Chapter 9
Nonna woke up from no external means. Her eyes fluttered open and she recognized the cave. Immediately she looked the boy, Austin, wanting to check his condition. He hadn't moved all night, still lying on his stomach and his breathing seemed normal enough. Though Nonna knew she'd have to wait for him to wake up before continuing on. He could still be in too much pain to walk.
Nonna stood up and walked to the entrance of the cave. She looked eastward and saw the sun was barely peeking the horizon. She knew someone was coming for them but as soon as Austin woke up, they'd have to start moving. Hopefully they would find either team and get the other a ride back to friendly lines.
Nonna heard groaning inside and heading back in to check on her fellow 'castaway'. Austin had woken up and was trying to raise himself off the ground. He still felt some discomfort in his back, but he would be able to walk.
"Are you ok?" Nonna asked.
"Yeah. Yeah, I can walk. Thank you for what you did." Austin said giving her jacket back.
"No, thank you. Forgive me if I'm mistaken but the whole time it felt like you were trying to keep me out of harms way." Nonna said putting her jacket on.
"Yes, I was." Austin said.
"Why did you take that hit on the ground? The damage could have been worse." Nonna explained.
"I don't know. I just thought that I couldn't let you get hurt. Besides I'm fine now." Austin said.
Nonna didn't know what to think upon hearing that. She was a little confused. No one back home would do that for her.
"We should get going. If I remember correctly the wild animals inhabit this mountain, they'll be waking up soon, I wouldn't want to become breakfast for a pack of wolves." Austin said.
Nonna didn't know either to laughed or sigh. His attempt at humor was surprising to her. Normally she would be surrounded by the stoic students of Pravda High School. Humor was very little and nonexistent in these situations.
Austin and Nonna began moving. They chose to move east. Hopefully the others were already searching for them. Though the snow made walking somewhat of a chore it was a manageable one.
Nonna took this time of silent walking to further study her companion. He seemed very focused and headstrong. Americans were always like that in her eyes. Stubborn and wild, like an animal. Yet her mother had visited America before and she told her of a people so 'patriotic' that they would fight for their rights and beliefs. This was very foreign for Nonna, most Japanese wouldn't consider fighting or anything like that as a form of proving your point or defending one's belief. Granted the Japanese history is full of war, however after the war when America intervened and forced Japans surrender, they introduced new means of things. Giving power to the common people and making a nation so lovable it was historical.
But now Nonna was seeing that in the Americans as they fought on this island. They were fighting either to prove a point or to protect something. And she had a very good guess as to what it was.
"Why did you accept the challenge given to you by the Sensha Do Federation?" Nonna asked.
Austin turned around somewhat surprised at the question. "Well, your Federation is trying to dismantle a sport in another country because it believes it can. So, I accepted to participate because I want to protect my sport." Austin said.
Nonna guessed as much. "Even if it's a false rip off of a much greater and majestic sport?" Nonna asked.
"Yeah, there's nothing wrong with our American Tankery, and it's a favorite in our country, trailing only behind Football, Basketball and Baseball." Austin said.
"There is so much wrong in the section of Boys doing Sensha Do. It is a sport of maturity and beauty for young women. The fact that young men do it is repulsive and an insult on our culture." Nonna said rather venomously.
Austin turned to her taken aback. "is that seriously what you girls think? That driving a several ton killing machine is feminine. It's a TANK. It blows stuff up, it crushes cars, it is one of the most terrifying things on the planet. There is nothing feminine about it." Austin said.
"Ugh. You believe that simply because men can do it it's not feminine then?" Nonna asked.
"I can wear a skirt just as easily as you can, doesn't mean I actually do. A skirt, for whatever reason, is designed to give a woman a sense of beauty and grace." Austin said.
"Nothing so immature has ever reached my ears. You are blatantly using your 'Tankery' as a means of spitting on the culture that our people have created." Nonna yelled.
