After a long trip from Texas and returning to the state of Maine, the forces of Groton High School Tankery team return after their successful surprise attack on Davy Crockett High. It shows Emperor Timothee leading the march of his men and tanks while sitting inside his tank.

Hearing the cheers of many of his fellow students applauding the young Emperor for making a striking blow against the enemy, the celebration cuts to Timothee's command officer sitting down to eat his lunch, which he got from the school. While eating his school meal, two other allies from different schools join him.

"Ah, General Cards, and General Jimmy, good to see you, my old friends," Timothee says, wearing his school outfit, while Cards and Jimmy wear their own distinct school attire.

"Good to see you, Timothee... So, I heard that your squad, La Vipère, took down Commander Houston," Cards said.

"They certainly did, and with the Davy Crockett High School command chain in ruins, they will have a hard time finding the perfect person or leader to take the role," Timothee said as he took a bite of his meal.

"So, what about the Federation High School Girls with their sport of 'Sensha Do'? In our country, the Federation brought so much disrespect for our sport when they tried to take it down," Jimmy spoke.

"Soon, my friend. For now, my men and Cards' men rest after all Cards' superior air force's attack against Davy Crockett was a great job of lowering their defense, making it easy for my forces to roll in," Timothee said.

"It is... Lake Travis High School will always be your ally," Cards said.

"So is Thomas Jefferson High School, my friend," Jimmy added.

Back to Ooarai Girls Academy carrier.

It then shows many newspapers being printed out, displaying pictures of the damaged Davy Crockett High School with smoke still in the air. The headline says 'Ranger's defeated' or 'Surprise Attack of Davy Crockett High School.'

As many girls from the school pick up the newspaper and read it, seeing the pictures, some of them feel scared. The sub-headlines read 'Allies' School is in a state of panic' or 'Grand Lake High, North High, Washington Academy on alert for Groton and its allies' domination against Davy Crockett.' What made them worried for their American friends was, 'America's Allies Stand alone!'

"This can't be happening.... Tell me that this isn't happening," Kay cried out as she read the newspaper in her hand.

"I can't believe we ever saw another S Rank School... I thought Houston School was the only S Rank there," Katyusha said.

Darjeeling stayed quiet, holding the newspaper and reading while also cradling her cup of tea.

After the attack on Davy Crockett High School, the American Tankery League officials quickly made the announcement of what happened. Unaware of the surprise attack, they were shocked to see what their other S Rank school in tankery had done. Many questions arose about whether this was really the start of the Winter Tournament that was supposed to begin next week. The League's President sighed and gave an answer, confirming that it was.

With more questions about how Davy Crockett's tankery team will appear or how they will recover from this devastating attack, the officials had no more answers and left it at that.

"So, what shall we do?" Miho asked.

"Well, have any of us contacted one of our American schools we trust?" Darjeeling spoke.

"None are responding. I think Commander Muller, Commander Graham, and Commander Wesley are busy setting up their defense on their school's grounds," Miho said.

"But what about Red? We know you guys are close. Have you at least contacted him?" Kay asked.

"Well.... No.... Ever since hearing his older brother is in a coma, Red hasn't said a word or talked with anyone. With Commander Houston in a coma, it just makes us worried about Red," Miho explained.

"Yeah, including Commander Maho. I mean, I thought she would be here today for our group meeting?" Katyusha spoke.

"Well, she's busy at the moment..." Miho said.

But as Miho said that, Saori quickly burst into the different school commanders' meeting and spoke up.

"Hey, y'all need to hear this!" Saori said.

Confusion filled the room as Miho, Katyusha, Kay, and Darjeeling followed Saori to a radio where many girls from Ooarai, Saunders, Pravda, St. Gloriana, and Kuromorimine Girls' High Schools gathered around. They heard Commander Wesley's voice on the radio.

"Greetings, boys. This is Commander Wesley of Washington Boys and Girls Academy.... When I first saw Davy Crockett in flames and our allies in trouble, it was an honor to fight with Commander Houston and his Rangers during our time in Oshima Island when we fought against the Federation Sensha Do a few months back... But now, with Groton High School and their allies attacking our allied school on their ground.... If they decide to attack us, we shall stand and fight here on our beloved and dear school ground... If we can't stay here alive, then let us stay here dead," Wesley said in his English accent.

