Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking off the dance floor, Harry smiled up at Shinano who also had a smile on her face. And if it was much brighter then the one on Harry's, he was not about to mention that fact. Several moments passed as she glanced around to make sure that the man who was bothering her earlier wasn't around and then placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. "I'm glad that you were here, Harry-Chan."

Only shrugging, the black haired wizard rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I'm glad too. Besides, Mum was coming and so was Hoppou." Nearly as one, the two of them turned to where Hoppou was beside Nagato with Wokyuu just behind her. The fact that said Abyssal Carrier was somehow in a dress was not commented on. Looking back at Shinano, Harry shrugged. "Anyways, I'm pretty used to it and Mum told me that if I want to become an Admiral, I'm going to be going to a lot of these."

At the slightly sour look on Harry's face, Shinano giggled some. Once she calmed down though, she gave his shoulder a small squeeze. "I think that you'll do just fine, Harry-Chan." There was a small crash nearby and the two turned to see Fusou on the ground having slipped on a piece of ice. Quickly making her way over, Shinano held out a hand to the Battleship who grabbed it. "Are you alright?"

Dusting off her white dress with red highlights, Fusou nodded. "I am, though how unfortunate it was for that piece of ice to be there." It was then that her expression brightened a bit as she caught sight of something. "Shigure-Chan, there you are, and with Yamashiro as well!"

When they reached them, Yamashiro narrowed her eyes some as she glanced at Harry and Shinano before turning to her sister. "Fusou-Onee-Sama, are you alright?"

Fusou only shook her head with a small smile. "I'm alright, despite my misfortune." She then placed an arm over Shigure's shoulders. "And thank you for bringing my drink, Shigure-Chan."

That got her a smile from Shigure as Yamashiro smiled at the two. "Shigure-Chan is very reliable, Fusou-Onee-Sama. In this case, we are fortunate that she came with us." Ignoring the blush on Shigure's face, Yamashiro then turned towards Shinano and Harry before humming. "Is Harry-San your escort for the evening, Shinano-Sama?"

Now it was Shinano's turn to blush as she shook her head. "N-no, Harry-Chan's not my escort for the evening. He was just helping me from a bit of a rough spot." Looking around, Shinano shook her head and leaned in. "One of the guests was always asking me to go dance and talking to me."

Holding a hand to her mouth, Fusou shook her head. "How unfortunate." As her sister nodded, Fusou frowned. "Would it be possible for you to describe this man? Just in case he decides to focus on us."

Much to Shinano's surprise, when she did Shigure sighed. "I think that I know who that was and why." At the looks, the Destroyer grimaced. "Most likely he is hoping for cameras to catch either you dancing with him or perhaps just spending time. It would play well to his crowd."

Eyes narrowed, Yamashiro looked around. "Perhaps you should have Harry-Chan by you for a while longer then."

The five of them continued to talk before Fusou gently placed a hand on Shigure's arm. "As much as it has been our good fortune to speak with you this long, I do believe that I spot one of the waiters with some of those nice treats that our Shigure-Chan enjoys."

Lips twitching into a smile at the sight of Shigure with a sheepish expression, Yamashiro nodded. "Yes, she does indeed enjoy these small treats. Hopefully your good fortune continues for the rest of the night."

With that, the three shipgirls walked off while Shinano shook her head. Seeing the confused expression on Harry's face, she giggled a bit. "Don't worry too much about it, Harry-Chan." Then her eyes lit up a bit as they landed on something. "Regina!"

Quickly turning, Harry suddenly smiled at the sight of the Re-class who had a glass of punch in her hands. "Harry? Shinano?" As they got closer, she smiled a bit. "It's good to see you both and, um... you're looking very nice."

Blinking, Harry just shrugged a bit though he still had a smile on his face. "You're looking very nice too, Regina."

As she looked her friend over, Shinano slowly nodded. "Harry-Chan's right, Regina." She then placed a finger to her chin in thought before suddenly smiling and snapping her fingers. "All the metal on you has been shined and polished!"

There was a small blush on Regina's face as she nodded towards Harry, the light glinting off the metal that made up her tail's head as it held itself up high with a purr. "Um, Harry here helped as he was the one who did all the work with the buffing and polishing." For a moment, she was about to scuff her hoof on the floor and stopped. "He even did my hooves."

Eyes wide, Shinano slowly nodded. "It really does look good on you." Moments later, she tilted her head. "In fact, I think that I can see my reflection in them." However, at seeing the shy expression on Regina's face, Shinano tilted her head in concern. "Is something wrong, Regina?"

Glancing at Harry who was now focused on her, Regina blushed and played a bit with her dress. "N-not really?" At the raised eyebrows, she blushed deeper. "There's just been some people taking a lot of pictures of me and, um..." Placing a finger against her cheek, Regina looked around. "One of them said that I was very... 'Moe'. I'm not sure what they meant though."

Even as she looked at her, Shinano held back giggles. "It's not a bad thing, Regina. And, um, they're right." At the confusion, she shrugged. "You are very moe."

Harry snickered a bit at the completely befuddled look on Regina's face. But before he could do anything else though, a hand came down on his shoulder and he looked up to see a familiar Submarine there. "Iku-Chan!"

The blue haired Shipgirl giggled a bit but then nodded. "Yup!" With a smile, she turned towards Shinano with a sparkle in her eyes. "Shinano-San? Could I borrow Harry-Chan for a bit?"

Confused, Shinano looked down at Harry and then around. "Um, why? And... er..."

With a slight shake of her head, Iku shrugged. "I noticed you dancing with him earlier and I wanted to have a try. If I could?" Having spotted the nervousness, Iku made some hand gestures in the air. "If you're worried about that man bothering you from earlier, the others will help."

Surprised, Shinano looked in the same direction as Iku and noticed several other Submarines. One of them she recognized as RO with what looked like a number of her sisters who had arrived with the German Admiral alongside Bismarck. Said Admiral could be seen conversing with the British one. Hachi was also there beside Ushio and Hiryuu with the Subgirl saying something to the other two. Then Hiryuu looked at Shinano and gave a nod. Now smiling softly, Shinano bowed a bit towards Iku. "Thank you, Iku-San. And I don't mind too much."

Expression brightening, Iku nodded as she began to drag Harry back towards the dance floor. "Thanks, Shinano-San! I and the others owe you!"

Before Shinano could ask, a giggle caussed her to turn to see White Plains there with a bright smile. "Kaa-San?"

All the small shipgirl did was giggle again as she watched Iku pull Harry out onto the dance floor not far away from where Bismarck and Hood were standing and talking, though she could see Louisiana close by with Natsumi. "It's nothing, just that Harry is going to be a bit tired I think."

Still confused, Shinano shared a look with Regina. However, the Abyssal only shrugged in confusion, though she was considering how to get a dance herself...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Muse hit me again, so...
____________________________________________________________

The only sound in the area was the rustle of a cool breeze among rocks before a figure lit a lighter and brought it to the cigarette in his mouth. Moments later, the tip was glowing red and he took a sigh as he looked down into the hole at his feet with a snort. "So... the last one just died."

A dark chuckle could be heard from behind him as several of his compatriots stood around nervously. "Really now? Well, that's good though this bunch took a while to die."

Just snorting, the man shook his head. "Did you expect anything else? This sort of thing takes a while to die from after all." For a brief moment, the end of his cigarette glowed brightly revealing fox ears and eyes on his head. "Granted, I may not like ningen in the least, but dying of hunger? Surrounded by the dead? Yeah, that's a horrible way to die."

Yet again, that chuckle echoed through the area which sent a shiver down the kitsune's spine and through his tails. "Ah, perhaps. But it is so lovely to see them squirm as they do." Getting a noncommitble grunt, the voice snorted. "I suppose that you wish to know where they all came from then?"

That got her a scoff from the kitsune. "I neither know nor care. Something that I learned in this business is that it's best not to ask questions. The less I know, the better. Besides..." He then shrugged. "Probably people that won't be missed in the least. That's how things are usually done among your kind after all, pick off the weak and unmissed."
Her next words though caused him to freeze. "Is that what you think? Well, far be it from me to change your opnion."

Scoffing, he sucked in another lungful of smoke. "Whatever. Now it's time for my payment." When he turned, his eyes narrowed at the sight of the massive form that stood in the shadows, red eyes staring out at him. "I want my sister's murderer."

Cold laughter could be heard as there was the sound of something being shifted. "Of course, I promised that I would bring them to you if you did this for me." Seconds later, something wrapped up tightly in silk hit the ground and the kitsune gestured for one of his men to check it. "Don't trust me?"

In reply, the kitsune blew out a cloud of smoke. "I'm many things, an idiot is not one of them. Your kind will stab anyone in the back given a half chance, so no." When the man nodded and gave a thumb's up, the kitsune gave her a nod. "I would say that it was a pleasure doing business with you, but you know how things are"

Giving a mocking bow, the shape laughed. "Of course, of course. And thank you for having it done by now. October would have been better, but... well, you know. This will do nicely for when I need to take care of that snake."

The kitsune was about to reply when he felt something and narrowed his eyes. 'Wait a moment...' Tails flaring out, there was a pulse around him and everything seemed to change. But before he could react, the breath was driven from his lungs. "Grrk!" Slowly, he stared down at the long, spear like leg that pierced through his chest and could tell that it had also severed his spine. "H-how, that was a kitsune trick!?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the rest of his men also pierced on legs as a few screams rang out. "Ah, that would be my children finishing off your guards in the woods. Did you really think that I would not know about them? As to your question..." The shadowed figure of a women leaned out of the shadows until it was next to his ear. "Your sister was quite delicious and her terror made it all the more succulent in the end."

Eyes nearly popping out of his head as coughed out blood, the kitsune snarled. "FUCKING BITCH!"

All he got in return were giggles before he was in the air. Landing in pain, he let out a grunt as bones of innumerable people cracked under his weight and from the impact of his dying men. Above, the woman who had killed him skittered close to the edge and looked down at him. "Be glad, with your work I can now make decades of preparations complete. I'll have to wait for a while, but... heh. It will make sure that those shipgirls won't interfere, though I cannot wait to taste their flesh as well and take what I will."

Darkness creeping into his vision, the kitsune could hear the figure chanting something as ofuda around the pit lit up with black and purple flames. What spell she was using, it clawed at his mind, but all he could feel was ever present hatred. "Y-you will die one day, you bitch. May your goals never come to pass and may a kitsune help strike you down! I'll even help her..."

The last thing he heard as the skeletons shifted beneath him as his life blood dripped down among them, was the clatter of bones and teeth. And then the skeletons themselves pulled him under as they also did the same to his men. Up on the ledge, the figure stopped and listened.

And then she smiled as she heard the crunch as well as wet sounds of something being crushed before laughing. She was still laughing as a pulse streaked out from the pit and raced past. Various magicals and others connected with the spiritual stopped as they felt it brush past them and some trembles. In her tank in Yokosuka, Shiromizu's eyes flew open and she looked around wildly at the darkness that tugged at her senses. 'What in the world was that!?'

Elsewhere, Wokyuu stopped where she was walking with Hoppou in her arms as they made their way towards the Battleship dorms after the reception. Nervous, the Wo-Class also looked around in confusion before holding Hoppou closer as the small Abyssal stared at nothing with a small tremble. "Wokyuu?!"

For her part, Regina went into a defensive stance and tried to figure out where the feeling had come from. She wasn't the only one as Nagato and other shipgirls summoned their rigging and were also scanning their surroundings. Harry had gone for his wand and was now looking around as Percy moved to cover Supprin and Ooyodo, Ron doing the same for Warspite. Frowning, Ron furrowed his eyebrows. "What the bloody hell was that!?"

Warspite glanced at him and shook her head. "Language, Ronald. Though perhaps this time one cannot blame you."

Up at the Shrine, Haru froze as every single hair on her neck stood up and her head whipped in a certain direction. Beside her, Natsumi's eyes were wide and she trembled a bit. "O-Oba-Chan? Wh-what was that? It felt..."

Eyes narrowed, Haru growled in a way that Natsumi had never heard before. "Utterly wrong?" At the nod from her neice, she took a deep breath. "That's because whatever that was, it was wrong." Quickly shaking it off, Haru turned to Natsumi. "Get to the Shrine, right now. Call Nagato and tell her to bring them here! And Shiromizu as well just in case..." Her lips then turned downwards in a frown as Natsumi hurried off. 'I have the feeling that it's going to center around you, Natsumi. You, Harry, and Shiromizu...'

Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number and then brought it up to her ears before a voice echoed through it. "You felt it as well, didn't you, Haru?"

With a snort, Haru glared at nothing in particular. "Of course I did! Kind of hard to miss... whatever that was, you old crow. But you know what I am going to ask next."

Being as it was a statement and not a question, it was not surprising she got a snort. "Of course I do, because I do know you. As to what it was... I am unsure at the moment."

If it was possible, Haru's eyes narrowed still further. "But you fucking suspect what it was. Spill."

There was silence on the other end before a sigh could be heard. Haru had known the old Tengu for many, many decades. And not once did she hear him sound so tired and weary. "As I said, I am unsure and it is not something to discuss over the phone. But I can only hope that I'm wrong. And so should you."

With an omnious click, the call ended and Haru stared down at her phone with a grimace. "Great, just great..." Sighing, she put the phone away. "Well, we're living in interesting times, I suppose. And it is time to up their training..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Shaithan

Harry Leferts said:
The song's mostly double entendres.​

Isn't that true for pretty much all AC/DC songs? I mean, take "Giving the Dog a Bone", how much more blatant can you get?

Harry Leferts said:
I can actually see this in all honesty.​

Upholder's Morning

Upholder groaned miserably as she woke up. It felt like someone had laid a carpet in her mouth and her head was pounding. Blearily she tried to remember what had happened last night.

Flashes of the last night came to her. U-81 mixing something in a keg, one of her subs in a duel with one of the U-Boats, both hanging from the sturdy chandeliers in the room. U-96 challenging her to drink the hellish concoction U-81 was mixing. Heaving up the keg and downing a cocktail called "Declaration of War" with nary a second thought.

Afterwards, there was darkness. Still, the pounding did not abate, and she had to realize that the party inexplicably was still going on.

Getting up she realized that Vampire (P72) was laying next to her, as was one of the far too many U-Boats on the other side of Vampire. Checking herself she found no bite marks, but the U-Boat had some, in fact the sleeping Vampire had fallen asleep while biting the other sub in the neck. There were occasional happy Vampire noises, seemed like she had found a new bride.

She left the bed, thankfully still somewhat clothed and opened the door.

The music was like a brick to the face, but she knew she had to soldier on.

She shuffled out of the room, looking for a medicine cabinet and a family pack of Aspirin. Outside she was greeted with more drunken shenanigans. U-811 playing strip arm wrestling against a bunch of highly inebriated and quite stripped sailors. They still had their underwear and socks, but everything else sat next to U-811 who egged the boys on. Upholder wondered what kind of deal their enemy would demand for the return of the clothes.

The music chose that moment to rise in pitch and noise level, making Upholder wince mightily. She spied U-47 and went to her, hoping for clarification. "A good morning to you!" she said, not quite as loud or bombastic as she would have liked, her head was still killing her and her engineers had a lot of choice words about this "Declaration of War".

U-47 nodded. "Drink?" she asked simply.

"Nay, my friend, for my head and engineering are in open revolt. A bottle of Aspirin on the other hand would be muchly appreciated," she gave back. "As well as an explanation. Why is this merrymaking starting so early?" she wanted to know.

U-47 shrugged, pulled a package of Aspirin from one of her pockets and handed it to Upholder. "Who said anything about this party being a new one?" she gave back. "The party has been going on, pretty much without interruption, since we first set foot here all these years ago," she explained.

Upholder wanted to shout in surprise, but the shout quickly turned into a whimper. "Years?" she said through her pounding headache. "How do you survive?" she wanted to know.

U-47 grinned sagely. "This might be the nearest we can come to Valhalla, a never-ending succession of fighting and feasting," she explained. "The party reminds us of friends yet missing, siblings unborn that might yet join, new friends we made in this second lease on life. We don't intend to relinquish this without a mighty fight," U-47 said forcefully.

Upholder nodded appreciatingly. "Spoken like a true knight of the the undersea," she said forcefully, before wincing, when her head and engineering reminded her of her predicament.

U-47 grinned. "Get well soon, and rejoin the party that never ends," she said, before patting Upholder on the thigh and leaving.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Leaning back in his chair, Goto took a careful sip of his drink and looked out the window. After a few moments, he turned back to regard the people in his office with a slight smile. "Well, it seems that everything has gone off without a single hitch."

With a soft snort, Cunningham shook his head. "Agreed. I'm rather amazed that it turned out as well as it did." Glancing at the German Admiral beside him, he chuckled a bit. "In fact, I half expected it all to go down in flames."

Only waving a hand, Hartmann grumbled a little. "Cunningham, my friend, being pessimistic does not suit you."

Now smirking a bit, the Englishman hummed a bit. "True enough. After all, that is your job I believe."

Simply watching the byplay, Richardson held back a smirk. Then he sighed a bit. "We're not finished yet, there's still the reporters outside the base, the interviews..." Looking down into his cup, he grumbled and then held it out. "I could use another shot of whatever that is."

Goto only poured another small measure from the bottle into the cup and nodded. "It's a little something that Junyou whipped up." At the worried looks, he was unable to help himself and laughed. "It's perfectly safe, but it might eventually rot your gut."

After a moment's thought, Cunningham gulped down what was left in his cup and held it back out. "Then it must be good."

That got snorts and chuckles from the others before Hartmann turned to the man beside him. "You've been rather quiet, Captain. Is something wrong?"

Jerking in his seat, Tanaka blinked and then gave a nervous smile. "Sorry, Sir. It's just... I'm not used to being in company with so many Admirals."

Unseen by him, Richardson shared a knowing look with Goto, one that both Cunningham and Hartmann picked up but did not comment on. Wanting to change the subject, Richardson turned towards Goto with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Ignoring the fact about the vultures outside the base..." There were various chuckles at that, but Richardson turned towards Tanaka. "I heard that there was an incident up in Uchiura Bay recently? I was hoping to hear from you in regards about it."

Tanaka blinked and then glanced at the other Admirals, in particular, Goto. All Goto did was sip his drink and nod. "John has reasons for asking, Tanaka-Kun."

Still unsure, Tanaka leaned back in his chair and looked out at the rest of the base through the window. "I'm not even sure that I believe it myself, but I trust Akebono. And even if I didn't, how she acted proved that something happened."

Raising an eyebrow, Hartmann frowned. "How so?"

For a few moments, Tanaka was quiet before he softly spoke. "Akebono didn't say a word when I hugged her close and simply held her. What she saw really shook her up something fierce." He clinched his fist as he remembered the scared, shaking Destroyer. That alone convinced the Captain she was telling the truth and he wasn't about to betray Akebono by stating that she was actually crying at the time. "We had received word of a group of Abyssal Destroyers lead by a Ri-Class at the mouth of the bay and Akebono was leading the nearest patrol group. She didn't like that I was going to have her scout it out first before anything else."

All Richardson did was shake his head with a sigh. "I don't know what she would have expected, she is a Destroyer." With a slight frown, he shook his head. "About the only effective weapon she would have is her Oxygen Torpedoes."

With a slow nod, Tanaka snorted. "That was an idea that I was bouncing around in my head. If nothing else, do enough damage that they might withdraw, or perhaps get slowed down enough for backup to arrive." His expression then darkened. "As it turned out, neither were needed. Almost as soon as they entered the bay, things got... odd."

Sipping his drink, Cunningham glanced at Goto who had a serious expression on his face. "Odd? How so?"

A far off look on his face, Tanaka shook his head. "According to Akebono, and some reports from the local JGSDF, the sky and waters of the bay turned a blood red and began to become choppy. Pretty much most of the locals moved away from the shore. While none of the JGSDF were close enough to see what happened next, Akebono and her patrol group were. According to them, massive tentacles rose out of the water and grabbed the Abyssals, one of the Destroyers were ripped in half. Then, what she stated could only be described as a 'Octopus right out of a shitty Kaiju flick' covered in small horns and spines rose out of the water and proceeded to devour the Abyssals. Nothing they did could harm it."

Leaning forward, deep in thought, Richardson frowned and furrowed his eyebrows. "What happened next?"

Only letting out a deep breath, the Captain shook his head. "Akebono said that the being then turned it's attention onto them and they had a staring contest. As if it was judging them... Then it sank back beneath the waves and the water and sky went back to normal several minutes later." He then looked each of the Admirals in the eye with a slightly pale face. "Akebono and the others made for shore at top speed and had to be transported overland as neither wanted to be anywhere near the waters of the bay after that."

Voice soft, Cunningham shook his head. "I cannot blame them. Bloody hell, I don't think that any of us would have reacted any better."

There was silence for almost a minute before Goto spoke up. "There are legends, about Uchiura Bay. Ancient ones told by the Ainu... According to them, a Kami by the name of Akkorokamui lives in the bay as it's lord. He takes the form of a massive octopus, large enough to swallow ships and whales whole. So large, that the sky and sea turns red when he appears due to the light reflected from him."

Slowly nodding, Richardson turned to Tanaka. "I'm going to assume that you had a visit from someone claiming to be from the government?" Getting a nod, he grimaced. "I suppose that it was to be expected. Granted, I'm amazed that they didn't try anything."

Hartmann let out a snort. "However, I am not. They have enough issues it seems that they would not do much more then see if there is any evidence."

A chuckle escaped from Cunningham as he shook his head. "It was the same down in the Med after a particular whirlpool kept appearing in the same spot by Greece. One that attempted to pull down any Abyssal that came near." Frowning, he stared out at the sea. "We're only one side and I dread whatever else there may be out there. Even if they're fighting the Abyssals themselves..."

Completely lost, Tanaka looked between them. "I'm sorry but... what are you talking about?" Then the dots connected and his eyes widened. "Wait, there's more out there!?"

That got him looks of dark amusement from the four Admirals before Goto leaned forward. "You've barely scratched the surface, Tanaka-Kun. The surface of what might be out there... But after what happened, you should know about what is going on just in case..."

 

[darthcourt10]

sasahara17

I just saw Shaithan 's snippets and HAD to post this little thing. Enjoy!

-=-

In the JMSDF, few ship girls were considered as unerringly cute, innocent as precious as Ro-500.

The young German, one of the foreign ship girl to arrive in Japan as a permanent transfer, was the darling of the submarine fleet. Initially shy and reserved, the former U-511 quickly won over the hearts and minds of her Japanese colleagues with her professionalism, humility and general adorableness. In fact, 'Yu-Chan' was the very definition of the Japanese 'Moe' phenomenon.

Everyone, from the JMSDF personnel, the ship girl fleet and the civilian media, absolutely adored the German transferee as the living embodiment of 'cuteness' and 'pureness'… a truly astounding feat in the case of the ship girl fleet, given the usual gulf between the Japanese submarine girls and their surface warfare colleagues. Not even the most suspicious and jaded of destroyers could resist Yu-chan's ability to project cute puppy dog eyes into their brains by the sound of her voice alone.

This did not change even after she underwent a remodel to become Ro-500.

Although Ro-chan had 'loosened up' somewhat, becoming more outgoing and energetic as a result, the flower wearing submarine was still adorable like nothing else. Even if some believed that she had become 'corrupted' by those awful lewdmarines, with Goya of all people shouldering much of the perceived blame for 'corrupting' the 'purest submarine', at the end of the day Ro-chan was just as much as a sweetheart as she always was.

No matter how much those lewdmarines could change her through their bad influence, Ro-chan's many fans believed that she would always, always, remain the darling of the fleet.

Goya really, really, wished she could show those misguided fools what was happening to their precious idol now.

"Drink, drink, De-chi!" A completely inebriated Ro-chan said as she pushed a gigantic mug of what was commonly known around these parts as the 'Declaration of War' up against the side of the Japanese submarine's cheek, "Drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may sail through the halls of Val-Valhalla!"

"I… I'm too young to drink, dechi! Keep that away from me, dechi!" Goya refused as she tried her best to remain sober… something incredibly hard to do given she, and the other Japanese submarines unfortunate enough to follow Ro-chan back to Europe to see the German's 'family', were now stuck in what could best be described as a real like rendition of that drunken, never ending party from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

And by the emperor, was it ever a party.

"Goya, help me! Help me!" Iku called out in desperation as three 'drunk as all fuck' U-Boats had her trapped under a 'cuddle-pile' while using her 'gazongas' as makeshift pillows to pass out in comfort, "They're too lewd! They're too lewd! Iku is in a pinch!"

