Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Subject For Conversations

Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England

18 June 2014
Spoiler: A Piratical Piano's Pipe Organ

The haunting sound of a pipe organ playing a medley of songs from Pirates of the Caribbean echoed through the stately ancient halls of the ancestral home of the Malfoys. Colombe du Chasteler shared an indulgent look and smile with her youngest daughter Ehren du Chasteler as the dagger spirit stood from her chair to walk to her side.

"I fear I should hunt down Claire and make my acquaintance of your daughter Nimue before dinner. Otherwise, I shall have to physically drag Claire off to get freshened up, and not for the first time, I fear." Colombe said with a long-suffering fond smile as Ehren nodded in support.

Lucius Malfoy gave an indulgent smile, "It is totally understandable, Cousin. She is certainly dedicated to her music. Nimue also shares interests in music from the muggle world, and your daughter does have quite a bit of skill."

Ehren chuckled with a lip-twitch. "Actually, just wait until you hear her playing piano or the keyboard that she packed. That is where her true talent shines through." The dagger cracked a fond smile and sighed happily. "Especially when she plays Wagner, so prächtige Schönheit."(magnificent beauty.)

Lucius laughed politely. "I'll have one of the elves show you to the music room then."

Cleopatra glanced at Niobe and Washington who both nodded to her. "Allow me please. I can navigate them to the concert hall to meet the musicians."

"Please do so then, my dear." Lucius graciously agreed, and escorted the trio of young-appearing ladies to the study door.

After bowing them out, as the door closed, he turned to his wife, son, and pair of shipgirls, then glanced at a portrait on the side wall. "You can come out now, Flynn."

The wall there shimmered and a dark haired and blue eyed man stepped out and waved a hand to dispel dust from the lapels of his Saville Row tailored suit.
Spoiler: A Conversation Of Serpents

Flynn nodded to the others as Narcissa, Draco, and Lucius inscribed privacy wards on the door, windows, and walls. "I can see why you wished to have me secretly observe the du Chastelers. Those two are dangerous indeed."

Lucius nodded in agreement to Flynn as the wandless magical specialist and Hit Wizard poured himself a snifter of brandy. "Agreed, and I would not have it any other way. So, your observations everyone? Draco, you first."

Draco magically expanded his chair into a loveseat and hugged Niobe around the shoulders with one arm as she joined him in it. "To start with, threatening Claire would be a monumentally risky ploy. Her mother and her sister both love her dearly and while that is a point of weakness for them, vengeance from both would be swift and total." The young heir spoke, then rubbed his chin. "I am unfamiliar with the language that Cousin Colombe used to animate the luggage, but she used wandless magic too when we observed her arrival."

Niobe then nodded and leaned into Draco's hug. "I agree with Liebchen(sweetheart). Attacking innocents to pressure someone is a bad idea normally but an exceptionally bad idea with the du Chastelers. As well, Ehren kept the secret of Nimue's existence from her mother after being sworn to secrecy. That shows the importance of her code of honor to her and the value of her word, something that her mother clearly supports. That is a definite point in their favor."

Washington nodded in agreement as she joined the discussion. "Trying to turn one against the other would be a waste of effort, and result in them banding together to fight anyone foolish enough to try. That said, as Niobe mentioned, both Colombe and Ehren have strong, in fact ironclad codes of honor. Very much a throwback to an older era."

Flynn favored Draco with a nod. "The school of wandless magic she demonstrated with that spell is not from the Order of Hermes. Similar in some regards, of course, but it diverges from our teachings in several key particulars. She is frighteningly proficient in it, equivalent to any mage of my acquaintance. The language was Greek, and not modern Greek, which may be the language of her Master or Teacher."

Lucius steepled his fingers as he listened to the observations and analysis from the others. He then glanced at Narcissa who had a thoughtful look on her aristocratic face. "Care to comment, dear?"

Narcissa rubbed her chin and sighed before speaking slowly. "One further point. Ehren's mention of her mother being an ally of Ian Potter and great-grandaunt Lyra Potter nee Black is probably true. After we met Ehren, I spoke to Andromeda and Sirius to try to mend fences with them. In the course of the discussions, the subject of Lyra and Ian was broached and they agreed with my memories of family stories about them. To wit, Ian served in the Great War, which hastened his death shortly afterward, and Lyra was," Narcissa nibbled her lip and blushed, shooting a glance at Draco, "quite a randy little minx. Black family tradition has long been that some of her lovers made their way into her writings as characters in her smutty stories. Most prominent among them is a blond-haired adventuress who carried a rapier and was a skilled witch named Lady Chastity Dovesworth."

Lucius gave his wife a shocked look. "You cannot be serious!"

Narcissa sighed and looked like she was biting into a lemon. "I am serious, dear. It hangs together well, especially since Cousin du Chasteler's first name is Dove in French and the ICW files suggest quite a bit of traveling similar to the fictional character. Furthermore, family folklore is that Lyra was involved in fighting Grindlewald and Hitler during the Second World War as part of a secret liaison with British Intelligence, and we know from their stories that Colombe was also involved with British Intelligence during this timeframe. Finally, Lyra was writing those smutty stories about Lady Chastity until she passed away in 1949, at which point in time my grandfather arranged to have the last story's unfinished manuscript quietly burned. Lyra was an embarrassment to the family for her whole life, you see."

Draco blushed scarlet, and looked over at the equally red-cheeked Niobe as he processed the words. Meanwhile, Lucius frowned thoughtfully. "I see. That would explain her interest in the Potters, since Harry is a direct descendant of Ian and Lyra. And she takes her obligations toward Ian's family very seriously indeed to keep her oaths of friendship over a half-century later to the point of sending her heiress alone to London to seek him out."

Narcissa's eyes glittered. "I would not be surprised if she swore an oath to protect their family, although that does raise the question of why she did not surface to stand against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named a decade ago in the Second Wizarding War."

Lucius sighed. "I will have to find out. According my contacts in Jardine, she was involved with helping them out of difficulty in Iran in 1979, and she seems to have much less contact with wizards than muggles, in part because she is a wanted ICW fugitive currently."

With that, Lucius sat up and surveyed the others in the room. "So. I would have your judgement on Cousin du Chasteler. Asset or Liability for us?"

Narcissa squeezed his hand. "Asset, although I want to know what she was doing in the Second Wizarding War."

Flynn spoke. "Too much unknown as yet. She might be an asset, but I am inclined to be cautious. Liability."

Washington tapped a finger against her lips. "Asset. The muggle world is growing more important, and she has assets there that will help. In addition, Draco and Ehren are getting along quite well and while Ehren is not her mother, she is considerably more powerful and dangerous than one would think from her appearance, especially as young as she is. Colombe will be backing Ehren up in her activities in any event."

Niobe nodded as Washington finished and then spoke in a precise measured analytical tone. "Asset. They are honorable, and know the importance of honor. That counts for much. In addition, Ehren's past and actions suggests that she will stand" Niobe sniffed disdainfully at the next words, "against the Death Eaters once she learns of them and her mother will stand alongside her then. Ehren will certainly view them as equivalent to the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei who she utterly loathes. Their enemies are threats to our family as well."

Draco squeezed Niobe's hand. "Asset. Proceed cautiously and make sure that Ehren and Colombe have no reason to turn on us, because they are a double-edged sword, but the gains outweigh the risks in my judgement. We have not gotten where we are by forsaking risk, but managing it. While the next few years will be rocky as the Statute of Secrecy continues to collapse, the value of Ehren and Colombe's friendship will grow significantly over time. Ehren mentioned that she has sufficient natural magical ability to attend Hogwarts or another school in the future, and is being privately tutored by her mother and others to prepare her for that since she can conceal her nature like her mother did at Beauxbatons."

Lucius favored Draco with an approving smile. "Well reasoned, my son. I agree with Flynn that we need to know more, but until and unless that threatens us and ours, we shall treat them as valued allies and cultivate them." With that he stood and nodded to the others. "I shall see you all at dinner with our cousins. If asked, Flynn is the tutor for Draco in wandless magic."

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

Malfoy Manor

June 22nd, 2014

Ehren examined the precisely ordered hanging row of clothes in her wardrobe for the room that she and Claire were sharing and tapped her finger against her lip as she debated the selection that she would wear today, before picking out a light gray silk blouse and dark brown woolen skirt that she had bought at Harrods on her first trip to England.

A knock at the door interrupted her examination of her outfit in the mirror. "Komm herein!"(come in) She snapped out, turning to face the door.

Colombe entered and closed the hardwood door behind her. "Good morning, dear. You look quite beautiful. Where is Claire?"

Ehren smirked slightly. "Still in the tub. She is enjoying the enchanted bubble bath salts and hot water, so I bathed first to give her time to enjoy herself."

Colombe smiled. "Bon(good). Are you enjoying your vacation, Ehren?"
Spoiler: Privatgespräch von Buttermessern

Ehren nodded, then raised her eyebrows as Colombe inscribed symbols with her fingertip, and the noise around them was muffled. "I am, Mutti. I take it you wish to speak to me in private?"

Colombe nodded and sat on the four poster king-sized bed that the sisters shared, gesturing Ehren to sit beside her. "Indeed I do. What are your impressions of our Malfoy cousins and their staff?"

Ehren nibbled her lip as she sat, then slowly spoke. "Lucius seems to be a devoted family man, certainly the patriarch of their branch, and rules them with a steel fist inside the velvet glove. While I have not spoken to him like you have, he strikes me as a dangerous man to cross."

She frowned. "Ambitious, certainly, but less for himself and more for his children and family. Intelligent and ruthless, but with a moderate leash on his ambitions, knowing when not to push."

Colombe nodded along. "And Narcissa?"

"Narcissa is," Ehren paused to put her thoughts and observations in order before resuming the speech more slowly, "a mother bear. She is devoted to her children, greedy and ambitious as well as enjoying the fine things as her husband does, but under control. She has her appetites but is their master, they do not master her. Clever, and dangerous, but devoted to the cause of her family's well-being."

"And now we come to it." Colombe said thoughtfully. "Your opinions on their children and those advising Draco."

Ehren again paused. "Draco is ambitious, and deeply cares for Johnston, Cleopatra, and Niobe. They have influence with him, and I would say positive influence in the main. He is willing to make the hard decisions if needed to protect them, and in that vein there is nothing that he would not do to protect what he sees as his."

Ehren smugly smirked as she continued, "that said, while he is not intimate with the girls as of yet, that is only because of his age and matters of propriety. Once he is of age," her smirk grew smugger as she blushed, "Johnston plans to give him a special birthday present when the time is right in three years, and I suspect that Niobe and Cleopatra will be right behind her in some fashion. I saw it in their eyes when they shopped with him, that while he is unaware of the impact of his words and deeds, all three of them are head over heels in love with him and have plans to persuade him to give them wedding rings one day. Washington is less that of a future wife and more that of an aunt and advisor. Hers is a debt of honor of some kind. I did research and she is the spirit of a warship that was sunk before completion because of the naval treaties of the 1920s, perhaps she wishes to prove herself?"

Ehren shook her head, "She is quite intelligent, as is Flynn. He is close to Nimue, almost a father figure, and a very capable man. His suits are cut to hide it well, but Aunt Del taught me to look for the signs and he is carrying at least one concealed pistol in a shoulder holster at all times that I have seen him. Also... he has a killer's eyes. A dangerous man, and no humble servant."

"As for Nimue, she reminds me of Claire. A precious flower to be protected, and a rather sweet girl. We spoke over dinner yesterday and she mentioned that she grew up in the States, near Del's ranch. She is a bit of a -- what is the word? ah! -- tomboy, used to the outdoors, cheerleading, hunting, and fishing, in addition to music. I think that she is somewhat ill at ease being here," Ehren waved her hand at the polished wood paneling of the bedroom. "since it is not what she is used to. She is more down to earth than her kin, although she is clearly Draco's twin sister."

Colombe nodded and then gave Ehren an approving smile as the dagger finished. "That matches my opinions of our hosts. Please get to know them, enjoy your time with them, and just be cautious when talking about Del and Ying. Lucius has skirted the law a few times and your big sister and aunt are what they are. No need to make them think that we are looking to entrap them. Also, you and Claire could stand to have them as friends, Ehren. They have been trustworthy with a little, so you should be able to trust them with more of your secrets in due course."

Ehren nodded sharply in acceptance and then smiled briefly as a towel-clad piano appeared in the bathroom door. Claire squealed musically in happiness before running to hug Mother. Ehren's eyes watered slightly as she watched the two people in her world that she was closest to start the day in the best way possible.

Family.

"Jawohl, Mutti," she responded before joining the hug.

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

Aaaaand it's back! Oh, that took forever.
The Battle, and Thereafter
The War Sword pushed the American away—persistent, not a bad quality but one she often found misaimed—and turned to focus on the boy who was currently breaking the last glass in the window as he came through, rolled, and surged towards her. A glint in his hand turned out to be a Japanese short sword… a wakizashi?

Apparently, the Japanese boy had seen fit to wield Tonbo personally. The War Sword smirked as he approached—accelerating his reflexes in order to counter her planning abilities. He'd actually managed to figure her out. Such a pity that she needed to kill him.

Sidestep the first strike, a stab directly at her face, duck under the resulting slash to the right, raise hand and punch…

Nothing?

The boy had jumped forward again, turning the momentum from the previous strike into a stab at an unexpected angle. The War Sword leaned back, away from the strike and he pressed forward, stabbing one, twice, she shoved past him and allowed him to stumble forward—except he went low, turning it into a leg sweep that she jumped over, turning it into a kick that she aborted, destabilizing her—he would have turned into another slash—rolled and came up to dodge another strike, push in close to push back against air, he was flipping backwards, swinging upward—

For a moment, their eyes met.

The Japanese boy was near expressionless, eyes void of emotion except for an overwhelming, unnatural calm. Human eyes were not supposed to look like that.

Then she leaned back, away from the slash again, went with a leg sweep of her own that turned into a bastardized spinning mule kick kind of thing as he went low with his sword, ducking, going in again. She jumped, flipping over his head, knocking Tonbo off course only for him to turn it into another slash that he abandoned as she got in close, instead hooking his arm over hers and trying to push her to the ground. She pulled her legs in, kicked off, pushing him down but knocking him away as he brought the blade up again, around towards her throat—

A clever, somewhat skilled boy with reflexes bordering on precognitive. He could read her even as she read him.

This might actually be difficult. Wasn't that lovely.

She snapped her knife from its holster, sinking into a ready position. It would be far more convenient if she had her true self, just a little more reach would go a long way, but parry strike to the head, duck in close but miss as he uses your arm as a step what the hell kid, lean aside to avoid knee she'd stopped carrying herself around decades ago for practical reasons—and the one person she would actually trust herself with was kind of busy at the moment as well.

Actually, the American had joined the Japanese girl in their struggle. Xiang was experienced, skilled, intelligent, ancient by the standards of the two, but they were good enough to give her pause, slow her down—wait, the American hadn't joined the Japanese boy in attacking her? Some reason not to—perhaps a drawback Tonbo incurred? Could she draw him punch missed, kick, wait don't kick towards them? No, bad idea, it risked Xiang too. That option was out. And with them stalemated as it was—

Stalemated.

Not losing either way.

The fight was perfectly balanced. Both the War Sword and the Japanese boy were in a position where they could equal the other perfectly.

The boy was smart, had to be in order to keep up with her. So why hadn't he tried something like simply blowing up the building with her in it? Granted, it wouldn't have worked, but if he were lacking the resources to do so he probably would have hung back longer, trying to find a way to tip things in his favor dodge, dodge again, kick at ankle—the boy had called backup. Had to be. One of the harder things to anticipate, especially considering get in close, try to stab how frequently she didn't know the type of people he knew—someone he thought could beat her, all things considered, but if the boy was anything like McKay and actually sane enough to care, he'd have figured that there wasn't much that could take her on after all this time—what did he think he could call?

Something under the kick, swing at his leg, he flips that the War Sword had been avoiding, something powerful and almost guaranteed to be unsympathetic towards her despite that power, something like—

Oh, fuck me.

"XIANG!"

The moment her voice rang out, the immortal caught two punches headed straight at her head. The girl and the American redoubled their assault, keeping her from focusing the split second she needs.

Which meant they were deadlocked until a god damn shipgirl arrived, which was very much a worst case scenario. This day was just wonderful, wasn't it?

One last backup plan. Couldn't use it until the Shipgirl actually arrived.

Duck.

Dodge.

Stab.

Slash.

Lock.

Palm heel.

Straight kick.

Stab.

Everything was fading away as she put her all into trying to move just a little farther ahead than he could counter. Just a tiny bit. Time, location, anything other than the boy and Tonbo was pushed to the back of her mind. Everything except—

With a deadly crunch, the door behind the boy shattered.

—the—

With a flick of her wrist, the War Sword sent a phial spinning into the air. It shattered against the ceiling, setting off a blazing light that sent everyone but the boy recoiling—

—Plan.

Xiang's feather-light touch on her wrist, and they were gone.

-----

The moment that Tonbo appeared, pulling herself from Tatsuya's hands, he stumbled, shaking himself awake as if he had been sleepwalking. Benio watched as he surveyed the room, glancing down at the shredded mess the floor at his feet had become.

"She got away, then," he grumbled before turning blinking. "Benio? Why do my eyes burn?"

"The sweatsock set off some kind of flashbang," she explained in reply. "Bright enough that you could see it through your eyelids."

"Makes sense," he said, turning his attention to the Shipgirl who had exploded through the door and not paying any heed to Benio's ingenious nickname for the HWSotS. So he was going to be all business then, was he?

DuBois nudged her. "Sweatsock?" She grinned.

"Well, she's the Holy War Sword of the Scythians, right?" she counted each word off on her fingers. "So if you just take the acronym and say it, it sounds kind of like…. Hwiissosss." She was quite proud of that bit, it came across extra swooshy. "And that sounds like Sweatsock."

"Makes sense to me," Sam cut in over the radio. DuBois's expression fell slightly, the kind of want-to-deny-it-despite-its-truth-but-my-precious-younger-sibling-is-wiser-than-me face that could only be created by family members… and if anything needed a better acronym or name, it was that face.

"Is that so," he said grudgingly. "I… in that case, I'll go pick up Sam."

"I'll leave you to it," she replied, turning and watching as he jogged from the room, pausing to nod to the Shipgirl who was still talking to Tatsuya. Benio nodded firmly and turned her attention to the motionless lump on the floor not far from her.

Walking over and kneeling in front of McKay's prone figure, Benio placed a hand on her shoulder, preparing to check her vitals… wait. She was breathing, but it was… shuddering. Not painful, but… she was going to say troubled? Tatsuya had had his share of days like that, especially before Reiko and telling his parents what was going on.

So she was…

"Where's Ma?" the Scottish girl's voice came, almost a whisper.

"Huh?"

And now Benio wanted to put her hand through her face. That was just a brilliant response, wasn't it.

"Where's Ma?" McKay demanded again, pushing herself up and staring right into Benio's eyes, so close that she could feel her breath. "She was right 'ere a moment ago, an' noo she's nae! Where'd she goo?"

"I-I don't know," Benio replied, resisting the urge to jerk away from the disturbed girl. McKay's expression turned from distraught to outright horrified.

"YE DON' KNOO? 'OW CAN YE NOT KNOO?" she shrieked, shaking the hanyou frantically. "SHE WAS 'ERE! RIGH' IN FRON' O' ME! YE CAN'… SHE CAN' 'AVE LEFT AGAIN! Ye've gotta knoo SOMAT! PLEASE!!"

And a single shuddering breath pushed the fight from her. McKay lost her grip on Benio's shoulders, flopping against her like a ragdoll, forehead pressed against her collarbone.

"please," she whispered.

Inside Benio, something clicked.

She leaned forward, and wrapped her arms around the fallen child.

-----
For a moment, Gil's reflexes kicked in, pushing her to break away, out of the crushing… grasp…

But she wasn't crushing her. Wasn't strangling her. This… Gil knew what this was, she couldn't name it, a little bit off of a bearhug—so a hug? A hug was…

Warmth. Safety. The nightmares won't get you now, I'm here. Don't worry, I'll be back in a little while. I'm not going away forever. Here, nothing can hurt you. I love you. I love you. I love you I love you I love you IloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyou

Hard lessons and hard nights had taught Gil very thoroughly that crying was something that wasn't done, and by the hard old age of five her grandmother had excised the bad habit from her entirely.

Somehow, this time, Gil just couldn't help herself.
-----

Tatsuya watched Benio embrace the crying girl a few moments longer with a smile, then turned his attention back to Phoebe. "So where were we in the lecture?" he asked humorously. She huffed, glaring at him.

"In short, you are extremely lucky that Miyuki was as insistent as she was, and that she got her Admiral to confirm with mine," she finished. "What you did was… clever, I'll admit. But don't ever bank on things coming through like that again."

"Mmm." Tatsuya nodded. "I guess I am a little too used to high risk, uncertain plans."

"And I'm telling you not to be."

"That much I gathered."

Phoebe groaned and shook her head. "That aside… That was really the Holy War Sword of the Scythians? You're sure?"

"Bit of a mouthful, but if I recall correctly she confirmed it herself," Tatsuya replied. Phoebe looked through the room with a wistful sigh.

"She's probably forgotten more about history than any of us have a chance of seeing," she said sadly. "Heck, she's lived history."

"And if you tried to ask her about it," Tatsuya pointed out helpfully, "she would probably stab you."

The Shipgirl snorted. "She'd try," she boasted. Tatsuya had to snort a little at that one himself.

"Hey, Tatsuya, you've got a message or something!" Tonbo called, looking up from the floor and holding his phone aloft. It must have fallen out of his pocket? Tatsuya checked, then sighed in relief—nothing torn, fortunately. He excused himself for a moment, walked over to the Muramasa, and accepted his phone, unlocking it and—

In old man house. Weird lady friendly. Laying down anti-teleports. TRACK PHONE.

—turning it so that Tonbo could see Reiko's message.

The Muramasa was silent. The moment, as they are want to do, stretched.

"You need to make a phone call," she said quietly.

"You're damn right I do."

-----

HOW THE HELL DOES IT KEEP DOING THAT? SERIOUSLY!

Argh.

Repeated accidental posting before finished editing aside, there's that. I wasn't sure whether to end with Gil or the message, but I figured since everyone was so engaged with the later... yeah.

And Gil.

I realized when I was trying to make this happen that Gil isn't... Or rather, she's...

Basically, deep down inside, once you strip the violence and the insanity away, she's still that three-year-old who was taken from her father when she needed him the most. The fight, the one that I had planned for forever and ruined the first try... well, it was never going to work anyway. This took it's place.

Gah fixing this is so frustrating.

Well what do you think, sirs?

 

[darthcourt10]

RCNAnon

Weasley's Warship Workshop 10

Jean Bart waited at the front gate of HMNB Portsmouth, her BMW murmuring beneath her as the gate guards checked her ID. It had been several weeks since Ron had visited her and though Portsmouth was not as bad as some places, the late October chill was quite different than Toulon's moderate Mediterranean climate. Glancing back up at the guards, she saw the one with her ID on the phone, the man's head bobbing several times before he finally set the handset down.

Coming out of the gatehouse, the man impressively managed to keep his eyes on hers instead of anywhere else as the gate opened. "Just head down the main road to the docks Ma'am," he said somewhat formally, a courtesy to her nominal rank of Capitaine de corvette, "Lady Warspite will be waiting for you."

Jean Bart nodded. "Thank you Sergeant," she said, slipping her ID back into her hold. The man remained quite professional the entire time, stepping back from her bike as she revved it slightly and got moving towards her meeting.

Though it was only a couple minutes for her to maneuver through the traffic, her mind still wandered. A formal request for a meeting from an Ally was uncommon enough, as such things usually went through back channels and friendships. She supposed it made sense, as she'd done the same to meet Ron and everything she'd seen on SGO said that Warspite and Ron had been close for quite a long time.

Finding a parking spot near the docks, she secured her bike and then went looking for Warspite. It wasn't hard to find her, as the blonde battleship was standing at the end of a pier. Making her way down towards her, Jean Bart went over what she knew of the British legend.

If you simply looked at the specs, the difference clearly showed. Twenty five years of development between Warspite and Jean Bart meant that quite a lot. Their main guns were perhaps the closest, with Warspite's eight 381mm guns a close cousin of her own (nominally) eight 380mm guns. She had a range advantage of some 6,000 meters but long range fire at such distances was almost more based on luck than skill.

In speed there was no comparison at all, with Warspite's top speed being a mere 24 knots. Fast back when she was commissioned, the Queen Elizabeth class was the forerunner of the idea of the fast battleship. Yet Jean Bart could make 32 knots when her equipment was fully installed, meaning she could leave the elder battleship in her wake if she was so inclined.

In armor there was another difference that again showed Warspite's age. Their conning tower and belt were similarly armored 330 mm in the belt and tower for Warspite, an additional 10mm on Jean Bart's conning tower being the only difference there. It was the deck armor that showed progress, with Warspite's being a mere 125 mm at best, with hers being 170mm. Plunging fire had turned from a hopeless endeavor to what was expected of a battleship as time went by.

In secondary and AA capability there was no comparison at all, with Warspite's eight 152mm guns being the old casemate type, with her nine being turreted and having much better capability outside of dead calm weather. In AA firepower the weren't even comparable, with Warspite's four twin mount 102 mm guns losing out to her more advanced radar and twelve 100mm guns. The close range guns were similar, with Warspite having four octuple 40mm pom poms and her having twenty eight 57 mm guns.

In every spec thinkable Jean Bart had the advantage. So why was she so nervous?

Aside from the fact that she wasn't at spec, she knew why. In terms of experience, of legend and honor she was a swaddled babe standing next to the greatest hero of an age. One that had gone away battered but undefeated, spitting in her enemies face until she had stepped aside due to wear and old age. The most decorated veteran of a navy which had ruled the waves for centuries, only to come back and win more honors in this new and uncertain age, keeping her status of the most battle honored ship despite her supposedly inferior characteristics compared to her newer sisters.

Jean Bart had no true honors to her name. A single battle when she wasn't even complete, stuck in her berth with a jury rigged fire control when she was a ship. A few measly salvos fired at shore targets when she was in commission. Then mothballed and scrapped as carriers dominated the seas. A single battle to her name after she returned, one which she'd won more due to her enemies incapability than her own capability. She'd been heavily damaged anyway, thanks to her incomplete state.

She was stepping into the presence of a living legend, someone she admired despite their nations differences and past enmity.

And she had feelings, however nebulous they might be, for that legends boyfriend in all but name.

Steeling herself, Jean Bart walked the rest of the way up the pier, the tapping of her boots drowned out by the noise of the busy dockyard. Portsmouth might not be on the front lines of the war anymore but it was still one of the beating hearts of the Royal Navy and there was no sign of any slack in its operations.

When she was only a couple meters behind Warspite the blonde turned gracefully, allowing Jean Bart to get her first proper look at her. There was the dignity that one expected from a British battleship, poised even standing still. Her sky blue eyes met Jean Bart's and she was surprised that the first thing she saw in them was levity, though it quickly disappeared into a more formal and polite manner that matched the small smile on her face.

"You must be Jean Bart," said Warspite, "I'm HMS Warspite, a pleasure to meet you."

"It's an honor to meet you Lady Warspite." Jean Bart couldn't help but tilt her head slightly in acknowledgment.

"Oh I don't think we need any of that," Warspite said as humor danced behind her eyes, "Please, just call me Warspite."

"Very well." Jean Bart paused for a moment as the two took each other in, taking the measure of the other. "Your message said that you wanted to speak with me about something?"

"Yes, yes I do." Warspite smiled slightly wider for a split second and then gestured behind her. "Nothing of great importance but I thought we could get to know each other a bit. Ship to ship and woman to woman if you would. I've reserved the closest battleship firing range for a couple hours if you don't mind indulging me."

Jean Bart felt something prickling at the back of her skull, her bridge crew whispering amongst themselves. Warspite had to know about her status. It wasn't exactly top secret and with Ron… Her eyes widened slightly as it finally clicked what this actually had to be about. Warspite must have spoken to Ron about their meeting. If she was displeased…

No, no that was silly. They hadn't done anything inappropriate. Nothing she could be upset about unless she was irrationally jealous to a degree that made absolutely no sense given her known personality.

As Jean Bart took a few seconds to process, Warspite's mouth quirked slightly more in an amused grin.

"Just some friendly shooting I promise. Nothing official."

Right, nothing official.

"Very well, I accept."

"Lovely." With that Warspite turned gracefully on her feet and stepped off the pier, her rig summoning around her only a split second before her feet touched the water.

Jean Bart followed after her, rig summoned around her in a similar manner as she followed Warspite out of the harbor at a steady 5 knot pace.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Warspite glanced back at Jean Bart, the French battleship keeping formation a few yards behind her. There was a tenseness in the girls face despite the easy pace Warspite set, fifteen knots was economical for the both of them despite Jean Bart's incomplete status. It wasn't hard for Warspite to guess what might be on her mind but she waited until they were out of the harbor and into the clear sailing lanes for several minutes before she fell back beside her.

"Penny for your thoughts?" She kept her voice level for the moment, glancing over as Jean Bart's long brown hair fluttered behind her.

"I..." Jean Bart paused, glancing over at Warspite for a split second before focusing forward, "I'm simply wondering what caused your sudden interest in me."

Warspite kept her own smile inside for now. Jean Bart was doing an admirable job trying to keep her feelings from showing on her face but she wasn't very good at it. Instead she looked forward, letting Jean Bart stew for just a little bit longer.

"Well you are going to be taking up a good deal of my Captain's time in the coming months, so I thought it only appropriate that we meet."

Jean Bart blinked at that, swiveling her head around to stare at Warspite. "Your Captain?"

Warspite let her lips spread wide, smiling openly at Jean Bart. "Yes. You did spend time with Ron a few weeks ago did you not?"

Warspite was rather surprised when Jean Bart nearly tripped despite both of them being underway. It made for an amusing surprise as her nearly red eyes widened for a moment at the near stumble, only what looked like excellent reflexes keeping her upright.

"H-he's your Captain?" Jean Bart finally said, clearly trying to compose herself.

"Yes. I had him sign my crew manifest the day he repaired me." Warspite let her gaze go back forward to let Jean Bart compose herself. "I don't think he would have put anything other than his name unless I told him to despite him earning it."

"I… I see." Jean Bart's voice wasn't quite as brazen as it normally was, though Warspite couldn't detect any resentment in it. That was good. She turned her head to see Jean Bart looking down at the water.

"Duke of York is likely to do the same soon." Warspite's words drew Jean Bart's attention back to her face. "She's quite eager to have him sign as well. He simply… understands battleships like us."

A flash of recognition in Jean Bart's eyes, a very slight coloring of her cheeks and Warspite knew. Ron might not but when Jean Bart's eyes remained on hers for that extra second before looking away, Warspite knew.

"It seems like you two are very close then, sharing the same Captain." Jean Bart's voice had regained a bit of its lost pep.

"A good Captain would have a number of ships to his command before he became an Admiral," Warspite's voice was carefully modulated to be just on the positive side of neutral as she spoke.

"Not in another fleet though." Jean Bart's voice was carefully probing, like a fencer feeling out her opponent's defenses.

"Not in normal times no." Warspite looked out of the corner of her eye at Jean Bart. "I don't think either of us would call these "normal" times though." She gestured down to herself, white dress fluttering around her as they approached the range.

"No. No they are not." Jean Bart looked at Warspite for a moment longer, then turned forward once more.

Warspite let the silence last the few minutes it took to get into the range, her guns starting train out as she launched one of her spotter planes.

"How about a friendly competition?" She radioed to Jean Bart as the French Battleship trained her own guns out towards the floating targets just visible to the both of them.

There was silence for a moment and then Jean Bart replied. "What odds?"

Warspite smiled as her loaders rammed shell and powder home, gunners aiming her massive cannons.

"One small request either way. Your best three salvos verses my worst three."

Another few seconds for a response, though Warspite kept her head forward to allow Jean Bart to process what she needed to.

"You better not go easy on me."

"I'd never dream of it." Warspite's smile intensified, the spirits of some of the best gunners in the Royal Navy grinning with her.

Then she fired, the boom of four 15'' cannons ringing through the air, the ripping sound of the shells screaming across the sky following after. Four shells splashed near the target, showering it with water.

A moment of silence as the water splashed and then a volley of 380mm from behind her. The shells sounded similar but not the same to her trained ear, Jean Bart's higher muzzle velocity changing the pitch of both firing and flight. The four splashed down near the target, not closer than hers but better than Warspite expected.

The grin on her face now was not one of a Lady. It was that of a master with a promising pupil. This was going to be fun.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

As Jean Bart sailed back into Portsmouth with Warspite, she couldn't help but shake her head. She'd been trounced, as expected, in the gunnery contest. Warspite was just as good if not better than her reputation indicated. If it had been a normal competition she would have stood no chance.

It had taken most of an hour, her gunners and loaders getting a hefty workout in the process, but she'd managed her three salvos. Three salvo's out of the dozens they'd done, struggling to keep up with Warspite's rate of fire with her single turret. Her crew had cheered with her when the final tally came back and Warspite granted her victory.

Stepping back up onto the pier, Warspite still looked the picture of a British Lady and Jean Bart wondered if she looked as ragged as she felt when she stepped back onto the pier and dismissed her rig.

"I know I said it before but congratulations." Warspite said with that polite smile on her face. "Did you have an idea for your request? No rush of course, I do think we'll be seeing each other again."

Jean Bart did in fact have an idea… but she wasn't sure how Warspite would take it. Still, no risk no reward.

"Does Ron have a mobile phone?" she asked Warspite.

Warspite's eyebrow quirked upwards, her lip curling in amusement at the same time.

"I don't believe so, may I ask why?"

"I… uhm… wanted to ask you for his number if he did."

Warspite's smile widened even more and she let out a chuckle, shaking her head.

"Well, let it be known you certainly aren't shy about what you want," Warspite said, the grin remaining on her face as she gestured Jean Bart after her and turned towards the shipgirl dorms, "I can't provide something he doesn't have but I do have the Passel House number for when he's around. Will that do?"

"Yes, that will do." Jean Bart said as she fell in beside Warspite.

"Good." Warspite looked over at Jean Bart once more. "I hope you don't mind eating lunch with me."

"No." Jean Bart shook her head back and forth. "I'd be honored."

Warspite smiled again before turning her head forward. "It will be my pleasure Jean Bart. We have much to discuss after all."

Jean Bart couldn't help but gulp slightly at the tone of Warspite's voice but despite that her boilers were soaring. It had been a good day and now she would have Ron's phone number.

Along with what she thought was Warspite's approval.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: Hope you all enjoyed this one, I enjoyed writing it. Questions, comments and concerns welcome as always.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Hero's Reward

Bristol Channel, Irish Sea

Western Approaches

30th June 2014
Spoiler: USS Johnston

USS Johnston ran her fingers through her salt-caked peach colored hair to rake strands of it out of her eyes as the dawn sun stabbed daggers into her eyes. The last two weeks had been rather taxing for her,

She was well aware that the tin cans such as she and her 174 other Fletcher-class sisters were the do-anything workhorses of the US Navy. In her first life, she had done everything from anti-submarine patrols to shore bombardment, to plane guard for the carriers, to fighting half the Jap fleet off Samar single handed. With that thought and her trademarked cocky grin, she brushed her fingers across the Medal of Honor proudly displayed on her left upper arm.

Or, in this case, convoy duty from England to Gibraltar, rest at the Rock, and then escort a convoy for the return trip up the Atlantic coast of Europe to England. Her lips quirked and she zeroed her rangefinders on a smaller Destroyer Escort in position off her starboard quarter as they listened for submarines.

Most people would discount the Destroyer Escorts as a tin can's tin can. They were even less armed, and smaller than her own workhorse lines, so they seemed to be something to discount.

Not Johnston.

Not after watching USS Samuel B Roberts fight like an enraged mother grizzly bear off Samar and lock horns with the Japanese heavy cruiser Chikuma, who was a full twelve times her size. Sammy had died in the doing, just like she had, but she had given better than she had got in mauling her vastly superior opponent. Superior in armor, in firepower, in speed, but not in guts and determination.

No one was superior to a Taffy in those qualities, although some did approach them from time to time.

Fortunately, this cruise had been, while not boringly trouble free, certainly less desperate than her Pacific Fleet service in her first life. A small Abyssal hunter-killer convoy raider group fleeing the chaos in the Equatorial Atlantic had made the mistake of deciding to try to take a swing at them one foggy overcast night off the coast of Portugal.

Unfortunately for them, Johnston was part of the Radar Master Race, and the first indication they had that their sneak ambush was known was when her torpedoes, alongside that of the other destroyers had screamed in on their prey. Johnston was convinced that her fish were the ones that had blown the bow off the lead heavy cruiser, leaving it crippled for Émile Bertin to light up from stem to stern with shellfire as the escorts opened fire.

