I push the shopping cart forwards dutifully, Kaga, the household chef, leading the way around the supermarket, shopping list in hand. The cart was already half full, but not particularly heavy. Occasionally she would stop, ears twitching in thought, then pick up an item and place it in the cart while I wait.

Akagi was hanging by my side, watching her sister inquisitively. It was oddly nice… this sort of mundane task. So different from our usual lives and certainly a nice reprieve after recent horrid events.

A white tail suddenly whips me in the chest lightly, interrupting my thoughts, and I turn to find Kaga scowling at me. Oh dear…

She speaks again. "Are you not listening to me, dear husband? Honestly… I know you do not have our ears..." Her white fluffy triangles flex, making her point.

"But still… sometimes you can be as deaf as a post. Do you not agree, dear sister?"

Akagi grins from my side. "Why yes. He can be such a fool sometimes, daydreaming constantly…"

I feel a bit self-conscious, having both my wives gang up on me. I shoot Kaga an apologetic smile.

"Sorry… I was just… um… distracted by your beauty?"

Kaga snorts, amused. "Is that the best you could come up with? I am prone to embarrassment, that much is true, but you are going to have to try much harder than that…"

She picks up a pack of noodles and shows them to me. "I said, would you like stir fry tonight?"

"I'd love it, but you know I'd always be happy with anything you cook… I'm not that bothered, but it was lovely last time, I enjoyed it."

Akagi laughs. "I bet you did. I imagine you found the preparation… ravishing…" Both me and Kaga immediately turn bright red as we recall what Akagi was referring to.

I had walked in on Kaga, wearing nought but an apron as she prepared the stir fry, then proceeded to make passionate love to the white-haired fox against the kitchen countertop. I quickly attempt to distract myself to retain some dignity.

Luckily Kaga is the one to regain her composure first, ignoring her sister and answering me. "Hmm… it was nice, but I'm sure it was meant to be spicier… I'll try it again tonight."

Akagi pokes again. "Oh, and will the same pre-meal coitus be on the menu? I'd love to watch… you left me out last time…" She pouts theatrically, then giggles as Kaga's ears practically steam and her blush returns with a vengeance.

"Ah… what was that you were saying about embarrassment, dear sister? I agree, you are very prone."

Kaga hurries us along before Akagi can get another shot in. We turn some corners and Kaga looks around confused.

"Hmm. They must have moved the desserts…"

"I'll ask." I head off towards a female shop assistance stacking shelves nearby. I'm stopped in my tracks by a sharp tug on my shirt.

Akagi speaks in irritation. "I do not think so… she is just your type, dear… I shall go ask instead." Akagi saunters off and talks to the shop assistant. I wouldn't really say she was my type, if anything, I would argue my type had fox ears and tails by this point…

Akagi had been like this when we had started seeing one another many years ago. But she had mellowed, until recently. She still wasn't as extreme as she used to be… but that whole business with my memories and Archiver had really shaken her. She had become possessive…. defensive of me again. I certainly didn't blame her, but I hoped she would relax again eventually…

Kaga rolls her eyes at her sister's actions and shoots me a smile. I smile back and Akagi arrives back with a flourish. "Follow."

I obediently follow Akagi's swaying tails as she takes the lead, bringing us to the cakes and dessert section. Kaga browses the shelves with a glint of hunger in her eye. Then, she stops dead and her tails puff up in excitement, before wagging back and forth in happiness.

She eagerly picks up a large luxury chocolate gateau and shows it to me.

"Are you asking for it? Or are you demanding it?" I ask wearily. I get the feeling I know the answer.

She doesn't respond, instead, the Sakura carrier smiles, winks and drops it straight into our cart.

Of course…

I sigh. "Kaga… how in the world are we going to eat that between the three of us…"

She grins, her sapphire eyes shining happily as her ears twitch with life. "Whatever do you mean dear? That's just for me… feel free to get your own." She's clearly joking, but I wouldn't be surprised if she couldn't easily finish off at least half it herself.

Akagi immediately tuts disapprovingly. "Dear sister… your sweet tooth will be the end of you. The Sirens will never need to fire a shot at you, you will sink on the weight of your hull alone…"

Kaga shoots her sister an icy glare in return. "Dear, there's nothing wrong with my diet, is there?" She gives me an equally dangerous glare, warning clear in her eyes.

"um… of course not. You look great." Kaga smiles confidently and turns to Akagi.

"See?"

Akagi just grins and chuckles. "Oh please, he's just being nice. Probably scared you will start using him as target practice otherwise."

Kaga looks like she's about to ask me, but then thinks better of it, instead opting to punch Akagi on the shoulder lightly. "Bootlicker…" She mutters.

