Chapter 20: Calm before the Storm
"Ugh…Where am I?" Shikikan asked as he found himself in a vast empty black space. "Last thing I remember was being with Akashi and Yuubari and then getting shocked all over from that orb."
Looking down and around, he noticed that there was no ground below him and that he was just somehow floating in midair across the strange space.
"Okay, so where's the exit?" He wondered as he was sure that he had seen enough of nothingness.
"Hehe…."
"H-huh!?" He broke out in a cold sweat when he heard a rather bone chilling giggle echo around him.
"Don't be scared, I would never hurt you~." The voice spoke assuringly, but something about it still left Shikikan a bit on edge.
"Where is that voice coming from?" He looked around frantically before he was met with six oddly glowing lights right above and in front of him.
'Why does it feel like those lights have eyes?' Shikikan marveled as the lights began to slowly circle around him, almost as if judging him from head to toe.
"Hmm… what a strange turn of events. Perhaps, this time…." Another voice spoke before trailing off.
"Who….or what are you all?" Shikikan carefully asked.
"Hehe, who knows? You'll just have to come and find out. I can't wait~." A third voice giggled before all six lights opted to float closer towards him.
Feeling his curiosity beginning to get the better of him, he brought his hands palm side up, almost as if to act as a seat for the lights.
As soon as those six orbs of lights made contact with his hands, six obscure images of people he had never met before flashed in his mind for a split second each. Before he could even comprehend what he saw a glimpse of, all six lights vanished into thin air and Shikikan found himself on his hands and knees and absolutely drenched in sweat.
"Shikikan nya! Shikikan NYA!" Akashi yelled as she had appeared with Yuubari and a medical kit in her hands.
"D-did it work?" He asked as he slowly caught his breath.
"Hai, the extraction was a success, but that's not important right now. Please sit down so Akashi and I can inspect your vitals Goshujin." Yuubari urged.
Complying, the two diminutive Kansen thoroughly checked for any changes or negative signs.
"Okay nya. Thankfully, it seems like you're just fatigued and nothing more nya. But just to be safe, you should take a quick shower and lie down nya." Akashi sighed in relief.
"Commander, are you in here? Sorry it took us so lon-Commander!?"
Over by the door were Enterprise and Shoukaku, both looking a bit unkempt from their sudden practice skirmish earlier and shocked to see the mess around the room. Even more so was their shock to see Shikikan's current state.
"Akashi, what on earth happened in here?" Shoukaku asked as the two carriers worryingly ran up to where Shikikan was and knelt beside him.
"Well, nya…" Akashi began before explaining the situation.
"Commander….You're supposed to be resting..." Enterprise frowned.
"Mo, you're as reckless as Zuikaku." Shoukaku sighed before wrapping an arm around his. "And you're absolutely drenched in sweat. Come, let me escort you to the new Sakura Empire onsen."
"Here's a key to one of the spare rooms, Shikikan nya. Just try not to pass out in the onsen baths nya." Akashi added as she slipped a room key into his jacket pocket.
"Thanks." He started as he tried to get up, only to immediately fail as his knees felt like jelly.
"Here, let me help me too." Enterprise offered as she quickly moved to his other side and took hold of his other arm.
Now between two white haired beauties, Shikikan was escorted out of the disheveled lab area, leaving only the two Kansen researchers.
"So should we analyze the new uh….finding?"
"Hai nya. Let's make up a draft for now and let Shikikan know in a bit nya. But for now…." Akashi started before a handful of Manjuus began to come in and clean up the glass and other debris. "Let's get this place cleaned up first nya."
[Back with Shikikan]
About an hour later after being escorted into a private onsen area in the Sakura Empire dorms, a rejuvenated Shikikan stepped out in a new uniform, feeling good as new.
"Man, that felt great!" He happily blurted out as he brought his arms above his heads and stretched.
'Come to think of it, how much did all of these renovations cost and from whose wallet?' He sweat dropped at the thought as he looked around the gorgeous, yet expensive looking environment around him. 'If the Sakura Empire dorms look like this, then the other dorms…'
"Oh Milord~! Welcome back.."
"Hm?" Looking over to where the voice came from, Shikikan noticed it was none other than Fusou and Yamashiro."
"Milord! You really are back!" Yamashiro rushed towards him, only to trip on her own two legs and the floor oddly getting closer to her face.
"Whoa!" Shikikan exclaimed as he barely made it in time to prevent the floor from getting any closer to Yamashiro's face. With both his arms holding her up by her arms, Yamashiro couldn't help but notice the fresh clean scent emanating from Shikikan.
"Mmh~. Milord smells so good!" Yamashiro cheered as she brought her face up and nuzzled against the side of his head, delighting herself with Shikikan's citrusy shampoo scented hair.
"Y-yamashiro?" Shikikan blushed as the klutzy, yet absolutely adorable cat girl had her whole body pressed up against him.
"While you are right, Yamashiro, you shouldn't intrude on Milord's personal space like that." Fusou replied as she pulled her unwilling sister away.
"Ehehe, gomenasai. Milord just smelled even better than usual; I just couldn't help it. Oh! And thank you for catching me hehe." Yamashiro giggled happily.
"My…" Fusou chuckled.
"N-no worries." Shikikan shyly replied before quickly calming himself back down. "Anyway, what are you two up to?"
"Fusou nee-sama and I just finished putting up the finishing touches on the new shrine up the mountain over there!" Yamashiro energetically pointed out to the mountain behind him. "Please come visit Milord!"
'Shrine huh? I'm not much of a…..actually….why not? Maybe I can get some answers on how to bring Amagi back there. Not like I have any other leads to go with at the moment after all.' He thought as he looked up and noticed multiple red torii gates leading up the mountainside. "Sounds fun! Lead the way."
Yamashiro couldn't help but bounce in place after hearing him agree to visit them. "Yay!"
"Hai~" Fusou bowed.
"Oh? Hey Shikikan! You actually are back!"
Looking over, Shikikan noticed that it was none other than Ise calling out to him with Hyuuga and three unfamiliar faces, each with colorful hair and fox ears, all looking and walking towards him.
"Mmm, well done! Would've been better had you brought us along too, but yeah politics and stuff." Hyuuga added.
"Yeah, I would've love to have a piece of that action to be honest ahaha!" Ise laughed heartily before realizing the three sets of eyes boring into her from behind. "Oh right! Shikikan! I'd like you to meet the newly arrived Sendai class cruisers!"
"So, you're the famous Hero Shikikan of NY City huh?" The blonde with sharp golden eyes asked as she looked him up and down judgingly. "Normally I would've just waved you off and say that I don't need a commander, but maybe we were fated to meet, or something. Guess you've got me to look after too, now. The name's Sendai. Don't forget it."
Next was the blue-eyed beauty with who held a fan in front of her nose and mouth. "Not only did you manage the impossible and emerge victorious, but you also somehow brought back the first carrier division as well. Admittingly, my interest in you is quite piqued. Jintsuu, reporting for duty."
And last but not least was the seemingly bubbly red head. "Nice to meet you, Shikikan! I'm the light cruiser Naka! I'm super happy to finally get to meet you!"
'A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.' Shikikan chuckled to himself after learning the three pretty newcomers' names. "Pleasure to meet you ladies. I look forward to working with you all."
"I overheard you were going to the shrine, Shikikan." Jintsuu started. "Mind if we accompany you there? I have much I want to discuss with you."
"The more the merrier, right Milord?" Yamashiro asked with hopeful starry eyes.
Nodding his head, he ruffled the cute bubbly Kansen's hair. "Of course."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Naka cheered before she and Yamashiro grabbed ahold of Shikikan's arms and began running towards the shrine.
"As carefree as ever. Not like that's a bad thing or anything." Sendai chuckled before she and the rest followed after them.
As the group of Sakura Empire Kansen and Shikikan made their way to the base of one of the tall hills of the base island, Shikikan was finally able to spot the shrine torii gates all leading up to the entrance of the shrine.
Making their way up, he couldn't help but admire the view from the top once he reached the front of the shrine.
"Wow. This view though." He gazed off towards the distance as he stood atop one of the highest points of the entire base.
"Right?" Ise grinned. "I'd say we should drink up here some time, but Fusou got real mad at me the last time she caught me with a bunch of empty sake bottles up here ahaha!"
