Hey everyone, finally got this one done, took longer than anticaptated. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 15 The Sherman's PT 2

Arrow Strike HQ…

Mr. Briggs then moved to take his seat in the head chair, "ladies, gentlemen, let us begin. We are here to discuss the setup of the tournament as well as participants. Mr. Crockett, explain the situation."

"Yes, why we do indeed have many schools in Japan starting our program, some are still hesitant, with the tournament not far away, many of the Japanese schools feel they are not ready and are opting out," said Eric.

"What you're telling us is that we won't have enough participation in this upcoming tournament. I can safely speak for everyone that we all agree if not enough participation, cancelation is possible, but I suppose you have a solution," said Tsuneo.

"Yes, Ms. Koenig, would you be so kind," said Eric.

"Thank you Herr Crockett, many European teams would be willing to compete since American teams will be present. We've all expressed interest to have an international tournament, plus this would be a good way to show how great our sport is not only for Japan, but for all other Pacific nations," said Koenig.

"Interesting," said Briggs, "what do you have to say Mr. Hickory?"

"I say bring it on the European teams, in fact more teams in America might be inspired to compete," said Hickory.

"Then we are on agreement," said Briggs, "however we shall only have 32 teams participate, I want both of you to decide who comes and who doesn't."

"We will," said Hickory.

"I shall have a tournament thrown immediately," said Koenig.

"Now for the next issue, gentlemen, ladies for the past ten years we've seen the rise of free-lance pilots, said Briggs. "Should we ban them or put them under regulation."

"Well, I think we should ban them," said Krane. "We do not make any money off them, they are participating for free and only making business with Arrow Strike schools."

"I think we should allow it, but under regulation," said Eric.

"I concur with Eric, I say it will give schools opportunity to fill in roster spots and in the event if a team run out of reserves they can go to free lancers to fill those spots," said Tsuneo.

"There is currently no rule for it," said Whitener, "perhaps now would be a good time to make regulations for free lancers, have it all squared away before this big tournament."

"Mr. Crockett, you are to be put in charge of the Freelancers," said Briggs. "Now we should move on to the next subject wing cutting."

Battlefield…

"Yea!" cried Emma with joy.

"That's the way!" said Bram.

"Miho what's our next plan?" asked Ryan.

"Our next move…" said Miho.

With Alisa, she was still listening to her radio listening in wondering what had happened, "you think your good?" she thought.

"All tanks gather at high point #128. We can't win as long as they have their Firefly. This might be dangerous, but we should rally at high point #128 and hit the Firefly from high ground.

Alisa could only laugh at what she just heard making her two teammates jump in surprise at her sudden laugh, "they're going all in! You're going to be one gigantic target going up there," she said picking up her radio to relay the information to Kay. Head to High Point #128."

"What's going on?" asked Kay.

"It looks like all enemy tanks are going to head there," said Alisa.

"Hey Alisa, are you sure about that?" she asked due to the last time. "How do you know that's what's going on?" Kay inquired.

"My intelligence gathering is spot on," declared Alisa.

"Okay," said Kay, "All Tanks go ahead!"

Back with Miho, they were now discussing a plan. Everyone had now regrouped in one place. "Nice on the deception Miho, but what now?" asked Ryan.

"We need to search for the flag tank," said Miho.

"Miho I'm bored I want to shoot something," said Emma complaining.

"Emma, Miho the commander," said Ryan.

"I know," said Emma with a small pout.

"Actually, Ryan I want you to go to Highpoint #128 and setup an ambush somewhere, take the Assault III with you, just hit and run" ordered Miho. "The rest of us will search for the tank."

"Alright," said Ryan then looking towards Erwin. "Hippo team, your with us."

"Hai!" said Erwin as the Pershing and III began to move out.

"Yea!" said Emma raising her fist.

Miho then moved out with the rest of the team and began to look at a map, "the flag tank is probably here or here, sorry, either that, or around here," said Miho trying to figure out where it was.

After a bit of searching Yukari was peering outward with binoculars, "no visual confirmation yet."

"If we had another tank, we could send out a decoy, but…" said Miho.

"We have to go with what we got," said Hana.

Meanwhile with Kay, they made it to Highpoint #128, she searched around with binoculars and found no one, "no one is here!"

Alisa hearing her on the radio, her flag tank now in a forest trying to remain hidden, she yelled in the radio, "that can't be!" She calmed down to gather herself, in the frest with a nearby wheatfiel behind a bamboo fence, "wait did they trick us? Where are Ooarai's tanks, then?"

