With haste, Virtanen, Kaiser, Darjeeling, Alice, Pekoe, and whoever was around the two team commanders were promptly dragged away from the spectators to a private tent where they were debriefed on the situation.

Before them, a screen played the final moments of the match. They had watched and rewatched it several times and each time it would slow down to the absolute slowest frame rate of the two tanks firing their final shots.

Both vehicles were disabled at the same time. The sensors relaying the white flag status form within the tanks put both out at the same second, the frames of footage showed the same as well. It was a dumbfounding and miraculously unlikely happening. Yet no one had time to be impressed as the crowd grew restless, the teams anxious, and the judges nervous over what call to make.

It had been a short debriefing with little to note aside from the fact that the judges told the group of students that they were in deliberation and taking input from the experts, even phoning the head of the federation and Nishizumi family.

While they were dismissed, Kaiser noticed two things, Virtanen could not look him in the eye and Darjeeling held a bitter expression on her face. One that not even Pekoe and Assam could soften with words of assurance and fresh tea.

Tugging at the collar of his blouse, Kaiser glanced at the bright sunlight casting down above, the humidity and heat of the jungle beating him once more as his damp clothes turned sweltering. Having thrown it on just for the debriefing he quickly undid the stuffy article of clothing and threw it under one arm as he grabbed Virtanen by his shirt and dragged him along.

It was a Grimm sign to the few of their team who witnessed it as Virtanen had no energy even to make a retort. A sign that Kaiser noted would annoyingly inhibit any useful talk.

Having pulled him away into the treeline and after dismissing a few worried cadets who thought they were fleeing to fight each other, They stayed out of earshot and just within eyesight of the assembly area.

Leaning against a tree, Kaiser crossed his arms with blouse in between. "Look at me."

Virtanen shamefully disobeyed.

"...Austin. Look at me. What happened?"

Virtanen opened his mouth as his eyes drifted to Kaiser. "I-" his voice choked. His eyes then finally settled onto Kaiser properly. "I tried." Tears threatened the edges of his blue eyes. "I tried everything and I still couldn't!" frustration tore at his voice as he ripped his eyes away.

Kaiser watched him in silence for a moment, a long pause of suffering his friend endured until finally, he pushed off the tree. Virtanen tensed, expecting, no wanting to be criticized, to be berated for his failure. To be granted such an opportunity time and again, covered by his best friend, and to waste it all! How could he even consider himself a teammate let alone a leader?

"Did you do all you could? Did you try absolutely everything?"

"What?" replied Virtanen immediately, still averting his eyes.

Kaiser watched his gripped fists shake slightly as he explained. "It's as I've asked. Did you exhaust every possible option, do absolutely everything you could to secure victory?"

Virtanen inhaled sharply, holding back his frustrated tears as he recalled every second of the fight. In a raspy voice, he answered "I did."

With a sideways glance, Virtanen was stunned to see Kaiser shrug in response. "Then nothing can be done. It seems I overestimated myself and underestimated her."

"Yourself? Her? What do you, I was the one who threw it at the end, not you!" defended Virtanen.

Kaiser sniggered. I thought I could dispatch Alice quicker than what was realistic. I also expected you to have some trouble with Darjeeling, anyone would in that situation. The fact that you didn't outright lose shows you were more than capable despite my miscalculations."

Virtanen went deathly quiet at the praise, It was clear it didn't sit right, didn't feel earned. The look in his eye showed not regret but disappointment in his failure to gain a clear win. Kaiser slapped an arm down atop Virtanen's shoulder, surprising him into looking him in the eye. "You don't fight a match on your own. Nat and Val were up there holding them back, I was up there with you taking on my own battle. We all do our part but sometimes, a battle doesn't go as planned."

Virtanen's eyes seemed to glisten slightly at the assurance. His relief of burden didn't last long as Kaiser switched gears. "Now I need you to be commander again and help me make a choice here."

Virtanen took the distraction with warm welcome as he turned and thumbed away the welling tears beneath his glasses. "What do you mean?"

"Do we let them argue over who won, or do we lose on our own terms?"

Virtanen's eyes widened as large as possible as his head snapped to Kaiser. His voice dragged out low in shock. "What?"

Kaiser raised a hand to defend himself and explain. "As it stands the adults over there are throwing fits trying to decide who won. Both have consequences for them. They say we win and traditionalists are up in arms. Gloriana winning is their safest bet but then reformists call bigotry. That's not to mention fans on either side causing trouble."

Kaiser sighed, cocking his head to the side, a headache oncoming from the sheer nuisance such a case would be. Virtanen watched him think of the hypotheticals in surprise. "You've thought that far ahead?"

