Not one week later the two stoic students, Kaiser and Maho would find themselves meeting and slightly self-conscious of their prior encounter in the hastily arranged formal meeting prior to their match.
Maho arrived in a VA-223 'Drache' production helicopter piloted by her assistant Erika Itsumi as Kaiser had flown Virtanen in with his JU-87 Stuka as before. A short trip in vehicles provided by the Senshado Federation led them to the agreed destination.
A reserved VIP room within a fine hotel is where the four students finally met officially for the first time. Virtanen was nervous at meeting such esteemed peers as Miss Itsumi seemed disapproving of the two males. Perhaps their attitudes were for the better as neither Kaiser nor Maho could look at each other without recalling the embarrassment of the week prior.
Despite the heat, the four wore their best uniforms and thankfully the hotel air conditioning was crisp and comfortable. The two female commanders wore their freshly ironed Senshado uniforms as the boys wore their parade uniforms. Both sides decorated in black enjoyed the reprieve from the heat, the boys especially as they wore pants and multiple layers. Virtanen made sure to privately thank Kaiser for ordering uniform variants in anticipation of diverse weather as the thought of wearing even their usual uniforms was a dreaded hypothetical.
Introductions began stiff and formal but proceeded smoothly. The four sat across a large wooden table, two on each side speaking politely of their school's circumstances and anticipation for the match.
As Maho settled into a business attitude and took to the meeting, her teammate and Virtanen seemed to acclimate as well. Virtanen happily conversed with Maho, perhaps speaking a little too much due to his nervousness. It was Erika who seemed unwilling to lower her guard.
With both their leaders conversing and focused on the details of the match it left Kaiser and Erika with little to say or do. With an accidental glance, his eyes met with the silver-haired girl. Her light blue eyes held a furrowed brow yet were nothing compared to the deluge of glares he had weathered before, especially in recent memory.
He had heard from Miho and even Maho that she had once held a haughty attitude but seemingly had mellowed over the past year, having grown in personality significantly. Yet for some reason, she seemed to be scrutinizing him in depth. Her eyes wandered to the awards on his chest to his cover on the table and back to his calm expression.
Kaiser returned the stare with indifference. The staring contest continued for dozens of seconds as their leaders conversed before he grew bored and looked away. Irritated, for what he could only assume was her possibly believing him to be dismissive of her, Erika clicked her tongue loud enough for him to hear.
Maho gave a sharp glance at Erika who reined herself in before dragging her glare to Kaiser. Seeing Erika's thin veil of professionalism, Kaiser forewent any form of such and gave a slight grin. Maho's eyes narrowed a fraction at his clearly provocative action. Erika, just as quickly went from surprise to displeasure as her frown deepened.
Seeing the immediate change in tone, Virtanen looked at his teammate with bewilderment. Seeing the intent building in his friend, his eyes begged the question 'What are you doing?!'
Kaiser raised a hand lazily and gave a half-hearted apology. Suspicious of his unusual behavior, Maho attempted to move on. Erika however, was not so forgiving. "Is this how the infamous commanders of Transcendence act?"
Not missing a beat Kaiser rebutted. "So the renowned vice commander of Kuromoromine really is this easy to rile?"
Virtanen was quick to kick Kaiser under the table which was returned with twice as much force to VIrtanen's shin. As the exchange of blows went on under the table, Maho placed a hand on Erika's to calm her but Kaiser wasn't about to let the change of pace go.
"It's cute when you have to be reined in by your commander." Maho immediately delivered a stern glare as Erika responded indignantly and Virtanen froze.
With a mischievous grin, Kaiser awaited a reply and Erika did not disappoint. "I suppose the rumors of you being an uncouth dog really were true. Nothing more than a problem in our revered sport."
Kaiser gave a condescending sigh, another way of riling the girl but also an internal complaint at those still circulating rumors from the past. "I thought girls liked compliments. Would you like some more?"
"Mr. Kaiser" interrupted Maho in an icy tone. "I believe you've had enough fun at the expense of my associate."
Virtanen was quick to try and douse the flames. "I'm sorry Ms. Nishizumi. I swear this is unusual for him. If anything he usually assists me in running these meetings."
