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

[Harry Leferts]

Humming as he examined the cut, Haruto frowned a little, 'Well... it could be worse.' Looking up, he placed the bandage back on it, "What happened?"

The Tanuki's mother sighed and crossed her arms, "He was out playing with some kids and slipped and fell down an embankment." She frowned a little, unsure, "Is he going to be okay?"

Lightly chuckling, Haruto only nodded, "He's going to be just fine, don't worry about it." He looked up at the nine year old and placed the young Yokai's hand on the bandage, "Hold that there just for a little bit, I have to get some things to clean it out first and make sure that there's nothing in it before I heal it." Getting a nod, the Healer walked over to the cupboard and pulled out two bottles which he brought over, "Now, we got to wash it a bit."

Pulling the bandage away, he did exactly that before gently dabbing it dry while with his wand, he tipped the other bottle onto a floating cloth. Seeing that, the young Tanuki winced, "Um... tha-that's going to hurt..."

Slowly, Haruto nodded with a gentle expression on his face, "Hai, it will. But it will hurt more if the wound has any bacteria or such in it before I seal it up. And while not a disinfecting potion, rubbing alcohol does the trick just fine." Grasping the wet cloth, he looked up into the Yokai's eyes, "Now, can you be a little bit brave for me? It will hurt some, but I think that a young man like you won't be bothered too much."

At the wink, the child nodded some and blushed, "I-I won't." When he was placed against his cut though, he hissed a bit and gave a small whimper, "Um..."

His mother only patted his shoulder as Haruto held it against the cut for a little bit and pulled it away. With a nod, he did a scan of the wound and smiled which the mother perked up a bit at, "Is... is it all clean?"

With a chuckle, the Healer nodded, "It's all clean. Now, let's seal that right up and you will be just fine." Waving his wand over the wound, he smiled as he watched the cut close up as he slowly traced it from the bottom up with the tip of the wooden rod. After it was all done, he examined where the wound was and looked up at the kid, "There we go, all healed."

As he got up, the female Tanuki relaxed some and bowed a little, "Thank you, Haruto-Sama. I know that you normally wouldn't need to do this, but..."

Haruto just waved her off with a shake of his head, "Don't worry about it, Suzuhara-San. Kids will be kids and get hurt. All part of growing up, after all I got hurt as a kid at times. Besides which..." A chuckle escaped him as he tossed the rag into a bin and reached into a drawer, "It is sort of my job to fix people up."

Smiling, Suzuhara nodded, "Yes, well, we appreciate it anyways. So thank you."

Just looking over his shoulder, the seventeen year chuckled some as he pulled out a jar filled with wrapped candies. Reaching in, he pulled out one of the wrapped sweets and held it out to the Tanuki, "Well, you're welcome." A smile on his face, he nodded at the young child, "Now, I have some Jolly Ranchers here that I bought on my last trip outside the reserve, so go ahead and have one or two for being such a brave young man."

If anything, that made the youngster blush all the more, but he took it while his mother raised her eyebrow, "Say thank you to Haruto-Sama."

With a small nod, the youth looked down some with a smile, "Thank you, Haruto-Sama..."

Sighing, Haruto ruffled the younger male's hair, "You're very welcome. Now go and have some fun with your friends, just don't get hurt for a while, okay?"

That got him a nod and the child popped one of the candies in his mouth with a smile. However, that fell away with the sound of a clearing throat and Haruto stood up to find his older brother at the door to his clinic with two of the Reserve Guards at his side. Guards that the Healer recognized as some of those who caused... trouble... for the residents, "Hello, Otouto."

Expression blank, Haruto met his brother's gaze impassively, "Nii-San." Glancing at the mother and son, he gave them a nod and motioned with his head. Both of them cleared out and Haruto tossed the other rags he had used into a bin to be cleaned later with boiling water, "What brings you here?"

A bored look on his face, though a bit of his lip was curled upwards into the slightest bit of a sneer, Ichiro looked around, "What an interesting... shack."

Simply shrugging, the younger of the two shook his head, "It does what it needs to, which is enough for me." Walking to the sink, he turned it on and began to wash his hands, "I don't need any fancy hospitals to do my work."

Now no longer even bothering to hide his disgust, Ichiro sneered fully, "Yes, as you told me when you threw my generous offer back in my face." Eyes narrowing some, he continued, "You could have done well where I was going to place you, instead of this disgusting place wasting your talents and reputation. You could have made something of yourself. Improve the standing of our family."

His tone one of boredom, Haruto scoffed, "No, because in the end it was not for me, it was all for you. And improving the standing of the family? You mean yours in the Diet." Turning off the tap, he dried his hands and began to turn, "As it always was-"

Just as he turned, all the air was driven from his lungs and he fell to his knees due to the punch to the gut from his brother. Rubbing his knuckles, Ichiro gave him a look, "In the end, they are one and the same, dear Otouto."

He gave a nod to the two guards who grabbed his brother's arms and hauled him to his feet in time to get another punch to the gut. Gasping, Haruto sucked in some breaths before glaring at his brother, "Really... punching me? What? Don't know enough magic?"

That only got him a disappointed look which made him internally snort in derision. His brother though snorted outwardly, "No, but magic would be too obvious. Physical damage? Why, that could have been done by any of the beasts here."

Meeting his brother's gaze, Haruto smirked, "I only see three beasts here, and none of them are Yokai, dear Nii-San."

All that got him though was a slap to the face before his brother grabbed him by the chin, "Now then, I am going to ask you nicely and want you to answer..."

One eyebrow raised, Haruto stared at him, "Going to ask me something? Like if you slap like that one girl who got pissed off at you because you dismissed the Omiai our parents set up and slapped you?"

Going red in the face in embarrassment, Ichiro growled, "I am going to ignore that this time as I had no time for such silly things as that then or now as I am a very busy man. Now... tell me about the smugglers."

Haruto spat to the side and gave his brother a look of bemusement, "The smugglers?"

Slowly, Ichiro nodded, "Yes, the smugglers. Who are they? Who is involved here? What times do they come? And how do they smuggle things in? Tell me and I can make things a bit easier for you."

What he didn't expect was for his brother to smile and shrug, "I don't know any of that, I'm just a Healer."

Another blow to the stomach knocked the breath from his lungs. The only thing that kept him from falling was the fact that the two guards had hold of his arms. Growing, Ichiro grabbed his collar and forced him to meet his gaze, "Do not give me that, Haruto! I want to know, and I want to know now! So give me what I want, and you can go back to doing... your things." When his older brother nodded, Haruto noticed one of the guards reach out and grab the cupboard with the medicine, "Or some bad things might happen."

Of all the things, Ichiro did not expect his younger brother to chuckle, "Won't do a thing, those cupboards are charmed specifically so that only a Healer can open them. And it also keeps what is inside from being damaged."

Eyes widening, the older of the two siblings looked at the guard who yanked as hard as he could on the doors, and scowled as nothing at all moved inside.

When he turned back to Haruto, the Healer smirked, actually smirked at him much to his fury before said seventeen year old spoke, "I'm going to say it slow and simple this time. I. Don't. Know. Nothing. About. Smugglers." He gave a shrug and grinned, "One of the first things that I did was tell the Yokai here to make damn sure that I didn't know anything about how the smuggling is done or who is involved. That way, I couldn't tell anyone anything at all..." Leaning forward the best that he could, "Especially people like you, Nii-San."

Shaking in anger, Ichiro growled at him as he shook him, "You're lying! You must have seen something here! Heard something here!"

Now grinning, Haruto laughed, "Nope! I go out of my way to avoid seeing anything. Want me to swear an oath?" Crookedly smiling even as his cheek hurt, he continued though he caught sight of movement at the door out of the corner of his eye, 'I hope that's not one of the kids...' It was than that memory of an old muggle show he saw once came to mind, "I hear nothing, I see nothing, I know nothing."

The two guards got a nod from his brother and Haruto found himself slammed up against the wall, a groan escaping him. Walking up, Ichiro snarled at him, "Do you know what is at stake!? With all this smuggling!?"

Completely unbothered after shaking his head, Haruto snorted some, "Yes, such as the lives here that depend on it via food or needed potions. Or the lives of those involved, who are risking themselves?" His lips curled a little, "Or do you mean something utterly worthless... like your reputation? Or that of the politicians whose asses you kiss? They're not looking the greatest right now..."

Moments later, he was slammed against the wall again, followed by another punch to the gut before Ichiro replied, "Watch what you say, Otouto. Or else, when I am Head of the Family, I will toss you out! Full disownment!"

To his befuddlement, Haruto shrugged, "If you were head of the family, than it would not be one that I would want to be part of. But I doubt very much that you are going to become Head of the Family soon, or at all."

Laughing, Ichiro grinned at him, "Yes, I am. Otou-San will make me such after all as I am the oldest and most successful. Now, tell me-"

Suddenly, a voice cut in from the door, "WHAT IS GOING ON IN HERE!?"

Eyes widening, Ichiro twisted around to find a Japanese woman with obviously European ancestry at the door looking at them in shock and dismay. Straightening, the older of the two siblings paled a bit and cleared his throat, "Ah, Suzuki-San, I... thought that you were with the inspection team back at the fort..."

Barely sparing him a glance, Kisei growled, "I went ahead of the others as that is the best way of seeing things not on the tour." Walking past him, she shot a glare at the two guards who let go of Haruto and quickly scrambled around as the healer fell to his knees with a groan. Placing a hand on his shoulder, the MACUSA witch turned and snarled at them, "And once more, what is going on here!?"

Straightening, Ichiro took a deep breath as he put on an expression of assuredness, "He is a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the smuggling issue that we have been having with the reserves. But, well... he has a rather closed mouth."

Lips pressed thinly, Kisei glared at them before yet another female voice became apparent, "Oh, I don't know. I think that he just is not telling you what you wish to hear." Once more, they twisted around to find an older woman at the door, this one obviously an American. Her face, what could be seen in the hood, was worn, "Granted, I do not know what you may think a Healer would know that the guards would not."

Ichiro gave a slight nod and hummed as the two Japanese wizards he had with him shifted nervously, "Perhaps we were getting a bit too... enthusiastic, I suppose with solving the issue." Turning his head, he gave his brother a contemptuous look that said one thing, 'I will get it out of you.'

With that, he straightened his clothes and nodded to the two guards before slowly passing the two women and leaving. Beside Haruto, Kisei looked down at him, "Are you okay?"

All he did was nod a bit before shaking his head internally, 'So an inspection? That explains why he thought that he would be able to pull this off. Everyone would be busy elsewhere...' Waving her off, Haruto slowly stumbled to his feet and gave her a nod, "I... I'm fine, thank you."

Taking a step, he stumbled a bit only for the older woman to catch him with a frown, "They certainly worked you over some, come on, we can get you up to the fort."

She narrowed her eyes though when Haruto shook his head, "No, no. I... I stay here in the town. Just... give me a moment and I'll get some help to get home."

Less than five minutes later, the two MACUSA personnel watched as Haruto was being helped away from the clinic by an Oni. It also did not escape their notice that various Yokai were around the Healer protectively and giving them looks. Once the Healer was out of sight, they shared a knowing glance. After that, Kisei and Mary headed back to the fort and the rest of the group as they quietly spoke to one another.

 

[Harry Leferts]

"Hello? Anyone home?"

Blinking as she looked up from where she was sweeping the floor, Mie frowned before calling out, "Yes! One moment!" Taking a sniff, she felt her eyes widen slightly as she reached the door, "Haruto-Kun? What is going on..."

Upon walking out, she froze at seeing the state that said seventeen year old was in. For his part, the teen tried to smile even with half his face swelled and him being obviously in pain, "Hey, Mie-Chan..."

Gasping, the Inugami rushed towards him with a shout, sounds from inside their hut telling those there that the other shipgirls were now moving, "Haruto-Kun!" Within seconds, she reached him where an Oni was helping hold him up and brought her hand to her mouth in horror as she could better examine him, "What happened?"

Behind her, Hachimitsu was the first of the others out the door and, once she saw why her fellow shipgirl was shouting, froze. Though not for long as her tail puffed out and her hackles rose in pure rage as she snarled, "Who did this to you!?"

At his side, the Oni grimaced, "He got a visitor, with two of the usual suspects holding him while his... his..."

It was obvious that the Yokai was trying to figure out something to say that would not come out as an insult to the young man he had helped. But it was taken out of his hands as Haruto sighed and shook his head, "It was my Nii-San."

Even as she gently took him, Ichika narrowed her eyes, "Your Nii-San did this to you?"

Clenching her fist, it took every bit of Haruhime's self control not to pull out her rigging and take some pot shots at the local fortification. The only thing that stopped her was the fact that most of those there were not responsible and that, very likely, the man responsible was already long gone. Not to mention that doing so would only bring the Diet down on the innocent in the Reserve, "Fucking Ichiro!"

Just shrugging, even as he winced, Haruto shook his head, "Yeah, well... is it really that unexpected?"

Grinding her teeth as she examined him, Mikage snarled, "From that Man, no, I suppose not." With a deep breath to calm herself, she looked towards the Oni, "Thanks for bringing him home, Ibuki-San."

Lips curling upwards, the Oni nodded, "It was not too much trouble, Mikage-Sama. Besides..." Ibuki looked down at the teen with a look of utter respect, "He's one of us after all. Just make sure that he actually rests a bit and heals from that."

Simply nodding at the look and unsaid mention, Ichika smiled, "You can bet your ass that we will, Ibuki-San."

Meanwhile, Haruto sheepishly smiled, 'Yeah... I am going to get babied by this bunch.' Sighing, he shook his head some before lightly blushing, 'Though maybe that is not all that bad...' His blush deepened a touch at the knowing look from the Oni and some of the other Yokai. Most of them though simply commented that they hoped that he got better soon and the like, which warmed him. Before Ichika got him into the hut though, he turned towards one male Tanuki, "Oh! Suzuhara-San, could you do me a small favor?"

Blinking, the Yokai only nodded, "Sure, Haruto-Sama, what do you need?"

Lips pressed thinly together, the Healer took a deep breath, "Your son was the last one that I was working on when... they showed up. I just got finished with him as a matter of fact, could you check up on him to make sure that he is okay? And to let him know that no matter what, he is not at fault for what happened? You know how kids are at that age..."

Suzuhara only nodded with a slight smile, "I will, and thank you for considering him."

To Haruto's confusion, that got him nods of respect from the other Yokai who told him goodbye.

Granted, he was not the only one to blush as some of the older males winked at him and told his girlfriends to take very good care of him. The three Kitsune were all flustered by that while Ichika grinned back and replied that she was going to make sure of it. Mie only shook her head at her sister's antics as they slowly helped Haruto into their hut. Once they were inside though, the anger from his girlfriends practically evaporated into nothing and Mikage brought out the futon which she unrolled, "Here, set him down so that we can see how bad it is."

As he was gently lowered to the mattress, Haruto hissed in pain before sucking in a breath, "Yeah... they did a number on me."

One of her fairies coming out, Mie frowned, "I can see that if you are in that much pain." With a nod, her fairy made a motion with his wand and Haruto's shirt vanished to reappear off to the side. Upon seeing the still darkening bruises, the Carrier gasped and tears came to her eyes, "Oh, Haruto-Kun!"

