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.

13. A Tigresses Homecoming Part 1

"Alright, keep her steady Fumiki," Miya said while touching her throat microphone, as she stood tall in the cupola, wearing Chi-Ha-Tan's tankery uniform.

"Roger," Fumiki replied from her drivers position, though a hint of nervousness was in her voice since she was driving a new tank she wasn't familiar with.

Have to admit, the Type 5 Na-To is a heck of a tank to command, but a Panther…It's a whole new animal to handle

Miya thought, as the first-year tank commander watched as the thick line of trees that adorn either side of the dirt path pass by as she and her crew aboard the newly acquired Panther D drove on. As the first-year crew were going through the practice run Nishi had planned to do with the newly introduced tank that had been found by the Chi-Ha-Tan Naval girls, much to the delight of the Sensha-do team, along with the Panzer 3.J, but that tank had been given to her upperclassmen Hosomi, to which none argue against the elite scout leader using, in fact, it fit her perfectly.

The real problem was figuring out who was to take the Panther D, to which most of the team had banked on Miho using when she got back, since they learn the Tiger 1 would not be fixed in time for the next match, while some of the girls in the team were theorizing that their proud Tiger wouldn't be able to be fixed for the rest of the tournament since they didn't have the spare parts and their budget couldn't afford a total overhaul.

It was something that none of the girls wanted to believe, since the Tiger 1 had been their team's go-to tank. While there was a little superstition spreading around the team, as they believe it was a bad omen to go into the match without their Tiger at the front as it had done since their new era of Chi-Ha-Tan had started. Without it, there was a feeling of unease, but so far the girls were pressing forward as positively as they could.

"Yet, we have more worries than our wounded Tiger," Miya said to herself as the Panther was coming up to a bend in the path.

That worry was over their new teammates added to the roster, in 3rd Mizuko and her two other tank commanders, along with their crews. It was a shock to everyone when Nishi had told them the previous day about the promise she made to have their seniors return to the team, not to mention that they were going to be added to the starting lineup. Sure they were veterans of tankery, but there was still some rust for them and their crews to shake off, since it was no easy task to simply jump right back into a tank, then move and fire efficiently.

At least they had wanted to take command of the Type 97 Chi-Ha instead of their more advanced tanks, which was strange to Miya and the other first years, but then to add to the weirdness, for some reason Mizuko and her 3rd years seem to scowl at the sight of the new Japanese tanks. It was like they had a distaste for anything but the Type 97 Chi-Ha's and Shinhoto's, again making the first years scratch their heads, while making matters worse the 2nd years were all acting weird around the seniors, seemingly trying to avoid them.

In just a day, everything about the team dynamic had become for lack of a better word in Miya's mind, just plain awkward. It was not helping that their match would be held by the end of next week, with St. Gloriana and Viking Fisheries match being played tomorrow, then it was just a countdown to the showdown with the giants of Sensha-do and the defending champions in Pravda.

And just to top all this sudden upturn on the team, Miho was still not around. Still resting in the hospital or so Miya and the rest of the 1st years were being told. However, Miya was starting to get suspicious about Miho's absence since they were not allowed to even visit like before and the timing with the new members joining was too convenient.

Though I can't worry about that right now…I need to focus and show Nishi I can command this tank effectively. Then maybe she might consider me to use in the next battle, if the commander isn't going to take it

Miya thought, then focus her mind off the outside problems, to the task at hand as she touch her throat microphone. "Fumiki, theirs a bend in the path coming up. Shift down to second gear, your turn is going to be at 3 o'clock."

"Roger!" Fumiki said, then began to shift.

Though it was not a clean shift, as the sudden horrid sound of a miss-timed transmission shift could be heard. The grinding of the spur gears in the transmission shriek in protest to the bad transmission shift, that Miya could hear instantly, making her clench her teeth together, then the Panther came to a slow halt as it was placed in neutral drive.

Quickly Miya lean down into the tank. "Fumiki, you good!?"

"I'm sorry! The darn shift stick is too tight, I miss handle the downshift and stalled us out!" Fumiki said frantically.

The same problems all the other crews had earlier

Miya thought, having watched them on the course earlier before it was her turn. "Alright, don't mind. Are we still good to move?"

A few moments of silence follow the question, then Fumiki spoke. "Yea, we're lucky the final drive is sturdier than the ones use in the war or I might be getting an earful from Himi about breaking it."

"A battle that even Commander Miho would lose," Miya joked, causing her crew to chuckle.

Then Miya spoke up again. "Alright, take it slow. Get us going again, you can do this Fumiki, you're the best driver in the first-year group."

"You sure you can say that when we got Moteki and her drifting skills, in a Tiger 1 no less," Fumiki call back.

"Pfft, come on have some confidence. I respect her for sure, but were a tankery family, so we got sibling rivalries between us, yea?" Miya motivated.

"Alright, alright, you got me there. Can't let her be the best of the group and we got two matches left for me to prove I'm the top driver!" Fumiki said, her mindset on meeting the goal of being the best of the group, as she grab the shift stick with more confidence than before.

Taking a deep breath, Fumiki close her eyes, letting her mind become focused on just one goal, to be the best. Then she open, with a smirk on her face as she shifted the tank out of neutral and into first gear. The Panther lurch forward slowly gaining speed down the dirt path, with Miya smiling from her commander cupola all the while as the big cat was on the move again.

Once at the set speed, Fumiki shifted into higher gear smoothly causing their Panther to pick up even more speed, then repeated the process till the Panther was going to its full speed, making the crew members aboard a little fearful that Fumiki was feeling a little overconfident or Miya's pep talk was a little too motivating.

"Ah, Fumiki, theirs a bend coming up, we need to slow down!" Miya yell in panic while touching her throat microphone.

"Don't worry! I know I can do this!" Fumiki said with excitement leaning into the vision port in front of her.

"I think your encouragement was too effective!" Nanami, the gunner said from her seat.

"Were so doom," Shioko, the loader, said in a defeated tone.

Soon, the Panther D was coming up the looping bend in the dirt path, with Miya feeling like her heart was going to drop into her stomach. Yet she could do little to stop her highly motivated driver from stopping and with the trees closed around them, if they miss the turn they only damage the tank badly if they went crashing off the path. Which would earn them no favors with Himi, but once again there was nothing for Miya to do but trust her driver.

"Now hold on!" Fumiki yell, shifting the tank down into first gear, then pull hard on the right steering lever, causing just the right track to spin and the Panther whipping to the right with it.

Gravel and dust was kicked up from the sudden drift, left behind as the tank smoothly came around the bend without a hitch, with Miya feeling like she going to lose her lunch the entire time. Though, a deep feeling of awe was running through her, followed by a deep admiration for her driver's skill, making Miya quite proud of Fumiki for taking on the challenge head-on.

As they came out of the bend, Fumiki wasted no time grabbing the left steering lever to transition out of their drift with both tracks spinning forward. Quickly the Panther straighten out on the now the straight path, making Fumiki grin like a fool looking through the driver vision open port at the open road before her and to the end of the woods that would complete the training course.

Performing as if she was a pro racer, Fumiki press the pedal to the metal getting the Panther flying down the straight path. The trees were like a blur passing by, for nothing but the dirt path mattered to the driver even with her limited vision, because she was in the zone. Like smooth butter, she shifted the tank into higher gear getting up to top speed in no time, the engine roaring all the while, making the Panther sound happy to be put through its paces, unlike other crews who drove slow and steady earlier.

Miya, still mesmerized in her commander cupola by her driver's skills, suddenly remember she was a tank commander and had a job to do. Quickly she touch her throat microphone. "Load AP, ready for my call for our target!"

Knowing she was up, Shioko quickly grab a shell off the ready rack, then shove it home into the 75mm KwK42 cannon breach. "Loaded!"

Hearing her loader's confirmation, Nanami nodded then bury herself into the TZF12 sighting telescope with 2.5x multi-magnification. Her field of vision was narrow, meaning she was relying on her commander a lot to get her moving onto target, as her hands grip the elevation and horizontal handwheels, while making sure her right foot was ready to press on the power traverse for the turret.

"Fumiki, bring it back down to second gear! Then a full stop once we're out of these woods," Miya ordered.

To which Fumiki acknowledge and did just that with again her smooth handling. The Panther D came rolling out of the woods and then to a slow stop, as the dust cloud behind them drifted off to the right with the small breeze in the air, but Miya paid no mind quickly searching over the open grassy plains for their target with her binoculars. Her looking was frantic, as the target was not a stationary plywood bullseye target, instead, it was one that pop up from the ground, a little invention Himi had got working so to help the girls with their gunnery reaction skills.

"Got it!" Miya yell, as she spotted a plywood bullseye pop up to her left. "Target in the open, traverse left! 800 meters!"

"Roger!" Nanami replied, then touch her foot to the power traverse pedal below her seat to spin the turret left.