With renewed vile, Erika jumped on Virtanen for not restraining Kaiser. "Doesn't that speak to the extent of your ability? Not even contemplating punishing him for his outbursts?!"
"Erika" said Maho sternly. The silver-haired girl reluctantly backed down, too hyped up by anger to realize the irony.
"Oh, I understand now, it seems Ms. Itsumi is also poor at dealing with males. Such a shame, I was hoping to face the newfound strategist I've heard she's become."
Virtanen began wilting under the pressure of the two girls while simultaneously being amazed at how casually and confidently Kaiser goaded both on. With a sardonic laugh, Kaiser crossed his arms. "Perhaps the only worry we'll have to worry about is Ms. Nishizumi here."
Erika was about to snip back as Maho raised a hand to silence her. With a tired sigh, her glare disappeared. "It seems not all hearsay is incorrect Kaiser. Miho did mention that you were enigmatic at times. After our last meeting, I didn't expect you to be the kind of person to laugh at others' expense."
Maho and Virtanen took double-takes between the two as Kaiser's taunting attitude dispersed. Shrugging his shoulders he surrendered the act. "Sorry, you felt you had to interrupt my fun there but you're not quite right. As I've said neither of you are too familiar with males in the sport. Perhaps in general either?"
Erika nearly shouted before Maho reminded her to settle down. Kaiser could only chuckle at the friendly display. "I simply didn't want our match to be the same as Miho's."
Maho raised a brow. "Meaning?"
With a hint of greed in his voice, Kaiser stood, leaning forward, and spoke with honesty that left the other three in mild awe. "That I want a battle in totality. Without restraint. To see what you can do with your best planning, your best tactics, and how far your team has come. I want to see your Senshado."
Maho was quick to prod him for an explanation. "Miho won last year's tournament. Would not the previous champion be sufficient?"
"She certainly was something, someone you couldn't forget but I felt kindness. A softer kind of passion in her fighting. Even when we spoke it was clear she didn't compare herself with me. The thought she had was how similar you and I were."
"You were not this greedy nor audacious last time" critisized Maho. "What are you seeking out of acting like this?"
With each word the two alluded to their prior meeting, drawing confusion and panicked eyes from their friends as they stared at each other, peering into the other.
"I want to see the ruthless, calculative, Nishizumi style. The hardened, battle-experienced Senshado renewed with your new training. I want to be the first to experience it in its totality."
There was an ambitious glint in his eye, a fire when he spoke of combat that Maho would have never expected of him from the docile attitude he had shown before. In turn, an uncharacteristic expression took her face. With a condescending smile, she stood as well and looked down her nose at him. "Are you sure you won't regret it?"
"So long as you disappoint." The two shared an intense stare before extending hands and shaking.
Kaiser turned to a stunned Erika who jumped at his sight. "While we're at it, why not add some extra incentive."
Maho's grip tightened drawing his eyes back to her narrowed brown irises. "What are you implying? Should I report your actions?"
Kaiser realized she was threatening him with Shiho instantly. "Matching her grip with ease, he explained. "Just a side bet, nothing more or less. I would never harm your precious subordinate."
The two maintained eye contact, challenging the other before releasing their vice-like grips. Sitting back down Maho waved a hand. "Very well. I suppose this bet is intended between yourself and Erika?"
"If she is willing."
"Despite you manipulating her not moments prior?"
"I'd never" he sarcastically replied.
Maho shook her head knowing Miho had underplayed her description of him. This was who he was when in familiar company and not in a disastrous situation. In hindsight, he was both downright lucky and unlucky when she and her mother found him that day. "Then proceed. She is her own woman. As such she can speak for herself."
Leaning onto a forearm, Kaiser directed his deceptive grin at Erika. "Simple rules. We win, you will be subjected to punishment as harsh or lenient as what you would impose on us."
"I don't have time for this" stated Erika turning her nose at him.
Kaiser's face fell, disappointment evident. "I must say, I really am disappointed. After peaking with the Nishizumi sisters I had high hopes for you. Yet here I come across someone my age who can't even see the merit in handicapping a future opponent."
"Huh?! Who do you think you're talking to?!"
"An opponent of… subpar standing…"
"You're awfully cocky for someone so disrespectful! As if we need to handicap you by taking your shotty Tiger or associate any further with you anymore!"
