Hey everyone another chapter, sorry this took longer than expected, had to do rewrites and scraps some things. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 12 Tournament Begins
Dream…
It was dark, yet it was calm, then I was picked up by someone, his face was covered in darkness. Yet I had no fear of him. Still his face was saddened, and a tear.
"I'm sorry, but I must go. Stay strong, just remember I'll always love you," he said. He put me down gently and then turned to leave. I cried for him to comeback.
Maho's Room…
Maho suddenly got up off her pillow, she was panting a bit, she looked around and realized it was a dream. "Same dream," she said. She looked at her clock and noticed that she had to get up in five minutes, mind as well do it now. Today was a big day.
Ryan's Dorm…
It was now night, Ryan, Emma, and Miho went into his Dorm room, Miho wondered what he wanted to discuss, perhaps talking about tactics.
"Ryan, what did you want to talk about?" asked Miho.
"So um, half-sister," said Ryan.
This made Miho raise an eyebrow, "eh."
"So um, when were you going to tell us?" asked Ryan.
"Ryan, what do you mean?" asked Emma.
"Emma, Miho is our sister, well half-sister, we have the same father," said Ryan.
Emma was looking down, her hair covering her eyes, she seemed angry.
Miho looked at Emma seemingly hurt, she thought that Emma was angry at her. "Um…Emma?"
She still stood their silently. "Emma, I-I can explain," said Miho as she felt cornered.
Then suddenly Miho felt squeezed, and realized she was in Emma's embrace. "half-sister Yeah! Can I call you Onee-chan!?"
"Eh!" said Miho as she had trouble breathing getting a sudden hug.
"Emma, you can let go of her now," said Ryan, Emma listening and released her.
"Miho, first off, we're not mad, will just curious, why did you not tell us in the first place?" asked Ryan arms crossed.
"Eh, umm, well I wanted to tell you, you see it's just that I wanted to be accepted by the both of you. Otou-san never told you about Okaa-san. I wanted to be welcomed after I was kicked out of my home," said Miho.
A moment of silence went on them, Miho was looking at Ryan carefully. He walked up and put a hand on her shoulder. "Listen, we don't care."
"What matter to us is your family, and honestly we love having you around," said Emma.
Miho could only stare with a small smile and even a small tear trickling down her cheek. Then suddenly she hugged both her half siblings at once. "Thank you," she said.
"Now then, let's call Dad," said Ryan.
All of them took a seat, and positioned themselves so they could all see the Laptop. Within moments Tsuneo was on the screen. "Hey Daddy," said Emma.
"Ah, Emma, I see you all gathered," said Tsuneo. "Is there something wrong?"
"No Otou-san, I told them," said Miho.
"I see, and have you two accepted this fact?" asked Tsuneo.
"Of course Dad," said Emma.
"I'm cool with it," said Ryan. "Now you said you were going to explain everything."
"Yes I did, now where to begin," said Tsuneo.
"What does she look like?" asked Emma.
"Oh well," said Tsuneo pulling out an old photo.
They both looked at the photo, "so that's her Miho?" asked Ryan.
"Hai," said Miho, though she was younger.
"She looks mean, yet pretty," said Emma.
"She's the reason why you're here with us," said Ryan.
"Miho did you ever mention your sister?" asked Tsuneo.
"Miho has a sister!" exclaimed Emma.
"I'll take that as a no," said Tsuneo.
"Miho when were you going to mention that?" asked Ryan.
Miho just nervously laughed. Then got another sudden hug from Emma. "What's she like? Is she pretty? Is she nice like you? How does she wear her hair?" asked Emma beginning a question bombardment overwhelming Miho.
"Emma," cascaded Ryan.
"Oh sorry," said Emma.
"It's ok," said Miho.
"Is there a good chance we will face your old school and her?" asked Ryan
"Hai," said Miho looking a bit downed.
"Is there any bad blood?" asked Emma.
