Another early morning. Before twilight, the cadets had assembled in the darkness of morning. No cheers, no mischief or play. In the blinding artificial light of the hangar, all cadets were present in their crisp new tan uniforms. An inspection was given, ensuring they were presentable. AS Virtanen, Kaiser, and Knight passed by the cadets one by one, each squad would run to their vehicle and prepare it for transport.
The last cadet had been checked and ran with their team to the 'Puma' as the commanders turned inward. Silent nods were exchanged between tired morning eyes as they observed their squads prepare the vehicles. Cannons were covered, tarps prepared for any severe weather, and the most essential, brooms and spare oil for any unexpected sand.
The vehicles roared to life amidst the calm air of the dormant ship. A line of armor proceeded dockside led by dimmed floodlights. The port town was semi-modern with few traditional buildings that they could see in the dark as they lumbered towards the train station.
With limited stations and trains, Transcendence was to arrive before Kuromoromine at the battle area and so they departed early to fulfill their timelines. The commanders met with the station masters who helped to coordinate the vehicles onto the train cars as the cadets strapped them down before turning into the station cars and promptly collapsing into the soft seating within.
Once all sixteen of their vehicles were secured and heads counted, Virtanen and Knight folwed the cadets to double-check headcounts as Kaiser signed off the final forms with the station master. All numbers were accounted for and with a loud whistle, they set off. Their destination was a few dozen kilometers inland, a rural, traditional town that hosted the event but was actually outside the match area. From what they were informed from their maps, the arena consisted of hills, sand dunes, and a single large ravine within the center.
The sun began rising towards their arrival at the final station. Its early pink rays illuminated the town and receiving station's white foreign architecture. A spectacle wasted on the sleepy teens who were catching up on last-minute sleep. It was no harm as the heat would soon accompany the light and they would still need to await Kuromoromine's arrival.
Kaiser himself allowed the cadets to slack in front of the train staff who laughed at the young students fighting their drowsiness. There was no idle chatter or excitement that had been in prior matches. In his train car, his seating, he was perhaps the sole cadet still conscious and alert. A small relief he didn't need to assuage any doubts but he could not lie to himself. Today something felt off with himself but that could wait, he had to focus on the match, had to focus on every possibility.
Soon the train drifted to a stop. Kaiser gave a polite wake-up call as he went through each car and those who were not awake received a less polite reminder on his way back. The students surely felt the rising temperature as they exited the train and began unchaining their vehicles, starting and moving them as directed by the Senshado student judges.
Lost in thought, Kaiser had to be called by his crew to depart. Without a word, he clambered onto his vehicle and promptly ensured they couldn't see just how unraveled he was becoming. The anticipation of the match, the bar he had set for himself, and the downtime they now found themselves with, left him alone with his harshest critique, himself.
The lighter vehicles began to move first with the heavier ones following. As his crew kept their hatches closed to avoid any dust or sand entering the interior, Kaiser pulled up his face wrap and held his crush cap snug to his head. Not wanting his crew to needlessly worry, he sat outside his vehicle and watched the morning sky brighten as the procession of vehicles moved. With the moment of solace for himself, he didn't notice the two sets of eyes watching him from ahead.
The melodious hum of engines and tracks did little to distract him as he watched bright blue wash away hues of purple and pink in the sky. His usual confidence, His boisterous audacity as some would call it, felt strangely absent at the moment. He laughed at himself realizing it was anxiety. Not an unusual emotion but one he never welcomed.
Contemplating just what was instigating this he came to the conclusion it was as Virtanen had said. He made his own problems. Proving himself by defeating Kuromoromine, justifying the high faith placed in him by others. Virtanen, his cadets, Kay, Nonna, and The Nishizumi sisters, disappointing any were far worse than the silent judgments by the judges or Senshado officials.
Soon they arrived at the designated area. The usual monitors, stands, food, and beverages were present as with any other match. Here however a series of tents were set up for large gatherings of the audience as well as a small grouping of tents for each team. With shade awaiting them the cadets quickly organized their vehicles as their commanders oversaw them.
