Third Person POV

[ ] = Achilles "speaking".

Miho is seen carrying Achilles back home while Hana and Saori walked besides her. Both had a worried face on as Miho slowly made her way along the street. Then Saori and Hana decided to distract her with what they saw and looked ahead.

Saori: I'm in.

Miho: Huh?

Saori: Well, modern guys like girls that are strong and dependable, and you're popular if you do Senshado right?

Miho: Uhm....

Saori: You should take it to Miho. Your family does it right?

Miho was caught a bit off guard by the question and she begins to hug Achilles again.

Miho: I..don't....

Hana: You're right. I understand where Miho is coming from. My family has a long history of doing flower arrangement.

Miho: I see....

Suddenly Achilles'es ears began to twitch and his eyes slowly raised open. Miho stopped for a bit and set him down slowly.

Miho: You ok Achilles?

Achilles looked up and wagged his tail in response. He then began to walk slowly with Miho close behind keeping an eye on him.

Miho: Sorry about that Hana. Please continue.

Hana: No problem, well I think that Senshado seems very nice.

Miho: Huh?

Hana: I've always wanted to do something that keeps you more active then flower arrangement.

Miho looked at her in a neutral tone before turning to a more sadder attitude. Hana then stops and turns to both Miho and Saori.

Hana: I'll be doing Senshado too.

Miho: What?!

Hana: Miho, you should come with us. Teach us what you know.

Miho looked flustered and very uncomfortable and Achilles saw this.

Achilles: [Stop peer pressuring her.]

Miho: I.....

Saori: If you take it, you can be at the very top of the class!

Achilles: [I've seen this before.]

Timeskip brought to you by Achilles learning how to stand on two legs.

Miho is in her room sitting on her bed looking at the sheet in front of her. On it is the words that she tried so hard to avoid, the thing that has brought her down to her knees and made her loose almost  everything. She continues to stare at the electives sheet, the she took her Boko and cried. Achilles saw this and leapt onto the bed behind her. He then gently made his way next to her and laid down on her lap. Miho looked down and she hugged Achilles while still crying as the memories begin to come back. Then, she finally cried herself to sleep, hugging Achilles as he slowly closed his eyes too.

The next day.

Achilles POV

Miho was at her desk with her electives paper in front of her, the Senshado box blank. Hana and Saori looked at her while Miho looked down stroking my fur nervously.

Miho: Sorry...

Both Hana and Saori where surprised at her apology but kept themselves quiet.

Miho: I can't.....I didn't want to do Senshado, that's why I came here.

I could see Hana and Saori looking at each other but then looked back at Miho with a smile.

Saori: Got it.

Hana: Sorry to make you worried.

Then to both my and Miho's surprise they changed their electives as well to the same one as Miho's. It almost seems like this is some sort of anime plot.

Saori: We'll pick the same elective as you.

Miho: No, you two choose Senshado.

Saori: It's fine. We want to be with you.

Hana: Besides if we do Senshado, you might be thinking of things you don't want to remember.

Miho was clearly taken back by the gesture and she begins to get nervous.

Miho: I'm fine.

Hana: I don't want to make my friend feel bad.

Saori: I'm the girl that likes what gets the guys so I'm fine.

Miho was shocked, but then smiled as I began to softly wag my tail.

Timeskip brought to you by Miho getting Achilles a thunder shirt.

We were all at the cafeteria eating our lunch and I could hear multiple voices talking about their electives. I looked up and saw Saori and Hana giving some of the girls dirty looks before quickly returning to their food. I began to eat again until I heard a loud "Bang" from a voice behind me. I jumped up and slipped on the floor landing hard on my side.

Miho: Achilles!

Me: [Ouch.]

Saori: Is he alright?

I got up and shook myself a bit before I got back to my food and ate again.

Miho: Still hungry?

Me: [Yes.]

Miho simply giggled and scratched my head as I wagged my tail in response.

Saori: Hey, I was thinking about getting some sweet potato ice cream on our way back home.

Hana: Ooarai is known for their sweet potatoes.

Miho: Oh, I heard that. Isn't string sweet potatoes famous here too?

Saori: Some people called them dried potatoes too. Achilles might like them since they don't have a ton of sugar and they taste amazing.