"I think Onee-chan angry with me," said Miho looking downward.
"Miho, keep your head straight, focus, yes there is a chance you will have to fight your sister, now look at me," said Tsuneo.
Miho looked at her father in the screen, "we both know that the Nishizumi style only respects one thing, and that's strength, you do have it Miho, so show them," said Tsuneo. "I shall cheer for all of you."
"Thanks Dad," said Ryan.
"Your awesome," said Emma.
"So what is Miho's Mom like?" asked Ryan.
"Hm," said Tsuneo thinking, "Iron willed, doesn't smile like she used too ever since she took of the Nishizumi style, lacks basic emotion."
"How did you fall for that, if I may ask?" asked Ryan.
"She was a bit different back then, she was beautiful, had a certain charm to her," said Tsuneo. "I'll warn you son, she won't like you in Sensha-do."
"Won't bother me," said Ryan.
"Ryan please be careful, their still a lot of tankers like her still stuck in tradition," said Miho.
"I faced some heat before Miho, I can take it," said Ryan.
"I just don't get it," said Emma. "I mean we both have arms and legs."
"It's not that simple Emma, Sensha-Do is sewed deep in tradition," explained Miho.
"Your sister is correct Emma, however, change must happen. Miho you told me you believed once that Sensha-Do was for young girls, what about now?"
"Um, well, after the first match, and Ryan is my brother, it's ok," said Miho.
"Glad to hear it, and now I have something to ask for all of you, but before that, Miho?" he aksed getting her attention, "I understand Maho may have some resentment towards me due to Shiho telling her correct?"
"Hai," said Miho.
"Then will you all make me a promise?" said Tsuneo.
"Sure what is it Dad?" asked Emma.
"If you happen to see Maho, don't tell her about me, I want her to figure it out just like Miho. Due to the possible resentment I wish to repair that bond and hope she will understand, I know she will be at the Sensha-Do opening ceremony. This is something I must do alone, can you all promise me that?" asked Tsuneo.
"Yes Dad," said Ryan.
"Hai Otou-san," said Miho.
"I promise Dad," said Emma.
"Especially you Emma, your track record is not too good," said Tsuneo.
"Come on Daddy, when was the last time I exposed a secret," said Emma nervously laughing.
"Like that time at the family gathering when you told about Ryan's…" began Tsuneo.
"NO! not that Dad," begged Ryan.
"Very well," said Tsuneo.
"What happened Ryan?" asked Miho.
"Oh nothing," said Ryan waving it off.
"Otou-san we will be in Tokyo tomorrow for the opening ceremony, can you come visit?" asked Miho.
"I will, see you all tomorrow," said Tsuneo.
"Well let's get something to eat and turn in," said Ryan.
"Yea!" said Emma.
"I'll start cutting vegetables," said Miho.
SDF Auditorium…
The day had finally arrived, the 63rd Tournament was about to begin, students from all the Sensha-Do schools had arrived to participate and were flooding the Auditorium.
Yukari having stars in her eyes not believing they were here, "Wow! St. Gloriana, Saunders, Pravada, Jakosta High, so many."
"Calm down Yukari," said Ryan.
"You look like your about to burst las," said Bram.
Ryan and Miho's group made their way inside. Along the way Ryan and the boys were getting stares ranging from hostile to wonder.
"Will getting eyes partner," whispered Jimmy.
"What do we do, their scary?" whispered Archie.
"Stay calm lad," whispered Bram, "they won't say anything to me directly."
"Easy for you Bram, you stick out the most," whispered Archie.
"Why I ought uh…well you may have point," whispered Bram.
"Shut it you two, let's just take our seats," said Ryan.
As they entered the door to the gallery, "Um, Miho I got to go, where's the bathroom?" asked Emma.
"Down the hall around the corner, on the right," said Miho.
"Thank you," said Emma running for the bathroom.
"Don't get lost," said Ryan.
Everyone took their seats and awaited, the ceremonies were about to begin.