"She's really not someone you want to get on their bad side…" Hyuuga shuttered.
'Pretty sure that goes for everyone in my case…' He shuddered at the thought.
"Hey Milord! Hurry! Hurry! We're all waiting for you at the main shrine alter!" Yamashiro called out to him.
Walking towards the center of the area, he and the two battleships stood before a large traditional Sakura Empire style shrine house with a wide-open offering area out in front.
"Feel free to make your prayers everyone." Fusou pointed out towards a thick rope attached to two bells on top in front of the shrine house.
The Sendai class sisters all immediately did so while Shikikan, not wanting to be left out, followed shortly behind them so he can get a better view on what to do and copy them.
Noticing him standing about awkwardly, Fusou couldn't help but giggle. "No need to be so far away Shikikan. Come up and I'll show you step by step."
Silently offering her a thankful look, he made his way up.
"First toss some money into the offering box. Then use this rope to ring the bell here. After that, clap twice, put your palms together, and send a prayer with whatever request you have."
Following her instructions, he clapped twice and began his prayer.
'Um….please give me guidance on how to bring back Amagi.' He prayed, not expecting anything to happen.
Strangely enough, he felt a wind breeze right past him mere moments later. Looking in the direction of where it went, he found himself looking towards two foxes, one brown and one white. Neither didn't seem to have noticed him as they chased each other around before diving into a bush and scurrying off to who knows where.
'Was that supposed to be….? No, it couldn't have been…..right?' He blinked questionably. 'Even if it was, what exactly does…?'
"Shikikan?"
"H-huh?" He eloquently replied after stopping his train of thought.
"You seemed as though you just saw a ghost. Something wrong?" Fusou asked.
"Nah, just saw some foxes playing around over there." He pointed.
"Foxes?" Fusou tilted her head over to where he was looking but spotted nothing. "Hmm…maybe they were kami?"
"Kami?"
"Hai. Kami are what we in the Sakura Empire refer to as gods, spirits, and divine beings. Some are quite shy while others don't mind being around people at all." Fusou explained. "Regardless, maybe you saw them for a reason, Shikikan?"
"Maybe?" He wondered.
"Shikikan! We heard you were back!"
Looking towards the entrance, he saw Ayanami, Aoba, and Nagara walking towards him.
"Welcome back Shikikan des." Ayanami greeted with a kind smile.
"It's great to see that you returned safe and sound, Commander~! You did great!" Nagara praised as she reached up and patted his head cheerfully.
"Now that your back Shikikan, please let me interview you! My reporter instincts are just itching to get this in-depth scoop!" Aoba begged with starry eyes.
"Ehhhh, why not."
"Great! Then let's go find some place to sit down! Hurry!" Aoba excitedly grabbed his arm before running down the shrine with him in tow.
"H-hey wait, Aoba! I'm not gonna run awa-" Shikikan tried to say, but he was long gone before the remaining Kansen on the shrine grounds could hear him finish.
"Aww, I wanted to talk with Shikikan more." Nagara sighed.
"We still can. Let's go after them des!" Ayanami cheered as she offered the cruiser her hand.
"Hehe, sure!"
"Mind if I come to?" Jintsuu appeared. "I was meaning to ask Shikikan some questions as well after all."
"Me too!" Naka jumped in and raised her hand.
"Eh, what the heck. I did wanna know more about that fighting style of his on Juustagram and all." Sendai added.
"The more the merrier, right Ayanami-chan?" Nagara giggled.
"Hai des!"
{Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world}
"Bonne après-midi Cardinale, I've come to report that the tensions between the supporters of the Iris Libre and the Vichya Dominion are quickly becoming quite troublesome."
Upon hearing this, a gorgeous orange-haired belle couldn't help but let out a tired sigh. "I wonder if my dear stubborn sister has had her fill of all this pettiness yet."
"Perhaps we should try to reach out to her once more? I'm sure the others over there wouldn't be opposed to a peaceful approach." A blonde in pure sterling white suggested.
"Agreed, but be that as it may, I'm not so sure the people would be so willing to let bygones be bygones sadly. But perhaps this too is a trial from Heaven." The orange haired lady started before making her way towards a massive ornate door. "Come, let us begin our march."
"Right away Cardinale."
...
"Tsk…." A young belle with light chestnut hair tied up in a ponytail scoffed before quickly turning the TV off.
"Have enough of all that propaganda drivel yet?" A silver haired beauty asked sarcastically.
"Always have and you know it."
"Maybe it's time to put down our arms and talk it out with…"
"No. Cuz even if we did, the discourse down there isn't going to just disappear. And I won't say that they are in the wrong to oppose her." She pointed to the streets below where people were visibly bickering with each other.
"Still, it couldn't help to at least try you know. The last thing we need is more casualties." The lady with silver haired sighed.
"…."
"Let's go meet up with Dunkerque for lunch first and I'll be more than happy to help set things up afterwards."
"….Ugh, fine." The one with the ponytail grudgingly agreed before hopping off the couch and making her way for the rustic, yet charming double door with her friend in tow.
...
"You are late…again." A tall beauty with long jet-black twin tails sighed at the sight of her friend.
"Relax! Relax! A minute or two late for a lunch meeting never hurt anyone!...probably." The silver haired cutie with blood red eyes nonchalantly waved her off.
"False. My time and schedule suffers every time you as-wait what are you!?"
"Mm! I smell bratwursts! Let's hurry and go! I'm starving!" She yelled with stars in her eyes before beginning to drag her friend towards a large dining hall.
"D-don't pull me-wah!"
...
"Lady Nagato….I've come to inform you of that Akashi has just notified us that the materials for the PR project have been processed and will be shipped here as soon as possible."
"Good work Kawakaze." The tiny leader nodded. "And of the Dreamwaker?"
"She still slumbers in her home. Should we send someone to wake her?"
"Oh! Oh! Pick me!"
"Not yet, Mutsu. We must be careful with our next moves seeing as how we are the only other faction with two PR projects approved for this first wave."
"Hmm fineee…ney, ney, do you think the PR stuff will really help us though, Nagato-nee?"
"I'm…..not entirely sure, but at this point, any ray of hope will do. Come we have much to do." Nagato started before walking out of her shrine room. 'I wonder if Shikikan will have a better idea?'
[A while later with Shikikan]
"Phew…didn't think Aoba had that many questions…" Shikikan yawned and stretched as he made his way back for his office, his mind beginning to wander. 'Hopefully Akashi and Yuubari can figure out the Amagi situation cause I sure as hell have no clue. Also, what about that whole 'Siren Killer' thing? Just thinking of how all that thermal energy and wisdom cube transformation stuff makes my head spin.'
Whoosh
Turning to the clearing on his right, he spotting a certain heavy cruiser practicing her swordplay. "Oh, hey Takao. What's up?"
"Hmm? Oh Shikikan. I'm just doing some additional training since there wasn't a commission scheduled for me today." She replied before sheathing her sword and walking towards him. "I heard from Akashi about what happened in the research lab. Are you sure you're alright to be walking around?"
"Yep. The tea party I had earlier with the girls from the Royal Navy helped me unwind so that was nice." He waved her off and stretched his arms outward.
"I see…" Takao seemingly pondered on something before making up her mind. "Shikikan. Would you mind sparring with me? Your swordplay in that battle was much different than anything I've seen before, and it's got me quite curious about it."
'…Aw crap..' He sweat dropped. "Uh…I don't know about that, Takao, the last thing I want or need right now is going back to sleep for a week on a hospital bed."
"Do not fret, Shikikan. I have experience training other Kansen and even some soldiers back in the Sakura Empire, so I'm quite confident in my ability to hold back."
"T-that's not the issue…." He tried as he desperately tried to come up with a good enough to persuade the swordswoman. Luckily, a lightbulb went off in his head. "Sorry Takao but the sword I was using was broken beyond repair."
'That definitely should be a good enough excuse….right?' He asked himself.
"I see. That's q—" Takao started.
"Oh, there you are Commander! You never told us where to put these new weapons of yours!"
As if fate had other plans, the two of them turned around to see four Knights of the Sea, each carrying one of Shikikan's new weapons.
'God….damn…it….Columbia'.
