Authors Thought:

Hello again dear readers, back again with an odd chapter for you, as we're going to get a look at some characters needing to deal with their own issues. As once more diving into other POV's as this story chugs along that is a lot bigger than I expected really.

Thank you for stopping by and giving this a read, that alone means a lot, so thanks for the constant support and I'm glad you all are enjoying the story.

So enjoy the rest of your weekend with family and friends, be well and be safe, till next Authors Thought.

The morning light work its way through the blinds, letting its rays of light dance through the small room permitting it be illuminated in certain areas. As these rays work across the room, they glowed over the many detailed miniature tank builds, that had been painstakingly put together to be as authentic as possible to their World War Two counterparts. Many posters of great movies about the second great war were hung up all over the walls, with even a couple of these posters seeming to be out of place as it was an anime about girls fighting in tanks for their schools, but was based on what was happening in real-life events, which delighted the very girl in the room to watch.

"Daddy…I want to be in Sensha-do," a voice echo through the quiet room now, belonging to a guest.

A guest of the Akiyama family that was.

Though the small voice hadn't woken Yukari, who was sleeping soundly in her futon. The sheets covered her own body, leaving only her face and fluffy hair to be shown. Though she had the biggest smile on her face, as she was dreaming of something pleasant unlike her guest, as Yukari talked in her sleep with drool coming down her face.

"Miss Nishizumi…Oh…yea…I can call you Miho…. let's build tanks together…wait...we can fight in the same tank...how cool...I'll be your loader," Yukari mumble in her sleep, her grin becoming wider at the thought of her idol in her very room smiling at her.

While Yukari's dreams were pleasant, her guest who slept on her futon was having a less than pleasant dream.

"Why…why…can't I be in Sensha-do? What's….what is wrong…," the girls mumble, turning under the sheets, as this dream or better put memory, was taking hold of her.

The girl was of Japanese and American descent and only pushing 15 years of age. With long dark brown-yellowish hair that reach down past her shoulders, a product of both her mom and dad's genes, while she kept her father's greyish eyes. Though her appearance in fact, if not for slight differences, resemble that of her half-sister, the very one who she had wished once to destroy for vengeance, yet in turn set her free.

As Fukushu Nishizumi, roll in her futon again, as beads of sweat adorn her forehead. Doing her best to come to terms with the dream that was plaguing her. A dream of her father Tsueno Nishizumi, the very father she once love so much but also hated just as equally. All because of Sensha-do being his blight on his own past and when she wanted to do it, Fukushu was subjected to his wrath. In one instance, all was gone of a happy father and daughter, replace with the cold void that would lead to Fukushu leaving to find her own way to Sensha-do.

"Don't….don't yell at me…I just want to be with Miho...I never meant to hurt her...don't yell at me…why is everyone yelling at me…I'm sorry, I'm sorry….forgive me Miho…Jasmine…Morena…Ellie…don't leave me….," Fukushu rattle on, her turning becoming more aggressive.

As this dream was turning into a nightmare, Yukari began to stir as the morning light touch her face causing her to begin her waking procedures. A groan left her lips at having her more pleasant dream be taken away, while slowing rising from her futon, rubbing her eyes to get the sleep dust out. She wore a clean white shirt, with black running shorts on.

"Mom…I'm sorry…please…everyone stop yelling at me….stop yelling at me!" Fukushu began to cry out.

The sudden yelling caused Yukari to become fully awake, now whipping her head to her guest, who had now begun to flail around in the futon. Making Yukari gasp to see Fukushu murmuring frantically in her sleep, sweat beading profusely from her forehead as if she was fighting something. Yukari only watch on for a small moment, before she toss the sheets aside as she crawl quickly over the small space between them.

Rapidly, Yukari threw the sheets off Fukushu who was still flailing even more now that the sheets weren't hindering her. Though Yukari, who had been so gun-ho to help her friend, now didn't know how to proceed. Knowing it was sometimes dangerous to approach a person having a nightmare, but care little as she knew she had an obligation to look after Miho's half-sister and make sure she was alright.

Carefully avoiding the hands that were almost swatting at something, Yukari gather Fukushu into her arms, pulling the young girl into her lap, as Yukari sat cross-legged on her floor. Then held the poor girl in her arms while gently rocking back and forth a little, as she ran a hand over Fukushu's head trying to calm her down, which seem to do the trick as the flailing began to subside, but what took its place was small tears flowing down Fukushu's face.

"I'm sorry…please…someone…I'm sorry," Fukushu repeated.

"Shhh, it's ok Fukushu. I'm here, no saying sorry, I'm here," Yukari said soothingly, pulling Fukushu closer to her body.

Finally, Fukushu stop shaking and relax in Yuakri's arms, making the fluffy hair girl let out a grateful sigh that she was able to calm down her guest. While a bit of shock was gripping Yukari, as she had never seen Fukushu have a nightmare in the few days she had been staying at her home on the Zuikia school carrier. Everything had been peaceful and fun, which made it seem unreal something like this would suddenly happen.

As Yukari ponder over this, Fukushu let out a groan now, as she began to wake from her slumber. Quickly she began to shake her head, the memories of so much pain, of her fears, of the yelling. All of it in a mommnet mix into one that was beyond horrific, though something soothing her had caused these maddening issues to stop torturing her. That relieving part had been warmth and as Fukushu began to get her bearings, she understood where that tenderness was coming from. As she look to see she was in Yukari's lap at the moment.

"Good morning, Fukushu," Yukari said with a warm smile, doing her best to lighten the tense mood.

Looking up to see her fluffy hair friend staring down at her, made Fukushu's heart relax, then she spoke. "Good morning, Yukari. Why am I in your lap?"

Yukari let out an embrass smile. "Sorry, you were having a really bad nightmare I guess. I thought this was the best way to calm you down."

"Oh," was all Fukushu said at first, then spoke again. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble like that."

"Huh…oh…no worries. You alright now?" Yukari ask.

Am I alright?

Fukushu thought as she had asked this question of herself. As she had not had a nightmare since she was back home living with her father. With the fact, the dream was at the start of their downfall as father and daughter where everything had begun for her. From there all she could hear were people yelling at her, calling her a malicious child, a spiteful little girl, a monster, and some asking for her to be locked up. Faces upon faces came to her, all saying these things to her, yet what made it worse was she recognized these faces, they were of people she knew saying these things of her.

