Harry And The Shipgirls: Prisoner of Shipping (A HP/KanColle Snippet Collection)

[SisterJeanne]

A Breadknife Conversation

Castle Moulbaix

After the Events of Two Types of Fools Chapter XI...

Masamune-no-Tokunotakai watched from the window as the Jeep carrying her love and Kasuyu headed down the driveway away from the castle. With the arrival of herself and the unexpected jorogumo family at Moulbaix, an urgent need to make some purchases was required. Food, clothing, and an ink brush set were all on the list for today.

Which left herself, her future stepdaughters and their new permanent houseguests alone in the bulk of Moulbaix. Which... was perfect for what Toku needed to do.

With that thought, she walked across the expanse of the entrance hall, following the piano music to the ballroom. Unbidden, a serene smile lit up her face at the sight presented.

Spoiler: Claire Serenades Some Spiders

Ehren was sitting with the tanuki cub Chihiro reading to her in a pool of sunlight. Judging from the soft murmur of conversation, the subject of the day was a German lesson assisted by a book of fairy tales.

"Chi-chan! Watch this!" A cry from overhead made Toku look up and grin as in the rafters crisscrossing the ceiling two stories above, Misaki swung from beam to beam with the agility of a spider in her natural element. Behind and above her, her older sister Miho carefully played out a silk safety line in case the young Jorogumo child slipped.

Judging from Claire's happy smile and segue into one of the songs from Tarzan from where she played her true body in her favorite spot by the windows, inspiration had struck.

Toku wiped a tear from her cheek with her thumb and then quietly closed the door on the scene. As much as her heart wished to linger and enjoy the moment, another matter called to her duty.

With that thought, she walked briskly across the entrance hall's marble checkerboard to enter the billiard room.

Weapons, battle flags, and hunting trophies greeted her at the entrance, but she only had eyes for one object among the many, many artifacts present. Nodding to herself, she locked the door behind her and then crossed over to the door to the main hallway on this side of the castle, closing and locking it too. Finally reaching the door to the dining room, she shot a third set of bolts home and then incanted in Japanese while making the hand symbols of the mandala for a privacy ward.

"You can come out now, we need to talk."

Silence answered her, and Tokunotakai cocked her head.

"I see, you do not wish to reveal your face at this time. Well then."

With that the Masamune grabbed a heavy wooden chair and pulled it to face the battle flags along one wall. Sitting down in it with her back to an African lion's head, she leaned back and made herself comfortable.

"Is that better? I won't force you to come out unless I have no choice, but we are going to have this conversation one way or another."

A long pause, then a harshly accented female voice spoke from behind her. "Speak then, and I shall judge your words."

Spoiler: A Breadknife's Conversation

Tokunotakai nodded in satisfaction, "I'm glad that we are being reasonable here. You should know that I mean to make my life with Colombe here, and if you are a threat to her and hers, you should take the lessons of what I did to Hippolyte's ghost to heart. If your intentions are benign to her, then mine are benign to you."

Shocked silence answered her words, then the voice spoke with suppressed emotion in her words, "Ngendawo has been destroyed then?"

Toku spoke with calm certainty, "At my blade and my hands, he has. I shall be cleansing the aftereffects of his filth from the room he inhabited once I gather the necessary tools for the chore. But you can go up there and see what became of him tonight, I recommend that you do."

Another thoughtful pause, "If true... I owe you a great debt indeed..."

Toku spoke quietly and with hidden pain in her voice., "An equally great one to Colombe for enduring as the focus of that foul spirit's malice. If she had not fought him as she did even untrained, others in the household would have been attacked."

"Perhaps, but I do not trust ibhinqa legolide elimhlophe. Her people's actions toward my adopted people...."

Toku sighed, "No people are innocent, truly. My own nation has committed terrible deeds in the past and even now commits some that are a stain on our honor. All we can do is our best and repair and mend what we can."

Another long, thoughtful silence.

"No, not yet. I have Seen that she is not the umfazi omhlophe I must show my face to when the time is ripe." A bitter laugh from behind Toku. "True seeing, not what I was forced into speaking sixteen decades before to cause my people to slay their cattle in madness and starvation."

Toku nodded in sad acceptance, "As the recipient of a prophecy, and the witness to another one, one cannot fight her fate. One must merely prepare for it, and act when the conditions are met. What else can you tell me of it?"

"Little at this point. Save that a great beast comes from the South, from the valley of the Three Kings in Stone past the peaks like a woman's breasts. The daughter must choose between her parents. And... you have a part to play."

Toku inclined her head. "Thank you for your counsel. I suspect if you wish to speak further with me, you will find a way?"

"Ewe."

The Masamune cracked her neck, "Once you see what became of that onryō, please seek me out once you have thought about the changes in the household. I would prefer not to be your enemy, but what must be, must be."

"I shall judge your words and deeds."

"Good" Toku smiled serenely, "Ah, a question, does anyone else know your presence?"

"Kasuyu alone and he is sworn to secrecy."

"I shall not speak of it until you reveal yourself, or a threat to my family forces my hand then."

Another long pause. "...That is acceptable."

"Still I should go before one of the children starts looking for me." As Toku stood up from the chair, for the briefest second she saw the gleam of blood-red cat eyes from behind her reflected in the gleaming steel of a hussar's saber.

Spoiler: A Mystery Spirit

A.N.-Ahh foreshadowing! Feel free to speculate about who our mystery houseguest is (there's hints to her ID scattered in the conversation).

 

[Harry Leferts]

Gunfire and screams could be heard all around as one man in a National Guard's Corporal's Uniform ducked as several bullets punched through the car that he was hiding behind. Just days ago, him and the rest of his fellow National Guardsmen had been watching the news regarding the War in Iraq as well as Afghanistan. Some of them wondering if and when they were going to be sent into the meatgrinder there. Others had shrugged and stated that they were likely not to be sent in at all. That was just three days ago...

And now they were fighting on American soil against what could only be said to be Legions of the Damned.

Poking his head up over the rim of the car window, he took aim and shot one of the... creatures in the chest, which went down screaming. It looked like how one would imagine a body left too long in the water would, skin waxy and slimy looking. From parts of it's body were black hunks of metal while it's eyes glowed a ghostly blue in sunken eye sockets. And the wounds from it dribbled black blood, fetid and rank. What made it somewhat worse was that they all did not have the same uniform.

Some of them wore American uniforms, some what looked like Spanish or Mexican uniforms from late 1800s... and some wore Confederate Uniforms. All of them though were out for blood and death. Civilian or soldier, it did not matter. Nor did it matter if they were man, woman, or child, all would be killed by them. If you had told him that he would be facing beings not even a week before, the Corporal would have laughed at you. It was like something from a horror movie.

But no one was laughing now.

For years now, there had been mysterious disappearances of ships out at sea. Ships vanishing with all aboard, sometimes without getting even a warning. Everything fine right up until they suddenly were not, only shown by the ships disappearing. As the years went on, the number went up. Not that the Corporal had ever really thought much of it, being a ground pounder. But now he wished he had...

The attacks, when they finally happened, arrived out of nowhere. Strange aircraft appearing on radar only minutes before they began to drop bombs on cities inland from the coasts. Meanwhile, coastal communities were shelled by what could only be described as monstrous women. The United States Navy, those that were there, went out to fight and a large number of ships were sunk, though they gave as good as they got. The Coast Guard, too, fought like lions on the high seas, desperately trying to save lives of those ships at sea with their own. But then came the ground troops, the almost corpselike soldiers and odd, crab-like things that functioned as tanks. It was that which they were fighting against.

It was then, watching as they pulled back, the Corporal internally cursed as he knew what that meant.

Not long from now, there would be another surge.

Glancing around only confirmed what he already knew, that if there was another surge, they would not be able to hold. Out of nearly sixty National Guardsman from three hours before, they were lucky if there were only a quarter of that. And most of those were walking wounded at best. The road was barricaded by using cars and a bulldozer to create a makeshift fortification. It was not much, but it did the job, and that was all they could hope for.

Head low as he crouched, the Corporal ran towards the Lieutenant that was there, the last of those in charge. A shout of "Tank" followed by a whoosh of AT4 and then another made him wince. Sliding to a stop even as a explosion made his ears ring more than they had, the Corporal threw his back against what had once been a SUV, "LT, what's the word!?"

Radio to his ear, the Officer glanced at him, "I'm trying to find that out myself." Growling, he shouted into the radio, "What is going on with the evacuation, Over!"

From the radio came a somewhat tired, but also frantic voice of a civilian, "{We need twenty five more minutes! We found a group of children in one of the schools along with their teachers that no one realized were there! They're getting onto the buses right now, but we need some more time! Especially with the roads bombed and shelled, we only have one route in and out!}"

Both National Guardsman as well as those within hearing range shared a look at that. Going by previous surges, the creatures were going to hit in ten minutes. And with the numbers they had, they would not be able to hold... or at least hold and get out themselves. For several seconds, the LT looked around at the remaining Guardsman and saw their expressions.

He already had their answer.

With a deep breath, he brought his radio to his lips, "You got your twenty five minutes, but we cannot give anymore, Over."

Relief colored the voice inside of the radio not knowing of the nods that the soldiers were giving each other, "{Thank you... just thank you... We'll see you when we get to the rendezvous point... Frank, I think.}"

Grimly smiling, the LT nodded, "Yeah, we'll see you there... good luck, Out." Closing his eyes, he hung his head some before sighing. Raising his head, he gave a look to each of his group, "Okay people, you heard the lady. We got to hold the damn line for them to get the last civvies out, and that is what we're going to do." For a moment, he seemed lost before nodding as he steeled his nerves, "It's been an honour and I'll see you all on the other side for beer."

One of the few female soldiers clapped a male one on the shoulder with a grin, though it did not reach her eyes, "Tell you what, Andy, when we get out we'll go for a nice steak dinner, you and me."

