An offer was given for both the IS-3 and Tiger to return together but was politely denied. As such, the TIger's crew returned in silence as their opponents took a separate route. Arriving first at the stage area they saw an uplifting sight.
Transcendence students were cheering and dancing, and O'diveley and some more antagonistic individuals were mocking Pravdan students with fresh bruises on both sides. They had missed the announcement of the victor but the evidence was clear who had won.
As the heavy tank lumbered to join its battered brethren, numerous cadets and students ran to the vehicle cheering and congratulating the exhausted crew who dismounted. The cool night air graced their skin, drying off their sweat and chilling their uniforms. Varying words were shouted and pats of encouragement, even O'diveley bragged about fighting four Pravdan students by himself.
The area was brightly lit by flood lights, seemingly waiting for the final students to return before ending the event. Past the crowd of joyous students, Kaiser saw the IS-3 return. Its commander seemed unsurprised by the sight. Similar to his reception a crowd of students rushed to her vehicle and directed her towards a pouting Katyusha. The small girl clearly did not want to be in public, but kudos to her she remained mature in the face of defeat.
Stepping to the stage, Virtanen, Kaiser, and Knight stood across from Katyusha, Nonna, and Clara once more. Shook hands and the victor was officiated. As Pravda made to leave the stage Kaiser requested the mic for a moment.
"I apologize for the chaotic show of sportsmanship, I hold all responsibility," he apologized with a small nod. "If it is alright with our fellow competitors and the crowd, transcendence's logistics quarter has prepared a humble meal for all present. Please partake if you would like to show our capability of growing through this experience."
The Pravda commanders seemed surprised by the offer as the crowd hollered their willingness to take free food. Katyusha's canine bit her lip, seemingly offended at the figurative olive branch. It wasn't until Nonna and Clara placed a hand on her back that she eased up. Glancing at both for their reactions for what to do. With soft smiles, they nodded and Katyusha vigorously snatched away the mic, declaring Pravda's intention to drain them of their food.
Virtanen, Kaiser, and even Knight hardly restrained their laughter at the sight as she seemed like a child asking for permission from her parents.
Seeing some cheer back in his opponent's faces, Kaiser walked offstage, passing his equally surprised peers. To preemptively answer their questions he said, "it's as an annoyingly persistent friend of mine told me, this isn't war, we still can celebrate after. Consider it an early Christmas party."
"It was Kay wasn't it?" snickered Virtanen.
Kaiser ignored him with a grumble and left. It didn't take long for old grudges to smooth over as Pravda aided the logistics quarter with non-alcoholic vodka. Although with added efforts from O'diveley and some other students, some of it may not have been so. It wasn't Kaiser's job to inspect and restrict so he slunk off to his vehicle as the two schools intermingled. He looked inside the dark interior.
The smell of steel and gunpowder emanated from within, the faint scent of sweat mixed with it. What few shells were not fired stood upright, while the empty's showed their dented primers, a few even lying on the floor. The steel had gone cold and he sat back in his seat, unwinding a bit. Out the top of his cupola, he could see the faint glow of the lights and the stars beyond. Staring for a moment he rolled his head to the side and saw the small pile of flowers he had pushed aside from the parade earlier that day. A glance downwards revealed the stomped and smeared petals from those he had missed.
Seeing a sunflower his mind clicked for a moment. He still had a few words he wanted to exchange. Grabbing the bundle to throw away, he exited the vehicle.
A search wasn't necessary. One moment Nonna had been with Katyusha enjoying the presence of their peers before excusing herself. Kaiser followed her quick strides to a darker, more secluded area away from the festivities.
Realizing the implications of following her, he nearly gave up before she called out to him. "What do you want?"
"I should've figured you were trying to avoid me" he calmly responded.
"I noticed you approaching with flowers in hand, I'd rather you not make a scene, especially after our loss.
Kaiser raised a brow before realizing what he still held in his hand. He snickered at the realization. He stepped towards Nonna, laughing to himself and picking through the bundle. "You misunderstand, these were just well wishes from some shipmates". He then dropped the bundle in his left hand and stepped atop them. "They worked wonders, sorry to get your hopes up, however, I can offer one I suppose". He extended a sunflower in his right hand.
"Charming" she sarcastically replied, taking the flower as if it were poisoned.
Taking a step back Kaiser continued. "Heard those were your favorites, those online rumors aren't so reliable are they?"
"They certainly weren't about you. Even our intel failed to assess you and your school correctly" she agreed.
