"…I… have feelings… for Enterprise."
I wince, fully expecting an explosive reaction from either of my wives as I utter those fateful words. However, that is not quite what I get.
Kaga's eyes widen, her blue eyes shimmering with surprise and fear as her ears lower to her scalp, tails quivering with sadness. I already knew what she was thinking, it was as clear as day. She had confessed to me already that she felt inadequate as a wife… she was afraid of me finding another, of being replaced. The fact that I had feelings for my closest friend… it terrified her.
"Kaga, I…" I try to shout, explain myself, comfort her. But she curtly stands, ignoring my pleas and strides to the bedroom, immediately locking the door behind her as my heart thuds in my chest.
Damnit…
Akagi, on the other hand, had barely done or said anything. Her eyes bore into me, the crimson irises regarding me with an aura I cannot place.
She crosses her arms as her tails swirl around her. Until eventually, she makes a *hmph* and speaks. "Finally. About time you confessed your sins, husband."
"You knew…" I say it more as a statement than a question.
She nods, her eyes continuing to bore into my body furiously. "I am not a fool. And you should not have taken me for such. You have feelings for her. But does she have feelings for you?"
"I…" I ponder this loaded question. "That's… her business. I can't say." For the first time, I spot a hint of blazing anger in her crimson gaze.
"I trust you have not been… intimate?" Her voice is harder, more accusing now.
"No…. Akagi I… I would never, we haven't done anything, at all. I only felt the need to tell you, to be fair and honest. It doesn't affect how I feel, about you, our marriage, or your sister.
"I think you'll find my dear sister thinks differently." She motions to Kaga's empty seat, making her point.
"You have hurt her. You have hurt me. You speak of honesty, yet, how long have you known about your feelings for her? Truly?"
"I…um…"
Akagi's tails dance in irritation, riled up. "See. You may never have lied Husband, but secrets are still lies in their own way. The thought of you secretly harbouring thoughts for another…"
She shudders. "And it had to be her, that pest…" She speaks bitterly, my foxwife's eyes never leaving my face.
"And pray tell, what exactly do you expect me to do with this information?"
"I…err….um…." I stutter, not quite getting what she meant.
"Surely you do not share this hidden part of your heart thinking that I or my dear sister would be ok with such a thing? That we would simply accept it happily and move along. You are ours. Our husband. Out of all the girls in this port, we are the ones you come home to."
"I… no. I understand, really. I just wanted to be honest. It was… eating away at me. And you are absolutely right, you are my wives, and I still value you, just as much as before."
"Dear husband. This is a grave transgression. But… you truly maintain your love for me, for my sister?"
I reply quickly and loudly, doing my best to prove that my feelings and words were indeed true. "Yes, absolutely! I would never do anything to betray that. I love you, both of you, so much, you're my wives, and nothing will ever change that!"
Akagi nods slowly, her kitsune powers allowing her to immediately validate I'm telling the honest truth from the bottom of my heart. "Very well. I… think, I think I can live with that. Your love is all ever want, my dear husband. But…"
Her expression hardens once again. "Do not go near that pest. I shall… speak to her in private. And I will lay claim to what is mine, and make sure we have an understanding. Is that understood?"
I nod quickly, just wanting to be back in my wife's good books, even if her words did sound somewhat ominous. "You won't do anything… rash?"
One of my wife's tails flicks in irritation and she gives me a disapproving glare. "You are in no position to be making demands. It depends entirely on how that pest speaks to me. But I will make an effort to be cordial, that is all I can promise."
It seemed that was the best I was going to get, while she was in this mood. I was glad that we had at least come to some form of understanding, unlike with poor Kaga. I felt terrible about it. My eyes naturally fix on the bedroom door behind Akagi.
The brunette shakes her head. "No. Not now. Speak to her in the morning, she needs time to process. I am hardly pleased by these events, but Kaga has always been delicate in such matters. It would be best if you slept on the sofa."
Her eyes harden as they narrow into a thinly disguised look of annoyance. "Besides. It is the least you deserve." She swiftly stands, and enters the bedroom behind her, leaving me feeling guilty and alone.
Why, had I let Amagi talk me into this? I mean… sure, it felt better, not being weighed down by it any longer.
And Akagi's reaction, while certainly still angry and annoyed, hadn't been quite as explosive as anticipated. Honestly, it was Kaga's that hurt the most. But hopefully… that was something I could fix.
I wake with a groan, my neck cracking as I stretch on the sofa, before settling back down with a sigh. I had the morning off from work, but I wish it was under better circumstances…
I hear the sound of running water from the kitchen next door, and slowly get up, straightening my ruffled uniform dutifully as my thoughts wander. Man… what a mess. My heart aches as I consider the situation I had unfortunately found myself in.
I slowly walk into the large main room and my eyes glide over my fair-haired foxwife making tea for herself. I already know full well that she is aware of my presence, her astute senses picking me up the second I entered the room, she was simply choosing to ignore me.
"Kaga…" I speak softly, my tone hurt, because, well… I was. I was hurting. My chest wrapped in thorns, being squeezed and pierced, my fear slowly dripping out as my heart throbbed in agony.
One of her ears twitches, acknowledging my words, but she still refuses to look at me.
I slowly approach her, like she was a lion in a cage, and I was the zookeeper, trying my best to not be eaten. "Kaga… please."
One of her tails flicks the air, and I notice a shift in her body language, gone is the stiffness, the artificial façade of coldness, her tails begin to droop as her ears flatten. She speaks quietly, an air of bitterness to her words, still not looking at me. "What?"
I speak quickly, finally given the chance to explain. "I know this is a shock, and I'm really sorry. But you needed to know. And you need to also know, that I treasure you, as a friend and as my wife. I would be completely lost without you. This doesn't change anything between us…"
Her ears perk up, just the slightest amount, but they quickly droop back down, and she remains looking away from me. "Don't be a fool. It changes a lot, Shikikan.
I step closer. "No. It doesn't. I still love you. My feelings for Enterprise are… complicated. They're not fully realized… and they likely never will be. But I know my feelings for you, I always have."
Her tails make a slight shift at this, and her ears immediately fly up but stay there this time and she turns to me. Her face was still sour, but with a hint of hope within her eyes.
"And who would you choose. Me or her?"
I wince at the question. Of course she would ask that, comparing herself to Enterprise, like it's a competition for my love. Her insecurities were deep-rooted, driving her to that. God… I hated this.
"Kaga that's not a fair question, I…"
She cuts me off, eyes narrowed. "Who would you choose?"
I sigh, relenting. Either answer feels like a betrayal, a stab to my heart, and to two of my closest friends. But… only one of them is my wife.
"You Kaga. Of course, you. Why would the answer be anything different? Yes, I have feelings for her, but you're my wife. I adore you. I know you, I've spent years with you, being intimate, bonded together. Is that the confirmation you needed? Because yes. If it came down to it, I would choose you. I am choosing you. Nothing will happen between me and Enty. I promise."
Her entire expression softens, life returning to her features slowly as she absorbs my passionate words. "I… I don't like it. But, I accept that you have feelings for her. As long as you don't forget me. As long as you never forget me."
"I would never. Can I…?" I step closer, and motion with my hands to envelope her. She nods, a pure beautiful smile slipping onto her lips. My chest lightens as I breathe a sigh of relief, hugging her tight as my wife's head nestles into my shoulder, her snow-white ears tickling my face.
