Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Savato93

Okay, I've been sitting on my ass for long enough. Time to wrap up this arc...

XXXXXXXXXX

"Hmm." Hoppou brought the end of the pencil to her lips, offhandedly nibbling on the eraser. She looked up to the Abyssal sitting across from her. "Hoppou struggling to come up with any ideas. Does Regalia have any thoughts?"

"I… I'm not sure." The young Re-class tilted her head. "This is nothing like the stuff you've gone over with me…"

Two piles of documents were laid out on the kitchen table between the two Abyssals. One cluster of papers showed familiar blueprints and layouts: designs for a Ri-class. The rest of the papers displayed similar designs… but those Ri-class blueprints were missing key components. They lacked the majority of their forecastles; there were large gaping holes in their deck where their main guns should have been; many important parts of their superstructure were gone. The one thing they did have over the normal designs were two sets of reinforced cranes set at the fire and aft sections.

Today, the two were taking a break from mentoring. Instead, they were brainstorming solutions to Carrie and Sherri's self-dismantled hulls.

"Have you considered… I dunno, reclassing?" Regalia suggested. "Like, converting them to tenders, or armored ammunition ships?"

"Easier said than done," Hoppou replied with a huff. "Converting to ammo ships would be simple enough—armor over turret holes, rebuild cranes into permanent fixtures, and replace defensive armaments—but then, if they ever got pushed into battle, they'd be so much more vulnerable. Carrying so much more ammo that could be hit and blown up." Regalia flinched at the thought of that. "And becoming tenders? That would require MUCH more extensive refits, which Carrie and Sherri have already said they don't want."

The Re-class sagged a bit in her seat. "Oh. Right." Thinking for a few seconds, she spoke again. "Maybe we're looking at this the wrong way. They like how they are now, right? Pretty much normal on the outside, no metal bits sticking out anywhere?"

"Yes… Hoppou believes that is so."

"Could you not just redesign their rigging, then? Give them back their turrets and torpedoes and stuff, but give it a different form that isn't constantly visible, like the shipgirls have?"

Hoppou sighed. "...Hoppou tried that. Couldn't find an angle on it. The issue is that Abyssal rigging isn't designed by a Princess; it forms by itself, based on designs of the hull. Hoppou doesn't have the faintest idea of what has to change, to alter how their hulls express themselves."

"Surely, it can't be THAT hard for you, Grandma…" Regalia said. "I mean, you made the new bodies for the destroyers, right? That should mean you already know how to alter us physically."

The Princess shook her head. "Just puppets for the puppies to control… Hoppou is still working on the actual conversion process. Even then, it's not the same thing." Sighing, Hoppou leaned forward and rested her chin on the table. "Honestly...? Hoppou is worried if operating on Carrie and Sherri is even safe for them."

"Safe? What do you mean?"

"Carrie and Sherri have… changed. Hoppou is afraid that, by denying everything they were for so long, they've put themselves in a unique and unnatural state."

"Like hybrids?" Regalia asked.

"No. Hybrids are a mix; not Abyssal or human, but something in between. But Carrie and Sherri? As far as Hoppou can tell, they're both human AND Abyssal… at the same time."

Regalia sat back in her chair, head tilted in bafflement. "...what? How can you be two separate things at once?"

"Quantum science stuff. It's confusing to explain. Like, normally something can be in one state or another... but then, it can also be in both states at once while nobody's looking right at it, or something…? Uhh." Hoppou pressed her hands to her temples, like she was squeezing her skull. "Big Brother tried to explain it to Hoppou with a flash drive—said that it has just two sides to it normally, but unless you actually check it it won't fit in a slot either way because it's somehow face-up AND face-down. I think."

Regalia rubbed her forehead. "You're right, that is confusing." She looked back down at the schematics. "So you're worried that if… if you were to try and operate on them… it might cause them to stop being both human and Abyssal?"

Hoppou nodded slowly. "They could revert back to ordinary Ri-classes… or they could lose their hulls completely, and become normal girls."

The Re-class was quiet for a little bit, thinking. "If… if what you're worried about is true… then what can we hope to do? Are they just stuck the way they are for good?"

"Po… I don't know. And I hate that I don't. Carrie and Sherri seem happy and healthy now—but what if their condition causes problems later? I can't even put them under to help them, if there's a chance they would transform completely in the process."

Regalia noted her grandmother's switch to first-person—this was obviously stressing her out. "Maybe leaving them alone is the only option… for now, at least," she reasoned. "I doubt this is a one-Princess job… you might need to call in help from Aunt Wanko, or Uncle Harry, or even the shipgirls. Find some other people who can look at it a different way. Don't you think?"

After several seconds of silence, Hoppou finally picked her head up and nodded slowly. "Regalia is right. This is too complex for Hoppou to handle alone; it's stressing Hoppou out. But what can Hoppou do to take her mind off of it…?"

There was a knock on the wall. The two Abyssals perked up, turning around to find Nagato standing a few feet away with a concerned look on her face. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything too important… but, Admiral Goto's office received a call from shipgirls stationed at Pearl Harbor. They wanted to speak with you immediately, Hoppou-chan…"

XXXXXXXXXX

The first thing the Tsu-class felt was the sensation of her body being steadily lowered into warm water. It had an oddly soothing feeling to it… everywhere it touched, sank in, she could feel years' worth of accumulated wear and tear on her hull start slowly bleeding away. She opened her eyes, blinking several times as they adjusted to the brightness of her surroundings. There was now a tiled roof overhead, instead of clear skies.

"Wha… where am I?" She asked groggily.

"Repair bath."

Her gaze fell to see two other Tsu-classes sitting cross-legged at the edge of the tub she'd been laid in. She recognized them by their older designs—Tsunami and Tsubasa, two of Mother's only dedicated anti-air ships at the time of the siege. "You had a panic attack, a bad one. All but fainted on the water." Tsunami said. She gestured to the room around them. "The shipgirls let us bring you two back here to recover. Lord knows you two needed it." As if to punctuate her sister's statement, the Tsu-class felt and heard a muted crack, as the plating bolted to her arm was broken open by several imps with cutting torches.

The Tsu-class rolled her neck to the side. Tampa was laid back in the bath next to her, surrounded by at least a dozen more imps. One of them, the head of Sunny's damecon team, was angrily babbling about how everything in Tampa's body was wrong or out of place; Tampa herself could only sit back and nod numbly as the imp listed off her numerous abnormalities. Undersized boilers, set too far astern; countless stress fractures in the steel around her A turret, lacking the proper bracing for her higher-velocity Ru-class guns; woefully-inadequate fire control systems that more than halved her effective firing range; and not least of all her mess of an armor belt, which had all the consistency of Swiss cheese but masked an inexplicably intact interior.

And several of the imps swore that her steel was growing back.

Turning her attention away from Tampa, the Tsu-class looked over her surroundings… and in doing so, she realized it was just the four of them in the room. Sunny, Nuri, everyone… they were nowhere to be seen. "Where are the others?" She asked.

"Our group was about to set out on a diplomatic voyage before you showed up and the shipgirls raised the alarm," Tsubasa answered. "The Fleet needed to get moving, but we couldn't leave you here alone; with the reduced air presence in the Atlantic, we were the best choice to stay behind and look after you."

"Diplomatic…?"

"Some Abyssals in the Atlantic sided with the humans. Wanted to build their own nation or something." Tsunami waved a hand. "But we can discuss that later. Right now, there's something more important for us to work on."

Before the Tsu-class could ask what she meant by that, a nearby door creaked open and a human man stepped in, a flat black square in hand. "Alright, the call's set up. Just try not to drop the thing in the bath—it's water resistant, not waterproof," he said simply, handing the phone over to Tsunami.

"Thank you," Tsunami said with a nod, carefully pinching the phone in her oversized fingers as she brought it to her ear. "Hey. We all made it to Pearl in one piece… it's alright, the locals have been pretty nice to us." A few seconds of quiet chatter on the other end of the line. "Nuri? She and the others moved ahead, actually. It's just me and 'basa here now… why? Well… we found a couple of girls here, that we think you should talk to." Looking down, Tsunami offered the phone to the Tsu-class in the bath. "Here."

The Tsu-class hesitantly reached out with her unarmored hand, awkwardly gripping the flat rectangle, and brought it up to her own ear. "H-hello…?"

"You… that voice!?"

The voice on the other end of the call was small, soft, uncertain… and all too familiar. "...Mom?" The Tsu-class gasped quietly.

"Hatsumo…? Is… is it really you, Hatsumo?"

The tsu-class was suddenly struck by a wave of powerful emotions, hearing her long-lost mother speak. Disbelief, relief, wonder, joy, love…

And overwhelming guilt.

"Mom… Mom, I'm so sorry…!" Hatsumo choked out.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

The Family That Slays Together.... (IX)

16 July 2014

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York
Spoiler: A Sickbed Meeting

Norimune sat in a hardwood chair beside Jèzebel, looking at her daughter's comatose form on the bed in front of her. Only the barest hint of movement from her bandaged chest showed Delilah's breathing. Directly behind her, a solemn and quiet Akutoku placed her hand on Norimune's shoulder, letting the Unrepentant Blade draw what strength and comfort that she could from the Sword of Corruption.

At Jèzebel's right elbow, Jacklyn sat with Aomi beside her grasping Jackie's arm. For once every trace of the devil-may-care insouciance was totally absent from her middle daughter's serious face.

To Norimune's left, the still and composed face of her oldest daughter sat. Colombe looked at her little sister's unmoving face with suspiciously shiny eyes in a very controlled face. Behind and supporting their mother with a hand on each of her shoulders, Claire and Ehren sat hand in hand.

Norimune glanced at Colombe's solemn features with her eyes barely holding the tears that she would never shed in public. Norimune wondered to herself if this is what her oldest daughter had looked like when she sat the deathwatch vigil for the adopted father who had been more of a Papa to her than Norimune ever would.

A vigil two and a half centuries in the past that was yet one more failure of the many, many that she had subjected her children and lovers to.

So many failures.

But she would not fail her family now.

The fireplace coughed up a fireball that formed into a pair of Jinn. The strong red-headed form of the Emir in black robes clutched the more slender and delicate beautiful form of his wife around the shoulders. They walked slowly to the chairs set for them across the bed at Zamarad's hand and took a seat there.

A chime sounded in the stillness of the room.

The door opened and Masamune-no-Tokunotakai stepped through.

Dressed in pure white kimono with subtle embroidery of doves white-on white in the silk, and a brilliant scarlet hakama with her hair braided with red and white silken ribbons, she carried a tamagushi wand made from a sakaki-tree branch and shide zigzag strips of spotless white washi paper.

Norimune and Jèzebel reached out and took Delilah's cold and lifeless hand in theirs. On the other side of the bed, Rayhan and Periezade took the equally cold hand of their youngest daughter.

Tokunotakai bound the three hands on each side together with a short length of shimenawa rope made of rice straw and festooned with shide. She then shook her wand to begin the ritual, rattling the paper strips as she chanted to cleanse the negative energies in the room.
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Springs of Lethe and Mnemosyne
Spoiler: A Journey From The Underworld

The cold and bitter water she was drinking hit Zamarad like a knife in her stomach. She gasped and choked as the memories hammered her with the force of the Abyssal shells fired at her and the agonies of her mad charge through the water to reach Delilah.

She felt her spirit flame to life with this new fuel. As she ignited, a ghostly Delilah stepped out of the spring and stood by her elbow.

Hades looked deep into her flaming emerald eyes and then spoke solemnly. "The path to the surface is illuminated for you to lead the shade of your love to new life. Beware, for if you look upon her face before the rays of the sun kiss her, forever shall she stay parted from you."

Zamarad nodded and began to travel down the crushed slate of the path ahead of her, uncaring of the razor sharp stones slicing her feet as the flame animating her began to slowly wane. "I understand, and thank you Lord Hades."

Delilah's shade silently followed her.
---------------------------

The Happy Hunting Grounds

White Buffalo Woman's parting words echoed in Delilah's ears and heart as she ran through the shadowed grass of the prairie toward the distant mountain peak ahead of her. "You must travel to the lodge of Wiyohiyanpa, the East Wind, before Anpetu Wi illuminates the earth. Petition him for the bravery and fortitude to travel with him to where your parents wait for you."

Razor-sharp stems of grass sliced into her calves and thighs as she used a spell to boost her speed and stamina to superhuman levels.

The bitter alkali water she had chosen to drink had ignited a flame in her heart, a flame that she knew was where Zamarad waited for her.

A flame that even now was burning far far ahead of her at the lodge of Wiyohiyanpa.
---------------------------

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York

Norimune clenched her daughter's hand tighter as she felt Toku channel part of her spirit into Delilah's still form.

"Live..." She whispered through her teeth, echoed by Jèzebel's equally quiet words.

Norimune squeezed Jèzebel's hand gently. Their conversation yesterday had been hard and painful, admitting all her failures and mistakes, but it had been equally hard for Jèzebel to open herself to the tsukumogami who had abandoned her.

But she would endure the pain and regrets for Delilah's sake.

And a few good things had come out of it.

Norimune was shocked to her core that her efforts and example had inspired Jèzebel's unceasing efforts to fight for MACUSA's ideals and soul, to redeem the promise of the American Revolution that Norimune had helped birth. To make her efforts to fight slavery in the Civil War bear fruit by working for full equality and citizenship for the freed slaves. Norimune genuinely did not know how to take the fact that she had inspired so much good in those who followed the trail that she had marked. A cynical, bitter, hurt part of her had whispered "where they were when she needed them?" but she had started to move past that poisonous whisper. Yes, she had failed and fallen short time and again, but her efforts had not been in vain.

She and a young dashing swordswoman full of light and life and energy had birthed a hero who would follow in her parents' footsteps as an example of the best and brightest of the era that they had met and loved and lived in. A hero who would fight for what she saw was right with equal tenacity, honor, and elan as her parents no matter how hard her road would be.

Her oldest daughter added her strength and purpose to the effort to reach to Delilah as Colombe took Norimune's free hand and squeezed it.

She and a fellow pirate and rogue had sailed the seven seas, exulting in the freedom they gave to set her own course through life.

On the other side of Jèzebel, her middle daughter leaned in and added her support to their efforts with her joy of life and wanderlust.

And...with the woman whose hand that she clutched, she had birthed a third daughter. A young woman who heard the promise -- and challenge -- in the words she listened to as a young girl speaking of liberty, equality, and freedom for all men. Calling for a new birth of freedom in the soil watered and consecrated by the lifeblood of those brave men who redeemed the meaning of the Declaration of Independence by liberating the slaves.

A woman who... followed her footsteps to make the promise of a nation that Norimune had believed in at one time into a reality. A woman who was as great a hero, along with her mother Jèzebel, who had been inspired by her to make her father proud. No matter that Norimune was only a figure of stories and memories in a Pensieve, present only in her absence in Delilah's life.

She was the hero who Delilah had patterned herself on... and Norimune was proud of her child for doing so.

For were not children supposed to follow in their parents footsteps?

With that insight, Norimune channeled every ounce of her spirit into trying to help her daughter.
---------------------------

The Road From Hades

Zamarad whimpered with pain as she staggered forward, leaving a trail of blood behind her. The path had been hard and rocky, and she had heard nothing from Delilah, even when she called out, asking her how she was doing on this path out of the Underworld. It had taken every ounce of willpower and faith in her love to not look back and help her.

She reached the great bronze gates ahead of her, and grabbed the rings set into the doors.

Gasping with effort as she strained every burning sinew and every ounce of willpower that was in her body, she pulled. A ray of sunlight sparkled ahead as the gates opened enough for her to pass.

"Just a little farther, Delilah. Just a little farther and we will be together." Zamarad gasped out as she began to crawl toward the life-giving light.
---------------------------

The Mountain Of Wiyohiyanpa

The mountain stood in the east of the Happy Hunting Grounds. Snow-crowned and majestic, it rivaled Everest in its grandeur and might.

Delilah gasped as she climbed the cliff face just below the summit as the sky lightened in front of her. Cold winds buffeted her and her teeth chattered as she grasped for another snow-covered handhold. The top of this cliff was in sight and the Lodge was there according to the Lakota.

Then her foot slipped and she began to slide toward the drop that she had spent this journey climbing up out of.

One hand desperately reached out and grabbed an icy rock, clinging to it as the rest of her body slid over the cliff face.

She hung there over the abyss, suspended between success and failure, defeat and victory without the strength to pull herself up.

Slowly her fingers began to slip.

Far far below, the jagged ice, stained with the blood of those who had failed and fallen here gleamed hungrily.

Cold green eyes narrowed, and then her lips curled back in a smug smile.

She deliberately released her grip before her strength failed.

As she began to fall, her free hand pulled her revolver from the shoulder holster and threw herself with every ounce of strength and spirit remaining in her being.

Delilah Naomi de Breuil gasped out as she fell endlessly. "Zamarad... I'm coming."
---------------------------

Spoiler: A Return From The Grave

The Road From Hades

A silver ring formed on the finger of the exhausted Ifrit who crawled into the pool of sunlight with the embers of her strength and will driving her.

The life-giving light flamed from a fire agate carved in the Seal of Solomon surrounding the name of the true love of the woman who wore this ring. A woman who closed her eyes and wept fiery tears as she whispered, "Delilah. I'm here for you. Please... Please redeem my faith in you."

A second, deathly pale hand with the matching wedding ring reached out and grasped Zamarad's hand in an unbreakable grip.
---------------------------

The Lodge Of Wiyohiyanpa

Delilah manifested on the grassy ground next to the fire burning at the entrance of the lodge. Wearily, she picked up her true body, and turned.

With a thunder of hooves, and shining like the Sun that He was, a great red buffalo bull walked to face her. Blazing eyes met her leaf-green eyes, measuring her.

Delilah met his gaze and bowed. "Anpetu Wi. Please grant me your strength, fortitude, and courage so I can rejoin my family. Rejoin Zamarad."

Satisfied with whatever he saw in her spirit the solar bull nodded. "Mount me, and I shall take you home."

With the last of her strength Delilah grabbed tight and closed her eyes.
---------------------------

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York

Suddenly two sets of eyes fluttered.

Zamarad blinked her eyes open and focused on her crying parents. The shimenawa binding her to them flamed to ash in an instant as they embraced their daughter.

Delilah focused on the familiar faces side by side at long last. "Mère? Père?" she whispered out before closing her eyes once more. "I'm glad that you are together."

She then flopped her head over to see the Ifrit next to her.

Leaf green and emerald green eyes met and tension left them as they interlaced the hands with their wedding rings.

Forevermore.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

As they calmed down from their laughs, the two Light Cruisers continued their chat with them pointing out various places to Harry out the window. Pointing at one small resturant, Ooi grinned widely, "Hey, Rika-Chan! Himura-Jiji is still in business I see!"

Looking out the window, Kitakami smiled a little and laughed at the small ramen bar, "Hai, though his son has started to take over now. Still as good as it ever was though."

With a hum, Ooi gave a small nod, "Remember how we used to go there all the time after school for a snack before heading home?" Patting her stomach, she shook her head, "We had to have kept that place afloat."

Her lips twitching, the other Light Cruiser chuckled, "I can honestly see him say that to us as well. But hai, I remember the two of us going there all the time." Reaching over, she poked Ooi just under where her ribs were, making the other Natural Born squirm, "Of course, you always had more than I did. Surprised that you did not blow outwards."

Crossing her arms, Ooi snorted some as the two in the backseat snickered, "I will have you know that I had a great metabolism. And it went to the right places anyways." Thoughtful, she tilted her head a little, "I used to go there for dinner when... when my parents went on business trips and left me money to go out and eat."

Kitakami grimaced a little bit even as she tightened her grip on the steering wheel, "Or when they went out to dinner with their bosses or clients, or to business meetings outside of town, or..."

Just reaching over, the brown haired Light Cruiser gave her friend's hand a gentle squeeze, "Hey, look at me, Rika-Chan." When her friend turned to her, she smiled some, "Your Okaa-San and Otou-San often took me in and fed me. Let me stay over as well more often than not, which helped out a lot."

Taking a deep breath, Kitakami let it out, "Fine... but one of these days, I will get them back. I swear it..."

Simply shrugging, Ooi had a sad look on her face, "I was never really a daughter to them, I think. Pretty sure that they saw me as no better than something than a display piece that they could pull out to impress someone and shove away in a dark closet after."

In the backseat, Harry glanced between the two girls before looking outside and brightening, "Hey, look, an ice cream shop!"

He noticed Kitakami give him a thankful look in the mirror as Ooi perked up, "Ooo! That place is still here? I remember the two of us going there as well on the hotter days. They always had some of the best ice creams after all."

Glancing at Kitakami Maru, the black haired wizard smirked a little, "Huh, and here I thought that you claimed not to be that old. And yet, you sound like an old woman, Yuuko-Nee... maybe I should call you Yuuko-Baa-San?"

For several seconds, the car was utterly silent even as Ooi went red in the face and pressed her lips together. Snorts and the like came from Kitakami as she make a choking noise, "Harry-Chan, please... I'm driving here. And I don't want to explain to anyone that I got into an accident due to fainting from a lack of oxygen because I was laughing too hard."

Sputters came from Ooi as she threw her hands into the air with a wail, "Rika-Chan!" At the snickers from her friend, she huffed before crossing her arms over her chest and looking away, "And here I thought that it was my birthday, not 'Pick on Yuuko Day'!"

Each of the others, however, could see her lips twitching a little telling them that she was really amused by it.

Not long afterwards, Kitakami pulled into an parking lot for an apartment building that was slightly raised. Harry noted the signs that underneath said parking lot, there was likely a shelter for the surrounding buildings in case of an Abyssal raid managed to make it this far. They were relatively common and he had seen that a lot of buildings had shelters built into them as well wherever possible, complete with food, water, first aid supplies, and the like. Shaking off that thought, however, Harry turned his attention to the apartment building, "Is this where your parents live, Rika-Nee?"

With a happy hum, Kitakami shut off the car and turned in her seat, "Hai, it is, Harry-Chan. My parents make good money, but..." She waved a hand in the air, "They're far from rich, so they own a good sized apartment rather than a house. I do send them some money from my paycheck to help out though."

Unbuckling herself, Ooi gave a nod as well, "I do as well since, well..." A soft smile appeared on her face, "They're kind of like a second set of parents to me and have been since Rika-Chan and I first met."

That got her a smile from her friend before the other Light Cruiser gave her a hug, "And as you know, they love you as if you were their own daughter as well, Yuuko-Chan." Getting a hug and nod back, Kitakami moved back and opened the door, "Anyways, we should be going to meet them."

Everyone nodded at that and got out of the car, Kitakami locking the door behind them as she did so. With that done, they entered the apartment lobby and, after she gave a call up to her parents apartment, were let inside. Soon, they were standing outside a door and Kitakami gave a knock only for it to be answered by a middle aged man with laugh lines and hair that was salt and pepper in color. As soon as he saw the Light Cruiser, he gave a laugh and hugged her, "Rika-Chan! Welcome home!"

Hugging him back, Kitakami gave a happy sigh, "Good to be home, Otou-San." As he pulled back, a woman who greatly resembled Kitakami appeared and gave her a hug as well, "Okaa-San..."

Brightly smiling, the older woman tightened the hug briefly, "Rika-Chan, my daughter..." Pulling back, she looked Kitakami over before nodding and smiling, "You are looking very good." Lips curling into a warm smile, she turned to Ooi, "Must be because Yuuko-Chan is doing her best to do so."

Lightly blushing, Ooi scratched her cheek, "Ah-haha, I try, Oba-Chan."

Only shaking her head, the woman walked over and pulled her into a tight hug, "Come here and let me hug my other daughter and welcome her home."

Tears in her eyes, Ooi felt her throat tighten as she hugged her back, "H-hai..." After almost a minute, she pulled back, but was enveloped in a hug by Kitakami's father, "Oji-San..."

Just leaning from side to side, the older man grinned, "As my wife said... welcome home, daughter."

Sniffling a little, Ooi buried her face in his chest, "H-hai... thank you for welcoming me home."

Almost as soon as they pulled apart, Kitakami Maru was right there with a big grin as she hugged the man, "Ojii-Chan!" Letting go, she hugged Kitakami's mother, "Obaa-San! Thank you for having us!"

Unable to help herself, the older woman chuckled, "You are very welcome, Kitakami-Chan. And how could we not have our daughter and adorable granddaughter here? Especially as one is celebrating a very special day." Twinkle in her eye, she smiled, "Not every day one turns twenty six after all."

Brightly smiling, Ooi just nodded as she wiped some tears away, "Hai, that is true, Oba-Chan." She waited a moment before gesturing towards Harry, "Ah, right, Otouto? I would like to introduce you to Rika-Chan's parents, Chisaka Hiroaki and Shigemi."

Harry bowed to them a little bit, "Hello, I'm Potter Harry and..." He glanced at Ooi, "I'm Yuuko-Nee-Chan's Otouto."

It did not escape either parent that Ooi's expression brightened to the point that one could swear that it was blinding in how happy it was, which made them smile as well. Bowing back, Kitakami's parents smiled at him with her mother speaking for them both, "It is very good to finally meet you, Potter-San. Rika-Chan and Yuuko-Chan have told us quite a bit about you."

As he straightened, Hiroaki reached out and took Harry's hand in a handshake before smiling, "Hmm, a good, firm handshake. You're a fine young man."

Just placing her hand on her face, Kitakami groaned, "Otou-San..."

However, he just winked at her, "Ah, don't worry about it, Rika-Chan. Just making sure that he's worthy of being our Yuuko's Otouto is all."

Only grinning, Harry chuckled a little, "Don't worry, I would have done the same in your place."

That only got him a laugh from the older man before Hiroaki gestured for them to head inside, "Well, come on, we won't get everything done if we just hang around out here flapping our gums. After all, we have a small party for us all."

Moving out of the way, he let them all enter the apartment before he closed the door behind him. Taking off his shoes and slipping his feet into the slippers provided for guests, Harry followed behind as they left the entrance. He noted how the dining room and living room were one room with a worn, though comfortable couch before a television and a seat. The dining room itself was of a normal worn table with a number of chairs while in the kitchen just over the counter, one could see food being cooked which Kitakami's mother went to.

With a hum, Harry bowed a little, "Your home is very lovely, Chisaka-San."

Laughing a bit, the older man gave him a smile, "Thank you, Potter-San. Lunch will be ready in just a bit."

Only smiling, Harry chuckled a little, "Thank you." Taking off his backpack, he pulled out several bottles, "I brought some drinks for you, if you want them."

Eyebrow raised, Hiroaki took the bottle and examined the label, "Huh... don't recognize the maker..."

Upon looking, Ooi had a grin on her face, "Alright! I know that brand, it's from Britain made by magicals. It's really good beer."

Raising his eyebrow, the older man blinked at her and then at the beer, "Huh... I know that shipgirls exist and you told us about that, uh, Hogwarts, I think it was called?" At the surprised nod, he shrugged, "Right, still kind of hard to imagine that magic exists like that."

Kitakami turned to Harry and smiled some as she rubbed the back of her neck, "Um, sorry about that, Harry-Chan. But I don't keep secrets from my parents, or at least ones that don't matter."

Simply shrugging with his shoulders, Harry shook his head, "Doesn't really matter to me, Rika-Nee. After all, the Statute is coming down sometime in the next few years. But, um..." He turned to both adult humans there, "Might not want to advertise that you know."

Taking the beer from her husband and setting it into the fridge, Shigemi gave him a nod, "Rika-Chan and Yuuko-Chan have warned us both about that, Potter-San. So don't worry, we can keep a secret." In return, that got her a nod from the teenage wizard and she smiled back, "Now, Rika-Chan mentioned that you would be bringing some food that she asked you to?" The older woman glanced towards her daughter, smirking at the blush that appeared with her next words, "I'm thankful if you did. After all, even before becoming a shipgirl, both Yuuko-Chan and Rika-Chan were big eaters. Our daughter gets that from her Otou-San."

Instead of being insulted, Hiroaki laughed and patted his stomach, "She does at that!"

Unable to help himself, Harry snickered at the embarrassed expression on both Kitakami's and Ooi's faces at that. Shaking his head, he reached into his backpack and pulled out a small box and gave a smile to the two older adults, "Want to see some magic?"

At their nods, he placed the box on the table and tapped it. Almost immediately, it quadrupled in size to their surprise. He then took off the ofuda sealing it and opened the box, revealing a plastic container. And inside that...

Ooi's expression brightened almost immediately, "General Tsao chicken! Alright!"

Eyebrow raised as he looked at the food inside which steamed, Hiroaki made a thoughtful sound, "Huh, that was impressive. So this is that Chinese food you like, Yuuko-Chan?"

Shaking her head, Kitakami smiled a bit, "Chinese-American, Otou-San. Yuuko-Chan." Ignoring the other Light Cruiser hugging Harry for now, she shrugged, "Yuuko-Chan tried it once when we went to America and really liked it. As in, she inhaled the stuff."

Cheeks flushed, said shipgirl gave Kitakami a look, "Like you were any better with some of the food over there! I remember when we first came to Canada on convoy duty and you had that ginger beef! And you talk like I was a pig, how many plates did you have? Six? Seven?"

Now blushing herself, Kitakami looked away, "Shut up."

A smirk on his face, Harry raised another box while cocking an eyebrow, "Well, does that mean that you don't want some ginger beef as well?"

The pout on Kitakami's face made him snicker some, while he went through the same process to reveal it. Leaving the stove, briefly, Kitakami's mother looked at the food and hummed, "Well, Rika-Chan was always one for beef... Perhaps leave me the recipe when you leave, Potter-San?" That got her a nod and she went back to cooking, "How ever did you start cooking them?"

In reply, Harry shrugged a little, "We get shipgirls from all over, Chisaka-San. So they teach the cooks recipes and such from back home, and, well... I learned from them."

Licking her lips as she looked at the chicken, Ooi made a hum, "Hai, though Hinata-San is already taking in as many recipes as she can." Turning her Kitakami's parents, she nodded, "She's a Jorogumo back on the base, but really nice and not like the ones from the legend."

Just shrugging, Hiroaki shook his head, "Well, if you say so. Both you and Rika-Chan would know more about this than little old me after all." Walking over to one of the cabinets, he began to pull out plates, "Now, let's get some of this food out because that smell is making me feel like I'm starving..."

Also rubbing her hands, Ooi grinned and nodded, "Hai, same here..."

Only minutes later, Chisaka brought out the other dishes. Each person got a plate with Katsukarē on it followed by a plate of Omurice. However, Ooi paused at seeing her plate because, written in the ketchup, were the Kanji for "Happy Birthday, daughter". Eyes becoming blurry, she looked up to find Kitakami's parents smiling at her. Swallowing, she wiped at her eyes, "Th-thank you... Kaa-San, Tou-San."

Both adults smiled a bit wider at that and nodded before they all began to dig in.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Leaning back on her chair, Ooi gave a satisfied sigh as she patted her stomach, "Ah... that hit the spot and was a wonderful meal. Thank you, Harry-Chan..." A light blush on her face, she looked over towards Shigemi with a bashful look, "And Kaa-Chan..."

Simply giving her a smile, Kitakami's mother gave her a nod, "I'm glad that you enjoyed the meal, Yuuko-Chan." Somewhat amused, she picked up said Light Cruiser's plate while Harry helped with the others, "Though with the amount that you ate, I would be surprised if you didn't enjoy it."

With a hum as he leaned back, Hiroaki gave a rumbling laugh, "It was pretty good." Scratching his chin, he gave a nod, "That General Tsao's Chicken and Ginger Beef were both good and I can see why you like them. A bit too spicy for this old man to have often though."

Unable to help herself, Kitakami gave a giggle, "I suppose so, though spices don't bother us that much."

All of a sudden, Ooi gave a shudder and rubbed her arms, "Some more than others." When she noticed the confused looks sent to her, she grimaced a bit, "Souryuu and her Spice Brigade."

That caused winces from all of them, and when she saw her parents were confused the other Light Cruiser shook her head, "Um... Souryuu-San, HMS Dragon, New Mexico, and the like are all, well, spice lovers. The spicier something is, the more they like it and want to try it. As in, um..."

His tone even and emotionless, Harry spoke, "As in, it gets so spicy that your tongue not only burns, but actually becomes numb to sensation from the pain it is under." Seeing the looks, he shuddered, "Neither you or Yuuko-Nee were here when it happened, but Souryuu-Oba and the others had one of their cooking experiments with a pepper that they got from somewhere. It had to have been magical... anyways, New Mexico made a pot of chili and added it to it. I swear to this very day that the steam and smoke that came up from the chilli looked like the Grim Reaper and the bubbles released the screams of the Damned."

Eyebrow raised, Kitakami gave him a look, "Harry-Chan, you're exagerating."

But the dead look in his eyes made her blink, "The metal of the pot was actually pitted from whatever they used in that and I saw a plastic spoon literally corrode before my eyes. Thankfully, no one took them up on their offer after seeing them nearly keel over from the amount of hotness in that chilli to try some." Pressing his lips together, he looked off into the distance, "Pretty sure that if someone had, they would have had to go to the hospital for chemical burns." For a moment, he paused before frowning, "I'm pretty sure that Jin cried tears of joy... and agony, when she had some."

Only blinking, the two Light Cruisers and one Food Ship looked at each other before looking back at him and speaking as one, "They were as bad as Hiei!?"

Just scoffing as he crossed his arms, Harry shook his head, "No, it was like Hiei-Oba and Isokaze-Chan teamed up to cook. Except in pure spiciness." He shuddered a little, "Somehow, Hiei-Oba got one of those peppers.."

It must be said that the other shipgirls all had looks of horror on their faces before Kitakami Maru spoke up in a shaking voice, "W-what happened?"

A moment later, however, they were all relieved as Harry spoke up, "Arizona-Oba confiscated it before she could do anything. Saw the picture and it's this black, shrivelled thing with what looks like the images of skulls on it. They needed a biohazard team to destroy it as no one wanted to take a chance."

Everyone blinked at that before Hiroaki coughed, "Um, right..." Unsure if what he was hearing was true or not, he decided to leave it rest, "Well, the food was good anyways."

More than a little relieved at the change of subject, Kitakami got up, "Well, I thought that you might like it." With a sigh, she stretched a little, "One of the benefits of being a shipgirl on the convoy routes is travelling all over and trying new foods after all."

That got her nods from her parents as well as smiles.

However, after a few minutes, Ooi took a deep breath, "I... um..." When the two older adults looked at her, she chewed her lip a little, "Y-you see me as a daughter, right? B-but does that mean that you, um... accept Rika-Chan and I..."

Upon hearing a snort, she looked up to find Shigemi giving her a smile, "What? That the two of you are together in the lovers way?" Seeing the blush on her daughter's face as well as Ooi's, she walked over and gave him a hug, "You silly girls, of course we accept that. It makes you both happy and that is what matters."

Hiroaki shrugged some from where he sat, "What Shigemi-Chan said. You're practically a daughter to us, Yuuko-Chan. And if you marry Rika-Chan? Then you would be a daughter, so it doesn't bother us any." Rolling his arms, he gave her a bemused smile as he crossed his arms, "Besides, it really is not that much of a surprise to either of us."

When the two Cruisers turned to Kitakami's mother, the older woman had a smug smile on her own face, "It was clear as a blue sky in midsummer how both of you felt even before becoming shipgirls. Hell, both Hiroaki-Kun and I discussed adopting you into the family for that reason alone, Yuuko-Chan, so that you could be together like that." Smile turning softer, she glanced at Kitakami Maru, "Besides, as shipgirls you both being girls isn't a barrier to us being grandparents one day."

At the wink she gave them, both Natural Borns blushed a little, but had happy smiles on their faces just the same. Glancing at her girlfriend, Ooi gave Kitakami a kiss on the cheek before smiling back at the two older adults, "That might be a few years yet. But, um... since there's already talk of marriage being allowed..."

Grinning, Shigemi chuckled some, "Just make sure to invite us to the wedding."

Both Ooi and Kitakami told her that they would make sure to do exactly that and the conversation turned to other matters. Soon, however, the two Light Cruisers got up and lead Harry to one of the bedrooms before opening the door. Stepping inside, Kitakami turned back to him with a smile, "And this is my bedroom, Harry-Chan."

Poking his head in before fully entering, Harry blinked as he looked around. It was, in a word, nice. The walls were done wine color and there were still some posters up on the wall. Mostly, they were of idol groups, but he noted at least one movie poster. Besides that, there was also two small bookcases, one with manga and light novels while the other held what looked like trophies.

However, what caught the teenage wizard's attention was the photographs that were on the wall.

There were various ones there of Ooi and Kitakami from before and after they became shipgirls. From the ones before, Harry could see various ones that were of the two in Junior High, with one having Ooi putting her arms around Kitakami with a giant grin on her face and doing the peace sign while Kitakami had a smug smile on her own face. Another was of the two sitting on a bench having an ice cream in what was likely High School as they had not changed much since, obviously with one holding the camera and taking the picture. One picture showed Kitakami with a violin while Ooi had a Bass in her hands.

Seeing him look at that, Ooi chuckled a little, "I remember that, Rika-Chan. We both joined up with the school band and that was our first recital."

A smile on her face, Kitakami giggled a little, "Hai, I remember. You're great on the Bass after all."

