho to her crew's steadfast nature, allow her to return to her duties as she stood tall in the cupola of her tank, as she touch her throat microphone. "Miss Cunningham, you're driving skills are excellent. Please keep taking care of us."
"With pleasure, commander," Ellie responded over the intercom.
Looking back to the passing greenery around, Miho focuses her mind on the struggles of her taking on this new challenge, putting aside her relationship problems that were plaguing her as well.
Touching the brim of her cupola, Miho ponders on how to get her crew on track to make full use of the M4A3E8 tank. At first, she had thought it be an easy transition, like putting on a new glove, but that was far from the truth. It felt like they were trying to force on a glove that was ten times smaller than her hand, twisting and turning just to put it on with no success for obvious reasons.
The obvious reasons were down to how different the Tiger 1 and M4A3E8 were from one another. From the cannons they use, mobility, internal workings, and even how different the crew position function that was giving Miho and her crew fits on trying to adjust.
From the gunner position, Nomi had to understand the M71D Telescopic Sight that was simpler aiming reticle compare to the Tiger 1's. Where Nomi could tweak Tiger tank's Turmzielfernrohr TZF 9c reticle to adjust the range while keeping the triangle aim sight on the target, the M71D was a fixed sight that require the gunner to match the distance on the reticle pattern below the main target reticle when firing at long distances. This was proving problematic for Nomi to get the hang of for long-distance shooting, where her usual higher accuracy was dipping dangerously low, making long-range engagements out of the question for the time being.
From the loader's position, even as redundant as the task was for loading a gun, Nene too was struggling with their new tank. Since she was usually on the right side with the Tiger 1 turret, meaning she loaded the gun mainly with her left arm, now in the Sherman she sat on the left, requiring her to use her right arm to finish loading which was proving awkward to switch over suddenly. A small change that should be inconsequential, was making everything seem backward for the fast-loading twin, while having to grab shells from a different rack system was giving her trouble. Already Nene fumble several times trying to load the gun, leading to a low firing rate that would allow them to get off a best two shells a minute, maybe three at best.
It didn't get any better for Watabe down in the bow gunner position, as she was used to the Tiger 1's MG 34 that had an actual aiming sight to allow her to put machine gun tracers downrange accurately, but the Sherman's Browning 30 caliber didn't have a gun sight. Instead, she had to make use of the periscope as her only means of aiming, relying on the tracers to know where she was aiming. Leading to the obvious lower accuracy that made Miho worry that their chief tactic of aiming for enemy gunner sights and periscope might be harder to execute than before. While also, she didn't have a radio near her position, so Watabe didn't have a job as the radio operator as before, so she was a pure bow gunner, leaving Miho with the double task of radio operation and commanding the tank.
The only position Miho didn't have to worry about was their driver, as Ellie Cunningham was subbing in for Moteki. She was turning into a real blessing, as she was making good on her promise to give Miho her all. Ellie's driving and shifting were smooth while getting the tank to the locations in record time, making use of the surprising speed of the Sherman that got up to 41 KPH. Even communicating with Ellie prove to have little difficulty, as her understanding of Japanese was good, though speaking was still a struggle, she could comprehend Miho's orders easily.
This leaves me…I'm not doing any better for my crew as well….
Miho thought, adjusting her tanker helmet. She as well was having difficulties fine-tuning her command of the Sherman tank. Having to adjust to ranges based on the M1 76mm gun, which had different penetration values and muzzle velocity, but was not any less deadly than the 88mm, but definitely needed a good understanding of its traits to get the most out of it, especially the Gyro-Stabilizer that helps the gun stay level on even ground allowing for more accurate moving shots than even the Tiger 1, while at the same time allow the gun to stay level when you stop and not bounce around giving you a faster chance of getting the first shot off.
Miho was contending on how to come to terms with getting things right with the American tank. As her callouts were unsure and distance judging was off. Not to mention there was something else she wasn't openly admitting to anyone, but it felt like the tank itself was rejecting her. As she had tried to connect with it in the same like her Tiger 1, but had felt a sort of pushback that she could not explain. Which was only adding to her woes now, which seemed to be a land pile at this point that she could not begin to fathom and sort out where to start.
Why Haru?...We said we protect each other…I can't d…I can't do this…but I'm an heiress. There is no way but forward…that's what I have to do…easier said than done…
Miho thought, sighing sadly, but focused on her front while touching her throat microphone. "Miss Ellie, we're coming up to the target area. Bring us down to third gear."
"Roger!" Ellie replies as she presses down on the clutch, allowing her to shift the tank into 3rd gear in one smooth motion.
A nod from Miho followed the action, as the tank slowed down as they came up a small rise in the grassland, as she could leave the precise handling of the tank in Ellie's hands. Miho then focused on her front again, leaning against the cupola brim to steady herself as they came over the rise, to see a target in the distance of a plywood target which was their last objective on this course.
Quickly Miho touches her throat microphone. "Ellie halt! Nomi, target twelve o'clock…four…no…five hundred meters! Nene load an AP Shell!"
The crew reacted in rapid order, as Ellie pull hard on both steering levers while slamming on the brake to stop the Sherman in place. While the tank shook with the sudden stop, the Gyro-Stabilizer kept the 76mm gun from bouncing, allowing Nomi to quickly begin to dial in the distance with the elevation handle, while her left foot was bouncing nervously ready to step on the firing pedal to fire the gun.
"Good damn it, why does this still feel so awkward," Nene seethed quietly, leaning down to ammo stowage to grab a fresh shell, then pick out an AP shell with both hands.
"I'm dying of old age here, sis," Nomi complain.
"How can you be dying of old age when you already got wrinkles," Nene shot back, as she lifted the AP Shell up.
A loud gasp filled the tank, as Nomi grew red with anger. "Now you're asking for it!"
"Girls, focus!" Miho said over the crew net.
Both twins obey, but not without another sneer at one another. Nomi then went back to her job of loading the gun, as she brought the shell up to the breech. She put the nose of the M62 shell into the breech, having to swing the casing into the breech itself to load the gun. Again the awkwardness of the more tender handling needed, compared to the Tiger 1's breech, plague Nomi as she wrestles to get the shell in correctly.
Yet after a couple of adjustments, Nene shoves the shell home. "Up!"
The change in verbiage for callouts for loading had been something that had been taught to Nene who would now use it.