"NO! No! No! Get away from Nimu you drunken drunk drunks!" a half-naked Nimu screamed as she ran out of the nearby toilets… quickly pursued by another group of U-Boats who were trying to put her into a bunny girl outfit, "Don't wanna wear a bunny girl outfit! Don't wanna be ruined for marriage! Don't wanna!"

"Holy crap! This is worse than that time in Rabul! We gotta get out of here, girls!" Imuya called out from where she was bravely cowering under one of the tables, specifically, the table where HMS Upholder and USS Harder were engaging in another round of strip arm wrestling.

"Y-Yer go'in down, Up-Up… Up… whatever your name is," Harder sneered cockily, something quite diminished since the legendary submarine was down to her pink Hello Kitty underwear, "Yer know as well as I that nuh-nobody is harder than Harder!"

"Pish, posh! A Kn-Knigh-Neigh of the Undersea is not done in sho eas-easy-easypeasy!" Upholder winked confidently… a miracle considering she too was just as undressed and her "Monty Pyton's Spamalot' bra was showing.

"Someone help me." Imuya whimpered.

Not the best choice of cover, really.

Oh, how the Japanese girls had been fooled!

For years, the ship girls of Japan had believed the German U-Boat corps to be an elite corps of silent, dedicated professionals. Compared to the thieving Americans, boisterous British and lewd Japanese, it was believed that the Germans had no such eccentricities to besmirch the reputation of the 'Silent Service'. Indeed, Hachi and Yuu both provided exemplary examples to support this belief.

Quiet, humble… professional.

Yet now, here Goya was, trapped in a den of debauchery where copious amounts alcohol flowed freely, self-control and discipline were nowhere to be found and THE PARTY NEVER ENDED.

Wow, when those Germans let themselves go, they really let themselves go.

"Drink! Drink! Dr-drinkkkkkk!" Ro-chan slurred as she nuzzled right into Goya's personal space before giving a cute little drunken hiccup.

"No! I'm too young to drink, dechi!"

"Drink! Drink for Ro-chan, Dechi!" Ro-chan sang. "It's a party, we must drink!"

Oh, all the flack Goya had caught over the years for 'corrupting' the picture of innocence that was U-511. Now Goya knew beyond a doubt that this wasn't the case… the absolute monster that was Ro-500 had always been there, but had taken a while to emerge due to her new environment.

And Hachi! Hachi spent years training with the U-Boats. She must have known this would happen, and she never told any of them! That traitor!

"Why didn't you warn us Hachi?!" Goya wailed looking around the chaos for the bespectacled bookworm, "This you should have warned us what we were getting into, dechi! Where are you?"

Goya's never received reply, for Hachi was too busy screaming over the Karoke machine.

"Shokun! Wareware no ninmu wa nanda? SENMETSU DA!!" Hachi roared, "Ikki nokorazu no senmetsu da! Nasubeki koto wa tada hitotsu! JIGOKU WA TSUKURE!"

"…Hatchi?" Goya whimpered, realizing the quite bookworm had succumbed to the madness that was the German party as well. Oh god, what happened to her? More importantly, could happened to Hachi happen to the the rest of the Japanese subs as well?

"Senjou~e! Zensen~e! Soshite shi no fuchi made! Inochi suteta sono kakugo wo shimese yo!
Chuusei~wo! Juujun~wo! Soshite sono tamashii wo! Subete sasage kachidoki wo age yo!
Saa koko ni kizuite misero! Ten ni todoku hito no yama wo!
Feuer! Sperrfeuer! Los! Achtung! Deckung! Hinlegen! Halt!
Feuer! Sperrfeuer! Los! Achtung! Deckung! Hinlegen! Halt!"

Hachi's audience promptly went wild (completely in spite of the fact Goya was pretty sure most of them had NO IDEA what Hachi was saying in Japanese).

It was then that Goya decided that the Germans, and everyone that had anything to do with them, were all BATSHIT INSANE.

"We gotta get out of here, dechi." Goya decided, fear not felt since the worst days of the Second World War welling in her heart.

The Japanese sub girls had unwittingly sailed into hell, and now their very souls were being assailed. In this terrible situation, surrounded by sin and depravity, Goya knew without a doubt that one thing:

They had to escape… before they too went mad.

"Drink! Drink for Ro-chan, Dechi!"

"NO, Dechi!"

-=-

A/N – Japanese sub-girls in German Jingoku. It's real Nito. Can they escape this madness and survive to sail the seas for another day? Or will they be dragged down into the depths of depravity? Whatever the case… the whole lot of them are never going to forget this unforgettable party!

BTW, I also found this pretty good cover of 'Los, Los, Los!' in case anyone is interested in it.


I hope you enjoyed this snip. Cheers!

 

[darthcourt10]

SeaofFallingStars

Not my best work, but here:

-*-*-*-*-

Naka almost groaned when she had found out, but knew that as an Idol this would be a good test for her. Maintain a smile while the world threw this kind of curveball at her.

Curse whichever politician agreed to this! The plushies and figurines were one thing; but this…

"Wow, Naka-Nee! Look at how many they have here! Think we can get them all?"

As Harry stared in surprise and joy at what they found-how had no one told them?-she desperately wanted to run a hand along her face to try and vent her frustration and embarrassment.

"Only the ones at the base Harry-chibi, no one else. Please."

Who went and not only sent them the blueprints for their hulls, but got pictures that allowed them to make semi-accurate… robot forms? Why did they make Transformers of them? That kids show wasn't exactly what one associated with shipgirls, after all.

"So… hold on when did they find out about her?"

Naka was not looking forward to this bill given how many figures Harry managed to put in their basket.

~Bang Bang Bang~

It was a fairly shocked group of Shipgirls once they all assembled. Naka wanted to scowl like Goto was, due to this apparently not happening with their notice. Thankfully, there were in the mess hall, so it would be easy to fix any damages.

Meanwhile, Nagato was livid.

"How did we not know about this? They should have asked our permission before producing these toys! Just like with the figurines and plushes! I know we are all considered war heroes, but this is too far!"

Harry blinked before handing a large box to a baffled Akagi, who gently accepted this.

"I just thought that you guys might enjoy these. Not be angry."

His mother smiled at him, even though her eyes still burned with rage.

"I'm not angry with you, Harry. Merely the ones who did this without our permissions."

In a corner of the room, the submarines were busy playing with their Transformer versions while Kongou looked at Goto and raised an eyebrow.

It was controlled chaos, but it was still quite the bombshell Harry brought back with Naka from the trip. Said idol was feeling a bit frustrated with her own figure, trying to get cooperation from it and not snap a joint turning it back into her original hull.

"I promise you, Nagato, I will find out who authorized these and have a stern word with them. If all else fails, I'll arrange for Hiei to cook for them."

Even if Harry meant well, Goto knew he'd have to deal with this, and quickly.
-fin

Note: Assume 2008-2010 levels of insane engineering where mechanical miracles were the norm

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Having reached the repurposed boat ramp that headed down into the water, Niiyodo let out a sigh of relief as she stepped from the water onto the ramp itself. Around her, her rigging vanished into a cloud of sparkles and motes of light. "Hopefully not all the food is gone from the mess hall."

Laughs from behind her caused her to turn to see Montana shake her head. The Battleship then tipped the brim of her hat a bit. "Now don't you worry, I'm sure that they got some food for us. Especially since we had to handle patrol duties due to the signing of that treaty."

Only nodding, Niiyodo let out a soft sigh. "You're probably right." She then turned to the shipgirl beside her who was stretching a bit. "How about you, Ryuuhou-San?"

The Light Carrier licked her lips a bit before frowning thoughtfully. "I hope that they have some cinnamon buns left over." One hand on her belly, she smiled. "After all, I think that we all deserve some."

A chuckle though caused them to look up the ramp to see Harry there with Louisiana just behind him. "Don't worry, if they don't have anything for you then I'll make sure to cook you all up something."

Shimushu's eyes lit up a bit. "Really, Su? You mean that, Su?"

Chuckling, Harry looked between them and nodded though he noticed Louisiana softly talking with Montana. "Yeah, I do. And don't worry, I got the stuff to make your pancakes if needed, Kuna-San. Plenty of it."

The small Escort Boat, sister to Shimushu stood up straighter and nodded. "Thanks, Harry-San!"

Before the conversation could get any further though, Ooyodo appeared with Supprin behind her. Making her way down the ramp, Ooyodo hugged her younger sister which brought a smile to Niiyodo's face. No matter how often Ooyodo did this, Niiyodo never got tired of it. In fact, she rather enjoyed it as it told her that her sister missed her. "Welcome back, Niiyodo-Chan."

Hugging her sister back, Niiyodo nodded. "It's good to be back, Onee-Sama." For a moment, she tightened the hug. "Really good to be back."

With a slow nod, Ooyodo slowly let go. "Agreed." Giving her sister a once over, the Light Cruiser hummed. "I'm thankful that you didn't get hurt as we heard you got into a small fight."

Much to her surprise, Montana let out a booming laugh. "Small is right. All of us took out those Abyssals we came across easy peasy." Fingers snapping, she jerked her thumb at herself. "What between myself, Ryuuhou, and Niiyodo here, the escorts were done for."

That caused Ooyodo to raise an eyebrow in askance. "Escorts? What sort of Abyssals did you fight?" Seeing them glance at Supprin, Ooyodo shook her head. "Teitoku already cleared any information for her."

Only nodding, Niiyodo took a deep breath and then let it out. "There's not much to tell, we came across an Abyssal convoy two days ago. It was mostly Destroyers escorting several Wa-class transports." Unseen by Niiyodo, but noticed by Ooyodo, Supprin gave a small wince at the mention of the transports. "Ryuuhou-San spotted them and attacked the escorts, with Montana helping. Shorting after, I got in range myself." She then shrugged. "The transports were attacked and sunk by Shimushu-Kun and Kuna-Kun."

Raising an eyebrow, Ooyodo turned to said Escorts who puffed out their chests and she nodded. "Congradulations you two. But transports are rather easy, so don't underestimate your foes."

Both small shipgirls blinked and then blushed, but still nodded. "Hai!"

In reply, Ooyodo gave them both pats on the head which they enjoyed. "Still, good work." Glancing at her watch, the Light Cruiser gave a nod. "I should let you all go so that you can report in with Teitoku. Perhaps we can share lunch together. Niiyodo-Chan?"

Expression brightening, Niiyodo nodded with a large smile that was returned by one from Ooyodo. "Hai, that sounds wonderful, Onee-Sama!" GIving Ooyodo one last hug, she began to walk off with Harry. "See you at lunch, Onee-Sama!"

Waving back, Ooyodo had a thoughtful expression on her face as she turned towards Supprin. Meanwhile, Harry was walking between Niiyodo and Ryuuhou, giving them both a smile. "So a great patrol then?"

Softly blushing, Ryuuhou nodded some. "It was, for which I'm thankful for." Then she blinked and turned towards Harry. "By the way, how did the reception after the signing go?"

Harry frowned a bit before shrugging. "Okay, I guess. There were a lot of stuffy people there, but I had some fun dancing with Shinano-Chan and some of the others. I even danced with Louisiana! And so did Natsumi-Chan."

Amused, Montana turned towards her blushing sister with a twinkle in her eye. "I see, so then I can assume that you enjoyed yourself there, Sis?"

Despite the slight embarrassment, and knowledge of how she was going to get teased later on, Louisiana chuckled. "Oui, I enjoyed myself. It was a lot of fun dancing, though some of those there..." Trailing off, Louisiana waved one hand. "C'est la vie."

Only nodding, Montana placed her hands into her pockets with a snort. "I can imagine. But then, better you then me, Sis. SecNav only knows how I might have reacted to some of them."

That got a chuckle out of the other Battleship. Meanwhile, Harry noticed a slightly saddened look on Niiyodo's face. "Is something wrong, Niiyodo-Chan?"

Jerking a bit, the Cruiser blinked and looked at him. "Something wrong?" At his nod, she shook her head. "Why would you think that something was wrong?"

While he frowned, Harry also narrowed his eyes. "You looked sad at the mention of the reception. Unless..." For a moment, realization could be seen on his face before it became empathic. "You wanted to go as well."

A slight wince escaped from Niiyodo, but she finally nodded. "Um, well... I did." Sighing, she shook her head. "But someone needed to perform the patrols and... Onee-Sama and the others are more well known and better suited for it."

Eyes narrowed, Harry considered this before a thought occurred to him. Instead of saying what was on his mind as he rolled the idea around in his head, Harry changed the subject. "Hey, Niiyodo-Chan? I have an idea to make you feel better!"

Interested, Niiyodo turned towards him as did the others. "Really? What idea is that, Harry-Chan?"

Now grinning, Harry placed his hands behind his head. "Well, according to Miyuki-San, the owner of the ice cream place she works at is having a special on. Any shipgirls get two for one in prices, so we can go there and celebrate! You know, because you had a successful mission and because of the treaty being signed."

It took a few moments, but Niiyodo glanced at the others. At the sight of Shimushu and Kunashiri drooling a bit, she chuckled. "I think that's a pretty good idea, Harry-Chan."

All Harry did was smile back at her though internally he continued to plan and scheme.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

At the boat ramp, Ooyodo watched as the group containing her sister got out of hearing range before nodding. "Good, they won't hear." Turning, she gave Supprin a narrowed eyed look. "What was that about?"

Confused, Supprin blinked a bit. "What was what about?"

If anything, Ooyodo narrowed her eyes a bit more. "The flinch you gave when my sister mentioned the Wa-Class that they sank." She then pointed at the Abyssal Princess. "Like the one that you just gave right now."

With another flinch, Supprin glanced around and found that there was no one in hearing range. Much to Ooyodo's surprise though, she shook her head. "Not... here. Not where we can be overheard. And I'll need Lady Wanko there as well."

Blinking, Ooyodo frowned some. "You need to have Wanko-San there when you explain? Why? And why not Hoppou as well?"

Much to her surprise though, Supprin shook her head and took a deep breath. "I would much rather explain in a place where there is less chance of someone stumbling onto the conversation. Lady Wanko is needed though in case she needs to explain more..." For a few seconds, she chewed her lip before shaking her head. "And it is best to keep Lady Hoppou from it as well, she does not like them. At all."

Even though she was curious, Ooyodo grimaced a bit as she felt the churning in her fuel tanks. "We're not going to like what we're going to hear, will we?"

Flinching, Supprin shook her head. "No, none of you are going to like it and... it is a good thing that we do not use them." She then frowned and nodded after a pause. "I have contacted Lady Wanko and she will join us at where your Admiral's office is. She'll be waiting for us there."

Simply nodding, Ooyodo gestured for her to follow. "Best that we not keep her waiting then."

As she shook her head, Supprin seemed pensive. "No, it would be best that we not keep her waiting. Especially with the subject matter involved."
_____________________________________________________________________________

Examining the map in front of her, Nagato raised an eyebrow. "So this is the new map for Ōkamashima? I must admit... this sort of map is much different from what I am used to."

Only humming as he looked over the computer generated map of said island which showed heights and depths. "I suppose that it is different from what you might be used to. But it is accurate." He pointed at a spot on the rim of the caldera. "Do you think that the guns there can be rebuilt?"

Leaning forward, Nagato frowned before opening the folder and looked at the pictures of what had been a gun emplacement which were taken from an aerial drone. But now it had been mostly melted to slag. "The guns? No, but it could be rebuilt I suppose. But then the question becomes why?"

Goto frowned as he continued to stare at the map. "The island has a strategic position which can cover both Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay." Reaching to the side, he pulled out another map and marked down the general area of where the island was. He then drew lines from it from two pensulas on either side. "It's far enough out that it can create a defensive line when combined with forces on both the Bōsō Peninsula and Izu Peninsula with Izu Ōshima as the fourth point. There's been some thought that was one of the reasons why it was chosen in the first place."

There was a thoughtful look on Nagato's face before she shook her head. "So they wish to station military forces there. Though with the spells protecting it..."

Much to her surprise, Goto shook his head. "There's been some talks with Ume-San and Sakura-San. They can manipulate the spells and move the hole in the barrier around. Even stablize it if needed." Ignoring Nagato's raised eyebrows, Goto pointed to a spot on the map. "The island itself is also too small for a proper base. And it was decided to leave the old dockyard area alone... Which means that anything built would be right here."

It took a few seconds, but Nagato blinked and furrowed her eyebrows. "That area is underwater though..." Then it struck her and she nodded. "I see, land reclamation."

A thin smile on his face, Goto nodded. "The water is only ten feet deep there which makes it attractive. It's also near the thickest part of the caldera wall from the outside, which means we can dig tunnels into the side for shelters. That said, the area given would still be too small for a base for proper military, so it will instead be used for a shipgirl base. That is, if they decide to develop it."

That caused Nagato to raise an eyebrow. "They haven't even decided yet to do so?" When Goto shook his head, she gave a snort. "I suppose that I should be happy that they're debating it considering the... history... of the island."

Grunting, Goto nodded. "Agreed, and that is exactly why they're debating it. While useful for the defense of Japan, we also need to take in consideration the history of the island. It will also need to be discussed with Sakura-San and Ume-San first as well. However, they still want us to draw up plans just in case."
With a sigh, Nagato grimaced some. "Of course they would."

Before she could say anything else though, a knock at the door caused her to look up. Clearing his throat, Goto raised an eyebrow. "Yes? Who is it?"

Moments later, the door opened and Ooyodo stuck her head in. "Teitoku? I have Supprin-San and Wanko-San here to speak to you. They wish to give up information regarding an Abyssal ship type under the terms of the treaty."

Despite himself, Goto was surprised and glanced at Nagato. Once she nodded and began to roll up the maps and put them away with the papers there, he frowned but motioned Ooyodo on. "Very well, just give us a few minutes to put everything away." When they were done and both Abyssal Princesses were seated, Goto gave them both a nod. "I hope that the two of you have been having a good day."

Slowly nodding, Wanko tilted her head some. "Yes... it has been... a good day... up to this pont." Seeing his raised eyebrow, she turned towards Supprin with a sigh. "Supprin wishes... to speak with... you about... something. I wish to... make it known... that none of... our forces make... use of such things. Neither di... Little Sister's."

Raising an eyebrow and feeling his stomach sink, Goto turned towards Nagato. At seeing the same unease he felt on her face, he frowned. "I see. And what is this something that you need to speak of?"

Just taking a deep breath, Supprin let it out. "Earlier today, Niiyodo with several other shipgirls returned. I was there as I had spotted Ooyodo waiting and engaged her in a conversation..." When all Goto did was nod, she continued though she was glad that her friend was not in trouble. "I overheard them speakin of sinking several Wa class and... I reacted in a noticiable way for Ooyodo to spot."

As it turned out, Wanko also tensed and Goto caught that. "Hmm... So I suppose that you have information regarding these... Wa class then? And from your reactions as well as what Wanko-San mentioned that neither of you like them?"

Wanko fixed him with a look. "I do not... make use of them... because I see them... as needless. They exist... only for... cruelty, nothing... else. The Others revel in... such things... but I have not."

That caused Goto to raise his eyebrows though it was Ooyodo who spoke up. The Light Cruiser was frowning in thought as she rubbed her chin. "We have always wondered about them. Compared to the other Abyssal classes, they always seemed to be far more wrong. And the fact that they have their arms bolted to their hulls raised questions."

Glancing at each of them, Supprin took a deep breath. "One thing that you need to understand is that the other Princesses and Demons only want to fight and kill. Creating an Abyssal takes time, effort, and materials. So to them, creating a transport Abyssal would take away from what they could be using to kill humans. Said Abyssal type would also need intelligence, which would increase the time and materials needed under normal circumstances. The Wa class was created using the least amount of material necessary from their point of view."

If anything, the sinking feeling in the two shipgirls' fuel tanks and in Goto's stomach intensified. Already having a idea were this was going, Goto swallowed. "What... materials do they use to create them?"

Only shifting, Supprin closed her eyes. "The organic portions which look human were... human once. Prisoners taken by Abyssal forces."

Having ignored the cursing from Nagato under her breath, Goto had to swallow his gorge. But when he spoke, it was with an undercurrent of anger. "You mean to tell me that those... Abyssals... are human prisoners." He glared at the two Abyssals in front of him. "Why the hell did you never tell us!?"

Wanko only gave him an even gaze. "We do not... use them ourselves. Also... they are no... longer human. It is... for the best that... you sink them. They... cannot be saved."

Still shaking in barely held in disgust and anger, Goto took a deep, calming breath. "I think that whether they can be saved or not should be left up to us, not you."

Even as him and Wanko had a stare down, Supprin shook her head. "As to us not telling you, it did not seem... important, I suppose. We've only realized how it may seem recently and have been discussing how to bring it up due to how sensitive it is. Unfortunately, we... just did not know how to tell."

Unknown to Supprin, they all translated that in their minds. 'Sensitive to humans and shipgirls, not to Abyssals.' A second later though, Goto remembered the report as to how Wanko barely reacted to the idea of Abyssals being brutally killed by something, with their bodies impaled. 'I suppose that they do have a different morality and what may seem awful to us, they shrug off as unimportant.'

Meanwhile, Supprin continued after waiting for that to sink in. "I'm afraid that Lady Wanko is right about how they cannot be saved." Flinching at the looks directed her way, she continued. "During their... conversion, everything not needed to keep them alive after a sort is removed. The organism on their heads digs itself in deep into their brain, tendrils burrowing through what is there and using it to control the rest of the Abyssal. To remove it would kill the being with how interwoven it is, same with removing what was human from the rest of the, um, hull. And... if captured, the Abyssal parts self-destruct, taking the organic portions with them. I don't know why, but I suspect that the Others find the idea of you capturing one and then it self-destructing before finding out what they are amusing."

Shuddering at the images in her head, Nagato shook her head. "Are... are they still conscious? Aware of what is going on?"

It was Wanko who spoke up at that point. "I do not... know if they... are. But they are... in constant pain... No relief and... do not rest. As I said... such a thing... is unnecessary. The Others do... it only because... they can."

Only rubbing his forehead, Goto groaned. "Great, just great... Just the sort of thing that I needed." Then he glared at the two. "Tell me everything and leave nothing out. And anything else regarding humans captured by Abyssals."

The two Princesses only nodded at that. Thankfully though, that was the worst of what they heard, but it still weighed on their minds...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Having reached the door to the ice cream shop, Harry looked over his shoulder at Niiyodo and the others. "Ready?"

The Light Cruiser only nodded with a small smile on her face. "We're ready, Harry-Chan." She then fixed the two small Escort ships with a look. "Don't eat too much ice cream you two. Remember what happened the last time."

On Kuna's face there was a sheepish look as Shimushu threw her hand into the air. "We'll remember, Su! So don't worry, Su!"

Slowly shaking her head, Niiyodo looked at Montana and Louisiana who had a small smile on their faces. Both Battleships chuckled and Montana tipped the brim of her hat. "Don't worry about us, Little Lady. We won't eat Harry's wallet out of existence."

Louisiana's smile became a grin which showed her white teeth. "Oui, we would not empty Mon Chéri's wallet." Placing a hand against her chest, she chuckled. "Though it will be nice to have some ice cream and not be giving it out."

Confused, Niiyodo glanced at Ryuuhou who shook her head in bemusement before shaking her head. American ships confused her at times no matter how often she worked alongside them. With that, Harry opened the door to the small shop and staggered a bit. Almost every such place had AC. Especially in Yokosuka where the weather was often hot and sticky.

But in this case, the blast of cold air hit them all like a fist from the arctic as goosebumps covered Harry's skin.

Quickly shaking it off, Harry walked inside to see Miyuki at the counter softly talking with her fiancé. Between them, a glass of soda with two straws sat on the countertop. Almost immediately though, Miyuki spotted Harry and waved at him. Making his way over, Harry grinned at the pale skinned woman. "Afternoon, Miyuki-San!"

Chuckling, she shook her head in amusement. "Good afternoon, Harry-Chan. Coming in to get out of that awful heat outside?"

With a shrug, Harry scratched the back of his head. "It's not that bad today, Miyuki-San."

Only scoffing, Miyuki shook her head. "Lies. It's just awful around here in the summer." Slumping playfully on the counter, she sighed. "Way too hot and sticky, nothing like in Hokkaido or in the mountains." That got Miyuki some giggles so she smirked as she stood back up. "Your usual, Harry-Chan?"

