Blazepanzer here, and it's time for chapter three! Enjoy!
Blazepanzer does not own girls und panzer!
Blinking open her eyes, Hanoashi let out a quiet smile as she realized that Mari and Rikona were by her side. It might have been a bit of a surprise to her earlier, but Hanaoshi had quickly came to realize that Mari seemed to adore her while Rikona...well...she was the same.
Gently shuffling herself out of the bed, which was hard to do considering the girl to her either side, Hanoashi quietly made her way over to her closet and quietly swapped to her school uniform. She wanted to explore her new surroundings.
"What time is it?" Rikona yawned.
"5:45," Hanoashi whispered.
"Too early," Rikona yawned again, curling up next to Mari. "Gonna sleep to the alarm," she added tiredly.
"You so silly Kona," Mari mummered in her sleep, edging closer and closer to the tall brunet. Rikona smiled before giving Hanoashi a "She is mine now," look.
Hanoashi closed her eyes before rolling them. Opening them she saw Rikona giving her the "really" look. She, Yukaro, and her father were the only ones who actually knew she was doing that when she closed her eyes.
Rikona let out a quiet laugh and waved for her to go on, causing Hanoashi to smile quietly before exiting the door, being careful not to disturb any of her sleeping schoolmates. As she began walking to the cafeteria, she met a brunet in a white tee shirt and running shorts.
"You're the famous Hanoashi Katoni, right?" she asked.
Hanoashi nodded.
"Nice to meet you vice commander, I'm Shiori Takabe," she introduced herself, extending her hand.
"It's nice to meet you miss Takabe," Hanoashi smiled, accepting the handshake.
"Let's go get breakfast together, and Shiori is fine," she smiled, before pulling Hanoashi toward the door.
"Miss Takabe...we don't mind you changing into sportswear for a run, but please make sure you change into your uniform before attending student faculties," one of the hall monitors noted as they passed.
"Opps, sorry," Shiori apologized, before turning toward the dorms while pulling Hanoashi along with her.
I guess this is a good way to meet with my fellow classmates, Hanoashi mused, letting Shiori drag her into her room. It was hard not to admire the athletic girl, especially considering the fact that she was wearing a see through tee shirt and sports shorts. The blue sports bra could clearly be seen underneath her shirt.
"This is a lot smaller than my room," Hanoashi noted.
"It's a private suite, you have to pay a lot for them on top of having to win the lottery basically," Shiori sighed. "Only ten of them per year group and the first eight are first come first serve," she added. "Though you are right, it is much smaller since it just has to house one student."
"What about the other rooms?" Hanoashi asked, glancing around.
"Well the ninth is always given away via random lottery, which is how I got mine. The tenth...well...it's reserved for the local maid if you will," Shiori smirked. "Though sometimes if one of the maid rooms is vacant they'll reward it to one who's done something amazing, such as save a life or something akin to that.
"Oh, I see," Hanoashi smiled.
"Right, let me wash down real quick and get dressed, and we'll head on to lunch together, okay?" Shiori smiled, before dragging her school uniform into the shower and shutting the door.
Hanoashi glanced around, noticing that Shiori had a few spare things on her desk which made sense. You could bring a diary, MP3 player, photo album, tablet, phone, and a couple of other things, but the school itself was pretty bare-bones in what possessions you were allowed to bring. She noticed a dual picture frame, one picture being of a ginger haired girl with amber eyes, looking very much the same as how Shiori looked save for the hairstyle and color. And fitness so to speak, whoever this was she was not an athlete like Shiori was.
The other photo was of a guy with black hair and blue eyes. He had on a see through shirt and while Hanoashi couldn't see all the details it was clear that he was very athletic much like Shiori was.
"The one on the left is my sister Saori, and the right is my boyfriend, Trevor."
Hanoashi nearly jumped as Shiori spoke. "That...was a quick shower," she noted slowly.
Shiori shrugged. "Well, running is my and Trevor's favorite thing to do, so I learned how to take the quick showers. And I actually do take longer showers at night and in the morning," she added briskly before Hanoashi could ask anything about it.
"Fair enough," Hanoashi smiled. "Though I am a bit envious, I can barely clock in a kilometer before getting tired." She then let out a gusty sigh. "I'm not built to be athletic..."
"Hey, don't worry bout it, we're all built different. To be honest, I really have to struggle when it comes to studying and I have a bit of an issue with sitting still for more than an hour," Shiroi admitted. "Anyways, bout that breakfast? I bet you're starving!"
Hanoashi nodded as her belly rumbled. "Right, let's go eat," she smiled sheepishly.
Entering the cafeteria, Hanoashi noticed that there was a few students eating. "Guess we're early," she noted.
"Nope, not even!" Shiori smirked. "See, we have three types of students, the alarm students, the mids, and the early risers."
"Mids?" Hanoashi tipped her head.
"Yep!" Shiori smirked. "If this is your normal waking hour, you'll become known as a mid," she added. "Basically one who doesn't wake up at three thirty but also doesn't sleep until the alarm," she explained.
"Oh, I see...that's when the facilities open, right?" Hanoashi asked.
"Well...more like some begin to open at that particular time," Shiori shrugged. "That's the earliest you're supposed to be out in the halls without good reason," she added.
"I see," Hanoashi noted, ordering an egg omelet with a side of rice. Shiori ordered a small coffee and a bagel. "Already ate once," she shrugged when Hanoashi glanced at her.
"Fair enough," Hanoashi shrugged as the two of them sat down to eat next to a black haired girl who looked a lot like Kuroyukihime from Accel World.
"So you're the vice commander?" she asked.
"Um, yes," Hanoashi began.
"Sachi Malone," she smiled though her eyes remained serious. "Was born a Nishisumi, but..." she sighed and raised her left hand, or more aptly the stub. "Some idiot doctor decided to clamp down on it when doing an unnecessary surgery and Shiho decided to dump me on my aunt's doorstep. Father was so pissed that he divorced Shiho in protest."
"So you're half siblings with Miho and Maho?" Hanoashi asked.
