"Hello, is this the Office of Admiralty? Yes, the Commander here is a moles-"
Louise who has all the fingers on her hands moving about as if wanting to grope Hammann immediately stopped as she sweatdropped; desperately trying to feign calmness as she spoke: "Wa-Wait, Hammann... don't do anything rash..."
In return, Hammann simply looked at Louise with disgusted eyes, "Then put your hands away. Only then Hammann will put the phone down as well." Sighing in defeat, Louise raises both of her hands up as if surrendering, revealing that in fact she's holding a few hairbands, "I just wanted to tie your hair though. I'm thinking that maybe some other hairstyles would suit you, Hammann."
"......." -- Hammann gave her a scrutinizing look before giving an exasperated sigh, "Why didn't you say so from the start, Admiral? Your usual antics really got Hammann worried and when you reveal it to be like this, Hammann felt like she worried for nothing..."
Louise simply gave a weak laugh.
"Hammann really have a nice hair, isn't it..."
Louise commented so as she run her hand along Hammann's hair, combing it using her finger carefully; one strand of hair after the other before styling it into a pair of ponytails that runs along Hammann's back, "As I thought, braided ponytail suited you too."
Hammann herself remained silent as she inspected her reflection upon the mirror, as if making sure that Louise is not doing anything to prank her. Upon finding no prank had been done (and the hairstyle to be quite satisfactory by her standard), Hammann simply puffed her humble chest in pride, "Of course. You are talking about Hammann, after all."
"Should we try another hairstyle then?"
Hammann tapped her chin upon the inquiry but eventually decided that no harm would come letting her Admiral indulging her like this. After all, if she did anything strange, Hammann can just smack the daylight out of her without holding anything back. That's always how their relationship works, after all. Both have gotten used to such banter that they're not really holding anything against each other in the case of a prank (or by extension, a violent comeback) were to happen.
One after another, multiple hairstyles were given to Hammann as Louise styled her hair. A simple ponytail, twintails, a hairstyle that reveals her forehead, a high ponytail, and many other hairstyles following. Not many words were spoken during the whole exchange; although Hammann noticed that Louise has been humming as she styles her hair along the way.
".... you seemed to be in a good mood, Admiral. Are you that happy to be able to style Hammann's hair?" -- she inquired, which in turn causes Louise to arch her eyebrow and eventually smiled.
"That's about half of it," Louise answered.
"How about the other half?"
"I'm in a good mood because it's been quite peaceful lately," Louise continued, "No needless skirmishes and all that, no Ship Girls returning with injuries and their lives on the line.... just our simply everyday life. I'd honestly ask nothing more than this to continue... days where we could fool around to our hearts' content."
Hammann simply remained silent upon hearing that, but a tiny smile makes its way to her lips as she responded with a small voice, ".... yes, Hammann hope these peaceful days would last for a long time too..."
"Surviving means preying on someone else to stay alive." -- Kamen Rider AmazonS
"The cycle of killing is over. There is no more reason to maintain the need of human sacrifices. The humanity in this world can move again. It will no longer be in a stalemate. It can no longer be described as a Lost Belt. That's why I will not let you destroy it."
Skadi's words resounded as she appared once again before us, Ortlinde accompanied behind her.
"The number of human in this world is not much, only around 30.000... But Even so! Even if the number of people living in this world cannot compare to the number of people living in your timeline, I won't let it be destroyed! I want to protect their future! For the sake of this world, I'm willing to destroy other world so the future on this world will not fade!"
I took a deep sigh and gritted my teeth. Both of my eyes are watching the starry skies manipulated by Skadi; it's being filled with multiple magic circles as she readies her attack. This again, we're fighting with our lives on the line. Was it wrong for wanting to survive? We've gone through each and every singularity, fighting tooth and nail just to secure a little bit of tomorrow.
Was it wrong to fight for what we think it's right?
No, there is no way it would be wrong.
So many has fallen already, allies and enemies alike. After the betrayal of Professor Lev, the very first one that we lost was Director Olga Marie. Starting from there, we went from one singularity after another... defeating (killing) to survive and preventing out future being taken away. We thought we had it worse in Babylonia where the Primordial Mother Tiamat was awakened and we ended up having to fight her. The cost was not by any means small, but we managed to obtain victory.
That was however not the end as we found ourselves arriving within the Timeless Temple and we found out that "Solomon" is eager to greet us. It doesn't stop there as we find ourselves losing Dr. Roman and only through his interference and at the cost of his entire existence, that we managed to prevent Goetia from destroying the whole continuity of our history. After defeating Goetia, we thought that we had finally secured a small piece of tomorrow and finally work on it together so it can become a history where everyone can continue their everyday lives without worry.
The existence of this Lost Belt itself is very cruel.
