I do not own Tank Girl or AD.
Standing in a protective circle around Yukari-san, the old classmates were silent. Sakaki-san straightened up, dark eyes glistening. She looked to Yomi-san; the captain's glasses were fogged over. Sensing her superior's gaze, Yomi-san met her eyes and nodded.
"As Blue Phoenix, I order you to retrieve any and all survivors. Merchants are to be kept alive and taken prisoner. I want to be out of here in an hour." Yomi-san announced.
Sakaki-san looked at the slumped shoulders of Chiyo-chan. The diminutive girl stared down at Yukari-sensei's body. Gently, Sakaki-san wrapped her arm around those tiny shoulders. Without a second of hesitation Chiyo-chan moved into the taller woman, barely touching, but close all the same.
"You have lost others before this, Chiyo-chan," Sakaki-san stated. The younger soldier sighed.
"Yes, but - Yukari-san? I didn't even know what had happened to her in the war. I had no idea where she was or anything; then I find out, and she dies." Chiyo-chan sighed again.
"You're not upset?" Sakaki-san asked softly.
"Hm," Chiyo-chan paused. "Yes, but there are too many other things to worry about right now. Yukari-san's mourning will have to wait. She'd understand" Chiyo-chan looked up at Sakaki-san, a neutral expression on her face. "As Red Phoenix, do I have to wear a suit like Yukari-san's?"
"Dress is entirely optional," Sakaki-san smiled a little. "Although, an outfit as well made as that would certainly allow for extra movement, and wouldn't inhibit you at all. I should think."
"Joking as our comrade lies dead on the ground before us?" Chihiro-chan said, not quite understanding.
"She would have appreciated the effort, but really her sense of humour was a little more rowdy. Hello again, girls." Minamo-san said, approaching the grieving circle. Her eyes shone with tears, but her voice was light.
"Major Minamo-san!" Chiyo-chan exclaimed.
"We should take her back to Main Base and start preparing the wake. She would have wanted a huge, huge celebration. You remember Yukari-chan; any excuse for a party." Minamo-san knelt beside the dead woman, her face tight.
"Excuse me major, but - how are you so happy? I don't understand." Kaorin-san confessed.
"Yukari-chan knew she was going to die. She told me. She also said that things will be alright in the end. I knew her better than anyone, and she specifically said she wanted a huge wake. Yomi-san, use your authority - get some of those boys to make a stretcher or something."
Yomi-san nodded and instructed a few idle soldiers to begin constructing a stretcher.
"Besides, you can't tell me you've forgotten the legend of the phoenix birds? They rise out of the ashes, girls. When we cremate Yukari-chan, she'll be free to aid us once again. Her spirit will infuse in Chiyo-chan, just like all the past Red Phoenix. Then you'll be the real thing, Chiyo-chan." Minamo-san sighed. "I will miss her."
"Yukari-chan?" Sakaki-san said softly, rapidly making connections in her mind.
"We were lovers," Minamo-san blushed a little and shrugged. "I'll miss her very much." Angrily she wiped away a tear before meeting Sakaki-san's eyes. "No matter how much you protect her, there will always be things she needs to do on her own. This is one time when I cannot follow her."
"Then we can damn well celebrate her life. What was her favourite drink?" Tomo-chan asked, her wild-cat school girl side emerging yet again.
Gently the massive convoy of jeeps rolled over the dunes toward Main Base. There was no speed, no sense of urgency. Chiyo-chan sat back in the passenger seat, trying not to have all her muscles tensed. Sakaki-san was firmly belted in, dark eyes on the sand before the jeep, hands firmly on the wheel.
"So," Chiyo-chan said, smiling slightly. There was no need to wear the face scarf, as they headed the convoy and there was no wind.
"So," Sakaki-san replied, almost grinning.
"You're the Black Phoenix, huh?"
"Yeah," Sakaki-san, her expression returning to its natural state of seriousness.
"What's your tattoo like?"
"It covers my whole back."
"You'll have to show me sometime," Chiyo-chan said, looking straight ahead. "I'd be interested to see it."
"Sure," Sakaki-san smiled to herself. "Have you thought much about where you'll get your official Red Phoenix tattoo?"
"Not really," Chiyo-chan shrugged. "My father would not be impressed if he found out."
"I think he'd understand," Sakaki-san said, trying to banish the image of a disgruntled yellow cat from her mind.
"They were trying to kill you, weren't they?" Chiyo-chan asked seriously.
"Yes," Sakaki-san replied simply. "My identity was leaked somehow. I hear the reward for me, dead or alive, is up in the millions. I'm flattered."
Chiyo-chan's eyes filled with tears. "Don't say that, Sakaki-san."
"There's nothing we can do. I'd like to say I can keep you well out of it, but-"
"Now I'm a phoenix, we don't have a choice." Chiyo-chan finished simply.
"There's always a choice. And now you're a phoenix, you're in on all the stupidity. Plus, you're automatically a commander."
"Commander? Me?" Chiyo-chan squeaked. Sakaki-san laughed warmly as they neared Main Base.
