Blazepanzer here, and I'd like to start by thanking everyone who has taken the time to read my fanfic so far! So Thanks! For now we're going to cover Taeko's introduction to the story, which follows her adventures in the Shattering of the Duck so to speak, Albeit I fully intend to shake things up a lot in comparison. Part of the plan to make a better story if you will. We'll be returning to Hanoashi's adventures in chapter 4, but for this and the next chapter, it's all miss Taeko!
Anyways, enjoy! note: Blazepanzer does not own Girls und Panzer!
Sensado had always been odd for her. Always sitting in the radio operator's seat, mostly taking notes and reporting on things while occasionally firing the hull mounted machine gun.
And yet, Taeko dispute being slightly frustrated by her lack of ability to fire the cannon, load or drive, she was content with her job as the radio operator. Was it boring? Kinda, though she did have quite the fun time with her teammates, especially when one of them had a silly idea. And the sensation of riding was fun as well as soothing to her.
But now was not that time, now was serious game time. In the middle of the match with Pravda, she along with the rest of the girls had learned that Ooarai would be closing down if they failed to win the tournament. Thankfully, they had managed to pull out a win, and now had to face the beast known as Kuromorimine, often called the slayers of schools, so to speak.
As the Type 89 rumbled along the passageways, Taeko began to gaze through her book. "So far we've ran into a lot of panthers, a couples of tigers, including at least one tiger II, and some tank destroyers," she recited."
"Do you know how many?" Noriko asked.
Taeko shook her head. "I counted seventeen tanks at the hill, but it is possible that they could be holding them in reserve. Plus, Turtle team reported two detracts on a Jagdpanther, so that could explain one of the missing tanks."
"Any idea what tanks the other two are?" Noriko continued.
"Possibly scout tanks...but..."
"Enemy Panzer III!" Akibe shouted in glee.
"We can handle a Three, all tanks pursue!" Taeko along with the rest heard Miho command over the radio.
"Welp! You've heard the lady, let's gun for it!" Noriko shouted.
Taeko let herself relax, comforted by Miho's confidence. We've got this in the bag! She smiled as they cornered the tank in an alley.
The next thing sent rumbles into the ground. "What...earthquake! No...too soft for that," she gasped.
"It's like a wall..." Noriko mused.
"A rolling wall..." Shinobu added.
"They brought a freaking Maus to the field!?" Taeko gasped, as her memory flooded back to a warning her little brother had given her.
"Kuromorimine is ruthless, sis," Hatsu began. "They'll try to take you all out all at once, but they're no slouch at crawling their way back from a disadvantage position. Furthermore, they've got a ton of heavy tanks along with their tank destroyer variants in addition to their medium tank cousins."
"So any advice for me?" Taeko asked.
"Take out their flag tank quickly, and don't expect anything like a fair fight," Hatsu warned her.
"Mallard team is out!"
Taeko let out a loud gasp as she heard the radio crackle to life. "All units, fall back!" Miho shouted.
Meanwhile, in a hidden hanger...
Kensen starred at the screen, alert for any trouble. Security is always tight at these Sensado matches, but now it was tighter than ever...for a rather incredibly stupid reason! He growled, really not wanting to be here.
"So...ten dimes Hanoashi tries something," one of his temporary comrades, temporary in the sense of being assigned to this mission, prompted.
"You kidding? The little bitch is looking at close to twenty years for those two assault charges, plus any time added for running. You're on Aceto!"
"Seriously you two, can you not try to make trouble?" a Black haired man with dark green eyes muttered.
"Come on Seto, we're just having fun," one of the betting man muttered.
"And for the record, Miho's more likely to cause trouble, given she nearly drowned one of Kuromorimine's team in the ocean," Seto added, glaring at the screen.
"Wait...I thought she rescued that team," Aceto mused.
"Nope! She put that team in the position to fall in the lake. Hence she tried to drown them."
"So what's all this bout Panzer drowning?" another black haired man came in, his green eyes glistening in...Kensen wasn't too sure but it seemed to be a mix of amusement and rage.
"We're just talking bout your half sister in law's tendency to drown tanks," Seto growled.
"Don't look at me, Sachi insists on staying out of Nishisumi affairs, same as you," the man hissed in response.
"Good, trust me you don't wanna block a handgun for your cousin only for her to nearly kill five kids due to being reckless," Seto growled again.
"Will you two stop growling and hissing at each other like wild cats?" A female officer moaned. "I'm trying to watch the match here!"
"Well we are members of the Free Jagdtigers," the second man with the black hair mused.
