Harry Potter & the Shipgirls

Harry Leferts

Just sighing, Harry rolled his eyes as he continued to walk towards the Divination Tower. The whole time, he was internally grumbling, "Dammit, Hermione... did you really need to do this?"

As it was just him, however, he did not get an answer. Instead, his mind drifted back to earlier that day when his friend finally had enough with the Divination teacher and shoved everything on her desk into her bag. With that done, she stormed off snarling while swearing that she was not coming back.

Unknown and unfortunately, one of the items that went into her bag was a crystal ball.

It was unfortunate because Hermione would not return it to the class. Thus, it fell to Harry to do so as when he turned around, both Ron and Neville had vanished. Hence, the thirteen year old's current grumbling and swearing to get his friends back for it. Already, ideas were swirling around in his head regarding what he might do to them when he caught them.

Before his revenge fantasies could get too far though, he realized that he could see Kagotsuruhe up ahead and raised an eyebrow, "Hello, Kagotsuruhe-San."

One of her unnerving smiles on her face, the Sword of Hopelessness nodded, "Hello, Harry-San." Seeing his eyes trail to her side, she hummed and patted the second sword, "Juuchi-Chan wanted to go for a walk."

Cocking one eyebrow, Harry snorted, "As long as it is not an enthusiastic walk."

That got him a nod and a fake chuckle, "Indeed." Kagotsuruhe tilted her head somewhat to the side, reminding Harry of a cat, "May I ask what you are doing up and about here? Our lesson is not for a few hours yet."

Now saying anything, Harry held up the crystal ball in his hands, "I need to return this for Hermione." At the look of polite interest, he continued, "She stormed out of the classroom after one too many issues with our Professor, quitting the class, though..." Rolling his eyes, the thirteen year old sighed, "I can't blame her really. Professor Trelawney is, well... yeah."

Eyebrow raised, Kagotsuruhe hummed, "I take it that she is problematic?"

Sighing, the thirteen year old glanced around before looking back at her, "As I am sure that you know, she teaches Divination?" Only waiting until he got a nod, he continued, "Thing is? I am pretty damn sure that she is a complete and utter fake. She does not seem to show any signs of the Gift of Prophecy at all. Instead, she just goes on about vague things that could easily happen in one way or the other."

Just considering that, Kago frowned, "Oh? So she is like one of those then..."

With a shrug, Harry shook his head, "Generally? It seems so... one of the first things she did when I walked in was predict my death, and apparently she usually predicts at least one student death per year, if not term. But she also came out with other things as well. For example? She 'Predicted' that one of our class would leave it forever."

Kagotsuruhe snorted softly, "Ah, I see. So when your friend stated that she was quitting the class."

Grimacing, the wizard nodded, "She claimed that her 'Prophecy' came true? Yeah, pretty much. It did not help that the reason why was another of her 'foretelling's'." Eyes rolling again, Harry scoffed, "At the beginning of the year, she claimed that Lavender would suffer a tragedy sometime this year. And today, Lavender got word that her pet rabbit back home was killed by something, so... Trelawney took credit for foretelling it. Though really, I still have issues that Lavender did not slap her there and then, but seemed to look up to her more."

A frown on her face, Kagotsuruhe tapped a finger against her chin, "Humans are odd, though I suppose that she felt as if she was at fault for not listening. Or, perhaps, she thinks that the professor has now proven herself..." She shrugged and shook her head, "Emotions are strange things at the best of times."

Only shaking his head, Harry could only agree with her silently. The whole thing, to him, was strange. Finally reaching the staircase to the Divination room, he walked up with Kagotsuruhe behind him. Not that the thirteen year old minded all that much really, after all he knew her. But also part of him wondered how she would react to the Professor. Knocking on the trapdoor, he waited a few seconds before a voice called through, along with the sound of bottles. Glancing at the sword, silently he mouthed the words 'Alcohol' to her, with Kagotsuruhe nodded.

Not long after, Trelawney's voice could be heard through the trapdoor, "Ah, my Third Eye foretold that I would have a visitor! Come in, come in!"

Bemused, Harry opened the trapdoor and walked in with a slight smirk, Kagotsuruhe behind him silently moving, "Hello, Professor, I'm just returning something that Hermione took with her by accident when she left."

Taking out the crystal ball, he handed it to her and she nodded, "Of course, of course. I only did not go looking for it as my Sight allowed for me to see you return it to me. But thank you, just the same."

With a sigh, Harry chuckled as the Professor sat it down, "Not a problem, Professor."

He was just turning to leave though when Trelawney spoke again. But unlike before, it was not in the airy tones, but a rougher one as if she had a sore throat, "It will happen tonight. The Dark Lord lies alone and friendless, abandoned by his followers. His servant has been chained these twelve years. Tonight, before midnight... the servants shall leave and set out to rejoin their master. The Dark Lord will rise again with his servants' aid, greater and more terrible than ever he was before. Tonight... before midnight... the servants... will set out... to rejoin... their master... And a new Darkness shall feed on the old and thus become stronger than ever..."

All Harry could do was stare at the woman who blinked and seemed to be coming out of a trance, "Professor... are... are you okay?"

Blinking, Trelawney looked at him, "Hmm? Of course I am, dear boy. Why ever would you ask?'

From where she was behind him, Kagotsuruhe narrowed her eyes as Harry mentioned that she had said something about the Dark Lord. But the Professor stated that she would never talk about the Dark Lord, which made her narrow her eyes still further. Placing her hand on Harry's shoulder, the Sword of Hopelessness plastered a smile on her face, "Ah, very well then. We must be off."

Gently, she guided him out of the room while Juuchi at her hip was utterly silent, considering what happened.

Once they were at the bottom of the stairs, Kagotsuruhe turned to him, "Harry-San? You do realize what just happened?"

Slowly, Harry nodded, "That... that was a real prophecy, wasn't it?"

A frown on her face, the sword nodded, "Yes, I have seen such before in my life." Briefly, what looked like pain flitted across her face. But it was gone so fast, Harry could almost swear that he had imagined it, "Once, many, many years ago, my... Master, journeyed to Mount Osore and met an Itoko there who gave him a prophecy which upset him. One from my previous Master, his Otou-San. It was much the same as there..." Eyes narrowing, she let out a breath, "Which means..."

Understanding, Harry swallowed, "Which means that she just confirmed that Voldemort is going to return, and soon..."

Much to his surprise, Kagotsuruhe came to a stop and turned to face him. For once, she did not have a fake expression on her face, but one of utter seriousness, "Yes, he shall return. But understand, you are not alone in this and have allies." Suddenly, she was all smiles and giving him a thumbs up, "So do not despair!"

Just nodding, Harry hurried along and soon enough, they reached the Headmaster's office and soon entered it to find Dumbledore there, "Headmaster! We..."

Realizing how what had happened sounded, Harry paused. But before he could figure out how to say something, Kagotsuruhe stepped forward, "Headmaster, we just heard a prophecy from the one known as Trelawney. And I can confirm from previous incidents, that was what it was."

Dumbledore grimaced at that before sighing, "I take it that it was in a different voice than was normal for her? And that she did not remember it afterwards?" At their nods, he shook his head, "In which case, this may be the second such prophecy from her." Stroking his beard, the Headmaster frowned, "What was it she said?"

With a nod, Harry recited what he had heard, word for word. When he was done, he looked towards Dumbledore, "Professor... I think that she was talking about Peter."

For a few seconds, the Headmaster said nothing, but then he nodded and sighed, "Alas, I think that you are most likely right. Peter has been chained to the Weasleys for twelve years, and thus would most match. But I am worried by what it means by 'Servants', as that suggests at least two. And the last bit is also very worrisome..."

Later, after some more talking, Kagotsuruhe made sure that Harry got back to Gryffindor Tower, cancelling their lesson. Once she was out of sight, the Sword of Hopelessness turned to her sister, "What shall you do?"

Juuchi seemed to consider the question for a few moments before she walked off, "I shall have Tsu-Chan gather the others. Things, it seems, might get a bit more difficult."

Head tilted to the side, Kagotsuruhe hummed, 'I believe that is the famous British gift of understatement...'

 

Yellowhammer

Bread and Tea

Tokugawa Memorial Foundation Offices, Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Masamune-no-Honjo waited patiently in the underground private parking garage as the gate attendant bowed to the Toyota Century limousine that entered. It stopped in front of her and she bowed in greetings, her dark blue irotomesode kimono with the five Maru-ni-mitsuba'aoi triple hollyhock leaf crests of the Tokugawa picked out in white thread rustling as the driver opened the door for his passenger.

Masamune-no-Kotegiri stepped out and returned the bow of her younger sister, her own scarlet irotomesode with the five golden chrysanthemum crests of the Imperial Household making her appear to be the spirit of a Dowager Empress from a period drama. "Honjo."

Honjo raised from her bow and walked alongside her sister to the private elevator. "Kotegiri. I thank you for the response to my message. Tokunotakai will join us shortly. I received word from the driver I sent to Kamakura. There was an accident on the E16 that is delaying traffic coming from the south."

Kotegiri nodded as the two Masamunes entered the elevator and Honjo punched a button. "I see. Surprising of Toku-chan to leave the shrine to come here. She is admirably dedicated to her service at Hachimangū, after all."

Honjo gave a faint smile as the elevator doors opened and they walked down a corridor. "I have found that all things change in time. Is it truly that surprising that after four centuries that Toku-chan finally changed a little?"

Kotegiri hmmed in acknowledgment of the point as they reached a sliding rice paper door. On the far side was a Zen rock garden with a teahouse. The two swords knelt in contemplation of the white rock 'ocean' with moss-covered stones like islands rising up from the rippling waves.
Spoiler: Honjo's Garden


Time seemed to fade as the Armor-Cutter knelt in seiza beside her sister, her thoughts drifting. Presently the door opened again, and Tokunotakai, dressed in a furisode kimono with colorful butterflies on pink bowed to her sisters and then knelt in seiza beside them.

Presently, Tokunotakai spoke. "It is time for tea."

Kotegiri raised a mental eyebrow as she and Honjo proceded to the tokonoma waiting room. The eyebrow raised further as she recognized the calligraphy of the Buson poem on the wall scroll as Tokunotakai's delicate brushwork.

A summer river being crossed
how pleasing
with sandals in my hands!

Proceeding to the teahouse along the garden path, Kotegiri felt the weight of her centuries and responsibilities fade away from her like the morning dew with the contemplation of the simple beauty presented. Kote removed her sandals and entered, placing her true body in the rack presented alongside her younger sister's gleaming steel. Honjo followed suit and closed the screen behind her with a loud click to signal to Toku that the tea ceremony was about to begin.

--------------------------------
Spoiler: Sisters Have Tea

Kotegiri sipped the tea from her bowl, admiring the subtle taste as well as the skill that Tokunotakai had prepared it for herself and Honjo. Again her mental eyebrow quirked at the subtle signs of nervousness behind Tokunotakai's near-perfect calmness as her youngest manifested sister sipped her own bowl of green tea. A sidelong glance to her left showed that Honjo had both picked it up, and did not know the reasons.

Tokunotakai bowed her head. "Thank you both for accepting my invitation, Kotegiri-oneesama, Honjo-oneesama. It has been far too long since I was able to share tea with you both."

"Indeed, Toku-chan. I was happy to receive your petition to use my family's teahouse to host this reunion." Honjo spoke contemplatively as she admired the irregularities in her hand-thrown tea bowl.

"As I was happy to receive word that my little sister wished to see her older sisters for a family gathering." Kotegiri mused, offering up a conversational gambit.

"Hai. I wished to notify you both that I recently spoke to Hachiman-dono. He approved my petition to go on a musha shugyo warrior's pilgrimage outside the Land of the Gods to take a more active role in my service to the Protector of Warriors."

Kotegiri's eyes widened fractionally at the news. Toku had indeed changed greatly if she was going to sally forth in battle. Certainly, it was well within her duties and service, but....

"This is news indeed, Toku-chan. I take it you have an idea as to your plans for such a course of action?" Honjo stepped in smoothly, demonstrating what she had learned from her centuries of service in the courts of the Shogunate.

"I do." Tokunotakai took a deep breath, visibly steeling herself. "Once arrangements have been made for travel documents and the like, I shall first travel to Belgium to learn from Colombe du Chasteler..." A fractional pause before the next syllable to escape Toku's lips. "-Muramasa."

Kotegiri shot a disbelieving look at her sisters. She had never dreamed that Toku was the type at all. Honjo was equally surprised, but recovered sooner.

"I see, Toku-chan. I have also had some indirect dealings with Colombe d'Aubigny-Muramasa du Chasteler to use her full name. She is Muramasa-no-Norimune's oldest daughter, and just over three centuries old. Like her sire, she has spilled her blood on the battlefields of Europe, Asia and Africa as she fought for what she believes in. My kohai has known her for a long time, since Colombe was well known by Tsukiakari's First Master, and a loyal ally and friend to the British Potters for almost a century." Honjo's voice was very thoughtful.

Toku bowed her head. "Indeed. Also I have heard from Hachiman himself that Colombe was consecrated as one of His Blades, just as Muramasa-no-Norimune is. He approves of my relationship with her."

Kotegiri's gaze sharpened, noticing the slight flush on Toku-chan's cheeks and nervous hitch in her breathing. Centuries of experience as 'Aunt Kote' to a succession of Imperial Princesses, noble daughters, and ladies-in-waiting caused her mind to whirl.

I never thought Toku-chan would ever be the type. And with a Muramasa no less....

With that in mind, she spoke. "You have tested this Colombe's steel against yours then?" Beside her, Honjo flushed slightly as she caught the unspoken meaning of the words.

Toku bowed her head, her voice soft but resolute. "Hai, Kotegiri-oneesama. She matches my skill with a blade and understanding of the Virtues in her own way."

"I see. I would like to meet her and see her skill for my own in a spar some day soon, then. If you are sure of your course of action and selection of a traveling companion, I see no reason not to approve, and I will advise His Majesty of such a course when we speak on this matter and others concerning the earth-bound kami." Kotegiri's voice was contemplative as she reflected on the impossibility of fighting some battles.

"Likewise, I see no issues with it in principle. If you need assistance with the Diet or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite the processing of paperwork, I stand ready to assist my younger sister." Honjo spoke in turn. "I also would like to meet Colombe informally to take her mettle, since she has left such a positive impression on both my imouto and my kohai."

Tokunotakai bowed her head. "I thank you both for your wise words and consideration for your imouto's flight of fancy."

Kotegiri smiled faintly, "I do hope that you have a plan to deal with Fudo-chan. She is... ahh... quite concerned for your welfare, which is something that I never quite understood."

Toku shook her head as she deflected the gentle probe, "It is not my place to speak on the reasons; it is Fudo-nee's story to tell. I merely did what honorable duty required during those dark days."

"I see..." Honjo's eyes were sharp behind her glasses. "I also happen to know some spirits in that part of the world who I met after the Pacific War. I shall scribe a letter of introduction to them if your paths should cross and send out a few owls to them in case you need assistance on your travels. A traveler should always carry her umbrella, even if the sky is clear when she sets out, no?"

Tokunotakai nodded and spoke quietly with subdued emotion in her voice. "I suspect that my journey will not be the most peaceful one. Still, only a fool does not accept aid when it is freely offered. Thank you again for your assistance in this matter."

Kotegiri nodded. "When you come back, share with us the stories of your travels and exploits. I would say here to make our father proud with your deeds on the path that you shall take, but I am certain that Masamune-dono is proud of your dedicated service to the Protector of Warriors. Just as I am."

"We are, Toku-chan. We are."

 

NotHimAgain

Flash Back: Both Sides Now
“… Who exactly are you?”

Reiko leaned back subtly. Sam tried to step forward, but the teenage jorogumo held out a hand and pushed her back as well. At the same time, Sam’s older brother stepped forward. From his new position, he could be in front of his sister at a split-second’s notice. It was a relief—if Reiko still couldn’t help but panic the moment things went out of control (she winced, still embarrassed at her own loss of control), then someone even younger and less experienced than her couldn’t be allowed into the fight. And Sam was raring to fight, that much was certain.

The woman planted a hand on her fist, striking a casual pose. Black hair tied into a cock-eyed ponytail, clad in a trench coat that fell down to the back of her knees, and (Reiko blushed, but only a little bit) a build that practically screamed “sexy,” she looked like a rebel leader from some science fiction series. “That,” she mused, “is a good question. Though I’m not entirely sure about giving you a proper answer. Tends to backfire on you something awful. Let’s just say I’m here about the whole incident—” she frowned, standing a little straighter. “Wait—you, Japanese girl. The one in the middle. Got a sword on you?”

By the low metallic sound, Tonbo was doing that thing from the movies where the samurai thumbed their swords out of their sheathes slightly—Reiko knew that there was a technical term for it, but she wasn’t entirely sure what it was. The woman laughed.

“Hah! Thought so!” she grinned. “Been a long time! Ah… 1890’s, I believe?”

Tonbo frowned, shaking her head. “I’m sorry,” she admitted, “but that was a bad decade for me.”

“Oh, really?” The woman was not crestfallen per se, but definitely disappointed. “You threw me in a snake pit.”

“I’ve thrown a lot of people into snake pits.”

The sad part was that, if it were anyone else who said it, Reiko would have thought the sentence a non-sequitur. The woman hummed thoughtfully, tapping a finger to her chin.

“Well, you’ve got a little while to think it over,” she said finally, flopping back down onto the couch. “You were pretty cool before things went to hell in a handbasket—whether you remember it or not, you’ve earned a freebie.”

“I don’t suppose that would entail a little more information?” Tatsuya cut in frostily.

“Heh! Sorry, but no.” The woman threw her head back, draining her bottle of soda, then leaned forward. “I’m not that dumb. Let’s make it… the kid lives.”

“That’s not vague at all,” Benio pointed out cheerfully, gesturing around the room.

“The little kid.” The woman gestured to Sam. Jeffrey immediately took his step forward, putting himself in front of her defensively. “Don’t want to go killing any children—I avoid it if I can, so I’ll take the chance where it’s offered.”

Benio dropped to her knees, widening her eyes. “Pweeease, Missus!” she whined with an exaggerated lisp. “We’we awe chiwdwen hewe! Pwease don’t hurt uuuus!”

The woman laughed loudly, a deep, belly laugh that left her gasping for air for a few moments. “I like you!” she chuckled, before turning serious again and shaking her head. “But… no. You lot… you’ve taken up weapons to fight, and by the way you’re standing around me you’ve done it more or less of your own free will. As far as I’m concerned, that makes you adults.”

“And adults have to own up to the crimes of only one of them,” Tatsuya continued dryly as he glanced over at McKay.

“They deserved it,” she said, catching his attention. So far from unapologetic, she actually sounded just a bit mocking.

“… Because the victims were with you somehow?” he continued, undeterred.

The woman sighed and nodded. “Funny and smart,” she noted, glancing between Tatsuya and Benio. “You two work pretty well off each other.” Despite the fact that this woman was openly planning on killing them, Reiko felt herself bristle just a bit. With that, she felt her eyes boring into her. “Oho? And not just one… I’m honestly impressed with you, boy.”

“Yes, my life is a bad manga,” Tatsuya replied, voice squashed flat by impatience. “Can we get on with it already?”

“… And nothing like Ian.” This came out almost like an afterthought. “Shame, that. World could always use another Ian Potter.”

The name didn’t really mean much to Reiko, but she noticed that Benio (standing again, slouching in that “zero-to-murder” ready way that the jorogumo hadn’t mastered yet) twitched slightly at this. “Ian Potter?” she repeated slowly, thoughtfully. “I seem to recall that name from somewhere…”

“Yeah, he and I were…” the woman shrugged ruefully. “I wanted to get the whole Batman-Catwoman thing on, he wanted to bring me home to mother, we fought, the train derailed, everything was on fire, and I ended up spending a month digging through that canyon for my goddamn true body.” She sighed. “Things didn’t work out. Shame, really.”

“Holy War Sword of the Scythians.”

This came from Tonbo—maybe the short rant had sparked a memory? Reiko noted that her tone wasn’t warm enthusiasm for an old friend, but quietly grim. The woman—a sword?—laughed happily.

“You did remember eventually!” she grinned.

“Only a little bit,” Tonbo replied evenly, sliding into a ready position. “Transylvania. Vampire village. You were trying to sell me on a plan—” Reiko skipped to one side and slapped her hands over Sam’s ears. “—conquer the world.”

“And you’re still running your mouth without thinking,” the Holy War Sword (Scythia sounded good, right? That way there wouldn’t be any time wasted thinking the whole thing) said, glancing over at Reiko and Sam. She gave an approving nod before turning her attention back to Tonbo. “You still sure you don’t want in? I could probably spare you if you did.”

Tonbo planted a hand on her hilt. “If you’re still trying to make that offer,” she grit out, “then you never understood me the way you claimed you did.”

Scythia looked at her a moment longer before reaching up to run a hand through her bangs. “No, guess I don’t,” she admitted. “Shame, that. I’d really love to have you watching my back.”

Reiko didn’t listen any further. With Sam struggling free of her hands, she shifted them down to the younger girl’s shoulders and began to walk quickly backwards. Despite Sam's protests, she maneuvered the two of them out the door, leaning around to kick the door closed.

Not ten seconds later a sharp report and a shattering window signaled the beginning of another fight.
-----

Well what do you think, sirs?

 

Harry Leferts

Looking up from the book he was reading, Bill let a smile bloom on his face and he tipped his hat at seeing who came through the doors, “Hey there, Tsukiakari.”

Just smiling, the sword giggled a bit, “Hello, Bill.” Glancing around the lower floor of the old Potter Mill house, she noted that the others were also there, “Hmm? Why did Senpai call all of us here?”

A frown on her own face, Dracul huffed a bit, “We were wondering if you knew. She pulled all of us off of guard duty for some reason!”

With a slightly bemused smile, Xing raised an eyebrow, “Did she pull you away from your singing perhaps? After all, you nearly killed the Betrayer, so I doubt that he will be returning there anytime soon.”

Arms crossed, Feng scowled at nothing in particular, “More the pity.”

Dracul poured some and nodded, “She did! And I was getting better at it!” Head hanging, she huffed some as Cathy patted her back to comfort her, “No fair, just as I was thinking this awesome song.”

Scratching her chin, Vala hummed, “Well, I suppose that it is better than that one time with Johann Potter of the German Branch?” Ignoring the increasingly flustered look on the spear’s face, she continued, “She attempted to block him and his wife from coming to a marriage here in Britain. That was, until he vanished his clothes and drove her off. Never seen her so flustered befor-“

The Sword/Shield found herself cut off as Dracul had launched herself across and slapped her hands over Vala’s mouth, “YOU SWORE THAT YOU WOULD NEVER MENTION THAT!”

While the Germanic blade shrugged, the French sword frowned, “Wasn’t he a son of a Potter and Malfoy? Or was it a Du Chasteler? Hence his blonde hair?”

Face red, Dracul looked at her, “SUBJECT CHANGE, NOW!”

The various others all looked amused at her reaction before the door opened and Goldie strode in, “HA! Hello this fine night my Amici! It does me good to see you all here, Umu!”

Softly giggling. Tsukiakari only nodded as Goldie flopped onto one of the recliners as if it was a throne, “Hello, Goldie.”

A smirk on her face, the Roman blade nodded to her, “And hello to you as well, Young One! And how does things go with Praetor?”

Only shrugging, Tsukiakari shook her head, “Master is doing well in his studies and I have been telling him tales of his family. Or what I know of it anyways...” Chewing her lip, she frowned a bit before sighing, “Which is not too much, I’m afraid compared to any of you.”

Head tilted to the side, the Roman blade hummed before clapping her on the shoulder, “Bah! You know enough for Praetor! And I can tell that he has gotten to know our family more through you.” Suddenly, Goldie turned and grinned, “You can now come in and explain why we are all here, Juuchi! For you must have a reason, Umu!”

The front door opened and everyone hid a slight smile at the disgruntled look on the Muramasa’s face. However, Juuchi simply sat down and grunted a bit which got their attention. Sharing a look with the others, Catherine frowned, “Juuchi? Is something wrong with young Harry?”

Just snorting, Juuchi shook her head, “No, nothing is wrong with our Master...” Pausing, she sighed before looking over her shoulder towards the kitchen, “Okay you three, you need to come over here and hear this.”

Blinking, the two sets of knives and one knife box looked at each other before cleaning off their hands and walking over. Once they sat down, the first one to speak was Sabah in her soft, quiet tone, “Juuchi, What is wrong with our Master?”

With a sigh, Juuchi ran a hand through her hair before frowning, “Does the name Trelawney ring a bell for any of you?”

Tsukiakari blinked at that and frowned for a moment, “Trelawney? Yes, Master Henry knew of a Cassandra Trelawney in school. She was a Seer of great renown.” Considering things, she tapped her chin, “I think that Master Henry had her over a few times when they were in school and, um...” After a moment, the Kyu Gunto shrugged, “Well, she was a Seer and I remember one prophecy she made which actually sounds like it came true regarding the Abyssals.”

Everyone stared at her before Catherine coughed, “I, too, know of the Trelawney family. They have produced seers with some regularity I believe.”

Juuchi shrugged a bit and shoved her thoughts regarding Henry into the back of her mind. Best not to deal with them now, “Well, the current one, Sybil, is... well, acts like a fraud most of the time. As one of those fortune tellers at a carnival. But it seems she has given prophecies at least once before last night...”

Quickly, she explained what she overheard the night before from where her true self had been hanging from her sister’s waist. After she was finished, the room lapsed into silence for a time. Finally though, Carnwennan spoke up with a sigh, “So, it seems, that this Voldemort is rising once more. And from what that prophecy stated, Peter is out of our reach for now.”

The Muramasa grimaced, but nodded just the same, “It would seem so. And none of you have reported him attempting to reach one of the bolt holes for some time.”

Glancing around, Sheff cleared his throat and got their attention, “While I am unsure what I, or Saki, could do... perhaps we should make some plans just in case.”

About to comment, Juuchi blinked as Sabah stood up and walked towards the door, “Sabah? And where might you be going?”

The Arabic woman turned and looked at her before smiling, “I am going to get two others that may be able to help, though I would ask for you to come Tsukiakari for one of them.”

Perplexed, the Kyu Gunto nodded and followed her. The others just sat there and chatted among themselves for a time while they waited. Granted, Juuchi was getting more and more irritated by a certain sword and her Umus even as Kansha looked on in amusement.

However, thankfully for everyone, it was not too long before Tsukiakari and Sabah returned. Granted, they brought along some items. In Tsukiakari's case, it was a Bayonet blade modified with a hilt. Said blade manifested as someone who was either a boyish girl, or a girlish boy, dressed in the uniform of a WWI British Army soldier. Tipping the brim of their hat, they smiled, though Juuchi noted that they had the same green eyes as their Master, Harry did, "Good evening, name's Nightbane."

Everyone than turned their attention to the massive shield that Sabah had brought in. It had a circular part behind a larger cross shaped bit. Though they noted that the shield boss had seven small circles around it which were made of a black stone. Sparkles gathered from said stones and formed into a purple haired female that had blackish armour over her body. Looking at her, Kansha frowned, 'Why... do I have the sudden thought of doing something with eggplants?'

With a slight bow, the shield-woman smiled a bit, "Um, hello, I'm Andraste."

For several moments no one said anything before Juuchi facepalmed, "I cannot believe that I forgot about you."

Lightly blushing, Tsukiakari nodded some, "As did I..." Turning, she gave a bow to the purple haired spirit, "I am sorry about that, Andraste-Senpai..."

Only waving her arms, Andraste shook her head, "No, no, it is fine. Besides..." Scratching her cheek, she weakly smiled, "I have not been out and about for some time."

Beside her, Sabah smiled, "And that is something that we need to change." Turning to the others, she continued, "When it comes to possible protection, Andraste is the best. After all, the enchantments on her prevent her user from suffering from poison, disease, and spells that would harm one." A slight smirk crossed her face, "As my original master found out... it was quite a shock when the poison on my blade failed to kill Hadrian Potter. Giving him the time to kill my original Master."

The Kyu Gunto had a thoughtful look on her face, "Um, Andraste-Senpai? Can I ask you something..." Getting a nod, she continued, "Is it true that your body was made from a meteor? And that the stones in your shield is from..."

Softly smiling, Andraste chuckled, "From the stone from which Caliburn was pulled? Yes, they do come from that." Blushing, she stroked over the stones which softly glowed, "The shield was a gift to Hadrian before he set out for the Crusades from his mother... the leader of the local Fae. She had me forged to protect him." Glancing down at Sabah, she hummed some, "Which I did."

Raising his hand, Bill frowned, "That is lovely and all, though I do have to wonder how exactly you are supposed to help the Kid. Because no offense, but you are rather large..."

In reply, Andraste lifted her true from easily, "Special spells so that a Potter, or myself, can easily hold it as if it was made with wood at most. Also..." Tapping the boss and the stones, they watched as the shield folded in on itself until it took the form of an bracer on her arm, "I don't have to be fully out to protect."

For several moments, those who did not know her stared before they shared looks. Bill then shrugged some, "Objection withdrawn."

Guided over to the couch, Andraste sat down with Nightbane beside her. Looking around, the purple haired maiden frowned and looked around, "Um... so what is going on?"

Moments later, Sabah sat in her lap causing her to blush. It may have been a surprise, but the two of them had become very close friends since the Crusades, arguably almost sisters in some ways. Leaning forward, Juuchi took a deep breath before explaining everything, with the two new spirits listening. Once she was done, Nightbane frowned with a grimace, "Well, that is rather lovely..." Turning to her, the Bayonet continued, "Any idea as to what we should do?"

Tsukiakari frowned some before nodding, "Well... there is one thing." Getting looks of interest, she bit her lip briefly, "We need some transportation. And there is money in the various bolt holes that we could use. I... do not think that Mistress Lily would mind in this case."

Scratching his chin, Carnwennan hummed, "That is a good idea. In fact, I was planning on getting a vehicle as I now have a driver's license."

With a blink, Juuchi turned to him, "A license? And what sort of car would you even drive?"

The Arthurian blade smiled a bit, "Why, I am going to buy myself a Mini."

Disbelief on her face, Juuchi boggled at him, "... Why would you buy yourself a Mini? Of all the cars possible..."

Just blinking, Carnwennan frowned some, "Why wouldn't I? It is a British car and I have heard that they are quite good. Perhaps in blue..." Turning, he looked at Tsukiakari, "What do you think, granddaughter?"

Softly giggling, the Kyu Gunto nodded, "I think that it would fit you, Grandfather." She then shrugged, "I think that I will have a look at some of the things that Henry brought back. Um, I sort of like motorcycles and I am certain he brought some military ones back from Europe after the war."

For the next hour or so, the various weapon, and one shield, spirits made plans. At the end of which, they split up with them leaving, only for Tsukiakari to pause and walk over to Goldie who raised an eyebrow with a small smile, "Is something wrong, Umu?"

Cocking her head to the side, Tsukiakari frowned, "May I ask you something, Goldie...?" At her nod, she continued, "Where did you learn the word Umu? And why do you say it so often?"

With a glance around, Goldie smiled a bit, "I learned the word from Juuchi as a matter of fact one day. She said it and I liked the word, especially after she explained it. As for why I say it..." Her smile became a smug smirk, "She seems to have this odd twitch when I do so... Umu."

Blinking, Tsukiakari stared at her before giggling madly, which was met with snickers.

 

RCNAnon

Ron, Duke and Warspite 15 – Summer Interlude

Summer didn’t know why she was away from the new base her Yardmaster had recently taken control of with the help of his fleet but she did know that they’d asked for her specifically. The Yardmaster, whom she should have told was her Yardmaster despite how embarrassing that was damn it all to the Abyss, had just left for further training. She didn’t think he needed more training but everyone else seemed to so she didn’t argue.

