My face was red as I took the tablet from Azuma, her smiling face as happy as always. I desperately wanted her… I mean, she is a pinnacle of beauty but, more than anything…

Her ass made me salivate. It made me want to do… so much… with her, to her! Well, I have no idea what was holding me back, but I knew that my restraint wouldn't be long lived. The demure, thicc shipgirl stood close to me as I reviewed Akashi's intranet shop.

That was when my inhibitions died. The dress in the picture had Azuma in a suggestive pose, and my mind wandered as I saw myself bending her perfect ass over and just fucking her relentlessly.

"Shikikan… hey, Shikikan… you ok?" Azuma leaned over, her breasts pushing into my shoulder.

"Ah, yeah… you want this?" I asked her.

"Well, I want to wear it for you," she said, smiling innocently. Yet I didn't think her intentions were innocent.

I hit the purchase button, and a moment later I heard a knock on the door, "Open up, nyaa! I have a delivery for you, nyaa!"

"You knew I would buy it," I told Akashi as she walked into the office, carrying a parcel.

"Nyaa! You are too easy to anticipate… I may even let you give me a tip someday," she winked.

"You aren't suggesting…" I raised my eyebrows.

"Gotta go!" She handed me the box and took off. I turned to Azuma, shaking my head.

"Well, thank you very much Shikikan… would you like to see me wear it?" She didn't wait for a response and instead began stripping. My member pressed painfully against my pants as I watched her.

Azuma shot me a coy look as she undid her blouse and her breasts fell out. I swallowed, but stood my ground. Next was her tights… her skirt…

Her underwear… she turned around and bent over as she pulled them down. Her ass was on full display, her cheeks parting, exposing a beautiful slit and…

Possibly the most perfect, feminine, delicious looking anus I've ever seen. It was too much.

I can't…

I can't take it anymore!

I surged forward, pushing her onto the couch and thrusting my tongue inside her cunt as she gasped in surprise.

"Shikikan! This is… mmm… you're so naughty… attacking me like this. Do I taste good? I'm surprised you waited as long as you did, giving me all the best gear you had… spending so much time together…" Azuma's breaths turned heavy as she shuddered with pleasure.

I was relentless, now moving my tongue to her anus, lightly pressing against it, rimming her with enthusiasm. I grabbed her ass with both of my hands, pulling it apart and letting my hands sink into its ample flesh. My cock was aching, demanding to be set free, but I couldn't tear my attentions away from the heaven in front of me.

"If you keep at this…" She moaned, her hips twitching. I thrust my tongue back inside her slit as she came, her juices drenching my face as I tasted her fully, reveling in the pleasure it brought. She was delicious, and moans didn't stop as I went back to eating her ass, thrusting my tongue inside of her, urging it ever deeper.

"You really like my ass that much? Well, I'll let you inside of it after you fill up my pussy, ok? Ahn… Shikikan… I love you! I've been waiting for you to make the first move, I want to give you everything I have… I want to be with you always!" She moaned as my saliva coated her anus, my tongue rubbing her throbbing walls as she trembled in anticipation. I finally stopped, finishing by slowly licking her crack, inhaling deeply her musk.

Everything about her turned me on so hard that I couldn't bear to wait a second longer, pulling off my trousers and nearly tearing them in the process, such was my haste. My cock popped out of me and I wasted no time in shoving it against her, rubbing the tip against her soaked slit.

"Azuma… I want you so bad, it hurts. I don't know how I waited so long to have you, but here we are… Are you ready?" I pushed slightly into her.

"Yes! Fuck me, Shikikan… I want you inside me!" She cried out, gripping the couch as I complied, thrusting into her and only taking the briefest of minutes to let her get used to my manhood.

"All those times you let me massage your breasts, how you would push back against me…" I thrust into her, "We always came so close, but something stopped us. Now, though… you're finally mine!" I squeezed her ass as I pounded her. I know she was looking at me, but my eyes were transfixed. It was the greatest I'd ever seen. I couldn't stop staring!

The wet slap of our sex organs, the ripples her ass made every time I smacked into her, the lewd scent pervading the air… I inhaled deeply. She was sweating, rivulets running down her back. I leaned down and kissed her neck, wrapping my arms around her and groping her ample bosom.

"My nipples are sensitive, Shikikan… if you play with them too much you're gonna make me cum again!" Her mouth was loosely open, and a bit of drool was escaping from her. I reached out with my tongue and licked it, eliciting a surprised giggle from Azuma.

"Everything about you is delicious, Azuma… I…" I thrust faster into her as I felt my climax approaching.

"Shikikan, let's come together!" She cried out, pushing back rhythmically against me. I grabbed her hips and thrust against her cervix as my orgasm hit me, my body shaking as I poured my seed into her womb until it was leaking from between us.

Her cunt squeezed against me as she came simultaneously, her muscles extracting my seed as I slowly thrust, keeping my full length inside of her.

She was panting heavily, grabbing a pillow and screaming into it as I moaned in satisfaction. I pulled out and watched as a stream of cum fell to the floor. My throbbing member still demanded more, and she turned and gave me a nod as I pushed against her anus, the mixture of our love juices already having lubricated it. I stretched her asshole as I penetrated her rectum, her walls throbbing as she took me excitedly.

"Oh fuck, Azuma… your ass feels even better than your pussy, fuck… I could live in here…" I gasped as she pushed back against me, taking me all in an instant. I nearly came, but prevented it.

"You like my ass so much? Mmm… I like your cock in it too… why don't you fuck me and try to last a bit… I want to cum again!" She reached back, playing with her slit as her hands became drenched in our fluids. While I watched, she brought her soiled fingers to her mouth and licked them clean, "Shikikan's cum… delicious…" She smiled.

I thrust harder, my hands digging into Azuma's ass flesh as I brought my full length to bear on her. She thrust back expertly, her hips gyrating ever so gently, stimulating me further.

I was finally inside Azuma's ass, my heart was pounding out of my chest and all my senses were trained on her. Her panties sat on the floor within reach. I scooped them up as she watched.

"You don't actually…" She blushed as I brought them to my nose and inhaled, smelling her crotch… her ass… on them as I fucked her rectum.

"Oh, Azuma… you smell so good…" I trembled, my tongue reaching out to lick the damp spot on them, tasting her womanhood on it.

"Shikikan is… such a pervert… ahn…" Azuma moaned, but I just could not stop inhaling, her panties scrunched up against my face as I lost myself in her.

"Azuma! I'm coming!" I slam deep into her rectum as I release my load, filling her bowels as we shake from another shared climax, her fluids drenching my thighs as she squirted.

I kept thrusting slowly until I felt myself finally go soft, at which point I pulled out of her, admiring the gape I had left. She flexed her anus, opening it wide and showing off her insides. Cum dribbled out of it as she kept flexing, and when she finally stood up, she brought me into an embrace which I returned happily.

"Shikikan…" She breathed, her breath hot on my chest.

"Azuma, I love you too," I told her, breaking the hug and taking her hand in mine, sliding a ring onto her finger. She looked stunned for a moment, but then a smile lit up her face as she kissed me, her tongue wrapping itself around mine in her joy.

"Shikikan… thank you… I'll always love you!" Azuma and I washed up, and she finally put on her new dress. She attracted a lot of glances on the way over to the officer's quarters, and I sensed before I even saw the piercing glare of Akagi, raking us with her eyes. Kaga stood impassively beside her, but I could see Akagi saying something to her.

Well, they didn't bother us, and Azuma and I spent the rest of the day and well into the night consummating our love.

"Hey, Commander!" Minneapolis' eyes lit up as I sat down next to her. She cuddled up next to me and lay her head on my shoulder.

"Hey Minnea, it's been a long time since we started, yeah?" I looked down at her.

"I was one of your first shipgirls, Commander, and it's been fun, especially some of the… naughtier parts," she admitted, blushing.

"You're beautiful, Minnea, and your school uniform is cute, though when you wore your regular outfit to bed… phew!" I pulled her head up and kissed her. She responded eagerly, our tongues meeting.