Just as she said that, the Type 89 with Noriko riding on top went through the bamboo fence right on the side of the Sherman making Alisa look. Both of them had an awkward stare moment. Then the wind blew and Noriko tapped her tank to go, "turn to the right hurry!"

"Take them down!" ordered Alisa ordering her tank forward.

"Shall we make a report?" asked one of her crewmates.

"There'll be no need for that!" said Alisa. "Fire! Fire!" Her Sherman fired missing the 89 as it began a pursuit.

"Enemy flag tank spotted at point 0765!" reported Noriko, "but we've been discovered!"

Miho on the radio relayed ordered, "you said point 0765. Keep running, and bring the enemy with you, All tanks advance to point 0615," ordered Miho. "Takebe, send out our texts, be sure to tell Ryan we found the flag tank and their position."

"On it," said Saori.

Orca and Hippo team continued their way to the high point. "Hey Ryan, text from Saori," said Archie passing his phone for Ryan to read.

"Hm, this is good info, now know where to ambush the enemy when they come for their flag tank, Archie send instructions to Hippo team, we are going to ambush them in the woods over there, if my calculations are correct, they need to go right through there," said Ryan.

"Roger that," acknowledged Archie.

"And if your wrong?" asked Jimmy.

"Just drive," said Ryan.

Back with Duck team, they were still being pursued by the enemy flag tank. To put mess up the enemy fire. Noriko began spiking red smoke at the enemy flag tank.

"Captain, they keep sending tough spikes at us," said Akebi.

"Then don't let them get on of their spikes on us," said Noriko as she continued to spike the red smoke at them. "We'll go reverse libero on them!"

"I have no clue what you're talking about…" wondered Akebi.

Alisa was growing impatient as they not been able to take out the Type-89 lightly stepping with her right foot. "Hurry the heck up," she said to her loader.

"Sorry, the shells are kept way back there," said Helmet.

"Use the machine gun!" said Alisa.

"But the machine gun isn't as cool!" said her gunner.

"We're in the middle of a damn fight, and you care about what's cool?" said Alisa. "Use the damn gun!"

Then the Type-89 turret rotated and fired backwards hitting but not taking out the flag tank. This caused the Sherman to begin to fire the machine gun, ticked off at the shot. They soon found themselves in a smokescreen.

Miho and the rest of the tanks began to arrive, "the Type-89 is here. Lock in attack position. However, I want Rabbit to protect Turtle," ordered Miho.

In the Sherman, Alisa was wondering about the smokescreen and was thinking of her next move, "Commander the smoke screen is clearing."

The smoke cleared and Alisa saw in front of her the Lee and 38T. She had a sweat drop and realize the danger she was in. She looked left to see the Panzer IV waiting to get in its path. "Stop! Stop!" she said panicked. The IV fired but the Sherman stopped in time avoiding the hit. "Reverse! Reverse!" she ordered.

She reached for the radio to call for help. "Ooarai's tanks are headed for us!"

Kay heard Alisa listening to her, "Wait! That doesn't match what you told me earlier. What happened?"

"They must have realized we were intercepting their…" Alisa tried to explain.

"You fool!" interrupted Kay.

"I'm sorry," said Alisa.

"Haven't I always told you to fight fair?" said Kay then hearing the sound of shooting. "Anyways, get the heck out there. Hurry up!"

"Yes, ma'am!" said Alisa getting her tank out of their as Ooarai began to pursue.

"And are all the tanks their?" asked Kay.

"No ma'am, the Assault III and Pershing are no here," said Alisa.

Kay was now wondering where they both were an suspected a trap, but now knew her flag tank was in danger. With a small sigh, "it'd be unfair for all of us to counter them, when we we're intercepting their communications. I guess we'll hit them with equal numbers, there six of them. I want only four tanks to follow me. Naomi, you're up," said Kay.

They all began to move into a forest which was the shortest way to their flag tank. Kay suspected a trap but knew she had no choice. She then began to move into he forest.

As she proceeded into the forest und the green trees, "stay on alert this is a good place for an ambush," said Kay.

As they kept going her instincts went up, "STOP!" her Sherman came to a stop just a shot rang out and hit the ground in front of her. The tank behind her got hit and was flagged.

Kay then looked right to see the Pershing the III taking shots at them. The Pershing fired once more narrowly missing another Sherman. She was impressed, though now was not the time. "Naomi, with me, rest of you keep them busy!" ordered Kay. "Smokescreen now!"