Kaiser shook his head slowly in dismay. "I'm starting to believe the Nishizumi's were simply being polite when they spoke of you. Maybe you are talented and just inexperienced."
Turning red in the face, Erika could no longer take his taunts. "Fine! I'll accept this stupid bet and I'll be sure to humiliate you for underestimating us!"
Kaiser's act immediately dissipated. His frown turned to a condescending grin once more, with a slight sense of sadism exuding. "Perfect" He turned to Maho and confirmed the deal. "You heard her, correct?"
Realizing she had been led by the nose, Erika turned to Maho in shock. The brunette sighed lightly and nodded her head. "The bet is confirmed and by my pride as commander of Kuromoromine, we will uphold our end."
Kaiser crashed into his seat, leaning back and clasping his hands together. He and Maho both knew that either side's pride would not back down. "Glad to hear and since Ms. Itsumi has declared her conditions if she wins I will leverage an equal penalty if we win." Raising a single finger he pitched his penalty. "Since you want me to learn humility I think I'll have you serve me some drinks after the match."
Again an indignant "Huh?!" came from Erika as Maho silently nodded, drawing more surprise from Erika. Virtanen meanwhile remained quiet in his corner of the table watching it all unfold in awe.
"Then seeing as our talks have concluded I believe it's best we take our leave." Kaiser gestured for a shell-shocked Virtanen to follow. With an apologetic farewell, Virtanen quickly left first as Kaiser followed. Seeing Erika with a dour expression and Maho watching them leave, he stopped at the door to give them a small assurance.
"If I was in your shoes, I would've agreed as well. It may be illogical but we're all proud here, a troublesome bet is worth protecting that don't you agree?" Surprised at the unexpected words, the two girls looked at each other and back at him. "I just wish it wasn't a dessert area. If it were almost anywhere else I could confidently say that I could prepare so many surprises for you. Regardless, I want to see everything you can do."
Maho gave a gracious nod at his request. Turning to Erika his grin widened as he gave a wink. "Don't worry. My penalty won't be too bad."
Seeing her begin to bristle with silent anger again, Kaiser placed his cover atop his head and chuckled as he closed the door behind him.
The two girls relaxed slightly now that they had the room to themselves. As Maho gave a tired sigh, Erika gripped the hem of her blouse in distress, disappointed in herself. "I'm sorry Ma'am…"
"What for?" asked Maho as she rolled her head, loosening her neck.
"I got led by the nose. My temper got the better of me again despite my trying for the past year to change."
Maho gave a small, satisfied smile. Standing, she leaned over and patted Erika atop her head. "You are correct but you also did better than you would have before. People do not change so easily Erika."
The kindness hurt more to the prideful girl than any rebuke. Fighting to retain the sting of tears at the edge of her eyes, Erika apologized once more. "I'm sorry, I promise I won't let you or our team down. I'll put that arrogant boy in his place."
Maho chuckled at her friend's defiant expression and determination. "You've never disappointed me or the team. As for that boy, he certainly is troublesome. We'll have to do our best to ensure he learns to act in moderation won't you agree?" A fervent nod from a still-shaken Erika had Maho smiling in a comforting manner again.
Pacing about to gather their belongings and leave, Maho began thinking aloud. "Once we win, I'll think of an appropriate penalty for him if you cannot. Though I doubt he'll renege on it if it comes to it, I am sure my mother would be more than pleased to enforce it."
Maho turned with a wink, reassuring Erika that they would get their revenge for the day. Instead of assurance, Erika was hung up on her leader's words. The momentarily hopeful expression she had chilled at the mention of Shiho.
'Why would her mother be involved with that rude boy? They did seem to know each other… They couldn't be intimate but they weren't strangers…' Erika's mind raced for an explanation amidst her worries letting her miss the opportunity to seek clarity on the topic.
As Erika sweated under her assumptions, Maho was thinking over the meeting. Kaiser clearly had his own intentions as he stated. If his commander's pale face didn't convey that he was acting alone then his audacity delivered it transparently. His attitude, words, and taunts were all to light a fire under them. As he declared, he wanted to give them a reason to go all out, to have no restraint.
Smiling to herself, Maho was confident she wouldn't disappoint.