"Commander… Laffey is… oh… Commander is with Minneapolis," Laffey turned to walk away, but Minneapolis stopped her.

"It's ok, Laffey, you're his wife, I'm really more of just a girlfriend," she went to leave, but I stopped her, "C-Commander?"

"I wanted to ask you…" I pulled out a box, opening it to reveal a ring. Her eyes shown as she took it in.

"Uh… um… I…" She hesitated.

"Minneapolis, I love you very much. We have been together for so long, and I want you to become my wife. I want to promise you we'll always be together," I professed my feelings for her, and she went red.

"I love you too!" Was all she could say and held out her hand. I slid the ring onto her finger, and she grinned, kissing me again.

"Yay, Laffey has a new ally. Minnea, Laffey is the boss, ok?" The destroyer folded her arms across her chest but couldn't make her expression serious.

"Don't worry about Laffey, she's just being cute. Minnea… let's go for a walk," I pulled her away from Laffey, only to run face first into Akagi.

"S-Shikikan! I-I umm… hey! Is that a… ring?" She looked at Minnea, then at me, her mouth agape. Kaga stood next to her, avoiding all eye contact.

"Hey Akagi, nice to see you. I'm actually with Minnea right now, but I'm sure we could have lunch tomorrow if you'd like." She backed away and took off. I knew she was hiding something, I just didn't know what.

Yet.

Minneapolis just chuckled, "Sakura ships are strange."

I nodded, grabbing her hand in mine. She looked up at me and smiled, her reddish brown skin beautiful in the sunlight, her eyes shining.
"You're a treasure, Minnea…"

"Commander… can we go back to your room? I think we should celebrate!" She put on her bedroom eyes, biting her lip suggestively.

The trip was short, but when we got there and she started stripping and I tried to pull her against me, she stopped me.

"What? Why?" I asked, confused. She smiled and opened my drawers, pulling out my workout clothes and throwing them at me. She was already wearing a sports bra and spats under her uniform. Her quim was clearly visible, the spats clinging to it.

"Well, I thought we'd go for a little run first, you know, to celebrate!" She giggled, and I looked on in horror as I considered the price I'd have to pay to get at her treasure. I stared at her toned body, her shapely ass, her ample breasts unhidden by her sports bra and nodded.

"Yeah, all right, we can go on a run," I changed, and we set off.

I do not enjoy running, but I kept up with her. Well, more accurately, I continued staring at her ass to maintain my motivation. She would look back occasionally and offer words of encouragement. I'm not going to lie, I collapsed onto the carpet as soon as we got back, chest heaving with exertion.

"Wow, Commander, you did really well today… oh? You can't keep going? Maybe I'll just motivate you then…" Her body was dripping with sweat, rivulets running down her exposed flesh and soaking into her clothes. She drank her coolant, casting aside the empty bottle as she stood over me.

"Holy fuck, you're so hot the things I'm gonna do to you…" I went to sit up, but she used her foot to pin my chest.

"Oh, no, Commander, I think what you mean is... the things I will do to you."

She squatted over my face, gently lowering herself until her spats covered crotch was just a few inches above my face. Sweat dripped from her as she reached down and teased her clit through them, moaning softly.

I watched as a mixture of her sweat and juices formed and felt the first drop splash against my cheek.

"Commander… why don't you open your mouth? I think this'll get you re-energized…" Minnea said, her voice lustful.

I did, and the next drop splashed into it. I tasted her salty sweat mixed with her juices, and could just about smell her sweaty quim from here. The scent tickled my nose, teasing me, but wasn't close enough to have the desired pungency.

"Is it good? Do you like the taste of my pussy juice after working out so hard? Ahn~ perverted Commander… I know you do… I can come, if you want. You'll get so much. Here~"

Minneapolis sat on my face, her cunt filling my mouth and her scent washing over me as she pushed her crotch against my mouth and nose.
My cock was painfully erect as she leaned forward, grinding against my mouth as I tongued her through her spats. She moaned as her hips quivered, her juices leaking rapidly through the material.

I felt the outline with her tongue, her natural musk mixing with the sour stench of her sweat and turning me on something fierce.

"Commander… I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum into your mouth, ok? I want you to drink all of it, that's what a husband does for his wife, right? I drink your cum and you drink mine!" Minnea cried out as she came, and her spats split open as she came into my mouth. I hastily swallowed as a blind lust gripped me, my head going blank as the entire lower half of my face became utterly covered in her juices.

She shifted, standing up as I gasped for air. After a moment I could stand up, and she smirked, looking very pleased with herself.

"Oh, you think I'm done with your pussy?" I teased her. She turned around, bending over while removing what was left of her ruined spats and exposing her ass. She had such a nice ass, toned yet soft… She put her hands on her knees.

"Well, what are you waiting for? My ass won't lick itself," she wiggled her hips, and I dove in, thrusting my tongue into her slit as she gasped in pleasure. Her walls were still so sensitive, and I made use of this to quickly raise her lust. She trembled slightly as I pressed my face against her, her anus tickling my nose.

Her scent was driving me crazy, and I tore off my workout gear, allowing my cock to finally breathe the free air. I felt a little pre-cum dribble from the tip. I licked her labia, teased her clit, my hands spreading her ass apart as I licked her taint, slowly moving towards her delicious asshole.

She smells so fucking good!

I rimmed her ass, letting my tongue penetrate her slowly as she trembled, slowly bringing her to orgasm again.

"Sniffing me so much… Commander… your tongue feels so good, put it in more! Lick my asshole, it's only for you…" She moaned, her slit quivering in excitement.

Lick… lick… lick… plunge!

I drove my tongue into her, massaging her rectum with it, her soft walls pulsing against me. She cried out as she reached her climax, squirting and covering my chest in her fluids as she collapsed onto her hands and knees.

"Commander… Commander…" She panted, then stood up, facing me again and grinning, showing off her defined canines, her glistening body cocked to one side, hands on her hips.

She approached me, pulling my neck down to lick my face, covered in her fluids. Her tongue traced my jawline, my lips, my cheek… Her hot breath on my face stimulated me, but not as much as her hand expertly stroking my manhood below.

"You think you're the only one that gets to taste?" She grinned as she pulled me towards the bed, pushing me onto it, "On your back…"
Minneapolis climbed onto the bed, taking me into her mouth as she gently squeezed my balls. She took me easily to my base, her throat stretching to accommodate my member as she deep-throated me with ease, her expression fierce. This was the hunter in her… she had already stalked her prey, led it right into her trap.

"I'm no… ahn… match for you, Minnea…" I laughed softly, "Then again, I'm pretty willing prey."

She raised her head from my member, climbing over me and planting her lips on my own, her passionate kiss enhanced by her wet cunt sliding against my member. I felt a hand grab hold of it, guiding it into her wet slit.

I penetrated her easily, her hips working against my cock, taking it deep into her with ease. I could just feel her cervix pressing against it as she slid against me. She released her hold from my lips.

"Commander… I always know how to capture you… I can squeeze you in… ahn~… all the right ways," she bit my lip gently, clamping down on my member, her walls throbbing as she worked my shaft.

I put my hands on her shapely ass, squeezing it as her breasts pushed against my chest. Her moans were unrestrained, animalistic, and heated. Minneapolis' eyes were wild with her lust, her pupils dilated as she ground against me.

I thrust my hips, matching her hips, though I couldn't move much. She pinned me down, grabbing my arms and holding them above my head. She buried her nose in my armpit, inhaling. Her movement became more concentrated as she moved on and gently bit my neck, hard enough to leave a mark but not hard enough to hurt.

"Minnea… Ahn… I'm gonna cum!" She slammed her hips down as she bit my neck harder. My seed exploded from me as her cervix pushed against me, her womb filling with my cum, every ejaculation pushing more out from between our union.