"Yes ma'am," said Naomi as they began to leave.

"Damn it smokescreen!" said Ryan. "Archie tell Hippo team we are pulling out of the smoke, Jimmy reverse!"

By the time both tanks got out of the smoke, they realized they got separated. Two Sherman's were now in the way. One was behind their own tank that was flag using them as cover, another was moving trying to outflank he Assault III.

Ryan now at this point was heck with the transmission intercepting, no point now. He got the radio. "Erwin, careful, there trying o flank you!"

"We know!" said Erwin.

Both of them now engaged in duels. The Sherman now moved away from the white flagged tank and began to move. The Pershing began to pursue, "Miho what's your status?"

"We are pursuing the enemy flag tank, report?" said Miho.

"We took out one Sherman, battling two right now. The Firefly and the commander Sherman is headed your way," reported Ryan.

"What about the rest of the enemy tanks?" asked Miho.

"No clue, they were not here," said Ryan. "Keep trying the enemy flag tank, soon as we are done here will catch up."

"Okay just hurry," said Miho. They continued the pursuit.

Audience…

One the Type 10 Main battle tank, Ami was observing was greatly entertained by the turn of events. "This is a new one. I've never seen a game of tag like this," said Ami.

"Certainly is, hope Hippo and Orca can finish of their opponents quick, Miho going to need all the help she can get," said Allen.

"How do you think Rabbit team us performing?" asked Ami.

"I admit, they've done well so far, don't tell them this, they all remind me of my five younger sisters. I know I can be rough on them, but seeing the result they make me proud," said Allen. "By the ways, still up for dinner after the match?"

"Of course, I know a good place, how about some coffee afterwards," said Ami.

"Are you suggesting what I…" began Allen.

SLAP!

"Ouch!" said Allen rubbing the back of his head, "ok I probably deserve that."

"Just coffee," said Ami. 'Perhaps someday Allen,' she thought inwardly blushing.

Battlefield…

Back with Ryan, he was still pursuing the enemy Sherman, it was zig zagging in the woods shooting with its turret backwards. "FIRE!"

Once more Emma missed, "come on Em, I thought you were a good shot, you can shoot deer from a mile" said Ryan.

"Yea, but deer aren't smart enough to run a zig zag pattern, just get them to slow down or stop for just a mere second," said Emma.

"What about the trees," said Jimmy.

"Come again?" wondered Ryan.

"He means shoot a tree down to get the tank to stop," said Archie.

"Then I'll reload at my fastest," said Bram.

"Alright then, aim for that tree to their left ahead of them, Jim, give a second of a stop for Emma to aim," said Ryan.

"Roger that," said Jim.

The Pershing came to a stop, "NOW!"

Emma fired and hit the tree bringing it down forcing the Sherman to slow down. IT then attempted to turn. Bram reloaded faster than he had before giving Emma a second shot. She fired once more this time hitting its rear armor flagging it.

"Whoo," said Jim.

"No time to celebrate, Hippo team needs out help," said Ryan.

Hippo team was having trouble, they kept reversing to the left to prevent the Sherman from flanking them, they could not even shoot back.

"This is getting ridiculous," said Caesar.

"We're sitting ducks," said Erwin. Then suddenly the Sherman got shot in it's tracks stopping it.

It caught Hippo team by surprise, "Hippo team how about some payback," said Ryan.

Erwin and Caesar smiled, then they fired taking out their Sherman after it tried to shoot the Pershing in desperation.

"Thanks for the help," said Erwin.

"No problem, let's go meet up with Miho," said Ryan.

Both of them began to move towards Miho's position, "Miho, we finished off two Sherman's we are on our way to rendezvous with you, what's your status?"

"We are chasing the flag tank, but no luck… Ryan get here quick the enemy is now behind us," said Miho.

"On the way just hang in there," said Ryan.

Miho still relentlessly pursued the enemy flag tank, little did they know the enemy would be behind them. "We're closing in on our target, in sixty seconds, we'll resume our attack. All tanks can fire at will. There's a slope forward, use that as a shortcut to close in our target," said Miho to the team.

"Already on it," said Mako.

The 38T meanwhile was falling behind the group. "Yuzu, don't fall behind," said Momo.

"I'm aware, Momo-chan," said Yuzu.

"Keep up the good work," said Anzu eating sweet potatoes sticks.

As they were closing in on their target a big boom could be heard. "A Firefly. That was a 17 pounder," said Yukari.

