The Tigers of Chi-Ha-Tan ReRise Volume 4: The Scars of a Warriors Past

by Nazz11

With Miho leading the charge, the Tigress Corps have shown how deadly their fangs and claws are, as their roars of defiance echo across the land. Yet, while they rise, the Nishizumi family falls into disgrace, leaving Miho with a difficult choice. While a group of forgotten warriors returns to exact their revenge, and their target is the Tigress herself no matter what the cost.

7. A Day For A Frog, A Sword, And Tanks?

Authors Thought:

Hello dear readers, back again with a chapter that will somewhat be a break from the doom and gloom the earlier part of this volume has been, as we take a turn in an odd direction.

I want to also say to any readers from Europe, especially Ukraine and Russia, and neighboring countries close to the conflict, I hope that you are safe and your families and friends are as well. To think I see something like this in my life is almost unreal, making me sick to my stomach over the past couple of days.

Yet I hope this upload can brighten your day, if even a little, as it's all I can do while praying for those whose lives have been upended in such a tragic fashion.

Now let's get to reading.

---

"I need to go to the restroom," Maho said, her voice even, but held slight annoyance in it.

Currently, she was located in her hospital bed wearing a light green jumpsuit that kept her warm, having just call the nurse to let her know of her need to alleviate herself. Though the pair of police officers station outside, who were guarding her in shifts due to the media outlets trying to get in, were wary to let their charge out of site. Even if it was the dead of night at Tokyo University Hospital, there was always a chance some journalist had snuck past the blockade outside in a hope of getting the scoop on the oldest Nishizumi sister.

The Sensha-do Federation was working hand and hand with the Tokyo Police to make sure that Maho was not disturbed in her recovery process, while at the same time questioning her about why she did what did. Though the Federation Internal Affair agents were desperate for Maho to spill that her mother force her to fight through her sickness as that was their theory, Maho continue to defend her mother by saying it was her own choice to bribe and fight. Which more than left the agents in an annoyed state, but even if Maho and her mother had been less talkative since their argument over Miho, the bond was there, and with it the need to protect her mother's honor even if it blemish Maho's own.

"Certainly, Miss Nishizumi. I'll escort you there," the nurse said with a bright smile.

"I wish to go alone," Maho said in small plead.

"You know I can't do that, even if you're recovering nicely, the doctor doesn't want you straining yourself. Your Vasculitis might act up again," the nurses pleaded back.

Maho felt herself growl quietly hearing the name of her condition, the very one that had started this domino effect of problems for her and her family now. Though the Kuromorimine Physician she bribed with money had already relayed what her condition was, it never felt good to hear it out loud.

The condition itself was inflammation of the blood vessels, causing said blood vessels to thicken and reducing the flow of blood. In most cases, it only affects a certain organ, which in Maho's case was her lung and the reason for her coughing up of blood. The most surprising part of her condition to Maho was the fact that it could be something that can be hereditary from someone in her family, which made her fearful that Miho as well might have this, but so far hadn't shown any sighs, much to Maho's relief.

Focusing herself on the present, Maho spoke. "Thanks to his efforts, I feel better than I have in months. Plus, I've been getting a little stir crazy being stuck in this room, it's getting to me."

The nurse just let a sigh escape her lips, knowing that was true, while at the same time she felt bad for the poor girl. As Maho couldn't even turn on the television without hearing of the Nishizumi family's disgrace and allegations press against them. All of it down to Shiho herself being the focus of this scrutiny, in turn making the nurse feel horrible seeing the young girl trying to put on a brave face through it all, but it was plain to see it was starting to break her mental state.

She needs a walk, God knows she needs it

The nurse thought, then nodded her head as she spoke. "Alright, but allow me to escort you to the bathroom personally."

"I said I can wal-," Maho began to say, her patience starting to dissipate.

"Then you will disappear for an hour or two, till I find you and scold you for escaping me, is that understood?" The nurse said, her look telling Maho to take a hint.

To which Maho did, with a small grateful smile forming on her face. "Yes, that will be enough for me. I can't thank you enough."

A wave of the hand from the nurse, try to dissuade the thanks. "I'm doing this only because I have a daughter of your age. Yet she can't hold a candle to how much has been place on your shoulders, yet you push forward with a brave face through it all. I say you earn some time to yourself, so once I lose you, head to the eastern wing, there's a small cafeteria on the second floor with a large balcony. Tonight should be a full moon, so it should be calming to look upon it this night."

For a moment, Maho was baffled at the nurse who was going out of her way to help her not just escape this confine cage, but help relieve her soul a little.

"Why do this for me?" Maho had to ask.

The nurse shrugged. "As I've said, I have a daughter your same age, who I love beyond words. If she were in this situation, I pray that someone would help her when she is so alone and scared. To which I bet your mother is hoping for right now."

"My mother," Maho said silently, picturing not the smiling mother she remember on those long summer days, but of the cold and demanding one that replace her when everything changed.

I wonder if she is hoping someone helps me or am I just a disgrace now in her eyes. Will she turn her back on me? Will she turn her back on Miho? Will she abandon us?...Maybe seek to make a new heir to the family?

The questions pounded Maho's mind, the very questions she had been asking herself over and over in this isolated cube. As there was no way to get in contact with her mother or sister, as the Federation Agents wanted no contact between them till the investigation was complete, which made sense, since they didn't want any collusion between them that might hinder the investigation process.

"Shall we go," the nurse said in a jovial tone, breaking Maho from her brooding thoughts.

"Oh, yes please," Maho said, letting out a grateful smile, as the nurse offer her a hand to get off the bed while removing any tubes attach to Maho.

The two exited the room together and were greeted by the police officers who were wary of their charge leaving. Yet the nurse work her magic, letting them know that she was taking Maho to the bathroom and for a walk. Making up some order from the doctor of Maho's need to do some light activities to help her recovery process, which the officers relented on. Quickly the pair made their way down the deserted halls of the hospital.

Eventually, they reach the restrooms, to which the nurse reminded Maho to meet her here in 2 hours so they can go back to her hospital room, with Maho again giving her thanks to the nurse for her help in helping her get away for a moment.

Yet as the nurse began to watch the back of Maho recede further and further away into the bathroom, a pleasant thought came to her mind.

I did forget to mention my daughter has a younger sister like you Miss Nishizumi and I know there is nothing stronger in this world sometimes than the bond between siblings. I am only glad once more that I can give this to you and your sister, though crazy to think how she got in without being spotted by the media since her friend was struck by a taser…huh, have to be thankful for small miracles

Then the happy nurse took back off down the hallway, back to her job looking after other patients so as not to look suspicious.

After completing her business, Maho walked by herself down the hallways, quickly beginning to feel a little better being able to just simply walk around. Though the undeniable truth still work its way into her mind, that things were in a dire state. Her family's long treasure history was tarnished in only a little less than a week, all their grand achievements, all of their victories, their grandeur, their prestige, all of its was undone.

Who was to blame?

For Maho, it felt like it was all on her, even if it wasn't. Her actions had placed everything in a spiraling downward trend, all for the sake of protecting the one she love. The one who suffer under constant need to perform up to par with the height of their families goals and ambition. With something that only now was being realized by Maho herself, was that after all her victories, her successes, there was something beginning to rise to the surface.

A nagging question that was starting to infect her mind now that her pillars of strength were leaving her.

Did she ever truly enjoy Sensha-do?

For any who heard this question in regards to Maho, they might simply scoff and say of course she enjoy Sensha-do, why else would she have worked so hard from elementary to high school if she didn't. That was the straightforward answer, but that was looking at it from the outside, while the very person asking herself this question might have a different opinion on the matter. For Maho could not say if she ever climb into her tank with joy or giddiness. Those steps to board her Tiger 1 were for duty and honor, nothing more and nothing less.

Maho couldn't even remember the names of the crew members from grade school, with all of them going on not to do Sensha-do in their high school years, as they could not keep up with the relentless pace that Maho demanded of them, only because it was the pace that Maho had to endure under her mother's gaze. Even her current crew had been kept at arm's length, with Maho fearing that they too might leave her because they could not keep up.

Yet that was how the first year of attending Kuromorimine had proceeded, nothing compared to this year. Where Maho try to break the chains holding her down by the Nishizumi style, even more so when she saw how happy her little sister was with her new team. Seeing their closeness not just built on success, but built by their closeness to one another. Their single drive was born out a familial love that Maho had never seen before in Sensha-do, propelling those underdogs to fight with a ferocity to protect their family and in turn protect their dream of reaching the very top of the Sensha-do mountain.

Which inspire Maho to break her cold command style, to seek out her teammates. To realize they aren't just machines or some faceless character meant to propel their panzers to victory, there was a complexity to this cast. With many girls having their own likes and dislikes, their own fears and doubts, that Maho had been ignoring as her only care had been victory in the past. Now, for the first time in her life, she had felt like she been a true leader, one that could finally understand why her team fought so hard, one that could appreciate her team's hard work to master the Nishizumi style to the fullest, and in turn find girls who were more than teammates now, they were friends, people Maho could trust to open her soul to them.

Yet, this bout of change and happiness had been tainted by Maho herself. Keeping her illness under wraps, that now was only hurting those teammates she cherished. Knowing they were just as much bearing the responsibility as her, as her actions almost spoke for the entire team. Worse she left all this to be handled by Erika, who Maho always believe was the future of their academy, but having to navigate the uncertain waters of this tournament with scrutiny at their back might be to much for Erika.

Yet, she is strong, she's changed just as much as I did. Koume too, our sweet little friend who's turning into a tigress herself…Yet I tainted their efforts…I sully our team's hard work…because I….I am weak…I've been so scared…for so long…scare for Miho…for my mother...and only I could keep our name steady…now what's left for me?