With a grin, he explained himself. "I simply wanted to talk to my enemy, Former enemy I suppose. just answer some questions and final queries if you're willing".
There was no denial from Nonna so he began asking. "What's with the obsession over Katyusha? It was as blunt as the answer he received.
"She is cute, no?"
Feeling pressure emanating from her that refused to hear otherwise, he continued. "Why were you so set on defeating me? I wasn't the commander or lead vehicle."
Her demeanor shifted back to a cold polite. " Your words when you arrived on our ship were too perfect, too polite Clara and I were immediately on edge. Calm, seemingly knowledgeable even on a foreign ship. You were a threat if we ever saw one in person".
"You'll hurt my feelings if you keep going, or boost my ego. I'm not sure yet" he quipped.
"Then there was that student you threatened, she outed you as a vicious seducer and menace. Most of the Pravda has such an opinion of you from how you tricked her into doing your dirty work" recounted Nonna.
Kaiser's smirk slipped away as he hid his shame with a hand. "Now you really are hurting me."
"Oh so you can feel embarrassment?" she asked surprised.
"Of course I do, no matter what I'm still a teenager same as you. Perhaps too similar".
"Meaning?"
"I'm disciplined and devoted. You are as well but to Katyusha. Giving your all to someone is an admirable quality despite the...oddities you've shown."
"Why the pause?" she asked suspiciously.
"I've heard about the pictures". Nonna stiffened at the mention.
"You'll either make a lovely wife or a scary woman" he commented.
"I'll take that as your payback for my prior taunting," she said abashedly. "Despite your remorseless tactics and personality, it's a shame we didn't have someone like yourself in our school this year. We expected talent from the male body but it seems we missed out."
Kaiser gave an easy grin once more. "I'll head off any offers here and now. We all have our own honor, mine is my loyalty, and my loyalty is to my school. Besides, it's a bit late in the season to scoop me up isn't it?"
"That I suppose it is" nodded Nonna, gently smiling.
From a distance, a pair of eyes watched curiously as the unexpected pair casually talked in isolation from everyone else. Natalya had seen Kaiser head off towards the treeline and followed to see how he was fairing. She had nearly turned back after realizing the implications of following him before she heard a feminine voice speak. She could not hear what words were exchanged but she saw him offer her something before they began speaking, exchanging snickers and smiles.
He seemed different than usual as she watched from a distance. He was more expressive and constantly grinning. It made her stomach twist slightly. A stark difference from the light fluttering she had felt when her sister had texted her, saying that he would come to their rescue. She had wanted to thank him for that very reason, for coming back, but instead, she was prying eavesdropping and feeling conflicted on top of it all.
Natalya's skin prickled as she felt a firm hand against her throat and a smooth voice whisper Russian in her ear. It was immediately followed by a chuckle and platinum blonde hair filling her view. Clara had snuck up on her.
"Stuttering for any Russian response she could give, Clara shushed her and spoke. "No worries, I'm curious as well. Although… it seems a maiden's troubles never end hmm?"
Again Natalya stuttered for a response. Clara gave a knowing smile, reminding Natalya of a taller more mature-looking version of her bratty younger sister teasing her. From the hair to the bust and even the teasing expression, only her eye color and height differed, one could say they even looked like siblings.
As Natalya assessed her previous opponent Clara looked over to Nonna and Kaiser. With a knowing glance, she pressed Natalya. "You picked a troublesome man. Even Nonna and I were no match for him"
Natalya was flustered more than her sister could ever make her and settled for shutting down before she could say anything of regret.
With a hum, Clara told Natalya to wait and let her grab some help. "You need to be more assertive, just watch and learn," she said before leaving the speechless girl weak in the knees.
Meanwhile, Kaiser and Nonna's conversation had become laxer. Nonna had begun asking her questions as well. "Why are speaking so casually to me? Not many are willing to do so let alone as you do."
Kaiser rolled his eyes in thought. "I suppose I'm coming off the high of our fight. It was more exhilarating than usual practices or battles, wasn't it? I certainly hope the other schools can get me this enthralled."
"Is that your humble way of mentioning our defeat?" she asked. Seeing his grin tug upwards as he raised an indifferent shoulder she brushed a strand of hair out of her face and smiled softly. "I am sure the other schools will not disappoint… and I admit it was a battle unlike any other I've experienced. I feel almost as if an apology is due after you've ruined my hit ratio.
