I know this is supposed to be pandering to YuuAyu shippers, but my YuuAyuSetsu OT3 shipping heart can't overlook Setsuna's excitement at seeing so many Yuus.
And I really, really want to write some sort of Yuu duplication spell or tech or curse or the like in my monster theater AU. Might make for a fun follow up to my multiverse crossover idea for Yohane... which of course means I would need to finish writing that...
Primary Pairing/Trio: SetsuAyu/YuuAyuSetsu
Words: 680
Rating: T
Time Frame: Sometime during their 2nd year in HS
Prompt: Forgotten
Content Warning: Major Character Death... sorta...
Reminder: Setsuna wrote a sort of "choose your own adventure" style story where fans got to vote on various aspects between each installment
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Author's Note: Bonus 2nd entry for the 11th.
Also, this chapter was inspired by this lovely work by @myonmukyuu
Summary: Setsuna fails to save Ayumu
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A broken sword clattered to the ground at the base of a ruined wall. A moment later, a battered knight collapsed against loosened stones.
The battle was over. The dragon had been defeated and its keep destroyed.
And yet… it had all been for naught.
The Sun Princess was dead.
Ayumu was…
Setsuna’s vision blurred as tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
She had failed her quest. She had failed her childhood friend. She had failed…
“Ayumu…” The name tumbled from her lips as she dug into her pouch.
Setsuna stared at the pendant in her hand. The necklace had been a gift she had given Ayumu years ago and the princess had ended up wearing it every day since. As they grew older, Setsuna had become embarrassed and self-conscious that a lowly knight’s gift to a princess would be so proudly and prominently displayed despite other fancier and more expensive gifts having been given by higher ranking nobility over the years. Yet Ayumu insisted, and Setsuna had always loved that side of her.
And now the trinket was all she had left.
Setsuna had secreted the necklace away before the clerics came to collect Ayumu’s body and return it to the kingdom for a proper burial. They had paid no mind to the fallen knight as she slipped away into the shadows.
Fallen knight…
Was she even a knight anymore? What was a knight without a princess to serve?
Slowly, Setsuna raised the pendant to her lips and kissed it gently. A kiss she had secretly longed to share with the love of her life, no matter how unbecoming it may have been for one of her position. But now that dream was gone. And nothing else seemed to matter.
The kingdom would mourn but would recover. It was not too late for a new heir to the throne to be born. Ayumu’s name would be remembered for generations to come. A new holiday would likely be created and dedicated to her.
But the pitiful knight who had allowed her demise would be forgotten.
Setsuna’s arm felt heavy, and while she dropped it into her lap, she refused to let go of the pendant. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed red had stained the dirt around her. Her shoulders slumped and her head lolled forward. She took one last labored breath… and…
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“Someone’s been spending too much time with Shizuku-chan.” Yuu commented. “What have you guys been up to in your subgroup practice?”
“The tragic death of a hero is a common trope.” Setsuna insisted. “And a good multi-path story needs a Bad End or two.”
“Well, I will be voting for the Good End.”
“Not the True End?”
“Whichever is happier for Setsuna-chan and Ayumu.”
“Mm? What about me?” Ayumu asked from the clubroom door.
“A-Ayumu-san?!” Setsuna sputtered, scrambling to collect the pages.
Yuu laughed. “She’s gonna find out eventually, Setsuna-chan. Especially if the fans vote for the Bad End.”
“Bad End?” Ayumu repeated as she moved toward the table where the other two were sitting.
“The knight fails and the princess dies.” Yuu summarized. “Actually they both die.”
“I… I’m sorry, Ayumu-san…” Setsuna said as she felt herself blush.
Ayumu laughed lightly as she took a seat next to her. “You don’t need to apologize, Setsuna-chan. I knew an ending like that was possible the moment you started explaining how the choices made in visual novels affect the outcome and how you wanted to do something similar with your story.”
“Oh…”
“May I read it?”
Still hesitant, Setsuna eventually slid the pages over to Ayumu.
Ayumu read swiftly but seriously. “I see.” She said after a moment. “That is a Bad End. However, wouldn’t it be more tragic if just one of them survived?”
Yuu guffawed. “Ayumu’s been infected by Shizuku-chan’s tragic obsession as well.”
“Ayumu-san would be willing to let me write that?” Setsuna asked.
“Yes.” Ayumu nodded. “I think those should be options, even if I would vote for the True End.”
“Alright. Let me think about some scenes tonight.”
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Author's Note Continued: I've been wanting to write something for that fanart for a while now, but it's been sitting on the back burner as I continue to focus on other things. I'm not entirely sure why this prompt, of all prompts, was what stirred my µ's muse enough to write this in a lunch break at work. But I'm definitely not complaining.
That said, this is yet another event entry I will need to come back to and expand before I fit it into its parent fic. I think there is a lot more I can do with this to make it even better. Or if nothing else, expand the arc.
Now if only I could find a translation of Setsuna's novel...
