Chapter 30. Book 2, Chapter 4.

  D-Day

  July 17th, 2014, Tokyo Japan. Haneda Airport.

  They met Momo at the airport at 7 am and boarded their flight. After a little over two and a half hours they landed in Okinawa.

  It took a while to find Reimu’s family and Tanya was surprised to learn that she had a younger brother. It seems like she was the only one who was though, as Visha greeted him by name. The group got their luggage and where soon on their way to the resort.

  The adults each had their own rooms and Reimu’s brother would be staying with their parents, leaving the four girls as roommates once again.

  After the flight, shuttle and check in, the day was more than half over, but everyone seemed to want to go to the beach anyway. Logic won out in the end, and they toured the resort instead, not wanting to go through the trouble of getting beach ready, only to leave after a short time. Instead, they contented themselves with a walk along the sandy path that ran the length of the beach.

  Tanya looked out over the expanse of never ending blue and took a deep breath of the clean salty air. Not detecting even a hint of gun smoke or diesel fumes. Slowly she slipped a foot out of her sandal and pushed it into the sand, curling her toes into the soft substance. A cool sea breeze ruffled her hair, reminding her she needed to get it cut soon.

  “It’s beautiful, eh Colonel.”

  Tanya noticed that the group had moved on, leaving the two of them behind, as they checked out a cage with tropical parrots.

  “Yes lieutenant, it really is. You know, it makes me remember that time the battalion went to the beach without us. I made you stay behind and accompany me back to the capital, didn’t I. That was back when everyone thought the war was over. I bet they sure had fun.”

  “Well now it’s our turn.”

  “Yeah, your right. Now, it’s our turn…I wonder sometimes…How they’re all doing? What happened after…I dream about them—“

  “Taaanyaaa!”

  “Come, let’s catch up, Grandma’s calling.”

  Visha turned to take one last look at the sea, and saluted, before turning back and chasing after Tanya.

  Somehow, she felt like everyone would be alright; they had been trained by the White Silver after all. She wondered if maybe they would all meet again someday. Either way, they had their mission, and she had hers.

  “Tanya wait up!”

  ~

  July 18th, 2014, Okinawa Japan

  The next day after breakfast, everyone had planned on going on a guided tour in the morning, followed by swimming at the beach after lunch. To Tanya, it sounded like a solid plan and let them walk around and explore, before the oppressive heat and humidity got too bad.

  Well at least the bus was air-conditioned, Tanya griped to herself, after sitting in the packed tour bus for an hour. All this, just to visit a pineapple plantation. Most of this tour seemed geared for old people or kids. Though she supposed the smoothie she had shared with Visha had been quite refreshing. Visha had gotten quite the kick out of drinking directly from a fresh pineapple, enjoying the novelty of it. Tanya didn’t see the big deal about it. Why pay extra when the drink would taste just the same in a plastic cup and be way less sticky in your hands.

  Either way, she missed the speed and freedom of traveling through the skies at times like this. Her and Visha could have left their rooms via the hotel balcony and popped over in less than ten minutes if they were flying. Oh well, she guessed that part of her life was gone for good now, and she better get used to it. A flight formula would drain her manna core so fast she wouldn’t even have time to reach cruising speeds before she ran dry.

  Tanya suddenly felt something cold touch her neck and she jumped in her seat, startled.

  “kyaaa!... Visha!!!”

  “They were handing out popsicles; I got you one too or can I have it?”

  “I don’t like cherry. Did they have any other flavors?”

  “Ooh, I didn’t know that about you, but they’ve already gone, you can have mine. I got banana but it doesn’t taste anything like it, do you want it?”

  Tanya stared at the yellow popsicle Visha held out to her, before shrugging her shoulders and taking it.

  “I am partial to the artificial banana flavor. Do you like cherry?”

  “I don’t know, let me see.”

  Visha opened the wrapper and brushed her hair back behind her ear with one hand, as the other brought the toxically red treat to her mouth.

  “Not bad, a bit chemically but I like the after taste a lot more than the one you have.”

