Author's note

Okay...Soooo I will come out and admit that I am insanely late with this chapter...No real particular reason but I just procrastinated really really badly. Yeah...sorry about that and thank you for waiting. But this is part due to me believing that I should never force myself to write if I don't want to because I may come out with something of low quality, or if my story is already low quality...lower quality. So yeah...that's my attempt at defending my laziness...so yay? I know it's an annoying habit, especially to you guys who are following the story...there's still people following this right? Anyways I'll try to kick the habit.

Maho: I was only gone for a while and you let this happen.

Me: Hi Maho...eheheh...when did you get back?

Maho: Just. And I am disappointed by how sloppy you are at this moment.

*Maho digs through her bag

Me: What are you looking for?

Maho: My Luger. Clearly you need some motivation.

Me: ...I'll start working on the next chapter now.

Chapter 15

Maho is not sure when, but she felt herself floating in an empty void. She cannot even feel her own body. She did not know why is she there or remember how did she get there. All that she can recall was that she was having a very enjoyable and exciting match and that it was neck and neck before her world went dark. Before she can start to panic, she could feel the existence of her physical body. Her extremities first then her torso and abdomen. Her senses were still fuzzy but she is able to feel the unmistakable soft sensation of a mattress beneath her. The soothing fabric and soft mattress stuffings underneath the fabric somehow made her feel at ease.

At least I know I am not in any danger.

As Maho relaxed, she is able to feel her senses improve. The first she felt was the constant pressure of a pair of hands squeezing her right hand. It is a firm squeeze but Maho felt only comfort in it. The second thing she noticed is her eyesight. There was a blinding white ray of light piercing through the void she was in, causing her eyelids to twitch uncomfortably as she found out that her eyelids were there and opened them. Her vision was blurry, but she could make out the faint outline of a person to her right looking at her for a second. As her vision went from low resolution to high definition, the person in front of her shifted in a decisive manner. That is when she noticed her hearing. At first it was as if she was underwater. But as time goes on she could make out specific sounds.

"-wake! Quickly! Get the doctor!" The figure spoke in a familiar voice that sounded panicked and relief. Maho can't help but feel that she knew the person. She gave a small frown as she tries to remember the figure's name. It was on the tip of her tongue.

Is that Erika? Why does she looked worried? Did something happen? Did someone got injured during the match?

Maho made an effort to move her arms so that she can prop herself up. If her vice-commander is that worried about something, then she as commander should at least know what is going on and help move things along. As she did that, she noticed her tank crew at one end of the room. Her driver, Narumi rushing for the door as her gunner Reika came forward. With Reika on Maho's left and Erika on the right, the two of them stopped Maho from getting up. That is when Maho noticed that all five girls in the room had tears in their eyes.

"It's alright Maho. Everything's fine. Just lie down and rest. The doctor's on the way." Erika said in an unsteady voice.

It didn't take long for a doctor to come in with a nurse on tow. With everyone ushered out of the room, the pair did some medical examination to determine Maho's condition. Mid-way through the examination, Maho's mother came into the room. There was an initial effort to have her wait outside but that was quickly left to the wayside after the doctor attempting that got asked to continue with his work with a very cold and stern tone.

"Your daughter is showing small signs of a mild concussion." The doctor concluded after completing his examinations. "I would like to keep her here for observation over the next two days. It's nothing serious so there is no need to be alarmed. In the meantime, she needs plenty of bedrest for her brain to recover so keep visitations to the minimum."

Shiho nodded silently in response as the doctor continued to brief her on her daughter's condition. Maho noted her mother's stoic facial expression was even harder and colder than usual. But occasionally, she could have swore that she saw her mother's eyes being wet. Is her mother actually on the verge of tears? Is her mother actually having her emotions that close to the surface? This is a surprising revelation for Maho as she has never seen her mother wear her emotions as such. Maybe it was the dull headache speaking. Afterall, her mother did not so much as flinch even when Miho dove into the rushing river to save her teammates. Yes. It is probably the headache playing with her head.

I really need some rest.