"I love you. And I always will." I whisper into one of the fluffy fox ears, and it twitches happily in response, and Kaga's arms tighten around my back, holding me close.
Eventually, we break our embrace, and I give my wife a short kiss on the lips and she smiles happily, her tails slowly swaying in the air.
"Tea?" Kaga asks inquisitively, having already poured herself a cup. I nod, but then follow up with a question as I peer around the house, my gaze searching for my other wife.
"Kaga, do you know where your sister is?"
"She left earlier. We didn't really talk much. After, well, what happened. She muttered something about going to talk to… Enterprise. I tried to dissuade her. I was annoyed at you, but bringing her into the mix seemed unnecessary, but she said you were ok with it?"
"I suppose I did say I was. But I kinda hoped she would forget about it. My feelings are my problem. I don't want to get Enty involved. You don't think she'll do anything rash, do you? Like… she used to?"
Kaga sips her tea and considers this. "I think… my dear sister is in more of a foul mood than she let on. She barely spoke a word last night, she had an aura of bitter anger to her. Her scent was… aggressive. I have faith in her, but since Archiver, I'm not certain. I hate to say it…"
A look of distaste covers her face. "…but perhaps you should check on her and Enterprise."
I agree. Akagi had seemed ok last night, comparatively speaking, given the circumstances. Perhaps… too calm? I wasn't sure, but her talking to Enterprise could go very poorly regardless.
"Hmm, I think you're right. I'll see you in a bit." I give her a hug and head for the door, but I'm surprised when I feel her presence follow me, and she attaches herself to my side as we exit the room.
"I am coming too. She is my sister. And besides, I have words for Enterprise myself."
I can't help but let my eyes widen slightly in response and my wife giggles at my fearful reaction. "Fret not. I'm joking. Mostly…"
I shake my head with a grin. At least she was making jokes, she seemed to be a bit better at least. I hated hurting them in this way. But I was sick of the secrets. Now they knew the truth, that was that. No more secrets, just honesty.
Me and Kaga wander the base, slowly heading towards the Eagle Union dorms, where I assumed Enterprise would be. As we approach, my heart sinks as I spot 5 figures, 2 on one side, 3 on the other. 2 of the figures are sat on benches opposite one another, glaring at the other.
Akagi and Enterprise. My chest tightens. Something had already happened. I see no signs of a true fully powered fight, no bomb craters or damage to the building, so at least that's something. The two figures stood by the sitting Enterprise are Yorktown and Hornet, whereas I'm surprised to see Nagato by Akagi's side, appearing to be lecturing her.
Akagi snarls at Nagato and waves her off, ignoring whatever the battleship had to say. Her ears immediately perk up when her eyes wander over me and Kaga, and my wife quickly leaves my side and rushes over to her sister worried.
I follow suit and Nagato shoots me a smile before stepping back slightly, allowing us closer.
"Akagi. What did you do?" I ask, my tone serious.
My brunette foxwife speaks in a deeply bitter tone, her eyes full of anger and sadness. "Why do you believe I did anything? Worried that I would hurt your precious little Enty? Do you truly believe I would be capable of such a thing? Hmph. Maybe you are right."
"I was not lying. I wanted to talk to her. I just also wanted to rip her damn pretty throat out. But, I stopped myself. Because I like to think that I'm better than that now. But the urge is still there, the past me bleeding through, it's unsightly, but I cant help but wonder… should I just let her out, burn everything for you, would it be easier?" Her crimson eyes grow sadder.
"Perhaps, is that why you like her? She isn't like me? She's pure. Innocent. Good-willed. I suppress myself because I know it would hurt you. I never want to hurt you. Ever."
"I merely confronted her. Told her that while I understand your feelings, she was not welcome to them. She can't possibly feel how I do about you, dedicate all to you as I do. Then I struck her. I will not apologize for that, I was making my point. This angered her and some choice words her exchanged. But her elder stepped in before anything happened. I would never have truly hurt her. The pain on your face at such a thing would disgrace me, but I was oh so tempted to teach her lesson. Nagato pulled me away before my blood could boil over and reprimanded me for striking another kansen."
At this, she looks over and shoots Nagato a thinly veiled glare, and the small battleship shrinks under my wife's angry stare.
"I…" I'm not even really sure what to say. I knew she was hurting. And, while I didn't like it, I couldn't even bring myself to blame her for lashing out at Enty.
"Akagi. I…" I search for my words. "I'm sorry."
"I'm really sorry. I know it's a lot to take in. But you're wrong. There's a lot of reasons I have feelings for her. Just as there are many reasons I love you. Your past is just that, your past. I understand why you feel like you do… really, I do. But please, don't take it out on her. Take it out on me if you must. You must understand, I love you, just as I do Kaga. I choose you, always have."
One of her ears twitches as she gazes at me, then back to the ground as her ears droop. "You forgive me? For striking her? For wanting to rip her head off her shoulders?"
"I understand. And, at the end of the day, she looks fine to me, right? You stopped yourself, because you knew it was wrong, and how I would react."
She nods slowly. "So, where does this leave us?"
"I'm… not sure."
Akagi laughs lightly, it's a small, half-hearted laugh, but still, it warms my heart. "Neither do I. As long as you don't expect me and her to get along, ever. And as long as you never give her even a slither of your heart, as long as you dedicate it to me and my sister, I can live with that."
"Ok." I agree, sealing the deal. My chest lightening slightly as the stress and pain slowly uncoils from my heart. "But do you think you could at least apologize for slapping her?"
Akagi gives me a faint glare of annoyance. "Absolutely not. Did I not just tell you I still hate her. Perhaps more so now. I only promise not to send her to her watery grave, or to strike her again. I refuse to be cordial with miss goody two shoes. It's the least you owe me."
I sigh frustrated and wave it away. "Fine, fine." Just as I'm about to walk over to Enterprise and apologize for this whole mess myself, the PDA in my pocket rings loudly.
My heart stops as I hear the distinctive sound. A major incident. Fuck's sake. Now of all times.
I open it up and quickly scan and curse loudly.
Akagi's and Kaga's expressions immediately become ones of concern. "What is the matter dear?" Kaga calls out worriedly.
"Asclepius. It's under attack by Siren forces. So is the closest naval base. We're the only ones who can respond… but it's still a while away."
Akagi's face grows pale and she utters out a single name. "Amagi…"
Amagi? Why would…?
Fuck. My mind catches up and my heart drops even lower. Amagai was at the facility, the researchers had wanted to test some new medication and procedures, see if they could alleviate her pain.
"I'm going." Akagi stands up with a raging fire in her eyes. She has already lost her sister once, she wasn't going to lose her again.
"So am I," Kaga speaks up, backing her sister.
"If you're both going. So am I." They both begin to protest; it was highly unconventional for me to come into a combat situation willingly.
"There are reports of a woman in black. Purple energy, white hair. It's Archiver. She'll want me, and I want to be there when she burns. And… I couldn't live with myself, sending you two in against her without me there…"
Akagi swallows her complaints and nods hesitantly, still unhappy with my decision. Indeed, it was madness. But I was confident in my wife's ability to keep me safe, besides, we wouldn't be alone. I already had a tally of what ships were available to sortie in my head. We would have a full fleet.