"New weapons?" Takao asked curiously as the four made their way towards her and Shikikan.
"Yep! After Commander's sword broke, we brought him over to a famous weapons depot and he ended up buying a whole bunch there." Cleveland explained, not knowing that she was quickly deepening the hole Shikikan was in.
"You're such a boy. Don't you know an oversized sword like this is beyond just impractical?" Monty sighed as she stabbed the sword into the ground next to him.
"This halberd thing is pretty cool though! You have any idea on how to use it though?" Columbia asked as waved it around in the air.
"Not sure about those, but these two swords and the bigger ones Clevebro's holding should fit like a glove on ya I reckon." Denver grinned.
"Don't call me Clevebro!" The flustered tomboy demanded as she began chasing her younger sister around with both swords in hand.
"Shikikan…did you really buy this oversized chunk of sharpened steel with the intent on using it in battle?" Takao asked dubiously as she lifted the sword effortlessly out of the ground. With a single hand, she swung the massive blade down once with effortless ease, almost as if it weighed no more than a stick on the ground.
"….Long story short, yes."
"….Well at least with this you can test it out against me. I was just about to run for the training halls and grab you a bokken to spar with but seeing as how you've seemingly have a whole new arsenal…" Takao's eyes lit up as she eagerly waited for Shikikan to finally agree.
"You're actually going to fight a Kansen?" Montpelier asked with a tone of pure disbelief.
"Oh, I wanna watch! I'll make a post on Juustagram and let everyone know!" Columbia cheered before she swiftly took out her phone and began typing away.
"N-no wait-!" Shikikan begged.
"And sent!" The blonde eagerly announced.
'…Ugh…' He sighed in defeat at the chaotic turn of events. "…Alright fine!"
"That's the spirit!" Takao cheered happily. "Come meet me in the center of the field when you are ready."
"Hey Columbia."
"What's up, Commander?" The blonde asked as she began blowing a bubblegum bubble.
"In the very likely chances that I'm going to be with Vestal for the rest of the day, I'm putting you in charge of dealing with the mountains of papers in my office until I'm up again."
"W-what!? Why!?" She paled as her bubble popped all over her face.
"Because me being unconscious in Vestal's office in the next five minutes is on you. But don't worry though, I'm sure you can reach the top of the stacks if you and your sisters stood on each other's shoulders." He ruffled her hair before taking his halberd and walking towards Cleveland who was still chasing her sister around with his swords.
"M-monty…" Columbia begged with teary eyes.
"…To be fair, you kind of brought this on yourself sis."
...
"You two look like you're having fun at least."
"Commander, help!" Denver cried out as she dove behind him.
"Hey Denver, come out from behind him!" Cleveland yelled, still visibly upset with her sister.
'She's kind of cute when she's angry…' Shikikan thought before stepping in. "Mind letting your little sister off the hook this one time, Cleve? Cuz to be honest, you with those swords in your hands kind of makes me want to make a break for it too."
"Huh? Oh, right! Here you go!" Cleveland agreed, apparently oblivious to the fact that she had been swinging the swords around in her hands as she chased after mischievous sister.
Taking the swords, he then turned around to face the relieved cruiser behind him.
"Alright Denver, so as much as I agree that Cleve is fun to mess with because her reactions are both cute and funny, try not to cause her too much trouble, okay?" He patted her head.
"Roger that!" She happily grinned. "Seems like Cleveb-Cleve wasn't expecting that though~."
"What do you mean by.." He turned around, only to see an extremely red-faced Cleve doing her best not to look at him.
"Cleve?" He questioned.
"D-did you j-just call me c-cute…?" She stuttered before turning 180, crouching down, and hiding her head in her cape.
'Cute...' Shikikan and Denver thought in unison before chuckling at the tomboy's honest personality.
"Whelp. Seems like Takao's itching to get started. Good night you two. I'll see you two again after I hopefully wake up after this." He waved goodbye before picking up all of his weapons and heading over to the awaiting heavy cruiser.
"You got this Commander!" Denver cheered. "I'm sure Cleve will be more than happy to help nurse you back to health if you do end up getting hurt though!"
"DENVER!"
…
"Are you finally ready, Shikikan?"
"As ready as I'll ever be I guess." He sighed as he placed each of the weapons, minus the halberd, sharp edge down into the ground around him.
Now standing about 30 feet away from Takao with halberd in hand, he braced himself for the inevitable.
"Phew, just made it in time! Do your best Commander!" Javelin called out with the rest of the start squad in tow."
"Rest in peace…zzz…" Laffey snored.
"Hey Laffey! That's way too ominous!" Z23 scolded. "….He is going to be okay right, Ayanami?"
"Well, I've seen some soldiers train with Takao-san before and well…..they couldn't really move around the next day des."
"Heyyy! Shikikan nya!"
"Akashi? What's up?"
"I was working on your new rocket shoes and was about to test them out, but I saw Columbia's post and came rushing over so you can test it out right here, right now nya!"
Handing him the midnight black shoes, he noticed that they also felt a bit heavier than his old pairs.
"I added some steel tips to the front and another layer around the edge of the heel just in case you ever need to kick a droid nya. These work exactly the same as the old ones but can have you flying higher and faster nya."
"Thanks Akashi." He head-patted the tiny repair ship. "I'm excited to try this out, but also pretty scared of the aura pouring out of Takao right now." He gulped as he saw an eager Takao looking at him impatiently.
"No problem nya~. But don't forget I haven't gotten to testing them out fully yet, so don't go too hard nya!" The green-haired cat warned in between her purrs as she enjoyed the blissful head-patting.
Now quickly changing into his new rocket shoes, he turned back around to truly begin his bout with Takao. With the Sky Slayer halberd in hand, his new shoes revved up, and the rest of his new weapons scattered around him, the match was finally about to begin.
"Finally ready, I see." Takao nodded approvingly as she unsheathed her sword and stood steadfast.
"I'll be the ref." Sheffield walked up and offered as she stood to the side between Shikikan and Takao. "Rules will be kept simple: Fight until Mast-someone admits defeat. Fight with only the weapons in your hands. Begin on my mark."
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence, Sheffy." He deadpanned.
"Pay her no heed, Shikikan. Focus on me, and don't you dare hold back, lest I shall never forgive you." She demanded with nothing but seriousness in her tone.
'Ugh…she's dead serious.' Nodding his head, he took a deep breath. 'Breath in, breath out. Takao knows how much she needs to hold back…I hope.' Closing his eyes to concentrate, he steeled his nerves.
"And…begin!" Sheffield announced.
As calm as he'll ever be during this fight, he opened his eyes and began spinning the halberd in his hands, quickly gaining more and more speed as he began moving around as he kept spinning it.
Not sure what he was doing, Takao stood still and waited for him to make the first move.
Taking one foot forward, Shikikan slowly moved up while spinning the weapon around still. But just as he was about to make a second rotation, he suddenly stopped spinning and made his move.
Grasping the halberd, he took one large step forward and with all of his strength, launched it at Takao full-force
Wide-eyed at the sudden attack, she quickly parried the halberd away. Swinging her head back immediately, she noticed that he was no longer on the ground.
With her instincts screaming, she looked straight up and noticed that he had taken to the skies with the Final Buster in hand.
'Tsk…still heavy, but no going back now!' He gritted his teeth before going full speed with his rocket shoes.
Blasting downwards, he firmly grasped the sword with both hands held over his head as he descended upon her, much like a diving hawk with its talons out and heading straight for a much larger and stronger opponent.
"Come!" Takao readied herself for the impact by pivoting with one foot back and making a heavy upward slash to counter him.
However, instead of expecting the force of clashing blades, she somehow felt no force.
"What!?" She shouted as he noticed that instead of following through with the collision, Shikikan had let go at the last second to quickly drop down to the ground instead, reach behind his back, and reveal the twin short swords Clarity and Chaos he had hidden from her.
With Takao's blade currently dealing with the Final Buster above her, Shikikan swooped in from below in hopes of landing a hit at her unguarded torso.
"You underestimate me, Shikikan!" Takao roared as she suddenly sent the Final Buster flying outwards and with the blink of an eye, swung her blade downwards and blocked both of Shikikan's attacks.