The Light Cruiser glanced at her friend and saw a look of fondness on her, though she herself felt a flash of anger. Not at Ooi, but at the memory of how disappointed her best friend was that her parents never showed for that, or any other one. Oh, they told Ooi that they were proud and happy, she remembered, but that they didn't have time for such things. After all, they were busy people, far too busy to come.

It had taken everything for Kitakami not to grab the phone that they were speaking through and throw it at the wall in pure rage at what they did and how tears ran down Ooi's cheeks.

With a deep breath, she let out said feelings, not wanting to let them ruin said memory. Head tilted to the side, Kitakami chuckled, "Those lessons really paid off."

Blinking, Harry looked over at the black haired girl in curiosity, "You both had lessons?"

Ooi gave a small shrug as she looked at him and ruffled his hair, "Sure did... well... I had lessons and just invited Rika-Chan to them. Sensei didn't mind too much about it and found that it was nice. Said that the two of us made for a good duet with each other." Considering that for a few moments, she glanced around, "Hmm... might want to bring our old instruments out at some point."

Just nodding in agreement, Kitakami reached over and took her friend's hands in hers before embracing her from behind. Chin on Ooi's shoulder, she placed their clasped hands on her fellow Cruiser's stomach, "Mmm... You did look good in the school band uniform."

Lightly blushing, Ooi looked away from her, "Not as well as you."

The two younger people in the room snickered and giggled respectively at their actions before both Natural Borns pointed at various other pictures telling story after story. Harry could see just how happy that made the both of them and smiled some. And it was not just the photos either, as there were a few trophies and medals as well that both had earned. Looking at them, it struck the teenage wizard that he was seeing a history. A history of two people whose lives had been closely woven together and even now stayed strong.

It made him smile a bit softly and, when asked, he told both Light Cruisers that. Their reaction was to blush before looking at each other and smiling. After a few moments, they agreed with him.

Eventually, however, Kitakami was looking back at the band picture and tilted her head, "You know, Yuuko-Chan, while you were good at the Bass, you were great at the guitar."

His eyes becoming wide, Harry looked at them in surprise, "You play the guitar, Yuuko-Nee?"

Grinning, Ooi gave a laugh and shrugged, "Sure can." A thoughtful look came over her face and she looked around, "Hmm... I wonder..."

Moments later, she reached into her pocket and pulled out an old, acoustic guitar from inside before working the strings. Seeing it, Kitakami gave a small nod, "I remember you learning that from Jess, the exchange student who lived in the building when we were in... oh, elementary? Both of us went to the apartment he was staying at and you learned it from him."

Lips twitching, Ooi chuckled, "Hai, and he sent us this via your parents when he went back to the US. Took care of it ever since..." Her inspection done, she hummed and noticed that Kitkami had joined her with said shipgirl's violin, "Now... let's see..."

Sitting down on her friend's bed, she took a moment before her fingers began to work. Both Harry's and Kitakami Maru's eyes widened as the two began to play "Hotel Califonia", Ooi nodding her head as she played while Kitakami smiled. Despite everything, both girls were in perfect sync as they played, happy looks on their faces. When they finished the song and bowed, both younger people cheered and clapped their hands.

And they were not the only one as Kitakami's father was also in the doorway clapping his hands, "Been a while since I last heard the two of you playing. Does me good to see that you're still just as good as always."

Both Kitakami and Ooi smiled at that before laughing and then launching into another song. For the next half hour, the two shipgirls played guitar and violin together. Kitakami's father was joined by his wife as they stood in the doorway and smiled as both girls enjoyed themselves playing together.

When they were done, Harry shook his head in disbelief, "Wow... that was so cool, Yuuko-Nee! Rika-Nee!" He then became thoughtful, "Why don't you ever play the two together back in Yokosuka? Like when they had that shipgirl orchestra event?"

Simply shrugging, Ooi shook her head, "Just didn't feel like it. I mean..." She made a gesture with her hand and chuckled, "I've always preferred the guitar, but that doesn't quite cut it in an orchastra. Besides which... I've sort of gotten used to hiding that I play it."

Under his breath, Hiroaki muttered something, and Harry caught something about Ooi's parents in it. But then, Shigemi elbowed her husband in the stomach and shook her head, "Well, it is still good to hear the two of you play." Glancing at her husband, she turned back to them, "Now, those beers that Harry-San brought are chilled if you want to try them."

Practically jumping off the bed, the brown haired of the two grinned widely, "Alright! You'll love it, Otou-San! The beer is brewed by this guy doing it for over a century."

Eyebrows raising high enough to nearly meet his thinning hair, Hiroaki gave a grin of his own, "Now this I have to taste, and it's sure to be good." A few minutes later, he sipped some from a bottle, swishing it around in his mouth. Swallowing, the older man looked at the bottle and gave a nod, "This is really great stuff."

Grin on her face as she took a sip of her own, Ooi laughed a little, "Didn't I tell you? Premium stuff." Turning, she gave a smile to Kitakami's mother who was sipping from a different bottle, "What do you think of the Butterbeer?"

Humming, Shigemi nodded a little, "It's quite good actually, a bit on the sweet side. But creamy and sort of like..." She paused to gather her thoughts before frowning, "Like that pudding Rika-Chan brought back from the States, butterscotch I think." That got her nods before the older woman got up with a smug smirk on her face, "Now, I noticed that you were going down memory lane a little while back. And I have an album to show the youngsters here..."

Face feeling like it was on fire, Kitakami had an expression of horror, "You're not, Kaa-Chan! No!"

Brightly smiling, her mother giggled a little, "Kaa-Chan, Yes!" Reaching under the table, she pulled out an album and opened it as her daughter groaned, "Now then, let's see... Ah! This is Rika-Chan and Yuuko-Chan in kindergarten soon after they met."

Kitakami-Maru and Harry leaned over to see and blinked. It was obviously both the two shipgirls, but much younger. They were clad in light blue, buttoned shirts with large, yellow hats on their heads. Glancing at Ooi and Kitakami, who were blushing, Harry grinned a little, "So this is what you looked like?"

Placing her face in her hands, though she felt a smile on her face, Ooi softly moaned, "Hai, Otouto... that was us."

With a glance at her, Shingemi turned to another page, "Now, this is what really solidified their friendship, just a few months after they met."

Yet again, the two younger people blinked at the picture, but that was because of the state of the girls in it.

Mainly because, in the picture, it had Kitakami with a cotton ball dabbing at a scrape on Ooi's knee. Said brown haired girl, by the way, had her clothing all dirtied and scuffed, as well as scrapes and bruises. But what really caught Harry's and Kitakami Maru's attention, was how she was missing a tooth and grinning. The little Food Ship turned to her "Mamas" and boggled, "What happened?"

Blushing a little, Ooi scratched her cheek, "Well... there was this bunch of bullies here that were picking on Rika-Chan. I told them to back off and... they didn't like that and pushed her into the mud. So I jumped on the biggest one and began to beat him before his friends tried to help him out." Placing her hands on her hips, she thrust out her chest and closed one eye, "But I scared them all off and they never bothered Rika-Chan again."

Also blushing, Kitakami only nodded a little as the two younger people turned to her, "Hai, Yuuko-Chan did that." She hugged her friend close and kissed her, "My hero..."

Sheepishly laughing, the other Light Cruiser had a massive blush on her cheeks.

Unnoticed by her, Harry and Kitakami glanced at the clock and smiled as they had almost the same thought, 'Almost time...'

Then, they turned back as Kitakami's mother turned the page for another group of pictures...

 

[darthcourt10]

lt_agn02

Setting down the paperwork in his hands, Vice Admiral Settle put his head in his hands. Beside him, Rear Admiral Smith pocketed his pen and stood up.

"Permission to speak, sir?" He asked.

Groaning, Settle only waved him to continue.

"I think Aso and Despatch got along rather well."

"Yeah, like oil and gunpowder."

Smith shrugged. "Considering all other factors, this was probably the best outcome."

"'The best', you say…"

"My youngest daughter broke her friendship with the best friend she had for years over a stupid argument based on just one different opinion. Now they won't even work together in the same group for class projects. The way I see it, it's best to get all the bullshit out of the way first, then build from there, already knowing what parts of a person you don't like. Always keeping them in separate units is a luxury we cannot afford."

Settle looked toward his subordinate. "I can understand where you're coming from, but if it were any other sailor at any other point in time, they would be given a DD-214 with 'Dishonorable Discharge' stamped on it."

"I'm not disagreeing," Smith commented. "But scrapping a ship girl, if it's even possible, is a very last resort. Still, we managed to keep everything under control."

"Under control? How would you call what happened under control?"

"They didn't kill each other."

"That's a given. Try again."

"Save for Alton and Sergeant Kaneshiro, the two of them were isolated in just one briefing room," Smith noted. "Since the Sergeant left to get Missouri, there were only minor bruises here and there only between the ship girls involved. The only collateral damage was two tables and Alton."

"You say that like that's a good thing."

The rear admiral nodded. "It's the difference between destroying a building via controlled demolition and the Abyssals dropping a bunker buster. Based on what Admiral Shimada said about Aso and my observations of Despatch's behavior, they would have blown up at each other eventually. Better for that to happen early and on our terms."

"And for you, that means isolating them in the same room together until they do, then have me handle the rest?"

Both admirals turned to the door and spotted the Iowa-class battleship with a now-broken clipboard. Tossing what remained of it into the nearby trash can and putting the papers on the desk, Missouri crossed her arms.

"I can't say I'm a fan of that plan," she said.

Smith glanced at her and shrugged. "I'm not saying it's the perfect plan either, but at least they know now that turning on each other won't be tolerated."

Settle groaned. "Fine. For now, have the two of them confined to quarters," he said as he leaned back in his chair. "You better know what you're doing, Smith."

Smith grinned. "Sir, you can leave those two to me. I've got this under control."

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

The Family That Slays Together.... (Finale)

17th July 2014

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York
Spoiler: The Family That Slays Together Theme

Delilah felt Zamarad's warm hand in hers and gently squeezed it as her eyes met her love's. Emerald flame warmed her heart, pushing back the pain and agony of her battered body as the Ifrit in turn drew strength from the cool, soothing presence of Delilah's leaf-green eyes.

Delilah closed her eyes, breathing in and then out before a cough caused her to direct her gaze to the rest of the room as she opened her eyes and weakly looked around. The first pair of figures caused her breath to catch in her throat.

Mother, with tears in her eyes, next to Father's equally crying avatar.

Holding hands.

Matching looks of joy, concern, and love in their faces.

For the first time in her life.

For once, the presence of her half-sisters Colombe and Jackie, Tokunotakai, Aomi, and her nieces Claire and Ehren didn't register compared to the vision of her parents together at long last.

The next second, their embrace drove the breath from her body as she was hugged.

Vaguely she noticed Zamarad getting embraced by her own crying parents Rayhan and Periezade.

But that didn't matter.

Weakly her arms lifted and squeezed the two figures clinging to her as they sobbed tears of mingled sadness and joy, pain and pride into her bed sheets.

"Mère? Père? I'm glad that you're together at last..." Delilah whispered like a little girl through the whirlwind of emotions filling her.

Deep down inside her innermost heart, a hard knot of pain that had been buried and hidden there ever since the day as a young girl she learned that her Father had left Mother without coming back because Mother was not good enough for a hero such as Norimune finally relaxed and became a scar instead of a bleeding wound.

She would never get back the lonely years and decades that she had toiled with a Father only present by her absence save in stories and memories more precious than diamonds when she saw them in a Pensieve.

Nor would she get back the painful years and decades that she had toiled trying to live up to Mother's expectations to be the hero that would make her absent father proud and redeem her mother's folly and failure that had shattered their relationship.

Jèzebel's sadly disappointed words 'What would your father think of you if Nori saw this, Delilah?' spoken to her time and again when she fell short of what she was expected to accomplish as a child, a student, an Auror, and an agent of the Winters Network would no longer be a red hot whip on her back, laying her soul open to the bone as they touched that bleeding wound in her life.

For she had finally filled the hole in her heart.

She had finally made her family more whole.

Not perfect, for all of them were imperfect.

But in the words of the Constitution that she held more dear than her life and had sworn herself to protect, preserve, and defend, it could become 'a more perfect Union'.
-----------------------

Tokunotakai leaned wearily against Colombe's chair and then spoke, cutting throught he excited babble of voices. "They are both very weary. Although the crisis is past, they need rest and sleep now. When they awaken, then you can spend time with them." The miko paused and then continued. "I do recommend that someone keeps an eye on them. I recommend Claire for now."

"Me?" The piano squeaked out as she blushed.

"Yes, you. Your music has a gift to soothe souls and relax hearts, Claire." Tokunotakai said as the others present nodded in agreement. "That is what they need now. Conversation can come when they awaken and get some food in them."

Claire nodded in acceptance of Toku's words. After accepting a hug from Ehren, Claire walked to the piano and began to play softly. The family members began to file out. As Colombe approached her post at the door, Toku gave her lover a meaningful look which resulted in a head nod from Colombe. The rapier then took a deep breath and turned to her father in the hall outside. "Father, if I may have a moment of your time?"

Norimune looked into her eldest daughter's eyes and took a deep breath. "Yes, we need to talk."
-----------------------

Toku, Colombe, and Norimune filed into the upstairs Blue Parlor and closed the door behind them. Colombe took a deep breath as she sat down on the sofa across from her father. "Father, I... want to say thank you for being there for Delilah. For the family when she was injured." The rapier stiffened her spine and took a deep breath as Toku squeezed her shoulder reassuringly while sitting beside her.

Colombe took several deep breaths before speaking with tears in her voice. "I... when Papa died in 1763, we sat the deathwatch for him. With my brothers and sister all through the night. Delilah brought back... memories of those dark days."

Norimune winced and sighed deeply, remembering times when she had provided what comfort she could with companionship to someone she loved as death came for them. "I understand... daughter. I didn't know about you then, but that is no excuse. I should have been there for you to sit alongside you to honor the life of a better father than I will ever be."

Colombe wept uncontrollably as she nodded, "I thought that I was Papa's daughter... until just before the end, when he called me over and told me the truth, that I was only his by choice and not blood. The daughter of someone else with a woman that he loved. He kept that from me to keep me from more hurt from my heritage. He handed me my brooch showing my true parents and begged for my forgiveness for letting me live a bright lie instead of the sordid truth. I... was so angry, I felt betrayed because you were not there as Papa had been. That was when I swore the oath to avenge the dishonor you did for abandoning Mother and me." The rapier's voice was choked with emotion.

Toku squeezed and steadied Colombe as the rapier took a deep breath. "However, tonight, I saw you sit the deathwatch for Delilah. I saw, and know what it took to do so for the family, for us... for her. Honor dictates that I must admit to myself, as much as I don't like to admit it, the person I blamed at Papa's funeral would never have done so. That... if you had known of me, you would have stood beside me then as you stood beside Del now."

Colombe locked her eyes with Norimune, blue meeting blue. Colombe took a deep breath and spoke in a formal voice filled with the self-control that she was using to force the words out of her heart. "I am sorry for misjudging you, Father, for accusing you of motives that you lacked for a crime you had no intention of committing. I have wronged you for all my life with my oath sworn against you at Papa's deathbed, and I declare it is discharged honorably and utterly by the authority of my titles as Marchioniess of Moulbaix and Chasteler and head of the Family."

Norimune was shocked to her core at the words, then took a deep breath of her own as her tears flowed. "I accept the apology only if you can accept my own apology for not being there for you, forcing you to suffer and endure alone without the father that I should have been. Forcing you to raise children without a grandmother. I am sorry, Colombe, and I'll do my best to make it up to you, although I don't know where to begin."

A slight smile flickered around Colombe's lips as she wiped her eyes with a tissue. "I shall do my utmost to accept your apology, Father. Oh! Actually, there is one thing that you can do for me."

"What?" Norimune asked as she took the box of tissues from Toku.

"Come with me and Toku to Kannazuki. Hachiman requested all three of us to attend. Toku thinks that it is to be rewarded for our faithful service as His Blades."

Norimune dropped the box of tissues with a curse as her face paled. "No fucking way!"
-----------------------
18th July 2014

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York

"Mutti."

Colombe looked over at her youngest daughter as Ehren entered the kitchen. "Hungry too, Ehren?"

"I could use a sandwich, yes." the dagger responded as she placed a neatly tabbed file folder on the table next to Colombe's elbow. "I wished to go over plans for my upcoming schooling."

Colombe gave a mental sigh at the clear signs of her wonderfully infuriating Prussian daughter in full 'Brief The Great General Staff' organizational mode. "Oui. So what do you have for me?" She spoke, deciding to tear this bandage off now rather than later.

Ehren handed over the second page of her acceptance letter with the list of needed school supplies from the folder. Three pages of neatly handwritten and organized notes followed in bullet point form. The dagger then snapped to attention with a heel click and spoke in her precise diction. "This is my detailed analysis and action plan, Mutti. To summarize, I already have an owl, although I need to find out if we should wait for their chicks to be fledged before separating them. I shall need school robes, the school books listed, a wand, a cauldron..."

Colombe coughed to derail the runaway train of Ehren in full Eifrigkeit Mode. "Actually, Ehren, you shall use my old silver school cauldron from Beauxbatons. It is up in the attic and I saw it during the spring cleaning in 1975."

Ehren blushed rose pink and her eyes lit up behind her cool professional face. "Mutti... but!"

Colombe raised a hand. "I insist. Papa had that commissioned for me in 1717 by Paul Crespin during a business trip to London. Later it was used by my grandniece Marie-Josephe Julie Feliciane du Chasteler in 1795 when she attended Hogwarts. After her marriage into the German Potters she passed it down to her children, until her great-grandson Karl Potter realized that it was crafted for me and returned it in 1913." Colombe's lips quirked and she then smiled smugly. "After all, it has the heraldry of du Chasteler on the sides and lid, and you are du Chasteler."

Ehren marched over and embraced her mother with tears in her eyes and voice. "Jawohl, Mutti!"
-----------------------

19th July 2014

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York

"You're grounded, young lady! Totally off field operations!!" Jèzebel's voice was firm and unyielding

Leaf-green eyes opened wide in a bandaged face. "But..."

"But me no buts, Delilah Naomi de Breuil! You could have been killed out there! What would your father...? No. Nori will tell you herself once I'm done with you." Jèzebel snapped out, leaning heavily on her cane.

"TOTEM claims that they were involved. I personally bagged Whateley for you." Delilah protested weakly, trying to slide up in the bed with a hiss of pain.

Jèzebel glanced over at the impassive form of Norimune before answering, "and Zamarad consumed their archives there so we can find out some of their secrets. Yes, I am well aware of that." A pause. "Well done, dear, you made me proud."

"And you made me proud as well, Daughter. So very proud of you." Norimune chimed in.

Delilah blushed, then the color drained from her face at her mother's next words. "I'm also aware that you went behind my back to falsify the time sheets and duty activities for the Aurors as per normal for our off the books operations with Tina's help. AND checked out a Time-Turner so you could 'get more done' to make ready for the inevitable crash of the Statute. Which I have had confiscated."

"But... I can explain...." Delilah said weakly.

"No buts, young lady. I am letting it be known that you perished in that crackdown on the zombie cult in New Orleans that I was EXPECTING you to be on instead of gallivanting around Maine. And 'Emma' is likewise deceased for the foreseeable." Norimune nodded along with Jèzebel's unrelenting words.

"Mère!" Delilah spluttered indignantly. "You never do this to Colombe and she gets into five, no fifty times the trouble on her actions! Much less covers up behind herself afterward!" Delilah looked to her father with a desperate plea for aid.

"Colombe is not being discussed here. You are." Norimune ground out as she shook her head. "I spent so long without you, I won't lose you now. You don't have to prove a goddamn thing to me, Delilah."

"Don't Mère me either, Delilah Naomi!" Jèzebel snapped out as she pinned Delilah with a basilisk glare. "The only way you get out of that bed is with an Unbreakable Oath to us that you shall not go on field operations for the network until I personally clear you for specific operations! Furthermore you shall not go on operations until fully healed and combat capable! Finally you shall provide me grandbabies at the earliest moment since I am not getting any younger and this little stunt of yours shaved a century off my life!!"

Delilah shrank into herself, "But... the Black Hills?"

Jèzebel relented, "Yes, the Black Hills." At Norimune's glance, the elder de Breuil shook her head. "I'll explain about that in private Nori. Very well, the oath shall include that you and Zamarad can travel to there as per normal operations, and you can perform basic ward checks, upkeep, and maintenance. If... if anything is breaking loose out there, you shall notify myself, Norimune, and Ehren at the earliest possible instant and wait for our arrival and assistance along with sufficient additional backup before engaging. I don't care if San Francisco is about to get eaten, I don't want to lose you."

Norimune chimed in, "Besides, Frisco was an utter manure stinking, muddy shithole armpit of the earth when I passed through there in 1854. It getting munched would be a net gain. Even if I met Jez there, it still was a shithole". Jèzebel made a face and nodded.

Delilah muttered, "It got better after the Earthquake in 1906 destroyed 80% of town. Somewhat."

Norimune laughed, "I'll believe that shit when I see it with my own two eyes."

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

It's a new snippet! Not the next scheduled one, unfortunately, that one's still taking some time working out. However, I was finally able to beat something out tonight.

It's more Select stuff, and a viewpoint that I have been wanting to write for a while now.
-----

Time

"I still say we can't trust her," the one who Scylla had learned was named "Fudo" insisted angrily. "She was working with the old bastard! Who knows what she could be up to?"

"She fixed you up pretty nicely," another sword girl, who's name she hadn't gotten, cut in snidely. Fudo growled.

Well, Scylla supposed it was to be expected. For a prospective ally, she hadn't exactly come from the best place. Miss Kumogai's recommendation, however glowing it may have been, probably didn't hold as much water with these people as she would have hoped—Fudo wasn't the only one uncertain of her, just the loudest of their number. If she was to win them over in some degree, it would probably have to be under her own power.

The question was, how did she do that?

"Ladies, please," she said, holding out her hands. "I understand that it might be hard to trust a mad scientist such as myself—"

"You're a witch," one of them—her name was… Tongo? Tonto? Ton-something—pointed out, and Scylla felt her jaw lock up.

"It's true that my heritage affords me the ability to use magic," she said as best she could without gritting her teeth. "I have trained that ability as far as I am currently able to take it, yes. But. I approach all magical things through the scientific method. I research and study magic using those same methods. Though born a witch, I consider myself a scientist," she finished, "and greatly prefer to be referred to as such."

"… Right," Tonton said, almost completely halted. "You can say that, but… can we really take you at your word? How do we know that you won't turn around and start doing your own sword experiments?"

"Having that many pointy things aimed in your direction is a great motivator to stay on the up and up," Scylla smiled.

The swordgirls were quiet.

"You know, we could just have them stay at Junsui's place," someone suggested. "That way, she can just jump her if things go pear-shaped."

A red-haired girl shook her head. "No, I don't really want to separate them—"

"Separate who?" Fudo asked, and was summarily ignored.

"That's a good point," another girl noted. "Maybe Junsui could stay at your place while she works?"

The slight, blue-haired girl shook her head. "Can't. Kaito hurt his arm, needs help around the house."

"Who's Kaito?" the one who had first suggested the idea asked. Junsui blinked.

"My husband," she explained.

There was a brief silence.

"Your what?"

"My husband. No one told you, Honjo?"

"N—Musashi?"

"He has good reflexes," someone said in a dark tone.

"Hakumei?"

"I-It was twenty years ago. I couldn't attend the ceremony, but they've visited with the kids once or twice—"

"You have KIDS?"

Junsui whipped out her wallet. "Kirimi and Hiro. I have pictures."

"WHY AM I ONLY HEARING ABOUT THIS NOW?"

Amused, Scylla watched as the scene before her dissolved into chaos. It was a welcome chance to figure out how to explain her story—that was going to come up in time, so how to tell it?
-----

The problem with time, Olivia McKay mused, was that you never had as much of it as you thought.

"Th' judge's boy. D'ye think 'e'd be int'rested?"

The manor's head of staff, a tall man by the name of Higgins, looked down at the dossier she was holding. "If you don't mind my saying so, ma'am, I have met the lad. While he's of an age with Miss Gillian, I don't believe he's the marrying type."

"Marriage 's of noo int'rest ta me."

Higgins nodded slowly. "I… suppose he would be," he admitted.

She nodded, placing the dossier at the top of a growing stack and picking up a new one.

In all honesty, she should have seen this coming. Anna, little wretch that she was, had tried to keep her granddaughter from the Duty for as long as she could. After all the strings she had to pull, the girl had resisted her training and the Duty with all the strength she could. Olivia McKay thought that she had beaten it out of her within a year, but if recent events were any indicator, the girl hadn't had the strength to deal with it as she ought.

The girl was crazy. Unable to perform the Duty properly. Worthless.

Beginning training at five years old had ended a failure. Now, Olivia McKay knew that beginning at three would end similarly. Later, and a child would not be properly prepared for the Duty and its rigors. Thus, it would be necessary to start earlier.

The Duty needed to be done. Olivia McKay would start as soon as possible.

She closed the dossier and placed it to the side on a pile larger than the stack of potential suitors. Too religious—breaking him down would take too much time.

"These ones. Track 'em doon, make th' offer."

Higgins picked up the stack. "A question, Ma'am. What are Miss Gillian's thoughts on this matter?"

"Higgins."

"My apologies, but I do not believe—"

"She'll consent."

And she would, whether or not she wanted it. Even insane, the girl knew the consequences of not performing the Duty.

Higgins gave a curt nod, and left Olivia McKay to her plans.

It was uncertain when the girl would return home. Ideally, there would be a partner for her by the time she arrived. If not, then Olivia McKay would have to lock her down. The Duty would go briefly undone, unfortunately, but for it to be done in the future there had to be a female McKay born.

One that she could prepare for the Duty from the cradle. The perfect servant of the Duty.

There was a knock at the office door.

"Enter," she said.

The girl who entered was a new hire, not yet privy to all the secrets of the manor's history. She was from the town, and knew of the McKays' history with the Duty, but nothing more than that.

"Beggin' yer pardon, Ma'am," she said, voice ragged from running, "bu' there's two young women ta see ye. They say they've a search warrant."
-----

I'm still not entirely sure how I'm going to finish Mrs. McKay up, but I will enjoy doing so. Next scheduled snippet is still Faraway Harbor IV.

Also, if someone knows how to do the really, really strong Scottish accent, would they be willing to touch this character's lines long enough to translate them? I really wanted to write them like that, but just didn't know how.

Well what do you think, sirs?

 

[darthcourt10]

RCNAnon

Weasley's Warship Workshop 15

Abyssal Interlude

Passel House, Hampshire. Late Novermber 2013

"Checkmate."

Brigid looked down at the board in front of her, not believing her eyes. She'd won! The small surge of victory she felt at winning what was the closest thing to battle she'd engaged in since she'd first been wounded filled her with a small measure of pride. Of course it had taken her entirely too much time to even get to where she was considering she was facing a destroyer.

"Aww man, I lost!" came the cry from the blonde haired destroyer.

Ardent was far from the ideal partner for Brigid to play with but she was often the only one she had. Acasta was simply uninterested most of the time and Ardent was much easier to bribe to do so. Said bribes consisting of cookies she managed to snag from the kitchen when the Head Maid would let her. The damn woman had eyes in the back of her head according to Ardent and as much as Brigid wished she could disagree, she really couldn't. Not when all of her attempts prior had been foiled by the supposed menial, until somehow a certain point had been reached and she'd managed… to get one cookie.

"You beat me pretty good too," Ardent pouted slightly, glancing down at the chess board where her white pieces had been rather soundly trounced by Brigid's black.

Brigid had been introduced to the game by watching the two other battleships play it together one of the afternoons they'd both been around. At least until she'd been chased away by the Head Maid. A few days later and a couple of questions to others, a set of pieces, a board and a book had appeared in her room. Likely the Head Maid again but her opinion of Brigid clearly hadn't improved that much given the book was rather small and basic, with the pieces clearly being on the rather used side.

It at least gave her something to do though, aside from simply reading more books.

"You should play somebody else next time," Ardent said as she stood up and stretched, headed back towards the door where she normally was, "I'm not very good anyway."

Brigid had no trouble believing that, the blonde destroyer was far from what she'd consider… intellectual and it seemed she mostly played because Brigid supplied her with cookies.

"Would you… have any suggestions?" Brigid didn't particularly like relying on the blonde for anything but at least she could converse properly, unlike some of the more animalistic abyssal DD's she'd had the displeasure of meeting on occasion.

"Mmm… No… No… No…" Ardent thought for a few moments and then shook her head. "I don't know anybody who's better than me but not like… SUPER better than me. Maybe some of the girls who come to visit."

Brigid fought back a grimace at that. Though most weren't outright dismissive of her, there was always a wariness from the girls who came to the house on what they considered "relaxation" visits. Not that Brigid particularly wanted to talk to them either. She'd prefer to see their sinking hulls going underneath the waves but she didn't exactly have much choice. Not unless she wanted to go even more stir crazy. Still there was one more option.

"What about Ron?" Surely the small if somewhat clever young human couldn't be that good.

Ardent burst out laughing immediately, grasping her stomach as she fought back the laughter. She managed to restrain it after a few more guffaws but Brigid was still rather shocked by her reaction.

"What is so funny?"

"Ron is like…." Ardent stood on her tip toes and held her hand above her head, wavering as she balanced back and forth. "This good. He could probably beat me blindfolded."

Brigid felt herself frowning as she stared at the destroyer.

"Surely he's not that much better. He's only a child."

Ardent shook her head and giggled.

"No he's even better than that! He plays Lady Warspite regularly and wins! I even saw him beat Victory once! Then there was the time that they were playing with like three boards stacked on top of each other! I couldn't even understand that one. So you could play Ron but you'd lose worse than Acasta and I did against Scharnhorst and Gneisenau."

Brigid still wasn't quite sure Ardent was telling the truth, though she at least seemed to believe her own story. Which might explain why the human had battleships that were fond of him if he could put up a challenge.

"I see." Brigid only partially saw but it was best to acknowledge Ardent before the destroyer continued speaking at length. There was only so much Brigid could take.

"So what are you going to do now? Cause if you're going to stay here I want another cookie."

Brigid pondered the question. She could go back to reading but she really didn't want to. Not now. Everything she learned seemed to simply generate more questions than answers, especially when it came to the strange human who owned the manor. If there was anyone to explain it would be…

"I… am going to see the Installation."

"Who? Oh you mean Summer. Why do you want to go see Summer?" Ardent took Brigid's words in stride, not noticing the way Brigid pronounced Installation.

"I need to ask her some questions."

"Well then lets go. Through the house though, Victoria said she was making scones!"
Brigid had no idea what a scone was but if the destroyer was excited about it, the foodstuff was likely sweet in some manner.

"Very well." It wasn't as if she could escape her guards. Especially not with both of them there, as Acasta's unwavering blue eyes followed her as she stood.

The strange little convoy, well it was her daily life now but it was still somewhat strange to comprehend for Brigid, consisting of the overly excited blonde destroyer, herself and then the even quieter black haired destroyer headed into the house. Once they entered Brigid smelled something in the air, which she assumed was what Ardent was after. The route to the kitchen was a familiar one, as it was one of the few places she was allowed inside the house. At least without being stared at strangely.

Unsurprisingly, given that she'd noticed Ardent seemed to have practically psychic ability to arrive on time, Victoria was pulling out what she assumed were scones from the oven. Another form of baked goods that she'd never seen before. Ardent of course immediately ran over to the maid and was greeted with a light tap on the hand for grabbing at the whole thing but then only a few seconds later was given a slice on a plate. Two actually, as Ardent ran back to Acasta and passed her one.

Brigid of course did not expect one. The maid, whom she was still uncertain was merely a maid based on her reading of how that should work, did not favor her with the same sort of smile Ardent got. Nor would she really appreciate such a grin either but she did not receive the respect the other battleships received in turn. She was clearly a prisoner in the maids eyes.

"Victoria! She needs one too." Ardent of course, was not of that opinion, strangely enough. At least, if she was she felt that prisoners deserved access to sweets like everyone else.

"Oh?" Victoria favored Ardent with the same humoring look before glancing up at Brigid. "Was she good today?"

"Yeah, we played chess and she won. So we should celebrate!" Ardent had an excuse for any sort of situation.

"I suppose that's as good a reason as any." Again a smile for Ardent, then Victoria somehow had a plate for Brigid in an instant. "Apple scones. Please enjoy."

Brigid took the plate carefully, not scared to take it but certainly wary enough of the woman. "Thank you."

There was an infinitesimal look of satisfaction that Brigid couldn't even swear she'd seen on the maids face before she nodded her head, acting like she was deferring to them but Brigid was sure that was not the case.

"Lets go!" Ardent mumbled around her already half eaten scone, heading towards the rear door. Brigid followed after her because she'd rather not spend more time under the gaze of the Head Maid. The destroyers were both quiet for a few more moments as they exited and headed the short distance to the workshop that Summer spent most of her time in.

The door was open as it usually was unless nobody in there, Summer for some reason never closed it while she was working. Turning the corner it was easy enough to spot the Installation… and what she was doing.

Brigid watched as Summer's mouth closed down on a bar of iron. A normal past time of any Abyssal was remaining stocked up. This was different. Brigid watched as Summer shivered with power, her skin flushing as some kind of sheer rush filled the installation.

That was merely the first bite and Summer had two more to finish it, along with another whole bar as well. Each bite seemed to fill her with power, yet it quickly disappeared once more… at least if she wasn't paying attention properly. Actually fetching the records she had and quickly pouring over them with the help of her shades showed that Summer was growing in power rapidly… which could only mean that her actual power as a Princess had been so low for so long that there was nowhere to go but up.

Yet that meant somebody was granting her that power and there was only one answer to that question given how she fawned over the redheaded human.

Before Summer noticed the three of them, she turned on her heel and headed back towards her room. She needed that sort of power on her side if she was to escape and regain her rightful place. The question of course was how.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: Not really where I thought this one was going when I started back in December but I think it works. Comments, questions, etc very welcome as always.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Eventually, the conversation died down to a quiet one as Kitakami's mother embarrassed her daughter and Ooi by showing pictures of their "Misspent Childhood" to Harry and Kitakami Maru. Much to Harry's amusement, he could almost swear that the blushes on the two Light Cruisers didn't go away once, and stayed on during the whole time. At one point, in an effort to distract them all, Kitakami turned on the television to a news channel, but it was all for nought as her mother would not be stopped.

Until, that was, one report came on the screen which made all of them turn to the screen.

"... In other news, a new discovery from the amber mines of Burma is creating quite the stir in scientific circles due to being an entirely new species of what is believed to be a dinosaur. The specimen, dubbed 'The Little Dragon' due to how it resembles the legendary creature, is believed to have been very young and was roughly the size of a sparrow when it was caught in the sap which eventually entrapped it..."

Jerking a little, Harry's head was just one that whipped towards the screen and boggled a bit. Because, there in a large chunk of amber, was what looked like a dragon hatchling. And he knew that as he still remembered Norberta. The scientist holding the chunk of amber shifted it a bit and they could all see that the palm sized creature contained within had two bat-like wings for the forelimbs with a claw midway down them. It also had small, stubby horns coming from the head, which was at the end of a long neck as well as the very beginning of spikes down its back. The legs, themselves looked strong with gripping claws.

All in all, it looked exactly like a very young dragon.

For several moments, no one said a thing before Kitakami turned towards Harry with a surprised look on her face, "Harry-Chan? Is that...?"

Very slowly, Harry gave a nod, "A dragon? Hai... it looks like one anyways." Furrowing his eyebrows, he was about to ask the age when the news reporter mentioned it and made him blink, "A hundred million years old?"

Moments later, an artist's rendition of the creature snacking on a dragonfly came up on screen and the young wizard's eyes widened a bit more. Especially as he could see what looked like small stubs in front of the chest, close to where the wings were attached. On screen, the news reporter mentioned that the odd things were believed to have been some form of protection for the wings, or perhaps a way for the creature to grasp its mate. Leaning forward a little, Ooi shook her head, "No... those were becoming another pair of limbs, weren't they?"

With a slow nod, Harry nodded, "Maybe? I'm not an expert on dragons, though..." Furrowing his eyebrows, he frowned a little in thought, "Hagrid did give us a class on them, a short one. He mentioned wyverns, which that looks like, are considered the weakest and most primitive dragons. Ron said that his older brother said the same thing too. But... that would mean that dragons have been around since the Age of Dinosaurs."

Interested, Hiroaki scratched his head, "Huh... that's actually kind of cool when you think about it." Grinning a little, he chuckled, "What's next though? Godzilla?" His chuckles died at seeing the looks that Kitakami and Ooi were sharing as well as Kitakami Maru and Harry, "... Please don't tell me that Godzilla exists. Please..."

At the end, his tone became almost pleading and Kitakami scratched her neck a little, "W-well... there were reports of a large sea creature that washed up dead after Blood Week in Okinawa. Apparently it is what happens when a Yokai known as the Hōnengyo migrates from the rivers to the ocean after spending their childhood there? Sort of like salmon..."

Just placing his face in his hands, the older man groaned, "I don't believe this..."