Sachi glared at her briefly before sighing and gave her an apologetic look. "I do not accept Shiho as my mother, even if my genetics say different," she began sternly. "If my half sisters just so happen to discover me on their own, then I'll hear them out. But know this, I do not want anything to do with the Nishisumi if you catch my drift," she added.
"I understand, no telling Miho. Don't worry, you have my word Malone-sempai," Hanoashi promised.
"Just Sachi is fine," she nodded to Hanoashi before rising. "Anyways, in case Mitsu hasn't gotten around to telling you, I'm strictly forbidden from holding any other position other than radio operator or commander, and given this is my third school year and first year in Sensado, you'd better not make me a commander," Sachi added, before walking off.
"She's nice but stern," Shiori whispered after Sachi left. "Give her a few days and she'll warm up to you...as long as you don't judge her for her missing left hand or being Shiho's daughter."
"I can sympathize with her on the Nishisumi bit," Hanoashi admitted.
"You're mother being a former Matsumino," Shiori guessed. "She saved my father back during the burning, he's never really gotten over her dying though because of it. Coupled with mom dying with my little brother during birth and him nearly dying in that fire, he's been real close to me and my sister Saori" she elaborated.
Before she could comment Misami and Mitsu walked up to her. "Instructor Hime wants us to meet with her in ten minutes," Misami admitted, sitting down and devouring a tofu-salad.
Hanoashi nodded and ate quickly as did Mitsu, before rising. "Well, it was nice talking to you Shiori," she smiled.
"Likewise Hanoashi," Shiori gave a thumbs up. "Good luck at the meeting!"
Hanoashi nodded again to her commander and deputy commander. "Let's not keep Instructor Hime waiting," she urged as the two new students walked toward the Sensado general classroom.
"Nice timing," Hime noted as the three entered the room. "Please take a seat."
They did so, gazing at the projection board.
"Now," Hime began, showing the first slide. "As you know, our team consist of four Soviet tanks, two Italian tanks, and the rest are from different nations. The first thing I'd like to know is if you think we should keep going down a multi-cultural tank roster or swap to a mono tank culture down the road."
"Can we really decide that now?" Misami asked. "I mean, why bring this up?"
"Good question. The reason why, and I intend to bring it up each year until we know for sure our desired path, is because if Ooarai girl's ship academy closes, we may get to buy some of their tanks on the cheep. Furthermore, depending on how quickly we can get into the tournaments, we may get some sponsors as well as additional funds, especially if we get in to compete in this winter's cup and preform well," Hime added.
Hanoashi let out a small nod. "Better to get the question out of the way ahead of time than to have to deal with it suddenly," she noted.
"Quite right," Hime smiled in approval.
"Hm..." Misami placed her hand on her chin in a thinking manner. "Blaze, Mitsu, what do you think?"
"I think shifting to a dual culture would be the best course of action," Hanoashi began. "That way we can cover the weakness of one nation's tanks with another without having to order from six or so different manufacturers."
"I say we build up as quickly as possible, with all do respect," Mitsu disagreed, albeit respectfully. "Take whatever tanks we can now, and build upon it. Once we've got a good number of tanks we can trim out the fat and shed what we don't need."
"We've already agreed to give any unneeded tank to the Nishmari high school academy up until they number twelve tanks if you remember Mitsu," Hime pointed out. "So if we do decide to give up a tank, it'll have to go to them first," she added.
"Because we're using their training grounds and hanger," Mitsu explained to a confused looking Hanoashi and Misami.
"That makes sense," Hanoashi nodded in understanding.
"A compromise," Misami nodded. "We'll try and get as many tanks as we can, but once we've got a clear majority of tanks from three nations, we'll reduce the team to those three nationalities of tanks once we get too many."
Hanoashi nodded. "I'm fine with that."
"I see I'm outvoted,' Mitsu sighed, before nodding in agreement. "But either way I'm fine with that compromise."
There was a bit of an pause with the three girls as they simultaneously realized that they might change their mind once Mitsu graduated, or that Misami's successors may decide differently, but there wasn't any real reason to bring this concern up at the moment.
"Next thing on the list," Hime noted. "The Semovente, any ideas on who should command it?"
"Mitsu? You're thoughts please," Misami commanded.
"Right," Mitsu began, opening up a notebook. "Sachi Malone, no Sensado experience, but a year older than most third years, very responsible and strict but caring. Umi Yumoto, second year, Has experience in Sensado as a Driver at Kuromorimine. Left in protest after Miho was allowed to peacefully exit Kuromorimine dispute those causing the loss of a match to normally be expelled. And Molly Smith, transfer student to gain experience for the United states SG Galvatron school ship's upcoming Sensado team. Excellent grades all around and very well disciplined so to speak, but no experience." She then closed the book and gazed at them.
"Hm...which one do you think would be the better choice?" Misami asked Mitsu.
"Umi, no doubt, though she can get a little heated when discussing Miho and Kuromorimine," Mitsu nodded.
"While that heated bit concerns me, I think that she'd make the better choice. If we had another tank I'd let Molly try out as commander, but..." Hanoashi gave her two yen in the manner.
"Umi then," Misami concluded. "No doubt in my mind. And Hanoashi, while wanting to give someone a chance at commander-ship is noble, do remember that noobs have no place in commanding a tank."
"She's here to gain experience and Rikona doesn't exactly have Sensao experience," Hanoashi argued.
"And here I was thinking you'd be glad to command with your close cousin," Hime quipped sarcastically.
"I am, though..." Hanoashi sighed as Misami gazed at her evenly.
"She has you Blaze," Misami told her intently. "And as you said, all Matsumino are required to partake in a racing series before they can receive their inheritance. Has Rikona done that?"
Hanoashi nodded. "Sprint modified," she admitted.
"Then she has driving experience. And while I'm at it, did you not get you're start in driving a tank?" Misami then gazed at her even more intensely. "And furthermore, from what I can tell the Matsumino have to do a lot of charity work before they can even begin to receive their inheritance. That means that Rikona has driving experience and is a hard worker. She'll be fine. But Molly...she'll have to earn that spot and that depends entirely if she commits to staying with us long enough."
"Understood," Hanoashi noted.
"Good," Misami nodded. "Then Hanoashi, you can deliver the news to Umi that she needs to begin showing up for the commanders meeting after school I trust..."