"A 99 percent isn't so bad either you know?" The two shared a quiet laugh at the exchange when a voice from afar called out to Nonna. A junior student of Nonna was calling for her from the edge of the woods and mentioning Katyusha, which had her immediately leaving. With a look back she cast a graceful smile in the moonlight. "Thank you for assisting us with our budget as well. Alina and Kira were surprised to see you after getting such help.
Kaiser was confused at first but recalled the two he met in his espionage mission on Pravda. With a wave and "you're welcome" Nonna ran to see what matter Katyusha needed her help with
As Kaiser watched Nonna's figure slip into the treeline he felt pressure behind him. Instantly slender arms snaked around his neck from the rear as legs wrapped around his waist. As he moved to pry them off they constricted upon him. Immediately he squatted loosening the legs grip and elbowing the side of whoever was attacking him. He heard a feminine grunt as he leaned forward when blonde hair cascaded over his face.
With a strained voice, he grunted "Clara?!" and jammed a hand into the chokehold before taking the skirmish to the ground and breaking her hold. Sure enough, he was right. The two slowly stood and relaxed their guards. Straightening themselves out, he rubbed his throat, eyeing her warily as she shook her hair free and ran a hand through it, dusting herself off.
"That's certainly one way to come onto somebody" he commented. "Always treat people like this?"
With a sassy look and crossing her arms, she replied. "Nonna, once".
"Oh well, now I don't feel so bad" he replied sarcastically. "Sorry about the kidney," he said, gesturing to her side which she was secretly nursing under her arms.
Ignoring the remark, presumably due to her pride and not expecting him to have escaped her so easily, she explained her presence. "Don't worry, I'm only here to speak briefly. It was an honor to fight and a shame I did not get to face you"
Unable to resist, Kaiser threw in a sly remark. "Think it would've changed the outcome?"
"Clara's eye's narrowed before rationality settled once more. With a defeated sigh and muttering to herself in Russian, she shook her head. "Nonna is better than me at leading vehicles but…no it wouldn't have. You are both scary and interesting. As are you're subordinates. It would serve you well to notice them more".
Clara slowly strolled towards Kaiser placing a hand on his shoulder. "Do svidaniya" she said with a wink strutting back to the festivities. Kaiser raised a brow at her words and the teasing way she said goodbye.
Dismissing whatever that interaction was as no more than Clara getting payback for his stunt on their ship and the match, Kaiser rolled his eyes as he heard another person approach. Rather than a physical assault, this one came verbally as Natalya pressed him for answers.
"What the hell was that?!" she demanded.
"What?" asked Kaiser confused.
"I come looking for you and see both enemy vice commanders leave the woods where you just happen to be. Was that gossip blog not all lies? Are you hitting on every female you see?!"
Kaiser was unsure of how to respond to the accusations. "Prokov, what are you on about? Does that seem like something I'd do? Me, of all people?"
"I saw Nonna leave with a flower and Clara hug you from the back."
Kaiser flinched at the memory of the vice-like grip around his throat, Natalya seemed to take it as an admission of guilt, however and frowned. With a sigh, he tried to reason with her. "It seems I'm guilty until proven innocent." rubbing the bridge of his nose he asked for her understanding. "Natalya, please just trust me here. My focus is the same as last time."
The earnest request did little to defuse Natalya's temperament. "Then explain what I saw"
"The flower was from me cleaning the tank, an olive branch nothing more."
"And Clara?"
"A psychopath probably, didn't you see the fight get taken to the ground?"
"Looked to me like you got excited from your little tryst and fell over"
"I'll need to get your eye's checked on ship if that's how you saw it. She grappled with me and rather than see it through, gave me some vague commentary before leaving."
Natalya pouted somewhat at his replies, still somewhat disbelieving. Kaiser released a small "Pft" at the strange sight of the ever stoic, athletic queen of their team 'pouting' to him of all things.
Unsure of where the conversation would go next, Kaiser changed subjects while Natalya seemed to be mulling over what to accuse her commander of next. "Before you continue accosting me, I have something to say".
Natalya perked up, cocking her head inquisitively. It was his turn to feel awkward under her earnest gaze. Since they had come to be on good terms and her lack of interaction with him, moments like these felt… strange. "Well, to put it bluntly. I apologize for giving you such orders in the match. And for abandoning you".
The quiet of the night seemed to seep in as Natalya glanced down, an indecipherable look on her face. Kaiser was prepared for the worse when he made the decisions. He knew what to expect and he knew what he would receive by placing victory first. The euphoria of combat was all in the past now. Now he had to face the aftermath of his choices. Even if it was the hate of his team, the audience, and the spiteful words of his subordinates.