Meanwhile, thanks to her radar she had bagged herself an I-Class Abyssal destroyer during the nighttime melee. She smirked at remembering how her destroyer division had left the burning oil slicks and floating debris that they had turned the Abyssals into with little more than scratch damage.

All in all a good night's work.

With that she looked over at her blonde haired and blue eyed convoy escort group leader. "What now, bosslady?"
Spoiler: Baguette CL

Émile Bertin gave her a saucy grin. "Once we hand this over to the Limeys? Why we have shore leave until the Admiralty calls for us again!"

Johnston gave a razor-edged grin. Shore leave meant that she could visit her boyfriend. While she had celebrated his birthday, before her turn in the barrel, she began to eagerly anticipate the trip to Malfoy Manor.

Seeing Muffin again was always nice, but she had another personal reason to visit him now.

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

Malfoy Manor

30th June 2014

Johnston pedaled her electric bicycle up the driveway with reckless abandon as her telegraphs were set to flank speed. Braking to a halt in a spray of gravel, she hastily returned the vehicle to her hull before heading up the drive at her maximum controllable speed.

Aboard her, her spirit materialized on her bridge. As always, she snapped off a sharp and heartfelt salute to the faerie of Commander Evans. Her Chief, as he was lovingly called by all and sundry on board returned the salute, the Medal of Honor gleaming proudly at his throat.

After that necessary step, she flipped the switch on her Talk Between Ships system and broadcast. "Johnston arriving. What is going on?"

A crackle of static sounded, followed by the precise Queen's English of Cleopatra. "Draco, Washington, and I are with Ehren and Nimue in the music room listening to Claire play. Niobe is running a coastal convoy to Belfast and will be back tomorrow night."

Johnston's eyes gleamed and she licked her lips with anticipation. "I'll meet you there. Relay targeting data for me."

With that she walked inside and shifted to one-third speed. Inside her bridge, she opened a folder marked with Office of Naval Intelligence stamps and surveyed the photograph and news clippings inside.

Would not do to misidentify her targets.

In the music room, Claire finished the most recent request and then looked over at her audience. Ehren looked over at Draco as Cleopatra snuggled into his other side from Nimue, who was happily humming along and grinned. "Sabaton please, Claire. Something challenging to show off your abilities."

Outside the half-open door, Johnston watched as the brunette girl who Ehren had called Claire grinned smugly at her sister and then began to glow silver as she cracked her knuckles before turning to the piano. Suddenly her fingers moved in a blur across the keys in a almost savage hammering tempo.
Spoiler: Sabaton!

Johnston's boilers picked up a notch as she whispered to herself. After all, before giving Draco the latest Sabaton CD for his birthday, she had to listen to it. Just to make sure that it was up to the proper level of Badassness, of course.

"War is coming swiftly,
The border's closing in
We're a company of soldiers,
Mere forty rifles strong!"

Slowly her hand eased the door further open and she crouched in a sprinter's pose.

Unsuspecting, Ehren tapped her foot and swayed. Her black long sleeved dress with white lace at the neck and accenting the hems swished as she sang along with Claire's blurring fingers as her sister played a song about brave men doing their duty honorably in the face of impossible odds.

"All around!
Hold your ground!
Fight for eighteen days of battles,
No odds are on our side
Few will fight for all, until the bullets are gone"

To her side, Cleopatra slipped out her cell phone and zeroed in on Ehren as the chorus reached its climax.

"We, we will resist and bite!
Fight hard, 'cause we are all in sight!
We, we take up arms and fight!
Fight hard, resist and do what's right!"

As Ehren lifted her voice in song, Johnston sprinted for her, emitting a piercing Cherokee war whoop as her hands found Ehren's sleeves at the shoulders and pulled with all 60,000 horsepower in her frame.

RRRRRIIIIIPPPPP!!!!

Ehren blinked in shock as her sleeves fell to her elbows. She turned almost mechanically to see the smirking face of Johnston. Slowly her eyebrow began to twitch as Cleopatra, Nimue, and Draco all began to laugh.

"Johnston. Was ist das für Quatsch(What nonsense is this)?!" Ehren barked out as her voice cracked.

Johnston gave her a cheeky shit-eating grin. "I read what you and the rest did at Verdun. You put your ass on the line for family and innocents against impossible odds. That's the essence of being a badass like me and my sisters in the Taffies. Badasses don't wear sleeves."

The eyebrow twitch intensified as Ehren slowly stood, trembling visibly. Draco doubled over with tears in his eyes and pounded his knee as Johnston finished. "Now, where's your mother? Got to desleeve her too."

"Sterben! Du kleine Scheiße(Die! you little shit)!!" Ehren ground out as her face turned red, then she leapt for Johnston's throat.
Spoiler: ButterKlavier Gonna Butterknife

Johnston, with long practice thanks to New Jersey at dodging swings at her from people calling her a little shit, ducked away from the fuming Teutonic dagger, who began to chase her around the room.

Claire finished Resist and Bite, then immediately segued into Yakety Sax. Cleopatra was just glad for her design's gyro-stabilization allowing her film of the chase to be remotely usable as she howled in amusement.

 

[darthcourt10]

wildredlifer

Sunlight streamed through the Canopy as a battle-worn carrier walked underneath the boughs of ancient trees.

A child of the Northern Ocean granted leave to settle here after her Joyous reunion with her.

From humble shack to nice new digs, a gift from a loving uncle the Carrier goes about her self appointed rounds to study and care for the wildlife for her new home.

Birds have always fascinated her perhaps it is the Sheer freedom of the skies that they enjoy that calls to her.

Though she is a Carrier and her awareness rides along with her planes.

She longs to Ride the currents of wind to see the boundless sky spread over the earth.

Her form and function though lovingly shaped and given life are bound to the vast Abyss.

She doesn't fault her Mother for this longing, though sometimes she wishes it didn't exist.

The day My sister and I both felt the Wave that rippled though the Abyss and Mother's response to the Challenge issued from it.

We knew sadly that our respite on our humble Island may be coming to an end.

Ah, Who am I you ask to ramble on So, Forgive me My name is Kyuu Sister to Wo and together we are Wokyuu.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Softly smiling, Yui took in the group around them as they walked towards this "Mamiya's". At the head, speaking with the shipgirl know as Tenryuu, was Ellen. Already, despite only having met her that morning, Yui considered the American woman a friend. Partially because their children had gone through shared experiences and both sets of parents had, for ten years, thought that their children were dead. But also because the other female had accepted her as a Jorogumo without any issue.

People like that, in Yui's experience, were rare and precious indeed.

And from what she could see, and heard, Ellen's children shared much the same view as their mother when it came to such things. From what Hinata had said, he had not attacked her when he came across her. More than that, he had invited her along to escape from the wreck and get to safety. She had even seen him hug her shortly after arriving when she had been in her Jorogumo form and there had been no hesitation whatsoever. If Ellen could raise such children even in the short time that she had? Yui had no doubt that she would become a good friend.

Granted, she was slightly concerned for her daughter. Hinata had all the signs of a crush in her actions and the like. Every once in a while, her daughter would glance towards Eric and Sora with an odd smile. One that was somewhat thoughtful if also a little sad. And when Eric looked at her and gave her a smile? The young adult Jorogumo would lightly blush and smile back. All the signs of a crush were there before her eyes, not that she could blame her daughter considering everything that she knew that had occurred. It was... sweet, in a way. Seeing such reminded her of her first crush, a young woodsman she often watched. Until, one day, she came home to find her mother and sisters feeding on his corpse and mocking her for her weakness in not having killed him right away.

Needless to say, shortly after she ran from the mountains and was glad that she heard some wizards had killed them and torched that forest to make sure of it.

That said, she did worry a little bit. Not that she was worried about her daughter doing something like her... family would have done, or the Jorogumo of old. After all, if she had not done such a thing after being stranded for ten years and meeting a young, and Yui would admit, handsome man in the form of Eric, she was not worried that she would start now. And she was oh so very proud of her for not giving into that sort of thing. It had to have been hard, especially with how he had accepted her whole heartedly. Not to mention the... issues, that came with being a Jorogumo when it came to certain basal urges. Her own husband never complained about that, not in the slightest. But they did have the name that they did for a very good reason.

No, what she was worried about was her daughter becoming heart broken. Though she was extremely glad that she understood that he was spoken for in the form of a Kitsune. And an apparent nine tail at that! She was also proud that obviously Hinata was not about to try and break them up. That much she could tell, which left a possibility in her mind, though she hoped that her daughter came to her first in regards to it...

But still, come what may, Yui was proud of her daughter and happy that she was back in the first place.

It was shortly afterwards that they came into view of their destination. Crossing his arms, Hikaru considered the building in front of them before slowly nodding, "Hmm... I'm going to guess that this is one of the places that you'll be working at when on the base?"

Frowning slightly, Hinata gave a small nod, "That... does seem about right. Though I think that I might also do some work in the Mess Hall..." Playing with her shirt, she chewed her lip some, "And I'll come home and work in our restaurant as well, when I am able."

Gently smiling, her father chuckled as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry about it too much, Hinata-Chan." At her inquiring look, he made a gesture, "This seems like a nice enough place, and I am certain that you would do well here." Unknown to her, Hikaru continued the thought in his head, 'Which means that you will also be far from the front lines as well...'

Smiling, Hinata hugged him a little, "Thank you, Otou-San." Pulling back a little, she gave him a slightly bashful smile, "Though I do hope to be able to work in our family's resturant as well if I have a chance..."

That got her a soft snort from Hikaru, "You will have more than a chance, Hinata-Chan." Shaking his head, he continued a little, "After all, I missed having you work alongside me while cooking."

All the Jorogumo did was nod to that though there was a slight blush on her face as she was reminded of when she was a little girl helping her father cook, days that she had missed and looked forward to once more.

Her attention was caught though as Tenryuu walked up to the door and knocked. After a few seconds, the door was open and a young woman stood there that caused Hinata's eyes to widen at the similar features to her own. Not having noticed her, the shipgirl who had to be Mamiya, turned to Tenryuu, "Hmm? Tenryuu-San?"

Rather amused, Tenryuu smirked at her and jerked her thumb, "I brought the guests of honour to this little shindig."

Blinking, Mamiya looked up and looked over the group. As soon as her eyes fell upon Hinata, she sucked in a breath. To the non-shipgirls watching, there was a lot of similarity in their features. Not just in their figures, but their faces were somewhat similar as sisters were, they had similar hair as well as the same ribbon. Yui's eyes widened briefly as did her husband's before they looked between the two girls in surprise. The resemblence between them was uncanny, after all. It did not help matters that Mamiya also wore clothes identicle to the ones that Hinata had, though hers were much, much cleaner and not as frayed.

For the shipgirls though, they could see the ghostly hulls that overlaid the two. And, once more, the hulls were extremely similar to one another. They had a single funnel as well as a turret fore and aft, as well as smaller boats ready to be launched. As well, they both had three masts that rose upwards and cranes.

Obviously, they were sisters.

Mamiya opened her mouth to say something, only to pause and think before closing it and taking a step forward. Soon enough, she was standing in front of Hinata and glanced at said Natural Born's parents and her younger siblings before bowing a little, "I... I am the Food Ship, Mamiya."

Bowing back, Hinata straightened and gave her a shy smile, "And I am Hanai Hinata as well as the Food Ship, Hōyo... the second of the Mamiya Class, I suppose."

Lips twitching a bit, Mamiya gave a small nod, "I see..." Trailing off, she looked slightly confused, "I... I do not quite know what to do. It's funny..." The shipgirl chuckled a bit, "I have, I suppose, half sisters in the form of the Ondo Class Oilers. Never did I think that I had... had an Imouto."

Softly smiling, the Jorogumo shipgirl took a step forward and hugged her, "And I never thought that I would have a Nee-San."

Arms shaking, Mamiya brought them up before hugging her tightly back, the sister that she never knew that she had. Inside of her engine room, she could feel her boilers ache. But not out of a physical pain, but of a hurt that she never really guessed that she had, "Imouto... my Imouto..."

The two Food Ships did not cry, though tears prickled in their eyes. When Hinata pulled back, she gestured at her parents, "These are my Okaa-San and Otou-San, Hanai Yui and Hikaru." She then motioned at the two children watching, "And these are Tsukiko-Chan and Natsuo-Chan..." For a moment, Hinata seemed lost before glancing at her parents, who only nodded and smiled, "Our Imouto and Otouto."

Eyes widening, Mamiya looked at the two adults who smiled back at her. Feeling a lightness in her chest, the Food Ship crouched down to be closer to their level, "Hello, Tsukiko-Chan, Natsuo-Chan."

Both children narrowed their eyes and thought about what they had just heard. They knew that Hinata was their Onee-Chan due to what their mother was. But... said Onee-San also said that this woman was her Onee-San. And their parents had nodded, which only meant one thing... thus, they hugged her around the neck, their next words causing tears to drip from Mamiya's eyes, "Onee-San!"

Hugging them gently, Mamiya swallowed thickly, "Hai... my Otouto and Imouto..." After a few more seconds, she picked up both with the two children nestled in the crooks of her arms easily. Smiling, she gestured with her head towards her small resturant, "How about we go inside?"

With a hum, Hinata gave a small nod, "Sure." As they were walking towards the door, she looked at the other Food Ship, unsure, "Do you know about..."

Slightly bemused, the Food Ship looked at her, "That you are Jorogumo as is your mother?" At the surprised nod, she gave a small shrug, "Hai, but it does not bother me too much, Hinata-Chan. After all, I was a ship and now a girl. And after reading up... Jorogumo are no longer what they were. Besides..." Slowing, Mamiya turned towards Hinata, "You're my sister, and that is all there is to it."

A bright smile on her face, Hinata nodded, "Hai!'

Meanwhile, at the same time inside Mamiya's, Yumiko came to a stop as she caught sight of another shipgirl. Said shipgirl also had wide eyes as she boggled at the Natural Born. Yet again, to those around them, there were in fact a number of simularities between them. They had somewhat similar looks in some ways to one another, and their hulls were, once more, very similar.

Just swallowing, Hayasui took a deep breath before walking forward, "Um, hello? I'm... the Oiler Hayasui, of the Kazahaya Class. Are... are you...?"

Lightly smiling, the Tanuki shipgirl nodded with a hum before answering, "I am Yamada Yumiko, the Oiler Karasaki of the Kazahaya Class... and these are my parents, Noriko and Yusuke."

Seeing the shipgirl chuckle, not sure what to do or say, Noriko gave her a once over before smirking a bit, "I have to ask... are you sure that you're not a Tanuki?"

Confused for a few moments, Hayasui blinked before glancing down and remembering that she was not wearing her usual clothes, having changed out for more casual wear in the form of a black shirt and a skirt. Which meant that without her usual jacket hiding it, one could see that she truly was an oiler, which made her blush slightly, "Um, hai?"

Their lips twitching a bit, the two older Tanuki shared a look before chuckling and giving Hayasui a hug, "Welcome to the family."

Grinning herself, Yumiko laughed a bit, "Yeah, Imouto. We're glad to see you."

Said words made the Oiler go a bit misty eyed before she relaxed into the hug, 'Huh... guess I got an Otou-San and Okaa-San now...' Bringing up her arms, she hugged them back, "Thank you..."

Elsewhere in the small resturant, Sora was standing before the gathered Yamato Class as well as Megumi and Kokoro, though the younger of the two Neko looked somewhat unsure. Giving her a small smile, Sora bowed best that she could, "Hello, I'm Tsukuda Sora and..." She grimaced a little, "Um... I'm of the A-150 Project."

Rather than say anything, Yamato smiled softly back and bowed before placing a hand on her shoulder,"We already know of your shipname, Sora-Chan."

Wincing, the Kitsune cleared her throat, "So you know that the name I was given as a ship is..."

Musashi gave a small nod and adjusted her glasses while her voice rumbled a bit, "Onogoroshima, hai." At her wilting a bit, the tanned Battleship smiled at her, "But that does not matter, as we also heard that once you are built they will change it."

Beside her sister, Shinano frowned a little, "Um, do you know what sort of name you might like?"

At that, Sora blinked and considered the question, "W-well... I've been thinking maybe... Izu? It was the name of a Province and, um... to also honour what we went through and survived."

Each of the Yamatos as well as the two Nekomatas nodded at that. Of course, White Plains gave a bright smile and bounced a bit, "Well, welcome to the family!"

Giggling, Hoki gave a bright smile as well, "As Okaa-San said, welcome to our family."

Unable to help herself at the odd look, a snicker escaped from Megumi before she leaned in, "Don't worry too much about it, White Plains is basically the Kaa-San, somehow, for the entire Yamato Class, though one of them, Hana-Chan, is also a Natural Born with her own Okaa-San." Giving a small shrug, she smiled at the Kitsune, "Anyways, welcome to the family."

On Sora's face was a small smile, "Thank you, though I wish..."

Two arms wrapped around her in a gentle hug and she looked up to find two understanding eyes looking at her. Yamato tightened the hug a little before shaking her head, "We will be getting your parents out of the Reserve, trust me. And it will not take us too long to do so, or else I will be quite cross with the Diet."

Eyes widening slightly, Sora then relaxed and returned the hug, "Thank you."

Not far away, the Baker family had just finished their own introductions to the group of Submarines in front of them. Turning away from where the other Yokai Midget Subs were giggling and playing a bit with her own, Samantha turned to the purple haired girl in front of her in curiosity, "So, you're a Submarine Tender?"

With a small nod, Taigei gave a small giggle and smiled, "Hai, that's right." Looking over the teenage girl in front of her, she nodded, "And I can see that it is going to be great working with you."

Blinking in surprise, Samantha felt her eyebrows raise, "Really?"

Simply shrugging, the other Tender shook her head, "There's not enough of us for all the Submarines that need to be cared for. So any others in our sisterhood is appreciated."

A small smile on her face, Samantha patted the head of one of Ho-31 who looked up at her with a smile, "I suppose, though I don't know how much help I can really be..." Noticing RO walk up with a raised eyebrow on the German's face, she trailed off, "Er..."

The Uboat crossed her arms and gave her a look, "Nein, you would be a lot of help." She made a motion with her hand before nodding, "You are like one of the Type XIV, but made for Japan. And I can tell you, those were extremely useful for Germany, so I can just imagine how much good you'll be able to do for us."

Placing her arms behind her head, Imuya gave a small nod, "Hai, I mean, no offense to Taigei-Nee-San..." Glancing at said shipgirl got her a smile and a shake of the head, "But she can't really head all that far out to resupply us with what we need. You? You can resupply us in the middle of Abyssal territory. That's... that's pretty much amazing to be honest."

Lightly blushing, Samantha nodded at her even as she noted her mother's wince out of the corner of her eye, "Um, thank you." Then, she gave a shrug, "Hopefully, my other sisters come along too... there was supposed to be a couple of us made for Submarine resupply."

Sighing, the blue haired Submarine of the group shook her head, "Hopefully, they are more like you, than your older sisters..."

Yet again, Samantha winced as she realized that she may have a few issues with the "Tanker Submarines" of the group.

It was shortly afterwards, that they were all seated as Yamato and Mamiya brought out food and placed them before the various people and shipgirls. Sora's eyes widened at the absolutely massive hamburg steak that was placed in front of her. Meanwhile, Hinata drooled a bit at the giant plate of Hayashi rice placed in front of her as her parents also thanked the Food Ship. One by one, they all got food and then sat down for a noisy, though friendly, dinner.

At one end of the table, Yumiko grabbed some tempura and bit into it before humming happily, "Mmm..." Swallowing, she turned to the Oiler next to her, "You made this?"

Hayasui rubbed the back of her head before nodding, "I mostly work in Kure, but... I'm great at stuff when it comes to frying." She pointed at one basket filled with fried chicken, "Those are some of mine as well."

Eyebrow raised, Yusuke took a piece and had a bite before chewing it. Once he was done, he shook his head, "This tastes amazing." Turning to his wife, he nodded towards it, "You have to try it, Noriko-Chan, our newest daughter's cooking is amazing."

Unable to help herself as she saw the blush on the Oiler's face, the older Tanuki nodded with a chuckle, "Sounds good to me."

Of course, when she had a taste, she fully agreed with her husband about the food.

With happy sounds escaping from his oldest biological daughter and his wife, Hikaru turned away from his own meal, "This is amazing, Mamiya-Chan. Definitely good cooking."

Lightly blushing, though pleased, Mamiya smiled and gave a slight nod, "Thank you, Otou-San. I will admit, there's still a lot more for me to learn when it comes to cooking, though I have been learning myself food from all over the world." He gave her a nod and she continued as she smiled at the two youngest of the family eating Yakisoba-Pan, Yakisoba noodles in a hot dog-style bun, "But I owe a lot to my crew."

Head tilted to the side, Yui swallowed the food in her mouth and gave the Food Ship a blink, "Oh? How so?"

The Food Ship scratched her cheek a little before making a gesture though she could tell that the others were listening in, "I... am not sure how much you know, but us shipgirls can have the skills of our crews. The more common the skill among our crew, the more we know it. Some for example can play instruments as if they have been practicing for years within a few months."

Slowly chewing as she thought it over, Hinata frowned, "That seems... a bit cheating."

With a slight shrug, Mamiya shook her head, "You will get no argument from me, Hinata-Chan. But... it is still true." Placing her hand onto her chest, she continued, "When I was built, one of the things that the Navy made sure to do was have many of the best chefs and bakers in the service on me. And during the war, that included cooks and the like that they impressed into the military." She grimaced for a moment, "But I was around for nearly two decades, so when I came back..."

Just nodding, Hikaru scratched his chin a little, "You came back with all the knowledge to be a top rated chef and baker. You simply needed to practice a little to refine what you knew." At her nod, he glanced towards Hinata, "Does that mean that Hinata-Chan also has that ability?"

Frowning, the Jorogumo shipgirl considered it before nodding, "I think so... I mean, I had a large number of Yokai chefs, cooks, and bakers. Some of them having been working on such for decades, or centuries in the case of one of the Oni I have onboard. And there's one Inugami who was a cook for the Tokugawa and, after their fall, opened a resturant and worked there until he was impressed by the Kamo Government in... 1941." Looking up, she frowned, "He wants me to go and see if his family is still around."

Unnoticed by her, her parents looked at her wide eyed before her father chuckled, which turned into a laugh. At the looks, he waved them off, "Just realizing that my little girl outstrips me when it comes to food."

Wide eyed, Hinata waved her hands around, "N-no! Otou-San, I'm not as good as you, far from it! You're much better than I am..." He placed his hands on hers which made her blink, "Otou-San?"

Softly smiling, he shook his head, "I'm not angry, the opposite. The fact that you have such a chance makes me happy for you, Hinata-Chan." Hikaru's smile grew slightly, "Happy... and oh so proud."

Looking down with red cheeks, Hinata shifted a little, "Otou-San..."

All he did though, was smile more at her.
_________________________________________________

With a soft giggle, Ellen helped guide the small Midget Submarines to their futons. One by one, she helped them in and placed a blanket over them before kissing them on the brow. Ha-41 smiled up at her and hummed a bit, "Good night, Okaa-San..."

Gently ruffling said Subgirl's hair, the American smiled, "Good night, Ha-41... and pleasant dreams, I'll see you in the morning." Not getting much more than a murmur, she continued her work before walking out of the small room. She knew, soon enough, Samantha would be joining them in there as would the rest.

Yes, there would not much room in there, but... for the first night at least, and most likely for many others, Ellen wanted to sleep in the same room as her children.

Stretching a little as she walked out, she groaned as there was a pop or two before looking at her husband, their children, and Sora. All of them were standing around with cups of hot chocolate in their hands. An old tradition of theirs before they went to bed. Getting closer, she could hear Kensuke speaking to Eric, "... Of course, once everything checks out, I'll take you out. There's this one bar I know with great drinks."

Tone dry, Ellen gave him a look, "You are not already talking about taking Eric out for drinks, I would hope. Not so soon after everything that had happened." She then gestured at Samantha, "Besides which, your daughter won't be able to go out."

A chuckle from said Subgirl made her give her daughter a look, which got a shrug, "I, um... asked Iku about that. Apparently there's a bar or two here on base for shipgirls which allows for even someone like me to have a drink or two." Samantha made a motion with her fingers, "Old enough to fight and die for my country, old enough to drink."

Grimacing slightly at that reminder, Ellen shoved the thought away, "Then you'll be taking me to it." All her daughter did was shrug with a small smile. Taking her own hot chocolate, she took a small sip, 'I've missed this...'

Samantha glanced towards the door to the room her mother had left in the temporary quarters and turned back to her, "Mom? How did they do?"

Lips twitching, the older woman chuckled, "They did fine, Honey. I may be getting old, but I can still handle little ones or else I would not be a teacher."

That caused Samantha as well as Sora and Eric to grimace. Yes, they had grown older themselves, but it was small things with Ellen and Kensuke that brought it home how much time had passed. A grey hair here, a slight winkle there, it all added up though the Subgirl and her brother had to admit that their mother still looked a decade younger than she was.

But still, they did not want to be reminded of that.

However, thankfully, Ellen changed the subject without knowing what they were thinking, "So... I guess that we'll be looking for a house soon." Thoughtful, she glanced at Samantha and Sora, "Though I think that maybe we might be able to get one of the residences here on the base."

Stunned, Eric stared at her, "A house, Mom?"

With her hands wrapped around the mug in her hands, Ellen gave a small shrug, "Yes, a house. I am not letting my newest daughters be crammed into the small apartment that we have. Besides which?" She gave a look to Sora and her son, which made them both flush, "After all, you both will need your own private room, I am guessing."

Neither young adult could look at the amused older woman after that.

And soon after, they all went into the room with the sleeping Midget Submarines and laid down. The last to fall asleep was Ellen who looked over the tableau before her with tears in her eyes,. Closing her eyes, she took a breath and let it out as she softly whispered into the night, "Whoever it was that took care of my children, and made sure that they were safe and delivered them back into my arms... thank you. Thank you from the depths of this Mother's heart."

Opening her eyes, she smiled before snuggling into her husband, her son sleeping behind her and Samantha on the other side of her husband. With her drifting off with small tears in the corner of her eyes. Tears of joy.

Elsewhere on the base, Hinata adjusted the sleeping Yukata that she had before stretching after brushing her teeth. Walking into the room, she nodded at the large web that stretched across it with her father in the middle with his wife standing beside him in her true form. Her younger sister was also there, skittering to and fro as her younger brother giggled in amusement.

Amused, Hinata climbed up onto the web and made her way over to her mother, "Okaa-San."

The elder Jorogumo kissed her brow gently, "Hinata-Chan..." She gestured at the part of the web beside her husband, "Just lay down dear, Natsuo-Chan! Tsukiko-Chan! Come and lay down as well, it is time for sleep."

Both children either shimmied over or simply walked until they were in the proper spot. Natsuo, for his part, climbed right between his older sister's legs and snuggled into the small cage that they formed, the Yokai shipgirl smiling as she shook her head. After all, it had to have been what he grew up with. Her sister, meanwhile, climbed on top of her and yawned before closing her eyes as their mother turned out the light. Moments later, Yui joined them beside her daughter. As they all snuggled in for the night, Hinata bent enough to look at her little brother, "You look comfortable."

Said boy gave a small shrug, not afraid of the spider legs all around him, "Hai..." Looking up, Natsuo met his sister's eyes, "Kaa-San spins webs for us when Summer comes by. So that we can lay on them and not get our futons all sweaty and stuff." A disgusted expression crossed his face, "Because that is pretty gross." He then grinned, "But sleeping on webs is so neat, Onee-Chan."

Lightly laughing, Hinata patted his head some, "Hai, it is." Glancing around at her family, easily seen due to her better than human night vision, the Jorogumo nodded, "Well, good night, everyone."

Getting similar replies, the shipgirl laid herself down best that she could and slowly went to sleep with a smile on her face.

Roughly the same time, Yumiko was already asleep herself, kept between her parents who were also asleep. All of them with identical happy expressions.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Matter of Blades and Bourbons

Malfoy House

June 22nd, 2014
Spoiler: A Du Chasteler Workout

Colombe snapped her wrist in a throwing motion and a trio of flaming discs spun from her hand at her target. She repeated the process, sending a steady stream of flaming missiles across the warded area of the pasture toward the young girl on the far side.

Across from her, steel-blue eyes narrowed as Ehren du Chasteler ducked under the first one, and flicked her fingers in a precise pattern as she knelt. A heater shield formed of shimmering silver energies and quartered by a black cross with a gold stripe in the middle and a smaller gold shield with a heraldic eagle in the center formed on her left wrist and she ducked behind it. She grunted at the impact as the next two slammed into her shield and ricocheted away in a shower of sparks.
Spoiler: Ehren's Shield

A fresh volley of missiles hammered her, then she smiled smugly and got to her feet, crouching as she advanced crab style behind her shield toward her mother.

In a safe area, protected by their own personal shields and wards, Lucius Malfoy and Flynn murmured observations to each other as they watched the duel. At Lucius's elbow, Draco stared impassively at the battle as Nimue whistled in awe.

Colombe paused in throwing flame at her daughter and instead began to move her rapier point sinuously, chanting in Arabic. Ehren's eyes widened as Colombe was surrounded by a howling tornado and her right arm twitched in a throwing motion before she braced her shield with both her arms as she dug her heels into the scorched and torn-up ground.

"Zawbieat Alghadab!" Colombe barked out, slashing her blade horizontally. A scimitar-shaped arc of nearly visible air hammered into Ehren's shield, sending her skidding backward a dozen yards with her teeth gritted. Suddenly her heel caught a rut and she lost her balance. Ehren flipped head over heels, flying through the air like a rag doll, then crashing and rolling to the torn earth and lying limp.

Colombe lowered her sword and began to walk toward her unmoving daughter. "Point to me then, dear."

Suddenly Ehren vanished and reappeared next to Colombe low to the ground, leaping into a tackle that got under Colombe's lowered guard as both the spirits crashed to the ground. A bloody and battered hand holding her dagger body placed the flat of the blade against Colombe's throat.

Crystal-blue eyes full of approval met steel-blue eyes in a blood-covered face. Ehren smiled smugly and and whispered viciously. "Nein. My kill, Mutti."

Colombe smiled proudly. "Your kill and well done. Seven to two then in my favor."

"Ja." Ehren untangled herself and got up. Colombe followed suit, and then clapped her youngest daughter on the shoulder before turning to their audience.

Colombe gestured and the blood and dirt covering her daughter and herself vanished, and a second spell repaired their scorched and torn clothing. "And that is that."

Lucius dropped the shields that he and his family had been watching from and approached the pair as they cast healing spells. He leaned on his cane as he reached his cousins. "Impressive. And you do this regularly?"

Colombe smirked smugly and sheathed her sword. "As regularly as we can, yes. It is not just myself and Ehren, of course. My butler Kasuyu and maid Miho also participate, along with Ying and my sisters Del and Jackie when they visit. As well, I have been regularly sparring with Masamune-no-Tokunotakai when Toku visits us every now and again."

At that Ehren grinned behind her impassive face, since she knew that once the Masamune blade touched base with her sisters in Japan and caught up on her shrine duties, Toku planned to return to Moulbaix to spend time with Colombe.

Ignoring her youngest daughter's well-hidden amusement, Colombe finished. "I found that while academic dueling is useful to learn as a foundation, you should always train like you fight. I have learned in a very hard school indeed that there is a difference between the battlefield and the dueling hall. Hence all my training matches are only limiting the power and pulling fatal blows once the foundations are learned."

She glanced at Ehren, who nodded. "To quote a wise man describing the Roman legionaries, 'Our drills are bloodless battles, and our battles are bloody drills'. Also, we do dissimilar style and weapons sparring frequently because that bit makes a fatal surprise less likely, and also gives us flexibility by not restricting ourselves to one set of tools."

Lucius nodded approvingly. "Hence why I hired Flynn to tutor my children in wandless magic. I noticed several different styles in your spell craft all blended together."

Colombe smiled happily. "Indeed. I have found that certain magical traditions are better at certain things than others in my travels. As an example, I learned that fire disc spell in India in 1766 from a Brahmin magician and mystic who I had helped with a minor spot of trouble. Powerful, versatile, and I can use my blade in my primary hand while casting them to give me ranged options. In any event the most deadly weapon on the battlefield is an experienced and creative mind, I have found."

Lucius glanced meaningfully at Draco, who nodded with clear interest in his eyes. "While my own experience is somewhat less storied than yours, Cousin, I must agree wholeheartedly with your appraisal. Thank you for the demonstration of your prowess."

Colombe bowed her head. "And thank you for supplying us with an area that we could get a proper workout in." Ehren nodded her assent as she watched the byplay.

Colombe glanced over at Draco and Nimue and a thoughtful look entered her eyes. "Speaking of that, may I inquire if you have some time to chat with me on a subject that might bear fruit for both our families?"

Lucius smiled magnanimously. "Oh most certainly. I have a bottle of fine American bourbon in my study that is calling our names."

---------------------------
Spoiler: A Conversation Between Cousins

Colombe sipped the amber colored whiskey and smiled happily. "Merci. Del is American and is a fellow connisseur of fine liquors. When I speak to her next, I shall see about arranging a gift for your hospitality. She introduced me to the pleasures of a fine Kentucky sour mash and has an eye for quality vintages." The rapier then gave a slightly disdainful smirk. "Unfortunately, Jackie's tastes are much more plebeian with that horrible rum she drinks. Del and I have been working on her for decades to try to instill appreciation for the finer things in life, although with little success alas."

Across from her in a matching leather chair Lucius nodded in agreement as he savored his own drink. "I found that the muggles have produced some amazing vintages. I certainly anticipate seeing what your American sister has discovered."

Colombe shook her head in agreement, then leaned forward with a serious look on her face. "Oui. But, to the heart of the target. Ehren plans in a decade or so to attend one of the ICW licensed schools, although we have not determined yet among Ilvermorny, Beauxbatons, or Hogwarts. Both because of the superior training that they offer, as you are aware, but also it will allow her to practice magic openly as a known witch."

Lucius nodded gravely. "I take it that you do not worry about people connecting her name with yours?"

Colombe smirked smugly, "By the time that Ehren is of age to attend, even if the ICW survives the collapse of the Statute, they are highly likely to view me with different eyes than currently. At least such is what I have been led to believe, barring unforeseen problems cropping up."

Lucius rubbed his chin and his eyes glittered, "Ahhhhh.... Then Verdun?"

Dark memories flickered in Colombe's shadowed eyes. "Is proof about silver linings in storm clouds. I was partially responsible for sealing it the first time in 1919, and was alerted when the wards snapped. Since I was about the only living expert that is still around from then, the French Ministry of Magic agreed to close down a few old cases that had been opened at the prompting of," Colombe scowled murderously at the names, "Maximilien de Robespierre and Napoleon Bonaparte. Any damage to the Statute of Secrecy back then is a historical footnote now, non?" She finished with a smug smirk.

Lucius gave a matching smirk, "I can certainly see the merits in such an argument."

Colombe smiled, "I thought that you would. Mind you, not all such matters are resolved, I am led to believe neither Iran nor China look favorably on me to this date," she quirked an eyebrow at Lucius, who shook his head no, "but the ICW shall be reappraising if there is need for a more general arrest warrant considering events."

Lucius poured more whiskey for them both. "Just so, I have had my own headaches with some ICW policies and personnel in the past. They can be quite unreasonable in such matters."

Colombe smiled in agreement and took a swallow of alcohol. "Quite. That said, I am minded to speak to your son's tutor, both to share a few useful tips and enchantments that I have come across, and also see if he has any techniques in exchange that I am unaware of. I wish for your permission to approach Mr. Flynn and also to have Ehren join her cousins in a few lessons. I would be delighted to teach Draco and Nimue what I can as well if you so desire."

Lucius leaned back and drummed his fingers against his chair. "A favor for a favor then, Cousin. I noticed that the ICW files are strangely reticent in your role in events during the Second Wizarding War when He-Who-Must-Not-be-Named was active. I confess curiosity there."

Colombe nodded, "A valid question indeed, and it actually goes back well before then. As Ehren mentioned to you, I was a close friend of Lyra and Ian Potter." Lucius nodded, his eyes intent. "After Lyra's death in 1949, I withdrew myself from much contact with the magical world." Colombe's voice was hoarse with emotion. "I had known Lyra quite well for a half-century and owe her a debt that I can never truly repay if I lived a thousand times as long as I have. Her son Henry knew me as a bit of an aunt, but her death was very painful, so my contact with the Potters lapsed when Henry died. Trust me, immortality can be a curse when it comes to such matters."

Colombe took a swallow of the liquor and then resumed. "I also have other commitments and obligations that I accumulated during my travels. Shortly after the rumors of the group that would be known as the Death Eaters reached my ears, an African ally of mine who I was indebted to requested for me to stand as witness to his assumption of power in what the muggles call Rwanda." Colombe sighed, "As it turned out, shortly after I arrived there in 1994, the country went mad with one ethnic group trying to kill another ethnic group with mob violence. That complicated matters for me, and I also suffered some injuries in the process of defending my friend and his extended family from those madmen."

Lucius rubbed his chin, "I see."

