These last 2 chapters took a little longer, but better late than never. The focus of this chapter will be quite balanced between the major characters.
Note: More dialogue.
Reunion & Resolution
Chapter 9: Homecoming
"So, how are you finding our habitat, human? Not too different from your other bases I'm sure?" Amonyushuu sounded energetic. And like Kino, she was leaning against the railing of the base's observatory, staring towards the blue sea. The young human wasn't expecting anyone to be in such a place in the wee hours of dawn, and certainly not the assumed 'leader' of the hybrids. The catgirl still made her nervous for some reason. Resigned to the fact that it wasn't going to look good on her nor her kind to avoid interactions with their hosts, Kino decided to stay put.
"Its...been good, very comfortable. Thank you." That brief exchange marked the first time she was having an actual conversation with a hybrid, not counting the one with Mutio, despite staying in their territory for close to a week already. The fact that Amonyushuu could speak the human language fluently was both a source of ease and discomfort to Kino.
Though mature for her age, Amonyushuu was never shy to embrace or expose her youthful, childlike qualities, when the situation was appropriate. "You like my earrings? I carved them from sea-shells." the catgirl asked cheerfully as she held one of her earlobes.
"They're pretty. Matches your clothing well." Kino forced out a smile; trying her best not to reveal her growing uneasiness. "Wow...I haven't felt like that since..." she thought, recalling the time she had her first nervous conversation with Gilford, many years ago. But this was quite different. "They do look rather nice actually...but why is she trying to talk to me?"
Small talk occupied their time for the next few minutes.
"You don't like us, do you?" The catgirl suddenly asked Kino, completely taking the young human by surprised. She couldn't respond. Once again, her expressions have betrayed her thoughts. "Care to tell me why?"
"I don't...hate your kind. Not anymore. But..." Kino tried to compose herself. She was terrified of uttering the wrong choice of words. "Its just that...My parents. My brothers and sisters. They were killed...when a Musuca attacked their civilian ship. I was only a child back then..."
Kino turned to look at Amonyushuu. The catgirl appeared remorseful. "I'm not defending my people's actions. Your loss must have been terrible...to lose a parent...". She shifted her gaze to Kino, her bright feline eyes captivating the human. "But then, how many of my siblings did you kill in return? Did that make you feel better?"
"They...weren't directly responsible. I was defending myself most of the time. I..."
"Ah! It was my Papa then. I still remember that day, when you came..." Amonyushuu began to narrate to Kino her final moments with Zorndyke, before she could respond.
"Papa. The humans...two of them have managed to reach our shores...as you have hoped. We've brought them here to see you. They are outside."
"Yes...at last. Before you call them in, my dear daughter, know this. I will be leading them to the poleshift machine. I will tell them how it is linked to my heart, and what needs to be done. And then they will kill me."
"Papa!"
"But do not stop them, my dear daughter, and do not stop them from leaving. I have been waiting for this day. Let your Papa's wish be fulfilled. Be strong, Amonyushuu, when I am gone. Learn to live in peace with the humans, or there is no future."
"Those were Papa's final words to me, before he asked me to bring you into his house. That day." The catgirl said. "You were there with the other human. The one our sister calls Hayami, and you had your chance. You had more reason to hate Papa than he did, so why wasn't it you who killed him?"
Kino knew the answer all too well, and she wasn't shy about admitting it. After hearing the Amonyushuu describe her painful events, she needed to be open and honest in return. "...because it wouldn't have made the pain go away. They can't come back." Zorndyke still had to die, in order for the poleshift device to stop. But blind vengeance had been her only motivation up till that point. With the hate gone, washed away by her humane senses, Kino was no longer able to bring herself to kill him. The emotional stress of needing to...murder a human being in broad daylight was too heavy for the fragile woman to handle, and thankfully, Hayami stepped in...
"I hated your kind initially, after Papa died. But after awhile, I, like you, realized it was pointless, because revenge wouldn't have brought Papa back. And it wasn't what he wanted for both of our races. We're not that much different. We share the same good traits, and flaws too..."
"Zorndyke...he wanted us to live in peace, and create a new world. Its the reason we're here."
The catgirl nodded slightly. "Yes. And yet, if this is to be a brave new world, then it is our generation who will have the hardest time living in it. Brother Verg, you, and the rest of your crew...the soldiers." Kino understood what Amonyushuu meant perfectly. Indeed, history has shown that for any conflict between two sides, it is those who have fought the hardest and sacrificed the most who would have greatest difficulty accepting peace, let alone cooperation. And the longer the fighting, the deeper the rifts. For some, like Marcello and the fanatics, peace had become an unthinkable option.