Before Maho could catch up with the events in the room, the doctor had already finished his explanation and had vacated the room with the nurse. An awkward silence fell upon the room as soon as the door was closed shut. The elder Nishizumi stood between the hospital bed and the door with her back facing her daughter and her arms crossed. On the hospital bed, Maho who was now propped up with the aid of the hospital bed, first looked at her mother then at her toes like a guilty child. It was then that fragments of the match came back to her. Parts where she had used a different tactic than the one she was taught. Her own tactic.

Ah...I didn't even mention it to mother. She must be furious about that. I should start with an apology.

"I-I am sorry mother. I didn't-" Maho started but was cut short by the lightning fast approach of her mother. Instinctively, Maho tensed and shut her eyes as she awaits her physical reprisal. Though her mother had never raised a hand against her or her sister, the speed which the elder Nishizumi moved had caused Maho to assumed the worst. Instead of a stinging right cheek, Maho felt a pair of arms around her and her face smothered in fabric and hair that smelled familiar. Opening her eyes, Maho found herself being hugged by her mother. "M-Mother?"

"Thank god you're safe. I was worried sick." Shiho said as her voice begin to break and her body begin to shiver.

"I am sorry mother. I am sorry I worried you." Maho said after a moment of confusion. She hugged back her mother as memories of a shell hitting the side of the turret came back to her. She recalled how she banged her head against something hard and how vulnerable and scared she felt when she found herself unable to move from her seat when someone yelled to evacuate the tank. Maho hugged her mother harder as the both of them started to cry. "I am okay mother...I am okay...I am sorry I worried you."

It took them awhile, but they eventually calmed down enough for the two of them to recollect themselves. Shiho excused herself to the toilet to fix her makeup, after a crying mess like that, it was no longer presentable, and Maho was left on her bed. Maho knows that her mother love both her and her sister but it was a real surprise to see her mother show her that much raw and vulnerable emotion. Perhaps she just wasn't observant enough to see that side of her mother. That sort of thing is more of Miho's forte than hers so Maho did not put much thought into it.

That's right. There was that time Miho went to save that Panzer 3 team. Was mother also like this then? If that is the case then what was that whole thing about disowning Miho?

Outside the room, Erika stood beside its door with her arms crossed and tapped her right index finger impatiently. To her left, Maho's tank crew also showed signs of impatience. It has been over ten minutes since the doctor and nurse left the room but they had not been given permission to enter the room yet. To make matters worse, the room has been awfully quiet. And considering how Mrs Nishizumi looked when she entered, it did not bode well for their commander and the rest of the team. After all, they had effectively mutinied against the traditional Nishizumi style and followed suit with Maho's new style. Everyone knows that they were playing with fire in an enclosed storage space with gasoline spilled everywhere while gunpowder and high explosive shell crates littered the space haphazardly when they followed their commander. It is very possible that at this very moment, behind that cold heavy hospital door, their commander is receiving a verbal lashing from Mrs Nishizumi and the fate of all those involved in the match is being decided.

"You have some visitors outside. I will ask them to come by on a later date." Shiho said to her daughter in her usual business like tone after filling in her daughter on what happened after she was knocked out. "You just rest."

"Ah...If it is just for a while I think it is fine." Maho said. "Also…"

"Is something on your mind Maho?" Shiho asked now turning to Maho to give her daughter her full attention.

"About the match this morning…" Maho started hesitantly. "The way I conducted the battle…"

"You don't need to explain yourself at this time." Shiho said holding up her hand to stop her daughter. "I believe you want to discuss that with me after the conclusion of this morning's match. But as things as they are now, I believe it is better if we discuss it at a more favourable time." Shiho suggested after she raised her hand to stop her daughter. She then headed for the door. "For now I will allow a short visit only."

Erika and Maho's tank crew tensed as the heavy hospital door opened slowly and their instructor came out with her usual stern facial expression. After a short explanation on their commander's condition, and they are allowed to enter the room. Upon entering, Maho tank crew lined up shoulder to shoulder in front of her and her mother and immediately gave both Nishizumi a ninety degrees bow.

