This chapter includes heavy OOC from Purifier, mainly because this story aims for her to be likable and a loving and caring mom. Also, my own headcanon that I think is plausible, hopefully.
Surprise Visit
"Hi!" Purity waved.
Though no one waved back.
…
Confusion was the first thing to come to mind inside everyone's head. Then, gears started turning, the Commander saw varying emotions on everyone's face. With a sudden realization, many started to break down and cry out in despair that their first and probably last love was already taken. Some harbored faces of regret for not asking the Commander out sooner. The destroyers were oblivious to everything and were glad they got a new playmate, namely the more innocent ones, though the mature ones are a different story. Akagi and her 'friends' were more than livid, if looks could kill, their combined glares could wipe out an entire Siren fleet. The Commander waited nervously for several minutes until everyone calmed down, though some sniffling could still be heard. As the emotions leveled out, someone in the crowd shouted.
"If she's your daughter, why does she look like Purifier!?"
The entire gym got quiet, only the slight noise from the air conditioner can be heard. Suddenly everyone glared at him as if he betrayed their trust. A few had a murderous glint in their eyes. He didn't know if they wanted to kill him, Purity, or both of them. What he does know is he sure as hell doesn't want either to be the case.
"Whoa... C-calm down now ladies, if you would let me explain, we can get through this and no one will get hurt."
In nothing short of a miracle, the girls softened their glares and nodded. Still obviously upset but willing to hear his side of the story.
"I'm going to clarify that I didn't even know I had a daughter this morning. As hard as it is to believe, she's from the future. Now I know I might sound crazy, but as your commander and friend, I swear upon my life I'm telling the truth. I'll try to answer any questions to the best of my abilities as the full situation isn't known yet."
Several hands were raised, seeing as Warspite had direct ties to Elizabeth, he called on her.
"Warspite, what's your question?"
"Are you aware of the implications of being romantically involved with the enemy? How do you think Her Majesty is going to react?"
"At the moment, I'm not worried. Purifier and I are together in the future when the war was already over, hell Purity even told me we have Sirens that live on our base with their own dorms." Belfast disapproving looked at him from the side for his use of language in front of Purity and the destroyers, but he carried on.
"Leipzig, what's on your mind?"
"W-well... do you know when the war actually ends Kommandant? I-I'm sc-scared and sick of fighting..." he felt sorry for the cruiser, but war was war and group effort along with teamwork make victory.
"Not sure, but Purity said ten years from now is the time she's from. Do you know how long from now does the war end, Purity?"
"It ended not long before I was born, maybe a year? It's like three to four years from now."
Another almost half-decade of battles was a long time. But he'd been commander for two and saw massive strides in the push back of Siren forces.
"Anyone else... Vestal"
"Are you going to tell them about it, the seven situation?"
He internally laughed at the question. Would he? Hell no, he'd be signing his own death wager. He shook his head, best not to tell anyone about it until the next daughter arrives.
"Dido, what's your question?"
"Are you going to abandon us because you have someone else in the future?" Dido asked while exuding a dark aura, people were scooting away from her.
"No, no! Why would I do that to you? You all have been there when I felt down, I can't bring and forgive myself to do so." he loved them too much (some a little more than that) to cast them aside even if he was married.
"As of the moment, that's my thought. If you want to know, Purity might be able to tell you about the future."
"Don't worry, Dad is still the commander in the future," this visibly took Dido out of her unstable state of mind, "seven of you are even married to him with kids." she added on.
…
The gym became deathly silent a second time within the hour. Even the AC stopped at the last second. He started to panic but did his best to hide it. There was a reason he didn't want to tell them when Vestal brought it up. In his heart, he knows that they know he can't be shared amongst everyone. With seven spots ripe for the picking, many of the more "passionate" girls would likely want to cement a place within his heart. Of course, this would make others jealous and do more for him and compete against each other. Some of the girls got up and came down the bleachers, a seductive and predatory look in their eyes. He backed into the door, the girls coming closer.
"G-girls, can we calm down and talk about this?" it was a pathetic attempt to stop them.
They didn't listen and came closer. In a last-ditch effort to protect his chastity, he picked up/grabbed Purity and Belfast while bolting for the door. The girls quickly ran after him.
Dock...
They ran all the way to the dock, going into one of the shipping containers to hide. He put Purity down while Belfast made sure they weren't followed.