After easily stopping his cross slash, Takao began swinging her blade upwards towards Shikikan.
'Ugh…can't..!' He groaned as he was sent flying a bit backwards from the sheer brute force with both blades knocked out of his hands.
Now back at where he initially started, he quickly picked himself off the ground and lifted his last two remaining weapons out of the ground.
Over to the side where a large crowd of Kansen watched, he couldn't make a single word out of the chaotic storm of noise they were all shouting and yelling.
"Go Commander!"
"Let him have it!"
"Come on! I have a lunch bet on you lasting another five minutes!"
"Keep it up!"
"It's scoop after scoop with you! I love it!"
"Oh Commander~ what did I say about resting up? Ufufu…."
Knowing exactly who that last voice was, he absolutely refused to turn around. Sweating profusely, he gripped his twin broadswords, Divine Clarity and Absolute Chaos, firmly in his hands.
"While creative, your tricks won't work on me. Come at me with all you got, Shikikan!" Takao demanded, excitement twinkling in her eyes as she seemed to be really enjoying this.
'Whelp, nothing's worked so far. Guess there really is only one thing left to do.' He decided before launching himself forward full speed directly at Takao.
His arms crossed, he launched them outwards in another cross-slash attempt at Takao.
Putting her guard up, she singlehandedly stopped him dead in his tracks and crossed swords with him.
Jumping back and then forward once more, he went for a dual wielding assault approach as everything else he had tried failed.
Clash! Bang! Fwoosh!
The sounds of his blades clashing against Takao's katana emanated from the fight.
"Oh, not bad." Sendai from afar admitted. "He's lasted a lot longer than the navy soldiers back home so far."
"Yeah, but the real question is how long can he keep this up? Takao's barely budged an inch." Naka added.
"Looks like you're about to find out." Jintsuu pointed out with her fan as the three colorful foxes looked back at a very tired looking Shikikan.
'Ha…ah….' He huffed after an unsuccessful all-out assault on the cruiser who has yet to break a sweat.
"You've fought valiantly, Shikikan. Unfortunately, it seems like our bout is about to come to an end." Takao nodded approvingly. "Come!"
'Ugh…well here goes nothing!' He thought as he resigned himself to seeing this through to the end.
Flying full speed at Takao, Shikikan crashed his left blade (Divine Clarity) against her katana before following up with his right blade (Absolute Chaos) with an underhanded uppercut slash attempt at Takao's midsection.
Knocking his left sword aside and immediately ducking downwards right after, Takao spun and heavily swung her katana upwards, knocking his right sword away towards the side of the training grounds and sending him flying backwards.
Not wanting to meet the ground with his head first, he stretched his now free right arm out and pushed himself off the dirt, hand-sprung, and somersaulted backwards.
Safely landing on his feet with only Divine Clarity left, he pointed the sword at Takao defiantly while breathing heavily.
However, instead of rushing forward again like she had expected him to, he took a deep breath before dropping his sword.
"Yeah, no. You win Takao." He chuckled weakly before falling backwards into a sitting position on the soft ground.
"Master admits defeat. Miss Takao is the winner." Sheffield announced.
"Impressive work, Shikikan. I feel like I better understand you now." Takao smiled as she sheathed her sword, walked over, and knelt down next to him.
"Ha..ha….how so?" He breathed heavily.
"When faced with odds stacked against you, you will not give up and will do everything you can to try to think outside the box and bring victory. That said, you do tend to lose track of your own well-being and for better or for worse, constantly push yourself far beyond your limits."
"I couldn't have worded that any better Takao."
Looking over, it was none other than Vestal, emanating a malicious silent rage at a certain commander for not listening to her.
"So, Commander? Any last words? As punishment for angering me, this injection will be painful." She smiled sweetly with zero light in her eyes as she held a comically large needle in her hands.
"W-wait Vestal! I was the one who forced Shikikan's hands!" Takao put her hands up as she tried to appease the angry nurse as Shikikan hid behind the cruiser.
"Oh, really now?" The irate nurse looked behind Takao, to which she saw a Shikikan shaking his head vigorously.
"Won't you give him a break, Vestal? It's not like he got hurt or anything." St. Louis appeared with Honolulu in tow.
"…Here….you're covered in sweat…" The redhead said as she offered Shikikan a small towel.
"Thank you, Honolulu." He gratefully took the towel. "How come you have a towel on you though?"
"H-huh!? I j-just did, what of it!?" She defended all while extremely red faced.
"Hehe~" St. Louis giggled before walking up to whisper into Shikikan's ear. "Lulu saw Columbia's post and before we left to come here, she raced to the bathroom before meeting with me outside the dorms."
"D-don't go telling him random things Lou!" Honolulu yelled before realizing how loud she was and hiding behind her cap and mantle.
"Okay fine. I'll let you off the hook this time, but you are to not do any more physical activity for the rest of the day okay?" Vestal sighed.
"Yes ma'am." Shikikan sighed in relief.
"Enjoy your break, Commander?" Wales asked as she appeared with Eugen.
"I was wondering where you were Herr Kommandant. I had some stuff I needed to talk to you about, but the only person in your office was Wales here buried in papers.
"Honestly, what an absurd amount…" Wales sighed before smiling lightly at Shikikan. "Ready to get to work, Commander?"
Getting up off the ground, he dusted himself out and adjusted his clothes. "Well, I can't just let you do my work for me, now can I? Otherwise, I'd be out of a job."
"Well, when you put it that way, I wouldn't mind hiring you as a butler. Your cooking is always something to look forward to after all." Wales teased.
"Is that all you'd hire him for? I for sure have some other things in mind." Eugen added, a very foxy look in her eyes as she grinned suggestively at Shikikan.
"H-hey…" He stared at her in flustered shock.
"Hmm? I was just thinking about all the other housework you can do? Or were you having some naughty thoughts, Herr Kommandant?~" The smug cruiser smirked knowingly.
"…I have no idea what you're even talking about." He lied as naturally as he breathed.
As he took a moment to close his eyes and stretch, he heard Eugen swiftly move up to him and felt her warm breaths speak directly into his ear. "But if it's you, I don't think I would mind at all hehe~."
'…'
Now extremely red, he quickly began to back away.
"Wait, you're done already?" Sendai called out to him from the crowd. "Here I was getting ready to see that strange close combat fighting style of yours up close and personal."
"Us too!" The Hai sisters jumped in. First was Ning Hai.
"Even back in the Dragon Empery, not a lot of people train in Wing Chun. Do you remember anything about who or where you learned it, Shikikan?"
"Unfortunately, no." He shrugged.
"You should train with us!" Ping Hai replied. "It's important to hone your skills and keep them sharp after all!"
"After Hyuuga and I get a turn whacking him around." Ise chuckled lowly as she and Hyuuga brandished their naginatas excitedly.
"Oh? Are we beating up Commander?" Washington yelled from afar with Alabama. "I'm in!"
"Hey, wait a minute!" He started before feeling someone tap him on the shoulder.
"Wanna try wrestling me?." Alabama added as she intimidatingly cracked her knuckles.
Feeling the immense pressure from the far too eager and powerful Kansen, he took a step away from the enclosing circle around him.
Then two.
Then three.
"…Hang on Wales."
"Hmm? What do you mea-ahhh!?" Wales started before yelling in surprise.
"Hey come back here!" Washington yelled.
Unsurprisingly enough, Shikikan ignited his rocket shoes and flew right on up and far away from the training grounds. What was surprising was though was how he had just scooped up Wales in a princess carry and flew off with her in tow.
"…You scared him off." Alabama was the first to speak after the group watched him quickly skedaddle.
"Huh!? How is it my fault when you're the one who asked him to wrestle with bloodlust in your eyes?"
"Now, now." Vestal interrupted. "You girls can play around with Commander later. But for now, hurry on back to the dorms so you can unpack and get settled in before sundown."
"…Okay…" The two sighed, knowing better than to get on the motherly repair ship's bad side.
"And the rest of you should probably get back to whatever you were doing before the day ends nya. I'm sure there's still commissions, trainings, and other work that needs to be done nya." Akashi added as she helped disperse the large crowds around the training grounds. "I'm surprised you didn't try to stop them Vestal. You know before Shikikan decided to fly away nya."
