Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Moving past the curtains, Shiromizu blinked in curiosity and tilted her head, "An izakaya? That's where we're meeting them?"

Hands in her jeans pockets, Jin gave a shrug, "Guess so, though I am not too surprised." At the look, the older Mizuchi pointed into the izakaya and Shiromizu blinked at the amount of Kami there drinking and eating, "Places like this are pretty popular."

Just taking it in, the younger Kami blinked, "Huh..."

Gently, Jin guided her through the establishment after a quick word with one of the hostesses. As they made their way, Shiromizu blinked at one booth. Mainly because in it was what looked like a young woman who had a permanent blush on her face. Somehow, Shiromizu was able to tell that she was a Kami of a place... But it was her companions beside and across from her. One was a cat, who she knew was possessed by a Kami of bad luck, and there were also a small woman with butterfly wings, a deer, and a boar.

Not that she had much time to comprehend what she was seeing as Jin shuffled her on past. A few seconds later though they reached another booth and her Senpai bowed to the woman seated there who Shiromizu also did as she realized that it was Shinanogawa. Oddly enough, for some odd reason she actually looked like the Aircraft Carrier that the young Mizuchi had as a friend. Lightly laughing, the higher ranked Mizuchi waved them off, "Relax, you two. Anyways, Shiromizu-San? I want you to meet Muramasa and Masamune, both of whom want to meet you."

Pulling a beer away from his mouth, one of the two men let out a sigh, "So, you're the one who knows my blades, including Juuchi, eh?"

Beside him, another man merely closed his eyes, "Please do not embarrass us both, Muramasa-San. Again."

Head whipping around, Muramasa gave him a glare, "What did you just say to me?"

Waving a hand in the air, Masamune sighed, "I am hoping to get through this without embarrassment to us both, though mostly you." Simply ignoring the glare, he turned to Shiromizu and gave a smile, "As a note, I would be careful around Muramasa-San, Lady Shiromizu. He has a habit of leaving others to pick up the bill for his meals by cutting and running."

Eyebrow twitching, the other swordsmith glared at him as he clenched a hand into a fist, "Why you..."

The expression on Masamune's face was blank as he turned to his fellow smith, and his tone flat, "I don't hear you denying it." Then he turned away with a sigh, "Hopefully, we won't get any strange new combinations of food while here."

Muramasa scoffed at that, "You call it strange, I call it creating something better then the sum of its parts! Creating new combinations, testing, that is the way to go."

A frown on his face, Masamune narrowed his eyes, "And yet, you failed many times."

Pointing a finger at his fellow swordmaker, Muramasa growled, "One cannot get better at something without experimenting! Staying with one thing is the death of innovation! Of growth!"

In reply, Masamune brought down his own hand and frowned, "No, the mark of a true master is perfecting one method until it is exquisite. Experimenting constantly and not staying with one form does not allow for one to master every bit until it is pure perfection!"

Hand coming down in a slap, the maker of the Demon Blades, snarled, "You are just jealous of my talent, you old has been! Always has been, always will be."

Arms crossed, Masamune scoffed, "Yes, like I could be jealous of someone who decided to try soy sauce with hot peppers on vanilla ice cream. Just to attempt it!'

Jerking back, Muramasa's mouth dropped before he grumbled, "That was a failure... one that wounded me deeply. Yet, all you ever do is have strawberry sundaes! Never branching out to other forms, even ones that use other fruits such as blueberry!"

Eyes closed, the other swordsmith huffed a bit, "One does not mess with perfection, Muramasa-San. It is much the same for making swords."

From where she was sitting, Shiromizu blinked in utter befuddlement as the two men argued about food combinations. "Uh..."

Snapping open a fan in front of her, Shinanogawa giggled some, "My, how lively those two are~"

Moments later, both turned to the youngest Mizuchi, "What say you, Lady Shiromizu?"

Put onto the spot, Shiromizu cleared her throat and glanced around, "Well, I... like trying new foods? B-but if I am making something, I might experiment a little? Such as white chocolate in something instead of milk chocolate?"

Both swordsmiths crossed their arms and looked at each other with Muramasa frowning, "Interesting..."

Humming, Masamune gave a nod of his own, "Yes, very interesting." He then gave a smile and shifted a bit, "That said, we wished to speak to you, Lady Shiromizu. About our blades we have made and get some word about them."

Just blinking, the young Mizuchi cleared her throat, "Um, why not Senpai...?"

A sound made her turn and see Jin pulling a bottle of beer away from her mouth and letting out a small belch, "Not a clue. For some reason they don't trust me about what I say in regards to the Butter Knives and shit."

Slowly, Shiromizu turned away, "Ah, never mind." Ignoring the odd look she got from Jin, she continued, "Anyways... what do you wish... to... know...?"

The reason she trailed off was due to both swordsmiths leaning in close, which made her lean back, "Everything."

Nervously chuckling, Shiromizu gave a small nod, "U-um, sure... hehehe?" An hour later found the Mizuchi chewing on some karaage, "So Juuchi has basically found she loves blood oranges and annoying Honjo. And Honjo likes apples and bothering Juuchi... though both agree that Tsukiakari is a cinnamon bun kouhai."

His eyes closed, Muramasa nodded seriously, "And of course, it proves that my swordwork is far better. Not only are oranges superior to apples, but this Tsukiakari carries enchantments based upon my work."

Beside him, Masamune frowned and shook his head, "Ah, but Ian-San put his own spin on such things as well. Besides which, it is obvious that my daughter's child was not exposed for too long to your sword before meeting Honjo-Chan. Who obviously makes for a far better Kaa-San."

Eyes snapping open, Muramasa growled, "Bah! No, my Juuchi does! It is obvious who is the better guardian for my granddaughter! For this Tsukiakari can be no other!"

Masamune opened his own eyes and fixed his rival with a look, "I would ask that you do not speak of my daughter, or granddaughter in such a manner. Claiming something that is not yours..."

Slapping his hand down, the flushed and somewhat drunk Muramasa scoffed, "Your Honjo was only picked up because my Juuchi inspired Charlus to do so! Without my daughter, your blade would be either rusting or melted down for scrap!"

That made the older swordsmith rise to his feet, cheeks flushed from the alcohol, "And I am thankful to the Potters for what they have done, make no mistake. But they allowed for my daughter to find my granddaughter as well! And it is also obvious that they wanted a superior blade."

Also standing, Muramasa glared at him, "Let us take this outside then!" Turning, he gave a small bow to Shiromizu, "Thank you, Lady Shiromizu for telling us about our blades that you know. Though I wish that I could see them to tell where I had failed to improve upon them, what you have told me has helped."

Moments later, the two walked out of the izakaya. Several minutes later, Shinanogawa sighed as she finished off another drink, a small pile of bottles next to her as well as dishes of food, "Now that was interesting, was it not, Jin-San?"

With a shrug, Jin took some of the last food on one of the plates before taking a swig of alcohol, "Yeah, sure."

Standing, Shinanogawa hummed before placing a hand on Shiromizu's shoulder, "I think that we should freshen up some."

When Jin waved her off, she guided the younger Mizuchi along. Much to Shiromizu's confusion though, the older Mizuchi spoke to one of the hostesses who nodded and walked off. Then, Shinanogawa guided her outside, "Um, Lady Shinanogawa? Why are we...?"

A giggle escaped the more powerful dragon as she leaned in, "Oh, do not mind me. Now then, I wish to speak with you some more..." With a wave of her hand, both hers and Shiromizu's attendants walked over, "As to Jin-San, she so graciously offered to pay our bills. Why, she had me pay hers back in 1674 I believe the date was when she drained several barrels of fine sake and ate nearly a farm's worth of food... She is just repaying me, now let us be off..."

Unsurely chuckling, Shiromizu felt sweat on her neck at that, 'Wow... guess that Mizuchi can hold grudges a long time... Sorry, Senpai, I can't help.'

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord K

A.N./So much I was wanting to write this week, but the time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping,

Into the future~

Anyway, calling this an omake, since while I ended up unable to write and things moved on/mostly invalidated the opening/setting of the conversation, I still liked it enough that I figured I'd just post it anyway.
Spoiler
I was actually originally also gonna have the conversation segue into Jin suggesting that Shiromizu talk to Jiroumaru thanks to his observation and preservation of records from all manner of things dark which Unit-731 delved into during the war, but I ran out of time and figured I can always delve into that later.

I also thought suggesting Jin suggesting they find a Hokubu at Kannazuki, so they can 'book ahead of time' might be a fun or interesting idea, since Ian and all the WWII soldiers are there, and the Hokubu do have their thing about venerating and enshrining Yamainutaira's citizens of note in Hokubu-no-Okami Shokonsha Yashiro.

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

"Well...." offers Jin as they stand outside, just after their meeting with the kami. "That was heavy."

Quietly, Shromizu nods, still looking somewhat torn between anxiety, relief, and nerves.

Reaching into her jacket and pulling a six pack of Yebisu out of one of her magically resized pockets, the older mizuchi then offers one to her kohai who shakes her head. She's had enough to drink today, and more alcohol won't help her nerves more than the sake previously offered already has. Jin, accepting her junior's refusal, shrugs and breaks off a can for herself, before returning the rest of the six-pack to her jacket.

"I feel so relieved that they were so receptive to the plan," admits Shiromizu hesitantly. "But at the same time, I still worry for my Otouto."

Popping the tab on her beer, Jin takes a moment to nurse it, before placing a comforting hand on Shiromizu's shoulder. "That's the nature of family kid. It's fine to worry." A strange look briefly comes over her own gaze, as she contemplates her drink. "Especially when they are so much more fragile than ourselves in some ways," she mutter quietly.

The younger mizuchi sighs. "Knowing how a Horcrux is made and how it's supposed to function is one thing," she murmurs. "But what is even more unbearable, is not knowing how something so dark- no, malicious, might actually effect him. What little I've been able to discover about Horcruxes, is predominately written as either intellectual theory or historical records where people are so horrified or fearful of others trying to perform it in future, only the bare details and functions are mentioned. And that's before we get in to the fact that Horcruxes made from living beings seem to essentially be unreported."

Jin hums in agreement quietly. "Tying yourself to the earth and artificially prolonging you life by binding your existence to a living or transient thing is pretty damn rare," admits the older mizuchi. Pausing for a moment, she sips on her beer before glancing to her kohai. "You ever hear the tale of the 'Demiliches of the Centurion'?"

"No? That doesn't really ring any bells?" answers Shiromizu.

The older mizuchi nods. "It's something of an old obscure legend I once found when looking up ways one could possibly cheat death back when I was trying to figure out...." she then shakes her head. "Anyway, supposedly way back in the second or third century BC, there was this unit of Roman mages. The actual formation was made up of a hundred men, so they called it a Century (different from the unit of time we now use), and some bright spark had the idea that they should all make themselves liches, but to remove the fallibility or chance of fuck ups by any one individual, they came up with the grand plan of making their different brothers-in-arms their living phylacteries. Or maybe unliving might be the better term? Whatever, essentially the end result was a circular chain with a hundred links, that would each have to be shattered to properly kill them, otherwise the entire group could eventually bring each other back."

The younger dragon looks mildly disturbed. "What happened?"

"Well, eventually, the Century ended up outlasting the Republic, but they hated the Empire that came after. Inevitably they made themselves enemies of the Empire, but had a hard time looking after themselves or covering whatever maintenance being a hundred-strong warband of dark magic skellingtons entailed." Jin pauses to take another sip of her drink. "So the solution they came up with to decrease their 'operating costs', was to turn themselves into demiliches, each picking a particular major or notable bone in the human body, so that they essentially became an undead-hivemind and a walking democratic republic, wandering around in the armor of a Centurion. Hence the name."

"How'd that work out for them?" asks Shiromizu with morbid curiosity.

Jin chuckles and begins counting off fingers on the hand that isn't holding her beer. "Well so the tale goes, in true roman fashion, the skull was eventually overthrown in a leadership struggle, but then nobody could take the pelvis seriously when he was elected to replace the skull. The bones of the right foot then went on strike or simply fucked off to do their own own thing, depending on the version of the story. They lost the jawbone after it ran it's mouth off at someone and it got tossed in jail or struck down by some god. Then there was a religious schism between the alliance of the left hand and arm, and the converted Christians in the right hand and rib cage. But the final straw was when somebody assassinated part of the spine and some of the others refused to bring them back unless they converted. So eventually the rest of the Demiliches of the Centurion all fucked off to do their own things, only to mostly die, be banished, or end up getting exorcised for various stupid reasons, with no one to around or willing bring them back because they were out of contact with or pissed of the rest of the Century."

Shiromizu stares at her undead teacher in confusion. "Um.... okay?" Uncertainly she shifts. "I don't want to sound like I missed the point but.... how does this relate to Harry?"

The older mizuchi shrugs. "I suppose the round about point I'm trying to make, is that sometimes the only thing more unpredictable than dark magic, is the people you can cast it upon. And that sometimes those under it's influence or touch, have far more free will, control and strength than we might first think. Sure, they were probably a pack of assholes and rather obviously 'dark wizards' even by the standards of the time, but consider this."

Raising her now empty can, Jin gestures at it for emphasis. "Everyone normally talks about the Demiliches of the Centurion as if they all turned themselves into a singular entity, thanks to casting their dark magics upon each other and turning one another into phylacteries. But they weren't a singular entity. Not only did they all schism'd off into different groups where half of them fucking hated each other by the end, but consider the fact that they retained enough individuality to do that in the first place. That as closely bound as they all were by some pretty black and fucked up magics, they still ended up getting a bunch of their number killed off, sometimes outright directly as a result of their infighting. That doesn't strike me as being the kind of thing a bunch of folks joined in a singular will of darkness and puppy-kicking evil would do."

"So.... you think Harry could resist any influence from Voldemort if he came back?" asks Shiromizu hopefully.

"If even half the things I've heard about that kid and his parentage are true?" asks Jin. "Probably. Sure, there's always a chance that magic's always gonna magic in the face of what you expect, but I'd still put my money on it. Besides, remember when we talked about souls, back when we were doing the Kanjo ritual, and I mentioned unnaturally splitting the soul is usually a stupid idea?"

The younger mizuchi nods.

"Well," says Jin," I can't imagine somebody who's used a dark ritual to repeatedly fragment their soul will be in that good of a state, no matter how shit-hot their supposed intellect is, or the power kind of power they've gained to get to that point."

Though still obviously worried, Shiromizu at least now looks a little more relieved. "Thanks sempai," she says with a ruefully embarrassed sigh.

"Don't mention it," says Jin, taking a moment to crush her now empty can flat against the side of her head, before the surface of her hand briefly ripples with black that then swallows the squashed metal. Sinking beneath the surface of her skin, it is then swiftly 'recycled' as the sludge within the mizuchi blackens, warps, and then corrodes the aluminium into nothingness in only a few seconds.

Watching the proceedings, Jin grins as she sees the face Shiromizu makes at her teacher's rather crass method for trash disposal. A mixture of disbelief, amusement, and disgusted fascination. "Is that really necessary sempai?"

The older mizuchi snickers. "Hey, it made you smile, didn't it?"

The younger water-kami gives a guilty chuckle, before Jin then places a hand on her shoulder, and gives her a comforting squeeze accompanied by a confident smile.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Lower half coiled beneath her, Shiromizu placed her hands on her hips and gave a small nod as she looked over her backpack. This was followed with a once over of the room before she softly smiled, 'Seems like everything is packed and there's nothing that I forgot.' A sigh escaped her as she looked outside to the rest of Izumo in the spirit realm, 'It's been nice here, but I cannot wait to get home either.' Giving another small nod, Shiromizu turned and gave a smile to her attendants who were all there, "Is everything sorted out?"

A slight smile on her lips, Himawari gave a nod and a slight bow, "Hai, Lady Shiromizu. We spoke to our superiors as soon as the Sun rose." Placing her hand on her chest, she continued, "Each of us will continue with our current positions while training our replacements fully. Then, once you call upon us, we shall leave."

Relaxing, Shiromizu let out a relieved sigh, "That's good, I was worried there."

Softly giggling, the water spirit of the trio of attendants held her hand in front of her face as if to hide her smile. Due to being made of clear water though, the gesture failed, "There was nothing to worry about, Lady Shiromizu." Pulling her hand away from its position, Suihou shook her head, "You went above and beyond to go through the proper channels in regards to our new positions. In fact, I dare to say that our former bosses are quite pleased, though..."

Eyebrow raised, Shiromizu blinked, "Though?"

The three spirits shared a look before Suihou gave a cough in amusement, "A number of spirits of our former station sat up and took notice. Some of whom have been gently prodding to see if other positions perhaps could be available."

Lips twitching, the Sunflower spirit nodded, "And unusually for a Mizuchi, such were not just water spirits. I have had a few other non-water spirits come to me to ask in regards to such."

Confused, Shiromizu furrowed her eyebrows, "'Unusually for a Mizuchi'?" Frowning, she blinked, "What do you mean by that?"

Ryo was the one who answered as he bowed slightly, "In general, Lady Shiromizu, a Kami will stick with the type of spirit that would be under their command. A spirit of the storms for example would mostly have those who either fly through the air or are air and cloud spirits themselves, perhaps thunder and lightning as well. In the case of Mizuchi, usually they will take on either lower Mizuchi or water spirits and water spirits almost entirely. It is... unusual... for a Mizuchi to take on not just a Sunflower spirit such as Himawari-Chan, but a former human Librarian spirit as myself."

Frowning, Shiromizu scratched her head, "Is... is it really that odd?" All three spirits nodded which made the Mizuchi blink, "Huh." Crossing her arms, she continued, "Well, I was raised by my Onee-Sama that it doesn't matter what one is or what they look like, what matters is how they act and help. If someone has a certain skill or is good at a job, then allow them to do that job no matter what they are. Just like she taught me that I should respect everyone unless they show themselves as being unworthy of that through their own actions. And that is something that has only been reinforced by my Otouto and others."

Unknown to her, the three attendants were staring at her in something like awe, 'This... this our new Lady. Thank you, Shichifukujin-Samas...'

Meanwhile, Shiromizu was scratching her chin in thought and not noticing the looks she was getting, "Really, to me, limiting ones self to specific groups is stupid. Who cares if one is or is not a water spirit? Or a Kami, Spirit, Yokai, or Human? In the end... we're all people when one comes down to it." Shaking her head, she gave a small shrug, "Putting that aside, at the moment I am not too interested in expanding my Court, but perhaps later if there is anyone that you have your eyes on, let me know. You would know a lot better here in this situation than I would."

All three attendants bowed to her at that, "Yes, Lady Shiromizu."

Clapping her hands, Shiromizu gave a small smile at that, "Well, leaving that aside for the present, I was reminded of something as a matter of fact. That this is one step closer to having the three of you join me in the Material Realm. I was wondering if you are ready for such?"

Once more, all three bowed, though this time it was Himawari who answered for all of them, "As a matter of fact, we are Lady Shiromizu. It will be something to see how the world has changed since we last walked among the material."

Beside her, Ryo gave a small nod of his own as he adjusted his glasses, "Though I am also wondering as the last I was there was in the 1700s, and Suihou was there for a short time as well."

Her lips curling into a slight, teasing smile, the Mizuchi chuckled, "Oh yes, some things have changed. Why, the first thing that we shall have to do is take you clothes shopping so that you have nice things to wear. Which includes modern wear..." Turning to Himawari, Shiromizu snapped open her fan, "Why, we might get to see you, Himawari-San, in a pair of jeans with a normal shirt."

It took a few moments Himawari to realize what she meant as she had been the spirit of a sunflower field until the 1980s. She could remember observing young women walking past in said clothes, and then imagined herself in such... with Ryo... watching...

Almost immediately, she went red in the cheeks as she realized how she would look to her boyfriend. Redness that increased as Shiromizu continued, "Of course, then come the swimsuits you understand. Yes, which means swimming trunks for Ryo-San here and such for the others..." Pausing, and pretending not to see the nearly tomato redness on Himawari's face, she turned to Suihou who was looking at her friend in confusion, "Could you wear clothing in the water?"

Confused, Suihou gave a small nod, "I... could? It is not that hard, Lady Shiromizu. And neither is fitting for clothes as this form is just the one that I prefer as I am made of water. Controlling the shape of it is simple enough and even if I was to swim in the ocean, I could keep it."

Eyebrows furrowing, Ryo leaned towards his red faced girlfriend and whispered to her, "Jeans? Swimsuits and swimming trunks?"

Glancing at the highly amused Shiromizu, the Sunflower Spirit coughed and looked away, "I... Jeans are a form of trousers that either sex can wear, and swimsuits are for, as the name suggests, swimming, with swim trunks being a form of cut down trousers for such."

Slowly, Ryo gave a nod to that, "I see..." Then he gave a small shrug, "Then I suppose that I will need to procure a pair of these jeans as well if my normal Hakama is not in style as it were."

Unknown to him, Himawari had the image of her boyfriend in some jeans, which then changed to swim trunks. Her face went red enough that she could have passed out from it. Something that Shiromizu noticed and amused by, but didn't comment on. Instead, she pulled out her phone and began checking the time. Though a smile did bloom upon seeing the background. Something that Shiromizu was happy about was that she was able to take some pictures to show Harry the Spiritual Realm. Placing that thought into the back of her mind, she gave a small nod, "How about we go and get some breakfast? I can skip my morning exercises for today."

The spirits nodded and they headed towards the door, only to pause as they heard a knock from it. Sharing a confused look, they opened it to reveal Muramasa and Masamune standing there. Just bowing, Masamune gave her a smile as beside him, Muramasa fiddled with some form of metal, "A good morning to you, Lady Shiromizu."

Not hearing anything from the man beside him, his hand lashed out and struck Muramasa in the back of the head. Blinking, the other swordsmith gave him a glare before spotting Shiromizu, "Ah, good morning, Lady Shiromizu. I was distracted with this..."

Ignoring the sigh from Masamune, Shiromizu tilted her head and leaned towards the hunk of unworked metal, "Oh? What metal is that?"

With a glance at her, the "Mad Smith" frowned and continued to turn over the metal in his hands, "It is something known as Vanadium, a metal first identified a few centuries back. Rather marvelous as a matter of fact and quite strong. Along with others, it can be used to make a strong steel alloy."

Simply sighing, Masamune did his best to not insult his fellow smith, "Yes, because the normal steel that we use is not good enough for you."

Muramasa scoffed and waved him off, "Of course it isn't! I wish to move on to better things! To push the barriers possible into the impossible! To break through the ceiling to bring our art to new heights, never before imagined!" Turning, he wagged a finger at his fellow sword maker, "I read in this interesting modern magazine that this is one of the metals in the legendary Damascus steel! Imagine... just imagine the sort of blade that one could make using such a material!"

All he got though was a sigh from Masamune who also shook his head and gave him a non-commentative look. Turning away, the swordsmith bowed to Shiromizu, "The reason we have come is that we bear gifts."

That bit of information made the Mizuchi's eyes widen to nearly comical proportions, "Gifts?!" Slapping her hands over her mouth as her voice cracked, she ignored the somewhat amused looks she was given and cleared her throat, "I, I mean, gifts?"

Chuckling, Muramasa nodded, "As a matter of fact, yes." Both swordsmiths gestured behind them and two attendants stepped forward. For some odd reason, the one with Muramasa was a Kitsune. Ignoring that for a moment, Shiromizu watched as Muramasa paid little heed to the slightly annoyed look Masamune gave him and pulled a sword from what was held out. He then handed it to the Kami who took it and examined it after drawing it. The blade itself was not large at all, in fact it appeared to be a Kodachi and the metal was slightly bluish while the hilt seemed to be decorated with coral. A smile on his face, Muramasa tapped it, "This one's name is Gyakuryuu. I forged her with metal blocks with which barbs from an isonade were placed into. The hilt is coral from deep under the sea and carved from a tooth of a Sachihoko, while I cooled the metal using oil from an Ikuchi. I forged this one for use by a shipgirl named 'Maruyu'. From what I know, she is unlike the others in that she does not have powerful weapons, yes?"

Wide eyed, Shiromizu nodded, "H-hai, that is correct."

Simply grunting, the swordsmith looked down at it, "It has many powers, in that the blade would be best used against those of an... aquatic, nature. In particular, the Abyssals themselves, it would slice even them deep. Yet, it is made especially for one thing... fighting in the water. Like those the creatures whose parts I used, the blade is able to slice through water with no resistance. The drawback though is that it is tougher to use in the air then a normal blade, as if water was air and air was water. Not, I suspect, that there would be much issue for a shipgirl and it should prove useful for one such as this Maruyu. It is a Kodachi because such are made for those of smaller then average size." Stepping back, he gave a slight bow to Masamune with a slight smirk, "You may now show your work."

Rather then comment, Masamune only stepped forward and took an item from his attendant. Then, with a bow, he presented it to Shiromizu who had handed Gyakuryuu to Himawari, "Allow me to present my blade, a Tanto, their name is Hogosha Odori. I have heard of the one named Jintsuu and have also been told that she is one who guards her household. Her family. A true Samurai in this day and age unlike those in the last war who only believed that they were such. Hogosha Odori is as sharp as any blade, but will especially cut through things that are spiritual in nature while guarding those that Jintsuu-Sama wishes to protect."

Both of them stepped back with smiles on their faces and bowed as Shiromizu looked from the Tanto now in her hands and the Kodachi in Himawari's. Swallowing, she turned to them, "Why...?"

Hands in front of him, Masamune glanced at Muramasa who gestured at him. Nodding, he turned back to the confused and awed Mizuchi, "When we heard tales of what has happened, of the war that Japan is currently in and how Kami of the ships of the previous one have returned to protect, to cleanse themselves of the taint of the last war? To give protection to those that needed it? We decided that perhaps we should give a hand ourselves in some manner. But we were unable to contact them due to the Accords... but you are able to, Lady Shiromizu. With this, we can help out in some small way. Maruyu-Sama has caught the attention of my fellow swordsmith. But Jintsuu-Sama caught mine due to the care, love, and devotion she holds for her family. As such, I felt her to be worthy as a true example of a Samurai, though in time, perhaps other shipgirls may have one."

Tilting her head to the side, Shiromizu had an idle thought, "There are a few others that I can think of whom might be Samurai themselves... Hamakaze-San and perhaps Yahagi-San. Nagato-San and others as well."

Lips curling, Muramasa gave a loud laugh, "So be it! Tell them that ourselves and other Smiths here would be more then willing to create them blades that will live in legend if that is what they wish! And not just those in Japan either. We simply ask that they be used as they were meant to be."

Deeply bowing, Shiromizu nodded, "Hai, I will inform them." As she stood up though, there were some scrolls in Muramasa's hand, "And what are these?"

For the first time, there was a soft look on the smith's face, "These are letters, of a sort, to my children. I ask of you that they be given to the Muramasa that they are addressed to."

Once more bowing, the Mizuchi smiled, "I will make sure that they get to their destinations." Pausing, Shiromizu bit her lip and turned to Masamune, "I... do not wish to be a bother Masamune-Dono, but just two things... the first is last night? You are acting..."

Sighing, Masamune shook his head, "Different? Yes, well, there are reasons. One was to gauge your reactions to see if we could entrust such to you. The second..." His cheeks had a small blush on them, "We were rather drunk..."

Unrepentant, Muramasa shrugged, "We had a drinking contest and he lost."

When they turned back to the other swordsmith, he seemed even more embarrassed, "And your second question, Lady Shiromizu?"

Nodding, Shiromizu frowned, "It is about the Masamune sword known as Nameless."

Eyebrows furrowing, the smith in question frowned, "Nameless? I am unaware of any such blade named such. Why, each one had their own name..."

That brought a grimace to Shiromizu's face and she took a deep breath, "And that was true in this case, she had a name though what it was..." Launching into an explanation of what had happened, the two metalworker's faces turned more and more grave. Though Masamune slowly also gained an expression of rage on his face by the time Shiromizu finished, "... So as you can see, we do not know her name and wish to know it."

