Chapter 47: Who We Are and Who We Will Be

Maho slowly climbed down from her smoking Tiger I, carefully avoiding the smoldering sparks of flame around the plaza. She looked at her Tiger reflectively, thinking about how the tournament and this battle had gone. She wondered what she could have done better, what she should have done. She glanced at the Panzer IV and saw Miho's crew emerging from their hatches to celebrate. That can wait for the briefing… she thought with a small smile. She saw her own crew open their hatches and preparing to leave their tank. "Thank you all," she said, surprising them, not expecting soft praise after losing, "we still came far, you should be proud of that. I think I'm starting to realize something…" she trailed off as she looked over to the Panzer IV. "I think Kuromomine needs to change if it wishes to see victory again. Avenging last year, victory at all costs… that's not working, and it won't work again. Not with opponents like them."

What she didn't know was that what she was saying reached someone who needed to hear it more than her crew. Erika and Shiho stared at the screens in front of them, as the JSF's drones picked up her speech. Shichiro slowly closed his fan as he stood up from his seat. He and Shiho shared a temporary suite above the main grandstands for the event, much like they had at several other matches. "When your mother passed, when she said the Nishizumi motto, 'whatever may befall us, we advance,' she didn't mean that as victory at all costs. She didn't mean it as disregarding human life or property for victory. She meant it as never giving up, not surrendering when it would be easy to. I think both of your daughters represent that, just in their own ways, because they are unique people. They aren't you, Shiho, you should let them be them," Shichiro stated.

Shiho stared silently ahead at the large screen as it switched to some meaningless commentary over replays and congratulatory remarks. Shichiro sighed and rubbed his bald head. "You know, it's still not too late to apologize. I'm sure Miho would be willing to forgive you if you were genuine," he assured.

Shiho slowly raised her hand to her face and rubbed her eyes. "I-I just thought if I drove her away… then she wouldn't be in danger anymore…" she whispered.

Shichiro raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected to hear something like that. "I thought she was too soft for Sensha-do. I didn't entirely drive her out just because I was angry that her actions lost Kuromormine its tenth consecutive title."

"Is that true? Or are you telling yourself that to justify your anger and prejudice?" Shichiro asked.

"I don't know," Shiho answered mournfully, "maybe… maybe it was my accident, maybe it was because her team was Co-ed, maybe it was-"

Shichiro interrupted her by placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I'm not the one who needs to hear it the most. Miho is," he pointed out.

Shiho nodded. "You're right," she replied with a sigh. "I will go talk to her after the ceremony."

"Do you finally see that boys can have a place in Sensha-do as well?" Shichiro asked.

"I-I think so…" she hesitated before answering, "it will take some time for me to be comfortable with it, but those Oarai boys were as respectable opponents as the girls were."

As an armor recovery transporter pulled the partially immobilized Panzer IV towards Oarai's preparatory lot, all the members of the Sensha-do Team rushed out of the garages to greet Anglerfish Team and celebrate Oarai's victory. Miho, Hana, Yukari, Saori, and Mako stepped down from the trailer as it stopped with bright smiles across their faces. Unsurprisingly, the first person to reach them was the student council. Momo's face was stained with tears and she looked like she could start crying again at any moment. "C-Captain Nishizumi… I-I can't express enough gratitude for all you've done. But, I am really, I am really grateful," Momo stuttered out before a few stray tears started to trickle down her face again.

"You're crying way too much," Yuzu remarked with an amused smile as she wrapped her right arm around Momo's shoulder.

Anzu stepped forward and looked into Miho's eyes gratefully. "Nishizumi, since we won, our school won't get shut down," she stated.

Miho's eyes widened with excitement. "That's right!" she exclaimed happily.

Anzu nearly burst with energy and jumped into a hug with Miho. "Our school is saved thanks to you. We couldn't have done it without you…" she exclaimed, her voice filled with heartfelt gratitude.

"W-well, I don't know about that," Miho replied uncertainly, "I mean I'm sure one of the boys might've been able to do it too…"

"I'm not so sure," William disagreed respectfully as he stepped forward with Joseph next to him.

"Yeah, you did a hell of a job out there. That was really impressive," Joseph remarked as well.

William rolled his eyes. "You're right, but do you really need to curse?" he complained.