Colombe nodded, "As you are no doubt aware, the Daily Prophet was downplaying the magnitude of events then. Since I was getting my information from the papers, I thought matters were under control as I convalesced, well, until the news arrived that James and Lily Potter had been killed and their son Harry was orphaned. That stirred me to action and I started hunting down Death Eaters in Europe until Del notified me that Harry had in fact survived, but had been hidden away. I felt quite responsible for not being there for Lyra's great-great-grandson Harry, and resolved to keep a closer eye on matters when I could spare time from my other sworn commitments."

Lucius murmured, "Quite understandable."

Colombe slowly swirled the alcohol in her glass. "Merci. When I was notified about the Basilisk incident at Hogwarts and then the Dementors in the Daily Prophet, I sent Ehren as my deputy to make contact with the Potters and let them know that I would stand alongside Harry and his allies." Colombe chuckled and downed more alcohol, "Of course, the rest you know since she instead made contact with family."

Lucius leaned back in his chair and sipped the whisky. "I see. We were concerned because should the rumors of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named being seen again be true, our family is in danger from His agents and powers."

Colombe made a sound of agreement. "Indeed, we must hang together or all hang separately. Considering Nimue, I certainly understand your causes for concern for our family. I can supply myself, Ehren, and my allies to assist you in any direct confrontation, plus Moulbaix is quite well fortified as a bolthole, plus I have several other refuges if needed. I fear I have little to contribute in the way of political contacts or information in such matters, since those contacts are handled by my daughter Ying who resides in the Americas."

Lucius raised an eyebrow and Colombe elaborated. "Ying is my oldest daughter and Ehren and Claire's half-sister. She spends most of her time assisting her mother's family of witches and wizards while tending to my American and Asian interests and liaising with Del, who is plugged in with MACUSA."

Lucius smiled knowingly. "I see. While we are mainly concerned with the British Isles and Europe, and of course the current political situation is unsettled, I would like to meet Cousin Ying some day."

Colombe nodded in assent. "I will make it happen when the schedules permit. As the ICW files have no doubt told you, I elected to make my fortune outside Europe in the main. Arabia, Africa, India, China, Japan, the Americas. Higher risk, but fewer entrenched interests and higher returns on a few ventures. That said, right now, I am more concerned about fortifying the gains that I have and placing myself in a good position to take advantage of the post Statute of Secrecy world. Something you no doubt understand considering your interest in Jardine."

Lucius grinned and leaned forward, resting his hands on the head of his cane. "Oh yes, and with your interests and mine following a similar goal, things can be accomplished..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Slowly waking, Sora blinked a little bit as she looked around her. At some point during the night, the various Midget Submarines had moved their futons closer to the adults before abandoning them for the most part to cuddle. There was at least three of them holding her tails like stuffed toys, which made her smile a bit before she turned the the young man in her arms. As expected, Eric was sound asleep which made her smile as all the years of stress seemed to have melted away in his sleep.

Currently, he had a small smile on his face which made her wonder, was he having a good dream? Because it looked like he was, and, perhaps, it was a dream of her? Something that made Sora softly sigh in happiness before her mind turned back to the dream that she had just had herself. In it, she had dreamed of her wedding to Eric, an official one. Ellen and Kensuke was not the only parents who were there, as her own were as well. Both of them looking extremely happy and proud of her in that moment.

As well, Samantha was not the only other girl there besides the mothers. Sora could spot Yumiko as well as a happy Hinata there. And the Midget Submarines as well. Something that, even now, made her smile happily before she turned her attention to her boyfriend and she gently stroked his cheek, "Hopefully it won't be a dream for much longer, Eric-Kun." Getting a murmur, she gently kissed him before her ears twitched some at a few sounds, "Hmm?"

While it was a bit of an issue getting herself untangled from the rest, she soon got to her feet and walked towards the entrance of the room when she spotted something. A sigh escaped from her at that and she shook her head before walking out of said room silently. As it was more a small two bedroom apartment, what Sora saw as she left the room confirmed her thoughts.

Mainly, at the counter, Ellen hummed "Take me out to the Ballgame" as she worked at a large mixing bowl.

For a few seconds, Sora simply took in the image before her. It was a familiar one that she had seen often enough when she was younger, as a young kit. Sometimes, once her own parents had become friends with the Bakers, she had stayed overnight. Which meant that she came across Ellen often baking things as well. And the treats she got from the older woman were always ones that she greatly enjoyed getting.

Lips curling, the Kitsune took a deep breath and let it out as a soft sigh, the familiar smell of baking spices tickling her nose. Granted, she licked her lips at the smell of one particular ingredient which made her hope that her stomach did not rumble. On the third sniff, however, she caught another smell. One that made her blink and frown...

The slight smell of saltwater.

Pushing away from the doorframe, Sora softly called out as to not startle the other woman, "Ellen-Oba-Chan? Are... are you alright?"

Despite attempting not to surprise the older adult, the Kitsune could still see her jump slightly. Turning, Ellen gave her a smile, "Sora!" Both of them winced at her volume and they looked back at the room. At the shake of the head from the shipgirl, she relaxed, "Sorry about that, Sora. You surprised me a little."

Sheepishly smiling, Sora gave a small shrug, "Sorry about that, Ellen-Oba-Chan." Her expression fell a little as her sharp eyes noticed small signs, like dried tracks on Ellen's cheeks, "Ellen-Oba-Chan? Were you crying?"

About to say something, Ellen paused as she considered her answer. Remembering that the younger woman had the senses of a fox, she sighed and gave a slight nod, "I was..."

Frowning, the Yokai stepped forward, "Why?"

Gently, Ellen placed the mixing bowl down and looked towards the window. The horizon was barely lighter than normal at night, showing that it was still some time until dawn. Crossing her arms, she closed her eyes, "I woke up about an hour ago, I think, Sora. Almost jumped out of bed... because I thought that this was all a dream."

Eyes widening, Sora realized that, no, Ellen had not crossed her arms, she was holding herself, 'Ellen-Oba-Chan...'

Lightly laughing, though part of it sounded broken, the American turned to her, "I... I thought that it was all a wonderful dream. That I was going to wake up in my apartment with just myself and Ken... A-and that..." A tear slipped out and she wiped it away, "That you were all going to still be gone..."

Head tilted to the side, Sora softly smiled as she took slow, measured steps towards the woman who was an Aunt figure to her, and perhaps a second mother, "But you didn't wake up like that. Instead..."

Sadly smiling, Ellen nodded, "Instead, I woke up with my son, my daughter..." Looking at her, her smile softened still more, "And the young woman who I considered my second daughter in a way."

A soft smile on her face, the Kitsune nodded, "And I consider you another Okaa-San, Ellen-Oba-Chan."

Voice nearly a whisper, Ellen gave her a look full of thankfulness, "Thank you, Sora. You have no idea what that means to me..."

Only shaking her head, the other woman chuckled, "I think that I do." That got her a small smile before it fell, "But what happened to make you cry?"

With a deep breath, Ellen let it out, "I... it's silly. And I don't know why, but... I had to get out. Get out of the room... out of the residence... j-just get out." She nodded towards the window, "So I went outside to a bench and... and I just started crying. I don't know why, I just did. And it wouldn't stop, no matter what. For some reason, I just could not stop crying, a-and even now..."

Taking a few steps forward, Sora pulled Ellen into a gentle hug, her tails coming up and wrapping around the blonde, "I think that I can understand..." Looking down at her, she continued, "I... it just hit you, right then. That we were back and everything will be okay."

Kitsune tails wrapped around her, as well as said Kitsune's arms, the older of the two relaxed slightly, "Has it..."

Understanding the unasked question, Sora gave a slight nod, "Hai, it did, Ellen-Oba-Chan. Yesterday, when we were in the shower and feeling the hot water run down us. We... we all sort of broke down. Because we were finally home... but we all helped each other with it and, well..." Helplessly shrugging, she shook her head, "We kind of dealt with it."

Lips twitching, Ellen nodded, "I suppose that you did." Sighing at the warmth surrounding her, she shook her head and wiped at her eyes slightly, "As for myself... I did stop crying, eventually. But I didn't feel quite ready so I... headed to the newest store and bought some things."

Just lightly chuckling, the younger of the two shook her head, "And so you decided to start baking some treats."

Shaking her head, Ellen chuckled, "I did, because I knew that it would help me sort everything out in my head doing so. My family name is 'Baker'. after all." That got the American a chuckle, so she continued, "And... it reminded me of earlier times." A grin crossed her face, "I just hope everyone enjoys my applesauce cupcakes as much as you did."

It took everything for Sora not to give a bark of laughter at that, and she just managed it. But she still snickered a bit at the thought of the Midget Submarines still asleep, "I don't think that will be much of an issue, Ellen-Oba-Chan. And if they're anything like me? They're going to devour each one that you give one." Licking her lips, she shook her head, "I remember that... and your crumb cake and the strudels."

Amused, the English teacher shook her head, "Well, I've always been proud of them. After all, I learned from my own mother and grandmother. It was something that my grandmother was rightly proud of, being from Germany."

Knowing this, but still interested, Sora's ear flicked some, "You've mentioned that before, that she was from Germany. But..."

Ellen gave a small shrug at that, "My grandpa found her as she was fleeing Soviet forces, he was an American GI. Helped her out and the like, with both of them falling in love, though she was barely out of her teens at the time. Brought her over from Europe with the end of the war too..." A far off look on her face, she continued in a soft voice, "She used to tell me tales of Germany, sitting in her rocking chair. From what she told me, all she had was the clothes on her back and the book of family recipes that she managed to save as well as a few pieces of jewelry. That was it. But she was proud of the food she cooked and taught all of us how to do so." Shooting Sora a grin, she snickered, "I've always thought that one of the reasons Ken fell in love with me was due to my cooking and his sweet tooth. Something that Eric and Samantha both inherited."

Her lips twitching, Sora shook her head, "Hai, Eric-Kun did inherit a sweet tooth, though..." Lightly blushing, she shook her head, "I will admit that I enjoyed the food that you made as well, especially the sweets."

For a few moments, the American looked at her before softly smiling and gesturing to the sink, "Go and wash your hands, Sora. I think that it's time that I teach you how to make my applesauce cupcakes. A recipe passed down in my family from when we first stepped off the boat to America before it was America."

Surprised, Sora boggled at her and stared for a few moments. Especially as she remembered that this was a family recipe. Swallowing, the Kitsune gave her an unsure look, "Are... are you sure, Ellen-Oba-Chan?"

Lightly smiling, Ellen chuckled, "I am, Sora." Reaching out, she placed an arm on the younger woman's arm, "You're practically my daughter now. And soon, you're going to join the family, I know it. Just pass it down to your own children when it comes time."

Quickly nodding, the shipgirl nodded, "Hai, I will! I promise!"

With a chuckle, and shaking her head, Ellen smiled and waited as Sora did as asked. Once she was done, she motioned her over a little, "Now, since we've got so many, we're going to be making more than one batch. First..."

Two hours later, the others began to slowly stir. And one by one, the Midget Submarines had their noses twitching at the smells that reached them. Sitting up in her sleeping Yukata, Ha-56 sniffed a bit with her otter tail twitching, "Mmm smells good?"

Beside her, Ha-45 also sniffed, her dog tail wagging, "Hai, it does smell good." Seeing Eric sit up, she blinked some, "Onii-Chan? Is something wrong?"

Grinning, the young man shook his head, "Nope! Far from it! Because Mom is making her applesauce cupcakes!"

Confused, the various Midget Submarines glanced at each other. But they did note that Samantha was also grinning, with a happy look on her face. Raising her hand, Ho-32 frowned, "Onee-Chan? Applesauce cupcakes?"

Just reaching over, Samantha gently patted her head, "Yup! Mom makes the best applesauce cupcakes with cream cheese and honey icing. They're amazing, trust me." Licking her lips, she swallowed even as she felt like she was moments away from drooling, "It has been so long..."

Each of the other Submarines blinked at that and shared a look. Was it really that good? After a few moments, they stood up and walked out the door, following Samantha and Eric. Outside the room, they found Ken sipping his coffee with a small smile on his face as he watched his wife and Sora put icing on another batch of cupcakes, the Kitsune happily smiling as her tails weaved through the air.

Stretching some, Eric walked over and gave his girlfriend a kiss before hugging her from behind. Something, he noted, that made his mother giggle a bit, "Mmm, helping Mom ice the cupcakes?"

Lightly blushing, Sora shared a look with Ellen before turning back to him, "Actually? Ellen-Oba-Chan was teaching me how to make these."

That made his eyebrows raise and he glanced at his mother, who nodded. Something that made him smile and kiss his girlfriend on the cheek, "Sounds good to me."

Giggling, Sora gave a small nod before pointing to a group of applesauce cupcakes, "Those are ready to eat, if you want them. We'll be bringing some so that Hinata-Chan, Yumiko-Chan, and the others can have them..." For a moment, she considered things before glancing at Ellen, "And maybe bring some to the JS Fubuki as well."

Her eyebrow raised, Ellen blinked at that, "Oh? I don't mind giving some to the sailors..."

Much to her surprise though, the Kitsune shook her head, "Actually? Some of the sailors mentioned that they leave cookies and such for the ship's spirit, and that she eats them. There's also Utsuho-Sama since she helped guide them to us. So I thought that it might be nice to leave a few for them."

Slowly, Ellen nodded as she thought it over, "That sounds alright to me, and hopefully she'll enjoy them." Out of the corner of her eye, she noted that Ha-45 was sniffing one of the cupcakes and she smiled, "You can have that one if you want, they're really good." Seeing the questioning glance, the American pointed at Samantha who had already grabbed one and was eating it, "They were a favorite treat of Samantha's when she was younger."

Around the food in her mouth came a mumble that might have been words, but at the look she was given by her mother, Samantha swallowed before trying again, "Was? Try is one of my favorite treats."

Glancing at her, Ha-45 took the one she was offered and sniffed it. She could feel herself drool a little as it really did smell delicious, the scent of apples and spices. Unwrapping it, she licked her lips before biting down, "Umphf!" After a few moments, the Midget Submarine bounced around, "Mmm! Ish good!"

Eyes wide, the other Midget Submarines took one and soon enough exclamations rang out that told how good they found them, which was a lot and made Ellen and Sora giggle at the reactions. Though the Kitsune blushed a little at Ken commenting with amusement that it reminded him of a certain young Yokai who did much the same the first time she had one. Which was returned when Ellen stated that she was reminded of a young, teenage boy when he had tried one of her mother's, which brought the giggles back.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Who Is That Butterknife At The Proms

Malfoy House

28 June 2014
Spoiler: Trip To London

Nimue Malfoy looked at Colombe and Claire as they walked down the driveway to the waiting antique car. "Ehren is not coming with us to London, Colombe?"

Colombe gave a smug smile. "Non." Her eyes flickered to Narcissa Malfoy who was leaving the house with Cleopatra next to her, then Colombe tipped her head at the pair. "Ehren went to Harrods on a shopping trip earlier this year when she met your brother and picked up presents for all of us. So I am going to be buying her Christmas and birthday presents along with your presents. As well, Ehren does not care for some of the music scheduled for tonight, so she agreed to keep your brother and Niobe company while we enjoy London."

Nimue nodded her head thoughtfully in response and touched the long red, green, chestnut, purple, and gray knitted scarf that she was wearing. "Oh, too bad for her then." Meanwhile Claire smiled and waved at Narcissa and Cleopatra who were walking to join them as Nimue continued to speak. "Her loss then. It is just... it is difficult to know what's up with Ehren."

Colombe sighed in agreement and nodded sadly. "Unfortunately yes, and it is my fault in part. Ehren is terribly conflicted over her past and her heritage. Claire, bless her," Colombe smiled at her daughter and gave the brunette a headpat, "is able to get through to her and help her when I so often cannot."

Claire spoke musically as she opened the car door for the Malfoys. "It is because you and Little Sister are so much alike, Mother. Nimue, Ehren likes you, she just has trouble showing it to some people."

Nimue gave her cousin a relieved smile. "I see, and thank you."

Claire returned the smile as Cleopatra and then Nimue slid into the back of the Limo, followed by her. Narcissa glanced at the excited girls and smiled fondly. "I shall sit up front with Colombe."

With that the car pulled away from the carriage house and headed to London.

In the back of the car, Nimue glanced at Claire and grinned mischievously. "Your mother agreed?"

Claire nodded energetically and gave a matching smug smirk. "Mother agreed to visit a music shop of your choice and pay for our purchases. I told you that I would be able to persuade her to finance this. So the plans are a go?"

Cleopatra giggled evilly as she joined her co-conspirators. "Now we just need to get everyone else on board for their roles. Johnston is easy once she comes off duty, and I was able to talk Niobe in with a minimum of bother. We just need a vocalist."

Claire's smirk grew smugger. "Ehren sings Wagner's Sieglinde and Brunhilde from the Ring Operas in the shower when she thinks no one can hear her. I'll be able to get her on board when we return." With that she extended her hand for the other girls to shake.

Nimue smiled back while shaking Claire's hand. "I remember Uncle Dalt always singing 'Nessun Dorma' in the shower on the occasions when he would come back to Idaho on leave. Daddy was usually working on a job, so Uncle Dalt would stay with us during those times." She paused in thought for a moment then continued, "Uncle Dalt's favorite was Pavarotti, even though Uncle Dalt was more like Placido Domingo, being more of a baritone approaching tenor."

Cleopatra snickered, soon joined by the other girls.

Up front, Narcissa glanced back at the giggling girls sitting in the enclosed cab behind her and Colombe and leaned in. "What do you think that they are laughing about, Colombe?"

The blonde rapier shrugged expressively. "Childhood mischief, probably. I can remember leading my older half-brother François Gabriel Joseph du Chasteler de Courcelles and my beloved sister Marie-Claire du Chasteler in childhood antics and pranks as we grew up together. You have siblings too?"

Narcissa nodded and spoke quietly. "I am the youngest of three sisters. My eldest sister Bellatrix was a nasty sadistic bitch even as a girl, so I tried to avoid her as much as possible. I was close to Andromeda, though, until the family disapproved of her marriage."

Colombe spoke quietly with a distant look in her eyes. "So you know how it is with children and their friends. No doubt they will see fit to inform their mothers when their plans for mischief mature. Claire is a very good girl, so I am confident that she shall not do anything too outrageous." Colombe grinned smugly in memory. "Unlike her poor aged mother, who caused her Papa to pull his hair out a few times when she was her age."

Narcissa leaned in as they turned onto the road to London. "Oh do tell!"

Colombe chuckled, "Well, do you wish to hear about how I was expelled from Beauxbatons for being quite a noble hellion?"

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

Harrods, London

28 June 2014
Spoiler: Birthday Shopping Trip

Colombe parked the car and then looked at the others. "So, ladies, where do we start?"

Narcissa smiled at Colombe. "Well Nimue needs a nice new dress for our trip to the Proms tonight. So we begin there, and we can get Claire one as well?"

Colombe smiled back. "Well, I am sure that we can find something nice for our girls. Dolce and Gabbana?"

Narcissa nodded and guided Nimue gently through the doors toward the ladies' formalwear section. "Yes, let's see if they have something that suits."

Nimue's eyes widened in shock at the displays of luxuries and brand-name upper-class goods and she sucked her breath through her teeth. "Wow, I never imagined anything like this," she whispered in awe. Beside her, Claire nodded in agreement with wide eyes.

Colombe spoke in response. "And that is why I insisted on coming here for your birthday, Nimue. We are nobles and while from us much is demanded, much also to us is given."

With that she glanced over at the thoughtful Narcissa. "So, Perhaps the rose pink silk with her blonde hair and pale complexion? See how how that looks on her?"

Narcissa nodded as the sales associate approached them. "I think that might very well work for her."
Spoiler: Nimue's Proms Dress And Accessories


Claire meanwhile looked at the dresses on display and then blushed and pulled on the sleeve of her mother's blouse. "That one with the flowers is very pretty, Mother. Can I see if it fits?"
Spoiler: Claire's New Outfit


Colombe smiled at her daughter and nodded indulgently as the Dolce & Gabbani sales associate began to mentally count his commission bonus from these customers.

Following the purchase of $9090 worth of dresses for the two girls, the next stop was to get matching shoes and handbags for them. Claire chose a black leather handbag with a embroidered musical motif while Nimue picked out a white calfskin bag.

Narcissa nodded at Claire as they headed up to the Shoe Heaven. "Surely you can get her a better necklace than that locket, Colombe?"

Colombe shook her head. "Actually not. For one, it is sentimental, since I gave her that locket for her first Christmas. The other reason is that she needs to have part of her true body in proximity to her avatar to manifest. For Ehren and I, our true bodies are portable." She tapped the handbag with subtle space expansion charms that contained her rapier body. "For Claire not so much, so that locket contains one of her strings and some other small parts of her piano case."

Narcissa made a thoughtful sound. "I see. I suppose that makes sense although I am surprised that you are so open with that information."

Colombe shrugged, "I had to reveal it under oath as part of clearing my name because I used that property of myself to escape confinement of my avatar in Sarajevo in 1914 in a classic locked room mystery scenario. So it will be in the Wizengamot's records soon enough, especially once they figure out that I am what I am. So I am just hastening the release of that information somewhat."

Narcissa nodded thoughtfully as they headed to the Malfoy townhouse to change clothes before the Proms. "Clever of you, Colombe," she murmured under her breath as she watched Claire and Nimue chatter excitedly about the upcoming show, "I can see why Lucius was so adamant about getting you on our side."

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

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens, London

28 June, 2014
Spoiler: The Proms

Claire's eyes sparkled as she made her way from their parked car toward the concert hall ahead of Nimue and Cleopatra, all wearing evening dresses. The delighted brunette piano hummed the Doctor Who Theme to herself as she almost skipped to the music.

Nimue glanced at Cleopatra and fingered her scarf absently. The young Malfoy daughter then took a deep breath and asked her friend curiously, "so, why are these concerts called 'Proms'? That sounds like my high school dances."

Cleopatra grinned at her as she responded. "Actually it is short for 'promenade concerts'. This tradition started in 1895 with outdoor concerts in pleasure gardens to introduce people in London to quality music. You could listen to the orchestra and walk around and enjoy the garden. Over time, it went indoors, but it is intended for everyone to enjoy. The Malfoys are financial supporters of the orchestra and the Proms so they have a private box alongside other members of the nobility, but the general tickets are intended and sold to the common folk."

"Ohhhh!" Nimue made a sound of understanding as Narcissa guided them to a private side entrance that led to their box.

Narcissa gently hugged Nimue around the shoulders as they entered their box. "And now, you get to experience something special. Say what you will about the muggles, but they do produce some great works of art."

Colombe nodded as she sat behind Narcissa in the second row inside their box just behind Claire, who was almost vibrating with excitement. "I agree, which is why my family has supported the fine arts for almost a century. Sadly, I am a talented amateur at best when playing piano. Ehren is my equal, I fear."

At that, Claire turned and hugged her mother, saying in her gentle voice, "but Mother, you play me with such love and emotion, that I don't care about your technical skill. Music is passion given life."

Colombe returned the hug as the curtain raised. "Toi, vraiment, tu es adorable, ma fille bien-aimée,"(You, really, you are adorable, my beloved daughter)
she whispered thankfully in a voice choked with emotion. She then released Claire so that they could begin to enjoy the show as the video screens started to show a flying blue police box.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking away from the line, Ellen giggled a little at the sight of the piles of food on both Samantha's and Sora's trays. It did not help matters that the Kitsune was slowly eating a piece of toast held in her mouth that was smeared with a lot of peanut butter. All the while making very happy Kitsune noises as it slowly vanished. Only shaking her head, Ellen then glanced at her son's plate, internally nodding that it was enough for one his size.

After all, she noted that the night before that he nearly made himself sick from eating too much. Thankfully, he managed to keep it all down, but it was as a close thing. Just the same though, both her and her husband were keeping an eye on him. While the shipgirls could easily eat plenty of food, he was a normal human with all that involved. There was only so much that he could eat and not make himself sick. Something that she suspected could be blamed on the fact that he had to deal with eating as much as he could, when he could on the island.

Just internally sighing, the American straightened her back and gave a small nod. It was going to be a long, hard journey, but she was more than willing to help as possible. Deciding to get her mind off such things, she turned to the Ha-47, who stood beside her. The little Midget Submarine looking at her plate of food in happiness as her cat tails swayed behind her, "Excited to get a nice, big breakfast?"

Rapidly nodding, the Neko smiled up at her, "Hai, Okaa-San!" Looking at her plates once more, she licked her lips, "I can't wait to eat! And same for my crew!"

Lips twitching, Ellen chuckled some and had to fight the urge to ruffle her hair. Mainly because she needed to keep her hands on her own tray. Remembering what she had heard from other shipgirls, she gave the various Midget Submarines a considering look, "If you don't mind... could you tell me how much crew you had? From what I overheard Samantha say, you all have diesels, but... I could have sworn that you all should have run on just batteries?"

Blinking some, Ha-45 answered for her sisters, "Hmm... we had six crew and a small diesel, Okaa-San." Slapping her tail against her leg, she continued with pride in her voice, "Our engine room was a bit bigger due to expansion charms. And with six crew members, we could run shifts of two people each!"

Slowly, Ellen nodded at that, "I see..." A thought occurred to her and she frowned, "Wait, if you had six on you... then where would they rest?"

Mouth opening for a moment, the otter Subgirl shook her head, "Um, we had this little spot just behind where the torpedoes were. Since our crews were in animal form, it was big enough that they could just curl up there and sleep. And beneath the conning tower was where they could eat and such with a kind of small potty that vanished anything in it."

Grimacing a bit, Ellen shoved that last bit out of her head. Not what she needed to hear before her own breakfast. Clearing her throat, she gave a nod, "Sounds like it was harsh for your crews."

With a small shrug, Ha-45 shook her head, "Um, it wasn't much worse than those who served for the Imperial Magical Army on-board those armoured gunships."

Eyebrow raised, the American turned to her daughter who shrugged, "They were small ships less then half the displacement of a PT Boat. But... they used tank guns as their main weapon and had the same steel as used in tanks to protect themselves. Pretty damn small..." Furrowing her eyebrows, Samantha shook her head, "They had expanded fuel tanks to give them better range too. Mostly used for supporting landings and stuff, but really cramped, and I had to supply a few that were returning back to Japan near the end of the war. There was a lot of them because they were going to use them against any landings near the end."

Nodding slowly, Ellen frowned, "I see..." However, internally, she was thoughtful, 'I wonder how many will return and in what form...?'

But shortly afterwards, her such thoughts were shoved to the back of her mind as she sat down alongside her family across from Yui and her family. Said Jorogumo glanced at her and smiled before bowing slightly, "Good morning, Ellen-San. How has the day been for you?"

Lightly chuckling, Ellen shook her head, "It's been going well enough." Noticing the red rimmed eyes that the Yokai had, which was mirrored by the Jorogumo shipgirl, the teacher simply nodded in acknowledgement. Something that got her a thankful look from the other mother, "I hope that there has not been much trouble here?"

Yui gave a chuckle before sipping her orange juice, "Not at all, Ellen-San. While busy, it is not as much so as our restaurant has been at times. And, thankfully, no one has done much more than give us nods or the like."

Relaxing, Ellen sighed some, "That's good to hear." Unseen by her, that got a smile from the Jorogumo as the American took a bit of bacon and began to chew. Once she was done, Ellen made note of the amount of food on Yui's plate as well as Tsukiko, "Hmm? That's quite a bit. And a lot of meat as well."

With a small hum, the older of the Spider Yokai shrugged as she stabbed a sausage with her fork, "We are Jorogumo, Ellen-San. As whole, our species are big eaters due to our... physiology. One does not have bodies as big as ours and eat little after all." Getting a nod, she continued, "These forms just make it easier on us since we need less food than in our true forms. As for meat..." Yui grinned and showed off her sharp teeth, "We are predators, after all."

That got a laugh from Ellen and she agreed before turning back to her own meal.

Once they were done, however, Samantha reached into her pocket, "Oh! I almost forgot!" Pulling out a small box, she set it in front of them, "Mom and Sora made these earlier..." The Subgirl then opened it to reveal a bunch of cupcakes inside, "Her famous Baker Applesauce Cupcakes."

Cheeks pinkened, Ellen gave her daughter an embarrassed look, "They're not that good."

However, the shipgirl in question snorted some and shook her head, "Mom? Yes, they really are that good." Turning back to the rest of the group, she smiled, "Go ahead and take some."

Reaching over, Yumiko smiled a bit, "Thank you, I heard all about these from you Samantha-Chan as well as Eric-Kun and Sora-Chan." Looking at Hinata, she gave a wink, "Those three liked talking about them at times on their birthdays. About how Ellen-San would bake a cake for them before we were stranded for their birthdays."

Intrigued, Hinata's father took one and looked at it before biting into it. Slowly, he chewed before giving a nod and swallowing, "The applesauce must make the cupcake more moist than normal, yes? And the icing is... hmm... cream cheese with a hint of honey? Interesting..."

Eyebrows raised, Ellen then chuckled and smiled, "That's right, Hikaru-San, on both parts. Though I won't give out the recipe to just anyone..." She winked some, "Family secret, you know."

That got a chuckle from Hikaru before he shook his head, "Hai, and I can understand. Still, this is quite good... and you make full cakes as well?"

Brightly smiling, the American scratched her cheek, "I do, yes. And sometimes I let it sit for a day or two for the flavour of the apples to come out more. Still, I thought that making cupcakes would be better in this case as it gave everyone some." Then she shrugged, "I'll be bringing some to the Fubuki later so that her spirit can have them as can Utsuho."

That got her nods of understanding from the other parents. Hikaru glanced at his wife and frowned in thought, "Perhaps I should cook up some food as well and bring it to them..."

While the adults were talking, meanwhile, Natsuo and Tsukiko were looking at the cupcakes that they were given. Glancing at each other, they took a deep sniff of the confections and could smell the apple in them as well as a whiff of spices. With another, shared look, they each took a bite before happily smiling, "Mmm..."

After everyone was finished with their treats, Ellen took a look at the time before nodding, "It's getting a little close to when we're supposed to head out to shop..." Frowning, she considered it, "Does anyone know how we're supposed to do this? After all, we need full wardrobes for Eric and the others."

Frowning himself, Yusuke furrowed his eyebrows, "I will admit that I have wondered much the same thing myself. But... I have not yet received a full answer as to how it will be handled. Just that we shall not need to worry about it as it will be on the JMSDF's bill."

None of the parents were quite sure how to handle that, but simply nodded before they stood up and gently cleaned the faces of the younger children. All of whom smiled and giggled at the attention. Thankfully, Ellen had her daughter's help with the Midget Submarines, but it still took some time.

Eventually though, they made their way outside and to where they were supposed to meet their minders for the day. Much to their surprise, Mamiya, Hayasui, Taigei, and Yamato were waiting for them as well as a girl who bore some resemblance to Ooyodo, but with red hair. Said girl took a few steps forward and bowed to them, "Good day, I am the Light Cruiser, Niiyodo, second of the Ooyodo class. I'll be helping with the others for today's shopping trip."

The group bowed back to her before they stood up and thanked her. Noriko then cleared her throat a little, "We do have a question for you..." At Niiyodo's nod, she continued, "How are we going to pay for all this? While myself and my husband do get payed well, we only have our daughter which is enough to put a strain on things. And we were told that it was to be handled else wise."

Simply smiling, the Light Cruiser nodded, "Hai, we will be handling that." Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a number of what looked like prepaid credit cards, "These are for your use, each card contains ¥900,000."

Mouth dropping open as she was handed several of the cards for the Midget Submarines, Ellen swallowed as she realized that at that moment, she held more money in her hands than she made in an entire year. Taking a deep breath, she released it and glanced at the others who were also shocked, "This... is quite a bit."

Chuckling, Yamato shook her head, "Perhaps, but once you are in the JMSDF, each of you will get paid the same amount as someone who commanded you for about the same amount of time you were afloat. So, for instance... Hinata-San?

The Jorogumo blinked and nodded, "Hai?"

Yamato's lips twitched some, "You would be paid as a Commander who has been in the JMSDF for the same length of years that you were afloat as a steel hull. In your case, I believe it was... seventeen years, correct?" Blinking, Hinata nodded, which made the Battleship smile, "Which means, of course, that you would have seventeen years worth of experience under the payment method." She nodded some towards Sora, "Meanwhile, Sora-San would have the equivalent pay rank as a Captain, but one just starting out."

Now curious, Kensuke crossed his arms, "Are there other examples you could tell us? And what about the others here?"

Just chuckling, the Battleship smirked a little, "Nagato-San, for example, has the pay rank of a Rear Admiral due to her experience and with twenty two years worth of experience as a ship with eight more tacked on giving her thirty years. Fubuki-San, a Destroyer, has the pay of a Captain who has been in the JMSDF for twenty years." She then nodded a little at the others while ignoring the stunned looks being given her, "Yumiko-San would be much the same as Hinata-San, with the pay of a Commander, but one with only three years worth I believe. Samantha-San would be a Lieutenant-Commander with two years, and the Midget Submarines would be Lieutenants with varying amount of years under them." Glancing at Niiyodo, Yamato frowned slightly, "I... am not sure, but I believe that there has been some talk as well that the time spent stranded would count towards the pay grade..."

With a frown, Niiyodo adjusted her glasses, "That has been discussed, yes. But no decision has been made quite yet..." She then turned back to the others, "As for the amount given to you, it is normally given to newly summoned shipgirls to get them everything that they need to start out with in their new lives. Clothing in the form of a full wardrobe, personal hygine products, even bits of furniture that they may need such as futons and the like. Usually, there is some left over, but it is all part of the normal budget. Consider it a..." The Light Cruiser smiled a bit, "Consider it a signing bonus, if you must."

Sharing a look, those there simply nodded before Taigei spoke up, "Now, we rented a bus so that everyone can go and begin to shop. We'll also show you some of the shops on the bases where you can buy various things. Most of them have payment plans for JSDF personnel that will allow for you to handle such things..."

Each of the group shared a smile before they headed onto the bus. Granted, Ellen asked for them to stop by where the JS Fubuki was currently docked and she went on board before leaving a few cupcakes on a plate, though she gave some to the Captain and the like who thanked her. Before she left, she also placed one in front of the Yatagarasu who called the ship home. Said bird grabbing the cupcake and flying off with it.

Unseen by any of them, it landed next to the spirit of the ship who had a cupcake in her hand and a bright smile before she bit into it happily, with Utsuho joining her shortly after as they watched the bus leave.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Storm At Malfoy House

Malfoy Manor

28 June, 2014
Spoiler: A Stormy Evening

Thunder rolled and boomed in the distance as an Atlantic storm approached from the Irish Sea. According to the meteorologists, strong rain and heavy weather was expected. The trees bucking and heaving in the faint light of the waning crescent moon proved the truth of that prediction as the ink-black rolling clouds of the storm approached to snuff it out.

Draco hummed thoughtfully to himself, realizing how the house seemed a little more somber without the sounds of his cousin Claire playing the pipe organ, piano, or her keyboard filling the house. With that insight, his thoughts drifted to his memory of watching the shopping trip to London depart. He had briefly considered going along, but then thought better of the idea, especially considering the strong possibility of getting sucked into another exhausting experience such as the earlier one when he had met Ehren.

As the du Chastelers' antique 1928 Mercedes limousine had started down the driveway of Malfoy House, Draco had watched it go from this very window, paying special attention to the blonde head, a literal twin to his own, in the rear window sitting between his girlfriend Cleopatra and the inkblot black of his cousin Claire.

At least this time his family was not having to pay for the planned shopping trip to Harrods. Instead his Aunt Colombe had organized it as a birthday present to his heretofore unknown to her twin sister after the du Chastelers met Nimue the first time.

Draco smirked smugly as his thoughts then wandered to the memory of the poleaxed look on Colombe's aristocratic face when they first entered his father's study. The rapier had been visibly shocked at the presence of Nimue, then turned to glare at her youngest child Ehren who merely raised one eyebrow coolly in response. Ehren's clear refusal to break her sworn word of secrecy that protected his sister, even to her own mother, had warmed his heart as Colombe sighed and shook her head with a 'what can you do' expression before turning back to him, his sister, and his family and then introducing herself and her family.

Claire, of course, was waving shyly at her new cousins behind Colombe's back before asking in the piano's gentle, musical voice who Nimue's favorite composers were. Draco was still not sure who or what 'The Screaming Trees' were, or how a piano could play their musical creations. Meanwhile Colombe had just sighed with an indulgent smile when his sister, Cleopatra, and Claire decamped to the music room shortly after meeting while Ehren gave a small smug smirk at the sight.

A soft hand caressing his shoulder caused Draco to turn to see the platinum-headed and violet-eyed form of SMS Niobe. The Kaiserliche(Imperial) Marine protected cruiser's spirit spoke in her sweet soprano voice and leaned against him gently. "Kiss for your thoughts, Darling?"

