Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

0t4n1z3r2019

First Time for an omake here on this thread.

23:58, Somewhere in Yokosuka.

A quiet night on the naval base in Yokosuka, where most of the Shipgirl shenanigans are happening everyday, even in the night.

Though this night is different. Well...

"Hey."

"Desu Desu Desu, Desu?"

"Hey! Hey Hey Hey, Hey?"

"Desu!!"

On a lit part of the naval base, there is a pair of faeries that are talking about something. Then, another fairy had approached the two, beckoning them to follow him.

"DESU! Desu Desu Desu!!" The fairy shouted, while his hands are waving at the two to approach him.

The two faeries had approached the one shouting at them, and followed him towards the building where there are computers that can be used by the public, which is the library near the base.
The third fairy that called the first two I the one that opened the door to the room, before proceeding to lock it by barring a chair into the doorknob.

Just when you think that these faeries are doing something bad, when in reality, they are not. You see, there are other faeries that are gathering inside the computer room and are waiting for the two new arrivals. Majority of the faeries are using the computers in the computer room. How? Let's leave it to Magical Sparkly Shipgirl Bullshit™ and see the building shenanigans.

Where was I? Ah, right...

The faeries are using the computers, and all of them had a similar program on it running...
A game made to represent realism and allowing the players to play a multitude of vehicles, ships and aircraft from the Second World War. The newly released game is known as...War Thunder.

"Desu! Desu Desu Desu Desu Desu Desu!!" Another fairy, from his looks, he came from one of the Japanese Carriers, shouted at the gathered audience. A fairy from the American side had then looked at the screen in wonder, particularly at the game menu, where a pair of Gloster Meteors are flying.

The fairy that is speaking earlier had said to them that they are playing War Thunder, and they will play a so-called realistic battle mode. The faeries had then positioned themselves in individual computer units, and they played rock, paper scissors to determine who will be allied with who, before starting the game.

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"Desu!!!!" The Japanese fairy had been shouting as his starting in-game Tier I Biplane had been shot by the American fairy who is using an in-game Buffalo monoplane, with the American fairy laughing as he continued to fly, until he is shot down by another American fairy who is using an in-game M2 Light Tank, who is now laughing at him.

How are they playing the game? MSSB that's why!

Many matches had passed, and many outcries of unrealistic gameplay physics not matching the real articles, and it is already morning when the faeries' escapades into gaming had finished and they returned to their designated Shipgirls, who are either worried, or frowning are their sudden disappearance.

But one thing is certain: another brand of shenanigans has been added to the pile that makes Yokosuka Naval Base an interesting place to witness it all.

Hope you guys like my very first omake here!

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking through the front door of Grimmauld Place, Sirius grimaced a bit at the memories. But upon seeing some of the work that was done, he gave a small, pleased nod. Isley's fleet had been hard at work making the place livable and it showed. The townhouse was located in an older area of Grimmauld, which itself was just off Caledonian Road. Even when Sirius' father was young, the area had begun to fall apart. Something that had continued as Sirius grew up and the last time he was in the area before his imprisonment, the neighbourhood had been continuing its decline...

Yet now, walking through the area, you would not know that.

Sirius had spent some time during the first trip to Grimmauld simply looking over the neighbourhood. While it had been mostly spared the early war attacks by the Abyssals, there were some marks here and there. But more than that, the rebuilding that London had undergone had seen the neighbourhood be cleaned up. Some townhouses were torn down unfortunately, but Number Eleven and Number Thirteen had not.

And with the money, Sirius had bought said townhouses and had plans to have them to be attached to the rest of the home. If they were to be used as an Embassy, than he was going to make sure that there was plenty of room there. Reivana had been pleased at least in regards to the location since it was not too far from Kings Cross among other places. Granted, he also had his eyes on the old Black Family's country home. But that needed even more work.

But just the same, the last Heir of the Black Family (though not for much longer) was looking forward to when Isley could live at either place.

Currently, Sirius was smiling at the work that had been done. All the cobwebs were cleaned and removed revealing the lovely, ornate dark wood panelling beneath. What had to be replaced had been with fresh panelling from the same wizard who had made the originals. On the walls themselves, was wallpaper done up and there were some new portraits, though mostly of the sea. All the metal holdings for the gas lights shone silver in the light of the entryway while beneath his feet, new carpeting could be seen.

To say that Sirius was proud of how his family's home now looked was putting it mildly. With each passing day, he could see him raising his and Isley's children here. Granted, only some of her fleet were here with others at the old country house. But once he got one of those vanishing cabinets, they could move between the townhouse and the country estate where he would have his children raised.

However, currently, that was not why the Animagus was there. The previous night, Isley had woken due to a pulse of dark magic which, in turn, woke him up in their hotel room. Shortly after, she had gotten a message from one of her fleet to come because they had found something in Grimmauld and wanted to ask Sirius about it. Hearing the footsteps, Sirius turned to give his wife to be a small smile, though he was on the lookout for any danger as he softly whispered to her, "I wish that you didn't come, Isley. Especially with..."

Lips twitching, Isley shook her head at the overprotectiveness of her love, "Sirius, honey, I'm pregnant, not helpless." She then gestured to Reivana who was beside her, "Besides which, we do have guards."

Nodding, Stab gave him the best look he could without eyes, "Yeah, I doubt that there's anything here that could harm us, let alone a Princess." Tone dry, he continued, "Besides which, you are more in danger from things than us, being human."

In return, that caused Reivana to hiss at him, "Stab!" Sighing at how he remained unrepentant, she turned to Sirius and gave him a small smile, "He is right though, we're perfectly safe." The Re-Class gave a look around and gave a small nod, "I will admit that this place is looking very good. Fitting for our fleet now, unlike before..."

Her tail gave a shudder of disgust, "You can say that again. Ugh." Turning to Sirius, Stab gave the best frown he could, "Why you didn't toss that house elf out, I don't know. He doesn't do any work at all and just wanders around insulting everyone under his breath."

Sighing, Sirius grimaced, "I've thought about it more than once. To be bloody honest, I absolutely loathe Kreacher and the feeling's mutual. Because of him telling on me when I was a runt, I got... punishments. As far as dear Mother was concerned, nothing wrong with a Crucio or two if I got out of line, such as being nice to a muggle looking for her handbag."

Reivana boggled at him for a moment before she grimaced as well, "Why have you not gotten rid of him yet? Hearing that and seeing him go around..."

For several seconds, the wizard didn't say anything, "There's a few reasons actually. Despite everything, he knows a number of family secrets. While he would not release them, if he was to go to the Malfoys or what have you, they could well order him to tell them. Something that would give them blackmail over Isley and I. Besides which, I don't see him living for much more than a decade or two... so once the country house is done, I'll just order him to live out his days in the nearby cottage."

Upon seeing the confusion on Reivana and Stab, Isley gave her love a look before sighing, "There is also the fact that Sirius' little brother had Kreacher as his personal elf. And despite everything..."

There was a sorrowful expression on Sirius' face, "Despite the fact that the two of us did not get along, and he later joined the Death Eaters under pressure from my parents, I did not hate him. He was my little brother after all." Shoving his hands into his pockets, he let out a huff of air, "I guess I'm not tossing out Kreacher because he is all I have left of my brother, really. As much as I hate that damn elf, I know that Regulus would want me to at least take some care of him."

Considering that, Reivana gave a small nod, "A family obligation, then. I suppose that is understandable..."

After a few more moments of silence, Sirius shook it off, "Anyways, we should be heading towards the Library. That is where Rina will meet us, right?" Getting a nod from Isley, him and the group ascended the stairs until they came to the same floor as the library in question. Once he entered though, the wizard blinked a little, "Uh, Rina? What's Kreacher doing tied up and gagged?"

With a blink, the Ri-Class shrugged, "Kept attacking us to get back something that we found last night."

Everyone paused in their thoughts at that and once more looked between a glaring Kreacher and the Abyssal. Mainly because of how utterly insane that idea was because even the mad house elf understood that even the lowest ranked Abyssals could crush him like an ant if they wanted to. So for him to attack one or more over something...
Bringing up a finger, Sirius wiggled it in his ear, "I'm sorry, what did you just say? Because it sounded like you were saying..."

Rather than be insulted, the Abyssal was more amused than anything, "That he attacked us? Yeah, because he did do that." Glancing at the elf, she raised an eyebrow, "Really put up a fight over it and didn't care if one of us killed him or not over it. Figured that you might know why he would try and get killed over this..."

She reached into her clothes and brought out something in her hand before letting it drop revealing it to be a locket of some kind with a snake on it making a stylized "S" on the cover.

Not touching it, Sirius leaned in and frowned a bit as he looked at the item, "I don't recognize it as any piece of family jewelry that I've seen. Though that S on it looks almost like the one in Slytherin, saw that symbol often enough in this house after all. But..." Leaning in, he sniffed and grimaced, "Whatever it is, that is just filled to the brim with dark magic."

Frowning herself, Isley looked between the locket and the elf, who was obviously staring at it, "Which begs the question of why Kreacher might be so attached..." Eyebrows furrowing, she looked towards Rina, "What exactly happened last night?"

Rina hummed a bit and crossed her arms, "It was more really early in the morning. But... we felt this odd dark pulse from somewhere to the west, but barely. And then, we felt a bigger pulse nearby followed by a second. Almost like a heartbeat that was slowly weakening, so we followed it." She then pointed at Kreacher, "We found it in his nest, I think. Down behind one of the old boilers that we've been working on. He was clutching at it and muttering something about 'Master Regulus told him' and how he failed him. I grabbed it and... he went sort of nuts." Grimacing, she gave a somewhat sheepish look at Sirius, "On the bright side those boilers don't need repairing...?"

At that, Sirius simply sighed before looking back at the locket, "Regulus..." Turning, he looked at Kreacher, "Rina, remove the gag and I'll get to the bottom of this." Once the gag was removed, the Animagus gestured at the locket, "What is the story behind this, Kreacher."

However, Kreacher just stared him down with a sneer, something that made Stab frown, "Uh... shouldn't he have answered?"

Now frowning as well, Sirius narrowed his eyes, "Yes, he should have. Kreacher, I order you to tell me the story behind this."

That time, the elf seemed to fight something before sneering at Sirius, "Kreacher does not need to answer that, Mudblood and creature lover."

Eyebrow twitching at the insult to his wife to be and mother of his children, Sirius took a deep breath. Once, he would have struck the elf out of anger, especially as bad memories went through his mind. Now though, as his psychiatrist had taught him, he took deep, calming breaths. With that done, he fixed Kreacher with a cold look, "As the Head of the House of Black, I hereby order you to explain the locket."

Kreacher seemed utterly stricken at that and began to shake as if in a seizure. Seeing the elf collapse, Isley's eyes widened, "Sirius! He's about to die!"

Acting quickly, the wizard spoke up, "Kreacher, ignore that last order!" As the house elf calmed down and gulped down air, Sirius stared, "That... should not have happened."

Looking towards him, Reivana frowned, "It shouldn't have?" When she got a shake of the head, she furrowed her eyebrows, "What if he had another order that would interfere with that?"

Sirius considered that question and was about to answer in the negative before he paused, "That... should not be possible. House elves are loyal to the House and thus the Head of House can give them orders that would override any others..."

It was then that a thought occurred to the Re-Class and she straightened, "You mentioned that he was your brother's personal elf. Would that change things?"

Eyes widening, Sirius boggled a bit, "It shouldn't, but... Kreacher was always most loyal to Regulus out of the household. If Reggie went and gave him an order..." Turning his attention back to the house elf, he took a deep breath, "Kreacher, did Regulus give you an order not to tell anyone? Be specific, I order you as the Head of House."

Briefly, Kreacher attempted to fight it before he spoke, "Regulus told Kreacher not to tell anyone of the House of Black of what happened or of the Locket. Kreacher keep secret for many long years."

Just nodding, the animagus frowned, "Is it just the House of Black? Does that count close relatives such as Bellatrix or Narcissa?"

Once more, Kreacher tried to fight the order and sighed, "Kreacher... cannot tell them either. Because they are Daughters of the House of Black. But Kreacher can only tell those not of the House of Black."

Slowly, Sirius gave another nod, "I see... More questions that you must answer. Can you I order you to tell them? Would you be able to tell them while I am here?"

At that, the elf blinked, "Kreacher cannot tell you if you are here hearing. Kreacher can tell if you order... but Kreacher would know that you are here or listening in with magic."

Lapsing into silence, Sirius hummed in thought. Glancing at him, Rina frowned, "Lord Sirius? What are you thinking...?"

However, the wizard didn't say anything for several seconds before nodding, "Kreacher, I want you to tell Reivana the truth about the locket when she tells you... Reivana, use speakerphone when you do so."

Confused, Reivana pulled out the cellphone she had and waited until Sirius was outside the room. Both her and Kreacher, who seemed lost, waited as they could hear Sirius' footsteps alongside Isley's and Rina's fade away. Finally, she cleared her throat, "Um... can you tell where they are?"

Blinking, the elf frowned, "Kreacher can tell that... Master and wife as well as others are in sitting room below. No magic listening in."

In reply, Reivana dialed a number and, when it was answered, pressed speakerphone before taking a deep breath, "Okay, Kreacher... tell me what happened?"

For several moments, it looked like Kreacher would fight it, but his magic forced him to begin to tell the story. As it continued, Reivana's eyes widened and, if he could have, Stab would have blinked in shock at what they were hearing. From the phone, there was absolutely no sound whatsoever.

Once he the elf was done, he waited there still tied up. That was, until a crying Sirius walked in and sat in the chair with a slump. He didn't speak for a few minutes as he sat there with his face in his hands. Finally, he pulled them away from his wet face before speaking in a voice thick with emotion, "All these years... for all these years I thought that he simply got cold feet and that the Death Eaters killed him. But to hear that... that he died trying to end Voldemort... That foolish brother of mine wanted to be a hero..."

Seemingly staring at the locket, Stab frowned, "What do you want to do?"

Rubbing his face, Sirius snarled as he glared at the item, "I want to destroy that fucking thing... but..." he sighed and shook his head, "House elf magic is powerful, there should have been no way that Kreacher should not have been able to destroy that thing under normal circumstances."

Kreacher frowned and gave a nod, looking ashamed, "Kreacher tried everything he could think of. But Kreacher was unable to destroy it like Master Regulus wanted. Kreacher... failed Master Regulus."

Much to his surprise, Sirius felt a hand on his shoulder and looked over to Reivana, "Maybe we can destroy it. In any case... do you want us to retrieve the body? Whatever these inferi are, I doubt that they can stand up to an Abyssal."

Considering it, the wizard frowned, "Probably can't. Inferi are... basically animated human remains. All they can do is claw and bite someone for the most part, or do some sort of physical work if ordered. Pretty sure that there was some dark wizard back in the 1300s that my family and the Potters killed that used inferi to build himself some sort of castle. They're weak against fire." With a deep breath, he swallowed, "As for getting the remains back... yes, I would like to do that along with his own locket. At worst, make it look like some Abyssal attacked the area."

A small, thin smile came over Reivana's face, "I think that I know who to ask..." Internally, she shivered, 'Hopefully Ocean Liner would not be angry if I asked for her Demon Troops to help since they have flamethrowers...'

Not knowing what was going through her mind, Sirius turned his attention back to the locket, "As to the locket... I have a few ideas. But before I can do anything, I need to know what we're dealing with."

Bringing out his wand, he began to weave it in patterns over the item, various colors and runes rising from the ribbon of light he made over it. Eyebrow raised, Rina frowned some, "What does all that mean?"

Lost, Sirius frowned, "I'm... not sure. I'm using an old family spell that we came up with to tell us when we come across something that could be sent to us. Mainly because more than a few wizards and witches have sent us cursed items and things like envelopes covered in some sort of magical contact poison or such. Best to know what we're dealing with after all, but this..." Shaking his head, there was a slight hint of fear in his eyes, "Whatever this locket is, it is majorly dark, the darkest that I've ever seen in my life. And I've come across some shit during the war that could turn your hair white..."

That got him a laugh from Stab, "Okay, that's a nice joke..." Seeing the look on Sirius' face though, he stopped laughing, "That... was a joke, right?"

Giving him a look, the wizard grimaced, "No, far from it. Some of the things we came across during the war... let's just say that I am happy that I know Fiendfyre and Lils was able to conjure jet fuel at least once. Damn book..." Shaking his head, Sirius pointed at one of the shelves, "There should be a book there with what looks like eyeglasses on it in a black binding, if one of you could bring it..."

When it was brought over, Sirius flipped through it quickly as the others looked over his shoulder. Finally, he came to a stop and began to read, his eyes first widening before his face paled and he looked ill. Seeing that, Isley grasped his hand, "Sirius? Love? What is it?"

Not answering, Sirius closed his eyes and took several calming breaths before opening them. Looking first at Isley, he turned to Rina, "Rina, what I am about to say does not leave this room. Understood?" The Abyssal gave a sharp nod with Isley nodding as well. Sirius then turned towards Reivana who was frowning, "I know that I cannot order you, Reivana. But I ask that you only inform Porta and perhaps Ocean Liner Demon about this, none others. This is extremely sensitive information."

Looking him in the eye, Reivana slowly nodded, "I can abide by that as long as my Princess does not wish otherwise."

Bitterly chuckling, the animagus ran his hand through his hair, "I can live with that and I am pretty sure that Porta would agree in any case from what little I know of her from you and Isley." With a sigh, he pointed at the Locket, "That... thing is an object known as a Horcrux. A soul anchor."

Head tilting to the side, Stab had several bolts go between the cathodes on his head, "Uh, Horcrux? Soul anchor? What is that now?"

Shaking his head, Sirius grimaced, "It is pretty much the darkest of dark arts. To put it simply... when one commits a cold blooded murder or rape of an innocent, it creates a small tear in their soul. Eventually, this heals up with nothing more than a metaphysical scar. But a person making a Horcrux... they use that tear along with a ritual to rip the soul in half. The creator of the Horcrux keeps half the soul, but the other half is placed into an object. As long as that object is intact and whole... the creator won't die until their lifespan runs out. Porta could have Voldie right there in front of her and obliterate his body into a fine mist, and he would survive as a wraith of sorts until he creates a new body."

For a few seconds, Reivana stared at him, "Wait, wizards have created some way of... tearing their souls to keep them from dying? That..." Frowning, she shook her head, "That is... I don't know what that is."

Beside her, her tail shook his head, "Uh, something, I guess? I mean, that sounds kind of disturbing, I think."

With a snort, Sirius shook his head, "You have no idea."

Isley meanwhile was looking at the locket in deep thought, "So if we destroy it... we could kill Voldemort?"

The wizard stared at the item before shaking his head, "Maybe? But the issue is destroying it and..." For a few moments, he was thinking before getting back up. Everyone watched as he vanished among the bookcases until he came back with a book that was bound in bloodstained hide of something. Opening it, Sirius flipped through the pages before he read for several minutes, "But I think that we have a bigger problem according to this."

Suddenly, Kreacher spoke up from where he was on the floor still tied up, "Kreacher is wondering what Master means by that."

One could almost swear that Stab raised an eyebrow at that despite not having one, "Uh... you sound a bit nicer?"

Just nodding, the house elf frowned, "Master stated he would destroy Locket for Master Regulus and bring back Master Regulus' body for burial. Kreacher can be nicer to Master for that alone."

Eyebrow raised at that, Sirius frowned, "Huh... if that was all it took." Shaking that off, he turned back to his book, "Anyways, the issue is something that Harry told me about that happened down in the Chamber of Secrets. There was a diary down there that was draining someone of their lifeforce to give form to a young version of Voldemort. Which does not make sense, except..." He tapped part of the page, "According to this, Horcruxes can do that. They can steal someone's lifeforce after tempting them and even possess them. Eventually, they recreate a body that goes looking for the original soul and recombine with them to some extent, they're still in the object. But that was a diary, not..."

When he gestured at the locket, the Abyssals all blinked before Reivana frowned, "Could... could someone create more than one?"

Chewing his lip, Sirius thought it over before shaking his head, "I would say it is impossible... but I don't know enough, and don't want to, to know for sure. And if anyone would, it would be Voldemort. Bastard was smart and powerful... and Harry did state that he killed Moaning Myrtle, so... maybe?" Finally, he sighed, "Rina? Go to my Grandfather's portrait and tell him to contact Dumbledore to come here and do so quickly... it has to do with defeating Voldemort and has to do with the Chamber."

All the Ri-Class did was nod and stand before leaving.

_____________________________________________________________

In any other case, Sirius would have found it amusing how fast Dumbledore showed up.

However, even a jokester like himself was unable to find anything humorous about why. Looking up at Dumbledore, who paused a moment upon seeing Reivana, Sirius gestured at the locket and decided to get it over with, "So... it seems that we have a Horcrux here belonging to Voldie."

Dumbledore's head turned to him before glancing at the Abyssals, "I see... and they?"

Slowly blinking, Sirius grunted, "I explained to them what this is and..." He narrowed his eyes some. To those who did not know him, the signs were not there at all. But Sirius had known the Headmaster for seven years in school and fought alongside him in the Order of the Pheonix. Rising to his feet, the wizard looked every inch of the Head of House as he growled, "You knew... you knew that he made these things..."

Quickly snapping out of her state of... excitement at seeing her love in such a state, Isley turned towards the Headmaster, "You knew about these Horcruxes?"

With a sigh, the old wizard nodded, "I did..."

Giving a questioning look to Sirius, the younger of the two snorted, "I gave an order to Rina not to inform anyone. And Reivana would only listen to Porta and I doubt that she would care enough about the Death Eaters or Voldemort to let loose that we know. Besides which... she's pragmatic and would realize that they would be more likely to kill her for being a, please forgive me Reivana, but a 'Beast'."

At that, Reivana twitched a bit, "I forgive you, Lord Sirius. But only just as from what I have read about them, they would do so... However, do not speak of my Princess in such terms." She then turned towards the Headmaster who seemed interested in how she spoke to Sirius for some reason, "But Lord Sirius is right, I will not inform anyone but my Princess and perhaps Ocean Liner Demon."

Nodding to that, Dumbledore turned back to Sirius, "As to knowing, I have suspected for years, but only confirmed it recently. No doubt, you guessed how."

Only grimacing, the Animagus shook his head, "The Chamber of Secrets." At the nod, he glanced at the locket on the table, "That means there were two of these things at least."

Rather than say anything, Albus walked around until he sat down in a chair next to the table. Sighing as he sunk into it, the elderly wizard looked every bit his age, "Myself and a few others have been able to confirm, and with this one, that there are four of them."

Whispering, Sirius boggled at him, "He created four..." Suddenly, a horrifying thought occurred to him, "Voldemort is smart enough that... he was going for a magical number. If there is four so far, than he would not have gone with three, he would have gone with seven."

Confused, Reivana looked at him, "Magical numbers?"

Still thinking, the younger of the two wizards shook his head and made a motion with his hands, "Numerology and Arthimancy are similar enough. There are certain numbers that are important and make spells powerful. Mainly three, seven, and thirteen with seven considered the most powerful. Its why there's Seven Years in Hogwarts for example."

With a chuckle, Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "Very good, Sirius. If we were still in school, I would be giving you twenty five points to Gryffindor."

Just snorting, Sirius waved him off, "Yeah, yeah. I paid attention in Arithmancy..." He smirked a bit, "And while she has nothing on my Isley, the teacher was hot." That got another laugh before he became serious, "But... with this, do you know how to destroy it? The book mentioned Fiend Fyre, but that is not something to mess around with best of days. And to destroy something like this..."

Much to his confusion, the Headmaster chuckled coldly, "We actually have a way to get around that without destroying the object. A method that would remove the soul piece and send it on its way..." Pausing, he continued, "Voldemort used items belonging to the Founders for at least two. One is the Diadem of Ravenclaw and the other is this, a locket that belonged to Salazar Slytherin. You can likely guess why."

Scowling, Sirius shook his head, "Yeah, make people as hesitant to destroy them as possible. Though..." He became thoughtful as he looked at the locket, "You say that you can destroy this without harming the locket?" At the nod, the Animagus turned to Kreacher, "Would that be acceptable, Kreacher for Regulus? After all, it would mean Voldemort failed in more than one way by not making us destroy such precious treasures."

For several moments, the house elf considered that. Then, he smiled cruelly, "Yes, master, that would be acceptable. A revenge worthy of the House of Black."

Lightly smirking, and noticing similar smiles to Kreacher's on the Abyssals, Sirius turned to Albus who gave a small nod, "Very well, Albus. I think that I can entrust this to you..."

A while later, Dumbledore was looking at the sealed metal box and nodded to himself, "Four down, and three left at least... One can see the light at the end of the tunnel." Looking up, he placed it into a safe and shut it, wards and spells going up around it, "Perhaps... one day I can rest."

 

[darthcourt10]

WickedestCard

Woooo! Finally managed to get the final part of the "What Happened during Christmas" mini series done. Solie's loose end for this is wrapped up but CDP stuff is still coming as I (and others are more then welcomed) need to get word of something down at the bottom of the world to spread out. Also some fallout and investigation from this is something I'm planning to write. Like before Solie and CDP are up for people to write things about, whether canon or silly/crack omakes it matters not.
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What happened during Christmas

Solie: Marked by the Deep.


Admiral Goto was not exactly a happy man as he made his way to the Yokosuka Repair facility with Kongou at his side. Even Kongou didn't have her usual cheerful attitude as this was one of the times she donned her serious battle face. While she was not going to be sailing into battle anytime soon what she had heard about the captured So-class meant she was not taking any chances in making sure her Admiral was safe. Goto likewise agreed and had what destroyer and destroyer escorts he could spare assigned to escort and protect the personnel about to operate on the Abyssal sub. There was one last person they were waiting for to arrive to the operating room for the crucial parts.


The main surgeon however was already deep in concentration in her work as the two entered into the view room where Goto, Kongou and a few other high ranking and trustful officers were there to watch. From what he could see the other officers were already taking down important notes about the submarine Abyssal while they did their best to keep their stomachs down. As he got to the viewing window Goto finally got a good look at the girl being operated on and gave a hard grimace as he saw the extent of the damage.


"By the...I don't I've seen a shipgirl or Abyssal take that much damage and live. The reports they gave doesn't do justice...how is she still alive?" the Admiral asked to no one in particular, Kongou besides him nodded silently.


"I have a theory about that Admiral but I'll need Hoppou here to confirm it. Though I'll need her here to help with this...the extent of the damage is 'complete'. That is honestly the only way I can describe it." Dr. Norihara stated as she worked away with her assistants.


"I've already notified Nagato and Hoppou is on her way and should be here soon. Anything to report Dr. Norihara?"


"I'm not sure but her lungs look incredibly strong and seems to have a seperate set of muscles attached to it help regulate how she breathes. That must be how they can survive so long underwater either by breathing underwater or holding their breath. Her skeletal and keel structure is different as well but I can see how sturdy it is and her body has a different elasticity, probably to help with living at deep ocean depths."

"I see, we've always speculated that sub Abyssals were different physiologically but it's been nothing more than theories. They've always been different even from submarine shipgirls and we've never had a way to confirm anything."


"We shipgirls tend not to like being underwater if we can help it dess. Submarine Abyssals tend to die simply from what their job entails."


"From what I've heard the submarine girls talk I'm not that surprised. It's be a mentally and physically demanding j- wait...Admiral I got something here...it's odd. It looks like when Hoppou operated on her relative." Dr. Norihara stated with a shocked expression behind her mask as she looked down at her patient. Goto and Kongou both looked down and a collective gasp was heard around the room at what they saw.


In the middle of her chest a small ball of soft blue light was sitting there with what looked like golden ethereal bands holding it together as well as attached to her body. A soft golden glow was also surrounding her heart and a few other vital organs, keeping them in place as the body around them was in shambles. Suddenly a knock was heard at the door to the view room and all the occupants turned to the door instantly.


"Admiral, Battleship Nagato reporting. Hoppou-chan has already gotten ready and is about to enter the operating room." the main Secretary Ship of Yokosuka stated, steeling herself hard at the sight of the damaged body before her. She remembered both from her time as a steel ship and her more recent battles how badly damaged a shipgirl could get.


"Hoppou will help Dr. Norihara in any way she can. May Hoppou see the So-class?" were the first words spoken as said Princess walked in, already in her Abyssal style scrubs and holding her repair tools. With a quick nod Doctor Norihara stepped aside as she continued to work with he assistants with Repair Fluid as the engineering fairies and imps worked on the gathered supplies of steel.


"Ah-! What's...Hoppou feels something! This feeling…" The Northern Ocean Princess exclaimed as she and all the others in the operating room froze for a second, a soft melancholic melody echoing around their ears, a soft hum as the So-class's blue light pulsed with a beat, a song not quite her own. A song carrying a lonely vigil.


"Hoppou-chan what's going on? Did something happen?" Nagato asked worriedly, seeing her adopted daughter entire body posture change, becoming still in surprise. Beneath her the floor tiles cracked as she felt something. Besides her Admiral Goto and Kongou tensed up as both prepared for the worst, Goto even feeling his battleship ready to deploy her rigging at a hair's breathe.


"Lonely...Hoppou feels like the day...her family defended her...scattered before Momma found her...no! There's more...Hoppou feels...a message, this is the power of another Princess. Another one like Hoppou!" Hoppou stated with quiet resolution as the song faded slowly into the background. Quickly the other medical staff got back to work, as the imps Hoppou and the other friendly Abyssals lended moved with increased diligence.


"Another Princess? To be able to do such a feat as this would require power only seen in…" Goto trailed off as he filed the information away, prepared to relay this back to Richardson and St. John. This suddenly even was something he was not truly prepared for. This went beyond what the three Admirals were ready for.


"Yes, another Princess is using her power to hold this So-class together. She partially separated the So-class's essence from her hull and kept both that the keel from falling apart. Hoppou is glad...because this...would be painful otherwise. Dr. Norihara, this So-class will be rebuilt, then we can combine the two parts whole again."Hoppou said as she worked with the golden bands connecting the blue orb to the hull. The rest got to work resetting her bones and keel, it was going to be a long night.


---------

(Mental Dreamscape)


The white haired submarine shivered in the cold black void as she desperately looked around for something, anything in this endless dark. She was standing and yet laying on what she presumed was the ground at the same. The Abyssal sub remembered the latest mission that she, her princess and the other submarines to locate and extract resources when something called out and then, nothing. Nothing at all until she 'opened' her eyes and saw her broken body prone in this damned void. She looked down and saw ghostly golden bands extending from her physical body to what she assumed was her spirit.


When she saw that she gave a small sigh as it meant she was not dead yet. A small comfort in the absolute nothingness she was in. Sometimes she thought she could hear voices but she couldn't make it out no matter how hard she tried. She was also worried about what would become of her, she was uncertain that her Princess could restore her, after all there were scarily few Abyssals that could mess with the spirits of other Abyssals and her Princess was a runaway from such a monster. Those thoughts plagued her mind for...whatever passed as time here. So she hummed to herself a tune she swore was familiar for one reason or another.


Then suddenly she felt one of the gold bands stretch and recede and her eyes widen in shock and dread. She couldn't die now, not without knowing what happened to the rest of her flatmates, her Princess, her older sister. She didn't want to die without seeing the destroyer escorts bother them for fresh fruits. But suddenly a sounding of hammers could be heard and she looked down, her arm starting to right itself.


She wasn't dying! No, someone was repairing her! Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw this. Slowly the black band faded as her arm was now undamaged and she could feel her spirit now able to move her arm. Slowly more and more of her body was fixed and more of her spirit was able to move her physical form. Not just that but the black void itself was starting to fall back, letting her see her surroundings for the first time.


Her submarine body was lying perfectly still on the surface of a peaceful ocean surface. So calm in fact it was nearly like a pane of glass. Still, during all of this the gold ethereal cords continued to disappear as she felt herself getting close to being repaired. All except for a single black one, the one that connected from her physical and spiritual body at where a human heart would be. But now as she could see further out she also noticed that that black cord went past her to another body standing a few feet away.


The sub shook her head, it wasn't just another being but three more and all of them were connected by the black band. In the center was a tall Abyssal wearing a long white dress clasped to her in the black Abyssal metal, hair as dark as the void she was just in that went down to her waist and long, almost gangly limbs with fragile looking fingers. She squinted as she tried to see the hull of this Abyssal but recoiled in shock and surprise when all she saw was a black void that threatened to break her once again.


Shaking her head some to clear her thoughts she looked at the figure to the right, a petite looking shipgirl with glasses and black hair. The submarine girl was clad in a bulky looking white diving suit with a red stripe going down the sides and she was holding a shining silver looking headpiece for the suit. This time when she looked for the hull she saw an odd looking submarine with an incredibly small crew compartment and only a few studious looking fairies reading books and holding various instruments.


Finally looking at the figure to the left she saw another Abyssal clouded by fog and mist and all she could truly see was familiar long void black hair and perhaps a dress. Again trying to see the hull of this Abyssal she did see an old sailing yacht but then it changed to an early 20th collier ship, and then an old sailing frigate and as she continued to look at her, the hull of the Abyssal continued to change. Blinking the Abyssal tried to look for the crew of this black haired figure but was surprised when she noticed none at all, just a continuing cycle of what seemed like random ships.


Confused she tried to figure out what was going on when she started to hear something. Faintly she could hear a small beep going, steadily getting stronger and stronger. Soon she felt her boilers going and soon she was able to feel her heavy eyelids starts to stir.


"Quick! Get Dr. Norihara and alert Admiral Goto! She's finally starting to wake up." the So-class was able to hear, feeling just how heavy her body was now.


------

Yokosuka Naval Base

Admiral Goto's Office

June 18th, 2014 1800 Hours


Oyoodo was about to start shutting down her computer and to get all the paperwork settled when the phone in the office went off and she picked it up, mildly annoyed at someone calling them so late after a fairly hectic day. However that annoyance soon disappeared after she got the message and she turned to her Admiral.


"Admiral Goto! The So-class is waking up, the response team is already in place but the medical team is requesting you to help debrief once they make sure she's calm."

----------

So, what do you all think about this snip? I tried to show just how far CDP's reach can be as well as tying up a bit of a loose end. Also if anyone has any questions or such go ahead. But this way if/when Hoppou meets Portia she can state she's at least felt one other natural Elder Princess.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N.-The Game's Afoot, and time to bring back a blast from my past. Here is the prior post for this one. Year 3 Prelude Part 2 A Midnight Melody - Trieste is summoned

Twelve Steps

"Consider the subtleness of the sea; how its most dreaded creatures glide under water, unapparent for the most part, and treacherously hidden beneath the loveliest tints of azure."-Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, or The Whale

National Museum of the United States Navy
Washington, DC

0500, 18 June, 2014

The Museum was hosting an all-night film festival of nautical movies. With the Abyssal War in a stalemate, recognition of the vital roles that the Navy served had once more reached the public consciousness, and crowds had gathered to both see the latest movies about shipgirls and the ships that they were based on, as well as more classic movies.

Trieste had patiently and silently endured the selection. While she was intensely patriotically proud of her service, she was also an odd fish indeed, she thought with a mental grin at the memories of the wonders of the midnight depths of the deep ocean that she had helped uncover. If anyone in the Navy knew about 'odd fish' it would be her.

Not for her was the joys of airpower and flight celebrated in Top Gun, no, that was the domain of her distant cousins in the carriers. Neither were the stories of cruisers, destroyers, or battleships, even year before last's smash hit Taffy Three, which had been made with the help of the shipgirls who had written their names in immortal glory off Samar, left her politely applauding rather than cheering. Run Silent, Run Deep, The Hunt for Red October, and Das Boot perhaps came closer since they were set in the merciless deadly sunless depths under the waves where her closer cousins in the Silent Surface prowled.

