Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking through the village, Urakaze's head craned this way and that to take it all in. To a shipgirl who was far more used to Japan than anywhere else, a place like this was amazing. More than that, it was like a step backwards in time in many ways, to before Britain had become a powerhouse on the world stage. Many of the buildings looked like ones from the pages of books, Tudor style. To a Destroyer like her, it was magical in different ways than it actually was.

It did not take them very long to reach the tea house though and they all blinked at it. Turning away, Shinano looked back the way that they had came and frowned a little in thought, "Hmm... I guess it's out of the way, which is how we never knew it was here."

Simply shrugging, Harry shook his head, "Natsumi-Chan, Niiyodo-Chan, and I just happened to come across it. And it is a pretty good tea house as the tea and coffee is good, and so are the treats."

Her hand still in his, the Re-Class gave a small nod, "Well, that does sound pretty good." Regina than glanced at the others, "What do you think?"

Looking at each other, the two other Abyssals shrugged, with Clover speaking for them both, "Well, um, we've never been to a place like this before... so we don't know, Big Sister."

Yukikaze bounced a bit on the balls of her feet and a bright smile on her face, "Well, I've always found places like this somewhat out of the way to be very good! And I've been to a few before, both in Japan and in Taiwan."

At that, the other Destroyers nodded, as they trusted Harry. And, in turn, the thirteen year old smiled back at them before walking towards the door and opened it for them, "Let's go inside then..."

Upon the door being opened, the group craned their necks one way and the other. Homely was the word that came to many of them due to the dark, warm wood panelling and the green walls. Comfortable was yet another word that also came to mind. Almost as soon as they entered, the smell of various baked goods met their noses as well as the smells of different forms of tea and coffee.

Turning, Shinano gave Harry a happy smile, "This looks wonderful, Harry-Chan."

For his part, Harry chuckled a little bit and smiled back as he helped her take off her coat, "Well, it is a great place, Shinano-Chan. And everyone else has seemed to like it."

Lips curling into a smile as she watched him hang up her coat, the Carrier just nodded in agreement. She never did like some of the cafes that one could find. They always seemed too... loud, in some way. And the tea houses back in Japan could be too formal. But the one that they were in... it was quiet, but not of the sort of being done so out of politeness. It was a comfortable silence besides the crackle of fire in a nearby fireplace, the breeze in a nearby magical painting. And there was a warmth to it as well, one that she found herself liking very much.

Meanwhile, Regina had much the same thoughts as she looked around the small tea house. Like Shinano, she was not comfortable in places where it was often loud and busy. But a place like she was currently in... she enjoyed it. Feeling a tap though, she turned to find Harry there, "Harry? Is something wrong?"

Chuckling, he shook his head, "No, but I was just wondering if you want me to take your poncho for you and hang it up."

It took a few moments, but Regina blushed a little, "Um... that would be very nice, Harry. Thank you."

A small smile on his face, Harry helped her take off her poncho. Once he did though, he found himself blushing slightly due to the tank top that she was wearing and how it looked on her. Internally whacking his hormones over the head with a mace, he placed the poncho onto a hook and guided them over to a set of tables. Pausing for a moment, he raised his fingers, "Give me a few moments..."

They watched him walk over to the employee behind the countertop and speak to her for a few moments. Said young woman smiled and nodded before chuckling and walking over with him. Granted, she did give the Abyssals a slightly odd look, but whatever she thought of them she did not say.

Rather, she bowed slightly to them and smiled, "If you'll follow me, I'll guide you to where you'll be dining." Less than a minute later found them all standing in what they had taken to be a room. Under their feet was tile with a few tables there. One could be mistaken for thinking it was outside, but they figured out that it was not. Something that was confirmed by the employee mere moments later, "Welcome to one of our indoor patios."

Blinking, Isokaze turned to her and raised an eyebrow, "Inside patios?"

With a small nod, the employee chuckled a little, "Indeed, Miss." She gestured around them, "These are special rooms where one could sit and enjoy the outside without going outside. The walls and ceiling all have enchantments on them that make it look like the area that is outside the building. Other charms generate a small, cool breeze in the warmer months as well as carrying the scents outside, into the room. But there are benefits as no matter the weather outside, the weather in here is dry and generally warm. Also, it means that pests such as hornets and wasps do not have the chance to ruin one's experience. All the benefits of outside, brought inside." It was then that she gestured at a nearby table, "We can even have the record player here play music if that is what you wish."

Eyebrows raised, the others looked at each other before Harry nodded and soon soft music began to drift though the room.

Not long afterwards, they had their food and drink brought to them. Much to Harry's surprise, Regina got some coffee while, as expected, Shinano had steamed milk for her drink, strawberry steamed milk at that. Something that made the Carrier very happy to be able to have. The others all got their own drinks as well, with Harry getting tea. Soon, their food was also brought to the table and Harry chuckled a little as Shinano squealed at the giant strudel that was set in front of her.

Regina, meanwhile, got a giant plate of dabby-doughs, icing on them which made her lick her lips some. Taking one, she brought it up to her mouth and ate half of it in a single bite. For a few moments, she chewed before swallowing, "This is really good!"

Having taken a bite of her own pastry, Shinano nodded, "Hai, it is!" Sipping her steamed milk, she happily hummed and kicked her legs a little, "Yummy!" The Carrier then turned to her escorts and tilted her head a little, "How is your food?"

Quickly swallowing the bite of food in her mouth, Hamakaze nodded and smiled, "It is very good, Shinano-Sama." Turning to Harry, she bowed slightly, "Thank you, Harry-Chan. This was a very good place for us to begin our trip at."

With a happy hum, Isokaze sipped her coffee, "The coffee is good too." Brightly smiling, she nodded towards the teenage boy, "I agree with Nee-San though, Harry-Chan. This was a good place to bring us... so thank you."

Scratching his cheek a little as the others chimed in, Harry smiled a bit, "Thank you. I'm just glad that you all are enjoying it.

Just shrugging a little, Rainy Spring shot him a smile, "Well, I haven't had something like this before. And it is really, really good. So..." She waved around a hand, "So I'm enjoying the food as well."

Harry simply smiled back at them as he chuckled.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

An Egyptian Sunshipgirl Realizes That The Gods Have Blessed Her Pharaoh

Head Boy's Bathroom, Hogwarts

Amisi rose from the bathtub that she had filled with fresh donkey's milk as a delighted smile blossomed on her face. Truly the Gods had rewarded her millennia of faithful service. Her Pharaoh had been returned to her, and he had even been granted two additional Great Wives to serve alongside her. One of whom was even a Sea Demon that he had tamed with the force of his will and mind.

She smiled at the reflection in the wall mirror as she began to towel off and then gently cupped her toned belly. Her Pharaoh had even said that once he graduated from his studies at Hogwarts and was able to financially support her in proper style, then he would wish to have her bear his heir!

She shivered in keel-deep delight and anticipation as her sea-blue eyes hooded and her drummer picked up the tempo of his beat for her rowers. She could hardly wait for the day when the first urn of Nile water was poured over the newly laid keel of her firstborn.

Still, while she had to wait for that day, it was coming closer with each beat of her oars. She reached into herself and took her engagement ring from the captain's cabin to slip onto her finger with a proud smile.

Suddenly her lookout alerted her to choking sounds from the bedroom that she shared with her Pharaoh. She hurried to the door as fast as her oarsmen could move her while wrapping a towel around her and locked her vision on Percy Weasley. "My Pharaoh! What is wrong!?"

Percy's face was as red as his hair as he stared at a piece of paper in his shaking hands. Even the appearance of one of his girlfriends clad in considerably less than her already revealing thin linen did not register on his numbed mind. All he could do was croak out the words "V-vulcanium is worth HOW MUCH per ounce?!?!?!"

Amisi hurried over to where he was standing and hugged him from behind. "My Pharaoh?" She asked as she looked at the numbers on the shaking paper. On her bridge her captain turned to his chief scribe, who grasped papyrus, reed pen, and abacus firmly.

Percy swallowed and met her eyes with shock written large on his face. "Several centuries ago, James Weasley invested a large part of our family fortunes into a new metal from the Americas that had been just been discovered."

Amisi nodded along as she listened. "He called it Vulcanium, and the muggles were throwing it away. It was superb for cauldron use since it was near impossible to corrode and able to be easily worked. In fact, my hand-me-down school cauldron over there is made of Vulcanium." Percy cackled disturbingly before he continued, "however the Malfoys undercut our attempts to sell it with their gold and silver cauldrons, and James nearly went bankrupt."

Amisi scowled at the mention of such dishonorable dealings as Percy began to laugh again in a disturbing way. "So we couldn't sell these cauldrons. A few families like the Potters and Longbottoms recouped their investments in some of the finished cauldrons and metal ingots. Most of the rest we had to sit on and eat, and we had tons of the metal stored in the basement of the old family mansion when it burned down the last I heard of it.

Amisi then spoke. "So, what is causing you such excitement, my Pharoah?"

Percey began to laugh maniacally. "We just found out that the muggles call our Vulcanium platinum and value it much more than gold. This is how much a single ounce of the metal is worth." He thrust the letter in Amisi's face.

Amisi's eyes flickered from the numbers on the page to the silvery twenty-pound cauldron sitting on the workbench. Aboard her bridge, her scribe's fingers shook as he moved the abacus beads to compute the value of the cauldron, then drew the heh symbol of infinity to represent the number 'millions'.

Twice.

Before fainting.
Spoiler: Doki Doki Time!

Amisi staggered in shock as her bridge crew began to celebrate like madmen and her drummer began to play the beat for doki-doki speed. One thought cut through her whirling mind in the chaos. "Come with me, we must make sacrifices of incense and prayer to Renenutet to celebrate our good fortune."

"Ulp!" Percy suddenly squeaked as Amisi kissed him long and passionately in an attempt to suck out his tonsils before starting to march him to the door. One of her hands reached out and grabbed his cauldron to store in her hold as she headed out the door and then down the hall at ramming speed.

"But, but! Your clothes!!" Percy gasped out as he realized that his girlfriend was wearing only a very thin cotton towel around her hips and was dripping white donkey's milk behind her as she pulled him along despite his futile efforts to escape her grip.

"They can wait, this great fortune should be celebrated immediately by us, my Pharaoh! I shall be delighted to bear your firstborn!! I shall include a prayer to Hathor for fertility in the bedroom and ease of childbirth!" Amisi declared at the top of her lungs as she dragged him through a suddenly hushed Gryffindor common room en-route to the Room of Requirement.

Behind her, you could hear a pin drop as the Gryffindors tried to process the sight of a very rumpled Percy being bodily dragged along by a towel-clad and radiantly glowing sunshipgirl with an ear to ear beaming smile on her face.

"Gred, I didn't think Brother Percy had it in him, truly. Or I suppose in this case, had it in her." George finally spoke reverently into the shocked silence.

"Truer words were never spoken, Forge" George responded with a shake of his head. "Let us offer up a prayer for the pelvis of our elder brother, for I fear Miss Sunriver threatens his life and health now that he has unleashed her libido without restraint. Madame Pomfrey will have her work cut out to piece it back together once she has her way with him. His sanity, I fear, is a lost cause."

"Indeed, old chap, indeed. Did you see that uncontrollable smile on dour old Percy's face? At least he goes to the fate worse than the fate worse than death by snu-snu with joy in his heart." Suddenly a pair of Abyssal hands clapped them on the shoulders and the Twins gulped nervously.

"Don't forget, boys, it's only a few short years before you're up." piped Revina from her spot sitting between them. A spot that all of the observers would have sworn was empty a moment before, and barely had enough room for a skinny ferret then as well.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

MagisterAurelius said:
And just think of the moment of realization when it hits Ooyodo that her slush fund just became bigger than most banks.​

Well, you asked for it....

The Dragon Of Yokosuka Makes Bank (And Her Co-Conspiritors Too!)

Commander's Office Yokosuka Naval Base

The thunder of a shipgirl at flank's pounding footsteps echoed through the hallway. From her post as the Chief Logistics Officer, Ooyodo sighed minutely and hastily saved her work, bracing for the inevitable attempt to tackleglomp her from Teitoku's Tea-Drinking Dyslexic Fiend. She was not the only one as across from her Admiral Goto also braced himself for the normal result of Kongou returning from patrol.

Ooyodo mentally checked her chronometer as the footsteps neared and frowned to herself. Kongou was running quite early, she must have made good time... or perhaps decided to burn more supplies and put more wear on her engines by patrolling at battle speeds instead of the more economical cruising speed that she was designed for. Ooyodo finished her Kongou Stations preparations with magically transforming her engagement ring back from its alternate mode as her personal seal for official use to fit around her finger. She smiled to herself as her thumb caressed the green gold alloy of what now appeared to be a Green Lantern Power Ring.

With that the door flew open and Ooyodo froze in shock.

The shipgirl framed in it panting heavily with a wild-eyed expression on her face was not Kongou.

It was Yuubari.

The Experimental Cruiser locked her rangefinders onto Ooyodo and marched across the office to slam her palm down on Ooyodo's desk. "Ooyodo. You said that Harry wanted me to identify the material in a load of cauldrons he found, yes?"

Ooyodo checked her logbooks. Yes, Harry had asked her to do that, and had passed along a slug of the metal, which she had forwarded to Yuubari. With that confirmed, she nodded. "Yes. Is there a problem, Captain Yuubari?" She responded in her best professional voice to reestablish control of the situation.

Yuubari placed the slug of silvery metal on the desk. "You could say that. The composition of that metal is 97% platinum and 2.5% palladium with trace impurities. Your note said that Harry had several tons of it at a minimum."

Ooyodo blinked at the slug of metal.

One hand reached for the keyboard of her computer to open a new tab to run a search on current precious metal prices.

Across from her, Goto's tea mug froze halfway to his lips as the only sound in the office was the click of keys in the silence.

The typing stopped.

Ooyodo's eyes locked on the numbers displayed in the new tab on the screen as a trickle of steam slowly issued from her ears.

She visibly swallowed and raised her gaze to meet Goto's face with a desperate plea in her eyes.

Her Admiral read the unstated request and then nodded once. "Approved, Ooyodo."
Spoiler: My Supplies Budget!!

Suddenly her face split in a broad, lopsided grin and she began to laugh like a hyena dosed with laughing gas. Still cackling madly, she wrote down a series of numbers on a piece of paper and then staggered over to Goto's desk.

"The top one is the sustainable cash flow if we coordinate with Harry, Dumbledore, and the other owners of this platinum to control the release of bullion to minimize disruptions on the global precious metal markets. The bottom is if we need a one-time cash infusion and want to risk crashing the international bullion markets by dumping our share of this windfall at current prices. We can also use it as collateral for loans although I shall need to talk to the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan to make arrangements." Ooyodo reported through her uncontrollable smile as she restablished some form of professionalism in her voice with an effort of will.

Goto nodded, his mind whirling as he looked at the numbers.

"At any event, I strongly recommend that we send an escort team to Hogwarts to pick this up and transport it to a safe location. Shinano is going to Hogsmeade next with escorts so with your permission I shall task her to pick up our share and Harry's share of the recovered bullion for safekeeping in Japan."

Goto nodded. "Make it so, Ooyodo."

Normally the Star Trek quote would have generated an eyebrow twitch from her, but instead she nodded sharply. "At once, sir. With your permission, I shall write Percy Weasley, Arthur Weasley, and also Albus Dumbledore to secure their share of this before word leaks out."

"Approved, Ooyodo, and I agree that we need to keep this classified as long as possible." Goto nodded to her. "Get me an initial action plan that I can bring up to Tokyo by the 0700 meeting tomorrow."

Ooyodo saluted, and returned to her desk. She turned to Yuubari and spoke to her fellow shipgirl via blinker light. "Good work, Yuubari. Once we secure this, I'll arrange for that new mass spectrometer for your laboratory."

As Yuubari left with a ear to ear smile, Ooyodo felt her lips curl in a happy smile as she began to type rapidly. She drained her 72 ounce mug of her special coffee and looked an order to the ushabti-figurine on her desk. The small golem that she had gotten for Christmas animated herself and took the mug in her stubby hands as it began to head to the machine for a refill.

Timor Sea

Several Days Later

"Message for you, Princess!"

Supprin looked up from her ledgers at the Chi-class light cruiser entering her headquarters. "Acknowledged, Chivonne." She took the message in her massive gauntlets and made it vanish. Inside her, one of her servitor imps took the sealed folder with Ooyodo's personal chop in the sealing wax to her communication center.

Upon arrival, the seal was examined and then broken as receipt was logged. The message form was handed to a communications imp for decryption. The high encoding caused her to give a mental blink as her staff labored with codebook to make sense of the apparently random five block capital letter words:

FROM: OOYODO
TO: SUPPLY PRINCESS
SUBJ: UNEXPECTED CHANGE TO OPERATION REDHEAD PLANS

WE DIDNT START THE FIRE XX JUST NOTIFIED THAT WEASLEY FAMILY HAS IDENTIFIED THAT THEY CAME INTO POSSESSION OF LARGE RPT LARGE QUANTITY OF PLATINUM THAT ANCESTOR OF PERCY PURCHASED FROM SPANISH IN SIXTEENTH CENTURY FOR PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR PRD INITIAL ESTIMATES OF RECOVERABLE MATERIAL FOR FAMILY IS APPROXIMATELY TWO HUNDRED TONS OF BULLION PRD OUR BUDGETARY LIMITS FOR WEDDING JUST GOT SHITCANNED TIME TO GO NUTS SUPPRIN XPT XPT KEEP THIS UNDER WRAPS UNTIL WE DECIDE HOW TO MANAGE IT FOR MAXIMUM LONG TERM PROFIT FOR US AND PERCY WITHOUT TANKING THE MARKET PRD AMISI AND PERCY NOTIFIED AND PLANNING SESSION SCHEDULED FOR NEXT TRIP TO HOGSMEADE PRD I AM MAKING PURCHASES OF PEPPER UP AND SKELEGRO POTIONS FOR USE AT SAID SESSION PRD CAN YOU BRING COFFEE BEANS AND CHOCOLATE TREATS QST ENCODE ALL TRANSMISSIONS FOR MAXIMUM SECURITY PRD WE IN THE MONEY NOW SISTER MSG ENDS XX DUMPSTER FIRE NOT MY FAULT
Spoiler: Supprin's Reaction

The Supply Depot Princess read the message twice, then adjusted her glasses absently. The One (Engagement) Ring on her finger under her gloves burned with cold fire as her lips curled in a evilly smug smile of dark joy.

She then began to speak to herself in the Black Speech of Mordor. "{One Ring to Rule them all, One Ring to find Him, One Ring to Bring Him to the Altar and in the Shipyard Bind Him}"

With that her maniacal darkly delighted uncontrollable laughter echoed through the vast complex that supported the fleets of her liege lady Wanko.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Sipping her steamed milk, Shinano had to smile a little at everything around her. Even though this was just the beginning of their, and this word always made her blush, date, it was still wonderful. Turning towards Harry though, she giggled a little at seeing him eat. When he blinked at her, she lightly blushed, "Um, it is just that you seem to be enjoying your treacle tart, Harry-Chan."

With a small shrug, he smiled back at her, "Why wouldn't I, Shinano-Chan? It's a good treacle tart after all and those are my favourite." Harry then considered things for a few moments and looked down at one of his tarts before placing it on Shinano's plate, "Here, try it."

Eyes widening slightly, Shinano nodded before taking a slice of her strudel and putting it on Harry's plate... followed by doing the same with Regina, "Then both of you should try mine as well."

Regina gave a nod as well and placed one of her dabby-doughs on Harry's plate followed by Shinano's, "Um, here, try these." A few moments later found one of the small treacle tarts on her plate, "Thank you, Harry."

Each of them shared a smile with one another and agreed that the others' treats were good.

A few minutes later, both Shinano and Regina as well as the others rang the bell for the employee of the tea house to come. As she entered, she smiled a bit, "Hello all, is something wrong?"

Only shaking her head, Shinano smiled back at her, "Nothing is wrong, Miss. But, um... could we have some more to drink?"

Chuckling, the employee gave a small nod, "You certainly can." Waving her wand, a plate came up and she placed their cups onto it, even those of the Destroyers. Slightly bowing, she picked it up, "It will be just a few minutes and I'll be back."

Upon getting the sounds of agreement, she left back downstairs and began refilling the cups. As she did so, she considered the group upstairs who were chatting. Granted, the young woman could not hear them, there were charms on the door frames after all to prevent such, but she still thought about them and some things that she had noted.

Her family's tea house had been operating in Hogsmeade for nearly three hundred years at this point. It had seem many, many people come and go. Some having come for business meetings such as the meeting between Ralston Potter and several of his allies that lead to the Statute or Secrecy being put into place rather than all out war as some more militant magicals wanted. Others came for a more romantic setting, an example being how Neville's parents often went in double dates to said place. Some simply came to relax and think, such as Albus Dumbledore could be seen doing from time to time during the 1940s. Yes, it had seen many things in its long life.

Of course, the place did go through its ups and downs, every such place did. Since 2000, when Madam Puddifoot's little tea house had opened, they had seen a decline to almost nothing of students. Many teenage girls wanted to go somewhere cute after all and were not bothered by the crampedness and such as long as it was what they thought was "Romantic". Yes, she and the rest of her family rolled their eyes at that, but were not too bothered by it. Older couples preferred their tea house after all.

Hence, it was a surprise for her when she noted that Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived walked in with two girls. And had been told that he had been with two different girls before. At the time, she had been curious to know what he was doing, but then found out about how they, the girls, had all known about it. Which had made her raise a mental eyebrow about it, though it did not bother her that much. They seemed to accept it and, really, wasn't that all that was needed?

Granted, it reminded her of stories that her great-grandmother told of one Potter, Ian, often times with an odd smile and blush on her face.

Still, she made note of it, if only to know what sort of things that they might like. A little talent that ran in her family and helped their business. Not to mention the fact that said boy was very polite to the girls he brought and often treated them with impeccable manners. Such as taking their coats for them, holding open the door, and pulling out chairs. Actions that made her inner romantic sigh as it reminded her of things that she had read in her romance novels. Made her almost wish to be younger, though she would not have been too interested in the multiple girlfriends... but if they made it work, as far as she was concerned, all the better for them.

That said, she was also happy that he seemed to bring them each time he was in Hogsmeade to her family's tea house. His guests always ate quite a bit, drank as much, and tipped very well indeed. Which was always appreciated. And from what she could tell, it seemed that he would continue to do so. If her family was lucky, chances are that his family's next generation would as well, if only due to being suggested to them. Well, one could only hope!

More than that though, she noted an odd uptick in customers as well who were generally beautiful women who ate quite a bit and drank what seemed at times to be litres. Recently, there were two blonde women who came in, with her overhearing them mention to one another how happy they were that someone named Eugen was taking care of their daughters. The one with the German accent had seemed surprised at the coffee she was served and complimented her. And that was just two of them! Another woman had also come by with an older gentleman who carried himself like a noble or some sort. She had served them both as she had any other customer and had overheard her be called "Dreadnought", an odd name. In fact, she suspected that the man was a muggle, not that it made much difference to her. A customer was a customer and unlike some places, they did not care if one was a wizard, a witch, a non-magical, or anything else. They could be expected to all be treated the same.

Now, that couple had taken one of the private booths. But at the end, the female of the two had complimented her on the service as did the man. With him chuckling and mentioning that perhaps "Liz" might decide to show up, whoever she was. Though she had been bemused when his wife had whacked his shoulder. Just the same, they had been back a few times since and each time enjoyed the time spent there.

Which was not mentioning other beings such as Abyssals who dropped by. There was that Percy Weasley for example, who came by more than once with an Abyssal as well as two shipgirls (or she assumed). The tanned skinned one always ordering items with chocolate while blessing the establishment in the name of some Egyptian god or another. And the Abyssal always complimented the coffee they served as well as some of the treats.

Of course, there was that one time with Ron Weasley, Percy's brother. She had blinked at the sight of the giant Abyssal with him. Though she had to also smile as "Summer" held one of the larger tea cups daintily with her fingers. Never before had she thought that an Abyssal could be "Adorable". Other ones included Sirius Black and his wife, apparently as well as some of her "Fleet". But while Abyssals, they were customers and that was what mattered.

Finished now with the drinks, she placed them back onto the tray and walked back to where Harry and the others were. It did not take her long to reach them, and apologize for the wait, which they waved off. Making sure that they did not need anything else, she walked back to the counter. Though she did feel a bit jealous of the two girls and their figures. Not to mention the others, the white haired shipgirl making her grumble about lucky ones.

Later, when asked about them, she would do as she usually did. Which was mostly shrug and smile about what had happened. She never did give out much gossip, but she did do some. Mostly talk about how much of a gentleman Harry was with the girls he brought, without mentioning that they were different ones each time. A fact that seemed to improve his reputation beyond what it had been...
_______________________________________________________

Walking along the streets with his hands in Shinano's and Regina's, Harry glanced back at the others and smiled. The Destroyers were still walking alongside them in escort formation, but it seemed that they were enjoying their outing just as much. With a chuckle, he turned back to the current conversation that he was having with Shinano, "So you're going to pick up the... salvaged materials, Shinano-Chan?"

Slowly, the Carrier nodded, "Hai, it was in my orders, Harry-Chan. Ooyodo-San asked that I do so, though I didn't realize why and what it was that you had. And after I get back, I'm supposed to take it to one of the secure warehouses. Not quite sure what happens to it next."

Eyes closed for a moment, as he trusted the two at his sides to make sure that he would not trip, Harry hummed. Then he opened his eyes and shrugged a little, "Most likely? I would assume that some armoured trucks will come and transport the bars of material to the Japan Mint for testing and to have them separate it into bullion. Other than that? Not sure."

Interested, Urakaze scratched her chin some and looked towards the thirteen year old, "Mind if I ask you a question, Harry-Chan?" At his nod, she continued, "What are you going to do with the money?"

Head cocked to the side, the Wizard blinked some, "Honestly?" When she nodded, Harry gave a shrug, "I have a few ideas. One of them will be to ask Grandmother Siusan where her home, and my mother's ancestral home, was in Ireland. Then buy the land in question and maybe make a house. Also might buy someplace back in Japan... Other than that? Maybe donate to various charities and such as well as invest. Not like I really need it all that much."

Somewhat surprised, Clover boggled a little at him. Sure, she didn't know a lot about humans, but she knew that there was plenty of money and that many humans always wanted more, "Really?"

Glancing at her, Harry chuckled, "My family is, well... we're well off as it were. I mean, obviously I just made a lot of money, but... the amount us Potters have is enough that if I wanted to, I wouldn't need to work a day in my life. Same with my children and their children." Not noticed by him, Shinano and Regina blushed at that, "Also, that is not counting the Potter rainy day funds."

Yukikaze gave a small nod, "You mean the gold and silver your family stashed away just in case?" At the looks, she shrugged, "Harry-Chan mentioned it to me."

When the others looked at him, the thirteen year old chuckled, "My family never trusted the goblins, especially with the various rebellions. So... we apparently hid large amounts of gold and silver on the property to use when needed. Helped that some operated as Privateers and pirates over the centuries. I've asked Tsukiakari and the others if they can show me where, and they promised that they would do so."

The others just nodded and the conversation turned from that.

However, the peace was not to last as someone shouted at them and the group turned to find a young man with a scowl on his face walking over from the Three Broomsticks. Behind him was Tonks who looked annoyed, but not at Harry. Moments later, the male Auror reached him and scowled even deeper, "What are you doing away from Hogwarts?! You should be in school right at this moment!"

In reply, Harry reached into his coat and pulled out an envelope that he held towards the Auror, "I actually have permission."

Before the Auror could grab it, Tonks took it and began to read, "You have a pass to Hogsmeade for family business and to further relations with a foreign power?" Part of her expression was pure amusement at it and she chuckled, "Not a bad excuse... and the fact that you managed to get the Headmaster to sign off on it makes it better."

Simply ignoring the other Auror who did a double take, Harry shrugged, "Well... the thing is that there are rules that allow for it in the Hogwarts Charter, provided that I have proof. Which... I do."

That got him a laugh and Tonks grinned even as she handed it back to him, "Congrats then." With a nod towards the others, she walked away practically dragging the other Auror with her, "Enjoy the rest of your day then..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord Khuzdul

Inspiration struck, and decided to add one more character, from an area dear to my heart.

---

Ali scratched his chin as he looked at the row of shops. This was where the old man he met a few days ago said his coffee shop was. Since the day he met the man in Foça's small çarşı, he had a feeling of unease. He glanced at the young-looking destroyer next to him. "Well, this shop came highly recommended. And Yavuz is getting more and more particular about her coffee. Especially after her daily ripping apart newspapers ritual." He said.

Next to him, Demirhisar rolled her eyes. "Well, maybe she should have chosen a better day to break her last jar of coffee," she said. "This rain is miserable."

Ali smiled. "Well, last I looked, you were made of steel, not sugar. Chin up. A little rain never hurt anyone."

As he pushed the door to the small coffee house, his instincts screamed at him that he was walking into something very dangerous.

He took in the empty coffee house at one glance, and immediately zeroed in on the small group sitting at a table at the back. Even though the group of men, five of them old and one middle aged with a very impressive mustache, and one delicate looking young woman did not look particularly threatening, he felt like he was walking into the den of a lion...

Or rather, into a great big mess.

'Efem, give me your strength...' he thought.

Then, the man sitting at the head of the table, the old, bearded proprietor of the coffee house, smiled at the two at the door. "Come in, friends, and have a tea. We were expecting you for this bit. After all, who but the legacy of the Yörük Ali would know to stand against the Sultan?"

Ali wanted to facepalm. Over thirty years of hiding himself, up in smoke. Demirhisar next to him looked up at him in puzzlement.

"Hamidiye will have my firing pin as a toothpick." He swore under his breath.
Spoiler: Ali's Theme

 

[darthcourt10]

RCNAnon

Weasley's Warship Workshop 11

Abyssal Interlude

Shortly before Ron's arrival to Passel House after meeting Jean Bart

Brigid was no longer bored. At least not as much as she used to be, given she'd finally bent her neck a little bit more and asked (practically begged!) for something to occupy her time. The woman, Victoria as she'd finally bothered to remember her name, had sniffed at her disdainfully but said she'd find something. It hadn't been much originally, as there was apparently not all that much entertainment in the house she was staying at.

At first it was dribs and drabs of things, old newspapers and magazines that had been left by the various ship girls that visited to house to relax and apparently use the spa. They were never less than a month old, as it seemed Victoria wasn't going to allow her any up to date information that might help her if she attempted to escape. Not that there was much chance of that, given the fact she was still in a wheelchair.

Ever since her little incident, she'd found no way around two very important facts. Summer would not heal her properly unless the little human she called her Yardmaster told her to. The other was that if she in any way harmed said Yardmaster Summer would almost certainly kill her in a very slow, painful manner unbefitting of a Princess like herself. The fact that Summer also seemed to be coming more into her own power as a Princess each time she saw her certainly didn't help matters.

That left only one way to get herself healed and escape, one which she wasn't sure she could even stomach to do. She'd have to… play nice with the boy and get him to trust her enough that he told Summer to heal her. The mere thought of kowtowing to a human, a young human at that was almost enough to make her purge her bilges but there was no other way to do what she wanted. Which was why she continued to go through whatever scraps of information on humanity that Victoria would allow her.

Even this pile of dry, boring information that was contained in The Encyclopedia Britannica, volume 1, 2007 edition. Victoria had dropped it off several days before and despite having almost all of her time to herself, there was only so much Brigid could stomach of the wretched thing. Victoria had happily informed her that there were thirty volumes, the mere thought of which was again almost enough to make Brigid empty her bilges.

That being said, the interruption of the Installation Princess opening the door to her room with her eyes partially alight was enough to make Brigid's boredom no longer a concern. Instead she thought back to if she'd done anything to make said Installation mad… and she hadn't. They'd barely spoken to one another since the incident and she was largely fine keeping it that way. It seemed that was at an end.

"The Yardmaster is coming to see you." Summer's words were spoken with the inflection that doom might as well be upon Brigid and she mentally steeled herself for what was to come.

"Very well." Brigid nodded, closing her book after marking her place. She didn't want to have to read any of that garbage twice if she didn't have to.

Summer's eyes remained on her for at least thirty seconds more, Brigid making herself seem as small and nonthreatening as possible. She had no plans to hurt the young human, not now that her only alternative was to play nice. Not that Summer was going to believe her, not without an explanation that would give her entire plan away.

"If you hurt the Yardmaster I will break you." That was not a threat, it was a promise and Brigid had no doubts Summer was sincere.

"I won't hurt him." Brigid forced herself to keep her voice as neutral as she could, not quite staring Summer down but meeting her eyes. It was hard, very hard. She wasn't sure how she was going to keep it up over the long term but there was nothing else she could do. It would need to be one day at a time.

The Installation Princess stared her down for a few more seconds before her eyes dimmed down slightly, only the cores a bit brighter than normal. She then moved to grab the handles of Brigid's wheelchair and pushed her out the door. It was the dark haired one's turn today, though they'd recently added a few more. Still, the dark haired one was probably her least hated by now. She was at least quiet and Brigid had somehow found comfort in the fact she was prepared to put a broadside of torpedo's into her hull at any moment. It was something that still made sense at least.

