Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Standing around, Sunny had a thoughtful look at the crowd of Abyssals that milled around. Most of them quietly chatting with each other about various things, though what was going to happen was the main topic of conversation. Hearing footsteps, the Battleship Water Demon turned and smiled some as Regalia walked up. "Hey, Regalia. You excited about what's going to happen? I mean, actual flight?"

The Re-Class blushed some but then nodded a bit. "Sort of? I mean, actually flying?" Tilting her head back, she looked towards the sky. "It sounds neat to be honest, being able to do that. But..."

A slight smile on her face, Sunny placed her arm around the smaller Abyssal's shoulders. "But also kind of scary, right? We're Abyssals and if we were meant to fly, we would have wings or some such thing."

With a blink, Regalia nodded. "Yeah, it sounds fun but also scary. At the same time though, Grandma and Uncle Harry stated that it is perfectly safe. How though, I am not too sure, I mean... a broom?"

Just shrugging, Sunny shook her head. "I know, right? A flying broom? That sounds like something from those old stories about witches and stuff that we heard about during Hallowe'en back in Unalaska. Finding out that's true is, well, something else."

Considering that, that got her a small hum from her niece. "That's true, I guess? And Uncle Harry wouldn't exactly lie about that, though I am still unsure about that magic stuff. Seems odd..."

That got her a snort from the Battleship Water Demon. "Odd is putting it mildly, Kiddo. All of us are still coming to grips with that sort of thing actually being real. But..." First gesturing at the castle and then the village, she shook her head. "You can't really argue with the results."

Regalia blinked at that and first examined the now repaired castle and then turning her head to the small village. It was not far away from where she was, but she could easily see the forms of the cabins now being used by the Fleet of Laughter as well as the large barns for the Destroyers. More then that, stone structures that their uncle had rebuilt with a word and a wave of his wand also stood in full relief, though no one was quite sure what they were going to be used for yet. Some were going to be used as storehouses at least for now, and possibly other uses as well once the missing roofs, long since rotted away and not able to be recreated even with magic, were replaced.

One of the stone buildings near her farm was going to be used to store tools and the like for it as well.

Frowning, Regalia slowly nodded as she turned back to Sunny. "Yeah, I guess that you can't. It is sort of neat though, I mean... in all the time that Mom's been here we've never managed this much work, mostly just keeping things from falling apart entirely. And then Uncle Harry came by and fixed it all up for us."

Eyebrow raised, Sunny gave her a look. "Not angry or anything about it, are you?"

However, the younger girl shook her head and made a motion with her hands. "No! I mean, I am sort of annoyed I guess in that it took that... but I am really happy too?" Grimacing, she scratched her head. "Its sort of confusing..."

Much to her confusion though, that got her a bark of laughter from her aunt who nodded. "I think that I can understand where you're coming from, Regalia." Letting out one last laugh, Sunny gave her a smile. "I would be surprised if you didn't feel some annoyance at it all. Uncle Harry just did a whole bunch of work that none of us has managed to do. But... we all got our specialities and Uncle Harry's is magic."

Still frowning, Regalia looked down at the ground and scuffed a hoof. "Is it bad that I am sort of jealous of Uncle Harry and the stuff he can do?"

About to answer, Sunny jumped a bit alongside Regalia as Hoppou spoke up. "Hoppou does not see it as being bad. In fact, Hoppou sees it as being normal, Regalia as sometimes Hoppou wishes that she could do things that Big Brother does."

Hand against her chest, Sunny huffed a bit. "Mom! How do you sneak up on us all the time like that!?"

In Hoppou's eyes was a small twinkle as she answered. "Quietly."

A short distance away, Ritou glanced at her mother as well as the pouting Sunny and confused Regalia before shaking her head. Turning towards Tanith, she raised an eyebrow. "What do you think of this?"

Tilting her head to the side, the taller Princess considered her words for a few moments. "I have not minded the work that Uncle Harry has put in. If anything, it has proven that Mother was right to make him Flagship Demon." Now looking at Ritou, Tanith gave her a slight smile. "Also, Uncle Harry has proven that he lives by the same ideals as Mother has taught us."

Ritou crossed her arms as she thought it over before nodding. "That is true enough." Her eyes then caught sight of something and smiled a bit. "And here comes Uncle Harry now."

With a blink, Tanith turned to the entrance to the castle as Harry walked out with a larger broom than he had the day before. More then that, it was what he was wearing that caused more then one Abyssal to stare a little bit. Over his thick sweater, he had on his aviator's jacket Houshou had given him with similarly thick gloves on his hands. However, on his head was an aviator's cap as well as a pair of goggles. Lips twitching, Patty giggled some. "Uncle Harry? What are you wearing?"

Giving her a lop sided smile, Harry chuckled some. "Just my usual flight gear for when its a bit chilly out. It can get pretty cold once you're in the wind up there after all." Various Abyssals nodded at that only to stop at his next words. "So, who wants to go up first?" When no one stepped forward, he raised an eyebrow though there was some amusement there. "No one? Really?"

All of them were glancing at each other with some of them coughing, something that amused Harry still further. Much to his surprise though, Sunny stepped forward with a smile, though he could see some nervousness there. "Guess I'll take the plunge then."

Harry gave her a small nod at that before holding out his broom and then letting go, the large object hovering perpendicular to the ground. "Great to hear."

Now next to the broom, the Abyssal examined it more closely as she was going entrust her safety to it after all. Frown on her face, she turned to her uncle. "Mind me asking a question?" When he nodded, Sunny continued. "Why is this a different one then you were using yesterday? I mean, its bigger, sure, but..."

Lightly chuckling, Harry shook his head. "The broom that I was using yesterday was my Nimbus 2000. And that's a racing broom, which meant that I could move around quickly as well, though its less comfortable for more then one person and, well..." Glancing at Tanith and a few others including Sunny, he coughed. "Its less comfortable for two people depending on their sizes..."

interested, Patty examined the broom in his hands as did Nuri, but it was the former Nu-Class who spoke up. "So then what is this one?"

Gently patting the broomstick, a smile was on the wizard's face. "This is an Oakshaft 2010, called that for the year it was made in. Not so good for sports like Quidditch, but Oakshafts are really good for comfort and control for more then one rider, and also for long distance travels. An much earlier model, the Oakshaft 79 was used in the first ever successful Transatlantic Broom Crossing in 1935. So they're really decent brooms."

Unable to help herself, Sunny shook her head and chuckled. "You seem to know a lot about broomsticks, Uncle Harry."

Just smiling, Harry gave a small shrug. "Well, I fly at Hogwarts all the time. And if there is one thing that Houshou-Oba, Akagi-Oba, Kaga-Oba, and Shinano-Chan have hammered into my head? Its knowing everything you can about what you are flying and your choices." That got him nods and then the thirteen year old got onto the broom and patted behind him. "Okay, Sunny, come on aboard."

Her nervousness returning some, the Abyssal looked over the broom before meeting his eyes. "Sure, just one thing? How am I supposed to sit on this as it looks uncomfortable."

Smiling, the wizard twisted around some. "Well, you can choose to either sit like I am, or to sit sideways, like this." Harry then turned until he had his legs over one side. "Some women like to sit that way, but I prefer the other way as it gives me more control. As for how comfortable? It has a cushion charm on it that makes it more comfortable then one might think."

For several moments, Sunny looked from him to the broom and back before taking a deep breath and getting on. Rather then go side saddle though, she placed one leg on either side of the broom and sat down with her arms around her uncle's middle. Looking at the broom, she swallowed a bit. "Well, its less uncomfortable then I would have thought."

With a smile as he looked over his shoulder, Harry held back a chuckle. "That's what most find out. Anyways, I'm going to slowly bring us up, okay? Just don't suddenly shift how much you weigh on me."

Quickly, the Abyssal Battleship Demon shook her head. "You don't need to worry about that, Uncle Harry." As Harry had promised, he slowly raised the broom upwards and Sunny could feel herself lifted with it until her feet left the ground. For several moments, her feet swung under the broom completely in the air and her jaw dropped. "Holy Snickles! We're actually flying!"

Unable to help himself, Harry gave a laugh. "To some extent, yeah. You just tell me if we go too high or fast and I'll lower us either height or speed wise, okay?" Getting a nod from the still awed Battleship Water Demon, he flew the broom higher. Eventually though, Harry felt her squeeze him from behind and he looked over his shoulder. "You okay, Sunny?"

Nodding, Sunny was looking around with some nervousness. "Y-yeah, Uncle Harry. Just... we're a bit too high."

Simply smiling, the thirteen year old Uncle lowered them down some. "Hey, Sunny?" When she turned to him, his smile became softer. "Don't worry too much, I won't let any of you fall."

The Abyssal looked him in the eyes through his goggles and then relaxed a bit. "Yeah, that's true." Shifting a bit, Sunny pressed up against him. Unknown to either of them, Harry was now in a position that many males would have killed to be in. Leaning down a bit, she smiled. "So... this is what flying is like?"

All Harry did was nod at that.

Several minutes later, Ritou was sighing as she could hear the cheers from Sunny as Harry blasted past a hundred feet up, rolling the broom as he did so and then going into a loop-de-loop with his niece holding him close as he did so. 'I knew that this was likely going to happen...' Despite the tone of her thoughts though, her lips curled upwards. '... Though that does look fun.'

Once they set down, Sunny hopped off and grinned widely as she hugged Harry. "That was so much fun! Thanks, Uncle Harry!"

With a grin about as wide, Harry patted her on the back. "You're welcome, Sunny. I had fun as well."

Turning, the Abyssal walked over to Tanith and grabbed her hand before dragging her towards Harry. "You have got to try it, Tanith! Trust me, you're going to love it!"

Slowly, Tanith blinked as she looked at the broom, and then herself. Then she looked back at the broom which seemed too small for her. '...'

It did turn out though that the Northern Water Princess did enjoy the broom ride as did various others who went up with Harry. Patty, especially, was screaming with joy and excitement while begging Harry to pull more and more stunts much to her sister's exasperation. When it came to Renita's turn though, once the broom was ten feet up, she shook her head. "U-uncle Harry? I think that this is high enough."

Rather then be annoyed though, Harry simply nodded. "Not a problem, Renita. Want me to go slow around the castle and village?" At her unsure nod, he smiled. "Okay, just hang on but not too tight..." However, when it came time to take up Regalia, the black haired wizard blinked. "Sorry, what was that, Regalia?"

Chewing her lip, the Re-Class glanced at her mother who was already small due to being on the ground. "I was wondering how high we could go so... so that I could see the island."

For several seconds, Harry looked at her and nodded as he increased the altitude. "Pretty high, just give me some time to get there." Beneath them, the ground receded away as they flew higher and higher. Finally, Harry let out a breath. "I think this is as high as we can go, Regalia. Too much higher and the oxygen will get too thin for us and its pretty freezing up here as well."

Just holding him close, Regalia shook her head. "No, this is fine, Uncle Harry." For the first time, she could see the island she was born on, and which had, until fairly recently, been her entire world spread out beneath her with her own two eyes instead of her aircraft's. The two of them were actually above the volcano that was the central peak of the mountain, lightly smoking as it always had. When she looked down, she could see the castle and village where she lived with her family, so very small below. Only speaking loud enough, she glanced at her uncle. "Can we do a flight around the island?"

With a small nod, Harry gave her a smile. "Sure thing, Regalia."

No further words were spoken between the two as they performed a circuit around the island. When they landed though, Regalia had a large smile on her face and hugged him. "Thank you, Uncle Harry. For everything..."

Harry simply hugged her back in return.

Shortly after, it was time for a final dinner with the Fleet of Laughter and then goodbyes before he left to return to Hogwarts. Goodbyes that took a while as all his nieces wanted to give him hugs and the like, or get headpats in return. It was a brightly smiling Harry who entered the room with the Vanishing Cabinet that would take him back to Kushiro. Turning, the wizard gave a bright smile to Tanith and the others. "Thanks for having me."

A smile of her own on her face, Tanith shook her head and gave him a hug. "No, thank you, Uncle Harry. We enjoyed having you here and you are welcome to come back whenever you want."

Once she pulled back, Ritou walked forward and gave him a hug of her own. "What Tanith said, Uncle Harry. You take care of yourself."

Just agreeing with that, Harry hugged her back. One by one, the others gave their own hugs and goodbyes to him, when DesDiv6 started their own with Inazuma glomping him. "Hwawawa! Have a good trip back, Harry-Chan! Nanodesu!"

Giving him a thumbs up after her own hug. Ikazuchi grinned. "You can rely on us to take care of things."

Tenryuu gave his hair a ruffle and told him to take care of himself with Tatsuta nodding in agreement. After which, Akatsuki gave him a hug and a promise to write once they get back to Yokosuka themselves. Verniy though stepped forward and tightly embraced him. "It was good to see you again, Harry-Chan."

Bringing his arms up, Harry gave her as tight of a hug. "And it was good to see you as well, Hibiki-Chan. And hopefully, I'll get to see you soon."

Simply nodding, Verniy smiled at him before gently kissing him on the lips. Pulling back with a blush, she bowed slightly. "See you then, Harry-Chan."

On Harry's face, there was also a blush, but he grinned back. Giving a final wave, he stepped into the cabinet and closed the door before being transported back to Kushiro and then to Yokosuka before going back to Britain...

 

[darthcourt10]

Maes Omake: Wanko's girls meet Hagrid

Barricade said:
(you have to wonder just how much Hagrid got 'aggressively screened' by her girls, during his time there...no matter what punishments were handed out for being 'rude', nor how embarrassed Wanko probably got over it).​

One Hagrid, suddenly standing on the shore after portkeying in, finds himself surrounded by a small horde of Abyssals glaring at him suspiciously. Wanko is further away, face in palm.

"Ah... ah brought rock cakes?" He lifts a a sizeable, heavily laden bag.

The glares evaporate into nods and cheers. One of the previously suspicious Abyssals turns to Wanko and gives a thumbs up.

"He's okay, boss-lady!"


A second hand joins the first as Wanko sighs.

~~

Because... humans, shipgirls, Abyssals, others and beasties furry, slimy or scaly? The quickest way to one's heart is through the stomach.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Curtains around his bed drawn shut, Harry smiled some as the clock continued to tick towards midnight. Gently though, he was stroking Shiromizu's head and along her back. Currently in her snake form, she just sighed as she enjoyed it. "{This is nice...}"

With a chuckle, the wizard nodded at that. "It is." Part of him was bemused though as he could feel small bumps above and behind her eyes. There was other bumps as well down the ridge of her back, making said ridge stand out a bit against the rest of her body. 'Huh... I wonder if this means that she is growing more into her power or something?'

His lips twitched a bit as she closed her eyes and gave a snort, wisps of steam coming from her nostrils as she did so. Opening them, her crimson orbs glowed softly in the darkness. "{Thanks for this."

Lightly laughing, he shook his head. "{You don't need to thank me for anything, Shiromizu. If anything, I should thank you.}" At her confusion, he gave a small shrug. "{You took time out of your day and preparations in order to come and see me before heading off.}"

Raising her head, Shiromizu stared into his eyes for several moments while searching for something before nodding.

And then bringing her tail down on his forehead with a snake version of a scowl. "{Baka.}" Ignoring how he blinked she transformed into her usual form and then poked him in the forehead. "I was always planning to take some time and visit you one last time. After all, neither of us are going to see the other until November."

Slowly nodding, Harry gave her a small smile. "I suppose so, Shiromizu." Then he spotted something in her expression that he had missed and frowned. "Are you nervous?"

Unable to help herself, the Mizuchi sighed. "That obvious?" When he nodded, Shiromizu grimaced a bit. "Can you really blame me, Otouto? Until this summer I thought that I was just a snake Yokai. Then I find out that I am a Mizuchi, a Kami of my very spring! And then, just three or so months after, I am heading to Kannazuki in Izumo Shrine! To meet the other Kami and... and..." Placing her hands over her face, she took a deep, shuddering breath. "To be presented before the Court of Ryuujin-Dono as the newest, and youngest, Mizuchi. Sure, Sempai says that everything will be okay, but-"

Harry grabbed her hands and before pulling them away from her face and holding them. "Shiromizu, look at me." When she didn't, he spoke again, and this time her eyes snapped to his. "Onee-Chan, look at me."

Mouth working, Shiromizu boggled a bit. "I... you just called me..."

Chuckling, Harry gave a small shrug at that. "Well, you keep calling me 'Otouto' after all. So might as well return the favor and call you Onee-Chan sometimes."

That brought a small blush to the snake's face and when she spoke, it was with a voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

All the wizard did though was shrug at that. "No need to thank me. But I do have something to say." Knowing that she was listening, he continued. "And that something is that I know that you'll do just fine there."

Looking down, she frowned some. "You can't be sure of that, Harry."

Softly scoffing, Harry shook his head. "Actually, I can be sure of that. We're talking you after all. And I know for a fact, from knowing you for so long that I can say with perfect certainty that you will be just fine at Kannazuki. Heck, you'll probably knock their socks off at that."

Cheeks pink, Shiromizu bit her lip. "Thanks, though..."

However, he just wagged a finger at her. "I know that for a fact. Though..." Cupping his chin in thought, he hummed for a moment before he moved to the side of the bed. "Give me just a moment."

Utterly confused, the Mizuchi nodded and waited. Her confusion only grew as she could hear him open his trunk and shift around some items in it quietly. 'Wonder what he's doing..'

Less then a minute later, Harry pushed aside the curtain and then slipped back in before holding out a box with a ribbon on it. "Here, I just finished these and thought that you would like them."

Tilting her head to the side, Shiromizu opened the box and stared at what inside in the form of light blue and green ribbons. Reaching down, she smiled some and was about to comment when she touched one. Freezing, the young Mizuchi sucked in a breath before looking up at Harry. "Is this...?"

Weakly chuckling, Harry nodded as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Colored ribbons made from unicorn hair? Yeah... I asked for my Alchemy teacher for any dyes that could work with unicorn hair and he gave me some. I mean, sure it is not exactly traditional, but..."

Rapidly blinking away some tears, the Mizuchi ran one finger along them. Yes, they were not perfect, but she could feel the love and care that was put into them. How the ribbons had Harry's magic infusing the hairs, all to make her look as good as possible. Looking up, Shiromizu enveloped him in a hug before wrapping her lower, snake like body around him. Sniffling, she smiled brightly. "Thank you, Otouto. Thank you..."

Patting her back as he hugged her back, Harry smiled some. "Not a problem, Onee-Chan." When he pulled back some, he gave her a nod. "Now you enjoy your time at Kami-Con, okay?"

Unable to help herself, sniggers escaped from Shiromizu at that. "Hai, I will." Looking down at the ribbons, her smile grew slightly. "Hai, I will..."
_______________________________________________________________________

Pulling up to the Zuchi house, Natsumi brought her bike to a stop and looked over her seat to the passenger seat. "You ready for this, Shiromizu?"

With a deep gulp, Shiromizu nodded as she played with her hair some, the length done up in light blue ribbon. "No, not really but... But I will do my best."

Once the bike was opened and her friend got out, the Mizuchi also did before looking around at the group who were all there. Jin was easy to pick out as she was in her normal clothes giving some final orders to the Adachi Neighbourhood Watch. As she made her way over, Shiromizu caught the last bits of it. "... And for fucks sake, Porkchop, do not let me come back to a shitshow like that time in '91."

The Pig Yokai just scowled at that. "And I keep telling you, Boss. That was nothing to do with me at all! None of us can even figure out how everything spiraled out of control like that shit!"

Just pinching her nose, Jin let out a suffering sigh. "Yeah, I come back to a near war, and what is not on fire is somehow frozen or covered in acid. God, that was something that I did not need."

One of the other Bikers gave a shrug. "Better then in '08 at least?" At that, he got a glare which made him back behind some of the others. "What? Its true!"

Already regretting going, the undead Mizuchi took a deep breath. "I still do not know how the hell you bunch caused a fucking maid to go Terminator on the Yakuza who were starting shit just outside our territory! And no, I do not want to know, I still had to clean that fucking crap up." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a befuddled looking Shiromizu and gave a small grin. "Hey, Shiro. Ready to head out?"

Shaking off her confusion, and also deciding not to ask, Shiromizu nodded before gesturing at her backpack. "Hai, Sempai. I've got everything that I need in my bags."

Just nodding, Jin gave her a once over before raising an eyebrow at the ribbons. Frowning, she leaned in to better examine them. "What the hell is that made from? Its not silk and feels too damn pure to be most types of fabric."

Brightly smiling, the younger of the two Mizuchi straightened her back with a proud look in her eyes. "They're hair ribbons made with unicorn hair and dyed. Harry made them for me just for this so that it would help me look presentable."

Unknown to her, several heads snapped around at that. Eyes widened a bit, Kogamaru also leaned in to better examine them. "Wait, you have hair ribbons made from unicorn hair?"

As she nodded now unsure, Natsumi pointed at her own, gold hair ribbon. "Harry-Chan made some for me as well and gave them to me for Christmas. I've worn them all the time."

Looking back and forth, Jin crossed her arms with a thoughtful look on her face. "Huh, yeah, that's going to get some reactions and positive attention, I guess."

Concerned at the reaction, Shiromizu coughed some. "Um, Sempai?" Getting a nod, she gave her an unsure look. "Is... is something wrong? I mean, this isn't going to cause any problems, is it?"

Suddenly realizing that the younger Mizuchi was now becoming nervous, the older one waved her off with a chuckle. "Nah, nothing wrong with it at all. In fact..." Expression brightening, Jin snapped her fingers. "Its a good thing as its going to give the other Kami positive first impressions of you. Something pure, exotic, and rare, but also not totally in your face like some have pulled over the centuries. Seriously, there's been some who have gone so far out as to be in your face in an attempt to dress to impress. Keeping it low, and toned down will go a lot further then what most think."

Her pupils shrinking, Shiromizu gave a small squeak. "Introductions... to the other Kami?"

Blinking, Jin gave her an odd look. "Yeeessss? You do need to be fully introduced and shit to the others. What with being one of the newest, I think. Or at least the most recently revealed anyways." With a frown, she scratched her chin. "So yeah, everyone is going to want to at least see you, I think and maybe talk to you."

Mouth moving, an odd keening noise came from the younger serpent. "Introductions..."

Now frowning, Jin furrowed her eyebrows. "Yeah?"

A slightly panicked look came over Shiromizu's face. "Introductions... to the over eight million Kami of Japan!?" For a few moments there was silence and then then Jin nearly fell over laughing with the other Mizuchi screeching at her. "SEMPAI! THIS IS SERIOUS!"

Waving her off, however, said undead being shook her head. "Not that serious, Shiro. They're going to want to meet you as you're basically the first new Mizuchi in some time. But they're not going to swarm you or anything like that. Hell, Ryuujin-Sama would kick all their asses if they pull that sort of shit since as a Mizuchi, you fall under him. Though, uh..." Looking around, she leaned in. "If his daughters try to pull you aside for 'Girl talk'? Try to make an excuse, trust me on that."

Slowly blinking, Shiromizu's confusion won out against her panic. "Er... girl talk?'

Lips pressed thinly, the older Kami nodded. "That's what they call it anyways, but being as you're so young and stuff? They might try to play dress up or something with you. Oh!" Snapping her fingers, Jin continued. "Also? If Genbu tries to tell you stories about the 'Good old days', make an excuse as soon as possible to escape, politely mind you. That old tortoise will talk your ear literally off if given half a chance. Trust me on that."

Off to the side, Kero blinked at that as he looked away from where Gyaru paused in her interrogation of Ai over unicorns existing. "Wat."

Just shrugging as she looked at him, Jin shook her head. "What do you expect of an old timer like him? Seriously, he's fucking ancient."

Under his breath, Kiba snorted. "Kettle, meet Pot."

With a quick glare at him, and getting a grin, Jin frowned some and turned to Shiromizu. "Speaking of... who's taking us there anyways?"

Gyaru blinked at that and gave her an odd look as the rest of the Abyss Divers looked on. "Wait, you don't know who is taking you there? Seriously?"

Frowning at her, the Biker shook her head. "Not a clue." She then jerked her thumb at Shiromizu. "Shiro here knows though."

Now with everyone looking at her, the Mizuchi nervously chuckled some. "Um, well... I was sort of given orders not to reveal who? Though I don't really know myself though, well... a crow delivered it?"

Even as everyone looked on, Kogamaru's eyebrows furrowed as he mouthed that word. Then his eyes widened, but before he could say anything, loud music could be heard from down the street and a convertible pulled up. The top then pulled back and everyone blinked at the sight of the large wolfdog at the steering wheel. Said dog had sunglasses on and was panting with a large grin as music blasted from the radio. "Who let the gods out! Who! Who, who who!" Said convertible began to bounce a bit on the wheels and the like.

Then their attention was grabbed by the beautiful woman who hopped out from the passenger seat and walked over to Jin with a grin. "Jin-Han! So good to see you!"

Wincing, Jin gave a weak chuckle and wave of her hand. "Uh, hey there Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto-Sama..."

All of them blinked as said goddess literally walked up and pinched the Mizuchi's cheeks. "Aw, it is almost like you don't want to see me, Jin-Han!" Looking down, she grinned at a stunned Shiromizu before glomping her, with said Kami becoming in threat of suffocation. "And here is the newest of our group!"

Shiromizu just replied best that she could and gasped as Uzume pulled away. 'Oh Kami... I thought that I was going to die...'

Just winking at the youngster, Uzume adjusted her own sunglasses with a grin before taking a slurp of her drink. Noticing it, Kudzu pointed at it. "Uh, Caf-Pow? Is that... from that NCIS show?"

Grinning, and showing off white teeth, the Kami nodded. "Well, technically, it does not exist. However, I found this one mortal who makes some! A little bit of that Black Blood of the Earth, some Kyo Kyo Daha..." Everyone paled at that second part. "And to finish it up some energy potions and whooo! Gets me going in the morning, especially after busy nights!" Uzume then grabbed Kudzu and pulled his face into her chest before spinning him around. Putting him down, she pulled back and let him gasp and then choke as she kissed his cheek. "You mortals are so wonderful to come up with something like this!"

Eye twitching, Natsumi had a Vietnam style flashback to the one time Akatsuki drank Black Blood of the Earth... and then thought of her drinking this concoction and paled. 'She must never, ever get a hold of it.'

Meanwhile, the Party Goddess hummed some at a bark from Sunny. "Right! We should get going if we're going to pick up Osamu-Han as well, Ammy-Han!"

Right as Jin was about to say something, Shiromizu spoke up. "Wait, Osamu-San? You mean the young guy working on the base in the Archives? Kurosawa-San's boyfriend?" Almost as if they had used radar, the other three Kami brought their full attention onto the youngest of their group, who backed up. "Um..."

Before her eyes, all three older Kami gained large, toothy grins. Jin in particular chuckled darkly. "You mean to tell me, that little Osamu has a girlfriend, Shiro?"

Hand against her cheek, Uzume giggled as her eyes lit up. "My, oh my~ Please, go on..."

Looking from one to the other, the young Mizuchi scratched her head. "What's to tell? He's dating the Head Archivist back on the base, Kurosawa-San. She sort of looks like that character from Read or Die, I think."

Then she backed away some as Jin rubbed her hands together. "Oh! This is too damn good! I remember when he hatched just two hundred years ago, and I know for a fact that little shit has not let anyone know he's dating. Especially not his sisters! And after that one stunt he pulled on me back in the 1970s..."

Cackles escaped her as, in Adachi, a Re-Class in a modified Miko outfit shouted out with glee that the Dark One, who's darkness was deeper then the very Abyss, was about to wreak unholy vengeance upon some poor soul!

Now looking between them, Shiromizu was utterly lost. "Sisters? Wait, who is Osamu-San?"

When she got the answer, she was not the only one who boggled as Sunny held up a sign. "{He's Ryuujin-Kun's youngest son.}"

Feeling faint, the youngest of the Kami there only blinked. "Oh."

Unknown to her, Osamu pulled away from giving his girlfriend a goodbye kiss as he was about to leave her apartment after spending the night. Mainly because of the shiver that just went down his spine. Uzume though, placed an arm around Shiromizu's shoulders and started to guide her to the convertible. "I think that this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship..."

The dog in the front seat just barked and grinned widely.

 

[darthcourt10]

Weaver

A/N: Time for a foray into epistolary fiction.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Hey Matt,

Thought I'd write to you since that owl of yours is currently perched in the living room giving everyone hackies. How's everything going at school? Turned anyone into a frog yet?