Maho thought, as she stop walking now, finding herself leaning against the cold wall, her shoulder protesting against the action. Yet she didn't care, as tears roll down her cheeks, the hot water rolling down onto the floor in a steady stream, as the once-proud heiress, realize she was nothing now. All her work had been undone, her change, and her drive. As their felt like nothing else she could do with her life that had been dominated by Sensha-do, that any other path seem too steep to conquer.

As was that love for the sport she never really felt before, had been coming to her this year, that now was thrown aside by her own actions. Leaving her in a broken state, as there was no one to talk to as well. Miho most of all, knowing when her sister heard of this news, she might come to hate Maho. Silly as the blasphemous thought was, but Maho couldn't help it, knowing how much Miho idolize her growing up. Seeing Maho as her only source of protection during the dark days after their mother's change, that now Maho was resulting to using corrupt methods to compete in Sensha-do.

Will she think badly of me now?

Will she never want to speak to me?

Again those torrent of terrible thoughts flooded her mind, as they had been doing for some time. The worry of her sister no longer at her side terrified her, especially now, when nothing was left for Maho to hang on to.

I gave so much, yet in the end, I received nothing back…It's not like I ask for praise for my actions…but now I've made a mess of things…is it really my fault?...or is it?...

Suddenly Maho brought her hand up to her face, and she began to shake with trepidation. A dark and troubling thought was breaking to the surface, something she had tried to keep buried away for a long time. A thought that should have no place in her mind, but was there, working its way slowly to the surface for Maho who wanted nothing more for it than to go away and never ever be said aloud. For if it was, there was no coming back from it.

However, the thought was there.

What if…Miho…was stronger before…then maybe I wouldn't have had to push so hard….if she wasn't soo…NO! STOP!...

The tears again roll down her cheeks harder, as that blame, that fault she wanted to place on her sister was coming out. Maho, whose sole duty was to look after Miho, now was letting that dark thought surface now. Blaming Miho, because now there was nothing left for Maho herself as if this was her fault things had fallen to this state. Leaving with a need to vent her frustrations that she had been trying to keep in check since her condition had come to the surface after the 61st National tournament.

"Stop…Miho isn't to blame for this…she doesn't deserve my scorn…this is my shame…my sin…me…not her…," Maho said quietly to herself, wiping her tears away as fast as she could, leaning off the wall now.

"I have to pull myself together," Maho said again, then began to walk down the hallway trying to reach the balcony area the nurse had directed her too.

Then suddenly, as if fate meant to help Maho herself from her dark thoughts, a voice resonated through her mind. A voice she knew well, from a time that seem like a dream, not a memory. A time when the warm days at the Nishizumi estate brought nothing but happiness and bliss. Running and playing were all that was necessary, no need for upholding expectations, no need for strict adherence to the training of the Nishizumi style, and more importantly, they were free to be themselves.

"Why can't we go back?" Maho ask herself, letting those pleasant memories seep into her mind, but though the question sobering, a smile play across her lips, as the voices of the two little balls of joys play in her mind, remembering those warm days.

Come on Maho! We have lots to do today!

I know! I know! Wait for me or you'll get lost!

Catch me if you can!

Miho you're asking for it!

The giggles of the two young Nishizumi's seem to echo throughout the hallway for Maho, as she could almost see their younger selves, two sisters who care nothing but for the adventures they go on. Dreaming of the day they fight in Sensha-do together, of achieving so much not just for themselves, but also to make their mother immensely proud of them in the end, as there was nothing better than seeing her smile proudly.

"Heh, I'd forgotten how much I miss those days," Maho said, feeling the dark cloud from her mind begin to lift, by nothing other than a simple memory that was saving her soul and that heartwarming face her sister had that could brighten your day no matter how terrible you felt.

For Maho began to remember a certain day.

A day that was just another adventurous one for the young Nishzumi sisters.

A day for a frog, a sword, and tanks.

XxxxX

March 19, 2001

The room was quiet, the drapes pull close over the windows to shield the rising sun outside from invading the room. It was a large room, fill with Boko teddy bears, a toy its occupant loved more than anything, along with tank figures that they had built themselves, sometimes even being helped by their mother.

Under the sheets of the large bed, a young girl, only reaching the age of 6, with her chestnut hair was sleeping soundly. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, while their dream was a pleasant one, a dream of being a great tank commander. Just like her mother, who was a legend known throughout all of Japan in Sensha-do, winning Victory Flag after Victory Flag for the great KuromorimineGirls Academy, to which this little one wanted to replicate to the best of her abilities to make her said mother proud of her, and even better she would have her sister right next to her.

"Come on…Maho…we…we…have…to…raise the flag together," Miho said in her sleep dress in her Boko bear pajamas, turning over in sleep to let a pleasant look cross her face as her dream continue on.

As this pleasant dream was going on, the door to little Miho's room open up softly, with a figure walking in with quiet steps. She look to see Miho in her dream state with some drool coming down her mouth making the figure giggle, but got to her task of waking her lady for the day. Coming over, the figure made their way over to the drapes of the room, then pull them open letting the rays of the beautiful day outside now invite themselves into the room brightening everything up.

These inviting warm rays now touch Miho, who shifted under the sheets as her eye's begun to flutter open. With a small groan, Miho rose from her bed stretching her arms out with a yawn, then began to rub her eyes to get the sleep dust out of them, with the figure in the room who had opened the drapes now address her mistresses daughter, as was her role.

The maid was tall with long black hair that was tied into a short ponytail, with light brown eyes. She wore a traditional kimono that was a staple of all maids who serve the Nishizumi house, but for this maid in particular, she was close to the Nishizumi family, having serve Shiho as a gunner aboard the Tiger 1 back in their high school days and now serve the family that had save her life when she was at her darkest.

With a bow in Miho's, Kikuyo Idegami the head maid of the estate spoke. "Good morning, my lady."

"Oh, good morning Kikuyo!" Miho said excitedly, losing all of her sleepiness seeing her favorite maid, while also doing away with any properness by using first names.

Raising from her bow, Kikuyo let out a lovely smile, as it always warm her heart for Miho to call her by her first name. "Now then, your bath is ready, my lady."

"Yay! Is Maho up? Are you going to play with us today? Is mom home yet? Can we take the Panzer 2 out? Are you going to eat breakfast with us? Can we go to-," Miho rattle on her questions.

"Ah, one question at a time, my lady," Kikyuo said in a joking tone, raising her hand to stop Miho from overwhelming her, making the little one giggle to see Kikoyuo fluster.

Then the maid began to answer. "Alright, first Maho is still sleeping. Second, maybe a little later, I have duties to attend to, third I'm sorry, but Shiho is still overseeing the Kuromorimine tankery training camp before the school starts next month, no Shiho left strict rules for the Panzer 2 to not be taken out at least till she gets home, while lastly I have already had breakfast, but I've laid out yours and Maho for you."

"Ah, but we can still play later?" Miho ask with a bright smile, which was hard to say no to.

With a happy sigh, Kikuyo could no longer fight back. "Sure, we can play after I finish washing the sheets."

Rising from her bed in her Boko pajama's Miho raise a fist in the air. "Yea! Were going to have the best day ever!"

With a nervous chuckle, knowing when Miho's energy was up it was impossible to stop, Kikuyo reply. "Well if you want this day to be the best ever, were going to need the other sister too."

"Right, I'll go wake her up now," Miho said, dropping her fist, to give salute that was a little awkward.

Kikuyo giggle a little at how cute Miho look, then return the salute. "Please do, my lady. See also she is taken to the bath and washes properly."

"Yes commander, it will be done," Miho said, then jump off the bed and sped out of the room as fast as her little feet could take her.

Kikuyo didn't even have time to tell her to be careful before Miho was gone. Making the head maid place her hands on her hip with a small chuckle and shake of the head. Though she felt very happy that this was routine every day whenever Shiho was not around, for her mistress had given her the personal job of looking after the heirs to the Nishizumi house. It wasn't the easiest job either, with the two little balls of joy having more energy than Kikuyo could keep up with sometimes, but she never tired of it.

For Kikuyo it was like playing mom with them, as sometimes Miho and Maho would follow her around when Shiho was gone, practically holding her kimono and never leaving her side. To which Kikuyo was grateful for, especially when she found out she couldn't bear children leading to the fall of her marriage as her depression became to heavy for her ex-husband to shoulder. Luckily Shiho had took her in and given her daughters as Kikuyo's duty to look after, to which she took seriously.

"Well need to get my heads out of the clouds," Kikuyo said bring her back to the present, as she about her first task of getting Miho's sheets ready to wash.

XxxxX

Miho ran down the hallways of her families estate to get to her sister's room, with her breaths becoming short as she sprinted down the hallways without a care in the world and only thinking of giving her sister a good wake up call, especially when school would be starting soon, so they needed to enjoy this spring break to the best of their abilities. Soon enough Miho got to her sister's door, to which she grinned as she was about to reenact something she and her sister saw the other night that had them screaming to know who won the match.

Calming herself first, Miho then open the door as quietly as she could, then walk in with a devilish grin crossing her face as she was about to enact her wake-up call. Maho's room was much like her's, with fewer Boko bears since Maho wasn't much of a fan, much to Miho's dismay that her sister didn't indulge in the awesomeness of Boko, but it was alright since Maho still came with her to the live shows.

Coming over to the bed, Miho lean up on her tippy toes to see her sister was bundled under the sheets sleeping peacefully to which made Miho ecstatic to do what needed doing. Carefully Miho climb up onto the bed doing her best to not make Maho wake up, then once she was standing tall on the bed looking down on her sister did Miho lean down into a small squat as she was ready to pounce.