Stroking his beard, Muramasa though shook his head, "It is unfortunate, but if she is suffering from magic based off of what Kyoshu had, then even if we told you her name it would not matter."

Head whipping around, Masamune growled at him, "Explain."

Completely unaffected by the glare, the Insane Swordsmith frowned, "The magic is very specific in effects. Us Kami and dead are unaffected by it. But our daughters and those of pure flesh and blood are still affected. To that end, even if we were to tell you her name, which would mean identifying her in the first place, you would be unable to give it to any of them. Because as soon as you spoke it to them, the magic would make them forget instantly. It is an impressive bit of magic to say the least."

Masamune's hands shook in rage, "So there is nothing that could be done?!" When his fellow smith nodded, he snarled, "Your apprentice was a fool! Damn him!"

Just shrugging, Muramasa snorted, "Yes, a fool and an idiot. There were reasons why I did not play around with such things and could easily tell what was going to happen and yet he did not listen. Though I will not deny that it was an impressive amount of work. A shame too as he was a good apprentice."

Eyebrow twitching, Masamune took a deep breath before turning to Shiromizu with a smile that was colder then a frozen night in Hokkaido in the depths of winter, "Tell me, Lady Shiromizu? Do you happen to have the name of the fool who did this to my daughter? While the Accords prevent some things, they do not prevent the usage of certain... dreams, either."

Unnerved, Shiromizu gave an unsure chuckle, "Of course..." Then she coughed, "Though, seeing as we were heading to breakfast, perhaps you may join us for such a discussion? I was thinking perhaps Potter Ian's place..." However, the last bit was unsaid, 'Perhaps to give you some time to cool down as you are really scaring me right now...'

Laughing, Muramasa nodded, "Excellent idea! I have heard things about western cuisine though I have not tried any myself! Besides which, this would give me time to speak to him of the work that he has done on my granddaughter, Tsukiakari no Suzu!"

Head snapping around, the other swordsmith glared, "I believe that you mean my granddaughter..."

As the two walked off bickering, Shiromizu gave a sigh of relief before following with the attendants following. Internally, she was also listing off places to visit before celebrations and parties at the end of the day which would carry through til morning. After all, she had lots of souvenirs to get...

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

This is... not entirely satisfied with it, I should really start writing more.
Dumb Things Happen

-----

"You're sure they're in there?" Benio asked, looking up at the third dilapidated castle that she had seen in maybe… Well, probably less than thirty hours? She wasn't exactly one to keep track of time. Way more interested in the important things. Sometimes. But that was getting off track.

"This is where the trail ends," Reiko replied huffily.

"Doesn't matter," Tatsuya said, hand dropping to the holster at his back, "we're going in hot. Get ready."

Benio unsheathed her sword and Reiko sighed but flicked her wrists, producing ofuda seemingly out of midair. Tatsuya and Benio paused, then glanced at her. She shrugged. "Airu taught me how. Said it looked cooler this way."

Benio snorted and Tatsuya shook his head in amusement. "Game faces, everyone," he ordered. "Three… two… one!"
-----

Dad actually showed up when the navy people called him. That was pretty different from the image that Franky had in her head—she would have sworn that he would be too busy chasing skirts around the local night life. Instead… here he was. Talking quietly with the Admiral and his assistant, about whatever the hell it was just happened to her.

If it were real.

Which it was. Franky couldn't describe how she knew it, but something inside her, something instinctive, knew with absolute certainty that whatever those people were had been real, dangerous. And whatever that woman had done… Wasn't going to wear off or go away any time soon.

"He's probably going to call you in soon," Jane said absently. Franky hummed in response, equally absently.

What had happened… whatever it was… She didn't know. She was high and dry, no matter what the people here were doing to help her—was she going to have to fight monsters, now? Like Buffy the Vampire Slayer? She actually wished that Dad had let her watch that show now—"you're too young" her butt. As if he cared what she did as long as it didn't interfere with his sorry attempt at a dating life. Now she actually needed to know something about fighting monsters.

Franky didn't want to fight monsters. She wanted to play basketball.
-----

The door slammed open, and Tatsuya and the girls spilled into the room, weapons drawn. Reiko slapped an ofuda onto the floor, and as the six yokai in the room turned to them, Tatsuya raised his knife to…

Wait.

Six?

Without even looking, Tatsuya caught the Kejoro in an arm lock as she threw herself at him with a cry of rage that just as quickly turned to one of pain. The other yokai, just launching themselves into action, froze in shock and… it looked like more than a little bit of fear, as well. He glanced at Benio, who nodded at him.

She stepped forward, clearing her throat. "I beg your pardon, miss," she said, gesturing to the young woman with the… ramparts or something jutting out from her shoulders in a backpack like a Shipgirl's rigging, "but what exactly are you?"

"What does it matter to you, Auror?" the Kejoro shouted, hair suddenly rising and twisting, trying to wrap around Tatsuya. He twisted a little harder, and it subsided, her companions half-jumping, half stopping themselves, but Benio waved him off and he relaxed his grip.

"I'm sorry," she said, glancing back at the captive girl, "did you just say Auror?"

"Did I stutter?"

"No, it's just…" Benio gave Tatsuya an incredulous look.

"I guess it's just another one of those stupid things," he deadpanned.
-----

Well what do you think, sirs?

 

[darthcourt10]

Cyberbeta Omake: Always suspect something when they are too quiet

I am looking at something much more amusing now that we know it's Departure Day for Kami-con:

How many of his sisters will Osamu successfully evade, and how long 'til they find him at Yokosuka base should he successfully escape?

Also, mini Omake (if I am wrong on the year, it's a quick fix):

Last day had come for this year and Ammy could not be happier. The items she had quietly commissioned after Shiromizu's comment back during the ceremony to open the gate had arrived the afternoon before, and Inari had already enlisted her foxes to help make sure everyone got one.

Aside from select targets that she herself had marked, such as Jin.

Though she did wonder why Susanoo had asked to take care of his brother, something about having a better idea on how to make sure he wore it.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Tsukuyomi quietly sat at the table while eating his breakfast. Aside from the unpleasant information a few days earlier everything had gone well this year. Not even a single prank from his wife and his brother had actually done his duties without any extra fuss.

Finishing up, he went to the small porch to receive any last minute information from his court on any matters, only to feel the tingling of magic he would associate with his brother's magic. Looking around he did not see anything immediately amiss and figured whatever was supposed to happen had failed.

When he passed a Lunar rabbit however he froze at the look on her face. Noticing she was staring at his torso, he looked down to see his chosen robes had been replaced with a Shirt that read "I went to Kami-Kon 2013 and all I got was this lovely Shirt" and had an image of the Bathhouse with the Sun, Moon and a Storm Cloud between them over it.

Returning to his rooms to change it did not help as all his robes and official clothing had been replaced by multiple copies of said shirt. Snarling he turned to leave only to see Susanoo leaning against the door wearing the same shirt.

"Glad you got the memo on the clothing for the last day," he said before turning and running. Tsukuyomi quickly followed, an Ice spell ready for when he finally caught his brother this time.

 

[darthcourt10]

MagisterAurelius

You want laughs, kicks and giggles? Just wait until the Cult of the Dark One learns about Mary Maleficus. And if Mary actually helps them out navigate some minor trouble of the day to day kind?

-0-

Miko of the Dark One: "Praise the Dark One! Who's dark mercy knows no bounds! Who has sent the Womb of Calamity Which Bore Her to us in our cries for guidance! Behold the Mother of the Dark One! She who has kept us from defilement! Praise the Mother of the Dark One!"

Rest of the cultists: "Praise the Mother of the Dark One! Hail the Womb of Calamity!"

Jin: Mom? What. The. Fuck. Did. You. Do?

Mary (feeling shocked, mildly insulted yet slightly smug): All I did was stop some sleazebags from taking advantage of that Ta class clutching the teddy bear.

Jin: Waitaminute? Take advantage of? WTF?

Mary: Long story short, a local studio of chucklefucks were trying to recruit her and a couple of others to make some Abyssal porn. After I found out her internal chronometers only went back seven years, I went down to said studio with muggle law enforcement and enlightened said chucklefucks on their very dire legal circumstances.

Jin: So I can't go on a rampage then? I really really want to go a rampage Mom...

Mary: Luckily nothing had happened yet. But just the solicitation was bad enough. At least the idiots retained the email trail that is going to nail a couple of senior Sony executives who funded and ordered this to the wall.

Jin: Huh. Well, now when you kick the bucket I'm gonna have to enshrine something of you here then.

Mary: Wat.

Jin: Seriously, these loons are considered my official worshippers and cult. You have interceded for them on my behalf. Now they've extended faith and prayers to you. Welcome to the Cult of the Dark One Mom.

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

Happy Birthday

-----
Mamiya pounded up the stairs, half-dragging herself along. Unfamiliar places were a maze, and this hospital was no different. She was following the signs as best she could, but a frantic mind often means that you miss details that you wouldn't regularly.

She caught herself on her knees at the top, breathing heavily and looking around. Where was she now? Should she ask for directions again? Was she going in circles, like she thought she was? Nurses and orderlies were staring at her, maybe even whispering, even the two girls…

Wait.

Pushing herself upright, Mamiya walked over to the two girls, clad in old school seifukus. It had taken a moment to make the connection, but once she did…

"Excuse me," she asked the two destroyers, "do you know where Yae-san's room is?"

The two girls glanced at each other. "A little ways down that corner over there," one of them said, gesturing.

"Thanks!" Mamiya was already running.
-----

As the woman disappeared around the corner, the two destroyers glanced back at each other.

"Do you know what her relationship to Ashida-san is?" the one asked.

"Can't say I do," the other replied. "Should we investigate this?"

"That's Haneda-san, Yae asked for her!" Ushio shouted from somewhere down the way, "don't crowd her out!"
-----

Sayaka flopped down into a sitting position in front of the grave. "Hey, Momo," she said quietly, looking up at the headstone. "I'm sorry that it's been so long. I kept meaning to come by, but… there's someone around now that's a real handful to deal with. Remember her? I had to bring her along a couple of times.

"Don't worry—Mom and Dad are keeping an eye on Yamapi for me," she added, shaking her head as if her sister could see her, trying to show that there wasn't anything to doubt. "It's… it's been forever since I could take my eyes off her even for a second. Since I could really just think.

"I heard that Potter-san would be coming back to Japan for that ceremony soon," Sayaka felt her cheeks flush, not just from the brisk air. "But… it's okay. I'm not going to go looking for him. I…" Her fists clenched, shaking. "I know that I… what I did… what happened to you… I know I don't get to be happy. Not ever."

Her vision began to blur.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, fingers brushing the cool stone. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I just… I can't… I shouldn't have…" She sniffled, raising her hand away and clutching it to her chest.

"I love you."
-----

"So, you're like a Shipgirl?" Tatsuya asked. The young woman sitting across from him nodded.

"I… I think so? If you're saying that a Shipgirl is like… like what I am?" Tatsuya gave her a blank look. "Sorry. It's just… This is all kind of disorienting."

"I guess I understand," he shrugged. "But really…" he turned to the Oni who was sitting sullenly beside her. "Where the hell did you get the idea that we were Aurors?"

"Ask her," he groused, jerking his head towards the Kejoro. She quailed slightly at Tatsuya turning to face her.

"H-hey, you came out of nowhere!" she complained. "Just charged through all the wards we had set up! We didn't have any reason not to assume the worst!"

Tatsuya glanced over at Reiko. "And our Jorogumo miko?" he asked sarcastically. The Kejoro's head sank.

"We thought she might be a collaborator," she admitted shamefully. Reiko stiffened, glancing up at the other girl. As Tatsuya watched, her stance shifted slightly, ever so slightly, and wow that was some venom she was putting in to that look.

"M-moving on," he said hastily, "Why are you running around summoning these… castle girls?" The Oni, sparing his companion a tired glance as she jumped behind his back, fielded this one.

"Things are changing," he pointed out. "Scandals, and riots, and who knows what's going on out at sea? We're going to need them one of these days. We don't know how or why yet, but we will."

"I… see. I guess." Tatsuya cupped his chin in his hand thoughtfully. "I won't say you're wrong—Benio, put the candles back—"

"Hmm? What was that?" Benio asked, looking up from her ill-gotten gains.

"—but this isn't something that you can just jump into like that."

"Oh, like some Muggle vigilante has anything to say about it?" The Kejoro dared, jumping up and briefly hooking her chin over the Oni's shoulder.

Tatsuya glared at them. "When you run scared from a "Muggle vigilante" thinking that he's a wizard police man—Yes, I know what Aurors are, my grandfather… dealt with a lot of wizards—it doesn't exactly bespeak knowing what the hell you're doing." The Kejoro shriveled slightly, dropping back down behind her companion. "Seriously though… Benio's a hanyou, she and I weren't using any magic, and Reiko's standing right there. And somehow that screams "Auror" to you."

The Oni glanced away, embarrassed. The Castle Girl looked around thoughtfully, trying to think of where to go next with this. Behind them, the Nekomata twins were grabbing at their… summoning kit… as Benio danced around them, going through it in such a manner that she was probably messing with them. With Benio, it could be hard to tell sometimes.

"Anyways," Tatsuya said finally. "I can put you in contact with some people who should know more about this stuff. There's a Miko we're familiar with, who I'm pretty sure is a yokai—an Ono, if you know what that means—she should be able to help you. Let me just get my phone…" Pulling it out, flicking through the password, he glanced up at the yokai in front of him and noticed how they were frozen in shock. Probably a yokai, though he still maintained plausible deniability. "Now let's see… hey, what's with these messages? Just a second—"

"W-wait," one of the Nekomatas—he thought it was the girl, they looked way too similar—stammered, "You can't just—"

"Ah, Benio?" Tatsuya interrupted her, glancing up at his life-long partner. "Ashida-san is…"
-----

"Yae-san!" Mamiya shouted, pressed forward by a legion of little destroyer girls and bursting into the room like a bullet from a gun. Her old friend gave her a shaky smile which almost as immediately twisted into a cry of pain.

"Mamiya…" she managed weakly. "You… came…"

"As soon as I knew," Mamiya promised, running to her side. Her hands wrapped around Yae's own reaching out as it was. "I'm here, Yae."

"Hey, Mamiya…" her friend rambled on before screaming again, Mamiya wincing as her grip tightened around her own, "Hey… remember what… AAAAAHHH!"

"It's coming!" the doctor—an older woman, with greying hair, called out past the scream.

Mamiya smiled. "Yeah, I remember. What you said you'd name them."
-----

"It's decided!" Ashida Yae, aged six, shouted cheerfully. "I'm going to name all of my children Snow!" Haneda Mamiya, aged the same, gave her a puzzled stare.

"I thought you were going to name them all after Super Sentai," she said dubiously.

"Nah," her friend replied, dropping down from the jungle gym into the snow that was building up around them. "That would be silly. But I like snow! It's fun to play in, and everyone's happy when they see it coming down! Snow is awesome! So I'm going to name all my children after it!"

After a moment's pondering, Mamiya found that she couldn't fault this logic. Except… "If you name them all Snow," she pointed out, "wouldn't that make it hard to tell them apart?"

Yae's eyes widened. "Kuso!" she squeaked. "Uh… what if I just named the first one that?"

"Then what will you name the other?"

"I don't know—I'll think of something! It's still too earlier to be deciding that, I'm only six!"

"But you just were," Mamiya pointed out.

"Sh-Shut up!" Yae blustered, pointing wildly. "If you're like that, then I won't be your kid's godmother!"

"H-Huh?"

"Well, you're gonna be my kid's godmother," Yae replied matter-of-factly. "You already gave me their name!"

Mamiya shook her head emphatically. "I don't think that's how godmothers work," she pointed out.

"Too late, it's already decided!" Yae crowed. "Please take care of us!"

"W-wha? I…" Mamiya floundered, staring at her friend. Finally, she defaulted to her standard response to things that didn't make sense to her, and shoved her friend over into the snow. "BAKA!"
-----

Finally, the screaming had stopped. Yae lay, limp, hand still in a death grip around Mamiya's, gasping for breath.

"Where…" she whispered, looking around, "where is…"

Mamiya looked up at the doctor, who smiled gently in response.

"Miss Ashida," she said, "how would you like to meet your daughter?
Happy Birthday, Yuki

-----

I'll be honest: It's not anywhere near what I pulled off with the original Ushio story, but this is my favorite ending to any snippet ever.

Well what did you think, sirs?

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

OMAKE-The Sloop Jackie F(ox) Part I

Yacht SS Horizon Bringer
San Fransisco, 1969

Day One:
Spoiler: Theme Music

Captain Jacklyn Fox grinned happily as she guided her yacht past a trio of day-trippers in speedboats toward the Golden Gate. "E'en by the standards of the Red Fox o' the Sargasso Sea, this was me greatest plan yet! Get me stick-in-the-mud sisters to enjoy the open seas. A little sun, a little salt, all the lassies in bikinis as I make a wee run down the coast to Mexico tae pick up some booty in the form o' Acapulco Gold!"

After all it was the Summer of Love, Rappaport's Law had been repealed, and Delilah had informed her that MACUSA had finally dropped the arrest warrant for her oldest sister after that memorable run down the Mississippi in 1927! Nothing could go wrong....or so she thought. She was a Muramasa, after all and there was a reason the insignia of the Muramasa Clan was a dumpster fire.

The first victim....err guest was her older half-sister Colombe d'Aubigny née du Chasteler who Flooed in from from her home in Belgium. Clad in her normal haute couture with her rapier by her side along with the axe containing her tsukumogami ally Kasuyu, she was as out of place as a nun in a brothel. While she had extensive traveling experience, this would be the first time actually crewing a ship as opposed to paying for passage or serving as marine security.

"Oi! Colombe, get your swimsuit on and get on deck! Ye are wastin' daylight!"

Colombe sighed and then changed into her recently purchased and never worn yet red bikini with french lace frills. A gesture and Kasuyu formed, all six feet six inches and three hundred pounds of muscle. Ebon muscles rippled as he looked down on his Mistress and rumbled like an earthquake. "You need the vacation, Mistress Colombe."

"Yes, yes, you have told me that for the last decade, Kasuyu. And I do owe Jackie and Delilah a lot, since they are family. At least I will finally be able to meet Delilah's mother Jèzebel de Breuil and learn about my 'father' Norimune from her." A pause as the rapier stared at the axe. "Do you have to wear a bark loincloth? Pants are a thing after all, and I bought you swim trunks."

A rumbling laugh. "Why restrict myself? Your 'pants' are so confining! I will fix you an aperitif, Mistress, since you told me that my place was to be the 'cabana boy' for your trip down the coast with your half-sister."

A weary sigh answered him as Colombe headed toward the deck and carefully stowed the rapier that was her true self next to Jackie's cutlass in the weapons rack on the rail next to the hatch leading belowdecks. The rapier sighed, absently tying her long blonde hair back with some ribbons. "So you have told me repeatedly since I let you manifest. Just stay out of sight until we clear the bay. I do not wish to have to run from the law again, especially after my sister Delilah went to all the trouble of squelching the mess in Louisville back in 1927."

"As you wish, Mistress."

"Bonjour Jack----aaack!" One of the speed-boaters had decided to 'check out' the blonde tsukumogami as she stepped onto deck and his wake splashed her. A shaken fist and French oaths followed the boater as Jacklyn laughed and held onto the wheel.

"Oi, Colombe, a little sea water nae hurt a healthy lassie like you."

"I beg to differ." A haughty aristocratic sniff punctuated the declararion.

"Oh, Sis, I see you beat me here." Delilah came up from the Floo portal below decks, her green eyes narrowed as she absently tucked her auburn hair back into a long ponytail. She pivoted, showing off her modest sea-green two piece suit at the top of the ladder. "Mother will be a bit, something come up back in New York that she has to attend to." The revolver spirit placed the shoulder holster containing her true self into the weapons rack, then paused and pulled her wand from the holster next to the massive .44 caliber Colt Walker revolver that was her true self.

"Just a second, Sis." Delilah tapped the wand on the revolver and her auburn hair turned jet black as the cherrywood grips shifted to checkered ebony. "There we go." She winked at her flustered older half sisters, and casually strolled over to Jacklyn, closing the girl's mouth with an audible click before patting her cheek. "Didn't know that I could do that, Jackie?"

Jackie shook her head, automatically making a course past Alcatraz Island to the waiting Pacific. "Not a clue, Del. I'll be purser rigged and parish damned if I did."

Colombe stormed up to point a shaking finger at her sister. "Spill, Delilah! Do you have any idea how useful that would have been for me when I was wanted by the law!?"

Delilah smugly grinned and winked at the fuming Belgian rapier spirit. "Yep!"

Colombe scowled at her chuckling sisters, ignoring a seabird wheeling in and lading on the rail behind her. "I need to know that. Do you have any idea how usef-- ow! What are you OW!! doing?" She rubbed the side of her head. "What's going on?"

Jackie pointed. "Storm Albatross, they are pretty rare. Sign of good luck for a true sailor."

Colombe turned to see the seabird was curiously pecking at the gold on her hilt. "Maudit oiseau, au Diable avec toi! Shoo, Shoo!!"

The bird, unimpressed by the French oaths turning the air blue around it, decided to finish its business by defecating on Colombe's hilt.

"MERDE!!!"

The scream of pure fury and thunder of pounding feet persuaded the albatross that it would be better served to depart the scene of the crime before the Muramasa got her hands on it.

Colombe snarled in fury as she threw a hex after the retreating bird as she reached the weapons rack. Then the furious tsukumogami grabbed the butt of Delilah's revolver and began to empty all six cylinders as a follow-up. Delilah turned white with shock and then purple with rage, sprinting across the deck as Jackie began to laugh hysterically. Delilah tackled Colombe to the deck and began to punch her in an attempt to 'persuade' her sister to release her true body as the albatross began to circle the yacht, looking down on the fight with interest.

Kasuyu climbed out the hatch, clad in his bark loincloth and carrying a tray of mojitos. He stepped carefully over the squabbling sisters as they rolled around on the deck fighting over the revolver. With grace acquired by hours of watching butlers on television shows, he bowed to Jackie as the Sea Fox doubled over in laughter. "Drink Captain?"

"LET ME GO, I'LL KILL THAT FLYING RAT!!!"

"SIS! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ME! GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF ME! YOU ARE SMUDGING ME YOU FRENCH TART!!"

Jacklyn laughed harder with tears in her eyes.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking up to the door to Ian's pub, Shiromizu gave a small nod, "And here we are, this is the place owned by Potter Ian and-"

She stopped speaking as the curtain was drawn aside and a female Oni stepped out and adjusted her gi some. The term 'Built like a brick shithouse' came to Shiromizu's mind at that moment as well as a comparison to the She-Hulk. Then the Oni looked at her and blinked, "Huh, I know you. You're that Mizuchi who beat Aoi, right? Uh... Shiromizu-San, right?"

Just shaking off her shock, Shiromizu gave a nod, "That is correct..."

Lips curling up into a smirk, the Oni chuckled, "Name's Kitiara, I'm one of Raijin-Dono's followers. Got to admit, you impressed the bunch of us out there, most Mizuchi go straight to dragon to try and overpower us..." Leaning down from her nearly seven foot height, she gave a grin as she met Shiromizu's eyes, "And I do mean 'try' in this instance. Still," Kitiara straightened and gave a nod, "You did a damn good job."

Unsure, Shiromizu rubbed the back of her neck, unknowingly mirroring her adoptive younger brother when he was also unsure, "Ah, thank you, Kitiara-San."

Chuckling, Kitiara shook her head before leaning back into the pub and giving a wink, "See ya later, Ian-Kun." With a nod, she walked off with a grin, "Have a good day, Shiromizu-San, Muramasa-San, Masamune-San. And the same to your attendants as well."

The group shared a look and walked in only to raise their eyebrows at the sight of Ian sitting there with an ice bag held to his crotch, "Oh bloody hell... Damn Oni strength and endurance..."

Eyebrow raised, Masamune coughed into one hand, "Is this normal for such a place, Shiromizu-San?"

Simply sighing, the Mizuchi shook her head, "No, though I think that it is normal for any place that Ian-San might be."

Waving her off, Ian grunted some as he stood up, "Can't help but think that you are insulting me a little there." A wry grin on his face, he snorted, "Though I will admit that I cannot argue much... Right then, what would you like?"

Muramasa's answer was not long in coming, "Meat." At the look from his fellow smith, he sighed, "Fine, meat and something else."

Just pinching his nose, Masamune sighed, "Perhaps... we can have a menu please, Ian-San?"

Only humming as he made a motion with his hands, menus came out and floated in front of them, "Not a problem then, here you go. And don't worry about taking some time." Wincing with a hiss, Ian grumbled a bit, "I won't mind at all if you take a while..."

Needless to say the group shared looks and then turned to the menu while tuning out the Englishman's mutters and grumbles. Eventually, Masamune pointed at one, "I believe that I would like one of the cherry Danish pastries with some black tea."

Grunting, his fellow swordsmith pointed at another section, "Ham, bacon, sausage... meat and some eggs. And pancakes as I have heard quite a bit about such food as well as this coffee."

With a nod after the other orders were given, Ian stumbled into the back room. By the time he returned though, he was walking much easier and placed their orders in front of them, "And here you go."

Somewhat awed, Himawari picked up the giant, iced cinnamon roll she had ordered, "This looks delicious." Then she bowed to the Potter Kami, "Thank you, Ian-Sama."

Others thanked him as well which he waved off with a chuckle, "Don't worry too much about it, just enjoy some breakfast and, uh..." With a look around, he leaned in, "If you want to take your time to enjoy it, I, er, would not mind at all. Hehehe..."

Rather amused as he walked off, Shiromizu had a dry tone to her voice as she commented, "I think that Ian-San is hoping that perhaps with us here, he could get a small break."

Grunting as he examined the coffee in front of him, Muramasa shrugged, "Perhaps." Taking a sip, he gave a small hum, "Bitter, yes. Nearly as bitter as my cold, black heart."

Eyes closing, Masamune sighed at that and, once more, wondered what possessed him to be around the other swordsmith. A thought only reinforced as Muramasa began to eat his breakfast. Instead of paying attention though, he turned to his own pastry and examined it from various sides before taking a bite after clapping his hands and giving thanks. Chewing, Masamune nodded before swallowing, "This is quite good. Perhaps not the usual faire for myself, but in this case it is not bad."

Lips curling into a smile, Shiromizu glanced at Himawari who was eating her giant cinnamon roll with a happy smile on her face as Ryo ate some waffles beside her. Then, the Mizuchi turned to Suihou who was eating her own pastries with a slight smile before glancing at Shiromizu with a small nod before tilting her head at her friends. The message was clear:

'Aren't they adorable?'

Something that Shiromizu was very much in agreement with. Eventually, the two Swordsmiths finished their meals and gave a small bow to Shiromizu with Masamune smiling slightly, "Thank you, Lady Shiromizu for the meal. It was different, but enjoyable."

With a small nod as he stroked his beard, Muramasa gave a grunt, "Yes, very enjoyable." Then he glanced to Ian and got up, though not before bowing some to Shiromizu, "Now, please excuse me while I go and speak to Ian-San regarding my granddaughter."

Then he gave a slight nod and walked over to Ian before starting a conversation with the bemused Kami. Eyebrow twitching slightly, Masamune then gave a bow, "Ah, I must go over myself, Lady Shiromizu. Especially as it seems that Muramasa-San is much mistaken regarding my granddaughter."

Unable to hide her amusement, Shiromizu gave him a bow back, "Of course, Masamune-San. And if I do not see you again before we leave, I hope that you have a good day." Said Swordsmith gave another bow and soon left to where Ian was. Chuckling, the young Kami turned to Himawari to see her leaning back with a sigh and no sign of her cinnamon roll, "I take it that you enjoyed your breakfast, Himawari-San?"

Blushing lightly at how she was acting, Himawari nodded and bowed, "I-I, of course, Lady Shiromizu." When she straightened though she was confused to see Shiromizu grinning slightly at her. And there was a similar expression on Suihou's face, "Is... something wrong?"