"Fuck yeah! Drives the damn point home doesn't it?" Joseph replied, a cheeky smirk on his face.

William just sighed while Miho just giggled. "He has his own spirit," she replied with a smile.

"Damn right! What should we do to our tanks next? Hey, Miho, what do you think about mounting a Panzerschreck to your cupola?" Joseph suggested.

"I'll pass, thank you," Miho replied with amusement.

"Well, I guess we'll be sticking around instead of heading back to America after this. Oarai's going to keep its schoolship and it's thanks to you Miho. Don't sell yourself short," William stated, "and I bet Ross is flipping out at the hospital right now."

"Yeah! We need to head there as soon as possible!" Miho exclaimed excitedly.

"We have to finish the final ceremony first," Saori pointed out, "but then we'll be done and can head back."

Everyone on Oarai's Sensha-do Team was lined up side-by-side before a massive crowd of spectators in the grandstands and around them. Miho was a little nervous being in the center of the group and having all these people staring at her, but Saori and Hana were beside her, reassuring her just like that day the student council threatened her with expulsion if she refused to join the Sensha-do team.

Ami Chono approached her holding a flag while wearing a microphone headset connected to the PA system. "Captain Nishizumi," she began, "The Japanese Sensha-do Federation is proud to present to you and the Oarai Co-ed Academy Sensha-do Team the champion's banner for the 63rd Japanese National High School Sensha-do Tournament. You and your team have faced this year's challenges with strength, competence, and resolve. Be proud of this victory and hold it close to your heart forever. Congratulations." Miho gently took the beautiful flag from Ami and grasped its polished wooden pole firmly. On the top of the pole was a radiant golden sphere. The banner was made from a strong, beautiful red cloth with a gold fringe. In the center was a golden tank with a strong golden eagle with its wings outstretched perched on the tank's turret. "Thank you, Miss Chono," Miho said.

"And thank you for your supreme efforts in this year's tournament. I believe your victory has changed Sensha-do for the better," Ami replied with a grateful smile. She turned around to address the crowd one final time. "Let's give our champions one last round of applause for their victory today. The thundering applause that followed drowned out Miho's entire world. All she could focus on was the hundreds, probably thousands of faces and people clapping in unison. She could see Yuri Isuzu and Shinzaburo, the Akiyamas, Hada and Hibiki, all the captains and some of the team members of the Sensha-do teams they've faced, and many others. Most importantly though, she had her team beside her, and her community in front of her. Nothing had felt better.

But her graze caught something she hadn't expected to see. Walking through an opening between two grandstands, a pair of figures stepped out of the shadow cast by the setting sun. Miho's eyes widened as they met Shiho and Maho's. She neared shrunk away from their gaze when she saw the proud smiles on their face. Then they started clapping with the rest of the crowd. Her eyes glazed over as she felt their pride and happiness for her, despite everything that had happened.

It had almost healed all the wounds of the past year. But soon the applause faded. Miho absent-mindedly handed the flag to Saori to let the others hold it before it would be taken back to Oarai and displayed somewhere for the public. She wasn't focused on that anymore. As people started to leave or cluster around their friends and family, she stepped away from the team. Maho and Shiho moved to a more open field, and Miho followed them. As she approached the pair, she started to feel her nerves flare up again. They may have looked proud and happy for her, but what if she was wrong? What if it was just a front? Maybe it was just to lure her out into a false sense of security?

Yet she still kept walking towards them before slowly stopping a couple of feet in front of them. "Mother… sister," she mustered.

Shiho's normally tense and cold look was gone, which slightly unnerved Miho even more. However, it unnerved Shiho herself as well. "I-I'm sure you know… I'm not good with this sort of thing…" she started.

Miho slightly tilted her head in confusion. Sure her mother wasn't particularly social or approachable, but nervous about something? This isn't like her… Miho thought.

"I'm sorry for how I treated you Miho," Shiho confessed sincerely, "I was driven by… I'm still not entirely sure… anger, concern, fear…" Her fingers barely twitched against the hem of her formal shirt. "I-it wasn't right."

Miho stared at her mother in shock. She'd never seen her mother like this. It was the opposite of the stern, firm, formal, cold woman she had known for all her life. Even Maho raised her eyebrows at the sight. Miho stepped forward and closed the distance as she processed her mother's words. Then, she hugged her tightly. "I-I…" she stuttered, "thank you!" she cried out with tears now starting to flow. "I've only wanted to make you proud Mom," she confessed, "I just want us to be a family again."