It was a slow process, as unlike the late version Panzer 4s and late versions of the Panther tank, the Panther D was a rush design that had only a single power motorized power traverse. That was only slightly better than hand wheeling the gun onto target. So like slow molasses sliding down a wall, the Panther's turret sluggishly rotated to the left with Miya shaking her head a little at the slow traverse that might get them knockout if the enemy reacted faster, which made it worse they couldn't upgrade it even if they had the parts due to strict rules on modifying tanks in Sensha-do.

Finally, Nanami found the target, quickly raising the elevation of the target sight to match the distance, then call her shot. "On the way!"

The cannon recoil with a roar, sending the tracer at the target. It was a flat trajectory due to the high muzzle velocity that found its target. Miya playing observer for her gunner watch the tracer shell smash into the plywood target, but found herself grimacing a little as the shell clipped the round painted bullseye on the left outer edge. That was not ideal, as against the Russian tanks they were to face, a slight miss like that might mean a bounce even with the powerful gun they have.

"On target, but clip left outer edge," Miya confirm to the gunner.

"Damn, let me shoot again," Nanami quickly said.

"Sorry, we only get one shot since practice rounds are in short supply for the tank right now till the next shipment, Himi's orders. Let's get back to the starting area," Miya ordered.

"Roger," the crew collectively said together.

"Cheer up girls, we did better than most. A lot of other drivers been taking that course real slow, now we know who's in the lead and that's us, not to mention the other gunners have been short or overshot since their not use flat shooting at distance this cat can do," Miya cheer on.

"Yea, she's right. Plus the best part is we get seats in this bad boy, no more standing like in the Type 5 Na-To," Shioko complimented.

"Yea, it's too bad Akoto can't be in the crew now, since we don't need a secondary loader. She was practically having a tantrum when we went on the course and was left behind," Nanami said, looking over the breach at her loader who chuckle at the memory.

Miya sat down in her commanders chair with a smile as she spoke. "Yea, doesn't feel right to leave her out, not to mention we don't have a need for a bow gunner."

The reason for that was because of the other issue of the rush Panther D design having a letterbox machine gun port, meaning the gunner had to open a slit in the tank's front armor over the right side. Then pick up the MG-42 and stick it out to fire, which left an opening, small as it was, made it dangerous if any enemy machine-gun fire would get inside even if the bullets were made to be non-lethal, so there was a rule in place on the tank that they could not use bow machine gun. Yet could still place a girl in the area as a radio operator if they so chose.

"Well, let's just hope Nishi is impressed by us enough to use the tank," Shioko said, leaning back to relax now.

"Well…. never mind," Nanami said, then went quiet.

"What is it, Nanami?" Miya ask, then saw her friend's face contorting into anxiousness, which prompted the tank commander to reach a hand out to touch her friend's shoulder. "You can talk to us, it's ok, nothing said will leave this tank, right girls?"

"Right!" Fumiko and Shioko said together.

The confirmation from her friends made Nanami nod gratefully and then spoke her mind. "I just don't even know if Nishi is in the right headspace right now, I mean it feels like I'm looking at a totally different person now, all her confidence and calm demeanor are gone. All there is left is just sadness or something like that."

The crew went silent at the comment, because they all were feeling the same way about their sub commander. Who in just a single day, had gone from a jovial and commanding presence for the girls, to meek and timid, especially around Mizuko to which Miya had no idea why that was. She had ask their other upperclassmen about it, but had just been given a gentle smile and told to not worry about it.

"You're not alone," Miya said, getting the attention of the crew. "Something is up with that Mizuko girl and I don't like it. I saw her talking with some of the other first-years just before practice today and seem like she was scaring them with something, but back off when Hosomi show up."

"That's not good," Nanami said with a fearful expression.

"No, it's not. We need to coordinate the first years to stay together and stand up to her whenever she comes around us," Miya said, making her crew nod.

"Good," Miya spoke again. "Then after practice, I want you all to gather up the first years for a meeting in the dorms."

"Do we really need to go that far? Shouldn't we trust our upperclassmen with this?" Fumiki said, while keeping an eye on the road back to the starting area.

"I don't know, they all seem to fear this Mizuko girl. I know she was part of the team that was humiliated by Saunders last year, but I don't think she even cares about the success of our club or how we avenge that humiliation. Why else would she just show up suddenly?" Miya stated.

"She has a point, it seems all too convenient Mizuko is here. I get the feeling she is up to something and worse the commander isn't around," Nanami commented.

Shioko nodded at her gunner's words. "Nanami is right, Commander Miho wouldn't let this Mizuko girl have her way. Yet she's still in the hospital recovering from the match."

"Is she though?" Miya said without thinking.

"You think our upperclassmen are lying to us about that? That's a dangerous accusation," Fumiki said, her hands gripping the steering levers tightly, not liking where the conversation was going.

"Sorry, it's just me thinking out loud. Things are just too tense right now and it's getting to me, let's just get back to the starting area and finish up practice," Miya said quickly, knowing she was causing more trouble that wasn't needed right now.

For the rest of the ride back, the crew was quiet, their minds pondering over the sudden event place on their team, with the Semi-Final not far away to boot. Though they were just first years, they needed to get things under control for their group so their upperclassmen could have less to worry about, for they were tigresses in the making because of Miho's tutelage, they do all they could to keep the family that had been built by Miho together.

Through fire and fury, they charge forward no matter what.

XxxxX

"Aghhh! This is so frustrating!" Nene said, rubbing her unbraided brown hair frantically.

The frustrated twin stomped across the soft grass, as she and her crewmates were watching Chi-Ha-Tan practice. Since their Tiger 1 was in the shop for eventual repairs, they were left to observe everyone else go about their training, while they were left to do a physical regiment to keep their strength up, but besides that, they were stuck watching and it was starting to get Nene, but the rest of the crew were feeling it too.

Especially Moteki, who was out of the next match with her ankle injury, with the itch to drive gnawing at her more and more as the days passed. Nomi was feeling her gunnery skills become rusty since she didn't want to learn new target optics besides the Tiger 1, though Nene was more fortunate than she could practice loading dummy shells to not let her skills diminish. While Watabe train her bow gunnery with other tank machine guns, while practicing radio communication as well.

"Would you pipe down," Nomi called to her twin.

Quickly Nene turn back on her twin with a growl. "Like you aren't feeling the same as me!"

"Yea, but I'm not throwing a tantrum like a little kid over it," Nomi said calmly with a shake of the head. "Guess that explains why you're the little sister."

"I was born first! You're the little sister!" Nene argue, as once again the unsolved mystery came to the forefront.

"No I was born first, I mean who look out for in the orphanage like a big sister should, that was me," Nomi shot back.

"No that was me, remember that time that older girl Hisano bully you because you ate her leftover curry rice," Nene said, her smirk growing on her face.

The name of the personal tormentor at their old orphanage made Nomi frown. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Remember she made that rumor about you wetting the bed," Nene stated, knowing she was going to make her point.

"I…I…Is…th..that t…t…true?" Watabe ask, who was sitting on the hill further back from the twins, with Moteki next to her with her injured ankle in a walking boot, with her crutches nearby resting on the soft grass.

"That never happen!" Nomi said, turning to her friends.

"But everyone in the orphanage believed it, till I beat her up and made her confess to everyone. As is the job as the older sister to look after the little one," Nene said, with her hands on her hip proud of her service to protect her sibling.

"What about when that boy Sukenobu stole the pendant I made for you!?" Nomi ask, turning around to her wannabe older sister, playing the game of who did the better job.

The thought of that moment made Nene slouch a little. "Well, I got it back eventually."

"Yea, because I threaten to break his favorite toy if he didn't tell me where he hid it," Nomi said with a smirk, then turn back to her other friends. "Should have seen the snot show going on, ha, the other kids never let it go and he never bullied us again."

"Guess you had a pretty good example to go after, when you had your own little snot show when you started having a freak out against those Saunders Jumbo tanks," Moteki said with a teasing smile.

Which made Nomi blush thinking back on the memory of her little freak out in that match, because the Sherman Jumbo's prove too tough to crack even for their Tiger 1's 88mm gun. While also a product of being too overconfident that had been crushed utterly in that moment. At the same time, Nomi was feeling great guilt that she was letting Miho down at the time which didn't help matters as the Jumbos pressed in for the kill, while Nomi stop trying to fire the gun out of embarrassment.

However, Miho like the guardian angel she was, calm Nomi down and pep her up to try again. In turn, a motivated Nomi made the most incredible bounce shot off the ground to take one of the Jumbo's out. Then proceeded to take down the other two, with a little help from Fukuda in the end. Though the epic moment was always a joking affair for the crew to take shots at, making Nomi pout every time it was brought up.

"Would leave off! That was like ages ago!" Nomi yell.

"Mo…mo…more….more like a…f…f…fe…few we…wee…weeks ago," Watabe stutter out happily.