Now it was Nomi's turn. As she buried her head into the M71D Telescope sight, her view of the world condense down to the small field of vision of the outside world. Her eyes found the plywood target to her front, as her hands quickly work the elevation hand wheel to raise the 76mm gun up to the match distance that Miho called out, but unlike before with the Tiger 1, there was unsureness in Nomi about her gunnery skills after the many failures of the day.
Pushing through her unease as best she could, Nomi finally got her distance set, raising her left foot to step on the firing pedal as she spoke. "On the way!"
Her foot came down.
But the 76mm didn't roar a shell out, instead, a stream of the red tracers came screaming out from the coaxial M1919 Browning machine gun located in the turret. The angry tracers flew over the grassland at the plywood target, but came up just short of hitting the target, while Nomi quickly took her foot off the firing pedal for the machine gun in embarrassment.
"Hey, blockhead, that's the machine gun your firing. You know that right?" Nene couldn't help but tease.
Nomi, who was beet red in the face from her mishap, quickly added a retort. "Can you not be a pest today!?"
"Where's the fun in that?" Nene replies with a smug grin. "At least it's a fifty-fifty chance you step on the wrong foot trigger, guess those are the best odds we're going to get."
"You want to be a gunner!?" Nomi growled, leaning back from the sight to look over the breech to snarl at her sister.
"At least I kn-," Nene tries to antagonize more.
"Enough," Miho said, lowering herself into the tank without the twins noticing.
The tone didn't have a raise in octane at all in it. Yet it had definite power behind it, which made both twins feel a cold shiver down their back, as they turn to look at Miho. Her eyes were cold and emotionless, nothing the twins had ever seen from their tank commander before, which scared them into silence, fearing they had deeply upset their surrogate mother.
"Sorry," the twins said together, lowering their heads in shame.
Miho took a deep breath, calming herself, and returned to her normal state. "I understand learning this tank is difficult and more to the point frustrating. It's the only reason you're going after one another like this, because you don't know where to put this frustration."
Both twins said nothing, but absorbed the words, as Miho had pointed out the obvious to them, but each didn't want to admit it. This was a product of having been at such an elite level for so long that having to go through the baby steps again to learn how to operate a tank was causing stress in the twins to reach a boiling point.
"Come on, girls, you can do this," Miho encouraged as she stood tall in the cupola again.
"Right!" Both twins said.
Nomi buried her head in the gun sight again, her left foot bouncing nervously to step on the firing pedal, as she made sure the target reticle was adjusted correctly. Then took a deep breath for courage, then stepped on the correct firing pedal.
"On the way!" She screamed.
The M1 76mm gun flashes a bright light of yellow and red as its tube recoil and jettisons the AP shell from its gun tube. It scream over the grassland heading for the plywood target, its trajectory coming in a small rise, but gradually dropping off. Though it dropped too far off to make it to its intended target, as the shell impacted just in front of the plywood target smashing into the dirt, and causing a dust cloud to form from its shocking force.
Miho took out her binoculars and scanned the dust cloud, waiting for it to dissipate some. Then when it did, she found herself sighing, as the plywood target had not suffered any damage at all. The shell had landed short of the target, leaving Miho in anguish as they had finished the course once more with an abysmal hit percentage, not something she could afford to have going into a match against Pravda with their slope and well armor tanks.
"Goddammit!" Nomi yelled, smashing her hand against her thigh as she leaned away from the gun sight, seeing also that she had missed.
Nene said nothing, knowing it wasn't the time to be giving her sister grief, as she rubbed her sweatyt face which had smudges of black powder.
This isn't going well at all…I don't…I don't know what to do…I'm lost…
Miho thought, as her hands grip the edge of the cupola, trying to keep her emotions in check, but they were failing her.
"Miho, let's take a break," Konomi's voice rang in Miho's ears from the headphones inside the tanker helmet.
Nodding her head in agreement, Miho touches her throat microphone. "Roger will head back to the starting area."
"That won't be necessary. Stay where you are. Kay is coming down with snacks and refreshments," Konomi replied over the net.
"Got it…sorry, I'm not meeting your standards, even after all your help," Miho apologized.
A small chuckle followed the reply from Konomi, who then spoke. "Don't say sorry. This isn't an easy task to learn a new tank, even for someone of your skills. We take this one step at a time, just the way Fukushu had to do."
"Right, your right. If we had more time, I probably wouldn't be pushing so hard," Miho replied.
"I know, but Rome wasn't built in a day, so let's keep at it after this break. I'll be with you the whole way," Konomi encourages.
"Thank you, cousin," Miho said, then switched over to her crew net. "Alright, we're taking a break girls, dismount."
"Roger!" Came the unanimous agreement.
Both hatches over the driver and bow gunner area pop open, as Ellie and Watabe, climb out, though Ellie was a little quicker and offered some help to Watabe who was very grateful. Miho gently climbs down the Sherman tank, with Nene and Nomi on her heels.
Miho turn around to Nomi. "Don't get down about missing. I didn't get the range right. I'm sorry."
"No," Nomi said with a disgruntled tone. "I adjusted the elevation down, thinking I was too high."
"Well, keep after it till we get it down," Miho tries to encourage.
"Yea," Nomi replied, but her spirits were still low, as she walk away from the tank to a small rest area under a shade of trees to cool down.
Nene watch her sis go, then turned to Miho. "She needs a minute, is all. When she feels like she let someone down she cares about, it hurts her worse than anything in the world."
"But she hasn't let anyone down," Miho tries to reason.
Which only made Nene smile wider at her surrogate mom. "Of course, you can tell her that, but that won't take the sting out of it for her. Nomi's got a thing for always doing right by those who look after us, which goes double for you…Mom."
"Oh," Miho replied, understanding what Nene was getting at.
"I'll go sit with her till she's ready for another go," Nene said, giving Miho a wink and then walk off.
Miho watch her go with a sigh following, feeling miserable that she should have known that already, having spent so much time with Nomi. She saw her having a breakdown in the match against Saunders because she felt she was failing Miho when she couldn't take down the Sherman Jumbos. That terrible moment still stuck with Miho and now was a reminder of how dedicated Nomi was to Miho as her gunner, now leaving it up to Miho to find a way to help her get ahold of this new tank.
"Miss Nishizumi?" Ellie said, coming up to Miho.
Turning to her new driver, Miho took in the sight of the tall blonde girl. Wearing a borrowed Saunders Sensha-do uniform till her own uniform for Chi-Ha-Tan was ready, with the 1938 US tanker helmet colored in Chi-Ha-Tan's color scheme under her arm. Watabe was by her side, with Ellie's height towering over the smaller girl.