"…Glutton." Akagi returns in kind. It wasn't a serious fight, just banter between the two. Proving my suspicions correct they both quickly shrug it off and smile at one another, and we continue shopping.

15 minutes later, we are at the till, packaging up the shopping as the cashier swipes it idly through. He had given my wives an odd look when he had seen them but hadn't said anything else. Public opinion on the Sakura Empire and their people was still low, but it seemed to be getting better slowly.

I pay the cashier with a smile as he regards me bluntly, then we head for the door. Man… this had been really nice, the weather was dull, not wet, but it was spending this time with the two of them, that was what made it precious.

Akagi still barely left my side, but she had at least stopped coming to work with me, and I think she was sleeping better, although I had still caught her occasionally, watching me at night, her crimson eyes boring into me as I slept, afraid to close them for fear of losing me.

Not that Akagi had ever been the type of wife to need space from me, her husband. She'd always appreciated my company, happy to just sit next to me, brushing me with her tails, ears twitching lazily. But this was different… she followed me around like a lost puppy. Whenever I left a room, she would dutifully follow.

Kaga had been better, she couldn't wait for an opportunity to sink Archiver, and I was worried about the lengths she would go to do so, but she had stopped pushing herself too far while training, although I suspect she still felt guilt over Archiver's escape.

I dwell on my wives woes along with my own. But it was days like this, this odd little mundane task that we fought to protect, that we wanted desperately to be a common, permanent part of our lives, when the damned Sirens were obliterated.

"Sakuran Mutts… Monsters… what are they doing here?" I hear a mutter of annoyance from behind me.

Normally, while such a comment would annoy me, I would ignore it. But not today. Not after everything they had gone through. They deserved so much better…

I stop suddenly, letting go of the cart and turning towards the voice. He looks up at me surprised, not expecting me to react. I take advantage of his surprise by bringing my right fist careening into his face with a loud crunch as he shouts in pain and the people around us gasp in surprise.

My own fist is sore, I was not a typically violent person. I preferred diplomacy and reasoning. I had not been in many fistfights at all during my life. But it seemed like I might be adding one to the counter, as the man cradles his head and then snarls.

"You're going to fucking regret that!" He swings his own fist to my face, and I'm too surprised to react in time. Luckily, I don't need to be. Akagi is immediately in front of me, a rabid look on her face. She grips his fist with one hand, holding it still as he trembles at the sheer force she is using, before she starts squeezing, and the distinct sound of bone-crunching can be heard as he screams.

"Do not dare lay a hand on him. Now run. Before I change my mind."

She releases his crumpled fist and he quickly makes a break for it, running into the car park and out of sight. I quickly grip our cart and follow suit, heading for our car, all too aware of the multitude of eyes following us.

Akagi quickly saddles to my side and speaks quietly. "Are you ok, my love?"

"I-I'm fine… I shouldn't have started it… But… Akagi…" I gulp nervously but continue my point.

"That was a bit… extreme, wasn't it? You didn't have to break his hand."

She looks at me incredulously. "That was a mercy. I should have flayed him alive for daring to raise a hand against my husband."

Kaga speaks up. "I do have to agree, dear sister, it was slightly overkill. I am all for displays of power, but he was hardly a threat."

Akagi *hmphs* annoyed that we're both lecturing her, and her tails flick about in annoyance. "Do I not get a thank you? For protecting my beloved?"

I sigh. "Thank you, Akagi…" I say it dutifully, not with any real meaning, but Akagi nonetheless mellows and smiles. We reach the car, and Kaga fishes around in her pockets for the keys.

She had passed her test a couple of weeks ago, and was eager to drive anywhere, even though we had a chauffeur who would technically drive us anywhere we needed to go. She had learnt simply because she wanted a challenge, or so she said.

I have to say, there was something pleasant about it, something… normal? Made us feel just that little bit more like a normal couple… a normal family.

The car was a mid-range SUV, nothing fancy, but not particularly cheap either. We sling the shopping in the boot, and I take the cart to a bay, leaving it there. By the time I get back, both my wives are already in the car waiting.

Interestingly, they had disperse their tails to actually fit into the confined space, otherwise, we would never be able to see where we were going, as it would just be full of floof. It was not something they did often. Their tails were a part of them, so they opted to have them on display whenever possible, even if it was impractical.

It was something of a kitsune social faux-pas to disperse your tails unless absolutely necessary. The second we got back to port, and they got out the car, they would undoubtedly reappear.

I strap myself down, and Kaga flashes me a smile, before pressing on the accelerator and pulling us away out of the parking space and back onto the main roads, heading towards the port.


It doesn't take long to reach the port; we weren't far away to begin with. Kaga pulls into my private parking space expertly, then stops the car. She's a tad rough on the brakes we come to a stop harshly, flinging us all forward slightly.