"That does it, divine punishment for Watabe!" Nomi said and then charge the poor girl.

Before Moteki could make any protest, her stuttering friend scramble to get away and with her injury, she couldn't protect Watabe from the hard-charging twin who chase her. Nene stood to the side with an amused shake of the head as Nomi got hold of Watabe who was subjected to light roughhousing from her tankery sister, prompting Nene go over and break it up.

"Alright, alright you made your point," Nene said, breaking the two up who were chuckling together.

Then with nothing else to do but keep watching the practice, all four girls were sat close together, watching their team from their spot on the hill. They enviously look over the rest of the tanks going through drills, marching in columns, firing on the gunnery range, and even saw the new Panther D just making its way back to the starting area to let a new crew take a chance at taking it for a spin.

"I guess you're right, this is frustrating just watching," Moteki said dejectedly.

"It is, we go from prime time to sideline just because the Tiger 1 is a no go," Nomi said.

Nene clench her fist in her lap. "Not to mention mom isn't here."

"I…m….m…m…..m…miss her," Watabe stutter out sadly.

Moteki turn her head to her saddened friend, reaching her hand out to stroke her long black hair in a soothing motion. "I know, I know, I miss her too."

"It doesn't feel right with her not being around, I mean who else is going to manage my blockheaded sister," Nene said with a smirk.

"Hey!" Nomi countered.

Silence hung over the air between the four, then they began to giggle together. Their laughter filled the air and eased their heavy hearts as they just couldn't help but give each other grief. Yet that was the dynamic that had made them an effective crew and more importantly glued them together as tankery sisters. Though in the end, Miho was the one to really help them grow as tankers with her care and tutelage.

Her care and inviting nature had caused an instant attachment to Miho for the four of them. Which went beyond the simple relationship of tank commander and crew, it had delve deeper as the four girls who saw Miho as their surrogate mother that they had never had, caring little for the small age gap between them. For Miho had been stern and caring, helping them grow as tankers and young ladies, which only endear her more to the crew.

Now without Miho leading them, the young cubs felt a little lost without the mother Tigress around. Luckily Hamada was looking over them when she could, trying to keep their spirits up that made the girls grateful for the help their big sisters gave them, yet could not replace the void that Miho left, making the young cubs antsy for her return as soon as possible.

"Were kind of lost without her, huh?" Moteki said with a sad chuckle.

Nene nodded. "Kind of pathetic, isn't it?"

"N…N…no…i…i…it…isn't," Watabe said defiantly, making her tankery sisters surprised by her voice.

"Watabe is right, were allowed to feel this way. Miho brought us up, been with us every day, looking after us. She accepted us without reservation as her crew, not to mention she's the only one that can manage our bickering," Nene said with a proud smile.

"Could leave the bickering part out, makes her sound like a mom with troubling kids," Nomi said with a weary smile.

"It's not wrong in a way," Moteki agreed, making the girls chuckle together.

Then Watabe spoke up. "Sh…she...she," then Watabe stop to get her words in order, then spoke again in her rare moments of a solid voice. "She's more than just my friend, she's my family, and I believe in her with all my heart till the very end, no matter the result."

The rest of the crew smiled at the words Watabe spoke, the very ones she spoke in the match with Saunders, confirming their bond with their Tigress mother, for it was how all of them felt about her.

"Well, will just have to be patient and when she gets back, I say we dogpile her as revenge for leaving the cubs behind," Nene said.

"I concur with my twin, rare I know," Nomi said happily.

"Well, with this ankle injury, I can't join in," Moteki said, motioning to her ankle. "That means I'm going to need extra effort from you girls."

"You got it commander!" the twins said together, with a mocking salute.

Moteki shook her head with a roll of the eyes, as she felt Watabe touch her hand that was resting on the grass, making her look at her stuttering friend who was warmly smiling at her. That smile told Moteki all she needed, that Watabe believe everything would turn out alright.

"We…we...were...g...going...to...w...w...win, so you...c…ca..ca come back to dr…driv…drive again," Watabe said proudly with her boast.

"Yea, didn't you just see that insane drift the Panther did earlier, I know that was Fumiki of Miya's crew. She just made a declaration of war with that maneuver," Nene said wrapping an arm around Moteki, leaning into her side.

Nomi join in, leaning against Watabe as she spoke. "We don't take kindly to anyone trying to outdo our sis."

"Thanks, girls," Moteki said, glad to be surrounded by the warmth of her tankery sisters, but grew serious. "Yet the fact remains, when we go into the next match we're going to need someone to sub in for me as a driver."

"That's going to be weird, I don't think I can fathom anyone in the seat but you," Nomi said a little dejected, because she knew that was the reality.

"Me either, but what choice do we have. How about we have Watabe driver?" Nene said casually.

Making the stuttering girl wave her hands frantically. "N…n…n….no! I…ca…ca…can't sh…shif….shift the ta…ta…t…tank properly."

Moteki settle her tankery sister down by stroking her hair. Remembering the other day, she had try to give Watabe some pointers when it came to being a tank driver, since the stuttering girl wanted to be prepared in case Miho needed one of them to drive the tank, even though Moteki explain there be reserve drivers from the backup group since not everyone could fight in the next battle. Yet that didn't' stop the fire in the bow gunner to want to try, which was met with fiery resolve, but proved too much for Watabe who struggle with shifting and turning.

"At least you gave it a try," Nene praise, dragging Moteki from her memories.

"Should be proud of yourself, because I would never try driving. Thing is way to complicated, not to mention if you break the transmission Himi has a fit like no other," Nomi stated with a shiver at the thought of making their Chief Mechanic upset.

"No kidding, I have a greater respect for what you do Moteki. If it wasn't for your great handling in that Oarai match, theirs no way we would have survived that four on one," Nene praised.

"Hmph, it was nothing," Moteki said, blushing a little at the praise.

Watabe squeeze Moteki's hand. "I…it wa..wa…wa..was…more that no..no…nothing."

"Watebe is right, we may give each other grief, but we no theirs no other driver I rather place my trust in," Nomi said with great vigor, wanting her tankery sister to understand.

"Geez, you all are to mushy feely, leave if for after we win the final," Moteki said, wanting to get out of the happy feely moment that was becoming too much for her.

"Aw look, she's flustered, how cute," Nene teased.

"Am not!" Moteki fought back.

Nomi quickly added to the teasing. "Are too!"

"Am not!" Moteki fought back.

"Gu…gue…guess we sh..sh..sh..pr…practice our dogpile o…on th…this fl…fluster dr…driver o…of..ours," Watabe said with a devious smile.

"Oh my, little Watabe is getting bold, I like that!" Nomi agreed happily.

"Then let's not let her outdo us, come on sis," Nene added to the agreement.

"Wait!" Moteki try to fight back.

Yet her plea fell on deaf ears as her teammates dogpile on her, but were careful not to get anywhere near her ankle. Moteki struggle with all her might, but was beaten by the weight of her comrade's on top of her, who were laughing joyfully, making Moteki join in. Then as the chuckles die down, the four girls just stay where they were, cuddle up to one another staring at the bright blue sky hanging over the carrier. Feeling the soft pleasant breeze sway the grass, seeming for a moment, to take away their worries and just enjoy mother nature's treasure to them.

XxxxX

"I can't believe we actually have a way in," Aozora said in bewilderment, as she walk down the small path through the heavy woods that surrounded her. She was dressed in a white tight-fitting shirt, with black jeans on with matching black shoes.

Miho let out a nervous chuckle, while wearing simple light yellow and orange sweater, with light blue jeans and light blue shoes to go with it. "I'll admit I was little anxious since I thought this path be guarded because of everything happening, but seems like my assumption that the police thought this back way to impassable for anyone to use was right on."

"Is it? Cause I hate to get loss back here, even with that photographic memory," Aozora chuckled with apprehension in her tone.

"Don't worry, me and Maho use to travel through these woods every day as kids, we know it like the back of our hands," Miho assured.

"Hmph, your mother must have trusted you a lot to let her little girls go exploring in a place like this," Aozora commented, looking around their settings.

"She did the first time, but our maid Kikuyo convince her that it was good for us and that she look after us," Miho said, with a soft smile on her growing at the thought her family's maid, who was more than just what her job entail.

From her earliest memories, Miho always remember Kikuyo being at her and Maho's side, at every major event. Many of times making birthday cakes for the girls and setting up the celebration, while if Shiho was gone for days at a time on Sensha-do business, Kikuyo would be right there to take care of the Nishizumi daughters, picking them up from school and making sure they completed their homework. While, well in Miho's mind at least, was there was no better playmate for the young girls than Kikuyo who chase the girls much to their delight, spraying them with water in the summer, and snowball fights in the deep winter.

Memories upon memories.

