Chapter XXII: Oh Field, Our Field


The Hill

Tunguska Tank Battling Ground

Siberia, Russia

Shells suddenly raining down on Katya as she tried to enter The Hill. Skillfully, she managed to evade them and entering from a section of the wall that has been collapsed by earlier battle. However, the situation inside The Hill is still far from safe, since she found some of Japan tanks now stationed on some junctions leading to the central square.

"What a hell is Japan tanks doing here? Where is our tanks?"

Thank's to her tank's speed and maneuverability, she could evade any Japan tank trying to shoot her and finally arrived in the central square, only to found that all the remaining Russian tanks are there, and Yelena and Natalya are no longer fighting, just sitting below the flagpole hopelessly, near a big campfire. Katya quickly jumped down from her tank and rush to them.

"What is this? Why Japan had us surrounded here? Where are the other tanks?" asked Katya.

"So you're back, Volgograd Girl. Good for you," said Yelena.

"Where are our other tanks?" said Katya.

"Gone, they've all gone. And these are the only surviving tanks now," said Natalya, "we're now just sit here, waiting for Japan to come and take everything, for we no longer have any forces left to hold them."

Katya looked around and see that the only tanks they have left now are two IS-3s, each belongs to Natalya and Yelena, and two T-44s other than her own BT-7, which now looks quite beaten. All of the other tanks has been decimated by Japan on the previous onslaught, forcing the remaining of them to hunker down in central square. However, Miho for now halt any Japan action to storm the central square, since she doesn't wish any more casualties on her side.

"It's impossible..." said Katya.

"You'd better believe it," said Yelena.

"No, I'm not believing it! How could you, the best two aces in Russia, if not in the entire Europe, lost your forces quite fast?" said Katya.

"Because we're stupid, that's why!" said Natalya.

Everyone got silent.

"We shouldn't supposed to be splitting our troops, but we did," said Yelena, "I'm too eager to search for glory that I forget that the team's victory is much more important."

"Yeah, and I should've joined her when she wants to pursuit the retreating Japanese forces," said Natalya, "who knows, together we could perhaps break their Motti, that cause much casualties on us."

"Ah, what good is that telling that kind of thing now," said Yelena.

"Yes, what happened has happened, and here we are now, under the mercy of our enemy," said Natalya.

Katya down to her knees on the ground. Though nobody said anything, she too felt that she also deserved to be blamed. Had she's not fainted after the wreck, perhaps...

But wait, Katya just realizing something. It's the first time ever she saw Yelena and Natalya not bickering or trying to kill each other. It seems, that when the hope is gone, people finally able to look beyond their ego and realize that they need to work together though it's too late now.

Katya reaching for her pocket and found an envelope, left by Klara for her before the match. She said to open and read it when Yelena and Natalya finally able to see eye to eye, and the situation is very grim and hopeless. Well, there's no better time than now. Perhaps if Klara could foresee this kind of situation would happened, she also write some solution for it. In that thought, Katya open the envelope and found only one word written on it:

SING

What is this? Is this a joke? For a moment, Katya couldn't understand the reason why Klara write this word for this kind of situation. Will it help if she sings? However, since Katya trust Klara with all her heart, she never ignored any of her orders, whether she understand or not. So Katya stand up, hauling a deep breath, tapping her hand and feet, before singing the first song that crossed in her mind:

Полюшко-поле,

(Field, field,)

полюшко, широко поле,

(Field, wide field,)

Едут по полю герои,

(Heroes are riding over the field,)
Эх, да Красной Армии герои.

(Oh, Red Army heroes.)

Yelena and Natalya are very curious about what Katya do right now.

"Katya, what are you doing?" asked Yelena.

"Have you gone insane?" asked Natalya.

Katya doesn't reply, but she move closer while keep singing her song.

Девушки, гляньте,

(Girls, pay attention,)
Гляньте на дорогу нашу,

(Look at the road we ride on,)
Вьётся дальняя дорога,

(The road is long and winding,)
Эх, да развесёлая дорога.

(Oh, what a merry road.)

Yelena sighed and hauled the deep breath, but then she stand up, holding Katya's hand and sing the next part:

Эх, девушки, гляньте,

(Oh, girls, pay attention,)
Мы врага принять готовы,

(We are ready to engage the enemy,)
Наши кони быстроноги,

(Our horses are fleet-footed,)
Эх, да наши танки быстроходны.

(Our tanks are swiftly rolling.)

Yelena and Katya then extend their arms to Natalya, which smiled, then stand up and sing the next part:

Эх, пусть же в колхозе

(Oh, let the farmers,)
Дружная кипит работа,
(Work with peace of mind,)

Мы дозорные сегодня,
(Today we are the watchmen,)

Эх, да мы сегодня часовые.

(Today we are watching over them.)

Everyone now jumping down from their tanks and join together with the trio to sing solemnly:

Девушки, гляньте,

(Oh, girls, pay attention,)
Девушки, утрите слезы.

(Oh, girls, wipe away your tears,)
Пусть сильнее грянет песня,

(Let our song strike hard,)
Эх, да наша песня боевая!

