Suruga and I tried not to cry. We did our best… but our red-faced daughter frantically shushed us as she hugged us tightly. Musashi's driver was waiting for us in front of the Academy, and when Owari finally worked herself free from us, she smoothed her Cadet uniform out.
"I love you so much, Mom, Dad…" she smiled, and I fought to steady my voice.
"Let us know if you need anything, ok? We are just a phone call away, or you can send us a message, or anything…" I smiled, "I'm so proud of you!"
Owari smiled and gave me one last hug. I saw an instructor come out and give us a stern look, and then when he realized who we were, quickly changed his expression. However, I didn't want Owari to be the target of Nepotism accusations, so I ruffled her hair a bit and stepped back.
Suruga hugged Owari tightly, crying freely, "I love you so much, my little tanuki! I know you'll do well, please keep in touch, we are always here for you!" Owari hugged her mother as tightly. I watched the kansen with a smile on my face.
Owari and Suruga broke apart, and Owari turned to leave, waving one last time. Goodbyes are never easy, but… I was so proud of her! She bowed to the instructor respectfully in apology, and he smiled, likely grateful to see her obedience.
We watched as she disappeared inside, and the instructor turned and gave us a nod. I waved back and coaxed Suruga into the car.
"Musashi booked us for a week in a suite, but we can go home, if you prefer," I rested my hand on hers as the driver looked in the rearview mirror, waiting for directions.
"It would seem strange, to go back to our empty nest… some time in Tokyo sounds nice, it doesn't matter how many years we've been together, Kohiko. Spending time with you is what I love," she smiled, and the driver got the hint.
She leaned against me in the back, letting her tanuki form take over so it would be more comfortable. I wrapped an arm around her, and we rode in a comfortable silence, our love for each other burning even more intense now that Owari would no longer be a constant in our lives. She would always be there, and we would always be there for her, but it felt strange… the knowledge that she was now old enough to begin her own life, to walk her own path…
I would be there to catch her, because she would fall, and a helping hand would get her back onto the path in the way I never had.
We lost ourselves in each other at the hotel, relying on physical comfort, a gentle lovemaking that let us become so absorbed in each other it was all we could think about. Later, we had highballs and takoyaki at a little spot right across the street from the hotel, standing at a table, joking and laughing a bit.
"You know, Suru, I remember when you would only have sake for 'ceremonial' purposes," I teased her a little.
She blushed a little, injecting a bit of youthfulness into it. Not to say she wasn't beautiful as she was as beautiful as ever. Maturity can be a wonderful thing, and as we've aged… well, we've become closer than ever, if that's even possible.
"Well, that was before I almost died twice and then had a daughter, so…" she winked, "maybe I've learned to live a bit more and relax. It's funny, that you should bring that up now." She popped a piece of takoyaki into her mouth.
I swallowed mine, taking a swig and continuing, "I just think it's cute. You're a strange one, but you're mine."
Suruga raised an eyebrow, a soft chuckle escaping her, "I remember what I said to you all those years ago, you know? I believe my words were 'You have bizarre tastes in women, Kohiko… Anyway, this doesn't come as a shock to me; I've known for a long time that your feelings for me are sincere. I, Suruga, hereby accept your oath of love.'"
She paused for a moment, her face even more red as she took a deep breath, "I really am a dork…"
I took her hand, "My dork."
"Gods, I knew it the moment I saw you…" She said, her eyes misting as we reminisced. We finished up our food and returned to our suite, heading out to the balcony to watch the sunset and resuming our conversation.
"I love you, Suru…" I said, as she sat on my lap, her head next to mine.
"I love you so much, Kohiko. I love you so much sometimes it hurts, and it reminds me… it reminds me how lucky I am to have you," she sniffed, and I squeezed her hand as our fingers lay intertwined on top of her stomach.
I shook my head, "I think that's supposed to be my line."
"I felt it the moment I met you. Something was there, something I never knew before! Yet you were so kind, so gentle…" she trailed off.
"I felt it too, Suru. I'll never forget that night, the night on the beach… our wedding. These memories, and the million more we made with Owari… they are my most precious possessions," I said, my words rewarded with a tender kiss as we went silent.
"I love you."