"Oh really? I don't seem to be complaining about the government and laws that were bestowed upon your people after the war. In fact, they were grateful. At least they now had the freedom to create such a sport that 'teaches girls how to be proper wives and mothers." Austin sarcastically said the last bit.
Nonna had enough. She took a step forward and slapped Austin right across the cheek. Austin stood in shock for a moment but then narrowed his gaze back at her.
"What right do you have to take a culturally loved sport such as Sensha Do and turn it into your own twisted perversion!? There is no reason in the world for you Americans to be doing anything Sensha Do related. You, and especially those before you, are nothing but attention seeking children with selfish ambitions to focus the world on you!" Nonna screamed.
In that instant Nonna regretted everything she had done and said. The look in Austin's eyes were murderous. He was glaring at her and he was baring his teeth like a wolf. It looked like he would lung at her any second. Though he slowly started taking steps towards her making her back away instinctively.
"You know the reason you Japanese do Tankery is to mature yourself and grow some independence. If you can control a tank whats a child or two going to be." His words sounded like he was from darkness itself. "you want to know the reason we Americans do Tankery? You want to know why we came up with our own 'Perversion'? do you want to know what I plan to do after high school?" Austin was now right in Nonna's face staring deep into her blue eyes.
"I plan to join the military after school, I plan to drive a real tank into a real war, I plan to serve my country with humility, respect, and courage, and I don't need you dissing and spitting on the memory of those who have died for their country with the skills they learned while partaking in this sport!" Austin screamed.
Nonna's breathing was sporadic. She was close to hyperventilating. Austin seemed to have caught himself and stepped back taking several deep breaths. There was an eerie silence for some time before Austin spoke again.
"I-I'm sorry, I-I don't why I had to scream, I-I've just been told that I'm very…" Austin was interrupted.
"Patriotic." Nonna finished.
Austin Nodded. He looked at the ground to avoid Nonna seeing his face, however he failed. Nonna saw it clearly. He was ashamed of his anger getting out. Ashamed to a level like he had just committed a terrible crime. She even saw his face give off answers to questions she had.
"Who did you lose to make you so sensitive to the military?" Nonna asked.
Austin looked at her surprised. However, that look went away fast. "My Older Brother. He took Tankery in high school and joined the military after he graduated. He was killed three years ago by a rocket penetrating his tank. He died instantly." Austin said.
Nonna gazed at him. He seemed to be calm now. Calm enough to hear out her own apology. "I'm sorry I attacked your militaries name. I may have never been to America or met an American, but I know you people have tremendous respect for your armed forces." Nonna apologized.
"I'll forgive you if you forgive me. Deal?" Austin said with a small grin presenting his hand.
This time Nonna did laugh. Even with the tension this thick he would make a joke. Americans were very unusual.
"Deal." Nonna said shacking his hand.
No sooner had they mended their relations they heard some closing in. it wasn't really loud, so they haven't been found yet, but the noise was loud enough to have whatever it was have some weight behind it.
Over two hundred yards away from them emerged a massive Brown Bear. It was bigger than one of Anzio's CV,33 Tankettes. The bear noticed the two and sniffed the air before giving off a loud roar. Austin took a step-in front on Nonna using one of his arms to keep her behind him. They started backing up, which was the wrong move. The bear then charged at them roaring loudly.
Nonna grabbed Austin's hand and ran. They made their way towards the thick trees in the area to climb up to some relevant safety. Upon reaching a tree Nonna began her assent into the tree, however she failed to apply a sturdy grip anywhere and kept failing to get any higher. Austin noticed this and thought of something on the spot.
"Sorry Nonna." Austin said before placing both his hands on her Butt and pushed her further into the tree.
Nonna let out a small gasp at the sudden touch of her backside but cared very little in this instant. She managed a good grip on a branch and pulled herself up higher into the tree.
"Shit!" Austin yelled.
Nonna looked down and saw the bear was only feet away from Austin. The bear swung its paw at him in attempt to hit him. Though thankfully Austin managed to backstep out of the way and run in another direction. The bear sprinted after him and again clawed at him. Austin ducked behind a tree and out of pure adrenaline punched the bear in the face. The bear roared again and attempted to bite Austin. Again, a backstep and wising around the tree and another sprint to a third tree.
