Kaiser briefed the remaining cadets, walking through the rows of cadets he passed detailed pictures of vehicles and sheets of students that had made impressions in the sport from their careers at Pravda. Skills they had focused as well as likely the capabilities and weaknesses of both the machines and operators alike were the focus.

Though last minute, the briefing was intended as such so that in the days prior their focus was on sharpening their skills. Knowing this information would be useful if they knew how to implement it but having the skills to do so was necessary. The mental relief they received was a bonus. The only information withheld was that of the three enemy commanders deemed only for squad leaders.

Once Kaiser dismissed the cadets, little time remained as they approached their destination. Most cadets seemed somewhat distracted by further third element as their excitement for the upcoming holidays since today was the 23rd of December.

Casting a glance out the window Kaiser noticed the sun standing blindingly high. Weather reports said it would remain so until receding early at midday. He couldn't help but feel the match was scheduled with such a slim daylight margin because some believed they would stand no chance against Pravda. Perhaps it was just his paranoia as Virtanen said. A spectacular sight was to occur as well, for all the ominous foreshadowing it held there would be a blood moon in the early hours after dusk.

'Ever since I started living on my own I haven't celebrated the holidays as much' lamented Kaiser. Thoughts and memories of his family filled his mind while rows of cadets chattered amongst themselves. Once the excess cadets had filed out of the car and the designated occupants sat down Kaiser caught himself stuck in thought, lost for a moment amidst the noise.

Glancing around to see if anyone had noticed his moment of aloofness he saw familiar white hair and fair skin. "Lt Frost" announced Kaiser loud enough for Diana to hear.

Freezing at the sudden call of her name Diana slowly turned to see him gesturing for her to come over. Seeing no hostility about him she quickly stood from her seat and excused herself from her friends. "You called sir?"

Kaiser gestured behind himself with a thumb. "In the rear car with O'Diveley's squad is a large wrapped package, be sure to load it into your vehicle. Ask Virtanen for details before the match, you may need it later". With a curious gaze and a nod at the ambiguous order, she joined her friends once more.

Her friends pointedly averted their eyes from him as he walked past and entered the next car. He was immediately greeted by a familiar voice. "Morning sir, how are you faring today?" asked Natalya. Behind her, Valerya leaned to the side waving with a polite Hello. The rest of the cadets sat in the middle and front of the car leaving them alone in the back.

"Natalya, Valerya, How are you two?" Asked Kaiser, who had begun addressing them by their first names to reduce confusion when giving orders. Both seemed delighted by the change and quickly took it as a sign of closer ties. Valerya, greedy as ever, voiced her own wish. "Didn't I say you can call us Nat and Val" she pouted.

Ignoring her Kaiser turned to the elder sibling. "Did you need something of me?" Natalya hesitated at addressing the topic, fiddling with her hands at her sides. Seeing her flustered was a rare sight that had become more common in his presence. He found it strange as he had assumed they were past the awkward memories of their prior arguments.

He had offered to help her in any troubles but as expected she hadn't taken the opportunity to reach out. He had, however, taken to privately instructing her and her sister in spare time to improve their skills. Both sisters were model students and therefore had the time and passion to excel even if it contrasted with their pubic reputations.

Some saw unfairness once the tutoring was revealed stating it was unfair to others. Kaiser was quick to dismiss them saying "My subordinate's success is my foremost concern as it affects me as well". His dismissal and callous tone ended any argument.

The excess time with the siblings had revealed ways of handling the pair as much as it had them grow accustomed to him. Seeing his peer now flustered Kaiser did as he had become accustomed to and turned to her other half. "Valerya would you mind explaining in her stead?"

Valerya sighed as she stood and stepped in front of her older sister. "She wants to thank you for all you've done in the past few months and since the holidays are coming she thought she would get you a gift. Ain't that right Nat?" Natalya gave a small nod in embarrassment. With a giggle and a nudge, Valerya teased her sister. "Quite uncharacteristic isn't it?" she asked Kaiser as her sister clenched her eyes shut in embarrassment. "Go on." insisted Valerya.

Instead of a packaged gift, Natalya presented a folded red scarf in her right hand. With averted eyes, she spoke. "Although it's not much I'd like to say thank you, sir. I sincerely mean it. I didn't know what to do and so with Valerya's advice, I got you something you could use. winter gear that is in accordance with the uniform policy."

Valerya elbowed her sister who took the blow with a quiet "Oof". Valerya whispered in her confused sister's ear. "Don't mention another girl when you're giving him a gift! Say it was all your idea! Your thoughtfulness"

Natalya argued back in a hushed whisper. "You're my sister, why would I lie about your help?"