Miho: I see.

Announcer: Standard Class 1, 2-A, Miho Nishizumi. Come to the Student Council  room immediately.

Me: [What is this about now?]

I looked to see Miho panicking while Saori and Hana offering their support. We all got up with our things and made our way to the student councils office. When we got there we were greeted by Momo sticking out Miho's elective sheet with a very annoyed look.

Momo: What is this? 

Anzu: Why did you pick this?

Momo: There's almost no one at this school with prior Senshado knowledge and experience.

Yuzu: We're finish...Our school is finished!

Saori: Don't be so selfish. 

Hana: She's right, if Miho doesn't want to do Senshado then why are you forcing her to do it?

Me: [Plus isn't this a breach in your boundaries of power? Where's the checks and balances like any other democracy?]

Saori: See, Achilles agrees, and we do too. Miho is not doing Senshado so just give up already.

Miho looks at her friends in shock. This is the first time someone other then myself or her sister stepped up for her and I felt very......happy to know that someone would do that. The Student Council on the other hand where not pleased to say the least.

Anzu: Perhaps I'll make it so you won't be attending this school anymore...

Saori/Hana: What!

Wait, why did she pause. Oh no, is this going to be something with m-

Anzu:......and you're going to have to send that dog away.

Miho/Hana/Saori: What?!

Called it, wish I was wrong.

Hana: I can't believe you're threatening us.

Momo: It's not a threat.

Me: [Yeah, its called an ultimatum or as civilians call it, a pricks method of convincing others.]

Momo looks down at me with great annoyance before going back to Miho, Saori, and Hana.

Momo: Tell that dog to shut its trap or I'll have to removed at once.

Saori: You can't just do that!

Momo: And how come? The presidents words are always serious.

Anzu: That's right.

Then the PR girl, Yuzu stepped forwards with a concerned face on.

Yuzu: I think you should apologies before its to late. How about it?

I began to growl and Yuzu stepped back.  Momo took a small step forwards however Saori beats her to the first word.

Saori: That's not fair!

Hana: Your overexerting your power.

Momo: As Student Council we are given this power. There is no problem with it.

Saori and Hana continued to stubbornly defend Miho however I felt something was wrong. I looked to see Miho and she was not taking all the screaming well, so I began to make my way to her when she suddenly breathed in and straightens her back.

Miho: I'll....

Student Council: Huh?

Miho stops for a bit before putting on a straight face and breathing in again.

Miho: I'll do Senshado.

Saori/Hana: What?!

Me: [Did I miss something?]

Yuzu: That's great.

I looked to see the Student Council smiling at their victory an Saori and Hana in shock. This will be an interesting afternoon.

Timeskip brought to you by Achilles running away from a laser pointer.

The four of us where at an ice cream store and as the three of them ate their ice creams I stayed on watch. As I kept watch I heard Miho, Hana, and Saori enjoying their ice cream while talking about what happened today.

Hana: Are you ok with that decision?

Miho: Yeah.

Saori: Don't force yourself to do it.

Miho: I'll be ok.

Hana: But...

Miho: I was......happy. The two of you went so far to defend me. That was the first time anyone other than Achilles did something like that for me. It was nice to see people caring about my feelings, as for Senshado my mother and sister treated it as a necessity of life. They have the talent to do it spectacularly, but....... I was always........

I could see Miho was getting sad from this conversation and so did Saori and Hana. They quickly changed to the topic to something else.

Hana: Well, I must say you and Achilles have a very beautiful relationship.

Miho perked up at this and smiles a bit.

Miho: He is the last family I have since I moved to Ooarai. He has always been there for me and I want to make sure I can always be there for him as well.

Saori: You really do love him huh? I wish I can find a boyfriend that I love that much.

Hana: You need to stop thinking about a relationship for once. I personally think this is more of a brother sister relationship.

Miho: Yeah....

The three then began to go back and enjoying their ice cream and I smiled as Saori and Hana began to exchange some of their ice cream with Miho's. This year might be different but hopefully its going to be ok.

The next day.

We were at a tank hanger and I was told to stay out of sight for now. Miho says that she doesn't know how the team would react if they saw a dog so I hid behind one of the buildings corners. I peaked out of the side and I saw what seems to be four groups of people however in the distance behind Miho's group, I could see a fluffy haired girl watching them from a distance. Strange.