Ryo coughed some and pointed at the corner of his mouth, "Um, you have some icing there, Himawari-Chan."

If anything, that made her blush more, "Oh no..." Taking a napkin, she wiped at her mouth and turned to them, "Did I get it?"

Lips still twitching, Shiromizu shook her head, "No, it is still there, Himawari-San."

Biting her lip, the Sunflower Spirit attempted to get at it again. However, it was still there and Ryo took a deep breath as he remembered something he read in the library, in one of the few modern books, "I... allow me, Himawari-Chan." When she nodded, he leaned forward and before she could ask where his napkin was, he kissed her at the spot and she could feel a slight flick of his tongue before he pulled away. Adjusting his glasses, Ryo coughed and glanced away, "I... there, it is gone, Himawari-Chan."

Unfortunately, said spirit was completely red in the face and her mind had shut down. Thus, she was unable to hear him, nor did she hear or notice the coos from Shiromizu and Suihou which made her boyfriend turn red in the face, especially when the two spoke as one, "Kawaii..."

As it turned out, neither Ryo or Himawari were able to look at each other for the next hour without blushing.
_______________________________________________________

Standing in a crowd after dinner, Shiromizu was grinning as she watched Benzaiten up on stage with a Koto. Except the music she was making with it was rock and roll. The only thing that the Mizuchi could call it was awesome.
Not that the rest of her band were not as good, as they were keeping up with the goddess on the stage.

Upon hearing a chuckle though, Shiromizu was turning when said person spoke up, "She is really quite something, is she not, Shiromizu-San?"

Realizing that it was Amaterasu as well as Inari and Uzume, Shiromizu bowed some, "Hai." A slight smile appeared on her face as she glanced to the side slightly, "Though some seem to be enjoying it..."

With a look in the same direction, Amaterasu snickered at seeing Uzume dancing to the beat of the song. Humming, she snapped a fan open in front of her face, "Quite true, Shiromizu-San."

Still dancing, her best friend shot her a grin over her shoulder, "What can I say? I really love this beat!"

Only shaking her head, the Solar Kami smiled. It was then that Shiromizu noticed that unlike usual, Amaterasu was wearing a t-shirt as was the other two, though only Inari was male. Something that showed as their muscles were visible through the shirt. That said, it was more the words on said shirt that caught Shiromizu's attention and made her nearly choke as she tried not to laugh. Mainly due to what they said:

'Kami-Con 2013'

Unable to help herself, Shiromizu stared before looking up at the amused expression on Amaterasu's face in pure awe, "You actually did it..."

Grinning, and flashing white teeth, Amaterasu laughed, "Of course I did, after all I found it quite amusing and humorous. As did Susano as well, especially with how Kushinadahime was also wearing one. That caught his eye."

A smirk on their own face, Inari snapped their fingers. Moments later, their features shifted and the chest of the shirt ballooned outwards as they went from male to female. Winking, the now female Kami chortled, "I wonder why? Though I will admit, seeing Tsukuyomi-San in one was also amazing... Is he still chasing your Otouto?"

Mock frowning in thought, the head of the Shinto pantheon hummed, "I am not sure..." Then she pointed and smirked herself, "Perhaps one should ask him?"

They turned and found, sure enough, Susanoo dancing with his wife and laughing in the crowd. Eyebrow raised, Inari hummed, "Let me guess... storm clone?"

Lips curling, Amaterasu giggled before turning serious, "Storm clone. I believe that Tsukuyomi-Kun found it rather... shocking, when he caught up with it."

Eyebrow raised, Inari and Uzume both had similar expressions on their faces as they looked at Amaterasu. And then, moments later, said expressions broke and they started to laugh. Uzume, in particular was hanging onto Inari, "H-hai... l-like a bolt from the blue, one could say!"

Shoulders shaking, the Kami of Kitsune barked out laughter, "H-hai! It certainly rained on his parade!"

As the three howled with amusement, Amaterasu and Inari literally doing so, Shiromizu shook her head. Once they calmed down, the Kami of the Sun wiped a tear from her eye and turned to the Mizuchi before gasping, "Oh my, I think that we forgot something..." When she made a motion with her fan, the young Kami felt her clothing change and looked down to see a similar shirt. Her worries about her clothes were put to rest though as Amaterasu leaned down, "Do not worry, your old clothes are in your room folded. When the time comes to leave, the magic will switch them out once more, but for now just enjoy~"

Looking down at the shirt, and the skirt, Shiromizu smiled and bowed slightly, "Of course."

Placing her arms around Amaterasu's shoulders, Uzume smiled down at the Mizuchi as the Kami and spirits around them enjoyed the concert, "So, did you have fun?"

Brightly grinning, the Mizuchi nodded, "Hai! This was fun! Though I spent most of today finishing up with getting some souvenirs for those that I know."

Then she blinked as a chill swept past and the two female Kami in front of her sighed and looked to the side. Doing so as well, Shiromizu blinked at the sight of Inari with their eyes shadowed by their hair, "Souvenirs... you got souvenirs?"

Unsure, Shiromizu gave a small, slow nod, "I did... that is what you do...?"

Clenching their fist with it shaking, Inari brought their head up with a fake smile on her face, "Ah! That is right, one gets souvenirs for others when one goes on trips." Then she turned and had a depressed air around her, "Meanwhile, those three Kitsune of mine keep forgetting to bring me some when they go on trips..."

Lost, Shiromizu turned to Amaterasu and Uzume who shook their heads, 'What in the world...?'

Meanwhile, Inari listlessly tilted one way and then another, "I mean... I've let them do what they want for their enjoyment. One is pretending to be a high school student and her Onee-Chan is being a teacher there... And their Imouto is with them and is a bit clumsy... I even got one of the students to look out for them. Yet every time they forget to get me something on their trips." A dark cloud gathering around them, Inari's tone became dead, "I'm not angry about it, not at all..."

Somehow, Shiromizu knew that if this was an anime she would have a rather large sweatdrop coming down her head, 'It doesn't sound like you're not angry...'

Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor, she turned away from the still muttering Inari and went back to listening to the music on stage with Uzume soon dancing to the beat as did Amaterasu. Both Kami looking more like young women at a normal concert, rather then two of the highest ranked beings in the pantheon. Things only got better in Shiromizu's opinion when Hachiman showed up with Raijin and Fujin for a 'Battle of the Bands'.

Needless to say, she thought it was completely awesome.

 

[darthcourt10]

Weaver

Monday, 4th November 2013

Leaning against her hull's bow, Zetland watched as men in coveralls got ready to open up her deck for the first time in almost two centuries. Truthfully she hadn't expected things to be moving as fast as they were and if she was still just a wooden hull in a museum they probably wouldn't have. But the combination of her being a person, shipgirl involvement and amazingly rapid fundraising had evidently done a good job of propelling things along faster than usual.

One of the volunteers, a white haired man with a moustache, got her attention.

"Are you sure you want to be here when we do this? It is going to be your own insides we're going to be taking a look at after all."

"I'm sure. I'd feel it wherever I was, I may as well be here so I can tell you if there's something wrong."

"Fair enough."

After a bit more discussion and whatnot, the time finally came for her deck to be opened up. When the planks were carefully pried off Zetland could feel it. Thankfully it didn't hurt exactly but it was still an unpleasant sensation.

Worse though was what it revealed. She'd known that she had some rot in her airboxes but she hadn't known just how bad it was. The untreated under sides of many of her deck planks were rotten from decades of condensation and large portions of the wood of her airboxes were so decayed that they crumbled at the slightest touch. But she bore it stoically and told those who asked that she was alright as the examination continued and every inch of damage was documented. The current plan was to make a careful record of the damage, close her back up then have Zetland try to fix things the shipgirl way before opening her up again in a couple of months. If things had noticeably improved then she'd stick with the baths since unlike conventional repair methods they carried no risk of accidental damage and worked out cheaper. But they hadn't then it would be time to do things the old fashioned way.

After the last photos and notes were taken and before her deck was closed up again, one of the volunteers picked though the various small piles of rotten wood fragments and held what they'd gathered out to her.

"You said that you needed a small part of yourself to carry with you to get further away from your hull. Will nails do the trick?"

"Don't know until I try."

A couple golf hours later she was sat in her room, looking at a handful of rusty iron nails thoughtfully.

"Well, no time like the present."

Leaving half in her room for safekeeping, she carried the rest in her left hand as she went for a walk. Reaching one of the points which she couldn't go past, she paused for a moment then walked forwards, expecting the usual sharp tug of something holding her back. Instead she kept walking. She walked all the way to the nearby village church then sat down on the steps and looked again at the nails in her hand, this time with something like wonder, then looked around herself in much the same way along with a fair amount of apprehension. For the first time in her existence she had the freedom to go wherever she wanted and she found that she wasn't sure what to do with it.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

A/N: Here's a video of when Zetland got opened up in real life. Yes, the rot was really that bad.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

A slight smile on her face, Myrtle floated in place in her older form and wearing that she would have considered one of her better dresses. What her mother would have called her 'Sunday Best', though the sight of it did cause a pang of sadness in her heart each time she thought of it. Shaking that off, Myrtle looked around Nick's "Death Day" party. As per usual, there were a number of ghosts though she realized, to more than a small bit of amusement, that none of the Headless Hunt had shown up this year.

Nor was she the only one if some of the whispered, mocking conversations she overheard in regards to them were anything to go by.

That was another thing that the ghost was rather happy about actually, few, if any, paid her much mind. Most of their gazes just slid past her with only some curiosity in regards to whom she might be. But then they dismissed her as just another guest. It was far better than it had been in previous years due to her reputation. Granted, having had a glance at the refreshments, Myrtle had internally sighed. After so long without food, and being fed from shipgirl stores, what was laid out just did not "Do it" for her any longer.

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she turned and gave a small curtsy, "Sir Nick."

On the other ghost's face was a slight smile, "Myrtle, I do hope that you are enjoying the party?"

Somewhat amused at what was unsaid, the eternal teen nodded, "Of course, Sir Nick. And it is much better than it has been compared to previous years. No Peeves, for example."

Wincing, Nick was reminded of how he had not stepped in with regards to the tormenting that the poltergeist had done in previous years, "Ah, yes, well... true enough, I suppose." Unknown to him, Myrtle had a slight, secret smile at seeing him squirm a little, "Well, I am glad that you are enjoying this year then."

Just nodding, she chuckled some, "Well, how could I not, Sir Nick. Still, I am afraid that I cannot be here long as I told Harry that I would meet up with him and the others. Though, I can stay a bit longer here."

On Sir Nick's face was an inscrutable expression, one that stated he had a thought go through his mind. But whatever he thought of, he did not say anything of. Instead, the nearly headless ghost bowed slightly before holding out his hand, "Then, perhaps before you leave you would do this old ghost a favor and have a dance?"

Chuckling, Myrtle smiled and nodded, "That I can, Sir Nick. Though..." Her expression softened with something akin to longing, "Nothing more as I am loyal even now to my Andrew."

Much to her slight surprise, the other ghost gave a nod, "Of course, and I do not blame you. Such a young man must have been very lucky to gain the attentions of a young lady such as you after all."

Her smile growing a touch, Myrtle allowed herself to be taken out on the dancefloor. While she had rarely danced since her death, she had watched others do so and thus the old fashioned dances that Nick used did not surprise her. Later, as she drifted out of the room, Nick watched her go with a thoughtful, and saddened, look on his face.

Upon reaching the Great Hall, the teenaged ghost entered it and smiled as she made her way towards the Gryffindor table, her clothing having changed to a witch's outfit between when she left the Deathday Party and reaching the Great Hall. Reaching the Gryffindor Table, various students moved aside to let her "Sit down" at the table. Something that she did, taking a seat next to Harry, "Good evening, all. Hopefully you are all enjoying the evening?"

With a glance around, Harry gave a nod, "Yeah, we've been having fun here, Aunt Myrtle. The party is something else to be honest."

Also giving a look around, Myrtle hummed, "Yes, I suppose so." Noticing Harry glance around again, she frowned, "Is something wrong, Harry?"

Instead of the black haired wizard answering, it was Neville instead, "Harry thinks that something is going to happen and has been a bit jumpy all day. We think that he's just being a bit paranoid."

Huffing a bit, the thirteen year old narrowed his eyes before ticking off on his fingers, "First Year, a troll attacks. Second year, the Chamber of Secrets is opened for the first time. Both of these were on Halloween. If something happens this year, then that confirms it. Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is enemy action... or really bad luck."

Eyebrow raised, Hermione simple snorted some as she continued to eat, "And what, exactly, are you going to do Harry if something does happen as unlikely as it would be?"

Slowly, Harry turned to her and raised a finger, "Simple, next year I will simply not be here for anything to happen. And that is that!"

More then a little amused, Myrtle chuckled and shook her head, "If your theory is right, Harry, then I very much doubt that will change much. Just that you would not be here when something does happen." Ignoring the grumbles, the ghost turned to the others, "So then, you would not believe what happened at the Deathday Party..."

Elsewhere in the castle, a shadow was making it's way from one dark alcove to another. Darting across the intersections of corridors, the being paused at one point to reveal that it was a large, shaggy dog. Cocking its head to the side, it then backed up and vanished into a hidden corridor.

And just in time as well as moments later, two Pirate shipgirls walked into view and past.

Once they were gone, the dog reappeared and slunk off. Internally though, Sirius Black was both exasperated and somewhat impressed. Exasperated as all the patrols made it harder for him to reach Gryffindor Tower as he kept having to dodge them. At the same time though, it impressed him as they were good security and he could tell that the students were much safer. Still it was annoying to try and get around them as the pirate shipgirls made their patrols of the castle.

It made Sirius extremely thankful for his animagus form. A dog had it easier to move through the castle then James would have in his stag form. At the same time though, his heightened senses also made it so that he could hear or smell the patrols well before they appeared and gave him enough time to hide.

Still... what he would not give for the old map he and his friends had made.

While he made his way through the school, Sirius' thoughts were not totally on his mission. Part of them were running on what he had seen just the previous weekend with his godson in Hogsmeade. The very first day, said godson had met up with not one, but two beautiful girls. Both of whom the animagus would admit, to himself, were quite the lookers and one was even older! Though Sirius had wondered about that one girl, who was the same age as Harry and yet smelled of fox for some reason.

That was, until he heard the word 'Kitsune' mentioned and he nearly jumped out at that point. After all, he remembered stories of Kitsune in some of the DADA books that he had read and what they would do to men. However, Sirius had held himself back as well as he reminded himself of what people claimed werewolves were like, and what one of his best friends was. Instead, he merely settled with watching Harry on his date, and that was what it was, from the shadows. Something that he did not regret as the whole day proved his worries false.

More than that though, Sirius also found his jaw dropping when he saw his godson kiss not just the Kitsune on the lips, but also the other girl, Niiyodo he believed her name was. The same thing happened the next day as Harry had actually gone both days and spent the day with a much taller, and dare he say it, fit young woman named 'Louisiana'. A young woman that his godson also kissed on the lips with the Kitsune beside him.

Even now, Sirius was unsure if he should have leapt for joy, given a howl, or run over to bow at the feet of the Last Potter in worshipful awe. The fact that they also spoke of other girls showing up only cemented that. After all, not even he, in his Lothario days, would have been able to pull that off. He felt like flicking away a tear in pride, though he did imagine what Lily's and James' reactions would have been. James, he was sure, would have been stuck between complete befuddlement and pride. Lily... probably would have been confused, though happy while also pushing it on.

Strange witch that one, as much as he loved her as a sister, and even Sirius would admit that she scared the shit out of him at times.

It did not help that the whole situation with Harry reminded him of stories that the older Blacks had told him of the Potters, in particular James' great-grandfather Ian. Said tales having inspired him in the way that he spent his youth sampling so many relationships. Though nowadays, Sirius looked back on those days with a wince. Let it not be said that Azkaban did not make him reconsider his priorities.

And speaking of priorities, another sight in the village had given him hope in regards to the woman that had stolen his heart. Mainly that there had been an Abyssal Princess wandering around the village with a young man. Sure, she was a bit skittish and all that, but it spoke a lot to him. It meant that there was a chance that after he was a freed man, he could bring Isley, his beautiful love, to Britain and safety. Same with her fleet as a matter of fact, in a way that the newspapers he had stolen and read had not.

Finally though, Sirius reached his destination and shook his mind free of such thoughts. He then took a deep breath as he glanced down one part of the corridor and then another. No one was in sight, nor could he hear or smell anyone near. Nodding, the animagus licked his lips and then transformed into his true state, that of a wizard.

Carefully, he patted his pocket where he could feel a dagger there. Part of Sirius remembered how damn silly he had felt back when they graduated Hogwarts and, after much pushing by Lily, both him and Remus had gone and had said daggers made. Something that neither had regretted as said knives had saved their lives many, many times when they found themselves fighting too close to use wands effectively.

Flat against the wall, he slid along it until he was where he wanted to be and a voice called out, "Yes? Who is there?"

With another deep breath, Sirius flung himself into sight of the portrait of the Fat Lady who gasped, "I couldn't interest you in letting me in, could I lovely?"

Shaking in her painting, the Fat Lady stared at him with wide eyes, "I-I... Sirius Black!"

Just bowing, he smiled, "Yes, it is I! And I have returned, now... could you please move aside? I really do have some business in the dorms. An old... friend... is there that I need to greet."

Eyes narrowing, the Fat Lady summoned her courage and puffed herself up, "I shall not! As the guardian of Gryffindor, I will not move from this spot, Sirius Black! After all that you have done, you think that I am going to... to just let you inside! To kill Harry Potter! No! I will not!"

Growling, Sirius tried to ignore the surge of anger at those words. That she thought he was here to kill his godson when such was the furthest from his mind! A small, vicious part of his mind whispered to just slash the painting until he could enter. She wouldn't die from that after all, and he needed to get this done now rather then wait too long. However, he shoved that part down, thankful that his time with Isley had tempered his impulsiveness as he knew he would have followed those instincts, "While... I will not deny that James and Lily's death was my fault for being a bloody fool, I am not going to kill Harry! I am going to kill a fucking rat and protect him!"

Caught off guard, the painting blinked, "Rat? I... No! You are just trying to trick me!"

For the next minute or two, he argued with her before finally pulling out his dagger, "I do not want to hurt you!" Sirius' expression softened some, "You did right by myself and my friends when we were at school here." Then, his expression hardened, "But I must get in there! I won't fail Harry again! Not now!"

Despite shaking, and her eyes going to it, the Fat Lady stood her ground, "I-I won't! Slash me if you must! But I will not allow for you to breach the tower!"

Eyebrow twitching, Sirius grimaced, "So be it..."

Moving forward, he noticed that the Fat Lady whimpered some, only for her to blink as he brought the dagger down at the spot where her painting met the frame. Eyes wide, she shouted at him, "WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE DOING?!"

With a glance at him, he snorted, "What do you think? I am getting inside and I'm doing it without hurting you!" Slicing along the edge, the canvas was parted easily from the frame. Then, Sirius began to slice along the bottom even as the Fat Lady screamed at him to stop, "Almost..."

Suddenly there was a bang and something whizzed past him and made the wizard yelp. Turning, he froze at the sight of a woman at the end of the hallway with a flintlock out, "Sirius Black!" Slowly, she grinned, "The Captain be giving me extra rum rations if I catch yeh! HEY!" Her last exclamation was due entirely to Sirius taking off running, "GET BACK HERE YA SCALLYWAG!"

As she took off after him, the Fat Lady breathing a sigh of relief, her crew got to her bell and started ringing it as loud as possible. Others fired off their cannon with blanks, which shook the windows. But it also performed its intended purpose which was to start warning everyone that something was going on. Running down one hallway, Sirius groaned to himself, "Bloody... dammit... so fucking... close! And I can't... get far enough ahead... to YIPE!"

Just barely ducking under an arm that appeared from around the corner that tried to either clothesline him or grab his neck, Sirius could only see a wild, black haired woman there. Quicker then expected, the woman's other hand tried to grab the back of his cloak, "GET BACK HERE!"

However, she just missed his cloak with the other pirate shouting, "QUEEN ANNE! HE'S HEADING THAT WAY!"

Snarling, Queen Anne's Revenge took off after Sirius, "I CAN SEE THAT! I'M NOT BLIND, YOU DAMN FOOL! NOW AFTER HIM!"

More then once, the wizard just missed getting caught. At one point, he was heading for the stairs when two of them, including a red haired one with a rather impressive... pair of cannons, appeared running up them. With three behind, and the two in front, Sirius should have been trapped.

Key word there being 'Should'.

Whipping out his wand, Sirius shouted something and the floors became slick with oil and he slid along it, right between the red haired woman's legs, with part of his mind commenting that they were rather nice in those tight pants of hers. Then the wizard was airborne with the staircase below. Hitting the ground hard, he grunted, but rolled before leaping over the banister, a rope shooting from his wand and slowing his descent. Up above, Golden Hind looked down with an wide eyes, "Impressive."

Beside her, Queen Anne's Revenge just nodded, "Aye, that it was."

The two shared a look before leaping over the edge themselves and hitting the ground four stories below with grunts. Not stopping, they took off in the same direction as Sirius had, the other two following them. Even with the teachers though, and the ghosts from the Deathday Party helping, Sirius still managed to slip out somehow while the students stayed in the Great Hall with Flitwick watching over them.

Upon getting the report from the Fat Lady as to what happened though, Dumbledore's eyes narrowed in thought...

Peter, on the other hand, was relieved and decided to shelve his plans of running. After all, the shipgirls had chased Sirius off once before, they could do it again. And it was far better then running out where there could be Dementors running around...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Laying back in the admittedly comfy sleeping bag, Harry raised an eyebrow at Hermione. Said girl had a twitch in her eyebrow as she growled at him, "Don't."

His own amusement growing, along with an amount of smug, Harry grinned, "What do you mean, Hermione? Don't what?"

Finger coming up to point, she growled, "You know what."

If anything, Harry's smug only increased while a certain sword spirit felt proud of her master for some reason, while also giving off smug. Neville walked up and began to snuggle into his own sleeping bag, "What's going on?"

Glancing at him, Harry shrugged, "Hermione is telling me not to say something."

That made Neville blink for a moment and frown before he realized what his friend meant, "Wait, you mean about how you were right about something happening this year on Halloween?"

Snapping his finger, the black haired wizard gave a serious nod, "Exactly!" Turning to a facepalming Hermione, Harry smirked, "And I don't have to as Nev here already said it for me."

Just pinching her nose, the bushy haired shipgirl let out a hiss of a breath, "Shut. Up."

However, Harry merely placed his arms behind his head with a sigh, "Ah! It is a wonderful feeling to be proven right. And as I said, something was going to happen."

With a snort, Ron ignored the murderous glare that Hermione was currently sending to their very smug, Japanese raised friend. A glare that was about as effective as using a handgun on a Battleship... which was to say not very. Instead, wanting to head off perhaps a murder of a friend, Ron gave a cough, "So... were you joking Mate? About what you said?"

Blinking, Harry looked over at his red haired friend, "Joking?"

Slowly nodding, the Third Year Weasley frowned, "Yeah, about not being here next year. Was that a joke or were you serious?"

Lips curling, Harry chuckled, "Actually, Sirius is who they're looking for." Waiting until the groans died down, he let out a sigh, "And yeah, I'm not going to be here for the thirty-first. Might leave on the thirtieth and return on the first. I mean, this has gotten ridiculous on so many levels it is not funny. I mean... Three years in a row has something happen on Halloween. Hence not being here next year."

A familiar voice then spoke up, "I will admit, it is rather ridiculous." Turning, they could all see a frowning Myrtle shaking her head, "Honestly..."

More than a little amused, Harry gave her a wave, "Hi, Aunt Myrtle. Everything okay?"

Only shaking her head, the ghost sighed, "I wish, Harry. No word on if they found Black or not. Granted, I am mostly helping here by keeping watch and comforting any scared students."

That bit of information made Hermione blink, "You are?" Nodding, Myrtle pointed at one of the corners the furthest from the doors to the Great Hall. Even from where they were, Hermione could see the giant group of First Years. However there was a Third Year there that made Hermione's eyebrows raise, "Is that Bulstrode by the Slytherin First Years?!"

With a simple shrug, Myrtle shook her head, "It is, and she is mostly there for the Slytherin First Years." At their looks, the ghost smirked a bit, "The Slytherin First Year's were somewhat nervous being there with those from the other Houses, so I asked if one of the older years could come up and Millicent volunteered... or was voluntold by Marcus Flint as he did not want to 'Deal with snotty little shits needing their mommies'. Oddly, she seems to be enjoying having the First Year Slytherins looking up at her and it helps that she certainly looks strong enough to toss someone on their arse. Still, the First Years seem to feel safe around me for some reason, not quite sure why though. But I thought that I should check on you when I overheard what you were talking about."

Simply shrugging, Harry smiled, "Well, we're doing pretty fine considering. Though..." Looking around, be turned back to Myrtle, "Have you heard anything about what is going on? I haven't seen any of the other ghosts, so..."

Myrtle grimaced at that and shook her head, "Unfortunately, I have about as much information as I suspect that you might. Sir Nick and the others are likely searching the school along with anyone else. All I do know is that the Dementors are searching the grounds outside. The Headmaster won't let them inside the castle after all without a very good reason. But if I do hear something, I will let you know."

Nods from each of the teens met her answer. But before anyone could say or ask, a First Year Hufflepuff walked up and cleared his throat. When Myrtle turned to him, he shuffled a bit, "Um, Auntie Myrtle? Are you going to be here for very much longer? I mean..."

Despite the blush on her cheeks, Myrtle smiled gently and shook her head, "No, I shall not be much longer here, Eric. I will be back shortly."

The eleven year old nodded with a small hum, "Okay, Auntie Myrtle."

With that, he made his way back to the other First Years. Meanwhile, Neville raised an eyebrow at the blushing ghost, "'Auntie Myrtle'? When did that happen?"

If anything, Myrtle seemed embarrassed by that, but also inordinately pleased with herself. There was a hint of pride in her eyes that they could easily see, "Yes, well... it would seem that a number of them have heard Harry call me Aunt. They didn't know about Andrew, so since Harry called me that, they have started to call me that as well. A bit embarrassing, but..." Pausing, she softly smiled, "I do not mind it too much and it is a lot better than being 'Moaning Myrtle' after all."

A small smile on her own face, Hermione gave a nod, "You're right, it is a lot better than that nickname."

Smile growing a touch, Myrtle nodded towards them, "Well, I must be off to my duties then. Hope you all have pleasant dreams to make up for what is happening and such."

The ghost then drifted off towards where the First Years were all gathered together.

Unknown to her, Harry had a smile on his face as he watched before turning to the others, "I'm glad." At their looks of confusion, he shook his head, "Aunt Myrtle, she seems... happier. I remember how she was when I first came to Hogwarts and now look at her."

Looking at Myrtle who was talking with one of the First Years who seemed relieved that she was there, Ron gave a nod, "Yeah, she does seem happier now then she was then. I mean, look at her."

Neville chuckled a bit which made them all turn to him and then he shrugged, "Well, I don't blame her. She's really popular among the First Years after all. And she's not kidding that they look up to her." Leaning forward, he smiled, "Susan was telling me that one of the First Years in Hufflepuff about a week after arriving got really homesick. Poor girl was crying and the like... and Myrtle drifted into the dorms and comforted her. Made her feel a lot better and stuff, so I guess that it makes sense that they're calling her Auntie."

Head tilted to the side, the last of the Potters shook his head, "It doesn't really surprise me, I mean, remember last year? When Aunt Myrtle was escorting First Years from class to class? And now those First Years are Second Years, but tell the new First Years about Aunt Myrtle protecting them. So they look up to her for comfort, which she gives..."

Musing aloud, Hermione smiled, "I wonder... if she keeps this up for a few years, will it become so accepted that she becomes 'Auntie Myrtle' to every First Year? And then becomes the... Year Ghost for them, I guess since the House Ghosts positions are all taken? A ghost who helps out the First Years and such?"

All of them shared a look at that with some amusement on their faces, though also thoughtfulness.