Valerya slapped a hand against her forehead in frustration. "Sometimes I swear you do this on purpose" she groaned

As the two sisters quietly argued Kaiser hesitated, taken aback by the sudden gift. His silence caught the girl's curiosity. As they turned to see his reaction he came out of his thoughts. "Are you sure? I'm afraid I'm not used to receiving such things." He explained, receiving a snicker from Valerya and a gentle nod from Natalya, he took the scarf. "I haven't anything for you" he apologized looking the gift over.

Surprised at the response, Natalya corrected him. "Oh no! It's not anything formal. You don't need to feel as if you're indebted or anything. You've already done plenty".

Uncomfortable at being on the receiving end of such sincerity Kaiser gave a stiff nod. "Thank you, I'll use it well and treat it carefully."

"So? Are you going to try it on?" asked Valerya lazily failing to hide a face-splitting grin behind her hand. Kaiser gave an indifferent glance to her before turning back to see Natalya's response.

"Hey what's with the obvious difference in treatment?" whined Valerya as her sister snickered at the preferential treatment.

"We'd like to see how well your gift suits you" grinned Natalya returning to her usual poised self.

As they waited for him to try it on Kaiser shrugged, wrapping the cloth around his neck and tucking the ends into the front of his jacket. Distracted by the soft fabric and the warmth around his throat, he leaned to one hip, looking down at the accessory.

Cautiously he glanced up, feeling awkward at modeling the garment, to see Natalya with a smile. "It suits you better than I expected" she complimented. Valerya stood with a smug expression and held her phone. A camera shutter went off as he noticed it. In an instant, he snagged the phone from her amidst her complaints and attempts at jumping for it while he held it overhead.

Putting a hand on her head and pushing the younger sister away like a child he looked at the few pictures she took. "Not bad," he lamented. The scarf itself blended rather well with their Sensahdo uniforms black and white. So much so, that it was to the point it seemed almost a part of the dress code.

Said dress code was relatively lenient on accessories as long as they complimented the student's uniform in color and necessity. In such cases, the colors red, white, black, and blue were authorized while any others needed permission.

Valerya took one last defiant hop to retrieve her property and retaliated by teasing her sister once more. "It took everything I had to get convince her to get the damn thing! You could act a lot more grateful to both of us ya know? Especially with how much she worried over it and I had to think about it". Though Valerya's tone was cheerful, her eyes shared an annoyed glance at her sibling.

Her next nuisance was seeing the photos she took were deleted by Kaiser. "Why did you delete them?!"

"Taking photos without permission is rude" he answered plainly.

With a pout, Valerya waved another device in her free hand. "Oh well, I got some on nat's phone too~"

"How did you get my phone!?" asked Natalya, fervently patting her pockets for the pickpocketed device.

As Valerya taunted her sister by tossing the device back and insinuating that she wouldn't delete the photos of her own volition anyway, an epiphany struck her. "One more thing sir, you've probably already heard but will you be attending the Christmas party this weekend?"

Kaiser shook his head and realized why Diana and her peers were probably avoiding eye contact earlier. Perhaps they felt obligated to mention it and couldn't bring themselves to it or perhaps they simply didn't want him there to threaten their fun.

Kaiser let a small snark out. "No, this is the first I've heard of it. Seems I wasn't deemed worthy of attendance." Though he wasn't bitter or saddened by the fact his peers became uncomfortable at the revelation.

"O-Oh" stuttered Valerya.

"I'm sure it was a mistake" reassured Natalya. "They were probably just unsure on how to approach you."

Valerya eagerly nodded her head. "Yeah, not many people can come up and be friendly with you like us right?"

Kaiser grinned at their attempt to spare his feelings. "Thank you for the invitation I'll think about my attendance. It may be brief, however" he informed.

Seemingly relieved the sisters took a breath of relief. "We look forward to seeing you there" they chimed in unison. Their earnest smiles almost made him look forward to the event. He quickly dispersed the thought.

Relaxing his tone and easing his eyes into a gentle expression he reminded them. "First comes our match. Stay focused and everything will work out. Just as I promised." The end was a reminder to Natalya but an assurance for both of them knowing Valerya had most likely heard of the promise as well.

Valerya gave a simple salute and "Mhmm" with a smile. Natalya's face reddened slightly, a hand against her chest and a warm "Yes sir".