Adjusting his glasses, Andy gave her a raised eyebrow, "Wasn't that what I asked you back in high school? And you turned me down right there and then, Susan?"

Expression falling, Susan looked at him and seemed to be seeing him for the first time. Sadly smiling, she gave a nod, "I did, and I regret it. But that was then and this is now."

Something passed between the two of them and they nodded before turning back, Andy frowning, "So what's the plan?"

Just reloading, the LT looked at him, "We hold, nothing else. Now get to positions, we only got a few minutes left. Any wounded that can't hold on, get on the pickup and get out." Turning to the Corporal, he grimaced, "You'll be driving." When the Corporal opened his mouth, the LT shook his head, "No, Jake, for some of these guys, they're too badly hurt to be much more than meat shields. You've got the experience with trucks and can drive fast. You get them the hell out of here. That is an Order, Soldier."

For several seconds, Jake was going to argue before he sighed and his shoulders slumped, "Yes, Sir. Under duress."

Thinly smiling, the LT only nodded, "Good." Pausing, he reached for his neck and pulled out his dog tags. With a yank, he gave the Corporal one of them, "Here... take this. And... tell my niece that her uncle is always going to watch over her. Even when she can't see me."

One by one, the others gave him one of their dog tags as they helped get the last of the badly wounded onto the truck. Getting into the truck, he gave one last look to them before saluting, with them saluting back before he started it and drove out. His last sight of them being them holding the salute before they headed to their stations.

It would be the last time that anyone saw any of them alive...
_______________________________________________________________

Watching as the Sergeant nursed his beer, Cameron was quiet for a few moments. Finally, the teen looked at the older man who had a haunted look on his face, "So they all died?"

Slowly, the now older Jake nodded as he sipped his beer, "Yeah, to a man at that barricade. One of the nearby buildings had a CCTV still running and caught the whole thing. They did not hold it for the needed twenty minutes... they held it for thirty before being overrun, giving enough time for both the last civilians and the wounded to get out." Taking another sip, he continued, "It took two days for the Army to roll in and push the Abyssal ground forces back enough to recover their bodies and I was there with them since I was still not badly injured. LT was... almost unrecognizable. Andy had fallen stabbing one of the Abyssal Infantry in the head with his knife even as it disembowelled him, standing between it and Susan who must have fallen... already dead considering that the bullet had gone right through her heart.

From where she stood, Alaska blinked away some tears, "They did their duty and none could say otherwise."

Atago gave her own nod before giving a salute, "Hai, they did."

Inside her hull, she could feel her own crew in agreement with what she just said. To them, they upheld their honour to the greatest. After a few moments, the Sergeant cleared his throat, "My friends and comrades... they were magnificent." Briefly, he paused before shrugging, "Though one of the Army guys, well, he gave a whistle before shaking his head stating 'Damn, not bad for a bunch of weekend warriors.'"

That got him scowls from the other three before Cameron growled, "He what? After what they did?!"

Darkly laughing, Jake grinned though it was all teeth, "He did, though a second later his Sergeant grabbed him and practically slammed him into the Humvee that they were using for transport. The Sergeant told him that he was not to disrespect the soldiers who died there within earshot of him ever again. And that the only thing that he was right about was that they were warriors. National Guard or not, they, and we, had bled ourselves white for our nation." Drinking the rest of his beer, he snorted, "Saw the guy later all roughed up, claiming that he had tripped over something."

Simply sipping her own drink, Alaska nodded, "I wish that I could have met them."

Lips twitching, the Sergeant looked over at her and smiled, "Same here, Andy would have been over the Moon to meet you girls." A far off look entered his eyes at that, "Over the damn Moon..." Shaking it off, Jake glanced at his now empty beer and sighed a bit, "Anyways, that's enough time that this here old war dog takes up you three's time."

Cameron only shook his head and held out a hand, "No Sir, it was our honour to hear about your friends."

A small smile on his face, the Sergeant grasped the young man's hand and shook it, "Thank you."

Giving a salute to the two shipgirls, and receiving one in return, he soon walked off. Feeling movement, Cameron looked to find Alaska on one side of him and Atago on the other. He then ordered another drink for his girlfriend from the bar that they were at. Granted, he did wonder why Alaska brought along Atago on their date, not that he minded too much...

 

[SisterJeanne]

Pack Dynamics III

Diet Building, Magical Chiyoda

Naomi Miyata rubbed her temples before taking a sip of her tea to chase down the Headache Potion.

If the job she was doing riding herd on Councilor Ito was not hard enough....

She flipped through the JMSDF Civilian Contractor file generated by the Civil Service for one Ibuki Moriko, age 24. Schooling was listed as Iai Joshi Women's Academy in Hakodate.

Which had been destroyed in an Abyssal attack during Blood Week.

Parents were listed as deceased when the Abyssals attacked Hakodate..

Considering that a trio of heavy shells had landed on City Hall then and blown the birth and marriage records to the four corners of Japan, that was awfully convenient.

Family was listed as two sisters, Ibuki Suzume, age 24 -- twins perhaps? -- also a JMSDF contractor and an Ibuki Sachiko, 19. No male relatives. No extended family.

Another sip of tea and a scowl at the file. There was something fishy here, and she knew it.

Especially since more than a few unregistered Yokai and criminals had used the near-obliteration of Hakodate in Blood Week as a convenient way to make false identities.

Another flip to her qualifications. Kyokushin karate, second Dan. No tournaments listed there.

Naomi examined the photograph in the file of a rather battered tomboyish young woman. She might have been cute without the slightly bent nose and a haircut rather than the unruly mane of hair.

Mane....

At least with comparing her to the photograph Hachiko supplied, it was clearly the same girl. That was something. Just not enough something to make a decision.

With that she closed the folder and drained the rest of her teacup. She was not looking forward to the discussion she would have with her father.

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

"Daughter, you look troubled." Shigeru Miyata looked across the dinner table at his child.

Naomi spoke slowly. "I spoke to Hachiko today as per our arrangements. The news was... not what I expected."

Shigeru's eyes widened. "Nothing bad, surely!"

Naomi shook her head. "I'm not sure. He has met a girl who he has fallen for. Hard."

Shigeru leaned back in his chair and rubbed his hand across his bare scalp. "You do not sound overjoyed, Naomi."

"That is because I am not. This 'Ibuki Moriko' has... well see for yourself. I called in a favor to get access to the unclassified files that Tokyo has for civilian contractors working for the Self-Defense Forces." Naomi handed her copy of the Civil Service files to her father.

Shigeru opened the folder and his eyes bulged at the photograph of Moriko clipped to the first page. "Well I can see a reason for my grandson to be interested in her, or rather two reasons. She is definitely female with those breasts. Even if her face... mmm... She looks like she fought a truck and lost though. And she looks like she's built like an oni."

Naomi nodded. "Yes, which is concerning. Hachiko-san is not the most masculine or assertive soul I know. I can see her dragging him off and the family needing to pay for pelvis surgery to go with the gallon of orange juice and IV drip the next week after she has her way with my nephew. Also," Her voice trailed off and she frowned as Shigeru looked up at her, "there's something wrong with that dossier. I cannot put my finger on it, but I know that there's more to her than the report says."

Shigeru flipped through it and then grunted, "I agree, it's a lot like a politician's campaign speech. All words and no real substance. This is all you have?"

"Yes. Hachiko claimed that she told him that she is a Natural-Born shipgirl, but that data is under lock and key by the Navy, and I can easily see a Christmas Cake like her working at the Naval Base saying that to get his attention. Plus the way he described their meeting, it reads like a particularly trashy shoujou manga scene." Naomi sighed.

"How so?" Shigeru's gaze was sharp.

"Apparently he was waiting tables , another customer bumped him, and his glasses went flying and wound up in her parfait. And then it was love at first sight, and he is badly smitten with her." Naomi shook her head. "Add in the reports of unregistered Kitsune in Yokosuka and..."

Shigeru nodded, "It fits. So, what do we do?"

Naomi sighed, "Gather information about Miss Ibuki now. Of course I can't use official means with the policies in place toward Yokohama and the naval base."

Shigeru gave a toothy smile, "I will call Mitsue Kiho tomorrow then. She took up private investigating after being too good as an Auror in uncovering political... ahh... skeletons. I'm sure that she will be interested in making some Ryō by compiling a 'supplemental file' on this young lady."

He then looked across the table at Naomi. "Keep me informed of what comes of this. And counsel Hachiko to not do anything rash before the family decides how to deal with this situation."

"Yes, Father."

 

[K9Thefirst1]

So. For the past few months, I've been marinating the idea of showing what OLD was up to during Blood Week - because there's no way she was going to participate in sinking merchant/civilian craft, and while Porta isn't nice, she's not Heartless enough to force her. Harry's most recent snippet gave me a touch of inspiration, of just one more bit of madness that is no doubt lost amongst the chaos and stories of nobledark sacrifices of Blood Week, and will likely stay that way for years unless someone puts two and two together. So I wanted to do something of a proper chapter. but given how I still have a LOT of snippets to work through, I'll just give impressions of what I envision. Hopefully I'll be able to get back and fill these out properly.




Transcript. Excerpt.
Debrief of Korporaal Pierre Longstreet
Concerning the Battle of Antwerp, August 2005

Interviewer: Now, to clarify, you say that your platoon then received reinforcement.

Longstreet: Yes.

I: But, not from the army, nor any NATO force, correct.

Long.: Yes, that's correct. They were...

I: Were...?

Long.: They were ghosts, sir.

I: Indeed. So you said in your Action Report. That they were soldiers from the first world war.

Spoiler: Dämontruppen of the HIMT Demonic

Long.: Yes sir. Gas masks that seemed to- No. They were glowing, it was night. Their eyes were glowing with Hell's own fire. They had rifles like what my Great-Grandfather used, but the bayonets were as long as my arm. And they were black, smelled of... Of brimstone.

