This is the second Chapter of the story and please have mercy with me, if you find any grammar mistakes or spelling mistakes. English isn't my native language and I'm still struggeling with the written word.

Flashback:

They had been deployed to Poland since three weeks. Their garrison was near a refugee camp, which was inhabited mostly by Ukrainian Civilians. To prevent any riots, the military patrolled with tanks, APC's and Jeeps. The soldiers were saddened by the view, but they couldn't do any more, than to distribute some rations and clothes. Erik, back then a Lieutenant, looked out of the hatch of the Leopard 2A6. He looked around, looking for anything uncommon. And then he saw her.

"He didn't know her name, but he was talking all the Time about her." Julius told and lit up a cigarette. "You don't mind, aren't you?" He asked. Both girls shook their head they wanted to know, how the story would continue. "Well, after he watched her for two weeks or so he…"

They weren't on duty, but wandering through the camp, because the inhabitants of the camp offered some useful services. For example, some cleaned the clothes of the soldiers for far less, then the regular shop at the base. Julius, Yura and Erik were on patrol, with their black berets on their heads. Isn't that the girl you talk all the time?" Julius asked, pointing to a shack, where a young woman, clad in worn out clothes, was busied, struggling to carry a bucket full of hot water. Erik walked to her and said in English: "Let me help you with that." The girl frightened and the bucket felt down to the ground, spilling the water. She started to scream, when she saw two soldiers followed the officer. She started to cry and tried to run away. Yura grabbed her wrist and said in Ukrainian: "Everything is alright. You don't need to run away." The girl stopped crying and screaming. "No Viysʹkova rozvidka*?" She asked. Yura nodded and explained: "We just looking if everything is alright. But we are thirsty. Do you have some water for us?" The girl nodded and brought them a bottle of water. When Yura asked, how much they had to pay, the girl answered that she doesn't want a payment. Nevertheless the soldiers gave her three packs of cigarettes, the currency on the black market. Erik asked: "What's your name?" She understood that. "She smiled and said: "Natalia."

"So he knew her name. I have to admit, the Captain has a good taste in woman. You look a little bit like her Miss Nishizumi." Julius explained and stubbed out his cigarette. "Erik was amazed by her, she was gorgeous, but he had to overcome many difficulties, the two didn't spoke each other's language. In fact, he felt in love, when he saw her for the first time."

"Who was this?" Her sister asked. "Three soldiers, they wanted something to drink." Natalia said and sat down with a sigh. "Sestra, I'm hungry." A silent voice said. The brwon-haired girl turned and saw her little brother Andrej. She bent down on a knee, wiped some dirt from his face and said: "I will get something to eat now Andrijko." She sent him back to his bed. "From what? Let me remember you, we have nothing" Her sister asked. She took out the cigarettes, which were given to her by the three soldiers. "Where did you get it? Have you sold your body?" "Calm down Katyusha. The soldiers have given me that, everything is fine. Do your chores, I will get some food." She said and left the shack. Natalia smiled a little bit about her sister's accusation. Sometimes she was taxing, but she and Andrej where the last rest of her family. She was walking down the streets towards the grocery store, when she saw that officer again. This time he looked out of a tanks hatch. She could feel his gaze, which was locked on her.

Julius yawned and looked on his wristwatch. "It's late. I will explain the rest of the story later. Goodbye and have a good night." He stood up and guided them to the door, but stopped. "Probably you want to see our evening appeal?" Yukari was excited she always wanted to see that. "Of course we want to see that." Julius nodded and answered: "Alright, but watch where you stand. Erik wouldn't be excited when he sees you." He lead them to the yard before the building and gave them a sheet. "So that you understand what we say." They watched amazed, as the soldiers assembled on the yard in formation. They saw Erik, as he announced the events that were planned for the next day. Then they were all quiet and a single trumpet played a tune, well known to Yukari. "This is the song of the good comrade." She whispered to Miho. After the instrument silenced, the soldiers started to sing the traditional march song "Our armoured division". Then the trumpet was played again. Erik shouted: "Panzer!" The soldiers answered: "Hurra!" They repeated two times.

