Notice- I apologize to everyone for this inexcusable delay. After the trip for family issues, I returned only to be bedridden for a little over a week. Despite my best efforts, this was the shortest I could post. I can only ask for your forgiveness and that you enjoy this chapter. Without further ado, here we go and enjoy.
As Virtanen, Kaiser, Knight, O'Diveley, and Sokolov stood before the cadets, silence pervaded them. Tired and disappointed eyes watched them anxiously. Decisions had been made without their knowledge. The fate of their cumulative efforts had been decided outside of their wills. Not even the three next to Kaiser and Virtanen knew of this.
Guilt began to rise within Virtanen as he looked at and into the eyes of the cadets who had trusted him. He was assured by Kaiser, that he felt it right, and yet now, he couldn't bear the looks that began to eat into that confidence. It was Kaiser who held fast in the face of his own comrade's dismay.
Perhaps it was his usual aloofness or hardline approach to them. Whatever it was, Virtanen certainly felt it was only appropriate that Kaiser, the one who had suggested their surrender and followed through with it, who had been the infallible and unapproachable commander unto their teammates, to be the one to speak in such a crucial time. This moment after may weigh on them all for years to come if not outright affect next year's performance as well.
Kaiser saw the same as his peers. The same expressions, haggard postures, and eyes with dim curiosity at what they would say. The cadets stood at ease, sweating and wet fresh from the match with the announcement of defeat stinging their ears. What they did not expect was a practical myth appearing before them.
Few eyes widened as all stared in confusion. Kaiser was smiling gently at them all. It may as well have been the end of the world for some as it was comparable to a bad omen. Despite their utter shock Kaiser ignored the expressions and spoke. "Foremost, let me apologize. It seems that this year we will be learning to lose with dignity."
He succeeded in changing the atmosphere. Where once disappointment lingered on all now bewilderment ran wild. They had expected him to be furious, callous, and chastising. Even his three peers who stood beside him leaned forward with raised eyebrows. They had grown fearful when he had stepped forward instead of Virtanen but now they were sending wild glances between the two.
Virtanen only released a small sigh of relief as he waved at Knight, Sokolov, and O'Diveley to relax. It was perhaps the first they had seen Kaiser take such a fatherly attitude to his team, but not so for him. It was another proud and reminiscent memory of their time in InfanterieKampf.
"It seems this year we'll be learning how to lose with dignity." Kaiser continued to shock them once more as he did the impossible. He cracked a joke in front of all. He hadn't expected anyone to laugh but the pregnant pause and bewildered stares had Virtanen of all people step forward.
His trademark easygoing grin plastered on, He explained Kaiser's behavior for the team. "For those of you who know of Kaiser and I's past endeavors, we were trained and heavily influenced by our time in InfanterieKampf. We never bickered or begged for victory through loopholes. Even draws to us were losses. No matter how far we went in the tournament brackets, for us what mattered was the fights."
Murmurs and flickering gazes arose from their peers behind and subordinates in front of the two friends as realizations bordering on epiphanies struck the team as a whole. A clue as to the mystery of their commander's behaviors had just been clicked into place. Before any questions could be raised that did not align with the two's intended message, Kaiser regained control, his voice resonating over the formation.
"In essence, be proud. We have made our point this year, showed that we are warriors and we need to say no more."
Virtanen then took the opportunity to add on. "There is no need to cry or be upset. Those who are juniors and younger have next year to correct this event. Those who are seniors and graduating, look just how far you've come as a first-year teams leadership!" Virtanen gestured to himself and the other commanders behind him. "We gave you the best equipment and training we could, scrambling and struggling to provide it. In turn, you provided us with your best effort. You gave sweat, injuries, and now with tears. We came to a draw in the finals! Be proud and amazed at what we've done."
The murmurs grew slightly and the weight behind the empty gazes seemed to lessen amongst the Cadets as his words stirred their pride. Kaiser took a moment to finish off the address with a personal statement.
"As for our failure, I personally apologize. I will not explain nor defend myself but you are free to think what you all wish. Just know that for my part in this failure, I will take responsibility." Kaiser bowed his head slightly, a penitent nod before he stepped back and left Virtanen at the lead of the group.