Draco smiled at her and gave her a kiss on the lips before responding. "I was just thinking about my cousins and my sister. Specifically how we were sure as we prepared for the meeting that Ehren would tell her mother everything she knew about Nimue since Ehren was clearly on a fact finding scouting mission according to Cleo and you. But when they showed up at our house, Colombe was surprised by Nimue and clearly was blaming Ehren for that surprise."
Spoiler: The Storm Arrives

Thunder rumbled louder as Niobe smiled. "I am not surprised by Ehren's actions, which is why I said nothing when the subject was raised by your father. Better to be safe than sorry, and I could have been in error. As for Ehren... You must understand, Darling, that while she was forged by the," scorn and hatred filled the shipgirl's face and words, "Nazis to serve them, she actually hearkens back to an earlier, cleaner era of Germany in what she strives for. If I did not know differently, I would have thought her the Prussian Junker sister of several of my officers from the era before the Great War."

"Junker?" Draco asked in a curious voice as the first drops of rains pattered the pane.

"Ja, Liebling(Yes, darling)." Niobe responded, slipping briefly into her native German. "It comes from Jung Herr, or 'young lord'. The Junkers were the country farmers and squires who were the backbone of Prussia. One of our poets said it best when it came to them. 'Üb' immer Treu und Redlichkeit / Bis an dein kühles Grab; / Und weiche keinen Fingerbreit / Von Gottes Wegen ab.' Practice always fidelity and honesty until your cool grave and never stray one fingerwidth from the Way of the Lord."

The shipgirl's eyes gleamed and her voice was filled with quiet pride at her heritage. "Duty, honor, fidelity, self-control, doing your utmost at all times, faithful service to God and Kaiser no matter the self-sacrifice's cost to yourself. 'Wer je auf Preußens Fahne schwört, hat nichts mehr, was ihm selbst gehört.' He who swears on Prussia's flag has nothing left for himself."

Draco nodded along at the description as the rain picked up and distant lightning flashed through the window. "That is Ehren. Obviously her mother drilled it into her from birth, but I wonder where else she got it from?"

Niobe sighed deeply before answering the question in a pain-filled bitter voice, "unfortunately, that kind of loyalty can be -- and was -- perverted when it was given to those unworthy of it. Such as Hitler, which seemed to have happened to her father. The more I see her, the more I am assured that her Vati was Prussian, you can see it in her. She is probably right by saying that he was a man of honor, just... misled." She scowled murderously at the memories of what she had seen and experienced. "Not the least of the Third Reich's unforgivable crimes. I am glad that Ehren at least saw what she was forged to become and rejects it utterly."

Draco blinked as a closer crack of lightning split the skies as they walked along the corridor. "What do you mean by that rejection, Niobe?" He asked curiously after the clap of thunder rumbled.

Niobe's voice was sadly compassionate as she spoke. "In Harrods when I realized that she was the spirit of an Ehrendolch, the Honor Dagger only given to SS officers, I confronted her to protect you Liebling. She revealed to me that after awakening she looked up what happened with the Nazis," Tears glittered in Niobe's eyes as she continued, "and saw the truth of their madness, depravity, and evil. She then took an angle grinder to herself to try to deface the insignia of the Nazis and the SS on her hilt, and it nearly killed her in the doing."

Draco's eyes widened in shock and he swallowed, remembering his own struggles with turning away from what he had been becoming to what he was now. "That's... That is something, Niobe."

Niobe wept openly as she responded in a somber pain-filled voice, "In her eyes, I saw not just the shame and anger directed at what she had rejected, but also hatred directed at herself because she was too weak to manage to break the enchantments that her mother had placed on her to protect her before she awakened. As she told me, her eyes failed her and her blood made the grinder too slippery to handle before she could do the job right to redeem her honor even at the cost of her life. Ihre Ehre heisst Treue."

Draco shuddered at the image conjured up by Niobe's words, speaking louder to be heard over the pounding rain and booming thunder outside as the storm's full fury vented itself upon Malfoy Manor. "I wish that I could help her. Family looks after family, and she is family and should not have to suffer alone."

Whatever Niobe was about to say about that was drowned out as a bolt of lightning hit the lightning rod on Malfoy Manor's roof, shaking the house to the foundations with a deafening clap of thunder and knocking out the magical and electrical lights with the backlash of energies. Instantly, the house was plunged into pitch black darkness broken by periodic flashes of lightning.

As Draco pulled his wand out, Niobe grasped his hand desperately in a trembling grip. He heard the nearby sound of a girl crying out as he cast a spell. "Lumos!"

A green-white sphere of light formed over them, illuminating the hallway as Niobe clung to him and swallowed nervously, remembering the crash of bomb explosions in the dark as the Allies hit the Italian port that she was unable to defend with a night air raid. Suddenly Niobe's wireless room crackled with static from the storm's electrical discharges, and then she heard Washington's voice. "Head--ng to ma--- -uit bre--k--r box." She nodded and informed her radioman to send the reply that she would keep Draco safe and repeat the message until Washington acknowledged.

The whimpering cries grew louder as they approached the opened door to the library as the storm lashed the house with its full fury. Peeking inside, they saw Ehren curled up in a miserable ball on a sofa, hugging herself desperately. Her white blouse, dark skirt, and white stockings were faintly visible in the dim magical light as she trembled disturbingly with her eyes wide and unseeing. A discarded book lay on the floor nearby.
Spoiler: What You Are In The Dark

Another nearby crash of thunder rocked the house and Ehren screamed in terror, shaking uncontrollably. Before Draco and Nimue's shocked eyes, her clothing flashed and blurred, reforming into a jet black SS uniform with silver buttons and trim. She began to chant half-incoherent words to herself in German as she shook and shuddered violently with tears of fear in her eyes. "k-kein T-t-t-trommel-l-llfeuer-r-r-r me-e-e-ehr, kei-i-in Trom-m-m-melf-f-f-eur mehr..."(Gunfire like thunder - Verdun trauma)

Niobe's face turned ashen as she dashed to the side of the tormented dagger spirit and hugged her thrashing form."Draco, cast a spell to drown out the sound of the storm!" She snapped out at her boyfriend.

Draco ran to their side and waved his wand over the two girls clinging together. "Muffliato!" The sounds of the booming thunder and pounding rain suddenly faded to a dull incoherent background buzz as if cut by a knife.

Ehren burrowed deeper into Niobe's embrace as the German cruiser held her protectively. Niobe's eyes found Draco's and she nodded at the vacant spot on the sofa. Taking the hint, he sat on the other side of Ehren and placed a soothing hand on her shoulder, feeling her muscles strain and flex under stress.

Gradually Ehren calmed down and took a deep, shuddering breath, before blinking her steel-blue eyes as she returned to herself from whatever waking nightmare that she had been reliving. Her face flushed in shame as she realized that at some point during her flashback that she had loosened the iron control on her darker aspect.

"Don't... please." Ehren choked out hoarsely, shrinking into herself.

Draco leaned closer, cupping her chin forcefully and forcing her to stare into his concerned eyes. "None of that nonsense, Cousin. Family supports family. We are here for you."

Ehren whimpered miserably. "Even when I am like... this?"

Niobe hugged Ehren tighter. "Especially when you are like this, Ehren du Chasteler. What happened to put you in such a state... It was Verdun, ja?"

Ehren blinked in surprise as she stared at Niobe and then spoke slowly, "You know. How do you know?"

Niobe gave a sad smile as tears slid down her pale cheeks. "Some of my medical orderlies were reassigned to support the Army in the Great War in shore-side hospitals. They saw the shell shock that you now suffer from firsthand, Ehren. When we found out from the photographs in the papers that you stood alongside your mother to deal with Verdun's awakening..." She hugged Ehren closer as her voice trailed off and she swallowed nervously.

The protected cruiser then sighed deeply and bitterly as her own voice came out in a pained whisper and her saltwater tears flowed. "I know what it is like to be helpless under fire. I watched the High Seas Fleet and some of my sisters go to war when I was not permitted to go. Frauenlob and Ariadne sailed out and never returned as they died alone and helpless under the Royal Navy's shells at Helgoländer Bucht and then Skagerrakschlacht(Heligoland Bay and then Battle of the Skagerrak). Then later in the Second World War, I served in ports that came under air attack and had to cower and listen to the whistle of the falling bombs, able to do nothing but endure as I waited for the next endless moment to become my last."

Draco surprised himself with his own words as he shook in unquiet memory and tears filled his eyes. "Just over a year ago in Hogwarts, a Basilisk was released in the school. It petrified me, trapping me inside my immobile body. I was unable to act, unable to move, unable to do anything but scream alone inside the silence of my own mind as I could only wait helplessly for the end. The worst part was realizing all the mistakes I made and flaws in me that had led me to that point and how wrong I was to look down on those worthy of my trust. After I was freed, I have tried to make the best of my second chance for life."

Ehren reached over to Draco and pulled him into the group embrace. "Ja. As I endured under fire following Mutti up the slopes of Le Mort Homme. I still cannot remember much of that night, just flashes that I make little coherent sense of and do not want to examine. But the noise of the thunder... I thought that the Mill was pulling me back into its maw to be devoured." She shuddered in fear as horror filled her eyes.

Niobe held Ehren to her breast. "Not if we shall have anything to do about it. Although... What happened to cause your clothing to shift to this SS-Dreck?" She tapped a finger on the silver double sieg runes on Ehren's right collar tab.

Ehren winced at the reminder and spoke in a miserable voice filled with self-hatred. "It is part of my nature forged into me at my creation. I keep that part of myself walled off... generally. In Verdun, I had to release it to get the strength to protect Mutti and the others. Since then... it has become harder to control and cage Grendel. Perhaps I was damaged by what happened there, by what I had to do there."

Niobe shook her head in negation and responded sharply. "Don't think such Quatsch(Nonsense), Ehren! I believe in you, and know that you will triumph in your struggle for mastery over yourself." She looked deep into Ehren's vulnerable eyes and tapped the double sieg runes again. "After all, you were forged to embody victory and honor. No matter the cost to yourself, no matter the difficulty, I know that you shall prevail over the evil inherent in your soul."

Draco joined in, his own voice commanding as he tried to share what he could with his tormented cousin. "We know, Cousin Ehren. We know. And know that your family stands with you every step of the way to support your battle."

Ehren swallowed the lump in her throat, fresh tears trickling from her vulnerable eyes as she looked between shipgirl and wizard.

For long moments, the darkened room was still save for the muffled sounds of the passing storm. Then the lights flickered to life as Washingon reset the house's electrical grid that had been knocked out. Niobe breathed a sigh of relief as Washington radioed her "Go go Turbo-electric propulsion! I'll stay by the breaker box in case the power goes out again."

Ehren nodded sharply and decisively at them before speaking in an emotion-filled choked whisper as fresh strength and determination filled her soul. "And I swear that I shall be there for you both in my turn as family should. Life is struggle, yes, but it is a struggle worth the winning to master one's self. Vielen Dank, Gleichgesinnte(Thank you, like-minded people)."

Niobe explained the meaning of the final word as she pulled handkerchiefs from her hold to hand to Draco and Ehren. "Gleichgesinnte are those of like mind and spirit. Family not just by blood, but also by belief and the brotherhood of shared labors."

Author's Note: I'd like to give a public shout-out and thank you to Magister Aurelius for allowing me to play with the Ship of Fools cast here. Greatly appreciate being allowed to use one of my favorite HatSG characters (Draco).

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

We're On A Mission From (Butterknife) God...

Malfoy Townhouse, London

29 June 2014
Spoiler: A Piano's Preparations

Claire happily hummed "Think" by Aretha Franklin as she got dressed. Her shy smile got a a distinctly smug edge as she remembered one of her favorite movies about musicians. She brushed out her hair and whispered at the reflection in her mirror. "We're getting the band together."

The brunette girl in the mirror in the black blouse and white skirt with musical notation (Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca) gave her a knowing grin back and a wink.
Spoiler: Claire's Outfit


With that she grabbed her new handbag and headed for the door.

Outside, she smiled and gave Mother the requisite daily ration of hugs and kisses on the cheek from her Best Piano Daughter. As was her due, she received a kiss on the forehead back and a gentle hair ruffle. "Ready to go shopping, Claire?"

Claire nodded enthusiastically. "I am! Ehren said Diagon Alley was out of this world! And the music store we are going to afterward used to be a recording studio where the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, and the Who all first recorded some of their hits!"

Nimue smiled at her cousin as she joined the conversation. "I see that you really liked my Herman's Hermits MP3s to add them to that list."

Mother shrugged as Narcissa and Cleopatra appeared. "I shall take your word for that. I confess that Claire is the expert on post World War II music in our house. My heart rests with the seventeenth through nineteenth century classical composers in the main. Although Toku does some amazing things with traditional Japanese compositions for her shakuhachi bamboo flute, and some of the movie composers like John Williams are geniuses."

Nimue and Cleopatra chorused: "John Williams is The Man, Aunt Colombe!"

Mother shook her head as Claire nodded enthusiastically. "Claire certainly agrees with you, girls."
Spoiler: Shopping Trip To Diagon Alley

Claire smiled and joined the other girls in their nice but casual outfits, then pulled on a borrowed wizarding robe from the townhouse's wardrobes over her 'muggle clothing' along with Cleopatra, Nimue, and Mother as Narcissa clapped her hands. "We shall be taking the Floo to Diagon Alley, ladies. To travel, Nimue, Cleopatra, Claire, take one pinch of Floo Powder and throw it into the fireplace. When the flames turn green, speak the name of your destination clearly and distinctly."

All the girls nodded and took a pinch of powder from the elegant vase next to the fireplace. Mother raised an admiring eyebrow at it as she followed suit. "That is a very nice wucai Ming vase there, Narcissa. My compliments to whomever acquired it. I shall go first to show how it is as done, if you want to bring up the rear?"

Narcissa nodded and Mother's fingers on her free hand flicked. Mother's eyes darkened from crystal blue to steel gray, her facial features became clearly Asian, and her hair darkened from its normal gold to a dark blonde. Claire leaned close to the others and stage whispered. "That's Big Sister Ying's face."

Mother nodded. "Better to not show up in public among other wizards as myself until my name is cleared so I will not be arrested on sight." She threw the Floo Powder into the fireplace and the flames turned jade-green. She then spoke in a commanding voice. "Diagon Alley!" as she stepped into the center of the flames.

"Oooo!" Claire squealed in delight as the flames died down. "Me next!" Narcissa nodded and Claire threw her powder into the flames. She stepped into them with only a little hesitation, since she trusted Mother's Fireproofing Charms to keep her safe, especially after the accident in 1884 when a candelabra got tipped over on her with no damage.

"Diagon Alley!" With a whoosh, she rocketed through fire past other fireplaces and hearths. Enthralled, Claire began to hum the theme from Superman as she flew for a wonderful timeless moment. All too soon, Claire popped out of a fireplace in some kind of pub where Mother disguised as Big Sister Ying was there to brush the soot off her robe. Nimue joined her and Mother a moment later, followed by Cleo and then Narcissa.

Claire smiled happily at Nimue, who returned the smile. "That was fun!" Claire said with her eyes twinkling. Nimue and Cleopatra nodded in agreement.

As the entrance to Diagon Alley formed, Claire clung close to Mother, holding her hand tight. The sights, sounds and all the people were a little overwhelming, after all. She was very glad that Mother was here to keep her company in this new place. Although she felt a musical composition to describe what she was seeing and feeling was tickling her heart as it asked to get out once she got back to her keyboard.

Sugarplum's Sweets Shop

Claire's eyes got very wide as she looked at the display of hopping Chocolate Frogs in the window. She turned to look at Mother, who was absently adjusting the hem of Mother's new dress robe that she had just purchased from Twilfitt and Tatting's as they walked down the street. Clothes shopping was fun, especially with Musical Cousins and friends.

She gave Mother her best Needy Piano Eyes as she stopped by the candy shop. "Can we, pleease?" Claire begged in her best Mother's Good Little Piano Daughter tone.

Mother winced as if Claire had stepped on her toes again while learning how to dance. "This is Nimue's present, dear. You have to ask her." Under her breath, she muttered something about "such a handful" and "fucking lethal, watch where you point those, Claire". Mother was being silly again, Claire realized.

Claire turned to Nimue, who nodded enthusiastically in agreement with an ear-to-ear happy smile. Mother shook her head, mouthing "I just knew that would happen!" silently as she did another silly thing. Mother then looked at Aunt Narcissa, who had an amused look on her face, shrugged, and changed direction for the shop door.

Mother gave a theatrical long-suffering sigh ruined by her fond smug smirk as she opened the door for Claire, Nimue, and Cleopatra to charge inside. Narcissa stepped close as Claire examined the selection of Licorice Wands and murmured to Mother, "I remember my first time coming here as a young girl. My parents had the same look on their faces as you did when me and my sisters stormed inside."

Claire blinked and wondered why Mother blushed at that comment. She then shrugged, since it was just a Mother-thing anyway, and decided on the original flavor of Licorice Wands for her purchase. Good Little Piano Daughters were allowed to indulge their sweet tooth after all, and she just knew Best Little Sister Ehren and Little Sisters Misaki and Chi-chan would like those magical chocolate bars.

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

Regent Sounds of Denmark Street

London, England

29 June, 2014
Spoiler: Forming The Band

Colombe gave a slightly pained smile as the girls approached the music store. She knew quite well after decades of hard-earned experience exactly what kind of damage Claire could -- and did! -- do to her bank account in a music store. At least she had made a quiet phone call to Jardine yesterday morning to ensure that she could afford the ensuing damage.

She shook her head in memory of Claire speaking to her about the planned shopping and music trip after she agreed to treat Nimue for the Malfoy daughter's birthday.

Against what one might call her better judgement, she was not able to deny her beloved daughters much if anything. So Claire asking to visit Regent Sounds with those damnable big pleading eyes was setting up a hopeless last stand for her anyway. Especially when Nimue gave her the blond-haired and blue-gray eyed version of the 'But Mother....' look as she joined her partner in crime.

Claire making friends with her cousins was wonderful to see. Expensive, but wonderful.

Colombe breathed a sigh of relief as she entered. Judging from the guitars and drum sets on display for purchase, this was a more modern store than Claire's norm. For a second, hope flickered in her breast that all Claire and Nimue would do involved asking to tour the recording studio area where some bands had recorded hit songs in the 1960s.

Then Colombe saw Claire making a beeline for the display of keyboard synthesizers and her heart hit the bottom of her boots and kept sinking rapidly. The squeals of joy as the excited piano spirit found a seat and began to try out a Minimoog Limited 60th Anniversary Voyager synthesizer and the knowing chuckle of the bearded sales clerk heading that way were a suitable epitaph for the death of that faint hope.

Whatever a 'Moog synthesizer' even was.

Merde!(Shit)

Cleopatra and Nimue, meanwhile, had made their own way to the electric guitar display and had grabbed the attention of another clerk. Colombe's hand found her face in response to the oncoming disaster whose dimensions was becoming more and more apparent.

Bon sang!(Damn it)

Colombe glanced over to see Narcissa with a stunned look on her aristocratic face. Colombe leaned close and spoke in an undertone as the noise of the girls trying out the instruments echoed through the store.

"I think that we can maybe keep them from playing in taverns for fun?"

Narcissa twitched and muttered something under her breath about 'American upbringings' that caused Colombe to wince in sympathy.

"I mean it won't be too bad if they restrict it to family only. Right?" Narcissa gave her the kind of look Colombe normally associated with shipwreck survivors looking for rescue.

Colombe bravely pressed on as a smile lit up Claire's face as she adjusted the electronic musical sounds that she was producing. "I mean this is a phase that they will outgrow? Right?? Like Claire's grunge phase right after she manifested. They will go back to classical music soon enough."

Narcissa gave Colombe a sympathetic look. "I don't know how I will break this to Lucius, dear."

Colombe shrugged expressively as the guitar clerk set aside Cleopatra's pick of a Fender Stratocaster in electric blue as the first purchase. Nimue followed with a Rickenbacker 1993 Plus 12-String Electric Guitar before heading to the Bass Guitar section to select Niobe's instrument. "If all else fails, blame me. I'm used to that when it is not my fault."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"Okaa-San! Okaa-San! Look!"

Turning, Ellen had to smile at the small Midget Submarine. Like the others, she looked a lot like a five year old. And at no other time was that apparent as now when she stood in front of the American with a bright smile wearing a girl's suspenders along with other clothes.

Crouching down, Ellen hummed a little as she closely examined the young shipgirl, "Hmm... how does it feel, He-39? Too tight? Not tight enough?"

Just twisting this way and that at the older woman's direction, He-39 shook her head, "Nope! It feels really good, Okaa-San!"

Bemused, the teacher crossed her arms in thought, "It looks good on you as well." Slowly, Ellen nodded some, "So? Do you want it?"

Rapidly nodding, He-39 grinned, "Uh-Huh! I like it a lot!"

Finger tapping her chin, Ellen took her in before nodding, "Just one test left... transform so that we can see everything fitting right."

Not needing to be told twice, the Midget Submarine let her Yokai features out. Two floppy rabbit ears appeared on her head and Ellen could see a small tuff of fur at her back for her tail. Wiggling her nose, He-39 was about to say something when one of her ears fell over her face and covered her eye. A pout on her face, she blew at her ear, which did nothing. Then, with a huff, she flung her ear back, "Get out of my face!"

Of course, the other ear chose that moment to fall over the other eye, with the first going back and doing the same.

Her lips madly twitching, it took everything for Ellen not to laugh. Especially when the frustrated He-39 pushed her ears out of her face and gave her a glare as she puffed out her face. Not that said glare did anything but make her look all the more cute. Pouting, He-39 looked away, "Don't laugh."

Simply holding her hands up, Ellen smiled, "I'm not laughing, see?" She pointed at her face, "Completely serious."

For a few moments, the bunny eared Submarine looked at her with narrowed eyes and a suspicious gaze. Then, He-39 gave a shrug, "Okay." She bounced a bit in place and went back to smiling, "What do you think, Okaa-San? Does it look good?"

Giving a thumbs up, Ellen smiled, "Looks very pretty on you. And everything seems to fit well, which is good."

Brightly smiling, He-39 gave her a hug, "Thank you, Okaa-San!" And, with that, she rushed off, "I think that they have more like this!"

The teacher shook her head, but before she could get much further, another voice called out, "Okaa-San! Okaa-San! Look!" Turning, she noted that He-45 was in a small dress and blouse. One that, Ellen noted, was not much different from her own if only sized for a child, "Do I look pretty, Okaa-San?"

Coughing in order not to laugh, Ellen gave a small nod, "You look very pretty, He-45. Extremely pretty, though..." Bemused, she glanced at herself, "It does look awfully familiar..."

Sparkles in her eyes, the Otter Subgirl proudly puffed out her chest, "That's because I wanted to look just like Okaa-San! Because then I would be really pretty!"

Ellen just shook her head and patted the Subgirl on the head, "Why thank you. And yes, like I said, you look very pretty indeed."

Right then, another Midget Submarine came up, "Okaa-San! Look I found this pretty dress! And it fits!"

Turning, Ellen gave a hum and a nod as the Neko Subgirl held the skirt of her dress and swished it back and forth, "It is a very pretty dress, He-47. And it looks very good on you as a matter of fact." Walking over, she examined it, "Hmm... a very nice dress."

Behind her, He-45 nodded as she looked at her sister, "Hai! It makes you look like a princess!"

Noticing what the Otter looked like, He-47 gasped, "Oh wow, Nee-San! You look just like Okaa-San!" Tilting her head to the side, she walked over, "Can you show me where you found it? Because I want to look like Okaa-San too!"

Head rapidly nodding, He-45 grabbed her sister's hand and began to drag her off, "Hai! As long as you show me where you got that dress! I want to look like a princess too!"

Giggles escaped from the two girls as they rushed off into the store.

With a sigh, Ellen shook her head though she had a slight blush on her face. Mainly at the thought that the two little shipgirls wanted to dress like her. Granted, that also brought a fond smile of remembrance to her face as well, 'It has been years since that...' The shuffle of feet made her turn and smile as a Kitsune Subgirl came put shyly from behind some clothes, 'When did she...' Putting that aside, Ellen tilted her head as she looked at the clothes in the girl's hands, "Hmm... that is a very cute shirt, He-59. Very, very cute and would look nice on you."

He-59 blinked at that and looked at the shirt, which had a cartoon fox on it. Voice soft, nearly an whisper, she nodded, "I really like it, Okaa-San. Like you said... it is very cute." Then the Kitsune Subgirl looked up at her, "Um... Do you really think that it would make me look cute as well?"

Gently ruffling her hair, the American laughed, "No, it would make you cuter, Cutie-Pie. Because you are pretty cute as it is."

Much to her amusement and happiness, that got her a bright smile and a hug before the Kitsune rushed off to get some more clothes.

Once she was done, Ellen glanced around and straightened her back which got a small crack from it. Sighing, she shook her head some before chuckling, "I'm getting too old for this..."

A snort made her turn to find Yui there holding a can of coffee, "You're not that old, Ellen-San. In fact, your still very young compared to me."

Softly snorting herself, Ellen gave the Jorogumo a look, "And I always will be." Taking the offered can though, she gave a sigh, "Ah, just what I need."

Extremely amused, the Yokai shook her head, "I can just imagine that is what you need." Unable to help herself, she chuckled a little, "I've got two little ones and they're enough of a handful. Thankfully, Hikaru-Kun and Hinata-Chan are giving me a small break, though..."

Understanding the unasked question, Ellen sighed a bit, "Samantha is currently getting her own clothing right now. Trust me, if I did not handle the little ones, than chances are that she would not be able to find anything for herself." Amused lilt to her voice, she continued, "I remember when my own children were that age after all. Shopping for myself was so problematic."

Lightly chuckling, Yui nodded slightly, "Yes, that is true enough. The Kami know that I love my own children, but when it comes time to finding something for myself... more often than not they would be underfoot and distracting me. Hopefully, Samantha-San will be able to find something."

Just shaking her head, the American snickered, "Most likely, though she is finding a few issues due to the family curse, if you will."

Confused, Yui tilted her head until Ellen gestured at her own chest and she gave a nod, "Ah, I see. That sort of problem then?"

With a slight shrug, the other mother nodded, "Pretty much, yes. I wear baggy clothes so it is not that noticeable. Which is why I feel for Samantha as I know the issues that come with that." Looking back at her own chest, Ellen shook her head, "Damn things grew a bit when I became pregnant though, so..."

Grimacing, Yui shook her head some, "Trust me, I know the feeling. Much the same happened to myself when I was pregnant with Hinata-Chan." A smirk then crossed her face, "Though my husband did not mind all too much when it came to such things." Both women shared a giggle at that before she continued, "And better than Noriko-San."

Now curious, Ellen raised an eyebrow, "Oh? How so? Unless..." Considering things, she frowned, "Tanuki females are the, ah, somewhat like the males?"

Voice dry, the Jorogumo gave a nod, "Hai, they're like the males in that manner." She shook her head, "From what I gather, Noriko-San uses sarashi and sports bras." That got Yui a nod from the other woman. After a few moments, the Yokai cleared her throat, "It... may not be my business, but about your son..."

Much to her surprise, Ellen proudly smiled, "That is being taken care of." Glancing around, she leaned towards Yui, "Each of the girls is donating a small amount of money for him to use to buy his things. It helps that Samantha already stated that she does not mind if some of her clothes go to Ho-31 and Ho-32 as they are about the same size she was before... you know." Yui gave an understanding nod to that, "Anyways... at least we don't have to pay for them all, that would be..."

Softly snorting, Yui shook her head, "Troublesome, to say the least. One or two, sure, I think that we could handle, but not all of them..."

Both women continued to chat until a throat being cleared made Ellen turn to find Sora there. The Kitsune seemed embarrassed about something and chewed her lip, "Um, Ellen-Oba-Chan...? I, er... could use a little help for something..."

Needless to say, the blonde woman was confused at why the twenty year old was acting all shy and nervous. Or why she kept glancing around, "Sure, Honey. What do you need help with?"

Rather than say, Sora shifted from one foot to the other before taking a deep breath and letting it out, "W-well, I... need a little help." At the curious look, her face became bright red, "I, um... need some help with... you know." She gestured at herself, in particular her chest, "B-before, I... never really did that and, well..."

Understanding on her face, Ellen just smiled, "Yes, I suppose that could be an issue." Frowning for a moment, she furrowed her eyebrows, "How did you...?"

Completely mortified, Sora looked at her feet, "I went, um... traditional... for the most part. Especially when my... um... you know... got too small and..."

As she covered her face, the older woman frowned, "Traditional..." Eyes widening as she realized, she winced, "Traditional as in..."

Nodding, Sora mumbled a little, "H-hai..."

Instead of saying anything, Ellen looked at Yui who simply smiled and nodded as an unsaid conversation passed between them. The American then placed a hand on Sora's shoulder, though she noted that the twenty year old was taller than she was, "It's fine, Sora." When the Kitsune pulled her hand away from her red face, steam coming from her ears, Ellen continued, "If your mother was here, she would handle it. But she is not, so I will have to show you the ropes, hmm? Now... just follow me and we'll see what we can do for you, okay?"

Relaxing a little, Sora said goodbye to the amused Jorogumo, who hid that fact well, and followed Ellen towards a different section of the store...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Heavy Metal Butterknives

Malfoy Manor

1 July 2014

Nimue looked at the other five girls who had taken over the music room for the last few days. "Ready?"

Cleopatra gave a thumbs-up from her lead guitarist position by the amplifiers that they had used for their rehearsals. "Sounds good to me, Nimue."

Johnston grinned ear to ear through her authentic Cherokee warpaint and swigged a bottle of beer from where it rested next to her drum set. "Locked, cocked, and ready to rock Muffin's world, Nimue."

Nimue grinned and looked at the others. "Thanks again for writing down all our instrumental parts after listening to the songs, Claire."

Claire smiled shyly and blushed. "It is easy for me to pick apart the various instruments in a song, Nimue. So I was happy to help with the ones that you picked out. Adding in keyboards and other instruments is fun for me to determine how to do."

Ehren hugged Claire then looked at the others. "We could not have done this without everyone's work and talents. This is a team effort and we are greater than the sum of our parts after all."

Claire nodded with a shy smile, then adjusted her new T-shirt from her position at the keyboards. "Ready here. Thank you again for picking up our band's T-shirts when you were on that convoy run, Niobe."

The platinum-haired bass guitarist grinned at her friend. "Ehren did the hard work of doing the online ordering of the costumes. I just was the delivery woman, after all."

Ehren blushed and adjusted her sleeveless black leather motorcycle jacket (which HAD sleeves before Johnston got to it) with the custom pattern of a blonde witch casting a spell in front of a gray Iron Cross. over their band's name. "It was my contribution to the band's success. So, it is time to play our set for real, ja?

Nimue nodded. "Showtime, ladies. Radio Washington to collect by brother and our parents to head on in."

Johnston placed two fingers by her ear, rubbing her platinum anchor earrings with aquamarines that Draco had gotten her. "Washington is gathering them. Battle Stations, girls."

Cleopatra turned the lights down and then scooted back to her place in the band. Meanwhile Ehren breathed in and out deeply, controlling her Qi like Miho Fujii and Wei Ying had taught her to layer a weave of illusion over them all.

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

Draco Malfoy followed a smirking Washington to the music room. For the last few days his girlfriends, sister, and cousins had been up to something, and judging from the giggles, knowing glances, and smiles, it was aimed at him. Not to mention them taking over the music room, throwing up privacy and sound muffling charms and locking the doors.

He walked inside, noticing with surprise that his parents were waiting him on a couch, as was Aunt Colombe. Their seats were placed to face the empty space of the room where the pipe organ made up the wall.

As he took his seat, suddenly low female chanting sounded around them.

"From the depths of Hell in silence, cast their spells Explosive Violence..."

The sound of distant air raid sirens sounded, making Colombe visibly jump in her seat as her eyes widened.

"Russian night time flight perfected, Flawless vision, undetected!"

Suddenly with a flash, a set of gray-white Fraktur letters appeared in an arc overhead.

STAHLHEXE

With that, suddenly a full six young women clad in black and gray camouflage pants, silver jewelry, black motorcycle jackets, Stahlhexe T-shirts, and combat boots appeared in front of him.
Spoiler: Stahlhexe's First Cover

The harsh, pounding sounds of one of the Sabaton songs on the CD that Johnston had gotten for his birthday sounded as Ehren locked his eyes with her burning gaze and began to sing in her soaring soprano voice.

"Pushing on and on, their planes are going strong
Air force's number one
Somewhere down below they're looking for the foe
Bomber's on a run
You can't hide, you can't move, just abide
Their attack's been proved
Raiders in the dark
Silent through the night the witches join the fight
Never miss their mark!"

Ehren danced and sang back and forth with a happy smile, belting out the lyrics. Behind her Johnston and Claire headbanged with matching maniacally smug grins as they played drums and keyboard backing for Niobe, Nimue, and Cleopatra's guitar chords.

"Canvas wings of death
Prepare to meet your fate
Night bomber regiment
Five Hundred Eighty-Eight!
Undetected, unexpected
Wings of glory
Tell their story
Aviation, deviation
Undetected
Stealth perfected!"

Draco's lips curled in a gleeful smirk and he raised his hand to throw the horns as they reached the guitar solo portion of the song. Beside him, Washington gave a small thin smirk at the scene.

Colombe was shaking her head with an fond, happy smile at the antics of the younger girls. Narcissa was laughing behind her hand as Lucius' disapproving face was cracking badly as his heel tapped. Flynn in turn was banging his head along with his adopted daughter's chords.

"Beneath the starlight of the heavens
Unlikely heroes in the skies
Witches to attack, witches coming back
As they appear on the horizon
The wind will whisper when the Night Witches come!"

A part of Draco noted idly that Cleopatra, Niobe and Johnston were favoring him with smiles every time they saw him looking at them specifically. The rest of him was caught up in their song and the fact that they had done this in part because Johnston knew that it was one of his favorites.

As the song finished, Ehren curtsied to them, followed by the rest of the band. The German dagger spoke as her eyes found her mother. "Our next song is for Colombe du Chasteler, without whose financial support, Stahlhexe would never have come to life. Mutti, thank you for everything."

With that she nodded, and Nimue began began to play a simple, somber solo guitar piece.
Spoiler: How Many Roads Must A Butterknife Walk Down?

Ehren's song was full of compassion and love as she began to sing with tears in her eyes.

"How many roads must a woman walk down
Before you call her a woman?
How many seas must a white Dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, and how many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they're forever banned?"

Colombe covered her mouth with her hand and gasped as tears trickled slowly from her wide, vulnerable eyes as she stared at her daughters and her family sing for her.

"Yes, and how many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea?
Yes, and how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
Yes, and how many times can a woman turn her head
And pretend that she just doesn't see?"

Claire's own face was full of love and compassion as Colombe began to weep. The piano gave her mother a love-filled smile as the song that she had picked out reached through the walls around Colombe's heart.

"Yes, and how many times must a woman look up
Before she can see the sky?
Yes, and how many ears must one woman have
Before she can hear people cry?
Yes, and how many deaths will it take 'til she knows
That too many people have died?"

Colombe's lips moved and she whispered in the pause before the last chorus. "Je vous remercie du fond du coeur, ma fifille." (Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my girl)

"The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind."

Ehren finished the song, and then nodded to the rest. Nimue smiled at her parents both biological and adopted, and then stepped forward to sing the next song backed by Claire, Niobe, Cleopatra, and Johnston.
Spoiler: Mr. Malfoy, You've Got A Lovely Daughter...

"Mister Malfoy, you've got a lovely daughter...."

A.N. Stahlhexe is 'Steel Witch/Steel Sorceress' in German. Fitting for a band with two female magic-users (Ehren and Nimue), and the other four members (plus Ehren) are literally made out of steel to a large degree, nein?

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord Khuzdul

"Come in, you old goat, and have a coffee. Heard you were awake, but I was expecting you much earlier."

The old man, with his long beard and long snow white hair in a ponytail, shook the waters of the mild rain shower from his coat and gave the grinning Hızır the gimlet eye. "Well, when Khan Ulgen gives you a swift kick to 'get up and make yourself useful', you do not refuse. I thought I'd get here earlier, but well, I touched base with Baba Erenler. They are out in force, and rightfully so. If they weren't, I shudder to think how much of a mess we would have at hand."

Hızır scratched his short beard in thought. "I know, who do you think told them to get their asses moving? Take a seat and have a warm drink. We will have more guests tonight."

The old man walked to the table set up far to the back of the small cafe, while grumbling about untimely rain. Ilyas poked his head from behind the counter and smiled. "Vay, Korkut Ata, long time no see. What would you like?"

"Coffee, and a stiff one. I really need something to wake me up fully. How are you doing? This whole mess is more your bailiwick after all."

Ilyas shrugged, taking down one of the copper coffee pots to start brewing. "Well, not that I really saw it coming, but things worked out better than I hoped. I never thought that old crone up north would actually be helpful. Still, it was a troublesome time for all."

Hızır slipped behind the counter himself to start preparing a new pot of tea for the expected guests. "Well, that front is working out, but we have trouble on my side."