I'm surprised when Enterprise walks up, curious as to what all the fuss was about, feeling the change in the air. Akagi shoots her an undisguised look of annoyance and distaste but doesn't say a word.
"What's going on?" She speaks up, her white hair flowing behind her as she eyes me curiously. I explain quickly and a serious aura descends on her visage, wiping away the annoyance at Akagi and the curiousness of current events.
"I'm coming too." I nod. It made sense, she was a powerful asset, personal matters couldn't get in the way of this mission.
Akagi glares at Enterprise openly and speaks with a tinge of snark to her voice. "Oh. The grey ghost blesses us with her support. Lucky us. Surprised you are not worried I will backstab you the second we start fighting Sirens."
Inwardly, I roll my eyes. Is this how Akagi was going to treat Enty from now on? I was so glad when she had just started avoiding her instead of arguing, but now it seemed they were back to fighting once again.
Enterprise stares daggers at Akagi. "Do you want my support to help your sister or not?"
At the mention of her sister, Akagi immediately mellows, her eyes losing their jealous rage as she looks at the ground and mutters. "Your support is… appreciated."
The waves crash against Akagi's hull as we sail, the sound of the ocean all around us as I sit in the command room, idly thinking to myself.
This morning had just been one thing after the other, but I was glad that I seemed to have come to some form of understanding with my wives, although, I would be lying if I said I didn't feel sorry for Enterprise amongst all of this.
But I'd already told her, my wives came first, and she understood that, hell she was happy with that. I already knew that she hadn't wanted to affect my life as much as she had, that she felt bad about it.
Urgh… what a mess. But at least there was a return to some normalcy now. Or at least, as normal as our lives got. I was worried for Amagi of course. The facility was decently well-defended, New Jersey was a fearsome kansen and Minneapolis had her fair share of experience. So while Amagi herself wasn't much good in a fight due to her condition, I had hope that she'd be ok.
Preying on that hope and eating away at it was the fact that all communications had ceased since the distress call. Not a single message. Did that mean that the facility had fallen, that quickly? Was the fight still ongoing, and they simply hadn't had time to contact us with their status?
Regardless, worrying about it didn't help. Thinking about such dark thoughts, I wrap my arms around the brunette kitsune next to me, her own thoughts transparently clear as she looks into the distance, her crimson eyes glazed over in worry.
"She'll be fine. I promise."
"Don't make a woman a promise you cannot keep, dear husband. You have no way of knowing that."
"We will make sure she's fine." I push, insisting, trying to cheer up my poor wife. Akagi smiles and mutters a half-hearted thanks in return, before cuddling closer, her tails enveloping, twisting and turning, snaking around my shoulders and my chest until I'm covered in floof.
She moves closer still, until all I can see is her and her tails. The fluffy sensation on my skin reassuringly soft and warm. Her face hovers inches from my own, crimson eyes boring into me as she perches on my lap.
"Shikikan… about Enterprise…" She breathes deeply and looks oddly embarrassed.
I quickly reply. "You don't need to talk about it if you don't want…"
She shakes her head and offers a small smile. "It is ok. I want to apologize. Not to her. But to you. You must understand… I would never hurt you. I never could. And if hurting her in any way hurt you… I would hate myself. If ever you became my enemy, if the Empire was to be that truly foolish, I could not bear it. I would stay by your side without question. You are my empire now. So, I am sorry for acting as I did. Making things awkward for you and if I did hurt you."
She leans forward and places a gentle kiss on my lips, her tongue gliding into my mouth and briefly touching my own before retreating. "However, I hope you understand, how I feel? My only wish in life is for you to depend on me, to care for me. Whenever anything threatens that… I feel threatened."
"You must understand, even with Kaga, my closest, most beloved sister, I find it difficult. Incredibly so. You are my world. And I find it incredibly hard to understand how others feel about you because I feel like no one can truly understand how much I depend on you, and how much I need you to depend on me. Only I know the depths of my heart, and I like to think… the depths of yours."
She smiles a sad, sweet smile. Her red eyes shimmering with emotion as her ears twitch and her tails continue their dance around me, entwining both of us.
"If you wanted to choose her over me, I would not blame you, in truth. If you are horrified by the rabid fox inside me, I would not blame you. Truthfully, I have no idea how one such as yourself came to fall for me. And I count my blessings for that everyday, and I always pray to the gods to watch over you, and protect my love, the one I was fated to be with."
"I know my anger. My past returns at times. It is unsightly, but at the end of the day, you must accept, as I have come to, that it is a part of me, one I may never shake. But please understand, as long as you accept me, I am happy. I don't have to like Enterprise, nor your feelings for her, but I understand them at least. And as long as you always accept my love, as long as you never forget my feelings for you, then I am content."
I lean forwards, and kiss my wife lovingly once again, before breaking the kiss gently and speaking softly. "Akagi. I count my blessings that you love me as much as you do. You know I don't hold your past, your temper, against you. I love you for who you are. And I understand, at least to a degree. The thought of you having feelings for another guy… I would hate it. I crave your devotion, as much as you crave mine. I really am sorry about this stuff with Enterprise. But most importantly, I'm sorry for keeping it from you. I was just scared and worried. I didn't want to hurt you. You and Kaga, mean the world to me, and I was so scared of losing exactly that, my world."
I reach out gingerly, gently taking one of her many tails in my hand, enjoying the soft feeling of her fur in my palm as I slowly stroke it sensually, as my wife closes her eyes and shudders slightly at my touch, her tails just as sensitive as always.
Akagi opens her eyes slowly and nods in understanding. "As do you to me, dear. We are bound by Oath, by love, by soul. You are my bond-mate. As you are Kaga's. You mean as much to me as both my dear sisters, if not more."
Her eyes lose their intense emotional focus as her mind clearly drifts to Amagi once again. I consider telling my wife about the fertilization treatment, to sate her want for a child, to cheer her up, but it doesn't seem like the right time. Not with so much stuff going on. Afterwards, when Amagi is safe, that's when I'd tell her.
If we made it through all this in one piece…
The facility is surrounded by mass-produced Sirens, and I quickly split our fleet into 3 smaller battlegroups to encircle them as we press forwards. The sirens are not too much trouble, our fleets are strong and with no sign of Archiver, Sirens fall in large numbers, sinking to the bottom of the ocean, never to be seen again.
Regardless, whenever one falls, three more seem to take their place. These Siren's were cheap, and not particularly a threat, the issue was their numbers, which was slowing us down considerably.
Akagi and Kaga fight with particular fervour. I always worry about them, seeing them in combat, explosions ricocheting around them as they dance in and out of the fight, flinging planes and foxfire projectiles about while dodging all the shells that come their way.
It was something I had steeled myself to, sending them into combat, but that didn't mean I had to like it. In fact, I hated it, every damn second of it.
I knew they were fully capable of handling themselves, but when it came to the Siren's, nothing was a sure thing, and even the slightest chance that they could be hurt frays my nerves and fills my heart with anxiety.
I'm glad when they return, giving me a quick nod and speaking quickly. "We have carved a path through their flank if we sit here and dawdle… there is no telling what is happening inside. We must enter quickly." Kaga speaks in a hurry, gesturing to the battlefield where the sounds of cannon fire and plane engines still echo across the ocean.
"Ok, what do you propose?" I knew that I was the one who should be making decisions, but my wife was a perfectly valid tactician when it came down to it, and I valued her opinion.
