Chapter 30

Miho's Panzer IV came to a stop upon a fork in the road. Two directions split off heading east and north. Miho didn't need much thought, the east was under control of the Association, while the north was a contested front with Homedale being close by to the west. Miho directed Mako to advance along the northern route and following her was the combined squadron of Ooarai, Pravda, and Uncle Sam.

The northern route took the convoy through a beautiful coverage of trees. The branches covered the sky, but the light morning of an orange sun glazed the path like an early fall morning. The only thing missing would be the yellow and orange leaves on the floor and a crisp morning breeze.

Miho began to think about Alice and their friends on the University Team. Miho knew they would want to talk as well, though if they didn't they would at least hear what she had to say. But what did Miho want to say? Of course the first subject would be expressing pleasantries and addressing the necessities that humans needed. Miho then would tell them about what Akari had done to the boys when they were captured. This would be a response to the question why the high schoolers switched sides. If Alice and them didn't know then Miho would ask if they wanted to join up with them. what Akari did was detestable and none of the Sensha Do participants would have ever done such a thing. Megumi would most likely side with Miho on that fact. Rumi and Azumi would be skeptical but Alice had the overall decision and Miho didn't know what she would think or even say to that request.

The Panzer IV stopped again, and Miho was brought back from her thoughts. In front of the Panzer IV was a large stack of trees. All cut down and placed as a road block on the road. Miho raised an eye brow. "How did this happen?" She said to herself. Miho hopped out of the tank and walked forward to investigate the road block. The trees were stacked higher than the KV. It was remarkable the road block has held for this long. Miho's thoughts were again interrupted by Hans and Katyusha arriving.

"What in the world happened here?" Katyusha asked. This was not a strategy any of the high schoolers had ever thought of planning.

"I'm unsure. Hans, has the Association ever done things like this?" Miho asked.

"It's definitely possible, but despite popular belief we Americans try to refrain from excessive damage to the environment when we play. Plus we never had a match last as long a this one. In fact the longest Tankery match was about seven hours and forty-two minutes." Hans said.

"That long!? Who played it?" Katyusha asked. She was always keen on long Sensha Do matches and loved to corner and her target and whittle away at their morale.

"It was between Lincoln Memorial and some other school based in Nevada. This match was about twelve years ago I believe." Hans said trying to remember the facts.

"So the Association is out of the of the choices. Its most likely the Federation. But Alice and the All Stars are not out of the scene either." Miho said.

"The surrounding trees are to thick to drive through and personally I don't want to damage more of the environment then necessary, but it will take some time to remove all these logs." Hans said.

"So what know? I assume we the heavy tanks can pull these things weight, but this could be a trap. Ambush us while we're busy with the logs." Katyusha said.

"A Plausible point." Miho said. She had her hand on her chin as she was deep in thought. Hans and Katyusha only watched Miho; her look was a familiar one. She was currently thinking of a plan to put together while they are faulted by the barricade. "Hans, Katyusha, who are the ones you trust the most in terms of scouting?" Miho asked.

"Uh, I would say Austin is our best." Hans said.

"I trust Nonna the most in anything. What have you thought of Mihosha?" Katyusha asked.

"I'd like to send the two of them to scout around to see if this is indeed a trap. Hans, in the mean time I need your guys breaking down this barricade, Katyusha you have the largest amount of heavy tanks. We'll bring them forward and tie the logs to them so we can clear the road. If Austin and Nonna find anything they can come back and warn us." Miho explained. The plan made good sense. The rear was open to fall back should they need it and the two best scouts in the group would work fast.

"Alright, I'll get the guys started on the break down. I'll also send Austin to you Miho, he'll do good." Hans said.

"I'll start bringing up the tanks. We've got strong rope in our storage for the heavy winter snow. They'll do good for pulling out the logs." Katyusha said.

The Convoy became busy with work. The smaller tanks moved aside for Pravda's heavy tanks and the boys got to work dismantling the barricade. Miho, overseeing the work, stood not far waiting for the two recommended people to arrive. Miho didn't have to wait long as the two came around fairly quickly. Both Austin and Nonna arrived separately with Nonna arriving first.