Main Base reared up out of the desert. Buildings climbed three stories high, with a wall just as high surrounding it with guards always along the top. More rooms were underground, as well as passages big enough for hundreds of humans to evacuate the place in an emergency. There were heavily guarded farms inside the wall, and more food was transported in daily from outlying farms under rebel control.
As the jeeps approached Chiyo-chan radioed the gate to let them know it was safe. The gates opened smoothly allowing the cars in. Most stripped away to the massive sheds piled atop one another to house the jeeps. Chiyo-chan and Sakaki-san were stopped by a man almost as tall as Sakaki-san, flanked by a squad. His face was chiselled and his blue eyes were cold.
"Commander Kenshin. We both know I outrank him, but I'm the hidden phoenix so pretend you're calling the shots." Sakaki-san murmured. "You're calling a meeting of all phoenix present, only three non-phoenix allowed, one per phoenix. Other than those three, it's totally closed doors. Accept no deviation from this order." she said quickly as she turned off the engine.
"Major, I'm glad you are alright." Kenshin bowed, his squad doing the same.
"Thankyou commander."
"Commander Kenshin, I am Second Lieutenant Chiyo-chan Mihama, and as of this afternoon's altercation at the prison I am also the Red Phoenix."
"Red Phoenix," Commander Kenshin looked at Sakaki-san for just a moment before bowing deeply to Chiyo-chan as she stepped out of the vehicle.
"As Red Phoenix I am calling a meeting of all phoenix here in Main Base after the cremation of my predecessor. Each phoenix may bring one other person only. I want totally closed doors to this meeting." Chiyo-chan ordered, her small frame seeming to occupy a larger space than usual.
"As you wish, Red Phoenix," Commander Kenshin bowed again. "Please, will you follow me? It is nearing the time of Yukari-san's service. At sunset we will cremate her."
Sakaki-san and Chiyo-chan followed the commander through the streets, their jeep driven away by a member of Kenshin's squad. Fighting down her natural urges to first hit Kenshin over the head, and then find somewhere quiet to be with Chiyo-chan, Sakaki-san clenched her teeth. Chiyo-chan felt her anger.
"What is it?" Chiyo-chan asked softly so the commander wouldn't hear them.
"I'll have to tell you later," Sakaki-san replied.
"You don't like him," Chiyo-chan whispered so low that Sakaki-san barely heard her. She nodded curtly.
They reached a building with columns outside, like a Greek temple, where the rest of their squad waited with Minamo-san. "She's inside, all ready to go." Minamo-san told them. The commander nodded and led the way inside.
The service was brief, with Minamo-san speaking for a short time of Yukari-san's more outrageous side. There was mention of the Yukari-mobile, the infamous drinking games and even the Female Teacher vs. Female Teacher Steak Cup Relay Race from their first year of high school. Chiyo-chan allowed herself to cry for a moment, before recovering herself. Sakaki-san had tears dripping down her face, and many of the others cried openly. Tomo-chan sat with her hands balled into fists, staring hard at the white knuckles. Yomi-san was beside her, her glasses fogged over. She saw Tomo-chan's hands; tenderly she took the fists into her own hands and for a moment Tomo-chan was dumbfounded. Looking into Yomi-san's eyes she collapsed, and sobbed into Yomi-san's none-too-clean shirt.
Sakaki-san watched this whole exchange with a half-smile through her tears. Maybe I won't have to directly intervene there? Chiyo-chan was beside Sakaki-san, so tantalizingly close. Carefully Sakaki-san held the younger woman's hand. Chiyo-chan didn't resist.
After the service Kenshin and the squad followed Minamo-san outside to where Yukari-san lay on a stone slab. She had been cleaned up, the blood washed away, and her hair brushed. Minamo-san planted a kiss on Yukari-san's cold cheek before taking the torch from Kenshin and putting it to Yukari-san's body.
Instantly the former teacher's body ignited, throwing up huge flames and giving off massive amounts of heat. Yukari-san's body disappeared in the fire, but a shadow appeared above the blaze.
"It won't be long, Nyamo-chan!" Yukari-san said happily. The shadow took form as it lowered itself closer to Minamo-san. Yukari-san's head formed and she grinned. "I love you, Nyamo-chan."
"I love you too, Yukari-chan," Minamo-san replied, her eyes filling with tears. Yukari-san's ghost kissed Minamo-san's cheek and vanished.
"Now complete the transfer," Sakaki-san announced. "Chiyo-chan, you have to put your hand in the fire."
"You what?" Chiyo-chan goggled.
"When you burn with her, the spirits of all past Red Phoenix go into you and you become the genuine article." Minamo-san said, her voice full of tears.
"Do you trust me?" Sakaki-san gripped Chiyo-chan by the shoulders and looked straight into her large eyes. Chiyo-chan gulped and nodded.
"Do it now! I can feel them fading!" Minamo-san shouted.