"But...there can be no such brave new world, unless our generation takes the first step to create it." Kino's unusually insightful reply surprised even herself. Maybe she too, like Hayami, had really changed. She glanced at the hybrid, who was now smiling at her.
"I'm Amonyushuu. First daughter of Jung Zorndyke, if you haven't known already. Its been a pleasure chatting with you, Ensign Mayumi Kino."
"You know...my name, rank...?"
"Yes of course. We owe that to your little psychic friend. She was more than happy to tell us about you. We've learned much from her, and about your way of life as well. You will be twenty years old in 16 days, if I remember correctly." The catgirl grinned wickedly.
"Huang! Why that little..."
...
It was another typical late morning for Hayami and Mutio. The last they would spend together in Antarctica. Having completed his morning's share of repairworks in the hangar, Hayami decided to spend a few hours exploring the sea bed with Mutio. Swimming had become a special activity to the both of them - navigating the waters together bonded their minds, bodies and souls in a uniquely powerful way.
The Blue Submarine was due to depart from the Chimeran homeland in less than 30 hours. But Hayami and Mutio were unfazed. They had already discussed about their future together the night before, and had come to a mutual decision...
The couple surfaced after another diving session, and started to head back to the shallows for their lunch, hand in hand. "I might just pass out if you keep doing that while I'm swimming you know?" Hayami gently informed his beloved hybrid, after being subjected to another of her passionate kisses while in the midst of holding his breath underwater.
And like before, Mutio would respond with a child-like grin, followed by a kiss on his cheek. "Ha...yami...like!"
"She's starting to behave more and more like a human with each passing day", Hayami thought. "Either that, or their kind aren't that much different from us to begin with..."
Mutio dived underwater after telling the human to wait - to stand still with the water up to his chest. He wondered what she was going to do next. Mutio quickly reappeared behind him with a splash. The Grampus pilot felt the exotic hybrid's hand snake around his waist, followed shortly by the warm sensation of her body and face resting against his back. He could feel her webbed feet next to his now, pressing on the sandy surface. Mutio was standing upright with the aid of the water's buoyancy, and was tenderly embracing him from behind. Like a woman.
He heard the hybrid whisper his name...
"Ha...yami"
It felt wonderful to both of them. A few days ago, Mutio unintentionally noticed two of Hayami's crew members locked in a similar embrace, and she could tell that they had strong feelings for each other, perhaps not too different from her feelings for Hayami. Mutio couldn't recall if Huang had spoken their names before, but she remembered the female wearing a strange plastic device around her neck, and she appeared to be in bliss as she hugged the male human.
Though almost a head shorter than her human lover, the height difference did not discourage Mutio from expressing her physical yearnings. Still standing behind him, the hybrid leaned forward and brought her lips to Hayami's ear and began to gently suckle on it. The poor, socially introverted human started to tremble slightly - a involuntary reaction to the pleasurable sensations overtaking his body. It delighted Mutio, to know that she could bring pleasure to the human she loved.
She of course learned of this behaviour from Verg, who would sometimes do it to her siblings, and once to her...after first learning about her interactions with Hayami. But Mutio had already forgiven her impulsive brother; he did those things to them without fully understanding why. Furthermore, the shark man was no longer treating her siblings in such a disrespectful manner, not since the day he nearly died with the Ghost Ship, when they chose to leave him behind.
"Hayami...I hope you are feeling as much pleasure now as I am...whenever I'm with you. Standing with you..."
Mutio knew with absolute certainty what she was going to master next, in the near future. She was going to learn how to walk.
...
On the eve of their departure, the Chimera have requested for the humans to gather at the hangar...to resume and conclude their interrupted negotiations. It was after all their purpose for meeting in the first place. The talks were brief and proceeded smoothly, both sides having become more accustomed to each others' presence and mannerisms.
They proceeded to the beach outside the base, where they held the peacetalks. Even more hybrids were present this time, but unlike before, the humans weren't troubled about being outnumbered.
"May this will mark the start of a better peace between our species. For the future." Wallace's face was solemn and sincere as he delivered his concluding sentence. He was representing not just the humans at Stream Base, but every sensible human being on the planet. The Admiral stretched out his hand to the catgirl. For the handshake. A simple yet powerful human gesture meant to convey trust, friendship and most important of all...equality. Amonyushuu reached out in return to accept it. And in that moment, history was made.
Hayami arrived just in time to witness the concluding act, having been busy swimming and having his afternoon meal with Mutio. He shuffled discreetly towards the dispersing crew, trying to avoid getting too much attention. The Grampus pilot stopped next to Kino. "What else did I miss?"