Kaiser hopped off his Tiger and made quick work of assisting his crew in cleaning any vents, crevices, and lenses of the vehicle before applying the protective covers. Soon the cadets retreated to the tents and were provided ice-cold drinks. Some took to chatting with the excited audience in their own tents or with each other as they waited. Kaiser retreated to the empty officer's tent and sat on a low stool. Cover in his hands, he hung his head low as his thoughts ran rampant.
His tormentive solitude lasted seconds as Virtanen and Knight came in with loud complaints of the heat. The two cut dashing figures in the complementive tan uniforms. Virtanen himself sported a safari hat as he despised the heat.
Dramatically, Knight supported Virtanen as they limped in. "Why is it already hot enough to boil an egg and the suns been up for only five minutes?!"
"At least it's just for today Sir" reasoned Knight trying to stay calm and therefore slightly cooler. "I don't see how Kaiser's wearing trousers himself."
Kaiser snickered at the two's dramatized complaints as he threw them two drinks that were provided. "I'd rather be a bit stuffy than burn my skin, feels more appropriate in uniform this way" he explained taking a drink himself.
Virtanen and Kaiser caught the thrown drinks and raised them in thanks before greedily taking swigs. Gasping in relief Virtanen pointed at Kaiser. "Remind me to give you an award for getting these uniforms and the other gear for this match, I don't think I'd live through the day without these preparations."
"How did you do it so efficiently?" asked Knight curiously.
Welcoming the distraction, Kaiser answered bluntly. "Kay told me as I went along."
"You still talk to her?" asked Virtanen in surprise. "You usually don't talk to anyone longer than a few months."
Kaiser shrugged at the true statement. "She somewhat forced me to exchange contacts. Quite the talker too." To prove his point he gestured them to come over as he pulled out his phone. "She sent these this morning, though I haven't replied since we have other priorities."
The two boys wandered over and grew wide-eyed as they saw the link of messages on his phone. The most recent of which was of Kay leaning over Naomi and pressing a dimple on Arisas cheek as the embarrassed girl scrambled over to grab the phone. The three were in swimsuits and enjoying a tropical beach.
The message explained that they were enjoying a break in Hawaii before their semi-finals match. Looking over his shoulders, Kaiser felt that his peers weren't admiring the scenery in the background of the picture as much as the girls in front. Putting away his device, the mesmerized boy's regained themselves.
"Rather unfair that they get Hawaii when we get to swelter in this heat," thought Virtanen aloud as he realized he had lost himself for a moment.
Knight concurred with the thought. "Especially since during our visit, we got put through Kaiser's special training."
"Ha, I'd almost forgotten about that. Feels like ages ago."
"Hard for the rest of us to even think about forgetting. That was the first time many of us had ever done such a grueling set of tasks" complained Knight.
The two began to bicker and reminisce, having all but forgotten the eyeful of a picture their quiet ally had shown. It didn't take long before the two felt something was remiss. Kaiser didn't speak unless compelled or necessary but he usually made room for a quip or a jab. Their eyes wandered to the side to see him staring at the blank screen of his phone with a complex expression.
"Sir?" asked Knight.
"...Adam? What's wrong?" asked Virtanen.
Kaiser didn't try to lie or put on a brave front. The image of Kay's cheerful expression from the photo having put fresh weight on his mind at the pressure he implemented on himself. "Isn't it obvious?" he asked.
The two peers looked at each other in silence, if the answer was obvious, they couldn't see it.
"Open desert isn't exactly my nor our forte. My improvisation is limited. There's almost nothing to work with. It will be all skill, maneuvering, our teams and circumstance, vehicle conditions, and performance. Other than what we bring on the 'vics' and some ingenuity It comes down to who has more skill and training."
Trying to lighten the situation, Virtanen gave a small chuckle. "Please no more IED's. Or VBIED's."
"Don't worry I've already decided them as impractical here."
The humor fell flat, unfortunately. Silence awkwardly digging in as the two struggled to think of what to say. "What's the matter? Don't tell me I've ruined the mood?" Kaiser sarcastically asked.
"What's going on?" implored Virtanen.