Fists clenched, Hachimitsu growled as her eyes glowed, "I am going to kill him. Not with my guns, he's not worth the waste of ammunition. But I am going to beat him until he's not even hamburger!"

Snarling herself, Ichika glanced at her Kitsune friend, "Not if I get my hands on him first!"

In reply, the red haired punched her palm, "Get in line, Nee-San. Me, Hachimitsu-Nee, and Mikage-Nee know him and have history with the bastard. So we get him first."

However, that was when they felt a chill in the air and turned to Mie who was simply smiling softly, beatifically. Her next words chilled them and made their hackles stand on end, "Ara, ara~ Come now, you don't need to dirty your hands with this foul waste of space. Why, I have a plane or two whose propellers could be fine for making mincemeat slowly~"

Each of those there shivered at that with the same word going through all their minds: 'Scary...'

Despite the words not directed at him, Haruto was still scared of them. Gulping, he waved his hand some, "A-ah, well, he's not worth the trouble. A-anyways... he's already scared."

Anger melting away, Hachimitsu let out a sigh, "Whatever." Fingers ghosting over her boyfriend's torso, she tested each of the bruises before grimacing at one on his ribcage around the back, "I think that rib is cracked, or at least bruised."

Hissing, the Healer nodded, "Hai, it is most likely cracked at the least." With his own fingers, he touched one spot and grunted, "Yeah, that's cracked. And he got in at least one kidney shot."

One of her medical fairies out, Ichika watched as said fairy waved his wand before nodding with a scowl, "Desu. Desu desu desu, desu."

That brought a wince to Haruto, "I would rather not use any of our potions supplies..."

In reply, the fairy gave him a look, "Desu."

With a sigh, Haruto only grimaced and nodded, "Understood..." The fairy disappeared before reappearing with a vial that he gave Haruto. Popping the cork off, he took a sip and sighed a bit as the pain began to go away. Meanwhile, the fairy began to wave a wand over him and heal the teen, "Thank you."

Looking up at him, the fairy shrugged, "Desu desu desu."

Only shaking her head as she scowled, Hachimitsu sighed even as the bruises disappeared. Turning her head, she frowned at her boyfriend, "What exactly happened?"

A frown on his face, Haruto began to explain exactly what happened and the five Yokai simply waited and listened with various expressions crossing their faces. When they got to the beating, they clenched their fists, but still did not say anything. Finally, the teen was done and shrugged, "And... that was about it."

Eyebrows furrowing, Mikage frowned in thought, "That... does not make any real sense. Your bastard of a Nii-San, for all he's an asshole with delusions of power, should have realized that this could attract too much attention. There is a big difference between beating you like this and the normal roughing up done by the guards to cause you some trouble."

Sipping some water that Haruhime had given him, the Healer hummed, "Like I said before, he's running scared."

For several moments, the Yokai shipgirls looked at him in utter confusion before Haruhime turned her narrowed eyes at him, "You mentioned that before, Haruto-Kun. What do you mean by that...?"

Not saying anything right away, the teen finished his water before setting it aside with a sigh. After a few seconds, Haruto gave them a grimace, "No one has stated anything in front of me, but I can put things together from both what I have overheard from the guards as well as what I have been seeing outside the Reserve. Remember how I stated that the Diet was not in a good shape?"

Confused, Ichika nodded with a frown, "Yeah? I mean you have mentioned it several times. Especially with how and why there's been supply issues and the like. Heck, you've grumbled more than once about the shape of the Diet."

If they expected for him to say anything, it was certainly not what came out of his mouth as he gave them a serious expression, "The Diet is collapsing."

Utterly stunned, they boggled at him for several moments. Quickly, Hachimitsu shook her head and leaned forward, "Are you sure, Haruto-Kun? I... I mean, we knew that the Diet was in trouble, that is not that hard to see. And you had Kyoto with what was going on, but... collapsing?"

Slowly, Haruto shook his head, "The Diet is pretty much dead for all intents and purposes, it just does not realize it. Sort of you get people who are so badly hurt, that their brains have not caught up to the fact that they are dead now." Grimacing, he shook his head, "Or, perhaps, like a ghost going through its motions not realizing that the body that it belonged to is in the grave."

Jaw dropping, the five shipgirls shared looks before Mie shook her head, "I... that is hard to see..."

With a nod towards the fairy that had healed him, Haruto sighed, "Not for me, as I said I have heard and seen things." Lips curling downwards, he leaned forwards, "The war has been slowly dragging the Diet down, and that riot back in July basically was the killing shot, I think. Especially with how they royally fucked up the investigation and the like." Eyes narrowing, he shook his head, "And I am pretty sure that Ichiro was involved in that investigation."

Crossing her arms, Hachimitsu snorted, "No, that would not be surprising."

Lips twitching a bit, he sighed some, "No, it would not be surprising, you are right about that, Hachimitsu-Onee-Chan." Part of him was amused that the Kitsune blushed at that and became flustered a she always did. Deciding to ignore it for now, he went back to the subject at hand, "The riot and the clusterfuck afterwards pretty much shattered confidence in the Diet. But than, shortly after, Kyoto managed to reclaim where Mahoutokoro is. Something that the Magical Diet was either unwilling or, more likely, unable to do. All of a sudden, Kyoto seemed far better than the Diet. And that has shown in the recent elections since a number of people were actually campaigning for Kyoto instead of Tokyo. It was a major blow to the Diet."

Now wincing, Mikage shook her head, "Ah, yeah... that would do it." Her eyes than widened, "Which means that right now..."

Pressing his lips together thinly, Haruto nodded, "Hai, there is a lot of pressure to do something, anything to either slow down the bleeding or to stop it. Which is why I think that Ichiro did what he did today." He shifted a little with a nod, "He is desperate to stop it himself because of what would happen to him when it does collapse and went after me with the idea that I could squeal on any smugglers that I know about."

Mouth open and staring for a few moments, it took Haruhime shaking her head to reboot her mind, "What?! I mean, you're a Healer! What would you possibly know about the smuggling going on in the reserve?! And how would that stop the Diet from collapsing?!"

Just sighing, Haruto frowned, "This... is something that I have pieced together from overheard comments and conversations. Apparently, there are a number of those in the Diet who believe that the smugglers are backed by Kyoto itself and being used to destroy the credibility of Tokyo. Or perhaps that they are backed by groups behind Kyoto, like the JNHRO." Seeing Hachimitsu open her mouth, he shook his head, "I do not want to know if they are involved in the smuggling or not. It is for the best that I do not know. That way I cannot say if they are or not as I do not know."

The blonde Kitsune frowned, but nodded, "Understood."

Continuing, Haruto shook his head, "There are also some fears that among other things, weapons are being smuggled in for some sort of Yokai revolution." He waved a hand in the air, "Which is rather stupid as the Yokai Militias are all outside the reserves." Only getting nods, the teen ran a hand through his hair, "Anyways, getting back to what I was saying, they believe that the smugglers are backed by groups that could be considered to be anti-Diet. Because of that, they seem sure that if they can catch the smugglers and prove that they are backed by 'Hostile forces to the Diet', it would stem the bleeding. Either that, or they could use their 'Proof' to discredit Kyoto and various groups, which would be just as good in their eyes."

Now deeply frowning, his girlfriends considered that before turning to Hachimitsu. Said Kitsune was quiet for almost a minute before chewing her lip, "I wish that I could say that I cannot see where they might be coming from, but... it makes a certain amount of sense. Especially with how they are attempting to crack down on smuggling where they can. Though the reserves are now sieves..."

Disgusted, Ichika gestured towards Haruto, "But what about him!? Where does Haruto-Kun come into it?!"

For several seconds, Hachimitsu didn't say anything. But than, she raised her head and met his eyes, already knowing the answer, "It is because you are living in the reserve, rather than the administration area. And that you bring in things to the reserve."

With a sigh, Haruto nodded, "Hai, that would fit. It is an open secret that I am not just close to the Yokai here, but highly respected. Hence, Nii-San would expect that I would know something, or would try to become powerful here in my own way, like he would have. Which is stupid, I'm just a healer." Unknown to him, the girls there all exchanged looks, "So he would expect for me to know something. Well, besides which, he sort of despises me anyways so would definitely take the chance to do something. Add in that getting such proof would improve his standing in the Diet? It would be something that he would go for."

Eyes narrowing, Mikage growled, "Great, which means that we need to keep a look out for him now as he won't stop with just this."

Much to her surprise though, the Healer shook his head, "I don't think that we need to worry about that for some time. At least not for now, anyways, considering what happened."

Head tilting to the side, Haruhime frowned, "Why would you say that?"

Now smirking, Haruto chuckled, "Easy, he got caught and will likely be chewed out because of it. And if I know him, and I do, he is going to be keeping his head down for some time until he feels it is safe for him to have another shot at me. And right now? By the time he does, the Diet will be in full collapse and he will have other issues besides myself at that time..."

 

[Harry Leferts]

"You could let me help out, you know."

A smile on her face, Mie looked over at Haruto and shook her head before wagging a finger, "No, Haruto-Kun. Besides which..." Taking a board in one hand, she easily snapped it in half, "You have done far more than enough."

With another sigh, Haruto sat back and watched as the Inugami continued to stoke the small stove which would heat the water in the furo for their bath, "Somehow, it does not feel that way. And while I was hurt, it was not that bad. And I am fine now."

Mie giggled a bit as she looked over her shoulder at him, "Be that as it may be, there is nothing for you to help with right now. Also, you were the one who enlarged the needed wood so that we could burn it to heat the water." Standing up, she walked over and placed her hand on his shoulder while softly smiling, "Let the rest of us take care of this."

Before he could say anything, they were interrupted by another voice, "And what is going on here?"

Still smiling, Mie looked up at Hachimitsu before gesturing at the blushing teen, "Just Haruto-Kun feeling like he has not done enough for us."

Rolling her eyes, the Kitsune shipgirl reached over and flicked his ear, "You've done enough. Now just sit back and relax while letting us pamper you."

Lightly blushing even as he rubbed his ear, Haruto sighed, "Fine, fine. I still feel like I am taking advantage of you all."

That got him more eyerolls, though the expressions were fond on the faces of the two girls. As Mie walked back to the stove and continued to stoke it, Hachimitsu sat down next to their boyfriend and gave him a kiss before pulling back, "Look, Haruto-Kun? We wouldn't even be able to do much for the bath except for you." Sitting down next to him, she leaned into his body, "So just relax..."

With a sigh, the Healer wrapped one arm around the Kitsune, "I suppose so." Looking at the boards, he snorted some, "Who would have thought that tongue depressors would be that useful for bathing."

Hachimitsu shrugged some even as she cuddled more into his side, "Well, you need to get rid of the used ones somehow, might as well make use of them doing so."

Tone dry, Haruto looked at her, "Yes, while using magic to increase the size of the wood to be burned." Giving a shrug, he shook his head, "Though it does work."

With a hum, Mie tossed more wood inside before tossing a small cup of fuel oil and lighting it on fire. Closing the grate, she watched as the fire began to burn, "And it works very well, which I am thankful for. Besides which, everyone is thankful to you for making sure that we have enough wood to burn for what we need to, Haruto-Kun."

A light blush sprang up on his face as she looked at him with a smile on her face. It was not untrue as he often used his magic to help out by increasing the amount of food or fuel that the reserve had access to. However, his blush deepened as Hachimitsu stood up and hauled him to his feet, "Great! Let's get ready for our bath."

Sighing, Haruto gave her a knowing look, "You're just excited because I'm the one that is going to have to brush out your tail and get it all dry afterwards. Same with your Nee-Sans."

Just winking, Hachimitsu snapped her fingers, "Not to mention Mie-Chan and Ichika-Chan's tails. Which they're looking forward to just as much."

Eyebrow raised, the teen looked towards the only one of the two Inugami that were there. Unable to look at him as she blushed, Mie cleared her throat, "I... will not deny that such a thing would be rather nice."

Both Hachimitsu and Haruto smiled at that and lightly chuckled.

Several minutes later found them in the washroom where the bath was located. While not exactly a small bath, it was also not a huge one. Humming, Haruto rubbed the soapy cloth onto Ichika's back. "How's that?"

Glancing over her shoulder, the Inugami nodded and smiled, "Feels nice, Haruto-Kun."

As he nodded, Haruto felt a tap on his shoulders and looked over to see Haruhime there with a smile of her own. The Kitsune held up a soapy cloth of her own, "Want me to wash your back, Haruto-Kun? Then you can do mine."

Lightly laughing, he nodded, "I don't mind that, Haruhime-Onee-Chan."

Blushing as she began, Haruhime snorted though there was a slight smile on her face, "Still calling us Onee-Chan even though we're boyfriend and girlfriends."

Now it was Haruto's turn to lightly blush, "Bad habit due to years of calling you that. Besides..." He gave her a raised eyebrow, "Do you really mind all that much?"

It was not the expected Kitsune who answered him though. Rather, Mikage who brought over a bucket of warm water was the one who did so, "No, we don't mind too much, Haruto-Kun." Smiling softly at him, she giggled a bit, "We don't mind at all." Her attention than went to examining her boyfriend's body, "Hmm... your bruises are mostly gone, that's good." Mikaga then brought up a finger and lightly traced along his ribs, which got a shiver from him, "And it looks like your cracked rib is better. Thank the Kami that we have some potions as well as our own Medi-Wizards and Witches on board."

Slowly nodding, Haruto made a sound of agreement. Moments later though, he blushed as Haruhime spoke up, "Okay, once I'm done with his back, you can do his hair, Mikage-Nee." Once they were all cleaned and washed off, the group entered the tub. As he sank down into the water, Haruto sighed, "Ah, now that feels good."

From where she was in the cramped tub, Hachimitsu nodded, "Hai, hot baths are always nice to just soak in." Turning her attention to him fully, she frowned slightly, "How are you feeling, Haruto-Kun?"

Lips twitching into a smile, he only shook his head, "As I've told you before, I'm fine. Pretty much everything is healed up, so I'm not worried."

However, she only frowned more which made him wonder. Eventually, she spoke up, "Haruto-Kun? Do you ever miss it?" At his look of confusion, Hachimitsu continued, "Your home?"

One eyebrow raising, Haruto gave her a look, "I am home, with all of you."

Needless to say, the flushed cheeks on the five Yokai's faces were not just because of heat. Huffing a little, Hachimitsu looked away, "Saying such things..." With a deep breath, she turned back to him, "You know what I mean."

The Healer did not say anything right away but eventually sighed, "Do I miss home? My soft futon in my bedroom in our family home? Otou-San and Okaa-San? Yeah, I sort of do to some extent. But you know what?"

Voice soft, Mie spoke up, "But what?"

Lips curling into a smile, he chuckled and reached over to pat her shoulder, "I would not trade this, what we have, for anything. And I promise, one day, I'll take you all to my family home."

Chewing her lips, Haruhime gave him an unsure look. "You're positive of that? Considering that according to you, that bastard, Ichiro, is positive that he is going to be family head..."

Only looking out through the window, Haruto chuckled, "What he believes and what happens is two things entirely." Turning back to the Yokai, he just smiled, "So I wouldn't worry about it too much."