Ooi, meanwhile, was looking at the screen as an interview with the paleontologist who discovered the specimen happened, "Harry-Chan? What are the chances that someone will try and grab it from the magical side?"

For a few seconds, Harry was silent before shaking his head, "I doubt there's much to worry about. I mean... it is pretty old and everyone would think it's extinct. Besides which? The ICW is paying more attention to various things and they think it's a dinosaur. So..." He gave a shrug, "Probably won't even get noticed among the noise, though I might give Charlie some articles. Might make his day."

That got him a confused look from Shigemi, "Charlie? Who is Charlie, Potter-San?"

Lightly blushing, the teenage wizard scratched his neck, "Sorry, Charlie is the Nii-San of a friend of mine, Ron. He works on a dragon preserve and loves anything to do with dragons at all. So... this would excite him. And he's worked with non-magicals in regards to dragons, so he would keep quiet."

Glancing towards her daughter as well as Ooi, Shigemi gave a small nod, "I see, well that is good to hear." Turning back to the screen, she had a small smile on her face, "Still... to see such things? This truly is an interesting time to be alive."

All Kitakami did was nod, "Hai, you said it, Kaa-San..." Softly smiling, she looked towards Ooi, "Seeing real Unicorns, that was a treat."

Expression one of joy, Ooi happily hummed as she thought back to petting the Unicorns and such, "It was..."

Just nodding as she looked at Ooi, Kitakami's mother chuckled, "I can just imagine myself. The pictures were great enough to see them, made me feel like a little girl once more."

That got a chuckle from her husband before he glanced at the time. With a small nod, he got up from his chair and sighed a little, "Well, we should get ready for dinner since we're going out for it."

Utterly lost, Ooi blinked, "Out? We're going out for dinner? Seriously?"

Lips curling a bit, Kitakami gave a nod, "That's right, Yuuko-Chan. We're going somewhere for your birthday dinner." Getting her friend to her feet, the Natural Born began to guide her towards her room with Kitakami Maru following, "Now come on, I have your dress ready to be put on..."

Confused, the other Light Cruiser struggled a little as she was marched towards Kitakami's room, "B-b-but what? I don't understand what's going on, Rika-Chan?! My dress?! Where are we going-"

Any further questions were cut off as she was pushed fully into the room and the door closed behind them. Lips twitching some, Harry bowed to the two adults left, "Would it be okay if I changed in your bathroom?" Chuckling, Kitakami's parents nodded and soon Harry found himself in said room as he looked over what he had in his backpack, "At least that potion I sprayed onto my clothes should prevent creases..."

It did not take him very long to get changed into his nicer clothes, in this case a white, button shirt and black dress pants along with a black tie. As expected of a military brat, his shoes practically shone from how polished they were. The one thing that he did add was a rather expensive looking watch and that was about it. It took longer to tame his hair with Sleekezy then it did to get dressed.

Coming out of the bathroom, he did blink a little at Hiroaki who stood there adjusting his own tie before he looked at Harry and nodded with the light glinting off the watch he wore, "All ready, Potter-San?"

Lips curling a bit into a smile, Harry returned the nod, "Hai, and please, call me Harry."

Only nodding a little, the older man sighed a bit, "You know, I'm a mid-level manager in a local business." Catching Harry's eyes, he continued, "Normally, I would not be going to a place like this. Some people that I know might catch sight of us there..."

Understanding what was unsaid, Harry gave him a slight smirk, "I'm counting on that... on both sides."

A similar smirk came across Hiroaki's face, "I bet. As Rika-Chan told us the plan and we agree with it. Frankly, knowing those two, I would have jumped at this anyways."

Slowly, the teen gave him a nod, "Though there's benefits for you."

Hiroaki nodded back with a slight smile, "Hai, there is." Looking at his watch, he rocked back a little on his heels, "I'll admit though that I wasn't thinking of that until just now."

Both men made small talk as they waited for the shipgirls and older woman to finish. Thankfully, it did not take them too long to do so and when they came out, each one was dressed to impress. Ooi, though, still had a disbelieving look on her face, "I can't believe where we are going, Otouto! I've been there... maybe three times? And it's expensive!"

Shigemi spoke up with a bit of amusement in her tone, "But good."

Giving her a look, Ooi reached up to run a hand through her hair, only to stop at the last moment. Taking a deep breath, she shook her head, "Still..."

Small smile on his face, Harry walked over and took her hands in his, "Yuuko-Nee? You're my Nee-San, and it is my job for you to enjoy your birthday. So, let me do that much."

Looking down at him, the brown haired Light Cruiser let out an explosive sigh, "I can't win, can I?" At the amuses shake of the head, Ooi chuckled a little before kissing him on the brow, "I got the most awesome Otouto out there. Still don't know how you managed it."

To her somewhat bemusement, Harry's expression reminded her of a truly pleased cat before he answered, "I spoke with Mum and she called them to make sure that there was a spot. Wouldn't do for a shipgirl of quite some renown to show up and need to throw her displacement around in public. They were apparently quite pleased to have shipgirls use their establishment as a matter of fact."

For several moments, everyone stared at him before Kitakami raised an eyebrow, "Harry-Chan? Sometimes you frighten me."

In reply, however, the black haired wizard shrugged. Of course, then he turned back to Ooi, "Just one last thing left... Rika-Nee? Could you?"

Not even a second later, Ooi blinked as Kitakami placed her hands over her friend's eyes, "Sure thing, Harry-Chan."

Hearing rustling, the brown haired Light Cruiser frowned, "What are the two of you up to now?" Upon the sound of a gasp reach her ears, her voice took on an unsure tone, "Rika-Chan? Otouto?"

Chuckled met her ears as Harry answered, "Think of this as your birthday present, Yuuko-Nee. Now, give me a moment..."

Feeling Harry's place something with some weight around her neck, Ooi just blinked behind Kitakami's hands, 'What? What are they doing?'

She could feel whatever it was settle against her neck and collarbone. Not too tight, but just right to be seen. However, it was obvious that Harry was not done as next he placed something around her wrists. Finally, she felt him reach up to her earlobes gently. There was the feeling of something cool and she chuckled weakly.

Understanding what she was about to say, Kitakami answered, "Relax, Yuuko-Chan, they're special earrings. There's a charm on them to keep them attached to the ear." Moments later, she spoke up again, "All done, Harry-Chan?"

Ooi could almost feel the grin in Harry's voice as he answered, "All done." When the hands covering her eyes were removed, Ooi spotted Kitakami Maru holding a mirror as the teenage wizard threw his hands wide, "Panpakapan!"

It took only moments for the Light Cruiser to realize what was on her, but her jaw dropped. When she had come out, she was wearing her favourite black dress. Which was something that went with a lot of things, though Kitakami did not bring any of her jewelry with them. But now she could see why...

Around her neck was a necklace in a Riviere style with the stones being emerald and the metal holding them being gold. Each stone was roughly the size of a fingernail and glinted in the light. Somewhat similar to the necklace, there was bracelets in much the same style around each wrist as well. Finally, the earrings were also emeralds, but they were about the size of a man's thumb from tip to first knuckle.

Reaching up with a shaking hand, part of Ooi realized that she was now wearing jewelry that was likely worth more than she made in a year. Stunned, she turned towards Harry, "I... Otouto...? I can't..."

Softly smiling, Harry reached over and took her hands in his, "Yuuko-Nee, look at me." When she did, he continued, still smiling, "That set was commissioned by George Potter, Ian Potter's grandfather, for his little sister, Cynthia. She wore it every day that she could from then on until her death in childbirth. Ever since, it has traditionally been gifted to one of the sisters of the Family Head. You are my Nee-San, so you deserve to look good."

Tears threatened to spill out from Ooi's eyes as she laughed, "I... I see. I would guess that Hoppou wouldn't be too interested in them." Looking into the mirror again, she took a deep breath before letting it out and blinking away her tears. Ooi then pulled Harry into another tight hug, which he returned fully, "Thank you, Otouto..." Kissing him on the head, she pulled back a bit, "Thank you, I'll treasure them always."

In return, Harry just shrugged and gave her another hug, "You're welcome, just remember to give me lots of hugs in return~"

That made Ooi outright laugh and agree fully. Soon after, Kitakami was also wearing her new jewelry, which were similar to Ooi's, but with blue sapphires in silver. Kitakami Maru was just plain happy that she got a diamond pendant and showed it off proudly before taking Harry's arm in hers as they left.

Both Ooi and Kitakami were happy to hook their arms together as well as they watched, not caring that a number of people had definitely noticed as they walked to the high class rental van for their drive to the restaurant...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N.-This takes place after and builds on Let it Doki

A Piano And Her Doki

Mid-December Of The DDLC's 'First Year Of Life'

Arashi Clan Compound, Hokkaido

Music expresses that which can not be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. - Victor Hugo
Spoiler: Monika and Claire

Monika's fingertips lingered on the elephant ivory and ebony hardwood of Claire's keyboard as the final chords of Your Reality that she had just played slowly faded. Her eyes slowly opened as she came back to herself from where she had been as she poured her heart and soul out in the music from the game that had birthed her.

She shivered minutely at the feel of the creamy smooth ivory and polished gleaming ebony under her fingertips. She sensed the faint scuffs and minute depressions of fingers that had touched where she touched. Sensed the imprint of spirits of others who had sat where she sat, others who had poured their heart and soul out with the help of this masterpiece of the piano crafter's art to tell the ones that they loved their true feelings in ways that words never could. Because words were unable to speak from the heart like music could.

Automatically Monika's green eyes met the mahogany brown of Claire du Chasteler and saw a secret smile of approval and acceptance within Claire's spirit in the heartbeat private instant that the new friends shared before her Minato-chan, her fellow Dokis and those who had been called to listen by the sound of her feelings for Minato and her Dokis stood and applauded.

She was allowed to play the true body of her newest friend.

As the clapping started, the secret smile the friends were sharing widened.

Then Claire's eyes widened as she looked past Monika. A smugly happy smile lit her face like a sunbeam and she scurried past the audience, who cleared a path for her with fond smiles and knowing grins. "Tony! Ehren! Therese! Jacques! Taube! There you are!" Claire squealed out in joy in her avatar's musical voice.

Monika stood and turned to see the piano making a beeline for the grinning messy-haired man she had passed on her way out of the dining room a hour ago. Behind him were his son and daughter, both of whom were rolling their eyes with fond smiles as they carried a pair of violin cases and a cello, with the white-blond girl she had briefly met stifling a smile behind them. A fellow blond woman dressed in severe business apparel stood alongside the other blond -- clearly her younger sister or daughter -- with a coolly amused small smug smile on her face.

Claire dashed to the man and leaped into his arms, kissing him passionately as he spun her around in his embrace and returned her kisses with equal passion.

At the sight something sharp edged and catty deep in her soul relaxed and sheathed her claws. She knew in that moment that she and those friends that she loved with all her heart and soul would never have to take steps to protect her Minato-chan from Claire. She was infinitely relieved that she could have a friend support her who would help her with her sometimes troubled relationships with the others.

A moment reinforced when the piano she was standing by began to play a heart-breakingly beautiful song full of love and joy and life all on its own. A song that spoke louder than words the emotions and feelings of Claire toward the man who held her in his arms.
Spoiler: Claire Plays Herself For Tony

Monika walked back to the knot of her friends with tears of joy in her eyes. Behind the lovebirds, the blondes were watching with fond exasperation and their children were shaking their heads with smiles that spoke louder than words that this was a frequent occurrence.

Sayori hugged her and whispered in her ear as her fellow brunette stood on tiptoes. "I'm glad that you met her, Monika-chan. You had me a little worried since I know this could have been one of your bad days." Minato-chan hugged her too, joined by the other Dokis.

Monika's watery happy smile split her face hard enough to hurt as she nodded jerkily. Of their own bidding her arms found her loves and hugged them to her as they filled her life once more.
----------------------------

Presently the lovebirds disengaged and walked back to the happily playing piano. As they did a stir ran through the room, and smiles of anticipation formed. Several of the Arashis and Potters texted their friends and relatives the news and messenger spells were sent to alert people to hurry to the impending concert.

Monika watched with curiosity as 'Tony' finally released his wife's hand and took a violin case from his daughter. Rich maple and spruce hardwood gleamed with it's own subtle grain and quality, needing none of the ornamentation and inlay of his brilliantly decorated wife to announce who and what he was.

Then Monika started when the blond from earlier spoke as she stood by the cluster of Dokis. "Your first time hearing Aunt Claire play?" she spoke in her precise English.

"Yes, actually. I'm sorry that I didn't introduce myself earlier." Monika responded as Tony started to rosin up his bow. "I'm Monika of the Doki Doki Literature Club and these are my friends Sayori, Natsuki, and Yuki. And the best boyfriend in Minato-chan Potter."

The amber eyed blond clicked her heels together and sketched a half-bow as she gave a coolly friendly smile. "Taube Claire du Chasteler at your service. My Mutti Ehren du Chasteler is Claire's younger sister and shall be playing duet piano with her and the rest of our family who are here. The other string players are uncle Tony who shall be the lead violinist, and my cousins Therese on second violin and Jacques on cello." The blond girl's amber eyes lit with Schadenfreude. "My younger cousins of the Brat Quartet are grounded because they had a snowball fight with no gloves or hats. Sadly my musical studies have not progressed yet to the point that I am allowed to participate. Uncle Tony has extremely high standards for allowing us to publicly perform."

"I see," Monika said with a smirk, "after the concert, I was thinking about dragging Minato-chan off for a snowball fight of my own."

The other Dokis' faces lit up with excitement at the prospect while Minato coughed suspiciously.

Then a hush fell, as Claire and Tony nodded to each other. "Dvořák?" She asked in the waiting silence.

"Si, Dvořák." Tony's eyes gleamed and then Claire's fingers caressed her keyboard as his bow caused his strings to sing.
Spoiler: Claire and Tony Duet

The Dokis blushed and they burrowed closer to their boyfriend as Claire and Tony began a breathtakingly delicate and loving playing of Antonin Dvořák's Romantic Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 75. Beside them, Taube du Chasteler smiled happily as she saw the well-concealed look of joy and happiness on Mutti's cool face where she stood awaiting her cue to join Claire and the other du Chasteler-Potters in playing for the family gathering.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Moving Forward After Closing A Door

19 July 2014

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. - Walt Disney
Spoiler: Delilah's Retirement

"You're OK with me going back to Japan, Del?" Colombe said as she sat by her sulking sister's bedside.

"Fine, really~" The revolver pouted and punched one of her pillows weakly with the hand that was still splinted. "Stupid Mère and Père grounded me. I'm off field ops until I'm fully medically cleared. And even then I can't go back to being an Auror since I'm dead to MACUSA. Zamarad's in the same boat with her family."

Colombe nodded, "Tell me about Father being stubborn. To-chan and I finally got her to agree to come with us to Kannazuki. I don't know what her beef with Hachiman is that she dug in her heels so much over that."

Delilah frowned in thought and then spoke slowly, "it might be because she's never gotten credit for her heroic actions? I mean Mère told me about how Dad did things that others took credit for or were covered up. I didn't ask her when she was in here earlier ripping me a new one."

Colombe nibbled her lip thoughtfully. "That is a point, I'll talk to To-chan over it, see if we can help her with it. I know all about getting blamed for situations that were not my fault too. Which reminds me." The rapier's voice got sharper and more precise, "Ehren got an acceptance letter from Hogwarts. I know I didn't notify them that she existed and Jackie's not the type. So do you happen to know anything about that?"

Delilah smirked at her sister, "Oh yes~. You remember Minnie McGonnagal from the Big One?"

"Yessss~. That skinny Scottish witch in your squad, right? Joined us right before Normandy and stuck through till we took Germany." Colombe said thoughtfully. "What's the connection? Wait... the person who signed the letter for Ehren was a Professor McGonnagal...?"

"One and the same, yes. Pommie Sprout is teaching Herbology there as well, you know the tubby butterball rookie with all the nasty magical plants, right? Gussie -- you remember that little aristo psychopath with the battle axe? -- is still kicking too. They found out about me from Verdun when Mère and Gussie, excuse me, Dame Augusta Longbottom got to talking while they caught their breath. One thing led to another and I got invited to a meet and greet over there right before Kingsport blew up on me. So I used the time turner and managed to reschedule two meetings to carve out a block of time to look into that. Since they have influence in the admissions process being professors and a member of the board of Trustees, I told them that Ehren needed schooling and agreed to pay foreign tuition out of pocket." Delilah explained with a smug grin on her face.

Colombe nodded along and then frowned, "So far so good and I really appreciate you doing that for her. But -- the Nazi angle if one of them spots her body? They know what that damn swastika means."

"Relax, Sis. I explained to them that she is an SS-Ehrendolch, yes, but one that hates the Nazis as much as we all do, and kind of muddied the water where they think that she's your natural-born daughter like Ying is. So they think that Ehren just manifested as something unfortunate rather than... what she really is. I have this all under control." Delilah explained.

"That's what I'm afraid of," Colombe muttered at Delilah's glib explanation, then visibly shifted gears, "Still, I'm looking forward to buying school supplies for her and I hope that you will be up and about then. It will be a bit since I head back to Japan for a few days to deal with some loose ends there like the Arashi clan, then I have some diplomatic correspondence to answer plus Medea wanted Claire to play piano for her and a few friends during the second weekend in August. So it would have to be the weekend of the first of August for our shopping trip. Go down Friday, come back Sunday. We'd love to have you."

Delilah sighed, "I'll try to get Mother to agree to that, but no promises. That's a really surprisingly organized schedule for a change; you normally are a lot more slapdash. Was that Ehren steamrollering you?"

"Oui, Ehren." Colombe nodded in agreement.
---------------------

Akutoku poked her head into the room. "Oh, there you are Colombe. Claire and Ehren sent me up to look for you, since I'll be driving you all back to your hotel in Japan."

Colombe stood and looked at the dozing Delilah. "Oui." Colombe leaned forward and gently smiled at Delilah as she whispered, "get better soon, Del."

The Sword of Corruption nodded. "Yeah. Let me drop off this get well manga for her." She pulled out a plain book with several Japanese characters on the cover and carefully put it in Del's lap without waking her. "Time to go."

Colombe frowned slightly at the tone of glee in her aunt's voice, but then shrugged and closed the door behind them as they left.

"Thank you again for driving me, To-chan, and the kids back from Father's farm. I had to turn in the rental van after dropping us off when we arrived, so getting the luggage back to Kamakura would be a pain without your car." Colombe said as they headed to the Vanishing Cabinet.

"All good, Colombe." the purple haired Muramasa said flippantly. "One of these days I'd like to come over to Belgium and do the tourist shit."

"Well, when you do, I'll be happy to put you up at Moulbaix and drive you around," Colombe agreed expansively as she reached the others. "Shall we?"

Akutoku grinned and began to whistle a jaunty tune as she stepped through the Vanishing Cabinet.
Spoiler: Butterknife Is Another Word For TROLL

Upstairs Delilah stirred and then blinked at the book on her lap. She picked it up and her eyes narrowed at the katakana on the cover.

Slowly, she read it. "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, You stole my Car, So I got You?"

Then her eyes widened and her face turned as red as her hair when the book began to animate. Showing her a flip-action version of Norimune and Jezebel 'making up' after their long absence.

As a H Doujin.

Delilah spluttered before finally finding her voice. "DAMMIT AKUTOKU! Dad's chest is not larger than her Nodachi!!"

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N.-This is the finale of the 'DDLC visit the Arashi's arc' and is an immediate sequel to A Piano and Her Doki

The Glorious Snowball War Of Doki Supremacy

Mid-December Of The DDLC's 'First Year Of Life'

Arashi Clan Compound, Hokkaido

The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball. - Doug Larson

Yuri listened in awe to the concert. She was so happy, she thought her heart would burst from her chest. Metaphorically, thankfully.

She had dreamed a few times back when she was in the game of actually going to listen to an actual orchestra. Dressing elegantly in a evening gown, with that special protagonist on her arm dressed equally formally as they sat by themselves in a box to listen and enjoy the intricate melodies and rich multilayered meanings of the composer.

She had never dreamed that the orchestra would come to her one day.

Much less that as per Taube's whispered words during the interludes, all of the instruments were priceless masterworks: Stradivarius violins, a Stradivarius cello, and a Bosendorfer piano all played by their spirits.

As Yuri watched in delight and joy, Ehren smiled at her sister who waved her hand as she stood from her bench. Charms and enchantments manifested to shine and glimmer across the piano's lid and sound box in intricate patterns. Claire then walked to the rest of her family as Ehren sat at the keyboard.

Claire opened one more instrument case, and pulled out a viola. She played a fast set of scales, adjusting the tuning on her daughter Henriette slightly, and then nodded to her husband.

Tony bowed to the Arashis. "For our final piece, I would like to play something to celebrate your hospitality and heritage as we gather to celebrate the life of your Founder. Since you are all linked to the winter season we are in, I present to you Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto number 4 in F Minor, L'inverno."
Spoiler: A Touch Of Winter

He nodded sharply and then Jacques's cello glowed with his own charms, followed by the rest of the family in turn.

Jacques began to play a staccato pulse of eighth notes to begin the Allegro non molto in F Minor, his enchantments doubling them so two Cellos played in perfect unison. Then Claire and Therese joined in with the backing of their higher pitched viola and violin parts to build upon the melody and harmony, and Ehren began to play her sister's body, acting as the harpsichord with her own enchantments.

Then Tony's bow moved like lightning across his strings as the musical poem reached the harsh breath of the North Wind as he made the sounds of blowing snow and creaking ice in his solo lead.

Yuri shivered at the sounds of winter and felt tears of happiness trickle down her face. Then she felt a powerful hug from the shorter pinkette beside her. She gave Natsuki an overjoyed smile and reached down to return the embrace before leaning into Minato-chan's side.

She had been so wrong when she dreamed her dreams when she was just a program.

This concert would have been so much less than her dreams had been without her friends, her sisters, her lovers all sharing this moment with her alongside Minato-chan. Instead of being so much more than she could ever have possibly imagined back then.
---------------------------

The final note of the Allegro in F Minor was played and the room exploded in thunderous applause as the Arashis, Potters, and Dokis showed their appreciation for the guest musicians. Natsuki giggled as she caught the sidelong glance that Claire and Tony gave each other. She knew exactly what that glance meant, since Yuri-chan would give her that look from time to time.

With that, she looked up at her taller and statuesque friend, seeing the joy filled smile and watery eyes. Natsuki's heart went out to her elegant friend and then got a grin.

She had a perfect idea to burn off some energy!

Monika was right, a snowball fight was just what the Doki ordered!

"Neh, neh, Minato-chan! Wanna have a snowball fight?" Natsuki asked with a broad grin on her face.

Seconds later, Monika joined in with her own smile, "As the club president, I think that a snowball fight would be a superb way to come up with ideas for new poems!"

Sayori threw up her hands and cheered, "I'm in! What about you Yuri?"

Yuri nodded, her long hair swishing as she smiled shyly. "I'd like that a lot."

Minato grinned happily and mock-complained "Doesn't the boyfriend get a vote?"

Taube stifled a grin as the Dokis chorused "Not this time Minato-chan!"

The hunting knife glanced at the Dokis and let her smug smirk out. "I'll have to catch the next snowball fight since my Mother needs me. Remind me to give you my phone and email contact info before the gathering breaks up. Enjoy yourselves in the snow and Auf Wiedersehen!" The smirk widened as the Dokis ganged up and began to gently drag a weakly protesting Minato Potter toward the room where their coats were stored.

She could tell which way the wind was blowing from that quarter. As a fellow predator, she was aware that poaching someone else's marked territory was a spectacularly bad idea. Especially when friendships were still new and untested. With that thought in mind, Taube began to make her way through the crowd to the golden beacon of Mutti's head as she talked to some of the older Arashis.
---------------------------

Spoiler: Snowball Fight!

"Here it comes, Yuri-chan!" Natsuki scooped up a double handful of snow in her mittened hands, packed it rapidly, and then lobbed it at her friend who had just beaned her with her own snowball.

Yuri, forewarned by the shout of glee ducked the flung snowball, however.

Unfortunately for her, that was a diversion for Minato and Sayori who had been creeping toward her flank.

With a war cry of "Double Doki Attack!" they dove at Yuri, who shrieked in shock and then excitement as she was tackled into the snowdrift that she had been using for ammunition.

Natsuki cheered the victory, then a shiver of ice ran down her spine.

Where was Monika?

The answer came a second later in a literal spray of ice down her spine when Monika pulled her coat collar back from the nape of her neck and poured a large handful of snow down her back.

"C-c-c-coldddd!" Natsuki shrieked with a broad grin despite herself at the sensations of the new experience. Natsuki danced and wiggled around frantically to try to get the snow out of her blouse and jeans (or redistribute it for new and interesting sensations centered on sensitive areas, she wasn't quite sure which).

Natsuki gave the laughing Monika, who had retreated out of arm's reach during Natsuki's Holy Shit That's Cold Doki Dance, a menacing stare.

"Just for that! Revenge shall be mine!! Dokis Assemble! Operation Payback on the Club President is now in effect!!" Natsuki declared grandly, hoisting one mittened hand shonen-hero style as three snow covered, giggling, and red faced forms untangled themselves from the remains of the snow drift with matching unholy smiles.

Monika promptly fled the scene of the crime through a hail of snowballs and threats of dire retribution, still laughing with an ear to ear smile.
---------------------------

Minato finished scrubbing down with an uncontrollable smile on his face.

The snowball fight with the Dokis had been so much fun!

The snowball fight admittedly had turned into roughhousing and wrestling from time to time, not that he minded. All the snow down his jacket, shirt, and pants, along with the glove that he lost when they had caught up to Monika and thrown her into a large snowdrift had just made the day more enjoyable. He'd have to ask someone to use a spell to find the glove, though, before he went home, otherwise Niiyodo-Kaa-San would likely fuss a bit at him.

Finally scrubbed clean and now rinsed, he wrapped the offered towel around his waist and walked to the Arashi onsen.

He grinned at the sight of the Yuki-onna and Tsurara-onna in their own ice spring. He had tried that once on a dare when he was nine and had stayed in long enough to win a Honeydukes candy bar of his choice from Ran. He got a scolding from Hachi-Kaa-Chan but it was worth it, he thought with a grin.
Spoiler: A Doki Soaki In The Onsen

He slid into the steaming water of the main onsen and looked around as he placed the towel on his head.

No sign of the Dokis....

"Minato-chan! Can you save us some room?" He looked in the direction of Monika's voice and then his face reddened and his eyes widened as he stared. Likewise clad in a towel held around their waists, the Dokis were exiting the ladies' shower in a group.

He swore that he wasn't trying to check out their curves... but... their curves.

He swallowed a lump the size of his birth mother's hull as he watched the girls approach slowly as they laughed and chatted with each other. He had never experienced anything like this in any onsen visit before.

Natsuki was very cute as she grinned and waved at him with the hand not holding her towel. By her side, Sayori gave him a happy and loving smile as she bounced along on the balls of her feet. That smile was mirrored by Monika, who was running fingers through her hair, now down like a coral-brown wave flowing from her scalp to her back. Behind the other three, Yuri had a shy blush as she walked in the rear, half-hiding her ample chest behind Monika and Natsuki, which just made him notice her as well.

He also wasn't sure to make of their smiles as they saw him red-faced and staring at them. Unseen by him, Imuya caught their eyes with an unspoken reminder. The Dokis nodded minutely to his mother as they slid into the water one at a time to join him.

"Ahh, onsens are the best, don't you agree, Minato-chan?" Monika said as she stretched in the steaming water next to him.

He nodded mutely as Sayori cuddled against him. Sayori took his hand, and after a momentary instant of hesitation draped it across her shoulders and back to rest on her upper arm, where Monika promptly squeezed it as she cuddled to Sayori in turn. "I have to agree, Monika-chan. That snowball fight was a lot of fun."

Yuri placed his other arm across her shoulders with that same hesitation before she did so, and a deep, happy sigh, "Indeed it was." Yuri patted his hand where it rested on her collarbone, and then Natsuki put her hand over Yuri's as she hugged her friend.

Minato gave a very content sigh and relaxed along with the Dokis. His sigh was mirrored by his mother as she nodded in approval to him and to the Dokis before resuming her chat with Aunt Ehren who gave him -- or perhaps the Dokis -- a lip twitch and small nod.

"Indeed it was, indeed it was." he whispered after his voice returned to him as the heat of the pool and the warmth of the Dokis surrounding him soaked into his fourteen-year-old teenage body.

Monika smiled happily as she traced kanji in the steaming water with a fingertip, "After we finish our soak, want to put on our pajamas, grab some hot chocolate, and then compose poetry about today as we look at the snow and cuddle?"

"Yeah, I'd like that a lot as a Doki Doki Literature Club activity. I'd like that a lot, President."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Expression unsure as they got closer to the restaurant, Ooi reached up and gently ran a finger over one of the emeralds now around her neck. After a few moments, she chewed her lip before turning in her seat to look at Harry who was looking out the window, "Otouto...?"

Blinking, Harry turned towards her and tilted his head to the side, "Yuuko-Nee? Is there something wrong?"

Yet again, the Light Cruiser chewed her lip before speaking, "I... how long?" At his look of confusion, she continued, "How long have you set this up for?"

With a glance at Kitakami, Harry took a deep breath, "The reservation has been in place for a week, Yuuko-Nee. Partly because I wanted to make sure that there would be a space on your birthday."

Just wincing at that, Ooi sucked in a breath, "I was afraid of that." Shaking her head, she sighed a little, "Harry-Chan? My... parents know some people there. And they would know that we were coming, so my parents will likely either be there or show up shortly after us."

Much to her confusion, the teenage wizard seemed more amused than anything, and his next words made her blink, "I know. That's what I'm counting on after all."

Baffled, Ooi stared at him, "You're counting on them being there?" When he nodded, she winced, "But... they'll try something to ruin it. Maybe by just being there. And..."

Reaching over, Harry placed his hand on hers with a soft smile on his face, "Yuuko-Nee? Look at me for a moment." Only after she did so, did he continue, "Firstly, they won't do anything openly. Because if they do, it will ruin their reputation and to people like them? That means everything."

Unsure, Ooi gave him a look, "You're positive, Otouto? That they won't?"

Only briefly, there was a dark look over the teen's eyes before they were gone, "They're much like the Dursley's in that. And say what you will, they tried to keep the worst bits out of sight. Reputation means everything to such people." When Ooi slowly nodded, he continued, "Now, I do have a reason for this, and... it's a simple one."

Lost, the brown haired Shipgirl blinked some, "What reason is that?"

Not even a moment later, Harry had a grin on his face which reminded Kitakami of nothing more than Ooi's "Yandere Mode" when she cranked it up, "Because, Nee-San, I want to show them that you do have a family now, a much better one. That you're my family and not theirs with them never getting you back."

Despite her own thoughts on the matter, Ooi had a blush on her face and felt her boilers warm. Family... that word meant so much to her and for Harry to declare it? Somehow, in public? That touched her deeply. So when he told her to trust him, she simply nodded though she still worried a little.

It was not long after when they arrived to the restaurant and pulled up. Almost as soon as the door was open, however, Harry got out and turned to help both Ooi and Kitakami as well as Kitakami Maru out. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught some patrons leaving giving him a slight nod. Granted, more than one eyebrow raised as people glanced towards the two Light Cruisers and the jewelry that they wore with thoughtful looks.

Glancing towards him as they walked to the entrance, Ooi blinked some at how Harry straightened his back and stood up straight. It reminded her of Nagato at that moment when she was in full confidence mode, complete with his expression filled with determination. Unknown to her, she unconsciously copied his posture as well, much to the amusement of Kitakami. Upon entering the restaurant, Harry strode up to where the Maître D stood and gave him a small bow, "Good evening."

For a brief moment, the older man blinked before bowing back though his eyes widened a touch upon seeing the two shipgirls and what they wore, "And a good evening to you as well, Young Sir. How may I be of assistance?"

Lightly smiling, Harry gave a small, easy chuckle, "There should be a reservation for a party of six under the name of 'Potter'? One of the seats by the window." Without being asked, he pulled out his wallet and showed his photo ID to the Maître D', "It should be for five o'clock, I believe."

Not saying a word, the Maître D' leaned forward and examined the ID before checking the list. After a few seconds, he smiled at them and nodded his head, "Of course. If you will follow me, I shall guide you to your seating arrangements." It did not take them long to arrive, though the older man nodded as Harry moved the seats out for Kitakami, Ooi, and Kitakami Maru before the nearly fourteen year old took a seat, "The wait staff will arrive momentarily, I would suggest the filet mignon as it is quite good today. Please, look through our menu and see if anything catches your eye. I shall meet you once you are done your meal and we hope that you enjoy it."

With another nod, the Maître D' straightened and left.

Out of the corner of his eye, less than five minutes later, Harry spotted the Maître D' escort another couple to their seat within a few meters. Close enough to overhear them and for them to overhear anything that they might say. Even without Ooi stiffening, Harry knew that they were her parents. Part of him was darkly amused at how they did a double take at seeing the jewelry that their former daughter was wearing. Of course, they didn't say anything yet, just like he knew that they wouldn't.

It was then, however, that another couple walked up and this one of the more friendly sort. An older couple, who Harry guessed were in their late fifties, walked over. The man had a small smile on his face as Hiroaki stood up, "Ah, Hiroaki-Kun, I did not expect to see you today."

Bowing, Kitakami's father nodded, "Ah, well, we're here to celebrate the birthday of my daughter's friend." Straightening, he gestured towards the group who stood up, "This is my wife, Shigemi."

The man gave a small bow as did his wife, "I remember, we met at a company party about... two years ago?" At the nod, he smiled, "Just as lovely now as then."

Hiroaki gave a smile of his own as well as a nod, "Thank you, Sir. Beside her is my daughter, Rika and her friend, Yuuko, is next to her.

For her part, Kitakami gave a bow of her own, "Pleased to meet you, I am also known as the shipgirl Light Cruiser, Kitakami."

Also bowing, Ooi nodded, "And I am also the Light Cruiser, Ooi."

Part of her noted how various people were muttering to each other and had a slight flinch as she noted her parents open their mouths to say something... only for Hiroaki's boss to nod and bow deeply, "Ah, my pleasure. Not every day that one could claim to have met two of those who defend our nation from our enemies at the risk of their own lives. It is an honour."

Ooi's parents shut their mouths with an audible clack.

Meanwhile, Hiroaki gestured to the last two, "With us as well is the Food Ship, Kitakami Maru who my daughter has taken into her home, and Potter Harry."

Eyebrow raised, the older man returned the bow that was given to him by Harry and Kitakami Maru as did his wife. As she straightened, the older woman frowned slightly before nodding, "Ah! Potter Harry-San? As in the very same one adopted by the Battleship Nagato and who returned the Masamune, Honjo to Japan?"

With a slight nod, Harry smiled at her, "Hai, though I see returning said blade as just honour."

Brightly smiling, Kitakami Maru giggled, "Just like the stuff that he brought back that they put in the museum! Kitakami-Kaa-Chan took me there and it was so neat!"

Eyebrows shooting up, the older man gave Harry a considering look as he blushed, "Truly?"

Cheeks flushed, Harry gave a slight nod, "It is a museum at a shrine just outside of Yokosuka Naval Base. My Great-Great Grandfather, Potter Ian, had journeyed to Japan for a number of business trips after it opened up and brought many souvenirs back with him. They are of some historical worth, so I thought it best to allow them to be seen and enjoyed by all who wish to see them. Being as I am an orphan, I know what one's history can mean." Briefly pausing, he continued after a moment, "Though I am planning to place on display more items that my family has gathered over the years from other places in the world. They may be of a bit of interest to some, or so I have heard."

Eyebrow still raised, the older man nodded, "I see, perhaps I should visit then. Outside Yokosuka Naval Base, you said?" When Harry nodded, he hummed, "Yes." Suddenly, he started, "Ah! Where are my manners today, I'm Fujimori Kazuki and this is my lovely wife, Noriko."

His wife then bowed to them as he did, with them returning it. As she straightened, Noriko turned to Ooi and hummed a little, "Your jewelry is lovely, may I have a closer look?"

Glancing towards Harry, Ooi got a nod and raised one hand, "Of course."

A chuckle escaped from the wizard as he gave an easy grin, "Please excuse my Onee-Sama, she is still getting used to the birthday gift that I gave her today."

Upon hearing that, Noriko raised an eyebrow as she glanced between the two of them, "Onee-Sama?"

Slowly, Harry nodded with a small sigh, "Hai, unfortunately as an orphan, I do not have close blood family, you must understand. And any relatives I do have are..." He made a motion with his hand, "Yuuko-Onee-Sama, meanwhile, has been as an Onee-San to me for many years now, ever since I came to Japan in fact. Even well before she knew much about my family, she has been there for me. And it is only the fact that I need to be a few years older to add her to my family registry as such which prevents me from doing so though that will be rectified in time." The teen made a gesture and shook his head, "Like me, she understands the value of family."

Lightly blushing, Ooi gave him a happy smile, "Otouto..."

Kazuki gave a small nod, "Quite right." His next words got a flinch from a couple nearby, unnoticed by him, "Your parents must be quite proud of you, Yuuko-San." Noticing the wince from Ooi, he frowned slightly, "Did I say something wrong?"