  ~

  Tanya stepped out of the changing room feeling rather smug. Visha had asked about her swimwear several times when they had been exploring, and she would often stop as they passed a shop that sold it exclusively and bring it up again. Asking if Tanya wanted to pop in and look at anything.

  All of that was behind her now though. Tanya grabbed her backpack and towel and made her way out to join the others. She really was looking forward to going for a swim, it was incredibly hot after all. And a small rebellious part of her wondered if maybe a skirt without the long short’s underneath might feel cooler?

  Shaking that evil thought from her head, she opened the door and was greeted by her friends who had already gotten dressed and were sitting around waiting for her. As if this was some sort of fashion show. Well, she supposed it was, since only a few minutes ago, Tanya herself had also been sitting out here, giving the obligatory compliments to the other girls on their figures and style choices.

  “Wow, Tanya that looks so good on you.”

  “Yeah, it’s very cute.”

  “Definitely giving off the sporty vibes”

  “I can’t wait to see what you’ll wear tomorrow.” Visha gushed her eyes practically sparkling with stars.

  WHAT?

  WAIT? What did she mean by what you’ll wear tomorrow?

  ~

  Tanya sat on her towel under the rented beach umbrella she shared with her grandmother. Sulking.

  She looked out at her three friends, who were even now splashing about in the cool looking water having fun. She then glanced down at the snorkel equipment she had purchased for a very reasonable price and sighed.

  “Grandma, how long does it take for a swimsuit to dry?”

  “In this humidity, probably a day or two if it’s like the one you’re wearing, if it’s like Momo-chan’s… well there’s a lot less to dry so...”

  Tanya’s grandma looked at her forlorn face and hedged.

  “I suppose I could speed up the process, if we used the hotels hair dryer, but wouldn’t it be easier, just to buy another suit or two?”

  Tanya sighed again. Shit!

  She didn’t like the satisfied look her grandmother was giving her at the moment, standing Tanya moved toward the water.

  “I’ll get Grandfather to take me to the store later to pick out a few spares then. Later Grandma!”

  And with that Tanya dove in with her friends, tackling Visha into the water.

  ~

  Sonoko looked on with tenderness and a light heart at the sight of her granddaughter having a rare moment, where she truly acted her age. Splashing and giggling about with her friends in the sea. Thinking back to their previous conversation she frowned. Have Grandpa take you. What a load of crap!

  ~

  Tanya and Visha were on their way back from the concession stand, their arms loaded with treats and drinks for the group, when they bumped into someone they knew.

  “Tanya-sama, Visha-sama! I can’t believe I bumped into you hear, I wasn’t expecting to see you until tonigh—”

  Visha slapped a hand over the little girl’s mouth so fast that Tanya barely had time to notice who had been speaking to them. It was the little girl from the shelter, the whimperer—no, Hina something, Visha and the others had been excited about meeting up with her, since she lived here. Her given name was Kyan wasn’t it, Hina Kyan.

  “Oh, Hina-chan, what a surprise, bumping into you here. We were planning on getting together with you tomorrow, right? Well, no matter, do you want to come to the beach with us?” Visha asked in a suspiciously sweet and casual voice.

  “Oh no I was just running an errand getting ready for the, for my mom, you too go on ahead.”

  “Ok well that’s a shame but you must be busy bye!” Visha responded as she half dragged Tanya away from the younger girl, causing her to feel very confused.

  They made it back to their spot on the beach and met up with Tanya’s grandparents. Both seemed to be relaxing, enjoying themselves. But Tanya picked up on something odd. Looking around she couldn’t find her quarry anywhere. After all, since she had no legal guardian here, Tanya had taken the responsibility to look after the girl upon herself. Turning to her grandmother Tanya questioned.

  “Somebody is missing, somebody very important…Where’s Momo?”

  “She’s gone…and Reimu’s gone too. They went to go explore something or other at the ah… hotel.”

  Tanya looked at her grandmother and then down at the food she and Visha had just bought for the other girls, before shrugging. More for me I guess.