Miho.

Maho.

Shiho.

Konomi.

Jasmine.

Morena.

Ellie.

And others she had come into contact with in her life.

It was the very people she knew who ask for her to be punished and punished severely. All because she couldn't keep her cool and hurt Miho. Fukushu had done all that because her resolve had been breaking at the moment because Miho had told her she love her.

Why Miho would say that to someone she had only known for not even an hour?

Fukushu did not know, but what she did know, was when Miho said those three little words, Fukushu knew she meant it. With it, all the hate was gone, all that pain, all that regret, just gone. Undone by Miho who had no hate in her heart, even with the terrible hand she had been dealt with her issues with her family. While Fukushu, who understood herself now, had not risen above the hand she had been dealt with, instead using it to fuel her rage at the very girl who had try to help in the end.

The punch.

The blood on her fist.

Miho's body sprawled out on the ground unmoving.

All that hate had gotten Fukushu nothing. She didn't feel like she had won, just this hole it felt like was in her chest after it was done, was when she realize how far she had fallen. Yet, where others might have called for vengeance and Miho had every right to take it, again the Tigress of Chi-Ha-Tan retracted her claws and simply comforted her bastard sister like any family member might do. A kiss on the forehead and some words that broke the dark clouds from Fukushu's mind for good.

Whatever doubts you have about yourself, you are my sister, you are Tsueno Nishizumi's daughter, and you are part of this family…

Those words that Miho spoke, had taken all the need for vengeance out of Fukushu, breaking her down, while also allowing her to be built up. With that being the goal now in Fukushu, to repay the kindness that her half-sister show and hopefully make things right. Though the mountain that Fukushu had to climb to make that seem insurmountable if there was one thing Fukushu could rely on was her persistence. She would struggle all the way there if she needed to, as nothing had been handed to her in life, everything she had earned was by her own grit and determination, even at Wolverton, because Konomi didn't play favorites even with her.

Though, Fukushu couldn't discredit the immense help provided by her instructor Linda Sickle, who somehow had found a way to worm herself into Fukushu's heart, even with the rough patch the two had gone through.

"Fukushu?" Yukari ask.

"Oh, sorry, I was spacing out. Thanks for looking out for me," Fukushu said, then realize again she was in Yukari's lap, making her blush. "I appreciate your help, but I'm good now."

"Ah, no need to be bashful Fukushu," Yukari teased, as kept a hold on Fukushu who was trying to escape her clutches.

"Alright Miss Guderian!" Fukushu said, calling Yukari by her spirit name given to her by the history buff members of Oarai's Sensha-do team. "But I'm fifteen years old, so I don't need to be held like a baby."

"Really, but you look so cute!" Yukari heap on.

Making Fukushu's blush go full tilt. "Don't tease me!"

Then the young Nishizumi scramble to get out of Yukari's lap, making giggles escape Yukari seeing the young Nishizumi be so flustered. Just as Fukushu was about to retort, there was a knock on the door, and in enter Yoshiko Akiyama who wore a face that said she was a little upset, dress in a casual black shirt, blue denim pants, and house slippers, while also wearing a tank apron.

"You girls seem to be having fun, at such an early hour too," Yoshiko said carefully, letting her words covey her motherly fury.

"Ah! Mom, I swear we didn't meat to be. It's just Fukushu had a nightmare is all," Yukari said, waving her hands to calm her mom down.

In an instant, all the fury left Yoshiko, who turned her eyes to Fukushu. It didn't take long to notice her pajamas were a little drenched in sweat and the young girl seem a little pale. Making Yoshiko's maternal instincts kick in and walk over to the girl, then kneel to the young girl's height as she sat on the floor.

"Oh dear, are you ok?" Yoshiko ask, her calming tone doing wonders for Fukushu.

"Yes, Miss Akiyama. I'm sorry for the commotion," Fuksuhu said bashfully, but felt better, especially as Yoshiko rub her cheek gently.

"No need for apologies, I know Yukari was the main cause of it," Yoshiko joke trying to lighten the mood, making Fukushu grin knowing the older woman was giving her daughter grief for her sake.

"Hey! Why am I getting admonished!?" Yukari complain, but receive her mother's icy look that cause her to clamp up.

Yoshiko then turn back to Fukushu. "Alright, the bath is ready, Yukari you go first since you need to get to school soon."

"Ah, I wanted to stay home and build more tank sets with Fukushu," Yukari whined, though she got up from her position to walk out of the room.

"Please no! You've literally kept me up all night building that M36 Jackson with custom paint, I barely got any sleep," Fukushu complain.

Making Yukari skip across the room, grabbing the very tank the young Nishizumi had built, holding it out proudly as if she had built it. "And look how good it turn out, even General Patton himself might have shed a tear over this fine work."

"Or order me to haul ass to Berlin," Fukushu grumble.

"Language, young lady," Yoshiko said with a sharp look.

Making Fukushu bow her head. "Sorry!"

Yet Yoshiko just shook her head, then stood to her feet. "Alright, Yukari get in the bath, you have to get to school."

"Roger!" Yukari reply with a bright smile, then put the freshly built tank back on the desk, then made her way over to the door, but stop as she was about to leave. "Oh, hey Fukushu?"

"Yea," Fukushu reply.

"The match between Kuromorimine and BC Freedom is tomorrow. The team is going to have a watch party at the tankery garage with a big T.V and all. You have to come alright? Everyone wants to see you," Yukari said, beaming at her roommate.

Making Fukshu nod happily. "You got it, I already finish my online homework assignments mom had me do."

"Can't believe Miss Konomi personally is doing your education, she is quite the versatile woman," Yoshiko added in.

Though Fukushu scratch her head a little in frustration. "Yea, but she doesn't have any mercy though. I mean when am I ever going to need to use biology formulas in my life since that isn't my career choice, seems like a waste of time to learn things I won't remember as an adult."

"Unfortunately I have to agree, but that is life. We learn what we need and don't need at the same time, now enough standing around. Yukari go now, that's an order," Yoshiko said in Yukari's direction with her hands on her hip telling of her agitation at her daughter's need to hurry.

