Continuation High School
"All participants present and accounted for, Jouko-san!"
"Thank you, Jyri..."
Jouko eyed the assembled students in front of her, taking in what she was about to do with them. Her mind drifted back to the previous day, where, being summoned to Mika's room just before practice, received that she would be her Vice-Commander, effective immediately, but there was more. Mika was leaving the following morning for Ooarai, with her two crew members in tow, in order to watch the exhibition match hosted by St. Gloriana. As much as Jouko wanted to go as well, her new responsibility had placed her here, in front of everybody else, standing where Mika, now on the other side of Japan was supposed to be standing. She could still make out the exact words Mika had spoken to her the day before, and each time it filled her with fear and dread.
"Aki, Mikko, myself, and the BT will be gone tomorrow, spectating Ooarai and Chi-Ha-Tan's match against Saint Gloriana and Pravda. Given you are now my Vice-Commander, in my absence you'll be in charge of training tomorrow. I trust that you'll perform satisfactorily."
That word, "satisfactorily," brought considerable worry to Jouko, knowing that Mika had some high standards, sharing the same motivation to get Continuation a championship flag for once, or at least make it to the semifinals. She remembered the enthusiasm she and her friends had shown in her first battle against Kuromorimine, how it influenced the decision to let that match happen in the first place, and the advice she had given that swayed the commanders to agree to the practice match against Pravda. If Continuation was going to stand a good chance next tournament, they'd have to practice hard, and their performances over the past couple of tournaments showed that Jouko's influence, which came over the school like a source of strength, was a major factor in the sudden boost in skill. But Jouko, ever the humble girl, and being the good Christian that she was, always gave the glory to God, and it was with God's help, Jouko thought, that they would soon win a tournament.
"Earth to Jouko-san? Hello?"
Linder's voice, then subsequent tap, easily shook Jouko awake from her musings, quickly flustering her in the process, as while she was thinking about her new responsibilities, everyone had been looking expectantly at their new Vice-Commander, patiently, yet eagerly waiting for orders. It took several deep breaths for Jouko to calm herself down, but without skipping another beat, she got down to business, pulling out a paper containing Mika's orders for how the training match should be organized, reading them out loud, whilst making sure everyone was paying attention.
"Okay! Sorry about that, was a bit busy there. Mika-san has written down the instructions for today's battle, so pay close attention!
Both times will be comprised of ten tanks each! Each team will have an eighty-five Sotka, two seventy-six Sotkas, and five T-twenty-sixes! For Team A, the remaining two spots will be filled by the Sturmi and the KV-one, while Team B will fill their remaining slots with the Panzer-four and the BT-fourty-two. Coin tosses will be held to determine which T-twenty-sixes and Sotkas will join which side! The flag tanks will be as follows: Sturmi for Team A, and a Sotka for Team B! Lots will be drawn to determine Team B's flag tank! Is that clear?"
"Yes, Commander!" was the loud and clear response.
"Good! Get your coins out and start tossing! Once that's done, prepare your tanks and be ready in your respective sides within fifteen minutes! Dismissed!"
Within seconds, the large blob of girls that had gathered around the Sturmi was gone, its individual components now rushing to and fro to decide who went where and which would be which. Coins ringing on the pavement quickly followed, and after some shuffling from Team B, the tanks finally got their engines rumbling and their tracks rolling. Meanwhile, the Sturmi, KV-1, Panzer IV, and BT-42 made their way to their positions, their placements already decided. Once the formalities were completed, it was time for the match to start. Eyeing the battlefield, Jouko and Linder were already crafting a plan to win.
Ooarai
"...for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever... in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen."
Once she finished the sign of the cross, Miho then opened her eyes, and shifted her gaze at her surroundings, taking in what was about to happen. This exhibition match was 16v16, all schools having equal numbers, with a flag tank format, like a normal tournament match. The formalities were completed, so all that needed to happen now was for the Bofors to fire its gun, and all hell would break loose. Eyeing the battlefield before her, Miho memorized the plan in her mind, repeating it over and over again, both in her mind and whispering it out loud, in order for it to stay in her mind. It was to be a strategy of divide and conquer, with her team implementing the classic maneuvers that had granted many legendary generals their victories and established their reputations as great commanders. The primary victim of this strategy was to be St. Gloriana, the first school Ooarai had fought under Miho, and she had the perfect spot to trap them: the golf course.
"The match begins in forty-five seconds! All tanks, prepare!"
In that sunken area, it would provide Ooarai and Chi-Ha-Tan in a perfect position to lay down their fire. It wouldn't be long before the Churchill would be knocked out, winning them the match. While this would be happening, a secondary force would pin down Pravda in order to prevent them from reaching St. Gloriana. However, Miho knew that first of all, no plan would ever survive first contact with the enemy, and that was most evident with Chi-Ha-Tan. Her plan was put at extreme risk, however, as, knowing Chi-Ha-Tan, it needed them to stay put, to remain with Ooarai, and not to charge in unless ordered. The problem was Chi-Ha-Tan was more than ready to commit to a charge at the slightest notion of a charge order being given. This meant that Miho would have to communicate her orders very carefully, else the entire battle be lost thanks to Ch-Ha-Tan's fetish for mindlessly charging into battle. In fact, Miho felt the need to say another prayer that Chi-Ha-Tan wouldn't be as charge-happy as they usually were.
"Lord... please, give Chi-Ha-Tan the wisdom to understand what I say... don't let them disobey."
Miho was about to continue her analysis of how the battle should go when Saori, who had remained silent, thinking Miho was thinking about the match suddenly interrupted her, her voice sounding a bit creeped out.
"M...Miporin?"
"Sorry, Saori-san... I just..."
"No, I understand, about Chi-Ha-Tan, but... who are you talking to?"
Miho's heart began to race faster, realizing that this time, she had prayed a bit louder than before, which attracted unwanted attention. She didn't want to reveal to Saori the fact that she had already been baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith, that because of that, she was now a part of the Christian church. If her friends found out, would she lose them, or damage their relationship with her further? She knew that they were all understanding and kind, but she remained fearful. In her fear, Miho once again folded her hands and began to pray another prayer, silently this time, asking for a peace of mind and for her anxieties to be eased. Once she was finished, Miho smiled, and nodded to Saori, simply telling her,
"I'm talking to a good Friend of mine."