*Military Intelligence Service

-The next day at Miho's home-

That is impossible! Miho thought. She looked at her alarm clock. She had overslept. The brown-haired girl dressed and ate in few minutes, leaving her house running. She wouldn't be able to make it in time. Miho sighed and accepted her fate, when a Wolf-Jeep stopped next to her. In it, sat Captain Bolter. "Do you need a lift?" He asked, leaning over to the window. Knowing, that she hadn't any choice, the girl nodded and entered the car. The officer started to drive toward the school, when he said: "I want a training match against your team." Miho thought a little bit about it. Why not? We could learn something from it. "Yes, we can do that. What time you want to set that match?" "Today at your training ground, ten tanks per team. Is that acceptable?" She nodded. "There is one more thing I want to ask you." The blond-haired man said. "What is that you want to ask?" Miho demanded to know. "How about we make things a little bit more exciting?" "What do you understand under that?" "How about a little bet. The captain of the winning team gets a favour and can demand everything from the other." Miho thought about it. She could be optimistic to win this match, after all, they had defeated her sisters school in the last finals. "We have a deal. The winner can demand everything he wants from the loser." Erik nodded and parked the car on the parking lot. "So shall it be. Today at 1500. Last man standing" He left for his class and Miho hurried to her, where she arrived just at time.

-Later at the Germans Quarters-

"Attention, everyone gets ready for action! Battlecondition 1! Line up in two minutes." A speaker sounded. Exact two Minutes after that, the German students were assembled on the yard before their quarter. "Gentlemen, today we will have a match against Ooarai. We will fight with ten tanks. I will announce the crews which will go to the battlefield:

Bolter Tiger 520

Heidemann Tiger 565

Hartmann Tiger II 503

Beck Panther 134

Galland Panther 156

Jacobs Panther 182

Tukaczewski StuG IV 928

Kantorek StuG IV 934

Tresckow StuG III 213

Petersen StuG III 274

Be ready at 1430. Dismissed!", the Captain went to his own tank, his beloved Tiger 520.

-The same time at Ooarais tank garages-

"Ok, everyone listen please." Miho said, waving at everyone. "We will have a match against "Stauffenberg". I trust in everyone, that she will do her best. Let us do that!" She cheered.

-At the fighting ground-

The teams lined up in front against each other, as it was common. The Team-Captains and their SIC met each other in the middle between the tanks, where Miho spoke first: "I wish you a good match." "Likewise." The Captain answered and returned to his men.

-Erik's POV-

He climbed inside his tank and took the microphone of the radio and said: "Alright Gentlemen, we will use our superior firepower. I want the Panther section as the bait. Look at the map. We will set our ambush at A12. The Tigers will block the flanks and the StuG's the middle. At the command Kriegsglück Marne the Panthers will feign retreat and lead them to our trap. Comrades, bring your country honour. Panzer vor!" The ancient war machines engines roared and moved to their positions.

-Miho's POV-

She closed the hatch of her tank and said through the radio: "Erwin, please explain our strategy to the girls." Exceptionally, Erwin had done the tactical planning, because Miho thought that in a match against German, the team member with the greatest knowledge about the German way of Warfare should do this. "We are outnumbered, like Rommel in France. So we will do something new. We will concentrate our force and attack their strongest formation which would be the Tigers. But we shouldn't miss any opportunity to gain an advantage. Rabbit, you are the recon-team." "Thank you Erwin. Panzer vor!"

"Captain, enemy spotted. Typ M3 Lee. Looks like a recon unit." Panther 565 informed their commander. "Confirmed. Hold your fire." Erik answered and leaned back in his chair. Yura looked up to him. "Do you think they will take the bait?" The Ukrainian asked. "Of course. I watched records of their match against Pravda. They are too careless, when they see victory. At least, they are school girls." Erik answered.

"Nishizumi-san, we spotted three Panther tanks. What are our orders?" Azusa wanted to know. "Retreat and join the main force. We will attack the Panthers." Miho decided. Rabbit joined the ranks of Ooarai and moved towards the German bait.

"Enemy main force comes closer." "Alright, withdraw fighting and lure them into the trap. Kriegsglück Marne" Erik said tensed. "Let us see, if Nishizumi is as dumb, as I think."

"They retreat, I repeat, they retreat!" Erwin said over the radio. Miho had a bad feeling, but she didn't know why. "What are we supposed to do?" "Follow them and take them out. Hippo Team, Leopon and Duck remain on this position." The team did, as it was ordered.

"Sir, the enemy follows us. Request permission to attack." Julius said over the radio. "No, let them come." Erik said. He was smoking a cigarette, when the Panther passed the StuG-Line. "Prepare to fire!" He shouted into the microphone. Then, five Ooarai-Tanks came into the Germans sight. "Fire at will!" He screamed. Just a few seconds later, shots thundered and tanks were taken out, while the Germans lost a StuG to the Pak of Turtle Team.