Primary Pairing Trio: YuuAyuSetsu
Rating: G
Words: ~1.6k
Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki
Parent Fic: Tri-Arame
Time Frame: Sometime after college
Events: Multiamory March 2023 & Femslash Friday
Event Source: @polyamships & @femslash-friday-prompts
Prompts: Games & Trio
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Author’s Note: This is my first time writing something for a Multiamory March prompt, so it is a new source of possible inspiration for me. I’ll start off with my favorite LL trio, YuuAyuSetsu, but I see some other prompts later in the month that I could use for some EmmaKanaKarin or MariKanaDia, so we’ll see how that goes. Also, the Femslash Friday prompt just so happened to be trio, which made it perfect for a dual event entry.
Also also, this chapter takes place during Ayumu’s birthday, which is actually the 1st of the month. But work kept me far too busy this week - couldn’t even finish my last planned Femslash February entries - so I had to put it off until now, which is actually Saturday the 4th in my timezone, but still the 3rd elsewhere in the world. Of course the event prompts didn’t align anyway.
Summary: Ayumu has a surprise request for Yuu and Setsuna on her birthday
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A wonderful aroma greeted Ayumu as soon as she opened the door.
While there was no holding back her smile as she immediately knew the source of the smell, Ayumu couldn’t help feeling a tiny bit of trepidation tugging at the back of her consciousness. Her girlfriends were cooking. Yuu and Setsuna were in the kitchen, cooking. And probably baking as well.
“I’m home!” Ayumu called as she began to remove her shoes.
“Ayumu!” Yuu and Setsuna responded in unison, their only difference being that Setsuna continued to add her respectful honorific, even after all these years.
Two dark haired women raced around the corner, into the living room and toward the entryway. They playfully jockeyed for position in one of their favorite competitions, to be the first to greet Ayumu. It was a race that was more often run in the other direction, insofar as Ayumu was usually the first to arrive home, leaving Setsuna and Yuu to start at the front door.
But today was different. Today, Ayumu knew her girlfriends had taken off from work early to prepare things for her. It was a special occasion, Ayumu’s birthday. And she knew her girlfriends wanted to do everything they could to make her feel special, loved, and appreciated. As if they didn’t do that all of the other days of the year, but still…
“Welcome home!” Yuu cried, having surprisingly won the race for a change; Setsuna apparently lost a precious second when she avoided stepping on a game controller on the floor. “Happy Birthday!” She wrapped her arms around Ayumu’s neck to pull herself up into a kiss.
“Thanks, Yuu-chan.” Ayumu replied as the two parted.
Yuu grinned and detached herself from the embrace to allow Setsuna to step in.
“Happy birthday, Ayumu-san.” Setsuna said as she followed Yuu’s prior actions to also pull herself up into a kiss. Surprisingly, she did not exaggerate her disappointment in her lose, as was a common part of their ritual. Perhaps she was just that excited for an evening of celebration? “Welcome home.” Setsuna added as she pulled away.
“Thanks, Setsuna-chan.” Ayumu acknowledged, earning a brilliant smile.
“Now, come with us.” Yuu said, grabbing Ayumu’s hand.
“We just finished.” Setsuna added, taking Ayumu’s other hand.
As Ayumu allowed herself to be led to the dining room table, she took the time to admire the decorations that her girlfriends had set up. It came as no surprise that pink was the dominate color, as well as the fact that ribbons and bows were featured prominently. There was no shortage of other cute things, some of which brought to her mind thoughts of either Yuu or Setsuna, but the majority of the decorations clearly represented how they saw Ayumu. And they knew her well.
The food was wonderful as well, leaving Ayumu feeling a little guilty in doubting her girlfriends. Setsuna in particular had improved a lot over the years. And of course, like with the decorations, Yuu and Setsuna knew Ayumu well. The two young women had even prepared special treats for the cats of the house. However, that ended up making Ayumu worry that they may have tried to do the same for Sasuke, her snake, which would result in him being over fed. Again. She made a mental note to check before they all turned in for the night.
All in all, it was a lovely birthday celebration. Yuu and Setsuna showered Ayumu with affection to an almost embarrassing degree. But eventually, they came to a point where it was obvious they had run through all of their plans.
“So, Ayumu,” Yuu was the one to speak up, “what else would you like to do tonight?”
“Yuu-san and I stand ready to fulfill whatever request you might make.” Setsuna added. “Is there perhaps an anime you would like to watch, or manga you would like to read?”
Ayumu laughed. Of course, Setsuna would make such suggestions. “Actually, there is a game I would like to play with Yuu-chan and Setsuna-chan.”
“Oh?” Yuu tilted her head. “Board game? Video game? Or…”
“Video game.” Ayumu stepped over to where she had left her purse. “I happened to see it recently and thought tonight would be the perfect time to try it.”
“Ayumu-san,” Setsuna’s tone held both confusion and mild chastisement, “you shouldn’t have to buy something for us on your birthday.”
“Setsuna-chan’s right.” Yuu chimed in. “We totally could have bought it for you if you wanted.”
“It wasn’t that expensive.” Ayumu assured. “And the gift you’ll be giving is your time playing it with me.”