"The match begins in fifteen seconds! All tanks, start your engines!"
Saori, understandably confused, and also rather concerned, nodded back, and continued preparing her radio equipment, trying to make her mind ignore what on earth had just happened with Miho. Ami was now counting down, which got everyone readying themselves and focusing their full attention towards the match at hand. Miho, emerging back out of the cupola, glimpsed at Nishi, who gave her a snappy salute, indicating she was ready for action. Looking at the other tanks around her, she could see their engines were revved up and ready to go. Facing back towards the battlefield and fixing her gaze straight ahead, and, clutching her personal crucifix. Miho activated her throat mic, not hesitating one bit to give the command once the Bofors shell had exploded in the distance.
"All tanks, Panzer vor!"
Instantly, all of the tanks let out a roar as their engines unleashed a storm of exhaust, now working hard as their tanks moved forward. A small jerk was enough to confirm that the Panzer IV was operational, and a few minutes later, as St. Gloriana and Pravda's tanks gradually came into view, Miho gave the signal, and the plan commenced. Mallard and Leopon, as well as two of Chi-Ha-Tan's Type 97s, immediately split off to face Pravda, while the remainder shifted towards St. Gloriana, and drew ever nearer to the expansive golf course. Taking a deep breath, Miho eyed the Churchill and its companions as they drove into the golf course, and straight to their deaths. Amidst the eruption of shells and blasts, Miho knew that she had them.
"Now! Perform the encirclement maneuver!"
Immediately, the hard-hitting vehicles began to pin several of the Matildas and Crusaders who were furthest from the Churchill, holding them dead in their place as the lighter vehicles began maneuvering around their opponents, allowing the other tanks to reinforce them. Before long, St. Gloriana, outnumbered, was completely surrounded, and so far, Chi-Ha-Tan had stuck to the plan. Victory seemed to be theirs. It was only a matter of time.
"Got one."
A Matilda goes down thanks to Hana.
"WE GOT ANOTHER! BANZAI!"
Another goes down, but Miho doesn't see who fired that shot. However, it must've been one of Chi-Ha-Tan's tanks, judging by that transmission's excited voice.
"Miho-san, we're charging in! We have them!"
Miho's blood runs cold. Frantically, she tries to give orders for them to hold their position, but too late. A few follow her orders, but the majority attack.
"COME ON! ONE PUSH AND WE WIN! GO IN! BANZAI!"
Within seconds, the attack is annihilated. Seeing her plan fall apart, Miho, as well as the rest of Ooarai, knows that the battle now hangs in the balance. With Pravda on the way, the blocking force not expected to last long, the battle is set to last far longer than anybody might've hoped.
Continuation
"Reino's being a tough nut... You sure you wanna try this, Jouko? It's kinda like how Chi-Ha-Tan tries their stuff."
"There's a difference between Chi-Ha-Tan's charges, and Ooarai's charges. This is an Ooarai charge, so trust the plan."
"Risking the flag tank, though... I'm not too comfy with this."
"Keep in mind, Lofstrom, we're not in a real match. We can afford to do some experimentation here."
"Right... thanks, Frisell."
Observing the enemy ahead, Jouko thinks over her plan once more. Linder was going to use her KV-1 to try to dislodge the enemy defenses, while at the same time, the Sturmi and everyone else would charge headlong into those lines, and hit the flag tank. Sniping it was an impossibility, given the amount of armor between it and her. She can't afford to peep out of cover and take pop shots, as she, being the flag tank, would be the subject of heavy bombardment almost instantly. Furthermore, she couldn't expect her other tanks to do much damage either, let alone hope to survive against the Sotka's shells. She has to catch them off-guard, to disorient them long enough to provide an opportunity to attack and force them open, and knock out Reino's flag tank. It is a bold, and high-risk plan, but as the old saying goes, fortune favors the bold. Seeing Linder in position, all in the Sturmi knew that it was showtime.
"Frisell! Jyri will attack now!"
"On it, Jouko! Jyri! It's time!"
On cue, the KV-1 turned left, and hit full speed as fast as she could, the driver narrowly avoiding countless shells as it drove around Reino's defensive formation. Two of Reino's T-26s left the formation to engage the KV-1, but one of them made the mistake of trying to engage it head-on, and Linder happily took this free kill.
"Hjalmarson, now! Ignatius, swerve left after the shot!"
Taking a breath, the gunner unleashed a devastating shell, instantly white-flagging the poor T-26 that stood in its path, before the driver followed orders as best as possible, swerving left to join the main attack and support Jouko. At the same time, Hjalmarson, the gunner, fired again, hitting the other T-26 giving chase, knocking it out as well. Back at the main battle, the Sturmi, accompanied by several T-26s and a 76 Sotka, was in the heat of the battle, charging headlong into the masses of their opponents. As the tanks behind her engaged the enemy, Hannes powered ahead at full speed, maneuvering through the now-dislodged lines of their opponents, giving Jouko the perfect shot to hit the enemy flag tank: Reino's Sotka. As they took a quick look at their commander, Lofstrom and Frisell could just about make out a smirk forming on Jouko's face. Both girls knew that that look meant only one thing: the match was theirs. And to confirm that statement, as they looked closer, they could see Jouko mouth a single word:
"Gotcha."
Moments later, with a terrific blast, the 75mm cannon fired its projectile straight into the frontal armor plate of the Sotka. A bright flash immediately followed the impact, which quickly faded into a burst of black and a billowing cloud of smoke. Mere moments after this, however, the Sturmi, too, was rocked with a hard hit to its side, the sound of wood snapping audible with the customary clang of the shell hit. Emerging out of the cupola, Jouko looked directly at the enemy Sotka, hoping that her shot had made it in time. Sure enough, right before her own white flag could pop out, she could see what she wanted to see, clearly visible next to the enemy flag tank's cupola. Fluttering lightly in the breeze was a small white piece of fabric. Moments later, the referee's voice was heard.
"Round over! On account of Team B's flag tank being knocked out first, victory goes to Team A!"