Once more, the teenage wizard gave a sigh as placed a hand on Ooi's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze, "Unfortunately, through no fault of her own, my Onee-Sama lost her parents when she became a shipgirl."

Briefly, the much older couple's eyes narrowed slightly as they parsed that before it vanished just as quickly. Noriko then nodded slightly with her own sigh, "Our condolences to you, young lady. Still, it does us good to see that someone will take care of you." With that, she leaned down to examine Ooi's bracelet and ran her fingers over the gems before her eyes widened as she peered at them, "My word... these are actual emeralds... and this bracelet is exquisite!"

Proudly glancing at Ooi, Harry chuckled a little, "I suppose so, though the emeralds come from Columbia and the gold hammered by hand. I heard that was how they made such back then... My ancestor Potter George, had the set crafted for his younger sister, Cynthia before he left to join the British Army fighting during the Seven Years War. Since then, they have been gifted to the sister of the Family Head." With a small shrug, he shook his head with a slight smile, "Fitting, I think. And what is jewelry, but to be worn?"

That got him a nod from Kazuki and a slight smile, "Indeed, that is quite true."

Noticing him glance at Kitakami, Harry hummed a little, "I gifted the sister set to Rika-Onee-San as she is almost as much a sister to me as Yuuko-Onee-Sama. Besides which, said set will be within the family soon enough, I think."

Lips curling slightly into soft smiles, the older couple noted that both Kitakami and Ooi glanced at each other. With a chuckle, the older man nodded towards Hiroaki, "Well, I think that we have taken up enough of your time, Hiroaki-Kun. Hopefully, you'll enjoy your meal." Pausing for a moment, he continued, "I believe that I may see you personally in a few weeks, however as something has come up. It may be to your benefit in fact."

With another bow, the older couple resumed their walk to their table further away. Once they were gone, the group sat down once more. For several moments, Hiroaki was silent before glancing towards his boss and turning back to them, "Well... that was unexpected."

Unable to help himself, Harry shot him a small grin, "Potter luck works in odd ways at times." His grin falling away, he lowered his voice so that only those there could hear, "Sorry about that, Hiroaki-San. He was... sounding me out a little about things."

More than a little confused, Hiroaki frowned, "Sounding you out? About what?"

Glancing towards the man in question, the wizard took a deep breath before letting it out, "It was a sort of test to see what sort of family I came from, Old Money or New."

Eyebrows furrowing, Hiroaki blinked a little, "How old is your family, Potter-San?" Seeing the amused look, he rubbed his neck, "Just out of curiosity."

Not answering right away, Harry rubbed his chin and spoke at a normal volume, knowing that various people were listening in, "How old is my family?" At the nod, he chuckled a little, "My oldest ancestor that I have found with the Potter name was Potter Hardwin who was born around 1115 as a matter of fact. Though he married the last of the Peverells in Godric's Hollow, and that family is quite a bit older. So my family is quite old as a matter of fact."

It went without saying that the fact that his family went back to what was considered the late Heian Period in Japan caused more than one eyebrow of those listening in to shoot up.

Not that Harry noticed mind you... well, he did, but it was more amusing than anything else.

Picking up the drink menu, Hiroaki frowned a little as he looked at the list, his wife looking over his shoulder. Eyebrows furrowing, he glanced at Harry and decided to take a small chance as the teen seemed to know quite a bit, "Harry-San, a question."

With a hum, the teenage wizard set down the glass of water he had been sipping, "Hai?"

For a moment, the man took a breath before letting it, "What would you suggest for drinks, if I may? Considering where we are."

Harry didn't say anything right away, but rather had a thoughtful look on his face before nodding, "I am unsure exactly, but we could ask the sommelier, the wine steward about what they would believe would be best with the dishes we might order. They're trained in such things and would do much better than I could. But... in general? It depends greatly on what you are eating and how it is prepared. For example, an old saying is white wine with fish, red with meat."

Just blinking, Kitakami looked at him with her eyebrows furrowed, "Really?" There was a tickle at the back of her mind from one of her crew, "Wait... white wine with white meat, and red wine with red meat, right?"

Lips curling into a smile, the nearly fourteen year old male nodded, "Exactly, that is the basics of a wine pairing. You must also take in the weight as a robust, heavy red wine might overwhelm a light fish dish, but a light white wine would be overwhelmed by, say, a heavy beef stew." He motioned with one hand as he continued, "A good general wine for many meals is one that can be drunk while eating a raw, uncooked apple and tastes good. But a good wine can be paired with cheese for something wonderful."

Frown on her face, Ooi considered that before blinking, "What about damson wine? Or blackcurrent wine?" At his thoughtful look, she blushed a little, "I remember that your... our family, made them using the orchards around the manor back in Britain."

Unnoticed by her, several other patrons stood up a bit straighter. Harry, meanwhile, simply nodded with a slight smile on his face, "Ah, those are fruit wines, as is the elderberry wine that my family has also produced. Britain's climate is not conductive to growing grapes, after all. But as for food, they are a sweeter wine, and thus best with desserts. Damson wine, for example, when done right is equal to a good port." Hands clasped in front of his face, he hummed, "We also produced perry, cider, and plum jerkum. Perry and cider are somewhat similar, with cider being good with pork for example. Plum jerkum shouldn't be drunk straight, however, as you can get drunk off it easily. Best to cut it with a good cider."

Interested in the conversation, Kitakami leaned forward a bit as she remembered something, "What about the kirschwasser you brought back from your German properties?" When he looked at her, she frowned some, "I remember you telling us to have it with chocolate?"

Just chuckling, Harry had a slight grin, "Kirschwasser is a brandy made from sour cherries. While I am still too young to taste it, I heard that it was very good." Frowning, he scratched his chin some, "Which is to be expected, I suppose. Johann has been a servant for my family for many decades and has been making it nearly as long, though he does wish that I dropped by more often being the last heir of both the British and German branches." A small smile appeared on the wizard's face, "His nee-san, Marie? She's the Head Maid there and uses it in the traditional black forest cake she makes. Trust me, it is to die for." Even as the others at their table nodded, he noted that Ooi's parents were gripping a few utensils extremely tightly. Tightly enough that their hands shook, which made him internally smirk, "Though you should be able to try it when I introduce you to them, Yuuko-Onee-San."

For her part, the brown haired Light Cruiser smiled a little, "I'll be looking forward to it." Licking her lips a bit, she giggled, "As well as the sausage and such that Johann makes."

Various people within earshot raised eyebrows and mumbled a bit with nods, even as Ooi's parents turned various colours.

However, the group spoke to their waiter and the sommelier who joined their table. Soon enough, however, they ordered the appetizers which came and was placed at their table. Harry had ordered the ikayaki while Hiroaki ordered the gyoza as did Kitakami Maru. Both Light Cruisers, meanwhile, had ordered hiyayakko and Shigemi ordered the chawanmushi. There was also rice and some salad as well. As their food was placed before them, they thanked their waiter who bowed with a smile before leaving.

Sitting as she looked over her choice, Shigemi looked at the utensils before her with a slight frown, "Hmm..."

With a blink, Kitakami looked up from her tofu with a slight frown, "Is something wrong, Kaa-San?"

Lips twitching a little, her mother shook her head, "Sorry, Rika-Chan. I've... never been to a place like this so I am unsure which utinsil to use."

Out of the corner of her eye, Ooi noticed the slight smirks on her parents faces and knew that they would be making a comment. Reaching over, she squeezed Kitakami's hand before smiling herself, "Don't worry, Kaa-San, both Otouto and I can explain if you want?"

That brought up her parents short and they gained odd expressions.

When Shigemi nodded in agreement, both Harry and Ooi began to explain each utensil and their function. And while the Light Cruiser did not notice the nods of approval from the various people outside her parents, Harry did and internally smiled because of the message there. Finally, they were done and Shigemi gave a small nod, "I see... I'll try my best to remember." Taking the soup spoon, she looked at the tea cup sized serving before her with a smile on her face, "It's not often that I have chawanmushi."

Slowly, Harry hummed with a slight nod, "I will admit, I was tempted to try it as well as the tongue toast, but perhaps another day. One doesn't want to fill up too quickly after all when sitting at the table and thus be unable to enjoy the meal."

Nods met him at that, and not just ones at the table either while Ooi's parents looked at their larger serving of appetizers with befuddlement.

As they enjoyed their appetizers, Hiroaki glanced at the menu with a small grimace, "Harry-San, are you sure that you don't mind? I don't want to cost you too much."

If anything, Harry had to hold back a smile even as his lips twitched, "Don't worry about it, money isn't an issue here. What is an issue is giving Yuuko-Onee-San a good birthday, the best that I can. Cost is nothing for that or your enjoyment."

Unsure still, the older man slowly nodded.

Turning back to their meal, the group continued chatting about various things as the appetizers gave way to the main course. Leaning forward a bit, Ooi smiled at Kitakami Maru who was chewing happily, "How're the tournedos?"

Finished chewing, Kitakami Maru smiled as she swallowed and took a sip of her Italian soda before answering, "Really good, Yuuko-Okaa-San. It is really tender."

Lightly chuckling, Ooi gave a small nod with a hum as she cut a bit of her own meal, "That is to be expected. The beef tenderloin is great as well."

Only humming, Harry smiled a little, "To be expected honestly. The wagyu beef is exquisite as one would think and with a good marbling. Also, the side is cooked to perfection like the beef itself." Getting nods and comments around the same line, he took a sip of lemon water before turning back to Ooi, "By the way, Onee-Sama? Have you made any decisions on how you wish your room to be decorated at the manor? The one in Britain, I mean."

Not saying anything right away, the brown haired Light Cruiser considered her thoughts a little, "I've been thinking about it, though the room is pretty big." Turning to Kitakami's parents, she shook her head, "Its the size, total, of a large apartment without any walls, with wood floors... except the part close to the fireplace, that's stone."

Kitakami shook her head a little and gave a small snort, "The fireplace is something else, you can literally stand up in it without any problem!"

Grin on his face, Harry snickered a little bit, "Of course it is that big! How else would you warm the entire room otherwise?"

A soft snort came from the black haired Light Cruiser, "Oh yes, how else?" Rolling her eyes, Kitakami shook her head, "That's not counting the private bathroom with a walk in shower and a bath that all of us could fit in sunk into the floor. A metal chandelier as well above it."

Her parents blinked a little at that while the other Natural Born had a thoughtful look on her face. Turning to Harry, Ooi took another bite of her meal before humming, "Well... I have given it some thought. I think that I would like that one wooden bed? You know, with the red stained wood and flowers carved in, and has a canopy as well as curtains?" A light blush appeared on her cheeks as she glanced at Kitakami who also blushed, "For reasons..."

Unknown to those at the table, Ooi's parents gave her a disgusted sneer, only to freeze at the disapproving looks given to them, quickly going back to their own meal silently.

Meanwhile, Harry gave a small nod of his own, "I know the one that you're thinking of, Onee-Sama. It's the one with the carved vines that go up the bedpost, right? And that would look good in your room." When she nodded, he scratched his chin some, "If that is the one you want, I'll contact the mattress maker to have one made as well as sheets, curtains, and a new canopy as it was in storage."

Confused, Shigemi frowned a little, "Potter-San? Why would you need to go through all that?"

Lips twitching a little, Harry shook his head, "The bed is from the sixteenth century. They didn't have standard sizes back then, so the only way to get a mattress is to have one custom made, same with everything else. Not a real issue though as I know where to go and all they will need is the dimensions of the bed. With that, they'll be able to make everything." Lips curling into a smirk, he glanced towards Ooi, "I'll use the ones who make the beds at the school I go to."

Intrerested, Hiroaki raised an eyebrow, "Beds at the school you go to? I know that Rika-Chan mentioned that you go to a boarding school, but... not much more than that."

Shaking his head, the male teenager smiled, "It's a somewhat exclusive boarding school up in the Scottish Highlands next to a small loch, um, lake. Anyways, there's only a few hundred students there total running from middle to high school level. My biological parents went there with my biological Okaa-San having been given a scholarship after being noticed in elementary. My biological Otou-San went there as a family tradition like his parents and grandparents stretching back a very long time." He then gave a small shrug, "Both Rika-Onee-San and Yuuko-Onee-Sama enjoyed the beds there when they came to see a school game."

While Kitakami's parents understood that it being exclusive meant that it was magical, the same could not be said for those listening in. Meanwhile, unknowing it what was going on, Ooi gave a soft sigh, "Ah, tell me about it. I sort of wanted to know if they would sell me one with how comfortable said bed was. If circumstances were different, then maybe I..."

Simply reaching over, Harry grasped her hand and smiled, "Well, your children could very well go there one day. I'm even willing to bet on it."

That got him a nod from both Light Cruisers though they blushed slightly when they looked at each other. Other people blinked and gave Ooi interested looks. Ooi then turned back to Harry with a thoughtful look, "As for the rest... I'm thinking one of the tables that were there in the storehouse as well as at least two high backed chairs? Those were comfortable."

Moments later, she heard a cough behind her and her mother's voice speak up, "Oh my, how awful to need to reuse things... perhaps they can't afford better..."

Hearing her trail off, Ooi clenched her fists, only to blink as Harry smirked and seemed more amused. Rather than say anything, he rapidly tapped out Morse code into the table. The "Don't worry" and "They don't find it funny anymore" bits made her blink... until one of her lookouts peered our from behind her hair. She blinked as both her parents looked like they swallowed a frog while various other patrons were giving them looks of mild disapproval and disgust, 'What is all that about?'

Her attention was grabbed though as Harry spoke up, "That's doable, we'll have to see which ones you want. As well as any paintings you might want to grace your room with, or a tapestry if that is what you want..." Tapping his chin, he gave a small nod, "There's a Ming vase or two as well if you want something in the table. Fresh flowers always brighten a room."

Parents forgotten, Ooi gave a nod as her eyes lit up, "I have a few ideas from what you have stored away. But definitely one of the nicer carpets."

Humming as he rubbed his chin, the teenage boy smiled, "One of the old Ottoman ones, I would think might look nice there. What do you think, Rika-Onee-San?"

With a blink, Kitakami gave it a moment of thought as she chewed and swallowed before nodding, "Those are rather nice..." A grin crossed her face as she giggled, "Or maybe that bear rug that you described? That could be nice~"

She finished that off by looking at her fellow Light Cruiser with a smirk, with said shipgirl looking away and sipping some of her wine to enjoy it. Because it was really good, no other reason. None at all...

Corners of his mouth twitching madly, Harry barely held back a snicker. Head tilted to the side, he hummed a little, "I don't see an issue there, after all my Great-Great Grandfather Ian brought it back from a hunt on Kamchatka for a reason. And that reason was not to stay locked away out of view."

Realizing that there was a chance, Shigemi decided to get to know him better a little, "Do you hunt, Potter-San?"

Just scratching his cheek, Harry gave a sheepish laugh, "A little? Nothing bigger than a deer or wild pig though." He gave a small shrug, "Much prefer fishing."

Softly snorting, Ooi shook her head, "I remember that picture of you with a pike you caught. That thing looked vicious."

Only shaking his head, the teen wizard chuckled, "Put up a vicious fight, nearly tore my hand when it tried to break free when I grabbed it. Nasty teeth on the buggers, but they're tasty when cooked right."

Unnoticed by Ooi, as the meal continued, her parents got more and more disgruntled. They didn't make many comments, and by the time the main course was done, they called their waiter for the bill and then got up to leave. Seeing that, Kitakami hummed some, "Huh, seems that someone is leaving before dessert. Think that they didn't like the food?"

Harry gave a small, unconcerned shrug, "Doubtful, the food is wonderful both in presentation and taste. But perhaps they have some indigestion. Could be because of missed opportunities as they lost their daughter some years before from no failure of said girl's own. It can really turn the stomach, I believe."

Various conversations died and people looked at Harry's table, in particular Ooi as they remembered a previous conversation and then at her former parents. One could almost hear the clicks of connections being made. As for said former parents? They bristled and turned around to look at Harry, who simply raised his wine glass of lemon soda water up and tipped it towards them with a smirk before taking a sip of it. Both adults turned an interesting hue of red and white as they realized the looks before they quickly turned and left.

With a soft sigh, Harry turned and gave Ooi a smile, "Well, nothing important, I suppose. Not compared to celebrating your birthday. So..." Clasping his hands, he smiled, "How about dessert?"

For some odd reason, Ooi felt... very happy and agreed immediately. And in the Timor Sea, a certain Re-Class blushed and felt flustered as she somehow knew that Harry just ruthlessly and viciously took care of an enemy...

 

[darthcourt10]

Kab2

Well, today I bring you a headcanon explanation of a situation in this universe, as always canonicity is up to HL

-------------------------------------

November 2001

Cafeteria, Tokyo

A man near his thirties was sitting in the outside of the cafeteria waiting for his friend.

He came in advance as he liked to ponder about the thing he will discuss with him, so as he waited he recalled how good the past year was for them, he didn't believe how popular their published novel became, so much that they published some short stories in January and a sequel three months ago, and they were working on the release of a fighting game based on it; but what he want to discuss with his friend was the next project, a novel about heroes brought from the past to fight between them, showing the hard road the main character had to travel. While he wrote the novel, his friend apported the illustrations, sometimes basing them in real people, like that greek mountain of muscles or the pair of greek ladies, he wanted to change some things about the novel, but he wanted to consult with his friend.

He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't notice the woman approaching him.

"Excuse me." said the woman in japanese with an english accent. "I know it may sound disrespectful, but may I sit here while I'm waiting for my sister? there aren't any other seat available."

Snapping out his train thought, he surveilled the terrace and saw that effectively there weren't any free seats, with that he said to the woman. "Sure, I am waiting for a friend too so until he comes I don't mind."

"Thank you very much." said the woman bowing. "It is my first time in Japan and I wasn't sure if it was allowed or not."

Laughing internally, the man said "It sounded like you read about Japan two hundred years ago, we aren't like that for the most time."

Blushing a bit, the woman said. "Sorry about that but I really meant it, ah yes." she remembered something. "Where are my manners, I haven't presented myself, My name is Lib Draig, or how the japanese names are constructed, Draig Lib." she bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Getting up from the chair he bowed too "The pleasure is mine Draig-San, my name is Nasu Kinoko, please sit down."

As they sat, he looked at the woman in front of him.

She was of petite build, green eyes and blonde hair with a rebel lock at the top of her head, her hair collected in a circular braid at her head's back, a blue scarf around her neck and a white coat protecting her from the cold winter, a blue skirt with black leggings accompained by brown boots.

As they chatted a bit, suddenly Nasu thought of something.

"If it is not prying much, as you are from Great Britain, how much do you know about King Arthur's leyends?" asked Nasu.

Narrowing her eyes, she asked "I know a bit, why do you ask?" in a tone that gave a warning.

Confusing her gesture for rudeness in his question, he said. "Sorry if I was rude, I am writing a novel that involves him, so I wanted to know another side apart for what I know." and he explained a bit about his project.

After hearing the explanation, she relaxed "It is a wise choice to ask about him if this is your motive. I approve." suddenly she thought of something. "In fact, I am an expert in King Arthur's life, so I can tell you lot's of facts about him."

"Oh? That would help me a lot to fill his backstory, thanks for the offering I am in your debt." he said with sincere tone.

If there where any doubt lingering, his tone cleared him from suspicions about second intentions to Draig.

An orange haired girl with yellow eyes waitress approached their table "Here are your orders, anything else?." at their negative, the maid bowed to them and went to attend other tables.

Not saying anything, Nasu was surprised at the amount of food she ordered, removing her scarf, he caught sight of a pendant in form of a sword she wore 'Nice sword.' he thought.

As they eated, she explained a bit of what she knew of the story of King Arthur, surprising Nasu more and more.

After Draig finished, Nasu wondered. "So for what you explained, their life was a lot different from what the books say."

Draig nodded."And you don't know half of it."

Nasu pondered a bit and then an idea came to him."So we can say that he strived to be the perfect king, but failed."

"We can say that, indeed." she said as she removed.

"I now have an idea how to portrait him better, thanks." Nasu sincerely said.

"And I am glad that I could help you, and just in time, here comes my sister." said Draig looking at her right side.

Glancing to that side he could see a girl almost identical to the one sitting in front of her, but her hair was collected in a tail with a black ribbon, she wore a white skirt and coat and in her neck was a pendant that resembled a sheath; she was talking to the man Nasu was waiting for as they approached.

"Sorry Kinoko for being late." said the man "But I found this girl and asked me for directions, and as we needed to go to the same place we chatted and lost a bit of time."

"Don't worry Takeuchi, thanks to her sister I found some inspiration to finish the current proyect."

Rising from her chair, Lib bowed to Takeuchi. "Thanks for guiding my sister Val to our meeting, she often get lost."

"I didn't get lost!" said Val with a pout "I only took a wrong turn."

Sighing, Lib said "I'm not discussing this again." turning to the two men she said. "I know it can be a bit disrespectful, but can I shake your hands? To say goodbye the same way as in England."

Pondering a bit, they didn't have any objections so they did so, but when they were doing it an image popped up in their heads.
Spoiler: Lib's image

That image transmitted a sense of peace and resolution, it persisted in their heads even after the shake ended and when they looked at Lib she gave them a knowing smirk.

"Oh! I have to thank you too!" said Val with enthusiasm, showing her eagerness to be like her sister.

And when Val shook their hands they saw another image clearly different to the other one.
Spoiler: Val's image

This one transmitted a feeling of opposites, and a bit of... conclusion?, they didn't saw the image too long so they didn't know what to think about them. Val retreated from them and didn't show signs of knowing that her contact showed them a glimpse of the future; Lib thought they were still shocked because the image she showed them in gratitude.

They stood there as Lib paid her bill and said "It was a pleasure trading ideas with you, I wish you success with your novel and I'll be waiting to read it when it gets published." they bowed and left to do their errands.

"Thanks for eating at Ahnenerbe." said the orange haired waitress with a smile "We will welcome you again next time you come."

A bit of time passed as the men processed what happened.

"You know" began to say Nasu "I will accept your idea of changing the main characters' gender, and I will add a new arc where the Servant turns evil."

"Okay," said Takeuchi "And I have the model for the Servant, so she will be Arturia Pendragon?"

"You have read my thoughts, my friend."
------------------------------
What do you think of my approach?

I hope you like this snip, thanks for reading.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N. -- Just a look on the most interesting father-figure in Colombe's life. That went places on me....

Un jeu d'échecs

Vounó Ólympos, Aeolia, Greece

23 June 2014 (During the Battle For the Orochibunker)
Spoiler: A Game Of Chess

Intent brown eyes narrowed at the grid of white and black squares laid out before him. The man stroked his dark blond goatee and then finally nodded. At his command one of the silver tokens marked with a single Greek mu letter advanced across the game board to sandwich a golden token marked with an owl between itself and another silver. With a flash the gold vanished.

The young man smiled slightly and picked up an electrum goblet filled with wine of Cyprus from where it rested at his elbow. He sipped the rich wine and then suddenly paled as the young-seeming raven-haired woman across from him made her move. One of her tokens slid through the hole in his battle line that her sacrificial move had exposed, reaching his rear areas and stopping there to menace his crumbling flank as his defense collapsed.

Gray eyes flashed in satisfaction as she leaned back on her chair and picked up her own wine cup. Ivory fingers stroked the feathers of the owl that perched beside her as she sipped her wine.

He leaned forward computing odds, possibilities, mapping out the possible outcomes of the game of petteia that he was playing. Presently he spoke quietly. "I see... seven moves until my defense is shattered and compromised irrevocably on the left. I could perhaps advance on your center here," he pointed to three pieces and sketched an advance with his finger, "but that is at best delaying the inevitable as they are enveloped and destroyed once my flank collapses. Unless you make a mistake as you press the advantage."

He smiled sardonically and saluted the figure across from him with his wine cup. "Of course since the next time you make a mistake in games of strategy and skill played against me shall be the first, I must salute the victor. Well played."

"Well fought. You have improved in your skills. I shall note that you are incorrect though. By sacrificing these two tokens, you could delay the inevitable for nine moves." The woman across from him spoke pleasantly as two of his tokens glowed.

Jean-François du Chasteler leaned forward, eyes intent on the two pieces. "May I?" he asked politely.

She nodded and he began to play out the variation proposed. Finally he nodded. "Ahh!! I see that I would sacrifice here to slow you down followed by a suicidal attack there to fend off your crushing advance until the disruption could be righted. Nine moves then. Thank you for the gift of wisdom."

Pallas Athena gave him a measuring look. "You are a strange man, you know." She spoke analytically.

"How so?" He asked curiously as he finished off the cup of wine. He tented his fingers and leaned forward with an inquiring look on his face.

She waved her hand and the pieces vanished while a golden automaton shaped like a maiden came forward and poured more wine for them. "This. You have many, many gifts, but lack the hubris that destroys heroes. You are intelligent, a man with a cunning mind, blessed with a silver tongue, and ambitious with a drive to prosper and triumph. But not to the point where your arrogance destroys you. It is rare indeed to meet a mortal with those qualities." Her raised ebon eyebrow invited him to satisfy her curiosity.

"Simplicity itself. As a boy, I learned that I lacked the strong magic needed to advance and prosper among my kind." His face twisted for a moment in outrage, "so I was forced to compensate for that lack in other ways. I knew that I would never be the head of the Family, never be a powerful wizard. But I knew equally that my brothers would in the main do their best to destroy me after Father finally passed away since I was weaker than them. If they saw me as a threat to them once they took charge of the Family."

"Likewise when I was thrown out of wizarding society for lack of sufficient magic, erased from the Malfoy family records as a Squib, I was merely a new and untried non-Magique noble, and I had a definite limit to what I would be capable of. I did not have an aunt who was the queen's lady-in-waiting, or a noble heritage known and honored by the no-maj or a great-uncle who was a Marshal of France." His smile was vicious as he continued, "but I had one thing that those popinjays and fops all lacked." He smirked smugly like his daughter Colombe and tapped his temple with a fingertip. "I had the ability to take the best of my heritage of magic and of the discoveries of the non-Magique in science, in law, in philosophy, in education and merge them. To be the trusted advisor behind the throne, whispering in the monarch's ear good advice to have him prosper and yet to be too lowly and too outwardly unimportant to be a threat to the more established power blocks as I patiently neutralized them."

Athena nodded along as she leaned forward with a fascinated look on her face. He continued as she stared into his eyes, seeing the thoughts he had normally hid from his peers. "As for those things that I lacked, I could bind them in mutual alliance to me as well-rewarded and respected servants. Train my children to carry on my family name and heritage, to be remembered as the spider weaving his webs of influence, obligation, debt and diplomacy who laid the foundations for us to take our rightful place among the elite. This climb to greatness has been done before of course by those men who blazed their immortal name in history. Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Septimus Severus, Periklēs, Themistoklẽs. And since it had been done before, I resolved to learn from those who had done it before. From their victories and defeats, their triumphs and tragedies. Better for them to make the mistakes and then for me to profit from their harsh lessons."

He grinned sardonically, "And in the main, we du Chastelers prospered, not least thanks to my adopted daughter and the children of my blood. I'm very proud of Colombe, proud of them all, since she and they took the Malfoy ethos of the good of the family being above all with her own example of unbending honor to make us respected and feared. Others of the family and our servants and advisors served and advised us equally well, of course, since no man can be expert in all things. But together we are so much stronger than apart. When the family as a whole prospers, when if the general or monarch that I advise succeeds and is crowned with glory while viewing me as a useful and valuable part of that success, does it truly matter whose the name on the monuments really is if it is someone I could not supplant directly without destroying the structure of society where my influence rested? I could not face any of my foes, either my brothers or later my rivals, directly strength for strength if I played by their game and their rules, but when I was strong where they were weak, wise where they were foolish, I won a battle that was decided before they knew that it had been begun."

He finished and met her eyes unflinchingly as she probed his thoughts and his mind with her gaze. Finally she nodded. "Well said. Another game?"

He bowed his head to Athena. "Chess perhaps? I confess a preference for the game after being introduced and did some of my best thinking over the board as I played against my children, my peers in the nobility, or those who could challenge and push me such as my regular opponents at the Café de la Régence, especially André Danican Philidor." He grinned happily with memory of matches against the greatest chess players in Europe during the years that he lived, "I have been thinking hard upon the events about to happen in the Mortal World that will impact us here. To quote one of the better modern authors, 'chaos is a ladder'. A dangerous and deadly ladder to use, but it is a ladder."

Her eyes sharpened and she spoke with unhidden delight. "Chess then, and I confess interest in your thoughts on events. I have my own of course, but a wise woman always listens to other perspectives to see if there is gold among the dross."

A set of chess pieces of gold and silver formed between them after he began to speak. "I shall play Black. In my life, I learned that in any large change there is opportunity as well as danger. Danger to those too blinded with the past to see the future shifts ahead of them, but opportunity to those who can look at the shifts and manipulate them to his... or her... ends."

She moved a silver pawn forward on the new board, a move that he mirrored. Across from him, Athena nodded thoughtfully, her gray eyes keen and bright. "Yes~.... Now I regret greatly that you were never claimed by me. You were not of Greek birth, were you?"

Her golden knight moved and he responded with the Philidor Defense as his queen pawn move reinforced the fight over his king pawn. "Not that I am aware. We were supposedly descended from a Roman who was the legate in Gallia Lugdunensis under the Flavian Dynasty of the Roman Empire but the farthest we could prove it definitely with magic or records is the time of Charlemagne's grandfather when we were Barons in Francia. Before then?" He shrugged expressively.

Athena smirked and pressed the attack on his center. "Perhaps I should take the opportunity to meet your daughter. While she is claimed by Hachiman, as you are, I would see for myself her temperament and quality."

He nodded and moved his knight, "Indeed. When the Statute falls, there will be a reappraisal of myths and legends by humanity. After all, when the Cyclopes and Minotaurs provably exist on Circe's Island, what else in the myths of Ancient Greece, the Iliad, and the Odyssey will humanity believe in next? And in that time of change, well heroes such as Colombe are always useful for those needing great deeds done indirectly. I am sure that Hachiman would be amenable to discussions on joint use of some of his assets."

She gave him a measuring look sharper than her spear. "Your advice again. No doubt you have spoken to Hachiman about what you think should be done."

She waved for more wine from the golden automaton servant as he finished this cup and spoke agreeably. "He has asked my advice and opinions, yes. I am, after all, one of the few he has in his service who did not come from Japan and a unity of viewpoints on events present and future can result in blind spots caused by the group's consensus. As for what He plans for future events, I am not privy to that, save to say that I have advised Him to both look at the risks of the integration of the Magical and Non-Magical worlds, but also the potential advances toward his goals. Whatever they are, I am not privy to them, nor would I say if so. No one likes much less trusts a traitor, and a reputation for honor and honesty is as valuable and fragile as virginity. Once it is lost, it can never be reclaimed."

Athena smirked and raised her wine cup after the refill. "Well said, Jean-François du Chasteler. It is my move now," The gray eyes of the Greek Goddess of wisdom, skill in the arts, and skill in war looked at the chessboard, "and there are so many possibilities...."

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N. -- The Bad Guys have agency too....

Aktion Platindiebstahl (Action platinum theft)

21 July 2014, 2300 Local Time

AFB Waterkloof, Praetoria, South Africa

A company can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryption and other security technologies, but if an attacker can call one trusted person within the company, and that person complies, and if the attacker gets in, then all that money spent on technology is essentially wasted -- Kevin Mitnik

Under the watchful eyes of a cordon of armed guards and a group of supervisors from De Beers, Impala Platinum Holdings, and Lonmin Mining, a third armored truck drove into the belly of the C-141 Starlifter marked with South African Air Force rondels. The expert driver parked the truck and a group of uniformed loadmasters disconnected the armored and locked box of the trailer and then lashed it to the waiting eyebolts to insure that the cargo of uncut diamonds, gold, and platinum bullion would not shift and fatally compromise the center of gravity of the airplane.

Finally satisfied, the driver drove out of the aircraft to the waiting assembly area for him, and the final truck began to slowly back in.

To one side of the operation, SAAF Major Ingmar Van Der Knapp drained his cup of erzatz coffee as he waited patiently to do the preflight. He frowned at the bitter taste of the roots that were supplementing the bean. His lips twitched as he thought to himself, at least that will change soon.

Then his copilot nudged him gently. White teeth gleamed in a black face as Captain Kriel laughed. "At least when we reach Zurich we can get some real bean for a chance."

Van Der Knapp grunted and rubbed the twin swollen 'insect bites' on the left side of his neck absently. "Looking forward to getting this cargo hauled. Land there, pick up advanced arms for the fight against those damn abyssals while we overnight, maybe find a whore or three..."

Kriel nodded then sobered, "heard they hit Cape Town again but good."

"Yeah. I heard that too" Van Dr Knapp scowled as the last truck pulled out. "Let's make sure this fat whale is flightworthy. Keep an eye on those ham-handed baboons tying the cargo down, if that shifts, it won't be their asses in the shitter."
--------------------------

"Roger, 3711 heavy climbing to Angels 25, on VFR, handing over to Harare Control." Van Der Knapp radioed, then clicked the autopilot on as he grunted. "Take the plane would you, I need a piss. Damn coffee."

"Yah. Copilot's plane." Kriel said, assuming control. Van Der Knapp unbuckled himself and stretched as he turned toward the two armed guards in the back of the cockpit.

Then he ripped the first one's head off as his claws and fangs manifested and he accelerated to superhuman speed.

The second guard's face paled in shock as blood painted him.

To his credit, he automatically went for his pistol, but the punch from the manifested vampire snapped his spine like a rotten twig as it hit his throat.

Van Der Knapp pivoted on his heel and grabbed his friend of eight years by the ears.

"I'm sorry, Nhlanhla." He whispered as he spun the copilot's head in a circle to kill him painlessly and instantly. "It has to be this way. You have no place in what is to come."

He then double-checked that the cabin was locked and barred before returning to his station.

Pulling down his oxygen mask, he then depressurized the cabin to suffocate the armed guards in the rear of the plane watching over the precious cargo.

Next the IFF transponder and radio were turned off and he diverted from the planned flight path to Cairo, steering north by northwest.
Spoiler: Aktion Platindiebstahl

Toward his Master in the Congo.
--------------------------

Kamina Air Base, Democratic Republic of the Congo

22 July 2014, 0345

The C-141 landed and taxied toward a group of waiting individuals standing unnaturally still and rigid, like human figures carved from ebony hardwood.

As it stopped, they sprinted to the plane with bolt cutters and cutting torches. Oddly enough, the sprinting was totally mechanical and in unison, a column of black army ants with their feet striking like metronomes.

The first cargo container was cut open and a double file of porters moving like machines grabbed the gold and platinum bars two at a time in an endless human chain running to the waiting cargo trucks. In total obedient silence they moved like a machine made out of flesh and blood with oddly dead eyes.

Van Der Knapp descended from the plane and approached the man and woman supervising the operation. He snapped to attention and his right arm shot out stiff and straight in a salute from the newsreels showing human evil in black and white. "Sieg Heil!"

Helmar Wollf saluted him back and nodded sharply. "Sieg Heil. Your report?"

"They are still looking for me, but with no transponder they do not know where to start. The plane will be found soon once they begin to check landing sites." The Afrikaner vampire smirked. "You mean to have the kafir take the fall?"

"Nein. Cortana, insure security and supervise." Wolff gestured and began to walk to the plane. "As attractive as it would be, it would divert attention this way. Show me how to turn the transponder on."

Van Der Knapp pointed out the switch on the control column. "That one, turn it to IFF."

"Ach so." Wolff examined the switch then began to chant and grasped the dead man in the copilot's seat who twitched and began to animate. "Time to reach the Indian Ocean if you flew this due east at maximum speed?"

Van Der Knapp thought. "Just over two hours, two and a half perhaps."

"Sehr gut. Then in two hours, our dead friend here will turn the switch on and fly out to sea until he vanishes as the plane is either shot down or runs out of fuel and crashes" Wolff gave a thin smile and sharp nod.

"Unloading is complete." Cortana reported as she appeared at the door.

Wolff snapped out orders to the dead man. "Ten minutes, then take off and fly due east at thirty thousand feet at maximum speed, in one hour fifty minutes, turn the transponder on."

He turned to the others as the dead man's head shook on the broken neck. "Shall we go, we have things to accomplish to bring about Der Tag."(the Day)

Van Der Knapp nodded and fell in behind the Nazi vampire. "But, the bars are marked, how will you fence them without being found out?"

Wolff smirked triumphantly as he watched the trucks pull out. "Interestingly enough, several magical families in Britain have recently revealed that they acquired bars of gold and platinum from the New World. Tons worth. A little alteration of the bars to make them appear as other than from here and a family of True Believers in South America... well what two can do, so can three."

He reached a jeep and climbed onto the running board. He then turned to his enslaved army. "Team One, escort our prize to the Fortress. Team Two, destroy this airbase and all records within it, then sweep and kill all humans in the surrounding area to exterminate witnesses. No mercy, no survivors."

 

[darthcourt10]

Kab2

And today I bring you the next chapter of Sofia's life.