"We apologise for leaving the commander in the tank and we ask for your forgiveness!" All four girls said in unison. Maho, still slow on current event and possibly unsure of what to do, turned to her mother for help.

"As far as I am concern, the four of you conducted yourselves accordingly during the emergency. You have been taught to quickly exit the tank and gather for a head count while you wait for help to arrive. To that extent you have performed your roles in a manner that is befitting of a Kuromorimine student." The head of the Nishizumi style explained. "In addition to that the four of you were calm enough to ask for help when you notice you are a person short is commendable."

"B-But Mrs Nishizumi...We did end up leaving Commander Nishizumi in the tank...A-As crew members we should be responsible for each other's safety...We should have done more!" Narumi argued.

"I understand how you feel. Being in Senshado for so long, I have my fair share of emergencies. Trust me, not as your instructor but as a fellow Senshado practitioner, you have done all that you can and all that you have been taught to do in these situations. There is no need feel guilt over it. If anything is at fault it is the emergency procedures that the Federation put in place." Shiho reiterated. She then straighten out her already straight posture and gave a bow at the four girls before her. "Now, as a mother, allow me to express my gratitude for doing all you can for my daughter. Thank you for taking care of my daughter."

"Mrs Nishizumi please raise your head! We didn't do anything-"

"Narumi please." Maho interjected. "It is as my mother said. You have done to the best of your ability. For that I am grateful for what all of you have done. Sorry for the trouble I have caused and thank you."

Narumi opened her mouth to argue but is unable to say anything. Their points were solid. There was indeed nothing that could have been done within that short time frame other than to ask for help. Indeed that is what they were taught to do after all. And they were told that the procedures in place were tried and tested after a long process of development. Perhaps it is as the elder Nishizumi said. Perhaps it is the procedures that are lacking. If that is the case, perhaps they should have ignore the rules and improvise? But then again that would be more dangerous in its own right.

"There you have it. If Mrs Nishizumi and the commander said it then it must be true right? Like what I said before no one is at fault." Erika added earning a silent nod from the other four girls. Just as the elephant in the room is addressed, another came in the form of a knock on the door.

A few minutes earlier~~~

"Say Keiji. If you die later, can I get your hard disk?" Satou asked me jokingly as the two of us walked down the hospital's hallway. "You know the one with all that content that people watch in private for their personal entertainment. Those that preferably not found out by family or loved one."

"You can have that once you've dumped my desktop in water and smash it with a hammer." I replied in an equally joking tone. But that was short lived as my mood quickly changed back to one of concern and nervousness. "You think she's going to be okay right? I mean the doctor said it was a mild concussion so it shouldn't be anything serious right? And I did drag her out of the tank so it should be a plus point when I meet her and her mother right? At most I would just get out with jail time right?"

"It still amaze me how you can be calm and collected in other things but when it comes to human interactions like this you really shit the bed. What you're planning to do is just ridiculous." Satou muttered just loud enough for me to hear part of it. "Still, are you sure you want me to help you with that?"

"What I am going to do requires someone close to me to help out so it's fine." I explained as the two of us reached our destination. "That's what I am told by my father anyways."

Though the two of us are still in our match attire, the school's physical exercise shirt and track pants as we lack any fundings for shiny uniforms, Satou and I tried our best to make ourselves presentable. Once satisfied that we look less messy, I gave the hospital door a firm knock. The two of us waited what felt like an eternity, at least to me, for a response. At this point, my aim is to apologise for what has transpired during the match. Of course everyone would say that it was an accident so there is no one at fault and therefore I have no need to apologise. But the fact is that I asked for the shot that led to Maho smashing face first onto the commander's cupola and result in a very hot shell in her Tiger. No matter how I looked at it, the chain of events started with me.

With that in mind, I can only imagine the consequences of my action. Cold or not, Nishizumi Shiho is still Maho's mother. And like any mother, she would be furious at the cause of harm towards her daughter. And being the one that got Maho out of the Tiger or not, I am the source of Maho's harm. And base on my experience of a mother's fury, namely my own mother's anger directed at others, I can conclude with all the confidence in the world that I am probably not coming out of this in one piece.