"Come on use your imagination. What commander can't do a little guesswork?"
The barb went ignored as Virtanen insisted with a concerned look. "You know I've never been a complex thinker."
Kaiser sighed. "I'm worried I won't measure up. Im only good for work, labor, fighting."
"That's not a bad thing. You're good at what most others-"
"I dont need consolation. I'm fine with what I am. I just… dont want to find my limits and be unsatisfied. To find the end and see what's left."
Knight quietly spoke up. "Sir, this is unexpected. To be honest many of us see you as almost invincible."
Kaiser snickered. "It doesn't matter to me if you all see me as the worst person imaginable. Flattery means little to me compared to results. And if I can't provide the latter then I dont have anything, do I? This, it's the perfect stage for me to finally assess myself."
"Perhaps that's the problem sir? I may be overstepping but you're not the only one on the field. We've all learned. We all want to taste victory too but we want it together. You may be at the front but don't forget us behind you."
Kaiser shakes his head with a bitter grin. "Ain't I the one working from the rear? Besides, when did you get good with words? Are your dates with Diana making you a smooth talker?"
Knight fumbled slightly at the mention of his personal life causing Virtanen to step in. "Kaiser, you've helped us, we'll help you. Trust us."
"Hard to do that ya know. People dont change so easily."
Disrupting their discussion, O'Diveley barged in with a self-satisfied smile. Gentleman and less polite folk, have I got a treat for ya."
"Div's" interrupted Virtanen. "We're kind of busy here."
"It's fine, I'll manage. Always do" assured Kaiser with a halfhearted wave of a hand.
"Looks like ya'll do need some pick-me-ups. And have I got just the thing for you. Come on in gals!"
The tent's flap opened again as four more fingers walked in with mild discomfort evident on all their faces. Piper stood foremost with Dian to one side and Valerya with Natalya to the other.
"Well?" asked O'Diveley. "Nothing like some eye candy to perk ya up eh?"
Everyone turned to O'Diveley before the boys looked back at the girls who then averted their eyes in embarrassment. It was hard to refute his claim as the easy-breathing uniforms complimented the girls well. Perhaps too well as when Virtanen and Knight realized they were encouraged to look, they seemed unable to process past gawking at the timid girls.
Each of the girls wore their varying lengths of hair in buns along with the optional skirt for the desert uniform, a surprising choice for Natalya whose tomboyish nature seemed to leave her the most uncomfortable. Apart from that each had their own personal flair added as well.
Piper at the front was perhaps the lightest dressed. With rolled sleeves and a partially opened blouse revealing a tank top underneath her fair complexion showed a bright red with freckles not just on her face but her shoulders and nape as well.
On one side, Diana was the opposite. Wearing thin leggings and a long sleeve beneath her uniform to protect her pale skin from the scorching sun. It was near impossible to tell blush, from flush on her face as she was bright pink even in the shade of the tent. Perhaps her complexion added to the embarrassment.
Valerya showed no concern for exposed skin as her legs were bare and even her blouse was undone to a level near Blue Division High School. Natalya meanwhile seemed at her limit with just the skirt, her uniform being complemented of her endowment but thankfully properly worn.
As Kaiser stood to speak with O'Diveley, The man in question raised his hands and clapped. "Ready, and~ Go!"
On his word the girls tensed and did the unthinkable, they struck 'cute' poses. The effect was powerful as Virtanen and Knight seemed to stop thinking when Piper was the first to cave. Crossing her arms over herself in embarrassment, She shouted "I can't do this! I've had 'nuff of it!"
Her eruption cause the other three to awkwardly agree. Diana scratched her cheek unable to muster words as Nat and Val spoke to each other.
"I… don't see why I'm here" stated Natalya, wiping sweat off her neck.
"You have more reason than me, I'm the one out of place" pouted Valerya fanning herself.
"You've done a fine job girls, Thank you for your efforts." O'Diveley seemed pleased with the responses from Virtanen and Knight while having expected nothing from Kaiser. "You can stay and chat or head back, our job here is done," he instructed.