"Austin be careful!" Nonna screamed.
Austin then reached down and grabbed a large thick stick. The bear again was closing in on him. Austin swung the stick and hit the bear in the face. However, before stabilizing himself the bear swiped at him clawing his right shoulder.
"Austin!" Nonna screamed in fear whilst Austin screamed in pain.
But again, Austin swung and hit the bear a third time. Austin backed up but lost his footing and tumbled backwards falling to the ground.
Nonna thought fast. She grabbed a large pinecone and threw it at the bear. Her aim was either by skill or by luck, the pinecone had hit the bear in the eye causing it to turn its attention onto her.
The bear roared and ran over to the tree. Nonna latched her arms around the tree when the bear started pushing on the base in attempt to nock the tree down. However, its chance was thwarted as this time Austin jumped onto the bears back and wrapped the stick around the bears throat. Austin pulled hard and wrapped his legs as far as they would go around the bears fat torso.
The bear wailed and thrashed and did everything possible to get Austin off its back. Every time it swiped it missed hitting nothing. Thankfully it was to dumb to roll over and squash Austin all together. But it was smart enough grab at the stick and undo its hold.
Austin lost his grip and the bear successfully threw him off. Austin now lay on the ground, the bear menacingly strutting towards him with killing intent. Austin attempting to back away, but his adrenaline was wearing off and the pain in his arm was coming in full swing. With one last roar the bear raised its arm to claw Austin down. However, seemingly out of nowhere, Peters 38t sprang up from where the bear came and halted.
The bear turned and roared at the tank. However, the tank revved its engine and boy was it loud. The bear stepped back with uncertainty and then ran in the opposite direction. Austin placed his head down and started breathing heavily. Nonna was by his side instantly, she cradled his head in her arms and placed it on her lap getting his head out of the snow. She again ran her hand threw his hair in attempt to calm him.
"Austin!" Nonna looked and saw three young men running at them. She also noticed Klara was with them.
"Austin, holy shit man, are you ok" The big one said worryingly.
"I got clawed on the shoulder by a grizzly bear of course I'm not ok!" Austin yelled.
"I'll call Ed. He needs medical help." The English one said running back to the tank.
"(Nonna, thank god you're safe. We were all so worried.)" Klara spoke in Russian.
"(I'm ok. Austin however is in serious pain. He saved me both from the fall and from the bear.)" Nonna responded.
Nikoli overheard this and turned to Austin. "Austin you crazy Bastard you fought with a Grizzly Bear?"
"He what?" Chubbs said.
"That's what she just said. He protected her from the bear." Nikoli said.
"Oh my god no wonder you look exhausted." Chubbs said.
"Ed's on his way. We'll get him medical care soon." Peter said returning.
"Peter. Austin fought off that big Grizzly bear!" Chubbs said.
"What?" Peter said astonished.
"Yes, he helped me up a tree, but by the time the bear arrived he couldn't get up. He even jumped on the bears back in order to distract it." Nonna said.
"Geez Man. You have problems." Chubbs said.
After some time, Ed arrived and with him a Chaffee. Samuel, from the Chaffee, was trained in medical care and was currently taking care of Austin's shoulder and back from the past night. Nonna was reluctant to leave his side but did in order to call Katusha and explain the story to Edward and the rest of the men.
"I never thought Austin would have the guts to fight off a Grizzly bear." Peter said.
"I know. It feels uncharacteristic of him. He must care for that girl more then I thought." Edward said.
"Oh, come off it. There's no way. Austin would do that for anyone." Peter said.
"Not at that level." Edward said.
Klara and Nonna had also caught up on events. Klara informed Nonna that only a few minutes after they fell the battle stopped and everyone dismounted to figure out where the two would have landed. Not to mention Klara spoke of some not so subtle hints about the Russian speaking one. She seemed to enjoy his company on their search for them.