"No sign that anyone followed us, Master."
"Thank god *huff*...I need a break." he said while panting and falling to his knees.
"Why did we have to run Dad?" Purity innocently asked.
"It's because if I didn't, they would..." he caught himself just before he told her.
"What will they do to you?"
"You know what, you're too young, my future self will tell you all about it one day." he really doesn't want to tell Purity about the birds and the bees, especially in this context.
"No fair, why can't you tell me?"
"You're too young ok, and that's that, no more talking about it."
"Fine." Purity pouted, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Are you sure this was a smart idea, Master?"
"Well, what else could I do? They won't listen to me, my only option was to run."
"But they'd still chase you down, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of it all?" Belfast questioned.
"Better than to let them have their way with me."
"Anyways, could you check again Belfast? I think I took a long enough break."
"Of course."
Belfast went to check again, seeing that the coast was clear, she motioned for the Commander and Purity.
Commander's quarter...
After another ten minutes of running, they finally made it back to the house at 11. The Commander, utterly exhausted, fell onto the couch as soon as Belfast closed the door.
"I... I don't think... I can work today..." the Commander said through ragged breaths.
"That won't do master, you still have many documents to go through in your office." she chastised him.
"You... you think it's a good idea...to work in the office after everything that just happened?"
"I can pick up the documents for you if you'd like."
He was really considering begging Belfast to let him have the day off. But that meant a little bit more documents tomorrow and Z23 would have to work alone today. He weighed the options in the head, he'd have the day off to avoid the girls or have more work. He'd rather have more work and chew out session from Z23 than what the girls had in store for him.
"Can I please just have the day off Bel? I promise I'll make it up to you." he only ever used her nickname when he really needed a favor from her.
Belfast feigned a thinking pose. She could use this chance as a way to get a favor from the Commander as well. There was a new dessert shop KGV opened in the shopping district that she always wanted to go to. But there just wasn't ever a good time to go, she could use this chance to get some time with the Commander.
"Alright, but I have one request."
"And that is? I'll do anything if it's within reason."
"Treat me to some cake at Miss George's new shop, Purity can come along if she wants to." Belfast was by no means needy or clingy, but she still needs some attention every once in a while. This was a reasonable request as he always wanted to try her desserts as well.
"Sure, but would tomorrow's lunch be a good time? I still want to wait for everything to blow over. "
"That's fine, thank you for agreeing to such a selfish request, Master."
"You're never selfish Bel, I like it when we spend time together." he assured, making her blush unintentionally.
"I want cake too!" Purity shouted from the kitchen as she grabs him a drink, he happily accepted.
"If that's settled, what are your plans for the rest of the day? I doubt you can spend the rest of the day with us." she sighed.
"As much as I want to, Her Majesty will be up soon. Breakfast is always prepared beforehand so she can eat after getting ready."
"I can't imagine what Liz is like without food... scratch that I can." the Commander shuddered at the thought of an already temperamental girl being crankier.
"Well, I'm off then, see you Master, Purity." she curtsied and left the residence.
"What do want to do Purity?"
"I want to see Mom!"
…
He was really pushing his luck today, visiting the Siren base was a downright death sentence. But this was a chance to get to know Purifier better, how else would a relationship work without communication? Plus, he can't deny his daughter wanting to see her mother. Giving in, he decided that they will go.
"Fine, but have to stay hidden until I come to get you, ok?"
"I promise! Now let's go see Mom!"
Commander's private dock...
Luckily for the Commander, he has a boat docked outside for emergency and errand purposes. After gathering a few things for the trip ahead, they had a quick lunch and departed by noon. The Commander charted a course on the map and set the boat on autopilot before talking to Purity.
"Getting there is going to take at least two hours. While we wait, why don't you tell me more about Purifier?"
"What is it, Dad?"
"What exactly happened between me and her that got us together?"
"I can't remember much, but it started when Mom left her friends after you blew up their base. I think you told her something about joining you if things don't work out. She did and came the next morning but Aunt Enterprise and Mama Belfast were there to stop her. You ran over quickly to stop them, Mom fainted and you took her to Vestal. You both made an agreement for her to be your secretary so you can keep an eye on her. A year later, I was born."
"What happened in between all that?"
"I can't remember what else you and Mom told me... Aw well." she shrugged.
"What can you tell me about my other wives?"
"Sorry Dad, I can't tell you anything."