"Always this many people Miho?" asked Ryan.
"Hai," said Miho.
"I can't wait, I wish there were more boys," said Saori.
"We're the only ones with boys," said Mako.
"Miho, how does this work?" asked Hana.
"First some officials will say some speeches and then each school will be called to draw a number," said Miho.
"You select then," said Anzu who was right behind them with her friends making Miho jump a bit.
At the bathroom, Emma just came out in a hurry and rushed out, however she went the wrong way and she ran around another corner.
WHAM!
Emma fell backwards on her butt. "I'm sorry," said Emma looking up. She saw a white haired girl with a mean attitude. The other looked just like Miho but with darker hair, could it be, no it couldn't.
"Hey watch where you're going," said a white haired girl. "You're in the way."
"Erika, enough," said Maho.
Maho offered a hand, "You alright?" she asked.
Emma took the hand, Maho pulling her right up. "Thank you, I'm looking for the gallery?"
"It's that way," said Maho.
"Thank you," said Emma leaving in a hurry.
Emma arrived just in time as the ceremonies were about to begin.
On the center stage, they saw many officials and a US Marine?
"Hey Ryan it's Dad?" said Emma.
"Huh, it is," said Ryan.
Then a man in a hat walked to the podium, "Greetings everyone, I am Kodama Shichiro, before we begin, I wish to introduce and welcome a guest. Captain Tsuneo Asuka of the US Marine Corp," he introduced. "Please give him a warm welcome."
As Tsuneo stood up to walk to the podium shaking Komada hand and then going to the podium. "Greetings to all tankers," he announced getting applause. "To honor the friendship between Japan and the United States. It is my honor to present the United States Marine Corp Silent Drill Platoon," he announced.
The crowd was in awe, many were in excitement.
"The Silient Drill!" said Yukari excited ready to burst.
"You girls are in for a treat," said Ryan.
"How many times have you seen them?" asked Miho excited to see the drill.
"Twice," said Emma.
"Three Times, I never get tired of it.
Around the gallery there were many chats among the students ranging from excitement to curiosity.
"Taicho what's the Silent Drill?" asked Erika.
"Over seven decades of the US Marine Corp is represented in marching an precision rifling. They will perform the entire drill without orders, hence the name silent drill, seems America is treating us to a show," explained Maho.
"Attention may we ask the audience to remain silent," said the announcer.
Soon it got dark as the light focused on the center of the floor. All eyes were set on that location. Then in formation the Marine Corp marched in, with their M1 Garand Rifles with fixed bayonets. About 24 Marine, A corporal on one side of the column and a Captain on the other. Tsuneo giving a salute as they marched in in respect.
The show began, in a show of discipline, precision, and skill. The only sound that could be heard were the hitting of their rifles. Performing spins, drills, and precision. What got the crowd shaking but then excited was a part when some marines marched between two rows of spinning riflemen with the risk of getting skewered, but they passed through not even flinching, Maho watched this part knowing that they had complete trust in one another.
The entire drill was nears its end, everyone gave them a round of applause. It was not over yet, the Marines stood in a single row as the Corporal walked down the line inspecting them, then on of the privates tossed him his rifle and he caught it expertly. Then looking at the private next to him. He stood face to face to him and began to twirl his rifle. At that same moment the private also began to do the same perfectly mirroring the movements.
The crowd was in awe, the twirls and spins were perfectly mirrored. Then at the final moment, the Corporal threw the rifle and it was caught by its original owner and they both finished in the same pose.
A loud applause came from the gallery. Then the Marines marched off the stage as a big applause and now loud cheers came from the crowd.
Then one of Tsuneo's least favorite people took to the podium, it was Renta. "Greetings ladies, and here we are for another season. Yet we have something special this year, the first boys of Sensha-Do," he announced.
A mixed reaction took over the crowd.
"BOO!"
Ryan and the guys were not feeling comfortable.
