Chapter 90: New Year's Day

With the floodlights guiding my way, I walked to the pier, where Akashi and Yuubari were. It wasn't raining before, but the ground feels a little wet and slippery. Don't get me started on the cold. I want to rush back into the heated corridors of the main building.

As I got closer, I could hear our local mechanics discussing,

"The gate is online. Closing it now." (Yuubari)

I can hear the mechanical hum of the gate as Yuubari tapped on her tablet.

"Gun turrets are stocked up and fully functional. Automatic mode has been set to 'On'. It hasn't happened in a long time but if we are attacked in the middle of the night again, the turrets will buy us some prep time." (Akashi)

"The submarine girls have lined the perimeter with sea mines for added protection earlier."

"Ah. Yo, Admiral. What are you doing here?" (Akashi)

"Good evening." (Yuubari)

"I'm here to pick you up. The festival has already started."

"No way! It has already begun?!" (Yuubari)

"With the fairies running the show and getting the chance to earn some extra cash, of course they can't wait to start the party. Everything good?"

"Of course. With me maintaining it, our defence systems are fully operational!" (Akashi)

"Hey! I helped develop and maintained it too!" (Yuubari) 

A disgruntled Yuubari puffed her cheeks and shook her friend playfully.

"Ahahaha! I'm just kidding. With the two of us handling it, the base's automatic protection system is running smoothly." (Akashi)

There was a loud 'clang' as the gate locked itself.

"All done?"

"Yep!" (Akashi)

"Akashi, Admiral, hurry up!" (Yuubari)

In a distance, Yuubari was waving her hands at us. When did she get ahead of us?

"Hey! Wait for me!" (Akashi)

Akashi dashed past me as she went to chase her friend. Those two are so close.

I stared at the bright lights shining nearby. I can hear the music and energetic sound of shipgirls having fun from here. 

"I should get going too."

Today is the last day of the year and time for our annual Countdown party. Just like annual summer festival, the courtyard and beach is once again transformed into a event venue. Stalls lined the place as the fairies worked attract the girls to buy stuff from them, whether it is food, toys, or games. A large bell has been installed in the middle of the courtyard, in preparation for the New Year's Bell. One would usually go to a shrine or temple for this kind of festivals, but the nearest shrine is 30 minutes away by taxi. So, we decided to host our own New Year's celebration. Most of the girls are either in their winter kimono or winter clothing. Some of them prefer to hide in their room, away from the cold and festivities. The usual suspects being Kuma and Tama.

"Wow! It's crowded as usual!" (Zuihou) 

"Ah! Admiral! Over here!" (Shioi)

Zuihou, Shigure, Shioi, Prinz Eugen, Shouhou, Ryuujou and Yuudachi greeted me at the torii gate the fairies propped up as a decoration and entrance to the event area. Zuihou invited them to join us. I knew she had gotten close to Shigure, but when did she get close to Shioi and Prinz Eugen?

Zuihou was wearing a brown coat, red mini skirt and red scarf. Her hair is tied into the usual ponytail with a white bow. Her sister wore a black coat with black mini skirt. Unlike Zuihou, she has put on a pair of black leggings. Her best friend, Ryuujou, is wearing a pink sweater, blue jacket, and black jeans. Her twintails is tied using magatama hair bands.

Shigure is wearing a brown turtleneck sweater and dark blue coat, paired with red jeans. Her outfit gives her a matured vibe and makes her look taller. Similarly, Yuudachi wore a brown sweater, red coat and dark blue jeans. Additionally, she wore the same white scarf that is usually with normal black Shiratsuyu-class uniform.

Shioi has put on a thick grey sweater with the words 'Submarine' and a orange down jacket. A pir of blue stockings covered her thin, slender legs.

Prinz Eugen looks different today. Her outfit is similar to the others; white sweater, a black jacket, green checkered scarf, red pleated skirt and black stockings. Only difference is that her blonde hair is down and she is wearing a pair of white mufflers. I almost couldn't recognize her at first.

"Trying out a new style?"

"Hm? A-ah. Sort of... How do I like?" (Prinz Eugen)

I can sense some kind of expectation in the way she is looking at me.

"It suits you. You look cute."

"Is that so? Ehehe~ That makes me happy~" (Prinz Eugen)

Prinz Eugen twirled her hair as her face turned red. 

"Ouch. Ouch Ow! What are you three doing? Why are you hitting me?"

For some reason, Zuihou, Shigure and Shioi took turns to hit me. One pinched my side, the other pounded on my back, and Zuihou kicked my shin the hardest.

"Well, aren't ya a playboy?" (Ryuujou)

"Not helping, Ryuujou. Ow! Stop it!"