"Yes ma'am!" Hanoashi smiled.
"One last thing," Himi piped up. "The instructor from ST: Gloriana told me that they are having a practice elimination match with Ooarai girl's academy this weekend. Do you think that we should go see it as a group?"
All three girls nodded and Hime gave them a salute. "Very well then ladies, dismissed!"
Hanoashi let out a quiet sigh as she rose and gave a nod to Misami and Mitsu. "I'm going to try and find Umi, will you two be alright without me?"
"Best get it done quickly, we've only got an hour till the alarm," Misami urged.
"Her room is located in Y hall," Mitsu recited. "If she's not there then swing by the lunch room and then the library, she's a heavy book worm and a complete speedster when it comes to reading."
"Right," Hanoashi took off, briskly walking through the halls to find her target. After a few minutes of walking she accidentally bumped into another girl. "Oh my gosh I am so sorry!" Hanoashi gasped.
The girl shook her head. "No, I was too focused on my music is all," the girl apologized as she took her headphones out and walked on by. "Hanoashi right?" She paused a few feet away. "My name's Amelia, if you're curious," she added before walking off, putting the headphones back it.
Her mind turned numb. She looked strikingly close to how I look, Hanoashi mused as she shook off the encounter and began walking toward Y hall. However, as she did so she began to hear music. System of a down? She mused, remembering her brother mentioning it to her in a letter and how she had asked Yukaro to show her an example of it. It wasn't really her thing.
As she walked further along the music began to change to some weird rap song. What the Maus is this?... she wondered.
What the Maus is this...
Amelia stopped dead in her tracks. I don't talk like that!? she gasped. But...why did I think that? And who or what is a Maus... she shrugged and continued walking, resuming her listening crusade.
Hanoashi walked along the hallways of Y hall, pausing as she read the door which said Umi, Kasey and Hitori. She sighed and let out a small knock.
A blond haired American girl came out to meet her. "May I help you?" she asked politely in broken Japanese.
"Um...I'm looking for Umi, I'm supposed to tell her something involving the Sensado club," Hanaoshi began, this kind of thing always making her a bit nervous. She might have made a decent commander, but this kind of interaction was still a bit hard on her nerves.
"I think she usually visits the library bout this time, if you hurry you'll make it before the alarm sounds," the girl noted.
"Well anyways, thanks for helping," Hanoashi smiled before backing away from the door and walking off toward the library. As she did so however Jazz suddenly began playing. What's up with the weird music? she wondered.
"So why the King James Version?" A girl's voice asked quietly in the Library.
Hanoashi paused as she heard Masa explaining the history of the King James Version and it's importance to the Christian faith.
"Okay then," the girl nodded and picked up a King James Version before heading to the check out section. After she walked away from the desk Hanoashi intercepted her. "Are you by any chance a Umi Yumoto?" she asked.
"Why yes...you're Hanoashi Katoni, heard you gave up your command of the T-50 to Miho back in middle school," the girl noted sternly. "Lucky she didn't try to command you to drive off a bridge, but maybe in those days she..."
"Was more cautious?" Hanoashi shrugged. "Maybe...though she did managed to get herself stuck in a barbed wire fence back at Nishmari."
Umi snorted. "Sounds bout right for her. So why did you need to see me?"
"We've decided to make you the commander of the Semovente 34/75," Hanoashi admitted.
"We?" Umi tipped her head.
"Mitsu, Misami and myself," Hanoashi admitted. "Unanimously," she added, hoping the Umi might become a bit more friendly toward her if she knew they all three of them were in agreement.
"Very well then, I'll be at the commanders meeting then," Umi promised, sounding more reasonable. "You might want to check on your roommates, club members in high positions really get chewed out if they're late and they'll hold you accountable for letting them sleep in if they are late."
"Right," Hanoashi bowed gently and began to take off.
"Your nickname was Blaze right?" Umi called out.
Hanoashi paused and gazed at her. "Yes...how'd you know?"
"Don't be like your friend Miho, alright Blaze?" Umi warned sternly before gazing down. "I...I can't bear to see something like that again," she added softly.
"Don't worry, I'm not reckless like Miho turned out to be," Hanoashi promised.
"I'll hold you to that Blaze," Umi whispered, before strengthening up. "Now, you're teammates?"
They weren't in their room, and as Hanoashi found herself walking to class as she heard the alarm go off. The alarm was the signal to get dressed, get breakfast and then get to class. Fifty minutes to the tarty bell. Remembering Umi's warning, she made her way over to class.
"Welcome Miss Katoni, Miss Matsumino," their homeroom teacher smiled. "Feel free to sit next to each other if you wish, I trust you can behave yourselves?"
Hanoashi and Asuga nodded and sat down next to each other around the back of the class. "At least we get to hang out in class," Hanoashi smiled.
"Yes, this is going to be great! But let's remember that we're here to learn, not goof off," Asuga reminded her gently.
"Of course," Hanoashi nodded in affirmation. She watched quietly as the students poured in, recognizing very few. There's Haruna and isn't that the ginger haired girl from before? She told me her name but I can't seem to remember...
Amelia let out a quiet sigh. Isn't that the ginger haired girl from before? She told me her name but I can't seem to remember... She glanced around as the words echoed in her thoughts, her eyes widening when she saw the ginger haired girl she bumped into. Am...am I reading Hanoashi's thoughts? She wondered in shock, her eyes widening in realization.
What do you mean am I reading Hanoashi's thoughts? I am Hanoashi! Hanoashi protested hotly, shutting her eyes to clear herself of the thinking.
"Do you have a headache?" Asuga asked gently.
Hanoashi shook her head. "No I'm fine," she lied.
"You're not fine young miss," Asuga whispered harshly before petting her on the shoulder briefly. "If you want to discuss it though, I'm willing to anytime," she promised gently as the roll call.
I don't think you can help me with this though, Hanoashi sighed as the names were called.
"Amelia Satsumino," the teacher called, prompting said girl to raise her hand.
She shares my middle name! Hanoashi gasped inwardly. She has to be something to me...maybe a cousin...or...
Sister I think, the voice popped in her head again.