"How has Katyusha managed?" Nonna asked.
"surprisingly well. She seemed far more coordinated and even asked to speak with Commander Edward for help." Klara said.
"She actually requested help. That's different for her." Nonna said.
"Yes, but this was a unique situation we were in. we needed to act fast. I'm glad we did. Had we arrived minutes later that guy would be dead. And you to probably." Klara said.
Nonna looked down. She felt guilty. Yes, she tried her best to help his back after their fall, but after that she left him alone in the cave, insulted his culture and his brother, and practically left him to fight off a thousand-ton bear on his own. Nonna felt like she deserved to be the one with the claw marks not Austin.
"He will be fine. They dressed his scares and closed them up. He'll feel better in no time Nonna." Klara said.
"I hope. I have to thank him. He saved my life Klara." Nonna said.
"Has he made an impression on you?" Klara asked very teasingly.
Nonna knew what she meant and honestly, she didn't know what to feel. She only knew this guy for under a day and he saved her life twice. The first time was a possibly, but the second time was a definite. Though he made her laugh and only Katusha's childish behaver have only ever done that. Their argument was something she had to think more on. However, what she was certain of was the fact that he and his school mates were 'patriots' fighting for a right they knew they had.
"What have you talked to Nikoli about Klara?" Nonna asked.
"Well, I have gotten to know him, and he is a kind yet vulgar one. But that is more towards his humor. He talks like he knows what the other is thinking, and his sweet talking is very amusing." Klara said.
"I mean about him and his team fighting the match. Do you have any second thoughts?" Nonna asked.
"Yes. I asked him about his reason for playing the sport and he said he planned to join the army someday. He moved to America to get a better education and to stay with family, but he always was planning to join the army. Now he wants to shoot a real tanks cannon someday. In fact, it's not just him. Almost everyone of them plan to enlist when they graduate. The one Peter, he wants to command men. Chubbs, as they call him, wants to be a tank driver. They all have this patriotic essence to them. Its different then back home." Klara said.
"I'm also having second thoughts about shutting down the Americans sport." Nonna said.
Klara looked surprised. Nonna was one of the most uppity about men doing Sensha Do. Now here she is saying the opposite.
"I can't help but feel we plan to rob them of their own piece of Culture like how Sensha Do is to us, its just as precious to them." Nonna said.
"I completely understand." Klara said.
After some time Katusha rolled up. She had given Nonna a big hug, where if she was taller, she would be crushing her best friend. Katusha and Edward then had talks about the CP in the mountains. However, after Nonna told Katusha what had happened with Austin she let up and gave Edward the go ahead to take it. Considering it was the least they could currently do as thanks for the safeguarding of Nonna.
After wards Nonna found Austin lying in a tent resting. He was awake just staring off into space. He turned to see her standing in the tent frame and beckoned her over. She sat down on a stool next to him and looked him over.
"You've seen better days." Nonna quipped.
"oh, now you're one telling jokes?" Austin said.
Nonna Giggled. "I came to thank you. You saved my life twice Austin. I can't thank you enough." Nonna said.
"Ah I should apologize as well. I did place my hands on your butt you know." Austin said.
Nonna flushed at that memory. "Yes. However, I say the situation called for it."
"So, I have to almost get you mauled by a bear in order to feel you up huh?" Austin said pervertedly.
Nonna just groaned. "Men."
Austin chuckled.
"How about I get revenge on you for that then." Nonna said inching herself towards him.
Austin felt shocked thinking something else from what Nonna actually did. She leaned in and pecked his cheek. Austin just looked at her without saying anything.
"Now we're even" Nonna said. "I have to get going. And you need to rest. I hope we see each other again Austin." Nonna said hopefully.
"Me to Nonna. Good luck." Austin said.
Once Nonna left Austin went to sleep. She headed back to Katusha and Klara. They had brought her IS-2 and she boarded without hesitation. They pulled away and headed back westward towards friendly lines. Now the match could continue in full swing.