"Me, my sister and Enterprise will use the path we have created, entering the facility to scout. If we have the will of the gods on our side, we will find Amagi, along with any other survivors and get them out."
I nod, happy with that plan. It meant that our fleet would merely have to hold the line, rather than continue this slow push towards the facility. If we could avoid Archiver altogether, that was a bonus.
"Ok. But I'm coming with." The reaction of my wives is immediate, as their tails puff up, eyes widening with surprise.
"Don't be absurd. It was bad enough you coming this far with us, you should be back at the port! I won't allow such foolish behaviour." Akagi growls at me.
"I'm coming. If you do find Archiver in there, I want to be with you. Besides, you need to be able to use your rigging properly, it's limited in ship-form."
Akagi narrows her eyes at me and mutters. "I hate it when you are logical… but I concede if that is your wish. However! You must do exactly as I say when we enter and stay behind me at all times. Understood?"
I nod my assent, and get on the radio, summoning Enterprise. She appears promptly, but my heart sinks as I realise she's bleeding from her leg. Luckily, she doesn't seem to be hurt seriously, and she's walking fine.
Nonetheless, I rush up to her and check her over. "Enty! Everything ok? You're hurt?"
She waves me off, her cheeks blushing slightly at my attention. "It's barely a scratch. Just got surprised is all, but these ones don't pack much punch, I'll be fine. Thanks… for asking."
She smiles awkwardly as I feel both my foxwifes eyes drilling into me from behind at the care and attention I was giving Enterprise.
"What did you call me for?" I explain the basic plan quickly and she nods.
"Makes sense. We're not getting through the sea of these bastards anytime soon. Breaking this siege is going to take too much time, prioritizing extraction is logical. Smart move Commander."
I smile sheepishly and motion to where Kaga was stood staring daggers at us. "It was Kaga's idea."
Enterprise looks up at the pale-haired fox in surprise, embarrassment quickly seeping into her face, which she promptly suppresses and gives Kaga a smile and a professional nod. "Nice one Kaga."
It's Kaga's turn to look surprised and embarrassed as she receives the unexpected compliment, breaking her angry stare into confusion. Like Enterprise though, she quickly recovers and gives a grateful nod.
"Right. Let's do this." I grin, trying to put some confidence into my voice to boost morale, although, to be honest, I doubt it has much effect in these dire circumstances.
We arrive on shore within minutes as the battle continues to rage. I can hear our own forces continuing to fight in the distance. In the end, I had left Washington in charge of the fleet. She was more than capable, and I trusted her explicitly.
We slowly approach the large concrete structure, Akagi and Kaga in front of me, Enterprise protecting my rear. As we get closer, it's not hard to tell that the assault the facility had sustained was a brutal one. Scorch marks scatter the walls that remain, while some are simply in pieces, shattered by the Siren's high-tech weapons.
More ear-splitting shots ring out, but this time, not from the distance, from the facility. With a loud crash, a guard flings one of the large double doors open as he runs through, turning in one deft motion onto his knees and firing several rounds with his assault rifle into the building at some unseen enemy.
Another guard comes running out, lugging an anti-material rifle slowly. He also turns, shouting something at his fellow soldier as he also kneels, bracing the rifle against his shoulder and firing a shot of his own, the huge weapon's barrel smoking as the sound of the large calibre shot rings out.
A laser flies through the doorway, so bright that it burns your irises with its intensity, hitting the assault rifle bearing guard straight in the chest, the bright beam of energy only touching him for a second before it melts what little armour he had, and it precedes to pierce his body, and he slumps down, dead.
Upon seeing his fellow guard cut down so mercilessly, the survivor makes a break for it, slinging the heavy weapon onto his back and making a break for it. Personally, I would have ditched it, it was heavy and was bound to slow him down. But, when it was one of the only human weapons that could even scratch a Siren, he probably didn't want to leave it, besides, I doubt he was thinking logically.
The source of the lasers soon reveals itself, walking nonchalantly out of the doors with a sickening smile, eyes on the guard fleeing for his life as her rigging focuses on him.
For a second, I almost think it's Archiver. But upon closer inspection, her features are different and the energy colour is different, as is the rigging. It's a humanoid Siren, just a basic tracker model. "Akagi." I go to give the order, but she's already beat me to it.
She moves faster than I can track, stepping in front of the guard, covering him as she summons her own rigging and foxfire, immediately flinging it at the Siren, who has been taken by complete surprise, not expecting a powerful kansen to interrupt its sport.
It barely has a chance to react, the women-like voice giving a shriek of terror as Akagi's projectile land dead in her chest, exploding with fire. The tracker immediately falls to her knees, then to the floor, eyes losing the spark of life as she dies.
Enterprise walks up to the guard, her eyes kind. "You, ok?" He nods gratefully, before noticing my presence.
"Sir!" He straightens up as he looks at me fearfully.
Kaga, who has remained by my side speaks up. "What's the situation? Where's the kansen protecting this facility? Where's Amagi?" Her teeth are gritted and she speaks quickly.
He looks surprised at the rapid-fire question but knows better than to rebuke a kansen, and answers dutifully. "The attack was swift, no warning, no radar signatures. We were only ever equipped to deal with light incursions, never a full-blown Siren force. New Jeresy was our ace, but she engaged an Elite Siren, and we haven't seen her since. Minneapolis has been trying to organize resistance best she can, but communications are a mess. Most of us are dead. Our weapons barely scratch them."
His eyes flit about wildly as he recounts the destruction and the severity of the attack. A pit opens in my stomach, and I curse myself. I had only assigned two kansen here to defend. The whole place was meant to be entirely confidential. Plus, it held little to no strategic value, hence my decision. But clearly, it had been the wrong decision, and people had died because of that...
"As for Amagi. The last time I saw her she was with Doctor Kimberly, in the lab. Minneapolis said their safety was the highest priority. She was seeing to it personally, if anyone's still alive, they'll be there."
Kaga nods her thanks and raises her gaze to the structure, evaluating our options. I speak up quickly, well aware that time was a consideration. "Head straight for the lab? Hope they're still there?"
Kaga nods as Akagi returns, having dispatched another tracker class siren as we had spoken, the only reason I knew was the other body lying next to the last one, and the blood smeared on my wife's hands.
I turn to the guard. "Get out of here. Make sure no one takes the road in." I had briefly considered having him come with us, but it served little purpose, all he could do is slow down Sirens with his weapon, and the poor guy had clearly been through a lot. With a team of three kansen, he was superfluous.
Immediately, he hangs his head in relief with a sigh, clearly having expected me to order him back inside the hell he just escaped from. "Yes Sir, good luck in there… You'll need it." He mutters that last part, before jogging down the road at pace.
I turn towards the doors and slowly start walking towards them. "Once more unto the breach…" I mutter under my breath, my hand unconsciously drifting into Kaga's own and I give it a squeeze, enjoying the reassuring grip and smile she gives me
Enterprise and Akagi take up the front, with Akagi demanding I stay behind her. I notice her checking back on me, her gaze worried as we slowly advance through the maze of corridors. Kaga stays by my side, her eyes alert, shimmering blue in the darkness as she surveys every corner, her shoulders tense.