"Miss Cunningham, your driving is quite exceptional," Miho instantly praise.
"Oh, it's nothing, really," Ellie said with nervousness. "It's the least I can do for you after accepting me into your team."
"We're glad to have you. I wish we could make better use of your Sherman tank. We're really not getting the most out of it," Miho commented.
"I…I…I'm not as ac…ac…accurate with…th…th…the bow gun as I…I'm used to," Watabe commented, fiddling with her tanker helmet.
Ellie smiled as she patted the young tanker on the shoulder. "Hey, wanna know a little secret?"
Tilting her head at the tall girl, Watabe spoke. "W…what se…se..secret?"
"One day at practice back at Wolverton, Fukushu use to boast she could do anything in a tank, so we bet her that she couldn't hit at least five bottles from the bow gunners position at hundred ya…no a hundred meters," Ellie started.
"Re…really?" Watabe asks with interest.
"Yep, so she, as the overconfident aspiring tanker, took the challenge on with all the assured bravado you can expect from her," Ellie said, looking to Miho, who smiled, knowing where this story was going.
Ellie then spoke again. "Fukushu grip the M1919 machine gun with an air of gusto and pull the trigger nonstop till the ammo was gone…now guess how many she hit?"
For a moment, Watabe pondered on this, then spoke. "T…t…t…two?"
Which made Ellie tsk in a playful tone. "How about none."
"Wa…wah," Watabe said in surprise, as Miho giggled a little.
"Miss the entire line of bottles, while tearing up some of the brush land around it. Which actually caught fire from the heat of the bullets that we had to quickly put out before we got in trouble. For the next month, we called her Calamity Fuku, which gave us no end of laughs and Fukushu no end of embarrassing blushes," Ellie finished.
Watabe began the chuckle heartily at the retelling, making Ellie nod, grateful she could get the young girl to laugh and forget her own woes, even though it was at Fukushu's expense.
"So, how about it?" Ellie continues. "Wanna show me you can do better than Fukushu?"
"Ye..ye..yea!" Watabe cried out in delight.
She fits in nicely with the crew already
Miho thought, then heard the sound of gravel being kicked up. She turns her head to the source to find a Saunders Willys Jeep coming down the road at high speed. Instantly Miho could pick out Kay, smiling as always in the back seat, while Rosie drove, and was surprised to see Saunders Ace gunner along with them in Naomi. Making Miho curious about why only the trio had shown up.
Kay was out in a flash as the Jeep stopped in front of Miho. "Heya! You girls have been working hard, so I brought some drinks and snacks to keep your energy up."
"Thank you, Miss Kay. I think that it would be lovely to enjoy some snacks," Miho replied, bowing her head, with Ellie and Watabe following.
Kay just gave a cheeky wink. "Think nothing of it, nothing like friends and food to get your spirits up. I know that Sherman tank ain't to your preference, but you can ask for no better partner going into battle than the Easy Eight…though, I'll admit I'm a little jealous."
"Jealous?" Miho replied in a surprised tone.
Making Kay nod, as she came over to Miho to lean in closer. "I wanted to take one into a match one day, but now I got to watch you, Miss Tigress, take it for a spin and use it to give Pravda a good hammering to boot. Lady Luck sure loves you."
"Oh no," Miho anxiously said, waving her arms. "I don't think I have any lady luck."
"I kid, I kid," Kay joke, giving Miho a pat on the shoulder. "Either way, I know you'll get this down, so let's get your girls back into fighting form with some food, so come on."
Miho nodded to Ellie and Watabe, who grinned at the prospect of some food as their stomachs were a little empty after giving so much effort in practice so far. Everyone headed to the rest area where Nene and Nomi were currently taking their break.
"Miho," Kay said in a low tone.
"Yes?" Miho replies, turning back to Kay.
"My girl Naomi wants a word with you," she said.
Miho raised an eyebrow at the statement, then saw Naomi standing by the Sherman tank, examining it with her hand going over the metal. This raises some questions in Miho's mind about why Naomi would want to talk with her alone, as the two never really chatted before, even after the Saunders match. Yet Miho wasn't going to be rude, so she gave Kay a nod, then walked over to the Sherman tank again.
As Miho approach, Naomi turn to her. "Hey, sorry to drag you from your crew."
"It's ok…Miss Kay said you wanted to talk," Miho pressed.
Naomi nodded. "Yea, seems like this big girl here is giving you some trouble."
"I think it's more….," Miho began, trailing off as she looked up at the Sherman tank. "That I'm not up to par to command her."
A small amused huff left Naomi's lips. "Coming from the girl who took me out by shooting through a barn at me."
"Oh," Miho said with a blush forming. "More of a lucky shot, really."
Naomi immediately shook her head. "Coming from a gunner, there are no lucky shots in Sensha-do, just skill guesses."
That made Miho chuckle a little. "I never heard that before, but I like it."
"I thought you might…so…how about I help you get a grip on this tank, come on," Naomi said, climbed up the Sherman, and offered a hand to Miho.
Tentatively, Miho reaches out to grasp Naomi's hand, hoisting her up as if she weighed nothing more than a feather, surprising Miho. Then Naomi motioned toward the cupola to climb in, though she wanted Miho to go first, and then Naomi followed, leaving the hatch open for the moment.
"Alright, take the gunner's position," Naomi ordered.
Miho raises an eyebrow. "The gunners?"
"A tank commander should know what they are asking of the gunner when aiming, so it best to get a feel for the position," Naomi said, settling herself into the commander position.
For a moment, Miho hesitated, then put her tanker helmet on and moved into the gunner position that immediately felt odd to be in. The instruments around her were foreign to her, compared to the ones she had learned in German tanks growing up, even having to take gunnery lessons at Kuromorimine. Yet everything in the Sherman was completely different as she placed her hands in her lap, unsure of what to do.
"Alright, so let's start with the basics," Naomi began, leaning down a little toward Miho. "Check that oil gauge just by your left to ensure the power traverse is good to go since your driver let the engine on idle so we can use it. The level of the oil should be just even with the two top screws."
Miho quickly checked, then nodded to Naomi that it was good.
"Good, means we got no problems there. Now to the right, we have the manual power traverse. Pretty good to use, but still slow, only use it for fine gun targeting. To your left is the power traverse handle, which can turn the turret much faster than the Tiger 1 of yours," Naomi lecture.