Hanoashi had to struggle not to block the voice out. Are you Amelia? Hanoashi thought.
Yes...I...I think I remember you from the womb As strange as that sounds... The voice trailed off as if the girl it belonged too realized how weird this was.
Hanoashi pondered this for a moment. I don't recall ever hearing anything bout a twin. Although mother had to be rushed over to the hospital on the night of my birth and the one she went to had some...issues as it was later revealed. Something about stealing twins from mothers who supposedly didn't know they were having twins...
"Alright class, the first hour will be study hall, then you'll have a math quiz. Multiplication and no calculators!" the teacher began before taking out a book and began reading.
Good, we can talk.
Hanoashi wasn't too sure it was a good idea, but she went along with it, pulling out her book and pretending to read.
So...what were my parents like? Amelia asked.
Brave, kind, selfless, Hanoashi beamed, though her heart shotrly began to feel heavy.
Something happened, didn't it? Amelia asked. I can sense your sorrow when it comes to them...
Mother...died in a fire when I was six, father...he's not doing too well, Hanoashi admitted as she flipped the page.
Probably best not to tell him that one of his daughters was kidnapped at birth then...if that's what's happening, Amelia mused.
Yeah...I don't think he could take it. By the way, can I call you sis? Hanoashi asked, beginning to remember someone else being in the womb with her, causing the excitement she felt over discovering her long lost twin grow. If she had any doubts before, they were officially gone now.
Until we prove to everyone else that we are in fact siblings, only in thought speak, Amelia allowed.
Fair enough sis, Hanoashi admitted.
I've heard rumors that you're our vice commander, right? Amelia noted. I remembered reading a local article about you in the school newspaper this morning and that's how realized who you were when I bumped into you.
That's right, Hanoashi affirmed. Are you joining the Sensado team?
Radio operator, Amelia noted. I've always been fascinated by music and sound, though I stink when it comes to creating music myself. Instruments...not my thing. And Singing...forget it. Awful at humming too.
I can tell you like music, Hanoashi noted. I heard it earlier when I was walking down the halls.
I'm guessing you're not into rap? Amelia mused.
Just never heard of it much, Hanoashi admitted. Until recently all my music was on cassette tape, and neither mother or father really listened to rap.
What kind of music is you're favorite? Amelia asked.
Country, you?
Meh, I like all music but jazz is cool, Amelia admitted.
"Alright girls, let's get to work on that quiz!" the teacher nodded.
An hour goes by so fast, Amelia sighed.
For Hanoashi, a quiz was an exciting prospect, a video game on paper. However, this time her little quiz would feel...different.
Rikona found herself walking with Hime down the halls, the two quietly talking Sensado stuff while crying a load of documents. "So basically just relax, keep the crew safe, and duck down when under fire?" she asked.
"Yep!" Hime nodded. "You've got it!"
"Hey Hanoashi, what are you...Maus you look awful!" Rikona explained as her cousin walked past, looking very sick, uncomfortable, and pale. At once her cousin latched onto her and began crying.
"What's going on?" Rikona whispered, fearful over what was happening to her beloved cousin.
"I...I don't know..." Hanoashi cried, before letting out a yelp. Suddenly her eyes widener and rolled back before she collapsed on the ground.
"Hime, go get emergency services, quickly!" Rikona shouted, before turning her attention to the task at hand. "Hold on my little Blaze," Rikona whispered softly.
Thankfully it only took a minute for a stretcher to arrive and Rikona walked beside them, holding Hanoashi's hand the whole time. It was only when she smelt blood mixed in with another pungent that she shuddered.
How the Maus is this possible? Rikona gasped, before shaking her head. "No, that's impossible!" she gasped.
But it was the only possibility for Hanoashi's actions. And it was a theory only developed by her mother regarding twins and sharing ...very...very bad experiences.
Amelia had been testing peacefully when she heard a rather loud "eep!" The entirely class herself included seem to turn and stare at Hanoashi who's eyes were wide with surprise and perhaps a bit of fear.
"Is something wrong miss Katoni?" their teacher asked.
For a moment Hanoashi didn't respond, her eyes wide in shock for some reason. But after a bit she managed to state that she needed to go to the restroom, really bad.
The teacher nodded, and Amelia watched as Hanoashi, taking the last shred of her dignity, left the door. She couldn't be remembering...no...that's impossible...Amelia fretted, before going back to her quiz.
However, as the minutes passed, she grew more and more anxious, until she jumped up and ran out of the class room. I have to find her! She hissed to herself, rushing down the halls not caring who saw her. This is all my fault!
However, Amelia, just like her twin sister, wasn't very athletic and she found herself huffing after reaching the end of the hall. Not in there either, damn! She was just about to turn around when she found herself slammed against the wall, facing a rather irate Asuga.
"What's going on with Hanoashi?" Asuga demanded angerily.
"I...I don't know..." Amelia lied, finding herself slammed against the lockers.
"Yes, yes you do!" Asuga growled, her eyes blazing. "Now you can either tell me in confidentiality or I can call my cousins and we'll drag you to the headmaster's office and you will crack under our combined might."
Amelia's eyes widened in shock. She might not be very knowledgeable when it came to Japan's higher up families, but she did know that the Matsumino were not to be messed around with. As in the punishment for harming the Emperor would probably be considered a slap on the wrist in comparison to the wrath you'd get if you harmed a Matsumino. That's how much this family meant to Japan.
"It's okay Asuga, let her go," a voice echoed.
"Drake...why are you here?" Asuga asked, tipping her head in surprise.
"I was going to meet up with Sakura about introducing Amelia and Hanoashi to each other, but we got a call from Hime that something happened to Hanoashi and I rushed over here." He then turned to Amelia. "You figured it out, didn't you?"
"How long have you known?" Amelia gasped, surprised and a bit angry, though given what Hanoashi told her about their father's condition she didn't dare let it show. Which was good because her anger at him knowing was growing by the minute.
"Only two months," Drake began before letting out a coughing fit. "Me and Sakura shared pictures of our daughters and noticed the similarities right off the bat. The only difference between you and Hanoashi is the amount of freckles and hair style."
"Does Rikona know?" Asuga asked.
