Kaiser returned to his school ship aboard the BMW R75 he so favorably used. By himself and with a pleasant sea breeze accompanying him he was left to his thoughts as he drove. His mind replayed the still-fresh conversation he had with Miho before going their separate ways.

After the short-lived despair of seeing who his next opponent was, she had switched the topic to her friends once more. Her face showed elation upon retelling stories of their ventures and time together. To his surprise, it not only encompassed her crew but her entire team was considered her friends as well.

It was comical to him how their approaches were so different in regards to their team interactions and yet they had near identical results in performance. She seemed so carefree as she repeated the word friend. It was almost enviable. At a red light, Kaiser stared at the empty road waiting for it to turn. 'Everyone's dealt different cards' he thought as it flicked green and he moved on.

Soon he arrived at the dock and checkpoint for the ship. Once cleared he and his vehicle were loaded onto the sealift and taken topside. Just outside the lift was a familiar naval vessel and two small bodies straining to lift two large bags onto it. Aki and Mikko were presumably loading the supplies he had granted them for their return voyage.

With a wing of his leg, his bike's kickstand swung down and he approached the girls. Without a word, he grabbed the bags and gave them a hand. Just to make sure he opened and checked their contents before stowing them away.

"Thanks, big guy!" declared Mikko slapping him on the back. Kaiser took the blow, light as it was, and nodded to them, noticing their third was absent.

Aki sighed knowing who he was looking for. "She's sleeping in" she admitted with a defeated tone. "Wouldn't get up no matter what I did so we just left her."

"I see" he acknowledged. His short response had Aki grow flustered. She assumed he wasn't too fond of their presence.

As he looked down at the petite girl Mikko swung her legs atop a box carefree. "Maybe you could get her up? I wanna get back to my bed as soon as possible, to be frank."

Kaiser looked between the small redhead and blonde who seemed nervous at the idea. "She won't get up otherwise?"

Aki shook her head embarrassed as Mikko grinned smugly with crossed arms. "She probably won't budge unless someone dumps her in the sea." Aki looked at her peer with panicked eyes. Whatever she thought of him, surely it wasn't flattering.

Kaiser placed a hand on his hip and brought a hand to his chin. He wanted them gone, not because they were a liability, though they were. But because they were close to truancy at this point and their school ship was in a nearby port.

"How much more do you have to load?" he asked Aki. She fiddled with her fingers under his gaze muttering before pointing to a pile to the side. His eyes narrowed as he observed the accumulation. Food, some parts, fuel, all things he dictated were to be given although the plentiful amount was probably Virtanen's doing.

Aki seemed content with trying to not converse with him as he looked at the pile. Mikko however gave a loud chuckle. "Don't worry big shot. Go get our boss, We can handle the rest." To emphasize her point she flexed her small arm and placed a hand atop her bicep.

Kaiser was less than assured. He shrugged off his jacket and folded it. "Let me help with the heavier items and I'll fetch your commander. The two girls seemed surprised by his offer but happily accepted. Mikko hopped off her crate, slapping his back once more as Aki seemed a little more open to conversation.

Soon he had finished assisting them and he was on his BMW again heading towards the barracks they stayed. Though he had a gut feeling he would need to make a pit stop.

Kaiser drove up towards the hangar area. Upon seeing no one around and the doors secured as they were supposed to, he drove around the perimeter not willing to let a gut feeling go unchecked.

Dismounting from his bike he checked the backdoors and sure enough, he found an unlocked door. He pressed an ear to it and listened. Nothing. He crept in, all lights were off, and there was no movement in the dim light from the high windows. Then he heard a single cautious footstep. Then another. He waited by the exit as the footsteps drew closer.

The individual opened the door and as the outside light flooded in, Kaiser lunged forward. The figure, unknowing of his presence was caught off guard as he placed a hand atop their head and pushed them outside. Stumbling forward they spun on their heel with a look of fright.

Kaiser locked the door behind him as he spun the freshly received hat in his hands. "Looking for what you can snag on your way out Mika?"

