Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

And now for something considerably funnier....

(No one said the course of True Love was without bumps)

Flight of the ButterKlavier

June 13th, 2018

Claire blushed and broke into a happy smile as Tony lowered his bow after a virtuoso solo performance of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. As she applauded enthusiastically she reflected on how much fun the past two months had become.

She enjoyed duets with Mother on her true body playing four-hand or Tokunotaki on her shakuhachi bamboo flute immensely, and Toku in particular was a fascinating partner who provided a unique synthesis with her subtle woodwind harmonics to Claire's backing range and depth of voice. As well, teaching Ehren, who was progressing most nicely as her pupil, was a joy for her and she was hopeful in a short year or four Ehren would be skilled enough to begin four-hand pieces with her big sister. She already had a selection picked out for her little sister to enjoy on her ivories.

But as enjoyable and satisfying as her family were to play with, they did not stretch and challenge her the way that playing with and for Tony did. The others did not have nearly the ear for nuance, timbre, and tone that her Stradivarius boyfriend did or were the challenge to impress with the quality of a performance.

After all, for her beloved family, they did not breathe, eat, and sleep music the way she and Tony did. Ehren perhaps came closet, but even Ehren's romantic heart was turned to the battlefield and not the concert hall.

Which had resulted in the last two months of no-holds-barred musical combat. Not surprising since she was the daughter of a Muramasa and Tony was a Potter - incapable of backing down from a challenge over something that the Potter desired as much as Tony desired her love. Each challenged the other to perform better than they ever had, matching Bach cantata with Mozart rondo, Chopin nocturne with Haydn sonata, Grieg with Gershwin, Beethoven with Brahms, Ravel with Rachmaninoff.

The battle had been fierce and unrelenting with no quarter offered or accepted in the current running points tally and Claire was happily aware that it would probably last for the rest of her long lifetime. She couldn't wait, honestly, and she knew deep down that Tony was of identical mind. Playing to impress someone as skilled and discerning as you were was a challenge and hard work - which made her understand Ehren's drive and work ethic a bit better, she idly reflected as she glanced at her little sister the chaperone.

She was even willing to admit - in private - that Tony had a clear advantage on her currently among the Italian composers, while she was ahead in the French school after impressing him with her Chopin chops. The German masters were still a hotly contested warzone week after week, unsurprising since Claire was Austrian by origin, and had expanded her repertoire among the great Germans for Ehren's sake (fortunately, as it turned out, what Tony could do with Beethoven sent her heartstrings fluttering - rrrowrrr). The Russians were currently equally contested among them and Claire had decided after some frantic arrangement the night before it was time to take a page from Hannibal and storm Italy over the Alps rather than continue to lose ground among the Russians.

She might be out-pianoed by his brilliance with Shostakovitch, but this piano was not going down easy without an assault on his rear areas!

With that, she looked over at him and grinned smugly - an expression learned from Mother - while cracking her knuckles as she prepared to play one of the most famous violin solo pieces in the classical corpus.

Showtime.
Spoiler: Claire Does Vivaldi

With that she began to make the soft sounds of icy breezes and falling snow as her fingers begin the rhythm of gradually increasing eighth notes leading into the solo violin's entrance. Tony's eyes widened in surprise and delight as he immediately recognized the piece that his Bösendorfer girlfriend was playing for him.

The Allegro non molto from Vivaldi's Concerto #4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, "Winter" (L'inverno)

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

Tony applauded happily as Claire finished her arrangement of Vivaldi with a flourish and a triumphant chord and bowed to her as she stood up from her bench and curtsied to him and the softly smiling Ehren.

Well done, Claire, well done.

He knew firsthand exactly how demanding the solo violin in the Allegro was for him to play. Albeit that solo was so enjoyable as he led the other strings and harpsichord through the arpeggios dancing up and down the upper end of his range. But she had played it magnificently as she used her superior range to mimic all the violins and even add some bass 'harpsichord' backing at times when she had a hand free to slide down to the left end of her keyboard.

A definite point to her, and he was already contemplating the possibilities of a duet arrangement of L'invernio with her.

Later.

He wasn't going down easily even with this setback in today's competition to impress her, but he needed something to show that he in turn could be worthy of her love.

But what...?

Aha!

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Act 3!

If she wanted to demonstrate her virtuosity with sixteenths in arpeggios, he would give virtuosity and arpeggios to her good and hard.
Spoiler: Tony Goes THERE

With that he placed his violin in readiness and closed his eyes as he began the staccato sounds of a insect in flight with his sautillé bowing up and down in a wild shower of notes.

The Flight of the Bumblebee.

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

Ehren's lips quirked upward in a well-controlled smile as Tony launched into a piece that she recognized from her research into music that she had undertaken in self-defense and to better connect with Big Sister Claire.

Well, she also admitted to herself, she did enjoy music in and of itself. As her growing iTunes library and music player demonstrated, even if both were not a patch on Claire's appetite for music and composers.

With that she glanced over to Claire, expecting to see her big sister enthralled as usual by the family guest violinist - who was going to be just family once Mother got with the program.

Ehren did not expect to see Claire's reaction to the piece.

Her sister was actually experiencing full body uncontrolled shivers as she bit her lip and whimpered, her fists clenching spasmodically. Her face had a nuclear blush on it and her eyes were locked on Tony with raw passion and desire filling them as he played. It was clear she was on the ragged edge of throwing Tony to the floor to have her way with him.

Ehren's own eyes widened in shock as she put two and two together and realized that Mother was just across the hall in her study while Claire was... was....

Scheiße!

As Tony approached the end of the piece, Ehren leaned close to her sister and hissed "I'll cover for you, run! Now!"

Claire gave a shaky nod and bolted for the door to the music room like a scalded cat.

Tony finished the piece and opened his eyes as the running footsteps faded down the hall. He gave Ehren a baffled "what did I do?!?" look as Claire's bedroom door slammed in the distance. Colombe opened her study door and leaned out to see what the commotion was about.

Ehren plastered her best controlled face on and spoke. "Impressive, Tony, I see that the Flight of the Bumblebee stung Claire with an idea for a new composition and she desires privacy to work on it before she can serenade the household with it."

Ehren's eyes found Tony and gave him a "back my story up or I'll kill you slowly" look as the confused Stradivarius made a sound of agreement.

Colombe looked at the two of them and shrugged. "Ahh, one of those days for her then."

"Ja." Butter wouldn't melt in Ehren's mouth and she exerted iron self control to prevent either laughing or grinning like a lunatic (or Aunt Jackie) as Colombe closed the door.

She then turned to Tony and spoke in a quiet undertone, keeping an eye on Colombe's door to insure that she was not overheard. Behind them the piano that was Claire's true form popped out of sight as her spirit Apparated it back to her room.

"I strongly recommend that you remove that piece from your repertoire temporarily. Until the wedding night. For your own safety. Mother would have... reacted poorly to seeing you putting Claire in that state before she is married. Well, seeing her anytime like that; Mother is... Mother. We dodged a bullet this once, let us not tempt fate again, ja?"

Tony nodded as the lightbulb visibly came on for him. "I... see. When I get around to my planned visit to the British Branch of my family, I will have to tell cousin Tsukiakari this; she will laugh herself sick."

Ehren shook her head. "I advise keeping this story to yourself. It might get back to Mother's ears and then..."

"Ahh.... I'll... head downstairs and see what inspiration strikes me looking at the trophies in... the billiard room perhaps?" Tony spoke slowly with the expression on his face of a man realizing that he is suddenly in a minefield.

"Do that. I'll handle Claire. I'll see you at dinner then." The Dagger gave a fractional smile. "No permanent harm done with your suit, I suspect. You didn't know. Then. Incidentally, well played Tony. I rather enjoyed that final piece, it was... amusing."

With that Ehren marched down the hall to her sister's room and leaned against the door. She cocked an ear, hearing the muffled sounds of frantic piano playing along with a wordless vocal accompaniment.

Ehren's own cheeks pinked slightly at the sounds from within and she kept an eye out for parental figures as she patiently waited for a quarter of an hour. Finally silence fell inside and she gave a ten-count before rapping on the door. "Claire, it's Ehren."

Ehren's lips curled up at the squeak of alarm from inside as her sister responded in a panicked voice. "E-ehren!! Don't come in! Please!!"

"I won't. I just thought that you should know that Mother knows that you ran in here to do some serious composing since the bumblebee," Ehren desperately fought to keep her smirk out of her voice, "bit you with inspiration for some composition. Tony is sorry for not realizing that... ahh... his playing can stir animal passions and won't do that again."

Ehren paused for effect and lowered her voice before continuing, "Before you two get married. My advice is just make sure to have the soundproofing wards up and pay the insurance on the furniture then. Also make sure that your door is locked."

Another squeak of panic and the lock on the door Ehren was leaning against clicked.

Ehren's smirk widened. "I'll leave you alone now. If you need me, I'll be in my room. I hope that the rest of your day is as enjoyable as mine has been recently. Auf Wiedersehn, Claire."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Spellfire was all around Harry, flashing bursts and beams of light. Gritting his teeth, the teen dodged one spell even as he kept an eye on Natsumi. The Kitsune in question practically danced between the spells as she dodged them. Part of Harry was all but enthralled as he watched her, eyes stuck on her body as it twisted and moved.

Another part, though, was also yet again cursing puberty and hormones.

The rest, however, was concentrated on making it through the barrage. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Natsumi take near blow to one foot. Nothing dangerous, but it was enough that she fell to the floor. Almost immediately, his wand was out and he spoke at a normal volume as another wave of spells approached the teenaged girl, "Protego."

Moments later, a greenish shield appeared and deflected the first three shots before cracking. By then though, Harry was already there and hauling Natsumi to her feet. Something that made her smile as the two of them dodged as the spells broke the shield...

Right before spells from behind slammed into them and knocked them both to floor.

As Harry tried to get back up, a foot placed itself on his chest and kept him on the floor. Head tilted to the side, Hoshi chuckled as she looked down at her male student, who was panting. After a few seconds, she removed her foot and nodded, "You have... improved, some Harry-San. And so have you, Natsumi-Chan."

Laid back on the ground and breathing hard, Harry gave her a raised eyebrow, "Somehow... it does not feel... that way."

Amused, Hoshi chuckled and smirked, "No?" Moments later, she snapped a finger at Natsumi, "Unlike what some might think with your reputation, what with how some magicals seem to think that you could walk on water as the case may be-"

Raising a finger, Natsumi grinned, "Well, he can with the right equipment-Ow!"

Fingers withdrawing from where she had rapped the younger Kitsune on the forehead, the Kyuubi turned back to Harry, "Be that we it may, I do not expect a miracle." Hoshi then gestured at the dummies, "But you have progressed some. With a little more than a month of training, we have gotten you to the point where you do not need to shout out the incantation, while also shielding someone other than you with the spell. Yes, it has taken us the better part of two hours a day, every day for the past thirty five days practicing on just that to get you to this point, but you have managed it. More than that, you have used it in a combat scenario. And that, Harry-San, is good progress."

His head tilted to the side, Harry considered that before slowly nodding, "I guess that makes sense..."

Not saying anything right away, Hoshi watched him before she chuckled, "Harry-San, once I feel that you have trained enough with Natsumi-Chan, I shall bring in Shiromizu-San as well. And train all three of you together... do you know why?"

One eyebrow raised, Natsumi's ear flicked some, "Because both Shiromizu and myself swore to fight alongside him?"

Giving her a nod, the older Kitsune chuckled, "That is certainly part of it, Natsumi-Chan. Most certainly a part of it..." Her smile though fell and her expression became serious, "But there is more to it than just that." Turning to him, Hoshi continued, "Harry-San, the truth of the matter is that you cannot beat Voldemort. I could train you for twenty years, and there would be a chance that he would be able to beat you in a fight."

Some might have been angry at being so dismissed by someone. However, Harry was not most people, he just became thoughtful, "Because he knows all sorts of magic?"

Much to his surprise, Hoshi waved that off, "While it is true that he knows far more magic, that is not the only reason." Looking at him, she continued, "Knowing magic is not the issue. In fact, teaching you spell after spell would be rather easy I will admit though it would take time. No, what matters is that Voldemort has experience." Understanding that the two teens were now listening, she continued, "He has experience, over fifty years of such. Say what you will about the creature, but he has fought, dueled, and the like since the 1940s. He does not just know the spells by rote, but knows exactly when and how to use them. And that is why you will not be able to beat him..." The Kyuubi suddenly gained a bloodthirsty grin, "In a straight up fight, anyways. Which we are training to avoid."

Now paying more attention, Harry leaned forwards, "What do you mean?"

Simply nodding as she had their full attention, the Kitsune smirked, "Each of you brings something to a fight. You, Harry-San, have wizarding and Onmyouji magic, the second of which he would not be expecting. You have versatility." Moving her hand, she pointed at Natsumi, "Meanwhile, Natsumi-Chan brings the trickery that us Kitsune are well known for. Illusions and the like, which will be affecting him as you fight and throws him off. Shiromizu-San brings pure power to the fore as well as control over elements." Hoshi held her hand out, palm up, three triangles appearing with curved bottoms. They rotated around until they came together to form a circle, "Each one of you is powerful on your own, with your own strengths. But together... you could well be able to beat many foes that singularly you would not."

Rubbing her chin in thought, Natsumi made a thoughtful noise, "I thought that it was something like that, but to hear you agree..." She gave a shrug, "Well..."

Lips curling, Hoshi lightly laughed, "Do not think that it will be that easy. Because we also need to teach you to be able to fight alone, as well as together. Both are highly important." Becoming serious, she turned to Harry, "Speaking of... Natsumi-Chan has stated to me that you are willing to have her learn how to perform Kitsune tsuki on you? Is that true?"

Arms crossed, Harry just nodded with a smile, "Hai, Sensei." He then turned and gave a blushing teenage Kitsune a look of pure and utter trust, "I fully trust her."

Hoshi did not say anything right away as she looked into his eyes when he turned back to her. Almost a minute passed though and she gave a barking laugh, "HA!" A grin on her face, she shook her head before patting Harry on the shoulder, "You should keep him, Natsumi-Chan. The fact that he trusts you so much..." Her tone became softer, "Well, the fact that he trusts you so much to learn how to perform it on him is a wonderful, precious thing. A rare thing as well. Do not ever betray that trust."

Only looking at Harry, Natsumi nodded, "I never would or will, Hoshi-Sensei."

Both teens' gazes met. Simply watching, Hoshi smiled some, "I believe you, Natsumi-Chan." Suddenly, she clapped her hands and made them both jump a bit, "Now then, the class for the day is over with, Harry-San, Natsumi-Chan. You have both done well so perform your cooldown before you begin to cramp and you will be dismissed."

The two teens got to their feet and bowed to her deeply, with her returning it before they went about their cooldown.

After they were gone, Hoshi sat there in deep thought as she looked down at the floor and considered what had happened at the end. Kitsune tsuki... an ability of Kitsune that is seldom used. In which the Kitsune takes on a spiritual form that can inhabit, and possess, another's body. Such a thing in stories were often malicious in nature, her own mother being one such example. But it could also be benevolent for there were once Onmyouji clans who specialized in it, akin to the Inugami as they originally were. In such cases though, it was more to the benefit of the Onmyouji, with them controlling the Kitsune to do their work.

What she just heard though, that the two of that were in front of her had stated? That they trusted each other so much to even consider it, that they trusted the other not to use and abuse it? To not use and abuse the other? Such a thing was so rare that she could only consider a few times that it would happen.

Oddly enough, said times were either between humans and Kitsune who considered each other close siblings, parents... or lovers.

In such cases, that she knew about, the two partners would only become all the closer. Their souls entwinned with each other, strengthening their bond with one another. Briefly, she paused to consider what that might mean for both Harry and Natsumi. Lips twitching, she chuckled at another thought that occurred to her, "Poor Louisiana-San might well have the shipgirl version of a heart attack one day..."

Meanwhile, Natsumi felt an odd sensation. Almost as if someone, somewhere, was having fun at her expense... Shaking that off, she stretched her arms out with a sigh. Part of her was happy that made Harry's gaze fall on her, "I can't wait to take a shower and relax some."

Somewhat amused, Harry chuckled, "Not going to head home right away?"

Tapping the side of her nose, Natsumi shook her head, "No, I'm not, Harry-Chan. After all, this means that I can spend some time with you." Kissing his cheek, she smiled, "And that is something that I enjoy."

A smile on his face, Harry returned the kiss on the cheek with one of his own, "Same here, Natsumi-Chan."

For several minutes, they walked along before the Kitsune turned to him, "Harry-Chan?" Getting a hum of acknowledgment, she continued, "Thank you, for trusting me with the Kitsune tsuki. It... it means a lot."

Green eyes met her golden ones as Harry smiled, "Natsumi-Chan, there are few people that I trust more then you. I'm just thankful that you trust me just as much." Coming to a stop, he gently kissed her before pulling back, "Really thankful." Just smiling, Natsumi giggled a bit and nodded. With a glance around though, she transformed into her fox shape before scrambling up him and diving into his shirt, which was tucked in. Looking down, Harry blinked at her, "Um, Natsumi-Chan? While I toweled myself off, I'm... kind of sweaty still."

Just giving the fox version of a shrug, Natsumi snorted, "And? So am I." Seeing him open his mouth, she cut him off, "Besides which, I don't mind too much. And it is not like you smell... also, I need to get into Gryffindor Tower anyways."

All Harry did was shake his head and sigh, though he had a smile on his face.

 

[darthcourt10]

KBTKaiser Omake: Research with the Hatsuharu Sisters!

imhotep99301 said:
About as fast as it would take the writers to realise that this really isn't that kind of story?​

Funny you mention that, because that was in a way example 2 of my MSSB research ideas, sort of.
*-*-*-*

Hatsushimo: Alright, beginning MSSB experiment 2: Altering existing spiritual hull will change current shipgirl appearance. We have a contingent of Akashi's faeries on standby in case things go wrong...please don't screw this up, Nee-sans.

Wakaba: I'm on monitoring duty with status monitors linked to my spiritual hull vision as well...I can do this all day...

Hatsuharu: Now then, Nenohi and I shall revert to our pre-tomozuru configurations and then apply all the top-heavy fixes without losing the original equipment.

*Adjustments later*

Nenohi: ...Sis, I don't think we're supposed to lose our balance that badly...

Hatsuharu: Mayhaps some new clothes will be on order soon...

Explanation: Hatsuharu and Nenohi had an even more top-heavy configuration before they removed a turret and some AA mounts while adding torpedo bulges. This translates to a bigger bust and possible waist line improvements due to the bulges, since bulges also == fuel bunker space. Makes you wonder where that third turret goes on their rigging...

EDIT: to showcase how bad the topheaviness was? Hatsuharu had a 42 degree lean during a 10 knot turn during sea trials. And this was with a taller command tower too.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking along a street in Susukino in Sapporo, Fubuki tilted her head some as she looked at the various snow sculptures and ice statues. Bundled up in what most people considered normal clothing for the winter, the Destroyer tugged her hat down a bit lower to hide who she was. Mainly because currently, she was trying avoid people from realizing who she was. After all, she was a guest of honor at this year's festival.

Pausing at one sculpture, which looked a lot like her friend, Yuudachi, she giggled a bit. Said sculpture was of said Destroyer grinning with torpedoes in her hands and winking. All in all, it was an amazing representation. Taking her phone out, Fubuki took a picture and sent it to her friend. All she got was a "POI" for a text which made her giggle all the more, "That probably made Yuudachi-Chan's day."

Fubuki shook her head and began to walk along again, thinking about what she was seeing. Back when she was a steel float, something like what she was seeing was hard to imagine. The sheer amount of work that went into the festival was just plain amazing! The Destroyer could only shake her head in disbelief when she read that during years when the snowfall had been low, the JSDF as a training exercise would gather snow from outside the city and ship it in. Some of her Officers in her hull had boggled at that.

Though, granted, some of them thought that such a thing was a great idea and wished that it had been around in their day.

Her thoughts going back to why she was in Sapporo, Fubuki chuckled some to herself. Yes, she was the guest of honor. After all, she was called 'Blizzard' for a reason, and this was the sort of thing that she loved. Having one of her fairies come out after making sure that no one was close enough to see as afternoon turned to evening, Fubuki raised an eyebrow at them, "I suppose that I love snow so much because of you, Seaman Arashi Hikari-Kun?"

Lightly blushing, the fairy who most would have mistaken for a male, and had in her life when serving aboard the newly commissioned Fubuki, scratched her cheek and nodded, "Desu."

Only shaking her head, Fubuki smiled a bit more before setting the fairy on her shoulder, "I don't mind, Hikari-San. Not really, though I am happy that you no longer need to hide what you are."

With a shrug, Hikari smiled back, "Desu, desu desu desu."

Nodding, Fubuki raised a finger, "That is a very good point." Head tilted to the side, the shipgirl hummed, "So what do you think of this place so far?" A number of "Desu" was the answer which made her lightly laugh, "Yes, I suppose so."

The fairy gave her a knowing look, "Desu? Desu desu desu?"

Cheeks flushed, Fubuki rubbed the back of her neck, "I know, I know. But... I just needed to get away, you know?" Sighing, her shoulders slumped a bit, "It was all getting to be a bit much and everything. Especially..."

Eyebrow raised, Hikari gave her a smirk, "Deeeeesu?"

Giving her a look, the Destroyer poked the fairy, "How was I supposed to react to someone making a scale model of my hull out of snow." Blushing, Fubuki shook her head, "That was somewhat embarrassing..."

With a shrug, Hikari shook her head, "Desu."

Just sighing, Fubuki threw her hands into the air, "Okay, okay, I love it, okay?" Getting a nod, she smiled softly, "It is just... I am still getting used to all this, you know? When I was afloat, I was just a Destroyer, a Tin Can as the Americans put it. And the whole time I was a steel hull, I... never amounted to anything or actually did anything notable."

Frowning, Hikari shook a pudgy finger at her, "Desu! Desu desu desu desu!"

Unable to help herself, the shipgirl laughed a bit and patted the fairy's head, which made them huff, "Okay, I might have been the first modern Destroyer. But... I never did anything in my career itself. Yuudachi-Chan has the Battle of the Solomons for example, but I got nothing." Turning back to the road, she frowned, "Nothing to my name, really... Which is why I think that I was among those who returned and self-summoned. I mean, there was always something in me that wanted to... wanted to have done things. To have done something." Still walking, Fubuki shook her head, "And now look at me. I was one of the first shipgirls to return to Japan. And I'm one of the most decorated shipgirls in the JMSDF!"

Kicking a piece of ice to the side, she sighed, "That... that is amazing. And more than that, they now have me doing things like this! Opening festivals for PR purposes and being a guest of honor! Me! A Destroyer! Not a Battleship, a Carrier, or even a Cruiser! Just... a Destroyer like me." She came to a stop and seemed to be looking off into the distance, "And they also named a new Destroyer after me."

Head tilted to the side, the fairy blinked, "Desu? Desu desu desu desu?"

Only shaking her head, Fubuki turned to her, "It is the first fusion powered Destroyer in the world, Hikari-San. She has railguns, lasers, and everything. Back when I was a ship... that wasn't even really science fiction! Because it was so far out there that people didn't really think of it. But they named her after me. I would have expected something like naming her after Nagato, Yamato, or one of the great ships. Maybe even Mikasa! Instead they chose my name..." Shoulders slumping, she let out a sigh into the air, "It still boggles me. And after all the well wishers and the like, as well as all the attention on me due to the festival, I just... need some time to decompress."

Hikari just smiled at her, "Desu." Looking around, the fairy pointed at a nearby stand, "Desu!"

With a hum, Fubuki looked and smiled, "You know... some dango does sound good." Taking the fairy, she opened her purse and slipped them inside, "Sorry, but I'm just going to put you there for now." The fairy gave her a thumbs up before Fubuki closed the purse. Walking over to the stand, she bowed some, "Good evening."

Blinking, the man at the stand smiled at her, "Good evening, and how are you today?"

Lightly smiling, Fubuki giggled some, "I'm doing good and enjoying the festival." With a sigh, she stretched, "It is so good!"

Unable to help himself, the man chuckled, "That is good to hear. Now then, what would you like?"

As the Destroyer examined the choices, she didn't notice two golden eyes looking out from a nearby alley. There was a guilty look in them, one that stated that their owner did not want to do something, but was being forced to. Meanwhile, Fubuki accepted the dango gratefully and paid for them. Biting them, she smiled, "Yum!"

Chuckling, the stand operator grinned, "Great huh? Dango is always good to have on a cold night like tonight."

Fubuki hummed in reply as she finished off the dango quickly, "Hai." Pausing, she considered things, "Hmm, maybe another-hey!"

Right as she was about to say something, a blur shot out from the alleyway. The person in question pushed her some, though Fubuki could also see a flash of steel. It was only as she twisted around to defend herself that she realized that her purse was now gone...

And held in the hands of a grimy little girl that was running away with it.

Eyes wide, the stand operator rushed around, "DAMMIT! GET BACK HERE!" Turning, he looked at Fubuki, "I am so, sorry and-"

Holding up a hand, Fubuki's eyes hardened, "Don't worry about it! I'll come back later!" Pushing off the ground, she began to chase after the little girl, who looked over her shoulder fearfully, "HEY! STOP RIGHT THERE YOU THIEF!"

People started to shout and yell as the girl pushed past them, Fubuki in fast pursuit. One man tried to grab for the thief, only for her to dodge around him, "GAH!"

When she looked over her shoulder, she spotted Fubuki getting closer and closer. Then, she ran across the road, dodging cars and the like which screeched to a stop as they tried not to hit her. With another glance, the thief's eyes widened as Fubuki leapt onto a cement pillar and jumped, soaring over the road. Hitting the ground, the Destroyer rolled and got to her feet, nearly able to grab the younger girl, "AHHHHHH!"

Reaching out, Fubuki growled, "JUST STOP ALREADY!"

But the younger girl didn't, and ducked under her before leaping into an alleyway. Fubuki followed, only for the girl to look over her shoulder as they were running towards a dead end, "I'M SO SORRY!"

Eyes rolling, Fubuki shouted back, "THEN JUST STOP!"

Much to her shock though, the little girl transformed into a fox and leapt up some debris, jumping over the fence as Fubuki just barely stopped herself in time. By the time that she got to the other side, the Kitsune was long gone. Groaning, Fubuki slapped her forehead before pausing as she realized something... she could sense where her purse was. It was then that she also remembered that Hikari was in said purse, which meant that she could track the thief. Expression hardening, Fubuki took off as fast as she could through the dark alleyways.

Some distance away, the Kitsune changed back and held the purse close. Inside of said item, Hikari could hear the thief crying, "I am so... so sorry... Kaa-San, please forgive me for being like this..."

Her eyes narrowing, Hikari just listened to the sobs even as the thief began running again.

