Response to Reviews:
Willywonka3234: Thank you very much for your continued review-manship. It's always pleasant to hear people enjoy my writing.
Richard Scepton: Hello again, thank you for the review. I appreciate your speculation on the parallel. I never heard about that anime before reading what you wrote, and checked it out myself. It was pretty good, and I can definitely see the parallels, at least, with the start. As for the matter of 'setting stones' chapters, well, this story will go on for a while. I have planned it out entirely from Jizo's first year, all the way into graduation, and then some even after that… I can't say for sure when the story arc will be complete, but I can say that there will be a decent footing for something like that when this first arc is done, that is, when Jizo's first year is finished. Hoping to hear more from you in the future!
Now let's get on with it.
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Chapter Two: Sisters by Blood and Battle
Disclaimer: People who are suffering from mental illness are not inherently more violent, nor are they precondoned to any sort of behavior. Like all people, they are products of the ways people treat them, and are deserving of the love and kindness any other person should get. They need help and support, not condonement or shunning.
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As Jizo Nishizumi sat in her biology class, half-way through a test she was certain she was doing well at, the school speaker came to life with a loud echo.
"Good evening Kuromorimine student and staff bodies!" The voice of a girl cheerfully spoke, "We interrupt your schedules to bring to you all the wonderful news that the beloved Kuromorimine Sensha-Do team has achieved victory in their recent Tankery match earlier today, and will be making their way to the semi-finals of the 38th National High School Tournament! Glory to the Sensha-Do team, and remember: Ein Volk, eine Schule, ein Reich!" After a moment, and a ring, the speaker faded away, and Jizo returned to her test. She would get her results a few days later, and, as was the case in the previous exams, she scored one of the highest in the class.
Later in the evening, Jizo remained near the school. Cahya had told her to meet her there after class, and she agreed, so even when the sun started to go down, and it became dark, Jizo sat at a nearby bench waiting. Just as it was getting colder, from around a corner, came a panting Cahya, with her sister in tow.
"Ah' hell, man, they got us caught up in logistics forever. Don't they see me? I'm a mess!" Cahya's raven hair was messy and glittering with sweat, with her hat in her hands, her outfit slightly unbuttoned, and her cheeks red. Khin was in a similar state of disarray, however, she seemed far more complacent.
"Taking in tanks, doing routine checks, and then having to greet some crazy fans? Damn! Leave a girl alone, would'ya? I just want to go home after a victory and take a nice long shower. We can celebrate after we win it all, is what I say. And, worse of all- You know what's worst of all, sis?" Cahya said.
"What is it?" Khin responded.
"They made me late to meet with Jizo! Those damn bastards. I'll give them a piece of my mind. Don't they know they ain't important?"
"That's quite a harsh way of putting it, Cayha."
"Bah'. That's easy for you to say. No one wants to meet with just another tanker. They all want to speak to and get signatures from the Vice-Kommandant, that's how it is. Of course, I can't just tell them off, y'know, but I would like some peace after a hard fought match against another big school."
"You say that, but then, I'm sure the Kommandant has ten times the amount of pressure on her shoulders than you. As always."
"Yeah'," Cahya said, defeatedly. "That's true, that's pretty true. Man, she is pretty damn reliable. I gotta ask her how she does it… Wait! Enough about Sensha-Do. I don't ever want to talk about that again. No, instead," Finally, Cahya addressed Jizo, "Man, did you really sit here all this time?"
Jizo nodded her head.
To that, Cahya smiled. "Here Khin was saying, 'She probably left already.' But me, I trust my Jizo. But, man, it's getting cold out here. Come on, I know a great place we can eat. A good tankery machine is enough to make even a girl eat like a glutton."
"You just did it." Jizo said, in a characteristically plain tone.
"Did what?"
"You said you weren't going to talk about Sensha-Do again, but you just did, in the very next sentence."
"W-wah'? No I didn't. Right, Khin?"
"No, sis', you definitely did."
"Damnit all, I can't escape it! Come on, let's go before I can be swept away entirely!"
Everytime Jizo went somewhere with Cahya and Khin, it was always something new, and she had no idea how Cahya did it. A new store to shop at, a new food to try, a new game to play, nothing was the same. She wondered, was it because Chaya could come up with anything she wanted? Or was it because she had never gone out and done things on her own, that there seemed like a world to explore, even within this isolated ship. Cahya spoke of grandeur whenever she talked. Everything she said seemed to have a purpose that went beyond just the here and now. So maybe that was it. However, for Jizo herself, Kuromorimine served more than enough for everything she could need.
One day, on a late autumn morning, while Jizo was walking to school, she was approached by Cahya, with Khin once again following her sister.
"Yo', Jizo."
"Hello."
"Hey, I was thinking… You wanna skip?"
"Skip? As in, not going to class?"
"Ye'."
"Why? Why not go to class."
"Because," Cahya said enthusiastically, "There's stuff I want to do, but don't want to wait until after school to do, y'know? I'm not even doing anything today in school anyway, really, just a waste of time to show up. What about you Jizo?"
"I don't have anything important today, either. Still, it's against the rules."
Cahya groaned, "Come on, rules are meant to be broken, y'know? And, it's fun too."
"Cahya," From behind, Khin spoke up, "She doesn't want to skip-"
"Hold on just a second. Jizo, you said it was against the rules? I mean… Technically, it's not."