Summer pushed her to the strange wooden cabinet that transported so many others to the house, something which still frustrated Brigid to no end. She knew where it led, to the ship girls base. What she didn't know was if it could go somewhere else, if there were more somewhere and how fast they really worked. There were so many things that she didn't know that she would need if she were to escape for any length of time.

One of the blonde battleships was there, the older one. Not that it made her any less dangerous, Brigid could sense the power she held even without her rig. She wasn't one to take lightly even if Brigid had been at fighting trim. The battleship gave her a brief look over and then turned back to the cabinet.

It wasn't more than a couple minutes until the aged wood opened and out stepped the young redhead. He still didn't look like much to Brigid, somewhat scrawny and still growing into whatever a human considered his full size. Everyone else seemed to see something she didn't, with the blonde battleship smiling and the big oaf behind her practically vibrating with excitement. If she was any more obsequious she'd be a destroyer rolling over on its belly for praise after finding a juicy tidbit.

She still didn't understand why and she wasn't sure she ever would but it was clear that he was somehow the center of this. He wrapped the blond battleship in his arms, with her doing the same. Then Summer waited her turn, crouching down so that her fuel farms were practically in his face while she did the same. He turned red, something to note and figure out why in case it was useful. It wasn't until he spoke of her that she finally paid attention to his exact words.

"How's our guest doing?" he asked Summer.

"She is… functional..." replied Summer, glancing back at her, "The brace is… ready for inspection."

"Good, good. Thank you for having everything ready Summer." The young human smiled at her, causing the installation to nearly preen, clearly happy to receive those small words of praise.

Brigid couldn't quite believe that something so simple would cause an Abyssal Princess to follow a human so readily… but then again she was an installation and they were hardly proper Abyssals in most cases.

"If everything is ready then lets head to the workshop." He then turned to the blond battleship. "I'll be back soon Warspite."

"I know Ron, no need to rush." There was unmistakable fondness in her voice, meaning the boy had at least two battleships that were fond of him along with Summer and Brigid still couldn't understand why.

Thankfully the little scene ended, with Summer, the young boy and the dark haired one all escorting her out back. A small part of her was briefly tempted to grab him but the presence of Summer was more than enough to dissuade her. It had been mostly an idle fancy of days when she could have done such a thing.

Instead of the normal baths that they went to, Brigid was instead pushed to the other large building behind the main house. The right side was mostly made up of shelving. The left had a number of workbenches, drawing tables and a giant pile of pillows in one of the corners for some reason. Doing her best to take it all in.

"Here Yardmaster." Summer spoke first, indicating a workbench with the strange brace that Brigid had been fitted with. She still wasn't convinced it was entirely benign but it at least hadn't actively tortured her when Summer had measured her.

"Thank you Summer." Again the boy smiled and again the installation looked pleased. "If you could get her on the table we should be able to get started."

Summer nodded, looking down to Brigid as the boy turned to do something. There was still hate in those eyes but Brigid made no move of resistance when she was hoisted carefully onto the table. Thankfully the boys presence prevented Summer from manhandling her and she let out a sigh as was laid down and pressure came off of her keel.

"Alright, so this should go on underneath her clothes but first I need to know where the damage is." The boy held up the brace, turning it this way and that until he found the correct orientation based on where Brigid was laying.

"Between frames 15 and 16," said Summer immediately, clearly ready to help with any sort of issue she saw pertinent to her "Yardmaster".

The boy nodded, taking out and making some notes on a pad he pulled from his pocket.

"Good to know… but where exactly is that on her back Summer?" he looked up at her with a gentle smile, "I'm not actually going inside her hull."

Summer seemed confused for a second, causing Brigid to grin internally, before she shook herself. "Uhm..."

"Why don't you roll her on her side and show me."

Summer nodded and reached down to Brigid, rolling her onto her side. Thankfully she was gentle, yet Brigid still let out a hiss of pain. She wasn't hurt… but the pressure was something she still didn't enjoy.

"Here..." Summer pointed to part of Brigid's back with her massive hands, as Brigid craned her head around, trying to keep track of what was going on.

"Here?" the boy reached out and actually touched Brigid's back. She expected there to be pain but there wasn't, his hands were incredibly light. It also gave her an opportunity.

"Lower." she said to the boy, clearly surprising both him and Summer. Summer seemed concerned, which was bad but she needed the boys good graces, not the other abyssals. He merely seemed surprised she had spoken, which to be fair it was the first time she had in his presence.

"Lower?" He asked her directly, letting his fingers slide down an inch.

She forced herself not to twitch as he ran his fingers down her back. Despite the covering of her dress they were strangely warm against her and she nodded.

"The main damage starts there. Goes up and down a little bit." She read off her own damage reports to him, somehow less demeaning than she thought it would be as he seemed to take no pleasure in it.

He glanced at Summer, who nodded in return, though her eyes kept moving between Brigid and the boys.

"Alright, let me get started." He nodded as he pulled the brace up against her back and then he pulled something from his pocket. A moment later he muttered some words and there was a flash, surprising Brigid. She tensed, then hissed in pain from the motion as her keel cried out.

"Sorry. Are you alright?" The boy looked up from whatever he was doing and asked her directly.

"I am… fine," she said through clenched teeth, not wanting to give any sort of satisfaction to him no matter how well he might hide it.

"Just a little bit more and I'll be able to work somewhere else." His voice was strangely calm even as he worked, several more flashes happening behind her back before he pulled away and held up the brace.

"Does that look good Summer?" he asked as he showed the brace to the installation.

"...Yes." she said after a moment of contemplation, the hand holding Brigid on her side letting go and allowing her to settle once more comfortably on her back.

"Good. I'll get the rest of the runes set. It shouldn't take too long. Grab a snack or something if you want."

Summer looked to the dark haired destroyer in some kind of silent communication and the destroyer nodded, heading towards the door as the boy moved to one of the other workbenches and became engrossed in his work. The flashes continued, something Brigid would have been eager to see had it not been for the installation silently watching her, never leaving her side.

Instead of giving her the satisfaction of a staring contest, Brigid closed her eyes and let her engineering team go over her keel again. They thankfully hadn't stressed it with the movements they'd done but it still wasn't properly fixed. She wasn't sure it would ever be properly fixed given what had happened but Summer and the boy seemed interested in it for some reason.

A few minutes later the destroyer came back with the other human woman with long red hair, pushing a cart with a number of cups and some of the strange circles that the destroyer loved consuming. Brigid's nose could smell them from here and they were tempting, despite the fact she'd tried to refrain from getting closer to her captors in any way.

"Here's a cuppa for you Master Weasley," said the red head, placing a cup along with a plate of the circles. He mumbled something back while he worked, his spare hand waving in the air as flashing continued. The red haired one didn't seem to mind, instead setting out a plate for the destroyer and the installation. There of course was not one for Brigid, she'd never asked and they'd never offered.

Time passed, at least an hour by her chronometer. Summer had gone over to watch the boy, with the dark hared destroyer taking over the task of watching her. The destroyer's eyes rarely blinked, instead focused solely on her even as she consumed the circles at a steady pace. The boy didn't, focused entirely on his work until there was a final flash and he let out a sigh.

"That should do it," he said, finally seeming to notice the cup of liquid and the circles. He reached for both at the same time, his stick disappearing back into his pocket. Sipping his cup and taking a bite of the circle, he handed the brace to Summer. "Can you put it on her?" he said, "Since… you know..." he waved his hand.

Summer took a moment to process that, looking at the boy and then to Brigid. Her eyes finally widened and she nodded. "Yes. I will make sure that… doesn't happen."

Brigid raised her eyebrow momentarily in confusion as Summer came over, wondering what the boy didn't want to happen with the brace. Perhaps it was dangerous in some manner?

"Acasta… help please," Summer spoke to the destroyer, who stood and nodded.

Brigid waited to see what would happen and then the two lifted her up into a seated position and Summer pulled at her dress.

"Arms up." Summer spoke levelly, though Brigid could tell that she would still respond instantly if she tried anything. Instead she complied, raising her arms up as Summer and Acasta removed her dress. Though the temperature had not changed, Brigid shivered a bit as her covering was symbolically removed.

Summer and Acasta then began to put the back brace on Brigid, which had only happened once before. That time she hadn't been paying much attention, as she'd still been shocked into silence by Summer. This time she half paid attention to the various straps they fastened around her. The other half was on the boy, who for some reason was very much looking anywhere but her. It was strange… until she finally glanced back down at herself and put a few things together. That could be very useful if only…

Her train of thoughts was interrupted as Summer pulled the last strap tight and fastened it. There was a sudden pressure on her keel which popped slightly… and then it didn't hurt, she only felt a bit of pressure on all sides. She let out a gasp, her eyes wide even as her dress was lowered back over her arms. Why didn't she hurt? The brace was the only explanation but that meant…

"It is… ok Yardmaster." the installation said, even as Brigid ran her hand down the front of her dress.

The boy turned around quickly, a clear sign he'd been waiting for the all clear. With his plate in hand, he walked right up to her and chewed on one of the circles.

"Did it work?" he asked her.

"I don't hurt," she said, her voice filled with wonder she couldn't quite suppress. Even her engineers were filled with wonder, those that weren't running around like headless chickens trying to figure out how her keel seemed to be perfectly fine.

"Good. That means it's working." He seemed rather pleased with himself, though in a rather low key way compared to what Brigid would expect.

She stared at him for a moment as he finished off one of the circles. He misinterpreted the look and offered one to her.

"Cookie?" he said.

Brigid took it without a word, the circle still vaguely warm in her hand.

"Why?" she asked him.

"Why what? The cookie?" he seemed unsure as to what she was asking.

"Why did you do this?" she said, tapping her side, "Why did you heal me?"

"You're not healed yet," the boy said after taking a bite of his circle… his cookie, "If we take the brace off your back will be just as bad. As for why… well leaving you in that chair means we have to wheel you around and with this you'll be capable of walking by yourself. It also gave me a way to practice my runes."

That made sense to Brigid. Leaving her like she had been was a drain on their resources when she didn't have to be and trying something on an enemy you didn't actually care about was better than doing it to an ally.

"I also couldn't just leave you in that wheelchair. Not when Warspite was that way for years." His voice turned more solemn when he spoke those words, seemingly carrying more of a weight.

That… did not make sense to Brigid. He… felt a need to help her based on somebody else?

"I see." She didn't, not really. At least not the part he seemed to feel the most important.

He smiled at her, not like he did at the installation but he was mildly pleased by her statement for some reason.

"That's good. Are you going to eat that?" he nodded to the cir… cookie in her hand.

She hadn't really wanted one but he seemed to think it important for some reason and she was trying to get on his good side. She took a bite, only to have flavor that she'd never experienced burst into her mouth, a warm, gooey taste of rich sweet sensation. She couldn't believe what she was tasting, so she took another bit and then another, until she suddenly realized that the cookie was gone.

Staring down at her hand in mild disappointment, she then looked up to the young human to find him smiling again. Humor this time.

"Tasted good?" he asked.

"...Yes." There was no point in denying it, especially if they might give her another one.

"Well lets go see if Victoria has any more." He offered his hand to her, clearly meaning for her to take it.

Brigid glanced out the corner of her eye to Summer, who bristled slightly but didn't make any threatening moves. So she took the boys hand and he tugged her off the bench.

Inside her hull engines started for the first time in months, boilers already lit feeding them power now that she wouldn't break in half. A small bit of power, not even a quarter ahead as her feet carefully stepped across the concrete beneath them.

It was an amazing sensation, the first step she'd taken under her own power since her back had been broken. She shuddered slightly as she wiggled her toes, engineers feeding her slightly more power. It was something she'd never expected… and it was thanks to the human. She looked down to him, he seemed much smaller now that she was on her feet. Yet there was something about him…

"You are called… Ron?" she had to purposefully think back to the various things she'd heard him called. It would be a bad way to continue ingratiating herself to call him the wrong name.

"Yup, I'm Ron. Do you have a name?" He'd let go of her hand once she stood, now standing slightly in front of her.

"I am…. Battleship Princess." Her name was her own, only shared with those she cared about. She did not care about the human, generous though he might be. They were still enemies in the long run, even if she might instead capture him instead of kill him when that time came.

Still, that caused him to smile again, the small one.

"Well Battleship Princess, it's about time for dinner so we should go back inside."

"Very well." Brigid waited for a moment as Ron stepped aside and took steps towards the door. The sound of feet behind her indicated the destroyer was still following her. They were generous, not stupid after all.

Upon realizing that Ron was not following, she stopped and turned, only to see him whispering something to the installation, which nodded back to him and looked at her with a strange eagerness that she did not like.

Ron pulled back and smiled once more, the bigger kind and turned towards her and the destroyer, only to turn back.

"Oh and one for you as well Summer. A full report please."

Summer froze for at least ten seconds, her face somehow managing to turn a light red.

"F-f-f-for m-me?" she finally managed to squeak out.

"Yes for you. It's only fair, since I'm your Yardmaster after all."

The installation nodded, the look on her face one of elation and not anger.

Brigid frowned as Ron walked towards her once more, wondering what he could have told Summer that would also involve her.

"What did you ask her for?" she asked, unable to restrain her curiosity.

Ron merely smiled at her as he opened the door, this time a mischievous one she did not think she liked.

"You'll find out soon," he said as he stepped through the door. Brigid almost reached out to stop him, only to realize that Summer was right behind her. She forced herself not to, instead following Ron out the door.

She would find out soon enough, no matter what it was. She couldn't do anything else, just take things one step at a time.

Something that was much easier now that she could actually move under her own power of course.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: This one fought me quite a bit at first... then it ran away from me. Hope you all enjoyed. Next Abyssal Interlude will probably be about Summer.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Tale of Three Tails (IV)

SS Horizon Bringer

Kingston Harbor, Caribbean Sea

1 May 2014
Spoiler: (Retired) Pirates Of The Caribbean Return

"Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego,
baby why don't we go,
Jamaica"

Norimune sang along with the Beach Boys as 'Kokomo' played through the ship as Jacklyn expertly tacked the Horizon Bringer into harbor. As the anchor rattled into the sand bottom and she threw the first lines to the handlers at the marina, she stretched with her arms over her head.

A smug smile flickered around her lips as she noticed the line handlers giving a look at her now toned and tanned avatar in her favorite Rising Sun bikini. She then turned to see Jacklyn join her in her black and white pirate themed swimsuit. "It's been a long while. This place has really grown up."

Jacklyn nodded in agreement. "Aye, it has. You were here when Port Royal was the main city, right Dad?" The cutlass pointed across the bay to the spit of land with the colonial fort that was all that was now left of the infamous free port.

Norimune laughed. "Oh yes. Pity you never made port fall there before the earthquake in 1692 sunk three quarters of it in the bay and then the fire hit in 1703 when we were rebuilding followed by that hurricane in 1722. 'Wine and women drained our wealth to such a degree that some of us became reduced to beggary. Some of my buccaneer friends have been known to spend 2 or 3,000 pieces of eight in one night; and one gave a strumpet 500 to see her naked, yes, and many other impeities'."

Jacklyn grinned smugly, "Aye, I heard the tales when I started assembling my crew in the 1730s. Sadly those days were long gone, although I have had a good carouse in taverns from Calcutta to Copenhagen in me day."

The smug grin widened as Aomi Sato appeared above decks. The Inugami was dressed in a aquamarine two piece swimsuit with white polka dots. "Be a dear, Love and put me phone on the charger and grab me hat?" Jacklyn set the phone to vibrate, and handed it to Aomi, who headed below decks with a sultry sway of her hips.

Norimune leaned in and spoke quietly. "She looks to be a good one, Jacklyn. I have had shit luck with romance, but if you find a good one, don't let them go for anything. Unlike me."

Jacklyn whispered equally quietly, "Aye, Dad. Saved her from the Yakuza in Tokyo who were trying to break her into an obedient sex slave. Hate that with a real passion." The cutlass had uncharacteristic venom in her voice.

Norimune blinked in surprise and spoke slowly. "Sounds like there is a story there, Jacklyn."

Jacklyn nodded in agreement as Aomi joined them with a floppy pirate hat in her hands. "Bit of one, Dad. After the Revolution, I got into preying on the slave trade, acting as a supplemental privateer to the West African Patrol. First time I took one of those hell ships making the Middle Passage and throwing the dead and sick overboard for the sharks trailing them; it is something that makes you make a choice. Know what I mean?"

Norimune grimaced, remembering a few incidents in her own past fights against slave owners in the American Civil War. "Yeah, you either avert your eyes and pocket the gold from selling misery or do something about it. I did something, not that it mattered in the end."

"Mattered more than you may expect, Dad." Jacklyn said with a distant look on her face. "Anyway, by oh, 1850 or so, I was pretty much doing that full time and got linked in pretty hard with the abolitionist movement out in New England. I mean it was good money with bounties on rescuing slaves and smuggling them up North from the South, but considering the looks on their faces when I got those poor black bastards to safety, I'd have done it for free. In part because by that point I'd realized that I could have ended up as one of them, since in the eyes of MACUSA I ain't human. Some of the powerful magical families back then would have sold me South to a brothel crib or a bedroom."

Norimune scowled, "Yeah, I betcha I can put names on the fuckers."

Jacklyn nodded and leaned on the rail as Aomi hugged her around the waist. "Anyway, that was where I met Jez. Turned out that she had gotten into the abolitionist movement big-time for her own reasons after her father dropped dead. She heard rumors about me description, thought that I was you and invited me to a meeting in New York City after I finished dropping off a load of rescuees."

Norimune stared in shock at her middle daughter as Jacklyn laughed and shook her head with an ear to ear grin. "Of course I had no clue who she was, apart from one hot MILF with a one-year-old in her arms and loads of money, so I tried to charm her. Didn't get into her knickers, but did find out that the baby was me half-sister Del. After that I stayed in touch with her and Del. Turned out well for us all; she invested me monies legal-like and shot me some good paying jobs every now and again. I wound up being little Del's favorite aunt and taught her about life outside the blue blood old money hoity toity set."

"No shit, Jacklyn?" Norimune's voice was sharp.

"No shit, Dad." Jacklyn turned to look Norimune in the eyes. "Still not sure why she called her little private spy network the Winters Network, but they paid good and kept me on me toes through the Civil War and then for the next century plus. Course Jez got old and Del is more or less running them these days."

"WAIT!" Norimune barked out as her voice broke. "Jezabel de Breuil was Anne Winters?"

"Sure was, Dad. I know for a fact that she busted her balls to get you off the hook with MACUSA back then. Said that she owed you big for whatever happened between you and her in the past." Jacklyn spoke with complete seriousness as her father began to weep. She then stepped over and hugged Norimune as the elder sword clung to her.

Jacklyn leaned in and whispered in Norimune's ear. "When you left America, she got drunk off her ass when she heard the news. She told me that she didn't deserve the love of a hero like you since she was too cowardly to stand up to her father back then and because she hurt you so badly by accident. She asked me to promise to help her raise Del right to be worthy to be called your child. Think Del turned out pretty well in the end."

Norimune buried her face in her middle daughter's shoulder and sobbed her heart out. Jacklyn looked at Aomi, and the Inugami moved away to give father and daughter some privacy.

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

Kingston

May 3rd, 2014 (5th week of Bacchanale)
Spoiler: Carnival in Jamaica

Norimune danced drunkenly with the other locals and a few tourists celebrating the Carnival season. Reggae music blasted through the streets as the parade wound past them to celebrate another year of inhabitation. Despite hurricanes, despite earthquakes, despite the Abyssals, Jamaica still stood and lived and defied the odds, and that was worth celebrating.

"Ball it out yuh new man put yuh back pon shelf
Tell yuh first man nuh put him foot thru yuh gate
Yuh look sweet, you can enter Miss World
From yuh buck di new man, you a glisten like pearl
Change yuh lock, gyal an hide di door key
Mek him tink she, it's still under di tree
Fling out di scandal, an bun di old clothes
Him did a kill yuh wid bun, gyal unda yuh nose."

Norimune locked eyes with Jacklyn and Aomi and grinned smugly before slamming back a bottle of Jamaica Stout Beer. She was pleasantly surprised that the brewery had survived the centuries somehow and the taste brought back memories of carouses in the past as Captain Longblade's crew painted the town red.

As the next float approached, Norimune's smile grew and she pulled her top up to flash the float. She shouted. "Bet I get more beads thrown to me than you do Jacklyn!"

"So gyal
Model pon yuh one time man cause him can't tek back weh him done did give yuh, eh eh, eh eh
Pose pon yuh one time man, yuh find a betta man an yuh know him a tek care a yuh
All a di girls
Jamaican girls dem pose pon di man
American girls dem pose pon di man
Canadian girls dem pose pon di man
English girls dem pose pon di man
Japanese girls dem pose pon di man
Model pon dem, yuh inna good condition!"

Jackie pulled her bikini top off with the hand not holding a bottle of Pusser's Rum and shouted back. "YOU'RE ON DAD!"

Aomi grinned and showed her breasts to the float too as the first beads were tossed to the girls in the street party.

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

SS Horizon Bringer

Approaching The Serranilla Bank In The Caribbean Sea

May 6th, 2014
Spoiler: A Nodachi's Call

Norimune drained a bottle of Jamaica Stout Beer and then tossed it into the weighted canvas sack that was being used to hold the garbage. The rising sun painted the approaching clouds red and she squinted to the east, muttering to herself "Red Sun At Morning, Sailor Take Warning."

She chuckled to herself as she shifted course slightly to take advantage of the freshening breeze propelling the ship back to Panama. Chances were by the time that squall line got close enough to matter, Jacklyn and Aomi would have gotten done 'testing the mattress in their bunk' and joined her on deck.

She could hardly blame her daughter for her appetites.

Norimune admitted to herself that Aomi was the kind of girl that she would not have kicked out of the Captain's cabin aboard the Impenitent back in the day

Just like Sally Gray.

Just like Jezabel de Breuil.

Just like... Julie d'Aubigny.

She scowled as she fished for another beer, mentally deciding that the ice chest with the bottles would last until Jacklyn got to deck and allowed her to head below and refill it.

Julie d'Aubigny.

Colombe d'Aubigny du Chasteler.

She had two daughters who accepted her in their own ways and even cared for her.

Delilah and Jacklyn turned out all right, and two of three was pretty good, right?

Words hissed in a rage and pain filled voice from a tear streaked face echoed in her memory.

"You abandoned my mother! You abandoned ME! Why, Father?! Was I not good enough for you?!?"

Norimune sighed and squinted at the rising sun. She whispered to herself as her tears glimmered. "No, I was the one who was not good enough for you, Colombe. How can I tell you that?"

She shook her head as a rather bleary eyed and naked Jacklyn climbed out of the hatch. "Mornin' Dad. What's up?"

Norimune turned to her daughter as she realized that she was almost out of beer. "Storm coming from the east, be here in two hours give or take. Wind's freshening and came around three points off the bow." She paused, and fished the last bottle of beer out of the ice chest.

"Just thinking, Jacklyn. Just thinking about the past, about my mistakes. About family and wondering what I would do differently if I had the chance to go back." She spoke absently, feeling nervous for some reason.

Jacklyn nodded and took the wheel. "My watch, Dad. Do me a favor and head below to grab a refill on booze? Feeling today will be a bit choppy."

Norimune nodded. "I'm on it, Jacklyn. And thanks. For everything."

"Anytime, Dad, anytime."

Belowdecks, a phone vibrated with an incoming call from Belgium as Norimune reached the hatch.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N.-This immediately follows and builds upon - A Storm At Malfoy House

Insight After A Storm

Malfoy Manor

28 June, 2014
Spoiler: Conversations In The Library

Ehren du Chasteler finished wiping tear streaks from her face and handed the handkerchief back to Niobe. The German protected cruiser shipgirl placed the used cloth back in her hold to be cleaned by her crew and then cuddled up to Draco as he blew his nose with his own handkerchief.

Ehren took a deep breath and reached down to the floor where the book now rested where she dropped it when the storm outside had triggered her flashback of Verdun. "Thank you both for responding to the sounds of my distress."

Niobe smiled and leaned in to hug Ehren, "Thank Draco. He heard you and wished to investigate. I... had my own flashback to deal with."

Ehren turned to the fourteen year old wizard and bowed her head in gratitude. "My thanks, Cousin Draco. I shall have to research mechanisms to cope with the damage that Verdun inflicted on my soul and sanity now. One more thing to do." She sighed as her brow furrowed.

Draco nodded. "I know a recipe for calming potions that Professor Snape said worked well on people who had been through traumatic events such as a Dementor attack. We are looking to take steps to produce them for the muggles once the Statute of Secrecy comes down, since they were developed in part to deal with shell shock cases in the 1920s. Some wizards fought in the Great War after all, such as your mother and my ancestors."

Ehren smiled gratefully and began to gather her hair into a ponytail. "That would be appreciated. Thank you once again."

Draco nodded and cast about for a subject change. "So, what were you reading?"

Ehren smiled slightly. "Research, in a word. Since we know little about you, I decided to read a few old diaries to get a better feel for the family traditions and history." She gestured at the wood-paneled library where they sat. "So I asked the house-elf where the family historical papers were kept, and managed to deal with the warding on the shelves."

Draco blinked and looked over at the faintly glowing shelves in question. "Don't try that with the spell books."

"I do not plan to test those wards. But the diaries and so forth use the same alarm and warding spell that Mutti uses for her private papers and," Ehren blushed slightly, "some of her adult books back home."

Draco gave a crooked smile. "Oh really?" Beside him, Niobe gave a fond sigh.

"Ja." Ehren elaborated. "I spent decades on Mutti's desk, so saw her put the wards into place after Claire manifested. So I of course noticed how she took them down when she wished to read one of her Lyra Potter novels."

Draco leaned forward. "Wait. Your mother said that you have not been manifested two years."

Ehren nodded. "That is correct, but awakening is a gradual process. I am led to believe that it is the same for shipgirls insofar as they remember what happened when they were a ship before they manifest their spirit."

Niobe nodded. "Ja. That is correct. I can remember the declaration of war against the Entente in 1914."

"Ach, so." Ehren paused, and then took a deep breath, speaking in a flatly controlled voice. "For me, my first coherent memory is being presented to Vati upon his graduation from SS-Junkerschule on November 9th, 1937." Ehren's voice filled with icy hatred and her eyes were as hard as diamonds as she continued. "By Adolf Hitler personally for being first in his class."

Niobe winced, and then moved around to hug the rigid form of Ehren. "I count myself fortunate that I was sold to Yugoslavia before that man took power in Germany, Ehren."

"Danke." Ehren responded and closed her eyes. "I was part of a special commission for twelve hand-crafted daggers to be annually awarded to the top three graduates at Bad Tölz. I can only hope that my sisters and brothers find the truth of the lies that they were fed as I have."

Draco took a deep breath. "I am sure that you will be there for them when they manifest Ehren." Niobe made a sound of agreement as she gave Ehren a squeeze and then returned to Draco's side.

"Thank you for your kind words, Cousin." Ehren opened her eyes. "But one way for items to manifest their spirits is to be touched or used by a person of significance in history. Claire manifested a century to the very day after Claude Debussy played her. I.... You now know. Regardless, while I was unable to manifest myself, I was somewhat aware of my surroundings. Since I shared the study with Mutti and Claire ever since I arrived at Moulbaix, I spent decades observing them and thinking."

Draco nodded and leaned into Niobe's side as they sat together on the sofa. "That makes sense. So you learned Colombe's spell work from that observation."

"Exactly. So I deduced that the ward spells on the shelves were not beyond Mutti's spell that she uses to unlock access to her private papers. So I did that and then grabbed this diary."

"May I see it, Cousin?" Draco asked with clear concern in his voice as Niobe looked in with clear interest.

"Of course." Ehren handed it over.

"Hmm, this is Great-grandfather Cassius Malfoy." Draco examined the heraldry stamped into the black leather, then waved his wand and breathed a sign of relief.

"What is wrong, Cousin?" Ehren asked.

Draco took a deep breath, then held the diary in his lap. "It is just, a year ago, there was a diary at Hogwarts that contained a soul fragment of...."

He paused as his face turned ashen. He then swallowed and continued, "The student who would grow up to be He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. His diary possessed a girl there and used her to control the basilisk that nearly killed me. I... don't want to go through that again."

Ehren leaned in to join Niobe in hugging Draco as the Malfoy boy shook slightly. "I can understand your concern, Cousin. I was unaware such things exist."

"Few are." Draco responded tightly. "According to Father, it was an Dark Object called a Horcrux that is formed by an act of cold-blooded betrayal and murder, among other things. Tom Riddle killed a girl while at Hogwarts to empower it during World War Two. But the part of him in there nearly killed me and others before Harry Potter destroyed it."

Ehren nodded sharply. "With your permission, I shall notify Mutti about this since she may know more. I know little of her experiences, save that she has gotten into more trouble than any one person should believe is possible."

Draco idly flipped through the diary as he nodded in response. "Please ask her to share any insights with Father."

Ehren puckered her lips thoughtfully. "I shall." She glanced over at Draco curiously. "Anything of interest there?"

Draco's jaw dropped. "I don't believe it. Listen. 'March 5th, 1899. Received word from the Continent that Cousin du Chasteler was assaulted by parties unknown. I warned the fool that trying to be that overt about power and influence among the muggle nobility would backfire badly. Now where am I supposed to get my mokele-mbembe blood for potion-crafting since it slays with the terror of its multi-eyed gaze?' That isn't your mother, is it, Ehren?"

Ehren frowned. "Nein. Mutti had come home from her first African trip then when she explored the Congo and was gearing up to do her second expedition where she met Kasuyu."

The dagger paused and then her eyes narrowed. "Wait. I remember a family tree. She had a great grandnephew, Hippolyte, who died in 1899 at the age of sixty-eight. He was the last legitimate blood heir of Grandpapa and with his death the title and lands passed to Mutti."

Draco flipped ahead in the book as Ehren and Niobe peeked over his shoulders. "It must be this Hippolyte du Chasteler. Here we are. 'May 15th, 1899. Colombe du Chasteler reported at a dinner party at Passel House. She took offense to Corvus Lestrange and nearly gutted him in a duel. Foolish of him to challenge an immortal sorceress with her ICW rap sheet no matter how good looking or rich she is, but Corvus was always a bullock in breeding season. She may be looking to track down and murder the people who profited from Hippolyte's use of slaves to harvest reagents from the Congo. I do not plan to have her find me. Juliette has been heavily hinting that she wishes to see her family in Provence again, and we leave to take the waters in the south of France tomorrow. I have already dispatched an owl to the Ministry to start the manhunt for that damned woman. She has been nothing but trouble for our business enterprises ever since the first time that Hippolyte tried to have her killed after she returned from the Orient.' Wow. Just...wow."

Ehren blinked and reread the handwritten lines. She frowned in thought, idly rubbing her collar tab with her thumb before finally speaking. "I won't tell Mutti if you don't, Draco. Let's keep it our little secret. I would prefer not to have you and I on opposite sides, especially since this is a century and more past. Let us let bygones be bygones."

Draco nodded in agreement and handed the diary to Niobe. "Please keep that safe?"

Niobe nodded and placed it in a safe in her hull. "Of course, Liebchen."

He then turned to Ehren and extended his hand. "Considering what little I have read, I cannot say that your mother was wrong to kill her grandnephew. If he was trying to have her killed... well sometimes the family needs a little purging to keep a member from destroying us, according to Father. He gets a bit vague when talking about Grandfather."

Ehren nodded slowly in agreement as she shook the offered hand. "Ja. My own family is known to have disputes over the proper course of events. According to Grandmother Norimune, it is quite common among us Muramasas." She grinned smugly. "After all, my oldest sister Ying fought Grandmother Norimune in 1941 when their countries went to war. According to Grandmother, Ying nearly punched her ticket too, but now they get along reasonably well."

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord Khuzdul

Hızır raised his head from his despair and smiled serenely. "Well, since the fun is over, let's come back to politics. Okay, we did not contact the shipgirls directly yet, but I believe all of us here are aware of Yavuz getting unhappy by the minute. Korkut?"

"As well as expected. The current government is so contrary to her principles, I am surprised she did not do something before. Trying to turn the fate of Reşadiye and Sultan Osman into a political pissing match when it was clearly obvious they just wanted to come home? I thought Yavuz was going to march into the Assembly and twist his head off like a bottlecap, the way she looked during that interview."

"What about her backing?" Sinbad leaned forward.

Schehrazade smiled. "Her pointman in that regard is Hamidiye. Her being natural born is very helpful - she knows people who know people, apparently. And since she is obsolete to hell and beyond, she has a lot of time to do trafficking. A few people she picked up apparently even have contacts on the magical side. That businessman from Ödemiş, who set up the gun factory in Kemalpaşa, Mehmet Çakır, I think is the name? That's one well-connected fellow on both sides of the divide. That's another mystery by itself. A lot of the people I am discovering, especially the ones from the Aegean, are quite strange indeed. They seem to have no history beyond somewhere around the 70s-80s, but rise to prominence quickly after that. Actually, the oldest among them is a bit further back. Mehmet Atçalı seems to be around since at least the mid-20s, but you know how records were back then. I have no idea who these people are. Hamidiye seems to have a knack for finding and connecting with these people though. The man she arranged to take over the catering of the base is one of them as well, Ali Yörük. It drives me crazy."

Korkut started laughing at that. "And it should, my dear. Because you are right in one regard. These people were not really around before the dates you say they have emerged, at least not as they are. I have been looking into it myself." He leaned forward. "Bit of an obscure Turkish history trivia, they are. But think about the names. Mehmet Çakır. Ali Yörük. Hüseyin Gökçen. Mehmet Demirci. İbrahim Akıncı. Even though last one is a bit of an outlier, do they ring a bell?"