"Yeah, and so am I Acer," the woman sighed. "You don't see me acting like a Shadowclan cat with a Thunderclan warrior on his territory!"
"But you are a cat," Acer joked, gazing at her with curiosity.
"That's with a K!" the girl hissed. "K.A.T!" Not C.A.T!" she spelled it out.
"Now you are really acting like a vicious tiger," Seto shook his head. "You sure Aunt Shiho didn't teach you your current table manners?"
Kat just threw her pillow at him. "Chauvinist!" she chanted.
Seto simply carried the pillow over to her, laid it in her lap and bowed. "You wouldn't know a chauvinist if one came up and bit you," he smirked.
"You...are laid back for a Nishisumi..." Kat muttered, clutching the pillow. "I can see why she fell for you so quickly...
"What's up with her?" Aceto asked.
"Ex sanders, same as Seto's wife Shirio, team commander, back to back." Acer shrugged. "That's all I'm going to say bout that."
"Yes, please, I want to forget that cage," Kat whined, clutching her pillow tightly for a few moments, before letting out a small gasp. "Wait...don't tell me!?"
Kensen felt his jaw drop as the Hetzer charged right at the Maus. He didn't dare look at Seto, knowing full well that this was one of Miho's ideas, one that he wouldn't appreciate his cousin making.
At that point another thought entered his mind. What if Hanoashi didn't assault Ami Chono? What if Miho had done something reckless and Hanoashi was simply speaking out about it? And in return...is it...possible that Ami made that story up to get rid of her?
He shook his head. That still doesn't absolve her of assaulting Brewster like that. And even if she didn't do that, she'd still be charged with felony evasion. Damn...poor girl...
He shook his head. "Get ready troops, we might have work to do," he sighed as he glanced at the small fleet of prison transport vehicles in the hanger with them. The reason they had a fleet wasn't because they expected to have a lot of innocents, but rather that they expected to perhaps have several incidents occurring at different locations. As such, the police would take in a criminal, they'd come to the site and pick up the arrestee, and the police continued their patrol unimpeded with the need to rush to the police station and back.
However, as he watched the next too minutes unfold, he realized that they would have a full load.
Ooarai...
Taeko let out a small sigh as the tank waited in the...not exactly ambush position but it felt like it. "Guys...I'm getting an uneasy feeling about this plan," she urged softly.
"Not now Taeko, we've already agreed to do it, so they're no going back," Noriko shook her head.
"But commander!" Taeko hissed, pausing as she realized that her friend was ignoring her.
"Remember Shinobu, our job is to jam the turret long enough for Miho to get a shot into the exhaust grill!"
"Right," Shinobu affirmed.
"Rabbit team has them distracted! Duck team, charge!"
"Guts!" Shinobu and Akibe shouted, surging though them.
Taeko shut her eyes as a realization hit her. Guys! I don't think that the Hetzer can tank the combined weight of us bouncing on the Maus like this! She shouted inwardly, not even sure if she vocalized the words.
However, she barely had time to think as she felt her tank lunge downward. Dammit! Taeko hissed, realizing what had happened. She began to feel her face getting wet and was afraid that she or one of her comrades had been hit, but that wasn't the case.
She was crying. She didn't need to find out why, she knew. The moment she felt the tank lunge downward she knew that her realization had come true.
It was at that moment that she heard the firing of a gun. At first she was too sure what it was, but the look of horror on Noriko's face told her that it was their gun.
"What is wrong with you Akibe?!" Noriko streaked.
"I...I don't know what came over me! I'm sorry!" Akibe shut her eyes, tears welling up.
Taeko was about to respond when she heard a terrible crackling sound, and suddenly felt the tank rock backward. "Wh...what was that?" she gasped, before the tank fell to it's side. The four girls likewise fell back, Taeko feeling a sharp pain on her elbow, realizing that she had scraped it as blood welled slightly from it.
"This is Major General Ikida Nukashira, all Sensado students are to remain in their tanks until apprehended by members of the police force or army. Any attempts to run will be treated as felony escape. And use of your tank's weapons or resistance will be met with deadly force.
We're being arrested!? Taeko gasped, before shaking her head. No, that's to be expected. We did just fire into a tank after all. I'm guessing the crew of the Maus must have opened their hatch to ask what happened and that's when...
"You alright?" Noriko asked.
"I'm...not so fine," Akibe sighed.
"I'm not talking to you, murderer!" Noriko screeched.
"Girls..." Akibe whispered, seemingly growing scared.
But Shinobu just looked away with a small grunt of disgust. Taeko herself just closing her eyes and sighing deeply. This just wasn't their day so to speak.