"Yes, ma'am," Yukari said, then practically ran out of the room, while calling back to Fukushu. "Also my crew is coming over after school for dinner!"

"No running in the house!" Yoshiko reply, then rub her head in frustration as she turn to Fukushu. "Sorry for all the excitement so early in the morning."

"No worries Miss Akiyama. I'm grateful for you taking me in for a bit, a little rowdiness dosen't bother me…If anything it reminds me of home," Fukushu said, letting a pleasant smile cross her face, remembering how the girls of Wolverton would be just as energetic in the morning for school and practice.

"You miss it do you?" Yoshiko ask.

"I do, though I found a liking for the Zuikaku carrier. The small community is so inviting, everyone knows everyone, and they look after one another," Fukushu said.

Making Yoshiko nod her head happily. "It really is, mostly because so many generations of families have settle here, with of course some moving on to the mainland, but for the most part they return at one time or another. Though I'm a newcomer here to this long-cherished community."

Which made Fukushu look at the older women in surprise. "Were you not born here?"

"Oh no, my family roots are in Tsuchiura in Ibaraki Prefecture," Yoshiko said.

"Than how did you get here?" Fukushu ask with great curiosity.

"Well," Yoshiko began to say, letting her warm memories of her youth wash over her. "I happen to meet a little skinny boy with this odd afro haircut one day. I was playing in the park, but some older kids wanted the place and told me to leave. Granted I was no pushover and fought back, but still, I was no match for them."

"Yet, when I had given up and was gathering my toys, someone yell out 'she doesn't have to leave because you say!' To my surprise, there was this skinny boy my age, his weird afro haircut taking away all of his vigor from his earlier challenge. The older boys laugh at him, but the skinny boy didn't allow them to enjoy it long as he came forward with all the force behind this awesome punch to end these bullies' torment for good."

"Then he beat them into the ground, right?!" Fukushu said, hanging onto the small story with great interest.

Though Yoshiko just chuckle and shook her head. "That would be the ideal ending. Yet the skinny boy trip on his own feet and fell short of his goal."

"Ooooo," Fukushu said with a grimace on her face.

"Yes, the knightly moment turn comical and cruel for the bullies who stomp on him, but never did the skinny boy ever give up, rising to his feet through it all. Never giving up as he was tossed around by the bullies, till eventually, they gave up because the skinny boy would just not go down," Yoshiko said warmly.

"What happen after that?" Fukushu ask.

"Well the boy, with bruises and sand all over him, held his hand out to the girl. His smile was infectious and also funny as he was missing a tooth, yet he kept smiling saying 'that no one has the right to take others' happiness, words that bloom the flower of love in me. Years went on, but we never lost contact, as he had to prepare to take over his family's barbershop here on the Zuikaku, while the girl study hard in finances to help him run the business. Finally, the day came that they married and built their family, giving a life full of happiness and a daughter who I love beyond words," Yoshiko said, finishing her story, though the memories of the past continue to play on, reminding her that this life was all she wanted.

"Huh, Mister Akiyama is quite the knight in shining armor. Though he doesn't look like he can't hurt a fly," Fukushu commented with a chuckle.

With Yoshiko joining in, then speaking once she calm down. "You wouldn't be wrong, he has the most ridiculous freakouts over tiny spiders he finds, going so far to call me over to kill them. Yet, his charm, care, and drive are something that has always had my heart. You'll find out one day when you meet your special someone."

"Eh…I'm good. I rather focus on getting back into Sensha-do before worrying about boys," Fukushu said uneasy with the turn of the conversation on her.

"Hm, never say never. Alright, I'll leave you be, get a quick bath once Yukari is done and come down to eat breakfast," Yoshiko said making her way out of the room.

"Alright, are we still in port?" Fukushu ask.

"Oh, yes. Will be in the port city of Oaria till nightfall, then it's off to sea. Why? Do you want to make a trip into town? I can take you," Yoshiko ask.

Yet Fukushu shook her head. "No, I'm good just asking. I'll be helping around the shop today."

"We look forward to your help, though I do have a task I need doing after breakfast," Yoshiko ask.

"Anything you need ma'am," Fukushu said, offering a salute for comical effect, but had a hint of deadly seriousness behind it.

Having said effect as Yoshiko began to chuckle, then look down to the beaming young Nishizumi knowing ther was something deeper behind her want to help. Making Yoshiko become a little mischievous to help the girl out. As she reach a hand out to ruffle Fukushu's head, making her whine at the older women, who only chuckle more to see her plan had worked and had the effect she wanted as wanted to ease the girl's heart.

"I'm not a little kid," Fukushu groaned, fixing her head even if there was little point.

"I know," Yoshiko said, then lean down to Fukushu's height. "Yet for one so young, you are facing so much hate because of your actions. It must be weighing on you, probably a reason for that nightmare earlier."

Making Fukushu turn her eyes to the floor, feeling her emotions begin to whirl up in herself. For there was no denying that people around the nation had less than nice things to say of Fukushu regarding what happened in the match. Fukushu couldn't even browse her phone or turn on the television without someone mentioning her, calling her a hateful and malicious girl. Needing to be handed down strict punishment for her actions for the physical altercation on a defenseless girl.

"I made a mistake that I need to fix," was all Fukushu said, feeling her chest squeeze knowing that was easier said than done.

"Well if I learn anything in our short time together. You won't stop till you get what you need to do done. An attribute that is much needed at this moment, so keep fighting Fukushu, show them who you really are and not what they perceive of you," Yoshiko said happily.

For a moment, Fukushu was shocked, as she was dumbstruck at the older woman's words, that had more than a calming effect on her. With even the short time Fukushu spent with the Akiyama's, she had come to trust them, for they didn't completely turn their backs on her. They just let her speak about the issue, then group hug her telling her that she could rely on them for anything.

Why a family like this would go so far for her, Fukushu had no idea, but would not disrespect this family's immense efforts to help her to her feet.

"Thank you very much, Miss Akiyama. You, your husband, and Yukari have done so much for me. I couldn't repay you in a lifetime, but I will help with all I can while I'm here," Fukushu said with a deep bow to Yoshiko.