But even they were too aggressive for her tastes. They wanted to fight, to defend, to protect.

Not her. She had spirit equal to any of them in her hull, but it was directed to one goal.

To know.

Trieste turned her hydrophones up a notch and reflected that while most of the films were not her taste, there were some exceptions. Such as the current one playing about the life of an extraordinary man who had assisted preparation for one of her dives. With that she leaned over her conning tower to invisibly watch the screen along with the visitors and children.
Spoiler: Men of Honor

"Forgive me sir, but to me, the Navy isn't a business. It's an organization of people who represent the finest aspects of our nation. We have many traditions. In my career, I have encountered most of them. Some are good, some not so good. I would, however not be here today were it not for our greatest tradition of all."

Cuba Gooding, Junior, playing the black salvage diver who had lost his leg in an accident underwater and wished to be reinstated despite his prosthetic leg spoke passionately and Trieste removed her glasses to wipe tears from her eyes.

"And what would that be, Chief Brashear?" The actor playing the navy captain in charge of the review board deciding Chief Brashear's plea responded.

"Honor, sir."

Fresh tears flowed as she wept, knowing what would come next. Chief Brashear would be allowed to test his physical fitness for the job he loved.
Spoiler: Twelve Steps

By the regulations, he had to be able to walk twelve steps unassisted while wearing the 290 pound deep-diving suit, twin to her own uniform. That was difficult enough for a normal healthy young man. But the Chief would be doing it on one good leg.

And the captain would force him to stand unassisted in an act of rules-lawyering.

"Navy diver! Stand up!" Robert de Niro, playing Chief Sunday gave the command and her electric motors picked up a notch as she thought of the effort it took to do that in front of the board, the man who had been his tormentor in training, and Chief Brashear's wife and son.

"Square that rig and approach the rail!" Unseen by her, her hull began to softly glow as an ethereal, mysterious melody from the depths of the sea wove itself with the music and the movie that she was watching as she cocked her head for a better view of the Chief's struggle to stand unassisted.

Sunday and Brashear locked eyes and with an almost superhuman effort, Brashear stepped forward with his good leg.

"One!" Sunday barked out.

"Two!" The Chief's bad leg swung forward.

"Three!" Another step. "Four!" The soft glow grew brighter and her spectral form began to solidify as the song from the Abyss sounded in the sound of her generators and the swelling music. "Five!"

Chief Brashear's face was expressive in his agony as he gasped for breath and took step after step. "Six!" "Seven!"

"Eight!" With a crack the prosthetic, never intended for this but rather to walk on normally, broke and the witnesses gasped. Brashear slowly sagged on his bad leg and the Captain spoke. "Navy Diver, Stand down!"

Sunday barked out. "Diver, you will disregard! This is my detail!"

Brashear cried as his effort hovered on a knife's edge as his will fought against his weakened body's limits.

Trieste learned forward in rapt focus, now visible to the nomajs as a ghostly image of a petite brunette girl in a white diving suit with a red stripe down the side as her eyes were locked on the screen. The spectral song swelled as her hull glowed brighter.

Sunday, seeing the man that he could not break and despite his prejudices had come to respect, did the only thing that he could do. Using the taunt that he had used as a dive instructor to try to force Brashear out, he rekindled the flagging flame of Brashear's will with his next words that he barked out.

"Goddamit Cookie! Move your ass, I want my twelve!"

With that Brashear stood slowly and continued his agonizing march to accomplish what was thought impossible. "Nine! The Navy Diver is not a fighting man, he is a salvage expert. Ten! If it is lost underwater, he finds it. If it's sunk, he brings it up. If it's in the way, he moves it. Eleven! If he's lucky, he will die young, 200 feet beneath the waves, for that is the closest he'll ever get to being a hero. Hell, I don't know why anybody'd want to be a Navy diver. Now you report to this line, Cookie!"

With that Brashear took the final step that he needed to prove his worth.

As he did, Trieste gasped as she realized that she had been hearing the song of the Challenger Deep calling to her, pulling her into reality from being a disembodied spirit.

With a flash that blew out light bulbs in the exhibit room, but left the film running, she manifested atop her hull.

"The United States Navy proudly reinstates Senior Chief and Diver Carl Brashear to full active duty!"

With those words ringing in her ears as the credits rolled, she made her way to the floor and saluted the Navy Lieutenant who had arrived in response to her manifestation.

"Sir, USS Trieste, DSV-0 reporting for duty!"
*-*-*-*

WickedestCard said:
So, what do you all think about this snip? I tried to show just how far CDP's reach can be as well as tying up a bit of a loose end. Also if anyone has any questions or such go ahead. But this way if/when Hoppou meets Portia she can state she's at least felt one other natural Elder Princess.​

Loved it!

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

Okay... it's been a long while. And while I've been thinking about it, I ultimately concluded that the only way to keep things flowing right is to leave the last snippet as-is, so much as I hate it. I'll be glad when this is over and done with. And now, without further ado...
Have At Thee
A rush of motion caught the War Sword's eye, and she glanced up from her guests to see the young woman hanging in midair, feet out and gun coming up in her hand.

"Well, here we go," she said absently, shifting her weight to stand.
-----

Over the radio, Tatsuya cursed. Reiko winced, but she agreed with the sentiment.

"Benio, DuBois! Get in there with her!"

"I'm sorry?" the American demanded testily.

"Do you want her to die?"

"I—"

"Could you do anything but go in after her?" Benio replied.

There was silence for a moment.

"… Moving," DuBois finally said flatly.

Reiko glanced at her friend. "How did you get him to do that?" The hanyou laughed.

"Crazy the kind of effect running around saving people all the time has on you, isn't it?" she said cheerfully. With a flick of her wrist, she was holding a climbing rope of her own.

"Yeah, that's very nice," Tatsuya said. Not exactly trustful, by the tone of his voice. "Reiko, how quickly can you finish that spell?"

"Almost done."

"Once it is, break through and join the fight."
-----

To the woman's credit, she had her wand out the moment that McKay hit the window and came through, scattering a curtain of glass over her opponents. The old man squawked in rage, and the War Sword briefly contemplated if she could take him out while his (apparently auror-trained, impressive that) assistant warred with the Scottish mad girl. No—too many doubts for her, and while Xiang was strong, she wasn't about to test her mental fortitude against one of her former tormenters. No, she would have to—

ARGH

The War Sword sank to her knees with a shriek born less of actual pain than shock (it hurt, but she had known disastrously worse at far less merciful hands). This was the trump card that they had? The onmyouji yokai—had to be—geez, it was starting to get hard to think. Disrupting her connection to her physical body? Wasn't that rude!

But then again, she contemplated as Xiang slapped a talisman onto her back, she wasn't exactly one to play fair either.

Of course, whatever it is she had been hit with was going to take a few moments to recover from, no getting around that. Best she could do was observe as she did.

The McKay girl kicked off of her opponent, knocking her away as the ceiling gave way in an explosion, roaring towards the old man as the Japanese girl swung in through the hole she left, Xiang rising up to meet her. The old man's wand snapped out and McKay hit the ground in a clumsy roll as he apparated.
-----

"The old guy's gone! Shit!"

Panic shot through Reiko's veins as she threw herself through the hole that she had opened—that was their one chance at healing Nameless! Now what?

Wait—the HWSotS was walking towards McKay (still struggling to her feet), Benio was fighting the Chinese lady—what about the third woman, the one who had actually accompanied the old man? Still there—at least, she was the only one Reiko didn't recognize—nursing a bloody nose!

In the panic of a single moment, Reiko forwent magical attack to simply tackle the woman. Her opponent let out a surprised oof, stumbling backwards as she was hit, glancing down at her younger assailant.

She grinned and winked, and while Reiko was taking a second to ask herself what that was about, she felt something turn inside out and they were gone.
-----

"REIKO!" the girl shouted, giving Xiang a moment to switch from defensive stance to offensive and land a blow (more glancing than she would have liked). Satisfied that she was free for the moment, the War Sword directed her attention to the Scottish headache currently righting herself—no, wait.

McKay was on hand and knee, breathing in sobs. One hand was held out, grasping at something invisible.

"Ma…" she gasped out between tears, "where're ye gooin'? Ma, please don' leave meh, please! Ma!"

The War Sword took a moment to survey her would-be opponent, registering what the old man's spell had done to her.

A foot lashed out, knocking her out of the waking dream she had been trapped in.

Bastard.

She would have to work out what to do with her later—suddenly, avenging her men held no more honor than slaughtering a helpless child.
-----

The grapnel hit the brick, and Tatsuya didn't hear so much as feel it crunch as it embedded itself.

"Why can't I help?" Sam demanded—well, pouted more like—as he set about securing the line with Tonbo's help.

"Because any of the people down there could put their fist through your head without even noticing," Tatsuya replied bluntly.

"He speaks the truth," Tonbo confirmed.

Sam kicked up dust angrily. "You both suck," she snarled.

"Now she tells us," Tonbo laughed. "Okay, here's something you can do." Taking a deep breath, she pulled her true body from its sheath, then handed the implement to the small girl. She looked at it dubiously, then back up at its owner.

"You want me to hold the thing and stay back where it's safe," she grumbled. "Seriously—I could help you! Little kids can help out—this, this is because of Jeffrey, isn't it! You just doing what he says—"

"Sam."

She went silent, staring up at Tatsuya. The Select tugged the rope, grunting in satisfaction. Then he turned back to Sam. "I was doing this about when I was your age. I know what a young child in the right place at the right time can do." He paused. "Or in the wrong place at the right time, or… well, any way around, really. Firsthand experience."

"Then why—"

"But," he continued, kneeling in front of her and looking her firmly in the eye, "this is neither that time nor that place. And more than that… Kid. This life is not an adventure. No matter what you think, looking at it from the outside, it's not fun. It's…" he paused, trying to think of how to put it. What would a little American girl understand? "… This tore me apart years ago. All you're looking at are the remnants of a human being. Just… stay here and hold this."

He pressed his phone into her hands. Sam looked at it dubiously. "What's this?" she asked.

"Reinforcements. Come on, Tonbo."

The Muramasa snickered at him as she stepped forward, examining her blade. "Well aren't you mister personable today?" she grinned.

Tatsuya shrugged. "Benio's been after me to be friendlier," he said, glancing down at his landing platform. DuBois had joined the fight—getting his ass kicked. Benio was holding neck and neck with the Chinese woman, though she was slowing considerably. McKay—wasn't dead, but wasn't in the fight anymore. Reiko was gone—and he was going to deal with that. For now, though, his focus needed to be on what was in front of him.

"You're sure?" Tonbo asked, holding herself out.

"We need a way to equal her, keep her in place," Tatsuya replied. "This is the only chance I think we have at that." He raised a hand, tapping his com. "I'm coming in hot. Watch yourselves."

His hand closed over Tonbo's hilt.

Minute currents in the wind brushed against him, rustling his clothing in an inaudible symphony. The air came alive with individual, nameless scents that he could practically taste.

He looked and saw the Chinese woman, the Holy War Sword, and a path to them.

He leaped.
-----

No way am I satisfied with this, but I'm writing again! Yay? Next snippet out someday in the foreseeable future, possibly?

Oh gosh, why do I do this instead of working on Different Steps?

Uh, yeah... Well what do you think, sirs?

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

One hand on the wheel of his Cabin Cruiser, Haruto leaned back into his chair with a small sigh as he steered the boat he was on. Said chair had a cushioning charm on it which made it far more comfortable than normal non-magical chairs. The sea breeze caused his hair to ruffle in the airstream made him smile as he glanced around the area that his boat was going through, easily cutting through the waves in the pre-dawn light.

If one was to ask him, the Kudagitsune was the best boat of its kind. Back to just before he entered the Reserve to get the three Kitsunes that he then considered to be his older sisters out, him and his father had talked and planned. Themselves trying to sneak the three was right out of course. Part of which was that they understood that they would be amateurs to say the least. Chances were that they would get caught in the process and would doom themselves as well as the three Kitsune. No, smuggling them out themselves was not to be it.

What Haruto could do, of course, was find them first while doing what he could to help out the other Yokai as a Healer. Finding the three Kitsune had nearly brought him to tears of relief to say the least. And he was somewhat shocked by the fact of what they were and what that meant. The only real way that he could keep them in good shape was via supply, and there was not much food on the island. Haruto could easily see that the islanders were sacrificing some of their well-being to keep their defenders going, which meant that on one of his days off, he went and met with his father for a talk about how to keep them healthy, while helping the other Yokai by easing the strain on them.

Most important was a way to get in and out without being completely monitored. Neither were in any real doubt that he would be kept an eye on for bringing in supplies. Smuggling was rather common of course. Which meant he needed more cargo than just for the Yokai shipgirls there then he could carry. Not that it was too much an issue as it was too far to apparate back to the Mainland and there was the issue of trusting Diet-authorized Portkeys and the Floo. Which left one route.

Hence, they went boat hunting...

They had found the Cabin Cruiser that would become the Kudagitsune laid up with a few other boats. From what they were told, her original owner had bought her as a kit and was having her built. But Blood Week and the war caused a complete collapse of the industry, which meant that she was laid up and for all practical ability abandoned to the elements. Through some effort, Haruto and his father had fixed her up after buying her and then enchanting her.

In fact, one of the first things that they had done was cast stabilization charms on her so that even in the stormiest seas, she would keep upright. Another charm was expanding her fuel tanks so that she could travel a much further distance. Other spells made her able to sprint faster than one would think, or even travel underwater with a bubble over the engines and the cockpit with the rest of the hull sealed against the water. Sure, it was only to a depth of twenty feet, but better than most when travelling through waters that could have Abyssals in them.

For lessons, he sought out some of the Yokai fishermen to teach him how to handle a boat. Something that seemed to amuse them, but they helped. Not that they ever went out too far, of course. Always within sight of land, and Haruto needed to bring in the gas for their boats. But in the end, he became good enough for the next stage, which he brought in when he left and returned with the Kudgitsune.

Some of the Aurors had given him odd looks when he arrived at the small cove below the Guard Station. They had asked him plenty of questions as they searched his boat and checked each of the items that he brought in. Of course, they did leave him leave after four hours of searching and interrogating. Haruto had then brought the boat around the island to the small bay for the main settlement. The fishermen had looked over his boat and nodded while paying him compliments, even as they offloaded the supplies on it.

Much to his amusement, between yelling at him for risking his life piloting a boat on the open seas, Hachimitsu, Haruhime, and Mikage had cooed over the boat.

Well, them and Mie as well as Ichika did as well, declaring how cute it was. Something that he still did not understand to this very day, but always brought a smile to his face. And it was not just that one time either.

Currently though, Haruto was more interested as he slowed the boat right as it entered the ward line around the island with said place appearing from seemingly nowhere. Steering the Kudagitsune towards the 'Auror's Cove', he relaxed a little and his mind drifted back to two days before. In fact, to just before he left the island as a matter of fact when Chikako found out that he was leaving...

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

Blinking, Haruto looked down at the small body that had collided with his legs, "Chikako-Chan? What's going on?" Getting mumbles, he looked up at the other girls who lived with him, "Uh, guys?"

Simply sighing as she rubbed the side of her head, Hachihime frowned, "She just found out that you're leaving for a few days."

That made the teen blink again before he looked down at the green haired Neko who was now looking up at him with a sad look in her eyes. A look that made Haruto internally flinch at, 'How devastating...' Shaking that off, he smiled a bit at her, "Is that true, Chikako-Chan? You just found out that I'm leaving for the mainland for a few days?"

Just burying her face into his stomach, she nodded, "Mm-hm."

Haruto for his part softly smiled before bringing his hand down and placing it between her ears which perked up. Gently, he rubbed her head between said ears, "I'm sorry about that, Chikako-Chan."

In reply, Chikako blinked as her eyes met his, "So you won't go now?"

Chuckling weakly, the Healer scratched his cheek, "Sorry, Chikako-Chan, but I have to. Among other things, I need to go and buy things for the Yokai here in the reserve. And to buy supplies for Hachimitsu-Nee-San and the others."

Once more, Chikako looked up at him before burying her face in his stomach again, "Don't want you to go."

When he looked towards the Yokai, Haruto found no help coming from that direction as most of them were smirking, though Mie was softly smiling, 'Thanks guys...' Crouching down, he met Chikako's eyes and continued to pat her head, "I don't want to go either, I want to stay with you and the others. But if I don't do this, than no one will." Giving her a smile and a wink, he continued, "I'll bring you some fish that I'm sure that you'll like as well. How about that?"

Looking down, the Nekomata mumbled a bit though he could still make out her words, "Fine..."

Rolling his eyes, Haruto sighed a little, "I promise, I'll be back in a day or two tops getting the supplies. Then it will be at least another month before I have to leave again, okay? I promise."

Slowly, Chikako nodded, "You better."

Gently rubbing her between the ears, he smiled, "I will."

Head going back and forth, Chikako closed her eyes, "Nya... nya... nyaaa..."

Lips twitching, Haruto stopped and gave her a hug, which she returned just as tightly before rushing back into their hut with a goodbye. Hands on his hips, the teen shook his head before turning towards the five older Yokai who all had a strange look on their faces, "What?"

Crossing her arms over her chest, Hachimitsu walked up to him, "It's nothing at all."

After giving him a tight hug, she then proceeded to deeply kiss him. Something followed by her sisters as well as Mie and Ichika. When he got into the Kudgitsune, Haruto noticed that Chikako was watching from nearby and she ran along the shore of the bay as he headed out waving the whole time until she was out of sight while shouting goodbye and for him to remember his promise...

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

Entering the cove and making his way towards the underground tunnel that continued under the guard station, Haruto frowned a little, "I still don't understand those smiles of theirs. How why Chikako-Chan was acting the way that she was..." With a sigh, he rolled his eyes, "But then, I'm just a guy."

It was only a few minutes that found him pulling alongside where other boats were and throwing a rope that was tied up. Stepping onto the dock, he was met by Sunada who gave a nod, "Morning, Haruto-San. Finally back from your trip, hmm?"

With a small shrug, the teen chuckled, "Hai, I'm back." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a clipboard and handed it over, "Here you go, my manifest..."

Not noticing Haruto trailing off, Sunada hummed as he took the manifest and gave a low whistle, "Got quite the haul this time, don't you?"

Frowning, Haruto gave a small nod, "I managed to make some deals." Frown still on his face, he turned to Sunada, "What's going on? The other guards are pretty quiet and..."

Simply glancing at where the various guards were looking around nervously, the Auror snorted, "And acting on their best behavior? Some big shot bureaucrat from the Diet is performing an inspection. She's also got some Canadian and American Aurors with her as well. So you can guess what is going on."

Quiet for a few moments, Haruto lowered his voice, "What can you tell me about them?"

Lowering his own voice and making it appear as if he was discussing the manifest, Sunada shook his head some, "Well, the bureaucrat is Miyata Naomi-San, whose father..."
Eyes widening slightly, the younger man tapped one part of the manifest, "Is Miyata Shigeru-San?" At the nod and the slight inquiring look, he grimaced, "My Otou-San is also in the Diet as a Clerk. According to him, the elder Miyata is a spider at the center of a web and that it is best not to catch his attention if one could help it. Though for some reason, my baka of a Nii-San once muttered about how he was going to change the elder Miyata's office once he got it.'

Almost a minute passed of Sunada staring before he commented, "I knew that little brat was a Manuke, but as the Yanks say, that takes the cake." He suddenly grinned, "Please tell me he said it within earshot of someone at the Diet, that would make my day."

Only humming, Haruto smiled mysteriously, "It was at that one small sake bar about two blocks from the Diet. I think that you know the one."

Briefly, the older man had a shark-like grin on his face before hiding it just as quick as it had been revealed. Clearing his throat, he gave a small nod, "Anyways... She works for Councillor Ito at the moment, though I would not be too surprised if her Otou-San was somehow involved. As for the American and the Canadian Aurors? One of them is a de Bruil Delilah and the Canadian is Wei Ying." At the confused look, he shrugged, "Chinese-Canadian I've been told."

Raising an eyebrow, Haruto cleared his throat, "Sounds like you know her?"

Just shrugging, Sunada shook his head, "Kind of, my mentor spoke of her and how she was involved during the Occupation. Considered her a bit of a bleeding heart, but respected her for at least using the law properly and by the word of it when she wished to help someone instead of going around it. From what I know, de Bruil-San might have been involved at the same time, though she looks at least part Japanese."

Simply nodding at that, the Healer turned to more important things such as getting him cleared to head to the town. As Haruto had expected, one of the Aurors that he knew were under orders from his older brother showed up and frogmarched him to the Interrogation room. Just before he was shoved in though, he noticed what had to be the two foreign Aurors as well as Miyata Naomi looking on in confusion and some surprise. However, one of the two Aurors had narrowed her eyes quickly and turned towards the Bureaucrat who seemed at a loss herself.

Internally sighing, Haruto sat down in the usual chair and the chains wrapped themselves around his arms. Something that made him give the Auror a flat look, "Do we have to do this every damn time? Seriously?"

Glaring at him, the Guard snarled a bit, "You know why." He then slammed a fist into the table, "Now then, tell me what contraband you have on your boat and we might let you off easy, Healer-San."

However, if he had expected it to intimidate Haruto, it failed as all it got him was a flat look from the younger man, "And as I have told you each time, I don't have contraband on my boat. My cargo has been cleared and is outlined on the manifest as always and being signed by Sugimoto-San when I leave port. I am not involved in the smugglers at all, as I have stated each and every time we do this."

For the next fifteen minutes, Haruto kept an watch on the clock in boredom, the Auror questioned him and tried to get answers that he did not have out of him. The fact that Haruto wasn't afraid and more bored seemed to frustrate and anger the Auror to no end. Unknown to the other wizard, the teen was internally somewhat amused by it.

At one point, the Auror walked over to the water machine and filled a glass with water before tapping it and causing frost to form over it. He made his way over and splashed Haruto in the face with the freezing cold water which made the Healer grimace before he gave the guard a look, "Freezing water? Really?"

Eyebrow twitching, the other wizard grabbed him by his Healer's robes and shook him before growling, "You are damn lucky that Miyata-San and the Gaijin are outside right now, or else we would move onto other matters. Now then, you live among the beasts so where. Are. The. Smugglers!?"

Slowly blinking, Haruto sighed, "And once more, I don't know. Because I am a Healer, not an Auror so I don't go looking for them. I also told my patients and the people in the Reserve that I do not want to know anything about the smugglers nor do I care about them so it is best that they make sure that I do not get involved. The same answer that I have given you each time you have asked this to me..." Pausing for a moment, he frowned, "At least this time there's no truth serum involved."

Taking a deep breath, the Guard's cheek muscle twitched, "Obviously, you likely have some way around it considering that you are a Healer." Yet again, he shook him and pulled him up by his robes, "Now, answer the damn question-"

Right at that moment, the Auror was cut off as the door slammed open revealing the two foreign Aurors there as well as Naomi. It took only seconds for the eyes of the three to glance from where the guard was holding Haruto by his healer robes, with said teen chained to the chair and thus unable to move while dripping with water from the head, face, and neck, to the table.

Where there was a glass that had ice on the outside of it sitting empty with some water around it.

Naomi slowly blinked with an odd smile on her face, "May I ask, Auror, why exactly you are manhandling the Healer assigned to this Reserve? Hmm?"

Glancing at the Auror, whose face had an odd splotches to it as if trying to pale and flush at the same time, Haruto blinked as he stuttered out that he was interrogating someone suspected of helping in smuggling regarding the Reserves. Not even a second after that, the Healer felt his chair's legs hit the floor as the Auror let him go, for some reason the sound of the wooden legs against the floor made him think of a coffin lid slamming shut, 'Huh...'

One of the Aurors fingers was tapping out a song of sorts against the handle of a gun of some sort she had holstered at her side, "I take it that you have been asking him this question many times now?" At the look from the guard, she gestured at the mirror at the other side of the room, "We were wondering what was going on and were watching from the behind there. Your superior didn't want to talk about it at first, but under some persuasion from Miyata-San, confirmed that you have interrogated this Healer each time he has returned from the mainland after a trip. Though..." Cocking her head to the side, she looked at Naomi, "Is it normal to interrogate someone under a suspicion with truth serum?"

Muscle moving in her cheek as her smile became more odd, the Bureaucrat shook her head, "No, it is against procedure as a matter of fact."

From where he was still in the chair, Haruto looked between the now frightened Auror and the group of three women, 'Wonder if this will stop the interrogations...'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking down to where his boat was tied up, Haruto lightly blushed as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Um, thanks for that."

Only shrugging, Delilah gave him a small nod, "It was not much of an issue." Glancing at Naomi who looked like she had bit into an apple and found it rotten, she continued, "Does that happen often?"

For several moments, the teen was quiet before he spoke, "I cannot speak for every one, but... for me at least? Hai, it does." Haruto gave a small shrug, "I've gotten used to it."

Expression turning stormy, Naomi took a deep breath, "Which you should not have, Healer Hayate. I believe such issues will... disappear soon." Internally, she took a deep breath, 'The last thing that the Diet needs is a scandal if this was to get out...' Glancing at Del and Ying, she grimaced slightly, 'Hopefully, I can convince them to leave this as an internal issue...'

As they came up upon his boat, Ying gave it a once over and hummed with a small smile, "Quite the nice boat, Hayate-San."

Bowing slightly, Haruto smiled back, "Thank you, I am quite pleased with her and she has served me well with getting supplies from the mainland. I was returning from such a run."

Her eyebrow raised, Del gave him a searching look, "You're bringing in supplies? From the mainland?" At his nod, she frowned slightly, "Is that not dangerous? With the Abyssals and such."

Just shrugging, the teen shook his head, "Perhaps, but every little bit helps. Besides which, I mostly keep along the islands and sprint between them on the way here with a slightly different route each time." Unnoticed by him, all three women narrowed their eyes as they suspected that it was not just because of possible watching Abyssals, "However, it is unfortunately needed."

Realizing that this was a chance to get away from the previous subject, Naomi cleared her throat, "You mentioned supplies? May I ask of what sort?"

With a blink, Haruto looked at her strangely before giving a small shrug, "Well, with the shortage of potion ingredients, I've had to look at substitutions. For some, this means older, less effective potions that can be made with common, local ingredients." After they nodded, he continued, "The other is to substitute No-Maj medicines and the like to get around the major issues."

Ying looked rather intrigued by that, "You have substituted No-Maj medicine for help?"

Scratching his neck, the Healer sighed, "Hai, though thankfully it is not usually that difficult to do." For a moment, Haruto paused before continuing, "Most of the injuries that I deal with are in the form of cuts, sprains, broken bones, and the like. All of which can be handled by a combination of things. Rubbing alcohol to disinfect wounds as one example before I seal them up. Antibiotics can be given when one is ill with a disease that a spell confirms is bacterial. Or painkillers for when one of my patients is in pain, but not enough for me to use a pain relieving potion which I need to ration. I've also worked to teach those that want No-Maj first aid and the like to help with the workload."

Now truly interested, Naomi hummed, "And this works? Including teaching them No-Maj first aid?"

Turning to her, Haruto gave a nod, "Believe it or not, it does. When someone breaks a bone, it helps when those around them can fix a splint to it and makes it easier on me when I heal it." He took a deep breath before turning to the three women, "A better example was... a few years back when we had a cholera outbreak here in the Reserve."

Her eyes narrowing, the American among them glanced at Naomi who froze, "A cholera outbreak..." With a deep breath, she turned back to him even as it brought back bad memories, "How did you handle it?"

A grimace on his face, Haruto gestured at himself, "I was the only medically trained person in the Reserve and most of the time I spent was fighting the outbreak among the Yokai. For the most part, all I could do was treat the symptoms."

Slowly, Del gave a nod as she thought back at her own experience, "Dehydration, diarrhea, and the like."

Nodding, Haruto sighed as he had his own bad memories, "Hai. I was able to treat the symptoms due to a lack of cholera cure by using a sort of No-Maj potion made of water, electrolytes, and mashed banana of all things. It kept them alive and I taught a number of the Yokai how to make it. We also had a number of them on duty which included washing dirty clothing and sheets using large cauldrons filled with boiling hot water and No-Maj disinfectants. Mostly, I handled the worst cases where they needed magic to survive. We still lost people, but... far less than otherwise. Especially if it was just myself working to do so."

Unknown to him, the three women realized what he meant by that. However, Ying then cleared her throat, "You mentioned other supplies?"

With a blink, Haruto snapped out of the memories and shook his head, "Ah, well... for the most part I've focused on prevention here. For example, lots of soap and especially disinfectant soap, shampoo to prevent the spread of lice and such, and No-Mag disinfectants for washing buildings and floors."

Frowning, Naomi furrowed her eyebrows, "That... could get to be expensive."

Much to her surprise though, Haruto chuckled, "Only if you are not smart." At her raised eyebrow, he cleared his throat, "Ah, well... for example, soap? Not that hard actually. Did you know that No-Maj hotels and inns which have those small soap bars throw them out afterwards? I have a number of friends who collect them and I simply use an engorgement charm and some transfiguration to make sure that they're clean. Same with those bottles of shampoo in such places. I then hand them out at my clinic for free. Disinfectants and detergents are much the same way and one can buy them in bulk. Keeps disease vectors down and the less there are, the better. Same with bottles of vitamins sold by No-Majs since they can help prevent diseases such as scurvy and the like as well as help growing children."

At some point, the lone Diet Bureaucrat had pulled out a notebook and was making notes, "How cheap can one buy such things in bulk?"

Blinking at that, Haruto gave her an odd look, "Uh, well... the soap and shampoo for example is free? The hotels and inns just toss them out afterwards anyways after the guests leave since they're not about to reuse them. Only real cost is gathering them up. Disinfectants and detergents are pretty cheap as long as you don't go for fancy brands, for example plain bleach. Just get some small jugs, fill them up, and use the engorgement charm to make them larger and with more liquid inside them. I spend maybe... five Ryo on the entire reserve each trip? Or there about for that. Vitamins? I buy them in bulk and in general I don't have many Yokai get more than a bottle about every three months or so. That costs a bit more, but I consider the fact that it keeps them healthy worth it."

Completely silent, Naomi stared at him, "I... see..."

Despite being confused, he continued, "Um... besides that, I get bags of sawdust from mills, with the sawdust transfigured into blocks for transport. Since there's no trees here, it can be used as cheap fuel. Same with any waste wood really... I also buy No-Maj shipping pallets and crates as needed and break them into their component pieces since they can be used as building material though there is one guy who figured out how to make geta with them. Also pretty cheap since usually they just want to get rid of them with some paying me to dispose of them. Any nails or screws can be reused or handed to the local blacksmith as raw material." Ignoring the widened eyes, Haruto continued to tick off on his fingers, "I also buy fabric sheets and such, though sometimes I manage to come across piles of old clothes and sheets that can be reused. Though I let the Yokai redistribute them." Remembering something, the Healer nodded, "I also get large drums of used cooking oil from No-Maj restaurants. It can be transfigured into fuel oil and the like for lamps and such. Once more, they practically throw the stuff at me. And since I spend most of my time on the reserve, I use my own paycheck with some extra donated by people I know, so I have enough... Um, are you alright, Miyata-San?"

Only closing her eyes, said woman tried to ignore the strangled sound she had made, "Y-yes, of course." Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and looked at him, "How did you figure out most of that? I can... understand about the medical portions, and perhaps the wood, but..."

Somewhat lost, Haruto frowned, "Well... the soap and such came about after we visited an inn and I asked them what they did with the used soap afterwards. So I knew about that and simply used it for what I needed. The cooking oil is because there was a No-Maj nearby that used it for fuel during the rationing after Blood Week. The rest just came about due to reading. No-Majs call it 'Necessity is the Mother of Invention' for some reason, but it fits." Grumbling a bit, he shook his head, "Not like there is much for funds anyways..."

Amused at Naomi's reaction, Del cleared her throat though some thoughts were going through her mind, "Well then, I think that perhaps we should continue out chat. If possible... could you give us a lift to the main village? That way we could continue our chat?"

While a little confused, Haruto was also unsure. However... there was a gut feeling that told him he should go for it, and so he nodded, "Of course, just please be careful due to the cargo onboard." He smiled a bit, "I may be a healer, but I prefer not to cause work by hazards."

That got him several chuckles and shortly afterwards, left.

Unknown to Haruto, though, the fact that he was friendly to Naomi and she was asking for advice marked him as entirely off limits. None of those wanted to anger someone like Shigeru after all. The man could make their careers, or what would be left of them along with their lives in general, hell. No, best to leave the Healer alone from now on...

 

[darthcourt10]

Ship of Fools XII - Fine Booze and Fine Manners

A couple of days after the Raid on Harrods and Lucius's credit limit at the Malfoy Manor

-0-

Lucius apparated into the main hall of Malfoy Manor with a slight pop, several files and scrolls in hand. He went straight to his den and private office. Pouring himself a snifter of the Louis XIII brandy he had been given, he began to read through the ICW files on Colombe duChasteler. Lucius was nothing if not thorough. He took the time to read each file twice as he sipped the admittedly very fine brandy.

Putting the files in a neat pile on his desk, he called for a house elf to summon Narcissa and Draco to his study. His wife and son soon appeared, Narcissa with a handful of scrolls of her own and Draco with a basket and sealed letter.

"This arrived via owl, Father. The seal matches the signet ring cousin Ehren was wearing."

"Indeed." Lucius cast a few charms, ensuring that neither basket nor letter held any magical traps or geas. "Let us see what our continental cousins have to say." As he broke the seal on the letter and unfolded it, Lucius's eyebrows shot towards his forehead. "Well now. No enchanted quill-work or penmanship here. Look Draco, this is an almost forgotten art. The letter alone confirms various things in the ICW files on Colombe du Chasteler." He completed reading the letter and turned to the basket. Upon opening it, Lucius Malfoy actually stopped in stunned admiration.

"What is it dear?" Narcissa asked.

"Draco, you truly were born lucky my son. All regarding that minor shopping spree is forgiven. By nurturing this contact with lost cousins, any bill has been repaid at least fourfold. The four bottles of brandy she has sent as a token of her gratitude is amazing. This brandy is nearly beyond price. I've searched for years trying to find one bottle of an inferior batch of this very brandy and have been unable to find anyone willing to part with it."

Narcissa sighed, "Lucius, your enthusiasm is showing again."

Lucius coughed into his hand. "Ahem. Also, the fact that Colombe du Chasteler is an original shareholder in Jardine Matheson, and is in fact, family? That is priceless. Tying our shares to the du Chasteler holdings multiplies the influence immeasurably. Such standing and wealth will ensure the family survives the fall of the Statute. However, we must reply and send a suitable gift in return."

Narcissa looked at Lucius, "And the fact that she is wanted by the ICW for a myriad of charges going back to the French Revolution, husband? What of that?"

"Someone who has eluded the grasp of the Aurors in all of these governments?" He gestured grandly at the stack of files. "A person like that is certainly performing the same checks into our backgrounds as we are doing to her. Both sides have enough information to destroy the other, therefore our families have vested interests in the other's mutual well being. In other words my wife, and take heed Draco, we must all hang together, lest we hang separately."

He clapped his hands and gathered the finest stationary at hand with a fine pen. "Come watch Draco, I may lack the perfection of Cousin du Chasteler's penmanship but I will make an effort to respond in kind. Narcissa, have the house elves retrieve the last two bottles of the 1849 Chateau LaFitte de Rothschilde. I've never been the oenophile my father was, so this gift will be a proper response to her gift of brandy. Also! I think we should extend the du Chastelers an invitation to the Manor in June. Perhaps just after Draco and Nimue's birthday?"