"That was loud," said Saori. Miho and Yukari looked out of their tanks to see a Sherman and Firefly, though they still wondered where the other tanks were. "Only two of them?" wondered Miho.

"There about five thousand meters out," said Yukari.

"The Firefly only has an effective range of three thousand meters, we're still safe," said Miho.

"Duck team, Rabbit team protect the flag tank," said Miho. The Lee and Type-89 moved behind the flag tank and pointed their guns to the rear.

"Saori, text Ryan where are the other tanks," ordered Miho.

Saori texted Archie and a reply came in seconds later, "they say no idea," said Saori.

The enemy flag tank was also firing at them giving payback for being chased earlier.

"We are not running this time," declared Azusa.

"Fire!" said Noriko. However they did not hit anything when they came under fire and got taken out. On top of that they were on the move being fired in the back and front.

Miho concerned for the Duck's. "Duck Team, anyone hurt over there?"

"We're fine!" they replied as well as handling a fire with an extinguisher.

"Sorry, but we're out of commission!" said Noriko.

"Rabbit team do what you can to protect the flag tank!" ordered Miho.

"Hai!" said Azusa.

The pursuit continued onward, the Firefly came over a hill coming down hard, Naomi fully confident. She then turned the turret to aim for the rabbit team. Then a round was fired hitting Kay's Sherman flag her. "Darn," said Kay.

Then another gun was fired and took our the Firefly. Naomi could only crack a small grin impressed by the shot.

"Whoo, that was close, eh Miho," said Ryan.

"Right on time," said Erwin.

"Orca team, Hippo team," said Miho happy to see them.

"Let's finish this match Miho.

Miho then looked to the front and noticed a hill, it gave her an idea, "Orca team, Rabbit Team, Hippo team continue to pursue the flag tank. Turtle team stay behind them. We are going to take a the hill to the right," said Miho.

"Hai!" said Erwin and Azusa.

"Roger," said Ryan.

It took about of minute for Hippo and Orca to catch up but eventually the Pershing, Lee, and III with the 38T behind them kept on the pressure.

Alisa now in panicked once again told her driver to drive like crazy and were calling the remaining Shermans to her location.

However it would come too late as the IV finally got in position on a hill and fired at the flag tank. Smoke filled the air as all the Ooarai tanks stopped to wait for the smoke to clear. The audience also awaiting for the results of the match.

The smoke finally cleared and a white flag was shown.

"The Saunder's Flag tank is out, Ooarai Wins!" said the announcer.

The entire crowd and Ooarai team went into a roar of cheers.

"Nice job team," said Ryan as they all got out of their tank.

"What a match," said Bram.

"I could go for a hamburger," said Jim.

"Tea is all I need," said Archie.

"Miho!" said Emma running towards her as her team got out of the tank.

Miho seeing her coming put her hands up gesturing to slow down, "Eh Emma!" but it was too late as Emma made a flying hug. "That was fun!"

"Emma, maybe you should let go of the commander now," said Hana.

"Oh ok," said Emma letting Miho breath.

"We won because of you Miho," said Hana.

"Thank you Hana," said Miho.

"She right you know, look around you Miho," said Ryan coming up to them with the rest of Orca.

"Hey!" yelled the rest of the team.

"We won!"

"Nice attack!"

"Yay!"

Anzu on top of the 38T gave a v for victory.

Off Field…

After the match was over all the team commanders took a bow. The audience gave an applause.

"What applause!" said Hana.

"We won!" said Saori.

"I can't believe we beat Shermans," said Yukari.

"Well done Miho," said Ryan giving her hug catch her by surprise.

Saori was watching it and could not help but feel a bit of envy.

Hana and Mako were the only ones who took notice.

"Are you the captain?" asked Kay coming up. Ryan let go of Miho.

"U-um. Yes," answered Miho.

Kay gave a smile and hugged Miho, "Exciting! I'd never thought I'd be able to have a match like this!" Then let go of Miho and gave her attention to Ryan, "and you were awesome for the first boy in Sensha-do!" she suddenly gave Ryan a hug catching him by surprise and make him blush a bit.

"Um?" said Miho.

"By the ways?" asked Ryan as Kay let go.

"What is it?" asked Kay.

"Why did you come after us with five tanks?" asked Miho.

"I match our numbers to the number of tanks you had," explained Kay.

"Why?" asked Miho.

"Because that's Sensha-do. This isn't war. The tanks would be sad if we forgot about that," said Kay. "Sorry for doing something stupid listening in on you guys," said Kay.