Yet Yoshiko wave her hands. "Don't mind, you've brightened up our home with your presence. Me and my husband are grateful for all your hard work around the barbershop. Now back to the task I need doing."

"Oh," Fukushu said, raising her head. "What do you need, ma'am?"

"I'm putting in an order for sweets for the watch party tomorrow at the onboard bakery. Yet I have several customers coming for appointments, could you go down with this money and place the order?" Yoshiko ask.

"No prob, I wanna make sure the girls have their sweets," Fukushu said excitedly.

Making Yoshiko offer a salute to her young tanker. "Good, I'm counting on you. Go wash up and have breakfast before you leave."

"As you order commander," Fukushu said playing along, making both of them chuckle.

XxxxX

The bell to the bakery store rang as it opened, as Fukushu walk out of the shop. Dress in a simple white shirt that kept her cool on this warm day, with blue denim jeans, and simple running shoes. Having just finished making the order that Yoshiko needed for sweets for the Oaria Sensha-do team that would be watching the next match coming up tommrow.

"Thank you for coming!" the young female cashier said brightly as the door began to close behind Fukushu.

Making Fukushu turn around and wave, then began to walk down the streets of the Zuikaku carrier. Few people were out, as most of the adults had left the carrier to go into the town of Oarai itself to get some things they wanted before the carrier ship out to sea. Leaving a strangely eerie silence covering the carrier, making Fukushu feel uncomfortable, wanting to get back to the barbershop pronto. While also this was the busiest time for the Akiyama's Barbershop, as many Oaria residents wanted to get their hair cut by Jungorou Akiyama himself, as he had many longtime customers in town who wanted to get a cut before the carrier left. Yoshiko also help with haircuts as well, while managing the register.

This cause Fukushu wonder why he didn't just open a shop in town, it seem like a smarter move. Yet she could also ascertain that the reason he didn't was simply that his family had worked hard to build the barbershop on the carrier. It held great semimetal value for the Akiyama's as generations of their kin had run the shop. In turn made Fukushu wonder if Yukari would do the same, though she couldn't see the fluffy hair tank eccentric being able to settle down to be just a simple barber, as when Yukari kept fighting in Sensha-do, she obviously would make it into the college circuit and maybe even the All-Star team.

"Yet, what am I go to do?" Fukushu ask herself, stuffing her hands in her pocket, irritated that she couldn't find the answer to that.

It was easy to say she was going to fix things. Yet how to do it was what was bothering her to no end. The first step was to go see her half-sister Miho and just sort things out between them, since Fukushu had caused her so much pain, but she couldn't get off the Zuikaku and go out on her own with no money to her name. Not to mention she have to deal with the Chi-Ha-Tan team who were fiercely loyal and protective of their commander who weren't going to be please to have the very one who hurt their commander near her.

There was her friends from Wolverton Academy, in Jasmine, Morena and Ellie, along with her crew members. Fukushu had tried again and again to call them and apologize for her actions, but no one had picked up her calls, or even worse went straight to voicemail. Only making true Fukushu's fears that her team might hate her and never want to see her again, which was breaking the young Nishizumi's heart because it was another reminder of her the price of her actions that day.

Pushing these thoughts away, Fukushu just took a deep breath and exhale. Getting her mind to a calm state as she continue to walk back home to the Akiyama's. The warm day and shining sun beaming down, made Fukushu feel better as it sort reminded her of California, making her want to go out surfing a little that definitely take some stress off, yet she settle for just the pleasant radiance of the day being a good substitute.

As Fukushu was walking down the streets, she was just passing by a small alleyway between two small businesses. Yet nothing interest her about it, so her eyes were locked to her front. Though something in the very alley had an interest in her and was going to seize the mommnet.

In a flash, a pair of arms shot out of the darkness of the alley, reaching out and grabbing Fukushu. One arm wrapped around the midsection of her body, the other came up to cover her mouth to keep her from yelling. With everything happening so fast, Fukushu was in shock, but quickly regain her composure as she squirm in the mysterious attacker's grasp, while her muffled screams began to come out. Though nothing Fukushu could as she was dragged into the alley against her will, as her foe prove to be very strong.

Crap! Is this someone wanting to take anger out on me for what happened in the match!?

Fukushu thought, as she continue to struggle, but was being dragged off like she was nothing but a toy doll to this person.

Wait, why am I letting this happen? Didn't Linda teach me self-defense for a reason…god I hate that her lessons are the only reason I'm getting out of this

As Fukushu finish her thought, she quickly took stock of the situation. While the aggressor had her arm wrapped around her and her mouth covered, Fukushu's arms were still free. Feeling confident she had all she needed, Fukushu clasp her hands together, then twisted her body one way then snap it to the other direction, with her elbow leading the blow as she learn it was one the most dangerous part of your body to use in a fight, especially in a close-range fight.

The elbow connected with the foe's side, making a grunt of displeasure escape their lips. While also loosening the grip on Fukushu, who now had the momentum on her side, as she grab the wrist of the arm on her while breaking free from the grasp. Quickly she turn to the foe with their wrist in her grasp, while launching a hard kick to the inside the foe's right knee, causing a yelp of pain as they fell to a knee. With everything in place now, Fukushu press forward to tackle her opponent to the street floor and straddle them.

While taking one of their arms, Fukushu then wrap her own arm around the foe's head, creating the perfect triangle hold while pressing her body down. Fukushu apply pressure, as this hold was meant to be a sleeper finish from what Linda had taught her and would make sure this possible kidnapper or attacker be put to sleep, then let the authorities handle it from there.

However, Fukushu was about to get a little surprise.

As her opponent began to chuckle through clenched teeth, then spoke even while struggling for breath. "Heh…I…I…tau…taught…y…you…we…well…brat."

I know that damn voice!

Fukushu thought, instantly letting go of her hold to lean back so she could look at her attacker. With that voice belonging to her tormentor and drill instructor herself, Linda Sickle. Her long black hair was flay about over the street floor, while her dark piercing blue eyes look at her student with a hint of mischievousness behind them. Linda's lips curl into a small smirk, as she try to catch her breath.

"Linda…what the hell are you doing here?" Fukushu ask, astonishment all over her face.