Momo: Before we start Senshado training, how many of you are ok working with a dog?

The question caught many of the girls off guard but one by one they said it is ok. I could see the girl in the distance getting nervous for some reason. Well no big deal.

Anzu: Ok Miho, you can bring him out.

Miho: Right, Achilles!

That's my que. I ran out of my hiding spot and jumped towards Miho who caught me.

Miho: Hey there Achilles.

She then scratched my head as I wagged my tail and heard the girls around me make noises I can't exactly describe. Then a girl in what seems to be an old military outfit came up to me with starry eyes.

??? 1: Wow! A German Shepherd, the millilitres working dog, with the name of the great Greek hero of antiquity!

Miho: Uhm, hi.

Before the girl could answer back Momo shouted that they will be starting class now and they began to try and open the large steel door that lead the the hanger. The doors opened and the first tank of the new team was.....a broken down piece of scrap metal. I've seen worse.

??? 2: What the h*ll?

??? 3: They're all falling apart.

??? 4: I can't believe this.

Hana: It seems to have a bit of culture to it.

Saori: By culture you mean rust.

Miho walks up to the tank and begins to run her hands through the dented armor plates and looks around the tank. I quickly followed but then I smelled something off. I looked under it and I saw an old soda can under the tank. I crawled under the tank and yanked it out. It came out with little force and I quickly shuffled back out and stood next to Miho who looks at me with disappointment.

Miho: Achilles. Put that down.

I did and she took it and threw it into the near by trashcan. She then turns to the Student Council and gave them her report. They nodded and then turned to the girls and told them to go and find more tanks around the ship. Me, Miho, Hana, and Saori head out to the parking lot where I could see the fluffy haired girl following us in the shadows. I began to get suspicious again however my thoughts where cut short by Saori shouting into the parking lot.

Saori: Where are they?!

Hana: I don't think they are in the parking lot.

Saori: But they are sort of cars aren't they?

I looked at her with my best "really" face and I could hear Miho giggle at this.

Miho: I think Achilles doesn't agree with your statement.

Saori: Sorry. Well, lets look in the at the forest on the other side.

Saori begins to trot off as Hana and Miho followed her. I decided to stay put and I saw the girl slowly following the three. Perfect. I rushed behind her and barked with all my might causing both her and the girls to be quite frightened. I might have gone to far as the girl tailing them hit her head on the tree then ran off.

???: AUGH!

The girl ran towards the rest of the girls and hid behind Miho and Saori as I quickly followed. 

Miho: Achilles!!

I immediately stopped in my tracks and looked at her sheepishly.

Me: [Sorry.]

Miho sighs and then turns to the girl who was still behind her looking at me in fear.

Miho: Sorry about that, he can be a bit protective at times.

???: Y-Yeah.

Miho: Well do you want to look for tanks with us?

The girl perked up and smiled.

???: Really?

Miho: Yeah.

Yukari: Well......I'm in Standard Class three, Second year, Class 3. Yukari Akiyama.

I slowly made my way to her and she began to slowly back away. Miho looks at me and I looked back.

Me: [I said I was sorry.]

Miho sighs and brought out the leash. She then puts it on my collar and slowly led me to Yukari.

Miho: He usually isn't like this but I'm sure you can trust him.

Yukari slowly stuck out her arm and I sniffed it. Smells like trees. I like it.

Miho: He seems to like you.

Yukari: Really?

Miho the unlatches my collar and I sat down as Yukari slowly began to run her hands around my fur.

Yuakri: Wow! I always wanted to see real German Shepherd.

Miho: Yeah, he's a great friend.

Yukari: You said his name was Achilles right?

Miho: Yep, my name is-

Yukari: Miho right?

Miho was taken a back and I quickly turned my head making her flinch.

Miho: Oh, don't mind that. He does that sometimes.

Yukari: O-oh.

Saori: Well, are we going to find some tanks or not?

Yukari: Oh, yeah. Lets go!

Timeskip brought to you by Yukari getting Achilles a German helmet for dogs.