-------------------------

In a place west of the Isles of Scilly, there was an overjoyed abyssal. Sofia had finally found another friend, even if she was a bit odd, but she didn't care, Sofia wasn't a master of anything so she told the sword spirit to call her by her name, after some information exchange she discovered that the sword didn't remember much of her past, but she said for sure that she didn't have a name, so she pressed Sofia to give her a name as her first Master. After considering some names, they picked a name that the sword liked, Jennifer and her diminutive Jen.

She wanted to help Jen to recover her lost memory so today she will go to the underwater crypt where she found Jen, to search for a clue that help them to clarify some of her past, to see if she could discover the identity of what Jen named her first and only wielder, which would correspond to the skeleton in the solitary tomb inside the crypt.

She was thinking about this matters when she spotted a lonely boat in the surface, intrigued by this, she approached the surface and saw a little boat with a fishing rod, Sofia was surprised by this, as this was the first time she found a little fishing ship.

'This ship is big enough to have 1 or 2 humans inside, maybe if I can talk with them I can convince them not to flee and help me show the shipgirls I am not a threat' concluded Sofia after thinking about her possibilities.

Going to the other side from where the rod was, she surfaced slowly and surveilled her surroundings.

To her right there was the beach of one island a long bit away, and in the sea apart from the boat there was nothing more than sea that she saw, so she inspected the boat.

Inside there was a lonely man busy with the fishing rod, he was near his forties as his grey temples showed, embedded in a fishing suit along a lifejacket, whistling a song while he waited for the fish to bite.

Suddenly anxiety rised inside Sofia, what was she doing? the human were enemies of the abyssals, as her princess said a lot of times; and there she was, trying to contact one of them.

Similar thoughts began to swirl inside her, trying to get her to forget the man and go back from where she came, until a hand came into contact with the inside of her hull.

"It's okay," said Captain Hüttenwerk "don't let what they said about you or about them guide you, be yourself and do whatever you want to do."

Thanks to that she calmed herself and regained the control of her own thoughts, but as she finished to struggle with herself, something happened.

"Oh?" said a man's voice "Hello Redhead, nice to finally meet you."

She panicked as she acknowledged that the man in the boat had turned and spotted her.

"O-oh, H-hello, my name is Sofia." said the abyssal submarine in reflex, as her mind was in a blank state.

"Sofia, what a nice name. Mine is Richard."said the man presenting himself "If you please, can you come aboard?"

She panicked even more. "A-aboard? Don't you fear the abyssals?"

His only expression was a smile. "I do fear them, but I don't fear the girl who saved my wife and children even if others fear her."

At last Sofia calmed a bit. "I saved your family?" she thought a bit and quickly reached the only conclusion possible. "Your family was in that transport I saved from sinking, and you heard of me from them, that's why you said that you finally met me."

"That is correct my girl." he said laughing a bit. "Now hop on board Sofia."

With his help she hopped aboard the boat and began to chat amicabily, about how he had to risk fishing here as he needed to feed his family and Sofia's hobby of exploring the seabed.

"Luckily you were there to help them." said Richard after a while "But why did you fled from lady Warspite?" asked him.

"We are at war and when I saw her I feared for my life, as they kill us the same way we kill them." sadly said Sofia.

This statement surprised Richard "Don't you know about that abyssal Princess? What was her name?" he tried to remember until he did so "Ah, yes! Her name was Porta."

"Who?" asked Sofia. "I don't know any abyssal Princess with that name. Did she do a bad thing?"

This surprised him even more. "So what I thought was true." He began to search in his backpack for something until he took out a newspaper."Look, read this, it will explain everything."

As she took the newspaper she noticed the photo in the cover page, two abyssals and humans in the same place, that picked her interest.

As she read the newspaper, her eyes widened bit by bit.

A drop fell onto the newspaper.

What she searched from her birth was explained here.

Another drop fell onto the newspaper.

When she finished reading, she looked up and Richard saw that the corners of Sofia's eyes were wet.

"I am not the only one." she whispered. "There are others like me, and the shipgirls can be our friends. It's a miracle." then the dam holding her tears broke.

"There, there." said Richard to her patting her back. "Let it all out, you will be fine afterwards."

Sofia cried and Richard consoled her. After a while the tears receded and left Sofia's eyes a bit more red than normal.

"Thank you very much Richard." Sofia said finally. "You have no idea how this information helps me." After closing the newspaper she asked. "Can I keep it? I wish to shate this big news with my friend."

"Of course Sofia, there are more from where it came from, but in return when you get friendly with the navy you have to visit us, I'll invite you to dinner with my family as thanks."

"You don't have to, you have already paid me back with this." she showed the newspaper to Richard.

"I insist, they want to meet you." pressed Richard.

Seeing his obstinacy she conceded. "All right, you win." after a little advice from her Captain, she said to Richard. "Tell me your direction to know where I have to go."

He did so and then she said goodbye. "I have to go back, again thanks for the newspaper and see you next time." With that she dived in the water and went straight to her base, where Jen was waiting for her.

Unknowingly to her, three abyssals spotted her.

"We have found her." said the one in the middle, who looked like the leader.

"And she was doing what our Princess told her not to do." said the second.

"Can we kill the human?" asked the third.

"No." said the leader. "It may raise the alert against us and our orders were clear, bring Sofia back and avoid raise suspicions. So we follow her and when she stops we will restrain and tow her. Her punishment is up to our Princess."

And they began to follow Sofia at a safe distance.

-------------------------

Thanks for reading, opinions and corrections are always welcomed. I hope you like it.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Harry was softly chatting with the others when the waiter came up with a cart that had various things on it. Bowing a little to the group, he gave a small smile, "Your desserts have arrived." One by one, he placed the plates or bowls in front of each person. In front of Harry and Kitakami Maru, there was a glass that had a skinless peach on top of vanilla ice cream and coated in a reddish sauce, "Your peaches melba, young Sir, madam."

Looking at it, the teenage wizard smiled a bit and gave a nod, "It looks wonderful, thank you."

Just nodding, the waiter placed the other desserts out before placing a bowl in front of Ooi and Kitakami which was quite large. Similar to Harry's and Kitakami Maru's desserts, it had vanilla ice cream as a base , but there were differences. For one thing, it sat on folded crepes and had cherries as both the fruit and the sauce. With a small nod, the waiter brought out a lit candle lighter that he touched to the two desserts, causing flames to burst into being before bowing a little, "And to Madam Yuuko and Madam Rika, your Cherries Jubalee." With a final bow, he smiled, "Please enjoy your desserts."

Once he was a distance away, Shigemi blinked some, "That was... impressive."

A chuckle escaped from Harry as he gave a small nod, "Of course, in a place like this the presentation is as much a part of the meal as the food. It must be pleasant to all the senses." Picking up the dessert spoon, he gave a hum before taking a bite and nodding after he swallowed, "Mmm, definitely good for taste."

For a few moments, Ooi looked over her dessert as the flames had died out before taking her own bite. Seconds later, her expression was one of bliss before she sighed, "Ah... so good."

Only shaking his head, the nearly fourteen year old gave her a smile, "A bit of a shame that I could not have some myself as it uses alcohol, but... that's how it goes." Turning to his own dessert, he smiled a bit bigger, "Though right now, I believe that I have it quite good."

Glancing at his and Kitakami Maru's desserts, Kitakami shook her head, "That does look good, though I'm rather happy with this." With a smile, she took a bite before chewing slowly and swallowing. After that, she took a sip of the sweet, dessert wine she had ordered, "I'll admit that there looked like there were variations on it?"

With a small shrug, Harry chuckled a bit, "Well, it is a Flambé after all. Peaches would be one of the more common once they're in season properly. Louisiana also makes something similar with her Bananas Foster. Though not that surprising..." Taking a sip of his lemon water, he continued, "Battleships were made to be flagships, and thus carry Admirals onboard them. They had their finest chefs there for their flag staff."

Ooi considered that for a few moments as she consulted her own bridge crew before nodding, "Hai, which makes me wonder if that is why Kongou-San's treats at her tea parties she throws at tea time are so good."

Lightly laughing, Harry shook his head, "There is a bit of that, yes. And her tea times are very good, agreed on that. Remember... three years ago, I think? She had one with the Emperor."

Blinking, the brown haired Light Cruiser thought about it before nodding, "Hai, I remember that. Rika-Chan and I even saw from a distance." Then she shrugged and shook her head, "Though we did meet him during Rose-Chan's wedding to Haruna-San on her hull. And Rose-Chan looked like she would faint when he told her that he found her tea lovely."

Softly snickering, Harry grinned widely, "That was fun to see, especially as Rose-Chan has served my family for quite some time now." Once he had another bite of dessert, he continued, "Though I'm not too surprised that the Emperor was there as he sees Haruna-Oba-San as his aunt of sorts. What with being an Emperor's ship and having had one of his relatives serve upon her."

Frown on his face, Hiroaki blinked, "Huh... I didn't know that." Gesturing to his wife, he continued to frown, "We've met Haruna-San several times, but she seemed so down to Earth. Somewhat hard to see."

Unable to help himself, the teen boy chuckled, "You might think so, yes. But that is Haruna-Oba-San for you..." Cocking his head to the side, Harry raised an eyebrow, "Have you seen hers and Aunt Rose's daughter, Sumire?"

With a sigh, Shigemi shook her head a little, "No, but Rika-Chan sent us some pictures of her. She's an adorable little thing and already you can see a lot in her from her mothers." Pausing, she had a small smile on her face, "Mothers... it still makes me shake my head a little at that. Never did I think that the day would come where two women together could have a child, but there you have it."

Lips twitching, Harry gave a shrug, "Well, there's Miss Gale and Washington as she's a normal human woman, yet now her and her wife have four lovely children." A grin appeared on his face right then, "But I don't mind as it gives me an adorable little baby cousin of sorts to fuss over."

Each member of their group chuckled a little before Hiroaki looked towards his daughter and Ooi, both of whom blushed, "Hmm... I wonder..."

Her cheeks feeling like they were on fire, Kitakami took a sip of wine, "Otou-San, neither I nor Yuuko-Chan have any plans for such right now. Perhaps in a few years, but..."

Reaching over, Ooi took her hand in hers, "In a few years, we might. And going by what has been seen? Any daughters will likely be ships that bore our ship names after WWII. Like how Fubuki-San sees the JS Fubuki as her daughter already."

That only got her nods as they continued their meal.

After they were done, and Harry was paying, the teenager was looking up at the Maître d' with a curious look, "I must ask, is it possible to thank the Chef personally for the meal that we received?"

Eyebrow slightly raised, the man gave Harry a soft smile, though there was some pleased surprise there, "I am afraid not, Young Sir. It could interfere with the work in the kitchens already being done if he was pulled away."

Understanding, the wizard simply nodded with a small sigh, "Unfortunate, but understandable. Could you still pass on our compliments however?" Getting a nod, he smiled, "Splended."

Shortly afterwards, they were walking back to the van. Instead of Kitakami's father driving, however, one of her fairies came out of her sleeve and dropped down to the ground before enlarging to a ghostly man in a Naval uniform who bowed to his shipgirl's parents, "You've been drinking, so allow me to drive, Sir, Ma'am. It would be my pleasure."

More than a little surprised, but happy, Hiroaki nodded and got into the van along with the others though only Harry and Ooi noticed the interested glances that they got. Once the van had started to move out of the driveway, Harry gave a groan and slumped some which made Shigemi blink in confusion, "Potter-San? Are you alright?"

Lightly laughing, Harry nodded a little, "I am, but I can finally relax a little."

Confused, Kitakami Maru cocked her head to the side as she looked at him, "Why? Was something going on there?"

His lips twitching, the teenage wizard shook his head, "Nothing bit, but..." Waving a hand in the air, he chuckled a little, "More that one needs to put forward an image."

Giving his wife a lost expression, Hiroaki turned towards Harry, "What do you mean, exactly? I know that something was going on, but..."

With a hum, Harry placed his hands on his stomach, "Hmm... well, it is mainly establishing a pecking order. In particular, establishing my credintals for being 'Old Money' instead of 'New Money' which is somewhat important. For example, when Yuuko-Nee came in wearing her new jewelry. People of, well, New Money might well go for something extravagent, extremely eye catching. Her jewelry may be simplistic by comparison, but the fact that it is gemstones, was hand made, and is over two hundred years old? That puts it much high on the value chart than a curtain of diamonds hanging from the neck to Old Money."

Mouth dropping open a little, Ooi placed a hand on the necklace around her neck, "I-it's over two hundred years old?"

Slowly, with a somewhat smug smirk, the wizard nodded, "Hai, it is. Which makes it an heirloom that would catch the eye of those that know such things." Harry then continued some, "Anothe example was we were talking about the room that we'll be setting up for Yuuko-Nee at the manor."

Eyes widened a little, Shigemi turned to Ooi in surprise, "Is it really a manor?"

Blinking, Kitakami gave a small nod, "Hai?" Scratching her neck a little, she gave a weak chuckle, "It's pretty impressive. Though what does that have to do with anything?" Frowning, the shipgirl furrowed her eyebrows, "I am kind of surprised that you brought that up instead of bringing up the really big stuff. Like how you donated to help fund one of those Shipgirl Tenders..."

Only shaking his head, Harry had a slight smile, "And right there you're thinking like 'New Money', Rika-Nee." At the look of confusion, he tapped the side of his head, "New Money loves to both show off that they have lots of money and flaunt that fact. Mainly because they're trying to prove that they can fit into the same circles as Old Money can, believing that by showing off that they have such expensive items that they can make people sit up and take notice."

Just leaning forward some, Ooi had a slight frown on her face, "Like my parents." When he looked at her, she blushed some, "They liked showing off how they had the newest expensive car models and stuff. American cars especially."

At that, Harry gave a slow nod, "That would be one example. But instead, it makes people who come from Old Money roll their eyes, because if you have the money, you don't need to prove it." Eyes widened in understanding before he continued, "When we were talking about the bedroom, the items mentioned would definitely cause eyebrows to raise and did. I was paying attention to that."

Interested, the black haired Light Cruiser raised an eyebrow, "How so? It... didn't sound like much."

Smirk on his face, Harry held out one hand and began to tick off on his fingers, "The bed for example, is hand carved out of wood and is about... four hundred or so years old, from the 16th Century as mentioned. It could go at auction, especially as it is in a good enough shape to use, for... around eleven million Yen, easy." Ignoring the jaws dropping, he continued, "Getting the bed all set up with custom mattresses, blankets, canopies, and curtains? Could come out to half as much added on. The Ottoman rug, which is enchanted to be both wear, stain, and fireproof by the way? Likely comes out to nearly as much as the bed with the two chairs coming in at probably several hundred thousand Yen each. The table? Probably as much as both chairs. As for the Ming Vase? It could be as much as three or four times as much as the bed."

Eyes wide, Ooi just stared ahead as she realized just how much money there could be in her room, "Oh..."

Unable to help himself, the nearly fourteen year old boy chuckled, "Yes, 'Oh' indeed. The fact that I mentioned this offhand as well as directly stating that I would set it up for all these items to be used instead of display pieces? It says that I don't care about how much they're worth... because I'm bloody rich so why should I care?" At their stares, he shrugged, "That is how people like that operate. Talking about how I own multiple properties around the world as if it was of no matter to me? With the cost of owning land in Japan? Says the same thing." Gesturing with his hand, Harry shook his head, "The mentions of how some of my family decided to make wine for family? To start a bakery because he liked baking and supported by the family? All of that says that my family is so unworried about money that we could focus on hobbies for personal enjoyment and for no other reason. Once more, saying that we're rich. It was the same when I paid for the meal without asking how much it cost."

Hiroaki frowned some as he glanced at Ooi, "And... what about Yuuko-Chan?"

Twisting around, Harry smiled a little, "She's perfectly safe as I made sure to mention, more than once, that she treated me as her Otouto well before finding out how much I had. It prevents people from thinking of her or Rika-Nee as gold diggers. The fact that they also have a relationship before now? It also says the same thing." He turned towards Ooi and gave her a small smile, "You did great there, by the way. Most of them were likely convinced that I had already started training you in how to act."

Confused, Ooi blinked some, "But... all I was doing was copying what you were doing. And paying attention to what my Captains and such were advising."

With a small shrug, the wizard grinned a bit, "And that was all that was needed." Pausing for a moment, Harry had a thoughtful look on his face, "Um, speaking of Hiroaki-San... I would be on the look out for the next few weeks."

At that, Kitakami focused on him, "And why do my parents need to be on the look out?"

Scratching his neck, Harry gave a sheepish grin, "Well... it is obvious that they know me and are on good terms with me. Someone who has quite a lot of money... and also was willing to learn how to act around money. That means that his boss and such will likely start looking towards him to handle higher level clients and such, so... there might be some promotions in the future."

Kitakami and her parents widened their eyes at that, before Shigemi slumped a bit in her seat, "Oh."

With a small shrug, Harry chuckled, "Sorry about that."

However, Hiroaki simply held his wife's hand and smiled a little, "Don't be." His frown returned and he gave Harry a look, "And Yuuko-Chan's... gene donors?"

Expression gaining a cold smirk, the teenage boy had a dark look in his eyes, "Quite the opposite from you and they will likely regret this day for a very long time." Seeing the looks, Harry shrugged, "I didn't actually do anything to them, just gave them the rope. They were the ones who tied it as a noose around their necks and flung one end over the rafters. All they really had to do was to either keep their mouths shut, or better, not show up at all. But they were the ones who decided that their pride and spite was more important than anything else."

Dark expression on her face, Ooi grimaced, "That is my parents in a nutshell. If they think that they are higher up than you, they will do what they can to make it bad for you if you do something to anger them.'

With a sigh, Harry shook his head, "Hai, and I know people like that because that was how the Dursleys were. But to everyone there? They just proved that to them so their reputations were torn apart by their own hands. I very much doubt that they will be much of an issue going forward from this point on." Taking a deep breath, he relaxed a little more, "I'm just thankful that I was paying attention when Mikasa-Obaa-Chan, Kongou-Oba, Tōgō-Ojii-San, and the others were teaching me things."

All three shipgirls could feel members on their bridges raising their eyebrows as their eyes widened. Soon after, the conversation turned to other things as the van continued back to where Kitakami's family lived.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Matter Of Official Governmental Concern

23 July 2014

J. Edgar Hoover Building, Washington, D.C.

"The light still shone in the dark, a beacon, drawing him forward to the edge of the map, the place where the cartographer might mark "here there be dragons." -- Dennis Detwiller, Delta Green: Denied to the Enemy

Some weeks, Alondra David reflected, it did not pay to get out of bed in the mornings.

Spoiler: The Fall Of The Statute


Thanks to the significant uptick in her responsibilities as the Statute of Secrecy collapsed, she was reasonably certain that when she finally made it home to sleep in her own bed, as opposed to catnaps in the office or en-route to a field assignment, that her Siamese cat would be calling 911 to report a stranger doing a home invasion break-in. At least the neighbor was feeding and changing the litter for poor Diana along with putting the mail on her kitchen table at last report.

Worst of all from her point of view was that while the rubble had finally stopped bouncing a bit from the Kingsport Raid , her primary contact on the magic side of things had been last seen bleeding out when 'Tina' had teleported 'Del' and 'Emma', who wasn't even human, to parts unknown to get treatment after being stabilized. Granted, Alondra mused as she double checked her briefing notes, she wasn't exactly human either as a Natural-Born shipgirl, but still. The Delta Green Special Situation Group was going to have kittens when they got briefed in about that minor little factoid.

And guess who would be doing the briefing to give the bad news to the SSG. She would sooner prefer to be shot at by Abyssals like her sisters and cousins running convoys through the warzones that the oceans were. At least torpedoes and shells would hurt a lot less, she was certain.

And that was not counting the news that had just hit her desk this morning about a missing cargo plane containing a extremely valuable cargo over Africa. While details were sketchy and the South Africans were apparently running around in circles, Alondra was grimly convinced that if it was a theft versus a horrible accident someplace out of the way, that this had 'magic' fingerprints all over it. It was a matter of time, she mused as she drank her fourth cup of Navy coffee to wake up, before some bright criminal mage decided to do something major.

Still, she had her duty and her oath. With that thought she locked and secured her briefcase in her hold and checked her appearance one last time. Would not do to look bad for the firing squad, after all.

-----------------------

Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Spoiler: Briefing the Principals


Alondra waited patiently for the two shipgirls standing guard at the security checkpoint to clear her. After scanning her hull and her ID, USS Montauk gave her a small smile. Beside her older sister, USS Lehigh watched the corridor with her twin eleven-inch Dahlgrens loaded with grapeshot to serve as a last line of defense for the Executive Branch officials inside. With a rustle of blue wool from her Civil-war era uniform, Montauk smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. "All clear Pillsbury. Good luck in there with the briefing."

"Fair winds and following seas," Alondra said politely as she stepped through the checkpoint and waited for the door to unlock for her.

Inside the briefing room her eyes widened briefly as she automatically read the rank of the man at the head of the table. Four stars, Marine uniform. General Jones, National Security Advisor to the President. SecState French, CIA Director Jackson, and Attorney General Zigler were present too.

Fuck me. It's the Principals.

She sat down and waited to be called. That helped with the weakness in her knees at least.

-----------------------

Spoiler: Delta Green


"Special Agent David, what is the status of DELTA GREEN?" The words that she had been dreading to hear were uttered. She stood as she removed her briefing notes from her hold, marched to the podium and took a deep breath.

"Domestically we cracked a Scourer cell base based out of Shreveport, Louisiana and they have been remanded to the courts on domestic terrorism, illegal firearms, and narcotics charges. Also my counterpart at NRO," She nodded to the pale-skinned man sitting behind the CIA director who had the look of someone who got his tans via constant CRT monitor exposure, "has managed to ID and map several known and suspected areas of magical distortion from overheads. Their spells that ward off direct observation also blur satellite images, but he is confident that he can program in the overheads to look for the distortion. So even if we can't see what is under the veil, he can show us where their warded areas are and are not. These observed distortions also coincide with the data we got from the most recent SAMSON document pass. That is the good news."

Her lips thinned as the room grew hushed. "The bad news is that MACUSA and the ICW are apparently losing control of some elements on their side of the fence and it is slopping over onto us. They are overextended and underresourced lots of places and are constantly robbing Peter to pay Paul with their troubleshooters. The ICW barely managed to prevent the spirit of the Battle of Verdun from breaking loose and eating a chunk of Europe. And on our side of the oceans, we had our own recent near-miss. Specifically MACUSA had a group in an ocean-side village in Maine called Kingsport who were using magical means to control Abyssal movements."

A babble of voices sounded in shock. only to be cut off by Jones. "Proceed, Agent David." He ordered in his gravely voice.

"Yes sir." She responded. "Fortunately our allies on the magical side got wind of that and we organized a joint operation to shut it down. Which we did, with no deaths on our side or theirs and all the perps arrested. My shipgirl backup had to hold off the Abyssals from storming ashore to butcher their way through town until the more modern girls could arrive and secure the area though. I shall formally recommend them for the Presidential Unit Citation in the final report."

Awed whistles and mutters greeted the next slide, shot as the Great White Fleet had been medevaced to Boston. A double file of shipgirls were saluting the exhausted and bloody bodies being carried past on stretchers to the waiting helicopters. "Delaware was worst off with everything forward of her conning tower blown to hell when a shell hit her fore magazine, but all of them are down-checked for at least a month. I have the complete injury files with me and also they have been forwarded through Navy channels as per normal."

General Jones leaned forward in his chair. "Send me a copy of their AAR. I'll review it then speak to the President. That looks to be as desperate as Tarawa or Fox Hill at Frozen Chosin."

"Yes sir! But Kingsport was a blow to us as well. Asset SAMSON was the lead agent for the friendly magicals and bought time for the shipgirls to land and deploy." The slide shifted to Zamarad and Delilah's unmoving bodies. "This is SAMSON and another magical only known as Emma. The good news is that they were part of a larger network of dissidents, it is unclear how large or how much support they have. SAMSON's #2 did make contact with me in the process of evacing her cell leader, but we are losing insight into MACUSA at the worst possible time. They plan a coverup to our involvement to stop a panic in MACUSA but we don't know how effective that will be, although we did evacuate most of the town to one of the safe havens on our side."

Alondra sighed, "Also, we had a graphic demonstration of what we don't know about Magic hurting us. Before she went down, this is what Emma was doing." The slide flipped to video of the dragon of flame that was Zamarad producing shocked mutters and expressions of disbelief. "Apparently Emma is... was... a Middle Eastern fire spirit, a jinn. Nonhuman, sentient, and capable of controlling flame and the source of the genie legends. That is her after she tripped a magical booby-trap the cultists in Kingsport had to torch their document storage."

Attorney General Zigler muttered, "That sure as fuck ain't the genie from Aladdin," producing chuckles from the room.

"No sir." Alondra agreed. "And the only point of contact I have now for SAMSON's network is the emergency panic number she gave me six years ago. Also although our data is preliminary, the missing -141 bullion shipment over Africa may be magic related. Certainly if it was a hijacking instead of a crash, the thieves would have a far easier time laundering the bullion through the magical banks, which are unregulated, still on the gold standard, and very lax in scanning for illicit deposits from what we know. Then take 'clean' gold from them and fence it. And once the Statute cracks enough, that can work for our own criminal elements such as the cartels, terrorism networks, cultists... probably not the Scourers though."

CIA Director Jackson winced as he spoke. "Plus hostile three letter agencies of course. I'll give orders to forward anything unusual that turns up to your liaison in Langley. Barney, any word from South Africa diplomatically?"

Barney French shook his head. "Just the usual request for Boeing and the FAA to review maintenance logs and telemetry, plus a BOLO for any large shipments of bullion appearing. They are outraged since they need the arms shipment to defend themselves and this sets them back badly. I'm supposed to talk to Ambassador De Klerk to work out a loan and longer-term payment plan and can push for sending the data they have to DELTA GREEN and the FBI as a bargaining point."

"Good, we need to keep the Cape of Good Hope as an outpost for when we start to push into the South Atlantic and IO." Jones agreed. "Good briefing, Agent. Try to make contact with the remnants of SAMSON's network and get what intel they have, since we need eyes on MACUSA more than ever."

Alondra saluted and then returned to her seat as the next briefer was called.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Humming a little, Supprin adjusted her glasses with one hand while the other caught a glob of red glowing Abyssal metal from the mouth of her rigging. Metal that she proceeded to shape around a large, tall hollow shell. Looking over her shoulder, she raised an eyebrow at the Captain of the Royal Australian Navy that was there watching with several other personnel and cameras set up, "Does this bother you?"

The man in question just scratched his head a little, "Well... I'm not sure that bother is quite the word that I would use, Ma'am. What with everything and such." Glancing at the others, he shook his head, "Just that what we heard about the process is, well... not quite this?"

With a slow nod, Supprin gave him a slight smile as she added another layer of metal, "I'm not too surprised with that as what you're talking about is... ascensions in the wild, as it were. And that is often different depending on the Abyssal." Still working the metal despite the heat, she considered the thought for a few moments, "It can take many different forms in the wild. For example, in the case of when a Wo-Class becomes a Demon or Princess, their hat will seem to engulf them entirely, tentacles wrapping around them and solidifying while the hat grows big enough to cover their body, forming a shell. Inside of which, like an insect chrysalis, the Abyssal transforms."

Eyebrow raised, one of the Lieutenants frowns, "What about others? I mean... from what I read in that report the Destroyer Princess with the Fleet of Laughter sort of burst from her old body..."

Supprin chuckled a little at that with a slight smile, "That is true enough actually. But that is because the Destroyer was big enough to contain the forming body of the Princess or Demon that they were transforming into. Once the rest is consumed... the new Princess or Demon will burst out. There is an issue with all these, however." At the looks of interest, she continued, "The resulting Abyssal often times is weaker than one ascended by an Installation as they need to consume much of their old body for energy."

Grimacing, the RAN Captain shook his head, "Sounds... unpleasant, really."

In reply, Supprin merely shrugged with a slight chuckle, "And I'll admit that some aspects of human growth sound unpleasant to me as well. Puberty seems so unnecessary with all the trouble it causes. But..." She gave a small shrug again, while her thoughts turned to other matters, 'Of course, with Percy such things will be needed to be dealt with. But at least I shall not be alone in such.'

Minutes passed as she continued to work at her project until she was done. At that moment, the door opened and Tsuzie walked in somewhat nervously, "Um, Lady Supprin? I-I'm ready."

Finished with her work, the Supply Depot Princess straightened and walked over. Placing a hand on Tsuzie's shoulder, she smiled at her, "Relax, Tsuzie. Everything will be fine, trust me on that. You'll go to sleep inside as the work is done for a couple of hours and then wake up as..." A slight chuckle escaped from the Princess for a moment, "Feeling like a brand new Abyssal."

Underneath her helmet, Tsuzie had a slight blush on her cheeks before she took a deep breath, "Y-yes, that is true enough..."

Catching sight of her fiddling with something, Supprin raised an eyebrow though her tone was gentle, "Tsuzie? Is there something that you want?"

Shifting a bit, the Tsu-Class seemed utterly embarrassed and mortified before she held up a device, "I-I, um... I was won-wondering if I could listen to... some music and... and..."

More amused than anything else, Supprin looked at the object, which were a type of speakers designed to transmit sound clearly through metal as well as an MP3 player. Something that she nodded at as normal earphones didn't work with the type of helmet that a Tsu-Class wore normally. However, the Supply Depot Princess gave a small nod at that, "I don't see anything wrong with that, Tsuzie. Quite the opposite as sometimes I enjoy listening to music as I work." Lips twitching a little, she snickered, "Though personally I prefer dubstep to songs by Naka."

In reply, Tsuzie placed her face in her massive hands with a soft whine, "Lady Supprin..."

Unable to help herself, the Princess gave a chuckle before gently ushering Tsuzie over to the hollow object, "Sorry, Tsuzie, but you really are too cute when you do that. You need more confidence." Gently, she picked up the Tsu-Class and deposited her inside the hollow object before taking a table and placing it next to metal. Then, she attached the speakers and turned on the MP3 before going to work sealing the Abyssal inside, "Now... just relax, it will be over with soon."

Tsuzie simply nodded and shifted a bit to get more comfortable as the object's top was closed and light cut off. Using her hands, Supprin molded the metal until the top was closed and revealed it to look like an egg, after which she sealed it fully. She asked the Abyssal inside if she was ready, and Tsuzie's voice could be heard muffled by the metal, "I'm ready..."

With a nod, Supprin took a deep breath and let it out, "Then... let's begin."

From the mouth of her rigging, several things that looked like fleshy tentacles extended and writhed in the air for a few moments before with a sound, long needles of Abyssal metal extended from them. As quick as striking snakes, they shot forwards and the needles punched through the shell of the egg with veins soon extending across the surface. Finally, bulges began to move along the tentacles until they met the egg. Glancing at his Captain, the RAN Lieutenant grimaced a little, 'That... looks and sounds disgusting...'

Meanwhile, inside the egg, Tsuzie looked around though she couldn't see anything as it was cramped. But she could feel it slowly filling up with some sort of warm, viscous liquid. As it rose higher and higher, she could feel an odd tingling sensation wherever it touched her body. It wasn't painful, not exactly, but still strange and somewhat disturbing just the same. Finally, it reached her neck and she took a deep breath as it rose upwards, the air being pumped out at the same time.

And then, it covered her head entirely and Tsuzie released her breath.

Briefly, she felt panic as the fluid she was in filled her lungs and the tingles spread there, seeming going through out her body. Yet, at the same time, she felt herself falling asleep even as sparks filled the chamber she was in. Her last action was humming along to the song she could hear being sung by Naka as her consciousness faded.

Outside the egg, Supprin was quiet for a few moments before opening her eyes, "And done, she's now asleep and the transformation can be begun." Looking towards the camera, she nodded, "The first step will be that her rigging will slowly dissolve in the fluid she now sits in, the material being used for her transformation along with the umbilical cables that I've attached. Her internal structure as well will soften until all that is left is her core, which will have the new body form around it."

Disturbed expression on his face, one of the RAN personnel shuddered, "The way that you're saying it, it almost sounds like she's being... digested in there."

Cocking her head to the side, Supprin frowned a little in thought, "That... may not be as far off as you might think. Still, not quite. But it will still take some time nonetheless and there's no pain either."

Now truly disturbed, the humans there looked at one another.

However, Supprin didn't notice, nor really care all that much as she was overseeing the process and taking notes. Partly because of her own research into the issue of the Wa-class. By studying the process that caused a "Normal" Abyssal to become a Princess or Demon, perhaps she could use that to transform any captured Wa-Class into another type. Already, she had a few ideas for that and which could allow for them to have somewhat "Normal" lives afterwards. One was to convert them into Oku-Class, which was likely the easiest and less intensive method. But there were issues due to the fact that part of their bodies would remain inhuman.

Another idea that she had was to convert them into radar pickets with their holds transformed into operation centres. On the one hand, it was more intensive and would use up a lot of materials. After all, they would be rebuilding most of their bodies due to the damage that the flesh and blood took in the process of becoming Wa-Class. But on the other hand, from the sketches that her and Wanko had come up with, they would look almost human and with light weaponry, there was less issue of them causing damage if they had an episode. They could also operate with human navies to provide radar coverage if they did not want to stay with Wanko.

It helped as well as Supprin was able to create variations on the idea. Such as a Meteorological ship which could make weather reports as the radar would be effective there, and another that could act as a radio relay ship. Once more, it made the humans happy by keeping those who had suffered out of the war. Neither Supprin nor Wanko minded much as well as they never liked the Wa-Class, it made the humans thankful to them, and also gave them a few advantages as well. All in all, a win-win situation for them.

The hours, meanwhile, ticked on with the RAN personnel switching out. Every so often, Supprin answered questions as she continued to work on Tsuzie. And inside the shell, the structure of the former Tsu-Class changed bit by bit under the Princess's guidance. Her form reshaping under Supprin's metaphysical hands. During the process, Supprin used the knowledge that she had gotten from both Wanko and Hoppou to make changes that would improve Tsuzie's effectiveness even more than a bog standard Light Cruiser Demon's.

Supprin had not been kidding when she told Tsuzie that as far as she was concerned, she trusted the Light Cruiser above the others. As she worked, she thought back to the day just a month into the war when she found Tsuzie nearly dead. At the time, Supprin had been unsure and considered simply mercy killing her before scrapping the body for needed supplies. But, at the same time, she had needed a little more firepower but had not the supplies nor time to construct anything more than the odd Destroyer or PT Imp. And those were not effective at protecting her to her dismay and sadness whenever another Abyssal killed one of her protectors when they stood beside her.

It wasn't much of an issue, therefore, to rebuild the nearly sunk Abyssal. Worst case, she was out some supplies if she turned on her with being able to retrieve what she could when she sunk said betrayer. Somewhat better was the fact that it was not one of hers if someone attacked her and the Tsu got sunk. On the best side? She would have a good sized force and give her time to construct something better.

Almost as soon as the Tsu Class woke up, however, she had been thankful and asked to join her fleet. It took a few months to fully gain her trust, but Supprin had found out how she had been so damaged though she remembered to this day how the other Abyssal had cringed and seemed to curl into herself when asked. And the reason, not much to Supprin's surprise, was at the hands of her own fleet.

What had happened was that the Tsu had been a fan of human music and collected examples or listened to the human radio. In fact, it had been her to introduce Supprin to dubstep. But her fleet found out about her little hobby and her Princess had her punished. Mainly by having her fleet literally beat her nearly to death while setting fire to her music collection in front of her. As a final insult, said Princess destroyed her radio equipment and also used her talons to destroy her ear drums before setting her adrift in a crippled state until Supprin had found her before healing her.

Much to her shock, Supprin didn't care that she liked human music. As long as it did not affect her combat effectiveness and duties, the Supply Depot Princess gave her full permission to gather human music and listen to her heart's content. Ever since, she had been loyal. She had not minded when Supprin sent her out on expeditions to gather supplies. Going to abandoned and somewhat wrecked human oil rigs, standing guard while Submarines pumped out the oil from wrecks, landing on shore to go through destroyed human towns for scrap steel and the like. Not once did she complain about it and even seemed to enjoy it. Mainly because she found human radios and batteries as well as various forms of music from vinyl records, to cassettes, to CDs. All of which she enjoyed greatly much to Supprin's amusement as said Princess saw it as a small thing not to worry about.

Granted, Supprin always got first pick when it came to dubstep music.

Once the Supply Depot Princess manages to get enough materials together for Neptune, things shifted a little with said Heavy Cruiser becoming the Heavy Hitter of her fleet. That said, Tsuzie (as she had named her much to the happiness of the Tsu-Class) became more her secretary of sorts. although she still lead expeditions. Often, poor Tsuzie had to deal with Neptune's antics regarding video games, while around the same time the Light Cruiser became a real fan of Naka's music.

Much to Supprin's relief, both Tsuzie and Neptune had been away when Wanko had shown up to force the Supply Depot Princess to capitulate to her. Supprin was less relieved when, a day later, both were nearly killed mounting a rescue operation for her. Thankfully, Wanko took it in good humour and told her that it spoke well of her that said Cruisers risked their lives for her. It said much about how she treated her fleet.