She released my neck, "Yes! Yes! Fill me with your cum! So hot… so much… I'm cumming again!" She reared back, exposing my cock buried in her and my cum leaking out. She squirted again as she screamed in her orgasmic bliss, covering me with her fluids as she grabbed the sheets and bunched them in her hands.

Then, a different fluid emerged. She shook with pleasure, not realizing her sudden loss of control. Then she looked down, "Commander… you're fucking me so hard… you made me pee! You made me pee, Commander! You're so naughty, ahn~!"

Her urine pooled and dribbled off of me. Then she collapsed on top of me, spent. I throbbed inside of her.

"Minnea… you're so naughty, soiling the sheets like this," I remembered my interaction with Tashkent, and what Minnea just did… I felt nothing but pleasure, lust. She came so hard she pissed herself thanks to our antics…

I took pride in that. I kissed her cheek and shifted her off of me. She was lying on her stomach, her eyelids fluttering in her exhaustion.
"Com… Comman… Commander…" Her sleepy words were barely audible, "I love you so much," she yawned, and closed her eyes, her soft snores soon clear.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" I held my erect cock in my hands, staring at the gorgeous, tanned form of Minneapolis. I grinned, time to indulge in a fetish… I don't get this opportunity often.

I moved her legs apart slightly, spreading her ass with one hand and sliding my member between her cheeks, pressing against her wet asshole. The lubrication left on my member… her fluids mixed with my cum… let me slide into her ass easily…
After all, I had loosened it up earlier!

Her rectum squeezed against me, and despite her deep sleep I could hear soft moans coming from her, as though she was experiencing it in a dream. I thrust into her, stretching her anus as I pounded her relentlessly. I felt the same wild, animalistic lust I saw her exhibit earlier.

The stench of sex filled the room, our fluids mixing, our sweat, her juices covering me, her urine soaked into the bed… Everything contributed to such a mixture of scents that it was driving me insane. I thrust harder into her, my climax approaching.

I collapsed on her, shaking as I filled her bowels with my semen. I bit the back of her neck, asserting my dominance over her sleeping form. White hot pleasure filled my loins as stream after stream of cum continued to fill her up. I pulled out after I was done, the remainder of my cum covering her ass. I panted, but my erection would not settle.

I knelt over her, jerking off, bringing myself to orgasm quickly, shooting my seed onto her back, onto her body. I came repeatedly, covering her repeatedly in my seed until I finally went soft after shooting blanks the final time. I collapsed next to her, unable to move. I turned my face to see hers. She opened one eye, grinning at me and reaching one hand out to mine, grasping it before closing it again.

I followed suit and sleep took me quickly.

I was on a train, Minneapolis sleeping next to me in the small bed in the stateroom. I couldn't sleep. I stood up, stretching and staring out the window into the night. A full moon illuminated the plains outside, and off in the distance I saw a lone figure standing there. A man…

A man with yellow eyes and a terrifying, wide grin on his face, and he was staring right at me.

I jumped back; it was as though he had been right in front of me. I lost my balance, flailing as I fell a second later…

"The things you get up to… Commander! Get up! Go take a bath and take Minneapolis with you…" I opened my eyes to see Belfast standing over me, her disapproval clear.

"Yeah, yeah…" I yawned and shook Minneapolis, my hand coming away covered in cum. I surveyed the damage, the rank smell of dried cum giving the air a tang that wrinkled the nose. Minneapolis sat up and stretched, yawning expansively and grabbing my hand, leading me into the bathroom.

"Oh, I see you continued the fun… Now it's my turn," she closed the door, her feral grin returning as she tackled me to the floor.
By the time we finished, they had refreshed my room; the windows thrown wide.

I looked at Minneapolis and smiled, "I love you, Minnea," I told her.

"I love you too, Commander," she replied, wrapping her arm around mine as we started our day.

Ning Hai stood in front of me wearing her qipao, and no, not her usual one. This one was lily white, and she was resplendent, her hair styled and hanging freely.

"Ning, you look absolutely gorgeous!" I gushed, pulling her close and kissing her.

"H-hey… aren't we supposed to save this for later?" She giggled, pushing out her chest and showcasing her gorgeous, ample breasts.
"Well…" I grinned, but she pushed me away.

"It took too long to get ready. Anyway, are you ready?" I nodded, and we strode into the waiting event hall, arm in arm, financing the booze for every shipgirl on base. A rousing cheer met us, and I beamed as we walked together, taking our space on the platform and starting the ceremony.

Yet, what's happening now isn't nearly as interesting as how we finally came to be here…

"Shikikan, this is the third time this week, I don't care what your computer is telling you but my answer is still no!" Ning Hai turned away from me. I reached out and pulled her against me, trying to fight the tears longing to escape.

"Ning… you know I love you…" I began.

"You know I love you too! It still doesn't mean that we're ready… for this…" She sighed.

"Is it because of the others?" I asked gently.

"I'm not… jealous or anything, I just need to make sure that I won't become just another trophy for you. I'm more than just someone's plaything!" She huffed, but leaned into me.

I held her tightly as I could no longer hold my tears back. It tried to stop them, and let go of her, trying to hide my shame. She turned to me and must have seen me, because she looked down, shaking her head.

I got myself back under control, wiping my face. She looked up at me, her expression downcast. In a small voice, she spoke, "Shikikan, why do you love me so much?"

"Ning… How can I not? You're so genuinely good-hearted, you put everyone else above yourself, and you've always been there to support not only me, but anyone who you feel has needed it. On top of all that, you are as beautiful outside as you are inside!" I proclaimed, standing straight as my voice filled with conviction.

She stood there for a moment, dumbstruck. She shook her head, her voice unbelieving, "You seriously believe all that? There's no way I'm like that… If you mean what you say, though…" She smiled at me.

"How about you?" I asked her. She cocked her head, but then nodded in understanding.

"Well, I love you, because you have a nice cock," she stated simply.

I couldn't speak… I didn't know whether she was kidding or serious.

She giggled, "Well, that is one reason, but you're so good to all the girls, and you treat us so well, and you make sure we have the best food… You have to take care of my sister too, ok, Shikikan? Can you promise me that?"

"Ning Hai, I promise you Ping and all the Empery girls will always have a place here!" She jumped into my arms, wrapping her legs around me as our tongues met, our wet, lewd kissing filling the room with perverted noise.

When she finally let me go, I took the ring out of my pocket and she held out her hand, her blush deepening.

I slid it onto her finger as a joyous smile adorned her face. She held it up, admiring it and hugging me tightly.

"Shikikan… thank you! Now… how about dinner?" She grinned and we set off, and I was in awe of how much she could put away, considering her small stature.

Maybe she stored it in her breasts, considering how big they are.

...

Well, I had had a bit much to drink at the reception. I had to piss like you wouldn't believe! I found a bathroom where I could relieve myself. It always surprised me that the men's bathroom was as large as it was, considering I'm the only one here. I got in front of a urinal and began doing my business when I heard a stall door open and a bunch of floof tickling my back.

Then again, I knew what Akagi smelled like, "Akagi… why are you in here." I sighed, finishing and zipping myself up.

"Hehehe… hahaha… ahahaha! Why, why? You gave a ring to her… yet I've done so much and you still haven't given me one? I should just eat you… I should take you away again, this time far away, somewhere where they'll never find us," Akagi had me pushed against the wall, her breasts against my chest and her face so close to mine her hot breath tickled my lips.

"Akagi… This is why," I couldn't possibly resist the ardent shipgirl, so I tried diplomacy. She wore a confused expression, "You kidnapped me, enlisted the help of your unwilling sister, and still, I gave you a chance. You have done nothing aside from not be a complete psychopath with a floofy tail."

She backed away, stung by my words, "Surely… surely you can't mean those things! Akagi fights in your name, brings victory for you!" Her eyes grew misty with tears.

"Akagi… that's not what I'm talking about. I know you kick ass. Watching you and Kaga, and Suruga…" She snarled at hearing the name, her face twisting into one of distaste, "I'm so proud of you, and admire your strength and capability. Akagi, I love you."