While the four teens were talking, Myrtle reached the group of First Years who were all watching her. Coming to a stop, she shifted into a sitting position in mid air as she looked them over with a gentle expression on her face, "Sorry about that, just checking up on some friends."

Shifting a bit, one of the Ravenclaw First Years gave her an unsure look, "Its okay, Auntie Myrtle. Just, you know."

Only chuckling, Myrtle shook her head, "Scared?" She got nods from the various eleven year olds there, "No need to be frightened, Sirius Black won't get to you. Not only would he need to get through those outside, but he would also need to get through me. And trust me when i say that I would protect you in such a case and he would fail."

Grunting, Millicent crossed her arms, "I'd break him myself."

More then one of the First Years looked at her with wide eyes. Due to her size making her seem much bigger then them, they believed that she could. A cold chuckle though made them look at Myrtle who had a smirk on her face, "Only if you got to him before I did, Millicent. Only if you got to him first..." Shaking that off, the ghost gave a sigh and made a motion with her hand, "Now, you bunch do need your sleep as it is rather late. And don't worry, I'm right here keeping watch... being a ghost means I don't need to sleep after all so I'll guard you all."

She gave a wink at that last bit, which made them relax all the more. As they snuggled into their sleeping bags, one of them yawned a bit, "Auntie Myrtle?" Then the eleven year old boy shyly smiled, "Thank you."

As per usual, Myrtle felt some warmth in her chest as each of the First Years chimed in with their own thanks. There was a pang of sadness at the thought of what could have been if she had not died when she had, but she felt joy just the same. Joy that now there were those who looked at her in that way. Internally, she swore that she would keep each of them safe under her watch. And with what she had learned... Then Myrtle bowed slightly, "You are all very welcome. Now then, how about a little bit of music..."

Then, she snapped her fingers and to the astonishment of not just the First Years, but also the other students ghostly music drifted through the air. Except, unlike what was expected, it was not spooky, or scary. But... rather comforting. Slowly, one by one, the First Years drifted off feeling safe. Somehow, they knew that under the watchful eye of the ghost floating around them, they were protected and none would, or could, harm them as long as she was there.

And as they slept, Myrtle did keep watch, alert for any danger to her charges and not even nightmares dared creep in for fear of her.

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

Here We Go Again

-----

Haneda Yohko yawned, walking out the door towards the mailbox. What exactly was it about warm sun and nice afternoon that made people so dratted sleepy? Or maybe it was just that she'd been shouldering more of the dojo duties in the past days?

Mamiya's absence from home—staying on a few more days to help her friend the new mother—was making itself even more painfully obvious. While Yohko had other instructors, and they weren't half bad at the job themselves, Mamiya had simply carried the attention that Yohko hadn't by dint of being maybe an eighth Russian on her father's side, reasonably attractive, and just the right side of the twenty-five years old mark. Pausing at the mailbox, Yohko rolled her eyes.

One ought to note at this point that Haneda Yohko was one of those people who were solidly of the opinion that there were twelve days of Christmas.

On the other hand, despite the fact that Mamiya had never really been one for the dating game, maybe it was about time that she starting taking a look at available suitors? The photographs she had received of Yuki had all been perfectly adorable, and she didn't doubt that the childhood friend would be visiting… but there was a certain closeness that the idea lacked. Maybe bring the idea up at dinner after she got back? Subtly, of course, there was no need to pressure her—

Thumbing through the envelopes, she paused, removing one and examining it. Sliding the door open and removing her shoes, she set the others aside and tore it open.

"Dear?" she called up the stairs, "did anyone enter a contest or something?"

"Not that I'm aware of," he called back down, descending the stairs as he did. "Why?"

"Well," she sighed, examining the contents of the envelope, "It looks like someone wants Tatsuya to take Benio on a date to Scotland."

A shiny American car drove past the house, its driver and passenger arguing the points of doing one last drive by just for the hell of it.
-----

It's short, but I'm tired, it's past midnight, and I'm going to be doing stuff tomorrow. My brain is shot. Hopefully tomorrow evening will see something of a more... lengthy length.

Really shot.

Well what do you think, sirs?

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking down the hall, Harry had a slight frown on his face. The day before, Hogwarts was not declared as being "Clear" until well into the morning, by the mechanical watch on his wrist it was roughly three o'clock in the morning by the time they gave the all clear. Which meant that everyone was tired from lack of sleep, and so the teachers gave them all the day off to recover from what had happened.

Besides the usual talking and such among them, the group had spent most of the time catching up on homework and such. Or studying in the case of Ron, Hermione, and himself. After all, there was still much to do, though Harry also worked on his non-magical school work as well. And there, he was happy to say, he was actually ahead of it.

Now currently though, Harry was making his way through the castle and was currently in the Dungeons. Knocking on a door, he waited for a few seconds until Snape's voice came through it, "Come in, Mister Potter."

Opening the door, Harry gave him a nod, "Professor, I'm here for the lesson."

Seated behind his desk, the Potion's Master raised a single eyebrow, "Indeed? I was under the impression that like many of the students, you were given the day off from classes. And yet... here you are."

All Harry did in reply was give a shake of his head, "Sorry Professor, I thought that meant just normal classes and not the extra ones that I have been having. Professor McGonagall already gave me hers for the day and didn't mention anything different."

Frowning, Snape leaned forward with his hands clasped in front of his face, "No, I would suppose that she would not." Eyes narrowing slightly, he gave the thirteen year old in front of him a piercing look, "Though one still wonders why you would be coming to the extra lessons."

Rather than answer right away, Harry considered what he would say first. Finally, he gave a small bow, "Professor, you as well as Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick have given me these extra lessons and accommodated me. Therefore, it is only right that I at least make the attempt to follow through on them and not waste your time by making assumptions, for example, that today the classes would not be performed."

Silent, the Professor considered the student in front of him as he thought. From day one, he had made sure that the boy in front of him understood that he was doing this simply because McGonagall had asked and that as soon as it might look that he was wasting his time, he would end them. However, the one thing that Snape admitted, at least to himself, was that Harry did not waste his time with frivolities.

Oh, he understood that said boy was using the time turner for it this year, but he did not care in the slightest about that. He was using his every advantage to his betterment, something that he could respect. It was quite Slytherin after all, much as he hated to admit it. At the same time, it reminded the Potions Master of Lily. How his childhood friend acted and often tried to learn as much as she could, whenever she could. In that way, the young wizard in front of him reminded him far more of the red haired witch than it did the thirteen year old's father.

With the events around the school, he found himself thankful for that.

That said, Snape could not deny the work ethic of the student in front of him. Thus, he gestured towards one of the tables, "Well then, what are you doing Mister Potter? Set your station up and we shall begin."

Just nodding, Harry began to do exactly that, "Yes, Professor."

Getting up from behind his desk, the Potions Master slowly walked until he was right behind his student watching as he set his station up with a critical eye for anything that could be out of place. Not, of course, that Snape expected much. Expression still blank, internally he was nodding as he examined Harry's equipment. Each piece was clean, even the cauldron was scrubbed down, just as it should be. One of the few "Experiments" he had performed with Harry was to show what happened when a dirty cauldron with dirty tools affected even a potion from First Year.

Considering that said cauldron had very rapidly corroded in front of the surprised Third Year's eyes told Snape that the lesson was well beaten into him. Granted, the younger wizard had a great amount of respect for such things. Something, he supposed, came from Potter having chemistry teachers. If there was one thing he could nod in respect in regards, it was how hazardous their job was.

Once everything was set up, he made a motion to the board and a set of instructions appeared, "Today, Mister Potter, we shall be going over the Sleeping Draught."

Harry looked over the instructions and then gave Snape an unsure look, "Professor? Those instructions are not like the ones you showed us in Second Year."

Pleased, Snape gave a slight nod, "Indeed, and I am happy that you are not enough of a dunderhead not to notice." Waving his hand at the board, he continued, "The recipe on the board is for a slightly stronger variant of the potion."

With a frown, the black haired student made some notes in a notebook beside him which made Snape's lips curl the slightest bit upwards. Done, Harry blinked and then furrowed his expression, "May I ask a question, Professor? About the work that we have been doing?"

There was an expectant look on Snape's face, "You may."

Not saying anything for a few moments, Harry turned to him, "For the past two months, we have been mostly going over the same potions that we have covered in previous years. Sometimes, the same potions over a week, or variants there of... I am just wondering why?"

Eyebrow raising, the Professor looked down at him, "I suspect that you have an idea as to why, Mister Potter. Why don't you tell me?"

Frowning, Harry looked down into his cauldron in thought as Snape waited. Then furrowing his eyebrows, he gave a look to the older wizard, "You wish to make sure that I have mastered the basics first."

His eyebrow raising a touch higher, Snape hummed, "Is that an answer, or a question?"

With a sigh, Harry shook his head, "No, you want me to master the basics first. I think that Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick are doing the same. We've been going over the same spells as we did in First and Second Year, but with differences. Such as casting fast, variations, and the like. I think... I think that you want to build a foundation for some reason. And hands on lessons, one on one, are very good for that."

Snape gave a small nod as he placed his hands behind his back, "Very good, two points to Gryffindor for using what is between your ears unlike many of your House. You are quite right that we are aiming to build a foundation. Minerva, at least, has some plans but wishes for you to be prepared for when she tells you and thus I will not ruin it. While I am somewhat intrigued by her plan, that is not the only reason." Leaning down, he narrowed his eyes with Harry meeting them evenly, "You are... acceptable, at potions. Unlike many, you do understand what you are working with and wish to improve past being the usual dunderhead that I deal with and using effort to do so. I once knew someone for whom I cared for very much who was like that, and, in their memory I will help you improve your skill as they once did. I can do no less... all I ask is that you meet my effort with your own, is that understood?"

Bowing, Harry nodded, "It is, Professor."

A grunt escaping him, the Potions Master frowned, "Very good, Mister Potter. Now then, let us begin the lesson..."

Three hours later found the lesson ended and Snape in his office looking over the vial of the potion that Harry had made under his supervision. The violet liquid shifted with each movement of the container. Having tested it on a conjured squirrel, Snape knew that it was effective. If this was the OWLs, he would have given his student an E despite himself.

Nodding, he placed the vial into a holder and leaned back into his chair in thought. After several minutes, Snape opened his desk and pulled out a bottle of amber liquid, a single glass, and a picture frame that he put in front of him. Uncorking the bottle, he poured a measure out into the glass before taking it. For several moments, he looked down into the liquid before turning to the picture of a young, red haired woman.

Someone who's image brought a pang of grief to his heart even now.

However, ignoring that, he swished the drink around in the glass, "You would be proud of him, Lily. Look at the potion, do you recognize it?" Waiting for a moment, Snape continued, "You should, it is the same Sleeping Draught variant that Slughorn taught us in our Fourth Year in the Potions Club. Your son did... a good job on it. A nearly perfect example of the potion in question. As I told you before, I thought that he would be like his father. Slacking off and coasting along, acting as if he owned the school by existing, rushing into things without thought. Yet, I am thankful to say that he is much like you were. He does not take the work for granted, but puts effort into his schooling."

Eyes closing, he gave a snort of bemusement, "We started talking while he was stirring between stages. Your son was wondering about the effects of the Girding Potion that we are going to cover this year on shipgirls. An... intriguing line of inquiry, I will admit. The potion boosts one's endurance. A single vial would allow some of those here to keep going well after they should have collapsed by exhaustion. But that is for humans, and one of his thoughts was if it would allow for a shipgirl to keep at top speed, to redline their engines for a long time without needing to worry about said engines coming apart from the strain."

Opening his eyes, Snape looked at the photo with a gentle smile on his face, "It was the sort of question that I could see you asking, Lily. And it reminded me so much of you..." Softly smiling, he swished along the drink before sipping it. Feeling the burn, the Head of Slytherin chuckled, "I suppose, by helping bring more of you out that is a victory against Potter. Because his son is more like his mother than he is him. Perhaps you would be scowling at me for that, but I do not care, Lily." Shaking his head, he frowned, "The more he is like you, and the less like Potter, the better. Though if Minerva's little plan does work, well, I suppose that he will be like his father in that way."

He then finished off his glass and sighed with a chuckle, "I am almost looking forward to seeing how far he will go. And how proud he will make you by following in your footsteps, as large as they are, in his own way..."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Gathered in their locker room, the Gryffindor Quidditch team went over their plans for the game one final time. Katie noticed something that was out of place though. Something that made her frown and furrow her eyebrows.
Mainly that Harry was currently shifting from one foot to the other.

Finally though, she was unable to take her curiosity any longer and cleared her throat. Once he was looking at her, Katie gave him a concerned look, "Are you okay, Harry? If this is about Black, you're safe here. He'd have to be a major idiot to attempt something with all the Professors watching."

To her surprise, Harry shook his head in the negative, "It's not that, Katie. I'm not too worried about him what with Mom in the audience along with Hoppou, Taigei-Chan, and RO-Chan. But..." Frowning, he looked around, "I got a bad feeling in my gut that something is going to happen. Don't know what, but still."

If anything, that made Katie frown even more as it did not help she had an odd feeling all morning. And glancing at the others, she knew that they felt it too. Some sort of oppressive atmosphere. Before she could say anything, Wood laughed and clapped Harry on the shoulder, "Something is about to happen, we're going to win! That's what! Just do your part as Seeker and everything will turn out fine."

Upon exiting the tent, Harry glanced up at the sky with a frown even as the crowd cheered for the team. All week it seemed that the weather slowly got worse and more stormy, even for the Scottish Highlands in November it was bad at times with rain lashing the castle. Something that he was intimately familiar with due to Wood pulling them out to practice even when it was bad out. Thankfully, there was no rain at the moment though the clouds promised a torrential downpour at some point. As it was though, there were pretty strong winds as the clouds churned above, slate grey.

Needless to say, Harry was not looking forward to the game at all.

With an internal sigh though, he turned his attention to the other team. Harry watched as Madam Hooch greeted the two Team Captains and gave them a short run down. How she expected a clean match even though he knew that the referee knew better herself and was just stating it for appearances sake. Then, Harry watched as Wood and Flint glared at each other and attempted to crush the bones in the other's hand.

Again.

Once the Team Captains were done, the two teams took to their brooms and then to the air above. Down below in the stands, Nagato's eyes were tracking her son as nearly as soon as they were in the air, the Slytherins were at their usual tricks. Combined with the crosswinds and the like, the Battleship clenched her fists even as her crew were all watching her son play above. At the same time, there was something at the back of her mind, a kind of itch. One honed by countless battles that stated something was going to happen.

The Battleship glanced towards where the teachers were and could see Dumbledore there in the stands watching. Focusing in with her range finders, which meant that the distance was negligible, she could see the Headmaster scanning both the field and the area around, a slight worry about him. Despite what most might think, that made her relax some as it meant it was not just her that sensed something.

Elsewhere, on the top stands, Juuchi was in her usual form of a Second Year Hufflepuff student while beside her, Kagotsuruhe had the expression of interest on her face as she watched the game. Juuchi, though, was unsure if she was truly interested or simply playing at it due to her usual emotionless state. Instead, the sword kept an eye on her Master weaving in and out of the various players, something that Kagotsuruhe commented on, "Impressive flying there."

Arms crossed, her younger sister smugged a bit, "It is not too surprising either, as Potters are usually good at flight and Quidditch. My Master's father, for instance, was Team Captain himself as I have found out. And the fact that my Master also managed to get on the team on his First Year is even more impressive as I found out."

Her eyebrow raised, Kagotsuruhe turned to her fellow Muramasa, "Oh? How so?"

Still smugging, Juuchi chuckled some and glanced around. Seeing that no one was leaning in, she smirked, "It would seem that during his first flying lesson, one of the students who is his friend Neville, lost control of their broom. My Master then quickly flew over and caught him as he was falling to the ground, something that impressed his Head of House, Professor McGonagall. So much so that she in fact was going to put him on the House Team as Seeker right then and there..." Raising her fingers, her smug increased, "Except my Master turned it down and stated that he would only go for it if he tried out. As he did not feel that it was right otherwise."

Tilting her head to the side, Kagotsuruhe hummed, "Honorable."

Just nodding, the other sword spirit smirked a bit more, "Indeed he is. Perhaps a bit more so then one might be, but that just makes me more pleased as he does know when not to be."

Eyes tracking the various students with all the skill of someone used to tracking fighting on a battlefield, or arrows on trajectory, Kagotsuruhe hummed, "You mentioned that the Potters are good with flight? As if it is different from Quidditch?"

Blinking, Juuchi glanced at her before nodding and turning back to the game, "Indeed, here in the west flight is not used merely for games. Aerial fighting has happened before, many times as a matter of fact. And not only on broomstick either."

Intrigued, or as much as she could be, her older sister raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

With a nod, Juuchi hummed, "Yes, I remember one incident that I was used during part of the Thirty Years War. I assume that you know just how terrifying to a person a normal cavalry charge could be? Now, imagine a cavalry charge where the horses are literally flying. And, more then that, each horse is roughly the size of a small bus with one wizard guiding it while another is shooting spells or fighting. Or looks demonic in the form of thestrals, their being used in battle one of the reasons for their reputation."

Kagotsuruhe took a moment to imagine the image that Juuchi just described and put her own experiences to it, "Yes, I can see how that may well cause armies to break ranks in terror. Especially with how it would be mostly silent, unnerving those used to the sound of the ground being pounded and feeling the incoming cavalry shaking the earth through the soles of their footware. Though I would easily take care of it by drawing myself."

Scoffing, Juuchi shook her head at that, "That is your answer to everything."

Rather than be insulted, Kagotsuruhe shrugged as it was true after all. Then their attention drifted back to the game and the older of the two took in both the plays as well as the emotions of the crowd. Despite the odd feeling that something was going to happen, the emotions swelled upwards. She could taste the excitement of the crowd, the joy from those watching when a goal was struck, despair to some extent from the other side in such a situation as well as frustration. It was a... heady mix, and one that she fully enjoyed. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something and narrowed her eyes, "June, do not look directly at it... but between the blue and red towers, top stand."

A frown on her face, said disguised sword spirit did so and her eyes widened a touch, "How very odd, there is a dog there and..." Her eyes then narrowed, "Sirius Black, he is supposed to be a dog animagus as I told you."

Giving a slight nod, Kagotsuruhe's lips turned downwards into a fake frown as she laced her voice with concern, "Yes, and being as Harry is his godson, it makes sense that he would be here. Thanks to him being so close though, I can feel him and towards your Master there is no hostility at all. So I believe that we can accept that your Master is not in any danger from the man-"

Not noticing that her sister had stopped in mid sentence, Juuchi nodded, "Yes, something that I am rather thankful for as the Blacks have been friends to the Potters more often than not and I was not looking forward to perhaps ending the family. Not to mention he was a friend to the previous family head and I remember him staying at the house after he had ran away from his parents." Having realized that her sister was not replying, she turned and noticed that Kagotsurughe ad something approaching concern on her face. Her metaphorical stomach dropping, Juuchi turned and froze herself at the shapes slipping along the ground and through the clouds, "Dementors..."

Watching as they got closer, Kagotsuruhe narrowed her eyes and turned back to the crowd, "Yes, though they are not here to catch Sirius Black, they're here to feed. The emotions are attracting them."

Just as her sister was about to say something, the Dementors apparently decided that they were close enough and surged forward making her curse aloud.

The first thing that people in the crowd noticed was how the temperature was dropping rapidly, with more than one of them clutching their robes tighter. Moments later, it felt like all the happiness and joy as well as excitement was ripped from them and replaced only with despair. A number of those who had fought in the First Blood War were already getting to their feet as they recognized what was going on, righteous fury on the faces of those like Dumbledore. Then one of the students pointed and shouted as the dark shapes appeared flying over them, "DEMENTORS!"

Up in the air, Harry could hear a distant screaming as the game descended to chaos. Belatedly, he recognized the screaming as that of his birth mother, which soon turned to begging. One Dementor swooped in close to him followed by another, something unknown to them caught by Colin Creevey on his camera. Said picture made it seem like they were attacking the Boy-Who-Lived. And he would print it off to give to Professor Dumbledore that night, with it ending up on the front page of the Prophet the next day.

Right now though, he was utterly terrified at what he was seeing and feeling as more then one Quidditch player dropped near the ground and fell from their brooms.

Up above, Harry grit his teeth as he felt himself rapidly weakening, holding out his wand, he tried his best to focus on a happy memory even as darkness clawed at the edges of his vision, "Ex-Expecto... Expecto Patronum!"

Nothing though, not even a wisp came from his wand and he could almost feel the mocking glares of the Dementors, though he knew that they did not have eyes. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted someone with a sword near the Hufflepuff stands rushing through the crowd before writing it off as well as the silver animals running around. Instead, he reached into one of his pockets and started to mutter even as his strength faltered, and the screams in his head and high pitched laughter continued.

The whole time, Harry descended the best that he could even as he felt his hand slipping. And it was then that he saw it... a group Dementors had broken off and was heading for his mother, Hoppou, and the others. Before they reached them, Amisi was there and there was a shield of light in front of them which seemed to burn the creatures. Finally though, Harry was done with his own chant and brought out the now glowing ofuda. Seemingly realizing the danger, the Dementors after him broke off.

It was far too late though as there was a flash of light and they disintegrated into ash and smoke for the most part. Those at the edges of the flash though, who instead caught fire of a strange sort. Screaming, they dropped from the sky as white flames, like those of the Sun, burned their flesh to dust as they were purified. And from their bodies, just bones now, small motes of lights, souls, could be seen escaping.

But that took the last of his strength and he slipped from his broom and heading to the ground before slowing. Unknown to him, Dumbledore had noticed and, without dismissing his own Patronus, reached out with a hand and his magic which made the thirteen year old fall slower. Draco, himself, his the ground hard still on his broom and bounced for a moment before groaning. Before the furious Headmaster could do anything though, there was a screech and everyone looked at the Gryffindor stands in time to see a phoenix made of white fire rise upwards with the Dementors attempting to flee, and being burnt to ash and bones.

Of course, with all the students out of the way, that was when a enraged Nagato and Hoppou as well as Taigei herself, summoned their rigging and started firing what AA they could that would not hurt the nearby students into the Dementors, ripping them apart, the whole time running for the field. Once there, they took up position in time to protect the young, unconscious wizard.

Thankfully by then, all the Dementors were fleeing after the death and destruction of so many of their brethren. However, while they were safe, the anger of the various people instead turned to a different target who was staring in horror at his wireless set as it was reported live, including that the Boy-Who-Lived was now unconscious due to an attack and that they hoped it was not the worst...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

OMAKE-The Sloop Jackie F(ox) Part II

Yacht SS Horizon Bringer
California Coast, 1969

Day Two:
Spoiler: Theme Music

Jézabel de Breuil Flooed into the main cabin of the Horizon Bringer that evening and very slowly raised one twitching eyebrow at the tableau before her. Her daughter Delilah winced and then wilted visibly under her mother's flat green-eyed disapproving stare before returning to using a towel and a glass of "Capn's Fox's Premium Rum' to clean off her puffy split lip and then start working on the set of bleeding fingernail scratches across her upper chest.

Jézabel's basilisk gaze turned on the middle sister of the scene before her, only to have the glare roll off Jacklyn like water off a duck's back as the rogue toasted her with a smug grin and a glass of hooch. Internally the witch sighed at the expected but unwelcome irreverence...just like Norimune. Jézabel fought down the pain of that thought with practiced reflexive effort honed by over a century of regret. Surprisingly, in her experience, it seemed that the cutlass was largely innocent of what had happened just before her arrival. Which also proved in Jézabel's opinion that miracles truly did happen.

Finally Jézabel turned her attention toward the third Muramasa present. Blue eyes squinted back at her from the swollen flesh of two spectacular black eyes. Considering how the familiar checkerboard pattern of a few of the massive bruises mottling the rapier spirit's face matched a certain revolver's grip, and the general disheveled appearance, Jézabel hardly needed her E.E. in Divination to determine who the half-sister responsible for her daughter's injuries was.

"Colombe d'Aubigny née du Chasteler, we meet at last." Jézabel intoned in a flat voice like a judge passing sentence on an evildoer.

Colombe shrunk down, fumbling with the polishing rag she had been using to clean bird droppings off her hilt. "Oui, Madame de Breuil," she mumbled under the weight of that disapproving stare.

"Well, I hardly need a paternity spell to determine that you three are Norimune's children." Jézabel continued, still coolly surveying the trio of tsukumogami. "You all certainly have her knack for trouble. Delilah said that you inherited a locket with your parents in a painting, Mademoiselle d'Aubigny, may I see it?"

Colombe slowly unclasped the locket from the choker at her throat and then opened it. Jézabel leaned close to look at it and then closed her eyes as tears began to fall and her voice cracked. "It is her. One hundred sixteen years and her face still haunts my dreams...." Delilah hurried to her mother's side as the stern facade shattered in a flood of tears.

"my greatest regret..." Jézabel whispered as she clung to her daughter like a lifeline. Delilah held her mother with clear concern and love in her eyes as the elder witch wept, patting her back gently.

Delilah looked at the others and carefully guided her mother out of the cabin. "Please excuse us. Norimune is a painful subject for Mère due to the circumstances of their parting."

After Jézabel recovered her composure she seated herself gracefully and surveyed the trio of spirits. "I have several pieces of information. First off, I have worked with my contacts in MACUSA, including two who have had dealings with the Magical Diet of Japan, and it seems that in fact the statement to Colombe advising her not not to seek out Norimune 'Until the Children of the Abyss and Humanity join hands in peace' seems to have been a prophecy. Although it may only apply to her, as much as it pains me, I must advise caution and recommend against traveling to Japan at this time to seek her out until the terms of the prophecy are fulfilled."

Jézabel's face darkened and her voice grew harsh. "After the recent war with Japan, MACUSA was made aware of several salient facts about Nori's condition. First, elements in the Kamo Government manipulated her into serving as a soldier, specifically by preying on her care for children." She raised her hand to still the outcries of Norimune's daughters. "Unfortunately, Nori has a soft spot for innocents in danger, and was entrapped into a war that she apparently opposed to a lesser or greater degree by monsters preying upon that care."

Jézabel sighed deeply and looked every day of her century-plus lifespan. "I suspect that if any of you had found her, you would have been used as a lever to 'ensure her cooperation'. Worse, the Kamo Government had the capabilities and intentions to commit unspeakable and unforgivable acts upon one of you if you had been close to her in the 1930s. We now know that Sub-Unit 942 held at least one Muramasa for a while and experimented on her as a 'test subject'. May God have mercy upon that poor sword's soul."

Jézabel reluctantly reached into her robes and pulled out a nomaj photograph that was charred on one corner. The naked katana blade in it was horribly mutilated inside some kind of magitech harness, with chips missing and the point of the blade snapped off.

Colombe swore vilely in French as the blood rose in her face in a swell of rage. Next to her, Jacklyn trembled, clutching the hilt of her cutlass hard enough to turn her knuckles white as her ears and tail fluffed out. Retching sounds from the porthole that Delilah had rushed to showed the youngest sister's reaction to the atrocity in the photograph.

"If you had not been warned off your hunt for Nori, Colombe, that would almost certainly have been your fate. Nori would have at first submitted to keep you safe, and when her usefulness to Kamo was done...as your prophet said. Agony and death for you both. While this danger to our family is no more; I do not know what other threats await you and her."

Colombe reluctantly nodded as Jézabel returned the photograph to her robes. "All the more reason to be patient until the way is clear. I don't like it, but what are more decades in my quest to deal with my father? Jackie, Delilah?"

Delilah returned to the table and wiped bile from her lips as she sat. "I have to agree with Mère, Sis. We have time, and eventually either the conditions will be met or Norimune will travel outside Japan to where we can meet her. I'll use my MACUSA contacts to be notified if she travels."

Jacklyn looked at the others and then shrugged. "I'll agree with that. 'Tis more adventures we can have on the Seven Seas to have tales to tell our sire when the day comes."