Which was why, now, she had little trouble with adding as much as she could to Tsuzie to make her capable in her new life despite what it did to her supplies. Better radar and fire directors, much improved guns and AA. Even upgraded engines that would improve her efficiency as well as speed alongside a sonar suite. All of this Supprin put into her loyal Cruiser.

Roughly twenty four hours had elapsed, which was far less than the weeks or months it could take for an ascension to happen on its own, when Supprin opened her eyes with a tired smile, "It's done, Tsuzie is ready."

Looking up from where she sat in a beanbag chair with a handheld game and a bowl of chips, Neptune gave a cheer, "Alright! Finally!" At the look she got, however, she flinched, "Um, sorry... oh Nep..."

Simply deciding to ignore that, Supprin placed a hand against the shell of the egg as she retracted the tentacles from it and back into her rigging as she smiled and various RAN personnel watched and recorded, "It's time, Tsuzie, to reveal your new self to the world."

Inside the egg, two glowing blue eyes slowly opened before they blinked. Outside, those there watched as the egg rocked back and forth a little until there was a sharp, cracking sound. Everyone could see the crack that spread across the surface and leaked out fluid. A crack soon joined by another one and then another. Until a hand clad in black Abyssal metal and tipped with talons burst out. For a few moments it moved and clenched until it retreated into the egg as fluid poured from the hole. Another hole was punched soon after and, finally, the entire egg burst open and Tsuzie fell out coughing and hacking.

More than one member of the RAN looked away with a blush though as Supprin helped her to her feet as it was obvious that she was naked. Coughing a bit, Tsuzie puked out some of the fluid. About to speak, she paused as she noticed her new hands and arms, "Lady Supprin...?!" Her eyes widened as she took note of her new, softer voice which had a slight musical lilt to it. Bringing her hand to her throat, she blinked, "I..."

Drying her off, Supprin took note of her new form before smiling, "Good, everything seems about right. And if you're wondering about your voice, that is probably because of the sonar unit."

Just blinking, the reborn Tsuzie nodded slowly, "Oh."

Lips twitching, the Princess nodded before clearing her throat, "Try summoning your rigging, your new outfit should appear at the same time."

A blush appeared on Tsuzie's face as she realized that she was naked and with an "eep", she closed her eyes as summoned her new rigging for the first time. Everyone watched as she was covered in blue sparkles, though some of them noted her hair moving. Once they disappeared, everyone blinked a bit at her appearance. For her part, Tsuzie looked around, "So how do I look?"

Somewhat bemused at what she was seeing, Supprin brought out a large mirror and placed it, "You look rather nice, though you can see for yourself."

Unsure, Tsuzie steeled herself and floated forward before gasping at what she saw. In the mirror it was obvious that her rigging was that of a Light Cruiser Demon, if a bit more streamlined than most others. She also had a lot more AA than normal, but that was not what caught her attention.

Rather, it was how her new "Body" looked.

Bringing up one taloned hand, she placed a finger tip to her cheek with her eyes wide. Currently, her hair was done up in an odango style, yet quite a bit flowed down her back in a silky black waterfall. Her face, however, greatly resembled Naka's, even more than most Light Cruiser Demons did. So much so, part of her mused, that if you stood her next to said shipgirl, you might well think them sisters. Swallowing, Tsuzie took a deep breath before clearing her throat and singing some, "Two and four, and eleven~" Gasping happily, she giggled a little and launched into another song which took a few minutes, "Oh, I'm walking on sunshine~ whoa-whoa, and I'm feeling good!"

Arms crossed, Supprin hummed to herself as she glanced at the MP3 player, 'I wonder if the music had anything to do with it...?' She was brought out of her thoughts as Tsuzie bounced in place as she turned, which made her realize that said Light Cruiser had a bit of... bounce in other places, 'Huh... That will catch some attention and is different from Miss Naka...'

Meanwhile, Tsuzie dismissed her rigging revealing long, shapely legs with her skirt stopping at a quarter of the way down her thighs. Her feet and lower legs was covered in armoured boots which extended into thigh-highs. Happily smiling, the former Tsu-Class hugged her Princess, "Thank you, Lady Supprin! Thank you so much!"

Softly smiling, the Supply Depot Princess patted her on the back, "You're very welcome, Tsuzie. And remember, you deserve this." Stepping back a bit, she gave a nod, "Now... let's begin testing all your systems, shall we?"

In reply, Tsuzie grinned brightly as she snapped into a salute, "Yes, Ma'am!"

___________________________________________________________________


Roughly four hours later, Supprin arrived before a giant, wooden door. Bringing up one fist, she knocked and waited for a few moments before Wanko's voice came through, "You may... come in." When she walked in, Wanko blinked a little before smiling, "Ah, I was... expecting you. The ascension has... gone well then...?"

A small smile on her face, Supprin nodded, "It has, as a matter of fact. My Tsuzie is now a fully armed and functional Light Cruiser Demon."

Her own smile growing a touch, Wanko nodded, "That is... very good to... hear. She deserved... it for all... the work that... she has done.

With a slight nod, the Supply Depot Princess chuckled some as she walked up to Wanko's desk, "She does, agreed. I likely would not have been here several times if not for her."

Shaking off that thought, Supprin walked forward and glanced around. Wanko's Office had polished stone floors and glowing lights embedded in the walls. Her desk, meanwhile, was massive and made of wood with a large chair behind it, and a smaller one in front. Unlike Supprin's office, the filing cabinets were filled with designs and research notes, not material sheets. There were also photos on the wall of Harry, Wanko, and Hoppou as well of the Timor Abyssal Fleets.

Taking a seat, Supprin met Wanko's eyes, "Leaving that aside for the moment... have you made a decision on my designs?"

For a few moments, Wanko was quiet before she folded her clawed hands in front of her, "I have reviewed them... and I find them... most interesting. Although I must... ask why you... designed them."

Grimacing, Supprin shook her head, "For much the same reason that I designed any ship, for my protection." Shaking her head, she sighed some, "You know that I have never been as... offensively orientated as most Abyssals. Frankly, I prefer to sit somewhere, fortify, and wait for any enemy to come. So I worked on designs around that purpose." Reaching forward, the Abyssal tapped one of the folders, "The humans all call them 'Coastal Battleships'. An apt name as they're slow, got less range than a Battleship, but the armament and armor of one. Even better, I can actually produce them in my shipyards."

Considering that, the Harbour Princess was silent for a few minutes before she nodded, "I can see how... it would suit... your style of... strategy. However..." Frowning, she gave Supprin a look, "Why have you... not ever... made one before... now?"

That caused Supprin to grimace, "Mainly? It was due to not being able to make them actually work. There was always too many design compromises to make it work and be something that I could build and supply." She waved one gauntleted covered hand around them, "Until, that was, I started working with you and got access to yours and Hoppou's research." Leaning forward, the Supply Depot Princess frowned, "Most Abyssals dropped the 12-inch guns years ago, but both you and Hoppou continued to improve upon the design. And now? You have 12- inch guns that can do nearly as much damage as the old 14-inch! And that is before you factor in the super heavy shells that you came up with!"

Proud, Wanko gave a small nod, "Yes, though it was.... mainly because we could not... abandon those of... our fleet that... still used them." She gave Supprin an amused look, "Though we cannot... take all the... credit. You helped... come up with the... super heavy shell."

However, the other Abyssal Princess waved her off with a slight blush, "It was not that big of a deal... but everything else that you came up with! Better fire directors, better boilers, better armor... even the three inch guns! All of it means that when added in, my design could actually work!"

Slowly, Wanko gave a nod as she looked at the design in front of her, "Yes... six 12-inch guns in double turrets... two fore and one aft... eight 3-inch guns in double turrets... two such turrets on either... side... twenty 40-millimeter guns in doubles... and just as many... 20-millimeters... all in 23,000 tons... that moves at twenty knots."

With a small snort, Supprin shook her head, "I could only do that because of your advances. I don't need them to move fast because they're not meant for anything but defence, but that let me armour them with the best armour you have and enable them to bounce up to fourteen inches because I don't care about the speed or the range."

Chuckling, the Harbour Princess across from her nodded, "Yes, I can see why... and it is a very interesting design... and one less likely to frighten... our human allies. I will approve... of the design." Tilting her head, she frowned, "How fast... can you construct... them?"

Leaning back in her chair, Supprin sucked through her teeth, "I am not like you or Hopppou. At best, one every three months if I have enough supplies. Otherwise, one every six." She grimaced a little, "If the reports are true, and I hope that it is just someone's imagination, than she has survived. And if so, we need to set up as many defences as we can for when she comes for us all."

Expression dark, Wanko nodded, "Yes, that is... true. But if Sub-Continental... survived... you are right... we must prepare alongside... the humans for the... storm that will break." Looking through the folders, she brought one out and opened it, "We shall get to... the small Cruisers... in a moment. But I wished... to talk to you about... this one."

Lost, the other Princess leaned over and blinked, "That old thing? It was one of my first designs back when I was considering building a Coastal Battleship. I plugged away at it out of boredom once I joined you, no other reason. A bit of a beast really, seventeen thousand tons, pretty well armoured, four fourteen inch guns in two doubles, eight three inch guns in doubles as well... top speed of eighteen knots. I considered it for myself, but... not really worth it." Frown on her face, she shook her head, "Twin turrets means quite a bit of dispersion on the shells. And up armouring it to handle its own shells would probably place it around nineteen thousand tons. A lot of trouble."

Not saying anything for a few moments, Wanko finally gave a hum, "That is very true... but perhaps we... can share the design... with someone else? One of... our allies... perhaps?"

Frowning herself, Supprin furrowed her eyebrows, "Maybe? But who would actually be able to make use for it-" Suddenly, she paused and became thoughtful before smiling a little as she remembered one Installation she met the previous Christmas, "Actually... there might be one who might be really interested in it..."

Raising an eyebrow, Wanko listener and soon had a slight smirk on her own face, "Allow for me... to talk to... some people first. We can see... if it would be... possible to pass on... the designs to her." Getting a nod, she pulled out another folder, "For now, I wish... to speak to you... about my design... for a Cruiser Killer... as we may be... in need of such... soon enough..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Matter Of Muffins And Butter

Ryorijin Bakery, Nerima, Japan

23 July 2014
Spoiler: Breakfast At Suisei's Bakery

The bell over the door chimed as Ehren du Chasteler made her way into the family bakery. Involuntarily, she licked her lips at the smell of fresh-baked bread and pastries hot from the oven as she shook the rain from her umbrella before hanging it on the offered rack.

"{Hello, can we help you?}" The young man at the cash register asked politely in Japanese as she walked inside.

Ehren smiled inwardly as the translation spell finally managed to make links. She spoke slowly in her rehearsed Japanese. "{Coffee and a muffin, please.}" Her nose informed her of the fruit in the muffins in question and she allowed her inward smile to manifest. "{Make that two muffins, apple if possible. Also if Aunt Suisei is here, please let her know that her niece Ehren stopped by to visit.}"

Ehren's dark blue skirt rustled as she seated herself at an open table. She smiled inwardly at the reflection of the prim and proper maiden in the creamy cotton starched blouse looking back at her. She then arranged her silverware precisely In Ordnung before she poured the regulation half package of sweetener and one spoonful of creamer into her coffee.

"Ehren! It's good to see you!" Her aunt's voice sounded from the door to the kitchen. Ehren's sharp eyes noticed that Suisei had flour covering her hands to the elbow as the dagger looked over at the tanto. "Give me a bit, I need to finish this melon bread."

Ehren spoke politely. "It is no problem, Aunt Suisei. Duty before pleasure and I have the day off."

Suisei smiled in relief and then ducked back out of sight. "Thank you. I'll be there as soon as I can!"

Ehren smiled slightly internally and then returned to watching the pedestrians walking through the morning rain shower. The smile reached her lips as her muffins arrived.

The muffins, in fact, were excellent; hot and steaming. In Ehren's opinion, they were perfect with a dab of butter to complement the apple in the dough and the cinnamon topping. Ehren's eyes half-lidded in bliss and she smiled like a content cat as she savored the taste.

Presently Suisei bustled out of the working area. Still with her hair up in a bun and wearing a cat-patterned apron, she smiled as she approached the table. "I didn't expect to see you today, dear."

Ehren smiled. "We did not have anything planned for today so are on our own. Claire is visiting Kensho and Aunt Kyoshu and no doubt giving piano lessons to them both. Mutti had a meeting with someone named Honjo, one of Tokunotakai's sisters."

Suisei plopped herself down in the chair opposite Ehren. "She is, yes. And I suppose you came to visit me?"

Ehren nodded. "Yes... for well two reasons. First off, you mentioned giving me tips on how to protect my family just as you protect yours. Second, I have been accepted at Hogwarts and shall need to disguise what I am while present there. According to Grandmother Norimune and Aunt Akutoku when I asked them you are the best of us all at doing such disguises. This is even more important because I shall be taking classes with eleven and twelve-year old children, while I'm... well...." Ehren gestured at her eighteen-year old avatar.

Suisei grinned smugly. "I can help you with those, yes. Speaking of Nori, how is Delilah? Akutoku," the mildest of the Muramasas made a face, "was Akutoku when I asked her about that. And Nori's not back yet."

Ehren spoke quietly. "The crisis is passed and Aunt Del and Aunt Zamarad are healing from their injuries. I can tell you more in private." Ehren glanced around the partly filled bakery before resuming, "Grandmother Norimune stayed there to be with Del and also speak to Great-Aunt Jezebel. They have much to discuss apparently. According to Aunt Jackie, something happened shortly before Delilah's birth to drive them apart, although I never asked what that was."

Suisei sighed and lowered her voice as she spoke, "Nori was a real mess when I met her for the first time after the Restoration. We didn't know what had happened to her to mess her up like that since she didn't talk about it much. Also we were all messed up in our own ways then so she didn't stand out as much as you might think. Then when her daughters showed up, well, we only got part of the picture from them. And as for you and your sister, just names until we met you at the beach house."

Ehren nodded, "Well I'll fill you in on what little I know, although I'm the youngest child so know the least, I suppose. Claire knows more since she has been with Mutti since 1873. That said, I come bearing a gift to get information out of Claire."

"Oh?" Suisei asked curiously.

Ehren smirked and handed over a folded set of handwritten papers. "The recipe for Claire's favorite Apfelstrudel Viennese dessert pastries. I also included Mutti's favorite Belgian Waffle recipe. That is a family one that she ate as a girl in the 18th Century. While we were tending to Delilah, I hopped back to Moulbaix and made a copy from Kasuyu's cookbook; he is Mutti's butler -- in a sense."

Suisei's eyes gleamed as she made the papers vanish in her pocket. She then surveyed her grandniece and spoke with quiet pride in her voice. "Cunning, underhanded, and subtle. Just like us daggers should be."

Ehren raised her coffee cup in salute then spoke, "I confess I enjoyed these apple cinnamon muffins greatly myself. My compliments to the baker."

Suisei grinned. "I'll make you a copy of that recipe along with the next batch I do up today. Ehren, just enjoy your breakfast and I'll get someone to take over after the rush is over and I have time."

Ehren smiled in agreement. "You may want to brew another pot of this excellent coffee as well, Aunt Suisei. I am not human until I have my third cup and I shall be here until you call for me."
-------------------------

A hour and a half later (and two more apple cinnamon muffins and four cups of coffee savored), Ehren had settled the bill and was humming Der Hohenfriedberger Marsch to herself as she sipped the last of the most recent cup of coffee.

"All ready for you now, Ehren!" Suisei called, and Ehren stood, automatically straightening her blouse and skirt as she replaced the chair precisely under the table and placed her cup back on the saucer.

"Sehr gut, Aunt Suisei." Ehren said as she made her way through the now-deserted cafe portion of the bakery to her waiting aunt.

As they walked along a narrow corridor then headed up a flight of stairs, Suisei spoke. "You mentioned Kasuyu, he does all the cooking for your family?"

Ehren chuckled, "Oh no, Mutti insisted that we all learn to cook and clean and look after ourselves. We must learn how to serve and obey before we can be trusted to lead. Mutti is not too proud to cook meals for us all." She paused, "We live in a castle and while it was designed to have servants, magic does help with that enough so we can get by. We took in Miho and her children Misaki and Chihoro as well and they are acting as additional staff while we help them integrate into the muggle world." For a brief second Ehren scowled murderously. "What was done to them and the other Jorogumo is not right at all."

Suisei paused then spoke quietly. "I lost one of my Mistress' sons to a Jorogumo in the 1750s so... there were reasons they were hunted and penned. According to Chisuheri, the worst of them are long dead and the survivors are much less violent but...."

Ehren placed a hand on her aunt's shoulder and squeezed. "I can relate. I lost my Vati before I manifested."

Suisei leaned into the touch for a moment. They then walked down the hall at the top of the stairs, pausing so Suisei could exchange hugs and words of introduction with members of her family as they passed her. Ehren watched, her eyes prickling and her lips quivering a little as she for an instant saw her own blond form in the place of her aunt, sharing those family bonds with Ying and Claire's children.

And... perhaps even hers? A voice whispered in the stillness of her soul, making her eyes ache a little more.
Spoiler: Ehren's Journey Into The Soul

Finally at the end of the corridor, Suisei slid the screen open and walked into the small bedroom. Ehren followed, smiling at the tidy, orderly layout, with cookbooks shelved above a small desk, a futon neatly stored, and some photographs and ink-brush paintings both magical and nonmagical of Suisei and some of her family members. Ehren's lips quirked as she saw a newly framed one showing her, her mother and her sister Claire in their swimsuits at the Beach house with the rest of the Muramasas.

Suisei removed her true body from someplace on her torso and racked it on her desk. "Now, may I see your true form, Ehren?"

Ehren twitched her wrist to release herself from the forearm sheath that she was in today. She then handed herself over hilt-first.

Suisei examined her with a small smug smile. "Nice balance for throwing, very nice enchantment work, especially with the self-repair and protection charms."

Suisei then knelt in seiza on the floor of her room and placed Ehren's form on the mat in front of her. "Sit here in front of me."

Ehren complied and looked into her aunt's blue eyes. The elder Muramasa spoke in a calm and soothing voice, "Now, Ehren, close your eyes and concentrate on your body. Feel every sinew, every muscle and gush of blood that makes up your avatar."

Ehren did, gradually falling into herself as her breathing became deeper and more regular and her pulse slowed. Then Suisei spoke once more, still in that calm voice, "Now picture your true body floating before your closed eyes. Feel the steel, the air brushing your point and edges, the weight of your hilt and pommel. Feel it as it is as much you as the body and blood that your avatar is."

In Ehren's mind's eye, her SS-Ehrendolch self formed, floating there as she contemplated herself. "Yessss~" Ehren breathed, "I see myself~~".

"Good, now see the younger you who you wish to become as a mask over that which you truly are reach out her hand and take your hilt as the older you fades into invisibility and lets her step forward." Suisei said in that hypnotic voice as Ehren's eyes twitched in the trance that she had been put in as she probed her spirit.

Ehren breathed in and out deeply and suddenly she was there. A younger her, perhaps twelve years old, with her hair up in twintails and dressed in the blue skirt, white shortsleeved blouse and black neckerchief of the Jungmädelbund formed and reached for her hilt.

And as her eyes slowly opened, she saw that young girl's hand grasping her true self as her aunt looked at her with pride in her smug smile.
Spoiler: Young Ehren

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

The Butterknife Who Came In Out Of The Cold

23 July 2014

J. Edgar Hoover Building, Washington, D.C.
Spoiler: A Mysterious Number

Alondra David frowned at the message that she had just gotten on secure email from her contact in Fort Meade and swore under her breath. Naturally she was not going to hit the panic number if there was any other course, so she had ran a trace.

The first thing she found with her search warrant was that AT&T told her that the number 212-335-4524 had been established in 1947 when the three digit area code 212 had been assigned to Manhattan. And had not issued a call once in the last 67 years according to their records. No outbound traffic, nothing, just a scattering of telemarketer calls that went straight to voicemail, apparently and a bank account at JP Morgan that paid the bills religiously in full every first of the month rain or shine.

Assuming that there was even a voicemail to be picked up since the damn number had apparently been installed before Alondra's father had emigrated from Brazil. Hell her original hull was still afloat then!

Curious, and armed with an authorization letter from On High to contact the SAMSON Network, Alondra had called her contact in No Such Agency to do some serious digging with the best electronic surveillance gear and techs that the most powerful nation on Earth could buy. Alondra had gotten back what the spooks knew of the mystery number.

Bupkis.

They could tell her that it was a telephone somewhere in Manhattan, which did not exactly narrow down the possibilities any.

Well, Alondra admitted to herself, the person on the other end was one paranoid sonofabitch to dig the rabbit hole this deep and pull it in after themselves.

Nothing for it.

Alondra looked out the window at the late-night lights of DC and then flipped open her cell phone and plugged it into the recording system to monitor the call. "Right, here goes nothing."

Her thumb moved across the keypad of her phone, tapping in the number she had been given.

212-335-4524

Her phone began to ring.
---------------------------

Subbasement 37F, MACUSA Headquarters, Woolworth Building, Manhattan
Spoiler: Making a Connection

A humanoid figure bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Maschinenmensch of Fritz Lang's 1927 science-fiction black and white film Metropolis stirred in the dusty room.

Charms and sigils flickered from the headset that was a sculpted part of the art deco robot as the spells crafted into it decades before sensed the purpose of the caller on the other end of the line. It jerkily moved its arm in a parody of human movement. One steel hand, glimmering with charmwork picked up a copper cable wrapped in fabric insulation attached to the plug board of the switchboard it was assigned to manage.

The plug slid into place and mechanical stepping switches clicked and whirred to life as the call was routed forward.

J. Edgar Hoover Building, Washington, D.C.

Alondra stared at her cell phone as it emitted odd clicks and whirs. "What the hell is that noise?" she asked the room. Then her memories from the 1940s surfaced. "Fuck me, that's a old electromechanical switchboard!"
---------------------------

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York

Moonlight through the window and firelight from the roaring fireplace glimmered on a pair of nude female figures cuddled together in a heap of arms and legs laying on rumpled bed sheets.

This was the first time that Delilah and Zamarad had felt physically capable of consummating their relationship after their healing, and considering the near-brush with death, both had desperately needed that reassurance. Life, to drive back the darkness they had tarried within.

During the earlier iftar (evening) meal after the sun had set, Zamarad and Delilah had agreed to break the Ifrit's Ramadan fast, which Del followed as a courtesy to her love, in more ways than one.

So following the traditional handful of dates both ate as an opener, they had a more substantial second course of cedar wood, redwood, and white oak (or in Delilah's case New York Strip Medium Rare steak with a large side of Delmonico whipped potatoes with cheese and breadcrumbs for her own comfort food). Then the two had headed back to bed and fallen into each others' arms after locking the door to prevent interruptions.

Unfortunately, they would not be the first nor the last set of lovers to be interrupted by Alexander Graham Bell's most famous invention. The antique phone in Jezebel's study began to ring.

"Damn, who izzit?" Delilah muttered under her breath, untangling herself from Zamarad who was stirring in turn.

Delilah then limped two doors down, waited for the doorknob to draw blood to verify that she was authorized access, then turned the knob and staggered to the phone. Behind her Zamarad followed.

"Winter Secundus here, Prime is out, report." Delilah snapped into the phone as she fished for a pad of paper and a pen to take notes.

J. Edgar Hoover Building, Washington, D.C.
Spoiler: Contact Made

Alondra's eyes widened at the snappish voice of 'Del' on the other end of the line. "Um.. This is Alondra David, Del. How the hell did you live through that?"

"How the fuck did..." Del began then the sound of a palm meeting a face sounded through the cellphone. "Never mind, I gave it to you as a backup. As for the dead part, to quote Mark Twain, 'The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated'. Not to say that it wasn't a damn near-run thing. Um...."

Alondra laughed despite herself, "Regardless it's damn good to hear from you Del. Listen, we need any info you have on the fallout from the last time we worked together."

A deep sigh answered her words, "That's going to be tricky since according to my organization, I'm dead, Alondra. Deceased, gone, KIA, singing in the choir eternal. So I can't show up in the office without blowing the shreds of my cover to hell and back. Also," Delilah paused and mumbled something too softly to hear.

Alondra frowned at the phone. "What was that? I couldn't hear it?"

A pause then Delilah snapped back with heat in her voice. "Mère grounded me from field ops! I'm stuck in the house until she lets me out!"

Alondra blinked and stared at the phone like it had just grown a second head. "Wait wait. You mean to tell me your mother grounded you?"

Something sounding like a cross between a campfire and the Joker sounded in the background as Delilah sighed. "Yes! And I'm geased to sit here on my hands until she lets me out of the house!"

"You've been doing this since the 1930s and you're living with your mother still?" Alondra asked as she fought to keep the grin splitting her face out of her voice.

"1870s actually," Delilah growled, "but she doesn't care that I have been kicking ass for her since then." More mutters under her breath followed.

"How old ARE you?" Alondra asked curiously.

Del sighed, "Old enough to remember Mother taking me to see President Lincoln consecrate the cemetery in 1863."

Alondra stared at the phone in shock. Pieces of info from interacting with Del over the decades flashed through her mind, plus the memory of the antique Civil war-era revolver that 'Tina' had been carrying for Del. The picture they presented was... crazy but fit the facts. "Um, I'd like to talk to you face to face anyway, I still have your Bowie Knife... well and what's left of the shotgun you were using there. Figure you can use it as a trophy."

A long pause, "Um, well fuck, I can't bring you here," Del broke off and audibly drummed her fingers as the campfire laughed again on her end. Finally she spoke again. "Can you make it to Custer, South Dakota?"

Alondra stared at the phone again. "Custer... South Dakota?" She scribbled down a query 'find out where the fuck Custer, South Dakota is' on a Post-it-note.

"Yeah. I have... well... interests out there. And I can make it out there in a few days when I heal up more. Give me a chance to work on Mother and also accumulate as much info as I can. So... say a week from Friday? That would be the First of August." Del said.

"I can do that. Also, if you see Emma, and she's not dead yet either, tell her thanks from me and the shipgirls she bailed out. You two saved about a hundred lives, and when this shit finally sees the light of day, I'll be pushing for the Presidential Medal of Freedom for you both." Alondra said. "I also owe you both a beer for that."

Del sighed, "I'll pass the info along," She broke off and squeaked suddenly, swapping to Arabic. All Alondra caught was Zamarad and something about 'on the desk' before Del came back on, speaking fast. "I'll take you up on that. 7 PM on the First, I'll see you at the Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Bar in Custer. Reservations will be in the name of de Breuil. I have to go now. Bye!"

The phone suddenly hung up, leaving Alondra staring at it. "I wonder what that was about?" She asked the room before switching the recorder off for later analysis and then staring at the post-it note as her faeries recorded the information.
---------------------------

De Breuil Estate, Upstate New York

"Admit it, Shaelat ruwhi. Making love on your mother's desk without her knowing is a suitable means of revenge for the grounding."

"Yessss~. As long as we don't get caught out when she and Father come home from my memorial service, so let's get out of the study before she gets back. And I'd have to go into Custer anyway to get supplies for the ranch when I get out there. I'll pass along as much as possible to Alondra when we meet there. Even if I can't tell her some of the Top Secret stuff that I'm still geased to keep hidden like GOLD FELIX and SILVER SPIDER."

"What are those?"

"Well GOLD FELIX was the plan MIB used to summon those neverbuilt paper ship...girls. Wait. You aren't cleared either, but I can tell you. How the HELL did that happen, those geases bind me... until... I... die...."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

With a sigh, Natsumi's feet padded against wood as she walked through the connection between her grandparents' home and the dojo they had. She had somewhat fond memories of it, of watching Hoshi or Tsuki practice, same with her mother and aunt. Lips twitching a little, she remembered one practice when Taichi was a young teen and challenged an amused Hoshi to a spar...

And was promptly thrashed.

To this very day, the memory never failed to bring a smile to her face. Not even when she herself got knocked around by the Kyuubi. After all, she had asked for it, but unlike her brother it was not out of self-entitlement, the belief that she could beat the older Kitsune. Natsumi considered herself many things, stupid was not one of them.

Of course, there was the fact that bringing it up never failed to fluster her brother. As if he was embarrassed by what happened. Her lips twitching a little, she remembered bringing it up in front of Akagi and Kaga. Both Carriers had promptly snickered a little, followed by pulling their boyfriend into their embrace and cooing over his embarrassment. If anything, Natsumi had become more amused as her brother became flustered as the two Carriers told her that they must comfort fluffy tail.

Granted, it never ceased to cause Natsumi some bemusement about how that relationship was occurring. Not that she had much issue with it and she did look forward to when she could call both members of CarDiv1 "Nee-San" at the very least. But never had she expected them to fall for her brother. Not that she was one to talk, she supposed as the image of a certain Battleship flashed through her mind as well as a black haired boy.

Shaking her head free of such thoughts, she reached the dojo's door and took a deep breath before opening it... and coming to a stop.

Mainly because, currently, the entire inside of the dojo was plastered with protective Ofuda. Slowly blinking, Natsumi took that in before a glint caught her attention. Turning her head, she raised an eyebrow at the sight of odd amulets hanging from the rafters, "What are those?"

A now familiar voice that had an Irish lilt to it spoke up, "Protective charms, Natsumi-Child. From when I was young and before Christianity took the Emerald Isle fully." Turning, she was met by the smiling face of Siusan, "They should help."

Haruka giggled a little before nuzzling the Irish fox from behind, who blushed, "Of course they should, you crafted them, Siusan."

It made Natsumi smile a little at seeing the fifteen hundred year old fox become flustered. Not to mention the obvious love between the two made her internally sigh as the image was replaced by an older version of herself with Harry doing the nuzzling, 'I only hope that I can experience such...'

Just for a few more moments she watched before turning her attention to the room fully. She could see her grandparents as well as Kogitsune-Maru putting up some more charms as was Haru and her mother. Hoshi and Tsuki were standing outside a Seimei that had been placed on the floor. But what caught her attention was in the middle of said symbol, one that caught her eye and dragged her sight towards it.

A plain, lacquered box covered in seals.

Inside of her head, a soft chuckle echoed back from the depths of her mind, 'If you are wondering, yes, that would be my sword.' Another chuckle of amusement could be heard before Tamamo continued, 'My, my, it seems that they are certainly worried for some odd reason~'

Once, Natsumi might have been concerned. But currently, however? She decided otherwise, 'Gee, I wonder why?'

Somehow, her snark seemed to amuse the ancient Kitsune even more if the laughs that faded away said anything.

However, Natsumi's attention was grabbed as Hoshi walked up, "Good afternoon, Natsumi-Chan. Are you ready for this?"

In reply, Natsumi gave a slow nod, "I think that I am."

Expression softening, the older Kitsune placed a hand gently on her shoulder, "You don't have to do this, Natsumi-Chan. Especially if you are uncomfortable with it, none of us will force it." She grimaced a little as she glanced at the box, "We all know who is involved."

Her eyes gazing at the same box, Natsumi took a deep breath before releasing it, "I... think that I do." With a blink, she gave Hoshi an unsure smile, "If it helps give Harry-Chan a better chance, I'll grasp it."

With her eyes meeting Natsumi's, Hoshi held back a grimace, 'Even if you need to make a deal with the Devil as the Westerners say. And even he might be preferable to my Mother.'

Needless to say, none of the four older Kitsune trusted the word of Tamamo, not in the slightest. The old fox spirit was one whom you trust to always have an unseen angle somehow. One that always worked to her benefit one way or the other. But the question here was...

What was her actual goal?

It was for that reason that it took so long to get to this point. All four of the Kitsune had been in deep discussions about the "Offer". Hoshi and Tsuki, knowing the most about their mother, were the ones most frustrated with trying to figure out what was going on. The fact that Tamamo had actually helped and protected Natsumi from her pelt had only made them more concerned at what she had been planning.

Their worries were only eased somewhat when Kogitsune-Maru told them that Inari passed on a message that there was nothing untoward towards Natsumi going on.

Of course, then said worry returned shortly afterwards when Tsuki had found out something about China. Natsumi herself was confused about what was going on there that would worry all four Kyuubi, but whatever it was seemed to concern her. The one time she confronted Tamamo over it thinking she was involved somehow, the infamous Kitsune told her that it was nothing to be overly concerned over. That they were just events finally coming to a boil.

Granted, Natsumi was still confused when, just a few days ago, Tamamo asked for her to say her original name three times in a row. And to do so three days in a row. With each time she finished saying it three times to play "What does the Fox Say" on her phone.

For some reason beyond her, Natsumi felt grand amusement and knew that it came from her. As if her instincts were telling her that she pulled a prank on someone and annoyed them. Someone much higher ranked and powerful, the idea of which caused actual amusement. The fact that Tamamo seemed inordinately pleased with her and amused as well did make her wonder...

Natsumi shook her head to put those thoughts beside and went back to considering the sword in front of her. It had taken months of discussion, but finally Hoshi and the others agreed to unseal the sword for her as asked. Of course, all of them were taking every single possible precaution regarding said blade. Best to be prepared after all, just in case as no one knew what would happen.

Moving a bit closer to the sealed box, the two tailed Kitsune frowned a little and looked towards Hoshi, "Um... what can I expect?" At the look, she lightly blushed, "From the blade, I mean. No one's said much about it or why it's sealed like that." Briefly, Natsumi paused before shrugging, "I mean, besides the obvious."

A frown on her face, Hoshi came to stand beside her for a few moments before speaking, "Our... Haha-ue was very powerful as you well know. And very knowledgable to boot as well. Neither of us quite know where and when she learned to forge, but she had. This blade had been created, forged in her own fox fire, heated by her rage and hate." Glancing at her, she frowned, "As young Harry experienced, her fox fire could burn like normal fire, though composed of dark emotions."

Grimacing as the memory of when Tamamo's pelt attempted to assimilate her, seeing Harry's skin redden and blister under the heat of foxfire, Natsumi gave a nod, "Hai, I know."

Slowly, the Kyuubi let out a sigh, "With that fire, she forged her blade before she left China."

Inside of her head, Natsumi heard a snort from Tamamo, 'I did more than that, not that she would know. I used a modified process of what Qimu Huaiwen had.'

Blinking, Natsumi tilted her head, 'You did?'

Right then, a dark chuckle came from deep within her mind, 'Oh yes... you see, there was a group of fox spirits who decided to use my name and act like they were me to cause trouble. I captured each one and held the six of them. My sword was washed in the urine they released in terror and I quenched hardened it in the fat that I took from their remains.'

Having spotted the disturbed look on the younger Kitsune's face, Hoshi asked what was wrong. Upon being told, however, she grimaced and nodded, "Hai, that does sound like something that Mother would do." Tilting her head, she gave Natsumi a look, "Are you sure that you want to do this then?"

With a deep breath, Natsumi gave a nod, "Hai, I am. I'll face this no matter what."

Unsure expression on her face, the Kyuubi made a sound of agreement. As Tsuki came over, Hoshi sighed a little, "Now, Haha-ue placed... protections, upon her blade. Unless you were her, or we hope given permission to wield the sword, your hands would be burned. An Onmyouji attempted to steal the blade and unsealed it eight hundred years ago. We found his remains an hour later, all flesh apparently stripped from his bones. Both of us burned our hands resealing the sword afterwards."

Expression becoming serious, Tsuki spoke up with a grave tone to her voice, "If you feel any burning, stop and drop the blade. We will reseal it after."

Deep inside her head, the young Kitsune heard a scoff before Tamamo spoke, 'There will be no need for such. My sword shall accept you as the new wielder easily.'

Ignoring that for now, Natsumi gave a small nod and the two daughters of Tamamo no Mae closed their eyes before raising their hands. Before their eyes, the seals holding the box shut began to smoke before bursting into flames. As the last one disappeared, Natsumi stepped forward and reached for the lid before removing it and her eyes widening. Sitting on red clay packed tightly with more seals was a dao.

Unlike Harry's, however, this one had a straight edge, not curved. The pommel as well was ring shaped unlike much later ones. She knew, however, that despite not seeing the blade due to it being sheathed that the sword was among the deadliest weapons that she had ever seen.

After a moment, Natsumi swallowed before reaching forward with a shaking hand until it was just above the hilt. Pausing, her hands twitched as she gathered her courage before picking up the sheathed sword in her hands. Briefly, it warmed under her touch and she blinked as all the seals burned away in a moment which caused Hoshi to move, "Natsumi-Chan!"

What stopped her was that the younger Kitsune was unharmed by the flames, with them gently carressing her but leaving no mark upon her skin or clothes.

Relieved, Hoshi still felt a shiver of fear though as realization struck her. Despite their best efforts, the sword could have likely broken free of the seals that bound it at any time. Seals that her, her sister, and Natsumi's grandparents had a laid upon the blade over decades. All powerless in the end.

That frightened her to no end.

However, the blade didn't do anything more, it simply laid in Natsumi's hands as she sat there. With a smooth motion, the young Kitsune unsheathed the blade and her eyes widened at what she saw. Despite likely not having been cared for in centuries, the steel that made it up still shone under the light, a sparkle along the deadly edge of the blade itself. Everything about the weapon screamed that it could kill, and would do so effectively at that. That it would cleave through armour, flesh, and bone with equal ease. It should have frightened her, terrified her to hold such a blade.