"No, we would have lost if you had come at us in full force," said Miho.

"Not sure, that ambush almost got us completely if not for the choice of sound," said Kay.

"Told you that would not work," said Mako to Jim.

"Ah fine," said Jimmy admitting defeat.

"Today the victory is yours," said Kay holding her hand out.

Miho a bit shy took her hand, "U-um, thank you!" as she shook it.

"By the ways Ryan," said Kay, "have you come to decision?"

"Um, not sure yet, though I am interested," said Ryan.

"In that case, could you tell us about some free lancers?" asked Kay with a wink making Saori a bit more jealous.

"Free lancers?" asked Miho.

"Pilots who don't have a team, basically mercenaries, but they live a tough life style," said Ryan. "Yea I can."

No sooner Kay grabbed Ryan's hand and pulled him along, "Ok! But first I got something to take care of,!" said Kay referring to Alisa.

"Hey I'm coming along too," said Jimmy.

"I got to go to the bathroom!" said Bram leaving.

"I'll go help with the tanks," said Archie.

"Let's get something to eat, come on Miho!" said Emma.

"You go on ahead Emma, we'll catch up" said Miho.

"Ok!" said Emma running off into the fairgrounds.

From a distance, two Kuromorimine girls were watching the scene unfold. "Look at them all naïve," said Erika.

Maho watched, while Miho did win, still frolicking with boys, blasphemy she thought. What was this pilot to Miho, a boyfriend perhaps. Still his younger sister was impressive only missing once the whole match, she had talent, and that shot in midair still shook her.

Saunder's Field Garage…

After Alisa got a stern talking too by Kay they were seated at a picnic table. Alisa had a laptop out with Kay and Ryan next to her. Jimmy sat next to Naomi across from them.

Alisa was going through a list of Freelancers, "what about this squad?" asked Alisa. Ryan looked at them, "not them, Dagger Squad are known to be rough, dishonorable, and possibly rumors of them sabotaging opposing teams. They will bring nothing but shame to your school."

"Sounds like you have a grudge," said Kay.

"What's it about?" asked Jimmy.

"About a year ago a small school called James High made a name for themselves by hiring them, because of them they made it to the finals. Their commander was a decent guy, but the commander of Dagger Spike Cooper took advantage of them. On their wind many people got hurt," said Ryan.

"So what happened to them?" asked Naomi.

"We fought them in the first round, when they wing cut one of my teammates. I was furious and then I ended them in one attack run when I saw all five of them down by coming above them at their 9'o'clock," said Ryan. "After that I confronted Spike on his brutal style of play, real asshole. Got into a fistfight knocked him to the ground, it was going to turn into an all-out brawl, however my Dad intervened and stopped it. He saw too it they were banned for a half a year."

With whistle, "Wow talk about conflict," said Jim.

"I'll say, you gave them what they deserved," said Naomi.

"Thanks, we won't hire them," said Kay.

"You have any suggestions who to hire?" asked Alisa.

"Hm, how about Shamrock squad, they leader O'Rorick is a good guy, fought with him once," suggested Ryan.

Alisa looked up the squad, "not bad," said Alisa.

Kay looked at the screen, "ok let's hire them."

"Alright what do you all have in inventory?" asked Ryan.

Fairgrounds…

The sun was going down, Emma got some nachos and was skipping happily through the fairgrounds. Stands and trucks were packing up to leave. The match today got her excited, she could not wait for the next one. Then up ahead she saw two girls standing their glaring at her, by the uniforms they were form Kuromorimine. It was not Maho, these two made her nervous. She tried to turn around to go around them, but behind her were two more.

Emma was shaking, by herself, "what do you want!" she called out to them.

"You," one of them said.

Emma dropped her food and began to run down between some trucks, then she hit a dead end, blocked by another truck. She looked back and saw the girls coming for her, one of them cracking their knuckles.

Shiho's Office…

Shiho was in her office finishing up some paper work, before she wanted to leave, she logged to check the match today with her daughter Miho. She had heard she was participating with those blasphemous boys. Has she fallen so far, it made her boil. However after she watched the match, out of curiosity she looked up the crew of the Orca team, of course it was the damned boys in their holy sport. However with two fingers on he chin she looked at the gunner who greatly interested her. She saw the last name that struck something, "Tsuneo, I did not know you had another daughter," she said. She looked at his son, "hm a brother and sister."

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I hope the next few chapters will be interesting, looking forward to all comments and PMs.

-Peace-