Roughly a half hour, she came to a stop near a run down building. It was the sort of place that was condemned for various reasons. Dirty, rundown... in other words, the perfect place to hide. For five minutes, the thief waited outside before opening the door and going inside. Several crates were stacked here and there as she walked between them. They were there to hide the inside after all. Coming out to one of the only open areas, she nodded to the other kids there. All of them were filthy from living on the streets. Orphans... and Yokai. Walking up to one, she glanced around, "A-Akira-Chan? D-did Aniki show up?"

Glancing at her, the young Neko cringed a bit and shook her head, "N-not yet, Nee-San..."

Each of the youngsters shifted from foot to foot as they wanted, A few more trickled in as the minutes ticked on. Finally, there was a crack and a man in his twenties was standing there, He was clad in clean robes and the like with slicked back hair. Looking them over, he sneered, "Well, well, you all are here. Good, I'm a busy man. Now cough up anything you got and we'll see who gets to eat tonight, shall we?"

One by one, they brought their items up and placed it onto a table that they had stolen during the day. The smallest, just dumped coins and bills that they had panhandled during the day for. However...

Not all of them had brought anything, not having had any luck.

Placing the purse, the Kitsune swallowed as the man raised an eyebrow at hit. Picking it up, he snorted, "Man, this is one nice looking purse. Even without the money, I could sell this for some real cash." Waving a wand, he fixed the damage to it, "Yeah, this will be good at a pawn shop."

Her stomach growling, the thief whimpered some, "C-can we have some food, Aniki? I-I-I mean... we brought some cash and stuff..."

Eyebrow raised, "Aniki" looked at her. Next thing she knew, she was on the ground crying as she cupped her cheek, "Is that how you thank me? By demanding food?" Tossing the bag to the side, he scoffed and spread his arms wide, "Out of the goodness of my heart, I've given you food and shelter. A place to live... don't forget that it is only because of me that you are not in the reserves!" Between the crates, a shadow paused, "I could call them, the Aurors you know. All of you would be sent to the reserves and likely die."

Quickly getting to her knees, the Kitsune bowed until her forehead touched the dirty floor as she cried, "I-I'm sorry, Aniki! I... I'm just so hungry since I haven't eaten since last night! And... and please! Don't send us to the reserves!"

She was not the only one to get down and plead not to be sent to the reserves. And to beg for food, which made the wizard laugh, "Fucking begging like the animals you bunch are... I like it! Though not all of you will get to eat. My charity isn't limitless after all." Leaning down, he grinned at the Kitsune who cringed, "I wonder what your Kaa-San would think? Seeing you like the beast you are in the dirt?" Placing a foot on her back, he rocked her back and forth, "Hmm? Granted, she was probably a whore anyways. Like a bitch in heat or something."

The Kitsune was able to take insults to her, after all, she was used to it. But her mother... "M-my Kaa-San was not a whore."

Blinking, the man looked down at her, "Eh?"

Moments later, his foot was being pushed off as the Kitsune looked up at him. "MY KAA-SAN WAS NOT A WHORE! SHE WAS A GOOD PERSON AND A BETTER ONE THAN YOU!"

Expression going from confused to angry, the wizard growled, "Why you!" Reeling back his hand, he snarled, "I'm going to have to teach an animal like you its place!" At seeing the fist approach, the young thief cringed and closed her eyes. Only for nothing to hit and to hear gasps as the wizard shouted, "WHAT THE FUCK!?"

Opening her eyes, the Kitsune gasped at the sight of the very same young woman she had stolen the purse from standing there with the fist held in one hand where she had caught it. Looking over her shoulder, she gave the younger girl a concerned, and regretful look, "Sorry about not stopping him the first time."

Mouth opening and closing, the Kitsune finally nodded, "T-that's okay? B-but I stole from you..."

All Fubuki did was shrug, "Considering this? Not a big deal and understandable." She then turned and gave the wizard a glare that made his blood feel like it froze, "You on the other hand..."

Trying to yank his fist back, the wizard growled, "Who the fuck are you?! And what the fuck are you doing protecting these things?!"

Only tilting her head, Fubuki chuckled, "I'm protecting them when they need it because that is what I do. As for who I am..." Reaching up with her free hand, she pulled back her hat to reveal her hair, with the children gasping, "Destroyer Fubuki at your... well, not at your service, you piece of scum."

It said something, that the man was in such shock that he continued to run his mouth, "A shipgirl!? What the shit?! And scum?!"

Humming, Fubuki nodded, "That's right. Using kids to do your dirty work, treating them like shit, threatening them and beating them? You're scum." With a hum, she tilted her head, "You're a wizard from what I can see, right?"

Rapidly blinking, "Aniki" only nodded, "Uh, yeah? What of it?"

All Fubuki did was tilt her head to the side and close her eyes while smiling gently, "Ah! Well, that means that what I am about to do won't be permanent. That's a good thing."

Utterly confused, the wizard opened his mouth. But it was not words that came out, no, he screamed as Fubuki's hand squeezed his fist. The kids could only widen their eyes as they heard cracking sounds as the man who had beaten them numerous times had one of the hands that caused them pain broken. Driven to his knees, the man looked up at the Destroyer , "F-fuck! M-mercy!"

Still eye closed smiling, Fubuki pointed at herself, "Ara, ara~ Does this look like the face of mercy?"

The wizard only whimpered in reply.

 

[darthcourt10]

TempestK

So, this was sparked by the thought of Oyodo's connections and how far they might extend. And of them having unintended side effects.
---
Percy gasped as he was very brusquely pushed against the concrete wall of the alleyway. He'd come to Japan for a conference in Kyoto, and had been advised by Oyodo that Sapporo was a good place to shop around, and that she'd found some very nice tea blends there that he might like. He'd been searching for the shop during the onset of evening when a trio of muggle teens had begun dogging his steps. Unfortunately with the Diet still in its death throes and Kyoto quietly assuming more power, he couldn't risk inviting an incident and had attempted to break line of sight to apparate away. Something his pursuers hadn't obliged him on.

His nose wrinkled involuntarily as he got his breath back, picking up the distinct smell of cheap alcohol coming off the teen who had a solid grip on his collar. The man snarled something at him in Japanese, the combination of his thick accent and drunken slurring making him practically unintelligable. When Percy failed to give him an answer in what he seemed to think was a suitable timeframe, the wind was knocked out of him again as one of the teen's friends punched him, hard. Thanks to having to match up against not only the Twins when they were feeling vindictive or petty, but Bill and Charlie when they'd sometimes gotten a bit too involved in their roughhousing, Percy was able to roll his hips enough to turn the attempt at a kidney shot into a strike against his hipbone. It still hurt like the devil, but at least he wouldn't have internal damage. The other teen was winding up for his own shot, when a shadow fell over the mouth of the alleyway.

"Oioioi! Back off!"
Spoiler: Percy's Savior

The man looked plenty pissed off, but the three assailants were running on bravado and alcohol. The one that hadn't touched Percy yet turned to regard the man. "Piss off, this gaijin's getting what he deserves!" Making a few threatening gestures, he turned back to the festivities... which is why Percy was the only one that saw the man crack his neck with a resigned look on his face, before moving quickly behind the closest teen. The assailant, feeling the approach, turned with a sneer. "I toldja t-" *crunch* He was cut off as the man's fist took him square in the nose, smashing it flat and sending the teen staggering into his friends.

Percy was stunned as the man in white and red waded in, throwing elbows, sweeping feet, and offering backhands to the two free drunks. Then, feeling the grip on his collar loosen as the final teen seemed to realize that the situation was not in his control, he took advantage of the distraction, bracing one leg against the wall for support, he kicked off with the other into a vicious knee strike that Bill had shown him. He'd never admit it, but he got a bit of dark satisfaction from the look on the teen's face as the hit to his groin registered, toppling over and curling into a foetal position. The man that had stepped in quickly gave him a sharp kick in the head, just enough force to knock the teen out.

Percy straightened his collar and took a few breaths before bowing as he'd learned. "Thank you for the assistance." The other man waved airily, face relaxing into a less dangerous expression.

"Mondai nai; don't mention it Weasely-san." Percy paused, and looked cautiously at the man. He got a crooked smile in return. "Just tell Oyodo-aneki that Kiryu says 'hey' for me, and we'll call it square, yeah?" He easily led Percy back to the main street, patting the younger man on the back. "Enjoy the rest of your time here, don' let those assholes bring it down, you got it?" Percy nodded dumbly, still trying to figure out how this apparent muggle not only knew his name, but of his connection to Oyodo.

Once he seemed sure that Percy had his bearings, the man, likely this 'Kiryu', took off with a single wave over his shoulder.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Arms crossed, Fubuki watched as "Aniki", or as she now knew his name to be, Rokurou, was examined by a Medi-Wizard. Beside her, one of the Kyoto Aurors scratched his head and groaned, "This is just lovely."

Eyebrow raised, the Destroyer frowned at him. She had gotten in contact via radio with Kana who, in turn, passed on the information to Ooyodo who got in touch with the JNHRO. From there, the Kyoto Aurors were informed and promptly showed up quickly. One of them had panicked a bit, though to their credit, they only fingered their wand at seeing Fubuki still holding the wizard causing all the trouble's crushed hand in hers. His boss had quickly stepped between them and asked about what had happened. After a quick explanation, he had called in the Medi-wizard to check over the wizard.

Which lead to the current issue.

Frowning, Fubuki looked at him, "And what does that mean?"

Only grimacing, the Auror shook his head and turned to her with a sigh, "His Otou-San is pretty high up in the Diet. Sure, he's not that high up in his family, but his old man? He's going to be causing us some trouble to say the least. Probably going to try and get us to release him."

A sneer on his face, Rokurou snorted, "That's right, you bitch. My Otou-San will get me out easy and then?" He grinned nastily, "Those kids are fucked!" Laughing darkly, he raised an eyebrow at Fubuki's narrowing eyes, "What? Did you think that they would be sent to safety or something? Fuck no! I'm going to see them thrown in the Reserves and fucked over nice and good."

Not saying anything, Fubuki looked at him with her face expressionless. When she spoke, it was with a flatness that made the Kyoto Aurors flinch, "Is that so..."

Yet again, the Kyoto Auror beside her flinched before sighing. Running his hand through his hair, he shook his head, "As much as I would hate to admit it, he's probably right." Grimacing, he looked Fubuki in the eye, which made her respect for him raise a little, "I wish that I could guarantee those kids' safety, but I can't. His old man has enough power that he might be able to get arrest warrants out. And added that only certain orphanages can take them in..."

Slowly, Fubuki nodded, "I see." Tilting her head to the side, she hummed, "Tell me, is his Otou-San a Yakuza?"

Lost at why she was asking, the Auror glanced at the others who shrugged. Turning back to her, he cleared his throat, "Uh, no? Why does that matter?"

Fubuki stepped forward and gave Rokurou a frigid smile, "Everything." Leaning down, she stared into the confused wizard's eyes, "Because you see, they are going to be very pissed off with what you have been doing here. The fact that you were acting and pretending like you were Yakuza? Heh."

Bravado coming back, Rokurou sneered at her, "So what? They can go and get fucked for all I care! Why the hell would I worry about some useless No-Majs?"

Only tilting her head, the shipgirls hummed, "You know, I always did wonder..." Trailing off, she chuckled though there was nothing humorous about it, "What it would be like to see someone who is stupid enough to die from their idiocy and overconfidence." Rather than say anything else, she turned to the Auror, "If I may make a suggestion, Inoue-San?"

Just nodding, the Auror frowned, "Sure? Go ahead."

With a hum, Fubuki gestured at the kids, "Interview them here, one by one. Not out of sight, but get it here."

More than a little lost, he nodded, "Uh, sure? That makes some sense and wouldn't be too much trouble as we need some initial statements...?"

The Auror than made a gesture to one of the other Officers with him, and Fubuki lead her over to where the kids were all clustered together, the Destroyer's own medical fairies looking them over. When they reached them, the Kitsune who had stolen from her looked up with sad eyes, "F-Fubuki-San? Um... Thank you, but..."

Crouching down, Fubuki gave her a smile before shaking her head, "You heard?" Getting a nod, she reached over and placed her hand on the Kitsune's head, gently rubbing her head, "Hey, look at me." When the Yokai did so, the shipgirl smiled and leaned in, "Trust me, that is not going to happen."

Beside the Kitsune, one of the two Oni there shook her head, "B-but... he's not lying."

Lips curling, Fubuki gave a chuckle to their confusion, "Trust me, he may think that he's not, but he is." Winking, she continued, "Believe in me, okay? It is all going to turn out well."

Even though they didn't believe her, they nodded with various sounds of agreement, with the Kitsune swallowing, "H-hai..."

Chuckling, Fubuki shook her head, "Now then, this is very important. Ogawa-San here will interview you each, one at a time. I want you to take your time in telling her everything that 'Aniki' has done regarding you. Don't rush through it, take your time. And do not leave anything out, as unimportant as it is." Turning, she gave the lost looking Auror a smile, "Also, if she has questions, answer them."

A frown on her face, the Auror nodded and took the first one aside. One by one they spoke and told their story. Using a automated quill, the witch nodded as it wrote down everything that they said. Like Fubuki had told them, they had spoken of every little thing that had happened to them under Rokurou.

Though one part made Fubuki perk up and look at the young, female Kitsune who had stolen her name, "Your name is Fubuki?"

Lightly blushing, hard as it was to see through the dirt and grime on her, the Kitsune nodded, "Hai... my Okaa-San named me that when I was born a few months after you returned. I was named after you..." Sniffling, she shook her head, "S-she died... in one of the attacks here on Hokkaido four years ago. S-she was a Yuki-Onna and used her abilities to create an impenetrable shield of ice around me a-as Abyssal shells fell around us and used everything she had..."

Fubuki grimaced as she guessed which attack it was. While most of those who had attacked Hoppou had been killed, a few stragglers managed to make a run for Hokkaido and struck. She had been one of those who took them down with help from Akebono and the like. Walking over, Fubuki gently pulled the Kitsune into an embrace, "Your Okaa-San was a great woman, Fu-Chan. A wonderful mother, and I am honoured that she chose to name her daughter after me."

Tears coming from her eyes, the Kitsune looked up at her, "T-thank you... though, um... Fu-Chan?"

Her lip curling as she pulled out a napkin and began to dry the child's eyes, Fubuki nodded, "Hai, Fu-Chan. After all, I'm Fubuki, and Kongou-San and others sometimes call me 'Buki', so I can't call you that. Hence... Fu-Chan."

Even though she was confused about that, Fu-Chan nodded, "Um, okay...?"

Gently, Fubuki patted her head which the Kitsune enjoyed greatly. It reminded her of when she was younger and her mother was still alive. When the Kitsune turned back to the Auror, Fubuki turned her attention to the other children as well. Eventually, Ogawa was finished and rolled up the notes that were taken. She turned to Inoue and nodded, "Sir? We're done here."

Nodding, the Auror sighed, "That's good." With a sad smile, he turned to the children, "Guess that it is time for us to leave then, kids."

Part of Fubuki noticed the nasty grin on Rokurou's face, and smirked, "You're right, Inoue-San. After all..." Turning, she smiled as Yuudachi as well as Mutsuki and Kana walked into view, "The children are leaving... you brought the bus, Kana-Chan?"

Lightly blushing, the Battleship nodded, "Hai, Fubuki-Senpai."

Eyebrows furrowing, Inoue frowned, "Bus? What do you..." His eyes widened and he stared at her, "You cannot be serious!"

Turning to him, Fubuki raised one of her own eyebrows, "Deadly. The children will be coming with Kana-Chan, Yuudachi-Chan, Mutsuki-Chan, and myself. We'll make sure that they are safe and taken care of. Especially as they could be in danger from... certain parties, shall we say?"

Jaw dropped, Rokurou stared at her before whipping his head around to boggle at Inoue, "She can't do that!"

With a glance at him, Inoue turned to Fubuki, "Normally, he would be right you know. This isn't something that I could let you do."

A smile on her face, the Destroyer nodded, "Oh, I understand. But that would be normally." Still smiling, she gestured at the others, "However... right now, you have three Destroyers and one Battleship. And from what I remember, even one Destroyer would be, ah, difficult. Twenty-five millimeter can be quite nasty after all, and I have a few forties on me as well... not to mention sidearms."

Slowly humming, Inoue looked towards the fairies, noticing that they had sidearms. His lips curled upwards a bit, "Oh, you are quite right. We're outmatched." Scratching his chin, he nodded, "Yes, completely outmatched right now and it would take far too long to contact some help. A shame..."

Giving a sad smile, Fubuki sighed, "Truly a shame." Head tilting to the side, she shrugged, "We will, of course, give you access as needed to them if you need more statements. But..."

On the Auror's face was a smirk that was mirrored on his fellows' faces, "Ah, thank you for that." With a fake sigh, he backed up as he ignored Rokurou's cursing, "How unfortunate for us that such a thing happened though. And once they are on a base, well, nothing that can be done for it, I suppose."

With a nod, Fubuki turned to her fellow Destroyers, "Yuudachi-Chan? Mutsuki-Chan? I am assuming that the children have things that they would want to bring with them. Escort them as they gather what they want."

Saluting, the blonde haired shipgirl grinned, "Sure thing, Fubuki-Chan! Now come along, Poi!"

It took only a few minutes as they did not have much to gather up, though Fubuki noted that the Kitsune had what looked like a stuffed chick for a toy. Noticing the Destroyer looking at her, Fu-Chan hugged the toy close, "Okaa-San gave me her..."

Just patting her head, Fubuki nodded, "Ah, not a problem. We'll just get her all nice and clean once we're on the base." Giving a jaunty wave, she took up a rear position with Kana in the front while Yuudachi and Mutsuki took up positions on either side, "I hope that you all have a nice day, Auror-Sans!"

Lightly chuckling, Inoue grinned, "And the same to you as well, Fubuki-San."

Several minutes later, the young Yokai was looking around as the bus was running along the roads with awed looks. Hugging her stuffed companion, Fu-Chan looked up at Fubuki with the look of a child meeting their hero, "You really are doing this..."

Her arms crossed, Fubuki laughed, "Well, I did say that I was going to take care of you, didn't I?" Expression softening, she shook her head, "And I keep my promises."
Massively grinning, Yuudachi nodded, "Fubuki-Chan really does, Poi!"

For her part, Mutsuki gave her own nod and agreed, which made her friend blush. Upon hearing a stomach growl, Fubuki blinked and looked at several faces that blushed as more growls joined the first. Rather than laugh as she wanted, the Destroyer looked over her shoulder, "Kana-Chan? Mind stopping at the nearest food place? I'll pay."

Quickly, one of the younger children shook his head and waved his hands, "Y-you don't need to do that, Fubuki-San! We..." Looking down, he chewed his lip, "We can go without food for a bit. I mean, we've done it before and we're sort of dirty..."

All Fubuki did at that though was frown and narrow her eyes, "Unacceptable. You are going to get fed and I will pay for it."

Needless to say, more than a few people took pictures of Fubuki and her friends having a bunch of what looked like homeless children in a fast food place as they got them food. And a number of comments from those who watched stated that she was like a mother on a mission for her children with them. One who would not take no for an answer and cowed people who would have complained with a simple look.

By the time they left though, it was with some very full children.
_______________________________________________________________________

Stretching some as her bare feet touched tile, Fubuki turned and regarded the group of children. All of them looked rather nervous, with Fu-Chan holding her stuffed chicken closely. Softly smiling, the Destroyer gestured around them, "Okay everyone, we're going to get you all nice and clean before bed."

Rapidly blinking, one of the Oni Twins there stared at her, "W-wait, we're going to have a bath? Really?"

Yuudachi giggled some and nodded, "Hai! Or a shower if you want it, Poi." Looking them over, she hummed, "Might be a good idea to have a shower after you're clean and before you go into the bath."

Ignoring that, Fubuki turned to Mutsuki, "Kisaragi-Chan is getting them clothes, right?"

A smile on her face, the name ship of the Mutsuki class nodded, "She is as a matter of fact, Fubuki-Chan. It is going to take a bit more time, but she's going to have them brought straight here."

Eyes wide, Fu-Chan stared between them, "N-new clothes too!? B-but..." Tears coming to her eyes, she sniffled, "W-why?"

Blinking, she turned at the hand to find Fubuki smiling at her, "Because you deserve it. What happened to you, should never have happened. And by the time you get out of the bath, all nice and clean, I promise that you will have nice clean clothes waiting for you while we wash the others."

Just chewing her lip, the Kitsune looked at her stuffed toy. It was not the cleanest toy, but... "W-what about Chicky?"

Other children made noises about their own stuffed toys, some of the only things with them. Chuckling, Fubuki shook her head, "We're going to get them nice and clean as well." She then nodded towards the door as Kana brought in an odd looking device to the children, "Kana-Chan here has brought a steamer that we can use to clean all your friends. It won't hurt them, I promise, but it will get them all nice and clean after we wash them."

Nodding, Mutsuki brought out a metal tub and a bottle of laundry detergent, "I'll do that right here as a matter of fact so you can all watch. All your friends will be nice and clean, promise."

Unsure, Fu-Chan shuffled from one foot to the other before looking down at her toy. Trembling, she handed it over to Fubuki, "P-please..."

Gently, the shipgirl nodded, "I promise, she will be looking even better when we're done." Handing the toy off to Mutsuki who had filled up the tub, Fubuki took the hand of the Kitsune, "Now, it is time for us to get all clean."

With a nod, Fu-Chan looked towards her friend as Fubuki lead her over to the benches for them to get changed. Looking at them, the Destroyer knew that they were all nervous and took a deep breath. Then, much to their surprise, Fubuki was the first one to remove her clothes which got her wide eyes, 'W-what...'

Smiling at them, she winked, "Come on then, time to get all squeaky clean..."

It was just a few minutes later that Fu-Chan gave a squeak as warm water washed over her body. Spitting out some of the water, she blinked it away, "Gah..."

Unable to help herself, Fubuki giggled a bit as she soaped up a cloth, "Sorry about that, Fu-Chan."

Blushing, the Kitsune shook her head, "Um, that's okay, Fubuki-San..."

Cloth all soaped up, Fubuki began to gently scrub at the younger girl. If anything though, it made the Yokai blush a bit as it reminded her of when her mother used to clean her. And glancing around, she was not the only one as she could see Yuudachi helping to clean some of her friends and fellow orphans. Meanwhile, Fubuki watched as dirt and grime was slowly removed before grasping her arm, "Lift please." When Fu-Chan did so, the Destroyer scrubbed under the Kitsune's arms, getting giggles. Smiling, she giggled herself, "Ticklish?"

Only nodding, Fu-Chan smiled, "Hai."

All Fubuki did though was smile back gently before continuing her work. Once she was done with the younger girl's body, she worked a bit at the hair, working in shampoo. After that, she rinsed her off, only to begin again. Slowly, but surely, Fubuki got the likely years worth of dirtiness off to reveal pale skin. Much to her surprise, the Kitsune's hair was not quite the grey she thought, but a very light blue, 'Huh...' It was then that she remembered something, "Your Okaa-San was a Yuki-Onna, right?"

Not having expected that, Fu-Chan nodded, "Um, she was, though Tou-San was a Kitsune..." Her ears drooped a little, "He... died before I was born. Okaa-San used to tell me all about him though."

Humming as she continued to clean the young girl, the Destroyer nodded, "Is that why your hair...?"

Cheeks red, Fu-Chan nodded, "Hai, my hair is white and a bit of blue... Just like Okaa-San's hair..."

Fubuki continued to scrub gently, almost motherly, "I see. It is really beautiful you know."

Lightly smiling, all the Kitsune did was nod.

Slowly, both Fubuki and Yuudachi worked their way through the group, gently cleaning them. Clothes were soaped up, used to scrub, and then tossed into the bins. Combs were brought out to clean out hair and make sure that there was no lice, though Fubuki brought out a special shampoo that Hedwig had delivered. Said shampoo being one that killed such things as lice and fleas as well as their eggs. With that done, they had the children shower as well before leading to them the baths.

It was a group of happy, clean, and sleepy children who returned to find all their toys cleaned two hours later. Not just using washing detergent, but also steam cleaning to make sure that they were properly clean of everything. Fubuki smiled as she watched a bright, teary eyed Fu-Chan hug her beloved stuffed chick close, now no longer stained or dirty revealing it to be bright yellow. More than that, Kisaragi had shown up with new clothes, their old ones being taken away to see if they could be cleaned.

With that done, it was time for bed. Much to the amusement of the others, Fu-Chan and some of the other children grasped Fubuki's hands close as she guided them to the dorms set up for visiting shipgirls. While not a permanent shipgirl base, Sapporo's JMSDF base that was built after the war started did have dormitories for visiting shipgirls. Dormitories that were now getting used by the young orphans.

For her part though, Fubuki simply sat in a chair, softly singing as the various children drifted off to sleep, exhausted, but happy and feeling safe. Watching that, Yuudachi giggled as she "Spoke" to Mutsuki over the radio, {Fubuki-Chan really is like a Okaa-San, Poi.}

Giggling softly, Mutsuki gave a nod, {Hai, she is, Yuudachi-Chan.} A sigh then escaped her, {Fubuki-Chan will make for a good Okaa-San.}

Just giving them looks, Fubuki huffed a bit as she continued to sing, the children all falling asleep, {I can hear you, you know.} Getting giggles, she rolled her eyes before frowning, {Guys? Thanks.}

All her friends did though was shake their heads at her. Out of the four, Kisaragi scoffed over the radio, {Bah! You don't need to thank us for this, Fubuki-Chan.} Walking over, she gently kissed the other Destroyer on the cheek, {We don't mind it at all.}

With a deep breath, Fubuki let it out, {I know, but I do appreciate it. And...} Lips pressing thinly together, she shook her head, {I hate to bother you all, but I need you to keep watch over them tomorrow, I... have a meeting with someone that cannot wait. Which Ooyodo-San set up for me.}

It went without saying that the other four understood what sort of meeting was being talked about. Walking over to a chair of her own, Kana shook her head, {They're all so small and...I cannot believe it. Are we lucky, or are they unlucky?}

Sighing, Fubuki shook her head as she gently brushed one of Fu-Chan's blue bangs away from her face, {I do not know...} She watched as the Kitsune's ears twitched and she held her stuffed toy closer...

The ghostly hull of a late war Destroyer overlaying her body as several more ghostly ships were around some of the other children...
___________________________________________________________________
For a moment, Fubuki took a deep breath before she let it slowly out. It misted in the cold, winter air. A short time ago, she left the base behind and headed back into the city. Most of the children were not sure about her leaving them, but Fu-Chan convinced them to trust in her. And if there was one thing that Fubuki was going to do...

It was going to make sure that she was worthy of that trust.

Stepping into the darkened resturant, she gave her coat to one of the staff members. Briefly, she straightened her skirt and blouse, somewhat worried. After all, it was one of her nicest, semi-formal outfits. But, Fubuki knew that she had to make an impression and thus did not show her nerves. Like in a battle out on the waves, this one needed her to be steel.