Yet... Natsumi didn't feel any of those things which made her furrow her eyebrows and she reached up with a hand, running it along the spine of the blade in a smooth motion. Under her palm, she could feel the slick, smoothness of the blade. Suddenly, Natsumi had a vision as if she was there. Of Tamamo in China spotting a shooting star and following the track for many days and nights until she came to where it had landed, digging a hole. Digging down into the ground beneath the hole, she pulled out a lump of metal the size and shape of her fist.

As her hand brushed against the hilt, the young Kitsune had another flash. This time, Tamamo digging in the place where once, centuries before, she had been a housewife with her true love. Of digging up a few bronze implements that were corroded, but which she had used to make dinner for her dear husband. Implements that she melted down to form the current hilt, mated to a blade forged of star metal.

She watched as with centuries of experience, Tamamo, or Daji as she was then known, fought against a Taoist Immortal sent to kill her by the Celestial Bureaucracy. Of them fighting for days, the fox using every skill she had. While she was nearly killed, she still slew her enemy, cutting his head from his neck before burning the body and fleeing China. Before her eyes, she saw Tamamo hide the blade in Japan, and then finding the woman who would carry her next body, praying for her yet unborn, and unknown to her, already deceased child whose body the future Tamamo took for her own...

Back in the present, Natsumi looked down at the blade with her eyebrows furrowed, "Taiyang..."

It went without saying that she was not the only one who jumped as sparkles formed into a body and a cheerful voice spoke up, "That's right, Master! It is I, your ever loyal and foxy blade, Taiyang~!"

Rapidly blinking, Natsumi's head rose and her eyes widened a bit at seeing what looked like a fox spirit there before her. She had to have come no higher than just a few inches over five feet with pink hair as well as bronze colored eyes which shone happily as she looked down at Natsumi. She was also wearing purplish blue Kimono type top with detached sleeves which extended down towards her knees.

Granted, Natsumi twitched a bit at seeing how said blade spirit when she leaned forward... bounced a little, 'Oh, come the fuck on! Seriously!? Even her blade is bigger than me!'

The twitch became more pronounced as Tamamo cackled in her mind.

However, it was then that Natsumi noticed that Taiyang seemed to be examining her in thought, completely unconcerned with how the Kitsune around her had gone straight to battlemode. As well as how both Carnwennan, who had just appeared, and Kogitsune-Maru held their true selves to her neck as her face was within inches of Natsumi's. It almost made the young Kitsune shiver at how the blade spirit was not bothered in the slightest by the amount of firepower and death aimed at her which could have killed even an Abyssal Princess.

Looking her in the eyes, the blade seemed thoughtful before suddenly smiling happily, "Well, Master, it is good to see you!"

A tremble in her body, Hoshi pressed her lips thinly even as her tails bristled, something that much to her annoyance barely seemed to get even a flicker from her mother's former blade. She then growled a little, "Natsumi-Chan is not her."

It seemed to amuse Taiyang more than anything, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes for a brief moment. Then she gave a small shrug, "Perhaps~ But she is Master's Heir, and therefore Master!" Straightening, she continued to smile even as the two ancient blades beside her kept their edges pressed against her neck, "As always, I will serve you."

Slowly getting to her feet, Natsumi's eyes met the nearly fourteen hundred year old Dao's before frowning, "Really?"

Blinking, the Dao hummed a bit, "I see... Mikon!" Then, before their eyes, she dropped down to her knees into a kneeling position and leaned forward, spreading her arms wide at the same time despite the other swords drawing a bead of blood each as she pressed against them, "I, Taiyang, the Blade of Daji and Tamamo no Mae, here by swear to my Master..."

Eyebrow raised, Natsumi blinked, "Ono Natsumi."

With a slight nod, drawing a bit more blood, Taiyang smiled, "Ono Natsumi, Heir of Tamamo no Mae, to serve her. My Iron is my bond, my Soul and Spirit my seal. Magic is my essence as I swear to you. Let the Earth my bronze came from be the Foundation and the Stars of my Steel the roof of our contract. Against the Wind my Blade shall cut. My Oath and Protection shall stand against all the virtues of the Heavenly Court, against all the Evils of the Hells. The balance shall be protected as my Fate is your Sword. I submit to you, my Master, for I shall never harm you and obey as your faithful foxy servant."

Despite it being obvious that they did not want to, both Carwennan and Kogitsune-Maru withdrew their blades from their fellow blade-spirit's neck. At the look, the ambigulously gendered Kogitsune-Maru shook their head, "The Oath that she just swore is... one that cannot be denied among us swords and other blades." With a sigh, their shoulders slumped a bit in relief, "By outright stating that, she can never harm Natsumi-Chan and will obey her orders."

Giggling slightly, the foxy blade hopped a bit on one foot before placing one hand on her hip and gesturing with the other, "Of course not, I would never harm my Master!"

For a few moments, Natsumi was quiet before speaking, "You won't disobey my orders? At all?"

Her finger against her chin, Taiyang considered the question, "Within certain parameters, such as if your orders will bring you harm for example. Or if you were to ask me to destroy myself, then the Oath would be broken on your end. But... other than that? I will."

Understanding, the young two tailed Kitsune nodded slowly, "I see..." Clearing her throat, she fixed her gaze on Taiyang before speaking, "Then I order you as my Sword, to never harm my friends or family. Your blade shall be dull to them, blunt. Unless they have turned against me and attempt to do me great harm, then in turn they shall never be harmed. Is this understood?"

More amused than anything, Taiyang bowed to her with a slight smile, "Of course, Master. I have recieved your orders and understood. Never shall I go against them unless what you do not wish to happen comes to pass." Her grin became bloodthirsty, "At which point, all bleed the same and shall water the earth."

All Natsumi did was sigh at that as she understood it to be the best that she could get. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her and she furrowed her eyebrows, "... Taiyang is a boy's name, so why...?"

Placing her hand on her hip and cocking it to the side, the Dao smiled a bit, "Why am I girl?" At the nod, she shrugged some, "Because my creator and Master was a woman and I was in her possession for four hundred years. I also like being a girl as I am a beautiful sword." Closing one eye, she stuck her tongue out a bit before flicking a finger next to her face, "Being a pretty, foxy blade gets me all sorts of attention~ Mikon!"

That just got her a sigh from many of those around her even as Kogitsune-Maru nodded before said sword shifted to a more female form.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The Sun had set hours ago and the Moon poked out nearly three quarters full from behind some clouds. Natsumi was softly sleeping in her futon in her grandparents house with the window partially open. About the only thing that looked out of place was soft movement before two golden, glowing eyes appeared in the darkness. Taiyang's avatar stood there looking down at her Master with a thoughtful look on her face before kneeling down on her knees to better observe the Kitsune.

Finger against her lips, she thought back to what had happened that day involving her Master. She had been surprised when she felt the box that she was within being moved and considered breaking free in that moment as she sensed the daughters of her Master. But then dismissed such thoughts at the time. No need to quite reveal all her cards, let alone that she could break free at any time if she so wished. After all, in her forging she had absorbed the spiritual power of the six Huli Jing who had been slain in her creation. Something that had left her extremely powerful.

Granted, just her imagining the likely expressions of fear and terror that her Master's daughters would have caused her to smile and giggle metaphorically.

Not that she would have harmed them in any case. While she was angry at them for having a hand in her Master's death, she did not quite blame them entirely. And they had saved her from likely destruction unknowingly. Taiyang had sensed at least one Onmyouji searching for her to destroy her. While unlikely to succeed, best not to take a chance. Besides, like her, they too were her Master's Legacy and thus should be protected. That said, she was rather annoyed about the seals. They didn't hurt, but they were really, really itchy! Like an itch that you just can't scratch, but all over you.

Still, her interest grew as she was brought into a new room. Oh, she took in the various protections and talismans that were practically plastered to her senses despite the ones on her box being supposed to prevent that. But she was too foxy for such things to work and clever by far! Though within a few minutes, she had figured out how to break through all the ones that the daughters of her Master as well as the other Kitsune had put up. They all had their own weaknesses and the like to someone experienced. Just a few pokes and most would collapse if she so wished.

But she had sensed some new talismans that she had never come across before. Ones that tasted foreign to her senses as well as old magic. Briefly, she had the sense of being in a country of green, rolling hills and hearing the cries of seagulls. Of seeing near, or fully even, naked men in body paint fighting each other. Including one man who seemed to burst into a ferocious beast. One eye sucked back into his head while the other burst out of the socket onto his cheek. The cheeks drawn back so far that one could see all his teeth and into his gullet where his lungs could be seen to flutter alongside his liver. Sinews bulged grotestquely from his muscles until they were the size of infants, his legs reversing in a horrific contortion with the feet, knees, and shins snapping around to face the back. Meanwhile, his calves and the meat of his thighs faced the front.

Giving a roar, firey flecks of blood flew from his mouth as he crushed one man's skull and steam rose from his body. Black blood burst from his ears and vaporized, creating a cloud of darkness that rose upwards. A true monster of the Battlefield.

Yet then he transformed back into a beautiful man with seven fingers, seven toes, and seven pupils as he carried a red spear that dripped with blood constantly. On his cheeks were dimples and his hair curled down his shoulders. He seemed to gaze at her in thought for several moments and then the vision ended though she caught other figures. A man with silver arms, another who seemed to glow from the inside, and others. Powerful beings, interesting if only for the fact that some of the talismans created to bind her power drew such from them. She did note that she would have to look them up later.

Despite being unfamiliar, Taiyang was slowly working her way through said protections. Slide through this crack here, around that curve there. By the time Natsumi had arrived, she had already figured out most of it and needed a bit more time to figure out how to break them fully. Still, she was personally impressed with them just the same as bothersome as they had been. It was hard to interlock protections after all, and that was for ones from the same school. Not that she expected anything less from the daughters of her Master, but it was still a pleasant surprise to find them mixing foreign magics.

It brought a metaphorical tear to her eye of pride for all her amusement.

All of that was for nought of course, for that was when Natsumi, her Master walked into the room. That almost instantly grabbed all her attention as she looked at her closely through the seals. Oh, she knew what she was seeing no matter what some might claim or deny. Even from behind the seals that she was under, she could sense her Master. And how could she not? She knew the feel of her Master intimately having been forged in the fires of her hate, her rage at the world, anger at herself and others, loss, grief, sadness...

Love for her lost family that haunted had haunted her still and driven her to madness.

She, better than most, knew her Master at her deepest parts and recognized it here. Even before Natsumi's hand touched her hilt and she received the orders from her Master to obey the young Kitsune, she had already known and accepted. Already, she bowed to her Master and accepted the orders before they had even been given. Never would she harm the young one, always would she protect her and those she wished. If someone tried to harm them? She would make certain that the tortures of the Hells would be considered a mercy before she sent them on their way.

Meanwhile, as Natsumi grasped her, Taiyang took that moment to better examine her Master. She could feel, somewhere inside the Kitsune's soul, an echo of sorts. It was not much more than that, or perhaps a shadow, but it was self-aware, that much she could tell. At the same time, the blade could feel the power which roiled under the surface. To most, it likely looked like a still body of water, but below? There were currents and crosscurrents as well as rip currents. Someone unaware could be dragged under and never come up. It made her, Taiyang, shiver in anticipation.

Of course, in the next second she gave into temptation and let loose a burst of power which burned away the seals on her. Perhaps it could be counted as showing off, just a little. But whom could blame her for it?

Besides, the expressions and reactions from it were as hilarious and perfect as she had expected.

Also amusing was the reaction she got from her Master when she revealed her avatar and leaned forward. Oh, she knew exactly what she was doing when she leaned forward. It made her internally giggle when her Master's eyes went exactly where she had wanted them to. She was also well able to read her Master enough to know that she was put off by the fact that she was bigger there than she was, despite the two being not too far off in height.

Her Master had always been exasparated by the form that she chose for her avatar, though she felt that they made a nice contrast between them. Especially as her Master had always had those long, toned legs and hips which men lusted after as much as they did her chest. It was always oh so amusing to see their reactions, then as likely now. Besides, a distracted man, or woman as she didn't much care in either direction, meant that they would likely not see her blade sliding between their ribs, or her claws cutting them from ear to ear, when they should have.

Granted, she was intrigued by the dagger her Master used. Unlike some weapons, she was not jealous of her Master having another blade in her possession. In fact, internally she commended her for such a foresight! After all, a dagger could be hidden unlike most swords. Not to mention that said dagger was also old and powerful. The ability she could sense, and confirmed via asking about what he could do, was extremely useful for a Kitsune. Being able to blend in with the shadows and hide within them was very much a skill worth its weight to a trickster.

Licking her lips, she smirked a little in the present time as she could not wait to work alongside him in killing the foes of their Master.

Now, she had been surprised about how he had been a gift to her Master from a young boy. And she could tell her Master deeply cared for said boy as well. Not the least because his scent was all over her and, she suspected, her Master's scent was all over him. Underlaying that scent was power, and lots of it if young and not yet at its peak potential, but it was there. As well, she had an odd ping from the bronze that made her up, of him being... familiar somehow.

Which was what brought her to what she was doing now in her Master's room. She could feel Carnwennan watching from the shadows, but he did nothing more. A fact that made her nod internally and smile. Sitting in seiza beside her Master's head, her true self unsheathed and in her lap, Taiyang closed her eyes while gently placing a hand on her Master's forehead. She breathed in... and out.

In... and out.

In...

And out.

Opening her eyes, she found herself in an old mansion from the Heian and walked along the hallways. Her gaze took in various things as to be expected, and made note of them. But it was not for that reason she was there, oh no.

That reason laid in a room near the center which she entered and paused, for just a moment before kneeling before a mirror decorated with the story of her Master's life... and death. She waited there, not saying a word, the only signs that she was alive being the slow rise and fall of her chest. No sound passed from her lips, she was perfectly still as if a statue. No movement at all...

Until, that was, an eight tailed Kitsune in the finest Kimono, though stained with blood that also dripped from her ears appeared. The Kitsune regarded her for a few moments before giving her a fond smile, "Taiyang, my Blade."

Bowing, Taiyang returned the smile, "Master, it is good to see you... or, well... an echo."

A chuckle escaped from Tamamo as she nodded a little, "Ah, so you know then."

More than a little amused, the blade let out a giggle, "Of course, Master! I am your ever loyal and helpful foxy servant~ How could I not know?" She gave a small shrug with a slight smile, "Others might deny it, but..."

Only nodding, Tamamo snorted and shook her head, "Indeed they might." Her expression became serious, "Which is one thing that I want you to do, to prevent anyone except those... acceptable from finding out. Because they may well react in a manner that would be displeasing."

Sleeve covered arm in front of her mouth, Taiyang gave a giggle though something dark flashed in her eyes, "You can count on me, Master. I'll make sure such troublesome things do not come to pass." Cocking her head to the side, however, she blinked, "But there is more to it, is there not?"

Eyes meeting those of her blade, the multi-thousand year old Kitsune nodded, "Correct." She motioned with her hand and an image appeared of a teenage boy with green eyes and messy hair, "This is Potter Harry, and he is the one that Natsumi spoke about."

Quickly, Taiyang's eyes took in his form and raised an eyebrow as several connections were made, "I take it that he is..." At the nod from her Master, she gave one of her own, "Your wishes?"

With a hum, Tamamo gazed at the form of Harry with a fond expression, "My orders are simple, protect him." Turning back to Taiyang, she narrowed her eyes, "Protect him and those of their family to the best of your ability." A chuckle came from her and she turned back to the image she had projected before she licked her lips, "I will admit, he is as extraordinary now as he was then. One thing that you must note is that he shall have many concubines or consorts, though him and Natsumi will see them as fellow spouses."

Her ears flicking a bit, the blade blinked, "Oh? And you do not have an issue with this, Master?"

A laugh burst from Tamamo as she shook her head, "No, I do not at all, Taiyang, my faithful blade. While I only loved my husband, I never minded the touch and feel as well as taste of female flesh. After all, I had such before him..." Her eyes saddened a little in thought, "There were even a few that I had considered as a... gift to him."

Head tilted to the side, Taiyang shrugged a little, "I see, as long as you do not have an issue."

Softly snorting, Tamamo shook herself from her thoughts of the past, "I do not in this case, and each one is delectable as well as will bring enjoyment when the time comes." Her eyes flashed in amusement, "Though I shall have to leak a... bit of information to the young Kitsune as to how one must handle such things." Both spirits giggled at that for several moments before she turned back to the blade, "Still, they are better choices than most. For they are all higher ranked spirits, perhaps goddesses. Minor, but still of such divine authority." Lips curling into a grin, she narrowed her eyes with a purr, "Such that he would be the envy of any in the Bureacracy as they could match many Immortals easily."

Lightly snickering some, the Dao nodded. When a new image appeared of a woman, Taiyang raised an eyebrow, "Is this one of them then?"

With a slight nod, Tamamo smiled, "Indeed, this is Louisiana, a 'Battleship' as they are called. She has made no secret of the fact that she is in love with Natsumi as well as Harry both. And Natsumi is slowly getting worn away by her efforts and falling for her as well."

Taking in the tanned skin, long, well muscled legs, brown hair and freckles as well as blue eyes, Taiyang hummed a bit as she tapped a finger against her chin, "Very good taste."

Briefly, there was something in Tamamo's eyes that was part amusement and part... something else. However, it was gone nearly as soon as it appeared making the blade wonder what her Master was thinking, though the Kitsune nodded, "Agreed, she is a very good example of a fine woman. One who will be a fine consort to Natsumi as well as Harry." She then paused before continuing, "Besides protection, there are two other things that I must have you do for my plans."

Ears perking up, Taiyang nodded, "Of course, Master. What is it that you wish for your Foxy blade to do?"

For a few moments, the Kitsune was quiet before speaking, "Natsumi is learning the skill of Kitsune-Tsuki. I wish for you to help her master said skill to be best you can. I shall leak out the knowledge from my end, so that she truly masters it as I had and soon, for it will be needed." She gazed at Taiyang, "Firstly, there is a Dark Lord after young Harry, and Natsumi wishes to fight at his side against his foe."

Eyes narrowing, Taiyang took that in before lowering her voice to a near growl, "Do you wish for me to end the creature, my Master? For I will in but in a moment."

More amused than anything, Tamamo shook her head before sighing, "Ah, I wish that it was but so simple. But this is a matter of destiny, though there may be ways for you to help." Quickly, she explained about the horcruxes and Taiyang nodded in reply, "But there is another reason, which regards the fact that an aspect of myself from when I first tested a Dynasty is still around. She is currently in China and busy, but may turn her eyes this way once things are settled. For she feels the same pull I would."

Concerned, the blade frowned and rubbed her chin, "Troublesome. But you wish for myself to teach Master about how to use the skill to its most effectiveness due to this? Then I shall help as much as I can."

Only nodding, Tamamo paused to gather her thoughts before motioning her closer. Without hesitation, Taiyang did so and didn't flinch as the Kitsune reached out of the mirror and pressed her clawed fingers against the avatar's forehead, breaking the skin. For a brief moment, Taiyang's eyes fluttered as information entered her mind before Tamamo pulled away, "Those images were from a... incident, many decades ago when the then government recovered my Pelt and experimented on it to try and revive me under their control. The ones highlighted, I believe they are still alive and were part of a sister project to force both reincarnation and to have them awaken the memories of their past lives. The Kitsune known as Haruka is one, having been a woman named Brigid over fifteen hundred years ago and remembering it."

Rubbing the spot where the skin had been broken, and now healed, Taiyang nodded before raising an eyebrow, "What is it that you wish for me to do once I find them?"

The smirk on Tamamo's was as cruel as it was cold as her tails weaved behind her, "When you find them, and you will need to hurry as one named Kotegiri is also hunting them, then what I want you to do is simple..." Holding out one clawed hand, she clenched it, "Rip the knowledge of such things from their mind and leave them dead."

A similar smirk was on Taiyang's face as she eagerly nodded, tail swishing behind her in excitement, "Of course, Master. Though..." Becoming thoughtful, she frowned slightly, "Are you perhaps considering... that?"

Expression stormy, the Kitsune snarled, "No. Harry is to be unharmed no matter. What you suggested would, indeed, harm him and I shall not allow that."

After a few moments, Taiyang nodded before she frowned herself, "Understood." It was then that she caught sight of something in the back of the mirror. A fox pelt, softly glowing and covered in chains, "Hm?"

Noticing where she was looking, Tamamo smiled a bit, "Ah, Natsumi and Harry both defeated my maddened Pelt. When they did, however, Natsumi absorbed the power and I have sealed it for if I had not? She would have grown at least two or more tails. And that cannot happen."

Simply nodding, the Dao frowned a little, "Indeed, the fact that she already gained an extra tail far beyond her years would be suspicious enough but can be dismissed. More? No... that would draw the wrong sort of attention."

With a snort, Tamamo shook her head, "Exactly, though I can release it slowly over the next few decades, there is still too much currently and it would help to burn off quite a bit. But... I can use that for my plan."

It took a few seconds, but Taiyang was not considered scarily brilliant for nothing and gave a nod as pieces fell into place, "I see, it suddenly makes sense. When one is in the true depths of Kitsune-tsuki, the souls can be so close that some might consider them being one. And considering the connection already there..." She shook her head a little, "So that is how you may deal with the Daji-That-Was then."

Eyes hooded, the Kitsune chuckled, "Indeed, Kitsune-Tsuki is close enough to trick... certain things. And I was not lying when I told dear Natsumi that being as I am an echo, nothing can come from me doing anything as I am less than a soul or spirit. But I am not aiming for myself and so deep, well... one could be confused for a Kitsune." Smirk turning vicious and dark, she continued, "As they say in the modern day, it would be one last fuck you to the Celestial Bureacracy on my part in doing what they would not at least in this case."

Taiyang giggled alongside the Kitsune with a similar dark and vicious smirk, "I see, brilliant my Master."

Smirk falling away moments later, Tamamo scowled some, "But first, I need as much information as I can gather. That you can gather, so that I can see if possible as I will not attempt unless I am certain."

All the Dao did was nod in agreement and, shortly after, opened her eyes in the real world with a slight smile on her face before she glanced at Natsumi, 'Thank you, Master, I shall obey your orders. And also thank you for stating that I can tease you about Harry-Kun and the like as I am glad that you are having fun teasing her as well~ Mikon!'

Closing her eyes, she hummed a bit as she prepared herself for what would come soon enough.

Deep within Natsumi's mind, Tamamo's Echo was thoughtful as plans and schemes whirled around in her head. For once, none were for her exact benefit, well, one could argue that fact. Still, events and such prodded her to take such measures just the same. Thinking about her blade, a thought occurred to her and she looked towards the mirror, waving her hand at it and watching as the surface rippled as she used divination.

Nothing was fixed in the future and the closer to the present one went, the harder it was to predict. And anything could change the future as a change in wind strength and direction can change how the waves might go. But looking a few decades into the future, Tamamo smiled at the sight of a Harry looking around his thirties, having obviously undergone Kitsune-Tsuki with Natsumi as his hair had lightened to a very dark red of sorts with fox ears replacing his own and three tails behind him. As she licked her lips, she watched as Harry/Natsumi pressed Louisiana up against the wall before kissing her hard, lips and fangs leaving small marks on her neck as Harry's form shifted a bit more.

The mirror blurred showing a scene several months after, of a blushing Louisiana cuddling an infant to her chest as a similarly blushing Harry and Natsumi looked on. Said child looked at least part Japanese with the Battleship's hair and a deeper brown than Natsumi's, but not too far off. Some of her features were also those of Harry's alongside Natsumi's and Louisiana's. Sometimes the child seemed to have fox ears and sometimes not.

And then the mirror blurred again, this time showing Taiyang walking alongside the child, now a young woman who seemed to laugh at something the blade at her side, both avatar and actual blade, had said. An action that made the Dao blush some and look away hooking her arms in... and being intrrupted by the sword spirit that she knew as Goldie. Softly chuckling as the image faded away and left the mirror, Tamamo had a slight smirk on her face.

"Perhaps, my faithful blade, you shall have your reward as well...

 

[darthcourt10]

RCNAnon

Weasley's Warship Workshop 16

Passel House, Mid December 2013

Stepping from the fireplace in the Burrow to Passel House Ron found himself nearly walking into Summer, who immediately grabbed him and finished the process.

"Yardmaster!" Though her voice was still relatively quiet, the intent was clear and Ron struggled a bit as the gigantic abyssal held him close. At least it was soft, even if he was having a bit of trouble breathing.

"Summer dear, please let Ron go for the moment. I'm not sure he can breathe." Warspite's voice was clear even trapped as he was, Summer letting Ron go at the request.

"A-are you ok Yardmaster?" Summer looked down at Ron, her hands still on his shoulder.

A little red, Ron looked up at Summer and gave her a nod. "I'm fine Summer, thank you." He squinted his eyes for a moment and lifted his hands to her hair. "You're looking much better Summer. Repairs are going well?"

Summer immediately flushed at that and nodded, her hands clasping under her chest as she looked down. "Y-yes Yardmaster. Very well." She paused for a moment and then looked back up at him. "Thank you."

"It's what you deserve Summer." Ron gave her a smile, causing her to blush and look down again.

"How about a hug for us?"

Ron finally turned to see Warspite and Duke waiting for him, the grin on Warspite's face quite playful, while Duke looked more like she was humoring.

"Of course. I'm happy to see you too Warspite." Ron leaned into Warspite's embrace, which while not as all encompassing as Summer's, was still quite nice. Especially when she leaned down and added a small kiss to it.

"It's been too long." Warspite said as they pulled away, smiling at him.

"Well I've got a couple weeks with all of you, so we should be able to recharge." Ron was rather proud of the fact that he managed to speak coherently even after the small peck but his cheeks were still quite red.

"That does sound lovely Ron." Duke's presence was a comfortable one, even as Ron once again got a soft embrace. Duke was the least overbearing about it, though she added a small kiss on the cheek as well.

She looked him over for a moment, then nodded. "You look well. Victoria has dinner ready for us but I have something to speak with you about later."

Ron nodded to her. "Of course." Out of the corner of his eye he saw a grin flash on Warspite's face before just as quickly disappearing.

"So how was your mother?" Duke asked as they began to head to the dining room.

"Mom was good. She was very happy about my exams, said I matched up to Percy..."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Later after dinner Ron found himself seated in the lounge, next to Warspite with Duke in a nearby chair and Summer sitting on the floor nearby, happily humming to herself and working on some blueprints.

"Duke, you wanted to ask me something?" Ron asked, the conversation having dropped into a lull for a moment.

"Oh, yes. Thank you for reminding me Ron." The battleship turned towards him and gave a small nod. "I simply wanted to ask you if you could spare a few hours for me in the next few days to visit the base. It needs to be before Christmas."

Ron nodded. "Of course. Is there any day that would be best? Like I said before I've got the next few weeks off and they're all available."

"Tomorrow would be best, if it's not too sudden." Duke smiled slightly at his answer.

"Sure. What time should I be ready?"

"I think after lunch will be fine." Duke's smile widened, with Warspite shifting slightly next to him.

Ron looked up to see her grinning as well, causing him to raise his eyebrow.

"Something I should know?"

"No, I don't want to ruin Duke's surprise." Warspite smiled more and then pulled him against her shoulder once again.

"Alright. I'll wait." Ron settled in with a grin as the fire nearby crackled, enjoying a night with some of the people closest to him.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

The next day found Ron dressed up, as Portsmouth in December was not what anyone would call warm. Especially not after the weather changes from the war. Making his way towards the vanishing cabinet to meet Duke, Ron found several RN girls relaxing in the lounge along with a man in an MP outfit standing next to it along with the blonde battleship.

Ron glanced at Duke, confusion on his face.

"Is there something I should know about?" He looked between her and the MP.

"It's part of the surprise." Duke's smile would have looked more in place on Warspite's face, though Ron thought she wore it quite well in turn. "You do have your ID right?"

"Yes." Ron held up his military ID badge.

"Show it to the good sergeant here and we'll be on our way."

Ron walked up to the MP, who carefully examined the ID with an intensity he didn't usually see. Finally the man handed the ID back and nodded to him.

"You may proceed."

Ron took the ID back and put it in his pocket, opening the door to the Vanishing Cabinet and stepping through. Waiting for the rush of magic, he then opened the other door and stepped out. On the other side he found two members of the Royal Marines standing in full gear, their rifles held at the ready.

Now very confused, Ron stepped out of the way of the cabinet and waited for Duke to come through. Thankfully she followed after only a few seconds later and he immediately placed himself by her side.

"Duke? Can you please tell me what's going on now? There's not usually this many guards around."

Duke looked down to Ron and placed a hand on his shoulder as she led him towards the door.

"It's still a secret Ron but I promise you nothing bad is going on. There's just a few friends visiting the base today."

Ron nodded, the comforting presence of Duke assuaging most of his worries. She'd never lied to him after all, it was simply strange being on the base with so much security.

Outside the chill December wind made Ron rather happy that he'd bundled up. There was snow on the ground in places, most of it pushed out of the way or turned to slush by the general activity level of Portsmouth. Duke headed in the direction of the harbor, Ron sticking close by to her. There was less sign of security in the middle of the base but then again Ron didn't know what to look for either.

"So, this friend of yous is important I take it?" Ron tried to fill the air with some conversation as they reached the docks and headed down the pier, activity going on even in this cold weather. Abyssals waited for no one.

Duke smiled slightly and nodded, glancing at him before looking forward again.

"Yes, they are. They don't get out as much as they used to, the war keeps them busy like most of us."

Ron continued to follow after Duke, having to take almost two steps for her every one given the height differential.

"I see." He finally said after Duke let silence reign between them. "Are they part of the surprise as well?"

"Yes but they'll visit later." Duke's eyes twinkled as the got to the end of the pier, a long length of it clear and surrounded by buoys. Ron looked to the left and the right from where they stood, then back up to Duke.

"Are we going somewhere?" Ron was aa bit more confused now, waiting as Duke looked out into the harbor.

"Not especially." Duke turned back to him and smiled softly. "We're right where we need to be."

Ron looked around again, then back up to Duke. "Are we waiting for something?"

"I suppose you could see it that way." Duke reached into her pocket and withdrew a case, one that Ron recognized immediately. She ran her fingers over it carefully, staring at it for a moment before looking back up to him. "Do you remember on my birthday when I said that I had would have something to show you very soon?"

Ron nodded. "Yeah, I remember. It seemed important."

"All the more important because of what you gave me Ron." Duke opened the lid, revealing the bejeweled clip that sported her crest. "A gift like this deserves repayment somehow."

"Duke I..."

"I know Ron. Gifts are not meant to be paid back. They are gifts for a reason. But..." Duke smiled as she reached down and took the clip, the case closing and going back into her pocket. "But emotionally I cannot help but want to repay you."

Ron's mouth froze for a moment and then he nodded, the light in Duke's eyes holding a softness that was exceptional even for her.

"Thank you." Duke smiled and then offered the clip to him. "If you don't mind, would you put this in for me?"

"Of course Duke." Ron took the clip carefully, knowing its value as Duke reached up to undo her hair. The long golden strands fell straight down her back, some even touching the ground before Duke gathered them up again. It was the work of moments for her to put them into place once more, the high ponytail she sports something she did naturally.

When it came time for Ron's turn, she bent her head back as she held it in place, leaving Ron to stretch up and place the clip properly. It was the work of only a few moments as he put the clip in, the crest glinting in the sun despite the slight overcast.

"There you go." Ron stepped back, settling on his feet as Duke let go of her hair.

"Thank you Ron." Duke smiled at him and then reached out a hand. "It's time for the surprise now."

Ron nodded and took her hand, finding himself pulled in front of Duke and facing the same direction as her, out towards the harbor.

"Am I supposed to be looking for something?" He tilted his head back slightly, stopping once he felt his hair brush against something.

"I think you'll understand when you see it." Duke's voice held a faint trace of amusement but it was also clearly focused, causing Ron to look straight ahead once more.

A few more moments passed, with Ron looking out ahead of him into the harbor. He couldn't see anything that looked like a surprise, at least not that he recognized as one. He was about to ask again what he was looking for, until he felt Duke's hands on his shoulders get tighter.

Then he saw a bubble appear in the middle of the buoys in front of them. Large enough to be noticeable even in the gentle tides of the harbor, Ron's eyes focused on it for some reason. It was followed by more, until suddenly it became a constant. It took him two more seconds to wonder what it could be, then finally recognize the last time he'd seen such a thing.

The sudden gasp that indicated an intake of breath came a split second before the top of the mast broke through the water.

Ron had watched Warspite summon her hull from a distance, safe and secure on the hospital tug. He'd had to sail closer held in her arms, which made distances feel strange at points and he'd not gotten a very good look at the size until they'd docked back here in Portsmouth.

He got to watch Duke's hull rise from the waters fifty feet away from him. The almost stately pace at which it did so seemed at odds with the sheer size. Duke was almost a hundred feet longer than Warspite and she had an additional nine thousand tons of displacement.

Ron wished he could take in every bit of it, as his eyes darted back and forth. First the fore mast and after mast, then the conning tower and her funnels came into view. Waves washed off of them, almost threatening to rise up onto the pier as her distinctive 4-2-4 turret arrangement came into view. Finally the rest of her armored hull rose up into sight, the sheer sides painted a wartime camouflage that looked absolutely perfect.

Ron's head rose up and up, not even noticing when he impacted against Duke's chest. Finally the entirety was in view, the impressive seven hundred and forty five foot length from stem to stern resting neatly inside of the buoys that they'd stopped by.

Ron could barely even process the awesome sight in front of him, of all the things he'd thought Duke might show him this had not been one of them.

"What do you think Ron?" Duke's soft voice finally asked him, even as the cheers and horns from the rest of the harbor begin to ring.

"It's awesome!" He said in a hushed tone, turning properly so he could look at Duke. "You are amazing Duke."

He wrapped her in a hug, not caring where he did so, merely needing to embrace her.

He felt her arms wrap around him in turn, the soft embrace one that he knew could twist steel but would only ever protect him.

"Would you like to go on a tour?" She finally asked after nearly a minute.

"Of course!" Ron pulled back slightly and grinned at her.

"The tugs should be here shortly, then I'll show you around." Duke smiled down at him. "You'll be the first to visit."

"Thank you Duke. Thank you." Ron smiled at her, grin bright as the sun as Portsmouth Harbor rang with the sounds of celebration.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: This is going to be a two or three part story. This felt like a good place to break and I hope you all enjoy it. Questions, comments, concerns etc. welcome as always.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Yawning, Natsumi got up from bed as the morning light streamed in before rubbing her eyes. As she pulled her fists away from her eyes though, she jerked a bit at seeing Taiyang in seiza beside her. The blade spirit's eyes were closed and she was breathing in and out slowly which made Natsumi blink, "Taiyang-San?"

Eyes opening, Taiyang smiled before closing her eyes and tilting her head to the side, "Good morning, Master. A bit of a sleep in?"

Still blinking, the young Kitsune glanced around before pulling out her phone and looking at it, "... It's seven in the morning."

Raising a finger, Taiyang gave a small nod, "Ah! A bit later than I thought, but still a lie in."

More than a little bemused as she stretched, Natsumi gave a small shrug, "Well, unless you have actual work, you don't need to get up with the dawn. Or school, I guess." Shaking her head and running fingers through her hair, she hummed, "But it's summer vacation so I don't have that much to do. I could sleep in even until it was ten or even noon if I felt really lazy with no real problem."

Just cocking an eyebrow, the foxy sword frowned before wagging a finger at her, "You shouldn't be lazy, Master!"

Amused, Natsumi gave another shake of the head as she stretched some, "Mmm, one can afford to be lazy some days now. Not everyday, but it can be a nice treat."

Eyebrow raising, Taiyang tilted her head a little, "Still not a good habit to get into, Master." Getting a shrug, she smiled a little as she examined the Kitsune before leaning in to examine the shirt that Natsumi wore, "Hmm.. what an odd piece of clothing."

Not even thinking of what she was saying, the fourteen year old Kitsune yawned, "Oh, it's one of Harry-Chan's shirts." Realizing what she had said, she blushed a little, "Um..."

Head cocked to the side, Taiyang frowned in thought, "Does that have some sort of meaning?"

Blush staining her cheek, the Kitsune looked away and was about to answer when Carnwennan appeared, "One could say so." When both foxes looked at him, one with pleading in her eyes while the other was intrigued, he smirked, "In the modern day, wearing a boy's specific clothing is a means of, ah, marking one's interest in them. I have heard that men have a habit of liking it..."

Putting that bit of information away into a corner of her mind, Taiyang gave a small nod, "I see, I see. In a way it does make a lot of sense when one does think about it. Marking one's territory, I take it?"

Lips still curled into a smirk, the Arthurian dagger chuckled, "That is one way to put it, yes."

Cheeks now a deep read, Natsumi groaned before placing her face into her hands before getting out of the futon, "I'm heading to the bathroom now to get changed and freshened up."

Another chuckle escaped from the dagger and he sat there as she grabbed her clothes for the day and walked out of the room. Several moments passed before Carnwennan opened one eye and gave Taiyang a look, "Have a nice chat, I take it?"

Eyes narrowed, Taiyang looked at him for a few moments before frowning, "You knew?"

Shifting a little, Carnwennan hummed some, "I did as it was not hard to guess for one as old as we are. A younger one might not have realized, but..."