As we make our way deeper, we run into several humanoid siren models, but they are easily dispatched, the three powerful kansen at my side making extremely quick work of them. Unfortunately, on occasion, we find bodies, slumped against the walls, dead on the floor, wretched signs of the Siren's assault.
We keep looking for survivors, but my chest tightens and my heart drops as we pass yet another dead body, a scientist this time, his lab coat stained a deep red with his own blood, his eyes lifeless. This, this was my fault. I had to shoulder the responsibility for it. I underestimated the Sirens and their plans, and these people have paid the price. So much death… and it was on my shoulders…
Akagi must notice my pause as I look at the scene before me, because, before I can react, she has strode up to me and taken my head between her hands, gently forcing my gaze away from the body and to her beautiful visage.
"Dear Husband, I know what your mind lingers on. Don't you dare. Do not blame yourself. These humans, they knew the risks. Every staff member knows about the threat of the sirens, it's why they joined, it's why humanity fights. Do not for one second lay this solely at your feet, you could not have known this attack was coming."
I nod feebly, grateful for my wife's words of comfort, even if I was only half-convinced she was correct. Nonetheless, we had a job. I needed to focus on that. Now was not the time to wallow in my own pity.
Akagi flashes me a brilliant smile, and give me a quick hug, her tails wrapping around my legs until she pulls away, her eyes hardening as she returns to the task at hand, her warrior instinct taking over.
We turn a corner, and I hear a loud blast from the end of the long corridor, accompanied by a bright flash. Immediately, Kaga pulls me to the side, covering me with her body as a shell whistles past us, before exploding some distance behind us.
Enterprise immediately draws an ethereal golden arrow in her bow and aims it in the direction of the shot, but, before releasing the string, she calls out questioningly.
"Minneapolis?" As the dust settles, a figure comes running down the corridor, and as it turns out, it was indeed Minneapolis. The projectile attack must have given it away.
"Apologies. I've been shooting anything that moved. I… did not think there were any more friendlies alive. It is good to see you." The dark-skinned woman nods gratefully at Enterprise and then turns to me, giving a salute.
"Commander." A brief look of confusion covers her face, probably wondering why in the world I was in such a dangerous warzone, but she chooses not to question it, bigger problems and all.
Akagi speaks up, her ears twitch as her tails sway with hope, if Minneapolis was alive, then there was a chance. "Amagi?" She whispers.
Minneapolis smiles and nods. "This way." She leads us back down the corridor, and we end up in a large room, the main lab. Emergency floodlights are set up, and a handful of guards stand fearfully at the entrances to the lab, with barricades and sandbags set up.
All of them have anti-material rifles, and if the spent casings on the ground were anything to go off, they had defended against several Siren attacks. They must have been using them to slow any approaching Siren, trying to ward them off, until Minneapolis could engage.
As well as the guards, several scientists and workers are in the lab, huddled on makeshift beds, and they look up hopefully upon our arrival. They are more survivors than I originally thought, a nice surprise, but tactically, it was an issue.
The Eagle Union cruiser stops and turns, gesturing to the makeshift defences. "As far as I'm aware, we're the only ones left. I've been trying my best to keep them safe, organise the defence, but it hasn't been easy. We are prey, trapped in a hunters trap." She grimaces.
"I assume there's more of you?" She looks at us, unimpressed by our small numbers. I nod.
"We were just a small portion of the main fleet, sent to evac survivors. But to be honest, I thought there would be far less, as morbid as that is. You've done great work Minnie. We'll just have to adapt."
I take out my radio and quickly give my orders to Washington. Instead of holding the line, the fleet needed to push and create a path for reinforcements to reach here and extract the survivors. Washington agrees and says she'll divert her attention to breaking the siege once again.
"Where is Amagi? Is she ok?" Akagi tries to keep the irritation and worry out of her voice but fails.
Minneapolis points towards a far corner of the room, and we head over quickly. Indeed, Amagi is slouched over against the wall, Doctor Kimberly next to her, checking her body over and bandaging what she can.
Amagi looks in rough shape, several scars littering her skin as she is wracked by one of her coughing fits. Akagi immediately flings herself at her sister, hugging her and crying out her name, tails enveloping her in warm fluffy love.
I smile at the sight, at least she was alive. Amagi hugs Akagi in return and mutters. "I am ok, sister. I am ok…"
After a couple of minutes, Akagi pulls back, wiping her eyes as she returns to my side. Amagi looks up at me and gives a smile. It's not a particularly bright smile, but it is reassuring nonetheless.
"Apologies for my state. When the attack began, I insisted on staying by Minneapolis's side and fighting. I took down several sirens, but in the end, my body betrayed me."
Kimberly dabs at one of her wounds before also looking up at me. "I told her that she was in no fit state to fight. But she did anyway. But I must admit, she did well. You saved a lot of lives Amagi. Thanks."
Amagi smiles, her tails shifting. "I could not stand back and do nothing…"
"Do you know where New Jersey is? Or… Archiver?" I ask with trepidation.
"New Jersey immediately went to the dock, we had reports of a strong siren during the assault there. Likely Archiver. It seemed logical for her to prioritize eliminating such a threat. We… have not seen her since."
I nod gratefully, and Enterprise quickly speaks up, already knowing full well what I wanted to do.
"You want to check if she's still alive, don't you?"
I nod. I was not in the business of leaving people behind. If she was alive, then we needed to get her out.
Akagi speaks up sharply. "I understand, I do. But you realise that means tangling with Archiver yet again, dear husband. Is that wise?"
"We don't have a choice. If she's ok, she might need our help."
"And if she's dead?" Kaga's voice rings out from my right.
"Then we avenge her." Kaga nods, content with this answer, no doubt eager to rip into Archiver after our last encounter.
Akagi turns to Amagi and crouches, hugging her sister tight before stepping back. "Stay safe, dear sister. We shall be back momentarily."
"Good luck. All of you. New Jersey was truly a fearsome kansen, if she is in trouble, then that trouble must certainly be dire."
I turn to Minneapolis. "You stay here, protect the civilians as best you can. Washington should be here with reinforcements when she can, we're going after New Jersey."
Minneapolis nods and returns her attention to the corridor she was watching, ready for a siren to pop out at any moment.
My brunette foxwife appears at my side swiftly, her eyes soft as she beholds me. "I suppose it would be foolish to request you stay here?"
"It would," I reply.
She sighs, shaking her head as her ears twitch in mild frustration. "Very well. Such a stubborn husband I have…"
I chuckle, before we head off into the depths of the facility once more, the three kansen at my side.
As we slowly head towards the other side of the compound, I can feel my heartbeat rushing, pounding in my ears. The thought of having to face Archiver once again is not a pleasant one. I wanted to see her dead, of course. But not by putting those I loved at risk, Akagi… Kaga… Enterprise. They were all here, ready to put their lives on the line for me, and it terrified me.
It may well be their job as kansen. But surely there was another way?
Kaga takes note of my shuddering nerves and speaks quietly. "Something the matter husband?"
I go to deny it. To push her away, not allowing her to see the worry inside, but in the end, I cave. I trusted Kaga, I trusted them all, besides… lying would achieve nothing but a raised eyebrow and a repeated question.
"I'm worried. About you. About Akagi. And Enty too. I…" I mull over my words for but a second, before making my plea.
"You have to promise me. You'll prioritize your own lives before mine. I might be important as Commander, but I'm replaceable. You are one of a kind. Reforging doesn't always work, and even if it was a success, it would be a different Kaga, not truly you. I would hate that fate for you."