We kept going through the forest as I kept trying to smell for anything metallic or oily. We begin to come across something when I suddenly smelled something. I perked up my nose and soon found it.

Miho: What's wrong Achilles?

I slowly begin to make my way through the bushes but then Hana also began to sniff the air and she followed the same direction as I did.

Hana: I think he is smelling what I'm smelling but earlier.

Yukari: What do you smell?

Hana: Oil, metal, rust.

Saori: Your nose gets that good from doing flower arrangement?

Hana: Yes.

Yukari: In that case Panzer vor!

Saori: Panties did what now?!

Miho: No, Panzer vor, It means all tanks move out.

Saori: Oh.

The three then joined me and Hana as we both lead the way until we saw a large shape behind the trees. Yukari looked at it with starry eyes.

Yukari: We found one!

Saori: T-38...It's smaller then the last one. It's got screws all over the place.

I began to watch as Yukari rubbed her face on it in concern, after all how long has it been here. And not only that but I have seen some of the tank guys do.......weird stuff on their tanks.

Yukari: The T-38 was a mainstay in Field Marshall's Rommel 7th Panzer Division, and was an important part in the initial stages of the blitzkreig!

As she continue to throw facts out I stared in shock at how much information she was just throwing out. When she finished the rest of the girls looked in shock as well but Saori was the first to regain herself.

Saori: You kind of went crazy there.

Yukari: Sorry.

I made my way to Yukari and sat down in front of her. She smiles and starts to scratch my head. As she did I could hear Miho radioing the student council about our find. She then hangs up the phone and turned to us.

Miho: She says to keep looking, the automotive club is going to bring the tank back so we shouldn't worry.

Saori: Alright, off we go again.

Time skip brought to you by Achilles drinking peppermint tea.

We came back from our search for tanks and we came back to the tank hanger and saw what the other team got.

Momo: A Type 89 medium, a T-38, M3 Lee, Panzer 3 Ausf F. with assault gun, and a Panzer 4 Ausf. D. How should we assign them?

Anzu: How about we assign them based on who found them?

Yuzu: Are you sure we don't want to be more than that?

Momo: We'll take the T-38.

Momo then turns to Miho and her friends.

Momo: You can take the Panzer 4.

Miho: Huh? Oh ok.

After a bit more talking I was also assigned to the Panzer 4 with Miho, Yukari,Hana, and Saori as team A. The Type 89 is manned by the volleyball club and are designated as Team B. Team C is the History club who are operating the Assault 3. The M3 Lee is in the hands of the freshmen who make up Team D. And finally the Student Council who is Team E with the T-38.

Momo: Our instructor will come here tomorrow so behave.

Momo looks directly at me when she said the last part for some reason but its probably nothing.

Saori: I wonder who it is.

Yukari gave her a weird look and we approached our tank. I heard a lot of the other teams complimenting their tanks and the history club is doing........something. Why are they apologizing to the tank? Anyways Saori touched the tank and immediately pulled her hand back in disgust.

Saori: It's sticky!

Hana: It looks like this'll be worth it.

Miho ran to the back of the tank and climbed onboard as I jumped onto the tank. Miho made her way to the turret as I walked around the chassis of the tank. Still feels like walking around an Abrams.

Miho: The interior should be....

Saori: She knows what she's doing!

Miho climbed on top of the turret and pinched her nose. I jumped into the turret and immediately jumped out onto the outside.

Miho: Don't like the smell ether?

I shook my head and she giggles a bit before taking a look inside.

Miho: The moisture needs to be taken out, rust needs to be taken out, paint needs to be repainted and.....oh!

Yukari: What is it?

Miho: There seems to be some sort of dog compartment under the radioman's seat.

I perked up at hearing this. Yukari was staring at Miho in awe and begin to scratch my head when she heard I could join them. After a small bit of time we began to start washing the tank however Saori used the hose and began to spray us.

Miho: H-Hey Saori!

Hana: It's cold....

Yukari: W-Who even are you?

I got wet as well and I quickly tried to get off the tank. I then began to shake all the water that was on me. After a couple of hours of the girls cleaning the sun was beginning to set and the entire team where tired, dirty, but happy with their work. The tanks looked good as new and I was very impressed with how thorough the cleaning was.