The other two shared a glance, obviously not fully convinced, but not willing to push the issue further. However, Setsuna’s expression quickly changed to one of excitement when she noticed the DVD case in Ayumu’s hand.
“You want to play Mysteries of Magicks?” Setsuna bounced a little.
“You’ve heard of it?”
“I wanted to play it back when it came out. The story is supposed to be so~ good. But…” Setsuna paused “that was back when my parents were upholding their ban on anime and games and the like.”
“But you still played games in secret then.” Yuu pointed out.
“That is true.” Setsuna confirmed. “However, I had limited space to hide things back then, and much more limited time to play, so I had to be more selective about which ones I bought. When I read the reviews, one of the biggest complaints was that it was designed around local, three player co-op. It could be played solo or with just two players, but the AI that would then control the other characters was poor and frustrated many players.”
“Wait, three players?” Yuu smiled with realization. “Is that why you wanted this game specifically, Ayumu?”
Ayumu nodded. “As much as I enjoy playing competitive games with you two, or just watching you make silly bets and demands…”
“They’re not silly…” Yuu objected, defending one of her pastimes that saw her and Setsuna decide things like whose hair Ayumu would dry and brush first that night by way of making bets with each other. “They’re fun.”
“I know, I just… Sorry. You know what I mean.”
“Anyway,” Setsuna interjected “what you’re saying is that you want to play with us for a change. Is that right, Ayumu-san?”
“Yes.”
“With a game designed for three players.” Yuu added.
“Exactly.”
“So, what is this game about?”
“Oh, oh!” Setsuna was right back to her excitement. “This girl” she pointed to the picture on the front of the case that prominently featured a dark-haired girl with a fierce expression and sporting a ponytail “accidentally pulls a sword out a stone.”
“Like Excalibur?”
“Sort of, except it seems rather mundane at first until she encounters this woman” Setsuna pointed this time to an old women in robes that had various runes or holy symbols embroidered into them “who tells her that she is now destined to be the guardian of the kingdom against some great enemy that is going to attack soon. But before that, she needs to charge the sword with each of the Elements of Magick.”
“Let me guess, that includes fire.”
“Fire is the first one.” Setsuna nodded enthusiastically.
“I know who Setsuna-chan is going to play.” Yuu smirked.
“No.” Setsuna shook her head. “It’s Ayumu-san’s birthday, so she should play the hero.”
“It’s alright, Setsuna-chan.” Ayumu spoke up. “I actually thought you would be best to play the protagonist. I thought I would play her.” She pointed to a girl with shorter hair who seemed to be glowing with a gentle aura.
“She’s the primary healer of the group.” Setsuna said. “Although her fighting power is supposed to be nearly on par with the hero.”
“Like a combat cleric?” Yuu asked.
“Something like that.”
“So, who is the other playable character?” Yuu leaned in to examine the myriad characters on the cover.
“Her.” Setsuna indicated a twintailed girl. “She is a sprite mage the other two find early in their travels. She starts out mainly as a support and buffer for the team, but eventually learns high level offensive magic later on.”
“Sounds like my kind of character.” Yuu grinned. “Looks like you found the perfect game for us, Ayumu.”
“Can we play now?” Setsuna was vibrating as her gaze kept slipping over to the television.
“Of course.” Ayumu let her girlfriend take the case.
Setsuna practically skipped over to their collection of consoles, powered one on and slid in the disc. Then, with just as much excited flourish, she grabbed a pair of controllers, spun, scooped up the one she had nearly tripped over earlier, and made her way back to the other two.
“Ooo~ I can’t wait.” Setsuna practically squealed as the trio took positions onto the couch with the birthday girl in the middle. “Thank you for this, Ayumu-san.”
“I’m happy you agreed to play with me.” Ayumu replied with a smile.
“Of course! It’s Ayumu-san’s birthday. Yuu-san and I are happy to do whatever you want.”
“Although that’s not the only reason.” Yuu said. “We also just like spending time together.”
“Well yes, but…” Setsuna ducked her head slightly “I thought that part was obvious.”
Ayumu chuckled at her girlfriends’ interaction.
“Oh, it’s starting.” Setsuna perked back up as text began to scroll across the screen, giving a brief history of the world and the events leading up to where the characters would begin their adventure.
Ayumu settled back against the couch and took a moment to glance to either side. Yuu had been right. This was less about it being her birthday, and more about spending time with the two she loved most. And to share a fun, cooperative experience together. Tonight would be a good night.
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Author’s Note Continued: I’ll start by saying that the three-player co-op game in question is inspired by Secret of Mana. I decided not to name it as such because I realized that I may want to come back and write more about this game and I want to be free to do whatever I want with the plot and characters. The bad AI is actually something I remember from the game, which is why I only completed it with two other friends, over the course of several months, only when we could get all of our schedules to align.