She froze, staring at me, before speaking, "Shikikan… loves Akagi?" She sprung towards me, pushing me up against the wall, kissing me, my face, my neck, licking me…

"A-Akagi… enough! Today is Ning Hai's wedding, can't you chill?" She looked wounded.

"You said you loved me…" She pouted.

"I do!"

"Well, Akagi loves you too!" She held out her arms. I accepted her embrace this time.

"See, Akagi, this is nice, right here. I don't want you to stalk me, spy on me… though I admit the spying can get pretty arousing," I chuckled.
She held me tighter, "Shikikan… I want to be your wife, so badly… You are everything to me. Kaga loves you too, you have to marry her too!"

"So you can share," I joked.

She sniffed and pulled back, her eyes peering into mine. They weren't filled with her usual psychopathic intent, and I relaxed.
"Do you promise, Shikikan? Do you promise you'll marry us?"

"I promise, Akagi. Soon, ok?" I kissed her gently, and broke our embrace. She smiled as I left the bathroom.

I sought Ning Hai, and we danced the night away, returning to my quarters to consummate our love. She gave everything she had, and her boundless energy made for a long night, after which we needed a snack.

When we did finally sleep, I found myself in a similar dream I had had just a week prior. I was in a stateroom, looking out over a vast desert. A cracked and broken wasteland stretching into the horizon. A sliver of a moon provided little illumination, yet, in the distance, I could see the same man.

His eyes glowing, his malicious grin splitting his face. He was a little closer. I made out a uniform, all white. He looked disheveled, like his grooming habits had slipped.

Again, he was looking right at me. I steeled my resolve as I stared into his eyes.

"Shikikan, what are you doing? Come back to bed," Ning Hai looked up at me, holding out her hand. When I looked to her and back to the window, the expanse was empty. I climbed back into bed, and when I awoke, I was back in my quarters, next to a softly snoring shipgirl sleeping soundly.

I hadn't been on a train in a very long time, in fact, I can't remember the last one I'd been on. My stateroom was quite well-appointed, and I leaned back against the cushions, Ibuki laying next to me, her eyes glowing brightly.

"Milord, would you like me to service you? It is our honeymoon after all," she smiled, her lovely face putting me at ease. I nodded, leaning forward to kiss her first.

She disappeared as soon as our lips met. I got up, having already forgotten she was there. I walked to the door and adjusted my uniform, stepping out into the hall. I looked to the left and saw a man standing near to me, his back turned.

His height and build, his hair, his uniform… he looked like me. He turned to look at me and for the briefest of moments I saw his face, his crazed, yellowish eyes, and his wide, terrifying smile.

Then he began walking away. Some instinct told me to follow him, and so I did. The train was nearing a station, slowing down. I followed him through an empty dining car, a seating car, also empty. The smoking car had a single, stubbed out cigar in the ashtray, but… I didn't smoke.
A glass half full of amber fluid sat untouched. The train came to a gentle stop, not making a single sound as it did so. I followed him off the train and onto an empty platform. I turned, but the train had gone.

I saw Ibuki, her blue hair and heterochromatic eyes making her easy to spot. Her eyes were glowing brightly as she beckoned me over, "Milord, we should catch the next train, this isn't our stop."

I nodded, "Ok, my love. What about our luggage?"

"You should leave it here," she smiled softly, and disappeared again.

I turned and saw the man staring at me. I felt goosebumps pucker along my entire body. Something about him was wrong, so terribly, terribly wrong…

Yet his features softened as I approached, his wide grin turned into a gentle smile. His eyes shone an iridescent green.

He looked almost exactly like me, but his uniform was disheveled, his hair, unkempt. He appeared to make only the barest effort, but I smiled and held out my hand.

He took it, and we exchanged a firm handshake.

"Hey, have we met?" I asked him.

He shook his head, "We've always been a part of one another. You wouldn't know it, but I'm always by your side."

"That's not creepy at all… I mean seriously, who are you?" My neck itched, every nerve screamed at me to run away from him.

"I'm you, Commander. I'm the part you tried to get rid of, I'm your depression, your lust for death and your fear of it. I'm the reason you want to die but can't bring yourself to it. Don't you feel hopeless? Like you don't have a reason to live?"

"Hey, man… why don't you just piss off, yeah?" I backed away, but he stepped forward. I found myself rooted to the spot, I couldn't move.
Blue hair to my right. I turned my head, saw her, saw Ibuki. Why was she here? She was calling out to me, but I couldn't hear her.

I turned back to the man, and my blood froze. Yellow eyes, flashes of red in them. An impossibly wide, malicious grin. Hair tangled, unkempt, matted. Uniform, dirty, messy. Razor-sharp teeth. An indescribable fear ran through me, and I couldn't breath.

"I'm you! I'm the doubt you have, the feeling that nothing you do will ever matter!" His low voice turned spiteful.

"No, I have my shipgirls!" I defied him, gritting my teeth.

"I'm not talking to you, fool. I'm talking to the one behind you. Yes, you. The orchestrator. You pull his strings like a marionette, but you can't even face yourself! You think one life matters? You'll never make a difference, never amount to anything more than what you are now. You crave death because it brings change, you don't fear it, but you don't want to die before your time. Fool! Your time is anytime!" He stepped forward and pushed me onto the tracks as I heard the blare of a train horn. I looked to my right and saw the onrushing mass of steel hit me, and then I was no more.

Wet. So wet. Sweat, my eyes stung, my clothes hung upon me like I had been swimming in them. I whimpered uncontrollably, crying for no apparent reason. Sobs wracked my body, but a pair of hands stoked me, and though my eyes would not open, I recognized her voice.

"Milord… you are safe, you are safe…" she sang, a song I could not understand, but her beautiful melody reached through my soul and slowed my heart. It sounded sad, but lovely, and I knew, somehow, that it was an ode to life, to love…

Her hand against my forehead, so soft, so gentle… I felt myself drift back into a deep and dreamless sleep.

Scent… flashes of blue. Bright, comforting heterochromia… I knew she was watching over me, and I fell deeper, her sweet perfume enveloping me totally.

Hushed, urgent voices, hers insistent, then another, crying. The other expressed a great grief, I felt it tear at my soul, and I felt tears flow down my face, though I could not see. Sounds of discomfort coming from me.

"Suruga… you're hurting him…" Ah, her voice, she's here… she's here…

The other one left, and my soul stopped aching.

Her song… that same song again… I tried to open my eyes but still, I couldn't…

Silken garments rubbed against my skin, their comfort making me squirm softly, though I could not see. I dreamed I was flying; I was flying over the base and my lovely fleet was waving to me, but I could not descend, I could not meet them.

I dreamed I saw the man again, standing at the end of the platform, his yellow eyes and terrifying grin waiting for me to return to him, to follow the irresistible pull he had. But she was always there, her hands against my face, forcing me to look into her eyes.

"Suruga, you really can't be here!" A sharp voice, that lovely voice, now tinged with anger. I sobbed, my soul rending as the other got closer.

I felt a touch, the briefest of touches, and a searing agony…

It was gone. The pain was gone. The other was sobbing, but I was still, my soul no longer felt as though it would tear in two. I couldn't see.
I want to see!

I am alone. I do not smell her scent, which I have come to love. I felt a rising panic, but soon it returned, her hands caressing me, comforting me.

There was a new sensation, taste. My mouth was dry, but I could not speak.

I could not see.

I could not see.

I could not see.

The man waited for me on the platform. He would help me board the train. He punched my ticket. His smile was kind. He wore these small, round glasses.

I saw a cigar, stubbed out, and a glass of amber fluid, half full. I was in the smoking car. I turned to speak to the man.

"Sir, what about my baggage?" I asked him. She shook his head.

"You'll not be bringing any baggage back with you, Petty Officer, but it will find you. You should enjoy your rest," his tone was comforting.

"I'm a Commander though," I corrected him. He smiled, and stepped away as the train departed.