  “Oh well, as long as they have each other, I’m sure they’ll be just fine.”

  ~

  Apparently, they had been invited over to miss Hina’s house for dinner. It was a chance for the girls from the shelter to get back together and for the parents to show their appreciation for their efforts in taking care of their daughter while she was there. Not that Tanya had done anything to take care of the girl. But maybe Visha and the others had, so she didn’t feel too awkward about the situation.

  The taxi pulled up to the house and the four of them got out. Tanya noted that the house was a bit old, but it was large and well maintained.

  It looked like Reimu and Momo had gotten here first, because Reimu’s parents were standing on the porch along with another woman, waiting to greet them.

  “You must be the Kaizaki’s. Nice to meet you. Our little Kyan has told us so much about you. You’re Tanya, right? And you must be Visha? I’m Hina Tsuru, Kyan’s mom, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

  One by one, everyone returned the greeting, before the woman continued, ushering Tanya and Visha in ahead of the others.

  “You two go right ahead, the other girls are waiting for you, I’ll help your grandparents get settled.”

  Tanya bowed to the woman and made her way inside, before suddenly getting blasted by a wave of sound. Reaching for her magic on instinct Tanya felt Visha grab her arm, before she realized what was going on. Tanya immediately plastered on a fake smile, but her neck, cheeks, and ears had already turned terribly red.

  “SURPRISE!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! TANYA!!!

  ~

  Visha had put a lot of effort into making sure Tanya had the best party ever. How could she not, after all the effort Tanya had put in planning her own and making sure everyone she truly cared for was there to share it with her. Tanya had made sure she had such a special day and unforgettable memories to go along with it, so she would do the same. It hadn’t been easy, she had spent hours on the phone with Momo, first finding a location, and then trying to figure out how to transfer money to Hina’s parents for the party supplies. They had seemed oddly excited to go along with everything, but Visha wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

  It had been surprising to learn that birthdays were not as celebrated here as in the Empire. She had assumed it was common since Tanya had thrown her such a large one, but many people seemed surprised at what she was doing, though not against it. However, the efforts of her labors had born fruit and were now displayed before her.

  She could already see how touched her friend was, based on her red ears and bashful acceptance of everyone’s well wishes. She had even made sure to get Tanya her favorite mocha cake picked up from a store earlier by Momo and Reimu. Who were supposed to have secretly met up with Hina-chan. Unfortunately, their cover had almost been blown when they’d bumped into the girl on their way back to the beach.

  No matter, everything had gone off without a hitch and she was sure Tanya would be having an unforgettable night.

  ~

  Tanya looked down at the sleeping form of her former subordinate, with a complicated look in her eyes.

  On the one hand, Visha looked so peaceful, and cute—calm resting on the floor. However, on the other hand, she really wanted to hang the little traitor from the balcony by her ankles. She settled for kicking her awake none too gently.

  “Uhh! My head.”

  “That’s what you get from stuffing your gullet with 2 plates of cake, plus the leftovers off of Momo’s, and all the pineapple chunks and fruit juice from last night. Not to mention singing your voice hoarse, belting out those ridiculous songs until 2 am.”

  Visha looked up at Tanya with pitiful watery eyes, her hair a frizzy mess. Opening her mouth, her tiny pink tongue snaking out to moisten her lips, she croaked pathetically.

  “Taanyaa, water pleease.”

  Tanya sighed, at the pathetic mess that her adjutant had become.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Here.” Tanya past the cup in her hand down to her friend, giving in to her pleading tone.

  “Ack!... This is coffee!”

  “Well, yeah. Why the fuck would I be drinking water in the morning, when they have a Keurig in every room.”

  “You know, you can be a real bitch sometimes.”

  “Noted, now get up lieutenant.”

  Later that morning, Tanya was talking it over with her grandfather about where they should go to pick up an extra swimsuit. Both agreeing that the ones at the hotel shops where way too overpriced. When Visha quietly butted into the conversation.

  “Tanya, would you mind if I tagged along with you?”