"Perhaps I still felt the need to punish him a little bit still hehe~." Vestal giggled a bit menacingly.
With the show over, everyone except for Takao and Eugen remained. The first to speak was Eugen.
"What's wrong? You seem as though you wished that he had scooped you up instead?"
"W-what!? I-I was t-thinking no such thing! H-how shameless!" A red-faced Takao loudly denied.
"Hehe, how cute." Eugen teased before putting her arms behind her head and sauntering off. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I guess you could say I'm just the slightest bit jealous too."
"A-again…I'm not…." She started but decided to give up on finishing her sentence as Eugen didn't stop and kept on slowly walking off.
Now alone, Takao ended up looking back towards where Shikikan had flown off towards. Oddly enough to her, she felt the need to press a hand against her chest. Feeling her heartbeat much faster than she was used to, she couldn't decipher the reason. Or better yet, she didn't want to.
"You could've just asked me to help you escape from them you know…Shikikan…" She sighed as she quietly whispered to herself.
"Wow. So, I was right after all."
"H-HUH!?" Takao jumped in surprise. Quickly turning around, she noticed that Eugen had reappeared with her phone in her hand.
"Perhaps I should hand this audio recording over to that news reporter girl? What was her name again? If I remember correctly…I think it was Aoba right?" Eugen pretended not to know as she waved her phone in her hand in front of the dead quiet Takao.
"A…"
"A?" Eugen questioned.
"Aku…"
"…Huh?"
"AKU SOKU ZAN!" Takao roared as she looked back up, revealing the most embarrassed look Takao felt she had ever had. Brandishing her sword, she charged right towards Eugen's phone.
'Looks like I went a bit too far…whoops.' Eugen sweat dropped before fleeing from the flustered and enraged Sakura Empire cruiser.
{Back with Shikikan}
"Andddd….safe. Phew." He sighed in relief as he landed outside his office building.
"So, Commander…" Wales started, a slight blush apparent on her face. "Should I assume that you will you be carrying me in as well or…?"
"Ahaha….sorry about that Wales." He chuckled awkwardly as he gently let her down. "It was just a spur of the moment kind of thing."
"It's quite alright. The view was quite nice flying back here after all."
"Yeah, seriously. The base looks so different with all the new things set up after I left for NY Harbor."
"True, but that wasn't what I was referring to when I said a nice view." Wales smiled wryly.
"Hmm? What did you mean then?"
Instead of replying she opted to simply stare at him, her smile growing ever so smug as she looked directly into his eyes. Her own blush growing after her bold words.
Quickly picking up the pieces, he found himself unable to look Wales in the eyes. "Y-you said there was a lot of work right? We should hurry on in then ah…ha…ah.." He replied as he half rushed into the building.
"As you wish, Commander~ Hehe." She giggled sweetly before making her way in too.
As the two made their way inside, a rustling in a bush nearby could be heard.
"I smell a saucy scoop~." A voice excitedly said.
Now inside his office room, Shikikan found himself staring in awe at the sheer amount of paper mountains on and around his desk.
"You really weren't kidding…"
"Unfortunately, no. We tried to reduce as much as we could, but most of these required your personal attention." Wales sighed.
Carefully making his way around to his chair without causing a massive paper avalanche, he slowly but surely managed to take a seat.
'Whelp. I guess this still beats getting beat up by the girls...I think.' He joked before picking up his pen and writing away.
{7 hours later}
"…I should've let Alabama suplex me…" Shikikan sighed tiredly as he stretched his tired arms.
"I could call for her if you want." Wales joked. "But in all seriousness though, we've surprisingly made quite the dent. If I had to guess, I'd say we are just about halfway done before you're up to date."
'Seven hours and only halfway there.' He groaned in his mind as he massaged his wrists. Looking out the window, he noticed that the sun was no longer out, and that nighttime had long begun.
"Geez, I didn't think it was this late already."
"Agreed, but if KGV were here, she be talking all about how an army shouldn't march on an empty stomach, and honestly, I would agree. Shall we take a break for dinner and come back?"
"Good call." He nodded agreeingly as he got up and headed over to where Wales sat. "Anything you in the mood for right now?"
"Hmm….if I had to say, I'd guess something seafood-related right now would be nice. Not that I know what the canteen is serving tonight though." Wales pondered.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that."
"What do you me…." She started before quickly coming to a likely conclusion. "Wait, were you suggesting that you were going to cook?"
"Yep. Consider this my way of saying thanks for all your hard work today. Let's head over to the canteen and see what the kitchen storage and fridges have."
"Commander, wait. You've been hard at work all day, and I'm your secretary, so I was only doing what was expected of me. You really don't have to thank me for anything." Wales tried.
"It's fine Wales. It's more of me wanting to do it, and besides, my arms could use some exercise after writing and sorting papers for hours on end." He chuckled.
"Well, if you insist…" Wales resigned for two reasons. The first being that the look in Shikikan's eyes looked like they honestly meant what he was saying and two being the more obvious reason: it's Shikikan's cooking. Who in the right mind would say no to such a chance? Especially when he is sincerely offering?
"Thank you, Commander."
"No worries." He waved her off before allowing his playful side to take over. "Might you grace me with the honor of offering thou my hand and escorting thee to the canteen?" He joked as he bowed and offered her his hand.
Unable to hold in her laughter, she couldn't keep a straight face as she took his hand and got up. "Thou art quite the gentleman. How could I possibly deny thou thine request? Please, leadeth the way." She played along as the two merrily made their way out the door.
[A little under an hour later: In the canteen]
"So, Commander, based on what I'm hearing, seeing, and smelling, I assume you've made a decision?" Wales asked as she looked on at the Shikikan cooking up a storm with great interest and curiosity.
"How'd you know?" He joked before he masterfully flipped the ingredients in a sauté pan into the air, not a single drop of oil flying out.
"Wales?" A voice called out followed by the sounds of multiple footsteps. "I thought you were on secre….oh."
"Ah, KGV, Hood, Victorious, and Formidable. Have you ladies also ended up having to go for a late dinner?"
"Quite so. Our transport commission was running late due to some unforeseen issues with the cargo." Hood sighed.
"How troublesome. Having us wait for heaven knows how long just to deal with some damaged cargo." Formidable sighed.
"Wasn't that because you decided to sit on a cargo crate and it somehow…" Victorious started.
"HMM? Apologies dearest sister, did you say something?" Formidable hummed, a very frightening aura pouring out of her.
"N-nothing! I just wanted to say that they should make their crates from less cheap material is all ahaha…."
"…..That aside, what is that wonderful aroma?" Hood questioned hungrily.
"Did you special order something?" KGV asked.
"I guess you could say that." Wales chuckled before looking back over the counter. "Seems like he's done."
"Hmm? Oh Commander!" KGV replied excitedly as she peered her head into the kitchen and spotted him plating up some dish plates.
"Hiya, KGV. I thought I heard your voice." Shikikan replied as he walked over to her and Wales. "If you're hungry, I have some..."
"Please." The knight commander interjected as she sat next to Wales at the booth in front of the kitchen windows, her eyes starry and her excitement palpable.
"Heh." He chuckled at her antics. "Would you three also like some food as well? I made plenty to go around in case anyone else came in."
"Oh? A chance to finally have the Commander's rumored cooking? Yes please." Hood started as she too took a seat.
"Oh! Count me in! Let's hurry and sit down Formidable!" Victorious excitedly said.
"W-wait, don't pull me!"
More than happy to oblige the hungry Royal Navy girls, he quickly walked back into the kitchen and began plating for the five beauties.
A few short seconds later, he was back over to the girls and placing a dish in front of them each.
"Here you go! Pan seared scallops over creamy egg noodles and a side of broccolini sauteed in a white wine herb sauce." He announced.
"My!" Hood gasped at the wonderous piece of art before her.
Gnom
"So good!" Formidable gleefully announced as she had seemingly put aside her ladylike persona and dug in right away, well until she realized she was in public of course. "I-I mean how absolutely scrumptious these scallops are."
"Couldn't hold back huh Formi?" Victorious teased.
"I-I have no idea what you are talking about. I just thought it be such a shame to let it go cold is all!" The adorable twin tailed carrier tried playing her off.