The old shaman sat back and gave a long look at the ancient prophet. "I heard about all the activity and troubles, but what do you mean? You seem to be suggesting something bigger."

"Let the others get here first, then I will explain. We have immediate concerns and later concerns, and we cannot actually hope to have the various Ministries help. They are completely swamped with the low level stuff."
The bell at the door jangled again, as another old man, this time with a short beard, walked in. Hızır smiled. "Lokman, good to have you here." He quirked an eyebrow when he noticed the small snake poking its head from his sleeve. "And who is your friend?"

The old physician smiled as he looked down. "An old friend. This is Ayla, she is an emissary of Shahmaran. Sultan of Snakes apologizes for not being here, but she has some trouble to handle in her area, as you may guess. Korkut? You finally woke up, huh? Didn't think even this would get you out of that river."

Korkut grumbled about impatient divinities as Lokman laughed. As he sat down, Ilyas brought Korkut's coffee.

The door jingled again, with a middle aged man with the leathery, wind-scoured skin of a sailor walking in sheltering a slight, beautiful woman with his jacket from the increasing rain. The black haired woman had dark and ageless eyes, and her smile brightened as she spotted the old shaman among those gathered.

Korkut grinned and inclined his head. "Welcome, tale spinner. Didn't expect to see you today."

Ilyas, meanwhile, laughed as he took away the sailor's jacket. "You old pirate. Still cannot stay away from it all, huh?"

The sailor, helping the woman to a seat, grinned. "You know me. I swear everytime, and everytime I break my oath. I thought I was completely screwed this time when the damned demons almost caught me off Cyprus, but managed to make it to Alexandria a bare hour before them. Lost the boat again in the bombardment, though. Knowing the entire Sea of Levant like the back of my hand helps, but not when the poor thing is caught in harbor with battleships turning the whole thing into a funeral pyre. I had to get back to Beirut overland, can you believe that?"

The entire party laughed at that. Lokman slapped the sailor on his shoulder. "You should consider yourself lucky. Heard what they do to people they catch. I don't think even I can put you together after something like that."

Hızır looked up as the door opened once again. "Ah, seems our last guest is here." Another old man stood at the door, shaking off an umbrella. He had a small, sand colored bird with a distinct crown of black tipped feathers on his shoulder. "So Simurgh decided to send an emissary in the end. Welcome, wise Hod. And welcome, old friend. I am assuming by your appearance that Enlil decided to keep his attack dogs at home for now?"

The wizened old man smiled thinly. "Barely, but yes. But well, we better get a handle on things quick to his satisfaction. You don't want those damn legbreakers unleashed after all."

--

I wrote this after a brainstorming session with a friend who is far more knowledgeable about the old stories than I am. I might even convince him to write some bits himself, he is intrigued with the idea. I decided to let you speculate for a while regarding some of the names. Second part, the actual meeting, will not be long now.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking into his office early in the morning, Goto sighed as he sipped his coffee, Kongou bounding in behind him. Already, both Nagato as well as Ooyodo were there and working. When the two shipgirls looked up, Goto gave them a small nod, "Good morning."

Lightly smiling, Nagato nodded slightly, "And a good morning to you as well, Teitoku."

Once she had said the same thing, the Light Cruiser turned to her monitor and was obviously checking over various things that needed attention. For his part, Goto savoured the early morning calm. Because, he knew, far too often it was often shattered in some manner before the day was out. Sitting down at his desk, he went through the process of booting up his own computer and signing into the local network.

As he scanned through what was there, Goto glanced at Ooyodo, "Anything new that I should know about, Ooyodo? Any surprises before they catch me off guard?"

Frowning, Ooyodo adjusted her glasses and considered things before nodding, "There are a few things. Some are more immediate than others, of course. But nothing that is of the sort that we need to move things aside right at this moment in regards to them."

Goto gave a small hum at that, "I see." Slowly nodding as he started his paperwork, he frowned, "Anything of note then?"

This time, it was Nagato who spoke up, "There is one thing that will come up in a few months, Teitoku." Seeing his raised eyebrow and nod, she continued, "In about seven months, the Philippine Navy's Helicopter Carrier will set sail from the United States. From the new schedule, it will visit Yokosuka about a month or two later so we will need to make some preparations for it."

Leaning back, the Admiral considered what he just heard, "Hmm... isn't it one of the modified America class from memory? The ones that they enlarged the hull to make it a Light Carrier?" Getting a nod, he tapped his fingers on his chair's arm, "I remember reading about that about a year or so ago. I take it that they're undergoing sea trials right now?"

With a glance at her computer screen, Nagato nodded, "Hai, that is correct, Teitoku. The Philippine Navy is having it undergo sea trials with the crews being trained up. They want to make sure that it will be completely ready before they set sail for the Panama Canal and up the West Coast." Finger rubbing her chin, she shook her head, "That includes the air compliment of helicopters and tiltrotors."

Head tilted to the side, Kongou blinked, "Wasn't there some talk of them buying Harrier IIIs for it? Or those F-35s VTOLs?"

Simply waving a hand around, the other Battleship shrugged, "Hai, but they have not made a decision and likely won't until they decide that they want a second one or not. Still... they have been looking forward to it."

Clasping his hands on his desk, Goto gave a sharp nod, "Very well, start making some preparations for when they come and visit. Low level for now, of course until we get closer to the date, but they are allies and will be given all consideration due."

At that, Nagato sharply nodded, "Hai!"

Right then, a thought occurred to the Admiral and he raised an eyebrow before checking a sheet and reading through it, "Ah, here we go... it will be travelling across the Pacific with one of the American's own Helicopter Carriers, the USS Ranger."

Bemused, Nagato chuckled and shook her head a little, "I remember the argument that came out when they argued whether to call them CVLs or CVEs..." She then tilted her head some, "Though from memory, they are working on VTOL Carriers."

Distracted as he made some notes, Goto frowned, "Hai, that is correct. Said ships are bigger than the America Class, but will mostly use the F-35 VTOLs for air power. A few nations are also looking at buying some, like Mexico depending on the cost." That got him some nods, "Hmm... anything else?"

Getting up from her desk, Ooyodo walked over and placed some folders on his, which he opened and began to read through, "It is in regards to the Torishima Survivors."

Lips twitching a bit at the nickname that the group of stranded shipgirls and one boy had gotten, he hummed, "I see. Has there been any real issue regarding them since they came back? From memory, it has nearly been a week."

Frowning, Ooyodo shook her head, "Not in regards to them, no. We are currently keeping them separate from Hoppou and her daughters though. They have seen them at a distance, so it will only work for so long. But Ellen-San is helping there. However... some of the media has been circling around asking for interviews as well as explanations as to why they had not been found before now. Some politicians are also doing much the same thing."

Still going through the folders, Goto read each bit slowly, making sure that he understood. Yet, he did not reply to Ooyodo, who knew that he was deep in thought as the gears in his mind turned. Finally, the Admiral gave a slight nod, "The questions as to how we missed them will be left up to the Chief of Staff as he is already preparing statements now that the preliminary investigation is up. As for interviews? Liason between the survivors and our PR department. I am not going to make any decision right at the moment as they would both need to be consulted."

Making some notes, the Light Cruiser glanced at him, "That could still be problematic. It has already been leaked that they are shipgirls..."

To her slight surprise, Goto smirked, "Which is exactly what we wished as I spoke with the Chief of Staff. Just like how some of the rumours that will be reported on is that one of them might be a Natural Born A-150 as we cannot hide it."

Eyes widening, Kongou stared at him before laughing some, "Brilliant! I suppose that might well light a fire under a certain group to release a couple." Expression falling, she frowned, "And how have that been going?"

Hands clasped in front of him, the Admiral sighed, "Better than expected, worse than hoped. Some of them, it seems, are rather stubborn. But it is moving along which is about all that we know. The wheels of bureaucracy, as you all know, turn slow indeed. I have been told that it might be a few weeks yet unfortunately since we don't want to tip off anyone who does not need to know about matters."

That got him a series of understanding nods as the last thing that anyone wanted was possible persons within the Magical Diet finding out why and... acting without any forethought.

Right then, there was a knock on the door and Goto called out, "Come in." Upon seeing who was there, he raised an eyebrow and smiled a little, "Naka."

Grinning, Naka shot him a salute before walking towards his desk, "I'm here about our talk earlier, Teitoku, and I think that I might have a solution..."

For a few moments, Ooyodo furrowed her eyebrows in thought before remembering, "Ah, yes, about the issue of how to handle the Yokai shipgirls when it came to PR. Especially since..."

Naka gave her a look, "Especially since one is a Jorogumo." When the other Light Cruiser nodded, she turned back to Goto, "Anyways, like I said, I have a solution in regards to the issue of Yokai shipgirls when the Statute falls sometime soon." Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a number of papers, "It's really simple really, we bring back the 'Meet the Shipgirls' series."

Cocking an eyebrow, Nagato hummed, "I remember those... the short specials with interviews and the like, correct? With us and showing scenes from our lives."

With a nod, the orange clad Light Cruiser tapped one of the papers, "They were originally twenty minutes long. An interview, a short bit of history about them, and then showing them about their daily lives or doing things such as PR. All in order to get the public used to them as a whole, to humanize them."

Arms crossed, Kongou frowned a little as she thought back, "I remember that, Dess. But they stopped it because there were so many shipgirls..." Eyes narrowing some, she gave a slight nod, "You want it for the Yokai shipgirls to both get people used to magic and to help get used to Yokai."

Snapping her fingers towards the Fast Battleship, Naka grinned, "Correct! We basically film them and get it all ready to release once the Statute falls. Strike fast, strike hard while the iron is hot to show people that we have Yokai defending us." Seeing Ooyodo open her mouth, she shook her head, "Some of my counterparts in the JASDF are doing so with the Yokai there such as Ai-San, while the JGSDF is going to put together a special regarding the Yokai who fought and sacrificed themselves during Blood Week and beyond, including the First Oni Guard. While they are not officially onboard yet without approval... MEXT has hinted that they are willing to help out as well."

Not saying anything right away, Goto considered what he had just been told, "Example?"

The JMSDF Idol gave a slight nod as she understood what he was not saying, "Hinata-San is the most likely. While spider girls are a... thing... in anime and such, a real life one might not catch the same amount of, shall we say, positive PR. So the special in her case would mostly work by showing her at work cooking and the like for her daily life. Possibly with a recreation of how she met Eric-San and the group leaving the wreck she was in behind. But most of it would be her going about her day and showing that she is no different than anyone else." A slight smirk crossed Naka's face and she crossed her arms, "One of the ideas that I considered is that I found out that her mother sometimes took her fruit picking in some of the wild orchards in Japan. Seeing a Jorogumo using silk and such to pick apples instead of people? And gathering them to be used here? That would go quite some way."

Very slowly, Goto nodded in agreement, "Hai, that does sound like something that could well go a long way..."

For the next hour, they discussed it with a rough plan being hashed out before Naka left. After all, she needed to confirm with the rest of the PR department as well as the Yokai shipgirls who were going to be interviewed. It was still productive though as they had a skeleton framework of how they were going to be doing it.

While they were eating lunch though, Kongou swallowed and looked at Nagato from her place in Goto's lap, "By the way, Nagato?" Getting a hum, she continued, "Is Harry coming tomorrow? To go to Wanko's territory?"

Looking up, Nagato gave a nod, "Hai, Regina is getting her rebuild and so she wants Harry there." She rolled her eyes in fond exasparation before shaking her head, "After that... Regina is going to be performing sea trials until next week when she goes to Hogwarts alongside Shinano for a time in Hogsmeade with Harry."

Eyebrow raised as she chewed some food herself, Ooyodo frowned, "I am surprised that they are allowing Harry-San so much time away from Hogwarts..."

With a small shrug, the member of the Big Seven shook her head, "There's apparently a few rules in the Hogwarts Charter that allow for him to do so as he's Heir to an important family. As turns out, it used to be rather common for students to have trips to Hogsmeade outside the Hogsmeade Weekends as long as it was cleared by the Headmaster and their guardians. There's reasons why when his parents were in school, no one commented about them going on dates in the village."

All of them shook their heads at that and chuckled.

 

[darthcourt10]

Shaithan

Launching Day

Tirpitz lazed in the noon sun. Her little destroyers occupied the beach next to her, snoring cutely.

Suddenly, the I-class brought her radio to life. "Flagship," she began. "It is time," she added.

Tirpitz groaned a bit. "Yes, you're right," she muttered. "Well, we have had enough sun," she added.

They set out to collect their towels, Tirpitz grumbling all the way. Everything had been planned. Her and her DDs were set to visit the Party.San Black Metal festival, and then her sister announced her due date. As in "it will happen on that day" with clear finality. It also meant that Tirpitz had been basically ordered to be there, much to her chagrin. While she could well refuse it if Hartmann ordered it, Bismarck had used Elder Sibling Privileges and it had been very effective.

So now she had to get into town, take a car to Hamburg, fly to Aberdeen and then take a car to her sister's recluse. Thanksfully her little ones had their rebuild, and hadn't that been two rather nerve-wracking weeks for her. Having them go completely silent, only construction sounds echoing out of their hulls and the pure helplessness of having to wait. While the three repair ships who monitored the situation had kept watch around the clock and reassured her that things were going well, it had still been harrowing. Over the months she had gotten used to the little ones being around and their chatter here and there. It was jarring in its absence.

Now she would have to be present for her sister spawning. She didn't look forward to that. Babies were small, fragile, annoyingly loud and looked like Winston Churchill. She didn't understand the appeal at all. Even Wandering Princess had tried to explain motherhood to her and that was a discussion she'd rather forget. Abyssals had some seriously wonky definitions of what constituted cute or endearing. She had seen it with her own girls as well. One of the biggest pretty boy skirt chasers on base had been devastated when her girls had turned him down for being revolting.

Idly Tirpitz wondered if she should send something to cheer up the ensign, then again, he was a flag virgin, pain and suffering was what they were there for. All the responsibility, none of the pay.

Still, it was a good insight into abyssal thought processes, thought processes that were ultimately non-human and things humans cosidered positive tended to revolt abyssals.

The trip to England was ultimately a boring affair. The little ones had gotten second and even third glances at the airport, after all, their abyssal nature was rather easy to spot. Unnaturally white skin, unnaturally white hair and glowing green eyes. The little ones in turn had been quite amazed by the proceedings. They weren't used to travel over land, either. So far their humanoid forms had been mostly confined to the base and trips to the beaches. Several hour drives through the countryside were completely new to them. And Hamburg was simply more impressive than Wilhelmshaven or Rostock. And then there had been the flight itself. The little ones had been very excited, barely able to stay in their seats.

At least the movie had been a fun classic. There was simply something hilarious about watching Airplane! on flight. It was a movie that reminded one why one loved Leslie Nielsen. Unfortunately, the little ones hadn't been too impressed. The implied and shown violence had gotten them to chuckle, but overall, they prefered American slasher horror and gorn. Things like Hostel and Saw were considered hilarious entertainment.

Tirpitz really didn't look forward to eventually having to explain to concerned parties that Abyssals generally had no regard for human life as valuable. Wandering Princess had inquired why keeping the scientists studying the abyssal structures on Heligoland was important, why they weren't expendable. Having to explain the value of human life to someone who didn't get it, for whom humans were basically mini blobs making up real life forms aka shipgirls was quite difficult. She suspected she had managed to explain it to Wandering Princess, but she doubted that it would ever be more than an active consideration. She needed to remind herself that humans had value and were needed. Shipgirls were different. They sought to protect humans. Abyssals sought to kill them, it was almost nature to them. Of course, this wasn't a hard rule, Hoppou and Wanko were prime examples of Abyssals that were quite content with live and let live. It wasn't a compulsion, either. Merely a lack of consideration of human value.

It was with these thoughts that she realized the plane was on the final approach. Her little ones were extremely excited, pointing at the city below them. Tirpitz grinned. "Yes, we're here. Hopefully we don't have to use our secret weapon," she chuckled.

The little ones nodded, their eyes flickering with eldritch fire.

Upon leaving the terminal, Tirpitz saw her fears confirmed. Ark Royal stood there, waiting and grinning.

"You. Why can't you leave Kanzlerchen alone?" Tirpitz groaned.

"I am the huntress and she is the prey. Hunting her is my great joy!" Ark Royal stated pompously.

"Well, great huntress, do you know who we brought with us?" Tirpitz wanted to know.

Ark Royal's cocky smirk froze as existential dread filled her. "No!" she whispered. "You wouldn't have!" she continued. "NO! NOT HER!" she finally wailed.

"Run, my pretty lady!" a new voice demanded. "I am the huntress and you are the prey!"

Ark Royal squeaked and ran away. U-81 in hot pursuit.

Tirpitz grinned. "Well, that should keep her busy for a few days and paranoid for a few more," she said chuckling.

Inferno looked after the two retreating figures. "Am I seeing things or does Ark not really try to escape?" she asked slowly.

"It's not just you. It looks like she wants to be caught. Desire for a knight in shining armor?" Tirpitz mused.

Atrocity shrugged. "Maybe? Or she wants to be caught by the ork and have unspeakable things done to her?" she suggested.

Tirpitz turned to the Ro-class. "..." Her deadpan reaction said everything. "Where did you read that?" she finally wanted to know.

"Danbooru. A funny story about a lewd and completely perverted elf and a celibate ork. Friden and Libe, I think," she gave back.

Tirpitz just pinched her nose. That was the downside of her little ones having humanoid forms. They had found the internet.

Nachtmahr shrugged. "They're gone, though," she remarked idly.

"Let's go see the spawning ship!" Nihilistin asked excitedly. Of all the destroyers, she was the most excited for Bismarck's daughters.

"Pipe down, will you," Harpyie grumbled. Of all the DDs she was the least enthusiastic about the prospect.

Car rental was a surprise, though. Bismarck had a Bulli parked for them. Tirpitz was almost touched. It was adorned with tons of band logos and symbols associated with the black scene. She wasn't touched because she knew her sister would want something from her in return. Why else go through the trouble of giving a Bulli a Metal makeover?

Still, it was a Bulli. With a massively upgraded engine. Tirpitz found she didn't care what Bismarck would want. This was what the doctor prescribed. A roaring Maybach engine that guzzled fuel like there was no tomorrow. And some Death Rock to make the journey shorter.

The journey to Bismarck's mansion was uneventful, even if driving on the wrong side of the road took some getting used to.

A few hours later they reached the mansion, seeing other cars in the driveway already. Tirpitz groaned. "Great, it will be crowded. On the plus side, no reporters are allowed here," she said, not entirely happy.

"Who else will be there?" Atrocity wanted to know.

"Prinz and Lützow most likely, they want to have Lützow as a gouverness. Maybe another Hipper is here as well," Tirpitz listed off. "Then there will be Prince of Wales, because she won't leave Hood alone. We hopefully have distracted Ark Royal long enough. Then again, I promised U-81 one thousand liters of finest Scotch if she keeps Ark Royal busy until at least the twelth," she added. "We'll have some mechanics and engineers, I think two midwives are here, Hartmann sent his second in command, Rear Admiral Tarkan, don't know who the British sent. Some others may well turn up as well," she concluded.

Hood let the group into the manor, showing visible signs of both stress and the fervent desire to strangle several someones.

Looking behind Hood, the source of the aggravation became clear. The mechanics and the midwives were arguing. It also didn't sound like something that had started recently.

"Welcome." Hood groused.

Tirpitz grinned. "Sounds like a chronic argument," she observed.

Hood grumbled. "Oh you have no idea. It all started with the first ultrasounds and spiralled from there. We are a product of both magic and science, which means there are bound to be oddities. Like for example ultrasound showing either growing babies or a dockyard with construction going on," she laid out. "First time that happened, the ObGyn demanded we add a mechanic, because as far as he was concerned, seeing the construction pictures told him exactly nothing. Of course, he wasn't wrong, but this meant the next time mechanics and engineers were there," she continued.

Tirpitz slowly shuddered. "Let me guess, your own engineering crew started weighing in on things," she deduced.

"Yes. Now, it wasn't as bad as your sister's engineers, they had already overhauled the plans for the G3s, now they overhauled them even more. Hydrophones, torpedo tubes, a plane, moving the X turret, there were quite some modifications," Hood laid out.

"And what modifications did your engineers bring in?" Atrocity wanted to know.

Hood chuckled. "Well, sonar, depth charge rails, hedgehogs, improved fire directors," she said slowly before falling back into a scowl. "The downside was that the little ones grew," she added.

"Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that something babies do naturally?" Tirpitz asked.

Hood shook her head. "Well, yes, but what I meant with grow was that by the time the plans were finalised, the girls had received extensive modifications and thus the size of their hulls and the weight of the hulls increased. Also, if I have to never again eat Krupp armour steel, it will be too early," she groused.

Tirpitz shook her head. "Well, I know that no ship leaves the slipway the same way it was initially drawn, but hearing it...," she trailed off. "Say, where is Kanzlerchen anyway?" she wanted to know.

Hood pointed upstairs. "She's buried herself in manuals the last few days. It's a whole library of how-to books, mostly concerned with parenting," she explained.

"A sensible choice," Tirpitz commented.

Hood missed a few beats, before groaning. "Of course. Nothing a German officer can't do, as long as he, or well she, has a manual," she grumbled.

Tirpitz patted the grumpy battlecruiser on the back. "Don't worry, I'll see about dragging Kanzlerchen out of her manuals," she promised.

"You can try," Hood gave back dryly. "I'll show the little ones their room in the meantime," she added, waving for the destroyers to follow her.

The little ones fell into an arrow formation behind Hood. Tirpitz grinned when seeing it. The little ones had come a long way from their first weeks, where they needed Tirpitz to be constantly present. They still preferred to follow their flagship everywhere, but they would also follow other shipgirls they knew and trusted.

Following the sounds of rustling papers, Tirpitz soon found her sister. She sat in a veritable nest made of manuals, dozens of notebooks filled with notes laying around. "You're worse than I was with the little ones," Tirpitz snarked in greeting.

Bismarck grumbled. "Parenting is hard work," she declared. "I have to plan everything out in advance for them to have the best possible childhood and future," she declared stiffly.

Tirpitz chuckled. "Oh, relax, Kanzlerchen," she gave back. "The little ones aren't even born and you're looking into..." she grabbed one of the discarded manuals "how to teach them advanced physics," she said. "You can't plan to send them to university before they've even been born," she declared.

Bismarck deflated somewhat. "Maybe you're right," she admitted very slowly. "Still, there was so much I had no idea about," she added.

Tirpitz shrugged. "There's lots you don't know," she countered with a grin.

Bismarck slowly got up. "Care to repeat that, bathtub admiral?" she asked dangerously low.

Tirpitz grinned. "You shouldn't strain yourself," she gave back with a teasing grin.

"Oh, that won't be straining at all!" Bismarck declared. "Now stand still so I can kick your ass!" she demanded.

Tirpitz started laughing. "Oh?" she asked. "Engines not up to their standards?" she wanted to know.

"Just you wait until you're in the same situation," Bismarck gave back, while closing in on her sister.

Tirpitz shuddered in disgust. "Nah, thanks, pass. Never going to do that to myself," she gave back.

Bismarck had used the time to close up to her sister and with a quick grab, she pulled her into a sleeper hold, rapping her knuckles on her sister's head. "Very obliging, little sister," she mocked.

Tirpitz laughed and slapped her sister on the arm. "Okay, okay, you win, that really wasn't straining," she admitted.

Bismarck released her sister, who was quite red in the face. "Let's see how your wife deals with the little ones," Tirpitz suggested.

A few of her fairies stayed back to attempt to clean up all the manuals.

Hood had shown the little ones the big guest room. Tirpitz was an oddity among shipgirls. Many were happy to sleep in cuddlepiles, especially with dedicated escorts. New Jersey had gotten cockblocked by the Taffies more than once. It didn't help that Professor Crowning found it hilarious, especially when Jersey went into momma mode and arranged the little ones between her and Crowning.

Tirpitz on the other hand had laid down ground rules early on. Same room yes, but everyone got their own bed. Then again, from what she had heard, Tirpitz tended to hog everything in a bed to herself. Pillows, blankets, space. How had Renown put it so aptly? "If you have to share a bed with Tirpitz, take the couch. Take several chairs put together. Take the bathtub. Take the floor. Don't take the bed as it's a trap. She hogs everything and kicks out everyone."

So, this room had been prepared for the Tirpitz-class destroyers. The destroyer leader had a big bed in the middle of the room and the other beds were arranged around it in a pentagon formation.

The destroyers were happy with their beds. Hood couldn't see the appeal. Black, metal frames adorned with silvery spikes, pictures of death and destruction on the blankets, it was all very alien to her. She preferred her bedding with the cute kittens on it. She'd also worry about injuring herself, an unfounded worry, but one that wouldn't go away. She had no idea why Bismarck went out of her way to acquire beds that would make the destroyers return here.

Thinking about it, an idea formed. It was exactly the sort of plan her wife would come up with to get her sister to come visit more often. Make the destroyers do the prodding for her. Underhanded, but so many interactions of the sisters were quite underhanded.

The destroyers beelined towards their beds, dropping their rucksacks on them. "Those beds are awesome," Inferno finally declared, after flopping backwards.

Hood smiled indulgently. "Well, Bismarck thought you'd appreciate such bedding, seems she was right," she gave back.

Atrocity grinned, all spiky teeth showing. "Oh yeah, this is great. We have to get such beds for our home," she declared.

"Make yourself at home, come meet me in the entrance hall and I can show you around some more," Hood suggested, before leaving the little ones to their devices. She needed to see that the dinner would be served and she really hoped that there wouldn't be any schedule slips. The girls were due the day after tomorrow, just enough time to get the last arrivals settled in.

Hanna was a great help in that regard. She would have to learn to tell people to shut up more often, but that was something that came with time.

With a smile she saw one of the few cats that had started living around the property. It was a semi-feral colony. Some of them only came for food and otherwise roamed around the property, others preferred to stay close. There was an old stable that had lots of save shelter for the cats where they tended to hang out. And thanks to Bismarck getting the older German girls to call up a few dozen soldiers of the Marineinfanterie, the colony and the property was also save from predators. And if the amount of fancy fur hats among the fairies was any indication, the local population of American minks had taken a serious hit.

Something Hood was especially happy about was that the various queens always brought their offspring here. But the one she really wished to see wasn't coming this evening, it seemed. An old tom, worn from years of life and fights. Hood was certain he had either been abandoned or run away, as discounting the scarring he looked like a pedigree breed.

With a smile she watched Jervis and Janus put out the food for the cats. Two of the queens had their kittens with them, they'd need to watch for a good moment to either catch them and have them neutered and released back into the colony or maybe someone would click with one or more of the kittens.

With a fond smile she turned from the window and went towards the dining room. Prinz Eugen and Hannah had laid out the evening meal and had just rung the dinner bell. Hood was sure those two were looking forward to when the food wouldn't have to be prepared in those massed quantities.

The table was positively sagging under the weight of food, but with how many people there were right now, it wasn't going to last.

Hood surveyed the offerings from the head of the table. Around two dozen types of sausage, another dozen types of cheeses for those who wanted a simple fare. And then there were the things that always baffled Hood. Hedgehogs formed from ground, spiced meat and with onion slices as their spikes. Not cooked or anything. Just meat and spices.

With a smirk she watched Tirpitz and Bismarck enter, the Tirpitz-class DDs in a pentagon around the sisters. Bismarck was exceptionally smug, so she must have scored a victory over her sister. Hood chuckled softly as to how easily her wife could be read sometimes.

The destroyers made a beeline towards six black chairs, adorned with skulls. Now granted, the sixth chair was bigger and more thronelike. Tirpitz cast her sister a short glare, promising retribution, before sitting down on the big chair, her destroyers sitting right and left of her.

Thankfully, the glare relented considerably when she realized that it was a really comfy chair. Suddenly she started smirking. "Say, Kanzlerchen, you do realize that you invited the Evil Queen to the birth of your children. Placate me or by the magic of frost and ice, I shall curse you!" she declared loudly.

Bismarck smirked back. "Oh, your majesty, I have nothing to placate you. Will you be content with my firstborn daughter?" she asked theatralically. "I trust you to raise her well, as you did with your own daughters," she continued.

Tirpitz was caught flatfooted. This had not gone according to the scenario. Her sister had outmaneuvered her, plain and simple. Leaning back she made a show of contemplating things.

"Your hospitality shall have to suffice," she finally declared full of magnanimity.

"We are humbled by your grace and mercy, your highness," Bismarck gave back, giving her little sister a tiny smirk.

Amidst this all, the other guests had arrived and taken their seats.

Food was reached around the table and conversations started up. Much laughter was had when Janus reported that the last sighting of Ark Royal had been her running straight to Portsmouth with U-81 in pursuit.

Hood turned to her wife with a grin. "Look at your sister," she said slowly.

Bismarck laughed lightly. "Yeah, she'll be a good aunt," she gave back.

Together they watched a smirking Tirpitz telling impressionable destroyers stories that likely shouldn't be mentioned around them.

Later in the evening, Tirpitz sat outside, lazily smoking a cigarette. With a smirk she saw Eugen marching over the property. The tom was getting on in years, but she suspected that the same magic that affected shipgirls affected Eugen as well. And if not, well, he was a tom that hadn't been neutered for several years, Tirpitz was sure that the line of Franz continued in Wilhelmshaven and Rostock.

Something did raise her interest, there was another tom coming. And while Eugen himself was a relatively lean cat, this one was big. Huge by cat standards. A large orange tom.

Tirpitz watched the two toms silently sizing the other up before the bigger one moved towards where she sat. Eugen had sat down to watch it.

Tirpitz looked at the old tom. He wore the scars of many fights. The tom looked back at her with the inscrutable stare only cats could truly master.

After a while, he seemed to have come to a conclusion and jumped on the bench. Close enough to say "You may stay here," but also far enough to say "Don't touch me," which suited Tirpitz just fine.

Eugen came over as well. Tirpitz put out her cigarette and looked at the smaller tom. "How have you been?" she asked, scratching the tom behind his ears.

A content purr was the only answer, but it seemed like Eugen had things well enough in hand. "Well, I'm going inside, you coming?" she asked the tom who did get up with her. The orange tom got up as well and made his way over to the stable.

The next day saw the last preparations. Baby clothing and other utensils were arranged in the most accessible way, the midwives talked to the nervous battleship and battlecruiser.

It was something new for them as well, after all. Usually, they could give a rough date, but that was that, a rough estimation. It didn't have to come true, babies usually came on their own schedule.

With shipgirl babies there were differences. Partially the need to include mechanics and engineers because neither the midwives nor the ObGyn could make heads or tails of the progress reports delivered by the engineering fairies of the shipgirl mothers, nor could they make sense of ultrasound pictures that showed a construction dock. The biggest difference however was that the babies had a keel laying day and from that point onwards the launching day was calculated. And, as far as the engineering fairies said, the launching day was absolute.

Tirpitz saw the activities and the last-minute preparations and could only shake her head. Some of it seemed like make work to her, designed to dispel the worries of the mothers.

The battleship was grateful when the evening came. All she had heard about what babies were like suggested to her that the following days would see endless running by pretty much everyone in the house.

She followed Janus and Jervis outside as the two destroyers set out the food for the cat colony. There were roughly twenty cats, excluding the nine kittens.

One of the kittens came over to her, looking her over and obviously more interested in the strange big cat than in food.

Tirpitz crouched down and held out her hand for the kitten to sniff. "Curious little one, aren't you?" she asked slowly.

The kitten sniffed her hand for a bit before turning away and joining its siblings.

Janus pouted a bit when seeing it. "Unlucky," she said slowly.

Tirpitz shrugged. "It's fine," she reassured the destroyer. "Not every cat will like you, after all," she continued.

Janus nodded. "Still, we're currently looking for homes for them," she explained. "Giving a cat a home is only right," she added.

Tirpitz smirked. "Don't they have a home here. They have the stable, they have other cats, they get fed and thanks to the perimeter guards, they're also safe from predators," she laid out. "Doesn't that sound like a home?" she wanted to know.

Jervis nodded. "Sure, but we want each of them to have their own, dedicated caretaker. They need their personal personnel," she said with a smirk.

Tirpitz laughed. "Heh, keep it up and you might find people for them," she said before getting up. "Anyway, I have to look after the little ones," she excused herself.

The next morning the anticipation was palpable. They had the date, now it was waiting.

Tirpitz watched as her little ones helped put out food for the cats. Everyone was on edge. The representatives had retreated into the library, while they would have their parts to play, currently, they were not needed.

Prince of Wales was making a good attempt to pace a hole into the entrance hall rug, Prinz was in the kitchen and cooking and most others were killing time in their own ways. Like her littles ones playing with the cats.

Aboard Hood's bridge, a message came up from engineering. The bosun turned to the captain and saluted. "Sir, it's time," he reported stiffly.

The captain nodded. "So it would seem," he agreed. "You may tell the men that it is now time to panic and to run around like headless chicken," he ordered.

The bosun saluted. "Yes, sir, I shall see to it," he agreed.

"See that you do," the captain dismissed him. "We'll have an orderly panic attack, we're not Bedlam after all," he finished. Then he turned to an ensign. "Go to the radio room and alert Bismarck of our condition," he ordered.

The ensign saluted and ran off.

The captain smiled before taking off his cap. "Men, it is time to panic!" he told the bridge crew, before starting to pace like a caged tiger.

Bismarck, who was currently reading manuals again, perked up. The message from Hood had arrived and she had to make her way to her wife.

On Bismarck's bridge, the status was controlled chaos. "Captain, we need orders how to proceed," the bosun reported.

The captain turned to the bosun with a surprised look. "Orders?" he wanted to know.

"Yes, captain. We have nothing for this situation in our manuals," he gave back.

The captain boggled. "Well, then find those manuals and bring them to me, they have to be somewhere," he ordered.

"Yes, captain, we'll find them," the bosun declared.

Soon, the ship was a hive of activity as the manuals were searched for.

After a few minutes, someone found one in engineering and delivered it to the bridge.

The captain opened it and began reading. "Well, that doesn't seem to complicated," he mused. "It says here that we have to pace nervously, smoke lots of cigarettes, look at the clock ever so often and wait for further developments. Very well, bosun, tell the men what to do," the captain ordered, before another runner came up from engineering.

"New development, captain. Our ship has gone into labour as well," he reported.

The captain leafed through the manual frantically. "Nothing in here. We need the right manual for that situation, so go an find it!" he ordered before starting to pace. No one had told him how to do this, he hadn't signed up for this. But, in this situation all would be well, once the manual was there. Everything would turn out well as long as you had your manual, after all.

Outside, Tirpitz grimaced. She had gotten the broadcasts from both Hood and Bismarck. This meant that the launching had finally commenced. She shuddered some. The descriptions she had overheard had been ample evidence for her to decide that she would not subject herself to that.

Janus and Jervis were busy petting the old tom, who evidently really enjoyed it.

Inside, Hood and Bismarck were busy cursing their life choices. The midwives helped where they could, a sea of calm in the rather hectic environment.

Several hours later, Hood had exhaustively cursed whoever came up with the H-class designs.

"You're doing well, dear," the midwive reassured her. "I can see the head already," she added.

Hood gave a grunt of acknowledgement. She had to concentrate and really didn't want to lose the rhythm she had fallen into now.

Bismarck brought her radio to life. She would need her sister now. The launching of her first daughter was not far out, either and she wanted Tirpitz to be present.

Tirpitz heaved a sigh when she got the message. "Yo, Kanzlerchen has called me, you should be able to come in there with me," she told her little ones.

Reluctantly the destroyers stopped playing with the cats and made their way over to the flagship. Those furry balls of claws, teeth and murder were exactly after their black hearts. But they had come here to see the spawning of their flagship's nieces, so they would follow. The cats would still be there later on, after all.

Entering the entrance hall, Prince of Wales was still nervously pacing. "You're wearing down the carpet," Tirpitz commented idly.

Prince of Wales shot her a glare. "It's your sister in there as well," she gave back hotly.

Tirpitz nodded. "Pacing won't change anything," she countered.

Prince stopped. "Well, yes," she agreed. "It just feels natural," she admitted.

Tirpitz shrugged. "Maybe," she gave back. "Anyway, my sister called, have to see what she wants," she added.

Prince fell into the formation next the bigger battleship. "One thing does interest me. How did you manage to dodge becoming the flagship?" she wanted to know.

Tirpitz laughed. "That wasn't hard, really," she gave back. "I simply told Hartmann that I wouldn't do that and that was it," she laid out.

Prince boggled. "Just like that?" she asked.

Tirpitz shrugged. "Sure. You see, unlike most other nations, Germany doesn't have the big continuous ship for its navy. Even the first Gorch Fock is an interwar ship. You have Victory, the Americans have Constitution, the Japanese have Mikasa, Russia has Aurora. Germany's closest thing would be SM-U 1 and she's way too busy to momboat all her U-Boats. Especially now that magic is a factor. All those planned boats? Plus whatever the magical side may have built? We may be looking at well over five thousand boats," Tirpitz laid out.