Harry nodded in agreement before looking at the others. "Yup! But I'm also paying for my friends here since they had a successful mission."

Glancing at them, Miyuki's lips twitched into a smile. "Ooo, buying shipgirls ice cream? You live pretty dangerously, Harry-Chan." With a hum, she leaned across the counter and gave her fiancé a kiss. "I'll be right back, Daisuke-Kun."

As she headed over towards the ice cream, Harry glanced at the man sitting on the stool as he ignored the visible portions of his artificial leg which poked out from between his pants and shoes. "Are things going well for you, Daisuke-San?"

Simply humming, he chuckled a bit. "Things are actually going pretty well, Harry-San." Leaning down, Daisuke shook his head. "Miyuki-Chan doesn't know this yet, but I'm almost finished my courses for business. After this school year, all we'll need to do is to raise up some money."

While he nodded, Harry glanced at Miyuki with a frown on his face. "The wedding is still in December, right?"

Daisuke also glanced at his love before nodding. "End of December as a matter of fact, it'll be nice and chilly so dress warmly." He paused for a moment before smiling. "It's the best time too for Miyuki-Chan's family to come down as well."

Only nodding, Harry's mind went elsewhere. "I'll have to think up a good wedding gift."

That got him an amused look from Daisuke before Miyuki walked over and set a bowl of ice cream down on the counter. "Here you go, Harry-Chan. A black cherry ice cream sundae."

Grinning, Harry nodded as he pulled out his wallet and glanced at the amount it cost. With a blink, he shrugged before handing over the amount and walking over to where the shipgirls were waiting. Behind him, he could hear Daisuke mention that the soda was a bit warm and, if he had looked, would have seen an amused Miyuki touch a finger to the side of the glass. Almost immediately, the entire surface frosted over before she leaned down and took one straw into her mouth, and Daisuke doing the same with the other.

When Harry reached the table that the shipgirls had chosen, he blinked as Louisiana placed a finger against her lips. Then she tilted her head back towards the other booth. It took Harry a moment, but he realized that it was Natsumi reading some manga in the other booth. There was a slight blush on her cheeks and she was so into it, she had not noticed the others sit down. Eyebrow raised, Harry placed his sundae down and then leaned over the back of the booth to better see what had his friend's attention. Moments later, he tilted his head. "Kitsune no Yomeiri?"

Body stiffening, Natsumi slowly turned her head. Upon seeing Harry there, she blushed even more and started to stutter. "H-H-Harry-Chan!? What are you doing here!?"

Just shrugging, Harry chuckled some. "I was just getting some ice cream for Niiyodo-Chan, Louisiana, Ryuuhou-Chan, and the others." He then tilted his head for a moment in confusion before nodding. "Oh! I remember now! That's that manga about the romance between a human and kitsune, right?"

Unseen by Harry, there was a highly amused look on Niiyodo's face. "They were also childhood friends, Harry-Chan. Though... don't the both of them have other love interests as well?"

Snapping his fingers, Harry nodded. "Oh yeah! Including a female tsukomogami who's in love with the kitsune, right?" A groan made him blink as Natsumi slid down her booth with her face covered by her manga. "Natsumi-Chan? Something wrong?"

All Natsumi did was shake her head. "No..."

Confused, Harry tilted his head in confusion as he heard snickers from the shipgirls. "Poi?"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Roughly two minutes later found Natsumi in between Harry and Louisiana. Of course, with both the size of the booth and the fact it was already occupied by two Battleships? That meant that Natsumi was squished between Harry and Louisiana. Placing an arm over Natsumi's and Harry's shoulders, Louisiana let out a small laugh. "Ah, ma chérie, is this not better?"

Natsumi only shrugged the best that she could with her face pressed up against Lousiana's side. Then she rolled her eyes in amusement. "Sure, I guess."

Beside her, Harry took a bite of his sundae and nodded. "Having ice cream is always better with friends."

From where she sat across from them, Shimushu grinned and pointed her spoon at Harry. "He speaks the truth, Su! Such wisdom from one his age, Su!"

Only shaking her head, Natsumi smiled a bit before shrugging. "I guess so."

Unnoticed by both Harry and Natsumi, Montana gave her sister a look. Even though she had not had even as much experience as other shipgirls, being a paper-only ship, Montana had read a lot. She did have long periods between sorties and patrols to fill after all. Not just the books, but also the Internet. And what a thing that was. Right now though? The Battleship observed the expression on her sister's face just as she had many times before. There was a softness there that was not seen except when Louisiana was around mainly Harry or Natsumi, usually both. Also on said face was a small blush.

Unable to control herself, Montana fired up her radio and watched as Louisiana blinked. '{Well now, aren't we comfortable like that?}'

Simply glancing at her, Louisiana gave a snort over the radio. '{But of course I am, Montana. They are very important to me after all.}'

Expression softening, Montana nodded slowly. '{I can certainly see that, Lu. Just one thing...}' At the look her sister gave her, Montana smirked and winked. '{Just wait a few years first.}' Much to her reward, she received a blush for her efforts and, moments later, said blush creeped down Louisiana's neck until it was under her collar. Of course, most of the reason was the chuckles from the other shipgirls and from the realization that the two of them had been broadcasting on an open channel. As Harry and Natsumi looked around in confusion, Montana smirked. 'Mission accomplished.'

As Natsumi shook off her confusion and took a bite of her own sundae, Harry hummed for a moment before he turned. "By the way, Natsumi-Chan?" Getting a sound to continue, he did so. "I didn't know that you liked reading Kitsune no Yomeiri."

Feeling heat in her cheeks, Natsumi paused before swallowing. "I... um..." At the looks, she finally sighed and threw up her hands. "Okay, okay... I admit it, I like it. No, I love Kitsune no Yomeiri! It's an awesome manga."

Just blinking, Harry glanced over at Montana who chuckled. Turning back to Natsumi though, Harry gave her a small smile. "Well, it is a pretty good manga. I like it because of all the fun shenanigans that happen in it."

Slowly nodding, Natsumi snickered and shook her head. "Well, I do like it because of that. Another thing that I like is how they portray kitsune in it."

That caused Louisiana to snap out of her embarrassment and turn to her. "Really, ma chérie? How so?"

Looking up at her, Natsumi shrugged. "Well, they got a lot of stuff right about kitsune. For example, how they act." She then held her hands in front of her chest a bit. "And for another thing, the kitsune on their human forms don't have massive balloons for chests. Like how they are in a lot of manga and anime!" With a sigh, she rolled her eyes. "Honestly, who the hell came up with that anyways!?"

Unknown to her, several Tanuki, Nekomata, Tengu, and other yokai with human forms throughout Japan paused to sneeze. Then they cackled a bit before dropping it and continuing on their way. Meanwhile, back in Yokosuka, Harry scratched his head a bit. "I, um, guess?" Internally, he continued. 'And you would know all about being kitsune because you are one.'

Only shaking her head, Natsumi gave a sigh. "It's just an annoyance for me." She then leaned forward thoughtfully. "There is one other bit though that causes me to read it in interest."

Looking up from her own ice cream, Ryuuhou swallowed before wiping a napkin across her mouth. "Another reason?" When Natsumi nodded, the Light Carrier blinked. "What sort of reason?"

Blinking, Natsumi finally shrugged a bit. "Um, well... It's a bit silly and all. But for some reason, it reminds me of something. Like it should be really, really familiar to me."

Just raising an eyebrow, Niiyodo frowned a bit. If one looked though, they could see amusement in her eyes. "It seems familiar to you, Natsumi-San? Really?" After Natsumi nodded, Niiyodo chuckled. "I see."

Eyes narrowing, Natsumi frowned. "You know something, don't you?"

However, all she got was grins and chuckles which made her huff. At the same time, Harry frowned as he thought it over before nodding. "You know, Natsumi-Chan... you're right. Huh... A lot of it does seem familiar..." With a frown on his face, he turned towards Natsumi. "Maybe we've read similar things elsewhere?"

Giving it some thought, Natsumi finally frowned. "No, I don't think that's it."

Both of them continued to think it over in deep thought before finally shaking it off and shelving it. Then Kunashiri spoke up which caused everyone to look at her. "I like manga too, they're really fun to read." As she nodded, she pulled out a book from somewhere. "I've really enjoyed this one!"

Harry blinked and leaned forward before frowning at the image on the cover of a ghost girl. One that looked really familiar. And when he looked at the title, he knew why. "Wait... 'Yūrei no kōkan gakusei, Myrtle-Chan.'" With another blink, Harry gave Kunashiri a look. "Where did you get that from?"

With a confused expression on her face, Kunashiri scratched her head. "I bought it from Akigumo the other day." Then she nodded. "It's a really fun read!"

As Harry placed his head on the table, Natsumi raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Hold on for a moment... Myrtle? As in..."

Slowly, Harry nodded. "Myrtle as in the ghost Myrtle who resides at Hogwarts? Yes." With a sigh, Harry sat up and held out his hand. "Could I have a look at it?"

Unsure, Kunashiri looked down at the manga before handing it over. "Um, sure, I guess..."

Gently taking it, the black haired wizard flipped it to look at the back with Natsumi leaning against him to also read it. "'Poor, Myrtle-Chan. It was not enough that she died in school, but the Afterlife didn't get much better. Choosing to come back as a ghost to haunt her school, somehow her paperwork got all mixed up! So instead of haunting a British boarding school, she is instead stuck in Tokyo all by herself at a Japanese middle school! Between normal school cliques, crushes, and needing to do homework, Myrtle-Chan has her work cut out for her! And that's not counting the Yokai owned ramen shop down the street or the odd alien invasion! If her life was boring, her unlife certainly isn't!'"

For several moments there was utter silence as everyone outside of Kunashiri stared at the manga. On Natsumi's face there was an odd expression before she sighed. "I... I just..."

All Harry did was nod at that. "Yeah... I know."

With a bemused expression on her face, Montana turned to Kunashiri and shook her head. "And how much did you pay for this? Especially with Akigumo."

Kunashiri shrugged a bit as she scooped up another spoonful. "Not much, Akigumo-San is going to be selling them at ComiKet." She then grinned. "And they're already selling like hotcakes!" Then Kunashiri's eyes widened some as she realized what Harry had said earlier. "Wait, did you say that you know Myrtle-Chan!? Really?"

More then slightly wierded out, Harry coughed. "Well, um, yes? I mean, she's a ghost who haunts my school, so..."

Eyes wide, Kunashiri squealed. "Is there anyway that you could get me to meet her? Because that would be amazing! Myrtle-Chan is so awesome!"

Just blinking, Harry stared at her and then at the manga. "... Now I wonder how Myrtle would react to both a manga based on her and having fans..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

In a dress shirt and pants, Harry stretched a bit as the Sun continued to slowly move behind the horizon. A smile was on his face as he looked to the side to where a nervous Niiyodo was in a sundress. "Excited for tonight?"

Relaxing a little, Niiyodo only nodded some with a slight smile on her face. "Hai, Harry-Chan." She then played a bit with her dress. "I just wished that I had something better for tonight."

Only chuckling, Harry placed his hands behind his head. "Well, it looks pretty good on you and it's not like it's a formal party." Shrugging, Harry continued. "It's just to say goodbye to Wanko, Regina, Revina, Supprin, and the others. Ron's heading back tomorrow with Percy and Warspite... And so is Hanna and Eugen."

A frown on her face, Niiyodo nodded some to herself. "That's true enough, I suppose. I'm rather going to miss having Hanna around."

Sadly sighing, Harry fought back the urge to kick a stone. "Yeah, I'm really going to miss Hanna while she's back in Germany." Then his expression lit up. "But she said that next year I'll be able to head over there and check out some things."

Hand on his shoulder, Niiyodo gave him a nod. "See? Now you got something to look forward to." Turning back to straightening her dress, she sighed. "I hope that the party goes well."

With a shrug, Harry smiled. "It will, just you see, Niiyodo-Chan." Just then, he spotted DesDiv6 walking towards them and waved. "Hibiki-Chan! Akatsuki-Chan! Inazuma-Chan! Ikazuchi-Chan! Tenryuu-Oba and Tatsuta-Oba! Over here!"

Grinning, Tenryuu guided over the rest to him. Much to Harry's surprise, she was in a dress as well. "Heya, Kiddo. Ready for the party?"

Simply nodding, Harry grinned right back. "Yup! I can't wait!" He then turned to Hibiki who said hi to him and then turned back to her phone. Much to Harry's confusion, she seemed to be really interested in something on it. "Hibiki-Chan?"

Tenryuu glanced over and then sighed at her. "Hibiki-Chan, what have I told you? Now put that away until after the party."

For her part, Hibiki blushed and looked down. "Sorry, Kaa-San."

However, Harry just moved over and frowned thoughtfully. "What were you looking at, Hibiki-Chan? Seemed like you were really interested."

Beside her sister, Akatsuki shook her head. "Something about big bears up in Russia. I don't see why when they're not cute."

Confused, the black haired wizard blinked and then turned back to Hibiki. "Bears? What sort?"

Glancing at Tenryuu who only sighed and then nodded, Hibiki pulled out her phone and showed Harry. "They discovered a bear up in Russia." At the curiosity, Hibiki smiled a bit. "In Kamchatka and it's the biggest."

Just watching the video, which while in Russian showed an absolutely massive dead bear, Harry blinked. "Bergman's Bear found?" Then his eyes widened some and he pointed at it. "I've seen those before!"

That caught Inazuma's attention. "Hwawa?! You have, Nanodesu? Where?"

Silent for a moment, Harry finally nodded. "Yeah, they're in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Their Kamchatka God Bears."

Yet again, there was silence as everyone turned to him and it was Tatsuta who spoke up after raising an eyebrow. "Wait, you mean wizards have known about them?" When Harry nodded, she narrowed her eyes. "I suppose that they've been hiding them."

Nodding, Harry frowned as the video switched to another one, which showed the bear alive and attacking a much smaller brown bear. "Yeah, they're spell resistant which makes them magical beasts. They can kill an unwary wizard, so..."

Once more, Harry shrugged which made Ikazuchi snort. "That's it? No super powerful magic abilities? No frost breath? Just... magic resistant?"

Rather amused, the wizard snickered. "Pretty much, though in the book it said some Russian wand makers use claws from it for wand cores and that parts can be used in potions. Besides, look at flobberworms. They provide potions ingredients so they're covered up too."

For several seconds he was stared at before Tenryuu pinched her nose and let out a sigh. "I'm not even going to ask anymore, I really am not."

Shrugging, Harry turned back to the video in time to see them go back to the dead bear. "So how big was it, Hibiki-Chan? Because it looks pretty huge there and the book says they get really big."

With a glance at him, Hibiki quickly read again as they continued to walk and then nodded. "About thirteen feet tall, Harry-Chan. They thought it was a mutant, but... they found others not too far away via helicopter." She then frowned a bit. "They think that it might be related to ancient Polar bears due to DNA."

A frown on his face, Harry furrowed his eyebrows. "Huh... The book never said that." Then he shook his head with a grin. "Kind of cool actually."

However, there was a worried expression on Niiyodo's face. "Harry-Chan? You said that the magicals covered these up, right?" When he nodded, her worry deepened. "Doesn't that mean that if it's been 'discovered' now, that's a problem?"

Thoughtful, Harry considered it before finally shrugging with a snort. "The magical world's going to be revealed anyways, Niiyodo-Chan. Besides, I remember reading that they're letting the less magical animals get found by non-magicals because then they can concentrate on hiding others."

Niiyodo only frowned before nodding. "I see..." Internally though, her thoughts were awhirl. 'I wonder... Could I track how far the Statute is broken by how many animals get discovered...'

Before she could get anymore in her thoughts though, Harry grabbed her hand and started to pull her forward. "We're here, Niiyodo-Chan!"

Recognizing one of the empty warehouses, Niiyodo nodded as she let herself be pulled along with a giggle. "So we're having the party here, Harry-Chan?" Just then, the door opened and they could hear the music blasting out with lights flashing. From inside Ron stumbled out with Warspite in her wheelchair, both of them gulping down air before the door closed cutting off sound. "Warspite-San? Ron-San?"

The two looked up and Ron waved to them. "Hey there, mate. Finally here for the party?"

With a glance at the door, Harry nodded though he was rather amused at the whole thing. "Yeah, you too?" As the two nodded, Harry noticed that Warspite seemed winded and was fanning herself. "Something wrong?"

Much to his surprise though, Warspite giggled a bit. "Oh no, it was just that things are getting rather stuffy in there and we needed some fresh air." Flashing him a grin, she shook her head. "Though the Abyssals are providing some air conditioning."

Quickly nodding, Ron jerked his thumb at the door. "Oh yeah, speaking of the Abyssals, Supprin is getting into a contest of the DJs with, um... Ashigara I think she's called."

Blinking, Harry looked between them. "Wait, she's getting into a contest against Ashigara-Oba?" At their nods, he grinned. "Okay, this is going to be awesome."

Lightly laughing, Warspite nodded. "I do suppose that is one way of putting it, Harry." Her expression softening, she tilted her head a bit. "Though I have heard that we have you to thank for this, Harry."

Only shrugging, Harry grinned a bit sheepishly. "Well... Some people missed the reception after the treaty, so, um... I thought that it would be nice if they had a party that they could go to." He then rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not a big deal, especially as it's not fancy."

Moments later though, he blinked as Niiyodo hugged him tightly. "Yes, it is." She pulled back some to seemingly examine him before nodding. Before Harry could do anything, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you." Pulling him towards the door, Niiyodo smiled. "And I call the first dance for you."

Needless to say, it was a confused Harry who was soon pulled into the warehouse as a bemused DesDiv6 followed.

 

[darthcourt10]

sasahara17

I had a quick look through the threadmarked snips and chapters, so I'm pretty sure this hasn't been done before. If it has, apologies. If it hasn't… it's about damn time someone wrote it!

-=-

Long before Harry went to Hogwarts, when he was much younger…

-=-

It was if the atmosphere in the clubhouse had dropped several degrees, and this time Hoppo had nothing to do with it.

Matsuda Aki and the Harry Potter-Nagato stared each other down with cold, furious looks from across the now ineffective Kotatsu. The bystanders, Hoppo, Inazuma, Hibiki and Akatsuki, had fled the heated table and were now huddled together in a corner, attempting to stay out of the line of fire.

Anyone watching the scene would get a sense that what was happening was similar to the Mexican standoffs seen in Hollywood westerns.

Then Harry spoke.

"My Mum's a Battleship. A proud member of the Big Seven, in fact," Harry said, folding his arms stubbornly while throwing down the metaphorical gauntlet for Ikazuchi, "Your Mum's a hopped up big destroyer minder, and my Mum's a battleship."

"And my Mum's killed battleships," Ikazuchi interjected defiantly, "With Waterline, too. How many ship girls can boast they've taken out Abyssal Battleships at literal knife fighting ranges with an actual blade? Not many... and your Mum is certainly not one of them."

"My Mum has 16 inch guns with an effective range of 30 kilometers. She doesn't need to get into a knife fight like your Mum does." Harry said.

"Aki-chan, Harry-chan, please stop." Inazuma pleaded to them from her little corner, prompting a frightened Hoppo, Hibiki and Akatsuki to nod along with her. "Friends shouldn't fight, nanodesu!"

Unfortunately, Inazuma's words fell upon deaf ears, and Harry and Ikazuchi continued.

"That's just equipment, not skill," Ikazuchi grinned so widely, Harry could have sworn he was looking at a Re-Class, "My mum's equipment is out of date even compared to me, but she's a thousand times more awesome than I am, and I use a boat anchor to beat Abyssal face in! Using a sword to kill a battleship? That's pure skill, right there, and that's awesome."

"But she's not more awesome than my Mum." Harry maintained.

"Oh, really? How many more confirmed kills does my Mum have and your Mum have again? Whose Mum slew a Re-Class abyssal in single combat on live television?" Ikazuchi winked at Harry, "This girl's Mum. My Mum's more awesome."

Harry bristled at Ikazuchi's cocky smirk, especially since he knew Tenryuu's 'kill count' was technically higher than Nagato's. His mum hadn't gone on as many missions as Tenryuu due to her duties as the Secretary Ship, and even when she did Nagato was often acting as part of a larger fleet, thus reducing the opportunities for Nagato to show her prowess in battle.

He was confident his Mum was more skilled than Ikazuchi's Mum, but since Nagato took to the field so rarely, Harry knew the amount of ammunition he had paled in comparison to what Ikazuchi could draw upon. Maybe it better for Harry to take another line of approach than be caught in a slugging match with Ikazuchi. There was other low hanging fruit he could pursue to win this debate.

"My Mum is the Secretary Ship of the Naval Base." Harry said, metaphorically ordering a full left rudder and steering clear of the existing topic, "She's one of the highest ranking ship girls in the entire country. She's responsible for the protection of Japan and the East Pacific, and has the direct ear of the Admiral-"

"So does Hoshou. And Ooyodo. And Kongou… especially Kongou." Ikazuchi said, mentally ticking off the large number of people who interacted with Admiral Goto on a daily basis.

"Ah, but how many of those people would the Admiral listen to when it comes to strategy?" Harry threw his arms out in a universal 'come at me bro' gesture, "My Mum is one of the best naval commanders in the world. Her plans are responsible for winning wars and saving lives. Everyone respects her for her brilliant mind, unshakable nerves and leadership. Your Mum is just a ship girl. A very good ship girl, but only just a ship girl … my Mum is a leader."

"So? Soldiers can be just as awesome as officers. We win battles!"

"And my Mum is the one who will win the war," Harry countered, pressing the advantage, "So what if she doesn't have a high confirmed kill count? My Mum's defeated more Abyssals using a map, a compass and a ruler than your Mum's done with that big knife of hers."

"But that's boring, not awesome," Ikazuchi bit her lip, clearly unsettled by the fact she was now on the back foot, "This is a contest about awesomeness, not how good your Mum is at paperwork."

"Nelson, Yi Shun and Togo are awesome, and they used maps, compasses and rulers," Harry fired back triumphantly, "they all did paperwork too! Face it Matsuda, MY MUM IS COOLER THAN YOUR MUM!"

"NEVER! MY MUM IS THE COOLEST! HAVE AT THEE!" Ikazuchi bellowed, grabbing a nearby pillow and launching herself across the Kotatsu in defiance of Harry's declaration to protect her mum's honor.

Inazuma, Hoppo, and Akatsuki screamed in terror as Harry and Ikazuchi promptly started the most vicious pillow fight in the Naval Base's history in the middle of their clubhouse. Hibiki for her part, merely looked at the chaos, shook her head and gave a long, weary sigh.

"This is not Khorosho."

-=-

MY MUM IS BETTER THAN YOUR MUM!



This snip was indirectly inspired by 'The Crying Battleship' by Watanote from the KANCOLLE DENGEKI COMIC ANTHOLOGY.

-=-

A/N – And that's it for this rather short snippet.

I thought it would only be appropriate that, since there are so many Mum boats on the Naval base, at some point some of their children should get into an argument about which of their Mums is better/cooler/awesomer/prettier/etc… Of course, children being stubborn, bullheaded and immature means that these debates invariably end up going nowhere (except in a hilarious direction).

This particular contest was between a daughter of Chunniboatmom and a daughter of Nagamom, but I can easily see the 'action' spread to supporters of Carrierboatmom, Sub-TenderMom, and HMS Hermia's TeenWitchMomboat (among other Momboats) as time goes by… and that isn't even exploring how the Momboats themselves will react when they realize there is some sort of competition about who among their number is the bestest Momboat ever.

This could be fun!

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The first thing that hit them when they entered the warehouse was the music. And that was quite literally as it struck them as almost a physical blow. Beside Harry, Niiyodo's eyes widened as she could feel her hull almost vibrating from the music. Suddenly, she frowned as she caught sight of something and tapped Harry on the shoulder. "Um... Harry-Chan?" Having gotten his attention, she pointed to one area of the room. "Is that RO-San over there? And who is that with her?"

Blinking, Harry turned in that direction and shrugged at the sight of blonde girls who looked a lot like how RO did back when she was Yu. "Um, I think that those are Uboats..." For a moment he frowned before he nodded. "Yeah, those are UBoats."

A laugh caused them to turn to where Hanna made her way over with something in her hands. "Ja! Those are the UBoats that came from Germany with Admiral Hartmann." Taking a swing of her drink, she smacked her lips and nodded. "As soon as they heard a party was going on, they rushed over."