Kaiser opened an eye and raised a brow. "Been thinking of the aftermath of this season since I chatted with Kay at the start of it." A sly grin took his features. "I never had any doubt we'd come this far. But now with neither a clear win nor loss, we have an opportunity."

"And what that?" asked Virtanen slightly incredulous.

"We take the loss, concede it to Gloriana willingly."

"But what about our goals? What about winning and doing whatever it takes? I thought that was the entire reason we didn't see eye to eye and went through all of this?!"

Kaiser stood a bit taller, taking a stern expression with Virtanen who simmered down slightly, realizing he was getting worked up.

"We had different goals just as we had the same. We both wanted to win but you wanted to prove yourself. I wanted to see if I could support others and build relationships without gain. Don't forget what goals were forced on us too though."

"What are you-" Virtanens had an epiphany. The goals instilled by the federation as they were placed in command.

"To elevate Senshado to further heights and cement a place for males in the sport."

The words rang clear in both boys' heads. Virtanen gave a sarcastic laugh. "I hadn't even recalled till now yet here you are. You didn't even care until an opportunity arose did you?"

Kaiser shrugged with a smug look. "I'll admit I was at a loss on the latter, for the former I'd say we put on some good shows and set some standards."

Virtanen snickered. "Then let me try to guess what you're thinking."

"Be my guest."

"You're suggesting that if we surrender, it'll satisfy the traditionalists and Gloriana while our performance will leave us safe from being replaced or worse yet, kicked off ship and out of school."

"Those are the important bits" nodded Kaiser. "Along with that and perhaps some words from us, Gloriana may loosen its iron-fisted tendencies to its males and allow for easier integration amongst all schools as opposed to tightening and worsening it with a fresh and bitter loss. As for us, If we forfeit the win of our own volition here, then the federation will owe us one. Call in a few favors and they won't be able to toss us away without losing heavy credibility."

Virtanen frowned as he shook his head. "Sometimes your scheming worries me."

Kaiser puffed his chest slightly. "Be glad that I'm on your side. But enough flattery."

"It wasn't"

Kaiser threw a dismissive hand in the air. "We have limited time before they make a decision. Look at things as I am and decide what you think is best. Our pride and leave it to judges who don't care for us, or see the long term and turn a few heads?"

Virtanen's shoulders slackened as he gave a soft smile. "I'll always follow your judgment. After all, you already know what's best right? Besides, you're still the acting commander until this match is officially over with a clear victor."

Kaiser glared down his nose at Virtanen, a feat in itself to still send a shiver within Virtanen despite the latter being a few inches taller. "Are you really gonna run away from the most important decision this season?"

Virtanen gave a nervous laugh and raised both hands trying to calm Kaiser. "Chill out," he said nervously. "I'm not running, I'm just deferring. In the end, I think we're of the same mind despite all the differences. I'd like to surprise those old bastards on the Senshado board anyway. If going out on our own terms will do that, then need I say more?"

Kaiser's expression softened. "You should've said so from the start instead of playing coy. If things go well enough, we can do that and save our necks."

Virtanen took a breath and nodded. "Then I'm in."

Not a moment later, Kaiser threw on his blouse once more, and Virtanen wiped his face. Making themselves presentable they marched over to the tent filled with deliberators. Their unrequested entrance caught the adults mid-sentence as the room went quiet and all eyes turned to them.

Waiting for the boys to explain themselves, Kaiser and Virtanen exchanged a glance in the silence.

"Well? Go on" insisted Kaiser in a whisper.

"Y-Your'e still the acting commander" deflected Virtanen in a mutter with a stiff smile as the onlooking eyes began prying his nerves apart.

"Really? Stage fright now? After all that big talk?" grumbled Kaiser when a voice arose across the room.

"Boys we are still in the midst of deciding what-"

"About that" interrupted Kaiser, taking a step forward. He glanced at Virtanen and spoke loudly and clearly. My Acquaintance and I have spoken in private and come to a consensus on this matter. As of this moment, Transcendence Academy will forfeit the match. Any further deliberation is no longer necessary."

"You can't simply quit!" shouted one sponsor from the end of the table.

Kaiser nodded. "It is well within our rights to do so."

"What of you're teammates? Do you not care for their efforts?" griped another man.

"I toiled and trained with them all, I'm sure within an hour they'll be more concerned with a shower and fresh food" snarked Kaiser.

The shocked responses and questions of disbelief continued from a handful of individuals, clearly those with interest in a Transcendence win. Before long those interested to see Gloriana take the victory began defending Kaiser's decision. As the room began to grow even louder than before their entrance, two notable voices interrupted all.