"Senpai, what should we do?" -- I faintly hear Mashu's voice addressing me.
What should I do? It honestly would be easier if they're just plain evil or simply aiming to destroy the world or wanting to reduce it back into nothingness. It would honestly be easier if they're just some sort of crazy serial killer that needs to be put down for good or if the reason driving them doing this is just some insane logic that cannot be justified. It would honestly be easier if we're not fighting just to sustain our lives from being wiped away down the drain of history for good.
It would honestly be easier...
It is said that, a Valkyrie is one of a host of female figures who choose those who may die in battle and those who may live. Selecting among half of those who die in battle (the other half go to the goddess Freyja's afterlife field Fólkvangr), the valkyries bring their chosen to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla, ruled over by the god Odin.
I am no Hero. I'm just an ordinary person who got washed up in all this. But even so, everything that has been done, ever since the start of the smoldering town Fuyuki to this very moment, I've done it in a conscious and willing participation. I am not by any means innocent.
I saw many people already. I saw their smiles and their tears. I saw their worlds being torn apart. Their hopes crushed. Their despair marches. And yet, each and every single time, they always stand back up. For a little piece of tomorrow, they refused to back down.
"Now go, Fujimaru-kun. This is merely the start of the journey in which you and Mashu have chosen."
"It doesn't matter! You should keep on fighting for the Pan-Human History!! It's enough for me now that I know that there's a much, much better world out there compared to this everlastingly freezing empire!! That's why.... never forget what you're fighting for!!"
It was faint but I felt like someone tapped my back. It felt just like that one big guy, laughing to his heart while shooting his huge cannon at the enemy while saying there's no such thing as impossibility inside of his dictionary; refusing to yield even in this face of death. I shut my eyes and shook my head lightly, holding back the tears that's flowing out from the corner of my eyes.
"You shoulder the wish and hope of everyone from your own world. Don't look back."
A fight can no longer be avoided. I don't want to avoid it. I too have lives being entrusted upon my back. I will not yield. Not just yet.
We met for the first time during our time in the last year of elementary schools. I was that one nerdy boy that barely have friends but nonetheless doing good academically. She is just your average girl with waist-length wavy hair, white skin, and baby face. To be honest, for the eyes of an elementary schooler, there are many others much prettier from her. I was, for reasons I can't even understand, charmed by her however. As far as I could remember, she was one of the top students during elementary school and middle school. I really got to know her sometime during the first year of middle school.
At that time, I was placed within Class VII-1 while she was placed within Class VII-3. We never really got into the same class through our middle school years. I was placed in Class VII-1, VIII-3, and then IX-1 -- while she gets placed within Class VII-3, VIII-2, and then IX-4. We got to know each other a little bit better since we joined the same kind of after-school club. It's a kind of academical club that was founded by school with the goal to join many academical competitions and gather achievements.
Our relationship was normal at best. We got along for the remainders of our middle school years before going our separate ways after middle school graduation.
I don't remember it clearly but if I'm not mistaken, I received an offer for a fairly renown high school outside of the city -- while she gets a scholarship for a high school in a different country.
We were in touch for probably a year before losing contact rather abruptly. You could say that we live our portion of life separately -- but since we're just that normal students, I assumed we graduated high schools and then entered colleges at the same time too.
I majored in Criminology, taking a solid 4 years to finish my education before graduating and becoming a Law Consultant. My life is normal, where there would be ups and downs, but since I'm not really the type to fret, I tried to enjoy it as much as I could.
I got into quite many relationships as well -- but none of them really worked out, I suppose. The longest lasted for about 2 years and 4 months; while the shortest lasted for about 1 month and a half. I didn't really fret or bothered to blame anyone -- maybe I'm just not the right kind of guy.
Every now and then, that girl made her way onto one side of my mind and I can't help but wonder how is she doing. The last time we got in touch was the first year of high school and a long time has passed since then -- while she's got a social media, as far as I know, she rarely updates it.
It was probably at the spur of the moment but I tried to search for her in Google out of curiosity. There are only 2 articles mentioning her -- both mentioning that she graduated as a top student from a certain university abroad. At that time, I too found out that she majored in Biochemistry.
To be honest, I'm not really surprised. She has always been a shrewd student, for as far as I know. Knowing that she's doing that well isn't really that much of a shock for me. In fact, I genuinely think that it's normal.
"Cold..."
I ranted a bit as the feeling of cold water early in the morning reached my face. I took a deep breath shortly after; I have always been bad with cold weather. My train of thought drifted. Why was I having this dream?
I don't really remember clearly what happened after that one time where I searched for her on the internet. It probably wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that my memories are kind of jumbled. The more important memories are taking priority compared to the less important ones -- it has always been how the brain sort things. So I could assume that what happened after wasn't really all that important.