Shiho resisted the urge to step back in surprise as Miho cried into her shoulder. She felt her own tears start to well up, but she held them off to comfort her daughter as she returned the hug. In the corner of her eye, she saw Maho step forward slightly. She reached out an arm and pulled her into the hug. "I-I'm proud of you. I-I'm proud of you b-both. I'm going to stop judging you for who you aren't and l-love you like I should have all this time," Shiho stuttered out.

The family stayed together like that for a while. A few of Miho's friends, Anglerfish Team, William, Joseph, Lisette, and others looked on briefly with happy smiles before turning away to give them some privacy. "Looks like everyone's getting a happy ending," William stated as he turned away and started walking with Joseph and the Student Council.

"Well, we still have to close out our corruption case. The audit is nearly finished and the government in Tokyo doesn't sound too pleased with the prefecture," Yuzu pointed out.

"I hate to bring this up as well… but the Blackshirts aren't finished yet. Somehow Yuko and Sayuri are out again. Something suspicious with the police if they're letting them out after all they've done," Joseph added concerningly.

"Wonderful, is there someone in the administration that isn't corrupt?" William asked sarcastically.

"We do a pretty good job!" Anzu pointed out cheerfully.

"Right, right…" William replied with an eye roll. "Let's worry about that later. We've saved Oarai, Miho and her family are together again, and we're probably going to get at least the finances fixed up, that's enough for us right now."

As the group was walking back to the preparatory lot, they saw a lonesome blonde girl in Kuromormine's uniform standing by herself staring blankly ahead away from them. "Hey, that's that Erika girl who bullied Miho and hates our guts, right?" Joseph whispered as he leaned over to William.

"It is, what's she doing here?" William wondered. He stepped out in front of everyone to approach her. "What are you doing here Erika?" he asked neutrally.

The girl jumped nervously, something that caught William by surprise. He stopped and stepped back before she turned to face him. "Oh, it's you guys. Y-you were actually who I was hoping to find," she confessed while fidgeting with her hair.

It's odd to see her anxious, William thought. "And why's that?" he asked.

Erika huffed. "Look, I'm sorry for how I treated you guys. The stuff I said was uncalled for, and I let my emotion cloud my judgment. You guys are actually really good at Sensha-do. That last stand you pulled was impressive, to say the least. It takes a lot of comradery to fall with your comrades instead of fleeing," she hurriedly admitted.

"Thank you, Erika, it takes a lot for someone to admit they were wrong and apologize," William replied while extending a friendly hand, "let's put that behind us."

Erika took the offer and shook his hand with a friendly smile, finally calming her nerves, and lifting the weight of what she's done off her shoulders. "Can I ask you a question? Where is Ross?" Erika asked, "I'd like to apologize to him as well."

William frowned. "He's… not here right now. His daughter is seriously ill and in intensive care right now. He's with her at the hospital," he answered solemnly.

Erika stifled a gasp with her hand. "I'm sorry to hear that. Is he accepting visitors? If it's not too much trouble anyways…" Suddenly, she felt even worse about everything she had said and done.

William turned to Joseph with a look of uncertainty, hoping to get a second opinion. "I don't know, what do you think?" he whispered.

Joseph looked doubtful. "I don't know either, it's probably best to ask Ross himself," he suggested.

"Yeah, I'll shoot him a call real quick…" Willaim said while pulling out his cell phone. He turned and stepped away momentarily while every awkwardly watched. It only took a few moments for him to end the call and return. "We'll need to make it quick. They think Natalie come out of her medical coma soon."

Miho was first to reach Natalie's room once they returned to the hospital. After looking back quickly to make sure everyone was with her, she gently knocked on the door. Nurse Chi peeked out before opening the door completely after recognizing Miho. "Come in everyone," she prompted while stepping out while leaving the door open.

As they filed into the room, Ross jumped up to rush over to Miho. The couple quickly embraced each other. "That was incredible, Miho," Ross praised.

Miho smiled with a light blush. "Thank you. Everyone was incredible today," she replied.

Ross chuckled. "Of course, you differ the praise right to your team, that's just like you," he teased.

Miho giggled. "Well it's true, you need a team to win, not just a captain," she replied.