Simply raising an eyebrow as she watched Hanna continue to drain her drink, Niiyodo frowned. "You're not drinking alcohol, are you?"

Hanna only returned the frown before she sighed. "No, it's just a ginger beer float." Expression turning slightly sour, she looked across the room with a small pout to where Harry could just make out Eugen. "If this was back in Germany, then I could have some beer. But Japan is different." Then Hanna gave a shrug. "Still, it is all good! A lively party with friends and family, good food and drink! And in the end, that is all that we need."

Chuckling, Harry shook his head with a grin. "Well, I'm not going to ask if you're enjoying yourself, Hanna."

Only placing her free arm over his shoulders, Hanna leaned down. If Harry was older and another sort of boy, they would have been grinning at the possible sight that they could sneak a peak at. Harry though just kept his eyes on his friend's face. "Ja, after all we're alive and is that not worth celebrating? Perhaps after my drink we could head out for a dance?"

To her amusement, Niiyodo inched a bit closer to Harry. "Actually, Harry-Chan promised me the first dance."

For a few moments, Hanna sipped her drink before smirking and nodding. "Perhaps later then." Giving a small nod, she smiled at Niiyodo. "I leave him in your hands."
Even though he was confused, Harry turned back to see Niiyodo with a small blush on her face as she watched Hanna walk back into the crowd. Shaking off that confusion though, he frowned a bit as he looked out at the dance floor. "Do you see anywhere to dance, Niiyodo-Chan?"

Frowning, Niiyodo stood up on her tip toes before nodding. "Right over there, Harry-Chan! There's a spot where we could get in." As they made their way over to the place she had spotted, Niiyodo suddenly giggled. "I think that Onee-Sama is enjoying herself."

Rather bemused, Harry soon spotted Ooyodo on the stage behind where Supprin was DJing with Percy, the two of them enjoying themselves. Though Harry swore that Percy looked redder then normal. "Yeah, it looks like they're really enjoying it."

With a giggle, Niiyodo nodded as she pulled Harry out into an empty spot on the dance floor and began to dance with him. "Mm-hm. It's great to see her enjoying herself and relaxing a bit."

Both of them danced for several minutes before they moved off the dance floor as Ashigara took her turn and played more energetic music. As they did so, Harry spotted Hoppou along with Revina in what had turned into a mosh pit close to the stage. The two Abyssals slamdancing as the music continued. It did not help that Wokyuu was just outside said mosh pit looking utterly lost and confused at what was going on. Turning towards Niiyodo, who was flushed but full of happiness, Harry gestured at a sign hung up on the wall. "Want to go and get something to eat?"

Just as she was about to answer, Niiyodo's stomach growled and she blushed some. But seconds later, her smile was back as they made their way through the various people at the party. Coming out of the crowd, Niiyodo smiled at the sight of the refreshments. Instead of the fancy champaigns and other drinks at the reception, there were two bars. One was for alcohol and the other was for non-alcoholic drinks. Patting Harry on the shoulder, Niiyodo pointed at the alcoholic bar. "I'll be over there, Harry-Chan, okay?"

All Harry did was nod and grin a bit up at her. "Sure, I'll go get something for myself." When he arrived though, he had to blink at the sight that met him. "Kaga-Oba? You're the bartender?"

There was an amused look on Kaga's face as she nodded. "Hai, I'm the bartender for the next hour or so." She then nodded at Jane who hopped onto another bar stool. "So, what can I get for the two of you?"

Glancing at Harry, Jane looked up at the menu hung up and then pointed. "Can I have a Shirley Temple?"

Only giving her a slight nod, Kaga's lips twitched. "You can, normal or using lemon-lime soda?" After telling her normal, she turned to Harry. "And you, Harry-Chan?"

For a few moments, Harry was thoughtful before he nodded. "Um... How about the Yamato Fruit Punch."

Slowly, Kaga nodded at that. "And excellent choice you two." To the two children's amusement, Kaga acted as if she was a bartender at a real bar as she went through various flouishes as she made the drinks. Once she was finished, Kaga then placed the drinks in front of them. "And here you go, one Shirley Temple, traditional, and one Yamato Punch." She then gave Harry a wink. "Careful, the taste will hit you like the guns of a Battleship."

That got her giggles and chuckles which made her gain a small grin.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The very first thing that Harry realized when he woke up was that he had an all too familiar feeling in his mouth. One that he recognized easily. Moments later, he recognized the second thing which was that he was being cuddled. Slowly, Harry opened his eyes and glanced upwards only to blink.

Mainly because Regina holding him close was the last thing that he had expected to see.

But sure enough, said Re-class was there holding him close to her chest with a small smile on her face. Her tail, meanwhile, rested on top of his legs as if it was cuddling him as well. Then Harry blinked as he heard a mumble and felt warm breath ghost against his ear. With a slow turn of his head, Harry raised an eyebrow as he realized that Hanna was cuddling him from behind. At the same time, he also discovered that all three of them were laying on top of Shinano who had a peaceful smile on her face.

A frown on his face, Harry tried to put together what had happened the night before. 'Let's see... I had several Yamato Punch drinks, including a Space Battleship Yamato Punch... Something about it mostly being syrup...' Then it hit him as he remembered the massive sugar rush that he had. One that he had kept going through most of the night while dancing and playing various games.

Then they had left to continue it as a much smaller party at his mother's apartment to her amused exaspiration. Except, by the time they had reached the Nagato-Potter family quarters, the sugar rush for them was rapidly turning into a sugar crash and ended up with them all falling asleep in one giant cuddlepile. Something that was confirmed when Harry glanced into the corner and could see Haruna and Rose cuddled close to each other, the Battleship protectively holding the tsukumogami close. A glance at another corner showed Hoppou being cuddled by Wokyuu and Wanko, all three peacefully sleeping.

Suddenly, Regina shifted a bit and Harry turned back to her to look at her face. When he did so, he met two red eyes staring into his own and a blush across her cheeks. Keeping his voice down, Harry smiled up at her. "Good morning, Regina."

Chewing her lip, Regina slowly nodded before whispering back. "G-good morning, Harry." With a look around, her eyebrows furrowed. "What happened last night?"

Just about to shrug, Harry stopped himself at the last moment. "I think that we had a sugar rush last night. Nothing too big really." A smile bloomed on his face as he nodded some. "Which lead to us all cuddled together."

Needless to say, that confused the poor Abyssal as she thought it over. "... Sugar rush?" Memories came back to her and her blush deepened. Especially at the memories of what she did after having too much sugar running through her. "O-oh... um... Right."

Still smiling, Harry nodded before he chuckled as softly as he could. "You're a pretty good dancer, Regina. And so is your tail." If he could have, he would have tilted his head some. "Uh, I did have a dance with your tail, right?"

Very slowly, Regina nodded though she blushed a bit. "You did after you promised to give it a dance..." Frowning thoughtfully, she looked at said tail who was still asleep on Harry's leg. 'It did enjoy that dance...'

With his own glance at Regina's tail, Harry shook his head slightly and turned back to Regina. "Yeah, I did." A frown on his face, Harry gave a glance around. "... Might be a bit hard to get a drink though. My mouth really needs it."

After a moments thought, Regina's sleeve moved a bit and one of her Shades scrambled out and then off her. Soon, it disappeared around a corner and not long after reappeared with a glass of water in it's tiny, spined arms. Once it arrived back at Regina, she took it and held it for Harry. "A-ah, um, here you go."

There was a small smile on Harry's face before he nodded. "You'll have to hold it for me because, well... I can't really move without waking Hanna or Shinano-Chan." Getting a nod of agreement, he sipped the water until it was gone with the Shade taking the now empty glass back. "Thank you, Regina."

Softly smiling, the Re Class shook her head. "You're very welcome, Harry." However, not even a few seconds later her face lit up in a blush as Harry snuggled into her. "W-what are you doing, Harry?!"

Only yawning, Harry smacked his lips a bit. "Still too early to get back up, so I'm going back to sleep." Eyes already mostly closed, Harry tilted his head to give her a small smile before pulling her close. "See you... when I wake up, Regina..."

Moments later, he was back asleep with the stunned Abyssal staring at him. Not long after though, she only smiled before placing her own arms around him. 'This... This is rather nice.' Somehow, Regina didn't know how, but the usual angry and hateful whispers at the back of her mind were at best muted, or even silenced at the moment. All she could feel was warmth surrounding her as she closed her eyes. 'Yes, this is very nice.'

Unnoticed by her as her breaths evened out and she drifted off, one of Shinano's eyes was cracked open. A smile crossed her face before she, too, went baack to sleep. The Carrier happy that her friends were all there and happy as well.
___________________________________________________________________________

"Here, try this."

Blinking, Percy turned in the cool, morning air to see a mug held out for him by a slender hand. His eyes then trailed along the arm until they reached Ooyodo who had one eyebrow raised as Supprin took another mug. Taking the offered mug, Percy sniffed it before giving her a questioning look. "Coffee?"

With a snort, Ooyodo shook her head as she sipped her own drink. "Calling it just coffee is doing it a disservice, Percy. This... this is drink from the heavens. Ambrosia which will bring you to full attention."

Simply raising an eyebrow, Percy glanced over at Supprin who seemed to be having a religious experience. Humming, the red haired wizard brought the mug to his lips and took a sip, only for his eyes to widen at the taste that washed across his tastebuds. For a moment, he simply froze before he pulled his mug away and stared at it. "What is this? It's like... like..."

Ooyodo had a small smirk on her face. "As if one took all that was good and right about coffee and created a drink that had such in it? That was as if it was coffee as coffee should be?"

Just boggled, Percy nodded. "That's... about right."

A small smile on her face, the Cruiser shook her head. "I once had this type of coffee called 'Black Blood of the Earth'. To say it was amazing is... putting it mildly." She then looked down at the dark liquid in her mug before giving it another sip. "I've attempted to create my own version. And I think that I succeeded."

To her amusement, Percy shook his head. "I think that you bloody well did more then succeed at it." Frowning, he narrowed his eyes. "Did you use magic?"

With a laugh, Ooyodo shook her head. "No magic, just a few odds and ends that I've gathered." Suddenly, a interested look crossed her face. "Wait, is there magic coffees out there?"

Percy gave a snort at that and gave her a small grin. "Yes, there is as a matter of fact. Some are rather amazing to taste..."

Now looking over at him, Supprin gave him a look that send a shiver down his back. "Perhaps you would be willing to take Ooyodo and myself one day to try magical coffee? I think that the both of us would like that."

Despite what his brothers would say, a fool Percy was not and he bought himself some time to think by taking another sip. Letting the rich drink wash across his tongue, he hummed before finally nodding. "I think that I would like that myself."

There was a victorious look on Ooyodo's face before she nodded. "All three of us would like that."

With another sip, Percy frowned before turning towards the Cruiser with an intrigued look. "You said that you made this necter of the gods, right?" Getting a sound of acknowledgement, he leaned in close to her seemingly not noticing Ooyodo freeze. "Would it be possible for you to tell me?"

After a moment's thought, Ooyodo tilted her head to the side. "Well... we do have some time before you both leave. And I suppose that I can show you my set up quickly..."

Smirking, she turned and gestured for the two to follow her as they continued to softly discuss among themselves. A conversation that all three were deeply into to the point where they didn't notice a grinning Kongou watching them from a distance. Said Battleship giving a nod. "You go, Dess." Then she winkled her nose. "Though I wish that they were more interested in black tea..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Gulping down some scalding coffee, the US Marine in the Yokosuka Shipgirl Mess raised an eyebrow at the sight before him. While he could have gone to one of the other Mess halls on the base, he was often used as a wrangler for the younger American shipgirls such as the Destroyers and Destroyer-Escorts. It helped that the coffee was good as well. However, even he could only look on in bemusement at the sight of a gaggle of shipgirls and Abyssals that walked in. In particular, the sight of Harry perched on Regina's tail looking as comfortable as could be. "Hey there, Kiddo."

With a grin, Harry waved at him. "Taggart!" He then turned to a confused Regina and nodded his head. "This is Sergeant Flynn Taggart. Sergeant, this is Regina."

Simply nodding, he shook the hand of the bashful Abyssal with a small grunt. "Nice to meet you."

All Regina did was give him a slight smile before nodding herself. "And it's, um, nice to meet you too I guess?"

Raising an eyebrow at them both, Taggart slowly shook his head in amusement. "Well, I'll leave you ladies to your breakfast." He then turned to Willie with a frown. "Ready to head back out, Willie?"

There was a grin on Willie's face as she nodded and gave a salute. "Yup! You bet that I am!"

Lips turned slightly upward, Taggart jerked his thumb towards one of the tables. "By the way, saw your brother over there with Iowa. No idea what they were talking about, but Iowa had that grin on her lips."

Highly amused, he took a sip of his coffee as Willie's eyebrow twitched and then nodded. "Thank you for that, I'll handle it from here... So if you'll excuse me."

Taggert only waved a hand as Willie stormed off. He was about to leave when Harry cleared his throat and he turned his head towards the grinning boy. 'He's up to something.' Outwardly, he frowned slightly. "Yeah, Kiddo? Something up?"

An utterly innocent look on his face, Harry blinked. "Well... I was wondering how you got here since the doors were still intact." The Marine's eyebrows furrowed a bit in confusion which only made Harry's grin grow. "So I was wondering if you used the red card, the blue card, or the yellow card? Maybe all three?"

For several moments there was silence as Taggart stared at him and then narrowed his eyes. "Kid, that joke is literally older then you are. How do you even know it?"

Snickering, Harry shrugged. "Naka-Nee told me about it."

With a sigh, Taggart shook his head and began to walk away. "The traffic cone told you about it. Why? Because of course she would."

Noticing the looks of confusion, Harry shook his head. "I'll explain later." That got him slow nods and shrugs as they went back to the far more important business of getting breakfast together. Once they were all sat down, Harry looked over at Regina with a sad smile on his face before he hugged her. "I'll miss you, Regina."

Brightly blushing, Regina hesitated only a few seconds before hugging him back. "And I'll miss you too, Harry. But at least we can talk with each other, right?"

Quickly nodding, Harry grinned at her. "Yup!"

Shinano frowned a bit before making a note in her log to talk with Regina over the internet. A thought then occurred to her and she turned to Harry and Regina with a slight frown. "Um, is she going to join the forum?"

Confused, Regina looked between them. "Forum? What forum?"

Taking a bite of food, Harry chewed and then swallowed before he answered. "Shipgirls Online. It's a forum run and used by shipgirls so if you have internet access..." For a few seconds, Harry trailed off in thought. "I'll have to talk with Naka-Nee, but I don't see any problem with it. Maybe add 'Verified Abyssal' as a tag or something. I still don't understand what possessed them to use a text generator as a basis..."

On Regina's face there was an adorable look of confusion. "There's a forum for shipgirls?" At their nods, she tilted her head to the side. "Oh."

Fork in the air, Harry gestured with it. "Yeah, South Dakota and some of the others made it. Eventually it crashed, but Naka-Nee and several others rebuilt it as an actual forum. The Fanworks section is pretty cool, especially some of the fanfics for Changing Destiny." Becoming thoughtful, Harry blinked a bit. "There's also a section open only for shipgirls and their families where they talk. Don't know if you'd be able to talk there or if we'll have to set up another section for that."

Scowling, Hibiki stabbed her fork into a unfortunate pancake. "Thankfully as some of the posters on the public sections can be annoying."

Beside her, Inazuma nodded. "Yeah, Nanodesu. I mean, I like talking with some of the people but others." A shudder ran through her and she shook her head. "No thank you, Nanodesu."

With a grin on her face, Ikazuchi shook her head. "But best of all is when you got Musashi and Jersey shitposting in the Vs. section. Just put up a thread about whether the Iowa class is better then the Yamato or vice versa and watch the fireworks fly!"

That caused Shinano to pause and turn towards the Destroyer. "Wait, that was you?"

A sigh escaped from Harry as he nodded. "That was her. Hence why those of us with Mod previalages need to lock them a few pages in. It's almost as bad as when Musashi decides to post in the World of Warships threads." Various others made sounds of agreement. "They almost get infracted as much as Aso."

Raising her fork, Hanna nodded. "By the way, did you catch her newest sockpuppet in the news section?"

Once more, Harry sighed. "Yeah, I banned it as soon as I noticed." Suddenly, he smirked. "She does make it way too easy to spot her though."

Looking around, Regina only blinked before she shrugged it off. Soon enough the conversation turned to other matters with Niiyodo speaking up. "So you're heading down to the Philippines with the convoy?"

Slowly noddng, Regina frowned. "We're going the same way so, um, Lady Wanko offered it. I think she said it's the first step to proving ourselves with the treaty signed?"

Around her, others nodded as they continued to talk and eat at the same time. All too soon though, breakfast was over and, not long after, Harry was waving goodbye to Wanko and the other Abyssals as they began their journey back south.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Leaves and twigs crunched under booted feet as the group lead by an older man with greying brown hair. "You said that you saw something up this way, Sean?" Turning towards the winded younger man, he just placed a hand on Sean's back. "Relax and get your breath back."

Slowly, Sean nodded some and pointed. "Ye-yeah, I found something just past these trees. You won't believe it." Moments later, they were through the tree line and he twirled in place. "See, Captain? What do you think?"

For several moments, the Captain examined what was before them. In front of them was a massive stone wall that encircled a village or small town. All around, there were huts made of rocks piled on top of each other and sod roofs. But in the middle of the town rose up a large hill with a path to the top and there, at the top, were standing stones. It was something seemingly from a history book. Considering what he was seeing, the Captain turned to the two US Coast Guard cadets beside him and frowned. "So, what do you think?"

The two glanced at each other before the female of the two coughed. "Well, we're just here as representatives so..."

With a small snort, the Captain shook his head. "True, but what are your thoughts? Surely you have some?"

A small frown on her face, the young woman scratched her head. "Well... on the other island we didn't find any habitation besides what looked like one of those Viking homes we found that girl in. But..." Sharing a look with her fellow cadet, she shrugged and held up a video camera as he did the same with a normal one. "We got plenty of video and before we leave we were ordered to make records."

Chuckling, the Captain nodded. "That sounds like a fine idea." As he started to walk forward, he gestured for the rest of the group to follow. "Well, come on lads! We're explorers right out from one of the stories I read my granddaughter. But keep in sight! All of you! We'll make our way to that hill over there to better see the whole settlement."

Nods and sounds of agreement could be heard as the various men and women spread out some. Walking beside the Captain, the young woman glanced at him with a slight frown. "So, um... you have a granddaughter?"

That got her a small chuckle from the older man as he nodded. "I do, and she's the apple of my eye..." A sigh then escaped him. "Even if I don't see her too often."

Just wincing, the young woman cleared her throat. "Um, sorry for asking then."

In reply, the Captain turned and looked at her before bringing one hand down on her shoulder. "Now then lass, nothing to be sorry for. I'm at fault for it after all." Grimacing, he shook his head. "My son and I, we had a falling out. He didn't want to be a fisherman like his old man and left for other things."

Placing her hand on his, the young woman slowly nodded. "I'm sorry to hear that, Captain Jack. But hey, we'll get to see them soon enough."

Slowly, the Captain nodded some. "I suppose so." Narrowing his eyes, the Captain let out a small chuckle. "Odd how being near death as we were when those monsters chased us makes one think and reconsider things. First thing that I am going to do when I get back? Tell my son that I am proud of him and will always be so. Then I'll give my little Anemone a hug like nothing else."

Eyebrow raising, the USCG Cadet chuckled. "Anemone, Sir?"

There was a twinkle in his eye as he shook his head. "Aye, not her name. But perfect for her just like she's a perfect little girl. Maybe a bit into books, but I love her with all my heart." Reaching up, he rubbed a bit at his chest which made the cadet frown. Catching it, the Captain shook his head. "Now, don't you worry any. Just a bit of strain is all."

Narrowing her eyebrows, the Cadet slowly nodded. "Of course, Sir." A moment later, she decided to change the subject some. "So... any idea as to where we are?"

While walking along, the Captain was silent and the Cadet was about to say something when he nodded and answered in a quiet voice. "I think that I know where we are, but at the same time I hope that I am wrong." Seeing the confusion, he let out a large sigh. "I've been a fisherman off Britain for most of my life, Miss Claire. I've heard and seen things that you wouldn't believe in my years."

On Claire's face, there was a frown. "Like those monsters that was chasing our ship, your boat, and the others?"

Very slowly, the Captain nodded. "I've never heard the like of those, no. But I suspect that many who met them never got the chance to tell their tales, if you catch my drift. No, I mean old legends and such." Reaching into his pocket, stick of gum and popped it into his mouth. At the look, he gave a grin. "My granddaughter. She told me all about how smoking is bad and so I decided to try some of this gum."

Chuckling, the Cadet nodded. "Of course. She knows a lot your granddaughter." After getting a nod, she frowned as they reached the bottom and began to climb the path towards the top. "So you know where this is?"

With a nod, the Captain adjusted his cap with a snort. "I thought that it was only a legend." Having gotten above the trees, he pointed back the way that they had come to where the Eagle sat sheltered in the channel between two islands, several smaller fishing boats, a cargo ship, and three sailing ships by her. "An island split in half by a channel, enshrouded in fog and off the coast of Ireland. A mystical place... the island of Hy-Brasil."

That got him a confused glance as the Cadet continued to film their surroundings. Behind her, the rest of the group continued their climb as well. "Hy-Brasil?"

A curse behind her caused her to turn to one of the others following. "Dammit, Captain! If we're on that island then no wonder you're worried!"

Now completely lost, the two Cadets looked between the fishing crew and the silent Captain. "Why? What's so bad about the island."

Slowly, the Captain turned and gave their surroundings a piercing look. "Because the island does not appear except for every seven years, Lass. It appears out of the fogs and then vanishes, not to be seen for another seven years. And we've been trapped here by that blasted fog for almost a week. But it's breaking up and we'll be heading home." Leaning in, he gave her a frown. "We're no longer in the land of the mortals, we're in the Realm of the Fair Folk, we are."

Bemused, the male Cadet made a snort. "You mean that there's fairies and stuff here?"

Moments later, one of the fisherman clapped a hand over his mouth and looked around. "Lad, if you're smart then don't be insulting the Fair Folk. Not here where their power is strongest."

Then the fisherman released him as they looked around them nervously. But they were calmed by their Captain shaking his head. "If the Fair Folk be around, then they're not bothering us. At least, not yet." Eyes narrowed as they reached the top, he nodded some. "Likely want us gone as much as we want to be gone. Still, best not to borrow any trouble."

Standing on top of the hill, Claire looked around before pointing towards a building. "Should we check there? It looks like a meeting hall of some sort."

With a nod, the Captain frowned. "It does at that. If there's any sign of where people may be, perhaps there... though best not to take any food or drink if offered."

As it turned out, there was no need for that warning as a half hour later they stood just inside the large hall. Behind the Captain and Claire, one of the fisherman crossed himself and began to mutter as the male Cadet swallowed and turned to his friend. "I don't think that this is a meeting hall, Claire..."

Taking a step forward, the Captain surveyed the room. "No... not a meeting hall, or at least anymore." Before them, the hall stretched out with a central shaft over what had to be a fire pit. Above the pit, there was a spit which still had blackened bones on it and a pot off to the side. Along either side were large, stone tables with stone benches for seats. But that was not what caught the eye. "No, lad, this is a tomb."

Claire only swallowed at the sight of all the skeletons that were sitting at the tables. It looked like they died in the middle of something, their flesh flayed from their bones before they could react. Here and there, a skeleton held a bone in front of their mouths, frozen as they were about to take a bite. Others had goblets raised and over in a corner, one skeleton held a infant's close to her breast. And at the head of the tables, at the far end of the room, there was a giant stone chair upon which a skeleton sat. Upon his brow was a gold circlet and necklaces upon his ribs. "My God... What happened here."

Simply glancing around, the Captain shook his head. "We may never know, Miss Claire. I doubt that anyone will know what happened to them." Out of the corner of his eye, he caught one of his crew reaching out for a goblet. "Smith! Leave that where it sits!"

Jerking back, Smith gave him a look. "But it's just a goblet, Captain."

A stormy expression on his face, the Captain walked up into his face. "You're still young, Smith. But listen to me here, do not touch anything, leave all this to the dead. Do not disturb them and bring bad luck upon us or perhaps whatever felled these poor folk in the middle of their merriment." There were several nods from the other fisherman before the Captain turned back to Claire. "Take your video and photos, but we're going to be leaving as soon as you've gotten enough."