"Milord, would you care to join me in the stateroom?" I turned to see Ibuki in her yukata. I smiled and nodded, taking her hand and following her into our stateroom.

"Ibuki…" I began, but she just kissed me as we lay down together.

"Sleep, Milord… we'll be home soon."

I did, and…

When I woke up…

Ibuki, smiling. My head in her lap. Her soft hands caressing me. Her eyes flashing, then returning to normal.

Then… I realized…

I could see.

I recovered, though it took a while. Ibuki was always by my side. I saw Suruga, but she would burst into tears. I didn't understand. Ibuki did, but she didn't want to explain yet. She told me to focus on getting better.

I got better, but I still don't understand, though Suruga doesn't cry anymore. In fact, she doesn't speak much. I don't understand. She came into the office. I stood up, but she looked down.

"Shikikan, I have your reports, though I don't understand why you've kept me on as one of your secretaries for so long," she said. Her voice lacked its usual vigor. The diamond on her finger seemed dull.

I pulled her into an embrace, which she returned. I felt her reinvigorate a little, but a moment later she sagged against me. I kissed her gently, tenderly, but it had no effect.

"Suruga… I'm worried…" I tell her. She shakes her head.

"I'm fine…" She insists. I am not convinced.

"I love you," I tell her. She manages a small smile.

"I love you too," she says, her voice soft and low. I feel lost.

Ibuki is sitting on the couch, beckoning me over.

"You need to give it time, Milord. You will both recover," She was insistent, but her affection filled me with relief. Her pure love invigorated me.

"I don't understand though… what happened? Why did I always see you? Can you…?" I left the thought hanging.

"Milord, I can… step inside your head, for a brief moment. You nearly died inside your own head. I… stopped it, but only just in time. You were badly hurt. It was rough. You were like that for a month," Ibuki turned my head to face her.

"A month? I…" I trembled, but her soft lips against my own brought me under control. Her body was alluring.

"Milord, I think I need to join you, tonight," she stated, standing up and smoothing her yukata. She had taken to wearing it after I remarked on how lovely she looked wearing it.

"O-Ok…" I stuttered as she favored me with a loving smile.

I tried to focus on my work as she did her own, but I could feel her attentions upon me. I turned and saw she had moved close to me.

"You can feel it to, Milord?" She took my hand in hers and held it to her face, rubbing her soft cheek against it.

"Ibuki… For the last five months I've had you as one of my secretaries and I…" My throat suddenly felt parched.

"I've enjoyed being by your side, Milord. Do you… enjoy Ibuki's company?" She pushed her face close to mine, rubbing her delicate nose against my own. It wasn't the first time she's done it, though we had yet to actually kiss. Her eyes were flashing.

"I love being with you, Ibuki… so very much! I have something for you, I'm just waiting on a delivery…" A knock at the door, and then it was quickly opened.

"Nyaaaaaaahhhhh! Another Sakura priority research ship has stolen Shikikan's heart? That must be why you wanted this delivered so fast... nya…" Akashi's smug little expression caused my anger to flare as she ruined the mood.

"You've already received your payment, you greedy little cat, and charging Cleveland 10 gems for a burger? I ought to…" She placed the ring box on my desk and took off without another word.

"Milord, ehehe… that was very cute, you can be such a character sometimes," Ibuki's soft giggles washed away any lingering feelings of annoyance and her expression personified her love, and her pure innocence.

Maybe that's what I was afraid of, corrupting that innocence. Yet I…

"Ibuki… I love you very much," I told her.

Hey eyes flashed again, "Shikikan, are you worried about me? I know I may not have the experience the other girls' do, but I am very knowledgeable in my right. I love you, as well, and not just because you are…"

"You didn't call me Milord," I said, surprised.

She blushed, "U-umm… s-sorry, Milord!"

"I'm kidding, Ibuki, it's nice seeing you let down your barriers and just acting… casual. I mean… after all… you'll be my wife. If you accept, that is," I held open the ring box and tears leaked from her eyes, her smile pure and joyful, looking from me to the ring.

"Of course I accept, Shikikan… if that's what you'd like me to call you…" She held out her hand.

I plucked the ring from the box and gently slid it onto her finger, "Ibuki, you may call me whatever you like, ok?" I pulled her into an embrace, our lips nearly touching.

"Ok…" She kissed me, and I returned it. Her lips were as sweet as the morning dew, and as soft as down. I could feel her heart beating against my chest, and I'm sure she could feel my own.

I reached up, squeezing one of her large, soft breasts. She made no complaint, moving onto my lap and deepening our kiss, straddling me.
My other hand gripped her behind, squeezing it softly while I slowly undid her yukata.

"Shi-ki-kan…" Ibuki said, her voice soft as she broke the kiss, "We should wait… until later…"

"No, Ibuki… we shouldn't," I lifted her up as she wrapped her arms around my neck, walking over to the door and making sure I locked it before pushing her against the wall and resuming our kiss. I had her Yukata undone enough and found she was wearing no underwear.

Ah, that's right, traditionally underwear isn't worn under a yukata! I unzipped my fly and guided my member against her slick womanhood, rubbing it against her.

Our lips never left each other's, even as she moaned. I penetrated her slowly, letting her juices coat my member.

She broke the kiss, her breath heavy upon my lips, "Shikikan is… inside Ibuki… it feels good, I feel so happy." Her small smile lit up her face.

"Me too, Ibuki, you feel amazing! It feels like your, ah, squeezing me all over," I kissed her neck, inhaling her scent as I thrust into her slowly. Her soft moans filled my ear as I pressed against her cervix.

"Inside… I want to feel it inside, ok, Shikikan?" Her voice was growing lustful, and as she relaxed, I could increase my pace. Her fingers dug into my back as I held her up against the wall, nuzzling her.

I could feel my breathing becoming ragged through the effort of not only fucking her, but holding her up as well. She moved her hips gently in response as I felt her grind against a particular spot.

"It feels so good right there… right there Shikikan!" I felt her squeeze tightly against me, inside and out, as she came, her eyes going wide with her explosive moaning. Her cunt clamped down on me, and pushed me so far over the edge I nearly collapsed as my seed shot into her, filling her womb.

When the last drop left me, I carried her over to the couch and laid her down. She smiled at me, her Yukata parting and exposing her bare body. My eyes lingered first on her navel, then her breasts. When I looked up, I saw that she was watching me, smiling.

"Milord… did Ibuki please you?"

I chuckled, and knelt on the floor so that our heads were level, "Ibuki, the question is, did I please you?"

She nodded, her eyes shining brightly, "So very much, Shikikan. I love you." She closed her eyes and snored softly. I covered her up and brought a blanket over. I washed up and continued for the rest of the day, the few visitors I had paying the snoring shipgirl no mind.
Until Akagi strolled in, took one look at her, and then favored me with a look that implied her consternation.

She sighed, "Shikikan…" I smiled at her, then followed her gaze to Ibuki's hand on top of the blanket. There, plain as day, shone her ring.

"Akagi…" I sighed, "Ibuki… has been next to me for a long time, and if I'm not mistaken, she saved my life."

"You promised me…" Akagi's face turned sour as she looked away.

I reached into my desk and pulled out a promise ring, slapping it onto the desk, "Here, take it. If you want to push the issue and not wait until it's the right moment, take it. You won't be happy, though!"

She looked taken aback, but reached for the ring. At the last moment she stopped, then looked at me, "W-what is this… I… don't want to? Shikikan! You know I love you! I'd die for you! You belong to me, I'm the only one who can take care of you!" She was shaking, crying. I put the box back inside my desk and went over to her.

I pulled her close as she cried. I never like to see my shipgirls hurt, or cry, even Akagi or… Taihou.

I spoke to her, my voice soft, reminding her about how I felt, and how she was so close, and that she didn't have to change, she just needed to learn to share and to know that she wasn't all alone in making sure I was safe, and happy. It wouldn't be fair to the others, and it takes a fleet.