His deadpan accusation along with his unexpected presence left the girl speechless as he eyed her hat. Seeing her precious article of clothing in his hands she frantically patted her head and reached out for it. Kaiser tossed it back at her as he began pacing around her.

Your silence is damning as ever and really? You brought your kantele with you?"

With her hat restored to her head and her confidence firmly in place again she defensively placed a hand atop the instrument on her back. "One does not leave a limb at home when they are about correct?"

Kaiser stopped his pacing and gave an exasperated sigh. He should've expected her to be cryptic, perhaps he should have kept her hat a bit longer. He stood with crossed arms and a stern expression as she weathered his glare. There they stood in silence, behind the school hangar, alone.

Kaiser had time, so he played her game. "They say 'The wind changes every day but a woman changes every second.' You, however, seem to be no different from your mischief a few years ago. Maybe even worse."

Her expression softened as she reached for her Kantelle, walking beside him and squatting against the brick exterior of the hangar. "Is that not still a change? And what of you? 'A boy's will is that of the wind' seems most appropriate." She lightly strummed her instrument to accentuate her point.

He joined her against the wall, conceding her point. "There's much for me to do and I don't take failure kindly. You know this, but I doubt you know how much trouble it's brought me rather than reward." He sent a telling glance her way which she was quick to avert her eyes from.

A few chords were plucked as the two watched clouds slowly trail across the sky. As her last chord fell silent Mika spoke again. Many whispers and words followed the wind to my ear during my stay. Was our reunion one of these troubles? A nightmare come true? Was there fear in your heart at thoughts of the past?"

Her hands lay still as she listened with closed eyes and steady breath. Kaiser mulled over how to respond to the question, as his answer was just as mixed.

"Once it was a dream to see you." He corrected. "Then it turned to fear. Then hope that you would see how I changed and grew skillful, strong, and better. At one point it was all I thought about. Who can blame a boy for being occupied with his first love? Is it something I should be ashamed of?"

Mika gave no response, her body seemed somewhat tense, her hands hesitant to strum again. Her eyes, now half-lidded, stared intently at her kantele.

"But No It was no trouble." Though she showed no outward change, his answer surprised her. "I'm rather glad to see that I have grown since we last met. I wasn't sure how I would react if I did see you again."

"You are quite different from last time" admitted Mika. "Almost another person entirely."

"My parents always said I matured quickly," he said with a snicker. "Though it caused my mother a few headaches whenever we argued."

Mika began strumming lightly once more, wondering just how his family must've been to raise such a curious boy, Kaiser was thinking much the same to the enigmatic, yet paradoxically simple girl beside him.

"What is brought by the wind will be carried away by it. "Do you wish anything were different?"

The question caught him off guard. Neither turned to look at the other. His eyes stayed firmly upwards at the sky as she looked down at her kantele, its chords sending long, reverberating notes into the air.

With a slow breath, he answered. "Regretting the past is like chasing after the wind. It may not have been what I wanted at the time but I believe it is what I needed. We are who we are because of our pasts. Besides, we're still young. We have a lot of future ahead of us."

He then pushed off the wall and turned to her. "There's no use in sulking or thinking of what could have been. We're young with plenty of life ahead of us. Focus on the present and what you desire to keep close to you. Now let's get going, your girls are waiting on you."

He extended a hand which she eyed curiously. With a small giggle, she took it. "Truly the will of the wind." standing and swinging her instrument behind her she took a step away. "I shall rejoin my comrades then." She was stopped in place, his firm grip on her hand unrelenting.

With a smile still on her face she looked up at him with curious confusion. "I'm not letting you out of my sight. They've waited on you long enough and it's time to go."

Mika averted her eyes at his intense gaze. "Ah, but I've left some times at my room."

"Aki told me she brought all of your belongings."

"I have a few items I purchased aboard this school-"

"Mikko's already digging into your snacks."

Mika's head snapped towards him, revealing his smirk and bluff. Now with her attention, he began dragging her to his bike. "I've rented a motorcycle from the club, We'll be there in no time. Her mild resistance to him holding her hand in public turned to total embarrassment as she was forced to ride on the back of the bike.

