The destroyer Harekaze returns to port battered and bruised from this latest battle, but still, afloat, the crew feel glad to be back in this small piece of water that has become a safe sanctuary for them against the Neuroi threat. The witches circle above them making the girls on the ship feel safe as they bring their vessels to a halt, the Spee pulls up alongside the Musashi as the witches land on their runway.
Minna and Mio quickly walk towards the newly arrived ship wanting to see if its crew are alright and if there is any chance of those rats spreading the infection to the nearby area meeting Misaki and Moeka on route. When they reach the ship, they find the deck full of girls who are staring at them, the ships commanders' step of their craft to meet them. Mi smiles as she sees her friends from the Harekaze while the captain looks calm and collected, her face is free of fear, confusion, and worry. She just seems focused on the here and now, ready to find out what is going on and adapt to the situation she and her crew have been thrown into. The two groups meet and smile friendly at each other, Minna is the first to speak, and like always her first priory is the wellbeing of the girls on the ship.
"Is everyone ok on your ship?" Minna asks starting off the conversation.
"Everyone is fine," Thea answers quickly.
"That's good, my name is Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke," Minna says extending her arm towards the nearly arrived girls.
"I'm Thea Kreutzer," Thea replies taking Minna's hand and shaking it.
"I take it you are the Captain of this ship," Minna says as the two let go of each other's hands.
"Yes, I am," Thea tells her with a nod of her head. "Where are we by the way?"
"You're in Britannia," Minna answers, and finally Thea's blank expressionless face creaks, confusion seeps onto her face at the sound of the unfamiliar land. "I'll let Misaki and Moeka explain it to you, if you will excuse me I have a few things I need to do."
"What's going on here?" Thea asks her fellow Captains as Minna and Mio walk off back to the base to check on the witches and write a report about what happened today. "I have never heard of Britannia before, could she have meant Britain because this place reminds me a lot of the UK?"
"No, but this place is the United Kingdom in a way" Misaki answers, but her response only confuses Thea more.
"We are in a parallel universe," Moeka tells her taking over. "I found it hard to believe at first, but after everything I have seen I know it's true."
"I admit it would explain how I am unfamiliar with the enemy we just fought," Thea says thinking it over.
"But it sounds like something Koko would say," Mi points out wanting to believe it but failing to come up with another explanation. "But it must be true; I can't think of any other way to explain all we saw since we exited that storm."
Two hours later
After the crew of the Admiral Graf Spee has settled in and retired to their ship to let the truth of their situation sink in Misaki walks down the beach, happy and smiling with her hand holding the hand of her girlfriend. She walks side by side, shoulder to shoulder with Yoshika. Both girls smile brightly as they disappear to a privet part of the beach where no one will disturb them, a blanket and picnic basket in hand they walk barefoot through the sand of the beach.
From the window of Minna's office, the two witch commanders watch, one happy and one not at the sight of the happy couple walking off out of view from the window. Mio frowns as Misaki and Yoshika finally walk out of view of the window while Minna smiles, a smile that quickly disappears when she sees Mo's scowl. She touches Mio's should coursing her lover to turn and look at her, she stands for a few seconds as the two of them look into each other's eyes. In Mio's eye's she sees frustration and disappointment, emotions she hates to see in anyone's eyes, but it's even worse when she sees them in her girlfriend's eyes.
"Shouldn't you be happy for them?" Minna asks her girlfriend not knowing why she isn't, Yoshika puts her heart into everything she does and deserves this happiness she found with Misaki. "I am, and you should be too."
"I am, I don't have a problem with their relations ship, but they have a problem," Mio answers. "I am worried about Yoshika. I don't want to see her hurt because what is going to happen when those girls go back to their own world?" Minna's head drops, she hadn't thought of that. "I'm concerned about how Yoshika would feel once Misaki is gone."
"Me too, I didn't think about that," Minna replies looking back up, she knows first-hand how it feels to lose a loved one. She didn't want to feel like that again, or for anyone else to feel what she felt, she doesn't want Yoshika to go through that. But she doesn't want to interfere ever. She will just have to be there for Yoshika when the time comes. "I guess we should let them have what time they can together while they can, it just doesn't feel right to break them up when they finally found each other"
"I will follow your judgment on this," Mio tells her commander. "As long as it doesn't interfere with Yoshika's training."