Her sobs quieted, and after a time I heard her soft snores join Ibuki's, except this shipgirl was in my arms and her position made it difficult to move her. Fortunately, Kaga came in a while later and relieved me of my burden.

"Shikikan, why is... Oh, I see," she was very observant.

"Kaga, I know it may be a faux pas but…" I pulled a second ring from the desk. She shook her head.

"It would break Akagi's heart, so I'll wait, even though…" She beckoned me closer to her, planting a kiss on my lips complete with plenty of tongue. When she was finished she continued, "I love you, very much." She smiled and walked away, her tails swishing lazily from side to side, the effect mesmerizing.

I yawned and stretched, seeing that the day was just about over. I woke up Ibuki, and we had dinner together before heading to my stateroom. She stripped for me, exposing her entire shapely body. Her curves were excellent, her back arched just so and her breasts pushed out just so with her long legs spread just… so…

It's one of those things, you know? You forget taking off your clothes; you forget coming together, but suddenly you find yourself knotted together, surrendering to the pleasure.

I kissed Ibuki as she straddled me, her skin pressed to my own, her presence intoxicating. Her tongue against my own, the softness of her skin, everything just built up around me as her crotch became slick with her juices as my member lay against it.

"Ibuki, let me…" I spoke as she broke the kiss, but she was already on her knees in front of me, taking my cock into her mouth.

Hesitant at first, she licked the tip, only sucking on the head and working the shaft with her hand. I gripped the sheets with pleasure as she slowly took more and more of me into her mouth.

I felt her throat, but she looked up at me with uncertainty in her eyes. She moved her head slowly, and while there was a resistance at first…
Pop.

A good inch of me disappeared into her mouth in an instant, and she pulled back in surprise, coughing.

"Are you ok, Ibuki?" I asked her. She smiled.

"Shikikan, I'm fine… I'll try again, ok?" She swallowed my cock again, and this time she could take me all the way to the base, albeit slowly at first, until she was moving briskly along the entire length of my manhood. I shuddered in delight as she quickly learned to use her tongue to full effect.

She took my balls in her hand and squeezed gently, massaging them and coaxing me to an incredible climax, "Ibuki, you're making me… making me cum!" I poured my seed down her throat as she slowly pulled her head up my shaft. Not a single drop was spilled as I watched her swallow, then stand up and press her mouth to my own.

I tasted something different, something unusual but not unpleasant. Then it hit me, she still had my cum coating her mouth, her tongue. At first, I was unsure but, after a moment, I realized that it was turning me on. She was so sweetly submissive, but even she had her own kinks, though when did she even develop this?

I pulled her against me as our passionate kiss deepened. Eventually, we broke apart, a gossamer string of saliva connecting the two of us.
"Shikikan… You came so much I thought… I thought I'd share it with you," she climbed onto the bed and put her ass in the air, pulling a pillow under head and laying down on it.

"Well, I think it's my turn!" I turned around and stuck my face into her crotch, greedily inhaling the scent of her quim and her anus. She exuded an almost floral scent, and I tongued her labia, gently pushing aside the soft folds and teasing her clit. She moaned softly as I played with her, spreading her legs to give me easy access.

"Inside… put your tongue inside… Ibuki wants it…" She turned her head to look at me, though the angle wasn't great. I did as she asked, however, and thrust my tongue into her, massaging her insides.

I had other goals, however, and gripped her soft ass with my hands, letting them sink into her flesh. Pulling my tongue slowly out of her, I ran it along her clit, her taint, and to her anus. She gasped as I rimmed her slowly, luxuriating in her taste, in her scent.

I teased her, pushing into her gently as she quivered with excitement.

"Shikikan wants to do it in the butt… I already know… I want to try it, I hear what the others say. Your tongue feels so good… mmm…" I thrust it deep into her, "ahn~! Shi… Shikikan!" She gasped as I ran my tongue along her throbbing walls.

Her musk was filling my senses as her lust rose. She was getting turned on something fierce and I was drowning in her. Her asshole was puffy and slick with my saliva by time I was finished, and my neck and chest were covered in her juices.

"Ha... you came..." I said, getting on my knees and pushing my cock against her anus.

"So much, Shikikan, you did that for so long..." She gasped as the tip spread her anus, and she bit the pillow as I thrust my throbbing member into her.

Her soft moans turned to louder noises of pleasure as she turned to look at me, her eyes bright and flashing with her usual energy.
"Ibuki... your ass... it's so tight!" I gripped her cheeks as I thrust into her. Her arms lay at her sides, limp. She had totally surrendered to her pleasure.

"Shikikan... is in my ass... it feels so big inside me!" Her excitement was palpable, and I pounded her ass, pulling on her arms and forcing her against me as I disappeared inside of her repeatedly.

I could feel an energy building around us, something I had never felt before. Her ass squeezed me tightly as we made love. I pulled her against me, my hands cupping her breasts, fondling them, then teasing her nipples. She rocked her hips against me, turning her head and demanding my kisses.

I gladly gave them to her. I reached down with one hand to play with her clit, gently pinching it while reaching inside her cunt, stroking her insides while fucking her ass.

She shivered in ecstasy as she came, her juices covering my fingers. I brought them up, and she reached out with her tongue to lick them, her eyes filled with lust. I let her have a taste before cleaning them up with my mouth, then kissing her again, sharing in her taste.
"Shikikan is… lewd… and I love it," I noticed her long blue hair as it brushed against me, as soft as the finest silks. I reached up and stroked her small horns as she gave a surprised yelp.

"Sensitive, are they?" I stroked them gently as she squirmed, making small noises of pleasure. My cock felt swollen in her ass, and I knew I didn't have much longer, I had to bring her to orgasm one more time, at least.

"Milord! My horns are… yours, of course, but you'll make me… ahn! Shikikan! I'm coming again!" She shook against me as she reached her climax, her rectum throbbing and squeezing as I reached my limit. I pushed her onto the bed, my body pinned against hers as the full length of my cock penetrated her rectum and filled her bowels with my seed.

I cried out in pleasure, matching her own moans as we came together.

"Hot! Hot! I can feel it in my belly, Shikikan, your seed, so much of it…" She moaned loudly into the pillow as I continued to release my seed, the energy from earlier reaching a crescendo as I shot my final load into her. It was so energetic that it caused a spray of cum to erupt as I pulled out of her, my cum pouring out of her gaped anus.

I lay down next to her as the energy dissipated. I did not understand what it was, but she was a beautiful mess and I loved it. I pulled her close to me and kissed her as we lay together. She nestled herself in the crook of my arm.

"I love you, Ibuki."

"Mmm… I love you too, Shikikan."

For once, I fell asleep first, and this time…

I did not dream.

Suruga stood next to the door to her Shikikan's room, hand poised, about to knock. Then she lowered it as she heard Ibuki's voice within.

Sighing, she lowered her hand and turned to leave. She wanted to tell him about what had happened, but she just…

Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she slumped to the floor, her back to the wall. How could this have happened? She missed the part of him that had always been inside of her. It gave her strength, and she felt herself changing. She didn't want to, but…

She reached up, gingerly touching her head where her horns should be. They were gone, and instead she felt the ears of the self she didn't want seen. Her insecurities mounted as she tried to will herself to move, to go back to her room and lie down and forget about the meeting.
Ibuki will be there… she thought to herself, but she shook her head. While she felt a little jealous, she knew that they had spent quite a lot of time together. It had only been a matter of time, really.

Suruga missed his embrace, his kisses, yet yesterday…

She shook her head, but her confidence had yet to return.

"Suruga-chan, why are you waiting outside of Shikikan's door? Oh, is he with Ibuki? That's really too bad for you…" Suruga looked up to see Akagi, expecting to see her gloat, but only saw a concerned confusion.

"Akagi-san… I know why you hate me but… you wouldn't understand. You may love Shikikan but I, we… we had something so special, and now…" Suruga broke down again. To her surprise, Akagi helped her up and embraced her. The shipgirl that had so desperately wanted her place beside Shikikan was now…

Comforting her?