"You're right. Have you heard the news yet?" Ross asked.

Miho tilted her head in confusion. "No, what is it?" she asked.

"Natalie's coming out of her coma soon!" Ross exclaimed

excitedly.

"That's great!" Miho replied with just as much excitement, "how long will it take?"

"A few hours to a day or so. They've been slowly weening her off the medication, but it should have some noticeable effect…" Ross trailed off as he saw Maho, Erika, and Shiho in the room in the corner of his eye, "tonight. Miho, what are they doing here?"

Miho immediately noticed his concern and unease. "It's okay, they've come here to apologize," she reassured.

Ross looked into her eyes and saw only honestly. Of course, she wouldn't lie to me… he slowly turned to them expectantly.

The first one to step forward was Maho. "On behalf of Kuromormine Girls' Academy, as their captain, I'd like to apologize for our misconduct. We did not treat you with the respect that you deserved as practitioners of Sensha-do, and for that, I am very sorry," she stated formally while bowing.

Erika stepped forward and bowed next to her. "I would like to apologize as well. Everything I said and did was entirely unnecessary and cruel, especially at the cafe a few months ago. I'm sorry," she apologized.

Finally, Shiho bowed to everyone in the room. "I am sorry as well. It was my prejudice and hate that started all this. It's something I now regret deeply," she said with a hint of nervousness.

Ross slowly stepped away from Miho and toward them. He took a deep breath while Miho watched him with concern. "I accept your apologies. I think we can all move on from this as better people, and improve the Sensha-do community much more than we could have before," he proposed as he extended his hand out to Shiho, "let's put this behind us."

Shiho stared at the hand for a moment before reaching out to shake it. As she did, she looked back to Ross. "But… why? Why are you so forgiving toward us, after everything? I-I expected you to be more upset," she asked.

Ross looked up to her with a small, sad smile. "My mom taught me to be forgiving to those who are genuine, and I can tell you are," he replied.

"She sounds like a great woman," Shiho added.

"She was…" Ross said as he let go of Shiho's hand. He turned back to Natalie's bed and saw Pastor Barnes sitting next to it with an approving smile on his face. "Of course, I wouldn't be here without Pastor Barnes," he added, gesturing to the man.

The pastor stood up to introduce himself. "You did most of the work son, you just needed a little guidance," he replied before turning to Shiho, "I was Ross's pastor back home in Oregon, a pleasure to meet you all."

Halley and Wilson stood up next to him to introduce themselves as well. "I'm Lisette's mother, Halley," Halley introduced.

"And I'm her father, Wilson," her husband followed.

After everyone was introduced, the attention of the room, turned back to the little girl in the hospital bed. "If I may… what caused her to fall ill?" Maho asked.

"Influenza that advanced into pneumonia, oxygen deprivation, and finally Septic Shock," Ross answered sadly.

Miho squeezed his hand. "But she's getting better, she'll be awake soon," she reassured.

Ross lightly smiled. "Real soon," he quietly replied.

With everyone focused back on Natalie, Lisette slipped away from the group and towards Nurse Chi at one of her stations outside the room. The nurse quickly noticed her subtle shaking and her eyes widened. "I-I can feel it coming," Lisette said, "w-what should I do?"

"Do you need any medicine? You have a Do Not Resuscitate order right?" Nurse Chi asked.

"I have an order. I just need something to rest in, like a wheelchair or something. I don't want to just drop dead onto the floor or a bench and cause trouble for you guys, but I'd still like to move a little," Lisette bluntly answered.

"Don't feel like your causing trouble, I can get you a wheelchair," Nurse Chi replied and left to pull own out of a storage room and brought it over. "Will this work?" she asked.

Lisette nodded and slowly sat down. "Thank you," she replied and began wheeling back to Natalie's room, "let's see how long it takes for them to notice."

Immediately as she reentered, Miho noticed. "Lisette, are you okay?" she asked.

Lisette dryly chuckled, "Not long I guess," she said to herself as everyone turned their attention towards her before replying, "I'll be fine, it's just the rattles starting. It won't last long."

"What do you mean by the rattles? Are you sick?" Erika asked.