"Oh, Mio," Minna says with a giggle as she leans forward and gives her lover a quick kiss. "You never change.
Back on the beach the new couple lay side by side facing each other on the blanket; it is so quiet it is easy to believe the two young girls are the only people alive. Quiet, out of the way and alone. What the girls wanted and more than they could have hoped for. Only the sound of crashing waves and birds can be heard, only a single finish boat to show they are not alone on the earth. That is all there is to remind the girls it's not just the two of them, that there are other people alive and living on this planet.
The sun is still up and warming the earth, the breeze is so gentle that it doesn't kick up sand and feels like a giant hand stroking the girl's bodies. They just lay there though, not moving, not speaking. Just staring at each other like they are trying to memorize every inch of their lovers face both genuinely believing it's the most beautiful thing they have ever seen. Their smiles only get more prominent until Yoshika finally laugh's at the sound of Misaki's stomach loudly growling.
"I think someone's hungry," Yoshika giggles as she sits up, she reaches over to the picnic basket and pulls out a couple of sandwiches. She passes one to Misaki and keeps the other for herself.
"I guess I am," Misaki replies slightly blushing with embarrassment as she takes the sandwich. "Thank you," Misaki says before biting into the sandwich, instantly she is in love with the flavors. "This tastes so good."
"Thank you," Yoshika says with a smile. "Lynne did help me through."
"I will have to thank her too when we return," Misaki tells her before taking another bite getting some Mayonnaise on her check, she goes to wipe it off, but Yoshika stops her.
"Allow me," Yoshika almost whispers but her words reach Misaki without any problems.
She is then aware of Yoshika. The Fuso witch has leaned in closer to Misaki. She keeps getting closer, but Misaki holds her ground, she doesn't know what her girlfriend is doing, but that quickly changes when she feels Yoshika's lips on her cheek. She feels Yoshika run her tongue up her cheek licking up all the Mayonnaise that spilled out of the sandwich until it is all gone, Misaki doesn't move she just closes her eyes and enjoys the feeling. Once it is all gone Yoshika pulls back, Misaki opens her eyes and meets Yoshika's.
"That's better." Yoshika smiles.
"I don't think I will ever run out of things to thank you for," Misaki says as she leans forward and before Yoshika can say anything in response their lips meet.
On the runway, the crews of all three ships along with the witches mingle, minus Yoshika and Misaki who are busy elsewhere. The crew of the Spee has a lot of questions. They want to know more about this world and what they will face while they are here. The Neuroi horrifies them, hearing the other girls describe them as giant, deadly and tough to kill scares the newly arrived girls. If they hadn't had saw the attack on the Harekaze, they wouldn't have believed such a creature existed, but after experiencing the power of the Neuroi first hand, after seeing and dodging those deadly beams earlier in the day, they know that this devastatingly destructive foe is very real and very dangerous.
But not everything about this groups meeting is all doom and gloom, amongst the scared and worried girls a pair of friends reunite. Mi and Koko find each other in the crowd of girls, both girls smile and hug each other with tears in their eyes. While Mi was part of the Harekaze crew, she and Koko became great friends bonding over their shared interest in Japanese gangster films. The two girls would often spend many nights in the room Mi shared with Shiro watching those films. The two friends loved, but Shiro hated it, both girls remember the way the deputy captain would shout when they wanted to watch more than one movie a night. They break their hug and wipe away their tears; both girls feel like it has been too long since they last saw each other.
"It's good to see you again Koko," Mi says with a smile happy to see her friend again.
"It's good to see you too Mi," Koko replies just as happy to see the German sailor. "I'm sorry I didn't see you and your crew off when you left."
"It's ok," Mi assures her. "I saw you waving from the ship as we sailed in opposite directions."
"Did you go through that storm too?" Koko asks wondering how many more ships will be taken from their world and thrown into this hostile world.