With a snap of a fan, a female voice declared "That will be all." The men in the room tensed up and saw Chiyo Shimada, who had been enjoying the discourse until now, with a polite yet stern expression. "Seeing as how the room seems split on accepting a concession of defeat, please allow Mrs. Nishizumi and me to intervene.

The men and few women seemed to gulp and stiffen as they realized that they had been watched the entire time and all eyes drifted to Chiyo's side. Next to her was a small laptop facing down the table and on its screen was a remarkably stern-faced Shiho Nishizumi.

Virtanen who had watched Kaiser, impressed as ever, was surprised to see even his longtime friend stiffen under the woman's glare. Despite his unease of being under her gaze again, Kaiser weathered it as she spoke.

"Adam Kaiser, correct?"

"Yes Ma'am" he answered, knowing that behind her expression was a bit of displeasure at finally speaking to him after he had lied to her in their first meeting.

"For what reason do you wish to surrender the chance at this year's title? YOu and your teammates performed admirably and skillfully."

"I do not wish to leave our success up to chance. The cadets we trained, and the actions I've taken are not to be taken so lightly that our success will be decided offhandedly by others."

His firm and albeit, audacious reply left the room quiet as Shiho deliberated over his answer.

Chiyo then asked her own question. With a small smile, she fanned herself and addressed him. "Mr. Kaiser, is it proper for you to be the one speaking? Are you not only the second in command? Why then does it seem you are the only one making this decision?" Her eyes shot over to Virtanen who stiffened under her sharp eyes.

Virtanen's throat felt dry as he thought over what to say and how to respond. Now with the attention on him, he felt admiration once more for Kaiser enduring it and speaking so eloquently. Yet he was saved from having to do so himself as Kaiser raised a hand, gesturing at him.

"I am still acting commander until this match is decided, which it won't be until a victor is declared, something that I've offered to the judges on a silver platter."

The reply came off cocky and Chiyo snapped her fan shut, earning a small flinch from some within the tent. "Then are you saying you do not care for the responsibilities of leading? That your decision is based on inconvenience?"

"Forgive me Ma'am" replied Kaiser, getting a harsher look from the woman who didn't seem to like the age implied by his formal address. "It is of pride and discipline. I have fought in every match and trained in every session with every cadet and every opposing school we were rostered against. I now even have the pleasure of facing the two most intimidating styles in Senshado, Nishizumi and Shimada. It is because of these things that I can say with confidence that our opponents today earned their victory and without a clear win for us, it would be undeserved. I nor my teammates will take a handout."

As Chiyo hid her face behind her fan, Shiho then spoke."Your speech is rather rude to those before you. Is there a reason you are acting this way despite requesting the acceptance of your surrender?"

Caelum tilted his head in a nod and looked up at the irate adults. "It's as I've said. Pride"

On his word, mumbling arose amongst the adults as Chiyo leaned down and whispered into the laptop's speaker.

Shiho nodded once and looked straight at the boys. "Please take your leave, we will have a short discussion and have an answer for you shortly."

Kaiser, followed by Virtanen thanked them and exited. They waited a few meters outside the tent's fronts, standing and talking.

"Did you plan all of that?" asked Virtanen in astoundment.

Kaiser shook his body loose, dispelling the tension within as he laughed. "I bullshitted every word."

"You're crazy, you went in and bluffed both the heads of Shimada and Nishizumi families?"

Kaiser groaned. "I hope I don't have to answer for it but I get a feeling that with the favors owed, I'm going to be getting a private talk soon enough."

Virtanen placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'll remember your sacrifice… can I have your BMW R75 in your will?"

Kaiser slapped his hand away at the bad joke. "Now we wait. I doubt they'll refuse, then they'll raise suggestions in private about dismissing us, that'll be when concerns and connections come in to cloud their decision and buy us time for me to call in those dreaded favors."

"Going to go through Maho and Miho again?"

"Worse. Them, my mother, and I don't think Mrs. Shimada will stay out of the picture. At the end, I saw her ears perk up behind that fan of hers. She was smiling."

Virtanen felt the dread in his words. "Maybe you really should write a will."

Before a rebuttal to the joke could be made, the adults began to filter out of the tent with the Red and gold standard for the season's champions in hand. A few eyes were surprised to see them waiting nearby and ushered them to follow. Soon the key judges, Virtanen and Kaiser, and Darjeeling and Assam were onstage.

Kaiser stood across from Darjeeling as Assam and Virtanen stood to the side. The announcer briefly explained the situation to Darjeeling and Assam before turning on his heel and addressing the crowd. He rambled on about intense and heated discussions between the judges, reviewing footage and sensors, and finally deciding upon a victor who obeyed the core tenants of Senshado within their performance. Notably while ignoring the bewildered protests of Darjeeling behind him.