"Is this a new game poi?" (Yuudachi)

"It's not!"

Apparently, praising their outfits was enough to calm them down. Zuihou was a little more demanding this round, which dragged things out a little longer since the others took inspiration and wanted more praises from me. And it didn't help that the other three joined in as well.

I'm not lying when I praise their outfit and looks, all right? I'm genuinely complimenting them.

It took a while, but now we can finally enjoy the festival.

"Admiral-san, buy that for me poi!" (Yuudachi)

Yuudachi pointed at the stall selling Sakura mochi.

"You just ate a bowl of New year's soba and eight pieces of Takoyaki. You are still hungry?" 

"Admiral... Me too." (Shigure)

Shigure tugged at my sleeve. Is she blushing?

"All right. Yo! Give me two sets of Kagami Mochi please."

The chef fairy gave an 'OK' hand gesture and jumped off the table. In a few seconds, it reappeared with a bowl of mochi in it's tiny hands. It repeated that action once more and the two satisfied puppies each have a bowl of mochi in their hands.

"As usual, it's so lively here." (Shioi)

"I wanna go back to my room. It's freezing o'er 'ere." (/Ryuujou)

"Me too. It feels colder than last year." 

"Ahaha..." (Zuihou)

I bought a cup of warm rice sake. The alcohol should help warm my body a little, but not enough to get me drunk. We continued walking around, chatting, snacking and playing at the stalls.

"Everyone, what kind of year has this year been for you?" (Zuihou) 

Hm? What's with that question all of a sudden?

"Hmm... It's normal, I guess." (Prinz Eugen)

"Expeditions... Sortie... Exercises... Training... Yea' pretty normal." (Ryuujou)

"This year didn't really change much for me either. Ah. I guess meeting another version of myself was surprising." (Shigure)

"I got more sorties and played a more active role in operations this year!" (Shioi)

"There were days where battles were fierce, but those were fun in their own right. We also made a bunch of new friends this year." (Shouhou)

This year... huh...

I felt that things were actually brighter for me this year. After six long years, I finally found the strength to move on. The Zuihou from before still holds a special place in my heart, but now, she is no longer taking so much space. No. Rather, I finally made space for my current girlfriend, the Zuihou of the present. My days were filled with laughter and joy as I experienced this new feeling with Zuihou. I still want to keep her by my side, away from the dangers of war, but knowing Zuihou, she wouldn't stand for it. The last thing I want is to needlessly make her cry.

"It would be bad if the Abyssals chose to attack now poi." (Yuudachi)

"Oi oi! Don't say things that could raise a flag!" 

"Ah! Look!" (Zuihou) 

Zuihou pointed towards the sky. I looked up, just in time to see numerous white objects floating down.

"Snow?"

"Wow! It's so beautiful!" (Prinz Eugen)

"The forecast said it might snow in various places today." (Shioi)

"A white sky..." (Shigure)

"It's pretty~" (Zuihou)

"If the Abyssals see this beautiful landscape, wouldn't they change their mind and leave?" (Shouhou)

"I wouldn't mind fighting them still. It's their fault for attacking us on such a great day." (Yuudachi)

"Let's hurry and bring the peaceful seas back." (Zuihou)

I felt a vibration in my pocket. It was an alarm I had set on my phone earlier. 5 minutes to midnight.

"Ah. It's almost time. Let's go to the middle."

"Yes!" (All)

We gathered at the middle of the courtyard, where the New Year's Bell is located. Hiryuu and Souryuu are already standing at the bell, ready to slam the log into the giant brass bell. It's their turn this year. The other girls and fairies have already gathered around.

10 more seconds...

"5! 4! 3! 2! 1!" (All)

The time on my phone changed to 0000 hours and the date changed to the 1st of January of the new year. The dragon sister slammed the log into the bell and a loud 'Gong' reverberated throughout the base.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" (All)

The air was filled with cheers and laughter as fireworks shot up and exploded into a vibrant display of colours in the snowy sky. 

I felt a small hand holding onto my hand. It was Zuihou. I looked around to make sure we were not caught in the act. With everyone engrossed with the fireworks display, we have some time to ourselves. And since we were the last to arrive, we are at the back of the crowd. The group that followed us are just right in front of us.

"Admiral..." (Zuihou)

"Yeah?"

Zuihou gestured to bend down. I did as she asked and matched her height. She whispered into my ear,

"Happy New Year. Take care of me this year as well." (Zuihou)

She pecked me on the cheek and smiled.

"Me too. I look forward to spending my life with you this year as well."

I love you, Zuihou. May we continue our bonds this year and the next.