Taking a deep breath, Miho call out to her sister. "Good morning, big sis!"

"Mmm," Maho grumble out, having been woken suddenly by her sister's call out, then turn over to face her. "Miho, it's to ear…wait, don't!"

Maho had just seen Miho was standing on her bed, then suddenly jump into the air coming down like a wrestler diving from the top ropes to finish their foe. Quickly Miho came down on Maho, making the older sister gasp from the sudden impact of her sister diving on her, though luckily the sheets took off some of the power of the dive, but Maho still felt the impact of Miho who was now laying across her with a bright smile.

"Gah," Maho let out a mournful cry having gotten her wake-up call.

"One, two, three, I win!" Miho said happily with uncontrollable giggles following.

Looking at her little sister smiling and laughing, taking away any feeling of displeasure from Maho, as she could never stay mad for long when her sister gave her that heartwarming smile. Which meant Maho was just going to have to accept her sister had got her, but that didn't mean the oldest daughter of the Nisizumi family wasn't about to get some payback on her.

"Ugh, Miho it's too early for a Tiger bomb," Maho gripe at her sister.

"No, come on, the Mask Tiger was going to win that match with that move if wasn't for The Snake playing dirty," Miho said excitedly.

Maho just sigh. "Fine, alright, let me up."

The younger sister obey the command, getting off her sister to let her up. Maho stretch her arms out with a yawn following. Then she brought her eyes down to her little sister staring intently at her, that smile plaster on her face, telling Maho that she was a little impatient to get the day started already. Yet Maho wanted some revenge, as the older sister, her duty was always to get even.

"Hey, you forgot something about that match," Maho said, a mischievous smile playing on her face, as she subtly move her hands to take her pillow in hand.

"What?" Miho ask, tilting her head to the side in wonderment.

"The Snake always wins with his signature dirty move," Maho said, her smug nature growing.

Still confuse, Miho just stare at her sister as she try to figure out what she was missing. Though this mystery wouldn't take long to figure out, as Maho grip one of her pillows and whip it around to hit her little sister in the face. Miho let out a gasp of surprise while falling back on the bed sprawl out, having been given the answer to the earlier mystery.

"The unexpected steel chair!" Maho said excitedly, now standing up on her bed looking down on her little sister in victory.

Though the victory pose didn't last long, as Miho brought her hands up to her face and began to cry. "Wahhhhh! Ma…Ma…Maho you hit me too hard!"

Instantly gone was the proud victorious Maho, switching to the caring sister, dropping to her knees at Miho's side. Hands work frantically to pull Miho's hands away from her face, as Maho was desperate to see that she hadn't seriously hurt her little sister. Yet as the hands were pulled away, she was not greeted by a hurt sister, instead, Miho was smiling at her, while sticking her tongue out at Maho.

"Got ya," Miho said, then began to giggle.

"Ah…wh…why you," Maho said astonished she had been dupe, then began to giggle as well.

As their giggle fits died down, Miho spoke up as she jump off the bed, then turn to her sister. "Come on Maho, Kikyou made us a bath. Then we got to go on an adventure today."

"Right, will take the Panzer 2 to the fishing pond. I think I figure out how to drive it," Maho agree, climbing down the bed.

Miho though, cross her arms in a pout. "We can't, Kikyou already said were not allowed to take it out without supervision, since she has duties today."

Touching her hand to her chin, Maho gave it some thought. "Maybe we sneak it out."

"Huh?" Miho said, looking baffled at the bold plan.

"Come on Miho, I can drive somewhat," Maho said with a wide smile.

Making Miho think it over and over in her mind that maybe they could sneak out with the Panzer 2, but something in her mind didn't want to disappoint Kikuyo today. Plus there would be better chances to sneak out and they have to do it earlier in the morning before the maids or the house guards could catch them.

With her mind made up, Miho spoke. "Will try a different day, but definitely before mom gets home. Will get up super early and go practice for our day out."

Maho seem disappointed her sister wouldn't go along with her current plan, but relented. "Alright, then tomorrow, mom is going to be home soon and I want to drive us out to the countryside. Will spend the entire day together no matter what."

"Yea! Operation Sneaky Sneaks is a go!" Miho said excitedly.

Though Maho gave her sister an amused shake of the head. "Your operation names are seriously lacking."

"No! They're cute!" Miho said with a pout.

"Lacking," Maho said, loving to tease her cutesy sister.

"Cute!" Miho reply once more with a little stomp of her feet.

Yet before any more back and forth could be had, the door to Maho's room open wider with Kikuyo coming in herself, with an obvious look of annoyance, though only slightly. As the head maid look down at her two charges with her hands on her hip.

"I see you girls have a lot of energy to play, but not get in the bath," Kikuyo said, eyeing both little ones.

Though Maho didn't catch the hint that the maid was a little peeve with them, as she came running over and hug her leg with a large smile. "Good morning Kikuyo."

Looking down at the happy cub, Kikuyo admitted she lost her stern nature, as she reach down to rub Maho's hair. "Good morning, my lady."

Laughter escaped Maho's mouth as the head patting continue, but made Miho obviously jealous and come running over to receive her just deserves clinging to Kikuyo's kimono as well, making the older women tense from the sudden other cub attach to her now. Yet Kikuyo understood Miho wanted her just deserves, so she reach down to pat her head too, which made Miho quite delighted.

Then Kikuyo lean down to both girls' height as she spoke. "Now, I wouldn't have happened to hear you two making plans to take the Panzer 2 out without supervision?"

"Nope," Maho quickly answer.

"We never do that," Miho said putting on a cute face to feign ignorance.

Hmph, these two are dangerously good at putting on appearances, will have to keep a close eye on them

Kikuyo thought, but decided not to press the issue for now. "Alright, but you two need to get in the bath before you head out."

"Are you going to play with us today?" Maho ask.

"Yes, a little later though, ok? Yet for now, let's get you two in the bath before the water gets cold," Kikuyo said.

"Yay!" Maho said, then turn to Miho. "Come on, we have to hurry!"

"Wait for me!" Miho said, as her sister ran from the room.

Kikuyo stood, smiling at the two girls running down the halls, knowing it was pointless to get them to slow down, but made one final call to them. "Make sure you wash properly!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Both cubs said in unison as they disappear down the hallways of the estate.

Leaving Kikuyo once more to look at the messy bed with a smile on her face, as she knew today was going to be another boring and pleasant one at the Nishizumi estate, but would as always have its moments that would continue to remind her that nothing her life now was more important than being in this place that even to this day was saving her soul.

From Shiho whose cold heart had melted, with warmness stealing its place, that had been extended to Kikuyo, not because they were teammates, but because they were friends beyond Sensha-do.

And to two little cubs, who wanted nothing more than to be around Kikuyo, who were the children she could never have.

"Ugh, I have my heads in the clouds again, need to focus Kikuyo," she said to herself, as her cheeks were aching from all the smiling she had been doing already.

And it wasn't even past 8 in the morning yet.

XxxxX

"Come on Miho, wear the hat properly," Maho said with annoyance in her tone wearing a single button orange shirt with tan pants, as she try to make her little sister wear the wide brim sun hat.

"I don't want to, it makes my hair stick up funny," Miho whine, dressed in a light pink tank top and blue jean shorts, as she try every way to get out of wearing the sun hat, making her older sister sigh in frustration.

Currently, the two were just outside to the rear of the Nishizumi estate. Having finished their bath that had been filled with a multitude of splashing, till they finally clean themselves properly, with eating their breakfast, and were now on their way to their little adventure. Having left the low walls that surrounded the estate through a gate, the two little ones had nothing but a large forest in front of them that dominated the back of the estate, and here it was that the two were about to go play in.

Though Miho was making things difficult, as Maho wanted her to wear the hat to keep the sun off her face on this hot day even if they were going to the small pond in the forest. Eventually, Miho relented and finally wore the hat, pouting all the while, but understood her older sister was just looking out for her in the end. Then the two did a double check on their gear to make sure nothing was left behind, as it be a long journey away from the estate.

"Fishing poles?" Maho ask.

"Check," Miho replied.

"Bait?"

"Check."

"Sunscreen?"

"Check."

"Band-aids?"

"Check."

"Boko bear?"

"Check."

That answer though made Maho sigh, looking to her sister who was growing red with embarrassment, as Maho spoke with her hands on her hip. "What have I told you? Leave the Boko bear behind or it's going to get dirty."

"But Boko will protect us," Miho said, her tone saying she wasn't going to back down.

"Boko is the one that needs protecting, besides you might lose him in the woods," Maho said, also not backing down.

Miho hug her backpack that carry the stuffed bear to her chest protectively as she spoke. "I won't lose him, I promise."

"Miho, please, I don't want you losing it. Even with the extra daylight, we can't go looking for him when it gets dark," Maho pleaded.

Which finally broke little Miho down, as she huff in agreement, then left to run back to the gate and give her Boko bear to the guard, who simply smile and took the bear with a promise to keep him safe till the girls got back. Making Miho happy, then came running back to her sister, then the two clasp their hands together and went walking into the woods for another pleasant day near their home.

It wasn't long before the large estate was lost behind the huge trunks, branches, and leaves of the forest. Yet it didn't scare the Nishizumi sisters, even as young as they were, for they knew these woods like the back of their hands. Having spent many summers traversing it in wonderment as any child would with a sense of adventure, wanting to explore the unknown, danger, and all.