She gives a sheepish look and apologises. "Sorry…"

I wave it off and get out of the car, going to help with the shopping, but I swear loudly upon realising the time. I'd been so distracted slowly walking around shopping that I hadn't realised how long we had been.

"Sorry… I've got to shoot off, you ladies ok to take the shopping in?"

Kaga rolls her eyes at me then shoos me off. "Go on, you fool. We'll be fine. See you tonight."

I smile and wave. Akagi turns, giving me a pained smile. While she had stopped following me to work, that didn't mean it didn't hurt when I left. I just hoped that with time… she would be ok…

I head off to my office, trying my best to make up for lost time. By the time I get to the door, I'm out of breath as I hurriedly open the door. "Enty… god… I'm sorry…"

I apologize to my secretary, but, ever-friendly she simply smiles lightly.

"No worries Commander. I've already got all the paperwork organized, there's really not much. Light workload today I'm afraid. Where were you, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Shopping… with the wives." It's the last part of that my reply that makes her look down at the floor awkwardly.

"Ah, I see."

My chest contracts in multiple different ways. I hadn't really decided she would be my secretary; it was simply her turn to perform the duty. She had been my secretary many times before. But this time It was different... after the things she had said… the things I had said… It was bound to be awkward.

"You always used to be late for the strategy meetings during the war… None of the ships were very impressed you know? I used to have to defend you." She chuckles, reminiscing on old times.

"Huh… I guess I was… How are you Enty?"

She gives me a quick smile, to anyone else, she would appear genuinely happy. But I knew her well. It was a façade, a half-smile to try and ease my worries.

"Fine."

"Um…" I'm not sure how to broach the subject, but I feel obligated to. Considering what we had last spoke about together some weeks ago.

"…how's things… romantically?"

She immediately goes a bright shade of red. "I… my love life is not really relevant…"

"I know… I just want to make sure your happy… sorry, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine."

"I… No, it's ok. Honestly… I went out on a few dates…" I feel my cheeks heat up and my eyebrows raise at this unexpected news.

"You have?"

She nods demurely. "Just… some guys from the port… Belfast had returned to her homeport for a while… and they're the only ones willing to give a Kansen a shot… so…"

"And… did they go well?" I ask with trepidation. The thought of her with another guy… I hated it. It was terrible of me. I had no right to feel that way. I wanted her to be happy, that much was true, but the thought of her with another made my heart squeeze with jealousy.

She shakes her head. "No… not really. I think most of them were looking for something more… casual… and more explicit." Her blush grows worse, as does my own.

"I'm looking for something… a bit more serious than that… more like what your wives have…with you…"

She looks sadly at me, then her eyes widen as she realises what she had just said. "Shit. Sorry Commander. I-I… I didn't mean… Oh god."

I can feel my own face flush with heat but I try to keep my cool. "It's ok… Enty… I understand. Trust me… I…. I really do."

She nods and graces me with a sad smile.

Why? Why was I such a god damn coward? Akagi was my wife, yes. But she could also discern the truth, as could her sister. Why couldn't I summon the courage to just ask them? At least tell them… how I felt… How Enterprise felt and let them make their own judgements. I could prove that I loved them too, just as much if not more, with just my words… I felt so guilty... keeping it from them. It felt dirty, wrong.

But I feared their reaction greatly. While I think they cared too much about me to truly do anything too rash. I could not fathom the foxes reaction to such news.

A loud bleep breaks my thoughts, and I quickly pick my PDA of the desk and take a look at the incoming message.

/ CONFIDENTIAL - PROJECT ASCLEPIUS/

TEST 108: SUCCESS

TEST RESULTS ATTACHED

100% WISDOM CUBE REPAIR – WITHIN DESIGNATED PARAMETERS

SUBJECT STABLE

POSSIBLE DEGRADATION OF CORE/ PERMANENT UNREPAIRABLE DAMAGE – WILL NEED FURTHER TESTS

REGARDLESS – PROJECT ASCLEPIUS HAS PROVED SUCCESSFUL

REQUESTING PRESENCE ASAP

/ CONFIDENTIAL - PROJECT ASCLEPIUS/

All previous thoughts fly straight out of my head and I can't quite believe what I was reading. I had started Project Asclepius just less than a year ago. The results had always been hit and miss. I knew they were getting close, but knowing it, and actually seeing it succeed was something completely different.

I sigh in relief and allow a large smile to slip onto my face, god it was about time something went well. Maybe it was right, good things come to those that wait?

"Commander? Everything ok? You look unusually happy?"

"For once Enty, yes, I am happy. Really happy. I'm sorry to ask this, but could you hold the fort? I… need to go tell the wives something."

"Of course… I said that it was a light workload today anyway… and It's… good. To see you so happy, that is."