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord Khuzdul

This has been sitting in my hard drive for a while, and I think it is a good time for it. Somebody's patience is slowly but surely reaching its limits. Will probably eventually go back to the previous years and events at some point, but this is current time for the story.

---

Most of the shipgirls of the Turkish Navy were gathered in a shoreside restaurant in the small town of Foça, near the naval base they were based in. Aside from a couple of submarines on patrol, and Tınaztepe and Demirhisar off to look for a possible submarine contact, the small fleet (well, two dozen shipgirls did not a major force make) was all gathered around a couple of tables. There was food and drinks available, but most girls did not have a lot of appetite. The foreign girls seconded to their command, namely the Scrap Iron Flotilla, and the frequent visiting annoyance that was Averoff, were less grumpy, but after having a look at the storm cloud hanging over the heads of Yavuz and Hamidiye (the official flagship and commanding officer of their fleet and her unofficial second in command and personal attack dog, respectively) made them decide discretion was the better part of valor. It was November 10th, and all of them continued the trend of being rather moody on that day.

Their moodiness was not helped with the fact that the government denied their request to visit Anıtkabir as a fleet, in their uniforms, and then high command denied leave for them to do the same out of uniform. The tension between the government and the shipgirl fleet was well known, even though Yavuz expressly forbid them from commenting about politics in public. All girls, who spent a significant chunk of their first lives in the heady days of the early Republic, were a lot less enthusiastic about the disparaging tone towards the heroes of that time, nor the rehabilitation of sundry traitors of said period. That made any official meetings with high government officials tense at best, and less said about the opinions of the girls regarding the admirals of the Turkish Navy, the better.

The only thing going for them was that due to the nature of the Abyssal War, which gave them immense popularity, and international pressure - even though old and small, Turkish fleet was a vital part of the Eastern Mediterranean defenses, especially due to the tendency of light Abyssal forces springing up into being from nothing among the islands of the Aegean and the waters off Egypt and the Levant, relieving pressure off others, especially the Royal Navy, in keeping the Suez Canal safe - the government could not do anything to them directly. Anything they can do indirectly, however, they did, undersupplying them, dumping undesired officers on them - which had the rather fortunate effect of Yavuz gathering a small but rather efficient cadre of junior officers with qualities that would make most navies give their right arms to have them, but that made them quite undesirable for the political and corrupt high command - and keeping their movements and activities as tightly controlled as they could make it. All served to make sure that the girls were deeply unhappy with the government, and everyone involved with it.

And that unhappiness was ever more pronounced in national holidays. To the extent that even Averoff refrained from heckling her favorite target, Hamidiye. The impetuous protected cruiser looked like she was ready to chew through the keel of the first fool that provided her an excuse.

Little Stuart, however, was a destroyer. That implied a devil may care attitude and somewhat reduced social graces. So she was the first one to break, leaning towards Vampire and whispering "What the hell are we doing here?"

The whisper was obviously intended for nobody other than the little V-class. But in the silence of the room, it was heard clear as day. Yavuz straightened and smiled. The movement made the small destroyer leader shrink in her seat. The smile was definitely not pleasant.

"Good question, Stuart. What the hell are we doing here, sulking like children?" the battlecruiser asked, her voice still showing signs of her anger and unhappiness.

Hamidiye groaned. "What else are we going to do? We are not allowed to pay our respects, we are not even allowed to do our own ceremony here - and that ass of a base commander best hope he doesn't meet me in an abandoned alley one dark night. What do you suggest? Should we try to launch our own coup?"

Stuart and Averoff shared a moment of terror as Yavuz grinned. They really wouldn't... would they? They relaxed slightly when Yavuz shook her head, but the rest of the answer did not soothe the ember of apprehension deep in their guts at all. "Definitely not, Hamidiye. All in good time." She rose from her seat, gulping down her glass of rakı with a grimace. "But I think we can do something else. Would anyone say no to a night of entertainment? We can at least commemorate in our own way, and have some fun doing it."

Hamidiye frowned. "Why are you talking about entertainment, on this night nonetheless?"

"I just want to do something other than going all abyssal on some people," she said, "and I really feel bottled up. But not here." Yavuz looked out of the windows of the restaurant at the wreck of the frigate TCG Barbaros, beached on the rocks just outside the town, her mast and some of her superstructure visible from their vantage point. "Get some drinks, and let's head out to your daughter, Barbaros Hayreddin," she added, slapping the shoulder of the pre-dreadnought sitting next to her. All girls blinked in confusion as Yavuz started whistling cheerfully and walked out, tailed by her ever-present shadow Midilli. Most girls rose to follow her.

Stuart shivered as she sidled up to Averoff. "I really have a... can't say bad, but weird feeling about it. Either Yavuz completely lost it, or..." Averoff shook her head. "Well, it will be interesting," she trailed off, unsure, "if she can do what I think she will do. And it will be the shitstorm to end all shitstorms," she said, grinning, "because I think I have an idea."

Stuart frowned. "What is she going to do?"

Averoff chuckled. "She's trying to get a summoning."

"What can she summon that can make that much of an impact? I don't think Turks had any paper ships..."

Averoff laughed. "Well, not a paper ship. Not even a warship. And the ship herself is not the point. It is all about her most famous passenger."

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Voice even despite the rage he felt due to what had happened, Dumbledore glared down at the wincing man before him, "This is absolutely the last straw, Cornelius. The Dementors have attacked my students for the very last time!"

Wincing once more, Fudge played with the brim of his bowler hat and feeling like a naughty student. A feeling that he hated to feel as much as possible, "Yes, well... I will not argue that the Dementors were... um, problematic-"

Lucius then spoke up with an oily tone, "Oh, I would not say that, Cornelius." When he turned to the head of the Malfoy family, Fudge shrunk back at the anger in that glare. Not helping matters was how Lucius gripped his cane with white knuckles, "Problematic would be one of my old... acquaintances dropping by to drink most of my liquor. Problematic would be him then throwing up said drink and ruining my good shoes. Problematic would be one of the peacocks at my manor taking a shat on someone important." His eyes then narrowed to venomous slits, "I would most certainly not call my son, my heir, being attacked by Dementors right in front of me to be problematic..."

Backing into his chair as much as he could, Fudge felt sweat bead on his forehead. Never had he seen the man in front of him so coldly furious before, "A-ah, yes, a poor choice of words on my part. Of course, I, um... I must say that it is the Aurors fault in this case. Perhaps we did not train them properly."

Now it was Amelia's turn to have disgust on her face as the Minister attempted to throw two of her Aurors under the bus. Her expression then became impassive, "Fortunately, Minister, what has occurred is not their fault. Rather it is ours for forgetting a rather obvious, though important fact."

Eyebrow raised, Dumbledore frowned in thought and tried to figure out what they could have missed. When he could not, he gave Amelia a look, "Perhaps you could explain what we have missed?"

Raising a hand, Amelia brought up one finger, "Firstly, the Aurors in question had to run, which meant arriving afterwards when everything was over. The second, of course, is that Dementors could fly and we did not give the Aurors brooms."

Confusion met her before Delores spoke up, "Hm-hm, they did not need brooms. After all, our Aurors all know how to apparate after all."

Just about to comment, Albus paused for a moment and rolled those words around in his mind. Then, slowly, he pinched his nose as he raised his eyebrows, "Ah, yes, now I see your point, Amelia. Yes, that is entirely on us in this case."

It took moments before the penny dropped behind the Malfoy's eyes as well and he gained a scowl, "We forgot that one could not apparate on Hogwarts grounds. So of course, any Aurors would be limited to running after creatures that could fly." Looking like he bit into a lemon, he grimaced, "An oversight on all our parts here."

Hands running along the brim of his hat, Fudge nodded as he saw a lifeline of sorts. In this case, it was not just him that had failed, even if it was something rather simple. After all, everyone who went to Hogwarts knew about how apparation was impossible there, "Yes, yes, an oversight on our parts. Still, all we need to do is give them some brooms and this won't happen again."

Silence, utter and complete silence met him. Then Dumbledore spoke with a voice filled with angry disbelief, "You are right that this will not happen again, Cornelius! Because you will be removing those foul things from my school! We warned you that this would happen!"

Wincing, not least due to the fact that they had warned him, the Minister sighed, "Well, yes, you did. But Black-"

Augusta then spoke and slammed her hand down on his desk, "Black nothing! I smell blood on the floor, Cornelius and that is why I am here! Because by God, I will make it real if you give me the excuse! And I know that the House elves will be all too happy to clean up the mess on the floor of the Wizangamot that I will leave behind!"

More than one of them winced at that proclamation. And none doubted it, as it was coming from one known as "The Vulture" due to her uncanny ability to sense when a political career was about to die and to hover around it. Then, once it was dead enough, ripping at its dead or dying carcass like the creature on her hat.

Supposedly, her husband came up with the nickname one day with that very comparison while at the bar, drunk, and with Augusta in hearing range... Frank was born nine months later.

Frowning, Umbridge looked at the older witch with some scorn in her eyes, "Despite the two recent... incidents, the Dementors' record are impeccable-"

Rather then say anything right away, Augusta waited before laughing in the Undersecretary's face. While Umbridge was knocked odd balance, figuratively and literally, she began her attack, "Impeccable, you say? Ha! Let us look at their record considering this... this debacle!" Holding up her hand, she began to tick off, "Sirius Black managed to sneak past the Dementors and escape from Azkaban. That is once if you were unable to count! And this past Halloween, he snuck past them yet again! That is twice now that he has gotten past them! Twice!" Leaning, she snarled at the Minister who shrunk back, "And two, it seems, is a magical number in this case! For the Dementors attacked the Hogwarts Express and subjected the students to their presence! That is once! And again, at the game they once more attacked the student population! That is twice!"

With a nod towards Augusta, the Headmaster smiled thinly, "And I will remind all here that the matter of Halloween was taken care of by Hogwarts' internal security. It was them that drove Black from the castle and, once more, he got past the Dementors stationed there which makes it three times that they failed to catch him."

A sneer on her face, Umbridge turned towards Lucius, "And I am surprised that you support such things as this... so-called security, Lord Malfoy."

With a shrug, the head of the Malfoy family hummed, "I support the measure as they have proven themselves to be quite effective at their jobs. In fact, many of those... who I am aligned with think much the same. It is also cost-effective as well."

Her eyes narrowing, Umbridge turned to him, "Yes, well... One must wonder, you understand. After all, I have heard rumours regarding your son and a shipgirl that he was seen in the company of."

Even Fudge was looking at her flabbergasted. Then, Lucius spoke. And when he did, it was with a voice that contained roughly the amount of warmth that the North Pole had in the middle of an arctic winter, with his narrowed eyes looking downright reptilian, "My son, Madam Umbridge, is a Malfoy, a Pureblood, and a Slytherin. Of course, I would hope that you are not casting aspersions against my heir..."

The Undersecretary backed up from that as it struck while also getting the feeling that she was a rat in front of a venomous snake of some sort. Looking between Umbridge and Lucius, Fudge was happy that it was not him. With a cough, he gave a weak grin, "Yes, well... such a thing is not in debate at the moment of course. What is being spoken about is what happened and, er, young Mister Potter and Mister Malfoy are alright, are they not?"

For several moments, Dumbledore stared at him before narrowing his eyes, "Yes, Mister Potter and Mister Malfoy as well as the others affected by the Dementors are healed and alright." The emphasis on 'Others' made Cornelius wince as there were a number of powerful political people whose relatives had been affected by Dementor exposure, "However, they are still recovering as it was rather horrible what they were subjected to. With that, I am still going to demand that those foul beings be removed from my school! Especially as they have shown themselves unable to perform the so-called duties that you placed them there to do!" While he did not slam his hand down on the desk, the sound nonetheless carried through the room and everyone took a step back due to the slight wind whipping around him and the glow in his eyes. A little intimidation trick he had learned long ago, "I will not wait until one of my students is Kissed since the Dementors have been shown to be unable to help themselves!"

Augusta gave a nod of approval before turning to the Minister, "Indeed, and I will be making sure that there is a motion in the Wizengamot at the next meeting to pull them if you do not! See if I do not!"

Mouth moving, especially as he knew what would happen, mainly a likely Vote of Non-Confidence, Fudge squeaked, "B-but, Black-"

Eyes narrowing, Amelia snarled, "Yes, Black who has been driven from the school due to the internal school security. If I use Auror trainees, I can have them patrol the town and the grounds, Cornelius. And they would be far more likely to catch Black then the Dementors have proven themselves to be able to."

It was a cold smile that then crossed her face and those that knew her realized that she was about to drop a bomb into Cornelius' lap. When Lucius glanced at Dumbledore, there was a knowing look that made him narrow his eyes and frown, 'What are the two of you up to...?'

Within seconds though, he found out as Amelia's eyes narrowed to slits and she had obvious enjoyment in what she was about to say next, "Despite everything, Cornelius-" And it was damming that she used the Minister's name in this case, "You should remove the Dementors because if you do not, then I shall not defend the Ministry while it is shortly destroyed."

Utter silence met her as Fudge stared at her in naked horror as well as Umbridge. Then the Undersecretary swallowed, "Surely you jest, Amelia. Things are not quite that serious-"

A vicious smile on her face, Amelia turned onto her new target while her tone took on a sweet tone like honey... that was hiding cyanide within it, "Ah, but they are, Delores. What we have here is the makings of an international incident." Holding up a hand, she ticked off, "We have naval officers from two countries having been attacked. Miss Nagato and Miss Taigei are both officers from Japan. Miss RO, by the way, is an officer of both Japan and Germany, which complicates the situation still further. While not officially part of their nations' respective magical governments, the ICW would not care as it could drag the shipgirls from those nations into a conflict with the British Ministry. One that the Royal Navy might well help with being as they are friendly with them. To those nations, they are also part of their magical side due to their nature. And what just happened? Creatures that we have told everyone is under our control attacked them. Something that many nations would consider an act of war. And I am unsure of if the Magical Diet would not do so, if only to focus peoples attentions elsewhere, or at least make enough noise regarding it that the ICW would come down on us."

Dumbledore then spoke up, "Which is when we get to another issue... Miss Hoppou."

Confused, the Minister furrowed his eyebrows, "The Abyssal Princess thingy? What of her?"

Eyebrow twitching just a touch in a show of annoyance at what he just called Hoppou, Dumbledore took a deep breath as even his patience was wearing thin. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lucius pinch his nose and shake his head. But rather than comment on that, the elderly wizard instead cleared his throat, "Need I remind you, Cornelius, that Hoppou is both a Head of State and also considers Harry to be her brother due to their adoption. Her fleet in this case would react... very negatively most likely if something was not done to make sure that there is not a repeat of the situation."

Seeing that Fudge still did not realize, Amelia internally sighed. Thankfully, she had come prepared and pulled out a folder which she slapped down on the Minister's desk and opened. Inside were pages with pictures of Abyssals, "This is her fleet, Cornelius, all of whom consider her either their mother or grandmother in the case of the second generation." Ignoring the Minister's paling face as he read, she continued, "Over a hundred Abyssals, Cornelius. And all of them are either Elite or Flagship level... the normal ones. We also have a group of Abyssal Princesses and Demons who head them under Miss Hoppou. My Aurors might be able to take care of a single Battleship and its escorts, maybe. But we would take losses. A hundred Abyssals? Including Princesses and Demons? If they wanted to make a march on the Ministry to tear it down brick by brick, there is nothing that I could do to stop it and I would not even try as that would mean throwing my subordinates into a meat grinder."

Throat clearing, Dumbledore added his own portion, "This is not, of course, adding in Miss Wanko and her fleet, who would also arrive. And said fleet is also quite large and filled with Elites and Flagships."

Groaning in despair, the Minister rubbed his eyes. And just when he thought that it could not get worse. With a sigh, he looked at the wireless and remembered various comments on it as well as the sheer number of Howlers he had gotten over what had happened before Dumbledore and the others had arrived. So many that they had to use a room specifically to keep them in. Defeated-looking, Fudge pulled out a parchment and began to write on it, "I shall give the order to have them removed. I suppose, perhaps, only five at the gate would work I suppose."

Looking like she had bit into a lemon, Umbridge gave him a look, "Cornelius-"

Fudge though made a motion with his hand, "Delores, I am sorry, but we need to do this. If nothing else, it will look like we are doing something and taking this seriously." Lips pressed together thinly, he remembered another report, "Besides which, perhaps it would cut down on the destruction of the Dementors as it is not impossible that we could run out if we lose them at this rate."

Hands clenching, the Undersecretary gave a hiss and shot a glare at the others, "Of course."

Giving a small nod, Amelia smiled a bit, "Thank you, Minister. I will make sure personally that the order is given out." Internally, she laughed, 'And everyone is going to be happy...'

The Minister just mumbled a bit as he worked out the order, while also trying to see how he could spin it in order to keep his job.

 

[darthcourt10]

Weaver

Saturday, 9th November 2013

Climbing out of the car, Dan looked over his shoulder at the woman in the driver's seat.

"I won't be long Mum."

With that he walked briskly along the path from the car park to the pavilion and then to Zetland's room in said pavilion. As he approached he could hear music coming from inside, something folky sounding.

"All spring, now, we've been with her on a barge lent by a friend
Three dives a day in hard hat suit and twice I've had the bends
Thank God it's only sixty feet and the currents here are slow
Or I'd never have the strength to go below

But we've patched her rents, stopped her vents, dogged hatch and porthole down
Put cables to her, 'fore and aft and girded her around
Tomorrow, noon, we hit the air and then take up the strain
And make the Mary Ellen Carter rise again"

Reaching Zetland's door, Dan knocked twice. A moment later it opened to reveal a hatless, coatless and bootless Zetland with a small leather pouch on a chain around her neck.

"Hello. You're early."

"No I'm not."

The lifeboat frowned and looked over her shoulder at something.

"You said you'd be picking me up at half one. It isn't even quarter past."

"It's half one."

Dan held up his phone to show her. Zetland looked at the time on it then back over her shoulder and sighed.

"Either my clock is slow or yours is fast. Give me a minute to sort myself out."

Stepping back into her room, she turned off the MP3 player and speakers that had been one of her birthday presents since the song she'd be listening to when Dan arrived was over, then sat down to pull on her boots.

"You know, you're the first shipgirl I've met who has trouble with time keeping."

"No clocks on a lifeboat, at least not in my day."

Pulling on her second boot, she stood up and donned her oilskin coat and hat.

"Right then, let's be off."

Getting back to the car park they found Dan's mother waiting for them in the car, with her starting the engine as they approached. After the brief awkwardness of who got the first seat, with Zetland winning due to being a guest, the two of them got in and, after a bit of fumbling on Zetland's part, fastened their seatbelts.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. You're doing me a big favour taking me through to Hartlepool as it is."

"No worries. We're going there anyway, may as well save on diesel by giving you a lift."

"That may be, but you're still doing me a favour so thank you."

Nothing more was said as Patricia drove the car out of the car park and on to the main road, although Dan noted with some amusement that Zetland was examining the inside of the car with obvious curiosity.

It wasn't until they were on the Trunk Road that Zetland broke the silence.

"I think I went this way when they took me up to Scotland in the Sixties. I'm not sure though I couldn't really see much from under a tarp."

There was another pause, this one broken by Dan.

"So Zetland, what have you done with your new freedom so far?"

The lifeboat shrugged.

"Not much. Mostly I've just gone for long walks. Thought I should have a look around all the parts of the town that were built while I was in the my museum. Went for a walk along the seafront. Went to the park and fed the ducks. Things like that. Some of the lifeboat crew have been talking about taking me out for a parmo since apparently it's practically a crime for someone to have lived around here as long as I have without having one. They didn't tell me what a parmo actually was though."

"It's a flattened piece of chicken or pork in breadcrumbs that's fried and topped with bechamel sauce and cheese. They're sort of a local specialty, although they disappeared when rationing got tight. I think that there's a couple of places that have put them back on the menu now that things have eased up a bit though."

"Oh. Sounds rich."

"It's certainly not what you'd call healthy. Uncle Dave calls them drunk food in its purest form; meat, cheese and grease."

The rest of the trip passed in much the same way, small talk and Zetland looking at the world outside the car window with interest, until they got to Hartlepool. After showing their ID at the base gates, they entered and parked.

Once they were out of the car, Patricia turned to Zetland.

"So, tour first or baths?"

"Baths. They're why I'm here after all."

"Fair enough."

A few minutes later Dan had gone off to see Ambrose and Misoa and Patricia was leading Zetland into the baths. The lifeboat wasn't sure how many strings had been pulled to arrange this but she was sure that there had to have been some. She wasn't about to complain though, especially if it worked.

The shipgirl baths at Hartlepool were nowhere near as fancy as some, having been constructed before Japanese bathhouse influences reached northeast England and with practicality (and British sensibilities) rather than relaxation in mind, they consisted of a changing room and a room with two rows of generously sized bathtubs around which curtains could be drawn for privacy and showers at one end.

After showing her everything, Patricia explained how to go about things.

"Get undressed then have a shower and get into one of the baths."

"Why do I need to shower?"

"The water gets recycled a few times before it's replaced. Something to do with not wanting to waste the minerals. Today's is fresh though."

"Oh."

Doing as she was told, Zetland got undressed which was in itself a new experience. Without bathroom facilities where she lived, she'd never had reason to remove more than the top layer of her clothing before. Her hat, coat and boots went first, followed by her gansey, trousers and shirt until all that was left was the bag of nails around her neck. Although she'd never admit it, Zetland was mildly surprised that she had normal looking skin over normal looking, rather wiry muscle underneath her clothes.

Wrapping a towel around herself, she headed first to the showers and then to the baths, where a problem problem presented itself. There were other shipgirls already in there, chatting to each other with the curtains around their tubs going completely unused. Zetland however wasn't comfortable with doing likewise. Her crew had had their share of less than private baths but those had been amongst family rather than strangers and Zetland was new to being without clothes in general. On the other hands, closing the curtains when no one else somehow seemed rude.

In the end though her discomfort won out, although she did at least introduce herself. A tub was picked and filled with hot, mineral-rich water and the curtains were drawn. Hanging up her towel, Zetland gingerly got in the tub, being submerged in water that wasn't icy cold being yet another new experience.

After a couple of seconds though it became clear why shipgirls liked the baths so much. Zetland didn't moan but it was a close thing.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Walking away from Fudge's office, the group was quiet for a number of moments before Dumbledore glanced at Lucius who still held a sneer on his face, "I must admit, Lucius, it is rather nice to be working with you rather then against you. Thank you for the help."

That made Lucius stop and he turned to meet Dumbledore's eyes. Eyes narrowing, he growled a bit, "Let us understand something, Dumbledore. I do not like you, I do not like your politics. However, with that said... there is one thing that I hold among the most important in this world, and that is my son. Twice now, he has been put in danger due to that imbecilic moron. And if by working with you, I can make sure there would not be a third time, then I will do so even if I must grit my teeth."

With that said, he turned and they began to walk again. As they did so, Augusta hummed in thought, "If I may, Lord Malfoy? Perhaps we should retire to my office here?"

Eyebrow raised, the head of the Malfoy family frowned in thought before giving a nod. Several minutes later found them all seated in a rather tastefully done office in the Ministry. One that Lucius was able to recognize as being used by one of the Ancient and Most Noble families. Here and there were some personal touches such as pictures of Augusta's grandson as well as her own son and daughter-in-law.

Another person touch was the snarling head of a Nundu mounted on the wall.

Following the direction of his gaze, Augusta gave a very cold smile, "Ah! That was the Nundu I killed during the war against Grindlewald. A young one, yes, but still quite powerful and he had sent it against the Americans on Omaha Beach where I was. Even bit me, if you would believe."

More than a little amused, Dumbledore chuckled, "Ah, yes, how did you put it... It soon fell ill and died."

Simply smiling, Augusta gave a small shrug, "That is my story and I am sticking to it. And Albus can back me up."

Clearing his throat, especially as he remembered one incident during the war where he barely escaped Augusta, Lucius raised an eyebrow, "You wished to talk, yes?"

Augusta gave a small nod before revealing a bottle of brandy that she poured into snifters. Seeing the looks, she had a slightly smug smile on her face, "Dragon barrel brandy, from 1851. I thought that perhaps we could relax while we spoke."

With a frown, Lucius took the offered glass and leaned back in the chair. Not before he glanced at his ring, the stone of which did not change color and which meant that it was safe to drink. The head of the Malfoy family was many things, stupid was not one of them. Taking a sip of the drink, he gave a hum, "Yes, this was a good year."

Just nodding, the Dame Longbottom took a moment to consider her drink, "I believe that we can all recognize that despite our victory tonight in convincing a true idiot, there is still quite some way to go before we are out of the woods. If you would, Lord Malfoy, would you tell us what is the opinion of the darker side of the Wizengamot? And their thoughts on what has happened?"

Not saying anything right away, he swished his drink some in the glass before taking another sip. "As expected, there are many thoughts in regards to recent actions undertaken by the Ministry. Most of us were... displeased... by what he has allowed to happen. Despite what some might think, our opinion of the guards of Azkaban may well be worse than yours, Madame Longbottom. The idea that they were to be placed to safe guard our children and heirs were controversial to begin with. Even more so after the train incident and positions have hardened... Speaking of..." Turning, Lucius tilted his head in curiosity, "From what I have heard, you did not fire Dawlish, is this correct?"

Lips pressed together thinly, Amelia gave a cold chuckle, "Yes, despite what he did I kept him on as an Auror as I need every hand that I can get. As it was, I have assigned him as the Auror in charge of the Shetland Islands."

Several moments passed before everyone winced. Malfoy shook his head before silently raising his glass at the head of the DMLE. Not only did she keep someone on and so not have to shift things around, she also made an abject lesson of him.

It appealed to his Slytherin side.

Leaning back into the chair, Lucius frowned some, "But more, this recent incident might well see those from my side of the divide push to have Cornelius removed."

That got Augusta to nod with her own grimace, "Yes, and I have few doubts that there would not be those on ours as well pushing for such." She then leaned forward and frowned, "The question now becomes... do we let them?"

Eyebrow raising, Dumbledore broke his silence, "Are you suggesting that we keep Cornelius in power, Augusta?" At the nod, his frown deepened, "Why?"

Predatorily grinning, the Longbottom elder chuckled, "Do not take my idea for mercy, Albus. Such is the furthest from my mind at this very moment. Nothing would make me more gleeful than to have that fool in his office tossed out on his fat arse. But I am also well capable of being circumspect, especially as in this case it would draw out Cornelius' suffering which I will admit to enjoying the thought of."

A shudder went through Lucius' spine at the reminder that the woman in front of him could be completely and utterly cold blooded. Even more so when one of her family was threatened. Hiding such thoughts, the Malfoy put his snifter down on the table and clasped his hands in front of him, "And what, may I ask, do you wish to do?"

Swishing her brandy around, Augusta took a moment to have a sip, "I propose that both sides of the Wizengamot work together to keep Fudge in power for a little bit longer. We both know of methods that when both sides are in agreement can make the Minister nothing more than a figurehead with no ability or power. A lame duck, in other words."

Hand under her chin, the head of the DMLE frowned, "And what, exactly, would be the purpose behind this, Augusta? It cannot only be the fact that you wish for him to suffer, no, there is more to it than simply that, though I am certain that you will enjoy that."

With a small nod, Augusta smiled, "What I am proposing is that we keep Cornelius in power just long enough to set up a... new administration and get all of our unicorns in a row."

Eyes closed, Dumbledore frowned in thought, "That is a very... interesting idea, Augusta. If we were to bring down Cornelius now, easy as it would be, chaos would no doubt result. We would need time in order to set things up, decide who would be Minister, and the like. During which time, who knows what crisis could occur while we were paralyzed. For example if the Abyssal War should happen to heat up once more."

Staring into her brandy, Amelia frowned deeply, "Yes, that would be certainly problematic. We all know how things go when attempting to rapidly switch Administrations in the middle of a war. Worst case would be something akin to Japan's current situation, which I would rather try and avoid. As well, there are... other issues."