While it also help to have a trail that craved into the woods to help navigate, being constructed by Shiho's orders, as she knew there was no stopping her little cubs from adventuring out, so she try her best to make it as safe as possible for them. While encouraging their exploration, but only together and never too far from the estate.

As the two little ones walk slowly down the trail their Tigress mother had created, they had nothing but smiles on their faces, looking around at the quiet beauty the woods held. Faint rays of light broke through the trees, illuminating the forest floor that was covered in greenery. Bushes lay everywhere, with moss-covered rocks, and some low-hanging trees. Under these tall trees, the forest felt cooler for the two girls who relish in it, having escaped the heat some.

"Hey Maho," Miho ask, as the pair continue down the trail.

Turning to her little sister, Maho spoke. "What's up?"

"You think mom will be home soon?" Miho ask, while her free hand holding the strap of her backpack tighten a little.

Which made Maho smile a little, as this was tell tell sigh that Miho was missing their mother greatly. Not that Maho wasn't feeling that same wanting to be with her mother as well, but she understand that their mother had a lot of responsibilities, that Miho even now didn't fully grasp, unlike Maho. The older sister knew their mother had a job that went beyond simply being the head instructor for the great Kuromorimine, Shiho had to navigate the gauntlet of keeping the prestigious Nishizumi family honor intact. Meetings with the Federation, working to make sure Kuromorimine's winning ways stay in place, and molding many young future tankers in the Nishizumi style across all of Japan.

This long list of duties required of the headmistress of the Nishizumi school of tankery, Maho understood. For this was the burden her mother took on day in and day out. Never with a complaint, only meeting these challenges with a work ethic that even at only 7 years old, Maho appreciated and admire. For no one in this world would ever be a bigger role model for Maho like her mother, a woman of fortitude, perseverance, and most importantly love. That love was what Shiho brought home even after a hard day's work, as she came to hug her little cubs and be ready for dinners and stories no matter her own fatigue, for her daughters wash that all away.

Feeling steady in her mind, Maho smiled at her sister as she spoke. "Of course Miho, she's just taking care of things for our family."

"I know, but the estate is more lonely than usual. Especially…with..without dad around, I guess I'm just scared about mom being away for so long," Miho said, her face contorting into solemnness.

"Hey," Maho said, stopping and turning her face to look at Miho fully. "I know things have been tough with mom and dad fighting whenever they are together. Yet we have to remain strong ok? Mom needs us just as much as we need her."

Miho simply nodded to Maho, making the older sister grateful she could make the younger understand. Though Maho was just as downtrodden because of the fighting their parents had done, with the last one turning nasty, as their father had been yelling about their mother being nothing but another Nayoko, trying to force their daughters into a life they didn't ask for. Which Maho didn't quite understand, but cared little for it, as her duty at the time was to hold Miho close who was shaking with fear in her bed.

Afterward, Shiho came to Maho to tell her something that had been burned into the young girl's mind.

Maho…I'm sorry about the fighting…you and Miho don't deserve this. Though you're the greatest big sister in the whole world, because you protected Miho from that as best you could, you make mommy very proud….

Mom, please can we stop the fighting? It's scaring me…its terrifying Miho…I want us to be a family again…please…

Small tears began to fall from Maho's eyes, though Shiho didn't let that last long, picking up her little cub and holding her close. Placing small kisses on her daughter's face, with soft whispers to calm Maho down, who wrap her arms around her mother's neck.

Then Shiho spoke again as she stroked Maho's hair in a soothing motion.

My little cub, I'm so sorry. I want what you want too, but right now your father and I are still working things out. Yet, as tough as this is to ask, please…please look after Miho. You understand things I wish for a girl your age not to, but your smart and mature...so please keep your sister safe…keep her happy till we can be a family again…Ok?

Maho sniffle a little, but lean back to look at her mother's eyes that were just as tearful as hers.

I…I will mom…I love you…

Shiho smiled with her tears rolling slowly down her cheeks, then lean up to kiss Maho's forehead and then took her to bed.

The memory was forever burned into Maho, who now look at her sister again.

Miho spoke now. "Ok, I understand big sister."

"Good," Maho said, then made good on her promise to keep her sister happy. "How about this? I think mom will be coming home in a couple of days."

"Really?" Miho said, excitement etching all over her face.

Making Maho nod to her excited sister as she spoke. "Yep, so how about we cook her breakfast? Then I'm sure will go out and enjoy the whole day together."

The brightest smile came over Miho's face, as she let go of Maho's hand to jump in the air with a proud fist. "Yay!"

"Good, just make sure to not quit halfway through," Maho teased, knowing sometimes her sister's attention span could be short.

"Will not!" Miho complain cutely to her sister.

That made Maho chuckle, then gesture to her sister to take her hand again, so the two could continue their journey down the pathway back to the pond.

"Miho," Maho said, getting her sister's attention.

"Yeah?" Miho said, tilting her head to her sister.

Maho took a breath and then spoke. "One day dad will come home for good, ok? There will be no more fighting between him and mom, so I need you to be brave like Boko till that day comes, ok?"

Seeing how earnest her big sister was in this request, made Miho nod vigorously. "Yes, I'll be strong like Boko, I'll be strong like my big sister."

That made Maho grin, glad that she could rely on her sister to see these tough times through for now. Yet they would leave these worries behind for the day, as they walk off to fish the pond and take their worries away for a while, as there was nothing better than fishing on a warm beautiful day like this.

XxxxX

"Mmmmm," Miho groan, as her eyes began to flutter open.

The first thing she saw was the large pond that dominated a large opening in the forest, that was gleaming with the sun beaming down on it. Sparse trees adorn the banks of the pond with various shrubbery, though the soft grass was pleasant to lay upon, almost like a natural bed. Which had been the bed both Miho and Maho had taken after 3 hours of fishing the pond, catching a variety of fish, but as always they threw them back into the pond. Till eventually they grew tired and wanted a long nap on the sun-warmed grass that took them off to dreamland as soon as the two curled up on it, cuddle close as the two sisters always did.

Now Miho rose to a sitting position, stretching her sore arms out that had been reeling the fishing pole strenuously. Then turn to see her sister curl up on her side toward Miho, making the little sister smile, glad to have Maho at her side. With Maho earlier cheering Miho up over missing their mom and their father, consoling her about the fighting that would end one day, while asking Miho to stay strong and strong Miho would be for her family.

Yet…why must mom and dad fight?

A question a 6-year-old could find no answer to, so Miho decided to forgo trying to solve the mystery of adult affairs, as she stood up. Looking across the shining pond, Miho saw their fishing poles near the bank. Knowing that she and her sister had had their fill of fishing for the day and needed to soon start the trek back to the estate, Miho decided to go get the poles in order for the journey home while her sister rested some more.

Coming over, she quickly got them in hand, but something caught her eye as she was finishing up. Looking down, Miho saw something was resting near the bank that instantly made her smile. As it was an oddly tan-colored frog, that was abnormally large for its size, being almost equal to a small cat which might frighten most people at the mere sight, but for Miho, she never fear wildlife in any fashion.

Quickly Miho came over to the frog and squatted down to touch the frog. "Hey, there Mister Froggy."

"Ribbit." Was the reply.

Making Miho giggle, then spoke. "You're a pretty big frog."

"Ribbit."

"Must have been from eating all the bugs, huh?" Miho ask.

"Ribbit."

"Good job mister froggy," Miho said, stroking the frog's skin, then an idea came to her. "Want to meet my big sister?"

"Ribbit."

"Yay! Is it ok to hold you?" Miho ask.

"Ribbit."

"Thank you and excuse me," Miho said excitedly, as she took the frog in hand holding it close to her like it was a puppy, then walk over to where her sister was sleeping still.

Getting close enough to stand over her sister now, Miho spoke. "Maho, wake up. I found a friend."

A soft hum escape Maho's lips, as her eyes flutter open to find the source of her little sister's voice. Seeing she was standing over her now, but had something odd in her hands, made Maho rub her eyes to get a better look. Yet when her eyes adjusted properly, did her curiosity of this new friend turn to horror as she let out a yelp and began to crawl away, making Miho tilt her head wondering what was troubling her sister.

"Wha…wha…what is that thing?" Maho said, crawling further away from her sister, her face etched with fear and her teeth clattering.

Making Miho hold out the large tan frog. "It's Mister Froggy."

"Why are you holding that thing so casually?" Maho clatter out.

Though her sister was beyond frightened, Miho simply smile as if there was nothing wrong. "It's because it's a new friend for us, he even let me pick him up, right Mister Froggy."

"Ribbit."

Yet nothing her little sister said would alleviate Maho's fear of the large frog as she spoke. "I don't care, put him down and let's go home."

"Don't be rude to Mister Froggy. Here you should hold him too," Miho said, coming forward to hand the frog off.

"No, please," Maho said, her panic starting to rise as she crawl further away from her sister, who wasn't taking a hint that she was scared.

However and much to Maho's relief, the large tan frog began to squirm in Miho's hands as if it was saying it wanted to be put down. To which Miho did, regretfully though, put the frog down then began to hop away from the pair. Miho made a call for the frog to stop, as she wanted to play with it, but the frog paid the call no mind as it hop away till it was at the edge of a bush then turn around to the sisters.

Maho having found her courage to stand, now look at the frog that was staring intently at them near the bushes, then she spoke. "What's he doing?"

"I think he wants us to follow," Miho said casually.

Which made Maho balk, then turn to her sister. "Thiers no way that's possible."

"Why not find out," Miho said with an excited smile, then call after the frog. "Mister Froggy! Do you want us to follow you?!"

"Ribbit."

Then Miho turn to her sister with her hands on her hip, puffy her chest out proudly. "See, I told you he wants us to follow."