The repeated blows of the two speaking in turn, lifting their spirits, opening up, and finally the surprising declaration without a hint wavering in his voice left the formation of cadets almost all but having forgotten their prior disgruntlement with their loss.
Virtanen looked over his shoulder, shocked at Kaiser's statement. Receiving a roll of the hand and ushering look from Kaiser, he felt he knew just what to say. Facing the formation, his chest rose slightly as he raised a hand and spoke with conviction.
"People can't change in a day but they can start, they can choose to be brave instead of a coward, to be compassionate or cruel, to stagnate or change! So long as they choose!"
The tenacity behind his words, confidence, and conviction within them struck the formation silent as they stared at their commander. It was none other than O'Diveley who disrupted it.
With genuine sniffles slurring his words, he stepped out of place, raising his arms wide and high. "I better start hearing some damn praise before I start crying in front of everyone then!"
Kaiser and Virtanen did a double take from O'Diveley and back to each other. Kaiser shrugged a shoulder as Virtanen snickered. "You've, you all, have done amazing."
O'Diveley then broke into a run bear hugging Virtanen and lifting him off the ground as the cadets broke into laughter and cheers, turning inwards to speak their minds and air out grievances of the match with lighter hearts.
Virtanen soon turned the hug into a contest of strength with O'Diveley as they threatened to fall into the mud at Kaiser, Sokolov, and Knights' feet before being caught by the three and separated. Laughing, O'Diveley lifted his head. "Any words for us three individually?"
Virtanen hesitated as his eyes shifted to Kaiser. "I'm not that eloquent with words" he laughed deferring to his friend.
As the three groaned and complained about what that little speech was Kaiser took their attention, calling their names one by one with a warm little sneer.
"Sokolov, a loyal and competent friend like no other, one we always relied on. Knight, our well-placed successor when we take our leave from this school no one will be better suited for our roles. And finally Divs. Always the life of the party but needed. Even more so than a grumpy strategist like myself. I'm a dime a dozen, you four, however, are unique parts and needed for what makes this team itself."
Virtanen was caught off guard by the mention of "four" realizing Kaiser had included him. Sensing the sincerity he shook his head. "If you're a dime a dozen, then the rest of us can go home since we'd have no use."
Kaiser shared a grin at Virtanen's joke as the other three seemed lost for words. Then Knight turned to Virtanen with a question. "Has he been writing your speeches this whole time?"
Virtanen went quiet and averted his eyes as Sokolov and O'Diveley began digging at him. The five shared a short bout of laughter as their cadets did the same, finally unwinding even in the jungle's miserable muggy weather. The laughter was short but loud and hearty. One free of burdens like stress and anxiety. It was finally over.
The casual unwinding of the team lasted moments before silence arose irate glares were sent at an individual. A girl and one of the few male team members from weathered the stares with admirable poise as they approached Virtanen and Kaiser. It was an informal invitation for all of Transcendence's cadets to join Gloriana's students in a small celebratory party for their victory.
Despite their calm, it was apparent that they expected to be refused and shouted at. They took short breaths of relief and a quick absence when the two accepted.
It was the first step to patching over the fresh bitter feelings between the teams, an olive branch extended by Gloriana strangely enough and accepted in kind by Transcendence. However, it stopped there as both teams adamantly kept to their own and refused to intermingle. Even the adults of the schools felt awkward at seeing the stubbornness and dour atmosphere exuding from the students.
It was almost laughable how it seemed so similar to a middle school dance yet this time it seemed everyone was a wallflower. Kaiser and Virtanen shared a knowing look as they partook in some food, contemplating how to do away with this drab atmosphere when a head of red hair slowly approached with hesitation.
Kaiser swallowed and lowered his plate as Virtanen watched with curiosity.
"How may I help you Rosehip?"
The usually energetic girl withered from his cadet's stares, feeling uncomfortable as she stood with her team jacket open and showing the compression shirt underneath, she subconsciously grasped it shut in embarrassment.
Seeing her discomfort he offered a seat next to himself which she politely denied. After a short pause to collect herself. "I- uh, just wanted to say thank you for earlier in the match. You didn't have to go out of your way. Not to say I didn't need the help or don't appreciate it! But you know taking the time at such an important juncture in the match to help an enemy and all-"
Kaiser watched with placid interest at her rambling explanation and amber eyes darting all over in a fluster for what to say. As she began winding down, running out of things to say, Kaiser raised a hand signaling it was okay to stop. With a small tilt of his lips, he gave a small half smile at her. "You're welcome. It was my decision and a pleasure to help such a talented opponent."