Despite their embarrassment, the girls seemed to linger and speak with the commanders as Kaiser approached O'Diveley with a shake of his head. "Divs, you know that could have got you brig time for harassment right?"
O'Diveely gestured for Kaiser to lean in and whispered to him. "You know as well as I do that they wanted to come and show off. Otherwise, I wouldn't have even tried."
Kaiser glanced at Knight and Virtanen speaking to Diana and Piper then Natalya and her sister. With a sigh, he shrugged. "I wonder."
"Um, Sirs?" came a hesitant voice from the tent's entrance. Anna poked her head in before stepping inside. Her small frame was perhaps the only other to wear a skirt along with a white scarf wrap close to Kaiser's own. Seeing an ally, Diana and Piper quickly roped her into a chat and began speaking of how nervous they were, though it was more about standing out than the match itself.
Anna's eyes flit about to seek help and before they could land on Kaiser, he took his leave out the rear exit, adjusting his facial wrap and walking to the shade of some nearby trees. He sat at their base and placed his crush cap atop his knee, rustling his hair to dispel some of the heat.
His mind continued listing off his worries, contingencies, what-ifs, and the terrain, he even began to have wavering confidence in their vehicles and experience. As if he challenging himself he began even thinking back to his mother's recent visit, to what he was even performing for. Just like in InfanterieKampf. He had come this far, he couldn't afford to slip. Couldn't allow anyone to trip him up.
In his fit of minor psychosis, Kaiser threw his head back, resting it against the tree, and took a breath. Through the gently waving branches, he stared at the blue sky. He gave a hollow chuckle at his despairing thoughts. It was difficult to get your head straight even when you were the one to realize you were psyching yourself out.
As he sat in his melancholic state a set of dark hazel and another of bright green eyes looked down at him in curiosity from differing heights.
"Well don't you look worse for wear?" snickered Valerya.
"Are you okay sir?" asked Natalya.
Blinking in surprise at their arrival, Kaiser shifted to stand until both girls put out hands to stop him. "Answer her question" demanded Valerya with a wink.
Slowly settling back against the tree Kaiser grabbed his cap off his knee and waved them away. "I'm fine, you two go back and check on your teams.
"We are" replied the sisters in harmony.
Kaiser snorted at the technicality. "I'm fine, just thinking" he answered with dismission in his voice.
"Clearly" replied Valerya as she stood straight with a hand on her hip.
Leaning over with hands on her knees, Natalya pressed further. "With all due respect, That is clearly a lie."
Kaiser's brow hadn't even risen before Valerya clarified for him. "She's talking about the strained look on your face, hell despite all you do this may be the first time we've seen you with bags under your eyes."
He leered at Valerya who crossed her arms and challenged his gaze. Glancing at Natalya he could see past his frustration at their pestering to know it was out of concern. With an exasperated sigh, he placed both wrists atop his knees and got comfortable.
"No reason to bore you with all the details, Just know I have a lot riding on this."
"Gambling now?" asked Valerya.
Natalya gave an unamused look at her sister and turned to Kaiser. "Don't we all? We all are trying to win."
"Some of us have more at risk than others. For me, it's personal I suppose."
The sisters stayed silent for a moment as they exchanged glances. Valerya spoke first with a grin. "For the big bad vice commander, you sure are sensitive."
Closing her eyes in frustration, Natalya reneged on the comment. "What my sister means to say is that you're not alone." Opening her eyes, an unusually kind gaze fell upon Kaiser as his usually stoic and stern subordinate spoke. "You didn't waver before any opponent. Not even Pravda when things fell apart. We aren't going to lose faith in you just because you're a little frayed."
Kaiser took on his usual smile one the two sisters knew hid a layer of cynicism behind it. He didn't get a chance to speak as the girls seemed to get agitated.
In a huff, Valerya leaned into his face and wagged a finger. "That head of yours is the problem!" pressing an index finger against his forehead she glowered. "Always thinking too much and always acting like you're superior!"
"Are you any different?" he deadpanned knowing she lorded herself over others within the social hierarchy at school.
"Not the point!" she defended despite the irrefutability statement as Natalya took over.