Also, I realize I have written about this trio playing cooperatively before, but that has been in TTRPG settings. I wanted to take a different route this time and go with video games. But I do really like the idea of these three playing games together. I mean, Setsuna is quite passionate about video games, but Ayumu canonically is a gamer as well, though they seem to prefer different genres. And Yuu just enjoys playing whatever with her girlfriends, and making little competitions with Setsuna for silly things.
And finally, I know I kinda glossed over the meal and gift giving parts of the evening, but they weren’t intended to be the focus. I know I’ll write more about my favorite LL girls’ birthdays, so there will be no shortage of opportunities to write about such topics then. Perhaps I’ll come back and add them to this scene later when I integrate it into TA proper. I may also add in an omake bit inspired by myon concerning the cats and the birthday cake that I ended up not writing as I was running out of time and energy to post this.
Flagship: YuuAyuSetsu
Vanguard Ship: AiRina
Rating: T
Words: ~2.4k
AU: A war-torn dimension other than our own
Time Frame: Sometime before the main story
Event: Femslash February 2023
Event Source: @femslashfeb
Prompt: Storm
Content Warning: Mentions of war
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Author’s Note: Woo! It’s February again! And that means it’s time for another Femslash Feb event! ♡ ＼(≧▽≦)／ ♡
I’m a whole three days earlier to the party this year. And I have some good ideas for what I could write for some prompts. But will I be able to match or exceed the 16 entries I managed to write last year? I’d like to say yes, but we’ll see how my work/life balance goes this month.
Summary: Ayumu and Yuu search for Setsuna after she misses a commendation ceremony.
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“That was a wonderful presentation, Madam President,” the aide said as soon as the door closed behind them. However, her voice could still barely be heard as the door did little to muffle the cheers of those outside. “The troops clearly appreciate your commendations.”
“Thank you, Nishikawa-san,” Ayumu replied, “I only wish I could do more.” And I wasn’t able to award one because she wasn’t there… She added silently.
“Shall we go find her?” Yuu asked, seeming to read Ayumu’s mind as she leaned in, far too close for comfort, especially in what was supposed to be a professional situation.
Well, it wasn’t like it was any big secret that they were married, or how openly affectionate Yuu was, but it still occasionally bothered Ayumu how casually Yuu usually behaved. Heck, she couldn’t even be bothered to wear her suit jacket correctly, leaving her arms out of the sleeves and treating it more like a cape. Then again, such traits were often a source of comfort on which Ayumu relied when the stresses of leading a nation wore on her.
“Yes, that is a good idea, Takasaki-san.” Ayumu replied, making a conscious effort to avoid becoming flustered in front of so many of her staff. “Let us go find our absent Brigadier General.”
Yuu grinned widely. “Alright everyone,” she addressed those gathered around them, “you’ve all done good work today. Why don’t you all take the rest of the day off? I can ensure the President’s safety until we find the Brigadier General.” She slipped an arm through Ayumu’s. “She’ll be in good hands with us.” She winked.
“Y-Yuu-chan…” Ayumu murmured before ducking her head in a vain attempt to hide the blush she knew was forming.
“Thank you, Madam Secretary.” One of the Service members replied before reached up to his ear to activate his comm device and relay Yuu’s orders to the others.
With that, the Secretary of Defense began to lead the President of the United Rainbow States down the hall to begin their search for the one who had been absent for the ceremony. The one they both had wanted to see most during their visit to Prism. An officer in their nation’s Air Force and the leader of a special detachment known as the Firestorm Chasers, Brigadier General Yuki Setsuna.
In truth, the woman’s name was Nakagawa Nana, but she had enlisted in the military under as Yuki Setsuna for reasons she had never revealed, not even to her wives. As they rose in rank and position, Yuu and Ayumu had become privy to birth name of the woman they were dating and would eventually marry. They had asked her once, years ago, about the name and she declined to answer, so they decided not to bring it up again.
“I hope Setsuna-chan’s not sulking somewhere because she believes she failed to protect Prism.” Yuu commented as she and Ayumu left yet another facility where the staff did not know their wife’s whereabouts.
“Mm…” Ayumu hummed her agreement before sighing.
Setsuna was the type to take failure to heart, even perceived failure that only she believed. This was a large reason why she was still a Brigadier General, despite having previously risen to the rank of Lieutenant General. However, shortly before she was to be promoted to General, the forces under her command were nearly wiped out. They were ultimately victorious due to her tactical leadership, but she struggled to accept sheer number of casualties of those under her. She declined the promotion and requested a demotion. Those above her refused to let her rank drop any lower than Colonel, but she later refused to be promoted any higher than Brigadier General.
At her current rank, Setsuna by rights should be commanding a significantly larger force than she did. Instead, the her superiors had approved the formation her own small squadron of hand-picked, specially trained sky fighters. They used the latest, cutting edge and experimental military technology, often reverse engineered from the enemy, like the Rapid Dimensional Deployment packs that allowed them to respond to invading forces anywhere around the globe.
Most recently, the Firestorm Chasers were, as usual, were the first on the scene when reports came in about a mounting attack on Prism City. The military’s newly built headquarters for research and development had been in production barely a month before it became the target of the Paragon.