Lisette just sighed and unstrapped her helmet. "Yeah, I suppose," she answered as she removed the helmet, "I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the middle of my pregnancy with Natalie. The doctors threw everything they could at it without harming Natalie, but they hit a wall and the options were limited. Eventually, I was left with a choice, try treatments like radiation or immunotherapy and risk losing Natalie, or continue the pregnancy and risk the cancer becoming terminal. Clearly, I chose to keep her and the cancer will probably take me in a couple of days. Probably won't be more than a week."

"Wow," was all Erika said.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Maho added.

"Thank you, but I've made peace with the fact that I will die. I'm just lucky enough to have one last battle before it took me. Hopefully, I'll stay long enough to see Natalie wake up," Lisette stated. She wheeled over to the left side of Natalie's bed next to the beeping monitors and IVs.

The group fell quiet for a moment while they watched Natalie rest in the hospital bed. "Once she is awake, how long will she stay here?" Shiho asked.

"Maybe a month or so," Nurse Chi answered, "waking up from a coma is a much longer and drawn-out process than it's often thought. There's a lot of rehabilitation she'll need to do. We'll help as best we can, but we can't force her to move if she's not ready. She'll be sent to our rehab department after we discharge her from the ICU. Of course, once she's there, you'll still be welcome to visit as much as you like."

"Thank you," Miho said, "thank you for everything you've done for us."

"You're very welcome, Miho," Nurse Chi replied.

Shiho looked at Miho with a look that she quickly recognized. She wanted to speak to her in private. Miho quickly stood up from her seat next to Ross on the right side of Natalie's bed to excuse herself for a moment, "I'd like to take a quick break if no one minds. I need some fresh air, but I'll be back shortly." As she left, Shiho quietly followed her out of the room.

Miho waited for the door to close and turn towards her before speaking. "Mother, what is it?" she asked.

"Let's talk outside," Shiho suggested as she led her down the hallway.

"I don't mind if we talk here," Miho answered.

"I just want to be sure no one is listening," Shiho clarified, "besides, you said you needed fresh air right?"

"Oh..." Miho said before following her.

They stepped outside onto the hospital roof and found themselves under the shade of a lone tree. The breeze was cool as it blew over them and the distant chirping of birds could be heard. Miho felt more relaxed in the fresh air and the breeze against her sweaty face and hair. "Miho... what is your relationship with Ross?" Shiho asked.

"He's my boyfriend," Miho answered without hesitation.

Shiho nodded silently. "and your relationship with Natalie?" she asked.

Miho stared off into the distance as she contemplated the question. Of course, she knew how Natalie saw her and what to say, but she didn't know how to break the news to her mother. "She's... she's my daughter. I'm her mom. Adopted, yes, but I love her as my own," she answered determinedly.

Shiho stood there silently, processing the information. After a moment, she asked, "How?"

"How?" Miho repeated with confusion.

"It's just... how? She's another woman's child, and both you and Ross are so young... I just don't understand how you reached that point. Are you going to actually adopt her as your own?" Shiho asked.

Miho nodded confidently. "In my heart..." she started as she placed her right hand over her heart, "I already have."

Shiho sighed. "That's just the sort of thing you would say, Miho..." she said with a sad smile.

"Is there something wrong with that, Mother?" Miho asked defensively.

Shiho looked back at her with an unreadable expression, and then finally shook her head. "No, there's nothing wrong with it, Miho. It just... it just takes some getting used to," she replied.

"I understand... I'll be patient while you do," Miho promised as she hugged her mother.

After a moment, they broke their embrace, and Shiho stepped back a few feet. "So, how did you and Ross meet?" she asked.

"Oh! Well... um..." Miho replied nervously, "I walked into a road sign and he helped me up. Then with us on the same team, we spent a lot of time together and one thing lead to another..."

"That's just how you are, Miho," Shiho chuckled, "it's cute."

Miho blushed as Shiho began to walk towards the edge of the roof and stopped in front of the fence. She leaned against it with her arms crossed. "I'm guessing then Lisette and Ross are separated then. I won't pry further into it," she added before turning her head over her shoulder to face her daughter.

"It's a long story anyway, and not really mine to tell," Miho answered.

Shiho nodded silently. "Miho, if you ever need a place to stay again, please don't hesitate to come home., and if you need any help at all for that matter, let me know and I'll make the arrangements," she offered.

Miho was taken aback at first, but then she smiled. "Thank you, Mother, I will," she promised.