With a slow nod, Claire began to walk deeper into the hall taking video all the time. Thankfully, there was some light coming in from small windows as well as flashlights. She didn't argue with the Captain though as the whole place sent shivers up and down her spine. "You don't need to worry about that, Captain Granger, we'll get done as quickly as we can."

The Captain only kept an eye out as he nodded. "Good to hear, good to hear. After all, I want to see my granddaughter, Hermione again."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts Omake: "Hoppou Vs. The Boogyman"

I've had to go to work early, so no real chapter tonight. But have an omake.
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Tilting her head to the side, Hoppou blinked at her big brother. "Boogeyman, Big Brother?"

A small grimace on his face, Harry slowly nodded. "Yeah... when I was small and, um... at the Dursleys..." Hoppou still didn't know why Harry would wince, only that they were meanies to her Big Brother. Thankfully for them. "Sometimes in the dark I would hear him go on about eating me."

Eyes wide, Hoppou clinched her fists which was rather adorable in her animal pajamas. "Boogeyman would scare Big Brothet and say he was going to eat him? Sounds like a real big meanie."

Chuckling, Harry slowly nodded as he stroked Hoppou's hair. "Pretty much. Never got me though... and why he had a Scottish accent I will never understand. Anyways..." Tapping Hoppou on the nose and making her go cross eyed, Harry grinned. "Don't worry about him, okay?" Once he was at the door, he turned around and shut off the light. "Night Little Sis."

Giving him a smile, Hoppou blew him a kiss. "Night Big Brother."

Just blowing one back, Harry closed the door. All was silent in the room as Hoppou began to drift off only to wake up fully as she heard something in her closet. "I want my baby back, baby back, baby back... I want my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs. Ach, I'm going to slather you in ranch dressing I am! And then I'm going to get you in mah belly! Just like I wanted ta do wit yeh brother!"

Suddenly sitting up, Hoppou looked at the closet and then walked over. "You big meanie Boogeyman that scare Big Brother?"

There was a snort. "Aye, that was me. All skin and bones he was, but I wanted ta nibble his toes before eating him right u-" Hoppou flung the door open and the Boogeyman could see two red eyes full of anger. "Oh... bugger me sideways."

And then Hoppou stepped into the closet. Several minutes later, Rose poked her head into the room to see Hoppou putting the blankets back on herself. "Were you doing something, Hoppou?"

Looking over her shoulder, Hoppou blinked. "Hoppou just taking care of big meanie Boogeyman... and having a snack."

There was something about that which bothered Rose, but then she shrugged it off. Sometimes Hoppou could be a little bit odd. Giving her a smile, Rose wagged a finger. "You know better then to be eating in bed, Hoppou. Now, you go to sleep and have pleasant dreams, okay?"

All Hoppou did was nod. "Hoppou will! Night, Auntie Rose!"

Nodding, Rose gave her a soft smile. "Good night, Hoppou, sweet dreams." She paused when she was about to close the door at Hoppou humming snitches of song before shrugging it off. Closing the door, Rose just walked off. 'I wonder what sort of song goes "Baby back, baby back, baby back"?'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Uh, right... Subject change!
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The waters of the lake were still for a few seconds before ripples made their way outwards. Said ripples were heading mainly in one direction, almost as if something was moving just below the surface. And soon enough, that something revealed itself as it burst from the water. Water ran off blonde hair as two red eyes glared out from behind a hockey mask. Within only a few minutes, the being had reached shore with one hand holding a large machete. Even as the water streamed off it, the being continued it's march towards the nearby home with none inside knowing.

Meanwhile, inside the home, Vernon Dursley's face had rapidly turned puce and was heading towards violet. His two eyes glared at his unwanted visitor as he growled. "I don't want you freaks here at all! So see here, who the bloody well do you think you are!?"

Eyes widening, Hagrid growled as he leaned forwards. "Who do I think I am? Who the hell do I think I am!?" Suddenly, Hagrid had two orange, triangular glasses on his face. Thrusting his umbrella up, it slammed point first into the ceiling with spiral cracks shooting outwards from the impact. "JUST WHO DO YEH THINK I AM!? I AM THE UMBRELLA THAT WILL PIECE THE HEAVENS! BELIEVE IN THE ME WHO BELIEVES IN YEH, 'ARRY!"

Just then, the Deadite Queen, Petunia, walked in with a grin. "Oh Vernon, whatever shall the neighbours think?"

Pulling out his shotgun, Vernon unloaded it into her. "Sorry Pet, we don't have time for this. Not if we're going to hit the drill sale at S-Mart." He then grinned. "Groovey."

With a blink, Harry glared at them. "You never told me my parents were wizards! Why didn't you tell me the truth!"

Ripper just glared at him before barking. "You wanted the truth? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

Suddenly, a machete smashed through the door. After several hits later, the hockey masked being could be seen glaring into the room. "POI..."

All Harry could do was turn and then blink as Snape was there in the corner reaching out to him. "Did Dumbledore ever tell you what happened to your father, Harry? Did he?"

Only shaking his head, Harry glared at him. "He told me that my father saved you. That's pretty much it."

Chuckling, Snape shook his head and took a step forward. "No, Harry, he lied. Dumbledore lied to you. Harry... I am your father."

Quickly shaking his head, Harry stumbled back as Yuudachi Voorhees continued to bust down the door. "No... NOOOO!"

Upon Snape's face, there was a sickly grin. "Search your heart, Harry. You know it to be true."

There was a burst of light and heat beside Harry and he turned to see a Roomba there in a middle of a burnt area. As the light on it flashed, Bismarck's voice drifted out from it. "Come with me if you want to live."

Getting onto the Roomba, which was shooting at a Naka made out of liquid metal with a shotgun, somehow, Harry's eyes widened. Mainly because suddenly all the colors around him blurred and mixed together as if he was going through a bad drug trip. Just the same, there was a feeling of speed. On top of Bismarck-Roomba though, Harry barely dodged being hit by several things that shot past on their own journeys. One was Kongou using an umbrella, another was Hood in a blue police box. Even South Dakota in a DeLorean nearly hit him, though Kirishima was in the seat beside her wearing an odd vest.

Out of nowhere, Akagi's face appeared in front of them and opened her mouth with them shooting inside...
______________________________________________________________________

Hands waving around, Harry shook his head. "And that was when my dream got weird."

Beside him, Shinano blinked before furrowing her eyebrows. 'Then it got wierd?' Shaking it off, she frowned a bit. "Um, how so?"

Just blinking, Harry became thoughtful. "Um, eventually we came across Haruna, who had a towel around her neck and said 'Haruna is okay. Don't Panic.'. Then Archie appeared from inside a goldfish and started to sing 'Thanks for all the fish' with the other Submarines..."

As he continued, Shinano only tilted her head. 'Um, wait a moment. Archie was singing something about all the fish? I... suppose that sounds like her?'

Meanwhile, Harry continued telling about his dream. "... And then Teitoku said 'Get in the damn Shipgirl, Harry.' and there was a giant version of my Mum, except with this hole in the back of her neck for an entry plug which I had to get into. Hanna soon showed up piloting a giant, four eyed Eugen and we fought Mutslug together..."

Once the black haired boy was done, Shinano frowned some in thought. "Harry-Chan? Do you think that it was the curry that you ate which caused you to have that dream?"

That caused Harry to frown some in confusion. "Curry?"

Slowly, Shinano nodded. "Yes? After all you did eat some curry last night after all."

Blinking, Harry stared at her some. "Wait, that was curry?" Head tilting to the side, he shrugged. "All I know was that Isokaze-Chan asked me to have some last night."

With a wince, Shinano nodded with a sigh. "Um, yes? It was curry that Isokaze-Chan and Hiei-San made it..." Then she frowned some. 'Though... I do suppose that explains a lot about why his dream was so odd.'

An unsure look on his face, Harry gave a small chuckle. "Um... I guess it was nice of them to think of me?"

Unable to help herself, Shinano began to giggle a bit which lead her to blushing as Harry gave a grin. The two of them simply enjoying some time with one another.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

I know that not everyone likes the Saint Brendan's stuff, but something hit me, so... enjoy.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Standing on the wharf, Radetzky placed her hands into her pocket as she glanced at the shipgirl and catwoman beside her. Despite the damage done, Thunderchild had healed up rather quickly and was now able to perform short patrols as she got used to her new existence. It helped that the various shipgirls there went out of their way to help her. They knew better then anyone what it meant to be cast adrift in a new world.

Which made the fact that they were welcomed with open arms by the islanders all the better.

That thought caused Radetzky to turn towards Katrina who was watching the ocean calmly. She had gone well out of her way to make sure that the shipgirls were well taken care of now that they were there. In fact, Katrina had gifted them the old ICW compound. A fact which made all of them happy as being in what amounted to a mansion showed more then anything just how much the islanders cared for their comfort. It helped them a lot to be welcomed as they were being that they were a fleet for a country that no longer existed. Even if Saint Brendan's belonged, technically, to Britain they were as alone in the world as K. u. K. Kriegsmarine was. Shaking off her thoughts though, Radetzky noticed that Katrina was looking at her. "Ma'am?"

Lips twitching, the catwoman shook her head. "I was wondering how the work on the... airstrip you are building is going?"

Her own lips curling up in a smile, Radetzky chuckled a bit. "It's going quite well as a matter of fact. Some of the girls have nearly finished compacting down the airstrip itself and the control terminal. It should be ready for the delegation from Britain and the EU to arrive though in a few weeks for their negotiations with you." Seeing the slightly worried look on Katrina's face, she made a motion with her hand. "Do not worry about it, they will help. After all, they sent us to help protect you."

Slowly nodding, Katrina still frowned. "Yes, and for that they have my thanks and gratitude. But please excuse me if I still harbour some doubts. History has shown us to be cautious with those outside the island."

Instead of scorn though, she only got a laugh from Radetzky, though there was something cold in it. "Ah, we know the feeling." Eyes turning distant, Ratdetzky grimaced. "Our own experiences have made us... wary, of trusting others after all, even those who present themselves as open and friendly or honorable. So we of all people can understand where you may be coming from." They soon lapsed into silence before she cleared her throat so as to change the subject. "I must admit, Ma'am, none of us were aware that you had a cargo ship."

Blinking as she was brought out of her own thoughts, Katrina chuckled a bit. "I suppose that it does seem a bit of an oddity. However, as easy as it may seem to simply transport materials through methods such as the Floo, there are a few issues. For example, a person can only carry so much on them even with enlarged spaces. Much easier to use cargo vessels to bring material back and forth, especially with expanded spaces."
Just nodding as that did make sense, the Battleship hummed to herself. "That does make a certain amount of sense, I do suppose. But what sort of cargo vessels does the magical world use? In the non-magical world, they have those monsters they call ships, but the magical portion would not need such a large ship I would guess."

That got her a chuckle from Thunderchild who spoke up and gave her a fanged grin. "Would you believe me if I was to tell you that the magical world mostly uses enchanted wooden vessels right out of the Age of Sail?"

Eyebrows raising, Radetzky looked between them before humming. "I suppose that I would, though it is rather hard to believe. But why use such? Would it not be easier to use a metal hull?"

Sharing a look with Katrina, Thunderchild shook her head as one of her ears twitched and her tail swished a bit. "Wood is far easier to enchant then metal, though perhaps that is because it was once alive. But it holds onto such magic far easier then normal metal ships unless a lot of work has been put into them. There is also the fact that it creates far less questions when a person may make an order among a wooden shipbuilder for a old style vessel then it would for a larger, metal one."

Intrigued, and filing what she had heard away, Radetzky frowned. "But what sort of enchantments are we talking about. I would assume part of it would be to keep away non-magicals. However, I would still have expected them to be spotted on the surface of the ocean by someone."

Only shaking her head, Katrina chuckled. "Despite their looks, most magical vessels are enchanted to travel beneath the waves themselves at speeds equal to the current ones. That is the most difficult portions of the the magic involved, I'm afraid. There's others to evade detection but... unfortunately they do not seem to work on the Abyssals themselves. About the only ones that have little trouble are the truly old ones such as a black hulled one that I have heard talk of down in the Caribbean traveling between the islands. Apparently, it dates back to the Age of Piracy and was used as a pirate vessel back then."

Rather bemused, Radetzky shook her head in disbelief. "A surface vessel that instead travels under the waves like a Unterseeboot? Odd, but not the oddest that I have heard of in this time." Seeing that her two companions seemed amused, she crossed her arms against her chest. "Perhaps you would kindly inform me of the joke."

Having spotted something, Thunderchild pointed out at the water. "You're about to find out the reason why we found such funny."

Confused, Radetzky frowned and turned in the same direction only to stare as a Submarine rose out of the water. It took her a few moments but then her eyebrows raised in shock. "That's a German Unterseebooten! From the Great War!" Whipping her head around, Radetzky stared at the two beside her. "How did you come across such a thing?"

A grimace on her face, Katrina shook her head. "It's a... bit of a story, I'm afraid. During the Great War, there were a few wizards and witches helping out on either side. As the ICW did not have any true warships, we... managed to get an agreement for Thunderchild to perform some patrols to stop anyone from interfering with non-magical shipping in exchange for certain things. As distasteful as it is, there were those who preyed upon non-magical shipping to the benefit of one side or the other. Thankfully, the ICW at that time was slightly more open, unlike when the war with Grindlewald occurred... or more recently."

Thunderchild then took over. "On one of my patrols, we came across her adrift on the waves without any crew onboard. After investigating it, my crew took possession of her and I towed her back here to Saint Brendan's. Due to her being a cargo vessel, she's served as Saint Brandan's main trading vessel elsewhere to the world after they made a few modifications." Smirking, Thunderchild shook her head. "Her crew is experienced enough that she is very hard for the Abyssals to even catch signs of. And she does enjoy the thrill she is getting running the Abyssal blockade. But she does take her time to be careful and only left a trading post in England a week before... you know."

Fist clinching, Radetzky's cheek muscles twitched before she finally growled out. "And her crew? What happened to them that they would abandon her in the Mid-Atlantic?"

Several moments of silence passed before Thunderchild let out a soft sigh. "One of her crew bought a locked box that he was sure contained valuable items while in port. What it contained though, was a boggart which soon ran amuck in the hull. And when one is frightened of what seems to be a shape changing demon that is immune to weapons..."

Her face paling, Radetzky closed her eyes. "And so they abandoned her... most likely dying in the ocean in their panic."

Very slowly, Thunderchild nodded. "That does seem to be what happened, yes. She doesn't like to speak of it to anyone though, much preferring to speak about the journeys to magical ports and trading posts. Though hopefully she somehow... Summons herself, I suppose."

Only nodding, Radetzky turned towards where the Submarine was slowly making her way towards the wharf. She could just make out a ghostly form of a girl in a swimsuit standing on the bow looking at her in pure shock. The Battleship could also see the small glow of the enchantments on her. "I see... and what is her name then?"

Waving at the Submarine, Thunderchild gave a small half-shrug. "Her name? Bremen from both her logs and what she has told me."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"Harry-Chan! Wait up!"

Blinking, Harry carefully brought his bike to a halt and turned to see Ooi running up to him. When she came to a stop next to where he was waiting, Harry gave her a smile. "Ooi-Nee? Something up?"

As per usual when he called her that, there was a spark of something in her eyes that Harry couldn't quite identify. Something like pure happiness before it disappeared. "Not so much up as..." Expression becoming pensive, Ooi looked around before turning back to the curious boy. "Would it be okay if we talk as we go, wherever you're going?"

For a moment, Harry watched her carefully before he slowly nodded. "Sure, I'm just bringing some Bentos to the main Administration building. That way Mum, Teitoku, and Ooyodo can get some lunch and so can others."

With a blink, Ooi turned to the small wagon attached to the bike and realized that there were several bentos there. In a basket, there were also various sandwiches and there was also a cooler with what she assumed to be cold drinks. "Huh." Placing her hands on her hips, she gave Harry an amused look. "You know, if I had known that you did food delivery then I would have asked for you to so with me and Kitakami-San. Sometimes we've found ourselves wanting to have a small meal or picnic."

That got her a small grin. "As long as you pay the price, I'm more then willing~"

Stumbling, Ooi stared at him before snorting. "Maybe later." Her smile fell a little bit and she glanced around again. "Um, Harry-Chan? I've heard that you're going back to England for a few days?"

Only blinking, Harry looked over at her. "Well, yeah? I've got to get my school supplies and... visit my parents for Obon." At the reminder, Ooi winced a bit but nodded. "And Haru-San wants to see some of the items in my family's storage."

Confused, the Light Cruiser frowned for a moment. "Haru-San wants to look at stuff in your family's storage? Why?"

All Harry did was shrug at that. "My family's old and got a lot of stuff over the years. Apparently at least one was in Japan at the end of the Edo Era and brought back a lot of things with him. Haru-San wants to look at them and see if there's anything that she can put on display up near the Shrine."

Head tilting to the side, Ooi looked at him with an intrigued look. "She wants to display things that your family got? Up by the Shrine?" When Harry nodded, she scratched her head. "Uh, why?"

Simply shrugging, Harry frowned. "Something about attracting more visitors to the Shrine I think... Or something like that." He then chuckled a bit. "Apparently Natsumi-Chan is happy as she's leaving her in charge of the Shrine while she is gone." Turning back to Ooi, Harry tilted his head some. "So why did you want to know if I was going?"

Freezing, Ooi suddenly seemed to shrink into herself some before taking a deep breath. "I... I want to go with you."

If anything though, that caused Harry even more confusion. "You want to go with me? To England?" At her nod, he frowned. "Um, why?"

A grimace on her face, Ooi shook her head. "Mainly because Kitakami... Rika-Chan, is going home for Obon to spend some time with her parents."

Just frowning, Harry looked over at the Light Cruiser who was easily keeping pace with him on his bike. "I thought that they liked you though? Wouldn't they welcome you?"

Chuckling, Ooi rubbed the back of her head. "Um, yeah, Rika's parents are really, really nice to me. I'm practically another daughter to them. But... they still live within walking distance of my own parents and... Yeah, I don't want to deal with that." She then let out a soft sigh. "And I've had the suggestion that perhaps Rika-Chan and myself should spend some time apart so I'm not so, you know."

That caused Harry to raise an eyebrow at her. "Er... that doesn't sound like Kitakami-Nee..."

Much to his surprise, Ooi waved her hands in front of her. "No, no, Rika-Chan doesn't have anything to do with that. Someone, um, else suggested to to help me with something is all."

Harry's eyes were seemingly staring into her soul before he slowly nodded. "I see... And you need to come with me to England?"

Now sheepish, Ooi rubbed one arm. "Not really? But I really don't want to spend time alone in my and Rika-Chan's quarters without her there. And maybe I can buy some stuff for Rika-Chan while there too... So, um, can I come?"

Seconds later, Harry chuckled and nodded. "Sure, I don't mind at all, Ooi-Nee." Yet again, there was that spark in Ooi's eyes before he continued. "Anyways, you should probably let Teitoku know as well as Ooyodo."

Grinning, Ooi only nodded as she continued to run alongside him. "I don't think that there's going to be any problems with that, Harry-Chan." She then chewed her lip for a moment and glanced around. "And, um, could you do me a small favor, Harry-Chan?"

With a blink, Harry shook his head. "Sure, what sort of favor?"

After a deep breath, Ooi looked at him. "When it's just us, or Rika-Chan, could you... Could you call me 'Yuuko-Onee-San'? If that's okay?"

Somewhat confused, Harry only smiled and nodded. "Sure thing, Yuuko-Onee-San." Much to his bemusement, that spark was now almost a small flame in Ooi's eyes at that and her smile was nearly a match for the one she had around Kitakami. 'Wonder what that is all about?'
_________________________________________________________________

Unwrapping a sandwich from the plastic wrap, Goto raised an eyebrow at Ooi as Harry passed his mother a bento. "So, let me get this straight. Kitakami is spending some time with her parents and so you wish to join the excusion to England with Nagato and Harry?"

Back straight, Ooi just nodded. "Hai! That is correct, Teitoku."

Only humming, Goto leaned back and examined her. After a few moments, he looked over at Ooyodo with a slightly thoughtful look. "How much leave do the two of them have, by the way?"

Glancing through her logs as she took a bite of her own bento, Ooyodo slowly frowned before washing down the food with some coffee. "The two of them actually have a decent amount of leave saved up. And we did schdule them for being off and away at the base at the same time before now as usually Ooi would go with Kitakami."

Just wincing at Goto now looking at her, Ooi slowly shrugged. "Normal holidays are okay, but... Um, something happened last year so..."

Eyes narrowing, the Admiral went through his memories and then winced at a report he had gotten. "Right, understood then." It was almost a minute later before he finally nodded. "I personally have no problem with it. So who is going on the trip then so far?"

It was Nagato who spoke up at that point as Harry sat on one leg and opened his own lunch. "There is a few so far. Besides Ooi possibly, Iku and Yukikaze as well as Louisiana would be going. Haru-San is another one who is also going with us, though she might return earlier then the others."

Leaning back, Goto considered that for several moments before nodding. "Very well then, I don't see much of an issue with you going along as well, Ooi. I expect for you to be on your best behavior, understood?"

One could be almost excused for wincing at how fast Ooi nodded her head. "That won't be a problem, I promise!"

Fingers tapping on the table as he took a bite of his sandwich, Goto pretended not to see the thumbs up that the Light Cruiser had given Harry. Once he had swallowed though, he cleared his throat to get Ooi's attention. "That said, you should know of the other mission being undertaken currently."

Blinking, Ooi looked between them in confusion. "Other mission? What other mission?"

Simply placing her sandwich to the side, Nagato leaned forward some and clasped her hands in front of her face. "As I am sure that you have realized by now, while the Abyssal activity in the North Pacific along the Central Convoy Route has dropped, the outposts on Wake and Midway are still not fully secure. The Abyssals could attempt a blockade of them at any time... To say nothing of Hawaii."

A frown on her face, Ooi slowly nodded. "The Siege of the Hawaiian Islands?" Chewing her lip as she tried to remember what she had read up about that particular event early in the war, Ooi shook her head. "I thought that they used Submarines to break it?"

Grimacing, Goto shook his head. "The United States had to pull several of their Submarines off combat duties and removed the missiles from their tubes in order to carry supplies to the island and bring various, vulnerable people back as normal planes couldn't land. However, that could not be kept up, though thankfully the Americans broke the blockade when they started summoning shipgirls. That said though, the mission being undertaken is highly important."

Intrigued, Ooi looked back and forth before slowly nodding. "What sort of mission?" Then she furrowed her eyebrows and blinked. "Unless... It has to do with magic?"

With a chuckle, Nagato nodded some. "That would be correct. You know about the owl box Harry has been using to send letters back and forth?" As Ooi's eyes widened and she nodded while connecting the dots, Nagato smiled. "During a second trip to England when I dropped Harry off, I had several larger 'Vanishing Cabinets' commissioned. We'll be picking the finished product up when we go to Diagon Alley with three handed over sent to Kitsap where they'll be kept in a special facility under shipgirl guard. The other three will be given to each Wake, Midway, and Pearl Harbor, also kept under shipgirl guard in specially designed bunkers."

Slowly, Ooi grinned. "So if there's another blockade, they can just send supplies that way! That's... actually pretty smart."

On Ooyodo's face there was a small smile. 'And also for ease of evacuation for Wake and Midway... and explosive charges in the bunkers just in case.'

Clearing his throat, Goto gave Ooi an amused look. "Now then, I would suggest that you head back to your quarters and get ready. You do have only a few days before they leave after all."

Quickly saluting, Ooi nodded and was soon gone with the shipgirls and the Admiral sharing amused looks.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

With a blink, Ooi turned away from where Harry was talking with McGonagall. "Um, sorry about that, Rika-Chan... I was distracted."

There was a small amount of amusement in her fellow Natural Born's eyes before she nodded. "I can see that." Reaching up, she adjusted Ooi's clothes some. "You got everything, right? Nothing that you might have forgotten to pack?"

Slowly, Ooi shook her her head as she scratched her cheek some. "No, I got everything Rika-Chan." Frowning, she realized that the shipgirl in front of her had stopped and was now holding onto her shirt a bit. "Rika-Chan?"

Giving a small sniffle, Kitakami wiped at her eyes a bit. "Sorry about this, Yuuko-Chan. I know that you need some time away from me to help yourself, but..." Another sniffle escaped her. "It's just that this is the furthest that we've been apart in... ever."