Before they could enter the room where the two mothers were giving birth, a loud scream was heard.

Prince grinned. "Looks like the first one is out," she said excitedly, pushing the door open.

Prinz Eugen helped one of the present midwives bathe the newborn.

Tirpitz stood in the doorway, observing the ongoing chaos. While the first of it looked like Hood's daughters was getting wrapped in blankets, the first of Bismarck's daughters announced her presence with a scream.

Prinz came over, carrying the newborn and handing it to Prince. "Here, could you hold her until her twin is out? Hood is in no state right now," she asked.

Prince nodded and gently took the offered infant. Holding her close, she went to one of the armchairs next to the window and sat down gingerly.

A third scream announced that things were close to being over. Hood had fallen back into the cushions, spent. Her second daughter had been brought into the world and the difficult part was finally over.

Prinz carefully took the infant and washed her as well.

Next to Prince of Wales, Invincible sat and held Bismarck's first daughter. The latest addition to the battlecruiser family.

When the fourth scream finally sounded, Bismarck too could finally rest. Invincible and one of the midwives carefully placed the newborns in their mother's arms.

Hood had the same happen to her and Invincible took memorial photos.

"What are their names?" one of the midwives asked, holding the forms needed for newborns. They had gotten the measurements already, now they needed the names.

One of Hood's engineers climbed out and began talking.

The midwife looked to Prinz next to her. "What is he saying?" she wanted to know.

Prinz looked at the midwive in surprise, before slapping her forehead. "Right, no long-term exposure to shipgirls," she said. "Anyway, the firstborn is the battleship Götz von Berlichingen," she translated.

The midwife looked at the shipgirl, before sighing. "Could you write that?" she wanted to know.

Prinz smiled reassuringly at the Scottish midwife. "Of course," she agreed.

The midwife gratefully handed over the paperwork.

The fairy continued reporting. "And the second one is called Ulrich von Hutten," Prinz announced.

"What's the story behind these names?" the midwife wanted to know.

Prinz grinned. "Those were the names of knights that fought on the side of the peasant revolt in the direct wake of the reformation," she explained.

The midwife chuckled. "Well, that's some names," she said slowly.

Prinz nodded, while one of Bismarck's fairies came out to give a report. "So, the firstborn is called Indefatigable and her sister is called Indomitable," she translated while noting down the names. Pennant numbers would have to be assigned by the admirals at a later point.

In the meantime, the last act of giving birth had finished, the placentas were out. The midwives carefully collected the sheets and moved them into prepared hazmat sacks, as the blood on them also contained bunker oil.

The various godmothers held the babies as Tirpitz helped Hood and her sister into the wheelchairs that would move them to their room where they would rest for now.

Jervis and Janus carefully pushed Hood while Tirpitz pushed Bismarck through the hallway.

The godmothers carrying the infants followed behind, followed by the abyssal destroyers.

Tirpitz carefully moved the two mothers into the bed while the godmothers placed the babies into the big crib.

Suddenly, Janus pointed to the door. "Look who's here!" she said excitedly.

The old tom stood in the doorway and slowly made his way in. He made his way over to the crib and jumped up and in. Looking over the babies he carefully rubbed his head on each of them, declaring them his.

It seemed that this had been what the others had waited for, the queens with their own young came in as well.

Prinz hastily went and fetched a few baskets and blankets, which she then put down for the queens.

"Looks like the old tom brought the ship's cats over," Bismarck joked as Eugen came in himself and sat down, watching things.

The old tom went and laid down in one of the baskets while Eugen jumped on the bed and laid down for a cat nap.

And this was what would be the order of the day. Rest and recuperation. Tomorrow, enough things would happen. A press release to announce the births, the representatives of the German and British admirality officially recognizing their names and organizing the ceremony for their official naming.

The babies were sleeping soundly. It would be the last night of full sleep for a long time to come after all.

One by one, people filtered out of the room, until only Tirpitz and her destroyers remained.

"Was it worth it?" the battleship finally asked.

Bismarck looked over to where her daughters slept. "Yes," she simply gave back. "I am happy," she added.

Looking at her sister, she grinned. "Some would expect me to tease you how you will understand when you have children yourself," she said slowly. "But I can spare us both the indignity. We both know you don't want children on a fundamental level. I wanted children, you don't. And that's perfectly fine," she laid out.

Tirpitz shrugged. "Yeah, it's okay that you have your happiness," she said. Looking over to where the various cats and kittens were resting. "Seems like your girls will have their dedicated cats as well," she remarked.

Bismarck grinned. "Freyja does protect," she said while holding one of the charms of Freyja the vikings had given to her when they had learned of her pregancy.

Tirpitz grinned. "Well, I'll see what Prinz has cooked up, you want anything?" she wanted to know.

Bismarck and Hood shook their heads. "No, thanks," Bismarck finally said. "We're going to sleep, as that will be a precious and scarce commodity soon enough," she laid out.

Tirpitz shrugged. "Oh well, good night then," she said, before closing the blinds and switching off the lights.

Followed by her destroyers, she made her way to the dining room. Tomorrow would be hectic in its own way. Having a full belly would definitely help with coping with that.

x-x-x

Well, that's that. About 1 year late story-wise, but it was a fight to hammer this into form. Oh well, better late than never.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N.-I realized that I should probably explain how Norimune got to take part in Verdun. So without further ado, I bring you a tale of two legends of the Spanish Main.

A calloused hand rubbed her thumb across a torn out notebook page with two phone numbers written in a precise hand by a quill. The thumb paused as it touched the 011-32 prefix over the first one. A deep sigh and a shake of a head was the response from the thumb's owner. Lips curved and muttered. "Fuckit. Delilah's right, damn her." With that it touched the 415 area code number as the other hand grabbed her replacement iPhone from the charger in her bedroom.

A Tale of Three Tails (I)

SS Horizon Bringer

Pier 18 San Fransisco

15 April 2014
Spoiler: California Fox

The quarter moon and the neon lights of the Bay City shone through the porthole on a tangle of feminine arms, legs, and fuzzy tails sharing a bunk. The taller of the two naked young women was snoring loudly while the shorter was mumbling something slurred and obscene in her sleep.

The ringing of a telephone faintly intruded into their cabin.

The taller woman's dog tail flicked against the bare hip of her shorter companion.

As the ringing continued, a fox ear on the head of the shorter woman perked up and swiveled.

Gummy honey-brown eyes blinked open and focused on the ringing iPhone on the charger on her desk.

"ugh, me poor head..." Jacklyn Fox moaned as she began to untangle herself from the embrace of her lover. A whispered spell caused the phone to float across the cabin to her waiting hand. A second spell and a gentle pass across the face of Aomi Sato caused her inugami bed companion to sink into a deeper sleep.

"Wat is it?" Jackie said quietly as she held the phone to her ear.

Silence greeted her for long moments, then a vaguely-familiar voice replied. "Jacklyn, um, hello."

Muramasa-no-Norimune's voice was almost tentative.

Jackie blinked her eyes, holding the phone away from her head so she could see the Japanese number. "Dad, this is a surprise. How have you been?" She spoke in a gentle voice to her father with no trace of her normal lower-class pirate accent.

A hollow chuckle answered her. "Trying to come to terms that I just became a grandmother. Fuck. Talk about a boot to the balls."

Jackie blinked and swung out of the bunk. "Which one was it? Ying, Ehren, or Claire?"

Shocked silence answered her question then Norimune responded slowly. "Ying. There's more?!"

Jackie grinned madly but schooled her voice to calm. "Yes, Colombe has three. If it helps, she herself did not know about Ying until a week or so ago. Claire and Ehren live with her at Moulbaix."

With that she headed to the head to empty the bladder to make room for more rum. As she stepped out of it after doing her business, Norimune finally responded. "No shit!?"

"No shit, Dad. Ying even arrested her father on the first meeting." Jackie grinned and waited for the outburst.

It didn't come. "Yes, Delilah and Ying explained that." Jackie pouted briefly at the missed point scoring, then opened a cabinet and frowned at all the empty space outnumbering the few bottles of Pusser's Rum on hand.

"Aye, Del's like that. Little sneaky goody two shoes that she can be." Jackie's eyes gleamed as an idea hit her "Listen, Dad, you planning anything for the next week or two?" Time to see if the fish are biting.

"Nooo...." Norimune's voice was a bit wary. "What are you thinking about Jacklyn?" Aha, a nibble!

Jackie leaned back against the side of the bunk and began to gently caress the sleeping Aomi with her free hand as her voice acquired a roguish lilt. "Oh, I am a dram low on me favorite rum. So was goin' to sail up the coast to lay in a fresh supply o' the good stuff. Was thinkin' that ye could join me on me expedition to the Antilles." Reel in the line nice and slow-like to keep the fish from breaking it.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. "Why the fuck not?" Norimune finally said. "How do I link up with you?"

Jackie grinned happily. Got you, Dad! "I'll mail a Portkey to Aunt Chisuheri's address in Tokyo marked for you. The password for activation is 'Sinbad'. Just hold it and bring a week or so's worth of clothes and a swimsuit."

Another pause. "I can do that. I should see it in a day or two?"

Jackie smirked. "Yeah, I'll shell for express delivery rates. Anything else you have for me, Dad, before I start laying in provisions for my booze run?"

Across the Pacific Norimune shook her head and breathed a sigh of released tension. "Not that I can think of."

"Give me a call when you get it, Ok?" Jackie said, as Aomi began to stir under the caresses.

"Will do, Jacklyn. Sayonara." Norimune agreed before hanging up.

Aomi blinked as Jackie tossed the phone toward the desk and used a flick of her wrist to cast a spell to guide it back to the charger. "Who was that, Jackie-chan?"

Jackie grinned smugly and kissed the Inugami girl's floppy ear before whispering into it. "It's a surprise. In the mood for a sea trip to get some surf and sun?"

Aomi blushed and squealed. "Oooooo! You rogue! No I don't mind a sea cruise; I like the ocean a lot. But I don't have a swimsuit."

Jackie's hand moved and squeezed, producing another squeal. "I'll get you one tomorrow when we provision up the Horizon Bringer for the trip. Besides, it would be a damn shame to have to hide these beauties in a bikini top." Another squeeze punctuated the statement.

Aomi giggled. "Hush you! If you are going to do that, get into the bunk and keep me company!"

Jackie eagerly complied with the unstated invitation.

Meanwhile across the Pacific, Norimune looked at her iPhone as if it had the answer to a particularly challenging question. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

Remembering the sunny smile, honey-gold eyes, and brown hair of a fox eared and tailed young woman standing under a torii gate in Kamakura.

Remembering her middle daughter, Jacklyn Fox, as they met for the first time.

Her lips opened and she shook her head in disbelief as tears trickled from her closed eyes. A bare whisper sounded in the bedroom that she normally crashed in at Chisuheri's apartment. "She called me Dad. No hatred, no wariness, just acceptance. Am I really Dad to her?"

Unseen by her in her thoughts and questions, the moonlight sparkled on the menuki on her hilt. The dove symbols of Hachiman, the Protector of Warriors, shone silver in the moonlight and shimmered with promise of a path to find the answers to her questions and fears.

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord Khuzdul

Hızır finally brought the tray with tea glasses and the teapot, and took his seat at the head of the table. "Well, everyone's here, so we can begin. Let's start from furthest afield and make our way back here. Hod, what are the news from your mistress?"

The bird fluttered her wings briefly to land on the table. "So far so good. Persia is, if anything, holding. There is some Daeva activity, but if they are preparing something big, there is not much indication. Alexander's Wall is a going concern – we have some more cracks, but last I heard, it is holding. One thing of note – I heard some rumors about Yeseviyye. I think Ahmed Yesevi finally decided to get out of the hole he stuck himself in. Which means Horasan Erenleri will be becoming fully active once again. On the other hand, they tend to be a bit of a bull in a china shop. So the political landscape in the region is set to become interesting in near future."

Hızır facepalmed. "Hearing that Ahmed is back is a relief, I'll admit, but well, Sayyid Ata Sheiks were always as political as they are mystical, and warrior monks are going to warrior monk, what can you expect? At least it will mean there will be fewer ex-KGB strongmen sitting pretty in the area. Any news of Afghanistan?"

Hod hopped forward at that, fastidiously avoiding the edge of the table with the snake. "Mistress is keeping an eye on the area. Thankfully, Taliban managed to piss off both the Djinn in the region, and powers further East, so they are getting comprehensibly trounced. There is one thing of note, though. There are lights at Alamut again."

Hızır rubbed his forehead. "But of course, no mess would be complete without him. Well, at least it is possible to reason with him, unlike his… less worthy successors. Utnapishtim, anything interesting with your area?"

The ancient Sumerian stroked his beard. "The gates of Kur remain closed. Ereshkigal is definitely not letting those two out. However, she is reporting a lot of rumbling in the underworld. Lamashtu might be stirring, and Enlil is worried about that. You know how much of a pain she can be. Accords muzzle a lot of the gods, but Lamashtu is the kind to not care about that sort of thing, and nobody wants to get Pazuzu to drag her back down, especially since he is a whole other can of worms by himself. Still, that front can be considered contained, for now. If Lamashtu gets into her head the notion that it is time for her to go out again, that can change, but we can at least trust the rest to sit on her as long as possible."

Hızır shrugged. "Well, that's as much as we can hope for on that front. Sinbad? Shehrazade? Anything from your areas?"

Sinbad glanced at Shehrazade, and the tale-teller shook her head. "The usual rumblings. There are rumors of some activity in the sands of Rub' al Khali, but I don't think the City of Pillars is a major concern at this point. The efreet in the region, as far as we can tell, are alert and keeping their vigil. If anything changes, we can expect the Sultans to move first. But the seal there seems to be holding. Other major seals in the region are safe, so far so good. However, things can change rapidly, and that worries me. The radicals in the area seem to be trading with Shaitan Imams. If there is a push to crack a seal from both sides of the divide, or if they take over a minor seal and crack it, we can have a mess on our hands rather quickly. I am especially worried about a few areas in your region, Korkut. There are at least two cults in the Eastern mountains that we think are infiltrated, and they are sniffing too close to Tendurek for our comfort."

Lokman leaned forward at that. "Well, when I swung by Adana to pick up Ayla here, Shahmaran mentioned that she would be moving in that direction. I'd expect the Threes, Sevens and Forties to pay close attention in that region as well. Shaitan Imams were surprisingly active during the last couple of decades, and I think we shouldn't be surprised that they are wielding the radicals like clubs nowadays."

Hızır shook his head. "'Bana derler ki şeyatin / Senin yolun azdırır / Ben bu zerrak softalardan / Başka şeytan bilmezem'*. Well, Alaattin always had a way with words, in that regard. We lucked out with Kemal, but they got out of their holes quickly after him. So, Korkut, you are saying that Babaerenler are active again? That's a bit of a good news at least."

Korkut Ata straightened. "Well, they are. But they have the same problem as the Ministries. Too many problems, too few people. And the problems are not limited to just the usual Shayatin or Ghouls, either. We have a big issue coming up, and I think we will need to do something drastic at that. Halifax and Verdun did jar a few things loose over here as well. One of those things might prove to be a bit of a major mess. What do you remember of Sarıkamış?"

Hızır sat back and stroked his beard. "Big battle in 1914, Russians versus Ottomans, Enver made a big mess, things turned horrible? Please don't tell me…"

Korkut sighed. "Yes. Over 90 thousand restless dead, and the close call at Verdun poked a stick into the hornet's nest. The whole Allahuekber Mountains are buzzing with it. Not to mention what it led to, thanks to that idiot, Enver. The system of wards and protections in the area has always been quite piecemeal and hodgepodge, and I cannot say they were maintained adequately. If you don't want a whole army of dead to start walking towards Russia, we really need to do something."

"Well, any suggestions?"

Sinbad leaned over the table. "Well, aren't they soldiers? Maybe if someone they would consider an authority was to order them to stand down?"

Hızır bowed his head thoughtfully. "Might work, but who would that be? I don't think we have any of the generals involved in the operation at hand."

Sinbad shrugged. "How about the shipgirls? Maybe Yavuz."

Lokman shook his head. "Wouldn't work. She was quite new when those people died. We would need someone with a legend that was already prominent at that time."

Korkut smirked. "Well, I did do some groundwork in that regard. But I would say we need to reactivate one organization that would be of immense help there."

Hızır laughed. "Bacıyan-ı Rûm? Wouldn't that light a fire under the asses of the current crop of what passes for leaders in this country?"

Korkut's smirk grew to a grin. "Well, if the seeds I have sown bear fruit, that might not be a concern for much longer. You know as well as I do that Yavuz's patience had been fraying fast. I might have pulled some strings to give her a few… opportunities in that regard." He grew serious. "However, we do have only one option. Hamidiye. She was already a legend with what she did during the Balkan Wars. If they would listen to anybody, they would listen to her. Which is fortunate, because considering her obsolete status with regards to the current war, I am thinking she would be a very good candidate to actually lead the Baciyan. You said we would need a champion. Well, there you have it. If you can convince her. I am not touching that with a barge pole."

Hızır just lowered his head onto the table in despair.

---

* "They tell me that Shayatin would lead me astray. I know of no shaithan, other than these duplicitious fanatics." verse from 14th century Turkish Sufi dervish and poet, Kaygusuz Abdal, also named Alaattin Gaybi.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Storyteller's Tale

Tangier, Morocco

March 29th, 1905
Spoiler: An Arabian Tale

To the locals, it was known as the Sooq of Tangier. For centuries, ever since there had been a Tangier when the Phoenecians first came ashore on the south side of the Pillars of Hercules, it had been. Here, wares traveled in the holds of the ships of the sea crossing the Middle Ocean and the Atlantic and on the back of the ships of the desert to be examined, bought, sold, bartered for, stolen, lost, and found.

Knowledge came here too, for was that not a ware of as much value as gold, ivory, salt, slaves, silver, or gems?

No matter if the traveler called it Sooq, Marketplace, Bazaar, Mercatus, Agora, or Mercado, it was the beating heart of Tangier.

In the shade of the crumbling stone arch leading to the Sooq from the bustling docks, an old man sat on a tattered and dusty carpet. His face was wrinkled and lined by time and worry, and his clothes were dusty and worn. A plain chipped and battered wooden begging bowl sat in front of him next to his cane.

Something flickered deep inside his dark eyes at the flash of gold hair as a pair of travelers from distant lands climbed the street to the Sooq from where their ship had docked with the morning tide.

The young man leading the pair heading to the Marktplatz was bull-necked and bull-chested in a white cotton suit that strained at containing his strength and vitality. A florid face with a fashionably waxed golden mustache and goatee was crowned with a mane of messy golden hair. The overall impression was that of a lion, ruler of all he surveyed with the unconscious arrogance of a man who viewed the world as a challenge to be overcome in the pursuit of his interests.

Beside him, his companion en-route to the Marché was equally gold haired and blue eyed. But the similarities ended there between the cousins. Whipcord lean and lithe in her light shirt and khaki pants, she seemed less to move but to glide with unconscious precise grace. Her gaze flickered constantly in her weathered face from crystal-blue eyes that had seen much of good and evil. The faint crow's feet around them showed that she had smiled much, just as the faint wrinkles between her brows spoke of frowns. One hand absently caressed the golden hilt of a long rapier as she surveyed the crowd like a tigress would look upon unfamiliar sounds and noises.

She was older than he remembered her from the past. She was no longer the young blade full of fire chasing a thief who had 'stolen his purse' as she took the first step on the path that would lead to a failed assassination plot against the Caliph of Damascus and a battle in the ruins of Palmyra before a door that must remain closed until the end of days. Older and more powerful, yes, and marked with the blazing heraldry of a fellow warrior of the Light for those such as he with eyes to see. New-minted, her status was and it as of yet sat uneasily on her shoulders.

Behind his short white beard, the old man smiled with a flash of white teeth. The board was set and it was time to begin his gambit. Time to see if his need for heroes would be answered.

With that his forefinger crooked in his lap. A white film covered his eyes in apparent blindness.

The man suddenly grabbed for his purse as he felt a tug on it, turning to try to locate the apparent pickpocket. The woman with him tensed in turn, her hand gripping the hilt of her rapier.

"{Alms, alms for a poor hajji!}"

The call reached the ears of Karl Potter as he relaxed. His eyes saw the elderly man dressed in dusty and worn clothing that he had almost passed and he glanced at his guide. "That poor fellow looks to be skinny as a rail, Cousin. Let me at least give him a coin to get a hot meal in that hollow stomach of his."

Beside him, Colombe du Chasteler nodded, relaxing slightly. For a moment as her eyes lingered on the elderly man in the dusty green rezza headdress a faint note of memory sounded. Had she seen someone like that before in her travels?

She shook it off and followed Karl to the beggar, watching as he pulled out a gold ten-mark coin with the face of Kaiser Wilhelm II. She spoke in Arabic as the coin clattered into the bowl, the followed with her own Belgian franc coin. Gold rang on gold as she spoke. "{Greetings and peace upon you, Grandfather, and may you get a good meal cooked by a wife who bears you many strong sons.}"

"{Ja, Old man.}" Karl added in his inexpert Arabic, causing her to mentally wince at the accent that her lessons were helping him with.

The beggar smiled and spoke in accented French. "Travelers from across the seas? I would wish to repay your kindness with a story, if I may."

Colombe nodded and took position to watch her cousin's back as Johann du Chasteler's great-grandson spoke. "Please. I am here on Wanderjahr wishing to learn more of the world outside my homeland."

The elderly blind beggar cocked his head at Karl's words and spoke in a surprisingly deep and commanding voice. "A noble pursuit young lord. Hear and be enlightened! In the days of my grandfather's grandfather's grandfather, across the Sea of Sand, a great kingdom existed. The ruler was wise and learned, renowned through the four corners of the earth for his wisdom, wealth, and power. In his realm, gold was so common that even the meanest laborer had a purse full of gold coin for his daily wages and his wife would cook his dinner in a skillet of silver.

"One day the king resolved to accomplish the one thing he lacked doing, for he was a good Muslim. He resolved to make Hajj to the Ka'bah and the tomb of the Prophet. But the path from his kingdom to Mecca was long and perilous and through trackless wastes where fierce beasts and fiercer bandits roamed. With that in mind, he gathered together his chieftains, heroes of great valor both of men and jinn and asked for one of them to scout the route so that he could fulfill his obligations.

"Among them was a young lord of the jinn named Rayhan who knelt before the king. Before man and jinn he swore that he would travel the route and return to his liege. Pleased with his oath, the king gave him an enchanted purse of gold, a fine horse, and commended his travels to God. Rayhan left his liege and armed himself. His aged mother, who was a seeress amongst the jinn came to him and gave him a pair of emerald earrings, with instruction to wear them at all times, for they would protect him from the schemes of evil men. With that sage advice and the blessings of his mother, Rayhan traveled for six turnings of the moon. Many obstacles did he face and many perils did he endure for his oath and for love of his king. Presently he came to the land of Syria at last and found his way to the home of a sultan amongst the jinn."

Colombe's eyes narrowed and she glanced over at the enthralled Karl Potter as the storyteller continued. "The Jinn had five daughters, each more beautiful than her sister, and they danced before Rayhan to make him forget the weariness of the road. Presently the oldest of them caught his eye, for her lips were those of rubies, her hair of purest ebony, her eyes of emerald, and her breasts were twin moons in the sky shining silver. Rayhan desired her greatly as she desired him with her flaming glances and asked her father what her dowry would be. The Sultan looked down on him, and scowled at his dusty clothing, and dark skin, for he was one of the Ifrit who dwell in the desolate places of the Earth. He thundered with a great oath upon the Seal of Solomon that if Rayhan did not have guest-right he would slay him where he stood, for not less than a thousand-weight of gold would purchase the hand of his beloved Periezade."

"Rayhan stood up then and bowed, telling them that he would return with her dowry alongside his liege. Seeing the envy of the courtiers and their lust for Periezade, as he made ready to depart, he took off the earrings that his mother had given him, presenting them to her trusted servant with the promise that he would return to reclaim them."

The storyteller paused for a drink of water. "Rayhan returned for her hand, with ten elephants, each carrying a hundredweight of gold. The Sultan scowled thunderously, but he had given his word on the Seal of King Solomon, whom God put on the Earth to master the children of smokeless fire. At the wedding feast, a wandering old hermit was invited, and he spoke a prophecy. Many strong sons would Periezade have, but only two daughters. The firstborn daughter would be destined to be wed to a hero of legend of the tribe of Adam with hair of gold, just as her mother's dowry was a thousand-weight of gold. While the lastborn of her children would in turn also marry a hero, with her dowry being an emerald crown to pair with the emerald earrings her mother wears to this day as she sits in court alongside Emir Rayhan."

With that he coughed and was silent.

Karl glanced at Colombe as he thought about how this story rang true to his ears. Colombe in turn spoke thoughtfully as she saw the gleam in Karl's eyes. "{My thanks for your story grandfather. May you always find water and shade in your life. Alas, we must depart, for time waits for no man.}"

As they headed into the Sook of Tangier, Hizir's lips curled in a knowing smile as he made the coins vanish from the begging bowl.

Indeed time does not. All things happen in the fullness of time according to the will of God. All they take is a mere nudge to start the first pebble moving in the avalanche.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

In the cavern that contained the Vanishing Cabinet back to Yokosuka, Regina paced back and forth in. Every once in a while, she would glance towards the magical form of transportation as if it would open for a few moments. And when it did not, she would go back to pacing back and forth.

From where she was sitting behind her desk reading a book, Ruka gave the Re-Class amused glances. Lips twitching, all the Ru could do was shake her head at the nervous Abyssal in amusement. Unlike what most would think, Ruka did not mind being where she was too much, after all she was obsolete compared to newer Ru-Class. Where they had fourteen, fifteen, or even sixteen inch guns, hers were a mere twelve inch. Her days of being on the front lines were over.

Yet, she was still given the important task of guarding the Vanishing Cabinets. A job that some would think was boring, but actually was not. Especially with how Lady Wanko, Lady Supprin, and others went back and forth. It also gave her time to catch up on reading, which was something that she enjoyed. Granted, currently she was reading a British horror book from the 1980s which was... wierd.

But then, she had found most horror books from that area of the world and from the same time were odd.

Eventually though, she sighed and gave Regina a look, "Regina? Relax for a moment, Lady Wanko's little brother will come. He promised you, did he not?"

Lightly blushing, Regina poked her fingers together and nodded, "Um, yes, he did promise..."

Now leaning against one hand, Ruka smirked a bit already knowing the response that she would get, "And from what I have been told, he always keeps his promises, does he not?"

Eyes widening, the Re-class straightened and glared, "Of course he does! He won't lie to me and if he promises something, he will try his best to do it!"

Waving off the glare, Ruka gave a small shrug and went back to the book, "Relax then, because he will come, it is still a half hour before he would be late for arrival."

That made Regina chew her lip some, but she gave a small nod. Glancing at the book, she blinked a little at the image of three claws ripping into something with the tag line of prehistoric terror before shrugging. The Ru-Class had an odd taste in books after all, and some of them were strange. Shaking her head though, she glanced at her fellow Abyssal, "Um... good book?"

Slowly, the Ru-Class nodded, "Yeah, pretty good. Just got to a part with a sexually frustrated Megalosaurus."

Right then, Regina decided that she really did not either need, or want, to know more about the book and moved away slowly. Something that Ruka rolled her eyes at and went back to reading. Instead, she moved towards the Vanishing Cabinet and waited while asking that Harry come by soon.

Hence, she was relieved when there was a click and Harry stepped out into view. Smiling, he grinned up at her, "Regina!"

Quickly making her way over, the Abyssal hugged him with the wizard returning it, "Harry, you actually came..."

Instead of being insulted, Harry raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "I did promise after all to come. And I always..."

Regina finished for him with a smile, "And you always keep your promises." Getting a smile back, she tightened the hug a bit before kissing him on the cheek, "But, um... still, thank you."

With a small smile on his face, the thirteen year old tightened the hug slightly before pulling away. Harry's eyes widened a touch as he remembered something, "Oh yeah! I also brought steel for your rebuild."

Needless to say, that brought a blush to Regina's face and she poked her fingers together, "Y-you did?" At his nod, her blush deepened, before she leaned down and gave him a short kiss on the lips. Pulling back, she brightly smiled, "Um, th-thank you, Harry."

Once they were gone, the smiling Ruka shook her head and chuckled a bit, "Those two are cute together. And I'm glad that she found someone like him as well..."

And, with that, she turned back to her book and sipped some coffee that she had.

Meanwhile, both Harry and Regina were walking through the tunnels in the rock with the Re-Class smiling, "Thank you, Harry." Seeing his look of confusion, she lightly blushed, "For coming here, I, um, appreciate it."

Frowning, Harry just gave her a look, "Of course I came, Regina. You asked me to come, so I did. Why wouldn't I come?"

Unable to look at him, the Abyssal chewed her lip a little, "W-well, er... you are busy at school. And it really isn't that important, I guess-"

She was cut off though as Harry slammed his palm into the tunnel wall beside her, which made her jump before he followed up with his other palm doing the same, trapping her between them. That action, as well as his following tone, sent a shiver down her keel and not the bad sort, "Regina! Don't you dare think that!" Two narrowed, green eyes stared up into her gold flecked ones, though he noted that she was flushed and breathing hard, "This is very important, Regina. And no matter how busy I am? I will make time for things like this, because you asked. So do not think otherwise..." His tone lightened a little and he smiled, "Okay? You're important, trust me."

With a swallow, Regina nodded even as she felt like her boilers were about to explode, "U-understood, Harry."

Pulling away, the teenage wizard took her hand in his, "Good." He then pulled her down and kissed her cheek before nodding, "Now, let's go to Big Sister..."

Not willing to trust her own voice, Regina simply nodded and the two walked along.

Eventually though, she managed to get herself under control, though every time she glanced at Harry she could feel herself blush slightly. But soon enough, they reached the room in question and Regina turned towards Harry, "Um, we're a bit early for even the preparations. I-I think that it will be about an hour... and twenty minutes before Lady Wanko shows up."

Getting an understanding nod, Regina opened the door only for Harry and her to blink at the sight that met them. Mainly, Tsuzi, the Tsu-Class under Supprin, was dancing in place singing. But what caught the thirteen year old off guard was what she was singing as she danced, "Two and Four and Eleven~!"

It was then that Harry realized two things besides it being one of Naka's best known songs. One was that the Tsu-Class in front of him was singing it perfectly. Even to his ear, she was hitting each note exactly as Naka would. The other was that her dance moves were not just the same, but identical to Naka's when singing that song. As the Tsu-Class continued, not knowing that she was being watched, Harry began to bob his head to the beat, 'Huh... this was pretty nice...'

Once she was done her little routine, the Tsu-Class was breathing heavily but there was a smile in her voice, "One day, Tsuzie... you'll be just like Naka!" Clencing her massive fists, she gave a sharp nod and turned... only to freeze as she noted that both Regina and the human she knew was Harry were there, "U-uh-um..."

That was when Harry began to clap his hands and smile though, which made her stare a little bit. Something that continued as Regina joined him and the wizard spoke up, "That was awesome, Tsuzie! Heck, I know that Naka-Nee would be impressed!"

Her blush coming down her neck, Tsuzie poked her fingers together, "I-I... um, really? You think so?"

Softly snorting, the thirteen year old crossed his arms, "Think so? I know so. Trust me on that."

Just nodding slightly, Tsuzie glanced around before clearing her throat, "R-right. Do you now when Lady Wanko will be by? Because I have the material for the rebuild and need for her to sign for them."

With a hum, Regina tilted her head to the side some, "Um... I think that she should be here in fifteen minutes. Or about that."

Upon hearing that, the other Abyssal gave a small nod.

As they waited, the two chatted before Harry brought up something that he had heard, "From what I hear, Supprin is going to make you into a Light Cruiser Demon, right?"

Perking up, Tsuzie gave a small nod at that, "That's right! Lady Supprin has stated that she is very satisfied with all my work and how I have been escorting our convoys back and forth. I mean, Neptune is more powerful but, um..."

Regina giggled a little at that, "Neptune is Neptune." She then cocked her head to the side, "I heard that Lady Supprin was yelling at her again?"

Shoulders slumping, the Tsu-Class gave a nod, "Lady Supprin sent her to get something for her from Darwin, but she noticed an arcade and hung out doing games. Until closing time and it turned out that the item had been waiting for hours and she nearly missed it for her video games. Lady Supprin was... not impressed."

Both Harry and Regina facepalmed at that before the wizard decided to ignore that, "Um, right, so you're going to become a Demon soon?"

At the change of subject, Tsuzie gave a small nod, "Well, I am still not sure why she wants me to become a Demon, not that I mind. I mean, I am not one that was constructed by her and, well..."

It was right then that a voice spoke up, "Well, I chose you because I do trust you despite that. And not once have you ever given me a reason not to, Tsuzie." All three turned to find Wanko there with Supprin, the Supply Depot Princess smiling as she crossed her arms, "Besides which... you have done a lot of work for me over the years. You deserve this reward, trust me on that."

Just bowing, Tsuzie swallowed, "T-thank you, My Lady."

Unknown to her, Supprin was internally chuckling, 'Of course, once you do become a Demon? Well... we will need someone to be a face as it were...' Externally though, she simply smiled and placed another crate down before nodding at Wanko, "Here we are, Lady Wanko. All you should need to rebuild Regina."

Wanko gave a nod to that, only to blink as Harry stepped forward, "Is something... wrong... Little Brother?"

However, Harry shook his head with a sheepish smile, "No, nothing is wrong, Big Sister. Just two things, first..." Reaching her, he hugged her, "You deserve a hug."

The giant woman smiled and hugged him back gently. Massive clawed gauntlets which could, and had, ripped apart Battleship steel enclosed him with a gentleness that would never harm, "Thank you... Little Brother, I... do enjoy your hugs."

Pulling away, Harry nodded before walking to his backpack and pulling out several bars of metal that he placed onto the floor. Once done, he turned and rubbed the back of his neck, "And, well... I made some bars of metal for Regina to be used in her rebuild, if that is okay, Big Sister. Hoppou told me that it should be fine, but..."

Intrigued, especially after hearing of said material, Wanko walked over and took one of the bars and examined it. To the naked eye, it looked like a normal steel bar, about fifteen pounds worth. But to her, with her senses? She could feel the tingle of magic that permeated the metal itself. One claw softly brushed against it and she nodded as she understood what the magic was meant to do.

Which was make the rebuild as successful, and Regina as strong, as possible.

Slowly nodding, Wanko turned back to Harry and gave him a smile even as her Imps gathered the metal in question, "It is fine... Little Brother. In fact... this metal will... be of great... help, I can... tell. And yes... I will be able... to use it for... Regina's Rebuild."

Relaxing, the teen nodded, "I'm glad then."

Lips twitching, Wanko gestured at a nearby hollow in the floor, which had a blanket beside it along with what looked like a thin mattress, "If you both would come... here... we shall begin."

At that, both Harry and Regina gave a nod and the Re-Class slipped into the hollow before laying back. Though she held out one hand which Harry took in his. Giving him a smile, Regina turned to Wanko who brought out her rigging, "I'm ready."

In reply, Wanko gave a nod and her imps jumped onto Regina's stomach and vanished. As she felt them go through her corridors, the Re-Class took a deep breath as she calmed herself, though the gentle squeeze of her hand by Harry made her smile some. The boy in question just smiled at her, "I'm going to stay right here, Regina. And I won't let go."

Feeling a sharp sensation as one boiler went out, Regina nodded, "I know, Harry..." Another boiler then went out, "I know..."

One by one, her remaining boilers went out until there was just one left. With a split second decision, Harry leaned over and gently kissed the near asleep Abyssal, "I'll see you when you wake."

Her lips curling into a smile, Regina sighed as her last boiler went out, "See you then, Harry..."

With that, the Abyssal laid there as Wanko gave a nod and fed the metal that Harry had given her to her rigging, "Let us begin..."

In reply, Harry nodded even as he gave Regina's hand a squeeze.

_________________________________________________________________

Blinking her eyes, Regina sat up from where she had been laying down and looked around in interest. She sat upon a stone platform that stretched out a distance into a harbour, while around the water, large, industrial buildings rose upwards. As she got to her hooves, she continued to look around with blue, ghostly flames in streetlights providing illumination. For some odd reason, it reminded her of a city from one of those old comics that some of the American shipgirls read. Like the ones with that detective in a yellow suit and hat.

It was obvious from looking around that she was somewhere along a waterfront. And, walking forward, she looked at the water which was dark and obviously deep while also still as glass. Stars twinkled and shone in it's depths darkly and, tilting her head back, Regina held back a gasp at seeing the night sky above. Despite the illumination from the street lamps and buildings, it did nothing to block out the stars above which moved and shifted. Vast nebula moved through the cosmos as galaxies twirled and spun.

Even as she watched, Regina could see a comet come into view as it shot across the sky, a bright tail of dust and a fainter blue one of gas visible before a giant star rose upwards. Along its surface, one could see plasma rising and falling in arches within the corona. Yet, as always, the light did not blot out the rest of the cosmos. The darkened, nearly impressionist looking city behind her, the deep and dark waters of the ocean before her, and the cosmos above. All of it should have been unable to fit together...