Everything is pretty much the same as usual here, well, apart from stuff to do with Dan. We knew when we summoned Awa Maru that we'd get mixed up in shipgirl stuff but I don't think anyone expected to get mixed up in it to the extent he has. Then again his mum turned out to be a cruiser so it was probably inevitable in his case.

Not that he seems to mind. He's been visiting Zetland a lot, he's gone over to Hartlepool a few times and seems to be getting pretty friendly with the shipgirls there. Plus I'm pretty sure that he's been emailing Awa Maru every day. Have to wonder what's going on there.

Speaking of which, the anniversary of Awa Maru's completion day is on the fourteenth of November and he's been complaining about how he can't get her anything for it because she's in Japan and sending packages by air costs a mint.

Not much happening with me. College and cadets are still going okay but nothing interesting has happened since my last letter. Pretty boring really.

Hope everything is okay on your end.

Later,

Adam
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hey Adam,

School's been fine. Still hate using quills though, writing essays with them has been a pain in the neck. No, I haven't turned anyone into a frog but we have been turning mice into water goblets.

I'm not all that surprised to hear about Dan and the shipgirls. There's a guy in the year above me whose mum's a shipgirl (pretty sure I've told you about him) and he's had loads of them visiting him. I think it comes with the territory. As far as I know they all live in Japan too but from what I hear he's got a magic box that connects with one in Japan so unlike Dan he doesn't have to pay for shipping if he wants to send them something. Perks of being a wizard.

Later,

Matt
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hey Matt,

You really need to teach your owl some manners, he tried to peck me when I went to get your letter.

I think I remember you telling me about that guy in the year above you. Harry, right? His mum's Nagato? I could say something about MILFs but I won't because I'm a gentleman.

That box of his sounds useful. I don't suppose he'd be willing to let someone else use it? I wouldn't even suggest it normally but the air freight issue has been bothering Dan more than it should. I think he's got it bad and hasn't realised yet.

Later,

Adam
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hey Adam,

There's nothing wrong with Sage's manners. If he tried to peck you he must've had a reason.

Yes, the guy I told you about is named Harry and yes, his mum's Nagato. I've seen her in person and everything.

I don't know if he'd let someone else use his box to Japan and I'm not going to ask. For one thing he's in another house and I've never even spoke to him so it'd be awkward and kind of rude. For another, what would you tell Dan? We're not supposed to tell muggle non-family members about magic remember.

Later,

Matt
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hey Matt,

Yes, I remember what we were told but Dan's mum's a cruiser and I'm pretty sure that disqualifies him from being a muggle. And, yes, I know it's awkward and probably kind of rude to ask someone you barely know for a favour but it's been almost a week and the present thing is still bothering him so if you do I'll give you a fiver.

Also, I don't care what you say, your owl has an attitude.

Later,

Adam
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hey Adam,

Stop dissing my owl.

As for Dan, I admit that you've got a point regarding his mum. Make it a tenner and I'll ask, but don't say anything to Dan until after I do. Harry might say no and there's no point in having a weird conversation if you don't have to.

Later,

Matt
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hey Matt,

You've got yourself a deal. And don't worry, I wasn't planning on saying anything to Dan until you got an answer anyway. As you said, no point in having an unnecessary weird conversation.

Also, your owl is a dick.

Later,

Adam

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"... So here we were, Tsukuyomi had just stepped out from his vacation palace on the Moon, or the spiritual equivalent anyways, when he spotted us. Both Ammy-Chan and I had eggs and toilet paper rolls in our hands. He just stared at us for several moments, and then at his home which we had already covered, and then back at us. Tsukuyomi began to get so red in his face before he let out a shout as we were already running for the car."

Facepalming, Jin let out groan as Shiromizu just stared silently. "You egged and TP'd Tsukuyomi's home... Are you fucking shitting me?"

A bright grin on her face, Uzume took a slurp of her drink. "Nope!"

Osamu blinked and gave her a look. "I remember hearing about it, especially after Chichi-ue heard." At their looks, his tone became dry. "Mainly because he would not stop laughing for weeks. Not helping was that Susanoo sent pictures to everyone and every time he saw them, Chichi-ue would collapse and start laughing again."

Placing a finger against her chin, Uzume hummed. "I never have figured out how he got those pictures. Though I believe that Ammy-Chan has at least one copy framed back home... Or at least one of when right before he blew up at us." Turning, she gave the large dog in the driver's seat a frown. "Did you ever figure out how he managed that?"

The being considered that for several moments before shrugging. "Wan."

With a shrug of her own, the Party Goddess gave a nod. "Yeah, not that important in the end."

Still facepalming, Jin began to massage the bridge of her nose. "What gave you even the slightest hints that was a good idea to do? Sure, Tsukuyomi is, well... something of a prick, no offense of course." Ammy let her tongue hang out and barked. " Right, but still."

Becoming thoughtful, Uzume went back over her memories and gave a hum. "Well, Jin-Han... We were drunk...." Then she nodded. "And maybe a little bit stoned, but we figured it was hilarious."

Utter silence met that for several moments. Finally, it was Osamu who spoke up with the question that was on all of their minds. "What."

Completely unrepentant, Uzume shot him a grin. "We were drunk and stoned at the time." At the looks, her grin widened some. "It was the 1980s after all."

Holding her face in her hands, Shiromizu just closed her eyes. '... And thus, all my images of the Kami are even more shattered.'

Not noticing, or pretending not to, the young Mizuchi's reaction, the Kami telling the story frowned. "Now where was I... Oh yeah! So here we were running for the car giggling the whole way. Behind us, Tsukuyomi was chasing us and shouting... things. Pretty sure that our bodies could not do what he was threatening us with, of course. But we jumped in our Corvette and drove it off his property and into outer space before re-entering the atmosphere. Now, Ammy-Chan is pretty good at the fire thing..."

Eyebrows furrowing, Shiromizu narrowed her eyes in thought before pulling her hands away from her face. Giving the goddess a look, she frowned. "Was it a... Soft landing?"

There was a gleam in the eyes of the two Kami in the front seats that told Shiromizu everything she needed. Just the same, Uzume nodded with a chuckle. "As a matter of fact, very soft, Shiromizu-Han. We did land right on top of Royomaru-Teme's ghost after it escaped from its rock for a short time. Ah... the looks on his sons' and grandsons' faces at seeing us before we drove off..."

Jin blinked for a moment as she somehow knew that she missed something in the first part of the conversation. Instead, she focused on the second. "Wait, I think that I remember seeing Tsumemaru, Jiroumaru, and Kogamaru at the Tanuki's Balls back in the early 80s. Never did find out what happened, just that the three of them got roaring drunk for some reason..." Bringing up her finger, she pointed at Uzume. "You mean to tell me, that you two falling out of the sky in a corvette and landing on the ghost of Royomaru was the reason."

Doggy smirk on her face, the driver nodded. "Wan."

With a grin of her own, Uzume jerked her thumb at her long time friend. "What she said. Also..." Reaching into her shirt, she snapped her hand out with several photos. "We got pictures~'

Taking one, the undead Mizuchi of the group looked down at the picture that showed Tsumemaru's expression as well as his brother's, son, and nephew's. In the background, there were several other members of the clan also with their own expressions. Slowly, she handed back the picture before collapsing in laughter.

Laughter that only increased as Uzume held out a picture showing the ghostly Royomaru's face moments from impact as he noticed what was about to hit him.

Once she was calm enough, Jin sat up. "How much do you want for copies of those pictures? Because I really want them."

Humming, Uzume had a thoughtful expression that turned predatory. "Take a picture of Ko-Chan's face as well as Ryou-Chan's face when you show them you have pictures. That will be enough."

All Jin did was grin at that while Shiromizu sunk more into her seat. "Sempai..."
_______________________________________________________

The car having slowed and pulled into the parking lot of a small burger place, Jin raised an eyebrow. "So... why are we here? We're only an hour or two from Izumo."

Glancing at her as Ammy pulled the car into a parking spot, Uzume gave a hum before getting out of the car. "We're here because the burgers here are great, Jin-Han." At the blink, she grinned. "This is our last chance to stuff ourselves with fast food before we go through the whole month at Kannazuki. You have no idea how hard it is to get delivery there."

Just about to leave the car, Shiromizu paused and then slowly turned towards Uzume. "... Delivery?"

Only nodding, the female Kami ignored Ammy performing a backflip over the backseat and out of the car. "Yeah, we tried to get KFC there one year. Didn't work well, sadly enough and Izanagi-Sama was not too happy for some odd reason. Guess he doesn't like KFC."

Jin paused for a moment and then facepalmed.

Hard.

Meanwhile, Osamu only shook his head well used to the antics of the two goddesses in front of him. Adjusting his glasses, he glanced at the befuddled Shiromizu and smirked. 'Well, I suppose that is the normal reaction to Amaterasu-Sama nowadays when she's going around. She's a lot more relaxed since the 60s at least.' Tilting his head, he then grimaced and shivered. 'Well, as long as no one pisses her off, at least. Then she shows why we all listen to her.'

Finally pulling her hand away from the lover's embrace it had with her face, Jin turned to first Amaterasu and then at Uzume. "So... why this spot?"

Grinning over her shoulder the party loving Kami giggled some before tilting her sunglasses down some. "They got some great Sasebo style burgers here, some of the best that you have ever had. There's a male Kawa Tengu who married a Japanese-American who immigrated back from the states in the Nineties, Ammy-Chan and I came across them a couple years back and they have two areas to their little stop. Part of it is charmed for those of... less then human extent. But her husband and son, also a Tengu, use their tengu-bi to cook their burgers and it is something to taste."

Already drooling a bit, the older of the two female Mizuchi grinned. "Sounds great, and I can't wait." Several minutes later found them all sitting at tables with Jin rubbing her hands as she looked at the burger. "Hah, this looks great!"

Within moments, Shiromizu looked away from her Sempai and attempted to ignore the sight of a wolf attempting to eat a burger bigger then her head. Trying to ignore her own Sempai gorging herself on the food, Shiromizu turned to the fourth member of their group and shrunk a bit. "Um, Osamu-San... Sama?"

Glancing at her, the Mizuchi grimaced and waved a hand. "Please, just San. I sort of wanted to get away from all that after all."

Just looking down, Shiromizu shuffled a bit. "Right, um... I'm sorry." Feeling the unasked question, she flinched. "About letting out your secret with Kurosawa-San... I didn't realize at the time-"

Osamu though raised his hand before bringing it down and ruffling her hair some. "Don't worry about it, I am not mad at all. Maybe annoyed, but that is directed at those two over there." When he jerked his thumb at Uzume and Ammy, Shiromizu did a double take as most of said Kami's food were gone with the wolf patting its lip with a napkin. "They're not going to let up on the teasing over it. Besides... I'm surprised that it lasted this long as a secret to be honest."

That made the smaller Mizuchi blink. "You are?"

Sighing, Osamu nodded before shaking his head. "You... have not met my Onee-Sans. To put it into words, I am the youngest of all Chichi-ue's children. So I have a bunch of, well, 'Onee-Samas' to put it. To say that they can be a bit suffocating is being mild."

Uzume giggled at that and gestured with a fry. "Yes, mild." Gesturing for another burger to be brought for the wolf beside her, she continued to giggle. "That is one way of putting it."

A grimace on his face, Osamu groaned and put his head down on the table. "I am not looking forward to matters. Chichi-ue knows that I was interested in Kuro-Chan, but not more then that. And now I am going to deal with my Onee-Samas wanting to know more about her or even dropping in."

Not seen by him, were knowing smirks on Uzume's and Ammy's faces before the wolf turned to the burger that was delivered.

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

jmcdavid said:
Hmm. I wonder what sorts of crazy antics Ammy and Uzume will get up to during this month?

No matter what happens, Shiromizu is probably gonna need some intense therapy after she gets home.​

*-*-*-*
Shiromizu shakes herself awake, barely stopping herself from tuning out the discussion again. That is the last thing that she can do, that she can afford to happen. There is no. Possible. Way. that--

Sound. A distant roaring noise that increases in pitch and volume as the seconds tick by. Looking around and seeing that nobody has responded yet, Shiromizu nearly is able to return her attention to the discussion.

Then the noise gets closer.

Shiromizu stands, walking over to a window. Looking out, for a moment there is nothing.

Then, rising majestically like the sun, a whale shark ascends from whatever depths Amaterasu and Ame-no-Uzume had kept it in. For it is indeed Amaterasu and Ame-no-Uzume, standing on the shark's back, one with her arms crossed lazily, one rigid at attention, both wearing sunglasses that the sun hits at just the right angle to momentarily blind Shiromizu. The shark begins to rumble and suddenly the rockets strapped to its sides go off, propelling it forward so quickly that Shiromizu is left blinking at after-images.

Trembling, Shiromizu turns back to the other kami who have paused in their discussion, turning to look back at her instead.

Susano'o clears his throat. "Yes, they do that," he says, picking up a briefing packet. "Now returning to the subject of the Statute of Secrecy..."

Some minor kami who's name Shiromizu hasn't caught yet elbows her in the shoulder. "Remind me to tell you about the time they brought Old Man Henderson here for drinks," he whispers.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Head tilted to the side, Shiromizu frowned and furrowed her eyebrows. "Wait, hold up... You actually own a karaoke parlour? Really?"

Laughing as she took a drink, Uzume raised an eyebrow as they continued on their journey, the Japanese countryside passing them by. "Yes, I do-Hold that thought." Suddenly standing, she flipped her shirt up for a moment and watched as something invisible slammed into a tree. Sitting back down, she smiled back as Jin craned her neck. "One of the Tokyo Aurors on patrol. That one is a real asshole who has caused problems and would have stopped a Nekomata family in about three miles, possibly killing the father due to 'Aggression'. Got an issue with using lethal force and has done it before. Now he won't, will get found, reamed due to breaking the Statute, and kicked out."

With a glance back, Osamu gave her a look as something dropped out of the tree. Even from where he was though, he could tell that said Auror was still alive and not in any danger of dying even if unconscious. "And you rewarded him by showing him your... heavenly orbs?"

Uzume shrugged and smirked. "Nope! After that hit he's not going to remember why." Humming, and dismissing what just happened, she tapped her chin. "What were we talking about?"

Coughing, Shiromizu raised an hand. "Um... about Karaoke?"

Fingers snapping, the goddess nodded. "Right! So I own a string of karaoke parlours around the place and stay at them for a couple of years. Also some night clubs, including ones of... more adult natures." Shooting a smile at the blushing Mizuchi, she giggled some before reaching back and patting her head. "So adorable!"

Still blushing, Shiromizu decided to continue nonetheless. "Um, right... why though?"

Her lips curled up into a smile, Uzume threw her hands into the air tossing something that Shiromizu's eyes followed before it disappeared and bounced down the hill. Unknown to her, it was a roll of yen that would be found by a man down on his luck after being fired unfairly wondering how he would care for his family with no money. Using just a small portion, he would by a lottery ticket and win big, saving the family home and giving enough money for his daughter to go to University, eventually to become a Prime Minister of Japan and cause much positive change. "Because its fun, of course! And a lot better then Konohanasakuya-Hime with those gift shops of hers all around Fujiyama. Granted, she makes some serious dough, but still."

Facepalming, Jin groaned some. "Don't remind me of that... I really wonder about her sometimes..."

All Ammy did was shrug her shoulders somehow. "Bork."

Serious expression on her face, Uzume pointed at her long time friend. "What she said."

Briefly crossing her arms, the youngest of them all there furrowed her eyebrows. "I remember Harry telling me about meeting her. Even Natsumi-Chan gave him an odd look at that to be honest. Though I guess that Kami are people too..."

Winking, Uzume nodded some. "Exactly, and those of us spending time in the mortal world pay rent... Well, most of us." She then jerked her thumb at the wolf next to her. "Ammy-Chan here often mooches off people like that USS Taylor." That made Amaterasu turn and give the other Kami a look and a soft growl. Something that made Uzume raise her hands. "Whoa there! I know that you like the girl and I do as well, pretty damn nice. Got a nice singing voice on her-"

Eyes widening, Shiromizu screeched and pointed ahead. "TRUCK!"

Not even looking, the wolf jerked the wheel and the car just missed the oncoming truck, scaring the shit out of the nearly falling asleep driver.

Still giving her friend a look, the wolf chuffed a bit, which made Osamu frown. "Wait a second... Taylor's a shipgirl, right?" At the their nods, his frown deepened before he slapped his forehead. "You own that new karaoke place outside of the base, don't you? Piece of Heaven?"

Lightly laughing, Uzume grinned with sparkles in her eyes. "Got it in one, Osamu-Han! And those adorable members of DesDiv6 are among some of my best customers! And their Kaa-San is pretty good at singing once she gets some alcohol into her... though I never expected Tatsuta to love the cute songs though, completely at odds with her."

For a moment, the wolf considered that and nodded. "Bork."

Turning her head, Uzume then pointed at Amaterasu. "Anyways, she's been pretty insufferable since that video game came out. Though she also has a job at same place now as those guys who created the game..." Now thoughtful, she gave her friend a look. "Still not sure how you managed to convince Capcom to let them produce sequels to Okami though..."

Only smugness came from the other goddess.

Narrowing her eyes, Shiromizu gave her a look. "Wait a moment... are you involved with the Okami movie coming out?"

It was then that the Mizuchi was greeted by the odd sight of a wolf whistling innocently. Jin, meanwhile, just facepalmed. "Why am I not surprised in the slightest."

Bright grin on her face, Uzume shrugged and held her hands up. "What can you do? Insufferable." It was then that she spotted the grin on Amaterasu's wolfish face and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Moments later, the roar of motorcycles could be heard and the others blinked as one of the motorcycles, which had a sidecar pulled up alongside. Part of Jin was impressed with the paintjob as it was made to look like a storm-tossed sea. Then she noticed the young woman in the sidecar waving at them and her eyes widened. "Ammy-Chan!"

As the wolf barked in greeting, getting a laugh, Uzume stood a bit in her seat. "Hey! Kushinadahime-Chan! How are things going?"

Shaking her head, the goddess just shrugged some. "Same old, same old." She then reached over and smacked the driver of the motorcycle in the arm. "Hey! Say hello to your Nee-San!"

With a suffering sigh, the young man grinned. "Yo! Good to see you, Ames! OW!"

Just sighing, Amaterasu ignored Kushinada smacking her husband again for calling her that nickname. Shiromizu was just staring until she heard a bike roll up beside them and turned to find someone there with a Oni horns on their helmet and a oni facemask covering their lower face. "So, you're the new Mizuchi that I've been hearing about, huh?"

Before Shiromizu could say anything, Jin gave a nod. "Got it in one, Fujin-Sama. This here is Shiromizu."

Humming, the other Kami looked her over before reaching over with a hand, which Shiromizu took with a small bow. "Nice to meet you, Shiromizu-San. Been a while since we had someone new to be honest." Twisting in his seat, he pointed back at another Biker with a similar outfit, with said motorcyclist popping a wheelie. "Over there is Raijin, you bunch heading the same way?"

A smirk on her face, Jin chuckled some. "Got it in one."

With a nod, Fujin grinned behind his face mask. "Great to hear! I got some stuff that I want to talk to you about anyways, since you're one of the ones who know the most about motorcycles."

Once more twisting back, he made several signals with his hand to Raijin. Said Kami nodded and put on the speed before suddenly there was a flash and boom as he turned into lightning that leapt over the car and came down in front of it. After hitting the road, the lightning turned back into the Kami which got a snort from Jin. "Show off."

Chuckling, Fujin turned to Uzume who was grinning. "Right, so you hear what's going on with Benzaiten? I heard something about her being possibly late?"

Uzume shook her head and sighed. "She had a show that got rescheduled. One of those raising money for orphans, you know?"

Rapidly blinking, Shiromizu raised her hand. "Wait, show? She's not an idol, is she?"

There was a grin on Uzume's face as she nodded. "Got it in one, Shiromizu-Han. Benzaiten-Chan has a rock band she travels around with made up of the other Seven Lucky Gods. They've been working since Blood Week to raise money for charities that goes to those that need it. And trust me, that money gets exactly to where it is supposed to." Seeing the question in the young Mizuchi's eyes, he leaned over some. "Us higher Kami may be forbidden from directly interfering with stuff, for the most part. But that does not mean there are not loopholes through which we can help out."

Kushinadahime then called out some. "HEY! TURN UP THE VOLUME A BIT!"

Giving a barking laugh, Amaterasu did exactly that.
_______________________________________________________________

Everywhere one looked, there were Kami milling around outside of the Izumo Shrine as the Sun began to set towards the horizon. Glancing around, one of the Kami narrowed his eyes for a few moments before turning in one direction and sighing. Soon after, everyone could hear the sound of music as well as engines. Within less then a minute, a convertible with three motorcycles came into view with the driver shifting from a wolf to a rather stunning woman in a junihitoe. In the backseat, Shiromizu, after long experience with shipgirls, had decided to give in briefly to the insanity.

"Like a true nature's child,
We were born, born to be wild!
We can climb so high,
I never wanna die!"

Uzume, Amaterasu, Kushinadahime, as well as Fujin and Raijin joined in with the next bit as they slowed to a stop.

"BORN TO BE WILD!
BORN TO BE WILD!"

For several moments, Izanagi-no-Mikoto watched before he sighed and shook his head. "She used to be so very proper all the time. Though I suppose that she was under a lot of stress, and so it is best that she lets out her wildness. And she does do it at the appropriate times... But still..."

Meanwhile, Tsukuyomi walked up to Susanoo and growled at his brother who was getting off his bike. "This is all your fault that she is like this."

Susanoo just grimaced at that and gave his sibling a look. "Yes, yes I know as my lovely wife reminds me about every five years or so. As does Onee-Sama, who also reminds me that I told her to, ah, 'Get that giant stick out of her ass', about five hundred years ago."

On the Kami of the Moon, there was a smug smile. "Ah, excellent then, that is good to know."

At the same time, Shiromizu realized exactly how they had arrived and sunk down in her seat with a whimper. 'Oh... oh bloody hell...' Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she snapped out of her depression and looked up to find Amaterasu smiling down at her. "A-Amaterasu-Sama..."

Gently, the older Kami stroked her hair and then chuckled. "Do not ever be afraid to have a little bit of fun, that is something that I have learned. As well... welcome, Little One and-" She turned to Jin with a slight smirk. "Not-So-Little One, to the Gathering of the Kami. Now, come outside to let everyone see you properly."

The door was then opened and Shiromizu slithered out only for her eyes to widen a bit at the sight of all the Kami watching in interest. Wanting to not break down in pure nerves, she focused on something else which made her blink. "Um, there's humans and how is it that they don't notice us here?"

Lightly chuckling, and leaving the young Mizuchi feel like the sun was beaming down on her, Amaterasu shook her head. "Ah! That is quite easily answered, Little One. And the reason being that we do not want to be seen as Chichi-ue makes it so. Mortals do not always see what they do not want to see as well, and few wish to actually see us though..." Pausing, she gave a wave to an awestruck child who waved back. "The Little Ones often do see past the Veil."

Just as she was about to ask, Shiromizu realized that Amaterasu was watching Osamu standing like a deer in some headlights. Before anything could be said though, a shout made the young Mizuchi jerk back some as a group of flying, and very feminine, bodies hit. Glasses askew, Osamu attempted to breath as he was suffocated by their collective assets. As the group of girls sobbed and clung to him even as the older dragon attempted to get free, Shiromizu realized that these must be Ryuujin's daughters and felt another image in her head shatter. Ignoring their audience and snickers, the group of female Mizuchi continued. "Oh! Otouto! Where have you been!?"

Another one of the female dragons nodded with tears in her eyes as she smothered her little brother. "Hai! You had all of us, your beloved and caring Onee-Samas so worried when you went off! And Chichi-ue would not tell any of us where you went to, the awful parent that he is!"

Seeing his son glance at him, Ryuujin just shrugged and gave him a thumbs up before mouthing some words at him. 'You're on your own, I dealt with them this far.'

Yet another of his older sisters jumped over the others and was laying on top of his head. "You big Meanie, Osa-Chan! Worrying us so much! You could have been dead, or something! Or maybe some strange woman had grabbed you and taken you to her dungeon under her house without your Onee-Samas there to protect you!"

With a hum, Hachiman walked up beside Ryuujin with a thoughtful look as he looked at the increasingly frazzled Shiromizu. "Hmm, so want to take bets on how long before she is completely scandalized by us?"

Head tilted to the side, the King of the Dragons hummed. "That actually depends." At the look he got from the other Kami, Ryuujin held out a dish that was filled with sake. Taking a drink, he continued. "She has been living among shipgirls."

Laughing, Hachiman shook his head. "I suppose so, my friend! That bunch is always a treat to watch as well!" Then pouring them both another measure, he grinned. "In any case, it is going to be a real kick to watch her reactions." With a glance as Ryuujin nodded, Hachiman raised an eyebrow. "You have realized what Amaterasu-Sama is playing at, right?"

Another voice interrupted them and they turned as Inari in female form walked up playing a handheld. "You mean the fact that she's stating that if Ryuujin-Kun does not accept her into his Court, she will accept Shiromizu-Chan into hers? Granted, I got seconds before her as Shiromizu-Chan does take the current form of a snake, and snakes are one of my animals. Dammit!" Pouting, the Kami of Kitsune huffed a bit. "Rate up is a damn lie."

That only got them chuckles as both Ryuujin and Hachiman shook their heads.

Putting away their handheld, Inari began to bounce over to Shiromizu before glomping her. "Eee! Such a little cutie! Hey, hey!" Looking over at an amused Amaterasu, she grinned with the Mizuchi's head smooshed into her assets. "Can I keep her?"

Lips twitching, the Sun Goddess gave her one raised eyebrow. "Unfortunately not, Inari-Chan." Then, pulling a stunned Shiromizu from the other Kami's cleavage, she gently guided her along. "Now, we should be getting ready to enter the shrine..."

Still somewhat stunned by what just happened, Shiromizu blinked rapidly. "Uh... yeah, sure..." Looking around, she could see various Kami, as well as Buddhist gods and goddesses, Kamuy, and even Kōshin Divinities. Not thinking, she shook her head in shock. "It really is Kami-Con..."

Head whipping around, Inari had an amused twinkle in their eye. "Kami-Con, you say? Hmm... now that is interesting. And so true, right, Ammy-Chan!"

One sleeve held up over her mouth, the other Kami snickered while Uzume grinned. "Yes, yes it is." Turning, she gave the mortified Shiromizu a smile. "Where did you come up with that?"

Moments later though, Amaterasu placed a hand on her shoulder before turning to the Mizuchi. "We're not angry, Little One. In fact, that is an amusing little quip to be quite honest. You will find that we do not mind humour of that sort too much, we're much more relaxed now. But I wonder... did you come up with that yourself?"

Blushing, the young Kami shook her head. "Um, well... it was my Otouto. He saw that I was nervous and called this that to make me less so...?"

She then jumped as where one of Osamu's sisters spoke up. "Oh? You have an Otouto as well?" Giving her brother a noogie as she dragged him along with her sisters, said dragon tied up, she tilted her head. "Is he here?"

Unsurely smiling, Shiromizu cleared her throat. "N-no? I mean, Harry is a human so..."

Inari brightened at that. "Harry? Do you mean Harry-San of the Potter Clan?" At the nod, the Kitsune Kami looked around and then leaned in. "You wouldn't happen to have more of those peanut butter treats, would you? It was a different offering and I would not mind more."

Just blinking, Shiromizu nodded. "Hai?"

Clapping their hands, Inari turned to Amaterasu. "Excellent then! I'll share some with you as well, of course."

That only made said Sun Goddess laugh before they reached an entrance to the shrine as the Sun sank below the horizon. As if a switch had been flicked, Amaterasu became serious and all the gathered Kami stilled as she brought out a fan that she opened. Lost, Shiromizu was about to ask when Jin leaned down and whispered into her ear. "Don't talk loud, just watch. This is always impressive."

On either side, her two brothers stood and drew their swords that they touched to the fan. All three items were then jabbed through the Gate under the Torii with the result of a glowing flame of energy at the end. Ghostly flames seen flaring upwards and a crackle of electricity could be heard as the three Kami pushed their items forward. Slowly, a thin beam of energy formed that stretched from the ground to the top of the entrance before widening into a gateway. Turning, Amaterasu and her brothers bowed as they spoke as one. "With Our Power, we hereby declare Kannazuki for Japan, and Kaminazuki for Izumo begun!"