I.: Yes. And you called them... Dämontruppen?

Long.: Y-yes. That was, that was Private Vandoorne's name for them. His mother was German you see, and he was our unit's resident historian for World War One, so he came up with the name and it stuck. And... And with him... Gone, it seemed right that, that I use his name for them...

I: And where did these... Demontroopers, come from?

Long.: A demon cruise ship.

I: I beg your pardon?

Long.: It's insane, but that's the best word I can think of. It was only there for a second, I blinked and it was gone. But I was in the steeple of a church, the Lieutenant sent me up there to do recon. I looked to the port to see this giant black ship. Looked like one of those passenger ships a hundred years ago. Four funnels, but the smokestacks were belching blue fire along with the smoke, and in the back of my head I heard some animal growling, like that lion I saw at the zoo when I was a kid. And something in my gut was yelling at me to just get the Hell out of there. Then I blinked, and it was gone. An hour later and the Sea Demons that were about to over run us at our barricade were getting attacked from behind. I heard artillery fire that wasn't ours, and then shells started landing in the teeming horde. But they didn't explode, they just released clouds of gas. Then the troopers started marching from the side-streets with gun fire, then the Dämontruppen just ran up to the enemy and impaled them on their beyonets. And to my dying day, I swear I saw one whack an enemy with his rifle like it was a club just for fun. Then the crowd parted to reveal a platoon of Dämontruppen wielding flamethrowers and... Well, point is, they saved our lives, helped us hold the line until we were given the order to fall back the next morning, at which time they just disappeared.

------​

CCTV Footage recovered Post-Blood Week, CLASSIFIED TOP SECRET!

The footage shows abyssals swarming the Antwerp Port, when one - an as-yet unidentified Abyssal outside of her being a probable Demon-Type, wearing armor not unlike a Medieval Knight - running into the group and killing them one by one. With nothing but her bare hands. Of particular note are two instances: One is her ripping the leg of a Ru-Class off at the hip and beating a Ta-Class to death with it, and in a separate incident reaching under the surface and lifting a Yo-Class submarine by her hair before crushing her skull in her hands.

The Minehunter Primula then opens fire on the group - by now mostly light cruisers and destroyers - indiscriminately with her 12.7mm M2 guns. While the smaller Abyssals winced away from the small gun fire - Intel suggests the 50 cal. bullets were peircing the unarmored areas of their superstructures - the Demon simply turns to the minehunter and runs to her, and breaks through the hull on impact. Seconds later the small ship lurches violently, then the upper deck explodes. For a few frames the Demon is seen holding the sinking minehunter's diesel engine over her head before throwing it at the remaining Abyssals, the engine skips on impact with the Abyssals and flies towards the camera, where the footage cuts out.

------​

Excerpt from "Surviving Blood Week at Sea," part of a series on Blood Week originally published in The Chronicle Herald December 21st, 2005

...while there are many tales such as Ms. Keller's, where newly self-summoned shipgirls stayed with survivors and assisted with military and government officials throughout Blood Week, what struck this reporter the most is this one of a shipgirl that seems to be shy. Jacques Bordeax is a Quebec native, and had been at sea for forty-one years. His ship, the Arcadian Dream, a 65,000 tonne bulk freighter registered in Panama, was on its way in from Japan when Blood Week began.

"We were all very nervous at the time. With the growing number of missing ships through out the past few years, we'd be fools not to be. But then we started getting maydays, until the airwaves were flooded with them."

Over the following days, Arcadian Dream and its crew ran for their lives, hoping to make for a friendly port. New York was closest, but they found a major naval battle between the US and Canadian navies against a large Abyssal force between them and their destination. Not wanting to get in the way or be sunk on accident, the captain turned the freighter north. Boston was tried next, but were told to try further north, as the city had been brutalized and could not handle taking in more shipping. It was then that the Arcadian Dream and a small convoy of merchant ships began to group together on the way to Halifax, the largest city north of Hampton Roads and New York City to survive the days of fighting with only moderate damage. But they almost didn't make it, when two fleets of Abyssal ships closed in on them.

"Mother raised me a good Catholic, but I'm a little ashamed to say that I had lapsed," Jacques Bordeax recounts, "but some sixty hours with no sleep and fearful of ones life makes one reprioritize things. I had just finished my turn at the wheel when those monsters started closing in, and I just went to my knees and started reciting the Hail Mary, as if it hadn't been some thirty years. I think towards the end I stopped bothering with the words and just went to begging for God to send someone to save us. And He did. Suddenly one of those monsters screamed as it was dragged under. Then some... thing burst from the sea and started literally tearing those demons apart. Real brutal business. Like a lioness among gazelle.

"We, that is, all of us among the ships, tried to train our spotlights on our savior as she circled the convoy, but no one could get a good angle on her. It was like she was shy. But she stayed with us all through the night. When she would turn sharply in one direction, we'd turn the other way, because that meant was going after another fleet, waiting for us. Then an hour or two later she'd be right back, leading us north. When the sun rose we finally met with the Cape Roger and Haida. And that was the first time any of us had actually seen a shipgirl. Though she was the second we ever met. The first being our mysterious savior."

The identity of the Jane Doe Shipgirl of the Blood Week Convoy has yet to be determined. Given the darkness and the rain, no one was able to get a clear picture or description of their savior. Though what little could be made out in the dark and compared to other currently serving shipgirls, Navy insiders speculate that on size alone, she had to have been a Capital ship in size. But none can answer why she did not utilize her weapons, as all shipgirls have been shown to use the weapons on their rigging as easily as breathing. Even aircraft carriers have either their planes, or smaller arms. When asked, Haida claims that she did not see any sign of a shipgirl. This is because by the time Haida knew about her, the shipgirl had already left the convoy.

"She must have known that we were in good hands. It was just as the sun was breaking. I couldn't get a good look at her because the sun was directly behind her. But she just stood there on the ocean, watching us, then she turned around and sailed away. And none of us saw her again after that."

Still, Jacques Bordeax and the surviving crew and passengers of the ships of the Blood Week Convoy all wish for the shipgirl that saved their lives, whomever she is, and wherever she makes port, to know that they thank her for saving their lives.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Sipping her tea, Kathleen Dippet looked out from the balcony of the small café that she was at out onto Portsmouth base. Her eyes searching for those that her many great grandfather's sacrifice had allowed for their existence. After mourning her ancestor, she had taken to keeping an eye on those that he brought about. It was, after all, the least that she could do for him.

Kathleen could even remember dropping them off on the beach close to Fort Gilkicker and sending a message to the Naval Base at Portsmouth. Not that she just left them there, she had stayed until one of the shipgirls had arrived, only disillusioning herself when they got close. Backing up, she had continued to observe as they gathered up the shipgirls laying there. Once she was absolutely certain that things were good, she apparated out.

Her next two months were spent mainly taking care of her many greats grandfather's last will and testament as well as his funeral. That, and grieving for the man who had raised her and comforted her after her parents had been killed in Blood Week. Kathleen was not ashamed to admit that she had cried many days alone in her bedroom. Not the Master Bedroom, not yet, as to her that was still Armando's, but a smaller room in the family estate. When she finally had grieved all that she could, Kathleen had gone back to work at Saint Mungoes best that she could.

But despite that... she still made time to come down to this small café outside of the Naval base to simply watch.

At least once a week, the Medi-witch would sit at the café and, after a few weak spells to not draw attention, would spend an hour or two having tea as she watched. It was not until February that she had seen the first of the shipgirls who were born due to her ancestor's sacrifice heading out onto Portsmouth Harbour. It had lightened her, until then, heavy heart. That what Armando did had meaning. Despite that, she had continued to simply watch and observe as well as listen to the non-magical news. Hearing that the Dutch accepted the never built warships lightened her spirit still more, and she could remember talking to her ancestor's grave about it when she had visited, believing that he was happy wherever he was.

Currently, Kathleen had omniculars up to her eyes as she scanned the waves before nodding at seeing the Malta Sisters out on the waves practicing. 'They're getting much better. Grandfather would be proud, I think.' Pulling the Omniculars away from her eyes, her smile brightened a bit, 'I needed that, especially after...'

For a brief moment, her mood soured a bit at the reminder of what had happened. Mainly, Rita Skeeter publishing one of her lie filled books regarding her grandfather. Something brought to her attention by how one of her fellow Medi-witches had shown her it and was swallowing the lies in it. Not that Kathleen had expected much better from Skeeter, having had the unfortunate luck to have gone to school with the woman in question. The fact that the "Reporter" used the fact that there was not much in the way of defamation laws on the magical side of the world to her advantage.

Granted... Skeeter herself had a lot of skeletons in her closet. And Kathleen had quite a bit of money and connections. Enough to hire many people to put together all those skeletons in her own book. Published under a pseudonym, of course. But enough that she was going to see that woman's life utterly wrecked. Part of Kathleen believed that if her parents were alive, they would have argued to just leave it be. But since they were not, she was not going to leave it lie...

Taking a deep breath, Kathleen let it out, 'No, forget about that woman. She is not worth it.' With a sigh, the witch took a sip of her tea before turning her attention to the slice of cake that was on a plate, 'This is much more deserving of attention then...' Carefully getting a forkful, she put it into her mouth and hummed, 'Yes, much more deserving of attention...'

A moment later, there was the sound of a throat being cleared and Kathleen blinked as a voice with a tinge of an Irish accent spoke up, "Hello there, can I take a seat here?"

Only swallowing, the witch nodded as she turned, "Of course..."