"Taeko...I'm..." Noriko choked on her words.
"It's alright, I don't blame you," Taeko whispered. "I...I probably should have just started out with my suspicion from the beginning. I...I just wish that I had realized that the Hetzer couldn't take this when Miho suggested this stupid idea."
"Yeah, that would have been important!" Shinobu spat, clearly pissed at her.
"I...wonder how long we'll get?" Akibe whispered, shaking.
"There's no telling, especially with a murder such as yourself!" Noriko spat.
Akibe simply burst into tears at the rebuke.
Poor Akibe! Taeko mused briefly as a slight twinge of sympathy for her friend erupted, but it passed as quickly as it formed. Wait...why am I feeling sorry for her when she got six students killed, and nearly got us killed!
And what about you, Noriko and Shinobu? What about the student council girls you killed? A still small voice echoed in her head. She mentally sighed as she shook her head visibly to handle the idea.
"Let me help you with you're shoulder," Shinobu soothed gently.
"I'll get the bandages!" Akibe began, but paused when Shinobu glared at her, before gazing at Noriko. "Can you get the bandages instead? I'm sure Taeko doesn't want to be treated by a murder!"
"Honestly, given how my conscious is bothering me, I could care less right now," Taeko sighed. "We're probably going to all get jail time anyways... "She didn't dare look at her friend, she couldn't stand to see the blond hurt so much, even if she did in a way deserve some harshness over firing into an open tank like that.
In a flash Taeko found hydrogen peroxide being pored on her cut, breathing a small sigh of relief. "That's the stuff," she sighed as Shinobu gently dabbed it off, before placing some gauze on it.
"You know, I recently found out that the co-ed league forces their Sensado students to wear long sleeved BDU's during practices, maybe we should have done that instead of wearing our volleyball uniforms," Shinobu noted.
"I wasn't aware that there was a co-ed league," Noriko mummered.
"Me Neither," Akibe shrugged.
She had fully expected for Akibe to get metaphorically hit by an F-19 tornado, but a knock on the tank hatch distracted them from what ever argument was about to take place, before light eliminated the relatively dark tank.
The girl's eyes widened when they saw the barrel of an FN-Scar poking through the tank. We're going to die! Taeko shrieked inwardly.
But the gun never fired. "Alright you four, come out and lay your hands on the Hetzer, one at a time!" the gun welder barked in Japanese.
Taeko watched as Noriko sighed and exited the tank, doing her best to keep her hands in full view of the guards. She's nearly scared stiff... she observed as her friend barely managed to crawl out of the tank, letting out a rather large gagging sound shortly after. They...didn't strangle her did they? Taeko thought in horror.
Akibe was out next, her eyes shut as tears streamed down her face. As she exited the tank, she could hear a rather large "I'm not placing my hands on that tank!"
Taeko shortly followed, her relief at Noriko being alive mixed with fear for her friend as Akibe was marched over to the Hetzer with the SF-scar's tip jabbed against her back.
It's okay Taeko...just don't give them a reaso... She began to think as she rose up slowly, only to begin puking at the site. Guts were strewn everywhere, with chaired body parts stinking up the air. As she recovered momentarily, she paused when she heard a squish sound, gazing down at her feet, her eyes widening in horror as she realized that she had stepped in someone's spewed out intestines.
At once she almost took off in a sprint, the firing of a gun being the only thing which stopped her. Shaking, she turned around, noticing that the soldier had fired a single round into the ground. That was my only warning! She gasped, beginning to shake. Even so, she forced herself to walk over to the Hetzer, shakily placing her hands on it.
A moment later she felt liquid on her right hand, and she let out a scream as she found blood on her hand. Glancing up, the severed body of a brunet met her sight, and at that point it was too much for her as she fell backward, fainting.
A Pungent stench sent her eyes flying open. "Back against the Hetzer, no nap time you you murderer!" The solderer with the FN-scar growled. Taeko, somewhat calmed, obeyed while making sure not to get too close to Yuzu's mangled body.
Murderer...Taeko mused, staring at her bloodied hand and shoulder. He's not wrong, I have their blood on my hands, both figuratively and literally.
"So it's good to awaken fainting victims as well," she heard one of the officers muse.
"Yep! Normally it's supposed to be used for counteracting...well...those kinds of drugs, but it has other uses as well," FN-scar guy shrugged.
"Honestly I'm not too sure what situation would have been worse for these girls, prison, or slavery," the officer muttered, shaking his head.
"Well, most likely they'll become someone bitch in prison," FN-scar guy growled.