With a hum, Ichika nodded as she stretched which, to amusement, caused her boyfriend's eye to trail to her, "Yeah, all that stuff is in the future and isn't something that we should be too worried about yet." Shifting, she moved herself some and captured Haruto's lips with her own for several seconds before pulling back, "Let's just live in the here and now."

Frowning, Mie shook her head, "I'll admit that I am a bit concerned with meeting your parents... if we ever do get the chance to do so."

Mikage laughed some and shook her head before waving her off, "I wouldn't be too concerned. Both of them are good people and have no issue with Yokai. Trust us, we know them."

That got her nods from the other two Kitsune and soon the conversation turned to other matters as they soaked in the furo.

Unnoticed by them, Haruto glanced outside once more at a nearby fencepost where a bird sat, a slight smile on his face.

Hundreds of miles away, his father smiled a bit as his shikigami listened in on the conversation. He could have had it move closer, but that would mean that it would likely be able to see his son's girlfriends in the buff. Despite how beautiful they were, that would be going too far. No, let them keep their privacy as he watched over them with pride. A soft giggle made him turn to where his wife was, "Oh, I'm so happy that they got together, Husband."

Lips curling upwards, he laughed and nodded, "As am I, though I had been wondering when our son would clue in on how they felt and how he felt as well. And Mikage-Chan is right, I do approve of them and I know that you do as well."

With another soft giggle, his wife of many years nodded, "Hai, and just imagine how adorable the children will look." Humming, she tilted her head to the side, "Soft, fuzzy ears and tails is what I am hoping for."

Nodding, her husband only nodded before his smile fell away and he sighed, "I wish that I knew what I could do with Ichiro. That boy is shameful... beating his younger brother like that."

Tears gathering in her eyes, his wife came closer to him and leaned into him, "Where did we go wrong with our son? That he would do such horrible things as he has? And the fact that we are..."

His own eyes closed, her husband kissed the top of her head, "I know, Aoi-Chan. But I cannot see any other way because he refuses to clean up his act and actually become honorable. Perhaps it was because he fell in with a crowd at Mahoutokoro, or maybe it is something that I did. But... I cannot feel like such a man is our son. Not anymore." With a sigh, he looked every bit his decades of life as a single tear dripped down his cheek, "It is only the fact that he has friends in the Diet who would come to his aid and that Haruto would be caught in the crossfire that keeps me from such. As it is... did you do as I asked?"

Slowly, Aoi nodded with her own grief stricken look, "Hai, I spoke with those Kyoto and some of our allies, Hiashi-Kun. I wish that I could think otherwise, but in case we somehow died before we can make our decision openly, they will accept that Haruto-Kun is the Heir and Clan Head. By that time, the Diet will be gone, a dark shadow in the past."

Gently, Hiashi kissed his wife before burying his face in her hair, "I, too, wish that things were different." Pulling away, he gestured at the mirror from which showed what his Shikigami was seeing and from which the sounds that it heard also issued from, "But let's leave such things aside and watch our true son. After all, we can tease him about such things, especially with continuing the clan."

Wiping her eyes, Aoi smiled, "That does sound good. Besides which, I am already planning the wedding."

That got her a laugh from her husband and the two turned back to the display from the Shikigami, smiling softly.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Heeled shoes clacking against tile as she walked down the hallway, Andromeda Tonks, nee Black, looked around the prison that they were currently in. Not that there was all that much for her to really see and make note of, grant you. Just flat, featureless hallways that both her and her husband were being escorted down by one of the prison guards.

All that said though, she nodded her head internally as they walked and compared the prison to that of Azkaban.

The rough stone hallways of Azkaban were dark and dank. One could almost taste the despair on the damp, moldy air. The cold, too, that which was not generated by the presence of the Dementors anyways, was horrible in and of itself. It was the sort of cold that chilled one to their very bones. That permeated every part of their body, seemingly down to their spirit. Azkaban, in a word, was horrific and a seemingly personification of every nightmare of prisons there was.

In comparison, Ironstone was the exact opposite from what little, admittedly, she had seen. The prison was both clean and well lit, with the scent of disinfectant at worst compared to the moldy, musty smell of Azkaban. It was also warm, though not uncomfortably so. Just enough that one would not be chilled. As well, it was missing that atmosphere of despair, of anger and hate. Of the empty, hungry and devouring darkness that seemed part and parcel of Azkaban.

Needless to say, Andromeda felt it a massive improvement over the infamous prison.

Finally, the three came to a stop before a closed room with a guard waiting outside. The guard who escorted them there gave them nod and opened to door, "He's right inside waiting for you."

Nodding, Andromeda gave him a smile back, "Thank you, we shouldn't be too long."

However, the guard just chuckled as he took up positions , "Don't worry about it, take your time. Neither of us mind after all."

Beside him, the other prison guard nodded in agreement. Only shaking her head, Andromeda took a deep breath and felt her husband gently squeeze her shoulder. Reaching up, she returned it before walking inside. Once inside, she paused as the man at the table smiled at her, "Andy! My favourite cousin! Good to see you."

Eyebrow raised, the female Tonks hummed, "Favourite cousin? Not a high bar to clear, that."

Unrepentant, Sirius had a mock thoughtful look on his face, "True, though I suppose that dear Bella might be the runner up." At their looks, he leaned forward, "I learned quite a few curse words from her as she was just a few cells down and liked to shout them at me. Rather inventive, our Bella."

Grimacing, Andromeda shook her head, "Yes, I can... quite imagine." Rather than spend any more time thinking of her insane murderess of a sister, she instead decided to focus on her cousin sitting there. One of the first things that she noted was that he was on a clean looking prison jumpsuit, a far cry from the nasty, grimy clothes that he wore in the picture from Azkaban that everyone had seen on the front page of the Prophet for weeks. Not only was his clothes clean, but so was the rest of him. Even his hair and beard were neatly trimmed much to her surprise.

If it was not for the darkness in his eyes, Andromeda would have thought him fine.

Clearing her throat as she sat down, she gave him a slight nod even as her husband sat down next to her, "You are looking..." For a moment, Andromeda looked for a word before pressing her lips together thinly, "Well enough, I suppose."

With a bitter, bark like laugh, Sirius shook his head, "That is one way of putting it." Holding up one arm and showing that it was handcuffed to the chair, he let it rest again, "Though I will admit, this place is a lot better than Azkaban. Much better."

Voice low, Ted snorted, "Not that is really that high of a bar to clear."

Simply shrugging, Sirius gave him a smile, "Maybe, but from experience? This place is like a five star resort compared to where I was. Nice, hot meals and showers, a good, comfy bed to lay in and that would be enough." Leaning forward, he grinned, "But they even have an exercise yard where I can go outside under the Sun and in the fresh air when it is somewhat nice out for a time. And they also gave me a tennis ball."

Bemused, the male of the Tonks couple hummed, "A tennis ball? Why would you need one of those?"

A grin appeared on the animagus' face, "I play fetch with myself." He laughed as he made a motion with one of his hands, "Throw the ball as hard as I can and go running after it as Padfoot. Lots of fun and the expressions of the guards are amusing."

Pinching her nose, Andromeda let out a sigh, "Please tell me that is not the only thing that you are doing here..."

Lips curling into a smirk, Sirius waved her off, "Nah, I also read and do odd jobs around the prison to make some money to buy things at the small store they got here." At the surprised looks, he shrugged, "Well, more like a catalogue really of what we can buy that we pick up there. Ain't much to be honest, but it is something. Also get plenty of newspapers and such." Scratching his chin, he frowned, "Been catching up on what's been happening fully since I was... put away."

Now leaning forward, Ted frowned, "And what do you think of things?"

For several moments, the wizard looked far older than he should have as he looked into a darkened corner, "I knew that I fucked up, and every bit that I have read has hammered that in. The only good things is that from what I know, Harry has a good family now and is happy. Also, I met Isley. That balances things out."

Grimacing, his cousin shook her head, "I still do not believe that you are with an Abyssal Princess." Andromeda paused before frowning, "Actually, I can. Oddly enough, it fits you."

Simply shrugging, Sirius smiled, "Yeah, she completes me. No more lothario for me, I know better. Also, I'm going to be a Dad..." His expression softened still further, "I'm going to be a Dad and marry their mother as soon as I am free."

Reaching over, Ted nodded some, "Which we're going to see happen, Sirius. We're working hard at it."

That made Sirius turn to him with a curious look, "I have been wondering how things have been going with that. There's been some in the Prophet, but we all know how well they report at times."

It went without saying that the other two adults snorted at that before Andromeda pulled out a folder and opened it, "Firstly, you are getting your trial. You're not going to be there until the very end though, for security reasons." Looking at him, she frowned, "There are... those that might well try to silence you."

Just humming, the imprisoned wizard's eyes darkened, "The Minister?"

Eyebrow raised, Ted looked at him in surprise, "Not going to assume that Narcissa and her husband would be one of those?"

Waving one hand best he could, Sirius scoffed, "Lucius? No, he is far too good at playing the game to realize what that would mean for him. Besides, it was not Lucius who helped put me away, it was his old man." At the wide eyed looks, he smiled thinly, "Bella was... rather loose lipped. Apparently Abraxas believed that with me out of the way, Draco could inherit. Pretty sure that Lucius knew that Harry would be heir instead because dear old Grandfather did not disown me, and he knows that I would have made my will to give the titles and family head to James or Harry, depending on if Prongs was alive or not. Lucy-Liu would know that."

Ted choked a bit at the last bit, "L-Lucy-Liu!?"

A grin on his face, the dog animagus nodded, "Lily made us watch some old muggle movies one Christmas. The name stuck." Rubbing his chin, he became serious once more, "So the Minister then?"

However, Andromeda shook her head, "No, not the Minister, but his Undersecretary. She's been making... noise about wanting to know where you are. And that you should be shipped back to Azkaban before the trial, possibly hoping for you to attempt to 'escape' once more."

Snorting at how she did quotation marks with her hands, Sirius sneered a bit, "In other words, get the Kiss in my 'Attempt' to do so. No thank you, I like it here."

Leaning back, the witch nodded, "And Amelia agreed with it, especially as she does not trust the Dementors. They have been... active... for some time due to so many being destroyed recently. As for Umbridge, she tried to drag things out as much as possible, until someone leaked some information to one of the papers that sprang up after Blood Week, the Weekly Dragon, and they actually investigated. Found no records of you ever having a trial and printed that, which made Fudge move pretty damn quickly to set up a trial."

With a nod, Ted reached for the folder and turned it around before spreading the papers out, "What we're working on right now is to create enough doubt that people will consider you innocent. Something that is... not quite as hard as we thought. One thing that one of my assistants came up with is re-enacting the incident with Peter with the dummies that Aurors use to train as the 'Victims'. One to show what would have happened if you had done it and one to show Peter doing it. We'll show the pensieve memories of the test as well as pictures." Seeing Sirius open his mouth, he held up a hand, "We're also using a diorama and performing a miniature re-enactment right there in front of them. It will show things like how it would not just be a finger left behind if you had killed him, which him being alive is enough proof that you did not. Also, pictures of said finger showing that it was perfectly cut, compared to something blown off."

Andromeda gave her cousin a long look, "And that is if we take this to trial..."

His eyes narrowing, Sirius gave her a frown, "If? What do you mean by that?"

Slowly, she pushed out a small amount of parchment, "Cornelius offered to give you a full pardon. No trial, just freedom with a sweep of the quill. There are no strings attached beside saying that he was not involved with your incarceration and that is it." Finger tapping on the paper, Andromeda frowned, "It is not a bad deal."

Looking at it, Sirius was silent for several moments before pushing it away, "No. I want this to go to trial." At her raised eyebrow, he explained, "I want it proven beyond a doubt that I did not do this. If I take this pardon, it will be as much as admitting that I did do it. People will never believe that I am innocent if I do not go through with a trial."

Only glancing at his wife, Ted frowned, "Sirius, there is no guarantee that you will get off even if we do go to trial. Also, even then there will be those that will believe that you were guilty no matter what."

Just meeting his eyes, the wizard lawyer could see the fire in Sirius' eyes burn, "Then let the chips fall as they will. And those that still believe that bullshit can sit on my wand and twist for all I care, because I will have proved that I am innocent. The world will know as a whole that I am innocent."

Neither husband and wife said anything for several moments. Finally, Andromeda turned to her now smirking husband and sighed, "Fine, you were right. I'll do as you asked when we get home." Ignoring Ted pumping his fist, she turned back to Sirius, "Now then, if we are going to do this, than we are doing it the right way."

The rest of the time was taken up as they planned and grilled Sirius about what happened, before, during, and after. Once their time was up, and several cups of coffee later, Ted stood up and shook Sirius' hand, "Well, we've done as well as can be expected. And I expect that more will be coming out as the trial goes on... though it will take time."

Grinning, Sirius waved him off, "I don't mind, I've waited more than ten years for my day in court. A few weeks is nothing..." Rotating his shoulders, he shook his head, "Besides, I've got things to do. One of the things that I am learning is how to operate a computer."

Unlike most of the other times, his cousin's surprise was obvious, "You? Learning how to use a computer? Really?"

With a nod, Sirius chuckled, "Seriously." Ignoring the groan, he continued with a slight smile, "I heard that it would be one of the easiest ways for me to communicate with Harry. And I'm looking forward for when I get free of here and can walk away a free man." Lightly smiling, the animagus' expression brightened, "And Harry feels the same. He sent me some pictures of him and his family, I have them on my desk back in my cell."

All Ted and Andromeda did was nod before shaking his hand, though his cousin also gave him a hug. Leaving, the two gave their goodbyes and left.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Spellfire was all around Harry, flashing bursts and beams of light. Gritting his teeth, the teen dodged one spell even as he kept an eye on Natsumi. The Kitsune in question practically danced between the spells as she dodged them. Part of Harry was all but enthralled as he watched her, eyes stuck on her body as it twisted and moved.

Another part, though, was also yet again cursing puberty and hormones.

The rest, however, was concentrated on making it through the barrage. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Natsumi take near blow to one foot. Nothing dangerous, but it was enough that she fell to the floor. Almost immediately, his wand was out and he spoke at a normal volume as another wave of spells approached the teenaged girl, "Protego."

Moments later, a greenish shield appeared and deflected the first three shots before cracking. By then though, Harry was already there and hauling Natsumi to her feet. Something that made her smile as the two of them dodged as the spells broke the shield...

Right before spells from behind slammed into them and knocked them both to floor.

As Harry tried to get back up, a foot placed itself on his chest and kept him on the floor. Head tilted to the side, Hoshi chuckled as she looked down at her male student, who was panting. After a few seconds, she removed her foot and nodded, "You have... improved, some Harry-San. And so have you, Natsumi-Chan."

Laid back on the ground and breathing hard, Harry gave her a raised eyebrow, "Somehow... it does not feel... that way."

Amused, Hoshi chuckled and smirked, "No?" Moments later, she snapped a finger at Natsumi, "Unlike what some might think with your reputation, what with how some magicals seem to think that you could walk on water as the case may be-"

Raising a finger, Natsumi grinned, "Well, he can with the right equipment-Ow!"