She trailed off though at seeing one of the N3s there with a smile and a cup of tea in one hand while the other had a plate with what looked like a quarter of a cake on it. Red hair cascaded down her back from it's place under a black cap while two green eyes twinkled from beneath the bangs of said hair. Hanging off her shoulders was a black naval jacket while the white shirt strained at her chest while her similarly white skirt was far too short. The twinkle only increased as she noticed Kathleen's open staring before she pulled one of the chairs away from the table, "Thank you..." With a chuckle, the N3 smiled a bit and held out a hand, "Where are my manners... I am HMS St. Patrick, of the Saint Class. Patty to my friends and sisters."

Having snapped out of her surprise and lightly blushing, Kathleen took the offered hand, "And I am Kathleen Dippet."

Moments later, her blush increased as St. Patrick smiled and leaned over to kiss her knuckles, "Charmed to make your acquaintance."

Within her chest, the witch felt her heart pounding in a way that it had not for some time. As some termed it, she was a Chaser for both teams. 'It... has been some time since...' Rapidly shaking that thought off as it was still far too soon after her grandfather's death to think of such things... as much as she might have wanted to otherwise. Instead, Kathleen smiled with a small nod, "Same, Miss Patrick."

Leaning against one hand, St. Patrick hummed a bit and gave her a glance over, "Please, call me Patty, if you must."

Softly giggling a bit, Kathleen shook her head some, "Charmer." Getting a wave of the hand, she sighed a bit before tilting her head to the side. After all, this was a chance to get to know one of the shipgirls her grandfather had brought into existence. And, while she was not exactly looking for such, having nice company was always a plus, "If I may ask... Saint Class?"

Chuckles escaped from the massive Battleship as she took a sip of her tea, "Indeed, myself and my sisters are each named for one of the Patron Saints of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. St. Patrick, in my case and St. George, St. Andrew, and finally St. David. Hence the name of the four of us as the Saint Class."

Bemused, Kathleen chuckled as she placed her hands under her chin, "Well, I think that they suit you."

That got her a smile from St. Patrick. For the next hour, the two of them chatted though Kathleen did dance around some subjects regarding the magical world, though she admitted to working in the medical field. Eventually, the tea and cake ran out and the N3 leaned back with a small smile, "Nothing quite like enjoying tea with a friendly, and lovely, face."

Despite the blush on her face, Kathleen laughed and made a shooing motion with her hand, "Begone, you."

Humming, the Battleship scratched her chin before sighing, "You know, as a Battleship, I do not do subtle." At seeing the confusion, she continued after a glance around, "I will admit that when I came in here and saw you, I had to come over and talk with you." Slightly smiling, St. Patrick nodded, "Which I have not regretted and would not mind doing so more often."

Now confused, Kathleen frowned, "You... had to come over when you saw me?" At the answering nod, she frowned more, "Why?"

With a deep breath, St. Patrick leaned in, "Because, Kathleen... I recognized you."

Lips dry, the witch licked them, "You... recognized me? From where and... how?"

For several seconds, St. Patrick was quiet before speaking in a soft whisper, "I... remember, when they found us on that beach. When the lid on the container I was in opened, I was somewhat conscious at the time and some of my fairies caught sight of your tearful face." Reaching over, she placed her hand on a now pale Kathleen's, "And the name... Dippet. Are you related to an Armando Dippet? As... as I remember him, though hazy. An old man sailing past as I and my sisters as well as the others went on to this world. Some of my fairies know his name."

Voice soft, nearly inaudible, Kathleen looked up at her with teary eyes, "You... you all remember him?"

Slowly, the Battleship nodded, "We do, and we honour him. Despite the... issues regarding the divide, enough is known that we know what he did to give us the chance to live." Eyes soft, St. Patrick pulled out a cloth and used it to dab at Kathleen's eyes, "What he did, we can only thank him."

Nodding, Kathleen took a shaky breath, "Thank you."

Only smiling, St. Patrick did not say much though she looked out towards the base, "You've been checking up on us, have you not?" From the corner of her eye, she could see Kathleen nod, which made her smile, "I see."

Just running a hand through her hair, Kathleen sighed, "You must think me as some sort of stalker. But I had to know that you were all alright."

Much to her surprised, she felt her hand being gently squeezed by the other woman, "No, I do not. Far from it." When she turned to look at her, the witch found herself blushing from the look from St. Patrick who smiled, "It says much about your character that you are willing to spend the time and effort to make sure that we are treated well."

Lips curling upwards into a smile, Kathleen hummed a bit, "Thank you."

Staring her in the eyes, St. Patrick shook her head, "No, thank you and your grandfather." After a minute, Kathleen nodded but said nothing. Getting up, the Battleship stretched a bit before helping the witch to her feet, "I must thank you for the enjoyable company."

In return, Kathleen shook her head, "Not as much as I have. It... has been too long, I think."

Eyes narrowing slightly, the Battleship hummed before reaching into a pocket and pulling out a piece of paper, "Here, this is my telephone number." Leaning in as Kathleen took it, she smirked, "Perhaps... we can make it so that it will never be nearly as long as it has been?"

Kathleen's eyes widened a touch as she searched the Battleship's own eyes. After a few moments, her expression softened and she took the piece of paper with a small smile, "I... think that might well be quite lovely. As friends at least, for now."

Rather than look disappointed, St. Patrick smiled instead, "Yes, as friends at least."

Both of them walked out of the café next to each other and the witch gave St. Patrick a peck on the cheek. Seeing the blush, Kathleen gave a wink before walking off and the shipgirl heard a crack when the witch walked into an alleyway. Smiling herself, the N3 began to walk back to the base whistling.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Tsukiakari walked into the guest house on the Potter Properties before blinking at who she found there, "Andraste-Senpai?"

Looking up from where she was cleaning her true self and polishing, the purple haired girl smiled a bit, "Good afternoon, Tsukiakari. How are you this morning?"

Just walking over, Tsukiakari sat herself down, "I'm fine, Senpai." Watching as the Shield continued her maintenance, the Kyu-Gunto cocked her head to the side, "Can I ask you something, Andraste-Senpai?"

With a hum, Andraste glanced at her and smiled, "Of course..." Pausing, she snapped her fingers, "It is the glasses that I am wearing, isn't it?"

Blinking, the sword frowned, 'Glasses...' It was then that Tsukiakari realized that, yes, Andraste was wearing glasses with light purple frames along with more modern clothing. Lips twitching, she shook her head, "Well, I was wondering about that as well, I suppose. Though they look good on you, Senpai."

A light dusting of pink on her cheeks, Andraste giggled some before adjusting her glasses, "Sabah suggested them for me..." Her blush deepened a touch and she smiled slightly more, "She said that they looked cute on me."

Unable to help herself, Tsukiakari also giggled and blushed as she nodded, "Yes, they certainly do make you look cute." Becoming thoughtful, she hummed, "Though... that does make me wonder. You and Sabah-Senpai are both really close to one another, and I never did come across the reason why...? Though I think it has to do with how she became a Potter blade?"

For a moment, Andraste was silent before she hummed some, "Ah, there is a bit of a tale there." Gathering her thoughts, she continued, "I was forged shortly before the Fifth Crusade for Hadrian Potter, whose mother was the Queen of the Local Fae with Richard Potter as his father. Yes, it was part of the deal to tie the Potters and the Fae Band closer together, via blood. But... she loved Richard, I think, and loved her son as well as much as a Fae could. When both died, she visited their graves despite the pain of being on consecrated ground." Cloth gently swiping at the shield, the Spirit nodded, "She also had me created in the forges of the Fae for her son when she heard he was going to join the Crusades."

Eyes wide, the Kyu Gunto stared at her before shaking her head, "I know that it was mentioned before, but..."

Chuckling, Andraste shook her head, "Surprising, is it not? But she had me forged by the smiths of the Fae. Some of my metal came from a star that fell from the heavens. These stones..." She tapped the ones circling the shield's boss, "Came from the stone from which King Arthur withdrew Caliburn... but the central boss..." Her finger slid across it, "Comes from the anvil that sat upon that stone and from which the Sword in the Stone was drawn from to prove that Arthur was King. Powerful artifacts, but ones that were left behind to rust and turn to gravel. Into the metal and stone were poured protections."

Now leaning forward with a childish look of interest, Tsukiakari smiled, "How powerful? I know that Sabah mentioned poison, but...'

Lips curling upwards into a smile, the Shield lightly laughed, "Powerful. As shown one day when we were journeying along a road in the Alps and were set upon by a group of trolls lead by a giant. Said giant had a great axe and knocked Hadrian from his horse. Scrambling to his feet at the same time that the giant brought his axe up for an overhead blow, my first Master brought me up, extending me from where I had been disguised as an armlet. The axe met me... and shattered, with Hadrian barely moved. Some of the shrapnel embedded itself into the giant, and gave him time to slide his blade between it's ribs, slaying it." Pausing, she frowned some and made a motion with her hand, "Not that was the last time that I was used to slay giants. Jonathan Potter used me about... 1346 during a spat of giant attacks since I was able to turn their blows aside to give him room to kill them. One of his Welsh friends called him Iach, or 'Healthy', due to how he never really got hurt."

For some odd reason, that nickname made Tsukiakari frown some in confusion, 'Iach? Why does that tickle the back of my mind...' After a moment, she shrugged it off, 'Probably not important.'

Instead, she turned back to the tale as Andraste told it, "Anyways, besides being able to turn aside blows, I can deflect many spells and wearing me allows for one to be unaffected by the heat of the desert sands while making their skin as tough as leather while still looking normal. As well, poison cannot affect one with me nor can spells that cause secondary effects such as withering. All that became very useful as the Crusade went on." Finger tapping her thigh, she hummed, "Though the fighting did not begin until we arrived in what is now Syria. It was shortly after the battle where we defeated Saphadim where Sabah's master snuck into the encampment to slay as many of us as possible. It was night when Hadrian came across him and deployed me as the two fought across the encampment... It was magnificent. A slash from Sabah killed other Crusaders from mere scratches. But my Master... he fought and fought, getting cut again and again. The poison in his veins making him fight all the harder."