"Suruga-chan… We will help you. Kaga and I… Shikikan made a promise to us, but he is taking so long to keep it," Akagi said, her hand brushing the ring on Suruga's finger.

"You finally got to him, heh… well, I'm not surprised but…"

"Eh? Your horns?" Akagi stepped back and seemed shocked. Suruga blushed.

"D-don't stare, please…" She begged the carrier. She hated the look of pity they favored her with, and looked to Kaga for support.
"Akagi, we should…" Kaga began.

"No, it's ok, I think we should accompany Suruga-chan. Right?" Akagi turned to Suruga.

"If you want, but… they'll all be there…" Suruga turned and walked, wishing her horns would return.

They didn't, and the meeting room was already full when she arrived. They were actually just waiting on her. Akagi brushed past her as they entered, sitting in an empty space on the Iron Blood's sofa, Kaga standing behind her. Prinz looked over and raised her eyebrows, but shrugged.

Z46 was sitting on the floor in front of Prinz. Why was she here? Suruga watched as she and Eldridge had a staring contest.

"Suruga, is everything ok?" Wales walked up to her, taking her over to the Sakura sofa and forcing Atago to vacate the spot next to Mikasa. Atago grumbled but went over to Azuma and laid her head in her lap.

Azuma smiled at Suruga, but soon her face was full of worry. Everyone quickly realized something was very, very wrong, and the room went silent.

"We're um… waiting on one more…" Suruga mumbled. A curious murmur swept through the room.

"Suruga… what happened to your horns?" Laffey spoke up. Enterprise tried to shush her, "Enterprise… Laffey was Commander's first, so Laffey is in charge. You don't tell Laffey to shush or Laffey will ask Eld to shock you."

Enterprise stared with disbelief at the destroyer... who then pulled out a bottle of whiskey and took a swig. Unfortunately, it was empty, but Avrora tossed her a full bottle of vodka. She raised it in a toast.

Eldridge broke contact with Z46 to regard Enterprise, who shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Z46 made a quiet noise of victory.

"Laffey, it's ok, I'm just… not feeling too great. It's a lot to unpack, but we'll get to it," Suruga fidgeted, uncomfortable.

"More importantly, what are they doing here?" Wales thrust a finger toward the foxes.

"Suruga invited us. Apparently there's a major problem, and it has to do with Shikikan, and he also promised us something so…" She rubbed her ring finger. Wales eyes widened.

"What did you do to him?" She demanded, and Akagi jumped to her feet, her eyes wild.

"Nothing! I was here before you, and I love him just as much as you do, if not more! Don't you dare poison his mind against me! I know what I am, and I have tried so hard to prove to Shikikan that I…" Akagi's voice cracked, and she sat down.

"Akagi, I…" Wales looked genuinely sorry.

"You all think I'm just going to steal him away, like none of you ever get jealous… right, Enterprise?" Akagi stared at the carrier.

"Hey! Look, if the commander loves Akagi…" Cleveland began, standing up and raising herself to her full height.

"Kaga, too…" Akagi said. Kaga smiled softly.

"Kaga, too," Cleveland acknowledged, "then, that's his decision. We need to stop judging Akagi for every mistake she's made. We all love the Commander, we just express it differently. If the Commander feels that Akagi and Kaga are ready to join us, then so be it!"

Cleveland felt herself being pulled into Akagi's embrace, and her struggles as the carrier thanked her and nearly suffocated her with her tails elicited some laughter from the others. Even Suruga smiled.

"Well said, Cleveland," Mikasa chimed in, "If Amagi were here, she'd be so happy to see how you've grown." Akagi smiled at her, releasing Cleveland, who went back to sit next to Helena.

Minneapolis jumped up, "I'm always willing to go on a fox hunt, though, if this is some kind of trick!" The brown-skinned shipgirl's wide grin softened her words, and even Akagi laughed.

"Thanks, Minnea… you're renowned for your skill of hunting in the Sakura Empire, but we love foxes there so…"

Minneapolis sat back down next to Laffey, who laid her head against her should and fell asleep.

Wales chuckled and gestured to Azuma, "Well, you're also one of his latest, so…"

Azuma brushed Atago aside and stood up, bowing, "I am thrilled to be here, and to be Shikikan's bride. I want us all to get along!"
The thicc cruiser sat back down, and everyone just stared at her. Avrora chuckled, "Oh? That's all from our famed decisive ship? The only other one on base who could even stand a chance of defeating you one on one is Friedrich."

Azuma shook her head, "I would never…"

Ning Hair stood up, wearing her muse outfit, "Shikikan must have chosen her for a reason!"

"Yeah, because he's an ass man," Eugen remarked.

"That's not fair!" Warspite jumped to her defense, "While she has a very… alluring figure, Shikikan chooses us because he loves us inside and out!"

"Hmm, he has a wide range of tastes. Why do you think Z46 is here today?" Eugen smiled. The small destroyer got to her feet and turned to Eugen.

"My name is Kaia. Kommandant gave it to me," she spoke up, her voice strong despite her diminutive stature.

"As soon as he gives you the ring, then I'll call you by that name. Why do you think he would give you a ring, anyway? You're kinda… mechanical."

"You are mean, Eugen. The Kommandant loves me, and I love him. He will give me the ring when the time is right," Z46 turned to look at Eldridge, who stood up.

"Commander… likes small girls… too," Eldridge stared at Z46.

"Just because we are small doesn't mean we can't satisfy him," Z46 said.

"Eldridge… likes you," the thicc destroyer nodded.

"Kaia likes Eldridge."

"Ok, I approve." Eldridge sat back on the couch, looking at the sleeping Laffey and then at Azuma, giving her a thumbs up.
The big cruiser laughed and returned it. The door creaked open, gathering everyone's attention.

"Hello, everyone, I am sorry I am late," Ibuki strode through the door and lowered herself onto a cushion in front of everyone.

"Commander's on a roll lately, another ring?" Atago counted and smiled, "Looks like the Sakura Empire has a firm lead in capturing Shikikan's heart!"

"Atago, how is that important?" Takao scoffed.

"Hush. Ibuki, Suruga said…" Wales began.

"N-no…" Suruga insisted, but Ibuki spoke.

"Shikikan had a mental break and lost much of his soul thanks to an assault on his psyche by the sirens. We have identified a Mirror Shikikan, but he has just barely recovered despite being in my care for a month. I could keep him alive, but they shattered his soul. As of right now, I know of no way to reclaim it."

Horrified silence.

She continued, "Suruga found out how to return him to us despite my protests, giving him back the piece of his soul he gave to her, and in doing so giving him a part of herself. Suruga was just as instrumental in saving his life as I was. However, I noticed something when we were together last night, so I gave him a piece of mine, to strengthen him. Yet I fear this is only temporary. We must find a way to heal him fully or he will probably be lost to us, forever."

No one would speak first.

"If we each give him a small piece of ourselves, we should be able to maintain our effectiveness while giving us enough time to search for what we need."

Ibuki lowered her head and closed her eyes, sighing.

"What… what is this Mirror Commander. Is he a creation of the sirens?" Wales spoke first, quickly snapping into her role as a leader.
Ibuki turned to her and replied, "I am unsure, but my best guess is that there is a small chance they had in creating the powerful representation of him. The truth is far more difficult to comprehend. Whatever this thing is, it's a creation of his own mind, his own… personal demon."

Wales shook her head in disbelief, "Why would he even harbor such thoughts?"

"You must understand, Shikikan is a human, not a kansen. We may have moments of self-doubt, sadness, or despair at a lost battle, but we cannot suffer the way they can… Warspite, is everything ok?" The small battleship fidgeted in her seat.

"I was there, after the blip, when he came back and as far as I know I'm the only one who remembers seeing him…" The color drained from her face.

"See what?" Wales pushed.

"See him pull the trigger," she finished, crying. Repulse held her close, soothing her and patting her head.