Instead the day after he left she’d been told by Victoria, who was probably the least scary person she knew outside of the Yardmaster, that some of the men who worked with the fleet were coming to take her back to where she’d signed the papers that said they wouldn’t hurt her. There was something they needed her to do and it would make them happy, therefore it would make the Yardmaster happy.

Perhaps if he was happy he’d come back sooner.

Thankfully she had Angie, the not installation not ship, to come along with her. They weren’t sure if she could help with the problem or not but there was probably something for her to do there. Summer liked Angie since she helped fix things like she did and didn’t want to hurt her. The somewhat familiar presence was nice since Warspite, she of the Shiny New Engineering Spaces, and Duke of York, she of the Turret Fixing, were not available.

Angie had fallen asleep though and Summer had decided that perhaps she should do the same. It was simply unfortunate that Summer didn’t need much sleep and therefore the ride was only cut short by a bit instead of all of it. She wasn’t even sure where she was until the large truck they were in came to a stop and a familiar face opened up the rear gate.

“Hello Summer.” Duke of York looked like she needed a brief refit and full fuel tanks but she was otherwise fine. “Thank you for coming.”

”Y-you’re welcome.” Summer moved carefully out of the truck, as Angie came awake behind her.

“We need you to help fix someone.” Duke said, her voice much less scary than it had been the first few times that they’d met. “And if it’s possible we’d like you to try and do something we haven’t had the chance to do before.”

Summer followed Duke towards a building which was surrounded by men with little weapons. They weren’t going to hurt her but she was still a little nervous anyway. Thankfully they let her and Duke through without an issue and they went into the big building.

Inside there was a sister ship of the Turret Fixing class and a few others she didn’t recognize. Not that she’d recognize most of them anyway since she was still getting used to the whole names thing in the first place. Thankfully the Yardmaster had given her one and his was easy to remember.

They were all surrounding several more humans that seemed to be working on something…

Pain as a hand pulled down her down by her hair, only to smack her across the face.

“I don’t want excuses Installation! I want results! We need more forces to fight off the humans!”

Why didn’t they understand she simply couldn’t do what they were asking? She needed resources to fix things! Not the scraps of their own sister ships and leavings off of human wrecks already picked over!

“I expect you to have another Wo class back in action by the time I return or it’ll be worse for you!”

An accompanying growl as the Battleship Princess turned, her massive rig following behind.

“Summer? Summer are you ok?” Duke’s voice finally cut through Summers mind, even as her hat was already over her face.

“S-s-scary…” Summer stared at the unconscious Battleship Princess on the table, damage of a major sort clearly visible to her.

Duke turned to look at the unconscious Abyssal and then back to Summer. Her face wrestled with something and then she placed a hand gently on her arm.

“She’s not going to hurt you Summer, that’s what we’re here for.” Duke gestured around to the various other girls. “It’s also what we were going to ask you to try. To make her unable to hurt you.”

“W-what?” Though Summer had plenty of experience with the Yardmaster being nice to her and the people the Yardmaster said would be nice to her, she had plenty of past experience that said other abyssals would not be. Much as that experience was vague and hazy.

“There’s a thing humans do when they ah, put old ships into a museum. They call it “Demilitarization” and it involves making the guns not work. Except you don’t damage the main structure, just the internals.” Duke explained carefully to Summer, making sure to meet her eyes.

Summer wasn’t exactly sure what a museum was but it sounded important if you put elderly ships there. The rest…

She’d never thought of doing such things herself but it was perfectly possible. Of course she’d never worked for people who didn’t want to hurt others more before either so that made sense. Small connections were made as her shades began to try and implement the idea with what she knew of repairing a Battleship Princess.

“I can do that.” A firm answer, her engineers in charge for the moment and knowing what they could and couldn’t do.

Duke nodded and smiled slightly. “Good. Good.” She looked over at the Princess. “Otherwise we’re pretty sure she broke her back, literally. She’s stable for now but...”

Summer knew what that meant. They weren’t sure how long she’d last without being repaired. In truth Summer herself wasn’t sure how long the other Princess would last without repair. A broken keel was nothing to scoff at even for a Princess and it’d been hours at the very least.

“We have supplies if you need them and if you need something else we can try and get it. We really want to speak with her regarding some things that happened up north, so even if it’s only for a little while we need her awake.”

Summer nodded and finally moved towards the other Princess. A pool of water had been provided in the form of a large tub and there was steel, oil and other miscellaneous items around that she could use. The Yardmaster’s allies knew what you needed to fix somebody.

“Time to fix.” Summer spoke to nobody in particular as she summoned her rig, reaching out to carefully cradle the Battleship Princess and lower her into the water as her engineers began to swarm outward and cranes were deployed. This would take some time but initial reports were promising and the little shooter people deployed by Duke and the other Turret Fixing class were quite helpful in keeping the other Princess’ shades out of the way. Always so bossy when she was working.

Summer settled in for her work, humming a little tune that had no name as Duke and the others watched.

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

Brigid opened her eyes slowly and with great difficulty. She’d never expected them to open again once Noreen left but it was happening. It wasn’t even really her choice at the moment since everything seemed to hurt but her boilers were coming back online.

Everything was blurry at first until she managed to blink a few times and a face came into view. White, with flaming blue eyes and white hair that dangled over her shoulder. It took her a minute to parse through her recognition tables but it was clearly an Installation. Nigh useless things until you were damaged… then you needed them terribly. She wasn’t sure where in the abyss this one had come from but any port in a storm.

She started to open her mouth but the Installation beat her to it. She’d expected a report on her status or a demand of fealty for further repair.

It was unfortunately neither.

“Duke. She woke up.” The installation looked up and over at somebody else nearby. Duke? That was a strange name for…

Another head came into view as she turned her viewpoint slightly. Blonde, proper blonde and full of color. Not friendly.

She tried to call her crew to alert stations and summon her rig.

Nothing happened. Not even a shimmer. She struggled for why and finally recognized that she’d been boarded.

The ship girl looked at her, then to the installation.

“Did it work Summer?”

Summer? Who was Summer?

“Yes. All guns disabled.” The installation looked pleased for some reason. Wait… who named an installation?

As her mind grasped for purchase like a propeller out of water, her crew finally reported in. Structural integrity compromised. Boarders in control of her bridge, engineering spaces and weapons. All munitions removed and the unknown shade engineers had done something to her weapons so they were as good as useless even if they’d had ammunition. She couldn’t even make steam without permission and presuming she could, she’d more than likely break herself in half trying.

Brigid’s eyes flared in both anger and humiliation, her arm raising shakily towards the Royal Navy girl.

“W-what did you do to me?!?” Her voice was a mix of pain, anger and embarrassment she couldn’t disguise.

“We saved your life.” The other battleship, there was no way she could be anything else, leaned in closely and held up some transcribed papers. “You know things we want more information on. If you cooperate we’ll see about getting Summer to fix you fully. If not...” She shrugged.

Brigid grit her teeth. She knew what some of her more idiotic and headstrong kin would do in this situation. Of course there was a reason most of them were dead.

So she forced down her gorge and promised herself that she’d get out of this one way or another to repay the humiliation in full.

“What do you want to know?”

The Royal Navy battleship smiled at her.

“We have unconfirmed reports of strange activity in the north. Your crew reports something about “demons” and...”

As the exceedingly polite interrogation began, Brigid forced down her anger and tried to conserve energy. She would have to wait for a good moment to escape and she’d need every scrap she could get. Her eyes glanced to the installation and part of her smiled. Installations were easily cowed, so she just needed to get her alone for an hour or two…

Plans formed in dark places away from her captors eyes, simply waiting for a chance to be implemented.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: View point switch and I'm officially out of Summer break!

Now to catch up to New Years!

Questions and comments welcome as always.

 

Yellowhammer

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part I)...

Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Spoiler: A Visit With Fuji-san

The local passenger train doors opened and Colombe stepped out of the train that she and Tokunotakai had spent the last three hours riding on. Hefting her space increased and reduced weight enchanted mountaineering backpack (purchased and then enchanted in preparation for this trip) she stepped out to the platform and adjusted her wire-rimmed glasses (plain glass) a bit on her nose. Combined with the sweatshirt showing her support of Germany's World Cup soccer team (a gift from Ehren who was a convert to the cause of Deutschland über alles im Fußball) and with her hair in twin French Braids on either side of her head, she was a far cry from the 'criminal' who had helped destroy Aunt Akutoku's car seven months ago.
Spoiler: Colombe's Sweatshirt


Tokunotakai joined her, dressed in a crimson All-Japan Kendo Federation sweatshirt, and with her own backpack. With a white Yokohama Baystars baseball cap on her head, she looked like a college student out for a vacation rather than a National Treasure of Japan.
Spoiler: Toku's Threads


The Masamune grinned at the Muramasa as they made their way to the stairs down to street level. "I have to thank you for the clothing gift. It fits."

Colombe smiled and spoke back in German accented English. "Thank Ehren. I asked her to go online and find something that you would like and she dug that up. Her skills of searching for information are..." Colombe's voice hushed as they stepped outside and she saw the bulk of Mount Fuji towering seven miles distant from where she stood. "...impressive."
Spoiler: Gotemba


"Hai. I made reservations for us at a local inn in Subashiri, halfway to Fuji-san." Toku bowed her head in respect to the awaiting mountain. "Would you prefer to hire a taxi, or walk, Co-chan?"

Colombe squared her shoulders. "Let's walk, To-chan. I think... it just feels right here."

"Agreed." With that the two swords made their way through the town, and then up the road paralleling the Oyamasanyo River flowing from the mountain.

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

As they passed through farmland, Colombe idly spoke. "The last time I climbed a mountain.... Would have been 1897 I suppose. When I was walking out of the Congo, I had that mountain range in my way. I don't remember too much about that, honestly, those days all blurred together. I never really climbed to test myself."

Toku spoke softly as they paused to drink from their canteens. "I see. I had always wanted to make a pilgrimage to climb Fuji-san, but never did before. My duties prohibited me, or so I thought."

Colombe glanced at Toku. "And yet now you are doing so. You mentioned that you had gotten permission to travel outside the Shrine. I'm glad that you invited me along."

Toku nibbled her lip and then nodded. "Yes, after you departed from the Shrine after our first time, I petitioned Hachiman to modify my responsibilities. He gave His approval and suggested for me to travel and fight alongside you."

Colombe looked at Toku as a happy smile lit up the Masamune's face. "Along with other matters. He suggested that just like I am to learn the ways of the outside world from you, you should learn the ways of the inward world of the spirit from me, Co-chan. Apparently, He has a task ahead that involves us both to set right."

Colombe pursed her lips and nodded. "I... see. I certainly have no objection to teaching you what I know, nor learning from you, I envy your inner peace, truth be told."

Toku shrugged her shoulders as they continued their walk toward Mount Fuji. "Just like I envy your confidence and determination born of your experiences. We are two sides of the same coin, it seems." She smiled shyly as they reached the bridge leading into Subashiri. "I also spoke to my elder sisters about my decision to travel with you. Both Kotegiri and Honjo expressed support, eventually. Each of them will wish to meet with you privately, I suspect to remind you of the consequences of toying with my heart. Foolishness on their part, I know that your heart is pure and true, but such is the prerogative of the elder members of the family when the youngest finds love."

Colombe shrugged. "I'll listen, of course, since I plan to stay with you as long as I can, and they are your family. Family's important. Ah... speaking of family, Fudo still disapproves of us?"

Tokunotakai frowned as they turned left at the post office. "Unfortunately, yes. Fudo is... stubborn." The Masamune hesitated, clearly picking her words with some care. "She feels incorrectly that she has much to prove and that I need her protection. She is a good person, and has many positive characteristics, although sometimes it is difficult to discern them."

Colombe laughed in agreement, "Sisters! Sometimes you just want to throttle them, but I would not trade mine for the world."

"Nor would I, Co-chan. Even if she can infuriate me from time to time."

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

Toku smiled, then pointed to their hotel. "Let us check in, and then we passed an izakaya a block ago. We can have dinner there."

Colombe slowly nodded. "What is an izakaya?"

The Masamune bowed to the proprietor of the bed and breakfast and acquired the key. "It is a neighborhood tavern. Food and alcohol can be gotten there."

"Ah!" Colombe's eyes lit up. "That makes sense, and I have been in my share of taverns over the years. I did not see it when we passed, what did I miss?"

Toku smiled and stretched as she dropped her pack in their small and tidy room. "The red akachōchin lantern out front indicated that they are open for business."

Colombe blinked and then placed her own pack beside Toku's, before gathering the Masamune in her arms for a kiss. "I see that I will have to study under your attention, Toku-sensei, to improve my understanding of Japanese culture. In the West, red lanterns and red lights were used to show a place where prostitutes were available. Different meaning here."

Toku returned the kiss and melted in her girlfriend's arms. "Which I shall have to learn when we leave the Land of the Gods. Just as you are learning from me now, I shall have to learn from you. Now, let us speak Nihongo tonight to improve your understanding of my homeland."

"Hai, Toku-sensei." Colombe responded in carefully enunciated Japanese as she swapped languages while she pulled her rapier body from her pack and slid it into a space-expanded purse carefully.

"Nihongo ga jōtatsu shite iru. (Good, your Japanese is improving)" Toku said as she slid her true self into her own space-expanded purse.

-----------------------------
Spoiler: Heart of a Dove

The next morning, Tokunotakai woke up first for a change. She blinked sleep out of her eyes and then focused on the sleeping woman in her arms.

Awake, Colombe was full of smug self-confidence, almost well past the point of brash arrogance. Her lips curled at the memory of her first sight of her love in 1864, remembering that smirk that somehow broadcast a challenge to her to take her best shot at the Muramasa who had shown up in her shrine.

Toku's smile widened as she remembered the look in Colombe's eyes after their second fight. The hard-won respect for her skills and power and acceptance that on that day, the Masamune had proven the stronger opponent, and the natural automatic response to push herself harder to exceed the standard that Toku had just set.

"I demand a rematch" indeed. You hate to lose, but that is good, because so do I. And the challenge whets our appetites for more than we could do alone.

Asleep, though, was a different Colombe than the infuriatingly wonderfully strong and passionate survivor of centuries of war. Colombe asleep in her arms was peaceful, vulnerable almost. Like a scared little girl who was clinging to her parent for reassurance that the monster in her closet would not get her, that she had done well that day.

Tokunotakai felt her heart go out to this Colombe. She wanted to do nothing more than comfort and protect her, and put balm on the woulds in her spirit that few ever suspected bled under the armor of smug self-confident superiority.

Shen gently placed a kiss on Colombe's forehead, feeling her love relax minutely as a single crystal tear trickled down her cheek.

From what Colombe had revealed about her past, about her adopted family, she suspected that the little girl in her arms might be the true Colombe. Her mother had died in childbirth, and her father had not known of her existence for three centuries. While she was close to her adopted father, and spoke of him with love, Toku had sensed a certain very well hidden melancholy regret in those words and memories; Colombe knowing deep down that she was not the daughter of her Papa's blood, but merely of his choice.

A choice that she had sworn to herself to prove right by her actions. Tokunotakai had no doubt that wherever in the afterlife her Papa was, he was sure that he had made the right choice in adopting her. Not that Colombe totally believed that she had proved her Papa right, but instead used that burning need to prove herself, the need to live up to what her Papa had seen in her as the fuel for her life.

As Colombe slowly stirred, Toku's smile grew warmer and more loving.

She was also certain that few of the many, many souls who Colombe had met, fought alongside, bled with, and made love to had ever been permitted to see Colombe d'Aubigny-Muramasa du Chasteler with her guard fully down like now. Lyra and Ian Potter certainly, her adopted father definitely, but... few others indeed.

Toku was not sure that even her sisters Jacklyn and Delilah or her daughters Ehren and Claire had seen her like she was now.

Just as none of her own sisters had seen the intensely frustrated painful depths under the matching armor of placid acceptance and humble service of Masamune-no-Tokunotakai.

Fudo had perhaps come closest that awful night in 1945, sensing her bitter regrets at her futile failed efforts to stop the slide into the Pacific War. Sensing how she had railed against the chains of duty that bound her in Kamakura as Tokyo burned with her sisters in it, how her faith had wavered, how her fears and worries had tormented her. How she had confessed to Masamune-no-Fudo as Fudo lay wounded in her room after the firebombing that despite their differences of philosophy, of temperament, of experiences, that she loved Fudo deeply as a sister should and that a world without her brash, hotheaded, stubborn, infuriatingly annoying sister would be one that Tokunotaki would not wish to live in.

Just as, she mused, Fudo perhaps thought equally of her....

"Ohaiyo Gozaimasu, To-chan~."

Toku refocused on the now-awake face of Colombe as mischief danced in the crystal blue of the Muramasa's eyes. Her lips opened in automatic response to the teasing words wishing her a good day, only to be invaded by a questing tongue as Colombe drove all further musings from her brain with the first passionate kiss.

Tokunotakai did not mind the distraction in the least.

 

mikelima777

For the purposes of chronology, the Convoy began their voyage from Kushiro after Christmas, departing on December 26, 2013

(December 30, 2013)

Avrora, Aleutian Islands

The main island of the Fleet of Laughter, once the home of a despotic Russian Wizard, was now hosting over two dozen vessels making a stop on their trans-Pacific voyage. while in the past such voyages were common, the Abyssal War had made such voyages perilous without sufficient escorts.

Following communications and negotiations with the Fleet of Laughter, the convoy was to spend two nights off Avrora Island under the protection of Hoppou's children. While the Aleutian corridor was now mostly free of hostile abyssals, the hope was for Avrora to be a safe haven for merchant ships, particularly during the winter months.

Over the region, aircraft from the abyssal carriers, as well as Ritou and Patty, kept a careful watch over the airspace above Avrora and the convoy sitting under their protection. To avoid confusion with hostile abyssals and to avoid confusion, the Fleet of Laughter had their mechanics modify their aircraft to glow red and green on the left and right sides of each plane, mimicking the navigation lights on human and shipgirl aircraft.

The Wardens spent much of the two days with their sisters. While none of the Wardens had yet to turn into princesses or demons, Tanith and the other leaders of the Fleet of Laughter had their suspicions about Tandy. The Ta-class battleship before the scattering was known as one of Tanith's younger sisters, who had volunteered to lead the abyssals watching over HMCS Regina and her crew. The oddest thing was the protrusion on Tandy's forehead started to split. There was also what felt like felt forming on the surface of the strange horn. The barbette-sized hole between her aft turret and superstructure was now covered in tarps and scaffolding, with the sounds of construction, welding, and other noises.

Patty and Ritou helped build replacement aircraft for Wonda and Numa, though much to the installations' surprise, the aircraft looked remarkably less abyssal then expected, with navigation lights fitted as standard and marked with Canadian roundels. There was some amusement thanks to one of the Warden destroyers. Little Dipper had eagerly dragged the human she regularly hung out with for a nice walk on the island, while other members of the FoL played with the children from HMCS Regina. Today, Tandy spent some time with her daughter; Natasha nervously made her first steps on water, her brother and father cheering her on.

The humans were going to stay tomorrow as well to watch fireworks that were certainly not smuggled out of Japan by some bored sailors and a few abyssal co-conspirators, as well as more fireworks that weren't supposed to be on a container ship bound for Seattle. The humans intended to party on as they celebrated the new year.

The convoy would resume the voyage with the hope to reach the Port of Vancouver by the 20th of January.

 

Harry Leferts

Around her, everything... was dark.

It wrapped around her entire being, whatever she was. Darkness was the only thing that she could see and feel at first. It was not a warm darkness, nor was it a cold darkness.

The darkness simply was.

Eventually, she felt something. Her body felt heavy in some way, as if it was made of stone or metal. Immovable. At least she knew that she was a she now. A woman, the word drifted up from the depths of her consciousness supplied to her. But still, her body would not respond even as she slowly felt more. It was not that she felt pain, not really. Or at least not something that felt like pain.

Something else drifted up from her mind, from the murky depths. Her body felt like it had when she had slept in uncomfortable conditions in the wilderness. A stiffness, but no pain accompanying it. Nor any cold as it were. But the darkness was ever present.

Finally, she could hear something.

Whatever it was, that something was muffled. Incomprehensible as she was currently. As if... as if she was hearing it from far beneath the ways. Despite that, she could tell that one voice was male and the other was female. The female one tickled something within her mind. Memories that were currently impossible to grasp even with her slowly clearing consciousness.

However, she suddenly felt something deep inside her, like... a spark.

Yes, a spark, that was the word.

The spark was followed by another feeling, one that confused her greatly to no end. Something told her that it was important, even as the voices became clearer. The odd feeling was inside her, deep inside her... chest? What? What was...

*Thump-thump*

Another word rose up in her mind, Heartbeat. Yes! Heartbeat! That was her heart beating! Even now, she could feel something moving along her body, warming her... blood! Her blood was now flowing! There was an elation of sorts that drifted through her mind, telling her that this was somehow important.

Moments later, she finally felt pain as her chest expanded and her lungs filled for the first time with air. Eyes snapping open for the first time with light shooting into them, the woman coughed and hacked as her lungs expanded and contracted for the first time in... how long? But it also hurt.

Her blurry, though clearing vision was suddenly taken up by a face of a woman, a beautiful one. And one that was achingly familiar in some manner. She could feel hands on her shoulders as she sucked in air and expelled it in coughs, "There, there, Atalanta! It is okay... everything is okay... just relax."

Rapidly blinking, the woman blinked. Atalanta? Was... was that her name? Yes! Yes her name was Atalanta! And... and the woman above her was.... "Medea."

A brilliant smile appeared on Medea's face as tears began to run down her face, "Yes... yes, its me, Medea, Atalanta. Welcome back."

Confused, Atalanta furrowed her eyebrows, 'Back? I... where did I...' Moments later, her eyes widened as memories rushed in. Her life, the voyage of the Argonauts, meeting Medea and becoming close friends, nearly sisters with her. The boar hunt with Meleager and what had happened there. Her father attempting to get her married, her challenge. When she met Hippomenes and fell in love with him, and how she did not mind much how he cheated. Their marriage to each other and their first night together...

How on the way to his home, outside a cave both of them were overcome with unnatural lust for each other. Tearing off each others clothes, even as their minds attempted to stop themselves, but were too buried under their lustful needs. Their slow transformation into lions and their lives afterwards...

Medea coming across them and using her magic to calm them. The Sorceress even calling her Aunt Circe to help, only for the Demigoddess to state there was nothing that she could do for them. All the attempts to change them back as she grew older and older. Hippomenes death of old age...

When she died, held in her friends arms as the other woman wept and wailed about how sorry she was. How she had failed her only true friend in the world. The woman's near legendary beauty marred by her grief and sorrow, covered in salty tears and discharge from her nose as she held the elderly lioness close. And how, just before her last breaths, a small bit of her, Atalanta's, human self managed to rise up enough to lick away the tears on her friend's face before laying down and closing her eyes as her heart beat the final time...

This all went through Atalanta's mind and she jerked in her friend's grasp, eyes wild with panic, "MEDEA! What, where-"

Hands firm, Medea held her, "Calm down, Atalanta. Everything..." With one hand, she began to stroke her friend's head, "Everything is fine. It is fine, you are safe."

A male voice spoke up a bit with humour, "Well, at least for now considering what you have gotten into. And what she did when she was last, well, you know."

Frowning, Medea looked at the tall man who had an amused smirk on her face, "That is enough, Hades."

Yet again, Atalanta felt a bit of panic at that before resignation set in as she looked around. The "Room" they were in was obviously in some sort of cavern, the work hewn into something approaching a temple-like structure. Gemstones, gold, silver, copper, and bronze made their ways along the wall in beautiful murals. Her senses told her that they were deep underground which made Atalanta sigh, "So we are in Hades, then." At the nod, she continued as she felt tears prickle at her eyes, "Then we are dead as well, Medea. You are dead."

Blinking, the Sorceress stared at her for a few moments before the God of the Underworld laughed uproariously, "Dead? Hardly! Not after the negotiations that Medea here had with those of us who are gods." Much to Atalanta's shock, Hades gave her friend a look of pure respect, "She drove a hard bargain to aid us, one which included bringing you back."

Jaw dropping, Atalatana looked down at her hands, Slowly, she clenched them and unclenched them, "I... am alive? You..." Looking up at Medea, she stared for a moment, "You managed to convince the gods to let me live again?"

Slowly, Medea nodded with a relieved look, though there was a look in her eyes, "I did. Zeus is unhappy as are... certain others. But I gave them no choice in the matter if they wished for my services. And I have also made it so that they cannot interfere for some time."

Understanding just how much of a risk her friend took, and for her, Atalanta gave her friend a silent question. One that was answered without any words, just a look of her own and made the Huntress feel a burst of appreciation for her friend even though there was a hint of worry.

Because the Olympians never took being shown up well.

However, that was something to worry about at another day. Instead, a laugh bubbled up and out of her throat as she threw her arms around the shoulders of her friend who squeaked a bit in surprise, "Only you, Medea! Only you would be willing, and capable, of doing such an act!" Softly, she nuzzled Medea , with the other woman squirm a bit even as she could hear Hades cackle. Pulling back, Atalanta smiled at her, "Thank you."

Medea was heavily blushing, but nodded, "You're welcome, Atalanta."

It was than that Atalanta looked around and felt her heart fall a bit, "Medea? Where is Hippomenes...?" At the wince, she sighed as she knew what was coming, "Ah..."

The Sorceress shook her head and swallowed, "I... could only convince them to bring you back, and that was hard enough as it was. Please..." Voice small, Medea continued as a few tears dripped from her eyes, "Please forgive me, Atalanta..."

Eyes widening a bit, Atalanta wondered what had happened since she died that would make her friend, one of the strongest women that she knew, seem to be so... broken. The grief in her was swallowed up by worry as she noted that Medea, not getting an answer, had started to pull away and seem to withdraw into herself. Grasping her closely, Atalanta shook her head as she softly whispered to her friend, "There is no need to ask for forgiveness, Medea. Because there is nothing to forgive. You have given me a second chance at life. And for that, there is nothing that I could do to thank you."

Arms coming up, Medea grasped onto her as if she was a piece of wood that a drowning person was trying to keep herself afloat on, "Just... just do not hate me and stay my friend."

Lips curling into a slight smile, the Argonaut chuckled, "You do not even need to ask me such... sister." As Medea shook with near silent sobs, nearly broken ones, Atalanta just held her close. Once more, she wondered what had happened that broke her friend so. And a glance towards Hades was not the answer as the god looked... ashamed. Upon noticing the silent question in her eyes, the Lord of the Underworld shook his head slightly and turned before walking over to one of the murals. That only brought more questions to Atalanta's mind. Ones... she was not sure that she wanted answers to, 'And yet, I do if I am to help her.'

For how long she simply held her friend, Atalanta did not know. But, eventually, the tears slowed as did the sobs. And when they finally stopped, Medea pulled back and wiped at her face before waving a hand that made the tears and mucus there vanish. Her eyes were still red and, upon seeing the tear stains on Atalanta's clothing, she flushed a bit before vanishing the wetness there, "Sorry-"

Eyebrow raised, Atalanta cupped her cheek, "There is nothing to be sorry about, Medea. It reminds me of when we were on the Argo. And as I said there, I am available whenever you need such."

Still blushing a bit, Medea nodded before stepping back and helping the Argonaut off the raised dais. With a deep breath, the Sorceress turned and bowed towards Hades, "Thank you, Lord Hades. I am sorry to cut this short, but we must be off so that I... can explain things."

Waving her off, the god chuckled, "You have no need to be sorry, Medea. And I wish you both the best of luck."

Once more bowing slightly, with Atalanta bowing a bit deeper beside her, Medea lead her friend outside the temple. Upon exiting the temple, the Huntress sucked in a deep breath as she looked up at what should be the ceiling of the cavern. But there was only darkness... and the glitter of what looked like stars high above. It took her a few moments, but she realized that the stars were, themselves, gemstones embedded in the rock and softly glowing. Beside her, Medea chuckled a bit, "I may not like most of the gods, but I will admit that Hades does have a certain... flair, let us just say. And being as he is the ruler of all the riches that comes from the underground..."

Just nodding, Atalanta decided to look around her. In an odd way, her surroundings reminded her of the above ground. Even in the low light, she could see fields of grain gently rustling in the breeze, and a distance away she could even see a lake. But here and there, she could see... shadows. And with a shiver, she realized what they were.

The Dead.

Following her gaze, Medea only nodded slightly and held out an arm, "It would take us several hours to reach the Styx. So just take a hold and I will get us there."

Confused, and somewhat curious, the Huntress grasped her friend's arm. Before she knew it, everything swirled around them and she felt like she was being squeezed hard, though there was no pain. When it stopped, she stumbled a bit and was caught by Medea, "What was that!?"

Amused, Medea helped her straighten herself out, "That was a magical form of travel invented some time ago called Apparation. It allows for travel over large distances." Softly snorting, she shook her head, "I could travel from the Mainland to Crete in a single jump like that."

For several moments, Atalanta stared at her before frowning, "I... suppose that it is useful then. But not something that I like."

Lightly laughing, Medea shook her head with a grin, "No, not everyone does. Though we shall need to use it at least once more." Starting to walk, Atalanta following, she continued, "But that will not be until we're fully out of the Underworld."

Simply nodding, the Huntress followed her as they walked until they came to a pier that jutted out into rushing water. Looking down into it, Atalanta could see... forms... beneath the surface, "What are..."

However, she was jerked out of her thoughts as Medea yanked her back, "Do not get too close to the waters of the Styx." Rapidly blinking, Atalanta looked back only to find that there was nothing there but water. When she turned to her friend, the Sorceress grimaced a bit, "You would die if you were to touch the waters."

Atalanta frowned a bit at that, "I was under the impression that the waters could heal or make one invulnerable."

With a hum, her friend nodded, "Yes, that is quite true... if one was of divine blood. But for those who are truly mortal? It is a case of too much healing which is just as bad."

Even though she was confused, the Huntress nodded, "I... see."

It was then that she could hear something pushing against the water and turned to see a boat coming out from the mists above the river. Pushing it along was a ferryman who had a large, unkept beard and was somewhat dirty looking with a reddish brown cloak over him. He turned flashing, grey blue eyes upon them as he arrived. With a slight bow of his head, he spoke with his voice sounding like grave dirt falling upon a body, "Medea... Atalanta. Please, come aboard." Seeing Medea pull out two coins, he raised an eyebrow, "Lord Hades stated that there was no need for payment."

Thinly smiling, Medea chuckled, "Perhaps, but I feel like appearances must be met. For luck, if nothing else."

As she placed the gold coin upon her tongue, and handed Atalanta one to do the same, Charon ran grimy fingers through his beard, "I see, very well then, Medea." When they each stepped up, he reached out and plucked the coin from their tongues and placed it into his robe. Waiting until they were seated in the boat, he pushed off and began to drive it across the Styx. None of them spoke as they made their way across the infamous underground river. But, eventually, they reached the other shore with Charon gesturing at the pier as they pulled up, "And here we go, welcome back to the World of the Living." A light smirk played across his lips, "I do hope that it will be quite a long time, as mortals count it, before I see either of you again."

Looking at him as a shadow passed them and entered a boat, a coil appearing in the Ferryman's fingers, Medea only nodded, "And I do hope that you are not insulted that I wish much the same." All Charon did was grin as his eyes widened a bit before he pushed off again with a chuckle. Soon, he vanished into the mists and Medea began to lead Atalanta away from the River Styx. The cavern soon narrowed into a tunnel which they made their way down, a small orb of light floating above Medea's hand as she guided her friend and fellow Argonaut through the twists and turns.

