Natalya was questioning how and why she kept letting Kaiser drag her into strange circumstances. She had just finished cleaning up after practice when she received a call from him. Sure enough, Val's interest was piqued and so she tagged along.

When she opened the office door, seeing their commander and his mother bickering with each other was one of the last things she would have imagined. Now she and her sister were escorting said woman around the school grounds as she wanted to see what her son did on an average day.

Even Valerya couldn't keep up with the grown woman's teasing and fast-paced conversation. Natalya knew she'd fair worse so led them from behind and observed. Perhaps the most unexpected thing was the woman herself rather than her presence.

Natalya and her sister had discussed the topic of what Kaiser's parents must be like in prior talks but this was beyond any expectation. Their assumptions were based on their own family. Valerya was similar to their mother and Natalya was similar to her father. As her eyes turned onto the mother's back Natalya observed her in detail.

She stood a few inches shorter than herself, closer to Val's height. With light brunette hair and Dazzling hazel eyes, Natalya felt envious of the woman. The fresh memory of the mother comparing herself to Val left a slight distaste in her mouth as she looked closer. Filled out as one would expect of a mature woman and dressed in stylish yet simple clothing.

Her demeanor was the opposite of her son's. She constantly smiled and spoke in a delighted tone with energetic movement. Perhaps Kaiser was more similar to his father as she was? Would that mean Kaiser had similar preferences? Again her eyes drifted between the woman and her sister who conversed without her. The same tightening in her stomach returned.

As she dismissed the uneasy feeling, Val gave a nervous glance back at her, begging for help. Wishing to leave her thoughts, Natalya stepped ahead only to be caught in the conversation.

"Oh, dear! Come join us, no need to leave yourself out." insisted the woman as she gestured for Natalya to walk along with them. Natalya politely accepted and took a calming breath. Taking a page from Kaiser's book, she would treat this as a mission and see it to fulfillment, no useless thoughts.

Their trip took them to the most obvious of first stops, the classrooms. The woman's interest was clearly thin at such scenery but she politely listened as Natalya gave a college-level explanation of their school. Valerya helped in providing comedic relief and simpler explanations. Once satisfied they moved on to the school gym and track before getting to the more scenic areas.

Not wanting to take her too far, Natalya kept her on school grounds in case Kaiser finished early, it was a fledgling hope but one the sisters held as they struggled to maintain their composure in front of their charge.

The next stop was the school observation tower. With a key provided by Kaiser to all vehicle commanders, Natalya escorted the mother up the series of steps and unlocked the door. The room, lightly used since the season began had a layer of dust building on some of the less-used equipment.

A glance around showed some maps, schematics, and data logs lying about, presumably left by Virtanen and Kaiser. The Mother took to inspecting the room's corners as Natalya ushered Valerya over. The two sisters began cranking two poles, opening the large blinds, and flooding the room with light.

The mother turned away from a desk filled with her son's papers and signatures to look out. Her face brightened as she walked over to see the view presented. As she took in the view Natalya explained just what she was seeing.

"This is the observation tower, your son and other commanders can use this to observe training and recordings as well as live scrimmages. What you're seeing now is the training field with its multiple terrains."

The sound of more shutters caught their attention. Valerya had opened another set of blinds to their right revealing a scenic view of the ship's city. "And this is our proud town, see anything you like, just point it out and we'll take ya later."

Nat shot a sharp glare at her sister to which she amended her statement. "Eh-hem, if time allows."

Luckily for the two, the mother settled for asking questions mainly regarding her son. His work, what he did, how they helped him, and such. Soon they left for the school's hangar. On their way, they pointed out the school's marksmanship range and facilities for other teams.

With a click of a lock and the loud clunk of the overhanging lights, the hangar with its multitude of ground and aerial vehicles revealed itself in full. The woman's shock showed itself as she brought a hand up to her face in quiet awe.

Nat and Val let her take in the tanks, planes, and armored vehicles, standing by in silence. "Which do you two drive?" she asked, keeping her eyes affixed ahead.