Memories that Miho had much to her shame had pushed aside when she left the estate. As Miho was coming to terms that she had been somewhat selfish in her want to escape the Nishizumi style that she had not even said a proper goodbye to Kikuyo when she left, the same as Koume. Another bond Miho had overlooked because of the need for her freedom, another bond that had shaped her life, another regret. Yet Miho was here to right the wrongs and take her spot as heiress, with Kikuyo being someone she hoped would forgive Miho for leaving so suddenly, as well asking for her support to help her rebuild their family.

"Miho?" Aozora said, after seeing Miho's face grow serious and become silent.

Quickly Miho shook her doubts away. "I'm good."

"You sure, you got pretty quiet there after mentioning that maid of yours," Aozora commented with a raised eyebrow.

Miho went quiet again, but decided it was better to talk it out, instead of bottling it up, something Aozora had helped her understand, so Miho took a breath and then spoke. "I was just thinking about how I left home with barely a word to Kikuyo. She was there for everything, the good and the bad, but when I pack my things to go, I just walk by her with just a muttering of words."

Stopping now, Aozora reach a hand out to touch Miho's shoulder to stop her from continuing to walk, as the older women spoke. "What were those words?"

At her sides, Miho's hands clench as her face became scrunched up in displeasure as she spoke. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I fail you."

"I thought as much, you were still thinking everything that had happened before was your fault," Aozora said with a sigh, wondering why so much heavy stuff had been thrown on top of a 16-year girl, then spoke again. "What did your maid say back?"

"Nothing…nothing," Miho said, shaking her head. "I don't blame her though, because I just said sorry like that was enough for her, when it wasn't, not after all she had done for me growing up. Which only added to my guilt because I really believed I fail her. While Kikuyo always believe I would become a great tanker, so when I was leaving our home to never touch a tank again at the time, I could not face her head on because I destroy her belief in me…my heart felt like it had been stab when I continue to walk by her without another word."

"Ah, I see where you're coming from," Aozora said, while giving Miho's head a ruffle, making the young girl to fight to break free much to Aozora's enjoyment as she spoke. "But you know what?"

"What?" Miho ask, while fixing her hair.

"You're going to give that maid of yours the biggest hug you can muster, because this a homecoming and your chance to show how much you've grown, while reminding her that she had a great impact on your life," Aozora said confidently.

The words from the proud pilot and tankery sister, made Miho feel herself relax a little. Again proving to her that she had no better companion on this road home than Aozora, protecting her from danger and easing her mind. There was nothing in for Aozora to gain, in fact, the danger of bringing Miho here could damage her career as an aviator, yet Aozora would do all she could for her little tankery sister, because she wanted nothing but happiness for Miho, which the young Nishizumi was greatly thankful for.

"Aozora," Miho said quietly, then press forward slowly, while wrapping her arms around the older woman.

Making Aozora surprised, as Miho buried her face into the front of her shirt, but the older women just relish in the warmth, wrapping her arms around Miho to comfort her. As she knew Miho was at the most crucial part of her journey home and needed just one more push for courage and Aozora would play her role.

"You can do this Miho, you've fought to be here, so let's finish thing, make your mother see your worthy to be an heiress and go home…well your home away from home is a better way to put it," Aozora encourage.

Making Miho chuckle, then lean her head back to look at Aozora's eyes. "Your right, thank you again for being here for me."

"No prob, plus I got a lot of stories to tell the girls at home about our journey, can't wait, now come on," Aozora said, letting go of Miho and starting down the path again.

"Right behind you," Miho said confidently, now walking in step with Aozora.

Though they didn't get far before Aozora notice something on the path. "Hey, what's that?"

Both of them stop walking, looking down the small dirt path with the sun breaking through the branches overhead to illuminate the path in patches. With one such ray of light shining over an odd object on the ground. Miho squinted to take in the object with her great eyesight, making her instantly go wide eye, as she was getting a blast from the past.

As laying on the path, facing the two was an oddly tan-colored frog, which was abnormally large for its size, being almost equal to a small cat. A frog Miho remember once meeting on a fateful day in her childhood, when she and Maho went out for a fishing trip in these very woods.

Coming over with careful steps, with Aozora on her heels, Miho got close enough to kneel down to the frog's height. "Mister Froggy?"

"Ribbit." Was the reply.

"Mister Froggy?" Aozora ask with a questioning look.

Miho chuckled nervously. "It's the name I gave this frog when I was a kid, but that was the last time I've seen him."

"Huh, that is not a normal frog, I mean look at the size of it," Aozora commented.

"I know right, you should have seen when I held him out to my sister, she had a freak-out," Miho said with a chuckle at the memory, while she stroked the frog's back with her knuckles.

Is our Tigresses a bit of a tomboy?

Aozora thought, then ask another question. "Kind of strange he's here, don't ya think?"

"That is strange, now that you mention it. Since again the last time I saw him was that day…when we found that hut," Miho said quietly to herself, as she saw the frog seeming to stare right at her.

"What do you me-," Aozora began to ask.

Then suddenly the frog leap off the side of the path and into the woods quicker than something its size should. Miho simply watch it go for a moment stun, before making her react the same way she did that day long ago. Rising to her feet, Miho took off to chase the frog, feeling it was something she had to do, the explanation for it was beyond her understanding, but her body was in motion now. Aozora made a cry to Miho to wait up, but Miho was lost in her singular focus to chase the frog.

As she weave between trees like an agile cheetah, then leap over boulders with not a misstep, keeping the frog in sight at all times, though where he was leading her was all too familiar to Miho, as she had done this as a child. As the journey, he was leading them on seemed to go on forever, but eventually, it came to an end at an odd place, yet familiar to Miho, very familiar.

With sweat running down her face a little, Miho wipe it away some of it with the back of her hand. Then she took in the sight of the clearing in the woods now, then found another familiar sight, something from the past. For a traditional Japanese hut stood alone in the clearing, 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.

"This is the hut Maho and I found, or where Mister Froggy led us to now that I think about it," Miho said to herself, then look around. "He's gone…did he lead me here intentionally."

However, the pondering over this mystery prove to be nothing but fruitless, as Miho needed to get back home. While also she had left Aozora behind in her chase for the large frog, with another scan proving that the older woman had not kept up or got lost as Miho ran into the forest without warning no less.

Miho sigh to herself knowing she made a mistake leaving her companion behind, then spoke. "I need to go find Aozora."

Then before Miho could begin her trek back into the woods, something carried on the wind, like a whisper. A voice Miho knew well from her dreams, of a family member long past from this world.

The goal that our family finally drops the past, for a future that no one fights for power or glory, but simply for each other, for your own happiness that you determine, not a creed or code that demands you follow with blind obedience. For you will follow your own path, that is my hope with you, Miho

Quickly Miho spun around in place, looking around for the source of the voice that was familiar. The voice of the founder of the Nishizumi style, Miho's great ancestor who built their clans foundations and who was gifted with the Kage no hon'nō, the shadow instinct.

The voice of Nakano Nishizumi.

"Nakano," Miho call out gently.

Only a slight breeze was the answer to the call, the force of the wind causing the tree's around Miho to sway gently. Their branches waving along in the direction of the hut, as if they were telling her where to go, making Miho a bit frighten by this unnatural event. Yet, something compel her to obey, as she walk forward to the small hut, each step slow and precise, feeling her heart begin to pound faster and faster.

Soon, she was climbing the steps to the wooden platform the hut rested on. Miho then stood outside the shoji sliding door, taking a breath for courage, she reach a hand out to open it slowly giving some protest a bit, before sliding open. 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.

Everything is just the same that day me and Maho found it

Miho thought, taking off her shoes before stepping into the hut with careful steps. It was a bit dusty, but otherwise clean for the most part. Miho look over the large futon covering most of the small room, which was big enough for two people to share, yet held little interest to Miho.

As Miho look around the hut, her mind was playing back to that day when she found it with her sister for the significant reason why she was so drawn to this place, but her memories were a bit all over the place. Making Miho search with her eyes more vigorously around the small hut, then found the spot her memories latch onto. It was a sliding door closet that she shuffle over too, then got on her knees while opening the door slowly to look inside.

The last time when she was little, Miho remember there were two sets of clothes in this closet, belonging to her mother and father, but the closet was bare of anything save for dust now. Making Miho frown, wondering why her memories were so strong when it came to this spot, with nothing still coming to her as she look on, then began to close the sliding door feeling like she had just wasted time.

Yet, just as she was about to close the door fully, Miho notice a small gap in the back wall of the closet prompting her to open it again. With focused eyes, Miho hone in on the small gap in the wall as she reach a hand out to it pressing on it. The gap gave way, revealing it to be like a small secret door with something inside that captivated Miho the instant her eyes laid on it.

Inside this small compartment lay a long rectangular black case, though it look like it had been hidden away for some time, the case had a pristine shine. Making Miho feel a burst of excitement and trepidation all at once seeing the case, that she could not explain, making her reach out to open the case, and to the prize inside.