Kaga's blue eyes fill with fury as she stops dead in her tracks, her gaze piercing me as her tails become deathly still. "How dare you ask that of me. Of my sister."
Her expression softens ever so slightly before continuing. "You are correct. You are replaceable as our Shikikan. But you are not replaceable as our husband. Thinking that your life means so little to both yourself and us is an insult. We are kansen, and we are your wives. We will do whatever is necessary to keep you safe. That is not negotiable."
"Does it help if I were to make it an order?" I say, half-jokingly to lighten the mood, half-deadly serious.
Akagi chimes in, her voice soft and caring, yet with a dangerous serious undertone. "You should know better than to give me an order that I shall refuse to follow, dear husband."
Enterprise, suddenly speaks up from behind. "Agreed. I will not stand by idly and watch you cut down. Whatever orders I have. By whatever means, we will overcome this. And you will come out the other end."
Akagi's head raises to look at Enterprise, an odd look of appreciation on the fox's visage as she gives the Eagle Union carrier a grateful nod for her words, and her promise to lay her life on the line for her husband.
I sigh. That had not helped stem my fears in the slightest, if anything, it had amplified them.
"But. I shall ensure I do not put my life in harm's way to merely satisfy my bloodlust for that bitch. I promise you that." Kaga's words do bring me some comfort as she smiles faintly and gives me a soft caring hug, her snow-white tails coiling around me for but a brief moment, as I enjoy their sensation, all too aware that this could be the last time I feel them…
We make it to the docks without issue. In fact, with no issues whatsoever. The lack of Sirens is… odd.
Indeed, as we step out onto the concrete, the sun making way to the darkness, the air frigid, afternoon becoming evening, there are no Sirens to be seen. No sounds of distant fighting, no Sirens out at sea on the horizon.
It is deathly silent, except for the lapping of the waves on the large manmade foundations, and the faint wind in our ears.
"I don't like this," Enterprise mutters, her hands tense as she grips her bow. I agree. It wasn't right. Mere moments ago, we had been fighting our way through Siren-infested hallways, the sounds of our fleet battling echoing in the distance.
What had changed? Were the Sirens gone? Just like that?
Somehow, I doubt we would be that lucky. Akagi slowly treads forward, leading us further into the docks, following the shoreline. All of a sudden, Kaga calls out, keeping her voice low on instinct, unwilling to disturb the ominous silence.
"Over there." She points to a figure slumped over by some steel corrugated wall. Upon closer inspection, it indeed turns out to be New Jersey. We approach carefully, All three Kansen keeping their eyes sharp.
This screamed ambush, even I could see that. Nonetheless, New Jersey was our target, so we had no choice but to get her. We reach her and I bend down, checking her over. Her eyes are shut tight, but there is faint breathing, her chest beating away slowly. As I pull her head forward, I see the damage.
A bloody mark shows where she must have collided with this wall, and been knocked unconscious. In fact, her whole uniform has tears and scorch marks on it. Her skin was marred and scratched. She's been in a fight, a tough one.
"Tough gal that one. She gave almost as good as she got. I don't respect much. But even an insect can be impressive once in a while."
A chill runs down my spine as I recognize the voice behind me. Archiver.
I turn, just in time to see all three of the shipgirls at my side release their weaponry on the elite Siren. Enterprise's arrow streaking towards her with a shining golden light, and two foxfire projectiles from my wives, each burning with their respective colours.
Archiver doesn't even blink. Or move. Or do anything. Before the projectiles can connect, a shadowy figure steps out from behind her, calmly drawing her blade, and simply cutting the projectiles out of the air. Not even with any particular gusto, just as if it was a minor inconvenience.
I pale at the sight. Akagi. Her Akagi. The one that wore nothing but black, the only red to be seen on the handle of her beautifully crafted katana. She had just deflected the weapons of three simultaneous kansen, powerful kansen at that.
How? She was only Akagi? She wasn't a siren? Had the Sirens boosted her power somehow, could they even do that?
Archiver cocks her head, a sly smile of amusement seeping onto her face. It's only then that I notice, both her and the other Akagi, like New Jersey, showed evidence of a bitter fight. Scorch marks and scratches. Less so than Jersey, but still, it looks like what Archiver had said was true, Jersey had given her a run for her money.
My heart grows warm with pride. Damn right she did. And if she could hurt them, so could we. Archiver no longer had her rigging. Not her fancy one anyway. It looked different, like an upgraded version of a tracker class rigging.
She was powerful, yes, but not indestructible anymore.
Yet… something about that other Akagi. She radiated power. I didn't like it. She had seemed so reluctant at first, joining the Sirens. Now, she had a steely look on her face, pure obedience to her masters.
She was a problem. While I hated the thought of fighting her, if she gave us no choice, then we would have to defend ourselves. I had to remind myself, as much as she looked like my wife, she was not. She never would be. My wife is by my side right now.
Archiver's smile fades as she looks at me. "Worm. I usually enjoy playing… monologuing. It's normally so much fun to play with your delicate frail minds. But after the last time. WHAT YOU DID!" Her calm demeanour immediately makes way for deranged fury.
She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a second, before pointing straight at me, and speaking with an icy coldness. "No games this time. I am here for a single thing. Kill him."
The Akagi facing us simply nods emotionlessly at this order, readying her blade and walking slowly towards us.
"Stay behind us," Akagi speaks, her voice rushed and strained as she pushes me back towards where New Jersey lay unmoving. I nod, knowing full well that the second I get close to the enemy, it will spell my immediate death. I had to trust my wives and the other who my heart had fallen for.
I silently offer up a prayer. I wasn't religious. But times like these, it couldn't hurt. And if a single one of them was hurt. I… I don't continue the thought, shutting it down. No. That wouldn't happen, that couldn't happen.
Kaga is the first to leap forward, clashing with the Siren aligned version of her sister. If she has any reservations about striking a person who is so close to her heart, she doesn't show it, as she summons foxfire in both hands, manifesting it into two flaming blue daggers.
Akagi jumps into the fray also, summoning a longer two-handed sword from her foxfire. I had never seen them use such weapons. But in such close quarters, using their rigging, or standard projectiles was impossible, not when the enemy had such a fearsome katana.
Luckily, with the other Akagi focussed on my wives, Enterprise can stay slightly back, leaning into her ranged speciality as she summons an arrow, aiming once again. Her hand sways as she tries her best to get a shot.
Eventually, she growls annoyed. The fighting is too fast, too fluid. Akagi & Kaga dance around their enemy, exchanging blows constantly as my heart beats against my chest, almost unable to breathe. Suddenly, the dark Akagi does not seem so strong. My wives are sufficiently keeping her back, although it is taking all of their strength.
Enterprise suddenly shifts, her aim wildly swinging to Archiver, who is sat observing the whole affair with malice in her eyes. Why she doesn't intervene, I don't know. Perhaps the lack of her proper rigging means she has lost her confidence. Scared she will be struck down? So is using her 'pet' to do her dirty work instead.
Whatever the case, the second she see's Enterprise's intentions, her eyes go wide. And for once, I see fear in those purple eyes. She quickly moves out of the way, and the arrow dissipates harmlessly where she once stood.