"I'm sorry that I even asked. Whatever, I'll be down there taking a nap. Tell me when we arrive."
"Ok, Dad."
Two hours later...
Seeing the Siren base within distance Purity went to wake the Commander up.
"Dad, I can see the base from here."
He roused from his sleeping, stretching as he let out a small yawn.
"Alright, from here until we get there, you are to stay down here ok? I'll steer the rest of the way."
Purity nodded and he went up into the command deck. Sure enough, he could see the Siren base in the distance. It was a giant matte black cube with yellow accents that resembled the circuit lines on a computer chip. The cube rested on many black and purple stone spires that shot up from the water, a swirling purple storm crackling with lighting hovered above. He took the wheel and maneuvered around the protrusions of rock as they got closer and closer. It looked like an alien planet the closer they were, he assumed that storm was their portal. Stopping the boat just about a hundred feet away from the base, a drone flew done in front of him.
"If it isn't the Commander. What do we owe the pleasure?" Observer Alpha asked through the drone.
"I'm not here to cause trouble or to fight, I come alone and simply want to talk to Purifier."
"And what business do you have with our resident trouble maker?"
"That doesn't concern you, does it? Now if you may?"
He heard a frustrated grumble as Observer obliged, the drone flew off. A few minutes have gone by when he heard a splash of water and Purifier landed on the boat.
"Hiya Commander, Observer said you wanted to talk to me!"
"Hey, Purifier." he casually greeted her.
"So, what did you want to talk about with me?"
"I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"Why? Aren't we supposed to be enemies?"
"You ask me the same thing every time you jump onto my boat, what's the difference when I do it once?"
She was surprised he wasn't scared of her, at least not outwardly.
"Plus, I have someone who wants to see you, I'll bring her up. Wait a sec."
"Ok, but if you lie to me I have no other choice but to kill you!" Purifier said with her signature smile but a menacing undertone.
"I'm a man of my words, we just want to talk to you." the Commander said calmly, though internally screaming.
A minute or two passed until he came up with a little girl, Purifier felt as if she was looking into a mirror that shrunk you.
"Hey, she looks just like me, but smaller and cuter! How did you guys clone me? Wait, did you steal one of my backups and experiment on her? What-" Purifier was cut off by the Commander.
"We didn't do anything, she's her own person."
"Well, why does she look like me then?"
"Eh... some Siren tech and future stuff. She's our daughter sent from the future."
"What? Say that again."
"She's our daughter, from the future. Her name is Purity."
"Our daughter? Like me and you, we had s-" he quickly covered her mouth before she can utter the word.
"Say that word and we both have to explain the birds and the bees to her, you really want that to happen?" he whispered into her ears.
He felt her cheeks heat up a bit under his palm, which in turn made him bush as well. But she nodded and he took his hands off.
"*Ahem* Purity told me we are married in the future after the war."
"Oh, would you believe if I told you I'm a bit happy to hear that?" she asked with a blush.
He can't deny how cute Purifier looks when she's bashful like this.
"I-I... I do?"
His response wasn't strong, but it still was confirmation to her.
"Ooh, speaking of Purity, why did she want to see me?" Purifier asked while still having a mild blush.
"I think she wanted to see how you compare to your future self."
Purity came up to them and Purifier kneeled down to her height.
"Hi, Mom!"
Seeing Purity up close, Purifier can see that she was indeed their kid. Her face and hair are identical, yet the eyes are a mix of yellow and brown. Striking and piercing yet also calm and relaxing. She felt a warm feeling akin to pride and maternal love bloom inside her chest.
"Hey, Purity, nice to meet you." Purifier said in a motherly tone while ruffling her hair.
"Hehe... nice to meet you too Mom." Purity looked content while leaning into her mother's touch.
The Commander was surprised at how Purifier's demeanor changed. From being informal and a little bit wild to loving and gentle. Seeing as they enjoyed each other's company, they talked for an hour about different topics. One quick look at his watch later, his face shifted to one of annoyance.
"Sorry to say this, but we need to go."
"Aww, but I want to stay with Mom longer."
"Me too Purity, me too..." he thought to himself.
"I'm sorry, but we have to go now. You probably know how Bel acts when I'm missing. You want her to be angry at us?" he said as he remembered not writing a note for Belfast.
"...No..." Purity replied as tears clouded her eyes.