The two sisters turned to take a seat when Kaiser called for Natalya out of curiosity. "By the way Is that a new accessory?" He asked pointing to the barely noticeable chain beneath her blouse. Natalya stopped in place, surprised at the question and grasping at the ornate chain beneath her clothing. Taking the opportunity with a catty grin, Valerya swiped at the silver chain and revealed it. The ornate silver chain held a peculiar ornament.

"A 9mm round?" Kaiser asked.

"I'm surprised you saw that sir, as perceptive as ever" complimented Natalya, laughing the situation off while also sending a glare of death to her sister. The shorter sibling merely responded with an amused smile.

"As if I wouldn't notice a change in one of my subordinates, especially a physical one."

"Is that sexual harassment I hear?" mocked Valerya, leaning in towards Kaiser with a fake laugh. "Nat has been growing in more ways than one" she informed, raising her eyebrows suggestively. Her sister who had been nearly petrified a moment ago at his comment quickly detained her sister with a hand silencing her mouth.

Seeing Natalya's beet-red face, Kaiser continued a softer line of questioning. "Anyways, is it sentimental to you?"

Natalya's eyes were narrowed and panically looked around. Her grip tightened down on her flailing sister who sought release from the painful embrace to no avail. "Yes, you could say it is somewhat".

"I see, well then we'll stop that talk here, after all, it seems the entire car has been eavesdropping for most of our talk". He informed

With her face as red as he'd ever seen and Vaerya's nearly going blue from lack of air Natalya retreated with her sister to a pair of seats isolated from the other car inhabitants. Kaiser followed after worried he'd lose one of his commanders if her sister didn't release her grip soon.

Once they had calmed down Kaiser left to sit alone and took the chance to read to calm his mind, a moment of solace and the opportunity to catch up on one of his past times. A welcome reprieve no matter how little time he had.

It wouldn't last long as he was interrupted not once but twice. The first was by Natalya who approached him with a small vatrushka, the likes of which were being spread amongst the cadets, someone's overly eager mother having baked it for them all. All were enjoying the small fruit-filled pastry and Kaiser himself asked for his regards to be extended. With a pleased nod, Natalya returned to her peers who were thankful for the warm snacks.

The second interruption was as expected as the two always came in pairs. Valerya plopped down into the seat opposite him as she began to hum to herself satisfied. Kaiser marked his page and lowered his book. "What do you need?"

"Oh? Finally ready to talk?" she replied sarcastically. Kaiser raised his book with one hand, threatening to ignore her and return to reading. Ignoring his curt attitude, Valerya tossed her blonde locks over her shoulder and continued unphased.

"Snappy as ever." she began, "Not that it isn't fun in its own way".

"Your purpose for this conversation is?" Demanded Kaiser unwilling to listen to her fawn over how much she liked pestering him. Resisting his tone as she seemed to be the only one unnerved by him, Valerya continued at her own pace. "You know~ There's been quite a bit of talk about you, right?"

"I'm gossiped about as much as any other officer here thanks to that gossip blog" he deadpanned.

Valerya rolled her eyes. "I mean in the female circles. You're even garnering some jealousy with how much time you've been spending with me and Nat. Some even say you're favoring my dear big sister~" she grinned. Leaning forward, she rested her chin on her hands, waiting for a reaction. Seeing none she retracted herself with a huff.

Kaiser looked listlessly out the window as her eyes bored into him. With a sigh he replied. "Is that so? Although baseless rumors, I'll be sure to limit my interactions with you two, I know you have reputations to uphold after all".

"Eh? A-are they really so baseless? I mean you and sis have been spending a lot of time together but that's no means to be hasty, after all, we don't really care about our reputations, and- Ow!" As Valerya rushed to dissuade him from his decision Kaiser leaned forward and delivered a flick to her forehead.

"Enough tactless teasing, you know two things about me. One your usual persona doesn't work on me and two, I may be callous enough to cut people off but you two are too valuable for me to do so."

Valerya rubbed her brow. Glancing behind she ensured no cadets could hear her tone change. Her cheery personality switched back to the smug grin and calculating eyes she had shown him before. "You know, you seem to have grown colder recently. If that's even possible. You broke through Nat's cold exterior and got her to be sociable but it seems you've taken on some new burden yourself."

Kaiser gave a sharp look at her observation. "I'd say any day with you is a day of burden". He quipped.

Valerya gave a saccharine smile. "Aw, You're willing to accept me despite that? I knew you liked me".

"Whatever you need to justify yourself" he refuted.