Rosehip seemed to glow slightly, alleviated of a small guilt that his assistance of her may have been a factor in St. Gloriana's victory. With that washed away, she returned to her usual carefree self and ignored Kaiser's team as she plopped down next to him, asking for a small share of his plate. Playing along with her tempo, Kaiser obliged and asked her to continue where they left off when they first met. She gave a quizzical look, not remembering as he snickered. "When you mistook me as a transfer and started talking of your family."
She lit up once more and happily did so as he listened to her tell of her family's eccentric size. Six brothers and a sister, parents, sister inlaws with children and she was the youngest of the siblings. Virtanen then joined the conversation and the three drew looks from both teams and even the adults who were relieved at the sight of some normal interaction.
Displeased with her familiarity and lack of respect for the commanders was, ironically, O'Diveley of all people. He soon approached Rosehip and began speaking down to her but the red-headed girl snipped back, uncaring for his attitude. Soon the two turned to bickering then just as fast, competing against each other in a bout of words, and confusingly to a foot race.
Virtanen prepared to stand and intervene, giving a small huff at the turn of events when Kaiser stopped him. "Let them play. A bit of childishness now and again is good." The two began racing back and forth, dragging others from their teams into the arguments to support or draw out dirt against the other. Eventually, the two began to stumble around having burnt all their excess energy. True to their characters, they laughed it over and started over on friendlier terms. They hadn't even noticed the part they played as now everyone from St. Gloriana and Transcendence was chatting on equal terms and in good spirits.
Seeing everyone speak and having finished their plates, Kaiser and Virtanen went their ways to partake and patrol as they always did. Kaiser found a familiarly stern face approaching and met her in the middle. Maho and he exchanged small greetings as they held firm eye contact. As if examining the other intensely they quickly broke into small smirks and eased up.
"That was quite the show" complimented Maho.
"I'm sorry you had to see me in my greatest failure" quipped Kaiser.
"You don't seem too broken up about it. Is there something more I should know about?"
"I'm afraid it's on a need-to-know basis. As fond as I am of you, I can't say anything until it's all over."
Maho shifted her weight to one hip and crossed her arms. "So there is more to it."
Kaiser gave a mischievous glint in his eye. "I won't deny it."
Maho gave a quiet laugh and nodded her head. "Miho will want to know too. Right now she's giving her congratulations as a former champion to the current winners."
"Not for long" added Kaiser as he pointed behind Maho. Miho was briskly walking over with a smile and a wave.
"Darjeeling wasn't in the best mood for talk either" lamented Maho as her sister strolled up. Addressing her sister, Maho asked, "Were the new champions too busy?"
Miho shook her head and waved away the thought. "No, no, I congratulated them and spoke briefly but it was clear that Darjeeling and Assam had a lot on their minds. Alice was taken by her mother after saying hi to me and so I gave them some space."
"Such a shame they're not enjoying the festivities" commented Kaiser.
Miho turned to him with a small look of surprise. "Speaking of, I had imagined you'd be more upset with how, um, competitive you are."
"Oh I'm livid" commented Kaiser, the grating tone contrasting with his neutral expression. Miho cocked her head in confusion as Maho laughed into a hand, the joke going over her head. As he and Maho chuckled at Miho's expense, Kaiser noticed two more familiar faces approach and stop nearby.
As he noticed them, Nat and Val made eye contact and hesitated as he waved for them to join.
"Your friends perhaps?" asked Maho.
"They're not your crew if I recall" added Miho.
No, they are the commanders of the two other heavy tanks in my squad. Natalya and Valerya Prokov. Sisters and quite capable ones at that."
At his praise, Maho and Miho exchanged a look of interest and turned towards the girl, curious about them. Nat and Val waved politely before leaving. Kaiser and the Nishizumi sisters were confused by the aversion until Kaiser took his leave as well.
Maho and Miho looked at each other in bewilderment when suddenly a few voices spoke up behind them. A small crowd of spectators, students, and even Senshado members of both teams had approached and now was swarming to two famous girls, begging for answers to their presence and thoughts. As Kaiser skulked away, he said a silent thank you to the Prokov sisters for the heads up.