"Good, I'm glad we got this sorted out..." Shiho said as she turned her gaze back towards the cityscape ahead of them.

"Me too, Mother," Miho agreed.

Later that night, in a room filled with monitors and machines, Lisette awoke from her nap with a loud, sudden gasp. Her eyes darted around frantically as she tried to recognize where she was. The first thing she noticed was the weight of her head. She felt like it was being weighed down by an iron ball. She rubbed her eyes and looked around her. Her vision was blurry. It was hard to make out anything in the dark room, but she could tell it was a hospital. Eventually, her eyes focused and she realized she was in Natalie's room.

Lisette sat up and grabbed her head as it throbbed in pain. She felt like a bomb had exploded in her skull. After a moment, she looked over and saw Natalie still resting in her hospital bed. "Natalie..." Lisette whispered. She looked around the room and saw that, except for William and Erika, everyone was still there, but had fallen asleep like her, exhausted from the events of the day.

Lisette looked back to Natalie, still asleep. She leaned over and kissed Natalie on the forehead, "I love you."

And then her little head shifted towards Lisette, just enough for her to see. Then, her left arm shifted just a tiny bit to the left. "Oh my God..." Lisette whispered, "Natalie? Natalie?" she called out excitedly.

Nurse Chi, a little tired, but still alert at her station looked up and turned to the door before getting up. "Is something wrong ?" she asked as she leaned into the doorway.

"No, no! She's moving, she moved her arm and head!" Lisette exclaimed.

The nurse immediately sprang into action. She grabbed a clipboard sitting in a holder on the door and flipped through the paper as she knelt next to Lisette. "Yes, the medication has had time to leave her system... now to the Four Test," she muttered.

"Four Test?" Lisette asked.

"It's a series of tests to determine her level of consciousness. Don't expect her to be completely conscious, but we'll probably actually get some reactions now," Nurse Chi answered as she reached for the light switch, "sorry guys, lights are coming on." She flipped the switch and the lights shifted from dim to full gradually. Everyone still asleep groaned and started sitting upright in their seats, or in Miho and Ross's case, their futon.

"What's going on?" Ross asked drowsily.

"Lisette saw movement from Natalie, we're doing the FOUR score test to see how conscious she is now," Chi quickly explained.

"What?! She's awake?!" Ross shouted, jumping up, startling Miho, and rushing over to the bed.

"Not quite, but the medication is out of her system now," Nurse Chi explained, "first we need to take her off the ventilator and see if she can breathe on her own.

"Can we be here for this?" Miho asked.

"Of course, just give me room to work," Nurse Chi replied.

Natalie was moved into a sitting position with a large, adjustable cushion behind her to support her head. Her little eyes fluttered a little as they adjusted to the light, and she looked around the room but didn't focus on anything. "That's a great sign, she can open her eyes without pain or loud noise." She pulled out a little plastic stick with a light at the end and held it in front of Natalie's eyes. "C'mon sweetie, open your eyes, I don't want to force them open..." she muttered. After a moment, she sighed and put a plastic glove on. "Alright, sorry Natalie," she whispered and gently lifted Natalie's eyelid and shone the light into her left eye. Her little pupil contracted and the pupil shrunk. "Perfect, now the next one," Chi muttered as she repeated the test on the next eyelid with the same result. "Good, her brainstem is functioning normally!" she exclaimed. She then moved the light back and forth. Natalie seemed to wince and look away. Chi frowned. "The light's not working... Ross why don't you stand at the front of the bed for a moment," she directed.

"Alright," Ross quickly replied and moved to the front of the bed.

"Okay, sweetie, look ahead, it's Papa, he wants you to open your eyes," Chi said.

Ross looked down and Natalie and his heart stopped as he saw her little light brown eyes flutter open to look back at him. He leaned down a little to be closer to her. "Hi sweetie, it's me, Dadda, do you remember me?" he asked lovingly.

Chi giggled. "Alright, move to the right side of the bed, from her perspective," she directed.

Ross nodded and slowly stepped to his left and walked up the length of the bed to the wall to be right next to Natalie. He frowned as he saw her continue staring off into space.

"That's three points. Eyelids open but not tracking. Don't worry, her eyesight will improve, it's normal for her sight or mind to be fuzzy so soon," Nurse Chi said while she scribbled notes on the clipboard. She quickly worked to clean the ventilator mask of any fluid or residue before unscrewing the tube connected to it and removing it.