Archiver hisses with annoyance, aiming her cannons at Enterprise. But before she can fire. A calm voice rings out amongst the battlefield, and all ships stop for a second to listen.
"Archiver. You had one warning. I do not have the patience for another." The speaker reveals herself besides Archiver. I knew of her, Observer. Although this is the first time I had seen her in person.
I'm slightly confused when Archiver growls, then shouts at Observer, readying her weapons. "So that's where my mass-produced units went, you revoked my privileges, you utter bitch! Well, you know what. Fuck you! So godamn condescending. I'll just kill you first. I don't give two shits about you or your damn stupid experiments. Never did!"
Observer doesn't even bother replying, in fact, she looks positively bored. She sighs, then raises her hand, and clicks her fingers.
I blink, and with a sudden movement, no ceremony. Archiver is dead.
A katana runs straight through her chest, blood spilling from the wound, until the dark Akagi slowly removes it, swinging it and flinging the remaining blood onto the ground, staining it. She slowly collapses to the floor, her eyes lifeless, her last breath gone.
I can't quite believe it. Archiver was dead? Just like that? And killed by her 'pet' of all things. Both my wives and Enterprise stand in equal shock, but quickly come to their senses and ready their weapons, still faced with two potential foes.
Observer completely ignores them, looking at me, and the shock on my face. "Don't be surprised. She has always been a liability. Something of a prototype by the creator. She had her uses, but she was insolent, unpredictable. I do hope later revisions will be more… sane."
She turns her attention to the black-clad Akagi next to her, the one that had dispatched her master with nothing more than a look of mild contempt. "I have to say. You are the most surprising success of this whole endeavour. And you were simply a byproduct. How curious. But alas, that damn pest has destroyed too much hard work. This experiment is irreparable."
"What experiment?" I ask, my voice demanding. I probably wouldn't even get an answer, but hell might as well give it a shot.
Observer looks surprised for a second but chuckles before answering. "It doesn't matter now. I have my answer. It was a colossal waste of time. And while I hate to admit it, Archiver was right. My theory was wrong. There are far more effective ways of strengthening wisdom cubes. Your supposed oaths do nought. They bring you nothing but pain and an extra source of weakness."
She talks as if she talking to herself more than anything, and I struggle to understand. Oaths? Strengthening?
She continues, ignorant of my confusion. "Yet, her methods, while unrefined, created this…" She motions to the dark Akagi. "At least she knows who to be loyal to. Don't you, my pet." Observer chuckles.
"And my observations were for nothing. Although I doubt Archiver's meddling helped. She was only ever meant to watch. To poke, to prod. Occasionally gather data. See how their performance was… Time was a key factor. I needed to measure that."
This time she motions to my wives. "But the unstable idiot just couldn't handle that. I told Empress… I told her and told her… but does she listen? No! Of course not!" She descends into muttering, actually just airing her frustrations to the world now. I'm barely able to keep up with what she's talking about.
Suddenly, she sighs. "But. From what Empress tells me. We have a case of mistaken identity. You are not the key. Not *this* you anyway. Which means I'm free to do as I wish. And I have one more variable I wish to test before I completely debunk my theory."
She turns to both Akagi and Kaga. "If it helps. This brings me no pleasure. Although, I would also be lying if I said I particularly cared."
"Kill him. And actually try this time, I know you didn't before. I wish to see how breaking the oath affects them. If grief can be used as a source power instead."
For the first time, I see the other Akagi's face break. Her eyes fill with emotion. Sadness. She wasn't trying before? But then… that meant…
Before anyone can react, she is running at me at a blistering pace, putting even a kansens speed to shame. This was nothing like she had fought before. Akagi and Kaga are too far away. They move to stop her, readying their foxfire. But it's too late. They were too far forward, keeping me at the back.
The other Akagi thrusts forward with her blade, aiming straight for my chest. At the same time, her eyes tear up, her mouth moving as the whole world slows for me. "I'm sorry." I can see her mouthing it, even as she drives the tip of her katana against my chest.
Then, my world spins, and I hit the dirt with a thud. A body had slammed into me at the last minute. Just like it had all that time ago… when the same girl had saved me from strafing zeroes…
The dark Akagi gasps and quickly pulls her blade out of Enterprise, who had taken the blow for me. Her blood drips from her arm as she slumps onto her knees, her crisp white shirt quickly staining a deep red.
Observer looks on in shock. Before she shakes her head and sighs. "Fuck it… You've fucked with too many variables now. No good data from this at all. This whole project was worthless. I'm done." And with that, she turns, and vanishes, alongside the other Akagi.
As soon as they vanish, I run over to Enterprise, my heart pounding in my chest as my hands shake.
This can't be happening. It can't. No… No… I refuse to believe it.
I reach Enty, quickly checking her over as tears flood down my face, dripping onto her unresponsive body. But, just as I lift her up, holding her close, I feel something.
She's breathing. I pull at her shirt as my wives slowly approach from behind. The wound. It went cleanly through her shoulder. She… she might still be ok.
Kaga gently pulls me away and speaks softly. "Dear husband, step back." She pushes me away slightly so she can examine Enty herself as Akagi holds me close, her embrace reassuringly soft as my mind races with the worst possible outcomes.
"Is she?" I ask.
Kaga looks up, her ears quivering. "I will not lie. She is… not good Shikikan. I will try a cauterize her wound, but there is some damage to her wisdom cube by the looks of it, she needs a repair ship as soon as possible."
She quickly summons a ball of blue flame in her hand and begins to cauterize the wound to stop the bleeding. It does not look pleasant, and I have to imagine that if Enterprise was conscious, she would be screaming in pain. I thank god that she isn't.
Akagi mutters next to me, more to herself than anything. "She… saved you. She… sacrificed herself for you. When I could not…" Her tails droop with sadness as her ears flatten.
"She… has always been a good friend. Loyal to a fault." I manage to get out, as I scan the horizon for our fleet and the repair ships within it. Before long, I spot them, slowly approaching from the distance.
Akagi slowly nods in agreement. And whispers to herself. "Yes… she was always loyal to you. I suppose… I… did respect that."
As the fleet approaches, Akagi steps back, having done what she can for the injured kansen, and she comes over to me, embracing me softly, giving me reassurances. Saying that she'll be fine, that it's all over now, as I stare blankly at my injured friend, still unmoving, and pray that she'll be ok.
Port Repair Bay, 2 Weeks Later…
I sit, watching Enterprise breathe slowly in the bed. She was currently asleep, it took her a lot of energy to talk or even be awake currently, so she slept often. Regardless, I barely left the repair bay.
My wives had been up to see me, check how I was, and even how Enterprise was. Regardless of how they personally felt about her, they respected the decision she had made. One that any of them would have taken for me. They also respected how it had hurt me and had been happy for me to stay by her side, not even being slightly jealous or annoyed, which was nice, if odd for them.
Suddenly, her eyes slowly open, the purple shine to them filling with happiness as she watches me.
She speaks, her voice croaky. "You're not here to lambaste me about what I did again are you?" She chuckles lightly to herself.
"No… I gave up on that last week." I laugh alongside her. It's true, as much as I had told her she didn't need to do what she did. She maintained it was the right thing, both as a kansen under my command and as a friend.
"You really should go. I'll be fine. Go be with your wives." She smiles sweetly.