Before Maho could make any complaints or arguments, suddenly the frog turn around and hop into the bushes, prompting Miho to leap into action to follow. Leaving Maho no choice but to follow as well, needing to keep an eye on her adventurous sister as they dive into the forest, chasing a frog for what Maho thought was for no good reason.

Through the bushes, Miho and Maho went, as they kept up with the large frog who lept from place to place without pause. The Nishizumi sisters show off some athletism that came from their outings across the large land their family own, as they weave between trees like an agile cheetah, then leap over boulders with not a misstep, keeping the frog insight at all times, though where he was leading them too was starting to wane on both girls mind. As the journey, he was leading them on seemed to go on forever, but eventually, it came to an end at an odd place.

As the trio broke through to a small clearing in the woods, with both Nishizumi's sisters sweating profusely while trying to catch their breaths as their eyes were drawn to something that dominated the clearing.

"What is that?" Miho ask in wonderment.

"It…it looks like a traditional Japanese hut," Maho said, eyeing the architect.

The hut itself was old, its timber build showing its aging, but held a stout nature with its triangle roof. It rested on a slightly elevated plank platform, with a Shoji sliding door at its front.

"Did you know this was out here?" Miho ask her sister.

With Maho instantly shaking her head. "No, I've never seen this before. Yet, it looks like it's been here for a while, strange how we never came across it before."

"Mom never mention anything about it either," Miho said, then began to look around as she notice something. "Hey, where is Mister Froggy?"

Maho as well began to look around, but could not find the frog anywhere. Making Maho feel a little anxious as Miho could have been right that the frog could have been leading them along the entire time to this exact spot, like it knew all along about this hut and wanted them to see it. However, that was all a mad theory the older Nishizumi sister didn't want to get into, for it was beyond surreal if that was the case, so she focus on the hut.

"Well, want to go explore it?" Maho ask Miho.

Making Miho's face turn into an uneasy look, as she turn to her sister to speak. "Do we have to?"

The question posed by her little sister made Maho grin mischievously now, as when it came to each sister's dislikes and fears there was a difference. Maho showed her fear of frogs earlier, with now a chance for Maho to get back at her little sister by diving into her fear.

"What? Scared there might be a ghost in the hut?" Maho tease.

"Eh! Thiers no such things as ghosts!" Miho cry out, while hugging herself.

Maho just shrug at the outburst. "Well if that's the case, then their should be no problem, right?"

"We…well I think we…we should just leave it alone still," Miho said, her body languge saying it wasn't going to budge.

"Oh well, if you don't want to go explore it, I'll do it myself," Maho said, walking away towards the hut, knowing her sister would follow her, as she always did.

Which prove to be right, as Maho could hear Miho's feet come pattering up behind her.

"Ok, don't leave me behind," Miho said in a trembling voice.

Maho simply smile at her sister walking beside her, as she reach a hand out to intertwine her fingers with her little sister as she spoke in a gentle tone. "It will be ok Miho, I'll protect you."

"You promise?" Miho ask, her confidence returning to her as it always did with her sister with her.

"Always," Maho said, making Miho smile jubilantly as the two made their way to the hut.

The pair soon reach the small steps to the raised wooden platform the hut rested on. They climb the steps carefully hand in hand till they were faced with the Shoji sliding door. Miho stood a little back still, as Maho stay in front of her as she place her hand on the handle of the whethered wood and pull it with all her strength to get it open.

A large creaking sound echoed as if the door was protesting to be opened by the little one, which scared Miho a little, but Maho quickly calm her down. Then finally Maho got the door open and give the pair a good look inside the small hut that was illuminated by the bright sun that had been invited in. Inside the floor was covered in tatami floor mats, with a huge futon taking most of the space. What look to be a sliding door closet was against the wall to the right and a small low table was pressed to the left of the room, with a pair of wooden teacups and kettle to go with it.

Both girls took in the sight of the plain room with curiosity, till Maho spoke. "See Miho, nothing to fear, just an ordinary room."

"I guess your right. Though with how old the building look on the outside, I thought it be dirty in here," Miho said now taking her shoes off and making sure her feet weren't dirty as she step into the hut.

"Your right, it's like someone's been keeping the place clean," Maho said, copying her sister's action from earlier and stepping inside the hut.

With careful steps the girls enter the hut, taking in everything once more. Things could use a bit of dusting, but already the two were planning to make this their summer hangout spot, thinking of all the snacks they could hide and books. They even were planning to sleep here and look out to the stars hanging above during the night, while trying to point out all the objects the stars could connect to.

Miho who was practically bouncing in place with excitement turned to her sister who was looking over the teacups with a curious eye. "Maho, do you think we could convince mom to let us spend the night here?"

Dragging her eyes from the cups, Maho turn to give her sister an amuse look. "No way would mom let that happen, she have fit knowing weren't home during the night."

"Hmm, your right," Miho said, touching her hand to her chin to give it some more thought, then it hit her. "Wait! We can have mom come sleep with us out here! It be like a sleepover!"

A chuckle escape Maho's lips, then calm down to talk. "Alright, will ask her when she gets home."

"Yay!" Miho said happily, then went back to looking around the hut.

As she walk over to the futon, she admitted it was too large for just one person, making her wonder who was using this place. Yet Miho didn't give it too much, as she understood that their estate was far from any towns, with the closest thing to them was Tamotsu's candy shop that was a favorite spot for the Nishizumi sisters. With so few residents near them, Miho just guess her mom knew about this place already or maybe an old family member built it.

While she was about to move past the futon, something in her mind began to hum, making Miho do a double-take wondering if someone was here with them. However, all there was Maho was still looking over the teacups on the low table, making Miho fear that maybe there was a ghost as she began to shake a little. Then the hum came again, but this time it came from behind, making Miho turn around to the small closet.

This time the hum felt like someone was calling to Miho, as she took tentative steps to the sliding door to the closet, as now curiosity was working itself into her. Finally, she reach the door, then stuck her hand out to touch the handle, then took a breath for courage and open the door that unlike the sliding door to the entrance that had resisted opening, the closet door simply slid open smoothly.

"What's in here?" Miho ask herself quietly, as she look around the tiny closet.

Yet all she found was an empty space, with a wooden pole running along the top being where clothes could be hang. With only two sets of clothes hanging from the space, one being what look like a sun dress of pure white, with a red sash around the stomach area. The other was a simple white shirt, with large denimn pants hung up alongside it.

"Who's clothes are those?" Maho ask, having come over after seeing her sister open the sliding door.

"Do you think these are mom's?" Miho ask, as her memory was pulling an image of this same dress Shiho wore last summer.

"And are those dad's clothes?" Maho questioned, as her memory was pulling an image of him wearing this as his usual casual clothes.

A moment passed between the two girls as they collected their thoughts, then something came to them.

"Do you think mom and dad know about this place all along?" Miho ask.

Maho simply nodded her head. "Yea, while something tells me that we aren't supposed to be here."

That made Miho jerk her head to her sister. "Why?"

"I just am. Mom knew about this place, but never told us about it while we always play in these woods and probally for a reason. Let's go before we get in trouble," Maho said, her face etch with worry.

Miho nodded to her sister. "Yea, your probally right."

With the agreement made between them, Miho began to close the door to the closet, but once more that odd hum began to play through her mind, now sounding like a voice to her. A voice of young women she did not know, but was familiar at the same time.

You warm an old women's cold heart, it seems to be your other gift to our family. Do remember my little one, that you must be strong when the storm comes, to whether it and press on for our family that will lean on you

"Who said that?" Miho ask herself, as the hum play in her mind again, calling to her that something was in the closet.

"Miho, come on we have to go back for the fishing poles and get home," Maho call after her sister.

Yet for some reason, Miho ignore her sister as she walk into the closet and press her hand against the wall. She felt it press inward, like it was a door of some kind, prompting Miho to push hard with both hands as the secret door gave way to a small opening. Inside this secret place, was a long rectangular black case, though it look like it had been hidden away for some time, the case had a pristine shine to it that captivated Miho for some reason.

"Miho, I said lets g….what is that?" Maho ask, having come up again ready to drag her sister home if she had too.

"I don't know, I just felt it was here," Miho said, kneeling down to touch the box now.

"You just felt it was here?" Maho question, not quite believing her little sister.

Yet Miho just nodded as if that was the simple answer, as she pull the rectangular case out of its secret compartment. She saw that the case could be simply open once the clasp holding it closed were unhooked, so Miho went ahead and did it slowly revealing something that shocked both girls.

Inside this case lay something that was ancient and considered sacred in Japan. Something that was part of their culture, that had defined a bloody era, with a certain mysticism couple with the men and women who carried it through history. For this object these two young girls had found was a katana, it's saya or sheath was surrounded by white cushion cloth, the hilt of the sword was covered in an intricate web of Tsukamaki black wrapping, speaking to the care its maker had taken to wrap it around the hilt.

"That's a katana," Miho quietly said in astonishment.

"Its…beautiful…," Maho said equally in quiet bafflement, as she knelt down beside her sister to look at the sword.

Looking over the saya, Miho saw something was etched in with sliver with kanji symbols, but she couldn't read it, so she turn to her sister. "Can you tell what those Kanji symbols mean?"

Looking over the symbols with a precise eye and a better understanding of Kanji than her sister, Maho translated the words. "If I'm reading them right, they say Duty, Strength, Family."

"Duty, Strength, Family," Miho repeated.

For a moment the two girls simply let the words hang in the air between them, as these simple words spoke to what they must do one day when they join Sensha-do. With these very words that would be what was required of them to uphold the honor of their family, but most importantly of their mother who was a legend of the sport that they both wish to emulate and make her proud of them.