Schehrazade leaned back and scratched her chin as she thought. Others could see the gears of her prodigious mind turning as she connected the dots and then slapped her forehead. "How did I missed that one? They weren't even hiding that deeply! But how? I thought those men were entirely human, mundane even?"

Korkut sat back. "I was wondering the same until I met Hüseyin Gökçen a few months ago. Hearing about that tea set in Japan made it click for me. They are not the Efes themselves. They are the weapons of the Efes."

Hızır got a smile at that. "They are, aren't they. Not surprised. 'A touch of history', and those men are exactly that. And don't think there was no touch of magic itself in their lives. Nobody who travels the mountains of the Aegean avoids it. And apparently Hamidiye has a knack for collecting them. And now they are acting as her proxies, and through her Yavuz's, around the country to prepare for something."

Schehrazade scratched her chin again. "Actually, I have some concerns about her as well. She is a natural born, we know that, but her job history is weird. Former MIT agent? You know that organization was riddled with moles and nationalist nutcases, right? Her history before somewhere around mid-90s sounds fake. What was she doing before that? I swear, if I did not know better, I would have said she was a tsukumogami as well. But tsukumogami cannot be shipgirls, as far as we know."

Hızır shook his head. "Her background is a concern indeed. But she is obviously as pissed at the government as Yavuz is, and willing to support her at that. And we need that government go down before SoS does, because I don't think Erdoğan's natural instincts regarding politics would really serve us well to integrate the ongoing crisis situation that is the Turkish Ministry of Magic."

Korkut sat back. "Well, I arranged a couple of involved parties to join us here today about that. They should arrive... well, just about now." He grinned as he looked at Hızır. "I might have pulled a you to arrange that." Hızır sighed.

At that moment, the bell of the door jangled as it was opened, and a stout, balding, middle aged man with an English style mustache walked in with a wary look in his eyes, followed by a teenage-looking, black haired girl bouncing behind him.

Hızır looked up at their entrance, and smiled serenely. "Come in, friends, and have a tea. We were expecting you for this bit..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Regina looked at the odd thing in her hands for a few moments as her, Shinano, and Harry sat at a table in the Three Broomsticks where they had gone for lunch. It looked like one of those turnovers that some of the American shipgirls made. She remembered White Plains making one that was really good. But there was two small holes in the top and it was larger than the normal ones she was used to as well.

Glancing at Shinano who had taken one from Harry's plate as offered, the Abyssal opened her mouth and bit down. Briefly, her teeth dug into the flaky crust with a crunch before reaching the core with the meaty taste exploding across her tongue. Cooked steak, some sort of sauce, and onions, part of her mind told her.

The rest though was too busy thinking about how good it tasted.

From where he sat, Harry gave a small chuckle after swallowing a bite, "Don't think that I need to ask if you like the bridie, Regina." Glancing to the side, he snickered some more, "Or you, Shinano-Chan."

Lightly blushing, the Carrier swallowed the mouthful before sheepishly smiling, "Um, no, it's pretty good, Harry-Chan." Licking her finger some, she took another, "Is it hard to make?"

Head cocked to the side, Harry gave a small shrug, "Depends actually." Finishing off the last bit of his, he continued, "They're a flaky crust with minced steak, beef suet, and onions for some." Pointing at one, which had a single hole, the teen nodded, "You can tell which ones which by the holes. One hole means that it is just steak and suet. Two means onions have been added."

Blinking, the Carrier considered that before nodding, "That makes sense, Harry-Chan. A lot of sense."

Only humming, Harry picked up another pastry. But instead of eating it himself, he held it up to Regina's tail which sniffed it, "Here you go. Figured that you might want some."

Unnoticed by him, various others outside their group just stared. Meanwhile, Regina's tail considered the food in front of it before opening its mouth. Then, with a gentleness, took the treat from Harry's hand and closed it's mouth over it. From said mouth crunching sounds could be heard as it chewed, before it swallowed and gave a chuckling Harry a nuzzle while purring.

Said sight made Regina blush a little, but also smile happily. Especially when her tail laid itself in Harry's lap, still purring, "Um, I think that she liked that, Harry."

More amused than anything else, Harry chuckled as he gently scratched the tail's head, "Seems like it." Taking another pastry, this time for himself, he looked around at the others, "Are you enjoying your lunch as well?"

Hamakaze swallowed the bite of food in her mouth and gave him one of her small smiles, "Hai, Harry-Chan. The food is quite good as a matter of fact."

Beside her, Urakaze nodded as she set down a mug and wiped her lips, "Ah... and this Butterbeer is also good." Cocking her head to the side, she frowned, "Shinano-Sama mentioned that you knew how to make it?"

With a small shrug, Harry nodded, "Hai, I do as a matter of fact. Not that hard when one gets down to it."

Finishing off Cornish Pasty, Rainy Spring smacked her lips, "These are really, really good, Big Sister." Getting a nod from Regina who was eating another bridie, she tapped her finger, "I wonder if anyone back home could make these?"

The Re-Class considered that for a few moments before she gave a shrug, "Um, I don't know? But they might be able to."

Both Rainy Spring and Clover glanced at each other before shrugging and going back to eating.

It was not long afterwards, they left the tavern behind and began walking along the streets again. None of them were really in a huge rush to get anywhere in particular, and it was a nice day after all. The sort of spring day that people enjoyed when it happened, where the Sun was warm, but not to warm, and there was a nice, refreshing breeze as puffy white clouds made their way across the sky overhead. Various people around them hawked their wares from stands on the side of the streets as they walked past.

Eventually, Harry glanced up at the two young women who held his hands and gave theirs a small squeeze, "Shinano-Chan? Regina? Is there anywhere that you two would like to go?"

Somewhat to his amusement, the two of them blinked before considering the question and looking at each other in thought. Finally, Shinano chewed her lip a little, "Um... Louisiana-Chan mentioned some place here for clothes that fit...?"

With a blink, Harry gave a nod and chuckled, "Gladrags it is." At Regina's curious look, he shrugged a little, "There's a clothing shop in the village named Gladrags and it has all sorts of clothing. And because they can use magic to shrink or expand them, it can fit any size." The thirteen year old motioned with one hand, "Regalia actually got some clothes as well there."

At that, Regina's eyes widened a bit before she glanced at herself and Shinano, "It is a bit hard to get clothes..." Perking up, she turned to her two escorts, "And we can get some for you as well, Rainy Spring, Clover!"

Just blinking, the two Abyssals looked utterly lost at that and glanced at each other. Finally, Rainy Spring spoke up and looked at herself, "Clothes?"

More than able to tell that it was an honest question by her tone, Harry gave the two a once over before frowning, "Aren't those yours?"

Only shaking her head, Rainy Spring frowned, "No? I borrowed mine from one of the Tsu-Class, Tsuzanna." Confused, she scratched her head, "Is... is that a bad thing? We have our uniforms after all."

However, Regina shook her head and wagged a finger, "Both of you should have your own clothes and not need to borrow. That way you can look nice at times when you want to relax out of your usual uniforms after all." Pausing, she blushed a little and scuffed her hoof on the ground, "Oh, um... that's what I think anyways."

Still confused, the two Abyssal Destroyers looked at each other. Back when they were just normal Destroyers, they didn't really worry all too much about clothes after all. Sure, some of them had figured out how to get false flowers and ribbons with magnets onto their hulls to look 'Cute', but that was a bit different than clothes. And while Wanko had gifted them with humanoid avatars a while back before ascending them, that was something different as they had uniforms as well. Were clothes really that big of a deal...?

Of course, that was when the two remembered one visit to the port of Darwin with Regina. They had been at the waterfront as normal Abyssal Destroyers when they had overheard some human females talking about shopping for more clothes. So maybe it was important?

For some reason anyways...

After a few moments, Clover gave a small nod and a smile, "Okay, Big Sister. If you think that we should get new clothes, then we will."

Relaxing as Rainy Spring agreed, Regina smiled back, "Thank you, I think that you'll feel good looking nice."

Due to turning, she missed the two Abyssal Destroyers giving each other a confused shrug. It did not take them long to reach the store in question and they walked in to find lots of clothes on display. Eyes widening, Isokaze stared a little, "When you said that it was a good clothing store... I didn't imagine this."

Beside her, Hamakaze nodded a little, "Agreed..."

Placing his hands into his pockets, Harry chuckled some and gave them both a lop sided smile, "Well, if you want it, go ahead, I'll pay." The two Destroyers stared at him and he shrugged, "What? Not like I don't have the money, and you're friends. And, um... I know how hard it can be for you back in Japan." The two Destroyers blinked for a moment before softly smiling and glancing at Shinano. Softly smiling, the Carrier nodded and the two kissed Harry on the cheek, which made him blink, "Um..."

Lips twitching, Regina giggled behind her hand and shook her head, 'Harry...'

However, her giggles stopped as the thirteen year old looked at her and smiled, "And that includes you as well, Regina. Also Rainy Spring and Clover as well if they find something."

For several seconds, Regina stared at him before she leaned in and kissed his cheek, "Thank you, Harry."

It was then that Harry spotted a witch heading towards them and smiled some, "Abagail!"

With a light laugh, Abagail grinned at him, "Back again, are we?" Glancing at the others, she nodded, "And with some new customers, I hope?"

Just chuckling, Harry placed his hands behind his head, "Got it in one, Abagail. Back home it can be a little hard for them, you know?"

Bemused, she nodded in reply as she looked over Regina and Shinano, "I can imagine." As Abagail's gaze came to Hamakaze, Isokaze, and Urakaze though, she blinked, 'Yeah... what are they feeding girls nowadays? And why wasn't it around when I was younger... or is this a shipgirl thing?' Shaking her head, the witch smiled and clapped her hands, "Well then, shall we get started?"

Still lost, about why it was a big deal, Clover cleared her throat and looked at Abagail, "Is it really important?"

Understanding the question, the employee smiled some and shook her head, "It is, as a matter of fact. If one looks good, then they can feel good about themselves. Also, it helps to show off that you are a good looking woman to someone. And depending on the fashion, honey? It can really attract someone's attention..."

Currently, in Japan, it was closing in on nearly ten at night and Norihara stretched a bit as she felt some of her joints pop. The clinic was now closed after all, and there was no real emergencies for her to deal with. Which meant that the rest of the night was hers and Tanya... and didn't that name cause some thoughts to bubble up. Especially now that Tanya was fully able to move around and had worked hard at being capable of doing so over the previous months.

Which meant that Tanya was no longer her patient, something that the Ta-Class pointed out to her.

Norihara was not quite sure what to think about that, and considering some thoughts that rose up in her mind, she didn't really want to. Despite being able to move around, Tanya still slept in the same bed as her, often with the doctor waking to find that sometime during the night, the Abyssal had come to spoon her. It didn't bother her... or, rather, some of it did, such as how safe she felt when she woke to find said arms around her.

Quickly, Norihara shook her head free of that and glanced around with a small frown. Tanya had gone out earlier with one of the shipgirls escorting her and had returned just an hour before. For one of the few times, the Ta-Class had shot her an odd look that made her blush for some reason, though there was nervousness in that gaze as well. Now? Norihara cleared her throat, "Tanya? Where are you?"

Moments later, her friend's voice came drifting from their room, "Ah, Norihara just... wait a few moments. I have something... to show you."

Leaning against the wall, Norihara smiled and did so. When the door opened, she pushed off of it, "Well? Did you get some new... clothes..."

For once, Norihara was stunned as she watched Tanya come out from the room wearing a business outfit. The Battleship's hair was done up in a bun and there was a pair of cute glasses perched on her nose. As well, under the jacket, her white blouse strained a bit at the... fuel tanks... that were underneath it. She also wore a black, pencil skirt and from said skirt came Tanya's legs. While Norihara had known her friend was attractive, the pantyhose, done up perfectly, made sure that one could see, and had their attention drawn to the fact that she had long, toned legs after getting them back up to snuff. Said feet ended in black, platform shoes that shone in the light.

It took a few seconds, or maybe a minute, but the doctor managed to bring her gaze up to meet Tanya's, "I... it looks good, Tanya."

Brightly smiling, Tanya looked a little bit bashful, "Ah, I'm glad... I was told that these are the clothes that one wears as a receptionist..."

Fingers twitching, Norihara swallowed and smiled, "Right, they look very good on you."

The Abyssal blinked and tilted her head a little bit.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Courtship in Emerald (I)

June 2nd, 1944

Potter Manor
Spoiler: Departing For A Crusade In Europe

The guttering jade-green flames slowly subsiding in the fireplace illuminated tear tracks on the pair of women looking at the fireplace. A wordless sigh filled the room as they returned to the normal red-orange of non-magical fire.

The older of the two, her hair completely white and her face lined with age, leaned on her cane heavily. One wrinkled hand caressed the hilt of the kyu gunto at her side gently as she turned to the young woman next to her.

Zamarad wiped the flashing fiery droplets of her tears from her cheeks with one hand as she stared at the fireplace where Colombe du Chasteler and Delilah de Breuil had just Flooed away to participate in the opening of the Second Front. Her other hand clenched the gold and ruby ring binding her where it rested on a chain around her neck. Her emerald eyes shadowed as she remembered Delilah's actions early that morning.
Spoiler: Ifrit and Revolver

The Muramasa revolver's avatar gently found her hand as they cuddled together in bed spooned against each other. The delightfully cool fingers squeezed hers, sending a flash of heat through her body as she pressed herself further into the reassuring, steadying, solid coolness of her lover.

She felt the American's cool lips find her ear and shivered with anticipation. But instead of a questing tongue, she heard a pained sigh. "Zamarad. I wish with all my heart that I did not have to say this...." Delilah's voice was heartbroken under the control filling her voice, and Zamarad closed her eyes in turn, nodding slightly.

"The meeting yesterday..." The Ifrit spoke quietly. "It is time then?"

Delilah shifted, pressing herself closer. "It is. I cannot tell you where or when, but the Second Front will be opened soon. And as part of that, I will be leaving to a forward base alongside Sis. After that... I don't know when, or even if I shall return. I have faith in our ultimate victory, and the righteousness of the cause of Freedom...."

Zamarad rolled onto her back, keeping hold of Delilah's hand so that she could look into the tear-filled leaf-green eyes. "I understand. You would not be what you are if you did not hold your principles above yourself, Shaelat ruwhi. And I could not have developed these feelings that warm me beyond even the greatest fire that I have ever known if you were not what you are. You must go forth to fight for the Freedom which you hold so dear, even at the risk of departing from my embrace forever."

Delilah nodded sharply as her first tears fell to vanish with a hiss of steam as they fell onto the Ifrit's bare skin. "You know me better than I know myself, Zamarad. I have already written Mother to make the needed arrangements in case I am called upon to give the last full measure of devotion. Only one thing remains to be done for you."

With that Delilah pulled the golden necklace holding the controlling ring that enslaved the Ifrit from her neck and placed it in Zamarad's hand, closing the Ifrit's fist around it. "If I do not come back, I want you to find a way to free yourself from that damned ring the Nazis enslaved you to. Mother is aware of it and has promised to assist you as a last request from me, and you know Colombe and Lyra. Jackie will be little help, almost all the magic she knows is with ships and the Sea."

Zamarad stared into the eyes of Delilah as they once again filled with the warming, liberating fire of her belief in the Declaration of Independence and swallowed as she nodded. "I promise Delilah. But I also promise that unless you die, I shall hold this ring in trust for you to return and free me from so I can give you a true answer to our feelings for each other. Return to my arms, Shaelat ruwhi."

Delilah nodded and spoke solemnly, "I promise to do my utmost to return to you when the war is won, or before then if possible, Zamarad aibnatu Alnaar."

With that she leaned in and kissed Zamarad hard and passionately. Zamarad's eyes opened in brief surprise, then half-hooded as her tongue of flame began to fence with the cool steel of the invader in her eagerly waiting mouth....
Spoiler: Breakfast Tea For Three

The door to the Floo room opening interrupted the blushing Ifrit's trip through the memories of that last desperate, passionate, needy joining of her spirit to that of another. She turned to see an apparent House-Elf enter with a tray with two steaming pots and biscuits. "Missus Pervert, Missus Flamey, Stabby is here with breakfasts."

Lyra wiped tears from her cheeks and wagged a finger at the elf. "Sabah, Colombe and Delilah have left to go to battle. Henry is already gone. There is no need to play the elf."

With that the house elf blurred and shifted into the form of a dusky-skinned young-seeming woman dressed in the shalwar kumeez baggy tunic and loose trousers of a Persian girl. Dark eyes glittered in a face that seemed to almost be that of a hawk with the intense stare and sharp motions of the owner. "Tea then, Mistress Lyra?"

Lyra nodded. "Tea, yes. Zamarad?"

The Ifrit sat beside Lyra. "Coffee please, Sabah. Coffee and poetry for me, since my heart is elsewhere."

Lyra sighed deeply. "Our hearts, Zamarad, our hearts. Sabah, where are the others?"

Sabah bowed bonelessly as she placed the tea and biscuits for Lyra. "Catherine is praying of course. Afterward she plans to spend time with Miss du Chasteler's dagger."

Lyra paused in spooning honey into her tea. "Oh?"

Sabah poured a small cup of strong Turkish coffee for herself and Zamarad. "She feels that the spirit of that dagger will manifest in due course, just like Tsukiakari. And...she wishes to try to wean her away from the hateful ideology that she was crafted to serve."

Lyra sipped her tea. "I see. And why has she not spoken to Colombe about it?"

Sabah shrugged and sipped her coffee. "Two reasons. First, Catherine says that she received instructions while praying to keep her manifestation quiet while serving as a hidden backup for me. Second," the scimitar shook her head, "Miss du Chasteler is French and would react excessively to who Catherine is and who she embodies. Catherine would be terribly embarrassed by someone who she thinks of just as much a warrior for France as herself kissing her feet. Once France is liberated... then perhaps, although she really does not want to get involved in the politics of the Free French government. And Miss du Chasteler is tied in with some of the resistance groups. Plus MACUSA in the presence of her sister Miss de Breuil. While de Breuil seems to be reasonable, other elements in MACUSA have been throwing their weight around."

Lyra nodded. "Hence you and Catherine asking myself and Zamarad to be sworn to secrecy regarding your activities. And Zamarad only came into the secret when she saw through your disguise that afternoon when she went to visit me in the library as I talked to you while Delilah and Colombe were recuperating after rescuing her."

Sabah smiled thinly and sipped her coffee. "I did not expect a jinn to be present so was unprepared for her to manifest from the fireplace."

Zamarad smiled and popped a wood chip into her mouth to burn. "No harm done. My thanks for directing me to the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. It is certainly thought provoking, like all good poetry should be."

With that the Ifrit grinned and quoted from the first edition printing of the translation of the Persian poet.

"Here with a Loaf of Bread beneath the Bough,
A Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse—and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness—
And Wilderness is Paradise enow."

Sabah's eyes glittered happily in fond memory, "it was quite the gift for young Master Ian to find for me to enjoy shortly before he left for the Orient."

Zamarad nodded in agreement and took another chip of wood. "Indeed, since poetry is thoughts that breathe and words that burn in our souls. And now we wait and watch for our loved ones to return from the battlefield." Lyra sighed and nodded sadly as she watched the Nizari Shi'a scimitar and the Maliki Sunni Ifrit renew their talks over coffee, juice, and food.

Sabah cocked her head. "You speak of de Breuil then?"

Zamarad nodded enthusiastically. "I do. Once the war is over, she intends to free me from the ring that binds me. When that happens and she is not constrained by any form of coercion over me," the Ifrit blushed a fiery rose in her cheeks and continued, "I shall see about my father setting a proper dowry for our relationship."

Sabah rubbed her chin before sipping her coffee. "A marriage then? You think of her that highly?"

Zamarad's blush deepened. "I do. Also, I wish this to go no further, but when my mother married my father, a prophecy was given. I was told as a girl that I was fated to wed a hero of legend, but a hero from the Children of Earth. Which is partly why I have been trained as a warrior as well as a poetess and wife. For I shall fight alongside that hero in their battles against the forces of Iblis."

Lyra grinned and pulled out her notebook. "That sounds like a perfect setup for Lady Chastity to have another adventure. Minus the marriage of course, and I will change the details that we are sworn never to reveal to make it a better story. Hmm, Lady Chastity and the Sultana of the Sands?"

Sabah hastily stood and drained her coffee cup. The scimitar's avatar was blushing deeply. "I shall check on matters and see how Catherine is doing, Missus Pervert."

Lyra grinned crookedly. "Don't be afraid to enlist Andraste to help you check on matters, Sabah."

As the scarlet-faced Ḥashashiyan fled what she could tell was about to come, Lyra giggled throatily. "Now, Zamarad, the normal deal. You tell me the details of what you and Deilah did, and I'll help by giving you tips and instructions to make next time even more pleasurable for when she returns. Plus the normal signed first edition like I give Colombe."

The Ifrit nodded eagerly. "Agreed, Lyra."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Pale fingers worked at the set of buttons and, with a final click of the last button, gently brushed across the black leather that made it up. With a blink, Regina took a deep breath and turned to face the full length mirror before her. Unlike most in change rooms, it actually was long enough that it caught her whole body in it. Granted, the Re-Class did jump a little as the mirror spoke, "You like positively lovely, deary. Dark colors really do go with that pale skin and hair of yours."

Lightly blushing, Regina smiled a little, "Er, thank you?"

A soft, throaty chuckle came from the mirror, "Think nothing of it, my dear. Just seeing someone find clothes that they like and look good on them is enough. And that outfit is positively you." The mirror's voice then lowered a touch, "Now you go out there and strut your stuff, girlfriend!"

Blushing a little more, the Re-Class hummed a bit before turning and opening the door. As she did so, her eyes met those of Shinano as well as Harry's and she took a few steps out, "Um, what do you think?"

The two, Harry and Shinano, examined Regina who stood there. She wore a cotton shirt with the sleeves coming partway down her bicep. And covering that was a bodice style vest with a row of shiny silver buttons that secured it close. Humming, Shinano got up and walked over to her friend and looked her over from different angles. One thing that she noted was that the bodice made her seem a bit... smaller in the chest department than normal.

Head tilting to the side, the Carrier frowned, "Is it too tight?"

Considering the question, Regina twisted first one way and then another before shaking her head, "Not really? It is actually sort of comfortable."

Several chuckles made them turn to find that Abigail was walking towards them with a nod, "And so they should be." Reaching Regina, she tested out various parts of the fit before being sure of the fit, "Despite what some might think due to their appearence to a corset, a bodice is generally comfortable. After all, they don't have whalebone providing stiffness in places. Especially as they're worn outside clothes."

Eyebrows furrowing, the Abyssal frowned, "Whalebone?"

Glancing at her, Abigail shook her head, "Not actual bone, but rather the beleen. We at Gladrags actually have harvested it from dead whales that wash up on the shore that we know the Muggles will get rid of. Makes it a lot easier... anyways, that's corsets, not bodices like these." Finger on her chin, she gave the Re-Class a once over, "My dear, those colors are really good on you."

A soft smile on her face, Regina nodded, "That's what the mirror said."

With a chuckle, Harry shook his head and smiled before giving a thumbs up, "Well, the mirror is right, Regina. That really does look great on you."

Blushing, though with a happy smile on her face, she nodded, "Thank you, Harry." Regina turned to the small amount of clothes with a thoughtful look, "Maybe one of the dark blues...? What do you think, Harry?"

While Harry and Regina chatted, Shinano leaned towards Abigail, "Um... I noticed that it made Regina-Chan's fuel tanks seem, er..." The Carrier gestured at her own chest, "Smaller?"

Lips twitching, though she felt a small burst of jealousy at the Yamato in front of her as well as the Re-Class, Abigail nodded, "Perfectly normal with that style of bodice actually. Depending on the style of the one that you buy, it can make one seem smaller... or empathisize the chest area and make one seem larger. We do add cushioning charms and the like though so that it is comfortable, especially for those with larger than normal chests."

Eyes widening, Shinano chewed her lip some, "I-it can?" At her nod, though part of her noted that the sales representative seemed to be becoming confused, she leaned in, "Could... could you help me pick out some like Regina-Chan's? So that I can, um... look more like a proper Carrier?"

Slowly, the witch blinked a little, 'More like a Carrier...? I... what?' Abigail could remember what she had seen when she looked up shipgirls, in particular Carriers. But the question was worded as if... it was not quite what she was thinking of. Clearing her throat, she leaned in and lowered her voice, "What exactly do you mean by that?"

Flushing, Shinano shifted from one foot to the other, "I-I mean... make me, you know... flatter?"

That made Abigail blink as her mind came to a halt. After all, she was used to having women, especially the younger ones, want to make what they had seem bigger. Having someone ask her to help make it look smaller was... different. However, the witch shook it off and smiled, "I will see what I can do, Miss Shinano. Now, what sort of colors are you looking for?"

With a glance at Harry, the Yamato turned back to the sales representative, "M-maybe a nice green? Or another light color?"

Having followed the shipgirl's gaze, Abigail had to hold back a chuckle. Not only would it not be professional, but it would also very likely embarrass the young woman before her. That said, later, she would likely coo about it in her bedroom when remembering. Gently placing an hand on Shinano's shoulder, she smiled, "Let's go and have a look, okay?"

It was then, as she was nodding, that Shinano realized something, "Um, what about Hamakaze-Chan and the others?"

Lips twitching, Abigail chuckled that time, "They're in the more... private... area of the store where young Mister Potter does not belong."

Eyebrows furrowing, and about to ask more, Shinano suddenly knew where she meant and blushed, "R-right..."

Meanwhile, in said part of the store, Isokaze watched the silver haired form of her sister do various movements with her body. As Hamakaze finished doing jumping jacks, she cocked an eyebrow, "Well?"

Brushing her shirt down, Hamakaze considered things and then softly smiled before nodding, "These are... very comfortable." She brought her hands to her chest and her smile widened, "Barely any movement, they're not too tight, but not too loose, just... there. Well cushioned too considering things..."

A frown on her face, Urakaze leaned in, "Really?"

Just bouncing on the balls of her feet for a few seconds, the silver haired Destroyer came to a stop and gestured, "See? And they don't seem to cut in like some of the others I've tried."

Chewing her lip, Isokaze glanced at the nearby stands, "That... is a bit of an issue back in Japan. And even in America when we went on the convoys."

From inside one of the booths, Yukikaze's voice came out, "I like how they really are one size fits all with the charms!" Moments later, she joined her sisters, "But I think that I will buy the Auror Shorts."

Each of the other Destroyers shared a look and turned to Yukikaze as they spoke as one, "Auror shorts?"

Said Destroyer gave a small shrug, "They're sort of like those spandex shorts? But made to be worn under skirts and such as well as being very damage resistant. I could really use those..."

For a few moments, Hamakaze considered that before giving a small nod, "Hai, I can see it." She then gave a happy smile, "I'm getting the underskirt protection though."

Nodding, Isokaze scowled, "Same here! I've seen how some of the perverts look at me and a spell woven in that makes it so that if my skirt is on, it blurs under it? I'll take it!"

Various nods met her at that as well as identicle scowls at the reminder of something they all despised.

After a few moments, however, they shook it off and after changing and placing some items in a bag, Hamakaze gestured at another part of the store, "I saw some nice blouses over there, including silk ones."

Eyes widening, the other Destroyers followed her towards said part of the store with grins. Destroyers were, after all, known for striking in packs. And right now? They had some targets in mind.

In another part of the store, though not far from where Shinano and Regina were, a curtain to a change booth was pushed aside and Rainy Spring came out, "What do you think, Clover?"

The Destroyer Princess blinked some in thought as she looked at the dark purple, sleeveless shirt and black jean skirt, "Hmm..." Eventually though, she gave a small nod, "I think it looks good... though we should ask Big Sister first. But does it feel good?"

Furrowing her eyebrows, Rainy Spring considered things before giving a nod, "It does feel rather nice. Different from what I usually wear, but not in a bad way."

Just nodding, Clover smiled a bit, "That sounds good." She then gestured to where they could just see Regina, "Let's go and ask Big Sister though first. She would know more about this sort of thing than I do."

With a nod, the Destroyer Water Demon picked up her usual clothes and followed her sister and friend towards the Re-Class.

It was about three hours after entering Gladrags that they were done and brought their purchases up to the main cashier. One by one, Abigail rung in the clothes into the old fashioned cash register with quick movements. The various shipgirls were somewhat nostalgic at seeing it as it reminded them of when they were steel hulled ships. When they saw the cost of their buying spree though, all of their eyes widened.

But all Harry did was give a small nod and smile as Abigail brought out an odd piece of paper that she slid across to him. Leaning over his shoulder, Shinano could see that there was some legalese on it about payment as well as blank spots where one would put the amount needed to be paid and the signature for the person paying. Taking a dark colored quil, Harry wrote down the amount onto the blank spots for the amount before he printed his name on one of the two blank spots for his name and signed the other. Finally, he took an offered pin and pricked his thumb, pressing it down onto a square.

Moments later, the square glowed and the woman behind the counter smiled as she took the paper and handed it to the house elf that appeared beside her. While dressed in a smock like many, it was one made of silk and very clean, "Biddy? If you would not mind taking this to Gringotts in London to pay?"

The house elf smiled some and bowed, "Biddy will do so."

And, taking the offered paper, they vanished with a pop and Abigail turned to them, "Well, that's about that. All we need is for Biddy to come back and state that the drawn note was accepted."

Eyebrows furrowing, Shinano frowned at that before blinking, "Um, drawn note? And you have house elves here?"

Rather bemused at the question, the witch chuckled and nodded, "Drawn notes are basically a small piece of paper that one writes on and we can send to Gringotts to get an amount drawn for it. And before you ask, the small bit of blood acts as a register for the person to confirm to the goblins that, yes, they are the right person for it. The blood basically becomes utterly useless for anything afterwards as no one wants to have their blood able to be used against them. As for house elves... we treat ours very well indeed and they keep the store neat and tidy. They also act as security as no one can be sure that they are being watched or not by the elves, and they will make sure that one can't steal anything."

Slowly, Harry and the others nodded at that and, soon, left once it was confirmed that the payment went through with the shipgirls and Abyssals placing their purchases in their holds.

When they got outside though, Hamakaze looked at Harry, "Harry-Chan? That was quite the amount that you needed to spend."

Giving a small shrug, the teenage boy smiled, "And? Like I said, Hamakaze-Chan, I don't mind and it is not like I don't have enough money. Besides..." His smile softened a bit, "It helped you all out and you seemed to enjoy it."

Bemused, Hamakaze looked at Shinano before leaning in and giving him a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you, Harry-Chan. I truly appreciate this and what you just did."

She was followed by Isokaze, Urakaze, and Yukikaze as well, though the two Abyssal Destroyers simply hugged him. Of course, both Shinano and Regina gave him a brief kiss on the lips before giggling at the utterly stunned look on Harry's face. After he shook it off though, he took their hands and the group continued their tour of Hogsmeade.
_____________________________________________________

Waking up as the early morning Sun warmed her face, Shinano's eyes fluttered open and she smiled down at the sight that met her. On one side, curled up to her body was Regina, the Re-Class peacefully sleeping. And on the Carrier's otherside, Hamakaze could be seen also sleeping with her head pillowed on Shinano's arm. But what truly caught the Yamato's attention was the sleeping form of Harry who laid on top of her, his head on top of her chest. Such times were one of the few times that she was glad that she was not flatter as she felt like a proper Carrier should be.

Though she knew that was not true and a large number of Carriers were, in fact, busty, it never stopped her from feeling that way about her own body.

Still, she was not unhappy with that fact at the moment as it looked like Harry was very comfortable. Then again, so was she due to the fact that she was laying there with some of those she cared most about. Her Escorts, Regina, and Harry. Each one of them having a place within her heart and which warmed her. Softly smiling, she closed her eyes and laid back, simply enjoying the moment, for she would need to go back to Yokosuka once her mission here was fully completed... though no one said that she had to be quick about it.

Unable to help herself, Shinano giggled at that thought. She just couldn't help herself, it was so naughty! Yet, she wanted it and it was not very likely that she would get in much trouble, if any, for it. So why not?

Not long afterwards though, she felt a stirring beside her and opened her eyes to see Regina looking at her with her golden eyes still slightly foggy with sleep. The Re-Class smiled at her upon seeing that Shinano was up and awake, "Good morning, Shinano."

Just as quietly, Shinano nodded, "Good morning, Regina-Chan." Both of them glanced down at Harry and smiled, "Harry-Chan is still asleep."

Happily humming, the Re-Class smiled back even more, "That's good to know, Shinano." A giggle escaped from Shinano as Regina kissed her cheek before placing her head on her friend's shoulder, "Yesterday was great, wasn't it?"

Brightly smiling, Shinano nodded, "Hai, it was. I really enjoyed our date with Harry-Chan yesterday. And I hope that we get another one soon."

Regina nodded in pure agreement, "Same here, Shinano."

A few minutes later, Shinano felt stirring beside her and smiled. Turning, she watched as Hamakaze yawned a little and then smiled at Shinano, "Good morning, Shinano-Sama."

Seeing her friend, and beloved escort, awake and happy as well as relaxed caused Shinano to smile back, "Good morning, Hamakaze-Chan."