Rather than be insulted when she glanced at him, Malfoy smiled thinly, "Yes, there are those who might well take advantage of such a situation unfortunately. If I may make a suggestion?" When they nodded, he continued, "I would suggest that we place you, Amelia, as the next Minister of Magic."

Her eyebrows shooting up to her hairline and monocle popping from her eye, Amelia boggled at him, "You wish for myself to take the position of Minister of Magic, Lucius? Why ever would you want that?"

Amused by her reaction, Lucius chuckled, "We are in the middle of a war, are we not? I would think that someone who actually knows what they are doing, rather then someone who does something simply to look like they are doing something, would be to our benefit. I very much doubt that you would, for example, station Dementors at a school. The only other one that I can think of off the top of my head would be Rufus, and he would be far too involved in regards to internal politics to do what may well be needed in the future if changes occur."

The eyes of the others all narrowed at what was not said, and understood. Frowning, Augusta hummed as she tilted her head in thought, "What needs to be done, Lucius?"

Meeting her gaze with his own, Malfoy spoke with a soft voice, but one underlain by steel, "My family must survive, Augusta. No matter what it may cost me, I do not care. Despite everything, in that I believe you would be the better choice. It would go better if I could gain a... concession from you."

While her instincts told her to say no right there, Madam Bones only nodded, "Go on..."

Expression going blank, Malfoy met her gaze, "The implementation of a Kiss on Sight order for Black has frightened many on my side of politics. I am sure that you can understand why that would be?" At the nods, he continued, "If it was placed for him, then it is very likely that it could be placed for others. Death is preferable to the Kiss, at least then there is a chance on the Other Side as it were. What they would want most is for the Kiss to be abolished as a form of capital punishment. If you could do that, than things would become far easier..."

Far into the night, the four talked regarding politics. While Fudge drank in celebration of not being tossed out, the death of his career was being planned...

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Softly humming, RO walked through the halls of Hogwarts with a heavily laden basket at her side early in the morning the day after the Quidditch game. Of course, said basket was filled with food from the kitchens for Harry and the others. Walking past one of the Prefects who gave her an odd look, RO adjusted the sweater that she was wearing...

Which was Harry's old winter one that she had grabbed when he no longer could wear it.


Granted, part of the reason that the Submarine wore it to Hogwarts was because it sent a sort of message to others. And from the reactions, RO knew that the older students knew, or suspected anyways, what that message was. Seeing Harry's reaction though was far better as he was surprised at it and then smiled before telling her that it looked good on her as she had a plaited skirt and leggings along with it. The outfit being one of her nicer ones.

For once, RO was happy that she was the smallest of the Submarines in their group besides Maruyu. Mainly because that, along with how slowly they aged, she would be able to wear his sweater for some years yet before she outgrew it. By which time, RO had no doubt, she would likely be able to grab his next winter sweater as well for herself. That said, she was very happy with the one she had as it was a very nice piece of clothing since it was made to be warm due to the School being in the Scottish Highlands. Nice and warm as well as cozy.

Though RO suspected that part of the reason was less the design of the sweater and more that it had been Harry, thus to her it was all the nicer.

Her good mood dropped a bit as she came into view of the Hospital Wing of the school. Yes, all of Harry's injuries were healed easily enough, but the Matron had wanted him to stay the night just in case. It was more the reason that he was in there though that was the cause of the frown. Ro could remember what happened clearly as the first sign had been the all penetrating cold along with the good feelings of both her and her crew being sucked out. This was soon followed by her seeing the creatures swoop into view. They screamed "Wrong" to her senses in ways that Abyssals never could.

Their appearance was followed by her crew starting to have flashbacks to the worst moments of their lives. Part of RO was happy that as a ship, she did not really have the bad memories that were powerful enough to really affect her. Though she shuddered to think what would happen if Hachi was exposed to them. But that was not to say that she was unaffected by the Dementors as they brought out bad memories more recent, memories from this life. A number of which were those involving Harry having near death experiences and learning of them.

It was at that moment that she noticed that said boy was being attacked by the creatures. As soon as she realized what was happening, RO was put away and Yuu came to the fore once more. Not for the first time, RO was happy that as a German Uboat, she was more then capable of shoving her emotions to the side to become cold and calculating. Not to say she did not have them in such a state, but they were... muted, for lack of a better word. It was something shared by all the Uboats and why when they were off duty, they were such party animals. It was a release valve for when they could let go of their emotions from being controlled on patrol.

As she walked towards the doors to the Hospital Wing, RO had a thoughtful look on her face as she remembered Iku commenting on how Yuu sometimes scared her with her intensity and how it was like they were two different people. There were times when RO herself actually wondered if there was a slight personality split. Said thoughts also drifted to how there was also Taigei and Ryuuhou which made her wonder if it was possible for herself to gain a twin due to the differences between her personalities. Not that she would mind too much, though there was the fact that even as Yuu, she cared deeply for Harry. Would her other self actually join in on the plan in such a case, RO suspected that she would.

Shaking off such thoughts though, she continued to go over what happened. After Harry had cast his spell along with Amisi hers, the Dementors had fled as Nagato, Taigei, and Hoppou poured out AA fire. But the Submarine's whole attention had been on Harry as she picked him up and held him close. She had stood over him with a snarl on her face as if daring any of the Dementors to attack. Granted, RO had pulled out one of her crew's handguns and she had nailed one Dementor with a headshot when it attempted to drop below the level that Nagato and the others could hit it safely at. Seeing it drop to the ground dead with most of its head missing had filled her with no end of joy.

Then, she had escorted Nagato to the Hospital Wing with the black haired wizard and stood guard over him with Yuu at the fore. It was not until Madam Pomfrey had healed him and stated that he was fine besides observation that she had relaxed. Even now, RO could remenber Harry holding her close as she cried into his shoulder while the others hugged them as well. That night, they slept in a cuddlepile with RO 's face buried in the crook of his neck.

For a brief moment, RO paused with her hand about to touch the door knob before grasping it and opening the door. Entering the Hospital Wing, she took a moment to glance around before noticing Harry talking quietly with Taigei who was on the bed beside him. The curtains around Draco's bed though were still closed and she could hear the sounds of him sleeping which made her nod. What she did notice though was another fact that she gave voice to when she got close enough for the two to hear, "Where are Nagato-San and Hoppou-Chan?"

With a blink, Taigei had a small smile on her face, "As it turns out, Professor Dumbledore returned this morning and wished to talk with them regarding several things. One thing that he did confirm though was that all of the Dementors outside of five were going to be removed from the school grounds. So this shouldn't happen again."

A scowl on her face, RO had a cold look in her eye, "I would hope not." Then it was gone and she relaxed some though still scowling, "What sort of arschloch thought that stationing them here was a good idea."

Unable to help himself, Harry snorted into his hand and then coughed when RO gave him a look. Waving her off, he grinned, "Sorry, RO-Chan."

Smile coming back to her face, the Submarine gave a shrug, "It is okay, Harry-Chan." Lifting the basket, she smiled, "I brought us some breakfast."

In reply, Harry patted the bed beside him and RO clambered on with no hesitation whatsoever. As a place was handed to him, he gave a small sigh, "I'm starving."

Turning towards him, RO gave a giggle and poked him in the head, "Well, you are a growing boy, Harry-Chan." She then piled the food onto the plate and nodded, "There we go." Once she had her own plate filled with food, the German shifted her position until her head was on Harry's shoulder. Looking down the bed though, RO pouted a little, "It is not fair that you are now taller then I am, Harry-Chan."

Cheeks red, the wizard scratched them, "Um, I'm a growing boy?"

With a sigh, RO gave him a look and held up one hand, "Ja, you are. I am pretty sure that you have grown at least two inches since we last saw you." A frown appeared on her face, "Are you sure that..."

Shaking his head, Harry frowned, "The time turner doesn't do that much aging. I mean, the hours add up, sure, and I might be a few weeks or so older then I should be physically... but that's nothing. Besides..." Placing an arm over RO's shoulder, he smiled, "I sort of like being taller then you now."

That made the Submarine give a good natured huff though the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her. As did her words a few moments later as she snuggled into his side, "So am I." Beginning to eat her breakfast, she glanced at him, "So what were you talking about, Harry-Chan?"

On his face was a small grimace, "We were talking about what happened with my broom."

Hearing that, RO also grimaced. She could remember the look on his face when Katie brought in the broken remains of his broom. Apparently, after he fell off it had drifted into the Whomping Willow, which promptly destroyed it. They had managed to salvage all of it though thankfully. Currently, the pieces were in a box that was within Nagato's hold, "I see..."

A sigh escaped from Harry as he gave a small nod, "Yeah, I'm going to try and see if Professor Dumbledore or one of them can put it back together. It won't ever fly again, but... I can at least have it as a keepsake. Besides a toy broom when I was a kid, it was my first broom and there's a lot of memories tied up with it."

RO reached over and grasped his hand as she remembered the times he had taken her flying. Said times were... special, to her and the others. At Harry's other side, Taigei took that hand and clasped it, "Hai, and I think that is a wonderful idea, Harry-Chan."

Soon enough, the talk changed to lighter topics as the three ate breakfast.

Once the food was gone and the dishes returned to the basket, which vanished much to the bemusement of the three, they settled down some. Lifting up the blanket, RO slipped under it to Harry's confusion until she shifted onto his lap and leaned back with closed eyes, "Um, RO-Chan?"

Bringing a finger to her lips, she shushed him, "I am relaxing, Harry-Chan." With a hum that was almost a purr, she placed her hands in her lap and sighed, "This is nice."

Face red, Harry coughed and looked away, "I, um... it is just..."

The Submarine opened one blue eye and looked up at him with a small smirk, "Yes? What is it?"

When she shifted, Harry cleared his throat, "Er... RO-Chan? I... sorry?"

Softly giggling, RO twisted around until she was facing him and laying on her front on top of him, "Ja, I know, Harry-Chan. And I am not mad about it..." A small flush appeared on her cheeks, "No, I am far from mad. So do not worry about it, you are a teenaged boy after all and I would hope that I am considered a very pretty girl."

Eyes wide, the wizard rapidly nodded, "You're very pretty, RO-Chan. It is just..."

Only shaking her head, RO pressed her lips to his with a slight kiss before pulling back with a soft smile on her face, "It is natural, Harry-Chan. Besides, I am dressed and so are you, so there is nothing wrong. Okay?" When he nodded, she twisted back around and leaned back against him and closed her eyes, "So simply relax some, Harry-Chan and let us enjoy this."

Glancing at Taigei who merely smiled and nodded, Harry let out a weak chuckle. Then he placed his arms around RO and closed his own eyes as he relaxed some, the Submarine's hands coming to rest on his own as she simply enjoyed his presence and the confirmation that he was alright.

 

[darthcourt10]

Lord K

A.N./ I'm a bit late but....
-------------------------
Almost the instant the dementors appeared, Kagotsuruhe had followed her sister into the resulting fight.

On the one hand she idly noted, all her goals were coming to fruition. Repeatedly, if the frequency and size of the fireballs emanating from the stand with the Egyptian sunship girl was any indication.

On the other hand, she prided herself on being one of the (generally) less disastrous Muramasa sisters, and as such, she had a rather low opinion of the fact that her chance success was coming at the cost of a combination of bad luck and endangerment to a sizable number of people. Many of them children.

"Juuchi!" Turning away form the latest dementor she has cut down, the greatest of the Muramasa blades then sees what has captured Kagotsuruhe's attention. Above the field, an number of flagging and faltering forms begin to to either fall or descend as the dementors close in. The quick thinking of the staff manage to arrest the momentum of some of the Quidditch players too slow or unlucky enough to navigate the draining swarm gathering around them, but there are only so many staff members - only so many wands, on top of the already limited number of witches and wizards currently producing patronuses across the pitch and stadium.

And in the brief moment that attentions and wands are wrenched away from the crowds to those in the more immediate danger of free fall, the dementors have descended.

Descended upon one stand in particular, predominantly full of first and second year Ravenclaw students.

"Luna!" Briefly torn, Juuchi looks to her sister before coming to a hasty decision. "You go help the younger Ravenclaws! I'll hold down the fort until I get to my master from here. You're better with crowds anyway!" she grudgingly admits.

Kagotsuruhe nods in agreement, seeing that there is no time to argue and that it's a reasonable allocation of their abilities and concerns anyway. The Sword of Hopelessness understands and acknowledges that the last Potter takes precedence among her sister's concerns. Juuchi meanwhile, has slowly come to realize over the last few weeks that Kagotsuruhe has something of a soft spot for children, no doubt born of her time with the Urabe.

And right now, there are a lot of children upset and potentially getting hurt.

To Juuchi's surprise however, Kagotsuruhe does not immediately turn away, but instead thrusts out her still sheathed true form towards younger sister.

"What-?"

"I need you to throw me," states Kagotsuruhe with a flat, matter of factness that is completely at odds with the urgent clusterfuck taking place around them.

"Excuse me?" asks the younger Muramasa with a baffled blink.

"The distance is too far for me cover with a flash-step plus leap, and my flying speed is too slow, on top of the fact that I would rather not be confused for a slow-moving dementor in the current environment." On the other side of the pitch, some of the kanmusu begin opening up with their lighter AA armaments, adding the thunderous barks and roars of machineguns to the symphony of panic. A prod from her sister brings her attention back, as Kagotsuruhe's current avatar begins to disperse, unraveling at the edges like loose bandages. "Throw or banish me at the dementors Juuchi! Preferably sometime today!"

Picking a particularly bold and threatening target out of the group that looks to be the ring leader of the pack most audacious in their advance upon the students, the greatest of the Muramasas obliges her sisters request.

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

To say Luna was having a bad day, would most certainly be an understatement.

Overhead, dementors swooped and closed in, as she and a group of other first and second year Ravenclaws fled in a confusing, panicked jostle towards the exit of the stands. A choke point that was rapidly at risk of becoming a dangerous crush, and only not becoming so thanks to the same factor that was causing the terrified flight of the student body.

A chill was seeping into her veins. A fearful, petrifying lethargy, that overrode the ability to flee in it's paralysis.

Between the younger students and the closing hungry ranks above and around them, some of the few older students in this particular part of the stands, desperately attempt to buy time for the crowd struggling to evacuate through the choke point. A variety of shields form a barrier between them, and the wraiths, but the dementors merely circle and wait for the opportunity to strike, like sharks circling a school of fish. They know that with time, even the most stalwart of the elder students will eventually falter as their presence takes hold of the defenders, and then the feeding frenzy can begin.

The sound of Anti-Aircraft fire, in some ways only heightens the hunger and draw of the dementors, as many of the students down below are then gripped by the reminders of similar noises. The cacophonous symphonic mix of Abyssal and shipgirl aircraft and AA defenses, only heightens the confusion and fear in the crowd, especially among those who remember and experienced the events of Blood Week themselves.

Finally, the dementors see their opportunity.

With a ragged gasp, one of the older Ravenclaws loses a hold upon their protego charm, wand futilely emitting a few sad sparks as they struggle to gather the will power and strength to cast in the face of the foggy, paralyzing weight bearing down on them. Luna can only watch as one of the bolder, or maybe simply hungrier dementors, moves to exploit the opening in the now broken barricade. Some at the back of the crowd start to intensify in their scream and pushing, but others like the older students, begin to flag and weaken.

Luna shivers, trying to stay conscious and desperately trying to ignore the muted sounds she can hear beginning to over take everything else.

Her mother's voice....

The first syllables of an enchantment about to go wrong...

She sees the dementor, along with a number of it's companions, turning to look her way.

Her feet and limbs a leaden, even as the thought penetrates through the hazy mire of distress that clouds her brain that she should run.

A rotting, scaly hand emerges from a cloak, reaching out for her.....

Only to then grip it's chest as the dementor screeches agony, as something violently stabs through it's back and then spears into the floor of the stand between the students and the swarm of wraiths. It is a strangely foreign sword, still sheathed, and apparently banished from the other side of the pitch with such speed and force that even when bound, it has still very nearly eviscerated it's target like a javelin.

Luna and many of those around her gasp and stagger at the relief from the dementor presence they suddenly experience, as the dark creatures reel in united confusion and fear at the sudden, violent bodily harm visited upon the boldest of their number.

The relief however, is brief, as something else then begins to pervade the air. Not just frigid and chilling like the dementors.... but something crushing and unclean. The one saving grace is that as horrible and maddeningly unholy as the new presence feels, it isn't directed at them. Some dementors freeze in place, while others mill restlessly, as shadows and darkness begin to sublimate off the sheathed blade stabbed into the stands. A rare few of the wiser dementors, even take flight and flee.

Like a mix of oily smoke and ragged ribbons, the gaseous mass rises, condenses, and weaves together, until what results is like something out of a nightmare. A blind artists fevered imagining, of some Lovecraftian being that disdains the use of flesh, for a cloak made from the darkness of the human mind and the abyss which stares back. And from within the concealing cloak, emerge a multitude of tendril-like wings, that further obscure it's form from the gazes of the students present. As it's hooded gaze sweeps the crowd, somebody screams and Luna is filled with the terrible instinctual knowledge that this thing of ephialtes is not only holding back, but is doing so for their safety.

Holding out a darkness clad mass that is currently effecting the shape of a ribbon clad hand, the sheathed sword pinned into the floor leaps into the thing's grasp like a staff, though it does not draw the blade.

"͇̼̉ͭ̀̄ͯD̺̝̬̳̈́͊ö͈͓̺͋́ͤ̽̉̋ ̬̘̫̳̞͕̖̃n̠̫͇͔̩̱̑͌o̮̗͉͆̈ͫ̓t̗̳ ̣͎̼̪̺̗͆b͐̔̾̎̎̎e͖͍̪͖ ̯̹̠̻͉͈̈́ͮ̀ͣ̇̚̚afͩͣ͋r̜̫ạ͉̥͈̗̳̦̾̄͐̇ͦ̿̚i̿̅̽ͯd̺̜̞̖̙͉͈͋͊̂͛̅͛"̻̥ͦͤ̇͋̈́

In spite of the sheer, almost overwhelming instinctual fear and revulsion she feels, Luna can't help but gasp and stare in disbelieving shock.

"K... Kagome?" she whispers with both horror and awe. Somehow, in spite of the utterly inhuman and unholy form before her, and the voice that reverberates with an echoing distortion that sounds like her grievously wounded mother's last breaths, somehow, she can tell who it is that has chosen to be their savior.

Before she can get an answer though, she finds herself being broken from her stunned gaze by one of the older students as they back track to the exit. "Come on girl! If the super-dementor wants to duke it out with the rest of them, that's fine by us!" Apparently the arrival of the proverbial bigger fish has not only provided enough relief from the dementors for people to begin clearing the exit in a more orderly and efficient fashion, but it's also added extra incentive to do so all the more quickly.

"Wait!" shouts Luna worriedly "What if she needs help?"

"I don't think that thing needs help!" answers the terrified older student, as the oppressive, crushing aura behind them intensifies.

Glancing back at 'Kagome', Luna's eyes widen at what she sees. One dementor has attempted to slip past, in a desperate bid to claim at least some of the supposedly helpless buffet they planned to descend upon.

Attempt being the operative word.

Instead, the dementor is now locked in a one handed choke hold, screeching and flailing in a seemingly blind and almost psychotic terror. Gaze tracking to 'Kagome's' other hand, Luna then sees that in it she holds her blade and sheath, with a flick of her thumb now having exposed a inch of steel to the world. The young witch then quickly averts her gaze from the bare metal. To even be nearby the sword of far eastern design and look at it from a rapidly increasing distance feels horrific enough.... to be within an arms reach and the direct focus of such a dark and mindnumbingly horrific artifact.....

"Come on! Let's go! The exits clear now!" shouts the older Ravenclaw, as 'Kagome' releases her hand, allowing the now catatonic and frost coated dementor to drop to the ground with a limp thud. An invisible glare sends the majority of the rest packing, but a scant few of the bolder, ravenous, or just plain animalistic, desperate, and hunger frenzied dementors linger. Instinctively, Luna knows this is a mistake on their part. That Kagome is not the type to let rabid dogs and beasts with too great a taste for sentients to go free.

For a brief second, the darkness filled hood seems to glance over her shoulder, checking that everyone is either gone or about to leave. Then satisfied that there are no students still close by or at risk of seeing, 'Kagome' goes in for the hard takedown. Just before she is dragged by the crowd into the exit, and out of sight of her savior, Luna gets to see the stand's savior unfurl the majority of her wings while dissolving the majority of the umbra ribbons and ragged cloak that covers her.

For all those behind her, naught can actually be seen of whatever she reveals, still obscured by shredded cloth, tendrils, and ethereal shadow-stuff as she simultaneously draws yet more of her sword.

The dementors however, bear full witness to whatever terrible shape 'Kagome' hides within her shapeshifting darkness, as the frigid aura she exudes increases in strength, indirectly afflicting even those she is trying to protect. Most flee, screeching and screaming, broken by horror and terror. A couple simply drop to the ground, curling up in upon themselves as if trying to become as small as possible. Most notable of all however, is one of the closer specimens to her, that rips off it's hood and then begins clawing, and even outright tearing at the dead scabby flesh covering it's sunken, eyeless face. Too lost in mind shattering fear to care about the wounds it inflicts upon itself, it doesn't even notice when its nails begin to snap off when striking bone.

"Let's get the bloody hell out of here!"

Feeling her stomach turn, Luna can't help but silently agree. At last passing through the exit, Luna flee the stand to safety, and leaves the nightmare of nightmares to dispense it's justice.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

"Morrigan."

The goddess in question whipped around and paused before tilting her head back. Eventually her head was tilted far enough back to look into the eyes of the massive woman in front of her. Lips turned downwards into a frown, she narrowed her eyes some, "Halifax."

Arms crossed, Halifax easily met the slight glare with one of her own. When she spoke though, her voice was laden with suspicion, "What are you doing here? Because if you are here to create a Select, then we might have a problem."

Scowling, Morrigan's glare intensified, "No, I am not here to create a Select. I am here merely to enjoy myself."

Cocking an eyebrow, the Installation girl continued to meet the goddess' eyes in a battle of wills, "Really?"

Teeth grit together, Morrigan let out a hiss, "Yes. Why must all of you act like this?"

Eyebrow raising still further, Halifax just continued to frown, "Because of what you have done, Morrigan. Do you honestly believe that people would not be suspicious of you whenever you turn up? With all your actions that you have undertaken over the years?" Softly snorting, the Installation girl shook her head, "If so, then I would have to ask just how much wisdom you truly have."

Hands clenched at the insult, the Celtic goddess' scowled, "I have my reasons for what I do! And I have made the world a better place-"

Halifax gave a snort at that, "That is debatable. And I very much doubt that those you choose and their descendants as well as family and friends think much the same... assuming that they are sane."

Continuing on as if she had not heard her, Morrigan made a motion with her hand, "-And that is due to the magicals retreating like craven cowards into their Statute of Secrecy. They have left the non-magicals to be preyed upon. So I had to do something."

A frown on her face, the giant woman leaned down, "Yes, and no one would have issue with that Morrigan except for your methods. You're not even throwing them into the deep end of the pool with what you do... instead, you throw them into the ocean without a lifejacket and expect them to reach the land that is on the horizon without any help. And then make it where their descendants are much the same, generation after generation fighting until they get killed, and then having it passed to their children. Untold numbers fighting and dying without relief... without succor except the cold embrace of Death when it comes to claim them from battle."

Eyes meeting Halifax, Morrigan hissed, "The Rules-"

Snarling, the Installation glared down at her, "The Rules be damned, Morrigan! There are ways around them that everyone uses. No one would stop you if you set it up where your Select could learn needed skills to protect themselves with. Something as simple as pretending to be an old martial arts master or some shit."

Lips curled downwards, the Celt just scoffed, "I will not be the one that bends the Rules."

One eyebrow raised, Halifax smirked a bit, "Really? And what do you call making the Select if not bending the rules of non-interference? After all, you need to meet them and in a situation that would enable you to see what they have, and that is plenty interfering. What is a little bit more then that?" Then she frowned once more, "And this is not taking into consideration that your Select themselves often mess up various plans that the Others have."

Waving her off, Morrigan snorted, "Plans that have a high chance of failure as they rely on Mortals making the right choices at the same time. My Select take care of the problem far more readily."

In reply, Halifax poked her in the chest and made her stumble back some as she rolled her eyes, "Oh yes, often with a lot of collateral that is avoided for the most part by the Others as the presence of the Select push the baddies into conflict with them. Often with the Geas pushing whatever evil it is to be more active, to attract attention to draw the Select to them. To make it easier to find them." Finally, the Installation just sighed and shook her head as she straightened, "This is getting us nowhere."

Still glaring, the Celt scoffed, "Glad that you agree."

Just ignoring the annoyance as if it was simply an annoying mosquito, Halifax frowned, "So you say that you are not here to create a Select... Then what are you here for?"

Her arms crossed, Morrigan scowled, "I simply came here to sightsee a bit and enjoy some local food. Nothing more, and nothing less."

Blinking, Halifax frowned, "Really?"

Teeth grit together, the goddess nodded, "Yesssss."

With a hum, the Installation scratched her chin, "Very well, if you would swear that is all you are here to do and that you will not make a Select, then I will allow it." Seeing Morrigan open her mouth, Halifax cut her off, "Yes, I will require you to swear, Morrigan, because no one can trust you. And that is entirely upon you for breaking Sacred Hospitality as I know more then once you claimed you were going somewhere for enjoyment and were allowed to stay, only to stumble across something happening and making someone a Select because they caught your eye. But if you swear that you will not make a Select while here for this visit, and are just going to spend the day sightseeing and eating, then I know that I can trust you as it would be a Geas upon yourself and thus you would be unable to do so without great cost to yourself. That is all I ask and it is a small thing to do so, is it not?"

For several moments, Morrigan glared at her for several moments before hissing, "Very well..." Making the swear, and feeling the magic take effect, the Celt growled, "Happy?"

Much to her surprise though, Halifax smiled and nodded, "Yes, very." Before Morrigan could react though, Halifax picked her up under one arm and began to carry the now struggling goddess, "Now then, you want to sightsee and find good places to eat, I can help with that.?'

Her legs kicking and arms flexing in an attempt to break free, Morrigan snarled, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? PUT ME DOWN!"

Amused, Halifax shook her head, "Nope!" Popping the "P", she smirked down at the goddess, "If you are going to be hanging around, then you need the help of a local to show you all the good spots. And there's no one more local then I am, and I know all the places."

Still struggling, the Celt glared at the smirking woman, "I DO NOT-MMPHF!"

In response the to the continued movements of the woman, Halifax shifted her arm a bit. The result being that Morrigan's face was pressed into the cloth covered breasts of the other, much bigger woman, and so muffling her, "Now, now, relax dearie. We got all day for me to show you around..."

More then one person turned and stared a bit at the sight of the Installation manhandling some woman as if she was just a large cat as she walked along. Unnoticed, Glooscap blinked for a moment before cackling as he took a picture of the still struggling and red faced Morrigan being held like an unruly child.

A picture that he promptly sent to various other gods and goddesses.

Later, much later, Halifax and Morrigan were leaning against a retaining wall at Pizza Corner as they enjoyed a late night meal. Taking a swig of her beer from the growler bottle, she hummed with a slight smirk, "By th' by, not still angry?"

Huffing a bit, the Celtic goddess took a long drag from her own beer, "No." Stabbing the poutine with her fork, she shoveled a large amount into her mouth, "Annoyed is more like it."

With a shrug, the Installation chuckled, "Yes, and? Not my fault that according to what you swore, you had to spend the whole day here." Grabbing a piece of pizza from a small pile, Halifax practically inhaled it, "Mmm, late night pizza."

Now finished with her poutine, Morrigan took one of the donairs and looked it over with a small frown on her face. The scent of sweet sauce and spiced meat tickled her nose as she looked at the beef, cheese, chopped tomatoes and onions, with white sauce and all wrapped up in a pita. Taking a bite, she gave a nod and a grunt, "It is not too bad." Wiping the grease away from her chin, she took another drink of beer, "And at least the beer is good."