Natalya walked ahead as Val, playfully pulled the woman along. Halfway down the rows of vehicles, they came upon the KV-85 and IS-1. Proudly losing themselves for a moment, both girls spoke in detail of their proud mounts. The woman listened with a happy smile as they finished, catching themselves at the end of their spiels with embarrassed looks.

The mother's eye shifted over the vehicles. "They're quite intimidating aren't they?" Nat and Val seemed pleased with the observation. "And that is my son's correct?" She gestured at the Tiger behind their vehicles.

"O-oh! Yes!" nodded Natalya realizing she was here to learn about her son, not them. The woman slowly walked up to the tank, looking at it with discerning eyes. Her hand brushed softly against the front hull. Slowly she dragged it across the dark woodland camouflage that had been applied during their Oarai match. Her hand moved across the smooth surface to an abrasive patch and indent where an impact had landed. With a forlorn look, her eyes drifted upwards to look at the eighty-eight-millimeter barrel.

"Would you like to go inside?" asked Valerya, surprising Nat who had been breathlessly watching.

The woman turned to them with a small smile. "That'd be lovely."

Inside the vehicle, they sat her in the same seat her son so often occupied, while the two girls sat in front of her in the loader and gunner seats. They took their time explaining the instruments and electronics, showing her there was far more to the vehicle than a lump of steel with an engine and cannon.

The conversation soon drifted over from the role of the vehicle to the role of Kaiser in it. Hearing the stories of how her son acted and performed within the tank brought a smile to the mother's face as she listened intently.

"The vice commander certainly shows his skill when in combat," concluded Natalya.

"And his obstinate attitude" joked Valerya. A pinch from her sister caught a small yelp but was lost as the mother laughed in agreement.

"It must take a lot of training to drive these, how did you all start?"

Valerya leaned back in her seat, and with a smug grin, she looked over her shoulder. "Nat and I had prior experience so Kaiser put us as commanders in his squad. The rest of the students, well he just gave them bare instructions and had us hold a scrimmage match. Said live combat was the best teacher."

"Oh? You've done this before? What team were you a part of?"

Nat and Val looked at each other as Natalya answered. "We were on Kuromoromine's team as freshmen. Both of us were paired in a Panzer III as the driver and loader. Don't worry your son knows."

"As if he wouldn't" quipped Val.

"I'm sure he doesn't have any worries about your loyalty but don't you have any reservations?"

The comment was received warmly by the two sisters, knowing they would never hear such earnest replies from said commander. Both shook their heads and answered confidently.

"There were pleasant memories but my focus and strength are behind Transcendence. Your son has helped us get this far and we won't betray that effort."

Val threw her hands behind her head, shooting a teasing glare at her sister. "He helped my dear sister after all and besides it's always interesting around him, ain't it Nat?"

Not taking the bait, Natalya promptly ignored her sister and continued on subject as Val pouted. "Other students are trained in sailing or flight. In a few exceptional cases, they are cross-trained. Your son is one of those trained in flight. He's even recommended for me to be trained as well."

"Always the favorite" complained Val with crossed arms, her head turned to the wall of the tank to hide her grin.

"Oh is that so?" asked the mother causing Natalya to falter in her response.

"No! I mean we're not on bad terms nor exceptional but-"

"But?~"

"Yeah Nat, let's hear it~" taunted Val. She realized the mistake in drawing attention to herself quickly enough.

"What about you? You seem to know an awful lot of my son as well."

"Huh?"

The woman began pressing Val who faltered at every response. Again Natalya felt an internal tug. She cleared her throat drawing their attention. "It's getting a little stuffy in here and late as well. Why don't we get something to eat?"

Changing gears at a dizzying pace, the woman clasped her hands together. "Oh that sounds great, is there any Italian food onboard?"

"Y-yes, though it might be best if we get the food to go in case your son finishes early." The mother agreed to Natalya's quick thinking with a delightful smile. Both sisters couldn't imagine making it through a meal with her unpredictable conversation points.

The trio went and at the behest of their guest, got calzones on the go. With the brisk evening air coming from the sea and day beginning its shift to night, their exploration of the town was thankfully coming to a close.

Eventually, the three found seating out in the local park to enjoy their meals as lamplights began flickering on. Their guest enjoyed her meal so much that she asked rhetorical questions such as "Perhaps I should move aboard the ship with my son? Or perhaps have him transfer to Anzio? I hear they have delicious food there."