Just like that, another practice round came to an end, but a special one for Jouko. Both sides warmly congratulated each other on the match, with some congratulating Jouko on a good first hosting, with some joking that she had rigged the match, but that was all in good fun, not meant to be taken seriously at all. Everybody knew that Jouko wasn't like that, even despite a rather problematic temper that she still had to deal with. For a first time host, she didn't do too terribly, though there was still some room for improvement here and there. But, with that business taken care of, it was now time for the long-sought-after saunas and a well-deserved period of rest and relaxation, though Jouko had a different topic in mind. Pulling out her phone, she opened it and searched for the exhibition match that was going on at that moment, unless it had already ended. Linder and the rest of the Sturmi crew did the same as well, and, finding some seats inside the hangars, they watched the match unfold, and the announcer was going crazy with it.
"...and the Hetzer fires... but wait! A sudden appearance of a Crusader, and it takes the shot for it in midair! Ladies and gentlemen, let me re-iterate, this is stuff you'll only see in this sport!"
"Looks like it's dead even... both sides have below ten tanks now."
"Money's still on Ooarai. They've beaten Kuromorimine and everyone, they can beat these schools. Trust the process, Frissy."
"Don't call me that, please-"
"Quiet, you two! It's about to happen!"
Silence returned as the match reached its climax, the announcer going even more ballistic now.
"...and Ooarai's flag tank has reached the aquarium, and it looks like it's game for the Gloriana-Pravda compound team! The Panzer is- WAIT! PRAVDA'S T-THIRTY-FOUR HAS JUST DRIVEN INTO- OH! AND THE PANZER IS TAKEN OUT BY THE CHURCHILL! IT'S GAME OVER, DECLARES THE JUDGE! A SPECTACULAR FINISH AND A GREAT VICTORY FOR THE GLORIANA-PRAVDA COUMPOUND TEAM! OH MY GOODNESS!"
Frustrated stamps and huffs of annoyance could be heard from the Sturmi crew and the KV-1 crew, and the audience at the venue seemed to share the same sentiment as they let out a disappointed groan. For all of Miho's efforts, victory wasn't theirs today, and it wasn't hard to pinpoint exactly who it was to blame for their defeat. However, Frisell got reminded of something as the post-match segment began, and turned to Lofstrom.
"Now... Lofstrom... what was that about your money being on Ooarai?"
"Uh... nevermind."
As everyone laughed, they began making their way to the saunas to get some much-needed pleasantries after a hard-fought match and an exhilarating battle they had just witnessed.
Nishizumi Residence
"...and with that, ladies and gentlemen, another thrilling match comes to an end, and boy, I tell you, it did not disappoint! Good game to both sides, it was very well fou-"
"Yes... a good game."
Sighing and reclining on the couch as she turned off the television, Shiho's mind began to go into analysis mode to see what went right and what went wrong during the match. Of course, she had nothing good to say about Chi-Ha-Tan, that joke of a school that always ended up among the first school to be knocked out. There wasn't much else to say, really, other than that they are in desperate need for new and competent leadership, or a change in doctrine, anything that could secure them some better chances at becoming champions before they go bankrupt from wasting their school's funds on their tank rentals. Seriously, how does anybody who takes them seriously do so? That school was only good for being a laughingstock, the David that always kept getting stomped on by Goliath after missing all five of his smooth stones. Their fans could only hope that they could learn and improve, though, judging their history, that was bound to never happen. There wasn't much benefit in thinking about this joke team anyway, so it was best to move to the others before too much time was wasted.
St. Gloriana made a good call in taking defensive positions, relying on Pravda to make it past the blocking detachment to reach them and even out the battle. And thanks to the profound mental retardation of certain members of their opponents, they were able to even things out, and work in tandem to wear down their opponents and finally knock out their flag tank, even though it came at a close call. There was a very good reason why St. Gloriana and Pravda were considered some of the best in Sensha-do. Their reputations and achievements boasted their success, and this match proved that they still had that competency in them. However, they didn't take up as much of Shiho's thinking as did the dark horse of Sensha-do, the underdogs who were every minor school's wet dream: Ooarai Girls' Academy, and the girl whom Shiho had used to bounce around as a baby years ago, now their triumphant commander, Miho Nishizumi. Her very own daughter. Shiho couldn't help but manage a subtle smile watching her daughter fight, still disapproving of what had happened, but proud of her achievement regardless.
Ever since the finals, Shiho's perception of Miho had improved from weeks before. When she was on the verge of disinheriting her, perhaps disowning her and kicking her out of the family, now, she saw in Miho the freedom that she herself couldn't see, the happiness and carefree behavior that she always dreamt of as a child, and the fact that, breaking free from her family's chains, she found her own Sensha-do, and would undoubtedly prove an inspiration to thousands of future practitioners in the years to come. Yes, she was acting contrary to family tradition, but, remembering her traumatizing past, Shiho would make sure to place family above tradition, recognizing just how badly things had gone when her traditionalist side began to take over. She thought of all the happiness, the joyful memories, and the laughter-inducing moments that would've filled her mind had the traditions and pressures of her family name not prevented her. Diverging from her Sensha-do analysis, she began to think of her personal life. She wondered if she could meet Miho again, and give her the love and warmth she deserved. She wondered if she would be able to meet Tsuneo again, hoping that he still loved her, and would be more than willing to reconcile.
"My lady, Maho-sama has returned and is waiting in the dining room."
"Tell her I'll be there shortly."
With a smile, Shiho acknowledged her attendant's report, and, dwelling on her thoughts for a bit longer, allowing her eyes to grow more watery in the process, eventually stood up, stretched, and walked to her daughter to welcome her back. Upon locking eyes, they locked in a short, yet heartfelt embrace, before separating, allowing Maho some time to change in order for them to progress to the next part of the day: the part where they would spend the next couple of hours or so discussing whatever topics were the subject of discussion. Sometimes it was boring, other times it was very interesting, but it was regardless an integral part of the day. Once Maho had arrived at the table, now changed into her house clothes, it was time to begin.
"Okaa-san, what will we discuss today?"
"Hm..." Shiho's forehead was tensed up as she thought, before she decided to stop at a topic she deemed mind-simulating enough. "I think you may have been aware of the exhibition match being organized today, yes Maho?"
"Yes, Okaa-san... though I fear that, thanks to practice, I was unable to spectate it. Please, do tell who won... I hope it was Miho."