Wesley continued his speech over the radio, his voice unwavering.

"My business, as you know, is fighting those Frenchie's and anyone else who wants to have a fight. Now, Groton High and its allies have decided to bring their battle to our doorstep. Well, I've got news for them. We don't back down, and we sure as hell don't let anyone trample over our allies without consequences," Wesley declared.

A determined energy swept through the gathered girls from various schools as they listened to Wesley's defiant words.

"So, Groton High and all you fancy folks with your shiny tanks, if you think you can waltz in here and push us around, you've got another thing coming. Washington Boys and Girls Academy will stand tall, and we'll show you what it means to face a united front of American tankery spirit!" Wesley's tone resonated with conviction.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, the sounds of the heart monitor beeped in a steady rhythm. The scene unfolded with Houston lying in bed, his face covered in bandages, breathing through a tube inserted into his nose. He lay there unconscious in the room, accompanied by three people.

Vince Houston, his father, was dressed in a business suit. Doyal Houston, the uncle, remained in his military officer uniform, a symbol of strength and discipline. Delia Houston, the aunt and chairwoman of the American Tankery League, wore her official outfit. Despite Houston being in a coma, she made sure her nephew was as comfortable as possible.

As Delia finished tucking him in, she gently placed her hand on his right hand, still hearing the machine beep and the air pumping through. The room held a somber atmosphere, filled with concern and hope for Houston's recovery.

"How's Red taking this, Vince?" Doyal asked as he poured himself a fresh pot of tea into his cup.

"Not well... Ever since I heard of what has happened... I thought it was all fake, but truly it was not, and I blame myself for this... For what I've done in the past. I pushed Don so hard to be the best of the best, wanting him to become better and stronger... But in reality, I pushed too hard. During the Dallas Incident, I left him alone. I blame myself for his suffering and the torment of the past he faced in that dreadful incident. He managed to overcome it, and I was proud of him. But seeing him now like this and the attack on his school... I somehow feel like this is still my fault," Vince said, lowering his head, while Doyal and Delia observed his youngest brother looking down.

"You know, Vince, when Don was left alone, I always worried for him. Ever since then, he reminded me so much of our firstborn son, Leonardo, whom we lost during the Afghan War," Doyal said. He took a sip of his tea, then walked over to his youngest brother, placing his hand on Vince's shoulder.

"You can't blame yourself entirely, Vince. We all have our regrets and mistakes, but the important thing now is to support Don and each other through this difficult time," Doyal reassured his brother.

Delia joined them, her expression empathetic. "Don is a strong young man, Vince. He faced challenges and overcame them before. We'll be here for him, and he'll need our strength and belief in him to pull through."

Vince nodded, appreciating the support from his family. "You're right, Doyal, Delia. We need to stand together for Don. I just hope he wakes up soon, and we can face whatever challenges come our way."

As they finished talking, the door opened, revealing Maho Nishizumi accompanied by Shiho and Tsuneo, Maho's parents. The Houston family was surprised to see the Nishizumi family enter.

"Shiho, it's a surprise to see you here," Doyal said.

"Well, Maho wanted to see how Don is doing," Shiho explained.

"He's still out, but thank you for coming," Delia said, shaking hands with Maho's parents. As they greeted each other, Shiho and Tsuneo noticed Vince standing behind them.

"I don't believe we've met?" Shiho asked.

"No, we haven't, but surely our children have. I'm Vince Houston, Don and Red's father," Vince introduced himself.

"Huh? I thought you would be a military man," Tsuneo remarked, causing Vince to chuckle.

"Well, no. I'm mostly a businessman and was formerly the Director of the Battle Reenactment Association in America three years ago, after the Dallas Incident," Vince explained.

"I see," Shiho said as she shook Vince's hand. While the adults were conversing, Maho walked over to Houston's bedside, listening to the machine's beeping and the air pumping. She gently placed her hand on Houston's left hand, staring at his limp body lying silent and unmoving. Maho was about to say something, thinking that Houston, or Don as she always called him, might be able to hear her.

"The doctor said he can hear us. So if you have anything you want to say, go ahead," Doyal spoke up.

"Thank you... But... Can you leave me and him alone for a moment?" Maho asked.

The adults nodded understandingly, and, one by one, they left the room, leaving Maho alone with Houston. The door closed behind them, muffling the sounds from the hospital hallway.