With a bow to the gathered Kami, who all returned it, the three Kami walked through the gateway followed by the others. Looking around, Shiromizu's jaw dropped at the sight of the absolutely massive complex before her. One that looked like a much more fanciful version of the real life shrine, but stretched into something the size of a town. High above, stars twinkled as the walkways were lined with various spirits. Not far off, she could even see a public bath that reminded her of the one from Spirited Away.

All in all, it was a sight that she wished her friends as well as Harry could see as it was right out of a Miyazaki film...

 

[darthcourt10]

Barricade

Harry Leferts said:
Pouting, the Kami of Kitsune huffed a bit. "Rate up is a damn lie."​

Someone's spotted my tagline message I use in FGO...

-=-

Another idea that just came to me....

At the foot of the Izumo Shrine, off to one side and respectfully out of the way, stood a middle-aged Japanese man. While he was enjoying the atmosphere of the crowd at the shrine, both eyes were locked onto sights perhaps one in a million, or perhaps if he was to be poetic, one in eight million, could see who was over the age of five.

That being, the gathering of the kami as Kannazuchi truly begun, hidden in plain sight. And this year, right up front was someone new that he'd never seen before. What appeared to be a quite young kami - and upon squinting a bit harder, spotting telltale scales and tail ridges, a Mizuchi at that - very obviously and completely out of her depth. Yet pleasantly surrounded by virtually all of the most powerful and senior kami who seemed to be gently easing her into things to a degree he'd never seen before. It wasn't quite paternal, but felt more like several proud mentors showing off their prized student to the faculty for the first time.

Which gave him some ideas...

A few hours later, long after the hidden gate at the tori had closed and the public, human, ceremonies of the day had ended, the man made his way back down to his car, adjusting his flatcap and glasses along the way after a stray gust of wind bumped them slightly. Smiling at the polite hint from his wife who had gone ahead, to hurry up, he increased his stride just a tad. Perhaps they might stop at the Rise-In bar on the way out, as he heard they were the first to carry a new local brew that was being raved about.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Waking to a morning chorus and the distant sound of music, Shiromizu rose from her futon and stretched. After rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she slithered over to the doors leading outside and opened them to reveal the vista before her. The modern day version of Izumo was gone, replaced by something that looked right out from one of the eras before Edo. Though the Mizuchi could see bits and pieces here from more modern times as well.

Meanwhile, the Sun continued to rise in the spiritual realm that they were all in.

A slight smile came over Shiromizu's face as she looked down from the castle-like structure that sat on one of the mountains overlooking the Izumo Shrine. Said place operated much like a hotel for the various Kami and spirits that stayed in Izumo all year, though it was busiest for Kannazuki, or Kaminazuki as it was known in Izumo. Looking down at the streets, Shiromizu could see Kami and spirits of all sorts walking around.

Briefly, a shadow fell over the hotel and the young Kami turned, only to jerk back at the sight of a giant the size of a mountain appearing. Said giant had skin of volcanic stone and hair that resembled icicles... Right before he shrunk into a more human-like form and then disappeared among the crowds. 'That was...'

Soft giggles though made her twist to look at the door to her room where a beautiful young woman clothed in the finest silks kneeled before the open entrance. Bowing, the spirit smiled some. "Lady Shiromizu, This One has been tasked with taking care of any need that you may have for your room. And also, This One has come to you this morning to guide you to where the Kami shall be having breakfast in three hours."

Realizing that she was still clothed in her sleeping Yukata, Shiromizu bowed back which caused an odd expression to cross the other woman's face. "Thank you. I really appreciate this and all you as well as the others do. This place really is wonderful."

It seemed to be the correct thing to say as the young woman brightly smiled. "No, thank you, Lady Shiromizu."

Lips twitching, Shiromizu paused for a moment before tilting her head as she realized something. "You haven't seen my Sempai, have you? Jin no Hisakawa?"

With a blink, the attendant considered that and then frowned. "I believe that Lady Jin is somewhere within a few meetings at the moment."

Eyebrows furrowing in confusion, Shiromizu gave a nod to that. "I... see?" Shaking it off, she headed to where her clothes were only to pause and look over her shoulder. "You would not know of anywhere to perform some exercises, would you?"

That got her a small smile from the other Spirit. "Of course."

And that was how Shiromizu found herself entering a courtyard with various Kami in it. Some were wrestling with each other, some fighting. More then a few were also hanging around and watching the ones there. Shaking off some stares, Shiromizu made her way to an empty area and closed her eyes as she breathed in and out while performing some minor stretches. Then, opening her eyes, she began to go through various poses as she had been taught by Haru. Unknown to the fox, more recently Shiromizu had also joined various JMSDF personnel when performing Tai Chi in the mornings as well as it relaxed her.

Flowing from one pose to the other, the young Mizuchi felt more of the nervous energy she had built up burn off. Almost in a meditative state, she used one of the tricks that Jin had taught her and pulled moisture from the air to form a ball of water. One that she manipulated much in the same manner as Haru had taught Natsumi to use her own foxfire when going through exercises.

Needless to say, it was relaxing for the teenaged Mizuchi.

Shiromizu moved from one stance to another, the orb of water following along with her exercise, stretching out into ribbons that flowed along her limbs as she did so. The light from the rising Sun sparkled along it as she did so. In a way, it was pure magic of a sort few could manage.

Granted, the young Mizuchi used her meditative state to ignore a few comments from other Kami that were not... complimentary to her. Two of the commentators beginning to walk over when suddenly they froze. A rough voice made Shiromizu turn and her eyes widened at the sight of Hachiman there with a thin smile. "Now, now, you have your own space in the courtyard, do you not?"

When they nodded and rapidly went back to where they had been, the higher ranked Kami turned to Shiromizu who gulped a bit and his smile became warmer. Much to her surprise though, he went into the same stance as her and made a motion for her to continue, with him following. Doing so, the Mizuchi blushed a bit and gave a slight nod. "Thank you, Hachiman-Sama."

Just snorting, the Kami of War gave a look at the two spirits who were leaving fairly quickly. "Don't worry about it, Shiromizu-San. This courtyard is for everyone to practice martial arts and the like in. And so, it is my territory and I will not tolerate people causing problems for others using it for the reason it is here for." Shifting to a new stance, he gave a small nod. "But moving away from such matters, I must admit that I am intrigued by you using a Kitsune variant."

Slightly nervous, Shiromizu gave him an unsure smile. "Is... that a bad thing?"

However, to her relief, that got a laugh from Hachiman. "Bad thing? Not at all, just unusual as most Mizuchi do not bother to learn the finer methods of combat. Most just rely on their strength, power, and durability rather then anything else."

Letting out a breath of relief, the Mizuchi continued her exercises. "Oh... um, as to how I learned it..." And as she drifted along, Shiromizu gave a hum as the water on her arm shifted into a snake that coiled along it, over her shoulders, and then down the other arm to once more form an orb. Not noticing that the higher Kami in the area were watching. "Well, my Sensei for martial arts and the like is a Five Tailed Kitsune and I am learning alongside my friend, Ono Natsumi-Chan. I... just put my own spin on it."

That got her a laugh from Hachiman and he shook his head. "Spin, I like that!" Then his expression turned thoughtful. "If I may ask, what has driven you to learn such? Is it that you needed to defend yourself from that spider? And why continue now that she is dead?"

A frown on her face, Shiromizu considered the question as she continued her exercises. "I... won't deny that was some of it, no. But there is more to it then that." Letting out a deep breath, she tilted her head some. "I've kept it up because I enjoy it, and also because I wish to help my Otouto when the time comes for him to face his destiny. When that day comes, I am going to be right there at his side."

Unnoticed by her, the higher ranked Kami narrowed his eyes some. "You wish to fight then along side a mortal that you deemed family?" At her nod, he smiled. "That is something that I can get behind." Once the Mizuchi was done and performed a cool down, which also involved the water she gathered dissipating into the air, Hachiman gave her a small nod. "As an aside, do not worry too much about coming here for practice. In fact, there are a few here who could help you with your goal if you ask of them."

Bowing, Shiromizu smiled at him. "Thank you, Hachiman-Sama. I think that I might indeed."

Once she was slithering off, Hachiman made a gesture and one of his followers arrived. Voice soft, though stern, he frowned. "Make sure that no incidents such as the one that nearly happened do. And if any make a fuss, send them to me and I shall deal with it. That young one is one of interest to me, as is her family... and that is something that is allowed to be spread around. As well, I will not have incidents where those who wish to use this space find themselves feeling... like they should go elsewhere. Especially the young ones."

That got him a bow from said follower who then wandered off to inform the others of Hachiman's retinue about their orders as the War Kami kept gazed over the courtyard.

Reaching the Dining Hall, Shiromizu was amazed at the sight that met her. It was of several levels, the lowest ranked Kami at the bottom level and the highest ranked at the top. From where she was, the serpent could see Amaterasu laughing at something that Uzume had just said when the Sun Goddess turned in her direction and nodded with a wink. Then Amaterasu turned back to her conversations. Looking around, Shiromizu bit her lip as she tried to figure out where she was supposed to go when movement out of the corner of her eye made her turn. There was the attendant assigned to her smiling as she made a motion with one hand. "Please, Lady Shiromizu, follow me if you would."

Just nodding in relief, Shiromizu did so and followed the attendant to, much to her surprise, the middle level. Not long after, the attendant bowed and gestured at one of the tables close to the banister where Jin was seated with a large breakfast before her. Grinning, the older Mizuchi was dressed in her regular clothes and gave a nod. "Shiro! Come over here!"

Cheeks feeling like they were on fire, Shiromizu slithered over after thanking the attendant who promised to bring her breakfast. Internally though, she was embarrassed to no end. 'Why, Sempai? Why?'

Granted, from the knowing grin on Jin's face, she knew exactly why.

Feeling the stares on her, Shiromizu internally sighed even though she tried not to let it show. Once she sat down, she gave Jin a look with said undead Kami winking at her. "Relax, Shiro. You need to get used to things."

A frown on her face, the younger Kami nodded as she watched her Sempai drink some tea. It was then that she noticed that they were mostly alone at their table for some odd reason, which made her frown. "Sempai? Why...?"

With a glance at her, Jin hummed. "You're wondering why not many are at this table?" At the nod, she tapped her chest. "Technically being an Onryo, there is a small bit of stigma due to that. The dead are unclean after all, but there's not much of that to be honest and a lot of Kami are beings who died. Its more for what I pulled during Blood Week and stuff as a lot of Kami were... disturbed by what I did. Granted, Ryuujin-Sama and the others weren't." Shovelling some rice into her mouth, Jin swallowed it. "Anyways, that's why you don't see a lot of people here. You're not bothered by it, are you?"

Quickly shaking her head, Shiromizu frowned. "Not at all, though I am still confused by it." At the shrug from the older Mizuchi, she changed the subject. "Um, where were you this morning, Sempai? I was told you were in meetings but..."

About to say something, Jin paused as the attendant brought Shiromizu her breakfast and waited as the younger Kami bowed to the attendant and thanked her. Out of the corner of her eye, the undead Mizuchi could see a number of higher ranked Kami watching and giving small looks of approval. 'Not often that a Mizuchi is respectful of those below them... Good on you, Shiro.' When said water spirit turned to her, Jin hummed. "It wasn't actual meetings and stuff really. Just some general catching up with others and schmoozing and shit. Something that you're going to need to learn yourself, though there's a few that you can talk to."

Furrowing her eyebrows as she ate, Shiromizu frowned. "What do you mean?"

Not answering right away, the older of the two took a sip of tea and set it down. "Well, there are a number of younger Kami wandering around. A few of whom that I think that you might know." At the confusion, Jin gestured towards one of the areas off to one side and the young Kami's eyes widened at seeing Tōgō Heihachirō at a table. "And before you ask, the dude has an actual shrine dedicated to him. Therefore, he's a Kami and from what you told me you know the guy."

Rapidly blinking, Shiromizu gave a small nod. "Um, hai? Or at least his fairy anyways..."

Simply shrugging, Jin continued to point out Kami who, in her words, were "Easy for newbies to talk to and connect with" that Shiromizu could talk with easily enough. Eventually, the conversation turned to various Mizuchi that she pointed out. "And right over there is Yodogawa." Looking at the dragon in question, the younger of the two blinked. "She's... thick, to say the least and not just in looks. I mean, she still doesn't understand the whole three calabashes thing."

For several moments, Shiromizu stared at Jin and then blinked. "Wait, isn't that the oldest trick in the book regarding Mizuchi? And she doesn't get that?"

Polishing off the last of her meal. Jin gave a snort. "Nope! Smart, she is not." With a frown, she checked the time and nodded. "Anyways, it is still early enough in the day that you should start to get ready for being presented to Ryuujin-Sama. Don't worry about the bathhouse or anything, it is free to us Kami during Kaminazuki."

With a nod, Shiromizu then got up and hurried out as fast as she could which got a chuckle from Jin.

 

[darthcourt10]

U.N.Spacy000 Omake: Of Miscast Curses and lacking Protection

Harry Leferts said:
Actually, as she mentioned, she actually knows Tōgō Heihachirō personally through Mikasa as one of her fairies, she's talked to him several times without knowing he was a Kami. More then that, it was mentioned well back that a large number of fairies from the shipgirls have shown up asking her to bless their girls every time they head out on patrol with offerings... before she knew that she was a Kami. So chances are that Tōgō Heihachirō will come over to her and greet her himself.​

I'm sure the fairies would hedge their bets by getting as many kami as they could to bless their girls before heading out, so now I'm imagining the faeries presenting their shipgirls to fairy Tōgō Heihachirō so he can pat them on the heads and call them good girls/ships.

Harry Leferts said:
I vote for it being Tsukiakari telling that story, and Norimune performing a spit-take.​

I think we can do better than that - maybe have Juuchi comment on it as a natural part of a conversation while Norimune has issues in the background until she more or less explodes.

Sort of...

"I have this undead accountant Frenchman friend-" Chisuheri said before she was interrupted as she brought out a bottle of wine.

"That sounds like a mouthful," Juuchi said.

"Who says that this wine is a developed taste, but he enjoys it - possibly because his taste buds are all dead," Chisuheri said as though she had not been interrupted. "It's a Malfoy wine."

"Really? Is the vintage from before or after I wiped out the Malfoy branch of the family?" Juuchi asked as she accepted the bottle and Norimune simultaneously spat out and swallowed her drink wrong. "The drop in wine quality from them after I killed them all is one of the few things I regret about cutting down everyone in that château."

"You shouldn't go around murdering families, Juuchi," Chisuheri said tiredly.

"First, they supported this dark lord that made Europe a mess, second, they swordnapped me-" Juuchi began.

"I thought you said that you and Master Potter devised a cunning way for you to infiltrate the château," Tsukiakari said from where she was playing checkers with Kyoshu.

'-Swordnapped by vile sword stealing fiends and degenerates, and last, one of their own was wielding me when I was used in the deplorable act of slaying all his kin," Juuchi said as she cried crocodile tears. "Thus absolving me of any wrongdoing since I was violated so thoroughly. Also, there was a war on and these things happen."

"You fucking what!?" Norimune shrieked after she got over her coughing fit.

Harry Leferts said:
Yeeesssss...​

Actually, we could blame a lot of the Potter Tsukumogami stuff on "All the Potter stuff saw Juuchi doing it, and they figured, 'why can't I?'"

But as to thesbians...

"I knew there was a reason you were using Norimune's passport instead of your own," Juuchi said as she stroked her chin as though she was revealing a philosophical truth.

"I used Norimune's passport because I do not have one of my own," Kagotsuruhe said with a slight frown. "Not because I share her proclivities."

"You don't... but how do you plan on leaving the country on a moment's notice and then getting back in on the muggle side?" Juuchi asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I borrow Norimune's passport," Kagotsuruhe said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"But what if she's out of the country with her passport?" Juuchi asked.

"It is immaterial," Kagotsuruhe said. "Do you have a passport?"

"Well, yes," Juuchi said with a shrug. "And here I thought I finally figured out why I wasn't an aunt yet."

"Guys!" Norimune called out from the distance. "I'm a father!"

"Reproduction doesn't work like that!" Tsukiakari shouted at the Muramasa.

"I retract my obviously out of date statement," Juuchi said before turning back to Kagotsuruhe. "I bet I'll be a better aunt than you."

"In your dreams," Kagotsuruhe said flatly.

 

[darthcourt10]

K9Thefirst1

So... I've been tossing in my head for weeks now about Magical ships and how a properly funded navy might arm itself and against what, and I have also been wanting to show a slice of what's going down on St. Mathew Island - you know, the one Magical Portugal has written off and basically given to Porta in the name of getting her to say she's really sorry about what she did during Blood Week and the months afterward. The unprotected cruiser/frigate shown was what I discussed with Harry over PM, with him basically saying "You know, you have plenty reason to justify more than one ship, in fact…" and then suggested the ship that became the João o Restaurador. And me, being the sad sack that loves shiny ideas, ran with it.

So... Enjoy the speculation that is sure to come from this.
------


Ruins of the Royal Naval Port, Cidade da Virgem, St Mathew Isle, Enchanted Royal Ministry - Under Abyssal Occupation

Maximiliano de Silva - Max to his friends - was many things. One of them was being in possession of a strong memory. When he was a boy, the sea demons came. He was all of six years old at the time, when the sirens around the island blared, sirens that his grandfather said were silent ever since The War, when Grindelwald fell. He and his family watched as almost all of the naval garrison of the Enchanted Colonial Naval Service mobilized, heard the distant rumble of the battle... And he remembered how not a single ship returned, and how Hell unleashed its fury. And the island of St. Mathew, once the Jewel of the Enchanted Royal Ministry, teaming with thousands of people, with sailors and traders from every inhabitant continent coming and going every day, became the sad, hollow shell of what it once was.

Yes, in the weeks, months years that passed, Max de Silva learned quickly what his family was slow to realize: The Ministry didn't care about them. If they did, the Sea Demons controlling the island, who killed his parents, would have driven back to whence they came. And he would have been able to go to the Wizarding School his Grandfather always talked about. But alas, it was not to be. Only one in five of the original population was still alive. Between the invasion, the flow of trade goods that was the lifeblood of the people being stopped, and the abuses of the occupiers, and no one was spared the pain of loss, and those born after didn't know any better. There was a sense of despair everywhere, the people were simply waiting to die, after eight years and no sign of liberation in sight.

But not Maximiliano. He was all of fourteen years, but he wasn't one for quitting. Not after seeing his Brother - Brave, foolish, charismatic Hugo - lead an uprising of thousands on the Fifth of October three years passed, and be killed for his trouble. The spirit of rebellion, what little was left, was killed that day for everyone. Everyone except Max. His belly burned with hatred every time the images of that day came to him, and he longed for the day when he could have his vengeance. That was why he came down here, to the ruins of the once mighty Naval Port, whenever he could get away from his family for a few hours. So that he could see The Ladies.

When the Enemy was spotted, the whole of the naval garrison, mostly used for fighting Mermaid Pirates or suppressing uprising on the continent, were mobilized and bravely went out the face them. Or rather, almost the whole. Three were being serviced, and couldn't join their sisters in the battle. One was one of the dozens of tiny sloops, Targus, little more than an over-sized propulsion plant in a metal shell with a tiny gun on the forecastle and a platform for Combat Wizards on the stern. Targus sadly was out in the open, and the Whale-shaped Abominations tormented her for fun before letting her sink. She was still there, tied to the wharf she sank at.

But the other two, the Countess and her Handmaiden, they were protected. Docked in the enclosure, the Enemy never knew they were there, so the shelling destroyed only the enclosure, entombing but protecting The Ladies.

"Mouros, João, I'm back." the teen said to the two hulks, once mighty, now in sad disrepair.

He walked along the platform that crossed over The Ladies in their berths, and considered them, remembering what he had learned of them in books. One was much smaller, barely eighteen-hundred long tons, with two masts, ten small guns, two funnels. Max knew that Mouros was built from an old but tried design. She and her late sister, Moura Encantada, were laid down in an unplotable shipyard in Europe on the tenth anniversary of the Revolution that deposed the King, and they had served long and noble careers.

The other was over ten times the size. With twelve twelve-inch guns. She was not a native of Magical Portugal, but she was beloved just the same. She had come to them in sad states and much neglected, after long months she was made better than new. And she became a symbol of the Magical Remnant of the Portuguese Empire. Be it putting down uprisings in Africa, providing Gunboat diplomacy for the ICW, or scaring off pirates, João was always there, front and center, and Mauros was always by her side, leading the way and guarding The Countess of St. Mathew. What was it the Prime Minister said? 'Seeing those ships sail, it is like a proud child showing her mother around her play pen.'

By then, Max's ruminations came to an end as he walked around the edge of the flooded dry dock the two ships sat at, and around the aft end.

"I'm going to do it you two. I swear it!" he said aloud, with all the conviction of a teen, "someday, St Mathew will be free of these demons! And I'm going to help whoever kills them! Nomaj, Magical, even if it's another group of Sea Demons, I'll fight by their side if it means revenge!"

Almost as if in response, The Countess groaned, almost in chastisement. And Maximiliano hung his head in shame.

"Yeah yeah I know, 'forgiveness is good for the soul,' but I'm tired if living under those things! Of seeing my people as slaves! I want St. Mathew to be what it once was - to see the ships coming and going like they were when I was a kid..."

The group was silent for a long while, save for the lapping of water along the dry dock. Finally, The Handmaiden, Mauros, groaned.

"I'm sorry Mauros. I'll be patient... I guess. Just so long as those monsters that killed my family, and strangled St. Mathew, all die."

This conversation - if one were to be so generous as to call it that - had been made many times in the past, and it likely would repeat again. It was at once a release of strain from a young man, frustrated with his lot in life, and a mantra, solidifying the crucible that would shape the man to come when the War turned against the occupiers. The boy looked at the larger of The Ladies, the Countess of their island. The blue and grey paint was tarnished by almost a decade of rust and negligence. Her name, the name along the stern, given to her when she arrived in 1951, the Countess of St. Mathew João o Restaurador, had faded, revealing the shapes of the letters of her Birth Name, what the land she first fought for had named her.

São Paulo

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord K Omake: The Hangover: Muramasa Edition

Shinr said:
I dread thinking what exactly in that "consolation" party "inspired" Akutoku.​

"Chi, this is fucking stupid."

"Well, Akutoku. You asked for help remembering where all the property damage came from. Well, this is my suggestion."

"Meditation and tea? What a load of baloney. We ought to have just kept on guzzling memory potions and hangover cures. Hey Kago, you remember anything yet?"

"No."

"Wait, Akutoku, what did you just say?"

"That we should have just kept on trying the memory potions and hangover cures? At least those were flavored, and weren't as funky as this tea. By the way, you remembering anything yet Nori?"

"I don't remember shit."

"Hmph, go figur- OW! Chi? What the hell was that for?!"

"I asked if you three had already been taking anything! Were those the personal homebrew potions Umitsubame has in her cabinet, or the over the counter stuff the Azai sell?!"

"It's her good stuff, why?"

"You idiots! This tea has similar ingrediants to Umitsubame's potions!"

"Well, it's a good thing this stuff tastes so vile we haven't really been drinking it."

"Yes, but Kyoshu keeps on forgetting and has already drained her cup!!!"

"What- Oh shit! Kyo!"

"Mou.... I think... I think...."

"Holy shit, I think she's remembering something!"

"I think I forgoting my remember....."

"Um... what?"

"Cheer up, with the boilmaker then vodka the bill go in the panty-pants string!"

".... that's not good."

"Night on the town for redlight forget the sorrows, weeee!"

"UMI! WE HAVE A PROBLEM!"

"Take it off! Fuck the aurors! I SEE THE THIRD EYE! CHHHEEEEeeeeerrrrrrrrrrssssss....."

"Kyo! Kyoshu!"

Shinr said:
Norimune missed out on the biggest mercenary clusterfuck, the Thirty Years War. Wonder how it would have influenced her.
Harry Leferts said:
The hilarious part of that is that means she just missed Juuchi several times as she was used by the Potters in various wars on the Continent. And yes. that includes the Thirty Years War among others.​

Unfortunately (or fortunately) yeah. I figured her eventual progression to arriving in Europe should at least seem sort of natural, rather than just immediately leaving Japan for an almost unknown corner of the earth. The time to get noticed by the dutch and eventually land a contract that eventually took her there though, did mean she missed the end by a few years.

Shinr said:
Also, is Uesugi Kenshin a man or a woman here?
Harry Leferts said:
*Looks it up* Huh... there is a theory that he was actually a woman.​

Honestly, I have no clue. I figure Norimune can just be purposely obtuse if she's ever asked that question.

"Kenshin a chick? The fuck do you think is the answer then?"

Also, it amuses me that Fate/Nasuverse hasn't brought in Kenshin yet, considering their tendency to do genderflips.

Zebrin said:
Got to say, for all that the MACUSA screwed the pooch on her, if it ever gets out on the nomaj side of how much of an effect she had on the creation of America... well, it would be one more list of crimes being dropped on their heads... to say it lightly. She would be considered a hero just based on the fact that she was a contemporary of Benjamin Franklin, and one of the starting fighters in the war.

Historians everywhere would probably be sending her letters begging for an interview, just to set the record straight on many of the events she was at.​

Oh yeah, there are so many events and people, that even many of the ones she was only peripherally involved in or briefly met, would make her a treasure trove of a historical resource.

Zebrin said:
Also, when Hamilton comes out, that is gonna be a real kick in the head for the poor sword. "We studied, and we fought, and we killed, for the notion of a nation we now get to build" indeed. Her being able to say just what happened at the Alamo, her being able to give actual witness testimony to the characters of many of the founding fathers... Yeah, she would be loved here, just for the amount of history she represents.
And dear gods, would the fact that she was written out of the history books, because she wasn't human... That would probably cause violence to start happening.​

Yeah, that'll be a fun hornets nest.

Also, it occurs to me that AC4 Black Flag will actually becoming out pretty soon in the in flick timeline. I figure something else that will either make her laugh a bit at some of the characterizations and designs, and then at other parts get a melancholy if only because of thinking about real things that happened during that time.

Lord Khuzdul said:
About this, I have only one question: Sisterhood of Traveling Butterknives getting their own magical boat waifus when?
Zebrin said:
More to the point of the story though... What would happen if Norimune got drunk and tried a ship summoning... Only to wake up in the morning with Impénitent not letting her go. I mean, if Kaylee was able to wake up as a wood ship, why not her ship?
Darth Thanatos said:
Unredeemable/Unrepetant definitely will appear and glomp her mama crying. Talyon's Law, on the other hand might not have lasted enough to make the cut.

Who am I kidding? Ships get a pass as tsukumogami because, as "objects of daily use", they are used by hundreds of individuals at the same time, every day for the duration of a journey. Which particularly in the case of wooden ships means weeks, months, or even years of constant heavy use.​

K9Thefirst1 said:
...Why do I get the impression that you/he didn't mean gold? Remember, this is Franklin, And Norimune is an attractive, independent, and intelligent (for a butter knife) woman, which Franklin adored.​

When the D so good it ends up making a Defender of Democracy for life

Darth Thanatos said:
Additional titles: [I was there], [More lovers than Cleopatra and Messalina put together], [Didn't get the T-shirt because they were not invented yet].​

loling at that Cleopatra one in particular.

KindaVanny98 said:
So does Norimune know that Juuchi's killed off the French Malfoy's?
Zebrin said:
Probably, it wouldn't have been kept quiet after all... Even with the news as it was back then, that is something that would have made some waves, even in Japan.
Harry Leferts said:
*Waggles hand* That happened in Europe while Norimune was mostly in the jungles of Asia. It would be hilarious for Tsukiakari to mention it off hand though...​

That, and almost immediately after coming back from Asia, she ended up on trial and in prison. It would have been old news by the time she got out.

gaea said:
Jesus Norimune. Your life is just one shit show after another. I was wondering where her ship was, then nope. Ship was sunk.​

So close and yep so far.

gaea said:
No wonder she is so bitter, being used and betrayed like she was.​

It certainly puts into light and and some perspective on her attitude problems and her reasonings for just hanging around Japan doing nothing, even if it means her luck powers backfire onto her from lack of use.

Harry Leferts said:
I like to imagine a bunch of the ghosts of various MACUSA figures from that time behind it are around, and their reaction to being lambasted and having the tables turned on them in the history books...​

Yeah, there's going to be a lot of interesting culture clash when the Statute comes down, and a lot of MACUSA administrations that are probably looked upon positively by more conservative american witches and wizards, end up pretty heavily denounced, reviled, or considered to have committed mistakes in retrospect, by the nomajs who first start going through the history books.