I do remember that one time where we went on a date. I do remember that one time where I pinched her cheeks and she pouted at me. I do remember that one time where we sheltered together waiting for the rain to pass. And there are so many things; so many figments of memories that aren't complete about her -- yet it brought a kind of warm feeling all the same onto my chest.
As I am within the bathroom, I glanced at the sink where I washed my face. Beside the water tap, there is a plastic glass where it contained two toothbrushes -- one blue in color while the other is pink. At that sight, I smiled.
"How long ago was that again..." -- I muttered, mostly to myself.
"What are you doing taking so long in the bathroom? Breakfast will be cold, you know?"
I lifted my head and through the reflection in the mirror, saw her standing behind me, by the door. The same waist-length wavy hair, the same white skin, and the same baby face -- looking at me with a smile on her lips.
"Sorry, I got caught up thinking about this dream I had last night...."
"Really? What kind of dream?"
"It's a dream about you."
On that day, I dreamt of her.
It was a good dream.
Himecchi held onto Inoue's cheeks with both of her hands, while she herself is lightly panting. She was a bit bothered at how he addressed her with her real name, but then again she remembered she made him promise only to address her with her real name when they're in private. As of now, they're within their shared rooms so in a sense, they are indeed in private.
"......" - she decided she'd let it slide just this time.
Both of them are dressed in training suits -- at the moment they're just using it for a makeshift sleep wear. After all, it was all of the sudden that they need to spend the night and surely they can't sleep in their respective uniforms; they'd still need it for the next day.
There was still light sweats flowing down from Himecchi's body and she's still holding onto Inoue's cheeks. Her lips are puckered -- it was as if she's pouting. Light steams are as if emanating out from her body since earlier, she just came out straight from a hot bath. Her cheeks are lightly flustered as well, just before Inoue would mistake of her as panting -- honestly, he thought she was like someone that's in heat.
"Haru...?"
Himecchi shut her eyes and presses her lips onto his. Their lips touched lightly before she presses it even deeper. Inoue's eyes widened in surprise as he wasn't expecting her to do that. But despite Inoue seemingly initial resistance, Himecchi pressed onto him even more while placing one of her hands onto his shoulder and the other upon the back of her neck.
She wouldn't allow any resistance coming from him.
Himecchi presses herself even more aggressively onto Inoue as she parts his lips with her tongue. Their tongues touching momentarily before intertwining with each other. She could feel the color of red darkening upon her cheeks, but she does not care. All she wanted to do right now is...
"Ahh..." -- Himecchi lightly moaned.
Even so, she presses herself more and continued the kiss; one even deeper than before. It was only a few seconds before that she actually pulled back as Inoue gasped for breath from her initial aggressive kiss. The two of them panted and looked at each other for a moment; Inoue blinking in surprise as he clearly wasn't expecting she could go all aggressive like that while Himecchi in turn looks at him somewhat longingly.
"Mmmnnn....."
Once again, Himecchi presses her own body and her lips onto his; resuming the deep kiss from before. Once again they intertwined their tongues as the seemingly one-sided aggression from Himecchi eventually turns into a mutual affection.
"Please be at ease, now that I have come. Let us save all lives, without fail. Even if all lives will have to be sacrificed."
Year 1783, 5th Order - E Pluribus Unum
"Please remain still, otherwise I cannot sterilize your wound."
The grip that was given Nightingale was more than enough to make me wince in pain. Despite how poised she look, I wonder if she's really worried given how rough she's actually treating me right now. No, she must be worried. She was the first one to dash like mad after the battle had been finished. Even though what I sustained was mere scratches and all that, she insisted on treating me first.
Truly, what a Nurse of Steel she is.
"I'll be alright. I can't die, after all."
"Nonsense. Everyone might have to die in the very end, but I will save all lives. Even you are of no exception. You need treatment. Behave yourself. Pain is the proof of your continued existence."
I winced a little bit more after she rubbed the cloth wet with antiseptic against my arm, but well, competing in strength with a Berserker would prove to be quite a fruitless effort so I think it'd be better if I just hang in there until she's done.
But really... continued existence, huh? I wonder if that's really the case.
I looked at the Nurse of Steel that's in the middle of treating the other Servants. It has been a wild ride after we have been ray-shifted by Dr Roman into this singularity... if I'm not mistaken, Mashu mentioned that this place is supposedly the continent of America.
That and all being mentioned, it still doesn't feel real considering that in this very place the Irish force and the American force are in the middle of war and we were thrown right into the middle of it. Talk about a really rough welcome too.