Shiho's expression becomes downtrodden, even if it is barely visible. "As you are probably aware, the exhibition match was between the two coalitions of Ooarai - Chi-Ha-Tan and St. Gloriana - Pravda and... St. Gloriana - Pravda won, though by a very decisive duel between the flag tanks. I admit that the T-34 was very selfless to block the kill shot intended for the Churchill from Miho's Panzer IV. The T-34 that did it surprises me, however..." She then takes a moment to process the undeniably odd happenstance. "...for it was Katyusha's T-34/85."
Maho's heart sank hearing the news, but, knowing that Miho's allies were Chi-Ha-Tan, it was sort of to be expected. But, she was also surprised that Katyusha, usually a selfish, narcissistic, egotistical individual, was willing to allow herself to be sacrificed in order to win. Talk about selfishness to selflessness.
"I'm surprised Katyusha would do something like that, knowing her selfishness."
"That also surprises me too, but I highly doubt it was done on impulse. Perhaps Darjeeling and Katyusha had already planned this scenario beforehand. I must say, from the onset of the battle, Ooarai was handling themselves well, but then..." Shiho sighs. "Chi-Ha-Tan had to ruin it all with a charge straight into the enemy's barrel. But still, the fact that Miho barely lost it means that Ooarai was carrying both their weight and Chi-Ha-Tan's, so I wouldn't take their defeat as something monumental to their champion status. I would even argue that Miho made the best out of her circumstances, Maho. But as you may know already, everyone has to carry their own weight if you want to succeed in Sensha-do."
"Yes, Okaa-san…"
Silence came over the table for a few moments as both ladies thought of what to talk about next. While Shiho was busy trying to get the words to further elaborate on her point, Maho was solely focused on what would they do with Miho. She knew that Shiho was much more open now, so it was about time to shoot her shot.
"Okaa-san… about Miho… what will we do with her now? Will she stay part of our family, or… you know…"
Shiho quickly interrupts. "Do you still remember my proposal to disown her, Maho?"
"Yes… I do…" Maho lowers her head, hoping that her mother has truly changed, and that her breakdown a week ago wasn't some elaborate facade.
"Again, that decision is final, Maho. I am not going through with it. However, if you mean about her actually staying with us..." The mother looks to the lushest greeneries outside, her eyebrows visibly curves down a little. "That is for her to decide."
Maho looks in the same direction as well, the distant memories of the two of them playing in those bushes and fields filling her mind once more.
"I agree…" Maho said, sullen. "Forgive me, Okaa-san, if I offend you, but… I hope she comes back, even if she'll be attending Ooarai. I miss her here."
"Mhm." Shiho gave Maho a side eye, then turned back to her. "Regarding Ooarai, however... It is unfortunate it has to be closed down still." She breaks the news with a straight face, but her brows suggest that she is also somewhat hurt by this event.
"Wait…"
Maho snappily turned her head back to Shiho, her face replaced with utter shock. Recoiling back, she couldn't believe her ears.
"C-closing? I thought… I… Renta…"
"I did not stutter, Maho. Ooarai is closing. April thirtieth, they said." Shiho repeated the news again, before a coat of silence surrounded the mother and daughter.
"I thought… Didn't Renta agree not to close them if they won? I... I don't understand..." Burying her head in her hands, Maho struggled to believe the news, denying what was going on, shaking her head as each deep breath conjured up a heavy denial in her mind.
"It was an oral contract, thus he is under no obligation to actually follow through, or so he said." It is at this point that Shiho's hands have become fists. "So the plan to close down Ooarai? It is still in effect."
"And you can't do anything? I… you, WE have so much influence, we might as well get the whole Sensha-do world to oppose him!"
Maho knew that it was improper for her to start raising her voice, but judging by Shiho's reaction, she understood that this was a reasonable reaction. Regardless, the family head had to respond properly.
"Maho!" Shiho was quick to raise her voice, and it never fails to strike fear into the commander. Soon enough, all the will that Maho has to act has completely dissipated. That is when Shiho calmly gives her thought on the matter.
"Maho, I am as much enraged as you are, but we must play our cards carefully. This is Renta we are talking about, and those like him aren't afraid to play dirty. Even with all the influence we have, it is Renta who has the final say in the matter. Nothing can change that, except for a coup d'état. However, there is one thing I am for certain..." Shiho then slides a newspaper towards her daughter, the content displaying the news of Ooarai's closure. "The public is also very displeased with what Renta is doing."
Maho eyes the paper, reading all the responses posted in it. "Of course they are… I hope it will be enough for Renta to change his mind…"
"I afraid that alone won't be enough for Renta to reverse the decision... But I suppose this means Miho will have to come home, sooner or later." As she hears this news, a smile sneaks upon the heiress' face.
"That… is something I'm glad to hear… I just wish it were under better circumstances."
"I can say the same... Now, if you want to talk about the exhibition match again... Or perhaps you are more interested in anything else."
"I just want Miho back… I've missed her so much." Maho's face was sullen again, her face turning back to the greenery outside, returning to her reminiscing.
Seeing how much longing Maho has for her sister, Shiho decides to stand up and gets out of the room.
"Do you mind going somewhere instead of staying here in the estate, Maho? That may help to resolve whatever is on your mind right now."
Maho's eyes all of a sudden glitter upon the mention, to which the mother kindly confirms her gleeful suspicion. "And yes, it is what you think it is, Maho. You have always loved to ride around town in my Tiger, don't you?" A smirk arrives on the woman's face, her expression considerably softens up.
Maho smiles, nodding rather enthusiastically, much to Shiho's muted delight, as the memories of her daughters' childhood come rushing back. She now understands what her daughter has longed for, what she has prevented from coming true, and what may still be changed. And Maho knows that, even if Ooarai should close, at least Miho would be welcomed home once again, not as an outcast and a stranger, but as what she always was - a Nishizumi.
"I would be more than happy to ride together again... it's been too long."
"I'll go to prepare then. It has been quite some time since the Tiger has been out of the cage, after all." And just like that, Shiho has disappear out of the room, and out of Maho's sight, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
"Miho... Miho, Miho, Miho..."