"Thanks, Enty." I smile warmly before chucking my coat and commanders cap, heading out the door, unable to wipe the grin from my face.


I hurry in through the door and quickly fly down the stairs to find my two wives just putting the last of the shopping away. Akagi's tails immediately spring to life excitedly as she sees me, as do her ears.

"Husband? It's lovely to see you so soon, but why are you here?"

Kaga looks up surprised at my presence, but gives a sweet smile nonetheless. I respond quickly, my excitement getting the better of me.

"Come on, follow me, both of you. I have a surprise." Both of their eyebrows raise at that and finish the last bag of shopping before following me out of the house. I call up the chauffeur and he arrives within minutes. We all bundle into the limo and I regard my two wives with glee, unable to wipe the smile from my face.

"Sir. Where to?" His voice sounds from the driver's seat.

"I've sent the coordinates to you."

He pauses in surprise for a second and replies. "Of course, Sir. Refreshment is available in the chiller, it appears to be a long journey."

Akagi cocks her head surprised, it was unusual for the chauffeur to not know where we were actually going.

I smile. Man… It felt great to have some good news for a change. A part of me wanted to spill the beans right now about Asclepius. But I decide against it, I truly wanted it to be a surprise.

"What surprise is this exactly, dear Husband?"

I smile warmly. "A surprise. So, I cant tell you. But trust me, you'll like it."

Her expression morphs into curiosity before a glint of lust forms in her crimson eyes.

"Hmm… a surprise I'll like…" She ponders for a second, trying to guess.

She speaks excitedly, as her tails coil back and forth. "Is it an orgy? A live sex show? A sex shop? …ohhh even better, a sex dungeon?" I immediately feel my cheeks heat up. Trust Akagi to go that way with it.

I shake my head. "No no no. Nothing like that."

She pouts, disappointed. "Then what exactly is it? My curiosity is killing me, dear."

"You'll find out. But… it's life changing… especially for you…"

I turn to Kaga. "…and maybe a little bit for you. But it is three hours away, so get comfortable."

Kaga immediately smiles and cuddles next to me, as does Akagi. I couldn't wait to see their reactions.


2 Hours, 50 Mins Later…

We pull up outside the compound, the sea glistening in the sunlight nearby. It was a coastal facility, but much smaller than my port. At its centre is a large grey concrete bunker with angular walls and an imposing presence. It's surrounded by guard towers and a wire fence. It wasn't exactly a fortress, but it was well defended.

Of course, all of those defences would barely scratch a siren, which is where the Anti-Material rifles that some of the guards were holding came into play. They could never kill a siren, even permanently damage one, but they could slow them down.

I step out of the limo, foxwives in tow and the two guards by the entrance salute me sharply. I wave them down.

"At ease."

The main door to the facility slides open and out steps a familiar figure.

She speaks with a smile on her face as she approaches us. "Glad you made it!"

New Jersey speaks with deep confidence, born from her power. I had assigned her and some others here to guard the facility, and what it held. Behind her, Minneapolis hovers, simply nodding at me politely.

Akagi regards the battleship cooly, a look of distaste in her eyes. Jersey ignores this and smiles at her, holding out her hand.

"We haven't met. New Jersey, Iowa class-battleship. The indomitable Black Dragon of the Eagle Union!"

Akagi takes her hand slowly, shaking it before speaking. "I know who you are by reputation. What I don't know… is why I'm here."

New Jeresy looks at me surprised. "You haven't told them?"

I scratch the back of my head sheepishly. "I… wanted it to be a surprise."

Jersey guffaws. "One hell of a surprise. Some might want some warning first… but hey, you're the boss, and they're your wives…"

Kaga suddenly speaks up. "That does not bode well… Sometimes our dear husband's judgement on some matters can be… lax."

Jeresy laughs. "Nah, you'll like it, honest. It might just be a bit of a shock to the system is all." She turns, with Minneapolis following diligently and beckons us further into the facility.

It's quiet, there's only a handful of staff members, researchers and the like. The rest were armed guards, and the only Kansen in sight were the ones right next to me.

We soon arrive in a white room, filled with various equipment and instruments. A tall brunette women with long hair and a sharp face turns and gives a sharp salute. "Commander."

She was wearing a lab coat, along with an ID card in a lanyard around her neck. "At ease, Doctor Kimberly."

She smiles slightly and drops the salute. "Everything seems to be fine. She's awake, memories appear to be roughly intact, which is a miracle. Although, she does seem to have structural integrity problems. Nothing life-threatening, but she is unusually weak. We're working on it. But she is fully cognisant at least. I assume you wish to see her?"

"If that would be ok. I brought my wives, for obvious reasons, I hope that's ok?"

"Of course. It's the first thing she asked when she awoke. Not where she was, who we were, but where they were." Kimberly's eyes glide over my wives and gives them a reassuring smile.