The Paragon, as this world had come to call them, were invaders from another dimension and the greatest threat they had ever faced. And this time, the Paragon brought new weapons, giant insects that they had augmented and enslaved as tanks and artillery. Their carapaces were reinforced with some new technique and the Chasers found it significantly difficult to penetrate with their weapons.
Despite the challenges of the battle against a new type of enemy, the Chasers succeeded in holding off the invaders until reinforcements arrived. The Evergreen Battalion, led by Emma’s monstrous tank, the Montagna and its lava-blasting Vesuvius canon made short work of the Paragon forces.
The next day, just as the Chasers and Battalion were about to leave, a second wave of Paragon arrived. This one larger than the last. And another came the next day. And the next. And the next. Each time, the invading forces increased in size. Prism was under siege for over a week.
The reports Yuu and Ayumu received told of the waves being successfully repelled each time. However, Setsuna was clearly becoming increasingly frustrated with what she believed to be a lack of ability for her and her squad to fully pull their weight, compared to the likes of Emma’s tank brigade. Both Yuu and Ayumu tried to assure her that the other commanders all spoke highly of the Chasers’ contributions to Prism’s defense. But, in typical Setsuna fashion, she continued to insist that she should be doing more.
That was the perceived failure Yuu and Ayumu were currently worried that Setsuna was suffering, and thus, possibly sulking somewhere that she would not be easily found.
“Ayu-pyon! Yuyu!” A voice suddenly called from above.
“Ai-chan!” Yuu welcomed the blonde woman that swooped down from the sky to land near them.
“Mi…” Ayumu cut herself off and gave a quick glance around, only noticing an eye roll from Yuu. “Hi, Ai-chan. Good to see you.” She said, despite having just seen Ai at the ceremony not half an… wait… had it really been over an hour already?
Ai’s grin could be seen through the faceplate of her armored suit even before she popped it open. “You two looking for Setsu?”
“Yup.” Yuu confirmed. “Have you seen her?”
Ai shook her head. “No, but Rinari just contacted me saying she and Setsu were working on some super-secret project.” She chuckled. “Ai was wondering why Setsu didn’t show up at the ceremony. I mean I know when Rinari doesn’t respond to my messages that she’s lost in research. Again. And you know she’s not big on such pomp and circumstance anyway. But Setsu…” Ai held up her hands in an exaggerated shrug. “Ai figured she’d be thrilled to accept an award from her beloved Ayu-pyon.”
Yuu snickered. Ayumu blushed.
“Anyway, apparently Setsu wanted to practice more with whatever new thing Rinari made.” Ai continued. “Ai was on my way to pick up Rinari, literally,” she levitated her suit a bit off the ground and motioned with her arms for emphasis, “for dinner, when I saw you two. So, Ai can take you to Setsu, since I’m heading there anyway.”
“Thanks, Ai-chan.” Yuu smiled as well. “Lead the way.”
Yuu and Ayumu followed Ai into an unmarked building, through a maze of research areas crammed with what they could only assume to be salvaged parts from the recent siege forces, and down several flights of stairs.
“Setsuna Scarlet Storm!” An excited cry echoed through a long hallway at the lowest level.
“Well, at least it doesn’t sound…” Yuu was cut off by a brilliant flash from wherever the hallway led, followed by the sound of a roaring explosion, “like she’s sulking…” She finished as a hot air washed past them.
The joyous sound of Setsuna’s laughter proved Yuu’s point.
“Rina-san! That was amazing!” Setsuna’s enthusiasm felt contagious even without being able to see her directly. “Those new carapace shields don’t stand a chance! How many more pieces do we have? I want to try that again!”
“One moment, Setsuna-san.” Rina’s voice could now be heard from the room ahead. “I believe we have guests.”
“Oh?”
A door slid open near the end of the hall and a head of pink hair poked out.
“Ai-san.” Rina greeted in what most would assume to be a monotone voice, but those familiar with her knew she was happy to see her girlfriend. “Welcome.”
“Rinari!” Ai jetted forward to embrace the lead developer in Prism.
“Ai-san?” Setsuna repeated. “Ne, Ai-san! Rina-san made one for you as well! Come try it… Geh?!” She uttered as Ayumu and Yuu stepped into the cavernous experiment area. “M-M-Madam President!” She sputtered. “S-Secretary!? Wh-Wha… When… uhm… What are… Why are… You’re here?”
Setsuna dove down from where she had been hovering, botched her landing, stumbled, and nearly knocked into Ayumu in the process. “I’m sorry, Ay… Pres… uhm…” She got out as she righted herself and snapped to attention.
“It’s just Rina-chan, Ai-chan and us here.” Yuu laughed. “No need to be so formal, Setsuna-chan.”
“Actually, it’s just you three.” Ai’s voice came from the direction of the stairs. “As Ai said, Ai’m taking Rinari to dinner.” And she was gone.
“Ayumu-san… Yuu-san…” Setsuna broke the moment of silence. “I’m happy to see you two, but… uhm… Why are you here? The next wave of the siege could come at any time now. It’s not safe.”