"I remember a saying at my old school, you may outshoot a Sherman tank, but you'll never win a brawl with one. That was mostly down to the turret traverse," Miho replied with a small chuckle.
Naomi nodded with a small smile. "Nice to know that we garner some fear from the ladies of Kuro. alright, now comes to aiming, the sight isn't as advanced as those German ones you are used to, but it still has some things it does better. First, you don't have to use your main optic to aim."
"My main optic?" Miho ask.
"Yep," Naomi nodded, then motioned with her hand to the right. "Your periscope to your right has an aiming sight, not great, but a wide field of vision so you can track the target before firing, also have your gunner scanning for muzzle flashes that can allow her to call out targets to you, so she doesn't need to be bury in main gun sight the entire time."
"Wow, I never knew that before," Miho said in astonishment as she looked into the periscope, seeing it had a simple aiming sight that allowed her to judge distances, but the wide field of view was large enough to find targets quickly.
"Yea, I use it all the time on the Firefly, it helps me get on target before even my tank commander can call it out to me," Naomi added.
Miho pulled back from the periscope to turn over her shoulder to Naomi, then went red with embarrassment as she turned forward in a rush. "Ummm….um, Miss Naomi, your…you're a little exposed."
Naomi raised an eyebrow at the statement before realizing that she had been sitting a little too open-legged in the commander chair, while still wearing her school uniform skirt. Quickly causing her to resume a more proper form, while going a little red in embarrassment.
"So…sorry, when I'm in a tank, I'm used to wearing our Sensha-do shorts," Naomi apologized.
"Don't mind," Miho reassured while looking over her shoulder again. "It must be nicer to wear shorts in a tank. Sometimes, I feel a little self-consciousness in the commander position when I stand tall in the cupola or sit down."
"I would think so, and with the way you command a tank, you be exposing yourself more than you realize," Naomi teased.
Making Miho blush in embarrassment, turning forward in the seat now. "You might be right, heh. Maybe I should talk to the team about our uniforms."
"Nah," Naomi replied. "Every team got its style for a reason, it's part of the culture of every Sensha-do team. Now, how about we get back on topic, when it comes to aiming the tank, you really have to trust yourself to put it on target."
"I try that, but I…I feel unsure every time. I don't know why that is," Miho said dejectedly.
"That's why I put you in the gunner chair," Naomi said, then took a look outside to see the plywood target they were shooting at earlier was still up, so she closed the tank's hatch and climbed down to squeeze herself into the loaders chair.
"Alright, let's do some shooting," Naomi said causally, while reaching down to grab an M62 AP Shell from the stowage rack below the chair.
"You want me to shoot?!" Miho yelped in surprise, looking over the breech guard.
Not replying right away, Naomi pulled the large AP Shell from the rack, then with more dexterity and skill than Miho thought she had, Saunders Ace gunner fitted the nose of the shell in the breech, then slammed it home. The gun's breech block slammed shut with a large clang as the shell was rammed home, leaving the cannon ready to fire.
"I do, your hesitant right now because something outside of Sensha-do is breaking your heart," Naomi said, her friendlier demeanor gone, replace by a serious one as she stared at Miho hard.
Instantly Miho felt that gaze burn into her, like Naomi already knew what was bothering her without asking. As Miho had been trying to put her outside problems away for Sensha-do and her duty as an heiress that could not wane because of whatever issues were going on. She had to remain strong, or that was what Miho was telling herself, even if she felt like she was a shattering cup, ready for the final crack to form that would cause her to fall apart.
Miho remain silent, casting her head down, unable to meet the intense gaze of Naomi.
Making Naomi sigh, thinking she had pressed too hard, then decided it best to get what was really the issue out of the way as she spoke. "You know, want to know how I can tell what is really bothering you."
Again Miho didn't respond, bringing her eyes up to look at Naomi, curious about what would be said.
"It's because of your face, how it looks right now," Naomi stated.
Tilting her head at the statement, Miho reply. "My face?"
Naomi nodded. "That face that tells me you been hurt, but not by a friend, or a family member, but by a lover."
Instantly Miho went wide eye. "How…how…how can you tell?"
A soft sad chuckle came from Naomi. "It's because it's the same face I remember seeing in the mirror when my own….ex-lover hurt met and left me…that's how I can tell."
"Oh," Miho responded, her heart beating in her chest, seeing that the real reason Naomi had wanted to talk to her alone was because she saw what was really bothering Miho.
"Am I wrong?" Naomi press.
Miho began to fiddle with her hands in her lap, her heart beating hard in her chest again, as the issue was being brought to the front, but not wanting to be face head-on. As Miho was still coming to terms with being separated from a lover, learning to either let go or try to find a reason.
"No, you're right," Miho finally admitted.
A nod from Naomi follow the response. "I thought as much…do you want to talk about it?"
"I don't really want to…yet that's the worst thing to do, right?... I'm…this is the first time I've been with someone like this…I didn't think…I…," Miho's voice began to fade into sobs, doing all she could not to have a breakdown.
"It is better to get it out. I know better than anyone. I had a lover too once…a girl," Naomi started.
"A girl?" Miho ask.
"Yep, something we both got in common, which is why I think I can help with your situation," Naomi confirmed.
Miho went silent, pondering over if she wanted to seek help from someone she didn't know that well, compared to her friends. Yet looking into Naomi's eyes, Miho could see this was a genuine want to help. There was no trickery. While at the same time, knowing that she was talking to another girl with experience with dating girls, help ease Miho's mind.
"Al..alright," Miho agree.
"Thank you, for trusting me," Naomi began, then took a breath before asking the question. "What happen between you and your girl Tamada?"
"You know I'm dating her," Miho couldn't help but ask, since she never announced her relationship to anyone else outside of the team.
"Hmph," Naomi huff in amusement. "With the way you two gaze at each after our team tank commanders came together after the match, it's plain as day what's going on with you two."
"Oh, I guess we weren't subtle, however…we didn't get together till after the match, before we faced Oarai," Miho explains.
"Ah, so your relationship is still new, I guess we have that in common as well. Now tell me, what happened," Naomi pressed.
Fiddling with her hands again, Miho worked up her courage, knowing she had to say everything without having a breakdown. Finally, her courage was built up as much as she could, then spoke. Everything was laid out, from Miho coming back to finding Tamada about to punch her half-sister, finding herself unable to look at her lover anymore, then Tamada coming into her office to tell her that they should stop seeing each other.
Naomi listens to this in silence, hanging on every word of the retelling of events. Letting it all sink in so she could fathom how to help this girl.