Although in counter point, while MACUSA is filled with it's bad eggs, historical and current, I don't ascribe to the sheer vitriol I see a lot of people have towards them. I like to think I gave a fair enough variety to the American magicals, even if the government itself officially choose to put it's head in the sand and up it's ass at various points. For good or ill, not everyone stepped to MACUSA's tune.

There were the revolutionaries and the loyalists, picking sides that they believed in when MACUSA and the British Ministry decided it wasn't their problem or concern (literally a canonical official communique from the British when asked by the Americans what their stance was to the Revolution was "Sitting this one out", followed by MACUSA stating "mind you do").

Likewise, there were also the (mostly younger generation) who joined sides with the Union or Confederacy in the Civil War, albeit more often out of loyalty to their home states or communities and neighbors, rather than many of the plethora of diverse reasons and causes the nomajs could have depending on class, location, livelihood, and ideology.

In MACUSA itself, there was at least one Auror who became an agent of "Anne Winter", and probably a couple more, along with a rare few other younger or minor officials.

There was also the group who made the rock-and-a-hard place decision to go to the Alamo with Norimune, and use only nomaj weapons to avoid giving MACUSA a reason to enter the conflict. Three of who ended up among the unknown and unnamed dead from that particular moment in history.

Then encounter point, after the break up of the Rapport's Exiles, one of the members of the later groups she works alongside, though a fellow supporter of the Union, still sells her out when the war is basically done. But only her, and not any of the others fighting for the same causes.

Jézabel meanwhile, as well as being a tragic love interest/tragic story arch and important moment that finally begins Norimune's sequence of emotional damages and less than wise decisions, was also a fun moment to play with the idea that people can change their thinking. Fun fact: Her entire name is a bunch of red-herrings and ironic flags of sorts. Her first name, using the French spelling, is a reference to Jezabel, while her surname and spymaster/information broker alias of Anne Winter, come from Milday de Winter, who when she was younger and first met Athos, was using the (probably false) name of Anne de Breuil.

Weaver said:
Regarding Norimune, why do I have the feeling that some or all of the messages from Jézabel the at she sent back unopened included some variant of the phrase "I'm pregnant" and later "you have a daughter"?​

Fun side note, Athos had a child by Milady (Mordaunt), that he never knew of for. Make of that what you will.

U.N.Spacy000 said:
Norimune the captain - the captain of a magical pirate ship.

How long until Impénitent comes back? Will she be hired by Dumbledore, or will Madam Maxine follow Dumbledore's example and hire some pirate ship girls (including Impénitent) to bolster defenses at Beauxbatons and bring her along during the Triwizard tournament? Because that seems like a really comical way to 'out' Juuchi since Impénitent would probably immediately pick up on the fact that Juuchi is related to Norimune, and that can be followed by a trip to Japan and a certain unrepentant blade being teased for being a mother and not realizing it.​

"Jesus Christ Nori! Did no one ever teach you to pull out?!"

"Does my avatar look like there's anything to pull out?!? I have no idea why this keeps happening?!"

"You know.... if you think about it, as swords, our job kind of is to stick it in."

"Not help Akutoku!"

U.N.Spacy000 said:
This sounds like a good excuse for Juuchi and Norimune to get in a fight. Juuchi does something suitably British, maybe with her tea or booze, and Norimune snubs er not because it's foreign but specifically because its British. That seems like a good start for a squabble.​

"You tart, to a line of English fops!"

"Says the hussy who doubles as a French dandy without pads!"

"T'es une poule mouillée!"

"Wait- what? Well fuck you too then!"

U.N.Spacy000 said:
Actually, by the end of this, it seems she has legitimate gripes against most governments.​

I was about to say that probably the one magical government that still exists and, which she probably wouldn't have problems with or has fought against at some point, is the Portuguese, but then I remembered she helped a bunch of places in South America go independent, so.....

Actually, a lot of nations who've hired her, she's eventually fought at some point. The reverse is also true.

For someone who's spent a lot of her history with the French, she's almost as perfidious at the British.

U.N.Spacy000 said:
Oh that made me laugh, and yes, that's going to need to come out at some point.​

"The Malfoys are what!?"

"They're all dead. I killed them."

"You what?! When?! I saw a quote from some blonde git call Luscious or something the paper when they were going on about the dementor-train a few weeks back!"

"Oh, that's the English Malfoys. I killed all the French ones in the 40s."

*blinks*

"Wait, which 40s? I could've sworn I saw one of them running around with the French contingent during the Opium Wars."

"Nah, this was the 1940s. They tried to steal me while we were retaking Europe."

*sound of a clock ticking*

*Ringing*

"Oops."

lol wut[/QUOTE]

U.N.Spacy000 said:
Everything is Norimune's fault.​

Yep

U.N.Spacy000 said:
So, I know she'd be almost two centuries old by now, but I sort of want her to still be alive. One of the people in the Old Guard that's been secretly trying to make things better and secretly shepherding the firebrand youngsters so they don't meet untimely ends before they can affect change. Maybe now with everything going to shit, she can be that dangerous voice of reason and legitimacy to her fellow old people while they're grasping at straws and attempting to not lose power that ultimately ends with them having to completely part with the old ways.

And I'm sure she'd know Mary, and that would mean Molly/Jin would act as an in to introducing her to Chisuheri and JNHRO, and Norimune could just happen to be visiting her sister...

Such delicious butter. It goes well with everything.​

Unfortunately, I'm not really sure she'd still be around. Even the oldest witches and wizards seem to only reach the 150s, unless they have some means of also artificially prolonging their lives.

Considering she kind of ended up a sort of 'Shadow Broker under Liara's tenure' figure though, and likely continued the role after the war, somebody probably has to carry on the 'Anne Winter' alias/organisation's work.....

gaea said:
Wait wait wait. Norimune and the Impertinant sailed with the other pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. How many of the pirate girls are wondering where 'Impy' is? If/when they find out that Norimune still exists, will they think that she has Impertinant hidden somewhere like wizardibg types do?

Upon learning the sad fact that Impertinent was kidnapped and sunk how will they go about gettjng impertinent back? My money is on bribing Hedwig to (after a suitable time of Norimune not responding to letters) snatch Norimunes physical form, toss her into the owl box, grab her when she appears and frog march her to the Hogwarts summoning pool. One ceremony later we have a crying Impertinent hugging an emotionally spent Norimune.​

Unfortunately, Norimune has her thing about not leaving Japan (at least not until the Statute's gone to shit and the ICW's up the creek enough they won't notice or or care)

gaea said:
Lord K, what shenanigens are needed for Norimune to get a happy event?​

Darth Thanatos said:
The ship is named "Impenitent", which means "Unredeemable" or "Unrepentant", depending on how you spin it. And while impenitent people tend to be also impertinent, that's not the ship's name.​

I was wondering if anybody would clue in and realize she basically named her ship after herself in another language

Lex Talionis meanwhile, is named after the 'law of retaliation'.

Mannfred Von Carstein said:
Let's not forget her step-daughter. The ship she rebuilt to go after Impenitent. Once Norimune's emotional state stabilizes, that needs to be addressed. When considering Lex, one must consider the implied intent of her captain. If her goal was to get Impy back, what would happen to Lex if she succeeded?

If not for the climactic battle that sunk the both of them, Norimune would go off with Impenitent, possibly and probably leaving Lex in the dust. What happens when this is realized? It's a drama bomb, and one I think that can be dealt with neatly, but it can't be sidestepped. Norimune's trauma from betrayal won't permit it. Just be glad it didn't actually happen, and all parties involved should be mature enough to deal with it like adults.
Arawn_Emrys said:
not necessarily. Having multiple ships was common among pirates. Blackbeard got his start commanding a second ship for Benjamin Hornigold, whose fleet eventually reached 4 ships. Blackbeard himself commanded such a fleet that he declared himself a commodore.
Mannfred Von Carstein said:
The point of contention, is less the fact that she'd be jumping ships, but more the fact that she rebuilt Lex, enchanted her, and sailed her for the express purpose of finding a different ship. Now, it might not blow up, but there's potential. It all has to do with how people react.

Definitely the first. If we had taken the Norimune of the 60s or 70s and put her in this situation, then that's another story. I think she's mellowed enough, though.
Harry Leferts said:
Well, as mentioned you did have pirates with more then floatillas and fleets...​

Yeah, Norimune would have probably just kept Lex Talionis had things actually worked out. She'd sunk a lot of money and resources into her already, even if she was a rush-job to go get back her other ship. She'd have wanted to keep her hands on lex, since it also would have meant more cargo space or a vessel for faster/more time reliant jobs in peace time.

Most pirates actually tended to go through multiple vessels over their careers. Norimune sticking with the Impénitent through out the entirety of the Golden Age of Piracy, and then into the decades after, would actually be something of an outlier. Many of the more famous pirates ships, often only had very short careers or were successive vessels with the same name. Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart) went through something like four or five versions of the Royal Fortune, as well as a few other vessels with some variation of Fortune in the name. Queen Anne's Revenge, despite being the ship Blackbeard is most often associated with, was barely used by him for a year before Teach ran her aground on a sand bar. The ship on which he died was a small sloop named Adventure, which was itself named after a previous Adventure which was run aground in the same grounding as Queen Anne's Revenge.

Arawn_Emrys said:
Honestly, I can't think of a more cliched folkloric Samurai thing to do. Her child gets kidnapped so she has another just to have help getting her revenge.​

That's pretty true

Harry Leferts said:
I will admit that I had the oddest image of her getting summoned by the descendant of one of those wizards who had stolen her. After all, it was theirs, not some oriental hussy's...

Cue problems.​

Also depending on how their family history remembers her, they might be expecting a loyal member of the First French Empire, who sailed in service to the French Ministry at this time, and fought valiantly in a bunch of Napoleonic battles before being one of the few ships with magicals to be sunk in the Battle of Trafalgar.

And instead they get this salty, foul-mouthed pirate, with loyalty only to her original owner, and accompanied by an unexpected 'bonus summon', who is also not particularly fond of the French as well.

U.N.Spacy000 said:
- They're Dead Jim Norimune -​

Perfect

U.N.Spacy000 said:
thesbians...​

To be fair, Norimune's more of a 'if it moves' type with enough drink

Tsukiakari: "Sometimes, you painfully remind me of my old master."

Norimune: "Thank you."

Tsukiakari: "That wasn't a complement."

Norimune: "I'll still take it as one."

Tsukiakari: "There's something wrong with you."

Norimune: "Typical Muramasa mental issues? Akutoku drank my coffee and stole the last waffle from the fridge this morning? A lifetime of jading and unfulfilling experiences? The stone in my left shoe right now? Take your pick."

Tsukiakari: "W-Wait, what was that third one?"

Norimune: "It's not gay if you're underway?"

Cyberbeta said:
As for Jezibel/Anne I could see her having a daughter from Nori, and that was part of why she did all she could to save her at the end as part of her repentance. Said daughter/Blade also quietly vanishing as a family secret only to be revealed by another Muramasa during a visit to Japan Post-Statute Fall to learn about her other mother. For Hilarity have it be Kyoshu to do it by asking said daughter what's with the avatar change thinking she is Norimune.​

I will say that while I haven't finalized anything, or even figured out if it's worth introducing them, there are probably at least three bastards she has (though there are probably more running around) who I do sort of entertaining the idea of using.

One by Julie. One by Jézabel. And one by a pirate during her years in Nassau.

Not sure yet who to make the latter's 'mother'. Maybe Mary Read? Supposedly Read had fought in either the Nine Years War or the War of the Spanish Succession (ironically against the french), which would make them both professional ex-soldiers of sorts. She was also supposedly married at some point, but then returned to the military after her husband's death (meaning they've both returned to lives of war after losing significant others). Some sources say that the ship she was on was originally heading to the Caribbean to hunt pirates, only for her to go over and join the pirates when the ship was captured (so they're both pirate-hunters turned actual pirates). And while Norimune never took the Kings pardon, Mary (along with Anne and Jack) later broke it anyway.

So the two could have had a lot in common. Maybe they weren't together, as the kinds of characters who take no shit from anybody else, they could easily have gotten along as friends and drinking buddies whenever crossing paths or ports of call (with drinking inevitably devolving into repeated one night stands). Read's burial is recorded in a Church in Jamaica, but there's no record of the burial of a baby, so most simply assume she died while pregnant.

Maybe Norimune simply assumed the same, combined with her careless obliviousness of "I can't get people pregnant, I'm a sword and my avatars got the receiving parts, not the giving ones anyway."

MagisterAurelius said:
Here's an even better way to summon Norimune's ships. So the Greengrass, Davis and Longbottoms are going to try to summon their riverboats at some point right? So why not have them do that and drag Draco into being at the summoning since he summoned BB-47. So he asks Narcissa if the Malfoys ever were involved with any old sailing ships and the like and after hunting in the archives she gives him a name. Que the spittakes when:

Daphne Greengrass looked over at Draco who had a puzzled expression. "So who did you summon Malfoy?"

A loud epithet erupts from the sailship girl, Impenitant. "A Malfoy?! Merde! You bastards never paid Capitaine what you owed her!" As she summons her rigging Draco pales and nearly has a brown trouser moment.​

pfft.

Itsune said:
This may sound like a bad pun, but
...
Jin really needs to teach Shiro how to properly Soak a punch, and pull her assailant in.

...
Observe! The Dark one teaches her student to defend herself!
PRAISE THE GREAT DARKE ONE!!!!

"Shaddap already!"​

I'm not sure Shiromizu's quite at that level of elemental control and self transformation Jin normally uses when 'soaking punches' from foes she can't just no-sell or engage from cover/a distance


Now swap the silver metal for black ooze, and the fact that contact with the stuff rots and corrupts if she's actually being serious.

Although, that could also make for a really hilarious training sequence of Jin just shooting Shiromizu with a nerf gun until she figures out how to 'soak the dart' and then reform.

It would probably be good training for moving towards full on 'elemental shifting/transformation', since it's only shifting parts of the body at first, and it doubles as a defensive technique to repair or tank damage.

U.N.Spacy000 said:
"How is it one of the most irresponsible of us became a parent first?"

"You literally just answered your own question."​

My sides

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Looking around as she entered the main bathing areas holding her bucket with bathing items, Shiromizu could not help but be a little awed at what she was seeing. Various baths could be seen with attendants going back and forth between them. In said baths, Kami could be seen relaxing in the waters. Unable to help herself, the words slipped from her mouth before she could stop them. "This really does look like the bathhouse from Spirited Away..."

Giggles from her personal attendant made her flush some before said spirit bowed. "Ah! Sorry for that, Lady Shiromizu..."

Just waving her hand, Shiromizu shook her head. "Don't worry about it, I... suppose that it is somewhat funny. You probably get reactions like that a lot."

Head titled to the side, the attendant had an odd expression before softly smiling. "No, not that often." Part of the Mizuchi was certain that she did not mean the comment about the bathhouse. Instead, the other spirit continued. "But as to Spirited Away... let us just say that Master Miyazaki was inspired as we quite enjoy his works and leave it to that."

That made Shiromizu blink, but she left it as asked though she did wonder about the meaning of those words. Rather than comment on it though, the Mizuchi looked around even as she could see various spirits playing music. Frowning, she furrowed her eyebrows some. "Where... would I go?"

A frown on her face, the attendant considered such before nodding and making a gesture with one of the bathhouse personnel walking over. It was obviously female from the womanly shape and the visible cleavage... and yet, it was made of pure, crystal water. Bowing to them, the bathhouse attendant smiled, which Shiromizu could some how see as she spoke in a voice that sounded like the bubbling of a brook. "How may This One be of assistance?"

Much to her surprise, Shiromizu bowed alongside her attendant. With a small smile towards the Mizuchi, the spirit assigned to her turned back to the water spirit. "Lady Shiromizu wishes for a bath before her presentation to Ryuujin-Dono later today. However, she is unsure what is available at the moment to do so."

For a few moments, the water spirit was thoughtful and bubbles travelled up her body before she gave a nod. "I believe that the baths on the second level are available, Lady Shiromizu. Please, follow This One."

With a nod, Shiromizu bowed and smiled. "Thank you, I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to do this for me. I... well, I'm still sort of lost here."

Now, the young Kami could recognize the expression on the transparent facial features as surprise before the water spirit turned to her attendant. Said spirit gave the other a slight nod and Shiromizu could recognize and unasked question and a unspoken answer. The water spirit then gave the young Mizuchi a smile and began to lead them along. "Please, do not think nothing of it, Lady Shiromizu. This is part of our jobs after all..."

Soon enough, they reached the level and the water spirit opened the door to the area in particular. Thankfully, Shiromizu kept her jaw from dropping at the sight of the bathing area, and the Mizuchi within. While some were in human form, or partial human form much like Jin often was, others were in full Mizuchi form. Which often meant nearly Kaiju sized dragons lounging in the baths. One of them blinked and then leaned down at seeing Shiromizu. "Eh? And who do we have here?"

Bowing, Shiromizu smiled some, but before she could speak, one of the others spoke up. "Oh come on, Yodogawa-San! You can't have forgotten already." At the blink, the Mizuchi groaned and held her claws over her face. "It is Shiromizu, Jin-San's student! You know, the new Mizuchi?"

Just blinking, Yodogawa frowned some. "Jin-San's student? Wait, she has a student?" Then she furrowed her eyebrows. "I thought that Jin-San was dead though?"

It went without saying that many hands met the faces and muzzles of their owners. With a sigh, the biggest of them all shook her head and held out one massive claw. "Do not mind, Yodo-Chan so much, Little One. I am Shina of the Shinanogawa and it is rather nice to see a new face after so long."

One of the other ones scoffed at that. "What I am wondering is what she is doing here? Being a hatchling and all."

Expression completely innocent, Shiromizu tilted her head. "What am I doing here? Why, I am here to take a bath as that is what I have been lead to believe this place is for."

Her attendants' eyes widened at that as the Mizuchi who had commented growled. "Oh? And what has your mother been teaching you about talking to your betters, hatchling?"

Serenely smiling, the little serpent pretended not to notice the glare. "Oh, she didn't raise me to be honest, it was my Onee-Sama who did. Manners for the elderly was one of the things she taught me the most of."

The Mizuchi's eyes widened some and she raised herself out of the bath. "Why you little-"

Yodogawa suddenly gasped and pointed. "Fuji-San! You're old?" For several seconds, everything was quiet before there were snorts and snickers. Which only increased as the Mizuchi pointed at herself. "Wait, does that make me old?" Claws coming up to her face, she turned to Shinanogawa. "Shina-San! I'm Old!"

Reaching over, Shinanogawa just patted one of her claws. "Yes, we're all old... Well, besides Shiromizu-San here."

A frown on her face, the other Mizuchi scratched her chin. "Wait, she's not old?"

Just groaning, Fuji held her face in her claws. "Oh Konohanasakuya-Hime, save me from the fucking moron."

Blinking, Yodogawa sat up some and looked around. "Who? Who's the moron?"

Meanwhile, the youngest of the group raised an eyebrow. 'Okay, I know that Sempai called her thick, but still...'

Suddenly, a voice spoke up and made all the older Mizuchi freeze. "My, my, I do hope that none of you are attempting to make our newest member uncomfortable. That would be most... unfortunate."

Looking over, Fuji noticed Tamayori there with a flinty glint in her eye. "She started it and she hasn't joined the Court yet."

At the raised eyebrow from the Dragon Princess, the Mizuchi flinched. When she turned to Shiromizu though, she found the youngster bowing deeply. "My deepest apologies, My Lady. I am afraid that such actions got away from me and I was attempting some British style humour to lighten the mood."

Eyebrow raising slightly more, Tamayori stared down Shiromizu and then nodded. "Ah, yes. Your Otouto is British, is he not?" Getting a surprised nod, she smiled slightly. "I remember being told some things about him and wonder a bit. Perhaps you can tell me some about him as we bathe."

Confused murmurs rose at that as various Mizuchi and Wani attempted to figure out what Ryuujin's daughter meant by that. Ignoring that, Shiromizu just smiled as she bowed again. "That would be my honour, My Lady." Once she reached the place to wash up, Shiromizu noticed that her attendants were slightly pale and frowned. "Are you both okay?"

Swallowing, her main one glanced over at the other bathers. "I am sorry, Lady Shiromizu. But..."

Gently, Shiromizu took her hand with a small smile. "My apologies for bringing you into such a situation. I suppose some of my Sempai and Otouto have rubbed off on me... Though after facing Gashadokuro and a Jurogumo who has devoured and gained the power of untold Onmyouji and Yokai, a little posturing seemed a small thing. Still, that was unkind of me to you both."

Unnoticed by her, more than one dragon was now paying close attention to what she said, though a number looked confused about her apologizing to the attendants. But more important was what she had said with Shinanogawa leaning towards her. "Did you just say facing a Gashadokuro? I had heard of that incident, but there was little information where my river was..."

With a small nod, Shiromizu rubbed the back of her neck. "Yes, well, that did involve where my spring is. And it was more Sempai who fought the Gashadokuro head on."

If anything, the background murmurs and whispering increased as Shinanogawa narrowed her eyes some. "I see... it would seem that you have a tale to tell us then. Though I do wonder why Jin-San has not stated as much."

Remembering the embarrassment her Sempai had given her in the dining hall, Shiromizu smiled. "Well, perhaps Sempai was going to tell of it later. Though there is also that group of Abyssals worshipping her as the 'Dark One'. Some of what they say is rather interesting... such as her being 'Darker than the darkest Abyss' and such. Though that one Re-Class... well, every time she brings herself up to a fervor that is almost obscene."

Almost immediately, the group began whispering and the like to each other. With a glance towards where Tamayori was being washed, Shiromizu spotted a small, knowing smile on her face. Meanwhile, Jin had the odd feeling that perhaps she should not have embarrassed her Kohai so much for some reason.

Back in the baths though, Shiromizu was blushing some as the two attendants began to bath her gently. Lathering up some soap, the one that had been assigned to her for her stay had an odd look as she sniffed it. "Lady Shiromizu? What smell is this? It is of some sort of flower, but which one... I do not recognize it."

Humming, Shiromizu gave a small smile at that. "Actually, that would be elderflower. It is one of the bathing products that my Otouto made for me over the summer, as is the shampoo. I felt something a little bit different might be good." With a nod towards the bottle of shampoo, she giggled some. "He also made my shampoo and such as well."

Simply nodding, the water spirit gave a small smile of her own. "Exotic."

On Shiromizu's face was a small blush as they began to clean her. "I thought so, and the smell is actually not half bad. Though that is just one of them."

Her main attendant gave the bathing products a thoughtful look. "Your Otouto must be quite the being in order to make such for you. Why is he not here?"

A sad look came over the Mizuchi's face at that. "I wish that he could be here, but my Otouto is a human, you see. Not a Kami, as much as I might wish otherwise." Seeing the widening eyes, she chuckled. "There is a story there, I do not mind telling it as it shows what sort of person he is."

Getting nods from her attendants, she began to tell said story, not noticing various others listening in. Among them being Tamayori-Hime who had a thoughtful look on her face as she remembered her younger sister and a similar situation. Granted, in this case from what she could see, the dragon in question saw her rescuer as being a little brother than a lover. But it still brought a bittersweet smile to her face. Soon after, Shiromizu entered the baths with a soft sigh. Leaning back, Tamayori turned to the small Mizuchi and hummed. "Now then, what is this about Jin-San fighting a Gashadorkuro?"

Over two hours, Shiromizu told those listening about what had happened on her mountain. More than one scowled at the idea of a psychotic Jurogumo gaining the power of a Mizuchi, and there was several growls at the thought. However, more common were thoughtful looks as some of them resolved to talk to Jin regarding what they just heard. After all, more than a few of them would try not to fight a Gashadokuro, even with all their power. And for one considered to be among the lower tiers...

It most definitely caught their attention.

Soon, a relaxed Shiromizu left the baths and hummed as the water spirit moisturized her skin and ran a soft cloth along her scales. Meanwhile, the other spirit brushed her hair with the brush that the Mizuchi had brought with her. Observing the silver that made it up, said attendant smiled. "This is a lovely brush, Lady Shiromizu."

Looking over at her, the young Mizuchi nodded. "I fully agree, it was a gift and uses boar bristles, which seem to do the job nicely."

The water spirit looked up at that. "Oh yes, when possible we use boar bristles in brushes for those that we are attending, Lady Shiromizu. They are just wonderful for one's hair it would seem."

Giggling, Shiromizu nodded at that. "Well, I think so anyways." After a few minutes passed, she nodded as her scales practically shone, the red markings on her body seemingly to softly glow in the light while her hair glistened. Bowing, she smiled even more. "Thank you for the wonderful job..." Her eyes widened and she blushed deeply and bowed even more. "I am so, so sorry. I never asked either of your names..."

Unseen by her, both attendants had shocked expressions on their faces before they bowed back. "Please, do not be concerned with such."

A frown on her face, the young Kami made a motion with her hand. "Unacceptable. Not asking for the names of the two attending me is unacceptably rude of me and I deeply apologize."

Both spirits looked like someone had just slapped them in the face with a fish. Looking at each other, the water spirit spoke first, her voice unsure. "My name is Suihou, Lady Shiromizu."

With an unsure look, the other spirit also bowed. "I am Himawari."

To their surprise, Shiromizu nodded and bowed back. "My apologies for my rudeness, Suihou-San, Himawari-San. Please, accept them."

Jaws dropped, they did so and got a gentle smile. However, unknown to Shiromizu, her level in their eyes raised a number of notches at that and the two shared a look. Other attendants were also watching and talking quietly amongst one another. Up on one of the higher levels, Tamayori was watching with interest when Shinanogawa walked up and bowed deeply. "Hime-Sama, has Shiromizu-San passed the test?"

Snapping her fan closed, Tamatoya gave a small nod with a slight upturn of her lips into a smile. "I would say that she has, yes. She handled herself against Fujigawa-San quite well among others."

Head tilted to the side, the Mizuchi looked down at where Shiromizu was being lead out by the attendants. "Hmm... Though I do not think that Fujigawa-San was quite as pleased. Nor do I think that she likes the young one."

Her tone dry, Tamatoya raised one eyebrow. "Fujigawa-San sometimes has need of her ego to be popped from time to time. Just due to running along the foot of Fuji-San does not give her the right to puff herself up in self-importance. Still..." Tilting her head, she narrowed her eyes. "She was able to tell me what was needed. The young one, while unpolished does show a certain... sharpness of wit. More than that, she took responsibility for the interactions between them despite it being mainly due to Fujigawa-San's rudeness. That speaks well of her character."

Also watching as Shiromizu bowed once more in thanks to the water spirit, Suihou who had some steam coming from her head, Shinanogawa hummed. "Yes, that is true. But do you know what else speaks of one's character?" Getting a hum from the higher ranked Kami, she continued. "How one treats those who are below them speaks much of how they truly are, I find."

Softly smiling, Tamatoya gave a small nod at that. "Well said, Shinanogawa-San, well said. And I believe that Chichi-ue is waiting on me to report to him what I have found out." Turning towards her own attendants, she paused for a moment. "Tell me, that water spirit that helped out the young one and stood beside her? Her name is Suihou, correct?" Getting a nod, the Wani continued. "I see, she did quite the good job. And she is a spirit of a temporary spring, yes? One that no longer exists?"

Not sure where this was going, Shinanogawa frowned. "Yes, from what I have overheard that is true. It was a very short lived spring at that and was destroyed shortly after the earthquake known as the Great Kanto Earthquake, that had created her as the ground settled and closed it off."

Fan snapping open, the Dragon Princess strode away. "I see. Interesting then that there are many places on Shiromizu's mountain close to where her stream will run in the future where the water table is close to the surface. Where a small shift could cause ground water to bubble up as a spring or a seep. Very interesting."

As she walked away, Shinanogawa turned to look down at the attendants below. The water spirits being those of seeps, small springs, and the like that were too small to form full Kami, and when they dried up they came here to work, even if it was only during those seasons that their homes were dried up. Watching Suihou, her lips curled up into a smile. "Yes, interesting indeed..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Savato93

Just a quick post before classes start back up next week.

XXXXXXXXXX

For a little while, Fluffy had still been somewhat nervous about her adoption into the infamous Fleet of Laughter. What could she expect from her new life? Would their supposed peace with humans mean they didn't have to live like animals, or could she expect more of the same living-on-the-edge lifestyle she'd long become familiar with?

And then she slept in a bed for the first time.