Just nodding and completely unphased by the November chill, Halifax gave a nod as she ate a donair of her own, much larger then Morrigan's own, "That it is. Then again, I am a port city." After several moments, the massive woman hummed, "If I may ask you something about your Select, Morrigan..."

Eyes narrowed, the Celt rolled her eyes, "If you must."

What Halifax said though gave her pause, "Things are now changing, Morrigan. The Statute is failing bit by bit each day. But more than that, we have the shipgirls now showing up. Not just the more recent warships, but the sail ships that once plied the seas. Most of them are far stronger and better suited to battling the Supernatural than most humans. Something that they would be willing to do without even really being asked. With every month, their numbers are increasing, Morrigan. And soon enough, your Select will be obsolete... So what will you do then, I wonder?"

Silence met her for several moments as Morrigan narrowed her eyes and gave her answer.

Only nodding, Halifax looked up at the night sky above, "I see." After they were done, the Installation nodded as she wiped her hands free of grease, "Well, hopefully you have enjoyed yourself, Morrigan. Remember though that my price for coming here if you are not making a Select would be to swear as you did, that is all I ask. But also know that if you try to sneak in and make one, I will know it as this is my body. There is one last thing though.."

More then somewhat suspicious, Morrigan gave a nod, "Go on...?

Not even a few moments later, Halifax's face was inches from her own, the expression on the massive woman's face completely and utterly serious, "Know this, Morrigan of the Celts. My city is a sanctuary for your Select. If they come into my realm, they will be safe and not have to suffer as they have. Because I would take up their duty for them for as long as they are here and there is nothing that you can do to stop that. Understand that."
Lips pressed together thinly, the Celt goddess gave a nod, "I may not like it as it goes against the purpose, but I understand, K'jipuktuk, now known as Halifax."

After she was gone, Halifax let out a sigh and glanced to the shape that was in the nearby shadows with a slight smile, "You can come out, Georgie."

Walking into full view, the Fort glared at where Morrigan had been, "Is she gone?"

Simply shrugging, Halifax sighed before rolling her shoulders, "I cannot sense her within my boundaries. Therefore I think that it would be safe to say that, yes, she is gone."

Fort George gripped the hilt of her sword tightly enough that her knuckles were white, "Good." Then she turned towards Halifax with a look that was part confusion, part frustration, and part suspicion, "Why you did not toss her out on her ass when she showed up, I do not know. Do not tell me that you actually agree with what she does?"

Chuckling, the Installation shook her head with a wry grin, "No, I do not, Georgie. You can be certain of that."

With a snort, she shook her head with a frown, "While I can understand why Morrigan decided on this, that does not mean that I agree. Quite the opposite, I disagree with what she has done. I would go as far to say I hate and despise what she has done."

A frown on her face, Fort George furrowed her eyebrows, "You hate and despise what she has done? Understandable. But... what about Morrigan herself?"

Rather than answer, Halifax began to walk away, "I do not hate Morrigan. Nor do I despise her, I suppose. There is only one thing that I truly feel in regards to her. And it is something that she knows and hates."

Curious, Fort George leaned forwards, "Oh? And what would that be?"

Pausing, the larger Installation girl turned her head slightly, "What do I feel towards her?" After a moment, she began to walk again. "Pity, is the best way of putting it I suppose. I pity her, and she hates that."

Despite the curiosity she could feel from her fellow Installation, Halifax did not say anymore and walked out of sight.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

Three days after the incident regarding the Dementors, the Owl Box opened and Hedwig stepped through. Blinking her large golden eyes as she got used to the time difference, the snowy owl looked around and then took off. Flying through Gryffindor tower, she made her way up the staircase to the top and then out through a small, window that had no glass. Rather, what kept the heat in and the elements out was a magical barrier that allowed for solid objects to pass through it with ease.

Granted, Hedwig could have gone without the tingle that spread along her body.

Once outside though, the owl flew along as the Sun rose above the horizon. Reaching the Great Hall, she entered through another window feeling the barrier there along her feathers before she was through it. With that done, she homed in on her target and landed there before holding out one foot.

Eyebrow raised, Harry set his food to the side and took the letter from his faithful owl before reading it. As he did so, he held out a rasher of bacon which Hedwig took with barely disguised glee. Coming to the end of the letter though, the wizard pinched his nose, "Oh boy..."

Having looked up from her own breakfast, Hermione frowned some, "Is something wrong, Harry?"

Just rubbing his nose, Harry shook his head, "Not... wrong? But something that could be potentially troubling. Relatives."

At that, he got up as Hermione, Ron, and Neville blinked and looked at each other in confusion. Walking up to the staff table, Harry coughed some which drew the teachers away from their various meals. Swallowing his mouthful of Frosted Flakes, Dumbledore hummed some, "Yes, Mister Potter? Can we help you?"

Weakly chuckling, Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, I just received a letter from Hoppou. I guess that what happened got back to the Fleet of Laughter and, well..." Holding it out, he waited until the Headmaster took it, "They're sending some of my nieces to check on me and make sure that I'm okay."

Taking the letter, Dumbledore read through it as his bushy eyebrows rose upwards. With a nod, he handed it back to him, "I see, thank you for informing us of this, Mister Potter, though..." Running his fingers through his beard, he hummed, "Do you have an idea how many might come?"

Only shrugging, the black haired wizard glanced at the rest of the staff, "Not really? Though from the letter I would guess that the Princesses and Demons of the Fleet of Laughter might come. I don't know if it would be all at the same time or not... and assume that there would be one or two more for each of them as an escort, I guess?"

Silence met him as Dumbledore looked down at the letter. However, it was then that McGonagall cleared her throat, "Am I to understand, Mister Potter... there is going to be a number of Princess and Demon type Abyssals visiting Hogwarts?"

Rubbing the back of his neck, Harry gave an unsure nod, "Um, yes? I mean, they're all nice." Then he gave a shrug, "Besides which, I'm their uncle."

More than one eyebrow raised among the staff at that proclamation. Not the least, of course, because most of them still had trouble imagining Hoppou as a mother. Ignoring that, Dumbledore gave a small nod, "I see, very well then Mister Potter. Personally, as long as they do not disrupt the school too much, it should be fine. Considering things, perhaps they can arrive this Saturday then? It would give them two days to make sure that you are alright while also giving us time to prepare guest quarters among other things. As mentioned, we have been aiming to have more visitations by relatives of those learning in the school and I just had the guest quarters completed right before school started. This should be a fine test run."

That made Harry blink some, "There's guest quarters?"

With a chuckle, the Headmaster nodded, "Yes, I had them built after a few... incidents occurred over previous years." The knowing look Harry got made him blush slightly while Dumbledore just smiled, "I do believe though that it will be quite comfortable for them."

Bowing slightly, there was a smile on the teen's face, "Thank you, Headmaster."
________________________________________________________

The rest of the week passed relatively quickly with Harry waiting for that Saturday. Waiting by the train station, he rubbed his hands together in the early morning cold, not that it would warm up much being that they were now in November. Nearby, there was an pink haired woman and a black man walking along. From memory, they were an Auror and his trainee who were among the rotating force. Granted, Harry thought that he recognized the young woman as a Hufflepuff Seventh Year when he was a First Year but not much more than that.

It seemed though that the sight of him standing there made the two adults curious and they walked over with the young woman waving, "Wotcher, mate."

Glancing over at her, Harry gave a small bow, "Good morning..."

A chuckle escaped from the young woman, "Name's Auror-Trainee Tonks and right here is Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt." Spotting the scar, her eyes widened slightly before she gave a nod, "Harry Potter, right?"

Harry gave a nod at that as he searched his memory, "That's right..." Then his eyes lit up and he snapped his fingers, "Wait, isn't your name Nymphadora?"

That brought a grimace to the woman's face and she scowled slightly as her hair turned blood red, "Yes, though please... just call me Tonks."

Behind her, the Auror training her couldn't hide his grin and didn't bother to even attempt to, 'One of these days, she'll learn not to let something like a name bother her too much.' Clearing his throat, part of Kingsley noted that Tonks' glare slid off Harry like water from a duck's back, making him wonder whether he just had that big of balls or if he knew someone with more powerful glares, "May I ask what you might be doing here this early in the morning, Mister Potter?"

With a blink, Harry gave a small shrug and checked his watch, "Actually, I'm here to meet my nieces."

Issue with her name forgotten, Tonks blinked, "Nieces? You're an uncle?"

All the teenager did was nod, "Yeah, through Hoppou and they should be here in just a few moments."

Eyebrows furrowing, Kingsley leaned towards Tonks in confusion, "Uncle? James and Lily didn't have other children though..."

Slowly, Tonks gave a small nod, "Er, I know that he has an adopted sister, Hoppou? But she looks like a ten year old at most and acts like it. It can't be from her... Unless..."

Just as she was about to continue, there was pop of displaced air and the two Aurors froze in terror. Mainly due to the fact that right there in front of them were a number of Abyssals. And not just normal ones, though the golden eyed Re-Class showing that she was an Elite was bad enough. Besides her, there were a number of Princesses and Demons as well. Any one of them could end the two magicals right there and then with a minimum of effort.

If it was not for the situation, Kingsley would have laughed himself silly at how the color literally drained from Tonks' hair and skin, like something from a muggle cartoon.

The Abyssals glanced at them and then seemed to dismiss them before turning to Potter. Upon seeing him, their eyes widened and they seemed to relax at the same time before the biggest of the group pulled him into a hug, not seeing the two Aurors boggle, "Uncle Harry, you're alright."

Lightly laughing, Harry was acting as if he was not hugging something that could squash him as a bug, "Hoppou told you so, Tanith. See?" Pulling back, he gestured at himself, "Perfectly okay. Especially now that they removed the Dementors."

Her lips curling upwards, there was a relieved smile on Sunny's face, "Well, we had to see for ourselves especially after hearing what happened and reading that Daily Prophet thing. Glad to see that you seem to be fine though."

It was then Ritou's turn to give him a hug, which she did, "Though we'll be spending some time here to make sure that you are okay, Uncle Harry."

That got her nods from the others and Harry sighed with fond exasperation, "Well, I guess that I can't blame any of you." Feeling a tap on his shoulder, he turned and blinked, "Yes, Regalia? What is it?"

On her face was a confused expression and she pointed, "Uncle Harry? Is something wrong with those two? They're just... staring at us."

With a blink, Harry glanced at the two adults and frowned as they were staring straight ahead. Then he gave a small shrug, "They're Aurors, kind of a magical police officer. Right now, they're the ones keeping watch over Hogwarts and such."

All of the Abyssals gave a nod at that before Patty hugged Kingsley and then Tonks, "Thank you for looking after Uncle Harry. We appreciate it."

Blinking, Tonks gave a small, unsure nod, "Um, you're welcome?"

Harry then clapped his hands and drew their attention, "Anyways, since you're staying a bit we better head to Hogwarts. It is pretty chilly out after all and I think that you'll all want to see where I got to school at."

There were nods at that and the group followed him. A few minutes later, Kingsley let out a breath and turned to a similarly lost looking Tonks, "Did... did that actually just fucking happen?"

Shaking off her shock finally, Tonks ran a hand through her white hair, "Yeah..." Pinching her nose, she shook her head, "I forgot what it is like being around Harry Potter...."

Needless to say, that only brought more questions to Kingsley's mind.

Meanwhile, the Abyssals stood on the path leading down to the lake and just boggled at the sight of Hogwarts at the other side. Jaw dropped, Nuri turned to their uncle who seemed amused by their reactions, "Is that really where you go to school, Uncle Harry? Really?"

Giving a nod, Harry laughed as he placed his hands behind his head, "It is, say hello to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Want to go closer to see it?"

In reply, he got grins, smiles, and nods. Upon reaching the shore though, Sunny summoned her beast which held out a hand, "Here, I'll give you a lift there, Uncle Harry. Just climb onboard." Doing so, Harry watched as Sunny's beast lifted the small boat he had used to get to this side easily with one hand as he sat between its heads. With a motion of the Battleship Water Demon's hand, the beast took a step out onto the water and the group sailed across the water. Looking around, Sunny gave a small nod, "I have to admit, Uncle Harry... this place is pretty nice."

With a shrug, Harry shook his head, "Actually, it looks better during the summer months when there's green all around. Right now, its too cold for plants, but not cold enough for snow." Then he grinned, "Just wait until you all see the inside of Hogwarts."

All of the Abyssals got interested or intrigued looks. Out of the corner of her eye, Ruadri spotted something and turned. Here and there, heads poked up from under the water watching them in some fear and concern. Frowning, she glanced at her uncle, "Uncle Harry? Who are those?"

Looking in the same direction, Harry winced a bit, "Those would be mermaids, Ruadri. They, um... they're here because they were driven from the local seas into the Black Lake through some sort of underwater connection by the Abyssals there. They've lost their homes and family members." Needless to say, all of the Abyssals winced at that. But before they could comment, a giant tentacle rose out of the water and waved at them, with Harry waving back, "And that would be a giant squid. He's pretty friendly though."

More than a little confused at there being a giant squid there in freshwater, all of his adoptive nieces frowned before shrugging it off. Not the strangest thing after all. Soon, they found themselves at the doors to Hogwarts and Harry looked over them. All of the Abyssals there were looking around or focused on the doors. At the same time though...

At the same time, Harry had the twinge in the back of his mind as if he was forgetting something. Whatever that something was though, it felt important though he could not figure out what it was. Eventually after some thought though, Harry shrugged it off, 'Probably not that important. Besides, I'll figure it out at some point.'

Reaching up, he than opened the doors and the group entered the school...

 

[darthcourt10]

Yellowhammer

OMAKE-The Sloop Jackie F(ox) Part III

Yacht SS Horizon Bringer
Tijuana, Mexico, 1969

Day Five:
Spoiler: Theme Music

Jacklyn grinned like the fox that she was named after as she anchored the Horizon Bringer at the dock. "Step lively me lassies! Tis the fleshpots callin' to us all!" She headed down to the deck to tie off the boat and run out the gangplank.

Colombe smirked as she buckled her swordbelt to her hips, then layered an additional concealment charm upon her true self. "Kasuyu, keep an eye on the boat until we return. No offense, but you are not dressed to wander around this town. Besides, Jézabel will need someone to keep an eye on her luggage until she Portkeys back from her business in New York."

The axe nodded. "I shall await Lady de Breuil's return, Mistress."

Delilah shrugged into her shoulder harness and adjusted her own concealment charms. "I suspect that Mère is just staying clear of the blast radius until you work the disasters out of your system." Butter would not melt in her smugly smiling mouth as she smirked at the bikini clad form of her oldest half-sister.

"Merde alors!" Colombe rounded on Delilah and shook a fist in her face. "I will have you know that I'm not that bad!"

"Rotterdam 1944!"

"Alcaboche Nazis! Not my fault!"

"Louisville, 1927!"

"Not my fault, that was the Klan! Filthy bigoted pigs thought I was sleeping with Reverend Sheppard!"

"Leopoldville, 1895!"

"Hippolyte set me up to be killed! I didn't have a choice and had to fight back!"

"Sarajevo, 1914!"

"I tried to stop the assassination! If that damn Auror hadn't interfered, the Great War would never have happened!!"

"Paris, 1871!"

"Rouge Communard maniacs called me an aristo and said that I was part of the evil bourgeoisie!!"

"Well you are an aristo, Sis! Metz, 1791!"

"That was the Terror! You would have done what I did for family!! You weren't even born then!"

"I wouldn't have made such a public scene! Ningbo, 1853!"

".....How'd you find out about that! Damn Taipings were banning the opium trade and boarded my ship!"

"So you admit that you were smuggling opium, Sis! And here I thought Jackie was the only rogue in the family!"

"This is because of me using you to shoot at that maudit oiseau that beshat itself upon me isn't it?!?"

"Well... yes... you smudged me and left fingerprints everywhere!! How would you like it if I grabbed you by the hilt and gave a good yank!"

"I'd like to see you try, Delilah!"

Jacklyn stepped in and placed a hand on each of the two squabbling spirits to separate them as they glared at each other. "Lassies, lassies, save that for when we get into a nice bar fight tonight. For now, the beach awaits!"
Spoiler: Photograph of Jacklyn, Delilah and Colombe at the Great Tijuana Dumpster Fire of 1969

Jacklyn (L), Delilah (disguised hair and eye color in a green swimsuit), and Colombe (R) at the beach

Colombe huffed. "Betcha I'll pick up more cute guys and cute girls than you will, Jackie."

Jacklyn smirked and extended her hand. "Bet's on Colombe."

Delilah only groaned and muttered to herself. "Don't let MACUSA find out my part in what's about to happen...."

 

[darthcourt10]

Weaver

Sunday, 10th November 2013

Slipping a greetings card into its envelope, Dan sealed it and put it on top of a small, brightly wrapped parcel before wrapping the whole lot in brown paper and taping it up securely. That done, he sat down at his desk and pulled forwards his writing equipment. The usual A4 lined paper and biro didn't seem adequate so he'd dug out a pad of proper letter writing paper from the cupboard it had been languishing in for over a decade and the fountain pen he'd last used in secondary school. Making sure that the later was working properly, he thought about what he wanted to write and then put pen to paper.
******************

Dear Harry,

My name is Daniel, or Dan to most people I know. We've never met but I've heard about you from my friend Adam and I understand that you've heard about me from his little brother Matthew.

First off, thanks for doing me a favour like this. You didn't have to, especially given that you don't know me from a bar of soap, so I'm grateful that you are.

I've been told all about your school. If I hadn't spent the last few months up to my neck in shipgirl stuff it'd all probably be hard to believe but as it is it's honestly not the weirdest thing that's happened to me recently.

According to Adam your mum's a shipgirl. Is that true? I ask because the only kid of a shipgirl I know is, well, me and there's a few things I wouldn't mind comparing notes about. That is if you want to of course.

Again, thank you for doing me a favour. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Daniel
*******************
Folding the letter, he slipped it into its own envelope which he sealed and addressed in large letters before taping it to the brown paper wrapping the package. He'd give it to Adam to send on when he saw him on Monday.

 

[darthcourt10]

Harry Leferts

It was an amused Harry walking along followed by a group of Abyssals. But it was mainly their reactions that he was getting his amusement from. This was due to how as they walked, the Abyssals were looking around themselves in curiosity and some awe. Shaking her head, Yoko turned to her uncle with a blink, "So this is what the inside of Hogwarts looks like, Uncle Harry?"

Hands in his pockets, Harry gave a small nod, "Well, the entry way anyways. I am pretty sure that this is one of the older parts of the castle along with the Great Hall, so it is roughly a thousand years old." Considering things, he gave a hum, "The clock tower is relatively new being only about four hundred years old."

More then a little interested, Ritou turned to him, "So Hogwarts was not all built at the same time?"

Shaking his head, the wizard gestured around them, "Not at all. The oldest part of the castle is the Central Keep we're in as it was the first portion built followed by the Headmaster's Tower, Gryffindor Tower, and Ravenclaw Tower. All of them being around a thousand years old. Other portions were added as time went on, for example the Dark Tower was built in 1298 to imprison magical Scots in the area fighting against the King of England as the dungeons were mostly used for potions and the like... and then to imprison those magical English who built it when the Scots took the castle in 1303. Afterwards, it only saw use imprisoning either petty criminals from Hogsmeade or students who... caused issues. From what I read in Hogwarts: A History, one of the reasons that Phineas Black was so hated as a Headmaster in the early 1900s was that he loved to imprison students there with only bread and water for various misbehaviors, especially those born to non-magical parents."

Ruadri grimaced at that and shook her head, "Mother could not have liked that..."

Tone of voice dry, Harry shook his head, "No, Little Sister did not. She even asked Professor Dumbledore if she could blow it up due to what she sensed from it." With a sigh, he ran his hand through his hair, "Not that anyone likes going there anyways. Anyways, the greenhouses are the newest buildings and were made in the 1860s for the students to grow magical plants in."

Perking up, Regalia turned her attention to Harry, "Could we go there, Uncle Harry?! I mean..." Suddenly realizing what she had done, she scratched her cheek, "Sorry..."

Just chuckling, the thirteen year old smiled and patted her head, "Nothing to be sorry about, Regalia. Besides which, I don't mind showing you them later." That brought a bright smile to the Re-Class' face. Coming to a stop beside large doors, Harry nodded, not noticing two older boys coming down the staircase stumbling a bit at the sight before them, "Well, this is the Great Hall, where we eat. If you want anything, don't worry, there's more than enough for all of you to fill your fuel tanks."

All of the Abyssals were surprised at that and walked in after Harry opened the doors for them. It went without saying that all of them stared at the ceiling in shock and some awe. Blinking, Sonata turned to Harry and shook her head, "Uncle Harry? Is there even a ceiling there?"

Lips curling upwards, Harry gave a nod in reply, "There is, it is just charmed to appear like there isn't one there." It was then that he noticed that everything was quiet and blinked as he noticed that a large number of the males in the room were staring, and some of the girls as well. Some girls though were whacking nearby boys across the back of the head which made him blink, 'What in the world...?'

Before he could comment though, McGonagall came up with a red tinge to her face and her eyes narrowed. Reaching him, she cleared her throat, "Mister Potter? May I speak with you for a moment?"

Giving a nod, the teenaged wizard looked over at his nieces who seemed concerned. However, he just gave them a smile and motioned towards the Gryffindor Table, "Just head over there and I'll be over soon." With unsure nods, the Abyssals did so though they gave looks to McGonagall whose lips were pursed in a thin line. Turning back to the Transfiguration teacher, Harry frowned some, "Professor? What seems to be the issue? I was told by the Headmaster that they were cleared to be here."

Lips turning downwards into a frown, Minerva dropped her voice to a whisper, "Yes, it was allowed for them to come, Mister Potter. And that, I do not have an issue with. What I do have an issue with is the clothing that one of them is wearing..."

Eyebrows furrowing, Harry blinked at that and looked over his nieces who were watching from where they were seated. Head tilting to the side, he frowned at the Professor after turning back to them, "Er... you mean Ritou? I mean, it is a bit odd being gothic Lolita, but it is not that bad."

McGonagall gave him a confused look, "Ritou? Gothic Lolita? I..." Shaking her head, she frowned, "Well, whether it is a fashion style or not, I think that she should be wearing more clothes then a fur cloak that does not cover all of her and the... small pieces of metal concerning certain places, Mister Potter."

His eyes widening, the thirteen year old winced, "Ah, you mean Tanith then? Because that is what she is wearing..." Chewing his lip, Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "Well... um, that might be hard?"

Raising an eyebrow, McGonagall gave him a look, "And why would that be, Mister Potter? I would assume that she has clothes somewhere."

Weakly chuckling, Harry shook his head, "Er, not really? I mean, that was her outfit when she became a Princess class Abyssal. So... that is what she is normally wearing." Frowning, he tapped his chin, "I thought that I was forgetting something..."

For several moments, the Transfiguration Professor just sort of stared at him, "You... forgot."

Giving her a shrug, Harry scratched the back of his head, "Well... not the worst that I've seen someone wearing? And you sort of get used to it... besides! It does cover everything up!"

Slowly, McGonagall gave him a blink and stared at him for a few seconds. Then she turned to where the Abyssals were and stared at Tanith, then back at Harry, "You... really do not see an issue with what she is wearing..."

Once more, Harry gave a weak chuckle, "Not really?"

Feeling like a headache was coming on, the Deputy Headmistress pinched her nose once more, "I take it that this means that she does not have any other form of clothing, besides what she has on currently?" At Harry's nod, McGonagall let out a breath, "I... see. I do hope that you understand what sort of position this puts us into, Mister Potter. After all, we do hold up a certain... code. And while I am not too worried about issues such as Re-Class and the like, Miss Tanith's outfit is a bit much."

A grimace came across Harry's face and he was about to say something when a thought struck him. Several seconds passed as he rolled it around in his head and finally gave a nod, "Well, it is rather hard to find something in her size, Professor, you must understand. In the non-magical world, it is few places that would be able to cope with someone of her height and displacement... But if it is so troublesome, perhaps we could schedule a trip to Hogsmeade? Simply to get her some more appropriate wear, you understand."

Eyes narrowed, McGonagall searched his expression, 'If I did not know better, I would have thought that he had planned this just for that.' Finally, she let out a sigh, "Yes, well... perhaps. I shall see what I can do, Mister Potter. In the meantime, please keep the incidents that may occur down." At his nod, the Professor shook her head, "You may now join your nieces at the table."

With a nod, Harry watched as she walked away with mutters under her breath. Internally though, he breathed a sigh of relief that things were not worse, 'Guess that was what I was forgetting.' Shaking his head, he rejoined the others at the table, sitting between Tanith and Sunny who was looking at him, "Sorry about that.'

Confused, Tanith looked at the Professor who left the Great Hall, "Is something wrong, Uncle Harry?"

Sonata answered before their adoptive uncle could though, "Its your outfit, Tanith. Apparently it is... problematic." At Harry's look, she tapped her ears, "Submarine, Uncle Harry.

Turning to Harry, the Northern Water Princess saw him shrug, "Sorry Tanith, she did have a bit of an issue. I think that she's a bit concerned that you might expose yourself to the students here or something by accident."

Lightly blushing, the giant Abyssal closed her robe some, "Ah... sorry about that."

However, Harry just waved her off, "Don't worry about it, it really isn't a big deal." Giving her a smile, he patted one massive, gauntleted hand, "Besides, I told her that there were not many places to get clothes for you... and suggested perhaps a trip to Hogsmeade is in order. There's a clothing shop there that might have clothes that can fit you."

Briefly, Tanith's eyes widened before she hugged the smaller human to her, neither noticing several guys muttering, "Thank you, Uncle Harry. That would be great though..." Pulling back some, she chewed her lip, "I do not have any funds on my person..."

Just snorting, Harry grinned, "Don't worry about that, I'll pay. Consider it some late gifts for all those years that I didn't get you anything for Christmas or your launch day."

Raising a finger, Patty frowned, "Um, Uncle Harry? Why? You didn't know about us before this summer..."

Amused, the wizard chuckled some while Sunny snorted and shook her head, "Uncle Harry is saying that because it makes it easier for Tanith to accept it."

The next words though from Harry made her blink, "Yes, and the offer is extended to all of you. Maybe you might find something there though, Ritou?" At her perking up, he continued, "They enchant clothing, so they might be able to make your outfit breathable."

Head tilting back, the Isolated Island Princess spread her arms, "That would be great! Now I can't wait to see if we can go or not."

More than a little amused at her antics, Harry snickered, "Hopefully, but they should have something. Besides, this means that you can bring souvenirs and such back."

The various Abyssals at the table all gave nods and murmurs of agreement. Suddenly, Regalia's eyes widened some, "Uncle Harry? Hogsmeade, isn't that the town with the place where all those sweets that Grandma brought us came from? According to her, that was where you got them and sent to her to bring to us."

Lips curling and his eyes lighting up, Harry chuckled, "I was hoping that they got to you. You liked them?"

A grin on her face, Sunny laughed, "We did, though those frog ones scared Patty some by jumping out. Mom went and grabbed it before gobbling it down with a big smile on her face." Reaching into her dress, she pulled out a small card and handed it to him, "This was there."

Taking the offered card, Harry had to sigh at the picture of himself as well as some information. Not that there was all that much there, but it was still somewhat eyeroll worthy for the teen, "Yeah, I remember them coming last year to get a picture of me. Still not sure why they wanted to have a chocolate frog card for myself after all, especially as my biological Mum did everything, but whatever."

He then handed it back to the Battleship Water Demon who shoved it back into her dress, a motion that got more than some wizards' attentions. Ruadri leaned against her hands and shook her head, "The Destroyers really enjoyed the chocolate bars though, especially those without avatars. They were just big enough for them to feel their fuel tanks top up after dinner."

Before anyone could say anything else though, there was a loud rumble and they all turned to a flushed Nuri, "Um, sorry... just a bit hungry..."