Finally, Miho was done with the retelling, then found herself unable to keep control of her emotions anymore. Her eyes began tearing up, her body began to tremble, and she brought her hands up to wrap them around herself to find comfort. Naomi watched this for a moment, then climbed out of her seat, coming around the breech in the tight-fitting turret, with her final stop being Miho herself.
Wasting no time, Naomi hug Miho from behind, making the smaller girl let out a small yelp at the sudden contact, but slowly Miho lean into the warmth of Naomi. Finding herself began to cry more, letting out the pain and sorrow that had rule her heart since yesterday as her whole world felt like it had come crashing down when Tamada had uttered those words to her.
"It's alright, let it out. I close the hatch for a reason, so you can cry all you want. A tank can be the best place to let out things you don't want to do in the open," Naomi coo, holding Miho close, letting this poor girl release all her sorrow at once.
Miho made no reply to the comment, but turned slightly around so she could cry into Naomi's school jacket. Then, that was how the two remained, Naomi with her arms around Miho, enveloping the girl entirely, as Miho's cries came down to small sniffles. Till silence echo in the tank as Miho calm down, but held Naomi as if her life depended on it.
"Do you feel better?" Naomi ask.
Pulling back some, Miho brought a hand up to dry the last of her tears, smiling sheepishly. "I do…sorry for being…like that."
"It's alright. You need to let it out. I did the same thing when my lover left me, went straight to my Firefly tank, closed the hatch, and cried my heart out…it helped start the healing process," Naomi replied, using her own hand to dry some of Miho's tears away.
Naomi stopped rubbing Miho's face for a moment, as she stared deeply at the Chi-Ha-Tan commander. She took in every detail of Miho's features, admiring the humble beauty she was, like a doll that could be sealed away to be admired by everyone. It awakened a desire in Naomi to make this doll hers, to treasure it, and protect it with every fiber of her being.
It was not an awakening Naomi quickly discovered, but a little crush being rediscovered, as she had had one on Miho when she saw her picture in the Sensha-do Weekly and seen her skills in action the previous year. Of course, Naomi never told anyone, then that terrible relationship she got in as a first-year quickly pushed all that aside.
Naomi reach a hand up to touch Miho's face gently, prompting Miho to let out a quiet gasp at the sudden sensation of warmth on her cheek, as Naomi gaze hungrily at Miho.
A tense moment passed, as both girls said nothing, their eyes locked.
Stop!
Naomi thought, regaining her senses.
I came here to heal a relationship, not break it…stupid…letting my desires take hold…get it together…
Naomi thought again, quickly removing her hand, while backing away from Miho to take a seat in the commander position of the tank.
"Sorry," Naomi began. "Didn't mean for that to get weird."
"Oh, no worries," Miho shyly replied, but kept looking at Naomi.
Finding her composure again, Naomi spoke. "You know…I said earlier I been in a relationship with a girl before."
"Yea," Miho replied.
"Yea…the reason I bring it up, is because of that poor first taste of being with someone, makes it all the more evident to me that you and your girl can still find a solution to mend your relationship," Naomi stated, steeling her resolve to bring up the past.
With her interest piqued, Miho focuses on Naomi now. "What happen?"
"Had this upperclassmen name Nikki…she….," Naomi began, as her voice trailed off, as the memories began to flood in.
Then something warm touched Naomi's hand in her lap, looking to find Miho had placed one of her hands over Naomi's. Instantly, Naomi felt a little lighter, that it was alright and she could talk about an old pain once more, because this painful lesson would help someone else.
Finding her voice again, Naomi spoke. "Nikki saw that I like girls, even though I try to hide it. I always had an attraction to girls, but I never really acted on it because I was shy. Nikki saw through me, then thought it be fun to let me explore that side of myself."
Naomi stopped for a moment, but Miho kept her hand in place to keep her steady.
"One thing led to another," Naomi started. "Before I knew it, I let her pull me into her dorm room…I don't need to say what happened."
Miho shook her head, though she had only a vague idea, since she was too embarrassed about that part of being lovers.
"Afterwards, I thought we were lovers…but as time went on, I saw she only wanted me for pleasure, even after Kay warned me as well. Then came graduation, where I desperately tried to make her see that I wanted to be with her truly…yet she laughed and said it was fun, but she had to get on with her life," Naomi stated, as her hands clenched in her lap at the memory of that smug look on Nikki's face as she left the carrier to attend University on the mainland, leaving Naomi behind.
Miho gasped at the end of the tale, as her hand gripped Naomi's tighter. "She…didn't…she never consider your feelings."
"No, I was just some fun for her…that was my first taste of being lovers, yet that's exactly why I'm bringing this up," Naomi said, her passion in her voice evident, leaning forward to stare deeply into Miho's eyes.
Miho was captivated by the tone and look she was receiving from Naomi, hanging on to every word now.
"Because of that terrible event, I know the pain of a lover leaving you. I know what you're feeling now, but your pain can be mended and make you and that Tamada girl stronger," Naomi vigorously explain.
"H…how?" Miho quickly replies, wanting the answer to having her own lover's arms around her again.
"Fight…as I fought for my lover. Though mine was a naive relationship that I should have seen for what it was, you and your girl…I can tell… you've been through a lot, overcome a lot, and have built a stronger bond than you both realize," Naomi explains.
Miho closes her eyes for a mommet, letting the memories of Tamada flood in. Of all the teasing, the slow build of their relationship, their fight at the beginning of the year over Sensha-do, and then the coming together again. Their relationship wasn't just built in a day. It had taken time, earning each other's trust and friendship first, then letting their passion for one another bring them to lover's territory.
It was the type of relationship that was bonded over hardships and heartfelt moments.
Moments that Miho wanted to continue, forever, if that were possible.
"How do I fight…for my lover?" Miho ask, her voice coming in a whisper, carrying all the want of this possibility to become a reality.
The question made Naomi smile. "Confront her, don't let her run because that is the easy path. That's what she wants to do, but at the same time not what she wants to do. You need to be the reason Tamada realizes she is acting on impulse. Protect her as she has protected you. That's what she needs from you"
"Protect…protect her," Miho said quietly, lowering her head as everything was being made clear to her.
There had been an imbalance in their relationship between her and Tamada, the moment after almost punching Fukushu made that evident to Miho. Tamada had been looking out for Miho since the first day they met, but Miho had not done the same for her. At least not yet. At this moment, it was Miho's turn to protect Tamada from whatever sin was burdening her.