Every once in a while though, she paused and took a look around before continuing. There were offshoots from the main one. From some, foul air blew which nearly made Atalanta choke before they were past. Others, pleasant smells wafted from and made her want to investigate. But she could see... things... in the shadows moving and decided it was best not to. Instead, she stayed as close to Medea as possible.

It was a relief when she caught the scent of salt upon the air and the tip of her tongue. Same, the sound of seabirds calling from far off. Medea suddenly dismissed the ball of light and Atalanta realized that she could once more see, though the light was dim. Minutes later, the two women walked out of a cave on the seashore and the Huntress looked around as gulls circled high above, "Where are we?"

A small smile on her face as she took deep breaths, Medea glanced at her, "We are at Cape Matapan on the shores of the Aegean not far from where Taenarum once stood."

Recognizing the name from when Herakles had told her and the others about capturing the Cerberus, Atalanta smiled and lightly laughed, "I see." Looking at the waves, she glanced at her friend who nodded. Thus, walking a short distance, Atalanta laid back on the warm, sun drenched sand as the waves gently washed over her feet and calves. Leaning back, she closed her eyes as she felt warm sunlight upon her skin while taking deep breaths. Sensing Medea sitting beside her, Atalanta just smiled before opening her eyes, "Thank you."

Tears pricking at her eyes, Medea laughed, "No, there is no need to thank me, Atalanta." Calming down, she also leaned back some, "I am just happy that you are here with me, that I have my friend and my... sister, with me."

Head tilting to the side, Atalanta patted her friend's shoulder, "And as I told you on the Argo, Medea. There are few others who I would consider less my sister than you. We may not share the same mothers or fathers, or have the same blood, but you are my sister."

Only nodding, Medea wiped away her tears before they both laid back and simply enjoyed the Sun after what seemed like forever underground.
__________________________________________________________________________

With another pop, Atalanta grimaced as they reappeared somewhere else. After straightening out, she looked around and blinked. They were on the grounds of some large residence. Part of her noted that it was as large as some palaces that she had known various kings had used. The style was somewhat different from what she was used to, but... there were familiar bits and pieces in it, "Where are we?"

Medea shrugged a little as she began to walk, "We are at one of my main homes..." Pausing for a moment, she turned to her friend, "Which is in Arcadia."

Her eyes widened slightly, Atalanta looked around the countryside that she could see from where they were. Some aspects were... familiar to her. Then, she looked down at the strange road leading up to Medea's home and placed a hand against it, "And what is this material? Did you make it from magic?"

Lips twitching in amusement, her friend shook her head, "No, I have not made it with magic. It is a material known as concrete and can be poured like mud before it hardens into a rock that can take quite a bit of wear and tear."

Still rubbing her hand against it, Atalanta frowned before looking towards Medea, "I do not remember such a material. If it had existed, then I am sure that some of those Kings, or my Father would have made use of it."

Grimacing, Medea sighed a little, "You... wouldn't remember, because it was not really around when you were alive. It came about some time after your death."

Now looking around the visible countryside, Atalanta was struck at how much it had changed, "How long have I been dead for, Medea?" Not getting an answer, she turned her attention to her friend, "How long?"

With sigh, Medea closed her eyes, "It has been... nearly three thousand years as one would count. And the world has greatly changed in that time."

Thoughtful frown on her face, the Huntress softly whispered to herself, "Three thousand years... I... I can almost not imagine how long that has been..." Seconds later, Medea's eyes snapped open as she felt her friend's arms around her, "But then, that just means that the two of us will be having more adventures together if the world is that different."

Looking over her shoulder, the Sorceress didn't see anger or dismay, just gentleness and understanding. Swallowing, Medea smiled a bit, "And I would love to show you how the world has changed, Atalanta." She then twisted a bit and hugged her friend, "So much has opened up to the world. Trips that would have taken years when we were with the Argonauts can take days, or even hours."

Intrigued, Atalanta stared at her for a moment before smiling, "I look forward to seeing this new time then."

Unable to help herself, Medea chuckled a bit, "Well, we'll wait until your settled in a bit more." Pulling away, she nodded, "Come on, we should head up to the house so that we can get something into you."

As if to agree, her friend's stomach growled a bit. Lightly blushing with a grin, Atalanta shrugged, "That sounds like a good idea."

Entering Medea's Villa, as she called it, Atalanta looked this way and that to take it all in. When she glanced up, she spotted an odd device that began to spin when Medea flipped a switch. Seeing the unasked question, Medea smiled, "It is called a fan, it helps move the air around in a room and create a breeze. I also have some air conditioning for the summer months here as well, just in case."

Head tilted to the side, Atalanta hummed, "And the torches? Or the scones? Where are they?"

Medea chuckled at that and flipped another switch, which caused a orb of light above to appear, "Humanity has learned how to harness lightning in a way to create light indoors. Needless to say, it is very useful, if only due to less of a risk of fire."

Watching as the Sorceress turned it back off, the Huntress could only nod. She could see how it would be useful considering things, though the bit about having harnessed lightning as the gods or some sorcerers had was impressive. As they walked, she noted other objects here and there as well as more fans and lights. Obviously, the home would be well lit at night if needed, which she agreed with.

But that brought the question of how the gods allowed for it as from her own personal experience, she could not see Zeus allowing anyone but him to control lightning. Smiling thinly, Medea shook her head, "One of the changes is that most have turned from the worship of the gods. There are still a few, but most worship a new god under the name of Christianity. Most seem to find him a kind one it seems, but I do not follow said god. Far too many times that gods have caused trouble for me to trust one. Though that does not mean that I have any issue with people worshiping them. Just do not do so myself." After getting a nod, she continued, "That, along with some other... issues has meant that the gods have withdrawn from the world. But that also meant that humanity has had to find its own way and has grown."

Not quite sure how to respond to that, Atalanta nodded and continued to follow until they were in a smaller room filled with various rectangular objects as well as a small table and some chairs. Running her hand along the wood, she nodded, "This is fine craftsmanship."

Chuckling, her friend smiled a bit, "It is, and I do not go for anything cheap." She then opened one of the rectangular objects and Atalanta felt her eyebrows raise at the sight of food within, though some looked strange. Closing it, Medea brought forth a bowl of fruits, a number of which Atalanta could not identify. Seeing the confusion, the other woman smiled and took one of the yellow ones which had a curved shape and peeled it, "This is a banana, it comes from the continents from beyond the Pillars of Herakles."

Her eyebrows raised, Atalanta took the offered fruit and took a bite of it. A hum escaped her as she chewed it before swallowing with a nod. Once she had eaten it all, she smiled a bit, "Pretty good, so this is a new food."

As she walked over to an indent in the counter, Medea nodded, "It is, and just one of many. There are so many new foods that, well..."

Bemused as she took another banana, Atalanta raised it in a salute, "Unlike the others, I had no issue eating strange things as long as it was edible. And I never bought into that 'Barbarian' food is not for us Greeks. Food is food, and that is all there is to it."

Moments later, her eyebrows raised as she watched Medea twist an odd object and water came out, "That is good to hear." Filling a glass, she brought it over and set it down. Seeing the cautious look Atalanta was giving it, Medea shook her head, "The water from taps is safe, far safer than it was in our day."

With a glance at her, the Huntress took a sip of the water and frowned slightly. There was a slightly odd taste to it, but she did not mention it, 'Perhaps it is how they make the water safe to drink?'

For her part, Medea went back to the sink and washed her hands, answering questions. Atalanta was surprised about the fact that washing one's hands helped prevent disease, but after thinking for a few moments, she decided that it did make sense. Much like how drinking dirty water would make one sick. After a stew, which she enjoyed with bread was tasted fresh, Medea continued to show her friend around their home. Opening one door, she stepped into a room that had one side composed entirely of glass.

But what caught Atalanta's attention was the pool that was there.

Gesturing at it, the Sorceress smiled, "I sometimes like to take a swim so when I had this place built, I also had a pool added. After some renovations, it is now a heated pool so even in winter, the water is warm. Like the rest of the property, it is open to you for your use whenever." With a glance at her stunned friend, she was unable to help herself and laughed, "Don't worry, no one really comes by. But if we go to a beach, we are going to need to get you a swimsuit."

Confused, Atalanta looked at her, "A... swimsuit?"

Suddenly realizing the problem, Medea explained that it was a form of clothing for swimming, which made her realize something else. Looking Atalanta over, she frowned a bit, "I suppose until you are settled in and we can go shopping, you can borrow my clothing. Though you might find a few of the styles... odd."

Eyebrow raised, Atalanta frowned, "Odd? In what way?"

Medea shrugged a little, "They are... different, than what you would be most used to. In some ways, they can be simpler and in others more complicated." Looking her friend up and down, she smiled a bit, "Though I cannot wait to introduce you to the miracle that is a good fitting bra."

If anything, that left the Huntress even more confused about things.

The tour then continued with Medea showing her the rest of the house. Entering one room, she paused and turned to look at her friend, "And this... this is your room, if you want it."

Stunned, the other Greek woman walked in and looked around in complete awe. To her, the entire room was utterly opulent in a way that none of the palaces that she had stayed in could be considered. Fine, wooden furniture was set against the walls as was a leather chair next to a table. In one that held shelves, were collections of paper which she looked at. Finger trailing along the spines of the books, she muttered to herself, "National Geographic?"

Eyes widened a bit, Medea walked over, "You could read that?"

Opening her mouth, Atalanta paused and looked back at the book, "I... could." Frowning, she furrowed her eyebrows a bit, "How...?"

Just running a hand through her hair, the Sorceress shook her head, "I was wondering what Hades meant in regards to having decided to leave you a gift of sorts."

Her eyes lighting up, Atalanta opened another book and found pictures of various animals in it. Finger pressed against one photograph, she raised an eyebrow, "What is this?"
Looking over her shoulder, Medea frowned, "Do you mean the animal or..."

Glancing at the creature, which had an almost human look, the Huntress frowned herself, "Both?"

With a nod, Medea smiled, "The animal is from the continent of Africa to the south of us and is called a gorilla. It lives far in the jungle there. As for the other thing that you are wondering? It is called a photograph. Humanity has managed to discover how to take an image of something and still it. Like a frozen reflection in a way."

Atalanta considered that for a few moments before nodding, "Interesting..."

Flipping through the books, she took in the rest of the animals with a small smile. Eventually, she put it back and turned to Medea who only nodded, "I promise, Atalanta, one day we'll go around the world. So many animals that no Greek in our day knew even existed."

A smile on her face, Atalanta laughed, "I'll hold you to that, Medea..."

Soon after, Medea showed her the bathroom which shocked her. A personal bath?! And the idea of a shower, like standing beneath a rain cloud or a waterfall, except she could change the temperature... Amazing! Not to mention the various soaps and shampoos. The idea of the toilet was one that also stunned her before she thought it over. Once more, it was explained about it being to prevent disease among other things, which she fully agreed with.

That night, a clean and refreshed Atalanta was laying in her bed with a book of various animals open in front of her. Flipping from page to page, she smiled before closing it. She then set it aside before stretching out and closing her eyes as she fell asleep...
_____________________________________________________________________

Walking along the streets of 1980s Athens, Atalanta winkled her nose a little bit. Yes, she did not have too much issue with how humanity has advanced, besides a lack of wild places. But she could do without the smell of pollution. Granted, it was better than the smell of livestock and the like when she had last visited the city in what she knew was now called the 'Bronze Age'.

Still, as one car rushed past, exhaust coming from the back, she barely held back the look of disgust on her face before shaking it off.

Instead, Atalanta decided to focus on other things since Medea had finally allowed for her to go somewhere on her own. Part of the Huntress was amused by the whole thing, another part just sighed to herself with how clingy Medea was. Not that she could not understand, mind you. But... shaking her head, Atalanta adjusted her shirt some before stretching and jogging along. And that brought her mind to another matter, one that Atalanta was in full agreement with...

Bras were amazing.

Jogging along, Atalanta spotted a sign outside a theatre for a play. What caught her attention was the familiar name on the board for one of the plays. Eyebrow raised, she slowed down and looked at it before checking her wallet and nodding. Medea had given her more than enough, and she was interested in a play named after her friend...

A few hours later, Medea walked into an ice cream shop and found Atalanta at a booth looking down at a banana split in deep thought. Eyebrow raised, she got herself a milkshake and walked over before freezing at how Atalanta looked at her for a moment before the Huntress shook it off, "Medea."

Confused, and somewhat nervous, the Sorceress sat down, "Atalanta? Is... something wrong?"

Frowning, Atalanta shook her head, "I... came across a play." Her next words caused Medea to freeze, "It was about you and Jason."

To Atalanta's somewhat shock, Medea seemed to slump and look like she was awaiting execution, "Oh..."

Eyes narrowing, the Huntress frowned, "Medea..." When her friend kept staring at the table, she grasped Medea's chin and forced the other woman to look her in the eyes, "Medea, what happened? Why would someone write such an awful thing about you?"

Blinking, Medea stared at her, "You... don't believe it?"

With a snort, Atalanta took a spoonful of ice cream and ate it, "No." Her frown deepening, she shook her head, "I know you, Medea. Enough to really suspect that something more is going on."

Several moments passed before Medea blinked away some tears, "Thank you."

That... shocked her friend, "Medea, what happened...?"

Just wiping away the tears, Medea took a deep breath before waving her hand to set up some privacy spells. With that done, she sighed a bit, "What you have to understand, is that I do not have the best reputation in this time. The play you saw likely was drawing on a play about two and half thousand years ago. It was a tragedy and at the time, I was in Colchis. It had me kill mine and Jason's children because I hated him. That... is not true. But..."

One eyebrow raised, Atalanta frowned, "But what?"

Shaking her head, Medea looked off to the side, "After Jason betrayed me, I was visited by Zeus. I do not think that I need to explain what he wanted." The look of disgust on the other woman's face was all she needed to know, "Well, I loved my children despite their father and one of the things that Zeus offered was to make them immortal if I gave myself to him. And I was tempted, but... I knew enough what would happen when Hera caught wind of such a thing. So I turned him down and kept doing so until he finally gave up and left. That was when Hera appeared."

Eyebrows furrowing, the Huntress frowned, "Why?"

Her hands clenching for a moment in rage and hate, Medea took a deep breath to calm herself down, "She told me that she was happy about me turning down Zeus. Extremely pleased with that fact. Thus, she would make my children immortal for my act. All I had to do was bring them to the inner sanctum of her temple and she would use her fires to burn away their mortality. At the time, I... was still a mess due to what happened with Jason and had killed his wife to be in vengeance, which I regret though I was madly in love with him and wanted him back, even as I hated him. And before you ask, yes, the play got the fact that Hera and Aphrodite cast magic to make me obsessively in love with him true. That I swear on my mother's name."

Already guessing where the story was going, Atalanta scowled, "Hera lied."

The Sorceress nodded with a sniffle, "She lied. When I laid my children where she told me, she instead used her flames to burn them to death. I realized what was happening and tried to stop it, pleading with her, but she would have none of it as Zeus still attempted to sleep with me, whether I did so or not. Thus, I had to be punished and that was to be by me accidentally killing my beloved children." Slumping a bit, Medea closed her eyes, "I sometimes hear them in my dreams, screaming as the flames consumed them. Which is still better than other dreams where they ask and demand to know why I killed them, where they hurtle abuse at me..."

Quickly getting up, Atalanta walked around the table and pulled her friend into a tight hug, "Oh, Medea..."

Swallowing, Medea shuddered a bit, "I did get some measure of revenge. Because Hera was speaking through her Head Priestess, who knew what was going to happen and agreed with it due to what happened to her King, I cast a spell that my Aunt Circe taught me. It bound Hera to the body that she was using... at which point, I leapt on her and began to beat her." A slight smirk crossed over her face, "According to Hades, who had been visiting, everyone watched as Hera screamed and was thrown to the floor with her nose being broken, followed by her jaw and the like by an invisible assailant. In fact, she nearly died, with it only being due to Hecate snapping the connection forcefully that saved Hera." Shrugging, she shook her head, "It is one of the reasons why none of them really try and go after me."

Rather than be dismayed, her friend only shrugged herself, "Good." Looking back at her ice cream, she sighed, "So that was why..."

A grimace on her face, Medea shook her head, "I don't know if that was part of it, or if Hera had something to do with his muse. But... it spread. Other ones as well, such as how I killed my innocent brother and spread his remains."

That made Atalanta blink and stare at her, "Wait, people think that you killed your brother? But I was there and it was Jason who killed him. Not you."

Only snorting, the Sorceress shook her head, "You know how people work as well as anyone. Do you really believe that they care?" Sighing, she took a sip of her milkshake, "Some call me the 'Witch of Betrayal' as if I was betraying people all the time. And I am used as a villainess so many times... and it has been like that for over two thousand years."

Eyes gentle and understanding, Atalanta pulled her into an embrace to comfort her, "Well, they do not know my friend, my sister, like I do. And I know better."

The slight smile it brought to Medea's face counted as a victory in her book.
________________________________________________________________________

Not a thing was said as Atalanta stared between Medea and Herakles. While her female friend seemed embarrassed, her male one seemed inordinately amused. Taking a deep breath, Atalanta let it out, "I am sorry, but what was that?"

Crossing his arms, Herakles let out a laugh, "My wife will be by in the next few days to provide an elixir of youth that will make you a child once more."

Just pinching her nose, Atalanta pressed her lips thinly together, "That is what I thought you said and hoped that you didn't." Turning towards Medea, she gave her female friend a look, "Why...?"

In reply, the Sorceress shifted a bit, "I... well, you decided that you were going to help me with what I am supposed to do. But to do that, you need to be in the system in a way that will not raise any suspicion at all." With a sigh, Medea waved her hand, "And the simplest way to do that, is to grow up in the system. You become a child and I disguise myself as one. Then, we get schooling and the like as a proper background."

Frowning, Atalanta crossed her arms, "Could we not do what you have done?"

A grimace on her face, Medea rubbed the back of her head, "Actually, this is what I do." Seeing the looks, she shrugged, "Every few years, I have my 'Daughter' go through the school system. Maybe once every forty or so years? It is not that hard."

With a groan, Atalanta closed her eyes, "So what you are telling me is that you are going to de-age me into a child and put me into school. A school in which I will have to grow up once more, all in order to make it so that no one will suspect us. Really?"

Simply chuckling weakly, the other woman nodded, "That... is what needs to be done, yes." At the look, Medea held up her hands, "I will be right there with you every step of the way. So you don't need to worry and... I'llbeputinasyourguardianaswell."

Utter silence met her at that and Atalanta threw her hands up into the air, "SAY WHAT NOW?!"

Herakles, meanwhile, just began to laugh hard enough that he fell to the floor and not even Atalanta kicking him in the face did anything to make him stop.
_________________________________________________________________________
"Ugh... finally."

Dressed in her school uniform, an eighteen year old appearing Medea snickered at her friend, "Come now, Atalanta, you enjoyed school and will miss it." Poking her in the side, the Sorceress smirked a bit as they left the private school behind, "After all, you were the track star of the school."

Smacking the hand away, Atalanta flushed a bit, "What can I say? I enjoyed it and it wasn't that hard for me." Eyes narrowing, she poked Medea back, "And you told me that we had to join some extracurricular activity."

A squeak escaped from her friend as she jumped away. Playfully glaring, she snorted, "Yes, but I did not mean for you to join something and promptly beat everyone to the ground in it."

Just shrugging, Atalanta smirked, "But you did not say not to." Reaching their car, she got into one side as Medea slipped into the driver's seat, "Though the boys involved... ugh."

Turning the key in the ignition, Medea shrugged, "What did you expect? Both of us are, to use current language, hot chicks. I'm the slightly bookish and nerdy hot girl, and you are the athletic hot girl. Add in that our 'Family' is rich and you got the perfect storm for people attempting to get in our pants."

Eyes rolling as she leaned against the door as Medea drove away, the Huntress sighed, "Yes, though I will admit that it was less frustrating than it was in Ancient Greece. For that, I am thankful." A frown on her face, Atalanta hummed a bit, "Though I will admit that I did learn some useful things. Still...'

Both of them chatted for some time, only stopping for some treats before Medea made her way up the road to their villa. Upon entering the property, they noted a letter in the mailbox and took it with them. Opening the letter, Medea frowned before looking at Atalanta, "We know where the disaster is coming from."

Sipping her juice, Atalanta walked over and looked over her friend's shoulder, "Where?"

In reply, the Sorceress pointed, "The ocean. And it is going to be big, to say the least."

Neither said anything for a few minutes as they digested that before Atalanta sighed, "So how are we to help negate a disaster coming from the sea?"

Folding the letter, Medea thought it over before turning to her friend, "How do you feel about joining the Navy...?"
__________________________________________________________________

Opening her eyes in her bunk upon the Meleager, Atalanta yawned a bit before stretching. A glance at the clock made her nod as she woke up just a bit early though she hummed a bit as she thought over her dream, "It has been a while since I dreamed about that." Shaking that off, she got up and dressed.

Not that she had much she needed to put on.

It was several minutes later that she entered the Control Room and took in the activity there before turning to her XO, "Anything new?"

Just shaking his head, he gave a shrug, "Nothing. No new orders but to keep observing the island for now."

With a sigh, Atalanta rolled her shoulders a little bit, "I see... hopefully, they make their decision soon..."

 

Lord Khuzdul

Well, yesterday someone liked an old post of mine from back in 2015 and reminded me of it. I have gone over it, and decided that it fits in this 'verse, so I decided to repost it here. A quick slice of life piece from the Turkish shipgirls. Originally posted here: Kantai Collection, Fanfic Idea and Recs | Page 179

---

"Still can't stand it huh?"

Yavuz almost pouted when she heard the voice. She pushed the half full glass of raki towards the other side of the table. The owner of the voice, protected cruiser Hamidiye, was already making herself at home in the other chair. "You can take it. Anise burns my nose. I know Mecidiye keeps you on a strict ration, so don't go overboard."

The cruiser nodded happily, picking up a few roasted chickpeas from the bowl in the middle of the table. Yavuz smiled. She liked drinking with Hamidiye. She didn't go for the spiced corn kernels like many other girls did. She liked those with her beer, dammit. "So, subs scheduled to be back tonight?" the cruiser asked as she sipped her drink.

Yavuz tilted her head to the side "Yes, in fact, but what does it have to do with anything?"

Hamidiye smirked. "Well, you are here, the only balcony that looks over the piers in the base, far past midnight, for once. And I saw Peyk pacing down there earlier. I don't get that girl. For all her screaming about how she hates submarines, the moment one of the Inonu girls look her way, she melts into a puddle."

"Well, she was a training ship for a long time. She likes the little ones."

Hamidiye snorted. "So was I, but you won't see me rushing about to wipe their bottoms."

Yavuz laughed. "Well, you take after that crazy captain of yours, Rauf, was it? Besides, were you not the one that insists to go out with the destroyers everytime? Despite having a speed almost half of those girls, I might add."

The old cruiser grumbled good naturedly. "Don't remind me. What does a girl have to do around here to get an engine upgrade? I would kill for a set of new, oil-fired boilers."

Yavuz chucked lightly, mentally putting a point down on the scoreboard. Hard to do against Hamidiye, in any case. She changed the subject graciously. "What did you do this time to slip the leash? I don't have to deal with Mecidiye complaining about how you got away again tomorrow, I hope?"

Hamidiye leaned back. "Don't worry. She's asleep back at the barracks. I told her I was going to see you, and got strict orders to not do anything else. She also put Demirhisar on my tail, you know, the responsible one. She's down at the officer's lounge downstairs, doing something with that computer of hers."

Yavuz grinned, and was about to answer when she noticed Peyk down at the pier move ahead. Immediately after, the landline phone next to her rang with a message from the watchpost at the tip of the Karaburun peninsula. "Girls are inbound. Everybody present and accounted for, no apparent injuries," she said, standing up. "Let's go greet them."

Hamidiye quickly threw back her glass, picking up some more nuts from the bowl. "Okay. If they are coming back with a mission accomplished, I'm giving them candy this time," she added, rushing out.

"Oh no you don't! Sakarya would have a heart attack this time. Not after the last time!" Yavuz rushed after the crazy cruiser. Nobody needed a repeat of the Inönü Sisters Sugar High Debacle!

 

Yellowhammer

Drahcir said:
A bit behind.

So the start of a prequel series following Lady Chastity's mother? With the occasional guest star of her father? Colombe's face when she finally reads the first one.​

Pretty much. Lyra and Julie teamed up for "The Adventures of Madame Chastity" which since Barricade never cross-posted his now-canon genius inspiration from SV, I will crosspost here.

*-*-*-*

'The Tales of Lady Chastity's Mother'
by Yoko Mason

-A prequel series set during the previous generation of the Chastity family, this surprise hit has stormed the bestseller lists, toppling the 'Shades of' series from it's throne as the king (or is that queen?) of erotic adult fiction, which likely will leave many a reader breathless - for multiple reasons - during some scenes, if not also in need of a cold shower. The writer is still a mystery, and easily deduced to be a pseudonym tribute to the original Lady Chastity's author, Lyra Potter, as Yoko is obviously a reference to Yoke Harps, of which a Lyre - or Lyra - is considered one, while a Mason is one kind of Potter. Yet, no one in the publishing industry is talking, or seems to even remotely know who this author is. In any case, the series begins In Media Res, set only days before the birth of Lady Chastity with her mother reminiscing upon her younger days, scandalizing her last lover - the man who would raise Chastity as his own - with her 'exploits'. If it were not for the more fantastical elements present, one might think the author was plagiarizing wholesale from Julie d'Aubigny's notorious scandal filled life, who lived in the same era as the prequel is set in. Yet, there are enough differences, such as the aforementioned magical/fantastical events common to the overall Chastity series to set it apart from reality.

Unlike the mainline series, which spans what seems to be centuries as otherwise no one could be that frisky in the span of their twenties no matter how hard they try - and they will try, this is a much shorter series which spans what appears to be the 17th century at a glance if however as usual for the overall meta, is never quite confirmed as to the date. Lastly, this gives us the strongest tease yet as to the person that is Lady Chastity's true father, as the last of the trilogy in the currently released arc states that Chastity's father is actually present in two separate scenes which likely will see long-time readers pouring over every word, and discussing every glance taken. I regretfully admit that I haven't figured it out either. There is however a twist on the standard cliffhanger ending sure to leave many in an uproar, but then again, 'Madam Chastity will fight again'....

My suggestion is to take the setting with a grain of salt, a chocolate caramel milkshake, candles, and a long hot bath/massage. A good looking Cabana boy is optional.

-USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, an active shipgirl protecting Boston Harbor and is seen as their nominal head within the United States Navy. She also acts as a roving Ambassador to various nations involved in the Abyssal War. When she has a moment free, she writes reviews for us here at the New York Times about the newest books/series on the market she has recently read.


(this is now Canon for Colombe)

So yes, eventually Colombe (and Norimune!) will stumble over Lyra-produced primo-quality smut that is a thinly-disguised retelling of Julie d'Aubigny's exploits.

For that matter at some point, Norimune will stumble over 'The Adventures of Lady Chastity' and find out what her daughter got up to.

 

Yellowhammer

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part II)...

Higashiguchihongu Fujisengen Shrine (Base of Mount Fuji)
Spoiler: Higashiguchihongu Fujisengen Shrine


Spoiler: Prayers For The Ascent

Colombe rinsed her hands and mouth in the shrine's spring just like she had done at Hachimangū while snow from the flurry the night before coated the roofs and trees. Her lips curled in a smug smile as she thought back to her travels, and the lesson that she had learned that "Custom is the King of All." The smile then warmed as she remembered Professor Aetios back at Beauxbatons tutoring her in Greek as well as Charms.

I had such a crush on her Fourth and Fifth Year. Beautiful, intelligent and highly competent, one can do worse as a schoolgirl crush. I do regret never telling her that introducing me to Herodotus stood me in good stead when I started my travels around the world.

"Σας ευχαριστώ Madeline Aetos," she whispered as she finished the ritual.

Next to her, Tokunotakai gave an inquiring glance.

Colombe blushed slightly. "One of my old teachers at Beauxbatons back in the 1720s. I had a schoolgirl crush on her back then, nothing came of it though. I was remembering one of the things that she introduced me to. Two and a half millennia ago, a Greek scholar named Herodotus wrote The Histories. One of the things he mentioned is that 'Custom is the King of All'. Something that has served me well in my travels since generally customs are in place for a good reason and should be respected until you find out the reasons for them. Such as our preparations here by praying at the shrine for the kami of the mountain for a safe ascent that honors Fuji-san."

Toku nodded slowly. "Wise words indeed." She then laughed a little after they prayed to the shrine, resulting in an inquiring glance from Colombe.

"I... underestimated you when we first met. At the time, I saw you as an arrogant gaijin who looked down on The Land of the Gods , like many others who I had heard of during that time. Not as a pilgrim looking to gain understanding humbly - well as humbly as you can, which is not very!" Colombe laughed and stuck out her tongue at Toku, which caused the Masamune's cheeks to redden as she finished her explanation. "And now I learn a piece of wisdom as I venture out into the unknown path ahead of me."

Colombe took Toku's hand and squeezed it gently. "Nervous?" A hesitant nod answered her. "Excited?" A more confident nod. "So am I. Now, Fuji-san awaits us."

"Indeed it does." A voice to their right sounded and both looked to see a shrine maiden with pink hair in cherry blossom patterned robes by a small stand. "Avalanche threats have closed Subashiri and Gotemba trails and I do not recommend that you use them. Your best choice is Tsuki e no jōshō now."

Tokunotakai's eyes widened and she bowed deeply. "I thank you for the kind advice. I confess that while I have heard of Tsuki e no jōshō, I do not know how to get there from here."

A serene smile. "Few do. From the fifth station of Subashiri, head north toward Kofuji peak and pray at the Komitake Shrine that you find in your path."

Colombe bowed in turn. "Thank you very much. I wish to purchase two walking staves for myself and my companion along with two headbands, although I am unclear as to which ones to get since I do not read kanji..."

Toku picked two out. "These two, they say Tōkon. Fighting spirit."

Colombe smiled as she paid the miko. "Perfect. You told me that these are used in kendo and were originally worn under a helmet in war to keep sweat from the eyes of a samurai and pad the head?"

Toku took the hachimake and tied one around Colombe's forehead before doing the same with her own dark hair. "Yes. now they show that the wearer is filled with the spirit written on them."

Colombe handed the staff to Toku and squared her shoulders at the looming bulk of the mountain ahead. "Well then, let us draw upon our fighting spirit to fulfill our promise to climb Fuji-san."

As they left the shrine, Konohananosakuya-hime watched them go with a knowing smile on her face as she put away the money that the two junior kami had offered her.

-----------------------------
Spoiler: Ascent

Komitake Shrine, 6.9 kilometers from the summit, 2000 meter elevation

Colombe dug the end of her staff into the virgin snow of the path and heaved herself up another step up the slope. While her legs were burning with the efforts of the last four hours as they continually trekked up the mountain slopes, it was a old and familiar pain. Unlike Tokunotakai's experiences.

With that she looked back at her Masamune love. The elder sword was certainly fit and active, but had never subjected herself to the grueling push of unrelenting constant effort that Colombe had in her centuries of exploration and war. Measuring the determined look in Toku's eyes, and the tightness of her grip on her walking staff, the Muramasa came to a decision. "Once we reach the top of the ridge here we take a brief rest."