She stands up as well, and begins walking around the house as memories of her and Miho bounding around the house come rushing back. As she enters her room, she sees her sister's old Sensha-do uniform, still hanging there, covered by a layer of plastic to preserve it, appearing fresh, perfectly tailored and cared for, and ready to be worn again, as if it were patiently waiting for her to return to Kuromorimine. Longingly staring at it, she soon begins to caress it, allowing even more memories to flow in. She remembers all the Sensha-do matches they fought together, the coordinated chaos they each played a part in manifesting, and the camaraderie they shared both on and off the field. Clutching it tightly, Maho allowed a tear to fall, her heart bruised at what she had lost.
Leaving her room, Maho ventured to the now-abandoned room that Miho once occupied. Gently opening its door, Maho smiled as she saw the piles of Boko dolls, big and small, still scattered all around the room, reminding her of the sheer excitement Miho would get when she was brought a new doll, the sparkling in her eyes and the joy visible on her face. She gazed at the dozens of pictures that donned the shelves and the walls, thinking back to those happier times. Her smile widened as she looked at all the baby pictures, how happy Miho looked, as well as everyone else. However, as she saw the face of her dearest Oto-san, the always-cheerful and jovial Tsuneo Nishizumi, now living an ocean away from them, her smile would soon fade, remembering how much happiness he brought to the family when she and Miho were still toddlers.
As she continued to ponder the memories of those times long past, Maho began to feel the same dread and loneliness that she had felt a year before, and, not wishing to allow those feelings to develop any further, quickly left the room, closing it behind her and making her way back to the dining table, before stopping in front of a rather large picture of Miho during her second year, standing upright on her Tiger I, wearing her Kuromorimine Sensha-do uniform as she made the crossed-arms pose on top of the cupola. Maho felt comfortable again seeing it, as the reassurance of Miho returning to the residence filled her with peace.
As she imagines how the meeting may go, her eyes start to well with tears once more.
"Miho... if you'll really be coming back...
I'll be ready to greet you...
Welcome home."
She then looks down, remembering what is the reason for this happy moment taking place.
"I wish it would be when you were happier..."
Suddenly, the television springs to life in the background as Kikuyo watches the usual news. It doesn't bother Maho, as it is too muffled to really startle or distract her. However, she can still hear what is going on, and soon enough, there is a set of words that grabs her attention by the throat and forces her to see what's going on.
"...and there are chaotic scenes from Ooarai today, as you can see, thousands upon thousands of people are being driven out of their homes..."
Alerted, Maho quickly diverts her attention away and rushes to the living room, joining Kikuyo in watching the news. Not long after, Shiho silently joins the watch party. As they see what is going on, they soon fill with rage, witnessing the painful consequences of a powerful man going back on his word.
Akiyama Barbershop - Zuikaku
"Out! All of you, out! Tsuji-san's orders!"
"Vacate within eight hours! Leave immediately!"
"This carrier is shut down! All personnel are ordered off at once!"
The once-quiet barbershop was transformed into a scene of loud chaos as several officials burst through the door, interrupting the barber and his wife, who were replaying the exhibition match at that very moment. Immediately, the television was switched off, and a loud shouting match quickly erupted between the couple and the officials bearing "Schoolship Maintenance" badges. Yoshiko was pushing against one, berating him, as well as his associates, for their insolence.
"What gives you and your Tsuji the right to do this?! We have lived on this carrier for years! You cannot do this to us!"
Elsewhere, Jungorou was wrestling with one of the officials who was trying to bundle his mechanical razors, scissors, conditioners, and other tools into a small box, intending to transport them off the carrier. Initially, Jungorou seemed to hold his own as his wife screamed encouragement at him and insults at the official. Ultimately, it came to naught, as soon enough the official was reinforced by another comrade. Jungorou was pinned to the ground, his glasses barely managing to avoid being cracked as he hit the floor, as yet another official arrived, bundling his tools into the box with relative carelessness.
"Put those razors back! I'll be filing a BIG lawsuit at you all after this!"
Jungorou's threats, however, were only directed at a brick wall, the officials continuing their dirty work without a word. Within hours, the house was completely emptied, thanks to the officials working with some hired transportation employees in swift efficiency to package and store furniture, goods, appliances, and other items into boxes and crates. Yukari's room now looked almost alien, it's dozens upon dozens of World War II posters ripped off, leaving the walls a pure white, the shelves containing all sorts of tanks and memorabilia left barren, and the closets containing her clothes and other things equally emptied. Outside, it was a scene of pure chaos as hundreds, if not thousands of adults, students, and others were rushed through the streets, some still in their pajamas, a testament to the sudden and unexpected nature of the situation.
As the couple were left alone in the emptied house, Jungorou cradled his tearful wife in his arms, trying to provide her with whatever comfort he could muster, to little avail. Just a week before, they felt on top of the world, cheering and saluting their beloved floof as she rode through the streets of the town, triumphant with her friends and classmates over impossible odds. Now, here they were, tearful and sorrowful, because their lives were turned completely upside down, seemingly ruined forever, and the town shared that same sentiment. Why had it happened? Why was Director Tsuji doing this to them? What had they done to warrant this? Their sorrowful minds were filled with innumerable questions, but they would have to be answered later. Clutching his dear wife, Jungorou helped her up, and led her through the din and chaos of the evacuation in the streets, clambering down the ramp that led to the harbor, taking once last look at the place they had called home, before departing to tell one of their daughter's friends' families the news.
Isuzu Residence
It was, at first, a calm and peaceful lunchtime at the table. Yuri and Shinzaborou were discussing this affair and that affair, this piece of news and that piece of news, whatever this and that politician was up to, the normal lunchtime discussion, in addition to discussing the exhibition match that had concluded a couple of hours before. However, their affairs were rudely interrupted as an unusual clamoring and shouting was heard outside. Fearing an angry mob, Shinzaborou instinctively grabbed one of the displayed katanas on the nearby wall, instructing his lady to stay put, before equipping it and running to the windows to see what was going on. Instead of an angry mob, however, he was met with the sight of students, some in their Ooarai uniform, others in sailor uniform, as well as adults, including parents, business operators, and men in suits with badges bearing the words "Schoolship Maintenance," all running through the streets as trucks and other large vehicles passed through them. One couple that met Shinzaborou's eye was Jungorou and Yoshiko, Yukari's parents.