Momo: We'll have the Automotive club do the rest, for now rest up for tomorrow.

Saori: I want to shower...

Yukari: I want to drive it.

Miho: Huh? Yeah....

Yukari got confused as to why Miho got sad however I got under Miho's hand and she begins to smile slightly again. We then got back to our apartments and cleaned ourselves before heading out on the ship again. Miho was drinking a canned drink of some sorts while I was standing guard again. Saori and Hana where with Yukari as they all approached us.

Miho: I wonder where the port is.

Saori: I want to make land already.

I wagged my tail and Miho smiles.

Hana: I want to buy something at the outlet mall too.

Saori: Aren't we supposed to make port this weekend? Which port was it? I have a boyfriend at every port, so its hard to keep track.

I looked at Saori with a "really" look and Yukari giggles a bit from this.

Hana: I believe you if your "boyfriend" mean "curry place I always eat at".

Yukari: U-uhm.

Miho turns around to face Yukari who was strangely in the back again.

Yukari: Would it be possible to make a stop on the way back?

Miho was confused but we agreed and soon we where at a door of a tank shop.

Saori: I didn't know a store like this existed.

We went inside and I was shocked at all the tank related products where inside the shop. There was everything from spare parts to uniforms and even a shelf with grenades.

Miho: This is pretty awesome.

We went around the shop and looked at the many products on the shelf. Miho then picks out a German Helmet and puts it on my head.

Miho: I like it. How do you girls like it?

The rest of the group turned and looked at me. They all then smiled and gave nods of approval.

Yukari: He really fits the part of the German tank.

Saori: Maybe he can be a mascot!

Hana: I like that idea.

Miho: Are you ok with that?

I nodded my head and Miho made her way to the checkout to buy the helmet. As she did the rest of the girls continued to look at the products and shift through the store.

Saori: All the tanks look the same.

Yukari: That's not true! That's not true at all! They each have their own personalities, their own traits. And they change depending on who operates them.

Hana: Not to different from flower arrangement.

Saori gave a nod of agreement as Miho came back with the newly acquired helmet.

Saori: Girls have their own good points about them too. Let's try to get popular.

I looked at them in confusion but I then went back to looking at the tank models on the shelf.

Miho: It's like they're having a conversation but not really....

I was confused by this logic but I kept quiet. Then I heard what sounds like a video game and I turned to see Yukari playing a tank simulator of some sorts with the rest of the girls watching.

Saori: Looks fun. But I don't want wounds on my face.

Yukari: You should be ok, they use live rounds for matches but they have an emphasis on the participants safety.

I was still trying to calculate what that sentence even means but I was too tired to try so I went back to watching them play the tank simulator. Then I heard the TV host talking about Maho and the Kuromorimine Senshado program. They even showed an interview with Maho with Erika in the background.

Reporter: What is your secret to winning in Senshado?

Maho: Never give up and to...

She then looks at the camera almost like she knows Miho is watching her.

Maho: ....never run away no matter the situation.

Miho was clearly feeling a bit sadder than before the interview and she hung her head a bit. I softly headbutted her and she looked at me for a couple of minutes before slowly patting my head. The rest of the girls also notices her sadness and approached her.

Saori: I know! Can I go hang out in your room?

Miho and I looked at our friends in confusion.

Hana: I want to go too.

Miho: Sure.

Yukari: I......

Hana: What about you Yukari?

Yukari: Thank you.

Yukari then gave them all a deep bow and we are off to home.

After a small walk to the apartment.

Third Person POV

The group went inside the apartment and looked around in amazement.

Miho: Sorry if its a bit messy, but come in.

Saori looks at one of Miho's Boko and smiles.

Saori: How cute.

Hana: This room really suits you.

Yukari looks around with a concerned face on.

Yukari: Are you ok?

Miho: Yeah, I'm fine.

Saori: All right! How about we get started?

Saori then hand Hana a bag of potatoes.

Saori: Hana, can you peel the potatoes for me?

Hana: Sure.

Yukari: I'll cook the rice!

Yukari opened her backpack and brought out a German mess kit while Saori looked at her in confusion.

Saori: Why are you using camping gear? Do you always walk around like that?

Yukari: Yeah, so I can camp anywhere anytime.