"Anywho, it's clear that you won't confess your problems if Nat or I haven't heard yet, so I'll leave it at that. A few curious eyes seemed to think something may have been weighing on your mind. Whether you believe it or not some people here do worry about you".

"Oh they'll come to regret it later, I assure you," he remarked.

Valerya's smile widened. "If there's nothing then I can't do anything can I?" she asked sarcastically. Hopping out of her seat, she began to walk off with her hands behind her back.

Kaiser watched her small back go as he wondered, 'Had I really seemed so distraught? Who would have even noticed?''

Suddenly an object flew at him, catching the item, he saw it was a small black leather wallet. Looking up he saw Valerya leaning against a seat. "Before I forget, Merry Christmas. It may not be as sentimental as that scarf but I couldn't think of anything else to get you, you're quite hard to shop for. Hope you like it."

Kaiser eyed the gift and raised a brow. Valerya seemed dissatisfied with his lack of thanks. "You could just say thank you ya know".

Kaiser took out his wallet and began transferring its contents to his new gift. Valerya was surprised. Once finished Kaiser snickered. "It must be the end of the world. The Valerya Prokov buying a man a gift? If I'm not careful and your fans hear of this they may come for my life".

Valerya seemed for the first time in his memory, to be genuinely embarrassed. With a slight shade of pink, she turned, quickly departing. Don't go making a mountain out of a molehill" she bit back.

He had heard rumors of her as well. A notable royalty at school that was always showered in gifts by others. He could only imagine the rumor mill if word got out he had received gifts from both infamous Prokov sisters even though they were only cordial. He had no worries about any leaks. The two girls were anything if not thorough and seeing as the car was only full of their squads and his, he had no worries as he returned to his small book.

-Transition-

The sun had reached its peak when Transcendence had arrived and would set only a few hours later. Just in case the match dragged on into dim moonlight, the audience would enjoy watching the bout on giant screens in night vision. But until then the cold early night was held at bay by the sun beaming down from overhead with nary a cloud in the sky.

The terrain was of interest, the majority consisted of smooth rolling hills containing grain fields and the odd section of woods here and there. The only urban terrain to speak of was an industrial city in the northeast and the occasional outlying village or farmstead.

The armored column unloaded and departed the trainyard and arrived at the meeting point just east of their soon-to-be playground. The vehicles were then organized into columns of three, lining each squad up neatly before dismounting. The crews went about checking over their vehicles while the odd reporter, overexcited student journalist, or local tried to pry for questions. Kaiser, Virtanen, Knight, and Sokolov met at the front of the formation.

"Glad we could avoid getting snagged by the interviewers" Knight sighed in relief fearing his anxiety would have bested him.

Sokolov nodded in agreement. "I don't think I could handle any more publicity until after the match. Virtanen's eyes drifted to Kaiser who was observing their surroundings.

"So what wisdom does our esteemed vice commander have for us today?" asked Virtanen sarcastically.

"Come now Virtanen, sarcasm is unbecoming of one such as you" replied Kaiser, oozing with sarcasm himself.

Virtanen huffed at the mockery. "Oh, but when it's you it's just so charming".

Fearing tension between the two Knight suggested they carry on. "We should head out while we can. Don't want to be late, do we?" he meekly suggested.

Sokolov pitched in and tapped both commanders on their shoulders to usher them along. "O'Diveley will be causing a ruckus in the stands if we make him wait you know."

Remembering O'Diveley's shenanigan with the tank in the tree the two nodded and moved on. The set was reminiscent of their scrimmage match with Saunders. The only differences were in the absence of a stage and far more monitors. The crowd's tame chatter and the lack of cheerleaders were accompanied by Pravda's marching band playing none too cheerful music, instead playing an eery march as their students arrived in large numbers.

Kaiser caught himself staring perhaps too long at the female judges as he observed the uniform's unique attire such as the gorget they wore.

A short exchange between the lead judge and Virtanen led to both Transcendence and Pravda waiting until called. Once called the judges announced the match and its participants, then the exchange between schools to officiate the matches started.

During the introductions, Kaiser noticed two things. The BA-64 armored car that the Pravda commanders had arrived in was coincidentally operated by two very familiar faces. There was no mistake they were indeed the two females that had covered for him during his short stay. 'Alina and Kira' he recalled.

Looking in their direction the two soon caught his gaze. The blonde nudged her black-haired counterpart in surprise. They had surely heard he was a spy, the disbelief on their faces must've been from seeing him in all black as the vice-commander of their enemy. Sending a sly wave and grin their way their attention was called elsewhere.