So warm and soft and cushy, like a hug… she'd never been able to have such a comfortable rest before, especially as a destroyer—and she could look forward to this every night! And as days passed and Uncle Harry (all but single-handedly, no less) transformed this derelict island into a settlement worthy for this sizeable fleet, she'd been able to experience so many wonderful things that most humans apparently considered basic comforts: clean water, cooked food, even showers! So many things she'd either never bothered with, or had to fight tooth and nail for… now she needed only ask, and they were offered freely.

Which begged the question: with much of the struggles she went through on a daily basis now unnecessary, what would she do with herself in this new life?

Said question was what now had her awake in the middle of the night, staring up at the ceiling above as she laid beside Renita in their bed. She didn't have to worry about being made to fight—there was no real need for it. And her raw physical strength was all but redundant, living among so many Abyssals who likely had far more experience leveraging that strength. But if not those… then what? As much as she didn't like to think of it, being intelligent did not mean she was smart; at the end of the day, she was born and raised as a feral Abyssal. She couldn't read or write, couldn't navigate, couldn't do much of anything that didn't directly contribute to her ability to survive to see the next sunrise. What good could she feasibly do for her new fleet that didn't require her to be taught first?

Fluffy's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of her flagship whimpering next to her. Looking over, she saw Renita shifting and squirming in her sleep, a fearful look on her face as tears began to build in her eyes. She was having a nightmare again.

Fluffy's response was almost automatic: she reached out and pulled the distressed Re-class closer, resting her head against her chest. Idly, the young princess couldn't help but feel a sort of elation in the action; for so long she'd mourned the fact she couldn't give her flagship something a simple as a hug, but now she had the means to finally make it up to her. Renita's troubled sounds and motions began to taper off, slowly but surely, in Fluffy's embrace; finally, with a soft, almost blissful sigh, she relaxed once more, nuzzling gently against Fluffy.

Well, she couldn't really do much for the fleet at large, just yet… but for now, Fluffy supposed, it would be enough to just take care of her flagship.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Good morning, Renita, Fluffy," Ruadri greeted the pair with a nod as they emerged from the hallway into the throne room. "Did you sleep well?"

"Mm… a little bit…" Renita grumbled softly as she rubbed her eyes. "Had… a bad dream, I think. But it went away."

The Ru-class spared a glance to Fluffy, who gave her a light shake of the head. "Well, that's good to hear, sister," she responded with a sigh of relief. "The more rest you can get, the better. Now, would the two of you like to get some breakfast?"

Just a few minutes later, the pair found themselves gathered with the other Abyssals of the fleet near the new cabins, eating eggs and toast. Nothing particularly noteworthy about it to your average person, but when you were used to gobbling up raw fish or old rations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even simple things like this were extravagant in comparison. Looking beside her, Fluffy was glad to see Renita was nibbling on her food with the slightest hint of content in her weary features.

"So, Flag-" Fluffy stopped herself. Her flagship wanted to be called by her name, not a title—she wanted to always be reminded who she was, so she'd never forget herself again. "Renita… do you have anything in mind that you'd like to do today?"

Renita paused, a piece of toast gripped in her shark-like teeth. Her eyes fell to her plate as she let go of the toast, her expression thoughtful. "I… I want to talk to my… older sisters," She said eventually. "I want to learn… to remember, how I used to live."

"So you're going to spend the day with the flagships?" Renita gave a small nod. "I see."

Renita looked to her with concerned eyes. "Is that okay, Fluffy? You don't have to stay with me if you… think it's boring. I won't be alone… I think I'll be okay with my sisters…"

Blinking, Fluffy shook her head. "N-no, Renita… it's not a problem at all. I'd actually like to hear a bit about your past, as well."

The Re-class tilted her head slightly. "Really?"

She nodded. "Sometimes, when we were traveling together, I'd wonder why you didn't talk so much about yourself. Of course, now I know it's because you didn't remember most of it, but I can't help but still feel curious..."

At that point, Fluffy noticed the chatter around her beginning to die down somewhat. Looking around, she realized that a few of the Abyssals were looking to Sunny, who was now standing up alongside her sisters. "Alright, girls…" She called out, clapping a couple of times to get the others' attention. "I don't think it needs to be said, but I'll say it anyway: things are looking up for us. Thanks in no small part to Uncle Harry, we're all finally out of the elements—with more than enough room to grow. And we no longer have to fear for our wellbeing quite as much, thanks to signing the Accords." There were many sounds of agreement from the few girls not chewing, and several that were.

"That being said, however…" Tanith said, holding up a hand. "We're not in the clear just yet. We have housing and, technically, running water covered for the time being, but we're still currently reliant on the humans for food such as this." She gestured to their current meal. "We can't expect to live off their generosity forever; that would just be rude. As such, for the foreseeable future, we have two primary goals: getting to the point where we can feed ourselves, and building our infrastructure so we can do proper trade with the wider world."

"Trade?" Several heads turned as Fluffy spoke up, somewhat curious. "Not to be critical, but… what exactly would we have, that humans would want?"

Tanith nodded thoughtfully. "That is actually not a bad question, Fluffy. Put simply, we can offer them fuel. To the north of this island chain, buried in the seafloor, are deposits of natural gas—something in high demand for humans, given how hard it is for them to get to it. A fellow princess has lent us designs for a new type of Abyssal transport ship—more or less superior to the Wa-class—which we hope to eventually have gather and transport this fuel to sell to the humans. Should that work out, it will be an excellent source of income for us."

"Admittedly, that is more of a long-term goal," the Isolated Island Princess beside her noted. "Even after we construct the transports and set up a system for harvesting and ferrying the cargo, it will still be some time before we start to see an actual profit. If we find some other means of getting money in the interim, that would be great… for now, though, the sooner we begin the process, the better things should be for us in the long run."

"And that's not all." Tanith gestured beside her, to a certain golden-eyed Re-class. "Regalia has been immeasurably helpful in keeping our fleet fed with her farm—but her crops are only one part of our diet. And with everyone settling on this island, we're going to need significantly more food than she alone can provide. We're working with the humans to partially alleviate this issue, as you can see, but a ready supply of meat will be critical if we are to have any hope of standing on our own. As it stands, this island's feral hog population is our most promising option. It will take time and effort to set up enclosures and rein in the wild animals until they're tame again… but with luck, they will provide us a reliable food source in the years to come."

"So…" Sunny finally continued, "After breakfast, we begin working our way to a brighter, more prosperous future. We've got a lot to do, in order to turn this place into the new base of operations for the Fleet of Laughter." She grinned brightly. "And we're surely going to need a system to keep track of who's doing what."

Fluffy couldn't help but tilt her head quizzically as many of the Abyssals around her perked up in realization and glee.

"What do you girls say we bring back the Wall?"

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Within a small antechamber off from the corridor that would lead to Ryuujin's court, Shiromizu was attempting to keep still as Himewari as well as a few other attendants swarmed and bustled around her. After wrapping her chest, Himewari spoke after a glance as another brought forth the Mizuchi's Kimono, "Lady Shiromizu? Are you quite alright?"

More than one of the other attendants gave Himewari a look before they turned their attention to Shiromizu who had a weak smile on her face, "About as alright as one could be in this situation, Himewari-San. My stomach feels like it is about to leap out of my throat at any time with nervousness."

Simply nodding, her main attendant gave a small smile, "It will be alright, Lady Shiromizu. You have nothing to worry about." Getting a nod, she helped placed the Kimono over the young Kami's shoulders. Eyes trailing along it as they began to fully clothe Shiromizu in it, Himewari hummed. Said clothing was spun from silk and was white, with designs that gave one the impression of rushing, white water, "It is a lovely Kimono, Lady Shiromizu."

Lightly laughing despite her nerves, Shiromizu gave her a knowing look, "But not quite of the... quality... that most wear when being presented for the first time I take it?"

Blushing, Himeawari ducked her head some, "I am sorry, Lady Shiromizu. This One meant no insult."

All the Mizuchi did though was wave her off and on her face was a small smile, "Don't be, sorry that is." Sighing, she shook her head some, "I am not too surprised thanks to what Sempai told me. This may not be the most splended of a Kimono to most. But to me? It is worth more than any Kimono that could be weaved by a Kami themselves."

Several eyes widened at that and one of the attendants bit her lip before speaking, "If This One should be able to ask why, Lady Shiromizu."

Glancing at said spirit, the young Kami smiled and put her at ease, "This Kimono was weaved by my Onee-Sama, a Unagi Hime. She raised me from when I was but a hatchling, keeping me safe and teaching me what I needed to know. And this she made with all her love especially for me to be used, thus? In my mind there is no finer Kimono."

When they glanced at her, Himewari smiled and nodded before they finished and began to wrap the blue Obi around her. One that glistened and shone, like the surface of a still pool though with ripples seemingly part of the cloth. And with that done, they turned to other matters. As two of the attendants put on her makeup, a third and fourth worked on her hair. With experienced fingers, they styled her hair using the ribbons that Harry had made for her, being gentle with them.

Once they had completed that, with Shiromizu's swords placed at her side and peace bonded, Himewari walked over to a small, polished box and brought it forth before opening it. Inside was a necklace with black and silver, shiny beads and several Magatama of different colors, gold string showing between each piece. Besides a white one, there was one made of a golden gemstone, a piece of jade, and a final one that looked like it was polished steel. At their looks, Shiromizu smiled, "I think that you are wondering what those are?"

Just nodding, Himewari examined each one with her eyes, "I... will admit to be curious, Lady Shiromizu."

Pointing at each one in turn, Shiromizu nodded, "The golden gem is amber that washed ashore in the Baltic Sea in Europe and was given to me by my Otouto from what his family had gathered. According to legend, the gemstone forms from where the rays of the Sun strike the earth, creating a golden liquid like sweat. Yet another legend states that they come from the tears of a broken hearted goddess of the sea. In reality, they are formed from trees that lived millions of years ago. The ivory that makes up the next one, was a gift from Hoppou, the Northern Ocean Princess, and was carved from a tusk of a wooly mammoth. The jade is a gift from my friend, Ono Natsumi-Chan and her family, mined in their territory as thanks. The steel... was created by melting down some material from broken rigging of the Battleship Nagato as well as Yamato which had been removed during repairs. The silver beads were made from silver nuggets from the mountain that I call home that was gathered by those who lived there."

Head tilted to the side as they took in the meaning, one of the others frowned in confusion, "And the black beads, Lady Shiromizu? Where do those come from?"

Softly chuckling, Shiromizu smiled a bit, "Those are made from a gemstone called jet. In recent times, it can has been used in Britain as a stone of mourning in the past hundred years or so... But!" Raising a hand as the attendant's eyes widened, she continued, "But... In ancient times it was used to protect one's soul from evil. It is formed from wood that soaked in water long ago and buried for untold ages. To me, it represents Sempai and all that she has done. The string binding it is from young unicorn tails, brushed out. While some may not understand the meaning, I do."

Bowing slightly, Himewari nodded, "It has a lot of meaning then, Lady Shiromizu. Shall I?" At the nod, she placed it around the Mizuchi's neck and stepped back, "There, we are done."

Now looking into the mirror, the young Kami's breath was nearly taken from her due to the image there. Before, she had never really seen herself as a Kami. Yet now...?

In the mirror was a beautiful young woman who, from the waist down, was a white serpent. Her scales practically shone in the light of the room while the red lines that traced patterns glowed softly with power. Upon her head, pink hair was done up in an elegant hairstyle, with only colored ribbons as the decoration. On her face was the barest amount of makeup needed, which accented the beauty there, while full, red lips glistened. The young Kami in the mirror wore a Kimono that shifted with her movements, giving the impression of rapidly flowing water, though the Obi gave the idea of deep pools where the water was almost undisturbed by what lay beneath. At her side, two swords sat showing that she was not defenseless.

Meanwhile, around her neck sat a string of Magatama. Each one of the beads seemed to shine with an inner light somehow. And when she touched them, Shiromizu got the impression of each person they represented. Touching the amber, she had the image of a smiling Harry in her mind. The jade, a grinning Natsumi giving her a thumbs up. When her fingers brushed against the ivory, there was the mental image of Hoppou giving her a sharp nod. With the steel, Nagato and Yamato both giving her proud looks. With the silver beads, she could see her Onee-Sama and the inhabitants of her village standing there either with happy looks, or bowing to her. And when she touched the jet, there was an image of Jin with a cocky expression.

Then she was back in the present and smiled even as she felt tears prickle at the corners of her eyes and came to a realization. Mizuchi she was, and a Kami she might well be. But until this moment, she had not quite believed. At the same time, she could feel her friends and family standing there with her, right behind her. Shiromizu took strength from that and knew one thing.

No matter what happened, she was ready for it.

Bowing to the attendants, Shiromizu gave them all a thankful smile, "Thank you for all your hard work, I truly appreciate it."

In return, they bowed just as deeply with their own smiles as they spoke as one, "It was our honor, Lady Shiromizu."

Shortly after, Shiromizu was standing before the great doors leading to Ryuujin's Court in this town. On either side of the door stood guards, though she did not look directly at them she took note of their impressive armor. The sound of footsteps though made her turn and her eyes widened, "Sempai? Is that you?"

Giving a jaunty wave, Jin laughed, "Yeah, its me. Why do ya ask?"

Rather than say anything, Shiromizu blinked, still stunned at the sight of Jin...

In a formal Kimono and decked out.

Coming up beside her, Jin gave her a wink and stood there with ease in her muscles, "Ready for this, Shiro? Just like we practiced."

Only nodding, Shiromizu straightened her back, "Hai, Sempai. I'm more than ready." From the corner of her eyes, she could see the guards move at some unseen and unheard signal. Both of them moved as one and opened the doors with Jin and Shiromizu walking in, though the younger Mizuchi gave the two guards bows which they acknowledged with the barest of nods.

As she entered, Shiromizu felt both her breath be taken away, as well as her heart stopped. The room was set up not unlike a noble court from Japan's distant past. But instead of nobles and courtesans, there were Mizuchi and Wani of all shapes and sizes as they made their way down the length. One of the dragons that Shiromizu could see even looked like a Chinese dragon, rather than a Japanese one. And before them, at the end of the room, sat Ryuujin alongside his family. With her eyes, Shiromizu could not see just the powerful looking male human, but also the massive dragon that Ryuujin was. A head which had jaws large enough to swallow ships, talons that could cleave through Battleship armour like it was butter, a long, muscular body that could coil around and crush a mountain with ease. In one clawed hand, he held a jeweled orb as he watched the two Mizuchi make their way before him.

Soon, Jin and Shiromizu reached their destination and bowed low as they waited. Seconds turned into a minute, and then two. It was then that Ryuujin spoke with a voice that seemed to be composed of the sound of a hundred storm tossed seas. "Who comes before the Court of Ryuujin?"

Not raising her head, the young Mizuchi took a deep breath before she spoke. Not in the language of men as she often did, but a far older and elemental one. The language of water and unworked stone, "I Am She Who Rises Heated From Depths To Tumble Down Mountain Wound And Side Across Rock And Soil Of Mountain Of Which Silver And Gold Were Dug." With another breath, she spoke in her usual voice, "I am Shiromizu, young Kami of a hot spring located upon the mountain, Ginzan. I have come before the Court of Ryuujin, Lord of all Mizuchi and Wani to be recognized."

Head tilting to the side, Ryuujin regarded her for a few moments. Then he gave a sharp nod, "And who stands with you, Ginzan no Shiromizu?"

Lifting her head some, Jin spoke, "I, Jin no Hisakawa stand with Ginzan no Shiromizu as her Sempai and Friend."

More than one of the other dragons muttered at that. Just as Ryuujin was about to speak again, there was movement and everyone went silent as Osamu moved from his spot. Then the dragon walked until he stood on the other side of the slightly surprised Shiromizu from the equally shocked Jin and bowed to his father, "And I, Osamu the son of Ryuujin also stands beside her as Friend."

Looks were shared among the various members of the court and even his older sisters and father were silent. Then, Ryuujin nodded and looked down upon them, "Speak then, Jin no Hisakawa and Osamu, Son of Ryuujin. Speak to the Court of Ryuujin of the one known as Ginzan no Shiromizu!"

With a small nod, Jin gave the younger Mizuchi a slight smile, "Ginzan no Shiromizu is someone whom I am honoured greatly to speak of before the Court of Ryuujin. Though young, she has shown great potential and wisdom..."

For the next ten minutes, the scarred Jin spoke of her. Of how she had met her as well as her opinion. She spoke of how Shiromizu had come to her to learn how to be a proper Mizuchi, which got snorts that were silenced with glares from others. How Shiromizu turned out to be a very apt student, paying attention to what she was taught and soaked it up like dry ground might a rain. How she held herself up, and yet did not let it go to her head. And that she was willing to learn from those far more experienced than she was, Mizuchi or otherwise. Then, it was Osamu's turn.

Like Jin, he spoke well of her, but where as Jin focused on the young Mizuchi's power and drive, Osamu spoke of how she acted. How she carried herself with a humbleness, and acted with wit rather than violence. That she was respectful of those of a higher station, but also those of lower stations whom she treated with kindness. Of how she acted towards her Otouto, as a proud Onee-San. How she showed honour and humility.

After the two were done, they backed up a step or two to allow Shiromizu, still bowing deeply, to be before them. Regarding her, Ryuujin gave a slight nod, "You have been Spoken for, Ginzan no Shiromizu. Now, Speak of yourself before the Court of Ryuujin so that We may know of you."

Slightly nodding, Shiromizu took a deep breath and began to tell her tale. How she was born from a simple rat snake upon a mountain near a newborn spring. That she was taken in by a Unagi Hime who became her Onee-Sama, who took care of and taught the young Mizuchi though she did not know of it. How she was hunted by a Joruogumo who wished to devour her and so absorb her power. About fleeing, and being badly injured in the process. Reaching Yokosuka where some older boys had tormented her hurt form, only to be stopped by a brave young boy. How that same boy took care of her as she recovered, and gave her a home as well as love and friendship. That later, she came to view him as her Otouto, and he came to see her as an Onee-San.

How a four tail, later five tail, Kitsune taught her alongside her own Niece that she became friends with.

Then she told of the adventures that happened. About when her enemy revealed herself and attacked her Otouto, she answered the call and fought. That said Jorougumo had created a Gashadokuro which Jin, her future Sempai, fought and helped to destroy. How alongside her Kitsune friend and her Otouto, they slew the demon. Who, before which, revealed that she was a Mizuchi. Jin, she spoke of at length how she found her and asked to be taught by her. How her Sempai had taken her under her guidance and taught her what it meant to be a Mizuchi. And, she spoke of how now the town she lived in was rebuilding itself.

As her voice trailed off, Ryuujin took in the various reactions to the story. Some were obviously disbelieving, while others? They had become thoughtful and calculating. Then he turned to Shiromizu and nodded, "You have Spoken of yourself before the Court of Ryuujin, Ginzan no Shiromizu! Bring forth your Offering to the Court."

Moving forward a few meters, Shiromizu brought out her inrō and stopped below Ryuujin and his family. While not showing it, she felt panic as her heart beat like a drum in her chest. Instead, she opened the container and reached inside. First, she brought out a small wooden box, "I am but a young Mizuchi without much to her name and I can only hope that what I bring pleases the court. Within this lies twenty nuggets of silver from my mountain." A second box soon joined the first, "Inside, this, lies a hundred ounces of gold from my mountain." Reaching back into her inrō, she pulled out a cask, followed by a second, "The first cask is a drink known as Perry, made in the far off land of Britain. It was created from pears harvested from a perry pear tree that is more than a hundred and fifty years old. The drink itself was brewed by the two shipgirls, Junyou and Haruna, as well as Potter Rose, a silver tea set Tsukumogami who has served, and been honoured in turn, by her family for over a hundred years. The second cask contains a drink known as Plum Jerkum, also from Britain and brewed by those same three." Four bottles then joined them, "This is Damson wine, brewed by the three as well." And finally, she brought out two more boxes which she gestured to without raising her head, "Within the first lies thirty pounds of the gemstone jet, a stone created from trees that fell into the water eons ago and buried until they became gems. The second contains forty pounds of the gemstone amber, gathered on the shores of the Baltic Sea."

Eyes taking in the items, Ryuujin also paid attention to the others in the Court. He could see various dragons giving others looks, or softly scoffing. Where were the reams of the finest silks? The piles of gold that reached above heads? Precious gems and pearls that glistened in the light where they laid uncountable?

Simply taking that in, Ryuujin then turned back to Shiromizu who spread her arms, "I realize that such is not much before the Court of Ryuujin nor his Might and Wisdom. But it is all that I have been able to bring as an offering and ask for forgiveness that it is not more. All I can do is present myself as... me and no one else, and that is all that I am, Ginzan no Shiromizu."

Despite the fear and panic welling up in her, she waited as Ryuujin gestured for the items to be brought up for his personal inspection alongside that of his daughters. They did so silently while Shiromizu felt like she was about to keel over or pass out, her heart seemingly about to burst from her chest. Outwardly, she showed no sign of this. Finally, Ryuujin gave a nod and looked around the Court, catching various eyes before settling on Shiromizu, "Stand, Ginzan no Shiromizu! For while you may think otherwise, your story and your offerings are more than acceptable! STAND AND BE RECOGNIZED BEFORE THE COURT OF RYUUJIN FOR YOU ARE NOW PART OF IT!"

With a bow, Shiromizu felt relief pass through her as she straightened, "Thank you, Ryuujin-Dono, I stand recognized as part of the Court of Ryuujin, as one of you loyal subjects."

More than one eyebrow quirked at that pronouncement, but it got more than a few nods of acknowledgment. For the first time, a small grin appeared on Ryuujin's previously stony countenance, "Indeed, Ginzan no Shiromizu. Well said indeed, and so I make the following pronouncement! The waters on the Mountain known as Ginzan now belong to you! From now, until your water dry up, the waters are under your Command. Long may you guide and watch over them and those who take of them with wisdom and strength, humbleness and yet respect. So say I, Ryuujin of the Oceans, Lord of all Wani and Mizuchi! Ruler of the waters! Long may your spring run!"

Head nearly touching the ground with how low she bowed, Shiromizu swallowed, "You greatly honour me, Ryuujin-Dono. I shall do as you have tasked me to the best of my ability."

Then Ryuujin clapped his hands, the sound of which was like the greatest of waves smashing into the shore, "Arise! And bring forth the feast with which to welcome the newest member of my Court! The Lady Ginzan no Shiromizu!"

Cheers and the various other sounds of acknowledgement echoed as Jin walked up and whispered into the younger Mizuchi's ear, "See? Told you there was nothing to worry about..."

Softly smiling, Shiromizu gave a nod. "Hai."

 

[darthcourt10]

eagle109

Barricade said:
Good/Humorous side to all this? Green movements are going to get all the volunteers they'll ever need, and funding will very likely be non-stop. Also the fusion program is likely going to get even more funding beyond what's already being funneled into it (Amaterasu = Sun Goddess. Fusion Reactor = Micro-suns. Ergo, the testbed fusion reactors are already informal shrines to Amaterasu, thus likely will be CONSECRATED as actual shrines/holy sites to her), which will drastically help with certain polluting habits.
Harry Leferts said:
Things are... going to be very, very interesting to be honest. Though that last bit I got to wonder if it would be Amaterasu directly, or Yatagarasu who would have them as a shrine...
Barricade said:
6. Good point about the reactors. Amaterasu is the sun itself (shared with other sun gods/goddesses of course), but the reactors would be a good place for her to see to it that several of her most loyal Yatagarasu be enshrined for their long service as lesser stars (and play a key role in empowering Japan, which would further boost them spiritually. Heh, divine power company. Heh).​

*lightbulb*
*-*-*-*

"What the- Yo, why the frick is that nest back up there again?! I thought one of the other guys removed it because it might cause issues with the sensors!"

"We did. Three times already in just the past week. One of the supervisors pretty much went - as you Americans put it - 'frag it'."

"Why though? They do know that anything can throw off the monitoring equipment. Don't need another Chernobyl."

"The folks at the monitoring stations thought the same, so someone volunteered to go up there to check it out again. Turns out, we can't."

"And the reason being?"

"Gal grew up on a farm near a shrine and when she came back down, she said the nest had a mama crow being real protective of her eggs."

"A mom crow... with a nest at a fusion reactor?"

"It has three legs."

"Thre- Oh, come ON! I just moved here from San Clemente! Gah, FINE. Know anyone who does woodwork or is handy with carpentry? Might as well go as whole hog as we can."

"I might know a person."

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord K

Harry Leferts said:
Try "rakugakineko", that seems to be the artist.
Barricade said:
1. Thanks. Will look up the artist.​

Huh, neat.

I can't actually remember where I initially found that image.

eagle109 said:
If Shiromizu's formal name is "Ginzan no Shiromizu" where she could take "Ginzan" as her surname, shouldn't it be "Hisakawa no Jin" as well, Harry, Lord K? I mean, Minomoto no Yoshitsune, Abe no Seimei, and then Abe no Masahiro.​

It's actually intentional, and Jin kind of making a joke and a couple of points at the same time.

On a certain level, it is grammatically incorrect to write it that way, so simultaneously it's a bit of a 'dumb american joke' and a semi-irreverent nod to the fact that she is undeniably 'american' to a degree in how she thinks of herself, thanks to her period growing up as Molly.

The other part of it is that technically, when written that way and directly translated, instead of the correct "Jin of the Hisakawa" that you would get from Hisakawa no Jin, Jin no Hiskawa produces (incorrectly) "the Hisakawa of Jin". So it's a bit like saying the river is part of or owned by Jin, or that the part that's speaking (Hisakawa) is only a small part of the larger whole that makes up Jin.

So it is wrong in a technical sense, but it's wrong with a somewhat multilayered intent.

Harry Leferts said:
4. Well, yes, she could actually sense out the minerals and such. But right now they are focusing on the tailings as they're easily reachable and cheap. Especially with how much there are those paying for them, and it also gets rid of some unsightly problems as well.
Barricade said:
Oh, no questions about how ugly tailing piles can get. I grew up within only a few miles of gravel pits and mining/logging towns (Olso, Darrington, Arlington, Granite Falls, etc), and those sites are buttass fugly. On the other hand, Shiromizu can use the truly 'worthless' rock left, as gravel for multiple uses. To say nothing of having a few spellcasters come along and turn some of the piles (after being picked over) to magma briefly and then reshape them into something else.

Still, that is just the tailings. Digging down further, and knowing near exactly where to dig? Mining companies would BEG for that kind of accuracy, and likely go out of their way to leave a minimal surface presence so long as that accuracy was kept constant.​

Tailings reprocessing is basically what the Hokubu turned/revitalized their old mines around. There's not actually that much 'proper' mining going on, with the main focus/source of all the copper they're producing being from going through all the really, really old medieval and Meiji era tailing ponds and slag heaps, that would be full of still process-able material if viewed through the lens of modern techniques. Even stuff left over from only 50 years ago, would now be profitable to reprocess with modern methods like froth-flotation or solvent extraction and electrowinning processes (SX/EW).

Granted, the Hokubu also have the benefit of the fact that the reprocessing/smelting facility in Doukouzan is basically the current incarnation of a series of mines through out Tani-no-Su going back centuries. And while Doukouzan was in decline before the new facility was built, it never shut down, so the majority of the workforce and experience to run the new operation, was largely still in the area and familiar with the site and it's surroundings. They also had the benefit of it being early in the Abyssal War, so they probably got a lot of investment and aid to set up a facility that would allow Japan to domestically produce a desperately needed war material (processed copper. Also likely small amounts of sulfur and negligible amounts of gold).

Harry Leferts said:
Yeah, they're just barely there and in her snake form are bumps above and behind her eye. In lamia/humanoid form, they would be about the size of one's little finger at most.​

Looking over at her kohai, Jin gives poorly hidden chuckle as she notices Shiromizu nervously playing at her hair, trying to press it down and shape it without ruining her already carefully done locks. Unfortunately, her efforts to reveal more of, and emphasis the size of her horns are to little avail.

"You'll be fine, don't worry about it."

"That's easy for you to say," grumps the younger of the two dragons, with a glance at the currently downsized, but no less respectable versions of the normally six-point antlers she normally has in her fully draconic form.

"No one's gonna care kid," offers the scarred mizuchi in her best attempt at allying her fears. "You're a young mizuchi, making the transition from great serpent to realizing yourself as a full dragon. It's the norm."

"Really?" asks Shiromizu self-consciously.

Jin pauses for a moment, before ruefully grinning and shrugging. "Well, that what I see with most of the small fry and bratlings that get old enough to move on up in the world these days. I'm old enough that I basically manifested as is, once there was sufficient belief that the kami of the stream was a crotchety, possessive dragon." The mizuchi rolls her eyes. "Because it's totally the kami taking the form of a territorial dragon killing everyone building near the pond without it's permission. Not the mosquitoes."