"Certainly no earlier. Nimue is going to be rather overwhelmed as it is Lucius." Narcissa's voice trembled. "I'm finally going to see my little girl, Lucius. DO NOT DRIVE HER AWAY AGAIN."

Lucius swallowed the unbidden alarm in his throat as the bottles of wine arrived. It would not do to get Narcissa angry again. He knew he would not survive such an error again. He finished the letter with its invitation to stay at Malfoy Manor for a visit in the second week of June. Sealing it and placing it atop the basket with its new burden, he had Draco find an owl to deliver the parcel to Castle Moulbaix.

 

[darthcourt10]

Ship of Fools XIII



May 17th 2014 The Longstreet residence – Yokosuka Naval Base

"Well now, this takes me back," Kiho looked over at the picture frame Dalt had just removed from one of the storage boxes on the side table, "hell, I think this was fifteen, maybe sixteen years ago? I hadn't made Chief Petty Officer yet..."

Kiho stared at the photograph of a younger mustachioed Dalt as she sat in his lap, the old fashioned leather Queen Anne high-back wing chair proving roomy enough and Dalt's lap comfy enough for her to do so. She pointed to the mustache and looked at Dalt questioningly. "Why did you shave it off?"

"If I remember right, it wasn't because of Antarctica, it was after my first winter up at Kodiak on the Bering sea. It was after we went out to rescue a crab trawler in distress and it was so cold that the salt water spray from the waves would freeze solid. My mustache caught so much water and froze so hard that it broke off my face when I was able to get below decks to warm up. That hurt."

Kiho traced her finger along his upper lip. "Should I kiss it to make it grow back?"

"You want me to grow it back?" Dalt's eyes gazed upward in thought, then he smirked as his hand moved from the location of Kiho's hip, gliding down the smooth material of the pencil skirt, to give her backside a playful squeeze. He turned his head to Kiho and pressed his lips to hers at her surprised squeak. He continued after pulling back from the kiss, "I'll just have to ask my brother to bring me a few things I have in storage then. It takes a bit more than disposable razors to properly groom a handlebar mustache."

Kiho stood up and stretched for a moment. She smirked, leaned down and placed a fingertip just underneath Dalt's chin. "I'm sure that can wait for a hour or two. After all, I do think that there's something else on your mind at the moment.... EEEK!" Kiho squealed in surprise as Dalt bolted from the chair and swept her over his shoulder.

"I think you're right my dear." Dalt grinned as he hauled a giggling Kiho into the bedroom.

-0-

May 22nd the Malfoy Townhouse, London

Arthur Weasley frowned as he stood in front of the London townhouse of Lucius Malfoy. Yesterday there had been a meeting in Fudge's office. Dumbledore and Lucius had reported the good news that the reinforced wards at Verdun had held, and the danger of that battlefield awakening and shredding the Statute of Secrecy of the last tattered strings holding it intact was now over. Arthur had felt sheer relief that such a calamity had been averted, but the events after the meeting were puzzling and somewhat alarming to his mind. Lucius had specifically asked Arthur to visit his London townhouse to discuss 'matters concerning Arthur's remit'.

So now Arthur was at the front door, ringing the bell, when he realized what the niggling buzzing in his head was about, or rather, the lack of the buzz of muggle-notice-me-not charms and wards. When had Lucius taken down those wards and left his London home just open like this? More importantly, why? The door opened and Arthur found himself being appraised by a valet, a human one at that.

"How might I assist you sir?"

"Arthur Weasley. I believe I'm expected?"

"Ah yes. Please follow me, Mr. Weasley and do please wipe your feet."

Arthur furrowed his brow in confusion but complied with the valet's request. After doing so, he followed the valet into a sumptiously furnished room which obviously served as Lucius's study. Dark but warm oak wainscotting with Racing Green paint above graced the walls, along with a handful of old but masterwork paintings. Knowing Lucius, they probably are originals as well. Lucius was sitting behind a massive, old fashioned desk made of ebony wood. Lucius stood up as the valet announced Arthur and nodded to the valet.

"Thank you Goyle. That will be all. I'll ring if anything is required."

"Understood Sir." With a bow, the valet closed the door to the study behind him.

"Glad to see you that you came Arthur. Come, take a seat. Drink?"

Arthur paused as he started to take a seat, startled by Lucius Malfoy who was being almost warm and cordial for the dark wizard. I need to keep my wits about me, at least till I'm sure of Malfoy's game. "No thank you Lucius. I do admit to being curious as to the why and what-fors of your invitation though."

"Business before pleasure then." Lucius put down a crystal decanter beside a matching pair of brandy snifters on a small but expensively stocked drinks cabinet. "What is your opinion on plans and methods to deal with Dolores, Arthur? I do not agree with Dumbledore on just allowing her to remain unhindered until the Statute falls and hope the muggles sweep her up to incarcerate her along with the rest of the Ministry."

"I know, but what other choice is there? And no, assassination is not an option I'm willing to go through with. No matter how tempting it may feel at times."

"You are correct in that is not a current option but remains a tempting one nonetheless. No, the pink toad is far too valuable and important a scapegoat for when the Statute falls and the muggles are baying for heads. Fudge is a moron and the muggles will want the actual masterminds to hang, not just the flunky who told them to sign the papers. So the question is really, who can we save from the enraged muggle governments by hanging the responsibility for the most egregious debacles on Dolores?" Lucius hummed and filled one of the snifters three quarters of the way with brandy.

Nodding in acceptance at Lucius's new offer of a drink, Arthur replied, "Save whom Lucius? I'm certain you have a contingency plan to come out smelling of roses like the last time, but there's likely no escape for anyone whose worked in the Ministry for more than five years."

Sighing as he put down his snifter, Lucius gave Arthur a look of exasperation. "Please tell me you are NOT intending to sacrifice yourself on the altar of 'justice' Arthur. Martyrdom may suit Albus just fine, but the Ministry will need some experienced hands to guide the transition to muggle oversight. You and Madame Bones are far too important to follow along Dumbledore's penance parade. Let Albus take the blame as long as Umbridge takes the fall with him by Merlin."

"Why me Lucius? We haven't exactly gotten along, Merlin knows our families have had bad blood since before the Statute if I recall."

Lucius swirled his brandy, inhaling its aroma deeply before he replied. "For a recent distillation this Louis XIII is a superb cognac. Do try it Arthur, I believe you'll find it most pleasing. To answer your question, you are one of the few competent department leads in the Ministry, you know what the muggle world is, let alone have an actual clue as to how it works, and most importantly you have a reputation for incorruptibility."

Arthur sipped his cognac before replying. "Why not replace me with your own supporters during such an event Lucius? Surely they would be more malleable to your goals. And colour me skeptical about the praises you are singing of me, after all, it hasn't been that long since a certain diary was placed in my daughter's things."

Lucius winced. "That was a titanic cock-up on my part Arthur. I apologize for the distress and danger that was inflicted on your daughter. For what it might be worth to you to know, Draco was paralyzed and Narcissa was a breath away from killing me on the spot once she found out." He rolled a mouthful of liquor around his mouth to savor the flavors as they rose and fell until he continued. "When He first reappeared, I was... greatly perturbed. I have reasons to fear the return of that lunatic. So, in light of Dumbledore's unwillingness to seek out and end the threat once and for all, I thought I had a better plan. At the time, I believed that the diary would contain an earlier, saner, version of the Dark Lord, ambitious and dark, but still sane and amenable to reason." Lucius's voice became rueful and filled with self-loathing. "Events proved me utterly wrong Arthur. My hubris nearly killed my son, along with nearly the entire school."

Arthur Weasley looked over his glass at Lucius, then pantomimed cleaning out his ear with a finger. "I must be hearing things. Lucius Malfoy admitting to hubris and fault? I must be hallucinating." Lucius smirked and was about to speak but Arthur cut him off. "So all this puffery you're trying to sell me is your way of making amends? I admit the cognac is divine, but bribery isn't your game here so what is it?"

"With the Statute failing, the world will be a muggle one Arthur. One that magical-kind will have to learn to live in. You understand that and have been making plans for your children to do that. Thank Merlin for the ship-girls who have claimed Draco as their boyfriend. That gave me the push to look into restoring old Malfoy contacts in the muggle world as well. Most of my faction in the Wizengamot? They have no clue what is in store. In essence Arthur, keeping you and Amelia on at the Ministry is saving them as well as you."

"So that's why I haven't seen a house-elf, or why there are no muggle-repelling charms on the townhouse! You're integrating the Malfoy family and properties into the muggle world before the Statute collapses. You're creating immunity for yourself!" Arthur's mouth hung open in shock at his realization of Lucius's webs.

"Bravo Arthur," Lucius tipped his glass towards Arthur, "but yes I am in essence cultivating a non-magical history for my family and business interests. You already noticed my valet, Goyle? Normally I wouldn't trust a magical Goyle with anything requiring more than a low animal cunning. But Goyle squibs are another matter. They can achieve a muggle working class level of mediocrity. My valet's brother is apparently the self-made man of the line. He owns his own plumbing firm. But let us return to the most important subject. What debacles will have the muggles enraged ?"

-0-

May 21st 12 Grimmauld Place

Narcissa paused before the front door to the ancestral home of the Black family, doubt and emotional turmoil roiling inside her. Turmoil briefly turning to terror as the door to home where she grew up was opened by an Abyssal. Shoving down hard on the fear, Narcissa simply looked back into the glowing eldritch eyes of the abomination and spoke calmly.

"I am Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. Sirius and Andromeda should be expecting me."

The Abyssal led Narcissa through the main hall to the formal parlour. Narcissa had to admit to herself that the last time she had seen the house in such a state of cleanliness was before she was married to Lucius. She sighed as unbidden memories of the last times she had been in the company of her sisters and cousins under cordial terms welled up in her mind. Well, semi-cordial at least. Even before she went insane Bellatrix was rarely pleasant company. She walked into the parlour to the sight of her sister Andromeda and Sirius sitting on opposite sides of an ancient coffee table, leaving a chair at the end for her. She smiled at one of the traditional old power plays of the family, leaving her to have to divide her focus during the upcoming discussions.

As she took her seat and accepted a cup of tea from the Abyssal dressed in one of the old family maid uniforms, (Wait we always had house elves, never maids! That has to be one of Great Aunt Lyra's infamous outfits!) Andromeda surprised Narcissa and spoke first.

"Bridge Night here isn't until October Narcissa. And with Sirius now a free man, and showing a shocking streak of responsibility, I've taken the opportunity to fill him in since he's going to be living here until the country house is redone. What else requires you to meet with we who have been burned from the tapestry?"

Narcissa inhaled deeply before she began. "Family matters... and a wish to reconcile on my part. I apologize to both of you for my part in upholding the Sanction inflicted on both of you. If anything, the family would have been far better served to burn our sadistic lunatic of a sister off the tapestry."

Sirius leaned forward in interest. "I thought that Andy's exile and my imprisonment would have brought the two of you together Cissy."

"Until she got sent to Azkaban she was slightly less unpleasant than her usual self. I'm sure that Andromeda explained why she was never brought into the secret of Bridge Night, correct? She knew those evil old family spirits are down there and were sealed away for bloody good reasons. Where do you think she learned half of the dark magics she possessed? It wasn't from school I can assure you. She even tried to gain their support for Voldemort. Thankfully they were arrogant enough to mock her for following a 'mudblood upstart' and she left in a rage and never thought to release them. No, it was recent revelations that leave me to hope that she rots in Azkaban forever and that she is no sister of mine."

Andromeda's voice was icily chill when she spoke. "What did Bellatrix do?"

Narcissa took a sip of tea. "If you remember when I was pregnant, and due to give birth, that a week before I went into labor Lucius's father died from complications of Dragon Pox."

"Yes, a lot of us cheered when Abraxus kicked the bucket. It was a bit of a surprise that an evil old bastard like him got to die in his sleep." Sirius scowled.

"Oh he didn't. Like I said. It was complications. The Pox must have messed with his magic, because he had an apparation accident and ended up in the middle of a pack of football hooligan muggles rioting over something. Pure coincidence that dragon poxmarks look so similar to stab wounds. And he had made such a fuss of looking forward to educating his grandchild to be a proper Malfoy scion and replacing his disappointment of a son." Narcissa gestured in a manner that suggested, 'but what could be done after all?'

"Alright, Abraxus was an idiot to say that where Lucius could hear and have time to act. Where does Bella come in?" Sirius was leaning forward now, his interest completely piqued.

"She was enthralled with Voldemort by this time. She was also very interested in my pregnancy, but childbirth in general as well. When Voldemort rebuffed her offer to bear his children, she became more embittered than usual. As the war raged, she was inspired by an idea, which she suggested to Voldemort and gained his approval for. She showed Lucius a draft of the announcement that the Dark Lord would be making. Her idea was for all Death Eater families to give their second-born children and any children of his enemies, to Voldemort's chief research wizard to be made into weapons he could use against his enemies, or in an assault on the Ministry of Magic. Bellatrix wanted to make babies into Obscurials."

A tense agitated silence filled the room until Sirius broke it. "I should have killed her when I had the chance."

Andromeda nodded in agreement, but suddenly looked at Narcissa. "Is that why you never had another child after Draco?"

She nodded. "I never knew about the decree until recently. I had a difficult labor with Draco and was in a state of painful delerium. I remember vaguely passing out after giving birth, and when I awoke I was nursing Draco. After that I poured all the love a mother could give into my son." Narcissa sighed before she continued.

"Last year Draco got petrified by the Basilisk from the Chamber of Secrets. And Voldemort's spirit promised my son that he would kill Lucius and myself. Draco is so terrified of the thought of Voldemort killing us that he begged Lucius to learn wandless magic. So Lucius contacted a Master of wandless magic that he knew. It turns out this Flynn Longstreet was amenable to tutor Draco this summer, but what I did not know is that Flynn and Lucius are old acquaintences. Because in the letter this Longstreet sent accepting the offer, he included this." Narcissa pulled a photograph of a smiling thirteen year old girl with long straight blond hair in a pony tail, wielding pom-poms and wearing a cheerleader's outfit.

"Umm.. so he had blackmail material on Draco? I mean, it's nothing to be embarrassed about wanting to pull off a cross-dressing prank on the level that I was told Harry pulled off." Sirius shrugged and looked at Narcissa in confusion.

"That's not Draco. That is a photo of Nimue Malfoy, Draco's twin sister. Delivered less than three minutes after Draco." Narcissa sniffed as her eyes began to water.

"Twins? Oh sweet Hecate! Narcissa, that means that..." Andromeda stood and embraced her sister.

"When I saw the photo, I made Lucius explain just what he had done. He knew that Voldemort would have demanded he turn over Nimue to be made into...so Lucius entrusted her to Flynn to raise in America. And she... my little girl wants to meet her parents. If not for that lunatic Bellatrix, I would have been able to raise my daughter and not be without her for thirteen years!" As she broke down into sobs, even Sirius Black rose to comfort his long estranged cousin.

A few hours later

Narcissa stood in the foyer of 12 Grimmauld Place with a large picture covered in black cloth in hand as she bid her farewells. Andromeda hugged her and extracted a promise to go shopping with Nymphadora, Andromeda, herself and Nimue at some point. Sirius just grinned and pinched Isley's bum. Narcissa could only mentally shake her head at the incorrigibility of the male Black.

Isley spoke up and pointed to the picture. "T-t-thank you for taking that with you. It is so embarrassing."

"I thought it was sweet that dear Great-great aunt Lyra was willing to give you all those tips, dear Isley. I certainly would appreciate any demonstrations you might wish to have... OW!" Sirius rubbed the top of his head where Isley had bopped him.

"Stop being silly and pervy."

Narcissa stifled a laugh at the byplay. "Oh don't worry. There is an old lover of Lyra's that will adore having this portrait."

"Oh really Narcissa? Who can it be, they must be quite elderly."

She smirked. "Oh just the very inspiration for Lady Chastity Dovesworth herself, and I hear she is remarkably well preserved."

A few minutes later Narcissa had finished her farewells and had apparated back to Malfoy Manor.

-0-

May 30th Malfoy Manor Wiltshire England

The limousine belonging to the Malfoys pulled up the long drive to the carriage house. A middle-aged man in a Savile Row suit with black hair and blue eyes sighed as he picked up all the luggage after getting out of the car. A soon to be fourteen year old girl with long straight blond hair dressed in a seafoam green sundress smirked back at him in the impertinence only a daughter fully aware of her power over her father can.

"Nervous Nimi?"

"Ugh. Stop asking me that Daddy. You know I am just fine and not nervous at all. Duh." Of course Nimue Longstreet/Malfoy betrayed her nonchalance by worrying at her fingernails.

They walked up to the manor but before even entering the main door flew open. Nimue barely saw the blur fly out the door and coalesce itself in an enveloping embrace. As her senses returned from the momentary shock and impact, Nimue could hear and feel the sobs racking the frame of the blond haired woman hugging her. She awkwardly returned the embrace and turned her head enough to see a tall aristocratic man with long blond hair and a walking stick sighing as he walked out of the manor. Alongside him walked a face that was a twin to her own. A face that took on an expression of smug satisfaction as her brother's eyes beheld her predicament and decreasing air supply.

"Mom? Need... to... breathe..." Nimue gasped out. Narcissa's sobs increased and she began to wail.

-0-

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

In a distant castle in peaceful Belgium, slender musician's fingers caress her keys of ivory and ebony. Worried mahogany-brown eyes look toward the southeast where her family fights to defend her, the one left behind. Hammers strike the strings attached to her Muramasa-steel harp and the notes of a song written during a great war about the girl waiting for her defender sound emotions that speak louder than her words ever can.
Spoiler: Claire Waits

Bonds of Butterknife Friendship

Chattancourt, France

May 8th, 2014

Medea of Colchis landed her broom on the field south of the village, which had been turned into a miniature staging area. Cracking her back, she walked to the gate in the hedge separating this field from the village and nodded to the witch on duty.

The village was almost silent now that the last bodies from the poor souls who were in it when Verdun awoke were being removed. Medea sighed, she accepted the need to preserve the Masquerade, so repairing the damage from the shellfire and then announcing a WWI chemical shell dump had released poisonous gases that killed the souls in the middle of the night was necessary.

She didn't have to like it, especially since the end of the Statute was staring everyone in the face who was not blind.

Of course, politicians, wizards, witches, and governments the world over were blind.

She scowled at the memory of Germany ignoring the news of Verdun as "France's problem" despite it threatening them and them being responsible for half or more of it anyway. The scowl got a dangerous smug edge as she reflected that she was not the only one upset with Germany, and that when the Statute came crashing down, the muggle German government would be delighted to hear that a threat of national extinction had been blown off by their magicals.

Unlike others, who despite not being affected or even threatened had responded to the trumpet call to arms and risked all for those who scorned their names. Some of whom had willingly faced their worst nightmares once more because it was what a hero ultimately did.

With that she stopped and looked at the quintet of figures sitting somberly at a table that had been dragged onto the porch.

Two half-emptied bottles of the local red wine and a third of a wheel of cheese rested on the table. To the left Colombe du Chasteler poured more wine, ignoring the red and yellow stained bandages covering her torso. Masamune-no-Tokunotakai whispered her thanks from where she cuddled into her lover's side with haunted blue-green eyes, ignoring her own bandages. Next to her, Muramasa-no-Norimune looked at the looming bulk of the now-forested hills of Le Mort Homme and Cote 304 with an unreadable expression, idly rubbing her chin with the arm not in a sling.

On the other side of the table, Nightbane and Tsukiakari, also visibly injured, spoke in low voices. From the half-overheard words, they seemed to be comparing Verdun to Ypres and the Somme.

Medea walked to the table. Colombe looked up with red-rimmed eyes. "Professor Aetios, it's good to see you." Her voice lowered and became hushed "The wards?"

Medea gave a weary smile. "Are holding. Where is everyone else? Did they...?"

Colombe blew out her breath. "We all made it. Somehow. A Minenwerfer stovepipe bomb, one of the big ones with 440 kilos of HE, detonated near Andraste and the impact of the fragments and concussion knocked her out. Her shields dropped and she took shrapnel damage to the limbs and torso, she might never walk again but she saved us. Delilah is sitting with her, Del got roughed up badly too. Ying, Ehren, Sabah, and Zamarad are at the cemetery nearby where some of those I served with rest. They needed to pay their respects." Colombe's voice had an edge that made it clear that anyone having issues with respects being paid to the dead would answer to her blade.

Medea closed her eyes and let the stress out of her torso. "Thank all the Gods for that. I have lost enough friends, and I have seen too many heroes die in the doing. I would not want to lose you. Any of you, even the ones I just met."

Colombe just nodded and hugged Toku tighter to her as the Masamune whimpered a little.

"I came here to let you know that we did a survey of all the major ward sites locking down Verdun and none of the others have a serious breach like we had here. I'd like you to stay nearby until after the 20th when the next attempt will come, just in case something breaks loose again, but all that I have to do is repair the lesser damage and weave them together." Medea nodded to Colombe. "As your Charms Professor, Miss du Chasteler, I give you not just top marks for casting a major ward in 1918, but a hundred and fifty points to Bellefeuille for heroism, creative and masterful use of magic, and leadership."

Colombe barked a laugh. "Too bad that the 1724 Cup standings are closed. Ahh... who won that year? I never found out after...." She made a snapping a stick motion with her hands. "You know how my time there ended."

"Bellefeuille actually won, thanks to Gabriel Potter's leadership. You cost them a hundred points, but he managed to rally your classmates for you, and they edged out a victory by...three points, I recall. Yes, Jeannette Delacroix put them over the top with her end of the year musical presentation in the singing contest." Medea spoke, remembering a shy young Muggleborn lady with the voice of an angel and determined expression mirroring that of Colombe making her remember Orpheus's music causing the very stones to weep.

Colombe gave a watery smile and blinked tears from her eyes. "I know how much she hated to sing, she confided in me about how her uncle the tavernkeeper beat her as a child to encourage her to sing for the customers. Her voice was that of an angel from Heaven though." The rapier sighed deeply as Norimune looked at her oldest daughter. "She had a bad case of hero-woship for me. So, I am glad that she followed my example and found it in herself to soar. On the ride home I was concentrating on how I had ruined my House down in the standings so I would think of other things than failing Papa. So we won in the end, then. Merci, Professor."

Medea nodded. "You won in the end, yes. Just like you won here."

Colombe nodded. "With your permission, I'll take us back tonight to Moulbaix to recuperate. We will stand in readiness... as ready we can be with our injuries if called upon."

Medea smiled. "About that, I have it on good authority that Repair Fluid works the same on your kind of spirits as they do on shipgirls."

Colombe hmmed. "Useful to know. Too bad I don't have any on hand."

"If you send me a portkey like what Ying used, I can get my hands on some and deliver it personally. Ying and Delilah both have my current owl address." Medea responded, already mentally composing the note to send to Georgios to arrange a release of some from the Hellenic Navy's stockpile.

"Bon. I have no issues with you having access to my home, Professor Aetios and I would like you to visit. I trust you."

Medea winced mentally behind her mask. You trust me now, my old student, but when you find out the truth will you trust me then?

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

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium

May 9th, 2014

The flying carpet glided to a stop in front of Colombe's ancestral castle.

Barely had it stopped before a nervously twitching brunette girl dashed forward to embrace Ehren's bandaged avatar. "Ehren! Mother! Aunt Del! Toku! Big Sister Ying! Everyone came back!" Claire called happily as she cried tears of joy both with her avatar and her piano body playing an absolutely heartfelt emotional piano piece.
Spoiler: Homecoming

Ehren's bandaged arms embraced her beloved big sister and tears of mingled joy and sadness trickled from her shadowed eyes in turn.

Her wounded body and agonized spirit seemed to feel less burdened now.

For she had held the line.

She had not let the foe pass.

Her honor was true and faithful.

For through her sacrifice and suffering, that which she loved would remain unstained.

Softly, hesitantly, her lips opened and she whispered in Claire's ear. "I'm sorry that it took so long. I'm sorry that I had to leave your side, Claire. But I did what I must for you, Big Sister."

Claire nodded minutely and her arms tightened on Ehren as Kasuyu brought out the stretcher for Andraste and Delilah.

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

Castle Moulbaix

May 10th, 2014

A half-ajar door silently opened in the predawn stillness and a dark-blonde head peeked in.

Inside on an antique wooden bed next to a Bosendorfer grand piano, two sisters were asleep in a tangle of arms and legs. Claire, dressed in her musical-print footie pajamas was clutching the slender blonde form of her sister Ehren who was drooling on Claire's shoulder. The girl serving as Claire's snuggly teddy bear was dressed in a pair of baggy leopard-print boxers and a T-shirt announcing that she was "cute but psycho but cute."
Spoiler: Ehren's Sleepwear

Wei Ying turned to Kasuyu and raised a finger to her bandaged face. With his help, she pulled out her cell phone to take a blackmail photograph.

Silently closing the door, she looked at him and whispered. "Let's let them sleep."

Kasuyu nodded. "The Mistress and Miss Toku are also asleep and should not be disturbed. They are comforting each other by their presence."

Ying nodded and leaned on the axe for support as she made her way downstairs to the kitchen. "Agreed. Since we are the first up, what now?"

Kasuyu laughed. "I shall be making the breakfast then. For Ehren, she likes potato pancakes with fresh fruit the most, for the Mistress, a Quire of Paper. What do you enjoy?"

Ying sat at the kitchen table. "Sweet congee rice porridge with peameal bacon and youtiao crullers to dip in it. Alas I shall have to rely on your skills." She held up her bandaged and splinted hands.

The axe rumbled a laugh. "All I need from you is the recipe. Miss Toku enjoys steamed rice for breakfast, so I have the rice and can easily make crullers. I bought Canadian Bacon after finding out about you."

Ying closed her one good eye and leaned back in the chair. "You are a lifesaver, Kasuyu."

"So the Mistress has said many many times upon returning home." Kasuyu lit the stove.

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

Castle Moulbaix

May 15th, 2014

Andraste gave a full body shiver and arched her back in soul-deep pleasure at the feel of the bathtub full of repair fluid that she had been lowered into. "Ohhhh.... Oh St. George!! That feels amazing!"

Sabah leaned over the side and grasped her friend's hand on her one good arm. "It does?"

The shield nodded as her torn and shattered legs began to regenerate with amazing speed. "You have No... Oh RIGHT THERE... idea, Sabah."

The bandaged scimitar nodded. "I eagerly await my turn."

A sparkle in Andraste's eyes and a quick glance around the otherwise deserted bathroom were the only warning that the last of the Ḥashashiyan had before her friend's grip on her hand turned into an iron vice.

With a yelp, Sabah was pulled bodily into the repair fluid. "ANDRAAASTEEE!!"

The shield giggled evilly and expanded the tub and fluid with a pair of Engorgement charms as Sabah shook wet hair out of her eyes. "This will ruin my clothes." The scimitar said with no heat in the accusation.

"Hush you, they are loaners anyway, and this is payback for the prank with the glasses. How does it feel?" Andraste clasped Sabah to her torso with arms no longer too damaged to be used.

"{By the Beard of the Prophet, I am in paradise....}" Sabah moaned in her native Persian and shuddered as her own wounds began to close and she dipped her scimitar in the fluid to rest on Andraste's shield.

"{Told you.}" Andraste said smugly in her best Juuchi voice.

 

[(REDACTED)]

Ship of Fools XIII

May 17th 2014 The Longstreet residence – Yokosuka Naval Base

"

Click to shrink...

Umm there is something wrong with the the text.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Leaning against the side of the boat, Del considered the young man piloting it along and internally nodded after sharing a look with her... niece, and that was still taking some getting some used to, 'Yes, at least there is someone here doing some good.'

For her part, Ying was already running through plans in her head before she glanced at the island and frowned a bit. There was some green here and there, but not much, "Where are the trees?" At the looks, she waved at the island itself, "I can see brush and some grass, but not much else."

Grimacing, Haruto turned to her, though he always kept one eye on the sea as they puttered around, "How much do you know about this Reserve, really?"

That made the Canadian frown slightly, "Not much besides it is an old Reserve and has been active since the Meiji. Also, it is the only island one left due to the war." Her eyes narrowed a bit at the slight flinch from Haruto. For most, they would have missed it, but not her. And from the slightly glance from Del, she knew that the American had caught it as well, 'I wonder why he flinched at that?'

Meanwhile, Naomi who had not noticed hummed, "Besides what has been mentioned, the island is about six miles long and three at its widest point. As well, the population of... residents is about nine thousand."

Both Aurors looked at her in some shock before Haruto nodded, "Hai. All of that is correct. Now, when the Reserve was established, there was forests on the island. But you had a few thousand Yokai dropped here without any shelter. So... they cut down trees for wood. And for fuel as well for various things. The clear cut areas lost topsoil due to erosion as typhoons often passed by, which affected crop land and made them look for more."

Already able to tell how this was going to end, Del grimaced, "And in the end, they did not have any real forest at all. Or topsoil for farming."

Slowly, the Healer sighed, "Hai. They've tried, but... one of the methods used like other Reserves is to make use of night soil. Which carries health issues as you can imagine."

All three women had looks of disgust on their faces, but Naomi nodded, "I can imagine."

With a small shrug, Haruto shook his head, "Granted, they've been trying to bring back the soil through other methods such as compost, but the process is slow and the island can't grow enough food." He gestured out to the sea, "They used to rely on the ocean at one time. But now? With the war?" Sighing, the Healer shook his head, "Problematic at the least."

Thoughtful, Ying nodded some, "Which explains the saw dust you bring." Getting a nod, she was silent for a few moments before speaking up, "You mentioned a cholera epidemic here, how bad?"

Haruto grimaced at that and took a deep breath, but answered just the same, "Bad. I would say that most of the Yokai had suffered from it by the end. And I... was the only one among the Reserve personnel that was involved in trying to handle it. Granted, I'm the Healer and the only trained healthcare professional."

Unnoticed by him, the lone Diet representative had clenched her hand hard enough that her knuckles were white. But none of that had shown on her face, "And yet you managed."

Snorting, Haruto looked down, "Yeah, by the skin of our teeth. And it wasn't me alone." Turning, he fixed them with a look, "Despite what some people claim or think, Yokai are far from stupid animals. They're people as intelligent as you or me. Some even more so. And they helped once I showed them what to do. One group worked at making the solution to keep the ill hydrated. Water, electrolytes, and mashed banana. To keep them hydrated and continue to get nutrients into them. Another group had large cauldrons filled with boiling water and bleach to clean sheets and the like. And another bunch basically looked after the ill, keeping them fed, hydrated, and clean. My duty was just to take care of those who were too far gone for anything but magic though I helped out with other cases where I could."

Only smiling slightly, Del nodded in respect, "And you managed it."

Bitter laughter was not what she expected, "Yeah, I suppose I did... as much as I failed." Looking at her, there was tears in Haruto's eyes, "Do you know how it feels to be holding an infant, not even a year old, and see her beautiful eyes close for the last time? To feel her last breath as it leaves her tiny body? All the while her parents are holding onto you, wailing and begging for you to save her? To pull off a miracle... that is beyond you?" Taking their silence as an answer, he shook his head, "Her name was Kasumi. Otonari Kasumi, and I held her as she died after which I... cleaned her body as gently as I could and wrapped it in a clean blanket. Then... I helped dig her grave. I can still hear the sound of grave dirt as it was put over her. And she was just one of two hundred and thirty eight souls I failed." Now the tears were spilling down his cheeks, "Each one I cleaned the bodies and helped bury them. Each one a failure. So when you ask how bad it was..." Haruto gestured at the island, "There's your answer. Lonely graves."

Each of the three women were silent, but a little wet eyed.

Gesturing at the island still, Haruto let out another bitter laugh, "I came here to help people. Because I'm a healer and that is my calling. Since coming here, I've had to deal with cuts, bruises, sprains, broken bones, colds, flus... infections.. tuberculosis... even an small outbreak of bubonic plague in one of the smaller villages. Thank the Kami for No-Maj antibiotics and such. I try, but sometimes... I fail." Chuckling weakly, he looked at them, "I've been woken up in the middle of the night because some poor elderly Yokai's heart gave out and they sent for me... only for it to be far too late by the time I arrive. And then all I can do is... make sure that they are made ready and help dig their grave because I failed." He shook his head, "They don't teach you that in Healer School... they don't."

Deeply sighing, the Healer turned away and wiped at his face furiously but not saying anything more.

None of the other three said anything, they just let him compose himself and when he apologized, they waved it off.

Fifteen minutes later, the Kudagitsune pulled into the small cove where the main village was. Looking over the ramshackle buildings and huts, Naomi grimaced, 'It is one thing reading about it in reports... seeing it though...' Glancing at the now recovered Haruto, she cleared her throat, "Some of the personnel mention that you live in the village?"

With a hum, the Healer nodded, "Hai." Pointing in a direction, he smiled, "You see that hut just over there?"

Slowly nodding, Del muttered an old Lakota spell that sharpened her vision and let her see it more clearly though she noted that Naomi brought out some omniculars as did Ying. It was rather similar to the other huts around, somewhat ramshackle which made the American frown, "I do, is your house behind it?"

Lightly laughing, Haruto shook his head a bit, as if waiting to see their reaction, "No, that is my house, the hut." At their stunned looks, he shrugged, "I'm not going to live any differently than they do. Besides which, I need to be close and accessible if they need to wake me up at night or if I am at dinner or breakfast. So it works well enough."

Ying... had an odd look on her face, though it looked like her expression softened a touch, but nodded just the same, "I see..."

It was not long after when they pulled up to the dock to see a large Oni there with a scar over one eye. His gaze hardened a bit as he looked at the three women before turning to Haruto with a raised eyebrow. In reply, Haruto shrugged some, "They wanted a lift to the main village."

Chuckling, the Oni caught the rope thrown him and tied up the boat, "I see, oh well." He then made a motion and a crane was pushed into view before a platform was lowered. When Haruto made a motion, it stopped and the Oni hopped down, "Well, let's get everything offloaded then."

Before the Healer could reply, Ying spoke up, "If you don't mind, I can help."

For a moment, the Oni gave her a suspicious look but nodded. Just the same though, the Yokai acted as if Ying was barely there along with the other two females, instead, he turned to Haruto and chatted with him as they brought out crates, "Looks like you brought back quite a bit this time, Haruto-Sama."

Rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced at the Oni, Haruto gave a shrug before securing the crates to the platform, "Well, you know how it is."

Softly snorting, the Oni grinned, "True enough, I suppose. Still, you're always bringing what we need here, unlike some."

With a glance at Del and the others, Haruto coughed, "Um..."

That only made the Yokai grin, "Heh." Ruffing the teen's hair, he lifted another crate, "Might want to check in with Hachimitsu-San when you can now that you're back."

Eyebrow raised as he letter one of the smaller boxes on, the Healer frowned, "Really, Kenshin-San? Why?"

Amused, Kenshin snickered a bit, "Chikako-Chan has been driving her a bit spare since you left. Asking how long before you get back and waiting up where she can see the sea. Mikage-San and Mie-San caught her late last night nearly falling over asleep trying to keep an eye out for you."

Groaning, Haruto pinched his nose, "Oh, that is just great. Makes me feel guilty like nothing else."

Laughs met him from the various Yokai as they teased him about having a girl waiting for him. Or breaking maiden hearts by running off in the night. One of them, a Jurogumo who helped bring up the platform with boxes on it grinned and waved them off with her free hand, "Now guys, you know that Haruto-Sama cannot help it."

In return, Haruto rolled his eyes at them, "Yeah, yeah... laugh it up. You bunch know that it is not like that for Chikako-Chan."