"Five down, three to go. Tiger section move out, Panther, provide them cover. I want to win that." Erik said.

In her tank, Miho sat heavy breathing. She had that bad feeling but didn't listen to it. Now it was upon Erwin to fight. "I think we are the last." Erwin said. "Shall we retreat?" Nakajima asked. "No, the only choice that is left is offensive. Our chances are low, but we have still Leopons 88."

"This is Galland. Enemy spotted. One StuG, a Porsche Tiger and a Type 89. I recommend a frontal assault." Erik heard the suggestion and thought about it. Ooarai outnumbered 2:1. Maybe they would lose one, but what was that against the total annihilation of the enemy. "Confirmed. Line formation, Panzer marsch!"

It was like Erik had predicted. They had lost Jacobs Panther to Leopons 88, but that was it all. "The winner of the match is the Federal Military Academy "Count Stauffenberg"." Erik smiled, he won the bet. And he already knew, what he wanted from Miho.

The brown-haired girl sat shocked in her seat. The defeat was devastating. Bolter needed not more than twenty minutes to defeat the national tournaments winner. She sighed, as Yukari said: "It's not your fault Nishizumi-dono. You lost to one of the best. I read his record. I will tell you about it later." Suddenly, the voice of Erik sounded out of the radio: "I won Miss Nishizumi. Remember our bet. I expect you at 7 p.m. in formal attire. I pick you up at your quarter." Then the radio silenced. "Would you care to explain what was that?" "We have bet. He won." The brown-haired explained and leaned back into her seat in silence.

-At 7 p.m. Nishizumis quarter-

Miho wore a plain-black, form-fitting dress, with a simple make up. She was tensed, not knowing, what the Captain had planned. The doorbell rang and Miho opened the door. Before her stood Captain Bolter, clad in his formal uniform dress. He bowed slightly and kissed the back of her hand. "Good evening Miss Nishizumi. You look lovely." He charmed. The brown-haired girl blushed slightly. "You too Captain." Miho said. "Please follow me." The blond-haired soldier said. She followed him to a luxury sedan. She entered as Erik, who said to the driver: "Please, go. You know our destination." The driver nodded and started the engine. "Where are we going?" Miho asked. "We will visit a formal dinner with a ball. The host is the JSDF. They invited me and I needed a companion. It is luck that your schools ship is still in the harbour." The German explained and looked out of the window into the night. "Why you were invited by the JSDF?" Miho asked. "Because of two things." Erik answered and turned to the girl. "Number one: I have a good reputation in the military circles. Number two: My father is the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr. This opens many doors." He explained. "Look, we are nearly there. Three Minutes left."

They arrived just as predicted three minutes later. A Japanese Soldier in dress uniform opened Mihos door and helped her out, while Erik didn't need that assistance. Erik offered her his arm, which she took gratefully. She was cowed by the formality of the event. Everywhere men in military uniforms, women in ball dresses. Erik encountered an elderly man, clad into the Uniform of a General. Erik saluted to him and the man said: "Bolter-san, I welcome you and your lovely companion. Please enjoy yourself." And with those words he turned away, to welcome another guest. Now, Miho had the time to look around. They were at a mansion in the classical Japanese architecture, so the dinner would be held under the stars. Suddenly, Miho spotted a familiar face. The person spotted them too and came closer. Miho bowed and said: "Good evening Chono-san." The girl's instructor wore the female version of the formal dress uniform. "Good evening Miho-san." The woman answered smiling. "What a surprise to meet you at a military dinner. Am I right, that it is the fault of your companion?" She said with a grin. Erik saluted and introduced himself: "Captain Erik Bolter, commanding officer of the Sensha-Do team of the Federal Military Academy." Ami saluted too and answered: "Captain Ami Chono, Sensha-Do instructor, armoured branch of the JSDF." The black-haired woman turned to Miho: "By the way, I had met your mother just a couple of minutes ago. Your sister is here too. However, I wish you a nice evening." With this, the Japanese Captain disappeared. "Would you like to dance Miss Nihizumi?" Not waiting for her answer, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. "I hope you like to dance." He led her, because Miho didn't knew the exactly steps of the dance. "Who taught you to dance Mr. Bolter?" Miho asked. "It was part of my officer training. It is regarded as important, that an officer is trained in every aspect of social interaction and event. We are supposed to be ambassadors of the armed forces." Miho was about to answer, when she sensed a hand on her shoulder. She turned and faced her sister Maho. "Onee-sama. " Greeted Miho her older sister. "It's nice to see you too, Miho." The older girl answered. "Do you want to introduce me to your companion?" "Right, I forgot. Maho, this is Captain Erik Bolter, commander of the German Military Sensha-Do Team." The older Nishizumi recognised the name. "You are the Lion of Warsaw, I'm right?"