Since it has come to this. I will have to use that. My only hope for a light punishment. Passed down from one generation to another within the Shinamura household, it has protected the Shinamura family for countless generations. Even my father still use it till this day. It is the pride of my family.

"Come in." Came the response from the other side of the door. Bracing myself for whatever fate has lined up for me, I pulled the door open.

I will put my family's pride to the test! It has never fail before and it will not fail now! My forefathers! Watch as I perform it for the first time in my life!

Back in the room~~~

The door swung outwards to reveal Keiji standing at attention. Taking two steps to gain momentum, he launched himself six feet into the air with his arms spread wide open like an eagle. At the apex of his leap, Keiji performed a somersault in mid-air before pulling his knees up to his chest and arms to his head to assume the prostrate position just as he lands a good twelve feet from Maho's bed with a solid thump. He then skidded forward with a hair raising screech for another two feet due to momentum before stopping exactly ten feet from Maho's bed.

"I am terribly sorry for what happened! Please accept this humble apology! The fault is with me and me alone! Please do not blame my crew! If it is not to your satisfaction please reprimand me as you see fit!" I yelled out my apology as loudly as I can. After a second of silence, I looked up at Maho and her mother to gauge their reaction so that I can decide on the next course of action. The first thing I saw is the stone cold expressionless face of Nishizumi Shiho.

Dear God and Satan! She looks like going to skin me and kill me and hang up my corpse in the public as a warning!

Hoping that maybe Maho's condition is not as bad as I thought, so that I can use that to plea for mercy, my eyes switch to looking at Maho. Coincidentally that is when the bandaid on the left side of Maho's forehead decided that it is a good time fall off. And that is when I notice the ginormous stitches on the left side of Maho's forehead that starts from the middle of her left eyebrow and went up to her forehead for about half an inch.

Sweet Mother and Baby Jesus! What the hell did they do to her!? It's so big that I can see it can see it from space! There's no way I am getting out of this in one piece! I guess I have to proceed to second stage! Forefathers! Watch over your descendant!

"Satou!"

"Yes!" Satou replied as he took one giant step to stand underneath the door frame and directly behind me to unveil the katana he was carrying with him. With the skill and precision of an Olympic javelin thrower, he threw the sword to the spot right above my head. With equal skill and precision, I raised my right arm just in time and caught the sheathed blade. Then, in a swift and fluid motion, I spun the sword around and the sheath is send flying back at Satou who promptly caught it.

"I understand what I did warrant a severe punishment! To that extent I offer you this sword for you to exact that punishment! Please feel free to hack and slash to your heart's content! I only humbly ask you to spare this unworthy life of mine!" I said presenting the sword with both my hands after I got into the seiza-style sitting position. In the dead silence, I was able to hear someone in front of me clearing her throat as another tried to muffle a giggle.

"Before anything else, please put away your sword and calm down." The elder Nishizumi said in an unnervingly neutral tone. As I got up to comply with her instruction, I noticed that there were a few eyes that were looking at me with bewilderment. "If I understand correctly, it was the shell fire from your tank that caused all this."

"Yes. I needed Maho to focus on my tank so I gave the order to fire that shot." I explained standing at attention as the hair at the back of my neck stood up at the few set of eyes that I presume were glaring intensely at my back.

"So there was no malicious intent behind it?"

Here it comes! Judgement day! Dear ancestors who are watching over me from the heavens, please save me!

"No ma'am." I answered as if an army cadet answering a drill sergeant. Mrs Nishizumi nodded in acknowledgement and stared at me for a moment.

"As far as I am concern, you are truthful with your answers and that there are no fault by you or your crew." Mrs Nishizumi concluded. "It was an honest accident so there is no need for an apology."

"Eh? Really? Are you sure?" I asked in disbelief. "I mean that is good and all but your daughter was very close to being blown up because I asked for the shot that simultaneously knock her out and the HE shell out of the loader's hand." I blurted out without thinking.