"I need to protect her…yes…she is hurting from something that I don't know about…she needs me," Miho said, as the revelation shocked her.
"She does, meaning theirs no time for any regrets or accepting that things are over. The time now is to fight for something that you both have built together," Naomi added.
Finding her heart, which had been so torn since yesterday, felt like it had been finally put back together. The burning desire to be with the one that had gotten her to her feet once more was alight, to find the problem and fix it.
Since all Miho wanted since she left the hospital on her journey to see her family was to come home to Tamada's arms around her, that dazzling smile that would wipe her fears away, and the warmth that instantly told her she was in the place she belonged.
All these things were what Miho wanted.
These precious gifts that Tamada provide her without the want of anything herself from Miho.
These were what Miho was going to fight for.
"I'll fight…with all I have. I won't let Tamada push me away because she thinks that's what's best for me, I know she needs me, and I'll do all I can to protect her," Miho stated with deep conviction.
Making Naomi grin widely. "Now theirs the Tigress I know, but if we're going to start this fight. Do as I did, let loose with a roar from your cannon. As a lady of Sensha-do, this is your roar to all that your fight is just starting."
"Right!" Miho responded, turning around and leaning into the gun sight.
Naomi lean back, taking hold of the periscope in front of her, adjusting it to the plywood target in the distance. "You need help ranging?"
"Thank you, but I can do this," Miho responded with an assured tone that had no hint of hesitation.
"Alright, fire when ready," Naomi ordered, grinning more than she ever had in a while.
Miho lean into the gun sight, her world condensed down to this small view. A reticle pattern came into view as she sighted the plywood target. Quickly she guesstimated the range, placing her hand on the elevation wheel. She cranked it until the gun was at a distance she felt was about 600 meters. All the while her left foot bounced, ready to step on the firing pedal.
Fight…
Miho thought as she made the final adjustment. The wavering was gone from her mind. Only that deep focus remained to guide her hand.
Fight for Haru….fight for what we built…I won't let it end like this!
Miho thought again, then took a breath, then called her shot. "On the way!"
She then stepped on the firing pedal, which sent the 76mm into action. The shell was ignited by the firing pin in the breech, propelling the AP shell out of the tube, as the gun recoil with a brilliant flash of yellow and red. The tracer shell screamed across the grassland, its aim true and certain, unlike before, finding its home in the plywood target that wouldn't be spared this time around.
Naomi felt great excitement in her chest to see the shell pierce the plywood target. "That's a hit…damn…you want to give up the commander role? You make a great gunner Miss Tigress."
Leaning back from the gun sight, Miho let out a breath of relief, but felt a great weight lifted off her shoulders as she chuckled a little. "I think that was beginners luck."
"Heh, I heard you're the humble type, I have to say I like it," Naomi complimented, then looked down at Miho. "So, you ready to fight for your girl?"
"I am…I can't thank you enough, Miss Naomi. You really helped me find my way, when I couldn't find it myself," Miho said in a thankful tone, looking at Naomi with appreciation.
"Glad to help, don't like seeing a good couple be separated over something that can be fixed," Naomi responded.
Miho nodded, then spoke in a determined tone. "Miss Nikki made a mistake."
"Huh?" Naomi responded to the sudden statement.
"Someone would be very lucky to be with you, Miss Naomi. You're a wonderful and caring person. I pray some girl sees that and cares for you as you deserve," Miho complimented with a warm smile to follow.
"Oh," Naomi said, blushing at the sudden heartfelt words that made her fluster all of a sudden. "Th…thank you. I'm not rushing, but I know I'll meet someone right for me one day."
"Then they'll be the luckiest girl in the world," Miho said casually.
Jeez…it's like she doesn't understand how embarrassing saying all this is for me…maybe a little payback is in order…
Naomi thought, then with a smirk, she leaned forward and touched Miho's face again, making her gasp at the sudden touching.
"I think being with you is the luckiest someone can get and that Tamada gets the honor. What a shame she gets to enjoy that all for herself," Naomi said in a low seductive tone.
"Oh…ah…I…," Miho tries to find words, but fails her.
Making Naomi's smirk grow wider as her payback was in full swing. "So make sure to remind her of that because I got a little taste of your cuteness. I hate for it to go to waste."
"Ah…ok, ok, ok, I get it," Miho said with embarrassment, turning in her chair to hide her deep crimson blush.
"Just as a joke, jealousy really gets a lover's pride going, and she will be yours again in no time," Naomi jested.
Making Miho chuckle. "Your very mischievous, Miss Naomi."
Naomi shrugged at the statement with a chuckle. "You can drop the Miss as well. I never really like being called that."
"Alright…Naomi…can we be friends? I like to have someone I can go to if I ever need some help," Miho ask.
"Sure, I like to be friends with the famous Tigress. Who knows? I might be your gunner one day when you go to college," Naomi said causally.
"Maybe," Miho said, chuckling nervously. "Though us working together might be a little unfair to others."
"Oh my, I didn't think you were that confident. I think I like you even more," Naomi teased, making Miho begin to wave her hands to dissuade the overconfidence she didn't mean to bring on.
Making Naomi chuckle, with Miho following as the two girls began to laugh together, shedding all the trouble from earlier as the path forward had been found.
Naomi calm down first, then made a motion with her hand. "Well, I think we should get a bite to eat before we send you back out. Since I know you're going to be tearing it up on the practice field now."
"I think your right," Miho responded.
Making Naomi nod as she open the hatch, letting in the sunshine from outside. Then climbed out of the tank, helping Miho up as she climbed through the commanders cupola, feeling the warm sun on her skin that made her feel even better. Naomi climbed down the tank, once more offering a hand to Miho to help her down, making the Chi-Ha-Tan commander chuckle, but she accepted her hand.
"Hey, you two!" Kay call from the resting spot.
Both Miho and Naomi turn in that direction.
"Snacks are almost gone! Nene and Nomi are eating it all. Better come grab some before their all gone!" Kay shouted happily.
"No, were not!" Nene said, with bits of food stuck on her cheeks.
"Lies and fabrication!" Nomi cried out, with equal bits of food on her cheeks.
"Kind of hard to convince anyone with those guilty faces," Rosie said with amusement while shaking her head.
Ellie turn to Watabe sitting next to her. "Another part of the usual for the crew I should get used to?"
Which made Watabe giggle a little. "J…Ju…just hide…yo…your snacks and…you wi…will…be fine."