Achilles made his way to one of the mess kits and opens the container as Yukari got the rice bag.

Yukari: Oh, thanks Achilles. Wait.....

Both Saori and Yukari looked at Achilles as he then proceeds to start to get the rest of the mess kits separated and then putting a fork, knife, and spoon with a plate on each side of the table.

Yukari: How....

Saori: That's very impressive....

Miho: What is?

Suddenly a yelp of pain is heard and Hana is seen with her finger cut and bleeding.

Hana: Sorry, I only really know how to cut flowers.

Miho: Ohhh...I forgot where I put the band aids.

Achilles went to a drawer and got out the first aid kit. He then nose bops Miho's leg as she continues to try and find the first aid kit. She stopped and looked down, quickly then grabbing the first aid kit and giving Achilles a small heat pat.

Miho: Thanks Achilles.

Miho then began to bandage Hana's finger as the rest of the girls all looked at Achilles with confusion. Miho finishes bandaging Hana's fingers and Saori took out her glasses slowly. Soon everyone got back to work and the dinner was starting to be worked on again.

After a cooking montage.

The group looks at the food in awe.

Saori: Ok, lets eat!

Hana/Yukari/Miho: Right.

Achellis: [Ok.]

Girls: Time to eat.

As the group enjoyed their meal and each others company Achilles felt something that he hasn't felt since leaving the Nishizumi home. He felt.....like he has a family again, a family he wants to protect from anyone who threatens it. At all costs.

The next day.

Achilles POV

Miho and I rushed out of our apartment for school. She almost forgot to lock the door but she quickly turned back and did that before running down the stairs with me. We ran past the bakery, the store, people, but then we came across a girl in Miho's uniform.

She is stumbling around murmuring stuff about waking up early is the worst, school is evil, and something else indiscriminate.

Clearly this girl hasn't seen the Marine Corps.

Miho: Are you ok?

The girl continued to mummer as she collapses down on the ground onto her knees. I made my way to her. Miho managed to pick her up and the girl started to walk off again however she continued to stumble. Miho finally got under the girls arm and began to carry her to school.

Midoriko: Mako Rezei, that was your 245th consecutive day you were late.

Mako: Why does morning come?

Midoriko: Because it does. Just because you get good grades doesn't mean you can constantly be late. Don't blame me if you are held back.

Suddenly Mako slumps down but Miho managed to catch her.

Miho: Are you ok?

Midoriko: Oh, and Miho. If you see her again leave her behind from now on.

Miho: U-understood.

Mako: Sodoko.

Midoriko: Did you say something?

Mako: Not really.

Midorika then puts her notebook into her bag and went inside the school. Miho, Me, and Mako also made our way to the school.

Mako: Sorry.

Miho: No problem.

Mako: I'll pay you back eventually.

Miho looks at her confused however she quickly let her down and we made our way to the tank hanger. We finally got there and we were all greeted by the rest of the team.

Saori: Oh, we were all worried about you, where have you two been?

Miho: Oh, we overslept.

That was the first time in my life that I over slept. And I'm pretty sure if my Sergeant knows about this, I'm f*cked.

Saori: Our instructor is late too. Adults know how to tease,don't they?

Wait what?

Suddenly a huge plane came out of the sky and the rear door opens. Parachutes come out and a Type 10 main battle tank came out on a sled and skidded on the parking lot. It knocks over a car as it came to a stop. I for one think that is an awesome entrance.

Yuzu: The principle's car!

Anzu: It absolutely destroyed it.

Suddenly the tank rolled back,completely crushing the car as it goes into reverse. Yuzu seemed to be dazed while everyone else where in awe. The tank rolled up to us and parked in front of the gate that separated the field for the tank hanger and the parking lot. Then the turret's top door opened and out came a face I was very excited to see again.

Ami: Hi there.

Me: [Hi Ami!]

She quickly made her way into the tank hanger's field and we all lined up. While most of the girls looked at Ami with awe or shock, Saori was looking down at the ground.

Saori: She tricked me...

Hana: She does seem pretty cool.

Momo: She's the special instructor for the Senshado training unit, Captain Ami Chono.

Ami: Nice to meet you all. I heard their is a lot of new people here doing Senshado for the first time. Let's do the best we can.