"How does she look?" Lisette asked, standing next to the bed.

Nurse Chi stared at Natalie's nose and chest, watching it rise and fall without fail. "she's breathing on her own, great," she whispered as she looked back and forth from her watch to Natalie. "That's a four," she said, marking a note on the clipboard.

Miho watched from the side, unsure of what to say. She just stared, fascinated with the process. Nurse Chi looked over and smiled. "She's doing good so far, Miho," she said.

Miho smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Chi," she replied.

Chi gently pinched Natalie's left arm and smiled as she jerked it away. "Good, that's at least a two... Lisettle, why don't you put your finger into her palm and see if she grabs it?"

Lisette nodded and held Natalie's hand in her own as she gently placed her index finger in Natalie's hand. She wasn't sure how she'd react but was surprised as Natalie's tiny hand wrapped around her fingers tightly. She chuckled and rubbed Natalie's fingers lovingly, "Hey sweetheart... it's momma. Do you know who I am? It's momma."

Chi marked another note on her clipboard. "I think that's a four for motor response. Which makes 15 for her score. Her eyesight and cognitive functions might be fuzzy, but they'll recover and she'll be fully conscious soon.

"Wow... she's already doing so well!" Miho remarked.

"She's doing good for now," Nurse Chi said with a nod, "it's good to see her moving and interacting a little more now, but she still needs rest, so please don't keep her awake too long."

"Understood, Chi," Miho replied with a nod.

"Alright, back to bed, sweetie..." Chi said as she lifted the ventilator mask off Natalie and tucked her into the bed.

Miho leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I'll see you again tomorrow, baby," she whispered.

Natalie blinked her eyes slowly but continued staring ahead.

Lisette kissed Natalie's forehead too. "Good night, my little angel..." she whispered.

And finally, Ross leaned down to kiss Natalie's forehead. "Good night, sweetie." Then Chi turned out the lights, dimming the room.

The next morning, after breakfast, Lisette sheepishly asked for a moment alone with Natalie the moment the little girl was somewhat awake. The others seemed surprised by the sudden request but didn't argue.

Lisette took Natalie's hand as she stirred awake slightly. "Sweetie... I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry for leaving you and Ross. I'm sorry for not being there for you. I'm sorry for not being here sooner. I-I'm so so so sorry," she whispered tearfully.

Natalie's eyes slowly looked up and focused on her, but they still seemed to be lost.

Lisette looked into her eyes and smiled. "You're so strong, just like Dadda. I'm sorry I'm not strong enough to be with you... but please know that I'll watch over you, okay? I'll watch over both you and Dadda from Heaven. I love you so much."

Natalie looked at her, and for a moment, Lisette swore she saw tears forming in her eyes, but Natalie's eyes drifted away to the wall as she drifted back to sleep.

Lisette sniffled as she wiped her eyes and kissed her cheek. "I love you." She slowly wheeled backward and reclined her wheelchair slightly. She felt incredibly cold all of a sudden. "This... this is it, isn't it?" she whispered. She tilted her head to look at her daughter one last time. "Be a good girl for Ross and Miho, okay?" she whispered, "I love you."

She heard the door open and lazily looked toward it. She couldn't particularly make out the figure but saw it turn and usher in two other people.

"Lisette, sweetheart?" Halley asked as she took her hand.

"Mom? Dad?" she replied wearily.

"We're here honey, we're here, we love you," Wilson added as he took her other.

"I-I love you too..." Lisette said weakly. Her eyes flutter shut as she felt them recline the wheelchair into a lying position. "Thank you for everything, goodbye."

Her breathing stopped and her body relaxed into the stretcher. She was at peace.

A few days later, a large gathering, consisting of the Sensha-do Team, the Nishizumi family, and the Church family were gathered at the front of the Zuikaku, with Pastor Barnes standing in front of them with a lectern in front of him. Next to him were a pair of tables in front of the lectern. On each edge was a vase of flowers. The base of the arrangement was Aloe leaves signifying grief, paired with Milkweed flowers signifying letting go. Atop those were honeysuckle flowers signifying the bonds of love, and finally at the top, Lisette's favorite flower, Hyssop. Several pictures of Lisette, from infant to adolescence were displayed alongside them in frames, flat on the table, and on post boards. Finally, in the center, a pure white marble urn with a simple inscription in black.