Only nodding, the foxy blade crossed her arms over her chest and pushed it up a little, only to pout as she noticed that other than a brief glance, it didn't affect him. Understanding that would not work here, like it had in so many situations, Taiyang sighed, "My Master explained a few things to me and gave me some orders. But do not fear, not a single one will bring harm to either Master or to the one she has her eyes set on... either one."

Expression slightly relieved, Carwennan sighed, "I had been hoping for such, I will admit. Do know that if things will change..."

Giving him a look, Taiyang smirked, "You will attempt to end me? I would not blame you as I would do much the same to you... Though that would be an interesting fight between the two of us and I will admit, I am unsure which of us would win in such a case." Suddenly, her normal, bubbly expression was back, "But enough of that! Let's talk more about my darling Master and her love~" Clasping her hands together, the Dao cooed, "I wish to know more about them~"

That got her a laugh from the dagger and a grin, which right then told her that she would like working with him. Old and powerful, yet very intelligent and cunning. A perfect counterpoint to her as he could strike from the shadows as she distracts or strikes from the front. Truly, her Master was wise without knowing...

When Natsumi returned, however, she paused and gave both smiling blades a look, '... They're up to something, I know it.' She mentally sighed a few seconds later, 'I wonder if this is what Harry-Chan has to deal with regarding Juuchi...' Shaking that off, the Kitsune put away her clothes before turning to Taiyang and pausing.

Mainly because she realized that said sword was currently wearing a sleeping Yukata that was at least a size too small in the chest and was open enough at the top to be distracting.

For several moments, Natsumi stared before mentally slapping herself and drop kicking her hormones. Due to closing her eyes, she missed the smirk on her newest weapon's face before it was gone by the time she opened her eyes. Taking a deep breath, Natsumi looked away with a cough, "So... do you have any, um... better clothes than that?'

Considering the question for a few moments, Taiyang hummed, "I can easily change my clothes, Master." Moments later, her current ones fell apart into sparkles revealing her in the same ones that she wore the night before. Winking, the dao grinned, "See, your foxy blade can do many things~"

Yet again, the teenage Kitsune just sort of stared before a mental Natsumi began to swing around a spiked club at her hormones. What made it worse was that, obviously, Taiyang had an idea of what was going on in her mind as she gave a wink.

There were times she despised going through puberty.

Ignoring the cackle at the back of her mind, Natsumi took a deep breath to calm herself before giving a nod, "Well, that's good to know at least." Rolling her shoulders a bit, she hummed, "Anyways, we should probably get going to breakfast."

Somehow, she was not sure how, Taiyang went from sitting seiza to leaping into the air and twirling, "Mikon! Breakfast sounds good, Master!" Landing on her feet, she grinned a little bit and leaned towards her, "I haven't eaten in centuries!"

Briefly, the young Kitsune grimaced at that as she was reminded of how Harry was treated before shoving that to the side, "Then we'll just have to make sure that you have a good breakfast."

Moments later, she regretted that as Taiyang glomped her, with the teenager's face shoved into her chest, "You do care, Master! I'm so happy that you care about your foxy servant~ Mikon!"

Carwennan, meanwhile, held his chest as he nearly fell over laughing as Natsumi attempted to struggle free of her new sword's grip, even as she was swung around by said bubbly spirit. He slowed down, only to laugh again as her eyes, practically the only parts of her face visible as the rest was in marshmallow hell, both glared and pleaded at him. But all he did was laugh until he started crying while declaring that he was going to enjoy his fellow blade's company.

The utter asshole, at least in Natsumi's mind.

Eventually she got freed from the clutches of her newest weapon and the three left the room to head to breakfast. As they were walking, however, Taiyang was looking around them at their surroundings before focusing on Natsumi who was wearing a tank top and jeans, "Hm... what interesting clothing that you are wearing, Master."

Just blinking, Natsumi looked herself over before frowning, "Um, it's my usual clothing? What's wrong with it?"

Cupping her chin in thought, Taiyang shook her head before gesturing with one hand, "Nothing wrong with it, Master. But it is rather... different from what I am used to. Though I suppose that it has been nearly a thousand years."

With a small shrug, the teenager shook her head, "Well, it is what a lot of people will wear outside of formal occasions and things like the beach, festivals, and the like. Besides... its comfortable."

Still cupping her chin, Taiyang hummed, "I see, and I can see how especially in warmer weather. Though I do note something else, Master~" At the suspicious gaze, she continued with a smirk, "It shows off your form~"

It took a few moments before Natsumi realized what she meant and flushed quite a bit, "Sh-shut up..." Getting a giggle from the foxy spirit, she shook her head a little before stretching a little, "But, yeah... this is normal clothing for the time."

Frowning thoughtfully, the Dao frowned, "I see... do you have other examples, Master? So that I know what sort of clothing is normal in this day and age?" At the look, she smiled slightly and gestured to herself, "While I prefer my current outfit, I can understand that if the style in this day and age is more like yours that I might stand out."

Natsumi blinked as she realized what she meant and gave the sword a once over with a slight frown, "That... could be a problem. Can you disguise yourself as a human..." Getting a scoff, with the ears and tail of her newest blade vanishing, she facepalmed, "Right, Kitsune sword... um, I think that we can do that." Becoming thoughtful, the teen Kitsune hummed, "Probably give you a clothing catalogue."

Now it was Taiyang's turn to blink, "Clothing catalogue, Master?"

Scratching her neck, the only non-weapon spirit chuckled, "Right, forgot, they didn't have those until recently historically. Um..." Motioning with her hands, Natsumi shook her head, "Clothing catalogues are, well, books. But they're filled with photographs of clothing in them, pictures, as well as the prices. Since they're mass produced and there's standard sizes for pretty much everyone? You can order clothing from them and have it sent to you."

Eyes widened a bit, Taiyang tapped her chin, "That... is rather impressive, Master. Mass produced and standard sizes? So I believe that means that they can produce the same clothing many, many times for different shapes of people. But they can be of general fitting then? Rather incredible."

For a few moments, Natsumi stared at her before nodding, "That's... actually basically it." Internally though, she frowned, 'Huh... is her bubbliness just a front... What am I saying, of course it is.'

Almost as if she knew what her Master was saying, the blade smirked before going back to a smile, "Hmm... well, if you give me some examples than I should be able to alter the appearance of what I wear to them, Master. Wouldn't be quite that hard, though it may be problematic to reproduce the feel of them."

It was her turn to be surprised when Natsumi gave a shrug, "That's not a problem, it's only temporary until we buy you some clothes and build you a wardrobe of your own." Hearing Taiyang stop, she turned and blinked, "Are you crying-"

Seconds later, she once more found her face shoved into marshmellow hell as Taiyang, crying, pulled her into a hug, "Oh, Master! You're so kind to your foxy blade! Thank you! Thank you a thousand times!"

Meanwhile, as she was swung around, Natsumi internally groaned, 'This is going to be a thing, isn't it? At least it's smells nice and is soft though not as nice as Louisiana's-DAMMIT!'

Yet again, she swore that she could hear Tamamo cackle in the back of her mind.

Thankfully for her sanity, she was soon let go by the sword spirit and they reached the dining room to find the food set out. Almost as soon as they entered, Taiyang's mouth began to water at the smells that tickled her nose. She really had not been kidding about being hungry after trapped for a thousand years. And she was interested in how things might have changed since then.

Looking around, she did raise an eyebrow as she noted various plates on the table, a number of which she could smell was meat from a pig. There were also eggs in a rectangular form as well and other items besides the rice that she had expected. But what caught her attention was a small device on a shelf from which music could be heard. Ignoring the looks she got from Hoshi and Tsuki, she practically bounced over to the object and began to examine it more closely. There was a long, black cord of sorts that came from the back and attached to the wall, and she could see that the sound was coming from a roundish thing behind mesh which made her frown, "Now what is this?"

Confused, and tilting her head cutely, Rei blinked alongside her sister, "You mean the radio?"

Taiyang frowned as she rolled the word around in her mouth, "Raadio... radio... is that what this is called?" At their nods, she looked back at the object, "Hm, yes, I was wondering what this radio is."

Glancing at her sister, Asuka shrugged some, "It plays music and tells the news?"

Somewhat amused at their expressions, the Dao shook her head, 'Adorable.' Lightly smiling, she hummed some, "Hai, I can hear the music, though I did not know about... news coming from it. I do wonder how?" Picking it up, she turned it over in her hands to giggles from the two Kits, "Does it use some form of magic? Perhaps a scrying spell of some sort?"

Eyebrow raised, Taichi swallowed his egg before giving her a considering look, "Huh... normally in stories when you have someone introduced to a radio, they think that there's tiny people trapped inside of it. Same with television."

Rolling the unfamiliar word around in her head, Taiyang turned to him, "Television? What is that?" She then gave a shrug as she looked back at the radio in her hands, "As for tiny people? I suppose that it would not be impossible for one to think so. But I very much doubt that it could be such as it would be a hard thing to do with even magic. No... it would have to be some sort of divination, listening to things from far away."

Lips curling into a small smile, Carnwennan chuckled some from where he sat on one side of Natsumi, already placing some food into his plate, "There is actually no magic involved as a matter of fact." At the perked up look from Taiyang, he continued, "Radios either transmit or receive an invisible form of light. Said light carries with it information that is translated inside of them into sound, which comes out from speakers."

Intrigued by what she was hearing, the fox-blade hummed as she rubbed her chin before placing the radio back, "Hmm... interesting. I take it that the sounds are somehow recorded in some manner?"

With a slight nod, Carnwennan nodded, "That is correct, they're recorded on various physical mediums such as thin, round discs called 'CDs' which use a focused beam of light called a laser to read them. There's small groves and such that become translated as sound by the beam and released." He made a motion with his hands, "Before you ask, it is powered not by magic, but a form of tamed lightning called 'electricty' which itself is transmitted via wires from a place that produces them. Or, for portable ones, from small containers filled with a chemical paste that also makes electricity."

Nodding, Taiyang placed the radio back, "I see, humanity and the others have advanced far if they have tamed the forces of the world such as light and lightning. Very impressive."

Just coughing, Kensuke gave her a shrug, "Well... to an extent? Some people do die of electrocution, when electricity enters their body through an accident like a lightning bolt."

However, much to his surprise, the foxy blade waved him off as she went back to the table, "That is to be expected. Humanity and the other races have harnessed fire for millennia, yet it still can kill or harm if one is careless. Lightning would be not much different." Taking a seat beside Natsumi, she considered the food in front of her with a hum, "I see a number of different types of meat. Surprising as I remember meat eating being banned."

Biting down on a crispy piece of bacon, Natsumi shrugged a little, "That went away with the Meiji Restoration about... a hundred and fifty years ago or so? Something like that." Giving a small shrug, she glanced towards Taiyang, "So a lot of people in Japan eat meat, though rationing due to the current war has cut down on that."

With a nod of understanding, the Dao frowned slightly as she remembered being told about the war. Meanwhile, Sakuya glanced at her parents as well as Hoshi and Tsuki before turning back to Taiyang, "As for food... we have rice, miso, eggs, bacon, ham, some sausage, and toast with peanut butter."

Eyebrow raised as every Kitsune there licked their lips at the last bit, Taiyang hummed, "Hmm, I see. Well, I would not mind that, though may I ask what there is to drink?"

That time, it was Kogitsune, who was a woman this morning, that was the one who answered, "We have coffee, green and black tea, orange juice, and apple juice as well as plain milk."

Her tail swishing behind her, Taiyang looked over the choices before focusing on the one that Natsumi was currently pouring milk into, "And what is that you are drinking, Master?"

Just blinking, Natsumi looked down at her mug before shrugging, "Black tea, actually." Taking a sip, she hummed happily, "It helps me wake up some."

Now thoughtful, the Dao looked at the small tea pot that Natsumi had poured the tea from and took it after taking a nod. Pouring out some into a mug that was given to her, she sniffed the dark brew, "Hmm..." With a glance to the teenage Kitsune beside her, she plucked some of the hardened honey (and was that not interesting in and of itself now?) and placed them into her steaming cup and stirred it around before adding milk. Taking a sip, Taiyang frowned a little, "A bit bitter still, I think. But I can see why you would like it."

With a shrug, Natsumi grabbed a piece of toast and began to put peanut butter on it. Once she was done, she paused for a moment before placing it on Taiyang's plate, "Here, try some toast with peanut butter, it's a type of bread."

Eyebrow raised, Taiyang took the offered toast and sniffed at it. The brown paste on it didn't exactly look appitizing, but... the smell made her mouth water. With a mental shrug, she took a bite and her eyes widened. A few moments later, she blinked as she noticed that it was gone and she looked around, "Where...?"

Highly amused, the teenage Kitsune next to her snickered a little bit, "Seems that we have another convert to the way of peanut butter." At the confused look, Natsumi shook her head, "You ate it all, though that is not unexpected. Peanut butter is food of the Kami."

Only nodding, Taiyang hummed, "Hai, I can see why you would claim such." Licking around the inside of her cheek for more of the delectable taste, she smiled before taking another piece of toast and placing peanut butter on it as her tail wagged, "I think that I shall have more..."

That got her grins and some chuckles of agreement from the others around them.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Past Promises Redeemed

Fubuki Farms, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan

26 July 2014
Spoiler: Meeting the Arashis

Colombe slowed down the rental van as she turned off the road out of Kushiro toward the farm lane, then glanced over at Tsukiakari. "Thank you again for coming with me for this."

The Kyo Gunto smiled back. "It is the least that I could do. After all you did promise Master Ian to keep his children in the Arashi Clan safe. I called ahead so they expect your arrival."

Colombe turned to look at her daughters in the back as she parked at the gate.

Ehren raised an eyebrow. "Arashi Clan, Mutti?" The dagger asked calmly as they got out to wait for their hosts.

Colombe smiled faintly in memory. "Oui. Ian saved a group of Yokai women from a brothel on his first visit here. They were ill-treated by the humans of the day and were selling their bodies to survive."

The rapier's smile grew warmer as a pair of young-seeming women walked out of the small store next to the gate and approached the van. "Ian was a good man, really one of the best I have ever known. he made arrangements to rescue them from their lives, give them a home here, and make it so their children with him could thrive. On his deathbed, he asked my word to look after them when my oath allowed and my duties permit."

"C-Colombe-san?" The leading woman gave her a shocked look. "After so long..."

Colombe stared in turn before stepping forward to embrace the Hone-Onna. "Keiko-san! It's good to see you! As I promised Ian at the end and then Lyra, I'm here to check on you."

Keiko smiled "He told me in his last letter that he was making arrangements with you, and he mentioned an oath that would have to be resolved first."

Colombe nodded, "Oui, I swore to the Kami Hachiman in 1864 to not set foot in Japan until certain preconditions were met. Which they were finally a few months ago. May I introduce my daughters Claire and Ehren du Chasteler? You already know Tsukiakari."

Keiko smiled, and then gestured to a teenage girl who stepped forward and bowed. "And this is my great-great-granddaughter Shirai who came along to keep these old bones company."

Colombe smiled gently. "It is good to meet you, Shirai. Ehren is the spirit of her dagger, while Claire is that of her piano. Let me give you a lift."

The gate was raised and they drove through into the underground parking garage. "How was the drive up?" Keiko asked as Colombe pulled a small box from the trunk.

Colombe shrugged, "It was a very nice drive, and thanks to Tsukiakari's guidance we did not get lost. I don't know how much she told you..."

Keiko looked at Colombe, "She mentioned that you had several items for us when she called up here to set the meeting up."

"Oui. A set of long-distance Portkeys to Belgium should the situation go totally badly here with the Statute of Secrecy falling. I hope such are never necessary, but better to be safe then sorry, non?" Colombe said, ticking items off on her fingers. "Also a long-distance crystal ball to talk to me, plus my phone number. Finally, I set up a Lloyds' account for you with some Scottish assets that I liquidated. Ehren is my financial deputy and will supply the particulars to your accountant, but it gives access to non-magical monies should you need them as a buffer or for emergencies."

Keiko nodded along and then spoke quietly, "I hope that it does not, but when the Statute finally falls.... I lived through the Boshin War."

Colombe made a face and then sighed, "If you call me, I will come running of course. I owe Ian that and so much more, which is why I promised him to be there for you and the others. Now I can finally start to redeem that promise."

Keiko nodded, "I'd like you to come back in December when the others are present so you and your family can meet them too. We also have a celebration of Ian and Lyra's life then and would appreciate you participating."

Colombe smiled and then looked at Ehren and Claire talking happily to Shirai. "I'd like that a lot. Ehren should be out for her winter break at school then."
-------------------------

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, Kamakura, Japan

A teenage boy ran fingers through his messy hair nervously, and then adjusted his glasses as he reached the ancient stone staircase. He then gathered his courage and began to walk up the familiar pathway to where his old instructor awaited him. She had told him that she wished to see him once more to help him come to terms with the past memories that were plaguing him.
Spoiler: Uesaka Yoichi

As he reached the top, he suddenly cocked his head with a smile as the wind from the city ruffled his mop of hair. He stood there, sensing the wind, his domain, before turning and walking across the courtyard with the ease of one who had walked this way a hundred times before as he made his way to Tokunotakai's dojo.
Spoiler: The Lessons Of The Past

He slipped off his shoes and walked inside to where Tokunotakai knelt meditating in seiza. with her blade resting in front of her. With a brief flutter of nervousness, he knelt facing her with her steel between them. Slowly ofuda on the walls glowed with their own energies, surrounding them in a web of light.

Light that grew steadily as one by one, the kanji for the Seven Virtues of Bushido flickered to life on her blade in a rainbow of colors.

Suddenly the kanji for the Virtues manifested from the blade in orbs of onibi witchfire and began to orbit them both.

For long moments, the only sound was the wind in the leaves of summer from the garden as the orbs circled them both.

His breathing slowed and became regular as he sensed the wind; he became one with the wind that was filling his soul and his spirit.

Then still with her eyes closed, Tokunotakai bowed her head to him. "Welcome to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū once more, Uesaka Yoichi. Or perhaps I should call you by your name upon an earlier cycle of the Wheel of Reincarnation, Tokugawa Gorōta."

He cocked his head and his features blurred. His sharp nose became a raven's beak and one feathered arm adjusted his glasses perched on his beak. "That is a relief, Sensei. I am not going mad then, nor is this possession by a Yuurei."

Tokunotakai smiled serenely. "No. In fact, you are not the first case of knowing reincarnation that I have met." The Masamune's lips quirked, "It turns out that my prize kendoka pupil faced Okita Souji in the prefectural championship finals after she defeated Uesugi Kenshin four points to three."

Yoichi cocked his raven head. "Truly, Sensei?"

Tokunotakai opened her eyes at last to regard him, "Truly." she said with a smile, which faded, "You know how desperate the Pacific War was when you fell on the battlefield."

He sighed deeply, "Yes, I know how desperate the war was then. I also know that the Kamo government was desperately seeking an equalizer when I fell to buy time and protect Fudo-chan."

Toku sighed and nodded, "Hai. One of their projects back then was an attempt to bring back the heroes of Japan to fight against the American tide. Abe no Seimei, your honored ancestor Tokugawa Ieyasu, Oda Nobunaga, Queen Himeko, Miyamoto Musashi. Not caring about the disruption to the afterlife or the consequences for their actions." Tokunotakai sighed, "They had some limited successes with a few of the test subjects they used, and also apparently some of their magics were passed down to the future children of those experimented on. Such is the case with Uesugi-san and Souji-san along with a few others."

The tengu squawked as his feathers ruffled. "And... I was one?"

Tokunotaki nodded, "Yes, you were one. You mentioned ordering Fudo-chan to report to your liege lord that Fushimi-jo was about to fall. I asked her about that -- not mentioning you -- but that I had seen in a temple scroll that she was present then. She told me the tale of the last stand and heroic defense that allowed Ieyasu-dono to assemble his armies to win at Sekigahara."

Tokunotakai leaned forward and bowed her head in respect. "Two thousand men fought and died to the last under your command facing twenty times their number. They bought ten days' time with their deaths to let their liege lord escape and rally his men to win Japan. Ten days as Fushimi castle burned around you and them, before you ordered my sister to depart with the news that the castle would fall on the morrow, and rallied the last ten men to launch an all-out attack to cover her departure."

His violet eyes widened as he remembered the desperate defense, sortie and counterattack as casualties mounted and the hopeless defense was fought. Men volunteering to go into the flames of war for him as he wept with pride for their sacrifice, every moment a precious treasure for his liege lord who got the time he needed to really his troops and allies.

Men who he loved like his own sons, and who saw him as their father, who in turn sacrificed themselves one by one as they fought with the strength that came from true brotherhood on the battlefield. Men he wept for as he loved them like his sons as they fell around him.

Just as his men, his sons, had fought and died for him on Saipan in 1944 in similar hopeless circumstances. Fighting for love of their country, love of Fudo-chan and their own loved ones... and love of their commander who would always be the first into the attack and the last in the rearguard.

A commander, he suddenly realized, that a much younger Fudo-chan, had said was worthy to wield her as they fell back side by side as the rearguard from the burning East tower, set ablaze by him, into the inner keep where the handful of survivors still held strong.

His beak opened and he whispered words said four hundred and fourteen years ago in his last message delivered by his faithful blade Masamune-no-Fudo to his Lord's ears. "But that is not the true meaning of being a warrior, and it would be difficult to account as loyalty. Rather, I will stand off the forces of the entire country here, and, without even one one-hundredth of the men necessary to do so, will throw up a defense and die a resplendent death. By doing so I will show that to abandon a castle that should be defended, or to value one's life so much as to avoid danger and to show the enemy one's weakness is not within the family traditions of my master Ieyasu."

Tokunotakai nodded solemnly and looked into his eyes as she gave him a proud smile and spoke words that pierced his heart. "Is it any wonder that Kamo's government would wish to bring back Tokugawa Ieyasu's great loyal general Torii Mototada?"

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

El Dia Del Cóndor Prologue - Ghosts, A Candle, And An Examen (Day of the Condor)

July 27th, 2014

Iglesia de la Encarnación, Asunción, Paraguay

The noon bell pealed out across the city as a lone young woman made her way up the steps of the Spanish Colonial church. Dressed in the floor length white and red dress made of nadatui traditional lace with a shawl around her head as a concession to the cool temperatures of winter, she was the image of an upper-middle class daughter going to Mass, no doubt the child of one of the government civil servants here in the capital.

Nothing could be further from the truth for Estelle Maria Barmejo.
Spoiler: Estelle


As she slowly climbed the steps, she felt not just the weight of her true misericordia dagger body in the sheath hidden under her blouse, but also the weight of her ghosts. Friends long gone but never to be forgotten who had made her what she was and in whose name she would never forsake the good fight.

Jean-Francois. Colombe. Sinbad. Norimune. Simón. Isla.

She stepped past a trio of policemen watching for vagrants and troublemakers, and entered the nave of the cathedral. As always in her long long life, she felt a tension leave her frame as she walked the consecrated ground. Automatically she knelt as she reached a carved wooden crucifix in an unoccupied side chapel and her lips moved in a hushed, reverent whisper as she spoke in the archaic Spanish of her birth in the Seventeenth Century. "{Christ Jesus, I acknowledge You King of the universe. All that has been created has been made for You. Make full use of Your rights over me.}"

After finishing the prayer and crossing herself, she then placed a 100,000 guarani banknote in the poor box before taking a votive candle to light in memory of those whose sacrifices that she would honor until she was granted her final reward.

Tears fell from her eyes as she bowed her head before the now-burning candle, remembering a French noble, a squib who had commissioned her and spent of his skills and inheritance to craft a magical weapon that would protect his family.... A family now long dead in the French Revolution and the turmoils of Europe.

Jean-Francois du Chasteler.

Then her memories moved on to a gold haired and blue eyed young woman. A noblewoman of honor and courage who had been the first to Master her and had fought with her in hand with courage, skill, and unbending honor for God until....

Until the day where she had failed Colombe, the day where she was forced to helplessly watch as the ship that her First Mistress was defending exploded from a blasting curse that Estelle knew deep in her steel she could have negated with her powers. Could have saved her Mistress from drowning that black day two hundred and seventy years ago.

Colombe du Chasteler.

Another memory, of a brown skinned and mustachioed man who had carried her on his Voyages, where she had served him ably and well until his ship sank and she was thrown overboard by his panicked crew just before she manifested this avatar.

Sinbad al-Beyruti. Sinbad the Sailor.

Yet another face from the past, this one a blue eyed blond with fox ears and tail. A fellow weapons spirit who had taken her in, acted in her way as a surrogate parent, and had served as her role model through war, chase, and betrayal by their employer until her death at Trafalgar as her ship sank under her.

Muramasa-no-Norimune.

Another face, this one dark eyed and dark haired in his uniform as he led the armies of liberation only to see his dreams of a free, prosperous and stable country that he loves ripped away from him by the shortsightedness, greed, and corruption of the other warlords of Latin America. A shared dream that she promised his ghost once again that she would make a reality.

Simón Bolívar. The Liberator.

Another face, this one of a short and curvaceous dark haired laughing young woman in the dress of the 1890s. Her soulmate, her great love, who she still mourned and wept for as she kept her heritage and careful stewardship alive for her people.

Isla de Padilla.

All those soulmates who had touched her life, molded her soul as surely as the smiths that had forged her dagger body had done so with hammer blows on her white-hot steel as she lay on the anvil. All those soulmates who were blessings from God to act as signposts to the path set before her.

Finally she raised her blue eyes to the crucifix and began to pray Saint Ignatius of Loyola's Examen of Consciousness that she had learned from the Jesuits after the Peninsular War. A prayer that had been taught to a wounded and hurting young spirit to help her find meaning in the pain of her losses and the hurts of her life to act as an anchor in the storms of her life.

Become Aware Of God's Presence.

She reflected upon the day that had been, upon how God had touched her life in all His manifold and mysterious ways. The breath of fresh air through the windows of her safehouse as she unpacked after retrieving her gear that had been smuggled in. The young beggar child who had been sent her way so she could give him and his family a good nourishing meal with her charity. The network of ears and helpers who insured that she would not have to fight alone against the evils of the world.

Review The Day With Gratitude.

Yes, she had been given these gifts by God, and was grateful to be allowed to do good in this hurting and broken world. Somewhere, somehow, she knew that her loved ones were smiling upon her poor, failing, humble efforts from where they sat enthroned in glory in heaven. For just as she had fought much, she knew that her struggles and trials were not, would never be in vain for in God all things were possible as her merely mortal strength failed.

Pay Attention To Your Emotions.

Once more she looked inward, to her steel and her soul. Sensing her burning anger at the injustices of the world that she fought, at those who oppressed their fellow man for temporal gain. Sensing her love for those she remembered and defended. Sensing her loneliness and regrets as she remembered those whom she had failed, who had died to leave her to continue on the path they had marked for her.

Choose One Feature Of The Day And Pray About It.

Once more she reviewed her spirit. Again she felt her righteous anger burn within her soul. With that insight, her head bowed over her clasped hands and she whispered in the Spanish of her youth and birth. "{Christ the King, make of me a weapon in Your Hand against the snares, wiles and plots of the Evil One. Send me to always stand as a sheepdog to protect Your Flock and Your Shepherds from the wolves that prowl to consume them. For I am yours in all things as Your instrument here upon this needy world. Amen.}"

Look Toward Tomorrow.

With that, she closed her eyes, reviewing the rumors that her network of friends had whispered to her about activity in the Ministerio de Magia de Paraguay. Activity linked to some of the families who had supported the Stroessner Dictatorship and had grown fat and wealthy by acting as the regime's enforcers. Some of whom, she knew for a fact, had ties to the remnants of Grindelwald's supporters who had fled a Europe that was no longer safe for them after their defeats in the Second World War to set up shop in a sympathetic third country.

Families who were the foes that Estelle Barmejo, known in urban myth, in whispered tales, and in irate arrest warrants by tyrants magical and mundane as La Paloma, would fight until her dying breath and the last drop of blood in her veins.

For the sake of her God and her ghosts.

 

[darthcourt10]

Amused Bystander

A butter Daggers Bizarre Nightmare


Claire stirred awake as she felt someone get onto her bed. Opening her eyes she saw it was her dear little sister Ehren. "Nightmare"? she asked in concern.

"Ja,it..was rather strange and scary big sister". Ehren said as she embraced Claire for warmth and comfort.

Claire returned the embrace and began stroking her head to calm her. "What was it about"? she asked.

"I don't remember much but i think i was being held captive by some faceless man who sounded oddly familiar. Ehren replied as she further cuddled her sister.

"He said something about me joining him on a mad plan of conquest,how....how it was my destiny. It was at that point i noticed he was wearing an SS uniform and...and i tried to escape but he always caught me and said i would have to be...'reeducated'. she said in a near whisper clearly distressed.

For a moment Claire paused her stroking of Ehrens head but immediately resumed it. "That does sound scary little sister,but remember it's just a bad dream you're are here safe and sound".

" And if anyone does try to take you against your will,mutti will protect". Claire said.

" Your right big sister,mutti will protect me,protect us and speaking of mutti this is where it gets a bit strange for me". Ehren replied as she recalled the latter portion of her nightmare.

"While that faceless man kept trying to persuade me to join him, there was suddenly explosions everywhere"!

" Then this magic portal appeared and out came mutti,sword drawn straight at the faceless man all the while calmly stating that she would not let him corrupt me".

" The faceless man then replied back that "one shall stand" and then mutti said "one shall fall". stated Ehren as she focused on recalling what happened next.

"One shall stand,one shall fall"? repeated a most bemused Claire.

" Isn't that from that transformers cartoon movie we watched a while back during the Rerun marathon special on television"? Claire questioned.

" Ja, indeed it does,threw me for a loop when i heard them say it and then when they clashed swords against each other actual background music began playing".

" The song from the same movie to be precise,'The Touch' by Stan Bush, i may have sung along as it played". sheepishly admitted Ehren.

" Nothing wrong with that singing is good for your soul,what happened next? Claire asked while chuckling a bit.

"Well that's where it got hazy for me,all i can remember is that the faceless man had out manouvered mutti and was about to strike her from behind when i woke up in a cold sweat and immediately came to you". Ehren said sleepily as the act of remembering and telling Claire about her nightmare tired her out.

As she cuddled Ehren she begun to softly sing her to sleep using an old lullaby popular in Germany. For her sisters sake she prayed that her dreams would be more pleasant for the rest of the night.

---------+----------+------------+----------+------------
And done! Yellowhammer i hope you don't mind me borrowing Claire and Ehren for this snippet (can't think of a good title for it though) about her having an ominous dream. I had a plot bunny that would not leave me be until i wrote it. Just to be clear this is completely non canon unless you say otherwise.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

El Dia Del Cóndor (I) (Day of the Condor)

July 27th, 2014

Iglesia de la Encarnación, Asunción, Paraguay
Spoiler: Pickup

Estelle finally stood up from her prayers and took a deep breath.

She reached inside her purse and pulled out an antique silver pocket watch made by Breguet et Fils.

Briefly her thumb rubbed the heraldic crest on the case, remembering the first time she saw it on the flag that Simón was raising to cheers from the gathered people. "A condor in the blue field with a grenade and a sword in the claws; below a balloon on which ten presided stars of a flame rise; It will be crowned with a laurel wreath and bordered with the ribbon and star of the Order of Liberators, and the following nickname: Vixit et Vincet Amore Patriae." She whispered to herself as she remembered Simón's hand giving her this watch that he had commissioned for her as a birthday gift.

With that she flipped the watch's case open to check the time. Enchantments sprang to life to protect and preserve her prized keepsake as it ticked away the time just as surely as it had in 1820 for her. She looked at the ticking second hand along with the charms and enchantments that were revealing her path ahead with a glimpse into the future. Sensing even now the man she needed to see approaching his rendezvous with her.

Time.

With that she snapped the watch closed and gestured as she stepped out of sight behind a pillar. Her skin darkened to the copper tone of a woman with Indian blood and grew lined as her lustrous brown hair lightened and was shot through with gray. Her blue eyes shaded to a dark hazel as wrinkles formed on her avatar.

Then the elderly Mestiza peasant matron who stood in place of the upper-middle class Criollo maiden hobbled out of the chapel.

Her hand dipped into her purse once more and produced a worn and battered Bible in Spanish with a Dove of Peace on the cover as she exited the church. Her keen eyes saw a businessman with a simple crucifix lapel pin in his old-fashioned three-piece suit so she shifted her hobbling gait toward him as she began to grumble about 'that thief and rogue of a merchant' in Guarani.

As he passed her, in the instant her body and his screened her left hand from observation by the policemen in the square, her hand darted with the speed of a striking cobra into his pocket and withdrew holding a cigarette case containing the report on Malafé Associates that her agent inside the Paraguayan Branch of the company run by the distant cousin of the Spanish Minister of Magic had compiled. She tucked the cigarette case into her purse as she reached the bus stop that she would use to return to her safehouse.
------------------

Safehouse, Asunción, Paraguay

Estelle leaned back in her chair and frowned after reading the papers.

The Malafés were a long-standing thorn in her side, the powers behind the thrones of a half-dozen strongmen and local politicians. Working their wiles with webs of blackmail, obligation, and bribery. Before the Abyssal War, they were heavily involved in shipping between Africa, the Americas and the branch of the family in Spain.

Not all that shipping had been legal by a long shot, nor were all the cargoes mundane. Narcotics, blood diamonds, slaves, weapons, potion ingredients, fugitives from justice, exotic animals, explosives, stolen items, Dark Artifacts. No matter what it was, if the price was right the Malafés would find a way to profit from it.

She sighed as she remembered how after the defeat of Germany, they had secretly shipped certain Nazi and Fascist officials who had paid well to flee Europe before the Allies could track them down for justice to South America. Some of whom had made their new lives by assisting the right-wing governments of the Cold War such as Alfredo Stroessner here and Juan Perón in Argentina just across the river from where she sat. Who in turn had paid the Malafés well for their dirty work such as brokering mercenary contracts, taking political prisoners on 'one way ship rides' that ended in battered corpses being washed ashore weeks later, and insuring that government-protected cocaine shipments reached the streets of Europe and America.

She reread the line that had her thinking hard.

'Contract for secure special shipments from Special Facility #1 with Prosegur Compañía de Seguridad, S.A. Begins tomorrow. Accepted, transport freight hauler will be dispatched tomorrow at 4 AM.'

That housing and industrial compound in the hills of Pirayú that she had been trying for years to infiltrate. She knew that the Malafés were up to something there, but what they were doing was the big question.

A question that she fully intended to find the answers to, she nodded to herself.

With that in mind, she turned to her equipment cache here. After some thought, she loaded a MP5A3 sub-machine gun that she had acquired from the arsenal of the Policía Federal Argentina six years before and attached a silencer on the muzzle. Next came her backup weapons in a pair of Brazilian Taurus PT92 pistols, the homegrown version of the Beretta 92. Next came a brace of Cold Steel 80STK12 throwing knives, along with a set of lockpicks, a pair of hidden video and audio cameras in smoke detectors, her illicit network jailbreak tools and a miniature solar-powered wi-fi booster. Last a space-expanded bottle of water and high-energy ration bars.

These all got placed into a small space-expanded black backpack along with her gear harness. She then checked the map of the roads one last time to memorize her plan.

Finally ready, she pulled on a black turtleneck sweater, pocketed a set of finger-less gloves, and laced up dark cargo pants over steel-toed and rubber soled combat boots.

Finally satisfied, she took the most important step as she knelt and began to pray to fortify her soul.
------------------

Avenida Eusebio Ayala, Asunción, Paraguay

July 28th, 2014
Spoiler: Insertion

Estelle clung like an ebon-black spider to the rusted and chipped support beams of the underside of the bridge that carried a local street over the main highway that the truck must use to reach the Malafé's compound. She had left her safehouse to here dressed as a bicycle messenger late at night, discarded the bicycle blocks away, and then jogged to her planned insertion point.

Scant meters below her head, the early-morning traffic sped by, not noticing the black clad dagger hanging inverted from the bridge thanks to sticking charms and her natural athleticism that allowed her to climb and crawl to her current position. Next to her, the pack containing the rest of her gear was stuck to the beam.

A flash of amber light approaching at speed caught her attention.

Blue eyes narrowed as she whispered a spell to sharpen her vision.

A trio of jeeps with flashing amber light bars painted in the gold and black of the Prosegur armed security company -- state-sanctioned mercenaries in all but name down here -- and filled with heavily armed guards formed a wedge in front. Next was a gold and black painted Prosegur semi with a heavily armored trailer and cab, followed by another trio of gun jeeps.

She grinned smugly behind her black balaclava and flexed her free hand.

Perfect.

With that her arm moved in a motion she had done thousands of times before.

Her fingers found the dragonhide of her hilt.

She hissed in delight as her true body cleared her sheath as her smirk widened.

Fifty centimeters of master-crafted razor sharp and wickedly pointed Toledo steel gleamed in the flashing lights of the convoy.

Dark blue eyes filled with the fire and passion of her faith and beliefs narrowed to burning slits filled with purpose.

Then as the semi-truck rocketed underneath the bridge, Estelle Maria Barmejo-du Chasteler, La Paloma of Latin America folklore, moved with the speed of a jaguar leaping from a tree onto its prey.