Rushing outside the door, Shinzaborou invited the couple inside, almost having to drag them due to the pressing of the crowds. Once they had been safely secured inside, Yuri approached them as Shinzaborou locked the door, greeting them before asking the obvious.
"Jungorou-san, Yoshiko-san... what's going on out there? And why look so sad?"
Fighting back tears, Yoshiko tried to muster an explanation.
"Ooarai... the academy- It's gone! They've sh-sh-shut it d-d-down!"
"WHAT?!"
Jungorou stepped in, not wishing to stress his wife any more.
"It's true. We were watching the match... when some officials burst in and told us to leave. They were packing all our stuff into boxes and crates... everything is gone."
"What do you mean?! What-"
"We're as confused as you are... but for us... I don't know."
"My lady, the local news is reporting on it!"
Turning to the television, Yuri watched as live coverage of the situation around the Zuikaku was broadcast on the screen.
"...utter chaos. As those who have lived a while in Ooarai may know, the Zuikaku is home to thirty thousand people, ranging from students, to business owners, to those in the sailor division, and many hundreds of delinquents in the lower decks. However, tragically, many of their lives will be changed forever, as to those tuning in now, I'll repeat what was said earlier by Schoolship Director Renta Tsuji:
'It is the opinion of the Directorate that, due to Ooarai Girls' Academy's failure to meet sufficient demands and pay it's due debts incurred over the years it has been in operation and in use, it is deemed fitting that they be shut down, and sold to pay these debts, whether to another school or to the breaker's yard. We thank those who have served this carrier for their services in its upkeep, performing to their utmost ability the duties presented to them. But now, we ask that you find a different ship to serve. To those parents, students, and otherwise, we issue our sincerest apologies for any inconveniences.'"
"Oh, you~! Shut up!"
"Yo-Yo, calm down... that will change nothing!"
"I'll tear him apart if I meet him! I'll make him understand how much we're ruined! I'll... I'll..."
The ever-considerate Shinzaborou quickly switched off the TV as Yuri stepped forward to help comfort Yoshiko, who was on the verge of a mental collapse. Getting her seated, Jungorou grabbed a glass, filled it with water, and offered it to his wife, who drank as much as she could. The chaos outside was starting to die down, the panicked crowds now thinner and farther off. However, soon the sounds of people clamoring down the street was replaced with a vastly different sound. The sounds of tank engines rumbling and the distinct voices of Ooarai's Sensha-do team. Yoshiko, hit with the realization that her daughter would learn what would happen, fainted from the stress. Yuri turned her head away from the windows, not wishing to hear her daughter's sorrowful voice that was sure to be heard from the distance, as Shinzaborou closed the windows to supplement his lady's wishes.
All-Stars University
Alice's fingers moved as swiftly as they could as they moved from key to key, striking chord after chord in rapid succession, first in triplets, then moving to a presto and going two steps away from slamming as fortissimos appeared, followed shortly after by a set of sforzatissimos in the final bars. The orchestra was also in full swing, complementing the rapid chaos of the piano in the final seconds of the piece as Chiyo vigorously conducted, her arms waving about in one of the rare moments where she didn't appear in her usual calm, even if her face appeared to be perfectly relaxed, barring a few mannerisms to better drive in her wishes to the orchestra. As the triumphant finale came to a close, with Alice's hands now gradually ascending the notes, both piano and orchestra finished off with a set of accents as the percussion, brass, and woodwinds now dominated the orchestra with the strings supplementing them. With the final set of chords, the piece ended in a more abrupt manner, bringing the piano concerto to a thrilling conclusion with the Alice lifting her hands and the strings lifting their bows in the air, bringing a theatrical flair to the exciting finale. A few seconds of silence then followed, the sound of the last chord reverberating throughout the empty hall, soon interrupted by an announcer's voice.
"You have just heard, or watched, a performance of the Piano Concerto number three in D-flat minor, opus thirty, composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff. It was performed by the orchestra department of the All-Stars University of Kyoto, conducted by its headmaster, Chiyo Shimada, with her daughter, thirteen-year-old Alice Shimada, performing as the soloist. This is a studio audiovisual broadcast recording from the university's Koizumi Auditorium.
We thank you for tuning in to our daily Evening Concert Broadcast for the thirtieth of April, as part of our ongoing Rachmaninoff Week. Tomorrow's performance will be the Symphonic Dances, opus forty-five, performed by the orchestra club of Umimaku High School, set to be conducted by Ayukawa Hiroaki. To those listening on radio or watching on television, we wish you a good evening, and a good rest of your day. This is Aya Kondo, of NHK Music, live from All-Stars University."
With that, mother and daughter shared a heartfelt hug, and after the orchestra gave Alice their appropriate congratulations, and Chiyo to everyone else, the stage was emptied, with the personnel involved in the filming and recording of the program all packing up their recording and filming equipment, as the orchestra, all of whom were also Sensha-do members, also packed up, setting their instruments in each of their cases before leaving, some staying behind to help pile up the chairs and set them aside, as well as help remove the covers for the auditorium seating, which had been placed there for both visual and sound purposes. Chiyo and Alice, meanwhile, headed back to their home inside the campus, willing to get some rest after that exhausting performance. Upon entering, Chiyo allowed Alice to change from her Sensha-do uniform, which had been worn by all the students in the orchestra that day, before resting on the couch and switching on the television, interested, as always, in seeing the news for the night. The first piece that greeted her was to normal viewers a shocker, but to her, it was something that was inevitably going to happen. The news? Ooarai's closure. Reclining on the couch, she thought of what would happen next.
Alice soon enough arrived, but her reaction was far different. Her face became shocked as she saw the news displayed prominently on the screen. Struggling to believe her eyes, she quickly sat next to her mother, who didn't even wait to clarify what was happening.
"Yes, Alice... Ooarai is closing."
"But, I thought they won the tournament!"
"They did... but Renta went back on his word."
"Word? What word? And what-"
"Patience, Alice. I'll explain."
Nodding, Alice got comfortable on the couch and paid her full attention to Chiyo, who turned down the volume to allow Alice to hear properly.