This time, it was Khin who groaned in disappointment. "Come on, Cahya, it's too early in the morning for this."
With a flick of her wrist, Cahya ignored her sister and continued to address Jizo. "Look, Jizo, my good old buddy." Jizo was certain she was younger than Cahya. "I know that in the school rule book, it probably says something about not attending class to be against the rules. But, when all is said and all is done, a rule is only a rule if there is a punishment, right? If there is no punishment, it's more like a suggestion." Cahya flicked her wrist again, "Don't interrupt me sis'. Now, as I was saying. In Kuromorimine, being late, or even not showing up for class, is against the rules. However, doing only once or twice does not result in any action, so, what I'm saying is, you do what you can get away with. That's my philosophy. And you know how I think things through."
Jizo was quiet for a moment, "...Do what you can get away with?"
"Yep."
"Okay…" Jizo thought through it all. "Let's go, and skip, then. If we can get away with it."
"Hell yeah, that's the stuff. See, I knew you were chill. Come on, I know this place we can go to, one I've been meaning to show off."
Jizo was taken to the AWAG, and into a store called the Panzerschule Kama. The shop was themed around military products. Books, magazines, toys, clothes, and all the like. However, in the front and center of the large store was a section called Panzerkraft, entirely dedicated to Sensha-Do. There, Cahya showed her a poster, one that featured her on it. She was sitting atop a Tiger I, presumably her own, looking out smugly.
"Damn, I look good in my outfit. They took this right after our last victory. I barely had time to clean up.'
"It looks good," Jizo commented, "But, look, the pile of posters is still full."
Hung up on the wall, practically brimming out, it seemed no one was buying the poster with Cahya on it. Next to it, contrarily, was a poster set that was nearly empty. It was of another girl, one Jizo had never seen before, standing in front of a Tiger II, smiling. It wasn't smug, like Cahya, but rather, it seemed gentle, and kind.
"Hey," Khin said, "The Kommandant has you beat on the sales too."
"Beh', I don't feel bad," Cahya replied, "She's just too good… Well, I don't care at all about sales, just having it feels good. Besides, where is your poster, Khin? Oh, right. y'don't got one. So Hah'!"
After aimlessly browsing for a little while longer, Cahya and Khin left, followed by Jizo, but not before she made sure to remember where that poster of Cahya was.
One day, not too long before the final exams, Jizo was sitting at home, studying for her biology test. Every student, if they wanted, were given an apartment room in a large gated community called the Prora. Many students lived in the city within the school ship, probably with parents or other relatives, but for those who lacked any, this paid for service would act as their home. It was perfect for Jizo.
In her apartment, Jizo had very little, only the basic necessities. A couch, as well as a table and two chairs, as well as a television, were in a living room, and a kitchen as well. To which all were provided with the apartment itself. Many other girls talked of 'decorating their rooms'. She wasn't sure what they would use, nor did she understand the purpose of it, but still, she thought that, eventually, she might want to put something up. That, among other things, is what led to a poster of a girl sitting atop a Panzer being hung up against a wall.
As Jizo was taking down notes, sitting at the table, she heard a knock at the door. Walking to it, and answering, she was greeted with Cahya. Her friend's face was red, and she wasn't looking her in the eye, but still she spoke. "Yo' Jizo. Do you mind if I crash here?"
"Crash?"
"Like, stay. Can I hang around here for a while?" She said, already taking off her boots and entering.
"Oh, hang around, okay. Sure."
"Thanks," Cahya walked over to the cough, and dropped herself onto it, "You're the best."
Seeing there was no space to sit with Cahya, Jizo walked into the kitchen. She had read books about how to treat guests, and decided it would be best to make some tea.
"Hey…" Cahya said quietly, "This poster is…"
Jizo glanced at her direction. Cahya was staring at the poster of her on the wall. "I bought it."
"Where did you even find this stuff? Only one store was selling the poster I had."
"You showed me the store."
"Did I?"
"Yeah."
"Oh'," Cahya shrugged her shoulders, 'Must've forgotten about that. Anyway, why did you even buy it?
Jizo thought for a moment, a long moment. Cahya even coughed, as they waited. "I'm not sure."
"What kind of a response is that? You sure are weird- or, actually, that's not it… You know, Jizo, I think I got you figured out."
"In what way?"
"I think you just have a hard time expressing yourself. What self that is… I'm not too sure. But, hey, you gotta be chill if you are hanging out with me."
She had no idea what Cahya was talking about. Expressing herself? When she thought to say something, she would say it, and when she thought to do something, she would do it. Isn't that what expressing oneself is? That's what they always told her.
"I don't understand."
"Eh', forget about it. You're fine the way you are, lil' Jizo."
Grabbing a plate with some tea cups, she walked over to the living room, and set them on the table. "Here you go."
Cahya looked up from the couch, "Oh… I don't really like tea. Sorry."
"I see, it's alright." Well, Jizo didn't think to ask if she wanted tea. If someone is a welcomed guest, a friend in your home, you make them tea. Asking would go against the whole point.
After that, Cahya laid in silence, and Jizo sat in the chair at the table.
"Where is Khin?" Jizo said. She never once saw Cahya, without her younger sister following behind her.
"Khin…" Cahya mumbled. "She's somewhere. Don't worry about it."
"Okay…" Jizo replied quietly.
"Actually, uh', fine. Me and Khin got into a little disagreement, that's all. Over our mom's- No, nevermind, it doesn't matter to you."