Finding a safe area away from curious eyes and crowds, Kaiser narrowly avoided entanglement with O'Diveley and Rosehip who were now running around with their crews in tow, the ten teens having a blast across the celebrations half with tea in hand and the other half with illicit drinks, all spilling them about.
Avoiding the train wreck of students as it sped past, Kaiser felt a tug on his blouse. He immediately spun on his heel and noticed a small figure flinch at his reaction, more surprised by it than he was at being snuck up on.
"Miss Shimada?" asked Kaiser looking down at Alice. He then looked around for her mother, sensing that there was no way she would leave her daughter alone. Worse yet he wouldn't want to be found alone with the young girl.
"You can call me Alice…" the young girl said as she bashfully hid half her face behind a stuffed Boko bear.
"O-okay then," replied Kaiser still cautiously looking around. "Is there something you need from me, Alice?"
"I just wanted to apologize for saying you were creepy. I didn't mean it. Some other students suggested I try to taunt my opponents to force them into making mistakes. Even Mother applauded me for the effort."
It was clear that she didn't feel it praiseworthy herself, hence the conflicted tone and apology. Again Kaiser felt reminiscent of his siblings and bent down to her eye level. "Thank you, Alice, I accept your apology. And don't worry, my sisters have called me much, much worse."
Alice lowered her stuffed animal slightly and gave a small smile. "I'm glad you're nice even if a little scary." Kaiser flinched slightly at the unintentional rebuke as she continued. "Oh, and our fight was really fun too!"
Glossing over the fact that he apparently scared her at one point, Kaiser agreed and the two shared their favorite parts. Alice then interrupted the conversation as she recalled something. "Oh! Miss Darjeeling also wishes to speak with you in private."
"Is that so? Then thank you for telling me and you're time Alice."
Alice placed one foot back and bent her knees as she struggled to recall how to curtsy. After succeeding, Kaiser gave a short applause telling her that she was learning well at Gloriana, sending her off with a proud smile. He certainly was happy he learned how to deal with younger people even if his siblings drove him mad at times. Then he noticed Alice's mother emerge from the corner of his eyes, waving her fan at him with a courteous smile. He suppressed the shiver in his back and wished he could only handle parents the same.
Walking deeper into Gloriana's side of the festivities, Kaiser ignored the curious glances and apologized to the few who wished to speak with him briefly. Finally, he stepped before Darjeelings tent. Assam stood outside it ushering him in and others away when he noticed Darjeeling at the back. The thick material and distance from the entrance ensured hardly even Assam would hear inside let alone others.
In the dim lighting of the tent, the two held an uncomfortable stare paired with silence. Kaiser broke the stalemate with a sigh and approached the small circular table on which she had her tea and a small plate of food. He then hooked a nearby seat with his foot and dragged it over where he sat down and placed his chin atop his hand.
"It's hard keeping up the facade isn't it?"
Darjeeling's eyes remained narrowed as she tried to discern his meaning with one eyebrow raising slightly in curiosity. It was clear she was still wary of him. Confused about his mentality and defensive because she had trouble understanding just that. What exactly drove the enigmatic boy before her? Pretending her earlier display up on stage had never happened, she maintained the infallible impression as usual. With a scoff, she turned her head away dismissively as she spoke.
"You make it seem as if you've seen through me, that you know exactly everything."
Kaiser smirked down at her, removing his arm from the table and leaning back. "Who had deceived thee so often as thyself?"
Darjeeling remained silent, giving a sideways glare at him informing him that she did not find his mockery amusing.
He ignored her disapproving look. "That one was Benjamin Franklin, American founding father if you didn't know." Her look only intensified as he snickered to himself and continued speaking. "I have a few individuals close enough to me who have seen through the 'Kaiser' everyone knows. More than I'm comfortable with if I'm honest. But, looking back, perhaps that's what I needed."
Kaiser leaned forward again, his face over the dimly lit desk and porcelain as Darjeeling leaned back, surprised by his sudden shift in tone and brown irises boring into hers. "Perhaps it would do you well to consider the possibility that St. Gloriana does not need an 'iron lady' in these trying times. Maybe they need Darjeeling."