He argued that he could have made her ride in the sidecar if it was attached but as she held on from behind, the heat in her ears despite the cool wind made her believe that may have been a better alternative.

The two arrived to see Aki and Mikko sitting atop their vessel on the lookout for them. Both waved as they saw the bike coming. Mika dismounted as her peers watched some of the ship staff attach cables to their vessel to lower it off the side of the ship.

Under the curious gazes of her peers, Mika regained her composure as she turned her back to them and thanked Kaiser for his hospitality. She stood before him with hands clasped together as he leaned forward on the handlebars of the BMW.

As they waited for the ship's staff to finish their preparations they chatted idly. Soon it was evident that they were almost finished, so Kaiser gave a suggestion. "As refreshing as this was, I had hoped we could have conveyed ourselves through a match. But I suppose luck hasn't been on my side when it comes to chance lately."

Mika shook her head, appearing to dismiss his depreciative notion when in reality she recalled the maddening trickery he pulled in his matches. Trickery was supposed to be her school's Senshado, instead, she was left feeling paltry when comparing herself to the stunts he implemented. So she kicked the can down the line. "Perhaps next year, and if not then there is university. But who says that our net meeting has to be as enemies?"

Kaiser's expression showed that he hadn't even conceived of the notion. Mika's gentle smile settled once more seeing that he was still the same in some ways as well. 'Always focused on combat and the next job.'

An adult in a hard hat called the girls over, announcing the finished preparations. Mika nodded, turning on her heel to depart. She stopped abruptly, feeling a strong grip on her hand. She saw Aki and Mikko staring at her with keen gazes. Mika felt a small blush rise as she turned to see Kaiser off his vehicle and intently staring at her.

Now along with her peers, a few of the adult workers seemed to be watching as one whistled and another hollered at them teasingly. It took herculean effort for her to maintain her composure whereas Kaiser seemed uninterested in everything but her.

She felt it was unfair he was so calm and so attempted to taunt him. "Would you like an embrace? Would you be that lonely after such a brief reunion?"

Without faltering he stared into her eyes. "If it's not too much of a request."

Mika froze as Aki squealed, covering her face with her hands and Mikko began laughing loudly. The men working on the crane joined in on the teasing cheers.

Having walked into it and feeling pressured, she awkwardly leaned forward as he stepped off his motorcycle. He gave a brief yet tight embrace as his arms wrapped around her midriff. It lasted for a second as she felt one of his hands brush past the rear of her skirt.

Blood rushed to her face as she pushed him away, her hands defending her posterior and their onlookers booed him for ruining the moment or jeered at his 'attempt.'

Despite her indignant glare and the cries of others, he was still disinterested and instead was staring at his palm. In it were a couple of items. A small notepad, and a small case.

"Really?" he asked sending a sharp glare at her. It was the first she had ever received from him. Its intensity was comparable to the commander of Kuromoromine or the vice commanders of Pravda when she had gotten into trouble with them.

A cold sweat consumed her as she patted her back pocket and he investigated the items he had swiped. "A map of our facilities, notable names, our training schedule, and this. Did you really take the time to make a clay press of one of our hangar keys?"

Her patented, guiltless smile took hold of her face as his eyes narrowed. The jeering from afar had stopped as they heard what had happened. Aki's face was now covered out of embarrassment from her leader as Mikko was falling over in laughter, kicking her legs in the air.

"I have half a mind not to let you out of my sight and just fly you back to your ship."

"O-oh you can fly?"

"You're not getting anywhere near my planes, now get going before I appropriate your vessel. I'm changing the locks and timetables for my team as well."

"A-ah yes, goodbye then." she nodded robotically.

Despite catching her Kaiser called after her. "Mika. Take care. Okay?"

She turned, back to herself for a brief moment and said. "The wind will guide us all together again, I'm sure."

Kaiser rolled his eyes as they boarded and were lowered down. He watched from a lower deck railing as they sailed away. He waved farewell as Mikko energetically returned the gesture from the captain's seat, Aki bowed and Mika played her Kantelle peacefully.

Kaiser now had one less factor to fret over, that slot however was soon filled with frightening speed.