"Roger that," Ellie replied with a salute.
Naomi turn back to Miho. "Come on, your fights just started."
"Thanks to you, I'll remember that. Let's go before the twins finish everything," Miho said, taking off, while grabbing Naomi's hand to bring her along.
With Naomi keeping pace, glad that she was able to help this couple hopefully stay together for good.
""In other news today, the case against Shiho Nishizumi over the grievances from past members of the team and the neglection of her daughters is coming to a head, with a court date possibly being announced soon," the news anchor said on the screen.
Another anchor added their voice to the claim. "Yes, to think that someone who had such a high standing in Sensha-do for so long, been such a positive influence on many young aspiring girls, has had the façade pull from our eyes to see that she isn't the honorable woman we thought she was."
"That might come off as a bit harsh. Everything at the moment is circumstantial till the case proves these allegations true. While the defense team for the Nishizumi family is vigorously pursuing a no-guilty verdict."
"Pursue all they want, but the proof is already there. Maho Nishizumi was literally bribing her way into being in Sensha-do, even though her condition was detrimental to her health. If that is their want to display their Sensha-do style, then a reality check is warranted here."
"This is no denying that event, but at the same time, we still have not had any word from Maho herself regarding why she did what she did."
"What does the reason matter at this point? The value of Sensha-do is not in the fact that it builds great strength in the young ladies who participate, but it is also safe. All that is in question now, with parents around the nation quietly questioning if the Federation is not doing enough to let these girls know that their health is above all more important than winning."
"To which your insinuating it is Maho's fault that the doubts have begun?"
"It's both Shiho and Maho's fault. If either one could see that winning is not the be all end all of things, then we wouldn't be in this situation. The only one who seems to have any sense in that family is Miho herself, to which she has probably done herself a favor by going to a new school."
"Again, I find this to be a harsh take. Miho herself has not been available to the media to answer questions and tell her side of the story."
"Hmph, what do you expect her to say, that she was alright with her mother forcing her sister to fight on Sensha-do? Even if she says that, there will be scrutiny of whether she is say, since she might be forced to say that by Shiho herself, all because of keeping the name Nishizumi respectable."
"Well, that is still be sorted out by the proper authorities within the Sensha-do Federation investigation team."
"Whatever the case, I believe both girls she be taken away from their mother. Shiho Nishizumi is nothing more tha..."
The T.V. was abruptly turned off, and a huff of annoyance resounded through the small hotel room. The sole occupant had been watching the daily news covering the drama surrounding the Nishizumi family. Only to become too heated when that anchor began to mouth off badly about the very ladies she served and respected, the very ladies she considered to be her family.
"Mistress Shiho was right...even if she wins the case, the poor public opinion of her will stay," Kikuyo said to herself, sitting on the lone bed in the room.
She was dressed in very casual clothes, ditching her kimono that she usually wore at the estate. A light blue long sleeve T-shirt, with black jeans, and black running shoes. Kikuyo hated to admit that she felt out of place in the clothes, wanting to put on her kimono once more, as it had been her usual dress she had worn for over a decade when she came to serve the Nishizumi family.
Not to mention Kikuyo was already feeling homesick, as she had never really left the Nishizumi estate in the past decade as well, save for some food shopping and buying clothes for the girls. Besides that, her whole world had been condensed down to the estate, and she was not hesitant to admit she liked her life being confined to it.
"Yet...I have a duty to see this through for my mistress...even if I have to ask help from that flirtatious pilot," Kikuyo said to herself in dismay.
Needing to find something to keep her mind busy while she waited, Kikuyo looked to bed to see her backpack, that had a small set of clothes in it, but also the katana that was bundled under a black cloth that completely covered it and lay near it. Though anybody could tell it was a katana just from the shape of the bundle, but no one had openly said anything to Kikuyo, even the receptionist at the hotel desk or the taxi driver who brought her here.
Moving her hand tenderly over the soft wool covering the katana, Kikuyo spoke. "Don't worry. I'll get you to Lady Miho, where you belong. I hope there is a reason for this...maybe to help steady her in this trying time. Yet, what do I know? I'm just a maid, nothing more."
Suddenly a vibration was felt in her pocket, as Kikuyo pulled back to take her phone out. She instantly saw who was texting her, making her grimace, knowing she had to swallow her pride if she wanted to complete her task. Getting up from the bed, she walks over to the door and unlocked it to open it.
Standing in the hallway was Suzume Aozora herself, wearing her biker jacket. Her helmet was underneath her arm, and her long brown hair flowed down her back. While her violet eyes had mischief behind them, which made Kikuyo instantly defensive.
"Well, hello there, beautiful. Miss me?" Aozora started.
Making Kikuyo groan. "I miss having some peace from your terrible philandering."
"Ouch, don't ever let up, do you?" Aozora teased, then walked into the room as Kikuyo closed the door behind her.
Looking around the room for a moment, Aozora then turn around to talk. "Any particular reason you wanted all this secrecy?"
"Lots of reasons. If you hadn't noticed, there is a media storm wanting to get any scoop on the Nishizumi family. Even if I'm just a maid, I have deep ties to them, and if they knew I was out and about they come hounding me with questions and delaying my task that Lady Shiho has given me," Kikuyo explained in a tone that made it sound like this should all be obvious.
With Aozora picking up on the tone and chuckling. "Oh don't worry, I know all about that, have the scars from a tazer to prove that. Crazy to think how far some will go just to get a good story"
Kikuyo felt a deep shame come over her now, remembering be told about that part of the journey from Miho. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Aozora ask in amusement.
"I never properly thank you for looking out for Lady Miho. You have no ties or loyalty demanded from the Nishizumi name, yet you put yourself in harm's way for Miho, who I consider to be my family, so I thank you" Kikuyo explain, bowing her head to Aozora.
Though Aozora just wave her hand. "Don't need to sound so proper. I do it again in heartbeat, that girl has the weight of the world on her shoulders, the least I can do is make sure to alleviate that a little."
But why? What compels you to do this for her?" Kikuyo question with suspicion in her voice.
Making Aozora squint hard at the maid. "You know, for someone who ask for my help, you sure don't trust me."
"Can you blame me? Everyone we once trusted has turn their back on the Nishizumi name, our friends are in short supply," Kikuyo replied.
"Hmph, well you need to squash that tone of mistrust with me. I don't know anything about Sensha-do styles or tradition...what I do know is I look at Miho as one of my own. I'll fight a dozen reporters who bad mouth her or her family, I don't need a damn reason," Aozora said, the anger in her voice evident.