I gave a somewhat relieved sigh, this is the first time we finally managed to get a rest after all the rough ride ever since arriving in this 'E Pluribus Unum' continent a few hours earlier. It might be a good thing if we can rest and take it easy like this every once in a while.
Allowing myself to lean against the nearby tree for a moment (Mashu and the others started a campfire just around so we can get a proper rest for the time being -- it can't be helped that we must camp for the night since the continent in itself is ridiculously big like this), I sighed once again as Nightingale's words echoed inside my mind.
Let us save all lives, without fail. Even if all lives will have to be sacrificed.
I snorted at the thought. The 48th candidate, that's me. I am the sole survivor of that day. About 47 lives and probably even more were sacrificed that day and I was the sole survivor. Essentially, [I] sacrificed them so I can continue saving lives up until this point.
Can I honestly say that I'm sorry for surviving? No, I am too much of a coward to say something like that.
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to pass my life in purity and to practise my profession faithfully. I shall abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and shall not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I shall do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.
I shall be loyal to my work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care.
[I Will Abstain From All Poisons and Evils - Nightingale Pledge]
"The color of your face seemed like it has been drained. You must be sick. You require immediate treatment."
I snapped out of the thought upon hearing Nightingale's voice once again and once again I winced as she applied pressure to my arm as if to measure my condition. Almost immediately I tried to flail her hand away but again I realized the futility of competing in strength with those of the Berserker class. Nearly giving up and succumbing to her strength, I tried to talk to her:
"It's nothing--!! I'm just curious about the words that you said!"
Nightingale frowned, "My words?"
"Let us save all lives, without fail. Even if all lives will have to be sacrificed," I repeated her words, "Wouldn't it defeat the purpose if you kill while you try to save life?"
Almost immediately, Nightingale narrowed her eyes, as if in disgust -- or rather, in anger.
"Incurable diseases may one day have a cure; that is why doctors and nurses continue squeezing their brains in search of knowledge. To cure even killing. To kill and kill and kill and kill every disease. Yet what’s needed above all is the willpower of the patient. If the patient does not want to heal, it will be impossible to cure him no matter how many doctors there are. I will cure you. I will cure you so that you can move at will. For that purpose, what’s needed above all is for your body, your cells, to be determined to be healed. If you feel you are losing your willpower, you must cheer up. Otherwise, I will kill you."
I was at a loss of words upon hearing that. Almost jokingly, I then tried to retort to her.
"It's easy to say that one can heal the mind just by willpower alone. Not everyone is that strong. Not everyone has the will to go on. For an example, say that you survive while watching dozens die... not everyone can honestly live with that. Not everyone has the courage to shrug that simple fact off."
"Nonsense," she replied firmly.
"The circumstances leading to your being in a survival setting are sometimes dramatic and tragic. It may be the result of an accident or military mission where there was a loss of life. Perhaps you were the only, or one of a few, survivors. While naturally relieved to be alive, you simultaneously may be mourning the deaths of others who were less fortunate. It is not uncommon for survivors to feel guilty about being spared from death while others were not. This feeling, when used in a positive way, has encouraged people to try harder to survive with the belief they were allowed to live for some greater purpose in life. Sometimes, survivors tried to stay alive so that they could carry on the work of those killed. Whatever reason you give yourself, do not let guilt feelings prevent you from living. The living who abandon their chance to survive accomplish nothing. Such an act would be the greatest tragedy."
Before I could say anything, Nightingale placed both of her hands upon my cheeks. Her eyes are locked with mine, still with the same strong-willed look that she has. Taking a deep breath, she then continued:
"Remember this well. You are NOT God. You don't control who lives or dies. That powerlessness also means that your friend's death is not your fault. Keep your chest held up high and live for those who are unable to."
"Because by the time you lost your will to go on, that will be the time I will kill you."
Dealing with death is hard enough for everyone. Each person's reaction differs depending on their mental situation at the time. Some would choose to cry their heart out as a response to the situation overcoming them. Some others who are bad at dealing with emotional breakdowns will choose to numb themselves.
"Showing emotions is not a weakness. Why do people always get that part wrong? Showing emotions is definitely not a sign of weakness. It is the most humane things that humans can do. Not being able to control those emotions, now that's what a weakness is."
“Will it hurt?”
“It depends.”
Noah Lambert smiled and shut his eyes. What was the whole point of debating something like this with the so-called Santa Muerte, he wondered. Is there any particular meaning to it at all? Santa Muerte herself said that he will die in about three years or so; his death will still take a while, at least counting it from a human perspective. He would panic a little more should Santa Muerte tell him that he is going to die tomorrow or in a few hours, but no. His death will happen three more years than the current time.
Is there any meaning for Santa Muerte to come to him now? Is this some sort of divine comedy that a being outside what he can comprehend with his limited human mind doing to him? Is she the kind of divine being that does things on a whim; visiting him right now because she has some sort of free time?