Back straight and showing no weaknesses, she walked behind the staff member leading her to a room in the back. Inside, seated at a table was an older man with his head bald and shining in the low light. Part of Fubuki noted the large scar on his neck, as well as how one finger was missing a knuckle. But she showed none of that and bowed deeply as he stood, "Ishida-San, thank you for taking time out of your day to see to This One's insignificant needs."

However, much to Fubuki's surprise, the old man bowed just as deeply to her, "It is of no worry, Fubuki-San. In fact, it is an honour that one such as you wished to speak to me of a matter important to you." Standing back up, he waved at a chair, "Please, take a seat and allow for me to make an order. The Sake here is quite good."

Only smiling, Fubuki nodded, "Thank you, though I ask that I treat you as well."

That got her a raised eyebrow, but he nodded. Shortly, food was brought before them and a young woman served them both before bowing and backing away until needed again. Taking a sip of her Sake, the Destroyer nodded which made the older man nod before he did the same, "Ah, as I said, it is quite good."

Lips curling, the shipgirl chuckled, "Yes, it is."

Breaking apart his chopsticks, he took some food, "Now then, from what Ooyodo-San stated, you wished to speak to me of events yesterday? First, allow for me to apologize in regards to the theft. Such a thing should never have happened to one such as you, let alone at all."

Eyes narrowing slightly, Fubuki frowned, "I... suspect that I am not the only one with such troubles." A slight nod was the only answer, and so she continued, "To that end, the issue has been... resolved, to some satisfaction. I, personally, caught the thief responsible and found several others."

With a hum as he took a bite, Ishida nodded, "I see. And they are in your custody?" The Destroyer gave a nod, which made him frown, "Interesting."

Looking at him, Fubuki frowned, "Yes, I am here to make sure that the children involved are not going to be... an issue. There were extenuating circumstances in their case for which forgiveness would be something that they could be given."

His full attention on her, the older man frowned, "Forgiveness for such things do not come easy, Fubuki-San. You must understand that... interruptions such as they caused can be problematic."

Fubuki tilted her head some in acknowledgment, "Hai, and that is understandable. But before I go any further, Ishida-San... what do you know of magic? And not shipgirls or Abyssals."

At the side, both of them could hear a young man mumble to himself, "Magic...?"

Glancing at him, Ishida smiled a bit before gesturing at the young man who blanched a bit as he realized he had spoken aloud, "You must forgive my grandson, I have not told him everything as of yet."

Lightly chuckling, Fubuki shook her head, "Ah, do not worry about it. For I understand how hard such a thing is to be believed and such an reaction is understandable. And at least he did not call me crazy for bringing it up."

Acknowledging it, the older man let out a hum, "Now, as to magic? I know of the wizards and witches, and of the Yokai. Being as we straddle both sides of the divide as it were with our business." Eyes narrowing slightly, he picked up another bite of food, "I take it that such was part of the issue?"

There was a frown on Fubuki's face as she nodded, "Hai. As it turned out, the ones who stole were all very young Yokai, children really. The one in my case being a Kitsune, but as I said there are extenuating circumstances." Pulling out a tablet, she typed in the password and pushed it forward, "One of my crew had a camera and we arrived early enough to catch quite a bit."

With a glance at her, Ishida began to play the video. Not commenting, he continued to eat as he watched it. As he did so, his eyes narrowed some and he shot a glance at one of the other men there, who gave a shake of his head with a frown of his own. Once it was done, he played it again, watching closer. Then, Ishida handed her back the tablet, "Interesting."

Accepting the tablet back, Fubuki pushed forward two memory sticks, "In these are a copy of the video and of the statements made by the children regarding what they were forced to do. Now, the wizard who was behind this, I should note, was not of yours. Rather, from what they got out of him while I was there, he was pretending to be such. Because then, if one of the children were caught, it would be harder for someone to pin on him as they would think that perhaps it was you or someone akin to you."

It said something that the old man's only real sign of his thoughts was how one of the muscles in his jaw worked. Eventually, he nodded, "I see, it is obvious that there are, as you said, extenuating circumstances here, I agree. Though there were some damages."

Rather than say anything, Fubuki reached into her purse and pulled out a small stack of bills, followed by a second. Both of which she pushed forward, "Yes, but this should cover the cost of such." An thick envelope joined them, "And they deeply apologized for any harm that they did."

Taking the money, Ishida noted that they were in American bills and nodded to himself, "Yes, that very likely covers that issue." Handing them off to one of the other men, who bowed and left, he turned back to Fubuki before taking the envelope and reading what was on the papers, which were written apologies. Something that caused him to smile lightly before nodding, "I believe that for the children we can put it up to bad choices made in the folly of youth. Ones that they have learned from, correct?"

A thin smile on her face, Fubuki nodded, "Hai, and I am glad that you accept their deepest apologies, Ishida-San. All they, and we, could hope for is for it to not be held against them. Especially as some may go on to serve our nation on the seas."

Eyebrow raising, Ishida realized what was unsaid, 'Natural Borns.' Instead of saying it, he simply tilted his head slightly before clearing his throat, "Now, while they are forgiven, this one behind the problems..."

Her smile becoming cold, Fubuki chuckled, "Yes, him I am not asking anything for." Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a picture and slid it across the table. Ishida took it and hummed as she continued, "Now then, his name..." Both of them continued talking for some time until the meal was finished. Once it was, Fubuki bowed deeply, which was returned, "I thank you again for taking time out of your day, Ishida-San for such an issue. And I am quite happy that we can put this behind us."

Slightly smiling, Ishida chuckled, "It is of no trouble, Fubuki-San. And if needed, we would be willing to help you with any issues regarding the children involved." Seeing the slight surprise, he gestured at the picture, "This... issue, is one that should never have happened. Thus, we owe them a little something."

All Fubuki did was nod and bow again, "Thank you, and perhaps I will ask for help."

With that, she left the room, following one of the staff members after paying the bill. For several minutes, the room was quiet before Ishida spoke softly, "Minato, my grandson... your friend from school, Hiroki-Kun, he is good with computers, yes?"

Bowing, his grandson nodded, "Hai, he is. While he is not involved with us in that way, he has helped before when I have had computer issues. Though nothing... sensitive."

Just nodding, Ishida handed him the photograph and memory sticks, "Have him make as many copies as he can. Money is of no object and I shall consider it a favor he has done us as I know he has had trouble. While he may not be one of us, and I will not involve him more than needed, he has done well by you as a friend. And for that, he has my thanks." Glancing at the photograph, his eyes narrowed, "Because for some things, there is no forgiveness..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Savato93

There was a knock.

Pausing to take a sip from her tea, Nagato looked up from the kotatsu. Sitting beside her, little Hoppou-Chan was hard at work (in her own special, adorable way) on her youngest daughters' reconfigurations, scribbling on some grid paper with different-colored crayons. "Who could that be, I wonder…"

The battleship rose from her seat and stepped over to the door. Opening it up, she was surprised to find herself craning her neck upward to meet an Abyssal Princess's face. "Tanith…?"

The daughter of Hoppou nodded, her expression solemn. "Hello, Grandmother." She brought a claw up and removed her hat, lowering her head. "Is Mother available? I need to... speak with her."

"Ah…" Nagato blinked a couple times, before returning the nod. "Yes, she's inside… we were just relaxing in the kotatsu." She stepped aside, opening the door wider. "Why don't you come in, sit down for a minute?"

"Thank you. I would appreciate that."

Tanith ducked under the door frame and followed Nagato into the domicile. "Hoppou-chan! One of your girls came for a visit!" The shipgirl announced.

Almost immediately, the pitter-patter of little feet could be heard approaching. Sure enough, Hoppou raced into the foyer, arms held out to either side. "Hi, Tanith!" She greeted her daughter brightly. "Hoppou felt her IFF on base, but didn't think Tanith was coming to visit!"

Tanith chuckled. "Well, I felt that it wasn't fair for you to always make the trip to our home instead of the other way around." Together, the three girls moved back to the kotatsu, with Hoppou huddling herself back under the covers. "So, regarding why I came here… my daughter and I happened across some items we felt should be brought to Mother.

"Oh?" Nagato hummed, tilting her head. "What kind of items?"

"You recall the incident a little while back, when two of Mother's children who were left behind on Unalaska as eggs, hitched a ride on a military transport to get to her?" Nagato nodded. "Well, that transport had been bringing over a collection of various items belonging to the Fleet of Laughter, that the Unalaskans recovered after the Great Scattering. My daughter and I went through the items yesterday, and we discovered something we felt should be passed on to Mother."

"I see…" Nagato smiled softly. "Thank you, Tanith. It was very thoughtful of you to go out of your way to bring back some of Hoppou-chan's belongings. So, what would those be?"

Tanith reached into her coat and pulled out a small plaque. "To start… this isn't the main reason I'm here, to be quite honest. But I thought you might appreciate this, Grandmother."

Nagato accepted the plaque quietly, taking a few moments to examine it, before her eyebrows rose. Her little girl won a chess tourney? Oh, this was absolutely going up on the wall! Trying not to let too much of her giddiness show outwardly, Nagato gave Tanith a nod and a smile. "My, this is a welcome surprise. Hoppou-chan is the chess club at school, of course, but I wasn't aware she had prior experience…"

"If you can call two days learning the rules and practicing 'prior experience'." The dreadnought chuckled. "That was all she needed to excel in the local tournament. There was also a bowling trophy for one of our late sisters among the recovered possessions, but we were not certain if you would want that too."

Nagato glanced to Hoppou, who shook her head. "No, I think you can hold onto that." She set the plaque aside. "But you said that that wasn't the primary item you had come here to deliver?"

Tanith's expression fell. "Yes. Among the items sent to us… there was a set of pictures. These pictures were extremely special… so I felt it critical that they were brought to her."

Quietly, Tanith produced a picture frame from her hold and offered it to her mother.

Hoppou's face went pale as she stared at the picture frame, depicting Hoppou herself posing with a group of Ta-classes. Slowly, a shaky mitten rose up to grab the frame. "Th-this…" she whispered. "You mean…?"

Tanith nodded solemnly. "Yes. They are all here." She produced almost a dozen more picture frames, stacking them on the kotatsu. "And they are all the original copies."

Nagato peered over what her adopted daughter held in her hands, as she hurriedly flipped it over and undid the clasps on the back. When Hoppou pulled the photo out of the frame, she froze at what was on the back of the photo—the names of each of the girls in the photo, in her own handwriting.

Nagato quickly understood—these were all photos of Hoppou's children. Every ship that had made up her Unalaskan fleet, alive and dead… all gathered together, frozen in a moment in time. A record, of all those loved and lost.

Already, Hoppou's eyes were glistening with tears. She sniffled as she ran a hand over the names. "Hoppou... never thought she'd get to see her girls like this again… thought the bad Abyssals destroyed it all…"

"Lord knows they tried," Tanith replied, shaking her head. "But they failed, miserably. Because our family gave their all, and more, to protect it."

Getting up from the kotatsu, Hoppou stepped around and hugged her daughter. "Thank you, Tanith," she said, fighting to keep her voice steady through the the pain, the joy and melancholy she felt. "With these… Hoppou can remember her girls as they were: alive, together, happy." She looked over to Nagato. "Does Mommy know when Big Brother gets home from training?"

"He should be back soon," Nagato answered. "Maybe an hour or so. Why?"

"Hoppou needs to ask Big Brother for a favor; want to ask wizard people a question." She wiped the tears from her eyes, a determined look setting into her face. "Hoppou will honor her girls… will honor their memory. The lives they lived, the lives they gave for Unalaska… the joy and love they felt… Hoppou wants to make sure they are never forgotten. With something much better than just pictures."

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

The Butterknife of the Opera

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium.

Shortly After The Hunt For Norimune Concludes
Spoiler: It Was A Dark And Stormy Night...

Lightning slashed across the rain-filled night sky and the wind howled as Colombe hurried up the stairs of her ancestral castle. Even with a magical spell to ward off the downpour added to her umbrella she was still soaked to the bone by the time she reached the carved oak and threw the doors wide.

Another stroke of lightning backlit her in the entrance as she staggered inside, heralded by the crash of thunder as she dripped on the marble tiles of her entrance hall, lit only by the flash of lightning through the windows.

The rapier frowned at the sight as she slammed the doors shut and then gestured with the hand not holding the umbrella. "Lumos!" A sphere of blue witchlight formed above her hand.

"Guten Abend, Mutter." A soft voice spoke from the darkness above her and she turned to see the spectral face of Ehren illuminated by the candlelight of the candelabra that her youngest daughter held as she leaned over the second-floor balcony.

Colombe watched as the dagger's spirit, clad in a black dress with silver embroidery at her wrists, neck, and knee-length hemline, walked to Papa's portrait. The rapier gave a brief, fond smile as Ehren reached one of the wall sconces flanking the painting, placed unlit candles in the sockets from a box that she was carrying, and lit them with her candelabra. "Hello Ehren. The storm knocked out the power?"

"Ja. A quarter hour ago in fact. I am lighting candles while Kasuyu tries to get the backup generator running." Another thunderstroke rattling the windows punctuated the cool statement of fact as she lit the sconce on the far side. "How was your trip to Japan and do you need help bringing the luggage in from the car?"

Colombe sighed as she closed her umbrella up and hung it on a hook by the door. "Japan was...eventful. I found Norimune, finally, and also aunts I did not know existed. My luggage did not survive the trip."

Ehren gave her a cool stare. "Really?" The dagger's voice was quite flat as candlelight flashed on the silver of her true body at her waist.

"Yes, it was not my fault! Some maniacs after Delilah blew up the hotel room I had purchased! We had to borrow Aunt Akutoku's car to escape them when they started shooting at us ." Colombe looked up at the considering sets of eyes, painted and alive both judging her.

A wheat-blonde eyebrow elevated a millimeter above a measuring steel-blue eye. "Really?"

"All I did was provide the ramp that launched them off the road! Jackie was the one who crashed the car into the canal on Delilah's orders!! Not my fault!" Colombe gave her daughter and the portrait of her adopted father a pleading look.

"Really?" The eyebrow crept up another millimeter.

"The only thing that I was responsible for was destroying the courtyard when Tokunotakai challenged me!! Well also the fight with Norimune that I had but that was a totally justifiable matter of family honor!!"

Ehren walked to the head of the stairs, candlelight gleaming from her pale skin and paler hair. The candlelight made it appear for an instant - surely a trick of the light - that her lips turned up in a smile before returning to their thin, disapproving line as she spoke in a cool tone. "Tokunotakai? And I... we expected you back sooner. Claire has been quite worried."

Colombe sighed. "Dealing with the family took longer than I had planned. Both in terms of meeting people and healing my injuries afterward. Delilah is still there in Japan along with Jacklyn in fact. Tokunotakai is," The rapier's cheeks flushed slightly, "A Masamune katana's spirit that I met while over there. She was instrumental in helping us locate Norimune."

Ehren's voice chilled a fraction, "Really? Was that before or after she and you destroyed the courtyard?" She began to slowly descend the stairs, holding the candelabra high.

Colombe's blush deepened noticeably, "After, and she had valid reasons to do what she did. It was a matter of honor. I..."

The Rapier took a deep breath as Ehren placed the candelabra and box of candles down on the bottom step and began to glide across the floor. "I encountered her once before, during my first trip to Japan in 1864. I offered insult to her with my words and deeds and she sought closure of the matter. So she challenged me to a duel of honor when I returned to the temple where she is an instructor in swordplay."

Another deep breath as Ehren halted an arm's length away from Colombe. "Honor was satisfied and we came to an agreement. I shall be visiting periodically to test my steel against hers so we can learn from each other."

Ehren looked into her mother's eyes as yet another rattle of thunder shook the castle. The corner of her lip twitched minutely. "Really now?"

With those words, Ehren flash-stepped forward to tackle-hug Colombe. "Welcome home, Mother. Welcome home." The Dagger's voice was hoarse as her arms squeezed Colombe in an iron grip.

Colombe staggered slightly and then her arms embraced the dagger, holding her close to her sodden blouse. "It is good to see you too Ehren."

Several minutes later the two disengaged, Ehren wiping rainwater from her cheeks with the sleeve of her dress while Colombe gave a reminiscent smile at the candlelit stairs. "This reminds me of my girlhood, Ehren. We only got electricity in the 1950s after all."

The dagger nodded as she retrieved the candles and candelabra. "Claire is in the ballroom, of course." Ehren's lips curled up in a minute smile. "Composing, natürlich!"

Colombe laughed, "No doubt. Let's find your sister."

Thunder punctuated that statement, and neither spirit heard the creak of a wooden door opening in the distance.
Spoiler: ...Suddenly A Piano Played...

Colombe smiled at the sight as she entered the ballroom ahead of Ehren. Claire was clad in a pristine white ballroom dress and was playing a brooding piano piece with the rattle of the rain and wind on the windows as her backing bass section. Illuminated by a trio of floating candalabras, Claire could have stepped out of the pages of Stoker, Brontë, Poe, or Shelley's Gothic fiction as the virginal pure maiden threatened by darkness.

Claire turned her head and suddenly leapt from the piano in mid-piece to run to Colombe. "MOTHER!"

Colombe braced herself for the crushing impact as Claire hugged her close, not noticing the rare unguarded smile that Ehren had at the family reunion. She just hugged her eldest daughter close and then ruffled her hair. "I missed you too, Claire."

The Piano nodded as she stood on tiptoe to kiss Colombe's cheek, her tears of joy flowing. "It has been so long mother..."

Colombe smiled back, her own tears flowing. "Indeed it has, Claire. What were you playing?"

Ehren coughed, "Claire asked me to unlock your computer so she could purchase and download the sheet music for some Broadway musicals."

Claire nodded and released Colombe, blushing in embarrassment, "Oh yes, I started with Gershwin and Gilbert and Sullivan, and then found Andrew Lloyd Webber..."

Colombe nodded as they walked back to the piano, "I see. Think you could play a few of their songs for me?" Colombe glanced at Ehren. "For us, the candles can wait."

Ehren nodded, "Acceptable. I would not mind hearing some music to commemorate the homecoming."

Unnoticed by all, a shadow crept down the stairs as a cold gust guttered out the candles at its head.

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

Claire finished her most recent piece and then frowned, "It is just a transcription, of course. You need a full orchestra and singers to properly play Phantom of the Opera."

Colombe and Ehren applauded, "It was magnificent. Perhaps sometime we can go to Paris, London, or New York and see it on stage as a family."

Claire smiled and nodded, then spoke quietly. "Mother? The Phantom of the Opera is set in the Paris Opera House from when I was born. Did you... I mean is it real?"

Colombe opened her mouth and thought as Claire adjusted the sheets of music. "There were a lot of strange things that happened back in 1883 in the Opera House. Disappearances, deaths, hauntings, and I knew two people who when they bought the old furnishings in 1921 came to very bad ends. I would not be surprised if there was something magical going on."
Spoiler: The Butterknife Of The Opera

"Indeed!"

The doors to the ballroom slammed shut and locked themselves with a boom. The candlelight dimmed to faint circles of illumination as the air turned ice cold.

Colombe whirled, her hand flying to her hilt, then froze as her eyes widened in terrified shock. Illuminated by the flashes of lightning from the storm outside, a short and rotund man dressed in 1890s haute couture stood. One hand stroked his dagger beard as the other caressed the gold and steel of a very familiar rapier hilt. Her hilt.

"Hello, Aunt Colombe." Hippolyte Visart de Bocarmé du Chasteler said jovially from a century in her past. "It has been too long." His happy smile never reached his cold eyes.

Beside Colombe, Ehren spun in turn and then froze in dread. A figure from her past confronted her in turn and turned the blood in her veins to ice as he rested his hand on the hilt of his SS-Ehrendolch. Silver siegrunen, Adler, und Hakenkreuz glittered in the candlelight as black wool soaked it up in endless night.

"Guten Tag, Tochter, wie geht's in letzer Zeit?" Obersturmführer Helmer Wolff snapped out, his steel-gray eyes mercilessly measuring the spirit of his Honor Dagger as she trembled before him.

Claire's eyes widened at the sight of a man in tuxedo, tails, and a flowing red and black cape hefting a mostly sheathed katana in one hand. A smooth white porcelain mask covered half his face and dark eyes glittered at her as her fingers found her keys and she began to play in response to his unvoiced demand.

"My Angel of Music..." intoned the Phantom of the Opera.

"Beneath the opera house
I know he's there.
He's with me on the stage,
He's everywhere.
And when my song begins,
I always find
The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside my mind."

Claire sang as her body swayed to the music she was pouring out and the candles began to gutter and die one by one.

"Sing once again with me
Our strange duet.
My power over you
Grows stronger yet.
You'll give your love to me
For love is blind.
The Phantom of the Opera is now
Your mastermind."

The Phantom intoned as he glided closer toward the enchanted trio.

"Those who have seen your face
Draw back in fear;
I am the mask you wear,"

Claire's song soared, her mahogany eyes opening wide and losing focus as the Phantom picked up the next line.

"It's me they hear..."

The Piano and the Phantom sang together in a duet, her passionate soprano voice and his cold contralto combining as the thunder and rain provided the pounding percussion beat backing the haunting sounds of the piano's music.

"Your/My spirit and my/your voice
In one combined
The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside my/your mind"

The Phantom halted just outside the circle of candlelight, and commanded darkly.

"Sing, my Angel of Music!"

"He's there... The Phantom of the Opera..."

Claire began to wail a wordless soprano accompaniment to the frantic pounding of her fingers upon her keys.

As the musical piece reached its terrifying climax, a thunderous bolt of lightning shook the castle and the room was plunged into darkness.

"Claire!!"

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

"Claire!" Colombe shouted as the paralysis broke and the electric lights came back on as Kasuyu started the generator. Her blade flashed from the scabbard as the click of metal on metal echoed through the ballroom.

Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of a woman's face she had last seen in Japan. Inhumanly pale skin, dark hair, and cold blue eyes that had an endless abyss in their depths looked at her back at her with a neutral expression from her position just out of sword range.

"Hello Niece." Kagotsuruhe intoned.

Colombe's free hand flashed out and caught Ehren's wrist as the rapier's point lowered slightly. "Aunt Kago. I did not expect you. So Hippolyte...?"

Beside Colombe, Ehren slowly relaxed and swallowed twice, trying to regain her composure.

The elder Muramasa nodded. "Was me. I volunteered to notify you that Delilah had a Vanishing Cabinet installed between Norimune's farm and her residence. She had ordered one before her departure for Japan and I was testing it."

Colombe slowly sheathed herself. "Ehren, Claire, this is my aunt Muramasa-no-Kagotsuruhe, the Sword of Hopelessness. Aunt Kago, may I introduce my daughters. Claire du Chasteler is the eldest and is the spirit of her piano, while Ehren du Chasteler is my youngest and is the spirit of her SS-Ehrendolch dagger."

"A pleasure." Kagotsuruhe flickered through her library of faces before settling on a pleasant welcoming expression. "I trust you did not mind my introduction? It was too perfect not to pass up and I have a fondness for the theater."

Claire ran over to Kagotsuruhe and hugged the Muramasa. "It was great! We have to do that again sometime!"

The rest of the family, Colombe thought, would never believe that she had actually seen the most terrifying and demonic of their sisterhood actually be this visibly surprised.

 

[darthcourt10]

Savato93

"Hey, Renita… you feeling okay?"

The Re-class blinked. She looked up to see Wonderous gazing down at her with a concerned expression. "H-huh?"

"I just noticed you'd been sitting here for quite a while, with a sort of vacant look on your face. Is something wrong?"

Renita looked around herself, taking in her surroundings. She was in the cabin area, sitting on a bench off to the side. Nearby, she could see some of the hybrid children playing with a ball. "I…" She began, quietly. "N-no. I just… zoned out, is all."

The Wo-class sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Just so you know… you don't need to hide your problems from us. We're your family, after all. If something's upsetting you, just tell us."

Looking her older sister in the eyes, Renita let out a small sigh of resignation. "...Do you think… I'll ever be able to live a normal life, again... after everything that's happened to me?" She asked.

Wonderous frowned. "Of course you will, sis. You have all of us here to help you; give you a shoulder to cry on, to make you smile and laugh, and enjoy yourself... to help you remember the good times, making sure the bad times can't haunt you anymore." She tilted her head. "Why are you asking such a question? What's got you so down?"

Renita raised a hand, pointing to the kids playing ball. "The children. I've… watched them, since they arrived here. They're so young, and they've been through so much… they lost their homes, their families. They were tortured, experimented on. They're going to be like this for the rest of their lives…" Renita hung her head, her expression pained… or was that jealousy? "And yet… they can move on. After all they've suffered… they can still find it in themselves to enjoy life, to be happy. They're not broken on the inside... like me."

"And you don't think you can do the same?"

The Re-class shook her head. "I don't know. There are parts of me… that can never be fixed." She brought a hand to her chest. "Mama told me… my heart is damaged. Something even she can't repair. You really believe I can overcome that?"

Wonderous sighed, pulling her sister closer. "Nobody said that your recovery would be easy, Renita… but if you convince yourself you'll never heal, then you won't. You can't let yourself lose confidence and faith, just because these kids are having an easier time overcoming their trauma. They're kids—they still have years to grow and mature ahead of them, to come to terms with their new bodies and lives.

"So maybe you ARE messed up inside. So what? You still have your family here to support you no matter what; we'll find a way to make things work out. I can't tell you just how long it will take—months, years—and I can't tell you what hardships you may endure along the way… but I swear to you, Renita, the day will come when you will be able to smile and laugh again, like you used to so long ago. Understand?"

Wonderous couldn't help but feel a sting of pain in her heart, seeing her sister so torn. She hated being forceful like this, when Renita was so obviously sensitive… but it seemed like she NEEDED someone to kick her out of her funk every now and again, to ensure she couldn't backslide into full depression once more. Finally, though, Renita responded, her voice small and meek. "...Okay." She nuzzled against the Wo-class slightly. "Thank you."

Renita suddenly flinched as she felt something bump against her leg. Looking down, she saw the children's' ball had landed nearby, coming to a stop at their feet. A boy with a Re-class tail trotted up to the pair and grabbed the ball, looking apologetic. "Sorry about that. We're not… bugging you, are we…?" He asked.

"Uh… n-no," Renita said. "No, you didn't bother us. We're fine."

The boy cocked his head. "You looked like you were sitting around just watching for a while," he said. "Do you… want to play with us, or something?"

"I…" Renita looked to Wonderous for a moment who simply gave her a supporting nod, before taking a deep breath and turning back to the kids.

"Sure. I think that would be nice."

XXXXXXXXXX

Having lived with Renita for so long, watching her deteriorate to the point that death would be a release from her suffering, Fluffy was convinced she had seen the lowest someone could fall.

Seeing those mutilated children hadn't changed her mind... but it was giving her some perspective on the matter. Limbs hacked off and replaced with mismatched Abyssal parts, bits of rigging pointlessly grafted onto human bodies, chunks of their innards ripped out and replaced to accommodate Abyssal symbiotes… it was utterly horrific to see. She knew Abyssals were capable of a lot of evil… but what had been done to those children was beyond heinous.