Amelia's anger melted away suddenly. He just found out too, and sis is right, father is really really in bad condition.
Drake shook his head. "Unless Hanoashi somehow told her or she figured it out on her own, probably not."
"This is partially my fault...she's remembering..." Amelia began, but Drake shushed her.
"It's not your fault that happened to you nor is it your fault that Hanoashi is mentally experiencing it. But you should be there for her in the coming days, okay?"
Amelia nodded. "What about us?" she asked.
"Unfortunately I won't be here for much longer, the fire took a lot out of me," Drake sighed. "And Sakura is an excellent mother, so you'll be fine without me. As for Hanoashi, she has you, her cousins, and Yukaro, so she'll be fine."
"Yukaro?" Amelia asked.
"Her boyfriend...fiancee," Drake revealed. "Now, you two had better go see her," he added briskly.
"And you need to find a place to park yourself and rest," Asuga urged him pointedly. "I might not be as interested in the medical field as Rikona is, but I've studied enough medical papers and lectures to know that you are fast wearing yourself out!"
"Yes, today has been rather shocking," Drake noted. "Very well, I'll rest for a few hours."
Amelia walked alongside Asuga, a million questions flowing through her mind.
"Look, I'm sorry about being rough on you like that," Asuga began. "It's just that I only learned that Hanoashi was alive about a month ago and now that I finally got to meet my cousin..."
"It's alright, we both were concerned for her well being and we acted recklessly. I imagine that I'm in for a right earful for running off like that," Amelia sighed. "And I was doing so good in middle school," she sighed in frustration.
"I'm sure you can work through it," Asuga smiled. "Actually, I've been in trouble a time or two myself, so I know what it's like," she added.
"I thought you Matsumino never get into trouble," Amelia tipped her head in confusion.
"We're just normal folk with a lot of resources...and we aren't perfect," Asuga.
"That's better than me, I used to ride in the back of a police car a lot," Amelia sighed.
"Funny, I thought I was the only one in the family who did that," Asuga chuckled.
"Wait...you, in the back of a police car?" Amelia gasped, surprised. I never thought that I'd see the day a Matsumino would ride in the back of a police car...she shuddered.
Asuga sighed. "Yeah, I kinda got in with the wrong crowd and was arrested for accessory to robbery. They were going to just let me go, but my parents insisted that I go to juvenile for a half year. The courts compromised and let me go for only a month and with a clean record." She then sighed again. "Not that I mind having a clean record, but it's not fair that I was given special treatment."
"I guess you get that a lot?" Amelia noticed.
"Unfortunately, and it's very annoying. One thing you'll learn about us Matsumino is that we despise all the attention we get. We like to help those in need and to help society due to us being blessed with more cash than we know what to do with, but it's not something we like doing for the attention." Asuga let out a small groan. "In a way I envy you and Hanaoshi, you don't have to deal with that crap like we do."
"I guess I should consider myself lucky I don't have a record or spent time in juvenile," Amelia sighed. "Riding in the back twenty-one times is...not a good look."
"Twenty-one times?" Asuga gasped. "And they never sent you to Juvenile?"
Amelia nodded. "Yeah, every time my foster parents would send me back, the orphanage would always say that my father messed me up, that is wasn't my fault. When Sakura adopted me...it was right after my twentieth trip in the van. When the twenty first trip happened, she sat me down and talked rather sternly about what happened to girls who keep getting into trouble with the law like I was doing."
"Sounds like you needed a stern talking to," Asuga noted.
"You said it!" Amelia nodded in agreement. "And believe you me, I'm grateful for Sakura's tough love, it made me a better person today, even if sometimes the medicine I needed to hear tasted bitter at the time. She's...really turned me around."
"I'm glad to know you're doing better cousin," Asuga smiled, petting her on the head.
Amelia smiled gently, warmed that Asuga at least accepted her. While she was a bit disappointed that Drake didn't seem quite as interested, deep down she knew the reason why. Reasons, actually.
"By the way, did I ever tell you about the time Hanoashi got in school suspension for two weeks?" Asuga smirked.
"Nope, why?" Amelia gasped, surprised that her sister actually got into that sort of trouble.
"Well...according to Rikona, a girl named Erika had temporarily transferred to the Nishmari Co-ed academy after the experimental Kuromorimine middle school ship blew a reactor component. Anyways, Erika one day marched up to Hanoashi and started railing on her for having a boyfriend, and basically insinuated that no mater who it was a boy would always try to force her against the wall and have his way with her at some point."
"That's kinda sexist on this Erika's part," Amelia noted. "I mean, it actually happened to me and even I know all boys are not like that."
"Sorry bout that," Asuga began, but Amelia shook her head. "I've recovered from it, so it's all good," she reassured her.
"Anyways, Hanoashi, pissed at Erika was insulating that Yukaro would do something like that, punched her out cold. While the headmaster was pissed, that action made Hanoashi a rock-star among the students."
"Why?" Amelia asked.
"Because she stood up for the boys," Asuga explained. "You see, in co-ed academies with a Sensado team, the two genders view each other as brothers and sisters if you will, and they don't tolerate blind accusations like that very well. So making such a strong stance against a sexist statement really stood out to them."
"What happened to Erika?"
"Well, according to Rikona, Erika was soft expelled to Sander's girls middle school academy for the remainder of the year," Asuga explained.
"Huh...no sexism policy?"
"Yep. The ironic thing was that according to Rikona, Hanoashi and Yukaro weren't even dating at the time," Asuga smirked. "Though they were clearly close at the time and began officially dating shortly after that."
Hanoashi blinked open her eyes, surprised to see Rikona hovering over her. "What happened...why do I feel so dirty?" she whispered.
"You...don't remember?" Rikona gasped, before letting out a quiet sigh. "You...kinda had an episode," she whispered. "You're okay now."
"Ugh my head..." Hanoashi shook her head. "Actuality...I think I do remember, that was weird."
"Do...you have a twin?" Rikona asked.
"How'd you..." Hanoashi gazed down. "I just discovered her today cousin. This might sound weird, but..."
"I'm guessing you can speak telepathically?" Rikona guessed.
"..." Hanoashi made a small humming sound in agreement.