"You are one of the very few humans that has come to pique my interest. The way you're dealing with your impending death is at best, remarkable, for the lack of better word."
Is that some sort of compliment? That doesn't sound like a compliment at all, Noah retorted within his head. In the first place, is Santa Muerte the kind that compliments people? Everything that he has heard of him comes from texts and legends. To begin with, he doesn't know if she's real or not; at least until today. She is the very personification of Death so that kind of thing doesn't make sense at all.
"Are you trying to say the fact that I sheltered myself from almost everyone is remarkable?" Noah asked the Santa Muerte.
Santa Muerte in turn arched one of her eyebrows, a smile over her crimson lips. Not a smile of pity nor a smile of amusement, it was an expression that Noah could not comprehend with his mind.
"You chose to face it all alone," replied Santa Muerte.
"What good will come from telling them? I hate unnecessary sympathy and needless pity. There's nothing good will come from telling them the fact that I'm dying."
Noah Lambert has long known that he is not exactly the best when it comes to interacting with the other people. Should someone ask Noah to describe himself, the very first word that he will use is 'awkward'. He is the kind of person that doesn't show much of his emotions, at least he forced himself not to.
Being composed allows him to grasp the situation around him better, that is the kind of thing that he always believe. Letting a fit of unstable emotions affects him would result to a bad judgment. To always remain calm and composed, that's how a human should be.
"When the doctor told me that I contracted a cancer, I'm not surprised. Well, saying that I'm not surprised would be a blatant lie. I know I had it coming with all the unhealthy habits, I simply wasn't expecting it to come that fast."
After accepting the fact that he'd die due to cancer, Noah started taking care of everything that's necessary. Informing his parents and relatives, taking care of the necessary procedures on his line of work, et cetera. It's not that he didn't try any form of treatment or something like that. He simply thought that he lived enough, that what he had so far has been quite a satisfactory life. So he came to a conclusion that at least by the end of his life, he wouldn't be spending it mourning and receiving pity and things of the like.
"Are you truly sure that you lived a satisfactory life?" asked Santa Muerte.
Noah widened his eyes, but Santa Muerte pressed on, "Is that really the case?"
The time was probably about half an hour before midnight.
A Ship Girl was planned to receive a remodel today.
"Admiral! Admiral Inoue! Look, look!"
Yuuki Inoue stopped reading as his office was practically barged in.
A green-haired female teenager was the one who did so, even so she simply smiled.
Not feeling even the slightest of regret, she then gives Inoue a peace sign.
"So? So~? How does Suzuya look?"
"It seems that they're done fitting the new equipments to you? Is that your new uniform?"
"It is~ so what do you think, Admiral Inoue? Does the Carrier Uniform fits Suzuya?"
"I think it suits you really well. Congratulations for your second remodel, Suzuya."
Upon hearing the response from her Admiral, Suzuya immediately have grins all over her face.
Seemingly unable to hold her happiness, she immediately trots over to Inoue's desk.
Holding a sly grin upon her face as she narrows her eyes.
Before leaning over, as if to emphasize her cleavage while asking him:
"Does Suzuya looks lovely in your eyes now, Admiral Inoue?"
Upon having Suzuya acting like that however, Inoue simply chuckled.
Before flicking her forehead swiftly, resulting to an instant 'Ouch!' just as well.
Leaning back to his chair, Inoue then let out a sigh of relief.
"It seems that despite getting a second remodel, inside is still the same Suzuya."
".... how rude! I've changed a lot, you know!"
"Your attitude definitely doesn't show it like so," teased Inoue.
Holding her hands against the flicked forehead, Suzuya was about to puff her cheeks.
Before making an expression as if an inspiration suddenly came to her.
Putting another sly grin, Suzuya then approaches Inoue once again.
".... fufun, I'll show you just how much Suzuya have changed, Admiral Inoue."
"Suzuya, wait--"
"Fufun, what's with the sudden meek attitude, Admiral?"
Inoue can't help but shivering lightly as Suzuya licks along his jawline.
As of the moment, Suzuya is sitting upon his lap; both of her hands restraining Inoue's.
Unable to do anything, Inoue simply tries as hard as possible not to fall into temptation.
Before perking up a bit when Suzuya places a kiss upon his cheek.
"Really, Admiral~ now is the time for Suzuya to act on the offensive! Do you think Suzuya is the kind that'll remain silent when Admiral Inoue upped her like back then~?"
Suzuya was referring to the time where she tried to tease him using a medicine from Akashi.
Tried to -- it failed and backfired on her immensely; she probably can't let it slide.
Even so, something like this is just definitely a little out of hand.
As it'd look more like she's trying to force her way with him.