Whatever soulless, depraved Princess had done it, Fluffy hoped they met a grisly end.

"So, right around here, right?" A whisper.

Fluffy looked over to the Re-class beside her… not Renita, but Regalia. She couldn't help but think about how different the two battlecarriers were—one was petite but shapely, quiet and melancholy; the other tall and slender, full of energy. "Yeah… yeah, I'm pretty sure I marked one of these trees…"

Fluffy looked around her, taking in the appearance of the trees. Eventually she pointed to a splotch of dried mud splattered against the nearest redwood, high off the ground. "There. I slapped some mud on that tree the other day. I figured that putting it up way higher than any animals could manage would help it to stand out."

Regali hummed thoughtfully. "Good idea, actually. Even better than using paint to mark the tree, because we can just hose it off if we don't need to remember this spot later."

"Hm." Feeling something wiggling around on her thigh, Fluffy looked down and finger-flicked the sentient life ring she'd clipped to her belt to calm it down. "So what do we do, now?"

"You managed to lead us to the pigs' nest, so your part of the job is complete. For now, you can just sit back and watch the fireworks." Regalia unslung her knapsack and handed it off to the Princess, followed by her scarf and parka. Now clad only in her bikini, the Re-class turned back to the small group of Abyssals that had followed them here to assist in securing the nest. "You guys try to spread out a bit. I'm going to wrap around and drop in on the nest from the opposite side, scare them all towards you for roundup."

With that, Regalia was off. She dropped to all-fours and slunk off into a nearby bush, somehow barely making a sound. Not ten seconds later, Fluffy's eyes widened as she saw the Re-class scurry up the side of a tree further away, then hop to a neighboring trunk in almost complete silence. "How is she doing that…?" She couldn't help but ask in disbelief.

Next to her, Rivet huffed in amusement. "Three-plus years being stuck on this island, unable to leave, meant Regalia has had a lot of time to get good at moving around on land… and protecting her crops from wild pigs, chasing them off, has taught her to get creative with her mobility. She's a sweet, gentle girl, but make no mistake—she has a predator's instincts."

Fluffy could only stare after the nimble Re-class, awestruck, until she vanished from sight. A minute or so passed, with little to no activity; aside from having to take cover from a wandering hog so it didn't alert the rest of the nest, all was still.

Then came the resounding boom of something heavy hitting the earth… followed up by a sound that shook the Princess to her very core.


"Oh hell yeah, IT'S GO TIME!!" Rivet cried out, immediately breaking into a sprint. The other Abyssals split off and spread out, but otherwise more or less followed after the Ri-class. As the echo of the roar (and the ringing in her ears) faded, Fluffy immediately became aware of a number of animals screaming bloody murder… and coming in their general direction.

"Got one!" Rivet quickly called out.

"Gotcha, bitch!" Another shouted.

"Hey, I got some piglets here!" A third relayed.

All around Fluffy, the Abyssals were scrambling, quickly snatching up as many of the fleeing pigs as they could. From the callouts, the Princess supposed there had to be one, maybe two dozen of the critters; they probably weren't going to catch all of them, but with luck, they'd get enough to ensure this nest would no longer pose a significant threat to Regalia's crops.

That aside… Fluffy had to admit, it was kinda fun watching the girls leaping around, divebombing all over the forest to get their hands on the swine and grapple them into submission.

After only a couple minutes, it seemed like the raid had concluded—she could no longer hear any pigs running around screaming. Rivet stumbled into view, looking rather ragged. "Okay, I think that's the end of it. Everyone rally up!" Soon enough, the other disheveled Abyssals returned to the group; counting up their catches, the girls had reined in at least twenty hogs for all sizes. Not bad, given this was their first time hunting pigs in a coordinated group.

Making their way to the nest to check on Regalia, the girls found her sitting cross-legged on the ground, covered in mud—mud that did little to hide the fact her breasts were now completely bare. "Can someone give me a hand...?" she groaned. "The big mama bullrushed me, and I lost my top in the chaos." Though some of the girls snickered, they nonetheless joined the Re-class in scouring the dirt and mud for her missing article of clothing.

As they did that, Fluffy walked around the region of the nest, examining it. She wasn't able to get a really close look at the pigs' habitat when she first scouted it out, so she wanted to take the opportunity to satisfy her curiosity. It was more complex than she had initially thought—there were burrows dug partially into the ground, shrouded with hay and twigs in one spot, and in another spot was a puddle of mud… which for some reason felt off to her. Anyway, that must have been Regalia's landing spot, judging from how mud been thrown around everywhere. On a whim, she stepped over to the mud pit and examined it, looking for Regalia's top.

But then, she realized… she could feel the ground beneath her rumbling.

"Hey, Regalia?" Fluffy asked hesitantly.

"Yeah?"

"How heavy were you when you hit the ground?"

Regalia tilted her head. "I'm not sure. Maybe… ten, fifteen percent of my mass? It was just to make a really hard landing, to scare any pigs that were too close from charging me… not that that worked." She sighed. "Why do you ask?"

Fluffy slowly turned to the Re-class, feeling the rumble growing rapidly under her feet.

"I think this mud came from underground… and you just cracked open the source of it."

No sooner had the words left Fluffy's lips, the ground beneath her exploded… enveloping her in a spout of water that rose dozens of feet into the air.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Inside of her enclosed bike, Fubuki pedelled as she drove along the roads of Sapporo away from her meeting with the Yakuza. Once she was far enough away, she pulled into an empty parking lot and came to a stop. Not getting out of her vehicle, the Destroyer let all the tension escape her as she leaned forward against the handlebars and shuddered. All the while, she was taking deep breaths as she attempted to calm herself from what had just happened.

Never had she been so scared or nervous, even if she did not show it.

Somehow, even all her battles against the Abyssals had not affected her like what had just happened. As a shipgirl, she had been in dozens, hundreds of battles where she could have died. Where her comrades and friends might have died, as well as innocents. And yet, for some reason, none of that felt as important as the "Battle" she had just left. Like the cost for defeat would have been so much more than any of the other fights she had been in. It was... confusing. And it also meant that she had a lot of stress built up.

Only now, that she was out of sight of everyone was she able to release the pressure. Fubuki did not cry, because she felt no need to. However, her shoulders still shook as she sat there in the empty parking lot. With a shaking hand, she brought up her finger and turned on the radio, from which smooth Jazz came from. Slowly, very slowly, the shakes in her limbs lessened. With every deep breath, more and more of the stress, the nervousness, the worries, and the fear seeped away.

Here, where no one was around to see her, Fubuki finally was able to let go.

Minutes ticked by as she sat there until she felt a touch on her cheek and turned to find a Fairy there with a concerned look on his face, "Desu? Desu desu desu?"

Running a hand through her hair which had been immaculate when she had left the resturant, Fubuki nodded, "Hai, Yamashita-Kun. Just... I'm sorry for how I am reacting." What she did not expect was for her last Captain to frown at her before lightly smacking her ear, "Ow!"

As she rubbed it, Yamashita crossed his arms and gave her a look before shaking a finger at her, "Desu, desu desu desu! Desu! Desu desu desu desu desu desu!"

Just blinking, Fubuki stared at him for a moment, "I... don't have anything to apologize for?"

The fairy shook his head and scoffed, "Desu."

Chewing her lip, Fubuki looked away, "But..."

However, feeling a hand gently pat her cheek, she turned to find that Yamashita's expression had softened. More than that, her other Captains and some of her crew where also out and visible. All of them gave her soft smiles and the like as they shook their heads, Yamashita speaking for them all, "Desu. Desu desu desu desu."

While her last Captain spoke, Fubuki just blinked away some tears. But it was the smile on her face as she sniffled a bit, "Really? You... you're all proud of me? Because of what I did and how I handled myself?" That got her nods from her fairies and she blushed, "Thank you."

Simply nodding, Yamashita smiled before his expression turned pensive, "Desu? Desu desu desu desu?"

At the question that she had just been asked, the Destroyer became confused, "How am I feeling about... what is going to happen to Rokurou?" When he nodded, Fubuki turned and frowned in thought, "I'm... not exactly concerned with that, besides a bit of satisfaction."

Eyebrow raised, her Captain frowned, "Desu?"

Blinking, Fubuki looked at him, "Why?" Getting a nod, she hummed, "Well, for one thing, he cannot hurt the kids any more. Not with what is going to happen. And..." Her hands clenched a bit and shook from the spike of anger that made her boilers flare, "He was using them, the children, to do deeds that he would not do himself. And threatening them with death... but even that aside, I wouldn't have pointed the Yakuza except for one thing." Turning, the Destroyer narrowed her eyes some, "What he said to me, about how the kids were still going to be killed even though they had done nothing! Innocents killed simply to sooth some person's ego and inflated sense of self-importance! And to reclaim honour that he obviously never had. That..."

When she trailed off, Yamashita looked at her, "Desu?"

Fubuki let out a sigh and shook her head, "That changed things for me. At that point, he was a threat and one that would not stop until he got his 'Honour' back. So... I handed over the matter to those who would be best to deal with it, that was all. Nothing more, nothing less." Looking out her windshield at the snowy landscape that was Sapporo in late January heading into February, she shook her head, "I know what is going to happen to him, but... I don't really feel bad about it. He made his own grave, dug it deep. This just means that Fu-Chan and the others will be safe, and in the end that is what matters."

Unseen by her, Yamashita's lips curled upwards a bit, "Desu? Desu desu desu desu desu..."

Cheeks flushing, Fubuki glared at him, "I-I am not acting like a Okaa-San!"

Voice now taking on a teasing tone, her last Captain jumped into her hull once more, "Desu desu desu desu desu desu~ Desu desu desu!"

With that, he was gone and left behind a flustered and annoyed Fubuki. Not helped by the fact that the other fairies also disappeared with their own comments, which only worsened things for Fubuki. Once they were gone, the Destroyer slumped in her seat and huffed, "I am not acting like a Okaa-San. Baka crew and Captains..." Feeling better despite that, she sat back and placed her feet back onto the pedals before leaving the parking lot. Driving along, she noticed a bakery and blinked some in thought as there was also a burger place nearby. For a moment, Fubuki hummed some before pulling in to park, "They are likely hungry, I would think. Especially as they have not been eating all that well, so best I pick something up for them."

For some odd reason, she felt like her Captains and crew were amused and snickering.

Sometime later, she pulled up to the gate for the "Sapporo Shipgirl Base". Not that it was too much, really. There was a small administration building, along with a building that reminded Fubuki of some of the motels she had seen on trips to the United States where shipgirls could rest and sleep. Besides that, there was a bathouse/repair dock and a warehouse with that being all. That last bit was important because unlike places like Yokosuka, the shipgirls who mostly stopped by were not warships. Rather, they were returned cargo vessels and the like coming up and down the coastline. They would arrive at the "Base" and get offloaded before resting for a time and then getting new cargo loaded onto them. Hence, it was mostly civilian contractors who worked there, and they lived in Sapporo.

Despite being a port city, Sapporo didn't need a huge base like most such places elsewhere in Japan. The nearest major shipgirl base was in Ōminato to the south, thus usually, the base was mostly used for the returned cargo shipgirls or for those escorts waiting for a small coastal convoy to form up.

Just shaking her head, Fubuki waited for the gate to be opened before heading inside the base. Pulling into the parking lot near the dorms, she parked and got out. Rather than leave it there though, the Destroyer reached out her hand and picked up her velomobile and did something that often made people's eyes itch. Feeling her vehicle being strapped to her deck by her crew, she walked into the dorms with a smile on her face, "Hey, everyone."

Almost immediately, a number of eyes snapped to her and widened. Within moments, she found herself being swarmed by a number of small bodies all shouting the same thing as they glomped her, "FUBUKI-SAN!"

Lightly laughing, she just shook her head and patted the backs of the various children there, "Hey! It's okay!" Eyes softening as she gently patted their heads, she chuckled, "I'm fine." Her eyes wide, Fu-Chan looked at her before grabbing one of the Destroyers hands. It took a few seconds before she realized why and shook her head, "I'm fine, Fu-Chan."

As her head was patted, the Kitsune sniffled and looked up, "Really?"

Simply pulling her into a hug, Fubuki nodded, "Hai, I am sure, Fu-Chan." Taking a deep breath, she let it out, "Everything is good and I sorted it all out in the end. All of you are perfectly safe from the Yakuza now."

The Destroyer caught Yuudachi's eye, the two having a silent conversation for several moments before the Shiratsuyu just nodding with a thin smile. Feeling two arms around her, Fubuki looked down to find that Fu-Chan was hugging her tightly, "I'm glad that you're alright, Fubuki-San. E-even though it was our fault you had to do that..."

Only shaking her head, the shipgirl sighed, "It is not your fault..." Looking up, her gaze met that of the other children, "Any of your faults. The one at fault was the man who made you do all that." With a smile, she gestured them away, "Now then, it's time for lunch and I brought some."

Various children boggled at her with the Neko often hanging around Fu-Chan looking at her with wide eyes, "R-really? But we ate just a few hours ago..."

Narrowing her eyes slightly, Fubuki felt a flash of anger once more which would have immolated a certain wizard if it could have. But the moment was there and gone just as quick. Instead, she chuckled, "Well, good thing that I am here than. All of you need to eat as much as possible after all! You're all growing children after all. So you need plenty to eat if you're going to become big and strong."

Eyes still wide with surprise, the children just nodded and clustered around her. Unable to help herself, Mutsuki giggled a bit as Fubuki began to hand out burgers and the like she brought from her holds. Getting an odd look from the other Destroyer though, Mutsuki shook her head, "It's nothing, Fubuki-Chan."

After a few moments, Fubuki shrugged it off even as Kisaragi giggled next to her sister. Once the food was given out, Kana also poured glasses of milk for all the children which they thanked her for. While that was happening, Fubuki sat down on the couch only to blink as she felt someone sit in her lap. Blinking, she could only shake her head as she realized that it was Fu-Chan claiming pride of place in said lap. On one side, Natsuki, the Neko that Fu-Chan was always with cuddled up to her with a plate in the Yokai's lap. Two more, the Oni twins Akari and Atsuko took up the rest of the couch on either side of Fubuki.

With a small chuckle that got her looks, she glanced around. Part of her was amused that Yuudachi had a young Inugami in her lap eating while Mutsuki and Kisaragi had Nekos in theirs, with said Yokai being only four and the youngest. Kana, meanwhile, had the only two boys in the group, one of whom was a bear Yokai and the other being a Sarugami from what Fubuki could tell. From what they had been told, the two boys had often tried to protect their "Sisters" best that they could.

Something that Fubuki could well tell with the scars they both had.

The other children were scattered here and there eating in the room. Leaning back, Fubuki just smiled and closed her eyes even as she placed her arms around Fu-Chan's midsection. Something that made the Kitsune blush some, though also smile as her tail wagged. Much to the children's surprise though, Fubuki was not done as she pulled out cupcakes once they were all done eating. Jaw dropping, Fu-Chan looked at her, "Is... is that for us too?"

Nodding, Fubuki smiled, "Hai, it is." Winking, she smiled, "After all, you've all been good so you deserve a treat."

Yet again, she was treated to the kids trying to hug her at once while thanking her.

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

yukicrewger2 said:
Does Ayanami have a buster sword style blade like her Azur Lane counterpart?
Spoiler: Regular
Spoiler: Retrofit
Spoiler: Rock n Roll skin

the only downside is I can't make a "now THAT is a katana" reference.​

*-*-*-*-*-*

Ayanami scrutinized the picture on the laptop for a few seconds more before turning to Sazanami. "You think I can actually get one of those somewhere?" she asked.

"Uh..." Sazanami frowned thoughtfully. "I don't know. I don't think it's forged like a normal sword. Looks more like some kind of advanced technology. Though... you could probably use magic to fake it?" She shook her head. "Nah. I don't think it's really worth it."

"It's not?" Ayanami shook her head in disbelief. "Sazanami, that is a sword."

"... I know?"

"No, no, no, you don't understand." Ayanami pointed to the screen again. "That is a sword. More than that, it is unique. There is none other like it. There are many swords like it, but it is mine and mine only. With this, I join the ranks of those with true might, and am awesome in their midst. And that! Is!"

The door opened and closed. "I'm back!" Mrs. Nagawa yelled as she walked into the kitchen. "Asagiri's going to be here for dinner, too, so, I'm making a little extra just in case. Could you girls clear the--"

"Can't talk right now, I'm drunk on power!" Ayanami crowed, bolting from the house so fast that she almost forgot to put her shoes on. As her sister and mother stared at the door, a faint high-pitched cackle could be heard fading away on the afternoon wind.

"Drunk on the fumes of power, more like," Sazanami sighed, closing her laptop.

"I'm sorry," Mrs. Nagawa said, slightly befuddled, "what was that about?"

 

[darthcourt10]

mikelima777
*-*-*-*
Darthcourt note - this is how the Van may turn out character-wise
*-*-*-*
Sometime in the future...

A young woman awoke with a surprised gasp. She remembered somehow that she used to be a Ford Econoline van, modified for a special event. In her mind, images flashed before her eyes, of spending weeks on end slowly following a young man, a runner with curly hair and only one leg. Equipped with a prosthetic leg that was only meant for walking, the young man in his early 20s had a distinct "skip-hop" as he ran in rain, sun, and even snow. She remembered as the young man would spend every night inside her for rest, as his friends adapted to his mood swings, his bouts of hopelessness as he sometimes wondered if this was all worth it.

Eventually, she was discovered by volunteers who had been maintaining her years after the young man passed on. They had realized who she was and soon, she was being interviewed and given an overview of events that occurred in her country as well as the rest of world in the years since that young man dipped his prosthetic leg in St. John's, Newfoundland to mark his legendary run.

She read with tears as she read of the medical breakthroughs discovered since that famous run which sadly ended near Thunder Bay, Ontario as cancer had spread to his lungs. The very cancer that took away the young man's leg and later his life was now far more survivable. That form of cancer, that once had a 15% survival rate, now had survival rates of over 70%. It was widely believed that the young man she had supported during those years, left a mark in Canada and around the world, as millions continued to run and raise money for cancer research, funding the research that saved countless others from that very same disease. By 2019, over $750 million dollars was raised through the annual runs named in that young man's honour.

When she finished adjusting to her new life, a spark of determination would be ignited in her soul. Her mission now was to continue on the legacy of that young man, to continue to support fundraising for cancer research. To give hope to the millions that continue to be affected by cancer.

She was after all known as the Van of Hope.

Spoiler: more information

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

XenoTekker said:
I get the feeling that everyone's going to be making fun of Fubuki being a mombote for the foreseeable future.​

Probably doesn't sync that well to anything, but I'm riding an emotion again.

-----

"Mou!" Fubuki whined, throwing the rock she was holding. Rather than it skipping out over the surface of the water, it disappeared with a crack. "I can't take it anymore! Fubuki-mama this, Fubuki-mama that! I'm not a mother, or anything like that!"

Leaning down, Goto selected a rock of his own. "Is it really that much of a problem?" he asked, tossing it absent-mindedly from hand to hand. "I hear that being a mother is a wonderful thing."

Fubuki whirled to face him, primed to fire a retort, but it just as quickly faded away as she made eye contact. "You're not just saying that?" she asked sarcastically, stepping past him as he wound up to throw.

"Of course not," Goto replied, letting loose. The angle was wrong, and it disappeared beneath the smooth water with a tiny "plop." "It's almost as wonderful as being a father, I'm told." Fubuki huffed and rolled her eyes. "You know, when I think about it..." He shoved his hands in his pockets, watching the spot where his stone disappeared. "... when I think about it, I don't think there's any honor greater than being a parent."

"Yeah, but I never asked to be a parent," the destroyer grumbled. Goto turned to face her, she was walking towards the edge of the water with a new rock. He walked past her casually. "I just... I helped them out, and I've got to care for them, I'm basically responsible for them, but... I'm not their mother!"

"Closest thing some of them know to one, though," the admiral pointed out. Fubuki's arm, held out to throw, went slack.

"That's not fair," she mumbled under her breath, just loudly enough for him to hear.

"Life isn't really, when you think about it," he replied, walking over to her again. "Fubuki, I know that the circumstances are... unusual, and that you're pretty frustrated right now, but..." his hand came down on her shoulder, and while she made a token effort to shrug it off, she didn't succeed or try again. "But for what it's worth, I think that you'd make the best mother that any of them could hope for. That's the truth."

Fubuki was quiet. But the stone she threw after he stepped away from her skipped three times before sinking beneath the water.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Watching as Fu-Chan ate the last few crumbs of cupcake, though also saddened that she did so, Fubuki smiled, "Well? How was it?"

Just licking her lips, the Kitsune smiled up at her, "Yummy!" Tail wagging, she giggled, "Really yummy, Fubuki-San."

Beside her, Natsuki nodded with a hum, "It was really good!" Licking her fingers, the Neko's ears twitched a bit, "I liked it."

The other children commented that they really liked it as well, which made the Destroyer nod. But it was then that Fubuki noticed something and giggled which got Fu-Chan to blink and cock her head to the side, "Um, what?"

Pulling out a cloth, Fubuki wet it down some, "You have some chocolate icing on your face." Gently, she wiped at the icing smeared cheeks, cleaning them. For her part, the Kitsune closed her eyes and leaned into the touch, a slight wetness between her closed eyelids as she was reminded so much of her own mother. Once Fubuki was finished, she nodded, "There we go, all clean..."

Fu-Chan opened her eyes to see Fubuki turn to her friend and begin cleaning her face before she went on to clean the faces of the two Oni. It was something that made her smile even as her heart hurt from the memories of what she had lost, 'Okaa-San...'

However, Fubuki didn't know any of this and simply nodded even as she watched the others do the same outside of Kana. Because the two boys with the Battleship wiped their own faces off, though they had smiles on their faces. Done cleaning the icing and crumbs from Akari's face, she nodded, "There we go, all clean." It was then that she noticed the looks on Fu-Chan's face as well as the other faces of the children, "Is something wrong?"

Chewing her lip, Fu-Chan hummed a bit, but it was Natsuki who answered, "Um... Fubuki-San? W-what happens to us now? I mean..." Playing with her fingers, she looked down a bit, "I mean, you said that we weren't going to one of the magical orphanages..."

The Destroyer blinked some in thought, "What happens now?" At their nods, to their confusion she slapped her forehead, "I knew that I forgot to mention something to all of you! Ugh... that's my fault."

Lost, the Sarugami in Kana's lap blinked and frowned as he shook his head in confusion, "Um, forgot? Forgot what, Fubuki-San?"

With a sigh, Fubuki looked over at him, "Well... that I was going to tell you what was going to happen. With how everything has been moving so quick, it slipped my mind. And for that, I am sorry." Bowing best that she could with Fu-Chan still in her lap, the shipgirl straightened with an unsure smile, "Anyways, I was talking with Teitoku last night regarding everything, and... I'm going to be bringing you back to Yokosuka, like I said, with us."

Jaw dropping, Natsuki looked at her in awe, "R-really? We're going to be going to Yokosuka?" At the nod, she blinked, "But... where are we going to live?"

Softly snorting, Yuudachi smiled at them when they turned to her, "Why, with us, Poi! Fubuki-Chan already sorted things out and one of the Officer residences will be where we're going to be living." At seeing Fubuki look at her, the red eyed Destroyer smiled, {We're not going to leave you all alone with them, Fubuki-Chan! You should know us all better than that by now!}

From where she sat, the lone Battleship of the group nodded, {Hai! We're going to be backing you up the whole way, Fubuki-Senpai!}

As both Mutsuki and Kisaragi chimed in over radio, Fubuki felt her eyes wet a little as she smiled and nodded, {Thank you, all of you. You're the best friends and family that I could ask for.} When they nodded, she turned to Fu-Chan and the others who looked lost, "I... understand that this is a big change. And that you have all been living in Hokkaido, maybe Sapporo, for all your lives. You likely got friends and the like elsewhere in the city who you'll miss and-"

However, she was interrupted as the bear Yokai, Daichi, shook his head and spoke up with a somewhat unsure voice, "We... don't really have any friends, Fubuki-San. Not outside..." He glanced around and continued, "Not outside the rest of us here."

Eyes widening, Fubuki stared at him for a few seconds before her expression softened, "I see." Looking at each one of them, she smiled, "Does that go for the rest of you?" When they nodded and looked down, she lightly chuckled, "Then it is going to be a good thing that I am sure that all of you will be getting plenty of good friends at Yokosuka."

Rapidly nodding, Yuudachi grinned, "Yeah! There's going to be so many people who will want to become friends with you, Poi! Trust us!"

That brought some smiles to various faces. But then, Fu-Chan frowned and furrowed her eyebrows in thought, "Um... you said that we were going to live in Yokosuka? At an Officer's residence?"

With a hum, Fubuki adjusted the Kitsune sitting in her lap some, "That's right, in particular one of the family residences that are there. You'll have to share rooms, though Daichi-Kun and Yoshi-Kun are going to have a room just for the two of them as they're boys. But... there will be room there for you all. And the parks and such where you can play as well as places where you can run around and be yourselves without hiding what you are." Awed looks crossed the various children's' faces at that as well as happiness, which made the shipgirl chuckle, "So hopefully that is good enough."

Sniffling, the pink haired Neko in Kisaragi's lap wiped at her eyes, "T-thank you... Fubuki-San..."

Gently, Kisaragi wiped at her face, "Fubuki-Chan is like that, and we'll all help with it." Kissing the Neko's brow, she continued, "And we'll make sure that all of you get the sort of life that will make you happy." After a few moments, she hummed and nodded, "Of course, we're going to need to go shopping once we're back in Yokosuka."

Blinking, Mutsuki turned to her sister, "Shopping? Didn't you get them clothes that they needed last night?"

The Destroyer felt Fubuki's eyes on her and shuddered a bit, 'Scary...' Waving her arms, Kisaragi shook her head, "Actually, I bought at least three changes of clothes for everyone! Even though they are sort of plain..." Ignoring the comments from the children that they loved them, she hummed, "But we need to get them better clothes as well! Not to mention things like dressers for their bedrooms, beds... because bunk beds will be a must! And all sorts of things!" Pumping her fist, Kisaragi nodded, "Because they deserve the best that we can give them!"

Lightly blushing, Fu-Chan looked down at her lap with a small, happy smile as she felt her throat constrict. Feeling a hand lightly ruffling her hair, she looked up to find Fubuki looking at her in concern, "Are you alright, Fu-Chan?"

Rapidly, the Kitsune nodded, "Uh-huh..." It was then that she noticed that Fubuki looked like she was thinking about something, "Um, are you alright, Fubuki-San?"

Just blinking as she snapped out of it, Fubuki looked at her for a few moments before sighing, "Well... I have been thinking about how to tell you all something. It was something that we fully realized after we brought you back, and it has nothing to do with my choice to take care of you all... but it is important that you know from me and not from someone else. Because I know that if I don't tell you, someone else will."