Would Slavery really be better? Taeko sighed. Inwardly. I don't want to get whipped, and sex slavery is a big no no, but a regular slave with no risk of forced sex or whipping...maybe? Wait...am I really contemplating being a slave here!?
"Right, let's get these girls loaded up," the second officer yawned.
"Prison's too good for these four, I say we shoot them right now!" FN-scar jerk shrugged.
"Shit, Free Jagdtigers are coming," the other shoulder hissed.
Free Jagdtigers? Aren't they terrorist? According to Ami and Miho they are...Them! Taeko found herself growing angry. Miho and Ami! Miho's the idiot who came up with this stupid plan! And Ami...why didn't she stop the match? Surely an expert like her would have realized that the Hetzer couldn't handle such weight and stopped us before we fully executed it!
"So, they are cooperating huh?" one of them in an army inform noted.
"The brunet in the sleeveless shirt tried to run, a warning shot stopped her in her tracks," FN-scar guy yawned.
"You're not supposed to fired on them unless they fire on you first!" the blond next to the officer growled.
"Whatever you say Cat!" the first officer growled.
"You were more sympathetic when you and Seto found me and Shirio in that cage!" she growled. And it's Kat, not Cat!"
"You didn't murder nine students," FN-scar guy shrugged. "These idiots did."
"Any word on Hanoashi?" the Army guy with Kat asked quietly.
FN-scar guy shook his head. "Shame, I'm sure she'd love to see this!"
Suddeny Taeko's mind flew back as she recognized the name.
Letting out a small smile, Taeko let the feeling of praise wash over her. Ah...this is great, even with no...
"No, we didn't do good."
Her eyes opened, and turning to the freshmen in surprise, she let out a small gasp as the ginger haired girl walked forward a bit. "Miho sending an untrained crew across the bridge like that, a bridge that should not be used for casual tank crossing, was very reckless."
Hm...maybe...Taeko glanced between the Irish looking girl and Miho. However, her heart sank as the two had a small spat and the girl, who was apparently named Hanoashi Katoni, was exiled from the team.
In the present, Taeko's eyes widened. "Hanoashi..." she trailed off.
"You know what happened to her?" Kat asked.
"She...tried to warn us that we were being to reckless...after...after our first practice..." Taeko trailed off...not too sure if she wanted to rat out Miho at the moment. "She and Ami had a small...argument and then she was exiled from the team."
"And what brought out this argument on safety?" Kat asked.
"First...why are you interested in this Hanoashi jerk?" Noriko spat.
At once the FN scar guy glared at her and barked that they were the one's who barked the orders, not her. Noriko just slumped down in defeat.
"Would it be okay if I interviewed this one?" Kat asked.
"Fine, but you'll have to do it at the juvenile facility." FN-scar guy allowed. "For now, let's just get them handcuffed and out of here."
"What about the blood on her shoulder and hand?" Kat asked.
"Let her wear it during the trip, that way she'll remember the blood on her hands more." FN-scar guy growled.
"If you say so Scar," Kat shrugged.
Taeko's eyes widened as Kat walked over and brought out a pair of handcuffs. "Wait...I'm...really being arrested!?" Taeko gasped.
"Unfortunately, yes," Kat sighed. "And you'll probably be sent to prison for a while, I'm afraid. But...if you help me with this Hanoashi case as well as trying to find out what lead up to this event, I might be able to get you a deal, okay?"
Taeko let out a small sigh, but nodded. "Alright then," she whispered.
"Good, now, I'm going to place the cuffs on you, I know it's degrading, but just relax and try to put up with it, okay?"
Taeko sighed as she turned from her left hand, as it was guided behind her back. Her amber eyes widened as she felt a metal clasp on it. This is it! I'm really going to jail! I'm really being handcuffed! she cried inwardly, tears beginning to flow down her cheeks.
"Don't cry ma'am, it's only going to give others ammunition to jeer at you, okay?" Kat whispered.
"Okay then," Taeko whispered softly, opening her eyes as she was turned around and guided by the arm to a waiting truck off in the distance.
"So you're questing this one?" Seto asked.
"Yes, she has important information about Hanoashi it would seem," Kat nodded. "You?"
Those two Black haired girls their, Ayumi's the one with the freckles and Hana is the more Japanese looking one," Seto noted.
"Why those two Seto?" Kat asked.
"Namely because they were near the crash, and Acer chose Asuza, the brunet haired girl to get a commander's perspective. Ayumi can help make sure that Asusa's testimony is...consistent so to speak." He then paused. "The black haired girl is Midoriko Sono and the blond haired girl calls herself Erwin, after Erwin Romel. Kensen wants to check them out for diffrent reasons so to speak.