The Transcendence would depart from port and resume sailing along with classes and training for the team. It was as normalcy began to settle in that the three commanders gained an unexpected visit.

Virtanen, Kaiser, and Knight were in the office doing daily paperwork with a generous deadline. Kaiser sat at his desk, adamant about finishing it early as Knight did his own schoolwork and Virtanen stared whimsically out the window at the training field.

Amidst the peaceful sound of scribbling and typing, a polite knock was heard at the door. The three boys turned in their seats, sharing glances. With no response, the source of the knocking tried the door knob. As usual, it was locked. They then knocked again.

Knight hopped to his feet in a hurry, not wanting to be rude he apologized as he opened the door. A comforting voice responded as he swung the door open.

"No worries, I'm sure you're all busy." Knight was left speechless as his eyes came across a woman. She was shorter than he at five and a half feet but clearly an adult. She wore modest yet stylish clothing that didn't deter from her apparent beauty. "May I come in?"

Knight was lost in thought for a moment before jumping to the side and hurriedly inviting her in. Virtanen seemed to feel the same effect as he laid eyes on the strange woman who had entered their office. While both boys were lost for words, Kaiser's shoulders seemed stiff as he refused to acknowledge their guest.

When the woman noticed Kaiser her expression blossomed into joy. "Addy!" she called walking over to him and lacing her hands on his shoulders.

Virtanen and Knight shared a look of concern with each other. Even the worst rumors of their friend never involved older women.

Kaiser stood from his seat and held a frown. "What are you doing here Mother?"

Virtanen and Knight now shared equally surprised and intrigued expressions silently as the parent and child spoke. Knight over to Virtanen, whispering into his ear. "I thought you were his oldest friend? How do you not know who his mother is?"

Virtanen defended himself hastily. "This is Kaiser we're talking about. He always kept his personal matters private no matter what. Always said his parents were too busy to attend inconsequential things like InfanterieKampf matches."

"Didn't you win nationals?"

"We thought it was strange too. We just chalked it up to distant parents but seeing her bubbly personality I don't think that was the right assumption…"

True to the observation, The mother was happily chatting with her son who seemed none too pleased with her sudden appearance.

Kaiser sighed, drawing their attention. "I'll ask again, why are you here? You usually plan these things out or give notice."

Kasiers mother gave a satisfied smile. "You would have just gone out of your way to hide your friends from me like always. No matter how much your dad and I try, you always keep your family and school life separate. We want to know how our son is doing. Especially now that you're on this ship rather than back in our own country like you agreed before."

"Are you still pouting about that? I've said before this was a request I couldn't refuse. They're even offering tuition to my siblings if we perform well enough."

"You don't need to worry about your siblings, we're the parents. Why else do you think your father works so much?"

"I'm trying to give him more time with them by easing his load Mother."

That's not your responsibility, besides I'm here now and there's nothing you can do to change that. Now, who are these two young fellows?"

Virtanen and Knight stiffened at the radiant smile pointed their way, followed by an immediate hitch in their breath at a glare followed by Kaiser.

"P-Pleasure to meet you, Ma'am. I am Austin Virtanen, commander of Transcendence's Senshado team. This here is Alexander Knight my Vice commander. We've worked with your son for a while and have had the pleasure of seeing his skill in the field."

The woman raised a hand to her chest and tilted her head slightly. "I've heard much about you from my son, He speaks highly of you two."

"R-really?" spouted Knight in disbelief.

His mother laughed into a hand. "Well as much as you would expect my son to speak of anyone. Thank you two for bearing with him. He's a lot like his father when he was younger. Though not as much of a troublemaker, I'm sure he's caused some controversy within his matches."

Virtanen and Knight glanced at each other hesitantly. "Mother" interrupted Kaiser.

"I've seen the news articles, honey. You're still doing such dangerous things just like when you were younger."

"I've said it's for a reason- Look we're talking in circles again. What is it you need?"