"Not a chance. They're fine. I'll see them tonight…" Just as I say that. The door opens wide and in stride Akagi and Kaga. They both smile politely at Enterprise as I automatically get out of my chair and give them both a kiss in greeting, surprised by their presence.
"What are you…?" I start my sentence, but Akagi interrupts me.
"We are…" She looks unusually demure, at least… for Akagi. "… here to talk to her." She motions to Enterprise. I raise an eyebrow in curiosity. My wife relents and rolls her eyes. "About you."
Immediately, my heart sinks. Damnit! Everything had been going so well! Hell, they seemed like they were almost begrudgingly getting along. Having newfound respect for Enty, having put all that affair from two weeks ago behind us.
"I don't think that…" I protest strongly, and this time Kaga speaks up, a faint blush settled on her cheeks, giving her an admittedly cute look as she defends herself and her sister.
"Um… it's not what you think, dear husband. Please, give us a chance?"
I quickly decide in my head. I suppose there wasn't any reason why not. I just hoped they wouldn't dredge up the past. I like Enty. She liked me. I was married. That was it. Nothing more to be said.
But… if they wanted to say their piece, I suppose it was their right.
As I motion for them to continue, Kaga's light blush morphs into a much brighter one, and her tails whip around her in nervousness. "Um… without you. Please?"
Huh? Without me? Akagi rolls her eyes. "Truly, sister, are you that embarrassed by the discussion at hand? It involves our beloved husband anyway?"
Kaga's ears steam as she looks at the ground. "Um… I'd still prefer he not be here…" She mutters. I can clearly she is uncomfortable, and while I have no idea what this is about. Making my wife uncomfortable really is the last thing I wish to do.
I hold my hands up and smile reassuringly at Kaga. "I'll go. It's fine. Just promise me you won't… fight. Any of you."
Akagi sighs exasperated and gives a small grin. "You really think I am capable of striking another woman who is recovering in bed? Even I am not that petty. Your worries can rest easy. We simply wish to talk with her."
I look at Enty just to get confirmation she was ok with it. She eyes my two foxwives warily, but gives me a reassuring nod, my sign to leave the room.
I quickly open the door, giving Kaga and Akagi yet another peck on the cheek, enjoying the feel of their tails swirl around me as I brush past them.
I… man… I really was so glad they were all ok. Not just Enty, but of course my wives. Two weeks ago, with everything that had happened. It had been rough. But it was over. Whatever the hell Observer was up to was gone. Archiver was finally dead. Although part of me was certainly annoyed it was not by Azur Lane's hands. But either way, it didn't really matter, as long as the bitch was gone, never able to hurt Akagi, Kaga or Enterprise ever again.
I sit outside the room, smiling and waving at the occasional ship that passed through the corridor. The walls are thick, so I can't make out what the hell they are all discussing. It had to be about my feelings for Enterprise, surely? Or hers for me? What else was there?
At least 10 minutes pass before the door opens once again, and both my wives walk out, blessing me with some lovely smiles as they come and greet me once again.
Before I can ask what that was all about, Akagi beats me to the punch. "So." She saddles closer, taking the chair next to me as Kaga does the same on the other side.
"We have discussed some things with Enterprise." Her tails swish around her as her ears twitch, although, with what emotion, I am unable to tell. "and we have come to… an agreement."
"An agreement about what?" I ask, genuinely curious.
Akagi smiles, and I notice Kaga has withdrawn into herself somewhat, her obvious embarrassment with the subject matter clear. "You," Akagi says all matter of fact like.
"She has proved her loyalty to you without a doubt. Her… feelings." The first bits of discomfort show on Akagi's visage as she discusses another women's love for me. "I… do not like her still. But… it feels cruel to part her from what her heart desires so firmly, just because I, and Kaga, wish it was so."
She brushes a brunette strand of hair from her crimson eyes before continuing, her tone slightly more serious. "Of course. You feel the same. And I have no wish to keep you from that, not if you truly wish it. Not if you trust her. So…"
Another faint smile drifts over her lips. "You may… consort with her, on occasion. We shall figure out a schedule. You may explore your feelings for her with my blessing, and Kaga's. Whether you wish to merely enjoy her company, or bed her, that is your concern."
I blush heavily at this, and Akagi's eyes become even more serious as they narrow, and her voice raises. "Of course. We were not this generous without reason. We have rules. You are still our husband after all. If you are to stay the night with her, we demand to be informed immediately. Also, I will not have her in the house. Just because she is your paramour does not mean I have to like her, or that she is welcome in my house. Do I make myself clear?"
I… what? This was a lot to process. I try my best to straighten it all out.
So my wives were happy with me… dating Enterprise basically? I… couldn't really ask for more. It sounded like Akagi especially still held something of a grudge against her, but the fact that she was allowing this was huge. Thinking of it, how in the world was Kaga ok with this?
I turn to my snow haired kitsune and ask. She blushes but responds simply. "If… I was her. I would hate it. I just put myself in her shoes. Besides… I know you love us. You cannot lie to us. Ever. That… will have to be enough for me."
I slowly nod my head, still processing. Before eventually, I give Akagi my reply. "What if things get more serious."
"We shall walk that path when we get to it." Comes her somewhat vague reply.
"Ummm… ok then." I didn't really have a reason to turn it down, did I?
She nods happily. "Now, do you wish to come home with us? That Eagle Union carrier is fast asleep now, she has exhausted herself, and if you go in there now, you'll disturb her. Besides… I miss you at home."
I smile. "Sorry. Yea. That sounds good." I stop and think for a second.
This wasn't really a good time. I'd planned to do it later, when Enty had recovered, we'd had some time to get back to normal. But it sounded like there would be something of a new normal. So, I might as well chuck this into the mix too.
"Can we stop by Akashi's first?"
Kaga cocks her head curiously at me, and one of Akagi's ears twitches as if to say "huh?"
I continue. "Um… We have something to pick up."
Her crimson eyes drill into me, the fires of hope burning away, her eyes almost watering at the prospect of what I'm about to say.
"That green-haired swindler managed it?" She whispers, almost in disbelief.
I nod happily and smile. "She did. No side effects."
Tears spring to her eyes as she uncharacteristically squeals with joy, and bundles me into a tight hug.
She pulls away and quickly wipes her eyes, speaking seriously. "But… I understand you're not sure about offspring. I understand… it's something we can talk about more, I hope?"
I nod, happy that my wife is taking my opinions into account immediately. Why had I even worried that she wouldn't? Amagi had said as such.
Akagi suddenly swans over to where Kaga has been standing awkwardly listening in. She takes her sister in an equally tight hug, before kissing her teasingly and speaking in a low, sultry tone. "Perhaps my dear sister would like to talk about it as well… depending on how many doses there is…"
Kaga's cheeks burn with the insinuation and she quickly shakes her head. "I…um…. I'm ok… I don't feel like I'm quite ready for something like that, not yet."
Akagi chuckles and immediately prods her sister with words. "You hear that dear husband, not yet. She may still be down to breed."
Kaga quickly lashes out and punches her sister on the shoulder and mutters her traditional insult. "Bootlicker."
Akagi simply winks. "You know you love me."
She turns to me. "As I'm sure our dear husband knows we love him."
I smile, and give them both a loving kiss, their two sets of tails enveloping me as I slowly walk down the corridor with them. Of course, they were right, I knew they loved me. Just as I loved them.