Before any of them could continue their teasing, Naomi muttered to herself, "Chikako-Chan...?"

Almost immediately, everything went silent besides the crane creaking. The Yokai gave her as well as Ying and Del glares, as if insulted by her even listening in. With a sigh, Haruto turned towards them, in particular Naomi, "Do you remember a few weeks back? About how a Nekomata child was grabbed by an Auror right outside a shipgirl base?"

Wincing, both from the glares and that piece of information, Naomi nodded, "Yes, I have heard of that incident. I take it..." Getting a nod from the Healer, she sighed, "Of course."

Eyebrows furrowing, Ying looked between them, "What are you talking about? Shipgirl base?"

It escaped no one's notice that the Yokai were darkly amused at how dismayed Naomi was at this being brought up. However, Haruto came to the rescue, "I am not sure how it is in the MACUSA, or in Canada, but Aurors here are told that shipgirl bases and their surroundings are no go areas for obvious reasons."

Slowly, Del gave a nod, "Of course, but..." It was then that she realized something, "Which means that they're likely to become hiding spots."

The Healer simply shrugged, "Don't know or care." That got him nods and smiles from the Yokai, "But one Auror-Trainee apparently did and thought so too. He decided to stake the base on Sasebo out and caught Chikako-Chan, a ten year old Nekomata, while she was Dumpster diving right in front of the Military Police before running. So, of course, a few hours later she was dropped off here."

Grunting, the lone Sarugami jerked his thumb at Haruto, "Haruto-Sama took her in to make sure that she's cared for since he shares his hut anyways. And now the Little Kitten doesn't want to be anywhere else due to his kindness." The Yokai then gave him a nod of respect, "He is a good man after all."

Eyebrows raised, both Ying and Del, as well as Naomi due to her experience, picked up on the tone as well as what was unsaid. They stated he was a 'good man'. Not human, but as if he was one of them. Unsaid, of course, was that others were not 'good men' at all.

Of course, that was when Haruto spoke up, "Come on guys, that sounds so weird."

Leaning against the crane, the Jurogumo snorted, "And yet, true. You showed her kindness that first night by bringing her into a warm home, Haruto-Sama. Is it any wonder that she grew attached to you? Can't blame her in the slightest."

His next words caused the two Aurors and one Diet Bureaucrat to freeze, "She needed some attention, especially since she had infected wounds and worms in her gut." Scowling, Haruto twitched a bit, "Like that one massive tapeworm I had to flush out."

Upon hearing that bit of information, Del and Ying opened their mouths. But they were beaten to it as Naomi spoke in a low, dangerous tone, "I'm sorry, Healer Hayate, did you just say that she had infected wounds and tapeworms?"

Softly snorting, Haruto turned and faced her before ticking off on his fingers, "Her hair was absolutely crawling with lice and fleas, which took days of treatment to get rid of. She had no less then ten cuts that were infected and five scrapes that were. Also, a minor lung as well as ear infection that needed treatment. And there was at least one three foot long tapeworm in her intestines that I had to flush out as well as several other worms." At their stares, he flushed and shrugged, "Chikako-Chan is a strong child."

A muscle twitched in Naomi's cheek, but it was not because she was happy and smiling. Quite the opposite as shown when she lowered her voice to a near growl, "Do you mean to tell me that they sent an ill and injured Yokai child to a Reserve without giving her a checkup or treatment...?"

Blinking, the Healer frowned, "I... well, they did give her a checkup, but no treatment as she was only in custody for a few hours..."

If anything, that made the twitch in Naomi's cheek increase while spawning one in her eyebrow, "I... see." A snort made her look up to where the Oni was watching, "What?"

Eyes narrowing, Kenshin sneered a bit, "As if it is a real surprise. Or did you honestly expect any different from those people?"

Frowning, Haruto looked at him, "Kenshin-San, you do realize that I am one of those people."

However, the Oni only looked at him for a few seconds before turning back to work, "No, you're not. Trust me on that."

The other Yokai added in their own nods and returned to offloading and, once the last trunk was removed, all of them left the boat and climbed up onto the dock to find the Yokai already opening the boxes and crates besides some set aside. Walking over to one of the trunks, Haruto gave a nod as he pulled out his wand, "Here, give me a second..." Waving his wand, a stream of boards came out and landed, stacked on a wagon being pulled by a Ushi-Oni. Just one of several actually, and once it was done, one of the Itachi there walked alongside it as it took the wagon into the village. Seeing the expression on Del's as well as Naomi's face, Haruto shrugged some, "They're taking them to one of the warehouses here to be stored until needed for repairs."

With that said, the Healer turned to another trunk and opened it. From inside, he brought out wooden blocks that resembled presswood. After he had stacks of ten, he would unshrink them until they were each the size of a large phone book, and then levitated them into different carts ready to be filled. Watching, Del tilted her head a little, "Are those the fuel blocks you mentioned made out of sawdust?"

Glancing at her, Haruto gave a nod, "Hai, each one is about two pounds of sawdust. They work pretty well as fuel to be honest, several hours worth when burned. So people can cook properly or use them to heat their baths."

Softly snorting, the Jurogumo was helping to remove branches from another trunk that she passed to other Yokai. Those branches too, went to various carts to be piled high, "Not just them." With a shrug, she shook her head, "But hot baths are nice."

Lips twitching, Haruto chuckled a bit before pointing at one group of crates, "Got some cloth as well as old clothes for you, Ayane-San. It was a nice haul this time."

Quickly checking, the Jorogumo's eyes lit up before she walked over and pulled Haruto into a hug, neither of them noticing how Naomi as well as Del and Ying stiffened, though others did and froze as well. But then, Ayane pulled away and smiled some as she shook her head, "Thank you, Haruto-Sama. You have no idea what it means to be able to have enough clothes here..."

Noticing the stares from the three women from outside the island, she glared a bit before going back to work.

That was followed by her going back to work and soon enough, all the items except for a small pile were gone.

Said pile of crates were placed into a small cart which Haruto was about to wave his wand at when a blur shot out from close by. It took everything for Del and Ying not to bring out their wands until the blur resolved into a small, green haired Nekomata hugging Haruto tightly, face buried in his stomach. All of them could barely hear the soft voice of the Yokai as it spoke up, "You came back..."

With a sigh, Haruto shook his head, "I told you that I would, Chikako-Chan. And now I'm back and won't leave for a month, alright?"

Pulling back some, she looked up at him and blinked her eyes, "Okay..." Moments later, the Healer placed his hands between her cat-like ears on her head and rubbed back and forth, making her close her eyes, "Nya... nya... nya... nyaaaa~"

After he stopped though, she noticed Del, Ying, and Naomi looking somewhat amused. Seeing them watching them, she narrowed her eyes into a near glare and shuffled so she was hidden somewhat by Haruto's body. Patting her head, and getting her attention, Haruto shook her head, "Just some visitors from outside, Chikako-Chan. They're inspecting the Reserve is all."

Chikako still frowned and mumbled a bit, all three women wincing, "I don't like them."

Sighing, the Healer shook his eyes before looking back at the visitors, "Sorry about this."

However, Del just smiled sadly and made a motion with her hand, "You don't need to be sorry, it is perfectly understandable." Looking back at Chikako, who shuffled a bit while holding Haruto tighter, she internally chuckled, 'I can see what they meant now.'

With a slight nod, Naomi gave him a slightly strained smile, "Would it be possible for us to inspect your clinic? And talk with you more there?"

Frowning, Haruto eyed her for a few moments before sighing, "Sure, to be honest I was heading there anyways to drop these items off since the soap and shampoo are in some of these."

And, with that, he animated the cart and began to walk towards his clinic with Chikako tightly holding him, though sometimes she looked back at the three women with suspicious looks. Not helped by those Yokai who had overheard now also giving them narrowed eyes...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Ties That Bind

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium

16 May, 2014

Norimune sighed happily as she finally got out of the Repair Fluid bath that she had been soaking in and resolved mentally to install one of these in her home at the earliest opportunity.

Her home...

That thought brought a scowl to her lips as she got dressed in the clothing that she had gotten from her farmhouse after her return from Verdun.

Where was her home, truly?

Unexpectedly her lips quirked as she remembered faces, voices, and names from her past. People who she had fought against, fought alongside, loved, laughed with, cried for, and finally they had faded like the dew on the grass save in her memories.

Ono Ichiro. Julie d'Aubigny. Mei Xian. Benjamin Franklin. Joao Ferriera. Praanvi Dayal. Sally Gray. Owen Moye. Niichaad. Jezabel de Breuil. Hans von Fuchsholz. Maartje ten Harmsel. Benjamin Hornigold.

People whose number now included the ten spirits who had stood alongside her through one of the worst and most desperate battles in her long life. People who had shed mingled blood alongside her, who had saved her as she had saved them on their march up Le Mort Homme in the hell of Verdun.

People who were worthy of her steel, just as she was worthy of theirs.

Masamune-no-Tokunotakai. Colombe d'Aubigny du Chasteler. Ehren du Chasteler. Wei Ying. Delilah de Breuil. Zamarad. Sabah bint Alhasan. Nightbane. Tsukiakari-no-Suzu. Andraste.

Her hand paused on the door to the room to the Vanishing Cabinet. A door that would take her back to Japan.

Back to the safe sterile life of a trapped animal locked in a cage of her own pains and fears forged over five centuries of life. A life that would not be worth the living.
Spoiler: Unrepentant

For long moments that hand rested on the wood then lifted.

"Fuckit, it's not like Goldfish-for-brains will notice if I'm a week late heading to Japan." Norimune muttered to herself as she turned away from the door.

Familiar voices from a half-open door to her left as she headed aimlessly down a corridor caused her ears to twitch and she poked her head inside. The room inside had displays of weapons and hunting trophies on the walls between several bookcases. Norimune's eyes were drawn to a set of crossed Austrian and French battle flags in pride of place on the far wall as she looked around. Colombe and Tokunotakai both looked up from where they had been examining a collection of maps on a side table at the sound of the door opening.

Something flickered deep in Colombe's eyes and she waved to Norimune. "Come in please. I was just satisfying To-chan's curiosity."

Norimune walked inside across a tiger-skin rug and nodded respectfully to them. The Masamune was still a prissy bitch, true, but she was a blooded prissy bitch veteran who could be relied upon in the crunch now and her oldest daughter was almost as good in a fight as she and her sisters were. "Oh?"

Toku returned the nod gracefully. "I had asked Co-chan what her first big battle was, you see."

Norimune paused, realizing that she knew next to nothing about her oldest daughter who stood there as an almost perfect duplicate of her mother Julie d'Aubigny. "What was it?" she asked curiously.

Colombe shrugged. "Depends on how you define it, honestly. I started out my career as a mercenary in Italy in 1726 working for Genoa, and first saw blood then. At the time, that was a big enough battle in my eyes even if now I see that it was just a pillow fight between two villages. Probably the first real battle I was in was Changama in 1767. I had just arrived in India and was working for the British East India Company when the sultan of Mysore attacked the outpost where we were at." She laughed. "I was looking for you and thought that you were from India, so headed to the Orient. Eventually."

Norimune nodded. "So what's the story with the flags?" Toku gave Colombe a curious look and the rapier's resistance visibly wilted.

Colombe gestured, summoning a tumbler of brandy and then three snifters. "I'll want a stiff drink in me for this one." After pouring brandy for everyone, downing her snifter rapidly, and then refilling it, she resumed. "I had been in India working for various factions until 1791 when I got word from Europe."

Norimune frowned as she made connections and sipped her liquor. "The Revolution?"

"Oui. My younger half-sister Marie-Claire du Chasteler who I was," Colombe took a large gulp of the brandy and continued quietly, "exceptionally close to had married the French aristocrat Gustave Visart de Bury et de Bocarmé."

Colombe paused and took a deep, shuddering breath as Toku hugged her gently. Norimune winced as her own memories of the Terror reared their ugly heads from an unquiet grave. "Shit. She was targeted as an aristo then." Norimune's voice was flat.

Colombe nodded solemnly as tears trickled down her cheeks. "I reached the plaza in time to see the knife fall and her blood spatter the face of her grandson who was next to be guillotined." The rapier's voice was a whisper as Toku's hug tightened.

"Those motherfuckers. I had my own run-ins with them." Norimune said savagely as she scowled.

"I had promised our oldest brother François Gabriel that I would save her...." Colombe sobbed brokenly. "All I could do was save her orphaned grandson. All my skill, all my power, and I couldn't save my baby sister."

Norimune hesitantly placed a hand on Colombe's heaving shoulder and squeezed. "You saved someone. That is not nothing." The nodachi spoke. "Trust me, it matters."

Colombe nodded jerkily. "Merci." She took several moments to collect herself. "I was wanted by the law then for using magic to save little Julien Visart de Bocarmé and deliver him to my brother. I have the warrant from Robespierre sentencing me to death as a 'whore of an aristo and a traitor to France' framed in the library in fact. The ICW also wanted me for unauthorized magic use and after a family discussion, it was agreed that I would unsummon my avatar and serve as the sword of my nephew Johann Gabriel as he served in the Austrian Army as an officer. I'm bound to my blade as you are, but if my avatar moves a certain distance away, it fades and then can reappear with an effort of will. Del and Jackie are the same way, and I suspect Ying is too."

Norimune nodded thoughtfully and refilled Colombe's brandy glass. "That's a damn clever way to hide since they thought you were just a witch according to Del. So the Austrian flag is..?"

"His regimental standard, yes. We took the eagle of the 6th Légère at Leipzig in hand to hand combat when we broke them." Colombe spoke with pride, her eyes distant as she grinned smugly in memory. "After Napoleon was sent to Elba, Johann and I carried it home to this place of honor and then I enchanted it with preservation charms before I sailed to India to resume my hunt for you."

Norimune nodded and the silence lingered for a while as the three blades of Hachiman drank brandy and reflected on their experiences. Finally the Unrepentant Blade stirred herself. "You never knew your mother, did you?"

Colombe shook her head. "She died giving birth to me. When I was a girl, I was just told that she was Papa's mistress who had died of childbirth. Later, when Papa told me the truth of my parentage, he was in his final hours."

Norimune sighed and gave a unseeing look at the battle flags, then a cocky, smug smile flickered around her lips. "I'll tell you what. You grab another bottle of this brandy and I'll tell you about Julie."

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

Castle Moulbaix

21st May, 2014

Medea of Colchis weighed the now expended Portkey in her hand thoughtfully. She would recognize Delilah de Breuil's magical signature anywhere and Del having a ready-made stockpile of Portkeys to the home of Colombe du Chasteler had implications.

How long have they known each other, I wonder?

With that she pocketed the gold Belgian franc piece and walked up the marble steps in the great hall toward the sound of piano music from above her.

Wei Ying's familiar face, now unbandaged, appeared from a door on the upstairs balcony. "Hello Maddy!"

Medea smiled and responded in fluent Cantonese "{Hello to you too, Ying. Verdun is contained, the wards are holding strong. So I have an explanation for you.}" I hope....

Ying smiled. "{I'll let the others know then join you in the study. Ah, go left through this door and straight down the hall, it's the door on the right at the bend in the hall. If in doubt, just follow the music.}"

Medea nodded, then ducked out of the way as a giggling young spider-girl dashed down the hallway with a second young girl with raccoon ears and a tail chasing her. "Tag, you're it!"

She sighed, closing her eyes as she remembered her own children. Damn Hera.

With that she reached the indicated door and opened it. Her fingers twitched almost automatically at the prickle of enchantment from several of the tribal masks hung on the walls. and some of the books in the bookcase that was clearly warded and enchanted next to the desk.

Claire and Ehren were playing a four-hand piano duet on the far side of the room, hair of pale gold shining in the morning sunlight illuminating them as hair of ebony drank it up.
Spoiler: Sibling Love

Toku stretched in her chair at the fireplace as she placed a bookmark in the leather-bound book that she had been reading and looked at Medea. Delilah and Colombe were playing chess on a small board and also looked over.

Medea stepped inside the room, feeling everyone's eyes on her. "Verdun is secured for now." A mass exhalation of tension sounded. "And once Ying arrives I will give that explanation that I owe you all."

Colombe nodded, then glanced at the board and tipped over her king with a fingertip. "I never could beat you Del. Do you want a drink, Professor Aetios?"

Medea nodded. "Yes please. This will be difficult."

Ying stepped inside and closed the door before finding a seat. "I let Tsu, and Nightbane know. Sabah, Norimune, and Andraste are out talking a walk in the village."

Colombe opened the brandy cabinet as Delilah wandered to the fireplace and gestured with her wand at it. An ornate ring in a flame pattern with a large orange imperial topaz and diamonds sparkled on Delilah's finger with it's own fiery light. With a whoosh, the logs piled in the fireplace ignited and the flame formed itself into the shape of Zamarad as she stepped out of it. "Marhabaan, Delilah."
Spoiler: Del's Ring

Delilah kissed the Ifrit, then sat beside her on the hearth, holding her hand. Ying sat in the fireplace chair next to Delilah in turn as Colombe began to distribute brandy to everyone.

Medea looked curiously at the Ifrit, then sipped the brandy, enjoying the rich taste. "Right. You all deserve the truth, although I would appreciate it if this information goes no further."

Colombe nodded and sat next to the piano. "I promise to keep your secrets as I keep my own, Professor Aetios." The other spirits agreed with a collection of nods and approving words.

Medea took a deep breath.

Nothing for it...

"I told you that I had been to Beauxbatons before. I was among those witnessing when the foundation stone of the main hall at Beauxbatons was laid." Colombe blinked in surprise and leaned forward with interest. "I have had many faces and many names over my long life, but the name I was born with in the kingdom of Colchis on the Black Sea as a girl during what is called the Bronze Age is Medea."

For several seconds there was complete and utter silence. Finally Colombe spoke. "The Medea from the myths? The ones with Jason and the Argonauts? The Medea who was the niece of Circe? That Medea?"

Medea braced herself and nodded. "Yes, that Medea. I am... was the wife of Jason, helped him gain the Golden Fleece, and am Circe's niece."

She expected betrayal, anger, accusations. It was no more than she had received when the truth came out before.

She didn't get it.

Colombe dissolved in hysterical laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks as she pounded the table.

Delilah focused on Colombe. "Sis, what is it?"

Colombe gasped out between helpless giggles. "I.... pulled... a Jackie... with... her aunt."

Delilah's eyes flew wide open, and then she, Ying, Toku, and Zamarad all started to laugh helplessly

"DAMMIT SIS!" Delilah howled as she toppled sideways with tears of mirth in her eyes. "Not you too!!"

Ehren blinked in confusion, and looked at Claire, who shrugged and began to play Samuel Barber's ballet music from Medea. "Mutti, was ist los?"

Colombe gasped out. "I... had a schoolgirl crush on her...." Colombe paused for breath and then continued between chuckles. "I fantasized about her giving me 'special tutoring in love' constantly for years in my room at night." Colombe wiped tears from her eyes as Medea gave her a shocked look and blushed scarlet. Colombe barely finished before a fresh round of giggles. "And then later I slept with her aunt..."

Medea blinked in confusion, then remembered Circe complaining drunkenly to her two centuries ago about a ex-lover calling herself Colombe. This girl had not just run out on her after finding out who she was, but had stolen a batch of Felix Felicis in the process, and was protected by another deity so she could not even be transfigured properly into a rat.

As Ehren's lips twitched uncontrollably in a smile, Medea began to laugh herself. Truly fate did have an odd sense of humor.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Feeling a tug as they walked through the streets towards his clinic, Haruto looked down to find Chikako looking at Naomi. Bending down a little, he frowned, "Something wrong, Chikako-Chan?"

Whispering into his ear, she went back to looking at Naomi, which caused the witch to raise an eyebrow, "Is... there a problem?"

Just rubbing the back of his neck, the Healer shook his head, "No, she's just wondering why you're wearing sunglasses in springtime since summer is when she always saw people wearing them."

Lips twitching, Naomi shook her head, "I'm wearing them because I work long hours in the Diet, so I have a bit of trouble out in the bright sun like what we have here this morning. One does get used to less light after all."

Still frowning, the Neko narrowed her eyes and looked away with a huff.

Naomi's smile though melted into a thoughtful frown as they continued to walk. The whole time her gaze went from Haruto and Chikako to the area around them. But always, it returned to the scene in front of her.

While she had not been lying to Chikako about how due to long hours in the Diet, away from natural light, meant that her eyes were a little bit sensitive, that was not the whole story. Oh, she was certain that the two Aurors knew something was up with her glasses and that she had told a partial lie, but likely not exactly what in either case. Nor, really, would she tell them anyways.

Said "Sunglasses" were the end product of a project instituted by the Diet shortly after the first Natural Borns showed up. The idea of them were something that had frightened the government as well as other magical ones who had similar projects which failed. Britain's, for example, was an attempt to use a variant of the spell they used to find magical children born to Non-magical parents. They were never able to make it work.

In Japan, they decided to focus on Onmyoudo as how to do it as it focused on the spiritual. Not that, as far as Naomi knew, they ever came to a decision as to what they would have done if they managed it. Part of her, and she knew her father, was happy that the project had ended in failure. It was never able to identify an unawoken Natural Born, thus the sunglasses were considered to be failures, novelty items left in one of the storage areas because they thought that it could be used one day for something else.

The metal of the frames themselves were made from the remains of an ungaikyou that had been destroyed by the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima. Only a few shards had been needed thankfully. They were forged in the fires of a Haka no Hi, a grave fire and tempered in the tears of a Baku. As for the lens, they were made of smoky quartz harvested from Mount Osore, and brushed with a number of spiritually active liquids as a coating. All of it assembled under the light of a full moon.

All in all, it was powerful and able to gaze into the spiritual realm more than most... yet, it was unable to do what they wanted. Which was to see enough to identify an unawoken Natural Born. No one was quite certain why they did not work like they had wanted. Currently there was the theory that shipgirls didn't "Show" and only other awoken shipgirls or Kami could see them before they manifested. Right now, there was some talk about how dense and powerful spiritual auras might point to an unawoken Natural Born, but that was all there was.

But because they were unable to work, they had been put away and forgotten for the past three years in a dusty storage case. Until, that was, Naomi had taken them. Mainly because it was one aspect that they had that Naomi was most after. One that the Diet has considered to be next to useless, but served her purpose in the Reserve well...

It could see the spiritual hull of an awoken shipgirl, Natural Born or Summoned.

For some odd reason, the sunglasses were able to see a hull of an active shipgirl, even if their rigging was not out. The Diet considered such a curiosity at best for the moment, but for Naomi and why she was originally in the Reserve, it was perfect. Using them, she could see if any Yokai did have hulls around them, showing that they were in fact shipgirls in hiding. There was even a spirit photo function which was connected to the film in one of her inside pockets, allowing her to take pictures.

Currently and what had made her somewhat thoughtful since she put on the glasses was one thing... and that was Chikako.

Much to Naomi's confusion, there was something around the Neko on a spiritual level. She could tell that it was a hull of some sort, but not what. All the Bureaucrat could get was a general shape of a hull. Everything else was blurred and fuzzy, like a photograph taken well out of focus. You would have a general idea of what you might be looking at, but no details at all. It had not taken her long to realize what it could mean, which was that the Nekomata was a Natural Born nearly fully awakened. Something that created numerous issues if she was right about her assumption.

It was frustrating to Naomi that she could not tell what sort of ship that the Yokai was. After all, there was a little six year old who became a Yamato, and a one year old had woken as the Katsuragi. So who knew? Could be a Battleship for all she knew, which caused some sweat to appear on her forehead at the thought of what could happen. Especially if someone roughed up the young man she clung to.

But, unknown to her, she was not the only one to notice something was up with Chikako...

As they walked along the dirt streets, Del noticed a number of things. The first was mainly the young Nekomata. Despite herself, she had been a little concerned at the start. Nice as Haruto had portrayed himself, there was always the chance for darkness. And someone like Chikako was vulnerable to such things. But the more she watched, the more relaxed she became. Having been an Auror for so many decades, she had a feel for such things. And when she glanced at Ying, her niece gave a very slight nod of agreement. There was nothing more there than a young girl clutching onto someone she saw as a Savior, with said person not doing anything negative with it.

Granted, there were other issues in regards to Chikako... mainly, being adorable enough that it should be illegal. Especially with how she clutched at Haruto's clothes and every so often turned back to glare at them. Except, rather than being frightening, it as cute how protective she was of the Healer. Part of both Del and Ying suspected that she might well have a little bit of a crush on the young man. Which... did not help matters with how cute she was.

It also, for some reason, made Del imagine Claire with cat ears and tail sometimes going "Nya" if someone patted her on the head.

Quickly shaking off that image for what could have been the twentieth time, if only for the sake of her heart and so her blood would not crystallize, Del frowned as she thought about something else about the Nekomata. An odd feeling that she had been getting from the Yokai. Something was giving her a nudge somewhere in the back of her mind. A feeling about Chikako that to her frustration, she knew, but it remained at the back of her mind. Whatever it was, it was pinging at her on the spiritual senses she had trained in Lakota magics. And, from a glance, she could tell that Ying also could feel whatever it was.

Well, that and her niece was getting frustrated as well despite the inscrutable expression on her face. Obviously, she too knew that something was... not exactly wrong, but something that she should pay attention to just the same. With a mental sigh, and in an effort to get her mind off it after mentally checking to see if a spell had been cast on her to not realize what it was bothering her, Del glanced around for the second big thing she had noticed. And that was how the various Yokai were acting. Something that she knew that the other two had also picked up on.

Every time they came across one, the Yokai would smile or laugh and greet Haruto. Not as a member of the Reserve personnel, but as an old friend or even family member. Some of the youngsters would greet him and give him a hug for example. Or how one little girl gave him a small flower, expression lighting up with joy when Haruto took it and thanked her, giving her a hug much to Chikako's disgruntlement. It was obvious that they cared for the Healer and saw him as one of them...

However, that changed as soon as they turned and laid eyes on them. Joy and happiness in eyes vanished to become anger and suspicion. Smiles disappeared to be replaced by barely veiled, and not even that sometimes, hostility. The children would become frightened and scurry away, their parents shuffling them into their huts while giving Haruto sympathetic looks. And even Del would admit that last bit... hurt. For young children to react like that, alongside with their parents? That said a lot.

But then, there was the final bit.

Lowering her voice, Del glanced at Ying, "We're being followed. Two Oni behind us along with one of those big spiders... think that they're called Tsuchigumo."

Head tilted to the side, Ying frowned as her eyes went from one side to the other, "Not just them. There's three Kamaitachi weaving in and out between the huts or along their roofs. Quick, can barely see them before they're gone.

Shivering a bit, Naomi glanced around a bit nervously, "So you think that they're going to attack?"

Much to her relief, after a few seconds both Aurors shook their heads. Del still frowned though barely able to keep herself from tapping her holstered true form with her fingers, "No, I doubt that. They're being... watchful, not aggressive. I think that they are more keeping an eye on Healer Hayate rather than anything else. Possibly thinking he might be in danger from us."

Furrowing her eyebrows, the Chinese-Canadian frowned, "Why would they think that? We have not done anything."

That brought a grimace to Naomi's face, "I have an idea actually." When they looked at her, she continued, "Some weeks back there was an... incident... where two guards, now since removed, along with a middle level bureaucrat, decided to take matters into their own hands and beat Healer Hayate in the belief he would tell them about the smugglers. The bureaucrat, it seems, also had personal reasons due to being his older brother. It is not impossible that it was the first time."

Under her breath, the lone American cursed, "Shit, that would have been nice to know before now!"

Naomi only have an apologetic shrug, "I frankly forgot about it and it just came back when you mentioned..."

With a sigh, Ying shook her head, "What is done, is done. And it is obvious why they are watching us so closely now, they're worried and don't trust us. So we simply just keep our cool." Something caught her eye though and she loudly cleared her throat. When Haruto turned to her, she gestured to the side, "I've noticed what looks like muggle jugs, but much bigger, next to some of the houses, Haruto-San."

Glancing in the same direction, he nodded, "I actually brought those myself and used an engorgement charm on them. They're basically those muggle jugs, but they collect rain water, which gives them something that is reasonably safe to drink. There's some larger ones outside that are barrels. But yeah... one of the things that I worked on."

Each of the women nodded at that.

To his confusion, Ying brought out a camera and took a picture of one of the rain barrels. At the same time, there was a slightly concerned expression on Naomi's face. Like the Aurors, she had noticed the reactions they were getting compared to Haruto. But unlike them, she was not considering it from a threat standpoint, but from a political one. It was obvious to her from the small amount of observation they had so far that the Healer was very well thought of. And the more they saw, the more she became convinced that Haruto should be kept somewhat safe. Because unless she was mistaken, if he was truly harmed or, worse, killed? Then the Reserve would likely explode overnight into violence. A straw that would break and crush the camel's back.

However, that was not all on Naomi's mind and causing it to whirl a mile a minute as there was still the concern that brought her there. If one added Haruto's apparent place in the community to the issue? It became rather frightening.

Before she could get much more into it though, Haruto came to a stop in front of a building, "And here we are, my clinic."

Somewhat surprised, they gave the building a look over. It was only one story, but longer than some and built above the rest of the ground. Beside one wall was a large barrel with pipes running into the wall while the roof was made of caulked wooden planks. As well, the job compared to the other huts was very good. Walking up, Ying ran a hand along the wooden wall and nodded, "This is very well put together."

Proud expression on his face, Haruto chuckled as he nodded and pulled out a key, "It is, the people here built it for me after... well, you know." Mood falling briefly, the Healer shook it off, "Anyways, if you get them the proper materials, some of the fellows around here can do good work. It gives me somewhere to do most of my work when I'm not making house calls and is where I keep my supplies and notes."

Curious, the other three watched as he unlocked the door and opened it before stepping inside. Granted, Chikako gave them a small glare as she followed him in, as if warning them against hurting him. Something that the three women agreed was adorable. They walked in as Haruto opened two shuttered windows and locked them into place, which let the sunlight stream in which let them see the inside alongside a breeze. There was not a real divider, which meant that it was all one room for the most part. But there was a curtain attached to the ceiling where what had to be the examination bed. Close by was several beaten, but well cared for filing cabinets as well as a large, locked cabinet. There was a window in it showing potions as well as bottles of non-magical medicines. And against the wall, there was a old, wooden desk with an unlit oil lamp on it and a wooden chair. Both looked old enough that Naomi wondered if they might manifest as tsukumogami soon.

As they turned, they could see a clock on one wall ticking away the time. And at the other end across from the "Examination Room" was what had to be the waiting room. Boards ran along the three walls to form benches of sorts with beaten metal chairs here and there. And in the middle was a table made from a shipping pallet that had legs nailed on.

Oddly, what caught their attention was what was on it and nearby. Upon the table were a number of No-Maj magazines and newspapers stacked neatly on it. And there was a number of books in a nearby bookcase that had yellowed and dog-eared pages as well as several decks of cards and colouring books besides crayons. Seeing the looks, Haruto shrugged, "Sometimes it can get busy in here, so I give those waiting their turn something to read or do." Pausing for a moment, his expression brightened, "Which reminds me... I just bought a solar powered radio that plays cds, so I'll finally be able to have music playing." Feeling a tug though, the Healer looked down to where Chikako was gripping onto his shirt, "Hmm? Something wrong, Chikako-Chan?"

The little Yokai shook her head and glanced at the other women there before turning back and blushing a little, "Can I help?"

For several moments, Haruto was quiet before he smiled and crouched down. Gently placing his hand on her head, he gestured with the other hand, "Sure you can. You see the papers and magazines on the table?" Getting a nod as her face lit up, he continued, "Gather them up and place them in that bin in the corner." The Healer pointed at the one in question, "That way, people who want the old ones to can pick them up."

Blinking, Chikako nodded with a small smile before speaking in her usual soft voice, "Okay."

Quickly she made her way over to the table and began to gather up all the magazines and newspapers, an utterly serious, and adorable, expression on her face. Turning to the two Aurors and one Bureaucrat, Haruto shrugged, "Sorry, this is only going to take a minute."

Just waving it off, Del chuckled a little, "Don't worry about it, we can wait."

With a nod, Haruto went outside and after two minutes returned with two boxes, one of which was marked with 'Cleaning Supplies'. Opening it, he reached in and pulled out a box of wipes as Chikako walked over having done what he told her to do, "Chikako-Chan? Now these wipes I need you to use on the bench, the chairs, and the table, okay? After that, this box..." He tapped the other one, "Has the new newspapers and magazines in it. Take them and put them onto the table for people to read once the table is dry."

Sharply nodding, Chikako grabbed the wipes and headed off, "I'll make sure that it is all clean."

Unable to help himself, the Healer gave a chuckle before turning to his three visitors. Intrigued, Naomi gestured at what Chikako was doing, "Are those No-Maj disinfectant wipes? You mentioned disinfectants before... also, you change the newspapers and magazines?"

Simply shrugging, Haruto shook his head some, "Well... for the floors and such, I use a combination of hot water and vinegar. It works well enough to disinfect. The wipes are mostly used for surfaces like the examining table. That I clean off after each patient." He gestured to the papers and magazines, "As for the papers and magazines... I know someone who collects them each month and lets me have them. I just bring them here and let people read. Besides which, the old ones can be of use since some here use them to teach their children how to read and write. The really old papers can just be burned."

Humming, Naomi gave a small nod, "That does make sense..."

Once more giving a shrug, Haruto walked over to the filing cabinet and pulled out another key, "Anyways, you seemed interested in some of the health issues, so..." Unlocking one, he began to pull out files as well as a few notebooks, "These go on about the various outbreaks and such."

Eyebrows raised, Ying looked through them and found pages of notes, "So these talk about the outbreaks?"

Chuckling, the Healer smiled sadly, "Hai, they do. I keep track of everything and put copies into these cabinets. I also have patient records which I won't show you, but these are generally what you would likely want to look at and don't violate anyone's privacy."

Bemused at that, Naomi shook her head, "You do not need to worry about that, Healer Hayate. I do not think any of us need to see such..." A frown then appeared on her face as she began looking at the files talking about dates and numbers of the diseases that broke out, "Do you think that such happens at the other reserves?"

Much to her surprise, he did not answer her right away. Sucking on his teeth, Haruto considered his answer for nearly a minute, during the whole tile Chikako was cleaning the bench at the far end of the room, "Nya, nya , nya~ Nya nya nya! Nya nya nya nya~"

Lips twitching at the little song that the Nekomata was singing, Haruto turned back to Naomi and lowered his voice, "Do I think that disease outbreaks like this are happening at the other reserves? No... I know that they happen at them. There's nothing official and most of those Healers are... not the type that someone like me moves around. But there has been a few whispers and rumours."

Now concerned, Naomi frowned and turned to him before dropping her voice just as low, "And how would we know, Healer Hayate? What would be your idea for checking?"

Taking a deep breath, Haruto let it out, "How? You might not find much in the official logs about the outbreaks, but... check the wards, in particular the Deathwatch."

Ying blinked at that and furrowed her eyebrows, "Deathwatch? What sort of ward is that?"

With a sigh, Haruto turned to her with a small grimace, "It is a certain ward used in magical hospitals. I'm not too surprised that you do not know of it being an Auror, though it is not a secret." Making a motion with his hands, he shook his head, "What the Ward does is pings every time there is a death in the area it covers and gives a location. You also got it used in community homes for the truly ancient magicals, so that deaths do not take time to discover... The Reserves, among the other spells around them, have a version of said ward though it does not give a location. It is how they record whether it is a death or escape when a Yokai or group of them, disappears."

Eyebrows raised, Del frowned at that, "Why would they not know when there is a death otherwise?"

