My beloved falls onto the Bed, stretching as if bored.
- Tired?
- Kind of, this Weather is just sucking the fun out of our Time…
- It will clear soon enough, be it through a rain or something else.

- Yeah… Thanks, Dan.

- Your Husband is here to support you, Lena… | I fall onto the bed, getting close to our abdomen | and this one.

 

Katya puts a pillow under her head, this gentle hand caresses my head.
- Dan, how about the Winter?
- What about it? | I sit up and turn to face her.
- This House, will it keep us safe?
- It’s a modern Japanese House, not some old wooden hut… The Walls have some width to them, they even keep some of the heat out.

 

- Then we don’t have too much to worry about.
- Thankfully, we don’t, Katya.
Our Door opens, Lena peeks in curiously.

- Hey Guys… Dan’s Grandmother is here.
- Did you see her?

- I was just out on the Balcony and saw her. | I didn’t even hear her step on it…

- Let’s go speak with her.

 

Katya springs from the Bed, leaping ahead of me. I’ll follow these two.

 

Lena opens the Door, Oma’s patiently standing in the burning heat.
- Lady Natsumi, why didn’t you knock?! Come in!

- Ah, Dear… At my age, the Sun can’t hurt too much anymore. | That sounds about right for her to say.

 

My Wife leads her to the Kitchen and hastily place a Glass of Water in front of her.
- Thank you, dear.
- Your welcome, Lady Natsumi. What brings you here?
- I was a bit worried on how you’d come to terms with this Home.
- Oma, is there something wrong with it?
- Nothing at all. I thought the mixture of old and new might prove challenging to you three. But it seems my Worries were unnecessary.

 

It’s typical Oma to worry about us, especially since this House is a being of its own. 

 

- Katya, dear, tell me… has Dan arranged the Garden yet.
- No… Should he have done it already?
- Indeed, I thought it would be done by now. Some Plants prospering as well.
Katya stares at the Table, confused and worried.

 

- Oma, I didn’t get a chance to…
- I see, you should get to it, Dan. You know how important Flowers are in our Family.
- For the Wife you mean.
- Flowers brighten up the Day, even during Storms and Rains… Your Child will thank you for it.
- Lady Natsumi, now that you mention it… Is there no special training or something?

 

Oma stares at Katya, shocked to her Core.
- Never would we do such things to a Mother. The Wife must rest, while the Husband takes care of most things.
- Such as?

- The Obvious, bring in Money, pay the Bills and so on.
- Those won’t be a problem, Oma. You know that.

 

- Certainly, no doubt. But the environment here is dull… gray and unhealthy.
- For us?
- No, Katya. For you and your Baby.
Our Family always set the biggest importance on the Baby, problem is… Why did I come out like this?

 

- What can we do to make it better?!
Oma smiles, nodding slowly.

- The Young one understands. Shame that her Caretakers don’t…

- Oma, the Flowers can’t have that much of a Impact…

 

- They do. Your Mother refused it. | Wha…
- That’s why I am the way I am?
- Aggressive, Protective and menacing, yes. But those are your Grandfathers Traits, only a few.
I don’t get it…
- So, my Mother refused to sit around Flowers all day?
- Not really, she worked most of the Time, even when she was carrying you.

In that case, it’s simple to solve.
- What Flowers does she need? | Katya looks disgusted at me.
- Dan, wait… you don’t even want to know the rest?

- Why would I? Not gonna solve it anyway. Let’s just focus on you and the Baby, okay?
- Dan… 

- That’s your Husband, Katya. Don’t refuse his worries. You might end up opening old wounds. 

 

I’m sorry, Katya. But I don’t care about my past, right now. If there is one problem I can solve for our little one. I will do it, even if it costs days.

 

- I understand, in that case… Is there a Flower shop nearby?
- Why buy them? I can give you the seeds for them. Dan will prepare the ground, and you will plant the seeds.
Sounds simple enough.

 

- Oma, what about later into the Pregnancy?
- What about it?
- No Natsumi tricks or… advice you can give us?
- There’s nothing else I can teach you. You learned everything from your Grandfather, Dan.
- Did I? 

 

- Oh, but of course. If he’d still be around, he’d come over each day to check on Katya. Even during a Storm. | That’s him… Always worrying.

- Anyways, it’s getting late, you three. I’ll be heading back home.

 

- Oma, one more thing.
- Dan? | This is gonna hurt…
- He died in his sleep, right?