"Whoever is in there! Come out now!" A voice outside the hut boomed.

Miho instantly retracted her hand at the sudden booming voice outside, quickly she closed the small door, then the sliding door to the closet, feeling great disappointment having not been able to open the case, but also great fear knowing the voice outside was not Aozora's as she made her way to the entrance.

As she anxiously step outside onto the wooden platform, she has greeted with another familiar sight, making her breathless.

Standing proudly in her green and white stripe kimono, was a tall older woman with long black hair tied in a short ponytail that was draped over her left shoulder, and dark brown eyes. It was Kikuyo Idegami herself, though her eyes had a hard look at Miho as if she didn't recognize her at first and was treating her as an intruder.

Miho notice that Kikuyo was not alone, as she had Aozora on her knees in front of Kikuyo facing Miho with her left arm pulled behind her back by the strong maid. Aozora's face had some dirt on it, telling of a struggle, but was also panting in some discomfort from the maid that had subdued her.

Yet finally Kikuyo seem to recognize who she was looking at, but still ask in disbelief. "Miho?"

Hearing her name called by her long-time maid, made Miho smile, but found words wouldn't come to her to speak at the reunion. The pure joy of seeing Kikuyo could not be put into words, the very woman who had been a constant source of comfort over the years and someone Miho held close to her heart as family. Even though she had thought of this moment a lot, it didn't match the reality of seeing Kikuyo's face in person.

"See, I told you I wasn't lying about bringing your lady home," Aozora said painfully, but still smiling turning her head over to look at Kikuyo.

"Silence you, I don't know who you are, and just because you brought my lady home, doesn't mean I trust you," Kikuyo said, giving the arm she was holding hostage a tug upward to make her point to Aozora.

Making Aozora grunt a little from the sudden pull, but kept smiling through it all. "Harder please."

"What?" Kikuyo ask baffled.

"What?" Aozora ask back.

Seeing she needed to get the situation under control, Miho slip on her shoes and then came running down to the two women to speak. "Kikuyo, it's alright. Aozora is someone you can trust, she's the only reason I'm here now."

"She isn't some journalist in disguise?" Kikuyo questioned.

"No, she's the captain of our Chi-Ha-Tan air force," Miho answered quickly.

Aozora nodded to this as she spoke. "Yea, I've had enough of journalists anyhow, you be shocked how far they'll go for a scoop."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kikuyo questioned hotly, wanting to give Aozora's arm another tug, but the weird statement earlier when she had done that, made her decide to forgo that.

"It's nothing, please Kikuyo, she's protected me to get to this point, we can trust her," Miho pleaded.

Kikuyo gave it some thought, then finally relented, letting go of Aozora's arm, much to the pilot's relief, as Miho came over to check on her.

"You've got quite the skill, never saw you coming and you took me down wearing a kimono no less," Aozora complimented.

"I'm more than a maid for the Nishizumi family, I have a duty to protect all of them when I can, so don't test me," Kikuyo said with a scowl at Aozora.

Making Aozora raise her hands in surrender as she rose to her feet. "Fine, fine, don't worry. I'm just here to make sure Miho got home."

Kikuyo huffed in annoyance at the eccentric woman, then came over to Miho changing her hostile demeanor to a happy one as she spoke. "My lady, it's good to see you."

Miho watch as the Kikuyo, always one to be proper, bow to Miho gracefully. Yet the minute the maid raise her head, Miho jumped at her with a hug, wrapping her arms around Kikuyo tightly, burying her face into the older women's chest, making Kikuyo surprised by the sudden embrace, but just found herself needing this as much as Miho. Wrapping her arms around the young Nishizumi, the both them just clung to one another as if they were scared they be separated again, even if for a moment.

"I'm home Kikuyo," Miho mutter out.

"Welcome home, my lady," Kikuyo voice softly while stroking Miho's hair.

Then the two, much to their regret broke apart, as Miho spoke. "How did you know we were out here?"

"Mistress Shiho had a trip sensor installed at the perimeter of the forest," Kikuyo explain.

Which cause Miho to tilt her head in confusion. "She's never done that before."

Kikuyo frown a little before explaining, then spoke. "It was due to your father breaking into the estate sometime ago, after that Mistress Shiho decided to be more prudent in making sure the estates security was little more ready to deal with anyone sneaking through these woods."

"So, that's how dad got to talk with mom," Miho said, giving it some thought.

"What do you mean, my lady?" Kikuyo question.

Quickly, Miho explain about her waking up in the hospital and to the part her father had come to talk to her. Explaining he was the one to inform them about everything happening to the Nishizumi family and why Miho had made the choice to come home now, despite the perils.

After the short story was over, Kikuyo rub her forehead in agitation. "He did tell your mother he wanted to speak with you, but I can't imagine that's how Mister Tsueno wanted to do it."

"It wasn't ideal," Miho said with a chuckle.

"I was going to clobber him if Miho hadn't stopped me, the guy had a lot of nerve coming around her," Aozora said, hoping to get some points with Kikuyo.

Which didn't pan out, as Kikuyo eye Aozora with a hostile look. "Do not address my lady, with such a casual tone. I still don't trust you fully."

"Hey, she was the one to say it was fine to call her by her first name," Aozora fought back.

"Ah, please, no fighting," Miho interjected.

Kikuyo quickly relented to her lady's demand. "I'm sorry, my lady."

"It's fine," Miho said with a wave of the hands, then spoke. "Can you get us into the estate? I need to see my mom."

"My lady, I can't do that," Kikuyo said in a dejected tone.

"Why?" Miho quickly ask.

Kikuyo felt her heartbreak seeing the distraught on Miho's face, yet there was no sidestepping the issue. As now it was Kikuyo's turn to explain things to Miho. About the investigation being conducted to ascertain if Shiho was neglecting her daughters and could have no contact with them during it. Making Miho gasp at the revelation that such a thing was happening.

"Their wrong, mom never abused us," Miho defended.

Making Kikuyo smile gratefully, while a bit surprised by Miho's quick defense of her mom, when the maid knew their relationship in the past decade was tumultuous at best. Even if there was no physical abuse, the mental one was something Miho had gone through, which Kikuyo knew of, since Miho came to talk with Kikuyo a lot whenever she felt at her lowest. Yet, it seem the young Nishizumi was overlooking that for now.

"That is the truth of the matter, my lady. Shiho can have no contact with you in this time," Kikuyo said sadly.

Making Miho stare in disbelief that she was so close to her goal, but her mind would not just simply bow down to this. For Miho had promised her sister that they all could come home, that she would face her mother no matter the trials, and become the heiress she was meant to be. If Miho back down now, it would be all for naught, laws, and procedures be damn in Miho's mind.

"With respect Kikuyo, I cannot simply leave when I'm this close," Miho stated, looking at Kikuyo with determined eyes.

Breaking the maid's heart again, as she spoke. "I understand how you feel truly, but it is not just because of legal reasons I fear bringing you to your mother."

"What is it?" Miho ask, taking hold of both Kikuyo's hands for comfort and encouragement.

"Your mother…she is having a tough time dealing with all of this coming down on her….I fear…I fear….," Kikuyo struggle to say what she had to, because of the great love she had for the woman who had saved her life.

Miho softly patted Kikuyo's hands for support. "It's ok."

Taking a deep breath, Kikuyo spoke again. "I fear our Mistress Shiho has snapped under the pressure. She's fired all the other maids save me, but won't tell me why. Her anger is at a boiling point and she might not take kindly to seeing you, making me dread what might be said that could truly send you away. That would be too much for me, my lady, it would kill me."

Then Kikuyo lower her head, feeling great shame that she could not do more than just give a warning. It tore at her heart to have to keep Miho away from her mom, when she should be doing everything in her power to bring them together.

"Kikuyo," Miho said, getting the maid's attention.

Looking up, Kikuyo was greeted by Miho's angelic smile that made the older women's anxiety and fear ease away.

"No matter what befalls us, we advance," Miho said, shocking Kikuyo that she was using Shiho's watchwords for Sensha-do.

Miho spoke again. "I won't lie to say I'm scared of meeting my mother, even more so after what you told me. However, I have to advance, I have to show her I'm ready to be an heiress of this family as I always should have been, so please, take me to see her."

"Hmph, you've grown quite strong, my lady," Kikuyo commented happily, then nodded. "Very well, the police aren't guarding the back gate where the forest meets it. The guard there is loyal to us, so he won't bat an eyelash to seeing us in."

"Great, let's get this show on the road," Aozora finally spoke up with excitement.

"Your friend on the other hand," Kikuyo said, her tone now mistrusting.

"Aozora comes too, I won't make her go back to wait for me," Miho quickly said.

Causing Kikuyo to sigh, but smile at the same time. "Very well, my lady. I will bring you to Mistress Shiho and your friend can stay with me till this is all sorted."

"Great, quality time with a cute maid," Aozora teased.