"I want both of you to go ahead of the rest of us and survey the outer area. We don't know if this barricade was put for a trap, but I want to be sure. scout around one mile forward to see if you find anything and report back to me." Miho said.

"You got it." Austin said. Nonna just nodded and the two went to gather some needed things before moving on with their new mission. Once the two met up and made their way past the working area they ran into Hans right as they were heading out.

"Austin, here's a satellite radio. Call us if you find anything urgent or get yourself into trouble again." Hans said. Austin took the radio and nodded.

"You got it, see you in a few hours." With that both Austin and Nonna headed out and worked their way into the trees. "You want to hold onto it?" Austin asked Nonna holding the radio to her. Nonna nodded and took it clipping it to her belt.

For half an hour the two were mostly silent. Only a few words spoken in the area of directions and callouts of things spotted. Most callouts were false alarms with only one being real. The evidence of tank treads in the dirt. If nothing else they now knew they were going the right way.

The trees were so still. Hardly any if no breeze at all was flowing. The two were content with just walking and enjoying the scenery and cool air. But Nonna wanted more. As she asked him yesterday she wanted to talk, and with being on the rode for a while she hadn't had the chance. But that chance had showed itself now and Nonna had only to grab it, and so she did.

"Austin, can we talk now?" Nonna asked glancing at her partner. Austin looked at her nodded.

"Sure, whats up?" Austin asked. A simple question with a complicated answer.

"How do you feel about the growing relationships between the high schools? Have you seen anything that doesn't work, or do you think that things are going well?" Nonna asked.

Austin blew a sigh and thought of an answer. "Well I know some of the guys from Virginia are happy with becoming close to St Gloriana. They've grown a close bond. I like to think that things are going along ok, but if you mean more of an intimate level of relationship then yeah I've noticed it. Obviously, there is the thing with Rivers and Naomi, Andrew and Rukuriri, and if I'm being honest I think Hans has some interest in Ms. Erika." Austin said. Nonna blinked. That wasn't the answer she expected or wanted to hear. Of course she knew about that stuff, and she didn't think Austin was that daft at all, but he was in another area apparently.

"What I mean is, what do you think of it? The romances that have been happening, do you think their fine or are they destined to not workout?" Nonna asked.

"I know that things are fragile. Believe me I know that once this whole thing is over we'll be shipped of back to our home countries and those relationships might not hold. I would be scared if I was in a romantic relationship with someone and that certainty was to come to fruition." Austin said. Nonna looked at him. She saw that he was truthful. He always had been with her. Austin was worried for the boys and girls that found love here on the island. Like he said once the match is over the boys and girls will be forced to split up and they may never see each other again. It made Nonna's heart tighten at the thought as well.

"Got someone you fancy yourself Nonna? I could tell by the way you asked the question." Austin said giving Nonna somber eyes. Nonna's breath held in her lungs. Her eyes widened and only stared ahead. How did he guess that? She gave off no real indication that she felt that way about someone. Luckily, she had a possible out.

"What about you? Have you developed something for someone?" Nonna looked into his eyes wanting to truth. Austin sighed again and nodded. He then turned to face the front and avoid tripping on a rock. Yet Nonna's eyes had widened again. He did feel something for someone. Who was it? Nonna felt a sting In her heart as she tried to figure it out. Her feeling was so obvious she wouldn't deny it. Nonna had fallen in love with Austin and was feeling very jealous and scared that he might not love her back.

"W-Who is she? Someone we know?" Nonna asked.

"Well obviously. I mean the only other girls on this island are ones who would love nothing more than to flail my ass." Austin said. Nonna mentally slapped herself. Dumb question.

An awkward silence filled the air. The two had not spoke for another whole thirty minutes. The sun was just reaching its peak. Noon was not far off and the two soon realized how far they had walked. They probably had gone further than a mile by now.