-Flashback-

A Wolf-Jeep drove through the crowd of the marching soldiers, screaming trough the Speakers: "Die Straße frei! Clear the Streets! Oczyścić ulice!" The soldiers cleared the streets and a minute later, a convoy of tanks passed through. A young infantryman asked: "Where are these tanks going?" "They drive towards Warsaw. The enemy draws near. It will be the third battle of Warsaw, it will be like Kiev." A Ukrainian officer answered.

"Lieutenant Bolter, good to see you here son." General Bolter hugged his son. "How are Erwin and Eugen?" "Erwin took command over the Guards. Eugen has shot down the 5th Russian bomber. They will give him the Cross of Honour first class." "What are my orders?" "Take your company and go to Wawer district and guard the bridges over the Vistula. You know the watchword. No step back. Make me proud." With these words, the General dismissed his son.

I'm known under this name, that is right. You are Miho's older sister, am I right?" "I'm her older sister and the team-captain of Kuromorimine." He bowed slightly. "Nice to meet you Nishizumi-san." An older voice was heard: "Maho, who do you talk to?" Shiho appeared from the crowd. She wore her usual business suit. "Miho, what are you doing here?" "Because I asked your daughter to accompany me, she lost a bet. I may introduce myself: Captain Erik Bolter, Federal Military Academy of the German Republic. I am the Commander of the Sensha-Do Team." The blond-haired German said. Shiho answered: "I am Shiho Nishizumi, Principal of the Kuromorimine Girls High School." Erik looked to Miho and saw, how uneasy she felt. "However, it's late and we have something to do tomorrow. Goodbye." He took the youngest Nishizumi girls hand and pulled her away. "We will leave now, is that alright for you?" He asked. Miho nodded and answered: "Yes, please. I can't stand to be around my mother." "Then follow me." The driver was already waiting, so they hadn't to wait.

They drove through the night, as Miho asked him a question, encouraged by the alcohol she had drunk. "Why do you don't like me?" Erik sighed and took a sip from a flask, he had hidden in his uniform jacket. "It's not, that I don't like you. I don't like, what you stand for." Both stayed silent, until they arrived at Miho's home. He helped her to the door, when she turned around and put a hand on his chest. "What do I stand for?" She asked quietly. The blond-haired removed her hand gently, brought his face near to hers, holding her hand and answered: "As I told you the first evening we met. Sensha-Do isn't a sport to me. It is the preparation for war. It's not about how to turn down the enemy flag tank. It is about how many hostile tanks you have to expect, how many men you have, how many you will lose in the upcoming battle. The Battle of Warsaw, the Russians attacked eleven times and we fought them back eleven times. "

The Commander of the Allied Forces in Warsaw

Soldiers! The third time in our lifetime, Russian Forces invaded an independent and sovereign nation. Their armies had advanced until here. Now the watchword is: No step back! The eyes of the free world are upon you. Sons and daughters of Poland, Germany, Ukraine and France, it is time to take up your arms and stop the advance of evil and tyranny. You are the scions of Raginis, Guderian, Petljura and Leclerc. I have trust in you and your abilities. You are the best, what your country could offer the cause of liberty and freedom. Don't be discouraged, defend the city, whatever the cost may be. We will see us at the other side. Good Luck and God's Blessing.

General Hermann Bolter

-Kampfkommandant der Stadt Warschau-

A single tear ran down his cheek. He felt the alcohol he had drank tonight. And for a short moment, he didn't saw Miho under the light of the street lamp, he saw Natalia. His mind switched off and he silenced the girls lips with his, preventing an answer from her. Then he realized what he was doing and pulled back. "I'm sorry." He said and walked to the waiting car, entered it and drove away, back to the German quarter. Miho entered her home and went direct to bed. She felt asleep quickly, but her dreams weren't a peaceful retreat, for that she dreamed all night of a soldier with blond hair, his face covered with dirt and blood. He whispered just one word: "Natalia."

I'm sorry if the battle scene doesn't match your expectation, but I'm not very good at writing such stuff. Well, I hoped you liked the chapter.