"And as I've said, this is a welfare checkup. Approved by both your father and your siblings. I flew in earlier thanks to the hospitality of your school principal and know of your grades and performance. I've also heard quite a bit about your public reputation. We'll have a word about these scandalous rumors in private. Now I just need to see what kind of friends you're around before departing. Tomorrow is a school day after all."

Kaiser groaned internally at the declaration. "Fine, but we" he shot a telling look at his peers, "have work to finish. So I won't be able to escort you around or entertain you for a while." His mother gave a disapproving glare, reminiscent of her son's as he continued. "I will however call someone over to fulfill that position."

Kaiser stepped out with his phone to make a call. Kaiser's mother quickly filled the silence, naturally dispelling the awkward atmosphere between the two boys. "I apologize if Adam has caused you trouble. He can be imposing at times.

"That's putting it lightly" laughed Virtanen as Knight jabbed him in the ribs.

The woman laughed politely into a hand as a somber expression took hold of her. "You two seem close. As do many of the students here. Tell me, Does he, my son, exclude himself? Does he fit in?"

The question was out of left field for the two who were unsure how to respond. Knight fiddled with his hands for an answer when Virtanen loudly laughed.

"He couldn't if he tried!" The response was strange garnering confused looks from Knight and the mother. Wiping a fake tear from his eye Virtanen explained. "He tries to sulk away all the time but is always brought back by his crew or someone on the team. Even when our team fell apart due to him and this lad" He gestured at Knight who meekly looked away. "Half of them followed him! He's such a center of attention I'm more worried I'll lose my position even though he doesn't want it!"

The mother showed earnest surprise at the confession as Knight joined in with quiet chuckling. "He's even been mistaken as the commander on more than one occasion." Virtanen threw his hands in the air in exaggeration, remembering those events as Knight continued. "Your son is looked up to by many. Even some upperclassmen show deference and other school commanders acknowledge him."

The mixture of excitable and humble admissions left the mother feeling at ease as her shoulders slackened and a calm expression settled within her hazel eyes.

"But more importantly," asked Virtanen abruptly. "His nickname is Addy?"

The mother seemed delighted in being questioned about her son. "Oh it's adorable, isn't it? His siblings called him that when they were young and soon most of the family took to it. He started getting embarrassed by it in middle school though." Her recollections and fond memories continued to pour out as the two boys listened. Virtanen in selfish pursuit and Knight in guilty interest.

They didn't get to hear much from this forbidden source as Kaiser rejoined them. "Alright Mother, She'll be here in just a moment. So just follow her until we're done with our workload."

"Her?" asked his mother presumptuously. "This isn't one of those girls I've heard you're dragging along is it?"

"Just who have been talking to?" deadpanned Kaiser, not even entertaining his mother's interrogative tone.

"It seems a common topic amongst the student body" she rebutted.

With an accusatory tone, he defended himself. "And you've just happened to speak with most of the student body?"

"If it's a recurring topic that 'He must be off with another girl' whenever I ask for my son's whereabouts, then yes."

Kaiser dragged a hand across his face. "I don't even know the last time I spoke to a girl with that kind of intent."

"That's a worry in and of itself son!"

To Kaiser's surprise, Virtanen came to his rescue. "He has a lot on his plate Ma'am, not least of all because of me. We all rely on him here. Although he could use a bit more… self-awareness, he doesn't do anything without clear intent and purpose."

Kaiser almost felt thankful as his mother calmed down until the next words slipped out his mouth. "Isn't that right, Addy?"

With a razor-like glare, Kaiser whipped back with a quick retort. "You really want to start something Tin-tin?"

Virtanen's eyes dilated as his heart sank. "H-how do you-"

"I met your mother a few years ago after a match. I advised she didn't call you that. It's not too late for me to spread word."

Virtanen looked down at his desk as he sat quietly while Knight slid out of Kaiser's firing line. The movement caught Kaiser's ire. Raising his hands in defense Knight averted his eyes. "I don't need to know what you know sir, I'd rather keep my dignity."

Kaiser's mother gave an unapologetic chuckle at her son acting as usual. "It's a cute nickname," she said. Rather than consoling, Virtanen planted his head on the desk and groaned quietly.