"Bought time we started heading back to the others. They might be done removing the logs by then." Austin said. Nonna nodded and the two turned to make their way back. not fifteen minutes of walking had the two stopped again. This time by Austin who held his hand in front of Nonna. She stopped and looked at the man. He was scanning the trees, eyes squinted, and ears sharpened. Then they heard it. A snap of twigs. To the right of them, they heard movement. Both high schoolers kneeled down and moved to get a closer look. Laying down by a bush the two moved aside some branches and spotted the noise maker. The sight took their breaths away. In front of them was a large brown Grizzly Bear. Austin mentally groaned and Nonna held her mouth shut for fear of letting out a gasp. The two had previous experience with a bear and they were not looking forward for a repeat. Austin Especially.

"Lets get out of here. It looks pre occupied with that berry bush." Nonna said. She made to move but Austin held her down for a second before speaking.

"wait, look at its right eye." Nonna looked at the eye and studied it. Nothing out of the ordinary until she saw what he was meaning. A scratch mark right in the same spot she had hit the first one on the mountains. There was no way. This couldn't have been the same bear. The likely theory, if it is the same, is that the reason for it not picking up their scent is that its nose is buried deep in a black berry bush. Austin made a motion and the two began quietly moving back with intent to get away.

When the two got enough away they stood and jogged out of the area heading north. However, before they got far, a very loud and angry roar made them turn their backs and see the grizzly looking at them. its eyes filled with extreme hatred. It definitely remembered them. the two high schoolers stared frozen with fear. Then the bear charged.

"Run!" Austin yelled. He grabbed Nonna's hand and the two leaped at full sprint. Though they were far ahead of the bear it would soon and easily catch up with them. the worlds most fearsome apex predator was not one to mess with, Austin knew this from experience, and he was silently vowing to himself that he would get Nonna to safety. His own life be dammed if necessary.

The two let their grasp go and dodged and weaved around trees and bushes trying to put any and all obstacles between them and the seven hundred pounds of death chasing them. with its incredible speed the bear seemed to target the one that stood out the most. That was, of course, the one that fought it. The bear inched ever closer to Austin, his back almost in range. And with a leap the bear launched forward with knowing intent.

To Austin who ever said luck was a lie had never been chased by a grizzly bear. At the same second the bear leaped for his shoulder he turned to avoid a tree, letting the brown beast smack itself nose first into the wood. That wouldn't hold it for long and Austin had to get the bear further away from Nonna. He split left going up an incline while Nonna stayed right on level ground. The bear increasing its speed with even more hatred and anger and the intent of devouring the very bones of the young man. With the bears ever menacing presence encroaching on Austin he put his will into his legs and just kept running, keeping just barely out of reach. This was pure life or death.

Nonna slowed herself to watch Austin as he swerved around the trees and bush. Yet the bear, growing ever smarter, matched its movements to keep its speed on turns and quick directional changes. Its stamina was prominent while its intended prey's was weakening. Nonna looked ahead at Austin's path and saw it becoming a dead end. He was running out of ground. A near twenty-foot drop was at the end of his intended path and with his speed he wouldn't be able to turn in time upon seeing it. If he stopped then he would surly be eaten. Nonna could only cry as she watched Austin reach the inevitable. However he didn't seem to slow down but speed up. When he reached the edge he did the unthinkable. He jumped.

Austin fell near twenty feet before impacting with ground. He landed the way a paratrooper would. His feet and knees together and his hands covering his head and neck, just like his brother taught him. When his feet hit the ground he followed with his legs and side before rolling over his shoulder and laying on the ground. He looked up and saw the bear had stopped by the ledge roaring at him. Austin smirked at stood planning to meet with Nonna, only to feel a tight pain in his ankle. Austin fell to the ground screaming in pain, it hurt so much he punched the ground in rage. Looking back up the bear had turned around and was heading back the way they had come. It saw that Austin was hurt. Its prey was vulnerable.

Nonna ran up to Austin and embraced him quickly as she still knew the gravity of the danger present. "You are a colossal moron! Come on the bear is coming, we have to go!" Nonna frantically grabbed Austin's arm and leant it over her shoulder. They started walking, Austin limping, with intent to continue this game of chase. Austin however knew it wouldn't work.

The two hovelled their way about fifty yards before Austin stopped them. it was no use, that bear was most likely down the hill by now. He had to choose. One of them, or neither of them.