"I love you so much, Suru."
My heart seemed to fill my chest, my love reaching a crescendo as I realized the time that went by, yet I held no regrets. I knew there would be many more years to come, and that… that meant everything. To look forward to each minute of each day with the one you love… there was truly nothing more satisfying in the world.
I love you, Suruga, from the bottom of my heart and with every fiber of my being.
An empty nest seems lonely at first, but eventually you get used to it. Suruga and I agreed to leave Owari's room as is, and she would visit us from time to time, holidays were always a guarantee. She loved coming back to see her old room kept as it was and spent so much time with us.
Christmas had an unusually long holiday for the academy, so she would be home for about three weeks then, and her four-year program ensured we would still have a little time left, which helped put us at ease in those first few weeks.
The day would come, however, when she would graduate. Full honors, top of her class, a commission of her choosing… we were so happy for her! Proud as well, but she was living her dream. Suruga even agreed to speak at the commissioning ceremony. They invited me to speak as well, though I knew the actual star would be my lovely wife!
Suruga put on her uniform, and I couldn't help but feel a bit frisky, "I remember when I would tear this off you~."
"Kohiko! Haa… it still fits! You, however…" She turned to me and pressed me against the wall. "I suddenly feel like I should be in command… want to be my kansen in need of service?" She laughed a little, but I played along, and when we finished, we were both grateful that her uniform was still in excellent condition.
She hung it up before we continued. Seeing her in that again just… woke something up in me! I took her as I had done, our ardor invigorating us as we explored each other as though it was our first time all over again.
"Haah… I haven't felt that intense in ages…" Suruga moaned softly as an aftershock shook her. I brushed her hair aside as she turned to face me.
"Maybe we should break it out more often~."
She giggled, and we began preparing for our trip. My uniform fit me well, and I was grateful I had stayed in shape.
Our daughter delivered her speech on the day of the commissioning as we sat in the front row. It was lovely, filled with respect and adoration for us, for Kii (who was beside Suruga), and for her sponsor, Musashi, who sat to my left.
They asked me to speak next, and I kept my message short and sweet, encouraging the new officers to look after those they would command, and used a few of my experiences as examples. I was still the Commander who led a fleet of a kansen from every nation, and the pride I felt swell in my chest at their heartfelt applause as they stood, bowing to me in respect, nearly made me lose my composure. Then it was Suruga's turn to speak.
She took the stage, her expression stern, but soft. She swept aside her coat and ignored the microphone. The crowd was dead silent as she spoke.
"I was born to fight an old war, given this form to defeat an enemy you know only from textbooks and pictures. I fought beside my sister kansen, and found myself in command of the JNOF alongside my now husband, Kohiko. I suffered damage, but never a defeat."
She paused, letting her words sink in, "I led by example, and I knew each and every one of the JNOF's shipgirl's like I know my daughter. We were there for them, helping them when they needed it. Help comes in many forms. A word of praise can make someone work that much harder, whereas a fair punishment can correct a mistake."
"The world is changing, with newer warships and weapons that make what we fought with seem like toys, but…" Suruga spread her arms, and a collective gasp of awe resonated throughout the crowd as her rigging showed itself in its full splendor, the metal gleaming in the stage lights.
"We will not be around forever. We served our purpose and were given the chance to live normal lives. So it falls to you, a new generation of officers, to lead the men and women that trust you with their lives. Your warships aren't just hunks of metal floating on the open ocean, they are as alive as you or I."
Suruga let the crowd gaze upon her rigging for a moment more before it disappeared, leaving her the focus of attention again.
"Make us proud," she said, and bowed deeply.
Thunderous applause broke the silence as she straightened herself up and walked offstage, taking a seat next to me. I rested my hand on her arm and found she was shaking.
"You ok?" I whispered to her as the cheering died down.
"That was… terrifying…" she said, taking a deep breath and maintaining her composure.
"You were amazing!" I reassured her.
The Academy expressed its appreciation for our willingness to speak to the new officers, and when it was all over Owari came up to us and hugged us tightly.
"Congratulations!" I said, hugging her as tightly in return.
"I'm so proud!" Suruga said, pulling her into a hug as well.