"You don't have to put it in such detail." Maho commented while she is trying to ease her pulsing head while her mother just stared at me. "All I had was a minor concussion."

She's going to kill me then eat me then kill me again!

"As I said before, it is fine so you can rest easy." Mrs Nishizumi repeated herself in slightly annoyed tone.

"This is some sort of trap to get my hopes-"

SMACK!

"Yes. Sorry for his behaviour. Despite how Keiji carries himself, he is a shy person due to some personal reason and has only recently begun to interact with others normally. Besides that, I believe he has few friends of the opposite gender and that he consider Miss Nishizumi a close friend. This led to his present state of mind." Satou explained from behind me. He then gave my head another smack with the rolled up magazine in his hand as I turned around to look at him. "Keiji, come back here. Focus."

"Uh...yeah. Satou where was I?" I asked coming back to my senses.

"Mrs Nishizumi has concluded that it was just a series of accident and that you are not at fault or harbour any intent to harm her daughter." Satou answered.

"Oh. I see." I responded and turned back to face Maho's mother and bowed my head. "Mrs Nishizumi, I thank you for being so open minded on the matter and your willingness to overlook the matter."

"That fine. I have another question to ask but first could you get on your feet?" Maho's mother asked to which I complied. She then close the distance between us and stare at me intently.

"Y-Yes ma'am. What might that question be?" I asked in an uncomfortable tone as Mrs Nishizumi's face is just inches away from mine.

"Are you somehow related to Shinamura Takagi?"

A million things went through my head upon hearing my mother's name. How did she know that name? Does she knows my mother? How did she knows that we are related? And more importantly, what do she thinks of my mother?

I was about to answer when I heard some commotion outside the room. From what I can make of it, it sounded like a nurse is trying to stop someone from proceeding further into the hospital. It grew louder and louder until it is in front of Maho's room. The nurse's desperate attempt grew louder until the door to Maho's room is violently swing open for a second time. This time due to a kick. Upon looking at the kicker, I can imagine my face grew pale as I felt the blood in my veins went icy cold and drain from my face. I was hoping it would not come to this but the powers up above have a different plan in mind. And she still have her face paint on,

"Yes Mrs Nishizumi. I know her. She is actually my mother." I answered in a resigned tone as the lady in question rushed up to me and gave me a hug.

"Oh Keiji thank god you're fine! When I saw the red flares I feared the worst!" My mother said with relief plain as day in her voice.

"Yes mom. I am fine. You should at least know that it was a Kuromorimine tank that had the emergency and not mine." I said in a monotonous tone of voice.

"I know that!" but I also know that I taught you to help out and you would!"

"So, did I do good?" I asked for my mother's approval.

"Of course you did! I am the one who taught you afterall." my mother reminded me, not that there is a need to, as she lets go of me and puff out her chest with pride.

"Miss, I am sorry but you can't just barge in like this! I am sorry but I have to ask you to leave." The nurse that most likely have been chasing my mother since she has gotten into the hospital said as a pair of security guard joined her.

In a very calm manner, my mother turned her head to look at the nurse and guards and smile. Though it looked like any generic, gentle smile, everyone in the room can feel the aura of hostility and blood lust oozing out from her. It was so potent that I noticed that even Maho and her crew unconsciously straighten their sitting or standing posture. As for the recepient of said smile, none of the three of them dared to move. It was as if Medusa herself turned them to stone. Mustering all the courage left in her, the nurse bravely forge ahead.

"I-I am sorry miss. But-"

"Sorry darling, but you are disturbing everyone here. So if you and your friends could leave, that would be doing me a favour." My mother cut in, still smiling her scary smile while she tilts her head to one side. "I really recommend the three of you leaving now if you want to walk out of here."

At that moment, the nurse's knees shook and gave way, causing her to collapse onto the ground in a sitting position. Her eyes gave off the thousand yard stare as her mouth is left half open never to finish her sentence. The two guards with her, while frightened beyond comprehension, still retain a small enough degree of sense and decided to make a hasty exit with the now catatonic nurse after a quick apology. Satisfied that there will be no others to interrupt, my mother, gently closed the door behind them.