Breaking her thoughts away from the future, Miho turn to her sister. "Whose Katana do you think this is?"

Maho simply shook her said. "I don't know, maybe some warrior from our clan's past. Yet I don't even know how far our family's history dates back. Mom…she never talks about our past family members now that I think of it."

"She might have her reasons," Miho added in.

"Hmmm, maybe. Yet the fact remains that this sword was hidden here and was not meant to be found, maybe Mom put it here since her clothes are here too," Maho said, now feeling again that this was something they weren't meant to find.

"Yea…but it's so beautiful…I wonder how it looks if we unshea-," Miho said, working her hands to draw the sword.

Yet was stopped with Maho shot her hands out to stop her sister's adventurous hands as she spoke. "Don't! I don't want you cutting yourself!"

"Eh! I'll be careful!" Miho argue.

"I said my peace. Go outside while I put things away," Maho said, her big sister's voice coming out.

"But I-," Miho try to argue.

Once more she was cut off, but this time with a hard look from Maho that told Miho she wasn't playing around. Making Miho take a hint that her sister was serious and stood up to sulk off out of the hut. Maho watch her go, making her heart ache knowing she didn't mean to be that stern, but something about the whole way Miho found the sword disturb her. While making her fearful for her sister's safety, which was why she was bossy.

Quickly Maho close the box with the katana, though not without one last look at the ancient blade. Then shove it back to its spot while pulling the secret door closed. Then made a last look around to make sure everything was back in place and not disturbed, then with a satisfied nod that everything was in order, Maho left the hut.

Outside she found Miho waiting for her, while fiddling with her hands in obvious discomfort as she spoke. "I'm sorry big sister, I don't mean to make you mad at me for being bad."

Maho let out a breath, then came over to hug her little sister, embracing her tightly with Miho returning the affection.

"It's ok Miho, I'm sorry for being so harsh. I'm…I'm just overprotective sometimes, as is my job," Maho said, leaning back from the hug to look into her sister's large brown eyes.

Miho nodded with a happy smile as she spoke. "You do your job well Maho. You're the best big sister in the world!"

That made Maho happy, then the two Nishizumi sisters walk off hand and hand again, to go pick up their fishing gear and make the long trek back to the estate. For the pair had had a fun little adventure out, one to add to their growing list that so far had to be at the top, but also the day wasn't over, as they had a certain maid who owe them playing time. With these two cubs certain to make sure that time was paid in full from their maid who wouldn't escape their clutches.

Yet while these two walk back into the forest, a certain tan frog hop out from under the hut and watch the two sisters walk away.

"Ribbit."

The frog croak out, then began to hop away back to its forest that it had traversed for many centuries, having seen many Nishizumi's past through these woods, but very few ever follow them to this point, and with those that did all turn to be legends in the end.

XxxxX

"Thank you, Mister Sanzo!" Miho yell with a happy wave, as she and Maho had return to the estate, coming through the rear gate. Having the guard posted there just let them back in, while giving Miho back her Boko bear he had been holding onto, telling her the bear made for a good partner, much to the young girl's delight.

The guard simply wave back to the girls, then went back to his duties.

"Alright, Mister Sanzo said he saw Kikuyo doing laundry at the eastern side of the estate on the hill. We better hurry and go catch her," Miho said to Maho.

A nod came from Maho, but wanted to make sure she point to her little sister. "Rember what I said earlier. Don't say anything to Kikuyo about the hut or the sword we found, ok?"

"Ok, but it's not like Kikuyo would be mad at us or anything even if we did," Miho said with a little dejection in her voice.

"I know she wouldn't, but at the same time, it makes her worry and I rather not have that. Let's just tell we were out fishing and that's it," Maho said.

Miho nodded in agreement, then the two traversed around their home. Large neatly trim bushes line the walkway, as some gardeners were making some final cuts, yet stop their work to wave to the Nishizumi sisters who walk by, to which they receive equally joyful waves back from them with some shared words. Then the two got back on their mission to find their head maid as they finally reach the eastern side, where a small grassy hill rose up.

"Hey, there she is," Miho said, pointing to the top of the small hill.

To which Maho follow as saw Kikuyo doing laundry in a vintage style, as she hung the sheets and blankets of both Nishizumi sister beds on a drying rack held up by a wooden post. It was an older style of drying clothes that seem unnecessary as the estate had state-of-the-art dryers. Yet Miho and Maho prefer this way, as the warm sun seem to stay with the sheets when they were placed on their beds, making them instantly fall asleep on these summer warmed sheets, though when winter came around this was out of the question.

"It looks like she is almost done, meaning she gets to play with us," Miho said, looking ready to run up the hill.

Yet Maho place a hand on her sister's shoulder to calm her down as she spoke. "I say we surprise her."

"Really?" Miho ask.

"Yep...," Maho said, trailing off as she was going to go along with her sister's wants. "Time to enact Operation Sneaky Sneaks."

A long gasp left Miho's mouth, then spoke animatedly. "Are you ser-."

Maho though put a hand over her sister's mouth, with a shush signal. "Don't yell, we can't let her know we're here."

A nod from Miho was the response, so Maho brought her hand down as she spoke. "Alright, you got the lead. What's the call commander?"

"Why don't you lead?" Miho said.

Yet a shrug was the answer from Maho as she spoke. "I need to see why I have the coolest little sister in the world."

"Oh," Miho said, hugging her Boko bear close to herself, feeling a blush of embarrassment come on. Though felt immense pride in herself because of her sister's words, then spoke with a determined look. " Alright, I won't let you down, big sister. This is the plan I think will surprise Kikuyo."

Then Miho laid out her plan to Maho who nodded serval times in understanding as her sister went into detail. Once the strategy meeting was over, the two sisters nodded to each other with approving looks as they went into action dropping their fishing poles, backpacks, and their sun hats. Needing to be agile if they were going to take down this large foe.

Next both girls climb the small hill to their objective, with several times they drop low into the grass as Kikuyo turn around in their direction to grab another sheet from the wooden basket to hang up with clothespins on the rope. Which made the silent assault take longer and every time Kikuyo took a sheet away from the basket meant both sisters were losing their main objective of this operation.

Yet like in all operations, a little luck could be your greatest ally as Kikuyo miss putting a clothespin on correctly to secure a sheet to the rope, just as a small gust of wind kick up almost causing the loosely hanging sheet to take off. With the maid doing all she could not lose the sheet to nature, which gave the Nishizumi sisters the much-needed distraction to now quickly climb the hill to the objective of their operation.

As they finally crested the hill, they saw the large laundry basket that was big enough to fit both of the small girls. While also there was still one sheet left, which made their objective a success as the two quickly crawl under the sheet in the basket while trying to keep their giggles and excitement under wraps as they were ready to pounce on their unsuspecting prey. As they finally got themselves under control, they waited for their maid to come to take the last sheet out.

Each moment that passed felt like an hour to the girls.

Yet eventually they heard the footsteps coming closer.

And closer, till they stop just in front of the basket. Next feeling the hands of reaching in to grab the sheet, prompting the sisters to launch their surprise attack on their foe, as if these young cubs were practicing their hunting skills that would help them in the future.

"RAWR!" Both Nishizumi's sisters said together, popping up out of the sheets as one.

"EEEEEEEE!" Kikuyo scream as she thought some small animals were in the basket, making her fall onto her bottom, her face contorting into fear, but drop when she heard laughter.

That laughter belonged to Miho and Maho who were unable to hold back, as the sheet cover their heads, but their smiling faces shine through, making Kikuyo let out a sigh. Glad it was just her headmistress's daughters and not an animal that had snuck in. Though a feeling being a little peeve at the prank pull on her by the young cubs swept through her, as Kikuyo sat up a little.

"My ladies, that was quite the sneak attack," Kikuyo praised, trying to relax the guard of the sister as she stood up.

"I know right, I made up the plan too!" Miho said, climbing out of the basket with Maho right behind her.

Which made Kikuyo eye Miho over intently with a mischievous smile. "Oh, so you're the ring leader?"

"Yep! My first operation was a success and now I'm the best commander ever!" Miho said, still proud, but not realizing the danger she was in.

"Hey, I help! Where's my praise?" Maho argue with a pout at her sister.

Miho instantly turn to Maho in a desperate bid to make up it to her. "Sorry, you helllllll-."

The apology was interrupted as Kikuyo had taken the chance to grab little Miho who squeal in delight at being held in the maid's arms. While Maho was left to watch on as Kikuyo made sure to have a firm grip on Miho, then turn to look at the older Nishizumi sister with a devious playful look, as it was the older women's turn to get back at the two for earlier.

As the cubs were going to get their playtime they so desperately wanted that morning.

"I have your sister commander Maho. I will hold her hostage till I get your unconditional surrender," Kikuyo said, letting out a villainous laugh.

Miho seeing Kikuyo was playing with them, decided to go along with her, reach out desperately to her sister. "Help me Maho, save me!"

Which made Maho smile as it was up to her to save her little sister from the evil clutches of the villainous Kikuyo, to which she instantly began to work her mind to find the strategy to win. Her head snap back and forth, then behind her, as took in the laundry basket that still held the white sheet inside and something came to her in a lesson she once learn from her mother.

Mom…why does the Tiger 1 have smoke discharges on its turret?…

Well Maho, they're used when we find ourselves being shot out from an unknown location. Releasing the six smoke grenades plasters our tank with a smokescreen that is more effective and faster than trying to load and fire a smoke shell, giving us time to back out and find an advantageous position to find and counter-attack our enemy...