Yet, oddly, they did.

Regina realized, somehow, that each location was a type of Abyss. The Abyss that Industrialization could bring in the form of the city where street lights flickered and windows looked like stars, the Abyss of the ocean where the only lights were like stars created by creatures that lived their lives in darkness, and the cosmos above... the greatest Abyss of them all that held the planet within it's grasp. Each one in harmony and, in a way, reflections of each other. It was... awe inspiring to the Re-Class.

For what felt like minutes, Regina just stared at her surroundings before a chuckle made her turn to find a young man with messy black hair and hazel eyes. Someone she recognized from both given descriptions and pictures, which made her eyes widen, "You're Harry's father..."

Lips curling into an amused smirk, James bowed slightly, "That is correct, my dear. I am James Potter and it is lovely to hear you." Seeing her confused look, he raised an eyebrow, "Is something wrong?"

Cocking her head to the side, the Re-Class blinked, "Um... why are you wearing that?"

With a chuckle, James looked himself over and grinned as he was dressed in what looked like clothing from the 1940s right out of a pulp magazine for a detective, "Because it fits, m'dear." Pulling out a cigarette, he lit it with a match and took a deep breath even as he waved the match around to put it out, "Because it fits..."

He then blew out a cloud of smoke with a smirk. What he did not expect though was for Regina to walk over and pluck the cigarette from his mouth and stomp on it. Grinding it under her hoof, she frowned, "Smoking is bad for you."

Rolling his eyes, James sighed some, "What are you? My mother?" At her frown, he gave a small shrug, "I'm dead, it is not like smoking will kill me." Suddenly, the wizard had another lit cigarette in his fingers and took a drag, "Besides which, it's fitting for the place we're at."

Once more, Regina plucked the cigarette and crushed it, "Stop that." She then narrowed her eyes at him, "You're not going to do anything perverted are you?"

Slowly, the wizard gave her a raised eyebrow, "Why...?" Internally, he groaned, 'Goddammit... Lily was right...'

Watching as he pulled out a flask and took a drink, Regina frowned, "Perverts are bad and um, I've been told that I should stop them. Like... throw them out a window."

For a few moments, James stared at her, "Who... told you that?"

Confused, the Abyssal blink, "Neptune."

Pinching his nose, James took a deep breath, "Right, because of course she would." Shaking his head, he looked towards the lost looking Re-Class, "Anyways, ask Wanko what you should do about perverts... and tell her what Neptune told you to do." As Regina nodded, he continued, "Right, well, I'm not really a pervert. All I'll say is that you likely already have such thoughts, despite being an adorable cinnamon roll."

Eyebrows furrowed, Regina frowned, "I don't know why people keep calling Shinano and I that... we're not cinnamon rolls."

Amused, he only shook his head, "Trust me, you certainly are... outside of battle." If anything, the fact that Regina was all the more confused made James more amused. But, he simply gestured, "I am assuming that you know what is going on, so... right over there."

Regina blinked some and turned to find her hull in a dry dock. Even as she watched, Imps were going over her form and working. Sparks cascaded downwards like a waterfall of fire, briefly lighting up the night. Scanning her hull, she looked around until she found what she was looking for. Working alongside some Imps, there was Harry, or rather, the representation of the wizard in question. He stood out among the Imps working as he helped.

Something that made her bring up her hands and hold them to her chest as she sighed.

Moments later, she felt a hand pat her shoulder and turned to find James there with a proud look on his face as he smiled up at her, "Harry really does care for you, Regina. And the others, of course, but... he still is damaged."

In reply, Regina slowly nodded at that, "We... um, we know that. But we'll help him."

Patting her shoulder, the wizard grinned some, "I know that you will, Regina." With a small nod of his head towards her chest, he smirked knowingly, "And so does Harry..."

Just blinking, looked at where he gestured to find that she was wearing a necklace. And resting upon the swell of her chest was a crystal pendant. Inside it was a bright, golden star. Even as she observed it, Regina could feel warmth eminating from it, which told her exactly what that star was...

The representation of her connection with Harry, her Flagship, her Admiral... and the boy she loved.

Gently, Regina reached up and grasped it with a soft smile on her face, "Harry..."

A slight smirk on his face, James nodded, "Got it in one, granted... I will admit that what is happening is impressive." Seeing the confused look on Regina's face, he chuckled, "You know what happens when Harry donates metal, correct?"

Slowly, Regina nodded, "Um, strange things happen? But always to the benefit of whom it is donated for?" At his bemused look, she blushed, "Shinano and I talked about it..."

With a soft snort, the wizard shook his head, "To an extent, yes. Though there is more to it than that. However, more importantly, it is a bit different with you being an Abyssal, but not in a bad way for you." His smirk grew with his next words, "What Harry gave you... and the magic he added? It will bring you to the brink of something rather... grand. But not quite there, not yet, but within reach."

Despite her confusion, James did not say anything else. Instead, he changed the talk to other matters entirely. But soon enough, the work was done and Regina could see the Imps working on her hull disappear one by one, until only Harry's form remained. Said form looked at her and smiled before dissapating into sparkles that flowed into the hull itself with them flowing along her hull, dents, welds, and the like smoothing out and merging until one could not tell where a weld began and the original armour plate ended. And Regina could swear, even as she began to wake up with each boiler coming online and she said goodbye to James, that she felt something crack and nearly give with it needing only a small push to break...

 

[darthcourt10]

M1Garand8

Harry Leferts said:
*Dat Kabedon and rebuild*​

Can't wait to see what happens when she wakes up.

Roelof_V said:
Somehow I think that she needs a battle to break through a shell to 'evolve'
maybe a new princess?
KBTKaiser said:
Not just any princess, probably ascension rights to take the place of an empty Elder Princess Throne...​

Possibly, but not that soon for an Elder Princess, I'd guess.

jmcdavid said:
You know, I have the mental image of Cyrus Greengrass thinking he has a ship that can beat Yuudachi players in WoWS. Then, when he goes after one, suddenly Nightmare Party starts playing over the speakers...yeah, the shipgirl Yuudachi is playing as WoWS Yuudachi, and she wrecks him, poi~.​

And then he switches over to War Thunder, hoping to get away from Poi:
*Omake*
F***ING POI


Cyrus Greengrass sighed as the loading screen blacked out, transitioning to a view flying over a wooded landscape, cumulating on a slick, dark gray hull of a destroyer.
Spoiler: "Destroyer"

Cyrus sighed, this time in happiness as he took in the sight of his Allen M. Sumner. She was such a sight to behold: the sharp raked bow, the solid Measure 21 camouflage, the details on the six 5"/38 Cal dual purpose guns in three twin turrets and myriad 40mm bofors and 20mm oerlikons…

For all the bad things other World of Warships players have said about War Thunder, Gaijin and their moneygrubbing policies, the developer did know how to make the ships look nice. For the next few minutes, Cyrus felt his spirit buoy, wiping out the memories of the disgusting defeat at the torpedoes of that damnable—

Cyrus took a deep breath, taking in again the Sumner's angelic visage and let the anger flow away. Really, Wargaming did not do justice to her sister-daughter, the Gearing. He breathed out, a happy smile on his face. Besides, that Demon Ship did not exist in here. He would be safe.

Without the moody thoughts to mar his happiness, Cyrus cued up an Arcade Battle. And then pulled out a book for some light reading while the matchmaking system did its job.
***

Cyrus smiled in satisfaction as the burning remains of the torpedo boat heeled around and sank into the water. Better yet was that the Capture Point turning blue just as the last bit of the hulk disappeared under the water. His PT-810 straightened out from the lazy circle it was tracing, pointing towards the final remaining uncaptured zone. Situated in a wide open area flanked by just a few tiny rocky islands, it was meant for destroyers, but with some clever maneuvering and smokescreen, he should be able to get it before the destroyers got into decent shelling range.

Before he got very far, however, he frowned as a red marked Pr. 206 popped out from behind an island. A few seconds later, he scowled as he stared at the spawn screen with his PT-810 burning merrily in the background.

"Damn those bullshit gatling guns…"

No matter. Cyrus selected his Sumner and set the spawn closest to the small boats. He had to protect the points he just captured, of course. Punishing those bullshit post-war East German Soviet torpedo boats was secondary.

"I'll show them not to mess with my Angel…"

… Maybe.

Bullshit gatling guns or not, they would evaporate under the high-explosives of six rapid fire five-inch guns. With an almost manic glee, he watched as his fully modded Angel heeled smoothly towards the boat spawns.

And then a geyser of water erupted on her port bow. Before he knew what happened, flames blew out of the forward magazine, popping the two turrets into the air like toys, followed by the rear magazine, likewise popping the aft turret out of the hull. The entire ship was already afire as the bow—with that part of its keel gone—snapped off, phasing through the rest of the burning hulk like a ghost.

Numbly, his eyes flicked down to the bottom right of his screen.

NightmarePartyPoi (Yuudachi)

Sunk
DaGreenestGrass (Sumner)

No… When he returned his attention to his ship, the slick dark gray hull of his Sumner had already slipped beneath the waves.

His beautiful Angel.

Gone.

He had not even gotten half a kilometer out of the spawn. How could this even happen?!

Chat:
NightmarePartyPoi: Poi~​

"F***ING POI!"

---

A/N: Guess nobody told him about Operation H.E.A.T. Oops.

(Operation H.E.A.T. was a War Thunder summer event whereby completing at least 3 certain daily tasks for 12 days [or pay Golden Eagles] will net you Yuudachi and the River-class frigate, amongst other things.)

(Also, 20 km range torps with map spawns 15 km apart, seriously Gaijin?!)

(And yes, this is actually rather common in the older maps and gamemodes once the Agano and the Type 93 torps were introduced in War Thunder, due to its crazy range.)

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Slowly, but surely, Wanko worked at the unconcious Re-Class before her as she first prepared her for her rebuild and then began to perform said construction. As she did so, she made various improvements to Regina's hull and machinery. Some of the improvements were ones that she had come up with on her own based on experience. Others had come from information that she had gotten from Hoppou over the years, though not necessarily for the Re-Class specifically, though sometimes the smaller Abyssal Princess had thought up ideas specifically for Re-Class, but had never put into action until she had worked first on Regalia and then on Renita. And Supprin too, helped them when it came to designs.

However, some of the improvements came from other sources.

Over the years, Wanko's Fleet had fought with other Abyssal fleets. Every time, the giant Princess had taken some effort to examine some of the dead and sunken Abyssals. In particular, ones that were slightly better at something than the average. Part of it was to glean intelligence from what her forces had recovered, other times it was to see if there was anything different that worked. Sometimes, she came across things that had worked out very well. Not just for Re-Class, but for other Abyssals, which she then shared with Hoppou, the two working on what was found out to improve their own forces. When she had examined Wandering's daughter, Retribution, it had given her quite a large amount of information regarding Re-Class evolution.

Granted, both her and Hoppou as well as Supprin had shared such information with the humans in regards to what they knew, which neither had minded. In return, the humans had given her information regarding autopsies and such that they had conducted on Abyssals around the world. Not just the Pacific and parts of the Indian Oceans where she operated, but the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, Antarctic, Arctic, and even a few from Abyssals that had dug into the Amazon. All points of research and date that increased the amount of information that her, Supprin, and Hoppou had to play with, which was reflected in their evolving designs.

And other bits of information only came to light in regards to when she had scavenged information from the humans. Books on naval construction for example were something that she treasured. As well, after becoming allied with humanity, she had gotten internet access. Oh, Wanko knew that the humans were likely looking in on what she looked up, she was not a fool. Especially as she would have done much the same thing in their position.

But within the massive storehouse of information that was the Internet, she found plenty. Various sites that spoke of WWII warships and some of the improvements made to them. Pictures and designs which she rapidly took down or printed before working on them. PDFs and reports that spoke of naval design.

It was a goldmine of information, even a photograph of a shell or a cutaway gave her a lot of information.

Which all helped her now that the time came to rebuild Regina into a full fledge Flagship Re-Class, one of the most powerful types of Abyssal for all their rarity. Removing her main 16" turret, Wanko replaced it with a newer model that she had come up with. Inside which were shell hoists designed for better handling with the turret itself being made much tougher and safer. As well, she added new shells, super heavy ones, that she had designed after seeing pictures of such used on the Iowa class. Also new powder bags that would decrease the wear and tear on the barrels themselves. Granted, she was also working on newer shells, ones that would have other effects including submunitions and sabots as well as ones with timed fuses.

That last one was important as Wanko had managed to come across information regarding the old timed fuse rounds as well as having gathered duds fired by shipgirls. All of which were going into be used for Regina's newer 5" mounts down to her 40mm guns. Though Wanko was looking forward to the 3" that her and Hoppou as well as Hoppou's evolved daughters had been working on which both of them believed would be finished within a year or two, increasing the AA of their daughters respectively. Still, the improvements that she already had would boost Regina much further where it came to fighting Abyssal aircraft.

Better radar, which Supprin had invented, replaced Regina's old radar alongside better fire control, sonar, and rangefinders that the same Princess had invented. Even Hoppou had been impressed by what the Supply Depot Princess had created. Though Supprin claimed that she had done so because it gave her better warning of when other Abyssals were going to come for her to get supplies. It was still a good improvement over what nearly every other Abyssal Fleet had. Especially after Supprin had worked in the data that Wanko had gathered over the years regarding other Abyssals.

Regina's torpedo systems were also vastly improved after years of observation of other Abyssal fleets, information she had gathered from watching shipgirls and gathering any materials left behind, and from the human Internet. Her torpedoes would now have longer range, hit harder, and now with acoustic homing. In a future, more than one shipgirl or member of the various navies would describe it as "The bastard child of a Type 97 Oxygen Torpedo and a Mark 24 FIDO Mine."

Said torpedo also having a version that could be launched from Regina's torpedo bombers would earn the nickname of "Submarine's Bane".

As well, speaking of her planes, there were improvements there. Wanko had often recovered Abyssal aircraft, just so that she could look at them and see where her own could be improved. Recently, she had gotten looks at Abyssal jets that were recovered, which gave her much information alongside Hoppou. Both of whom got to work and handed over all information that they gleaned from the wrecks to the humans, while also using it for themselves. Which meant that Regina would be the first among her fleet to fly jet aircraft. The torpedo bombers though were still prop driven, but had been changed as she had been inspired by human designs.

Working further and further, Wanko continued her improvements. New, more efficient boiler systems designed by Hoppou replaced Regina's older ones, granting even more horsepower to the Re-Class. From what she had been told, Hoppou had been inspired by not just the information that Wanko had given her, but information about boilers from such as the Iowa and Montana classes. It would allow for Regina to get a massive boost from emergency power when needed, and be able to go at such for a much longer time than other Re-Class had.

Along with her new, redesigned shafts and props as well as rudders, Wanko was certain that the Abyssal in question would be very, very happy as well as being much more deadly and dangerous to foes. They would also give her a slight boost in speed as needed, something that the Princess saw as extremely important. Not just for the fact that it made maneuvers easier, but also that it made it easier for her to quickly reinforce anywhere that she was needed. Though Wanko had heard Harry muttering once to himself that maybe portkeys could be used...

Yet, besides her own work, Wanko could tell that there was also something else at work. As she performed the rebuild, part of her mind noted that some other things were changing beyond her own plans. For example, the steel that made up Regina's structure began to change, to transmute to what seemed to be an Abyssal version of STS steel. Her armour, too, improved to what was likely an Abyssal equivalent to the best human Battleship armor, which was British CA. Her fuel tanks also expanded on the inside, doubling her range. All of which confused her...

That was, until part of her mind recognized the energy, magic, as being Harry's.

Needless to say, that surprised her. Slowly, she tracked the energy slowly helping making Regina stronger, with a small stream coming from Harry's hand, into Regina's hand and trickling throughout her hull. The metal that he had made, and which she had added to the new components, was providing the link in a way allowing for his own magic to seep throughout her hull. Few other beings, such as Hoppou, would have been able to sense it let alone track it. But she could, and rather than make her frown...

Instead, she smiled due to what it meant for their connection.

Rather than fight the changes happening, Wanko helped them along, guiding the energy. Wear and tear slowly disappeared, fading away as if they had never happened, all the while those parts grew stronger. One of Regina's ribs, which had been busted by a salvo from a Battleship Princess, before Wanko's senses, worked itself back into it's original form, the welds she had used merging with the original metal as both transmuted. And that was not the only part where that had happened.
While she worked as the work was almost complete, part of Wanko was paying attention to something else other than Regina and what was happening. And that something was the rest of her fleet who were hanging around outside the door to the room where she was working on Regina. Out of both the corner of her eye, as well as a few Imps, Wanko could see them peeking into the room every so often. As well, she could hear them mutter to one another as they watched and listened.

"It's been nearly ten hours, hasn't it? Since they started, I mean?"

"Yeah, thereabout."

"And that human, Lady Wanko's Little Brother-"

"Harry, his name is Harry. I think Potter is his last name... yeah, Harry Potter."

"Right, Harry. He's been there the whole time, right? With Regina?"

"More than just in there... he hasn't even let go of her hand since Lady Wanko has started. Not once."

"Whoa..."

"Crikey! Not even for a drink, to eat, or to go to the washroom?"

"No, not even for that unless the rest of you noticing something?"

Various mutters of no could just be heard by Wanko, which made her lips twitch before she glanced at Harry. It had to have been uncomfortable for him to say the least. At most, he took in some sips of water to hydrate himself with the odd candy as he laid back and held Regina's hand. And just as he promised, and the others had observed, he had not let go of it through the entire process.

It made the massive Abyssal smile.

"Wait, wait, wait... so he's been there for ten hours, holding her hand? Because she asked him to? Without complaint or moving from that spot and letting go?"

"I know, right? He even provided materials for Lady Wanko to use!"

"No wonder Lady Wanko gave him the rank of Demon... that... that is incredible."

"Yeah, the Sheila got a good bloke there."

Lips twitching, Wanko held back a small, gleeful smile as another part of her plan came into being. She recognized the voices and knew that by no later than an hour after the operation would be complete, both hers and Supprin's fleets would know as a whole about what happened. Likely with the story growing in the telling, but with the end result that she wanted... that they would fully accept Harry into their fleet. And, when the time came, there would be no grumbles when he became Regina's Admiral.

Or, rather, that Regina would get grumbles about how she was lucky that she had him for an Admiral.

Still, it fit well with her plans for the future that she had discussed with Goto and the others. After all, she had needed to prove that humans would stand beside them, and for that she needed examples such as the young man laying beside the Re-Class. Finally, the last bit of reconstruction was done and Wanko cleaned everything up and prepared to relight Regina's boilers. As she did so, there was a small pulse of energy that swept through Regina's hull. All the welds, repairs, and such fused into the rest of her structure as if they had always been part of them. Her armor became almost new starting from her bow and moving back to her stern. Repair patches from years of service merged seamlessly with the rest of her hull.

Yes, there was some signs that showed that she had fought and fought well over the years, the magic did not take those away. But they were all cosmetic at best, nothing more. However... more to Wanko's shock, something else happened.

A barrier that she well knew about just cracked.

That Barrier was one that separated normal Abyssals from higher ones such as Demons and Princesses. And that pulse just cracked it, almost shattered it. Like safety glass that was shattered, it did not fall away. But from what she could see, it only needed a push in time and Regina would reach a whole new level of power. More to her shock, Regina's Demon accepted the magic, which wrapped around it like a warm blanket. It was still there, deep within her, but it was... calmed, for lack of a better word. No more would it likely fight against her.

Unseen by Wanko, a grin crossed her face at that and deep within her, she chuckled madly at what just happened once she got over her shock even as Regina's eyes began to flutter open...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

As she slowly came awake with her boilers now once more online, the first thing that Regina noticed, even before she fully became conscious, was a warmth in one hand. Gently, she gave a squeeze and recieved one back as well as indistinct mumbles that came as if from a distance. But slowly, yet surely, the Re-Class woke up fully and soon opened her eyes. For a few moments, her vision was blurry and out of focus. However, her it was not very long before her vision cleared and sharpened as her chest rose and fell with each breath.

Blinking, she continued to stare up at the ceiling above as several seconds passed before a familiar face entered her field of vision. Said face having green eyes, messy black hair, and a happy smile. Needless to say, Regina felt a smile of her own appear on her face, "Harry?"

Smile growing a touch, Harry chuckled and nodded, "That's right, Regina. Awake now?"

With a hum as she shifted her body some, getting used to it once more, Regina nodded before speaking in her soft voice, "I am." Rolling her shoulders and stretching her legs, she sat up before noticing that Harry was holding her hand, which made her blush hotly, "Did you...?"

The sound of chuckles made her look over at Wanko who accepted her fairies from Regina now that their work was complete. Lips curling into a smile, the massive Abyssal nodded, "He held your... hand the entire... time that... you were being... rebuilt."

Just blinking, the Re-Class checked her internal clocks quickly and her blush deepened as it spread down her neck and further down, 'H-he...' Swallowing, Regina glanced at Harry shyly, "B-but it has been nearly twelve hours..."

Eyebrow raised, Harry gave her a look, "So? What does that matter, Regina?" He gave her hand another squeeze, which she returned as she stared at him with wide eyes, "You asked for me to hold your hand, so I did. That is all that there is to it."

Cheeks flushed, Regina was almost unable to meet his eyes and swallowed a little bit nervously, "B-but what about drinking? And eating? Y-you didn't take a break during the whole time for that? Not even for, um... you know...?"

Softly snorting, the thirteen year old shook his head, "No, not even for that." He then scratched his cheek and chuckled a little as he looked away, "I just had small sips of water to keep hydrated and some hard candy. As for the rest..." Lightly blushing himself, Harry shifted a little, "I... can wait for that."

A tap on his shoulder though made him look to Wanko who pointed at the door, "It will take... Regina a few minutes... to reorientate... herself with her... body as it is now. So go and... perform your business... now." Glancing at where Regina was blushing, she gave a small nod, "I do not think... that Regina would... mind too... much if you... did so."

When he looked at her, Regina gave a small nod, "Um, she's right, Harry. Go..." Placing her other hand on top of his, she smiled, "Please."

Looking between them, he frowned slightly. But, finally, Harry gave a nod and let go of her hand, "Okay, Regina, I'll be right back."

Rather amused, Wanko chuckled to his confusion and gestured at the door, "One of the others... can take you... to the facilities."

Various yelps and such could be heard behind the door as Harry blinked. But then, he shrugged it off and got to his feet before quickly walking over to the entrance, "It won't be long, Regina." Opening the door, he stepped out and blinked as he found a large number of different Abyssals there watching him, "Um..."

It was then that a familiar voice spoke up and he found Ruby holding out a giant, clawed hand, "I'll take you to where you need to go, Harry."

All he did was nod and take her hand as she guided him to where he needed to go.

Meanwhile, inside the dock, Wanko gave a heavily blushing Regina a knowing smile as the Re-Class had her hands over her face to hide how red she was as steam came from her ears. Eventually, she was calm enough that she slowly worked out the various kinks and such as her crew got used to the various new parts of her body. Most of it was relatively simple and thus she barely had to move. Such as, for example, Wanko holding a claw up to her face and moving it while having Regina keep her eyes on it. Various stretches and such that could be done while sitting down were also performed to limber her up some.

Not long after though, Harry returned with a smile after thanking Ruby and walked over only to pause with a slight blush as Regina stretched her arms behind her head. Something that caused his attention to drift to some other things before he went and punched his hormones in the head, yet again, 'I bloody hate puberty...'

When he reached her, however, the Re-Class looked up and smiled, "Hello, Harry."

Feeling himself smile, Harry gave a chuckle and nodded, "Regina." Holding out his hand, he braced himself, "Need some help getting up?"

Even though she didn't actually need help, after all she could push off the floor of the hollow that she was in with her tail, Regina still took his hand in hers and allowed him to help her to her hooves. Granted, she still helped with the strength in her legs and such, but there was something that felt... right about letting him do so. As she stood up, part of her was happy to note that he had not let go of her hand as she straightened, "Thank you, Harry."

In return, he simply nodded and moved back some as she stepped out of the hollow and to her feet.

Rolling her shoulders some, and doing a few other stretches, Regina gave a nod as all the checks came back with an all clear. Softly smiling at him, she soon turned and looked around before turning towards the mirror that was on one side of the room. It was a wall mirror that was one of the first things that Wanko had bought when peace was made with the humans and had mounted on the wall as well as lights above to illuminate before it. Not letting go of Harry's hand, she walked over and came to a stop in front of it.

The first thing that Regina noticed, out of everything, was that her eyes were now a brilliant, molten gold color that glowed. When she pushed with her internal power, shifting to more ship than being, the foot thick armor type steel groaning under her hooves from her shifting mass, she noted that there was a faint gold color that washed across her skin like an aura. As an Elite, her eye and aura color was a rich crimson, which denoted what level of Abyssal she was. The gold color she could now see marked her as not being Elite, but a Flagship.

Letting go of Harry's hand, she reached up and took off her poncho so that she could better see herself. Seeing that, the teenage boy blushed as she only had on her usual Re-Class bikini. Once more, he punched various thoughts in his head while grumbling.

Not having known this though, Regina stood there and looked herself over for a few moments before reaching up towards her hair. It was always short and somewhat messy after all, though now instead of reaching just to her ears, instead the ends rustled against her shoulders. Not that she minded too much as even she would admit it looked rather nice and she could not wait to put the hairclip that Harry had given her back in the pride of place it always had when she was not on duty.

After all, she was not about to risk losing it in a battle!

Slowly though, Regina took in the various changes that she had undergone. Inside her chest, she could feel her new boilers chugging along. Each being more powerful than the ones she had before, giving more power to her screws and props. Holding out a hand, she clenched it into a fist hearing steel groan as tendons appeared under her skin. Continuing her observation, her eyes trailed along the rest of her arm and her body as a whole. As a Battlecarrier, her body was always well toned. Not bulging muscles, but a predatory litheness that was there. That tone was still there, but... it was slightly more apparent. Shifting, Regina could see the muscles move under her skin, the power apparent even from that.

Eyes continuing to examine herself in the mirror, she came to her legs, which was a part of herself that she had always been rather proud of. They were slightly longer, though not much. But she noted that like the rest of her body they had become yet more toned and it was more apparent there. The legs of a runner or swimmer was what one would describe them as being. Lifting up one leg, she stretched it out, observing it as the muscles moved and stretched. Part of her noted that the hooves at the ends shone, freshly polished.

Her attention and then shifted to her tail which came around. Seeing it, her eyes widened slightly as she took note that there was a different turret as it popped out. One that had a small bit of difference, but looked more powerful and menacing just the same. She could also see that the armor on it was different, much stronger and tougher than before. The same with her armored flight deck, and a new, better catapult for her fighters. Her tail was also a little bit longer as well, and more thickly muscled than before.

Which was something that she would likely make use of when killing other Abyssals, as she had more than once constricted her tail around even Battleships until their bones cracked and broke, snapping keels.

From beside her, Harry shook his head some, "Whoa..." Seeing her look at him, he grinned up at her, "Regina, you look even more awesome than before."

Despite her blush at the compliment, Regina brightly smiled at him, "Thank you, Harry." Taking back her poncho, she put it back on before gently taking his hand into hers before nodding, "Um, it is time for me to launch for the first time since my rebuild."

Understanding, the teenage wizard nodded with a smile on his face, "I'll be right there." As they walked out though, Harry noted two Abyssals waiting for them. One, he recognized as being a Destroyer Water Demon and the other was, much to his surprise, a Destroyer Princess. Bowing slightly, he smiled at them and was surprised when they did much the same back, "Hello."

With a glance to each other, they nodded back at him, "Hello, Harry."

It took a few moments, but Harry recognized them, "Wait, I remember you! Um, kind of... I mean, you looked different back then. You're Clover..." He pointed at the Destroyer Princess who nodded. For some odd reason, she reminded him of someone, though he could not tell who. But she wore a black sailor shirt that came down part way down her torso and exposed her stomach in much the same way as a Ta-Class' did. And below that was a black, school style skirt that went down to mid-thigh. The rest of her legs eventually ended in black, metal boots. Ignoring that she looked different than most Destroyer Princess' pictures in that she actually had legs, he turned to the Destroyer Water Demon, "And you're Rainy Spring!"

Brightly smiling, the Destroyer Water Demon nodded, "That's right, Harry. As you guessed, I am Rainy Spring and next to me is my sister, Clover."

Clover then took over, "Lady Wanko just finished our own upgrades a few days ago. So when you take Big Sis Regina to that Hogsmeade place, we can come and guard her... though, um..." She gained a small frown, " I'm not sure how that will turn out... I've never been in a human town before..."

Reaching over, Harry placed his hand on her shoulder, "I think that it will turn out great, Clover. Hogsmeade is great and everyone is friendly there."

Still unsure, the Destroyer Princess gave a small nod before they started to walk. Meanwhile, Regina giggled a bit and gave a smile of her own, "I'm happy to have you along, Clover, Rainy Spring. After all, both of you have been my escorts before and I know that you'll protect us."

That turned out to be the right thing to say as both Destroyers puffed out their chests and nodded as they spoke as one, "We will!"

As Harry nodded and agreed, the two Abyssals smiles grew as they could tell he was being truthful, much like Regina was. Yes, they knew that Shinano would have her own escorts, but they were finally able to escort their big sister everywhere, which made them extremely happy. And after meeting Harry for the first time and talking with him, after getting to know him through the stories that Regina had told them? They already approved of him even before Regina's rebuild.

In fact, they were the only ones among the rest of the fleet who were not surprised in the slightest besides Ruby that he stayed at her side the entire time.

Watching Harry and Regina interact, the two giggled softly at her reactions. But they were extremely happy that she was so happy with being around him. And unknown to Regina, they did imagine being "Big Sisters" themselves if she ever had children... though they were not quite sure how that worked with humans. Revina told them it could happen, and some of the others did as well. So the idea of escorting along little ones as Big Sisters appealed to them, and the fact that Harry was strong in his own right made them even happier.

Eventually though, they walked outside with the fleet following the group. Part of Harry was glad that the Sun had set over an hour before hand. There was still heat in the air, but not much of one and it had cooled off quite a bit. Above, the nearly Half-Moon hung, shining down and illuminating them. Reaching the shore, Harry stood there breathing in the warm, salt laden air before watching as both Rainy Spring and Clover walked out onto the water, their rigging manifesting as they did so. For Rainy Spring, that meant from her back two giant arms appeared with massive hands attached.

Meanwhile, for Clover, her legs seemed to sink down into her rigging that appeared until it reached her hips. Wiggling a bit, she gave a nod and a thumbs up, "Ready!"

Slowly, Harry blinked at that, 'Huh... so that is how it works.' Shaking it off though, he turned to Regina and smiled, "Thank you for this, Regina."

However, the Re-Class shook her head, "No, Harry... thank you. For being here and all you've done."

For a brief moment, an unsure expression crossed her face. But before Harry could ask, she leaned down and gave him a kiss which made his eyes widen. Revina wolf-whistled before Wanko brought her hand down on Regina's sister's head in a chop, "Stop that."

Grinning even as she rubbed her head, Revina nodded, "Sure thing, Boss Lady."

With giggles, she dodged another chop. Meanwhile, Regina pulled back from Harry with a heavy blush on her face, though she noted he was blushing just as much. With a nod, she took a step back and let go of his hand as the waves washed against her hooves. Then, she turned and stepped out onto the water, "Re-Class, Regina... launching!"

Briefly, everyone there could feel her power flash as she strode across the water for the first time since her rebuild. However, everyone watched and waited as, illuminated by the Moon and stars, Regina powered over the waves in the lagoon for the next half hour, stretching out her muscles some. Most of her tests though would need to wait for the open sea and take a few days.

This was enough for now.

After a half hour, she turned back to shore and came to a stop in front of Harry. Smiling, she brought her hand up and gave Harry a salute. One that he returned as the two smiled at each other, their eyes meeting as various Abyssals now began to cheer and clap...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Tale of Three Tails (II)

Tokyo, Japan

18 April 2014

Norimune's thumb rubbed across the Spanish 'piece of eight' silver dollar. She chuckled hollowly as she touched the twin hemispheres between the stylized Pillars of Hercules. "The Spanish always were arrogant little fuckers," she murmured to herself as she pocketed the coin that had come in the owl mail and headed inside Chisuheri's apartment from the mailboxes.

"Norimune, Norimune!" She grimaced as she saw Kyoshu waving and calling at her at her from the living room.

"Here's your comic book, Goldfish." With that she handed over the manga volume of Mizuchi Merodī Pichi Pichi Pitchi, mentally wincing at the bright primary colors of the young child-themed shoujou manga about a Mizuchi princess looking for a boyfriend.

"Na-chan! Na-chan! I found a Mizuchi!" Kyoshu promptly plopped down on the sofa beside the Masamune who was working on her drawing with a 'how to draw manga' book in front of her from Akutoku's library. Norimune shook her head at their antics, then perked up as Chisuheri entered.

"Yo, Chi-chan," Norimune greeted her sister. "Just wanted to let you know that I'm going to hang out with my daughter Jacklyn for a week or two. Go on a beer run, work on my tan. You know, that kind of shit." Her voice was very aggressively casual.

Inside her something twisted as Chisuheri stepped close and looked into her eyes intently. For long moments, the only sounds were those of a pencil on paper and faint happy Goldfish giggles. Finally Chisuheri smiled slightly. "Do what you need to, Nori-chan. I'll cover for you keeping an eye on Kyo-chan until you get back. Tell your daughter than I said hi. Ahh, and when you get into trouble, I won't bail you out."

Norimune headed to her room to pack with the sound of her damn goody-two-shoes sister's laughter in her ears.

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

Norimune shouldered the kyudo bow case containing her true form and then closed her battered hard-sided suitcase with stickers from several trips to Okinawa. Finally happy with the job on hand with her clothes, swimsuit, and maintenance kit packed away, she picked up the suitcase and then held the silver coin.

"Sinbad!"

SS Horizon Bringer

Off Morro Rock, California

18 April, 2014

With a bang of displaced air, Norimune suddenly appeared in a wooden-walled cabin. The rocking of the deck under her tennis shoes and the smell of salt air told her that she was on a ship under way. Her ears picked up and her tail fluffed out as an uncontrolled cocky grin spread across her faith.
Spoiler: Sailing to Panama

"Farewell and adieu to you, Spanish ladies
Farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Spain
For we've received orders for to sail for old England
And we may never see you fair ladies again!"

A soaring soprano voice sounded from the deck overhead in time with a soft guitar piece.

"We'll rant and we'll roar like true British sailors
We'll rant and we'll roar all on the salt seas
Until we strike soundings in the channel of old England
From Ushant to Scilly is thirty-five leagues!"

Norimune wedged her suitcase next to one of the ribs of the ship. She then cast a Sticking Spell to insure that it did not come loose if the ship heeled over. Satisfied with its security, she began to hum along at the next verse of the sea shanty from her Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century pirating days and looked for a ladder up to the deck.

"We hove our ship to, with the wind from sou'west, boys
We hove our ship to, deep soundings to take
'Tis forty-five fathoms with a white sandy bottom
So we squared our main yard and up Channel did steer!"

She smiled and nodded approvingly at the signs of a very well kept ship. The woodwork was well maintained, sturdy, and glimmering with layers of preservation and strengthening spells. The equipment was properly placed and secured for heavy weather.

Clearly Jacklyn was no fool, since the sea was always looking for an excuse to kill you.

Tears prickled her eyes as she reached the ladder and began to climb. She could remember doing an inspection like this aboard her beloved Impénitent and then Lex Talionis as she sailed in chase of those utter and complete Revolutionary French motherfuckers who had stolen Impénitent from her.

"Now let every man drink off his full bumper
And let every man drink off his full glass
We'll drink and be jolly and drown melancholy
And here's to the health of each true-hearted lass!"

She stepped onto the deck and her eyes bulged. The ship was empty save for two people on the quarterdeck.

Jacklyn was sitting in an oversized beanbag chair next to the wheel. One hand raised, and gestured, setting the mainsail as the ship tacked further away from the distant shore. Her other hand was gently playing with the ears and hair of an Inugami girl who was playing a twelve-string guitar as her daughter sang the sea chanty. An ice chest filled with bottles completed the picture.

Neither one was wearing a stitch of clothing and even from here she could see love bites on Jacklyn's neck.

Jacklyn broke off the song and waved lazily. "Hey Dad, good that you could make it! Weapons rack is along the port rail, so take a load off and grab some sun. Rum's in the ice chest. Oh yeah, meet my girlfriend Aomi Sato. Aomi meet my father Muramasa-no-Norimune."

Aomi waved shyly, which did interesting things to her chest. "Konnichi wa, Norimune-san."

Norimune automatically bowed to the naked women. "So, um... no tan lines then?" She cocked her ear as she placed her true body into the weapons rack.