Tsukiakari was unable to help herself as she was drawn into the story. In her mind, she could almost hear the blows between the two fighters as they fought, "So what happened next?"

Not saying anything right away, the Shield hummed, "Well, it was a draw at first, until the Hashashin, who was part Efreet, used his fire magic to heat up Hadrian's sword until it was red hot and began to melt. But if he thought that would be the end of it, he was wrong. Hand burned, my Master charged him with me held in front of him when the Hashashin attempted the same trick on me." Thinly smiling, she brushed some hair from her brow and adjusted her glasses, "It... did not work for I withstood the flames. His eyes widened as we burst from the flames, the fire trailing along my edges before I was slammed into him. Once we was down, Hadrian smashed him again and again with me before getting off as he lay dying. I remember him chuckling and calling Hadrian a worthy warrior before he expired. As he was without a sword, my Master took his, which was Sabah." With a shrug, Andraste smiled a bit, "The two of us have been together since then to be honest."

Considering that, Tsukiakari only nodded, "That makes sense... but what about the rest of the Crusades?"

A small frown on her face, Andraste shook her head, "There... is not a whole lot to speak of. During the Crusades, we fought across the Middle East until we came to Egypt. When we took Damietta though... Hadrian saw how the Commanders were fighting amongst themselves for control. That, as well as an inkling that things were going to turn, led to him heading back home. It was only after we arrived back in Britain that the word reached us of the disastrous defeat. Hadrian retired from Crusading after that, though his grandson, Jeffery, joined the Crusades under King Edward the First. He brought me along and it was during that Crusade that I met... Prydwen."

Upon hearing that name, the other Tsukumogami stiffened, "Prydwen? As in the same one that..."

Slowly, Andraste nodded, "That has searched for Carnwennan? Yes, the very same... it was on the travel back that we met each other as a matter of fact..."

***********************************************

Jeffery was in a deep, magical sleep behind Andraste who stood between him and the woman before her. Narrowing her eyes, the Shield growled as the other woman jerked back her hand as if shocked at her appearance, "Who are you!? And why have you placed my Master within slumber?!'

The woman looked at her for several seconds before narrowing her eyes, "I am Prydwen, Shield and Ship of the Once and Future King of Briton, King Arthur Pendragon. May I ask who you may be?"

Hand tightening on the strap she held her true body with, the Shield narrowed her own eyes, "I am Andraste, Shield of the Potters. And you still have not answered why you placed my Lord into slumber."

Only tilting her head a bit in acknowledgement, Prydwen frowned, "I have not. As for why... I search for the Relics of my King, to keep them safe until his return. Through magic, I sensed such here..." Her eyes narrowed to mere slits, "And coming from you, it would seem."

Shifting slightly to better cover her Master, Andraste scowled, "What right does it give you to take such items? Did King Arthur give you such a duty?" Her own eyes narrowing, she continued at seeing how the other shield stiffened, "Or is it one that you have assumed?"

For several moments, there was no answer. Then, Prydwen scowled back, "I do not need to answer to you. Give me the items that belonged to my King and I shall be off."

Andraste only shifted again and tightened her hold as she prepared to defend, "Than you shall have to break me, Prydwen, Shield of Arthur. For what you seek is as much a part of me as your steel is of your own body."

Now it was Prydwen's turn to shift a bit and mumble something. Before Andraste could do anything, the stones in her shield glowed as did the central boss. The other shield grimaced and had the expression of deep thought on her face, "They used the Stone and the Anvil from which Caliburn were drawn for you."

With a deep breath, the other Shield swallowed, "Yes, after both were left in the field to rust or turn to gravel."

Hands on her sword, Prydwen had a look of consideration upon her face as one finger tapped out a rhythm on the hilt, "That material, ultimately belongs to my King..." Seeing the stiffening stance of Andraste, she held up one hand, "However, you are right in that my King also left such items behind of his free will. And I can sense the magic of the fae within you."

Slowly nodding, Andraste frowned, "Yes, my Lady had me forged for her son who she had by a mortal in the Potters."

Deep in thought, the Shield of King Arthur was quiet and for several minutes there was only the crackle of flames. Then, slowly, she gave a chuckle, "I see. Under most circumstances, I would take you, but as you said, forged from items that my own King discarded and by the Fae. I know better than to even attempt to take you." With a slight bow, Prydwen smiled, "Accept my apologies."

Relaxing some, Andraste bowed a little as well, "Accepted, as long as you lift the spell from my Master."

Waving her hand, Prydwen did so...

******************************************

Head tilted to the side, Tsukiakari frowned, "Wait, so she let you go? Despite..."

Simply shrugging, the Shield shook her head, "She did, though she did state that if the Potters ever died out, she would attempt to claim me, but not until then." Chuckling, Andraste shook her head, "She journeyed with us for some time, much to Jeffrey's moneybag's misery whenever it came time to stop at a tavern for a meal. As she stated, the greatest enemy was hunger and she ever sought it's defeat."

Eyebrow raised, Tsukiakari shook her head before placing her chin in one hand, "But obviously at some point in the journey she went on her own way. Why?"

With a sigh, Andraste shook her head and rolled her eyes, "Mainly? She had this small... being, I suppose that a shipgirl would call it a 'Fairy', which was that of Merlin. Allow me to just state that he had... issues regarding how close Jeffery and Prydwen became on the journey. Enough so that he caused many, many problems. Enough so that Prydwen commented that she was reminded of a certain Paladin before stating that Jeffery reminded her of him greatly, especially the one time he had to cross-dress as a woman." Ignoring the snickers from Tsukiakari, she continued, "To the point where she mused that they might have been related somehow... But eventually there came a point where what Merlin was doing, and dragging the others into, was too much and they went their separate ways. Apparently, from what I know, Merlin believed that if he could not have Prydwen than no one would... and said shield reacted as well as you could imagine when I told her. Last we saw was her tossing Merlin into a nearly frozen mountain stream with a scream of rage."

That made the Kyu Gunto blink until she put it together, "Jealous pervert?"

Her tone utterly dry, Andraste nodded, "Jealous pervert."

All Tsukiakari could was shake her head with a sigh.

 

[Hazard]

(Matters of interest on the river IJzer during and following Blood Week)

Battle of Nieuwpoort and associated riverine action.
Concurrent with the raids, assaults, bombardments and other hostile action during Blood Week (see also, the First Battles of London, Hamburg, Rotterdam, 's Gravenhage and Antwerpen, and the Raids on Den Helder, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Bergen, Oslo, Calais and Dover, as well as the Waddenzee Campaign), the Battle of Nieuwpoort and the forcing of the IJzer was a relatively minor event. Under the cover of the much larger fleet and amphibious action occurring across the Noordzee, the flotilla of destroyers and corvettes that made their way to Nieuwpoort was easily missed. While lacking the sheer fighting power of the cruiser and battleship fleets, a dozen I-class destroyers and at least 50 corvettes of unknown type assaulted the town.

While most of the destroyers stayed behind and started shelling the town, 2 of the destroyers and all the corvettes only took shots of opportunity as they rushed up the river IJzer towards Ieper. Survivor's accounts and post battle analysis of the damage indicate that every building and village by the shore was fired upon, and all war memorial steles and stones were directly and physically assaulted by a small group of corvettes while the remainder stood guard. When the group arrived by the Dodengang Memorial they cleared the preserved section of trench, killing the civilians hiding there, before continuing on to Diksmuiden where they shelled the river shores and brought down the WW1 memorial tower and museum.

Apparently satisfied with the state of Diksmuiden, the group continued on down the IJzer, eventually taking the Ieper-Lee branch channel towards Ieper. Although like with Nieuwpoort and Diksmuiden the Abyssals shelled Ieper, casualties this time were very light, with less than two dozen confirmed killed and all accounted for. Messages send ahead of the Abyssals allowed the sirens to warn the civilians, but those are not credited for the extremely low casualty numbers. Forty minutes after the sirens first sounded a thin, green fog spread over the town, followed swiftly with at first vague images and far off sounds of soldiers in WW1 era gas masks gesturing at citizens. As the Abyssals approached the fog became thicker and the soldiers more solid and clearer, until with only minutes before the Abyssals' arrival the ghostly soldiers started physically hauling and shouting at the civilians in a somehow perfectly understandable creole of Dutch, English, French and German, guiding them into ancient trenches with instructions to keep walking until the soldiers at the end told them to stop.

When the Abyssals arrived they found a ghost town, still caught in that green fog. At the end of the channel they made landfall, spewing forth several hundred Abyssal soldiers as they rapidly made their way south. When they tried to cross the remnants of Ieper's ancient moat however they were met by a hail of small arms fire that stalled them in place. Reacting swiftly, Abyssal infantry took position in the buildings while the ships took cover behind them. Over the next half hour or so a stalemate developed, with neither side willing to press the attack against potentially catastrophic losses, until the Abyssal destroyers took a small group of corvettes back with them to the channel and started firing as heavy artillery support to suppress the defenders while the remaining corvettes rushed forward with the infantry to provide heavy machine gun support.

The situation untenable, the defenders abandoned their position and fell back in good order. This situation repeated itself with the next street, if with a swifter Abyssal answer, before the Abyssal forces swung their line further east to take advantage of the moat to open up their firing lines and let their corvettes offer effective fire. This also allowed them to more easily take the Menenpoort, a key memorial for the Battles of Ypres. When the Abyssals approached within a hundred meters of the gate, a thunderous roar greeted them from afar, with ancient artillery position both east and west of Ieper speaking. A devastating, constant barrage then started raining on Abyssal positions and leveling part of the town in the process. Curiously, neither the Menenpoort, nor the Church, nor the Flanders Fields Museum in Ieper were hit by so much as a stray bit of shrapnel, despite the size of the barrage and the combat being very close to these buildings.