"Thank you, Mom, Dad… and thank you for speaking. I know it's not your favorite thing but… everyone here is so grateful and honored to have a kansen and the JNOF's commander speak for them!" Owari was beyond excited, and we took her out to celebrate as she excitedly told us about her first posting.
She had become such an amazing young woman, and we were so proud of her.
"My rigging is really only ceremonial… I don't think I could use it on the modern battlefield, but it reminds me of who I am, and what I have to live up to," she said, looking at the both of us and smiling.
"We'll miss you," Suruga said, mustering up a small smile.
"I'll miss you both too! Don't worry, we'll keep in touch, ok?"
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
She kept her promise, however!
No father is a fan of seeing their daughter get married, but Kohiko took a shine to the young Kommandant. He was polite, respectful, and I could tell he genuinely adored Owari. It was almost like seeing ourselves, though Kohiko didn't have that thick Iron Blood accent.
We had first met him years ago, when Owari convinced him to come with her to meet us. She even got me to give him a tour of my ship.
"This is not something I've done for anyone…" I said as we walked down the wood paneled corridor of officer staterooms. The captain's cabin… my cabin where Kohiko and I spent many nights together… was off limits, but the rest was open for the grand tour.
When we finished, he thanked me profusely, "I know Owari put you up to this, and I thank you for giving me this honor. When she told me who her parents were, I almost didn't believe it, but when she showed me her rigging… she is an amazing woman, your daughter." He smiled at her and offered his arm.
Such a gentleman.
Kohiko and I walked together as we took them to dinner.
"You are young for a Kommandant," Kohiko began as a round of drinks was ordered.
"Yes, sir! I was told I have an aptitude for leadership, and ended up working with Admiral Graf Spee herself," he said, smiling.
"How is Spee?" Kohiko asked him.
"You… you know Admiral Graf Spee?" He looked surprised.
"We were close," he admitted, and the young Kommandant shook his head.
"It is amazing, speaking with you. She is doing well, and when I see her again, I will pass along your well wishes, if you would like."
"We would love that," I said, smiling.
Kohiko and I decided that we liked him, and when he asked Kohiko permission to marry our daughter two years later, he agreed.
Now, another year after that, we were the spectators in the same ceremony we took part in when we were their age. Seeing them together, knowing she had found someone who brough her happiness as Kohiko did to me… that was truly special.
We were there to wish them well, and to pray for their health and happiness. We felt truly blessed to see our only daughter become so much more than the sum of her parents.
The young Kommandant's family was there as well, a lovely bunch of people with a long military history, and it surprised even me, the ease with which I could speak with them. A short time after the wedding, Musashi broke surprised Owari with a letter offering her a promotion and the captainship of an advanced battleship.
She was overjoyed and accepted it without reservation. As it would turn out, an XO was needed, and as a symbol of cooperation between the Sakura Empire and the Iron Blood, the Kommandant would become that symbol.
A husband and wife leading the most advanced weapons platform in the world… what an incredible sight to behold!
We were there, of course, for the christening of the ship and her speech, Owari asking us one last time to speak alongside her. I still felt a youthful energy flow through me, but I attributed that largely to the wisdom cube that sustained my life. Kohiko did his best to keep up, but there was gray at his temples. He remained as handsome as ever!
"… And finally, my parents, the esteemed Commanders of the JNOF! Shikikan Suruga, and Shikikan Kohiko," Owari introduced us, and we went on stage together. We spoke of how proud we were, to see our daughter surpass us in rank, and to captain such a magnificent warship. We spoke of our experiences on the battlefield, and of lessons learned.
Our speech was met with polite applause, and we bowed. The christening of a ship was a solemn, honorable thing, and as we watched Owari perform the ceremony, a feeling of peace settled upon me, as though I now knew I had done all I can.
My daughter, my little tanuki… I ran my hand along my horns, looking at hers as a surge of emotions raced through me. I took Kohiko's arm as we left the stage, leaning against him for support as I felt a sudden weakness surge through me.
My devotion lay with Kohiko in its entirety once again. When I looked into his eyes, I saw he was undergoing the same realization and we took a short walk away from the ceremonies to embrace each other tightly.