"Yes," Mi answers remembering how creepy that storm was. "We were sent to look for your ship, and when this storm came out of nowhere, when it passed we were in the middle of that battle."
"At least we are safe here," Koko says knowing that can change by the light of a Neuroi beam.
"I guess," Mi replies wounding how these half-naked girls will keep them safe from such an enemy.
"By the way, I bought a new film after you left," Koko tells her changing the subject to a lighter and less scary one. "It's called Youth of the Beast; it's a film about a cop who avenges the death of his colleague by playing opposing bosses against each other"
"Is it any good?" Mi asks hoping to borrow it; she hasn't seen that film yet.
"I don't know I haven't watched it yet," Koko answers. "Do you want to watch it with me?"
"Sure," Mi agrees, and soon the two girls make their way towards the destroyer Harekaze.
As the day goes on the groups of girls start to return to their own ships Trude comes face to face with a small furball, it looks up at her and softly meowls before bruising up against her leg. Trude freezes not knowing what to fearless Karlsland Captain has never been good around animals. Erica meanwhile is a natural, she bends over and starts stroking the kitten. The small feline purrs happily under the attention while Trude just stands their and watches. Erica simply picks up the cat and holds it up for Trude to see, Trude takes a step back which makes Erica smirk.
"Come on Trude aren't you going to pet the little kitty cat?" Erica asks in a teasing tone. "Look at his cute face it's just asking to be stroked."
"I will when I want to," Trude replies looking down at the kitten that looks happy and comfortable in Erica's arms. "Whose cat is this by the way?"
"It's Mi's cat," A voice answers and the crew turn to see Shiro stood behind them, the kitten quickly frees itself and runs over to the deputy captain. "She rescued it from a sinking ship."
"What about its owners?" Erica asks. "Didn't they want him back?"
"They said Mi could keep him," Shiro answers thinking back to the near disaster of that rescue. "Those two were trapped in an overturned ship and formed a bond."
"Is Mi one of the girls from the Spee? I don't recognize her name" Trude asks trying to match a face to the name.
"Yes, she is the deputy captain," Shiro tells them as Tamonmaru spots his old playmate, the three young women watch as the kitten runs up to Isoroku. "Isoroku missed him when Mi left."
As the sun starts to set all the ship girls begin to return to their ships for the night apart from two, two of the girls that crew the destroyer Harekaze stay behind. From the window in the bases medical room, they watch their friends board their ship, one by one the lights of each room on the vessels are turned on as the two girls turn away from the window. The two that stay are Macchi and Mimi, Macchi is laying down in the hospital bed while Mimi does everything she can to make her more comfortable while she is here.
To be honest, Macchi doesn't want to be here, and Mimi is starting to get a little annoying but she doesn't say anything, she is grateful for the company. Several crew members from the Harekaze did come and visit her, but for the most part, they were busy getting the crew of the Spee up to speed about what is happening here. Some of the witches have also come to see her too, but like her crew, they were too busy with other things to stay for long.
Mimi has been the only person that has stayed for a long time since Macchi arrived in this bed Mimi hasn't left her side. She has been fluffing her pillow, making her tea and fetching her food from the base's kitchen. Whatever Macchi needed Mimi did everything she could to fulfil those needs, no matter what those needs where or how long they took to meet. But Macchi doesn't think she needs her help or to be in this hospital bed ever, she feels fine and thanks to Yoshika's healing magic the cut she received in their last battle has wholly vanished. But the doctors told her to stay in bed; they want to keep an eye on her because it was a head injury.
"Is there anything you need?" Mimi asks as turning her gaze away from the setting sun. "I have a feeling the doctors will ask me to leave soon."
"No I'm fine," Macchi replies shaking her head as a nurse walks into the room.
"Excuse me but visiting hours are over," The nurse says as Mimi predicted. "I'm sorry, but I have to ask you to leave."
"Ok," Mimi sighs as she stands up, the nurse nods and leaves the room. "I'll see you tomorrow, is there anything I can bring you from the Harekaze."
"If it's no problem then a change of clothes" Macchi answers.
"It's fine I can bring them," Mimi tells her with a smile and a nod of her head. "Good night."