"But you came back". She answered, giving a kind smile to him. Kaiser was bewildered. A friendly Katyusha, a smiling Nonna, a talkative Clara, none surprised him as what Natalya had just done.
"I know it's hard for you to say. So ill just say my part. "I forgive you, Adam."
Kaiser held his words in his throat at the instinctive urge to demand someone not use his first name. Natalya's teasing grin showed that she knew he couldn't say anything either. Kaiser begrudgingly held eye contact with her until she began pacing in front of him.
"I understand. During the match, I even scolded Diana for not seeing the bigger picture, that commanders have to make tough choices."
Kaiser was surprised at the maturity of his subordinate, the selflessness. What a couple of months had done to her, his tutelage surely couldn't take credit for her growth as a person. It was her next sentence that struck him still.
Natalya stopped pacing, her back turned to him as she looked into the night sky aimlessly. "Even if you did have to sacrifice me. I think I'd be okay with it".
Kaiser felt a bit choked at the statement. He watched as she brought a fist to her mouth and cleared her throat. As if trying to retract what she had said she turned to him and began gesturing with her hands trying to explain herself. "After all you're the only one who's made any connection with me at school, not to mean personally but professionally and well I would know you would have a reason for it! Like this match for instance. We both agreed that results and victory are the only things that matter!" She began drawing a circle in the ground with her foot as she started rambling about their mutual beliefs.
To Kaiser, it resounded a painful sentiment. Trust. Genuine trust. He stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, causing Natalya to stiffen and look at him with wide eyes. Looking into her eyes he felt compelled to thank her somehow, almost as if he should hug her. The concept of course seemed unfathomable. Instead, he softly said her name. "Natalya…"
The message was received as she shyly nodded and brought her hands close to her chest, an awkward expression on her face. "You should go and be with your sister and friends, not out in the dark with me".
With a tug of her lips, she gave a small chuckle and walked past him. "I'll leave you alone, Sir. Sorry to intrude"
Without looking back he offered one last comment. "Thank you".
Natalya continued walking without regard to his words, the soft smile and reassuring warmth in her chest unknown to him.
Kaiser felt an uneasy knot in his chest. Something he had fought before and had hoped he was over. 'It does test you when someone gives their all to you". He lamented.
"My, my, three women, going on four, meeting you out in the dark? If only your admirers at school knew of this~" came a saccharin voice.
Kaiser's expression stiffened as his eyes narrowed at the irksome tone. He shifted his head to see the smug expression of Valerya. "Why am I not surprised? You're always right behind your sister after all."
"Don't make me sound like a tag-along, I'm my own package" she said sweetly, placing a finger to her lips.
"Then perhaps I can keep your sister on the team and be rid of you" snipped Kaiser.
Valerya took exaggerated steps towards him as he watched her approach. "You know you love my company. Almost as much as my appearance, right?". Upon her question, she struck a subtle yet suggestive pose.
Kaiser snickered. "Maybe if you didn't smell like sweat, oil, and gunpowder. And don't forget I know how you really are. Besides losers aren't very popular are they?
Valerya stomped a foot and gave a pout. "I did that to buy you time you ingrate!"
"Your sister bought me time without losing" he replied.
"She was also on the run for utmost the match and, oh you really know how to throw me off don't you!"
"Isn't that why you approached me in the first place?" he responded with perhaps, the first friendly grin.
Valerya seemed dumbfounded as if she had never expected a friendy gesture from him. With a grin, she bantered back. "I don't know but what I do know is that I only went that far because I knew you would go back for Nat."
"You shouldn't have. I was seriously thinking of leaving her".
"I know. You still went back. I took the gamble and was right, that's all that matters." she said with a satisfied glare.
"Then I suppose I owe you for your good faith as well," he said turning. Waving a hand he signaled for her to join him as he returned to the crowd. Valerya joined his side with a happy strut.
"I wonder just what I could get you to owe me?" she said suggestively, humming to herself.
"I suppose I could be more lenient to you" he suggested. Her act fell apart as she stumbled mid-pace. Again she was thrown off. A trembling smile graced her face as she contained her excitement. To Valerya, she had finally made a step in unraveling just who he was.
The two calmly returned to the festivities to see a much more lively scene unfolding. Clara seemed on a warpath searching for someone as both Pravda and Transcendence students alike avoided her entourages search. The more rowdy students including O'diveley were hanging with the adults in their drinking circle and watching with fits of laughter.