"...Okay…"
There was quiet.
"Hey Jizo. You ever think, 'My mother is perfect. I wouldn't trade her for anything, but there was just this one thing I wish was different. She cares about me, supports me, and loves me. But if only this one little thing wasn't there.' Do you ever think that?"
Jizo would never give an answer.
It was a few weeks after that, when snow really started to fall, and the temperature began to drop. Despite that, Jizo was standing in a crowd of her fellow students, watching as a parade of Panzers slowly made their way through the streets of the Graf Zeppelin, with a grand marching band following the tanks from every side. There was cheers, applause, and the sound of fireworks that only furthered the deafening noise all around. On this day, was the celebration parade for the Kuromorimine Sensha-Do team taking the grand victory in the Nationals, and all the populace of the ship seemed to attend. At least, for the students, attendance was mandatory.
As Jizo stood in the crowd, finally, the tanks which made up the Sensha-Do army, and that were now serving the parade, made their way directly to her. In the very front, was a rough looking Tiger II. This tank, as was announced by the speakers, had served the Sensha-Do team since the school was established in the early 80s, and had an even longer history before that. The Endsieg. If Kuromorimine was the pride school of Japan, and the Sensha-Do team was the pride of Kuromorimine, then Endsieg was the pride and joy of the Sensha-Do team. It had been her that led the school to every victory, including this one, and her damaged body showed for it. It was fitting, then, that as Jizo looked atop the vanguard tank, was the red and black banner signifying their great victory, and riding at the commander seat, was the Kommandant. The Kommandant's face wore a warm smile, her eyes filled with kindness, as she gently waved to the crowds. People cheered loudly for her. What was her name again?
Before Jizo could think anything more of it, the Endsieg quickly passed by, and from behind it, came a familiar face. Riding atop a Tiger I, as the second in front, was Cahya. Unlike her Kommandant, Cahya was practically beaming with energy. Waving with both hands above her head, shouting back to the crowd, and practically jumping up and down from her seat. It was then that Jizo raised her own hand, and waved it, trying to get her friend's attention. Miraculously, it seemed Cahya did see her, and she looked to her direction, and shook both hands with a 'peace' sign.
The parade went on for another hour, before Jizo made her way home as quickly as possible, intending to study. Finals for the first semester were coming quickly, and she had all intention to ace them, especially biology. So, after a long and tiring week of studying, and after an equally long and tiring day of testing, with the short winter break serving as the only thing serving as a moment of rest, the entire school received their scores back.
Standing out in front of a billboard, with a black jacket on, pushing past other students, Jizo found her name through the list of students. At Kuromorimine, the listing was done not by actual rank, but alphabetically. Someone could be a top scorer, but be found at the bottom, if their last name started with something like a z or y. So, Jizo had to look at the top section of the board to find herself.
There she was, with her score displayed. Not exactly number one, but within the top ten of the first years. Studying was a good thing, she was told, and getting good grades was crucial to her future. So, with a sigh that was frosted from the winter hair at sea, she began to walk home, satisfied with the day, but without anything to do after. There were still two weeks left before winter break was over, and they were soon to dock at shore, to spend the remaining time at land, but still, she had little to do. Maybe Cahya would come to visit, and take her somewhere along with Khin, but she hadn't. Jizo saw her less and less since that day she came over. She assumed it was the fact that they both were so busy, but even after the semester, she seldomly saw her since the parade.
Well, no matter, Jizo thought. They were still friends, after all, time spent apart doesn't change that.
One day, with the school ship docked at the port of a city, Jizo was sitting idly in her room, when she heard a knock at the door. Her first instinct was that it was Cahya, but as she approached her entrance and called out, 'who is it,' she got an unexpected response.
"This is the Ordnungspolizei. I need to speak to a Jizo-."
Opening the door before she had time to finish, Jizo saw the very same enforcer girl from a few months ago, wearing a familiar green outfit. However, alongside a sweater, this one she wore now seemed more extravagant, with a white stripe running across from the shoulder to the hip. What was her name again? Ah' right.
"Hello, Bulle."
At that, the girl's eyes widened, before narrowing in frustration. "I see, you have been hanging out with her, haven't you? It's not Bulle. You shall refer to me by my surname, Junko, not by some ridiculous false name."
Jizo nodded her head, "Okay, Miss Junko."
"No," Junko said, "Orpo Junko, that is how."
"I see, Orpo Junko."
"Good. Good…" The Orpo cleared her throat, "A-anyway, the reason I am here is because you have been requested by the ReichsjugendKanzler, a personal visit to his office, right now, if possible."
"Why," Jizo physically tilted her head, "Does the principal want me to see him? Did I break any rules?"
Junko shook her head, "I'm not sure why, but I'm here to personally escort you. It's rather urgent."
"Okay." Jizo said.
It took a moment for Jizo to prepare because of the snowy weather, but soon enough, she was walking back to the school with the Orpo. Their trail was mostly empty of people, with the soft crunching of snow beneath their boots filling the air.
"You know…" Suddenly, continuing to walk, Junko addressed Jizo without turning. "I see, or rather, I hear, you've been getting rather friendly with one student, Cahya Hagasawa. Is that right?"
"Yes, we are friends, we have been friends for a few months."
Junko hummed in response, though, Jizo could not see her face. Whatever expression she was making was hidden. "Yes, she talks about you. So do others. I hope… Well, you've known for a little, she's not exactly one who shies away from being herself. So, I mean to say…" Junko groaned, "She can be much, right?"