(Let this become our war-song!)

Полюшко-поле,

(Field, field,)

полюшко, широко поле,

(Field, wide field,)
Едут по полю герои,

(Heroes are riding over the field,)
Эх, да Красной Армии герои.

(Oh, Red Army heroes.)

Everyone then silent, only the crackling sound of a wood burning fill the air. However, some new resolve and hope has risen from their heart.

"You know what, I'm ready to stand by you in the final defense if Japan decided to strike," said Yelena.

"Actually, I don't want to linger in here. We can't let our enemy dictate how shall we perish," said Natalya, "I want to ride and meet the enemy. Would you ride with me?"

"I'm honored to do that," said Yelena, "what about you, Katya?"

"Well, I only following you both around all this time, right? Why should now be different?" said Katya smiling.

They're laughing together before running to their own tanks and ride it. Katya pull out from her tank, a Russian flag in the pole, that she initially going to use as a celebratory lap if they win. Now, she will wave the flag for their final charge.

"Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with a Moskvich," said Natalya.

"How about side by side with a friend?" asked Yelena smiling.

"да. I can do that," said Natalya.

"What are we waiting for?" said Katya.

From the outside of The Hill, the remaining Japan tank has finally come out of the forest, including Miho. She has waiting long enough, but since Russian hasn't made any move, she felt it's time to take initiative.

"Nishi-san, any movement on the Russian side?" asked Miho.

"Not yet, Taichou, should we go closer?" asked Nishi.

"Okay, move closer, we'll be supporting you,"

"Okay, we're... Taichou, they're moving!"

Nishi quite surprised when she see 5 remaining Russian tanks moving toward her. Before she has time to react, Yelena shot her tank and white-flagged it at once.

"Be advised, Russian moved their remaining tanks, perhaps want to break outside too the south exit," said Alisa.

"Roger that, converge your forces to follow them from behind, we'll made defense line here," said Miho.

Miho then stationed all of her tanks outside the south exit. Russian tank has now abandoned their blackout policy and moving with their lights on. Miho ordered everyone to ready for fire. But as Russian tanks got closer, they stopped at the exit way, seeing the defense line that has been prepared by Japan for them. Yelena and Natalya smiled, this is the time.

"For Mother Russia!" cry both Yelena and Natalya as they charged their tanks toward Japan line.

Miho smiled and calmly raised her hand. Despite her awe on Russian chivalric action, there can only be one outcome on this situation.

"Fire!"

And all Japan tanks fire their guns on the charging Russian tanks.


Two Hours Later


Main Base

Tunguska Tank Battling Ground

Siberia, Russia

Everyone has now gather here after the match. Japan has won after eliminating all Russian tanks, and now all of them, Russian and Japanese, are together in the large hangar of the main base, enjoying the warm air and warm food, away from the cold weather outside. Sun is now rising, and the snow is very beautiful under the glistening morning sun.

Some girls has fell asleep of fatigue after a long night of battle, while the other are chattering with hot cocoa in their hands, talking about how fun the battle last night. Russian and Japanese are now mingling together, without any leftover of last night's animosity between both side, since now, they're all friends.

"You did a great job, Miho-sama," said Klara while shaking Miho's hand.

"Ah, yes, you too," said Miho.

"Me? I'm eliminated in the mid-battle," said Klara while laughing, "honestly, even when I think I've managed to guess your move, you always come with something surprising, even challenging impossibilities,"

"Thank you, Klara-san," said Miho, "but you did well on taking The Hill, I have to give it to you,"

"Well well, my two favorite girls are here after all!"

Miho and Klara turns their heads over a familiar voice. It's Katyusha, as usual, coming in piggy-backed by Nonna.

"Katyusha-san," said Miho.

"Katyusha-sama," said Klara.

"Miho-sha, Klara, it's been nice to see you again," said Katyusha.

Katyusha then jumped down from Nonna's shoulder.

"The Great Katyusha has come to see your battle, and I must tell you that, like always, I enjoyed your performance there," said Katyusha, "who knows, I might use some of them myself,"

"Thank you very much, Katyusha-san," said Miho.

"I wish you the best of luck for this tournament, Miho-sha. Bring victory for our nation, since I know you can do that."

"Ah, yes, thank you."

"Alright then, I will talk to Pravda's girl. See you, Pirozhki!"

Katyusha then go to the group of Pravda girls there. Nonna then talked to Miho.

"Congratulations on your victory, Miho," said Nonna.

"Ah, yes, thank's to you, Nonna-san," said Miho.

"Thank's to me?"

"Yes, I know you're the one sending us the e-mail about Yekaterinburg, right?"

Nonna smiled.

"What give you the way?"

"Mathuska, that's Russian for 'Mother', and that reminds me of you who treat Katyusha like your own daughter."

"I've figured that you would've been able to guess it."

"Nevertheless, thank you very much."

"Don't mention it, I'm just doing a favor for a friend."

"Friend?"

Nonna doesn't replied, just winking to Miho. She then excuse herself and talk to Klara for a moment before following Katyusha.