Valerya and he looked on inquisitively until Nonna unexpectedly appeared before them. With a look that could freeze alcohol, she interrogated them. "Where is your subordinate Sokolov?!" she demanded.
Valerya who was immune to her sister's own cold glare, shrunk behind Kaiser at the intensity of the tall girl's eyes. Kaiser was surprised himself at the hostility, almost as if their prior talk had never happened. "I just returned myself. May I know why you are looking for him of all people?"
"Jealous" peeped Valerya from below. With both his and Nonna's glares, she ordained to remain silent with an "eep".
That boy approached our dear Katyusha and, and, look!" Nonna presented a cell phone and averted her face, covering it with a hand as if to shield her eyes.
Kaiser and Valerya on her tiptoes looked closer to see an image of Katyusha giggling to herself with a deep scarlet blush on her cheeks. A concerned Clara in the background showed just how aloof the tiny leader must've been.
"What… are we seeing?"
Glancing at the phone, Nonna let out a quiet sound, one Kaiser realized was her inability to handle the 'cuteness' of Katyusha in the picture. "That boy approached Lady Katyusha and flattered her!"
"He made a move on her?" asked Valerya, interest piquing. Nonna seemed indignant at the suggestion.
"No man can approach our beloved Lady!, if you are harboring him then you will also suffer for tainting her purity" she threatened.
Not taking the nonsense Kaiser stood his ground. "He is one of my cadets. If he harms her then I will ensure his punishment. But until then I suggest letting her enjoy some compliments. She is after all the same age as us. Either of you dating let alone being complimented by a man wouldn't be strange".
Nonna seemed bewildered at the concept, the concept having never crossed her mind. Seeing her state Kaiser ushered her to reign in Clara. "Maybe what Katyusha needs right now is for you and Clara to listen to her speak happily. This could be a rare moment, right? How many could say they talked about boys with her?"
Nonna switched from unsurety to elation in the blink of an eye. "You're right" was all she said before rushing to Clara who disbanded her posse to follow suit.
"You sure learned to manage her quickly," said Valerya in awe.
"It's easy when you know their weakness. Speaking of, you understand Sokolov? If you go for rare game like that you're gonna have a few obstacles in your way".
A bush shifted to their side causing Valerya to flinch in surprise. "When did you know?" came Sokolov's voice.
"That you had eyes on her? When you stared at her portfolio on the train a little too long. That you were hiding there? When you involuntarily started shaking when Nonna appeared".
An exhausted sigh came from the camouflage boy. "Thanks for the cover sir."
"Don't thank me yet, I hope you got her number. If she cries because you didn't reach out after this then I'll have those two breathing down my neck, and I won't take the fall for you."
"Y-yes Sir."
The Night'sfestivities were filled with excitement and talk although it did not go on for long. Many students intermingled between schools, those who initiated it were of course the Senshado teams themselves. Discussions on their training, tactics, and facing each other filled much of the passionate talk.
Kaiser himself even made rounds and spoke with quite a few individuals. The most notable of those was Alina and Kira, the very same girls he had fooled when he snuck around Pravda. The two girls stuck around for some time to try and know who he actually was and after some interrogation, they were as kind and friendly as when they first met, if not more insistent. The two even confirmed that he had helped with their budget and they got the snacks they oh so wanted. When they finally took their leave they gave a wink and a warning that "The next time we see you in our uniform it better be after you've transferred".
With a polite laugh and his typical facade on, Kaiser waved them off. "I'm afraid you won't be seeing it again then."
They seemed unphased by his rejection and instead said "See you later". Returning to his peers, Kaiser was given a long glare from Natalya and Valerya who seemed to be accusing him with their stares. Narrowed eyes from the former showed her suspicion whereas Valerya's face seemed to tease as usual.
Eventually, the area was cleaned up and the crowds dispersed onto their transports. It wasn't until the middle of the night that everyone returned home. Mentally drained and physically exhausted, students on both sides rested peacefully that night. Even Kaiser, worrying as always put off any stress until the next day.
The first match of the season had ended and unknown to all participants involved, the footage taken was sending ripples across the federation. Both good and bad, what had been done was causing controversy and not all of it was necessarily good publicity. One thing was certain. The surprising victory over a juggernaut had certainly put the spotlight on Transcendence. Their next opponent would only further cause rows amongst the many fans following this unexpected season.
-Chapter End-