"Honey don't cry, we'll have another chance to see her again." the Commander gave Purity a kiss on the forehead and wiped her tears away.
"Feeling better now?"
Purity nodded while rubbing her eyes. He turned to Purifier.
"Hey, um... thanks for talking to me and Purity today."
"No, thank you. If you hadn't brought her here, I would've had to keep denying my feelings." a smile and blush were creeping onto her face.
"...does that mean..." the Commander's heart skipped a beat at her words.
"Hehe, that's up to you to decide.~"
Call him crazy, but he was sure now Purifier and he have 'caught feelings' for each other.
"Aren't we supposed to be leaving now?" Purity asked, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Right... it was nice talking to you. One day I'll make sure I can see you every day, for now, I bid you farewell."
Before he can turn around, Purifier grabbed him and pulling him into an embrace. Her face pushed into his chest.
"W-what are you doing Purifier?" he asked nervously.
"Please... can we?" she said as she looked up, faces barely a few inches apart.
His breath hitched in his throat as his heart started beating faster. He knew what she wanted. Nodding, she closed her eyes as he does the same. Their lips pressed together, passionately. A sensation of pure bliss overloaded his mind at the touch of her soft lips. Her arms pulling him down and closer to her, instincts guiding him as he hugged her waist closer and deepened the kiss. After what felt like an eternity, they broke apart for air, both breathing heavily with flushed faces.
"That was... something, wasn't it?"
"I know... thanks for that Commander. I love you, more than anything in this world."
"Me too Purifier."
Both were still wanting to go again, they anticipated the kiss but was surprised at how good it felt. Staring at each other while still wrapped in an embrace, they kissed again, this time more gentle and slow.
"We should probably get going, Belfast will be worried. Thank you Purifier, for everything today." they separated, a coldness in the air now as her warmth left him.
"Aw, you're making me think we'll never see each other again." she grumbled, now back to her old self.
"It might take a few years, just saying."
"Well, I can make that tomorrow if you can't wait."
"I'll keep you to your word then, looking forward to it." he said as he waved her goodbye.
"I look forward to our future together as well, my dear husband." she whispered into his ears before giving him a quick kiss and departing, giggling. That warmth from earlier spread throughout his chest.
"I look forward to it as well."
Forgetting that Purity was still there, he turned to see her face in between a smile and a confused expression.
"Do adults usually do those sorts of things?"
"You've never seen me and Purifier kiss before?" he asked as he sat on the railing.
"Yeah, but only right before going to sleep, then you guys start making weird noises and I can't sleep."
He feels bad for his future self, eventually having to explain to 8 kids no less.
"Whatever Dad, are we going to just stand here or go home?"
"AW CRAP, IT'S FOUR, WE BETTER LEAVE!"
He quickly scrambled to start the engine.
"Looks like they already like each other." Purity smiled inwardly.
Purifier...
She watched as he left, a small smile on her face. She had a plan tonight, a risky plan that would erase her entire existence if she wasn't careful. But she was willing to take the risk for Purity and the Commander. Happily walking back to the command room with a spring in her steps as she thought through her mad scheme. Upon entering, it was mostly empty besides Observer Alpha, analyzing past data. The door closed with a hiss, alerting Observer to her guest but she didn't look back.
"So, what did he want with you?"
"Eh, nothing much, just told me that he's here to make a peace treaty." Purifier lied.
"That's pointless, doesn't he know that our purpose isn't to win or lose, it's data collection."
Purifier shrugged; she never really cared about getting any stronger, she could hold her own against a few ship girls at least. Plus all the technical stuff made her head hurt when they were given lectures.
"He tried at least. Well, that's all I have to report! I'll be in the cafeteria, I'm starving!"
Purifier walked out in the same manner as earlier, Observer noticed this.
"What did they talk about for real? And why does she look so happy? I should've known to keep a drone on them..."
Observer knew Purifier was lying, as to why would the Commander sue for peace with their elite fighter instead of 'diplomatic' elites like herself.
"I'm going to figure out what you're hiding, Purifier."
4 hours later...
It took an extra two hours to get back to base as Observer mobilized some mass-produced units to capture him. But luckily, he outmaneuvered them and made it safely back by eight.
"Geez, I literally said I wasn't there to start any trouble. Why did they change their minds after I left!? *Sigh* I can't wait for this war to be over."
"You sound like an old man Dad. At least we made it back home and we can eat now. Can we ask Mama Belfast to make us some spaghetti?"