A few coughs came from Linda, then she spoke. "Well, your crude language hasn't changed. Yet before I answer, how about letting me up? Don't want someone getting the wrong idea if they spot us, that be definite trouble for an adult like me."

"Oh, yea, wait your like nineteenth, how does that make you an adult?" Fukushu ask with a huff.

"You'll find out. Now let me up you brat," Linda said, but Fukushu could tell by the tone her instructor meant it a joking way.

"Fine," Fukushu said, then got off.

Allowing Linda to get to her feet, with a hand up from Fukushu. Once she was standing, Linda brush herself off, while Fukushu took in her clothes. Linda was wearing tight-fitting green sweater, with black yoga pants on, and matching black converse to match. As she stood to full height, Linda stretch her limbs out a bit, while checking to make sure her knee was good.

"Your kicks could use some work," Linda said casually, with her hands on her hip giving Fukuda a teasing look.

Making Fukushu raise her hands in a confused state. "I think that's the last thing we need to work on. You need to work on greeting people. Why did you attack me like that?"

"Oh, just testing to see if you hadn't lost a step enjoying…well…this," Linda said gesturing to her surroundings.

The statement, made Fukushu cross her arms, with an annoyed look. "And what is this?"

"Peace and quiet. Not to mention you don't get to command a tank anymore," Linda said with a shrug.

Again hearing that she couldn't fight in Sensha-do at the moment, made Fukushu grimace, but composed herself. "You still have a crappy way of greeting people, but what can I expect from the likes of you."

"Wow, don't get cocky because I let you get the upper hand," Linda shot back.

"Hah! You get put in the dirt, at least be humble," Fukushu growl.

Though Linda wasn't fazed at all, smirking at Fukushu who look ready for round 2. "Like I said before, I was just testing you. Especially when you got a target on your back, wanted to make sure you're ready to handle yourself."

The realization of what Linda had been doing, hit Fukushu hard. Once more reminding the young Nishizumi of what she was facing. Though there was some doubt people would openly attack her, there was still a chance, as Sensha-do was a sport cherished for over 50 years in Japan. It was ingrained in the culture of its people as a sport to enjoy and more importantly to be respected at all cost. With Fukushu's action in the last match having spit on that respect.

Staring at the ground, with her arms at her side, Fukushu spoke. "Why are you here Linda?"

"As I said before, I'm ju-," Linda try to say.

"Why are you here?" Fukushu ask again, her voice shaking with anger and sadness.

Hm, guess the playful approach is a bust, damn if it, I have to get mushy feely…but I don't have a choice, this girl is hurting and I need to take responsibility to help her

Linda thought, with a deep sigh escaping her mouth, then she spoke. "Alright, alright. I came here to check on you."

That made Fukushu bring her eyes up. "Why?"

"Because you're my brat, that's why," Linda said nonchalantly, hoping to keep things light.

Yet had the opposite effect, as Fukushu narrow her eyes at Linda. "Look, if you're here to make jokes, save them, they were bad from the beginning. I'm fine alright, now just go home and leave me alone."

Then Fukushu turn on heel, wanting to be far from her former instructor. Every fiber in her being wanting not to be near Linda at all, as part of her was extremely happy to see her, even if she had been Fukushu's personal tormentor, she had helped show Fukushu the fundamentals of being a tanker, instead of relying on her talent. The long hours the two spent together were ingrained in her memory, as Fukushu began to absorb her instructor's lessons that had raised her out of the dark hole when Fuksuhu believe she never become the tanker she always wanted to be.

Which in turn made seeing her instructor hurt. For Fukushu had failed Linda by her own actions, shaming the academy by punching her half-sister. In turn disgracing all that Linda had taught her, making Linda probably the hardest to face now, even more so than her friends. The two had come to form a bond, though of the big sister and little sister fighting all the time, but the bond was there. Even wanting so far to avenge Linda's humiliation if Oaria won that match and go on to fight Pravda, which Fukushu was going to do all she could to take down their Russian tanks.

That was a dream and this was reality now.

"Hey! I'm not through with you!" Linda yell after Fukushu.

"Well, I am! You're just hear to yell at me for messing things up!" Fukushu scream back, never stopping her retreat out of the alley.

That was till Linda grab her shoulder to make her stay, did Fukushu let everything out. As the young Nishizumi turn on heel to throw a punch, wanting to make Linda leave her alone. Yet the result she got was a swift head dodge from her instructor, whose eyes were razor focus. Making Fukushu go wide eye, then yelp in pain as Linda grab her wrist of the punching arm and jerk it in an odd direction.

"Ah!" Fukushu cry out, as she fell to a knee in pain.

"All that anger, but no real conviction in your punch. I know you better than that," Linda said in a cold tone, keeping a tight hold on her student's wrist, showing no mercy.

"Damn you! Let me go!" Fukushu cry out.

"Hmph, I had thought you had learned to face your problems head on. Yet here you are, running from responsibilities," Linda lecture.

"I'm not running!" Fukushu growl, with small tears in her eyes, but stare at Linda with deep anger.

Linda was not deterred. "Oh really. Then why did punch your half-sister?"

"Because…because…I don't know, I just didn't know where to place my anger, besides you were the one to tell me to have no mercy on my foes," Fukushu accuse of her instructor.

Seeing she was getting through, Linda now press on. "I did and I do it again. Though that is when the tanks are fighting, outside it you don't hit someone. No matter what personal issues are going on with us, we leave it out of the match."

Fukshu absorb the words, but felt the fire to fight still burn as she was going to take her frustration out. "You're a damn hypocrite! You humiliated Chi-Ha-Tan last year! That is worse than what I did!"

"Damn brat, you don't think I don't know that!" Linda shot back.

Making Fukushu stare in awe, as Linda let go of her wrist.

Linda then look past the alley, then look back to Fukushu. "They got a park on this carrier? I feel this a talk to have in the sunshine, not this dim alley."

"Ye…ye…ye…yea, I can lead us there," Fukushu said, as Linda help her up.

The two exited the alley, saying nothing between them as they walk along the deserted streets of the carrier. Each were holding onto their anger, while each were holding onto their own fears. Eventually they found the park that was located near the middle of the carrier.