- Yes… He did. He was at peace as well, no turmoil.
- I see. Thanks for the visit.

- Hold on, I’ll come by again to hand you the seeds.

 

Katya looks at her Phone.
- Lady Natsumi, we need to prepare Dinner slowly.
- I shall bring them by tomorrow, then.
- W-Wait! I w-will stay here. | Nice courage, Lena.

 

- In that case, please enjoy your shopping trip. Dan, you know where the Store is.
- Sure do.
- Good, have a wonderful evening. | That… Won’t really happen.

Lena opens the Door for Oma and waves her off.

- I’ll check on my Puppies. I’ll be waiting for her to give us the Flower Seed.
- Good job, Lena. | She smiles and heads up stairs.

 

I can already feel Katya’s feelings…
- Dan, I forgot…
- What exactly?
- Who you are… for just a moment…
- That’s bad?
- I forgot who my Husband is… it is bad.

 

- Hahaha… It’s fine, Love. If you remember now, nothing matters.
- Mhm… Let’s go get Dinner.
- Eh… Got a bag?
- There’s on the Chair, I’ll just drink a Glass of Water.
Considering our Fridge is empty as my Stomach… One bag might not be enough.

- Do we have another one?
- No, we can get one from the Store. Let’s go.
She hooks into my arm and gently pushes me ahead.

 

I open the Door and we get out. 

 

The bright Sunlight from minutes earlier, turned into a blazing Horizon, the Mountain’s edge lit on fire.

- That looks so nice. Let’s hurry back and enjoy a bear on the Terrace!
- Alright, make a list in your head, Love.
- Did it already.
- Can you remember it?
- Oh, Dan~... I did it so many times that I mastered it.
- Hehehe… Want to buy some beer?
- Yup, wonder if they have the same here. 

 

Down the Slope leading to our Home, we arrive in the heart of Town.
- It’s a lively one, so many people working.

- That’s thanks to my Grandma and Grandpa.
- Are they something like the Mayors? Hehehe.
- Hmh, you could say that.
A couple houses past, we are the only Store, besides the Market, in Town.

 

Entering it, a cool breeze hits my face.
- Welcome! Can I help you somehow?
- Hi, thanks but we’ll just look around. | The Bamboo on the lower Part of the Walls gives this a nice vibe.

 

Katya pulls me to the Milk and Cheeses.
- Ah! Go grab a basket, Dear. | I head back to the Entrance and grab one.

- Here you go.
- Hold it… What cheese do you want?

- What are you making tonight?
- Hmm… Thought of Eggs, Bacon and somethings beside it.

- Mmhmm… Preem. How about that Chese mix there?

 

Katya grabs one, reading the backside cautiously.
- Alright. | She yeets it in the Basket.
Continuing down, she grabs a carton of Eggs, bacon slices and one of each Paprika and Cucumber.
- Katya, want some beer, still?
- Dan, I should stop drinking.
- Mhm, good thinking. So how about one without alcohol?
- Sounds good~.

 

I look around the Isles to our backs, there. Slowly I push Katya ahead, leading her to the Isle.

- Woah! There’s so much alcohol-free beer~! Dan~! Help me choose!
- You like Cherry, right?
- Yep.
- Then… | I reach my hand for the top-most Shelf and hand her a Can.
She reads its label and the backside.

- Are there two more?
My Hand reaches to the back of the Shelf. | Gotcha!
- Here.
- Woah, Dan! You’re amazing, thanks. | I get a reward kiss.
- Hmm, could’ve been on the lips.
- Gosh~, don’t you want a lot?
- Hehe, let’s head home. Lena’s waiting.

 

We head to the Register, the Man behind it seems to be the only employee and probably the Owner as well.
- Have you two seen the Couple that moved in onto the Top House? | He means us…?

- Oh my, that’s us.
- Ah! I’m very sorry, Miss. | He bows deeply.
- For what?
- I didn’t mean to sound rude, Sir. I thought it was some rich Couple buying it from the Natsumis. I apologize again.

 

- My Husband here is a Natsumi.
- Wha… Mister Natsumi?!
- That’s me.
- Goodness, I’m terribly sorry. I made a big mistake.

- Calm down, I know everyone here respects us greatly.
- We thank your Grandfather a lot, but we don’t get the chance to do so anymore…
- If you appreciate what you have, he’ll know that you are thankful.
- Yes, of course, Sir. | He returns to scanning our products.

 

- Here you go, thanks for shopping here.
- Thanks, have a nice evening.
- You too!