In reply, Ooi reached up and took Kitakami's hand in her own. For a moment, she chewed her lip before taking a deep breath. "I... if you want, I can try and stay? I think that Harry-Chan would understand..."
However, Kitakami only shook her head some. "No, I'm just being a bit silly and selfish, I guess." Looking up, she stared into Ooi's eyes. "You need this, Yuuko-Chan. If you don't do it now, then you'll just keep putting it off. Just be careful, okay? And I'll see you when you get back and I return from my parents."

Reaching up. Ooi placed one hand on the side of Kitakami's head and then kissed her forehead. "Yeah, I'll see you then and make sure to get you all sorts of pictures, okay? I'll even see if I can't swing some of that magical ice cream Harry-Chan brought home last year."

Giggles escaping from her, Kitakami only hugged Ooi tightly. "Sure, and we'll have it while watching movies. Sound good? In the meantime, keep our Otouto safe."

A blush on her face, Ooi only nodded before hugging Kitakami back. "Hai, I will, Rika-Chan." Unseen by her friend, Ooi had a blush on her face. 'This... Rika is too cute like this...'

Meanwhile, Haru was smiling at her niece and wagging a finger at her. "Now, you keep a close eye on the Shrine for me. And don't be taking my leave of absence to have any parties there."

Rolling her eyes, Natsumi only gave a snort. "LIke I would do that sort of thing. I'm not Taichi-Onii-San after all."

That got her chuckles from her aunt who ruffled the younger kitsune's hair. "Hai, hai, I know. I am entrusting the upkeep for the Shrine to you for a few days though. Just make sure to give it back to me in one piece as I am rather fond of it."

When Natsumi rolled her eyes then, Haru grinned a bit though that grin fell away to surprise as Natsumi hugged her. "Come back soon, okay?"

Patting her on the head, Haru nodded. "I will, don't worry about that." With a glance over to where Nagato was, and getting a slight tilt of the head, Haru gave Natsumi another hug. "Now, it's time to go now and I'll see you in a few days, okay?"

Only smiling up at her, Natsumi threw her a small salute once she was let go. "Hai, Oba-Chan."

Haru gave her another wave before she joined the others in grabbing a rope. For her part, Ooi was staring down at the rope in confusion before looking up at the Scottish woman in front of her. "This will really take us all the way to England?"

With a slow nod, McGonagall smiled thinly. "It will. Though I would keep a good hold onto it if it is your first time."

Shaking off her disbelief, Ooi gave Kitakami a wave. "See you in a few days, Kitakami-San! Bye!"

And, even as Kitakami waved back and shouted one last goodbye, Ooi felt like an anchor hooked itself amidships and then yanked on her as the world swirled around. It seemed like a minute passed before they all slammed into the ground, Harry stumbling into Iku. The Submarine only giggled a bit as she helped him back to his feet. "Careful there, Harry-Chan."

There was a blush on his cheeks as he nodded some and rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry about that, Iku-Chan." He then furrowed his eyebrows. "I really hate Portkeys."

Even as she nodded, Ooi looked around and blinked for a moment. Around them, there was a green, grassy hill though she could see stone ruins not far away. "So this is England?"

Coming up beside her, Nagato fiddled with the time on her phone before nodding. "It is, in fact this land belongs to Harry." She then pointed towards the ruins that they could see. "That home right there was once owned by Harry's family."

From where she stood, McGonagall sighed. "Aye, I remember coming here to have tea when I was much younger when your grandfather sat on the Board." Blinking away some suspicious wetness, she shook her head. "A shame what has happened to it."

A frown was on Harry's face as he turned towards his teacher and tilted his head. "Professor, you wouldn't happen to know where there might be pictures of it?"

Caught offguard by the question, Minerva had to think for a moment before nodding. "I think that there might be pictures laying around, I shall have to look. Any particular reason?"

Only shrugging, Harry chuckled a bit. "Well... I'm thinking of having it rebuilt. If nothing else, it can be a place to stay at. Or I can have shipgirls come here to rest and relax."

For several moments, McGonagall looked at him before slowly nodding. "In that case, there are also plans in the Ministry. Seeing as you may have a few issues, Miss Nagato, I would be glad to go and try and find them." Her lips pressed together in a nearly predatory smile. "There are a few there who may remember me, after all."

None of them noticed Haru's gaze locked onto the only part of the building that remained standing before she shook it off and glanced at the Sun. "Seeing as it's roughly seven in the morning, how about we have a quick look in your storage shed, Harry-Chan? That way I can have a small idea of what we may be dealing with." Getting nods, she began to walk towards where she could feel the largest collection of magic on the grounds. Though as she passed by close to where Catherine's skull was, she faltered a little and shot the area a look.

And then she continued onwards.
___________________________________________________________

Looking around, Haru's eyes widened as she took in everything. "You know, when Natsumi-Chan stated that there was a lot of things here, I thought that she was just exagerating. But now?" Slowly, she turned to Harry in disbelief. "Just how many things has your family picked up over there years?"

Simply shrugging, Harry went for the book from the last visit. "A lot of things." Opening the book as Iku looked over his shoulder, Harry frowned for a moment. "Hmm... Where are the Japanese objects?"

Chuckles caused them all to turn and look at McGonagall who simply brought out her wand. "Rather easy to find out." With a complicated wand movement and a muttered incantation, there was suddenly what looked like a glowing compass needle in front them. Placing her wand away, McGonagall only nodded. "There we go, it should guide us to what we need."

The group started walking forward with Ooi looking at the arrow curiously. "How accurate is that spell? And can it be used to find people?"

With a hum, the Professor considered the question before nodding. "It's... fairly accurate, especially in enclosed spaces such as this. After all, one must be able to find items in their attic!" She then frowned slightly as it seemed to be wavering in two directions. "However, in larger spaces it can be..." Just then, it swung to point to the alcove where there were various weapons. "Less accurate."

As she chuckled herself, Nagato shook her head. "So a bit of a roll of the dice then?" Getting a somewhat amused look from McGonagall, Nagato looked back at the swords before blinking at the sight of a Katana. "Now that's rather interesting..."

Stepping forward, Haru took the sword from where it was hanging and looked it over before shaking her head. "Hmm, well this one is a kyū guntō. Rather good shape though, I have to admit." With a glance at Harry, she got a nod and but placed it back to his confusion. "Perhaps I may take it, but not at the moment." Turning, the kitsune paused and took another sword off the rack. "Well, I'll be... A shashka, it has been many years since I saw one."

Interested, Harry walked up and looked at the odd sword. It looked slightly curved and there was no guard for it. But the hilt held various decorations on it. "A... Shashka?"

Eyes scanning the blade after partially pulling it out, Haru hummed. "It's a Russian blade, Harry-Chan. I've seen ones during...." She glanced at McGonagall and then turned back to the blade. "My time helping catagorize items from the Russo-Japanese War, though this one is older." Narrowing her eyes as she ran a hand along the scabbard, Haru shook her head. "By at least a century."

Opening the book, Harry quickly wrote in the identification number and blinked. "It was originally owned by the continental branch and is made of goblin silver, though the goblins believe it was lost. My family apparently picked it up during a war a few centuries back against a Russian wizard. And it's name is... um..."

Just raising an eyebrow, Haru looked over his shoulder and frowned a bit. "'Zhar-ptitsa'... That sounds rather familiar."

Much to their surprise, it was McGonagall who spoke up. "Ah, it's called 'Firebird'." Seeing their looks, she shook her head. "Several years ago, Albus had a visitor from Russia and that was what he called Fawkes. I believe that it's their word for Phoenix."

Gently, Harry took the sword from Haru and looked it over. "Um, Professor McGonagall.. Goblin silver means that it's a very good weapon, right? I think that I heard that from Professor Binns."

For a second, there was distaste on the Scottish witch's face at the mention of her fellow teacher before she nodded. "Quite correct, Mister Potter. Goblin silver weapons are practically indestructable as only a goblin forge or magical flames can destroy them, can slice through most normal armor and some magical ones, and from what I heard such blades only get stronger over time." At the looks, McGonagall shook her head. "They apparently absorb special abilities from what they kill which can make them stronger from what I remember. In my youth, I came across a dagger which... had been used to kill a vampire and gained the ability to drain one of their blood."

That got her shudders before everyone turned as Harry placed the sword at his side. Seeing that, Nagato raised an eyebrow and walked over to him. "Harry? You're bringing the sword with us?"

All Harry did was nod and place a hand on it. "Yeah, I think that I'm going to give it to Hibiki-Chan. Maybe for her birthday or Christmas! She did say that she was looking for a weapon since Tenryuu-Oba uses a sword, Tatsuta-Oba uses a Glaive, and the twins use anchors. And it's called 'Firebird'! It's like it was meant for her."

Becoming thoughtful, Nagato considered it before slowly nodding. "That... makes a certain amount of sense." Patting him on the back, she nodded. "I think that she'll love it."

With a smile, Harry looked up at her before following as they continued following the arrow to where the rest of the Japanese items must be.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Becoming thoughtful, Yukikaze spoke up with a slight frown on her face. "Where is DesDiv6? I would have thought that they would have come with you..." Seeing Harry turn towards her, she waved her hands in the air. "Not that I mind coming mind you! This is the first time that Yukikaze is in England."

However, it was Iku who answered the question, not Harry. When she did so, it was with a serious expression on her face. "Hmm? Oh, DesDiv6 had to go for a sortie up north near Fukushima." At the looks, Iku just shrugged. "Shioi-Chan was heading up there as well."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow at them and looked between them. "May I ask why this... Fukushima place caused you to become serious?"

Wincing a bit, Harry shook his head. "There was an earthquake there and a lot of people died in the tsunami."

Eyebrows furrowing, McGonagall frowned some. Clearing her throat, she glanced at Nagato. "Tsu... nami?"

Slightly grimacing, Nagato nodded. "You might know it better as a tidal wave. But Harry is right, a lot of people died and it nearly caused a major nuclear accident."

Even though she was not quite sure what 'Nuclear' was, McGonagall nodded. "I see. But nearly caused an accident?"

Nodding, Harry placed his hands into his pockets with a frown. "Yeah, there was some US Destroyer shipgirls nearby bringing a convoy in when the earthquake happened along with Saratoga. From what I remember, Saratoga had her DamCom teams use her pumps to try and get the water out from where it was flooding the generators and then hooked herself up to provide power from her engines. The Destroyers used their pumps and firehoses to keep the reactors cool, so..."

With a nod, Nagato took over. "It was a very close thing and prevented it from getting any worse. As it was, there was still a partial meltdown, but not nearly as bad as it might have been."

Even though she was not quite sure, McGonagall nodded. If nothing else, she understood that whatever a 'Meltdown' was, it was bad. Moments later though, her attention was caught by something else and she smiled. "Ah, it seems that we're at our destination."

As the lights played over what was in front of them, Haru blinked and then blinked again. Slowly, she turned to Harry and gave him a look. "Harry-Chan... you stated that you only had a few items." She then waved a hand at what was in front of them. "This... is not a few items. This is a small collection."

Rubbing the back of his head, Harry chuckled some. "Well... it's a couple of items?"

That got him an amused look from Haru. "Just a couple, yes." Walking into the alcove, the kitsune made her way to where she could see several wall scrolls. With an extreme gentleness, she slowly revealed them and gasped. "Ukiyo-e... these are amazing..." Placing it back carefully, she then took two elaborately containers from the shelf they were on and set them down. Opening it, Haru shook her head. "Kaioke."

Interested, Nagato leaned forward. "How complete do you think they are?"

Slowly, Haru shook her head. "I don't know, Nagato-San. But..." Closing her eyes, she held one hand over the two decorated containers for several moments. Then Haru opened her eyes and stared at them. "Complete... they're complete collections."

Getting to her feet, she set the containers back and began to look around. Much to Harry's bemusement, the Miko was becoming more and more excited. "Um, so that's good then?"

Haru paused as she opened a laquered box and looked over at Harry in disbelief. "Good? No, Harry-Chan, this is not good... this is great!" She then gestured inside the box she was looking in. "Look! Just look at this! Right here we have a collection of Netsuke. And... and..." Holding a hand to her chest, she boggled at what was on a display case. "And right there are okimono."

At seeing her pause, Louisiana tilted her head in curiosity. "Is there something wrong, Haru?"

Looking back at her, Haru stared at first her and then at Harry before turning back to the iron kitsune. "Harry-Chan, your relative was in Japan during the 1860s, right? Did he ever return to Japan?"

Not sure where this was going, Harry checked the book and slowly nodded. "Um, yeah, he did. He made several trips to Japan after making a few friends there despite how disliked the ICW was at the time. That kitsune that you're looking at was made... just before 1900. Why?"

Very slowly, Haru turned to him and then looked at Nagato. "Because I recognized the work from the photo you showed me and now, looking at it, I am certain." Reaching up, she took several deep breaths and pinched her nose. "How your family managed to get a Sobi art piece... is honestly beyond me. And yet, here we are."

Jaw dropping, Nagato's head snapped to look at the kitsune figurine. "You're certain of that, Haru-San. This isn't some sort of prank?"

All she got though was Haru's barking laugh. "No, no I certainly am not! This place... this place is a treasure trove of history!" Suddenly, she slumped in place a bit. "I'd be at this for most of the day going through what is here, if not longer." Turning, Haru regarded Harry with a frown. "What am I allowed to take, Harry-Chan?"

Even though he wasn't quite sure why Haru seemed to be freaking out a bit, Harry simply shrugged. "Anything you want, I guess? As much as you want."

For several moments, it looked like Haru was not breathing before she finally blinked. "You're serious. You are, in all honesty, serious about what you said..."

Slowly, Harry nodded. "Um, yes? I mean, I already told you before we came here and..." He waved a hand at the bunch of items. "It's just going to gather dust otherwise, right? At least this way it gets enjoyed."

Much to his amusement, Haru placed her face in her hands. After several moments, her muffled voice drifted out from them. "Harry-Chan, you are far, far better then some." Pulling her hands away from her face, Haru gave him a smile. "Thank you, thank you so much."

While Haru turned back to look over the items, Nagato placed a hand on Harry's shoulder which caused him to look up at her. On her face, there was a smile. "I'm proud of you, Harry. So proud."

Now more confused, Harry nodded before he noticed Ooi and Iku by some items at another pile. Walking over as his adopted mother continued to talk, Harry blinked a bit. "Found something?"

Looking over their shoulders, Ooi and Iku blinked before the Light Cruiser gave a shrug. "I just found this box over here." With an interested look, she turned back to it and turned it over in her hands. "It's really rather pretty."

Interested himself, Harry glanced at the magical tag on it before writing in the book. After a few moments, he nodded. "That's a stirling silver jewelry box." Suddenly, Harry perked up a bit. "You were looking for presents for Kitakami-Nee, right?"

Confused, Ooi looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Well, yes? But what..." Trailing off, she looked between Harry and the jewelry box. "No... no, Harry-Chan. I couldn't!"

Only shrugging, Harry rolled his eyes. "Like I told Haru-san, Ooi-Nee, it's just going to gather dust here. And stuff like that wants to be used and cared for."

With a glance down at the box, the Light Cruiser bit her lip as she looked it over. 'Rika-Chan would like a small jewelry box... but this is...' Swallowing, she shook her head again. "It's too much, Harry-Chan. What if it gets stolen? Both Kitakami-San and myself would hate ourselves."

Moments later, Harry held out the book and pointed at a section. "Anti-theft charms. Only those keyed into them can take it or open it, unless they die first. Then you just need to re-key it to someone."

Chewing her lip, Ooi gently set it down. "I'll... think about it. I need some time."

All Harry did was shrug at her at that. Hearing Nagato call him over, the three of them walked back to where Nagato was as Louisiana leaned over to where Haru was muttering to herself. "Yes, Mum?"

Softly smiling, Nagato tilted her head towards Haru. "She's going to be there for the rest of the day. Therefore, we'll be heading to..." Turning towards McGonagall, Nagato furrowed her eyebrows. "The Burrow, correct?"

Minerva just nodded at that. "That would be correct. Molly apparently wants to welcome you all with a breakfast before they go to Diagon alongside you."

That caused Nagato to become thoughtful before she turned back to Haru and chuckled. "Well, most of us I suppose. But best that we should be off then."

With some final goodbyes, the group left Haru there among the various items as she wrote things in a small notebook.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Tired from his trip back to Kushiro, Tanaka yawned a bit before shaking it off as he reached toward the door to his office. "Hopefully everything gets done soon so I can get home. Man, that was a long trip."

Scowling, Akebono snorted a bit. "Only because you're as shitty a driver as you are a Captain. Honestly, it would have been quicker getting a driver."

Beside her, Kasumi nodded. "And you should get whatever you need done fast so you can get some sleep. Because otherwise, you're work will be worse then it normally is!"

As he shook his head and chuckled, Tanaka glanced at rhe silver haired Destroyer. "Don't worry about me, Kasumi. And neither should you, Akebono. It won't be too long I think and then I'll head to my quarters for some sleep."

Cheeks puffing out, Kasumi blushed before she growled at him and placed her hands on her hips. "W-worried about you!? What sort of garbage is that!?" Huffing, she turned a bit. "I just don't want your work to suffer. Nothing more and nothing less!"

Nodding, Akebono glared at him though it was ruined by the redness on her cheeks. "Like I would worry about a shitty Captain like you! Honestly!"

Lips twitching, Tanaka only nodded some before opening the door and walking in. The sight that met him once upon a time would have caused various reactions such as sputtering or boggling. Now? He just walked past his Secretary Ship and placed his hat onto the hanger. "So a Ryuujou day today, hmm Settsu?"

From where she stood, the Battleship Settsu blinked for a moment. Meanwhile, Akebono groaned as she took in the sight of the Battleship wearing a uniform identicle except for size to the Light Carrier. Granted, she filled out said uniform far better then Ryuujou. "Are you fucking shitting me, you shitty Battleship!?"

Raising her eyebrow, Settsu snorted a bit before speaking in a voice that would have been mistaken for Ryuujou's. "Ah have no idea what ya mean by that. Just look at my distinctive silhouette! Ain't no way this Carrier is a Battleship!"

Simply pinching her nose, Kasumi took a deep breath and closed her eyes, much to Tanaka's amusement. "Don't smack the Battleship, Kasumi... No matter how much better you feel, she'll like it more."

Ignoring the blush on Settsu's face, Tanaka just passed her by and sat down with a sigh. "So, how did everything go while we were gone then? Any problems?"

Quickly shaking her head, Settsu smiled down at him. "Weren't no problems at all, Captain." Then she sighed a bit and held her clipboard closer to her. "More's the pity as that means no punishment."

Eyebrow twitching, Akebono just glared at her and jabbed a finger at her. "Shitty perverted Battleship!" Scowling, she crossed her arms and growled. "At least this time you didn't steal one of my uniforms to try and pretend to be me."

For a very brief moment, Tanaka remembered that day and his eyes glazed over. But before any of the shipgirls noticed, he was back to normal. "Hmm... Well, it's good that we won't have any issues then. Good work." Seeing that Settsu opened her mouth, he shook his head. "No."

All that got from her was mutters of how he wasn't fun as well as a pout. Glancing at her, he internally sighed. While he was happy to have her firepower on hand, he understood she was only sent there because of her issues. Mainly dressing up as other shipgirls and pretending to be them. The fact that Settsu was able to copy their voices to where even those close to said shipgirls couldn't tell the difference was just creepy.

The fact that she was always asking to get punished for every little thing was another. Not to mention that more then a few suspected that she got hurt on Sortie on purpose, which was one reason Tanaka had her on Secretary Duty besides her being a Flagship. "Perhaps then we should schedule another training session?"

Just raising an eyebrow, Tanaka hummed for a moment as Settsu smiled at him with an innocent look. "I'll think about it... but you won't be involved besides an advisory duty." That caused her smile to turn into a frown. Seeing both Akebono and Kasumi look like they were about to explode, Tanaka was about to distract them. Thankfully, such a distraction came in the form of a knock on the door and everyone turned to look at it with Tanaka clearing his throat. "Come in."

Moments later, the door opened and what looked like a tired, teenaged girl walked in. Glancing around, she sighed and gave a small salute. "USS Amycus, ARL-2 reporting. Just call me Amy."

Slowly nodding, Tanaka got up with a slight groan and walked around his desk. Taking her hand in his, he smiled as he shook it. "Thank you for coming, we could use a Repair Ship here."

In reply, the mousy looking shipgirl only shrugged a bit. "Yeah, sure. At least I got some use I suppose... Stopgap my ass, just like always."

Coughing, Tanaka's smile became thin. "Well, just the same, we're thankful to have you here."

Eyes wide, Akebono looked between the shipgirl and the Captain. But it was Kasumi who spoke after making a T-shape with her hands. "Wait, wait, wait. Hold on a moment... You managed to get a Repair Ship assigned here? I mean, an American, but still! How'd you managed that!?"

Only shrugging, Tanaka took in the surprise on both Destroyer's faces. "I... might have called in a favor or two."

However, Amycus gave a snort. "Only because I wasn't really needed. My class were stopgaps to repair Landing Ships, but we can manage other repairs so..." She then shook her head. "Whatever. So where am I staying?"

All Tanaka did was walk back to his desk and quickly log in. Several seconds later, he grabbed a paper from the printer and handed it to her. "Here, take this." Once Amycus did so, Tanaka patted her on the shoulder. "That's a map of the base. And since you're here, I'll give you a quick tour as well as show you where the docks are."

That got him a nod from the Repair Ship and she began to follow Tanaka out of the office. Tanaka meanwhile was pretending not to see the happy looks on Akebono's and Kasumi's faces as he knew that the two would switch to annoyed expressions if they thought he saw.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking beside Harry, Louisiana stretched a bit in the early morning sunlight. Even in her civilian clothes, if they were anywhere else she would have gotten attention. Not that the Battleship would have cared as the number of such people she would have wanted attention in that way from could be counted on one hand. Not to mention, Louisiana was more then willing to wait a few years. "Well, mon chéri, I must admit that it was interesting to see what sort of things that your family has stored away, non?"

That got her an odd look from McGonagall who frowned as she looked up at the massive woman. "I didn't know that you were French, Miss Lousiana. I'm afraid that I was told that you were American."
Lightly laughing, Louisiana nodded. "Then they would be correct, Madam." Placing a hand against her chest, she bowed slightly. "I am American, but I am also Cajun."

Somewhat confused, McGonagall slowly nodded. "I see..."

Meanwhile, Yukikaze continued to look back at the storage shed with a slight frown on her face. "Um, guys?" Getting the others attention, she continued. "Should we really leave Haru-San alone in there? By herself?"
Blinking, Harry shrugged a bit. "I don't have a problem with it, I trust her after all."

However, the Destroyer shook her head. "That's... not what I meant, Harry-Chan. I mean..." For a few moments, Yukikaze clinched her hand open and closed before finally shaking her head. "Should we be breaking up the group like this?"

A hand on her shoulder caused her to look up to see Nagato giving her a smile. "Don't worry about Haru-San, Yukikaze-Kun. She's more then able to defend herself from anyone that tries and she is the best chance we currently have at seeing some of those items identified." Then she frowned and stared at the horizon. "Though... I wonder if some troubles might disappear now."

Despite the looks given to her, Nagato didn't say anything else as they continued to walk along. As they walked though, Iku spotted something and her eyes widened. "You didn't tell me that you had fruit trees here, Harry-Chan!" Seeing the looks, she pointed at some of the trees. "It's easy enough for the Sniper of the Seas to see the ripening fruit on them!"

Quickly walking over, Yukikaze came to a stop under one of them and bounced a bit. "Hey! She's actually right, these are fruit trees! There's got to be an orchard here!"

Chuckles caused them to look over at McGonagall who smiled at them. "It's not exactly uncommon for some wizarding families to have small orchards on their property. Mainly for use by the family, though more then a few sold produce back before the Statute came into effect. It especially came into effect just after the Statute came into effect as it took some time for our current system to come into being." Becoming thoughtful, McGonagall hummed a bit. "I believe that your family also had a stone shed as your great-grandfather bred Crups."

Eyes wide, Harry looked at the others. "Those are the magical dogs with two tails on them."

Becoming thoughtful, Nagato looked around a bit. "Professor, do non-magicals come up here often? Or have they forgotten about the orchard do you think?"

Much to her surprise, McGonagall shook her head. "I don't think that it's a case of them forgetting the orchard. There's mild muggle repellant spells around the property, so while they might see it from a distance, it would take one of strong will and sure mission to push past them. Idle curiosity wouldn't do it."