"Do you wish to be put in the dirt again," Kikuyo threaten.

"Maybe," Aozora said with a devious smirk.

Making Kikuyo turn to Miho. "I'm not one to speak to openly, my lady. However, I find this friend of yours quite the weirdo."

"She has her moments though," Miho commented with a chuckle.

"Hey!" Aozora yelp, seeing Miho not come to her defense, but was simply wave to come along, as Kikuyo led them back to the estate.

With Miho all the way, trying to ready herself for the battle ahead.

XxxxX

I think I've had too much wine today or that's what Kikuyo will say to me again…what a pain

Shiho Nishizumi thought, as she sigh to herself, but took a sip from her expensive glass. Then Shiho swirl the remaining contents of the deep red liquid in the glass, watching it with deep disdain in her eyes. Because ironically, the very wine she was drinking to drown her sorrows at the present moment, was an expensive import from France that had been a gift to her by a certain someone who Shiho was cursing with every fiber of her being. The red wine bottle had been not been open in over 20 years, but today of all days, she had decided to pop the cap.

The bottle was a gift from Chiyo Shimada some years ago, when they both were in college. A time when Shiho was beginning to loosen up and be friendlier, though her rigid self was hard to break from entirely still. Chiyo who visited her one summer day had brought the wine from her trip to Europe as congratulation to Shiho for winning the National Flag in the College Sensha-do circuit, but told her to hold onto the day Chiyo was able to finally defeat Shiho for the national flag and they celebrate with this very bottle.

It was light-hearted joke, filled with deep competitiveness, to which Shiho joked back that she never open the bottle if that were the case, which only fire up Chiyo more. However, with the cannons not roaring and the shells not being sent at one another, Shiho could count Chiyo as a friend back then, probably her closes friend besides Kikuyo before they split when the cheating scandal came to light and Shiho return to her cold self to bring her family out of the mud.

Ironically, Chiyo has won, hasn't she?

Shiho thought, looking at the bottle on her desk with deep hatred. For it felt like she was admitting defeat now with her drinking, admitting that the Nishizumi style had no way to recover from the debacle it was facing.

Defeat.

A word Shiho was uncomfortable with or just a word she hadn't come to terms with. Yet that was the reality now, Shiho was defeated and nothing was going to save her now.

Though something more was compelling to begrudgingly enjoy this old gift than simply to sate the old bet, as it may have been simple boredom getting to her. For Shiho had been someone who had been a constant mover, going to meetings across Japan on Sensha-do business, meeting with sponsors, visiting youth academies, and checking on the progress of Kuromorimine's training. Not to mention visiting the tank factories that built the steel beast for the team, along with the ammo and spare parts that was not cheap by any means, so Shiho was scrupulous in making sure everything check out in the end.

Now that wasn't the case as Shiho was under house arrest, not allowed to go past the gates surrounding her family's estate. Which left the once busy body now with nothing to do, with Shiho unable to find something productive to do in her now free time. With the emptiness of the estate surrounding her, since all of the maids were gone save Kikuyo, by Shiho's own hand nonetheless, the headmistress of the Nishizumi family was finding herself walking the empty halls to try to alleviate the boredom to no avail.

All while this cabin fever was taking hold of Shiho, the stress on her mind regarding the investigation into the grievances of past members of Kuromorimine's team who had accused Shiho of allowing hazing to go on to anyone that didn't get in line with the Nishizumi style was eating at her. Though Shiho was adamant to her lawyer that these were false, there was a small creeping worry there was some truth to these claims.

As Shiho remembers during her times at Kuromorimine as a first-year, there were very zealous believers in the Nishizumi style, being one of the first Sensha-do styles to grace the new sport, though it had gained its claim to fame first in the sport Yumi no michi, or Way of the Bow along with the Shimada style. Making the style very well known among the young and old generation of women. Because of this long-standing prestige, any girl who didn't get in line with it or could not keep up was seen as not worthy to follow it.

The Nishizumi style demands you be made of steel, let go of your emotions, let go of your hesitation, only is advancing your watchwords, for we ladies of the style never take a step back, only forward now…

The line was from one of the third years that serve as sub commander to Shiho, who even as a first-year, was made a commander of Kuromorimine without a word of protest. Back then in Shiho's youth, was the Nishizumi style at it most zealous nature and more than once Shiho turn a blind eye to some of the unfortunate girls who couldn't keep pace and be subjected to hazing from others. It should have been stopped, but Shiho would not be the one to do it, the fear of her mother beating her for being soft compelled her to walk on past those pleading and accusing eyes.

"I was coward…a damn coward…yet who was going to speak out against the great Shiho Nishizumi…a legend…I chose to wear a mask of steel to hide my shame, let a rag on a pole be my shield from my guilt, and in the end, by some miracle, I was allowed to find happiness with a man I loved dearly…it must have been karma coming to collect when all of that fell apart," Shiho spoke to herself, taking a big chug from her glass, finishing off the red wine in her glass.

Shiho then stare at the empty glass, feeling herself have something in common with the inanimate empty object in her hand. For she felt just as empty, after years of filling her own glass with victories, becoming intoxicated on her own success, hoping they keep the whispers of her husband's infidelity at bay and the questions of the Nishizumi integrity.

"Dammit…what's even the point anymore? I gave everything to this family…my mind, my body, my very soul. Yet I have received nothing in return…nothing!...All that was mine truly were Maho and Miho! My daughters, my cubs, my world, and now they wish to take that! What do I have left!?" Shiho began to speak, her hand beginning to squeeze the glass in her hand tighter and tighter.

Then Shiho spoke again, her body shaking with rage. "Yet what did I give them? A few years of happiness and a decade of forced servitude. To be slaves as I was, with no will to fight against what broke me and broke them. They're better off without me…everyone is…this damn life has been nothing but loss, even at my happiess…I just can't take this…this need to keep fighting alone."

A small crack began to trickle down the cup, as Shiho squeeze tighter. Then another trickle, and another, and another, before long angry cracks sprouted all over the glass as the pressure from the Nishizumi Mistress became too much.

Happening in a flash, the glass shattered in Shiho's hand. The many shards fell on the desk in front of her. Shiho broke out of her trance, looking down at her hand and remarkably finding her skin hadn't been cut into by the shattering of the glass, but was sprinkled by the glass fragments.

Looking at the fragments, Shiho felt they represented her mind at this point. Broken beyond repair, the strong foundations that once kept it whole now nothing but fragments spread in so many directions, and like this broken glass now, it was no one but Shiho who had destroyed it by her own actions.

Her inability to find the courage to stand up to her mother.

Her inability to break the chains of the Nishizumi's style darker past, which were dug into her.

Her inability to simply be the loving mother she had always wanted to be, toss aside for duty.

For all her family's talk of strength and an iron will, Shiho had been the opposite. Weak and soft, using those former words to mask these weaknesses, but no longer were they able to hide her true self. A broken woman at her core, still the crying little girl curled up on the ground with bruises. That was who the real Shiho Nishizumi was, just a broken woman trying to hold onto the last of her sanity.

That had finally snapped truly.

Looking up from her hand, Shiho shook it off to get the last of the glass shards off. Then her eyes scan to a small low table sitting in the middle of the office. On the table was a large box, filled with something Shiho had hidden away, something that was precious to her. Yet now was something that was the past, no longer relevant to her in the present. Its memories needed to be erased, because they no longer brought her happiness, just regret.

I need to burn that box… then I can have a little freedom…because I'm abandoning everything…

Shiho thought, taking a deep breath. Yet just as stood up to walk over to the table, a small voice spoke outside the shoji sliding door leading to Shiho's office.

"My lady?" Kikuyo spoke, with a hint of nervousness in her voice Shiho could pick up on.

"Kikuyo, did you take care of the intruder sneaking through the forest?" Shiho instantly ask, since she was the one to order Kikuyo to take care of it, not wanting to get the police involve, while hoping it might be some Shimada spy Shiho might get answers out of.

"I did, but it seems this intruder was a visitor," Kikuyo said behind the door.

That made Shiho raise an eyebrow behind her long black bangs. "Speak plainly, I have no time for games Kikuyo or shall I be rid of your services?"

"No, my lady. Though I believe this visitor is one that you wish to see," Kikuyo spoke, this time with a little more confidence, making Shiho curious.

With a shake of the head in annoyance, Shiho sighed as well then spoke. "Very well, let them in."

The shoji door slid softly open, with Shiho starting coldly at it, wondering how she should treat this so-called 'visitor', with contempt already on the table. Yet she keep her composure for now, since Shiho had nothing to really gain and probably send them off as fast as they enter this room, while maybe taking out a little frustration on whoever it was, that might also take some boredom away as well.

Yet that would not be the case.

The visitor step into the room with slow steps.