Jackie grinned. "Nope. We will just cast an illusion of swimwear if the Coast Guard or navy buzz by us. Suntan lotion is in the bag next to the booze. She's got spells to make the nomaj ignore her anyway, after all."

Norimune nodded absently as she pulled out a beach towel from the bag and then a bottle. "Pusser's Rum?"

"Oh yes Dad. Nothing like it." Jacklyn agreed as the ship straightened out on the new tack just before the wind filled the sails.

Norimune got herself comfortable, and then squinted at the triangular pennant flag atop the mainmast. "What's that flag you have hoisted there, Jacklyn?" she frowned as she looked at the pattern of two red triangles at the base flanking an inverted white triangle with a red star and capped with a blue triangle with a white star.

Jackie squinted along the direction Norimune was pointing and her face lit up. "Oh, that's the flag of the San Francisco Yacht Club. Jez got me enrolled in it in 1869 as a charter member, right before I took Del around the world."

Norimune blinked and spoke slowly. "Wait, wait. You took Delilah around the world? She was fourteen years old!!"

Jacklyn grinned smugly and cheekily before taking a swig of rum. "Fifteen actually, Dad. I have known her all my life, and promised her that I would show her the world outside the upper crust artsy-fartsy inbred assholes of MACUSA. So she spent time on the Horizon Bringer here as I sailed her from port to port between her schooling at Ilvermorny and then Auror work. Took it nice and easy, let her experience the port city life. Made a proper woman out of her and taught her a few things that she never would have learned in books or at Ilvermorny."

Norimune nodded along slowly then turned from her middle daughter to look the aforementioned sailing yacht over with an eagle eye. "She's a beautiful boat, Jacklyn."

Jacklyn nodded happily. "Aye, my baby girl's a bonnie lass indeed. Sailed her around the Horn and the Cape single-handed, through squall and storm." With that she patted the steering wheel gently.

"I can see that." Norimune looked at the enchanted ropes and sails, and a shy, soft smile lit up her face as the slowly setting sun gilded the waves of the Pacific in sparkling golden light. "This reminds me of a day off the Lesser Antilles at the helm of Impénitent chasing a fat Spanish Galleon running toward Hispanola."

Jacklyn grinned, and nodded to Aomi, whispering in her ear. Then she gave a smug roguish smirk and spoke as she leaned back in her captain's chair. "Aye, I remember a sweet little brigantine off the Bahamas in 1846 tryin' to smuggle slaves. That was a fun chase from the Gold Coast to boardin' her off Rum Cay."

With that she grinned and began to thump time against the wheel as Aomi strummed the guitar.
Spoiler: A Butterknife Cruise

"O, I got a sister, she's nine feet tall
Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!
Sleeps in the kitchen with her feet in the hall
Running down to Cuba
Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!
Running down to Cuba!"

Norimune grinned happily and tossed her shirt aside before squeezing suntan lotion into her hand and joining the shanty.

"Give me a girl can dance Fandango
Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!
Round as a melon and sweet as a mango (Hey!)
Running down to Cuba
Weigh, me boys, to Cuba!
Running down to Cuba!"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

High above the Belgian countryside, the Half Moon shone down. And, in particular home, a young woman with hair as dark as ebony and skin as light as the moonlight itself tossed and turned in her bed. Despite her best efforts though, sleep evaded her at all turns. And with good reason...

For in France, her sisters and mother, as well as she who could become a stepmother, were fighting for their lives... and hers.

And yet, here she was in her comfy bed safe and sound. The guilt and worry both ate at her making her unable to sleep. As well, whenever she dozed, nightmare images came to her mind from the depths of darkness, overwhelming her and forcing her awake. Seconds ticked into minutes and then into hours as the young woman laid thee staring at the canopy of her bed.

Tossing her sheets to the side, Claire groaned and got out of bed. She then made her way over to her true form and stood there for several minutes with her fingers on the lid of the piano. Her fingers just itched, to play and let her feelings that were bubbling within her chest out. It felt like she could explode and her eyes became blurry with tears yet again. But... she was unable to. After all, she was not the only one in the home. The youngsters were likely in bed as was the elder Jorogumo. Kasuyu, also, was likely asleep or at least resting. And she could not, would not, wake them.

However, there was one possibility...

Quickly, she made her way over to her wardrobe and threw on some clothes. A warm, woollen shawl over her the sweater she wore. Deer skin gloves, nearly skin tight but able to be flexible yet warm onto her slender hands. Warm clothing to ward off the early, really early, morning chill. With that done, Claire placed a hand onto her true self and there was the feeling of being squeezed before they were at her destination.

Cold, fresh air filled her lungs as she took a deep breath before letting it out in a cloud of fog. Above, the Moon shone down on the small, outside patio. Sitting down, Claire took another deep breath before letting it out. Then... she began to play.

Her sadness came out as did her worry for her loved ones. So too came the grief for she knew that her little sister, dear Ehren, would come back missing a part of herself. For her innocence would be the price that the Monster on the Meuse would take if nothing else. A fact that had caused more tears to fall from Claire's eyes. She knew that the sister who left would come back changed from the experience...

Which lead to two other feelings... anger and depression. Both were from the very same source. Due to being the spirit of a piano, there was nothing that Claire could do. She was not a fighter like her mother and sister, which lead to anger directed at herself for being useless... and those very same feelings of being useless were such that Claire felt depressed about. The Piano spirit wanted to do something, anything to take the burden from her mother and little sister. Yet...

Yet...

And yet there was nothing that she could do, and that hurt. But thinking about how useless she was also brought anger to the fore at herself for thinking such things. As if it was wrong to be doing so. Everything was all twisted and tangled within her hearts, and Claire was not quite sure what to do.

Thus, she turned to the one thing that she knew, which was music. And to her, that was the only thing that she could do. So under the light of the Half-Moon, Claire played. Her emotions came from her fingers and into her keys, with music drifting out and joining upon the night wind. As her fingers worked, Claire closed her eyes and her mind drifted.

So intent she was in playing her music, and pouring her heart into it, that she did not notice as everything around her became silent. The few birds chirping stopped. Neither did she hear the footsteps quietly making their way until they were mere feet away from her as she played. Of course, when she opened her eyes and they met two predatory amber ones, she blinked and her eyes widened.

In the morning, Kasuyu blinked as he went to wake up Claire for breakfast, only to blink in confusion as she was not there. Instead, her sheets were rumpled and her true self was gone. He went on to check in the various rooms where she commonly could be found playing, but yet again, there was no real sign of her. With a quick check with the Fuji sisters as well as Chihiro, he found out that they thought that Claire had gone outside earlier as Chihiro had heard piano music the night before from outside and fell asleep.

With a quick check of the veranda, Kasuyu made his way towards where he was certain that she was. For some odd reason, he could not hear any music and as he got closer, he felt an odd feeling. One that told him there was a predator around, a dangerous one. A feeling that was far worse than what he had felt once when him and a previous master had been stalked by a man eating Nundu... but there was something different, almost... motherly about the feeling.

Coming around some hedges carefully, he nearly breathed a sigh of relief at seeing Claire turn to him from where she was seated beside her true self and opened his mouth... only to promptly freeze at what he saw.

Mere feet away from where Claire sat was a what looked like a larger than normal woman crouched down and covered in furs. Briefly, the Axe Spirit was reminded of some tribeswomen that he had known in his existence. Said woman had lean, wry muscles that only one who had spent their lives in the wilderness could possible have. But what caught his gaze was her head, for it was not human in the slightest... it was a wolf's head on a human body. A wolf's head with two amber eyes that turned to him and gazed into his own as if judging his worth... before deciding he was not important and turning back to Claire who smiled back at him, "Good morning, Kasuyu."

Very slowly, Kasuyu gave a nod, "Good morning, Mistress Claire. And may I ask who your friend is...?"

Frowning, Claire blinked and looked at the wolf-woman with a thoughtful gaze, "I... don't know her name actually. Something makes me want to call her 'Wolf-Mother' for some reason." At his stare, she gave a small shrug and played a small song that conveyed her slight confusion and interest, "She showed up last night as I was playing and is just watching and listening. She seems to enjoy my music."

Throat dry, Kasuyu gave a slight nod, "I... see."

He had, of course heard the saying that 'Music soothed the savage beast', but he did not believe it to be literal! Now, the Axe had, over his long life, come across a god or two in his homeland. But each and every one of them was outright eclipsed by the being in front of him listening as Claire played. Judging by the chords as well as the situation, it had to be Werewolves of London of all things.

Eyebrow twitching a bit even as he felt a bit of sweat bead on his forehead as the wolf-woman seemed to enjoy the music. Taking a deep breath, Kasuyu gave a small nod, "Shall I bring some food for our guest?"

With a hum, Claire tilted her head to the side before giving a nod, "I think that would be very nice and that she would appreciate it." She glanced at the wolf-woman who blinked slowly before howling at part of the song. Neither of them knew that in the house, the Yokai jumped at the sound as it called to something primal deep inside of them. Brightly smiling, Claire gave a nod, "Yes, I think that she would like it. Mostly meat though."

Kasuyu's face might have been carved from stone for all the expression that it showed . With a slight bow, he placed Claire's breakfast on a table beside her as she began to play with one hand, "Very well, I shall do that."

Once he was far enough away, he shook his head in utter disbelief at what just happened.

Back with Claire, she just started to hum as she shifted the music to other songs, enjoying herself as her mind was taken off what had happened with her mother and sisters. Later in the afternoon though, she glanced at Wolf-Mother with a small sigh. Hearing an odd whine, and understanding it somehow, the Piano shook her head, "I am just worried about my Mother and my sisters, they..."

Throat constricted, the musician felt tears come to her eyes before feeling a finger come up and gently gather them. She did not know how or why, but... it all came spilling out. The whole time, the spirit beside her listened with a full ear, not making a sound. At the end though, she nuzzled Claire before throwing her head back with a full howl that seemed to vibrate through the very air itself.

Unknown to everyone, the various gods sat up and glanced to the side as Verdun's spirit shook slightly. It was not much, but it divided it's attention as it tried to pinpoint the source of what had just happened. If such a thing could feel fear, it did right then. However, that gave Colombe and the others a slight reprieve due to the division of attention.

Meanwhile, back with Claire, she relaxed a little as she felt like everything was... not going to turn out alright, no. But that her mother and sisters as well as the others would come back safe. Slightly bowing, she smiled at the odd being that had decided to come and listen to her music, "Thank you..."

A soft growl came from Wolf-Mother as she nuzzled Claire and went back to her previous spot to listen to more music.

Over the next few days, until she the very day that Colombe was supposed to arrive home, Claire could be found outside playing for the wolf-woman. On the second to last day though, the piano brought out her writing materials. After one song in the afternoon, she turned and gazed into the golden eyes of her audience and something... came over her. In those eyes, she could see events that happened thousands of years before with a female wolf who rescued a human child.

Primal music welled up in her soul and without bidding, she began to play. Fingers danced across the keys as new music came to the fore, her enchanted quill already writing the notes upon the paper. Manic energy welling, Claire nodded her head along to the music that came from her very hands. When she came back to herself, she found that night had fallen and there were pages of new music.

Gently, with shaking hands, Claire took the pages and looked them over. The music crossed over into various forms, but... there was something primal, natural, and yet comforting and familiar about them. Eyebrow raised, the piano smiled at the wolf woman who seemed to smile back and she tilted her head, "This is your song... isn't it?" Not getting an answer but for the stare, Claire gently laughed and bowed, "Thank you."

The primeval being placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a huff before licking her cheek. With that, she seemed to fade away into the pale moonlight and the night breezes, as if she had never been there. Softly smiling, Claire returned her true self to her room and laid down on her bed before falling asleep, the music sheets on her desk and ready for her to polish them so that they were properly there.

Music was an old art among humanity, going back tens of thousands of years before pianos were a faint twinkle in someone's mind who would create the first precursor. The first forms of music were basic rhythms and beats, as well as humanity's attempts to copy the sounds that nature created. Drums attempting to copy the rumble of thunder, whistles to replicate the songs of the birds, chanting, and even those who howled like the wolves to create a form of primal music.

And even as Claire rested, there was a small mark on her, one that was faint. It was not strong enough yet, not enough for Medea who would be by to see it. But it was there... and unlike those of her mother and others, it would not lead her to adventure. No, it placed a protection over her, but did not much more than tingle at the primal part of man who wished to create music and song. A part that Claire very much accepted as it was...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Been round the Horn, seen waves high as 3 houses stacked one atop the other, once seen 5 sailors washed overboard by one wave, You respect the Horn, a sunken ship grave yard. Many sailors never survived the Horn to tell of its untold dangers.
(Ishmail Paez, Bosun Mate 1934)

A Tale of Three Tails (III)

SS Horizon Bringer

Gulf of Panama

28 April 2014
Spoiler: A Sailor's Memories

"Wow..." Aomi Sato said as she watched a massive oil tanker pass them on their starboard side. She shifted instinctively as the boat rocked slightly with the arrival of the oceangoing behemoth's wake.

Norimune nodded absently, "You said it, Aomi. You said it." With that she looked at Jacklyn and frowned slightly.

She had read in the newspapers a century or so ago that the Americans had cut a canal through the Isthmus of Panama to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Those were words printed in the paper that she thought that she understood. After all, she had visited these very shores before, most recently in 1728.

But that had all changed since she had last been here

Before, the Impénitent was looking to capture a fat Spanish galleon or three trying to slip past the British blockade of Porto Bello. With exceptional luck, her prey might have even been part of the treasure fleet that took silver and emeralds dug from the mines of Peru and Columbia that had been carried by mule train to the Atlantic port for the final leg of their journey to the Spanish treasury.

Now, the waters were teeming with cargo shipping, and naval patrols. As Norimune watched, a coast guard speedboat escorted by a teenage destroyer shipgirl pulled alongside. "Heave to for inspection for Canal entry."

Jacklyn nodded, and pulled out her logbook and ships papers for the boarding party. "Pleasure cruise, Cap'n. My friends here have never seen the Canal, so I am taking them from California to the Caribbean and then back."

The officer nodded as he flipped through the paperwork. "Says here that the Horizon Bringer has been through the Canal before. So you know the drill."

Jacklyn grinned disarmingly. "Aye. We stay aboard ship at all times, have a licensed and bonded pilot hired to take us through, go when our slot comes up, and I have gone through my agent Luis Espinoza to handle the paperwork to make reservations, reserve a spot at the holding marina, and hire a licensed team of sailors to manage the lines." She then blinked at the member of the boarding party hauling aboard a dog. "What's with the pooch?"

"New regulations. Had a group of Abyssal Cultists try to blow the Gatun Locks two years ago with an explosive-packed freighter. So we are doing a sweep with explosive-detecting dogs for all civilian shipping," the officer answered as the search party headed below decks.

"Motherfuckers." Norimune muttered loudly.

Jackyn and Aomi both made sounds of agreement, along with several of the Coast Guardsmen. "You said it. Still it nearly shut down one transit lane. So we aren't taking any chances."

"A-fucking-men." Norimune agreed as the preparations for entering one of the Wonders of the Modern World continued.

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

Norimune looked at the departing speedboat with the Coat Guard. "Damn, all this is new to me. If I wanted to get to this side of Panama back when I was here before, I'd have to take a mule and walk across the mountains.

Jacklyn hummed thoughtfully as she steered the boat to the holding berth. "Normally, I'd take us down the coast of Chile to the Roaring Forties and really cut loose by rounding the Horn once we hit the Furious Fifties." Her face split in a broad grin at the memories of testing herself against the most storm-wracked and challenging of the Great Capes as Norimune nodded at memories of rounding the Cape of Good Hope in a Dutch East Indiaman beating along the Southern Route from Europe to Java.

Jacklyn then scowled. "But the Abyssals are thick in the South Pacific and South Atlantic so it is really risky now. Damn shame, especially since I promised Sis that I'd take her around the world as a family trip. One day."

Norimune's lips curled in a reminiscent grin. "No shit, Jacklyn. You haven't lived until you have tested yourself against the Great Capes. I only did Good Hope and that was one hell of a blow."
Spoiler: Cape Horn

Jackie nodded enthusiastically. "Truth, Dad. So much truth. Del was green and puking when she lost her virginity rounding the Horn in April of 1898. Had a storm blow up out of Antarctica giving us thirty foot waves, all green and white water and a howling gale as we sailed into the teeth of it." Jackie's eyes sparkled. "Let go the anchor!"

She then continued as the Horizon Bringer rocked to a stop. "Now that was a week of real sailing. We had to use every trick in the book to fight our way westward into the Pacific. Made me wish that my old sailing master was along for that blow. If I ever get to Fiddler's Green, I'm buying Sinbad enough beer to float that fluyt that he first taught me how to handle as a young sailor before the mast. The Leeuwerik was a cross-eyed little bitch and leaked with any kind of blow, but you never forget your first."

"No, no you don't," Norimune agreed, then paused and looked at Jacklyn. "Wait, bald as an egg on top, with a big-ass mustache? Brown skin?"

Jackie looked at her father. "Aye, that's him."

"No shit. He was my helmsman on the Impénitent in 1716. What he didn't know about sailing ships wasn't worth knowing. He could take a fat bottomed and fouled East Indiaman or a galleon and make it dance like a schooner. Always wondered what happened to him." Norimune scratched her head idly. "Maybe he was Sinbad the Sailor, wouldn't surprise me after all this time. Glad that you learned from him."

Jacklyn shrugged. "Even if he wasn't, he's one of the best sailors that I ever saw. Took me in and told me that I'd go far if I used me noggin. Can't say that he was wrong."

"True, true." Norimune fell silent and looked at the sea and the ships as she leaned on the rail. "Jacklyn?"

"Yes Dad?" Jacklyn's voice was curious as she hugged Aomi around the waist.

"Thanks for inviting me along for this. I... forgot how much I missed traveling and exploring." Norimune's voice was very quiet as she spoke without looking at Jacklyn. Faintly, the setting sun seemed to shimmer off tears on Norimune's cheeks as the wind from the sea ruffled their hair.

"My pleasure, Dad, my pleasure." Jacklyn's voice was equally hushed. "The Sea is a cold cruel bitch who will kill you if you turn your back on her for an instant, but she's also full of wonder and delight and joy. You never realize what you are truly made of until you stand before her; just you, your ship and the Sea in all her many moods. And life without that knowledge is not worth the living."

Aomi nodded silently in agreement and cuddled closer to Jacklyn.

"Mmm-hmm." Norimune agreed, still staring at the wind and wave. "See you tomorrow for the transit. Sleep well... daughter."
Spoiler: A Man, A Plan, A Canal, Panama!

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord Khuzdul

Yellowhammer said:
She then continued as the Horizon Bringer rocked to a stop. "Now that was a week of real sailing. We had to use every trick in the book to fight our way westward into the Pacific. Made me wish that my old sailing master was along for that blow. If I ever get to Fiddler's Green, I'm buying Sinbad enough beer to float that fluyt that he first taught me how to handle as a young sailor before the mast. The Leeuwerik was a cross-eyed little bitch and leaked with any kind of blow, but you never forget your first."

"No, no you don't," Norimune agreed, then paused and looked at Jacklyn. "Wait, bald as an egg on top, with a big-ass mustache? Brown skin?"

Jackie looked at her father. "Aye, that's him."

"No shit. He was my helmsman on the Impénitent in 1716. What he didn't know about sailing ships wasn't worth knowing. He could take a fat bottomed and fouled East Indiaman or a galleon and make it dance like a schooner. Always wondered what happened to him." Norimune scratched her head idly. "Maybe he was Sinbad the Sailor, wouldn't surprise me after all this time. Glad that you learned from him."

Jacklyn shrugged. "Even if he wasn't, he's one of the best sailors that I ever saw. Took me in and told me that I'd go far if I used me noggin. Can't say that he was wrong."​

*-*-*
Meanwhile, somewhere in the Med.

Sinbad wiggled his finger in his right ear. "Well, seems someone's praising me." He said to his passenger.

Schehrazade smiled. "Well, you have quite a list of those."

Sinbad's mustache twitched. "When you are this good... That reminds me, wonder what happened to little Jackie. That kid was like a sponge. Never had a better student, well, except that Cherokee kid in the US Navy in the 30s, even if I never had the chance to actually sail with him. Hmm... maybe I should find out what happened to Jackie. That girl had a destiny ahead of her."

"I can look her up, if you want?"

"You do that. I'd like to surprise her someday, maybe."

(You know the Japanese "sneezing, someone must be talking about me" thing? In Turkey we have a version of that. If your ear is ringing, someone is talking about you. If it is your right ear, you are being praised. If it is your left ear, you are being cursed.)

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

Lord Khuzdul said:
As I said, he spent most of his time on the civilian side aside from the occasional stint as a pirate or navy man. He was a sailor (not an officer) in a series of Ottoman ships during WW1, and spent early 1920s smuggling for the Turkish independence movement and dodging Greek and British ships. After the declaration of the Republic, he grew bored, so he skedaddled off to find himself a job in the merchant marine in the US. That's when he met Evans - Evans was a newly minted ensign, and Sinbad was the old merchant captain who took the kid from Oklahoma under his wing for a while, because he saw a spark in him. When the war broke out, Sinbad worked his way into the Naval Auxiliary and eventually to the captaincy of a series of Liberty ships (he did wreck a couple of them due to his luck. He still has a soft spot for Liberty ships, and bought off the last one he captained when she was sold after the war. He still has her stashed in a private, magically secured cove on the Aegean coast of Turkey, alongside a dozen or so other ships he sailed, including a galliot he captured off the Venetians during his Barbary Corsair phase, and a Spanish galleon. He takes her out occasionally, but disguises her appearence with some illusions, because Liberty ships are way too recognisable. It is a fond wish of his to finally have the SoS fall, so he can sail her proudly.) Since the war, he goes out mostly for pleasure rather than business - his investments paid off big as the oil industry in the Gulf increased, so he is not hurting for money. Nowadays, the main ship he is using is an Algerine-class minesweeper he got off the British in 1970 and refurbished, HMS Waterwitch. He also had an Onuk S37 yacht, but lost that one to the Abyssals when he got caught by the group that shelled Alexandria just south of Cyprus. He made it to Alexandria before them, but the yacht did not survive the shelling of the harbor. He is rather annoyed with that.​

Very nice, and this gave me an idea....

Meanwhile, in Beirut:

As Sinbad and Scheherazade sailed toward Turkey, the sun gilded the waters of the Middle Ocean as it gently washed the shores of Lebanon. A set of boats gently rocked in the Black Pearl Marina just south of the Old City on the seaside of a five star resort that included a walled housing compound for the owner of the properties.

Across the water came a set of seven shipgirls. Each had rigging with one smokestack, two small guns, and a multitude of cargo cranes and winches. In addition, they all shared the sameness despite their different races and names that marked them as the Liberty Ships that the Arsenal of Democracy had produced faster than the Axis could possibly sink them.

The leader of their small convoy rubbed her leg which had a bandanna embroidered with SS Albert Gallatin wrapped around it as a crude bandage from a torpedo hit in the Mediterranean. "Well, girls, this is the place," she spoke in the Boston Irish accent that matched her red hair and blue eyes.

A second redhead with the embroidered sailor cap reading SS Alice F. Palmer rubbed her bent nose, showing the impact of a reef off Mozambique hidden by an angry sea spirit and grinned. "Looking forward to it, Al." Like her compatriot, she showed the signs of her birth in Boston Yard.

SS Flora Macdonald spoke in her Mississippi drawl as her curled black hair bobbed around her shoulders. "Came a long way to here from where the Kraut bombers sank me on the Murmansk run. If I never see ice ever again, it will be too soon."

SS Frederick Douglass smiled, her white teeth showing in her coffee-colored face. "No storms either. That was what did me in, when those incompetent stevedores caused my ballast to shift as I took a load of oil from the Gulf to Egypt. Cap'n managed to hold it together long enough for me to beach myself and get his men off."

She turned to the next two in line behind her, who looked to be twins with milk-pale skin and blonde hair. "What got you, Jeremiahs?"

SS Jeremiah Van Rennslaer shook her head. "U boat in the Atlantic. Two torps on the port side. and I rolled turtle."

SS Jeremiah Wadsworth finished "I picked the Cap'n up out of the water. Then on the return trip back to Halifax U-boat got me in the bows and I foundered by the head."

The last one nodded, her copper colored skin and dark blue black hair speaking louder than words who she was named after. "Kamikaze in Leyte Gulf broke through the CAP and hit me in late '44." SS Sacajawea spoke tersely, ducking slightly at the sight of a passing plane.

With that they sailed into the Marina and stepped ashore. As they did, a matronly-looking Arab shipgirl, the spirit of a 13th century baggalah dhow, appeared at the door to the compound and bowed to them. "Come in! The Master is absent on business but I am certain that he shall be glad to see you once more! We have food and coffee and conversation with all your sisters! I am Saqr, and have served as his aide since I returned from where the Roc sank me on his Fifth Voyage."

Albert Gallatin blinked. "How many of us are there?"

Saqr smiled. "You make three hundred eighteen ship spirits who came back looking for Captain Sinbad after they were lost."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Brightly smiling, Shinano was all but skipping as she made her way down the corridors under Yokosuka. Around her, Hamakaze and the rest of her usual escorts walked along, easily keeping pace. Lightly chuckling, the white haired Destroyer gave her Flagship a soft smile, "It's good to see you so happy, Shinano-Sama. Though I suppose that we can blame what is about to happen on that now."

Lightly blushing, the Carrier softly smiled, "Hai, I am." Gently brushing her skirt, she gave a small hum, "After all, we're going to be spending the day in Hogsmeade with Harry-Chan as well as Regina-Chan. Which really makes me happy."

Reaching up, Yukikaze placed a hand on the Yamato's arm, "And it makes us happy to see it, Shinano-Sama. Harry-Chan is a good friend after all."

As Shinano nodded, Urakaze placed her hands behind her head and blinked, "I'm jus' happy to hear it. Though I will admit ta being a bit curious about Hogsmeade..."

Isokaze grinned at that before chuckling, "You'll like it, Urakaze-Chan. It is one of those small villages, you know? All sorts of small stores with all sorts of things." She held her hands out wide, "They got chocolate bars this big!"

Eyebrow raised, her older sister frowned and gave her a disbelieving glance. One that was ended as Shinano nodded seriously, "Hai, they have chocolate bars that big."

Swallowing, the blue haired Destroyer wiped a bit of drool away from her lips and looked away, "I see..."

Giggles came from Shinano at that before she turned towards the door for the room with the Vanishing Cabinets in it. Opening it, her expression brightened as she noticed who was there, "Regina-Chan!"

The Re-Class turned from where she was talking with the Destroyer Princess before her and brightly smiled as well, "Shinano!"

Quickly making her way over, she gave her friend a tight hug as the two giggled and bounched up and down as they did so. Shaking her head, Hamakaze turned to look at the Abyssal Destroyer Water Demon and Destroyer Princess. Part of her could not help but wonder for a few moments regarding them as they looked somewhat familiar to her, especially the Destroyer Princess, 'I wonder...'

Pulling away from Shinano, Regina turned to the two Abyssals following her who were watching the shipgirls curiously, "Shinano? Hamakaze, Isokaze, Urakaze, and Yukikaze? I would like to introduce my escorts to you... The Demon is Rainy Spring."

Rainy Spring then bowed towards the shipgirls, "Hello."

With a nod, the Re-Class gestured at the Destroyer Princess, "And this is Clover." Turning back to Shinano and the others, Regina smiled, "Back home, the two of them were my usual escorts when out on patrol or fighting. I trust them."

Slowly nodding, Shinano simply smiled, "Sort of like Hamakaze-Chan, Isokaze-Chan, Yukikaze-Chan, and Urakaze-Chan are for me." Getting a nod, and not noticing the slightly pleased blushes on the Destroyers in question, she bowed to the two Abyssals, "I am very pleased to meet you."

Both Abyssal Destroyers blushed a bit and bowed back, "Thank you."

A smile on her face, Shinano took in the two Abyssals. This was the very first time that she ever saw a Destroyer Princess with legs, which made her wonder what happened to them with the others. Over her sailor shirt, she wore a hoodie and had on leggings that reached up to her skirt. Beside her, the Destroyer Water Demon didn't bother with the hoodie, but did wear a skirt unlike the other examples that the Carrier had seen and fought.

Granted, the Yamato suspected that was more because of how humans would react more than anything else to what she likely normally wore.

Just shaking off that thought, Shinano turned to Regina and smiled a bit at her friend, "You look very nice, Regina-Chan."

Shyly smiling, Regina lightly blushed a little, "You, um... really think so, Shinano?"

In reply, the Carrier gave her friend a look over as she smiled and nodded, "Hai, I do think so."

Only tilting her head to the side, Regina looked at herself as currently she was wearing a dark blue tank top with jeans that came up just to where her tail connected with her body and a black belt. And over that, she wore her usual poncho but fully open so it was more like a trench coat than anything else, "Um, if you say so..." She then turned to Shinano who was wearing a white blouse with a light green jacket thrown over it, and a darker green skirt that went down to her knees. Smiling herself, Regina gave her friend a nod and a smile, "You're looking very good as well, Shinano."

Swishing her skirt, Shinano nodded slightly, "I thought so to, and Kaa-San said that it looked good as did the others." With the smile still on her face, she turned to the others and gave a nod, "Is everyone ready?"

Getting confirmation, the Yamato turned to Kitakami-Maru and did up the paperwork before going through. Once it was stamped, Regina and Shinano entered the Vanishing Cabinet with Clover on Regina's side and Hamakaze at Shinano's. They were followed within a minute or two by Urakaze, Isokaze, Yukikaze, and Rainy Spring. It was then a short portkey to the usual area outside of Hogsmeade Village.

Upon seeing it, Urakaze's eyes widened at the sight of the idellic little settlement as puffy clouds moved overhead, "Wow..."

Her eyes wide as well, Clover also nodded, "It's so pretty..." Looking at Regina, she gestured at the town, "Is that really were we're going, Big Sister?"

With a smile on her face, Regina nodded, "It is." Chest expanding as she took a deep breath of the spring morning air, she let it out with a happy sigh, "The air is so fresh here..."

Also taking a deep breath, the smell of fresh growth and spring flowers tickling her nose, Rainy Spring smiled, "It is..."

Their attention was caught by a chuckle, however, and they turned to find Harry standing there with a smile on his face and giving a wave, "Hey there." Expressions lighting up, both Shinano and Regina rushed over and gave him a tight hug and a kiss on his cheeks, which he returned before taking their hands and looking at first Shinano and then Regina. Granted, he had a small blush on his cheeks, "Good morning, Regina, Shinano-Chan." Harry then turned to the others, "And a good morning to you as well, Hamakaze-Chan, Isokaze-Chan, Yukikaze-Chan, Urakaze-Chan, Rainy Spring, and Clover."

Each of them gave greetings back before Hamakaze moved up beside him, followed by the others and they began to walk, "Are we going to that small café, Harry-Chan?"

At his curious look, she gave a small shrug. But it was Isokaze who answered for her, "We heard about it from the others, like Niiyodo-San. Apparently the food there is very good and you've made it a tradition."

Blinking, Harry tilted his head some and glanced at the others though there was a slight amount of bemusement in his expression, "It's a tradition now, huh?" At their nods, he chuckled some and shook his head, "I honestly didn't think that it became one. Really, it is just a good place to get some food to start with."

Lips twitching, Yukikaze giggled and shook her head as she walked with her hands clasped behind her, "How did you think that a tradition starts, Harry-Chan? By doing something over and over. And you taking each of the girls there when they come and visit... it has become a tradition."

For a few moments, the thirteen year old considered that before nodding slightly, "I can see where you're coming from. Though... is it a good or bad one?"

Hamakaze shook her head before speaking in her usual, quiet voice, "I, personally, think that it is a very good one, Harry-Chan. After all, it is a nice way to start things with as you said." Lips curling into a small smile, she gave a slight nod, "Having something sweet before walking around and enjoying a nice day is always good in our books."

Giggling, Shinano nodded some and blushed at their looks before looking away and scratching her cheek, "Um... it is first thing in the morning, Harry-Chan. So having something sweet like a cake... it makes me feel like I am being so naughty!"

Light laughter came from Harry at that and he shook his head and winked at her, which only increased the blush on the taller shipgirl's face, "I suppose that it is a bit naughty, but it's our little secret."

More giggles escaped from the Yamato as she nodded alongside Regina.

Walking along, the teenage wizard entwined his fingers with the two holding his hands. They blushed a little, but not much more than that. Every once in a while, he noted some people glancing or watching them as they went by, but then going back to what they were doing. Feeling a tap on his shoulder, he glanced at Urakaze, "Yes, Urakaze-Chan? What's wrong?"

Arms crossed, the Destroyer frowned a little, "I was wondering about something that came up." When he nodded, Urakaze continued, "From what I heard, you sent some letter to Ooyodo-San that nearly sent her into conniptions. I was jus' wonderin' what caused that?"

Interested, Shinano blinked and turned to him, "Um, I heard the same rumour, Harry-Chan. What was in the letter?"

Chuckling a little weakly, Harry sheepishly grinned, "Well... you know how I've been working in the Room of Requirement, Shinano-Chan? And I'm able to basically take what I find home?"

Slowly, the Carrier nodded, "Hai, I remember that... though I'm not sure why that is important unless you found something?"

With a slow nod, Harry cleared his throat, "You could say that... I found this large trunk and opened it to find a bunch of pristine cauldrons inside of it. There had to be about... six or seven tons of them minimum. All made out of a silvery metal, though not silver." Seeing the looks of interest, he continued, "Well, I went to Professor Dumbledore and he asked the previous Headmasters about it. It was one who was around back in the late 1500s who came up with the answer for it. And it also explained why the Weasleys are so poor."

More than a little lost, Isokaze frowned, "What does cauldrons have to do with the Weasleys being poor?"

Humming, the thirteen year old frowned a bit, "Well... it turns out that the Weasleys were, while not rich, still well off. One of them though had found out about a metal discovered in the New World by the Spainards from some Spanish wizards. Despite the problems between Spain and Britain, they was still trade." That got Harry a nod, so he shook his head, "The metal was strong, nearly as able to be shaped as gold or silver, like them was not corroded by things including potions, and could withstand high temperatures. More than that, the Spanish considered it utterly without value and so it was cheap. Well... James Weasley bought himself a ship and went to the New World to return with a cargo of this metal. He managed and found it made marvelous cauldrons thus got a number of investors. But..."

Now leaning in as she listened, Clover blinked, "But what? Did something happen?"

A grimace on his face, Harry gave a nod, "Yeah, something did." Waving a hand in the air, he sighed, "Even back then, there were... issues between the Weasleys and the Malfoys, and what happened next solidifed it. You see, after they had made dozens of the cauldrons, the Malfoys undercut them by flooding the market with gold and silver cauldrons with the idea that when the debts were called when the business failed, the Weasleys would be financially ruined."

Scowling, Shinano shook her head, "That's horrible!"

With a small shrug, the wizard sighed, "It is, but then not too unexpected. Anyways..." He waved a hand in the air, "No one wanted the cauldrons with the 'Vulcanium' as the Weasleys called it. After all, gold and silver had become cheap and everyone who could have afforded a Weasley cauldron could now afford one made of the precious metals that they knew. And everyone else stuck with pewter and cast iron. Thus, there was no room for them in the market and, as expected, they became financially ruined. One of their last ditch efforts was to donate a bunch of their stock to Hogwarts, partially to try and convince people to buy them... and partially to pay for future tuition rates. Which the Headmaster allowed at the time, though he just tossed the cauldrons into a trunk in case anyone ever needed or wanted them, which no one ever did. My family was one of their backers and also took about two or three dozen of them as payment, same with the Longbottoms. We also have a trunk somewhere with another ton of the metal in case we ever wanted to experiment with it."

Even as the others shook their head, Hamakaze had a small frown on her face as she furrowed her eyebrows, "Harry-Chan?" At his nod, and knowing look, she cleared her throat, "You haven't mentioned what the metal was... or why Ooyodo-San nearly had a seizure."

Lips curling into a smirk, Harry chuckled, "No, I did not. As for the metal?" Lowering his voice, he continued, "It was platinum."

Utter silence met him from all the shipgirls and Abyssals before their eyes widened. Wiggling a finger in her ear, Yukikaze stuttered a bit, "D-did you just say that you found several tons of platinum...?!"

Voice dry, Harry nodded, "I did as a matter of fact. According to the agreement, I get to keep half of the value, a quarter of which will go to Ooyodo-Oba's slush fund, and the rest to Hogwarts itself. And, apparently, I have a few tons laying around somewhere on my family property." He grinned a little, "I asked Ron and he got in contact with his father who checked some things. Apparently it was in the basement of the old manor which burned down in the 1800s just outside where the Burrow is now. From all accounts, there's millions still there."

Choking a bit, Urakaze shook her head, "T-that's..."

With a small shrug, the thirteen year smirked, "That was Ron's response. While I don't know what they're going to do, I suspect that they might decide to dig it up and see what might be there. Still... sort of ironic in that it will help their family now as the Statute is coming down..."

The others just boggled at him at that.