It did not take long before the other Destroyers were awake and the Carrier sent them off in twos to get a shower. Beside her, Regina did the same with her own Destroyers, who went and did exactly that. As Hamakaze as well as Isokaze had their shower, Harry woke up with a yawn before happily smiling at Shinano and getting it returned, "Morning, Shinano-Chan, morning Regina."

Lips curling into a smile, Shinano giggled, "Good morning, Harry-Chan." Giving him a quick peck, she flushed a little, "Have a good sleep?"

All Harry did was chuckle at that and nod, "Of course, how couldn't I?" Getting nods from both the Carrier and Re-Class in agreement, he stretched and sighed, 'This is a good start to the day.'

Of course, shortly after Shinano and Regina left to get their own showers, with Harry getting one once they were finished. When he returned, he found Shinano combing her hair and happily humming while Regina did the same. Spotting him, she held out her comb, "Want to do it, Harry-Chan?"

Chuckling, he walked over and smiled, "Sure, I love combing your hair after all... and maybe comb Regina's?"

Both girls shared a look and smiled as they agreed. Thus, for the next half hour, Harry combed both the shipgirl's and the Abyssal's hair as their respective Escorts looked on in amusement and happiness. And then it was off to breakfast, followed by the trip to the Room of Requirement.

Seeing that though, Shinano frowned a little, "Is that safe for the... metal, Harry-Chan?"

With a glance at her, Harry gave a small nod, "Well, it is not like many would figure out what I am doing. And I've hidden them as well, so there is that as well." To that, the Carrier nodded and followed him within the Room of Requirement with only Hamakaze staying behind as Regina and the others stayed outside. As they walked, Harry tilted his head a little, "So... how have things been going on back in Yokosuka, Shinano-Chan? I heard that there's been an A-150 found?"

Eyes scanning their surroundings, the Yamato nodded as she lowered her voice, "Hai, her name is Sora and she's a Kitsune. Right now, Ume-San and Sakura-San are working alongside Akashi-San to finish her construction fully. Though, um... there are some parts that are giving Akashi-San some fits."

Interested, Harry frowned, "Wait, giving her fits? Why?"

Not saying anything right away, Shinano scratched her cheek, "Um... you know about the armament of the A-150s?"

Furrowing his eyebrows, the wizard thought about it for a few moments, "Armaments? I know that they were supposed to have six to eight, twenty inch guns in duel mounts and a number of the same ten centimeter guns as the Duckies have... why? Was there more?"

Slowly, Shinano nodded, "Hai, remember how my Nee-Sans have 15.5 centimeter 3rd Year Type among their secondary's?" As he nodded, she continued, "And, um, how the Navy used to have it where each successive ship would be more powerful than the last and better?"

Confused, Harry once more gave a slight nod, "Hai? But what does that have to do with..." Realizing what she meant, he facepalmed, "They didn't... please do not tell me that they had replaced the Mogami guns on the original Yamato design with the eight inch guns... They could not have been that stupid..."

Weakly chuckling, the Carrier nodded while Hamakaze had a slight smile on her face, "Hai, they were." Seeing the look he gave her, she shrugged, "Apparently, they felt that they needed a gun that could deal with Cruisers. And since magic could help with stability..."

Pinching his nose, Harry attempted to ward off his headache that threatened to come up on him. Right then and there, he could understand why Akashi was so damn pissed off, because even he wanted to hit his head on something. Instead, he decided to get more information about the survivors, especially with how he heard that they were Ellen's children for the most part.

By the time they reached his hiding spot, the teenage wizard no longer wanted to punch a ghost. Instead, he pulled out the hidden trunk from where it was, "Here we go, Shinano-Chan... give me a couple of minutes."

Just nodding, Shinano watched as he slowly levitated the various bricks of metal out of the trunk and placed them on the floor. Slowly, yet surely, the amount grew and both Shinano as well as Hamakaze just boggled at the amount that was there. Jaw dropping, the white haired Destroyer watched as Harry laid the last bricks there before speaking, "I-is that all of them?"

Clapping his hands together, Harry placed them on his hips, "Hai, all of it coming from the cauldrons melted down. Though, um... I'm not sure how much there is?"

Very slowly, the Carrier blinked, "Er... I have a scale?"

At their nods, she began to pick up the bricks one by one and slip them into her pocket, her crew taking them to a spot in her hanger where they would be under armed guard. Each brick they placed onto a pallet several deep before they would use one of the forklifts Shinano got from her Rebuild and drive it to the industrial scale that was in the hanger that was to be weighed. Once that was done, said pallet would be driven deep into her secondary hanger, which was protected by her armored hull on three sides with several of her crew standing in front of the pallets with their guns in hand to guard them.

Yes, it was not exactly needed considering things, but that was what proceedure said for them to do, and so that was what they would do.

Once done, it was a very wide eyed fairy who came out staggering, almost drunk, with a sheet of paper in his hands. He first looked at Harry before giving him a salute, and then handing the paper to Shinano, who took it, "Desu desu desu, Desu desu."

Taking it, Shinano looked at the paper as both Harry and Hamakaze leaned in. For serveral moments, her eyebrows furrowed before she took her glasses and cleaned them, taking another look, "... Is... is this right?"

Now grinning, the fairy giggled much to Harry's surprise, though there was something hystrical to it, "Desu!"

With a deep breath, her eyes wide, Shinano passed the paper to the wizard who choked a bit, "That was twenty tons?!"

Unable to help herself, Shinano giggled, "H-hai! I got twenty tons of platinum inside my hull!"

Noticing that she was now turned towards him, Harry blinked, "Shinano-Chan? What's the pro-mmph!?"

Eyebrow raised as the Carrier kissed the thirteen year old, Hamakaze shook her head and turning away with a slight smirk, 'At least now I can be sure that he will be able to take good care of Shinano-Sama.'

Once she pulled away from Harry, Shinano took a big breath and grinned, 'Everyone not on guard duty? You may now have a celebratory drink.' She could feel the cheers from inside her hull and turned back to an owlishly blinking Harry and blushed deeply, "Um..."

Snapping out of it, the teenage wizard adjusted his glasses, "Quite my thought... and it seems that I counted wrong with regards to the amount of platinum though..." Frowning, he did some mental calculations, "I suppose that there is a difference in weight between a cauldron that weighs fifty kilos and the same amount in bars..."

Just humming, and not able to talk out of both glee at what she was now carrying, and embarrassment from what she just did, Shinano only nodded.

Needless to say, it was a very happy Yamato class who went home after giving Harry a goodbye kiss alongside Regina. Which was followed by an extremely happy Ooyodo when she was able to fully examine and confirm what Shinano knew... And that was followed by a gentleman from the Mint who promptly asked for the best sake that they had there.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Courtship in Emerald (II)

June 3rd, 1944, 0700

Camp Pendragon, East Anglia
Spoiler: Mission Briefing

"Right, here is your target." The nattily dressed wizard tapped an aerial photograph with his pointer. "This site is intended to act as a ritual location to summon storms in the Channel upon the first indication of a landing to invade France. I need not tell you how damaging that would be for our soldiers coming ashore. So your job is to parachute in and take it out ahead of the invasion. Once you do, our boys coming ashore with the muggles will link up with you on D plus six hours, so hold until relieved until then."

Delilah nodded absently along, her mind whirling as she computed fire lanes, approach points, jumping off locations. Unbidden a thin smug smile blossomed on her face as the briefer finished. "Any questions?"

Next to her, her sister Colombe raised her hand. "So we are going to be a 'misdrop' of paratroopers as part of the invasion then?"

"That is correct, Captain du Chasteler. The enchantments on you and your gear will make you appear to be normal Yankee muggle paratroopers. You will be dropping with the first wave from the 101st Airborne."

Colombe subsided, and nodded sharply. The shoulder heraldry of a white bald eagle head on a black shield trembled as she lowered her hand. "Right then. Once you get the go order, load up and Godspeed to you all."

Every eye in the building turned to the pair of C-47 transport aircraft waiting outside with the black and white identification stripes.

4th June, 1944, 0230

"Invasion has been postponed, get inside and stand to once SHAEF gives us the go order."

A chorus of groans answered the message as the witches and wizards began to file out of the plane.

5th June, 1944, 2037

"Invasion's on. Gear up and load up."

Sergeant Bearclaw muttered "This better not be another fuckin' postponement" to a chorus of approval.

Delilah didn't have the heart to pull rank and order him to be quiet as she began to pull on her gear and apply war paint to her face.

Once she and her team had their equipment on, they shuffled to the waiting transport aircraft. Delilah was first in line and stood by the door in the fuselage to count and check the strike team boarding her plane.

"MacGonnagal!"

"Aye!" The gangly Scottish teenage witch barked out as she boarded and hooked the static line for her parachute up.

"Longbottom!"

"Ready, Major." The brunette aristocratic witch joined her 'new meat' partner in crime as she linked up.

"Lebeox!"

"Paré, Major!" The Louisiana Cajun drawl of the MACUSA wizard who had first gone ashore with her in Sicily sounded.

"Sprout!"

"H-here." The tubby witch who like Longbottom and MacGonnagal had just graduated training to replace those lost in the fight against Hitler and Grindlewald stepped aboard and fumbled with her static line.

"Let me." Delilah hooked her new recruit up and took the chance to speak in an undertone. "Just like training, Sprout. Follow your orders and do what you are told and we all survive this."

The young woman's relieved smile cut Delilah like a knife, for she knew quite well that war spared no one.

"Bearclaw!"

The native American shaman grinned through the war paint that Delilah had applied to him. He might be a damn Cheyenne and she was adopted Lakota, but the fight against a greater evil had buried the hatchet of the long running grudge between the contenders for the title of the ruler of the Great Plains before the pale-faces came.

"{Ready to fight, Kills Many.}"

Delilah blinked tears away at the sound of her Lakota name that she had gotten at her adoption, and then raised her voice as the next figure stepped to her.

"Young!"
Spoiler: First In

Finally the last one stepped aboard, and she turned to the commander and gave a salute, mirrored by her sister standing by the other plane. "Sir, Number Thirteen Commando is present and ready."

"Godspeed and good hunting." The British wizard saluted her.

With that she climbed on board and linked up her static line as she stood in the door. As she watched the engine on the wing on her side of the plane coughed and began to turn the propeller.

Delilah closed her eyes, sparing a thought for those who she was going to war to protect and honor as the plane accelerated down the runway into the air.

Uncle David.

Aunt Jackie.

Colombe.

Father.

Mother.

Zamarad.

With that, she opened her eyes and looked toward the rear of the plane as they flew toward France. A whispered Lakota spell to let the warrior see in the dark like an owl sharpened her vision. In the starlight she could see the silver glints that were the hundreds of airplanes forming up behind her to deliver the contents of the Arsenal of Democracy from the New World to the Old World. Below her, she could see the wakes of the armada of thousands of ships forming up in the Channel to deliver the sledgehammer death blow assembled over years of preparation.
Spoiler: D-Day

She turned her head to look forward toward the coast of France, and a feral smug smirk filled her face.

All that and she, her sister, and her men and women would be the point of the spear.

"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on."

She would never be sure who began the singing, but first one and then another voice sounded from the airplane behind her.

"Gloria! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Gloria! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Gloria! Gloria! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Gloria! His truth is marching on!"

Singing words first written in letters of fire when she was a young girl growing up in a great war between freedom and slavery.

"I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;
(Truth is marching, truth is marching, truth is marching)
They have builded Him an alter in the evening dews and damps;
(Truth is marching, truth is marching, truth is marching)
I can read His righteous sentence in the dim and flaring lamps,
(Truth is marching, truth is marching, truth is marching)
His day is marching on!
(Truth is marching, truth is marching, truth is marching)"

Words that her Uncle David had sung marching to his willing sacrifice upon the bloody field of Gettysburg to give freedom to the slaves and the death stroke to the Confederacy.

"Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on."

Words that the MACUSA volunteers had taught their British, Free French, and Commonwealth allies in the fight against the tyranny of Hitler, Tojo, Mussolini, Grindlewald, and Kamo.

"In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, Let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on!"

Words that caused tears to fill her eyes as she lifted her mezzosoprano in joyful song as England faded behind her and she crossed over the French coast.

"Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on!
Amen! Amen!"

June 6th, 1944 (D-Day) 0002 Hours.

Over The Cherbourg Peninsula Of Occupied Normandy

The red light turned green and MACUSA Major Delilah de Breuil leapt into space seven hundred feet above France at the head of her men.

Potter Manor, England

In a bedroom lit only by flickering candles, emerald eyes shadowed in care and concern. An Ifrit rubbed a string of amber worry beads through her fingers as she silently prayed for a Muramasa revolver to return to her.

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord Khuzdul

The rifle and the destroyer walked to the table. While Ali was apprehensive, Demirhisar's eyes were firmly on the mustachioed Arab at one end of the table. "I… remember you."

"Hmm?" Sinbad answered, rubbing his mustache. "Ah… November 1924, on the Varna run. You were the one who found us at Rumelifeneri. That one was certainly bracing."

Demirhisar nodded. "My captain and I really wanted to know how you managed it."

At the curious gazes of others at the table, Sinbad smiled and explained. "Well, I was captaining a small coastal steamer back then, the Hekimoğlu. A tiny thing of 500 tons or so. We had just loaded up in Varna. I think the load was wheat. We got into one of Black Sea regulars just off Burgaz, but I thought we could handle it. And we could. But then my luck reared its head a couple hours later – we were off Kırkkilise somewhere, when we hit something explosive. An old mine Russians laid off the north end of Bosphorus, that came loose, I think. Thankfully, it seemed that the mine was defective or degraded somehow, because instead of turning my little boat into so much kindling, it only opened the bows up like a flower. Had to travel the rest of the way ass first, pumping like hell, trying to shore up the ship. We were almost done for when Demirhisar here found us. Hekimoğlu gave up the ghost the moment she came alongside, but she picked us up safe."

Demirhisar scoffed. "What he is not telling is that 'opening the bows like a flower' means it disintegrated the first third of the ship, and it also shattered the keel. I have no idea how he kept the ship in one piece and still steaming. My captain cannot make heads or tails of it, and when he asked, this guy just said 'luck, sweat of our brows, and seamanship, kumandan bey!' like that explained everything!"

Korkut started laughing. "Well, he was probably telling the truth. He omitted one element though. Magic. You are looking at Sinbad the Sailor himself, after all."

Sinbad covered his face with his hand as stars appeared in the destroyer's eyes. "Really?"

He motioned to his side. "Sit down kid. We can talk after our business is done here.

~~~

Hamidiye watched the coffee shop from across the street, shading her face under her umbrella. She had her suspicions regarding the old man that bumped into Ali yesterday, so she decided to follow them. When she saw Ali press his palm to his face in resignation, she smiled. Her smile grew as she noted the face of the man sitting at the head of the table. She took out her phone, and hit a quick dial number. When the answer came from the other end, she grinned. "We finally have contact."

~~~

"Hassiktir. Hassiktir. Hassiktir."

Murat shivered as the air cut right to the bone, with the unseasonably cold north wind coming down from the Allahuekber mountains belying the normally pleasant May. He was running, along with his companion, down a dried stream – a stream that should have been bubbling this time of the year, with the snowmelt, but for this unnatural freeze covering the mountains. Behind him, he heard the moans, but he did not dare to look back. Because if he did, he knew all he would see would be the lines of frozen blue faces, with a baleful light in their eyes. 'Give me a bunch of good old ghouls over this, God, please' he thought as he tried to keep his footing on the smooth stones. He grabbed his wand tightly as he climbed over the crumbling bank, and off the valley. As he did, bullets skipped from the rocks around him. "Just our luck, undead who knew how to use guns."

As he pulled himself over the lip, he noticed a circular building some ways down the slope. "There," he yelled. "Let's take shelter in that old türbe. We can probably barricade the entrance."

His companion, a younger auror named Hikmet, laughed bitterly. "Maybe we can appeal to the evliya to help us." He shrugged. "If God had not seen fit to abandon these mountains long ago."

Murat shook his head. "Still, from your mouth to the ears of Hızır Aleyhisselam. Because at this point, it is either divine intervention or we are proper fucked."

They made it to the entrance of the old Seljuk tomb and with a wave of his wand, Murat shut and locked the somehow still surviving ancient oak door. He then glanced at Hikmet, who was pale as a ghost. "What?"

Hikmet just pointed.
Spoiler: Baba Erenler

Murat slowly turned around. The interior of the old türbe was not the bare earth and a stone tomb the way he expected. It was covered with carpets. On the other side of the room, at a slight rise, there sat a group of bearded men, with green robes and green and white turbans.

Hikmet almost raised his wand, but Murat put his left hand on his shoulder. Then, sparked by a long forgotten memory of his grandfather teaching him the etiquette of old times, he put his right hand over his heart. "Hu diyelim Baba Erenler."

There was a rumble of "Hu" from the men. The oldest among them in the middle, a broad shouldered man with a snow white beard to his lap, returned his greeting with a hand over his chest. "A cold day to be out and about, evlatlar. Is that the howling of wolves we hear outside of our gates? Come, sit down. Tell us of what brings you to these parts."

Murat and Hikmet made their way to the group, sitting down across from the old man. The door behind them rattled with an impact. Murat looked back for a moment, then lost his composure a bit. "Wish it was so, pîrim. It is… it is the dead of the old war. They are walking again. We have been sent to stem their advance, but might have had as much chance to be asked to stop the tides with our bare hands. If they are not stopped… the speed they are going, in a day they would be in Sarıkamış. We have already lost five men. Five men we can ill-afford to lose." He rallied. "Medet pîrim. Medet. I don't know what to do."
Spoiler: Medet Ya Ali!

The old pîr closed his eyes. "Peace, my son. Peace. Our heart is not stone. We hear you."

He raised his head, and looked at his companions. "Well, erenler, time is the time to do our duty. Come. God willing, the tide might hesitate."

The men rose, and put their hands under their robes, and out came scimitars and maces, with prayers shining on them. The old man then turned to the two. "Rest, and eat. We will hold the tide, as much as we are able."
As men, far more than they thought were in the room, streamed towards the door, Hikmet looked at Murat in puzzlement. Murat sighed. "We just might survive this, Hikmet. God willing." His voice rose as the men started chanting. "Medet ya Muhammed! Medet ya Ali! Gazanız mübarek olsun erenler!"

The door opened. Wind howled for a moment, but the chanting of the dervish seemed to push its fury back. A rifle barked, and then the robed men streamed out of the door, into the sea of dead flowing down the slopes.

 

[darthcourt10]

SkyeFire

So, I finally catch up after being offline for nearly 3 weeks as RL simply devoured all my waking hours....

drag0nsoldier said:
Lyra: I'm not a pervert. I'm a SUPER PERVERT!!!​

Lyra the Gallant?
Lyra: "I'll take that title!"

Lord Khuzdul said:
But then my luck reared its head a couple hours later – we were off Kırkkilise somewhere, when we hit something explosive.​

...you know, I have to wonder what the reactions are of ships who discover they're getting Sinbad as Captain. It seems like it would be an even split between "oh WOW!" and "Oh SHIT!" Because, legendary captain, yeah, but how many of his ships actually survive the experience?
OTOH, given how many of his former ships seems to be coming back to him as shipgirls, I guess there's little in the way of grudges held. Except maybe when they want to guilt-wheedle something out of Sinbad...
"You got my bows blown open! The least you can do is massage my tired, aching legs!"

Amused Bystander said:
As for Aomi,keep her as a regular inugami. After all nothing says you cant have her and Jackies future daughter be a natural born Foxfish.

I do like that idea.

I'm also glad to report that my pancreas survived the Maximum Cinnabun Hogsmeade Date with only minimal damage. I think it's evolving into an armored organ....

And now that I have a moment, I'm going to try indulging one of the plotbunnies that bit me during The Tale of Three Tails....
(Optionally canonical as always, 'hammer)
*-*-*-*

Norimune snapped awake, the scream in her throat throttled by old, hard-wired combat-zone reflexes. She forced herself to breath, deeply and quietly, listening for any hints that her nightmare might have woken one of the girls.

Aside from the soft slap of waves against Horizon Bringer's hull, and the other assorted "all's well" sounds of a sailing ship on the high seas during the mid-watch, all was quiet. Nori sighed in relief, rolled silently out of her bunk, and padded up to the deck for some badly-needed air.

It wasn't Aomi's fault. But the Inu's innocent query had been the first domino, when Nori, being a bit drunk (not to mention more at-ease than she had been in decades) had wistfully complained about how much she missed sailing, and wished she could afford her own vessel.

"But you had two, more than a hundred years ago, didn't you?" her middle daughter's girlfriend asked. "Given how shipgirls seem to be popping out of the woodwork everywhere these days --they even say ships that were never built, only designed, are coming back!-- couldn't you summon one of your old ships?"

And Nori's world had gone TILT like an old-school pinball machine.

Granted, Aomi had overlooked the practical issues of sailing a girl, rather than a ship, although Jackie had been quick to mine the idea for every possible ribald quip. But what left Nori's mental wheels spinning was the simple fact that she'd never thought of it. Not even once. Shipgirls had, yes, been "popping out of the woodwork" for over a decade now -- people were summoning them by accident, and some ships were self-summoning! So why had the idea never occurred to her?

Trying to answer that question had taken her to some very uncomfortable introspection. And then, while trying to fall asleep, the worse question had floated to the top of her storm-tossed mind: why didn't they come back already? It could have happened, after all -- Red Seal ships, Civil War ironclads, that school in Scotland that Kago was currently haunting had famous pirate-ship girls acting as security! So there was no reason her ships couldn't have come back--

...or had they, and they had avoided contacting her?

She'd felt the downward spiral start -- the little chorus of voices that kept saying that Impenitent and Lex Talionis in fact had returned, and were avoiding her. Because she was a failure. Because she was unworthy. Because--

For the first time in long time, she saw it happening. Saw it, and resisted. Because she wasn't a failure. A grade-A screwup, quite possibly. But just in the past few weeks, she'd made real progress on building a relationship with one daughter, make cordial connections with her grandchildren, make a strong first step on building bridges with her most-estranged daughter, and oh, yeah, helped keep a big chunk of Europe from being eaten by something that made a Gashadokuro look tame.

Well, waddaya know. All I needed was a continent-destroying threat to kick my head out of my ass... and the self-pity party I've been throwing for most of the past century.

Warmed by the certainty that she was, in fact, finally starting to move her life in a positive direction, she had fallen asleep--

--and into nightmare.

It had been the final engagement between her stolen Impenitent and her built-for-vengeance Lex Talionis. She remembered every cannonball hit, every crack of broken timbers, the groaning of collapsing hulls as both ships, grappled together and aflame, slowly sank beneath her... except this time, every hit sounded like musket-balls penetrating flesh. Every impact accompanied by a scream of pain. And on each ship, the bloodied form of a young woman calling her "Mother," begging for her to stop, asking why she was killing them--

Nori forced herself to take a deep, cleansing breath, and let it out slowly. She didn't have to be Freud to understand that nightmare. Impenitent had been a part of her, and in the end Nori had sunk her rather than let her be used by the thieves who had stolen her. And Lex... Lex she had treated as nothing more than a weapon, a tool to use for her vengeance and then discard.

If either ship had returned... just what reaction would she deserve from them? She knew that, to some degree, she was being overly harsh on herself -- scuttling one's own ship rather than letting it be taken was a long, deep naval tradition, and from what she'd seen, shipgirls understood that in their bones. And warshipgirls, with few exceptions, preferred to die fighting, as opposed to scrapping.

But she still couldn't shake the sense of betrayal in her ships' eyes... in her daughters'--

Oh. Ohhh. That's what this was.

Goddamn maternal-- paternal? Fuckit, parental instincts. Find out I have kids, and suddenly I'm seeing everything through that lens.

And yet...

She looked out over the swells, lit by the waning moon and reflecting the uncountable stars in the cloudless sky, and felt an ache in her chest that had been fairly constant since the day she'd met her daughters at Hachimangu.

"I'm sorry," Nori whispered to the wind and waves. "You deserved better from me. Both of you. I'm not... I'm not asking you to come back, I don't have the right, but... if you do come back, I'll... be glad to see you. Even if you're just coming back to kick my ass for fucking you over like I did." She gave a single self-deprecating bark of laughter. "I probably deserve it. I... deserve a lot of things. But..." She sniffled, glad no one was present to see her getting all weepy. "I'm getting things I don't deserve, instead. Kids, and grandkids, who don't hate me, even though I deserve that. A chance... a whole lot of second chances, with them. And maybe to start making a life again, instead of just hiding the way I have been for a hundred years."

A deep, shuddering breath. "I'm pretty crap at this whole 'parent' thing, you know. But... my kids seem to think I'm worth training up. Hell, in a hundred years, maybe I'll even be mediocre! Just in time to have great-grandkids, oh gods.... anyway! I'm just saying, if you're staying away because of me... don't. Even if you hate my guts, I'd still be happy to see you come back, see you live again, the way you deserve... they way you didn't get to, when you were mine. And if you're happy wherever you are now, well... be happy. That's... all I ask."

Dashing the tears from her eyes into the silent sea, Norimune-no-Muramasa, Captain Longblade, Agent of Hachiman, rose from the rail of her daughter's ship and went back to her cabin and her interrupted sleep.

Inside her seabag, on the blade of her true self, the engravings of paired doves glowed. And in the wake of the ship, where Norimune's tears had fallen, a patch of ocean glowed to match.

-------------
So, yeah... Nori's not being entirely rational, or fair to herself, here. The way I headcannon it is, after being beaten down by life so badly (Jes, then WWI, then WII), Nori's spent most of the past century in something close to clinical depression -- definitely suffering from severe self-image issues and free-floating guilt complex. Encountering her children could have driven her further down that hole, but she got lucky (heh) -- she was finally far enough past her past (er....) enough to try facing that situation, instead of just running from it. And she's moved forward enough to start recognizing just what she's been doing to herself for decades, and start pushing back against it.

Of course, this also means that other doors in her head that she's been keeping tightly closed are going to start opening -- Nori's got a lot of old baggage that needs sorting out, going back at least as far as Julie. Aomi just happened to trip one particular sea mine that Nori's been avoiding: "What would Impy and Lex say to me if they came back as shipgirls?"

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Courtship in Emerald (III)

June 6th (D-Day), 1944, 0001

700 Feet Above Normandy, Occupied France
Spoiler: A Night Time Jump Into France

The red light by the open door in the fuselage illuminated Delilah de Breuil's face as the C-47 airplane carrying her and her team of witches and wizards shook and shuddered like a leaf in a strong wind.

She did not know if the Germans had divined their intentions, had just heard the airplane noises, or the Disillusionment Charms on their plane had failed. No matter the cause, the Germans below them were firing everything they had at their formation of transport planes. Flashes of light from the 88 millimeter heavy antiaircraft batteries firing exploding air burst shells at them lit up the night sky along with ribbons of tracers from smaller weapons.

She breathed deeply, fighting down the icy dread filling in her stomach by an act of will as she gave the rest of the airplane a cocky smug smile that she did not feel in the least.

The light flashed from red to green as the airplane hit the planned drop zone.

She hoped that it was their drop zone because it was Chaos and Old Night up here in this SNAFU.

"Follow me!" She screamed as she leapt out of the airplane and into the middle of the largest Fourth of July fireworks display that she could possibly imagine.

For a heart-stopping-second she plummeted uncontrollably toward the ground, and then gasped in relief as the static line deployed her parachute with a jerk on her shoulders and hips.

Slowly spinning under the parachute's umbrella as the ground grew nearer with every heartbeat, she narrowed her eyes at the sight of a small lake below her booted feet. She reached up and pulled on her left riser to try to slip away from it.

It didn't work.

She landed in the water with a splash and began to sink like a stone from the weight of her gear. Her eyes narrowed as her right hand flashed to her hip and drew her Bowie knife to slash away the harness that was helping to pull her under. Meanwhile her left hand twitched, releasing her wand into her hand from the spring-loaded sheath. As the water reached her neck she made a poking motion with it and snarled out "Bullatio!"

Instantly a silvery bubble covered her mouth and nose as she went under. Breathing a sigh of relief into her Bubble-head Charm, she looked at the 'watch' on her right wrist. A glowing arrow pointed to the left from its face, and she began to swim that direction to the rally point.

0015, June 6th (D-Day) 1944

Ten water-soaked minutes later, she staggered out onto merely ankle-deep mud next to a hedgerow. She spared a moment to snap off a brief but sincerely heart-felt Arabic curse involving the fleas and ticks of a thousand feral camels and the genitals of the person who had flooded this field.

She hated wet gunpowder the way Aunt Jackie hated the saloon-smashing temperance movement against 'Demon Rum'.

With that cheerful thought she cast a Drying Charm on herself to turn from waterlogged and dripping wet to merely damp and uncomfortable. After a moment's thought to compute the possible enemy obstacles in her path, she slid the Bowie knife back into the thigh sheath and drew her true self from her shoulder holster.

As always, the sense of rightness filled her whole avatar as she felt the familiar chestnut of her hand-grips filling her hand. Automatically she cocked her hammer and placed her finger on the trigger. A brief whispered command and the tap of her wand caused two enchantments to briefly flicker from her true form, one to muffle the sounds of firing, and the other to reduce the muzzle flash.

With a wave of her wand to open a hole in the hedgerow's thorn branches, she began to jog toward the rally point.

Unbidden, a smug smirk twisted her lips as she began her journey. She whispered to herself a quote from Jack London's The Call of the Wild as she began her trek, automatically cataloguing everything she saw, everything she heard, everything she sensed as a possible target to be terminated.

"He was a killer, a thing that preyed, living on the things that lived, unaided, alone, by virtue of his own strength and prowess, surviving triumphantly in a hostile environment where only the strong survive."

0038, June 6th (D-Day) 1944
Spoiler: A Birdcall In The Night

As she approached the junction of two farm lanes she slowed down her pace and paused. She sketched a glyph with her wand and a a single songbird began to call.

Whip-poor-will. Whip-poor-will.

As it finished, she tensed.

Suddenly an answering call sounded from ahead.

Whip-poor-will. Whip-poor-will.

She called in a low voice, "De Breuil, coming in," and then advanced to the woodlot next to the intersection.

A knot of tension released as she saw four wands and a rapier pointed at her from the darkened figures hidden in the trees.

"Colombe. How many do we have?" Delilah asked quietly as she joined the cluster of figures and took up a guard position next to her sister.

"You make eleven," her sister responded equally quietly, "me, Bearclaw, McGonnagal, Longbottom, Sprout, Young, Leroux, DeVries, Jenkins, FitzPatrick."

Delilah nodded and then glanced at her watch. "Seven more minutes, then we move out. We are on a tight deadline here."

0045, June 6th (D-Day) 1944

Hubrecht van den Broek had hobbled in on the arm of Gideon Cohen by the time that Delilah waved for attention. "Time's up. We need to get moving. The main airborne force is going to be here soon and come dawn all hell is going to break loose. We have to take down the ritual chamber before then. Van den Broek, stay here and if and when we get any stragglers send them to the objective in pairs."

The Dutch wizard grimaced and nodded "Alles ging naar de pleuris," he muttered as he leaned against a tree to take weight off his broken ankle. "I'm on it. Do me a favor and sock the moffen one from me."

Delilah grinned and clasped his forearm. "Rest assured, they won't know what hit them." She released the grip on his arm.

With that, she smirked, and pulled out a M1921AC Thompson sub-machine gun from its position in her weapon arsenal and slid a space-expanded 150 round circular drum magazine into position.

The smirk grew wider and much smugger as she cocked her 'Chicago Typewriter' to feed the first .45 caliber round into the chamber. Her thumb found the selector switch and set it to fully automatic.

"I have point. Bearclaw, back me up. Colombe, take the trail."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking up the pathway towards Hogwarts was something of an odd group, mainly that of the Potter Armory with some in civilian clothing. Taking a deep breath, Catherine let it out in a happy sigh, "I do love spring. The Lord gifts it to us after a long, hard winter."

Head tilted to the side, Andraste frowned a little, "Better this winter, I believe than previous ones for the past few years." She then grimaced slightly, "What they call the 'Little Ice Age' was enough for me just the once. And the Year Without Summer was worse."

From where he walked with Saki at his side, Sheff frowned, "It... was not fun those first two years after Blood Week." He shuddered a bit, "There were some frosts well into May and one or two into June. Heard on the tele that it was due to all the smoke and soot from fires kicked up in the atmosphere."

Each of the other weapons grimaced at that before Sabah spoke up, "Speaking of the Little Ice Age, I was watching a program about such things. They stated it was started due to volcanic eruptions among other things." A slight frown, she nodded towards Catherine, "And another in Iceland led to what happened in France."

Catherine sighed a little and shook her head, "Yes, I remember that. And while I can understand being angry with the King, Queen, and their court, that did not mean that they should have killed innocents such as some of the children I saw. In the end, it brought out the worst in humans and I know that the Lord wept alongside me." After a brief moment, she sighed and looked around, "It is much too lovely a day to speak of such things, however. Let us turn our gazes elsewhere."

The lone Muramasa of the group just peeled a blood orange and hummed, "Sure, let's do that, Cathy." Ignoring the slight frown on the blonde woman's face, Juuchi smirked, "Let us instead talk about how much you resemble Goldie."

Eyebrows furrowing, Catherine looked at Crocea Mors and frowned, "And I have told you, Juuchi, we do not look alike in the slightest. In fact, we look completely different."