We exit the Shop and head back up the slope. Eyes glare at eyes, gossip starts running around. 

 

- Seems like our Cover blew… Hehe.
- It did, Katya, it did.

- Hope it won’t affect your time together.
- It won’t, trust me.
- Hey~... calm down~.
- Sorry, I just… When something gets between me and my Family, I lose all reason.

Up the Slope, we see Lena lazing around on the Terrace.

- Hey Guys~! Welcome back!
- How’s it up there?
- Spacious, and the Chairs are nice as well! | What chairs…?

Katya looks at me with worried.
- Lena where did you get the Chairs from?

- Dan’s Grandma showed me the Storage Room, I dusted these off outside and now I sit on them.
- Did make one for us too?
- I made two! I don’t think you’d both fit on one, quite narrow these ones. | What a nice Girl.

 

Katya and I head inside, I lock the door and check the bottom floor windows. 

 

All closed and locked… Let’s return to my beloved.
- Dan, are you heading out tonight?

- How do… you know?

- It’s written all over your face~...
- I am… It won’t be long, promised.
- No need to rush it. I know your loyal, and always worry about us. Take your time with your third job.
- What are the other two?

- Boss of N-Tek, my Husband and soon… a Papa~! | Her Words melt my heart… I feel my tears wanting to get out… 

 

- Hey~, what’s with the surprise hug~? I’m trying to make Dinner.
- Thank you… | Her right hand wraps around my neck, I feel her lips on my head.
- I love you, Dan Natsumi.
- Love you too… more than you do me… | Her head digs into mine, this sensation of being wanted and loved… as a Husband and Father… Nothing can even dare to compare to this.

 

Katya let’s go of me and returns to Dinner.
- Can you turn the Radio on?

- We have one?
- To your right, beside the Fridge. | I turn it on and tune into a Channel. 

 

Jazz Music starts playing, Katya isn’t happy about it.
- Got any Music from our Teens, Dan?
- Uhm… I do, give me a second. | The Backside of the Radio has a USB port, let me work my Magic.

 

Sir, what’s the purpose of this? | Play music from my memories. | As you wish, shall I upload most of them onto the Radio’s Memory? | Can all fit on there? | Affirmative. | Go for it.
> Upload starting….
- Dan, what are you doing?
- Just… Uh… Husband Magic.

> Upload - Complete
> Playing.

 

Katya forms a brilliant smile as the Tunes play. 

 

Lena comes down in a rush.
- I smelled food! Where is it?!

- Haha, is someone hungry~?

- We both are, Love.
- Then sit down, I’ll be done in a sec.

 

> Call - Incoming
> Caller: Yuma | Oh great… Why now?
> Call - put on hold

- Girls, I’ll be out back, gotta take a Call.
- ‘Kay.

 

Once outside, I slide close the Door and walk a bit further from the House.

 

> Call answered 

- Hey, Ghosty.
Since when do you call me that?
- Since now, sounds cute.
Yeah, but I’m not cute.

- Maybe you are.
Thanks, but… It’s a bit late, Yuma. Can you tell me what’s up?

 

- Yeah, sorry, got distracted. Anyway, the Senate’s questions your seriousness.
How? I already talked to two of them.
- The other members are. Two of them are against the majority so I’m guessing those are the ones you spoke to.
Alright… I’ll be there soon.
- What do I tell them?
Tell them I’m eating Dinner and don’t give a shit what they say.

- That’s… I’ll blame you for it.
Please do, Yuma. See you soon.
- ‘Kay, Ghost, enjoy.
Thanks.

> Call - ended

 

Back inside, I sit down with the Sisters.
- Who was it?
- Colleague… Some of us are in a ruckus.
- You’ll come back, right, Nii-san~?
- Course, I am. Never gonna leave you two, promised. | Lena hugs my left arm, digging her face into it.

 

We’ll hurry up with the Senate. If needed, we’ll make room for new members.

 

- Lena, was Dan’s Grandma here already?
- Yep, she gave me a bag full of seeds, said we should just plant them and see what grows.
- Alright, we’ll do it tomorrow maybe. Dan?

- I’ll take care of the Ground soon. You two just plant them. | They form a smile. 

 

Each of us digs into the warm Meal, Katya cuts up the Yellow Paprika we got.
- Do we a cucumbers as well?
- Right… here!
- Woah! Can you please cut me some?

My Wife slices it finely into small circles.