"I'm not sure what you mean."
"Look," Junko clicked her tongue, sounding frustrated, "I've just known Cahya, for a while now, and I know the way she can be. From the way she talks about you, it seems to me that she's being rather… Alright, I'll just say it. Do you know what they say about you?"
"Who?"
"Others of Cahya's long list of people she chooses to associate with. Cahya can't help but talk about the 'first year' who she's been showing around. And from the way she describes you, well, let's just say the others have a rather odd look on the matter."
"What do they say?"
To that, Junko stopped walking for a second, before continuing. "Just, don't take it personally. They say, 'Cahya's got a new pet,' and things like that. Silly things, really, nothing too important."
"A pet?"
"Like I said, don't take it personally."
"What's wrong with that comparison?"
Junko stopped again, but this time, she actually turned to look at Jizo. She couldn't make out what her expression meant, but Jizo was certain it was one similar to what Cahya showed her when they first met. Yet, before she could ask more, Junko turned back around.
"Just forget I said anything, I shouldn't have been running my mouth anyway… And don't mention anything to Cahya, either."
They walked the rest of the way in silence. Entering the school, and taking off their winter clothes, Jizo was led down a hall into the office of the principal. "Go in, he should be waiting." Junko said as she left, silently walking to the end of the hall, and turning a corner.
Opening the office, Jizo was greeted by a single desk, with one chair on each side, and a window on the back wall giving a clear view of the courtyard just outside. Sat behind the desk, was an old, bald man, in a suit and tie.
"Please, take a seat, ah' young Jizo." This old man said, with a deep voice. "Or should I say, young Nishizumi?" Jizo sat in the chair opposite the principal. "Yes, I know about your family. I hope Kuromorimine has been treating you well?"
Jizo nodded, "Yes, I have made plenty of friends."
"That's nice." The principal said, not looking Jizo in the eyes. "From what I'm reading here, you score very highly in your exams as well, top ten, very impressive." He went on, without much energy.
"Thank you. If you don't mind me asking, why have I been called here?"
The old man sighed, "You aren't in trouble, and everything is in order. However… It's the matter of your mandatory elective."
"What about my piano class?"
"Not many people have been taking that class, most students who go into that field take band, not piano. Also, because of some other things I'm certain you wouldn't get, we are shutting the piano elective down."
Jizo was silent, stuck in her own head, before saying, "What was that noise?"
"Noise?" The principal looked around confused, "I didn't hear anything."
Once again, Jizo was quiet, yet the sound of a glass cracking ever so slightly still rang in her ear. "Nevermind."
"Anyway, you need to take a new elective, and, considering your position, I would highly recommend Sensha-Do. Many girl's your age are giving it a try. With that on your resume, I'm certain plenty of colleges would be scouting you out, offering you full rides, so long as you do well. Judging by your grades, that shouldn't be a problem. Also, it's great for socializing. I've heard from your teachers that you have had a hard time talking to others? Sensha-Do is a team sport, so there are many friends and connections to make. Of course, not to mention, if nothing else, as you heard during the assembly video, there is nowhere better than Sensha-Do to learn to be a polite, graceful, modest, and galant woman. It will teach you to be a better worker, a better wife, a better mother-"
"No." Jizo interrupted, her voice, just slightly, louder than that plain tone she always took. "I want to take piano, don't shut down the elective, please.'
The old man sighed, before finally looking at Jizo from his computer. "I'm sorry, Nishizumi, but I've already made the decision. Next semester, there will be no piano elective, so you have to take something else. So, why not Sensha-Do?"
"I don't want to take Sensha-Do, so I will take something else then, like incense, or calligraphy."
The principal clapped his hands together, "You see, young Nishizumi, that isn't really an option."
"Why?"
He sighed, "I'm sure you wouldn't understand. Listen, you have to take Sensha-Do, consider it like any other mandatory class. No problem, see?"
"But…"
"That's enough. I am very busy today, young Nishizumi, and I have a lot to do. I already have made the changes to your schedule personally, and I suggest you go down to the Tankery hanger when you can, they already know they are getting a new member." As he said that, the principal shifted himself slightly on his chair. As he did, Jizo saw out of the corner of her eye, underneath the sleeve of his suit, a shiny watch.
"...Okay."
That was that. Jizo gave no more protest, and left the office.
It would be the next day, that Jizo would heed the principle, and visit the hanger. She had no idea what to expect, and just hoped to find Cahya, and ask her to guide her like she always did. The Krupp hanger was a large stone storage unit where all the tanks used by the Sensha-Do were stationed, simultaneously serving as an engineering workshop for the tanks, and in general, all the needs of the Tankery team. It was located in a far off location of the Graf Zeppelin, providing a large, flat space to practice, which broke off into an artificial forest. As Jizo made her way through a clear path, she expected to see some people practicing, yet there was no one. The fields were still unplowed from the recently fallen snow, so she assumed that the Sensha-Do team were still inside Krupp.
When Jizo walked up to a metal door of the hanger, and knocked it a few times, she got no response. She knocked again, and once more, no response. So, she made to grab the door handle, which had no lock, and open it. Yet, right as her hand was reaching out, it suspended half way, when she heard the soft sound of footsteps crutching under the snow. Looking to her left, Jizo expected to see a person turn the nearby corner of the building.