"Hehe, well, whatever. We have more important things in front of us now after all." Victorious quickly switched subjects and returned her attention back to the tantalizing dish plate before her.
With everyone else following in her steps, they all picked up their utensils and dug right on in.
The first to speak was none other than KGV.
"Mhm! Excellent work Commander! The scallops are perfectly cooked and have a marvelously soft and buttery tender texture to them."
"Indeed. The white wine herb sauce with the broccolini also adds an enigmatic complexity to the egg noodles while not overpowering the whole dish. Truly a delicacy to say the least Commander." Hood added, a brilliant smile plastered on her flawless visage as she happily enjoyed the meal.
"Was this something you picked up back in the Eagle Union?" Wales asked in between bites.
"Yep. Being stuck in a bed for over a week comes with some benefits I guess haha." He chuckled before bringing up a rather large, yet fancy bottle of wine. "Anyone up for a glass? One of the winemakers over there insisted on gifting me a crate of their best wines."
Pouring out six glasses of a luxurious looking chardonnay, Shikikan and the party of gorgeous Royal Navy Kansen clinked glasses and found themselves quickly emptying what at first was a seemingly large bottle.
"The rumors of you two getting spoiled over here were true after all." Victorious teased Wales and KGV before turning back over to Shikikan and requesting a glass. "Another glass please bartend!"
"Hey, Vic…" Formidable started, noticing how her sister was already on her fifth drink and starting to get a bit belligerent.
"Heh, as you wish milady." Shikikan decided to play along with his apparent new role. "Would you ladies care for some more?"
"Why yes hehe." Hood chuckled. "You really are quite the affable fellow Commander."
"When he isn't up to lascivious deeds of course." A slightly red faced KGV started, her smirk growing wider as she saw Shikikan quickly put the pieces together.
'Crap, she still remembers the bathhouse incident…'
"Oh? Do tell Commander. What does our Knight Commander know that the rest of us don't?" A curious smile began to form on Hood's face as well.
"…I have no idea. I think KGV's just had a bit too much to drink ha…ha….ha…" He sweat dropped. 'Is the alcohol bringing out this side of KGV?' He wondered, not expecting to ever see the honorable battleship put on such a devilish grin.
"Hmm? I wouldn't be so sure about that Commander. Everyone in the KGV class can hold their liquor quite well." Wales smiled smugly.
"…Oh, would you look at that." Shikikan started as he quickly popped open another bottle and began pouring more drinks for the Royal Navy beauties. "Your glasses are empty. Can't have that now can we?"
"I can see why Lusty has been talking a lot of good stuff about you hehe~" Victorious replied, seemingly getting drunker by the second.
"While the offer is tempting, I'll have to pass in favor of hearing more of this…unheard of side of you." Hood replied as she rested her head on her hand, obviously enjoying Shikikan's panicked self.
"Well, where do I even begin? Oh, I remember now, it all started back…" KGV started before Shikikan rushed over to her side and whispered something into her ear. "You said I owe you a favor….what is it?"
Her smile growing by the second, she brought a hand up to cover her mouth, and whispered back to him. "This recipe, a cook-off rematch, and one additional favor of my choice whenever I so choose to use it."
"What type of additional favor are you going to ask for?"
"Who knows? But given the reason as to why this is all happening, surely you wouldn't argue that this is anything short of a fair trade?" She challenged.
"…Deal."
"Hehe, glad to hear." She chuckled to herself before facing everyone and raising her glass. "Apologies. It seems I've had a bit too much to drink and somehow began to speak of nonsense. Pardon me for that, but shall we have a toast to a job well done today everyone?"
"Hmm…" Hood hummed to herself, her interests still piqued as she kept glancing at Shikikan, who of course felt her gaze and did everything he could to avoid eye contact.
As the merriment went on for a while longer, Shikikan decided it was time for him to head on back.
"I'm glad you ladies got the chance to unwind, but I've gotta head back for the night and get some stuff done. Please feel free to continue on here, but do be careful of going overboard with the wine ahaha…" He announced before looking over to a sloshed Victorious.
"C'mon Formi, one more drink! One more drink!"
"N-no please, I….unladylikke….Commander….here…still.." Formidable tried to speak to no avail as she too began to sway in her seat.
"I'll come with you." Wales said as she started to stand up, but felt her legs begin to wobble a bit.
"Easy there Wales." He quickly made her way over to her and helped her sit back down. "You can take it easy for the rest of the night. There's only a few more documents, so I'll be fine on my own."
It was then some Manjuus came around and brought glasses of water for everyone.
"Are you sure Commander?" Wales asked as she quickly downed a glass.
"I'm sure. You've done more than enough as my secretary today. I can't thank you enough, so please, take it easy Wales."
"Well, if you insist…" The battleship resigned herself as she sat back down with her fellow Kansen. "Thank you for well…everything today Commander."
"No worries." He smiled before heading for the exit. "Have a good night everyone."
Seeing him off and out the canteen, Hood turned around to face to girls.
"Seems like you ladies overestimated your alcoholic tolerances." She teased.
"Heh…perhaps…but I don't regret it, especially after that wonderful meal." KGV replied. "What say you Wales?"
"Agreed, but maybe I should've persisted a bit more on helping him finish the rest of today's work."
"I'm not so sure of that, considering how you had some trouble standing up straight earlier." Hood reasoned. "If you would like, I can go back and help him in your place as I've only had a glass."
"Noooo, pwease stay and drink sum more with us…" Victorious muttered drunkenly.
"Oh dear…" Hood sighed before smiling to herself. "Perhaps my presence is more needed here."
"Fret not Wales, the Commander seemed pretty confident in his abilities to get the rest of the paperwork done, so I really don't see any reason to fuss anymore over it. Come, Wales, Hood, let us toast to the pleasant fall night." KGV requested as the aforementioned two gave in and rose their glasses for a toast once more.
[Back with Shikikan]
'Maybe I should've had another glass…'
Currently, Shikikan was quietly muttering to himself as he was toiling away at the remainder of the papers left for the day.
'At least I was able to help Wales and the other girls unwind a bit. Hopefully they'll know when to stop before they go overboard.' He chuckled to himself at the thought of seeing all of them incredibly hungover tomorrow.
Creak….
"Hmm?" Shikikan wondered, as he heard the sound of something opening. Turning around, he looked behind him to notice that one of the windows was open and moving about as the wind blew against it.
'Did Wales open a window earlier and forget to close it?' He thought to himself as he walked over to close it.
Plop…
"Huh?"
Looking back towards his desk, a tatami mat colored yunomi teacup now appeared next to the stack of papers he was working on. Upon further inspection as he walked over to it, he noticed that the contents inside was what appeared to be warm green tea.
Now a bit unnerved, he looked around the office but found nothing else out of place.
'…Okay let's just chalk this up to too much wine and go to sleep.' He sweat-dropped before sitting back down on his desk chair. However, as soon as he brought his upper body back to rest against the backrest, he immediately noticed a big….or rather two big sensations pressed up against the back of his head.
Purin Purin…
"Ara, enjoying yourself Shikikan-sama?"
"W-what?" He nervously gulped before slowly tilting his head up, revealing the voice and person his head was against was none other than a rather foxy individual.
"Is Akagi's chest to your liking~?" The carrier giggled sweetly as her tails bloomed out and around the two, slowly enclosing around him.
Nervous with how intensely her eyes were staring into his, he felt himself begin to break out into a cold sweat. "H-hey Akagi…by any chance….the window…"
"Hai, Akagi thought it would be more…..entertaining if she surprised you by coming in through there.
"A-and the tea…?"
"Twas I, Shikikan."
"Wah!?" Shikikan jolted a bit from the sudden new voice appearing directly before him.
Upon asking about the teacup, Kaga emerged from out under in front of his desk.
"What's wrong Shikikan? Did I scare you?" Kaga smirked, seemingly enjoying his reaction.
"Can you blame me?" He sighed in relief. "I thought the room was either haunted or I had a bit too much to drink with the other gir-!"
Remembering who was behind him and realizing grave he almost dug himself in, he immediately went dead silent. Unfortunately for him though, said person heard what he said…a bit too well if you asked her.