Unseen by them, Harry was staring at something among the fruit trees behind Yukikaze as she was walking back to them. "So... no one else should come here? At all?"

Turning to him, McGonagall followed his gaze and slowly nodded. "That would be the right of it, Mister Potter. A bit of a shame as the fruit would just fall and rot upon the ground. Though your grandparents always left out some of the first harvest. A family tradition as they told me, though why I don't know."

With a glance at her, Harry could tell that she couldn't see what he did. That McGonagall, for some reason, could not see the young woman dancing among the trees and watching them in interest and curiosity as she flittered from tree to tree. Behind her streamed hair that looked green, though that could be due to the leaves and vines entwined with it. And her clothing was almost see through as her tanned skin caught the sun and her eyes nearly glowed. "Huh..."

Eyebrow raising, Nagato looked in the same direction, only to just miss the girl who ducked behind a tree that was too thin to hide behind and seemed to disappear. "Did you see something, Harry?"

Frowning, Harry finally shook his head. "I... don't know." Eventually shaking it off, Harry looked up at his mother in thought. "Do you think that it might be possible to get someone here to harvest fruit? I don't like the thought of it going to waste after all."

That caused Nagato to become thoughtful and she looked towards McGonagall who shook her head. "As long as they know about magic, it would be allowed. Though I do agree with it going to waste otherwise."

Slowly, Nagato nodded but before she could say anything, Yukikaze spoke up. "Um, I think that you mentioned having your home rebuilt, right?" As Harry nodded, she continued. "Well... won't you need someone here to keep an eye on things? I mean... as it's being built? Because they could do some harvesting for you."

Considering, Harry slowly smiled and then hugged her. "That's a great idea, Yukikaze-Chan! Thanks!"

A blush on her face, Yukikaze nodded. "Y-you're welcome. Yukikaze is only happy that she was able to help you."

Now turning back to his mother, Harry tilted his head. "Do you think that we could send it back to Yokosuka, Mum? Imagine what Ooyodo-Oba would do to have some fresh fruit in the autumn!"

While she snorted, Nagato shook her head. "And she would not be the only one. Rose could also make jams and preserves as well..." Tapping her chin, she nodded. "And then there's possible animals... Something to consider for sure, and if not workable for us, then I am sure that the Royal Navy would be happy with anything they can get."

Iku jumped onto Harry's back as they reached the end of the property and giggled some as Harry stumbled a bit. Ignoring the slightly disapproving look on McGonagall's face, she looked around. "So, how are we getting to this Burrow place?"

Only sighing, McGonagall pursed her lips before nodding. "We'll be taking the Knight Bus. It's a common method of travel for wizards and witches, especially those underaged." She then looked around and nodded. "Now then, please pay attention."

Pulling out her wand, she held it up and there was a loud bang that caused everyone to jump as a triple decker bus appeared in front of them. The fact that it was purple was less important then how in their surprise, the shipgirls had gone right into a ready stance about to summon their rigging. At the confused look that McGonagall gave them though, they slowly relaxed with Nagato coughing. "Excuse us for a moment, we were... just surprised, is all."

Simply taking that as it was, McGonagall nodded. "I suppose that everyone is a bit surprised at their first encounter with it." At having spotted the young man leaning out the door and staring at the shipgirls, McGonagall cleared her throat and gave him a glare. "Mister Shunpike! Eyes front and center!"

With a wince, said young man nodded. "'Course, Professor... Sorry about that..."

All the shipgirls and Harry did was share a look.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Moments later, the young man coughed and straightened a bit. "Er, right then! Welcome to the Knight Bus, transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just hold out just stick out your wand hand and step on board and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike and I'll be your conductor this afternoon!"

Raising an eyebrow, Nagato frowned a bit. "Anywhere you want to go? Really?"

With a slight shrug as he tried to look impressive, Stan grinned a bit. "Well, can't do nuffink underwater. But if it's on land, then we can get you there." He then looked back over his shoulder. "Can't we Ernie?"

Harry and the leaned to the side to see an old man with thich glasses nodding as he sat before a wheel. But what caught their attention was that he was sitting in some sort of armchair. Quickly shaking it off, Harry pulled out his wallet. "Um, so how much for a trip?"

Puffing himself up, Stand was about to say something when he caught sight of Harry's forehead as a breeze moved his hair to the side. "Blimey! You're Harry Potter!" As he grinned, he twisted around. "Hey, Ern! This here is Harry Potter!"

Suddenly, he froze at a combination of Nagato's glare and McGonagall's own as well as the Professor clearing her throat. "Mister Shunpike! You are not giving a very good introduction to the Knight Bus to Mister Potter and others! Why, I have a half mind to inform your boss."

Only paling, Stan nodded. "R-right... Um, eleven Sickles each. But for firteen, you get a hot chocolate and for fifteen you get a 'ot-water bottle and toothbrush."

Rather bemused, Harry hummed. "Enchanted toothbrushes then? And do we get to keep the hot-water bottle?"

Turning towards him, Iku was about to say something when Stan nodded. "Tha's right. Got breath freshening charms and anti-stain spells on them, they do. How'd you know?"

All Harry did was shrug. "Well, why wouldn't you?"

With a second of consideration, Stan nodded at that in agreement. "Right-o then! And yes, you can keep the hot-water bottle. It's also charmed you see."

Glancing at his friends and mother, Harry handed over the amount for all of them and they chose various toothbrushes. At seeing the inside of the bus after picking their their toothbrushes, they blinked as it was just seats scattered here and there. Turning to Iku, Harry got a shrug. "Maybe they got some sort of magic that makes it so you don't feel the ride?"

Still frowning, Harry noticed that McGonagall quickly got in after telling Stan their destination and sat down before gripping the chair with white knuckles. Something that did not fill the young wizard with confidence. Nagato, Iku and Louisiana had sat down with Harry and Yukikaze about to when Stan closed the door. "Right then! 'Way we go!"

Before they could react, there was a bang and Harry was thrown back into something soft. He only had time to look up and see Louisiana's face before Yukikaze was sitting on his lap where she too was thrown, which itself was on the Battleship's. Throwing his arms around Yukikaze's middle, Harry didn't notice the Destroyer blush, even as Louisiana did the same with him. Thankfully, even with how they were all being thrown around, Louisiana barely moved much out of her chair. Part of Harry assumed it was MSSB and to do with her displacement.

The rest was just thankful for it.

Meanwhile, Stan just gripped the rail as everyone on the bus slid in various directions, some looking decidingly greenish. "Anyways, this here is were we were before... Somewhere in Scotland, I think, What about you, Ernie?"

Frowning, the driver hummed as the bus hit the curb and landed on the sidewalk. Thankfully, people and objects seemed to leap out of the way and not notice the bus as the driver shrugged. "Edinburgh's in Scotland."

Only nodding, Stan smiled. "Right-o!"

With a swallow as she tried to keep down her gorge, Nagato took a deep breath. "Doesn't anyone ever notice the bus though." Her hands gripped the chair tight enough there was a crack as wood splintered when they ran through an red light at an intersection and nearly hit a eighteen wheeler. "You'd think that someone might notice!"

Softly snorting, Stan shook his head. "Who? Th' muggles? Nah, they notice nuffink. Never do, ain' that right, Ern?"

Just about to comment, Iku's voice died in her throat as the bus hit the curb and went airborne. However, the fact that said bus, going at eighty miles per hour, was now flying through the air just above people's heads was the least concerning. No, what was truly concerning was the stone wall that they were heading for with a small door to a resturant. 'Gonnadiegonnadiegonnadiegonnadie!'

All Louisiana did was tighten her grip on Harry as he did the same to Yukikaze. Their eyes widened as they braced for impact... only for the door to suddenly expand wide enough for the bus to get through easily. Then the bus drove through somehow fitting as tables and people leapt out of the way and then snapped back. Nagato though noted a shocked Bismarck and Hood in civilian clothing at one of the tables and then they were in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Hood just blinked as the triple decker bus, which should not have fit in the room, vanished. "Did you just see..."

Leaning back, Bismarck frowned to herself before nodding. "A triple decker, purple bus? Ja, Hood, I saw it."

For several seconds, Hood was silent before she nodded. "Right. So it wasn't the food then."

That only got her a sigh from the German Battleship before Bismarck raised her hand. 'I need at least two more beer for this. Maybe three.'

Meanwhile on the bus, it finally came to a stop with nearly all the shipgirls being thrown forward. Nodding, Stan opened the door and climbed the staircase. "Jus' a moment please."

Sitting where she was, Iku slowly turned and looked towards Harry. "Harry-Chan..."

With a blink, Harry nodded. "Y-yes, Iku-Chan? What is it?"

Quickly wetting her lips, Iku took a deep breath before muttering just loud enough for him and the others to hear. "One... I never thought that I would be on a bus with a driver who's worse then Kirishima-San... and two... Do you want me to sit on you instead of Yukikaze-San?"

Not quite sure about the second, Harry shook his head. "Um, no. Y-Yukikaze-San is pretty soft." That got him a blush from the Destroyer and he continued. "And, um... let's never let Kirishima-Oba get into a vehicle like this."

It went without saying that everyone nodded at that as Stan walked back into view with a shaky elderly wizard who looked as green as they felt. Once he was out, Stan closed the door and nodded. "Okay! Next stop! Otterly St. Catchpole!"

Even though she would deny it, a slight whimper escaped from Nagato as with another bang, they were once more off before the bus somehow squeezed through a drainage pipe and then flew across a river from the speed. Hitting the ground, they all bounced in place before the bus turned. As it did so, Nagato could see that it had tilted so far to the side that she could see the individual grains in the pavement that filled the entire window. 'Oh Kami, I'd rather eat Hiei's, Isokaze's, and Katori's cooking then deal with this!'

Right then, the Knight Bus entered a tunnel with another bang and whipped around, at one point driving across the roof for a few moments.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Stumbling out from the Knight Bus, Harry sucked in lungfuls of air as he tried his best not to fall over. Moments later though, Iku was right there beside him with one arm around his waist as the last of their group, Nagato, left the bus which vanished with a crack. "You okay there, Harry-Chan?"

Quickly swallowing, Harry leaned against her with his eyes closed. "Yeah, I am. Just... give me a moment."

All Iku did though was smile as she kept her arm wrapped around him. "Take as long as you need, Harry-Chan. After that trip, well, I don't blame you." Blushing slightly as she felt his arm come up and around her waist, Iku glanced around. "It wasn't much fun at all."

That got a chuckle from Harry as he shook his head. "That's putting it mildly, Iku-Chan. I mean, why weren't the seats secured? At least then we could wear seatbelts or something and not get thrown around."

Blinking, McGonagall raised an eyebrow at him. "If they did that, then it would cause issues. Especially when they replace the seats with beds after nightfall, Mister Potter."
Needless to say, that bit of information got her looks from everyone with Yukikaze raising a hand. Getting a nod, the Destroyer asked the one question on hers, Harry's, and the other shipgirls' minds. "They... replace the seats with beds?"

Simply frowning, McGonagall nodded. "Of course they do. It is night time after all."

Eyes still closed, Harry only shook his head. "Right, of course."

Meanwhile, McGonagall began to walk. "Now then, if you'll follow me." As they walked, she glanced back and sighed. "I'm quite sorry, but I will have to be on my way once we arrive at the Burrow. I have a Muggleborn family in Ireland that I have to convince to come to Hogwarts rather then Púca Hill."

Intrigued, Nagato glanced to where Harry was now walking normally beside Iku, though they still had their arms around each other. "'Púca Hill?' I'm not familiar with anywhere called that."

Frowning, Harry shook his head slightly. "I know that a Púca is a type of fairy, right?"

That got him a small smile from the Professor. "Quite correct, Mister Potter." She then turned towards Nagato and sighed. "As to Púca Hill, it is a small Irish magical school, I suppose one could say. Its built out of a small keep in the Irish countryside but it's not considered a true school by the Ministry of Magic or by the Educational Office of the ICW and so is not registered as such by either."

However, that only interested Nagato even more. "Oh? Why not?" Seeing the confusion on McGonagall's face, she waved a hand. "I would assume that each country would at least have a school of their own."

Chuckling, McGonagall shook her head. "Perhaps, but that is not true in reality. For example, Hogwarts is the only registered school here in Great Britain for general magical education. Outside of that, there's smaller, speciality schools." With a glance towards Harry, she smiled. "For instance, for you Mister Potter perhaps later in life the Merge School of Underwater Spellage would be of interest. Or perhaps the Klabautermann School of Magical Seamanship."

Lips twitching as she noticed Harry perk up, Nagato shook her head. 'A school for magical sailors? Something to look into perhaps...' Shaking that off, she hummed a bit. "And this... Púca Hill on the other hand? Why are they not recognized as a school?"

With a sigh, McGonagall shook her head. "There's many such reasons, I'm afraid. The ICW Education Office has only recognized eight schools world wide, though with Mahoutokoro having been all but destroyed, that number is now down to just seven. Though last I heard there were several smaller schools now trying to take over for Mahoutokoro including one by Mount Fuji."

It took a moment, but Nagato twitched as she realized where said school was very likely located. And she could tell she was not the only one to do so either, but ignored that. "I see."

McGonagall though just continued. "As to Púca Hill, however, it's mostly just a symptom. They've been around for about five hundred years now in Ireland, but they've been more aggressive in trying to get students in recent years. I suspect that it's related to how the Irish wizards and witches have been trying to create their own Ministry of Magic outside the British one. And that is only possible due to all the trouble that the Abyssals have caused."

Rapidly blinking, Louisiana turned towards the witch and frowned. "I am sorry, but... Ireland is under the control of the British Ministry of Magic? I was under the understanding that it is separate from Britain..."

Only shaking her head, McGonagall chuckled. "No, I'm afraid not, Miss Louisiana. Perhaps it is on the non-magical side, but on our side of the divide, Ireland is still very much a part of Britain."

Very slowly, Nagato nodded as she made sure to file that tidbit of information away. "I see..." Just as she was about to continue asking questions, they came around the corner and whatever she was about to ask died at the sight of the building in front of them. It looked like it had started out as a stone building of some sort, but rooms and levels had been added haphazardly. Several stories tall, it looked out over the surrounding landscape as it leaned so much that the only way that Nagato could see it not falling over was through magic. Even from where she was, she counted at least four chimmnies with smoke gently wafting out from them.

However, it was the small sign at the edge of the road which stated "The Burrow" which told her that it was their destination. Beside her, Harry just stopped and blinked. "Huh, so Ron wasn't pulling my leg when he described it." Then his eyebrows furrowed. "Wait, does that mean that there's an actual stone tower nearby with a magical family living in it?"

That got him a thin smile from McGonagall. "The Lovegoods, yes. They call their home the Rookery since it looks much like the chess piece." Simply turning towards Nagato, she nodded slightly. "Since we're here, I'm afraid that I need to go. I'll be back in several hours though."

All Nagato did was nod and give her a smile. "Thank you, Professor, I appreciate all that you've done for us." Once McGonagall vanished with a pop, she then cleared her throat. "Well then, I suppose that all we have to do now is to head on up."

Harry nodded and was about to say something when he caught a flash of red in one of the windows. But when he turned to look, it was already gone. 'Wonder if that was Ron or someone else...'

By the time they got to the door of the Burrow, it was already open and a red haired woman waiting for them with a smile. A similar smile bloomed on Nagato's face as she walked up and grasped the offered hand. "Molly, it's good to see you again."

Lightly laughing, the woman shook the Battleship's hand with a smile of her own. "And it's good to see you as well, Nagato."

Surprised as he was that Nagato knew Ron's mother, Harry paused for a moment which was all Nagato needed to gesture at him. "Let me introduce the others with us. Molly, you know my Son, Harry."

With a growing smile, Molly pulled him into a hug. "Of course I do! Ron and the the others told me all sorts of things about you." Pulling back some, she looked him over before shaking her head. "You look so much like James, but there's quite a bit of your mother in you as well."

Eyes wide, Harry stared at her. "Wait, you knew my dad? And my biological Mum?"

Only nodding, there was a small amount of mistiness in Molly's eyes. "Not as well as perhaps I should have. We were in different years you see, Harry. But I knew them somewhat I suppose." Then she turned to Nagato and gave her a chuckle. "You've done a wonderful job with him."

As she shook her head, Nagato only smiled. "I only tried as much as I could."

That got her a snort from Molly. "And that is about as much as can be asked for, believe me." Patting Harry on the shoulder, she then turned to the others before tilting her head back some to take in Louisiana with slightly widened eyes. "Hello there..."

Understanding the unasked for question, Nagato waved a hand at Louisiana. "This is Louisiana, BB-71." Behind her, Ooi poked gave a wave with the Battleship giving her a nod. "And this is Ooi." She then gestured at the other two, with Iku grinning at them. "And these are Iku and Yukikaze."

Shyly waving, Yukikaze gave a sheepish smile. "Um, hi..."

Moments later though, she was pulled into a hug as was Iku and Ooi. "It's good to meet you all." Letting them go, she nodded. "Don't worry though, I've made plenty for breakfast before we go to Diagon."

Looking between them, Harry frowned for a moment. "Um... how do you two know each other? I mean... I've never seen you meet."

That got him a slight laugh from Nagato. "I met Molly last September, Harry. She was on the platform and the two of us got to talking about things."

Only nodding, Molly smiled a bit. "Then we started talking about our children and, well..." She gave a small shrug. "We hit it off from there." Turning, Molly looked over her shoulder and it was at this point that they could smell her cooking. "Now then, come in dears and have something to eat."

Sharing a look, they followed her into her home with Lousiana closing the door behind them.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts Omake: "Lily the Hooligan"

Sirius tilted his head to the side and slowly nodded. "You know, this reminds me of this one time with your mother, Lily. James had to go down to the police station and bail her out after this one football game."

That caused Harry to turn away from the brawl going on in front of him and blink. "Wait, really? Mum had to get bailed out of jail?" Getting a nod, he raised an eyebrow. "Why? How?"

Rubbing his chin, Sirius considered what he had been asked before shrugging and ducking under a flying shipgirl. "Apparently she got drunk and participated in the after game riot that happened. At some point, they flipped over a police car, set it on fire, and Lils stood on top of it singing 'We are the Champions'. Because her team won, you see." Then he shrugged. "Then she decided she was hungry for Chinese, flipped the car back over, and had them push it to the nearest Chinese food place."

After a moment, Harry frowned. "Wait, was the car still on fire or not?"

With a grin on his face, Sirius nodded. "Yeah, that was why the police had issues stopping her. Because the car was on fire, even as she was at the wheel... Thankfully, she was too drunk to use magic." Seconds later, he started to laugh. "Of course, after he got her out of the Station, Prongs asked her if she liked the food sarcastically... To which she replied that they were good noodles, but spicy."

The only thing Harry did was facepalm.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Stepping through the door, Ooi looked around curiously and eager for her first sight of a magical home. Oddly, it didn't seem all that magical though it was cluttered and exuded a feeling of warmth that made her sigh. Just about to take off her shoes though, Ooi blinked as she realized that Harry and Nagato had kept theirs on as did Louisiana. "Uh... shouldn't we take off our shoes?"

With a cough, Nagato shook her head. "That's one of the differences between Japan and England. You... don't necessarily have to take off your shoes when you enter someone's home." Seeing the widened eyes, the Battleship smiled. "I know how you feel."

After a moment, and fighting years of ingrained habit, Ooi just nodded and went along. "I... see, um, okay I guess." Just then, she noticed Iku staring at a clock and blinked before looking at Louisiana. 'Wait, wasn't she just over there?'

Having seen Iku, Yukikaze tilted her head to the side. "Something catch your eyes, Iku-San?"

Only nodding, the Submarine pointed at the clock. "I just noticed that there was no time on the clock. Instead it seems to be... Monitoring people?"

Just smiling, Molly walked over and glanced at said clock which had most of the hands at "Home". The only ones out of place were "Charlie", which was at "Travelling" and "Bill" as well as "Arthur" which were at "Work". Placing a hand gently on it, Molly nodded. "This was a wedding gift from my Mother. It works pretty well for my family."

Walking over, Nagato scanned the various parts. 'Let's see... Garden, Home, Lost, Prison, Work, Travelling, School, Mortal Peril... and Base?' At seeing the last one, she raised an eyebrow. "Interesting... Why Base?"

Molly gave a small chuckle. "Ron spends quite the amount of time with Warspite at her residence. So... I added it. Much better then Dentist like Arthur did." Moments later, Nagato had a bemused expression on her face as Molly muttered to herself and walked off. "A shame that when I tried to add Warspite's hand it pointed at Mortal Peril so often. Poor dear... Worries me sick and Ron too."

Simply sharing a look with the other shipgirls, Nagato followed Molly into the kitchen and it was for the first time that Ooi found magic at work. Over on what looked like a wood stove with blue flames, eggs and bacon were being cooked in one pan while in another there were pancakes. What caught her eye though was how the spatula and pans were all moving along on their own. On the wall though there was another clock, though that one too did not tell time as it were. Instead, it was marked in things such as "Time to wake the children", "Time to feed the Chickens", and so on. Meanwhile, the radio announced it was nearly time for Daily Home Magic for the Housewife. "Oh wow..."

Pride could be seen on Molly's face as she smiled at them. "Thank you, dearie." Then she frowned and sighed as she looked at the stairs. "I'm afraid that we'll be having breakfast outside as there's too many right now. I hope that's okay."

Nodding, Nagato gave a slight chuckle. "We don't mind at all. And it is a lovely day out for it, after all."

That got her a nod as Molly headed towards the staircase. "Just give me a moment." Seeing her take a deep breath, they were about to ask when she shouted. "PERCY! FRED AND GEORGE! RON! GINNY! IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP AND COME DOWNSTAIRS TO BREAKFAST!"

Moments later, there was loud banging and other sounds from upstairs. But when a howl echoed down, Iku looked up the stairs herself with a blink. "What was that?"

All Molly did though was shake her head and turn towards the food. "That would be the ghoul in the attic." Missing the looks of surprise, she chuckled. "It can get loud at times, especially banging the pipes when it thinks that things are far too quiet."

Needless to say, that got her looks from her guests before they slowly glanced at each other and shrugged. Footsteps rushing down the stairs though caught their attention and they turned in time to see the Weasley children come down with Ron at the head of the pack followed by the Twins and Percy. However, one group of footsteps paused just out of sight, though Harry didn't notice as Ron walked over and grabbed him in a one armed hug. "Hey there, Mate. Ready for today?"

Chuckling, Harry nodded some. "Yeah, I'm about as ready as I'll ever be." Then he noticed a young girl peaking around the corner. When she realized that he had spotted her, there was a soft "Eep" and the head disappeared out of sight. "Um..."

With a sigh, Ron shook his head and walked over to the bottom of the stairs. "Come on, Ginny. You did want to see him after all."

From where she was at the stove, Molly nodded some. "Listen to your brother, Ginny. You're being a bit rude after all." With a sigh, she shook her head as she looked at her guests. "You'll have to excuse Ginny, she's... a bit shy."

Much to everyone's surprise though, it was Ooi who walked over to the stairs and looked up to see a red haired girl there. For a brief moment, she was replaced by a much younger Ooi and she had a flash back to years before the war, when she first met Kitakami. Softly smiling, she reached out a hand. "Hey there, I'm Ooi. You're Ginny right?"

Slowly nodding, Ginny swallowed. "Um, yes... I'm Ginny."

Keeping the smile on her face, Ooi chuckled. "Well, Ginny-Chan, your brothers talked all about you on their visits to the base. We're not so scary you know."

After a few seconds, Ginny slowly walked down. "They talked about me? Really?"

With a grin on her face, Ooi shook her head. "As a matter of fact, they did. I know that Harry-Chan's got a scary face, but he's a big teddy bear."

Eyes widening for a moment, Harry huffed a bit. "No I don't, and I am not, Ooi-Nee! You're the scarier one!"

That caused Ooi to grin. "O-ho! Really now, Harry-Chan? Want to bet on that?"

More confused then anything else, Ginny looked between them and frowned. "U-u-um... Chan? Nee?"

Humming, Ooi nodded. "Their honorifics back in Japan. Chan is something affectionate... mainly for friends and such. Nee is short for Nee-San or Nee-Chan and means Sister I suppose."

If anything, that caused Ginny's eyes to widen. "Sister? Harry Potter calls you sister!?" Realizing how that sounded, she shrank into herself a bit. "Um..."