A distraction that is used to counter our enemy…Does the Nishizumi style think that sort of thing is cowardly?...

Maybe…but I see it as a means of allowing the Tiger 1 to be more flexible, for even it can get into danger, and having a way out gives us a fighting chance…

That small lesson from her mother, her biggest role model, play in Maho's mind as she look at the white sheet intently, as she quietly spoke to herself. "Having a way out gives us a fighting chance."

Then the little cub, destine to be a Tigress, leap into action. Making her way quickly to grab the sheet and bundle it up quickly, making Kikuyo eye the young girl in wonderment of her plan, along with Miho in her arms. Yet the answer to the strategy this young girl would employ would be revealed quickly, as Maho turn around with the bundle sheet in hand, then with all the strength a 7-year-old could muster, she toss the sheet into the air.

Making Kikuyo go wide eye, as the sheet unfurl in the wind and spread out while floating to her. Which made her loosen her grip on Miho, who understood her sister's actions and use the distraction to wiggle out of Kikuyo's grip just as the sheet came down on the maid who was blinded as the sheet encompass her. Making Kikuyo desperately try to get the sheet off her, but instead found herself becoming entangled with it and then lost her balance as she fell down again on her bottom with the sheet still covering her.

After a short struggle, Kikuyo finally got the sheet off her somewhat so she could see, but wasn't given a chance to recover as the two Nishizumi cubs pounce on her, sending back down onto the soft grass, as the sister lay on top, victorious over their foe, giggling all the while. Kikuyo look up at them, as their smiles rain down, making her chuckle along with them that soon became uncontrollable for the trio who were enjoying the bliss of their fun.

Though soon Kikyuo calm down, while raising herself up to a sitting position, with Miho and Maho glued to either side of her.

"Well, I've been defeated by two of Sensha-do's best commanders," Kikuyo said with a mock look of defeat.

Making Miho speak up. "So, do we have your surrender?"

"Yes," Kikuyo said with a nod.

"Good, our demands are cakes and sweets for dinner tonight," Maho said, gripping at the maid's kimono.

"Oh, do you now?" Kikuyo said with a sly smirk.

"Yep, we can help you bake them!" Miho said excitedly, her mouth almost drooling at the thought of sweets for dinners.

Though Kikuyo play her role of making sure this never came to pass. "Well, for that to happen. You will have to defeat the great commander Shiho, for even I will never concede to such demands unless she is defeated."

"Whattttt!" Both girls said together, earning some chuckles from Kikuyo.

"Those are my terms, as my surrender wasn't unconditional," Kikuyo tease.

"Ah, she outsmarted us Maho," Miho said, looking to her big sister for the answer.

"Desperate measures then, Operation Chuckle is in effect," Maho ordered, to which her sister nodded.

With Kikuyo now looking to both of them in a questioning manner. "What's tha…hahahaha!….ahahahahaha!…alrig…al…ahahaha!"

The maid was once more pounced upon by the Nishizumi cubs, as they tickle her mercilessly, her laughter floating on the wind like a melody that only made the two sisters delighted to hear. Eventually they let off, leaving Kikuyo breathless as she lay on her back with her arms stretched out. Then Miho and Maho each rested their heads on Kikyuo's arms as they cuddle on either side of her, as they too look up to the wide blue sky with a smattering of small white fluffy clouds rolling along.

Even if she now was skimping her duties, Kikuyo care little and decided to relax as she spoke. "Well, your still not getting sweets for dinners you two."

"It's alright, will defeat mom when she comes home and make it happen," Maho said with all the determination to make it happen.

Which made Kikuyo shake her head in amusement. "We shall see. Now did you two have fun on your adventure into the woods?"

"Yea, we fish and found a big frog!" Miho said excitedly, then pointed to one of the clouds in the sky. "It look kinda like that cloud and was just as big."

Kikuyo turn to find the cloud and felt a little anxious seeing the size. "You make it seem like it was a big demon frog."

That comment made Miho pout. "No, Mister Froggy is like a guardian of the forest. He even led us to the-."

"He led us around on a wild chase when he stole some of her bait!" Maho interjected, as her sister was about to reveal they had seen the hidden hut, as Miho saw her sister's look and knew she forgot to keep quiet about that.

To which Kikuyo pick up on the subtle attempt to hide something from her. As she wrap her arms around the sisters to bring them closer to her as she spoke. "You didn't go exploring somewhere dangerous, you two?"

"No, we promise!" Miho said quickly.

"Yea, we promise!" Maho added as well.

Yet a shake of the head was all they got from the maid, as Kikyuo spoke. "It's not good to lie, but seeing as you two are alright, I won't say anything to Mistress Shiho. In return I want you two on your best behavior until she returns, is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," both girls said in unison, snuggling closer into Kikuyo's side having receive the light reprimand.

"It's alright girls, I'm not mad, I just want to keep you safe is all. Then again I grew up in the country as well and got into all kinds of trouble," Kikuyo said, reminiscing a bit of her childhood.

"You did?" Miho ask.

"Yep, would come home all muddy and never hear the end of it from my mom. Guess that's why I can't be too upset about you girls going off on adventures," Kikuyo said looking at both of them.

"Then you have to come with us sometime!" Maho said excitedly.

"One day, one day girls," Kikuyo reply, making the sisters giddy about going on an adventure with their favorite maid, then Kikuyo decided to change the subject. "So Maho, that was quite the adventurous idea to blind me and defeat me. How did you come up with it?"

Maho nodded. "I got the idea from a lesson mom taught me."

"Oh, what lesson was that?" Kikuyo ask, with Miho leaning over to hear as well.

"Well, I once asked her about the smoke grenade discharges the Tiger 1 carried on its turret. She told me it's a means to allow a tank commander to buy time with the smokescreen they create to find a new location to counterattack," Maho explain.

"Meaning you used the sheet as a sort of smokescreen?" Kikuyo ask, to which she receive a proud nod from Maho, then spoke again as she turn to Miho. "While you understood what your sister was doing and took advantage of the moment to get out of my grasp."

"Yep," Miho said, matching her sister's proud state.

"My word, your skills are already developing for Sensha-do and you haven't even gotten into a tank yet," Kikyuo said, though felt some great pride as these two prodigies were excelling already.

"We're going to command the Tiger 1 so well," Maho said.

"It's completely invincible too," Miho added in.

Though instead of joining in on the two's praise of the legendary tank, Kikuyo was in a subdued state. As her memories began to play in her mind, a memory of the first time she had met Shiho when she was assigned to be her gunner back in their Kuromorimine days. With something said to her that had endeared the young gunner to the legendary commander and built the trust that would cumulate into a friendship years later, with absolute loyalty to her.

Commander, I won't let you down as your gunner. I'll make sure the Tiger 1 continues to show why it's unbeatable…

Shiho who was sitting at a desk with her elbows on the table, with her face resting on her clasp hands, did not reply to her young new gunner. Instead, she eye her up and down, as if she were stripping down the girl to see into her soul, which only made Kikuyo feel nervous she hadn't said the right thing to the commander.

Then Shiho spoke.

I trust you will prove why your gunnery scores are justifiably high, with no one close. Yet something you need to understand when you fight in the Tiger 1...

Kikuyo straighten her back up to listen intently, as Shiho began again.

The Tiger 1 is not all-powerful…It may have good armor and its gun is unquestionably powerful…Yet even it can be tamed by even an M4 Sherman if not used correctly...

That made Kikuyo feel anxious that even their own commander wasn't simply sound confident in the German tank's might. To which Shiho pick up on as she spoke again to make sure her new crew member understood what she meant.

Don't misconstrue my words as not having confidence. It is to remind you that when we use the Tiger 1, we all have to be at our very best to get the most out of it, that includes myself. For this tank was made to tackle early war tanks, but by late war, it suffer from its outdated design that was only saved by its impressive gun and exceptional crews…

Kikuyo nodded to this as she spoke.

So…you mean to say that we have to train even harder than anyone else…not because of the prestige the Tiger 1 carries, but for the amount of work, it takes to make sure its reputation is upheld…

The sentence made Shiho give off a small smile, which shock Kikuyo who was told the commander never smile. Yet here she was, this woman who held her emotions in check around everyone was smiling at her.

Then Shiho spoke once more, with her small smile never leaving.

Yes, that is exactly right. I knew my expectations would be met when I saw you on the gunnery range, your ability to understand flaws is what will help make our Tiger 1 invincible as you say, not its specs. I have even higher expectations of you going forward…Can I count on you to meet them?...

Kikuyo didn't hesitate as she snap her feet together and saluted the commander who she knew was going to take their academy to unprecedented heights and this young gunner would help that along to the best of her abilities.

Now bringing her mind to the present, Kikuyo felt that she had a job to help Shiho's daughters grow. As Shiho herself had already told her since the first day she arrive to be a maid for the Nishizumi family, that she trusted Kikuyo to help her daughters, but not just with chores or making food, for Shiho was trusting her also to help them grow as women and future Sensha-do members.

Felling resolute to do her other duty, Kikuyo pull the girls closer to her making them look at her as she spoke. "Girls, you both are going to be great tank commanders one day. Yet because I know you wish to emulate your mother, you should also never assume some tanks are unbeatable."

This made Miho and Maho listen intently.

"For even the Tiger 1 can be beaten," Kikuyo said, making the sisters gasp together.

"No way, it's super powerful!" Miho said, gripping Kikuyo's kimono.

"Yea, its gun can destroy tanks from super far!" Maho added, sitting up a little now.

"Yes, but can you two tell what enemy tank it was originally designed to beat in the war?" Kikuyo ask, as she was about to begin her little lesson.