"Good night" Macchi replies, and Mimi quietly walks out of the room.
Mimi quietly walks through the halls of the base which have darkened since the sun sank below the horizon, small lights cast eerie shadows while they light the way. It would be a lie to say Mimi wasn't scared by the shadows cast all along the walls, even the fact that it's so quiet she can only hear her footsteps and breathing freaked her out. So she walks as fast as she can through the halls of the base, out through the hanger, along the runway and she doesn't slow down until her feet are safely planted on the deck of the Harekaze.
Mimi stops there and lets out a breath she wasn't aware she was holding. She looks back at the base and to the window that belongs to Macchi's hospital window. Mimi feels a pain in her chest as she stares and a longing to be back in that room. If she could, Mimi would have stayed with her all night sat in the uncomfortable wooden chair that was in that hospital room. Finally, she tears her eyes away. She walks into the ship and to her room, for her she can't wait until morning arrives and she can see Macchi again.
Walking into the hanger, Eila can't shake the feeling she has been having recently, ever since she woke up she's had this feeling that something will happen soon. She hasn't told anyone, this isn't like her usual predictions, so she doesn't want to bother anyone. Eila just carries on like everything is fine, as she and Sanya prepare to take off she looks back at her silvered haired friend. She is glad Sanya is getting better, she hated seeing the girl beat herself up over that mistake and lock herself in Eila's room. Eila doesn't tell her this feeling is getting stronger because she doesn't want to ruin her friend's recovery, she just hopes nothing terrible happens to her. For some reason that will be devastating for her, she can't even think about what will happen if something terrible would happen to Sanya. So they start up their Striker Units, as their engines loudly rev up a voice calls out.
"Be safe out there!" They hear over the sound of their Striker Units roaring engines. Both night witches turn to see Yoshika smiling.
"We will!" Eila replies as they start to float off gently. "Just have that lipstick wiped off your face by the time we return."
"Ok!" Yoshika calls back with a smile that soon fades and is replaced by reddening checks, Eila smirks as she watches Yoshika blush and frantically wipes her mouths clean of the non-existent lipstick.
"That wasn't very nice Eila," Sanya gentle tells her as they fly off, for some reason she feels bad about what she said after hearing this from Sanya.
"Yeah I guess you are right," Eila admits but it's something only for Sanya, she won't to the others. "But she did have an adorable reaction."
Deep in the forest in an abandoned mine Maloney walks, he paces the long tunnels deeper under the earth where his secret lab awaits him. He shakes his head worried about what would happen if he fails them again but pushes that thought aside as he reaches a door, a strong looking man opens it for him as he approaches and closes it as Maloney steps through.
Inside the room are two objects that will grab anyone's attention right away. The first is a Neuroi core that brightly shines; the second is the Warlock that is pieced together but still incomplete. Maloney ignores them thought. Instead, he walks over to a man who's writing something down at his desk. A robust, thick metal chain shackles the man to the desk, scars cover his body from the fake accident Maloney caused to cover his kidnapping and forced employment. The man hears Maloney approach, he turns to face his captor as he stands up.
Maloney stops a few feet away from where he knows he will be safe. The man before him has tried to punch him before, so Maloney made a point of remembering how much reach he has with that chain around his ankle. They stare at each other for a few seconds, neither men like each other but Maloney knows he needs this man to make the warlock work.
"Doctor Miyafuji I trust your work is proceeding as scheduled," Maloney says watching the doctor clench his fists. "I wouldn't try that if I were you, you wouldn't want anything to happen to your daughter now." That does it, the doctor losses his will to fight at the threat and relaxes his hands. "I must say she took the bait faster then I predicted, I didn't think sending her that one letter you never got round to sending her yourself would get her this close. Get her into a position where I could easily arrange an accident for her if need be, I don't want to though because of the trouble covering up something like that would be so keep doing your work, and she will be safe."
"Everything is going as planned," Doctor Miyafuji answer doing nothing to hide the hatred in his voice. "Just don't hurt her."
"Don't worry doctor," Maloney tells him. "As long as you do your job she will be fine."
AN
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