  “One moment Grandfather, would you mind if I speak to Visha in German?”

  “Don’t mind me, I’ll be over by the koi pond when you’re done.”

  “Visha, I understand that you like shopping in general, but this is one of those times when I would really prefer not to have you gushing and commenting over every little detail of my outfit. I’m embarrassed enough already as it is.”

  “I’m not…It’s not like that… Urg! That’s just the thing, So am I.” Visha’s voice sounded very meek and quiet, not her usual boisterous self when talking about clothes.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I…I didn’t want to go with you because I wanted to help you pick out something. I need you to help me. I, I don’t know what to get. I was terrified when I got what I did, and that was with Momo’s help, but that was after rejecting like fifty of her other suggestions. Some of them were… well, she seems a little too excited about displaying my “European assets.” To be honest, I don’t know what is considered appropriate for a girl my age to wear or what would be looked down on. I wanted to get your opinion on things, but you kept avoiding me every time I brought it up.”

  “Wait, so you’re saying you’re the one who’s scared of getting a swimsuit. That you wanted to ask me what an appropriate swimsuit would be?”

  “Not really appropriate, just you know, more fitting for a girl my age, something stylish but not provocative. I have no problem picking out something conservative, it’s what I fell back on when Momo failed me. I want you to help me figure out that line between too conservative and too daring. Something normal, something that would let me fit in.”

  Tanya felt a little bit guilty now, thinking of all the times she had jilted her best friend when she had been earnestly seeking her help. Mauling Visha’s words over in her head Tanya saw no problem in her friend coming along.

  “Sure, why don’t you tag along, I don’t know how much help I will be in picking out what you are looking for, but I can at least tell you what’s a normal outfit, and what’s something you would only see in anime or pornos.”

  Turning to meet up with her grandfather, Tanya nearly tripped over her feet when Visha asked.

  “What’s a pornos?”

  ~

  Tanya was having a wonderful time. The snorkeling gear was proving to be a wonderful investment after all. With their high-altitude training, Visha and she could hold their breath for an incredible amount of time and thus had a great time diving.

  They moved through the water in a similar formation to how they flew, side by side. Each pointing out various sights to the other. It was liberating to move in three dimensions once again and reminded Tanya so much of flying, that she felt herself getting lost in the simple joy of moving in coordination with her wingmate again.

  Popping up for air, the two were joined by Hina, who shouted with stunned awe. “How did you guys do that? You must have been down there for like five minutes!”

  Tanya was surprised herself, it hadn’t felt that long and while she had been tempted to, she had refrained from using magic. Fearing that she might cause her body to stop growing again. Shrugging her shoulders in response, the two took several deep breaths and dove back down into a world of color. Tanya not even having to look, to know Visha was right there beside her.

  Tanya didn’t realize how much she had missed the feeling of flying together until now when she was doing something similar. The thought caused her to wonder what else they could do to relive those days. Maybe when they got older, they would have to take up skydiving, a thought for another time. For now, Visha was pointing at what looked like the remains of an old chain attached to a cement block on the sea floor, and Tanya wanted to take a closer look.

  ~

  They had been having a great time… Had.

  Tanya had been in the middle of burying her troublesome friend up to the neck in sand when she noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere of their group.

  Some young boys had been moving their frisbee game slowly closer and closer to their group and had now engaged Momo in conversation. Everything was fine, and Tanya ignored them in her efforts to submerge her little snack thief in the sand. They weren’t causing any problems and Momo seemed to be enjoying her conversation with them.

  That was until one of them tried to include Reimu in the conversation. She had been more or less hiding behind Momo, trying to disappear, without outright walking away from the group and leaving Momo alone. But as the boy tried to get her attention the mood shifted and that’s when Tanya started to pay more attention to the situation.

  Momo was too busy laughing at something someone had said, to notice Reimu’s increasing discomfort. She kept shaking her head at what the boy was saying, her eyes going wide with panic as he reached out to grab her wrist. At that moment, Tanya realized she had to take action, standing up and moving the few steps over to the group. But she was too late.