“Given the present company, I think this is where I’m actually safest.” Ayumu said gently, stepping forward to pull her wife into an embrace. She silently wished there wasn’t armor separating her from Setsuna and her warmth, but she could address that later.
“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” Yuu added as she joined the group hug. “Besides, the Paragon have left Prism alone for almost a week now. Perhaps they’ve lost interest.”
“For now…” Setsuna sighed, letting herself relax a little into her wives’ embrace.
“A respite is a respite.” Yuu reminded. “No matter how temporary.”
“Mm…” Setsuna hummed a neutral agreement before finally returning the hug.
Yuu’s comment was an unfortunately common sentiment expressed by many in this world that seemed to be forever at war. The Paragon poked and prodded around the globe, searching for weak points, and stealing any resources they could. Thus, the nations of the world were perpetually on high alert and their populace always at least a little on edge. It was exhausting, to say the least. And moments of respite, no matter how small, had to be treasured.
“We missed you at the ceremony.” Ayumu said.
“The ceremony?” Setsuna blinked.
“Yuu-chan and I came to commend the valiant efforts of the Firestorm Chasers and the Evergreen Brigade in defense of Prism City.”
“Especially their leaders.” Yuu added as she pulled a small medal out of her pocket.
“If that’s the case, Ai-sa…” Setsuna was cut off by Ayumu’s lips pressing against hers.
“We already gave Ai-chan hers.” Ayumu said as she pulled back.
“Oh…” Setsuna uttered. “Still, I…” She stopped again as this time Yuu placed a finger on her lips.
“You did more than you realize. As usual.” Yuu said. “Reports mentioned enough Paragon infantry to outnumber the Chasers by an order of magnitude, even with the first wave. And yet there’s not a mark on the wall out there.” She motioned in the general direction of Prism’s perimeter. “No gates were breached either. You guys did well. Exceptionally well.”
“And you absolutely earned this.” Ayumu took the medal from Yuu and was about to reach up to place it around Setsuna’s neck when she paused. “Would wearing this hinder your ability to give us a demonstration of what you and Rina-chan were working on so diligently?”
“Hrm… I’m not sure.” Setsuna touched the padding near her neck. “Maybe there’s enough room to tuck it in under here? Or I can just keep it in here for now?” She popped open one of her suit’s auxiliary storage areas near her hip.
Ayumu nodded and placed the medallion where Setsuna indicated before stepping back. “We heard you already have a name for your new maneuver.” She smiled.
“It’s a working title,” Setsuna admitted. “I like it, but I may still come up with something better. Or maybe Ayumu-san or Yuu-san could rename it?” A hint of her earlier excitement was already starting to affect her tone.
“Well, we’ll have to see it first, won’t we?” Yuu grinned.
“Right!” Setsuna agreed happily. “Let me quick set up another carapace fragment.” She snapped down her faceplate, leaped into the air and flew over to a pile of broken exoskeletons. “You two can watch from the observation room where Rina-san was earlier.”
Yuu and Ayumu obeyed the instructions and made their way into the protected room. There, they watched through a thick pane of translucent armor as Setsuna mounted the piece of carapace on a tall pole.
Setsuna hovered back a meter or two from the fragment before jutting out an arm to her side. “Setsuna” she curled her arm back in “Scarlet” then shoved it straight up “Storm!”
A sphere of energy blasted out from Setsuna’s armored suit. Layers of the carapace began to slough off before the pole holding it up melted. What remained of the shard shattered when it hit the floor, completely destroyed.
“That was amazing, Setsuna-chan!” Yuu cheered. “That got my heart racing!”
“I know, right?” Setsuna’s voice filled the observation room through the wall-mounted speakers. “Rina-san is a genius! I can’t wait to try this against the Paragon! But first I want to see if we can make the plasma red because that would make it look cooler and be more intimidating. And…”
Ayumu laughed lightly to herself as she watched Setsuna set up another fragment and listened as the ramblings began to dive into the technical details of the new weapon, well beyond her level of understanding. She loved when Setsuna was like this and was more than happy to let her continue her demonstration as long as she wanted.
The Paragon would undoubtedly target Prism again someday, as its strategic importance was obviously known to them. But at least for today, its people were safe.
Setsuna was safe. Yuu was safe. And perhaps Ayumu could have an uninterrupted night together with them for a change. Wouldn’t that be nice? Setsuna’s demonstration continued. Yuu continued to cheer her on. And Ayumu let herself have a moment to forget what tomorrow might bring.
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Author’s Note Continued: Yes, you read the beginning correctly. In this AU, Ayumu was elected as the President of the United Rainbow States.
No, she is not 16 like her canon counterpart. She’s in her mid-twenties; 26 in fact, as compared to the age I set for Yohane back when I wrote the core story for this AU, and assuming I am recalling that correctly. How does someone so young rise to such a high rank in society? The overly simplistic answer is war. A century and a half of nigh perpetual invasion from an unrelenting enemy with seemingly unlimited resources has left many vacancies that need to be filled quickly with whoever happens to be available and is at least halfway competent. The longer answer is what I hope to explore as well as I continue to write more for this AU.