Their facial expression Shiho knew well, because its traits were like hers. Though their hair was shorter than Shiho's while also a lighter brown compare to Shiho's dark brown one, the same with the eyes. They wore a simple light yellow and orange sweater, with light blue jeans, and white socks on.

It felt like time slowed down for Shiho, staring at this visitor, who was more than that to her. She was her blood, her pride and joy at a time, her cub, and most importantly her daughter. For there, standing in the doorway was none other than Miho, trying to put on a brave face as her eyes lock onto Shiho. Yet instead of a tearful reunion that any parent would have with their flesh and blood, both of them simply stare at one another.

A quiet tension began to fill the air of the office, becoming thicker as each second passed by. Mother and daughter continue their staring contest, as if they were daring the other to speak. With it seem from Shiho's perspective, was to be a losing battle for Miho who kept opening her mouth to speak, then closing it. Seeming to be petrified under Shiho's intense gaze that was unblinking, as Shiho felt her internal rage come over her as she was faced with this unforeseen event, not knowing how to handle it, especially with her earlier tirade of words and thoughts.

Needing to get control of the situation, Shiho spoke, her tone low and threatening looking past Miho to Kikuyo standing beside Miho in the doorway. "I see you don't listen to directions very well, Kikuyo."

"My lady, I couldn't possi-," Kikuyo said, baffled by her mistress's sudden accusing tone.

"Silence," Shiho said quickly, shutting down the maid who lower her head.

Miho was equally surprised by the hostility to Kikuyo, making her speak up. "Mo-."

"Quiet, I will deal with you in a moment," Shiho cut in, making her youngest bow her head as she had done before whenever she caught Shiho's ire.

Shiho then eye both Kikuyo and Miho with scorn, before finally finding her words. "Both of you don't understand the dilemma you place me in by your actions. Especially you Kikuyo, as you know I'm under investigation for child neglect and not supposed to have any contact with my daughters."

"I know, but Miho is here because she wants to see you, I can't ignore her wants…I can't ignore my want for this family to be whole again, my lady," Kikuyo shot back, surprising Shiho to see her speak out.

Kikuyo didn't stop with the surprises, as she fell to her knees to bow with her forehead touching the tatami floor as she spoke. "Forgive my insubordination, but I will not ignore my feelings. I will not ignore the happy days we shared together, and I will absolutely not keep Miho away from you. Law or not, I will do all my part to reunite this family, that's all I want in this world!"

Miho gasp at Kikuyo's statement, while Shiho look on with an emotionless face, yet one of her hands tighten into a fist at her side. Then Miho wanting not to let Kikuyo face this alone, sat on her knees next to the maid, then bow her head till her forehead was touching the tatami floor as well.

"Mo…mo…mom, please he…hear me out," Miho pleaded desperately.

Another passing moment of silence grip the room, as Shiho look at the two of them bowing to her on the ground with all they could. Making Shiho bring a hand up to rub her forehead as she felt a headache was coming on, but saw an opportunity at the present moment.

This isn't the ideal way I wanted this to happen, but I have a chance to break the cycle for good…

Shiho thought, then brought her hand down from her face as she spoke. "Very well, Kikuyo you may leave, but we will be having a discussion about your insubordination later."

Kikuyo rose her face to meet Shiho's eyes. "Yes, my lady."

Then Kikuyo rose to her feet with Miho following suit, then both of them shared a look. A look Shiho was familiar with, the same one they share in happier days for the family, a look of trust and encouragement. Kikuyo once again playing her role as a supporter for Shiho's daughters like before, making Shiho once again come to face that someone else was doing a better job playing the parent role with her daughters than her. Another reminder of her failure as a mother, another slap in the face by her own doing.

Kikuyo finally left the room, slowly closing the shoji sliding door. Leaving the Tigress and her cub truly alone, but once more nothing but silence fill the room. Miho fidgeted in place, with her hands clasped together as she try to find the words that were failing to come to her, while Shiho cross her arms staring at Miho, taking in every inch of her youngest.

It felt like years since Shiho had seen Miho truly since she left this estate to escape the Nishizumi style, or better put, to escape her mother's demands. Shiho wasn't blind to that, having been the main reason Maho had helped in this escape wanting Miho to be free in the end, but not to leave Sensha-do entirely, but take it up again without expectations and without Shiho's scrutinizing gaze at Miho's back.

To what end was she here, Shiho didn't know and all she wanted was for Miho to leave as quickly as possible.

"I see you're just as reckless off the field as you are on it," Shiho commented bluntly.

The sharp tone made Miho tense up, but spoke. "I…I don't mean to be. I had to come to see you."

"You didn't, you are causing nothing but trouble by being here, now leave," Shiho commanded.

"But mom," Miho said, her face filled with horror by her mother's words.

"What? You thought you come here and think I welcome you with open arms. Remember you ran from this home because you wanted to be free of me," Shiho snap at her youngest.

"I did, bu-," Miho try to explain frantically, as she was losing control of the conversation.

Shiho place a hand on her hip. "All your life, you've been a carefree spirit. Never did you truly understand what it means to be a Nishizumi, of what it asks of us ladies. Unlike your sister, you never wanted to truly be an heiress."

"I know I shy from my duties, but I come home to face my responsibilities," Miho said, finding some courage in her voice.

"To face your responsibilities?" Shiho sounded out, then her face became grave. "So, you get to pick and choose when you wish to be Nishizumi? Only when it's convenient? Have you not looked around, it's too late for that."

"It's not mother, we can rebuild. I don't want to simply stand aside anymore like I did before, I want to face this storm together like it should have always been!" Miho stated frantically.

Yet that only made Shiho more annoyed. "You had your chance, now leave, you're causing me trouble by being here and I don't need more legal actions place on me."

Miho felt her mouth become dry, her body feeling deflated. The happy reunion she had wanted was slipping through her hands. Even she knew there would be some fight with her mother, but she had hoped to push past it, and make her mother see that she wanted to help bring the Nishizumi family back up. To no longer run from her responsibilities, but not be a slave to them at the same time, for Miho wanted to build something new that would break the cycle of what had shadowed their family.

"I can't leave, not without breaking this wall between us," Miho shot back taking a few steps closer to her mother.

"There is no wall, there is nothing left between us. You wanted your freedom, now you have it at your new school, so don't bother me with useless words," Shiho said, her mind wanting desperately for her daughter to leave, as the anger was building more and more, making her liable to say things that might never be able to take back.

"There is, ever since that day dad left," Miho said, taking a few more steps towards her mother.

Shiho didn't notice, as she eyes were staring off to the side, unable to meet her daughters. "Your father was unfaithful, a coward of a man who left everything on me for nothing more than his own fears."

Now Miho was within arm's reach of her mother, her hands still clasped together against her chest, her breaths coming in short bursts as she was going to speak her mind. "You left us too, that day."

"Excuse me," Shiho snapped, turning her eyes on Miho.

"Me and Maho, you left us that day. In one instant you became a stranger, not the mother I loved so dearly," Miho said, her eyes lock on her mother.

Shock took over Shiho, seeing Miho talk once more openly. Before, Miho would simply cower under Shiho's gaze alone before any reprimanding happened, yet here the young cub was baring its fangs against the mother, showing the traits of a Nishizumi. Though Shiho would not back down from her path, to be done with this life and give her daughters the freedom they deserve.

Even if she had to personally break the very life she brought into this world.

While, much to her shame, Shiho could take her frustrations out as well.

"I did what I had to do, something you never understood. Your road is the one of sun and warmth, I was brought up in the cold and unforgiving. When I had to bring the Nishizumi name out of the mud because of my unfaithful husband, it was not by being the loving mother you so desperately want, but by the woman I always was," Shiho explain, her voice rising some.

"Because of Panzer Kettō?" Miho ask.

That made Shiho blink for a second, as if she hadn't hear Miho properly. "How do you know about that?"

"Maho told me, she told me everything," Miho said, her body beginning to tremble at the thought of her mother's participation in the customs of old. "Yet, I want to hear you say to, I want you to tell me why you did what you did."

"That is none of your concern, our family is done, the past can stay buried now leave," Shiho said, her voice low and threatening.

However, unlike before, Miho didn't back down keeping her focus lock on her mother. "It is my concern, I travel all this way, when…when…when I have every right to never want to see you again!"

"Do not raise your voice to me!" Shiho shot back, done with trying to keep her composure that was a losing battle.

"Why!? Because I for once am not bowing to your demands!?" Miho shouted now, feeling like she was getting years' worth of words she wanted to speak, all in this one instant.

Shiho pointed a finger at Miho in anger. "No! Because you don't understand what I've had to sacrifice to get to this point! What I have to endure! None of you understand!"

"Then help me understand! I'm your flesh and blood! I'm on your side!" Miho said, trying furiously to get through to her mother.