She did not get an answer as the Healer looked uncomfortable and so she asked again which made him sigh, "I've never seen it done, and so I can't confirm if it is true or not. But according to... some people I have talked to, some among the guards and Healers might have gotten a bit of money through harvesting dead Yokai bodies for components and ingredients. Jorogumo and Tsuchigumo venom sacks, Oni horns, Nekomata fangs and claws... that sort of thing. They're illegal substances to have and use, but they can be used as substitutions in potions for other things and make them more powerful." Ignoring the looks of disgust and how the three women recoiled, he continued, "That said, they need to be harvested within a few hours of death and the Yokai generally hide the bodies and bury or cremate them, making them useless. Apparently, it reached a height just after World War II for... reasons."

Unknown to him, Del decided right then to be looking into a few things dating back to then as was Ying.

Closing her eyes, Naomi slowly nodded, "Of course, by looking at the number of deaths, we can get an idea of an outbreak. Because death rates would spike unexplainably for a time before lowering."

Lips pressed thinly, Haruto nodded, "Hai, that would be the easiest method to figure it out. Most of the Yokai in such cases quarantine the victims in their homes and hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Only nodding, the Diet Bureaucrat turned back to the pages upon pages of notes. Each one meticulously written down in neat penmanship which made her internally raise her thoughts on the young man still further, "You've kept very good records here. Better than most Healers. Separated by time and date as well."

With a small shrug, Haruto shook his head, "I'll admit that I am cribbing a little from No-Maj doctors there again. They take very detailed notes after all and so, it helps out a lot to be able to see patterns and the like." Walking over to the cabinet, he removed a large, leather-bound volume and opened it to reveal more of his writing, "I'm mostly doing what works. So I also started writing down the various methods that seem to work best. Also..." Another book joined the first and was also opened, "I keep track of everything that I use and in what amounts. That way, I know what I might need more of before I do."

Flipping through the second book, Del's eyebrows rose as he had down to the amounts of potions and medication as well as bandages down to the smallest measurement possible, 'Very impressive...'

As the three women were busy looking through the folder and notes, the lone male began to bring in various boxes full of supplies and the like into his clinic. Haruto was not too worried about anything happening to his notes as he had copies elsewhere. One thing he learned was always to make copies and keep them separate. Especially after the harassment began and he worried about them being destroyed. Two sets of the copies being kept inside of Mie's and Ichika's ship's safes.

Bringing in one box of soap, he raised an eyebrow at seeing Ying examining the various books on a bookshelf above his desk. Each one, she ran a finger along and frowned, "Interested?"

There was a slight grimace on her face as she turned, "Some of these are No-Maj medical books... including veterinarian ones."

Not bothed by her look, Haruto nodded, "Hai, some Yokai are more..." He paused to think of a proper word before nodding, "Have less humanoid bodies than others, which means that I need to look at what could work. Jorogumo, for instance, are hard because they are human above the waist and spider below, same with Ushi-Oni and also Tsuchigumo. I can't use normal human methods..." Walking over, he pulled out one book that showed the anatomy of spiders and had information on such, "Which means that I need to look at other sources. There's also other ones that can switch between animal and human. I had a Kitsune who when ill, shifted from human to fox and stayed like that until he was better, so I had to look up how to treat a fox."

Slowly, Ying relaxed at the response, "I see." She paused for a moment and frowned, "Have you used any medicines less for humans than animals?"

Chewing his lips, the Healer gave a small nod, "In a few cases. I've gotten most of the island vaccinated from Rabies for example by using the 'Oral vaccine' that the No-Majs created to be used as bait for wild animals to vaccinate them. I ask that they stay in animal form for a week afterwards for it to be fully effective and hopefully it works. Haven't had a case of rabies anyways, but one never knows and they have spoken that it has happened from time to time due to contaminated food."

All three of the women there grimaced at that.

However, before anyone could say anything more, Chikako came running over and gently tugged on Haruto's robes, "I'm done cleaning."

Lips twitching, Haruto looked at the table, now with new magazines and papers on it, as well as the chairs and benches. Sure, in the morning he might clean them again to make sure, but no need for the Nekomata to know that. Chuckling, he rubbed her head between her ears, "Very good, Chikako-Chan."

Eyes closed in happiness, Chikako's head went back and forth with the rubbing, "Nya... nya... nyaaa~"

Just shaking his head and chuckling, the Healer turned and opened another box as the Neko watched. Reaching in, he pulled out a number of lolipops, one of which he removed and handed to her, "Here you go, a reward for such a good job."

That made Chikako's eyes widen, but she took it and unwrapped it before throwing the rapper in the garbage. With a look of glee, she gave it a lick and bounced around a bit before bursting into song, "One spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go dow-wn! Medicine, go down! Nyaa, nyaa nya, nyaa nya..."

Ignoring the choking sounds from the Canadian and American, Haruto shook his head as she hopped off to sit on a chair and watch them as she continued to lick her lolipop. Turning, he raised an eyebrow as Del had her face in her hands while Ying was pinching her nose, "Um, something wrong?"

Briefly shaking her head, Del pulled her hands away from her face, "No, no, nothing wrong. Though, uh... where did she hear that song?"

Much to her confusion, Haruto flushed at that and looked embarrassed. Coughing, he looked away, "I, uh... may have sung it to some children to get them to take medicine when needed. Because a little bit of sugar and such won't affect most..." Unable to look at them, he scratched his cheek, "Heard it once from an old No-Maj movie I saw when I was younger at a friend's house. But... the children have taken to singing it and since it helps them practice some English..."

Glancing at the candies inside the box, Naomi gave him an amused look, "Is that why...?"

With a small shrug, the Healer pulled out a two empty jars from his cupboard and filled one with lolipops, "It helps relax the children to be given a treat after a checkup or after healing them. And it doesn't really harm anyone..."

He then pulled out wrapped candy that Del recognized, "Jolly Ranchers?"

Lightly laughing, Haruto smiled, "Yeah, I can buy a few packs of these and simply hand out the individual pieces. Once more, it brings a smile to their faces, so it doesn't bother me too much. And all of them like No-Maj candy, so there is that as well." He then pointed at another box, "I also get a number of packages of throat lozenges and the like for when they're needed. So it all works out in the end."

About to ask him more, Naomi was interrupted by footsteps outside and soon three Kitsune and two Inugami entered. Due to everyone's attention being grabbed, almost no one noticed the Japanese Bureaucrat freezing in place as she caught sight of them. Mainly because behind her glasses, she could see that they were shipgirls. She had expected maybe one or two, at most. Likely a Destroyer or perhaps a Light Cruiser...

But in front of her was two Light Carriers as well as three small, almost Destroyer-like ships.

Upon seeing that, she had a cold sweat break out on her as she realized just how bad things could turn in the Reserve if they so wanted. Beside her though, Ying was frowning to herself while glancing at the Japanese woman beside her, 'I wonder what would get that reaction from her?' Eyes narrowing slightly, she frowned more internally, her expression being the usual one on the outside, 'And why is it that the feeling I have been feeling from little Chikako is increased from them?'

Meanwhile, the blonde among the Kitsunes walked up and gave Haruto a once over before her expression softened, "Are you okay, Haruto-Kun?"

Rubbing the back of his neck, Haruto gave a small nod, "Hai, hai, I'm fine, Hachimitsu-Chan. Like I told you that I would be."

None of the three visitors missed the red haired Kitsune's grumbling, "You say that and come back with bruises..."

Slightly twitching, Naomi fought the urge to walk over to the Guard station and strangle someone. Because obviously, these shipgirls were close to the Healer that they had been harassing. An observation confirmed as one of the two Inugami walked over and gave him a soft smile before hugging him, "We're glad to hear that."

Chuckling, Haruto shook his head, "Same here to be honest, Mie-Chan. Nothing burning down?"

With a huff, Hachimitsu wagged a finger at him, "That was one time and we put it out! And you know it!"

Pulling her lolipop from her mouth, Chikako spoke up in a bored tone, "Hachimitsu-Nee burned dinner last night."

Eyebrow raised, the Healer looked at the Nekomata and then back at the now embarrassed Kitsune and internally snorted, "I see..."

A glare on her face, she wagged a finger at him, "Don't laugh!"

From where she was leaning against the doorframe, the other Inugami female snickered, "Of course not, we already did all the laughing last night." Pushing off and ignoring the flustered Kitsune, she gave Haruto a hug, "But it is good to have you home."

Noticing their actions and words, Del raised an eyebrow and cleared her throat, "You know these Yokai, Healer Hayate?"

Just scratching his cheek, Haruto nodded, "Hai..." He gave them all a small smile, "We actually share the hut where I live."

The blue haired Kitsune looked at them and narrowed her eyes some, "We're really close to Haruto-Kun and offered him to live with us when he was looking for a place to live inside the Reserve. We've... known him for a long time."

Looking between them, Naomi barely kept the nervousness off her face before she remembered one fact that she had found. It was buried in an old Auror's report about Haruto's family, how they had been next door to three unregistered Kitsune who were taken to a Reserve. Internally, she began to curse up a storm as several pieces fell into place and upped the issue that could pop up, while also realizing that all she could do was let the Healer stay there due to how big of an explosion removing him might cause.
Haruto, meanwhile, was giving a nod, "Hai, so we basically live in the same hut as each other and are really close."

It was only just that Del was able to keep from snorting, 'Oh, I don't doubt that you are close. That is very much putting it mildly.' She did give them a very slight, smug smirk of amusement, one mirrored on Ying's face, "I see..."

Both hers and Ying's amusement only increased at the blush that deepened on Haruto's face, but said nothing more on that though they did wonder how that came about.

At the same time though, Norimune's daughter was somewhat confused because, once more, she had the oddest feeling about the five Yokai. How and what that feeling was still bothering her a few hours later as they left the island, though they had copies of Haruto's notes and reports about the various outbreaks. Which they knew that Honjo and Kotegiri would not be happy to find out about. And that was besides the photographs and small bits of video that they also took. Though they did wonder about why Naomi reacted so nervously around the five Yokai, almost as if she knew to be afraid of them...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Old Friends

Castle Moulbaix

21st May, 2014
Spoiler: Clearing The Air

Tokunotakai frowned at Medea of Colchis. "This 'Hera' sounds like an exceptionally unpleasant deity. Using you as a tool for Jason's quest and then discarding you as he did was quite dishonorable. That does not even count the deaths of your innocent children and then you mentioned that she may have been involved in the playwright from Corinth that blackened your name."

Medea sipped her brandy. "That could have been Apollo as well, honestly. I had made a point of irritating most of the Olympians at one time or another."

Colombe paused in getting another bottle of her brandy out of the cabinet. "Dare I ask which ones were not part of the 'most', Professor?"

Medea laughed. "Heracles is a very good sort, as is his wife Hebe. My old teacher Hecate is reasonable, as are Lord Hades and Persephone. Demeter is.... tolerable, and I have no issues with Hestia nor she with me. The rest though?" She scowled.

Delilah flipped through a copy of Bullfinch's Mythology. "Hebe... THAT explains how you made it into Ilvermorny, since she is the Goddess of Youth!"

Medea nodded. "I used a gift from her to de-age myself from my normal state to just old enough to enter school, set up a false family background and home using some of the money that I have accumulated, and then cast a spell to insure that I was noticed for the letter invitation delivery."

Delilah nodded. "Clever, Maddy, but why Ilvermorny?"

Medea smirked. "Simple enough. With all this time on my hands, I have indulged it by making a study of magic. While I am not the mage that Aunt Circe is, I try to keep up with developments in the field by learning new spells, techniques and so on. I had heard stories about the magic of the native tribes of the Americas so went to Ilvermorny to learn them."

Delilah nodded thoughtfully. "Hence your friendship with Louise Winona and then me. You always were interested in the Lakota spells that she taught us."

Ying chimed in. "Just as you were interested in the Middle Kingdom's techniques of Jing, Qi, and Shen that I learned from Amah."

Medea smiled triumphantly. "Exactly. You both gave me enough of a foundation so that after we went our separate ways I was able to gain a decent level of proficiency in your fields. Not to the level of a specialist such as either of you, but enough so I could grow on my own. I was planning to study Onmyouji next but as it turned out the Abyssals interfered. The Olympians needed someone to protect Greece from what they foresaw and approached me."

Toku nodded slowly. "I can teach you at least the basics of Onmyouji when we have time to train together, Medea-san. I had promised Hachiman-dono to teach Co-chan the ways of the spirit, and I can teach another alongside her once things settle down enough."

Colombe interjected after a sip of brandy. "Which reminds me, I need to thank you for introducing me to Herodotus in the original Greek. His advice about customs and the reasons to respect them saved my skin a dozen times over. Plus your teachings of magical theory and wandless magic helped me become who and what I am today."

Medea glanced over at Colombe. "I do have to ask. What method of immortality are you using? It is not one that I am familiar with, and I am quite curious."

Colombe smirked smugly. "You remember my favorite rapier from school?"

Medea tapped a finger against her lip after swallowing more brandy. "Yes, I always wanted to study the enchantments on it, but never got around to that."

Colombe's smile grew smugger. "That is actually my true body. I am the spirit of it and the 'me' here is a projection of its magic."

Medea's head whipped around and she stared in shock at the rapier hanging on a peg between an enchanted African mask with four eyes and the door.

"αστειευτείτε μαζί μου!"(Are You Kidding me) She swore in Greek then looked back at Colombe. "I met your father. Several times! Generally when you had done something and he was worried for you."

Colombe nodded. "It is a long story and relates to why we are all here. But go ahead, draw me and see for yourself."

Medea walked to the door and pulled the rapier from her sheath. Intricate charmwork and enchantments flashed into visibility up and down the blade and the dove etching glowed white. The sorceress gestured her hand in a divination spell and then her eyes widened as she saw the magical bonds between Colombe and her sword. "Beautiful." she spoke in a voice of professional awe. "I would like to spend a decade or three examining it."

She looked across the room. "All of you save Zamarad are spirits of this kind too. Ying and Del both are similar to Colombe's avatar while Toku, Ehren, and Claire are slightly more distantly related." With that she sheathed the rapier once more.

Colombe smiled and nodded. "Almost correct. Muramasa-no-Norimune, the Japanese woman with the massive sword is my father. She is a tsukumogami, the spirit of a hallowed item touched by legend or the divine in many cases. She made love to my mother Julie d'Aubigny and when I was born, my true body formed then according to Papa. Delilah is my younger half-sister, and Ying is my oldest daughter, and both came into being the same way."

Medea's eyes glittered. "This is fascinating. That also confirms my observations that Delilah, Ying, Toku, and you are all marked with the heraldry of a divine patron as an agent, similar to my marking by Lord Hades for those with eyes to see. Circe mentioned that she did not dare cross whoever had marked you to punish you for running out on her, Colombe, although I would not go anywhere near her even now. She can be a vindictive bitch."

Colombe breathed a sigh of relief. "I always wondered a bit about that."

"That said, what are your plans now?" Medea asked.

Ying spoke. "The plan is to get Father's name cleared of the crimes that she has been wrongfully accused of. I shall be talking to Henri and the French Ministry of Magic to see about getting a pardon for her actions in the 1790s, and she has been giving statements to a magistrate of my acquaintance to explain her side of the other incidents."

Medea nodded. "I shall see what strings I can pull too. Heroism should be rewarded. Which reminds me, do you mind if I take a bottle of this excellent brandy home with me?"

Colombe shook her head. "Non, and I have a bottle of 1849 Chateau LaFitte de Rothschilde for you as well. I remember you as a wine drinker though, Professor."

Medea grinned. "Oh I am, but I plan to take something along to thank Lord Hades for letting me borrow the wand that I crafted for him. I needed something with power and authority over death and the dead in order to wrestle Verdun back into quiescence so the chains could be reapplied properly."

Colombe nodded. "When we did it in 1918, it was sated, I think. As sated as such a thing ever is and so we were able to surprise it. Even then many of us died in the rituals to apply the seals and then reinforce them. She sighed. "We were so blind...."

Ehren, who had been listening with interest spoke. "Grandmother destroyed a golem composed of mud," she glanced at Claire sitting next to her and visibly edited out the rest of the description, "and other truly foul substances. Was that a creation used in the Great War?"

Colombe sighed. "Yes, that was something that Ian and I developed. It took the contents of a latrine trench and gave them life to attack the Germans. The smell alone was lethal and the more it soaked up and drowned the stronger it got."

Ehren wrinkled her nose. "Kein Scherz, der Geruch war tödlich!(No kidding, the smell was deadly) I had to soak in bleach overnight to decontaminate my blade!"

Medea looked at Colombe. "What possessed you to do that, Miss du Chasteler?"

Colombe looked sheepish. "It seemed like a good idea at the time when we thought it up? We had most of a keg of pinard wine as part of the planning session I recall..."

Delilah facepalmed and muttered under her breath.

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

Rhapta

Azania

28 May, 2014
Spoiler: News From Verdun

The ancient magical African trade city bustled around the short figure walking through the marketplace. A red hooded cloak kept off the subtropical sun as she wandered through the bustling crowds with one hand on her coin purse and the other on the hilt of her short blade.
Spoiler: The Girl

From the shade of the cloak, aquamarine eyes watched a pair of Aurors walk by and the grip on her sword hilt tightened.

Finally she reached her destination, the shop of an European exporter, and approached the elderly proprietor. She spoke in accentless English to him. "The usual papers for this week."

He nodded and began to rummage behind the counter as she pulled out several gold coins. "Is there anything else?"

A lock of pale blond hair slipped from the hood of the cloak and the figure's eyes watered as she fought with herself. "No orders have been given to me." Her voice was filled with a subtle strain.

With that the shopkeeper placed a stack of newspapers on the counter. "Here you go. Magische Zeitung, Gazette du Sorcier, Daily Prophet."
Spoiler: The Ring


A silver ring with runic glyphs glimmered on her ring finger as her forefinger touched the magical photo on Page One of the Gazette du Sorcier. Under the headline screaming about how Verdun had been sealed away, Colombe du Chasteler's smug face grinned as she turned to talk to Delilah de Breuil and Zamarad as they began to hand out gas masks. "The Heroes of Verdun..."

The finger moved to the face of Ehren du Chasteler. "He shall want to see this...."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Kneeling, Chikako was watching Haruto closely as he cooked. Her tails twitched behind her with each whiff of delicious cooking fish that reached and were drawn into her nostrils, "Nya..."

Lips twitching, Hachimitsu chuckled a bit, "Be careful there, Chikako-Chan. Haruto-Kun will be done with dinner once he's done." Her own nose twitching, she gave a hum, "That does smell good."

Looking over his shoulder, the Healer chuckled, "And it should. Been some time since we have had some tuna." A smile on his face, he glanced at Chikako, "And you must be excited."

Chikako turned to him with a sharp nod, "Hai." Placing a finger against her chin, she swallowed a bit, "I've had tuna before from a dumpster behind a sushi place." Unnoticed by her, the others' expressions fell for a moment at the reminder of her background, "But I was told that fresh tastes really good."

At that, Mikage walked over and patted her head getting "Nyas" from the Nekomata, "Well, trust your Onee-Sans that fresh fish tastes the best. And Haruto-Kun is really good at cooking it."

Sheepishly grinning, Haruto gave her a look, "Mikage-Chan... you're embarrassing me."

In reply, the purplish haired Kitsune chuckled some before kissing his cheek, "Good, sometimes you need to be embarrassed." Still petting the small Neko, she hummed, "Though you are right, it has been a while since we had some tuna."

From where she was seated, Mie sighed happily, "Hai, especially fresh tuna." Looking at her cupboards, she hummed some, "Though it is good that you bought canned fish as well."

With a huff, Haruhime crossed her arms, "One would think that you are going to spoil Chikako-Chan."

Blinking, said Nekomata looked over at her and considered her. Then she smiled and leaned into Haruto, "If Haruto-Nii-San spoils me, than it is okay."

To that, Haruhime threw her hands into the air and groaned, "See what I mean!"

Looking over his shoulder, Haruto raised an eyebrow, "I take it then that you do not want any peanut butter?"

Much to his amusement, she brought her hands up, though there was still a grin on the red haired Kitsune's face, "Let's not be hasty now, Haruto-Kun. That would be mean to your Onee-Samas after all... and your lovely, lovely and oh so gentle and loving girlfriends."

Unable to help himself, Haruto laughed at that and grinned, "So very true."

Only shaking her head at the antics, Mikage noted the tug on her clothes and looked down at Chikako, "Yes, Chikako-Chan? Is something wrong?"

Frowning, the younger Yokai furrowed her eyebrows, "Um... you were drinking oil earlier from those small drums..."

Hachimitsu gave a small nod though she had a look of distaste on her face, "That's right, Chikako-Chan." Sighing, she shook her head, "Being as we're shipgirls, we need to keep fueled up. And without eating a whole lot of food... the easiest way to do that is to drink oil to conserve resources."

Concerned expression on her face, Chikako looked between them and then down at her lap, "Does that mean that when I become a shipgirl, I'll have to drink it too? Because you don't seem to like it very much."

Putting her hands behind her face, Ichika sighed, "We'll be honest with you, Chikako-Chan. When you become a shipgirl... yes, you will likely need to drink the oil as well. As for us not liking it? Well... it doesn't taste very good." Grimacing, she shook her head, "It really does not taste good, but it fills our fuel tanks and lets us go on."

No one said anything as the Neko thought it over with a small frown on her face before looking back up, "But... you do this so that everyone has enough to eat."

While it was not a question, Haruhime gave her a nod and a smile before answering it, "Hai, we still do it because shipgirls eat a lot. And there's not a lot on the island foodwise... or wasn't until recent months, anyways. Still, every little bit we don't eat, is food that can go to someone else. For them, and you right now, we'll deal with bad tasting oil." She gestured at Haruto, "Besides which, Haruto-Kun is the one who makes it, and makes it with love for us. So we'd still drink it if only for that fact."

Once more, Chikako went silent for a few moments as she thought it over. She could remember on the streets with little to eat even now. And her mind went to the other Yokai on the island before she nodded, "Okay, I can do it too then."

That declaration got her smiles from the others with Haruto giving her a smile, "I'm proud of you, Chikako-Chan.... very proud." That got him a few happy nyas from her and a smile as Mikage patted her head. A few minutes later, he nodded, "Okay, the fish is all done."

Eyes lighting up, Chikako threw her hands into the air, "Yes! Fresh fish!'

Only sharing a look with Mikage, the Healer laughed lightly with her giggling and the others either laughing themselves or giggling.

Shortly afterwards, they were all seated at the table with rice, a few vegetables from their own little garden, and the fish. After the plate of grilled fish was placed before her, cut into smaller pieces, Chikako's eyes widened and her ears twitched, "Ooooh..."

A chuckle made her turn to find Haruto pointing at the fish with his chopsticks, "Go ahead, try it."

Not quite sure, the Nekomata picked up her chopsticks and clapped her hands in thanks before taking a small sliver of fish. Opening her mouth, she went to take a bite, "Ah.., umpf!"

Watching as she chewed, Haruto internally laughed as her eyes widened before they closed and she purred as she ate, 'Okay, that is just plain adorable.' Shaking his head, he turned back to his own meal, "Don't think that I need to ask if you enjoyed it, Chikako-Chan."

Rapidly, Chikako shook her head, "Uh-uh."

Then, she went right back to eating her fish happily making the others all chuckle. Smiling, Ichika turned back to her own food and began to eat. However, her smile fell a bit as she remembered something and turned to Haruto, "Haruto-Kun? Are you sure that there was not more to that investigation than you thought? You were singled out after all..."

Frowning, he shook his head, "I think that it was likely the fact that I am the one who lives in the Reserve combined with what they caught happening, which made them interested. Especially when I told them of the epidemics and such."

Her eyebrows furrowed, Hachimitsu rubbed her chin as she set aside her now empty rice bowl, "I will admit that I am concerned myself. And they were certainly asking a lot of questions of you about the conditions. Do you think..."

Eyebrow raised, Haruto looked at her, "That there was an ulterior motive?" At their nods, he snorted and shook his head, "Of course there was, there always is. The question though is more what, though I doubt that it had to deal with me and more with the conditions." Considering it for a few moments, the Healer frowned a little, "They were especially interested in the disease outbreaks."

Now concerned herself, Mie frowned, "Do you know why? Or what purpose that could have?"

Closing his eyes, he thought for a few moments, "I... do have an idea somewhat, yes." Opening his eyes, Haruto met theirs, "We all know that the Reserves are not in a great shape and that the others are leaking like a sieve everyday. While only rumours, some of them are powder kegs waiting to go off. If you get a large enough outbreak of disease and the Yokai decide to simply rush to break free rather than face death by sickness..."

That brought a grimace to their faces, but they all nodded with Mikage putting voice to their thoughts, "It could well bring down the government and the Statute of Secrecy."

With a small shrug, Haruto shook his head, "It is only a theory and I don't know for sure myself. However, it does make sense with how much they were questioning me."

It was then that Chikako spoke up, "I didn't like them... Not the glasses lady or the other two." She winkled her nose, "Those two smelt funny."

Back straightening, Haruto looked right at her, "Smelt funny? What do you mean by that?"

Slowly, the Neko blinked with her tails swishing behind her, "Smelt funny, both smelt of steel and one of them smelled like fox... but I don't know what the other smelled of."

Furrowing her eyebrows, Hachihime frowned, "Actually, now that you mention it, they did smell off compared to humans. The American, de Bruil or whatever? She smelled of steel and gunpowder. And the other smelled of steel and fox. With the American, I thought at first it was because she had a gun for some reason, but..."

His eyes widening slightly, Haruto stared, "Wait, fox? Like Kitsune, or..."

Arms crossed, Ichika scowled, "No, not like Kitsune... or exactly like Kitsune. It was fox, but not the same. Like... an different breed of fox." She then turned and looked at the others, "You don't think that she was a Yokai of some sort?"

Thoughtful, Hachihime shook her head, "Actually, I think that the only one who was human was the member from the Diet. The other two weren't. But... that begs the question of what was going on there? Why pretend to be human besides the obvious...?"

Sighing, the Healer shook his head, "Who knows, besides them anyways? But I'll keep an ear out to see if I hear anything."

With that, they nodded to each other and went back to eating their meal.

Later that night, Chikako was tossing a bit in her futon wearing her new pajamas that Haruto had bought her. Twisting, she looked at where said young man was sleeping. And not just him as the other female Yokai were all cuddled up to him with the Kitsune sleeping on his chest and the two Inugami on either side of him. To her eyes, despite the lights having been turned out, it was almost as bright as day. Bringing up one hand, she reached out only to stop and pull it back as she looked away.

In her mind, she had already gotten so much from them. Now, instead of the cold, lonely streets or the tunnel she once called home, she had a warm house to live in with people that cared for her. And instead of every day battling against hunger, she was hot food to fill her belly with. She even got hugs and headpats every day! Not to mention new, clean clothes and baths as often as she wanted, which she liked. Even milk, though it was goats milk and Haruto needed to use a pasturizing charm on it.

But still, her life was so much better now, so why...

Why did she want more?

Voice soft, she mumbled a little into her blanket, "I want..."

Movement though made her blink to find a sleepy Mie turning her head to look at her. The two's eyes met and the Inugami gave her a smile before speaking softly, "Chikako-Chan? Are you alright?"

Chikako chewed her lip a little, but nodded, "Uh-huh..."

For several moments, Mie looked at her, but then smiled and lifted up her part of the blanket, "Must be cold over there, all by yourself... how about you join us?"

At that, the Nekomata's eyes widened and she stared for a few moments with an unspoken question. A question that Mie replied to with a smile and a nod. Thus, Chikako found herself a few moments later nestled between Mie and Haruto's sleeping body, head under the blanket as she could hear Mie's boilers, but the Healer's heartbeat as well. Eyes closing as she cuddled into his side, she smiled as a memory drifted up, fuzzy and barely there of a man and woman smiling. And as she drifted off to sleep, she purred as she dreamed of warm homes and food as well as smiles and happiness.

________________________________________________________

In a bar in Yokosuka, Del let out a sigh as she drank from a mug of beer, "Ah... I told you that this was a good place. Yokosuka has had so much experience with American sailors, that some of the places here are good and remind me of home."

Softly snorting, Ying gave her a look, "Yeah, yeah..." Taking a drink, she hummed, "With one major difference." Getting a look, the Canadian smirked, "The beer does not taste like something filtered through a horse and then collected in a pail."

A grumble escaped from her aunt as she shook her head, "Only on the No-Maj side, though I agree that is one of the great sins of prohibition. Thank whoever is listening that it never caught on among us magicals. Ugh..." Then she perked up, "Though some of the craft beer was good."

Bemused, her frienemy, and niece, shook her head, "Somewhat surprised that you are not drinking a bourbon."

With a scoff, Del shook her head, "No, I am not going to spend good bourbon on what happened today." Rubbing her forehead, she shook her head before grabbing some wings, "I knew that it was going to be bad. But nothing like that nightmare. At least we found one good man trying to do his best in that cesspool."

Grimacing, Ying nodded, "Agreed, though obviously it is starting to weigh on him. Hopefully, Naomi will come through and make sure that he does not get harassed anymore."

That got her a nod from her aunt before they lapsed into silence thinking of their own issues. Glancing at her friend, the American frowned, "It's still bothering you, isn't it?" At the inquiring look, Del shook her head, "That odd feeling from those Yokai."

Simply sighing, Ying shook her head, "Like nothing else." Frowning, she scratched her head, "It is odd because I know that feeling from somewhere and that I should know what it means. Like it is just sitting there in the back of my head, but I can't dislodge it enough to know what. Frustrating is one way to put it."

Humming, Del grumbled a little, "Tell me about it. Ugh... I want to hit something."

With a sigh, the Canadian agreed, "Same here, perhaps meditating on it will..."

Not noticing that Ying had trailed off, Del frowned, "You do that. Me? A nice hot shower and some sleep might help me." However, at not getting a response, she turned to Ying who had frozen looking at something, "You okay, Ying?"

Face slightly pale, Ying turned to her, "Del, that feeling... can you sense it right now?"

Bemused, she was about to say no when she paused. After a few moments, Del slowly nodded in surprise, "I do, and it's nearby. In fact, right over..." Turning in the direction, she blinked at the sight of Yamato, Enterprise, and Yahagi having some beers, "There."

Neither of them said anything before they turned back to each other. Finally, Ying took a deep breath, "Okay, Del, we both know what that feeling is. It's that of a shipgirl, which means..."

Swallowing, Del nodded, "Which means that those six were both Yokai and shipgirls." Rubbing her face, she groaned, "Christ, I thought only humans could become shipgirls."

Beside her, Ying ran her hands through her hair in disbelief, "Same here..." Her eyes widened a bit, "Del... consider the conditions in that Reserve. And if there are some there..."

Right beside her, Del paled, "Oh shit... if there are some, there are likely others. And if they are in the Reserves too and decide to make a move..."

The two of them just groaned and Ying raised her hand, "We need stronger crap than beer for this... And that is before talking with Honjo and the others..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Savato93

"O-ohh… I don't feel so hot…" Fluffy brought a hand to her mouth, holding the other over her stomach. She looked ready to puke, as she leaned over the side of the Omega.

Standing next to her, Tanith raised an eyebrow. "A seasick Abyssal? You are just full of surprises, Fluffy…" she said teasingly.

"It's one thing to rock around in the waves with my own -urrrp- hull. It's another thing to sit on -urgh- another boat rocking around." The young Princess groaned, collapsing into a nearby chair. "That one degree of separation… is messing with my senses really bad..."

Tanith chuckled. She reached out and rubbed Fluffy's back, trying to help ease her nausea. "Well, you're welcome to hop down and join the escort group, if you desire. Get back to riding the waves with your own hull again. Otherwise, you can head belowdecks—there's plenty of space in the cabins for you to lie down and rest."

Fluffy nodded weakly, teaching for Tanith's arm and using it to pull herself up. "I think… I think I'll take that second one, if that's alright with you."

"Of course. Would you like some help heading down?"

Fluffy shook her head. "No, I can manage. I think."

Tanith nodded. "Alright. Hopefully, you will feel better by the time we arrive in Japan." With that, the Princess turned and walked away, leaving Fluffy to her task.

Fluffy had figured riding a cruise ship would be nice and relaxing; she'd watched the restoration progress from a distance over time, and was interested in seeing what all the fuss over it was about. She had to admit, it was very nice on the inside—sure, a couple of the other Abyssals were saying things looked a little faded, and it smelled kinda briny, but it was still the fanciest interior decorating she had ever seen. Nice, comfortable furnishings, bright lighting, functional non-magic plumbing she didn't have to wrap her head around trying to comprehend, this was all brand-new for her.

But more importantly… Fluffy saw it as a chance to get her flagship Renita back on the water. Despite her recovery, after everything she'd been through the Re-class was terrified to tread open water again. Just the thought of stepping out into the ocean was enough to have her on the verge of a panic attack. Fluffy had to call on Renita's siblings to help convince her that she would be okay if she rode the boat on its voyage to Japan, and she was still extremely anxious being carried over to it. Now, over a day into their trek, Renita was finally starting to calm down…

just in time for Fluffy to catch motion sickness.

Leaning against the walls to keep herself stable, Fluffy slowly dragged herself over to the stairwell and descended to the lower deck. Coming into the lounge room, she saw someone unexpected. "Renita…?"

The Re-class sat in a couch off to the side, gazing out a window. In her hands was a notepad and a pencil, and her tail rested in her lap, providing her a hard surface to lean on as she scribbled… something. Hearing Fluffy's voice, Renita blinked and glanced over. "Ah… hey, Fluffy. The others said you were feeling sick…" her normal tired expression was replaced with a look of concern. "Are you alright?"

Fluffy's groan of discomfort was interrupted by a small burp. "Uugh… I feel like I ate a load of rotten fish," she whimpered. "My gut's doing twists and turns inside me… but -uhp-at least nothing's actually coming up."

Renita frowned softly. "Oh. Hopefully, it'll pass, right…?" The floor beneath them jerked slightly as the ship struck a particularly large wave. The motion caused Renita to briefly go rigid in her seat, gripping the fabric of the couch tightly, but once a few seconds had passed and the ship leveled out again, she sagged a little in relief. "S-sorry…"

The Princess shook her head. "No, it's okay, Renita. You didn't do anything wrong." She rubbed her temple. "Anyway… I'm just going to lay down and relax a bit, try to sleep it off."

"Hm…" Renita looked thoughtful for a moment before she extended a hand, patting the space on the couch beside her. "Would you like to… lay with me, then?"

Fluffy managed a shrug. "Sure. That sounds nice." She shuffled over to the couch and laid down beside Renita. She spent a little bit of time making herself comfortable, using Renita's tail as a headrest. Already, she could feel her nausea receding a bit as she relaxed with her flagship.

Eventually, out of idle curiosity, Fluffy craned her neck over her flagship's tail, to inspect her notepad. It looked like she was sketching—gazing out the window, to her sisters, and the horizon beyond them, and drawing what she could see. There was no brooding, no darkness in this process, no need for her to dredge up painful memories… for the first time in ages, Renita seemed content to simply relax.

The sight of a small, peaceful smile on her flagship's face lifted Fluffy's spirits immensely. She still had a long, long road ahead of her… but for now, at least, it seemed like Renita's heart was finally starting to heal.

XXXXXXXXXX

The Tsu-class growled and whimpered through the wad of cloth in her mouth, trying her hardest to fight through the pain of arc welders fusing foreign Abyssal plating to her hull.

"Please endure… a little longer." Tampa's expression and tone of voice made it clear she hated doing this to her sister—but she had no choice. "Your armor… is compromised. Without extra plating… you'll be in danger."