Instead, looking down, she saw a lone, gray, old cat. Its paw was hanging suspended in the air, about to take another step, but now it was just staring at her, waiting. Jizo looked at the cat, and the cat looked at her, and neither of them moved. The cat was so still, that Jizo was sure she could see her own reflection in the cat's eyes.
Jizo didn't know what to do.
Yet, before she could do anything, the cat quickly scurried away, leaving behind nothing, but paw prints in the snow. Jizo looked back once more, before turning back to the door, and opening it.
Jizo entered into a very large room. Or rather, not room, but a garage, where a few Panzers tanks were being tinkered on. There many different kinds of Panzer tanks, some of which Jizo knew of, most she didn't. It seemed like they were being worked on, with benches and tools being widely spread around.
From it, her nose filled with the foul stench of metal and sweat, as she immediately physically reeled and coughed. It was that coughing that got someone's attention. A girl noticed her from a distance, pointed to her while talking to someone, and walked to her. "Who are you?" The girl, who was clearly older than Jizo, questioned. "No, nevermind. The Kommandant isn't meeting any fans, so you should get home, she's busy. You could get into serious trouble for sneaking in, if you leave now, I'll just forget about."
The older girl sounded annoyed, but that didn't stop Jizo. "The principal said I would do Tankery now."
"What? Wait, you're the new member? I thought that was a joke…" She laughed in front of Jizo's face. "Well, come on, you should probably go see the Reich-marschall. Ask her why they let a new girl in."
"Okay-" Jizo hacked, "O-okay."
The older girl chuckled. "Blutschande."
Before Jizo could ask what she meant, she heard a shout coming from her left, and saw her friend, Cahya, approaching her. She looked as disheveled as Jizo expected.
"Lil' Jizo, the hell are you doing here?"
"Wait," Jizo looked to the older girl as she spoke, "This is the first year you've been getting so chummy over?" She laughed loudly, gathering some of the other girl's attention. "Oh girl, you should hear some of the shit she's been saying about you."
"Ah' just ignore Alf'y," Jizo looked at Cahya. "She likes teasing weird stuff."
"Don't get her confused with that." Jizo looked at the older girl, "The name's Alfonsine. Don't forget it, first year. Especially if you are going to be a part of my team."
"Okay, now you got to hold the hell up, Alf'y." Jizo looked at Cahya. "What are you talking about? Jizo's never even taken Sensha-Do before, and she isn't even interested in it, trust me, I've tried to get her on it."
"Yeah?" Jizo looked at Alfonsine. "Well explain that to the Schulleiter."
"Jizo, what is she on about? Don't you take the piano?"
Finally, Jizo was going to actually say something. "About that-" Before she was interrupted by the sound of a blowing whistle.
"Ah!" Cahya yelled in frustration, bringing her hands to her face. "Just, wait here for a second, Jizo. I'll be right back."
Still on the side, back against a wall, Jizo watched as not only Cahya and Alfonsine, but every other girl in the garage gathered in a tight line formation at the center of the building, standing resolutely. Cahya took position in front of the line of dozens of girls, and from behind her, came a girl Jizo recognized.
"Achtung!" The girl, the Kommandant of the Sensha-Do team, in her fine and clean red Kurormorimine uniform, shouted. Her hands were clasped behind her back, and she looked at each of her fellow Panzerwaffen one by one, taking a few seconds with each.
This was the same girl she had seen smiling on the poster. The same girl she had seen waving warmly to the crowd not too long ago. However, now, Jizo saw nothing of the sort. The Kommandant's expression was very stoic, and her eyes were narrow.
After what seemed like forever, where the drop of a single pin could be heard to everyone, the Kommandant finally spoke. "Lina." She stood directly in front of a short girl.
"H-herr Kommandant!" The small girl's voice quivered.
"Tell me, Lina, what happened during the finals match of the nationals?"
"K-kommandant… We were victorious against Pravda High."
"Yes, gloriously, I might add."
"Of course, Kommandant. Very g-glorious."
"However-" The small girl hitched. "Tell me, what happened to you and the Panzer IV you were in command of?"
"W-we-"
"Wrong!" The Kommandant quickly got right in front of Lina, "There is no we, understood?"
"M-m-m-my apologies, K-kommandant!" Lina stood extremely straight, as her body quaked. "T-the Panzer IV I was in command of broke down as a result of an engine failure-"
Suddenly, the Kommandant's face was not an inch from Lina's, looking down. "Understand this, Lina. We are having this day to work on maintenance of our Panzers because of your failure." The Kommandant backed away, "I expect everyone's tanks to be in top condition, with not a single error to be found. And-" She glared at Lina, "If I find anyone breaking down during the middle of a match, you are off the team!" Shouting, the Kommandant turned her back to the line of girls, just in time for all of them to recoil and her anger declaration. It was really something, Jizo thought, to watch a whole crowd of people flinch as the result of a single girl's shouting.
"Herr Kommandant!" The girls in the line shouted in unison, as the Kommandant turned and walked away.
"You heard her!" Cahya shouted, in a voice Jizo could've never expected. "Get back to maintenance!"
As everyone scrambled to their tanks, the Kommandant stopped right beside Cahya. Jizo could see her lips moving, but couldn't figure out what she was saying, until Cahya spoke up.
"Don't worry about her, Kommandant, I'll handle it-"
"No. I would go see the Reich-marschall about this. Get back to work." As the Kommandant said that, she turned, and walked up to Jizo.