Toku nodded and levered herself up through the ankle-deep snow covering the steps to the shrine as they made their way through the cedar trees. "Hai, Co-chan." She then continued up the path to the top and looked around briefly as they entered a small clearing. The woods were hushed, and she could see several crows int he upper branches surveying them curiously.

Then her eyes narrowed at the sight of the simple shrine in the middle.
Spoiler: Komitake Shrine


"This is the Shrine?" Colombe asked as she unslung her pack with a hiss of relief

"Hai, it is." Toku gave a gentle smile as she lowered her own pack and sat on a boulder. She then whispered a prayer and her eyes glowed. "It is warded too, and...there is a well four meters to your right. We can draw water there to purify ourselves for our prayers."

Colombe nodded and then moved in the indicated direction, finally finding the promised well with a stone cover. Lifting it off, she frowned. "Rats, it's too far down. Hm. To-chan, can you get me my true body? I have a spell that should work."

Tokunotakai pulled Colombe's rapier body and swordbelt out from her pack and carried them over as the Muramasa cleaned out the basin for the water.

Colombe drew herself and saluted the well, then gestured with her swordpoint, a rolling blue-green aura surrounding her blade. "Right, let's do this. Ο Ποσειδώνας φέρει το νερό από την άνοιξη!" With a roar, water shot forth in a rope to fill the basin as the ground shook slightly. Colombe smugly smirked at a somewhat wide-eyed Toku. "Ta-da!"

Toku blinked twice and then bowed. "Impressive. What was that spell you used?"

Colombe shrugged. "I called upon Poseidon, ah the Greek deity of the ocean and earthquakes among other things. I had a very old girlfriend teach me that invocation, actually shortly after I found out what I truly was."

Toku nodded and pulled her own sword body out of her pack. "There is a story involved there, I suspect."

"Oh yes. This happened, oh back in 1745. At the time I was working as a mercenary in the Mediterranean and got hired to protect a trade ship out of Venice to Istanbul. Well we got attacked by pirates enroute, and boarded." Colombe's eyes grew distant and she had a smug smile. "anyway, it was a rough fight, especially since they had a mage. I was dueling him while I fought off the boarding party and deflected a Blasting Curse he tossed into the quarterdeck where one of our cannons was being loaded. Well it exploded and the blast knocked me over the far rail."

Toku's eyes widened as the Muramasa laughed. "So I landed in the water with sword in hand and decided to swim for it. Fortunately, I had learned, and also the Aegean is filled with islands. I wasn't feeling that strong, though, so dropped my sword to keep afloat." Colombe shook her head. "Back then I had no fucking clue that I was the sword, I just knew that it was magical and was 'right' in my hands. Anyway, I found out the hard way that if my avatar is separated from my blade by a certain distance, this 'me' blinks out and reforms wherever my sword is."

Toku shook her head. "So you would have...reformed where your sword was?"

Colombe laughed. "Oh yes. Fortunately, I immediately realized that I was deep underwater, and cast the Bubble-Head Charm to get myself some breathable air. Remind me to teach you that one just in case. Of course I had no clue where I was, so cast a divination spell, then started walking the way it suggested I go. Eventually I walked ashore... days later perhaps? You lose track of time underwater."

"I finally made landfall on a rather nice uncharted island. With only one inhabitant who found me when I crawled ashore."

Toku blinked, "Didn't this get made into Lady Chastity #2, Lady Chastity and the Witch of the Waves?"

"Oh yes. In brief, she nursed me back to health although I had a few suspicions about her and her suspiciously tame housepets. So I seduced her...well we seduced each other, she really really did not like men. Then I did some research while playing dumb, helped by the fact that Professor Aetos had taught me Old Greek so I could read her scrolls and figured out that she was Circe. Not wishing to find out what kind of an animal she would turn me into when she tired of my skills in her bed, I decided to escape first. I recognized one of the potions she had brewed as Felix Felicis, so I swiped and chugged it and then blind Apparated myself off the island." Colombe smirked, "I wasn't lying when I told her that I was terrible at brewing potions, but I paid attention in class when it came time to identify them."

"Anyway, I popped back into Papa's castle and after the family reunion took a horse for Austria since Circe was associated with ships and supposedly a vicious bitch who lived on that island. Spent the next decade out skirmishing with the Ottomans and Italians well away from salt water until I got the notice that Papa had died, which is a different tale." Colombe finished as her face clouded.

Toku hugged her and then nodded to the basin. "Still, let us pray now."

Colombe nodded and began to wash her hands and mouth. "We wash our hands and mouth to purify ourselves, ring the bell twice if present to alert the Kami to our presence, bow twice to the Kami, then clap twice to signify our wish to speak, and finally bow once more, correct?"

"Hai, and then leave an offering. For this shrine, I brought daifuku cakes."

Colombe frowned thoughtfully at the enshrined object as she carefully left her pink-colored daifuku rice cake at the shrine."That is a bronze axhead, but..not a weapon, I think. A tool, perhaps."

"A woodsman's axe, such as I saw in my youth." Toku said thoughtfully. "Perhaps it could be...." She walked around the clearing and then paused as a patch of undergrowth faded like mist to reveal a path leading away. "Co-chan, I believe that we have found our path to the summit of Fuji-san."

Colombe shouldered her pack. "Well let's be about it. Daylight is fading."

 

Harry Leferts

Walking through the base, Tanaka smiled a bit and glanced to the side where Akebono was beside him. At first, the Destroyer didn't notice until she looked up and flushed a bit, "What? Is there something on my face, you Shitty Admiral?"

Lightly chuckling, the new Admiral ruffled her hair which made her squawk a bit, "It is nothing, Akebono. Just thinking over some things..."

Akebono raised an eyebrow before huffing and looking away, "I am sure that you were."

Humming, Tanaka placed his hands into his pockets, "Yes, such as if you and Kasumi enjoyed your gifts for White Day. At least I hope that you did."

Both Destroyers flushed at that before Kasumi, who had been silent up to this point, spoke up, "Hai, we did. And it was... acceptable, I guess." Wagging a finger, she ignored her own blush, "Just don't be bringing up that sort of thing!"

Unable to help himself, Tanaka laughed a bit and ruffled her hair, "I am glad then that you enjoyed the cakes." He then turned his attention towards the building that they were heading towards, "Well, there were a few delays, but it seems that they're finally finished with the Summoning Pool." Scratching his head, the Admiral frowned a bit, "Which means that we can get to work summoning soon."

Lips pressed thinly together, Akebono snorted, "Ugh, don't remind me! We should have been finished back in February, not part of the way through March!"

A frown on her face, the other Destroyer shook her head, "It could not be helped much, I am afraid. What with the storms and the like. I am just surprised that we finally finished! Heck, I was expecting it to be April before we could do anything."

Tanaka had a small frown on his own face, "Though that does beg the question of how many ships we might get back. While there is still a number..."

Glancing at her fellow shipgirl, Kasumi shook her head, "There are those five Natural Borns that Harry-Chan informed us of. If we awaken them, we could pad out our numbers some up here."

Only humming, the Admiral gave a slight nod, "That is true... though we're waiting on them to see if they come or not, right?"

Crossing her arms, Akebono scowled, "And they are taking their time to do so. Harry-Chan told them that we might have a job for them after all if they come here. Ugh! I hate having to wait!"

Just looking at her, Tanaka wagged a finger, "Yes, and?" A small smile on his face, he shook his head, "We're going to give them the time and space that they need. It is not like we are in that desperate need quite yet."

Both Destroyers sighed at that before they reached the Summoning Pool and entered the building. It was less than a minute to reach the actual Summoning area and there was a large number of the base personnel that were there. As well were the spiritual components of the ritual that were there. One was a Buddhist Priest speaking with a Shinto Priest... as well as a Ainu Village Chief. Upon seeing Tanaka, the three quieted down and waited until the Admiral reached them and bowed, with them bowing back. Much to his surprise though, the Ainu bowed deeply before holding out his hand, "Thank you, Admiral Tanaka."

Somewhat confused, Tanaka frowned a little bit, "For what?"

In reply, the Ainu man raised an eyebrow and gestured at the still empty summoning pool, "For this, for the honour that you have brought to my people. Know that we consider you a friend."

Glancing at the floor of the Pool, Tanaka felt a slight bit of heat rise to his cheeks. Various Summoning Pools in Japan used tiles at the bottom to create a picture. Some were of nature scenes, or mythological beings. The Summoning Pool at Kushiro followed that... with the exception that it was not Japanese imagery being used. Because the tiles at the floor of the pool showed slightly choppy sea and from it rose a Killer Whale spouting, while a mischievous young man with a harpoon rode it.

The Kamuy, Repun Kamuy, who ruled over the seas in Ainu mythology.

For several moments, Tanaka was silent. Then he turned to the Ainu Chief and smiled a bit, "One of the things that struck me that I have heard from shipgirls, not just mine, was that they were returning because they wished to wash themselves clean of the past. That by protecting the future, they could overcome their past." Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted one of the television cameras for a local station filming and continued, not caring how some might take his words, "Hence, I feel it best to overcome the past for a brighter future. Hokkaido is the Land of the Ainu, it is only just honour to acknowledge this when building this pool by having Repun Kamuy as it's symbol."

Understanding with a glance at the camera, the Ainu Chief bowed a bit once more and stepped back. For his part, Tanaka glanced at the other shipgirls there. His girls... Each one of them gave him a nod or a smile and he stepped up to the pier overlooking the pool and took a deep breath before being handed a small device. Pausing, he looked towards the Ainu Chief whose eyes widened a touch before he walked up beside him. With a glance towards the cameras, he whispered softly, "You are taking a risk, Admiral."

A smirk on his face, Tanaka whispered back, "Not the first time." Holding out the device, he waited until the Ainu also grasped it. On it was two switches and the looked at each other before they flipped one switch and turned back to the pool. Almost immediately, there was a slight rumbling sound before water began to gush in and fill the pool and everyone there could smell salt. Which was not a surprise as the water came direct from the ocean after all.

Water began to rush over the artwork and slowly rose upwards as they watched. The picture at the bottom of the pool seemed to take on a new life, seeming to shift a bit here and there as the water above flowed with waves lapping against the side of the pool. It did not take long for the water level to reach the proper height and Tanaka bowed at the Ainu who bowed back before walking back to the Shinto Priest and Buddhist Priest.

Once he was back, the Base's own band began to play Kimigayo while Lieutenant Hokubu, recently promoted like others, sang the words as various personnel came to attention. The song was soon followed by Warship March, after which the three religious figures began to bless and sanctify the pool.

However, unknown to those there, just outside the building was a pile of old material left over from building it. Slowly, the steel, along with the cans inside of a recycle bin nearby, began to dissolve into motes of light and flow into the building through a window. At the same time, the left over fuel from the construction equipment. Inside, various MPs blinked as they swore their guns got lighter all of a sudden and gave confused looks at them.

Feeling a prickling on his neck as the Ainu performed the rites for the Kamuy, Tanaka's eyes widened slightly. Especially as he realized what it meant and just as the last rite was performed, Akebono gasped and turned towards the pool. Not realizing everyone's attention was on her, she furrowed her eyebrows, "I am hearing twelve shafts!?"

Before anyone could say anything, there was a burst from the water and three girls stood there. One of them was obviously a Destroyer who wore a white and light blue school girl uniform with a cap on her head that had a blue ribbon. Much to Tanaka's confusion, she had what looked like a Wakaba mark on her hat. Along with that, she had brown hair that changed to a reddish color at the tips. Snapping off a salute, she took a deep breath, "Destroyer Nashi... or, um..." For a moment, she seemed unsure before nodding, "Or JDS Wakaba, reporting!"

Just behind her was two others, both of them being Carriers. The two of them wore Kimonos whose sleeves for some reason looked almost like wings, one with white hair and blue eyes and the other having brown hair and eyes. Catching sight of them, the brown haired one was the first to salute, "Improved Shoukaku Class, Chidzu!"
On her side, the silver haired one also saluted, "Built from the keel up as an Armoured Carrier, Improved Shoukaku Class, Ryukaku!"

More than one jaw dropped at that and they all looked at each other before Akebono facepalmed, "Oh boy... What the fuck is going on here...?"

The old Ainu Chief looked at a stunned Tanaka and chuckled a little, "Well now, this is rather unexpected, I think."

Shaking it off, Tanaka sighed a bit with a slight smile, "Unexpected, yes. Welcome? Very much so." Throat clearing, he took a deep breath before letting it out as he saluted them, "Thank you for returning and welcome home."

All the three shipgirls did was salute him right back with smiles on their faces.

 

Yellowhammer

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part III)...

Komitake Shrine, 6.9 kilometers from the summit, 2000 meter elevation
Spoiler: The Tsuki E No Jōshō

Colombe looked at the trail that had just appeared between two trees encircled by a shimenawa rope. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she realized that the rope was part of an obscuring and muggle-repellent network in the shrine.

"I agree, this must be the start of the Tsuki e no jōshō route that we were going to climb. Shall we, To-chan?" The Muramasa rapier said thoughtfully as she buckled her swordbelt to her side.

Tokunotakai smiled in response and then slid her own true self through her belt loop. "Hai. We should see how far that we can get before we need to camp and rest in preparation to see goraikō."

Colombe looked at Tokunotakai curiously. "That is... 'arrival of light'?"

The Masamune katana nodded. "Correct. It is the view from the top of Fuji-san of Amaterasu-ōmikami as she travels from the east to shine upon the Land of the Rising Sun at the breaking of dawn."

Colombe hmmed thoughtfully. "Something to look forward to then. Well we should get goin---" She broke off as she stepped between the trees and the 竹取翁 kanji formed on her staff. "What is that about?"

Tokunotakai smiled serenely as she followed and an identical 竹取翁 kanji formed on her staff. "It is the name of Taketori no Okina, The Old Man Who Harvests Bamboo. I see that the legend about this trail being associated with the Tale of Princess Kaguya is true, and I suspect that the names of other people and places from her story will appear as we travel it."

Colombe smiled and began to descend the ridge toward the next faintly glowing magical trail marking. "You will have to tell me the tale as we travel then, To-chan."

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

As dusk fell, Colombe grunted in effort as they approached a rock tied with a shimenawa. They had left the forest behind and all that was around her was volcanic rock, ash, snow, and ice. The going had been treacherous and she blessed the mountaineering staff that she had bought, along with the rope that she had hastily summoned to tie herself to Tokunotakai.

She bowed to the marker in respect and felt her staff warm as yet another kanji imprinted itself upon her staff to join the seven already there. She turned it and looked at the 月の都 kanji curiously as Toku struggled up the slope to join her. The elder sword shook her head wearily. "Tsuki no Miyako, the Capital of the Moon. I think... we would be wise to find shelter for the night, Co-chan."

Colombe nodded and looked around, summoning a ball of light to illuminate the area. "There! That dark spot looks to be a cave." She pointed at a small ledge thirty meters away.

Tokunotakai whispered through chattering lips, "Good enough for me." With that they struck off the path as snow began to fall around them.

Colombe looked at the rock as they entered. "It is a lava tube. I saw these before in the Sahara and elsewhere. In an eruption, molten rock carved these out from the core of the mountain." Toku nodded wearily then gasped as she lowered the pack to the rock floor of the tube. Colombe meanwhile gestured, forming alarm and privacy wards before dropping her pack.

"There. To-chan, how are you holding up?" Colombe looked at Tokunotakai with concern.

"Sore. Tired. I never knew that my legs could hurt so." the Masamune replied.

Colombe nodded and pulled out a small flask from her pack. "Here, take two sips of this. It's brandy laced with healing potion. You are just not used to this level of continuous effort."

Toku took the flask and drank. "Hai. It is... different than the dojo. Is it always like this?"

Colombe shrugged as she dug out her sleeping bag. "Sometimes. Sometimes worse. Do me a favor and attach our two sleeping bags together then eat one of the high energy bars I packed for you, and get in the bag. Now where did I...?"

Toku wearily complied and then wiggled into the double sleeping bag. Colombe gave her a smile. "Good. Now strip down. Once I find the heating and healing salve I'll rub it into your legs and back so you won't cramp up. Expansion charms are so useful for this."

Toku paused while unlacing her second boot. "Aren't you hurting too?"

"I am, but I'm used to this. Compared to walking out of the Congo, or really any of my African trips when I had to abandon a dead horse and keep going on foot with the necessities of life, this is not that bad. It's just uphill. At least we are close to the summit. So we rest here until before sunrise then head up. Aha! I knew it was in here!" Colombe pulled out a brown stoneware jug triumphantly as Toku's sweatshirt and jeans flew out of the sleeping bag.

"Right, just relax." Colombe pulled off her boots and crawled into the size-expanded enchanted sleeping bags alongside Toku and began to use the oil from the jug to massage Toku's legs.

"Aiii! What is in that thing you brewed, it is like liquid fire, burning and soothing at once!" Toku hissed as strong but gentle fingers rubbed the massage oil in as her abused muscles unknotted.

"I'm not sure, To-chan. Umitsubame made it for me when I asked her last week. To be honest, I'm terrible at brewing potions." Colombe shrugged as she felt the Masamune loosen up under her ministrations. "Now roll over so I can get that ankle of yours taken care of."

"Hai, Co-chan." Toku sighed in relief as she melted in Colombe's arms.

--------------------------------
Spoiler: The Trek to the Summit

Tsuki e no jōshō Station 8, 0.6 km from the summit, 2950 meter elevation

Colombe shook the amorous octopus that she was sharing a sleeping bag with. "Time to wake up, To-chan."

"mmmph" Tokunotakai mumbled something indistinct.

Colombe kissed Toku's ear and then whispered. "Fuji-san awaits, To-chan."

Blue-green eyes blinked open in the predawn darkness and then focused on the blonde visible in the light of a Lumos spell. "Hai. Co-chan. One moment." With that Tokunotakai kissed Colombe passionately and gave her a firm hug. "Thank you for being there for me on my journey, Co-chan. Now, let us ascend Fuji-san together."

Colombe nodded and began to pull fresh clothes from her pack.

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

After a breakfast of a trail ration bar each and snowmelt water, the two swords made their way out onto the pristine snow. At a unspoken communication, they proceeded up the slope toward the looming summit ahead.

An hour later as the stars in the eastern sky began to fade, the two passed through a magically enchanted torii gate just below the summit hand in hand. As they did so, the final kanji formed on their walking sticks.

富士山

Mount Fuji.

Colombe looked into Toku's eyes and gave a weary but triumphant smile, matched by Tokunotakai's own smile. The two then turned to the east as the sky lightened and leaned against each other.
Spoiler: Goraikō

Tokunotakai softly sang as the first rays of sunlight illuminated the tears of joy on her and Colombe's faces. After a moment, Colombe joined in on the singing of Kimigayo.

Kimigayo wa
Chiyo ni yachiyo ni
Sazare-ishi no
Iwao to narite
Koke no musu made

Colombe then glanced down at Toku. "So, now we pray at the shrine here to give thanks to the kami for our safe trek to the summit and then make our way down?"

"After we take pictures, yes." With that Toku took out her smartphone and snapped photos of Colombe, who retaliated with her own phone. After the photos and video of each other, the clouds below, and the rising sun, they headed to the nearby shrine at the lip of the crater.
Spoiler: Kususha Shrine


Colombe raised an eyebrow at the pink-haired miko waiting for them and bowed low. "Greetings again... Konohananosakuya-hime. I thank you for your guidance."

The mountain kami matched the bow. "And greetings to you both, Colombe d'Aubigny-Muramasa du Chasteler, Masamune-no-Tokuntakai. You are welcome. I trust that you found what you sought when you tested yourselves against me?"

Tokunotakai bowed, "Hai. It was enlightening for us both. Truly there are two types of fools: those who have never climbed Fuji, and those who climb Fuji more than once."

Colombe nodded agreement. "Do you have any advice for us?" The blonde inquired gently as she adjusted her hachimaki headband slightly.

"Merely this. You may wish to take the trail down from Hakusandake Peak." An enigmatic smile flickered around the mountain kami's lips.

Toku smiled, "The highest of the Eight Peaks of Fuji-san. Very well, we shall. Again, thank you very much for your consideration to these humble pilgrims." With that she bowed and handed over the last of their daifuku cakes as an offering to the spirit of the mountain that they had just climbed..

 

Harry Leferts

"MY SUPPLIES!"

Blinking, Chidzu gives an unsure look at the odd looking Battleship who is on her knees crying out to the sky, "Is... is she okay?"

Just sighing, Tanaka gave a nod, "She is, just give her a few moments-"

Eyebrow twitching, the purple haired Destroyer walked up and smacked Settsu who was dressed up as Ooyodo on the head, "Knock it off, you Shitty Battleship! You are not Ooyodo!"

Rapidly standing up, Settsu adjusted her glasses so that the light glinted off them, "I have no idea what you mean, I am the Light Cruiser, Ooyodo, first of my class." She then slumped, "My supplies..."

An expression of bemusement, Ryukaku looked at him and Tanaka shrugged a little bit. Granted, inside of his head he was laughing a little, 'The Dragon guarding a hoard, indeed.'

Meanwhile, in Yokosuka, a certain Light Cruiser was growling as a dark aura rose from her. With one raised eyebrow, Goto chuckled a bit before going back to his work even as she grumbled about killing a certain cosplaying Battleship. After all, chances were that if she spotted him, she would pile on more work.

It was what she usually did when she saw him taking amusement at her expense.

Back in Kushiro, Tanaka hummed a bit as he looked over some files before closing the folder and looking up at the three newest ships of his. The two Carriers seemed extremely interested in his office and some of what was around, though they turned to him when he cleared his throat, "I am sure that you have a number of questions, just like I do as well." Placing his hands on the folder, he gave a smile, "I hope that you do not mind much if I ask some to get a better idea of what is going on here."

Chidzu waved her hand a bit, "No, no, we're actually fine with this. Though... um..." Glancing at the calendar, she frowned, "I... take it that it has been some time since the war?"

From where she stood beside Tanaka, Kasumi nodded, "It has. The year is 2014, or Heisei 26, the Emperor being Hirohito's son, Emperor Akihito."

Another voice spoke up, "We lost the war, I remember that. But..." When they turned to her, Nashi continued, "While we lost the war, the Americans were not exactly cruel and helped us rebuild." Seeing the looks, the Destroyer blushed a bit, "I served in the JMSDF until the 1970s, so I saw a lot."

With a small nod, Tanaka smiled, "That is good to know, Nashi. And we're happy to have you back."

Ryukaku frowned a bit and furrowed her eyebrows, "I do have a question..." Once she got a nod, she took a deep breath, "You brought us back in a ritual, so I was wondering how much you know?"

Leaning back, the Admiral considered how to best to answer the question and nodded, "If you are asking about if we know about magic, Yokai, and the like, we do. While the Statute is still operating, it is falling apart rapidly. Enough so that the truth about magic will be more well known within a few years we expect."

Jaw dropped, Nashi looked back and forth, "W-wait... magic exists?! And so do Yokai?!"

Arms crossed Kasumi gave her a look combined with a raised eyebrow before gesturing both at herself and Nashi, her next words getting a slight blush from the newly summoned Destroyer, "We are both currently talking to one another as girls, instead of ships. And you wonder if magic exists?"

Cheeks flushed, the JMSDF Destroyer looked away, "I... suppose that it was a silly question."

Waving her off though, Tanaka shook his head, "It was not that silly of a question. And to be honest, I am still getting used to the idea myself." Seeing as Nashi relaxed, he frowned for a few moments before turning back to the Carriers, "I take it that this means that you are both of the magical side of the navy then?"

Just nodding, Chidzu bowed slightly, "Hai, that is correct, Teitoku."

Thoughtful, the Admiral hummed a bit, "I see... though, I do have a question." When they looked at him and nodded, he continued, "Improved Shoukaku Class?"

Straightening a little, Ryukaku nodded, "Hai, we are an improved version. As the Taihou was being designed by the No-Majs, our designers looked at the modifications and added them to a version of the Shoukaku design that was an Armoured Carrier from the keel up. I, myself was built in a shipyard within a caldera not far from where Yokosuka was."

Hand against her chest, Chidzu continued, "And I was built in a shipyard in the Ryukyu Islands."

When they turned back to her, her older sister smiled, "I first set sail in 1941 out of my birthplace. I was heading to participate in Operation MO when I was... sunk."

Eyes narrowing, Tanaka leaned forward, "And what sunk you, if I may ask? From what little information we have, it was unknown."

Lips pressed together, Ryukaku shook her head some, "I... my pilots identified several unidentified vessels. They were not Japanese, of that I can be certain. In fact, they looked like ships from before the turn of the century and yet... wrong in some manner. My Captain felt that they might have been from MACUSA and that they might have pulled them out of some boneyard to use against Magical Japan. And being as we were heading to fight the No-Majs, he felt that it would be best if we got in some, ah... target practice in first being that they were all old ships even then. And so he ordered us to attack."

If anything, that made the Admiral's eyes narrow still further with Akebono, Kasumi, and Settsu all becoming serious, "I take it that it was not as easy as he believed and that they punched well above their weight."

At realizing that he made a statement, but not a question, Ryukaku frowned a little but continued, "Hai. In fact it was as if we were fighting a fleet of nearly modern ships. But the ones that sank me were three smaller ones. Their decks were just above the waterline and the first sign any of us had that something was wrong was when the lead one seemed to bump above the water revealing a head that had a... large chin, from which a torpedo launched and revealed that they were Torpedo Rams. I was far too close and they hit me amidships. The other two were alongside me and launched multiple torpedoes from what I assume to be underwater torpedo tubes." Grimacing, a shudder went through her, "I took no less than ten on either side and rapidly sank. Though I know that my pilots killed them and their fellows."

Suddenly a growl could be heard from Nashi who flushed as she placed a hand against her stomach, "Um... hehe? Oops?"

That was followed by two larger growls that shook the room as both Chidzu and Ryukaku placed their own hands against their stomachs, brightly blushing. Rapidly blinking, Chidzu looked down at her belly, "I... I'm hungry?"

Eyes rolling, Akebono crossed her arms and huffed, "Of course you are! You're not just a ship anymore, but also a girl! And girls get hungry!"

Before either of the newly summoned shipgirls could talk, the door opened and Kamoi walked in pushing a cart piled high with various foods, "Did someone state that they were hungry? Because I brought some food."

Much to the relief of Tanaka and others, the food was normal Japanese fare, and not the sort of thing that the white haired shipgirl was known for. Not noticing, the two Carriers began to drool as Kamoi piled rice bowls high and handed them to the two shipgirls, with a smaller portion for Nashi. Soon after, it basically turned into the three shipgirls eating as Tanaka explained about the current war while the newly summoned listened. None more so than Ryukaku herself who frowned some, "So that was what sunk me... those Abyssals."

Swallowing her mouthful, Chidzu frowned and shook her head, "Better then me... I was sunk by American Bombers. Pretty sure that they were squibs as they knew exactly where to hit when I was in dock despite the wards." After a couple of bites of beef stew, she snorted some, "At least Sado was not summoned yet."

Confused, Kasumi looked at her, "Sado...?"

In reply, the Carrier motioned with her chopsticks, "An Armoured Carrier. They took the idea of that one Carrier, Shinano I think that she was called? Anyways, they went with a modified version of the B-65s from the Keel up. Only met her a few times, but... more than a little nuts. Always talking about how her boilers were burning hot for her Commander while stating she made the rest of us obsolete. Barely got out of the dock, from memory, before she was torpedoed and sunk."

Tanaka felt a shiver go down his back and looked around before shaking his head, 'Wonder what that was about...'

Once they were finished, Ryukaku smiled a bit and bowed, "Well, it would seem that we are in your care, Teitoku. Please take care of us."

Scoffing, Akebono looked at Tanaka with a sneer on her face, "This Shitty Admiral? You don't need to worry about it. If there is one thing that he is good at, it is taking care of us."

Beside the Admiral, Kasumi was nodding in agreement before jabbing her finger at him, "Even if that means that he doesn't take care of himself as he should!"

As the two berated him, Tanaka only leaned back with a grin, which only made the two Destroyers tsun all the harder much to the amusement of the others. Moments later, they had new targets for their ire as I-371 poked her head in with a bowl of fruit and a can of whipped cream, "Oh, Teitoku~ I head that we had new friends and thought that we could bring... dessert~"

Needless to say, the two Destroyers turned their full Tsun up to maximum as the newly summoned looked on and giggled a bit. They felt like they were going to like it there, for the comedy if nothing else...

 

Yellowhammer

Harry Leferts said:
This was pretty great, though... it seems that there might be an adventure awaiting them still.​

The Kaiju is Wise....

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

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part IV)...

Hakusandake Peak, Summit of Mount Fuji

Colombe smiled happily as she reached the summit and turned in a slow circle, the wind blowing her golden hair around her face as she gazed out upon the sunlit clouds and land of Japan below her. Next to her, Tokunotakai smiled in turn as she surveyed her homeland laid out beneath her.

"It is beautiful, isn't it, To-chan?"

"Hai, Co-chan, it is." Toku blinked tears from her eyes - surely the wind! - as she admired the love of her life, and then snapped photos of Colombe plus a video montage. She whispered as the Muramasa rapier automatically posed with one hand on her hilt while the rising sun haloed her in light, "you are...."

"Now for the trail down." Colombe spoke as she sketched a sinuous shape in the air with a fingertip while chanting in Chinese. Her eyes glowed silver. "Aha, enchantments on that massive boulder to the northwest. That is probably the start of the trail down."

Toku nodded and hefted her staff as she looked at the revealed pathway down next to the boulder. "I agree. Why are you pulling out the rope, Co-chan?"

Colombe tied the summoned rope to her waist. "Because until you are back home, you need to take precautions. Just because you are heading home does not mean that the worst can happen."

Tokunotakai nodded and then shrugged as she submitted to the safety line being tied to her.

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

Four hours later, they were well downslope from the peak. Colombe smirked smugly as the trail turned across an old lava flow to enter the forest. "Clever of the mages, someone persuaded the muggles to build a tunnel through this part of the mountain rather than cut a canyon. and it even has retaining walls 'for rockslides' which prevent us being seen by the cars on the road below us. Add in some illusion and notice-me-not work on the path, and we are invisible to the tourists driving by. So, To-chan, want to hike up the road and take a bus out?"

Toku shook her head as she untied the rope. "I'd rather walk in the forest with you to the end of the trail. It seems a little more romantic than trudging along the pavement."

Colombe nodded as she untied and coiled the rope in her pack. "I agree, and I'd rather walk in the shade myself." With that, she led the way along the trail into the awaiting forest.
Spoiler: The Sea of Trees.


As the two blades entered the forest, the air seemed to deaden and mist crept to envelop them. The sun faded and an eerie hush filled the woods. Colombe turned in place and her eyes widened as instead of the chiseled stone steps that they had descended out of the lava flow, a solid unclimbable wall of volcanic stone confronted her in place of the path that she had descended.

"Um, To-chan? I think that the path is one-way..."

Tokunotakai's own eyes widened and her face paled. "Aokigahara..." she whispered as her knuckles clenched white on her hilt.
Spoiler: The Suicide Forest

Colombe's own eyes scanned the mist shrouded woods and she slowly drew herself, tensing. "To-chan...what is Aokigahara?" Colombe asked in a whisper.

Tokunotakai gulped as she drew herself in turn. "It is a forest north and west of Mount Fuji. Inhabited by yokai, creatures of magic, and yūrei, the restless spirits of the dead. It is... a popular place for people to end their lives. Hundreds travel here every year and...never return. In the past, during the years before I was born, those elderly who were a burden to their families were taken here to die." The Masamune licked dry lips as she whispered in an equally hushed tone.