"Nonna look at me. I'm slowing you down, take the northern road and get out of here. I'll be fine on my own just go and protect yourself." Austin said. He thought that she would do as he said but he wasn't surprised that she didn't.

"No way! I'm not leaving you to that beast. We're going to find a place to be safe. We'll make it out of this just like before. You'll be fine." Nonna said.

"Nonna! I'm not going to let you die with me!" Austin yelled forcing her to look at him. His eyes dead set on his decision. Nonna, with teary eyes, shook her head weakly trying to put more of a resistance in her actions. She didn't want this to happen. Who would?

"N-No. Please Austin, don't do this. Don't give up." Nonna pleaded crying. Austin simply placed his hand on her cheek.

"I'm not giving up. I'm going to take that things eye and arm before it gets anywhere with me. Run Nonna. RUN!" Austin yelled the last part as he, literally, pushed Nonna away. Nonna didn't know why but she let go of him, letting him slump against a tree, and started to run north. Tears were pouring through her eyes as she did so. Before she got to far however a roar was heard.

Nonna turned back. the bear was still nowhere to be seen but she knew it was close. She looked at Austin again started making her way back to him. Austin saw this and leaned down picking something up. He then threw it at her. Nonna brought her arms up and turned her back. it hit her shoulder and Nonna saw it was a rock.

"RUN!!" Austin yelled. He leaned down and picked up another and threw it at Nonna. This time she ducked for it would have hit her head. Nonna, confused as to why he was doing this, backed up. "RUN!!" HE yelled again with a third rock in hand.

Nonna didn't think about it. She ran. He was so willing to save her that he would hurt her to get her away from him. Nonna didn't understand why. Why would he do this? Why let himself die for her? was this one of those American things that she had learned about on their first escapade? Nonna didn't know, all she did know was that she was running at top speed, tears falling from her eyes, not daring to look back. A loud roar rang out and Nonna covered her ears not daring to imagine the horror she left the man she loved to face. Yet, despite it all, Nonna continued to run.

It wasn't long before Nonna's feet slipped and she fell to her knees. From there she just cried. She hugged herself and cried so loud it was possible Hoja City heard it. Her cries were like screams of torment begging for the pain to end. After a few seconds Nonna heard a new noise. It was soft but quickly grew louder and louder but recognizable. Soon enough out of the trees came a tank, but not just any tank. An M26 Pershing with a familiar yellow diamond on it, and sure enough out of the commander's hatch came out Azumi of the All-Star University Team.

"What? Nonna, is that you?" Azumi asked. The sight of the younger girls troubling to the college girl. Nonna however could only think of one thing. The fact that a tank was in front of her. she leapt up and hopped onto the tank and faced Azumi.

"Azumi please drive that way!" Nonna said pointing the way she came.

"Whoa, wait a moment what's going on?" Azumi got to get an answer but not the one she expected.

"Please! My friend is being attacked by a grizzly bear and he's hurt. Please!" Nonna cried. Azumi was silent but quick. She told her driver to start driving and get there fast. With the tank rolling Azumi thought about what Nonna said. 'He' was hurt. So the story was true. The high schoolers did switch sides. Not surprising considering what happened.

As the tank reached the area Austin was the girls were horrified of the sight before them. Austin lay on the ground with a bloody stick in his hand. The bear, clearly with one of its eye's gone, had Austin hurt leg gripped in its mouth. Austin's face showed a look not of pain or hurt but defiance. He was making this end one the bear would remember. What confused the girls was that the bear wasn't chomping down on Austin's leg. They were happy it wasn't happening, but it was confusing. A grizzly bear is said to have the jaw strength to crush a bowling ball. However it might take a chomp if necessary, the girls needed to act fast.

With a command of her foot Azumi ordered her driver to floor the engine, making it loud and damaging. The bear turned at the sight of the tank and dropped its prey. The bear roared at the tank but in return the engine was spurred even louder then before. The bear, just like last time, turned tail and ran away much to Nonna's relief.