I start to doubt myself… maybe I should warn them before they entered the room. Maybe it was a bit much to process all at once… But before I can say anything, Akagi speaks up haughtily.

"It's through there? This surprise?" She points towards a door at the other end of the lab. Kimberl's eyes widen surprised at the brisk question but nods politely.

"Then let us go." Akagi immediately makes for the room and me and Kaga quickly follow.

"Akagi… wait up…" I try to stop her, call out to warn her, but she doesn't break her quick pace, reaching the door and striding through confidently.

Me and Kaga both follow, not far behind, as New Jersey and Kimberly look on. Jersey calls out loudly. "We'll… give you lot some privacy…"

I open the door and almost run into the back of Akagi, who is stood there speechless. Her eyes completely transfixed on what lay before her. Kaga immediately does the same as she looks up and her gaze settles on the figure smiling back at her from the chair.

"Sister…" Akagi whispers, it's barely audible and the shock is clear in her voice.

"Akagi… I gather… that has been some time. How are you?" Amagi's smile is so warm, so gentle. It embraces you with sweet kindness. You could just sink into it for eternity, forgetting everything that worried you.

Akagi chokes back a sob and flings herself at her long-lost sister and they both hug the other tightly. I can't help but let a wide smile slip onto my face, seeing my wife so undeniably happy. Her tails bustle with joy, intertwining with her sisters as they embrace.

Amagi pulls back for a second and motions to Kaga to join them. Kaga blushes slightly. "I… It's ok."

Amagi shakes her head and gives Kaga a pointed look. "You are just as much family as her. Come here." The snow-haired fox smiles and joins the hug, which has now become a big ball of fluff. They stay like that for some time, but eventually, they break, and Akagi starts talking excitedly.

I stand away, respectful that this is their time to talk with one another. They catch Amagi up on Kaga's conversion to a carrier, the war, the alliance. The elder fox listens dutifully, only asking the occasional question.

I notice that occasionally, her body is wracked with coughs, her body was clearly frail. This must be what Kimberly meant by an issue with her structural integrity. It was never going to be straight forward I suppose. Amagi had been damaged via an immensely powerful natural disaster, not by traditional weaponry.

Not even reforging her wisdom shards together had worked. The Sakura Empire had already tried. That was where we stepped in. We had used a combination of Siren tech to try our best to repair and reforge Amagi, trying to keep her memories intact, something that typically never survived reforging.

I was amazed at the work that had been completed here. It truly was ground-breaking. Although whether it would be practical to reforge all ships in this manner remained to be seen, it was time-consuming and incredibly expensive. Nonetheless, I had argued the case to Naval HQ, and managed to get Project Asclepius off the ground, with Amagi as the proof of concept.

I'm pulled from my thoughts when I'm suddenly hugged, my face tickled by Akagi's brown ears as she rests her head on my chest. "Thank you… so much, dear husband. I-I… I don't know what to say."

I hug her back. "You don't need to say anything… No thanks required. I just hope you can forgive me for keeping this from you… you understand why I did?"

She nods. "I… don't like that you did. But I understand why. And… at this point in time… I truly do not care that much. I'm just happy… so happy."

Amagi calls out from where she was having a conversation with Kaga, her ears perked up as she eyes me inquisitively. "Did my ears deceive me? I could swear I just heard the word… husband?"

Akagi's eyes light up with a passionate fire and she practically drags me along as she walks back to Amagi.

"Dear Sister. May I introduce my Shikikan. The one who oversaw the project to resurrect you, and most importantly… my dear husband." My wife speaks with utter pride, and it warms my chest that she would speak that way about me. Amagi looks at me shocked for a second, her eyes gliding over me, almost like she was evaluating me.

"Hmm… You married an Eagle Union Shikikan?" She laughs lightly, which quickly morphs into a coughing fit, and Kaga rubs her back comfortingly. She regains her breath and continues. "You must be a good man… and a lucky one. I hope you have been good to her?"

I nod. "There is nothing I wouldn't do… for either of them." Amagi immediately turns to Kaga and raises an eyebrow.

"Either?" Her tone is questioning and Kaga blushes brightly.

"I….um… yes. He is also my husband… please… do not misconstrue… We both love him, as he loves us."

Amagi turns her gaze to me. I cannot tell what she's thinking, her eyes pierce my body in inscrutable calmness. "Shikikan. May I have a talk with you… in private." I gulp nervously… that was foreboding.

Akagi looks like she's about to protest, but Amagi fixes her with a stern look and she immediately backs down. Jeez… I'd never seen Akagi so mollified from a single look before.

Akagi quickly grabs Kaga by the shoulder and they both retreat into the next room. As they go, they both shoot me a concerned look, worried about what exactly Amagi had in store for me.