Unsure, the various children looked at each other before Atsuko reached over and took Fubuki's hand in hers, "Fubuki-San, it... it is okay if you don't want to tell us..."

However, Fubuki shook her head and patted the young girl's hand, "No, because it would not be fair to you." Giving it some more thought, she finally nodded, "As shipgirls, we can see things to a deeper level if we so wished. For example, if I was to look at a disguised Yokai, I could see what they really were if I looked closely. In such cases, there is always a... sixth sense, I suppose, telling us that we should look closer."

From her position on Kisaragi's lap, the neko's eyes widened, "Oh wow! That is so cool, isn't it, Ayame-Nee!"

The other Neko, in Mutsuki's lap nodded, "Hai, Akane-Nee! That is soo cool!"

Lightly laughing, Fubuki nodded, "I suppose that it is rather cool, you two. And useful..." Her expression turned pensive, "But... it can do more than show us a Yokai's true form. It can also show us a shipgirl's hull. Including those who are shipgirls reincarnated in this life as Natural Borns..."

Jaw dropping, Yoshi pieced it together, "Some of us are Natural Borns!"

Slowly, the Destroyer nodded, "Hai, some of you are. I want you all to know that I didn't realize this until after we got you all away from that place." Gently, she patted Fu-Chan's head, "You, Fu-Chan are some sort of late war Destroyer. I don't quite recognize the hull design yet, but it is there."

Yuudachi had a grin on her face as she stroked the head of the Inugami in her lap, "And so is Kasumi-Chan here, Poi!"

Much to the others amusement, Kasumi had a grin much like Yuudachi's on her face, "Awesome!"

Only shaking her head, Mutsuki looked down at the Neko in her lap, "And you Ayame-Chan are what looks like an enlarged Escort Ship, but with torpedo launchers added. Same with Akane-Chan."

Turning, Fubuki patted Natsuki's head gently, "I'll mention that both Akari-Chan and Atsuko-Chan look sort of like Akatsuki class... but with modifications to them. As for Natsuki-Chan." Smiling down at her, she shook her head, "The best that I can think of is... sort of like that new shipgirl who showed up in Yokosuka, Momo-Chan. A stretched version of a Thonburi style hull to put some AA guns on, but... also different." Leaning in, she hummed, "Instead of the Third year type 20 cm/50 caliber guns, she has the 15.5 cm/60 3rd Year Type that Mogami-San and her sisters had."

Eyes wide, Fu-Chan turned to her stunned friend and grabbed her hand, "That is awesome, Natsuki-Chan! With guns like that, the two of us will kick so much tail!"

Deeply flushing, Natsuki nodded, "H-hai, Fu-Chan. We will."

With a hum, Fubuki patted her head, "Now that said? We're not going to awaken you any time soon." At the looks of confusion, she shook her head, "We don't exactly need to awaken you quite yet. Also..." Eyes softening, she met their gaze, "I want you all to have a good childhood, not thrown into the war."

Each of the children nodded at that even as they hugged her.

 

[darthcourt10]

TempestK

Harry Leferts said:
snip​

Kansha looked up from where he was securing some late-night leftovers. The kitchen staff had accepted the "new hire" with a little trepidation, but after he'd shown his chops during the lunch and dinner rushes they'd eased up a bit.

He kept getting odd looks from some of the shipgirls, but he ignored it in favor of doing his job to the best of his ability. The Old Man and Sojiro-kun deserved nothing less in their memory. But just now he'd felt a... not quite a premonition, but a sense of anticipation. Sometimes he thought that Sojiro-kun might have been a... a whaddayacallit, a squib with a gift for foresight, given his ability to anticipate Muramasa's meal demands at times.

A talent that had rubbed off on Kansha, but only in the faintest sense that he was able to anticipate when large orders were going to be coming in. This had felt kind of like that, but with an undercurrent of protectiveness.

Shaking his head, he finished packing the last of the "snack bentos" for shipgirls to grab if they came in late and hungry, and then headed for the shelves that were groaning with cookbooks. They weren't the supposedly fabled Potter Family Cookbook that Juuchi had described to him, but they were a start on expanding his culinary horizons.

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

Flash Back: All the Small Things

-----

Fortunately, Tatsuya, Benio, and Tonbo were experienced enough that a charging werebear was something that they could react to and engage without too much trouble. Unfortunately, Reiko was not. The miko had had a long day already, and this quickly turned out to be the straw that broke the camel's back—with a shriek of terror, her body stretched, expanding. Tatsuya ducked under her legs as they started flailing, pushing her back, and dodged the—oh right, spellfire. Two wizards, one older, one younger. That he could deal with, though getting in close was tricky—but then there was Tonbo, weaving in, out, slashing through bolts as she closed in. The older one (probably the one who'd been talking to the werebear) vanished, appearing in the middle of the newly joined apartments, only to have to apparate again as Tonbo turned her momentum into a spin, slashing the air where he had teleported to before turning again, slashing a bullet—fourth man, carrying a gun, looked experienced. Benio charged him, forcing him to choose between two opponents as Tatsuya closed in on the younger wizard—

The door opened.

For one of those single humorous moments, all eight combatants turned to face the interloper. It was a girl, maybe a year or two older than Tatsuya, with hair hacked into a messy pixie cut and wearing a heavy jacket that looked like it could have been military surplus. She stood, tucking two pieces of wire into her pocket and scanning the room.

The werebear howled inarticulately (which made since, his head was entirely the wrong shape for making words) and turned his attention away from Benio. As large as he was, it couldn't take a moment to reach the girl he was now charging. Tatsuya threw himself forward—there was no way he could possibly make it, but maybe he could distract it long enough for Benio to pull her away.

His view of the girl was blocked.

A gun fired, twice, and the werebear smashed into the doorframe, stopping halfway through and sinking as the frame failed to hold his bulk up.

As the girl shimmied through the small opening that the corpse, Tatsuya grimaced. It was going to be one of those incidents, wasn't it? Hopefully, the girl had an idea of what she was doing beyond watching science fiction and urban fantasy.

"Well, tha' was excitin'," she chirped happily, raising her gun (huh. That looked like it packed a punch. How had she hidden it on herself?). "Any other takers?"

The two wizards immediately vanished.

The third living attacker immediately turned, starting to run as he put a bullet through the window. The girl grimaced, and charged.

Benio and Tonbo were quick enough to handle things if they went wrong, so Tatsuya looked over at Reiko. She was still in her true form, trying to push herself back against the wall, now watching their new helper in terror.

"Reiko?" he said, running over to her. "Reiko, it's okay!"
-----

Cowardly bastards, running from a fight like that. Gil hated agreeing with Gran, but some days the old bitch was just right. And here she was, all fired up from that bear (that hadn't taken very long either). Maybe she should just wing him, leave him with enough fight to take her on. He looked good, maybe she'd be able to get a glimpse of Ma.

(The Japanese kids were probably on her side, which was a good thing—there was no way she was getting a good fight out of that spider. The hell was she even doing?)

Then, the younger wizard reappeared! Nope, no apparating! Bullet through the hand, no wand for you! Gil wanted to see Ma, and she was going to—

Watch as the asshole Muggle grabbed his wizard friend and jumped through the damaged window.

What? SHIT!

Gil charged after—it was only the second floor, risk of injury wasn't too horrible—and jumped. Roll to dispel force, come up, and watch the SUV pull away? Was that bastard completely human? Wait, better question—why wasn't he coming back and fucking fighting her? He was strong, wasn't he? Hadn't even hesitated after jumping out the window, right? SO WHY WASN'T HE FIGHTING HER?

Glancing down the road, Gil noted the lamppost, how quickly the car was going to pass it, and decided that, right now, seeing Ma could take a back seat to getting the fucker back. Her arm snapped up, she fired. As the bullet sparked off of the lamppost, she was stepping forward, ejecting the magazine. As the front tire punctured, she inserted her new one, chambered a round. And as it flipped forward to expose the underside to her, she put the incendiary right in the middle of the tank.

Then, she bent down, retrieved her mag, and began switching them back as she walked over to the flaming wreck. Whistling, for that sweet, sweet vindictive victory. Stepping around burning patches on the road… Wait, who was that struggling from the driver's side? Seriously? Bastard must have been made of titanium or something! Maybe she was getting that fight after all?

"McKay… bitch…" he managed, trying to push against the tarmac. She grinned.

"Ye know m'name, eh?" she grinned, crouching down in front of him lazily bringing her pistol up to his face. "Good, tha' makes this easier. Ah—"

The man slumped over, dropping like a rag doll hitting the floor.

What? Was he… Was he fucking dead? Oh, come on!

Then something poked against the back of her head.

"You know," a new voice—American, by the accent—said, "I don't usually do things this way, but you're looking pretty suspicious. Why don't you—"

Gil didn't really pay attention to the rest. This American had snuck up on her, right? Without her even noticing. He had to be at least as good as her, right? Which meant… Maybe she could see Ma today?

She spun, bringing an arm up to knock the gun away, bringing her own into position—but no, he could do it, he knocked her own weapon away, tried to realign his own, duck in close, bring it up to his chin, he leaned back, he could do it, he could do it! A flicker caught the edge of her vision, don't look, if she looked then Ma would be gone, and wouldn't come back for the rest of the fight!

And suddenly, as fast as the fight had started, they had their weapons pointed at each other's heads, frozen in place. American was a little older than her, black, tall, very short hair, glaring at her angrily. Gil grinned back at him. How could she get the fight going again—

"Okay, both of you stop," another voice, the Japanese kid from the hotel, cut through the silence. Where—ah, standing behind American. By the way American stiffened subtly, probably had a weapon pointed at his back. "Let's just put the guns down. Slowly."

"Explains why you're positioned to hit her through me," American noted ironically, "but what if she does the same thing?"

"Tonbo's faster than her," Japanese replied, and cold metal came to rest against Gil's shoulder. Another one, so close? Pity they were on the same side—if they were. A thrill began to gather in Gil's stomach. Maybe, just maybe—

"Okay, over here everybody!" A new voice, a girl, called. As one, everyone's heads swiveled to face one of the girls from the hotel—the spider girl was there, too, bum looking a bit more human now that she was apparently calmer. But it was the first girl that was important, because she was standing next to a very nervous looking girl, maybe ten, eleven years old. Given the way that American went rigid when he looked at her, they were probably related.

"I want everyone to put their toys down right now," she announced, lifting a bucket that she had probably grabbed from a storage closet (though where did she get the time to do that in all the ruckus?). "If you do not, I will dump this bucket of very dirty water over this charming young lady's head. Seriously, this stuff is horrible. She'll probably catch a disease or something. And then she would die, and all of you would feel horrible. So please, don't make me do this."

Behind American, Japanese snorted audibly. It seemed like some kind of signal—American relaxed immediately, slackening as he looked the girl in the eye. Wait. He wasn't actually going to—

When the girl gave him a nervous smile, he turned back to Gil. "Count of three?" he suggested.

FUCK.

The hell was going on here? It had been months! Months! And now that she was finally able to see Ma again, the fight was over just like that? The hell was wrong with these people?

On the other hand, she had seen her again, however briefly. Even if the moment was over now. It probably wouldn't do to try to restart the fight now, positioned as she was to lose. Maybe whatever all these people were here for would let her see Ma a little down the line?

"Fine," she grit out through bared teeth.

Didn't mean she had to like calling it off now, though.

But she still lowered her gun to the ground, slowly, watched as American put his own down, listened as "Tonbo" sheathed her blade.

"Great!" Bucket Girl grinned, tossing her own weapon away. "Now that we're all friends, let's get off the street before the law arrives."
-----

Well, that was surprising. I didn't think Gil would be that much of a potty mouth.

Well what do you think, sirs?

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Puppy Love I

Hachiko Miyata climbed the steps to the shrine, sighing mentally. His job at the Yokosuka Municipal Library had run long again. While he needed the money to support his family, the bane of assistant librarians the world over was a jumble of unsorted books that needed to be re-shelved.

At least the cafe was closed on Sundays, so he would not also have to double as a part-time waiter supplying bentos, tea, and parfaits to the patrons. Today.

Thankfully, his little brother's kyudo instructor was very understanding about acting as an emergency babysitter when this kind of domestic crisis erupted. Yet again he resolved to knit a scarf for Tokunotakai-sensei as an act of gratitude for her kindness.

With that cheerful thought, he reached the kyudo dojo. Pausing inside, to replace his shoes with indoor sandals, he adjusted his glasses at the sight of a pair of glossy patent-leather shoes next to Aki's secondhand sneakers.

The mystery of the shoes was revealed as he entered the kyudojo. A young woman with short hair, sunglasses, and a tailored and clearly expensive skirt-suit combination was leaning against the back wall next to the door with a scowl and crossed arms. Her attention was focused on Tokunotakai-sensei as she gently corrected Aki before stepping back to let him shoot at a makiwara straw target five meters away from him.

As Hachiko entered, the woman turned her head and sized him up. Leaning close to him she spoke quietly. "The kid is your son then, Mother?"

Silently sighing yet again at the combination of his gentle features, thick glasses, and shoulder-length black hair plus dressing in baggy clothing to conceal his short and slender body, Hachiko took a deep breath. Reminding himself once again that this was not worth the conflict - doubly so in front of Tokunotakai-sensei! - he responded in a soft voice.

"Younger brother, actually. Our parents passed away several years ago. Abyssals. He was very young when father's ship was sunk, so I am the only father that he has ever known."

Something flickered in the eyes of the young woman and she gave a small nod as she responded, "My condolences for your family's loss. Don't let me interrupt your business here, my errand can wait."

"Tou-san, Tou-san!" Aki called out, pointing enthusiastically to the target he had been shooting at where two arrows were stuck in the straw. "Look! I did it! I finally did it!!"

Hachiko gave a happy smile with just the touch of melancholy bittersweet emotions as he realized that their mother would never see Aki's triumph. He glanced over at Tokunotakai-sensei who gave a slight nod. "Well done, Aki. Just don't get a swelled head. Remember what you are being taught here."

Aki nodded happily and then turned to his instructor and bowed. "I thank you for the lesson, Sensei."

Tokunotakai bowed back and gave one of her serene smiles. "You have learned something today, Aki-kun. Remember that we can always improve on what we are today to take another step upon the path for tomorrow." Her eyes flickered to the mystery woman briefly as she spoke. "All of us, even your sensei need to keep that in mind."

"Hai!" Under Hachiko's prompting and the Sensei's direction, the arrows were retrieved, inspected and cleaned and the bow was unstrung by Aki.

The mystery woman clapped Hachiko on the shoulder as he and his brother turned to go and quietly said. "He... is a good kid. Better than many I have known at that age."

Hachiko gave a smile and a polite bow, "Thank you for your kind words, Miss." With that she bowed back and her expression firmed up.

As he helped Aki into his sneakers, his sharp hearing picked up the sound of raised voices from the Dojo.

"Ohayou gozaimasu, Fudo-oneesama. It is good to see you again, what brings you to my humble dojo?" Tokunotakai-sensei's voice was calm but with definite steel in it.

The stranger's, no Fudo's, voice, responded with considerable passion in it as Hachiko walked his brother out of the dojo.

"What exactly is the truth of this story I heard about that filthy gaijin showing her face around you again? Where is she!!"

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

Hachiko blinked as he and Aki walked past a large and garish gold-colored American car to reach the train station.

That almost looks like a yakuza's car, perhaps that woman was....

He shrugged the thought aside and stuck his hands in his pockets, then froze. Slowly he pulled out something that had not been in his pocket when he entered the shrine. A pair of 5000 yen banknotes and a hastily-written note were wrapped around a gold Cross pen. Slowly he read the message.

'Use this to treat the kid to something nice on the trip home. His first time hitting the target should be a special day-F. M.'

He smiled and adjusted his glasses as they headed down the street. "Hey Aki? I got a little extra money, do you want to get some ice cream on the way home?"

His little brother was on the verge of manifesting his Inugami ears and tail just so that he could wag them as he stared up and gave a happy grin. "Can we please, Tou-san?" he yipped in excitement.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Kana nodded to the guard at the gate for the base as he checked the paperwork and glanced inside. Chuckling, the man nodded and stepped back with a salute as he quietly spoke, "Hope you have a good day, Kana-San."

A smile on her face, the Battleship saluted back, "Thank you, Saotome-San, and I hope that you have a good day as well."

Waiting until the gate was raised, she made her way into the base. There was a slight crackle before Fubuki spoke up over the radio, {I'll have to thank him for not making too much noise considering things.}

From where she was driving, Kana looked up at the rear-view mirror at what was in the back of the van. There in the very back sat Fubuki, with Fu-Chan and Natsuki cuddled into her side while Akari and Atsuko were in turn cuddled into them. All four girls asleep and quietly breathing, while Mutsuki and Kisaragi were in the other two rows with children cuddled into them as well with the final row being Yuudachi. A small smile on her face, Kana glanced to the passenger seat to see Yoshi there also sleeping. Every so often, his lips twitched which made her smile grow a touch more.

It... was good to see the children peacefully sleeping.

Nodding, Kana chuckled over the radio as to not wake the children, {Hai, Fubuki-Senpai. They need their rest after all considering everything that they have been through.}

With a hum, Mutsuki shook her head as she gently ran her hand along Ayame's hair, the Neko's tail twitching every once in a while, {Hai, they deserve it, Kana-Chan. And I'm glad that we can give it to them as well.} Sighing, she glanced at her sister, {But we're going to be giving them better lives now, no matter what.}

In the back of the van, Fubuki blinked away some tears, {Hai, we are.} She then raised her head and gave each of her friends a smile, {Once more, thank you guys. For everything and for helping.}

Gigging over the radio, the only Shiratsuyu Destroyer there spoke up, {You don't need to thank us for this, Fubuki-Chan! Like we said, we don't mind doing this at all, Poi.} With a small smile, she looked down at the Inugami snuggled into her side, pillowed into her chest while another Kitsune did the same for her other side, {Besides... this is good practice.}

Lightly blushing, Fubuki shook her head, {Yuudachi-Chan!}

All she got though was giggles from said Destroyer, {What? It's true, Poi! I mean, we're not always going to be in this war, and, well...} Best that she could without waking anyone, she gave a shrug, {Don't tell me that you haven't given it any thought, Poi. Because that would be a lie.}

Still blushing, Fubuki sighed, {I'm too young to be a Okaa-San yet, Yuudachi-Chan. Maybe... in a couple of years or something. But I'm not old enough yet.}

Yuudachi got a warning look from Mutsuki and nodded, {Sure, whatever you say, Fubuki-Chan.} A sly look crossed her face, {Though I say that any child of yours and Kana-Chan's will be adorable, Poi.}

Up front, the Battleship in question was heavily blushing as she kept her eyes on the road, even as Fubuki screeched at her giggling friend over the radio, 'Fubuki-Senpai... and my children... O-ooh...' With a glance at the glaring Fubuki, Kana turned back to the road as she tried to control her blush. Despite the fact that the relationship between the group was... odd, she was happy. And so were the others which helped things, but... 'That's a thought for later.'

Moments later though, Fubuki spoke up, {Kana-Chan? Are you sure that your fairies have everything sorted out? I don't want to arrive at the residence and find nothing there...}

While some might have thought that she should be insulted, Kana wasn't. Quite the opposite as a matter of fact and shook her head, {Hai, my fairies are fine and have everything sorted out. They already moved everything from yours and my old dorm rooms into the new residence. Also, several futons for now until we can get to shopping, but we have some food as well.}

Relaxing, Fubuki gave her a smile, {Thank you, Kana-Chan. That takes a load off me.}

Kisaragi hummed a bit and nodded, {I am looking forward to being able to go shopping! I can't want to see their expressions at all we're going to buy them and everything!} A fire in her eyes, she felt like she should hold up a clenched fist in front of her, but didn't... mainly because both arms were being cuddled with, {Definitely clothes and some furniture!}

Thoughtful, Fubuki didn't say anything right away before nodding, {I think that we should also look into getting a van like this one. Because we're going to need it and this is a rental.}

From where she was, the nameship of the Mutsuki class nodded with a frown, {We will, though that won't be too hard. I have a few ideas after all, and you already have your license, Fubuki-Chan. The rest of us outside of Kana-Chan are not far off from that either, so that is good.}

Only humming, Fubuki smiled in relief, {Thank you.}

It was not long afterwards that they pulled up to one of the Officer's residences. Turning off the van, Kana took a deep breath before letting it out. After all, it had been a very long drive all the way from Sapporo through the night. Mainly because Fubuki wanted to give as little a chance for the Magical Diet to attempt something on the trains if they could. Hence, the long drive, but now...

They were home.

For several moments, the shipgirls all sat there looking at the townhouse in front of them before sharing a small smile. Gently, Fubuki began to shake Fu-Chan and Natsuki, "Hey, we're here."

Much to her amusement, the two simply dug there faces deeper into her sides and made her giggle as they spoke the same thing at the same time, "Wanna sleep..."

Around them, the other shipgirls giggled and snickered as they had as much luck. But, eventually, Fubuki got them to wake up, "Come on, sleepy heads. Time to see your new home."

Blinking, Fu-Chan rubbed her eyes, "Home?" Then, the words registered and she pulled her hands away from her eyes, "Wait, we're here?"

With a hum, the Destroyer nodded as Kana got out and opened the van doors, "Hai, we're here..." Softly smiling, Fubuki chuckled, "Welcome to Yokosuka... your new home with us."

Their eyes widening, the various Yokai just looked at their surroundings before being helped out by Kana. Once they were out, Fubuki and the others also got out of the van and stood there with their hands on their shoulders as the children looked around. Looking up at the townhouse, Akane gripped Kisaragi's hand tightly, "Is this where we're going to live?"

Humming, Kisaragi gave the small hand a soft squeeze, "Hai, this is where we're all going to live together." Pointing at it, she continued, "There's a backyard where you can all play and such, though it is a bit small. But there's also parks and such around as well."

A gasp came from Fu-Chan as she pointed at one spot nearby, "Look! There's a playground over there! With swings and everything!"

Softly giggling, Fubuki nodded as she patted the now disguised Kitsune's head, "Hai, and that playground is open to you all to play on. Whenever you want. And you can run and play and everything that children should do." Pulling not just Fu-Chan, but also Natsuki, Atsuki and Akari into a hug, Fubuki kissed the tops of their heads as they teared up, "This... is our gift to you." Less then five seconds later, Fubuki found Fu-Chan and the others hugging her closely, her shirt soaking with tears, "Now... you can be the children that you should have been, and are."

Quietly sobbing, the Kitsune nodded, "H-hai, Fubuki-Ka... Fubuki-San."

Even though she was slightly confused at what she was about to say, even as she dismissed what she thought it was, Fubuki only nodded, "Now, let's go and see the rest of our home."

Reaching the door, even as she dried the eyes of the children alongside Mutsuki, Kisaragi, Yuudachi, and Kana, Fubuki knocked. A few moments later, the mail flap opened to reveal one of Kana's fairies holding a key, which said Battleship took with a nod, "Thank you."

Much to Fubuki's surprise, Kana gave her the key after recovering her fairy. Looking it over, the Destroyer took a deep breath, 'And so, a new door opens in this new life of mine...' Looking at the various children, she nodded, 'And I do not mind at all.'

She then unlocked the door and opened it, with them all entering. After taking off their shoes, the children were looking around after revealing their Yokai features. Her stuffed toy in one arm, Fu-Chan looked around before laughing as she skipped along the hall and stopped, twisting in place, "Hahahaha! Look, Natsuki-Chan! We have a home now! All of us have a home!"

Wiping away fresh tears, the Neko nodded, "H-hai! Fu-Chan!" Swallowing as she sniffled, she walked over and hugged her friend, "We have a home..."

Then, they looked up as they felt arms around them to find Fubuki there, "Hai, a home." Gently, she guided them along the home as they checked it all out. Sure enough, there was room there for all of them. And the kitchen was freshly stocked, with Fubuki looking at the note and smiling, 'Thank you, Ooyodo-San.'

Finger tapping her chin as she walked, Kisaragi hummed, "We're going to have to find more furniture. Maybe bump the shopping up for today?"

Even as the other shipgirls nodded, Yuudachi frowned, "Maybe, though we should be getting some food into them..." Catching sight of one of the appliances brought over from their old quarters, her face lit up and she bounced through the kitchen. Opening cupboards, she pulled out various things and held them up, "How about to celebrate, we have chocolate chip waffles, Poi! For all of us!"

Sounds of excited children met her at that.

Meanwhile, Fubuki was looking at the walls in thought, 'Hmm...'

Having noticed, Mutsuki looked at her friend with a raised eyebrow, "Is something wrong, Fubuki-Chan?"

Fubuki only nodded and pointed at the wall, "Rather plain and empty, isn't it?" Smiling, she clapped her hands, "Well, we're going to start fixing that! Everyone, outside for a moment."

While they were confused, the Yokai followed her back outside, the other shipgirls behind them. After a few moments, Fubuki brought out one of her fairies and gave it her phone before she began to sort them all. In the end, it had her, Yuudachi, Mutsuki, Kisaragi, and Kana behind the children with their arms around them.

Bringing up the phone, the fairy, now a full sized shadow figure, stepped back before stopping and nodding. A bright smile on her face, Fubuki nodded, "Now... everyone say Tadaima!"

Almost as one, they all spoke, "TADAIMA!"

Later that night, Fu-Chan was snuggled into her new bed, with new sheets, and wearing brand new pajamas bought that day. Behind her in the lower bed of the bunk bed was Natsuki, cuddled up to her. And in the Kitsune's arms was her stuffed chick, Chicky. The ladder to the upper one creaked as Fubuki stepped down it after saying good night to Akari and Atsuko. Crouching down, she gently moved stray hairs from Fu-Chan's and Natsuki's foreheads as the ears of the two Yokai twitched. Then, Fubuki kissed both of them on their foreheads as she adjusted the blankets, "Good night, Fu-Chan, Natsuki-Chan... pleasant dreams."

As she pulled away, the two children nodded, "Good night, Fubuki-San."

Reaching the door, Fubuki turned off the light though there was still a glow from a nightlight in the form of Fubuki's hull, cresting through the waves. A nightlight that they had to have when they saw it and that Fubuki could not deny them. Closing the door after stepping out, the Destroyer smiled at them, "Okaeri."

Softly smiling, Fu-Chan whispered back to her, "Tadaima..."

With that, Fubuki closed the door and the Kitsune shut her eyes as she held her beloved Chicky close. As she dozed off, she sighed, 'I'm home, Okaa-San... I'm home...'

And in her dreams, she dreamt that her mother was smiling down at her, holding her close with a happy and proud look in her eyes...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The day was cool and damp as per normal for the time of year that it was in the part of the world that it was. Not that Christopher really noticed as he sat on a bench that faced the small cemetery where those who died on the Cruise Ship were buried. Here and there, trees softly rustled in the breeze as flowers bloomed between the headstones. Some had names on them, and most of those had dates due to what they found on IDs. Other headstones though were blank, with either the symbol of Venus or Mars on them to denote that they were male or female with a Greek inscription stating if they were adult or child. Because either the bodies were so damaged to not be able to be identified... or carried no identification on them.