The two sisters awkwardly laughed, dismissing her suggestions with the simple all encompassing answer, "He probably wouldn't accept that."

The mother gave a defeated sigh, knowing her son better than anyone. Taking another bite of her food she lamented over the possibility. "He always hated having me around his friends."

The girls could understand his displeasure with having male friends gawk at their mother but remained silent as she continued. "You girls wouldn't have to worry either, I'd let you have your privacy with him so long as you're all 'safe' about it."

Valerya choked on her food as Natalya coughed, trying to calm her sister down. The mother giggled at the two sisters' antics as she took another bite. "I'm glad you two are as innocent as I initially thought. That's less for me to worry about."

Finally catching some air, Val quietly muttered to her sister. "I really can't handle her."

Seeing their guest enjoying her food the two quietly whispered. "Not so fun being on the receiving end is it?"

"It's different when it's you and me, that's fun. Besides, why am I getting roped into a situation specifically meant for you?"

"What does that even mean?" demanded Nat as she pinched her sister's side, unwilling to let go even as she writhed in pain.

With kind eyes, reminiscent of any mother watching a child, their guest watched the playful act. Her muffled laughter slowly faded as her attention turned to the empty park before them.

"My son Has always been difficult." The statement was again out of the blue leaving the sisters to freeze mid-argument. Growing used to their guest's rhythm, they listened with rapt attention to the source of unusual information.

"He's always been stubborn and proud like his father was when we first met." Again the two girls kept their thoughts silent, recounting that it didn't seem too unusual an attitude for a young man to have especially for this specific father and son.

"He was a brat not too long ago. At my age years seem like days, I remember when he'd cling to my hip." The sisters shared surprised glances, first at the thought that the proud boy their commander had been would cling to his mother and second that said woman was speaking of old age when she was barely twice theirs.

Looking back at their guest, any detracting thoughts faded as they saw the sorrowful look she held. "He used to be playful and happy, always energetic. He said he trusts you… has he told you why he acts so differently now? I can imagine he hasn't."

Both girls shook their heads slowly to the side. "Would you like to know?"

Val nodded immediately her innate curiosity taking over. Natalya on the other hand, hesitated. Unsure if it would be inappropriate without his consent. The woman giggled at her. "I'm sure he looked into both of you without permission." With that unequivocal truth, Nat nodded.

"He's always so secretive" she sighed shaking her head. It was during his time as a junior commander in InfanterieKampf during his freshman year. He joined that dangerous sport of his own volition in middle school despite me even getting his father to disapprove with me. Yet he insisted that he had to do it. Then he went and made a name for himself in the sport."

Though sidetracked slightly, the mother gave a soft chuckle at the memories in her mind. "Well, it happened a little over a year ago. Maybe it was jealousy, perhaps envy at the success and attention he gathered."

Her hands clasped together as she held them atop her lap, crushing the wrapper within. "One day, a few of his teammates assaulted him after a particular stringent practice led by him."

The revelation would have given the girls whiplash had they not already been looking at their speaker.

"It was six on one." the mother distastefully recalled as her nose wrinkled at the thought, her tone sharpening to a knife's edge. The sisters could see where her son got his temper from.

Natalya's throat felt dry as she awkwardly asked the pressing question. "How badly was he hurt?"

The mother gave a bewildered look as her expression shifted from simmering anger to surprise, then a comforting smile. "Of course, he got hurt, rather badly at that. But you know my son, ever a violent boy as I'm sure you've seen." bringing a hand to her cheek in contemplation she thought aloud. "He could've only gotten that from his father you know. We made quite a troublesome child" she concluded shaking her head with a smile.

He couldn't win that fight but he didn't let his former friends either. They feigned kindness, luring him to a part of the school under renovation before attacking. We never heard all the details but in the report made after he admitted that being outnumbered, he fought less than honorably. In the report were mentions of bricks, a pipe, even a cinderblock atop one's head."

"Those boy's had more injuries on each of them than Adam had himself." she proudly recalled with a puffed chest. Her proud tone reverted to an empathetic state as she concluded the tale.