Fingers withdrawing from where she had rapped the younger Kitsune on the forehead, the Kyuubi turned back to Harry, "Be that we it may, I do not expect a miracle." Hoshi then gestured at the dummies, "But you have progressed some. With a little more than a month of training, we have gotten you to the point where you do not need to shout out the incantation, while also shielding someone other than you with the spell. Yes, it has taken us the better part of two hours a day, every day for the past thirty five days practicing on just that to get you to this point, but you have managed it. More than that, you have used it in a combat scenario. And that, Harry-San, is good progress."

His head tilted to the side, Harry considered that before slowly nodding, "I guess that makes sense..."

Not saying anything right away, Hoshi watched him before she chuckled, "Harry-San, once I feel that you have trained enough with Natsumi-Chan, I shall bring in Shiromizu-San as well. And train all three of you together... do you know why?"

One eyebrow raised, Natsumi's ear flicked some, "Because both Shiromizu and myself swore to fight alongside him?"

Giving her a nod, the older Kitsune chuckled, "That is certainly part of it, Natsumi-Chan. Most certainly a part of it..." Her smile though fell and her expression became serious, "But there is more to it than just that." Turning to him, Hoshi continued, "Harry-San, the truth of the matter is that you cannot beat Voldemort. I could train you for twenty years, and there would be a chance that he would be able to beat you in a fight."

Some might have been angry at being so dismissed by someone. However, Harry was not most people, he just became thoughtful, "Because he knows all sorts of magic?"

Much to his surprise, Hoshi waved that off, "While it is true that he knows far more magic, that is not the only reason." Looking at him, she continued, "Knowing magic is not the issue. In fact, teaching you spell after spell would be rather easy I will admit though it would take time. No, what matters is that Voldemort has experience." Understanding that the two teens were now listening, she continued, "He has experience, over fifty years of such. Say what you will about the creature, but he has fought, dueled, and the like since the 1940s. He does not just know the spells by rote, but knows exactly when and how to use them. And that is why you will not be able to beat him..." The Kyuubi suddenly gained a bloodthirsty grin, "In a straight up fight, anyways. Which we are training to avoid."

Now paying more attention, Harry leaned forwards, "What do you mean?"

Simply nodding as she had their full attention, the Kitsune smirked, "Each of you brings something to a fight. You, Harry-San, have wizarding and Onmyouji magic, the second of which he would not be expecting. You have versatility." Moving her hand, she pointed at Natsumi, "Meanwhile, Natsumi-Chan brings the trickery that us Kitsune are well known for. Illusions and the like, which will be affecting him as you fight and throws him off. Shiromizu-San brings pure power to the fore as well as control over elements." Hoshi held her hand out, palm up, three triangles appearing with curved bottoms. They rotated around until they came together to form a circle, "Each one of you is powerful on your own, with your own strengths. But together... you could well be able to beat many foes that singularly you would not."

Rubbing her chin in thought, Natsumi made a thoughtful noise, "I thought that it was something like that, but to hear you agree..." She gave a shrug, "Well..."

Lips curling, Hoshi lightly laughed, "Do not think that it will be that easy. Because we also need to teach you to be able to fight alone, as well as together. Both are highly important." Becoming serious, she turned to Harry, "Speaking of... Natsumi-Chan has stated to me that you are willing to have her learn how to perform Kitsune tsuki on you? Is that true?"

Arms crossed, Harry just nodded with a smile, "Hai, Sensei." He then turned and gave a blushing teenage Kitsune a look of pure and utter trust, "I fully trust her."

Hoshi did not say anything right away as she looked into his eyes when he turned back to her. Almost a minute passed though and she gave a barking laugh, "HA!" A grin on her face, she shook her head before patting Harry on the shoulder, "You should keep him, Natsumi-Chan. The fact that he trusts you so much..." Her tone became softer, "Well, the fact that he trusts you so much to learn how to perform it on him is a wonderful, precious thing. A rare thing as well. Do not ever betray that trust."

Only looking at Harry, Natsumi nodded, "I never would or will, Hoshi-Sensei."

Both teens' gazes met. Simply watching, Hoshi smiled some, "I believe you, Natsumi-Chan." Suddenly, she clapped her hands and made them both jump a bit, "Now then, the class for the day is over with, Harry-San, Natsumi-Chan. You have both done well so perform your cooldown before you begin to cramp and you will be dismissed."

The two teens got to their feet and bowed to her deeply, with her returning it before they went about their cooldown.

After they were gone, Hoshi sat there in deep thought as she looked down at the floor and considered what had happened at the end. Kitsune tsuki... an ability of Kitsune that is seldom used. In which the Kitsune takes on a spiritual form that can inhabit, and possess, another's body. Such a thing in stories were often malicious in nature, her own mother being one such example. But it could also be benevolent for there were once Onmyouji clans who specialized in it, akin to the Inugami as they originally were. In such cases though, it was more to the benefit of the Onmyouji, with them controlling the Kitsune to do their work.

What she just heard though, that the two of that were in front of her had stated? That they trusted each other so much to even consider it, that they trusted the other not to use and abuse it? To not use and abuse the other? Such a thing was so rare that she could only consider a few times that it would happen.

Oddly enough, said times were either between humans and Kitsune who considered each other close siblings, parents... or lovers.

In such cases, that she knew about, the two partners would only become all the closer. Their souls entwinned with each other, strengthening their bond with one another. Briefly, she paused to consider what that might mean for both Harry and Natsumi. Lips twitching, she chuckled at another thought that occurred to her, "Poor Louisiana-San might well have the shipgirl version of a heart attack one day..."

Meanwhile, Natsumi felt an odd sensation. Almost as if someone, somewhere, was having fun at her expense... Shaking that off, she stretched her arms out with a sigh. Part of her was happy that made Harry's gaze fall on her, "I can't wait to take a shower and relax some."

Somewhat amused, Harry chuckled, "Not going to head home right away?"

Tapping the side of her nose, Natsumi shook her head, "No, I'm not, Harry-Chan. After all, this means that I can spend some time with you." Kissing his cheek, she smiled, "And that is something that I enjoy."

A smile on his face, Harry returned the kiss on the cheek with one of his own, "Same here, Natsumi-Chan."

For several minutes, they walked along before the Kitsune turned to him, "Harry-Chan?" Getting a hum of acknowledgment, she continued, "Thank you, for trusting me with the Kitsune tsuki. It... it means a lot."

Green eyes met her golden ones as Harry smiled, "Natsumi-Chan, there are few people that I trust more then you. I'm just thankful that you trust me just as much." Coming to a stop, he gently kissed her before pulling back, "Really thankful." Just smiling, Natsumi giggled a bit and nodded. With a glance around though, she transformed into her fox shape before scrambling up him and diving into his shirt, which was tucked in. Looking down, Harry blinked at her, "Um, Natsumi-Chan? While I toweled myself off, I'm... kind of sweaty still."

Just giving the fox version of a shrug, Natsumi snorted, "And? So am I." Seeing him open his mouth, she cut him off, "Besides which, I don't mind too much. And it is not like you smell... also, I need to get into Gryffindor Tower anyways."

All Harry did was shake his head and sigh, though he had a smile on his face.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Walking along a street in Susukino in Sapporo, Fubuki tilted her head some as she looked at the various snow sculptures and ice statues. Bundled up in what most people considered normal clothing for the winter, the Destroyer tugged her hat down a bit lower to hide who she was. Mainly because currently, she was trying avoid people from realizing who she was. After all, she was a guest of honor at this year's festival.

Pausing at one sculpture, which looked a lot like her friend, Yuudachi, she giggled a bit. Said sculpture was of said Destroyer grinning with torpedoes in her hands and winking. All in all, it was an amazing representation. Taking her phone out, Fubuki took a picture and sent it to her friend. All she got was a "POI" for a text which made her giggle all the more, "That probably made Yuudachi-Chan's day."

Fubuki shook her head and began to walk along again, thinking about what she was seeing. Back when she was a steel float, something like what she was seeing was hard to imagine. The sheer amount of work that went into the festival was just plain amazing! The Destroyer could only shake her head in disbelief when she read that during years when the snowfall had been low, the JSDF as a training exercise would gather snow from outside the city and ship it in. Some of her Officers in her hull had boggled at that.

Though, granted, some of them thought that such a thing was a great idea and wished that it had been around in their day.

Her thoughts going back to why she was in Sapporo, Fubuki chuckled some to herself. Yes, she was the guest of honor. After all, she was called 'Blizzard' for a reason, and this was the sort of thing that she loved. Having one of her fairies come out after making sure that no one was close enough to see as afternoon turned to evening, Fubuki raised an eyebrow at them, "I suppose that I love snow so much because of you, Seaman Arashi Hikari-Kun?"

Lightly blushing, the fairy who most would have mistaken for a male, and had in her life when serving aboard the newly commissioned Fubuki, scratched her cheek and nodded, "Desu."

Only shaking her head, Fubuki smiled a bit more before setting the fairy on her shoulder, "I don't mind, Hikari-San. Not really, though I am happy that you no longer need to hide what you are."

With a shrug, Hikari smiled back, "Desu, desu desu desu."

Nodding, Fubuki raised a finger, "That is a very good point." Head tilted to the side, the shipgirl hummed, "So what do you think of this place so far?" A number of "Desu" was the answer which made her lightly laugh, "Yes, I suppose so."

The fairy gave her a knowing look, "Desu? Desu desu desu?"

Cheeks flushed, Fubuki rubbed the back of her neck, "I know, I know. But... I just needed to get away, you know?" Sighing, her shoulders slumped a bit, "It was all getting to be a bit much and everything. Especially..."

Eyebrow raised, Hikari gave her a smirk, "Deeeeesu?"

Giving her a look, the Destroyer poked the fairy, "How was I supposed to react to someone making a scale model of my hull out of snow." Blushing, Fubuki shook her head, "That was somewhat embarrassing..."

With a shrug, Hikari shook her head, "Desu."

Just sighing, Fubuki threw her hands into the air, "Okay, okay, I love it, okay?" Getting a nod, she smiled softly, "It is just... I am still getting used to all this, you know? When I was afloat, I was just a Destroyer, a Tin Can as the Americans put it. And the whole time I was a steel hull, I... never amounted to anything or actually did anything notable."

Frowning, Hikari shook a pudgy finger at her, "Desu! Desu desu desu desu!"

Unable to help herself, the shipgirl laughed a bit and patted the fairy's head, which made them huff, "Okay, I might have been the first modern Destroyer. But... I never did anything in my career itself. Yuudachi-Chan has the Battle of the Solomons for example, but I got nothing." Turning back to the road, she frowned, "Nothing to my name, really... Which is why I think that I was among those who returned and self-summoned. I mean, there was always something in me that wanted to... wanted to have done things. To have done something." Still walking, Fubuki shook her head, "And now look at me. I was one of the first shipgirls to return to Japan. And I'm one of the most decorated shipgirls in the JMSDF!"

Kicking a piece of ice to the side, she sighed, "That... that is amazing. And more than that, they now have me doing things like this! Opening festivals for PR purposes and being a guest of honor! Me! A Destroyer! Not a Battleship, a Carrier, or even a Cruiser! Just... a Destroyer like me." She came to a stop and seemed to be looking off into the distance, "And they also named a new Destroyer after me."

Head tilted to the side, the fairy blinked, "Desu? Desu desu desu desu?"

Only shaking her head, Fubuki turned to her, "It is the first fusion powered Destroyer in the world, Hikari-San. She has railguns, lasers, and everything. Back when I was a ship... that wasn't even really science fiction! Because it was so far out there that people didn't really think of it. But they named her after me. I would have expected something like naming her after Nagato, Yamato, or one of the great ships. Maybe even Mikasa! Instead they chose my name..." Shoulders slumping, she let out a sigh into the air, "It still boggles me. And after all the well wishers and the like, as well as all the attention on me due to the festival, I just... need some time to decompress."

Hikari just smiled at her, "Desu." Looking around, the fairy pointed at a nearby stand, "Desu!"

With a hum, Fubuki looked and smiled, "You know... some dango does sound good." Taking the fairy, she opened her purse and slipped them inside, "Sorry, but I'm just going to put you there for now." The fairy gave her a thumbs up before Fubuki closed the purse. Walking over to the stand, she bowed some, "Good evening."

Blinking, the man at the stand smiled at her, "Good evening, and how are you today?"

Lightly smiling, Fubuki giggled some, "I'm doing good and enjoying the festival." With a sigh, she stretched, "It is so good!"

Unable to help himself, the man chuckled, "That is good to hear. Now then, what would you like?"

As the Destroyer examined the choices, she didn't notice two golden eyes looking out from a nearby alley. There was a guilty look in them, one that stated that their owner did noy want to do something, but was being forced to. Meanwhile, Fubuki accepted the dango gratefully and paid for them. Biting them, she smiled, "Yum!"

Chuckling, the stand operator grinned, "Great huh? Dango is always good to have on a cold night like tonight."

Fubuki hummed in reply as she finished off the dango quickly, "Hai." Pausing, she considered things, "Hmm, maybe another-hey!"

Right as she was about to say something, a blur shot out from the alleyway. The person in question pushed her some, though Fubuki could also see a flash of steel. It was only as she twisted around to defend herself that she realized that her purse was now gone...

And held in the hands of a grimy little girl that was running away with it.

Eyes wide, the stand operator rushed around, "DAMMIT! GET BACK HERE!" Turning, he looked at Fubuki, "I am so, sorry and-"

Holding up a hand, Fubuki's eyes hardened, "Don't worry about it! I'll come back later!" Pushing off the ground, she began to chase after the little girl, who looked over her shoulder fearfully, "HEY! STOP RIGHT THERE YOU THIEF!"

People started to shout and yell as the girl pushed past them, Fubuki in fast pursuit. One man tried to grab for the thief, only for her to dodge around him, "GAH!"

When she looked over her shoulder, she spotted Fubuki getting closer and closer. Then, she ran across the road, dodging cars and the like which screeched to a stop as they tried not to hit her. With another glance, the thief's eyes widened as Fubuki leapt onto a cement pillar and jumped, soaring over the road. Hitting the ground, the Destroyer rolled and got to her feet, nearly able to grab the younger girl, "AHHHHHH!"

Reaching out, Fubuki growled, "JUST STOP ALREADY!"

But the younger girl didn't, and ducked under her before leaping into an alleyway. Fubuki followed, only for the girl to look over her shoulder as they were running towards a dead end, "I'M SO SORRY!"

Eyes rolling, Fubuki shouted back, "THEN JUST STOP!"

Much to her shock though, the little girl transformed into a fox and leapt up some debris, jumping over the fence as Fubuki just barely stopped herself in time. By the time that she got to the other side, the Kitsune was long gone. Groaning, Fubuki slapped her forehead before pausing as she realized something... she could sense where her purse was. It was then that she also remembered that Hikari was in said purse, which meant that she could track the thief. Expression hardening, Fubuki took off as fast as she could through the dark alleyways.

Some distance away, the Kitsune changed back and held the purse close. Inside of said item, Hikari could hear the thief crying, "I am so... so sorry... Kaa-San, please forgive me for being like this..."