Colombe's eyes narrowed as she examined the faintly glowing trail markers leading into Aokigahara. "Right. Can't go back the way we came, and these woods are enchanted with confusion spells, if we head off the path we will probably wander in circles and get utterly lost." Her lips thinned. "In that case, nothing to do but go ahead. But To-chan, we are doing this prepared. We will tie ourselves together with the rope, so we do not get separated, and in the event of trouble fight back to back. Keep a shielding spell up at all times, and a light spell for illumination too."

"H-hai."

The Masamune tied the rope to her waist and then tied her avatar to Colombe's as the Muramasa gave her a cocky smile and a kiss. "Don't worry, To-chan, I won't let you come to harm."

Tokunotakai nodded as she drew herself again and held her blade in a two-handed grip as a brilliant flaming orange aura surrounded the steel and the kanji for Heroic Courage flared to life on her true body. "I am ready, Co-chan." She declared resolutely as she followed Colombe into the woods.

Aokigahara Forest (The Sea of Trees)

Colombe frowned as she continued along the trail, breaking the way for Tokunotakai. She was no stranger to places of darkness, but these woods were making her instincts scream louder with every step along the path. For a brief moment as she stepped over a rotting log, she flashed back to Le Mort Homme outside Verdun, remembering the knowledge that something inhuman was watching her there, waiting for her to make a mistake so IT could claim her. Sweat ran down her hilt from her palm as she clenched her gold-glowing sword tighter, and she reviewed her arsenal of combat spells again as her eyes flickered from tree to moss covered rock to bush.

Presently they reached a dark colored stream flowing from Fuji. A pair of trees hewn down crossed the stream as a crude bridge and Colombe halted at the edge eyes narrowed at the steam rising from the stream. Her eyes widened as a ripple in the stream revealed a bone-white skull in the riverbed, obviously the corpse of a traveler through these haunted woods. "One at a time, To-chan."

The Masamune nodded, her face was filled with an expression of calm determination. Colombe's already high regard for Tokunotakai raised another notch. If these woods were unnerving her, a survivor of the hell of the Western Front and someone who had traveled through equally dark and haunted woods in the Congo, how much worse must it be for her inexperienced companion to have heard the terrifying stories of Aokigahara while sheltered in her shrine and for her first trip outside the safe walls to be here?

I won't let Toku come to harm even if I have to fight my way through every creature and spirit in these woods and burn the forest to the ground to boot. I swear.

With that oath, she crossed the bridge, on edge to defend herself. On the far side, she nodded to Toku. "Your turn, To-chan."

The Masamune nodded and crossed in turn. As Toku's booted feet hit the moss-covered lava stone of the path, a female scream sounded from the woods to the pair's left.

"Aiii! Mercy, please!!"

Colombe grabbed Toku's shoulder to stop the Masamune's charge forward, and hissed. "Wait, it may be a trap!" With that the Muramasa summoned a second rope and hastily tied it around her waist and then a tree next to the bridge. "This way we can follow it back to the path. "

The Masamune nodded as another scream sounded. "Hai. But we need to help whoever it is... just in case."

Colombe nodded. "You take point, To-chan, I'll back you up."

Toku nodded and leapt off the path into the undergrowth, blade held ready.

Twenty meters in, the Masamune paused at the edge of a clearing.

Ahead a man's voice chuckled harshly. "Oh, look, the bug wants us to play nice. Beg some more bug!"

"m-m-mercy pleas----?" The woman's voice was despairing, trailing off into a scream as a crackle of energy sounded.

Toku gently parted the leaves and froze. Ahead, in the clearing where several trees had fallen, a trio of mages stood. One of them concentrated on a web of ofuda surrounding three figures, binding them in ropes of white light. A second leaned against a tree, the insignia of an Auror plainly visible, while the third raised another ofuda, changing the ropes binding the largest one to a angry scarlet.

That was not what stayed Toku's hand, though. The largest figure trapped was a skinny and dirty jorōgumo woman, and and the horrified Masamune watched, the magical binding pulled at her spider legs, breaking one of them with a sickening crack and a whimper from the yokai. Toku realized that well over half her legs had been broken already.
Spoiler: A Jorōgumo...


The other two figures were clearly children, equally dirty and thin, one was a Jorōgumo child clearly related to the elder spider-woman...
Spoiler: Her Imouto....


...while the third was a young tanuki in equally desperate condition.
Spoiler: And Her Imouto's Best Friend


"Tell us about the smugglers!" The visible Auror demanded, a smirk on his face that caused the Masamune's blood to boil. Beside Toku, Colombe watched, trembling with rage.

"I-iii--don't know. Why don't you believe me...?" The elder jorōgumo whimpered.

"SOMEONE helped you escape the Reserve. If you won't talk... we can see if your little bug brat and her pet dog know how to swim, I suppose..."
Spoiler: NOT MY FAULT

Colombe whispered, "Cut them loose and protect them, the mages are mine."

Toku nodded. Man-eaters or not, what was happening was cruelty of the worst sort. Her dove engraving blazed white, matching the etching on Colombe's crossguard as the Muramasa flash-stepped into the clearing with the Masamune hot on her heels.

"Zawbieat Alghadab!" Colombe snarled, and a wave of air carrying twigs, branches, and volcanic black sand slammed into the mages like a sledgehammer with a savagely smirking Muramasa hot on its heels. The mage controlling the binding charms was bowled over and flew into the nearby stream.

The one at the tree staggered but threw an ofuda at the Muramasa coming his way with murder in her eyes. "Hachiman no ketsugō kusari!" The ofuda glowed white and chains of energy leapt from it to touch Colombe... and then vanished instantly.

The rapier lunged, slamming her true self to the hilt in his chest and pinning him to the tree next to him like a butterfly in a box. His despairing eyes looked into merciless crystal blue as the rapier gave a vicious smug smirk. "Hachiman wants to talk to you about invoking Him... personally." Colombe whispered into the dying Auror's face as he coughed up blood.

With that she turned... just in time to catch a bolt of scarlet energies full on.

"CRUCIO!!"

Toku's head jerked around as her true self severed the bindings for the young jorōgumo. The torturer was blasting a bolt of scarlet energy into her love, who collapsed to one knee, whimpering in pain. Then her head snapped up and her eyes locked on the mage.

"I. Have. Been. Hurt. Worse...." Colombe hissed as she slowly stood, vibrating as she took an unsteady step forward. The mage pulled out a fresh ofuda and Toku's eyes widened as she read the kanji on it.

死去

Death.

With that the Masamune flash-stepped, her blade flashing in a silver arc as for the first time in five centuries of life, she did what she had been forged to do. Carmine sprayed across moss and leaves as the Dark Wizard was cleft from head to crotch in a Men strike.

Colombe gasped as the Cruciatus curse energies faded from her and then looked at the two corpses, three Yokai staring at her with different degrees of shock and hero-worship, and the pale-faced Masamune with her blade scarlet from point to guard in the clearing. "Well, fuck me."

 

Harry Leferts

Frowning, Fubuki pressed her finger against her chin as she looked over the various vegetables that were in the base grocery store. Ironically enough, since the Yokai children had come to live with her and the others, her grocery bill had barely changed. In fact, all together they ate maybe a quarter of what Kana did. Something that sometimes they teased said Battleship about.

Mainly because they found her getting all flustered as adorable and hilarious.

Still frowning, Fubuki picked up one of the heads of lettuce that was there in thought. It had been grown in the hydroponics under the base of course according to the sign, so it was fresh. One of the benefits of living on the base, "Hmm..."

A voice though made her blink and turn to find a smiling Akagi there, "Shopping, Fubuki-Chan?"

With a nod, the Destroyer smiled, "Hai, Akagi-Senpai." Putting the head of lettuce back, she checked another, "Just choosing which ones to get."

There was a slight look of amusement on Akagi's face as she nodded, "Yes, I suppose that one would need to be careful." Picking up a bag of onions, she placed it into her own cart, "Especially with how growing children have their own needs."

Lightly chuckling, Fubuki shook her head, "You don't need to tell me, Akagi-Senpai. I know that all too well." Briefly, a frown crossed her face before she shook her head, "Considering what they went through..."

Frowning, the other shipgirl sighed, "Yes, no child should go through such a thing." As she glanced at Fubuki's cart, Akagi nodded, "Though judging by that large container of vitamins, you spoke with the base doctors?"

As she blinked, Fubuki looked herself at the container in question that contained children chewable vitamins and hummed, "I did, it was one of the first things that I did when I brought them to the base." Picking them up, she shook the container some, "They really like these and it helps them get over the deficiencies they have. But they're recovering, though slowly." Fubuki put the vitamins back into her cart, "It is slow work, but they will get there, especially with good food to go along with it."

Slowly, Akagi nodded though she chuckled which made the other shipgirl cock her head to the side. Waving her off, the Carrier shook her head, "It is nothing, Fubuki-Chan. Just that if there was anyone at all who would make sure that they would be cared for? You would be right at the top of the list, I suspect. And do an extremely good job as you would do your best to do so."

Blushing, the Destroyer bashfully smiled, "Thank you, Akagi-Senpai."

Once more, however, Akagi waved her off, "You fully deserve it." Looking over the rest of the cart, she raised an eyebrow, "Muffin mix? Cake mix?

Eyes lighting up, Fubuki held said bags up, "Hai! They're useful because they come in bulk." Holding them in her hands, she nodded, "These make a number of muffins or, in the case of the cake mixes, cupcakes. With the muffins, I can add various things like chocolate chips or the like to them to mix it up a bit. There is nothing so adorable as seeing their faces light up as they bite into a warm muffin."

Unable to help herself, Akagi laughed a bit at the image that was within her head, "Really, Fubuki-Chan?"

With a nod, the other shipgirl pulled out her phone and began going through pictures and video, "Give me one moment, Akagi-Senpai." Unnoticed by her, the Carrier in question was biting her lip in order not to say anything. Finally, Fubuki nodded and held it up, "See, this was the first time when we made some chocolate chip muffins."

Leaning in, Akagi watched as one of them, a Neko from what she had heard, took the muffin with pure awe, "Ah! Is this for me, Fubuki-San!?"

On the video, Fubuki could be heard answering the young girl, "Hai, Natsuki-Chan, this is for you. Fresh from the oven and just cooled enough to eat, so enjoy."

Eyes wide, Natsuki stared at the muffin before taking a bite and her eyes lit up, "It's so good!" Taking another bite, she hummed happily with her tails moving behind her as she bounced a bit in place, "Thank you, Fubuki-San!"

Glancing at the Destroyer in question, Akagi smiled a bit at the happy look on her face. Suddenly, Fubuki began going through her library and brought up another video, "Oh! You have got to see this one, Akagi-Senpai! It was when I gave Fu-Chan as well as Kasumi-Chan a peanut butter sandwich, their first one!'

Akagi watched as the Kitsune sniffed a piece of bread that had some peanut butter on it and cocked her head to the side like a dog. Then she turned to the screen with a frown, "Kitsune like this, Fubuki-San? Really?"

The screen bobbed a bit showing that Fubuki had nodded before she answered, "Hai, a lot of Kitsune and Inugami love peanut butter. Some of those that I know swear by it as being the food of the Kami themselves they think it is so delicious. Natsumi-San and her family being some of those."

Unable to help herself, the Carrier giggled as Fu-Chan and Kasumi, who was beside her, both gave Fubuki disbelieving looks. Moments later, Natsuki's voice could be heard as well, "Come on, Fu-Chan! Fubuki-San wouldn't have brought you something that she would not think that you would like. And maybe it is good?"

Crossing her arms, Fu-Chan frowned a bit before sighing. Taking the half of sandwich, she glanced at the screen and then at Kasumi, who took the other half. Briefly, an unsure look crossed her face before she closed her eyes and took a bite. One chew went by, and then a second and a third before she stopped. The Kitsune's tail fluffed out and her ears shot straight up, while the Inugami beside her had a similar reaction. Eyes opening, the Carrier swore that she could see sparkles in Fu-Chan's eyes, "It's... so... yummy!

Beside her, the Inugami was unable to reply as she shoved the whole sandwich into her mouth and was trying to chew it as laughs could be heard, Then, Yuudachi took pity on her and appeared with a glass of milk in her hand, "Here, Poi! Try this, it'll help."

Taking a few sips, the Inugami gasped a bit, "Gooood!"

More laughter met that both in the video and the outside world as the two Yokai proclaimed their new found love of peanut butter. Hand in front of her face, Akagi shook her head, "Oh my, they are so adorable."

Expression softening, Fubuki only nodded, "Hai, they are. And I'm happy..."

For several seconds, Akagi softly smiled at her before shaking her head, "You seem rather happy with being their guardian, Fubuki-Chan."

Also gaining a soft smile, the Destroyer sighed, "I am still not sure why, but..." She turned to Akagi and continued, "When I come home from a short patrol and see those faces just... light up at the sight of me? And how they run to hug me and the like? It does things to my boilers, like they are running warm, but not hot. A gentle warmth that makes me want to scoop them all up and hug them tightly, which I do."

Chuckling, Akagi's smile grew a touch, "Ah, I see. Well... I have felt somewhat jealous of you."

That made Fubuki blink in surprise and confusion, "Wait, you felt jealous of me?"

With a hum, the Carrier nodded, "Hai, I have." Seeing the confusion, she laughed lightly, "You have children waiting for you when you come home. Who welcome you when you enter the door... That is something precious." Placing a hand against her stomach, she sighed a bit, "One day, I look forward to the same and hope that I am as good a parent as you."

Flushed cheeks, Fubuki looked away, "I am not a Kaa-San."

If anything, that amused Akagi and she wagged a finger, "I never said that you were, Fubuki-Chan. What I said was that you are a good parent, and you are. Those children do not have any, and you have taken them under your wing. And I know that you will raise them with all the love and care that they both need and deserve."

Her cheeks feeling hotter, Fubuki hummed non-commentative. Suddenly, she smirked a bit, "Well, I am sure that you will make a good parent as well, Akagi-Senpai. Especially as some of yours might have fluffy tails as well~"

Needless to say, that time it was the Carrier's turn to blush and to live up to what her name meant...

Less than an hour later found Fubuki getting out of the van that they had gotten and walking up to the house. Before she got too far, the door opened and Fu-Chan as well as Natsuki and the others came rushing out, "FUBUKI-SAN!"

For most people, they would have been knocked on their butts by the Yokai children tackling them. But Fubuki was a shipgirl and simply laughed as they hugged her with her hugging them back, "I wasn't gone that long."

Fu-Chan just looked up at her with those eyes of hers and smiled, "Hai? But you were gone."

Only chuckling, Fubuki shook her head and smiled before heading in to put away the groceries that were within her hold, "Hai, hai... now who wants to make chocolate cupcakes?"

Various shouts from the children that they wanted to made her laugh again as she walked inside her home.

 

Harry Leferts

Sitting on the couch as the animated movie on the television was almost over, Fubuki noticed a weight against her arm and looked to the side to find a sleepy Fu-Chan leaning against her and fighting to keep her eyes open. A quick glancing around showed her that the Kitsune was not the only one which made her smile. They had all settled into their new lives well enough adapted to their changed circumstances. It brought to mind how Nagato had told her, years before when referring to Harry, that children were nothing if not adaptable as long as they had support.

Which made Fubuki also remember how hard the children were working as well. Not only did they keep their rooms clean, she had spotted them more than once cleaning parts of the house. Because if they were going to live there, they were going to keep it clean and tidy, unlike where they had lived when they were on the streets. It both made her proud and saddened at the same time.

Granted, she wondered why Yuudachi and the others had looked so amused when they caught her taking pictures of the children dressed in their cleaning outfits...

At the same time, they still kept some habits of when they lived on the street. Such as eating as fast as they could in order to make sure that they had food. Or the fact that they sometimes nearly ate themselves sick, so Fubuki and the others had to keep a close eye on them as they did eat. Just to make sure that they did not overdo it. And that was just a few of the issues.

Thankfully, they were slowly working it out with them. Fubuki, especially, showing a lot of patience with them. Recently, they had also begun getting tutored as well by Kashima in preparation for re-entering the school system. Most did not know this, but the Light Cruiser, before being awoken, was actually a paid tutor alongside her job at Lawsons. A large number of students had made use of her services and now she often helped out shipgirls who were studying and getting an educations. Which meant, she was more than willing to help out where the children were concerned.

However, at the moment, the Destroyer had another issue... or rather, a number of sleepy issues. Glancing at her friends and getting a nod, Fubuki smiled a bit, "Okay, Fu-Chan. Time for you to head to bed."

Rubbing at her eyes with one balled up fist, Fu-Chan frowned, "Mmmnot sleepy, Fubuki-San..."

One eyebrow raised, Fubuki chuckled a bit, "You're nearly falling asleep, Fu-Chan. Also, it looks like Natsuki-Chan is also falling asleep."

Said Neko was mumbling into her friend's tail which she was clutching to her, "Sorry, Fu-Chan..."

Unable to help herself, Fubuki chuckled a bit before standing up. Looking at the Oni twins, she got down, "Okay, you two get up on my back." Both Akari and Atsuko didn't need to be told twice and their arms went around the shipgirl's neck. Standing easily despite their weight, Fubuki then lifted Fu-Chan and Natsuki into her arms before smiling, "Now, let's head upstairs to bed..."

Mumbling a bit, the Kitsune mewed a little as she snuggled into the Destroyer, "Okay..."

What followed was getting the sleepy children all changed into their night clothes and brushing their teeth. Poking her head into the bedroom for the youngest members to find Mutsuki sitting on the bed beside them. The other Destroyer only gave Fubuki a glance before turning back to the storybook that was open in her lap, softly reading from it. Walking in, Fubuki gave both Nekos a kiss on their foreheads before following it with Kasumi's and the like, "Sweet dreams, you guys."

In return, she got some good nights of her own and walked out. She did poke her head in to say good night to Yoshi and Daichi, who thanked her and wished much the same back. Both boys smiling brightly at being remembered before they snuggled into their covers. Granted, part of Fubuki was amused at how there were a few shipgirl posters on their walls already. But then, she shrugged it off as there was no real issue.

Turning away, Fubuki made her way to where Fu-Chan and the others were. All four who called that room were already in bed and snuggled under the covers. Softly smiling, Fubuki made her way over and crouched down to see Fu-Chan holding Chicky close to her as she smiled up at the shipgirl, "Fubuki-San..."

Simply reaching out, the shipgirl brushed the Kitsune's hair out of her eyes, which made her sigh, "Mmm?"

With a yawn, Fu-Chan looked at her, "Um, I heard Yuudachi-San mention something about escort... Are... are you going to be leaving soon?"

Lips curling upwards a bit, Fubuki shook her head as she stroked the Kitsune's hair, "Not for at least another month, Fu-Chan. But I have already gotten several people that I trust willing to check in on you all while I am gone. And I know that they will be taking good care of you all as well. So don't worry... besides which, I will be calling you whenever possible, okay?" That got her a nod, she leaned forward and gently kissed the Yokai's brow which was followed by doing the same with Natsuki's. Going up the ladder, she did the same with the twins as well before coming down. Head tilted to the side, Fubuki chuckled a bit, "Is there anything that you might want?"

It took a few moments, but Natsuki looked up at her, "Um... can you sing for us?"

Only chuckling, the Destroyer nodded, "I can, though I don't understand why you all seem to like it. After all, my voice isn't that great."

However, Natsuki shook her head, "Uh-huh, it is really nice, Fubuki-San. And... and it helps me sleep."

Bemused, Fubuki sighed a bit before sighing, "Okay then..." Clearing her throat, she began to softly sing, "A twinkle in the night sky, far, far away... A golden star, I gazed upon in my dreams... On a sleepless evening, I sing alone... Tomorrow I'll sing with you, on the wings of a dream."

As she sang, the two Yokai's eyes slowly closed as they drifted off to sleep. Once they were asleep, Fubuki gave them a nod before getting back up and quietly leaving the room. Entering the Master Bedroom, she gave a nod to the others and got confirmation that they were all asleep as well. Getting into her sleep clothes, Fubuki paused as she felt a warm body embrace her from behind, two hands sliding across the skin of her stomach. When she looked over her shoulder, she found herself looking into the two red eyes of her friend who smiled at her, "You are really good at that, Poi. Being a parent."

Lightly blushing, Fubuki stole a kiss from her which made the other Destroyer's hair flaps waggle some. A reaction that never failed to amuse her and got a giggle like it did not, "Thank you, Yuudachi-Chan. And, well... Akagi-Senpai said the same thing."

Pulling on a nightgown, Kisaragi chuckled a bit, "Well, Akagi-San is right and so is Yuudachi-Chan."

Just shrugging, Fubuki shook her head, "Well, if you all say so than I suppose that it is true." Stretching a bit, she sighed and nodded, "Anyways, we all need to be getting to bed as well. What with the Summoning attempt tomorrow."

Mutsuki gave a nod of her own, "Hai, and maybe we can pull off what Kushiro did and get a few Carriers."

Softly snorting, Fubuki could only shake her head. It was not long after when her and the others were in a cuddlepile. As per usual, Kana was at the bottom of the pile and Fubuki was in the center. After a few good nights, they all fell asleep.

But, in the middle of the night, two eyes snapped open and their owner frowned. Shifting a bit, Fubuki looked this way and that before furrowing her eyebrows. As she got out of the cuddlepile carefully, Yuudachi blinked some as she woke up partway, "Fubuki-Chan...?"

Waving her off, Fubuki gave her a smile that she didn't really feel, "It is okay, Yuudachi-Chan. Everything is fine... I am just going to check on something."

Not feeling like there was any real danger, the blonde haired Destroyer yawned and snuggled back in, "Okay... Fubuki-Chan."

Opening the door silently, Fubuki made her way quietly through the house before she reached where the children's bedrooms was. Pausing, she tilted her head before her frown deepened and she looked at Fu-Chan's bed. Gently, the Destroyer opened the door and could see Natsuki look up at her while another rise in the bed shook a bit, "Fu-Chan?"

The Kitsune poked her head out from under the covers, "F-Fubuki-San?"

With a hum, Fubuki made her way over, "Hai, it's me. Is something wrong?" Chewing her lip, the Kitsune looked around, "Fu-Chan?"

Ears drooping, Fu-Chan sniffled a bit, "I... I had a really bad dream. A-about... about what happened with Kaa-Chan..."

Her expression softening, Fubuki reached into her shirt and pulled out a napkin which she used to clean the wetness from the Kitsune's cheeks, "Oh, Fu-Chan. Do these nightmares happen often?" It was a few moments, but she got a nod which made her sigh, "Ah, I see."

Wiping at her face, the Kitsune shook her head, "I-it's okay, Fubuki-San, I don't want to bother you."

A moment later though, she got a poke to the forehead which made her blink as Fubuki frowned, "You are not bothering me, Fu-Chan. None of you would about something like this. And if there is one thing that I know? It is all about nightmares of the past." Getting a mumble, the Destroyer smiled a bit, "Scoot over a bit."

Confused, Fu-Chan did so, only to be surprised as Fubuki slipped under the covers, "Fubuki-San? What are you doing?"

Lightly smiling, Fubuki pulled her close, "What else? Nothing like a nice cuddle after a nightmare." Gently, she rubbed her hand over the Kitsune's back, which relaxed the young girl even as the Destroyer kissed her on the top of the head, "I'm right here."

Taking a deep breath, Fu-Chan could smell cordite, oil, saltwater, and mint from Fubuki's favorite shampoo. Another deep breath, calmed her still more and seemed to wash away the lingering bits of the nightmare. From behind, the Yokai could feel her best friend hold her close and she could hear Fubuki's boilers. Soon enough, she drifted off to a more peaceful slumber as the Destroyer held her.

And that morning, as Fubuki held the Kitsune and Neko close, all three asleep, they did not notice Yuudachi tiptoe into the room to take a picture with a small smile on her face, 'Just like a real Kaa-San, Poi...'

 

Yellowhammer

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part V)...

Aokigahara Forest (The Sea of Trees)
Spoiler: Another Day For Colombe Du Chasteler

Colombe looked at the Auror as he slid to the forest floor in bisected chunks of viscera.

Her eyes raised to the wide-eyed Masamune who had just killed him. Tokunotakai swallowed visibly, the only color on her face the bloodspray from the killing stroke that she had just delivered.

Then she looked over at the crippled piano-sized woman-spider...thing. Yokai was what Toku had called her. Right.

Finally she looked at the two Yokai children, one another woman-spider and the other one some kind of a fuzzy animal, maybe a badger-girl? Whatever.

Two corpses, but there had been three Aurors. Which meant that the third Auror was no doubt getting friends to hunt down the evil rapier that killed his asshole friends unjustly. Again.

At this point, there was only one heartfelt thing that could be said to sum up the situation at hand.

"Well, fuck me."

Colombe's voice was weary with the knowledge that the results of doing the right thing was going to all fall on her head. Again.

Automatically, Colombe walked over to the tree where her true body was pinning the first Auror and pulled herself loose. She turned to stare at the four others in the clearing by the stream with her. "Right, vacation is over. To-chan."

"H-hai?" The Masamune gulped as her point trembled minutely.

Colombe winced mentally as she steeled her voice to confident command when all she wanted was to hug and cradle her love. "Sheathe yourself for now and check on the kids. I'll get us clear."

Her head turned to the trembling jorōgumo woman. "I suppose that you can't walk, Miss?"

"iie..." A hesitant shake of her head and increased terror in her eyes at the whispered statement.

Colombe winced. "I'll use magic to lift you to the side of the stream to get you out, just relax. Wingardium Leviosa!" She gestured and carefully shifted the spider to the indicated spot. "To-chan. Have the kids take your hands in a chain."

She slashed through the two ropes at her waist and then swung her pack off, digging through the side pouch to find a small leather coin pouch. Thank you Del. You can be a smug insufferable bitch at times, but I owe you massively for setting up this emergency exit plan. Not that I will ever admit it. "Right. To-chan, you have the kids? Walk them over close enough so their mother can take her daughter's hand. Everyone hold on tight."
Spoiler: Coin Pouch...


Colombe shrugged the pack on and then looped the leather thong of the coin pouch around her right wrist as she walked over to the group. She grabbed the spider-woman's free hand with her left one and then unsnapped the pouch with her right hand reaching inside to touch the gold coin inside.
Spoiler: And Portkey


With a flash the 20 franc antique gold coin discharged its portkey energies, leaving nothing but corpses behind.

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

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium

Ehren du Chasteler leaned back in the desk chair in the study and surveyed her successful last-minute sniper bid for a signed soccer ball and poster for Die Mannschaft on the computer tab for eBay. A smug victorious smile flickered around her lips that widened fractionally as she forwarded an e-mail from Jardine Shipping to her mother's inbox to be handled when Mother returned.

She spun the leather chair around to look out the window at the predawn stars and leaned back, propping her feet on the windowsill and humming happily.

The smile faded in an instant as a bang of displaced air happened behind her. Ehren spun back around, tensing with her hand on her dagger hilt before relaxing.

Mother was bent over with her hands on her knees and vomiting. Next to her, a piano-sized giant spider-woman was equally nauseous, in addition to bleeding a bright blue over the carpet. Two smaller figures, a badger-girl and a spider girl were dry heaving in turn, as was a Japanese woman with a bloody katana dripping on the now-ruined Arabic carpet that was fast approximating a bad abstract painting.

Ehren stifled both a happy smile at the sight of Mother again and an attack of highly inappropriate giggles with a signal effort of Will. As she did so, she closed down her purchase history on the computer with her hidden left hand. Schooling her voice to chilly professionalism, she finally spoke in her driest possible voice.

"I see that I shall have to arrange for the carpet in here to be dry-cleaned. Guten Morgan, Mutti."

Colombe blinked at Ehren. "Ehren, get Kasuyu, this girl needs medical attention!" With that the rapier turned to the wall and grabbed a medical kit from where it hung between a set of African weapons and a bookcase.

"Jawohl." Ehren snapped her heels together and sketched a quick bow as she headed to the door at double-time.

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

Tokunotakai blinked and swallowed as the world stopped spinning. Her hands shook as she felt suddenly weak in the knees and her eyes watered.

The room she found herself in was...cozy in a word. A unlit stone fireplace smelled faintly of smoke and ash, the walls were veneered dark wood paneling with bookcases and odd weapons and masks hanging on them. A blonde girl wearing a black T-shirt with incomprehensible writing around an American flag and white sweatpants who looked a handful of years younger than her Co-chan was staring at Toku with an expression of very well-hidden surprise.
Spoiler: Ehren's Shirt


"Ehren get Kasuyu, this girl needs medical attention!" Colombe snapped out the words in a crisp tone as she began to hastily bandage the jorōgumo's wounds.

"Jawohl!" The girl snapped to attention and headed for the door.

Toku swallowed hard. Her thoughts of protesting, warning Colombe that the jorōgumo was a deadly threat, a man-eater, died at the look of mixed disbelief and gratitude in the jorōgumo's eyes as she teared up.

She couldn't believe that anyone, that Co-chan, would treat her with basic human kindness; with Compassion rather than see her as a beast to be put down, as a means to test her sword....

Like she had killed that man to save her Co-chan. The hot salt spattering her face as the blood flowed....

Somehow Toku found her way to a chair and collapsed into it, her legs giving out. She shook uncontrollably, her bloody hand clenching on her hilt.

"MOTHER!" The door flew open and a black-haired missile in musical-themed pajamas launched herself upon Colombe's back.
Spoiler: Claire's PJs


"Bonjour, Claire." Colombe wheezed as the brunette girl hugged her tight. "I need you to do me a favor, summon yourself and play happy tunes for our new guests to enjoy."

The brunette girl's - Claire's - smile lit up the room as she nodded happily and walked to a corner, where she concentrated and began to glow gold.
Spoiler: Claire Does Variations On A Theme

With a crack of air a massive piano appeared in front of Claire. She slid onto the bench and began to play a mysterious piece of music that caused Toku's spirit to lift. The two children listened enthralled with wide eyes and Toku teared up at the beautiful sounds.

The door swung open again and a large bare-chested black man wearing duck pajama pants with an axe at his belt and a satchel over his shoulder headed in, followed by Ehren.
Spoiler: Duck! It's a Kasuyu!


"Kasuyu, tend to her." Colombe snapped. "Damn Aurors were torturing her, and at least one of them knew the Cruciatus. Bastards." Colombe then looked and her eyes lighted on the trembling Tokunotakai. "Oh hell. I'm sorry, To-chan. Ehren, can you be a dear and fix some food for our guests. Ahh, I'm not sure what you eat Miss...?"

The jorōgumo blinked twice and softly responded, "Meat if possible, but we can eat anything a human can in need."

Ehren nodded her head. "Schweinswürste, Schlakwurst, Edamer Käse, und Weizenbrot kommt auf!"

As she left, Colombe called after her, "And coffee for everyone!"

The Muramasa then walked over to the chair where Tokunotakai sat and collected the Masamune in her arms. "God, what a morning. I suppose introductions are in order quickly. I am Colombe du Chasteler, my daughter at the piano is Claire du Chasteler, my other daughter fixing breakfast is Ehren du Chasteler, and the fellow splinting your leg is Kasuyu. O-namae wa nan desu ka?"

The jorōgumo hesitantly smiled, "Watashi no namae wa Fujii Miho desu."

Toku buried her head in Colombe's shoulder, shaking in shock and the aftereffects of her first actual combat.

Colombe looked at the others. "Kasuyu, I'll be cleaning To-chan... Toku up. I'll be back shortly. Take care of Miho Fujii and her children as if they were one of the family."

"Yes, Mistress Colombe."