"Austin!" In an instant Nonna leaped off the tank and ran to Austin's side. She grabbed his head and placed it in her lap and slowly began running her fingers through his hair as she checked on his face. he was fairly fine except for his leg. Austin, for one, leaned into Nonna's touch. It felt so good and soothing. His breathing was calming down as well. The two spoke no words, for nothing needed to be said. They were just grateful that this whole thing has past.

Azumi walked up to the two and placed a hand on Nonna's shoulder. Said girl turned to see the older woman had a question. "Is the rest of your team nearby? They'll need to know about this." She stated.

"I-I have this satellite radio. The other should be with the rest of our team." Nonna said presenting the radio to Azumi. She older woman took it nodding her thanks and walked away letting the two have their time.

Azumi turned the radio on the saw the preset channel set at twelve. "Hello, anyone on Channel twelve can you hear me?" Azumi waited for a few seconds before a male voice was heard.

"Hello! Identify yourself. Who are you?" The voice asked.

"My name Is Azumi, I'm a member of the All-Star University Team. Who are you?" Azumi asked in return.

"I'm Hans Schneider, Vice Commander of Uncle Sam High school. How do you have this radio?" Hans asked.

"Are you familiar with a young man with blonde hair, a baseball hat, and has on a dark green field jacket?" Azumi asked.

"Yes that sounds like Austin. He's one of mine. Do you have him?" Hans said with both worry and assertiveness in his voice.

"Yes, he was injured by a bear. He needs medical help immediately. Where is your team located?" Azumi said.

"W-We are uh. We are near a road with a log barricade on it." Hans said.

"Yes I know the place. Have you cleared the logs?" Azumi asked.

"Yes. We finished not long ago." Hans responded.

"Ok, follow that road and when you see a fork go left. After some miles you'll see a sign for Homedale Water and Power Management. That's where we are stationed. I'll let the sentries know you're coming but I recommend hurrying." Azumi said.

"Understood. And thank you for saving my guy. I owe you one miss Azumi." Hans said. The line then went dead. Azumi looked at the sky and saw gray clouds moving in. Rain would be coming soon. Strange, there was no forecast for rain. But that was less important. Azumi turned to her crew and began orders.

"Alright, lets get these two inside the tank and head back to HQ, the boy needs medical help and I believe that Alice will want to hear this. Plus it looks like rain is approaching. Lets go." Azumi said. The girls got to work. The loader and gunner both helped Austin get into the tank and Nonna laid him out with his head resting on her lap. Once they were secure the tank began its trek back to Homedale's Water and Power Management.

After some hour or so of driving the Pershing reached the Water and Power Management yard. The rain had also started pouring before they made it. Azumi had alerted the sentries of the incoming American team and to welcome them in. after that the Pershing made its way over to the designated Medical office, which was connected to the mandated barracks. The girls slowly and successfully eased Austin out of the tank and carried him to a bed. The nurse had examined his leg and his condition was quite fortunate. His leg was suffering from a twist from when he landed. Him not moving it for a while had helped it set a lot better and the pain would've been gone in a few hours. Sooner now that the nurse gave him some pain reliever.

Nonna had never left his side. She was like a worried mother frantically asking for a situation update. However Austin would be fine, and her fears were dispelled. Now she sat on the edge of a bed. Her shoes discarded and her Sensha Do jacket hung over a chair. She only had on her skirt and a black tee shirt. She was simply staring at her hands, which were still shaking. To her left was a door that lead to the bathroom. Austin was in the middle of a shower, making sure to clean his leg and to rinse himself off. Nonna had finished her own several minutes earlier and now all she wanted to do was talk to
Austin. She wanted to ask him about his actions when he threw rocks at her. she suspected why, but she needed to be sure.

After a few minutes, the Shower stopped, and Austin came out. a good amount of bandage around his ankle, a cane in one hand, and a towel over his own grey tee shirt with his pants firm around his waist. He tossed the towel into a hamper and hovelled onto the bed next to Nonna's and there the two sat in complete silence. Neither one made a move or motion to speak.

Nonna was the first to break the silence and her first words were a question Austin had expected to be asked. "Why? Why did you make me run away? Why did you throw rocks at me to get me to go? Why?" Nonna asked. Austin sighed. His answer wasn't one she might like but it was the one he had.