It was a simple park, with a long dirt walking path. A river ran through the park, with a bridge built over it for those to traverse, with even some people fishing, though were mindful of the rules to throw the fish back since there were laws on the carrier for that sort of thing. Mostly elderly people were out getting some much-needed air and exercise, with those Linda and Fukushu pass giving them a smile and wave.

Soon the two found a bench to relax at, though the silence continue between the two. With Fukushu leaning forward with her hands on her knees, waiting for her instructor to speak. While Linda just lean back on the bench with her legs crossed over, while looking up at the bright blue sky, giving her the calm she needed before talking.

Finally, Linda spoke. "Have to say, I really miss being on a carrier. Being on land now feels weird to me in a way."

Making Fukushu look over at her with a raised eyebrow. "Are you going say what you need to say or keep talking about useless stuff?"

"Part of me thinks your becoming like me," Linda joke.

"That be a travesty of epic proportions," Fukushu shot back, making Linda chuckle.

Once she calm down, Linda look back to the sky, then spoke. "Your right about what you said earlier Fukushu, what I did to Chi-Ha-Tan was terrible, hell it was downright sickening really."

Hearing that made Fukushu stare at Linda, but let her keep talking.

"Though you be surprised to learn I wasn't always that way, I use to be a goody two shoes before back before I left for Saunders," Linda said, her face becoming soft.

"You?" Fukushu said with a tilt of the head. "Being nice?"

"Yep. Was a product of coming from a good family who raised me right, but in turn I had this naive view that I could make everyone happy or rather that was my goal in life, especially as a competitive player," Linda said, then brought her head down, while turning to look at Fukushu. Her eyes were deadly serious now, making Fukushu snap to attention.

Linda continue. "I was a pretty good soccer player in my middle school days, was a captain of a local club team, and had aspirations to make it into the national team. I was always nice, trying to be on all of my teammate's good side. Yet that was where I rooted my problems, as we lost in a big game that would have sent our club team to a big national tournament, I play my worst game and lost my nerve down the stretch, even missing a game-tying goal."

Fukushu kept listening thinking this was the climactic point.

"It was then when I try to lean on my so call teammates that I realize were all my being nice got me. A lot of the girls lash out at me for not stepping up when I needed to. Because I was nice to them, but so demanding at the same time, that they perceived I wanted to be noticed by national coaches and never care about them, that I was just a fake that wanted fame and they were just there to make it happen. Of course, that wasn't how I perceive them, but once something like that startups it doesn't stop," Linda explain, her face falling into solemnness, as the memories of her past began to take shape.

You never care about us!

All that talk and you can't even help your team when they need you, some captain you are!

You were only nice to me because you wanted me to perform so we didn't lose and your dream to be in nationals wasn't taken! Were just your means to make it happen! Not your teammates

I hope you never get on that national team!

Fake!

Bitch!

Words of her teammates then began to ring in Linda's head, making her rub her face as her emotions began to take over. No longer was the hardass Linda at the forefront, just that scared little girl one more who was being chastised by those she held so close. All the achievements and celebrations they had shared, the hard work they put in, and the camaraderie, all gone in one instant.

Even to this day, Linda could never fully get over it, always wondering what she could have done differently.

Then a sudden feeling of warmth was felt in one of her hands, as Fukushu had placed her own hand over one of Linda's. Making the former instructor turn to her protégé, seeing her look at her with complete worry, which made Linda feel for some reason lighter like it was ok to show her hidden woes that she had never told anyone when she left America for Saunders. Yet hear Linda was spilling her guts to someone who she been the roughest on when it came to training, but was comforting her.

"I'm sorry that happen, Linda," Fukushu said, her face etched with worry.

Making Linda smirk at the young girl. "Here I am, getting comforted by the girl I gave the hardest time."

"Well yea, I mean, I did hate you, but in the end, you were the one to help me improve. I'll be forever grateful for that," Fukushu said.

"It's what I'm good at," Linda said with a nod, then sigh as finished her story. "As you can imagine after being given the cold shoulder by my teammates, I left the team and soccer for good, and since they were my core friends I found myself now all by myself. It wasn't long before my depression turn into bitterness, while wanting to get away from it all."

"I found an alternative in Saunders who took in American applicants, so I took a chance and found Sensha-do. As only a first year I was seen as a tank commander material as my leaderships skills from soccer carry over, though I work hard to understand the American tanks down to the letter. Though what was different this time in my leadership, was that I all but banish the notion of being Miss Nice. I was ruthless and unforgiving in my training of my crew, I never spare a word for any failures I had. Of course, most of my crew hated my guts because I was riding them, but at the same time the hard training I put them through, gave them a level of skill placing them above even some of our seniors," Linda explained.

"So that's where the root of your savageness came from," Fukushu said, taking in every word, as she was understanding her instructor's way of thinking.

Linda nodded solemnly, then spoke. "By the time I was made the commander, I had the hate and respect of the girls of Saunders. Though my competitive nature never left me, which is a reason I came to hate the laid-back nature we had, I wanted to win. To reach the top of the Sensha-do mountain, grab the Victory Flag with my own hands, crushing all those under the roaring of our Shermans. Even if I was vicious in my nature, I always respected strong teams, but never smaller teams…like Chi-Ha-Tan."

The word of the team she had humiliated, made Linda go quiet, as she remember that day so clearly as if she was there once more. Seeing her team take their time tearing them apart, Linda's own grin grew wider as each Chi-Ha tank was toyed with and laughed at by her team. Well, all except for Kay and Naomi, who were against it from the start. Yet Linda care little for their worries as she press the knife into Chi-Ha-Tan, twisting it harshly so the Japanese theme school remember it for the rest of their lives.

Though in the end, all Linda had done was crush Saunders reputation and make herself into a monster because she was on a high of success.

Linda spoke in a low tone, her words sounding like she was almost choking to say them. "I…I…I crush Chi-Ha-Tan. Yet do you know why I did it? Not because our tanks were superior, not to inflate my ego, or anything that simple."

"Then, what for?" Fukushu ask, squeezing Linda's hand for encouragement.

"It was because I wanted them to feel low, as low as I was when my team turn their back on me. I wanted them to feel that pain of not being up to par, because…I guess," Linda trailed off, feeling tears coming down her face. "I could never come to terms with my own past, so I wanted to bring others low so I could alleviate my misery from my heart from so long ago. What a joke right? A girl seeking to vanish her hidden her suffering by seeing others feel what she felt."