"Suzuya, wait... you have to listen to me--"
"No can do, Admiral~ it's time for Suzuya's counterattack~!!"
With those words, Suzuya once again start kissing him all over.
Teasing him in every imaginable way possible while humming as well at the same time.
It seems that at the moment she's really enjoying her dominance over him.
Even so, it's only a moment later before she eventually stopped.
At the same time, she also let off Inoue's hands that she restrained earlier.
The expression is like that of disappointment.
"..... Suzuya?"
"Say, Admiral Inoue... do you hate Suzuya that much?"
Inoue can't help but lightly frowning upon hearing that, "What brought that on?"
"It's just... even while Suzuya does all that... Admiral seems to be unwilling... so Suzuya can't help but wondering a bit if Admiral actually hates Suzuya that you're acting like that... if that's really the case, then Suzuya will just stop and- OUCH!"
Holding both hands against her once again flicked forehead, Suzuya looks at Inoue in bewilderment.
It'd be as if question marks are floating all over her head.
She doesn't even understand why he flicked her forehead again like that.
But the person in question, Inoue, simply sighed as he shook his head slightly.
"That's not it. Don't you think you're misunderstanding things? There's no way that I'd hate you, Suzuya. Really, don't just start jumping into conclusions like that... the reason I'm acting like that is because you're making it as if you're forcing yourself to do it, okay? If I really dislike you, I wouldn't even let you be in my office."
Suzuya simply looks down upon hearing that.
Although she said nothing, the expression in her face is disbelief.
Upon noting that, Inoue simply held down a chuckle.
Placing a finger upon her chin, he then proceeds to kiss her forehead.
"I'll say this once again, Suzuya. There's no way I'd hate you."
".... then... say, Admiral Inoue... if Suzuya asks you to... would you do 'it' with Suzuya?"
If anything, right now Suzuya simply can't help but blushing like mad.
As Inoue has practically shoved his face against her bare breasts.
Her uniform was practically pulled up, along with her bare, hence her exposed bare breasts.
Even so, at the moment, Inoue is the one shoving his face onto it.
"It seems that all men is the same, isn't it~ they really like big breasts~"
It was only a moment later that she places both hands upon Inoue’s cheeks.
Pulling his face up so they’d be in an even eye level.
The same slightly troubled smile is upon Inoue’s lips – it was like he’s expecting to be scolded.
"... your breath keeps tickling me, you know, Admiral..."
"I'm sorry, I think I got carried away--"
"It's okay, Suzuya doesn't mind~"
Laughing away like a child, Suzuya then put a somewhat flirtatious smile upon her face.
"Can I touch it, Suzuya?"
"Fe-Feel free too, Admiral..."
His sole hand moving to grope one of Suzuya’s breasts.
In reaction, Suzuya let out a stiffled moan – her body stiffened rather quickly.
It definitely was outside of her expectation; her body acting like that, that is.
It was like there’s a strange feeling of electricity coursing through her body.
Inoue’s touch making it felt like her whole body becoming sensitive.
And she cannot prevent herself from stiffling her moans whenever Inoue continues on groping her.
“A-Admiral…”
Suzuya trailed off – one of her hands moving to cover her mouth.
That gesture was done with the hope that it’d stiffle her moans better.
But then a heartful moan escaped from her lips.
It came from the feeling of Inoue’s index finger pressing and teasing her erect nipple.
The feeling is strange and yet pleasant – Suzuya does not hate it even the slightest bit.
Even though due to the foreign feeling, she can’t help but being a little afraid of it.
Putting both hands upon Inoue's shoulders, she then pushed him away for a bit.
Her eyes shut as she tries to adjust her breathing; it wasn't like she hate what he's doing.
It's just -- she hate to admit it, but -- she needs to prepare her heart first.
"Ca-Can we... switch over to the bedroom before continuing, Admiral?" asked Suzuya.
"Now that you think of it... his name isn't really common, isn't it?"
"Who is?" asked Eilla.
"The Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher, you know... Professor Myr?" her friend replied in a somewhat contemplation as they walked through the corridor after getting done with the previous lesson and now heading towards the common room of their dormitory, "I don't think I've heard the name Myr all that often before but there is indeed some witht that name here and there. And not to mention, Silverwing?"
"Maybe you're thinking about it a little too much," Eilla replied with a somewhat faint smile.
Upon hearing that, her friend simply shrugged; agreeing to her that she might be thinking about it a little too much. Eilla simply replied with a laugh herself, but unbeknowst to anyone, Eilla is very well aware of the origin behind that name. And that would be something that she would rather keep a secret between her and Professor Myr himself.