"Don? Don... It's me.... You still look fit as always when we last saw each other..." Maho said as she placed her hand on Houston's hand, still hearing the machines humming. She continued speaking, hoping he could hear.

"Don, can you hear me? Look, I'm sorry if I didn't get there on time when Groton High School attacked a few days ago... If this could put you at ease, your little brother Red is doing fine. He's right now struggling on what to do... He's lost without you... including me... I'm also lost without you," Maho confessed, her voice carrying a mixture of concern and longing.

"Remember the last time when you were under medical care during the Oshima Island match back then... I still remember you waking up after saving me when Anderson tortured us. Despite being brutally injured, I still can remember you carrying me as we escaped..." Maho reminisced, recalling the time they shared during the Oshima Island match a few months back. The memories lingered, a testament to the bond they had formed through shared challenges and triumphs.

Maho's voice wavered with emotion as she continued, "Don, it hurts to see you like this. You've always been my strength, my pillar. The thought of you enduring such pain, it's unbearable. I should have been there to protect you, just as you've always protected me."

She gently brushed a strand of hair away from Houston's face, her touch tender. The rhythmic beeping of the machines accompanied her words, creating a melancholic symphony in the quiet hospital room.

"You mean so much to me, more than words can express. I never thought I would feel this lost without you. The days since the attack have been endless, filled with worry and uncertainty. I miss your laughter, your strength, and the way you always knew how to calm my fears."

Maho's eyes welled up with tears, reflecting the sadness and vulnerability she seldom showed. She leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on Houston's forehead, pouring all her emotions into that fleeting moment. The scent of the hospital room mixed with the faint aroma of the flowers on the bedside table.

"Don, please wake up. I need you. We need you. I can't bear the thought of facing this world without you by my side," Maho whispered, her voice breaking with the weight of her emotions. She remained by his bedside, holding onto the hope that he would hear her plea and return to her, bringing back the light that seemed to dim in his absence.

In the silent room, Maho went to use the restroom. Closing the door behind her, she returned to Houston's bedside, standing on the right side where his hand lay, unmoving. Yet, as time passed, one of his index fingers began to twitch ever so slightly, signaling in Morse code.

The subtle movement of the index finger conveyed a hidden message, a language known only to those well-versed in Morse code. Unseen by anyone else in the room, the delicate twitches formed a pattern, a communication from Houston during his solitary moments.

As Maho observed the unexpected movement, she sensed a connection beyond the visible, a silent conversation occurring through the rhythmic dance of Houston's finger. Determined to understand, she quickly retrieved a small notebook and pen from her bag, ready to translate the Morse code message that Houston was silently conveying.

Captivated by the mysterious Morse code coming from Houston's twitching finger, Maho focused on decoding the subtle movements. She quickly jotted down the signals in her notebook, determined to unravel the hidden message that Houston was trying to convey.

As she deciphered the Morse code, the words revealed themselves, and Maho's eyes widened with surprise and anticipation. The message, spelled out through the rhythmic twitches, conveyed a simple yet profound sentiment:

"I hear you."

Maho's heart skipped a beat as she read the words. A mixture of relief, joy, and astonishment filled her, realizing that Houston was somehow aware of her presence and the heartfelt words she had spoken. The connection between them, transcending the physical boundaries of the hospital room, became palpable.

Overwhelmed with emotions, Maho couldn't help but smile through her tears. She whispered, "Don, you're there. You heard me." The silent communication, carried through the Morse code, brought a sense of reassurance and renewed hope.

Still, Houston lay unconscious, his eyes closed and his body motionless, but the Morse code revelation bridged the gap between them, creating a bond that spoke volumes in the silence of the hospital room. Maho remained by his side, grateful for this unspoken connection, hoping that it was a sign of his eventual return to consciousness.

While Maho stayed beside him at his bedside, it then cuts to inside Houston's mind. It shows him in a cold forest with the sky darkened. He stops walking, turns around, and smiles, knowing that in the outside world, Maho now knows that he can hear her.

https://youtu.be/RiS1xQoQvKE

A/n Perfect song for this mood anyway short Chapter for today y'all next Chapter will be very interesting and more spicy because in this Story Plot there will be so many Plot twist that all I have to say and see you all later 

-Tom out