"Renta made an agreement with Ooarai that if they won the tournament this year, they would not close it. The reason he was closing it was, according to him, budgetary reasons and other smaller inconveniences. Now that Ooarai's won, he's now being technical by saying it was an oral contract, which wasn't binding, and that the school's closure will still go through. At least, that's what he told me before our concert."
"But... that's not fair! Ooarai won fair and square!"
Alice pounded the couch to get her point across, and Chiyo understood, and fully agreed. But, for all her protests and threats she could make, Renta was a man who would not budge. Shaking her head, Chiyo decided to move on to what could happen next.
"Now... remember that phone call a week ago?"
"Yes, Okaa-san, was it about that?"
"It was. Remember what I told you about preparing for that match?"
"Yes, Okaa-san, I've been increasing practice."
"Then be ready for battle at a moment's notice. Ooarai will not go down fighting, especially after their victory. I'm sure of that. In the meantime..."
Chiyo grabbed her phone, and began dialing a number. Alice curiously peeked to get a look, and listened intently to the conversation.
"Yes, good evening. May I please speak to the headmaster of Continuation High School? Thank you.
Good evening, Adachi-san."
"Shimada-dono! I... uh... this is unexpected!"
"I understand, but we must discuss something, albeit brief."
"Sure, sure! I must also add... your daughter is very gifted, I watched her performance earlier, and hoomeyow! She hits those notes effortlessly!"
Alice smiled at the compliment as Chiyo caressed her lovingly, accepting the praise.
"Thank you, Adachi-san. Now, to the topic at hand...
Will you please notify four students-those crewing the Sturmi in your Sensha-do department-that they might be needed at All-Stars within the next three days? We agreed to let them fight with All-Stars in our next match if they proved themselves worthy in their match against my daughter a week ago, and they did. I'm letting you know in advance so that there will be no hassle."
"S-s-surely, Shimada-dono! I'll notify them of your notice."
"Thank you, Adachi-san, that is all."
"You're most welcome, Shimada-dono! I wish you and everyone at All-Stars a good evening!"
"And I wish the same to you and all at Continuation."
As the call ended, Chiyo turned to Alice, whose eyes were gleaming, and her face plastered with excitement at the prospect of not only seeing and interacting with the Sturmi crew again, but also the fact that they would be fighting with her. Perhaps they would bring the same amount of fun she had during her duel with them. All the possibilities, all the creativity, there was so much potential. As mother and daughter hugged one another, Chiyo remembered Miho, remembering what she knew about what had happened to her, knowing how hurt she likely was from this situation. Whatever happened, she hoped that Miho would find the peace she knew she needed.
Ooarai
As she sat on the harbor, seated before the abandoned, taped-off carrier, left alone by everyone at her own request, Miho's face was buried in her hands, leaning on her legs, the tears freely flowing onto her clothes and the ground. She struggled to contain her emotions, but found it impossible to, as her world, once again, seemed to come to heavy ruination. Even with all the things that Jouko had taught her, and with all of the church services and sermons she had listened to, all the commitment she had shown seemed to be nonexistent, and her faith was in shambles. There wasn't any hope that Miho could see. She couldn't find the strength to see the priest, neither could she find the confidence to call Jouko, let alone open her Bible. In fact, her mind was telling her that she shouldn't try this Christianity anymore, and although she was resisting that "advice", she couldn't get rid of it. She had forgotten her experience during the Finals, even if it had been a week before. All that her mind was set on was doubt and dread.
"Lord… why? What is it You want with me? Why do You have us win… then have this happen to us? Am… am I doing something wrong? Is this another test? Speak to me, Lord… please… speak to me."
Suddenly, there was a voice from behind her.
"Are you alright?"
Miho lifted her head, and turned around, expecting it to be one of her friends, or at least their parents or a classmate. Instead, it was a fully grown, middle-aged woman, but it wasn't Shiho, or Chiyo, or Ami, or any of her friends' parents. She didn't even look Japanese at all, wearing some blue and white robes that appeared foreign and ancient to her, and it wasn't Jouko. Her voice was very soft, and contained a deep sense of love, while her face was one of deep care, understanding, and concern, even sadness, as if she fully understood what Miho was going through. She then made her way next to her, sitting next to her, on the cement of the harbor, positioning herself in a similar manner to Miho. Miho was growing curious now. Who exactly was this mysterious lady who suddenly showed up? And did she know what she was going through, and what had just happened? She was hesitant to speak, as for all of her charisma in Sensha-do, outside of it, she remained a very shy and uncomfortable girl.
"It's fine," the mysterious woman reassured, "I don't bite."
Miho, finding some courage, spoke up.
"I… I'm fine…"
"You don't seem fine. Do you need help?"
Miho slumped her shoulders, not wishing to deny her suffering before this woman who appeared very ready to help her. Mustering more courage, Miho nodded, hoping this woman could be able to offer her some much-needed comfort.
"Yes… what… what can you do for me?"
"Are you a Christian?"
"U-um… yes, I am… I'm of the Lutheran faith."
The woman's eyebrows elevate out of interest as she smiles and nods, as if she approves of what Miho just admitted. Her smile then fades, being replaced with the same old concern from earlier.
"Please be honest with me now. Do you think your faith is strong right now?"
Miho quickly looked away, ashamed to disappoint this woman with what she was about to confess. But she felt a loving arm wrap around her shoulder, prompting her to turn her head back to the woman. She was nodding again, but with a more sorrowful look, as if she could tell what Miho's answer was. This hurt Miho, not wishing to see the woman cry.
"No, no, I'm sorry! Please… I didn't mean-"
"No, it's alright… Would you be comfortable telling me why?"
Miho took a moment to gather some energy, searching for how to tell the woman what had happened to her. Once she felt ready, she began to pour it all out, doing her best to hold back tears as she did so.
"You know… almost two months ago, I came here not knowing much about God. There was a Bible that had come from Chiyo-sensei that Okaa-san almost threw away, but I managed to get it and start reading it. I read several verses that reassured me, and I began to consider the words.
Then came the match against Pravda. Everything went well, until Koume and her tank slipped off of the cliff and went into the water; and there was this verse that was in my head, and it said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' So, I dove in and rescued three of them, including Koume, but I wasn't able to rescue everyone…
Everyone hated me for it after that. Okaa-san hated me, Onee-chan didn't defend me, and my friends and classmates threw away their respect for me, except for some. I got mad… so I threw that Bible onto the ground, and I thought it lied."