"Boys where?" wondered Erika.
"I have a feeling we should leave," said Jimmy.
Then a spotlight shined on them revealing them. Archie was especially shaking getting so many eyes on him and his friends. "There they are, these boys think they can outplay all of you," said Renta. "This will be a one-time experiment, make sure you crush them, as they think they are better than you" he said with a sly smile.
"Ryan go out the back," whispered Miho.
"No Miho, we'll stay, we are not cowards," said Ryan as the booing continued.
"Then we will leave as soon as we can," whispered Miho.
"Now we shall proceed with the matchups," said Renta. As he walked by Tsuneo who was seated, he was using every ounce of will not to get up and knock this guy's lights out.
Tsuneo for now stayed seated and watched, he was glad Ryan got to safety. Eventually Miho was called up and she selected Saunders.
'Saunders, tough opponents," thought Tsuneo.
After the matchups were finished, Tsuneo went into the lobby where he saw many Marines interacting with the students who were bombarding them with questions, complimented their great performance, and some even had the eyes for some of the young Marines. He was looking for Renta, but he escaped.
He was taking a seat ready to take questions for anyone who had them. While he was checking his phone to give a quick call to make to Ryan.
"Good day Taichou," making him left his head to see two girls in Kuromorimine uniforms. His mouth dropped. The one that looked like Miho, her hair was darker, he has not seen her in years, yet the eyes. Those strong eyes was something he would never forget.
Maho look at this Marine Captain, her stomach began to hurt a little, she could not know why. Yet something about him was familiar.
Tsuneo wanted to tell her right now, but there were too many people, he wanted to tell her privately, for now he would at least have a conversation.
"Taicho, you alright?" asked Erika.
Tsuneo realized his mouth was dropped, "oh my apologies ladies, did you both enjoy the show?"
"Yes it was a very good show," said Maho. Then she realized she forgot to introduce herself, "Nishizumi Maho."
" Itsumi Erika," said Erika, both girls bowed in respect.
"Please to me you both, glad you both enjoyed the show, do you both have questions for me?" asked Tsuneo.
"How often do they practice?" asked Maho.
"Hours upon hours so they can perfect their routine year around," said Tsuneo.
"How do they select?" asked Erika.
"They go through inspections tryouts in Washington, and then the best are selected, of course there are requirements as you must be at least 5'11 to qualify," said Tsuneo.
"Have you ever tried out?" asked Maho.
With a chuckle, "no, I prefer my aviation," said Tsuneo.
"Have you seen combat?" asked Erika.
"Erika," said Maho knowing that he may not want to talk about it.
"Oh it's fine, yes I have seen combat," said Tsuneo. "So tell me, you both aiming for the championship?"
"Of course we are," said Erika.
"Well that some confidence you got there," said Tsuneo. "I look forward to your matches. I predict you will sweep Chi-Han,"
"You bet we will," said Erika.
"Taichou, could you take a picture with us?" asked Maho.
"Sure," said Tsuneo.
Tsuneo stood up and stood with the two girls, he made a saluting posed as a volunteers got a camera and took a picture.
"I wish you both well," said Tsuneo.
"Goodbye Taichou," said Maho bowing once more in respect.
The two girls made for the exit as Tsuneo watched. 'Maho you've indeed grown into a fine young woman,' he thought.
"Excuse me," said a girl behind Tsuneo he turned around to see they were form Saunders.
"Can we get a picture with you too," asked the blonde commander.
"Sure," said Tsuneo.
Tank Cafe …
Miho and her friends managed to get out of the gallery without too much trouble aside from some verbal insults and glares. All doing their best to forget about what happened and enjoy some cake.
Miho was with her friends at one table with Emma. Ryan and the guys sat at a table behind Miho.
"What's that?" asked Emma looking at the mini tank on the table.
"Want to see something cool Emma?" asked Yukari.
"Yea!" said Emma.
Yukari pressed the top button of the mine tank making a shooting sound.