Her eyes narrowing, Hikari just listened to the sobs even as the thief began running again.

Roughly a half hour, she came to a stop near a run down building. It was the sort of place that was condemned for various reasons. Dirty, rundown... in other words, the perfect place to hide. For five minutes, the thief waited outside before opening the door and going inside. Several crates were stacked here and there as she walked between them. They were there to hide the inside after all. Coming out to one of the only open areas, she nodded to the other kids there. All of them were filthy from living on the streets. Orphans... and Yokai. Walking up to one, she glanced around, "A-Akira-Chan? D-did Aniki show up?"

Glancing at her, the young Neko cringed a bit and shook her head, "N-not yet, Nee-San..."

Each of the youngsters shifted from foot to foot as they wanted, A few more trickled in as the minutes ticked on. Finally, there was a crack and a man in his twenties was standing there, He was clad in clean robes and the like with slicked back hair. Looking them over, he sneered, "Well, well, you all are here. Good, I'm a busy man. Now cough up anything you got and we'll see who gets to eat tonight, shall we?"

One by one, they brought their items up and placed it onto a table that they had stolen during the day. The smallest, just dumped coins and bills that they had panhandled during the day for. However...

Not all of them had brought anything, not having had any luck.

Placing the purse, the Kitsune swallowed as the man raised an eyebrow at hit. Picking it up, he snorted, "Man, this is one nice looking purse. Even without the money, I could sell this for some real cash." Waving a wand, he fixed the damage to it, "Yeah, this will be good at a pawn shop."

Her stomach growling, the thief whimpered some, "C-can we have some food, Aniki? I-I-I mean... we brought some cash and stuff..."

Eyebrow raised, "Aniki" looked at her. Next thing she knew, she was on the ground crying as she cupped her cheek, "Is that how you thank me? By demanding food?" Tossing the bag to the side, he scoffed and spread his arms wide, "Out of the goodness of my heart, I've given you food and shelter. A place to live... don't forget that it is only because of me that you are not in the reserves!" Between the crates, a shadow paused, "I could call them, the Aurors you know. All of you would be sent to the reserves and likely die."

Quickly getting to her knees, the Kitsune bowed until her forehead touched the dirty floor as she cried, "I-I'm sorry, Aniki! I... I'm just so hungry since I haven't eaten since last night! And... and please! Don't send us to the reserves!"

She was not the only one to get down and plead not to be sent to the reserves. And to beg for food, which made the wizard laugh, "Fucking begging like the animals you bunch are... I like it! Though not all of you will get to eat. My charity isn't limitless after all." Leaning down, he grinned at the Kitsune who cringed, "I wonder what your Kaa-San would think? Seeing you like the beast you are in the dirt?" Placing a foot on her back, he rocked her back and forth, "Hmm? Granted, she was probably a whore anyways. Like a bitch in heat or something."

The Kitsune was able to take insults to her, after all, she was used to it. But her mother... "M-my Kaa-San was not a whore."

Blinking, the man looked down at her, "Eh?"

Moments later, his foot was being pushed off as the Kitsune looked up at him. "MY KAA-SAN WAS NOT A WHORE! SHE WAS A GOOD PERSON AND A BETTER ONE THAN YOU!"

Expression going from confused to angry, the wizard growled, "Why you!" Reeling back his hand, he snarled, "I'm going to have to teach an animal like you its place!" At seeing the fist approach, the young thief cringed and closed her eyes. Only for nothing to hit and to hear gasps as the wizard shouted, "WHAT THE FUCK!?"

Opening her eyes, the Kitsune gasped at the sight of the very same young woman she had stolen the purse from standing there with the fist held in one hand where she had caught it. Looking over her shoulder, she gave the younger girl a concerned, and regretful look, "Sorry about not stopping him the first time."

Mouth opening and closing, the Kitsune finally nodded, "T-that's okay? B-but I stole from you..."

All Fubuki did was shrug, "Considering this? Not a big deal and understandable." She then turned and gave the wizard a glare that made his blood feel like it froze, "You on the other hand..."

Trying to yank his fist back, the wizard growled, "Who the fuck are you?! And what the fuck are you doing protecting these things?!"

Only tilting her head, Fubuki chuckled, "I'm protecting them when they need it because that is what I do. As for who I am..." Reaching up with her free hand, she pulled back her hat to reveal her hair, with the children gasping, "Destroyer Fubuki at your... well, not at your service, you piece of scum."

It said something, that the man was in such shock that he continued to run his mouth, "A shipgirl!? What the shit?! And scum?!"

Humming, Fubuki nodded, "That's right. Using kids to do your dirty work, treating them like shit, threatening them and beating them? You're scum." With a hum, she tilted her head, "You're a wizard from what I can see, right?"

Rapidly blinking, "Aniki" only nodded, "Uh, yeah? What of it?"

All Fubuki did was tilt her head to the side and close her eyes while smiling gently, "Ah! Well, that means that what I am about to do won't be permanent. That's a good thing."

Utterly confused, the wizard opened his mouth. But it was not words that came out, no, he screamed as Fubuki's hand squeezed his fist. The kids could only widen their eyes as they heard cracking sounds as the man who had beaten them numerous times had one of the hands that caused them pain broken. Driven to his knees, the man looked up at the Destroyer , "F-fuck! M-mercy!"

Still eye closed smiling, Fubuki pointed at herself, "Ara, ara~ Does this look like the face of mercy?"

The wizard only whimpered in reply.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Arms crossed, Fubuki watched as "Aniki", or as she now knew his name to be, Rokurou, was examined by a Medi-Wizard. Beside her, one of the Kyoto Aurors scratched his head and groaned, "This is just lovely."

Eyebrow raised, the Destroyer frowned at him. She had gotten in contact via radio with Kana who, in turn, passed on the information to Ooyodo who got in touch with the JNHRO. From there, the Kyoto Aurors were informed and promptly showed up quickly. One of them had panicked a bit, though to their credit, they only fingered their wand at seeing Fubuki still holding the wizard causing all the trouble's crushed hand in hers. His boss had quickly stepped between them and asked about what had happened. After a quick explanation, he had called in the Medi-wizard to check over the wizard.

Which lead to the current issue.

Frowning, Fubuki looked at him, "And what does that mean?"

Only grimacing, the Auror shook his head and turned to her with a sigh, "His Otou-San is pretty high up in the Diet. Sure, he's not that high up in his family, but his old man? He's going to be causing us some trouble to say the least. Probably going to try and get us to release him."

A sneer on his face, Rokurou snorted, "That's right, you bitch. My Otou-San will get me out easy and then?" He grinned nastily, "Those kids are fucked!" Laughing darkly, he raised an eyebrow at Fubuki's narrowing eyes, "What? Did you think that they would be sent to safety or something? Fuck no! I'm going to see them thrown in the Reserves and fucked over nice and good."

Not saying anything, Fubuki looked at him with her face expressionless. When she spoke, it was with a flatness that made the Kyoto Aurors flinch, "Is that so..."

Yet again, the Kyoto Auror beside her flinched before sighing. Running his hand through his hair, he shook his head, "As much as I would hate to admit it, he's probably right." Grimacing, he looked Fubuki in the eye, which made her respect for him raise a little, "I wish that I could guarantee those kids' safety, but I can't. His old man has enough power that he might be able to get arrest warrants out. And added that only certain orphanages can take them in..."

Slowly, Fubuki nodded, "I see." Tilting her head to the side, she hummed, "Tell me, is his Otou-San a Yakuza?"

Lost at why she was asking, the Auror glanced at the others who shrugged. Turning back to her, he cleared his throat, "Uh, no? Why does that matter?"

Fubuki stepped forward and gave Rokurou a frigid smile, "Everything." Leaning down, she stared into the confused wizard's eyes, "Because you see, they are going to be very pissed off with what you have been doing here. The fact that you were acting and pretending like you were Yakuza? Heh."

Bravado coming back, Rokurou sneered at her, "So what? They can go and get fucked for all I care! Why the hell would I worry about some useless No-Majs?"

Only tilting her head, the shipgirls hummed, "You know, I always did wonder..." Trailing off, she chuckled though there was nothing humorous about it, "What it would be like to see someone who is stupid enough to die from their idiocy and overconfidence." Rather than say anything else, she turned to the Auror, "If I may make a suggestion, Inoue-San?"

Just nodding, the Auror frowned, "Sure? Go ahead."

With a hum, Fubuki gestured at the kids, "Interview them here, one by one. Not out of sight, but get it here."

More than a little lost, he nodded, "Uh, sure? That makes some sense and wouldn't be too much trouble as we need some initial statements...?"

The Auror than made a gesture to one of the other Officers with him, and Fubuki lead her over to where the kids were all clustered together, the Destroyer's own medical fairies looking them over. When they reached them, the Kitsune who had stolen from her looked up with sad eyes, "F-Fubuki-San? Um... Thank you, but..."

Crouching down, Fubuki gave her a smile before shaking her head, "You heard?" Getting a nod, she reached over and placed her hand on the Kitsune's head, gently rubbing her head, "Hey, look at me." When the Yokai did so, the shipgirl smiled and leaned in, "Trust me, that is not going to happen."

Beside the Kitsune, one of the two Oni there shook her head, "B-but... he's not lying."

Lips curling, Fubuki gave a chuckle to their confusion, "Trust me, he may think that he's not, but he is." Winking, she continued, "Believe in me, okay? It is all going to turn out well."

Even though they didn't believe her, they nodded with various sounds of agreement, with the Kitsune swallowing, "H-hai..."

Chuckling, Fubuki shook her head, "Now then, this is very important. Ogawa-San here will interview you each, one at a time. I want you to take your time in telling her everything that 'Aniki' has done regarding you. Don't rush through it, take your time. And do not leave anything out, as unimportant as it is." Turning, she gave the lost looking Auror a smile, "Also, if she has questions, answer them."

A frown on her face, the Auror nodded and took the first one aside. One by one they spoke and told their story. Using a automated quill, the witch nodded as it wrote down everything that they said. Like Fubuki had told them, they had spoken of every little thing that had happened to them under Rokurou.

Though one part made Fubuki perk up and look at the young, female Kitsune who had stolen her name, "Your name is Fubuki?"

Lightly blushing, hard as it was to see through the dirt and grime on her, the Kitsune nodded, "Hai... my Okaa-San named me that when I was born a few months after you returned. I was named after you..." Sniffling, she shook her head, "S-she died... in one of the attacks here on Hokkaido four years ago. S-she was a Yuki-Onna and used her abilities to create an impenetrable shield of ice around me a-as Abyssal shells fell around us and used everything she had..."

Fubuki grimaced as she guessed which attack it was. While most of those who had attacked Hoppou had been killed, a few stragglers managed to make a run for Hokkaido and struck. She had been one of those who took them down with help from Akebono and the like. Walking over, Fubuki gently pulled the Kitsune into an embrace, "Your Okaa-San was a great woman, Fu-Chan. A wonderful mother, and I am honoured that she chose to name her daughter after me."

Tears coming from her eyes, the Kitsune looked up at her, "T-thank you... though, um... Fu-Chan?"

Her lip curling as she pulled out a napkin and began to dry the child's eyes, Fubuki nodded, "Hai, Fu-Chan. After all, I'm Fubuki, and Kongou-San and others sometimes call me 'Buki', so I can't call you that. Hence... Fu-Chan."

Even though she was confused about that, Fu-Chan nodded, "Um, okay...?"

Gently, Fubuki patted her head which the Kitsune enjoyed greatly. It reminded her of when she was younger and her mother was still alive. When the Kitsune turned back to the Auror, Fubuki turned her attention to the other children as well. Eventually, Ogawa was finished and rolled up the notes that were taken. She turned to Inoue and nodded, "Sir? We're done here."

Nodding, the Auror sighed, "That's good." With a sad smile, he turned to the children, "Guess that it is time for us to leave then, kids."

Part of Fubuki noticed the nasty grin on Rokurou's face, and smirked, "You're right, Inoue-San. After all..." Turning, she smiled as Yuudachi as well as Mutsuki and Kana walked into view, "The children are leaving... you brought the bus, Kana-Chan?"

Lightly blushing, the Battleship nodded, "Hai, Fubuki-Senpai."

Eyebrows furrowing, Inoue frowned, "Bus? What do you..." His eyes widened and he stared at her, "You cannot be serious!"

Turning to him, Fubuki raised one of her own eyebrows, "Deadly. The children will be coming with Kana-Chan, Yuudachi-Chan, Mutsuki-Chan, and myself. We'll make sure that they are safe and taken care of. Especially as they could be in danger from... certain parties, shall we say?"

Jaw dropped, Rokurou stared at her before whipping his head around to boggle at Inoue, "She can't do that!"

With a glance at him, Inoue turned to Fubuki, "Normally, he would be right you know. This isn't something that I could let you do."

A smile on her face, the Destroyer nodded, "Oh, I understand. But that would be normally." Still smiling, she gestured at the others, "However... right now, you have three Destroyers and one Battleship. And from what I remember, even one Destroyer would be, ah, difficult. Twenty-five millimeter can be quite nasty after all, and I have a few forties on me as well... not to mention sidearms."

Slowly humming, Inoue looked towards the fairies, noticing that they had sidearms. His lips curled upwards a bit, "Oh, you are quite right. We're outmatched." Scratching his chin, he nodded, "Yes, completely outmatched right now and it would take far too long to contact some help. A shame..."

Giving a sad smile, Fubuki sighed, "Truly a shame." Head tilting to the side, she shrugged, "We will, of course, give you access as needed to them if you need more statements. But..."

On the Auror's face was a smirk that was mirrored on his fellows' faces, "Ah, thank you for that." With a fake sigh, he backed up as he ignored Rokurou's cursing, "How unfortunate for us that such a thing happened though. And once they are on a base, well, nothing that can be done for it, I suppose."

With a nod, Fubuki turned to her fellow Destroyers, "Yuudachi-Chan? Mutsuki-Chan? I am assuming that the children have things that they would want to bring with them. Escort them as they gather what they want."

Saluting, the blonde haired shipgirl grinned, "Sure thing, Fubuki-Chan! Now come along, Poi!"

It took only a few minutes as they did not have much to gather up, though Fubuki noted that the Kitsune had what looked like a stuffed chick for a toy. Noticing the Destroyer looking at her, Fu-Chan hugged the toy close, "Okaa-San gave me her..."

Just patting her head, Fubuki nodded, "Ah, not a problem. We'll just get her all nice and clean once we're on the base." Giving a jaunty wave, she took up a rear position with Kana in the front while Yuudachi and Mutsuki took up positions on either side, "I hope that you all have a nice day, Auror-Sans!"

Lightly chuckling, Inoue grinned, "And the same to you as well, Fubuki-San."

Several minutes later, the young Yokai was looking around as the bus was running along the roads with awed looks. Hugging her stuffed companion, Fu-Chan looked up at Fubuki with the look of a child meeting their hero, "You really are doing this..."

Her arms crossed, Fubuki laughed, "Well, I did say that I was going to take care of you, didn't I?" Expression softening, she shook her head, "And I keep my promises."

Massively grinning, Yuudachi nodded, "Fubuki-Chan really does, Poi!"