"Hey, I thought I saw you two sneak off… you guys are the most affectionate couple I know," Owari said, finding us in short order.
"So long ago, Owari… when we first met, we knew then and there. A spark we kindled into the love we have today…" Kohiko opined.
Owari gave us a small smile, "So cheesy… but I believe you. I know there are some stories you won't tell me, but I can only imagine what you two went through during the Siren War. Now, can you socialize with the others for a bit, for my sake?" she dragged on our arms.
"Of course," I said, and we rejoined the celebrations. Owari knew us too well, it seemed!
We were there when the ship set sail on its maiden voyage, giving our daughter a small gift to commemorate the event. Many approached us, and that was when we told the story of the JNOF, and of us. Most of the activities of the JNOF were public knowledge, but we enjoyed filling in the blanks that surrounded the more interesting bits.
Surprisingly, most people wanted to know about us as a couple. A human and a kansen… rare in the extreme due to the small number of kansen and their dispersion around the globe. I found myself to quite enjoy the telling of our story.
The world was changing, and that was ok. Kansen no longer patrolled the waters, keeping the peace. Warships crewed by humans were no the only ones in charge of that responsibility, and even Kii had found someone to settle down with, not too far from where we lived.
I will say one thing, however… Kohiko and I were as active as ever! Our physical intimacy had never left us, and to this day it thrills me to see him get excited whenever I tease him, or put on the uniform for a bit of fun~.
I watched as Suruga shrugged out of her sweater, turning to me and raising an eyebrow. I ran my eyes along her body, playfully licking my lips as she blushed. I could still make her blush after this long~.
"Kohiko, you're staring at me…" she hesitated before she opened her bra. We were active, and while there were a few lines here and there, Suruga looked incredible.
"I can't believe just how lovely you are, you know? Still as sexy as the first time I saw you, and…" I pulled her against me, letting her feel my erection as it pressed against her rump, "you will always get me excited~."
She let it drop, and wiggled her butt, taking my hands and pressing them against her breasts, "I can say the same about you~."
She turned her head, and we kissed, her tongue seeing mine out and pressing against it, her mouth hot. She shivered with excitement as I ran my hand down her body, teasing her navel before slipping my fingers into her panties, rubbing her slit.
My fingers became sticky with her juices, and her tail wiggled, sandwiched between us. Soft moans escaped her as I continued to tease her cunt, her panties getting soaked in her fluids.
"Kohiko…" she gasped as she broke the kiss, my fingers now inside of her. I withdrew them as we separated, bringing them to my nose and sniffing them as she took off her wet panties, "Wouldn't you… rather these?"
I accepted them and brought them to my nose, inhaling her scent. She spent the day as a tanuki, and I could tell. Plus, this sweat… no… she was feeling it all day, just waiting for me to make my move.
"Smells like you're in heat!" I breathed deeply, and she stuttered.
"Y-You've never said it like before… I'm not in heat… I just… gods, I want your cock in my mouth!" she pulled down my underwear as I continued to sniff the treasure she had bestowed upon me, her soft, wet tongue running along my cock before she gave in to her desire and just took the entire thing into her mouth.
"Mmph… Sho… Good..." She spoke, unable to contain herself. I could feel her hot breath against my crotch as she used her throat to pleasure me. The wet schlick of her fingers as she got herself off was erotic, so I cast her panties aside.
"Hey, no fair… I want some too," I said, and she took my cock out of her mouth, gesturing for me to lie down.
"How's the view?" Suruga asked as she positioned her ass over my face.
"You have the sexiest ass, and such a pretty pussy…" I said, "and the cutest little butthole. I can't wait to fill it later."
She leaned down and took my cock into her mouth, spreading her legs wide, inviting me in for whatever I fancied. Admiring her wet cunt was fun, but what was even better… well, that was the taste of her on my tongue, her juices tantalizing me as I slowly played with her labia, my cock throbbing in her mouth the entire time.
I squeezed her ass, soft flesh pliant and wonderful in my hands. I moaned softly as I dug my nose into her and inhaled her musk, her tail wrapping around my arm as my thumb teased her anus.
Paradise, heaven… whatever you want to call it. Being wrapped up in the scent, sight, and sound of the one you love is just beyond pleasure, no matter how many times you experience it. I could taste her juices, her sweat, everything!