"Hello." Jizo said, "Want to be friends-"
"Are you Gottgläubiger?" The Kommandant interrupted, "Because you better be praying to Gott that there is a reasonable explanation for why I suddenly received news that we are bringing along some random first year onto the team."
Jizo stared at her, and shook her head, "Sorry, I should introduce myself. My name is Jizo Ni-"
"Nein," The Kommandant raised her hand, "I don't want to hear your Judenknecht name, there is no point, you will be dealt with quickly. Come, let us go to see the Marshal. She should have an answer."
Without gesturing at all, the Kommandant began to walk away, and Jizo began to follow behind. They passed through a shutter, which led to some halls, and stopped in front of an opened metal door.
"Herr Reich-marschall." The Kommandant said facing the door, "I request permission to speak to you regarding an urgent matter."
"Come in!" From behind the door, Jizo heard the voice of a woman, and they both entered.
When Jizo walked into the principal's office, it was clean, and organized. However, in this office of the Marshal, it was messy. The old lady was standing over her desk, glasses over her eyes, looking at a stack of papers.
"What is in, Kommandant? Has something happened during practice?"
"No, I came to discuss the new member being added to the team."
The Marshal sighed, "I told you, it's already out of my hands. This order came from people even above me. We can talk about it more when the school year starts, and she starts attending. Yes, you can probably just have her act as a bench-warming, or something. For now, though, I am way too busy to discuss that topic."
"The thing is, Herr Marshal, the girl is here now." The Kommandant pointed to her side.
The older lady's head shot up from her papers, and her eyes were wide. Jizo waved at her.
"Hello." Jizo said.
There was silence for a moment, until the Marshal clutched her head, and groaned.
"Are you alright, Marshal?"
"Just a headache," She shook her hand, "At ease, Kommandant, you can be at ease."
The kommandant took a deep breath, "Of course, mother."
So, Jizo thought, they were related. However, they didn't look all that similar. Off-spring were supposed to inherit the parent's genes, and therefore, their physical quirks. Yet, from looking at them now, Jizo would've never guessed it. Why was that?
"So, I suppose you know now, right?" The Marshal said, "Well, I guess I tried to hide it from you for years, but that was no good."
What was she talking about?
"You are handling it better than I expected, Sakura."
Jizo would swear that in that moment, she heard the sound of a cup, or maybe a window pane, cracking slightly.
"What are you talking about, mother?" Sakura, the Kommandant, said. "Apologies, but I have no idea what the purpose of adding her to our team is."
"Wait, so you don't know? God, I need something for this." The older woman reached into a drawer, grabbed a pill from a capsule, and swallowed it.
"What should I know, mother?"
Jizo just noticed it now, but everytime the Kommandant said 'mother', the old woman flinched slightly.
"Sakura… This girl," Jizo saw the Marshal staring her down, "Her name is Jizo… Nishi… Nishizumi. Jizo Nishizumi."
"W-what?" Something Jizo couldn't have expected, that was happening so often now, the Kommandant stuttered heavily. "Haha… Surely you jest to me, mother. I am no longer a child, I ask that you don't tease me-."
"Sakura!" The mother yelled.
"Y-yes?"
"Take this seriously. She is a Nishizumi, like you and… Well, she bears the last name as well."
"But, mother… That name is reserved for our family, and our family alone… Who is she?" Sakura turned to Jizo, "Who are you?" She shouted, "Who are your parents?"
Jizo opened her mouth, "My mother's name was-"
"Stop." The Marshal, who Jizo would presume should be called lady Nishizumi, ordered. "Just, don't say anything, you. Sakura, look at me, she is related to you, directly."
Sakura shook her head. "How? I only have one little sister. You and father never had any more children. Unless…"
"What are you thinking? Tell me, now."
Sakura stood straight, "Apologies, mother. I was pondering the possibility that either you or father had an affair, and brought about a bastard child. But, that seems ridiculous, impossible, even."
"Ha!" Lady Nishizumi laughed, "The things you say sometimes… You are smart, Sakura, but you always come to the wrong conclusions on things like these…" The smile that formed on her face fell, and she once again clutched her head.
"Look, daughter… This girl here… Jizo… She is related to you. She is your sister. Your younger sister."
"That just doesn't make sense, mother." Sakura was shaking her head, "That's just not possible. I am your child, and she is not, this is the truth, nothing else… Right?"
Lady Nishizumi sighed, "Sakura Nishizumi." She said, coldly.
"Yes, mother?"
"You're adopted."
Jizo Nishizumi loved peaches. Whenever she would buy groceries, people would stop and stare at her, as she would fill a whole bag, or two, of the fruit. She used it in everything. No, Jizo didn't know how to cook very well, but she personally went and read some cookbooks on what can be used with peaches. She loved the way they tasted as much as she loved the way they smelled. She loved the way they looked as much as she loved the way they felt. And, if they could make a noise, Jizo was sure it would be a pleasant one. Though she had no idea what they would be like. The colorful, fuzzy, sweet fruit was something she hoped she would enjoy forever. Yes, she could eat peaches for her entire life, and when she died, she was certain she would be thinking of them.
Jizo looked back to Sakura, who was on her knees, on the floor, with her hands up to her eyes.
She was crying.
Right in front of them, who was now sitting on a chair behind the desk, Lady Nishizumi was rubbing her forehead, with a sour look on her face.