Mild spoilers for any new readers of this AU, but I also made Yohane an emperor and Nico a queen. Pretty much all of the LL girls are in high positions unlikely to be reached by anyone their age in our world.
Also, yes, my Niji flagship is already married at this point in the AU. Whether or not they were married before Ayumu was elected President and appointed Yuu as Secretary of Defense, I’m not honestly sure yet. Either way, yes, there is plenty of room for arguments over impropriety or nepotism or whatever, but as mentioned above, this is a world perpetually at war. The populace has far more important things to worry about, like whether or not they’ll be alive tomorrow, than who is sleeping with who and who is married to who. What’s that? The President is occasionally able to have a few moments of respite and find some comfort in the arms of two other women? Good for her. And that’s the excuse I’m sticking with for this AU.
Also also, the URS is loosely, very loosely, based on the USA of our world. I’ve no idea if it’s possible for someone to ask to be demoted or not to be promoted in any of the armed forces here in the States. But it is in this AU. And who knows what else I’ll have to handwave away or author fiat in when it comes to any sort of realistic representation of the nation or its militaries as I continue to write this story.
And finally, I really need to come up with name for the collection where I intend to eventually put all of these chapters I keep writing that take place outside the main story. I’d like to avoid confusion about what is and isn’t the core story, as said core story was originally written for an event with rules that it was supposed to be a one-shot. And while I’m having fun exploring more of this world that I’ve created, I would like to only supplement that first story and allow it to continue to stand on its own as a complete story with a definitive beginning and end. I have a couple ideas, but none that really hit the way I want them to.
Putting on Hairs - Post Production: Eldritch Fireworks
Primary Pairing Trio: YuuAyuSetsu
Secondary Pairing: AiRina
Rating: G
Words: 633
AU: Theater, Monsters, Cryptids
Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki
Parent Fic: Putting on Hairs - Post Production
Time Frame: Sometime after the main story
Event: Promptober 2022
Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord
Prompt: Fireworks
Content Warning: Playing with fire... literally
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Author’s Note: Bonus 2nd entry for Oct 17th
Summary: Yuu has found something new for Setsuna to eat
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How the heck had she let herself be talked into this? Ayumu wondered to herself.
She, her two girlfriends, Yuu and Setsuna, were joined by their friends and coworkers Ai and Rina, to set off fireworks.
But not just any ordinary fireworks. No. Somehow, Yuu had convinced Setsuna to try eating some metal salt Rina provided from her workshop at the theater. This had allowed the descendant of living flame to change the color of the fire she could breathe. It was a skill they had recently learned she had due to not needing the chili peppers they found at the farmer’s market. She had still kept the peppers as a special treat and was slowly working through the supply, but unlike the electric eel that caused her to hiccup lightning, they had no effect. Her ability to spit fire was her own.
And now, the five young women were headed to a park, where fireworks were allowed, to experiment. They had real fireworks with them in case anyone came to investigate, but the main attraction was the palette of various metal salts Rina had procured for Setsuna to consume.
“Ne, Rina-san!” Setsuna was already chomping at the bit. “Which one would make my flame red?”
“Strontium salts.” Rina held up one of the containers.
“Isn’t it supposed to be red though?” Yuu questioned, leaning in to examine the material.
“All of the salts I have are white.” Rina explained. “However, they will burn the color designated on the container.”
“Hee…” Setsuna accepted the strontium.
“Setsuna-san, I would like to try dissolving a small amount in your mouth first, instead of consuming everything in one go. I believe that will allow for a longer show, and allow us to change colors as desired.”
Setsuna nodded and pinched a few grains between her fingers before dabbing them on her tongue, giggling, likely at the flavor, which she surprisingly didn’t describe. She then took a breath and held it for half a second. Finally, she released a sizable burst of crimson flame.
“Experiment One: Success!” Yuu cheered.
“Yes, but we’re here for fireworks.” Setsuna said, taking another dose. “Let me try something…”
This time, instead of a stream of fire, Setsuna launched a small spark about half a meter into the air. Before it started arcing back down, it burst into what could pass as a classic firework.
“Experiment Two: Success!” This time Ai cheered.
Setsuna grinned with the praise. “I think I can get it to go higher…”
“This may help.” Rina held out what looked like a metal straw.
“Which one burns pink?”
“Lithium.”
“Green?”
“Barium.”
Setsuna held the tube in her teeth, took a pinch of each. Then, in quick succession, sent two beads up several meters to burst into pink and green plumes.
“This is even better than the lightning.” Yuu marveled.
“It really is amazing, Setsuna-chan.” Ayumu agreed.
“Want me to help you do three?” Yuu asked.
Setsuna nodded enthusiastically. A moment later, red, green and pink fireworks were launched.
“I know I’ve seen orange fireworks.” Yuu thought aloud. “But what about grey?”
“Calcium will be orange.” Rina stated. “A mix of magnesium and aluminum will burn silver.”