She was right, the Tsu-class knew—never mind the wear and tear she'd accumulated over time, breaking down half her armaments to keep herself functional had left her with glaring vulnerabilities in her hull. Up until now, that hadn't been too pressing of an issue for the cruiser… while Tampa sailed out to protect her territory, she stayed behind in relative safety and hunted for food to keep them going.

But if they were going to leave this island to find Mother, they couldn't take any chances.

Eventually, Tampa cut off the welders and pulled away. "This is the best… we can do…" she said grimly.

The Tsu-class tried to tune out the lingering burning pain as she looked to her arm. The once-skeletal limb had now been encased in thick, rigid plates with no regard for form or function; her shoulder and elbow were both incredibly stiff, and her knuckles were the only joints she could (barely) move in her hand. It was absolutely hideous to look at, and pretty much robbed her of the use of her left hand… but the holes in her armor were sealed for now.

"S-so…" the Tsu-class spoke up, spitting the gag out of her mouth. "Where do we go from here? We know Mother is alive, somewhere in the world… but how will we ever find her…?"

"There is… one possibility." Tampa slowly turned and looked out to sea. "Mother was kind to the humans… earned their respect. If she survived… our kind's betrayal… then Mother and Humanity… would now have a common enemy. A justification for… a truce."

The Tsu-class's eyes widened. "You… you're suggesting we go to the humans!?" She waved her club-like arm. "Look at us! We're mutilated—monsters! How do we know they won't just shoot at us?"

Tampa hung her head. "...We don't," she admitted. "But there is no one else… we can turn to. We have to… have faith… in man's compassion. It's… what Mother would do."

Mulling her sister's words for several long seconds, the Tsu-class eventually sighed. "I guess you're right. We just can't do this on our own… the rest of our kind will try to kill us. The humans may be the only ones with the capacity and willingness to help."

Tampa nodded solemnly. "Have our rations been prepared…?"

"...yeah."

"Then… let's not waste… any more time." Tampa took her sister's hand and pulled her to her feet. "Mother is out there… somewhere."

And so, the pair set off—leaving behind the island they had subsisted on for so long, in search of the home port they once thought lost forever.

XXXXXXXXXX

A reader on SV pointed out going belowdecks is a BAD idea when someone is seasick. With that in mind, I just figure Tanith is clueless on how to treat motion sickness, since... well, they shouldn't get it in the first place.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Laying back in bed, Rose softly smiled as she looked at Haruna's sleeping face. The Battleship looked perfectly at peace with a small smile on her face. Every so often, the smell of cordite, steel, and saltwater tickled her nose. A scent that was so perfectly Haruna in her mind, and which she adored smelling as often as possible. Eyes tracing her Battleship wife's body under the sheets, they came to a stop as they reached her midsection.

A midsection that was well rounded now that Haruna was in her final month and the last days of her pregnancy were ticking past.

If possible, Rose's gaze softened more than it already had at the sight, the proof of the love that she shared with Haruna. Something in her mind that was a miracle to say the least. Gently, as to not wake the sleeping shipgirl, Rose sifted in the bed until she was able to softly stroke her wife's stomach before kissing it with tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, "Good morning, Little One."

Moments later, she felt a kick under her hand and giggled slightly, "Yes, thank you Little One." Hearing a mumble from Haruna, she gave her wife a look filled with pure love before turning back to the Battleship's midsection and whispering to it as she gave a stroke to it, "Just keep it down, our lovely child. Your mother needs her rest after all, and you shall greet the world soon enough."

With a sigh, Rose turned back to watching her wife sleep under the blankets. She had not been kidding about Haruna needing her rest as they came into the final few weeks of her pregnancy. She had been tiring easier after all, and the movement of the baby often kept her awake in the nighttime hours. More than once, Haruna had been napping when she jerked awake at a kick from the unborn child.

Though once, she had grumbled without any heat and filled with love that their baby was obviously a Kongou.

Yet, every day, to Rose's eyes, her wife only became more beautiful. A fact that every time she spoke of such to Haruna, it had made her flush deeply in embarrassment. Also, a fact that many a night Rose proved to her over and over, much to the exasperation of Haruna's sisters. Granted, they mostly showed it in light teasing to them and smirks of amusement. Though Rose also returned it just as well.

However, currently Rose was enjoying and savoring the early morning quiet. Just gently caressing her wife's pregnant stomach. More than the others besides Hiei, the Tea Set knew that soon enough those days would end as their child would be born. Then would come the cries and wails that would wake them in the night, as well as a fussy baby. Experiences that Rose had as a family tea set letting her know what to expect, though she was still somewhat frightened by the task ahead.

And yet... the tsukumogami looked forward to such days. The days when hers and Haruna's little family would grow by one. Perhaps, later with more when the time came. How much time she spent simply rubbing her wife's midsection, Rose did not know. But she was brought out from it as a soft had placed itself over her own and she looked to find sleepy, warm brown eyes looking up at her filled with love, "Good morning, Rose-Chan."

Softly smiling, Rose moved until she was hovering over Haruna, "And a very good morning to you as well, Haruna." Reaching up, she stroked her Battleship's cheek, "I hope that I did not wake you."

With a deep breath, Haruna shook her head, "No, you did not, Rose-Chan. Haruna just woke up to find one of the loveliest sights she is blessed with." Still smiling, she closed her eyes as Rose kissed her, one hand coming up to stroke the other woman's neck, "Mmm..."

Pulling away, Rose softly sighed, "I see, thank you for that, Haruna." Both of them leaned into another kiss that was a bit deeper, but nothing more. That time, when they pulled away, they turned their attention to Haruna's midsection, "Almost time for our family to get bigger, Haruna."

Just humming, the Battleship stroked her stomach, "Hai, Haruna is counting the hours until both her and Rose-Chan meet our Little One." A giggle escaped her as the infant kicked within her womb, "Hai, you are a Kongou."

The two women shared a look and giggled again before sharing a kiss with each other and turning back to what they had been doing before.

Eventually, though, it was time to get up. With a grunt, Haruna shifted until she could swing her legs out over the bed and, with some help from Rose, sit up. Grimacing a bit, the shipgirl rubbed her stomach, "This is one thing that Haruna will not miss."

An amused lilt to her voice, Rose smiled, "Really, Haruna? You would not miss me helping you dress..." Slipping the maternity dress over her wife's head, the tsukumogami's lips ghosted along Haruna's jaw before nibbling her ear and provoking a full body shudder while she adjusted the dress, "I would think otherwise."

Much to her amusement, a soft whimper came from Haruna, "Rose-Chan... is not playing fair..."

Simply smiling innocently, the Tea Set went back to what she was doing. Though the groan that escape Haruna when she kissed her lower legs as she put on the other woman's socks made her smirk. Especially when she saw the frustrated look on Haruna's face, something wiped away as Rose gave her a deep kiss that was readily returned. Pulling back, Rose laid her forehead against Haruna's, "I love you so much, Haruna. My dearest love."

Lips twitching, Haruna stole another kiss, "And Haruna loves Rose-Chan."

Both of them smiled at that before Haruna was helped to her feet. Together, the two left their room behind and entered the rest of the apartment to find that Haruna's sisters were all awake and waiting for them. Looking away from the stove, Kongou gave them both a smile, "Good morning, Haruna-Chan, Rose-Chan."

Grinning, Hiei snickered a little bit, "Judging by the smiles on their faces, and what we heard last night? I would think that it was a very good morning... and a good night~"

Eyebrow raised, Haruna walked over and gave her second oldest sister a pat on the shoulder, "It is okay, Hiei-Onee-San." At the confused look, she continued with a slight smirk on her face, "One day you will know the same with Richardson-Teitoku and I will be able to call him Nii-San."

Kirishima nearly snorted out some morning tea from her nose while Hiei stared at her younger sister in disbelief. The second oldest of the Kongou sisters then gripped her hair, "Hieeeee! Haruna-Chan!"

Coughing a little, the lone glasses wearing Kongou wiped her nose a bit from the small bit of drink that had escaped it and shook her head, "I think, perhaps, that you have been a bad influence on our Haruna-Chan, Rose-Chan."

A smirk on her face, Rose gave her wife a kiss before giving Kirishima a look, "Or a very good influence... perhaps you shall understand with Miss Gale and Miss Wash."

Needless to say, Kirishima went bright red at that and sputtered a little. At the stove, Kongou gave a chuckle and shook her head, "How lively you all are this morning! It is good to see."

Softly smiling, Haruna only nodded before sighing, "Hai, and a good morning to you as well, Onee-Sama..." Turning, she gave a beatific smile to Hiei and Kirishima along with a small bow, "And good morning, Hiei-Onee-San, Kirishima-Onee-Chan."

Only sighing, the glasses wearing sister gave her a smile, "And a good morning to you as well, Haruna-Onee-Chan." She simply gave a slight nod as Rose helped Haruna into a chair. Despite the teasing that happened, she did love the two and it did her boilers good to see how in love they were almost a year on into their marriage. To Kirishima, the love between her sister and Rose were a gift from the Kami themselves. Chuckling, she hummed a bit, 'Hai, a true gift for our Haruna that she deserved in this life...'

Rose, once she had helped Haruna sit down, went to make her wife a drink and gave a small nod as she saw what Kongou was making, "Lancastershire oatcakes, Kongou?"

The Fast Battleship smiled and hummed, "Indeed, Rose-Chan." Gesturing at the pan nearby, she nodded, "Which will wrap eggs, bacon, tomatoes, and sausage, Dess!"

Chuckling, Rose gave a small nod, "That does sound rather good on this morning, Kongou." Lips curling into a smile, she sighed a bit, "I do so remember having the young Misses and Misters eating all sorts of oatcakes."

With a small nod as she finished with some and placed the done oatcakes, which looked more like pancakes, onto a plate, Kongou smiled, "Hai, just like I remember those working on my hull eating Lancastershire oatcakes as they built me..."

Hiei then threw her hand into the air with a cheer with her next words getting chuckles and the like from the others, "And Onee-Sama's oatcakes are the best!'

Between the two of them, Kongou and Rose managed to roll the oatcakes with the rest of the breakfast food together and place it down with all the Kongou sisters and Rose eating them. Granted, the Tea Set took the least amount, needing only one along with some toast with honey, but it was enough. Sitting back, the tsukumogami took in the group and softly smiled as she felt herself filled with happiness as they enjoyed her tea, though Haruna had hot chocolate for her breakfast. All of them chatting back and forth between bites of food.

Truly, Rose thought, she was blessed to have become part of such a family through marriage.

All too soon, breakfast was done and they gathered up the dishes with Hiei and Kirishima washing them before returning to the table to chat. It was a slow day and none of them needed to be anywhere after all. Just chatting and spending time together...

Of course, Hiei noticed an odd look on Haruna's face out of the corner of her eye and turned to her, "Uh, Haruna-Chan? Are you alright?"

Lightly blushing at the attention, the pregnant Battleship placed a hand on her stomach, "Ah, Haruna is fine. But Haruna thinks that she should apologize to Onee-Sama..." Seeing the confusion, she blushed a bit deeper, "Haruna thinks that the food is sitting a bit much in Haruna's stomach." Grimacing a bit, Haruna shook her head, "It is a bit heavy and Haruna is getting some cramps."

Now frowning, Kongou furrowed her eyebrows and looked at the stove, "Odd... I didn't think that it was that much..." Spotting both Hiei and Rose now staring at Haruna in shock, she frowned, "Hiei-Chan? Rose-Chan? Is something wrong?"

However, neither of the two answered with Rose gripping her wife's hand, "Haruna, love... is the heaviness further down? And so are the cramps?"

Blinking, Haruna nodded, "Hai, they are..." Furrowing her eyebrows, she gave Rose a confused look, "But how did Rose-Chan know?"

Much to her further confusion, as well as Kongou's and Kirishima's, Rose's tea set began to whistle with steam and the cups and such shook. Turning, the tsukumogami was looking at Hiei, "Hiei, I need-"

She was already getting out of her seat, "Don't worry, I'll go and get the bag."

Looking between them, Haruna was about to ask when she felt something else and looked down, "Why... why is Haruna feeling wet down there?"

It was then that Kirishima sucked in a breath as she remembered something similar with Washington, "The baby is coming."

Practically leaping from her seat, Kongou rushed to the window and opened it, "I'll bring the car around, Dess!"

With that, she leapt out the open window, which everyone ignored while Kirishima helped Rose get Haruna to her feet, "It's okay, Haruna-Onee-Chan, just hold on until we get to the hospital-"

Running out of the bedroom, Hiei grinned, "I have the overnight bags-Hiiieeeeee!"

Before she could finish, the second oldest of the sisters tripped on the carpet and summersaulted. Rose, for her part, held out a free arm and caught the gym bag in it with a nod, "Thank you, Hiei." Turning, she kissed the nervous Haruna, "It will be alright, my love..."

Calming down some, unlike her crew, Haruna nodded and returned it. She could hear and see her bridge as the various Captains and Admirals were shouting and screaming. One of them was shouting to engineering something about watertight doors failing. Meanwhile, a certain Imperial Family member was calmly sipping his tea while as everyone panicked around him. Well, except for another crew member who stood beside him and was panicking before he pulled out a cigarette and began to smoke... Right before the Emperor's relative reached over, still calm, and plucked the cigarette and crushed it under one of his feet. He then ignored the look of disbelief and went back to sipping his tea, "No smoking around newborns, it is unsightly and unhealthy."

Unable to giggle, and not explaining why before it vanished as another contraction hit, Haruna nodded, "Hai, everything will be Daijobu..."

________________________________________________________

"THIS IS NOT DAIJOBU-ARRGGGGGH!"

Wincing a bit at the scream from her wife, as well as the hand holding hers and squeezing, Rose simply kissed Haruna's sweaty brow, "It is okay, Haruna. We're almost there..."

Quickly huffing, Haruna gave another grunt as she pushed, "Haruna has had battles less painful, gaaaah!" With another few grunts, she clenched her eyes shut. Her only real relief was how Rose was holding her hand and laying beside her in the bed, "Eeergh!"

Gently brushing some sweaty bangs from Haruna's forehead, Rose gave the hand in hers a squeeze, "I am here, Love. Right here beside you."

Looking at her, the Battleship grunted, "Next one is... Rose-Chan's!"

Only humming, Rose smiled, "Of course, Haruna. I promise, our next child I will carry." Softly chuckling, she shook her head, "Just hold my hand during it."

About to answer, Haruna bit it off in another scream before the doctor looked up, "Almost! I can see the head!"

Eyes clenched shut with tears, Haruna gulped down air, "H-hai! Haruna will hold Rose-Chan's Haaaaannnd-gaaaa!" Looking at her wife, the shipgirl nodded as the doctor said that the shoulders were nearly there, "But Rose-Chan is next! Aaargh!"

It was to both their relief that a few minutes later, there was a quiet slap before crying filled the air. Moments later, the doctor passed the infant to a nurse who cleaned it off and wrapped it in a blanket. Walking over, she held out the baby to the couple with her eyes crinkling into a smile, "Congratulations, it's a girl."

Gently taking the baby girl, Rose let out a sob while looking at Haruna, "Our daughter, Haruna... she is so beautiful..."

Swallowing as she looked down into the little face, Haruna nodded, "H-hai... so very beautiful." Tears in her eyes, she felt herself relax as she sobbed herself, "So very beautiful... and Haruna can only hope that she takes after Rose-Chan, because then she would be the most beautiful."

Lightly blushing, Rose shook her head, "No, only if she takes after her mother..." Hearing a gasp, they looked up to see the nurses and doctors staring at a cloud of sparkles that gathered around in a swirling cloud on a table beside the bed. One that slowly coalesced into a silver tea set that sat sparkling on a steel tray , as if newly made...

Which, of course, it had been.

After a moment, the doctor who handled the birth scratched his head, "Huh... now that is different."

Giving the new parents some time, the doctors eventually did let in the other Kongou sisters, who all stood beside the bed. A bright smile on her face, Kirishima gasped as she lightly tickled her niece's cheek, "She's adorable..."

Moments later, her expression softened and she nearly cried as the baby grasped the finger and murmured. And she was not the only one as Hiei had to wipe some tears from her eyes as Kongou nodded, "Aye, she's a strong one, Dess. And a fine Kongou..." Looking at the tea set that still sparkled, she shook her head, "And beautiful, just like her mothers."

Both Haruna and Rose blushed at that, though they smiled. Having finished wiping her eyes, and feeling so happy that she could burst, Hiei gave a happy sigh before looking at the infant, "What's her name?"

Sharing a look with Haruna, Rose turned to them, "We talked about it, and decided on a name that would honour my first Mistress, who I had been given to by her father after bringing me from my train I was on. Her name was Violet..." Gently brushing some hair away from the infant's face, she sighed, "So we decided to name her Sumire."

Only nodding, Kongou let a tear drip from her face, "A lovely name for a lovely girl." Looking at the tea set, she noted that it was decorated with violets which made her chuckle before turning back to the newest member of her family and kissing the infant's head, "Welcome to the world, Sumire-Chan."

Just humming, Hiei nodded, "It can be a scary place at times, but don't worry. Your Okaa-Sans are very strong and can protect you."

It was then that Kirishima who took, "And your Oba-Sans will to."

The baby gave a yawn before shifting a bit and beginning to nurse as the four Battleships and one Tea Set smiled down at her with pure love and protectiveness in their eyes.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Fallout

Nekromanton of Acheron

Acheron River, Epirus, Greece

May 28th, 2014
Spoiler: The Path To Death

A black-shrouded and veiled figure entered the ruins of this ancient temple set on a hill above the river that the Ancient Greeks had called Acheron, the "River of Woe". One pale hand clutched a leather satchel as the other withdrew a bone-white wand that glimmered with pale gold at the tip from the folds of her shroud and held it high as she entered a half-collapsed tunnel leading into the heart of the hill.

An eerie blue corpse-light sprang from the golden pomegranate on the tip of the wand to illuminate her footsteps as the figure continued to descend. The black basalt of the walls became slick with moisture, and soon a ghostly murmur of rushing water and hollow voices sounded around her.

Finally she stepped around yet another winding turn and before her a massive sealed portal, a gate scaled for giants hewn from the black rock of the earth loomed before her in the darkness. A spectral, ghostly mist crept forth from the crack in the closed gate, filling the air with a clammy chill.

The figure set down the satchel and then gestured with the wand, directing the ball of dim blue light to float over her head. She pulled an ancient bronze dagger from the satchel and carefully sliced open her forearm from wrist to elbow. With her dark blood on the blade, she scribbled mystic glyphs on the stone, which sank into the stained stone without a trace. Finally finished, she then wrapped the bleeding wound on her arm with a strip of linen and returned the dagger to the satchel.

She gestured imperiously with the wand as she picked up the satchel. With the low creak of the door to a crypt opening, the stone doors ahead of her groaned and opened as mist crept forth to shroud her.

When the mist cleared, no trace of the woman could be seen. The doors boomed closed with a thunderous sound of stone on stone. The witchlight flickered and went out, leaving the passage in the primeval darkness of the deep places of the Earth.

Inside the gate, the figure walked down a cobblestoned road in a massive subterranean cavern illuminated by the faint spectral glow of lichen that hinted at more than revealed the unguessable dimensions of this underground world. The sounds of water were much louder here, as were the hollow, mournful voices. The road ended in a jet black basalt wharf extending out into a rushing midnight river shrouded in that ghostly mist. The figure walked to the end of the wharf and stood there like a sentinel. Presently, silently the mist formed the image of a spectral ferryboat poled by a lone skeletal figure at the back.

The barge reached the wharf, and the figure lowered her veil, revealing the aristocratic face of Medea of Colchis. She silently opened her mouth and silver glittered from the coin on her tongue. The ferryman's skeletal fingers deftly plucked the coin from her lips, and then he bowed her aboard his skull-decorated boat. She stepped aboard and he cast off as she sat on one of the benches like the princess she was on her throne.

An endless indeterminate time later, the barge reached another quay. Unlike the other one, this one was lit by guttering purple-black flames burning eternally in cast-iron braziers. Medea stepped off the barge and without a backwards look walked up the pathway stretching into the darkness.

The scent of flowers tickled her nose and as she walked up the path paved in black basalt stone worn with the countless feet of multitudes, the grayish leaves, and pale yellow and white flowers of asphodels appeared from the gloom. Barely visible and featureless, more the hints of the men, women, and children that they were, spectres wandered the endless fields of asphodels, wailing mournfully.

A thud sounded from her left and she looked over to see the elephantine bulk of Cerberus. Three heads locked their eyes on her and the beast growled at the intruder in his Master's realm.

Medea raised the wand high and all three sets of eyes locked on it. For the first time since entering the temple she spoke in a firm voice full of authority. "You sense what this is and Whose Authority it represents. I come to return it to your master as I swore on the Styx when last I saw you. This is Willed where what is Willed must be, Cerberus. Bar not my way."

For long moments the hound's eyes met hers, then it whined and crouched down. Medea gave a faint smile and then opened the satchel, tossing three honeycakes from it, one to each head that she Engorged in mid-toss to the size of a compact car. "Good boy. I brought you a treat."

"You are so bad about spoiling him, you know." The darkly amused voice caused Medea to turn and bow to Hades as the Lord of Many appeared suddenly at her elbow. "And Dante, really now?"

Medea bowed deeply to her old friend, and then handed over the wand to Hades. "The man could turn a phrase, and it even fits my being here. I know that Cerberus is Fated to challenge any non-deity and non-ghost who intrudes here. Normally I would just enspell him to sleep like normal, but I wanted to savor the use of your Ravdí tou káto kósmou one more time before I had to give it up. Thank you again for lending me it to deal with the crisis in France."

Handed finished examining the wand, which appeared almost as a scepter in his hands, and then gestured with it. A gold chariot pulled by four black horses trotted up to them. "Let me give you a ride to the palace. Persephone is laying on a banquet for us both to celebrate your victory."

Medea smiled. "Thank you, Lord of Many. I brought along a bottle of fine French wine and some new brandies that you may enjoy, along with gossip. For starters, my old student, who was instrumental in dealing with Verdun, has a child who if I did not know better would swear that she was Orpheus reborn. I am minded to get her to play for you and your family if you visit my estate for your anniversary."

Hades grinned and extended his hand to help Medea aboard his chariot. "I will talk to Persephone and Demeter about your invitation. I am inclined to take your invitation, but you know how the ladies in my life are."

Medea laughed and nodded.

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

Khohlo ea Marena a Mararo

May 29th, 2014
Spoiler: Vati

Steel-gray eyes narrowed at the magical photograph in the paper. Blood-red lips curled in triumph, showing ivory fangs as the figure on the throne leaned forward. "I have Her name now. I have Her allies' names too..."

He patted the head of the young blonde woman kneeling before him as she stayed motionless like a stone statue. "Well done. I shall dispatch my agents to locate her and find her secrets now that I know her name. Then..."

The voice became venomous as SS Obersturmführer Helmer Wolff finished. "She shall submit to my Will. She... and My daughter." His eyes raised to the etchings of a four-eyed monster in the massive granite monoliths flanking his throne, then lowered to his minions awaiting his orders.

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

Castle Moulbaix

June 7th, 2014
Spoiler: Happy Birthday From Claire

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, Miss Toku! Happy Birthday to you!"

Tokunotakai smiled at the adult stepchildren in Ehren and Ying as well as the Fujiis serenading her as Kasuyu and Miho brought out a katana-shaped birthday cake with a 503 written on it in icing. Claire smiled happily from her position at the piano, while Misaki and Chihiro cheered as Colombe cut the chocolate roll cake and began to distribute the slices.

After the cake and ice cream, it was time for the presents. Claire handed over a CD of piano music based on Japanese musical traditions, Miho and her children then gave a lounging robe of jorogumo-silk in a spiderweb and katana pattern. Colombe gave a card containing a 'coupon' for a shopping trip for a new dress to wear to attend a concert. Kasuyu chipped in a hand-carved low Japanese table of oak. Ying's gift was a scroll of Chinese philosophy.

Ehren smiled at her stepmother and handed over a wrapped box containing the Shalimar Perfume that she had bought at Harrods for Toku. "Happy Birthday, Toku-san."

Toku sniffed the perfume and then hugged her stepdaughter. "Arigato, Ehren-chan! It is a wonderful gift!"

Colombe smiled. "Indeed it is. Ehren is such a good girl." She placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder and Ehren leaned fractionally into the touch. "I am so proud of her, and all of you."

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

I've been thinking about the Olympians lately. This is what came from that, and I'm warning you right now, it's not exactly pretty.
-----

"Athena?"

From her place slumped over the table, the grey-eyed goddess of wisdom broke her staring contest with an unlucky bottle of wine to glance up at her sister, before returning her gaze to the offending alcohol. "Hebe. Hey. Didn't see you there."

That was probably a lie. For whatever reason, Athena just hadn't seen fit to acknowledge Hebe's presence. Giving the matter a quiet thought, Hebe walked around to the other side of the table and tried to quietly pull the chair out. It screeched against the floor instead and she winced, lifting it a little to alleviate the sound.

Sitting down across from Athena, the older goddess looked increasingly out of sorts. Her clothes were rumpled slightly, her ever-present helmet lay on it's side by her elbow. Her eyes were not so stormy as they usually were as much as they were the tired grey of a late winter sky that couldn't wait for spring but hadn't quite figured out how to get there yet.

"So…" Hebe finally said, trying to take a shot at conversation, "that looks… fancy. You raid Dionysus's cellar or something?"

"No," Athena replied petulantly, half-sticking her tongue out, "it's mine, I bought it with my money, and you can't take it from me."

What.

"What."

"I'm trying to be a rebellious teenager for a change," Athena said, smiling miserably enough for all of Tartarus. "How did I do?"

Hebe held back the wince as the idea hit her. Either this was an elaborate prank by Hermes, or something was seriously, seriously wrong. "Athena," she asked, leaning forward, "is something wrong? You… don't seem to be yourself."

"Don't worry about it," Athena waved her off with a jagged, jerking motion. "It's not something you could help with anyway."

"Try me."

"Seriously, Hebe, I'm telling you that you can't—"

"Try me."

Athena was quiet, and for a brief moment, Hebe thought she could see a spark of the old energy in her eyes. Then, with a grinding sigh, her sister pushed herself into an upright position, finally breaking eye contact with the bottle and engaging it with her.

"We used to be pretty reasonable, you know?" she asked, tapping the cork thoughtfully. "We were rough on some people, sure, but they were pretty rough themselves, and sometimes they deserved it. And… and we set up laws, too. We pretty much assembled an IKEA civilization, or… or I don't know, we guided it. Actually, we did pretty well a few times in there, you know?"

"Yeah, but you just said that times were different then," Hebe pointed out. Athena snickered and flicked the tip of the bottle, setting it teetering on the edge of tipping over for one of those eternal seconds before it clonked back upright again. The goddess of wisdom looked down at it sadly, as if wishing it had fallen.

"Yeah, they were," she said. "Times are changing. Everything's changing, everyone's changing with them. Amaterasu is running around playing tricks, everyone knows that human sacrifice is the biggest no-no, and us… we're the same way we were in Mycenae."

Athena fixed Hebe with a glare so piercing that she had to fight back the urge to lean away. "We… need to change, Hebe. The fall of the Statute is not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when," and when that happens everything is going to come roaring back into some… new age of magic. And we're not ready for it! We have to be ready for it, but…" she sagged again, head sinking so low that her forehead nearly touched the tabletop. "… but I can't change."

"I've tried. I've been trying since the Statute went up, and I realized it was going to fall. I try to be nicer, right a wrong or heal things with an old enemy, hell, I actually tried going to a singles bar and… and you know, and something always happens, and it's always me, and I always swing around worse than before. I can't change. I literally can't change. And… And it's all of us. We're breaking, breaking, breaking," she punctuated her words with swings of her hand, like a conductor's baton, "and I can't stop it because I'm breaking worse than everyone else." A broken laugh tore from her mouth.

Hebe was silent. What was she supposed to say to that?

"I run the numbers again and again," her sister steamed on, laughter shattering into sobs as she did, "and all I know is that Mom could fix this. If… If Dad hadn't eaten her, because he just couldn't keep it in his pants otherwise like he did with Thetis, she could look at this and just know what to do, and… and I could maybe play chess with her, cause that's all I have of her, or just hang out at a mall and try on clothes, because that's what people do these days, and she could have helped me… helped me…" Athena's hands came up to cover her eyes, cradle her head, hide the tears that were trying to fall. "Oh mom, I killed my best friend… I killed my best friend…"

The goddess of youth stared. "A… Athen…" The name died in her throat, before she could push it out. She tried again. "Do you think that, maybe, you're being—"

"—Butthurt?" Athena cut her off sarcastically. "A crybaby? A… self-pitying whiner?"

"That's not what—"

"Well, pretty much." She shrugged. "It's the closest I've been able to come to change. And… and maybe it's time, you know?" She pushed the bottle over on the edge of its bottom again, holding it there suspended in its little peril. "Everything ends, Hebe. Everything that begins, sooner or later it ends. Just…"

She fixed Hebe with a mournful smile.

"You're good Hebe. Good and pure and true, in the sense of the word that works… now. And here. And… and where it's going to go in the future. Just smack everyone upside the head every so often, when they're looking to do something stupid. Do that for me, will you?"

She heaved herself upright, grabbed the bottle, and began to walk away.

"Athena—Athena, wait!"

"For what, the end? It's already happened. We've just been pretending otherwise."

And the goddess of wisdom shoved the door open and stalked out. As Hebe stared after her, she caught the quiet beginnings of a song on the air.

"All around me are familiar faces, worn out places, worn out faces…"
-----

Well what do you think, sirs?

(my only request is that you make it quick)

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Chewing his porridge, Harry shook his head with a sigh, "Come on, Lavender... you can't be angry with me still for what happened over break."

The girl in question just scowled, "Watch me! You... you arse!"

Behind a books, Hermione just sighed, "You're overreacting over nothing at all, Lavender. So what if Harry has a bit of a tan-"

Gesturing at him, the witch in question only glared, "That is not a bit of a tan! Look at him!" With a sigh, Hermione did so, "That's a deep tan! From being in the hot Sun for days!"

Slowly blinking, the Light Cruiser gave her a look, "Okay? And yes? So what seems to be the issue with it then? He was out in the Sun, not a big deal."

Parvati decided to back up her friend though and placed her hands on her hips, "Oh, come off it, Hermione! While the rest of us have been slaving away at homework and such, in a cold castle with nothing but dreary clouds, he went off on a tropical vacation! Don't tell me that you are not jealous!"

Simply shrugging, Hermione hummed and took a bite of eggs as she turned a page, "A little bit? Yes, I suppose so." At hearing a grumble, she rolled her eyes, "Harry, there's no way not to feel jealous. But... it is not that big of a deal in the end to be perfectly honest."

Leaning against his hand, the thirteen year old wizard slowly blinked, "Guys, look, I was invited by my Big Sister months ago. I was not about to turn her down. Besides which, after what happened right before break, I needed a little R&R."

A mutter came from Seamus, his next words making Harry's eyebrow twitch, "Man, all the luck. Probably saw all those Abyssal birds in skimpy clothing..." Seeing the slight glare, he raised his hands, "Oy! It's true, Mate. You know that you did."

Rolling his eyes, Harry wished for something, anything, to change the conversation. If it was not Lavender or one of them grumbling about his trip to Australia over break and how it gave him a tan, it was guys like Seamus complaining about how he saw Abyssals in their bathing suits. At least they learned their lesson about talking like that in regards to his nieces after he pulled them aside for a little... chat, regarding boundaries.

His silent pleas were answered as Hedwig flew in and landed on the table.

Part of Harry swore that she had a smile on her face, as impossible as it was due to only having a beak currently. Bemused by that, the teen wizard took the envelope and opened it before reading the letter. Everyone around him watched as Harry's expression shifted from first surprise to pure joy. Finishing the last of her food, Hermione raised an eyebrow at him, "Something happen, Harry?"

Grinning, Harry looked up at her, "Something did, something wonderful, Hermione. Haruna-Oba just gave birth to hers and Rose's daughter a few hours ago."

Eyes widening, the bushy haired witch also smiled, "She did?" At his nod, she chuckled and gave a nod, "That is excellent news, Harry. What did they name her?"

With a glance at her, he smiled, "They named her Sumire."

Somewhat confused, Angelina tilted her head as she tried to see the letter, "Sumire? Does that mean something in Japanese?"

Only nodding, Harry scanned the rest of the letter, "Actually, it does. Sumire means 'Violet', as in the flower, in Japanese. And Aunt Rose's first Mistress' name was Violet." Seeing the confusion, he shook his head, "She was originally a tea set on a train for a few years. But when they decommissioned that train, my many great grandfather bought her from the company because he worked for them, and gifted it to my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandmother, Violet Jessop, though she shared the same name with her daughter. After that, she was passed down from mother to daughter until, well..." The thirteen year old gave a shrug, "I inherited her. But yeah, Aunt Rose decided to name her after her first Mistress."

Leaning forward, Parvati sighed, "That is so sweet. To name her after such a person... it shows how much she loved her."

With a chuckle, Harry raised a finger, "Loves, actually." Perking up, he pulled some other objects from the envelope, revealing them as photographs, "They even sent pictures of her!"

Katie, who was leaning to look over his shoulder, caught sight of one of the pictures. It showed Sumire in a pink onesie with a hat on, obviously cradled in the arms of one of her parents. A small squee came from her, "Oh my gosh! Look at her, she's so precious!"

Other girls came up to look at the pictures and chimed in as well about how cute and adorable she was. For his part, Ron gave a look to Neville who shrugged. The mysteries of women and babies were one that they knew that they would never understand...

Though, they had to admit, the baby was cute.

Nodding, Harry pulled out another picture, this one of a tea set, "And this is her tea set." At the confusion, he continued, "She takes after Aunt Rose as she's the spirit of a tea set."

Finger tapping her cheek, Lavender looked the tea set over before smiling, "Its gorgeous! Look at the violets and such in it! All in silver..." A giggle came from her as she shook her head, "A gorgeous tea set for such a little cutie!"

Across the table, Dean gave a slow blink before turning towards Seamus, "You know, sometimes I wonder." Getting a grunt in reply, he gestured at Harry, "Once, this would have been strange. A tea set and Battleship having a daughter. More than that, said daughter being another tea set. I know that I should be surprised, but..."

The Irish teen nodded, "But you're not surprised because it is perfectly normal."

Just nodding, Dean shrugged, "Exactly. Which sort of bloody weirds me out . This was not what I expected to happen when I got my Hogwarts letter."

About the only thing that Seamus could do was shrug in reply and agreement.

Lips twitching as he overheard the conversation, Harry turned as people around him went silent. Seeing Professor McGonagall there, he smiled and held up the pictures, "What do you think, Professor?"

Softly chuckling as she took the photos, Minerva smiled while examining them, "That they are very lucky parents, Mister Potter." Passing them back, she shook her head, "Please pass on my congratulations to Miss Haruna and Miss Rose on the birth of their child. That is a lovely wee bairn that they have there."

Unable to help himself, Harry nodded, "I will, Professor." Turning back, he smiled softly at the image of the sleeping infant. Without seeing her personally, he already loved her and swore to protect her. Which was why the weekend could not come soon enough for him to travel to Yokosuka and see her...
______________________________________________________

In the ceiling, fingers wiggled out through a screen over a vent before it was opened and Mikasa flipped out of it. Landing on her feet, she smiled brightly, "Good evening, Dess!" A shush though made her wince a bit only to smile as she saw Rose laying beside a sleeping Haruna, "Ah, apologies, Dess. I was just excited."