The revelation was a shock to Fukushu, seeing Linda just stare at the ground. As she was let into Linda's weaker and darker side, something Fukushu never thought she had. Alway's Linda came off as someone who wasn't affected by things, water off a duck's back as they say. Yet even she had her darker past that had molded her to be this way, as a way to protect her new state of mind to be stronger, though her scars remain no matter how tall she stood. They were there and hidden, till now, of course, reveal to someone Linda had come to trust.

Before Fukushu could say anything, Linda spoke again. "I got what I deserve when I face Pravda, though I still held on to the belief I was in the right for a long time. Till Konomi broke it down for me, your surrogate mother saw right through me the first time we talk, shattering my tough image because she knew I was still that fragile little girl so long ago. Then you came along and was the one to really soften me up."

"Why me?" Fukushu had to ask.

"I berated you time and time again. I tried to make you quit, but you never stay down. Even as you struggle, you persisted, even calling me out for my own faults. You had that fire in your eyes like no other, that I became jealous I couldn't be like you, to struggle on even if you weren't at your best," Linda stated, her depressed mood, turning joyful, with a bright smile beaming at her student.

"Linda," Fukushu could only muster to say.

"People in that position who don't get the hot start they want, just fold like a house of cards because they can't handle not being great off the bat. Yet you…you just rebuilt that house of cards no matter how many times it was knock down, you didn't run or hide, and that was what endear me to you. Which means I need to take responsibility for you," Linda continue.

Making Fukushu, who was having trouble dealing with Linda spilling her guts to her, speak in a flustered tone. "Responsibility."

"Yes," Linda said, then reach her arms out now, pulling Fukushu into a hug. The young Nishizumi let out a yelp at the sudden contact, as she was pressed against Linda's chest.

Linda then spoke. "I know that many people are hating you for your actions and even surrounded by so much a warmth, there's still that sting in your chest knowing the black mark is attached to you making you feel alone as if everyone is yelling at you."

Tears began to form in Fukushu's eyes, as she absorb her instructor's words that were wrapping around her heart.

"Yet I won't let those voices keep you down, do you understand? Because I won't let you face them alone, as I'm just as responsible for this mess your in. We both share this burden to bring ourselves back up and not back down from what we must do," Linda said, the conviction in her words making Fukushu grip at her jacket tightly.

"I want to do that too! I don't want to be a wicked and vile person! I want to be someone others can look at with pride…especially Konomi, Miho, and all my family!" Fukushu cried out, letting loose her wishes.

Pulling back some, Linda grab both sides of Fukushu's face gently, letting out a lovely smile that Fukushu never thought she was cable of. Yet there it was, an out of character look it felt like, with a smile that was brighter than the sun shining down on the two crying girls, that wipe any darkness away.

"Then will do it! You and me! We each close these wounds for good!" Linda let out resolutely, her blue eyes shining like the sea down on Fukushu.

"Yes! You and me!" Fukushu repeated, then bury the side of her face into Linda's chest, as the two relishes the warm contact between them, easing their broken hearts back together and being reborn as something new.

Their hate had turned to respect for one another. Their cold bond had been warm by the other and would meld together to face the trial before them, as only togather could they do it.

After what felt like hours, Fukushu pull back, gaining her composure once more, but didn't let Linda go as she spoke. "Well it's all good were going to try and redeem ourselves, but how do we go about it?"

Linda took a deep breath, then spoke on the challenge. "We go to where all this began."

"You don't mean?" Fukushu ask, though her heart already knew the answer.

"We go back to Chi-Ha-Tan academy. You face your sister and her team, with me as well. Though I have the hardest part trying to gain their forgiveness, but if I want to be redeemed it's what I will have to do," Linda said, knowing how much easier said than done it was to gain forgiveness.

"It's alright, even if the whole team wants to string you up, I won't let them. While I'm pretty sure my sister can keep them cool enough to hear you out, she's not the commander of the Tigress Corps for no reason," Fukushu said jovially.

Making Linda chuckle at how optimistic her friend was. "Alright, your right. As long as that Miho girl is there, that will give me a chance to explain myself."

"Then we got nothing to worry about," Fukushu said, then lean back on the bench. "By the way, how did you know I'm here."

"Your mom, I call her and said I wanted to go check on you. Though I didn't tell her I was going to do this whole spill and kidnap you off the carrier," Linda explained.

"Shouldn't we tell her what we're really up to?" Fukushu ask.

"We should, but I know her. Konomi would not want you going into enemy territory even with me at your side, however, we don't have much time. It's going to take some time to get on the Akagi carrier," Linda stated.

With Fukushu having a look of surprise cross her face. "How are we going to get on the Akagi? We don't even know where the ship is on the ocean."

Though the question was met with Linda's sly smirk crossing her face. "Don't worry, I got some contacts from girls who work in the Carrier Operations Division of MEXT. Apparently, the Akagi is sailing north and is going to make port at Shichigahama in Miyagi District for a little shore time in a few days. I have a flight for us book at Ibaraki airport that will take us there, then will take a cab the rest of the way, being there by midday tomorrow."

"Wow, you thought this through. That's a first," Fukushu teased.

"You little brat," Linda scowl, as she ruffle Fukushu's hair as payback, making the young girl whine at her hair being messed up once more this day.

"Stop that!" Fukushu gripe, swatting the offending hand away.

"You started it," Linda said with a shrug.

"Who's the adult here again?" Fukushu shot back, with both girls eyeing one another up, then began to chuckle at their back and forth that was just staple of their relationship.

With Fukushu's dying down first, then she took a serious tone. "Linda…I'm grateful…really grateful for you being here for me. All my friends haven't reached out to me or will even pick up my calls, yet you're here at my side."

"Of course, a teacher has a responsibility for their student, I'm sure the other girls will come around," Linda joked.

"Can't you just say friends," Fukushu said with an annoyed look.

Making Linda make a face of disgust. "Yuck, keep that mushy stuff to yourself."

"Wah!" Fukushu yelp, thinking Linda had a memory of a goldfish, forgetting their little mommnet earlier.