Both girls knew him well and recalled what his mother had told them in private. They wanted to help and be relied on, even feeling that they were owed somewhat as two of the closest cadets to him. At least as far as they knew. Val simply had difficulty managing the words for such interpersonal issues, Nat similarly had to muster the courage and wording but tried her best.
"You're stubborn like us but you try your best despite the odds, I at the very least want to support you with everything I have!"
Quiet ensued the fiery claim, Kaiser's expression seemingly unaffected except for a slight widening of his gaze. Val on the other hand seemed caught off guard by the declaration and was speechless.
Kaiser tilted his head down a fraction, running a hand against his face in contemplation. A single shake of his head came. "You should strive for the team, not myself. I'm a cog same as everyone else."
Slight disappointment crossed Natalya as she averted her hopeful gaze. Seeing this, Val groaned aloud. "For the love of-" Grabbing her sister's shoulders and pushing her, the two sisters crashed down, sitting next to Kaiser.
As he shifted, Val pushed her sister's face so that they both were staring at confused Kaiser. "Nuh-uh, we won't take such a crap deal. We may not look it but we're very greedy girls. Even innocent little Nat here. One way or another, we'll take what we want."
Looking between the bewildered face of Nat and the stubbornness of her sister, Kaiser snickered drawing concern and ire from the two. "You're not pretending to be cute anymore?" he chided.
"That's not the point here!" replied Val at his avoidance of the topic.
Chuckling to himself, Kaiser stood slowly, dusting himself off. "Thank you for the early entertainment. I should get to inspecting the squads now-"
"Hold on!" demanded Val as Kaiser turned feeling a tug on his uniform's blouse. The sudden tug forced him to stoop as Val surprisingly pulled Nat up and forced the three into a hug.
Squeezing as hard as she could, Val left Natalya shocked that her little sister had this much strength despite her evasion to working out and Kaiser momentarily reacted with a short volatile reaction. Fighting the urge to escape the embrace, Kaiser was left with a small flush on his face, at a loss of how to respond to the intimate contact.
Valerya finally relented, leaving herself and Nat to curiously look up at him. Knowing he had an unflattering expression he brought up his cap to cover the lower half of his face. "What was that?" he asked mildly.
"...Oh?" asked Natalya.
"Oh~" grinned Valerya mischievously
"Kaiser!" called a voice from the tent nearby. Seeing his opportunity, Kaiser took it.
Kaiser quickly got up and stepped away as the two girls gave brief farewells at his retreating figure. The two had set him slightly at ease but now his mind certainly had drifted away from worry.
Passing by the tent he saw who had called for him, Anna stood by with a perplexed expression. "Popular as ever" she snidely commented as he passed by.
Kaiser stopped past her, waiting to hear what she had to say. His concern was wasted as she passed a snarky comment. "Before a match no less, at least show some restraint. I'm starting to feel like I dodged a bullet."
Her indirect mockery brought a mirthful sniff from him. Displeased with his response she turned only to see his hand stretch out and ruffle her hair. Fighting to keep him from ruining her pristinely combed blonde hair untangled, Anna was unable to snip back as Kaiser laughed at her. "Where did this sharp tongue come from? You might hurt me."
Fending his hand away, Anna pouted and straightened her glasses as she patted her hair down. "I called you because your crew is requesting you" hissed the angered girl.
With a chuckle, Kaiser nodded and looked her up and down. "You look nice in our uniform, Let's hope you paid attention in training." With that comment and an embarrassed hiss from Anna, the two left to partake in their duties.
With a sense of ease, Time passed under the rising heat and sun when a second column of vehicles arrived. A slow rumble from the distance followed by the dull glimmer of black crosses on tanned and browned vehicles. Just as Transcendence's vehicles, camouflage paint, and netting were applied to the vehicles, creating an imposing image as they arrived in neat orderly lines.
A half-hour was given to the newly arrived team to settle in before the commanders would shake and the match began. During this period, The Transcendence cadets watched their adversaries with curious gazes.
Just as they claimed, Kuromoromine didn't hide their new vehicles, instead proudly showing them off in formation. Bringing new tank variants to this match showed their willingness to experiment and decide this match's outcome.