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

Colombe half carried and half supported Toku down the corridor to the master bathroom and locked the door behind them with a gesture. Three more gestures raised the in-built privacy wards, lit the fire in the fireplace, and opened the taps with steaming water.
Spoiler: The Bathroom


Colombe carefully removed the sheathed katana from Toku's waist and placed it on a waiting table with a sword maintenance kit, then hung her own swordbelt from a peg nearby. "To-chan?" she whispered gently as she began to undress the numb Masamune.

"H-hai?" Toku responded as Colombe threw her soiled and bloodied clothes in a waiting hamper, and followed them with the blonde's own.

Colombe looked at her with love and concern as she guided Toku into the waiting tub, and drew the shower curtain behind them, cleaning the Masamune's avatar of the dried blood staining her. "Do you want to talk about it? It helps... a little."

'Toku closed her eyes and shook her head slightly. "No... I mean... yes?" She leaned into the spray of hot water from the nozzle that the blonde was using to rinse her off into the now pink-colored water. "I... You must think me terribly weak."

Colombe turned her around gently but firmly and gazed into Toku's haunted blue-green eyes. "Not at all, To-chan. You are handling this much better than I handled the first man I killed. The fact that you can feel what you feel: the guilt, the shame, the regret, the pain, makes you human."

Colombe then shook her head as she spoke in a quiet voice filled with old pain. "Maybe I would have killed him before he got that spell off at me, I was trying to prepare a lightning bolt when you... did what you did. But maybe not. In that instant, when you made your choice, you held his life in one hand and my life in the other and you had to determine who lived and who died. It is... the greatest responsibility that anyone can have and perhaps the greatest burden anyone can possibly carry. I won't say that it gets easier. It never does and it never should. But it is a necessary burden to preserve what humanity we can when we are called upon to make that choice."

Toku slowly nodded as the words sunk in just like the heat from the steaming water. She then blinked as she noticed the faintly haunted look on Colombe's face under the concern for her. How long had her Co-chan carried that burden alone?

She opened her mouth slightly, then closed it, unsure what to say to help her love. Finally, she whispered plaintively, "Co-chan? Hold me please?"

Colombe d'Aubigny-Muramasa Du Chasteler gathered Masamune-no-Tokunotakai in her arms under the flowing showerhead as the bath slowly drained the blood washed off them both. Colombe leaned in and breathed into the Masamune of the Warrior's Virtues' ear. "As long as you need me to, To-chan."

A brief hitch in her voice and a tighter embrace as two hearts thudded as one. "as long as you need me to..."

 

Harry Leferts

Eyes fluttering open, Fu-Chan yawned a bit as she woke. Much to her confusion, her pillow was slowly rising and falling. It took the Kitsune a few moments to realize what was likely happening and opened her eyes fully before blushing. And sure enough, she was laying on top of a sleeping Fubuki, the Yokai’s head on her chest with one arm around Fu-Chan holding her close and protectively.

Remembering the previous night, the Kitsune sniffled a bit as her eyes began to tear up. Before it could get too far, a small voice spoke up, “Desu desu desu?”

With a blink, Fu-Chan noted that one of Fubuki’s fairies was now on the shipgirl’s chest and looking at her in concern. Blinking away some wetness, she whispered to the small being, “Sorry, just... just remembering my nightmare last night. I am really sorry...”

The fairy though only shook his head and crossed his arms, “Desu desu, Desu. Desu desu desu desu desu desu. Desu desu desu.” His expression became gentle then and he pulled out a handkerchief which he proceeded to use to gently dry Fu-Chen’s face, “Desu. Desu desu desu?”

Lips twitching, the little girl gave him a smile which made him smile back at her. As he put away the cloth, she hummed, “Thank you.”

The fairy only chuckled a bit and nodded back, “Desu desu.”

With that, he climbed back into Fubuki’s hull and Fu-Chan closed her eyes to enjoy what was happening. It had been years, not since her mother had been alive, that the Kitsune had such feelings. Not since then had she felt warm, safe, and protected as she did now. For some odd reason, she somehow knew that no matter what, Fubuki would protect her and the others. Making sure that their lives would be far better from now on. and so far, she had. That feeling of protection, of warmth and safety, of love was why she softly sighed and snuggled more into the shipgirl’s body.

Also, Fubuki was really great to snuggle against, that was extremely important.

Granted, the others were great to snuggle up to. Kana being a close second behind Fubuki herself. The Battleship being very comfy to lay against for some reason, though all the children had decided that Fubuki was better. That said, they were confused about a few days back when the Destroyer had cheered about how she was catching up with someone named Lycoris. Or how she had become very flustered and chased Yuudachi around the house to laughter from the two Destroyers when she had claimed that it was because Fubuki was now a mother. When they had asked Kana, the Battleship had turned bright red and sputtered before holding her face in her hands.

Deciding to ignore that question for now, Fu-Chan closed her eyes and softly sighed as she could hear the boilers of her guardian in her ear at work. Everything had to come to an end and eventually, Fubuki began to stir. As she felt the hand of the shipgirl gently rub circles in her back, she opened her eyes and the golden orbs met the soft, gentle brown of Fubuki. The Destroyer smiled down at her before giving her a kiss between her two fox ears, “Good morning, Fu-Chan.”

Brightly smiling as her tail swisher beneath the blankets, Fu-Chan giggled a bit, “Good morning, Fubuki-San.”

Still rubbing the Yokai’s back, Fubuki chuckled before her expression became soft and gentle, “How did you sleep after your nightmare?”

Fu-Chan bit her lip some and buried her face in the shipgirl’s chest, “A lot better, Fubuki-K-... San.”

Eyebrow raised, the shipgirl just nodded, “That is good to hear then, Fu-Chan.” Sitting up, Fubuki let out a groan as she stretched. Her hair out of it's usual ponytail fell over her shoulders in waves as she popped various joints. Seeing the Kitsune staring at her, she blinked, "Is something wrong, Fu-Chan?"

Unsure, Fu-Chan twiddled her fingers a bit before looking at Fubuki, "Um... Fubuki-San? Do... do you think that one day I might be as pretty as you."

Heat rose in Fubuki's cheeks as she smiled a bit and scratched her cheek, "You think that I am pretty?" Getting a quick nod, she smiled slightly larger, "Thank you, Fu-Chan. And as to your question? I am sure that you will grow up to be a very pretty girl."

The Kitsune's eyes widened at that, "You really think so?"

Ruffling her hair, Fubuki gave a chuckle, "Think so? No, I know so, Fu-Chan. You will be a very pretty girl one day, though..." Leaning down, Fubuki tapped her on the end of her nose, "To be honest, right now you are very cute and adorable as it is."

Musical giggles escaped from the younger girl which made the shipgirl smile all the more. That, in itself was far more rewarding than anything else. As was the hug that Fu-Chan gave her a few moments later, "Thank you, Fubuki-San."

Gently patting her back, Fubuki gave her another kiss on the top of the head, "You are very welcome, Fu-Chan." Looking at a spot behind the young Yokai, she smiled, "And you are also cute and adorable as well, and will grow into a very pretty girl one day, Natsuki-Chan."

Blinking rapidly, Fu-Chan looked over her shoulder to find her friend there. When a lightly blushing Natsuki looked at her, the Yokai nodded, "Hai! Fubuki-San is right about that, Natsuki-Chan."

It was much to Fubuki's amusement that the Neko flushed deeply at that.

Lips twitching, the Destroyer swung her legs out over the bed and stood up. She cut a figure standing there in a tank top and shorts, but unknown to her, once more the two young Yokai wished that one day they would look as pretty as her. Meanwhile, Fubuki helped them both out of bed before reaching into a pocket and pulling out an elastic band. With practiced ease, she put her hair into it's usual hair style and smiled before holding out a hand, "Shall we go and get some breakfast?"

After a quick trip to the washrooms on that level, the three of them headed downstairs and into the usual chaos that occurred in the morning. Yuudachi and Mutsuki were both at the stove cooking breakfast as Kana and Kisaragi as well as any of the children who wanted to help brought them what they needed. Besides that, the room was filled with the sound of chatter from the amount of children there. Fubuki didn't mind the noise though, not at all. Rather, she enjoyed it and spent a moment just soaking it in before nodding.

Soon enough, the two young girls were seated at the table and Kisaragi set some plates in front of them with food. Patting their heads, she nodded, "Eat up now, but not too fast!" As she passed Fubuki who had a cup of coffee in one hand as a plate with toast, she giggled a bit, "Here, let me." Taking it, the Destroyer set it down on the table and then placed a plate in front of where Fubuki would sit, "Here's your breakfast, Fubuki-Chan."

Kissing her on the cheek, and getting smothered giggles from the children, Fubuki smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Kisaragi-Chan."

Just winking, Kisaragi returned the kiss to the cheek and nodded before heading back to the kitchen, "You're welcome, Fubuki-Chan~"

Bemused, the other Destroyer shook her head and took a sip of her coffee. Raising one eyebrow, she hummed a bit as she caught the looks of amusement on the faces of the various children there, "And what are you bunch finding so funny?"

Almost as one, they answered her back, "Nothing..."

Snorting softly, Fubuki shook her head, "Sure it is nothing." Only getting more giggles, she opened the jar of peanut butter and began to spread it on the pieces of toast she brought over before placing them onto Fu-Chan's plate as well as Kasumi's, both canine Yokai lighting up before they happily began to munch on their food. Lightly laughing, Fubuki spread jam and the like over the others before handing them out. It was only after that was done that she began to eat her own meal, though she jabbed her chopsticks at the Fu-Chan and the others first, "Now, I want you all to eat as much as you can, okay? I want you to grow up big and strong, but don't overdo it. Once you're full, you're full."

Once more, almost as one the children answered, "Hai, Fubuki-San!"

There was a soft smile on Fubuki's face as she began to eat herself.

Being as her meal was much bigger than the children's, it was of no surprise that they were finished before her. Part of her was happy though that they were not eating nearly as fast as they had been. It was still quick, but at least she was not worried about them choking. That said, by the time she was finished, Yuudachi and the others had joined them with their own food. Getting up, Fubuki poured herself another mug full of coffee and walked back over as she stirred in the milk and cream, "So, what are we all doing today?"

Mutsuki blew on her own coffee before taking a sip, "Well, we're going to the park in a bit to enjoy ourselves. After all, it would be a waste since it is nice out right now."

With a quick glance at the window, which showed that it was a sunny day, Fubuki nodded some, "That sounds good, Mutsuki-Chan. We can even have some fun in the fields and such... I think that I have a baseball or frisbee so we can play catch with it." The happy looks she got from the children warmed her at that, "Hmm... we could also go to Mamiya's later for a snack and go to the Mess Hall for dinner. I don't think that we brought any of them there yet."

Thinking it over, Kana shook her head, "No, we haven't brought them to either place."

Confused, the children glanced at each other. Head cocked to the side, Yoshi frowned as his monkey tail swished behind his seat, "Um, Mamiya's? What's that?"

Sipping her coffee, Fubuki smiled a bit, "She's a shipgirl, a Food Ship as a matter of fact. She runs a small eatery here on the base with all sorts of treats. I am pretty sure that you'll all enjoy what she has there."

More than one eye widened at that and they looked at the other shipgirls who all smiled and nodded. Something that got cheers that made the older girls laugh. Clearing her throat, Kana than spoke up, "We could bring them to the summoning as well that will be happening later."

Fubuki took another sip of her coffee and thought it over for several moments as she considered it. After a few seconds though, she gave a nod, "I don't see an issue with them being there." She then turned to the children there and laughed at seeing their excited faces, "Well, I don't think that I will need to ask if you're excited to go!"

Blushing, Akane glanced at her twin sister, "Um... we heard about it before, Fubuki-San. B-but are we really allowed to go?"

Gently, Kisaragi stroked her head and got a light purr from the Neko, "Hai, you're all allowed to go there. And no, you don't need to hide what you are once inside, but it would be best to do so anyways."

That got her nods from the others before lone blonde haired Destroyer got up. Walking over to the cupboard, Yuudachi brought out the bottle of vitamins and began to place some into her hand, "Okay, time for your vitamins, Poi! And these are the good ones!"

Chairs scraping against the floor, the orphans all got up and quickly made their way over. After all, they trusted Yuudachi... one of those whom they considered their new mothers. And the vitamins were not that bad either alongside the headpats they got with them.

 

Harry Leferts

Eyes nearly glowing, Momo clasped her sister's hand in hers as she lead her along. Glancing up at her, the resurrected Natural Born grinned, "Isn't this neat, Onee-Chan? My first summoning!" Pausing, she tilted her head and frowned, "Um, well... besides when I came back."

For a brief moment, Sayaka looked stricken at the reminder of what happened to her little sister. Shaking it off, she gave a nod, "R-right."

Unknown to her, her little sister's eyes also narrowed for a second or two before they went back to normal. While she was still a little girl, and thought like one, Momo was also somewhat more mature for her age. She had an idea of what was going on with her sister and it hurt. Thus, she spent time with Sayaka to try and help her with what had happened. As well, Momo had brought her to the shrine to talk with Haru, which she had.

Though Sayaka's reaction to finding out that Natsumi was a Kitsune was sort of hilarious.

Just the same, it seemed like talking with Haru had, much like it had with various shipgirls and military personnel who visited the Miko to talk, helped out some. Other ways that she had tried to help was by spending time with her sister. Such as having Sayaka help her catch up on missed schoolwork, though the Coastal Defense Vessel was careful not to ever make mention of why she needed to catch up. Still, it was helping bit by bit.

Looking around the crowd that was in the Summoning Chamber, Sayaka had wide eyes. She knew that it was big and such, but now being right there hammered it home like nothing else had. Around the perimeter of the room she could spot various naval artifacts here and there along with candles and incense burners that were gifting off various scents that wafted through the air and tickled her nose. She could see the pool itself not far away and hear the water inside of it lapping at the sides.

At the same time though, the teen could feel... something else in the room. It wasn't anything threatening or the like. But it was there at the edges of her senses. For some reason, she could not help but feel like she was in one of those whirlpool tubs, but supersized. The "Water" was not swirling fast, but... it was swirling enough to just be noticed. Even now, she could somehow feel it brushing against her skin, the hairs on her body raising in response to it. But before she could comment, Momo gasped and the little girl's eyes widened. Worried, Sayaka looked around, "Is... is something wrong, Momo?"

Just looking up at her, Momo gave her grin that for a moment made her heart pang, "Nothing's wrong, Onee-Chan! But look right over there!"

Confused, Sayaka followed her sister's finger and blinked. Because Momo was pointing at a familiar group of Destroyers along with a Battleship and a number of young kids who were looking around with awe. Furrowing her eyebrows, the teen frowned, "Um... you mean Fubuki-San?" A light blush rose up in her cheeks at her sister's confusion, "W-well, she is kind of cool..."

Only shaking her head, the younger of the two smiled and pointed, "Nope! That little girl right next to her, holding the other one's hand!"

Now looking again, Sayaka could see who Momo meant as there was a somewhat brown haired girl holding a whitish-blue haired girl's hand. Once more, she felt more than a little confused, "What about her?"

Grinning up at her, Momo shook her head, "They're shipgirls, Onee-Chan! And that one is of my, um, half-sisters, I think? Ship wise, I mean."

That made the older girl blink some as she was dragged along, 'Wait, half-sister? What?'

Before she could say anything though, her much stronger little sister had dragged her over and was now examining the other girl who moved a bit behind the bluish haired one, "E-er... c-can I help you?"

Seeing the raised eyebrow of Fubuki, Sayaka blushed deeply in embarrassment before bowing, "Sorry about this, my Imouto saw you and wished to talk you... I think."

Now it was Momo's turn to blush as she realized what she did and bowed, "Sorry about this. I was just so excited at seeing one of my half-sisters that I had to come over and talk with you."

That made the blue haired one blink and look at her friend, who seemed unsure, "Um, half-sister? Natsuki-Chan? Do you know her?"

Quickly shaking her head, the now identified Natsuki frowned, "No, Fu-Chan, I don't know her."

A giggle made them turn to Yuudachi who smiled a bit, "I think that she means ships, Natsuki-Chan." Tilting her head, she turned to Momo who was blinking, "Right, poi?"

Momo quickly nodded some, "Hai!" Turning back to Natsuki, she hummed before nodding again, "You have the same hull, but where I have the double Third year type 20 cm/50 caliber guns, you have the triple 15.5 cm/60 3rd Year Type. So half-sisters!"

Blinking rapidly, the other girl stared, "Oh, um, thank you?"

The only thing that Momo did was grin at that.

Soon enough and after introductions, the two joined Fubuki's group and Momo began to make friends with the others there. Glancing over at her sister, Sayaka sighed a bit, happy that her sister was making some friends. Though she was confused about Momo asking quietly about fluffy tails... Shaking that off, she flushed a bit at the amused look Fubuki was giving her, "Um, sorry again..."

Chuckling, Fubuki waved her off, "It is not an issue, Sayaka-San. Besides which, I have been hoping that they might be making new friends. So your Imouto coming to introduce herself was a good thing."

Just nodding, Sayaka still had a bit of a blush before noticing that they had arrived at the rail to the Summoning Pool. Looking down into the clear water, she couldn't help but widen her eyes at the image on the floor of the pool. To say that it was a work of art was putting it mildly as what looked like petals of the sakura were adrift on an endless sea. The images of the petals themselves seeming to shift and move with the waves above them. A hand on her shoulder brought Sayaka back and she bashfully smiled as Kana looked down at her, "It is really beautiful, isn't it?"

All Sayaka could do was nod, "Hai."

It was not long after the ceremony started and the teen observed everything as it happened in interest. Beside her, Momo had grasped her hand again and was humming along with the music. Looking down at her, Sayaka smiled even as she felt a tug at something inside her. Rather than fight it, she simply... allowed it to be released and swore she felt the whirlpool created as the summoning ritual continued swirl all the more. Seeing her sister happy at finding one of her sister-ships, in turn made Sayaka happy oddly enough. Just as there was a 'Snap' feeling, she had the stray thought about what Momo's other sister ships were like.

Right then, the ritual finished as the supplies vanished and sparkles of light flowed into the water, followed by an explosion. The teen would not be ashamed of stating that she was shocked, but then blinked at what resulted. One of them was obviously a Carrier of some sort, an Unryuu Class. And another was a Destroyer which made Yuudachi squee, with said Destroyer bowing, "I am Umikaze, the Seventh of the Shiratsuyu-class Destroyer, and the First of the Revised Shiratsuyu-class. I'll be in your care, Teitoku!"

The Carrier, who was dressed in a green colored Kimono, then bowed, "I'm Amagi, an Unryuu-class Carrier. Thanks for your recruitment, Admiral. Amagi will concentrate!"

Clearing his throat, Goto nodded from where he stood, "Welcome back, both of you." He then nodded at the other three, "And welcome to you as well."

One of them, who looked the age of some of the Destroyers, but with a massive turret, bowed, "I am Ryuusou, of the Ryuusou Class Monitor. I will defend Japan with all the strength of my steel!'

Despite the murmurs, the next one pushed forward. She was seated on her rigging as if it was a chair with three triple gun turrets on her hull. Over a top that was not much different than Tatsuta's, which strained at her bust, was a white navy jacket. Black hair tumbled over her shoulders as gold colored eyes looked out at the crowd while she held a sword in her lap, "I am Midori, the third of the Ishikari Class Super Cruiser, designed for night torpedo runs and supporting firepower. It is a pity that I was not finished before the war ended... I am specialized in night raids, but for torpedo runs it'll be a little... ahahaha..."

The last bit was said with her smiling and scratching her cheek.

It was the last one though who caught the most attention as she had two red horns that came up from her forehead. Besides that, she was about the size of the average Destroyer in height and, like them, wore a schoolgirl uniform of sorts with leggings and behind her was a large rigging with two large turrets and she held a sword in one hand. Another thing that most noticed was that she was... also like Hamakaze or Ushio up top. Bowing, she smiled, "I am Kyushu, the second of the Honshu Class Coastal Defense Vessels. I will be in your care." As she stood up, she noticed an excited Momo waving and her face lit up, "Honshu-Onee-Sama!"

Still waving at her, Momo giggled, "Kyushu-Chan! It's great to see you!"

Beside her, Sayaka was silent and staring at the newly summoned shipgirl, then at her younger sister. Finally, she looked down at herself and held her hands inches from her chest, 'Is... is that what Momo will look like? What I might look like...?'

Moments later though, the teen was being dragged along by her little sister to meet the newly summoned shipgirl. Upon reaching them, Momo hugged her 'Little sister' tightly, Kyushu smiling, "Onee-Sama, it is good to see you again."

Humming happily into the other shipgirl's stomach, Momo nodded, "Hai! And it is good to see you again." She pulled back some and gestured at an unsure Sayaka, "Oh! I got reborn as a normal little girl and this is my Onee-Chan, Sayaka! She's your Onee-Chan as well!"

Sayaka sputtered a little bit and not seeing the thoughtful look in the other Coastal Defense Vessel's eye, stared at her sister, "Momo-Chan!" Turning, she sighed a bit, "I am really sorry, Kyushu-San-"

The teen was unable to finish as Kyushu pulled her into a hug, and since Sayaka's head height was to her chest, into marshmallow hell as well, "That is okay, Onee-Chan."

All Sayaka could do was mumble as her cheeks burned in embarrassment while Momo giggled.

 

Savato93

Props to Barricade for helping me with the depiction of Sherri’s damage.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sherri clutched the sides of the toilet bowl with trembling hands, gasping and heaving. Her throat was burning… she could taste nothing but bile. Her sister Carrie hung over the side of the bathtub, in a similar condition.

They knew Mother hadn’t been telling them everything about their race… about the Abyssals. She had repeatedly tried to skirt around the issue, only ever telling them that their family was “the one good apple tree in an entirely rotten orchard”. But they wanted the truth—the full truth. They had wanted to know everything about their race.

And now, they knew: they were monsters.

Sherri couldn’t get the images she’d seen out of her head… images of towns and cities laid to waste by the Abyssals. Images of girls who looked exactly like them torturing and slaughtering scores of innocent people. The Abyssals had thrown the entire world into chaos… even their “Princess”, for all her kindness, had played a part in it.

She fell back on her haunches. Staring at her gauntleted hands, she made an internal command, and watched as her rigging coalesced around them. She looked at her rigging—at the barrel jutting from ugly metal jaws—and was filled with revulsion.

This was a killer’s weapon.

She dug her fingers underneath the steel and began to pull—

XXXXXXXXXX

Millie was horrified. “You… you did this damage to yourselves!?”

The two of them, together with Nuri, sat at one of the picnic tables. A decent amount of food was laid out in front of the fledgling Mi-class, for her to eat her fill… but she was struggling to find her appetite, after hearing Sherri’s story.

This Ri-class… she’d done more than just rip her turrets off. She’d torn away the turret rings. Gouged out a sizable chunk of her forecastle—throwing away not just her anchors, but also much of the structural bracing for her bow. Even portions of her superstructure were missing. Never mind the fact she was incapable of combat… just trying to sail in choppy waters would present a very real danger to her compromised frame.

But that was secondary to the real mystery—how could she still move her ARMS, after the damage she had done to herself!?

Sherri nodded slowly, leaning forward on the table with a somber expression. “We… weren’t thinking straight. We were only a few weeks old, at that point—more easily influenced by our emotions, than we would be now.”

“But… but why?” Millie just didn’t understand. “Why would you do that to yourselves?”

The Ri-class shrugged. “Horror, disgust, hatred, fear… you name some negative emotion, we were probably feeling it when we pulled off our rigging.” She unconsciously brought a hand to her neck, rubbing the flesh where her Abyssal steel was once located. “Our emotions motivated us enough to resist the pain and take it all the way.”

“But your arms…!”

Sherri pulled the hand away from her neck, glancing at it. “You’re wondering why they’re even still attached to me, let alone functional?” When Millie nodded, she shifted in her seat, presenting her shoulder to the Mi-class. “Take a closer look at my hull.”

Millie took her aunt’s advice, gazing closer, underneath her skin… and her eyes widened. Hanging off the sides of the Ri-class’s fore and aft hull, just beside the holes where her turrets used to be, were two sets of cranes—bolted to the hull and heavily reinforced. “Those… those are permanent fixtures?” She asked. “They look…”

“Awful?” Sherri filled in for her. She shook her head. “Yeah. My sister and I just threw them together to begin with, so we could tear up our turrets bit by bit and throw them away. Afterwards, though, we just sort of… kept them.”

The Ri-class waved her hand; on her hull, Millie saw the forward cranes swivel in their mounts. “You made those into your arms instead…” she gasped in realization.

Sherri nodded. “I’m not sure how it ended up working like that. I think it’s because of that thing they accuse shipgirls of… MSSB. Either way, once Carrie and I adapted to it, we learned that having cranes represent our arms resulted in some… interesting changes, both good and bad.”

She leaned forward, reaching for the full platter of brownies sitting on the table. Nuri and Millie watched in confusion as Sherri pinched the rim of the platter with her thumb and index finger… and to their surprise, effortlessly lifted it off the table, keeping it perfectly level as she held it in the air in front of them. “I doubt anyone in the fleet will ever have better grip strength than us,” She gloated before setting it back down.

Nuri blinked. She reached out and tried to imitate Sherri’s feat, but was unable to hold up the platter steady with only two fingers. “Wow. That must come in handy for heavy lifting.”

The Ri-class grimaced. “Yeah, it does… but that’s pretty much all it’s useful for. Cranes aren’t exactly designed for ruggedness or durability—they can’t be protected with armor like turrets.”

“So your arms are fragile?” Millie asked.

A nod. “The rest of my body is as tough as any other Ri-class. But my hands and arms?” She held her hands out, palms-up, for the other two to examine. Looking closely, Nuri and Millie could see small, almost-unnoticeable marks on her skin—tiny scars, left behind by scrapes and cuts she’d accumulated through her life. “I bet a normal person could break them, if they hit me hard enough.” Sherri looked down and squeezed her bicep. “What’s more, they’re really sensitive to pressure. You know how when you lay on your arms or legs for an hour or two, and they fall asleep? Well, for me and Carrie, it only takes a couple of minutes. Makes it really hard to relax sometimes, when it’s so easy to give ourselves pins and needles.”

Nuri couldn’t help but wince in sympathy. “But… if you’ve come back to your fleet,” Millie continued, sounding increasingly concerned. “Then we can fix you, can’t we? We can put back your guns the way they were—”

Sherri’s hands abruptly clenched into fists. “No!” She growled, causing the other two to flinch. After a moment, she let out a sigh. “S-sorry. It’s just that my sister and I… we did what we did for a reason. We wanted to have normal lives. No weapons, no metal bits, no ability to fight… we just wanted to be human. If we let Mother restore our rigging… we’d be right back where we started. We don’t want that.”

Millie could feel an intense ache in her chest, looking at Sherri. Seeing an Abyssal like this, damaged, missing pieces of herself, and they were refusing help… it just felt so wrong to her. Was it because of her instinct as a repair ship?

“Mother said she’s doing research,” Sherri added, her expression softening somewhat. “She’s doing what she she can, to try and redesign mine and Carrie’s riggings. If she can restore our hulls without turning us back to our original selves… that’d be nice, sure. But until that becomes possible… we’d rather just stay as we are now.”

“Hey, Sherri!” The three turned to see Ridgeline nearby, waving. “You coming back to finish the job, or what?”

Sherri stood up from the table while she wrung her hands nervously. “Sorry, sorry!” She called out. “I stopped for a drink and got distracted! I’ll be right there!” She looked back to the mother-daughter pair. “It was nice to meet you, Millie. Sorry for taking up your time.”

Millie was left looking conflicted as Sherri took off, returning to her work. Nuri rested an arm around her daughter’s shoulders, hugging her lightly. “Don’t take it personally, honey. It’s not like she’s not thankful for your offer to help. She and her sister… they’ve simply led different lives from the rest of us. They care a lot about being able to live free of the conflicts and prejudice we may see as proper (for lack of a better term) Abyssals. Does that makes sense?”

After a few seconds, Millie slowly nodded. “Yeah. I understand.” She looked to her mother. “She said Grandmother is working on fixing her, without making her look like a normal Ri-class again. Do you… do you know when I might meet her?”

Nuri smiled. She had a good idea as to just why Nuri was asking that question. “I’m sure she’ll come by in the next couple of days to check up on you, seeing as you’re the first-ever Abyssal repair ship…” She pushed a plate of in front of Millie, holding a ham-and-cheese sub. “But right now, I think you’ve put off eating for long enough. You’re a big girl, a capital ship, so you need plenty of food to stock up all your various supplies. We’re not going anywhere else until your tanks are full, you hear me!?”

Seeing the appetizing sandwich under her nose, Millie could hear and feel her stomach growling.

Mother was right, she decided. Her holds needed filling, after all…

 

Yellowhammer

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part VI)...

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium
Spoiler: Cleaning Up And Moving Forward

Finally feeling clean in body if not totally in spirit, Tokunotakai stepped out from the clear water in the tub and began to towel off. Colombe followed her and grabbed her own heated fluffy towel.

"These feel good, how did they get warm?" Toku mused.

Colombe smiled and touched the brass bars. "Warming charms on the towel racks. I had... lots of time in the 1870s to work on things in here." The smile faded and a shadow filled the Muramasa rapier's blue eyes as she sighed bitterly.

Toku wrapped the towel around her avatar's torso and hugged Colombe from behind, resting her cheek between the blonde's shoulder-blades and smelling the peppermint scent of Colombe's shampoo in her wet hair as the Masamune closed her eyes. "Bad memories?"

Colombe nodded slowly. "Oui. Hippolyte." The blonde rapier's voice was quite flat and monotone.

Toku's arms tightened, hugging Colombe closer to her as the Masamune's expression, unseen by her lover, hardened. She knew very little about Colombe's treacherous grandnephew, but she knew that his treachery and kinslaying had nearly shattered her love and perhaps was the wound on her soul that cut the deepest. Gradually she felt the tension in Colombe's frame subside and become hidden once again, before releasing her and opening her blue-green eyes.

"Can you hand me another towel, so I can do my hair?" Toku's voice was calm and gentle.

Colombe gave the ghost of a smug smirk as she picked up a pistol-shaped plastic device from a rack next to her brush. "Oh, I can do better than that. Sit here and I'll use my hair dryer on you."

After finding out the wonder of a hairdryer, and then learning to use one on Co-chan in turn under the Muramasa's tutoring, Toku turned to the table containing their true bodies. She sighed at the remnant of dried blood caking herself as she drew her katana from its sheath. "I wish that I had my Honyama whetstone here, but it is back at the temple, alas."

Colombe slid across a blue-yellow stone with a visible strata between the two sides. "Use my Belgian Coticule. The blue is for the initial coarse work, then use the gray/yellow side to refine it. Just a little water on the stone and...."

Toku smiled as she took the sharpening stone and began to clean and hone herself as Colombe headed through the door at the far end of the bathroom and came back with a second whetstone and a bottle of oil several minutes later. "I haven't used this one in decades... not since World War II when I picked it up in England after I fled there. Kept it in my room as a paperweight because I love that Coticule. Mineral oil work for you?"

Toku extended a hand for the bottle, not looking up from her work. "Hand it over please, I need to see how light it is." She placed a drop on her thumb and then rubbed it with her forefinger followed by another drop on her blade. "This will work. Thank you very much."

"De nada. I'll clean out the interior of your scabbard." Colombe took the scabbards to the tub and chanted, flushing their interiors out with hot water and then hot air to remove traces of blood from inside. "Found that out the hard way in 1738. Didn't clean out a dagger sheath properly and blood got into the tang and rusted it. Snapped it off when I used it next."

"Ouch. Just ouch. At least Masamune-dono's apprentice was kind enough to enchant me to prevent that." Toku mused as she plucked a hair from her head and split it on her blade.