And two of those bodies were those of his parents, now buried in the soil of the island with an blank gravestone to denote where they were.

Sometimes... Christopher came here, to sit on the stone bench that he as the breeze brushed past him. At times, he mused which of the unknowns were his parents. And he also spoke to them, either aloud or in his thoughts, asking for guidance. Or if he was raising his sister well despite there only being a few years between them. Not that he ever received an answer in either case, but... it was soothing, in a way. A balm for the raw wound on his heart that he felt would never heal.

Deep in thought, the now fifteen, nearly sixteen year old was silent. Not saying a word, even as two others walked up until one placed a large hand on his shoulder. After a few moments, he reached up and smiled at the female Cyclops that was there, "Hey, Delphi." Turning, he looked at the female Minotaur and nodded, "Chloe."

Examining him, Chloe frowned, "Are you alright, Chris?"

With a deep breath, the teenager shrugged, "Don't rightly know, you know how it is."

Just glancing at her Minotaur friend, Delphi sat down on the stone bench on one side of Christopher, and Chloe on the other. After a few moments, the Cylops gave him a slight, sad smile, "Do you want to talk about it?"

For a few moments, she only got silence before Christopher shrugged, "Maybe in a bit, just gathering my thoughts first." Looking around, he chuckled, "This is a beautiful place, you know. Really, all you guys did great for people that you didn't know."

Turning her gaze out onto the graveyard, Chloe snorted a bit, "Didn't know?" Only shaking her head, she let out a sigh, "As our leaders said, Chris. They died nearby and are now returned to the bosom of Gaia, here on our island. Strangers, they are not any longer, for they now rest easy under the shade. They are under our care now, and are friends and people who we know."

Unable to help himself, Christopher chuckled and reached over to the larger form of the Minotaur and gave her a half hug best that he could, "Yeah." Turning his head slightly, he gestured with his head, "You even have the ship's bell..."

Both Demi-humans turned to where there was a small building. It was a small, Ancient Greek style temple with fluted columns built from local rock. And inside, hanging, was the ship's bell from the Cruise Ship that had been recovered. The bell itself shone from being polished and every year, on the anniversary of when the Cruise Ship sank, it was rung, the sound echoing among the graves. Lips curling into a sad smile, Delphi shook her head, "And that ship deserves the honour it was given, Chris. It carried you all to safety far past where it should have been able to."

Only nodding, Chris smiled a bit sadly himself as his thoughts drifted back some, "It does." Glancing at the two, he let out a puff of air, "By the way, I thought that you were helping with preparations for Anthesteria?"

Delphi gave a shrug and a slight smile at that, "We've all done our part for the festival. The wine is ready to be opened for all tomorrow, and from what I have been told, this year's wine should be very good."

Poking him, Chloe chuckled with a slight grin, "Hopefully you don't drink too much of it."

Lightly blushing, the human swatted her hand away from him, "Yeah, yeah, same back to you. With the lack of oxygen from how tall you are, it likely would be easier for you!" That got him snickers from both girls. Shaking his head, he chuckled as well, "Though I am still getting used to the fact that I can even drink wine and have since we got here."

Only shrugging, Delphi shook her head, "It is part of the culture and I still do not understand why humans seem to have issues with wine and needing to be a certain age before being able to drink it. Wine is good for you after all." Becoming thoughtful, she scratched her chin in thought, "I wonder what wine is like in the outside world... never had any."

Glancing at her, Chris smiled, "One day, I promise that you'll know, Delphi. And same with you, Chloe. I'll be able to show you what the world is like outside this island."

Eye a bit misty, the Cyclops nodded, "I'd like that, Chris. And I hope that it does happen one day."

Chloe laughed a bit before shaking her head, one bovine ear flicking as the earring there glinted in what light there was, "Same. All three of us exploring the outside world? It would be... like one of the old tales. Of heroes and such journeying around." She then grinned, "Though with less monsters and needing to be careful around asshole kings.'

That got her snorts from the other two. Finally, Chris calmed down some and looked down at his feet, "I... came here to ask for some advice, Delphi, Chloe. From my parents... what with what is coming up and all."

Head tilted to the side, the Cyclops considered him before speaking softly, "And did you get an answer?"

For almost a minute, Chris was silent. Then, slowly, he turned to her, "I... don't know. But a thought did pop into my head and, well..." Taking a deep breath, he let it out, "Delphi, you can see the future, right?"

Blinking, she nodded, "I can, Chris, in the form of visions. I can even concentrate and look into it consciously unlike many, though if I want a powerful vision with a lot of information, I have to... take certain aids."

With a nod, Chris continued, "And you can't see your own future?"

Lost as to where this was going, Delphi shook her head, "No, I cannot." Softly scoffing, she made a gesture with one hand, "A lot of people are in awe of someone able to see the future, except when they realize that the person looking into the future can't see their own. It really, what was the word you used? Sucks." Grimacing, the nearly seventeen year old shook her head with a scowl, "It really,really sucks. But Apollo is like that, I suppose. And it still allows for us Seers to help, though usually it is vague."

Feeling a hand grasp hers, she turned to Chris who looked her in the eye. A fact that made her blush due to how humans sometimes had issues doing so. Looking her in the eye, he smiled, "Delphi, can you... look into my future? Not anything big, just a... snapshot, I suppose? A brief moment in time about, oh... ten or fifteen years from now?"
Confused, she gave him an bemused smile, "That... is oddly specific."

On his other side, Chloe nodded, as lost as her friend, "Very specific. Ten or fifteen years from now? But just a brief moment of time? Why?"

Just chewing his lip, Chris shook his head, "I... I think that this would be best. If what I suspect and, well..." Voice dropping, he let out a sigh, "Please, Delphi, for me? And describe it as you see it."

Her lone eyebrow raised, Delphi frowned at him for a few moments before smiling, "Sure, Chris. For you, I don't mind... besides, you're not asking anything huge or such, just a moment in time, right?" When he nodded, she shifted a bit, her russet hair blowing slightly in the breeze as she leaned forward, "Let's see... let's go, oh, twelve years. A nice number..."

Watching as her eye seemed to cloud over, and she slipped into a trance, the human teen waited for a few seconds, "Delphi? What do you see...?"

Voice low and with an airy quality, Delphi spoke, "I... can see you, Chris. Strong and hale..." A slight blush came to her face at how the boy next to her looked as a full grown man before she noticed something, "Oh! And you have children around you..." Unnoticed by her, Chloe gripped his hand tight as her own eyes widened, "Minotaurs, humans, and..." Her voice trailed off in shock as she came out of the trance, "Cyclops..." Each of them was silent for a few moments before Delphi swallowed, "I... it is not set in stone, Chris. Nothing in the future is and in this case it is just one possibility...'

Thumb rubbing her knuckles, Chris tilted his head, "But... you saw it which means that it is a likely one." Blushing, the Cyclops teen nodded, "Well... I do like you both and have been trying to come to a decision. I mean, I'm not dumb you know and can see that you like me too. Also..." Weakly chuckling, the young man shook his head, "Your parents have kept dropping that you are marriageable age now after all around me when you were not around."

If anything, Delphi felt like her face was on fire while Chloe was thankful that she had fur on her face to hide the fact that she was much the same. Each of them were silent for a few minutes before the Minotaur huffed, "You what? This is stupid! All of it!" When they turned to her, she gave them a glare, "My people from the very start of our existence did not care about having one lover or many!" Using one finger, she jabbed Delphi in the chest, "And your people started out as herders! Tribes people who did not care about having only one wife or one husband! I know for a fact that your great-grandmother, also a Seer, had three husbands!"

Her face felt like it was on fire before, but now the Cyclops felt like it should be burning off entirely, or perhaps melting, "W-well, yes, b-but-"

However, Chloe was not done and waved her off, "And yes, you are a Seer, and hence important. Which means that if you proclaim that all three of us are together, and that you saw a vision of such? No one will raise an objection! And Grandmother would back you up as well in this, so there will be no issue there!" Chest rising and falling, which considering her Minoan style wear drew the eye, she scoffed, "So what the Tartarus are we even arguing about!? If there is anyone, anyone at all, on this island that I could care less about being involved with Chris besides me? It would be you, Delphi! We've known each other since we have been toddlers! If that means myself or you as an official wife and the other as a consort? Or simply as a lover, or as an official wife? I say fuck it all to Hades! I can accept that with no problem!" Once more, she jabbed her friend, "Do you have any issue, Delphi? Any at all?"

Eye wide, Delphi shook her head, especially as the image of the Cyclops children rose up and how some of the human ones had her hair and eyes, "No..."

When they turned to him, Chris held up his hands, "I... don't really have an issue besides, you know, how this works out."

In reply to that, the Minotaur shrugged and shook her head, "We'll figure that out as we go." A gleam entered her eyes then, "In the meantime..."

Both her and Delphi shared a look, and before Chris could say anything, the two kissed him, one after the other. Wide eyed, he just stared, "Wow..."

The two girls leaned their heads against his as they held hands for some time.

Up on the highest hill, in a small shack with wires running up and down a pole, Chris' sister Alexa sat on a chair as she watched an old man fiddle with a juryrigged spark-gap radio, "Do you think that anyone will ever catch it?"

Glancing at her, the old man smiled as he continued to put out the signal, "Never really know. Sure, I've been at this for a while now and could do it in my sleep, but you know what? It never hurts to try, and maybe one day someone will pick it up..."

Meanwhile, out at sea, Salamis grumbled a bit as she stared off in a direction that she knew that Turk, Yavuz was. Unlike some ships who were left to rot or scrapped without being finished by their home nation, the Greek Battlecruiser had practically leapt at the chance to be summoned. Though, to her annoyance, so had Yavuz. Currently though, she was moving through the Aegean while keeping one eye in the direction where the Turkish shipgirls were also cruising. Yes, they were allies and such in this new time, despite everything. But that did not mean that she exactly trusted them... though she did sympathize with them due to the troubles they had been having with the current Turkish government. To say it was tense was... putting it mildly.

Something that made her eyes roll at the thought of, 'Turks, what can you do?' As she was thinking about various things though, one of her fairies caught her attention, "Hmm? A distress signal? All the way out here?"

The fairy nodded and pointed which made her frown. Before Salamis could ask more though, her radio crackled and Yavuz' voice came through, {Salamis, are you picking up a distress signal somewhere nearby?}

Head tilted to the side, the Greek sighed, {I am, though...} Tracking it, she frowned, {Odd, it is keeping position, but it is weak.}

Yavuz stayed silent for a time before speaking up, {Understood, Salamis, it is weak on our end as well though we have a general direction. Do you know of any islands nearby?}

Shaking her head, even though the Turkish shipgirl would be unable to see it, Salamis frowned, {None. And...} Quickly checking, her eyes narrowed, {Nor are there any ships that are supposed to be in the area. In fact... my fairies report that it is like an old spark-gap.}

The Greek could almost see Yavuz' scowl, {It is the same with mine. If we coordinate, we might well be able to triangulate where the signal might be coming from.}

Whatever her personal feelings regarding working alongside the Turkish shipgirls, the Battlecruiser tossed them aside. Someone was in need of help, and that is what mattered, {Very well... the coordinates and heading are as follows...}

 

[darthcourt10]

ComradeH

OK, please roast me.

This is my work, and I know it has many problems

************************************

Not all shipgirls could fight against the Abyssal effectively, especially ones that built before 1880. Even then, the ones built before the 1930s were still at a disadvantage. They simply lack the required armour, firepower, or mobility to fight against WW2-era (demonised) ships. That was the common sense of the world.

However, as usual, the Vietnamese gave it the middle finger.

With little (read: none) naval presence during World War Two to be summoned back as shipgirls, they had to rely on their own modern steel hull ships. As one could expect, it was not efficient. In other words, the Vietnamese suffered high casualty rates during those days. At least the number of coastal batteries they had was staggering. It helped to block any Abyssal advance, keeping the country alive for a while longer.

Then, they had their own shipgirls, but not the ones they were dreaming for... Many were shock and depressed, despite their best effort, they still had no modern shipgirls to join the fight. Some netizens quickly turn to criticise the government again, something about "worthless communist government". At least all of those bastards mysteriously get hit by cars the following day. It was complete accidents and bear no relationship with any Security and Intelligence units.

Anyhow, all of the summoned shipgirls were considered too obsolete for the front-line fight. At best, they could be deployed for morale raising events, singing or dancing, or perhaps for medical duty. That was the idea until someone had an ingenious idea. And as history had been proven again, an ingenious Vietnamese was a highly dangerous one.

**************

Ten Abyssal destroyer imps, plus one Light cruiser and one Heavy cruiser launched a raid against the coastal town.

Facing them was six ship-girls.

And it was a fair odd for the demons.

Layers of mines, depth charges, sonar buoy and more distracted the advance of the beasts constantly. By the time they got through the static defence, they had already suffered moderate damage. None was sunk, but their combat effectiveness was severely decreased.

The whole group of Abyssal was still cursing their fate when suddenly, eight shots rang out. The lead Heavy cruiser was instantly engulfed in flame. An 88mm shell pierced through her fire director while a 100mm shell was able to hit the boiler room. The whole Abyssal flotilla spanned out, scanning the horizon for any threat. However, they failed to detect their quarry in time.

Another salvo of ten rounds, and this time, the Heavy cruiser was no more. At least, one Imp was able to spot the splash on the sea. But was that, perhaps, a coincident? No Ship-Form would be insane enough to dismiss their riggings on the sea, yes?

Behind him/her/it, the carcass of the Heavy cruiser was now slowly sinking into the sea. And the sound of a burning husk was the only sound left on the open air. There was no one and there was nothing being the sign of the enemy.

Well, until the group was attacked by torpedoes from opposite sides. It had to be torpedo! Because there was no flash and no discharge sound was heard. But even then, where were these torpedoes coming from?

And then, suddenly, the poor Destroyer imp was thrown in the air, and the last thing he/she/it saw was the flashes of guns, which again came out of the sea.
**************
"So, what is the score now? Goblin 10, Abbie 2?"

The young man just grunted and pricked his nose. His plan worked perfectly, well, too perfectly perhaps. The summoned shipgirls of Vietnam were, for all purpose and intent, worthless for combat duty. After all, they were wooden hulls... and they were fucking wooden hulls from the 13th century.

Even by that age, their ships were considered as weak, and they were not enough for long-distance force projection. Needless to say, by conventional standard, they would be snacks for the modern Abyssal force. So, he decided to propose a cheating scheme. Sure, he was a bit drunk and high that night, and it was a dare from his friends.

Apparently, the State had little sense of humour. The following morning, he was somehow commissioned as a naval officer, despite having no prior training. And somehow, he was able to help/convince those wooden-hull shipgirls to summon their hulls before carrying out his magic.
The hulls were small, barely 50m in length - which was just at corvette size. However, thanks to most of the control structure were situated at the back, he had a big gap to "play". And considering the limit was WW2-era tech... Well, he just slapped on some iron sheets for extra armour (which, somehow, existed from the 1200s already), replaced "fairy oar-controller" with electric motors, and then for the firepower... Well, the Germans and the Soviets had good guns, so he just copied/bought from them. The 88mm KwK and the 100mm D-10 were his choices. And then, for extra fireworks, two girls were armed with Long Lance torp instead of the Soviet Artillery. Of course, there were a gazillion more things to fix and add, and he could not remember 100% of what he had done then.

So, there it went. Six summoned wooden-hull ship girls, with the eldest dated back to 1250s, they were "modernised" with Soviet and German guns, Japanese torpedo, British radar/sonar, and they were deployed with Vietnamese ingenuity. The standard idea was that shipgirl hated being under water, so he had those six girls trained to fight while being submerged.

Yeah, it was not a nice memory. It was just like being forced to snipe a butterfly 1km away within a HAZMAT suit, under 40 Celcius degree sun. Oh, and he was also having an allergy then.

At least the training had finally finalised, and then it worked beautifully. The six "elders" claimed kills after kills. Sure, it was skirmish and not a full-on battle. Sure, he had the advantage of intelligence and preparation. Sure, he always tried to maintain local numerical superiority. But then, it was fair in warfare.

Well, now, the battle was over, and he had to find a way to survive the night.

For some reasons, those six girls were still accustomed to the imperial age of Vietnam, and they were considering him as their "Lord". Oh, and for them, a male was practically expected to marry a lot and having many children. His pelvis was not strong enough for that shit.

"You have fifteen minutes left to run, kid. Use Route Alpha, that would give you the most ground coverage."
"Do you have to make fun of me, sir?"
"Do I have to? No. But I should. My granddaughter is planning to be your aide, so it is my duty to make your life miserable."

He knew that getting drunk on that night was a mistake... and perhaps studying in the same school as the granddaughter of VCP's General Secretary was even a bigger one.

 

[darthcourt10]

Barricade Omake: "If it's stupid and it works..."

ZBigGun said:
My point is that it was unnecessary. Vipers can make high speed atmospheric entry on their own. Nothing was stopping him from making a low orbit jump and launching from there. The Basestars were in high orbit, he could easily have gotten behind them and shielded the launch with Galactica's starboard flank. The fact that he was there does not excuse the recklessness (read: suicidal stupidity) of the plan. Nor does the fact that it worked.

You can't expect 'rolling the hard six' to make every crazy plan work, nor should any commander of Adama's seniority and experience have their battle plan rely on luck.

And that is where we should stop this before we derail.​

And to bring this back on topic:

"The axiom is wrong. 'If its stupid and it works, it works', is wrong, short-sighted, and a host of other things I will not say since my commanding officer is currently in that chair over there, but you all know I'm thinking it. The correct axiom, as it should be, is this: 'If its stupid and it works, its still stupid, and should only be done in desperation'. Is. That. Clear?"

"Sir, abou...."

"YOU! Ms. Missouri, do NOT get to talk after pulling your own 'Adama Maneuver' to help out Ms. Shinano last year. So sit down. Yes it worked, and left that one Abyssal about a half a torso shorter. How~ev~er, I also saw the complete and total listing of the damages you incurred upon yourself for doing that stunt, including how you completely wrecked both rudders as if you'd done a Barn Door Stop from flank! Rather than firing your main batteries just prior to soft landing, which would have worked just as well, and with little to no damage to you."

"But.."

"I SAID SIT DOWN."

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Puppy Love II

Hachiko Miyata hummed in the predawn darkness as he finished making bentos for himself and his little brother. Thanks to the mysterious Fudo-sama's generosity, he had been able to restock the household's rice and even get a few pickles for his little brother's meal.

He knew that Aki would enjoy them at lunch. He finished by writing 'Ganbatte!' on the rice in soy sauce before closing the bento box carefully.

"Good morning, Tou-san!" Hachiko turned to see a sleepy Aki making his way to the breakfast table.

He smiled at his Inugami brother and ruffled his ears. "Eat up, Aki-kun, so you can grow up big and strong like Tou-san."

With that, his eyes found the magical photograph on the wall. It had been taken a decade ago, and showed him standing next to his Inugami father who was clad in his uniform as chief engineer of the SS Irabe Maru. On the other side, his mother stood, one hand cradling the slight swell of her belly where Aki was growing.

His voice broke slightly and he repeated. "Big and strong like Tou-san, Aki."

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

Hachiko watched his brother head off to Yokosuka Naval Elementary School as he unlocked his bike and began to pedal to the library.

As he arrived at the back of the building and locked his bike up a figure materialized from behind the rubbish bin next to the staff door. "Hello Hachiko."

He turned and adjusted his glasses then smiled happily. "Aunt Naomi!"

The middle-aged witch stepped close and embraced him briefly. "I cannot stay long. Tokyo has declared Yokosuka strictly off-limits to magicals. I will have to go to work at the Magical Diet as Father's secretary soon anyway, and need to take transport far enough away to Apparate to Magical Chiyoda. Are you and Aki well?"

Hachiko hugged her back, "We are. The school has several other 'special children' including Nagato-sama's Abyssal daughter, so if Aki manifests his ears or tail accidentally, it is... overlooked. Thank you again for arranging matters to get him placed there."

Naomi smiled sadly, "I just wish that Father and I could have done more for you after my sister died. Unfortunately, politics interfere as always." Her lips twisted as her voice turned bitter, "It would be a scandal if the Deputy Undersecretary to the Legislative Assembly was known to have a Hanyō grandson like you, much less your brother when he manifested your father's... traits."

Hachiko nodded soberly, "I know. And I have...kept that bitterness from Aki as best I can. I just wish..." He shook his head and then took off his glasses to rub his eyes. "I had hoped that things had changed enough for Aki to meet his family. For his sake."

Naomi sighed, "So do I, but... there is a scandal in the Diet. Deputy Akamatsu's aide was arrested along with some... political reactionaries. Details are confused, but apparently they attempted an act of terrorism on the Nomaj American Embassy and a hotel downtown. Madness. Utter Madness. Many fingers are being pointed in all directions. So I came to tender Father's apologies, but he will be busy at work holding the Tokyo Diet together and unable to see Aki's ninth birthday. I... may have trouble attending, although I shall make an effort."

Hachiko's shoulders slumped. "I see. Against fate, even the gods cannot fight, then. I heard rumors of commotion in Tokyo even here in Yokosuka among the nomajs. So it was magicals that acted so rashly?"

"Hai. At least I can provide this." She handed over a bulging envelope. "Enough money for the rental and some additional necessities such as food and electricity. When you see Aki... please let him know that he is loved? As you are loved?"

Hachiko replaced his glasses and smiled sadly as he pocketed the envelope, "I shall let him know, Aunt Naomi. Please give Grandfather my regards and let him know that his grandson prays for his health and prosperity. Despite... despite our separation. I shall make him and you proud. And I am knitting you scarves for Christmas. Sayonara."

He unlocked the door, then stepped inside. As she turned to go, Naomi Miyata shook her head as she headed to the train station, "You already make us proud, Hachiko. You already do."

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

"Hachiko!"

The young man turned at the call and looked at his supervisor. "Yes, Odawara-sempai?"

"The Cafe called the desk. Sanae is sick and cannot make it for the evening shift, so they will need you to take her position and wait tables."

Hachiko sighed and nodded. "I shall get changed for it then. Once they release me, I will come back here and resume my duties shelving books.

"Good fellow, now scoot. I'll take care of this cart."

Hachiko scurried off, dodging around a patron in a wheelchair as he made his way past the books on tailoring to the staff area where he could change uniforms.

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

(A half hour prior)

"Moriko-Chan?"

The Okami wolf Yokai turned to see her little sister wheeling herself out of her bedroom. As unawakened Natural-Born shipgirls, they had been assigned their own house on base. While they had to share it, it was a slice of Heaven after the Reserves where they had grown up before their escape.

Moriko's grin widened at the sight of actual color on Sachiko's face. The iron supplements that Akashi-sama had prescribed to help finish the construction of Hull #301, the second Ibuki-class Heavy Cruiser, were making steady progress in strengthening her sister's body and spirit. There had even been some quiet speculation between her and her twin Suzume that one day soon Sachiko might actually be able to walk with a cane instead of being restricted to the wheelchair.

Brushing back her unruly shaggy mane of hair, Moriko walked over to her sister's side. "What is it, Sachiko-chan?"

"I'm done with all the books we checked out last week. Can we go to the library and exchange them for more?"

Moriko nodded, blushing slightly as she folded her muscular arms below her very impressive 'fuel tanks'. "Well far be it for me to deny my studious and intelligent little sister more ways to expand her mind. Pity Suzume is at the kendo range today. I'll just have to keep an eye out for any books she would like."

Silently she spoke to herself, "And I can grab a few more romance novels for myself along with fresh books on naval history and combat to drop off for Suzume."

Sachiko grinned as her big sister collected the books on sewing, fashion history, and cooking from her room. "Maybe...we can get a parfait from the cafe there?"

Moriko nodded as she grabbed their jackets, "I'll grab the iron supplement pills then. After all you will be growing up big and strong as a sister ship heavy cruiser like me, or maybe a carrier like Suzume-chan. Although you would make a great fast oiler too, since you are the best cook of us all! You just have to decide which path you take to be the most awesome shipgirl of all."

Sachiko blushed slightly as they headed to their assigned van. "But then you are the best fighter of all, Moriko-chan! After all the Ibuki Oroshi was the best Yokai Mixed Martial Arts fighter of them all!"

Moriko laughed and helped her sister into the van. "Hardly. Sarutobi-sama is the best. No one ever beat the Dreadnought Destroyer, after all. You know, Sachiko-chan, I actually always wanted to meet him and thank him for inspiring me as a young pup. He taught me that I could fight for what I believed in, like my best Imouto here."

Sachiko laughed back and patted her sister on the shoulder before Moriko started the van up.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Stretching a bit as he entered the cave opening that lead to his quarters, Christopher sighed. For a moment though, he paused at the monument at the mouth at the caves and traced his fingers along the names of his parents with a small smile, "I wonder what you would think of the situation that I am in, Mom, Dad. Though I think that you would be trying to get them to try on dresses, Mom..."

He stood there for a few minutes before walking further and grabbing one of the torches there. Lighting it, he continued to walk along, nodding to various people as he made his way through the cave. Originally a copper mine, the islanders had expanded it a year before Blood Week in preparation for what Delphi, Grandmother, and others with the ability to sense the future saw and felt.

Rooms were carved out in the rock, and others smoothed out and reinforced. Enough that more than all the residents together could safely live there. There was even pens constructed for the animals. Food was also stocked deeper in the caverns, as was water. All in preparation for what would come. Thus, when the Cruise Ship beached itself, they had more than enough room for everyone on board as well as food and supplies. It helped keep them all safe for the first two years as they stayed inside during the day, and only came out at night to harvest or plant crops.

Eventually, the all clear was given and the people, islanders and Cruise Ship survivors, left the caves.

During that time, bonds were forged between both groups. Shared adversity and kindness bringing them together. It was during this time that Christopher had first met Chloe, who was close friends with Delphi. Both Minotaur and Cyclops had become fast friends with the boy and helped him with his sister. Looking back, Christopher realized that was likely the time that their mutual crushes formed, deep in the caves as they talked and he told stories of the outside, the two girls sharing stories of the island and of the history of their peoples.

Slowly though, as they left the shelter of the caves, the towns and villages on the island were rebuilt. Homes and buildings repaired, bit by bit. Some though still stayed in the caves due to the fact that they did not have homes, or were unable to perform upkeep. Not that the islanders had any issue and helped where they could.

Those thoughts went through Christopher's mind as he walked along the cave before reaching the small "Home" that belonged to him and his sister. Walking in, he could already see her stretched out on her bed. For a few moments, he regarded his younger sister. When they arrived, the five year old girl had clung to him. But over time, she grew more and more independent and, like many of the children, helped out with what chores she could. The currently twelve year old girl was tanned from many days out in the Sun and her baby fat had disappeared from hard work, leaving behind a lanky, somewhat toned form that was dressed in a traditional tunic and dress.