Miho saw the woman's face wince, prompting her to apologize, offering to stop. However, the woman beckoned her to continue, and so she did.
"So… I finished my year in Kuromorimine, and once summer break ended… I left, and transferred here, to Ooarai. I didn't want Sensha-do anymore. When I arrived, I checked my luggage, and found the Bible in there. Onee-chan put a note in it, asking me to read it, since she read it herself. I did, and, to make a long story short, I got into it, and I fixed the damage I did to it when I threw it. I trusted it, and when the tournament came around, I met a girl named Jouko, who helped me better understand it.
For the past month and a half, we've studied extensively. At first, it was just the Bible that we studied, but then we began studying other things, like the Church Fathers and Luther and other theology, all of that in addition to the Bible. That also helped my faith, and she helped answer any questions I had. And after the Finals a week ago, I decided to get baptized and confirmed. Because Jouko already taught me a lot of things, the pastor allowed me to be baptized and confirmed immediately after."
The woman was smiling now, which brought Miho an odd sense of comfort. Noticing her pause, the woman silently, yet lovingly urged Miho to continue.
"So, now, I'm here. Tsuji-san decided to go back on his word, that was, if we won the tournament we'd be spared from shutting down. As I said earlier, we won it, but now… he closed it anyway. To think that after all that, after our victory and whatnot, and after all we've done… it… it's all come to naught… And I was asking earlier… why is God doing this to me, and to us? I… I've been faithful and I've been following His Word, but now that this has happened, I don't know anymore…
I… hope you can help me… I can't help myself."
Miho buried her head in her arms, starting to cry again. As she felt the woman's hand stroking her back in a motherly manner and offering comfort, she heard her voice again.
"Here, I want you to read this."
The woman then buried her hand into her outer robe, taking some time to dig as Miho looked on. Once she had found it, she pulled it out and presented it to Miho, who took a closer look. It was her personal Bible, surprising her. Did she knew where she live, and how on earth did she get that if she left it in her room? Those thoughts were quickly done away with as the woman then opened it, turning to the Gospel of Matthew. Miho instantly recognized what she was turning to, and in a heartbeat, turned to the eleventh chapter. The words appeared more prominent than the words in the other verses, even if there had been no marking or anything. Reading it out loud, Miho focused on these words, taking in their meaning, as the woman helped her to read.
Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
"Now, I'm sure you'll recognize this next one."
The woman again began to turn the pages, going even further down the line, passing the rest of the Gospels and Acts, before stopping at the Book of Romans. Miho, knowing what was coming next, even before the woman could arrive at the chapter, she recited the verse that Jouko had taught her all those weeks ago.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
"Okay… I understand what you're telling me. I'll talk to Jouko-san later… I see now."
"Are you feeling better?"
"Yes… thank you… Good lady… what is your name? I ought to give my full thanks to, well, God first, but a due sum to you."
The woman chuckled, and hugged Miho. With a smile, she placed her mouth closer to Miho's ear, and whispered to her,
"You may call me Mary."
With a playful smile, Mary lovingly ruffled Miho's hair and gently pinched her cheek, before standing up to leave, while Miho, still on the ground, still sat there. All sense of fear and dread were gone, and she sat shocked, as if she had just been hit by a truck, realizing exactly who it was she had just met. Setting her Bible on the ground, Miho ran with all her strength after Mary, and catching up to her, hugged her tightly. As she felt her arms wrapping around her, she began to cry, and looking up into the smiling face of her new friend, she expressed her heartfelt thanks.
"Please accept my thanks, and I thank God most, both that He's helped me… and for you…"
"Ah-ap-pap!" went Mary, her expression one of a caring mother correcting her child. "Always remember, all glory be to God alone. That's what your faith teaches, right?"
"Yes, yes… but I thank you, too…"
"You're very welcome. I'm happy to help. Now, I must beg my leave."
"Okay, bye, Mary-sama!"
After separating from Miho, Mary cheerfully waved to her, and Miho waved back, sharing smiles with her, before turning around and walking away to pick up her Bible. As she walked away, she could hear Mary singing something. She stopped to listen, turning around to allow her ears to receive the sound waves better.
"When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, For there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus… but to trust and obey."
As Miho turned back to her Bible, she picked it up, and, tightly embracing it, she turned back around to catch a final glimpse of Mary, no longer hearing her singing, but as her eyes scanned her surroundings, she was nowhere to be found. She had disappeared, seemingly into nothingness. Pinching herself to make sure she wasn't in a dream, Miho experienced a sharp pain, but, sure enough, she was in the real world. Sitting back down, she still struggled to believe what had just happened. But, understanding what Mary was trying to tell her, and realizing her faults, she bowed her head in prayer, and, clutching her Bible and her crucifix, sent another prayer to the Lord.
"Lord Jesus... forgive me if I am doubting you... but please. Give me strength to keep going, and help me trust in You, and to obey You. Help me to trust your plan for me, even if I don't understand it. Thank You for what you've taught me... I know how wrong I was to doubt... Help me to stay faithful."
Making the sign of the cross, Miho tearfully closed with a prayer she felt befit someone like her.
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God... have mercy on me, a sinner..."
Author's Note: We're back with the beginning of Volume 2! I've decided to try to focus on the "omitted" parts of the movie to better expand on it, as well as practice some creativity. In regards to the Sturmi crew, I think you know where this is going.
Once again, I want to give a big thanks to florentinomain00f for not only proofreading and giving advice, but actually helping me write the Shiho-Maho scene! I've been helping him write scenes for his fanfic-Boots on the Ground-and it's great that he's helped, otherwise this chapter would've taken another week or so to pump out. Once again, please check his stuff out, he's a very talented writer and great worldbuilder, and the both of us would greatly appreciate you guys giving him some love as well, since it's very well-deserved.
With regards to the final scene in this chapter, yes, it may seem hard to believe, but having heard many stories online of stuff like that happening, and yes, it's up to you whether to believe them or not, I felt obligated to write it in. Again, sorry if all this Christianity stuff makes you uncomfortable. It's up to you whether you want to read it or not, and I can't stop you.
That's it for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it, and I'll see you in the next one. God bless, and panzer vor.