Lady Nishizumi grumbled. "You are dismissed, Kommandant. Go home."
"...But-" Sakura tried to say something, but was interrupted by her own wheezing, as tears continued to stream down her face. "I-... But-" She couldn't get a word past her gasps for breaths. Soon enough, she was audibly and openly crying.
"Go home, Sakura."
Saying nothing more, and still holding her face, trying to quell her crying, Sakura walked out of the room.
"...What are you still doing here?" Lady Nishizumi asked.
"I don't know." Jizo said, "I just wanted to make some friends. Do you want to be friends?"
"Get out."
It was worth a try. As the saying in Kuromorimine went, you miss one-hundred percent of the shots you don't take. Jizo assumed it had something to do with Sensha-Do.
Quickly following behind Sakura so as to not get lost, Jizo eventually made it back to the hanger, where Sakura was quickly packing to leave.
"Yo' Kommandant." Cahya called out, who seemed to have been waiting for them. "What happened there? Why is Jizo with us- What's wrong? Hold on!"
Sakura was right by the exit, trying to put on a coat, when Cahya approached her. Yet, before she could get near, Sakura dropped the coat, and ran out the door anyway. Her crying was still audible as she went.
"What's wrong?" Cahya yelled out, grabbing the fallen coat, and chasing after her Kommandant.
Before Jizo could even think about following them, Khin, out of nowhere, ran past Jizo and to the door. Saying nothing, the younger sister by a few minutes grabbed two coats, in matching design, and ran after the both of them.
There was quiet for a moment, as Jizo turned and saw everyone staring at the door. Some looked shocked, some startled, some seemed like they had no idea what just happened. Eventually, as murmur began, the girl named Alfonsine walked up to her. "Hey." She said, in an annoyed tone. "What the hell was all that?"
"I'm not sure." Jizo replied.
"Was the Kommandant crying? Why was Sakura Nishizumi, of all people, crying?" Her questioning was echoed by her fellow teammates. "What happened with the Marshal?"
"I'm… Not sure."
"Gott," Alfonsine clicked her tongue in frustration. "Fine, don't tell me. With that stupid ass look…"
"Come on," From the side, another girl yelled out, "What's going on?"
"Yeah, we should know, right?"
"For all her talk, it seems the Kommandant can actually feel some emotion."
As it went on, Jizo could see Alfonsine's face grow more and more angry, until eventually, she bursted. "Shut the hell up, all of you! Get the hell back to working on your tanks!" Jizo expected for that to be the end of it, from what she saw previously, however it was far from it. While a few people quietly went back to maintenance, many simply refused, with some even hurling back their refusal and spitting in Alfonsine's direction.
The older girl scoffed, "Worthless class of 89', we were expected to respect our third year seniors when I was younger… This is what you get with people like Cahya in charge."
"Aye,'' Jizo watched as another girl, one she hadn't met before, walked right up to Alfonsine. "You better watch your mouth when you talk about the Vice-Kommandant. Just cause' you'a third year doesn't mean you can just start talking behind her back."
"Hmm? And who are you to tell me what I can and cannot say? Lorita, You're just a second year. Learn your place."
"We're still on the same team damnit. It's been nearly two years, and yet you are still like this?"
"The same team? Ha! You talk about how long we have been practicing Sensha-Do together, but hey, didn't you get taken out in the finals, without hitting a single opponent? You know, you're supposed to fire at the enemy to win. Are we even playing the same sport?"
"You-!" Lorita growled, "I was bringing up the rear of our line, of course I would get shot at first without the chance to fire back! That's besides the point. We still won the tournament. Thanks to the Vice-Kommandant, and Miss Nishizumi."
"Don't get it confused. It wasn't Sakura who won us this, it was the Nishizumi-style."
"Yeah, it is the Nishizumi-style. It's just a shame that you are not as good as the Kommandant at it. Say what you want about me, but that doesn't change the simple fact that you weren't made in charge, because Sakura and Cahya are just better than you."
"Hündin!" Alfonsine's voice strained, and she grabbed the other girl's collar. "You better watch it du verfickt."
"Go on, throw the first punch. I swear to Gott I've been waiting for this chance since my first year." Though the other girl was only in her second year, she was just as tall as the Alfonsine, and really, Jizo expected that in any second they would start a fight. Yet before that could happen, a few girl's rushed up, and tore them apart.
"Calm down, Lorita. Just ignore the dog." One girl, who had her hand on the shoulder of Lorita, said.
From the other side, a new, different girl yelled in response. "Untermensch!"
Now, as Jizo saw, it really looked like there was about to be a whole group fight that was going to break out. With different girl's taking sides quickly, throwing insults, and just looking to hit someone. Yet, before anything serious could happen, the metal door which led outside swung open, and as Jizo turned to it, she saw those three girls who had just run out, return. Sakura was walking in front, with right beside her being Cahya, and just behind was Khin. All three were wearing coats, and were pale from the cold. From her close position to her, Jizo could see the Kommandant's eyes were still glossy and hazy, yet as she caught her bearing of what was happening with the team she was in charge of, they snapped open.
"What is all this!" The Kommandant shouted, rushing forward, and standing between Lorita and Alfonsine. It had taken a second for the whole Sensha-Do team to realize their Kommandant had returned, but when they did, all was silent.