"Lots of stuff you bum! They're going to allow our engineers to dismantle the geothermal vents, you know the ones we saw on the way here the last time? Blue Dome's gonna be rebuilt too!" Kino replied cheerfully.
Hayami took a cigarette out of his pocket and started to light it. "Preparing for another war huh? Just in case?" He was still skeptical about his fellow men. Cooperation may have been achieved by the people here, but its difficult to say if the top brass of humanity's leadership would be completely willing to accept progress in that direction, and not succumb to their warmongering tendencies. Still, he reminded himself that it was they who authorized them to negotiate with the hybrids, so hope did seem bright...for now.
The red head playfully slapped him on his arm. "No silly! The hybrids are helping us to rebuild it, and it won't be a military base. More like a trade city, the first place for both species to live together. And will you put that stick out?"
Hayami grunted as he rubbed the cigarette against a crate. "So its just a one way deal? We're not giving anything back? That Wallace must be really amazing then."
"They asked for a little raw materials and fuel to rebuild some stuff here, or something like that. And why does it matter to you anyway?" Kino waited for Hayami to look at her, which he did. "You've already gotten the best deal. They're letting YOU get all touchy and lovely with the fish girl, aren't they?!" she smirked, before pushing her fist onto Hayami's shoulder.
Hayami laughed along with his feisty friend. Kino could be sharp and witty when she wasn't emotional. And what she said was right.
"And you probably missed this too: Captain wants a meeting with us later after dinner at the briefing room. Don't be late Hayami, its important!"
...
Later that evening
To Kino's dismay, Hayami was late again. The Captain had been running through their exit procedures, what to report to Blue Fleet, and the tons of paperwork that would be awaiting them.
Everyone was fully aware of the bad news that awaited Hayami - concerning his relationship with the hybrid, and were wondering how he would react. His hybrid 'lover' couldn't simply follow them back, because she wouldn't be able to keep up with the sub, especially not over such a long distance. Bringing her onto the sub likewise was out of the question, owing to habitat problems and potentially nasty complications that may occur when they finally rendevous with the rescue fleet waiting for them at the border. It looked as though Hayami would be forced by the circumstances to leave his Mutio behind, or stay in Antarctica with her...
"Hayami, glad you're on time as always. We'll be leaving tommorow morning. Repairs are just about done."
"Okay," the Grampus pilot responded with a shrug. His seemingly stoic reply was far from what his colleagues expected.
Iga adjusted his cap and cocked his eyebrows. "Not going to ask if you could stay...or if you could take your fish girl along?"
"Fleet regulations, me still being an accountable Blue Fleet soldier, plus other problems. Yeah I know. Its all right." Hayami muttered nonchalently.
"Wow someone sure has grown up! Tee hee!" Zagalo snickered.
"And you haven't! So quiet down..." Estella hissed as she lightly elbowed her badly behaved co-pilot.
Gusuku scowled as she folded her arms. "Hey! You don't just dump a girl after having your fun with her ya know!"
"So you're coming back with us Hayami?" Kino enquired enthusiastically. A split second later she realized she had placed her hand on Hayami's elbow in her moment of joy, startling the pilot slightly. The red head withdrew it quickly before it got too embarassing.
"Yes. I'm heading back to Japan with you guys. Just myself. And..." Hayami paused and took a deep breath. "I'd like to resign from Blue Fleet after that."
Murmurs and gasps filled the room once more. Again, Hayami's statement was not what they had expected. The years of serving together had bonded the crew like a family, and to hear one of them announcing his departure saddened them.
"Would Tetsu Hayami mind if his commanding officer asked why, just out of curiousity?" Iga said.
"I need a break Captain. And I have a new life to live...with someone else."
Gusuku and several others started giggling upon hearing his reasoning, having roughly understood the underlying implications. But Hayami wasn't bothered.
"Officially its not a problem Hayami. You never actually rejoined us since your discharge...you're only here because of my good graces, and everyone's." The aging Captain chuckled, before resuming a serious look. "But on a personal level...it'll be a great loss to Blue Fleet, and to us. Are you sure this is what you want Hayami?"
"Yes Captain. I might decide to come back in future. But until then...no more sailing."
"No more sailing. Hmm..." The phrase struck a chord to Gusuku. She started to discreetly hum a familiar tune in her mind.
An awkward moment of silence descended upon them. Hayami never liked being at the center of everyone's attention, but that was what he was getting. A nagging voice in his mind was telling him to speak, that it was his turn to say something in particular. It didn't take him long to deduce what it was. He had been holding back on the subject for far too long.
"You know I...never really thanked you Captain, and everyone of you, for all you've done for me. Thanks guys..."