The girls returned to their aerial vehicle in time to witness the boys depart in their 'Stuka' plane and head out to the ocean where their ship awaited them. The rides for either were not long as the ships were just off the coast, barely visible gray and blue shapes off into the horizon.
Unlike their counterparts, Kaiser and Virtanen waited till they were airborne to discuss the meeting. In the cramped rear gunner seat, Virtanen's tall stature was left with little room to vent his frustrations. Slamming a hand on the back of the MG he groaned into his headset. "I told you to stop digging us into deeper holes! That competitive streak of yours is gonna bite us in the ass."
Looking over his shoulder, Kaiser laughed into the mic. "It wouldn't be fun otherwise. Think about it, how many people, let alone commanders, go face-to-face with Maho Nishizumi and Kuromoromine? This is her last year before graduating and we'll be seniors next year too. Theirs no guarantee we'll even be playing past that."
Virtanen rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Yeah, yeah, I think you get more fun giving me heart attacks. I mean what was that back there? You didn't even give me any warning!"
"Gotta make a splash, right? You have to do more than win if you want to leave a mark in history. Best way to do that is a match with both sides out for blood.
"I think you're using a convenient excuse to go wild. The only person 'out for blood' is you."
"I'm afraid you're wrong there. For knowing me so long I'm surprised you still can't see it."
"And what's that?"
"Into someone's eyes, who a person is. Erika's going all out I have no doubt. As for Maho, I'm sure she's looking forward to such a brazen challenge as I am."
"I don't know what to do with you" replied Virtanen in dismay.
"Then don't do anything" laughed Kaiser. "I'll continue making strides for both of us."
The reassuring words did little to assuage Virtanen. The newfound excitement and anticipation from his old friend was something that had gone dormant and recently been awakening with each match this year. Here he seemed to have bounced back somewhat. The elder Nishizumi truly was something to have made Kaiser look forward to their bout this much. It made him shiver slightly.
That was until he recalled how familiar Kaiser had been and he demanded to know why that was, shouting into the mic and Kaiser's ear. Nearly throwing off his headset, Kaiser avoided the question to the best of his ability until his closest acquaintance had utilized an age-old and proven method. He annoyed it out of him.
Eventually, Kaiser surrendered the information to silence him along with a threat of secrecy. Virtanen complied but laughed at Kaiser's misfortune regardless. While holding his stomach from the pain of such harsh laughter, Virtanen said "Only you could find your way in and out of such a thing."
The two soon saw their ship and the conversation settled with Virtanen being glad he hadn't gone along and Kaiser agreeing. As before, Kaiser announced his arrival over the radio and then did one pass signaling his siren with a low-angle dive for the ground crews.
The low-angle approach wasn't as impressive but Virtanen could not handle the 'excitement' as Kaiser called it, in coming in steep and utilizing the dive breaks. Turning and slowing, the JU-87 Stuka soon came to a landing and was taxied into a hangar.
The handover of the plane went clockwork. The canopy was opened with Virtanen and Kaiser promptly exiting as the ground crew scrambled over the wings and beneath it. Stepping down the steep ladder they handed over their flight log and associated gear.
A quick salute between the flight chief and Kaiser then the two boys turned to see a set of grey uniformed students. Sokolov, Knight, and O'Diveley were awaiting their arrival still in their school uniforms.
"Couldn't wait for us to come back?" laughed Virtanen as the group of five began moving.
"I reasoned we begin private sessions with the teams but O'Diveley took over as senior NCO and dismissed the teams for the day. So we awaited your arrival and further orders" explained Knight following behind the two.
Looking over his right shoulder, Virtanen was impressed. "Good call 'Divs' They're going to need the rest."
"Why's that?" asked Sokolov in a groggy manner.
Virtanen pointed to Kaiser. "You can thank our peer and his never-ending trouble seeking. "He caused a bit of a scene and courtesy to him, we have better buckle up for a rough match."
"As bad as Pravda?" asked Knight worriedly.
"I was shooting for worse hopefully. Without your interference, this time" quipped Kaiser.
Knight shrunk back at the incessant mention of his past mistake as O'Diveley and Sokolov exchanged curious glances. Though close friends, O'Diveley hadn't experienced the Pravda battle as Sokolov had.