"Hai!" Chiyo-chan nodded, determined. Turning to the fire she frowned, and thrust her hand into the flames. She screamed and writhed, but she couldn't let go. The squad stood watching, their eyes filled with fear for Chiyo-chan. Sakaki-san knew better. After a second the pain ceased and a tingling sensation filling Chiyo-chan's arm. A full minute passed before Chiyo-chan was able to pull her hand from the flames. Looking at her hand, there wasn't a mark on it.
"Congratulations, Red Phoenix," Commander Kenshin said politely. "The wake will commence in the city hall, and tomorrow morning we shall meet as you ordered."
The hall was absolutely full of partying rebel soldiers. Drinking games were everywhere, Minamo-san in the largest of them all. There was too much good food and far too much bad wine, and the whole squad of high school girls were relaxing for the first time in months.
Sakaki-san sat with Chiyo-chan on the edge of the celebrations, the younger woman cradling the same glass of wine she'd had since arriving. Sakaki-san didn't drink anything stronger that fruit juice.
"Tomorrow we should get your tattoo done," Sakaki-san said, just loud enough to be heard above the racket.
"I want a back piece," Chiyo-chan said impulsively. "Which reminds me - I still haven't seen yours." After looking at Sakaki-san for a full minute, the older woman laughs.
"Oh no - not here. Meet me outside in a minute, ok?" Sakaki-san stood and walked outside. A minute later, Chiyo-chan followed.
Without a word the two soldiers walked down the dark streets toward where Kenshin had arranged rooms for them. Proving their identities they were allowed in and headed up to their rooms. Sakaki-san opened the first door on the left on the top floor. A single bed, desk and chair were in the small room. A clothes chest was at the foot of her bed, and on the desk a photo of the class from the last day of school. Sakaki-san closed the door behind them.
Sakaki-san unlatched her armour as Chiyo-chan stood awkwardly near the desk. Placing the armour on the floor, Sakaki-san turned and lifted her shirt over her head. Covering her massive back was the most beautifully detailed phoenix bird, the black flecked with pieces of gold. Chiyo-chan stared in amazement. The bird's eyes were covered by Sakaki-san's bra strap. Holding her breath, Chiyo-chan slowly undid the bra. Sakaki-san smiled, her eyes low. In the bird's eyes was Sakaki-san's own expression; Chiyo-chan gasped. She traced the lines of the phoenix bird's huge wing span and tail feathers as Sakaki-san suppressed a shiver. The image moved so slightly with Sakaki-san's breathing; it fluttered there, trapped just above her skin. Sakaki-san clipped her bra together again, covering those magnificent eyes.
"No fair," Sakaki-san whispered, finally turning around. Her arms were cross over her chest.
"It's beautiful," Chiyo-chan said softly, huge eyes glowing. "It matches you perfectly, Sakaki-san. Tall and wondrous." Chiyo-chan blushed. Sakaki-san blushed deeply. She desperately wanted to remove Chiyo-chan's clothes, and reached out tentatively to hold the hem of her shirt. Taking hold of it, Sakaki-san lifted it above Chiyo-chan's head. Smooth pale skin was made paler by Chiyo-chan's black bra. Sakaki-san blushed.
"I always wondered how this would work," Sakaki-san muttered, bending down. Chiyo-chan stood on her toes, resting her hands on Sakaki-san's shoulders to keep her balance. Carefully they pressed their lips together, and everything in their beings clicked together in an awesome feeling along the lines of 'this is right'.
Their kisses remained gentle as the two women slowly undressed each other. Lying on the narrow bed, totally naked, Sakaki-san raised herself onto her elbows and looked down at her naked soon-to-be-lover.
"If you can find the words, you're a better woman than I," Sakaki-san said softly, her hand on Chiyo-chan's stomach.
"Nope," Chiyo-chan replied, feeling more than a little nervous. She sat up and met Sakaki-san's lips, her fingers dragging through the mass of dark, heavy hair. Sakaki-san let her hands drift between Chiyo-chan's breasts and her lower stomach. The smaller woman quivered.
"Ever done this before?" Sakaki-san asked.
"No," Chiyo-chan replied softly. "But I want to. I've wanted you for as long as I can remember."
"As long as you're sure," Sakaki-san said.
"I am," Chiyo-chan reassured her and kissed her again.
A few seconds later, Sakaki-san's tongue found its way into Chiyo-chan, and worked furiously until the small woman rocked and shivered with an orgasm. Sliding up beside Chiyo-chan, Sakaki-san cradled her sweat-covered lover as her breathing returned to normal. Without a word Chiyo-chan kissed her way down until she lay between Sakaki-san's legs, and gingerly tasted the older woman. Within seconds she was moving her tongue faster than she previously thought possible. Sakaki-san came with barely a sound, but Chiyo-chan felt those slender fingers in her hair tighten.
Chiyo-chan returned to her lover's embrace, Sakaki-san wearily holding her, muscles weakened temporarily. "No matter what happens, we will never end," Chiyo-chan promised.
Pulling the blankets up Chiyo-chan settled into Sakaki-san's arms, the taller woman holding her close. They talked softly long into the night, and fell asleep, warm and naked, in each other's arms.