For her part, Mutsuki gave her own nod and agreed, which made her friend blush. Upon hearing a stomach growl, Fubuki blinked and looked at several faces that blushed as more growls joined the first. Rather than laugh as she wanted, the Destroyer looked over her shoulder, "Kana-Chan? Mind stopping at the nearest food place? I'll pay."

Quickly, one of the younger children shook his head and waved his hands, "Y-you don't need to do that, Fubuki-San! We..." Looking down, he chewed his lip, "We can go without food for a bit. I mean, we've done it before and we're sort of dirty..."

All Fubuki did at that though was frown and narrow her eyes, "Unacceptable. You are going to get fed and I will pay for it."

Needless to say, more than a few people took pictures of Fubuki and her friends having a bunch of what looked like homeless children in a fast food place as they got them food. And a number of comments from those who watched stated that she was like a mother on a mission for her children with them. One who would not take no for an answer and cowed people who would have complained with a simple look.

By the time they left though, it was with some very full children.
_______________________________________________________________________

Stretching some as her bare feet touched tile, Fubuki turned and regarded the group of children. All of them looked rather nervous, with Fu-Chan holding her stuffed chicken closely. Softly smiling, the Destroyer gestured around them, "Okay everyone, we're going to get you all nice and clean before bed."

Rapidly blinking, one of the Oni Twins there stared at her, "W-wait, we're going to have a bath? Really?"

Yuudachi giggled some and nodded, "Hai! Or a shower if you want it, Poi." Looking them over, she hummed, "Might be a good idea to have a shower after you're clean and before you go into the bath."

Ignoring that, Fubuki turned to Mutsuki, "Kisaragi-Chan is getting them clothes, right?"

A smile on her face, the name ship of the Mutsuki class nodded, "She is as a matter of fact, Fubuki-Chan. It is going to take a bit more time, but she's going to have them brought straight here."

Eyes wide, Fu-Chan stared between them, "N-new clothes too!? B-but..." Tears coming to her eyes, she sniffled, "W-why?"

Blinking, she turned at the hand to find Fubuki smiling at her, "Because you deserve it. What happened to you, should never have happened. And by the time you get out of the bath, all nice and clean, I promise that you will have nice clean clothes waiting for you while we wash the others."

Just chewing her lip, the Kitsune looked at her stuffed toy. It was not the cleanest toy, but... "W-what about Chicky?"

Other children made noises about their own stuffed toys, some of the only things with them. Chuckling, Fubuki shook her head, "We're going to get them nice and clean as well." She then nodded towards the door as Kana brought in an odd looking device to the children, "Kana-Chan here has brought a steamer that we can use to clean all your friends. It won't hurt them, I promise, but it will get them all nice and clean after we wash them."

Nodding, Mutsuki brought out a metal tub and a bottle of laundry detergent, "I'll do that right here as a matter of fact so you can all watch. All your friends will be nice and clean, promise."

Unsure, Fu-Chan shuffled from one foot to the other before looking down at her toy. Trembling, she handed it over to Fubuki, "P-please..."
Gently, the shipgirl nodded, "I promise, she will be looking even better when we're done." Handing the toy off to Mutsuki who had filled up the tub, Fubuki took the hand of the Kitsune, "Now, it is time for us to get all clean."

With a nod, Fu-Chan looked towards her friend as Fubuki lead her over to the benches for them to get changed. Looking at them, the Destroyer knew that they were all nervous and took a deep breath. Then, much to their surprise, Fubuki was the first one to remove her clothes which got her wide eyes, 'W-what...'

Smiling at them, she winked, "Come on then, time to get all squeaky clean..."

It was just a few minutes later that Fu-Chan gave a squeak as warm water washed over her body. Spitting out some of the water, she blinked it away, "Gah..."

Unable to help herself, Fubuki giggled a bit as she soaped up a cloth, "Sorry about that, Fu-Chan."

Blushing, the Kitsune shook her head, "Um, that's okay, Fubuki-San..."

Cloth all soaped up, Fubuki began to gently scrub at the younger girl. If anything though, it made the Yokai blush a bit as it reminded her of when her mother used to clean her. And glancing around, she was not the only one as she could see Yuudachi helping to clean some of her friends and fellow orphans. Meanwhile, Fubuki watched as dirt and grime was slowly removed before grasping her arm, "Lift please." When Fu-Chan did so, the Destroyer scrubbed under the Kitsune's arms, getting giggles. Smiling, she giggled herself, "Ticklish?"

Only nodding, Fu-Chan smiled, "Hai."

All Fubuki did though was smile back gently before continuing her work. Once she was done with the younger girl's body, she worked a bit at the hair, working in shampoo. After that, she rinsed her off, only to begin again. Slowly, but surely, Fubuki got the likely years worth of dirtiness off to reveal pale skin. Much to her surprise, the Kitsune's hair was not quite the grey she thought, but a very light blue, 'Huh...' It was then that she remembered something, "Your Okaa-San was a Yuki-Onna, right?"

Not having expected that, Fu-Chan nodded, "Um, she was, though Tou-San was a Kitsune..." Her ears drooped a little, "He... died before I was born. Okaa-San used to tell me all about him though."

Humming as she continued to clean the young girl, the Destroyer nodded, "Is that why your hair...?"

Cheeks red, Fu-Chan nodded, "Hai, my hair is white and a bit of blue... Just like Okaa-San's hair..."

Fubuki continued to scrub gently, almost motherly, "I see. It is really beautiful you know."

Lightly smiling, all the Kitsune did was nod.

Slowly, both Fubuki and Yuudachi worked their way through the group, gently cleaning them. Clothes were soaped up, used to scrub, and then tossed into the bins. Combs were brought out to clean out hair and make sure that there was no lice, though Fubuki brought out a special shampoo that Hedwig had delivered. Said shampoo being one that killed such things as lice and fleas as well as their eggs. With that done, they had the children shower as well before leading to them the baths.

It was a group of happy, clean, and sleepy children who returned to find all their toys cleaned two hours later. Not just using washing detergent, but also steam cleaning to make sure that they were properly clean of everything. Fubuki smiled as she watched a bright, teary eyed Fu-Chan hug her beloved stuffed chick close, now no longer stained or dirty revealing it to be bright yellow. More than that, Kisaragi had shown up with new clothes, their old ones being taken away to see if they could be cleaned.

With that done, it was time for bed. Much to the amusement of the others, Fu-Chan and some of the other children grasped Fubuki's hands close as she guided them to the dorms set up for visiting shipgirls. While not a permanent shipgirl base, Sapporo's JMSDF base that was built after the war started did have dormitories for visiting shipgirls. Dormitories that were now getting used by the young orphans.

For her part though, Fubuki simply sat in a chair, softly singing as the various children drifted off to sleep, exhausted, but happy and feeling safe. Watching that, Yuudachi giggled as she "Spoke" to Mutsuki over the radio, {Fubuki-Chan really is like a Okaa-San, Poi.}

Giggling softly, Mutsuki gave a nod, {Hai, she is, Yuudachi-Chan.} A sigh then escaped her, {Fubuki-Chan will make for a good Okaa-San.}

Just giving them looks, Fubuki huffed a bit as she continued to sing, the children all falling asleep, {I can hear you, you know.} Getting giggles, she rolled her eyes before frowning, {Guys? Thanks.}

All her friends did though was shake their heads at her. Out of the four, Kisaragi scoffed over the radio, {Bah! You don't need to thank us for this, Fubuki-Chan.} Walking over, she gently kissed the other Destroyer on the cheek, {We don't mind it at all.}

With a deep breath, Fubuki let it out, {I know, but I do appreciate it. And...} Lips pressing thinly together, she shook her head, {I hate to bother you all, but I need you to keep watch over them tomorrow, I... have a meeting with someone that cannot wait. Which Ooyodo-San set up for me.}

It went without saying that the other four understood what sort of meeting was being talked about. Walking over to a chair of her own, Kana shook her head, {They're all so small and...I cannot believe it. Are we lucky, or are they unlucky?}

Sighing, Fubuki shook her head as she gently brushed one of Fu-Chan's blue bangs away from her face, {I do not know...} She watched as the Kitsune's ears twitched and she held her stuffed toy closer...

The ghostly hull of a late war Destroyer overlaying her body as several more ghostly ships were around some of the other children...
___________________________________________________________________

For a moment, Fubuki took a deep breath before she let it slowly out. It misted in the cold, winter air. A short time ago, she left the base behind and headed back into the city. Most of the children were not sure about her leaving them, but Fu-Chan convinced them to trust in her. And if there was one thing that Fubuki was going to do...

It was going to make sure that she was worthy of that trust.

Stepping into the darkened resturant, she gave her coat to one of the staff members. Briefly, she straightened her skirt and blouse, somewhat worried. After all, it was one of her nicest, semi-formal outfits. But, Fubuki knew that she had to make an impression and thus did not show her nerves. Like in a battle out on the waves, this one needed her to be steel.

Back straight and showing no weaknesses, she walked behind the staff member leading her to a room in the back. Inside, seated at a table was an older man with his head bald and shining in the low light. Part of Fubuki noted the large scar on his neck, as well as how one finger was missing a knuckle. But she showed none of that and bowed deeply as he stood, "Ishida-San, thank you for taking time out of your day to see to This One's insignificant needs."

However, much to Fubuki's surprise, the old man bowed just as deeply to her, "It is of no worry, Fubuki-San. In fact, it is an honour that one such as you wished to speak to me of a matter important to you." Standing back up, he waved at a chair, "Please, take a seat and allow for me to make an order. The Sake here is quite good."

Only smiling, Fubuki nodded, "Thank you, though I ask that I treat you as well."

That got her a raised eyebrow, but he nodded. Shortly, food was brought before them and a young woman served them both before bowing and backing away until needed again. Taking a sip of her Sake, the Destroyer nodded which made the older man nod before he did the same, "Ah, as I said, it is quite good."

Lips curling, the shipgirl chuckled, "Yes, it is."

Breaking apart his chopsticks, he took some food, "Now then, from what Ooyodo-San stated, you wished to speak to me of events yesterday? First, allow for me to apologize in regards to the theft. Such a thing should never have happened to one such as you, let alone at all."

Eyes narrowing slightly, Fubuki frowned, "I... suspect that I am not the only one with such troubles." A slight nod was the only answer, and so she continued, "To that end, the issue has been... resolved, to some satisfaction. I, personally, caught the thief responsible and found several others."

With a hum as he took a bite, Ishida nodded, "I see. And they are in your custody?" The Destroyer gave a nod, which made him frown, "Interesting."

Looking at him, Fubuki frowned, "Yes, I am here to make sure that the children involved are not going to be... an issue. There were extenuating circumstances in their case for which forgiveness would be something that they could be given."

His full attention on her, the older man frowned, "Forgiveness for such things do not come easy, Fubuki-San. You must understand that... interruptions such as they caused can be problematic."

Fubuki tilted her head some in acknowledgment, "Hai, and that is understandable. But before I go any further, Ishida-San... what do you know of magic? And not shipgirls or Abyssals."

At the side, both of them could hear a young man mumble to himself, "Magic...?"

Glancing at him, Ishida smiled a bit before gesturing at the young man who blanched a bit as he realized he had spoken aloud, "You must forgive my grandson, I have not told him everything as of yet."

Lightly chuckling, Fubuki shook her head, "Ah, do not worry about it. For I understand how hard such a thing is to be believed and such an reaction is understandable. And at least he did not call me crazy for bringing it up."

Acknowledging it, the older man let out a hum, "Now, as to magic? I know of the wizards and witches, and of the Yokai. Being as we straddle both sides of the divide as it were with our business." Eyes narrowing slightly, he picked up another bite of food, "I take it that such was part of the issue?"

There was a frown on Fubuki's face as she nodded, "Hai. As it turned out, the ones who stole were all very young Yokai, children really. The one in my case being a Kitsune, but as I said there are extenuating circumstances." Pulling out a tablet, she typed in the password and pushed it forward, "One of my crew had a camera and we arrived early enough to catch quite a bit."

With a glance at her, Ishida began to play the video. Not commenting, he continued to eat as he watched it. As he did so, his eyes narrowed some and he shot a glance at one of the other men there, who gave a shake of his head with a frown of his own. Once it was done, he played it again, watching closer. Then, Ishida handed her back the tablet, "Interesting."

Accepting the tablet back, Fubuki pushed forward two memory sticks, "In these are a copy of the video and of the statements made by the children regarding what they were forced to do. Now, the wizard who was behind this, I should note, was not of yours. Rather, from what they got out of him while I was there, he was pretending to be such. Because then, if one of the children were caught, it would be harder for someone to pin on him as they would think that perhaps it was you or someone akin to you."

It said something that the old man's only real sign of his thoughts was how one of the muscles in his jaw worked. Eventually, he nodded, "I see, it is obvious that there are, as you said, extenuating circumstances here, I agree. Though there were some damages."

Rather than say anything, Fubuki reached into her purse and pulled out a small stack of bills, followed by a second. Both of which she pushed forward, "Yes, but this should cover the cost of such." An thick envelope joined them, "And they deeply apologized for any harm that they did."

Taking the money, Ishida noted that they were in American bills and nodded to himself, "Yes, that very likely covers that issue." Handing them off to one of the other men, who bowed and left, he turned back to Fubuki before taking the envelope and reading what was on the papers, which were written apologies. Something that caused him to smile lightly before nodding, "I believe that for the children we can put it up to bad choices made in the folly of youth. Ones that they have learned from, correct?"

A thin smile on her face, Fubuki nodded, "Hai, and I am glad that you accept their deepest apologies, Ishida-San. All they, and we, could hope for is for it to not be held against them. Especially as some may go on to serve our nation on the seas."

Eyebrow raising, Ishida realized what was unsaid, 'Natural Borns.' Instead of saying it, he simply tilted his head slightly before clearing his throat, "Now, while they are forgiven, this one behind the problems..."

Her smile becoming cold, Fubuki chuckled, "Yes, him I am not asking anything for." Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a picture and slid it across the table. Ishida took it and hummed as she continued, "Now then, his name..." Both of them continued talking for some time until the meal was finished. Once it was, Fubuki bowed deeply, which was returned, "I thank you again for taking time out of your day, Ishida-San for such an issue. And I am quite happy that we can put this behind us."

Slightly smiling, Ishida chuckled, "It is of no trouble, Fubuki-San. And if needed, we would be willing to help you with any issues regarding the children involved." Seeing the slight surprise, he gestured at the picture, "This... issue, is one that should never have happened. Thus, we owe them a little something."

All Fubuki did was nod and bow again, "Thank you, and perhaps I will ask for help."

With that, she left the room, following one of the staff members after paying the bill. For several minutes, the room was quiet before Ishida spoke softly, "Minato, my grandson... your friend from school, Hiroki-Kun, he is good with computers, yes?"

Bowing, his grandson nodded, "Hai, he is. While he is not involved with us in that way, he has helped before when I have had computer issues. Though nothing... sensitive."

Just nodding, Ishida handed him the photograph and memory sticks, "Have him make as many copies as he can. Money is of no object and I shall consider it a favor he has done us as I know he has had trouble. While he may not be one of us, and I will not involve him more than needed, he has done well by you as a friend. And for that, he has my thanks." Glancing at the photograph, his eyes narrowed, "Because for some things, there is no forgiveness..."