For her part, Crocea Mors nodded, "Indeed! While Catherine is quite beautiful, and with perhaps Roman blood, she looks not like me in the slightest! We are quite different!" She narrowed her eyes slightly, "It is like you stating that we look like our neighbour, that Okita girl! Or your sister, Kyoshu!"

Smugly smiling, Juuchi took an orange slice and put it into her mouth and chewed for a few seconds, savouring the taste. Once she swallowed, she snorted, "That is because you do resemble them, and they you..." Frowning briefly, she shook her head, "Except for two of them being Japanese..." Then, the Muramasa shrugged, "Though that could explain the fact that I initially disliked you due to looking like my sister."

Once more, Catherine sighed the sort that one would understand was born of long suffering, "Yet, I cannot see it."

Before Juuchi could say anything, someone appeared at her side and jabbed her in the ribs. Ignoring her grunt, Carnwennan frowned, "Just drop it for now..." Getting a mumble, he shivered a little, 'Hopefully we never meet my sisters. Avalon, Caliburn, Excalibur, and Prydwen... Though I do hope that Ron also got through her edge phase as well... and the same with Clarent... or Seure, edge lord that she is... honestly, yes, Arthur had her as a Squire and when he gained Caliburn, he lent her out to Lancelot and the like. But bloody hell, sometimes I swore that I could get cut on her edge. Only Avalon, cinnamon bun she is... was... got any sort of friendliness from her.' The dagger frowned a little, 'Though why they all looked like each other, I don't know... or how someone knew that I was their brother from a glance when we don't look alike...'

After another moment of thought, he shook it off as it was not that important. Instead, he turned to the current conversation, which was currently being lead by Tsukiakari, "Um... do any of you know why Master asked for us to come to Hogwarts?"

For her part, Tsuchi shrugged a bit, but before she could say anything, Big Iron spoke up, "Cake! Master likely wants to share cake with us."

Amalie's eyebrow twitched before she jumped up and slugged her fellow firearm in the shoulder, "You Anvilhead! Master is likely calling us to Hogwarts for another reason!"

Only shaking her head, the sole Okinawan weapon turned towards Tsukiakari, "I suspect it has to do with some recent events myself... He was quite worried for you and the others at Verdun."

Lightly blushing, Tsukiakari gave a small nod, "Um... I'm sorry about that, but..."

A hand on her shoulder caused her to look at Bill who gave her a smile before tipping the brim of his hat, "Little Lady, you got nothin' to be sorry for. What you did was the right thing and he likely knows it."

Relaxing a bit, the Kyu Gunto smiled back at him, "Thank you, Bill-Kun."

All Bill did was smile some and nod before going back to walking silently as he appreciated their surroundings. Here and there a few students looked over in interest at their guests before shrugging it off. Considering things? These ones looked rather normal compared to some of the others.

Granted, some of the boys were staring at the females and the girls at the males of the group.

It did not take them long to reach the front doors and Juuchi guided them through the corridors up to a spot in the Seventh Floor. Sure enough, there was a door there and she glanced at the others before smugly smiling, "Well, we're here then."

As she opened the door and stepped inside, the others followed. Glancing around, Carnwennan nodded to himself, "I wish that I had known of this place before now. It would have been far more amusing."

Chuckles made them turn to where Harry stood with Rose, the thirteen year old putting a plate with roast chicken on it down, "I can imagine what some of my ancestors would have done, Carnwennan. Especially considering what I've read."

Tone dry, Sabah scoffed a bit, "Not to mention Lyra. I dread to think what she would have done if she known about this place."

It went without saying that got her snickers from the others. Smiling and shaking his head, Harry walked up to Tsukiakari and looked her over before hugging her. Something that caught the Kyu-Gunto by surprise, "Master? What's wrong?"

Rather than say anything, Harry gently squeezed her for a moment before pulling back, "I'm just glad to see that you're alright, Tsukiakari."

Expression softening, Tsukiakari hugged him back, "And I am glad to be back, Master."

Once she stepped back, the wizard walked over and hugged Andreste with the shield jumping a bit before she relaxed a little and hugged him back. That was followed by Sabah, who had a broad smile on her face, and Nightbane, though that last was more the one armed manly hug type. As he took a step back, Harry sighed and gave them all a bemused look, "Thank you for coming back in one piece. I really appreciate it, though I wish that you didn't go to Verdun."

Gently, Andraste smiled and gave him another hug from behind, "We went, Master, because we were needed there. We answered the call as we were supposed to."

Sabah then chuckled and crossed her arms over her chest, "Besides which, we went to protect you, Master." Her expression fell slightly and she walked over to give him a hug as well, "Verdun would have come for you as Master Ian had fought there and helped seal the Monster on the Meuse."

With a sigh, Harry relaxed a little, "Still, I don't want to lose any of my family if I can help it." Unknown by him, that caused all the Tsukumogami there to smile and feel a burst of warmth in their chests. Letting out another sigh, he looked at each one of those there, "Tell me that this time it should remain sealed."

A slightly smug smile on her face, Tsukiakari shook her head, "It should remain sealed. And according to the witch who helped seal it, Madam Aetos, it very likely will not escape its chains again. Especially as the Monster used up quite a bit of energy trying to escape and likely sped its demise forward a few centuries."

Slowly, the thirteen year old relaxed some, "That is good to know then." A frown then crossed Harry's face, "Though, Aetos? I wonder if she is related to the Greek Admiral in charge of the Hellenic Shipgirls...?"

Unseen by him, Tsukiakari's eyes widened a bit before she frowned with a look of suspicion. By the time Harry turner back to her, however, it was gone, "Perhaps, Master." She then smiled gently at him, "Hopefully that calms your worries."

With a chuckle, Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "A little, yeah." He then shrugged and gestured at the table, "Come and have a seat then, I've cooked up some food for you all after all and there's some other things to talk about." The teen then winked, "I even made some desserts and cake."

At that, Big Iron perked up, "I told you that Master wanted us here to get some cake!"

Beside her, Amalie held her face in her hands and groaned.

While he had wanted to serve them alone, Harry eventually gave in and let Sheff as well as Kansha help. Examining the carving knife he had in his hands, the Muramasa Kitchen knife raised an eyebrow, "Conjured?"

Just nodding as he brought over some more food, the teen smiled, "Yeah, I learned how after all." Setting what he had in his hands down, he paused and looked first towards Xing and Feng before bowing slightly to their confusion, "I'm sorry to the both of you in that I... don't really know any Chinese recipes." A blush rose in his cheeks, but still he continued, "Um, about the only ones that I do know are either fusions or ones like American style..."

The two Chinese blades blinked at that before smiling, Xing chuckling some, "Master? Look at me." When Harry did so, she got up and gave him a hug, "You have nothing to apologize for. And if you have some foods like those from our homelands? Even if not identical? We would be honoured to have it."

From where he sat, Feng nodded with his own smile, "As my sister has stated, Master. But thank you for the thought." Giving the matter some thought, he glanced towards Xing, who nodded, "If that is what you wish though, we could teach you cooking from our homeland."

Peeking up, Harry gave a nod before frowning and turning towards Sabah who gave a light laugh, "Master, trust me, I am fine with European cooking. But, much like them, I am willing to teach you how to cook from the lands that I have come from."

Some of the strain left the wizard and he smiled back at them. Ruffling his hair a little, Feng giggled and returned to her seat beside her brother. Not long afterwards, they were all seated and food was set in front of them. They did wait though as Catherine clasped her hands in front of her, lips moving as she whispered a prayer.

Once that was done though, they all began to eat. A surprised expression on her face, Amalie looked at Harry in interest, "This is quite well done."

Lounging back in her own chair, Crocea Mors nodded, "Indeed it is! Your food as is good as I have been lead to believe, Praetor! My first Master, Caeser, would compliment you!"

Needless to say, that plus other compliments caused Harry's cheeks to darken in a blush. Scratching his cheek, he chuckled sheepishly, "Thanks." After a few moments though, the wizard cleared his throat, "You're probably all wondering why I asked for you to come. Partially it is to welcome back those of us who went to Verdun and to congratulate them... Speaking of..." Raising the goblet, Harry nodded, "A toast to the returning heroes."

It was now Tsukiakari's, Sabah's, Andraste's, and Nightbane's turn to flush a bit as the other Potter weapons raised their goblets and grinned at them. Seeing that, Dracul grinned, "Perhaps I should make a song for you all in honour?"

Blank faces met her as well as the four in the question speaking in the same, flat voice with their answer, "No."

Somewhat amused, Harry shook his head some and chuckled before giving a sigh, "Besides that... first, you sent a letter about a Colombe du Chasteler wishing to see me?" At the nod from the Kyu-Gunto, he frowned a little, "I read some in Ian's and Lyra's journals about her, but looking her up? There's some other aspects..."

Rather than be insulted, Tsukiakari set down her utensils and wiped at her mouth, "You're wondering about the truth?" As he slowly nodded, she smiled, "Colombe-Chan is... special." Ian's personal sword then gave a sigh, "But when she had met Mistress Lyra and Master Ian, she was something of a broken bird due to various events. That said, I will vouch for her in that she is utterly loyal once a friend and will go through hell for one. And she also truly loved Mistress Lyra as well as Master Ian."

While Harry nodded, Sabah spoke up at that point, "I did meet her a few times even before the recent incident, including during World War Two when she did some work for the British. Not that she knew that until I told her a short time ago. I do concur with Tsukiakari though in regards to her character. You do not need to worry about when you meet her what may happen."

Furrowing his eyebrows, the thirteen year old glanced at the lone French blade, who also nodded, "I cannot speak as I have not directly met her, but I do agree that she is honourable, Master. She was... quite close to Mistress Lyra and Master Ian. Their deaths hit her quite hard, as did Master Henry's."

Eyes closed, Harry thought things over before frowning, "Do you think that is why she never contacted me? As well as not knowing where I was like with Grandmother Siusan?"

Considering that, Tsukiakari gave a small, slow, nod, "I... would not be surprised in that way, no. Another part could be that she had believed that you would have been safe with the... the things that called themselves your relatives." Briefly, there was a flash in her eyes at that, one which Harry noted was shared by the others. Though Catherine merely scowled at the reminder, which made him shift a little due to both how wrong, yet how frightening it looked. But then, Tsukiakari continued, "Colombe has a few beliefs about family, such as how family is sacrosanct. I believe that she also mentioned there was an incident in Rwanda at the time she was involved in..."

It was then that Nightbane interjected as he cracked open an eye, "Master? I feel that I should mention something that her sister, Delilah mentioned. Apparently, after hearing of your parents deaths she kicked up a small fuss on the continent. She was quite annoyed at the Death Eaters and made sure that they knew that they were more welcome beneath the soil on the Continent."

That got a snort from Harry before he shook his head, "I see." Scratching his chin as he thought, he tilted his head to the side. Finally, the wizard nodded, "I'll think about where to meet her then and with whom... though you would certainly be one of those, Tsukiakari."

Even as the Kyu-Gunto gave a smile and a nod, another one of them chuckled. When everyone had looked at her, Juuchi leaned back with smug look on her face, "I should note that Colombe is, in fact, my niece through my sister, Norimune. But I agree Master, you should meet her and renew ties of friendship between your families."

It must be said that Harry was not the only one somewhat suspicious of the Muramasa, but they accepted it. Only shaking his head, the teen cleared his throat, "There are a few more matters. But for one, I have good news." He smiled and gave a slight nod, "Thanks to the memories provided by Tsukiakari, the restoration of the Manor is coming along fine. Better, in fact as now they know what the inside looked like, the workers Victory has been using think that it will be complete by July."

At that all of them perked up with their expressions brightening. Clapping her hands, Catherine smiled, "That is wonderful news!"

Head tilting a bit, Crocea Mors smiled herself, "Indeed! Truly great news that the home our family has had will once more be repaired! Umu!"

Clearing his throat, the thirteen year old smiled some, "Though there will be one modification." At their looks, Harry gave a small shrug, "I've had for some modifications be done to my Great-Aunt Catherine's chamber." Seeing the concerned looks, he waved his hands, "It's fine, I asked Aunt Myrtle to talk with her and Great-Aunt Catherine agreed to be removed for the time in question and not cause any trouble as long as she remains in the house. Apparently, she is happy with the modifications that were suggested."

Still unsure, Andraste frowned, "What sort of modifications, Master?"

With a small shrug, Harry shook his head, "Not many, just cosmetic for the most part. New windowsills and windows for example, polished stone floors, and fitted, smooth stone blocks for the walls as well as a chandelier for light. Add in the table for flowers honouring her? She is apparently... quite pleased."

Much to his amusement, they relaxed at that. Catherine, the sword and not the skull, was relieved, "That is good to know, Master. As long as she does not stir up any trouble."

Only shrugging, the teenager hummed, "Anyways, that's not the only modification being done." Seeing the interest, he smiled a bit, "I'm having a small bathhouse added to it as well as a pool, though that will be done later than the main manor. But we also will have electricity, internet, and the like. That aside, once the manor is done, we'll have some work setting everything up."

Lips curling, Carnwennan chuckled, "Not to worry, all of us know where the furniture is..." Noticing Rose, Saki, Sheff, and Kansha frowning, he shook his head, "Well, most of us. We'll be able to set things up the way that they were."

Chewing his lip, Harry gave a nod to that before taking a deep breath, "Which... brings me to something else that I need to ask you all. I came across some information regarding something that my family has." Seeing their interested looks, he continued, "Do any of you know where the stores of Vulcanium is?"

Just blinking, the older members of the group thought it over before Andraste nodded though she looked confused, "I know where it is, Master. Though I don't know why you would want it unless you want to make something."

Now turning to her, the wizard ran a hand through his hair, "Well..." Then, he realized what she had said and blinked, "Wait, make something of it? Does that mean some of the Potters have?"

With a glance towards Sabah, Andraste nodded with a small shrug, "Yes? Juuchi could tell you about the table pieces they made from some. An entire set of dishes, forks, spoons, candlestands, even gravy boats as well as goblets and the like. They used to bring them out for large gatherings of family and friends since it looked nice and was different. Why-" She blinked at what happened, "Master? Why are you hitting your head on the table?"

Pulling his head back, Harry took a deep breath, "Just... okay, I'll get back to that. Just how much is left and in what forms?"

Still unsure, the shield blinked a bit, "Um..."

Juuchi then gave a shrug, "There's several tons of the stuff in ingots within a trunk. Also, you got about ten cauldrons of varying sizes for it." Scratching her chin, she frowned, "Not sure how much-"

It was then that Carnwennan spoke up, "There's about... thirty tons total that likely is still there. I was there when it was negotiated after all." Misintrepretating Harry boggling, he frowned, "Your family at the time thought that it could be used for various items to prevent corrision and the like. It was why they created the tableware after all after going to see a dwarf. Less issue with the goblins complaining about us having it and such. Granted... they didn't see it as a particularly useful metal unless using it to conduct and such."

Confused, Saki frowned a little and looked over at the dagger, "Why did they call it Vulcanium? A bit of an odd name..."

Simply shrugging, the dagger sighed some, "Because of how hard it was to work it with the No-Maj methods at the time. James Weasley had to use magic because otherwise it wouldn't do what he wanted, hence him declaring it a metal worthy of Vulcan's forge. He brought over quite a bit back to Britain... unfortunately, the Malfoys ruined him by flooding the market with gold and silver cauldrons. No one wanted the wonder metal he had after all." Carnwennan, "The Potter who leant him the money was a friend though and simply took the metal that he was given, as was the Longbottom. They both made it back soon enough pillaging Spanish Galleons." Noticing something, he blinked at seeing Harry holding his face in his hands, "Master? Is something wrong?"

Taking a deep breath, Harry slowly let it out, "Not wrong, but..." He pulled his hands away from his face and rubbed the side of his head, "The metal, Vulcanium? The Non-Magicals know of it by a different name." Seeing as he had their attention, the teen continued, "Platinum."

For several moments, no one did a thing before Tsukiakari wiggled a finger in her ear with a frown. Then, she turned back to him, "I'm sorry, Master, but did you just say that Vulcanium is-"

His tone of voice dry, the thirteen year old gave her a look, "Platinum? Yes. In fact, it is nearly pure platinum."

Eyes wide, Tsukiakari as well as those other Tsukumogami well versed in the modern day sort of stared off into space before the Kyu-Gunto spoke, "And we have..." At Harry's nod, she slowly blinked, "Oh."

Utterly lost, Catherine looked between them, "I'm afraid that I do not follow, is this platinum important and worth something?"

Laughter, nearly hystrical came from Saki, "Y-yes! Yes it is!"

Gripping his partner's hand, Sheff took a deep breath and turned to Catherine, "Platinum is now, in the modern day, worth a lot of money. In fact, far more than gold per weight."

When they turned to him, Harry spoke up, "To put into perspective... Platinum is currently about a thousand Pounds Stirling per ounce. And we have literal tons of the stuff."

Just nodding, Big Iron smiled, "Oh!" Then, she blinked and turned to Amalie, "Is that a lot?"

Pinching her nose, the Blunderbuss sighed, "Yes, that is a lot."

Somewhat bemused, Harry gave a shrug, "On the plus side, our family will never hurt for cash."

That got him snorts from the others and soon the conversation turned more to what they should do...

 

[darthcourt10]

RCNAnon

Weasley's Warship Workshop 12

Abyssal Interlude

Several days after Ron's visit

Summer smiled to herself as the memory of what her Yardmaster told her to do played through her mind once more.

"Summer, I want you to do a full engineering survey of Battleship Princess when you get the chance." His voice was pitched low so that only she could hear it. "I want to know everything we can about her so we can keep track of the repairs and make sure she's not trying to fix her guns. A full survey you understand?"

Summer had understood, completely and utterly. It was smart of her Yardmaster to think like that. If they had a full survey instead of the several haphazard ones she'd done in the process of demilitarizing and the fixing the keel of the battleship, they could compare normal wear and tear and make sure things weren't going on under their noses. The engineering didn't lie.

Of course the last words he'd spoken had made her shiver even more and made her power plant spike quite high.

"Oh and one for you as well Summer. A full report please."

Her Yardmaster… he wanted a full survey of her! It was great! It was terrible! Oh what could she do?!

She had to give him the report but she'd never done a full survey of her equipment, not at the same time and her paperwork was a mess! So she needed time to organize but she could still multitask.

Which was why she was standing in front of the former Meanie Princess and looking down at her with a somewhat unpleasant grin on her face. At least judging by the look on the other abyssals face.

"You can't be serious!" the other Abyssal exclaimed. Though she'd behaved around the Yardmaster, Meanie Princess still tried to act like she didn't have to do what the Yardmaster said sometimes.

"The Yardmaster said you have to have a full survey. So you will get a full survey." For Summer, the Yardmaster's word was law, especially when it came to engineering related tasks. That meant Meanie Princess would also see it that way, one way or the other.

"He what?" the other abyssal seemed even more surprised, "Does he even know what that means? He can't..., he can't do that!"

Summer contemplated trying to explain to Meanie Princess about Warspite and Duke and Jean Bart. How she was sure the Yardmaster had full surveys of them or close enough, how they seemed to like it, especially Warspite and her book. It was such a lovely book, to see her Yardmaster show off his knowledge like that…. Summer shivered as a tingle went up her back.

Meanie Princess didn't deserve an explanation though. Not now, perhaps not ever unless her Yardmaster told her to mention it. So instead she reached out and grabbed Meanie Princess by the arm and pulled her over her own shoulder. It was easy, since her engines were locked down and she only had a tiny fraction of the power she might otherwise.

"What are you doing?! Unhand me you… you Installation!" Meanie Princess screamed and shouted as Summer carried her to the baths and then put her in the water for a full survey, where she eventually calmed down as Summer did what she was supposed to. Yet for the most part Summer wasn't paying attention to her, instead focusing on her own paperwork like her Yardmaster had told her to do. After all, her engineering crews knew their jobs and didn't need her supervising. The admin staff however…

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

Inside Naval Base Summer's admin building, chaos reigned. Shades were running around trying to find records, tabulate records and in a few too many cases, build forms to fill out so they could then be tabulated because the originals had been lost in one of the many light shellings the admin building and surrounding area had taken. It certainly didn't help that they were still understaffed, even with the many new recruits slowly trickling in.

At the center of the chaos stood the Yardmaster's office. In a normal installation the pride of place would have been the Base Commander's, yet that position didn't even exist at the moment. Instead the large office was the eye of the storm of chaos, only the inner sanctum completely free of trouble as the Yardmaster was currently away at his other duties.

Instead the secretaries office out front of the office was covered in a flurry of forms, the mental image of Summer herself behind an equally massive desk that was still swamped in paperwork despite the extra size needed for her.

Summer hadn't realized how bad a shape many areas of the base had been in until Ron had told her to do a full survey. She hadn't even remembered that there was an airfield… somewhere… until a frazzled looking Midshipman had run in with a tiny folder containing only a single sheet of paper that listed off five shades who were supposedly the "Airfield Command Crew." Unfortunately they were all dead.

So she'd made the Midshipman the Airfield commander and told him his first duty was to actually go find it. He'd merely saluted and run off, while she was already too busy working on papers to hear him swearing under his breath about it being his first day.

The next issue to pop up actually came from Meanie Princess' Captain… and it was actually somewhat enlightening. Unfortunate as that might be.

Given the Princess' inclinations towards the examinations, it was unsurprising that the Captain had gotten his crew to find things to complain about, little good as that would do. It had listed a variety of things she didn't care about, mostly regarding how nosy her crew was, but one thing had stuck out.

The harbor was "shabby looking". The Captain hadn't complained about anything else but it had caused Summer to make her engineers do their own survey again, this time taking everything into consideration. All of her equipment worked and was to spec… but it could all use some refurbishment. Not to mention a few upgrades and overhauls to better spec that her crews had come up with. Plus a general touch up of the grounds, buildings, shore, and what vegetation was still hanging on.

The Yardmaster would not approve!

That wasn't even mentioning the rest of the base, including the Admin building itself (except for the Yardmaster's office of course, that was clean enough you could eat off the floor), the local housing, dispensary, medical center and the weapon's emplacements!

The weapon's emplacements were the worst, aside from the airfield, with only one maintenance crew between all of them. They were "maintained" but they had no ready ammo, no crews and would need a proper refit before everything was in working order.

Terrible! The Yardmaster would be mad at her!

Hours passed and she eventually let Meanie Princess go after compiling a full engineering survey of her. Pretty standard stuff, except for a few places. Mostly where they'd built up around her old structure and that was all within spec anyway. Nothing to worry about.

It took her long into the night to compile everything for Ron, even waiting for the exhausted Midshipman to come back and report the location of the airfield. Which was predictably in terrible shape, something about the runway being "chewed by rabid moles", whatever that meant. No planes, no buildings worth salvaging and nobody who knew what needed done first.

The Midshipman was again put on the case, after a quick promotion to Sub lieutenant for his troubles.

With enough information to be given to the Yardmaster, she put the two reports together. Meanie Princess went on top, her report much slimmer since it was mostly the specs and status report. All ship shape except for her weapons, which didn't work. The Yardmaster wanted it like that though so everything was as it was supposed to be.

Summer's report on herself was much larger, detailing damages, lost items, missing personnel, inoperative equipment and the fact that she had an airfield or was supposed to at least, which needed a full reconstruction from the ground up, according the new Sub lieutenant. So much was wrong and it would take too many resources to get right and maintain her reserves. Hopefully the Yardmaster wouldn't be mad at her.

She put it in the owl box, closed it and then waited.

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

And waited.

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

Aaaanndddd waited.

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

Finally, three days after she sent the reports to her Yardmaster the owl box contained a return package with a letter on top.

The top part was a letter marked "Read First" in her Yardmaster's handwriting, so she opened it promptly.

"Summer. Good job with the report for Battleship Princess. It definitely will be useful down the line. Take the package and find Duke or Warspite and give it to them. They'll tell you everything else."

Summer grabbed the package, which she noticed was heavier than paper should be, and headed downstairs. She knew that Duke was home, so she headed into the parlor. She was nervous. The Yardmaster hadn't mentioned anything about her…

Duke was in one of the chairs, tea by her side and book in hand. She looked up when Summer entered and quirked an eyebrow.

"Something for me Summer?" she asked.

"The Yardmaster sent it… he said to give it to you or Warpite." Summer handed over the package.

"Hmm..." Duke took the package after setting aside her book, peeling it open. Inside were two iron ingots and a letter. Frowning, Duke picked up the letter and began to read.

Summer waited as patiently as she could. Which meant her hands went up under her chin. Anyone else would have been bouncing back and forth on their feet.

Finally Duke finished reading and set down the letter. Picking up the iron ingots she stood and then held them out to Summer, who took them gingerly.

"These are for you," Duke said in a mildly authoritative tone, "Ron enchanted them with his magic and you're to use it to assist in rebuilding."

Summer looked down at the bars, which she could now feel tingling slightly in her hand.

"W-which part?" she asked, hoping her Yardmaster had provided a bit more guidance.

"All of it."

Summer looked up and then blinked at Duke, who had stepped closer to her.

"W-what?"

"All of it Summer. Ron wants you to rebuild and refit everything in your report down to the last nut and bolt. He's not mad at you but he wants further reports as you fix everything and he's going to be providing more materials as well."

Summer's eyes widened.

"B-but… the resources… " she started.

"Ron says we'll get what you need one way or the other. You don't need to run down your stocks all the way but he said you need to use at least a quarter of them on yourself immediately. Victoria will be instructed to make sure you're fed properly to make up for it."

Summer felt her valves starting to leak as water pressure built up. Her Yardmaster… he was too generous to her. Too good… but… she was smiling.

Duke's face softened somewhat and she reached out to put her hand on Summer's arm.

"Ron says that he'll be back to see you as soon as he can Summer, so don't worry. He just wants you at your best."

"Y-yes." Summer sniffed, reaching up to wonder at the leak in her eyes. She would need to get that fixed along with everything else. "I… will get started. Like the Yardmaster says."

Duke smiled gently at her and patted her arm once more before letting go.

"Good to hear Summer. We all want you at your best so don't hold back."

Summer nodded to Duke, then turned and headed out back to the workshop. It wasn't needed but… it was where her Yardmaster would work on her when he came back. So she would do her best until then because he was counting on her.

She wouldn't let him down.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: Hope you all enjoyed this one. Summer's a cutie but she still has her issues, which Ron is working on. Questions, comments, concerns welcome as always.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A.N.-Let's take a peek into the future, shall we?

Dreams of Summer
Spoiler: A Late Night Dream...

The early morning predawn dimness illuminated the face of a sleeping young man as the first bird songs serenaded him through the opened window. His head rested on the pillow that his elbow provided on the drafting table. The half-finished drawing of a shell hoist with notes and arrows showing wear points where friction could cause problems showed what he had been working on long into the night.

Scattered on the floor were handwritten notes in a precisely elegant hand describing enchantments developed by Ian Potter to reinforce and repair a sword blade and regenerate it to its natural state over time. The sleeper's scribbled comments in the margins showed a young mind excited as to the possibilities and implications in reducing wear and improving mechanical reliability.

Under the closed eyelids, blue eyes wandered in the erratic movements of REM sleep as Ron Weasley dreamed....

He had often dreamed.

Ocean-going cathedrals and castles of iron and steel plowing through the waves that they had been crafted to rule.

Cannons designed and refined over generations to speak the commands of the flag flying above them in smoke and thunder.

The beating hammering hearts that defied the elements and their enemies with burning oil, hissing steam, and the thrum of intricate machinery that drove a battleship wherever her captain wished for her to go despite what wind, wave, storm, or foe would think to challenge her course.

This was not one of those dreams.

Ron found himself flying through space on a dark night illuminated only by a waxing moon and the thousands of diamond stars twinkling in the ebon velvet of the sky.

Below him, water sat in mirrored stillness, darkest indigo and deep and perfectly reflecting the starry void that he flew through.

Presently, his flight saw a darker curve ahead, the shore of a great bay, where midnight dark waters curled, foamed, and receded slowly against the seawall protecting what lay beyond from the ever-hungry ocean.

And what lay beyond?
Spoiler: ...A Slumbering Giantess...

His eyes raised to see the skeletal structures of mighty cranes, the hollows of awaiting drydocks, the glint of starlight on rail networks stretching in ordered, beautiful, fractal patterns as the sinews of what he saw. Beyond them, row upon row of offices, factories, foundries, housing, a city slumbering in its potent potential greeted his wondering gaze.

He was inside the bay now, and as he looked left and right, he saw the muzzles of mighty naval rifles pointed out to sea from reinforced concrete emplacements and fortresses to protect this place of majesty and magic.

But all was still. No cannon thundered, no sentry barred his path as he slowly landed at the edge of a great graving dock.

For an endless time, he stood at the edge, peering down into the cavernous abyssal depths with the cradles and hoists lying ready for the birth of a new castle of steel. His eyes raised to see the skeletal gantries and cranes standing idle as they waited to lower boilers, screws, guns, and armor plate to become one with the ships that would be built here.

He turned and placed his hands in the pockets of his school robe as a murmuring, whispering wind from the city beyond coaxed him onward. He began to walk down the railroad tracks, humming tunelessly to himself in counterpoint with the wind's sighing.

Presently he came to a massive monolithic building to his left, and he stopped to survey it. Struck by an impulse, he turned and walked along the spur line leading to a pair of doors ten times his height, which silently opened as he reached out his hand to touch them.

Inside, the moonlight through the high windows cast the molds, furnaces, crucibles, boring mills, stamping mills, lathes, and all the million and one tools and devices inside in silver. All was in its proper place waiting for the workman's hands from the tiniest screwdriver on a waiting work bench intended for final assembly to the house-sized crucible patiently waiting overhead to receive a pour of molten steel from the slumbering furnace that had just turned metal, coke, coal, and flame into the finest alloys.

Ron hummed thoughtfully and nodded to himself in approval of the slumbering potential here. With that he turned and continued his walk.

Gradually the workshops and factories turned into administration buildings in an orderly, neat complex above the harbor and factories. He turned, walking through the gate into this complex past the guard box and under the raised barrier.

He sensed more than saw or heard the respectful, and dare he say it, pride and love filled salute done precisely from the unseen sentries.

The signs of a subtle, tentative, understated pride were everywhere. New paint glimmered from walls and windowsills, signs were precisely placed and clearly lettered, lawns were manicured and cleaned. The trees overhead were equally regimented as he walked from shadowed street to shadowed street underneath their boughs.

Presently, he reached an office at the very heart of the complex on a hill overlooking all else. The waxing moon illuminated the sign "YARDMASTER, DOCKYARD OPERATIONS, HMNB SUMMER" and his lips curled in a satisfied proud smile.

While the sleeping complex had been neat and orderly, this building was just a touch more neat and more orderly.

Not a blade of grass was out of place on the immaculate dark green of the lawn. The crushed stones of the walkway to the front door shone a pure ivory. The flowerbeds flanking it to either side emitted a perfume that his nose told him were filled with roses growing on the trellises that stood there, even though the dim light turned the blossoms from crimson red to abyssal black.

Humming happily, he slowly walked down the path to the gleaming mirror-polished brass and painted creamy pearl-white hardwood of the waiting door.

His eyes widened as he saw a glimpse through the bay window next to the door that caused him to stop in stunned admiration.

Inside this window, a trim and neatly furnished office waited. Pens, drafting pencils and signature stamps stood in regimented precise lines on the creamy surface of the desk calendar precisely centered on the ebon hardwood of the desk. A comfortable leather desk chair was placed so the owner could look out this window to the harbor, or across the factories.
Spoiler: ...And The Promise Of Their Future...

A drafting and blueprint table stood in exactly the right place to get light through the windows and skylight with waiting T-Square, triangle, and drafting materials to design a new masterpiece with the aid of the eagerly waiting assistant he could sense on the other side of the door.

The thought caused his fingers to tingle with the need to put pen to paper. His brain whirled with ideas and concepts as he turned to look out across the inky water of the bay.

Perhaps a brace of tugboats to start with?

Something simple and functional to let him master walking before he ran with her, alongside her, within her....

Silently his face flushed as his teenage hormones chose that moment to assert themselves with the idea of a massive and yet gentle presence at his elbow.

Her pale hair tickling his neck as she leaned over the desk next to him as he pointed out the details of what needed to be done.

The coolness of her fingers on his as she handed him a cup of tea and listened to his plans for the next child of his mind and her spirit and body.

The moonlight silvering her form beside his as he stood at this window overlooking this bay and her citadel of industry.

The feel of him leaning back into her yielding cool softness as they watched the sparks flash in the night and the flames rise from blast furnaces, workshops, and dockyards that they had awakened together. The thunder in his mind and soul and in her body -- in their hearts -- as step by step, moment by moment, dream by dream, her waiting graving dock changed from this current quiet empty potential to a keel laid, to ribs and skeletons rising above each deck, to bridges, masts, aerials, secondary batteries, barbettes, radars, main battery turrets....

He shivered and breathed harshly, deeply, passionately, powerfully, as he heard a matching needy desperate passionate whimper from just beyond the door that his fingers now rested against.

He gasped in ecstasy at the thought of standing on the edge of her graving dock once more dressed in his best uniform with a strong milk-pale giantess at his side.

Feeling her hand enclose his just as he had claimed her in all the ways that one such as she could be claimed in the moments before this perfect future instant ahead when the swung bottle of champagne that they had launched smashed against the bow of their new-born daughter.