- Let’s eat! | The Sisters are excited. So am I.

 

…

 

Lena headed up a while ago, Katya and I wait for the Beer to cool.
- When are you back?
- Hard to say… I don’t know with who I’m dealing with.
- I hope you’ll return soon, Dan.
- So am I… Is the Beer cooled? | Katya stands up, checks the fridge and yanks two Beers out.

- And Lena?
- I’ll bring her one. Let’s go up.

 

We head upstairs, Katya stops at Lena’s Room and enters. I make my way onto the Balcony and prepare two chairs beside each other.
They have a cushion on both seat and backrest. 

 

Katya joins me hastily, I set down and make some more room for her. She takes her chair and points it directly at me right side.
Sitting down, she places her thighs on my lap and leans back. 

 

Crack - Pssst!

 

- Cheers, Dan~.

Crack - Pssst!

 

- Cheers, Katya.

 

Woh… This one’s good. Might be better than the one with alcohol.

- Can’t you just… Call for the meeting?
- I can… But it’s about my position in the Senate.
- Wait… you have a Senate?

 

- We’re not brutes, Katya… We have a more complex Ranking than the Army. In some cases only.

- I see… So your physical attendance is required to stabilize your Position.
- Correct. I’ll be back soon, promised. | I grip her right thigh.

Her legs brush over my elbow.
- Don’t worry… I’m no running away. Maybe into Bed… Knowing you’ll join me soon.
- Mhm. I will.

 

Silence of the night, the Crickets in the surrounding and the Large Tree above us… What a Home we’ve got here.
I’m happy that my Kids will grow up near Nature.

…
- Dan~, I’ll head into Bed. Be back soon, okay~?
- I will.  | I watch as she changes into her Nightwear and slowly crawls into Bed.

Time to go, Raven. | I’m ready, Sir. 

Heading inside, I plant a kiss on Katya’s forehead and leave the Room. Making sure the Terrace door is closed.

 

I hear Lena speak to Yuna about… Literature? Yeah, that’s it.
> Composing - Message…
> Complete. Send? Y/N

> Message - Sent

 

Lena falls silent.
> Message - Received
> Reading Message:

 

Love you, Nii-san. Please be careful and come home safely. 

 

I will, Lena. Promised.

 

Leaving the House, I lock the Door and assign Panzermenschen all around the Home. Nothing will get even close to it.

 

Sir, I’m at the Town Exit. | Got it.

 

Walking past the active Houses all around me, I swiftly jump into my Tank. To the eye, it looks like I jumped into thing air and disappeared. 

 

Sir, where to? | Check where Yuma called from, then go there. | Roger.
The Engine fires up and the Tank starts moving gradually.

 

…

 

Sir, we’ve arrived at our destination. | Good, any sign of allies? | Miss Petrovskaya and Miss Mellany are present. Right up ahead. | I’ll get out, stand by. | Roger, Roger.

 

Stepping out, I see my Two Allies stand outside of a large Unifinished Building. Approaching them, they ignore my obvious footsteps.

 

Before them two Male Merc step up.
- Can we help you two?
- Tsk… Just let us through, we don’t have time.
- What’s the rush, Ladies~? We just want to chat. 

 

I run up to them and prepare to strike.

 

Cling!

 

Straight through their Skulls, their hands try to grasp the blades… quickly dying down together with their miserable existence.

 

I stand atop the dead bodies, they had some chrome underneath. Huh, didn’t help them anyway.

- Ghost?
- Yeah? | I turn around to face them.
- That was a bit overkill but… I liked it a lot.
- Same here, Petro. Those were two nice strikes. 

 

The Ladies hook onto me and pull me towards the Building. Raven are there any other Tanks here? | Affirmative, Sir. But nothing to worry about. | I’ll trust you on that.

 

We enter the building, complete silence from every direction. Cold and abandoned are the only things I feel.
- Upstairs, Ghost.
- Or should Mel and I call you, Overlord~?

- I’d prefer, Ghost… 

- Geez~, Mel, I thought he’d be fun to tease.
- Guess not then…
- You’re no fun, Ghost.
- I know, never really told any jokes either.

 

I carefully thread upstairs and see a bunch of Mercs sitting on Crates and Machinery.
- Ah, there he is! The Overlord has arrived! | The group cheers up.

 

- That’s all? Where’s the rest?
A Male stands up, hands behind his back.
- All fled, after you massacred… I dunno… more than thirty in one strike, they just fled.