"Wow," said Emma and she too pressed it.
At this moment the waitress arrived to take their order. "Have you decided your order?"
"We'll have the cake combos, two chocolates, two strawberry tarts, and one lemon pie, and New York cheesecake," said Hana.
The waitress gave a salute, "Understood! It'll be out soon," she said.
Another tank boomed and the waitress went to the next table, "Are you ready to order?"
"Yes cake combos please, I'll take chocolate," said Ryan.
"Apple pie for me," said Bram.
"Um, a blueberry pie," said Archie.
"Chocolate as well, gorgeous," said Jimmy. His compliment did not seem to work or get her flustered. "Understood! It'll be right out."
Back at the girls table, "so when you press the button here it sounds like the main turret," said Saori.
"Can I press it again?" asked Emma.
"No Emma, let's not summon the server for no reason," said Miho.
"That's from a type 90, isn't it," said Yukari.
"Nothing less from a tank café," said Hana.
"I get so excited when I hear them firing, it's scary," said Saori.
"So do I," said Emma.
Then suddenly some little flatbed trucks drove onto their table from a mini road on the side carrying their cakes. "What's that?" wondered Saori.
"That's the Dragon Wagon!" said Yukari.
"How cute," said Miho.
"The cakes are cute too," said Hana.
"Wow, tank shapes cakes," said Emma. "By the ways did you all enjoy the show?"
"It was a great show," said Hana.
"I always wanted to watch the Silent Drill, it was even better in person," said Yukari.
"What about you Saori?" asked Emma who was blushing slightly.
"She was too busy checking out the young men in uniforms," said Mako.
"Hey! I could not help it. I could not pick one they all looked the same," said Saori making everyone at the table laugh.
At the boys table, there cake jus arrived.
"That's new," said Ryan.
"Woo wee, talk about delivery," said Jimmy taking his cake.
"We need one of these back in England," said Archie.
Bram took a bite of his Apple pie, "hmm, not bad."
"That was quite a show today," said Archie,
"Your Dad being a Marine, you must've seen it much," said Bram.
"This is my third time," said Ryan.
"Do you ever get tired of it?" asked Jimmy.
"Hmph, nope, always a great show no matter how many times you watch it," said Ryan.
"Sorry, I picked a tough school," said Miho.
"Don't worry about it Miho," said Emma.
"I see bring it on," said Jimmy over hearing them.
"Is Saunders really that strong?" asked Hana.
"Strong, more likely they're and extremely wealthy school. They've got the most tanks nationwide, They have three teams, as well," said Yukari.
"The number of tanks in the first fight is limited to ten," said Miho.
"Yea, 6 to 10 are decent odds if our cards are played right," said Ryan.
"There are limits on shells too," said Miho.
"Ten tanks?" said Saori. "we can't win against that."
"Come now Saori, where's that confidence," said Jimmy.
"What about my units," said Mako.
"I don't think we'll get any if we lose," said Miho.
"Great," said Ryan sarcastically also wanting the units.
Mako took a big bite of her Strawberry Tart.
"There're going to be showing the national games on TV, right?" said Saori. "What would happen if I get fan letters."
"You will soon as they see how well you dance," said Jimmy snickering.
"Jimmy!" exclaimed Saori.
"Don't worry Saori," said Emma.
"They'll only be showing the finals live," said Hana.
"Then let's make sure we get to the finals," said Saori taking a bite of her cake. She noticed Miho was not eating. "Come on, Miho. You eat, too."
"Yeah," replied Miho getting ready to take a bite.
"Sub-commander…"
Miho looked to see two very familiar faces. "Oh, I guess it would be former sub-commander," said Erika.
"Onee-chan," said Miho causing her table to gasp.
"That's your sister?" asked Emma.
The guys were watching this development.
"I didn't think you'd still be doing Sensha-do," said Maho.
Yukari attempting to stick up for Miho stood up, "if I may say something, I don't think Miho-san decision was incorrect in that match."