A daughter that they had jointly turned from a whispered dream and idea between them one magical dark night, to rough designs, to refined blueprints, to those blueprints writ in steel, iron, bronze, timber and all the other materials of the Earth and the Sea to become reality.

He could barely control his trembling excitement and anticipation.

An excitement that he knew was matched by his secretary, his right hand woman, his love, the muscles and sinew and steel and industry and potential that awaited Her Yardmaster's wishes within this place inside her heart.

His Summer.

With that insight his hand grasped the doorknob firmly and began to turn it.

No time like the present to get start---
Spoiler: ...In the Days Ahead

With that thought thundering in his heart and soul and the sudden touch of fabric on his shoulders he awoke and returned to himself with a start.

His face was red as his hair and he whimpered in frustration as this magnificent dream seemed to vanish like blown smoke as his eyes found Victoria's as she stood from placing a blanket on his shoulders.

"My apologies for waking you. I worried that you would catch a chill with the draft from the open window." The maid's voice was gentle and compassionate.

Ron blinked and returned to himself, noting the lightening sky with the coming dawn. "No, it is all right, Victoria. Thank you. For everything."

The house spirit smiled and deposited a cup of steaming breakfast tea at his elbow before collecting and organizing the scattered notes for him. "Another late night working on those shell hoists?"

Ron nodded. "Indeed, I think I have a possible solution." His reaching hand found no pen available. "Ah?"

Victoria silently handed him a pen and notebook from somewhere and Ron clicked the pen's tip then paused as the pen hovered over the drafting paper.

An impulse struck him from someplace deep inside and he scribbled a note to himself in his scheduling and ideas notebook rapidly.

'Discuss shipbuilding with Summer at earliest. Tugboat for harbor use perhaps?'

With that reminder to himself and a mental nod to follow up on that when the time could be arranged after the current projects concluded, he began to point at the diagram.

"I realized late last night that if I put runes here and here and use this variation on the spell Ehren found for me that gives Tsukiakari her self-repair function, we can reduce frictional wear in the bearings here that lead to jams by a third or perhaps more...." Ron's voice was its normal excited self as he began to leap from idea to idea once more.

Unseen by either the budding engineer or the politely nodding house spirit making the usual approving noises to keep the Young Master's thoughts flowing, the light crept up from the window as the sun began to rise.

A sunlight that illuminated a blushing pale giantess as she slept in a massive bed covered in a blanket showing shipyards, cranes, and railways.

A giantess that mumbled something incoherent happily and cooed to herself in her wonderful dreams as she hugged herself tighter in excitement and her blush deepened.

The excitement that came with the dawning sunrise on the first day of Summer.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Examining herself in the mirror, Taigei hums a little before smoothing her light blue sundress. A small smile appears in her face, lips curling upwards as she gives a small nod, 'Hmm... I'm looking good today.'

Still smiling, she turns only to find a hand holding out a small cylinder towards her before she could even ask for it. A similar smile was on Ryuuhou's lips, "Here you go, some lip balm."

Gratefully taking it, the Submarine Tender nods, "Thank you, Nee-San."

With a small giggle, Ryuuhou shook her head, "You're welcome, Nee-San." Glancing at the door to their room, she turns back to her twin of sorts, "Taigei-Nee, what do you think of... this?"

Just glancing at her, Taigei frowns a bit, "About us going to visit Harry-Chan? Or the plan that the girls are performing and want us to join in?"

Now frowning, the other shipgirl chews her lip some before giving a slight nod, "Both."

Rather than answer right away though, Taigei considers the question for almost a minute, "In regards to going to Hogsmeade with Harry-Chan? Honestly, I am sort of looking forward to it." Shooting a smile at her sister of sorts, she continued, "The girls all had a lot of fun there after all. And as a place, it does sound amazing and like something that has to be seen. At the same time? I... feel better that it is Harry-Chan accompanying us there. Considering some of the propositions we've gotten..."

That brought a grimace to both their faces at some of their experiences, mainly from a certain subset of Shipgirl fans, but also from some other men. Clearing her throat, Ryuuhou raised an eyebrow, "And their plan?"

Humming, Taigei applied the lip balm before answering, "As to their plan? I can't say that I am exactly opposed to it, I suppose. Harry-Chan is someone that I like after all especially..." A memory came up of when she was badly injured during the nuclear scare. In particular, Harry lifting her up in his arms and carrying her bridal style to where she would be taken out of the pool. While she never admitted it, the care and gentleness made it so that the memory always brought a small blush to her cheeks. Not helping was how she had felt safe in that moment, "Well, I think you can understand what I mean by that."

Unbidden, the memory also rose up on Ryuuhou's mind, as the two were one being at that point. And like her twin, it brought a rosy tinge to her cheeks, "Hai, I do." Fiddling a bit with her dress, the Carrier sighed, "I... will admit, that the thought isn't unpleasant to think about at least."

Slowly, Taigei gave a nod and shot her a soft smile, "No, no it is not." With a chuckle, she shook her head, "If it happens, I wouldn't mind it if it did come true and we had it happen. But as it is? I'd be happy just being friends with our future Admiral and perhaps an Oba-San to his future children when he has them. And isn't that what things like this date are for? To see if things could work like that?"

Simply smiling, the other purple haired girl nodded before smoothing out her sea green dress.

With some final checks, the two of them left the room and headed out into the main area. Waiting for them were the various Submarines, who upon seeing them smiled even as their eyes widened. Brightly smiling, Iku gave the two a thumbs up, "You look great, Taigei-Nee-San! Ryuuhou-Nee-San! You're definitely going to surprise Harry-Chan."

The two shipgirls smiled and blushed before bowing, with Taigei speaking for them both, "Thank you, Iku-Chan." Glancing around, she gave a sigh and a small nod, "You'll be fine for the next day or so while we're gone?"

Unable to help herself, Hachi giggled as she walked up and gave the Tender a hug, "Hai, we will, Taigei-Nee-San. You just enjoy yourself." In her eyes, a slight knowing twinkle appeared, "Not that we expect any different."

That brought a smile to the Shipgirl's face and she nodded after a glance towards her twin, "I think that we will, Hachi-Chan."

And with that, they left the Submarine Pens. Along the way to the entrance to the tunnels closest to the 'Portal Room' as it had been called, the twins came across Samantha as well as her brother and Sora. The Battleship doing some walking to help build herself up as part of her physical therapy. Granted, the two summoned shipgirls could see that the work on the Kitsune's hull had continued.

Bowing slightly, Ryuuhou gave them a smile, "Good afternoon."

Hands in her pockets, Samantha smiled at them both, "Afternoon, Ryuuhou-San, Taigei-Chan." Seeing how they were dressed, she raised an eyebrow at them, "Going somewhere?"

Lips twitching, Taigei nodded slightly, "We are as a matter of fact." Gesturing to the identicle girl beside her, she smiled, "Ryuuhou-Nee and myself are going to Hogsmeade to spend the day with Harry-Chan. And we'll be staying the night at his school."

Slowly shaking her head, Sora chuckled, "It almost sounds like you're going out on a date with him." Upon seeing the smiles as well as light blushes on the twin shipgirls' faces, her eyes widened a little, "Wait... are you actually going out on a date with him?"

Glancing towards one another, while the three in front of them boggled, the two shipgirls giggled before the Light Carrier gave a slight nod, "Well, I suppose that one could call it a date, yes." She then gestured at Taigei, "Though it is not quite serious at the moment, but we are not the only ones."

Just shaking her head, Taigei hummed a bit, "Iku-Chan and the others have gone out on a date with him and are planning for more."

Utterly lost, Eric blinked and looked between them, "And... you're all okay with this? Dating the same guy?"

With a slight shrug, Ryuuhou shook her head, "Hai, in the end it is not much different than sharing the same Captain or Admiral when one thinks about it. Besides which..." Trailing off, she was silent for a few seconds, "Besides which, it is not all that bad as we are friends with one another."

Not long after, the lone boy of the group was watching as the two versions of the same ship walked off. Scratching his head, he frowned some, "I still don't get it. How the heck did something like that happen?"

Placing her hand on Eric's shoulder, Sora shook her head, "Perhaps not, but who are we to judge. Though..."

Eyebrow raised, Samantha looked at her, "Though what?"

The Kitsune just shrugged her shoulder and smiled, though she still had a thoughtful look on her face, "Nothing, just a thought." Slipping her arm into Eric's lone one, she took his hand in hers, "But how about we go and have something to eat, Eric-Kun, Samantha-Chan?"

Both siblings shrugged at that, though Samantha had a knowing look on her face which was met with a smile from Sora before they continued their walk.
___________________________________________________________

Appearing on the hill overlooking Hogsmeade, both Taigei and Ryuuhou smiled as they took deep breaths of the late May air. Subtle scents of spring flowers tickled their noses as they did so and made them smile. Looking at the village below, the Submarine Tender softly laughed, "It really is a pretty sight when you get down to it."

From where she stood beside her sister, Ryuuhou nodded, "Hai, it is. Like something from one of those story books, brought to life." Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back and smiled as she felt the sunlight warm her skin as the still slightly chilly Scottish breeze brushed past and made her sigh, "This... is a nice day."

Only nodding, the shipgirl beside her hummed in agreement. It did not take long though before both of them could hear the sound of hooves and wheels coming. They turned, just in time, to catch sight of the carraiges pulled by the Thestrals as they made their way to the entrance to the town, their wheels clacking as they moved across cobblestone.

Fully facing the carraiges, the two shipgirls watched as the doors opened and students spilled out. But it was one in particular that caught their attention as Harry hopped out. Almost as soon as he saw them, the teen grinned, "Taigei-Chan! Ryuuhou-Chan!" Walking over, he wrapped them up in a hug, "Thanks for coming."

Returning the hug, the two giggled before Taigei shook her head, "Why wouldn't we come, Harry-Chan? You invited us after all." Getting a nod, she took one of his hands and gave it a squeeze, "Now... Iku-Chan and the others mentioned something about a teahouse?"

The three of them then walked off with some of the students watching. From where he stood beside Dean, Seamus shook his head and sighed, "He's got all the luck."
Dean gave him a look of amusement and chuckled, "Why? Because he has a number of nice looking birds after him? And they all know that he's going on these sort of dates with them?"

A frown on his face, the Irishman shook his head, "Well, not just that..." Seamus then pointed at the group as they entered the village, "Look at him! Twins, Dean. He's got twins with him, hot ones."

Rolling his eyes, Dean sighed, "And that, right there, is why you can't get any girls to go with you to Hogsmeade, Seamus..." Walking off, he gave another parting shot to his sputtering friend, "Well, unless if one counted Muirchú~"

Just blinking, Seamus furrowed his eyebrows as he remembered the small, fiery redhead, "Muirchú...?" Then he scowled and stomped after the other teenage boy, ignoring how his cheeks felt hot, "What the hell is that supposed ta mean, Dean!? Oy!" Getting a laugh only made his scowl deepen and he quickened his pace, "Come back here and answer me!"

Elsewhere in the village, Harry was humming a few snitches of song as they walked. Head tilted to the side, Ryuuhou had an expression of curiosity on her face, "Which song is that, Harry-Chan?"

With a blink, the thirteen year old wizard turned towards her, "Hmm? Song?" It took him a few moments before he chuckled, "Do you mean the one that I was just humming?"

Lips twitching a bit, Ryuuhou nodded, "Hai, Harry-Chan." Pausing for a moment, she continued, "It is a rather nice song after all."

Smiling softly, Harry gave a small shrug, "Actually? It's a song that Dracul came up with." At the intrigued looks, he had a thoughtful frown on his face, "I'm not exactly sure why no one wants her to sing for some reason, same with Goldie. But... she does have an ear for music and came up with a song that could be played for various instruments and showed it to me the other day using the flute Hagrid gave me. You know, the one that can sound like an owl hooting? She said that she had been inspired by Hedwig."

Both shipgirls raised their eyebrows at that before Taigei slowly nodded, "That sounds interesting, Harry-Chan. And she was inspired by Hedwig-Chan?" At the nod, she smiled softly, "Impressive and I hope to hear it on other instruments."

Giggles made them turn to the Tender's twin. Ryuuhou had a slight smirk on her face, "Speaking of music... you would not believe what we came across the other day..."

Eyebrow raised, Harry's interest was obvious for all, "No, what did you come across?"

With a glance around, she leaned in, "We came across Fubuki-San practicing what seems to be a song from that movie, Let It Go, I believe it's called. And she was using the powers of the Yuki-Onna that she had to provide effects..." Lips curling, she shook her head and there was a slight look of awe in her eyes, "Apparently, it scaled up as she has all the spiritual weight of her crew behind it, which means that it was like dozens of Yuki-Onna. Needs more practice at control, mind you, but once she has it..."

Slowly, Harry gave a nod with a slight smile, "I can honestly see it. And that is just like Fubuki-Nee." When they gave him a curious look, he shrugged, "She always tries her best, so if she is going to put on a performance..."

Chuckling, Taigei smiled, "If she was going to put on a performance of the song, she would do her best to recreate the movie scene." As their chuckles died down, she gave his hand a small squeeze and glanced around, "This is a peaceful place."

Off to one side, the teenage wizard could see one of the stands with a dwarf at it selling jewelry to some curious students. Lips curling as he looked around them, Harry gave a slight nod, "It really is." For a moment though, he blinked as he noticed Catherine not far away sitting on a bench and eating some bread with a happy look on her face. Catching his gaze, she smiled and waved before going back to her snack. Internally, Harry was shaking his head, 'I should have expected this...'

Moments later though, Ryuuhou caught his attention as she tilted her head to the side, "So where is this teahouse, Harry-Chan?"

If he could have, Harry would have smacked himself in the forehead. But because he was holding their hands, and didn't want to let go, he simply winced and sighed, "Sorry about that-"

He was cut off though as Taigei kissed his cheek and pulled away, "You got nothing to be sorry about, Harry-Chan. Besides..." She motioned around them, "I would never say no to a nice, relaxing and peaceful walk in these surroundings."

Beside her, her twin nodded, "Hai." Ryuuhou smiled at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek as well and squeezed his hand gently, "Nee-San is right, Harry-Chan. A nice, relaxing walk is great, especially with the company we have. So don't be sorry."

Feeling heat in his cheeks, it was all Harry could do but nod, "That... does sound good, yes."

When the two shipgirls giggled, he felt the heat in his cheeks increase. Rather then comment though, he simply guided them through town, though he noted that the two glanced towards Madam Puddifoot's with a slight grimace before turning their attention to other things, such as the chat that they were having with Harry. It did not take them very long to reach the teahouse in question and coming to a stop in front of it, Taigei took it all in. Off to one side, she could see a stone patio set up with tables and umbrellas, all made of cast iron and yet looking brand new, no corrosion at all.

The building itself though was something that looked like from the Tudor era, and had a large bay window in the front. It was... quaint, was the only word that came to her mind. But it still looked rather nice as the leaves of a giant oak just outside, and which shaded part of the patio, rustled, "So this is the teahouse, Harry-Chan?"

Smiling, Harry nodded, "That's right." Letting go of their hands, he grasped the door and held it open for them, "Here you go."

Now it was both Taigei's and Ryuuhou's turn to blush, but they still smiled and walked inside. Once their eyes adjusted to the lower light levels inside, the two shipgirls felt their impressions only raise higher. Like the Submarines had told them, it was a cozy little place and seemed rather warm. In the fireplace along one wall, the fire crackled merrily. And behind the counter, where a young woman sat, they could see various jars filled with tea, coffee, and the like.

A soft smile on her face, the Light Carrier of the two took a deep breath and let it out as she could smell tea, coffee, and baked goods. Smells that made her relax still further, "This... is just as wonderful as the others told us."

In Harry's expression was some amusement at the reactions and he gestured at a nearby table, "Want to go and sit down, Taigei-Chan? Ryuuhou-Chan?"

With a shared look, the two nodded and soon found themselves seated. in one of the booths that was more a circle where one could sit around the table, unlike the usual one where they could sit on either side. Feeling the soft plush under her, Taigei sighed a bit, "This is nice, Harry-Chan."

Nodding alongside her sister of sorts, Ryuuhou gave Harry a kiss on the cheek, "Hai, it is." It was then that she noticed that the employee who was behind the counter walked over, "Good morning."

Just glancing at them for a brief moment in curiosity, the employee gave them all a smile, "Good morning to you as well, welcome to the Dragon's Tea Pot, my name is Emma."

Somewhat bemused by the name, Ryuuhou raised an eyebrow, "The Dragon's Tea Pot? Is there a story behind that name?"

Lips twitching a bit, Emma giggled slightly, "There is." She gestured around them, "My family had run and owned this shop for centuries. We started selling tea here in 1687 alongside coffee, since magic meant that we could more easily and quickly transport it. The name is because, at the time, my family kept a runty Welsh Green they named Rupert. Poor fellow had lost his wing at some point and thus could not fly. My family used his flames to heat tea and coffee, or roast and dry the coffee and tea while sometimes giving him some, which he apparently enjoyed. But during the Goblin Rebellion of 1714, they launched a small attack on Hogsmeade and burned down the previous shop we had. Rupert, as old as he was, died defending the children, burning the goblins and making them scatter. It was not until after the goblins were driven off by Aurors that Rupert died. Hence, when the new tea house was built, we named it the Dragon's Tea Pot in his honor."

On Taigei's face there was a soft smile and she nodded, "That is a wonderful story, and Rupert-San must be proud wherever he is."

Emma sighed a bit, "Perhaps, but it is a favorite bedtime story in my family." She then pulled out her notepad as well as a quill, "Though I don't think that you are here just to hear old tales either."

The group shared a look and Harry gave her a nod, "I suppose so. Well, you know my drink of choice."

With a hum, the employee smiled, "Aye, we do, so the usual drink then, Mister Potter?" At his nod, she wrote it down before turning to the other two, "And what might your companions wish to imbibe? We have many different drinks for different tastes, I might say."

Glancing at the menu, Taigei turned to Ryuuhou, who nodded and she raised her fingers, "Two caffè mocha, if you have any."

Lightly chuckling, Emma raised an eyebrow, "We do indeed have the ability to make some. Now then, which bean do you want for the non-chocolate part? We have arabica and others, including a shipment of dragonroast... though no pheonixroast at the moment, I'm afraid."

That made Ryuuhou blink in confusion, "Dragonroast? Pheonixroast? What are those unless you mean..."

As the eyes of the two shipgirls widened, the witch smiled and nodded, "Exactly as it says on the tin as a matter of fact. Dragonroast is coffee that has been roasted in the flames of a dragon. Meanwhile, Pheonixroast is coffee beans that have been roasted in the flames of a regenerating pheonix. It is much harder to get, I'm afraid as there is only one wizard in Italy who makes it. No one is quite sure how, but he has a deal with the various Pheonixes in Europe that visit him for their burning day, allowing him to roast the coffee in their fire and headed ashes." Sharing a look, the two decided on a more... mundane coffee. With a nod, Emma made a note, "Now then, normal coffee, espresso, or moka?"

Considering that for a few moments, Taigei slowly nodded, "Moka, please."

With a hum, Emma made a note, "Very well, what sort of chocolate? We don't use cocoa powder here or syrup, we melt the chocolate to be added. You can have white, milk, or dark chocolate up to near eighty percent cocoa if that is what you wish." Seeing their stunned looks, she smiled broadly, "As well, we have Snow White, which is white chocolate with heavy cream, and white chocolate shavings. Full Moon, which is dark chocolate with heavy cream and a mixture of dark and white chocolate shavings. You can also have nutmeg or cinnamon among other spices added if that is what you wish."

For several moments, the two shipgirls stared while the thirteen year old did everything he could not to laugh at their expressions.

Noticing something as they continued to order their drink, Harry looked at them with a smile, "Taigei-Chan, Ryuuhou-Chan? Would it be okay if I order the food for us?"

It took only a few seconds of consideration, but the two young women accompanying him nodded and agreed. They were slightly confused when Harry whispered into Emma's ear, and how she smirked a bit, but shrugged it off as they continued their order. Watching the employee walk off, they chatted with Harry as they observed her pull out a moka pot and grind the coffee that they had chosen right there before putting it onto a small stove there. They could also see what looked like an antique expresso machine that had to be older than their steel hull had been, all shiny and made from brass and copper.

Unknown to them, as she shaved off bits of chocolate from a block for the twins' drinks, Emma was also considering things. Of all the things that she had expected, actual twins were not one of those that the young woman thought that the teenage Potter would bring. Internally, she just shook her head in bemusement, 'I suppose that a lot of guys would be cursing his luck... Especially with how beautiful they are.' A few minutes later, Emma brought over their drinks and Harry's ginger snaps that he had asked for, "Here you go. I'm sorry, but it will be just a few more minutes for your food."

However, rather than be angry, Taigei waved her off, "No, no, this is fine. And the service is quick..." Glancing at Harry, she gave him a pout, "Even if you won't tell either of us what you ordered for us."

Smugly smiling, said boy just shrugged, "You're going to find out~"

As she walked off, Emma frowned a little, 'How did he just pronounce a tilde...?'

Of course, upon her return, she was greeted with the two shipgirls staring at what she brought out on a large plate...

Which was a cinnamon roll cake, fresh from the oven. The scent of cinnamon rose from it as icing covered the whole confection making it look absolutely delicious. Setting it down, along with smaller plates and utinsils, Emma nodded, "And here we go, a cinnamon roll cake. Excactly as ordered." Noticing the empty cups, she gave a small nod, "Would you like a refill?"

Swallowing, and shooting a glare at the even more smug Harry, Ryuuhou turned to her and smiled, "That would be appreciated, thank you, Emma-San." As the shop employee took the cups, she smiled, "The mocha, by the way, is wonderful."

Just chuckling, Emma gave her a nod, "That is good to hear."

By the time she got to the counter, Taigei was already giving Harry an amused look, "A cinnamon roll cake, Harry-Chan?"

Eyebrow raised, he smirked a bit at the two of them, "What? Does that mean that I can return it?"

Almost immediately, to his great amusement, the two waved their hands and shook their heads as they spoke, "No, no, that won't be needed at all, Harry-Chan."

Deciding to ignore his chuckles, they turned to the confection in front of them and licked their lips before taking the knives and cutting themselves slices. A small bit of steam wafted upwards, but not too bad, and the gooey icing stuck a little before the small strings of it broke. Placing the slices on their plates, the two took a deep sniff before sighing, with Taigei taking the first bit onto her fork, "This looks and smells lovely."

Upon putting it in her mouth, Ryuuhou moaned a little, "This... this is good." Swallowing, she took another piece and held it out towards Harry, "Here, try some."

Harry smiled at her and went to eat it... only for it to be pulled back at the last second. Raising his eyebrow, he gave her a look, "Really, Ryuuhou-Chan?"

Giggles were his answer and he went for the piece on the offered fork. This time, he was able to take the bite and chewed it as he considered the treat. Leaning forward, Taigei smiled at him, "Well?"

Not answering right away, Harry swallowed it and then took a sip of his tea to wash it down, "It is pretty good actually." Licking some icing off his lips, he nodded, "I'll have to figure out how to make some myself."

Just nodding, Taigei licked her lips as well, "Hai, you will." Taking another bite, she chewed it slowly and enjoyed the taste. Afterwards, she thanked Emma who returned with another drink for her and Ryuuhou. As the employee walked off, the Tender smiled at Harry, "Thank you, Harry-Chan, for ordering it."

With a small shrug, the teen shook his head and smiled himself as he took a forkful of the slice placed on a plate for himself, "Well, I know that you and Ryuuhou-Chan love cinnamon rolls. So it only made sense to order a cake made with them."

The two shipgirls shared a look at that and smiled before moving closer and cuddling up to him as they continued to eat. That was, of course, until they both kissed him and pulled back. And then they giggled and blushed as a stunned Harry licked his lips and stated that he could taste cinnamon and icing.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Courtship in Emerald (IV)

June 6th (D-Day), 1944, 0113

Chef-du-Pont, Normandy (9 Miles Inland From Utah Beach)
Spoiler: A Sprout On D-Day

Pomona Sprout wheezed for breath as she slid alongside Major de Breuil as the American witch crouched behind a hedge separating the fields outside this darkened French village. The rattle and bang of the antiaircraft fire overhead was a dull background noise. Her feet and ankles hurt, and she was more scared than she had ever been.

Is this what Silvanus felt before the end?

She closed her burning eyes at the memory of her Squib older brother who had volunteered to fight Hitler in 1939 as part of the RAF... and had never come back from a night mission over Germany last year.

Suddenly a hand on her shoulder caused her to swallow. She looked over at Minnie McGonnagall and nodded at the unspoken question in her older friend's eyes as Augusta came up alongside her.

She wasn't going to let her brother's sacrifice be in vain.

That was why thanks to pulling every string that she, her family, and her friends had, and promising Professor Dumbledore that she would return to Hogwarts after the war for her final two years of schooling, she had dropped out of school and volunteered for the fight against Grindlewald.

With that she gripped her wand more tightly and tensed. Major de Breuil nodded to the blond French witch bringing up the rear. "Right. Our target is that old stone tower." The American's voice was utterly calm and conversational, just like it had been when they had jumped out of the airplane into the fire-filled sky.

De Breuil pointed to the tower in question, vaguely lit against the flashes in the night sky across a field with sheaves of stacked grain in orderly rows. "According to the photograph they have barbed wire around the buildings, probably with alarm spells. Sprout. Longbottom. Bearclaw. McGonnagall. Cohen. You come with me and hit the left building in our path. Colombe, take the other five and sweep right. Once you clear and suppress, storm the tower." Still as cool as a cucumber.

"Whippoorwill call when you get into position. I will fire gold sparks as the signal to assault. Hit them hard, hit them fast, and don't slow down for anything. Let's move." Merlin's beard, did nothing shake this woman?

Pomona's gut clenched as they began to creep from bushel to bushel across the field. As they approached the sheaves nearest to the buildings, her eyes widened in shock as a flash of light gave her a clear look at the heads of harvested grain next to her.

This was fall rye.

It shouldn't be harvested in June.

"M-major, this grain is all wrong. It shouldn't be here." Pomona whispered through dry lips.

The American's green eyes narrowed and suddenly became hard and colder than the coldest ice. Her lips opened and her voice came out in a flat monotone. "Sprout. Good work. Bearclaw, with me, to clear a hole and hold it open. The rest of you hit those buildings like an avalanche with everything that you have got."

While she spoke she dropped the Sub-machine gun to hang from its strap. One hand flicked and a wand filled it while the other hand drew a brutal-looking knife. "Now. Run. Do. Not. Look. Back."

With that a spray of gold sparks flashed and popped overhead and the knife lit up with silver fire.

A moment later all hell broke loose.

The wheat, rye, and corn sheaves in the field suddenly warped and blurred into the monstrous animals of their true Feldgeister selves.

Pomona instinctively ducked the serving platter-sized paw of the Roggenbär dire bear made of decayed and corrupted rye next to her a heartbeat before it would have ripped the head from her shoulders.
Spoiler: Fight In The Field

As she began to run with everything that she had toward the buildings, she heard a male and female voice lift in song behind her in some wild language that she did not know and the sound of drumming and bells. A hideous inhuman scream came from the bear's jaws as a lightning bolt from the sky struck it down. It caught fire and thrashed in its death agonies.

Movement ahead caught Pomona's attention and she jabbed her wand at the ground-floor window where it was.

"Incendio!" She threw everything she had, all her power, all her fear, all her hatred toward the Jerries who had killed Silvanus, all her badger-like determination to do her duty to her utmost into the screamed-out fire spell.

Every window visible on that floor blew out and began to catch fire.

She reached the hedge and slashed her wand in an X shape to make a hole with the Severing Charm. "Diffindo!" She leapt through the hole and ran to the nearest cover as fast as she could.

The enemy wizard's scream was matched by a hoarse male scream from the field behind. As she slammed into cover against the burning building, she instinctively looked back.
Spoiler: Taking The Objective

She wished that she hadn't.

Minerva was clawing at her leg to get free of the barbed wire with a Sticking Charm woven through the hedge. Just behind her, the American wizard, Cohen was desperately fending off a pack of wolves made of grain. As she watched in horror, one leapt on him, knocking him to the ground and the rest of the pack began to feed on him.

Past them a great shimmering bear formed from shadow and darkness ripped and tore at the field spirits swarming it that were tearing pieces from it. Above it, a second figure of a great ghostly eagle beat its wings as it hovered. Lightning flashed from its fiery eyes and talons to tear through the attackers, and thunder boomed from its feathers as it stooped and circled above de Breuil as she and Bearclaw fought back to back in the chaotic melee with wand, knife, and a flaming tomahawk.

The wolfpack leapt at Minerva and then blew apart in a storm of burning and shredded grain as Augusta Longbottom appeared out of nowhere with a scowl on her face. With that, Augusta began to free Minerva from the trap that she was in. An irritated flick of Augusta's wand at a jet black demonic Roggenmuhme spirit blew it to pieces as Minerva was finally freed and opened a hole in the barricade around the buildings.

Pomona gulped and reached for the reassuring weight of the sealed clay jars inside her Cushioning Charmed satchel. More movement in the compound caused her to peek around the corner.

A German in SS uniform had reached a barred gate leading into a stone building. Faintly she could hear a voice shout. from the top of the building that she was next to. "Lassen Sie den Wulfen los!"

Pomona's hand ducked inside her Herbology satchel and found the clay jar she wanted by touch. With a grunt of effort and the whipping motion with all the muscle in her tubby frame behind it, (which is why she had been made Chaser for Hufflepuff in Third Year) the jar flew into the courtyard formed by the buildings. Her wand moved in a triangle pointed at it. "Bombarda!"

With a bang the jar blew to pieces and the courtyard suddenly sprouted dark vines and tendrils as the contents under pressure (and the combination of a Shrinking Charm on them and a Space Expansion Charm on the jar) were suddenly violently released.

The gate flew open and a double-dozen werewolves charged toward Pomona and the others in the now burning field almost too fast to see.

They never reached her as the Devil's Snare that she had released in their path suddenly entwined them and began to constrict their thrashing forms. Pomona paid them no mind as her hand found a Venomous Tentacula as Minerva and Augusta reached her leaning on each other.

The SS wizard was still staring at the dying Wulfen in shock when the Tentacula suddenly landed next to him and filled his legs with poisoned thorns.

Augusta appeared next to her. "Good work Pommie, keep them off us. Minnie, I have this building!"
Spoiler: A Longbottom's Oath

With that the Longbottom heiress got a feral savage smile on her face. She pulled a massive four foot Dane-axe from a sheath on her back. Norse runes flickered to bloody life upon the razor-sharp iron head and down the oaken shaft as she hefted it. "Come and awaken, Blóðglös! Wound-dew calls to us Longbottoms as it has so many times before! Northumbria's foes stand before us and now we shall feed you once more as our oaths bind us together!"

For a brief second as she turned to the barred door, Pomona sensed the glint of chain mail, a bear-pelt cloak, and the nasal helmet of an Anglo-Saxon warrior overlaying her friend's form. The first stroke of the axe blew the door to pieces, and Augusta charged inside with her axe held ready to begin the slaughter.

As the screams and cries for mercy sounded from inside, Augusta's voice could be heard joyfully singing epic poetry that had been first chanted upon the blood-soaked field of Maldon a thousand years before as Anglo-Saxon and Viking slew and slew breast to breast until no living fyrdman remained around the bloody banners of their ealdorman. None who spoke those words then had fled from the death grapple, but instead carried them into one of the most heroic and memorable last stands in English history.

"Hige sceal þē heardra,
heorte þē cēnre,
mōd sceal þē māre,
þē ūre mægen lytlað!"

Minerva whispered the translation as the other squad headed by Colombe stormed the other building.

"Thought shall be the harder,
heart the keener,
Courage the greater,
as our might lessens!"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking out the door to the teahouse, Harry held it open for both Taigei and Ryuuhou, both of whom thanked him. Once they were making their way along the pathway, he stretched his arms some and sighed, "This place is always good to go to for a light breakfast."

Giggling, the Submarine Tender gave him a look as she grasped his hand, "Somehow, Harry-Chan, I don't think that most people would call what we had a 'Light Breakfast."

On Harry's other side, Ryuuhou smiled, "Because, usually, no one has an entire cake shared between three people and call it 'light'."

Amused, Harry wagged a finger at her, "But for a shipgirl, it was light." At their snickers, he gave a small shrug, "You did enjoy it though."

Considering that for a few moments, Taigei gave a small hum, "We did, actually. It was a good meal after all." Licking her lips, she imagined that she could still taste cinnamon and icing on them, "Especially as cinnamon rolls are our favorite."

Simply nodding, her sister pointed at her, "Hai, what Nee-San said, Harry-Chan." Reaching down, Ryuuhou then took his hand in hers. An action that was followed by her sister doing much the same, "And we do appreciate it."

The two gave his hand a small squeeze before they continued to walk beside him as they headed back to the village square. As they walked, Harry glanced towards them, "So... Anywhere that you might want to go to? In particular, I mean."

Both of them gave it some thought before Taigei turned towards him, "Do you know of anywhere that might sell magical houseware, Harry-Chan?" At his confused look, she blushed a little, "I... sort of want to get some gifts..."

Rather bemused at the request, Harry just nodded, "Sure thing, Taigei-Chan. There's an actual store off the mainstreet that sells items for such."

Intrigued, Taigei gave a small nod and, shortly afterwards, they found themselves in front of a small store.