"And these are the one's we're interviewing?" Kat asked.
"For now, the others will get their time in court but these six are the one's we've chosen so far to help us peace together a few things so to speak. In exchange for a lighter sentence depending on the accuracy and amount of information."
Taeko let out a small sigh. So we're still going to prison, huh?
Seto gazed at her in what looked like half pity and half agitation. "Miss...you were in the type 89, right?"
Taeko let out a small sigh. "Yes...I was."
"Your position?" He continued.
"Radio operator," Taeko whispered.
"Hm...you're probable just get accessory to murder then," Seto mused. "Although...without this deal, you might get life given it's nine accounts."
"Li...life!" Taeko whimpered.
"Try not to scare her too much, Seto!" Kat growled, before turning to Taeko. "There's a prison program to where you might get just a few years...five at most. We're going to try and get you in there, but you're going to have to give us some useful information, okay?"
"Okay then..." Taeko sighed. "I'll...cooperate then."
"Good, now let's get you secured into the van and we'll be off. It's a long drive to the facility we're taking you two." Seto noted, before climbing into the truck.
"Try and hold on for me for a while, okay?" Kat whispered.
"My life is kind of ruined either way," Taeko sighed as she ducked into the transport van.
"The program will give you a clean record and the equivalent of a high school diploma. You could even go to collage if you wanted afterward so to speak," Kat promised.
"Oh...Okay then," Taeko mused as the chain holding the cuffs together was latched into a specialty designed dip in the seat, and Taeko was strapped in. To her horror, Kat then latched her legs into cuffs.
"Extra security so to speak," Kat whispered, before ducking out. "Anyways, I've got to go to my own assigned transport, but Seto and Acer will take care of you, alright?"
"Alright then," Taeko sighed, staring down at her feet in a mix of horror, disbelief, and shame.
The doors shut, and Taeko glanced up at the other girls in the transport. Hana, Ayumi, Asuza, Erwin and Midoriko. "I'm sorry," Taeko whispered. "I...I tried to warn Noriko about this...but..." she trailed off when she saw that they were deliberately ignoring her.
"Listen up ladies, this is Acer speaking, your driver." a voice came over the intercom. "You're being taken into protective custody at the moment, however it is likely that some of you will be given prison sentences later down the road. We're going to interview you about a few things, and you might get a reduced sentence, or even off with compensation for your troubles if you are found innocent or not worthy of prison time. You may speak with each other, but no accusing or fighting. Alright, any questions?"
"How long are we going to be in here for?" Hana asked gently.
"At least five hours on a good day, we're having to take you to a facility far away so to speak," Acer remarked.
"What about the others?" Taeko asked. "Will...they be eligible for the program as well?"
"It's unlikely the likes of your and Miho's crew are, unless they are in this van. Everyone else...maybe, that's up to the courts," Acer admitted.
The question and answer session didn't last too long, given most of the answers were that it was up to the courts or juvenile system. With that, the van's engines started up and the truck began to move from the last place any of them had known true freedom.
"Taeko...right?" Hana began.
"Yes?" Taeko whispered.
"Did...you really try to warn your crew?" Hana asked gently.
"I...did..." Taeko gazed down, sad and guilty. "I realized that the Hetzer probably couldn't take the weight of the Maus, much less the Type 89's weight on top of that, but Noriko wouldn't listen...then again I just protested about having a bad feeling about this plan. If I had stated that the Hetzer couldn't take on the weight to begin with..." She trailed off and let out a massive shudder before erupting into sobs.
None of the other girls responded, and Taeko decided after she calmed down to keep as quiet as possible during the trip. No sense in antagonizing them, as far as they are concerned, I'm a murderer. I guess I ought to just face that truth at this point.
Letting out a small sigh of defeat, she gazed toward the exit of the truck, yearning for the touch of the sun which flowed in like rays. If I had known that today would end up like this...but there's nothing I can do about it now but ride along.
Everyone stayed silent as they simply stared at either themselves, each other, or the door, depending on what they felt like doing. It's not too surprising that everyone is numb, Taeko realized as she gently moved her wrist and fingers to avoid her hands falling asleep. It's our first time being arrested, much less our first time in handcuffs.
Asuza let out a gusty sigh all of a sudden, causing everyone to gaze at her.
"What's wrong?" Hana whispered calmly.
"My friend Hanoashi...she tried to warn us that we were being too reckless, but we didn't listen!" Asuza cried.
"I thought she was trying to insult Miho, but it would seem that she was right in what she said," Hana sighed in defeat.