Kaiser watched from afar as two prominent figures, undoubtedly Maho and Erika, patrolled from vehicle to vehicle ding their checks. His eyes turned to the new variants. A SturmTiger and T-34-88.
The former had an ammo supply vehicle accompanying it and the two only counted for one vehicle slot with the federation. Its power and mobility would provide problems unlike the Gerat cannon used last year. Perhaps hunting its ammo vehicle and drawing its fire till it was out of ammo would be the appropriate play.
The T-34-88 held the T-34's infamous mobility with the Tiger dreadful cannon. However, its performance within desert conditions was unknown and may be detrimental to its uses. For now, it would be a troublesome medium to deal with.
Then there was the infamous Maus. Aside from its defeat by Oarai, it held an impressive record with Kuromoromine in holding defensive positions and eradicating heavys. If possible, Kaiser would like to take it out quickly as well. The final curiosity that caught his eye was the extra equipment some of the lighter vehicles Kuromoromine had strapped along. It seemed they were carrying light building structures and supplies. What for even had him at a loss but it would be redundant as he undoubtedly would be on the receiving end.
Soon the representatives for each team were called upon to greet at the stage. With ample time, Virtanen, Knight, and Kaiser walked to the large stage beneath the blazing sun. While his peers spoke amongst themselves, Kaiser casually looked around.
The audience wearing loose and light clothing was as devoted as ever albeit calmer under this heat. Virtanen and Knight themselves, though lethargic from the uncomfortable temperature, seemed far more confident than he recalled months ago. Knight especially seemed different. Perhaps because Kaiser had known Virtanen for so long but in the short time they had trained Knight the junior cadet had become more vocal, and took initiative far more often.
It reflected on his chest as well. Despite not wearing dress uniforms or their usual black senshado uniforms, each of the three had varying medals and rewards on their tan outfits. A recently approved measure from the school staff that allowed cadets to show their merit across all uniforms even the school's regular grey uniform though that would require an exceptional deed for such prestige.
Knight's rewards weren't as plentiful as his own or Virtanens but just as every other cadet, they were accumulating and he even kept ahead of his contemporaries. It was a prideful thing to see the stars, stripes, stars, and other varying awards along with the highly coveted school cross that few were awarded. The school was even contemplating a higher reward in order to entice the cadets further. The only problem Kaiser had was when he and Virtanen had to award themselves medals as it felt awkward even if undeserved.
Shaking off the mundane thoughts, Kaiser saw the blank uniforms of Kuromoromine, sleek chests undecorated but deceitfully so. Their track record was enough evidence that they did not care for the triviality of awards. As they walked on stage, he saw the brunette and silver hair of Maho and Erika.
Stern faces as expected as they stood confidently with garrison caps and tan uniforms with red undershirts and skirts, their schools black cross emblazoned on the breast and hip.
The formality was short as even the announcer didn't have too much energy under the sun. Feeling himself again, Kaiser shook Erika's hand, who notably seemed extremely displeased as Virtanen shook Mahos and Knight shook with a girl name Koume Akaboshi. The former two seemed cordial as the latter exchanged pleasant smiles. It seemed once again Kaiser had drawn obvious ire for the crowd to see though he knew it was not unwarranted even if intentional.
The two groups split as the announcer addressed the crowd and presented the time limit before the match started. Feeling a pair of eyes on him, Kaiser turned to see a curious gaze from Maho and Koume as Erika glared. With an easy breath, he gave a sly grin and waved back nonchalantly.
Maho raised a hand as Erika seemed to rile up somewhat and Koume talked her down. 'Cute' he chided mentally. He felt he should berate himself for being so nervous earlier. It was time to do what he did best, what was there to be afraid of?
Glancing to the crowd his eyes widened in realization. A feminine figure stood out from the other onlookers as Shiho Nishizumi stared intently at the stage. With an added pep to his step, Kaiser was quick to urge his peers to head out to the starting points and make a mental note to avoid the crowds after the match.
It may have been his imagination but her usual frown seemed more displeased than usual, he'd like to not find out.
-Chapter End-