"I had to get you away from that bear. Least you forget you threw a pinecone in its eye last time. It wouldn't have forgotten that." Austin said.

"And you were willing to get yourself killed because of it?" Nonna asked. Austin only nodded, and Nonna just slumped her head until she spoke again in a soft quiet voice. "Can you come over here please?"

Austin was taken aback by her voice but complied with her request. He stood up and moved next to her and sat on the bed with her. she turned to him and moved her hand to his back slowly rubbing it. "Can I see it?" Nonna asked. Austin gulped, he knew what she wanted to see and frankly he didn't want to show it to her. she nearly collapsed after she saw him get it. In fact Austin was sure it could possibly break her. but never the less he complied again. He removed his shirt and turned to show his back to Nonna.

All Nonna could do was allow her tears to fall while she slowly moved her hand and fingers around and over his various scars. The ones from when he held onto her from their fall, the lashes from Akari for defending Mark, and the claw marks on his right shoulder from when he fought that grizzly bear to protect her. she continued to caress them as she silently sobbed and finally she leaned forward and pressed her head against his back.

"You didn't deserve this. You didn't deserve any of this. Why is it that whenever you get hurt its because of me?" Nonna said.

"What!?" Austin said turning to her. "Nonna none of these things that have happened to me are your fault. Not at all. I got these scars because I acted when I felt I needed to. Nothing else." Austin wanted to assure her that she was in no way responsible. However that might take some convincing.

"But you took that fall for me, you wouldn't have gotten into that fight if I could've just climbed that tree, and if these lash marks are just inhumane. Why are you ok with this?" Nonna asked.

"I'm not. I despise that I received the pain and physical reminders but I'm going to use them. use them to show the world what Akari has done. The Department of Justice back home will never let Akari hear the end of it. I'm not ok that I got these scars, but I'm ok with the fact that the reason for some of them will get their comeuppance." Austin said.

Nonna shook her head and stood up. She was scared of just about everything that was going on. She didn't realize the gravity of the whole situation until today. These boys are being targeted by Akari and have even gone above and beyond for the rest of the girls. Most might not have realized it, but the Americans have been volunteering for the most hard and gruesome tasks and jobs needed to be done back in Hoja, If one of the Federation girls needed help the boys were there, and frankly the girls had started to notice the boys were lacking in sleep and things to focus on keeping the girls tanks in order. Again, was this an American thing or was this a thing in all men? Nonna didn't know.

"Nonna whats wrong. Something else is eating at you, what is it?" Austin asked. He himself stood up, after putting his shirt on again, and walked right behind Nonna.

"I'm scared. Your life, as is all the other boys lives are in danger the longer you stay on this island. Not to mention you all have been caring for all us girls back at the city. Why?" Nonna asked. Austin's eyes widened and he looked down at the floor. He knew it to. In order to thank the girls for saving them most of Uncle Sam and Montana had purposely tired themselves out by working harder and later then they normally did to help the girls out. it was the least they could do.

"Nonna the boys and I do that because we can't find any other way to thank you girls for saving us from that horrid prison. I'm sure that if we were still there half of us would be dead by now. But I can safely say that we do it because we want to help you girls. We understand the fundamentals for Sensha Do are to make a young woman strong and independent but in America the fundamentals for Tankery is that they teach us to be prideful and responsible for those we love. We all value you girls as more then allies or even friends. We see you girls as family. Some of us in a more literal sense then others." Austin said.

"And what do you think? What do you think of me?" Nonna asked. She was blushing red with wide adorable eyes that Austin could not resist. He took his hand grasped Nonna's and intertwined their fingers. He looked at her with a warm welcoming smile.

"I care about you Nonna. Out of everyone else on this island I care about you the most. I Love You Nonna." Austin noticed Nonna's blush had deepened and she had leaned into him and put her free hand on his chest. He wrapped his free hand around her waist and leaned himself down and in a simultaneous motion the two kissed each other. Their kiss lasted several minutes. The two didn't want to move.

Nonna could feel her heart racing at what was happening. She leaned into him more and pressed her body against his as she sent her hand around Austin's neck. Austin's free hand loosened and he rested it on her side gently caressing her, to which her blush deepened again.