Placing a hand on Ginny's shoulder, Ooi only smiled. "Yup! Harry-Chan calls most of the Destroyers and Light Cruisers back on base his big sisters. And we see him as our little brother... Though the others he'll call Auntie and such."

Still confused, Ginny nodded at that as she tried to make sense of what she was just told. Off to the side, Louisiana continued to watch as Ooi talked with Ginny, the girl losing some of her shyness. Leaning towards Nagato, she whispered to the other Battleship. "I must admit, I am surprised that Ooi is..."

Glancing at her, Nagato smiled. "Good with children? Well, she is a Light Cruiser and we used them as Destroyer Leaders. Despite her reputation, Ooi is pretty good with children after all." Then patting her on the shoulder, Nagato turned to the outside. "Anyways, we should probably help set up the tables for breakfast..."

It was several minutes later that Ron noticed that Harry was on his cellphone doing something and tried to look over his shoulder. "What are you doing over here, Mate?"

With a snicker, Harry held it out and showed Ron what was on it. "Aso was in another thread causing trouble. So... I took care of it and had some fun."

Raising an eyebrow, Ron looked down at the screen and frowned in confusion.

■

Topic: A New Thread
In: Boards ► Northwest Pacific Theatre ► USN Vs. JMSDF Baseball Game
XxBushido_MasterxX (JMSDF)(BANNED)(Sockpuppet)
Posted On Aug 8th 2012:
You all are an insult to Japan! This obsession with this... this... foul American creation should cease! All of you
[/Snipped by Mod]



(Showing page 5 of 5)


►DoingHerBest (JMSDF)(Flagship)(Mother of Destroyers)(吹雪)
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
Really? You just got banned not even two pages ago for this.

Edit: Dammit! Who the heck added that tag!?


►Nightmare of Solomon (JMSDF)(Poi)(夕立)
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
She did, Poi.


►Faithful Pheonix (JMSDF) (WWII Survivor) (響 )
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
And here I came on to see the current scores for Kaa-San before we went to bed.


►Peanut_Butter_Lover (Miko-in-Training)(Verified Reimu Clone)
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
Are we ever going to get back to discussing the upcoming game and current scores? Or is this going to be another Aso derail?

@DoingHerBest: I know your pain about tags.


►DoingHerBest (JMSDF)(Flagship)(Mother of Destroyers)(吹雪)
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
... Seriously?


►Peanut_Butter_Lover (Miko-in-Training)(Verified Reimu Clone)
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
Yup. I blame Harry, he's probably behind it.


►The_Great_Susanoo! (Moderator)(Moderati)(Wizard)(Totally not in a secret Cabal)(Anime Fanatic)
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
HUZZAH! AND WHAT IS THIS!? THE EVIL DOER, ASO HAS RETURNED TO THIS SITE!? NOT ON MY WATCH! SECRET SUSANOO STYLE ULTIMATE MOVE! SUPREME LUNAR SOLAR STORM SMITE! SU-SA-NO!

AND IF YOU WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE GAME, GO HERE!


►The Big Stick (USN) (Verified Badass) (Museum Boat) (Movie Star) (Post-War Veteran) (Natural Born) (BB-61)
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
Huh. You got the scores up? Sweet!

Edit: ...


►The Fleets Idol (Moderator) (JMSDF) (Natural Born) (Gamer Boat) (那珂)
Replied On Aug 8th 2012:
Goddamit, Harry. I don't know if I should laugh or hit you next time I see you.


End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5


■​

'... Okay? Wonder what that was about...'

Meanwhile, the table was nearly set up as Molly spoke with Nagato. "So where are you going to be staying? I'd offer the Burrow but... we don't really have the room." Looking around, she furrowed her eyebrows some. "Unless I can borrow a wizarding tent, that is."

Waving her off, Nagato shook her head. "No need for that Molly. Depending on the answer that I am waiting on from the Headmaster, we might stay at Hogwarts for at least one night." At the look, she shrugged her shoulders some. "I have a few reasons for it. Such as looking up some of Harry's family in the library there. If not, then we can stay at the Leaky Cauldron."

A frown on her face, Molly pursed her lips. "Still, maybe I can find something..."

Just wanting to change the subject, Nagato cleared her throat. "So, what is this about wizarding tents? Being military, I'm rather familiar with the normal sort."

Latching onto that, Molly began to explain as Nagato listened, though she did raise eyebrows. 'Expanded insides? Something like a two room apartment for the smaller ones? Hmm... something to look into...'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Stumbling out of the Floo, Ooi grimaced a bit and held a hand to her stomach. Sure, one of the benefits that she had found she had as a shipgirl was that she could eat as much as she wanted without worrying about getting fat. But at the same time, British food was unfamiliar and heavy on the stomach. Quickly though, she moved to the side and watched as Louisiana came through followed by Ginny, Ron, and their three brothers. But when Iku came through and looking around with a frown, Ooi began to think that something was wrong. A feeling that only increased as Molly, who was supposed to be last, came through.

It was Ron though who put mention to their fears. "Uh, Mum? Where's Harry?"

Eyes wide, Nagato began whipping her head around to look around them before she turned to look at Molly who was also looking. "Molly? Did Harry come through the Floo?"

Furrowing her eyebrows, Molly nodded some. But before she could say anything though, Yukikaze began having something of a minor panic attack. "No, no, no... It happened again. It's happening all over again. I shouldn't have come, I shouldn't have been in his escort. This always happens."

Quickly moving, Louisiana grabbed Yukikaze and pulled her close. "Its okay, Yuki. Just relax, ma chère. Every thing will turn out fine and we'll find him."

When the Battleship looked up at Molly, the red haired woman nodded as her expression shifted to a stern one. "It must have happened when Harry entered the Floo. He coughed so some soot might have gotten in at the time." Then she frowned a bit and looked around. "However, because of how the Floo works, he would have come out somewhere nearby."

Arthur, who had joined them after getting some work done chewed his lip before looking towards Nagato. "Would Harry head towards a visible landmark? Especially if lost?"

Relaxing just a bit, Nagato slowly nodded. "He would, it's something that I taught him a while ago." She then checked her cellphone and grimaced a bit. "Especially as there's no reception down here." For a brief moment, Nagato considered her options and then nodded. "Okay, chances are Harry will either head for the Leaky Cauldron or Gringotts. But he might be anywhere. I need someone to stay here with Iku just in case Harry shows up while we look for him. If he does, she can contact the rest of us on the radio."

Much to her surprise, Percy took a step forward and nodded. "I can do that, if you want."

Surprised, Molly soon smiled at her son. "Thank you, Percy. I am sure that we all appreciate it."

Nodding, Nagato gave him a smile. "I know that I certainly do." Then she cleared her throat and turned to the others. "Okay, that sorted out... Yukikaze, Lousiana? You're in Blue One. I need you to head down Diurn Alley to see if Harry arrived there. Molly and the rest of us will head for Gringotts. Ooi? I know that it's not usual but-"

The Light Cruiser nodded some, her expression not giving away her worry. "I'm a Light Cruiser, my job is to go scouting. Don't worry, Nagato-San, I'll find him."

Only sighing, Nagato gave her a thankful look. "Thank you, Ooi." She then waved a hand. "Let's head out."

Soon, they were outside and Molly opened the alley for them. For her part, Ooi's eyes widened some as she took in they busy shopping district and then they hardened before she walked out into the crowds. As she passed between the various shoppers, she kept an eye out for Harry but couldn't see him as a distance behind, Nagato and the Weasleys did the same. If anyone noticed tiny beady eyes poking out from the Light Cruiser's hair, they probably dismissed it as them seeing things. All too soon though, Ooi reached what she assumed was Gringotts, especially if the small beings in armor at the doors were anything to go by. However, there was still no Harry in sight, which made her even more worried. 'Where are you, Harry-Chan?' A tight feeling of fear gripped her, but then she shook it off. 'No, stop that! He's not about to just disappear like that.' With another glance though, she caught sight of something and blinked. Not too far away from Gringotts, there was another alley. But where Diagon was well lit and crowded, this one was much darker and with barely anyone around. It was almost like night and day the difference between the two. After a moment of thought, Ooi made her decision and nodded. '{Nagato, come in, this is Ooi.}'

There was some static but then Nagato chimed in, worry and hope coloring her voice. '{Did you find him? Is he at Gringotts?}'

With a wince as she knew how that she had a bit of bad news, Ooi steeled herself a bit. '{No, he's not here. But I'm going to check some place out for him and I'll contact you once I'm done.}'

Once more, there was several seconds pause. But then Nagato answered her back over the radio. '{Very well, Ooi. But keep safe and anything happens, inform me. I think that I know where you might be going and you should be careful.}'

Just chucckling, Ooi nodded some. '{Don't worry, I will. Besides, I'm a Cruiser, this is what I do. Out.}'

Not saying anything else, Ooi began to walk into, unknown to her, Knockturn Alley in search of Harry. Almost as soon as she walked into the Alley though, Ooi narrowed her eyes as she glanced around. In various shadowed areas, she could see people looking at her. In one such alcove, there was what looked like an old crone looking at her before licking her lips in hunger. 'I suppose that they think that someone who looks like they belong to a non-magical school would be easy.'

Pretending not to notice the three pale men who appeared behind her and were about to grab her, Ooi hummed to herself. Before they could react, Ooi suddenly whipped around and grabbed two of them in one hand, and the last in the other. "URK!"

Simply ignoring how they were trying to break her arms, Ooi raised an eyebrow at the fangs in their mouths. 'Vampires? Seriously? Huh... I thought that they were pulling my leg.' Internally shaking that off, she went into what she knew people had termed 'Yandere Mode' and pulled the faces of the three men close. All three just froze at the almost psychotic look on the face of what they thought was easy prey with at least one being uncannily reminded of Bellatrix LeStrange. Unknown to them, of course, Ooi had created and refined the look over many years before her and Kitakami became shipgirls seeing as one of the areas they had to go through to get home was a 'Bad part of town'. The fact that it scared off shipgirls and other military personnel as much as it did gangers was just a benefit.

A snarl broke escaped from Ooi's mouth as she glared at all three, noting that her watchers suddenly found other, more interesting places to be at. Speaking slowly as to be understood, Ooi narrowed her eyes. "Now... I am not in the mood to deal with shitstains like you. Right now, I am looking for my little brother. Which means that I am too busy to see if it was possible to rip out your spines and hang you by them. Or tear off your arms and beat you to death with them. So kindly, fuck off."

Then she just gently tossed them down the alley. Granted, 'Gently' for one with her strength meant that each one flew nearly twenty feet and landed hand on the cobblestone. Ignoring that, Ooi turned and began walking again as she continued to give off Yandere vibes. Within only two minutes though, she spotted two people walking down the alley. One was a massive man who she recognized as being from Harry's school. But the other one that caught her attention was Harry himself who she rushed towards. Surprised, Harry blinked as she seemed to teleport in front of him. "Ooi-Nee?"

Looking him over, Ooi finally relaxed and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Are you okay, Harry-Chan? You're not hurt or anything, are you?"

Slowly, Harry shook his head and gave her a small smile. "Um, no, I'm actually perfectly okay, Ooi-Nee."

With a sigh of relief, Ooi nodded some. "That's good, we were worried when you didn't come through the Floo." She then looked up at Hagrid and gave him a small smile. "Thank you for fiding him."

Flustered a little bit, Hagrid only rubbed the back of his head and chuckled. "Ah, don' yeh be worryin' abou' it. Wasn' no trouble at all." The massive man then gave a small smile. "'Sides, I was aroun' here anyways. Only place ta get flesh eating slug repellent."

That caused Ooi to blink for a moment in confusion. 'Flesh eating... slug repellent?' Just shoving that aside, she took on position on Harry's other side. "Anyways, Nagato-San is waiting at Gringotts with the Weasleys. I'll just let them know that you've been found." Even as Harry nodded, Ooi activated her radio. '{Guys? I found Harry, he was in that alley by Gringotts and Hagrid-San found him. I came across him escorting Harry on their way out of the alley.}'

Over the radio, there was a sigh of relief as Nagato spoke up. '{Thank you, Ooi. You were a great help in going to find him, we'll be waiting at Gringotts. But could you stay close to him until then?}'

With a slow nod, Ooi chuckled a bit. '{Will do, Nagato-San. You didn't even need to ask.}'

Iku's voice then came over the radio, relief apparent. '{Thank the Kami. Percy and I will be there as soon as we can. Hermione-San showed up by the way, she brought her parents and Vanguard-San along as well. She was waiting here with us until you found him just in case, so we should see you in a few minutes.}'

It was then that Louisiana spoke up. '{We'll meet you there.}'

Between Ooi and Harry, there was almost no room as the Light Cruiser was keeping close while keeping an eye out around them. Placing a hand on Harry's shoulder, Ooi gave him a small smile. "Let's not keep the others waiting, hmm?"

Just nodding, Harry smiled up at her as they hurried along. Needless to say, between Hagrid being there and Ooi's previous performance, no a single person bothered them. A few minutes later, they had re-entered Diagon Alley and Nagato rushed over to hug her adopted son. "Oh Harry, you're safe. I was so worried." Looking up at first Ooi and then Hagrid, Nagato gave them both nods. "Thank you both so much."

There was a blush on Ooi's face as she nodded alongside Hagrid. "Um, don't mention it." Then she turned towards Harry with a slight frown. "What happened?"

Grimacing, Harry shook his head. "Um, can I wait for the others to get here?" Each of them nodded and they waited until the others got there. Once they did, Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Anyways, um... I was saying Diagon Alley when some soot got into my throat and I coughed. Next thing I knew, I fell out of the fire place in this store filled with all sorts of creepy things. They even had a Hand of Glory there."

Confused, Yukikaze furrowed her eyebrows before looking at the others. "Um, Hand of Glory? What's that?"

Harry winced a bit and let out a sigh. "Er... well, a Hand of Glory is something from folklore. It's a pickled and preserved left hand of someone executed for a crime. Supposidly, if you place a candle made from fat of the person who the hand came from, with one of their hairs as a wick and lit it, it would provide light only for you. Other stories say that it can paralyze anyone but the holder who sees the flame."

Needless to say, there were more then one disturbed and disgusted looks given to him from the Japanese ships while the others were just somewhat disturbed. Finally, Arthur coughed a bit. "Um, the second one is usually made from the wand hand of an dark witch or wizard actually... Though I do wonder how you know about that."

All Harry did was shrug. "I do a series of Podcasts for Naka-Nee every August called 'Summertime Shivers' where I tell ghost stories and spooky folklore from outside of Japan. My next one is on Hand of Glory and such with Bloody Mary at the end of the month."

Eyebrows furrowed in confusion, Arthur only nodded. "I see... Well, I suppose that does make some sense."

Shrugging, Harry continued. "Anyways, I was trying to find my way out when I heard some voices nearby. With all the creepy stuff, I decided to hide in this wardrobe and watched as Draco's father was talking with someone. He mentioned that Mr. Weasley had raided his home and he needed to sell some items before he got caught or something. Apparently he had them hidden in a secret compartment under his floor."

With a scowl on his face, Arthur shook his head. "Dammit, I knew that he was hiding things somewhere." Seeing the looks, he sighed. "Lucius has been suspected of still being involved with the Death Eaters and Amelia approved the raid. I'm not surprised that he had time to hide what we were looking for... If only Mad-Eye wasn't retired..."

Waiting for a few moments, Molly cleared her throat and glanced around. "Perhaps we shouldn't discuss such things around here and should wait for a more private setting? We still need to get our money out for shopping after all."

That got her nods from the others and, if anyone noticed that Iku, Louisiana, and Yukikaze were staying closer then they should to Harry, no one commented. Walking up the stairs, Ooi took note of the barely hidden contempt and hostility that the guards to the bank were showing her and the other shipgirls before snorting. 'Just try something.' Once they were inside though, her eyebrows raised at the sight that met her. "Okay, this is something from a fantasy novel..."

Beside her, Louisiana nodded some as she also looked around while Hermione and her group headed to a teller to exchange their money. "Oui, it does indeed look like it belongs in a fantasy novel or movie." When they came to the carts though, after standing in line for some time, the Battleship frowned a bit. "Hmm... We may need more carts."

Examining the carts, Iku frowned a bit as the Weasleys went to another set of carts that pulled up. "Hmm..." Finally, she nodded some and pointed to the last cart. "Um, Nagato-San, if you would get in there with Ooi, we can all fit."

Simply raising an eyebrow, Nagato nodded and got into said cart while Yukikaze got into the one in the middle. Then Ooi climbed in besides the Battleship and then Iku motioned Harry to get in the middle one. Once he did, the Submarine quickly clambered in and then took a seat in his lap to his confusion. "Um, Iku-Chan?"

One finger raised into the air as an amused Louisiana climbed in, Iku nodded. "I'll keep you both in the cart and safe as anything will need to go through me."

Her finger then tapped on Harry's leg and he frowned as he translated the morse code. 'And Yukikaze got her turn?' At that moment, the cart began moving towards the lip of the abyss in front of them and Harry placed his arms around her middle. 'Oh, Iku-Chan.'

Behind them, Ooi only grinned widely as she looked around. 'I wonder how this will compare with the rollar coasters that Rika and I used to go on.' Then they were at the edge and they could all see the rails head nearly straight down. "Okay... this is going to be awesssooooooommmmeeeeeee!"

And with that, they were on their way to Harry's vault.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

The base was utterly quiet this late at night, the only things around being the usual insects and the odd guard doing a patrol. In fact, there was almost no one active at this time of night. Above, the Moon and stars kept watch over the base.

It turned out though, that things were not what they seemed.

Under one lonely street lamp, Haruna stood with Rose by her side. Suddenly, the Battleship turned and looked towards a nearby alley between two buildings. "Haruna sees that you've finally arrived..." Two shadows stepped out revealing CarDiv1. "Akagi-San."

With a slight frown, Kaga looked towards Rose. "Rose-San, it's good to see you tonight. I just wish that it was under better circumstances then this."

Slowly, Rose nodded with a soft sigh. "As do I, Kaga. But we must do as we must."

Meanwhile, Akagi and Haruna were staring each other down before the Kongou narrowed her eyes some. "So, Haruna wonders if Akagi-San has it with her. What is needed."

Closing her eyes, Akagi reached into her clothes and then, with a flourish, pulled out an envelope. "Of course." With a small snort, she opened her eyes and smirked a bit before holding it out to Haruna. "After all, it is time to settle things."

Eyes narrowing a bit more, Haruna took the offered envelope and looked at it. "Haruna sees. But Haruna also hopes that Akagi-San is ready for what happens next. After all, Haruna sees Akagi-San as a friend usually."

Her own eyes narrowing, Akagi frowned. "I see you as a treasured friend and comrade, Haruna-San. But in this? In this, we are enemies, fated to our Duel of Destiny." For some odd reason, the wind seemed to pick up and move Akagi's hair around her in a dramatic fashion. "And so, we shall meet on the field of battle."

Beside her, Kaga scoffed a bit and tilted her head as she closed her eyes. "Battleship against Carrier." One eye snapping open, Kaga smirked. "Are you ready for this? Ready to face the might of Carrier Division One? We're not Fifth Division after all."

A stern expression on her face, Rose frowned. "We're ready, Kaga. Myself and Haruna will meet you where we need to."

Placing her hand on her girlfriend's shoulder, Haruna smiled. "And Haruna and Rose-Chan shall defeat you in true battle. We trust in each other and our burning love to carry the day!"

Simply nodding, Akagi smiled a bit. "Then I look forward to it, Haruna-San, Rose-San. For you are both worthy foes."

Then she turned and began to walk away with Kaga following, said Carrier giving them both a jaunty wave. "We shall see you there, be prepared. One shall stand, and one shall fall."

Looking at Haruna, Rose gave a nod. "And it will be us who stand tall at the end, Haruna."

Haruna gave her a smile. "Of course, we will. Because Rose-Chan will be there right beside Haruna in this fight."

With that, the two of them walked away from the light and into the darkness. Battle plans were to be drawn up after all and a lot was being carried on this...
_________________________________________________________________________

At the same time in England, and not knowing what was transpiring back at Yokosuka, the Gringotts cart with Harry and his group slowed to a stop. Getting out, Harry handed his key to the goblin who took it and opened his vault which caused Ooi, Iku, Yukikaze, and Louisiana to widen their eyes. It was Louisiana who put their thoughts into words as she boggled at the piles of gold and silver. "Bon Dieu..."

Turning, Harry gave them a smile before gesturing at Ooi. "Um, Ooi-Nee? Can you come here please?"

Confused, Ooi walked up to him and frowned. Granted, she kept on glancing at the sheer amount of money in front of her. 'I know that Nagato-San said that Harry-Chan had a lot of money but this... This is ridiculous.' Upon reaching Harry, she blinked as Harry handed her a bag. "Um, Harry-Chan?"

Shaking his head, Harr pointed at the piles of gold in front of them and nodded as he whispered. "You said that you wanted to get something for Kitakami-Nee while you were here, right? Well, go ahead and get some gold."

Eyes wide, Ooi stared at him for a moment. "I, I can't do that, Harry-Chan. This is your money, your family's money!"

However, Harry just raised his eyebrows at her and snorted. "Um, Ooi-Nee? You are my family you know. You and he others." He then shrugged some. "Besides, it's not like I don't have any to spare."

Jaw working for a moment, Ooi finally sighed and gave him a look. Harry did notice that her eyes looked suspiciously shiny though. "You're really going to not let up unless I go ahead and do this, are you?" At his grin and nod, the Light Cruiser chuckled a bit and then reached out. "Fine, I guess I'll take, um.... A handful or two."

Doing just that, Ooi placed the bag in her clothing where it would be safe from any would-be thieves. Walking back to the cart, she did note that Harry gave a small amount of coins to the other three shipgirls, surprising them as Nagato looked on in amusement. Then they got back into the cart, once more with Iku in Harry's lap as they headed back to the surface. Hitting a turn, Harry frowned a bit. "You know what would make this trip even better?"

Pushed into him by the turn, Yukikaze only shook her head in confusion. "No, what would make this trip better, Harry-San?"

A grin on his face, Harry laughed as they went over a curve in the track. "What else? Some Eurobeats would make this better and more like Haruna-Oba's driving!"

Only shaking her head, Lousiana smiled a bit as they hit another turn. Beside them, there was a massive, gaping chasm that seemed to disappear into the depths of the Earth. Looking down at it, the Battleship frowned a bit. 'I wonder how deep these mines go...'

It didn't take long for them to reach the surface once more. Spotting Ron there as his mother discussed something with Hermione's, Harry walked over. "You okay there, Ron? You seem a bit put out."

Glancing around, Ron pulled out his letter and unfolded it. "You see the list of supplies?" When Harry shook his head, the red head pointed to a section. "Look right here at the books for Defense Against the Dark Arts."

With a frown on his face, Harry blinked. "Gilderoy Lockhart? Who's he?"

Ron rolled his eyes and snorted a bit. "He's this wizard who wrote a bunch of books. Mum loves him, but I think that it's because he looks good and stuff. But his books are expensive and with this much..." He then shook his head. "I'm buying some stuff for Ginny though."

That caused Harry to raise an eyebrow at him. "Really? You're buying some stuff for your little sister?"

Ears turning red a bit, Ron nodded. "Well, yeah. I mean, she's my sister and she's just starting Hogwarts. 'Sides, I got enough money for my tournaments and I don't want her to go through what I did." Rubbing the back of his head at the slight grin on Harry's face, Ron continued in his thoughts. 'And seeing what you did for Hoppou, I can't let you beat me as a big brother.'

Looking to the side, Harry spotted that the giant woman by Hermione was watching him and soon walked over. Once he reached her, he looked up and then smiled as he held out his hand. "You're Vanguard, right?"

As she blushed, Vanguard nodded and took Harry's hand in her own and shook it. "Um, yes? I'm HMS Vanguard... But how did you know."

Simply grinning, Harry shook his head. "Hermione, once she told us what she was, told us all about you. She really liked to do so and said that she was super proud of how far you've come."

If anything, that caused Vanguard's blush to deepen and she smiled softly. "She did? I didn't know that..." Glancing to Hermione, the Battleship saw the Light Cruiser give her a slight smile and nod. 'That... makes me happy.'

Meanwhile, Harry shook his head in amusement. 'Hermione is definitely her Momboat, that's for sure.' Hearing Nagato call out it was time to head out into the alley, he rushed over to her followed by the others. "Okay, Mum! We'll be right there!"