"Strictly between you and me, Yu and Shelia used to be able to do that..." Rikona sighed. "Mom forced me to promise not to tell anyone, but since you and your twin can do it... I figure it's alright for you two to know."
"Amelia, that's her name," Hanoashi smiled, before frowning. "But why is it that we can communicate like that?" she asked, her face growing perplexed.
"It's not anything mystical or anything," Rikona noted. "It's...well, you know how radio antennas work?"
Hanoashi nodded.
"Well, in a way it's similar to that. Sometimes a small organ about the size of a small minnow grows on the brain. However, it only works in close range, and the section of the brain which allows it to happen doesn't always form within twins. According to our estimates, only about one and a thousands sets of twins even grow the organ, and of those who do only one and a million sets actually mature enough to allow telepathic communications and even then you have to be less than a thousand meters for it to work give or take interference forces," Rikona explained before sighing. "Though...that's just Matsumino rough estimates at best given we have so few examples."
"Organ?" Hanoashi tipped her head as she rose up, surprise coming across her face as she was not in her brown and white school uniform but rather in a hospital gown.
"Yeah, you...ah...kinda messed in your uniform, so we had to throw it away. Supply has already replaced it with a new one over there you can put on now if you like, and I brought over a fresh set of undies," Rikona explained.
Rising up, Hanoashi walked over and took her gown off, replacing it with the new underwear and uniform. "Shame, I was gonna keep the old uniform. Still, thank you," she whispered.
"Listen, Hanoashi...you...stank. Like...really stank," Rikona sighed.
"You mean like after...?" Hanoashi paused, shuddering before she nodded slowly in understanding. "Yeah, I'm still feeling a bit numb by the experience, but I'll be alright," she reassured her.
Just then the door opened and Hanoashi found herself being hugged by a sobbing Amelia. "It's all my fault," she whispered.
"No, it's not," Rikona noted sternly.
"But...wait...you told her?" Amelia gasped, dropping the hug and glancing between her and Rikona uncertainly.
"Relax, I figured it out," Rikona smiled, before petting her on the head. "Anyways, welcome to the family Amelia, I'm your cousin Rikona," she introduced.
"Oh...um...I'm Amelia...nice to...meet you," Amelia mummered as she grew shy.
"It's a lot to take in sis, believe me I know," Hanoashi smiled, petting her on the back comfortingly. "This is the third time I have to do this in a week," she added.
"Third time?" Amelia gasped. "You mean we have more siblings?"
"No no, cousins," Asuga stepped forward. "See, up until recently only Rikona and her mother Shelia had known that Hanoashi was even alive, what with Great grandfather telling us..." and the explanation turned into a sepal about the brief history of what had happened over the past few days.
"Wow, it sounds like a lot to take in," Amelia breathed. "You've just begun high school and it's already turned into a wild adventure huh?"
Hanoashi smiled. "Well, I wouldn't have it any other way."
"So...what now?" Rikona asked.
Hanoashi was about to answer when the school dismissal bell rang. "We've got to get to the commander's meeting!" She gasped.
"Now hold on, you just woke up a few minutes ago, and Instructor Hime was there when you found me, so she knows," Rikona warned.
"No no, I'm going," Hanoashi shook her head. "You need to come too Rikona, remember?"
"Oh, right..." Rikona turned and bowed to the girls. "Let's head on to the room together, alright?"
The three girls nodded as they began to walk out of the miniature hospital connected to the school.
Umi wasn't nervous as she entered the room, gazing evenly at the commanders in the room. Compared to Kuromroimine, this is going to be a complete cakewalk! She thought confidently. "Tank Commander Umi Yumoto reporting for duty!" She saluted.
"Welcome Commander Umi," a girl with brown hair smiled and rose. "I'm team commander Misami and this is deputy commander Mitsu. I'm guessing Hanoashi managed to get the message to you?"
"Yes...where is she anyways?" Umi glanced around.
"Her classroom is right next to ours, so she should be here soon, right?" Sayuri noted.
"You'd think but...Rikona isn't here either," Momoe pointed out.
"You're right..." Mitsu glanced around. "Maybe they decided to talk commander-ship together first?"
"It's Rikona's first time in the commander's seat, so it'd only make sense," Masa agreed.
"Wait...you're letting a complete noob command a tank?" Umi gasped in anger.
"Rikona has experience as a sprint cup driver and the Matsumino are trained to be hard workers," Misami began. "Were you not a tank driver until today?" she added pointedly.
"While I would like to point out that driving a sprint car is nothing like driving a panzer, I can't really complain now can I?" Umi sighed. "Just so long as she doesn't turn out to be reckless idiot like my previous vice commander, I'll play nice."
"That's Kuromorimine for you, always serious..." Sayuri sighed.
Umi just gave her a glare of irritation, though deep down she let out a small sigh. You know, she's right, she realized. "Look...I'll try to me more sociable then," she relented. "Just don't expect me to be a party bug like Sanders, think I might throw up just thinking bout becoming that."
"Make sure you do it outside the classroom, please! I don't want no Sanders coke puke stinking up the room please," Hime growled, though her expression was ever so slightly playful if you knew how to spot it.
Umi knew just how to spot it. "You suck at teasing Ma'am," she half gagged, half growled. "But you're right, Coke stinks to high heaven and burns like the dickens."
"Pepsi's worse tho," Sayuri gagged.
Hanaoshi and Rikona paused at the door, gazing at each other. Not only was it Rikona's first time as a tank commander let along partaking in Sensado, it was the first time they attended an after-school club together. Needless to say they were both very excited to be together and nervious at the same time.
"Ah, they're you are," Hime smiled as they entered. "I was under the impression that you weren't coming..."
"Nah instructor, a little spell ain't gonna stop me," Hanoashi laughed.
"That was a bit more than a little spell, but whatever, it's good to see you're in such high spirits after experence that," Hime raised an eyebrow as she spoke, before glancing at the students. "As for what we're doing for today, we'll be heading on over to the tank sheds and you'll all get to crawl around in the tanks. Please stand up when your name is called, and crews are to gather with your commanders when your name is called. As for the list of crews, it's still a bit tentative, but here goes..."