"My~Some people are just terrible aren't they?" my mother asked to on one in particular with her left hand on her left cheek to feign being troubled.

There's so much to comment on but where do I start.

"Yeah. So Maho had a mild concussion and her mother is writing it off as an accident." I explained. "With that said, mom, this is Mrs Nishi-"

"Oh! Shiporin! How are you?" My mother greeted Mrs Nishizumi by rushing over and hudding the lady in question. "It's been ages! I miss you so much!"

"Uh...Yes. It is good to see you too. Can you stop hugging me?" Mrs Nishizumi said while trying to push my very clingy mother away.

"Wait...the two of you know each other?" I asked in a shock tone.

"Of course we do! Keiji, its Aunty Shi! You've been to her house and played with Maho a few times when you were younger. Don't you remember?" My mother asked me before turning to Maho. "Maho, you should remember playing with Keiji right? The two of you would play by the fish pond and the rock garden at Maho's house.

"Now that you mentioned it, I vaguely remember following a girls around a rock garden. What was her name again? Hm..."

"I think I recall looking at the koi fish with a boy. If I am not mistaken, his name was…"

"Hang on, you're Ma-chan?"

"You're Kei-kun?"

Me and Maho asked each other in disbelief.

"My~Imagine that~" My mother said blissfully. "The two of you actually unknowingly became friends again after all this years. I believe there's a lot of catching up to do so if you will us, we will be giving both of you some privacy by being outside~ SO take a sit and take all the time in the world~" My mother announced as she pushed Maho's still frightened crew and Erika, Satou and Mrs Nishizumi, who are all used to my mother's character, out of the room. There were questions I needed to ask. Like why did she not drop this bombshell before the match but I decided that I am not going to get any explanation from my mother at this time. Instead I have more pressing matters at hand.

"Yeah...So...Uh...Asking how have you been is probably redundant huh?" I asked as I awkwardly sat on a chair next to Maho's bed.

"It probably is." Maho answered as the two of us avoided eye contact. "So is there any news about the match? Is there going to be a rematch?"

"It's not official yet. But there was rumour going around about a rematch in a week." I said glad at the change of topic. "I am sorry you ended up hit in the head."

"It happens." Maho shrugged off. "I heard from my mother that you went in to get me out of the Tiger. Thank you."

"Don't mention it. It was my mess after all." I said relaxing my stiff posture a bit. "Are you doing okay?"

"Manageable I guess. The doctor said that I should stay in the hospital for two days and get plenty of rest since I have a headache."

"I see-"

"Ehhhhhh! No way!" My mother exclaimed from outside the room. It was out of the blue and so sudden that it startled Maho and I. What was truly amazing is that it was heard through the hospital's thick doors that was designed to lessen outside noise so that the patient could rest quietly. Then the door swung open again and the offending party, my mother, just smile at the two of us as she came in and on the television that was in the room and switch to a specific channel and left without a word.

At first I was confused by her action but upon seeing the television I was able to put two and two together. The channel is a news channel and the newscaster is talking about the match that went down this morning. In any normal situation, I would think nothing of it. But this is anything but normal. The background picture that was chosen to be shown while the newscaster did his thing is an image of me princess carrying Maho. The act in itself was embarrassing enough but to relive it via a picture while you are sitting beside the person you carry is, im my book, even worse. Sneaking a peak at Maho, whose face is now bright red, it is probably also something she is not excited to do.

"S-So that is how you carried me off the Tiger." Maho said trying to avoid the atmosphere from getting more awkward.

"Yeah...heh…" I responded still not daring to directly look at Maho. "It was either that or the fireman carry. And the second one is more crude in my opinion and I don't think my mom or yours would appreciate me doing that."

"I think you are right on that." Maho agreed as I took the initiative to off the television.

"I think you should get some rest for now. I'll visit you sometime later when you're feeling better." I suggested seeing Maho is still trying to nurse her headache. "Since it would be Sunday then I can give you a tour of the city if you're up for it. Think of it as my way of making up for what happened to you this morning."