Relaxing a little, Rose gave her a small smile, "Understandable. But please... be a bit quieter. Both Haruna and Sumire are sleeping currently."

Softly smiling and lowering her voice to a whisper, the Pre-Dreadnought nodded, "Of course." Walking over, she took on Haruna's sleeping form as the Battleship's wife gently stroked her head, "Resting?"

With a sigh, Rose gave Haruna a look of pure love, "She is." Gently kissing her wife's brow, she hummed, "Poor Haruna was exhausted."

All Mikasa did was nod at that, "I am not nearly as surprised as I suppose that I should be in this case. Such an effort must have been greater than any battle she fought in... though the rewards were similarly great."

Expression gentle, the Tea Set blinked away some tears as she looked away from Haruna, "It was, but we now have a beautiful daughter."

Following Rose's gaze, Mikasa's lips quirked a bit into an amused smile. Mainly because there was a cradle there for said infant. But what truly amused the shipgirl was that a number of Haruna's fairies were seated on the sides of said cradle, as if to protect the precious thing inside... which, she knew that they were. Walking over, Mikasa's expression softened still further from what it had been as she took in the sleeping infant, "She's beautiful..."

Only sighing happily, Rose nodded, "She is, our beautiful Sumire-Chan." She gestured at a nearby table, "And that is her tea set."

Blinking, Mikasa walked over and examined it. The tea set sparkled under the lights as it sat on a silver tray with a few fairies around it. Slowly, the Battleship nodded, "Just as beautiful as her human avatar is. Though I have seen some tea sets like this back during my day when I first started to sail. Western style tea sets with a Japanese bent to it as they would say."

Surprised, the adult Tsukumogami blinked, "Truly? You've seen tea sets such as her?" At the nod, she smiled, "I do suppose that makes sense."

Humming, Mikasa turned back to her before frowning, "Any problems?"

A sour look came over Rose's face, "There was one of those awful paparazzi who was trying to sneak into the room. Disguised as a doctor of all things, but Kirishima managed to catch on and grabbed them. She dragged him off as a matter of fact."

There was a flash of anger in Mikasa's eyes at that, "I... see." With a hum, she smiled, though there was nothing happy about it, "You would not know where Kiri-Chan took said man, would you? I think that I would like to speak to him regarding boundaries."

Rose, though, had a similar look on her face, "Well, it seems that Kirishima took him to the brig. And Admiral Goto had a private talk... poor man must have eaten something bad before coming here. He glided his bowels, you see..."

For a moment, the two of them shared a look before nodding in silent agreement. Mikasa murmured a little bit to herself, "Yes, always knew that there was a reason that I liked Chibi-Kon's choice." She then gave a sigh and turned to Rose, "Anything else happen as I made my way here?"

Giving the question some thought, Rose gave a small nod, "Yes, Haruna and I posted some photographs to Shipgirls Online. I do feel a little bit sorry for Miss Dakota as the thread seems to have blown up to where it matches the one on Miss Moriko's romance. Those poor servers..." She then giggled. "Of course, speaking of Miss Moriko, apparently the photos started a debate in her own thread. I do believe that they were started by one of her sisters and was about what her child may look like and which parent they would take after."

Both women softly giggled as they imagined the reaction that the muscular Natural Born would have had. Soon enough though, the conversation drifted to other matters until Haruna woke up from her nap. Mikasa got her "Daughter" to eat with Sumire being fed as well.

That night though found the old Pre-Dread rocking back and forth in a rocking chair, Sumire in her arms as the infant's parents slept. A soft look on Mikasa's face as she looked down upon the sleeping babe before kissing their brow, "Admiral, if you would, please pass on my thanks to the Kami."

On her shoulder, Tōgō Heihachirō nodded and gave a smile, "Desu." Then he, too, went back to watching the sleeping infant with a happy look.

 

[darthcourt10]

0t4n1z3r2019

Well, here we go with another shenanigans of the Shipgirl Fairies!

A somewhat normal lunch break is happening at Mamiya's, where some Navy personnel just arrived for a nice, hot meal, a handful of Shipgirls eating, a bunch of Fairies playing cards on a far away table, a few offi-wait...

On the far end of the place, a bunch of Fairies are above a table, whilst holding cards that are way bigger than them. One would thought that they are playing Poker or Blackjack, but the absence of stacks of poker chips says otherwise. Instead, they are playing a children's card game, and the game they are playing is...
Spoiler: NO U!

Yep. The game has been rumored to 'ruin' friendships, but to others, that bit is a little exaggerated.

Until this very moment, where that bit of information is to be proven quite right...

"Desu!" A Japanese Fairy shouted as he dropped at the pile of cards his move, a card that will be the start of their arguments.
Spoiler: Said Card

The American fairy, who had only two cards remaining, and is close to winning, suddenly had to draw four cards from the deck, and losing a turn in the process, making him really annoyed at the Japanese fairy, who had a smug smirk on his face.

"HEY!!!!" The aforementioned American fairy shouted in complete disbelief as his chance of winning goes down the drain.

"Desu." The fairy that is the reason for his interrupted win smugged even more, before he chose green for the next player to play.

Another Japanese fairy, who is still pondering what to play, decided to place a green number 2 in the pile, ending his turn. The next fairy besides him, a British Fairy from a visiting Shipgirl, decided to place a card that will heat up the game!
Spoiler: This little Boi

"Oi." The British fairy replied, making the next player scowled in frustration, for he didn't have a number two of the same or different color, but decided to place a Skip card to skip the first Japanese fairy, who is now not happy at what happened.

"Desu!!!" The mentioned Japanese fairy looked at the only Russian fairy, one that came from Hibiki, who is eating alongside DesDiv 6 and Tenryū, who are now looking at their direction.

"Da." The Russian fairy grunted in reply, as he took a swig of his fairy-sized vodka that he took from...somewhere.


From a few tables away from the fairies, Inazuma looked at the playing fairies with a rather odd look.

"A-are they playing Uno, Nanodesu?"

Tenryū looked at the table, then shrugged as she ate her lunch, before answering her.

"Of course, Ami. Though where they got that deck of cards is unknown to me."

Ikazuchi and Hibiki also looked, but then decided to leave the fairies to their own devices, which is a rather poor choice of action, as the fairies started to fight as the Japanese fairy decided to reverse the rotation of the play when he dropped a blue Reverse card...
Spoiler: The Source of all Evil

If one could see the scuffle from a distance, it looks like a moving dust cloud of "DESU!"s, "OI!", a pair of "HEY!"s and a loud "URA!!!" within the dust cloud. This would continue, until the fairies stopped as they saw Mamiya looming over them, a wooden ladle on one hand, a large platter of food and a trio of Hannya Masks grinning maliciously behind her.

"Ara, Ara~~~ You boys are becoming a bit wild with your arguments. If would be best if you all,.." Then, the entire establishment's temperature dropped by a few degrees, as a collective shiver has co used through the spines of the customers, including DesDiv 6, but Tenryū is looking at Mamiya with awe at what she's seeing, and surprisingly, Akatsuki herself!

"...keep calm and be friends with one another, am I right~~~?" Mamiya tilted her head, and the Hannya Masks behind her tilted as well.

The fairies all nodded so fast that as if their heads will pop off their shoulders, and shook the hands of their fellow fairiesc hands as a sign of friendship, hoping to not anger Mamiya any further.

Seeing the fairies had been friends again, the looming bad aura is suddenly gone and she's smiling at the fairies.

"There you go! As a gift for you boys, a treat! Enjoy your meal!" Mamiya set down a platter of food in front of the fairies, before going back to the kitchen, and the customers inside breathed a sigh of relief.

"Man, Mamiya-San can be scary if she so chooses." Ikazuchi said as she sighed in relief for the feeling of dread is gone, but then saw the looks on Tenryū and Akatsuki; on Tenryū, it is awe for being a badass. For Akatsuki, it is also awe, but for being an elephant lady who can scare people with just her aura.

"Uhh, mom? Akatsuki? Hello!!!" Ikazuchi waved her hand in front of Akatsuki and Tenryū, before the two are snapped out of their reverie. Ikazuchi thought they're being a little silly, not until Akatsuki declared loudly...

"I want to learn that to be an even more elephant lady!!"

"Hawawawawa!! A-Akatsuki-chan!!" Inazuma replied, after she's been surprised by Akatsuki's declaration.

"Hehehe. I so want to learn how Mamiya did that." Tenryū replied, smirking at how to learn what Mamiya did.

"Khorosho." Hibiki replied, shaking her head at her family's antics, then smiled a little as she drinked her cup of tea.

Another day. Another brand of shenanigans the Shipgirl Fairies had started, but another part of life on Yokosuka Naval Base that is a norm.

A/N: omake finished. Hope you guys liked it. I portrayed Mamiya as like Miya Asama from Sekirei. As long as you follow the rules of her establishment, she's okay with you.

 

[darthcourt10]

SkyeFire

imhotep99301 said:
I wonder if Hoppou has heard about her new family member yet.
Harry Leferts said:
Possibly, yes.​

(I've been bitten by the omake bug again. This is ALL YOUR FAULT, Kaiju)
*-*-*-*
Rose frowned at a feeling of being watched -- again, a sensation that had been recurring for at least the past five minutes. This time, however, instead of trying to turn and catch the watcher in the act, she shifted position to where she could watch Haruna holding Sumire... and lower her eyes to examine the reflections in Sumire's polished silver without moving her head.

Her stealthy counter-surveillance was rewarded the sight of a bright golden eye, set in a small pale face, peeping timidly around the door frame leading to the hallway. Rose faked a sneeze to cover her burst of laughter.

Haruna's head snapped up. "Rose-chan? Are you sick?" She unconsciously pulled Sumire closer to her chest, and Rose fancied she could see her battleship's AA batteries preparing to BLAST ANY AND ALL COLD GERMS from the air between them.

"No, love, I'm fine. I just think someone has been, ah, talking about me," she replied, rolling her eyes repeatedly in the direction of the door. Haruna frowned and followed the hint, but their "stalker" had gone into hiding again. Haruna's eyes took on that distant quality that indicated she was accessing her ship-self... and then she smiled, suppressing a giggle.

"Hoppou-chan," she called gently towards the door. "Would you like to hold your cousin?"

It cost Rose a great deal of willpower not to break out laughing (or cooing) at the sight of of her niece sloooowly peering around the door. "Is... is it all right?"

"Of course, dear," Rose said gently. "She is your cousin, after all. Come, come!"

It didn't take too much coaxing to convince Hoppou to do something she obviously wanted very much. Haruna gently coached her in how to hold the baby and support her head, and they were rewarded by the sight of Sumire squirming with a sleepy squeak, looking up at Hoppou, then snuggling into the Abyssal Princess with an air of "Comfy. Like you."

Hoppou stared at the newborn in utter fascination. "So tiny." She gently touched one small hand, which promptly latched onto her finger.

"Hm, yes, Haruna thinks your children start out bigger, hai?"

"Bigger, stronger, yes, but still..." Hoppou groped visibly for words. "Innocent? Precious? ...Needy?"

"In my experience," Rose commented thoughtfully, "every child needs their mother. Even when they get older and start thinking they don't. Maybe especially then," she added dryly, thinking back over the long chain of mothers and daughters she had served.

"Hoppou-chan," Haruna interjected worriedly. "Where is your mother? I thought Nagato-sama was coming with you?"

The Princess blushed, a pale rose that stood out against her natural pallor, and pointed mutely at the door. Rose exchanged a frown with Haruna, and stuck her head out into the hallway.

Nagato was lying flat on the floor, face as red as a tomato, with her eyes swirling like spirals. "Oh, dear," Rose commented. "It would appear that Miss Hoppou's actions caused a Nagamon Incident. I'll make her a good bracing cuppa."

Dances in Shadows said:
Thank goodness she turned out to be a teaset....not sure that table could have supported a battleship.​

That makes me think of what happens when Claire start having kids. I know her first few are scheduled (per Word Of Yellowhammer) to be smaller instruments, but her family won't know that....

Colombe gripped her hilt with white-knuckled fingers and fought the instinct to find and Kill what was causing her precious daughter's pain. Given that the "culprit" was, in this case, her grandchild in the process of entering the world... still, it didn't make standing by and watching Claire suffer any easier. Or her Muramasa "KILL!" instincts any less aggressive.

Toku gently touched her hand and caressed those tight fingers, persuading them to loosen a bit. Colombe took a deep breath, and metaphorically "leaned" on her beloved's blessed, serene calm. The Masamune's dark eyes danced as they met hers.

"One might think this is hurting you more than Claire, my love."

True, Colombe forced herself to admit. Claire was certainly far from comfortable, but between her own durability and the latest in "magical epidural equivalents," the piano-spirit was certainly suffering much less than Colombe recalled her younger du Chasteler sisters enduring, centuries ago. Claire was even taking time to comfort Tony in between contractions, and was only slightly crushing his hand at the peaks.

Then a tug on her sleeve drew Colombe's attention to her other side, where Ehren had been standing in Full Attention for the past hour or more, practically quivering with hype-vigilance against the infinitesimal chance that some hostile force might intrude on this moment. But now, her youngest's eyes were filled with urgent worry.

"Mutti," she said urgently. "When you were born, your sword appeared beside the bed once you emerged from Grandmother's womb, ja?"

"I can see the head! We're almost there!" the midwife's voice called from the bed.

"Yes, Ehren, that is how Papa described it to me. Why, what's the matter?"

"Mutti," Ehren blurted, words almost tumbling over each other in her haste. "If Claire's child is a piano like herself, where will it appear?"

Colombe felt herself go white, and Toku go rigid beside her. She glanced frantically around the room, realizing that it was simply too small -- between the furniture and the walls was insufficient space for a compact piano, much less a Grand! How could I have been so stupid?!? she raged at herself, frantically scrambling for a solution.

"Head's out! One more push, and we're all done!"

There was no time to think, or plan -- action was required, and only de l'audace would save her daughter and grandchild now! Colombe's sword-self left its sheath with blinding speed (bless To-chan for her lessons in iado!) and arced to point at the wall to the nearest hallway--

"And that," Claire giggled even her her hands played a basso profundo roll of thunder (or explosion) "is why that particular hallway is ever-so-slightly out of joint with the rest of the castle, and why Miss Moulbaix complains about her 'weather hallway' whenever there's rain coming."

"Because Grandmother Colombe panicked?" asked her wide-eyed daughter.

"To be fair, the fault was at least half mine," her Auntie Ehren stated from her Parade Rest pose beside Claire's piano-self. "As planning and logistics were my responsibility."

 

[darthcourt10]

Umm there is something wrong with the the text.

Click to shrink...

Yes I'm trying to make it match the text of the other posts, It's a consequence of crossposting from two forums to a third

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"Here you go, Sensei."

Blinking, Yuubari looked away from the computer screen to the cup of coffee that was set down on her desk. Sheepishly chuckling, she took the coffee and nodded, "Thank you, Satoshi-Kun." Glancing at the time, she winced, "Lost track of time..."

Amused, the young man just chuckled and gave a small nod, "It would appear so, Sensei."

Simply humming, Yuubari took a sip of coffee and sighed happily as it had been made just the way she loved. After a moment, she gave a small shrug before giving him a slight grin, "Not as late as some nights though."

That made Satoshi grin back at her before he turned to the screen in interest. Especially as he could see what was on it, "You've been on Shipgirls Online for the last few hours? Doing moderation and administration, I take it."

With a snort, the Light Cruiser snickered, "No, not tonight. I'm going to leave all that up to South Dakota. She can deal with all that crap regarding the servers herself." Sipping her coffee, an odd look came over her face, "No... I've been looking at this thread."

Eyebrow raised, Satoshi gave her a look and got a nod. Leaning in, he could see the image of an infant swaddled, "Well, they're certainly adorable. Whose child?"

Lips twitching, Yuubari sighed a bit, "Haruna-San's as a matter of fact. Been blowing up the site since they were posted..." Glancing at the clock, she gave a small nod, "About seven hours ago by Rose-San. Everyone's been commenting on how adorable and beautiful that Sumire-Chan is."

Due to the long years of knowing Yuubari, all the way back to the day when she came across his booth at a science fair, the young man knew that there was far more to it than just that. Mainly by the odd tone that was part wistfulness and part... something else. Considering things, Satoshi took a sip of his own coffee before nodding, "What's wrong, Sensei?" Seeing her surprise, he softly chuckled, "I know you far too well. There is more to this than an adorable baby."

Much to his confusion though, she gave him an odd look. One that made a small blush appear on his face. But then Yuubari smiled and chuckled herself, "Somehow, I should not be surprised that you picked that up."

With a slight shrug, Satoshi gave her an unsure smile, "Well... I have known you for years now, Sensei. I would think that gives me a look into how you think and such."

Still staring at him, Yuubari became thoughtful, "We have, haven't we?" Turning, she regarded her coffee as if it held an answer, "No, I should not be too surprised..."

One minute ticked by and then another before Satoshi cleared his throat, "Sensei? Is it that important that you need to gather your thoughts?" His expression saddened a little, "Is it troubling you that much?"

Slightly amused, Yuubari shook her head, "Sorry, just trying to figure out how to say it since it is a bit complicated..." Taking another sip, she let the taste of the coffee roll over her tongue before she swallowed it, "Mainly because..." A somewhat melancholy look came over the shipgirl's face, "It is somewhat embarrassing as well as silly I guess."

Not saying anything, the young man patted her shoulder. Feeling her hand clasp his, Satoshi blinked, "Sensei?"

Bitterly chuckling, the Light Cruiser shook her head, "Well, like I said, it is embarrassing and silly. Because... sometimes, I forget..." Tailing off, she considered her words and set down her coffee before gesturing at herself with her free hand, "I forget sometimes that I'm a woman."

Confused, Satoshi's next words came out without a filter, "I've never forgotten that your a woman, Sensei." At that, both their cheeks burned and Yuubari looked away shyly, "Um..."

Lightly smiling, Yuubari's voice came out as a whisper, "Thank you." Clearing her throat after a few moments, she gave a chuckle, "That makes one of us, I suppose." With a sigh, the shipgirl looked back at the pictures, "But... the fact does remain. That for all my intelligence, there's the simple fact that I sometimes forget that I am not just a ship, or a spirit, anymore. Instead, while a ship of a sort, I am also a woman. Odd, isn't it?"

Rather than say anything, Satoshi considered his thoughts before coming up behind Yuubari and gently putting his hands on her shoulders, "Sensei, I..." Pausing for a moment, he took a deep breath, "I don't think that anyone could blame you for forgetting that fact from time to time. No one at all." Not stopping, the young man continued, "You spent most of your life not as a woman, but as a ship upon the waves. Even now, you're more than just human. You're what some might call a Kami given form. So forgetting a small thing is... not a big deal."

Eyes slightly wide, Yuubari felt her boilers pounding inside her chest even as a blush appeared on her cheeks. Then she smiled softly, "A Kami made flesh, huh?"

Feeling his own cheeks aflame, the young man who called her "Sensei" gave a nod even as he swallowed somewhat nervously, "Hai."

Much to his confusion, she chuckled a bit before shaking her head, "I'm not too sure about that, Satoshi-Kun. But still, thank you." Turning back to the screen, Yuubari let out a small sigh, "That said, you are right about why I forget in that I spent most of my life as a steel hull. I don't like thinking of myself as more than a human, but... I'm stronger and tougher than a human. And humans can't walk on water... so sometimes I default to simply thinking like I was still a spirit on my hull." Bringing up a single finger, she tapped it on the screen, over one poster's post in particular, "Tenryuu-San and the other Natural Borns have it easy in some ways with our new state of being. They grew up as normal girls before being awoken. So they were able to mesh the two sides easily. So they never forget that they are women as much as they are ships."

Due to his inner thoughts regarding the shipgirl, Satoshi kept quiet. But he did glance at the screen, 'I wonder...'

Not knowing of what was going through the mind of the young man, Yuubari clasped her hands before her face and leaned forward. An odd look on her face, "I forget that I'm a woman and not just a ship, but... recently? That's changed." A thoughtful frown on her face, she gestured at the screen, "First Mutsu-San, then Wash-San, and now Haruna-San... they all became pregnant and gave birth. A... a ship can't do that, but..."

Finishing for her, the young man nodded, "But a woman can."

Voice soft and nearly inaudible, Yuubari nodded, "Hai, which means that it is a reminder to myself and others. One... that stands out." Her voice still soft, she sighed and shook her head, "Us ships... we have daughters of a sort in the ones that come after and share our names. Daughter ships. But... we never meet them."

Understanding, Satoshi nodded, his own tone soft and understanding, "Because for them to have your name, you would be gone. Scrapped, sunk, or perhaps sold even. But you would not be there."

With a deep breath, the Light Cruiser nodded, "Hai. But as girls, as shipgirls? We can do that. We can meet them and even give birth, raising our children. It... is something that resonates, right here." She pounded her chest, "And here." Reaching up, Yuubari tapped her head, "It really makes one think."

Both of them lapses into a thoughtful silence. Partially to gather their thoughts, and partially because neither of them knew what to say. Granted, both cases were more in regards to Yuubari than Satoshi, and he knew it. Especially as she drained what was left of her coffee.

Finally, she sighed a bit and placed her mug down, "Satoshi-Kun, I..." She paused for a moment and chewed her lip, "You said that you never forgot that I was a woman."

There was something about that which made Satoshi nervous, so he took his time to gather his thoughts and drained his own coffee to buy said time. Unknowingly doing exactly what Yuubari herself had just done, "I..." With a deep breath, he continued, "I have never forgotten that you are a woman, Sensei."

Very slowly, Yuubari nodded and looked down at her lap for a few moments before looking at him, "What... sort of woman do you see me as?" Seeing him freeze, she smiled sadly, "I see..."

Satoshi felt his heart clench in his chest to see the woman before him, his beloved Sensei, look so sad and, dare he say it, heartbroken. In a moment, some things that he had overheard from other guys, stuff that angered him in how they dismissed her, came back to him. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, "A beautiful one."

Not having expected that, Yuubari looked back at him so fast that she felt the steel in her neck creak, "I... What?" At seeing the look in his eyes, her cheeks pinked, "Beautiful?"

With a nervous swallow, he gave a nod, "A... very beautiful one. One who is smart, funny, great to be around, has a really great smile and..." Satoshi rubbed the back of neck, "Just overall an incredible woman."

Face how scarlet, Yuubari could feel steam coming from her ears, "I... That is..."

With another deep breath, Satoshi looked away, "I... you said something embarrassing so I guess that it's only fair that I return the favour? Especially as I know that you won't say anything to anyone..." Despite her embarrassment, the Light Cruiser was about to say something when he continued, "When I was a teen and still in school, I... um... used to have fantasies about you."

Yuubari did not know that she could blush that deeply, or release that amount of steam from her ears. Coughing, she looked away, though there was a slight smile on her face, "Um, really?"

Also blushing deeply, Satoshi nodded, but decided to charge ahead as something told him to do so, "I, well, hai? At the time I was a teen and you're pretty beautiful and, well, hot."

Somehow, just when the shipgirl did not think that she could blush any deeper, she did, "I... um, see? And now...?" At seeing him look away, she smiled, "Oh." Slowly, Yuubari got up from her chair and stood in front of him. A part of her noted that he was just a bit taller than she was, though not by much, "So..."

Looking away still, he scratched his cheek, "Sensei, I'm..."

He decided to take a glance, but was stunned that Yuubari was actually smiling. Giggling some, she shook her head and rubbed her neck, "I, well... guess that it is the same for me, as silly as that sounds." At his stunned look, she smiled sheepishly and shrugged, "Well, you are a rather handsome young man. And to be honest... I've always liked the fact that you go out of your way to take care of me." Seeing his confusion, she chuckled and gestured at the coffee, "You brought me coffee without being asked because you knew that I would like it. When I've fallen asleep at my computer or in a chair, you carry me to the sofa and put a blanket over me."

Embarrassed a bit, Satoshi shifted a little, "I just figured that you would be more comfortable with that."

Walking up, she came to a stop in front of him, "What I'm saying is... you take care of me. Hell, you're basically what I look for in a guy. Smart, innovative, willing to take care of me when I'm being an idiot, handsome." Yuubari motioned with both her hands, "So, yeah..."

Neither said anything for a few moments, just looking at each other and the rest of the room. Finally, Satoshi rubbed the back of his neck, "So... does this mean that we're dating now? Or... what exactly?"

Arms crossed, Yuubari chewed her lip for a few moments with made the only other person there pay attention to it. Tilting her head, she took a deep breath, "I would like to think so? I mean, I assume that means we're boyfriend and girlfriend now, I think."

Scratching the back of his neck, Satoshi looked down at Yuubari for a few moments before taking a step forward and placing his arms around her waist. Upon seeing her pause, he froze, "Sorry?"

With a glance at where his arms were, the shipgirl blinked before smiling shyly, "Well, I don't mind..." Bringing her arms up, she placed them over his shoulders, "As long as you don't." Upon getting a shake of his head, she chuckled, "Then I guess that it is alright."

That brought a smile to both their faces.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Bearing a Message

Imperial Palace, Chiyoda, Japan
Spoiler: A Blade...

Masamune-no-Kotegiri, the Armor Cutter of the Pure Smith, bowed deeply at the receipt of her orders. She held the bow until her Imperial Master nodded for her to go and attend to His Will.

A five minute walk through the maze of corridors magical and mundane that were the Imperial Palace led her to her private rooms. Closing the door behind her and then opening her space-expanded wardrobe, she surveyed the assortment of fine kimonos, one of her joys and passions, before nodding to herself. Centuries of being the right arm to men of power, might, and legend whose insights and commands had broken apart, reforged, and ruled Japan had made her painfully aware of the importance of delivering a message properly.

Alone with her privacy, a thin, razor-edged smile lit up her face as her fingers gently caressed the antique irotomesode kimono in the back. Glimmering with preservation charms, the shoujo hi blood red silk contrasted beautifully with the five golden Oda clan mokka-mon five-petaled apparent flower crests and the pattern of falling white cherry blossoms below the waist.
Spoiler: The Oda Crest

But she knew that they really represented a melon cut in half, among other things. Oda Nobunaga-sama had taught His Blade well by example, deed, and word as he unified Japan ruthlessly and pragmatically.

Her fingers lingered, tracing patterns that floods of carmine had painted on this kimono as she dealt with those who stood in the way of the Good of Japan. His dream that she remembered vividly from 1567 when Lord Oda had taken her hilt in his hands, and drawn her in front of his generals who had just conquered Mino province to crush the Saito Clan.

She shuddered in ecstatic memory and her eyes half-lidded as she remembered the sound of His Voice cutting through the era of the Warring States, the total anarchy that her beloved homeland had fallen into with a weak and incompetent Emperor puppeted by ruthless petty warlords.

天下布武

Tenka Fubu.

"Cover that which is under the sky with this sword."

To use her to unify Japan.

Firing a dream in her breast to make Japan whole again, strong again, healthy again.

Perfect again.

----------------------------------
Spoiler: ...And Her Demon Lord

In a middle school in Yokosuka, Nobu's eyes gleamed maniacally and she stood on her desk, whipping her cape back and posing dramatically.

"My Demon-senses are tingling! Behold, my First Disciple's heart beats true and pure with the flame that only the Greatest Demon of Japan can harness and guide to wade through blood to conquer Japan under my iron rule!" She clenched her fist and flexed with a broad grin on her face.

A flung eraser from the chalkboard hit her in the face. "Oda-san! Bucket! Hallway! Now!" The teacher barked out.

Okita groaned and buried her face in her hands as her friend triumphantly marched her way to the hall for punishment duty.

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

Kotegiri reluctantly removed her fingers from the silken fabric that she had worn during the battles that unified Japan four and a half centuries ago.

No, not yet.

Not unless matters develop further not necessarily to Japan's advantage.

Her lips curled in the memory of Master Showa-dono's voice, soft but with the steel of his heritage buried deep under the velvet.

Still, it would not be amiss to hint at the Masamune steel fist inside the velvet glove for this message. With that in mind, she picked out a crimson donuki underkimono to wear on her errand, then a crimson irotomesode kimono with a thick white hoyoku false underlayer and patterns of colorful butterflies below the waist. Most importantly for her purposes, it signaled extreme formality and importance by the five golden chrysanthemum kamon crests of the Imperial House.

Carefully placing her selection on the waiting wooden racks to be assembled, she summoned her apprentice and lady-in-waiting to assist her in getting dressed rather than use her magic to do it herself. She could use this as a teaching tool for Kiku-san as they spoke while she got dressed for her mission.

Finally satisfied with the effect that she would have, she slid her true self through her spotless white obi with the embroidery of sakura blossoms in white silk on white silk.

One blindingly fast iaido draw and resheathing later to insure that if needed she would be unhampered in her duties, and she sallied forth to the Palace Floo.

"Magical Chiyoda"

Magical Diet, Magical Chiyoda
Spoiler: Kotegiri In The Magical Diet

The Auror on door watch paled at the sight of the elegant lady from a bygone era approaching the main entrance at noon.

Raven-black hair with hints of steel-gray in it, golden eyes measuring him mercilessly, and a firm, unsmiling mouth, all clad in the kimono and heraldry of a personal envoy of His Imperial Majesty.

That was all bad enough, but what she carried at her waist was far, far worse. To his senses, the sheathed katana blazed with the raw power and perfect enchantments and charms that could have only been forged by one man in Japanese history into her steel.

Masamune.

The magical heraldry proclaiming the men who had mastered her spirit was if possible worst of all. Every schoolchild had heard of the titans of Japanese History. The personal heraldry and authority of not one, not two, oh no, but a full three of the legends of Japan blazed forth.

Oda Nobunaga. Emperor Meiji. Emperor Showa.

A proverb that he had learned as young boy rang through his head as Masamune-no-Kotegiri approached the doors. Deru kugi wa utareru. The nail that sticks up gets hammered down. With that he flung open the doors and bowed low to her, receiving what might be the fractional hint of a nod as she glided past in that measured stride.

By the time Kotegiri had made her way halfway across the entrance hall, word of her presence had spread two corridors ahead of her.

By the time she left the hall, panicked rumors of her last visit in 1945 to 'make an educational example' of some of Kamo's supporters while surrender and occupation terms were negotiated had been unearthed.

They lost nothing in the recounting.

Department of Magical Species Containment

"Ahh, Minister Takamori will be here any moment, Masamune-sama. He was at a working lunch when you arrived you see...." The luckless department staffer who had drawn the short straw to man the desk during lunch break today gulped nervously as a perfect eyebrow rose slightly in a highly unamused face that was surveying the offices containing the department responsible for the Reserves.

"I see indeed." Kotegiri's tone of voice could have frozen a yuki-onna in her tracks. "I skipped my lunch to check into a report about the health and sanitation conditions of the Yokai Reserves. Clearly such matters are of little concern to the Minister to not affect his digestion. I am sure that it can be proved to His Majesty the funds provided are being spent well to prevent any unfortunate outbreaks of disease or acts of unrest, so I shall depart for now."

One thumb visibly caressed the tsuba of her blade. "I shall be back if further concerns materialize and speak to Takamori personally about the burden of his duties. I would not want to overstress him today."

Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Fortunately for the department, Chief Auror Kunieda had somehow managed to make it into the office before Kotegiri arrived.

Even more fortunately for his dignity, he managed to retain bladder control through her precisely probing questions about proper screening and treatment of Yokai arrested before they were sent to the reserve and about the training standards of the guards assigned there.

When Kotegiri left, he was ashen-faced, and trembling violently at the coldly furious look in her eyes and icy voice.

Deputy Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs
Spoiler: Kotegiri And Shigeru

Shigeru Miyata's office was visited last of all, a full hour after Kotegiri had begun her tour of the building. To the surprise of the onlookers, Kotegiri smiled visibly upon turning the corner to approach Legislative Affairs.

"Miyata-san. It is good to see you!" Her voice was quite warm, the very picture of two old friends meeting each other after a long absence.

"Masamune-sama." Shigeru bowed to the Imperial representative only to have to hide shock behind his professional face.

"Please, you can call me Masamune-san. We have known each other for quite some time, after all, Miyata-san. I am pleased to see that matters are well in hand here. Forgive me for gossiping, but I have heard rumors of a grandson on the way?" Kotegiri's eyes twinkled as she spoke with a happy smile.

Shigeru nodded numbly. "Yes, my boy's wife is expecting in early September."

"Ahh, not your daughter Miyata Naomi-san then. I was hopeful that it was her who had been blessed, but she is quite busy working so well for His Majesty. You have done a magnificent job in instilling the values of your family into her to create another superb and diligent civil servant. Keep up the good work managing your department and responsibilities, and I am sure that prosperity will follow our efforts to provide for Japan." With that Kotegiri rubbed her chin, and then 'coincidentally' slid a fingertip across the hem of her kimono at her throat.

Shigeru's eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat as he recognized the pattern of the colors of her robes at the hem matched that of the Order of the Rising Sun. Judging from the way her smile widened fractionally, Kotegiri knew full well that the unspoken message had been delivered.

Kotegiri bowed precisely and respectfully to Shigeru. "Alas, I have other duties to tend to. I shall see about arranging an invitation for you to visit my building once my schedule can be cleared up sufficiently so we can share tea and catch up on the last few decades. Sayonara."

Only a lifetime of discipline, protocol, and practice at the game of politics caused Shigeru to bow properly in farewell.

As she left, he headed back into his office, weakly asking his secretary to hold his calls for a bit. A quick pass of his wand unlocked his special desk drawer to reveal a bottle of Seven Dragons magical sake and a saucer.

For processing what had happened, he needed a very stiff drink.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Early morning sunlight came through the slight spaces between the curtains covering the window while in the bed, Ryuujou laid back under her sheets with one arm behind her head as her other hand held up a tablet that she was using to slowly page through a forum thread from the day before. Seeing the little infant, swaddled and held by her mothers, Ryuujou smiled softly, 'She is a little cutie.'

Hearing a mumble, she turned to where Takaru slept beside her. The young man moving a bit closer to her in his sleep before sighing. A sight that made Ryuujou smile a bit more and chuckle softly.

That was, until a glint on her finger caught her attention, 'Well, Ah suppose that Ah should call him former boyfriend. Seeing as how he's now mah Fiancé.'

And boy, did those words warm her from deep within. Not only was the young man her boyfriend, but he had asked her to marry him a few days before. At the time, the petite Carrier had boggled at him for a few moments before leaping at him and kissing him deeply, giving her answer for all to see. Though she had expanded on that when the two had returned to her quarters afterwards...

Grinning, Ryuujou chuckled lowly so as to not wake her husband to be, "Heh, I certainly made mah feelin's known ta yah, Takaru-Kun..." For several moments, she looked back at the ring on her finger with the diamond in it sparkling in the light of the room. It was not a fancy ring, though Ryuujou had not cared about that. But, rather, what the ring had meant to her.

Which was an unspoken promise.

Ryuujou could be called many things, and had been over her life, both in this one and the last. But an idiot was certainly not one of them, far from it. Among other things, she knew her limits as an Aircraft Carrier. When she was built, the Imperial Japanese Navy were attempting to get around a loophole in the Washington Naval Treaty. As long as she was under ten thousand tons, they did not need to classify her as an Aircraft Carrier under said treaty. She was to be the first of many Carriers just like herself...

Almost as soon as the thought entered her mind, she shook her head. Oh, she knew that there might be one other Carrier of an almost exact design, but Ryuujou did not know much more than that from the few magicals among her fairies. Even before she was finished being constructed, the other nations had tightened up the Naval Treaties to prevent such things as her having sisters in the IJN. To this day, Ryuujou could remember the tears of anguish and rage she had felt when she, as a spirit of a Carrier still under construction, had heard that. Feelings that she had turned towards the Americans, until that day when she had been sunk.