"So…" Her voice rings out, drawing my attention back to the fox woman sat next to me. Her voice held a very similar refinement to Akagi's, but instead of the constant underlying sultry tone, it oozed calmness.

"… you married them both. My sister… and her sister?"

I fidget nervously as Amagi regards me cooly. "Yes… but I do love them, both of them… I would never… please don't get the wrong I-" She laughs and puts a hand up to stop me.

"Please…. I can tell you speak the truth. Not just from my ears, but the way you look at them, the way they look back at you, your body language is clear as day. You are bond mates."

She puts her hand down, before coughing lightly and continuing. "I always worried about them… neither of them could ever see past the war… see past what they were. I doubted they would ever find happiness. I'm glad that you have proved me wrong."

"Then… why did you want to speak to me?"

"I was merely curious. Akagi would never let me get a word in edgeways if I was speaking to you with her present, I know what she's like…" I laugh, she was entirely correct, my wife could never help showing me off whenever she got the chance.

"I must truly thank you. For both my life and for keeping Akagi safe and happy. If there is anything I can ever do for you, you must speak it. You appear to truly be a good man, a great Shikikan and I like to believe I am a good judge of character."

Then, the door of the room opens loudly with a clang and Akagi strides in, Kaga in tow looking worried. Akagi herself looks annoyed and she narrows her eyes at Amagi, her tails puffed up in anger.

"Actually, no! You do not get to judge! I understand your concern. But he is my chosen mate! And yes, he is Kagas's too! I love you, dear sister. But you have no right to judge my choices, I have been through a great many things while you have slumbered, dead, both to the world, and to me. Shikikan has kept sane through it all. And whatever your opinion, I could not care less! He is mine!" Akagi rants, breathing heavily as her crimson gaze bores into Amagi, clearly having misunderstood the reason Amagi had asked to speak to me, just as I had.

Amagi's eyebrows raise at the unusual brazenness of Akagi standing up to her elder. She turns to me and whispers. "My… you really have made an impression on her." She turns to her sister and smiles warmly.

"It's quite alright. I merely wished to speak to him alone. I never judged him for his actions, or his relationship with you. In fact… it is good, to see you so attached to another. I know you have had Kaga… but still."

Akagi's angry aura falters, then shatters completely and a blush shoots up her face, one of the brightest I had ever seen on her. "Y-you… approve? You like him?"

"I barely know him. But I can tell just from your reaction that he means a great deal to you. And that is all I want for you Akagi. And you too… Kaga."

Kaga smiles and nods silently, happy with the recognition from her sort of, but not quite sister. Both their tails wag happily at Amagi's words.

"Right…" Amagi smiles. "I wish to see this port that you command, Shikikan… If that is acceptable?" I nod happily.

"I would be honoured for one as wise as yourself to stay. I shall sort the paperwork out and you'll be transferred to my command effective immediately. But… perhaps you should rest first, before we assign you any patrols or sorties."

As I speak, she once again coughs in a fit, and uses my shoulder to brace her body as it's racked with pain. Man… I hoped Dr Kimberly could do something about that, it did not look pleasant at all. Almost like she had a permanent chest infection or something, poor thing.


…2 Weeks Later - Eagle Union Alliance Port – Commander's Home

I enter the room to find Akagi and Kaga snuggling together on the sofa, both mindlessly flicking through their respective PDA's as their ears occasionally twitch. Their backs were towards me, and their tails were ripe for a surprise.

I keep my breathing low, tiptoeing across the room until I'm close enough to touch them. I reach out with both hands, one aiming for a white fluffy tail on my left, and a soft brown one on my right.

I focus, then strike. I leap forward, intending to grab both tails and stoke them vigorously, reducing my wives to newborn mewling kits, but instead, I'm surprised when my hands close around thin air. Then, the breath is knocked from my lungs as my world spins, and I suddenly find myself lying on my back, placed on the sofa as brown hair cascades down my shoulders and a chuckle from the face inches from mine rings out.

"Truly dear… do you believe I would be that slow-footed? See? I've~caught~you~" Akagi giggles while straddling me, delighted that she's managed to completely turn the tables on me. She starts planting kisses on my neck, moving up to my lips before pulling away, her tails and ears a blur of excited motion.

"I have to concur with my dear sister on this one. Did you truly think that would work? We are both battle-hardened warriors, and kitsune to boot. You have such strange ideas~" Kaga laughs at me from her seat, looking over at me and Akagi amused.

Akagi bends down and kisses me again, then again, before moving back down to my neck as she starts teasingly nibbling on the skin and I mewl lustfully and squirm at the sensation.

A loud ring breaks the silence, a notification from the PDA in my pocket. I struggle and squirm beneath Akagi, trying my best to answer it, to no avail.