Hayami had difficulty keeping his head up as he conveyed his genuine gratitude, which was met with wide-eyed looks and several gasps. He was never good at such things, and would have never imagined himself thanking anyone a few years ago, but love and the passing of time had matured the man. In almost all aspects...
"All of you, including you asshole. Thanks for assigning me to the Grampus during the peacetalks!" Hayami smirked at Yuri. He still enjoyed annoying him, partly because it was easy to. The room broke into laughter.
"Tsk, feeling's mutual Hayami." replied the tall XO coldly. His rivalry with Hayami was still strong, but keeping things professional had always been one of Yuri's positive traits. And secretly, the tall Russian was moved slightly by his rival's brave admission, as was everyone else.
"Aw man what happened to jerk-Hayami?! I was starting to like him." Zagalo whined playfully.
...
The next morning
Morning came faster than expected. The Blue Submarine and its crew had been docked at Stream Base for little over 9 days, their presence there already a landmark in bilateral relations between both species. Like the day before, both contingents had gathered together at the hangar for another quick diplomatic session. This time, Hayami was punctual.
"The refueling of your vessel is complete. You may depart when ready, Admiral Wallace." It was the first time Amonyushuu addressed the UN commander by his rank, and she fully knew what it implied.
"On behalf of my men, I'd like to thank you for your hospitality and kindness." Wallace removed his hat, as did Iga and the rest of the crew, and bowed at Amonyushuu. Most of the other hybrids didn't understand the significance of the gesture, but the catgirl did, and she bowed in return. The Admiral was about to head back to the submarine with the others, when the catgirl called out to him.
"Before you depart, we would like you to take this." Amonyushuu held out a few thin stacks of yellowish papers that were wrapped in a dusty sheet of plastic. Wallace didn't remember seeing them in her hands earlier. "This package contains some of the written works of our late Papa. His journal. We hope that you would share this with your people, so that they can learn and understand his thoughts and actions...just as we are trying to."
Wallace reached out both hands to receive the gift, grasping it firmly. "I most certainly will. Thank you."
As the other human visitors proceeded up the ramp, Hayami stood by the pier, gazing at Mutio, who was looking back at him with her head half exposed above the water. Her large soulful eyes were filled with an unmistakable tint of sadness. The hybrid swam up to Hayami and rested her hands on the edges of the concrete. The Grampus pilot responded by kneeling down, resting his knees on the metal floor.
"Ha..yami..." the fish girl whispered softly at him.
"Goodbye Mutio...for now." And with that, both lovers leaned forward and pressed their lips together. Though their kiss lasted only a few seconds, it was witnessed by nearly everyone in the hangar. Faint sounds of groaning and yelping were heard - an indication of the mixed opinions towards the inter-species relationship. But Hayami and Mutio didn't care. Human or Chimera, they were in love. It was real, it was permanent, and it wasn't something to ever be embarassed about again.
"Seems like your best pilot is gifted in other areas as well." Wallace chuckled to Iga.
To the hybrids, they had long known about their sister's odd attachment to the human who saved her. The strange feeling she has come to call love, powerful enough to withstand the threat of banishment and physical abuse. There was still much distrust and reservation towards the humans, but the hybrids had come to accept and support their sister's pursuit of happiness. Still, the act of kissing was new knowledge to their young minds.
Kino gave a weak smile and sighed, genuinely happy to see Hayami finally finding resolution to his feelings for the fish girl, but then still sad at the same time, for not being the receipient of his love. Gusuku and Rin were squealing delightfully like schoolgirls as they pressed her palms together.
"Farewell..."
"Huh? Who you whispering to?!" Freeda muttered to Alex, but he didn't answer her.
Before heading into the sub, Hayami turned to look at Mutio once again. The beautiful child of Zorndyke had not averted her eyes from him the entire time. He gave her a slight wave with one hand, which the hybrid returned without hesitation.
Be safe, Hayami. I too, will soon be leaving. To go...not with you, but to you. To the human city you call Tokyo...to the place where fate first brought us together, where you saved my life. Where you will be waiting for me, each and every day, when the sun is above the water. Waiting to embrace me again, and to kiss just as before. And then we shall live a new life, together. Be there for me, dearest Hayami. I will be there for you.
Amonyushuu and the hybrids looked on quietly as the last of their human visitors disappeared into their iconic machine. With a slow, loud blast of its horn, the Blue Submarine departed from the Chimeran superstructure, bringing with it the promises of a better future for both species.
This was a really tough chapter to write, for some reasons. The final chapter (epilogue) plus just some concluding author notes coming up shortly :P Thanks for reading!