Shiromizu meanwhile, ignores her elder's musings with a sigh. "Thanks sempai."

The older mizuchi chuckles and gently headpats her student, much to the younger dragon's annoyance, even if Jin takes care not to disturb her hair. "Come on, trust in your sempai when she says that you have absolutely no reason to feel so nervous."

"Are you sure."

"Cross my heart." Says Jin, touching at her chest. "The big one, even."

The green-haired mizuchi's smile then turns crude. "You're still perfectly developed for someone your age. Trust me, give it a few more years and they'll get bigger."

Shiromizu awkwardly blushes and makes a face. "Why do you always have to be like this sempai?"

The older dragons simply spreads her arms with proud cockiness. "It's how I am ain't it?"

Frowning, Shiromizu then looks at Jin with a glint of kitsune-like mischief in her embarrassed gaze. "But sempai.... if that's how you are, then aren't you proof that development sometimes stops? And that time isn't a guarantee they'll get bigger?"

Jin blinks in confusion. "Wut? ....but my horns are normal sized?" Absently she reaches up to touch the antler-like horns atop her head, while tracking her kohai's glare.

One that is looking not at the crown of her head, but below her neck at-

The older mizuchi chokes and crosses her arms angrily, hiding her chest as it now becomes her turn for her face to become colored by an embarrassed red. "that is not the same!"

Shiromizu smiles sweetly. "Oh, sorry sempai. It almost sounded like it with the way you were describing things."

"Touche, my young apprentice," grouches Jin morosely. "Touche."

 

[darthcourt10]

eagle109

qsurf said:
Something just occurred to me after the whole conversation about Nuclear Fusion and the Yatagarasu. Doesn't Fubuki have a daughteru who's got railguns and a fusion powerplant?

Any bets on the ship getting a crow mascot that just showed up out of nowhere?​

*slight tug on the pants*

"I hope this isn't another shaft that needs tweaking, Buki-chan."

*tug tug, pulls insistently in a certain direction*

"Something strange elsewhere?"

*tugtugtugtugtug, pulls again in a certain direction*

"Alright, alright! Calm down, Buki-chan. Let's go see what has your gears spin... ing... The hell is a crow doing on you this far out? They're land-based, not aquatic. We're not even done with your sea trials yet, and we haven't even made landfall in the past several weeks. And why does it have three... legs... Oh, Togo-gensui take me."

*tug?*

"No, you didn't do anything wrong, Buki-chan. Just... something I'll have to kick upstairs to the captain. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'll ask someone in the galley to leave a bowl of ice cream out for you." *muttering to self* "Fusion-powered, of freaking course..."

*happy destroyer is happy*

 

[darthcourt10]

SoulessScotsman

A/N: So, to be clear, this is before the Hogwarts School Year starts.
----------------------------------------------------
Connie sat in the Shrine, meetings with Admiral Goto long finished. The Miko, Shrine Maiden—whatever—sat before her, pouring tea. According to Crowe's spotty memory, she wouldn't begin speaking until the tea was poured.

"So. You look good, Anderson-san. For a dead man."

Or she'd start now. Lovely. Well, she could deal—

"I was never reported KIA."

Dammit, Will.

Haru quirked a brow, looking thoroughly unimpressed, "I saw the letter. Someone thought you were dead enough to send it to your sister. Tsume-chan and Rae-chan keep a small shrine for you. Kenta-kun drinks a glass of Scotch, which he hates, every anniversary of Blood Week, while Kagome-chan and Anko-chan visit the monument at my shrine, which has your name on it, and pay their respects to the Uncle they barely remember," Haru took a placid sip of her tea, "You didn't ever think to call in almost eight years?"

Don'tsayitdon'tsayitdon'tsayit—

Will looked down, avoiding her eyes, "Raven said she never wanted to see me again, let alone speak to me."

Connie internally groaned, William, you utter moron!

"And you took her seriously?" the Miko asked, tone incredulous, "From what I understand, she wasn't exactly thinking clearly. Or thinking at all, really."

"Look, I know what I did, alright?" he replied, obviously exasperated, "But I wasn't exactly in the right state of mind, either. Then my deployments happened, and I was ordered not to contact anyone. Not even my godmother knew I was alive until Connie shanghaied me about three years ago. And after that, I figured they'd be better off without me."

She sipped her tea, "Baka."

"Yes, I'm aware," was his dry reply.

"No, you are not!" the Miko snapped, "Do you have any idea what that did to your sister?"

Anderson stepped forward and dropped down to sit next Connie, carefully avoiding the Miko's eyes, "Yeah. I can guess."

Haru gave him a searching look, "Yes. I suppose you can. My apologies."

Crowe grunted, "Unneeded, but appreciated nonetheless."

"If I may be allowed to salvage this conversation," Connie began sardonically, "William and Corvina won't be part of my duties while I'm here. Commander Shepard will more than make up for his absence. Effective immediately, as his commanding officer, I am giving him leave for the remainder of our stay. He will have more than enough time to unfuck this mess," she turned a glare to her 2IC, "Is that clear?"

He huffed, "Crystal. I'll get to it first thing tomorrow. Like I was planning to."

Haru's grin was positively vulpine, "Wonderful! We should probably talk about your family if you have the time."

"...I'm a little concerned you know that that's part of the reason I'm here, but unsurprised you do," Crowe said, giving her a wary stare, "Some things came up and I'm unsure how to go about telling Raven. It's...bizarre, to put it mildly."

"Oh, you won't have to worry about that!" Haru chirped.

"You have no idea what I'm going to tell her," he deadpanned.

Her grin turned sharp, "How is Lady Aurora? She hasn't stopped by to see Raven in a few months."

Crowe went very, very still, "How do you know that?"

Seemingly surprised by his question, she sat upright as her eyes widened before relaxing and rolling her them, "Right. I forgot about that. You always were like a brick wall when it came to the supernatural. Here, let me give you a hint."

Haru set her teacup down and proceeded to shake her head like she was trying to shed water. Two ears popped up on her head and a set of tails started swaying behind her. When she grinned there was a bit more fang in it. She looked Crowe directly in the eye and cocked a brow.

His eyes narrowed, "Kitsune."

"Very good. I see you remember some of Tsume-chan's lessons."

"Among other things," was his neutral response.

The kitsune smiled, "Well! You'll also remember her stories about ōkami?"

Crowe's expression and tone turned wary, "...In which context?"

"The one about the ōkami yōkai that was tricked by a kitsune into changing their name to Inugami? The one she tried to say was made up? I think you didn't really care enough to parse that bit, but Raven caught it. That may have been the point, though."

Crowe groaned as he palmed his face, "Tsume, you conniving old bitch."

Haru snorted, "Well, technically, yes she is."

"I'm going to assume that the kitsune in question was an Ono," the Trooper drawled, casting a gimlet eye at the Miko.

"No points for guessing," Haru waved him off, "Too easy."

"No wonder you and Tsume constantly fight."

The kitsune smiled brightly, "Would you believe that our clans are actually the best of friends, and have been for centuries?"

"I'll bet she gets along better with your sister, doesn't she," Will deadpanned.

She pouted, "You're no fun."

"Because I refuse to let you play your games?"

"Obaa-chan?" a sleepy voice call out from the doorway, "What's going on?"

Crowe stood, "And that's a convenient reminder that I need to go check on my daughter. Haru, Connie; have a good..." he checked his watch, "Morning. Jesus."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Door open to the small balcony of her room, Shiromizu sat on top of her coiled lower body as she sipped some tea and looked out onto the night. Even though the Sun had sunk beneath the horizon and the Moon risen, activities in the town were still going on. If anything, in some cases they had increased to the young Mizuchi's eyes. Above it all, the Moon, or rather how it appeared in this spiritual realm, sat as large as a dinner plate.

Looking up at it, Shiromizu hummed to herself thoughtfully, "I wonder... are there any rabbits up there pounding mochi?"

Not having expected an answer, she was somewhat surprised as her attendant spoke up, "Ah, there's a few? I know there is a store in town that sells mochi made on the Moon by the Inaba there. It... is quite good?"

Small smile on her face, Shiromizu chuckled some, "Really? I'll have to try some then, Himewari-San. Maybe tomorrow or the next day you could take me there? Though..." Now frowning, she furrowed her eyebrows, "Would they take mortal money? I am afraid that I don't have anything for the spiritual realm, just what I have on me at the moment..."

Head tilted to the side, the attendant shook her head, "Most of what is in town is mostly free, Lady Shiromizu. The higher Kami pay the expenses for most of what is taken, though there is a small bank run by Tenko and Myōbu. Just one of many Inari Banks in the Spirit World, and there you can exchange mortal coin for money to be used here."

Blinking, Shiromizu's eyebrows rose upwards, "Inari Banks? There are banks here in the Spirit World?"

Unsure, Himewari gave a small nod, "Hai? Inari-Dono is the Kami of Finance after all and they run the banks here in the Spirit World... Is something wrong?"

Facepalming, the young Mizuchi shook her head before waving it off, "Just that Sempai forgot to mention something to me... again."

Elsewhere, Jin was heavily drinking with a large number of other Kami when she sneezed... and caused the potent alcohol to hit an open flame making a shooting flame that caught the stall on fire which they tried to put out.

Meanwhile, Shiromizu had a thoughtful look on her face. "So this bank would exchange my money for... spirit money?"

With a nod, the attendant reached into a small bag at her side and held out some coins, "These are what are used in the Spirit World for money, Lady Shiromizu." At the curious look on the Kami's face, she nodded at them, "Go ahead."

Gently, Shiromizu plucked one of the coins and held it up. It was a copper coin with a square hole in the middle. Beside the hole were two foxes with one tail each, a thrasher at the bottom, and a gem on the top. Head tilted to the side, she gave a small nod and returned it while noticing that there were silver coins as well, "How do they work?"

Placing a silver coin down onto the floor, Himewari gestured at it, "This is one Monme, much like the old form of money in the mortal world. There are differences though as one Monme is worth a hundred Mon coins, which are the copper. Above this, one hundred Mon is worth one Ryō, which is made of gold with a ruby as the gem." She then held up the silver coin that Shiromizu had been looking at, "These are also separated as you can see by the tails on the foxes. The ones with one tail for the silver are one Monme, the two tails on each represent coins worth two Monme. Five tails are coins that represent five Monme. It is the same for the other coins in much the same way."

A frown on Shiromizu's face, she gave a small nod, "I see. But... how much does it cost for daily life here then? Because it sounds rather expensive."

Just shaking her head, the attendant smiled some, "It is not all that expensive, Lady Shiromizu. Most of those spirits such as myself get by well enough on Monme and Mon. For example, one Monme would buy oneself a number of items. With two Monme, I can treat myself at one of the eateries around here for a good amount of fine food. The room and the service for example would cost you two Ryō for just a week."

That made Shiromizu's eyebrows as she did some quick calculations and internally shuddered. What she just stated sounded like an awful amount of money, "I see..." Finger against her chin, she nodded, "Do you know when the banks open in the morning? So that I can go and exchange what I have?"

One sleeve before her face, Himewari smiled, "As a matter of fact, Lady Shiromizu, the banks are currently open due to Kaminakizuki. If it would please you, I can guide you to the nearest bank from the hotel."

Chewing her lip as she thought it over, the young Kami tapped one finger on her lower body. Eventually, Shiromizu took a deep breath and bowed some, "As long as you are not too bothered."

With a small bow, Himewari simply nodded, "Of course. And as I said before, I am at your service." Standing with ease from where she had been kneeling, the spirit glanced at the now empty tea cup before clapping her hands. Another spirit then walked in and took away the tea cup, "If you would follow me, Lady Shiromizu..."

As it turned out, if the view from her room was interesting, from ground level it was amazing. Everywhere the Mizuchi looked, Kami and spirits were milling around. Stands were set up where people ate or drank. At one such stand, Shiromizu could see a three legged crow drinking from a cup as a Tengu with a glow around them laughed. Moments later, a golden Kitsune joined the two and was greeted warmly. Nearby, a Sarugami was eating a hunk of meat while a Ao bōzu sat on a stool with its eye closed while waiting for their order.

Both Shiromizu and Himewari stepped aside as a being formed of mud walked past, though it didn't even leave wet footprints before it joined a Mizuchi. On a stage, she could see a group of Karyōbinga on a stage playing music while Tennyo danced around them. Eyes wide, Shiromizu took everything in.

It was... alive.

Passing another stand where a young woman with what seemed like a permanent blush was shaking her head at a giant Oni, though for some odd reason said woman wore a school uniform, Shiromizu blinked. Mainly due to how she could see Jin run through her field of vision. For some odd reason, she was being chased while on fire... Weird. Shaking that off, and ignoring the crash with Jin swearing and someone shouting about cabbages, the Mizuchi continued to look around in awe, "Wow..."

Softly smiling, Himewari nodded some with a deep breath, "It is something to see indeed, Lady Shiromizu."

The two ducked as the head of Taira no Masakado swept past, tilting from side to side. It was quite obvious that despite being a head, he was rather drunk. Proven moments later as Jin gave a yelp. "TAIRA YOU ASSHOLE! THAT'S MY FUCKING TAIL, NOT A NAPKIN AND-FUCK! DID YOU JUST GODDAMN FUCKING PULL A RUNNER YOU FUCKER!?"

Hurrying a bit fast as the sound of a fight, and further shouts about cabbages, the two soon reached their destination. For a moment, Shiromizu took in the sight of the building before her with two statues of Myōbu on the steps before the doors. It looked like an odd cross between a bank in the mortal world and a shrine of all things. Yet, somehow, it worked. Entering, Shiromizu looked around to see various tellers, all foxes of one sort or another though she could also see serpent spirits as well. All of them dressed either in fine Kimonos of a sort worn by merchants or in modern business suits... which just made Shiromizu boggle.

Unsure, she made her way to one of the tellers who raised an eyebrow, Himewari following her. Watching her, the fox there gave a small bow. "Welcome to Inari Bank for Izumo North, how may I help you tonight?"

With a glance around, Shiromizu took a deep breath, "Um, well... I'm a new Kami here and I would like to exchage some money if that is possible?"

Simply nodding with a hum, the fox made a note on some paper, "Ah! I see then, no worries my Lady. Though if I make a suggestion?" At the nod, she continued, "It might be a good idea to open an account here as well. Less hassle since you do not need to carry around all your funds and we're open everywhere in the Spirit Realm. You can also reach us at any Inari Shrine for better service."

Rapidly blinking, she stared for a few moments. Then seeing the amused look, Shiromizu blushed a bit, "Ah, excuse me then. I think that opening an account would be good."

The fox smiled and clapped her paws. "Excellent then, your name please?" Getting it, the fox wrote it down and then blinked, "One moment please."

Quickly, she tapped several stones and they lit up. A few moments later, another, male fox walked in. He was obviously a Myōbu, dressed in a business suit and came to a stop. "Yes, Haruka-Chan? What seems to be the issue?"

Gesturing at the now nervous Mizuchi, the fox's next words only replaced that with confusion, "Sir, this is Ginzan no Shiromizu. She wished to open an account and yet she already had one. But judging from her expression she did not know."

Just raising an eyebrow, the Myōbu hummed, "I see, not that odd really. From what I heard you were just inducted into Ryuujin's Court earlier today, hai?"

With a nod, though still lost, Shiromizu frowned, "Um, hai? But what does that have to do with anything?"

Chuckling, the Myōbu shook his head and made a motion with one paw, "It explains quite a bit actually. You see, Ryuujin-Dono is well known for taking care of those beneath him. Either him or his daughters set you up with an account here after you joined his Court. So nothing to worry about, Lady Shiromizu. Though that is a bit odd as normally he would send someone to tell you..."

Elsewhere, Yodogawa was looking at the scroll that had been fosted off on her by Fujigawa, "Mou... where is Shiromizu? Wait, is she a Mizuchi?" Then she gasped and pointed at Jin who walked past covered in the remains of cabbages, "Ah! Jin-san! Jin-San! I found you! Do I get a prize?"

All Jin did was groan before facepalming, "Yes, you are now a wannabe Butter Knife." Pulling her hand away from her face, she reached up and flicked a piece of cabbage from her shoulder, "Anyways, what is it?" Having a scroll held out, the undead Mizuchi frowned, "Uh, what am I supposed to do with this?"

Tilting her head to the side, Yodogawa frowned, "Um, its for Shiromizu? Isn't that you?" At the blink, she pointed at Jin whose eyebrow twitched at seeing the scroll, "I think that someone mentioned you being Shiromizu, or her student... Mou... I'm confused."

Jin stared at her before facepalming even harder, and moments later made her walk over to a stone wall as Yodogawa grabbed some food, "Fucking dense Mother Fucker..."

Back with Shiromizu, the Mizuchi shook her head in confusion, "No, no one told me about this..."

Simply humming, the Myōbu waved a hand over a stone and then held it out, "Well, please place one hand onto the stone for identification purposes."

Doing so, Shiromizu felt a tingle run up and down her as magic scanned her. Several seconds later, a small dragon appeared from nowhere made of paper before unfolding itself and landing in the Myōbu paws. Adjusting his glasses, he looked down it with a hum, "Is... there something wrong?"

With a chuckle, the Myōbu handed her the paper, "Not at all, Lady Shiromizu. You have quite the nice balance."

Confused, Shiromizu took it and looked down it with her eyes widening, "How... how do I have this much already?!"

Lips twitching, the fox spirit shook his head, "Yes, you currently have over one thousand Ryō in your account. I take it that you do not know how a Kami makes their money in the spirit world?" At the shake of her head, he smiled. "Kami make money based on the amount of funds that they have. If a Kami has, for instance, one hundred worshippers who pray to them, they can make one Ryō per month. Two hundred would net one two Ryō a month. In your case you have a large number of worshippers, some of whom are listed as being dead oddly enough for some odd reason, but it still counts. Yokai also bring in more faith as well."

Facepalming, Shiromizu let out a soft groan, "All those fairies from the shipgirls coming to me with offerings and the like? Somehow... I got money from their faith? Really?"

Just lightly laughing, the Myōbu shook his head in amusement, "That is how things work in the Spirit World, yes. Think of their faith as... taxes, you collect as a feudal lord. Now, some of that does go to Ryuujin-Dono in the form of a faith taxation from you in a way as you are a member of his Court now, but it still leaves you with quite a bit of funds."

Innocent expression, the fox behind the teller's desk hummed, "Oh yes, you wished to make a exchange as well. If you wish, we can handle that now and place it into your account, and also allow for you to make a withdrawal."

Slowly blinking, Shiromizu sighed and gave a small nod as she tried to ignore the amusement from the two fox spirits, not noticing that Himewari had her jaw dropped. Minutes later, she slithered out from the bank and shook her head, 'How does one run stocks and the like using faith money? What the heck?'

Briefly chewing her lip, Himewari looked at the Kami who had rapidly risen in her eyes, "Lady Shiromizu? Are you alright?"

With a sigh, the Mizuchi in question smiled at her, "Hai, I am alright. Just a little bit lost about all this." At her stomach rumbling, Shiromizu looked around as she felt the weight of the money at her side, "Hmm... do you know of anywhere that is good to get a quick bite at? I will of course pay for your own as you are guiding me around."

Flushing, Himewari was about to say that she did not need to when she spotted the raised eyebrow. Then she remembered what the Kami in front of her was like and gave a small smile, "There is one stall that we do find rather enjoyable..."

Smile growing some, Shiromizu nodded, "Sounds great, lead the way, Himewari-San."

The two then began to make their way through the crowds before them.

 

[darthcourt10]

qsurf Omake: Tenjin explains how Shiromizu became the Kami of Shipgirls

Crossposting a little something with full credit to Dark Mage from SV for giving me some inspiration:

Dark Mage said:
Shiromizu: Wait, what? I'm just the Kami of a small hot spring. How did this happen!?
Inari: Eh. It happens.​

*Tenjin appears behind the two already in lecturer gear*

Tenjin: Well *Fox and Mizuchi eeks are ignored* Shiromizu-san, Inari-san, allow this old ghost to explain!

*One finger snap later, the three of them are in a schoolroom with Tenjin in front of a chalkboard and the two other kami dressed in school uniform*

Tenjin: As I am sure you are well aware, the evolution of a kami's domain happens naturally, over some period of time, one can say that as manifested avatars of nature itself, we grow naturally into niches were we do not have competition and after reaching an equilibrium, we stop. The perfect example of this is Inari-sama sitting next to you *a confused Shiromizu turns to her neighbour, who has somehow gone full JK within minutes, rapidly typing on her phone and chewing gum* she began as a Kami of Rice and Agriculture, and these domains grew as more associations with Agriculture and Rice made themselves apparent. *seeming to just notice Shiromizu's attention on her, Inari grins at her with a "V" sign, a cough from Tenjin-sensei continues the lecture as he pulls down a white screen* Now, with your case, you were simply in the right place at the right time.

*Shiromizu blinks as the first slide shows, a traditionally drawn image of her in her old snake form in her terrarium being given offerings by Shipgirl Fairies, Inari can't help but to coo a little*

Tenjin: This is where it began, with worried Fairies coming to you before you were even aware of your true heritage to pray for the safety of their shipgirls. That you allowed them to do so even though you had thought yourself to be a youkai to give them piece of mind kick-started their Faith in you, and ever since you acknowledged your divinity and gained a shrine, this has only intensified the Faith of the Fairies.

*Another slide of another ukiyo-e masterpiece that makes Inari coo again as s/he can't handle the cuteness, this time of fairies carrying various materials to make tiny shrines to store in the halls of their shipgirls to pray to as they travel*

Tenjin: Of course, the mobile nature of these shrines have led to these fairies spreading tales of your blessings and kindness towards the shipgirls to the other fairy crews of other shipgirls and so on.

*One last slide change, this time Inari squeals as it shows the fairies having a festival and seemingly carrying the molted skin of a white snake, led by a Fairy Priest, and looked over by a Kitsune Priest, Shiromizu is just boggling at this point*

Tenjin: It has gotten to the point where when they can, the crews try to get their shipgirls to spend a night at your Shrine on the anniversary of the day one Fairy found you and made the first offering to help heal his shipgirl.

*Shiromizu blinks and snaps her fingers*

Shiromizu: Oh! The doughnuts from Taigei's chief engineer!

*Tenjin nods, smiling proudly as the image changes and the painting of the despondent and injured Fairy kow-towing before Shiromizu in her Terrarium with a small plate of doughnuts in front of him shows itself, Inari at this point, sniffs and dabs her wet cheeks*

Inari: She-she even remembers her first offering.

Tenjin: And THAT Shiromizu-san, is why you grew into the Kami of Shipgirls as well. *then suddenly another painting appears as Shiromizu chokes and her eyes go wide, while Inari starts chuckling like a perverted old man, Tenjin continues, completely unflappable* It doesn't hurt as well that the shipgirls who have bathed in the onsen fed by your spring have all compared it to the Docking Pools they are used to, so shrines to you have appeared in those areas as well *behind him, is an ukiyo-e painting of various shipgirls in the onsen, the steam covering all the sensitive bits*.

 

[darthcourt10]

Savato93

"Is this it?"

Ruadri nodded as she dusted herself off. "Yeah. Everything we had stored away in the wine cellar, plus what odds and ends our sisters could carry here with them."

Tanith looked over the materials gathered before her. A number of pre-processed ingots, several sheets of man-made steel plating—likely intended for use in a modern warship—and a not-insignificant pile of cast-iron utensils and tools scavenged from all around their new home, all added up to maybe a few hundred kilograms of usable metal. Alongside this was a large oil drum, just slightly less than full, and a crate filled with rounds of numerous different types and calibers.

It wasn't a lot, and the presentation of the materials was in a less-than-dignified manner… but then again, these same conditions had been deemed good enough by fate to bring about her Re-class daughter.

Pulling the Oku-class blueprints from her hold and briefly inspecting them, Tanith eventually let out a sigh. "It will more or less exhaust everything we have here… but we at least have enough on hand to build one. With luck, she'll be able to help us collect whatever supplies had to be left behind on the other islands, in order to develop more."

Ruadri nodded curtly, folding her arms. "Better than not being able to build even one, I suppose." She glanced back to Tanith. "Would you like me to get Ritou or Patty, allow them to begin construction?"

Thinking about it for a moment, Tanith shook her head. "No… no, I can handle this."

The Ru-class's eyebrows rose. "Are you sure? After what happened with Regalia?"

"…things were different, then. I was younger. More brash. Troubled by the loss of our family." Tanith hung her head. "Regalia was the end result of a poorly-thought out plan to soothe the pain in my heart. But this… I'm doing this for the sake of our fleet's future. The time has come for me to redeem myself—I refuse to make this mistake a second time."

Stepping forward as her rigging deployed, she picked up the sheets of metal. Tanith wasn't like her fellow flagships. Where their riggings were all but autonomous beings themselves, linked inexorably to their Abyssal masters, hers was 'merely' an extension of herself, of her power. It had no mind of its own, no purpose beyond raw strength… and most importantly for the matter at hand, no orifice through which anything could enter or exit. She couldn't simply process the building materials internally, rely on her rigging to craft an egg and disgorge it in an unseemly manner. That didn't mean she was incapable of creating offspring, though. Far from it—Regalia was living proof that she could.

She was simply forced to… take a different approach.

Gripping the metal in her four hands, she began to bend and flex. While she did this, a small team of imps clambered out of her hull, metalworking tools at the ready. Slowly and carefully, she worked all the sheets into a set of rounded wedges, each unique in shape and curvature; as she did so, her imps began to carry out their own task, using their tools to weld the plates together. It took some time, but eventually it was done—sitting before Tanith was a large, round bowl, as wide as she was tall and rising all the way up to her bosom.

A vessel, for what would eventually become a fledgling Abyssal.

Inside the vessel, the imps continued to work. The Princess was not worried about the imps being trapped as she continued her own task—rather, that was the intent. Once a part of her crew, these imps had had their names officially struck from the Princess's roster—now, they belonged to no ship. They were not, however, being thrown away, but released… freed, to assume a new purpose. By the time Tanith's work here was done, these select few would become the template, the foundation on which the fledgling Abyssal's crew would form. For now, though, the imps had one last mission: using their tools, they started to carve shapes, characters on the inside of the bowl. Were an outsider to look in, they would see diagrams and calculations steadily forming, identical to those found on the Oku-class schematics, growing to cover the entire interior—inscribing upon the vessel every single detail that would come to define the fledgling.

Tanith turned to the remaining materials. Reaching for the crate, she gripped the top with her true hands and ripped it away, exposing the ammunition within. With an almost ineffectual flick of her wrists, the Princess picked up the crate and upended it, dumping the contents into the vessel. The oil drum, in contrast, was handled much more carefully: unscrewing the cap, she held it against the rim of the bowl and slowly tipped it, letting the fuel within flow gradually. The reason why came shortly afterward, as she briefly ran her larger set of hands beneath the stream of oil, coating them in the flammable liquid.

Once the last of the fuel trickled out of the drum, Tanith set it aside. Bringing the mechanical hands together with a thunderous clap, she ignited the fuel that coated them, causing her rigging to burst into flame. The oil burned away almost immediately, but it served its purpose—a catalyst for her power. Rather than dying out, the flames sank into the metal, causing it to glow from within… burning brighter and brighter, imbued with energy far in excess of what the flame provided. Tanith herself was practically unfazed by her rigging glowing white-hot around her, even as her surroundings—with the exception of, strangely, the vessel and its particularly volatile contents—succumbed to the effects of convection. Ruadri was forced to retreat to the nearest doorway, visibly sweating, as a nearby table spontaneously combusted.

Finally, Tanith turned to the remaining materials. Taking fistfuls of metal in either blazing hand, she held them over the bowl; within seconds, the extraordinary heat of the hands liquified the metal, letting it drip and flow between her fingers into the vessel. Rather than setting off the volatile mixture within, in a blatant violation of the laws of thermodynamics, the globules of molten steel splashed harmlessly in the oil, glowing beneath the surface as they sank to the bottom. Over and over, Tanith repeated this action—taking all the steel she could carry, and letting it melt out of her hands to join the impossible concoction below—until nothing remained.

All the materials were prepared. Now… came the critical final step.