Akagi cackles. "So easily distracted from me. How naughty~ You invited this on yourself I'm afraid, Shikikan… now, let us see which whore is messaging you this time."

Her hand glides into my pocket, making sure to give my groin a quick teasing squeeze, causing me to gasp. She fishes the PDA out of my pocket and her eyes light up as she quickly enters the password. I would ask how she knew it, but that was a moot point. Of course she knew it.

Her crimson eyes lose their excited sultry look as she regards the message with surprise. "Huh… Amagi wishes to speak with you. Alone… again."

She switches her gaze to me. "Why… dear husband. You haven't made my sister your mistress when I wasn't looking, have you? I approve of your taste of women, you are quite welcome to bring her back home if you want." She laughs teasingly.

I blush but manage to force it down and squirm my arms free, taking the PDA from her and reading it myself, confirming what my wife had said.

I put it back in my pocket and got to sit up, but Akagi holds steady atop me, pinning me down.

"Akagi…"

She grins and kisses the tip of my nose as her ears twitch happily. "Yes, dear?"

"Can you… get off me?"

She giggles. "My… normally you request the opposite, do you not? I am partial to being on top, it has to be said…" I immediately feel my cheeks heat up and it just causes my wife to laugh louder.

"Awww…. Dear. You are so much more attractive when you are embarrassed…. I could just… eat~you~up." She places another kiss on my nose and snuggles closer. Admittedly, this is very pleasant, but I really did need to meet Amagi soon.

I look over at Kaga and plead for help with my eyes. She smiles at my predicament and rolls her eyes before speaking. "Dear sister… he has places to be. Let him go. I'm sure you… and I... can cuddle later."

Akagi pouts but obediently gets up, giving me a quick peck on the lips before dismounting me and sitting next to her sister, opting to snuggle closer to her instead. Kaga squirms as she laps at her neck, biting her sister's supple flesh softly and tenderly.

She stops and looks back at me with a distracted smile as her tails slowly wind around Kaga's own fluffy appendages. "I hope you are not too long… Give my good wishes to Amagi for me."

"Of course I will. See you later." I wave at both of my wives as they cuddle on the sofa, turning and leaving them, heading towards the meeting place Amagi had designated.


I enter the shrine, giving a wave to Yamashiro before moving further inside. This is where Amagi had requested to meet. I wasn't really surprised, it seemed like the type of place she would like, it was after all one of my wives favourite places in the port.

I enter the large room to find Amagi kneeling on tatami flooring, her ears shift as I enter the room and a smile slips onto her lips as she opens her eyes.

"Shikikan. My thanks for agreeing to meet with me."

"No worries. I'm always available to talk. Something the matter? Is it about… your condition? I'm really sorry that you haven't been cleared to sortie. It doesn't bother you, does it?"

She smiles faintly. "I… No, not exactly. It irks me slightly, this is true. But I am wise enough to know that I am in no fit state to fight." As if to make her point, her body immediately convulses, racked by yet another coughing fit. "The researchers… are looking into some medicine for me… that would at least make life less painful, which I am deeply grateful for."

She motions for me to kneel in front of her and I do so, lowering myself to the floor and gazing at the fox curiously. "But… that is not why I called you here. I called you here because of your wives. And my duty to them."

I feel my face contort in confusion. What? My wives, what about them?

Her expression sharpens and while her features are not hostile or aggressive, they radiate seriousness. "Your secretary. Your friend. Enterprise."

Immediately I feel my heart tighten as I feel like the floor has just dropped out from under me. How? What did she know?

"You have feelings for her." It isn't a question. It's a statement.

"I…" How in the world did she know? She'd only been at the port for 2 weeks?

"Do not underestimate my observation skills. It's abundantly clear when you are together… the sidelong looks you give one another. The embarrassed faces. You should explain yourself."

I gulp down my protests and sigh, giving in. "I… yes. I like her. To what extent… I don't really know. We were very good friends during the war, and when I learnt she wanted more from me…"

I try to steady my wavering voice. "But… it doesn't matter. I would never be unfaithful to my wives. I love them both, Akagi and Kaga equally. I couldn't hurt them like that. Never."

Amagi nods understandingly. "I can tell you speak the truth. Yet, I must point out the folly of your actions. You still keep things from them, you have not told them about these feelings."

I shake my head. "I have no idea how they would react… Ever since there was an incident with a Siren, and me losing my memories… Akagi has become protective, possessive of me once again. And Kaga… poor Kaga has always felt like she needs to compete with others for my love, for my attention. If she knew I was looking at another… it would crush her. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my marriage with them… we're still newlyweds really… we've only been married for just over a year… I… don't want to hurt them, I love them… I…" I trail off... my words puttering out as my thoughts meander.