It was then that her stomach's rumble was answered by a number of others and Harry grinned at the blushing Abyssals. Instead of laughing, he shook his head, "Well, it seems that you all need to more then top up the fuel tanks. Go ahead and have whatever you want, as much as you want. There's plenty... and if you really want something, tap your plate and state it."

Unsure if he was joking or not, they shared looks. Sunny cleared her throat and tapped her place, "I would like a large pitcher of orange juice, pleased." Feeling rather silly when nothing did not happen right away, she opened her mouth when a large pitcher of said juice appeared out of thin air. And by large, it had to be at least five litres. Boggling, she stared before pouring some into a glass and taking a sip. Then she let out a groan that made several faces go red, "Oh Mother... this is so good..."

Staring, Patty quickly tapped her own plate, "Could I have a large pile of pancakes please, with syrup on top." Moments later, a stack higher then her head if she was standing up appeared, dripping with syrup. Hands clasped, the former Wo-Class sighed with stars in her eyes, "So beautiful..."

As she dug in, Sonata shook her head before piling on several breakfast foods onto her own plate. Across, Ritou grabbed several muffins before taking a bite. The Isolated Island Princess turned to her uncle who was eating a plate of eggs and bacon, "Is this really okay, Uncle Harry? Having as much as we like?"

Quickly swallowing and wiping his mouth, the wizard gave a nod, "Its fine, Ritou. With magic, one can make a lot of food by expanding what's there. Like, taking a normal chicken's egg and making it as big as a beachball and cooking with that. So it is not like we won't have enough."

Relaxing at that, Ritou began to really dig in.

About an hour later, all the Abyssals were done and leaned back with sighs. Sunny, in particular, patted her flat stomach, "That was good, Uncle Harry."

There was a grin on Harry's face as he chuckled, "I'm glad that you all enjoyed it." Spotting Professor Dumbledore heading towards them, he nodded some, "Headmaster."

Dumbledore had a twinkle in his eye as he took in the group. Around the teen were various Abyssals in such a way that no one was able to get a seat close to Harry either beside him, or across. Said wizard was actually between Tanith and Sunny, one being eight feet tall and the other well over six feet. The fact that all of them looked like grown women and a thirteen year old was humorous, especially due to Dumbledore imagining the reactions that such might get from a number of adult wizards. What would make the reactions even funnier was that due to the time of year, Harry's summer tan had faded quite some time ago so he was pale skinned, with black hair and green eyes. It made for him fitting in rather well, "Mister Potter, are these lovely women your nieces?"

Smiling, the black haired wizard nodded, "They are, Headmaster." With one hand, he gestured at Tanith,. "This is Tanith, and Regalia, and on my other side is Sunny, Nuri, and Ruadri. Across is Ritou, Sonata, and Patty as well as Yoko."

In reply, Dumbledore bowed to them, "Lovely to meet each of you. Let me welcome you all to Hogwarts and I hope that your stay thus far has been enjoyable."

With a glance to Harry, Tanith nodded, "It has, Headmaster." Remembering one of the rules of politeness Hoppou had taught her, she bowed some, "Thank you for having us."

Just smiling, the Headmaster waved her off, "Think nothing of it, Miss Tanith." A sigh escape him and his eyes had a far off look, "Family, and looking after them is... important." To their confusion, Dumbledore shook it off, "Well then, would you all like to see where you are staying?"

Taking in the reactions of the others, Tanith gave a nod and stood up, "That would be good, thank you, Headmaster."

Completely unbothered by the giant woman towering above her, Dumbledore nodded, "Well, if you would follow me I will take you there."

Eyes followed the group as they walked out of the Great Hall. Seated at the desk, Goyle frowned and worked his mind for several seconds, "Crabbe?"

Blinking, said Slytherin turned to his long time friend, "Yeah, Greg? What is it?"

Still frowning, Goyle grunted a bit, "If Potter is a Dark Lord, do you think he would let us join? I mean, considering things and all that... and no stuffy getups."

A male Slytherin Fifth Year nodded with a dreamy look on his face, "Yeah... that's the sort of Dark Lord that I can follow if those are his troops... Maybe we could, ah, work beside them."

Various females at the tables rolled their eyes or shook their heads in disgust at the comments of their male counterparts. Pansy had a scowl as she examined herself, "Bloody big titted beasts..."

Glancing to the side, she scowled even further as Daphne pushed out her chest a little bit more, as did Tracy. Both Third Years had expressions on their faces as if they did not hear her. Once she turned away, Tracy leaned towards her long time friend with a snort, "Most of this bunch doesn't realize that Potter would absolutely slaughter them if they tried something with his nieces, do they?"

Daphne gave her a look and then smirked, "Well, far be it for us to convince them not to clean the gene pool up some." Out of the corner she then muttered, "Maybe Pansy will do us all a favor and run her mouth off in front of Potter. We could do with some quiet for at least a few days..."

At the Ravenclaw Table, Luna turned away from where she had been watching "June" at the Hufflepuff Table giving off massive waves of smug as her older sister just blinked with a hint of disbelief on her face. The Lovegood's attention mainly caught as Cho Chang boggled at Padma Patil, "Your sister told you what now?!'

Her arms crossed, the Indian born and British raised witch shrugged, "According to her, Harry actually has about a hundred nieces at least. All of them look like that."

Eyebrows furrowed in complete and utter confusion, Marietta Edgecombe stared at the Third Year, "I... a hundred of them?! B-but his sister, Hoppou is like..." She made several hand motions before throwing up her hands, "Tiny! And they're... huge! How did she... I mean..."

Padma just gave a shrug at that, "Not a clue, but she got that directly from Harry himself."

Leaning forward, Roger gave a sigh, "Well... you don't think that a good word could be put in to Potter, do you?"

On either side of him, two witches shared a look before scowling and whacking him upside the head.

And that was just one, of several conversations around the Great Hall.

 

[darthcourt10]

Savato93

*So… what did I do… with my life? How did I fill what little time I had, before… the Hate took me?*

*Various things, really. You began to train under me and Wonderous—you were a natural at improvisation, that became clear pretty early. You wandered throughout the base and in the town, eager to learn more as much as you could about your home. You let yourself be doted on by the rest of the fleet, as our precious little sister. But eventually, on your first visit to the public library… you found your real passion.*

*Reading?*

*Not quite.*

XXXXXXXXXX

"Excuse me."

The older woman looked up from her catalog to see who was standing at her desk—and jerked back at the sight of two Abyssal battleships mere feet away. "Wh-wh-what is it?" She stammered. "What do you want!?"

Sunny pursed her lips, sighing. "It's okay, Ma'am. We're not here for protection money or anything." She gestured to Renita. "I'm just taking my new little sister around town, getting her used to things. Wanted to show her around the library."

"Hi…" Renita greeted her meekly, waving a hand.

"O-oh… I see…" the librarian sagged slightly. "Just… try not to cause a ruckus, okay? We have some children here, this afternoon."

"Of course. We can do that." Reaching into her hold, Sunny pulled out a $5 bill and offered it to the librarian. "Sorry for giving you a scare."

The woman waved her away. "No, it's alright. You… ladies, just enjoy yourselves, now."

Sunny nodded gently, before turning to wrap an arm around her sister's shoulder and usher her further into the library. "Before you ask, that wasn't a bribe," she pointed out quietly to Renita. "Just paying her for putting up with us."

"…still sounds like a bribe." The corner of Renita's lips tugged ever so slightly upward.

"Look, nothing shady is going on, 'kay?" Sunny said defensively, albeit with a smirk. "I was basically just tipping her!"

"Right..." Renita turned away, looking out to the bookshelves all around. "So… this is a library?" At Sunny's nod, she hummed thoughtfully. "So many books…"

"And to think this is one of the smaller ones," Sunny noted with a soft chuckle. "Now that we're here, you're free to look around, pick up a few books to check out and read if you'd like. I'm sure something will tickle your fancy."

Renita nodded softly. "Okay…" she glanced over to Sunny. "And you?"

Sunny huffed. "Another of our sisters really likes to read. She's out on an expedition, so she wanted someone to pick up some new books for her in her absence." She pulled out a book from her hold, examining its cover. "I'll let you look around for a little bit, do your own thing. If you need me, just hit me up on the radio. I'll be looking for… whatever it was Chiana wants me to check out."

"A-alright." With that, the she trotted off, leaving the Re-class by herself.

Renita suppressed a mild shiver. While she'd been getting a little better about being left to her own devices, no longer quite as timid and anxious without a familiar face to keep her company, she still couldn't help but fidget at the prospect of making her own decisions. Not helping the matter was the fact that… well, she hadn't really worked out what her own interests were. She was barely a month old, she didn't know enough yet to decide what she did or didn't like… but then, that was part of why she'd come here, wasn't it?

Slowly, she began to meander through the bookshelves, periodically pulling out books to inspect them, before returning them to their place. There were books on all sorts of things—adventure, mystery, drama, ro—wait, what!? What the heck was she reading!? What were the two human characters doing to each other? Why did it sound so strange and weird, and hard to picture… and why was it making her feel all weird inside?

Renita shakily returned that particular book to the shelf, her face burning for some reason she couldn't fathom.

*That was a huge screwup on my part, I won't try to deny it. It wasn't a great idea letting a fledgling freely explore a public library without supervision—you were bound to stumble across erotica at some point. You awakened to your sexuality a lot faster than a lot of your sisters—which is to say, you awakened to it at all. Sure, you were gentle and sweet to others as always… but after that day, certain things got you flustered or embarrassed a lot more easily than everyone else.*

The young Re-class continued on, looking through the various books. They contained information on all sorts of things, from cooking to farming to medicine to architecture, but nothing really stood out to her. She couldn't seem to find that… spark, that would grab her attention, ignite whatever her real passion could be.

The pictures in some of them were nice, though.

Pausing in her search to look around her, Renita noticed the section of the library she'd walked into was brighter, more colorful. The books were larger and smaller—well, thinner, and had lots of pictures and bright lettering; if she had to guess, this was probably the kids' section. She was considering turning back—she was young, but she wasn't really a child—when a sound caught her attention. Mildly curious, she continued forward into what seemed like a corner of the building.

There were a group of children milling about, spread among a handful of tables, being looked over by an older woman. Rather than reading, the children seemed to be… making drawings. Crayons and colored pencils were strewn about, and there were no small amount of half-finished scribbles set aside. The children seemed to be having fun, making all sorts of shapes—simple little houses, funny trees, stick figures and oddly-shaped blobs to represent their family and pets…

She kinda wanted to join them.

A small gasp alerted Renita to the fact that she'd been noticed. Snapping back into focus, she saw that several of the children were staring at her with wide eyes, and their supervisor had gone Abyssal-pale in shock. Slowly, carefully, she raised her hands in a gesture of surrender. "I-I-I wasn't… I don't want to hurt a-anyone. I was just… watching. It seemed like… you all were having fun, and I… I got curious. I'm sorry…"

The older woman worked her jaw, trying to come up with a response to this bizarrely timid Abyssal. "E-er… th-that's okay, I suppose. If you, uh… if you promise you won't scare my students… if you'd like, you can join us."

Renita perked up, a spark of hope in her eyes. "Really?"

………

Sunny grumbled, looking over the grocery list of library books Chiana had given her to pick up. She was willing to let her younger siblings twist her arm every now and then for help, but that didn't mean she was obliged to serve as their errand girl. If Chiana wanted these books picked up, then why didn't she just come herself once she returned from her sortie? She was the one who really understood how everything in here was organized.

At any rate, she had the books. Now, she just needed to pick up little Shortstack and they could check out everything they had and return to the harbor… At least, that was the plan. "Where did you go, Renita…?" she muttered to herself, peering over the bookshelves to try and catch a glimpse of the shorter girl. The Ru-class couldn't see hide nor hair of her sister, not even her tail poking around anywhere. She found herself spending the better part of a minute wandering through the library before she finally heard Renita's voice.

"Is there a grey, anywhere?"

Turning towards the voice, she was surprised to find herself gazing towards the children's section of the library. The librarian had said some kids were here, she recalled; it was obvious they would be there, but what could Renita be doing with them?

Taking a breath, relaxing herself to try and look as friendly and un-threatening as she could (the stack of books held in her arms helped a little on that point), she made her way over. Almost immediately, she could see the head of silver hair towering over the smaller heads of black, brunette and blond; there didn't seem to be any screaming or running around going on either, which was a plus. What stood out the most to Sunny however, as she reached the open area where the children were doing their thing…

was the look of peace and contentedness on Renita's face, as she worked on her own drawing.

"Er, yes?" Sunny glanced to the woman supervising the kids, who eyed her inquisitively. "Is there something I can do for you?"

The Re-class looked up from her drawing to see her sister standing nearby, and immediately shrunk back looking sheepish. "Oh, hey sis. I was just… looking around, like you suggested, when I heard the children here chattering, and… I came over to see what they were doing. They were scared a bit, so I wanted to show them I was nice, wouldn't hurt them or anything… and it looked like they were having fun drawing, so when the nice lady offered to let me join them, I…"

Sunny chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No harm done, Renita. As long as you're able to enjoy yourself, and help people to relax around us a little bit, it's fine." She carefully stepped forward, coming behind Renita, and leaned over her shoulder. "So, what did you decide to… draw…?"

It took a second for Sunny's mind to register just what she was looking at. The drawing was of what looked like a natural rock arch rising from water, set against a bright blue sky. What struck the Ru-class was that it was so much more vivid and detailed than all the other drawings; there were bumpy outcroppings, shadows on the rocks, waves disturbing the water, even little white-grey wisps of cloud in the background. The drawing was far from photorealistic, yes… but it was more than one should expect from a girl as young as her, doing this for the very first time.

Where the others were just… well, kids doing scribbles for fun… Renita's work made it seem like she had taken actual art classes.

"Is it okay?" The Re-class asked nervously.

"In my opinion? It's amazing…" Sunny said, a grin slowly forming. "I think you might just be a natural at this!"

XXXXXXXXXX

*It's a funny thing. We Abyssals aren't like shipgirls, when it comes to our crew—the shipgirls existed in the past, had crews full of actual people that served on them. People that, in this new life, they can call upon as fairies… utilize their knowledge, the talents they had in their own lives. But Abyssals? Our crew more or less come into being at the same time we do. They don't have established identities, established histories that could lend themselves to being good at one thing or another. And yet… we're every bit as capable of being born with our own innate talents as the shipgirls. As humans. My child Regalia farms… Ritou's daughter cooks… and our sister Yoko sews.*

*But you, Renita? You created art.*

XXXXXXXXXX

"Hey, Shortstack!"

Renita glanced away from her work to fix Sunny with a half-lidded stare, a pencil in hand. "Come on, sis, you know I hate that nickname…" her gaze fell. "Especially since I met our cousins…"

Sunny huffed. "You're still being put off by that? So what if Revina and Regina are taller than you? Just look at their mom—Aunt Wanko towers over all of us. And our Mom is little, so is it really so unexpected for you to take after her?" the young Re-class shook her head reluctantly. "That's what I thought. Besides, you're ignoring the second part of that nickname—the thing, or things, you've got over those two."

Renita looked down at herself and cupped one of her breasts with her free hand, smiling sheepishly. "…okay, you've got me there."

"Damn right, I do. Just keep this in mind: I'm not trying to make fun of you or anything with that nickname. I'd never do that to my sister… even if you're different." Stepping forward, Sunny rested a hand on the Re-class's shoulder. "So, what have you got going now?"

One of the many perks of being an Abyssal was the ability to survive underwater—a great boon for those who might find themselves searching for an interesting view. And as Renita had matured over the past few months, growing into her artistic gift along the way, she'd quickly learned to take advantage of that hardiness to hunt down inspiring sights. Her current work was what seemed to be an underside view of a pair of Abyssal submarines, drifting through the water beneath a fishing boat. Even without the colors filled in yet, the level of detail was impeccable as ever, with the wake of the boat disturbing the rolling ocean waves above.

"The submarines are decorating their barracks, and they wanted to add a bit of a personal touch," Renita explained. "They came to me for advice, and I offered to make a centerpiece for them to display there."

"Well, that's thoughtful of you." Sunny chuckled softly. "Just don't get too absorbed in this commission of yours, alright? You still have your training with me and Wonderous to keep up with."

Renita rolled her eyes. "I know, I know. I won't miss our scheduled exercises."

Satisfied, Sunny ruffled her sister's hair. "Atta girl." She began to turn and make for the exit. "Well, then, I'll leave you to your work."

Renita quietly watched the Ru-class depart, leaving her alone once more. Letting out a soft exhale, she looked back to her commission.

"Alright. Where was I…?" she asked herself, reaching for her selection of colored pencils.

………

"…Renita?"

The Re-class blinked, glancing away from her artwork. "Huh? What?" she looked around for the source of the voice—before blanching at the sight of a starry night sky outside the window.

Dammit, she'd spaced out again.

Turning around fully, Renita found her mother looking to her with a blank face. "Renita was cooped up in her room all day. Missed lunch and dinner…" Hoppou spoke, a mitten to her chin. "Is everything alright?"

Renita hung her head in guilt as she set aside her drawing utensil. "Sorry about that, Mom. Just got really caught up making this drawing for the submarines. I sorta… stopped keeping track of time, I guess."

Hoppou let out a sigh, relaxing slightly. "Oh, okay. Hoppou was just worried that Renita was sick, or had another headache." She trotted up to Renita's side, inspecting her latest work. Eventually, she grinned brightly. "This looks great, Renita! The submarines will be really happy."

Renita scratched her cheek, a little flustered by the praise. "I'm just doing what comes naturally to me. Being able to make my family happy in the process is icing on the cake."

The Princess nodded. "Indeed." She was quiet for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Hoppou has been keeping an eye on Renita's training… and she noticed something."

The Re-class stiffened. "It's… not a bad something, is it…?" she asked nervously.

Hoppou shook her head. "Not exactly. Renita has actually done excellent in her training so far. It's just… you don't seem to be happy about it." She reached out and grabbed her daughter's hand. "What's wrong? Is Renita just tired of training? Or does Renita feel disappointed because she thinks she can do even better? Or…?"

"No, no… it's not any of that." Renita paused, mulling her next words, before sighing. "I'm just… not that thrilled about it, is all."

The Princess tilted her head, confused. "You're not?"

Renita shrugged. "It's… hard to describe. Am I happy that I excel in exercises? That I'll be able to serve our fleet well? Sure, I'm happy. At the same time, though… I'm being trained based on the assumption that, sooner or later, we'll have to fight someone. That's what I'm not all that happy about." She waved a hand. "I get that we need to defend our territory… defend the humans… defend each other. But that doesn't mean I look forward to such a thing. I don't want to wage war for a living."

Renita gestured to her art. "Rather than destroying… taking something away from the world, regardless of whether it's good or bad… I want to create. I want to make drawings that will inspire emotions, curiosity. That will drive thoughts and opinions. I want to prove that Abyssals aren't all heartless monsters or war machines—that we're just as capable of making something unique and delicate and beautiful as any human artisan. That's not a bad thing to want…" She looked to her mother, uncertain. "…is it?"

For a time Hoppou was silent, thinking. Eventually, she smiled gently at her daughter. "That's not a bad thing to want at all, Renita. Hoppou thinks it's wonderful… to want to make something you hope will outlast you, that people will appreciate for a long time." She nodded. "Hoppou wants Renita to know that Hoppou supports her dream."

Renita perked up, delighted by her mother's approval. "Thanks, Mom…" she said quietly, wrapping her in a hug. "You're the greatest."

"Perhaps…" Hoppou replied playfully, returning the embrace. Once the pair had pulled away from one another, she gestured to the door. "Hoppou made sure some food was saved for Renita. Do you want to eat something before you go to bed?"

The Re-class's eyes lit up, finally acknowledging her grumbling belly.

"You bet!"

 

[darthcourt10]

Shinr

Near a small coastal village, the four Orion sisters were investigating the beach and the coves.

The village recently had a string of disappearances, and all accounts pointed at the possible supernatural involvement, and thus the Dreadnoughts were dispatch to determine if this was true, and if so, deal with it.

And just as the Sun was setting, they found a cave on the cliffside at an isolated cove, and just as they entered they were ambushed by fish-like humanoids, whom they dispatched with ease. And so with renewed determination, they ventured further to cleanse this land from these pelagic monstrosities.

But as they delved further into the darkness, the resistance stiffened. For every fishman put down, there were two to replace them, then three, then four and then more. As they marched forward through the knee-high water, the fishmen with their sea-rusted swords and spears were accompanied by increasing numbers of their larger, sturdier brothers who wielded steel pieces of shipwrecks as makeshift weapons and shields. As they descended through the precarious paths, the undead stood in their way, the rotten carcasses of drowned sailors and pirates. As the caves turned into ancient stonework, fishmen shamen used eldritch magics to wear them down, with their giant Crustacean servants bearing down on them like a tidal wave.

At this point they considered retreat, but to their dismay the way back was no longer there, as if it never existed. And so the tired, diminished, low on supplies and ammunition sisters were forced to move forward to an obvious ambush.

And thus they arrived at the large room, filled to the brim with fishmen and undead, surrounding a large, tentacled idol at the center.

With slimy sounds coming from behind their backs and with no other options, the Orion sisters charged.


And they killed, and slew, and slaughtered through the mass of salt-infested flesh. Their blades chopped rotten fish, their AA guns saturated their innards with fresh holes, their cannons devastated their slimy ranks.

But the opposition was numberless, and the already weakened shipgirls were buckling under pressure as their holds of ammo dried up, their holds on their blades slipping, their wills sapped by abominable magic.

And then inevitable tipping point happened, as the cackling pirate Ghast played a tune on his violin, but what came from it was no ordinary tune, but the discordant sound of madness itself, from which Conqueror sank to her knees screaming while clutching her ears trying to make it stop.

In her haste to rescue her fallen sister, Thunderer let her guard down and was swayed by a sweet giggle, turning to look at the source she saw a mermaid in all of her peerless, naked beauty, and was instantly bewitched by the sight, unaware that it was actually a hideous Siren that casted an illusion on her.

Ignoring the screaming and the enamored ones, the fishmen redirected their assault on the remaining two. Distracted by the reinforced assault, Monarch was ensnared by the chains and anchor of the ghostly pirate ship, her struggles proving futile as the contact with cold steel made her remember her sinking.

And now Orion, all alone, was fighting a losing battle against a near literal tide of eldritch fishmen that tried to drown her in sheer mass of flesh.

Ringing ears...

Blurred vision...

Unnerved....

Unbalanced...

Dazed...

Reeling...

About to break...

And with one final blow from a giant claw, her mind broke under pressure...

...and was instantly reforged.

In an instant everything around her was chopped to bits, the suddenness of the action giving pause to the battle. The fishmen looked at the blood-soaked shipgirls before them, her body nearly broken, but her wide-open eyes now figuratively, maybe even literally, shone with pure clarity that terrified them.

They restarted their offensive, but a moment later they were falling down in pieces, the advancing Dreadnought not even sparing her victims a second glance as she ran towards her sisters. And this sudden reversal reverberated through the room, for a short moment petrifying the fishmen with indecision before steeling themselves.

But a moment was enough.

The disharmonious tune faltered, and Conqueror sprang to her feet and crushed the Ghast's skull with her hands.

The illusion broke, and Thunderer force-fed the Siren with her cannon.

The chains loosened a bit, and Monarch shattered them before turning her attention on the undead pirates.

The tide turned against the fishmen, as the re-invigorated Orion sisterhood landed devastating blows after devastating blows, masterfully executed with precision and power that left the ground quaking, and they kept on decimating, obliterating, destroying, eradicating and annihilating all that stood before them!

Soon, no-one was left standing but them in the now quiet room, filled with already decomposing corpses, their foul idol shattered and burned.

With no malicious influence left to hinder them, the sisters easily found their way out. As soon as they entered the village, the drained Shipgirls collapsed out of exhaustion, sleeping like a log.

----

In honor of Darkest Dungeon II being announced:

 

[darthcourt10]

NotHimAgain

Tagging In

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"Look, I'm just saying, we should just avoid getting in trouble with any security people," Tatsuya explained. His mother rolled her eyes, and went back to examining the weapons mounted on the walls.

"And I'm sure that, whatever you prefer, having some kind of concealed weapon would be far more useful when whatever you're going to run into runs into you," she scoffs. "Besides, more than half of these things transform from a non-weapon state."

"Letter of the law, huh?" Tatsuya muses, but he has to admit that his mother has a point. On the other hand… "Honestly, we'll be fine without any of it," he reassures his mother. "Benio and I are very good at using whatever we get our hands on."

"Ever had your fingers blown off by a cursed sword?" she replies flatly.

"Uh, no?"

"And I'd rather it stayed that way." She leaned in close, frowning at him. "So use weapons you know you can use without danger."

Tatsuya backed away. "I, uh, see your point," he replied. How to get away from this…

"Hey, Mrs. Haneda?" Benio asked, from a ways down the same line, "why do you have some guy's arms in your arsenal?" The two of them looked over, and Tatsuya noted much to his consternation that she was not in fact wrong—there was indeed a pair of arms resting on a set of hooks there.

"They're prosthetics," Mom called back. "Remove the forearms and there are blades mounted on the elbows." Benio blinked, registering this information.

"That just raises more questions," she mutters to herself before speaking up again. "How did you get them?"

"My grandfather woke up with them in the back seat of his car after a drunken bender," Mom explained. "Never quite figured out where they came from! Anyways, I think that you should take this." She selects a cigarette lighter from the wall. "It's a flaming sword, you activating it by pushing down on the little button thing."

Tatsuya thought back to the last time he had had a lighter on an airplane. "You know," he said, "maybe we should take another look at that stuffed pig over there.
-----

"You all packed, Sam?" Jeffrey asked, leaning out the door. Sam, who had been running very loudly through the hall, slid to the kind of stop that you can only get by wearing brand new socks on a wooden floor. She grinned, folding her hands behind her back.

"Yep!" she chirped. "I'm all ready to head out and watch you kick butt and take names!"

Jeffrey laughed. A little. It was kind of fun watching her, enthusiastically trying to entangle herself in his adventures. It was a little bit of a balancing act, trying to let her know just enough without giving her the full picture of what it was he had to do.

Sometimes, he wished that he could explain the whole story to her, just to shake her off of the idea of coming with him.

"Sure, Sam," he replied. "From a safe distance. Very safe. Maybe from the London Eye."

Same rolled her eyes. "As if," she replied smugly. "I'm gonna be sticking with you the whole way!"

Ow, not good.

"Oh yeah," she added. "The Lady is standing out on the porch. Might want to talk to you."

What?"

"Why didn't you tell me that first?" he demanded, running from his room so quickly that he missed her response. The Lady wasn't the sort of person you kept waiting.

She was sitting on the front steps now, looking up and over her shoulder as Jeffrey exploded through the door. "My apologies," he panted, trying to regain his breath, "I was unaware that you were here. Otherwise, I would have been here sooner."

Her only response was to rise to her feet slowly and turn to face him, still smiling that same quizzical smile. She gave him a look, then glanced up towards the sky.

"Yes," he replied, "I will be departing soon. It is not expected to go long, though, and I should return within the month." The Lady turned her head to one side, considering this thoughtfully. Then, she stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug.

Jeffrey froze slightly, he would freely admit. Whatever the Lady was, she was powerful and dangerous, and she definitely wasn't human. So what did this gesture mean? After she broke it off, he nodded to her respectfully. "I thank you for your blessing," he said.

The Lady gave him a flat look and nodded herself.

"If I may," he continued, "there are other matters that still require my attention. By your leave?" When the Lady made no response, he nodded again. "Thank you for your time." Then he turned and walked back into the house.

Other matters. So many other matters. How was he going to get Royroy into Scotland, for one?
-----

Gil examined the note in her hand. She memorized the names that it asked her to pick up. Then she set it on fire and walked away. She had a fairy prince to track down.

Maybe she would see Ma today?
-----

I've been trying to write this snippet for days, with no success. Finally, I got the idea of adding a Dororo shout out, and it practically wrote itself. So that's why that's kind of jammed in there.

There's another reference in there, but it's a bit more subtle.

Well what do you think, sirs?