"You ate all the snacks we packed, how are you still hungry? You didn't even share any with me!" his hunger was getting to him as well.
"Hehe, oops..." he sighed.
"I don't know if she's in the mood tonight. She might be mad at me for leaving without writing a note for her."
"She cares about you Dad, why won't she do something for you?"
"I know she cares for me, but she cares a little too much. Ugh, guess we can't just spend the entire night on here, let's go."
Docking and tying the boat so it wouldn't drift away, they cleaned up the wrappers that Purity threw around, he was too tired to chastise her. Walking up the path, the Commander saw that the lights were on in the house.
"I thought I turned everything off, is Belfast in there?"
She was the only one that had the spare key to his residence: many of them in fact as he had to get the lock constantly changed when Akagi or Taihou copies his keys. Unlocking the back door into the kitchen, it was empty but the lights were on. As he walked into the dining room, there she was, sitting in a chair.
"Good evening, Master." there was an edge to her tone as he felt the hairs on his neck raise.
Standing in front of him was a very, VERY irritated Belfast. Though she had a smile on her face, her eyes conveyed hidden wrath behind them.
"Good evening Bel." he started to sweat.
"Now, may I ask you, what were you doing for the past seven hours? Without telling and making me worried no less?"
"I, uh... we went to see Purifier and I forgot to write a note for you. So... sorry?" he heard a sharp intake of breath from her.
He knew she wanted to tell him off and yell at him for how stupid he was risking his life like that. But she held her composure and carried on.
"I know that you understand it's dangerous to do so. But you were already in enough danger telling the others about Purity and your seven other daughters. At what point did you stop and think that it was a terrible idea to tempt fate like this?" her voice cracking a bit.
"..." he couldn't get a response out.
"Since you've put me in a bad mood for endangering yourself, I won't cook dinner for you as punishment for today. You'll have to cook dinner yourself."
"PLEASE, ANYTHING BUT THAT, YOU KNOW HOW BAD I AM AT COOKING!" he got on his knees and begged Belfast. Out of everything he's good at, cooking would be his worst skill. His abomination even hospitalized George once as she wanted to try what he made. To do something as poisoning a battleship made him stay as far away from the kitchen as possible.
"I thought so, if you don't want to cook, I bought instant noodle cups from Miss Akashi. Your expense of course."
Hearing that made his stomach sink.
"That's it, that's a two month salary gone ..."
"Miss Purity, are you hungry?"
"Yeah... but I feel bad since Dad can't eat." Purity said guiltily, she was the cause of all this.
"Come with me then, Master doesn't have any ingredients in his home. So, we'll need to go to the Royal Navy dorms." completely ignoring the last part.
"Can you at least make him something to eat?"
"He has the noodles to eat, that is if he doesn't burn down the house trying to boil water."
With that last insult, she took Purity with her.
"I did nothing to deserve this."
LESSON OF THE DAY, DON'T MAKE BELFAST WORRIED AND ANGRY
After finishing his third cup of ramen in depressing silence, a knock came from the door.
"Master, it's me." Belfast's voice was meek, probably knowing she messed up.
He barely looked at the door before staring off into space again, she walked in with a worried look on her face.
"Master, I'm here to inform you that Miss Purity will stay in my room tonight as it's safer and she's already asleep."
The vacant look on his face got worse as he simply nodded. Getting up, he threw the cups into the trash and made his way upstairs without looking or acknowledging Belfast once. Now she's feeling even worse that her master won't respond to anything she says. Not making his dinner and spending his money on junk was already bad enough. Though they've only known each other for a day, Purity and the Commander already shared a strong bond. Keeping her away from him even for a night, that killed his spirit.
"I need to make sure he actually sleeps tonight."
She quickly went upstairs and checked his room. On the bed, he was lying face down in his uniform. She flipped him onto his back, he was already asleep with a frown. She took off his shoes and uniform jacket then covered him in a blanket. Right before she could leave, he grabbed her and pulled her into bed. She turned beet red as he pulled her closer to him.
"Please don't go Purifier."
That however instantly killed Belfast's mood.
"How rude, hugging me while saying someone else's name."
Nonetheless, the feeling of being held by someone you love is a pleasant one.
"Even though we'll never be together, I'm happy I get to do this once at least."
She yawned and cuddled closer, eventually falling asleep with a content smile on her face.