Forced into cover, taking severe losses, severely outmatched in artillery as even the destroyers were getting shelled and their cover literally getting blasted to pieces right around them, the Abyssals routed, with only 2 damaged destroyers and a half dozen corvettes fleeing north, the remainder cut down in Ieper.

As the battle in Ieper progressed the population was further evacuated, eventually spilling out of the trench system in the nearby towns in that same, green fog. With the battle now to a close however the fog started dissipating, lasting only long enough to evacuate the last citizen to enter before fading along with the soldiers and trenches.

In Diksmuide rescue operations were well under way by the time the Abyssals came back at speed. Nearly caught by surprise again, the emergency services none the less managed to hide themselves and the victims from the Abyssals among the already blasted rubble. They passed through without issue until they approached the Dodengang memorial. Passing into a bend of the river and forced to slow down, the Abyssals took heavy fire from a crossfire of massed machine guns and direct fire artillery. They were sunk to the last.

After shelling Nieuwpoort for several hours the destroyers there retreated without further incident.

For weeks following Blood Week, ancient, WW1 era trench and artillery positions along the route from Nieuwpoort to Ieper would occasionally be marked by loose piles of brass munitions cartridges still smoking a pale, green haze in the sun or glowing a faint green glow at night.



The Dodengang Warning.
On All Hallow's Eve 2013, a group of German soldiers on leave in Diksmuide disappeared. When they were found on the following All Souls Day in the Dodengang Memorial early in the morning following a series of extraordinarily dense fog events they spoke of having been warned by the White Women of folklore of the repercussions of the summoning of Halifax by the Canadians. While the Canadians main memorial is on Vimy Ridge, even Ypres felt it happen.

And so did much of Europe's own place spirits.

While all of them yet rest, some are now resting uneasily. Le Mort Homme at Verdun whispers most loudly of them in its sleep for more, Ieper, Wieltje, Hullugh and Wulverghem have started coughing in their sleep along with others, many places in the Alps and Balkan regions have started bleeding even as the mountainsides grow less safe, much of Eastern Europe is seeing its fields watered with blood spilled long ago, and in certain camps in current day Poland and other areas of what was once the Third German Empire, ovens that should have never been build in the first place are heating up once more.

It is possible these places never wake. It is possible to still their nightmares and let them rest easier once more. But things are stirring that should not stir, and Europe is not alone in this.

And this is the only warning they'll get.

 

[Harry Leferts]

*nods*
Better!

Click to shrink...

That's good.

Oh, and for those wondering...

Spoiler: HMS St. Patrick

Just give her green eyes and a smattering of freckles.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Letting out a sigh in the chilly air, Natsumi looked beside her as she adjusted her backpack, "What do you think, Louisiana-Chan? Ready for the two day climb?"

Warmly chuckling, the Battleship nodded some, "Oui, I am, ma chérie." Looking up towards the mountain, Louisiana smiled, "Spending the next few days hiking I think will be a pleasant way of spending time together." Shifting her coat a little, she hummed, "Especially as Spring Break is nearly over for you. But I would never say no to spending more time with you, ma chérie."

A laugh made them turn as Hoshi winked at them as she joined them, flinging her own backpack on, "Don't forget me, you two." Smirking at the slightly flustered look on Natsumi's face, she continued, "After all, you both need some adult supervision."

Placing her face in her hands, Natsumi groaned, "Hoshi-San..."

More amused than anything else, Louisiana smirked herself before patting the Kitsune on the shoulders, "There, there, ma chérie. Nothing for it." With a small nod, the shipgirl hummed a bit, "Shall we?"

Both Kitsune nodded at that and soon they began their journey up the mountain. Here and there snow yet covered the ground even as spring arrived. Looking in the distance, Natsumi could just see Mount Fuji rising upwards due to the clear weather, "A bit of a shame that we could not climb Mount Dainchi."

With a shrug, Hoshi shook her head, "The snows were heavy once more this year, Natsumi-Chan. Which meant that we could not climb up the mountains as it is a bit too dangerous for one of your level this time of year. But... perhaps in a few years. And there is also always summer."

Considering that, Natsumi hummed some, "I guess." She then perked up some, "Which means that maybe I could take along Harry-Chan." Becoming thoughtful, the nearly fourteen year old frowned in thought, "Though we have also discussed maybe climbing some mountains in Scotland."

That made the older Kitsune cock her head to the side, "Truly? Which ones?"

Natsumi looked at her before smiling a bit, "Harry-Chan pointed them out to me actually when we went to Hogsmeade back in October. One was called Braeriach and is the third highest mountain in the United Kingdom." Getting a nod, she continued, "The other one that we talked about was Ben Navis which is the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom. Neither are that big compared to some of the mountains here, they're smaller then Kumotori-San. But..."

Slowly, Hoshi nodded with a chuckle, "It would be a mountain that the two of you would climb, and in Harry-San's homeland. A victory of your own and memories created."

Lightly blushing, the teenaged Kitsune nodded. She then glanced at Louisiana and shrugged, "Maybe you could come along as well, Louisiana-Chan."

Her lips curling into a smile, Louisiana chuckled a bit, "Oui, perhaps. Though it might be best if it was just the two of you first, ma chérie, with mon chéri. But thinking on it..." Frowning, she gave a hum, "Did not mon chéri mention another mountain?"

After a moment, Natsumi tapped her chin, "Well... Harry-Chan stated that it was not really a mountain, just a very big hill in Surrey called Leith Hill. According to him, his class when he lived in Britain climbed it. And... he wanted to climb it alongside me and some of the others." Softly smiling, she shook her head, "I would not be against such a thing..."

Smiling herself, Louisiana nodded, "Nor would I, ma chérie. Nor would I..."

The three of them shared a small smile and continued their hike as they slowly made their way up the incline. Entering the trees, the group looked around in interest before Hoshi hummed a bit, "There is nothing quite as good for one such as us, Natsumi-Chan, than Shinrin-yoku."

Even as Natsumi nodded in agreement, Louisiana tilted her head some in curiosity, "Shinrin-yoku? Forest bathing?"

Looking over her shoulder, the Kyuubi smiled a bit, "Hai." With one hand, Hoshi gestured around them, "To walk among the trees and meditate on them. Wonderful."

Somewhat intrigued, Louisiana glanced around in interest before taking a deep breath before letting it out, "Oui, walking in the forest is something to treasure." Reaching over, she held out a hand that Natsumi took, "Especially with those that you care for."

Fingers entwined with the Battleships, the Kitsune could only nod in agreement. As they continued their hike. Still holding Louisiana's hand, Natsumi slowed down some and waited until Hoshi was a distance in front of them. Looking up at the shipgirl, she smiled some, "Thank you for coming, Louisiana-Chan."

Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, the Battleship shook her head, "You do not need to thank me, ma chérie. Any time I spend with you, I treasure." The smile that she got made hers grow a bit more before she hummed some, "You seem to enjoy mountain climbing."

Even though it was not phrased as such, Natsumi understood that it was also a question. After a few moments of thought, she tapped her chin, "I do, Louisiana-Chan. For some reason, climbing mountains and walking through the forests and such... it calls to me. And I feel this peace when I do so. Not sure how or why... but I do."

For several seconds, Louisiana was silent before nodding, "I see." She then smiled again, "Does that mean that one day you may try the Seven Summits?"

That made Natsumi blink a bit in confusion, "The Seven Summits?"

Chuckling, the shipgirl looked down at her, "Oui, they are the highest mountains on each continent. A challenge for one who enjoys climbing mountains."

Head tilted to the side, Natsumi considered that, "I've always seen Fuji-San as the goal of my climbing, to one day climb the slopes of that peak. Myself and Harry-Chan have talked about it when we were younger and we promised to do so when we graduated high school. But... perhaps after..." She grinned a bit and Louisiana knew that if her tails were out, they would be wagging, "Perhaps after, I could become the first Kitsune to climb the Seven Summits."

Warmly smiling, the Battleship nodded at that, "I believe that you could do so, ma chérie."

All Natsumi did was nod excitedly at that.
__________________________________________________

Feeling herself being shaken some, the Kitsune grumbled a bit and snuggled more into her pillows. They were nice and soft as well as warm. Being shaken again, she grumbled a bit into said pillows, which got a chuckle from them which made her thoughts pause. Eyes cracking open, Natsumi tilted her head back and squinted at the smirking Louisiana, "Well, ma chérie?"

It took only a few moments for Natsumi to realize what her "Pillows" were and she deeply flushed, "Sorry, Louisiana-Chan..."

Moments later, Louisiana brought a finger under her chin and tilted her head back some, "Non, you have nothing to be sorry about, ma chérie. Though I will not deny that I do not mind all too much."

Giving it some thought, a part of the teen's mind gave a mental shrug, "Eh, sure." With that, she buried her face back into the Battleship's shirt covered chest, "Too tired, and too comfy."

Eyes closed, it took every bit of Louisiana's will power not to burst out laughing. Mainly because she knew that if she did, than she would both be unable to stop and would likely wake everyone else in the lodge. Still, her shoulders shook as she bit her lip and her voice was coloured with mirth, "Ah, but it was you who suggested that we wake before dawn to go back to the summit, ma chérie. To watch as the Sun rose over Japan."

After a few moments, Natsumi gave a sigh and mumbled into the marshmallow hell she had placed herself into, "Thank you for reminding me, Louisiana-Chan..." Pulling back, she gave a huff of annoyance though her eyes twinkled with mirth, "I suppose that we must wake up then."
The only thing that the Battleship did was smirk at that.

It did not take the two of them long to get changed back into their climbing clothes. And leaving their room, they met Hoshi who gave them a once over and nodded, "Good, everyone is ready." Holding out some cups, she smiled, "Here, to wake you up some."