She looked around and spotted Miho and me,she gained a very large smile and approached us.

Ami: Hey, aren't you instructor Nishizumi's daughter?

The entire class turned towards Miho who was beginning to get uncomfortable with the mention of her mother.

Ami: The instructor has done a lot for me. Is your sister doing well?

Miho: Yeah...

Noriko: Instructor Nishizumi, is she famous?

Ami: The Nishizumi school is a Senshado school with the longest history.

I noticed Miho was getting sadder however Saori raised her hand and quickly changed the topic.

Saori: Instructor, are you popular with the guys?

Ami was surprised at the question as was Miho however Miho smiled while Ami looked at her.

Ami: Well, I wouldn't say popular but I did have a fiance before.

Saori: Really?! If you don't mind asking, who is he?

Ami showed a bit of a sad face but then got down on one knee and started to pet me to the confusion of everyone else.

Ami: Well, he is the person who used to own Achilles here.

While everyone else stared at her in confusion Miho gave her a sad smile.

Miho: I'm sorry for your lose.

Ami gave her a grateful nod before standing up.

Ami: All right, any other questions?

Yukari raised her hand and Ami looked at her.

Yukari: What will we be practicing today?

Ami: Let's see.....How about we throw you guys into things and do a mock battle.

There was a wave of confusion but I simply looked down. She hasn't changed since we first met her at the training exercise in Japan all those years ago.

Yuzu: Are you sure we can do it that quickly?

Ami: It'll be fine. You need to gain experience and be ready for any situation. You can't have a single pathway to learning, you need to find your own way and then build upon that. 

Ami then unfolds a map and points at the starting points for each team. When then got to our tanks and I could already hear all the questions being asked by the other teams. I also heard many of them getting pumped up however everything came to a halt when Ami started to assign roles based on how many people their where. All the while many of the girls looked at her confused however me and Miho nodded along and got ready.

Saori: What does any of that mean? I have no clue what's going on....

Hana: We have a four person team.

Miho: Then one of us has to be the radioman and the loader.

Yukari: Miho, you can be the commander right?

Miho: What, I can't. I can't!

I gave Miho my best "you can do it" face and she gave me a small smile in return.

Miho: Well, I think that other people should have the chance first....

HanaL Oh, then what about us?

Saori: Let's just draw lots...

Saori got out some strips of papers and the girls all got their positions. As me and Miho began to get into the tank Ami stopped us and we turned around in confusion.

Ami: Sorry about this, but.....I really need to thank you and Mrs. Nishizumi.

Miho: For what?

Ami: For taking care of Achilles here.

She then gave me a small head pat and smiled.

Ami: Charlie would be happy to see you here. So please, be careful.

I gave her a small nod and I could feel tears coming out of my eyes. She then stepped back and let us go inside our tank.

Hana: It smells like metal.

Miho: Well we are inside a metal machine.

Hana: Oh, right.

Saori: It's cramp and hot. We're going to drive in this?

I gave a yawn before making myself at home.

Saori: How is Achellis fine with this?

Miho: Well he used to protect me and my sister when we played with the tanks at home and school.

Yukari: How nice.

Yukari then scratches my head and I wagged my tail.

Ami: Alright! We will now be having a mock battle, may all teams go to their starting destinations and when you hear the alarm the match has started. All tanks Panzer vor!

Yukari: We finally get to start the tank!

Hana: So what do I do?

Miho: First start the ignition.

Hana: Like this?

The engine roars and the exhaust begins to bellow smoke.

Yukari: Yeah! This is awesome!

I wagged my tail and nodded quickly in agreement.

Saori: They're completely different.

Miho: Panzer halt.

Yukari: Sorry...

I got up and nudged Yukari. She looked back up and smiles as she then starts to pat my head as Hana begins to try and move the tank again. Suddenly the tank lurched backwards and we all begin to panic.

Miho: Quick, the brakes!

Hana: Right!

Hana stomps on the brakes and the tank screeches to a halt. Once we stopped we all breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Miho: It's ok. Calm down.

Hana: Right.

The tank drives forwards and we move to our starting position. Once we got to our starting position the alarm rings out and we rolled out for our first match in this tank.