“A shiny grey.” Ai said, to which Rina nodded.
“Right.” Setstuna grabbed the indicated compounds.
Maybe this isn’t as bad as I thought. Ayumu thought, feeling a little guilty over not trusting her girlfriends to not take things out of hand. As giddy as both were, they were both still well in control. And Ayumu knew Rina had anti-fire measures on the chance they were needed.
“Want me to light some sparklers for you guys?” Setsuna suddenly offered.
Ai, Yuu and Ayumu agreed while Rina wished to monitor the metal salt supplies for the firework launcher. And with that, the show continued.
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Author’s Note Continued: So yeah... Cthughan Setsuna can eat metal salts and spit fireworks now. Because why not? The better question is what else can I have her eat that might cause strange or fun effects?
Primary Pairing Trio: YuuAyuSetsu
Rating: G
Words: 551
Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki
Parent Fic: Tri-Arame
Time Frame: Sometime early in college
Event: Promptober 2022
Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord
Prompt: Ninja
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Author’s Note: Primary entry for Oct 15th
Summary: The trio talk about a movie they just saw
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“Setsuna-chan, you’re…” Ayumu held up a tissue.
“T-thank you, Ayumu san…” Setsu practically blubbered before dabbing her eyes and wiping her nose.
“Setsuna-chan’s still moved by the romantic climax, eh?” Yuu smirked.
“It was just so good!” Setsuna insisted as the trio exited the theater. “When Neru-san made Yugure-san promise that she would outlive her. Even if just by a day. Or even an hour.” She sniffled again. “She just… She couldn’t bear the thought of being without her again…” She accepted another tissue from Ayumu.
“Yeah, that part actually confused me.” Yuu admitted.
“How do you mean, Yuu-chan?” Ayumu inquired.
“’Cause Yugure was a ninja, right?”
The other two girls nodded.
“And she was hired to protect Neru, right?”
More confirming nods.
“And presumably that means giving her life to save her charge if necessary. I mean that was kinda half of the movie, with Neru desperate to get Yugure back after having made such a sacrifice. And now she can’t do that again?”
“I don’t think Neru was telling Yugure to stop doing her job.” Ayumu said. “She was telling her to not be so reckless with her own life; her wellbeing is important too.”
“And while Yugure was gone, she wasn’t there to protect Neru.” Setsuna added. “So she doesn’t want that to happen again either.”
“Huh… I guess I didn’t think about it that way.” Yuu admitted. “Either of those ways. But I think I get it now. Thanks you two.” She grinned.
“Ooooo…” Setsuna stopped walking. “Just thinking about what a masterpiece it all was makes me want to see it again.”
Yuu chuckled. “Now?”
Setsuna looked like she desperately wanted to say yes, but instead just continued to vibrate excitedly.
Yuu glanced at Ayumu, then at her watch. “Well, the next showing is in few minutes.” She turned back toward the ticket counter.
“Wait! Yuu-san!” Setsuna called, louder than she needed to, given the short distance between them. “You mustn’t!”
“Eh?” Yuu paused.
“What if we inadvertently buy seats that could’ve gone to people who haven’t seen the movie yet? It’s only fair that we wait until the Blu-ray release!”
“I was only kidding, Setsuna-chan.” Yuu laughed. “I’m actually looking forward to getting back home for dinner soon.”
“We could come back tomorrow?” Ayumu suggested.
“No way!” Setsuna shook her head vigorously. “It’s still opening weekend. All who wish to see such a wonderful show should be allowed to do so as soon as possible.”
“Well then maybe in a couple weeks after the initial crowds have died down a bit?” Yuu offered.
“Perhaps a matinée during the week?” Ayumu added. “Those tend to be less crowded anyway. And Yuu-chan and I don’t have any tests coming up.” She anticipated a possible objection.
“And Setsuna-chan is still wa~y ahead of her own schedule.” Yuu teased, pointing out the online student’s habit of overstudying. “One afternoon off won’t hurt you.”
Ayumu could practically see the scales finally tip in Setsuna’s mind.
“Alright.” Setsuna agreed. “But we’ll need to check the seating charts online that day first, to make sure it really is not that busy.”
Yuu laughed again and the trio resumed their way home. As they walked, Ayumu made a mental note to check the Blu-ray release date for a possible gift to her girlfriend.
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Author’s Note Continued: A big thank you to @myonmukyuu for the help getting past a sticking point in this one. And for giving me one of Setsu’s best lines in the chapter, imho.
That said, I doubt I will ever tire of writing dorky Setsu geeking out about something she loves. Or of writing Yuu and Ayu happily indulging that love. Or teasing her about it, in Yuu’s case; affectionately, of course.
And on a final note, this was actually inspired by a chapter for my D&D story that has sat gathering digital dust for over a decade and has still not progressed past the outline. But the names of the girls in the movie are basically what my two OC’s names mean in English translated to Japanese; given names, not call signs. And someday I may very well write that scene... or just keep pillaging ideas from the thing for my LL fics...