"In the end, it was drawn up as teenage temperament with both sides found guilty." The looks on Nat and Val's faces showed the mother that they believed the conclusion unfair to which she quickly waved them down.

"Because he injured them to such a degree they couldn't call it one-sided so a settlement was left where there were no charges pushed. The school saw it differently however and punished those boys. They even went as far as banning them from InfanterieKampf entirely. Though that left my son in a rough position within his team as well…"

With a long sigh, she stretched her legs out, grumbling slightly at the refreshing feeling. "After that, he trusted no one. He had to rebuild a core part of his team while under scrutiny and hate. Taking the blame for the other's removal as his fellow teammates made illogical judgments. Despite that, he still did his best and took nationals."

The mother turned to the two speechless girls who struggled to maintain eye contact. "He considered them friends. Trusted them. One day they tried to permanently hurt him. They failed physically but I think emotionally they succeeded to an extent." Her expression faded to a solemn sadness. "I'm sure you can imagine the pain."

The sisters averted their eyes and nodded.

"He assures me that his change was all a part of growing up. That he's just acting like his father."She shook her head. "His father had to make sacrifices to be a father so young. Our Adam, your commander, is still growing." Her eyes softened, brightening slightly as she looked at the sisters.

She had the pleasure of meeting her son's tank crew before intruding into his office. Three lovely girls and a bashful boy. She had seen the jubilant faces of his exhausted teammates as they left practice and his fellow commanders he worked side by side with. She even recalled how that strange girl Kay had contacted her about him after their first battle. With these pleasant thoughts and sights, she felt reassured. "But I can see he's growing just fine."

Unsure how to react to the woman's confession and high assessment, the sisters sat with blushed cheeks unable to respond. Suddenly standing their guest threw away her wrapper with a satisfied huff. "Well it's about time we get him don't you think?

The girls fumbled at the sudden change in tone, yet followed obediently as they marched back to the school grounds once more

Their timing was well placed as the trio of commanders was wrapping up. At the insistence of his mother, they headed back to his apartment so that she could conclude her inspection. It was when she gave an open invite to his peers he put his foot down, insisting that everyone come. A bit of back and forth was exchanged in which Kaiser refused to allow Knight and Virtanen and his mother would not budge on the Prokov sisters as they had been so kind to guide her.

With lines drawn, Virtanen and Knight took their leave as Kaiser begrudgingly returned to his home with three too many guests in tow. Natalya and Valerya looked around curiously as the opportunity was far rare than uncommon. They'd never even heard he lived within the regular student housing. His mother understandably was far more comfortable and crashed into one of his seats ushering them to join her.

With a demand that he should at least provide drinks for his guests and a grumble in response, the girls were surprised to see him obedient to another. Their surprise continued as his mother grew an ear-splitting grin and shoved her phone before their faces.

"It's a shame there's not more to see, but would you two like to see some of his childhood photos?"

Val gave a snarky reply. "What no albums?"

"Of course, I have plenty at home but you can store so much more on your phone. I didn't hear a no so let's begin with his earliest pictures." Kaiser would witness the teasing glares of his mother and Valerya, along with Nat who seemed embarrassed for him or at the present situation but kept his composure. For the most part at least. His eyes flittered over his mother's shoulder every time he took a drink to ensure she was showing anything excessive.

They stayed in his apartment longer than they had been walking around the ship. Despite the excitable and friendly atmosphere aside from Kaiser maintaining his usual curt attitude, his mother was the one to bring it to an end.

Checking the time she knew she would have to hurry to make it off the ship per her aforementioned schedule. Valerya moaned a complaint as Kaiser and Nat nodded in understanding. The four walked the short distance to the airport where the parent and child gave their parting. Followed by a lengthy hug initiated by the mother, she gave an endearing smile, one which Kaiser returned with a small slip of his lip, ensuring the two sisters behind him couldn't see.

Catching his act, his mother shoved his shoulder lightly. "Always so easily embarrassed aren't you?"

"You're going to be late, I can see the crew waiting to take you." he deadpanned.

His mother flashed her phone. "They won't leave until the designated time, but I understand. Valerya! Come with me please, I'd love to speak with you some more!"