Which stump both girls as they rack their minds for the answer but were finding nothing, as they turn their eyes to Kikuyo, practically telling her they didn't know.

"Alright, then listen closely," Kikuyo started then began again. "The Tiger 1's original design was to take on the earlier Soviet T-34/76's, along with the KV heavy tank series they deployed."

"Really? Weren't those tanks underpowered?" Maho ask.

With Kikuyo shaking her head. "At the time the Wehrmacht started to fight them, they were actually outclassing the Panzer 3's who couldn't penetrate the tough Soviet tanks, that went double for the KV-1 and 2 tanks. While the Panzer 4's did have success, the German army wanted a tank that was not only a match for these Soviet tanks but far superior, which spur the origins of the Tiger 1."

"Hmmm," Miho said, thinking over this little lesson being given to her, then spoke. "So everything that went into the design was based on beating those tanks?"

"Yes," Kikuyo said. "At the time of its completion in 1942, it met the criteria of being superior in every way, though not counting the mechanical problems it had to still sort out like transmission and gearbox issues. Time and time again from 1942 to 1943, the Tiger 1 outclass all those who came against it, though time became the Tiger 1's greatest enemy as the allies began to build tanks more than capable to deal with it."

"What became the main problem?" Maho ask, eager to learn.

"Hmm, well let's answer that with a question. What do American and Soviet tanks of the World war two have in common with their frontal armor?" Kikuyo ask.

Yet again, both sisters went to work racking their minds for an answer, then Miho spoke up quickly. "They slope the armor back, because the angle actually adds extra armor because it adds more distance for a shell to have to penetrate the armor."

Maho added her part in now. "While the angled armor can deflect the incoming shells velocity leading to higher chances of bouncing."

"Very good you two," Kikuyo said rubbing her heads making the girls beam with pride, then the maid spoke once more. "Now, what kind of frontal armor does the Tiger 1 have?"

"Its…flat," Miho said, as if she was just realizing this for the first time.

"Meaning it is easier to penetrate, especially if the distance of the combat is close range, with only the mantlet being able to bounce rounds, not the frontal armor," Kikuyo added, seeing she was getting her point across. "Yet this became even more of a problem as the allies design tanks that could do this at a distance. Namely the Sherman Firefly, IS-2 and T-34/85's, and lastly American Shermans up-gunned to the M3 76mm gun that could fight on even footing."

"Wow, I guess I never thought about that. Yet most Sensha-do teams don't have those kinds of tanks," Maho said.

"For now, one day I could see many teams being able to match the Tiger 1 just as the allies did in the war. This means you need to learn what makes the Tiger 1 effective, using your superior range to take down your opponents, angling the armor because its box-like design means you can make your armor much thicker just by angling the corner of your tank to the enemy," Kikuyo instructed.

"Thiers so much we have to learn if we wish to be like mom one day," Miho said quietly to herself, absorbing the words in her mind.

"Just as I had to do when I became a gunner for your mother. Yet even she had to learn and grow as she fought in Sensha-do, for nothing is learned in a single day. It's only striving to be better every practice is what made your mother who she was, which I'm sure you will do as well, but take heart it isn't going to happen quickly, but as you learn little by little," Kikuyo said, adding her last bits to her small lesson.

Both Nishizumi sisters were quiet now, processing the wisdom from their maid who they knew had been one of Sensha-do's best gunners during her own time. Every word they heard from their lips they took to heart as their journey to emulate their mother had taken another positive step and at the same time enhance their bond to Kikuyo.

As both Nishizumi rose up and pounce again onto the maid, making Kikuyo let out a little yelp as they both wrap their little arms around her neck, burying their faces into either side of Kikuyo's cheeks.

"Thank you Kikuyo!" Miho said cheerfully.

"You're a great teacher!" Maho added to praise.

Making Kikuyo smile softly, as she brought her hands up to rub their backs. "I'm only doing my part, that is all girls, nothing more and nothing less."

"No," Miho said, leaning back to look into Kikuyo's eyes as she spoke. "You've done more than that."

Maho match her sister's movements, then spoke as well. "You've always looked after us."

"Especially when mom and dad fight," Miho said, her face becoming downtrodden once again about the family problems, with Maho following suit even though she had made request earlier for her sister to be strong, Maho was just as sad.

Which made Kiuyo raise herself up to a sitting position as her maternal instincts were taking over, while bringing both girls into a hug to comfort them as she spoke. "I know Miss Shiho and Mister Tsueno have had issues they're working out. Yet, I promise, one day your family will be whole again, ok girls?"

A sniffle from Miho follow this as she lean back to look up at Kikuyo. "That includes you too, right?"

"Oh…ah…," Kikuyo said, flustered by the request.

With Maho leaning back to look up at Kikuyo as well. "Your family too, right?"

Which only added to Kikuyo's fluster state as they were practically telling her that they had familial bond. Something that was always there, but had never been said out loud. Which made Kikuyo's heart beat fast, as she did want them to look at her like family, even if it was improper for a maid of her standing to be looked at as so. She was here to do a duty, but in turn that duty her mistress had assigned her to was for the fact that Kikuyo lost her own family, having learned of her inability to produce children and her divorce from her husband that had almost caused her to take her own life.

Yet here she was, having her soul saved by two girls who were practically her surrogate daughters at time,s and now there was no longer a need to keep this bond hidden.

As Kikuyo did her best to keep her happy tears down, as she smile. "Yes, I would be honored to be your family too and I'll be at your sides always, that's a promise."

The statement made both girls ecstatic, shedding the dreary state they were in.

With Miho speaking up, as she held her pinky out. "It's a promise then and you can't break it!"

"Know once the promise is made, you have to play with us every day!" Maho added to the list of demands while holding her pinky out as well.

"Yes, it's a promise never to be broken," Kikuyo said, taking both girl's pinky fingers with hers to cement this bond for all time.

Then a loud sound of stomach rumble was heard, making both Nishizumi sisters blush that their appetites were being announced.

Making Kikuyo cover her mouth to contain her chuckles, then spoke once she calm down. "Well, it's late in the afternoon and you haven't had lunch. Come on, I'll make your favorite sandwiches and lemonade."

Both Nishizmi's let out yell of delight, as the trio rose from their spot to head back to the estate for a late afternoon lunch. Miho and Maho both took a hold of Kikuyo's hands as they descended the small hill, practically skipping in place, speaking to their joy to be with her. While in turn, Kikuyo couldn't stop smiling all the way as these two girls who she believe take the Sensha-do world by storm, had already taken ahold of her heart that would hold them close as the years wore on.

Yet for right now, in the right light, they look like nothing but a happy mother and her daughters out on a gorgeous day, a day for a frog, a sword, and tanks.

An odd day.

Yet one of many in these happy days for the Nishizumi family.

That unfortunately…

Weren't to last…

XxxxX

Present-day

"Why did I remember that day of all days?" Maho ask herself, as she had been standing in the hallway of the hospital as the memories of that day play in her mind.

Though a part of herself knew why, because those days were what reminded her that recent events should not define her family. Not to be one of those who only saw the bad of it, for they never knew the moments like that, had forged the Maho and Miho. It had fueled their desire to be in Sensha-do, not because of expectations, family prestige that needed to be upheld, or even because of the simple reason their mother was a legend of the sport which meant they needed too.

It was for the simple love of the sport that had only been somewhat wheather away by the storm of the cheating scandal with their father that had sent their mother into a downward spiral.

"Yet even if I want to make amends, what do I do now? Remind myself of happy memories to keep this dark reality away," Maho ask herself, but no answer came to her.

Not wanting to be loathing in such a gloomy hallway that spoke to her mood now, Maho continue to walk down the hall, till eventually, she found the cafeteria area that was luckily deserted. Next, she made her way to the balcony area that nurse had recommended her to enjoy on the night of the full moon that might take off some of the stress for Maho.

As she open the glass door and step outside, she notice someone was already sitting on a bench, making Maho curse silently that the alone time she had hoped for was dash. Though she made sure to eye the figure sitting down, taking in her features with their back to her.

It was easy to tell it was a girl, probably a little younger than her. Maho saw she was dressed in a light gray jacket, light green shorts shorts, and black converse. It was a simple outfit, but what really caught Maho's attention and equally made her breathless was the girl's hood was down. Revealing a hairstyle Maho knew too well that almost match her own, though the color was lighter.

Light brown hair that contrasted with Maho's own dark brown.

Belonging to someone she love dearly…

Someone she fear to come face to face with…

As the young girl turn to look over her shoulder at Maho, making her knees become weak, as her heart clenched knowing all she wanted to see from this girl was a heartwarming smile that would shed any dark clouds…

Instead, Maho was given a sight she never wanted to see…

Her little sister, her eyes were filled with small tears…

Tears that Maho had caused she knew…

As Miho spoke in a soft tone, with a question that was simple, yet so devastating.

"Why big sister? Why did you almost die?...Why did you leave me behind?" Miho ask, her tears flowing down her face and nothing could avert them, as Maho was face to face with the reality that she needed to take on.

That's if her darker thoughts didn't break through to the surface as the Nishizumi cubs turn Tigresses face one another down, knowing nothing would be left out on this spring night that would make or break them both.

---

So...
That's a heavy cliffhanger, but a much needed one from this long and more importantanly light chapter. Originally this was suppose to be in the prequel, but I felt it didn't make sense so I kept part of it for later, which work out well to remind Maho of happier days.

While giving Kikuyo, a small canon character some limelight who has been hinted to have done all she could to protect Miho and Maho, and am glad I've given her the screen time she deserves.

So till next Authors Thought, be safe and be well, I'll see you soon.