"Amen. Maintenance spells are amazing, but nothing beats a proper cleanup and workup of your blade. It's like a spa visit, a hot shower, and a soak in that onsen of yours all rolled into one." Colombe spoke absently as she oiled down her now honed and cleaned rapier body."I don't need one, since I have those spells too, but life isn't worth the living without it."

"Hai, hai." Toku sheathed herself then performed a fast iaido draw and resheath with a sigh of happiness. "Thank you again, Co-chan."

Colombe drew and resheathed herself in turn. "Think nothing of it, To-chan. Are you feeling better?" Colombe spoke with subtle emphasis on the last sentence as she looked at the towel-wrapped Masamune.

Tokunotakai bowed. "Very much so. I have a little more inner peace now. Thank you for your words and understanding, and the use of your house."

Colombe smirked and opened the door to her bedroom. "Fair enough, let's raid my closet and see what fits on you."

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

Toku pulled out a black T-shirt with a wanted poster for a ring on it and a pair of black slacks and put it on. "I know there is a joke here, but I am not sure what."
Spoiler: BreadKnife Of The Rings


Colombe grinned, "Blame Jackie for that one, and I'll show you the movie later." With that, she pulled out a blue T-shirt of her own to put over her underclothing. "Let me know if the intimates start chafing."
Spoiler: Butterknife Mom T-Shirt


Toku shook her head. "They are not uncomfortable, just... odd. I purchase for utility and simplicity, not this silk and lace."

Colombe pulled on her T-shirt. "Well I have some of those packed away someplace in the storerooms, but it seems that Kasuyu was washing my sports bras and traveling clothes when we appeared suddenly back here." Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth as she carefully did not look at the wardrobe drawer with her more 'practical' undergarments.

"I... see" Toku slid on a set of Minnie Mouse fuzzy slippers from the selection at the bottom of Colombe's clothes closet, and after a chuckle, the Muramasa rapier slid on matching Donald Duck slippers.

The Masamune looked curiously at her hostess and Colombe grinned. "Jackie, Del and I made a tradition for the last half-century or so, ever since World War II to get funny and embarrassing clothes gifts for each other for Christmas. We all got each other the same Minnie Mouse fuzzy slippers in 1989.

Toku chuckled, then looked curiously at a antique black lacquered wall screen with masterwork Chinese gold leaf engravings showing the reunion of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. "I was forged on the Seventh Day of the Seventh Moon," she spoke quietly. "That screen is beautiful, and fit for the Imperial Palace."

Colombe sighed as a tear trickled down her cheek, "Yes it is. It was... in the Summer Palace outside Beijing when the British and French burned it in 1860. I wish that I could have saved more...."

Toku turned and hugged her, "But you acted to save what you could, and that is not nothing. And knowing that the sakura blossom shall fall from a tree in a few short weeks makes its beauty even greater. You still have your memories of your travels, no?"

Colombe nodded and spoke thoughtfully. "True, true. Just like our memories of scaling Fuji-san together, or my seeing the Smoke that Thunders in Africa. Speaking of Fuji-san, we should check on our houseguests."

Toku nodded as they walked down the hall. "Two jorōgumo and a young tanuki cub," she spoke musingly as she pinched her nose, "The tanuki are one thing, but jorōgumo are...." She trailed off with a frown.

Colombe paused at the closed study door and lowered her voice. "What concerns you To-chan?"

Tokunotaka's frown deepened, "In legend they are man-eaters. Preying on foolish young men and solitary travelers while being mistresses of deception, poison, seduction, and dark magic. But yet," She paused, "All the tales I have heard indicate that a jorōgumo would sell out others in an instant to save her own skin, but this one refused to speak of the smugglers and was trying to protect not herself, but her kin and the tanuki child. Who was free and not webbed up to be used for lunch."

Colombe nodded slowly and then spoke with a tone of finality. "I will keep an eye on her and speak to Ehren and Kasuyu about what you just told me so they can do the same. But I won't just kill her out of hand, not unless she is a murderer or a clear threat to my children, or the muggles nearby. I," Colombe scowled murderously, "know full well where the end of the path that leads to demonizing a race for things that perhaps a few did leads. I saw that with the Nazis and never again." The scowl turned into a smirk as she finished, "Besides, Ehren would gut me if I thought about that, and she would be right to do so."

Toku nodded in agreement. "Agreed. I confess their condition and actions raises questions I want answered."

Colombe opened the door and her eyes widened in shock. Next to her Toku's jaw dropped.
Spoiler: Spider and Axe

Ehren was leaning against the desk along with the remains of a tray of sausage, bread and cheeses and a collection of a dozen emptied espresso glasses. The German dagger had a poker face that was cracking around the edges badly as the corners of her lips twitched helplessly.

Claire was playing a melody Colombe remembered from a recent Disney marathon as she sat in Colombe's desk chair at her keyboard. The Piano's smile was a little maniacal and Colombe was reminded of Jackie in A Mood.

The bench for the piano had been moved over and magically expanded to support Miho's bulk as she hugged her children. Kasuyu and Miho were singing a duet to the room as the spider swayed drunkenly.

"Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong

Certain as the sun
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast"

Colombe's head slowly turned to meet Toku's eyes as the Masamune faced the equally shocked Muramasa.

"WHAT?"

 

Harry Leferts

Still hugging her new 'Onee-Chan', Kyushu hummed a bit before feeling a tap. Looking at Momo who was grinning up at her, she blinked, "Hmm? Is something wrong, Onee-Sama?"

Giggling, the little girl nodded, "Hai." She then pointed at her sister, "I don't think that Onee-Chan can breathe that well."

With a blink, Kyushu looked down and noticed that the teenager was still struggling a bit and let go, "Ah, sorry about that, Onee-Chan."

Taking deep breaths, Sayaka waved her off, "T-that's okay..." She ran a hand through her hair, 'I thought that I was going to die!'

Meanwhile, the newly summoned shipgirl leaned towards her older sister and whispered to her, "Is she okay?"

Only humming, Momo nodded as she whispered back, "Hai, she is." She then took Kyushu's hand and gestured at where Goto was talking to the others, "We should probably head over to Teitoku so that you can get debriefed." A throat being cleared made her turn and blink, "Onee-Chan?"

Unsure, Sayaka looked at Kyushu, "Um, Kyushu... Chan?" Getting a smile and a nod, she continued while pointing at her forehead, "Er, can you do anything about those horns of yours? I mean... it might cause a few issues? What with how things are out there."

Blinking, the shipgirl considered things for a few moments, "Hmm... give me a second." Kyushu then closed her eyes and slowly, the horns retracted into her forehead as if they did not exist. Opening her eyes, she smiled, "There, better?"

Wide eyed, Sayaka nodded, "Uh, yeah... a lot better." As Momo took her hand and began to lead them over to the others, the teenager frowned, "Um, by the way...? Why do you have horns?"

Head tilted to the side, Kyushu frowned, "Well, it is because of my crew."

Now lost, the other teen furrowed her eyebrows, "Your crew? What does that have to do with it."

At that moment, a small fairy with horns came out of her shirt and looked at her. Nodding at it, Kyushu smiled a bit, "Most of my crew were Oni, so I guess that when I came back it was at least partially as an Oni? Or something like that."

Only nodding, Sayaka hummed a bit before shrugging, "I... guess that makes sense?"

Before anymore could be said though, they reached Goto and the man smiled at them with a nod, "Ready to go?"

Spotting that Kyushu's horns were gone as he got nods, he raised one eyebrow. To which, the Coastal Defensive Vessel shrugged, "Onee-Chan said that it would be best if I hid them for now."

Just nodding, Goto smiled thinly, "For now, at least. Depending on how things might turn out, it could be another year or two, but you would be able to walk around without needing to hide who and what you are."

With a few more seconds of talk, they headed out towards the main offices for a briefing for their return and to get caught up. Meanwhile, both Kyushu and Momo were talking to each other over the magical airwaves. As they talked, with Momo cluing her into various things, the newly summoned shipgirl had various expressions cross her face. Having talked about her death, and resurrection, Momo squeezed her new little sister's hand, {You're not angry at Onee-Chan, are you?} She then continued, {Onee-Chan really, really hated herself over it.}

Considering things, Kyushu sighed a bit, {No, not really? I mean, she didn't know that magic was real or anything like that. And, well... even my crew is having issues with believing what happened. Something like what you just told me, Onee-Sama? That would have caught even them by surprise.}

That made Momo relax a bit, {That is good to know, Kyushu-Chan. I'd hate for you not to get along with Onee-Chan. She's really nice after all, though, um...} Glancing at her sister, she continued, {She's been really clingy with me. And sometimes she gets really sad as well because of what happened and I need to give her lots of hugs to make her smile again.}

For a few moments, the other Coastal Defense Vessel considered that before giving a sharp nod, {I am an Oni, Onee-Sama! I do not turn from a fight and this is one that I will gladly help you battle! And together, we will make sure that Onee-Chan gets better!}

Giggling over the radio, Momo nodded, {Hai! With you, I am sure that we'll manage it.}

For her part, Sayaka glanced at her sister, and new sister as well, 'Wow, that is going to be weird... I have a new Imouto? But she looks older than me... How does that work exactly?' Such thoughts took up most of her mind as they walked along, though soon they reached the Admiral's office. Coming to a stop, she chewed her lip before glancing at Momo and then at Goto, "Um, Sir? I... I'll go and wait downstairs... or ask for them to get the food ready." Pausing, she continued with some confusion, "And to tell our parents that they have a new daughter."

Slowly, the Admiral nodded with a smile which made Sayaka blush, "Thank you, Sayaka-San. It won't be too long, I hope." With that, the teen headed off as Momo waved to her, Sayaka waving back. Once she was out of view, Goto turned to the others and gestured for them to enter his office. After they were all seated, he took out some folders and passed them over. But before they could open them, the Admiral held up his hands, "Before we get any further..." He then turned towards Ryuushou, "Ryuushou? If I may ask..."

Chewing her lip, the Destroyer sized shipgirl took a deep breath, "Well... um, when they were planning the coming war, Captain Aranami Kaito put forward a plan to cut MACUSA off in the Pacific and to isolate Australia and the like. To do that, we would need to cut off International Floo Access across the Pacific. So while he took care of the islands necessary for the effort, he had me and my sisters designed. We were supposed to shell the areas in the Aleutians and Alaska that were Floo nexuses and destroy them as well as help in the various strikes on islands in the Pacific. But... we were not laid down by the time that the war started."

Goto leaned back some and thought it over before glancing at Nagato who was silent. On the Battleship's shoulder though, Yamamoto was in deep thought and nodding, "Desu. Desu desu desu."

The human Admiral nodded some, "Yes, in a way it is like how you planned to hit Hawaii and also Panama to cut the Pacific off from the Americans." A thoughtful look on his face, Goto turned back to Ryuushou, "So then, what happened?"

Blinking, Ryuushou took a deep breath and continued, "No one was sure that we would be even built at that time, but... the Kamo government had a break as suddenly some turrets from a Battleship named Shinano were now available. With some modifications to us, it was decided that we would have those turrets for fire support and as the Americans got closer, for possible defense against landings from them or the Soviets."

Eyebrow raised, Goto looked at her and noted that she did indeed resemble said Carrier to some extent. Not much, but it was there. Making a note, he gave a nod, "I see, that actually answers several questions." Seeing the frown on the Monitor's face though, Goto raised an eyebrow, "Is there something wrong?"

Just scratching her head, Ryuushou shook her head while furrowing her eyebrow, "Not wrong, exactly? But, um... one of my Imoutos might show up for the Americans, or something?" At the look of confusion, she blushed, "Minai, at the end of the war had one of the MACUSA Captains, a Jackie Fox, try and claim her. I think MACUSA sunk her with the rest of us, but I'm not sure..."

Only nodding, the Admiral frowned, "I... see." Shaking it off and deciding to send a note to John, Goto continued, "Now, as to the present..."

For the next half hour, the group of shipgirls listened and asked questions as they were informed of the present day as well as the war that was currently going on. As they listened, their expressions became stormy. Especially when they saw the pictures of various Abyssals, though they relaxed some when told that a few had defected to their side.

Soon enough though, the briefing was over and Goto sent them on to get some food. Reaching the lobby for the building, Momo waved at her sister with a bright smile, "Okay, Onee-Chan! We're done!"

Unknown to Sayaka, Kyushu noted that the teen seemed to relax as soon as she saw Momo, as if a tension escaped from her. As if... she was scared that Momo might have disappeared. It said a lot and, once more, she made a promise to help her new sister out as much as possible. When they entered the Mess Hall though, her eyes widened some and she looked around in surprise. Compared to her war time experience, there was quite a bit of food there and the Coastal Defence Vessel could feel her boilers grumble in want for fuel as did her crew. Hence, she decided to go ahead and do so and followed Momo and Sayaka to the line.

At another table, meanwhile, Fubuki was smiling down at Fu-Chan who was eating some lasagna, "Well? How is it?"

Chewing it, the Kitsune swallowed before smacking her lips and smiling, "Really good, Fubuki-San!" She rubbed her stomach some, "Really nice in my tummy."

Lightly laughing, Fubuki poked said tummy which made Fu-Chan squeak, "I suppose so! Especially with how it is getting all squishy." Poking her again, the Destroyer snickered some as the Yokai squirmed some, "Which makes it all the better to poke."

More laughter met her as Fu-Chan stuck her tongue out at her and went back to eating. Feeling a hand gently come down on her head in a chop, Fubuki blinked as Mutsuki winked at her, "Now, now, Fubuki-Chan, don't be teasing them so much."

Grinning, Fubuki only chuckled herself, "Hai, hai..." With a shake of her head, she looked towards the others. Natsuki, for instance, was eating grilled salmon with a truly happy look on her face as she did so as was Akane and her sister. The others were eating various things as well, which made her smile, 'This was a good idea.'

That said, she was unable to hold back her laughter when the new cook, Kansha, brought out a cake for them to share with a smirk on his face.

Later that night, Sayaka was laying in the same bed as Momo in the temporary quarters as it was too late to head home. And her parents wanted to meet Kyushu first before letting her stay, though the teen was certain of it. Currently though, she was curled up around her little sister and almost asleep when she felt the bed sag. Blinking, Sayaka was about to ask when another body slipped in and pulled her and Momo close, two soft objects against the teen's head. If that was not enough to identify the culprit, the next words out of her mouth was, "There we go, Onee-Chan."

With a sigh, nodded some, "Good night, Kyushu-Chan."

Getting the same back, she slowly drifted off to sleep.

 

It_agn02

Brushing a strand of red hair behind her head, a Master-at-Arms looked over the clipboard in her hands as she looked over the summoning chamber. She barked out a few directions to the men and women next to her to get them ready for the next Summoning. This time, they were aiming for the older ships. Cruisers that not only served in the Second World War, but for their country in the conflicts long before it. With the summoning chamber in Pearl Harbor, said wish was almost guaranteed.

It’s the most successful summoning chamber in the Pacific, she might add.

“Petty Officer Clark, are you ready?” a submarine about a head shorter than her asked.

The Master-at-Arms nodded. “Ready, Bowfin.” Looking around, she noticed the absence of one small tag-along. “Tsushi not here today?”

Bowfin shook her head. “She…she wanted to go downtown today, so Utah is babysitting her.”

The Master-at-Arms shrugged her shoulders and internally thanked the patrols around the island chain.

“We’re about to start,” the submarine added, “so please assume your position.”

The woman nodded. “Right away.” Quickly, she moved to the side of the chamber near the main exit to prepare to apprehend any…undesirables. Especially the Men in Black like after the Manananggal attack last year. Things have been quiet lately, but she knew not to relax just yet.

From her position, she heard the ominous Native Hawaiian chanting alongside a Christian prayer in that language. Then the drums started. Then the horns belched out a patriotic tune.

Under her breath, Master-at-Arms Leilani Clark, real name Ka'ahupahau, recited a short prayer of her own. It was a simple one in the old language, one she could manage without drawing attention to herself.

Kū, please let the spirits answer their call. Paka’a and Nāmaka, please guide them home.

The summoning pool glowed.

Clark smiled a shark-toothed grin.

She loved this part. There was a reason why the summoning chamber at Pearl Harbor was the most successful in the Pacific outside of Japan.

No matter what the era, no matter what humans owned it, Pearl Harbor is her domain and she is its guardian. As its guardian, she knows every American ship that ever made a port call in her domain. By invoking the gods of war, wind, and the sea, she can guide them back to Pearl Harbor.

She hastily covered her mouth to hide the toothy grin, hoping nobody saw. If anyone, literally anyone, found out she was here, it could spell disaster, especially considering how her fellow deities on the islands are also unofficially locked in a non-intervention agreement with deities on other sides of the world. The key word was “unofficially.” Of course, Hawaii being Hawaii, she knew that other pantheons didn’t give a single fuck about what they did. Even Pele got her fun in torching a few hostile Abyssals with the occasional lava flow. Her fellow shark god Ukupanipo drives fish away from starving Abyssals and towards human fishermen. And the gods she invoked earlier assist in Summonings. All as low-key as possible, though. The less said about what Maui does, the better.

As a deity, not being worshiped sucked. But being unable to help her people sucked even worse. Getting it done covertly may not be the best way to go around it, but it’s much better than acting high-and-mighty while blowing a massive hole in any non-intervention agreement.

At the summoning pool, Bowfin watched as a pair of human-shaped figures began to manifest. Considering the amount of resouces put into the Summoning, she internally shrugged. It was to be expected. They were literally scraping around for any ship, literally any combat-capable ship, that could shoulder some of the weight the current defenders have, but the current siege prevents some supplies from getting through.

The light dissipated, leaving two ship girls standing atop the summoning pool. Both wore a double-breasted coat and a long skirt with various guns at their sides.

“USS Boston, reporting for duty!”

“USS Chicago, reporting for duty!”

Unknowingly to everyone else in the room, the moment Boston introduced herself, a certain Master-at-Arms felt something inside her snap.

The submarine stepped forward, returning their salutes. “On behalf of Admiral Smith, welcome back.” Looking behind her, she spotted the heavy cruisers Boston and Chicago leaning on one of the support pillars having their own conversation. “…But for the sake of not confusing anyone, do you have any other names?”

The older Boston put her hand to her chin. “I was renamed to Despatch, so I guess I could go with that.”

The older Chicago nodded. “No problem. I’m also known as Alton.”

“Anyway,” Despatch started to say, “where are we?”

This time, Clark spoke up as she approached the pair of protected cruisers. “We’re at Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii,” she said, trying to be as level-headed as possible. “Come with me and I will show you to the admiral. He will give you your assignments from there.”

“Oh, Hawaii, huh?” Despatch turned to look at the woman and immediately grinned. “I see you people finally learned some damn civility.”

Clark’s eye twitched as the protected cruiser looked her over.

“…Could use some work.” With a smile on her face, Despatch turned toward the submarine. “All right, show me around! I want to see how America made Hawaii better.”

Bowfin tried to ignore the quiet nagging in the back of her mind, so she tried to put on the best "customer service" smile she could. “Despatch, apologize to the Navy Security Forces personnel. We don’t want to start off on the wrong foot here.”

“Huh? All right, I don’t get it, but sorry for what I said,” the cruiser answered with the most insincere tone that Clark had ever heard. “But you have to admit that I did the right thing by bringing Hawaii into American hands.”

The Master-at-Arms clenched her fists. Alton saw this and nudged her cohort.

“What? What did I do? I didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Bos-I mean, Despatch, look at her. She looks Native. She’s probably still pissed off about what you did.”

“She shouldn’t be! I came in here and overthrew the queen! If anything, she owes me!”

Clark breathed in and out. As much as her heart wanted to deck this girl, her head kept telling her it just wasn’t worth it. While she didn’t feel exactly that way about other U.S. Navy ship girls, who honestly knew better than to antagonize the military police for any reason, this girl…this one girl…

As if sensing the apprehension in the air, a younger Petty Officer stepped in between the Master-At-Arms and the two ship girls, putting his arm out and shoving the already pissed-off incognito shark goddess behind him.

“Despatch,” he stated with a level tone, “I will be the one to guide you to the admiral’s office instead.”

After a moment of looking the man over, Despatch smiled a bit. “Lead the way. Better you than the savage.”

Clark sighed again. Kamehameha, the conqueror that he was, wasn’t this difficult. The U.S. Navy, on the other hand, was just plain annoying.

As the two left the summoning chamber, Bowfin turned to the red-haired woman. “You gonna be all right?” she asked. “I’m not that familiar about Despatch, but I can tell there’s some sort of history.”

The Master-At-Arms pressed her fingers against her temples. “Sister, you don’t know the half of it.”

 

RCNAnon

Ron, Duke and Warspite 16

Warspite stood next to Summer as the pair of them waited for the portkey to transport them to Hogwarts. A glance at the large Abyssal installation showed only two things on her face. One was worry, which had not left her countenance since Ron’s letter of the attack on the train had come through. The other was wonder, as if the old boot held the secrets to the universe. It didn’t, at least as far as Warspite could tell but it would transport them to Hogwarts shortly. In her mind she thought back on what had caused this in the first place.

Warspite looked up from where she was reviewing various applications for the additional positions that the manor needed staffed as Molly Weasley suddenly Apparated into the room with a “pop.” Shaking herself, the redheaded matron looked around and seemed pleased when she saw Warspite there.

“Ah, good. I was hoping somebody would be here.” She spoke in somewhat of a rush, looking around and then gesturing for Warspite to follow her.

“Molly what’s going on?” Warspite stood and followed her as requested, with Mrs. Weasley hurrying up the stairs.

“The idiot of a Minister we have decided that Dementors were a good thing to let loose on a train full of children.” Warspite had no idea what a Dementor was but it sounded bad enough simply from the name. “Ron is fine and so are all of his friends but knowing him he sent...”

There was a cry from the room Summer had been gently cajoled into taking and a thump. Warspite and Mrs. Weasley both hurried their steps and Mrs. Weasley opened the door immediately once she reached it, then froze.

Warspite came around the corner, hoping that something wasn’t terribly wrong. Instead she saw Summer sprawled on the floor, a pile of paper on the ground near her and Summers head partially covered by the owl box Ron had recently gifted her with.

“He sent a letter to explain what happened and accidentally scared the poor dear.” Mrs. Weasley finished.”

It had taken an hour for Mrs. Weasley to calm Summer down enough that the abyssal hadn’t been ready to immediately dash off to find Ron on her own and another hour to explain why they couldn’t go visit him right away but in the end she’d been mollified. At least enough to wait till the end of the week to go see him.

Warspite’s thoughts were interrupted as the world twisted violently and the pair were swung around until they landed near Hogwarts. Warspite stumbled but managed to remain on her feet. The one thing she missed her wheelchair for was the fact she couldn’t fall over during such a trip. Steadying herself she looked up at Summer, who seemed to be perfectly fine. At least for the nausea, she was looking around half in panic.

“Summer, Warspite.” A familiar voice called out, causing Warspite to look behind Summer. The familiar red head of hair and smile were standing there, clearly happy to see them.

At the sound of Ron’s voice Summer whirled around and Warspite was treated to her first sight of just how fast Summer could move if she really wanted to. With legs that were twice as long as most others, Summer’s ground eating sprint made her cover even more ground than Warspite thought possible.

At first it seemed like there was going to be a collision and Ron braced himself but Summer had no intentions of hurting him. Instead she swept him up into her arms and swung him about, his face safely encased in her fuel depots. Warspite shook her head and paced over, even as Summer held Ron closely.

“Summer. I think Ron’s ok just like he said. So you should let him breathe.” Warspite spoke firmly but not angrily at the abyssal, who looked up from her joy to find Ron attempting to tap her. Letting him go with a bit of a chagrined look, Summer set him down on the ground once more.

“S-sorry...” she said, looking at Warspite before back to Ron. “A-are you ok Yardmaster?”

Ron looked no more worse for wear than he any other time Summer had hugged him and after a quick shake of his head to clear his wits he smiled at her.

“I’m fine Summer, thank you.” There was a pause as the young lad pondered something. “What did you call me? Yardmaster?”

When Ron spoke those words, Warspite got to watch Summer’s quickest emotional transformation ever. In an instant she’d gone from worried to flushed and embarrassed, the large sun hat she wore placed firmly over her face immediately after the blush.

Warspite looked to Ron, who seemed just as confused as she was.

“Did I say something wrong?” He asked.

“I don’t think so Ron.” Warspite looked to Summer, who was muttering into her hat and had sunk down into a crouch. “At least I don’t know what.” A pause, as Summer still seemed to be in her own little world for the moment. “It’s good to see you again, even if it’s only been a week.”

“It’s good to see you too Warspite.” Glancing at Summer Ron came over and gave Warspite first a hug and then when she bent down a kiss on the cheek, which she returned.

They’d had a few discussion’s about discretion before he left and Warspite was glad to see they had stuck. Warspite smiled at Ron and then gestured back to Summer, who had stopped muttering.

“I think you need to deal with that.” She said gently.

“Right.”

Warspite watched as Ron went over to Summer and placed a hand on her shoulder. Though she didn’t jerk, Summer didn’t move either. At least not outside of the slightest turn of her head in his direction.

“Summer? Is everything alright?” Ron spoke softly, in a voice Warspite knew kept Summer at ease.

Instead of a proper verbal answer Summer swung her head back and forth in the negative.

“Why not?” Ron’s confusion was clearly audible in his tone.

Summer pointed one large, quivering yet metal covered finger at Warspite.

Ron looked at Warspite again and Warspite shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t know what was going on any more than Ron did.

“Warspite doesn’t know why you’re upset either. Is something wrong?” Ron kept up the patient tone with her. Warspite felt flutters in her boiler spaces at thoughts she wouldn’t allow herself to voice quite yet passed through her mind. A good admiral was many things, including a father to his men and women. That would translate nicely in time.

Finally Summer spoke again.

“S-s-she’s… n-not angry?” Summer’s voice was barely audible but the hat had started inching downwards.

“No Summer, I’m not angry.” Warspite kept her voice calm, taking a few steps closer to Summer and crouching down herself. “Why would you think I’d be angry at you?”

Summer’s hat managed to inch down past her eyes, the flaming blue orbs seeking out Warspite to confirm that she wasn’t angry. When she was satisfied, Summer glanced at Ron once more and her whole face flushed again. Thankfully she finally put her hat back on her head and stood, though she was still slightly hunched over at the shoulder.

Warspite followed suite, standing as Ron’s head tilted upwards.

“I-I-I t-thought y-you’d b-be mad s-since I-I w-want Ron to b-be m-my Yardmaster.” Summer’s eyes held a cast that made it seem like she thought that to be inevitable.

“Why would I be mad at that Summer? It sounds important to you.” Warspite wasn’t quite sure what a Yardmaster meant to Summer but it sounded important, important enough that her mind was racing to figure out what it did mean.

“I-i-it is i-important! T-the Yardmaster d-decides everything! W-who g-gets fixed! W-when the get fixed! The order they get fixed in! P-priority on supplies! If they get s-scrapped or not! E-even e-even...” Summer seemed to shrink in on herself even more, her metal clad hands tapping in front of her mouth as her face flushed. E-even i-i-if s-someone g-gets b-built a-a-and h-how m-many...” Summer’s voice trailed off at the end, her head tilting down lower and lower until her hat was essentially hiding her again.

It was at that point when Warspite figured out just what that meant to Summer. It was a Captain writ large, on the scale of a whole dockyard. It didn’t bring into consideration the other parts of the base that she knew Summer had with her but considering her aversion to violence in the first place…

She glanced at Ron, who seemed to have realized the extent of if not exactly what Summer was talking about.

“You thought I wouldn’t like it if you wanted to be with Ron Summer?” Warspite kept her voice gentle, thoughts running quickly to make sure that Summer didn’t take them the wrong way.

Summer nodded morosely, even as her head came up slightly.

“You know Duke and I both already share him Summer.” Warspite changed her tone as if she was explaining something. “Why couldn’t you?”

Summer’s head popped up, wide eyed.

“B-but y-you’re a b-b-battleship a-and t-they d-don’t s-share w-with i-installations...” Summer seemed to trail off once more at the end, finally recognizing where Warspite was going.

“Abyssals might not share Summer. I have no qualms sharing with you and neither does Duke.” Warspite smiled gently. “It’s not me you need to ask though.” Warspite turned her head towards Ron.

Summer’s eyes followed and widened in a sudden burst of hope. Of course then it took her a minute to actually get up the courage to speak.

“Ron w-w-would y-you p-p-please b-be m-my Yardmaster? Summer’s voice was a light, airy thing that barely seemed to hold together, ready to blow away at the least sign of resistance.

Ron smiled at Summer and nodded to her.

“Of course Summer. It’d be my honor.”

Summer’s eyes widened in surprise, somehow still not able to believe it. She then crashed to her knees and began sobbing, though there was no mistaking them for sadness. Ron moved in closer to Summer and wrapped his arms around her the best he could, the abyssal installation letting her arms drape over his shoulders.

Warspite couldn’t help but smile herself, touched by the moment. Summer looked up then and Warspite smiled at her. Summer managed smile back and one of her hands reached out to Warspite. Warspite took it, giving it a soft squeeze as she realized that Summer had initiated contact with her for the first time.

She glanced down at Ron, who gave her a smile. “Good job.” She said quietly, raising a hand to ruffle his hair. “Good job.”

Ron nodded, letting Summer sob out her happiness against his shoulder.

Unseen by either of them, a small light in a dark soul grew. Swelling larger and larger, blazing light where there was nothing before. Hope, where none had ever rested.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
AN: Bit slower than last week but hey... Hopefully you all enjoy.

Questions and comments welcome as always.

 

Yellowhammer

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part VII)...

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium

"What?"

Masamune-no-Tokunotakai, the Masamune of the Warrior's Virtues, Consecrated (and now blooded) Blade of Hachiman, and a shrine maiden for four centuries stared into the eyes of the Tsukumogami standing next to her. Very slowly an ahoge on her head stood upright and began to slowly rotate in a circle as a large drop of sweat rolled down her forehead.

Facing Toku, Colombe d'Aubigny-Muramasa du Chasteler, eldest daughter of Muramasa-no-Norimune, secret identity of the erotic literature heroine 'Lady Chastity Dovesworth', the ICW's #7 Most Wanted Criminal for serial violations of the Statute of Secrecy (NOT HER FAULT!), and all around Gentlewoman Adventuress across four continents tipped her head to the side, puffed out her lips, raised her eyebrows and gave a Gallic Shrug.

"Play somefing else, Claire-wairie! More Disney!" The younger of the two jorogumo said with an adorable lisp and the waving of all eight legs as her older sibling gave a drunken cheer.

They turned as one back to the open door to the study to see Kasuyu take another tray of espresso shots from the dumbwaiter (along with a Kaisermelange in a large mug with whipped creme and chocolate for Claire at the piano plus a bottle of cognac for the piano to flavor it to suit).

Ehren hugged the tanuki cub in her arms and began to scratch the Yokai behind her ears as she nodded to her mother after catching Colombe's eyes. Clearly the dagger either lacked self-preservation, or was insanely brave.

Claire rubbed her hands together with an ear-to-ear grin normally associated with Mad Science (or Muramasas) and launched into a chipper piano piece as the sky through the window lightened with the coming of dawn.
Spoiler: A Shot of Espresso...

"In ev'ry job that must be done
There is an element of fun
You find the fun and snap!
The job's a game!"

Muramasa and Masamune turned to each other and nodded as one. Colombe reached out and gently closed the door partway as the singing began inside her study again. "So, do you wish to see the rest of the castle, To-chan?" Colombe asked faintly with a pleading look in her eyes.

"And ev'ry task you undertake
Becomes a piece of cake
A lark! A spree! It's very clear to see that..."