"You were never on my side! All I ask of was to uphold the Nishizumi name, to take hold of its teachings, to let it steel your heart for the day I officially let you and your sister lead the family! Yet, instead of being at my side you cower at every step! You are no Nishizumi!" Shiho shot back, her words becoming no longer about making her daughter leave, but simply to air out her defeated state.

"You were the one to promise us that we learn the Nishizumi style in a different way, when we were kids," Miho argued.

Shiho shook her head with a dark laugh following. "You think…you think that has any merit in this argument. The cheating scandal put shame on our name, there was no time to find a new way! Only the old path would see us through! Yet you never understood this, all you care for were your own whims and wants! You didn't see how losing the man I love was destroying me!"

"I know dad lea-," Miho try to say.

"I wasn't allowed to even breath before people were whispering behind my back," Shiho said, her eyes growing soft with sadness, her shoulders slumping, shocking Miho who had never seen her mother in this defeated state.

Shiho then spoke again. "All I had done for years to build a better image of our family, just gone in one instant. All the power we had meaning nothing, because others found the integrity of our family lacking. What choice did I have? I had to silence these doubts not with honeyed words, but with the way of the true Nishizumi. A way that had made me who I am, that guided my hand even if it in turn shatter my mind, and most importantly left no doubts of our families might."

"I understand I never had a grasp of the pressure on you, but still, you had me, Maho, and Kikuyo by your side, why cast us aside?" Miho voice, wanting urgently to make her case.

Yet those words only seem to ignite the flame in Shiho once more. "I cast aside the loving mother to protect you! Why don't you get this!? I've done what I had to for you and Maho, so when you came to inherit the family it would not be one of questions, but of respect!"

"At what cost!?" Miho fought back, making Shiho back off a little. "Look what's it's done to you! This want to fight voices with our family's power has caused you to lose your humanity!"

"It had no-," Shiho try to say.

As now it was Miho's turn to fight back. "What about Koume!? You scolded me for saving her life! For putting lives over a prestige! If she had died, how do you think I will be able to have gone on with life normally!? I would have never touched a tank again in my life! And I would never want to see you again!"

"You think I don't know that!" Shiho said turning her body away from Miho, trying to hide her contorting facial emotions that were getting hard to keep under control.

"Then this whole argument is pointless," Miho said, calming her voice down, feeling it becoming hoarse by this back and forth. "We both made mistakes, I didn't grasp the situation and you alone had to carry the family name. Yet we can recover, I want to be the heiress of this family, please mom."

"I…I…," Shiho struggle to find her words, feeling the fight leaving her.

"Please mom, you don't have to do this on your own. I know you're not a monster people make you out to be, your my mom, I've seen you at your happiest, the day's when you held me close and told me you love me," Miho said, thinking finally she was getting through.

Yet, she was rebuffed, as she was greeted to the sight of her mother, the great Shiho Nishizumi, with tears coming down her face. Making Miho gasp, as she had never seen her mother cry before, even when she was fighting with her dad, she always put on a brave face in the end and a smile to make Miho and Maho feel things would eventually be alright.

Shiho then spoke, her voice so soft, Miho had to strain to hear here. "How can love me? A woman who put her own goals in front of others."

"I ju-," Miho try to say.

"What Fukushu told you in that match was true…I destroy the very women around me who were family, because I needed to stay head of the family and the leader of the Nishizumi style," Shiho said, her lip quivering all the while.

Miho remain silent, as it seem her mom was getting things off her chest.

"I did it without a hint of regret, without a hint of mercy. I beat every one of them into the ground and I could care less what happen to them afterward. Scolded or thrown out of the family, I didn't bat an eyelash, so is that the kind of mother you want to love?" Shiho ask, looking at Miho with angry tears coming down.

"You don't mean that mom, you had regret, I know that," Miho try to reason.

Which only made Shiho chuckle sadly. "No, I didn't. That woman who raise Fukushu, her name is Konomi. You want to know what happen to her after I beat her in that duel. She was thrown out on the street, made to walk alone with no support. Then a man try to play prince by helping her at her darkest and then forced himself on her, then made to walk the streets again. I didn't make an attempt to look for her or find out what happened till she told me herself. Is that the mom you can love, huh Miho?"

Miho said nothing feeling herself become fearful of her mother's words.

"I'm not as strong as people think," Shiho said, shaking her head. "I'm weak and pathetic, I hide behind strength because I fear what being exposed to hope can do for me. I had hope for my future in Sensha-do would be about fun, but instead, I hated every fucking moment of it!"

"You hated Sensha-do?" Miho said in surprise.

"Of course I did, why love something that I was forced to do! That I was beaten into submission to do, I only had a fleeting moment where I loved it, nothing more, just a moment in time," Shiho said, feeling herself losing the strength in her legs.

With Miho finding herself unable to come up with words to this revelation, that shocked her to her core.

"Can you imagine it? I only love this damn sport, when you and your sister would talk to me about it as kids. To see the joy in your faces when come up to me wanting to learn about tanks…all on your own too, I didn't force you, I didn't beat it into you, I just saw you take to it naturally as I should have done, as I should have been allowed to do," Shiho said, as if she wasn't talking to Miho anymore, but herself.

"Mom…," Miho trail off.

"Yet…how can that be? Me, the prodigy and then legend, not loving a sport I was great at. Though I was forced into being a slave to the Nishizumi style, I didn't fight back, I just cower on the ground with my bruises, I didn't choose to get up…I guess I'm still just lying on the ground…I'm still that scared little girl," Shiho said, the feeling in her legs going out of her, as she slid down onto the floor.

Instantly Miho drop to her knees, placing her hands on her mother's shoulder to her stay steady. As Shiho went limp falling into Miho's chest as her daughter wrap her arms around her, the fighting taking the last of her energy away, for all she felt was the fatigue from the struggle. Yet, in her daughter's arms, for probably the first time in days, Shiho felt at peace. Shiho felt like this is where she belonged, even if she had no right to this comfort. For all the disgusting acts that Shiho committed in the name of duty, the simple warmth of the life she brought into the world, was soothing her batter soul.

Looking up, Shiho look into Miho's eyes, staring at her with deep concern, as if Shiho was truly seeing her daughter for the first time. "Miho?"

"Yea," Miho said, petrified about her mother's odd state.

Yet Shiho pressed on, bringing her hands up to touch Miho's face as it felt like her eyes were truly opened. "Miho? My sweet cub? What have I done?...what have I done?...oh god, my baby...my babies…I have neglected you…I try to make into the very thing I hated."

"It's ok, I'm here mom, and I'll never leave you, not ever again. I promise," Miho said, feeling light at the end of the tunnel.

"You promise?" Shiho said, her voice tired, her eyes losing their fight to stay open.

"I promise," Miho agreed.

Shiho nodded, then fell forward onto Miho who gasp at her mother's weight, but held her up to the best of her ability.

Shiho muttered one last phrase before she lost consciousness. "Welcome home."

Miho smile, as she heard her mother's small snores, telling she was out for good. While Miho let out a huge breath of relief, feeling like they had just condensed their argument that had years' worth of baggage into this small moment. Taking a lot of energy out of Miho, feeling herself ready for sleep. However, she wanted her mom to sleep comfortably, instead of this tangle mess they were in, so Miho called for Kikuyo.

The maid walk in with trepidation, but quickly turn to joy seeing Miho was alright, then quickly gather Shiho up into a bridal carry, surprising Miho by Kikuyo's strength. Then Kikuyo told her that it be best to wait till Shiho was sober and rested before trying to talk again, which Miho agreed to, wanting to go flop down on her bed for some much-needed sleep.

Yet, as Miho was leaving the room, she noticed a box on the low table that made her curious. She came over to the box and open it up. Surprising her that it was fill with picture books, which made Miho grab the first one in the pile. Then open it to a random page, making her smile with small tears coming down her cheek.

For it was photos Kikuyo had took of Miho and Maho on a little beach outing as kids, the sisters were enjoying slices of watermelons with their faces covered in seeds, while their mother, with her warming smile, was wiping them away. The next photo was of Miho and Maho walking along the shoreline as the dusk settled, walking hand and hand down the sandy beach. Laughing and smiling as they always should have been doing.

Miho reach a hand out to touch the picture, a memory of the past, but one day would be the future as well. "Don't worry mom, I won't let us fade. I will find the path for our family back to the top, but we won't do it without each other, you will find your path and will love Sensha-do, like you always wanted to."

As the Tigress had finally come home, but the fight for her family had only just begun.

---

Authors Thought:

There it is! Miho has returned home!

I honestly hope this turn out alright, since I was nervous about Miho and Shiho's heated moment that was to happen, no matter what. It's something I've really been looking forward to get to, since it will probably not happen in Das Finale or they will gloss over the whole issue, which is understandable since at the end of the day it's simple show about cute girls in tanks.

So I hope I gave this critical meeting between daughter and mother some justice.

Thanks for stopping by to read as always you awesome readers, have great rest of your day, be safe and be well, till next Authors Thought.