That would be sometime just before Eilla started her second year in Hogwarts
"Those were---"
"Those were Dementors. They were the jailers of the most heinous prison in the world of magic, Azkaban. After the fall of the Dark Lord, I wasn't expecting to run into them anytime soon but well it can't be helped," Myr replied with a somewhat flat tone of voice, making it vague whether he's annoyed or just worried, "I'll contact the Minister of Magic soon and tell them about this. But I need to make sure you arrive in Hogwarts safe and sound."
Even at this moment, Eilla is being hugged tightly by Myr who's just by a beat later released a somewhat relieved, exasperated sigh. Just when Eilla could feel her cheeks heating up due to the extremely close proximity with her Guardian in the wizarding world, he backed away a little bit before checking her condition -- only to ruffle her head slightly when he's finally sure that she's just alright.
"They feed on your happy thoughts, inducing you with despair. If anything, they're probably the number one magical beast that you wouldn't encounter in your whole life as a witch," Myr continued, turning away before reaching for the briefcases again -- they are halfway towards the Diagon Alley, "If the bad comes to worse, they would eventually eat your soul and you might end up just like them. That reminds me... I'll make sure to teach the charm to fend them off this year. It's called the Patronus Charm."
Eilla simply remained silent, her mind is somewhat unfocused. None of the words Myr said made an impressino in her mind. While she indeed felt despair and helplessness during the appearance of the Dementors before, right now she felt like she still wanted Myr to hold her just like before but at the same time she knows that harboring such thoughts towards her own Guardian might be uncalled for. Sure all this time Myr has been acting kindly to her, but she doesn't know until how much that kindness extends. Truly, Eilla is afraid that the feeling Myr harbors towards her is simply limited to parental feelings.
"Professor-"
"Calling me Myr is fine when it's outside of school."
"Then... Myr..." Eilla hesitated slightly before continuing, "Those wings on your back from before..."
"Ah, yes. That is a part of the charm I mentioned before, the charm specifically made to fend off Dementors," Myr replied with the same flat tone as before; but Eilla knows all too well that Myr is simply a little bit awkward when it comes to social communication, "It's the non-corporeal form of it so I simply casted it to envelope myself along with you so they wouldn't come closer."
The illusion of the non-corporeal Patronus Charm that Myr used before to fend the Dementors and to save Eilla gave the impression of an extremely large pair of silver wing attached to his back; and while he fends off those Dementors, it gave him the kind of impression that's similar to a Guardian Angel. It gives Eilla the feeling that Myr is her Guardian Angel, destined to be with her.
It then clicked onto her mind.
The silver wings impression that Myr gave when using his Patronus Charm.
Along with his full name...
Eilla smiled to herself a little bit, a faint smile, "Could it be that your name came from your Patronus Charm?"
Myr stopped lightly on his walk before switching his sight towards Eilla. His expression remained the same for a moment, before turning into a somewhat shy, or rather a troubled one; the kind of expression that Eilla rarely sees even though she spends most of the time together with him during the holiday.
".... Professor McGonagall was the one who gave that name to me when he saw how I applied my Patronus. I was an orphan see, so all my life I was just known as 'Myr'. But then when Professor McGonagall gave me that name as a recognization to my skill using Patronus one time during my year in Hogwarts. Even though I wouldn't go as far as saying that I'm not grateful for the name, as expected, when people are able to guess where it's from it'd still feel a little embarrassing..."
Seeing the fresh look upon Myr's face, Eilla couldn't help but allowing a smile to appear upon her lips. Holding back her giggles, Eilla hugged Myr from the back -- she doesn't know what kind of thing gave her the courage to do that, but right now, she simply felt like she wanted to hug Myr like so. Her cheek pressed against his back as she shut her eyes.
"Merci d'être à mes côtés, Mon Ange Gardien," Eilla said as she hugs him lovingly.
A residential place located within the South London.
That is where the man named Jean Alcubrea is heading right now.
As he makes way back after a tiring work from the Ministry of Magic.
Giving a somewhat exhausted sigh as he enters the residential area, now walking by foot.
The British Ministry of Magic is located in Whitehall, within the underground.
It's not all that far from Crystal Palace which is why Jean opted using a taxi for most of the time.
Economically speaking, it only costs around £1 -- which is why he usually stick with such option.
Although Jean isn't all that good with cars, the ride would only last around 40 minutes or so.
At least he can stomach that much.
Entering the residential area, Jean heads towards one of the apartments within it.
Looking at the wrist watch upon his left arm, it's about 10 minutes towards midnight.
"... I forgot to text Akari not to wait for me," Jean muttered to himself with slight regret.
Entering the apartment after greeting the security who confirmed for his identity, Jean sighs.
Heading towards the elevator, Jean presses the button heading towards the 7th floor.
That would be where his room is -- which he shares with a girl, Fujinami Akari.