 

Guess that’s one upside to that massacre, got the cowards outta here.

- Listen up you lot, I don’t have much time today. Tell me what’s wrong and then I’m out.

- Name’s Greg by the way. | I nod at him.
- Greg, whatcha want to say?

- You probably know where the rest of us fled.
- The North?

- Yup. We’re stuck here, without a roof over our heads and no idea what to do.
- That’s where I come in.

 

I take a few steps closer.
- How about our Guest over there comes out and says why she’s here?
The Group looks to my left, where I pointed, and see Yuma comes out.

 

- Got me here, Ghost.
- Don’t try and fool a dead man.
- Yeah, yeah… now get on with it. 

 

There probably gonna dislike this…
- We’ll stand down until the North makes a move. | They joyfully cheer and clap, as if their hopes came to life.

- All good, but what then?

 

- Greg, I think you can guess what’s next.

- Sorry, but… I’m not the smartest Guy here.
- Looks like it.
- Listen here then… | We stare at the other briefly and crack into laughter.

 

- I know what’s next, Ghost. I heard the n-amount of the Stories about you.
The Group stands up… silence again…

 

We’ll level them!

 

Cheers, handshakes, hugs and general joy fly around. 

 

- One more thing, I want all of you to gear up, gradually. We’ll have the occasional meeting until the moment comes.

- This concludes this meeting, have a great evening.

 

Thank you, Overlord! 

 

Casually I make my way out of the Building, the bodies of those mistakes of nature are gone. Must’ve been bagged.

 

Raven appears in my vision, but three pairs of footsteps run up to me.

- Ghost, where you going?

- Home.
- Come on, just stay with us a bit more. We’ll make it up to you.

 

- You’re not the ones that would go for Sex with me. So keep it at that. | That closed their advances.
- That reminds me, Yuma, where’s Marry?

- She’s got some business at home, why?

- Just asking, was surprised not to see her here.
- She’ll be here next time, I hope…

 

- Ghost, you’re married, right? | I lift my hand to Petro.

- Sure am. Got a kid as well. That doesn’t mean you three should go search for some fuckers to sleep with. 

- We would never!

- Easy, Petro. Just saying, I care about you three. But, I have obligation to myself and my Family. I won’t betray them.

- We understand.

 

- B-But we’ll stay a Syndicate, right?
- Sure thing, Yuma. Don’t worry about it.

- Ghost, we also have something else to tell you.
- Hm?

- The Red Dragon went North.
- Expected, didn’t hear anything from him in so long, he must’ve fled.

 

- In that Case, we’ll take our leaves as well then. Take care, Ghost.
- By Ghosty!

- Call us sometime, Ghost!

- Will do, be safe, you three.

 

A joyfull bunch, Sir. | Indeed, somewhat careless as well. Let’s get to bed, Raven. 

 

Little weird that this was a… 30 minutes Meeting? Felt more like 10 minutes. Regardless, glad I got it over with. Hope to see some upgrades in both Gear and Housing here. 

 

With Time, Sir. Many things can change. 

 

I climb onto my Tank, get in and wait to get home. On the way I’ll clean my blades, disinfect them and change my Clothes.

 

…

 

This is it, Sir. | Thanks, Raven. Park in safety somewhere close. | As per usual, Sir. Good night. | You too, buddy.

 

I walk up the slope, the crickets and silence of the young night put me in a sleepy mood.

 

Suddenly, the birds fly off in swarms. I get that feeling of an upcoming ambush again, from years ago. 

Fuck it, way too tired for this shit… 

 

In the House, I lock the door and check the Windows again. All locked, good. Up the stairs, carefully moving into Lena’s Room. She’s sleeping like a baby, her Puppies seem to have had a feast. 

I get close to her head.
- I’m back, Lena. Good night, Love you. | I plant a kiss on her head and leave carefully.

 

Entering the other Bedroom, my beloved sleeps tightly. I snuggle up to he-- She’s awake.
- Katya~? | She spins to face me.
- Welcome home, Dan. | Her face digs into my Chest.
- I’m home… Katya~... | My hands go around her lovingly.

- Missed you a bunch, Dan. Tomorrow, I really want us to be a family.
- We already are~.
- Hehe, but still… I wish for us to work, eat, sleep and do other things exactly like one.
- It’ll happen very soon, for now, let’s sleep.

 

- Good night, Dan. Love you to bits~. | Her head digs even deeper.
- Sleep well, Katya. Love you more.