Eyebrow raised, the Light Carrier of the group looked it over in curiosity, "Cylene's Magical Kitchenware? Sounds interesting..."

Walking inside with the door bell ringing, the group blinked a bit at what surrounded them. Obviously, there was some space expansion going on as, instead of a small store as they had thought, it was larger on the inside. More than that, there were rows of shelves here and there which held various items that caught their attention. Some of them were ceremic and others made of metal. All of it though was well done indeed.

Moments later, they heard footsteps and found a smiling young man standing before him, "Good day, can I help you?"

Just chuckling, Harry gestured at Ryuuhou and Taigei, "Well, the two young ladies with me could use some, I think."

Giving him an amused look, Taigei turned back to employee who raised an eyebrow, "I'm looking for items for gifts. In particular... any cookware that you might have such as a Moka pot."

For a few seconds, the young man considered that before nodding, "If you'll follow me."

As they did so, Harry lowered his voice to a soft whisper and looked at Ryuuhou, "Moka pot? Like what you had back in the tea house?"

Simply humming, she glanced at her sister, "Well, you know what sort of job, Samantha-San has, right?" Understanding why she did not mention exactly what Samantha was, Harry gave her a nod and she continued, "Well... we know that as an American, she likes her coffee, especially now. So we've been thinking about buying her something that would go along with that and work well. Maybe a Moka pot, or something similar."

Only nodding, Harry smiled a little bit, "That makes sense, I guess. And she would love it, I think..." He frowned a little bit, "I might buy one as well then." At the confused look from Ryuuhou, he gave a slight smile, "For Sakura-Chan and Ume-Chan."

The confusion that the Light Carrier felt only lasted for a few seconds, "Ah, right." Internally, she continued her thought, 'Because of the American fairies they have.'

It was only a few seconds later that they reached the cookware section and there was various items on display. Items like cast iron dutch ovens were beside glass pots that were enchanted to be extremely shatter resistant. One item caught Taigei's eye and she picked it up to better examine it, "A mini-oven?"

From where he stood, the employee chuckled a little, "We call them bachelor ovens to be quite honest. Because you know what they say, a bachelor finds it hard to cook well!"

Glancing at each other, Taigei and Ryuuhou giggled a bit before looking at Harry, "We know of one guy who can cook very well."

Simply ignoring the raised eyebrow of the employee, Taigei was about to put it back when she paused some, "How does it work, if you don't mind me asking?"

The young man blinked and thought it over for a few moments, "Well, the method of operation is very simple. May I?" At her nod, he took the small oven and popped out the back to reveal a block of black metal that had various runes in patterns inscribed upon it, "You see, this is, I suppose one could say, the 'Battery' of the unit. It can store heat within the runes it has. You only need to expose it to a heat source, fire is best though you can make do with normal sunlight, granted that last one takes hours to actually do anything with. Most simply place it somewhere outside and throw some incendio spells at it with it absorbing. Once it glows red, you know there's enough heat and insert it back into the oven."

Eyes slightly wide, Taigei looked at it, "At which point, you can use the dials and such to release the heat?"

With a hum, the employee smiled, "That's right. It is mainly used by single people due to not wanting the cost of an normal gas oven or what have you." He then pointed at something, "It is also self cleaning as well. If the grime builds up too much, an automatic Scourgify charm happens and cleans it out."

Now examining it more closely, Ryuuhou mumbled a bit to her sister, "That might be very useful back home..."

Only nodding, Taigei placed it back for now, but did make a note. As she walked along, she raised her eyebrows at what she could see, "There's quite a bit here..."

Lips curling, the employee simply nodded slightly, "There is, but we make all of these here and can make orders in the small kiln out back, if that is what you want. We can also make modifications if you want crests or the like added."

Humming, neither of the two identicle women said much. Ryuuhou reached up and plucked a French press from one of the shelves and raised an eyebrow at it, "Now this could be used by Samantha-Chan."

From where she stood beside Ryuuhou, Taigei gave a small nod, "Hai, because you can make tea with it as well as coffee. Which makes it extremely useful." Finger on her chin, she glanced towards Harry who was examining one of the larger Moka pots, its silver sides gleaming, "What do you think, Harry-Chan?"

Just blinking, Harry walked over and examined it himself, "Hmm... you're right, it could be useful. But..." He pointed at another shelf, "Those are a bit bigger than just the plain ones."

Both Taigei and Ryuuhou turned from the one that they were examining and looked at the ones Harry was pointing at. They were twice the size of the one that they were holding. More than that, they were different from the plain glass one that they held. Some were made entirely of steel, or brass, or what looked like copper. Some had been made out of crystal, and some were both glass and metal, the metal making designs.

The two held took one that had both glass and metal and examined it with a slight frown on their faces. Turning towards the employee, Ryuuhou motioned towards it, "You mentioned that the glass is resistant?"

With a slight smile, the young man held out his hand. When they gave it to him, he took a few steps back and let it go, both shipgirls as well as Harry wincing when it hit the floor. But rather than shatter, it simply bounced in place. Quickly, the young man held it up so that they could see there was a small crack. One that, even as they watched, sealed itself until it was like it never existed, "All our glassware come with hardening charms and would need one to really put some force into making them break. And as long as the damage is not too severe, a self-repair charm kicks in and fixes it."

For several moments, the two looked at the French press and then at each other. Reaching into her dress, Taigei brought out a small paper and unfolded it to show what looked like a Submarine cutting through the waves, "Could you get this design on a metal plate for it?"

Eyebrow raised, the young man took the paper and looked at it for a few moments before nodding, "I could indeed, young Miss." Part of him suspected that she was not quite what she looked like, but kept silent. None of his business after all, "Anything else you might like?"

Taigei pointed at one of the Moka pots and nodded, "One of those and... no, make it two French presses please, one for Hinata-San."

Meanwhile, Harry took one of the bigger Moka pots and brought it down, "And three of these, please. In silver if possible..." Pausing, he glanced pulled out his phone before going through the pictures in it. Finally, he came to one and zoomed in before holding it up, "Could you have this embossed on it?"

Both shipgirls smiled at seeing a picture of the Konohana Clan Crest blown up. For the employee, he examined the picture before giving a nod, "We most certainly can, young Sir..."

As they were leaving the shop, Harry spotted something and held up his hand, "Taigei-Chan? Ryuuhou-Chan? Just give me a moment..."

The two girls blinked at that and glanced at each other in question. Both of them having the exact same thought on their minds, 'Wonder what Harry-Chan is doing...?'

Not long after, Harry returned and asked for them to close their eyes, which they did. They could feel him place something behind their ears and frowned before he spoke up, "Okay, open your eyes."

Opening their eyes, they noticed that Harry had used something he had called a reflection spell that created a mirror-like magical surface in the air. Part of them remembered that he had told them it was normally used to help a witch or wizard make adjustments to their looks on the fly. Currently, it showed the two of them...

Each with a purple daisy behind their ear.

Deeply blushing, they turned to Harry who shrugged some, "I just thought that it looked good on you."

Sharing a look, the two nodded before kissing him on the cheek and smiling happily.

_________________________________________________________________

Washing out her mouth, Taigei spat it out into the sink before looking at her reflection in the mirror. Clad in her usual set of pajamas, she grinned and showed off her teeth before nodding, 'Good, all done.' Stretching, the Submarine Tender sighed a bit, 'Today was a really good day.'

Giving a final nod to her reflection, she left the bathroom, turning off the light before walking to the room they had taken in the guest quarters. Opening the door, she was not surprised to see Harry there chatting with her twin sister, who was giggling at something that the thirteen year old had said. It made her smile even more at seeing it. At how happy the two were currently and how relaxed.

It was then that Harry looked up and smiled at her, "Taigei-Chan, all done?"

Simply nodding as she pushed off the doorframe, Taigei giggled, "Hai, Harry-Chan, all done with my regular routine. Now I'm ready for bed and hopefully you are as well."

Just shrugging slightly, the teenage wizard shook his head, "I guess to some extent I am. Hogsmeade visits are always tiring."

Reaching over, Ryuuhou took his hand and gave it a small squeeze, "Maybe, Harry-Chan. But can I tell you something?" When he looked at her and nodded, she smiled before kissing his cheek and pulling back, "All of us enjoy them. Especially as we're with you."

Lightly blushing, Harry scratched the back of his neck, "Thanks, Ryuuhou-Chan." He then gave a shrug, "But I just want you all to enjoy them, so I guess it works out."

Moments later, he felt the bed on his other side depress and turned to find Taigei there. The Submarine Tender tilted her head and smiled, "Hai, it does work out, Harry-Chan. Both Nee-San and I enjoyed ourselves today, so thank you." Reaching over, she placed her hand onto his, "You not only took us shopping, but bought us breakfast and lunch."

If anything, that made Harry's blush grow as he now rubbed the back of his neck, "Like I said, I'm just happy you all enjoyed yourselves."

Giggles escaped the two identicle shipgirls as they spoke as one, "And we did."

Only shaking his head, Harry stretched a little, "Well, you're bringing back quite a bit. The items for Samantha as well as Hinata-San." He gave them a sly smirk, "As well as a good chunk of Honeydukes."

Now it was Taigei's and Ryuuhou's turn to blush at the reminder. But the Submarine Tender huffed good naturedly, "Well, we had to make sure that we had enough to bring back for Iku-Chan and the others after all! They like the treats you know!"

Laughing, Harry grinned and nodded, "Hai, I know that."

Before you knew it, the two shipgirls were also laughing.

Eventually, the three calmed down and Ryuuhou looked at the time before nodding, "We should be getting to sleep now, Harry-Chan. Both Taigei-Nee as well as myself need to leave early in the morning after breakfast. And you have to get ready to take the Duckies to Hogsmeade to stuff them."

If anything, the grin on Harry's face made them snicker, "You can be sure of that, Ryuuhou-Chan."

Roughtly two minutes later found the three laying in bed under the sheets, Taigei and Ryuuhou cuddled up to Harry's side before they both gave him a goodnight kiss and laying their heads down. Soon after, they fell asleep as did Harry, all of them smiling. And, deep within their two hulls was a stack of books for each of them. And at the bottom, inside a book, lay a purple daisy being pressed...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Courtship in Emerald (V)

June 6th (D-Day), 1944, 0146

HMMS Merlin, English Channel
Spoiler: Potter And Longbottom

A gong chimed beyond the hatch where he stood and Henry Potter grasped the hilt of the katana that he wore. He felt Her eagerness like a fire in his brain and shuddered briefly at the surge of blood lust through his body.

Soon, Juuchi, soon.

His family's sword rattled in response, sinking back to her normal quiescence of a predator waiting for the right moment to pounce and murder.

There was a sudden bang of displaced air from inside and Henry tensed once more. Footsteps approached and he waited as someone knocked on the door three times, a pause, then two, then another pause before two more.

He relaxed minutely at the coded signal and turned the locking wheel. Wards flickered and faded as the hatch swung open, and a young woman stepped through and dripped bright crimson on the deck.

Juuchi gave a shocked, and dare he say it to her, almost impressed rattle as he closed and locked the hatch behind her.

Augusta Longbottom was spattered with blood and viscera from head to toe and grinning happily. The only thing that was clean on her was the spotless and immaculately polished Viking-era battle axe that she hefted in one hand as if it was a child's toy and a somewhat stained bulging Herbology satchel slung over her shoulder.

"We found a bunch of documents in the site that we hit, so de Breuil ordered me to get them to HQ as soon as possible. She and du Chasteler took down the ritual site and are digging in to hold the village."

Henry nodded, ignoring the rattling from his sheathed sword and the answering quivers of the Longbottom Axe in her hand. He really did not want to know what those two were talking about. He just knew that Juuchi would 'encourage' him to try to one-up the mess that Augusta had clearly just made with her family's dreaded weapon in the nigh-unstoppable berserk state that it granted her family when activated.

"Follow me to the bridge, Augusta. I'll fold you in with my strike team that is supporting the landings where needed then." He didn't need the experience of communing with Juuchi among the slaughter of Stalingrad to interpret the eager rattles of the greatest of the Muramasas as they headed up a ladder to the deck.

Juuchi wanted to show off what she could do to anyone unfortunate enough to be in her way to smug it up to the Dane-axe that Augusta's grandfather had given her to wield in the fight to liberate Europe.

It was just like watching cats drop off dead rodents to impress someone, he swore to himself.

June 6th (D-Day) 0454 (One Hour To First Wave of Landings)

Off Sword Beach
Spoiler: The Grand Old Lady's Last Great Dance

Henry Potter stood on the flying bridge of the M-Class destroyer HMMS Merlin and whistled in awe to the bearded middle-aged man next to him. "Never thought that I would see anything like this. How about you Albus, Augusta?"

Augusta Longbottom gulped from her now cleaned-up face at the sight presented to her as she stood between her elders as the vision spells they had cast showed her the sight miles distant across the waters teeming with the thousands strong invasion fleet.

His friend and schoolmate Albus Dumbledore shook his head, eyes wide at the sight of the elephantine colossal bulk of HMS Warspite as the battleship made her turn with ponderous majestic grace. She seemed to be an elegant old dowager matron from an ancient and honored family born in a now almost-forgotten era striding across a well worn ballroom floor for one last stately dance at the ball as she led a column of newer battleships and cruisers in the distance.
Spoiler: The Grand Old Lady At Normandy

Three massive turrets, each the size of muggle buildings, rotated inexorably and her rifles elevated. The fourth turret stayed locked in place, mute testimony to the near fatal Fritz-X guided bomb hit that had blown a hole from her superstructure to her keel off Salerno last year in the latest attempt to sink her.

Yet one more hard knock of war that the Grand Old Lady had absorbed unflinchingly in the service of King and Country over her long lifetime.

Yet one more hard-earned battle honour that she now wore with pride in her storied career stretching back thirty years to Jutland.

Above her, the White Ensign billowed out in the breeze from the sea as she made the final minute adjustments in her course and aim.

To those with eyes to see, a blond haired princess in a gray dress sat enthroned and crowned in regal majesty atop her superstructure. Her bright blue eyes narrowed in her resolute and determined face as she made her final firing solution adjustments on the Atlantic Wall's modern shore battery designed to kill battleships that she had been ordered to shatter at her King's command. Fingers the white of sea foam clenched on her orb representing the globe that she had been built to rule as her mother Dreadnought's child in anticipation of the brutal, titanic battle between Land and Sea that would come in scant seconds.

Ruby lips parted and every man aboard the vessel seemed to hear a soft feminine whisper in their ears in this moment of the sudden deep breath before the plunge. "Belli dura despicio..."(I Despise the Hardships of War")

Warspite's spirit slashed her scepter down in imperious command as her guns thundered and roared fit to split the heavens to herald the start of the Invasion of France and the moment that she earned her fifteenth battle honour that she would wear with pride to her eventual fate at the breakers.

June 6th, 1944 (D-Day) 0900 (Three Hours After First Wave)

HMS Merlin, Off Omaha Beach

Aboard the bridge the magical map updated, showing the steady advance of blue into the angry red on both flanks.

The center, however, was a different story as a thin blue strip clung to the face of the stubbornly defended bluffs of the beach that would later be known as Bloody Omaha.

Outside the roar of shellfire and the scream of rockets trying to blast coastal defenses were near constant, along with the sharper bark of Merlin's guns as the destroyer blasted German machine-gun nests.

Henry looked across the map table at Augusta Longbottom and Albus Dumbledore. "It looks like we are going to have to go in and tip the balance. Grindlewald's unit at Saint-Lô mentioned in the documents that Augusta retrieved is no doubt going to be preparing a counterattack. So we need to strike first before they can arrive."

The other wizards and witches in the room nodded at his words. "Right, cast shielding spells and get ready. We will Apparate in from the deck of the Merlin to the top of the bluffs and start clearing defenses. Captain Greenglass, drop a purple smoke shell on either side of our drop point as markers for our Apparition."

With that his hand found the hilt of Juuchi Yosamu as they stood on deck and purple smoke blossomed on the top of the cliffs. "Let's go."

Muramasa steel sparkled in the sunlight and her smug bloodlust filled his mind once more as he drew the Potter Blood Sword and focused his will to warp the space between him and a smoking bunker.

June 6th (D-Day), 1944, 1046

Chef-du-Pont, France

She would have to thank Augusta Longbottom for not destroying this machine gun in her rampage through the building, Delilah reflected idly. Her hard green eyes narrowed as she saw movement on the other side of the Merderet River along the road leading to the bridge across the flooded waterway and then the village where she was.

A half-track and several platoons of men behind it in horse-drawn wagons.

More Germans.

More lambs to the slaughter.

With that she took aim with her beloved M1903 Springfield rifle and grinned smugly.

Wind across the field at about four miles per hour left to right, three thousand yards to her target. Nice firm firing position and a scope. Target coming toward her at about fifteen miles per hour.

All these factors and more flew through her brain as she made the minute adjustments needed to take the shot like she had been born to do.

Like shooting fish in a barrel.

CRACK

The bullet sped through the air and slid through the vision slit for the driver of the German AFV. A split-second later it impacted his face and the alchemical solution of silver nitrate exploded with the force of a hand grenade, wrecking the driver's compartment and causing the half-track to skid off the elevated road into a ditch.

Delilah worked the bolt as Pomona Sprout climbed up to the attic where she was with another crate stenciled 7.92x57mm MAUSER under the swastika and eagle of Nazi Germany. Minerva McGonnagall nodded to her classmate as they pried the crate open to start feeding fresh belts of cartridges into the Maschinengewehr 42 that rested at her elbow in a drift of expended brass already.

Delilah grinned evilly at her handiwork. "Let's see how long it takes this bunch to give up on trying to storm the bridge to launch a counterattack into the landings here, ladies. I'll take out any mortar teams as usual. When they reach your effective range at the signpost there, let them have it."

Harsh chuckles answered her as Minerva cocked the machine gun once more and prepared to open fire across the fields and roads already littered with limp bodies in gray-green Feldgrau.

June 6th (D-Day), 1944, 0829

Potter Manor, England

Five women sat in worried silence around the wireless set. Coffee and tea cooled in cups made of vulcanium and passed down to the elderly woman who clutched a shawl a little tighter around her shoulders.

The gold haired young lady who had just placed the shawl around Lyra spoke quietly in her beautifully melodic French-accented English. "Faith. Our cause is just and righteous and God will uphold it."

Lyra nodded silently to Catherine and closed her eyes as they continued their vigil. Beside Lyra, Zamarad leaned in slightly, trying to warm the elderly human with her presence. Zamarad's hand clenched the ring hanging on her bosom, clenched the promise that ring represented with all the strength and passion in her fiery spirit.

A burst of static sounded and Sabah leapt in Andraste's lap as all eyes turned to the radio. Another burst of static came through then the first four notes of Beethoven's 5th symphony played on a timpani sounded.

Dah-Dah-Dah-DAH

Three dots and a dash in Morse Code.

The letter V, for Victory.

A moment later and the announcer began to speak with barely-contained excitement underlying his professional voice.

 

[darthcourt10]

looneytunes91

Well I promised myself that I would write something for my grandfather who passed away back in March of this year and I guess I should finally get around to writing something. I don't remember the entire quote but I remember a saying along the lines of "so long as a name is spoken then that person is never truly dead." So here is my snippet to my granddad. Raymond "Scooter" Baldwin. I'm basing the main character off him. So grandad, here's to you. A slight warning this is gonna be difficult for me to write so after posting this I might be away for a little bit and expect it to be in pieces.
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Remembrance
A gnarled old hand scribbles on a yellow notepad as a fishing pole stands planted in the sand along a bubbling creek. The man who is writing has a cane at his side and a dog at his feet. Laugh lines surround his face, a remnant of the happiness of earlier times. A thoughtful look crosses his face as he rips the paper from the notepad and starts his letter again:

Miss Hoppou,

I don't know how to start this as a former POW of your daughters but I'll try my best. My name is Oran Raymond Baldwin and this letter is both my story of how I came to be a POW and an expression of my gratefulness at the mercy shown by your daughters.
*-*-*

Kushiro
Where HMCS Regina is docked
Day of the return of the FoL

A younger man limps his way down HMCS Regina's gangplank as the former crew disembark to seek out the Japanese officers who are taking accountability of who is alive and whose families need to be alerted that their loved ones had been found. As he limps his way into line he can only marvel at seeing a major port and civilization for the first time in what had been years.

Seeing this brings his thoughts towards home. The son and grandson that he left behind during the initial days of the Abyssal offensive against the forces of humanity. The pain in his leg must be nothing compared to the pain in his son's heart at knowing he must have been labeled MIA presumed KIA.

"Sir?" a heavily accented voice spoken in English drew him out of his thoughts and brought his attention to the fact that the line had dissipated and he was now alone on the dock save for a young Japanese sailor. "Can we get your name and rank?"

"Captain Oran Raymond Baldwin, United States Air Force." As he looks over at the young man he sees the pen scrolling down the list of names of what he assumes to be the crew of Regina pause. The sailor slowly looks up from the list to his faded name patch and American flag on his flight suit then finally to his face as if to make sure that he hadn't misheard.

"Sir, I need to speak with my superiors about this. In the meantime, let's get that leg looked at." As he turned he suddenly remembered something. Turning back towards Regina he pulls himself to attention, grimacing but undeterred all the same, and salutes the warship that brought him and her crew home. Dropping his salute after a few moments he whispers "thank you for being strong enough to bring us home girl, hopefully I'll see you again when you get repaired."

Turning back to his escort he begins limping down the dock his back straight knowing that he is now a free man.

*-*-*

Oklahoma

I spent almost a week in the hospital after that. If it hadn't been for the medical aid your daughters allowed me to receive from Regina's medical personnel the doctors said I would've probably lost my leg long before we were returned to civilization. After that I got to meet the commander of the local shipgirl base, one commander Tanaka, and his secretary ship for a brief few minutes. Just long enough to thank him for not jumping the gun like most commanders in his position likely would but all the same he was a significant part of why so many of us (including your daughters) were not placed in unnecessary danger by attacking the fleet.

I was then debriefed by the ranking American Air Force commander.

*-*-*

Misawa Air Base
Japan

Captain Baldwin was more than a little uncomfortable to be sitting in front of Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider. The current Commander, 5th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Yokota Air Base, Japan had flown all the way up from Yokota to personally debrief him.

"Captain Baldwin, I trust that the doctors patched you up?" General Schneider asked

"Yes sir."

"Good, good. Now this is a debriefing to go over what happened on the last sortie you undertook before you were, I presume, taken as a POW. The official record as it is now states that you were shot down and presumed dead after wreckage from your plane was found roughly 110 miles south and west of Kodiak Island. I want you to walk me through that mission from start to now. If you don't mind. Don't worry about time as you can take as long as you need."

Captain Baldwin drops his eyes to the floor collecting his thoughts. With the words of Captain Raymond "Scooter" Baldwin, the curtain rises. "It was a cold and snowy day…"
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Post snippet notes: I am gonna try to not step on anyones toes on this so I don't cause any authors problems in trying to write around me.