"What right does a newbie like her have to tell the instructor off like that!" Erwin growled.
"She's far from a newbie," Asusa sighed. "She commanded the Nishmari co-ed team for two years."
Co-ed leagues...wait a second! Taeko's eyes widened in shock. "My little brother Hatsu was a big fan of hers," she recalled.
"He was...wait, you have a little brother?" Ayumi gasped.
Taeko nodded. "He's like...nine at the moment..." she paused, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm...never going to see him again am I?" she whispered, before closing her eyes as the tears began to flow again.
"I'm probably going to be disowned after this," Hana sighed. "Mother practically disowned me over partaking in Sensado, though we did reconcile just before the match...but now..."
"I want out..." Ayumi whined softly.
"Tough, we're just going to have to bear it, seeing as how some of us aren't capable of handling responsibilities," Midorino growled, glaring at Hana.
"What did I do wrong?!" Hana gasped, gazing at her with wild surprise in her eyes.
"As the commander's cremate you're supposed to warn her if this situation is too dangerous, but no, you didn't. Taeko here at least tried to get her commander's attention to the issue and while she failed to get a word in edgewise..."
"That's enough Midorino Sono, no blaming others, alright?" Acer called over the intercom. "You're all going to juvenile for the moment so there's no use rattling each other up any more, okay?
"U...understood sir!" Midorino sighed, gazing at Hana and muttering something of an apology.
"Don't mind her Hana," Taeko soothed.
"Think they'll let us all room together?" Hana whispered.
Taeko shook her head. "No idea," she shrugged.
However, as she glanced over she noticed that Asusa had an odd look on her face. "Something wrong?" she whispered.
Asusa shook her head. "No, just...thinking of the time me and my brother would play cops and robbers. We'd handcuff each other, lead the other around for a bit, then switch. Never thought I'd be handcuffed for real though."
"Wait, you let a guy handcuff you?" Ayumi gasped, shocked.
"He was my brother and I saw him playing cops and robbers with a friend, and so I decided to ask if he'd play with me. He did, and we began playing it on the regular after that." Asuza explained.
"That's kinda surprising," Taeko gazed at her in surprise. "I know my little brother used to play it with his friends, but the idea of being handcuffed myself...that didn't set well with me." Letting out a tired sigh, Taeko glanced behind her. "Apparently I'm going to be in and out of these bad boys for a long long time now though..."
"Does anyone know what happened to Hanoashi?" Hana asked after a bit.
"Who cares?" Erwin hissed.
"I do!" Taeko growled, surprised that her voice joined in with Ayumi and Asuza. It makes sense that they'd want to know what happened to her though, given that she was their teammate.
"You know her?" Asuza asked, surprised.
Taeko shook her head. "No, not really. But she did try to warn us, and I'd like to personally thank her for trying to warn us...and to apologize for failing to listen."
"Whatever, she was just trying to antagonize Miho for showing her up I bet! After all, her tank got knocked out if I remember. Pitiful for a tank commander if you ask me!" Erwin hissed.
"Like you're one to talk," Hana growled. "I mean, I got knocked out from that shell you fired on the bridge, could have gotten killed!"
"You were about to fall off the bridge," Erwin gaped in shock. "If I hadn't fired that shell, then you'd have fallen off that bridge."
"You might have also destroyed the bridge as well," Taeko piped up.
"Shut up murderer!" Erwin screeched.
"Girls, I take back what I said, feel free to antagonist that Erwin chick all you want," Acer called over the radio.
"Why me and not the murder bitch over here?" Erwin gasped.
"Because Taeko actually shows remorse over her involvement in the incident. You on the other hand just want to blame everyone out of your fanboyisim over Miho." Acer growled.
"I'm not fanboying over Miho!" Erwin gasped.
"Yes you are!" all of the other girls shouted in unison.
"But...but Miho was fighting to save our school..." Erwin trailed off.
"And she got three students killed, and that's nothing compared to what my team did!" Taeko gasped. "Erwin, I don't know if you realize this, but if Miho had never came up with that stupid plan, we wouldn't have been in this mess. Me and the ducks, you and the Hippos, and everyone else, who knows where'd we be by now, but it wouldn't be handcuffed in this van, with out lives destroyed and nothing but prison to look forward to."
Erwin glared at her, before gazing down. "We might be saying our goodbys," she sighed.
"I kinda think that we are," Hana croaked out. "It's unlikely that we'd all be sent to the same prison after all, or that we'd all get to see each other."
"Would it have been better for us to say our goodbye in freedom, or in slavery?" Asuza whispered.