The short blonde gave a surprised look at the shout before both Kaiser and Natalya pushed her along to be dragged away. The two began talking next to the plane as they awaited its departure leaving Nat's polite smile to fade and Kaiser to give an exhausted sigh. The two retreated to a nearby waiting area, parallel to the airstrip. Sitting on a bench in the dark, they watched the brightly lit runway and its illuminated hangar.

"She's a busy woman, isn't she?" asked Natalya.

"Hardly, she runs herself ragged by choice, same as my old man. All for the sake of their kids."

"You talk as if you dont count among them."

"I try not to rely on them so it lightens their load."

"Isn't that considerate of you?" snickered Natalya.

Kaiser gave a quiet hum, his disinterest in her mockery evident.

Unsure how to proceed, Nat began speaking of her observations. "She was very pretty. Beautiful even. Your mother that is."

Kaiser gave a sarcastic laugh. "I've heard that from plenty of schoolmates before. Except that might be the most cordial way anyone's said it."

Natalya felt slightly more at ease from his sarcasm. "You get your looks from her huh? Must be nice having a mother like that."

"So I've been told. You're not one to speak as if it's unusual, however. Your mother must be alluring by that logic."

Natalya gripped the hem of her coat in slight distress. It was just his usual bluntness and aloof attitude at work. She knew that but it didn't change the fact she didn't know how to respond.

Breaking their silence, Kaiser asked, "How bad was she?"

Natalya gave a hearty chuckle. "She was very inquisitive about you."

He gave a slight groan. "She didn't say anything too discerning did she?"

Natalya leaned against the wooden support of the bench, casting a sensuous look his way. "What's this? Are you that interested in what I may know about you?"

Kaiser leaned away from her, a distasteful look in his eyes. "I'm starting to see how you and your sister are related."

With a snicker, Natalya leaned closer to whisper. "Don't be so cold "Addy."

Suddenly, he shifted away, cupping his ear. Despite the bright lights nearby, Natalya could barely see the tinge of red on his cheek as he turned his face away. "I really hate that nickname you know." With closed eyes and not facing her both missed the moment his mother departed as her plane took off.

His unexpected reaction left her reeling as she sat forward, anxiously looking at her lap, embarrassed by her actions. Bringing her knees to her chest, she wished she could just disappear without looking like a coward.

Soon the plane was gone, off in the distant darkness. Slowly Kaiser regained himself and still not making eye contact, spoke again. "Everything she said. It was probably all true. Sorry if that's disappointing to hear."

There was a pregnant pause before Nat responded. "She said you were a brat."

"She's right."

"And that you grew up fine."

"I don't know about that."

Natalya smiled softly into her knees, wrapping her arms around them to hide her expression. "...This is nice."

"What is?" asked Kaiser, tilting his head.

"All of it."

"If you say so."

The next day, despite his mother having left such an impression and meeting so many of his schoolmates, their training proceeded as if nothing had happened. At least on his time, it did. There were murmurs of an unknown woman and who her identity was as she looked for Kaiser. Assumptions were made and the most logical was that she was family. However, as most others had, the majority who heard this dismissed it as improbable if not outright impossible due to her behavior.

All mouth's remained silent around Kaiser and during practice, knowing all too well that punishment or in this case "extra training" await them if they were distracted for a single moment when their next opponent was the feared Kuromoromine.

Not that their caution spared them. Knowing all too well who their next enemy was, the matter of the chosen venue worsened the severity of training. They were to face this new enemy in a desert area. From cold weather to dry sandy, sun-baked dunes. As their ship began heading south to acclimate the students to the new climate, the cadets had no such reprieve.

Temperatures rose gradually for students who switched to looser clothing as the cadets began wearing stuffy uniforms with the CBRN gear Kaiser had forced them to train in before. With proper care taken to avoid any heat-related injuries, they were made to train in vehicles with gas masks, CBRN kit, and with no internal AC at the hottest point of the day.