  “DON’T TOUCH ME!!” Reimu screamed, crouching in on herself, and trembling.

  Then there was an explosion of sand behind Tanya and Visha quickly dashed between the young man and Reimu. Visha was glaring at the boy fiercely and Tanya could sense she had tapped into her mana. Rushing the last few steps, Tanya put a hand on Visha’s shoulder and gave it a firm shake.

  “Rührt euch! Visha, look to Reimu, I’ll handle this.”

  Looking her friend in the eye, Tanya nodded towards Reimu. Visha nodded and leaned down to their friend, calling her name softly before holding her hand out cautiously for Reimu to accept. Reminding Tanya of a person approaching an unfamiliar canine.

  Turning back to the instigators of this little drama, Tanya swung her shovel up onto her shoulder, while reminding herself that the boys had not done anything wrong. That they were just a group of horny young teenagers trying to flirt with some girls on the beach. Even if unwanted physical contact was a bit of a social fopaux, it had not been a serious breach of conduct or threatening. More of an overzealous encouragement on the boy’s part, misreading Reimu’s reactions.

  How was the boy to know that Reimu’s hesitance was more than simple shyness and that she was currently dealing with various traumas. Yes, there really was no way the boy could have known, and yelling or getting overly upset at him would just cause more problems.

  So why was it, that she currently leaning over the kneeling boy with a hand on his shoulder glaring directly into his eyes. The boy was trembling so much, it was causing the hand on his shoulder to shake with it. It was starting to bug her, so she flexed and forced her hand still. Causing his body to freeze with it.

  “I think you and your friends should leave.” Tanya’s voice was cold and calm, her tone low and filled with the aura from giving thousands of commands, sending men to their deaths.

  The boy who had been talking with Momo made to protest but Tanya turned her gaze on him, letting go of the kneeling boy’s shoulder in the process. The boy flinched, and closed his mouth, after helping their buddy up, the group fled. Their flight hurried along by Visha’s next actions.

  “Oh, they forgot their throwing disc, I’ll return it to them.” Visha said, before launching the disk after the boys, who were now nearly fifty yards down the beach. Tanya noticed their speed pick up after the disc buried itself in the sand in front of them.

  Turning back around, Tanya noticed Reimu seemed to be doing better. She had a smile on her face and was holding her hand to her face, as she giggled softly at Visha’s antics. Looking around Tanya saw Reimu’s parents and little brother on their way over, clearly having witnessed the scene. Tanya mentally prepped herself to do a quick debriefing of the situation, but soon found it was unnecessary. The family enveloped their group, like a wave swallowing a seashell in the sand.

  Tanya was barraged with expressions of gratitude from the family for, “defending their daughter” and one overly rambunctious hug from Reimu’s mother. The little brother at least didn’t prove to be a bother, having kept his distance and contented himself with staring at her with awe filled eyes.

  Tanya didn’t understand. How did one minor harmless altercation, were no one was injured, turn into some sort of great effort on her part in “rescuing Reimu from ruffians and delinquents.” Tanya’s own grandma was even now, giving her a thumbs up while flexing and patting her bicep. Tanya could practically hear the “Atta Girl!” in the look her grandmother was giving her.

  This is ridiculous!

  ~

  Reimu couldn’t believe how brave and strong Tanya and Visha looked in that moment. Standing before her, shielding her body from the hungry gazes of those boys. Sticking up for her. Her.

  This wasn’t the first time this had happened, ever since her…time away from home, Reimu had been having trouble being around others, boys especially. She had had to transfer to an all-girls school, which helped, but even then, she struggled to leave her room most days to attend.

  She knew that it wasn’t her fault, that something bad had happened to her, not that there was something wrong with her. But despite repeating that mantra from her therapist, she still got nervous whenever anyone began paying too much attention to her. She was trying to get better, and everything seemed so much easier whenever she was around the others, Visha and Tanya especially. They just made her feel so safe.