Blowing blonde hair out of her eyes, Alexis gave her brother a raised eyebrow and a grin, "What kept you?"

Weakly chuckling, Christopher shrugged as he walked inside their small home, "Oh, you know... things."

Just humming, the younger girl gave him a smirk, "Things, huh? Odd... never knew that Chloe and Delphi were such." At his blush and sputters, she grinned, "So... I've heard a few things since I got back from the radio station. About the three of you..."

Forcing down his blush, the nearly sixteen year gave her a glare. Something that did not work only as she simply grinned all the more widely. Finally, Christopher sighed, "Okay, okay... the three of us are now together. Happy?"

In reply, Alexis pumped her fist, "Yes!" Leaping off the bed, she rushed over and hugged, him, "About time!"

Rapidly blinking, Christopher looked down at her, "Wait, wait... you knew?"

Scoffing as she crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, something that caused a pang of sadness in her brother's heart as he was reminded of their mother, his sister raised an eyebrow, "Duh. Pretty sure that everyone on the island knew, Chris. What with the three of you making googly eyes at each other all the time, we were just waiting for you to realize it."

Bemused, Chris raised one eyebrow, "And you don't have an issue with this? Really?"

Once more, Alexis rolled her eyes, "No, why would I? After all, I get two awesome sisters out of it!" Her voice took on a teasing tone, "So, when's the wedding?"

For a few moments, Chris didn't say anything, just rubbed the back of his neck. Finally, he chuckled, "Um, well? Next winter." At the look from his sister, he flushed and waved his hands, "What? The three of us have known each other for almost ten years Alexis! And, well, we want to get used to things first. You know how it goes..."

Alexis shrugged and walked back onto the bed, "Yeah? I was wondering more about why you aren't getting married in the next couple of weeks because the three of you have known each other for some time." A twinkle in her eye, she tapped her chin, "Though, I suppose that seizing the brides from their homes might be an issue without some bulking up.... Unless I need to worry about them doing so here?"

Just facepalming, her brother shook his head as he was reminded of that particular ritual, "You know that no one really does that anymore, Alexis. I mean..."

Waving him off, she shook her head, "You're supposed to go and pick her up from her father's home, and carry her to yours as her family watches for a day or two before she goes back home. It is a tradition here... But I doubt very much that you will be able to do that. Though it is more likely that they will toss you over their backs like a sack of potatoes instead and carry you here or whatever."

That made him pull his hand away from his face, "Oh yeah... I, um... forgot to mention about that."

Her foot tapping against the ground, his sister frowned, "Forgot to mention what, brother."

Needless to say, he winced a bit at that before taking a deep breath and letting it out, "Well, after we came to a decision, I went to meet their parents. And... yeah, neither set were too surprised and more happy than anything else that we finally got together. Which meant, of course, I needed to negotiate for the rights of marriage and such with them, though that amounted to me doing as I have been. Also... well, they're going to be building us a house." Seeing his sister open her mouth, Christopher held up a hand with a smile, "And before you ask, you're going to be living there as well..." His expression softened, "I couldn't leave my little sister behind."

Hopping off the bed again, she walked over and hugged him, "Thank you."

Gently kissing her head, Chris closed his eyes and softly smiled, "You don't need to thank me, Alexis." After a few moments though, he pulled back, "So, how was school today?"

With a shrug, Alexis shook her head, "Miss Colombo was hard on all of us, as usual. But... we're getting on just the same. We're starting work on integers and stuff for math as well as everything else."

All Chris did was nod as he remembered his own lessons from the old, Italian woman. She had been one of the survivors and was a retired school teacher. Thus, she began to give lessons to all the children on the island as did some of the other human adults that helped her. It was usually a one day on, one day off throughout the year though in Winter when the weather turned damp and chill, she spent more time teaching. More than that, she treated everyone, human or not, the exact same.

Both siblings exchanged what they had done over the day as they prepared for bed.

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away, Georgios Averof adjusted her armoured helmet which looked like one that Athena was often shown as wearing. More than that, she also wore Ancient Greek style armour, which she shifted a bit before entering the office and giving a salute to the female Admiral that was seated there, "Admiral Aetós."

The woman chuckled a bit and smiled, "Georgios, welcome back. I'm having some dinner delivered if you have some time, lamb tonight."

Smiling back, the Armoured Cruiser nodded some as she walked in, "I would not mind that, Admiral." Upon reaching the desk, she sat on the edge, "After all, the cooks are quite good."

With a hum, Admiral Aetós nodded some as she glanced at her computer in thought, "Very good, better in many ways than what I grew up with." Lips twitching, she snorted, "And what I had to deal when it came to... military rations."

Just glancing at her, Georgios only nodded some before looking around the room. It was not extremely decorated like some higher ranked Officers were. But than, her Admiral eschewed such things as they reminded her of people that she wanted to forget. There was some things though, such as paintings of old Greek heroes. And, inside a frame, there was an old, Greek dagger that was on one wall within sight of the desk. Every so often, Admiral Aetós would look at it in deep thought before shaking it off.

And with that thought, the Greek shipgirl turned to her Admiral. The young woman had barely changed in all the years that she knew her. From what she had gotten out of her, Admiral Aetós had joined the Greek Navy just a few years before Blood Week on a feeling. And she had been instrumental in fighting the Abyssals, more than once seeming to know where the Abyssals were going to strike before even they did. Which had saved uncounted lives and seen her considered something of a hero, propelling her up the ranks.

That, combined with her beauty, had made her wanted by a number of men. But she always turned them down. Privately, she had told Georgios that she had very bad experiences with men. Thankfully, her aunt had helped her out somehow and, from what she claimed, her joining the navy had helped get her out from under someone's control. Despite that though, Admiral Aetós did not want to get entangled with men again. Though the shipgirl understood as she knew a few of the other woman's secrets that no one else was privy to.

Granted, sometimes, the Armoured Cruiser noticed her Admiral looking at her with an odd gleam in her eyes. And there were quiet touches here and there between the two. Recently, they had these meals together, quietly discussing things...

Shaking such thoughts off even as she blushed, Georgios turned to her Admiral and found said woman smirking at her knowingly. Quickly, the shipgirl cleared her throat, "So, Admiral... any word on the searches?:

A frown crossed her Admiral's face as she looked at a tablet with narrowed eyes, "Only that they narrowed down the search area. But not enough, unfortunately." Getting up, she walked over to the large map of the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. For a few moments, she stood there with a thoughtful look, "The signal stopped, but in all that time, from what can be told it did not move. They're going to continue to listen for it during the night and I have been talking to the Marine Militare to see if Aquilla could be spared."

On the shipgirl's face was also a thoughtful look as she came to stand beside the other woman. After a few moments, she glanced at her, "Do you know something about... other things, in the area?"

For several seconds, Admiral Aetós was quiet before speaking softly, almost in a whisper, "Perhaps... though my aunt..." With a sigh, she shook her head, "No matter, we shall find out in time, I think, my dear Georgios Averof. Until we get the signal again, there is not much that we can do."

Still looking at the map, Georgios only nodded, "Indeed..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

(A.N.-In the Grim Darkness of the Far Future of the Du Chasteler Family there is only WAFF and Fluff...)

String Quartet, Opus 76 #3, "Butterknife"

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium

Well After Claire and Tony Get Married (AKA: Not Soon)

Claire placed a hand on Ehren's shoulder and gently squeezed it. "Relax, Ehren, it will be all right. You know Tony and I both agreed to this."

"I know, Claire, it is just..." Ehren trailed off and gulped.

Claire smiled serenely and hugged Ehren, pressing her swollen belly against her sister as the child that she was carrying kicked. "It is no different than when I took your hand to lead you on your first step to explore the joys of music the first day that you manifested. And it is your birthday, Little Sister. This is our present to you both as a gift to you, and also to reward you for all your hard work over the last two decades. We wouldn't ask you to do this if you were unworthy or unready."

Ehren swallowed and then nodded firmly. Her jaw set in a familiar expression of determination as she looked at the open instrument case in front of her. Carefully she reached inside and picked up the Antonio Stradivarius from the red velvet interior for the first time with diamond focused concentration.

Ehren marched to take her place alongside her niece Teresa, who gave Aunt Ehren a shy smile before lifting her own violin body with her teenage hands and a matching look of determination for her first public performance.

Claire waddled to the nearby couch and sat down. Her youngest child (until next month according to the doctors) Henriette crawled into Mama's lap and looked up at her with guileless eyes as her father lifted the viola that was Henriette's true form.

"Mommy, why are you crying? Are you sad?"

Claire hugged Henriette to her as her son Jacques adjusted his cello, brushed messy black hair out of his eyes, briefly stuck his tongue out at his just minutes-older twin sister, and then nodded his readiness to the blonde in the lead violinist's chair.

Ehren took a deep breath and her voice filled the ballroom. "Ladies and Gentlemen, family and guests, Haydn's String Quartet Number Sixty-Two in C Major, Opus Seventy-Six, Number Three, 'Kaiser'. Second Movement, Poco Adagio; Cantabile."

Claire's tears intensified as her baby sister's bow touched the waiting strings of Tony's true body for the first time ever in front of all her Aunts, Grandfather, Grand-aunts, and a proudly smiling Mother watching her.

"Nein, Henriette. I couldn't be happier."
Spoiler: Deutschlandlied

Ehren's fingers moved on the strings as she played the notes of the piece from memory alongside her brother-in-law, her niece, and her nephew. Silently her lips moved with words that she had learned the day of her forging. Words that had been set to this very music and had become the national anthem of her country of origin.

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,
Über alles in der Welt,
Wenn es stets zu Schutz und Trutze
Brüderlich zusammenhält.
Von der Maas bis an die Memel,
Von der Etsch bis an den Belt,
|: Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,
Über alles in der Welt! :|

Her eyes shimmered with the memories, aching even decades later, of Father singing these words at the 1938 Party Congress as one among a myriad of deluded young men. While they portrayed the darkest moments of her country, of her life, they were not the only verse to the song that she loved.

With that a small smile flickered around her lips as she began the second variation of the melody, shifting to the more gay tones of a drinking song. Ehren and Teresa began the duet portion of the quartet, playing off each other as niece and aunt shared a moment of pure unrestrained delight as their two instruments' voices became one.

Deutsche Frauen, deutsche Treue,
Deutscher Wein und deutscher Sang
Sollen in der Welt behalten
Ihren alten schönen Klang,
Uns zu edler Tat begeistern
Unser ganzes Leben lang.
|: Deutsche Frauen, deutsche Treue,
Deutscher Wein und deutscher Sang! :|

As it finished and her heart swelled with love, her eyes sought the tear filled crystal blue of her mother. Automatically her fingers on the strings and the bow poured all the emotions that she had trouble expressing in a heartfelt melody especially for Colombe's ears. Around her she felt Tony, Theresa, Jacques, and yes even Claire and little Henriette all lifting her up and supporting her as she played for her mother.

Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
Für das deutsche Vaterland!
Danach lasst uns alle streben
Brüderlich mit Herz und Hand!
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
Sind des Glückes Unterpfand;
|: Blüh' im Glanze dieses Glückes,
Blühe, deutsches Vaterland! :|

A single tear trickled down her cheek as her eyes shifted to Claire's warm mahogany gaze. She poured all the love and faithful devotion in her slender frame into the final variation on the melody as her mind shifted to the words written by Haydn himself in 1797 as the first National Anthem of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In those days Kaiser Francis II had ruled from Vienna, where her beloved elder sister had been born at the hands of genius Austrian craftsmen.

Froh erleb' er seiner Lande,
Seiner Völker höchsten Flor!
Seh' sie, Eins durch Bruderbande,
Ragen allen andern vor!
Und vernehm' noch an dem Rande
Später Gruft der Enkel Chor.
|: Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser,
Unsern guten Kaiser Franz! :|

Ehren lowered her bow and bowed to the applause of her family as an unguarded smile lit her face up and her brother-in-law, niece, and nephew hugged her, joined by the rest of her extended family.

"Happy birthday, Ehren."

 

[darthcourt10]

wildredlifer Omake: Yet another day on Avrora

Avrora Island 2013

The Hunter stalked its two-legged Prey.

Its prey was unaware that when it separated from its group the Hunter followed it to this place.

'Snap' "freeze" The noise has alerted the Prey, the Hunter freezes as the prey glances around for the source of the sound.

It is a Game between the Prey and the Hunter as the Hunter freezes into immobility as the prey Visually sweeps around then returning to its previous view.

Closer and closer the Hunter creeps up on the Unaware prey, Just as the Prey turns to Sweep the area one last time the Hunter Strikes the soft Belly of its prey.

"Giggle" "Purr"

"You got me Joy" "Yay" "Big Sister says Food is Ready"
The tableau an outside Observer, if they had wandered by to gaze upon this scene, would be a young Girl with Abyssal extras attached being gently nuzzled by a Purring Abyssal destroyer.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Poking her head into the Submarines quarters, Taigei raised an eyebrow, "Maruyu-Chan? Imuya-Chan? Are the two of you ready to head to Hogsmeade yet?"

Both Submarines soon answered her in the positive and she stood back as she waited for them. Just a few minutes later, the two appeared fully dressed. A smile on her face, Imuya looked towards the other Submarines, "Well? What do you all think?"

Iku gave them a thumbs up and grinned, "Looking good, Imuya-Chan! Maruyu-Chan!"

From where she sat on the couch with a stick of pocky in her mouth, Goya blinked as Hachi and the others chimed in. Head tilting to the side, she nodded as Maruyu was in a white coat with a fake fur lining with a dress underneath it. Imuya, meanwhile, was in a double breasted coat, though it was open to show that she wore a blouse and overshirt. With a nod, Goya smiled some, "You both look very nice, Dechi."

Grinning, Maruyu rubbed the back of her neck, "Thanks, Dechi-Chan. Hopefully Harry-Chan likes it as well."

A scowl on her face, Goya shook her head, "Don't call me Dechi, Dechi!" Unseen by her, various lips twitched in amusement, though she gave various Submarines suspicious looks at their snickers. Instead of commenting though, she crunched her pocky stick and shrugged, "And Harry-Chan should like it. I don't see why he wouldn't after all..."

Lips curling, Imuya began to button up her coat, "That's true."

Turning towards Maruyu, the lone Uboat of the group chuckled, "Excited, Maruyu-Chan?"

Even as she lightly blushed, the little Submarine nodded, "Hai, I mean... this is a date after all, kind of. And we get to spend the entire day with Harry-Chan and after how you described the village? Why wouldn't I be excited?"

With a hum, Hachi crossed her arms over her chest, "Maruyu-Chan does have a point, you know. There is no reason why she shouldn't be excited to be spending the day with Harry-Chan." Getting off the couch, she walked over and helped adjust Maruyu's coat, "And I know that you're going to enjoy spending the day with Harry-Chan. Just Iku-Chan and myself did."

Finishing buttoning up her coat, Imuya gave her friend a look, "Any piece of advice?"

None of the Submarines who had gone to Hogsmeade said anything right away. However, then Iku raised her finger, "Hai, both ignore and go out of your way to avoid Madame Puddifoot's tea shop. No matter how much some people try and convince you or Harry-Chan. Not that he would step foot in that place."

As Iku shuddered, those who had not been to Hogsmeade shared a confused look. Though they did note that those who had been there did, indeed, nod along in agreement with the blue haired Submarine. Something that made Goya raise an eyebrow, "Uh, it can't be that bad..."

Reaching into her pocket, RO pulled out her phone, "I took pictures and some video through a spot in the window that was not too fogged up."

That got her blinks from some of the others, with Ryuuhou frowning deeply, "Fogged up? Why would the windows be fogged up?"

Expression blank, the German turned the phone's screen towards them and played the video. All of them were used to cutesy cafes and the like. It was, after all, something of a common thing in Japan when all was said and done. And while some were... tasteful, others? Others most certainly were not.

Worse, the tea house on the screen outdid them all in how far it tried to carry the 'Cute, romantic' look.

It showed a room that was completely and utterly cramped. From what those watching could see, the tables and chairs were so packed, there was barely any room. Even Maruyu twitched a bit as she could realize that even she, as small as she was, would be literally bumping into every chair and table. Everything on the tables was also frills, lace, and bows, with further lace and bows on the walls. Not to mention, everything besides the table clothes were in shades of pink.

Part of RO was amused when the other shipgirls who had not been to Hogsmeade outright recoiled from the sight of it. With a shudder, Imuya shook her head, "No worries, RO-Chan. Neither of us are going to go there... ugh."

Amused, the Uboat stopped the video and put away her phone, "Gets worse. From what I learned, during the lead up to Valentine's Day, the tea house has animated Cherub statues floating around and dropping petal shaped confetti on everything. Yes, including your food and drinks. All to add to the 'Romantic' atmosphere."

Goya outright gagged at that, "Gah! That's gross!"

Her lip curling some in disgust, Maruyu shook her head before sharing a look with Imuya, "We are definitely not going there. That is just plain disgusting. Mogu, mogu."

Everyone there also nodded in agreement at that before Shioi smiled, "But you'll still enjoy yourself, Imuya-Chan, Maruyu-Chan. Harry-Chan has some really great places all picked out to take you to and it's great!"

Their moods brightening, the two Submarines only nodded in agreement. Checking her watch, Imuya smiled, "I'm sure that we're going to enjoy ourselves... Anyways, we'll see you guys tomorrow!"

With some final hugs and goodbyes, as well as a promise to pick up chocolate, the two Submarines made their way to the Vanishing Cabinet. And through that, they arrived in Britain before taking a portkey to Hogsmeade. Standing outside of the town, Maruyu placed her hands into her pockets as they waited for Harry to arrive himself. Looking over the village, Maruyu smiled some, "It is a very beautiful place, mogu mogu."

Bringing out a camera, Imuya took some pictures as she nodded, "Hai, it is very beautiful. Picturesque, I think is what it is called." With a hum, she put the camera away and looked around, "Looks like they've set up for Valentine's Day too."

Head tilted to the side, the IJA Submarine considered that before becoming thoughtful, "I suppose that makes sense. After all, Valentine's is in a week. This is probably the closest that any of the students can get to it." The sound of wheels coming closer made Maruyu turn and smile as she saw the carriages that carried the students to Hogsmeade coming closer. As soon as they stopped, the two Submarines waited until Harry stepped out and turned to them before Maruyu waved at him, "HARRY-CHAN! OVER HERE!"

Lightly laughing, the teenage wizard jogged over before coming to a stop before the two shipgirls. Smiling, he gave them both a hug, "Maruyu-Chan, Imuya-Chan! It's great to see you both here!"

Imuya laughed as well as she hugged him back, "Well, we wanted to be here, Harry-Chan. Especially after everything that Iku-Chan and the others told us about this place." Kissing his cheek, she smiled, "But thank you for spending the day with us."

Going onto her tip toes, Maruyu also kissed the thirteen year old wizard's cheeks as well, "Hai, thank you."

A blush on his cheeks, the wizard returned the kisses before shaking his head, "If you ask me, I'm the one that should be thanking you both." Taking their hands in his, he nodded towards the village below them, "So, want to go and explore a bit."

Only giving his hand a gentle squeeze, Imuya nodded, "Hai, I think that we do, Harry-Chan."

While they're walking down though, they hear someone call out and come to a stop. Turning, Harry blinked as Cedric walked up with Cho at his side, "Cedric? Is something wrong?"

Somewhat amused by what he sees in front of him, the Hufflepuff shook his head, "Nothing's wrong, Harry..." Furrowing his eyebrows, he suddenly nodded, "Imuya and Maruyu, right?"

Glancing at Imuya, Maruyu nodded, "That's right."

Just humming, Cedric smiled before turning to Harry, "Anyways, it looks like you're on a date. Enjoying the day with these two?"

Even as all three blushed, the black haired wizard nodded, "Well... yes? Um, why?"

Shaking his head, Cedric chuckled, "Just checking really, though if its a date, maybe you could go to Madam Puddifoot's. It's set up for couples after all." To his confusion though, Harry and the two shipgirls winced, 'Something I said?'

Unable to look him in the eye, Harry turned away, "Heh... maybe. Anyways, we got to be going Cedric, I hope that you and Cho enjoy your date as well."

Bemused, Cho shook her head as she watched the three walk off, "Wonder what that was all about..." Getting a shrug from her boyfriend, she frowned, "Though... I have to wonder what is going on there? I know that I've seen him with different girls each Hogsmeade visit."

Cedric grinned and shook his head at that, "Apparently he's sort of dating them? Or something?" At the look from his girlfriend, he shrugged, "I asked that blue haired one, Iku I think her name was. Anyways, from what she stated all the girls know about the others and don't mind it. I mean, it's weird to me-"

Scoffing, the Ravenclaw shook her head, "And weird to me as well."

Once more shrugging, Cedric snorted some in amusement, "Anyways, it's weird to me and everything, but... they all agreed to do this. Not sure why, but they have."

Rolling her eyes, Cho sighed, "Shipgirls... Anyways, we should go and get a table before they're all gone..."

With that, she began to drag her amused boyfriend to the tea shop that they had suggested.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Puppy Love III

Yokosuka Municipal Library

Moriko Ibuki, the now retired Ibuki Oroshi of the Yokai Mixed Martial Arts circuit, glanced in the direction of her little sister. Fortunately, Sachiko was quite busy speaking to the librarian about requesting books from the Tokyo Library System to be shipped to Yokohama. As the librarian brought out the forms to do the deed, the muscular she-wolf grinned to herself.

Time to hit the Romance Rack!

With that she quickly walked over to the romance books section and grabbed the first five books that she saw, carefully hiding them from Sachiko's sight as she returned to the desk. "Hey Sachiko-chan. So how's my clever and smart little sister doing in her quest to read all the books?

Sachiko giggled, "Hardly, we will have to come back in three days to pick up the book I requested. What do you have?"

Moriko coughed and handed the librarian her selection. "Oh, just something for Suzume-chan. Anyway, I'm sure that with your studies in household finances, cooking, and sewing, you will be the perfect bride for him."

Sachiko blushed and then coughed before hiding her face in her hands. "Moriko-chan!!" Sachiko wailed, "You promised not to tease me about him!"

Moriko laughed and began to wheel her sister to the lobby after putting the books in her bag. "C'mon, I'll make it up to you with a parfait at the cafe."

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

Magical Diet, Magical Chiyoda, Tokyo

Naomi threaded her way through the bustling outer office of the Legislative Affairs Bureau and knocked on the door to the inner private office. "I have the budgeting projections and associated financial documentation that you requested that I pick up, Undersecretary Miyata."

No one in this office called her father 'Deputy' anything no matter what the title on his door said. While he was 'supposedly' just a senior time-server answering to the politicians and implementing policy loyally, in reality he was the spider in his web. He had ruled his personal fiefdom in the Civil Service since joining it during Kamo's time with a fist of iron through a combination of bureaucratic skill, ruthless pragmatic cunning, and some well timed backstabs. Some of those backstabs were even metaphorical.

She was convinced that the day she took over from him here was the day that his ghost would take up permanent residence in the Diet Building to 'assist' her.

"Enter."

She bowed herself in and then closed the door firmly behind her, before engaging the anti-surveillance wards. "Here they are. The Ministry of Revenue was... perturbed when I picked them up."

Her father rubbed the shaved bald top of his head. "I have no doubt. How perturbed, daughter?"
Spoiler: Shigeru Miyata

The witch thought. "Quite perturbed indeed. Especially when I, as per your request, specifically asked for the Hokkaido quarterly revenue intake and the disbursements to the Department of Magical Beast Containment to pay for for the supply shipments to the Reserves."

Her father nodded and waved her to a chair as he began to glance through the figures. He then snorted as he made notes with his writing brush, dipping it into his favorite inkstone as he continued, "Unsurprising. The last time I saw this sloppy a job of track covering, we had just won a 'glorious victory' over the American Navy in Operation A-GO in 1944. Truly the Decisive Battle! Why, we sank six carriers including USS Enterprise again, five battleships, and cruisers and destroyers without number as the headlines in Yomiuri Shinbun blared when I read them the morning after."

Naomi blinked, "Forgive me, Father, but was that not a great American naval victory? The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, I believe that the Americans called it?"

Shigeru's face scrunched up in a feigned mask of thought, which soon changed into one of utter surprise.

"Why it was in fact! So that is why Shoukaku, Taiho, and so many of our ships never returned! What a novel thought!"

Father and daughter shared a rueful smirk and the Deputy Undersecretary began looking through the report in earnest. "Now, was Makoto Kawada in the office physically by chance?"

Naomi thought, "He was, but I did not speak to him."

Shigeru smiled slightly. "No matter. Kawada-san is the best kind of thief. Smart enough to not get caught in his thefts, but wise enough to know when not to steal. He would never allow these sloppy figures to see the light of day if the money was going to his pockets. Kyoto will demand a full audit when they reform the government as part of their mandate to 'sweep out us scoundrels'." His smile broadened, "The incompetent scoundrels of course. These account transfers would be flagged and lead to him as Comptroller if these monies were being diverted illegally to simply be embezzled. But as a matter of department policy with Kawada no doubt able to account for every Knut meticulously with documentation along with orders to juggle funds signed in triplicate.... You see, it is important to know as much as possible about those in positions of power.

"Therefore, since these monies are not being siphoned off to line pockets, well not more than is the normal grease to oil the wheels anyway, they must have been diverted for...what?" Shigeru looked at his daughter with a commanding gaze.

Naomi slowly spoke, "Because they are desperately needed elsewhere?"

"Hai. Which means that the death spiral has begun. Make a dinner appointment for me at Ajitasuke Suidobashi for a week from tomorrow. Private room for a party of... eight should do. I shall pay out of pocket, since it is time to make an investment that shall generate returns for us."

Naomi nodded and made a note. "Will you require my presence?"

Shigeru shook his head. "I wish that I could further your education by acting as my second there, daughter. Alas, two of the men I must speak to are such old fossils that they would not know what to do in a private room with any female apart from a geisha, their wives, or their concubines present. For Miyamoto-san he wouldn't know what to do with his wife or a concubine anyway. Which reminds me, you took care of the errand this morning?"

"I did. They are well, and he asked after the family. He wishes to have you meet his brother." Naomi's voice was quiet.

Shigeru sighed and bowed his head. "No, not at this time. I must be seen as strong as always and even a whiff of scandal would be disastrous. Of all the things I regret involving Yura's... indiscretions... with the sailor that she took as a lover, I regret that I was unable to acknowledge Hachiko as my own grandson the most, perhaps. From what you have told me, he has grown into a man worthy of our family."

Naomi placed a gentle hand on her father's shoulders. "He understands. I think he is aware that Yura-chan's marriage was... strained and only really existed on a piece of paper to prevent scandal. He has not told Aki that, and I doubt that he ever will. Better to let Aki grow up and then find out that his father was a hero killed by the Abyssals in Blood Week when his ship was attacked and his mother passed away when she volunteered to use her medi-wizard training to assist wounded while under fire. Better that than...."