"I rather think of it as a way to thank my valiant hero who so courageously save me." Maho teased and giggled as I rolled my eyes in response. Then she seemed to thought of something and looked at me curiously. "That reminds me, when is this Drag Dance of yours? You mentioned that you would be doing it while docked here."

"Oh yeah. That." I responded regrettably. "The city will be holding it on Sunday night. I can take you there. You should ask your friends to come along as well."

With an agreement on Sunday's plan, I left the hospital with Satou in tow. In the following two days, my time was spent between fixing and tuning up our tanks, hospital visits and practicing for a performance.

The fixing and tuning of tanks were fairly straight forward with more attention being given to tanks that were knocked out. The hospital visit, as expected, earned me never ending teasing from not just my tank crew but my whole Senshado team. The only silver lining is that my mother is allowing me to visit Maho in peace and not doing anything to push me as a potential husband. She is probably occupied with Maho's mother but I decide not to give that much thought and just savor the peace my mother had granted me. The visits, two in total, were rather enjoyable. Aside from how is Maho going to talk with her mother on the future of the Nishizumi style and the thing regarding her sister almost getting disowned, Maho and I just spent our time on idle conversations. Considering how busy the two of us are on a normal basis, this is a nice change of pace.

But regardless of the two activities stated before, preparing for the Drag Dance is probably one of the more painful experience in my life. And I can say, without a single ounce of doubt, that the rest of my team felt exactly the same. It is a form of punishment game that is only practiced by Sparta High. It is a performance that is held only in Fukuoka and it is organised by the students of Sparta High with a little help from the city of Fukuoka. Ask any student in Sparta High and everyone would say that there is a love-hate relationship between the students of Sparta High and Drag Dance. On one hand it is fun to look at as an audience while on the other it is a painful and regretful experience for those unlucky enough to be the performers. The only consolation I can hold onto is that my group would not be the only performers for this Drag Dance.

"So you're done with hospital discharge procedures?" I asked Maho as she joined me at the entrance of the hospital. It is Sunday and Maho's doctor concluded that she has made a full recovery.

"Yeah. My mother was there to help out so things went by quickly."

"If you're not feeling well just let me know." I reminded while unintentionally staring at Maho.

"I'll be fine." Maho said clenching her purse with both her hands tighter. "Can you please stop staring at me? It's embarrassing."

"I am sorry. I just can't get over the fact that you're dressed like that." I said looking away as i gestured at Maho who was dressed in a three quarter sleeve button up light purple blouse with thin horizontal stripes and a matching knee length pleated dress. "I mean you usually worn such dark colours clothes that seeing you like this is-"

"Weird? A terrible fit?" Maho asked sounding a bit disappointed.

"No! Of course not! Trust me you are the opposite of that!" I denied vehemently while shaking my hands. "It's uh….what's the word here...something new...fresh...nice. That's the word! Nice! You look different and nice!"

"I am not sure if this is good coming from a person who just wears a black shirt and jeans but thanks for the compliment." Maho said as her cheek grew pinkish.

With that bit out of the way, the two of us agreed to head out. The first was ,of course, a nearby cafe to wash away the taste of dull hospital food. I then showed Maho various points of interest around the city. Of those, we spent most of our time in a mall first and then a tank shop. The former was so that Maho could get a Boko bear for her sister and the latter is just a safe choice for the both of us as it is a common ground we shared.

As evening came around, we went to our last stop of the day, a big open field with a hastily erected stage and quite a number of loudspeaker. It didn't take long for Maho to find Erika and a few her Senshado mates. Leaving her with them, I went to the backstage to prepare for what is perhaps the most painful ordeal of my life.

"We must never speak of this. Are we all in an agreement?" Satou said with a dark expression on his face. Wordlessly, everyone agreed with him. What is about to happen here would never be mention for as long as any of us live.

"I just can't get over the fact that I feel so exposed in this. How do girls deal with this?" Kyoji asked fiddling with his costume. "This is too short."