Hanoashi watched as Misami's crew was called, before hearing her name. She stood up so that her crew would know who she was.
"Sakura Leu, Gunner, Shiori Takabe, loader. Tomo Kandu, driver," Hime announced.
She couldn't quite see one of them, but two girls walked up to her, one of them she recognized as Shiori. "Looks like we get to be cremates Hanoashi, isn't this awesome!" Shiori smiled.
Letting out a quite smile, Hanoashi bowed slightly. "It's nice to be working with you," she greeted.
"Hey, don't forget bout me!" A voice lower to the ground moaned. Hanoashi gazed down to see a girl about 119 centimeters, Japanese with waist length brown hair flowing. "I might be small, but I'll work hard, okay?" the girl promised sincerely.
"We'll all have to work hard," Hanoashi smiled. "Not only is this the vice commander's tank, but the T-50 is a fairly difficult tank to handle."
"Is...it really okay for me to be operating the gun on it then, if it's so advanced?" The other girl in the group asked, her amber eyes glistering in worry."
Hanoashi noticed how similar to Asuna Yukki the girl looked, same hair style and everything. "It'll be fine, I cut my teath so to speak on driving this tank, so you're in good hands."
"Great, then that means I'll be well prepared," the smaller girl smiled. "Not that I had any doubts before, after all our tank commander is the Hanoashi Blaze Katoni!" said girl added proudly while placing her hands on her hips as if she was the famous Hanoashi.
"Proud much?" Sakura sighed, glancing at Hanoashi. "She's a big fan of your's, most of the girls here are it would seem."
"I'm guessing you're not so much?" Hanoashi tipped her head.
"Really, I don't know what I'm doing to be honest," Sakura sighed. "A lot of the girls compare me to Asuna Yukki from Sword Art Online, but outside of a passing interest in video games and the looks I don't have much in common with her. Lots of boys hit on me and I heard that men kinda back off from a girl in Sensado, so I thought that maybe if I joined...plus firing that gun sounds pretty cool! I'm somewhat of a half-tomboy if you will," she added before pausing. "It's not that I dislike you or anything, I just don't know anything bout you rather than that you're name is being tossed around a lot."
"That's fine," Hanoashi smiled. "We really don't know all that much about each other I think, so this is a good opportunity to learn about each other," she added polity.
"Yeah...I mean I've studied enough about you to know that your nickname is Blaze, your title is the De-tracker, and that you're in a relationship with a Yukaro Akiyama, but I'm not as much of a stalker about it as Yukari is with Miho." Tomo let out a small sigh. "Seriously as much as I love my internet friend and friendly rival, she's somewhat of an idiot for thinking she actually could get in with a Nishisumi. That family is notorious for being you know what."
"Honestly, back when Miho and I tanked together she told me that she kinda wasn't all that interested in romance. Said something about wanting to go into animation, yet couldn't due to her duties as the Vice inheritor of Kuromorimine. But that was over two years ago," Hanoashi shrugged.
"Animation?" Shiori gasped, surprised.
"Yeah, she really liked this cartoon called Boko, and thus really wanted to work on something like that if not Boko itself," Hanoashi shrugged. "Like I said though, she might have changed in the years since I've known her. Believe it or not she was my commander for a half year," she added.
"I heard about that, they made you commander of a Nishmari T-50, yet you elected to step back down to the driver's position to let Miho command, right?" Tomo piped up.
Hanoashi nodded. "Yeah..." she paused when Hime's voice rose up. "Alright class, let's head on over to the sheds!"
The girls around her let out a rather loud cheer, causing Hanoashi to shrink. Most didn't realize, but when she opened her eyes she noticed Tomo tugging at her shirt.
"Something wrong?" she whispered.
Hanaoshi shook her head. "No, just don't like loud noises," she whispered, loud enough so that Tomo could hear but not everyone else. She just didn't want to dampen everyone's mood because their cheering made her a bit uncomfortable.
"I see," Tomo nodded. "Surprised though considering you commanded the Nishmari co-ed team for two years."
"Tank cannons and the roar of the engines don't affect me as much," Hanoashi shrugged. As she was about to say more, Mitsu walked up. "Misami want's us to make sure everyone is here. Counting us, the instructor and hall monitor Mikamo, there's forty of us," she explained.
"Right then," Hanoashi nodded. "I'm guessing Mikamo is our instructor's assistant?" she added.
"Yes. You had one at Nishmari?" Mitsu asked.
"Leopon. Tall, waist length blond haired girl, blue eyes, slender build, was going to be the commander of my T-50, but hyperoptimalinsomina kinda got in the way," Hanoashi sighed. "Would have probably became the team commander instead of me, she was brilliant as a strategist."
"What is Hyperoptimalinsomina anyways?" Tomo asked.
"Its where one either randomly falls asleep or falls asleep if they excerpt a certain amount of physical effort. She could go about fifty minutes work of heavy physical activity before having to fall asleep," Hanoashi explained. "Well, Mitsu and I should head on over to the bus so we can begin the head count," she added.
"Right, we'll see you soon then," Sakura smiled gently.
"You seem to be getting along with your new team nicely," Mitsu noted as they walked out to the bus.
"Yeah, I..." Hanoashi paused as she heard an all to similar voice.
Sis, Can we go out and get a burger after class?
"You okay Blaze?" Mitsu asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Hanoashi smiled. "Just remembered that I forgot to text Yukaro today, but I'll see him soon, so it'll be fine."
"If you say so," Mitsu nodded.
You totally texted him twice today didn't you?
Hanoashi sighed as Amelia read her mind. Yeah...as much as I love this ability we have something tells me it's going to get annoying after a bit.
Very funny sis, but also true, Amelia answered. So about that hamburger?
Our teams might want to hang out this evening, but we'll go get one as soon as we can, alright? Hanoashi promised.
Good point sis, Amelia noted. We can talk like this anytime we like it seems, provided we're in close proximity.
Seems that way. I'll have to ask Aunt Shelia about this ability though, apparently she and mother had it, Hanoashi mentally noted.
"Um, Hanoashi, we're here at the bus," Mitsu noted.