"Impossible, he's still alive!" Wales wore an expression of pure shock, but Eugen shook her head.

"My lovely Wales… do you not understand? That was the blip. A million possibilities forced on the system, looking for the one with the Kommandant's weakness. He is fascinated by death, he does not fear it, but he does not search for it, yet there is something inside him that tells him every day that it would be easier to just pull the trigger…" She crossed her legs, leaning back.

Enterprise spoke up this time, her voice surprisingly soft, "That means, the Commander's thoughts, his fears, his worries and insecurities, his depression and suicidal desires have… coalesced into a single, malevolent entity?"

"Excellent analysis, Enterprise," Ibuki nodded towards the carrier, "You see, humans… many do not have these thoughts, but our Shikikan… he needs our help."

Helena was crying quietly in Cleveland's arms, while Laffey's usual inscrutable face belied her concern. Minneapolis looked angry, as though this was something she could beat in a physical battle. Suruga melted into Mikasa's arms, tears streaming down her face as Azuma stroked her hair.

"Ha… hahaha… ahaha…! Akagi will defeat this demon and restore Shikikan back to himself! Yes… Akagi will… with her love…" She rose and pulled Kaga from the room, marching towards the Commander's quarters, leaving the room of shipfus in their various states of grief behind.
She strode down the hall and to the commander's quarters, opening the door and, upon not finding him in his room, opened the door to the bath. He had his eyes closed and was relaxing in the tub.

"Shikikan~" Akagi spoke and stripped as she approached the bath, slipping in and pushing herself against him, "I hear you have someone who needs to be taken care of."

He opened his eyes, surprised but welcoming the touch of the shipgirl. A minute later Kaga slid in on his other side and shared him with her sister.

"Akagi… Kaga… I don't know why you're here, but you two are exactly what I need right now! I just had this feeling of… hopelessness. It's strange, these things have been happening ever since that dream…"

"Shikikan, we want to give you a piece of ourselves…" Kaga explained as Akagi mounted him.

The three of them made love, and Akagi was tender, affectionate, her concern genuine and not just a product of her desire to have her Shikikan all to herself.

A strange energy surrounded the three of them, reinvigorating the Commander and suffusing him with their strength. Fortunately, they soon moved to the bed, and it would be some time before they would finish.

Z46 stretched in the bed beside me, her small, naked form illuminated in the soft evening light. She turned on her side and regarded me, my manhood limp thanks largely to her excellent attentions. It wouldn't last long, however, as I was already excited at seeing her fully undressed.

She brought her head to mine, and in her mouth I could still taste remnants of myself. When she broke the kiss, she spoke.

"Kommandant… my beloved… Prinz questioned the name you gave me, said that it meant nothing…" She pouted.

I pulled her close, a tender kiss shared before I spoke, "Kaia… are you unsure of it? I could always try a different one."

"No!" Her vehement response took me aback, and she looked into my eyes, "I love it, I love the name you gave me… my name." She clung to me, and I held her back. In that moment, I decided. Well, that's not entirely true, let's move back a few hours.

Earlier that day…

So, I've been watching the girls all day, practicing for their events. Their uniforms are something else, and many expose more than they hide. Baltimore has definitely been catching my attention, and I'm sure that's not on accident. Her tattoos are just ridiculously sexy, and she was certainly making her point.

Yet, I drew my attentions to a different shipgirl today. Z46 had been running around the track, and she was covered in sweat thanks to the heat and humidity. She wiped her brow and saw me watching her. She ran up to me, smiling.

"Hey Kaia," I greeted her, "Whatcha got there?" She waved a slip of paper in her hand.

"A scavenger hunt, it's for tomorrow though, with Eldridge and a bunch of the other destroyers. Ark set it up!" She smiled as my mind went into overdrive. I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Wales to follow up.

I turned my attention back to Z46 and smiled, kneeling down for a hug, "That's great, Kaia, you're so cute when you're excited."

She giggled and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling my head down and kissing me passionately. I returned it with unrestrained enthusiasm, enjoying the taste and feel of her lips. When she broke the kiss, she smiled and pressed herself against me.

"I know you like it when I sweat… so… do you like this, Kommandant?" Looked down, her small shorts not quite concealing the lovely fat of her butt, her shirt soaked with sweat and sticking to her small chest.

She was looking up at me, smiling with satisfaction, "You like my body, but what about me?" She asked, not entirely serious.

"I think that goes without saying," I stroked her head as she sighed with pleasure. She grabbed me through my pants but I stopped her, we were attracting attention. In response, she lifted her shirt just enough to expose one small breast, a rivulet of sweat running down it and across her petite nipple. She lowered her shirt back down and winked at me before running back towards the track, her sexy butt swaying suggestively.

I turned and watched as one of the new carriers, Intrepid, spoke with Essex and Enterprise, the three of them were smiling, but I could see the way Essex stuck close to Enterprise, how she always tried to make bodily contact.

It was super cute.

I turned to leave; it was hot, and I longed for my air-conditioned office.

Back to the present…

"You were so sexy, in your sports uniform," I teased her, running a hand down her back and squeezing her butt. She squirmed but allowed me to play with her body. I teased her gently, running my fingers along her nooks and crannies, inhaling her scent mixed with that of her sweat. I had ordered her to not take a shower before coming to see me.

"Kommandant sure likes to touch… everywhere…" Z46 snuggled against me as I continued to caress her, gently positioning her thighs to encircle my manhood. Her juices lubricated her thighs, and I slid easily between them, slowly thrusting as she squeezed them against me.

"You like to play with me too…" I kissed her forehead as she worked her thighs, stimulating me further.

She turned her head up to me, and we kissed as I quickly approached my climax. I could feel her slit rub against me, and as my cock throbbed she squeezed her thighs as tight as she could, pushing me beyond my limit, sighing as my seed layered inside her thighs and onto her cunt, spilling out between her legs as I finished, trembling with pleasure.

She sat up, exposing herself, her thighs and slit covered in my seed.

"Kaia…" I began, but she shifted towards me and sat on one leg, a small smile forming on her face.

"Kaia… my name… I want to keep it forever, my beloved," she kissed me softly, and I reached back, unable to restrain myself any longer. I pulled the ring box out and opened it in front of her, taking out the ring as she watched, eyes wide and shining.

"So this I what Eugen meant…" she whispered, looking at me, "This… we'll be together, forever? My name… you'll give me my name, and it'll be mine to keep?" I could feel her shaking, her excitement palpable. I held her proffered hand up, gently sliding the ring onto her finger.

"I love you so much, Kaia!" I held her tightly against me, and soon she rewarded me far into the night, her exhausted body laying on top of mine by the end as we passed out through sheer exhaustion.

I felt just a little more whole, as well. It was almost as if… Kaia had left a piece of herself with me. I treasured the feeling as her soft snores lulled me into a deep and dreamless sleep.

The next day I was exhausted, but happy. I was sitting in my office, just biding my time. I'd be a fool to not foresee what was coming. I had my last two ring boxes sitting on the table, the shining jewels within already all but given to their intended recipients. I smiled to myself, awaiting their arrival.

A knock at the door.

"Come in." I called.

The door opened, and they blew me away with their beauty.

Today… I would need some of Akashi's regen drink.

Good thing I have plenty in stock!

First and foremost, I hope everyone is well and safe during this turbulent time. Please do your best to self-isolate, because what I'm seeing is terrifying. I live in New York and I am well and truly scared for the well being of those around me, especially since things seem to be getting worse by the day, with healthy people falling victim to the coronavirus. Be safe!

So, this was a bit disjointed, but welcome to Part 2! I had a lot of oathed ships recently, and I have to say that even more are demanding my attentions, hehe. Damn, I love my shipfus… Anyway, I sincerely hope you enjoyed it!

The next chapter will be worth the wait, as my final two rings are going to two very popular, very special shipfus.

Just a reminder about the discord server!

A link can be found on reddit at r/delusionalcookie.
You can also reach out to me directly at delusionalcookie#1414.