In Loving Memory

Lisette Church

April 4th, 1992 - August 1st, 2009

"Today, ladies and gentlemen is one of the hardest funerals I've ever presided over," Pastor Barnes stated, "today we mourn the loss of Lisette Church, a beloved mother, partner, friend, and comrade. She was a woman who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. She was a pillar of a community, both in her hometown of Schwarzadler, Oregon, and here, her resting place, the Zuikaku. During her youth, she was a member of many clubs and a tank commander for the Schwarzadler Tankery Team. Commanding a Type 100, she was among the first into the fray, and the last withdraw. As a mother, she made the difficult decision to risk her own life for the sake of her unborn child, Natalie Huot after being diagnosed with cancer. However, we are not here to discuss the conditions of her passing but to remember and celebrate her life. As her pastor, I remember a lot of her life, but the day when she came to me looking for help after becoming pregnant with her daughter will forever be in my mind. I witnessed her neverending resolve and strength that day and the many days after as she went through the trials and tribulations of being a parent so young. But she was not defined by her parenthood. She practiced Sensha-do but also enjoyed crafts and painting in her spare time, along with many, many hours of volunteer work at our church at home in Schwarzadler. Not one heart was untouched by her dedication to service and community."

He paused momentarily to wipe away a tear before continuing. "She is succeeded by her daughter, Natalie Huot, Natalie's father, Ross Huot, her parents Wilson and Halley Church, and preceded by grandparents Clarise and Jacob Church. She informed me to tell everyone here to please continue their lives and dedicate themselves fully to whatever task lies ahead, and that she will watch over them until the time comes to reunite," he finished.

A few people, including Ross and Miho, went up to the mic to share their experience with Lisette, and how she impacted their lives before the scattering of her ashes began. "Now we will commence the scattering of Lisette's ashes. One of the philosophies that Lisette held dear was that life is a balanced cycle. When good happens, then it will be balanced by bad; however, this did not deter her, it reassured her. For when good times are here, remember the bad times and be grateful, and when the bad times are here, remember the good times and be assured that they will return. And thus, as her ashes return to the Earth, they will spring life, in the beauty of the sea and the land and of animal and plant," Pastor Barnes stated. Then, he stepped down from the podium and was followed by the precession to the edge of the deck. "The deceased has set an order of people to spread her ashes. The first shall be parents, Wilson and Halley Church," Pastor Barnes stated. He took a beautiful silver ladle and gave it to Halley before opening the urn.

With tearful eyes, Halley scooped a ladle of ashes out of the urn and spilled it overboard. The wind was calm, but consistent and took the ashes overboard and over the sparkling waves. Halley handed the ladle to her husband, who spilled the ashes overboard as well. "Goodbye Lisette, we love you," they whispered together. They stared at the ashes as they settled into the waves before stepping back.

"The next shall be Ross and Natalie Huot," Pastor Barnes stated.

Ross stepped forward, with Natalie in his arms for the first time since she fell ill. Nurse Chi was nearby with a medical bag just in case with an emergency buzzer on standby. Wilson handed the ladle to Ross who scooped some ash and tossed it to the wind. The wind carried the ash far into the bright blue sky as it swirled with the wind before falling to the ocean below. He solemnly handed the ladle to Natalie, who took it clumsily and he guided her to scoop the ashes and toss it as well.

"The next shall be her first captain, former Schwarzadler Captain, William Valentine, and Second Sub-Commander Joseph David," Pastor Barnes stated. The pair stepped forward and spread a ladle of ashes into the ocean.

"The final dedicated person shall be her second captain, Oarai Sensha-do Commander Miho Nishizumi," Pastor Barnes stated. Miho sadly nodded and took the ladle from Joseph before spreading a portion of Lisette's ashes overboard. The ashes twisted and turned, dancing in the wind before settling into the ocean's waves.

"If anybody else would like to spread the ashes, then please step forward," Pastor Barnes stated. After a moment with nobody stepping forward, he nodded and took the ladle. "I shall now proceed to spread the ashes, as she dictated," he declared. With grace and care, he spread the ashes overboard with the ladle before capping it and handing it to Halley. "We shall now proceed with the hymn selected by the deceased to play to end the funeral.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.