Amagi suddenly reaches over and runs an arm around my back, bringing me close and hugging me reassuringly. "The heart… truly is a fickle thing. Do not blame yourself. You have feelings for another. Yet you retain your feelings for your lifelong partners. Focus on that. But my sister is sharp, as is Kaga. You are a fool if you think they truly have been deceived."

She speaks softly. "Akagi has spoken to me much, these past two weeks. About her love for you, her life as a whole. I know of her cravings for a kit. Your kit. I know how much she obsesses over you, your wellbeing, your love. She also knows you hide things from her. She knows some things are necessary, such as Asclepius. But she is not so naïve as to think you do not harbour other secrets… She knows you well."

I can feel my heart in my chest stop. Akagi knew I was hiding something? She had never said a word?

"I understand your concerns. Truly. You value them, as much as they value you. But if that is the case, then why not tell them the truth… You owe them that at least. What they make of it is up to them. My sister… is very different to the one I knew. I suspect I have you to thank for that. Nonetheless, I do believe I know her. And I don't think she would dispose of you in a fit of anger, not if you tell the truth. As for Kaga, you can prove your love for her rivals that of anyone else, yes?"

I… I'm not sure if I can tell them..." I confess nervously. The idea of telling Akagi or Kaga about my feelings for Enterprise seemed like madness. I felt guilty not telling them, that was for sure. And if Akagi already suspected something… that made me feel so much worse. But…

I could imagine her… worrying about it, terrified of what I was hiding from her. Arghhhh. Damn it!

Amagi's hand flexes on my shoulder. "You see? What I mean? You really should tell them. I am truly sorry… but I do wish to confront you on another matter as well, my apologies."

"Akagi is terrified you do not wish for a kit… a child, is this the truth?"

I'm surprised at the sudden change of subject, but acquise. "I… um… I honestly don't know. I've always wanted to talk to her more about it. But it seemed pointless when we didn't know if it was possible. And…" I pause, afraid of voicing my thoughts, but eventually speak.

"… Akagi… really wants one, so much so, I think that she might… force it on me."

Amagi narrows her eyes at me, a rare display of anger on her otherwise calm visage. "Truly? You think so little of my sister? Your wife? She is dedicated to you. She thinks of nothing but your feelings on a matter. How you came to that conclusion is beyond me."

She takes a breath and her eyes once again return to their calm soothing gaze. "Do you even know why she wants a child so desperately?"

I shake my head slowly. I just assumed that… she just… did?

Amagi sighs frustrated. "Truly… Kaga was right when she said you can be a dunce sometimes… Regardless… I shall not tell you, it is not my place. You should go now… speak to them. Tell them how you feel abut that, Enterprise, and do not assume the worst. Perhaps if you can sort that mess out, you can talk to my sister about offspring..."

I nod hesitantly. I still wasn't really sold on this idea. But the guilt was eating away at me inside, and if Akagi already knew something was up, then it was best to come clean, and just hope for the best… I guess?

Amagi smiles and strokes my head giving a chuckle. "Hmm… I suppose you do have a certain charm. Perhaps I can see how my they fell for you…"

I smile and thank her for the kind words, giving a wave as I exit the room, heading back home.


I enter the large open room to find Akagi reading a book on the sofa, lying back with a smile on her face as her eyes follow the words on the page enraptured by the contents of the romance novel. Kaga was over in the kitchen, preparing various ingredients to cook.

The brunette kitsune tails sway happily as I enter the room and she turns, closing the book and smiling at me.

"Welcome back, Dear Husband. What did my sister have to say, anything important?" She falters, her happy expression morphing into concern. "Is something the matter? You look deadly serious dear?"

Kaga stops what she was doing and walks over to me, giving me a quick peck on observing my face curiously. "Yes, I agree. Something wrong?"

I motion to the couch. "Lets… sit down. I… have something I need to tell you."

They both cock their heads quizzically and their tails stop their happy swaying as they detect the nervous seriousness in my words.

They both sit on the sofa, and I sit opposite, facing them.

"Truly, dear… you are scaring me. What's wrong?" Akagi speaks up, her crimson gaze boring into me with such devotion and care. It kills me.

My heart thuds as I steady myself. I owed them it. I needed to.

"Akagi… Kaga… I…" I gulp nervously, trying my best to face the music, and stop my hands from shaking.

"I love you. I truly, completely do. Without you… I don't know what I would be. A different man. A worse one for sure. And whatever I say… I still love you, I still treasure you, and you must understand… I would never do anything to hurt you, to betray you…"

They both stay silent, watching me respectfully. "I…"

My voice falters and I feel my breath catch in my throat. I… I…

I bow my head, unable to look them in the eye.

"…I… have feelings… for Enterprise."