Beneath the table, Darjeeling gripped the hem of her skirt, his words grating her patience not because they were false or misleading but because it was something she had considered herself. The frustrations of the year's changes, the 'dilution' of Senshado as she and others had come to call it, the tiring stance of not backing down, running themselves ragged to prove themselves, and having to constantly show a front in front of her new male classmates at all times. To never show weakness and guide St. Gloriana.
She had taken the reigns of leadership with the sole hope of living up to Earl Grey's reputation. Now she felt along the way when she finally held that flag, finally held victory, it felt somewhat, painfully, hollow.
In the fraction of time that the contemplation crossed Darjeelings eyes, Kaiser followed up with a less series statement. "Perhaps trust some of those close to you with some confidence? After all, even the few boys in your team served you without question. Assam was at your beck and call even giving me the slip at times, and Pekoe seems even more aware of how aloof you really are."
Darjeeling lips parted a moment, intending to rebuke his statement in frustration, only to close again as she calmly thought over his words. He was trying to settle her unease by drawing a target on himself. She stared into the dull brown liquid giving a small amber glow from the lantern behind her as she contemplated his character. Her eyes widened a fraction as some of the pieces began to click for her. Again her lips parted and she quietly spoke.
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." She looked up at him, disbelief in her eyes.
Kaiser cracked a slightly wider grin. "Lao Tzu, correct? You know, perhaps in all your observations, dilemmas, self-inflicted pressure, and restrictions, you may know me better than anyone without knowing me at all. Maybe we even know each other better than ourselves."
Shifting to lean over on one arm, Kaiser jested an offer. "Maybe we could be friends. After all, you have to keep an even closer eye on friends right?"
His charming little act failed to persuade Darjeeling who immediately corrected his statement. "That's in regards to being betrayed."
"Even better, a bit of tension keeps the friendship alive" he joked.
Darjeeling gave a weary sigh. Her only sign that she was foregoing any formal or 'stiff' impressions. "This entire day… and you especially have thrown me off. I can't even quote figures of history with my current level of fatigue and bewilderment."
"I appreciate the compliment"
"I'm sure you do." dismissed Darjeeling, relaxing slightly as she waved an uncaring hand at him. It was such a sight, that Kaiser couldn't help but take it in. Just as he was still a teenage boy at the end and behind his character and personality, so was Darjeeling who finally dropped a semblance of her mask.
His appreciative smile peered through the dim lighting and irritated Darjeeling who again felt as if he was reading her openly. Seeing that displeasure so easily displayed on her face he moved on. "Then let me clarify one of the biggest mysteries for you. Just because we're here doesn't mean your purpose has changed. Senshado has but it has always evolved. I'm sure your predecessor would have expected you to evolve as well and she'd have had no doubt you could succeed. And you did. It may be a rough start but maybe you and your girls can use it as practice with dealing with men or to understand them or is that not also a part of femininity?"
Again his light joking was unappreciated but with her more flagrant displeasure, he raised his hands in surrender and stayed on topic. "I'm not intelligent enough to give you the answer. I only know there is another path for you and your team. Dare I say it's the right one too."
Darjeeling scoffed. "Now I see the reports about you being annoyingly observant and distressingly pragmatic were all too true. Taking a deep breath to steady herself and her nerves, Darjeeling released the sweaty grip on her skirt. "A Roman senator named Seneca once said, 'If we live a life through fear, life is not worth living." She then took a small sip of her tea, the liquid having long since cooled but quenching her dry throat nonetheless.
"I… am worried," she confessed. "Over these changes, without our consent or even a vote from students. With the changes in my school and my team. And now even this victory." With her head tilted low, she cast an upward look at Kaiser. "Was it truly our win? Did they even declare a victor?"
"I didn't give them time to choose, I offered them a solution and they grasped at it." the confession seemed to not settle well with Darjeeling who mulled over this information but he didn't care for it.
"For better or worse, everyone, including us, will survive and tell of these times together."
Darjeeling gave a small breath of surprise as she looked into his earnest gaze, perhaps the first she had ever seen on him. She felt her heart rate increase, the worry of the past months, the stress of it all, and to top it off she was confiding in a stranger who just happened to be this frustrating fellow!