"Hai, Co-chan. I would like a tour. A very long tour." Toku was biting her lip to avoid laughing like a hyena.

"A Shot of Espresso helps the medicine go down!
The medicine go down-wown!
The medicine go down!
Just a Shot of Espresso helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way!"

Colombe made her way down the hall at a very brisk walk that Tokunotakai matched. An uncharitable observer might call it a retreat from deadly danger, but of course neither Muramasas nor Masamunes ran from anything. Certainly not a sing-along of Disney tunes with a drunken Jorogumo maiden at 5 AM.

"I would be relieved and honored to give you that tour as your hostess. The family castle dates to the 16th century when my family was granted our landholding here from the Duke of Lorraine, and then that was confirmed by Empress Maria Therese to my father in 1716 when he was awarded the title of Marquess of Chasteler." Colombe explained to the fascinated Masamune as they walked down the upstairs hallway, pointing out some of the artifacts that she and her family had collected over the last three centuries.

"This painting dates from the summer of 1719," Colombe hesitated as she paused in front of a group portrait of five children and two dogs. "I... am the girl on the far left."
Spoiler: Colombe And Her Family


Toku blushed slightly at the image of the young woman in a white dress looking at the artist with an unamused smug stare. "Who are the others, your siblings?"

"Oui, Papa's legitimate children. I am standing beside Marie-Claire du Chasteler, my younger half-sister by three years. She married Gustave Visart de Bury et de Bocarmé and they perished in the Terror in Metz in 1791. I... was closest to her and was unable to save her, but I rescued her young grandson Julien Visart de Bocarmé of whom I shall speak more anon," The rapier's voice was very controlled and a tear trickled down her face. "In the center is my elder brother François Gabriel Joseph du Chasteler de Courcelles, a half-year older than I am. He inherited from Papa in 1762 and then I fought against Napoleon alongside his eldest son Johann Gabriel Josef Albert du Chasteler de Courcelles, whose only daughter Marie-Josephe Julie Feliciane du Chasteler married into the German Potters to end that branch of the family, whereupon the title passed to Marie-Claire's branch. To the right are my two youngest siblings. Marie-Joseph Julie du Chasteler is five here and later became Countess de Baillencourt, but died in childbirth and her infant firstborn son did not survive her. Last but not least, the baby is my youngest brother François Antoine Marie Chrétien du Chasteler. He only had one child, Gérard-Arnoult-Frédéric-Gabriël du Chasteler, whose only daughter Ida-Hélène-Caroline du Chasteler married Julien Visart de Bocarmé, her cousin through Marie-Claire's family branch, to continue the family."

Colombe took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and bowed her head as she whispered. "Papa was what is called a Squib, a member of a magical family that has little magic and is outcast from magical society. In his case, his family of the French Malfoys helped place him among the nonmagical nobility so he became a du Chasteler. Some of his descendants had the Talent, I was one of course, and went to the wizarding academy of Beauxbatons in Southern France in 1718. Later Marie-Josephe became a full witch, but because of political difficulties between France and Austria at the time, instead trained at Hogwarts, where she met Hans Potter, whom she later wed. At most we thought that we had inherited the extended vigor of mages amongst the other lines, and we knew of magic of course, but..."
Spoiler: The du Chasteler's Dark Secret

Toku watched as the rapier trembled in the grip of some strong emotions as her tears fell and fists balled up then nodded decisively. "You deserve to know. Come with me, please, To-chan."

With that Colombe gestured sharply and marched down the corridor, pausing at a magically warded door. She disarmed the curses and hexes on the door, summoned a key to unlock it, then pushed it open with a groan of rust from the hinges. Inside the revealed room, office furnishings were covered with dustcloths and dusty cobwebs covered the surfaces, a far cry from the clean and well maintained other areas of the castle.

Colombe walked to the corner where a framed picture was placed facing the wall and covered by a dustcloth.

She grasped the dirty cloth with both hands after turning it around and her knuckles turned white as she trembled.

She bowed her head and whispered in a pained voice as Toku watched silently.

"We were all terribly wrong. On October 13th, 1830, my niece Ida-Hélène-Caroline du Chasteler gave birth to a son with the Talent. A son who nearly dishonored us, destroyed us with his plotting, kinslaying, treachery, lies, and Dark Magic...." With that she pulled the dustcloth off the framed photograph of a corpulent man, who smiled jovially.

"Hello Aunt Colombe. It has been far too long," said the magical image of Hippolyte Visart de Bocarmé du Chasteler.

Tokunotakai's eyes widened in shock at the sight.

 

Yellowhammer

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part VIII)...

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium

Hippolyte Visart de Bocarmé du Chasteler's Office
Spoiler: A Family Chat

"Hello Aunt Colombe. It has been far too long," said the magical image of Hippolyte Visart de Bocarmé du Chasteler from inside the dusty photograph frame glimmering with charmwork.
Spoiler: Hippolyte Visart de Bocarmé du Chasteler


As Tokunotakai stared in shock, the photograph leaned back and stroked his beard thoughtfully as he smiled the happy smile of a child at Christmas who had just found a long-awaited present under a tree.

"How long has it been this time? No, no Aunt Colombe, let me guess! Hmmm... I'll say fifteen years this time." He stared into his grand-aunt's eyes as he spoke in that warm friendly voice.

Colombe shook her head and responded automatically as if she was in a trance. "Twenty-three years, Nephew."

"You are getting better, Aunt Colombe. That is actually a new record." Hippolyte laughed happily as the Muramasa in front of him snarled and then slammed her fist into the picture frame. Charmwork flashed and vanished as Hippolyte looked at a gold watch. "Fifty-three seconds this time. Tsk tsk tsk. I expected better of you. Pity."

Colombe teared up and Tokunotakai gasped as the expression of agony on her face.

"Why hello, we have an audience! This is a first!" Hippolyte cocked his head curiously. "Please come where I can see you. I don't bite, not anymore."

Tokunotakai moved alongside the frozen Colombe.

The photo rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he studied her. "Hm, you don't look Austrian, much less like a piano. So you cannot be Cousin Claire, non?"

"No, I am Masamune-no-Tokunotakai."

Toku shook her head, feeling the cold eyes bore into her condescendingly as he shrugged. "Pity, Colombe told me so much about her little girl. That was the subject of our last conversation, you know."

Colombe twitched.

"I think she thought to throw the fact that she had a child that she was so proud of in my face. Tell me that she had finally won, finally wiped out what I represent to her. What I represent to her family."

Blood dripped from Colombe's fists where her nails cut through her skin as she breathed harshly.

"Fortunately for her, I set her straight. It is what I do now. You see, she's such a poor liar, she lies to herself constantly. She even believes her own lies if you can imagine that. But I'm enchanted to always tell her the truth that she doesn't want to hear but knows that she needs. That little drip, drip, drip of acid on the steel of her soul to scour it clean of all the shit she rubs on it."

Tokunotakai narrowed her eyes slightly. "I find that hard to believe. She has described you to me. Traitor. Kinslayer. Murderer. Slaver." The Masamune's voice was calm.

Hippolyte laughed conspiratorially. "Well, she's not that different than me, deep down. I was her liege lord, head of the Du Chasteler family and a Councilor of King Leopold II of the Belgians when she ran me through, right over there. She's never cleaned up the bloodstain on the hardwood either, I wonder what our Papa would say to that? That's why she has been scared to have that painting of him that she worships enchanted like I am. Because then she would have to listen to him correct his disobedient bastard daughter."

Colombe gasped and tears trickled down her face as she shook her head in half-hearted denial.

"So that's treason against her family and her King right there as an act of kinslaying with the bonus of making a mess in here like the unruly bastard child that she is. Murder too, and I'd recommend asking her how many other people she has killed for her own 'reasons' over the past... three centuries now! New milestone for you, Aunt Colombe!"

Colombe winced and then gave Hippolyte a hate-filled furious stare.

"Let's see that leaves slavery. Oh, yes, after she killed me, she headed straight to the Congo and claimed Kasuyu. He's bound by an Unbreakable Oath to serve the chieftain who holds that axe of his after claiming it in ritual combat. Sounds like slavery to me and he's even a nice strapping black buck."

Hippolyte grinned at Toku and raised a finger triumphantly. "Aha, I have it! Asian girl, swordswoman's posture... You wouldn't be the legendary Miko Punchable Face, would you? She told me all about defeating you in the 1880s, you would think that Aunt Colombe was a lovestruck maiden at times! Although she's not been a 'maiden' since her Fourth Year at Beauxbatons when she gave up mooning over her Charms instructor and decided to seduce her roommate as second best."

Colombe snarled despairingly, "Leave To-chan out of this! SHUT! UP!"

"To-chan? To-chan is it? That's a sign of affection, you know. Oh well, I suppose since love and hatred are almost the same thing, just a little nudge to turn one to the other, I'd watch my step around her. Aunt Colombe can be so very dangerous, like a rabid mongrel dog when she loses control. Unlike me, who always was in control." Hippolyte smirked smugly.

Tokunotakai narrowed her eyes at the photograph. "You know far far more than you should about her. I wonder why she keeps an onryō bound in here, especially you." Her voice was calmly conversational and coolly polite.

"Well to the first, I was a prodigy at Legilimency. The greatest practitioner that Beauxbatons ever turned out they said. Then, I studied Aunt Colombe for decades, even before she returned home from her failure to find her father. After all, she was such a good pawn in my plans and still is."

Colombe punched the frame again. "You lie! I am not your pawn!!" She sobbed and hugged herself as her head lowered. "I'm NOT!"

Hippolyte laughed cruelly, "She is so easy to move around at my whim. Then as to the second, well I had planned to entrap her spirit in here, and had spent decades making this container immune to her steel and her powers. So as I bled out over there I... transferred my soul to here. Just as planned."

Tokunotakai nodded slowly. "Quite clever, and of course, someone like her could not destroy you when you taunted her then, and she gave up the attempt after one failure too many." The corner of her mouth quirked.

"Why thank you, Miss Tokunotakai. And yes, amazing that a brutish fool weapon like her attracted someone of superior class and breeding and brains like you. I suppose that opposites attract."

Toku nodded and went down on one knee in front of the photograph. "I must kneel to the superior intellect and understanding. I shall ask, though. Why does she come back here when it hurts her so?"

Hippolyte grinned in smug triumph. "Why because I'm family. All the family that she has left in the world. And if she abandoned me, abandoned her fool attempts to redeem me, to defeat me, she would have to admit to herself that she broke and dishonored the Du Chasteler family utterly with her actions by killing my body over there."

Toku's hand gripped her sheath and her thumb rested on her tsuba, as the dove on it began to glow a gentle white. "Go on~"

"So you see, if I stay here and keep beating my brainless brute of an aunt in our conversations, I win. If she breaks her honor code by abandoning family, I win. I can't be defeated!" Hippolyte gloated as he spoke triumphantly. "Sooner or later, she will break, and I have all the time in the world to keep driving wedges into her soul."

Tokunotakai's thumb twitched, exposing a quarter-inch of her steel. "Flawless logic. Except for one minor factor you overlooked~." Her voice was calm and conversational.

"What?" The ghost's face was puzzled.
Spoiler: Masamune and Yūrei

The Masamune's eyes filled with resolute fire as she blurred into an iaido strike, her blade glowing incandescent blood-red as the kanji for Honor shone on it brilliantly. "Me. Jyourei Youshouha!"

Hippolyte screamed in agony as the Masamune cut through his spellwork and the transfigured clear topaz of the 'glass' as if it was cheap cloth to slam into his spirit.

"Impossible!" Hippolyte's eyes locked on Tokunotakai's as he exerted his will to try to break the Masamune to his whims like he had broken a young Muramasa once.

But Masamune steel does not break to one such as him.

Colombe's head snapped up and she stared in disbelief at the sight of her Nemesis in his death struggle.

Toku showed teeth in her serene smile as she twisted the sword impaling the ghost, channeling her fighting spirit into her blazing blade as it tore into his ghost as his will faltered and the beginnings of the fear of defeat appeared in his eyes.

"Incorrect, Hippolyte-san. I was forged and consecrated to do just this. Co-chan is inexperienced in the matters of the spirit where you tormented her until now. But I am not. Opposites attract, yes, and we are two sides of the same coin, two parts of a greater whole." Her voice was solemn, polite... and utterly merciless.

Hippolyte looked desperately at Colombe as ghastly wounds formed on his image. "M-mercy! You must stop her, A-aun-n-nt C-c-c-olo-o-omb-b-b-e! W-w-w--e-e-e-e are f-f-f-fam---i---l-l-l----y"

Colombe looked back and forth between Toku and Hippolyte and shook her head. "Non. Not any more. Not since you betrayed what it is to be du Chasteler." Her voice was pain-filled but as unyielding as her steel.

Toku's steel flashed too bright to see, illuminating the room with a blood-red light that cast no shadows.

The photograph frame shattered with the sound of a despairing scream suddenly cut off and the light then faded.

Masamune-no-Tokunotakai automatically cleaned her blade off before resheathing it, then chanted in Japanese. She moved her fingers in a mandala as a wheel of four floating ghost lights rotated around her, flashing forest green, red-orange, aquamarine blue, and and eerie white. She slowly turned in a circle, and then nodded in serene satisfaction, dismissing the onibi lights with a wave of her hand.

Colombe swallowed twice and whispered, "is it over?"

Toku nodded. "It is. He was a powerful onryō indeed. But he no longer has power over you or in here."

Colombe began to cry as Toku gathered her in a hug.

 

Yellowhammer

There are Two Kinds of Fools (Part IX)...

Castle Moulbaix, Belgium

Hippolyte Visart de Bocarmé du Chasteler's Office

Colombe stared at the place where the magical photograph of Hippolyte had rested for over a century in numb shock.

Tears trickled down her face slowly as Tokunotakai gently hugged her.

Toku guided her to a cloth-covered couch and cradled her as they took a seat.

Dust puffed up from the couch as Colombe buried her face in the Masamune's chest and whispered.

"I... I---"

Colombe swallowed as the dam inside her started to crack.
Spoiler: Catharsis

Walls of stoic duty, of honor, of nobility, built over centuries of life to protect a wounded spirit from the judgement of her peers trembled and began to spring leaks.

"I c-can't believe---"

Tears stained Toku's shirt as Colombe suddenly grabbed her as hard as she could.

The Masamune quietly endured the hug, gently embracing the Muramasa around the waist.

"H-h-he was so friendly... so charming."

Colombe's voice cracked and broke as the jagged-edged fragments of sentences tumbled forth from the breaches in her defenses.

"I was such a f-f-f-failure--- lost the duel.... lost my father then...."

Decades of regrets.

"...relied on him, he was so confident...strong where I was w-w-w-weak."

Decades of nights where a tormented soul could could not sleep.

"Never suspected that he had murdered poor Ida-Hélène and Julien to gain power. Blinded myself to the little hints. Was not there for them, didn't stop him, didn't see what he was like...."

Decades of failures eating away at her spirit.

"...sent me to fight and die in the Franco-Prussian War...then in Paris he hit me with a Dark Curse that nearly killed me... Barely dragged myself into a gutter as the Kaiser marched in triumphantly...."

Decades of defeat after defeat.

"...he was so c-c-c--caring, said he would nurse me back to health. He would handle the family while I recovered...."

Decades of evil disguised as caring.

"...trusted him! Never suspected where the money I signed over to him was going...."

Decades of trust betrayed by close family.

"...what the ingredients he shipped from the Congo were for...never suspected why his new maid 'left unexpectedly' that day and I never saw her again...."

Decades of blindness, looking the other way rather than face the uneasy suspicions that something was wrong.

"...sent me to the Congo at last in 1895. Told me that he needed someone that he could trust to handle an audit of the business that we---that I relied on to support the family..."

Decades of being moved around as a pawn with a sentence here, a soft word there, a falsely compassionate smile, a gentle hand on the shoulder.

"....didn't have a choice, his hit wizards had me pinned down so I had to ignite the granary. Explosion killed dozens as fires spread and I ran for the river..."

Words only gasped into a tear-soaked pillow in a pitch-black unlit room in an empty castle haunted by the ghosts of her past before now.

"...cut off the hands to show that they had used the ammunition to kill natives. One bullet for one right hand....

Words now gasped into the tear soaked shirt of a Masamune blade as matching tears trickled from blue-green eyes full of compassion and love.

"...he had taught his manager how to use the Imperius Curse to have his way with the young girls of the district...dead eyes, no life in them any more even as they waited on us hand and foot at the banquet when I arrived at the trading station...."

Words falling faster and faster in razor shards of agony piled upon agony.

"...I thought the worst was over, that Hippolyte would get me out of the horrors here...no one cared, not the King, not the nobility, not the Governor-General, it was just a place to make money with rubber and ivory....HE KNEW!"

Falling in a stream of pain and regret.

"HE BETRAYED US! HE BETRAYED PAPA AND I HELPED HIM DO IT!"

Screams of guilt and self-loathing as Toku's arms tightened around Colombe while she shook like a tree in a hurricane.

"---I helped him do it. I should have known better---and I helped him do it---"

Sobs of shame and guilt at innocence betrayed and lost, at honor stained by blind trust given to one unworthy of it.

"...Couldn't let him get away with it. Burned the station and started walking back here..."

Gasped out words revealing that death would have been too good for her failure.

"....hadn't drunk for four days, not even rainwater....didn't care that the hot spring was yellow with sulfur and boiling. Drank it like a dog because I was too weak to stand...crawled the next day across the rock of the lava flow until a storm rained on me. Somehow made it to a stream and drank until I was sick...."

Words revealing that living was hard. Living was penance for her sins.

"...I must have looked like a skeleton to those railway workers when I collapsed at their feet. One of them fed me pieces of hardtack as I got carried back on an empty car for a fresh load of timber for the bridge that they were building. Never knew his name...."

Words showing that pain was all she felt that she deserved for what she did. What she allowed to be done.

"....Wasn't going to let him get away with it. Rode straight here from Marseille as soon as my ship docked. Didn't sleep, didn't eat. All I could feel was hatred...."

Words now falling in a raging torrent faster and faster carrying two swords along a river of pain as dams shattered and walls collapsed forever.

"...Imperiused me...most wonderful feeling I have ever known. Nothing mattered, it was like watching myself in a dream as he ordered me to place my blade at my neck...."

Tokunotakai's arms tightening as she realized where a near-invisible scar on Colombe's neck came from.

"....so tired...wanted to just let it end when my blade parted my skin. He wanted to make it slow because I was such a nuisance to him. Wanted to gloat as he sat back down behind the desk..."

Words now falling slower as the raging torrent finally began to subside.

"...don't know how I broke free then as I cut deeper. Maybe it was him slipping, I couldn't have fought him any more. Just wanted to die...it was no more than I deserved..."

Words falling slower and slower as a Muramasa released all the tears that she had hidden over a century behind her walls.

"...lunged then, pinning him to his chair with my blade through his throat. Stared into his eyes as the light started to fade as he choked on his own blood helplessly, wanted him to feel the pain he gave me, wanted him to suffer like I had...."

Words falling one by one now as Colombe trembled helplessly as she recounted a victory turned to ashes in her mouth.

"...he smiled triumphantly at me...then I heard his voice from behind me, from the photograph....Congratulating me for furthering his plans. Telling me that he was now immortal and thanks to his blood mingled with mine on my true body, one day he would claim me, as was his right as head of the family..."

A death grip on the Masamune of the Warrior's Virtues relaxing step by step as a final trickle of words were whispered.

"...locked him away, but I couldn't stop going back to try to confront him....told me that I was no more than a foolish sword, only good to be a tool of her betters. Sometimes---sometimes I believed him. Damn me, I believed him."

Silence, then a gentle hand on a chin raised tear-stained and red-rimmed vulnerable crystal blue eyes to meet equally tear-stained and vulnerable blue-green. A serene, loving smile and a gentle kiss on the lips, then one final set of words echoed in a room haunted too long by the ghosts of the past.

"Anata o hontōni aishiteimasu, Co-chan."

Words declaring love and acceptance that become the balm on a bleeding soul now that the festering wound has been lanced and the poison accumulated has been drained. That no longer must Colombe d'Aubigny-Muramasa du Chasteler suffer alone.

A.N.-A big shout-out to Spectral Waltz here for the inspiration for this. Thank you very much!

 

Harry Leferts

“Isn’t this exciting, Stab!”

Grumbling a little, the Re-Class’ tail huffed, “No.” At the frown, Stab made a motion as it to roll his non-existent eyes, “What? It’s just some game.”

For several moments, Reivana held her face in her hands before giving her tail a look, “Stab, it is not just a game! This is a major sport for this community! And our Princess wants for me to see such an event and report back to her about it personally!”

A sigh made her turn to where the pregnant Isley sat. The Princess in question giving the Re-Class a raised eyebrow, “And do you know why Aunt Porta wanted for you to come and see it?” Not getting an answer, she smiled slightly, “As she would put it, one can learn much about another culture by observing their favourite pastimes and games. Through your observances, she can get a better idea of the Wizarding World, or at least Wizarding Britain at least.”

Slowly, Reivana gave a nod, “That makes sense, I guess?” She then perked up some, “But that still leaves the fact that she chose me to come!”

Only shaking her head, Isley smiled slightly at the other Abyssal. Of course, that was when Stab “Looked” at her, “So why are you coming to this then?”

Ignoring the motions from the Re-Class for him to shut up, the Princess shook her head, “Myself? It is for a more personal reason, I am afraid.” Seeing the undisguised interest, she nodded, “One of those playing today will be my dear Sirius’ godson, Harry Potter. And I hope to support him since my husband to be cannot.”

Head tilting to the side, Stab nodded a bit, "Okay, I suppose that is a good enough reason.”

Reivana just gave a small shrug and shook her head, “I am excited to be able to see Hermione again. She said that we might be able to go and look at the Hogwarts library.” Clapping her hands, she sighed some, “It supposedly has the most magical knowledge in all of Britain going back a thousand years! Just thinking about all those books, just waiting to be read...”

A shudder went through the Abyssal which amused Isley before the other Abyssal shook her head. For his part, Stab looked at his partner and snorted, “Just remember, Hermione is supposed to be undercover or something here. Don’t know why...”

Huffing, Reivana frowned a bit, “I know, Stab! And I am more than able to keep quiet.” At the look she for, she scowled, I am! And I remember that I am supposed to state that I met her one day at a library near a base. Our Princess did pick me for a reason!”

That, however, only got a noncommittal grunt from her tail. Looking out the window of the carriage that they were in, Isley perked up some, “And that must be Hogwarts. It is just like Sirius said it was like.”

Now looking out herself, Reivana felt her eyes widen a touch and her eyebrows raise, “That’s Hogwarts? Huh...” Pulling out a camera, she began to take picture after picture. At the look she got, she shrugged, “Rigar might like to know how the castle is designed.”

Frowning, the Abyssal Princess places a hand over her stomach, “From what Sirius told to me, the castle’s insides often rearrange themselves. So I suppose that the outside is the one constant.”

Utterly confused by that, Stab shared a look with Reivana before turning towards Isley, “Why the heck would they do that? Wouldn’t they get all confused in regards to it?”

Isley simply shrugged, “From what I know? They do it simply because they can. Or that seems to be the usual for wizards. Even Sirius did not know how or why they would do such a thing.”

Needless to say, that got her a very odd look from Reivana, “Because... they can?" She threw her hands up into the air due to the amused nod from Isley, “But that makes no sense! The waste of resources and the like is... is... boggling! Why would you have a castle where it rearranges itself?!"

Leaning back in her chair, the Abyssal Princess just chuckled, “I don't know, Reivana. But it could be just to amuse themselves as the armour also moves and the paintings do as well."

Just giving her a look, Reivana grumbled a bit before noticing that Stab had paused and was looking at the castle in confusion, interesting, and some wariness, “Stab? What's wrong?"

Glancing at his other half, literally, Stab looked back at the castle, “Check your IFFs, Reivana. There's... something there."

Confused, the Re-Class did so. Moments later, she paled even more than one could think was possible, “There's an Abyssal War Demon operating as a Flagship there?! And one that is serving multiple fleets?!"

Instead of panicking, Isley only looked intrigued and nodded to herself, “I believe that would be my Sirius' godson, Harry." At the confusion, she gave a small shrug, “From what he knows, Hoppou and Wanko have both accepted him into their fleets and given him the honorary position of 'War Demon Flagship' with an IFF somehow. Not sure how..." Frowning, the Abyssal hummed, “Something to look into for my dear Sirius, I suppose..."

Utterly lost, Reivana slumped back in her seat and furrowed her eyebrows, “Oh..."

It was not too long after when they reached the castle and stepped out of the carriages. Walking up to the front of them, Isley giggled a bit as she pat the Thestral that was there. In return, said horse-like being nuzzled her hand and gave a snort, “So adorable!"

Glancing at it, Reivana nodded some, “I suppose so..." Briefly, she had the image of a splendid carriage pulled by a number of thestrals, her Princess inside of it, 'I wonder if her Majesty would like such...'

Her thoughts were interrupted by a chuckle though, "Aye, they're adorable little beasties." Turning, Reivana's eyes widened at the sight of the biggest human that she had ever seen in her life. He stood taller than even Ocean Liner Demon. He was also wider as well, which made her boggle. The man turned to her with two black eyes that twinkled in amusement and held out one massive hand, "'Ello, Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper o' Keys and the Grounds here at Hogwarts as well as Care of Magical Creatures Professor. Pleased ta meet yeh."

Quickly, Reivana shook it off and grasped his hand, “Um, Reivana, Emissary of Her Majesty Porta..."

As she continued, Hagrid only nodded along until she was done before turning to Isley and looking down at her midsection. Chuckling, he gave her a smile before holding out his hand to her, "And here we got th' one woman ever to snare Sirius Black. He is making yeh an honest woman, is he not? Or else I mighta have ta talk wit him..."
Lips twitching, the Abyssal Princess shook her head in amusement, “No need for that, Mister Hagrid. Sirius is going to marry me once he is a free man and... I cannot wait."

That got a laugh from the giant and he nodded, "Aye, tha's good ta hear." Turning, he motioned for them to follow, "Anyways, Headmaster Dumbledore, great man he is, asked fer me ta bring the three of yeh inside."

Blinking, Stab muttered to himself, “Huh... at least he noticed me... That's something."

Upon entering the Great Hall, both Abyssals paused a bit as they noticed another Abyssal Princess walk up to Hagrid and give him a hug who they felt appear a few moments before somehow. From what they could overhear, this was 'Wanko', the Harbour Princess from the Timor Sea. But... there was something else.

It was obvious that she was a Princess of course, that went without saying. But there was also something... else. A faint echo in her, as if something had been torn from her. The echo reminded them uncomfortably of Porta for some reason, though why... and why the echo filled them with a sense of wrongness as if it should not have been an echo, but something else, they did not know...

 

Snippet 73: Savato93

There was a knock at the door.

Dumbledore looked up from the paper in his hands. Setting it down, the Headmaster stood up from his desk and stepped around to the front. “You may enter,” he announced.

The door to his office creaked open slowly, and a head of white hair and small horns peeked out from the side. “Hello…” the small Abyssal said quietly.

Dumbledore smiles softly. “Ah, Princess Hoppou. Mister Potter warned me you might come by.” He made a beckoning gesture. “Please, come in. Have a seat.” Hoppou nodded, closing the door behind her, before following the wizard back over to his desk. Dumbledore returned to his seat as the Princess clambered up into a chair in front of him, reaching into a drawer and producing a small candy to offer to her. “Care for a lemon drop?”

Hoppou mulled it over for a moment before shrugging and accepting the candy. “Thank you,” she said, pocketing the lemon drop for later.

“Now then…” Dumbledore said, clasping his hands on the desk in front of him. “I was told you have some questions you wish to ask?”

Hoppou nodded. “Yes.” She reached into her hold, pulling out a simple picture frame. Leaning the frame against the edge of the desk, she waited for the Headmaster’s nod of approval before setting it flat on the surface. “Big Brother said wizards can take normal pictures, and make them move around. Is that right?”

Dumbledore hummed thoughtfully. “Yes, that is true. For paintings and portraits, of course, it requires the application of magic as the work is painted. But in the case of photographs, the process is relatively simple: one just needs to apply a particular potion to a photo in order to animate it. May I?” When Hoppou nodded, he reached out and gently pulled the frame closer to get a better look. In the picture, Hoppou stood on an asphalt surface with well over a dozen Ru-class battleships beside and behind her; based on what he knew of the small Princess, he presumed these were some of the offspring she lost when the rest of her kind turned on her. “Are you seeking to animate this image, and possibly others, to serve as memorials for the fallen?” He asked, returning the picture.

At this, Hoppou shook her head. “Not exactly.” She then produced a small stone sculpture, which seemed to depict an Abyssal destroyer, turning it over in her mittened hands. “If you can make drawings and pictures move… can the same be done with statues? Or carvings in a wall?”

The wizard brought a hand to his chin. “Hm… easier said than done. The most common way a physical work would be animated is through a certain charm…” pulling out his wand, he pointed it at the tiny sculpture. “Piertotum Locomotor.”

There was a small green glow from the little destroyer carving. A couple of seconds later it began to move, trotting around a wide-eyed Hoppou’s open palms and exploring its surroundings. “There are issues with this, however. For one, the animated object would not be moving in a static loop, like portraits or pictures. It would be obeying the caster’s directions. Backflip!” At Dumbledore’s command, the little destroyer hopped in Hoppou’s hands, rotating backwards 360 degrees before landing on its stubby feet again, making the Princess giggle. “The second such issue would be that the charm is not permanent,” Dumbledore continued.

Once he released the spell, the destroyer relaxed in Hoppou’s palm, becoming inert once more. “Now, I do not immediately recall a procedure for animating physical works in the same manner as pictures…” Dumbledore said as he pocketed his wand. As the Princess started to frown in disappointment, he held up a finger. “However, if you allowed me time to conduct some research on the subject, I may be able to locate someone who possesses the knowledge you are seeking. I should warn you though, creating a magical memorial for all your departed children would be no small task. It’s likely that the price to commission such a project would be quite high. Perhaps even higher, given just who—and what—you are.””

The Princess shrugged. “Okay. Hoppou can be patient. And expensive work is not too scary—if some meanie tries being stingy just because Hoppou is Hoppou, she has friends and family to help set them straight!”

Dumbledore chuckled. “Indeed.” Bringing out some parchment and grabbing his quill, the wizard quickly put down some notes as a reminder to look into animating sculptures for the Princess. “Very well, then… If I locate something of note, I will notify Mister Potter, and he can pass the information onto you.” He looked back up to Hoppou. “Do you have any other questions you would like answered?”

Hoppou thought about the question for a moment before answering. “Yes, actually. Hoppou wanted to ask about… Well, Big Brother told Hoppou that wizards…” She twirled her hand in circles next to her temple. “They can pull... stuff, out of their head. Memories. Make it so other people can look at them, too.”

Dumbledore nodded. “That would be pensieves, that you’re speaking of. They are a potent magic, capable of recreating one’s thoughts with near-perfect clarity. It is not something to be taken likely…”

“Hoppou can understand that. Memories can be very special, or important.” The Princess’s gaze fell back to the little destroyer sculpture. “But warning aside, if Hoppou could pull memories out of her head… could it be possible to…” she tapped the side of her head, then tapped the sculpture. “...put them INTO something? Make it so person can see memories by touching that object?”

For a few seconds, Dumbledore was silent. Eventually, he arched an eyebrow slightly. “It sounds as if you have… quite a lofty goal in mind. Would you care to enlighten an old man on just what you seek to create?”

Hoppou nodded, smiling slightly. “Hoppou can do that…”