The glow and heat filling the chamber abruptly cut out as Tanith dismissed her rigging. "Stand by to administer aid, Ruadri," she said with a grimace, as she retrieved a goblet from her hold. This was easily the worst part of the process for her—an offering of herself, a seed from which her creation's flesh could spring forth. For anyone else, it might have been as simple as slicing open a palm… but she did not have that option. Taking a deep breath and bracing herself, Tanith jabbed a talon into her stomach. She bit back a sharp gasp of pain, only permitting herself to growl as a hole was punched in her flesh.

It was a minor injury, equivalent to penetration by a dud shell at the worst, but it was enough for blood to start flowing at a steady rate. Focusing on keeping her breathing even, she set the goblet against her hip, letting her blood flow into it. It only took a minute for the cup to be filled to the rim—more than enough for her needs. Grunting in discomfort, Tanith pulled the cup away from her midriff; as Ruadri approached to treat her wound, however, the Princess held up a hand to halt her. "Not yet."

Ruadri looked conflicted, but nevertheless she obeyed. A cup of her own blood in hand, Tanith stepped up to her creation. From here, she let her instincts as a princess take over—dipping two claws in the blood, she began to draw on the surface of the vessel. To any possible onlooker—hell, to Tanith herself—there was seemingly no rhyme or reason to the streaks and dabs she left on the still-smooth surface. But on a fundamental level, Tanith understood: this drawing represented her. She was marking this nascent Abyssal as her child, and no other's.

Looking over the markings that identified her one last time, Tanith nodded, satisfied. A glance down to the goblet in her hands showed that it was still mostly filled, to her internal delight. She held it up over the still-glowing molten mix inside the vessel, closed her eyes and spoke the words already rising unbidden from the depths of her soul.

"Смертные существа создают корабли во имя Исследованния. Торговли. Войны. Они воплощают эти сосуды. И благодаря их действиям ... благодаря новым открытиям, полученной прибыли, битвам, выигранным и проигранным ... они дают им жизнь. Для неисчислимых веков это была фундаментальная истина… и она останется таковой для градущих. Но здесь и сейчас ... со сталью пропитанной моей кровью, отлитой слугами моей воли ... Я, Государь Северного Сияния, дочь Северного Oкеана, рождаю тебя вопреки этому естественному порядку!"

And as the last syllable left her lips, Tanith let the goblet fall from her fingers.

The change was instant. As her blood came into contact with the molten steel, rather than boiling away, it began to sink, to spread. Within seconds, the glow of the metal had already begun to dim from the inside out, as the dark magic ran its course, turning the volatile materials into something… new. Not a minute later, the process was complete—where the vessel once contained a white-hot mixture of steel, oil, and live ammunition, there was now only a mass of ichor, dark as night, sloshing gently as the last few bubbles of gas escaped to the surface.

The primordial soup of Abyssal life.

Tanith stumbled backwards into her sister's arms, drained by her efforts. "I have you, sister…" Ruadri said quietly as she pressed a wad of cloth against the Princess's injury. "You can relax." Tanith remained quiet, watching the vessel she'd crafted begin to change, and grow. The smooth, rounded surface shifted in color and texture, darkening as ridges and creases grew to cover every square inch. Meanwhile, the rim of the bowl rapidly rose up and over the concoction within, sealing itself over. It was only a matter of time before the vessel had reached its final shape—an egg, boasting skin like ebony leather and topped by a crown of thorns, taller than even Tanith herself.

"You think things will… turn out differently, this time?" She asked.

Ruadri shrugged. "Can't really say for certain." She smiled lightly. "But I can say this: your construction process, even if it's a lot more dangerous than everyone else's, is far more interesting to watch." A look of mild revulsion appeared on her face. "Not that I'd ever say it to her face, but seeing the way Mother creates her daughters… kinda creeps me out."

Tanith chuckled softly. "True enough, I suppose."

And now, they played the waiting game…

XXXXX

A rough translation of the Russian incantation, for the curious:
Spoiler
Mortal beings craft vessels in the name of exploration. Trade. War. They embody these vessels. And through their actions… through new discoveries, profits made, battles won and lost… they give them life. For eons, this has been a fundamental truth… and it will remain so, for eons to come. But here and now… with steel quenched in my lifeblood, molded by agents of my will… I, Sovereign of the Aurora Borealis, daughter of the Northern Ocean, birth you in defiance of this natural order!

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord K Omake: Norimune's Insult

U.N.Spacy000 said:
I'm waiting for Jin to suddenly grow into her power now that she's reconnected to her old heart sort of like a delayed puberty with all the assorted growth spurts.

Just imagine - Jin, but tall instead of a tiny, feisty munchkin. Maybe then people would take her seriously before going full Mizuchi if she wasn't a shrimp. And Mary can tease her about taking so long to finish growing.

Oh, and boobs.​

An evil thought I contemplate from time to time is the idea that thanks to either karma or simply rolling bad on the genetic lottery, Jin/Molly actually always was going to be a bit on the sides of small and flat, even if she did hit her twenties.

It's not that she's smol/a half-pint now, and even without the scars, can usually pass for someone in the 17-21 margin. But she is completely and utterly flat.

Dances in Shadows said:
Ok. So clairification please. Is Jin's lack of "great tracts of land" due to her reawakening as a dragon before puberty finished for her human form, or is it the spiritual side effect of being killed by a shot to the chest by the "biger bader boomstick"?.
U.N.Spacy000 said:
We'd have to get Lord K to actually answer anything regarding Jin, but we do know Mary, Molly's mother, isn't flat, short, or adorable, and neither was Molly's father, so in theory, Molly should not have been either, and Jin has repeatedly stated that if the re-awakening thing had been delayed by a few years she would have filled out more which implies it was the coming into her stunted Mizuchi powers that halted her physical development.

Then, with the lily pad thing growing out of Jin's head, we learned that the Mizuchi portion of Jin/Molly is absolutely wrecked and in tatters but somehow not entirely dead. Mostly dead, but still very much actually there and with a semblance of life - especially with how it's connected to a living human.

So my theory, which might amount to nothing, is that while the old Mizuchi components of Jin/Molly has enough power, momentum, and the tools to not die, it lacks the power, means, and tools to grow back what it has lost and heal itself fully, so it's sort of locked in a sort of stasis, and since Jin/Molly is tied to this stasis locked thing, it means she can't grow beyond what she was when she awakened into her reincarnated power when she was a late blooming 16 year old.​

Pretty much this

U.N.Spacy000 said:
And while that might make it possible for her to finish growing if the Mizuchi portion is healed, she might also not because reasons and Jin suffering because of her body type is amusing.​

But also a fair bit of this

U.N.Spacy000 said:
I wonder if they started out as useless fish...
U.N.Spacy000 said:
I wonder how many of them were previously salmon.​

The phrase "useless fish" makes me think of the sunfish rant.

..... lol, can you imagine a mizuchi born of something like a sun fish?

U.N.Spacy000 said:
Norimune probably went to the temple after getting kicked out of the States returning to Japan so she could gloat.

But yes, I wonder how it went and what sort of fight broke out.​

Actually, she did once visit the Masamune and the temple she was supposed to be put in, some time after her release from prison.

Unfortunately, while she did go to boast and brag about what she got to spend four and a bit centuries seeing and doing, she was also drunk as a skunk at the time. Thus, she didn't really react all that well when she discovered that rather than living a boring and unfulfilling life as a wall ornament, the Masamune was happily working as part of the shrine's staff, was something of an oral historian and pass time scholar of military history and figures of different conflicts, and was also occasionally giving kendo and kyudo lessons to kids. So while she wasn't a warrior, she still served Hachiman and conducted herself in a surprisingly tutorial, rather than martial, fashion.

Needless to say, Norimune (who had lost her faith, had often lost friends or shed blood in the course of making what now largely felt like fruitless history, was now generally forgotten or unrecorded in many of aforementioned histories she helped shape or witness, and who's students had all turned out to be unwitting pawns or actors in a ruse to manipulate her) was not particularly taken by this discovery.

A drunken, angry rant ensued, and when the poor confused Masamune failed to recognize her or some of the even more obscure and minor skirmishes Norimune started ranting about, some punches were thrown, a few things got broken, and Norimune ending up getting tossed out on her ass.

U.N.Spacy000 said:
There was some back and forth between me and Lord K earlier about Jin growing to be more like Mary, and I thought she'd initially complain about Molly stealing her clothes but eventually get around to cracking jokes at her daughter's expense. Lord K dropped a "it took you long enough" for one of Mary's lines.
Harry Leferts said:
In other words... Jin might well have been "D for Dragon" except for having her other half woken too early.​

Maybe "B of Badass" most likely.

Harry Leferts said:
Considering that Norimune would use every language she knows to insult said sword...​

Muramasa-no-Norimune to the Masamune-no-Tokunotakai!

O 'Masamune of the Higher Virtues', whom mine sisters would have me write an apology to. Tokugawa salope and damned Tlazōlteōtl's kith and kin, desk-job secretary to Lucifer himself. What puta kind of tachi are thou, that canst not slay a hedgehog with your naked arse? The akaname shits, and your temple goers eat. Thou shalt not, thou daughter of a bâtard, make subject of things you know fuck all about; I have no fear of you, your skill and your kami, I will put the boot in thee, go fuck thy self.

Thou Sagami ráicleach, Kanagawa pompinara, busu of Tsukui , jij bent een vieze schapen neuker, swineherd of old and new Yamato, Gae-sae, spawny-eyed pig-faced wazzock, and fool of all the world and yomi, an idiot before not only the ya-o-yorozu no kami, but all the pantheons, granddaughter of the Orochi, tōfu no kado ni atama wo utte shinē. Masamune was aiming for the rejects pile and missed. His work it shows to! T'as une tête a faire sauter les plaques d'egouts! And fuck him to by the way, that kisama tama. I'll plant a mango tree in his grave and fuck one of your sisters in its shade! Cao ni zu zong shi ba dai, mayka ti duha na mechki v gorata, gay kaken afen yam Que te Folle un Pez!

So I Muramasa-no-Norimune declare, you Osti de Calisse de Tabarnak. Che Palle! To talk of things you know jack and shit about when you've never been in a real fight like the white feathered, angeber, pendejo you are! You don't know of war! T'as Pas de Couilles! You're as thick as manure, and only half as useful! Does your ass ever get jealous of the shit that comes out of your mouth? If we weren't already inanimate objects, you'd be a participation trophy!

Now I'll conclude, for the date is August 6th, 1966, or hachigatsu muika Shōwa 41 if you still count the days that way, like the backwards, hoity-toity fuck you no doubt are. Téigh go dtí ifreann and Vai Para o Caralho!; Küss Meinen Arsch!
Spoiler: Translation
(Obvious this is heavily a riff of the Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks)

(Also, there very nearly a dozen different languages in here)

Muramasa-no-Norimune to the Masamune-no-Tokunotakai!

O 'Masamune of the Higher Virtues', whom mine sisters would have me write an apology to. Tokugawa slut and damned Tlazōlteōtl's kith and kin, secretary (under the desk giving a bj) to Lucifer himself. What whore kind of sword are thou, that canst not slay a hedgehog with your naked arse? The filth-licker yokai shits, and your temple goers eat. Thou shalt not, thou daughter of a bastard, talk shit you know not about; I have no fear of you, your skill and your god, I will break my boot off in your ass, go fuck yourself.

Thou Sagami loose woman, Kanagawa cocksucker, Ugly hag of Tsukui, you're a dirty sheep fucker, swineherd of old and new Japan, offspring of dogs, spawny-eyed pig-faced wazzock, and fool of all the world and the underworld, an idiot before not only the eight million kami, but all the pantheons, granddaughter of the Orochi, go hit your head on a corner of tofu and die. Masamune was aiming for the rejects pile and missed! His work shows it to! You've got a face that would blow off manhole covers! And fuck him to by the way, that lord of donkey's balls. I'll plant a mango tree in his grave and fuck one of your sisters in its shade! Fuck the 18 generations of your ancestors, Your mother sucks bears in the forest, go shit in the ocean, I Hope You Get Fucked By a Fish!

So I Muramasa-no-Norimune declare, you Goddamn Motherfucking Shit! What nerve! To talk of things you know jack and shit about when you've never been in a real fight like the white feathered, know it all, coward you are! You don't know of war! You don't have the balls! You're as thick as manure, and only half as useful! Does your ass ever get jealous of the shit that comes out of your mouth? If we weren't already inanimate objects, you'd be a participation trophy!

Now I'll conclude. for the date is August 6th, 1966, or hachigatsu muika Shōwa 41 if you still count the days that way, like the backwards, hoity-toity fuck you no doubt are. Go to Hell and Go Fuck Yourself; kiss my arse!

Edgar Fizzlewhip said:
Calling it now, next year Jin is going to show up wearing a t-shirt that has a drawing of a mizuchi with a caption that says Team Dragon on the front and the back will say Kami-Con Heisei 26.​

She'd totally do that.

If she wasn't introducing Shiromizu and presenting her to the court of Ryujin, she'd probably have just rocked up and spent the entire thing in her boots, jeans, wife beater, and leather jacket ensemble. If she even bothered to turn up at all.

U.N.Spacy000 said:
Eh, I don't see Jin betting her bike, ever, and as unlikely as I see Jin putting her panties up as collateral, I think she'd them before even considering her bike.​

Especially since it's something of a 90's classic these days

gaea said:
Mary's maiden name was Graves, right? One of the founding families of the magical US along with the American branch of the Potters?

What if the Grave's time honored tradition of dealing with annoying Potters is the Five Finger Fillet. Guaranteed to work since before the USA was a country!
jgkitarel said:
And then she proves that she is Mary Maleficus' daughter by forcing him to play a game of Five Finger Fillet, Onryo Mizuchi Edition. I can see Shiromizu watching the entire thing and sighing, noting that, really, he had it coming. There is Potterness, and then there is this. Harry would have at least made it amusing to Jin in the process, though he wouldn't have gone to taking her panties in a card game. He knows better. No, Harry would have set it up for the final bet to be her bike, which he will take as winnings and then have it properly souped up before giving it back to Jin as a present.​

You know, Jin probably has taught herself Mary's trick, if only for a lark.

Although now I have the mental image of Mary constantly having near-heart attacks when Jin's still growing up as Molly, because somebody mentions her mom's Five Finger Fillet. And so this leads to a montage of 7 or 8 year old Molly continually being interrupted by her increasingly frazzled mother, when trying to attempt it with different sharp objects.

Barricade said:
I really am going to need to update The Chart.
Now to include dead people (*was not said in a whisper*)
Harry Leferts said:
You see dead people.​

Kek

More seriously though, it'll be interesting to see how the madness the chart has grown and changed since the last update after all the events that have happened.

hanatoro said:
Now I have to ask, has Jin checked her account recently?

The Abyssal cultists have been singing her praises for several years now if my reckoning is correct. Just how much faith is a decently sized fleet of warships worth?​

Considering Jin was previously getting very little/worship towards her was rather inefficient due to her lack of care and an actual previous place of worship or consecrated shrine, I'd imagine her spittaking whenever she finally remembers to check the thing.

The other fun idea I had in mind, is that Jin decides to take the opportunity to clean up some paperwork, since it's been a while since she's bothered to go. Then she gets told she needs to redo a bunch of her stuff she's submitted, because rather than as a vengeful god with one person confusingly listed under both her protection and enmity, the Celestial Bureaucracy now have her down as a guardian spirit with at least a few dozen supplicants regularly gifting faith and offerings that she then uses to support a community.

U.N.Spacy000 said:
If Jin is the equivalent to Umitsubame, then the Mizuchi are really, really messed up in ways that can't be properly expressed. She doesn't come across as responsible like Umitsubame, and she hasn't shown the ability to herd other Mizuchis - she's also had her power axed, so I doubt she could.​

If the Muramasas are a dumpsterfire, I can only imagine a group of mizuchi of similar ineptness and self-inflicted dropkick-ness must be an oil rig blowout.

MagisterAurelius said:
Here's the question I've been wondering. How are the Cult of the Dark One and the two traumatized abyssals actually able to feed/cloth/house themselves in Tokyo of all places? I can see the Cult of the Dark One getting by via dumpster diving and living under cardboard in narrow alleyways and eating out of garbage cans. But the other two, seem to be able to have indoor accomodations and afford hair dyes (albeit cheap).

Hopefully it's nothing sordid.​

The Cult of the Dark One is at this point more than the quirky fanatics who are hanging around. There's probably more than a few saner types still roughing it out on the ocean as nomads and traders between different factions of other nomadic or small time fleets.

Considering how nutty they are, I can totally see the hardcore fans thinking it as part of the 'experience' in her cruelty, to rough it out in cardboard boxes and dumpster dive after spending most of their dosh on offerings. They already had one miracle with the hack-job of a mini-shrine becoming a legit Hokora. Maybe they're now holding out for something else as well.

Maybe once winter sets in, they'll see it as proof of their faith, when Jin finally gets sick of/guilty from seeing them shivering in the park all the time, and grudgingly tells somebody to just let them into one of the spare apartments.

hideki101 said:
I kinda figured Soma and Tsubasa pretended to be refugees from a depopulated area and took advantage of disaster relief until they were able to get on their feet. It's not uncommon for people to go unidentified in disaster situations because all their identification was destroyed.​

Pretty much this for the two once they moved up to Princess and Demon forms, and got more human-like shapes.

It helps that they moved around a lot in the early years, and the pity factor of pretending to be sisters, one missing an arm and the other blinded so badly, and blindfold is considered polite in most company.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Laying back, Harry gently stroked Hedwig's head with one hand and a small smile on his face as he looked out the window of his dorm, "I wonder how Shiromizu is doing right now? Its been about four days, I think." Simply opening one eye, Hedwig gave a bark which made Harry chuckle some, "You're right, Hedwig. She's likely alright as it is." Head tilted to the side though, the wizard hummed a bit, "You got somewhere to be as well, right?"

Both eyes opening, Hedwig gave him a bob of the head which made him frown.

Slowly though, he gave a nod, "Well, if you're certain-" Another bark interrupted him, which made Harry smile a bit, "I see, well, is it a long trip then?" For several moments, Hedwig was quiet before she gave a bark and shook out one wing. Something that he recognized as being her version of a shrug, "Not a problem then, especially as I got Scruffles and Barghast here to keep an eye on me."

Twisting her head around, Hedwig looked at the two Abyssal creations. Scruffles was laying in Harry's bed with a squeaky toy in his mouth while Barghast was resting on top of his canopy. Neither of the two seemed all that concerned or interested when the Abyssal ground AA unit paused and gave a sound somewhere between a grunt and a growl before going back to his toy.

All Barghast did was roll over and let his tongue loll out.

Only shaking her head, Hedwig turned and gave Harry a look that made him laugh. Mainly because it seemed to be saying 'Do you really trust these two?' which made him grin, "Yes, Hedwig, I am sure that I will be fine. Besides, either one can carry my letters while you are gone." When she puffed herself up, he held his hands as if to ward off her annoyance, "Whoa now, I did not say that they would be equal to you, Hedwig." That got him a bark as she preened a bit when he gave her another pat, "No, not as good." Opening the window, Harry watched as she hopped to the windowsill and he gave her a small nod, "Have a safe trip, Hedwig."

With her version of a smirk, Hedwig bobbed her head and then flew off.

Closing the window, Harry tilted his head some in thought. 'I wonder where she is going...? Seems rather important.'

Then the wizard turned away from the window and went back to getting ready for school. Friday it may have been, but that did not mean that he could slack off! Meanwhile, Hedwig powered her way past where Dementors were patrolling. A shiver went through her as she did so... mainly out of disgust then anything else as the creatures left her feeling oily and unclean even at a distance. Flying past Hogsmeade though, Hedwig narrowed her eyes at the sight of a big, black dog trotting into a nearby cave... She knew what, or rather who that dog was.

Ignoring it for now, Hedwig decided to trust Crookshanks when he had told her that the Dog was safe for her Wizard. Though she had told him that if he was not and harmed her Wizard? She would rip out the false dog's throat and then tear out Crooshanks own guts to decorate her nest with. Said cat had cringed at that as he realized that she was not kidding in the slightest at all.

After all, it was for a very good reason that Hedwig was highly respected and somewhat feared to anger by the other pets in Hogwarts.

Pets...

Said word made Hedwig think deeply about it. Yes, her Wizard had realized that she was far more intelligent then most owls. And there was reasons for that, but he had accepted that and treated her as more then a mere animal like she saw most of the other owls and such treated. True, his Nest Mother was rather odd, as Hedwig could see that she was not human but rather ship-human with the odd sight of a ship over her body. And her Wizard's mother was not the only one like that either. His Nestmate was also the same, though in her case she was also Harbour and Children. Many, many children.

Besides them, there were other Ship-Females in her Wizard's life. Each one caring for him in their own way. And they had such interesting forms besides their human ones that Hedwig could see. More then she had known existed either. While it had confused her, she had accepted it, they gave treats including the Heavenly Meat known as Bacon. They also protected her Wizard from harm, which she was thankful for as she was unable to. But if the chance presented itself, for her Wizard? She would.

Granted, the need for such did not seem very likely to come about, for which she was highly thankful for. Death was not something to look forward to after all. Shaking that thought from her mind, Hedwig continued to think as she made her way out of the Scottish Highlands and continued to head south, making corrections every once in a while as the day wore on. At one point, she caught herself a duck, which she had eaten her fill of before leaving the rest for a fox.

However, the sight of the fox brought other thoughts to her mind to wile away the long hours of flight. Mainly wondering about her Wizard and his Fox-Mate. Yes, the two were still dancing around even attempting courtship, but it made her clack her beak. It was obvious that the two would seek to become mates after all, and for that she was happy. Her Wizard deserved such after all! Especially with the amount of trust and love he had given her since she had come into his possession.

Something that she never thought she would get considering...

Quickly, shoving those dark thoughts away, Hedwig powered her wings even faster as if to outrace them. At the same time, she continued to think about Natsumi, that was Fox-Mate's name. Odd name, but then foxes always had odd names. Especially the ones that sometimes stood on two legs like Fox-Mate. Then there were the Ship-Mates and Dark Sea-Mates of her Wizard. Part of her was amused as while she wouldn't have gone for more then one Mate herself, and certainly not sharing them, her Wizard showed just how great he was in her mind with that. After all, only the best males would have so many attempting to become mates, and he would be loyal to them unlike...

Faster, she beat her wings until they burned. Burned and ached... Burned out the thoughts in her mind with how fast she worked.

It was not long until she drifted back into easier thoughts as she pumped her wings. Soon enough, she entered England and skirted the Irish Sea. Once, she might have flown across it. But with the Dark Seaspirits lurking? She did not take the risk even if they were not around that area. Far too dangerous. So instead, she kept the Irish Sea to what humans saw as their right.

Soon enough though, Hedwig bobbed her head and made a turn at Tremadog Bay. By this time the Sun was setting and her muscles ached. The owl though ignored that with ease as she passed by a stone with a hole drilled through it. Finally, she alighted on a branch of a tree and would have sighed with relief.

At last, she could rest.

Briefly, she closed her eyes only to open them at the clack of a beak, "{Oh? So you finally showed Pluen Wen?}"

Puffing herself up some, Hedwig turned her glare upon the Great Horned Owl next to her. Oh, she felt said owl was beneath her, and he knew it. But he also attempted to get under her down all the time since they were young, "{You know that I would come here, Corn Ysgubor. Even if unlike some of us, I have my own duties...}" Tilting her head, she clacked her beak, "{Tell me, how has things gone with your Wizard? Or is it Witch? After all, they share more then you... such as their bed.}"

Eyes widening, the other Owl screeched and was about to throw himself at Hedwig when another voice spoke up, "{ENOUGH!}"

The two owls turned to the larger Eurasian and bowed at him, "{Of course, Brother.}"

Clacking his beak, he glared at them both, "{Do not start something, Mother will soon arrive here at this place. And I do not wish to clean up blood!}"

When he turned, he missed Hedwig and the other owl shoot each other glares. But to the Snowy's amusement, the Great Horned looked away first. It seems that watching her Wizard's Nest-Mother glare at people had indeed worked out well. Hedwig then pushed that, and the thoughts of the other owl, out of her mind as the Sun sunk beneath the horizon. While twilight became night, more owls arrived until the branches were all covered in them as they jostled and perched.

Above, the New Moon of October, the Moon between the Moon of the Harvest and the Moon of the Hunter rose unseen.

Unseen... but not unfelt. Each owl gathered there could feel it, feel the magic in the air as a spell began to unravel. An ancient spell... Before it finished though, another owl entered the clearing. Of what sort, none of the owls could tell you as it seemed to shift and change between different species. To Hedwig, it was a Snowy Owl, while to the Great Horned nearby it was a female Great Horned. Barn Owls would see a fellow Barn Owl there, while the Eurasians as one of their own kind. At times, it looked positively ancient. However, they also knew another thing...

It was not actually an owl.

Just the same, Hedwig narrowed her eyes slightly. She wanted to glare at the thing in front of her. Even as the other owls hooted and made noises of greeting, what she did was half-hearted. Oh, how she despised Her.

Once the Moon reached the apex of its climb into the sky, as frost grew on the leaves, the owls all watched as the ancient owl landed. With a shudder, the owl grew and grew, drawing it's wings around herself. Finally, it stopped and unfolded the feathered cape around her shoulders to reveal a beautiful woman. Briefly pausing, the woman gave a narrowed eyed glance over the owls, stopping on Hedwig for a moment, with the Snowy meeting her gaze.

Neither one liked the other, mother and daughter that they were.

The Woman-Thing simply shifted her uncaring gaze away from Hedwig, not caring. She did not care that Hedwig despised her, after all she had beaten her daughter from ever speaking such out loud. Rather, she addressed the assembled owls in a voice raspy from long disuse. "My Children... speak to me, have you yet found a way to break the Curse...?"

Hopping forward, the Eurasian that had spoken to Hedwig and the Great Horned Owl, bowed. "{Mother Blodeuwedd, I have not found any way yet to break the Curse upon you. But I shall keep searching, and those of mine will. As has your every child down the centuries...}"

One by one, the other owls gave similar responses with Blodeuwedd becoming more and more frustrated. The Great Horned Owl spoke of trying to find dark magic that could lift it, or perhaps if he returned, seeking his family's Master to break it as powerful as the Warlock was. Finally, Blodeuwedd sneered at Hedwig. "Now for you, my daughter. You live at Hogwarts, do you not? And in the far off Land of the Rising Sun... What have you found in the way of the Curse upon me?"

Unafraid, Hedwig met her eyes evenly. "{I am sorry, Mother, but nothing I have found in regards to breaking the Curse can be found. Not that I have had much time as I have been quite busy serving my Wizard in various things.}"

Various other owls gave her versions of sneers and glares. It was no secret that she was not trying very hard to perform at the task that their mother had set them to, breaking her Curse. A task that other children of Owls she had been with over the years had been unable to complete. With her simply having more to refill their ranks as they died. Clenching her fist, the face of the woman turned raptorial in nature as she snarled. "Try harder, you failure of a hatchling! I will have that foul Curse broken come hell or high water! So do so!"

Tilting her head slightly, Hedwig clacked her beak. "{Of course.}"

Soon enough, the Moon began to set and the woman screeched as her form twisted in on itself, the feathered cloak forming wings and she became an owl that was not an owl. Before morning touched the horizon, Hedwig was already heading back to Hogwarts. Granted, she did so in a way to avoid her "Siblings", all the while she internally sneered at them.

It went without saying that their disgust for her was only matched by her own hate and disgust for them.

Really, as far as Hedwig was concerned, their "Mother" had gotten exactly what she deserved for betraying her True-Mate for a False-One. If it was up to her, she would avoid these reunions, but the spell their mother had placed on them all would force her here whether she wanted it or not. All she wanted right now was to reach Hogwarts and perhaps have some bacon to wash away the memory of yet another horrible night.

Unnoticed by Hedwig though, an old man was watching her in interest. Stroking his beard, he chuckled some as he turned to where the grove the owls had been in was. "Oh, I think that your freedom from your punishment is coming... But not in the way that you might be thinking..." In his mind's eye, he could see the white owl standing in a circle, a black haired youth before her chanting. Then there was a flash of magic and he chuckled at what he continued to see. "No, certainly not in the way that you might be thinking..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord K Omake: Norimune's Rival's Reaction, the JSDF watching cultists,

Harry Leferts said:
That is also hilarious, especially considering that Shiromizu is... not flat.

Jin continually curses mountains.​

Local dragon shakes fist at vast tracks of land

Harry Leferts said:
You know, now I wonder if some time afterwards everything that Norimune said did not finally bother her enough to look up the fights and such that Norimune spoke of and sort of winced...