Around this time of the year, Jean would soon turn 21 years old.
A healthy man as he is, working as an Auror at the British Ministry of Magic is like a dream come true.
Not to mention that he's living together with a girl that he likes since the time in Hogwarts.
Still, Jean tries to keep the relationship as healthy as possible; nothing all too funny going on.
It would be bad if something actually happen without consent, after all.
That's how Jean's rationality always goes on day by day.
Walking through the hallway and reaching the number 707, Jean unlocks the door and enters.
The lights are still on and there are only the sound of television coming from inside.
Arching an eyebrow, Jean closes the door behind him and enters his apartment.
Finding that Akari is sleeping by the sofa with the television still turned on in front of her.
As he looks at the dining table, there are foods neatly prepared; with the label 'For Jean' upon it.
Allowing himself to sigh in relief, Jean simply chuckled before taking off his coat.
Placing his workbag to one of the empty chairs by the dining table, Jean starts dining silently.
It seems that Akari fell asleep while waiting for him, it can't be helped.
Today is one of their promised 'Hug Day' so judging from this, she was really looking forward to it.
Now Jean can't help but feeling a little guilty that he didn't tell her that he'd be home late.
But what's done is done, he won't really beat himself over it.
At this point all he can do would be thanking Akari for the dinner and make it up to her tomorrow.
Tomorrow is Sunday after all, so they're supposed to have some time to spend together.
After placing the used plates and mugs by the dishwasher, Jean heads towards one of the cupboards.
Fishing out a large blanket from it, he would then head towards the sofa where Akari is sleeping.
Gently taking a seat beside her, he would then cover her with the blanket.
As Akari stirs lightly in her sleep, Jean simply chuckled as he caresses the top of her head gently.
"Jean..."
What Jean didn't expect would be Akari stirring and actually wrapping her arms around his body.
Effectively hugging him just around his tummy while as if preventing him from escaping.
It took a moment for Jean to calm himself as he realizes that Akari simply sleep talks and stir about.
And at that, he can't help but giving another sigh of relief.
Reaching for the remote and turning off the TV, Jean then pulls the blanket to cover both of them.
Shutting his eyes as he surrenders himself to the drowsiness ever so slowly.
While one of his arms wrapped around Akari and his cheek pressed against the top of her head.
Akari is right now leaning against him while sleeping, the side of her head against his chest.
"Good night, Akari..." -- Jean whispered, before finally falling asleep.
"Tonight is the last night of this year, Schro-nii."
Umbra spoke slowly as she gazes up towards the starry sky of the night.
Various fireworks are adorning the sky as the moment of new year creeps closer.
Letting out a somewhat relieved sigh, Umbra then leaned back.
Feeling her back pressed against the chest of her husband.
"A lot of things has happened, isn't it?"
"...... it is. I wouldn't imagine I'd be here tonight if it wasn't because of you, Umbra."
"The same could be said by me, Schro-nii."
Everything started probably several years ago.
It was sometime where they met for the first time.
At that time, Umbra gotten herself lost within the Wonderland.
And at that place, she met Schro.
Schro who was at a loss and nearly lost the sight of his existence met Umbra.
He was reminded of how precious his own life is by her.
And at that place, he begged for her to save his life.
"Never would I imagine being loved so much by Schro-nii right now."
Umbra spoke with a soft voice as she gazes at the ring upon her left ring finger.
A happy smile quickly adorned her lips as she cannot help but allowing a giggle to escape.
Giving a relieved sigh shortly after, Umbra then shut her eyes as she leaned back a little more.
The back of her head now placed against the base of Schro's neck.
There was this time where Schro asked her, "Do you regret meeting me?"
"No, not even once I regret meeting you, Schro-nii." -- that was how Umbra answered him.
Blinking several times upon hearing Umbra's words, a smile adorned Schro's own lips.
A chuckle escaped his lips also as he shut his eyes and wrapped his arms around his wife.
Holding her in a gentle embrace as he kisses the top of her head.
"I wonder if I'm being too spoiled when it comes to you, Umbra."
"Fufufu, I don't mind if it's you, Schro-nii."
Upon having Umbra teasing him back in return, Schro himself chuckled.
Allowing Umbra to lean the weight of her body against him, he simply holds his small wife.
As he too eventually gazes upon the starry night of Austria; adorned with various fireworks.
"A new year will come in a matter of hours."
"Let's have another good year together, Schro-nii."
Pausing for a moment, Schro then looked down -- towards his little sister.
Finding her to be looking back at him with her own smile adorning her lips.
Allowing his expression to soften, he then shut his eyes as he leaned forward.
Finding Umbra herself to be leaning to him; their lips pressed, "Let's stay together forever, Umbra."