"Ara? Shikikan-sama, do you mind repeating what you just said?" Akagi threateningly asked, her tails beginning to wrap tightly around him and her arms snaking around his neck. With her face now right next to his, he could feel her breath against his ears as she leaned in and whispered. "Shikikan-sama, won't you continue on with what you were about to say?"
Shivering a bit from her breath, he tried to appease the ever so frightful carrier. "I just went to the canteen for dinner and ran into some of the girls who came back from their evening commission is all. We ate together and chatted. That was it!" He gulped.
Sniff
"Hmm, correct me if I'm wrong, Kaga, but I don't believe I saw scallops and wine on the menu tonight?" Akagi asked as she precisely guessed the lingering smells of the kitchen on Shikikan's uniform still.
"That's correct Nee-sama. Neither were there." Kaga replied as she sauntered around the desk to where he sat and hopped up to sit on an open spot right next to him, not without a very amused look in her eyes as she watched on of course.
"That said….so, Shikikan-sama~" Akagi whispered as she nibbled lightly on his earlobe and began stroking the opposite side of his face. "Please, do explain and soon before Akagi loses her patience~."
A few minutes of explaining later….
"Ho? Seem like you were having quite the fun time catering to the pests of the Royal Navy ahaha!" Akagi laughed before completely wrapping Shikikan up nice and snug in her tails. "And from what I saw from Aoba's latest news article, you apparently carried one of them away to here, where you two were alone for quite some time?"
'Crap….crap….crap….' Was all Shikikan could think of. 'What do I do!? What do I do!?'
"Ara, your complexion is quite pale Shikikan-sama. I wonder why that is?"
With his back pressed up against a wall and his hands tied, literally, Shikikan had no choice but to resort to desperate measures. "I can't help it Akagi. I'm forgetting to breath when I have such beautiful kitsunes in front and so close to me."
[Affinity up!]
"Oh? So that's how you see us." Kaga grinned albeit a bit with redness on her cheeks.
"Akagi is so happy to hear such sweet words from you, Shikikan-sama~!" She happily spoke as she lovingly rubbed her cheek against his. "Your love is filling up Akagi's chest ahh~."
'Phew….i think it worked.' He sighed in relief.
"But don't think you're getting away without at least some sort of punishment.~"
'YOU JUST HAD TO GO AND JINX YOURSELF HUH!?' He roared in his mind as he had comical teary waterfalls coming down his face. "Akagi please, I was just trying to…."
"No need to explain Shikikan-sama." Akagi hushed as she brought a hand up to his face and nudged him so that he was facing her. "Akagi understands that you enjoy cooking and wanted a chance to unwind and build a sense of trust and camaraderie with the others, but Akagi needs to make sure you understand that because Akagi belongs to you, you in turn, belong to Akagi."
Turning over to her sister, she called out her name. "Kaga."
"Hai." The white haired kitsune replied as she used one of her tails to bring the teacup over to Shikikan. "Have some relaxing Sakura Empire tea Shikikan. It'll help calm your nerves and bring you a good night's rest."
"Um…"
"Akagi didn't do anything bad to it, so rest assured Shikikan-sama. Truth be told, I'm in quite a good mood after receiving that wonderful tea set present that Knight of the Sea delivered to me in your name~." Akagi giggled sweetly as she released him from her tails.
"The sweets were also delicious. Thank you, Shikikan." Kaga added.
'Phew…good thing Cleve and her sisters managed to get all those gifts I asked them to get back at NY Harbor to everyone back here on base as soon as they did.' He sighed in relief as he unconsciously leaned back into Akagi's chest and burying himself further in, much to the latter's delight.
"Feel free to indulge in Akagi as much as you want hehe~." Akagi grinned happily as she hugged him tightly from behind.
"While it's admirable how hard you work, it'll all be for naught if your health deteriorates. So here, have this tea." Kaga added as she brought the teacup to his lips and offered to pour it for him.
Tired, tipsy, and needing a break, he decided to give in and let the two do as they please for the time being. Taking a sip of the tea, he quickly felt the warmth begin to calm his nerves and sooth his tired self.
"How do you find it Shikikan-sama?" Akagi asked as she gently spoke directly into his ear. "Isn't Kaga's tea oh so delightful~?"
"Yeah, it really is." He blissfully sighed as Akagi began to massage his shoulders and hum sweetly into his ears.
"Heh, glad you liked it." Kaga smiled. "Nee-sama, please allow me to help." She added before using a tail to pick up Shikikan left hand. Scooting over, she then began to gently massage his tired writing hand.
"You two are way too good at this….." He murmured as he began to feel his eyelids grow heavier by the second.
After about a few minutes of drifting to and from total sleep, he realized that he still had work to do. "W-wait girls, there's still paperwork that..."
"Shh…." Akagi hushed as she gently stroked his hair. "Fret not Shikikan-sama. We looked at the paperwork and saw that it was all just things that secretaries can complete without needing your direct attention. You've done a lot of great work today, so please let us take care of you."
"Mm" Kaga nodded. "Go ahead and fall asleep. The 1st carrier division is more than enough for meager budgeting and notices of commission completion."
Practically comatose at this point from the combination of heavenly pillows, warm tea, the pairs of hands massaging him, and a very busy day wearing him down, Shikikan finally gave in and fell asleep in the kitsune's arms.
'So sleepy…all of a sudden….zzz….'
"Hehe~. He looks so cute when he's asleep." Akagi giggled as she held him dearly and gently brushed some hair away from his face.
"Quite." Kaga surprisingly admitted as she lightly poked his cheek. "Allow me to take care of the remaining paperwork Nee-sama."
"Thank you Kaga." Akagi smiled brightly before turning her attention back to Shikikan. "Now then, let us retire for the night together in your room Shikikan-sama~."
Carefully wrapping her tails around him, she gently lifted him up and began walking to the staircase leading up to his room. Unfortunately, fate had other plans in store.
Knock Knock
"Commander? Are you still u….?"
"Tsk…" Akagi snarled as she quickly realized who the 'uninvited' guests were. "To what do we owe the pleasure? Shikikan-sama has finally fallen asleep and neither him nor I would appreciate it if you woke him up again."
At the door, Enterprise and Belfast held their ground as they surveyed the office room. The first to speak was the Grey Ghost herself.
"Why are you two here? Isn't Wales supposed to be his secretary today?"
"According to Shikikan, this Wales person had a bit too much to drink and is still indulging herself with other Royal Navy Kansen in the canteen as we speak." Kaga explained.
"So, we decided to help Shikikan-sama, what with his secretary playing hooky and leaving him alone with the rest of his work." Akagi hissed before calming down and gently putting him down on the couch. "As you can see, he's fallen asleep now, so it be best if you leave before you disturb him any further."
"If I may, how much work is left?" Belfast asked before taking a walk over to Shikikan's desk and began quickly going through the stack of papers. "Hmm, seems like the rest here are all things that a secretary can do."
"Correct so unless you dare to insult us by saying the 1st carrier division is incapable of completing mere paperwork, I suggest you hurry and scurry back to your dorms." A very annoyed Akagi growled.
"Twas never my intention Miss Akagi." Belfast calmly smiled before looking up at the two kitsunes with a knowing glint in her eyes. Reaching down, she picked up a small plastic baggie with a curious white powder inside. "But would either of you ladies happen to know what this is?"
"What are you…!?" Akagi started before looking down to what the Head Maid picked up. Looking inside her haori sleeves, she noticed that she indeed was missing something. "Tsk…"
"Akagi…." Enterprise stepped forward. "What is that?"
"I have no idea." Akagi lied as naturally as she breathed.
"Hmm, judging from how this fell near where this teacup is," Belfast started before glancing over to Shikikan, "it would appear that it is some sort of sleeping medication grinded up into this fine powdery substance here."
"You drugged him?" Enterprise frowned.
"…I simply helped him relax since he looked quite stressed and tired from all of the work the foolish higher-ups throw at him." Akagi innocently replied.
"That doesn't mean you can just put stuff into his drinks. How long is he even going to be out for?" Enterprise asked.
"Long enough for him to wake up without you two pests still causing such a ruckus." Akagi taunted before the two carriers began to get into an increasingly heated argument.
"Would it be safe to assume that you also had a part in this?" Belfast asked as she turned to Kaga while the other two went at it.