Sokolov was staring intently at the Pravda crews only to skittishly avert his eyes once someone looked his way. Virtanen took the chance to ease his nerves by pointing it out.

Virtanen elbowed his peer asking him teasingly "Oi, anyone catch your eye?"

Surprised at being caught, Sokolov surprisingly nodded. "The blonde" he grumbled in an embarrassed attempt to hide his shame. Knight and Virtanen's heads snapped over to the enemy entourage, the only logical choice in their mind leading to them deciding he must've been thinking of Clara.

Kaiser watched as his two colleagues awkwardly tried to reassure Sokolov, having unanimously decided, but not voicing their thoughts that she was out of his league.

"Well, I suppose this match will be a good way to show off" encouraged Virtanen.

"I'm sure she'll… notice you" agreed Knight awkwardly.

"Pravda's beauties are weapons in their own right aren't they?" joked Virtanen trying to alter the topic. Neither he nor Knight looked at Sokolov less their faces betray their thoughts of his chances, instead, they watched their enemy move about.

Kaiser Followed his peer's gaze and felt surprised. Giving a double-take to ensure he wasn't mistaken. Shaking his head he sighed internally. 'Why are there suddenly so many distractions right before the match?' he asked himself.

Once the introduction of both crews ended, both parties stepped forward facing each other. Knight, squirmed while avoiding looking at Clara. Virtanen looked up at Katyusha who was sitting atop of Nonna, and Kaiser, feeling somewhat irked by the ridiculous posture his enemies took on such a serious event, felt the pressure of both Clara and Nonna glaring daggers. Sokolov had chosen to stand back deeming his presence in the spotlight unnecessary."

Virtanen extended his hand up towards the girl riding proudly atop Nonna. "To a fair and excitable match," he offered in a forced tone of friendliness. His smile begged for her to comply at least for the cameras.

As expected, Katyusha looked down at them, figuratively and literally. To add insult to injury for Virtanen she addressed Kaiser first. She then huffed her chest crossing her arms. "I, Katyusha, will at least give you the mercy of seeing her best on the field but only for you, whom Nonna and Clara deemed worrisome."

With a wince of pain Katyusha became quiet, Nonna had covertly pinched her leg at divulging too much. Virtanen's rising temper prevented him from noticing as he raised a twitchy eyebrow at the indirect insult.

With a sniffle, Katyusha regained her composure: "Nonna, Clara, let's go!" As the announcer hyped up the crowd over the short exchange the Pravda girls departed, leaving behind their flustered opponents.

Knight tried to calm Virtanen down to no apparent effect while they left as well. Glancing back at his enemy's backs he caught a telling glare from Nonna. Once Katyusha was no longer atop her the cold glare that followed sent an unusual shiver of excitement through him. Not betraying any emotion, Kaiser returned an equally sharp glare. Neither backed down, silently declaring their intention to defeat the other.

The match would officially start once both teams had arrived at their starting position. The ride there was hurried but seemed an eternity to Kaiser, Knight, Sokolov, and Virtanen's crew who had to suffer through Virtanen's venting.

"That little troll!" he seethed in anger slamming his hand onto his seat.

"It's okay sir. Don't fret over it I'm sure she's just overestimating herself." Encouraged Knight trying still attempting to calm his superior. Sokolov remained quiet on comm. Kaiser rolled his eyes knowing his claims to be as empty as his confidence made them sound. Each cadet knew Pravda could back up its leader's remarks. No hollow words of confidence would change that.

Virtanen's lack of silence left an awkward pause in radio communication. Virtanen didn't wish to expose any more of his self-conscious thoughts as they ran wild in his mind. 'Why did they dismiss me so casually? Why was Kaiser the only one they assessed as a threat?' What had he done so wrong to be taken for a fool?

"Stop thinking" demanded Kaiser over the radio. "Use these last moments of peace to prepare yourselves. Once the sirens sound, it is war. Don't let their attitudes be your downfall, let it be theirs." The message was radioed to all vehicles to boost morale and for the plausible deniability that the message was in fact, for Virtanen. Another silence ensued, this time however from astonishment.

Virtanen saw through it immediately. Kaiser would never do something so seemingly random without a reason. With a resigned sigh, Virtanen prepared himself. Though they would be fighting a common enemy, this match was also one pitted between the two of them. The outcome, as well as the cause of it, would drive Transcendence's fate.

Though it had been nearly smooth sailing up to now, each of the four commanders couldn't help the ominous feeling they received that this would be a hard-fought match.

-Chapter End-