The cadets were miserable, to say the least. To top it all off, this was the first day of the newfound 'heat' training and the temperature would only rise as they traveled. The only reprieves were the uniforms presented for them to wear during the match. Khaki shorts and skirts with matching tops. Loose-fitting sleeves and cuffs seemed far more comfortable to the muggy, sweat-soaked hell they were being forced into. Yet they struggled on, knowing that this same struggle-induced training brought results. Thankfully without CS gas to choke their lungs.

The second reprieve was that they only practiced in it for half of practice. In the latter half , they would peel their soaked uniforms and equipment off and hose their tanks down in wet shirts and shorts. This was mitigated joy as once they were done, they were then forced onto a long run led by their leaders with a physical course at the end. As with drills, strength, and stamina were tenants that the commanders would not falter on, namely because Kaiser was forcing them into it as well.

Along with all this, proper hydration and nutrition were even suggested for the cadets at home. After the first week of training, it became clear that it wasn't some overbearing reach of their leadership as those who resisted fainted within training.

It was after one of these stringent training sessions, Kaiser and Virtanen invited Sokolov to the side as the cadets relaxed after a run. Sokolov's labored breath showed he was still not the strongest runner but under his white t-shirt, it was evident the training had been improving him physically.

The two commanders brought their subordinate within the hangar bay to a tarped vehicle. Having caught his breath and composure, Sokolov eyed it suspiciously. "What's this?"

Virtanen motioned for Kaiser to help him. The two pulled off the tarp to reveal a large tank destroyer with an impressive gun. Sokolov stared at it with piercing eyes.

"Congratulations Sokolov, you're now the proud owner of a, eh-hem, Kaiser?"

"A 10.5 cm K gepanzerte Selbstfahrlafette or better known as the Dicker Max, aka the fat max." clarified Kaiser as he folded the tarp.

"Well thoughts?" asked Virtanen unsure of Sokolov's reaction. The boy in question seemed indifferent, motionless. Virtanen began to sweat under the social pressure before Kaiser clapped loudly. Virtanen and Sokolov jumped.

"Infatuated are you?" asked Kaiser smugly.

Back to his senses Sokolov nodded and move to enter the vehicle. The open top had been sealed shut, still allowing it great depression. The cannon was far larger than his Stug's 75mm. The armor was nonexistent but when had he ever been one to brawl? In his mind, this vehicle was made for him. His commanders watched him as he acted like a child in a toy store, or at least a well-mannered one. Silently eyeing and admiring all the mechanisms and the open space.

As he checked the instruments he asked why he had received such a gift.

"It had been in the motions for a while seeing as you've been a linchpin for us, Kaiser pushed heavily for the acquisition."

"It was hell trying to make the budget work so we'll have to get rid of the Pz sfl IVc to cover costs."

"What about my third crew?" asked Sokolov. The question was legitimate but leaked sincerity as his focus was still on his new toy.

"They'll take on your Stug IV and begin training immediately. The Pz sfl IVc will be in storage or for training new recruits until we find a proper buyer," answered Kaiser.

"I recommended Continuation Academy, that Mika girl seemed nice enough-"

"But" interrupted Kaiser coldly. "We'll take your crew's opinion into account as well.

"We could finalize friendly relations despite your misgivings about her Kaiser."

Kaiser groaned at Virtanen's persistence. "Fine, fine, but we'll need some meticulous bookkeeping and audits to ensure they pay in full."

With the gift received and its new owner excited to try it out, they dismissed him to rejoin his team. Virtanen and Kaiser covered the vehicle with the tarp once more preparing to return and end practice when Knight ran up to them.

"What's wrong?" demanded Virtanen with worry in his voice.

Panting for breath, Knight barely got his sentence out. "He- Sokolov- He is- excitedly asking- if anyone wants to see his dicker max..."

Virtanen and Kaiser shared suspicious glances as Knight fought for breath.

"And O'Diveley is egging him on!"

"There it is" replied Kaiser flatly.

"I guess he really was excited he lost a bit of comment sense" chuckled Virtanen disbelievingly.

The two commanders nodded to each other and sighed.

"I'll get Sokolov before he's arrested" stated Virtanen.

"I'll silence Div" replied Kaiser.

Despite the worrying claim, Virtanen shrugged and the two ran off to their team, knight in tow, worried about O'Diveley's safety despite his prankful nature.

-End Chapter-