I thrust my tongue into her, swirling it around and teasing her as I'd done thousands of times, loving each one as though it were the first. My nose pressed against her anus, and I couldn't help but love the scent of her musk pooled there as sweat beaded its way down her crack from the base of her tail.
My excitement overcame me, and I leaned back, watching as her lips wrapped around my cock, taking me all the way to the base as I swelled, my climax moments away.
"I'm gonna cum, Suru!" I moaned, her breasts pressing against my waist as she took me all the way into her throat. I shoved my face back into her ass, my tongue penetrating her anus as I teased her clit.
Threads of my seed poured deep into her throat as she showered me with her juices as she came, surprising me by sitting up and pressing her ass against my face, leaning back so my tongue could reach even deeper into her rectum.
"Fuck yes! You better fuck my ass hard tonight…" She sat up to lay down prone, gasping as I pressed my face against her ass again. "H-hey! I thought you had enough of that already…"
"Your asshole smells so nice, Suruga! Haa… Haa…" She spread her ass and let me indulge for a bit longer, my mind blanking as the intoxicating scent left me wanting more and more. My tongue jockeyed for position, and I lost myself as I ate her ass.
"K-Kohiko… My pussy is throbbing… I need you inside of me or I'll go crazy!" She insisted, and I noticed that the bed beneath her crotch was absolutely soaked, I must not have even realized as she came.
I got on my knees over her, taking my cock into my hand as I salivated at the sight of her wet asshole, my ministrations allowing me to slip into her.
"Suru… your ass was made for my dick… I just wanna stay like this forever," I shuddered with pleasure, loud moans escaping me as she squeezed her ass tight. I didn't relent with my thrusting, her ass ready for a proper fucking, her cries of pleasure and demands for more as she bit the pillow in a poor attempt to muffle the lewd noises she couldn't help but make.
"Stir me up! I couldn;t imagine not having my ass fucked thanks to you, I love it so much!" Suruga turned to look at me, her pupils dilated as she took me deep inside her. I grabbed her tail, pulling on it as she bared her teeth, grunting softly.
"My tanuki is such a good girl, should I give her a reward?" I slowed down, on the cusp of another climax as she pressed her hips back against me.
"Please, please… I want your reward deep in my bowels…" she was shaking in anticipation, the mere thought of my hot cum filling her almost as exciting as the act itself.
Well, who was I to disappoint?
I let loose, a torrent of the hot, white fluid filling her bowels as she screamed in pure pleasure. She convulsed, her orgasm hitting her hard. I pulled out of her ass, turning her over and spreading her legs so I could go at it again, but this time from the front~.
We made such a mess as the night continued on that we found ourselves in the bathroom… though we were far from done. She washed me, then instructed me to lie on my back. I did so, and she raised my legs into the air, carefully washing my anus.
I felt her tongue against it and moaned as she stroked me. This was a rare treat indeed, and the feeling of her tongue pressing into me was blissful. It was enough to make a fountain out of my member after only a few minutes, and then she lowered my legs and straddled me.
"It felt good?" She asked, her question rhetorical. Her juices covered my cock as her labia kissed it.
"I can still feel it dripping from you, hehe…" My cum was still leaking from her ass, but she raised her hips and pressed a finger against her anus and scraping some cum from it, brining it to her mouth and eating it, a seductive smile adorning her face as she guided my cock into her.
"After all that, having you in my pussy is just… it feels so good! Fill me up here too, ok?" She smiled and leaned over me, our tongues pressing to one another as she worked her hips over mine, the lewd sound of our flesh slapping together just one more track in the chorus of lewd noises.
She made me cum again and again, and even after we cleaned up again, we were back in the bed, my arm around her, pulling her against me and cupping her breast as I slowly thrust into her from behind.
"Just like that, right there…" Suru moaned as her pussy clenched and unclenched as I nudged her g-spot. Cum was leaking out between our union. But after another climax, her eyes closed, and soon she was asleep, a satisfied smile plastered to her face.
I pumped what little seed I had left into her, and didn't even bother pulling out, letting my cock soften in her as I fell asleep, holding her tight to me.