[@PaulHaynek] [@AzureKnight] [@Enkryption]

[quote]"Allow me to understand this: In the span of half a day, you and 'Alice' hit it off, develop a romance, make love, AND now you're suddenly pregnant? They say that love can blossom even on the battlefield, but apparently you decided to take that poverb literally."[/quote]

Kerry raised a finger to offer a counterpoint....only to slowly lower her hand as she slowly understood how the situation looked from Shizuka's perspective. The hornet had the decency to look somewhat sheepish.

[color=fff79a]"....You know, when you put it out like that, it seems kinda ridiculous, doesn't it?"[/color], she responded with a rocky chuckle.

[quote]"I'm rather certain that we're in the middle of a war with death around every corner, not the ideal place to nurse a newborn. And you certainly can't be allowed to sortie in that state in good conscience. YES I am aware of the differences of mamono biology and culture but it's the PRINCIPLE of the matter!"[/quote]

[color=fff79a]"Ugh, you starting to sound like Rev. Look, I'll tell you the same thing I told him: Alice and I aren't leaving and that's final. However, if it makes you feel any better, I won't take on quests ALONE. When it gets to that point, I promise to stay in home base and focus on my child's safety. But until that happens, I'm continuing to do my part. Alright?"[/color]

Thankfully, Shizuka seemed to have reached the end of venting his shock and disbelief, ending the conversation in favor of eating and resting. Kerry took this as a good sign. His reaction wasn't as bad as she thought it was going to be and he wasn't ordering or forcing her off the island.

The Hangai sisters definitely took it as a good sign, too.

[quote]"WOW~! Kerry-san going to be a mommy? That's wonderful! Congratulations! Have you thought of a name for the baby yet? Oh, oh! Can I name it? Pretty please?~[/quote]

[color=fff79a]Hehe, thanks! Sadly, you're too late for the naming. Her name's Gwendolyn."[/color], Kerry answered the jiangshi with a bright smile.

[quote]"I offer my congratulations to you as well, Kerry-chan.  I, for one, think it's lovely that you and that Alice-san have allowed love to blossom through these troubled times. You know, dearie, I wouldn't mind being a bridesmaid for the event. Provided Alice-san approves.~"[/quote]

[color=fff79a]"Considering how much Alice has taken a liking to Hanami, I believe she'll have no issues with you two being bridesmaids. I was looking for some anyways, so consider yourselves on the list."[/color]

[b]POOF[/b]

[color=fff79a]Oh! Speak of the devil."[/color], exclaimed the hornet as letters magically appeared before the taskforce members, Kerry snatching hers and opening it to read its contents. [color=fff79a]"Damn, Ali, you work fast. Looks like we're getting this Heavenly Strike quest done and over with before we make our big move for Takeshi's old man. I'll join up with her, might as well see how she and Lili are doing. See y'all there."[/color]

Kerry then took off and headed in the same direction Alice and Liliana took. It didn't take her long to find the duo....but not before nearly getting bowled over by two women that ran past her. One was Eula and the other was a woman she had never seen before until her antennae twitched as her sixth sense picked up on the magical signature.

[color=fff79a][i]Wait, was that Carroll? Holy shit, that's a radical new look. If it wasn't for her aura, I wouldn't have recognized her.[/i][/color]

Smirking as the automaton and cursed sword ran off, Kerry turned her attention back toward Liliana and her unconscious lover.

[color=fff79a]"Let me guess..."[/color], the hornet began, asking the fairy. [color=fff79a]"You two fought it out?"[/color]