"We're being arrested, not enslaved," Midoriko sighed in exasperation.
"Honestly, as long as the possibility of torture, rape, and whipping is off the table, I might prefer that to jail," Taeko sighed. "Given I'm probably going to get life, if not decades."
"Are you going to be alright Taeko?" Ayumi whispered.
"Honestly, I'm not too sure," Taeko sighed in realization. "But if that happens then I'm just going to try and live the best way that I can," she added softly. "Even if it's not all that good of a life."
"It's getting hot in here," Hana whispered.
"Tough," Acer growled. "Did you girls think that prison is going to give you the same luxury as home except with you being locked in your room?"
"Is there's something you can do?" Taeko asked quietly.
"You should consider yourself lucky that guy didn't hit you with that warning shot when you tried to run like that," Acer sighed. But before Taeko could respond, she felt a breeze flowing on her. It wasn't cool or anything, but it'd help.
"Thanks Acer," Taeko smiled.
"Don't get used to it young miss, the other guards aren't going to be as sympathetic as I am," Acer growled.
"So...any tips on surviving prison?" Erwin asked.
"Keep your nose clean, cooperate, and try not to get too discouraged if you face some sort of injustice. It's rough, but you just have to go with the flow as best as you can so to speak." Acer admitted. "We're almost there."
Before long the van stopped, the air suddenly becoming stuffy as the fans stopped. Glancing around at the girls, Taeko realized with a start that she might not see any of them again. What a sorry lot we are...she mused as the doors opened, the bright light stinging her amber eyes.
"Alright then girls, you're here, your new guards will take over. Interviews will be held tomorrow, once you've been processed, which will happen early in the morning. For now, you've...in the loosest terms, have earned yourself a rest."
It'll be nice to get to walk again, Taeko sighed as she watched the other girls shuffle out of the van, a tad bit envious that she wasn't among the first. However, she didn't have to wait too long until her turn was up, and she flinched as the guy undid her shackles, and practically dragged her out of the van by her wrist.
Her heart sank and her breath caught in her through as she gazed around at the wire fence, topped with barbed wire and electric fence. "I really am in prison aren't I?" she whispered shakily. If any of us had any doubts about us ultimately going to prison, they're gone now, she breathed silently.
"Steady young miss...it's not all that bad given this is technically a juvenile prison," a female guard walked up. "For now though, let's get you washed up and then you can rest up in one of the holding cells for a night. Policy to let those who's gone on a long journey to rest in one before processing and it's getting late."
"Washed up?" Taeko breathed.
"Yeah, your cuts and that blood on your hand and forearm...also, we need to wash the dye out of your hair." The guard reminded her.
"Oh...but I like my hair dye," Taeko pouted.
"Tough, consider yourself lucky Japan forbids the shaving of heads for prisoners, unlike some nations," the guard threatened.
"No, not that!" Taeko gasped, growing scared.
"Like I said, it's forbidden here in Japan," the guard soothed, before grasping her by the arm and leading her into the building.
Taeko was a bit surprise by how clean it looked. "This must have some good janitorial services," she mused.
"Prisoners aren't supposed to talk in the halls, miss," the guard growled.
"I'm sorry," Taeko whispered, stunned.
"It's alright, for the record, you are only supposed to talk in the cafeteria, in the free yard, and in the cells if you have a cell mate. Any other time is either hushed cause or necessity only."
"What's that?" Taeko asked quietly.
"It means you either keep your mouth shut or only talk if necessary," The guard growled. "Now keep quiet unless I ask you to speak, alright."
"Yes ma'am," Taeko shuddered. They really don't play around do they?
"Right, we're at the showers, wash off the blood first and another guard will bring you the hair dye." the officer growled as she uncuffed her.
Taeko gazed at her hands, now free from the cuffs. There was a small indent where the metal rings had pressed against her hands, but what was worse was the sight of blood on her hand. This is Yuzu's blood...She felt herself becoming faint, before steadying herself. Just gotta do what she says...Taeko urged herself, quickly taking her clothes off and hopping into the shower.
"It's cold!" she gasped as she cold water hit her, hard.
"No talking!" her guard growled.
"Sorry!" Taeko squeaked, forcing herself into the cold stream, flinching. Acer was right, any luxuries we had as free girls are now gone...possibly forever in my case...she realized sadly. She gazed at the blood on her hand, watching as it washed down the drain. However, instead of making her feel clean, it made her feel dirty. No mater how much I try to wash, nothing is going to erase the stain of her blood on my hand. I should have done more to prevent this...