"Alright. Enough of that. Everyone has their makeup on?" I asked and glance over all my Senshado mates and nodded to myself. "Let's just get this over with."

"At least you had some fun with your lady friend." Tetsuo jabbed. Soon enough, I became the lightning rod to take all the attention of my team away from our current predicament.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! I am Sagara Taichi the president of Sparta High's Student Council! Welcome to Sparta High's Drag Dance!" Taichi announced on the stage and earning a loud cheer from the gathered audience. "For tonight! The entertainment will be provided by five groups of Sparta High students! As usual their identity will be hidden behind layers makeup while they show off their stuff! Without further delay let's welcome our first group!"

As Taichi got off stage, its light shut off and around twenty silhouettes rushed up to the stage as the audience cheered louder. First timers to the event, mostly Kuromorimine students such as Maho's group, were confused as to the reason for the hype. Besides that, Maho finds it odd as the silhouettes seemed to be wearing very short skirts. This event was done by Sparta High, an all boy school, so there should not be any girls on the stage. Looking around, Maho was able to confirm that her friends were equally confused. Before any of them thought of asking someone what is going on, the stage lights come on as Barbie Girl by Aqua played over the loudspeaker.

At that moment, Maho understood why is Keiji and the rest of his gang were so troubled by it. Though they were wearing such a ridiculous amount of makeup, coupled with tube tops and mini skirts, those on stage at that very moment, without a shadow of a doubt, are students of Sparta High crossdressing poorly. And since Maho and her group are newcomers, hence the privilege of being near the front, Maho is able to recognise that the current group is indeed Keiji and his gang with Keiji front and centre. Unable to control herself, Maho covered her mouth and went into a giggling fit at what was in front of her. Though it is an amusing sight, Maho found it a bit rude to laugh out loud. Erika on the other hand, felt no such thing as she joined countless other audience who were also laughing loudly.

Aside from laughter, there were whistling as well as cheering while some of the newcomers are unsure how to react as those on the stage danced to the music with all the moves one would come to expect from a girl band. Given special attention are moves that highlights one's hip, butt and chest region. Though it is somewhat out of place for Keiji and his group to do what they do, Maho had to admit that they were able to perform it to near perfection. Soon, the song was over and so is the first performance. There was a loud applause for the performers as they bowed bowed and exit the stage. The next four performances were done with different songs but with the same parameters as the first.

"So...that was Drag Dance." Maho stated to me as the two of us met up after it was over. Together with her was whom I believe to be Koume. Nearby was Erika laughing away as she poke fun at a miserable Satou. It was probably her way of getting back at him for what he did to her during our match.

"Yeah. That is the punishment for the losers of bets in our school." I replied sounding dead inside. "Please never speak of this. Ever."

"I am not sure if it is a plus or minus but I saw some student from my school looking at your performance with bliss in their eyes." Koume chimed in with a gentle smile. "I think some has even taken some interest in you crossdressing."

"Please no more. It's painful to hear that I had awaken something in them." I requested exhaustedly as Maho covered her mouth and laughed at my expense.

"But you have to admit that all of you had fun." Maho pointed out.

"Well you're right there. It is a slice of a normal school life." I reluctantly admitted earning a 'really' look from Koume. "Normal for Sparta High. With all that's going on in their lives, I think things like this to give them some semblance of a fun school life would at least allow them to look back at their high school life as something happy."

"You really care for your team." Koume said as she tilted her head and covered her blushing red cheek. "I can see why Maho likes being with you~"

Ending Note

So there we have it. What do you think? Not too bad right? Now I had wanted to do the whole dance thing together with the lyrics but I can't find an agreeable way to do it. Now that I think of it, I think it maybe too dull if it is just a normal dance with the music. So I ended up with just a short bit for that part. If any of you have a way to do that bit please feel free to let me know. Also any input on my writing in general is also welcomed. As for the length of the chapter, I think 7 to 8 thousand is a good number so I think sticking to it is good.

Well, thanks for reading and I will see you guys next time!