Sniffing the cup, Natsumi sighed as she took a drink of her black tea while Louisiana downed her coffee, 'Harry-Chan ruined me when he introduced me to this... How else would I get up in the mornings?'

With that done, she handed the cup back to Hoshi who took it, the same with Louisiana's. Leaving the lodge quietly, the three headed back up towards the peak. A frown on her face, Hoshi looked over at the Battleship, "Are you going to be fine? That last slope is steep and it is still dark out."

Louisiana only smiled some and pointed at her shoulders. There, two fairies on each one held up flashlights and turned them on revealing the path, "Oui, I will not have any problems, Miz Hoshi. But thank you."

Only chuckling, the Kyuubi shook her head, "Ah, the wonders of being a shipgirl. Not that I have much worry nor does Natsumi-Chan." Seeing the interested look, she pointed at her eyes which Louisiana noted had eyeshine, "Among other things, us Kitsune have very good eyesight in the darkness."

All Louisiana did was nod at that as it did make sense. Meanwhile, it did not take the three long to reach the summit. Reaching it, the three breathed a bit hard into the cool, pre-dawn air. Slowly, the horizon began to lighten and Natsumi took a few pictures. She then grasped Louisiana's hand and looked up at her, "Did you know, Louisiana-Chan, that Kumotori-San features in 100 Famous Japanese Mountains?"

Warmly chuckling, Louisiana nodded, "Shinano mentioned such to me when I stated where we were going." Turning some towards the South, she could see Mount Fuji in the distance as the sunrise painted it in color, "And I can understand why."

Looking in the same direction, Natsumi nodded though she did not say anything. Taking a picture with her free hand, she placed her camera back into her pocket before gesturing for Louisiana to bend down. Once the taller woman did, she gave her a kiss on the cheek, right on the corner of her lips, "Thank you for coming, Louisiana-Chan."

The Battleship just returned said kiss on the cheek in the same spot on Natsumi, her eyes glimmering, "Non, you do not need to thank me, ma chérie. For this, I have no problem."

Both of them shared a smile at that before turning back to the rising Sun. Due to that, neither noticed the amused look that Hoshi had on her face before the older Kitsune shook her head, 'Ah, to be young again...'

Several hours later, the three sunk into the hot springs with a sigh from Louisiana and Hoshi as well as a groan from Natsumi. The nearly fourteen year old Kitsune leaned back against the shipgirl some much to the amusement of the older Kitsune, "Ah, nothing like a visit to a hot spring after climbing a mountain."

With a glance towards Hoshi, who nodded, Louisiana placed her arm around the teen's shoulders, "Oui, this is lovely."

Arms on the side of the pool, the Kyuubi gave a slight bow towards the shipgirl, "I must thank you, Louisiana-San. When those Aurors arrived looking for magical beings that tripped one of their sensors, I believed that I would need to... make them forget having found anything." Snickering, she shook her head, "Though the looks on their faces when you stated that it must have been you was priceless."

From where she was leaning into Louisiana, Natsumi gave a barking laugh, "Hai, that was hilarious! Especially when you summoned your rigging." Widely grinning, she looked up at the freckled face of the shipgirl, "They cleared out rather quick."

Humming, Louisiana leaned her head to the side, "Well, I could not have them interrupt our trip after all." After a nod from both Hoshi and Natsumi, her next words caused the two Kitsune to freeze, "Though I doubt that they will like the fact that my fairies were annoyed with the interruption enough that they decided that such sensors were not needed on the mountain."

That got a laugh from the Kyuubi after a few seconds as she shook her head, "No, I think not!" She blinked and looked back at the mountain and smiled a bit, "And I think that perhaps the local Kami are in agreement."

Not quite understanding what the Kitsune saw or sensed, Louisiana simply nodded and went back to enjoying Natsumi cuddled up to her as they sat in the steaming, mineral rich waters. The trip turned out to be everything that she could have hoped for. She spent quite a bit of time with Natsumi just talking as they made their way up and later down the mountain, shared a meal with her, and generally got to know the teenaged Yokai. At the same time, Natsumi got to know her a little better

Slowly, the Battleship leaned back a bit into the hot, mineral rich water with a soft sigh even as Natsumi used her shoulder as a pillow. Opening her eyes, Natsumi glanced at Hoshi before leaning up and kissing Louisiana's cheek, "Chu!"

Getting a blink, she smiled a bit and giggled before going back to laying her head on Louisiana's shoulder with a sigh. After a blink, Louisiana looked down at her with a soft smile herself before closing her eyes. Both of them just relaxing.

Really, as far as Louisiana was concerned, it was a worth while trip in every way.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Sipping her coffee, both to wake up and to ward off the early morning chill, Tonks gave a hum. At hearing a snort beside her, she glanced at one of her fellow Auror trainees, though this one was barely through the Academy, "What is it, Giles?"

The young man gave her a grimace, "How could you drink that?! I tried it once and... ugh!"

Eyebrow raised, the currently purple haired woman smirked, "What? It's just coffee."

One of the other female trainees snorted, "No, that is mostly sugar disguised as coffee. How much milk, sugar, and cream did you put into that?"

Loudly smacking her lips, Tonks had a mock thoughtful look on her face. After a few moments, she shrugged, "Enough to put a diabetic into a coma from seeing it." She then gave a loud slurp which got more grimaces, "So almost enough."

That got her eye rolls from most of those there. But one of the younger male ones scowled at her, "Ugh, do you mind? Just because you got lucky..."

Just giving him a look, Tonks narrowed her eyes, "Yes, as you have made your thoughts on the matter known very well, Trainee Alexander. And yes, it was luck. But I am very glad for it as a real piece of shit is now off the streets."

However, Alexander was not finished and gave her a scowl, "Doesn't it bother you that he is being put to death in a few weeks?! That someone is going to get killed for what happened?"

Mock thoughtful, Tonks shook her head, "Nope, not bothered at all." She then turned on her foot and walked up until her face was inches from the other Trainee's own, "But what bothers me is that he was able to get away with his shit for so long. And that you seem to have an issue with the fact that he is going to get exactly what he deserves, Parkinson. Don't like it? Tough shit. The guy murdered a bunch of our own and others. For that? I hope that he burns in Hell."

Alexander turned red, but didn't say anything. Instead, he walked a short distance away and stood there with his arms crossed. More than one of the others rolled their eyes. After all, the trainee had his family's views when it came to blood purity. So a fellow Blood Purist being sentenced to death was not something he liked, no matter what the reasoning.

Only shaking her head, another of the Trainees pulled out a pocket watch. Looking at it, he looked around, "Who are we waiting for anyways to get out to this island?"

More than a little thankful for the distraction, Tonks looked around, "An old friend of mine actually." Before anyone could comment, there was a crack and a red haired wizard was there, "Charlie!"

Grinning widely, Charlie Weasley gave a laugh, "Nymphadora!" At the glare he got, his grin widened more, "It has been far too long."

Her arms crossing under her bust, which seemed to grow a touch, the Metamorphmagus snorted, "We just talked last night." With one final glare, she calmed down some, "Still, thanks for coming. I appreciate having an expert here."

Charlie gave something of a shrug, "Not a problem. Besides which, I'm waiting for some materials for the new dragon reserve being built in the Highlands. So not that much really to be done."

A smirk crossed Tonks' face at that, "Oh? And here I thought that you were spending lots of time with Seiche..." Much to her amusement, the Weasley coughed and looked away as he blushed, 'Hah! One for me!'

A cough though brought them back as Giles gave them both looks, "As interesting and amusing as this may be, I do have a wish to be done with this. Not to mention, we may be needed elsewhere, so best that we get this done now."

With a shrug, Tonks looked at Charlie with a raised eyebrow, "He does have a point." Getting a nod, she made a motion, "Okay, everyone into the boat."

Several minutes later, they were all in a small motor boat and were heading out into the Irish Sea. As they traveled, one of the Trainees frowned a bit, "What's the big deal anyways with this island? From what I know, it is a Reserve or something, right?"

From where he sat, Charlie nodded, "That's right. Though it is mostly for wyverns or the odd Welsh Green. A lot of them seem to make it a point to travel to this island at least once in their lives for some odd reason." A frown on his face, he shook his head, "I have a few ideas as to why..."

Eyebrow raised, Alexander looked at him, "Oh? And what sort of ideas are those now?"

Ignoring the slightly mocking tone, the Weasley shook his head, "You'll find out soon enough..." However, if they expected him to continue, they were going to be disappointed. Instead, Charlie pointed at a line of breakers that seemingly stretched out, "That is one of the more interesting bits though."

Twisting in her seat, one of the female Trainees frowned, "What? That the waves are breaking over something? Why is that interesting?"

Bemused, Charlie shook his head, "It is interesting because of what it says. Once, centuries ago, before Hogwarts was built, this was all land. But the sea reclaimed much of it and the island that we're heading to was once attached before the sea wore away the peninsula and left it on its lonesome. Which is probably a good thing as it was set up as a place for the British Wyvern to live."

Right then, a tingle washed over them as they entered the ward line and they could not see an island. Above the island though were flying forms about the size of horses. One swept by close enough to snatch a fish from the water and they could see it more clearly. It was reptilian with a crocodilian head with horns. Unlike a dragon, it only had four limbs with the forelimbs replaced by bat-like wings while an arrow shaped tail stretched out behind it.

As it turned back to the island with its catch, Charlie gave a nod, "And there we have one of the British Wyverns. Beautiful..."

Glancing at him, Giles frowned a bit, "I would not quite say that..." His frown deepened, "Has there been any issue with them?"