"Just kidding, don't get your knickers in a twist," Linda teased. "I'm not good with this friend business, been a long time since I could call someone that."

"Well that makes me your best friend," Fukushu said excitedly.

"Ugh, calm down tiger, you're trying too hard. Alright, let's go talk to your caretakers, don't want them to worry about me taking you," Linda said standing up from the bench, then holding a hand out to Fukushu.

Making the young girl smile, then take her friend's hand, as she help her to her feet. Then the two walk down out of the park, their hearts that had each carried their own scars, had been mended by each other. Finding their resolve to face their damning actions together, as their kinship would see them through this and hopefully to a better future of both of them in the end.

XxxxX

"No way! She left!" Yukari cry out.

"Quiet down," Yoshiko scolded her daughter.

Yukari had just arrived home with her friends from school, with all the joy in the world encompassing her aura. As she was ready for another night of laughs, food, and maybe movies. Kisa, Saori, Hana, and Mako were in tow, but all that had been put on hold as Yoshiko had just explained to her that Fukushu had left with her former Sensha-do instructor to travel to the Chi-Ha-Tan school carrier.

"We can still stop her if she is heading for the airport!" Yukari yelled, as she drop her school bag and was heading for the door.

"Wait, Yukari the carrier has already closed off the ramps for the mainlands," Kisa called after her friend.

"You're being reckless!" Saori call out, with her hands on her hip.

"That's just our beloved Yukari at her finest," Hana said, touching her face in amusement.

"Can't blame her," Mako said, though her face was a little saddened at the thought of Fukushu gone.

Which was how all the girls were feeling, as Fukushu had been around them for only a few days. Yet she had fit right in with them, being Hana and Saori's dress up doll much to the young Nishizumi's annoyance, Kisa's model tank building partner, and Mako's lap pillow whenever she passed out. Now Fukushu was gone on a journey, though besides Yukari, the rest of the girls knew this was something Fukushu had to do, even if they wanted to chase her down and bring her home too.

"Yukari," Jungorou, Yukari's father said, standing in front of the door with his arms crossed and a calm look across his face.

"Dad, please let me go. I have to look after Fukushu!" Yukari voiced out with worry all over her face.

Yet that didn't deter Jungorou who gave his daughter a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I know you care for Fukushu deeply, just as much as I and your mother do. We had a job to look after her for Miss Konomi, but this is a journey Fukushu needs to see through if she is to close these wounds on her heart. As a father who's seen my little bear grow so much this year, I want the same of Fukushu, so I trust her to do what she needs to do and come back home."

"Oh dear, you sound a little corny, just like when we were kids, you never change," Yoshiko tease her husband.

Causing the poor man to lose all his composure, as bright blush cross his face. "Yoshiko, please! I'm trying to sound cool here."

"Sorry dear, but you've been watching too many movies, but it still makes me love you all over again that you don't change," Yoshiko said with a lovely smile on her face, coveying her love for her husband.

Though the two were having a moment any married couple could appreciate, their daughter wasn't, as Yukari was bright red all over her face. "Mom, Dad! Your embarrassing me!"

"Little Bear?" Mako said with a raised eyebrow.

"Aw! That's such a cute nickname, I'm going to call you that!" Saori added to Yukari's woes.

"No, please! Anything but that!" Yukari protested.

"Sorry commander, but you can't stop it once it starts, will try to keep it to a minimum," Hana said with a graceful chuckle leaving her lips.

"Commander Little Bear, she is to be feared by all!" Kisa said with a wave of her arms, causing more chuckles to be had at the expense of Yukari.

Once they died down, Yoshiko came over to her daughter placing a hand on her shoulder. "I know you are worried about her, but after that nightmare she had, I'm sure Fukushu can't rest easy here. She has things in her life she must accomplish for her family. Besides, I'm sure Miss Miho will be please to see her when she arrives."

Taking a breath, Yukari accepted the reality, though still dejected. "I just wish we could have said goodbye at least."

Yet Yoshiko just smile at her daughter. "Leaving isn't a goodbye, plus Fukushu has a promise to keep."

"A promise?" Yukari question with a sidelong look.

"Yep," Jungorou said. "Head up to your room to see."

Yukari look back to her dad, then slowly went to the stairs, while her friends stay behind to set the table for dinner. Each step felt sluggish for Yukari, as she wonder what the promise Fukushu had left behind for her. Finally, she reach her room, then after a gulp, she touch the doorknob and twisted it to open.

The room was the same as Yukari had left it that morning save the futons. Frantically the fluffy hair girl looked left and right for the promise her parents had told her about but didn't see it initially. Though her eyes did find it, sitting atop her low table in the middle of the room did the promise await her. It was not a complex one, just simple in nature, speaking to the tankers spirit that both Fukushu and Yukari share with one another.

For what lay atop the table, was an unopen box of tank model kit. On its front was the image of a Tiger 1 charging forward into the fray. It was the newly purchased kit Yukari had gotten last year at a tank festival her family took her to, but had never dared to build it since it was insanely complex to build and even more difficult to paint. With Yukari unable to muster the courage alone to build, wanting to take the challenge on with someone.

Laying against the box was a note from Fukushu herself, as Yukari approach it and pick it up.

The message was short and sweet.

Sorry to leave you Yukari, but I had to go, to face my problems head on. I already miss you, but our goodbye will be short and to make up for leaving you hanging, were pulling an all nighter on this bad boy. Be ready, because were giving it the Chi-Ha-Tan color scheme too, later Miss Guderian.

Yukari let out a little laugh, then wipe her small tears away. For her parents were right, this was only temporary, and Fukushu would return. There be more laughs and smiles to share, so Yukari just needed to be patient.

"I hope you and Miho come together, then I'll have two Nishizumi's that will come over…Ah! I can't wait! I can't wait!" Yukari said with joy, her sadness washing away as she stare outside at the setting sun, knowing a brighter day would come soon.

Then she turn to leave the room, but stop to take one last look back at the tank box set, with a smile plaster on her face, then close the door gently. For Yukari had the warmth of her friends and family waiting for her still and nothing was better for her, as another day aboard the Zuikaku was coming to an end, with brighter ones promise for the future, even if its days were unknowingly numbered for its residents.