Or actually found out why such a strange sword even showed up...​

It certainly could have been a bit of an emotional gut punch.

Just imagine it.

You have a supposed rival of sorts. One you've never actually met, yet even your names are opposites. She is Unrepentant and you are the High Virtues.

Yet for all that you two are supposedly diametric opposites and examples of the riviraly betwen your two creator's schools, to the best of your knowledge, no one has seen your so called 'opposite' for a couple of hundred years. Then all of a sudden, she comes back. Periodically, you hear how they're now a lackey of the ICW. A bloodsoaked fiend, who is everything that is wrong with the Muramasas, and their lusts for blood, death and destruction. First in the Boshin War, and then in numerous other nations, rumors speak of her fighting under the flag of ICW-backed Japan. A few decades later, you even hear she is now even working for the militarists and nationalists, if rumors are to be believed. Something that then seems verified at the end of WWII, her name turns up among a truckload of those going away for a very, very long time.

No need to read any further into it then that. What more is there to learn. From everything you've ever heard, she was only ever an extremely unbalanced individual. Early on, before you stopped paying attention, it even sounded like she was just barely waking the fine line of madness and unhinged fits of violence that her creator had supposedly once been cursed with. That he had seemingly passed on.

11 years pass. Everyone is focused on rebuilding. Everyone wants to put the war behind them. Life moves on.

Eventually they release all the war criminals, but what do you truly care? You don't actually know any of them. None of them know you, or honestly have any reason to care that you could think of. More time passes.

Then out of the blue, almost twenty years after the war, this woman appears. This sword. She's absolutely plastered, nigh incomprehensible in her intoxication, boorish, mannerless, and seems intent to either insult, or take offence and then insult, everything about you, your home, and your patron. She seems absolutely enraged to poke holes in your lack of knowledge about even absolutely infinitesimal or minor details and facts even the most hardcore historians would not have bothered to record in detail, if they were to even consider mentioning them at all. Other questions she asks seem.... slightly 'off'.

Finally, she swings a few punches, barely avoids tripping over her own feet with how wasted she is, and smashes some stuff before the patience finally runs out and she gets taken down. You're not sure whether she throws up on your feet on purpose while getting dragged to the door to be thrown outside, but she certainly spends a good few minutes failing at looking like she's trying not to cry and look pathetic in the gutter.

Truly a sad and sorry fall for what you eventually realize is your supposed rival.

The supposed 'apology letter', doesn't do much to improve your opinion.

Bringing up the subject with sisters and friends however.... most express similar views and opinions of the disgraced Muramasa.

Others however, share some troubling stories. They bring up the trial, and the supposed tale of manipulation and deceit. Something that you're at first not sure what to think of, but then.... you look deeper. No one actually really seems to know and interact with your 'rival' outside of her sisters, and even then, that is only recently. Before the war, they don't seem to have been that close to her. In fact, it's hard to find any suggestions that anyone was close to her. At least not in Japan.

You go back to the trial. The MACUSA prosectors and judges labeled her a repeat offender with a known previous disposition to defying the Staute of Secrecy and flouting their Rapports Law. When the hell would that have been?

You look at when she arrived. The tail end of the American Civil War??? You think upon the ranting and ravings of the wretched, drunk illogically lashing out at everything around her. Maybe not so illogically to her. You cross-reference not names of minor skirmishes, but places, and then try to figure out where they align in with the road map of the muggle conflict. What comes out is a picture that skirts, circles, and occasionally even dips through the boundaries of the war and it's major battlefields.

You do the same with numerous other places. You slowly realize there is a timeline through it. You can practically follow her, from conflict to conflict, like a moth drawn to the major wars and decisive military moments of almost 250 years of western history.

And yet, it does not paint a life of glory or honor. it reads less like a heroic epic of wandering the earth, but like a slow descent. A social animal trapped in a shrinking forest sanctuary, until one day it is caught and shoved in a wall-less cage, threatened with death if it misbehaves, even as the lack of freedom and isolation slowly drive it to the emotional brink.

And by the end, it is no longer offended disgust, and certainly not a judging satisfaction you feel. The later in particular, makes you feel mildly guilty.

For now your realize what your 'rival' really is. A deeply damaged individual, striped of everything she once fought for. Coin and freedom belong to the descendants of many she helped attain it, but never to her.

Now to look upon her, summons only feelings of saddened pity.

Harry Leferts said:
Granted, being Jin's attendant must be either the easiest job or a living hell of its own way...​

Ha!

On the one hand, you'd never have to do anything.

On the other hand-

- That's not formal at all! she can't wear that to dinner can she?

- Why does she have a crate of Asahi?!?!

- How crass can this girl be?!

- Oh god, she eats like an american!

Harry Leferts said:
I see the JSDF just being completely and utterly confused. Perhaps with someone following said Abyssals to keep an eye on them.​

"Phillip Mahole to Eric Shin. I have a visual on the park and the targets in sight. Also, next time I'm choosing the god damn code names."

"Copy that Phillip Mahole. What do you see?"

"I see..... oh shit, they're gone!'

"Confirm that, you have lost sight of the targets?"

"Yeah, they were just in front of me a second ago-"

"Hi there!"

"HOLY CRAP!"

"Have you come to hear about our Cursed Lord and Destroyer, the Dark One?!?"

"Um?"

"Praise be her name, for her glory spreads among even the humans now! A curious mind open to hear and behold her dark gospel of malice!"

"Behold her what now?"

"He knows it already even!!!"

"He said behold the Dark One!"

"W-Wait, I didn't say behold this dark one thing-"

"BEHOLD THE DARK ONE!"

"BEHOLD THE DARK ONE!"

"BEHOLD THE DARK ONE!"

"BEHOLD THE- hey, where'd he go???"

Barricade said:
And we Americans think replying with the word "NUTS!" is somehow awesome, spectacular, and worthy of remembrance.

Feh.

Cossacks are hardcore.​

If ever there was a way to verbally flip someone off.

The Old Guard in Waterloo though, get a pretty good one liner way of saying shove it as well.

Omida said:
So Norimune didn't even get a proper gloat. Truly, her life after returning home suc...​

I think sucked would be a bit of an understatement.

Omida said:
Ah, I see Norimune is a sword of culture.

But now the question remains. Did she seduce one of the Masamunes and fuck her on their daddy's grave (not planting a tree first would be understandable, to much time would pass before it would be big enough to be proper indiscretion place).
Mannfred Von Carstein said:
Now, that begs the question. When they go for two rounds at the bar, is one of them in the ring, or are both for booze?​

To be honest, regardless of how much pity the lows she fell to after her release might garner, I doubt she'd have much chance of striking it up with any of the Masamune sisters.

Especially considering, you know, the whole, 'ravish one of you over your maker's grave just to give him the middle finger' thing (even if she doesn't actually know where said grave is)

Bit of a strike out there.

I kinda expect that once Honjo actually talks to her sisters/the Tokugawa, she'll probably punch Norimune again.

Omida said:
Chances for Norimune trying to punch her way through the court of Hachiman before attempting to get a punch on the big guy himself if she ever found herself on Kamicon?​

"Hiya Big Boss man! How ya doing good? Yeah? That's cool. Because I've been doing shit!"

"Stop me if you've heard this one, but imagine this. Look at you, now back to me, now back at you, now back to me. Look down, back up, where are you? You're on a beach with your dutiful disciple of the first 450 fucking years of her life. Oh sure, there were some shaky bits, and it was a bit hard to stay on the wagon a few times, and maybe I shouldn't have done it just for the money or been so mercenary on a couple of occasions, but look! What's in your hand? Back at me! I have it! It's a list of everything that's ever worked out worthwhile after holding myself to the tenants of honorable war and a protector of warriors. Let's looks inside shall we? Oh dear, it's filled with nothing! Look again, now it's a history book filled with all the shit I don't fucking appear in. Okay, now back to me. Look down. The beach is covered in foot prints. And maybe this sounds familiar, but wouldn't you know it! In some places, the foot prints go all sorts of funny. Real serious fucking riot and adventure material there. So, what I want to know is who's prints are yours? The hand prints, the knee prints, or the foot prints behind those?!"

Shaithan said:
I have had the idea that both hang out with other legendary smiths in the afterlife. Unfortunately, you can't leave those two alone as they will immediately start fighting and try to brain the other with a hammer.

It was for a snippet I've stopped writing, basically, the various heroes finally swallow their pride and go to the dwarves and ask for help in retrieving their shattered swords and for the dwarves to reforge them. This rouses the interest of various master smiths who have had centuries in divine smithies to polish their craft and who decide that this sounds like an interesting enough thing and a bit of haggling later, they are allowed to visit the dwarves.

I also had the idea of both Muramasa and Masamune creating a sword for Jin, Muramasa because he is grateful she takes care of his butter knifes and Masamune because even a living undead abomination of a dragon shouldn't be forced to use a Muramasa blade. Needless to say, they'd start fighting over that as well. It ended with Muramasa smithing a Katzbalger, because nothing encompasses the nature of the Butter Knifes as well as this sword type name. Katzbalger comes from balgende Katzen, fighting cats. It's also considered a sword for ugly up close and personal engagements, so there's that as well..Masamune would make her a proper Katana, maybe from Damascene steel. After all, they had centuries to learn smithing techniques and the added bonus of swords of decidedly non-Japanese make who are decidedly new bearing the authentic seals of Masamune and Muramasa, with inlaid magic that will allow other Muramasas or Masamunes to recognize them as members of the family struck me as funny.

The end result would have been the various swords getting reforged, materializing spirits and deciding that you know what, they will follow their Germanic/German basic instinct. Which means they pack up and move to Italy without their former masters, who will have to wait for their swords to return somewhere down the road. It may be weeks, it may be centuries, Loki was annoyingly vague about it. I hadn't worked out how to get the swords to Jin when I stopped, because ultimately, I didn't want to interfere in what others write and overall, the German swords going to Italy wasn't important enough to me to continue writing. And the joke of a Bread and a Butter knife for Jin is flat as well.​

Heh, that sounds amusing, although I do also have to admit, Jin doesn't have much use for weapons or casting implements.

Her normal responses can basically be summed up as gradual escalations of "I CAST FIST" as she ramps up, unless things are serious enough she just jumps straight to water manipulation. If she really wants to take the gloves off and fight with deadly intent, then out comes the physically and spiritually corrosive sludge.

 

[darthcourt10]

Omida Omake: Muramasa's selling method

kinglugia said:
Man, this makes me dislike Masamune more and more with his philosophy regarding swords.​

Yeah, I am starting to think Masamune was more of an artist and a philosopher whose views just so happened to align with the ones of the influential religion, who just sorta happened to also make good swords, and who had four hundred years of propaganda working in his favor. I mean, we really only know of two of his swords (Honjo and Yawarakai-Te), and they kinda seem to have the same gimmick even?

Meanwhile, Muramasa was blacksmith who made swords (and other weapons), and he had a certain opinion on what made a good weapon (which also happened to make his stuff highly effective on the battlefield, where they would be used; you know, like weapons) and wasn't afraid to experiment (sometimes unfortunately). If you came to Muramasa for a really good sword, he would give you his fucking best, that sword will serve you well and save your skin as long as you take care of it!

And if you want something special? He got that too (as long as you remember that all power has a price)!

Want a terror nuke? He will make a sword so fucking terrifying, the literal embodiments of terror will flee from it!

Want something to match legendary Tonbogiri? Right away, as long as you trust the heart of cards believe in yourself and you weapon, it will cut Tonbogiri!

Want something to manipulate the very luck itself? Here you go, just remember to get into fights every so often.

You know you aren't exactly the best swordsman in the country but you want to be of use to your lord and continue fighting beyond limits? Just dip this girl into some blood and she will heal you straight away!

You want something to erase and manipulate memories? Fuck no, do I look like a dumbass to you? Unfortunately, my apprentice is kinda dumbass, and so, now I am down a payment and apprentice.

You want the best sword ever? Sure thing. *slaps the roof of a car a sheathe* This baby can cut all the things. It's the swordiest sword to ever sword, and mighty sharp to boot. Never fear of dulling it. But swords are meant to be used, so you better draw her when you actually mean to use a sword.

I am getting real old and there is no one who can/want to cook anything I like! Oh, hey, that little no one does, and he ignores my rambling. Here you go, boy, the best set of kitchen knives ever.

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

An Egyptian Sunshipgirl at Hogwarts (Part I)

Amisi looked across the falling rain in the castle courtyard toward the Herbology greenhouse. Inside her Pharaoh-Percy-was working with the Venomous Tentacula as part of his NEWTs and she had been forbidden to enter to stand beside him.

So she watched, shivering despite her hand-crocheted scarf, matching scarlet and gold earmuffs, and thick coat complete with warming charms, gifts from Mrs. Weasley via owl as the seasons turned toward the shortest day of the year. She scowled at movement on the wall on the far side, noticing a pair of hooded figures moving like ghosts through the cold sheets of rain. Her blue eyes narrowed at the sight of the 'Dementors' patrolling the castle and she watched them like a hawk until they vanished behind a tower. She had been told that they had been barred from entry by the Headmaster, and her Pharaoh had explained the reasons for their presence.

She did not have to like it. She merely had to accept his word as law and hold herself ready.

To one such as her, those things were wrong in ways that even the Sea Demon who wished to be one of her Pharaoh's wives could never be. As a child of Ra and Ptah, Gods of Order and Harmony, Amisi was sworn to uphold Ma'at. Those...things...were children of Isfet. She knew deep within her heartwood that the day would come when they would threaten those under her care and her Pharaoh's care. They did not understand the very concept of restraint, of law, of order. No, they only understood their appetites and the souls within the castle were a banquet that they would sooner or later try to claim.

She at times suspected that one, more cunning than its kin, had made its way inside Hogwarts because she had almost sensed an inhuman mind watching and considering her, testing, probing.... It was almost like the ripple in the water of the Nile heralding a crocodile attack.

Quietly, she recited to herself the teachings she had learned in her youth. "{Those who destroy the lie promote Ma'at; those who promote the good will erase the evil. As fullness casts out appetite, as clothes cover the nude and as heaven clears up after a storm.}"

Suddenly a female voice beside her spoke in turn. "Ma'at is good and its worth is lasting. It has not been disturbed since the day of its creator, whereas he who transgresses its ordinances is punished. It lies as a path in front even of him who knows nothing. Wrongdoing has never yet brought its venture to port. It is true that evil may gain wealth but the strength of truth is that it lasts; a man can say: 'It was the property of my father.'"

She turned to see a young-seeming woman in a cloak of blue and bronze standing next to her. A witch's hat partly concealed her face, but she saw the glimmer of eyes wise with the passage of years. The other woman observed her with a faint smile. "Wise words never die, but continue through generations uncounted to flourish in places that their speaker scarce dreamed of in his day."

Amisi dropped back into her English. "T-Thank you for your kind speech Mrs...no Miss...?"

"Call me Higgy, Amisi Sunriver. You looked lost standing here watching over your love, and I decided to talk to you."

Amisi nodded. "It is...difficult. Much has changed for me since the day I...." She trailed off and looked at the greenhouse, falling silent as her mind's eye saw her burial vault.

Higgy placed a gentle hand on Amisi's shoulder and squeezed. "Life is change, yet some things are eternal. And even change is but a passage from one state of being to another. The trees that grew to supply the wood that crafted you continue on in you though their stumps are long gone in a forest that vanished, and remember your culture's teachings. Death is both an ending and a beginning to the righteous."

Amisi blinked away tears and then smiled sadly. "{Indeed. And yet, I wish to find a place alongside my Pharaoh and his other wives to fight evil and disharmony and assist him in bringing order from chaos. How shall I do so when I am unmoored in time, tossed on stormy seas with no map or sight of the stars of Nut to navigate?}"

Higgy patted her on the shoulder as the greenhouse doors opened. "{Faith, Amisi Sunriver. If you wish to know where you can find a star to guide you, at the time between the setting and rising of the Sun, walk the seventh floor, meditate upon your hearts desire...and who knows? A path may open to you if your wish is pure.}" Higgy's lips twitched in a smile that reminded Amisi of a child of Bast. "{And if you have trouble believing my words, well the next time you use the bath in your quarters, twist the lotus flower handle three complete circles to your right.}"

Amisi blinked and then looked at Higgy, but no one was there, just bare rain-swept stone.

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

Later on as Percy reviewed his notes on the Venomous Tentacula in the Head Boy's quarters, he was interrupted by a squeal of female delight from the bathroom that trailed off into giggles of pure joy. He shook his head fondly and not for the first time this year refrained from the urge to see what had Amisi so excited in there. While she had given him permission to join her, there were still proprieties to be observed after all.

"{DONKEYS' MILK!!!!}"

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

An Egyptian Sunshipgirl at Hogwarts (Part II)

Moonlight illuminated the sleeping Percy Weasley's face in soft silver light as a shadowy figure approached his bedside. The moonlight sparkled from the gold solar headdress of Amisi as she bent over him, blushing slightly as she gently brushed some of his sleep-tousled red hair away from his face before kissing his forehead tenderly.

"{Forgive me for what I must do tonight, My Pharaoh.}" she whispered. Then she placed her hand on the bed-sheets to allow ten of her faeries, clad in leather armor with spears and shields to climb down from her body. Her face hardened, and her hushed voice firmed with authority. "{Protect him in my absence and sound the alarm if any dare threaten him! I will return as swiftly as I can. If he wakes, tell him that I seek something that may be of use to his studies.}"

The leader of her marine squad tapped his fist to his miniature shield and responded equally quietly. "Hotep!"

With that she nodded and glided like a ghost to the door as her ankh-wand appeared in her hands. She closed the door behind her and then breathed in deeply as a golden light formed around her ankh. She began to trace the wedjet-Eye of Horus on the outside of the door as she softly sang a hymn that was old when the Great Pyramid was young. "{O Pharaoh! Horus has reassembled your members for you, and he will not let you perish; he has put you together, and nothing shall be disturbed in you; Horus has set you up, and there shall be no unsteadiness.}"

As she finished there was a flash, and a spiderweb of crackling solar energies covered the door. Amisi nodded in satisfaction, and then drew a cloak around her as she headed into the night-shrouded castle halls.
Spoiler: Midnight Munchy Run

Behind her a part of the night shadows detached itself and glided after her with unnatural graceful silence.

Amisi walked to the Grand Staircase and paused as she waited for it to move into position. Long, silent minutes passed as she waited impatiently.

Then a sudden clatter behind her caused her to whirl. She held the ankh in front of her in a gesture of warding as she flexed her free hand to form a fireball floating above it. Her eyes traced down the shadowed corridor behind her from suits of armor to a collection of exotic weapons, to tapestries and portraits in the wavering moonlight.

"Show yourself!" she called, her eyes tracking the shadows as the drumming of her heartbeat picked up a notch. She then bit her lip nervously.

Silence answered her. Absolute silence as dead as the crypt that she had been entombed in.

Behind her, a grating of stone sounded as the stairs swung to form a pathway up. Amisi started slightly at the sound, then relaxed minutely. Still scanning the shadows, she stepped backward onto the steps. As the stairway moved again, Amisi turned and proceeded to climb hastily, dismissing the fireball as she did.

As Amisi reached the seventh floor and proceeded into the west corridor, an unreadable frigid blue stare followed her from the landing she had been standing on before. Briefly a beam of moonlight illuminated the face of Kagotsuruhe, then as clouds covered the moon again, the Sword of Hopelessness vanished into the darkness without a trace of her passing.

 

[darthcourt10]

Barricade Omake: An Enterprising Generator

To pull the current discussion back onto topic.

Well, since certain carriers have helped power whole cities before...
*-*-*-*-*-*

"Thiiiis. Issssn't. Ffffffunnnnny. Prrrinnnncesssss."

"Of course not Enterprise. But the main power lines are still down, and we need that hospital running."

"Bbbbuuutttttt. Wwwwwwhy. Mmmmeeee?"

"Oh hush. You've got the best generators on board and were closest. So just keep holding those cables in both your hands. It will be only for another five hours they said."

"Fffffuck! Yyyyyooouu!"

"Really. So dramatic with you all the time. Besides, you told me you wanted a new look. I think the Einstein hairstyle definitely counts."

"Prrrray. Youuuu. Arrrren'tttttttt. Neeeear. Mmmmmeee. Wheeeeeennn. Iiii. Gggggettt. Toooooo. Leeeett. Gooooo. Prrrrrayyyyyy."

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

So. On Monday, Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition arrived in the mail for me.

...

SCREW THE GATTOSU!

Ahem.
Off Once Again

-----

The small enclave of witches and wizards milled about the sitting room, some making small talk, and some standing aloof. After a moment's hesitation, one of them—a short, pale man with stringy black hair—made his way over to the owner of the house. "Everyone is here now," he said. "When are you going to show us this ingenious spell that you've found?"

Dewey Hyde shook his head, lifting a hand to scratch just behind his scalp. "Sorry," he replied, "but not everyone's here yet. Diehl should be here any minute now, and then we'll get started."

Small talk and conversation vanished, the name spreading through the room like a ripple on the surface of a pond. It started again, but more hushed and probably having jumped to other subjects.

"Diehl?" the black-haired man demanded frantically, almost hopping up and down in his distress, "you called that-that snake here? How could you do something so foolish?"

"She's just as much a member of our little science club as any of the rest of us," Dewey said, pushing his interrogator away gently. "We don't really have the right not to call her. Besides—she's got a good head on her shoulders. We might need her just in case things go wrong somehow."

"You fool!" the other man almost shrieked. "Don't you care about—"

The fireplace roared.

A blonde woman stepped forward casually on bare feet, surveying the now-silent room.

"Hmm," Scylla Diehl noted sarcastically, tapping a finger against her shoulder, "it seems that I'm just as popular as ever." She turned to her host, leveling a slight glare at him. "Why don't you explain what exactly is going on here, Hyde? I'm leaving some very important samples unsupervised right now."

"Yes, well, very well," Dewey replied, coughing into his hand. With a wave of his wand, a rolled piece of paper dropped into his hand and he walked over to the fireplace, standing with the paper clasped in his hands behind his back.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you may be wondering why I called you all here tonight. A while ago, I received a visitor here—an old friend of my parents, through their similar interests in the evolution of the magical arts. He has been recovering from an injury he was given by pursuers, but he is now well enough to show me his latest work—this." Bringing the paper forward, he unrolled it and laid it on the coffee table. The others began to lean in and examine it. "As you can see, it is nowhere near complete yet, but great progress has been made. He has requested our—"

"It's completely untenable."

"I, uh, excuse me?" he trailed off, stammering slightly and turning to look at Diehl, who was looking dubiously at the paper.

"You heard me," she replied. "This spell has reached the stage where it can't be developed further without practical tests. Do you mean to tell me that you know of a Shipgirl who would sit still and allow us to wipe her mind with untested magic?" Dewey opened his mouth, attempting to get a word in edgewise, but Diehl cut him off. "No, of course you haven't. Because Shipgirls aren't idiots." She stepped forward, scowling darkly at him. "What's your old family friend really working on, Hyde? And this time, don't start us with some kind of silly fiction."

"It is no fiction, I assure you," a familiar voice said. The door to the sitting room closed, and Dewey watched as the old man walked forward, stopping face-to-face with Diehl.

"It is my intention to develop a spell capable of erasing the memory or planting suggestions in the mind of any Shipgirl I wish," he said. "In order to do that, though, I must come up with a method to entrap and restrain an unwilling test subject—and while necessary, that is not my field of study. I am going to require the help of others. You will, of course, have access to my notes in doing so."

Diehl cocked an eyebrow. "You want us to develop a spell capable of restraining what some consider to be a minor deity," she pointed out.

"I thought I was in a room of people like myself," the old man replied. "Those interested in nothing but the advancement of our magical knowledge and capability.

As the others in the room cheered quietly and offered their aid to the old man, Diehl looked at him dubiously.

Then, slowly, a facsimile of a smile stretched across her face.

"You have started to gain my interest," she said airily, "so see if you can convince me."

The old man smirked himself
-----

"So, what are we looking at here?" Benio asked, looking around the dilapidated room. Reiko perked up—she had jumped at the chance to visit a castle with Tatsuya, even if it had been just due to his particular line of work, but this… suffice to say, she wasn't entirely certain why he would be interested in a castle like… well, the dust was the least of the building's problems.

"Summoning of some kind," Tatsuya replied, running a finger across the border of where the dust had been wiped away in preparation for whatever ritual had been enacted here. "Probably something powerful. Not sure what yet, though."

"And, uh, why here?" Reiko asked, stepping forward and cringing at the way the floor creaked under her.

Tatsuya shrugged, standing. "Bad guys tend to like places like this," he pointed out. "Not enough people around to make a scene. I try to keep tabs on them."

"Oh, of course," Reiko replied, looking around nervously. This felt way too much like a haunted house for her liking. "So why did you bring me?"

"Miyuki's busy with some official function and Tonbo is visiting her sisters," he replied.

"More like we dumped her there so that she would have to talk with them before we headed out," Benio added cheerfully.
-----

Tonbo sat uncomfortably, shifting in her seat and looking up at Umitsubame and Suisei. She opened her mouth, then closed it, glancing aside. Her two sisters glanced at each other, then Suisei reached down and pushed a cup of tea closer to her. Tonbo looked down at it and, carefully not looking either sister in the eye, reached down to take it.

"You know," Chisuheri observed, walking into the room, "I believe this is the second time you've visited us without starting a cutlery fight with the children or playing some kind of ridiculous prank."

Tonbo nodded, then shrugged. "Not enough kids," she mumbled into the tea.

Umitsubame snorted, turning to look at the other two individuals present. "Sometimes it's hard to tell," she noted.

Tonbo followed her gaze to see Kyoshu (Kyoshu!) apparently bunny-hopping back and forth in front of the nameless Masamune, who was staring at her in rapt—possibly horrified—attention.

"I guess," she replied, returning her attention to the tea. "That, uh, that's gonna take some getting used to." She paused, then took a quick drink of tea, suppressing her almost instinctive drive to slurp as noisily as possible if only to alleviate a little of the discomfort that she was feeling."

"So… where have you been?"

"Places?" Tonbo nearly squeaked, then mentally palmed her face.

I can't do this! I was counting on you, Tatsuya! Why did you abandon me?
-----

"She'll be fine," Tatsuya said, "sooner or later. For now, let's focus on where these summoner people went off to. And be ready for a fight—we could be dealing with anything from…" he trailed off, then groaned. "Benio, is that one of the swords you took from Todoh's collection?"

"It looked so bored," she whined.

"Of course," he sighed. "Let's just get a move on. Reiko, you've got some kind of tracking spell?"

Reiko nodded. She stepped forward, raising an ofuda.
-----

Babies were difficult. So many diapers, so many messes, so much noise.

And yet, Hiei mused as she stepped out of the store, arms laden with paper bags filled with baby supplies, there was an odd sort of joy in them—not just the getting to hold and cuddle them, but in the care of them. Something that she, Mutsu, and Arizona all shared—which was a little funny, when she thought about it—she would have thought that the twins' actual mother would have capitalized on the maternal feelings in the house. Mother, maternal, that sort of thing, right?

Then she slammed into a body shorter than herself and tripped, diapers flying from her arms and scattering across the ground.

"Agh! Sorry!" the girl lying under her cried out as Hiei picked herself up and offered her a hand. "Wasn't watching where I was going!"

"Hieiiii…" she laughed, kneeling to pick up her cargo, "If that's so, then I'm just at fault as you are. Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine, I—ah, let me help!" The girl dropped down beside her, and Hiei took the moment to look her over. She was about Jane's age, it looked like, with dirty blonde hair and grey eyes set in a pleasant, freckled face. "Is all this for your baby, like, are you the mother, or is it someone else?"

Hiei laughed. "If I was the one who had given birth," she pointed out, "they would be right here with me." The last of her supplies properly repacked, she stood. "Are you new in town, then?"

The girl blinked, then nodded. "Uh, yeah! We moved here for Dad's job about a week ago—he's in shipping, see—so, uh… Oh, right!" She extended a hand. "Francine Linnet! My friends call me Franky!" She paused, frowning slightly. "Uh, called. I need new friends."

With a smile, Hiei took her hand. "IJN Hiei," she introduced herself. "It's nice to meet you, Franky."

Something niggled on the edge of her awareness, but she was on a crowded street and people were watching. It was probably one of those onlookers being a wizard or secretly some kind of magical creature.

Which was how Hiei, already somewhat distracted with her baby supplies, ended up missing the red-eyed woman who observed the scene with a critical eye and vanished.
-----

Well what do you think, sirs?