  And now, here they were, doing it again. Standing between her and what she feared. Reimu could swear that despite her panic and fear, she had felt it the moment Visha had rushed over to help her. The same feeling that was subtly emanating from Tanya as she glared down at the kneeling boy before her. Then quickly as it and they had come, it was gone, and all she could feel in its absence was a strange awareness of Tanya and Visha’s presence near her.

  She found herself feeling incredibly relieved that they were there for her and couldn’t stop herself from giggling at the terrified faces of the boys who had just run off. Really what did she have to be afraid of, they were only a bunch of silly young boys and watching them run off like they were running from their mother’s slipper, made her realize that. She almost felt bad for them.

  Feeling the loving embrace of her mother and friends, Reimu decided that she would become just as brave and strong as Visha-chan and as smart and domineering as Tanya-chan. Maybe she would start practicing martial arts. She’d have to ask the two for tips on how to build muscles like theirs, then no one would dare mess with her either.

  ~

  Tanya was dying.

  Using every last ounce of effort she had left in her body, to turn her head and lock eyes with Visha, Tanya pleaded for help. Only to be met with betrayal.

  Seriously! What was she supposed to do in this situation?

  “I love you, Tanya-sama! Please wait for me to grow up, I’ll get big and tall and make lots of money and take care of you. I will do everything in my power to be the man worthy of walking by your side!”

  It had started out innocent enough. They had been playing games in the hotel when Reimu’s little brother had come over acting suspiciously. Tanya had thought nothing of it as he had come up to her and began thanking her for being the hero who saved his sister. She was a little embarrassed but had gotten used to the praise from earlier in the day. But what he had done next was mortifying.

  The little shit had pulled out a flower he had clearly stolen from one of the hotels flower beds and presented it to her like he was offering up his soul. All the while declaring his love and devotion to her. Her!

  Who the hell did this kid think he was, who did he think she was! This can’t be happening!

  And all the while, there Visha sat, shaking with suppressed laughter, all the way up until the point Tanya got rid of the little bugger. After which she proceeded to roll around on the floor pounding it with her fists, and kicking her legs in the air, as she roared with laughter. Causing the other girls to join in.

  Reimu even took courage and was bold enough to spout off her own remarks. “Please, do take care of my brother in the future… Sister-in-law!” She got out in a serious and sweet tone, barely containing her laughter until the end, before busting out in fits of giggles.

  Visha paused her rolling long enough to hear Momo explain what Giri no shimai meant. Before she yet again, exploded with laughter and crawled over to where Reimu lay, clutching her own stomach and giggling. Visha then began tickling the girl, while praising her wordplay.

  “You know, it kinda works out perfectly, the two of them are the right height for each other.” Momo giggled out.

  Furious, Tanya grabbed a sheet off the bed and kicking Momo on top of the other two, proceeded to wrap them all up in it, before tying it off. Leaving the squirming girls trapped like a bag of cats on the floor, as she grabbed her bathing supplies and left for the spa. *

  ~

  * Authors note: This beach section with the boys interaction was brought to you thanks to the SpaceBattles member: Gossip and blind. Who mentioned, “I'm really looking forward to seeing the typical beach scene where the local heartthrob tries to flirt with Tanya. God, that interaction would be hilarious no matter how it plays out.”

  I had completely skipped over this crucial part of every beach episode. Shame on me! So, I had to go back and write a scene that kind of worked, unfortunately Tanya still looks like a cute little 10-12 year old so no one is hitting on her. Well almost no one, and I wanted to save the guys hitting on Visha scene for the future. I got the scene written and then I had to shuffle things around in several chapters to force it in somewhere. But there it is.

  Glossary

  "Rührt euch!" is a German military command translated into English as "At ease!" or "Stand easy!". It directs soldiers to break from the rigid "attention" position, allowing them to relax, move their feet, or stand with hands behind their backs while remaining in formation.

  Giri no shimai (義理の姉妹) means "sister-in-law" or "sisters-in-law" in Japanese, referring to a relationship created by marriage rather than blood. It can also refer to a stepsister. It is used to describe the female sibling of a spouse or the wife of a sibling.