"I leave to take care of something for one minute," She continued, "And I am met with a god damn zoo? I don't give a single damn about who started this, so help me, I will have every single person in this room Bumsen expelled! I will-" Before Sakura could continue, through the shouts, her voice suddenly broke, and it seemed like at any moment she would begin to cry again.
Cahya came rushing to her aid, laying a hand on the Kommandant's shoulder. "Alright, everyone, du bist entlassen. Go home, we will reconvene tomorrow, at the same time as usual."
"Go home?" It was Alfonsine who raised a dejection. "The only reason we came in today was because the Kommandant wanted to give some stupid first years a lesson on their maintenance, and yet now we are being told to go home? What even happened with the Marshal. Hey, Kommandant-"
"Alf'y, go home. You are dismissed. Listen to those above you." Cahya said.
It looked to Jizo that Alfonsine wanted to say something more, but simply huffed, and turned away. It took a few minutes for everyone to gather their things, and clear out, with Jizo trying to follow their lead. But when she tried, Khin grabbed her hand and said, "You should stay." When everyone left, it was just her, Sakura, Cahya, and Khin left alone in the hanger. The other three were together, sitting on a bench, while Jizo stood idly. It was only when Khin waved her over, that Jizo made herself known.
"Hello." She said.
"Jizo?" Cahya responded, "You're still here? Look, sorry it was like this. I wish I could tell you it's not normally this bad, but… Well, it's fine. Y'should go, though, don't worry about the Kommandant. It's got nothing to do with you, okay? We can talk later."
"Actually-"
"Actually," Khin said, "I'm pretty sure it does have something to do with her."
"What do you mean, sis'?"
"Why would the Marshal announce to Sakura that she was adopted, while Jizo was there?"
"That… Doesn't make sense, hey, Sakura-" She was cut off by a sob. "Uh', Jizo?"
"We are sisters." Jizo said, in the same, plain tone.
"No!" Cahya jumped, as Sakura shouted next to her. "No… She's lying. She has to be lying…"
Cahya looked back and forth between Jizo and Sakura, "Sakura… I don't…"
"Didn't I tell you? How the hell could she be my sister? I only have one little sister, and she isn't even in high school. No, she has to be lying. It's all a- a giant lie!"
"I-I…" Jizo had never seen Cahya so flustered, "I believe you… But, I don't think Jizo would lie-"
"Who gives a damn what you believe! If your Kommandant tells you something, then it's the truth! It's the-" It seemed that every time she tried to shout, Sakura would just start to cry again, and now, she really wailed in anguish. For a moment, Cahya wrapped her arms around Sakura, embracing her tightly in a hug, and even Khin went behind them, and held a shoulder to her back, rubbing it slightly.
Jizo watched right in front of them. However, for a single moment, she was distracted by a gray blur running through the hanger. The very same cat she saw when she first arrived. It stared at them for a second, before running away, just like last time.
When Jizo looked back, Sakura's crying had calmed, and the three girls separated.
"Alright, Sakura, alright. Even if the Marshal said it, that doesn't mean anyone is your sister, even you don't want them to be, got me? Family is who you consider family to be, nothing else. Okay? You might not think like this, but I feel like you and I are family, like me and Khin. Okay? I'm here, alright?"
Sakura nodded her head. "I… Let's never speak of this matter, ever…" She choked out.
"Yeah, don't worry about any of that nonsense, kay'? It's all something dumb things anyway."
"Ahem." It was Khin who interrupted them
"What, Khin?" Cahya replied, but sounded angry with her sister.
Khin just stared at her for a second, before saying, "Nothing, nevermind. Just had something in my throat." Jizo saw Khin glance at her. "Look, you stay here, sister, I'm heading home."
"Hold up, you're leaving? Stay the hell here."
"It looks like you've got all that taken care of, so I'll just check out. You said we're all dismissed, right?"
"Khin, why are you acting like a bitch right now?"
"Hmm," Khin sighed, ignoring her sister, "Hey, Jizo, let me walk you home."
Saying nothing more, with only the faint sobs of Sakura being heard, Jizo followed behind Khin, as they both left the hanger.
"Hey, J-, ignore my sister. She thinks she is good at stuff like this, but really, she can be a stupid bitch. I doubt it will get on your nerves, though."
"What do you mean? What did Cahya do? Are we still friends?"
"Haha… That's what I was talking about… That way you look, I think it's pretty obvious, the things you think. You don't really care about much, do you? I'm sure my sister would disagree, but still, what does she know? Still, isn't what she just did there a really bitchy thing to do?" Khin looked at her, "It feels like I'm talking to a statue. Shame you had to go and make buddies with my sister… Nevermind, forget I said anything. Anyways, you are still on the team, so I suppose that wouldn't have mattered… I'll swing by your place tomorrow- Cahya told me where it is- and drop you off some books that should help you at least get started with Tankery. After that, I'm sure Cahya will love to give you some private lessons."
"Oh', sure."
It seemed that tomorrow, Jizo would finally ride in a Panzer. She could only wonder what that would make her feel, as white snow once again began to fall gently overhead.
.
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Author's Note
Hello.
I won't have much to write here, but still. This chapter went on just a little bit longer than I was expecting, after I trimmed it down. It was initially going to include Jizo interacting with an actual tank, but I decided to hold that off for the next chapter for thematic purposes. Still, I like the current size of the chapter, what got done, and where we finished off. Expect to see more chapters be balanced like this, between 6k-10k words, sometimes more.
Thank you for reading.
Yours Truly.
A.A