Shigeru sighed, "Better what the official records say than the truth."

"Hai. Better that than the truth."

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

Cafe Bookworm, Yokosuka

Hachiko bowed to the rather buxom mamasan of "A Piece of Heaven"at Table One. "Your bento and cherry parfait, honored customer."

She smiled, and the room decorated in 1950s Americana, seemed to light up a bit. "My thanks. Let me reward you for such prompt service."

The Inugami Hanyō shook his head slightly. "Such is not necessary, ma'am. A job well done is its own reward."

She smiled and pulled out a business card with the sunrise symbol of her karaoke club and wrote on the back. "No, take this. If you find the right person, I insist on entertaining you and your friend properly just as you have entertained me."

Hachiko blinked behind his heavy glasses and absently pocketed the manager's card that he had somehow wound up with as he headed back to the back to pick up the order for the girls at Table Eight. At least they were the last customers in the cafe and soon no more patrons would be allowed to enter.

"Order up! Two bentos with beef, jumbo pumpkin parfait, jumbo caramel apple parfait!"

He headed to the table with the girl in the wheelchair and her rather muscular sister.

He placed the tray on the table and bowed. "Your bentos, a Jumbo Pumpkin Parfait for the lady to the left and a Jumbo Caram---"

Behind him, Ame-no-Uzume, Goddess of Mirth, Revelry, and the Dawn, Terrible Female of Heaven, and manager of the "A Piece of Heaven" karaoke club pushed her chair back as she 'coincidentally' stood up, bumping it into him and sending his glasses flying to plop into Moriko's Jumbo Caramel Apple Parfait.

As the glasses flew through the air, the sound of the Monkees' 1966 hit single began to sound through the nearly-deserted cafe from the radio.
Spoiler: Ship Happens!

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Puppy Love IV

Yokosuka Municipal Library

Cafe Bookworm
Spoiler: Uzume's A Shipper!

Micky Dolenz's voice began to sing over the radio as Hachiko Miyata blushed.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am!" he said contritely as he fumbled blindly for his glasses, which were now sitting in Moriko Ibuki's Cinnamon Apple jumbo parfait like an odd decoration.

Moriko could not help but smile at the sheer comedy of the meganekko waitress losing her glasses and having to fumble for them. All it needed was her to be the boy of the girls' dreams and it would be a shoujou manga volume like she secretly enjoyed.

"It's Ok, let me!"

She reached for the glasses to give them to the poor girl.

Their fingers touched just above the glasses and a spark of electricity ran through both teenagers.

Behind them Ame-no-Uzume placed a large tip next to her emptied parfait and strolled outside. The couple would need the money soon enough. As the Terrible Female of Heaven stepped through the cafe door, a stray gust of wind flipped the sign from OPEN to CLOSED three minutes early. Wouldn't do to have them interrupted right now.

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

"I thought love was only true in fairy tales
Meant for someone else but not for me.
Love was out to get me
That's the way it seemed.
Disappointment haunted all my dreams."

Moriko's eyes elevated to meet Hachiko's, and for the briefest, endless, moment as she gazed into his eyes moment she felt her unawakened true ship-self become one with herself. Her four Kampon boilers thrummed at maximum power as her fire directors locked onto him and her ten 203mm/50 3rd Year Type 2 naval rifles stood ready to speak her words in fire and thunder.
Spoiler: Hachiko Miyata

Here, yes, here is someone worth protecting who will loyally stand beside you! Just like Sachiko and Suzume, here stands he who you must defend as the lead ship and name ship of your sisterhood! And he has such beautiful blue eyes, the blue of a sea that you can sail through endlessly....

A faint part of her mind realized that the 'girl' in the baggy clothing was actually a short and slender bishounen young man. The rest of her mind was not capable of conscious thought at all.

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

Hachiko blinked and then through the normal blur that the world was without his glasses a vision of loveliness filled his sight in sharp focus. Steel-gray eyes, strong and yet shockingly vulnerable, were surrounded by a scarred and battered face. Even her -so cute!- slightly bent nose told him that the girl in front of him, just like him had taken hit after hit from life to protect others.

But just like him, she would refuse to quit or be defeated because people depended on her. Family depended on her.

"I thought love was more or less a given thing,
Seems the more I gave the less I got.
What's the use in tryin'?
All you get is pain.
When I needed sunshine I got rain."

And that unyielding loyal devotion and care under the tough shell and the scars caused his heart to beat faster and his cheeks to flush cutely.

Others might call her too rough, too broken, too scarred, too uncute, too macho.

But she was the most beautiful girl in the world in his eyes.

"Then I saw her face, now I'm a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I'm in love, I'm a believer!
I couldn't leave her if I tried."

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

Ame-no-Uzume had a Muramasa-level smug grin as she approached the red convertible waiting for her outside. Her smile widened as she saw the Good doG at the steering wheel with sunglasses perched on her white canine nose.

"Wan?"

Uzume pantomimed blowing smoke from her forefinger as the car began to move.

"Boom. Headshot!"

"Wan!"

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

The song ended and a fresh tune began.
Spoiler: First Sight

Sachiko Ibuki blinked.

Then she blinked again and slowly smiled the smile of a little sister who had just had Heaven send her a prime big sister trolling opportunity. Silently she pulled her phone from her purse and began to film them.

Big Sister Moriko had not moved at all, her eyes locked on the young man who had delivered their food. He was equally motionless like a statue staring at her as two sets of cheeks reddened.

Then slowly, automatically, their hands moved to clasp and intertwine their fingers.

Fingers callused and scarred by Yokai Mixed Martial Arts fights to get desperately needed money for her sisters met equally callused and scarred fingers roughened by uncomplaining, unstinting hard work at whatever jobs he could find to fulfill his promise to be the parent his little brother needed.

Sachiko's smile broadened and she opened a window to text Suzume.

SUZU-CHAN WATCH THIS NOW!!

Sachiko's thumb found the 'send' button and she sent a link of the stream to her sister's phone.

Moriko never noticed that her sister ships were preparing a hunter-killer trolling ambush for her.

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

A cough interrupted the staring and Hachiko blinked.

"Um, I'm sorry ma'am. I'll just find my glasses and...um..."

"Moriko. I'm Ibuki Moriko." The angel of loveliness spoke, and she had the most wonderful contralto growl in her voice....

"Oh, I'm Miyata Hachiko, Moriko-sama. Have you seen my glasses?" His high-pitched tenor voice was like warm honey and caused her keel to shiver in delight....

A giggling voice joined in. "Oh they are in Oneesan's parfait! I didn't know you wanted the special cinnamon apple parfait, Moriko-chan."

Hachiko blinked again and leaned close to have the sight of his glasses half-buried in whipped cream come into focus. "So they are." He began to grin and then giggle helplessly as he put them on and tried to wipe the worst of the parfait off the lenses.

Moriko howled her own laughter through her own smile at the hilarity of the scene and squeezed his hand. "I have tissues in my bag. We can use them to clean the glasses off... Hachiko-kun."

"I'll get the tissues, Moriko-chan!" The restrained evil mirth in her sister's voice registered too late on the blissful she-wolf and her eyes widened comically as the first sappy romance manga hit the table as Sachiko 'helpfully dug for the tissues' in her sister's bag.

SHIT!! Kami, please detonate my magazines and just sink me now!!!!

Moriko blushed crimson as her secret vice was exposed in full view of Hachiko. Well Sachiko too, but she was only the fate worse than death. Hachiko making fun of her for them would be worse.

His fingers squeezed hers as he leaned over to peer at the romances as Sachiko began to clean off his glasses with the now 'found' tissues.

"Oh, I like that one, Moriko-sama! If you like historical romances, there's Outlander by Diana Gabeldon. Um, also if you like light novels, and know English, there's Jane Austen and even well..."

He trailed off and blushed crimson.

Moriko squeezed his hand encouragingly. "Go on, please... Hachiko-kun."

"Um... well... There is also the complete 'Aa! Megami-sama' omnibus that I was going to return as part of the re-shelfing of books I will be doing tonight at the library when I go back there for the rest of my shift. If you want, I can check it out to you before it goes back on the shelves so it does not get snapped up by someone else, Moriko-sama."

Moriko looked at the blushing young man as he took his now cleaned off glasses back from Sachiko and put them on and squeezed his hand. "If you recommend it, I'd like to check that out then."

She shot Sachiko a quelling 'mess this up and I'll kill you slowly, little sister' glare that bounced off her sister's happily smiling face like spitballs off Yamato's main armor belt.

---------------------------------
Spoiler: Ship Begins Construction

"Here it is." Hachiko handed over a hardcover copy of 'The Complete Aa! Megami-sama Manga Omnibus' to Moriko. "I checked it into the computer system and then immediately checked it back out for you."

"Thank you Hachiko-kun!" Moriko, took the books that he had recommended. "So you work at the cafe and at the library then?"

"Yes, I'm taking care of my younger brother after our parents died during Blood Week." Hachiko said shyly.

Moriko reached across the counter to squeeze the now-librarian's hand. "That isn't easy. I know. Um... Can I... Um... you have a phone?"

Hachiko blushed slightly and pulled out a cheap cracked flip phone. Moriko immediately identified the model as something that she would have had to scrape money together to buy in her earlier days, and her estimation of the young man rose higher. He is sacrificing so much for his little brother Aki....

"Let me give you my number. Maybe we can hang out sometime?" Smooth, Moriko, real smooth... the she-wolf groaned to herself.

Hachiko bit his lip and then wrote down his number. She punched it into her phone and then grinned. "I'll call you when you get off work at seven then?"

He nodded, "I'll... I'll look forward to that then, Moriko-sama."

"Sayonara then!"

Moriko wheeled her sister out the van then looked down. "So, Sachiko-chan. How much do I need to pay my best and most wonderful little sister to keep quiet about Hachiko-kun? No need to tell Suzume-chan about meeting him after all."

Sachiko smiled, "We swing by the yarn and quilt store and you buy me more thread and fabric, and I won't tell Suzume-chan a thing when we come home."

Sachiko's inner smug smirk widened. After all, Suzume already knows because she saw the video of you two in the cafe and texted me back a thumbs-up.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Honor and Devotion

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, Kamakura

Shortly After The Conclusion Of Dove and Shrine Maiden - A Union of Bread and Butter

Masamune-no-Tokunotakai awoke in the grey darkness before sunrise. Automatically her arm reached for the vacant presence on her futon, but found naught but air instead of Colombe du Chasteler's sleeping warmth that she was beginning to enjoy cuddling up to.

The Masamune of the Warrior's Virtues sighed and began to perform her morning routine on autopilot.
Spoiler: A Shrine Maiden's Meditation

The past three days had been among the best of her five centuries of manifestation. Finding... finally finding someone who loved her so much, and was able to see past the shackles of duty and honor to the woman inside the shrine maiden kendo instructor had been a dream come true. Perhaps the only days that had come close were meeting her sister Masamune-no-Musashi and then learning the Way of the Sword from Musashi's sensei Miyamoto Musashi.

But, as always, duty and honor came first, and Colombe's duties called her to travel outside the confines of the shrine to the larger world. Tokunotakai could not begrudge Colombe that, for she knew that if their positions had been reversed, she would do the exact same thing for the exact same reasons.

She blushed scarlet as she remembered certain parts of those past three days. It had been quite educational and she could not wait for her next lesson in the arts of love from her sensei.

The blush deepened as she remembered her Co-chan had also promised her instruction in the Italian fencing that her love's true body was crafted for.

The unspoken promise in those words was that one day, when her skills had progressed to a suitable levels....

She paused in oiling the blade of her true self and then resumed with a shy smile.

Her fingers caressed the sharkskin and silk of her hilt as she finished, face crimson as she imagined Colombe's avatar's fingers on her true form. In her mind, she was moving with her love in a dance of steel and spirit, the two of them becoming one in the Way of the Sword. Perhaps they would even spar with her wielding Colombe's rapier body against Co-Chan's avatar using her true self. Nothing but the pure joy of Masamune steel on Muramasa steel, body on body, skill on skill, and spirit on spirit.

But, as much as she wished to linger and dream of wonderfully scandalous future activities, the shrine steps would not sweep themselves.

After purifying herself at the shrine's spring, she opened the door to the storage shed and quelled a brief, painful spike of loneliness at the sight of the broom Colombe used when she was here hanging on the rack next to her broom. Co-chan should be here, but...no.

Duty was duty.

Beginning at the top today, she made her way down the 800-year old stone steps, her body on autopilot as her thoughts wandered. Co-chan had confessed to her that she found the simple actions of caring for the shrine were a focus for her to find peace. As she had said, it helped her put matters in their proper place.

Tokunotakai meditated upon this statement as she reached the end of the steps.

Proper place...where was her proper place?

She clapped once to honor the spirit of the ginkgo tree who had witnessed a Shogun's death upon the spot where she stood seven centuries ago, then clapped and bowed to the mated pair of wood pigeons observing her solemnly from their nest in the tree. She knew that the doves were Hachiman' messengers sent to her the night that she had consummated her love for Colombe to show His approval of her decision to accept Colombe's offer.

She then paused as a thought struck her like a bolt of lightning.
Spoiler: A Honorable Petition

A memory of words that Colombe had said to her two days prior when she had mentioned her secret dream of traveling beyond Hachimangū to serve outside the Shrine as a warrior as well as an instructor within the shrine struck her with the shock of satori enlightenment.

"Standing to your duties despite all else in the universe but your will wishing such matters to be otherwise. That is true courage. Duties and responsibilities can never be shirked, and only death removes them from us truly, but they can be adjusted to modify the load that we carry."

The doves took flight and circled around her head as her blue-green eyes teared up at the realization that there was a honorable path through the competing calls of her oaths, her responsibilities, and her heart.

She made her way up the stairs with calm haste, pausing to place the broom away and renew her purification at the shrine's spring. As she washed her hands and rinsed her mouth, her heart pounded with the rhythm of an o-taiko drum summoning samurai to war.

Approaching the Honden, she bowed deeply and reverently to the closed doors of the Inner Sanctum of Hachiman, then in formal motions removed her true self from the sash of her miko robes. Placing herself upon the lacquered sword rack on the Honden's porch, she bowed once more.

Turning, she made her way to the great bronze temple bell hanging to the right, whispering a prayer so that the sounding of the bell would not disturb the monks and priests this early in the morning.

With a deep breath, she swung the suspended log clapper twice with all her strength, the voice of the bell echoing through the courtyard, heard only by herself and the doves that landed on the roof of the Honden.

She turned to the Honden as the second note's echoes reverberated, and bowed deeply and reverently twice.

Rising from her second bow, she clapped her hands sharply twice in Kashiwade, and then bowed once more.

Tokunotakai held her bow as the note of the temple bell slowly faded, her heart thudding.

In the space between the being and non-being of the voice of the bell, a voice echoed in her ears.

He was as powerful as an earthquake, yet compassionate. His voice filled with the sound of clashing armies, and the songs of farmers at peace.

"My Daughter. Arise and speak to me what is on your mind."

Heart pounding, she raised herself to see the figure of a general dressed in Ō-yoroi armor surveying her from His position in front of His Honden. The doves flew down to perch upon the golden wakidate horns of His kabuto helmet.

Tokunotakai licked dry lips, and then took a deep breath, steeling herself as she spoke formally.

"Hachiman-dono. Your Consecrated Blade Masamune-no-Tokunotakai requests permission to be allowed to travel outside Tsurugaoka Hachimangū that she has been ordered to serve at and and guard so that she... I can be your servant in the world outside these walls."

Dark eyes glittered behind His menpō battle mask as He examined her with a piercing gaze.

"Are your duties here not sufficient for your talents?"

Tokunotakai shook her head.

"Iie. I shall honorably serve wherever you wish me to serve to my utmost, but..." She took a deep breath, eyes glimmering with unshed tears as she continued, "what good is a blade that was forged to serve as the protector of innocents according to the Ways of Bushido if she never is allowed to fulfill that purpose for which she was crafted and called?"

"Even if the duty that you request to perform sends you to a place where Colombe d'Aubigny-Muramasa du Chasteler can never travel to?"

Tokunotakai swallowed down a lump in her throat. "Even so, I shall carry out my duties as honor demands. I merely request the courtesy of notifying her personally before I depart from her life... and hers from mine forever. She deserves that courtesy from my own lips."

The silence in response to her statement lingered for an eternity before it was shattered.

Hachiman nodded once then brushed His fingertips along her blade gently.

"Approved." His voice was filled with love.

Tokunotakai blinked tears of joy out of her eyes. "My sincere gratitude, Hachiman-dono."

He raised a hand and extended two fingers. "Two things to meditate upon before you depart. First, prepare your spirit and body, because once you step outside these walls, when you return, if you survive to return, you shall never be the innocent shrine maiden who left. You have seen what War does to other peoples souls, not least your lover's spirit. One who passes into that realm will never emerge unscarred." His voice was compassionate and sad.

Tokunotaki nodded, remembering holding a shivering rapier spirit close as Colombe relived moments from her past in nightmares.

"Second, you are samurai sworn to my service, true, and I have much pleasure in your loyal service. Yet even the most devoted samurai is allowed a personal life and some time to improve herself separate from her assigned duties. Your selfless sense of duty is commendable, but I have been waiting centuries for this conversation. I had intended for you to have at least one musha shugyō pilgrimage long before now. No matter, what is done is done, and one can only lead His child so far and no farther before she must take the next step on her own." His voice was that of a fond father gently chiding a young daughter as Tokunotakai blushed in embarrassment. "Keep that in mind when you have a conflict between giri and ninjo in the future."

"I shall Hachiman-dono." Toku bowed in acknowledgement of His words.

"Good. One last thing. Colombe has suffered much in My service. Yes, your lover has been sworn to me, and sworn herself to my service just as you are, although she knows it not currently. Certain necessary actions had to be taken for events to happen as they should, and I have hurt her in the doing. I regret the necessity more than she can comprehend, but sometimes pain is the only tutor for a needed lesson and other times a small evil is necessary to prevent a greater evil." Hachiman's voice was sad but filled with pride for the rapier's spirit.

Tokunotakai's eyes widened in surprise as pieces fell into place and connections were made inside her memories of what Colombe had spoken of her past.

"Just as you will learn from her about the outside world as you travel alongside her so in turn she must learn about the inward world of the spirit from you. Each of you has something that the other lacks but needs. Be her guide as she shall be your guide so that she can accept the deeper truths that she is fumbling toward blindly. One of which is her role as My Blade." His voice was the firm confidence of an officer giving commands to his soldier as he stared into the Masamune's eyes with calm certainty.

Tokunotakai bowed deeply. "I accept your charge, Hachiman-dono. Thank you for your counsel."

When she rose from the bow, He was gone and His doves took flight once more.

In a meditative trance, Tokunotakai placed her true body at her side and walked to the head of the shrine's stairs as the sky lightened with the coming dawn. She watched the doves escort her, and then fly down to their nest in the tree as she knelt in seiza.
Spoiler: A Journey Contemplated

As the Rising Sun turned the distant waters of Kamakura Bay gold and scarlet before her and her home town stirred to life, she slowly drew herself and mediated upon the patterns of sunlight dancing across her Masamune master-crafted steel.

A fresh wind off the bay blew her dark hair around her face, carrying with it the scents of places and people unguessed by her in her sheltered innocence.

One by one, the kanji of the Seven Virtues of Bushido illuminated themselves magically on her blade as she accepted the cost of her choice. Her duties and responsibilities, after all, were heavier than Mount Fuji's snow-crowned peak across the bay.

Gi, Integrity and Rectitude.

Rei, Respect.

Yu, Heroic Courage.

Meiyo, Honor.

Jin, Compassion.

Makoto, Honesty and Sincerity.

Chu, Duty and Loyalty.

Masamune-no-Tokunotakai.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Once they were far enough away, Maruyu turned to Harry and weakly chuckled, "Uh, Harry-Chan? We're not actually going to go to... that place, are we?"

Somewhat bemused, Harry raised an eyebrow, "Already know about it?"

Imuya gave a scoff, "RO-Chan showed us some pictures and video." Theatrically shuddering, she shook her head, "I will not be setting a foot in a place like that."

Gently squeezing her hand, the black haired wizard chuckled, "Don't worry, I have absolutely no plans to even enter the door to that place." A grin then crossed Harry's face as he continued, "Besides, why would I need to? I found a much better tea place."

Both Submarines were relieved at that, before Maruyu nodded, "That's good to know, Harry-Chan." Thoughtful, she turned to him fully, "Is it the same place that you took Iku-Chan and the others to? Because that does sound like a good place."

Simply nodding, Harry smiled some, "One and the same, and it is a pretty good place when all is said and done. And I found out something about it..." Knowing that he had the attention of the two shipgirls, he gave a shrug, "They have side rooms upstairs with enchantments like the ceiling in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Except, it is for one of the walls and the ceiling, giving the sensation of being outside on a patio. But because it is still inside, the elements won't affect people."

Intrigued, Imuya hummed as she looked around, "That does sound rather interesting, I'll admit. But..." She waved a hand around them, "Not much to see really right now."

The thirteen year old shook his head at that, "Not right now, no. But in the warmer months? They got wildflowers all over the place and fields of heather. There's another spell that allows for the scent to enter from outside, but none of the pollen or anything."

Considering that, the red haired Submarine nodded, "That... does sound like something that would be enjoyable." Smile blooming on her face, she softly giggled, "You should go on a date there with Taigei-Nee-San and Ryuuhou-Nee-San when it's... what? May?" Harry nodded at that, which made her smile widen, "Right, May. Because the two of them would really enjoy that."

Head tilted to the side, Harry hummed, "That does sound good actually. So they would like to be on the May Hogsmeade visit?" At their nods, he gave one of his own, "Hmm... Okay than, now for Spring Break..."

Eyebrow raised, Maruyu blinked at that, "Spring Break, Harry-Chan? But I thought that you could only come down certain times of the year. And what about coming home for Spring Break?"

Quickly, the wizard shook his head, "I'm still coming home, Maruyu-Chan. But one of the things that I found out was that us students can come and visit on Spring Break and during Christmas Break. Just that most don't because they would normally need to make their own way from the castle, and with the distance between the two places... well..."

Maruyu only nodded at that, "That makes sense, not many people would want to come down during that time if they need to walk the whole way."

Just frowning, Harry gave a hum, "Yeah, or fly... maybe ride in the older days when there was a stable at Hogwarts for horses." A grin then crossed his face, "Granted, there are all the tunnels from Hogwarts to the town, so you don't need to be exposed to the elements the whole way either." Shaking his head, the wizard snorted some, "There is also the Vanishing Cabinet as well since I can use that to go back and forth. Knight Bus too, despite all the problems it has."

The two shipgirls considered that before nodding in agreement. Glancing at Maruyu, Imuya turned to Harry, "So who would you take with you on a date during Spring Break?"

For several moments, Harry didn't say anything. But then, he nodded some, "Well... maybe Shinano and Regina? Though I could take the Duckies as well since they want to come here." Nodding, he had a serious expression on his face, "And I could stuff them full of food while here."

Briefly, both Maruyu and Imuya had the image of the three Destroyers being fed the giant chocolate bars. Each Destroyer having a happy look of contentment on their faces as they did so. Chuckling, Imuya smiled at that, "They would enjoy that, Harry-Chan. I think that they would enjoy that a lot."

As Harry nodded in agreement, Maruyu tilted her head some and considered as he walked beside her with his hands in hers. One thing that she noticed was that he was a touch taller than she was again. Not by much, maybe an inch or two, but it was there. That fact also made her smile a bit as it meant that he was growing up. She could also see that his features had matured slightly, just enough to be noticeable. Briefly, she had an image of an older, taller Harry holding her close before bending down towards her face.

Her face red, the small Submarine shook her head rapidly to clear it.

If the other two noticed, they didn't comment on it as they continued to walk towards the tea house that Harry had found. Upon entering, Imuya looked around with a smile as she unbuttoned her jacket, "This is a really nice place, just like Iku-Chan and the other said that it was."

With a hum, Harry nodded as he took Maruyu's jacket from her and hung it up. Granted, out of the corner of his eye, he noted how the Transport Submarine looked in her dress and blushed a little. A fact not missed by either of the sharp eyed shipgirls with them sharing a secret smile. Gently taking Imuya's jacket from her, Harry smiled a bit, "It is, which is why I am so glad that I found this place. I mean, the service is great here and so is the food and drinks."

Licking her lips, Maruyu grinned some, "And that is something that I am looking forward to." At the amused look from Imuya, she shrugged while still grinning unrepentantly, "What? I've got smaller fuel tanks than you guys do. So I run through my supplies faster."

Both Harry and Imuya grinned and snickered at that while sharing a smile.

Now with their coats hung up, the three walked further into the tea house and soon chose a table to sit down. Somewhat to Harry's amusement, it was the same place that Iku and the others had chosen on separate times. Dismissing the thought, he pulled out the chairs for the two girls and pushed them in once they were seated. Once he had sat down himself, he looked between them, "Any thoughts on what you want to have? My treat."

Tapping her chin, Imuya looked at the menu before noticing a separate one. Opening it, her eyes lit up at what was inside, "Oh wow! They got treats here specifically for Valentine's Day, Harry-Chan, Maruyu-Chan! "

Eyes widening slightly, Harry leaned over to look himself, "Really? Any good ones?"

Finger running along the page, the red haired Submarine nodded, "A lot of them, though most are chocolate. They're all really good looking..." Licking her lips, she swallowed, "Really good looking."

Glancing at each one, Maruyu frowned some in thought. Suddenly, she smiled and pointed, "How about we buy one desert and share it among us? I don't think that any of us will mind... in which case, I vote for the Valentine's Chocolate Tart. That looks delicious and it comes in sizes up to a full pie."

Harry and Imuya looked at it in thought before nodding and smiling in agreement. It was a few minutes later before the waitress came with their pie, setting it down. The three teens all licked their lips as the giant chocolate tart had whipped cream on the top of it in the shape of a heart, dusted with chocolate itself. Looking it over, Harry smiled at the young woman who served them, "Thank you, this looks delicious."

Lightly laughing, she shook her head and waved him off, "You're very welcome, but I just hope that you enjoy your food and drink. And if you need anything, just give me a call and I'll be over for it."

With that, she moved off and Imuya cut off a slice of the pie, "Oh wow... this looks amazing."

All the other two could do was nod as they took slices themselves. Using her fork to take a piece, Maruyu put the chocolatey delight into her mouth and hummed as she chewed. Swallowing, her eyes lit up, "This is really great, Harry-Chan!"

On his other side, Imuya nodded as she ate a piece of her own pie, "Maruyu-Chan is right, Harry-Chan, this is just plain awesome."

Brightly smiling, the wizard just smiled before turning to his own food, with all three enjoying their small meal.