Seeing that there was no stopping the decision, Darjeeling sent a glare at Kaiser, demanding an explanation for their surrender. Instead, she received a fierce look from him as he gave an ultimatum. "Don't mock us with these deliberations. If you want to know the details ask the adults. I've said what needed to be said to them. Now I'll say this here. Next year, my team will take the title. For now, St. Gloriana can have it."

The sudden sneer and determination in his words caught Darjeeling off guard as the crowd began cheering and jeering at the declaration. As a judge stepped forward with the flag to present it, she hesitated in taking it. It was clear on her face to those onstage that she did not want to take it.

She began mumbling about how she performed disgustingly, unladylike. Losing her composure, and disgracing her Senshado. All of which, Kaiser and the uncomfortable man holding the flag could hear as the crowd watched in suspense. Seeing her distraught, Kaiser gave her a taste of her own medicine.

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen"

Surprisingly even to himself, it worked as she named the person behind the quote. "Winston Churchill."

In the brief moment, her blue eyes looked up in surprise at the offhanded quote, Kaiser snagged the flag from the man and placed it within hers, clasping her fingers around it.

"You were tenacious and nothing short of spectacular today. Your Senshado was envious and beautiful to me if no one else. No one, not even yourself will disparage my enemy when I am willingly accepting defeat. Enjoy your success this year, next time, I'll be back for you and we'll accept nothing short of total victory."

Darjeeling was speechless until suddenly Kaiser raised her arms high, flag still in hand as she let a small startled "Eep" out. On cue, the announcer ended his speech to the audience earlier and encouraged them to applaud. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted with a small cascade of streamers as Darjeeling felt dumbfounded and held the flag high. As her team swarmed her onstage in joy, she cast a glance at the backs of the two enigmatic boys walking offstage and the bitter disappointment on their teammate's faces.

The cadets of Transcendence filed away, retreating as a group to their vehicles. Slowly they meandered about, climbing on and within their steal goliaths as some kept their thoughts to themselves, and others grumbled aloud in hushed voices.

It was clear all were embittered as they moped about. Some raised questions as to the ruling. Others to their commander's lack of reaction to the announcement. Still, some even made excuses, blaming supply issues before the match for replacement parts and equipment even going as far as to claim that the parts dealers were bought off.

Ever ungraceful and as a show of forceful discipline, Kaiser was quick to clamp down on such talk. It did little good now with the end results anyway. Though he was empathetic to their plight he only went as far as discouraging such talk as preposterous and left the cadets to sort out their emotions. While they did so he and Virtanen held a short conference in private away from their teammates.

"It seems that you were right," said VIrtanen. "While you and Darjeeling were whispering the announcer said that the board had final say. Along with their 'reasoning' for Gloriana's win by technicality, they were being interviewed as we stepped out. I'm sure they'll leave our willingness to surrender out of the papers to save face."

Kaiser nodded, thinking back to Darjeeling's expression. "With the exposure of this season and ourselves, along with a fresh title win, it may ease Gloriana and some die-hard resistance to integration."

"Still think we won't be fired if not expelled?" asked Virtanen with a hint of worry.

Kaiser snorted sarcastically. "Those glory hounds? Try as they'd like, they can't have their cake and eat it too. They can't hide our part and fire us for it. Even if they did there are those on our side, those on Gloriana's who owe us for the surrender and we have both the heads of the Nishizumi and Shimada families as witnesses to defend us."

"You make it sound like their hands are tied but would either of the family heads or Gloriana's loyals defend us?"

Kaiser shrugged. "That's the easy part. It's out of our hands from here on. Now we just smile without a care in the world and hope whatever punishment we do get is manageable."

Virtanen gave a nervous groan. "That's the least reassuring thing you could've told me to relax. Couldn't you have just lied?"

"Why spare you the stress when we're in this together?" snickered Kaiser.

Suddenly a cough came from behind them. As the two turned to look they saw Sokolov, O'Diveley, and Knight with varying expressions. O'Diveley gave a miffed look with crossed arms as Sokolov gazed despondently upwards. It was Knight who broached their request.

"The cadets are in formation… could you have a word with them? Please?"

Exchanging glances, Kaiser and Virtanen nodded before following.

The atmosphere was dour, once hopeful and ecstatic faces were now dirtied and disgruntled. It hadn't been this bad since their training camp in Hawaii. Virtanen and Kaiser shared one last uneasy look. It may have been for the better but in the end, they had chosen this fate for their men. Loyal boys and girls who followed them and performed admirably. It was only right that they speak to them even if they could not give them the reasoning behind the judge's decision.

-Chapter End-