She turned her head, snubbing his gaze. I never should have associated with a ruffian as yourself in the first place." It would have been so easy to argue with him, to fight for first place, to look at him with condescension and stubborn rebukes justifying her struggles to now. But in the end that would disregard St. Gloriana's ladylike teachings and her very reason for being here.
"I wasn't lying when I said I admired your Senshado, your struggle. Even the most desperate and 'unbecoming' act of retaliatory act to struggle shows you're alive." Digging in his pocket he extended a hand with a card. Decorated only with a silver cross and contact number on it. "If you ever feel up to it, contact us. We'll be ready for friendly relations with St. Gloriana and you."
Hesitantly, Darjeeling grasped the card with her hand, as she pulled and it didn't budge, she glanced upwards to see Kaiser showing a sudden shift in emotion. Leaning forward he growled under his breath. "I'll be even more honest with you and admit… it may have been a part of the plan but losing, even by choice, is still vexing. While I'm confident of our next year as seniors, if I don't balance our score, then perhaps I'll go to college and chase you there as well."
With his gruff declaration given, Kaiser released the card which Darjeeling fumbled momentarily as she was left in distressing silence.
And like that, he was gone without a formality or even farewell. As he left, Pekoe entered the tent, both giving cursory nods as they passed each other. With a curious glance at his back before the tent flap rolled into place, Pekoe wondered how the talk had gone. She turned to the dimly lit corner where Darjeeling had her back turned to the light source.
Pekoe approached and called out quietly to no notable reaction. As she stopped before the seats, she noticed her commander had a flustered expression and was staring at a card in her hands.
"Still having trouble dealing with him? Or just under the weather?" asked Pekoe with a taunting grin. Darjeeling head shot up and darted to Pekoe who tapped on her cheeks. "Your composure seems somewhat flushed Ma'am. Perhaps the heat?"
In a brief second of realization, Darjeeling turned in her seat and adjusted herself, assuring she was fit to attend the festivities. Pekoe watched her shift about with an easygoing smile when Darjeeling suddenly stopped and spoke in a somber voice.
"We let go the present, which we have in our power, and look forward to that which depends upon chance, and so relinquish a certainty for an uncertainty."
Pekoe thought for a moment before responding. "The Roman philosopher Seneca, correct?"
"Yes Pekoe, do you know why I say this?" Her silence was telling as Darjeeling continued. I've focused too much on leaving a legacy for others that I imagined. Based on what I thought my predecessors would want. I've neglected you and our teammates. If this was my last year in attendance, I'd be ashamed of my actions."
"Ma'am there is no reason for you to feel so-"
Darjeeling raised a hand, asking for a moment to finish. "I appreciate your assurance but this is how I feel in regards to my actions Pekoe. "I've decided that next year, even as I may not be commander, I would like to look upon it fondly before I graduate. My only irritation with this newfound conviction is that he had to convince me to trust myself over results."
Pekoe smiled warmly and with hands clasped over her waist, bowed her head slightly. "It seems you got along with whoever he is."
"Don't play coy Pekoe" huffed Darjeeling, struggling to maintain her professional presence as commander after having just unwound moments ago. "Don't think I'm so ignorant I hadn't noticed your interest in Knight when he was enrolled in Gloriana."
Pekoe immediately turned redder than her ginger locks as she panicked and flailed her hands in defense. Shaken by the statement she and Darjeeling bickered as friends within the confines of the tent rather than senior and junior.
Afar by the disabled tanks where hardly anyone wondered, most having grown tired of the cramped and moist confines of the vehicles, Kaiser and Virtanen sat atop one of the few still operational in their arsenal. Having finished their patrols they met up almost two hours later as the festivities began to wind down from celebration to comfortable talks in the dimming daylight.
Relaxing against the Tigers turret Virtanen offered an ice-cold cola to Kaiser. Taking it, he and Virtanen rested the caps against one of the spare tracks atop the Tiger. Propping it an angle, they used the impromptu can opener to pop the caps off while spilling a little of their drinks.
Taking a swig each, they gasped and chuckled.
"Reminds me of the first day of the school year" commented Virtanen.
"You act like that was the only time we've drank together."
"It was the first notable time this year" reasoned Virtanen.