"Friend? Does she means..."

At that time, Ami Chouno come, and this time, she's with a tall blonde girl with beautiful and pleasant face, perhaps the same age as Ami Chouno. The girl then excuse herself and goes to Russian team. Interestingly, when this girl arrived, Shizuka and Yukari seems quite surprised, as if they've seen this girl somewhere.

"Instructor Chouno, who's that girl with you?" asked Shizuka.

"Oh, she's Russian Supreme Commander," said Ami Chouno.

"I thought Olga Kurchatova is their Supreme Commander?" asked Miho.

"Olga? Oh no, she's just this base's chief administrator and tasked by RTS to present at the opening ceremony since the actual Supreme Commander cannot fly from Moscow due to bad weather yesterday," said Ami Chouno, "but the real Supreme Commander of Russian sensha-do team is her, Dinara Sutyagina."

"WHAAATT!?" Yukari and Shizuka equally surprised.

Meanwhile, Dinara is currently talk to Klara and Katya.

"I'm sorry I didn't win," said Klara.

"Well, you did good," said Dinara, "and you too, Katya. You could be the backbone of the next Russian team,"

"Ah yes, I'm looking forward to it. However, I have something to complain to Komandyr," said Katya.

"What is it?" asked Klara.

"You said before that Russia will be on victorious side, are you?" asked Katya, "and yet, we lose,"

"Well, speaking about victory, look," said Klara.

Klara pointed her mug on Yelena and Natalya, which is now shared their foods and drinks in a friendly manner.

"They're now befriends on each other, and that's my victory," said Klara, "and I know that they will win."

Klara sip her cocoa while Dinara smiled at her. But on the other side, Shizuka now felt that every puzzle pieces has come together. The mysterious e-mail, Uncle Yevgeny, Klara. She felt that she's been in a very grand scheme which the end result is to unite Yelena Vukova and Natalya Zhirinovsky by the shock of losing to Japan.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Akiyama-san?" asked Shizuka.

"Yes, I guess so," said Yukari.

"We're being played like a damn fiddle, are we?"

"Yes, and now I understand why Uncle Yevgeny said that U-18 is nothing for the Russian. Their end goal, from the very beginning, are relying on their best two aces, and they cannot do that while their two aces still fighting each other."

All the girls then looked at Yelena Vukova and Natalya Zhirinovsky with deep stare.

"I fear all we have done is to awaken sleeping giants and fill them with terrible resolve," muttered Shizuka.

"Hey, don't say that. There will be day where we shall lose to Russia, but this is not the day," said Miho while smiling, "today we celebrate our victory,"

Shizuka smiled.

"Ah, by the way, Instructor Chouno, have you got any news on our next opponents?" asked Miho.

"Actually, I have. Seems all host nations got defeated last night," said Ami Chouno,

"So you're saying that..."

"Yes, we're going to face South Korea next round."


U-18 WORLD SENSHADO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND I

FIXTURE AND RESULT


A: United States of America vs Canada

(Flag Tank Battle - Saskatchewan Tank Battling Ground)

Judges: Kang Ji-eun, Lee Min-ji, Baek Su-yeon (South Korea)


B: Australia vs People's Republic of China

(Annihilation Battle - Kakadu Tank Battling Ground)

Judges: Mathilde Duquesne, Helen Guivarch, Marie-Antoine Giresse (France)


C: Republic of Korea vs Democratic People's Republic of Korea

(Multi Flag Tank Battle - Baekdu Mountain Tank Battling Ground)

Judges: Helga Voz, Carla Steinmann, Angela Wagner (Germany)


D: Japan vs Russian Federation

(King of The Hill Battle - Tunguska Tank Battling Ground)

Judges: Maria Schiavone, Lucia Esposito, Carmen della Vecchia (Italy)


E: Hungary vs Italy

(Capture The Flag Battle - Kursk Tank Battling Ground)

Judges: Catherine Woods, Alice Sheffield, Chloe MacMoran (Australia)


F: France vs Finland

(Annihilation Battle - C.G.E Mannerheim Tank Battling Ground)

Judges: Kanon Sasagawa, Hibiki Inatomi, Remi Takashima (Japan)


G: Sweden vs Germany

(Flag Tank Battle - Lappland Tank Battling Ground)

Judges: Zhang Qiao, Yu Rong'er, Wei Ruolan (China)


H: Great Britain vs Czech Republic

(Semi-Annihilation Battle - Jan Žižka Tank Battling Ground)

Judges: Emily Novak, Alicia McIntyre, Shaniqua Jones (USA)


Note: The bold country is the winner.


U-18 WORLD SENSHA-DO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND II


A: Germany vs Great Britain (Capture The Flag Battle)

B: France vs Italy (King of The Hill Battle)

C: Japan vs Republic of Korea (Multi Flag Tank Battle)

D: United States vs People's Republic of China (Semi-Annihilation Battle)


Note: The underlined country would serve as a host.

Note: Due to Great Britain doesn't meet requirement for Capture The Flag Battle, they have selected El Alamein Tank Battling Ground, Egypt, as the new venue.