Once their kiss ended the two looked at each other. Nonna's whole face was beat red and her breathing sporadic. Austin's face was also red but not as deep as Nonna's was. His breathing was more controlled, and he was more alert as Nonna's legs lost all strength. She made to fall to the floor as Austin wrapped his arm around her again and held her close to him. More tears had appeared in Nonna's eyes and her lips were quivering. Austin knew she wanted more, but he also knew he had to be careful. He suspected that Nonna wasn't a girl that had much knowledge of these things, he didn't know much either, and he had to control his urges. He needed to make Nonna comfortable and let her be the one to come forward.

After she regained her leg strength Nonna looked at Austin again and this time she leaned forward first. The two kissed again and this time Austin lead Nonna back to the bed as they sat down wrapping each other in their embrace content with what they had.

Outside the room, leaning against the wall Azumi smiled. The scene she witnessed filled her stomach with butterflies. She had originally come to tell the two that their friends were on their way, but she stopped when she heard them talking about Austin's scars. Azumi peeked in and saw the scars herself. It wasn't a secret what happened to the boys back in Mishima, Alice found out almost instantly, but they lacked significant proof. Now that Azumi saw it she could and would confirm.

Azumi let out a soft sigh and made leave to tell Alice, she would want to know. Azumi quickly thought back to the two high schoolers confessing their feelings. It brought back memories for her. memories of a younger her and a fairly handsome guy she met while she was back in high school. Azumi blushed at the memory but cast it aside for now as she made her way to the command room to report and ready for the next day.

Ami Chono stared outside her office window. The rain was said to be just as hard here as it was on the Island. She stared and watched the rain fall mesmerized by its perpetual grace. Ami thinks back and remembers the times she would be at home on a rainy day, snuggled up in a blanket and in the arms of her husband. How she missed those days. Before Ami got into the professional Sensha Do Federation position she was in now she was fine with being a simple house wife. Or more accurately a Military house wife. Ami found that to be a more peaceful life then her current one. However it was also the most worrisome. Especially when her worries and fears came to fruition. Her husband, Captain Kiyoshi Chono, was a prominent fighter pilot in the Air Defense Force. He died in a fly over mission in the Iraq War. Ami had always believed he would return safely, yet fate had other means for her. and in fact her thoughts came to her now because of a spam of emails and messages and letters from the various parents of the high school girls currently on the island. They wanted to know when they would get their children back. who wouldn't?

Ami sighed and moved away from the window and returned to her chair. She only managed to just sit down as a knock was heard on her door. She sighed again and called out that the door was open. Not surprisingly Shichiro Kodama entered. In his hands was a piece of paper, most likely with the same old things. Missing Sensha Do/Military equipment.

"Shichiro, is it more of the same?" Ami asked.

"I am sorry to say it is Ms. Chono. This is the most recent of it. Over one hundred and twenty Type-10 main battle tanks missing. Several thousand rounds of ammunition of various makes and models. Plus the SDF if making quite a hassle about their investment in equipment and gear going missing. Those that were on loan for us are expected to be returned within the time that was given. We are in quite a kerfuffle I might say." Shichiro said.

Ami sighed again. Sensha Do equipment going missing was one thing but Military assets on loan was another. It wasn't a strange thing, in fact the Americans loaned one of their Abrams to one of their high schools for the express use of getting those students wanted to join military service to familiarize themselves with the tank. Plus Germany's Military would loan fighters to their Hundekampf teams. The fact the loaned pieces were missing was the problem.

"I can only assume that Akari has something to do with this." Ami said.

"And I agree. These things have been 'disappearing' only after we denied her request for more equipment and supplies. She must have had help in the pilfering of our stockpile. We could get into some profoundly serious trouble." Shichiro said. Ami only nodded.

"but who is helping Akari? And what do they intend to gain form these 'Thefts'?" Ami asked. This time Shichiro shrugged in response. Ami didn't blame him. Who ever it was knew how to cover their tracks. This was a mystery that could ruin the Sensha Do Federation. And all who work for her.