Kaiser rolled his eyes as Virtanen snapped his fingers. "Oh yeah, I got a message from an unknown number not too long ago, said it was Darjeeling reaching out to apologize formally at a later date. Know anything about that?"
"They do have a good spy network" Kaiser stated taking another drink.
Not believing him, Virtanen ignored him. "She seemed surprised it was my personal number and not yours, at least through text it seemed, so I gave her your number in case I can't be reached."
Kaiser groaned. "I hate that it's a valid reason for you to do that."
"Sharings caring as they say" laughed Virtanen.
"That doesn't apply to workload"
"Then why give her my number?"
"Cause you hardly work" snipped Kaiser followed by a chuckle.
As his laughter drifted off he gave a silent apology. One so faint Virtanen thought he was hearing things. Instead of asking him to repeat himself and risk an almost assured fight he'd lose, Virtanen just stared at Kaiser with wide eyes.
That was Kaiser's cue he had at least heard a semblance of the word that grated his throat to say. In a clear voice, he explained why. "I tried to wrap too many loose ends up at once. The initial plan was to win the tournament but as things started to unravel over time and with variables, this all seemed the best option. I should've prioritized the fight not boosting your self-confidence or showing I was right, and especially not the thrill of fighting stronger enemies."
Virtanen turned away from his friend and snorted. "Isn't your hubris one of your charming points? Or so you say?"
Kaiser snickered and lowered his head. "One of them." despite his confession of burden, just as always, Virtanen laughed it away, satisfied with what they could do rather than what they should have. One point that Kaiser felt his peer was superior to him in leagues.
"Hey I've been meaning to ask"
"Shoot" replied Kaiser.
"Do you think you and the Prokov sisters could have pulled a comeback against those odds if it wasn't a flag tank match?"
Kaiser sneered as he thought of his two squadmates, flashes of a mischievous blonde and domineering brunette unflinching against all odds at his side. Without a second thought, he answered "Undoubtedly."
"There's that unfailing confidence" launched Virtanen. Now pondering deep thoughts himself as he stared at the clouds above, he gave an offer.
"It may be the end of the season but, would you like to take control as permanent commander for the rest of the year?"
He was snapped out of his thoughts by a sudden sharp jab to his shoulder. "We're not done yet" rebuked Kaiser. "You're the leader here, take your victories and failures in stride. Besides, we'll almost certainly get some type of punishment from the school board and Senshado board for giving up at the end like this."
"Then maybe I should step down before I get hit too hard by you or them" joked Virtanen.
Kaiser gave a short laugh. "Ha, I'll make you into a leader yet. Despite the turmoil in our past, this tumultuous season, and most of all the annoyances you provided me, You've shown growth. Maybe even a better leader than I ever was or ever could be."
"Stop patronizing me with blatant lies" quipped Virtanen. "I don't think I could've been a hotter mess if I tried this year."
"We covered for each other, replied Kaiser. "I'll admit, maybe winning and pushing myself so hard isn't the only way to prove my capabilities. Perhaps I should look out more for the little guy as you say."
Virtanen rolled his head along with his eyes. "If I had half your self standards, I'd be in an early grave."
"Never too late to start" joked Kaiser. "I can even help put you into one."
With a defeated look Virtanen begged for mercy. "Please don't, I'm tired enough from this semester.
The two continued their idle chatter and remarks over the semester until Kaiser interrupted with another quote he recalled upon their reflection.
"Whoso neglects learning in his youth, loses the past, and is dead for the future. The ones from Euripides."
Virtanen groaned. "Please let this chapter of our lives stay in the past. I know you did it to mock Darjeeling initially but I can barely handle the normal you let alone this."
"Alright then, let's enjoy the night with like-minded company" suggested Kaiser. I'm sure Pipers waiting for you" he teased getting to his feet.
"And I'm sure you've got plenty of company Natalya will give you an earful for in private" responded Virtanen with a smug grin as he followed.
Kaiser shoved him off the vehicle with a laugh at his friend's surprised shriek, hopping off the vehicle after him, looking out at the campfires and crowds of people enjoying the late-night company.
Come what may, he was proud of his team, his actions, and most of all his friends who served with him. The papers would be rife with pictures aplenty of the elusive commander Kaiser basking in the night's celebrations with his team.
-Chapter End-