"Right..." Hanoashi paused, glancing at the green bus which had Ooarai's name on it.
"Apparently we bought it on the cheep from a school that burned down," Mitsu noted. "Well...the town suffered a strong tornado and then the school burned down, and with so many moving away they had to get rid of the fleet of buses, so be bought this for Sensado transport."
"I see," Hanoashi smiled. "We had something like this back at Nishmari, well we actually had three really really old buses back then. White, short, flat-nose, that kind." She then let out a small chuckle. "Gave a whole new meaning to the phrase riding on the short bus."
"Riding on the short bus?" Mitsu asked.
"It's a phrase Rikona picked up on during one of her trips to America," Hanoashi shrugged. "Basically the short bus was notorious for being the bus the disabled kids ride on."
Not funny sis! Amelia protested.
"Slang or general speech?" Mitsu asked.
"Both," Hanoashi shrugged. "Actually had a friend back in my younger days who used to ride on a short bus due to her being wheel-chaired bound. Actually...it was was a bit more complicated then that," she added.
"Was she mentally handicapped?" Mitsu asked respectfully.
"Well, considering some idiot kidnapped her and cut off all her limbs, she was pretty strong mentally speaking all things considering," Hanoashi sighed.
"Wait... how did she survive all that?" Mitsu gasped.
"The kidnapper was fairly good at cauterizing limbs, or at least good enough that she got to live for a few years afterward," Hanoashi noted. "During that time she and I became really good friends, though unfortunately one night the cauterization failed and she..." Hanoashi glanced away, shuddering at the memory of that night. It was a nightmare for them both so to speak, considering they were having a sleep-over when it happened.
Mitsu placed her hand on Hanoashi's shoulder in comfort. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
Hanoashi shuddered and placed her hand over Mitsu's. "Thanks, I needed that," she whispered. The two stayed like that for a brief moment, only letting go when they heard the voices of their teammates arriving.
"Was it like this back at Nishmari?" Mitsu asked softly.
"They were quieter back then," Hanoashi whispered.
"Lucky, while I can certainly share in their excitement, the loud noises kinda unsettle me," Mitsu whispered.
"Me too," Hanoashi sighed.
It's the crowed situations like these which scare me sis, Amelia added her thoughts to theirs, literally in Hanoashi's case.
"Right, let's load up everyone!" Misami called out. "Two per seat, okay?" She then turned to Hanoashi. "Anyone you want to sit next to?"
"Amelia," Hanoashi nodded without hesitation.
"You know her?" Mitsu asked in curiosity.
Hanoashi nodded. "Sort of..."
"Don't tell me this is going to turn into a special treatment situation," Misami groaned, half serious, half jokingly.
Rude! Amelia snorted, clearly offended by the situation.
"Don't worry about it," Hanoashi waved her hand dismissively. "It's just that she and I just discovered that we're twin sisters today and I want to spend a bit of time with her is all."
"Meaning that I'll have to do all the teaching to Mitsu about being a good deputy commander," Misami groaned.
"I'll make time to go for a walk with her later and we can discuss it," Hanoashi offered. "And she's doing well enough as it is!" she added in amusment.
"Fair enough, but you've got two days, otherwise I'll have to tell Hime to give you a punishment over a broken promise," Misami warned.
"Tomorrow after school?" Hanoashi asked.
"That works for me," Mitsu smiled. "Have fun with your twin!" she smirked.
You just had to tell them huh? Amelia grumbled. Well then, after we get back I'm dragging you to my room and introducing you to my roommates, okay?
"Amelia, you'll be riding with Hanoashi, so wait by her, okay?" Misami called out.
"Yes commander," Amelia called back in response.
Are you good friends with your roommates? Hanoashi guessed.
Yes, I am, manner of fact we met right when I began my second year of middle school and boy were they a good influence on me, Amelia sighed happily.
Good influence? Hanaoshi asked.
Yeah...I wasn't exactly a good girl in my younger years, Amelia confessed. Actually had a buzz cut for a while, actually.
What's that have to do with not being a good girl...and you with a Buzz cut? Hanoashi mentally shook her head in disbelief. I find that hard to visualize!
You'd better get ready to count, Amelia warned her.
Hanoashi snapped to attention as the students began to flood into the bus.
"Hm...thirty nine...who are we missing?" Hanoashi glanced around as the last girl entered the bus.
I'm right here sis, Amelia pointed out sarcasticly. Dummy!
Ah, right, Hanoahsi realized. "Forty, guess it's time we enter the bus then," Hanoashi shrugged.
Taking her seat, Hanaoshi sighed as she released that this was a bus with only waist seat-belts. Not too sure if this is a blessing or a safety hazard, she mused.
We're only going forty five minutes out in good traffic sis, Amelia pointed out as she put her headphones in and proceeded to lay down in Hanaoshi's lap.
Seriously, Hanoashi half groaned, half smiled as she patted her sister's head with her free hand.
The bus began to roll as she focused on the jazz music she began to hear.
Mari glanced over at Hanoashi, jolting as she realized for a brief moment that she didn't realize which one was which before remembering that Hanoashi had somewhat shorter hair. Long, but shorter than the other. She didn't know the other girl's name yet, but she had guessed the two were twins when she observed the two bumping into each other earlier.
"What do you think those two are doing?" the girl next to her asked.
Enjoying each other's company Sachi," Mari yawned.
"Rough night?" Sachi asked gently.
"A bit," Mari sighed. "At some point I got up and crawled in the bed with Hanoashi, think Kona must have done the same," she admitted softly.
"I remember that Acer would often nap in my lap when visiting," Sachi smiled indulgently. "But that's my husband so to speak."
"I'm guessing you don't like wearing rings too, right? Hanoashi mentioned that she didn't."
Sachi sighed. "I don't like wearing anything I can't easily get off with one hand if you will," she admitted.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Mari gazed down.
"No no, it's alright," Sachi smiled reassuringly. "Those kinds of quips don't really bother me to be honest. Now when people actually judge me as inferior without a cause due to my handcap..."
Mari stole a glance at the two twins, growing curious. I wonder if they can communicate like Seto and Tasugi, she wondered, referring to her younger siblings, who also were twins and could communite in close proximity.