Having been starting fights in the stands he was aching for a match that could give him the same bragging rights. With an enthusiastic smile, he wrapped Knight and Sokolov into headlocks and kicked his feet. "You're too kind! Going out of your way for us and all!"
Virtanen sighed in defeat. "You shouldn't be congratulating him for intentionally causing a bigger fight for us."
"Why not?" asked Kaiser rhetorically. "With this match, I'll see whose taken to learning and can finally cut some fat from the team."
O'Diveley kept his grin yet had stopped speaking as Sokolov quietly maintained his usual demeanor with a slightly sunken expression. They tried to hide it well but the words which would have been a joke from anyone else, struck them as hard as it had Knight.
Suddenly pale and with a small sweat, Knight asked in a shaky voice "You're joking, right sir? Sir?"
Kaiser looked over his shoulder with a sharp glare, having enhanced it after being on the receiving end of some of the harshest he'd experienced in only a week. The look seemed to paralyze his subordinates as Virtanen pretended not to notice with an unstable grin.
Seeing their worry, Kaiser's glare shifted to a grin. "Be sure not to disappoint."
With the vague suggestion and no confirmation on the severity of his warning, the three boys felt their positions were at stake. They weren't as Kaiser was satisfied with their performances as of late but a bit of extra incentive never hurt.
For the five boys, however, there was no time to rest. Locked up in their office when not in class, training, or sleeping, they would be organizing new supplies for their team. Paperwork as menial as personal awards for the cadets up to maintenance material for the vehicles after the match were all prepared for one of two eventualities. Either they won and were better prepared to maximize training or they lost and the tedious work would be out of the way.
With the cadets now acclimated to the local temperature, new gear which had been delivered at the behest of Kaiser would soon be issued. Dessert variants of their Senshado uniforms in tan and black with shorts and better breathing material were at the forefront of issuance the next day. Two uniforms were granted, one for training and one for the day of their match, appearance was still a priority after all.
For the first time water and other minor nutrition would be issued within the vehicles to keep cadets from fainting, a common practice that was advised by the board members of the federation. "Wouldn't be much of a match if everyone was baked alive in their tank" reasoned Virtanen as they filled and emptied two jerry cans for each vehicle every day.
A newfound practice that had come up for the average cadet was the preservation of equipment. Due to the salty sea air vehicles were often tarped with barrels covered and sealed over weekends and during weekdays, daily cleaning would take place. In the higher humidity, this had taken a high focus as sand would replace humidity once they were in combat.
To make the cadet's lives worse, O'Diveley had taken to be the devil's advocate and would place much, sand, or other filth in nondescript areas of vehicles when cadets were cleaning at the end of practice. If Kaiser caught it, then punishments were abounding until Virtanen came to their rescue and dismissed them. The fact it was a scheme by all three to teach their cadets to not miss details went unsaid.
The final essential check that would be repeated on game day was the condition of rubber fittings, electronics, and tracks. These three were preached to be vital as the commanders harped on over any amount of sand within the gears, engines, and electronics, loose and or mildly damaged tracks, could spell disaster.
It was many new habits and a different type of harsh training from the usual physical routines they partook in. To the cadets, it was no more than their leaders drilling the knowledge in their heads. To the leaders, it was necessary precautions. Even Virtanen was relieved as Kaiser would bring up new points of discussion as it was one less to be overlooked.
To Kaiser himself it was a near paranoic sense of preparation. It had been mentioned many times he had met with other students, his infamy for using tricks and unorthodox methods to secure victory. From Kay to Nonna, and now Maho. They were expectant of him to pull something. He had come to expect it of himself as well.
But they were fighting in a desert. There were no towns in the area, no unusual or exceptional terrain. Even his creativity was limited to what he had. Here it would come down to the strategy, tactics, and personal skills of each cadet. He hadn't forgotten all this when he challenged Maho and Erika rather he found it the perfect and only opportunity to compare himself and his team in the world of Senshado.
After all in any other match if he had the opportunity for victory he'd take it. This was merely a coincidence. And so the final week of preparation ticked past with Kaiser feeling something bubble along with his usual confidence before a match. Anxiety.
-Chapter End-