For a moment, Kikuyo size the young women up. Then she walk closer to Aozora, till they were face to face. As Kikuyo scan her eyes, as if she was searching for the truth of this conviction, wanting to know that Aozora was truly on their side.
Finally Kikuyo seem please that there was no lie, as she back away some. "Alright, I feel like I can trust you."
"You doubted me?" Aozora had to ask.
Kikuyo wrap her arms around herself as she spoke. "Of course, it was only by circumstance that you were able to be by Lady Miho's side. I needed to see if this loyalty you boast about is real."
"Are you satisfied then?" Aozora continue to question.
"For the moment, I will trust you, yet let me make one thing clear to you," Kikuyo began, her voice dipping low, carrying the weight of threat behind it. "If you ever betray my trust, I'll do worse than break your arm."
Aozora let out a low whistle. "Now that sounds serious, hope that's not your idea of flirting."
A low growl escape Kikuyo's lips, as she close the distance to make good on her threat to Aozora.
"Alright! Alright! You made your point, I need my arm for the match coming up," Aozora pleaded, as she back away, while holding her helmet in front of her for protection.
"Good, now that that is out the way, we need to make haste to the carrier. I remember you told me their setting out to sea tomorrow morning to begin their journey to the next match field," Kikuyo said.
With Aozora nodding in response. "Yep, were going to have to book it to the private airfield I landed on and take the A6M5 Zero the rest of the way. Though again I'm going to have to leave my baby behind, ugh, just got it back to."
Though Kikuyo didn't like their mode of transportation. "Isn't that going to be a little too small for two grown women to fit in?"
"Maybe, but we don't have a choice at the moment. You'll just have to bear it, besides its a modify version that is basically for travel and training, not for match use, we can put your stuff away in a stowage unit as well, which luckily you don't have much," Aozora commented, looking over to the bed.
"I don't plan to stay long," Kikuyo reply.
"Well you're going to have to stay with us till the match is over. By the time I can catch up to the carrier it won't be till tomorrow when they are on the sea," Aozora explain.
The statement caused Kikuyo to rub her temple in frustration. "I can't be away from my mistress much longer, she needs me."
"I understand, but if this is so important, you're going to have to make a sacrifice," Aozora press, wanting to make sure this was what Kikuyo was going to be able to deal with this dilemma.
Pondering over the worries for her mistress and completing her task, Kikuyo pace around the room trying to find the answer. Knowing that delivering the katana could possibly wait, but with everything bearing down on Miho, their might be some reason Shiho saw a need to have it in her daughters hands now. Maybe Shiho knew this was going to help Miho keep her cool, find her balance, and find the way forward.
Stopping her pacing, Kikuyo look over to the katana wrap up in a bundle of cloth. It had been in the hands of the every Nishizumi leader till somewhere it had been lost to time or hidden for a reason. It had been found now it seem for this very purpose. To be given to the one that would lead them out of this darkness that consume the Nishizumi name.
Finding her resolve, Kikuyo turn to Aozora. "Very well, take me to the Akagi. I'll stay with the team till the match is over, but I expect you to fly me home when this is over."
"Don't have to ask me twice. I get to have you in my lap twice, what more can I ask for," Aozora reply with a cheeky smirk.
"You know, I'm a women who is decade older than you. Why are you so interested in me?" Kikuyo question.
"Do I need reason to crush on a cute maid?" Aozora reply with a sly look.
"No, but I'm not falling for your terrible attempts," Kikuyo shot back, then walk her way over to the bed to gather her things.
Aozora just watch her go, smiling all the while. "What's in that bundle though? Looks like katana."
"It is, that is all I will say on the matter," Kikuyo snap, putting her backpack on, then walk over to the door. "Alright let's not waste time."
"Very well, but were taking my bike to the airfield, so need you to hold on tight till we get there, even brought my spare helmet for you," Aozora casually said, coming up to the door.
"Of course you're going to put me on that death machine," Kikuyo bemoaned.
"Hey!" Aozora shot back. "If your Lady Miho could not only ride with me, but also drive my bike, you can at least hold on."
"Don't think I've forgiven you for putting her in that sort of danger," Kikuyo snarl.
Making Aozora roll her eyes. "Oh jeez, you need to get over that."
"Never," Kikuyo said back.
"Stubborn women," Aozora sigh.
The two, done with their back and forth made ready to leave the hotel room behind. Yet just as they were about to leave, Aozora stop at the door. Turning around to Kikuyo who was wary of the sudden shift in the playful mood of the pilot, to now one of a a severe nature as Aozora look at her as if she had to get something off her chest.
"When you see Miho again...I need you to promise me something," Aozora pleaded earnestly.
Kikuyo raise an eyebrow at the request. "You sound serious for once, that's surprising."
"Because I am since this is incredibly important," Aozora responded.
Taking a deep sigh, Kikuyo reply. "Very well, what is it you need me to do?"
"Don't judge Miho and don't try to take away something precious to her," Aozora simply stated.
Which left Kikuyo in a state of confusion. "I don't understand."
"You will when you see it, you're a sgirlwoman who can read a room. That's why I'm asking you to not try to dissuade Miho from what she has," Aozora bluntly said, while turning back to open the door.
Leaving Kikuyo confuseeplex state, but could see Aozora was done talking. Leaving her with nothing else to do but follow the pilot to the parking area. Though Kikuyo's minds began to race over what Aozora had said.
Has Lady Miho done something that would cause me to judge her...no...I would never do that...but Miss Aozora seems keen that I keep an open mind...this is troubling...damn this eccentric pilot, she vexes me like no other...
Kikuyo thought as walk off into the afternoon light, ready to finish her task given to her and hopefully help Miho overcome her challenges.
"You will when you see it, you're a smart woman who can read a room. That's why I'm asking you to not try to dissuade Miho from what she has," Aozora bluntly said, while turning back to open the door.
Leaving Kikuyo in a confuse state, but could see Aozora was done talking. Leaving her with nothing else to do but follow the pilot to the parking area. Though Kikuyo's minds began to race over what Aozora had said.
Has Lady Miho done something that would cause me to judge her…no…I would never do that…but Miss Aozora seems keen that I keep an open mind…this is troubling…damn this eccentric pilot, she vexes me like no other…
Kikuyo thought as walk off into the afternoon light, ready to finish her task given to her and hopefully help Miho overcome her challenges.