"I think someone needs to mind her own business," said Erika.
"I'm sorry," said Yukari.
"No! Don't be sorry Yukari!" said Bram still seated getting both the girls attention.
"You look like a dug licking pish aff a nettle," said Bram towards Erika. "Miho made the right decision in that match."
"What?" said Erika not understanding the first part.
"That's telling her Bram," said Archie.
Both girls gave Archie a glare making him shake in fear.
'Eek, even scarier girls,' he thought.
"Um you want me to translate, he basically called you ugly," said Ryan.
"Hah!" said Erika marching up to Bram still sitting down. "I dare you to say that again."
"Alright, I'll say it in short English" he stood up and Erika suddenly realized how big he was, "your ugly, especially on the inside."
"Yea with that bad attitude, no guys going to want to touch that," said Jimmy.
"Hey!" exclaimed Erika with a blush, "I can get a guy if I want, it's just…"
"Nice one Jim," said Emma laughing, even Miho's friends were laughing.
This made the guys laugh causing Ryan to give a high five to Jimmy.
Miho and her friends were being entertained, the boys giving Erika a well-deserved hammering.
Their laughter ended then when Maho walked up to Ryan glaring at him.
Ryan was not intimidated at all.
"You're the pilot, you should stay out of Sensha-do," said Maho.
"Sorry, I can't do that yet, I just need some credits, what's the big deal?" said Ryan.
"It is an insult, I thought seeing my sister trying to redeem herself, but instead she is gallivanting with boys," said Maho.
"It's her team, and the SDF gave us permission," said Ryan plainly.
"We'll destroy you," said Erika.
"Careful, I might mistake your tanks for target practice from the sky," said Ryan.
"You wouldn't," doubted Erika.
"Don't tempt me," said Ryan.
The air was beginning to get tense, then…
"Excuse me, is there something wrong here," said Tsuneo as he entered the Café with some Marines.
"Dad?" said Ryan.
"Hi Dad, what are you doing here?" asked Emma.
"Here to enjoy some coffee and cake with some friends here, you guys have a seat," said Tsuneo.
"Yes sir," said the Marines as they moved to sit down.
Then Tsuneo turned his attention to the two girls, "young ladies, if you have no further business, may I suggest moving on," he said plainly.
"He's right," said Maho, "Erika."
"Hai," said Erika as both girls moved to sit somewhere else. Before that Erika looked back, "There is an unspoken rule that everyone knows, schools that will just embarrass Sensha-do should just stay out."
"It'd sure be embarrassing if one of those teams beat the veterans that all sat in their ivory towers coming up with that rule," said Mako.
"Nice one Mako," said Jimmy.
"Take a walk lassies," said Bram.
"Meanies," said Emma sticking out her tongue along with Saori.
Erika simply hmphed away and moved on with. Maho.
"Kids we'll talk later, for now please enjoy yourselves," said Tsuneo leaving to sit with his friends.
"Whew, that was tense," said Jimmy.
"You said it lad," said Bram.
"There serious," said Emma.
"No doubt about it, they are from Kuromorimine," said Yukari.
"Are they that tough?" asked Jimmy.
"They have several championships under their belt," said Yukari.
"Well, then will just take their crown," said Ryan.
"Miho are you ok?" asked Saori.
"I'm fine," said Miho.
"Come one Miho, you need to eat," said Emma taking a fork and preparing to feed Miho herself, "come on say Ahhhh."
"Eh, that's not necessary Emma," said Miho becoming embarrassed making her friend laugh.
Tsuneo sighed as he stirred his coffee and sighed, "Hm, not the way I wanted my kids to meet for the first time."
Shiho's Office…
Shiho got news of boys in Sensha-Do making a direct call, "Renta! What were you thinking putting boys in Sensha-Do?" she demanded.
Hope you all enjoyed that, looking forwards to all reviews and PMs.
-Peace-