"Here's the hair dye remover, rub it in thoroughly and rinse it out a few times, you don't want to be charged with contraband on top of everything else, a second officer, a female, handed her bottle.
Sighing in defeat, Taeko took the bottle and lathered it in her hair, before ducking her head into the oncoming stream of water, flinching as it shocked her once again. This is really going to take some getting used to...she sighed in defeat, gazing at the brownish-pink dye washing out of her hair. I liked it, but honestly I was thinking about going back to brown anyways, she comforted herself over the loss of her hair dye privilege.
After a few more repeats, all of the dye had been removed, and the water shut off. "Alright, place your shirt and pants on, underwear, bras, socks, shoes, elbow, kneepads and hair ribbons are forbidden in the cells," the guard informed her.
"You mean I can't have my undies?" Taeko gasped.
"Nope! Young miss, you might not fully appreciate this fact yet, but prison is designed to make your life as much of a living hell without inducing torture," the guard growled.
Sighing, Taeko placed her sports shorts and tank top on, flinching as the shorts dug in. "I still feel naked," she whispered.
"Tough, if you can't handle prison than you shouldn't have broken the law," the guard growled. Now, if you'll follow me..."
"Aren't you going to handcuff me first?" Taeko gasped.
The guard sighed. "You're too talkative," she hissed. "Normally we don't handcuff detainees in the prison, but since you won't shut up..."
"No...I'll be quiet, anything but that..." Taeko's eyes widened as she guard stomped her feet.
"Any more out of you and you'll be cuffed behind your back for the evening, understood?"
Taeko froze, stunned.
"Well..." the guard hissed.
"I understand," Taeko whimpered. Great job idiot! You're first day and you're already getting punished. And you haven't even been fully processed yet! She chastised herself sharply.
"Very well then, stretch out your hands then," the guard ordered.
Obeying, she closed her eyes and outstretched her hands, flinching as she felt the metallic rings clasp on her wrist, before the guard pressed on her back, indicating that she should walk forward. I can't believe this...she muttered silently as she took in a deep sigh and began to move forward, trying not to see her wrist in cuffs as she moved down the hall.
"For the record, only the girl's hall and dorms are segregated, you'll be cooperating with boys on a regular basis," the guard informed.
"Boys?" Taeko flinched. You mean not only do I have to sit in jail, but I have to sit in jail with boys?!
"You'll get used to it," the guard soothed. "And we're always watching you and each other, in case you decide to try something with one of the boys," she added with a growl.
As long as they don't try something with me! Taeko huffed to herself, jolting as the guard jolted her to a stop. "In here."
Taeko sighed and entered the door, shuttering as the door closed and locked behind her. She had a rectangular hole near the top of the door, with bars running down at about two inches apart.
"She wouldn't shut up, so keep the cuffs on her until about lights out, okay?" her former escort told someone which Taeko couldn't see. Glancing around, her amber eyes took inventory of her cell. Padded room with a light deep in a cage. Thick mat on the floor with a pillow. A sink and toilet combo...and a small one seat wooden bench. Man this room is bare-bones.
Sighing, she sat down on the wooden bench, gazing at her handcuffed hands for the first times, her eyes widening at the sight. No...my hands...my wrist in...this can't be happening! She cupped her face into her hands and found herself erupting into tears, loud sobs echoing through the room.
She had no idea how long she cried for, but it had been a while given how dark the room had become. Her eyes felt dry and sting from the effort of crying. The little make-up she did wear had washed off during the shower, something she was glad of given she hated how girls looked after crying. Not that she actually had needed any makeup as sunscreen was really all she needed, but she had wanted to show off for the finals.
Before long her door opened, and the guard came in. "You okay miss, you were crying for a while," he mused.
He's a guy! Taeko realized, beginning to shudder in fear.
"Relax young miss, I'm just hear to take the handcuffs off. Unless...you'd rather sleep in them," he backed off hesitantly. "Well..."
Taeko stretched out her hands hesitantly, but to her horror, the guard just backed out and shut the door behind him. "Seems like miss murderer wants to sleep in the handcuffs," he laughed.
"What is wrong with you," Taeko whispered under her breath, but sighed as the lights began to dim. However, she didn't lay down on the mat, rather she huddled in a corner and gazed out of the cell, growing scared that he might try and start something with her.
Hours passed, and Taeko found herself in near perpetual darkness, the only lights being the hallway lights, which gave the guards just enough light to see in the cells without disturbing the detainee's sleep. Raising her hands up, Taeko quietly experimented with her hands in bondage so to speak. Is...this really all that bad of a thing...considering what I was involved in today? She asked herself.