 

[Harry Leferts]

Inside of her enclosed bike, Fubuki pedelled as she drove along the roads of Sapporo away from her meeting with the Yakuza. Once she was far enough away, she pulled into an empty parking lot and came to a stop. Not getting out of her vehicle, the Destroyer let all the tension escape her as she leaned forward against the handlebars and shuddered. All the while, she was taking deep breaths as she attempted to calm herself from what had just happened.

Never had she been so scared or nervous, even if she did not show it.

Somehow, even all her battles against the Abyssals had not affected her like what had just happened. As a shipgirl, she had been in dozens, hundreds of battles where she could have died. Where her comrades and friends might have died, as well as innocents. And yet, for some reason, none of that felt as important as the "Battle" she had just left. Like the cost for defeat would have been so much more than any of the other fights she had been in. It was... confusing. And it also meant that she had a lot of stress built up.

Only now, that she was out of sight of everyone was she able to release the pressure. Fubuki did not cry, because she felt no need to. However, her shoulders still shook as she sat there in the empty parking lot. With a shaking hand, she brought up her finger and turned on the radio, from which smooth Jazz came from. Slowly, very slowly, the shakes in her limbs lessened. With every deep breath, more and more of the stress, the nervousness, the worries, and the fear seeped away.

Here, where no one was around to see her, Fubuki finally was able to let go.

Minutes ticked by as she sat there until she felt a touch on her cheek and turned to find a Fairy there with a concerned look on his face, "Desu? Desu desu desu?"

Running a hand through her hair which had been immaculate when she had left the resturant, Fubuki nodded, "Hai, Yamashita-Kun. Just... I'm sorry for how I am reacting." What she did not expect was for her last Captain to frown at her before lightly smacking her ear, "Ow!"

As she rubbed it, Yamashita crossed his arms and gave her a look before shaking a finger at her, "Desu, desu desu desu! Desu! Desu desu desu desu desu desu!"

Just blinking, Fubuki stared at him for a moment, "I... don't have anything to apologize for?"

The fairy shook his head and scoffed, "Desu."

Chewing her lip, Fubuki looked away, "But..."

However, feeling a hand gently pat her cheek, she turned to find that Yamashita's expression had softened. More than that, her other Captains and some of her crew where also out and visible. All of them gave her soft smiles and the like as they shook their heads, Yamashita speaking for them all, "Desu. Desu desu desu desu."

While her last Captain spoke, Fubuki just blinked away some tears. But it was the smile on her face as she sniffled a bit, "Really? You... you're all proud of me? Because of what I did and how I handled myself?" That got her nods from her fairies and she blushed, "Thank you."

Simply nodding, Yamashita smiled before his expression turned pensive, "Desu? Desu desu desu desu?"

At the question that she had just been asked, the Destroyer became confused, "How am I feeling about... what is going to happen to Rokurou?" When he nodded, Fubuki turned and frowned in thought, "I'm... not exactly concerned with that, besides a bit of satisfaction."

Eyebrow raised, her Captain frowned, "Desu?"

Blinking, Fubuki looked at him, "Why?" Getting a nod, she hummed, "Well, for one thing, he cannot hurt the kids any more. Not with what is going to happen. And..." Her hands clenched a bit and shook from the spike of anger that made her boilers flare, "He was using them, the children, to do deeds that he would not do himself. And threatening them with death... but even that aside, I wouldn't have pointed the Yakuza except for one thing." Turning, the Destroyer narrowed her eyes some, "What he said to me, about how the kids were still going to be killed even though they had done nothing! Innocents killed simply to sooth some person's ego and inflated sense of self-importance! And to reclaim honour that he obviously never had. That..."

When she trailed off, Yamashita looked at her, "Desu?"

Fubuki let out a sigh and shook her head, "That changed things for me. At that point, he was a threat and one that would not stop until he got his 'Honour' back. So... I handed over the matter to those who would be best to deal with it, that was all. Nothing more, nothing less." Looking out her windshield at the snowy landscape that was Sapporo in late January heading into February, she shook her head, "I know what is going to happen to him, but... I don't really feel bad about it. He made his own grave, dug it deep. This just means that Fu-Chan and the others will be safe, and in the end that is what matters."

Unseen by her, Yamashita's lips curled upwards a bit, "Desu? Desu desu desu desu desu..."

Cheeks flushing, Fubuki glared at him, "I-I am not acting like a Okaa-San!"

Voice now taking on a teasing tone, her last Captain jumped into her hull once more, "Desu desu desu desu desu desu~ Desu desu desu!"

With that, he was gone and left behind a flustered and annoyed Fubuki. Not helped by the fact that the other fairies also disappeared with their own comments, which only worsened things for Fubuki. Once they were gone, the Destroyer slumped in her seat and huffed, "I am not acting like a Okaa-San. Baka crew and Captains..." Feeling better despite that, she sat back and placed her feet back onto the pedals before leaving the parking lot. Driving along, she noticed a bakery and blinked some in thought as there was also a burger place nearby. For a moment, Fubuki hummed some before pulling in to park, "They are likely hungry, I would think. Especially as they have not been eating all that well, so best I pick something up for them."

For some odd reason, she felt like her Captains and crew were amused and snickering.

Sometime later, she pulled up to the gate for the "Sapporo Shipgirl Base". Not that it was too much, really. There was a small administration building, along with a building that reminded Fubuki of some of the motels she had seen on trips to the United States where shipgirls could rest and sleep. Besides that, there was a bathouse/repair dock and a warehouse with that being all. That last bit was important because unlike places like Yokosuka, the shipgirls who mostly stopped by were not warships. Rather, they were returned cargo vessels and the like coming up and down the coastline. They would arrive at the "Base" and get offloaded before resting for a time and then getting new cargo loaded onto them. Hence, it was mostly civilian contractors who worked there, and they lived in Sapporo.

Despite being a port city, Sapporo didn't need a huge base like most such places elsewhere in Japan. The nearest major shipgirl base was in Ōminato to the south, thus usually, the base was mostly used for the returned cargo shipgirls or for those escorts waiting for a small coastal convoy to form up.

Just shaking her head, Fubuki waited for the gate to be opened before heading inside the base. Pulling into the parking lot near the dorms, she parked and got out. Rather than leave it there though, the Destroyer reached out her hand and picked up her velomobile and did something that often made people's eyes itch. Feeling her vehicle being strapped to her deck by her crew, she walked into the dorms with a smile on her face, "Hey, everyone."

Almost immediately, a number of eyes snapped to her and widened. Within moments, she found herself being swarmed by a number of small bodies all shouting the same thing as they glomped her, "FUBUKI-SAN!"

Lightly laughing, she just shook her head and patted the backs of the various children there, "Hey! It's okay!" Eyes softening as she gently patted their heads, she chuckled, "I'm fine." Her eyes wide, Fu-Chan looked at her before grabbing one of the Destroyers hands. It took a few seconds before she realized why and shook her head, "I'm fine, Fu-Chan."

As her head was patted, the Kitsune sniffled and looked up, "Really?"

Simply pulling her into a hug, Fubuki nodded, "Hai, I am sure, Fu-Chan." Taking a deep breath, she let it out, "Everything is good and I sorted it all out in the end. All of you are perfectly safe from the Yakuza now."

The Destroyer caught Yuudachi's eye, the two having a silent conversation for several moments before the Shiratsuyu just nodding with a thin smile. Feeling two arms around her, Fubuki looked down to find that Fu-Chan was hugging her tightly, "I'm glad that you're alright, Fubuki-San. E-even though it was our fault you had to do that..."

Only shaking her head, the shipgirl sighed, "It is not your fault..." Looking up, her gaze met that of the other children, "Any of your faults. The one at fault was the man who made you do all that." With a smile, she gestured them away, "Now then, it's time for lunch and I brought some."

Various children boggled at her with the Neko often hanging around Fu-Chan looking at her with wide eyes, "R-really? But we ate just a few hours ago..."

Narrowing her eyes slightly, Fubuki felt a flash of anger once more which would have immolated a certain wizard if it could have. But the moment was there and gone just as quick. Instead, she chuckled, "Well, good thing that I am here than. All of you need to eat as much as possible after all! You're all growing children after all. So you need plenty to eat if you're going to become big and strong."

Eyes still wide with surprise, the children just nodded and clustered around her. Unable to help herself, Mutsuki giggled a bit as Fubuki began to hand out burgers and the like she brought from her holds. Getting an odd look from the other Destroyer though, Mutsuki shook her head, "It's nothing, Fubuki-Chan."

After a few moments, Fubuki shrugged it off even as Kisaragi giggled next to her sister. Once the food was given out, Kana also poured glasses of milk for all the children which they thanked her for. While that was happening, Fubuki sat down on the couch only to blink as she felt someone sit in her lap. Blinking, she could only shake her head as she realized that it was Fu-Chan claiming pride of place in said lap. On one side, Natsuki, the Neko that Fu-Chan was always with cuddled up to her with a plate in the Yokai's lap. Two more, the Oni twins Akari and Atsuko took up the rest of the couch on either side of Fubuki.

With a small chuckle that got her looks, she glanced around. Part of her was amused that Yuudachi had a young Inugami in her lap eating while Mutsuki and Kisaragi had Nekos in theirs, with said Yokai being only four and the youngest. Kana, meanwhile, had the only two boys in the group, one of whom was a bear Yokai and the other being a Sarugami from what Fubuki could tell. From what they had been told, the two boys had often tried to protect their "Sisters" best that they could.

Something that Fubuki could well tell with the scars they both had.

The other children were scattered here and there eating in the room. Leaning back, Fubuki just smiled and closed her eyes even as she placed her arms around Fu-Chan's midsection. Something that made the Kitsune blush some, though also smile as her tail wagged. Much to the children's surprise though, Fubuki was not done as she pulled out cupcakes once they were all done eating. Jaw dropping, Fu-Chan looked at her, "Is... is that for us too?"

Nodding, Fubuki smiled, "Hai, it is." Winking, she smiled, "After all, you've all been good so you deserve a treat."

Yet again, she was treated to the kids trying to hug her at once while thanking her.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Watching as Fu-Chan ate the last few crumbs of cupcake, though also saddened that she did so, Fubuki smiled, "Well? How was it?"

Just licking her lips, the Kitsune smiled up at her, "Yummy!" Tail wagging, she giggled, "Really yummy, Fubuki-San."

Beside her, Natsuki nodded with a hum, "It was really good!" Licking her fingers, the Neko's ears twitched a bit, "I liked it."

The other children commented that they really liked it as well, which made the Destroyer nod. But it was then that Fubuki noticed something and giggled which got Fu-Chan to blink and cock her head to the side, "Um, what?"

Pulling out a cloth, Fubuki wet it down some, "You have some chocolate icing on your face." Gently, she wiped at the icing smeared cheeks, cleaning them. For her part, the Kitsune closed her eyes and leaned into the touch, a slight wetness between her closed eyelids as she was reminded so much of her own mother. Once Fubuki was finished, she nodded, "There we go, all clean..."

Fu-Chan opened her eyes to see Fubuki turn to her friend and begin cleaning her face before she went on to clean the faces of the two Oni. It was something that made her smile even as her heart hurt from the memories of what she had lost, 'Okaa-San...'

However, Fubuki didn't know any of this and simply nodded even as she watched the others do the same outside of Kana. Because the two boys with the Battleship wiped their own faces off, though they had smiles on their faces. Done cleaning the icing and crumbs from Akari's face, she nodded, "There we go, all clean." It was then that she noticed the looks on Fu-Chan's face as well as the other faces of the children, "Is something wrong?"

Chewing her lip, Fu-Chan hummed a bit, but it was Natsuki who answered, "Um... Fubuki-San? W-what happens to us now? I mean..." Playing with her fingers, she looked down a bit, "I mean, you said that we weren't going to one of the magical orphanages..."

The Destroyer blinked some in thought, "What happens now?" At their nods, to their confusion she slapped her forehead, "I knew that I forgot to mention something to all of you! Ugh... that's my fault."

Lost, the Sarugami in Kana's lap blinked and frowned as he shook his head in confusion, "Um, forgot? Forgot what, Fubuki-San?"

With a sigh, Fubuki looked over at him, "Well... that I was going to tell you what was going to happen. With how everything has been moving so quick, it slipped my mind. And for that, I am sorry." Bowing best that she could with Fu-Chan still in her lap, the shipgirl straightened with an unsure smile, "Anyways, I was talking with Teitoku last night regarding everything, and... I'm going to be bringing you back to Yokosuka, like I said, with us."

Jaw dropping, Natsuki looked at her in awe, "R-really? We're going to be going to Yokosuka?" At the nod, she blinked, "But... where are we going to live?"

Softly snorting, Yuudachi smiled at them when they turned to her, "Why, with us, Poi! Fubuki-Chan already sorted things out and one of the Officer residences will be where we're going to be living." At seeing Fubuki look at her, the red eyed Destroyer smiled, {We're not going to leave you all alone with them, Fubuki-Chan! You should know us all better than that by now!}

From where she sat, the lone Battleship of the group nodded, {Hai! We're going to be backing you up the whole way, Fubuki-Senpai!}

As both Mutsuki and Kisaragi chimed in over radio, Fubuki felt her eyes wet a little as she smiled and nodded, {Thank you, all of you. You're the best friends and family that I could ask for.} When they nodded, she turned to Fu-Chan and the others who looked lost, "I... understand that this is a big change. And that you have all been living in Hokkaido, maybe Sapporo, for all your lives. You likely got friends and the like elsewhere in the city who you'll miss and-"

However, she was interrupted as the bear Yokai, Daichi, shook his head and spoke up with a somewhat unsure voice, "We... don't really have any friends, Fubuki-San. Not outside..." He glanced around and continued, "Not outside the rest of us here."

Eyes widening, Fubuki stared at him for a few seconds before her expression softened, "I see." Looking at each one of them, she smiled, "Does that go for the rest of you?" When they nodded and looked down, she lightly chuckled, "Then it is going to be a good thing that I am sure that all of you will be getting plenty of good friends at Yokosuka."

Rapidly nodding, Yuudachi grinned, "Yeah! There's going to be so many people who will want to become friends with you, Poi! Trust us!"

That brought some smiles to various faces. But then, Fu-Chan frowned and furrowed her eyebrows in thought, "Um... you said that we were going to live in Yokosuka? At an Officer's residence?"

With a hum, Fubuki adjusted the Kitsune sitting in her lap some, "That's right, in particular one of the family residences that are there. You'll have to share rooms, though Daichi-Kun and Yoshi-Kun are going to have a room just for the two of them as they're boys. But... there will be room there for you all. And the parks and such where you can play as well as places where you can run around and be yourselves without hiding what you are." Awed looks crossed the various children's' faces at that as well as happiness, which made the shipgirl chuckle, "So hopefully that is good enough."

Sniffling, the pink haired Neko in Kisaragi's lap wiped at her eyes, "T-thank you... Fubuki-San..."