Just humming, Charlie considered the question before crossing his arms, "Wyverns are like any other animal really, though intelligent. Not to a human level, I don't think. But... at least as smart as one of those Chimps. So they can be dangerous if they had to be. Most though just do things like catch wild pigs and such. Outside of those who do something to piss them off, I can only think of maybe two attacks in the past three hundred years."

Sighs of relief escaped from the various young Auror trainees at that to his amusement. Moments later, Tonks snatched that away, "Which does not mean that this is not dangerous."

At that, they winced.

It did not take long though for them to arrive on the island. Much to their surprise, a young woman was waiting for them. Glancing at her fellow trainees, Tonks rolled her eyes at how more than a few of the guys were outright staring at the woman. Granted... the Metamorphmagus had to admit that she was beautiful. Hair like spun gold cascaded down her shoulders while piercing blue eyes looked out onto the world.

Before she could think more on it, Charlie jumped off the boat and grinned like a loon, "Ceiwen! It has been some time."

Pale lips curled upwards into a smile as Ceiwen laughed and hugged him, "Ah! It has indeed, Charlie." She pulled back some and looked him over, "Let me look at you... it seems that good, honest work has agreed with you!"

Lightly laughing, the red haired man grinned, "It has, though my Mum would rather I be in a different career. Claims that I'm going to turn her hair white if the Twins don't."

Softly snorting, Ceiwen shook her head, "I very much doubt that." After a moment, she slugged him in the shoulder getting a yelp, "Now, about what I have been hearing from Seiche-"

Blinking, Charlie stared at her, "Wait, you know Seiche? How?"

There was an amused twinkle in the golden haired woman's eyes, as if she knew a joke that Charlie did not, "We've known each other for a very long time. Both of us and her sister are members of a... unique community, let me just say." Ignoring his confusion, though she noted that there was a slight suspicion in his eyes, she turned to the trainees and placed her hands on her hips, "Now then, the Ministry informed me that I could expect some visitors... but not why." Ceiwen rolled her eyes some with a huff, "Not that I expected much better, no offence to present company."

With a shrug, Tonks walked forward and held her hand out which the other woman shook, "Well, we're to investigate something in particular. We just got some of the sensors repaired and there's been some... odd readings from Wyvern Isle. And someone noted that the muggles have noticed tremors here."

For a moment, surprise crossed Ceiwen's face, which made Tonks narrow her own briefly. But then it was gone and the golden haired woman nodded, "I see... I will admit that I am unsure about the magic, though the wyverns have been more active as have the four Welsh Greens that call the island home. The tremors though... those have been going on for a few months."

Pulling out a notepad, Tonks clicked a pen, "They have? Do you have any idea of when they started happening?"

Somewhat bemused, Ceiwen hummed, "I think that they started in early August of last year... yes, it was right around then." She then made a gesture with her hand, "If you'll follow me, I'll take you to where I live and keep the logbooks. Perhaps even a tour of the island itself?"

Alexander spoke up with his voice tinged with haughtiness, "Yes, that might be a good idea."

The glare that Tonks gave him slid right off him. As they began to walk, the trainees kept an eye out for the wyverns that lived there, or the few dragons that did. Giles adjusted his glasses and looked at the woman with a frown, "Do you really live here all alone?"

Humming, Ceiwen nodded, "I do, as have members of my family for centuries. We're the Keepers of the island dating back to before there was a Hogwarts. Granted, we don't go to said school. Rather, we've been going to the Avalon Academy."

Only snorting, Alexander sneered a bit, "That place? It doesn't even count as a school!"

Eyebrow raised, the golden haired woman gave him a look which made him quail. For a moment, he felt as if he was a mouse before a large lion, "It is only not considered such because the Ministry and the ICW has Hogwarts as the only official school in Britain."

A glance by Charlie at the annoyed Tonks told him that a certain trainee was going to get chewed out. Deciding to head that off at the pass, Charlie cleared his throat, "Since we're here, perhaps you can tell us that family story of yours?"

Confused at first, Ceiwen's expression softened, "Of course, Charlie. Do any of you know the Tale of the Two Dragons?" At their heads shaking, she tsk'd a bit, "I see, I would ask what Hogwarts is teaching, but that is beside the point I suppose."

Hands in her pockets, Nymphadora hummed, "You mean the legendary red and white dragons of Wales? That story?"

Lips curling into a smile, the other woman began telling the tale of the Red and White Dragons. How the Red and White fought each other with their screams and such causing problems such as women to miscarry and the like. And how the British King, Lludd, after consulting his cousin Llefelys, managed to capture the two dragons and buried them under a hill in the middle of Britain, where Oxford now is. Centuries later, King Vortigern attempted to build a castle on the hill, but it always fell. Until he came across Merlin who revealed the dragons and that the two were released. The Red Dragon, according to Merlin represented the Britons, while the White represented the invading Anglo-Saxons. Because, for a time, the White Dragon, like the Anglo-Saxons, would be stronger than the Red... eventually, it would reverse and it would fall, like the Anglo-Saxons would before the Britons. And the Red defeated the White...

Raising a finger, Ceiwen continued, " Granted, in a way, you can make the argument that the Britons did win in the end." Seeing their looks, she smirked a bit, "Now, in most legends that is where it ends. Except for one continuation passed down in my family and a few others. According to that, there was more to it than that. See, the White Dragon disguised itself as a woman to hide until such time that it could heal enough to fight the Red once more. The Red, meanwhile, transformed itself into a man to try and draw out the White." Lips curling, she chuckled a bit, "Guess what happened?"

Boggling, Tonks stared, "Don't tell me that the two..."

Slowly, Ceiwen nodded with a broad smile, "They did, and had a child. But when they saw the Golden Dragon, both parents realized who the other was. The Midwife ran for her life with the newborn hatchling as the house behind her exploded as the two dragons resumed their fight... until Gwydion, who was passing by, spotted the fight and tried to get the two to stop. And when they ignored him, he cast a spell that sent them into a slumber as their spirits roamed the earth. With that, he buried them deep beneath the ground once more."

Tilting his head, Giles frowned, "But what about their daughter?"

For several moments, Ceiwen was quiet, "Gwydion cast a spell to make her appear as human for a time and had her placed in the household of a local King. She was raised alongside the King's heir and they became like siblings. When she was an adult, there was an attack and the spell broke, with her sending the enemy into panicked retreat. But... a final spell from an enemy hit the Prince, who had become the King and the curse meant that he would die by the time that the year was out. As well, his wife was dead and thus he was left heirless. Until, the Gold Dragon stepped in. While she loved him as a brother, and he as a sister, she was willing to bear him an heir which she did. The King lived long enough to name said son... Uther Pendragon."

More than one set of eyes widened at that before Alexander scowled, "Are you claiming that King Arthur was... not of human blood? And was some sort of Halfbreed?"

All the golden haired woman did was shrug with a mysterious smile, "Perhaps. But that is how the tale in my family goes..."

For the next few hours, the Trainees studied the logbooks at Ceiwen's home. This was followed by them searching the island for any oddities regarding the magic. But... they found none and could not identify where the odd magic was coming from. Thankfully, Charlie proved his worth in that a few times he had to step in before one of the trainees did something to anger the Wyverns or dragons there. Though he did have to step in once to calm a Welsh Green that was set off by Alexander with help from Ceiwen. But all of them were glad when they could go home despite not finding anything.

After they were gone and she had returned home, Ceiwen pulled out a satellite phone and dialed a number. Putting to her ear, she began making her dinner, a pot full of stew, "Hello? Seiche? It's Ceiwen." Smile brightening, she gave a laugh, "Yes, it has been a few days. Guess who I saw again today for the first time in a while as well? Oh? Charlie already told you?" Pouting a bit, the golden haired woman huffed, "Well, that's no fun."

Slowly stirring the cauldron, which contained far more than a normal person could eat, Ceiwen sighed, "Yes, they came to see about some odd... signals, that the magical sensors picked up. Not to mention that the Muggles have been picking up tremors..." A worried look crossed her face for a moment, "Yes, I am worried too. Hopefully though, they will listen to reason this time. But you know my family... especially those two." Wryly smiling, she snorted a bit, "Quite." Suddenly, Ceiwen smirked, "Though I will note that I am impressed with Charlie once more, and same with that one woman, Nymphadora Tonks. If she becomes an Auror, she'll go far I think. You met her as well? Not too surprising I suppose and I am glad that you share my opinion on her."

Taking a sip of her stew from a bowl before nodding and adding some more spices, she hummed, "By the way, speaking of Charlie and Miss Tonks... both of them are quite intelligent. I suspect that they know something. Oh, don't get me wrong, I don't mind if it is them. And both of them seem to be the sort to keep quiet, Charlie especially. During the tour, we came across a crack in the ground which had smoke coming from it. I managed to convince the others that some of the Welsh Greens set off an underground fire on a coal seam a few years back when incubating their eggs. But those two? They did not seem to be fooled at all, though they didn't say anything." Grinning a bit, Ceiwen laughed, "Oh, you definitely have a smart one. Brains and good looks in one package as they say. If you had not already sunk your claws into him, well..."

On the other end of the line, Seiche said something and made Ceiwen laugh, "No, I am not into that sort of thing. If I am to be involved with someone, then I would be their only significant other. Won't want to share them with anyone. Though I would look out for your sister regarding him. Especially if she happens to get into the mood to, ah, 'repopulate your clan' as it were-" Briefly, she froze and blinked, "Wait, you... um..." Head tilted to the side, she gave a hum, "Well... I suppose that would be a rather surprising and nice gift for a birthday or anniversary though even you agree not beyond that." Giggles then escaped Ceiwen, "You might need some pain relieving potions as well as helping for dehydration the morning after such a gift.... and skele-grow. We are talking about your sister and I do remember your mother and aunts. Though considering how large the Weasley family is from what I have heard..."

As she continued to talk, a golden scaled tail swept back and forth while she placed some of her bangs behind horns that grew from the side of her head...