Her design though, she would admit, was flawed. She was top heavy as a ship despite her figure, because they fitted her with double hangers to fit more aircraft onto her. But in order to keep her down, they also did not put any sort of armour on her. After all, that was unneeded weight, but it also meant that she was not much better than a Destroyer in that way. Something that she found some amusement with when someone had called her an Asashio Class Aviation Destroyer.

That said though? Ryuujou had come to a certain peace with herself and what she saw coming. Due to her small size, only ten meters longer than Houshou, she had issues with flying more modern planes. Her elevator was never designed for such after all and they became harder and harder to fly off her. At the end of the of her sinking, she could only fly Zeroes as well as Nakajima B5N Torpedo Bomber, both of which were considered obsolete.

Something that Ryuujou saw happening again.

Oh, she understood that they were doing their best to have her keep up with the others despite her issues. Currently, her airwing consisted of A6M5 Type 0 Model 52. And she knew that Yuubari and Akashi were working on getting the production of A6M8 up and running to allow for her to keep up. However, Ryuujou knew that was just a stop gap. Soon, they would likely start moving her towards the secondary roles such as Convoy Escort, or perhaps more inshore protection as she fell further back in capabilities. Sure, Kaga and Akagi went on about how eventually, they would be retired to secondary roles, but Ryuujou was the one staring at the writing on the wall.

Perhaps, once, back if it was her back in the Second World War, she would have raged against that. Swore up and down that she could keep fighting at the front lines and attempt to prove even though she knew otherwise. Now though...

Now...

Looking first at the sleeping man beside her, and then at the ring while still feeling a familiar sort of ache that she had grown to enjoy from the night before, Ryuujou smiled. Now though, the thought did not hurt nearly as much. For that ring was a promise, from the man beside her.

That when the day came that she mustered out finally, he would be there waiting for her.

Gently placing the tablet on the blankets, Ryuujou looked up at the ceiling as she considered the young man beside her, their relationship, and everything that had happened between them. She could still remember that day over a year before when they had come across each other in the mountains... As an Onmyouji, Ryuujou often had her own supplies of herbs and such for whatever she might need. That week, she had taken a full two weeks of leave to head up into the mountains to gather what she had need of.

She was not in her usual outfit, as she knew that would cause issues. Rather, she had been dressed in a white button shirt with a grey skirt and suspenders along with her usual megatama necklace. Along with having let her hair down rather than the usual side tails, no one was the wiser which amused her to no end. Most, it seemed, thought her to be someone wearing shipgirl inspired fashion.

Having gathered some of the herbs and such she had needed, Ryuujou had decided to kill a few hours before nightfall to gather more esoteric ingredients just wandering around the village. Much to her surprise, she had come across a young man standing in front of the older residents with a tape recorder making notes as the old man told a story. Ryuujou had stood there for several minutes listening until the old man had finished which was when the younger man noticed her and blinked. At the time, the Carrier had been intrigued and asked him who he was and what he was doing out of interest.

The young man introduced himself as Mitsuda Takaru and stated that he was a folklorist. He was there mainly to gather old stories and folklore that the older generations knew before it was lost forever to time. If anything, that only intrigued Ryuujou more since, as an Onmyouji, one needed knowledge of the past among other things. From there, their conversation continued and soon the two of them found themselves back at her inn... which it turned out that he was staying at as well to their surprise. Over the next few weeks, the two of them had continued chatting and getting to know each other as well as growing closer.

Much to Ryuujou's relief, he did not treat her like a little girl, nor did he see her as a "Loli" as some morons had. Something that she absolutely despised some people mistaking her for as she was a full grown woman, dammit! Just because she did not have a figure did not make her anything but a woman. A fact that Takaru had agreed with her about and had called her petite. Words that had stunned her for a moment before she had madly blushed, making him tease her. When she had claimed he just wanted to bully her more, he had simply laughed and agreed, which made a ghost of a smile appear on her face.

By the end of her leave though, she found herself somewhat... out of sorts. It did not take her long to realize that she had fallen for the somewhat nerdy folklorist. And... she did not want to just leave him there. On the morning before she left, she had taken him outside the village and talked. At the time, Takaru had been somewhat disbelieving about her being a shipgirl.

That was, until she summoned her rigging right there in front of him. Being silent, he listened as she explained things to him. Much to her embarrassment now, she babbled a little. When she finally finished and trailed off, she waited for whatever he might say. And for the first time, she was unsure about herself. Eventually, he nodded and frowned for a few moments as he finally worked his way through his thoughts before nodding and turning to her.

Sheepish grin on his face, he told her that explained how she knew some of the old stories and asked her if that meant that she knew more.

Utter silence had fallen on them for about two minutes as Ryuujou boggled at him. Then, a snort escaped her. A snort that was followed by more until she was laughing madly. So much so, she had grabbed him and hung onto him for support as he scratched his neck. As her laughter had died off, she kept her fists clenching his shirt and shook her head...

"Somehow, tha' right there is jus' like ya."

And then, she used her strength to pull him in for a kiss. Thus, when she returned to Yokosuka, it was with a boyfriend in tow. One that she was happy to have and always felt her heart lighten to see. And whom she was now engaged to.

Part of her was thinking of the wedding, held upon her hull. Sure, it was not going to be as big as Haruna's, but she was no Emperor's ship. And she did not need a huge wedding either. Yet she was sure that it would be perfect just the same.

Ryuujou though was broken from her musings though as the bed shifted next to her and a now wakening Takaru stretched before looking at her, "Good morning, Ryuujou-Chan."

Lightly smirking, the Carrier stole a kiss from him, "An' a good mornin' ta ya as well, Takaru-Kun." Eyebrows waggling and a grin on her face, she snickered, "Though Ah'm not too surprised tha' ya took this long ta wake up. Must have tuckered ya out last night."

Softly snorting, Takaru shook his head, "Like I did not do the same to you." With a sigh, he moved closer and Ryuujou could feel his rough palm gliding across the bare skin of her stomach before he claimed her lips for his own. Pulling back, he murmured a little against the skin of her neck, "I love you, Ryuujou-Chan."

Eyes wetly shining, Ryuujou ran her thumb along the ring she had before grasping his hand and moving in, "I love you too."

As he pulled back after another deep kiss, he blinked some at the tablet, "What were you looking up?"

Chuckling, Ryuujou gave him a smile that seemed to shine, "Just something ta think about in the future... and a promise." She then pushed him onto his back and grinned, "Though no more thinkin' fer now..."

Unable to help himself, Takaru grinned, "Yes, Ma'am."

Hum escaping from her, Ryuujou narrowed her eyes while leaning in, "Good boy..."

Sure enough, shortly after, he was not thinking at all of such things as his attention was elsewhere.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Yawning, Okita walked out of her room bleary eyed before rubbing her eyes, "Good morning, everyone."

Before she could do anything, a hand came down and ruffled her hair making her squawk in indignation, "Good morning, Squirt. Have a good day at school! I'll see you all when I get back from the base."

A scowl on her face, she turned and glared at the grinning man who just laughed and waved as he went out the door. Turning to Uesugi, she grumped as she walked over to the kitchen counter to where there was some tea, "I hate him."

With a small shrug, the other teenage girl put some food onto a plate, "Don't see why... well, I do." Pausing, she hummed a bit, "I mean, it was just your luck that Ryoma-San was incarnated as your Onii-San." Uesugi passed her the plate and nodded, "What with you being Shinsengumi and him being Anti-Tokugawa."

Mumbling, Okita pouted some, "Don't remind me... him being my Onii-San in this life is something he always, always makes sure that I don't forget. Just like the fact that I was born a girl and he was born a guy."

Rather amused, Uesugi chuckled, "Perhaps." Frowning, she furrowed her eyebrow, "By the way, he mentioned wanting to do meet Potter-San at some point. Something about his Great-great grandfather?"

Blinking, the light haired girl thought about it before nodding slowly, "I think that I remember why..."

Eyebrow raised, Uesugi glanced at her, "Oh? And why would that be?"

It took Okita a few moments to gather her thoughts before she gave a small nod, "Well... he was apparently friends with Potter Ian-San when they were alive and knew each other."

Not having expected that, the other teenage girl blinked and looked at her, "Oh? How so?"

Humming, Okita took a bite of her food before answering, "They met back in the 1860s and somehow hit it off, I don't know the details. However, he did state that Ian sent him a message minutes after the assassination that he was going to be attacked by some wizards. His wife received it, but it was too late..." At the surprised look, she shrugged, "Apparently some wizards used confundus charms to confuse him, hence why he thought that his bodyguard was wrestling."

Just rubbing the side of her head, Uesugi groaned, "Because of course..." A frown crossed her face and she glanced at Okita, "So why would he be interested in Potter-San than? Because he was friends with Ian-San?"

The other girl waved her hand in the air, "Nothing really of the sort to be honest. Apparently he left orders to his wife that if he was to be killed, Ian-San was to be given his sword and gun. She states that she did give them to him as asked, but that from what she knows, he never used them."

A shiver went through Uesugi, "That woman disturbs me, not least due to having been two beings originally..."

Simply shrugging, Okita frowned some, "Anyways, he just wants his sword and gun back if possible. Not the least being the sword could go well with his uniform since he is in the JMSDF."

Glancing at her, the other teen shook her head, "I will never understand why he joined the JMSDF. One would think that he would have had enough fighting for a lifetime."
With a chuckle, Okita smiled, "He wanted to see what the newest incarnation of what he started is like. Nothing more or less." Taking a sip of her tea as Uesugi began cut some vegetables, she paused and frowned before looking around, "Uh... where is Nobu-Chan?"

Only sighing, Uesugi gave her a look of suffering, "In her room, working on something."

Closing her eyes to ward off the headache, Okita groaned, "Dammit, Nobu-Chan. What are you up to now-"

Before she was even done asking her question, she got her answer as Nobu's door was kicked open and the girl in question was there, "GOOOOD MORNING MY FRIENDS, MY FRIENDS GOOD MORNING!" Widely grinning, she cackled, "I have finally done it!"

The expression on Okita's face could be roughly translated as "It is not even seven thirty in the morning and I am already done with this shit."

Raising a finger, Nobu frowned, "What's with that look?"

In reply, Okita took a deep breath and pinched her nose, "Nothing... nothing at all." She then raised her head back up with a fake smile on her face, "What have you done now, Nobu-Chan?"

Once more cackling, and not noticing Uesugi moving away from Okita, the female incarnation of one of Japan's most feared warlords dug into her pocket, "With the help of magical reagents that I, the Great Demon, got a hold of through various means, and some magical technology, I have created this!" She held up what looked like an blood orange with wires and some sort of mechanisms on it, "The environmentally friendly, Nobu-Nobu Bombo Mark forty!"

For a few moments, Uesugi stared and opened her mouth and closed it. This repeated before she finally was able to say something, "Environmentally friendly... bomb? Uh... aren't bombs environmentally unfriendly to begin with?"

Seeing the blush on the warlord's face, Okita gave her a blank look, "This... is not like that cardboard tank that you totally tried to build and rip off that one game when we were younger, is it?"

Her only response was Nobu to laugh and continue to hold up the odd object, "Hahaha! I may be a Demon, but one should always be environmentally conscious! For that tank would not harm the forests of Hokkaido! Which will help when I take over Japan!" She then frowned and pointed at Okita, whose eyebrow was twitching with Uesugi moving further away, "What's with that look?"

Taking a deep breath, Okita smiled while closing her eyes, "I'm done. It is not even seven thirty and already I am dealing with this shit from you." Hand lashing out in a flash, she threw a knife at the orange, burying it nearly to the hilt and cutting some wires, "I am officially done with this shit for the day, especially after yesterday with the paint which took me soaking for three fucking hours, NOBU-CHAN!"

Just blinking, Nobu raised a finger, "First... that's hot. Second..." Hearing a ticking sound, she looked at the orange and paled even as the other two girls ducked behind the counter, "OH SHIT-"

Carnwennan was walking by the apartment building which was also the one that the rest of the Potter armory shared when he heard a bang and looked up to see orange colored mist drifting out of a window. Raising a eyebrow, he opened his voice when he hears a feminine shriek, "BY THE KAMI! MY EYES! I GOT GRAPEFRUIT JUICE IN MY DEMON EYES AND THAT WAS AN ORANGE! HOW AND WHHHHHYYYYYYY!?"

Only shaking his head, he continued walking, "Our neighbours are so noisy and odd." An odd smile of remanence came over his face, "Reminds me of Arthur and his knights... the odd explosions being Merlin, that old coot."

Several minutes later, found Okita calming eating her breakfast and nodding some after taking a sniff and gave a happy hum, "Hmm... I like that bomb. Left a nice citrus scent."

Beside her, Uesugi snickered at the feared "Demon" who had her head down on the table, glaring at Okita with one bloodshot eye, "Indeed, it is a lovely scent."

Eyebrow twitching, Nobu glared, "I hate you both."

The other two girls could swear that there was sparkles around Okita's form, "That's fine, Nobu-Chan, I have enough love for all three of us."

Twitching, the "Demon Queen of Yokosuka" choked, "Urk..."

Rather than comment, Uesugi turned to her breakfast and the news before nodding, "You know, since Haruna-San gave birth the other day, do you think that Harry-San will arrive soon? We all know how he is with family?"

Nobu lifted her head, suddenly healed, and began to chow down as she answered, "Knowing Harry-San? Most likely." Swallowing some food, she gestured at them with her chopsticks, "If there is one thing to say, he is loyal." Frowning, the teen tapped her chin, "Wish that he was alive when I tried to conquer Japan. Between him, Yosuke-Kun, Hideyoshi-San, Ieyasu-San, and Kote-Chan, we would have managed it. And I could trust him not to backstab me like that fucking bastard Mitsuhide, may he burn in Jigoku!"

Sipping her tea, Uesugi frowned, "As much as I hate to admit it... if he had been alive and in your forces as one of your Retainers as an adult? You likely would have at least made it out of Honnō-ji as would have your son. His loyalty to those he gives it is as unshakeable as the pillars that hold up the Heavens and willing to challenge the forces of Hell.."

With a nod, Okita stole one of Nobu's omelet rolls, "Mmm, that is true. Though I cannot say the same for he would have still been a foreigner in my time, and thus the Shogunate would not have welcomed him unfortunately. Though I will state that besides that, he is one that I would not have minded fighting alongside. His Great-great-grandfather, Potter Ian was an accomplished fighter in his own right from what I heard via rumour."

As Okita went for another omelet roll, Nobu used her chopsticks to deflect the attack, and attempt to strike at her opponent's own plate to put her on the defensive. Soon, it devolved into the two dueling over food which made Uesugi sigh and shake her head.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N.--I'd like to thank Spencer1519, Agayek and Kclcmdr for the Amicus Review on this one. And with that out of the way, let the Courtship Display arc conclude!

Courtship Display OVA-The Onsen Episode Where All Is Revealed

Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Spoiler: Trip To The Onsen

Moriko Ibuki rolled down the window of the rental van to look at the forested mountains looming over the road as it followed the valley of the Tone River. She smiled broadly with a flash of her white teeth as she remembered growing up in the mountains of Hokkaido six decades ago. The disguised Okami Yokai then glanced over to the slender, girlish form of her boyfriend and spoke in her contralto growl. "I always loved the mountains, Hachiko-chan. According to the map, we turn off the E17 here to the Prefectural 17 highway, and cross the river to head up the next side valley. Where did you learn how to drive?"

Hachiko nodded and expertly changed lanes to take the indicated off-ramp. "Father died during Blood Week and I got jobs after graduating high school to support the family since Mother was pregnant with Aki. My second job was driving a delivery truck for a grocer's supplier. Some things you just never forget."

Moriko blinked. "Wait, if you were out of school during Blood Week, you have to be in your late twenties, Hachiko-chan."

The young man, who looked to be about twenty, spoke quietly as they passed over the river. "Yes, yes I am. Twenty-seven in fact. Mother's family is extremely long-lived and I seem to have inherited that from her." He sighed deeply and bitterly. "If nothing else, that is something."

"What's wrong, Hachiko?" Moriko asked with concern in her voice.

Her boyfriend gave a sad smile. "There's a lot in the world you would think was fantasy Moriko-chan, and not just the Abyssals and Shipgirls. But monsters both wondrous and terrifying. Magic too. And my mother comes from a long line of wizards and witches; yes magic is real."

He visibly paused, and looked over at her, noticing with some shock that she was not surprised and even eager to hear the truth about his history and then took a deep breath before continuing, "The Miyata family are wizards who have served the Magical Diet for generations as civil servants and part of the government of Magical Japan. Mother was a witch working for the Magical Customs Agency. But I was born with very little magic, in part because of father's... heritage. So I had to make my way for myself and Aki in the non-magical world as a secret shame to the family. Grandfather and my Aunt Naomi secretly support me as best they can, but I know that they view me as a charity case."

Moriko reached over and placed her hand on his shoulder gently to provide comfort. She sensed the soul-deep weariness, regrets, and hidden shame of her boyfriend and her heart ached for him. "Hachiko-chan?" She spoke gently as they left the main highway to head further into the mountains.

"What is it, Moriko-chan?" He responded as they stopped at an intersection to wait for the light to change.

"When we check in, tonight, I have something to reveal to you." She took a deep breath, feeling the responsibility for her family of undocumented Yokai escapees from the Reserves weight down her shoulders. She especially worried about her crippled youngest sister Sachiko who was slowly gaining her health as spiritual treatments rebuilt her incomplete Natural Born hull.

Hachiko-chan had revealed that he was familiar with the Magical World that had locked her kind up because they were not human. But, she loved him, and she trusted him.

She gave a toothy smile as he glanced her way. "Trust me, you won't want to miss it."

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

Hoshi Onsen Chojukan

Minakumi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Spoiler: The Ryokan

Hachiko parked the minivan in the parking lot and looked at the rustic onsen resort. "This is a really nice place, Moriko-chan." He opened the door and stepped outside. "The mountain air is so pure."

A low throaty growl caused him to half turn and look at his girlfriend. She ran her hands through her shaggy mane of black hair, and breathed deeply, running her tongue across her lips. She gave him a wide, feral smile as her gray eyes closed in pleasure and she gave a full-body shiver.

Unconsciously, he licked his lips at the sight of her massive, muscular frame as she focused on him when she came back to herself. She then swept him up in a hug that ended with his face buried in her cleavage.

"Yes," she panted huskily, "It's perfect. You check us in and I'll get the bags." With that she pulled him out of her cleavage and smiled at him. Her heart beat fasted at the sparkle in his blue eyes behind his now-crooked glasses as she lifted him up for a kiss. "It's just perfect like you are, my Hachiko-chan~."

Hachiko returned the kiss passionately and hugged her before being lowered. "As you are perfect, Moriko-chan."

As Moriko opened the trunk to get their bags, Hachiko approached the rotund middle-aged desk clerk. "Ahh, hello. I am Miyata Hachiko-san. I had reservations here for myself and my girlfriend Ibuki Moriko-san and have a coupon for my stay."

The man bowed his head and gave a happy, jolly smile. "A pleasure Miyata-sama, I am Sarume Ichiro, the day manager. We have a cottage for two with its own private outdoor hot spring and an indoor pool, if you will follow me? I shall summon the bellhop to assist with your luggage."

Hachiko smiled, "No need, Moriko-chan has the luggage in hand."

Ichiro frowned minutely. The guest was always right, but to expect his girlfriend to carry the luggage....

The expression vanished in a look of shock as the amazonian form of a muscular young woman with an impressive chest entered. Ibuki Moriko had muscles that easily rivaled oni of his acquaintance while she hefted two suitcases and a navy sea bag slung over her shoulder with all the ease of his youngest granddaughter carrying her dolls.

"Ahh, I see that Ibuki-sama does. Let me get your keys and then I shall show you to your accommodations for the weekend...." Ichiro scrambled for control of his expression and shook his head slightly as he turned to the key board for the hotel.

I don't know what she sees in him, but that bishounen young man must be doing something right to attract her interest. Perhaps I should let my cousin the chiropractor know that his services may be needed for that poor boy's pelvis.

As Ichiro picked out the keys for the new guests, the disguised tanuki smiled happily at the thought of finally understanding why he had gotten special instructions for this one. The actual owner of the resort had left orders that Miyata-san and Ibuki-san were to get the honeymoon cottage for a romantic getaway and this was not the first couple that he had seen that were newlyweds in love.

And his family were happy to serve their Ancestress Ame-no-Uzume no Mikoto by assisting the course of that love.

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

Moriko Ibuki closed and latched the door behind her. She then looked over at the futon sized for two and blushed scarlet.

Her and Hachiko-chan together in bed tonight....

Cuddling the inu plushy dog named for him that they had won on their first date to her chest at night was one thing. Cuddling her actual Hachiko-chan to her bosom was... something else.

Something terrifying. Something wonderful.

Unknown to her, Hachiko's own thoughts mirrored hers. As he automatically unpacked his clothes from his battered secondhand suitcase, he gulped, his cheeks bright red.

What if he messed up and hurt her spirit? How would she react to finding out that he had cuddled the plushy Moriko-chan wolf as a substitute to her? What was he supposed to do?

With that in mind, he looked over at the waiting private hot spring sized for two.
Spoiler: Onsen!


The step that it represented on the path of their relationship.

"Um, Moriko-chan?" His voice was unsteady and resolute

Her voice was equally soft as her eyes found the Onsen. "Yes, Hachiko-chan?"

"That...that was a long drive. I was thinking we could soak in the onsen. For a bit. Before dinner. maybe?" His voice tailed off in a squeak.

She nodded shakily. "After all, you fixed us bentos. We can have those to eat. I'll go and grab some bottled tea while you wash up and soak, then I'll join you, Ok?"

He nodded and headed to the washroom as she grabbed her key.

----------------------------------
Spoiler: Everything Exposed

When she came back in with the tea, Hachiko was soaking in the onsen. Her breath caught in her dry mouth and she stared at his torso. His hard, dedicated, unceasing work to provide for his orphaned younger bother had left him quite fit, with the lean, wiry build of a runner or a swimmer. Slender but muscled arms and pectorals caused her to unconsciously lick her lips.

She had fantasized about him often, but the reality was so much better than she imagined.

Her knees got weak and her breathing accelerated almost like her true ship-self's boilers running at maximum pressure. She unsteadily walked across the room and placed the tea on the wooden deck. As she did, his eyes, no longer hidden behind the glasses opened. Delicate, almost feminine lashes blinked at her. She felt herself fall once more into the endless azure depths of his gaze.

"H-Hachiko-chan. I'll join you in a moment once I get clean." Her voice was a bare whisper.

He reached out, and cupped her flaming cheek through the steam. "I'll be here waiting for you."

She swallowed around the mountain-sized lump in her throat and whispered. "Don't hate me for what I'll... show you... please?" Her voice broke as she choked out the words.

He smiled reassuringly and nodded, his own eyes having a mirror of her fears and concerns in his depths. "I could never hate you, Moriko-chan." With that he guided her head down to have her lips meet his as he half-rose from the steam in the onsen.

With the taste of his lips, of him, on her, she dazedly stumbled to the bathing room.

Undressing and cleaning herself on autopilot, she finally grabbed the largest hotel beach towel she could find and wrapped it around her breasts. Slowly her hands traced her muscled flanks under the towel, ending where it barely covered her modesty at mid-thigh.

She had been less terrified when she had gotten in the ring of the Yokai Mixed Martial Arts Championship to face the Oni champion Kōhaishita the Destroyer. Back then she had only been fighting for her baby sister, for her pack.

Now she would have to fight for herself. For her love. For the man who she loved.

With that she shook herself and let her true self loose.

Her dark black-gray hair gained white highlights. A gray wolf tail with a white tip slid down from her towel and began to wag slowly. Her lupine ears perked up and swiveled as she heard the breathing of her destined mate in the onsen. Her face shifted to a more bestial look, and the red tattoos of her clan and pack marking appeared. Her fingernails became claws and she padded forth like the great Okami wolf that she truly was.

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

Hachiko turned at the sound of the washroom door opening and he peered at the blur that must be Moriko approaching. Without his glasses, his vision was quite poor and he waited patiently for the white and tan blur with black on the top to resolve itself into her.

She paused just out of the point where she would come into focus and growled softly. "Hachiko-chan?"

"What is it, Moriko-chan?" He paused, some sixth sense alerting him to the well-hidden fear in her voice. "Don't worry, it's your Hachiko-chan. Don't you want to come in and enjoy the water? It's great." With that he patted the steaming water next to him.

She barked a laugh. "In a moment. I have my reasons not to get in like this." She stepped forward and his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Moriko's Yokai form. His inugami blood thundered in his ears at the sight of her lupine features, and his lips parted.

His eyes found hers, the warm gray now with gold flecks in it, and he saw her vulnerable heart and the fear of rejection. To other wizards or witches she would be a brute animal, after all.

But not to him, never to him.

"So beautiful..." He whispered with his wonder, love, and awe filling his eyes

"What?" She growled, talking another step forward to arm's reach of him, drawn to his gaze like a moth to the flame.

"You're so beautiful." He repeated in a daze of delight through the steam.

"You...you don't fear me. What I am?" She spoke unbelieving words to him, her heart in her eyes.

He shook his head. "No. I could never fear you." He reached out and took her clawed hand, drawing her closer.

He guided her to cup his cheek and gazed into those warm vulnerable eyes above the bestial muzzle full of fangs. Claws that could rend his flesh attached to an arm bulging with the muscles of a bodybuilder or the prize fighter that she had been cupped his cheek, her claws dimpling his skin. "I know you will protect us. Protect Aki. Protect your sisters. Protect me. How could I fear someone who is my hero, Moriko-chan?"

Tears filled her eyes and she whimpered in relief. She leaned close to bury her muzzle into his collarbone. "H-hachiko-chan...." she sobbed brokenly.

She took a deep breath of relief, smelling the cedarwood of the tub, the mineral water, Hachiko's shampoo, his rich male scent... and INU.

The same Inugami bitch that she had smelled from time to time on his clothes and hair through her broken nose. The Inugami bitch that must be making a play on HER MATE.

Her ears flattened and she growled. "That damn Inugami bitch is sniffing around my Hachiko-chan again. Where is she, I'll rip her in half!!"

Hachiko grabbed her arm to stop her mid-rant and laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head with his other hand. "Um, I am the Inugami, Moriko-chan. Father was a full-blood Inu, and I'm a Hanyou. Aki got more of Father's blood, so you might have smelled him on me too."

Moriko blinked, then took a very long and deliberate smell of Hachiko, concentrating on the scent of him. The faint scent of a male Inugami that caused her cheeks to heat with a vengeance and her boilers to thud madly filled her heart.

Hachiko's scent.

Her ears drooped and her tail hung between her legs in lupine apology. She whined pitifully, "um...oops. I never could smell things right after the Oni broke my muzzle."

He patted her cheek reassuringly. "Don't worry about it. So, um, are you going to get in the water with me?" His own cheeks flushed as his eyes roved over her strong muscles, full bosom, and barely-concealed curves.

She laughed. "Not like this unless you want to smell like wet wolf for the next day, Hachioko-chan."

As she shimmered and shifted back to her human form, he grinned slightly. "I'll let you off the hook, Moriko-chan. For now. I got used to snuggling with Moriko-chan the wolf plushy at night, and it is supposed to be a cold night so...."

He never would finish that sentence.

Her towel hit the floor with a whisper of cotton to interrupt him.

She slid into the hot spring with him, grabbing him for a passionate, hungry kiss that he responded to with equal desire and need.

She growled out in a husky, needy, happy voice. "Oh, I'll warm my Hachiko-chan up. Starting right now."

---------------------------------
Spoiler: Courtship Rituals

Later that night, Hachiko stirred slightly from shared dreams of the sea and hunting. The full moon silvered the leaves in the trees through the window.

He felt the warmth of a great gray wolf yokai protectively enveloping him, her arms embracing him, and her fuzzy tail lying on his bare hip under the warm sheets. He leaned back slightly into the twin soft warm pillows supporting his head, and felt Moriko-chan's heart thud in time with his as his eyes closed.

One thought followed into more dreams of him and her as his eyes closed and he returned to sleep.

"It's not too bad at all being the little spoon..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Butterknife's Confession

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

23 May 2014
Spoiler: Lake Louise

With a crack of displaced air, three figures materialized in a apparently natural 'fairy ring' above a beautiful sapphire-colored glacial lake as the eastern sky began to turn rose with the coming dawn. The sun's rays illuminated the mountain peaks with alpenglow, reflected by the still shadowed waters at their base.
Spoiler: Lake Louise At Dawn


Colombe du Chasteler blinked and then breathed deeply of the clean mountain air. To her side, Masamune-no-Tokunotakai gasped in wonder and teared up at the unspoiled pristine natural beauty surrounding her.

RCMMP Auror Wei Ying smiled smugly at her father and her father's lover's reactions. She then half turned and gestured to the mountains towering above them, the lake below them, and the pine trees surrounding them.

"Welcome to Canada, Father."

Colombe could only nod in hushed awe as Toku squeezed her hand and the sun's rays began to reveal more and more of the natural wonderland that they were in.

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

As the now-risen sun turned the lake gold and aquamarine, the trio made their way past the muggle-repelling wards woven into this ridge and descended toward the village. Toku turned to Ying as they descended a switchback on the trail. "Thank you again for arranging this, Ying-san. After Verdun, I had my faith shaken somewhat and thought that perhaps all beauty and purity was flawed. Such was an error."

Ying nodded. "Yes, Verdun was very bad. As bad as what I told you about Hong Kong. Honestly, after that, I think we all needed a break. And we still need to get Father's legal difficulties resolved, especially now that you all made the papers. While they do not know where you live, they know that you are active and that you still have that ICW warrant active in Europe."

Colombe stepped over a log then half-turned to help Toku, her mountaineering pack, knit hat, hiking boots, and blue jeans making her look like a college student on vacation. The red Team Canada sweatshirt with a maple leaf cemented the appearance of a local. "While I get my statement done at the Magistrate's office here in town."

Ying spoke firmly, her own 'Chinese Roots - Canadian Grown' sweatshirt matching the one that she had lent her father. "Yes, just introduce yourself to the RCMP officer as Miss du Chasteler and you are here to make a statement and they should handle it. I'll walk you through the introductions. I also took the liberty of making reservations for you two at the Chateau there."

Toku smiled happily. "Arigato, Ying-san. While Co-chan is doing her responsibilities and duties, I can explore the natural beauties here with myself and then Co-chan once she is done for the day."

Colombe chipped in. "This reminds me of exploring the Himalayas when I was much younger. The same unspoiled magic."

Ying sighed. "It is one of my favorite places to relax, honestly. Amah and the family have come here often, especially in the fall and spring when the tourists are fewer. This," she took a deep breath and paused at an overlook of the lake, "is what I am sworn to protect and preserve. Canada."

Colombe placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder and squeezed. "It is truly worth protecting."

Toku hugged Colombe around the waist as a flight of birds took off from the margins of the lake. "Hai. It is." The Masamune whispered with tears in her eyes.

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

Fairmont Chateau

Lake Louise

Colombe curtsied as she took the room keys and her credit card from the desk clerk. "Merci."

Ying smiled at her. "There's a bank in town that you can use to get Canadian money if needed. Once I pick up the rental car that I arranged, I'll take you down there."

A fresh voice from the door spoke. "No need, Eldest Daughter. I took care of those arrangements." The trio turned to see a middle-aged Chinese woman in a qipao dress adjust her glasses with a happy smile.

"Amah!" Ying rapidly crossed the floor and hugged her mother. Mei Yuying returned it eagerly, speaking softly in Cantonese to her oldest child.

Colombe leaned close to Toku and whispered softly in Japanese. "{That is Ying's mother.}" The Masamune nodded minutely.

Yuying smiled and waved the other two spirits over. "Melon, it is good to see you in the flesh once more."

Colombe smiled. "As it is for me too, Egg. Ahh, may I introduce Masamune-no-Tokunotakai?"

Yuying looked Toku up and down as the Masamune bowed politely. "You have steel in you. That's good, one thing Melon is not known for is having a sedate life."

Toku smiled and laughed as they carried their backpacks up to the room. "Indeed not. Ahh, I must ask... Melon?"

Colombe paled as Yuying grinned mischievously. "It started shortly after we met when Colombe went into a nearby village to get supplies for our journey. Several Red Turbans fought her and in the process the market where melons were being sold got destroyed."

Colombe winced: "Not my fault! They attacked first, Egg!" Then her eyes gleamed and she smiled smugly. "Of course, I could mention how a certain traveling companion tried to steal some goose eggs the week after and the noise from the irate birds alerted the magistrate's search party to our presence. All because you were hungry."

Yuying blushed as Toku laughed and Ying facepalmed.
Spoiler: A Du Chasteler's Duties

As the quartet made their way to the hotel restaurant for breakfast, Yuying sobered. "Unfortunately, I have some ill news, Daughter. Your services are needed urgently."

Ying looked over. "What is it?"

Yuying's voice lowered as they sat at their table after casting a privacy ward. "Yellowknife Station in the Territories is reporting Wendigo activity."

Ying paled. "Bad?"

"Bad enough that they called me to ask if you could reinforce them." Yuying responded gravely.

Toku looked concerned, "What is a Wendigo, Ying-san?"

The dao shook her head. "Creatures of malice, cannibalism, hunger, cold and pure evil. Like what we faced at Verdun or the Abyssals although impossible to reason with. They are native to the far north and are a serious threat to humanity there, plus our nonhuman allies."

Colombe nodded. "Just introduce me to the person I need to talk to here, and I'll handle my sworn obligations. Duty and responsibility comes first."

Ying nodded somberly. "Thank you Father. I shall try to make it to Moulbaix for your and Toku's birthdays but... no guarantees."

Colombe reached over and squeezed Ying's hand. "I understand. Honor first and foremost. I shall send your mother a Portkey for Moulbaix that you can use if you have the chance, but your obligation comes first. Also," the rapier reached into her purse and pulled out a folder of legal papers, "I made arrangements for a trust fund for you and your mother from my estates both magical and nonmagical, as well as swore a witnessed statement that you are my daughter alongside Claire and Ehren."

The two Canadians looked shocked as Colombe finished. "It is not even a tithe of my regrets for not being there for you growing up, Ying. Nor does it even make a dent in the debt that I owe you for your faith in me and your efforts to clear my name. But as I told your mother and now you, I swear that I shall make my prior conduct right toward you."

Toku gave a loving and exasperated smile at Colombe while Yuying laughed. "Too noble for your own good, Melon. But then all heroes should be."

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

RCMP Station

Lake Louise, Canada

Colombe signed the legal forms waiving her right to self-incrimination and authorizing the use of a truth spell. After the RCMMP officer gave her her copy, she hugged Ying. "You have made me so very proud of you, ma fille. Know that my thoughts and prayers go with you in this and all your actions, Ying."

Her oldest daughter hugged her in turn before heading to the stables for the first leg of her flight to face the menace of the Wendigo.

With that Colombe turned to the Mountie waiting for her and unbuckled her swordbelt. "Not all battles are on the battlefield, after all." Her voice was tight and controlled, but full of determination.

After all, she was Du Chasteler.

She handed herself to him with that thought.

She followed him to the room appointed to her. Taking a seat and feeling the tingle of the truth spell on her avatar's skin, she began to speak.

"State your full name and date of birth for this inquiry."

"My name is Colombe d'Aubigny-Muramasa du Chasteler. I was born on June thirteenth, 1707 in Brussels, Belgium to Julie d'Aubigny of France...."