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord Khuzdul

I will fit this somewhere, but for now let it rest here.

~~~

The young woman sat at a small campfire overlooking the small bay, content to watch the sunset across the waters. In her hands, she held a small harmonica.

Don't you want them back?

She gazed into the flames, thoughtful. She felt the tug a few days ago, when...

Failed. Too ambitious. Too monstrous. You are not like that, aren't you? Craftier.

She dropped the harmonica to her side, on the brim of the hat sitting on a rock next to her.

They escaped you. They were yours to take, but escaped you.

She stretched slightly. It was a powerful feeling. It would have jarred her awake, if not for...

You can take them back, you know. Who can stand against you? Do you not miss their sc-

Her hand struck out like a snake. Fingers of Krupp steel clamped on a flicker of flame, and pulled up.

A sliver of flame squirmed in her grip like a living thing. Two spots of pure black in its depths darted about.

"This was a bad idea you know. Very, very bad idea."

Her grip tightened, and the flame became ever more frantic.

"I could have let it go. I could have just punted you across the waters. It would have been unpleasant to you, but you would have been someone else's problem."

Her eyes narrowed.

"But then you just had to imply that I actually enjoyed the suffering of my sons."

Her voice thundered like a battleship's main battery, as her other hand came up and started crumbling the flame into a flickering point of light.

"You had the temerity to suggest I actually wanted them to keep suffering."

The point of light disappeared into her fist, and she rose, her campfire down to embers. A stray thought extinguished it as she turned back and walked up the slope, to the monument topping the ridge. As her gaze caught the shadowed waters of the strait on the other side, her face turned into a mischievous grin. "Sister, I have something for you to play with. I believe you will enjoy this one."

Her fingers brushed against the stones of the monument, and for a moment, her eyes misted. 'My sons. None shall disturb your rest.'

The stones were silent, except for their inscription.

'In Honour of the Soldiers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force 8th August 1915. From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth'

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Sitting in the carriage, Harry watched as the Scottish countryside rolled by. About the only sound that reached his ears were that of the wheels of the carriage against the cobblestone of the road leading from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade as he travelled towards the village for the second time in as many days. It was peaceful enough that he could think about other things, like earlier that morning when he woke with Taigei and Ryuuhou. For once, he was the one who woke up before the shipgirls that he was cuddling with and had spent some time just watching them. For some odd reason, his mind had drifted to how nice it felt.

While he had similar thoughts over the years about such, it never really was thought provoking as it was now. Part of him suspected that it was due to him slowly growing up, going from a boy to a young man that things had changed. As much as he had not wanted to, Harry had a part of his mind that was focused on just how nice it felt to have the two shipgirls cuddled up to him. And curse his Hormones or not, it really did felt nice.

Sure, he was always something of a cuddle bug, wanting physical affection. That therapist who Nagato had taken him to shortly after she had adopted him told both the Battleship and the then seven year old that it was perfectly normal. Especially after being neglected for so long both in physical and emotional affection. There was still a part of him that whispered that he was not deserving of such, that he should not be getting hugs and the like. But, with every year, that voice weakened and where once it was a shout, now it was nearly a whisper that did not come nearly as often.

But, despite that voice, he always enjoyed physical affection like the hugs and cuddles he got.

Yet, somehow, he had realized that things had begun to change in some way. How and why, he still was not sure, but it had. Not that it was any less nice, but there was something... something that he could not quite put his finger on that made it different. It was a different sort of nice than it was, that was for sure. And one that he kind of liked if he was to be honest about it. He had been startled when his mind and thoughts drifted to the idea of what was happening doing so every day. Waking up in the morning with warm bodies cuddled up to him against the morning chill.

Unbidden, his mind brought up images and memories. The memories were of previous times. Him and Natsumi alongside Niiyodo and Louisiana. Iku and Hachi as well as the time with RO and Shioi. Not to mention Maruyu and Imuya, Hanna and Hibiki, and more recently with Regina as well as Shinano. Each time now that he thought about it had really felt nice and found himself wanting more of.

That said, he was still unsure about what to do. It was new somehow, and he wasn't sure how to act. Or really, if he was supposed to do so anyways. He was not helped later as, before they left, Taigei and Ryuuhou had given him a peck on the lips before saying goodbye. Which brought up the memory of the previous day when they had kissed him, their lips covered in cinnamon and icing from their cinnamon roll cake. Even now, Harry could not help but lick his lips at the memory.

However, that still left the question of what he was supposed to do. Especially about how things had been changing. There was also the "Dates" that he was currently going on. Just dates between friends was how Iku and Hachi had explained it to him. Friends going out for fun and the like, nothing serious or anything of the sort.

Granted, his mind kept reminding him that "Friendly dates" did not involve kisses on the cheek, let alone on the lips as had happened.

For some odd reason though, he found himself not minding that. As a matter of fact, he enjoyed such a thing. It felt... really nice, like when he woke up beside his friends. Doing it was something that he found himself not minding at all.

But... It also confused him to no end and, he had to admit, also scared him. Now, he could attempt something, but... he was not afraid to admit that he was something of a coward. What if he did do something and it turned out wrong? Or worse ended up harming one of his beloved relationships?

Needless to say, he decided not to do anything.

Despite that though, such thoughts chased themselves around in his head. He knew, actually knew that there was an answer there. Yet, it was just out of reach. While he knew it was there, and he tried to grasp at it, what that solution was currently not one he felt he could recognize quite yet. For some odd reason, the solution scared him, both it and what it meant, though he still was unable to quite realize what that solution was or what it meant.

Needless to say, it was a happy Harry who had a means to distract himself from such issues as the carriage came to a stop. A moment later, he was all smiles as he stepped out of the open door to find the Duckies there. Akizuki and her sisters were all in their civilian wear, including Suzutsuki. Upon catching sight of him, the first three Destroyers rapidly made their way over and hugged him, with him returning it happily, "Harry-Chan!"

Lightly laughing as he hugged them tightly back, Harry grinned widely, "Akizuki-Chan! Teruzuki-Chan! Hatsuzuki-Chan!" He then nodded towards the silver haired Destroyer standing with a happy smile on her face, "Suzutsuki-Chan... it's great to see all of you."

Pulling back, Teruzuki allowed Suzutsuki a chance to hug Harry, "And it's great for us to be able to see you as well, Harry-Chan." Spreading her arms, she took a deep breath and let it out, "Especially on a nice spring day like today!"

Beside her, Hatsuzuki gave a small nod, "Nee-San is right, it is a nice day." Stretching a bit, she sighed, "Mmm, nice and warm, but not too warm."

As Akizuki chimed in, Suzutsuki glanced around with her own smile before nodding, "It is a rather nice day." Turning back to Harry, she tilted her head a bit in curiosity, "Is it normally like this in Scotland?"

Even as Akizuki and Teruzuki took one of his hands each, the teenage wizard nodded, "Usually in the spring anyways we get nice days like this." Harry grinned a bit as he winked at her and added onto his statement, "Though it does take its time getting there."

Unable to help herself, Suzutsuki chuckled some and shook her head. Gesturing at the village, she nodded, "Shall we? I am sort of excited to visit since, well..." She gave a slightly sheepish smile, "I've never been to another country like this before."

Happily smiling, Harry simply nodded, "Then it would be my honour to show you around. If you'll follow me?"

Much to his amusement, the Duckies fell into formation around him without thought. As they walked, the four Destroyers were looking back and forth, taking it all in. Hatsuzuki had a small smile on her face as she took in the picturesque surroundings, "It is like something from a storybook."

Slowly, the thirteen year old nodded, "It really is, Hatsuzuki-Chan. One of the reasons why I like coming here is that it is right out from a fantasy novel when you get down to it." Looking around, Harry chuckled a little, "The village looks medieval and there's magic everywhere."

Nodding, Teruzuki smiled, "That's true."

It was then that Harry caught sight of something from out of the corner of his eye and turned towards it. Blinking, he glanced towards the three Duckies who were looking at the cauldron store in confusion, 'Hmm...' Briefly, a smug smirk crossed his face, but vanished just as quick. Clearing his throat, he gave them a smile when they looked at him, "Just give me a moment and stay here. I want to get something."

Utterly confused, Akizuki and Teruzuki let go of his hands and watched as he ran over towards a small stand set up. Scratching her head, Teruzuki frowned and looked towards her older sister, "Wonder what Harry-Chan is after?"

The oldest of the Destroyers shrugged and held up her hands to show that she had no idea. Unnoticed by her though, Suzutsuki narrowed her eyes some with a slight smile on her face. Internally, she chuckled as she realized some details of the stand, 'I think that I can guess...'

Roughly four minutes later, Harry returned with several wrapped objects floating behind him. The black haired teenage boy had a massive grin on his face as he noticed the Duckies' noses all twitch as the breeze shifted a little. Once he was close, he motioned with his wand and the wrapped objects floated to a stop in front of each Destroyer, "Here you go, a little breakfast."

Blinking, the shipgirls took the wrapped objects before unwrapping part of it and gasping at what was revealed. Each one was a baguette that had been cut lengthwise. Inside was sausage, bacon, fried egg, tomatoes, and fried mushrooms, all covered in brown sauce.

For a few seconds, their mouths just moved as Harry stood there smugly. Smirking, he raised an eyebrow, "Well? Aren't you going to eat it?"

Examining the food in front of her, Suzutsuki frowned slightly, "What is it?"

Only shrugging, the thirteen year old wizard chuckled, "They're Irish style Breakfast rolls. You put the ingredients of a fried breakfast into them to eat. They're really good." He then grinned at the three other Duckies and pointed at his mouth, "By the way, you're drooling."

Heavily blushing, the three Destroyers wiped at their mouths as both the silver haired shipgirl and Harry looked on in amusement. Looking back at her breakfast roll, Teruzuki swallowed, "A-are you sure that we can have this, Harry-Chan? I-I mean... we were told that we might go to a tea house..."

Utterly amused, Harry only grinned wider, "It's fine, Teruzuki-Chan. Besides you're a shipgirl, you have plenty of room to stuff." Crossing his arms, he gave them a knowing look, "Besides, you didn't really have breakfast."

From where she was standing and examining her own breakfast roll to decide how to eat it, Suzutsuki chuckled, "No, they didn't eat much."

Stunned at the betrayal, her three sisters gasped at her, "Suzutsuki-Chan!"

All the silver haired Destroyer did was shrug and decide on biting down on her roll with a happy hum. Glancing at her sister, Hatsuzuki looked at her own roll and swallowed before taking a bite. Almost immediately, she smiled as she chewed. Leaning towards her, Akizuki placed a finger against her chin, "H-how is it?"

Once she swallowed, hair tufts flapping a little, Hatsuzuki gave a nod, "It's good!"

Both of them sharing a look, the other two Destroyers also bit down on theirs before closing their eyes with happy smiles on their faces and humming as they chewed. Lips twitching, Harry internally cackled, 'Yes, Phase One of Hogsmeade Stuffing is complete!'

They began walking as the four Destroyers continued to eat, enjoying each bite as they looked around. Granted, much to Harry's amusement, Teruzuki and Akizuki hooked their arms into his as they ate. Once she was done, Suzutsuki hummed as she crumpled up the paper and handed it to Harry who vanished it, "That was good." Licking her lips of some remaining brown sauce, she gave him a look, "Have you ever made it? Since we're in Britain?"

Considering, Harry frowned a little, "Well, more Irish than British actually. But... I do know how to make it, it's not that hard. Not that I ever really got the chance out of one time that Uncle Vernon wanted to impress some client of his from Ireland." Grimacing, he shook his head, "The rest of the time him and Aunt Petunia would sneer at it because it was 'Irish garbage'. Don't see why though..."

Confused, Hatsuzuki finished off her sandwich and handed it to him, with the magical once more vanishing it, "Harry-Chan? I've met your Siusan-Obaa-San... she's Irish and told me that your grandmother was as well."

Tone utterly dry, the thirteen year old gave her a nod, "I know. Which means that Aunt Petunia was half-Irish." Sighing, Harry shook his head, "Though considering things? I'm not surprised in the slightest."

Just scratching her head, Akizuki frowned after swallowing the second to last bite, "Still seems... weird." That got her a snort from Harry which turned into laughter. Something that made her smile, though even more confused, 'Why is that funny?'

Deciding to change the subject, as from what little her sisters had told her, Suzutsuki knew that she did not want to know more, she turned towards Harry, "I was wondering because it was pretty good, Harry-Chan. Hence if there was a chance that we might see it in the mess hall."

Blinking, her sisters looked at her before Teruzuki looked at the last bit of her roll. She then popped it into her mouth and chewed before swallowing and smiling, "That would be great!" When her other sisters looked at her, she continued, "Just think of it! We could have one before going out on patrol in the mornings! It would be quick!"

Gasping herself, the eldest of the sisters blinked, "You're right, Teruzuki-Chan! You could even store some for later, just reheat it!"

As Hatsuzuki nodded, Harry became thoughtful, "Hmm... a shipgirl sized version? Would need a bigger baguette for one thing... and for Japanese tastes? One would need to make sure that there was less grease for it. Maybe grill some of it..." Head cocked to the side, he gave a slight nod, "I'll have to experiment." Turning, Harry smiled at the three Duckies, "You'll be my testers, right?"

Each one of the three in question gasped as they nodded and held their clenched fists in front of their faces. Akizuki, Hatsuzuki, and Teruzuki all had expressions both happy and fearful. The last mainly due to the fact that Harry would likely use it as an excuse to stuff them full of food.

For Suzutsuki, she closed her eyes and giggled behind one hand, 'Harry-Chan really does take care of them.'

Meanwhile, Akizuki smiled at Harry before giving him a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you for breakfast, Harry-Chan. It was really good!"

That was followed by the other two also kissing him on the cheek while Suzutsuki simply smiled and nodded. With a slight smile though, Harry smirked at them, "Ah! But we still have the tea house! That is coming next!"

Gulping, Teruzuki chewed her lip, "Um... Harry-Chan? B-but we just had breakfast."

Harry's next words though got a whimper from her as well as Akizuki and Hatsuzuki, "Hai, and that was only second breakfast since you did eat. We still have elevensies, and it will be close to ten thirty when we reach the tea house, so it counts as such."

Whimpering, the youngest of the Akizuki sisters stared at him, "F-first breakfast... second breakfast... a-and elevensies... You m-mean just like Hobbits?"

Even though she was confused by what Hobbits were, the silver haired member of the currently summoned Akizukis watched as Harry nodded, "Exactly! By tonight, I will make sure that each and every one of you is properly stuffed!" He raised a finger towards the sky as he continued, "Because a Stuffed Duckie is a Happy Duckie!"

Giggles escaped from the silver haired of the Destroyers even though she tried to smother them with her hand, 'Yes, I think that I will enjoy watching them. Harry-Chan is just hilarious and my Nee-Sans deserve an Admiral who will take care of them properly like him.'

Meanwhile, Harry simply took Akizuki's and Hatsuzuki's hands and began to lead them along, "Now! To the tea house!"

Several minutes later, they arrived at their destination. None of the four Destroyers had quite known what to expect. While her sisters had spent time around both Harry and Kongou, and thusly had some idea of what an British style teahouse might look like, Suzutsuki only had her crews' memories really to go on. And their memories only really had Japanese teahouses. Thus, when they entered the establishment, she looked around in interest before smiling, "Cozy."

Happily humming and clasping her hands, Teruzuki nodded in agreement, "Hai, this is very cozy!"

As the other Akizukis chimed in, Harry simply smiled at their enjoyment. He then nodded towards the various tables as the employee looked on, "How about we find a spot to sit."

Practically bouncing, Akizuki had a bright smile on her face, "Okay, Harry-Chan! Lead the way!" Once they were seated and Emma came over for their orders, she chewed her lip as she looked at the options, "Um... oh! I'll have a hot chocolate! The one with whipped cream and dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg!"

Teruzuki gave a nod as she smiled as well, "I'll have the same as Nee-San!"

Giving a glance at Harry, who was writing something, as the other two nodded in agreement, the employee raised an eyebrow, "And the usual tea, I take it?"

With a blink, Harry looked up and smiled, "Of course. I am British after all." Lips twitching as the other girls giggled, the waitress was about to ask what they wanted to eat when the thirteen year old slid over the folded paper, "Here's what we'll have."

Eyebrow raised, she took the paper in question and unfolded it. Reading it over, Emma glanced at the confused looking Destroyers, though she noted that the one with silver hair seemed to come to a realization and want to giggle. For her part, she simply nodded and placed the note into her pocket, "Of course, Sir. It will be just a few minutes..." when she reached the counter, Emma glanced back at the group and pulled out the paper to look at again. Softly smiling at what was written on it, she just shook her head and went to work, 'They do look like they need to be fed more. They are far too thin!'

Just a few minutes later found the four Duckies sipping their drinks alongside Harry. Sighing, Akizuki pulled her cup away which left her with not only a chocolate mustache, but a cream one as well. Moments later, that disappeared as she licked her lips, "That's so good! Especially the cream!"

Wide eyed, Teruzuki nodded, "Hai! It's good." Looking down at her mug, she swallowed a bit, "And it's actual fresh, heavy whipped cream. Not what you get from one of the spray cans." Shifting a bit, the Destroyer smiled at Harry, "Thank you."

Chuckling as he turned from where he was talking with Suzutsuki, the thirteen year old smiled, "You're very welcome. I'm glad that your enjoying yourselves." Then, he had to bite but lips when glancing at Hatsuzuki as said Destroyer was happily humming a she sipped her drink, hair tufts wagging. A mischievous look crossed his face before he continued, "They give you refills here as well."

Almost immediately, the three Destroyers gasped and chewed their lips. Shaking her own head, Suzutsuki gave Harry an amused look, "You're bad, Harry-Chan." At his shrug, she snorted before frowning, "So you were saying that there was different type of teas? As in meals?"

Tilting her head to the side as she licked her lips clean of hot chocolate and cream, Hatsuzuki frowned, "We've been to Kongou-San's tea time, isn't that normal?"

Shaking his head, Harry wagged a finger, "That is just one form of tea, Hatsuzuki-Chan. What Kongou-Oba was having is what is known as Afternoon Tea. It is held between three and five or so and has treats like finger sandwiches and small pastries. It was something normally done by high society."

Rapidly nodding, Teruzuki smiled a bit, "Hai, and Kongou-San's are always really good."

Leaning against her fist, the silver haired Destroyer watched on in interest, "What other ones are there?"

For a few moments, Harry was silent before nodding, "Well, there is a variant of afternoon tea called cream tea. It is basically just tea with a light meal of scones that have jam and clotted cream on them." Then, he gestured around them, "Then you got one in the morning, the morning tea break or elevensies."

Blinking, Akizuki stared at him for a few moments as he sipped his own drink, "Wait, that is a real thing? Elevensies?"

Only chuckling, the wizard nodded, "Hai, it is. After all, Tolkien had to get it from somewhere." Getting nods from Akizuki and her sisters outside of Suzutsuki who seemed confused, Harry glanced at the silver Destroyer, who simply motioned for him to continue, "Of course, you then have your evening tea, or high tea. That's tea that is served with a hot meal and some cakes with butter or jam, though you also get things like cold cuts at times. Like ham salad for example, you might have that. It was called high tea because you had it at a dining table, or low tea if you had it at a low table like a coffee table. That's not counting other tea breaks and such."

Boggled, the four Destroyers stared at him for a few moments. Hatsuzuki shook her head in some awe as she frowned, "I never knew there was so many types of, um, tea meals in Britain."

Amused, Harry chuckled a little, "Tea is serious business." Catching eight of Emma walking towards them, he grinned, "And it looks like our meal has arrived for Elevensies."

Just blinking, Akizuki turned and stared as did Teruzuki and Hatsuzuki when Emma stood there with a large plate with a small pile of pastries. Smirking, the witch set it down on the table revealing it took a good chunk of it up, "Here you go, danishes of all sorts just as ordered." With a glance at Harry, she began to point, "We got strawberry danishes, blackberry, raspberry, cherry, apple, chocolate hazelnut..."

Continuing to list them off, she was amused by the awed and fearful expressions that three of the girls was giving her. Finally, she was done and walked off after a short bow. Glancing after Emma, Teruzuki gulped a bit, "A-are you sure that we can have these, Harry-Chan? This is a lot of food after all..."

It took everything for Harry not to cackle, "Of course, Teruzuki-Chan. And don't think that you can just give these back! They did make them up and they would not be quite the same just warmed up." Whimpers met him at that, but utterly merciless, he gestured at the small feast of sugary goodness before them, "So go ahead... eat! Get stuffed!"

Reaching out with a shaking hand, Hatsuzuki took one that was a deep red in the middle and looked at it. She could see, Besides the fruit preserves, there was a bit of icing as well as cream cheese. With a nervous swallow, and seeing Harry watching her with a massive grin, she took a bite. Almost immediately, a groan escaped her as chewed and swallowed, "Mmm... cherry!"

Wide eyed, Teruzuki and Akizuki took one each, with the lighter hair of the two happily smiling after taking a bite, "I got blackberry!"

For her part, the eldest of the sisters had to lick some chocolate off her face once she was done taking a bite of hers, "And I got chocolate hazelnut!" With another happy sound, she bit into it again, 'So good... but not as good as Harry-Chan's!'

Lips twitching madly as she fought not to laugh at her sisters reactions, Suzutsuki simply bit into her own danish, an apple one, with joy. Though not before sharing a highly amused look with Harry. Said boy just cackled within his head, 'Yes! Phase Two of Hogsmeade Stuffing is complete! Hahaha!'

All in all, the Duckies were happily stuffed with treats.

 

[darthcourt10]

lt_agn02

Time for a distraction.
________________
A head popping out of the water right next to the Japanese carrier caused her to jump backward in shock. "Aso, how are you holding up?"

"S-Skipjack, right? D-Don't do that!"

Skipjack shrugged. "You're awfully jumpy." She narrowed her eyes. "If this is seriously your first voyage outside Japanese waters, you better get back on the damn boat."

"I am an aircraft carrier!" The Japanese girl retorted. " I am built to handle the ocean."

Skipjack leveled a condescending glare at Aso. "Listen, Aso. Can you summon your hull?"

"I don't think I...wait, what does that have to do with anything?!"

"Look at yourself in the water. Right now." The submarine pointed at the ship. "Now look at the cargo ship. Are you bigger than the cargo ship?"

"No, but…"

"Then if this is your first voyage across the Pacific, get back on the fucking boat. This isn't some pleasure cruise. We'll call you when something pops up."

"H-How rude!" Aso retorted. "Just because I'm Japanese…"

"That has nothing to do with this!" Skipjack retorted. "During a voyage across the Pacific, first-timers stay on the boat! That's the rule! We're talking about thousands of miles of open ocean with a high potential for rough water! If something happens, you could get lost out here!"

The carrier held her mouth, but he still angrily clenched her fists.

"Moreover," Skipjack continued, "The bridge of the ship we're escorting has navigation charts. Newbies like you are required to study them."

"But the First Air Fleet…"

"They've navigated the Pacific before and made it to Pearl. They know what to expect. You, on the other hand, don't. Do yourself a favor and go study the charts or else Davy Jones wants to put you in his locker."

Aso had to grit her teeth at that. She wanted to help, dammit! But this submarine…

"Fine," Aso conceded as she pulled back toward the ship she was supposed to be escorting.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

A Parting at Malfoy House

Malfoy Manor, 4 July 2014

Draco Malfoy leaned back further into the arms of his girlfriends as he listened to his sister and his cousin Claire play a piano and guitar duet. Idly one foot tapped along with the tune.

Suddenly there was a gentle tug at his sleeve.

He looked over to see the family house-elf looking at him nervously. "Masters Malfoys, Missus Ehrens asked me to tell you that she wishes to speaks in the Egyptian room. Alone."

Niobe nodded to him, "go, we will listen in your place, Darling."

With that he headed to the room which Great-Grandfather Cassius had reserved for the collection of Egyptian objects d'art that he acquired in the 1920s from the French Branch of the family when they needed monies to help rebuild the family winery in Normandy after the Great War decimated their workforce.

As always, entering this room, he seemed to be transported back in time to the era of that shipgirl who was following around Percy Weasley. Gold and inlaid wood shone, along with semi-precious stones, while above a half-dozen carved sarcophagi stood silent witness.

Ehren was standing rigidly at attention in the middle of the room, dressed in her now-repaired black dress with white trim. She was staring intently at an object placed in the center of an ornately carved and inlaid stone offering table.

"Cousin Draco." She spoke quietly without turning her head. "My thanks for responding to my request. I wish privacy for this conversation."

Draco nodded and magically closed the door behind them. "Ehren. What is wrong?" He walked to her side.

Half her face was in shadow cast from the heavy drapes on the window, and he realized with a start there were tear tracks on her face. His eyes lowered to the object that she was staring at.

It was her SS-Ehrendolch true body, again split down the middle with sunlight and shadow. The inscription 'Meine Ehre Heisst Treue' glimmered with flickering, dancing witchfire from the charms and enchantments cast upon her by her mother. The Nazi iconography shone and flickered with magical energies as a fresh wave of magical energy covered her surface and then subsided.
Spoiler: Ehren and Draco

Ehren spoke in a quiet voice, filled with emotion under her cool control. "Nothing that you have done, Cousin Draco. Quite the contrary and that is what is wrong. The fault lies with me. I leave tomorrow with Claire and Mutti and while I wish to see you again in the future, I am well aware that life is short and does not obey our wishes."

She laughed bitterly at herself. "You should know that before I left for Verdun, I made arrangements to handle my affairs should I perish there. One of which -- forgive me this is difficult -- was a letter addressed to you with some final words of advice and wishes for your success. Along with my feelings toward you."

Draco's mind whirled as fresh tears trickled from the corner of Ehren's eyes.

"You must understand, Cousin Draco, that you were the first boy that I had ever met. The first friend that was not my family or one of the serving staff. I dreamed," Ehren's voice broke as her iron control cracked. Her eyes closed and her tears fell, "as a foolish girl might dream. But I know that those foolish girl's dreams are all that would ever be for you and I. Your heart has been claimed by others, and you are worthy of them as they are worthy of you. I cannot --- I shall not --- interfere with such a relationship."

Ehren took a deep breath and opened her eyes to stare at her dagger body. "You may rest assured that I shall never interfere with your relationship with Johnston, Niobe, and Cleopatra. You have my word and oath that our friendship shall never interfere with the love that you have for them, and they for you, which I shall uphold and protect to my dying breath." Her voice was firm, unyielding, and utterly heartbroken underneath the words that she forced out of herself.

With that vow, her shoulders slumped as the tension left her frame. She picked up her dagger by the blade and gently held it cupped in her hands as she spoke sadly with steel-deep regret. "My path lies along a different road than yours for I have willingly accepted certain duties and responsibilities that Lady Malfoy can never perform as they must be performed. I am sworn to secrecy and cannot say more of such matters."

Her voice became more contemplative as her forefinger traced the inscription on her blade. "My Honor Is Faithfulness, and I have lived and will live as it demands of me no matter the personal cost to me. As you know, in Verdun I allowed my darkest aspect to manifest to protect our family since it was required of me. As my Grandmother Norimune told me as we prepared to enter the Mill, I have my darkest aspect for a reason. When one fights in the defense of her loved ones, there are no rules and no points for second place. No limits to what one must demand of herself to triumph in her duties." Her finger slowly traced the swastika on her hilt as she continued in that contemplative, cool voice. "In the service of protecting my family and my loved ones such as you and yours, I cannot afford to be limited in the available means to taken to uphold my faithfulness, save by my honor."

With that she turned to Draco, her steel-blue eyes tear filled and vulnerable as her masks lowered to let him see into what she kept hidden in her heart. Shadows covered half of her stricken face, making Draco think about the duality of the Force in Star Wars in a moment of insight into Ehren's soul.

"As I said in the unsent letter to you that I burned after returning from Verdun, I sense the seeds of greatness in you. And once you find that which is worthy of your faithfulness and worthy of your honor as I have, if you follow your honor and faithfulness' demands to the bitter end, you can never truly go wrong no matter the sacrifices demanded of you." Ehren gave a very wan sad smile as she finished her confession in a hushed voice.

Draco looked at his cousin in a new light as she made the dagger vanish someplace on her person. "I never knew," he finally admitted in a soft, wondering voice. "I never even suspected until now."

Ehren nodded at his words and wiped tears from her cheeks, "I know that you never knew. I wished to speak to you and clarify matters because I sense deep in my soul that both of us go into deadly peril soon and I would not wish for either of us to go to their grave with these words unsaid and bitterly regretted. Please forgive my weakness in burdening you with this knowledge of my foolishness."

He shook his head. "There is nothing to forgive, Ehren. How can you...?" He trailed off, not knowing what he wanted to ask her about her feelings, about herself.

Ehren sighed bitterly and lowered her head. "I endure what I must because I must, Cousin Draco. It is my penance for my sins and my very being." She closed her eyes and breathed in and out deeply as she spoke in a hushed tone. "If matters of your relationships require this subject to be broached, you have my permission to tell Niobe, Johnston, or Cleopatra what I spoke about with you here. I would not have any unwarranted suspicions cause problems for you."

With that, her head raised and she gave him a shy tentative smile as she opened her steel-blue eyes and whispered quietly as she searched his face. "If... if you had any feelings for me, honor them by making the others as happy as you possibly can. Please."

With that he stepped close and hugged her, giving her a soft kiss on her unresisting lips as she shivered in the whiplash of her turbulent emotions.

"For what would have been had things been different for us. After all, the first boy you loved should claim your first kiss."

She laughed through her flowing tears at his roguish wink as he spoke from the heart and clung to him for a moment, then stepped back to fix her face with tissues from her purse. "Ja, sollte es."

Her normal mask of cool reserve reformed over what she had let him see in her heart as she finished cleaning herself up. She then offered her arm to him as she spoke quietly. "Shall we return to the music room and see what Claire and Nimue plan to serenade us with?"

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

As Ehren du Chasteler walked across the music room to join her happily waving sister for a piano duet, Draco lingered for a moment at the door before rejoining his shipgirls. Too softly to be heard by anyone else as his eyes tracked her proud and determined form, he murmured. "Who knows the future, but I will always have a place for you as well if you wish to claim it, Ehren."

 

[darthcourt10]

lt_agn02

Another distraction is in order, it seems.
_________________________________________________
It had been a few days since Aso was banished to the bridge of the transport ship. While she ship continued to sail, she checked the navigational charts and tracked the position of the ship. The past few nights, she used the sextant on the bridge to study the stars above. By now, she was confident she should be able to navigate the North Pacific with no issue. Her fairies have already copied down pretty much every single map of the Pacific available to her. All of them. Yet the damn Americans on the water would not let her join them.

Frankly, it was annoying. So what if it was her first time? She knows how to sail! And the lack of Abyssals definitely helped. Now that they were less than a day away from Pearl, the lack of being able to actually sail for herself was driving her mad. Groaning, she put her finger to her ear.

'I already finished studying. Can I go back out on the water now?'

'I'm pretty sure Skipjack already explained to you,' the cruiser Brooklyn replied over the radio with an annoyed tone. 'Your brown-water ass isn't touching blue water this time around.'

'Y-You're not still mad about the fight are you?'

'Mad? Who's mad? I'm not mad! I'll kill you if you think I'm still mad.'

'Y-Y-You are still mad!'

From a distance away, the Fletcher-class destroyer Pringle placed her face in her palm. "For fuck's sake. Aso, you stay there. Brooklyn, calm your tits. We're almost at Pearl.'

'Shut up, escort ship!' Brooklyn retorted. 'It's her fault I'm being dragged back to Pearl!'

Northampton couldn't help but copy Pringle. 'Quit raging, you joke of a cruiser.'

'SHADDAP! I'LL KICK YOUR AFT THE MOMENT WE HIT DRY LAND!'

The heavy cruiser slid forward and immediately made a"come at me" gesture. 'Bring it on, Wheeler! Next thing you see is gonna be my Blue-Eyes White-'

Next to the transport ship, a booming voice brought radio transmission to a halt.

"HEY! SHUT THE FUCK UP RIGHT THIS FUCKING MINUTE OR I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL TURN THIS FLEET AROUND!"

Everyone in the conversation flinched, slowly turning their heads to the large cruiser Guam as she was panting heavily in a rage. More than jut a bit annoyed, the large cruiser began barking orders.

"Aso, stay where you are! Studying is no substitute for experience and I am not going to allow some Leeroy Jenkins to just jump into the deep end from the very start! Brooklyn, shut up or I'll have you help your little sister with her experiments! Northampton, you back off. Nobody cares about Yugioh. Now everybody shut the fuck up and get back to radio silence or we're gonna miss our exit!"

As much as Aso wanted to protest, the Alaska-class cruiser had a point. If she just jumped in head-first, she's most likely sink than swim. But there was that other thing that the cruiser brought up.

What did she mean by 'exit'?

Behind her, the radio crackled to life.

'Eh! Who dis?!' a male voice asked.

Instinctively, the Japanese carrier walked over to the radio and grabbed the handset.

'This is the Japanese aircraft carrier Aso of…'

The voice on the other end let out an irritated growl. 'I wen ask who dis? If you no like ansa, we gon buss yo face!'

"H-How rude!" Aso growled. 'I said…'

"Aso! I'm taking care of it!" Guam shouted from the water. "Now shut up or we're all dead!"

Aso gulped, setting down the handset and returning to her seat.

'Sorry! Auntie wen grab da phone! It's Uncle Leonard! From Waianae!'

The carrier stared at the radio, her mind racing to put together what was just said.

'Leonard? You got da kine?'

'We got da poke, we got da slippahs, we even got da pakalolo!'

'Not even!'

'Eh, if you no like da malasadas, you no need eat em!'

'If you got da pakalolo, we'll take da malasadas. We gon send someone fo pick you up.'

'Rajah.'

With the click of the radio shutting off, Aso turned to the large cruiser on the water. At least from where she stood in the bridge.

What the hell did she just hear?

"Look alive, ladies!" Guam shouted. "This is our exit! The guard will be here to take us in!"

The Japanese carrier just took out her paperwork and went through it. There was definitely nothing like this in the information given to her before she left Japan.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Chewing a bit of stew, Harry blinked at what Akizuki, who was eating some roast chicken, had told him, "Really? Momo-San is in charge of her own patrol group?"

Just swallowing, the Destroyer nodded, but it was Teruzuki who spoke up, "Kind of?" At his look, she shrugged a bit, "Momo-San is technically in charge because she's the most powerful of the group. Which is made up of herself, Chidori-Chan, and some smaller patrol boats. They pretty much spend the day patrolling Tokyo Bay. Her sister is in a similar group too!"

Considering that, the black haired boy nodded some, "Makes sense."

With a smile at the Destroyer, who turned back to her meal, Harry glanced around. Being the second day of the Hogsmeade Weekend, there was not much activity around them. Especially as they had chosen to come just after the lunch hour anyways. But it was still the last weekend of the year and so it was somewhat busy. The wizard had seen a number of Seventh Years ducking into the potion ingredient shop nearby.

Knowing that said store also sold complete potions, Harry had his suspicions that they would be out of Pepper up as well as calming potions by the time the day was out.

However, what could only be called "Happy Destroyer Noises" made him turn and smile. Mainly because the Duckies were all happily eating their fill of the meal in front of them. While, like him, Suzutsuki has gone for a stew, Akizuki went for a roast chicken and her other two sisters each had a roast beef dinner in front of them. Wiping a bit of gravy on her plate with a piece of bread, Hatsuzuki hummed after popping it into her mouth. Chewing, she followed it up with a long pull from a giant mug of cold Butterbeer.

Just the sight of them being happily filled made him softly smile. Turning back to his own lunch, Harry took a bite of another spoonful of stew, "Anything else happen?"

Pulling her mug away from her face, Hatsuzuki took a moment to sigh and wipe her mouth on a napkin before nodding, "Hai, you remember how Samantha-San and the other survivors had a number of Midget Submarines?" Waiting until he nodded, she continued, "Teitoku is having them train the other returned Midget Submarines."

That made the thirteen year old blink, "Wait, he is?"

It was Suzutsuki who polished off her large pot of stew who answered though with a small smile, "Indeed, Harry-Chan. Apparently during the ten years stranded, they came up with their own strategies as to how to sink opponents as a group. And Teitoku wants the other Midget Submarines of similar types to learn so that they're more effective when out on patrol against Abyssals. Especially as they will be on Coastal Patrol and guarding the litorials." She then frowned, "I am still not sure why Ooyodo-San described them as being like piranha though..."

Waving a piece of bread in the air, Harry shook his head, "Piranha may be small fish and can't hurt you much alone, though that is only in that they can't eat that much. But when you got a large school of them attacking and ripping into you all at once? Well... that is kind of different, you know?"

For a few moments the silver haired Destroyer considered that before nodding, "That does make sense when you put it that way, Harry-Chan. A lot of sense as a matter of fact."

Each of the four Akizukis paused and thought for a moment about what was just said about the Midget Submarines. Inside their heads, they had an identical image. A Battleship Princess flailing around madly as she slowly sank into frothing water that became colored with oil coming from her many wounds, and inside of the froth, every once in a while, one could see the flashes of the attacking Midget Submarines as they tore into her. It ended with one hand reaching for the heavens sticking out of the froth before being yanked down by one of the Midget Submarines who bit it and dragged it under.

After a few moments, they shook that off though and went back to eating.

Just a few minutes later found the group leaving the Three Broomsticks behind and walking along. As they did so though, Akizuki spotted something and blinked before pointing, "Harry-Chan? Was that Victory-Sama just now? Going into that other tavern that's over there?"

Following her finger, Harry gave a nod, "Probably, that's the Hog's Head, the other tavern for Hogsmeade." Scratching his chin, he frowned a little, "Its owned by Professor Dumbledore's younger brother and not exactly a place where students go to since it is more for, well... those of a less liked bent, let's say. But everyone's been saying he went on vacation and Victory has been handling the tavern in exchange. No one really knows why though that happened."

Each of the Destroyers scratched their heads at that in confusion before shrugging. Walking through the village square though, the shipgirls slowed to a stop to look at the water fountain. It had a sort of mountain made of dark stone, and in the top was a dragon roaring with water coming from it's mouth. And at four points around the mountain that the dragon was upon, was a statue of a wizard or witch, water streaming from their wands, each held up in the air. They jumped a bit though as the dragon statue closed its mouth, water spraying from between it's teeth as it moved into a different position before going back to roaring the water out.

Wide eyed, Teruzuki stared a little before shaking her head and clenching her fists in front of her face, "That was so cool..."

Beside her, Suzutsuki nodded some with an impressed expression on her face, "Hai, it was quite something to see, Nee-San."

Meanwhile, Akizuki was looking at the statues of the magicals when one, a man with a sword at his side and a full beard looked at her and winked. Blinking at that, she shook it off before snapping her fingers as a look of recognition crossed her face, "Ah! I knew that I have seen them before! Those are the Founders of Hogwarts!" Looking at Suzutsuki, she nodded, "There's statues of them in the school after all."

From where he stood beside her, Harry gave a nod, "That's right. And the one that looked at you just now is Godric Gryffindor." Cocking his head to the side, he smiled a bit as Rowena's statue made a motion with her wand, the water following it, "I have to admit, pretty impressive bit of work with the animation charms for whoever created and cast them." Out of the corner of his eye, Harry caught sight of Akizuki rubbing her stomach and raised an eyebrow, "You okay, Akizuki-Chan?"

Said Destroyer blinked and lightly blushed some, "Um, hai. Just a bit full..." Internally, she gulped as she was only three quarters full, 'Please believe me... please believe me...'

After almost a minute, Harry smiled and chuckled and turned away, "Understandable, I suppose, Akizuki-Chan. Anyways... we got other places to visit."

He pretended not to hear them sigh with relief, or Suzutsuki giggle softly in amusement at her sister's reactions. Instead, he simply took Hatsuzuki's and Teruzuki's hands in his and lead them along while drawing all three into a conversation about various subjects, only Harry noticing that the silver haired Destroyer had caught on that he was up to something. Flashing her a wink, he smirked a bit as she giggled, which drew puzzled looks from her sisters, but she waved them off. They had just entered a store when Teruzuki blinked and looked around before freezing.

Mainly because there, before them, was tables and a counter, behind which she could see ice cream in large tubs and the like while behind it was a menu detailing many cold, and tasty treats.

Eyes wide, she turned to where a grinning Harry stood in front of the door, blocking their exit, "H-Harry-Chan..."

Grinning almost impossibly wide for a human, Harry darkly chuckled as he rubbed his hands together, "Now that the main course is complete... it is time, my Duckies... time for dessert..."

Akizuki held, and was held by, Teruzuki and Hatsuzuki as they trembled as they clutched at each other. Turning, they looked towards their last sister, their last hope to avoid what was to come for them, "S-Suzutsuki-Chan! Help us!"

Briefly, she glanced at them as Harry stride forward towards the trembling Destroyers with a dark cackle. Then the silver haired shipgirl shrugged with a smile towards her doomed sisters, "I wonder what sort of ice creams they have here..." Unable to help herself, Suzutsuki giggled as her sisters wailed about being betrayed by their beloved family as Harry guided them to a table, 'I'm glad that I came along...'

Short minutes later found Akizuki gulping at the item Harry placed before each of them. All the Destroyers had in front of them a large sundae inside of a very tall, conical glass with a thin spoon. There were layers upon layers of various ice creams such as the legendary raspberry ice cream, heavy and thick cream, meringue, chopped fruits and preserves. It was all covered, nigh, drenched, in syrups with a pile of whipped cream on top with nuts covering that and, finally, a single cherry at the peak.

Before them was the near legendary "Knickerbocker Glory", for to Destroyers it deserved the name by which it was known by for truly... it was glorious.

Mouth open a bit, Hatsuzuki blinked as she stared at the treat before her, "It... it's beautiful..."

Trembling in her seat, Teruzuki looked at Harry, "A-ah, you bought this for us, Harry-Chan? A-and we can each have one?"

On Harry's face was a soft smile, though there was a slight tinge of evil to it. Leaning in, he whispered to into her ear as she shook, glancing between him and the chill, tasty treat, "Oh yes, Teruzuki-Chan. You can have this... and more. As much as you can possibly take."

Upon Akizuki's face was either fearful awe, or awed fear, no one, possibly not even she, could tell. She gave Harry a look begging for mercy, for there was none, "Y-you're being a big bully, Harry-Chan..."

Smirking, the wizard just nodded and chuckled darkly, "Hai, and seeing you all like this? It makes me want to bully you all even more... bully you until you are all stuffed, completely and utterly..."

Suzutsuki glanced at her sisters as they whimpered, but shook her head and turned back to the sundae before her, 'Amazing...'

Eventually, Harry sat down with his own, much more modest, ice cream. The grin came to his face easily seeing how the Duckies were all extremely happy we they ate their sundaes happily. Truly, nothing was as good as stuffing a Duck. Suddenly though, he found a spoon held in front of his face and blinked, "Eh?" Following it, he found Akizuki holding it out to him with a smile on her face, "Akizuki-Chan?"

The eldest of the sisters just nodded, "Go ahead, Harry-Chan, try it. It's really good!"

It was with some amusement on his part that he noticed Teruzuki also take some ice cream on her spoon and held it out, "Ah! Have some of mine as well, Harry-Chan!"

Rather bemused at their actions, the thirteen year old chuckled, "You do know that those are yours, right?"

A soft smile on her face, Hatsuzuki simply nodded as she filled her spoon and also held it out, "Hai, but... treats like this are best shared together."

While he rolled his eyes a bit, Harry still accepted the ice cream before he shared some of his. Soon enough, before the soft gaze of Suzutsuki, the four began to feed each other ice cream, though obviously the Destroyers for the lion share of it. All in all...

It made her happy to see.