Gently, Kisaragi wiped at her face, "Fubuki-Chan is like that, and we'll all help with it." Kissing the Neko's brow, she continued, "And we'll make sure that all of you get the sort of life that will make you happy." After a few moments, she hummed and nodded, "Of course, we're going to need to go shopping once we're back in Yokosuka."

Blinking, Mutsuki turned to her sister, "Shopping? Didn't you get them clothes that they needed last night?"

The Destroyer felt Fubuki's eyes on her and shuddered a bit, 'Scary...' Waving her arms, Kisaragi shook her head, "Actually, I bought at least three changes of clothes for everyone! Even though they are sort of plain..." Ignoring the comments from the children that they loved them, she hummed, "But we need to get them better clothes as well! Not to mention things like dressers for their bedrooms, beds... because bunk beds will be a must! And all sorts of things!" Pumping her fist, Kisaragi nodded, "Because they deserve the best that we can give them!"

Lightly blushing, Fu-Chan looked down at her lap with a small, happy smile as she felt her throat constrict. Feeling a hand lightly ruffling her hair, she looked up to find Fubuki looking at her in concern, "Are you alright, Fu-Chan?"

Rapidly, the Kitsune nodded, "Uh-huh..." It was then that she noticed that Fubuki looked like she was thinking about something, "Um, are you alright, Fubuki-San?"

Just blinking as she snapped out of it, Fubuki looked at her for a few moments before sighing, "Well... I have been thinking about how to tell you all something. It was something that we fully realized after we brought you back, and it has nothing to do with my choice to take care of you all... but it is important that you know from me and not from someone else. Because I know that if I don't tell you, someone else will."

Unsure, the various children looked at each other before Atsuko reached over and took Fubuki's hand in hers, "Fubuki-San, it... it is okay if you don't want to tell us..."

However, Fubuki shook her head and patted the young girl's hand, "No, because it would not be fair to you." Giving it some more thought, she finally nodded, "As shipgirls, we can see things to a deeper level if we so wished. For example, if I was to look at a disguised Yokai, I could see what they really were if I looked closely. In such cases, there is always a... sixth sense, I suppose, telling us that we should look closer."

From her position on Kisaragi's lap, the neko's eyes widened, "Oh wow! That is so cool, isn't it, Ayame-Nee!"

The other Neko, in Mutsuki's lap nodded, "Hai, Akane-Nee! That is soo cool!"

Lightly laughing, Fubuki nodded, "I suppose that it is rather cool, you two. And useful..." Her expression turned pensive, "But... it can do more than show us a Yokai's true form. It can also show us a shipgirl's hull. Including those who are shipgirls reincarnated in this life as Natural Borns..."

Jaw dropping, Yoshi pieced it together, "Some of us are Natural Borns!"

Slowly, the Destroyer nodded, "Hai, some of you are. I want you all to know that I didn't realize this until after we got you all away from that place." Gently, she patted Fu-Chan's head, "You, Fu-Chan are some sort of late war Destroyer. I don't quite recognize the hull design yet, but it is there."

Yuudachi had a grin on her face as she stroked the head of the Inugami in her lap, "And so is Kasumi-Chan here, Poi!"

Much to the others amusement, Kasumi had a grin much like Yuudachi's on her face, "Awesome!"

Only shaking her head, Mutsuki looked down at the Neko in her lap, "And you Ayame-Chan are what looks like an enlarged Escort Ship, but with torpedo launchers added. Same with Akane-Chan."

Turning, Fubuki patted Natsuki's head gently, "I'll mention that both Akari-Chan and Atsuko-Chan look sort of like Akatsuki class... but with modifications to them. As for Natsuki-Chan." Smiling down at her, she shook her head, "The best that I can think of is... sort of like that new shipgirl who showed up in Yokosuka, Momo-Chan. A stretched version of a Thonburi style hull to put some AA guns on, but... also different." Leaning in, she hummed, "Instead of the Third year type 20 cm/50 caliber guns, she has the 15.5 cm/60 3rd Year Type that Mogami-San and her sisters had."

Eyes wide, Fu-Chan turned to her stunned friend and grabbed her hand, "That is awesome, Natsuki-Chan! With guns like that, the two of us will kick so much tail!"

Deeply flushing, Natsuki nodded, "H-hai, Fu-Chan. We will."

With a hum, Fubuki patted her head, "Now that said? We're not going to awaken you any time soon." At the looks of confusion, she shook her head, "We don't exactly need to awaken you quite yet. Also..." Eyes softening, she met their gaze, "I want you all to have a good childhood, not thrown into the war."

Each of the children nodded at that even as they hugged her.

 

[Harry Leferts]

Kana nodded to the guard at the gate for the base as he checked the paperwork and glanced inside. Chuckling, the man nodded and stepped back with a salute as he quietly spoke, "Hope you have a good day, Kana-San."

A smile on her face, the Battleship saluted back, "Thank you, Saotome-San, and I hope that you have a good day as well."

Waiting until the gate was raised, she made her way into the base. There was a slight crackle before Fubuki spoke up over the radio, {I'll have to thank him for not making too much noise considering things.}

From where she was driving, Kana looked up at the rear-view mirror at what was in the back of the van. There in the very back sat Fubuki, with Fu-Chan and Natsuki cuddled into her side while Akari and Atsuko were in turn cuddled into them. All four girls asleep and quietly breathing, while Mutsuki and Kisaragi were in the other two rows with children cuddled into them as well with the final row being Yuudachi. A small smile on her face, Kana glanced to the passenger seat to see Yoshi there also sleeping. Every so often, his lips twitched which made her smile grow a touch more.

It... was good to see the children peacefully sleeping.

Nodding, Kana chuckled over the radio as to not wake the children, {Hai, Fubuki-Senpai. They need their rest after all considering everything that they have been through.}

With a hum, Mutsuki shook her head as she gently ran her hand along Ayame's hair, the Neko's tail twitching every once in a while, {Hai, they deserve it, Kana-Chan. And I'm glad that we can give it to them as well.} Sighing, she glanced at her sister, {But we're going to be giving them better lives now, no matter what.}

In the back of the van, Fubuki blinked away some tears, {Hai, we are.} She then raised her head and gave each of her friends a smile, {Once more, thank you guys. For everything and for helping.}

Gigging over the radio, the only Shiratsuyu Destroyer there spoke up, {You don't need to thank us for this, Fubuki-Chan! Like we said, we don't mind doing this at all, Poi.} With a small smile, she looked down at the Inugami snuggled into her side, pillowed into her chest while another Kitsune did the same for her other side, {Besides... this is good practice.}

Lightly blushing, Fubuki shook her head, {Yuudachi-Chan!}

All she got though was giggles from said Destroyer, {What? It's true, Poi! I mean, we're not always going to be in this war, and, well...} Best that she could without waking anyone, she gave a shrug, {Don't tell me that you haven't given it any thought, Poi. Because that would be a lie.}

Still blushing, Fubuki sighed, {I'm too young to be a Okaa-San yet, Yuudachi-Chan. Maybe... in a couple of years or something. But I'm not only enough yet.}

Yuudachi got a warning look from Mutsuki and nodded, {Sure, whatever you say, Fubuki-Chan.} A sly look crossed her face, {Though I say that any child of yours and Kana-Chan's will be adorable, Poi.}

Up front, the Battleship in question was heavily blushing as she kept her eyes on the road, even as Fubuki screeched at her giggling friend over the radio, 'Fubuki-Senpai... and my children... O-ooh...' With a glance at the glaring Fubuki, Kana turned back to the road as she tried to control her blush. Despite the fact that the relationship between the group was... odd, she was happy. And so were the others which helped things, but... 'That's a thought for later.'

Moments later though, Fubuki spoke up, {Kana-Chan? Are you sure that your fairies have everything sorted out? I don't want to arrive at the residence and find nothing there...}

While some might have thought that she should be insulted, Kana wasn't. Quite the opposite as a matter of fact and shook her head, {Hai, my fairies are fine and have everything sorted out. They already moved everything from yours and my old dorm rooms into the new residence. Also, several futons for now until we can get to shopping, but we have some food as well.}

Relaxing, Fubuki gave her a smile, {Thank you, Kana-Chan. That takes a load off me.}

Kisaragi hummed a bit and nodded, {I am looking forward to being able to go shopping! I can't want to see their expressions at all we're going to buy them and everything!} A fire in her eyes, she felt like she should hold up a clenched fist in front of her, but didn't... mainly because both arms were being cuddled with, {Definitely clothes and some furniture!}

Thoughtful, Fubuki didn't say anything right away before nodding, {I think that we should also look into getting a van like this one. Because we're going to need it and this is a rental.}

From where she was, the nameship of the Mutsuki class nodded with a frown, {We will, though that won't be too hard. I have a few ideas after all, and you already have your license, Fubuki-Chan. The rest of us outside of Kana-Chan are not far off from that either, so that is good.}

Only humming, Fubuki smiled in relief, {Thank you.}

It was not long afterwards that they pulled up to one of the Officer's residences. Turning off the van, Kana took a deep breath before letting it out. After all, it had been a very long drive all the way from Sapporo through the night. Mainly because Fubuki wanted to give as little a chance for the Magical Diet to attempt something on the trains if they could. Hence, the long drive, but now...

They were home.

For several moments, the shipgirls all sat there looking at the townhouse in front of them before sharing a small smile. Gently, Fubuki began to shake Fu-Chan and Natsuki, "Hey, we're here."

Much to her amusement, the two simply dug there faces deeper into her sides and made her giggle as they spoke the same thing at the same time, "Wanna sleep..."

Around them, the other shipgirls giggled and snickered as they had as much luck. But, eventually, Fubuki got them to wake up, "Come on, sleepy heads. Time to see your new home."

Blinking, Fu-Chan rubbed her eyes, "Home?" Then, the words registered and she pulled her hands away from her eyes, "Wait, we're here?"

With a hum, the Destroyer nodded as Kana got out and opened the van doors, "Hai, we're here..." Softly smiling, Fubuki chuckled, "Welcome to Yokosuka... your new home with us."

Their eyes widening, the various Yokai just looked at their surroundings before being helped out by Kana. Once they were out, Fubuki and the others also got out of the van and stood there with their hands on their shoulders as the children looked around. Looking up at the townhouse, Akane gripped Kisaragi's hand tightly, "Is this where we're going to live?"

Humming, Kisaragi gave the small hand a soft squeeze, "Hai, this is where we're all going to live together." Pointing at it, she continued, "There's a backyard where you can all play and such, though it is a bit small. But there's also parks and such around as well."

A gasp came from Fu-Chan as she pointed at one spot nearby, "Look! There's a playground over there! With swings and everything!"

Softly giggling, Fubuki nodded as she patted the now disguised Kitsune's head, "Hai, and that playground is open to you all to play on. Whenever you want. And you can run and play and everything that children should do." Pulling not just Fu-Chan, but also Natsuki, Atsuki and Akari into a hug, Fubuki kissed the tops of their heads as they teared up, "This... is our gift to you." Less then five seconds later, Fubuki found Fu-Chan and the others hugging her closely, her shirt soaking with tears, "Now... you can be the children that you should have been, and are."

Quietly sobbing, the Kitsune nodded, "H-hai, Fubuki-Ka... Fubuki-San."

Even though she was slightly confused at what she was about to say, even as she dismissed what she thought it was, Fubuki only nodded, "Now, let's go and see the rest of our home."

Reaching the door, even as she dried the eyes of the children alongside Mutsuki, Kisaragi, Yuudachi, and Kana, Fubuki knocked. A few moments later, the mail flap opened to reveal one of Kana's fairies holding a key, which said Battleship took with a nod, "Thank you."

Much to Fubuki's surprise, Kana gave her the key after recovering her fairy. Looking it over, the Destroyer took a deep breath, 'And so, a new door opens in this new life of mine...' Looking at the various children, she nodded, 'And I do not mind at all.'

She then unlocked the door and opened it, with them all entering. After taking off their shoes, the children were looking around after revealing their Yokai features. Her stuffed toy in one arm, Fu-Chan looked around before laughing as she skipped along the hall and stopped, twisting in place, "Hahahaha! Look, Natsuki-Chan! We have a home now! All of us have a home!"

Wiping away fresh tears, the Neko nodded, "H-hai! Fu-Chan!" Swallowing as she sniffled, she walked over and hugged her friend, "We have a home..."

Then, they looked up as they felt arms around them to find Fubuki there, "Hai, a home." Gently, she guided them along the home as they checked it all out. Sure enough, there was room there for all of them. And the kitchen was freshly stocked, with Fubuki looking at the note and smiling, 'Thank you, Ooyodo-San.'

Finger tapping her chin as she walked, Kisaragi hummed, "We're going to have to find more furniture. Maybe bump the shopping up for today?"

Even as the other shipgirls nodded, Yuudachi frowned, "Maybe, though we should be getting some food into them..." Catching sight of one of the appliances brought over from their old quarters, her face lit up and she bounced through the kitchen. Opening cupboards, she pulled out various things and held them up, "How about to celebrate, we have chocolate chip waffles, Poi! For all of us!"

Sounds of excited children met her at that.

Meanwhile, Fubuki was looking at the walls in thought, 'Hmm...'

Having noticed, Mutsuki looked at her friend with a raised eyebrow, "Is something wrong, Fubuki-Chan?"

Fubuki only nodded and pointed at the wall, "Rather plain and empty, isn't it?" Smiling, she clapped her hands, "Well, we're going to start fixing that! Everyone, outside for a moment."

While they were confused, the Yokai followed her back outside, the other shipgirls behind them. After a few moments, Fubuki brought out one of her fairies and gave it her phone before she began to sort them all. In the end, it had her, Yuudachi, Mutsuki, Kisaragi, and Kana behind the children with their arms around them.

Bringing up the phone, the fairy, now a full sized shadow figure, stepped back before stopping and nodding. A bright smile on her face, Fubuki nodded, "Now... everyone say Tadaima!"

Almost as one, they all spoke, "TADAIMA!"

Later that night, Fu-Chan was snuggled into her new bed, with new sheets, and wearing brand new pajamas bought that day. Behind her in the lower bed of the bunk bed was Natsuki, cuddled up to her. And in the Kitsune's arms was her stuffed chick, Chicky. The ladder to the upper one creaked as Fubuki stepped down it after saying good night to Akari and Atsuko. Crouching down, she gently moved stray hairs from Fu-Chan's and Natsuki's foreheads as the ears of the two Yokai twitched. Then, Fubuki kissed both of them on their foreheads as she adjusted the blankets, "Good night, Fu-Chan, Natsuki-Chan... pleasant dreams."

As she pulled away, the two children nodded, "Good night, Fubuki-San."

Reaching the door, Fubuki turned off the light though there was still a glow from a nightlight in the form of Fubuki's hull, cresting through the waves. A nightlight that they had to have when they saw it and that Fubuki could not deny them. Closing the door after stepping out, the Destroyer smiled at them, "Okaeri."

Softly smiling, Fu-Chan whispered back to her, "Tadaima..."

With that, Fubuki closed the door and the Kitsune shut her eyes as she held her beloved Chicky close. As she dozed off, she sighed, 'I'm home, Okaa-San... I'm home...'

And in her dreams, she dreamt that her mother was smiling down at her, holding her close with a happy and proud look in her eyes...