"Perhaps." Kaga shrugged. "I just complied with Nee-sama's whims is all."
As the two watched on as Enterprise and Akagi verbally fought for another couple of minutes, Kaga's ear twitched when she heard movement from behind.
"Ugh….did I pass out?" Shikikan rubbed his eyes before noticing the four sets of eyes all faced toward him. "Uh….hi?"
"Good evening, or should I say good morning Master?" Belfast smiled.
"Ho? Seems like one sip didn't do much after all?" Kaga remarked. 'I do wonder if it really was the small amount or if it's his resistances being too high though. Either way, as I'd expect from my Shikikan ehehe...'
"Huh? What do you mea…" He questioned before looking over towards the teacup. "….Akagi….I thought you said that you didn't do anything bad to it?"
"That's correct Shikikan-sama~." Akagi sung as she made her way towards him. "Akagi had no bad intentions whatsoever and was only thinking of your health and well-being when she added her special love filled ingredient~."
"Commander….you should try to be more careful from now on." Enterprise advised.
"Why you! Are you suggesting I intend to bring harm to my beloved Shikikan-sama!?" Akagi roared.
"No, but considering what you've done, I can't be so sure of leaving him alone with you." Enterprise admitted.
'Ugh….' He sighed before getting up and stepping in between the two, lest the office be part 2 of the Sakura Empire dorms. "Okay girls that enough fighting for one night don't you think?"
Turning to face Akagi first, he spoke. "While I appreciate you trying to look out for me, please don't put weird stuff into my drinks again okay?" He calmly asked before petting her on the head.
"And Enterprise, while what Akagi did is a bit….concerning…"
"But Shikikan-sama…!" Akagi whined.
"Hush…" He silenced her by softly pinching her fluffy ear.
"Ahhh~"
Now immobilized for the time being, he focused back on Enterprise. "Just try not to say that our allies and friends shouldn't be trusted when they are clearly on our side in this war. Okay?"
"…Understood…" She cutely pouted.
"Thanks, Enty.." He mouthed before patting her on the head.
"Alright girls, you all can head on back to your dorms. I plan to really go to sleep this time in the next hour after I finish with this stuff." He spoke as he pulled up his chair and began.
"Why not just go to sleep in the next ten minutes then Master? We're all here already after all." Belfast suggested before taking a stack.
"Eh, why not." Enterprise shrugged before taking a stack of papers.
"I'll do anything if it's for you Shikikan-sama!" Akagi happily sung as she too took a stack.
"Might as well then." Kaga sighed before joining in on the fun.
With five times the production speed, the paperwork was finally completed, and Shikikan's long day was finally brought to a close.
[One month later – 5:00 AM in Shikikan's bedroom]
Beep! Beep! Beep!
"Bleh…" Shikikan groaned as he turned off the alarm clock notification on his phone. Now sitting up in his bed he looked out his window to see that the sun was still nowhere to be found. 'The girls on the night commission should be back soon I think.'
Tiredly forcing himself out of his warm bed, he did some light stretches before heading over the bathroom to wash his face and freshen up a bit. Now donning his commander's uniform, minus the hat, he walked down the stairwell, out of his office, and headed straight for the docks.
Now outside, he could feel the cool early morning air begin to rear its head as the Autumn season was well into full gear.
'Should I make them breakfast, or would they rather just hit the showers and go to sleep?' He wondered before his mind headed elsewhere. 'It's been about a month since I got back from NY Harbor, but I can't tell if it's been fast or slow. On one hand, talking and playing with the girls is always something to look forward to, but the paperwork on the other hand….well….'
Now at the edge of the docks, he sat down on the edge of the pair and gazed off into the distance. 'I do wonder though, that PR project everyone at HQ has been frantically working on, has it made any progress or are we really in this for the long run? We've been able to hold out and even been making progress on reclaiming waters, but I still think the more help the better. Especially if we want to take to the offensive…'
As he was lost in thought and staring out to sea, he didn't seem to have heard the light footsteps walking along the boardwalk to him.
"Huh? What are you doing here?" The voice called out.
"Oh, morning Hipper." Shikikan tiredly yawned as he greeted the cruiser carrying a handful of towels and a portable cooler behind her. "The night commission girls should be back soon, so I thought I'd welcome them back."
"Hah? Did you even sleep, or did you pull another all-nighter to get ahead of the paperwork you dummkopf?"
"I managed to finish before midnight thanks to Naka's help, so I did get some sleep." He lazily stretched his arms out.
"You idiot, if you needed help just ask. N-not that I would've if you asked me or anything!" The heavy cruiser huffed.
"Thanks, Hipper. Getting out of bed this early just got a lot more worth it now that I got to see your cute worrying side."
"H-Hah!? Who was worrying about you, you giant dummkopf!?" Hipper growled.
"Heh, I'm honestly more surprised to see you here though. Did you also want to welcome the girls back?"
"I-I just happened to bump into you while on patrol is all…"
'She's so bad at lying.' He chuckled to himself. "Then what are the towels and cooler behind you for?"
Hearing this, Hipper's cheeks began to turn red. "W-well…f-for…"
"Oh, that's right." He sarcastically remarked as he dropped a fist into his open hand. "Eugen, Tirpitz, and Zeppelin are all on this commission, now aren't they?" He smugly asked.
"W-what do they have to do with anything!? J-just shut up already!" Hipper desperately yelled as she began swatting him with the towels in her hands.
"Okay, okay…heh." He laughed as he put his arms up to shield his face. With the both of them distracted, neither noticed the group of girls approaching the docks and now within earshot of them.
"Oh? Seems like you two are having a good time this early in the morning."
"Ah." Shikikan awkwardly said before getting up. Before continuing, he quickly scanned the girls to make sure that none of them seemed injured. "Welcome back girls."
"As if small escort fleets could do anything against us." Eugen yawned before sauntering up onto the dock and towards the two. "Seems like Hipper's really softened up to you Herr Kommandant."
"H-hah? Who would want to be friendly with this dummkopf?" The elder sister continued to huff before throwing a towel and a can of coffee at her younger sister. "Here, you're all wet and look tired."
"Aww, thanks dear schwester~." Eugen sung before quickly downing the can and drying her sea drenched hair.
"Danke." Tirpitz and Graf Zeppelin nodded before following suite. The first to face Shikikan was Tirpitz. "What brings you here so early Herr Kommandant?"
"I just wanted to welcome you girls back and make sure you're all okay." He honestly replied before looking back towards Hipper, who at the moment was prying off a clingy Eugen off of herself. "Seems like I wasn't the only one though."
"Hhmph. Did you really think a measly night patrol would quell my hatred?" Graf Zeppelin challenged.
"Not really, but I can't help but worry about you girls whenever you go off on commissions." He shyly admitted. "But now, I'm just really glad to see you girls back in one piece."
"Well, aren't you a softy today?" Eugen teased before playfully pulling his cheeks. "Still, thanks for seeing us back~."
"To forgo slumber to do something as frivolous as offer us receptions, such sickeningly sweet foolishness." Zeppelin sighed before tossing a coffee can to Shikikan. "Here, the weight under your eyes looks heavier than ours."
"Thanks, but I think I'll head back to bed for a bit since I'm for once not behind on paperwork." He tiredly yawned before pocketing the can. "You girls are free for the rest of the day, so feel free rest up before handing me the reports. And no Eugen. Sleep first. Drink later. Okay?"
"…Fine." Eugen sighed.
"Herr Kommandant." Tirpitz started. "Might I have a word with you later? I've received word of information from Ironblood HQ regarding you.
"Sure, but after you girls get some rest. I'll for sure be in my office at 9 AM, so come any time after then."
"Understood." Tirpitz nodded before the group of Ironblood Kansen left for their dorm.
Now alone, he made his solo journey back to his nice warm bed, but he couldn't seem to stop thinking about what Tirpitz said.
'Why am I getting a bad feeling about this?'
Feels so good to finally be back! Many apologies for the extremely long wait, but with me being in my final semester of graduate school on top of work and life, it's been super hard to get any free time to myself. With the holidays coming up finally, I should have plenty of time to crank out the next chapter soon-ish. Thank you all so, so much for your continued patience and support!
And with that all said, please stay tuned and I'll see y'all in the next chapter!