With his peers back to their work and subdued another knock was heard at the door. "May I come in?" asked a feminine voice. Natalya's head poked in, catching Kaiser and his mother's attention.

As Natalya and his mother looked at each other his mother brought a hand to her mouth with a quiet "Oh my" whereas Natalya looked between his mother and him with curious, wide eyes.

Pushing his mother from behind, Kaiser turned to his peers, his glare demanding they return to work. As they did so, he closed the door behind them and caught sight of not just Natalya but her sister too.

With narrowed eyes on the mischievously smiling girl, Kaiser asked aloud. "Why is she here?"

"She insisted" admitted Natalya weakly.

"I could practically smell something was amiss, after all, how often do you call my dear sister?" cut in Valerya.

"Umm," The uncertain voice drew all eyes to Kaiser's mother. As her eyes drifted between the tall brunette and the short blonde. "Who are these two?"

Before answering he turned to Natalya and conceded her sister's presence. "Just keep her in line alright?" As she nodded he introduced the two sisters.

"This is Natalya Prokov. A vehicle commander within my squad that proven herself exemplary. In the time we've known each other, she's grown to earn my trust and so she will be escorting you in my absence. That is her sister Valerya."

"It is" nodded Valerya smugly. "He may be popular but he has no idea how to act, sometimes he needs guidance. You should have seen how the school reacted when we pretended-"

Val gave a sharp hack as Natalya pulled her by her collar, physically insisting she be quiet. Kaiser's mother ignored the scene as she turned to her son with an innocent smile and hands clasped in delight.

"So which one do you like son?"

Both girls choked on their breath. Both were surprised at the sudden question and the realization that the woman was in fact his mother. Both frantically exchanged glances as the mother and son conversed.

"Mother please, don't do this." he groaned, rubbing his eyes.

"Why? It's a reasonable question. She even said you were popular and you're friends with two attractive young girls. Why just look at their reactions."

"Anyone would react like that if you put them on the spot."

"There's nothing wrong with finding love when you're young."

"U-umm" spoke up Valerya with a weak smile attempting to regain her composure. "Just how old are you Ma'am?"

"With a feint tone of embarrassment, his mother placed a hand on her cheek. "I'm thirty-two sweetie."

The two sisters stared at the bright smile of the mother, at a loss as they did the math in their heads.

Turning back to her son she continued defending her point. "You know your father and I met at fourteen."

"And here I am, sixteen and without a child, My love life isn't going to be exactly like yours and Dad's."

"Oh, are you flustered? you said dad instead of Father" She raised a hand to her mouth mockingly as her son glowered at her. "I suppose it would be embarrassing for you youngins. But I am curious, this one reminds me of myself when I was her age."

Valerya jumped as the woman stepped beside her placing hands on her shoulders. "I was a troublemaker with your father back then. I even had lighter-colored hair like her."

"No one is asking for our family history" hissed Kaiser as he pulled his mother back. "Here is what is going to happen. Natalya will escort you with her sister. I will finish my work and meet with you later. Then we will see you off on the last flight of the day. Are we all clear?"

His mother pouted as Natalya nodded slowly and Valerya, now humbly embarrassed, looked away.

With everything clear, he took a breath. "Valerya, please take my mother outside while I speak with your sister."

Valerya flinched at the order as his mother gave an excited look, dragging the girl off with her. Natalya felt no envy at her sister's position. Or so her conflicted feelings told her.

"I think your mom has Val under control." she weakly laughed.

"I should've expected as much. Look, I'm sorry for the trouble just… keep her out of trouble and her presence on the quiet side of things. Please."

Natalya nodded. "Yes sir, and don't worry. I'm glad you put so much trust in me. I just hope that I can handle this task.

"I'm sure you'll fair better than I" he joked lightly, returning to his office. Footsteps signaled her departure after his mother as he looked up to see Knight and Virtanen's curious eyes.

Without a word, he sat down and furiously began going through his work. He could only imagine what his mother was telling others or god forbid, word of her got around. Yet his damned sense of responsibility kept him here. Hopefully, the two sisters would distract his mother long enough.

-Chapter End-