The Heron's Journey through the Night

Chapter 10: Wonderful time away from war

June 1915

The morning sun shone brightly in the sky as Charlotte placed the last sandwich into the basket. While other two girls had just finished cleaning the plates after they ate their breakfast.

Char:lotte "Perfect~"

Minnie: "All done?"

Charlotte: "Yep."

Minnie: "Alright. I'll go get her."

Amelia: "Shouldn't we wait till she wakes up?"

Minnie: "We should, but by the time she wakes up, we won't make it in time. Besides, where's the fun in that? Get our stuff into the car. I will meet you there."

Minnie disappeared through the kitchen door, bag in hand, making her way to Fuyumi's room. Using the master key, she unlocked the door. Fuyumi came back from her night duty not long ago and was in a deep slumber, as usual sleeping only in her underwear. Minnie had already grown accustomed to seeing her like this. Leaving the door open for the corridor light to help illuminate the room, she picked up the scattered clothes and tossed them into the laundry basket.

Minnie: "She is going to need this. This. Oh, and this." Minnie went around her room, stuffing some of Fuyumi's clothes and toiletries into the bag.

???: "Kuk-kuk." Minnie jumped at the sudden noise and turned to see a pair of beady eyes staring at her.

Minnie: "Shhh~ It's a surprise. Can you keep quiet for me?" Fuyusaki nods her head, and Minnie dressed Fuyumi in a white sailor blouse before carrying her out in her arms.

Minnie: "Ah. The bag..."

Amelia: "I got it."

Ame entered the dimly lit room and picked up the bag from the desk before locking the door with Minnie's key. The two got into the car, where Charlotte was waiting, with Fuyumi in tow and left the base.

A few hours later the group arrived at a hotel, checked in, and went to their room. The room was large enough to fit all of them. After tucking Fuyumi into one of the beds, the three girls began unpacking their things, including Fuyumi's.

Fuyumi: "Nhnnn *Yawn*"

Minnie: "Morning."

Fuyumi: "Mor... *Looks around in confusion* Eh? Wait, where am I?!"

Minnie: "Calm down, you weren't kidnapped. Technically."

Fuyumi: "Technically! Onee... did you by any chance move me here."

Minnie: "Well... yeah, sorry I didn't tell you earlier, I wanted this to be a surprise."

Fuyumi: "It's fine, just, don't do that again, alright?"

Minnie: "Yeah. Why did she pick such a time to be cute."

Amelia/Charlotte: "Onee, morning."

Fuyumi: "*Stares at them* Good morning."

Amelia/Charlotte: "Onee, you seem rather mad."

Fuyumi: "Yes, you can tell. Ah, now that I think about it, it's time for your reflection. That includes you, Onee."

All: "Yes."

The three had their knees touching the floor as they began their reflection. After a while of lecturing, she let them off the hook. They reminded themselves never to upset Fuyumi again.

Fuyumi: "Sorry if I ruined our happy time."

Amelia: "It's alright Onee-chan, if anything it's our fault for not telling you."

Minnie: "Yeah, since that is done, let's go out."

After unpacking, the four left the room and locked the door behind them. Their first stop was the beach, where they arrived and promptly changed into their swimsuits.

Minnie: "Don't go out too far into the sea, alright?"

Charlotte/Amelia: "'Kay."

Charlotte: "Race you to the sea. *Takes off running *"

Amelia: "Ah, no fair, wait for me *Runs off *"

Fuyumi: "Let's set this up so I can continue sleeping."

Minnie: "Right. Sorry for earlier."

Fuyumi: "I told you not to worry about it. *Yawn* Goodnight."

Minnie: "Night." Just as she was about to sleep, she was woken up by the little sisters.

Charlotte: "Onee, let's play volleyball."

Minnie: "Coming, Fuyu, want to play?"

Fuyumi: "Alright, I guess I can take my sleep a little later, besides I don't want to spoil the fun we'll have today, though I'll be sluggish."

The four friends divided themselves into teams before beginning the game. Fuyumi and Charlotte paired up on one side, while Minnie and Amelia formed the other team. As the game started, Fuyumi served the ball to the opposing side, and Minnie returned it swiftly. Despite Fuyumi's effort, her performance was hindered by her lack of sleep. The matches progressed smoothly until an unfortunate incident occurred. Minnie accidentally struck the ball towards Fuyumi's face, causing her to freeze momentarily as she watched it approach. Despite her instinct to return the ball, Fuyumi's fatigued state prevented her from reacting in time, resulting in the ball connecting with her face. Concerned, everyone rushes to Fuyumi's side.

Minnie: "Oh my god! Fuyu, I'm so sorry."

Charlotte/Amelia: "Onee! Are you ok?"

Fuyumi: "It's okay Onee, I'm okay."

Minnie: "Really? That sounded like it hurt."

Fuyumi: "I'm fine, I'm fin-" *GRUMBLE*

Minnie: "*Laughs* Sounds like someone's hungry."

Fuyumi: "*Stands up*We should take a break first, I'm really tired." Feeling the need to recuperate, Fuyumi opted to take a break under the umbrella they had set up earlier.

Charlotte: "I'm hungry."

Amelia: "Can we take out the sandwiches. I'm hungry too."

Minnie: "Sure *Pulls out basket* But don't fill up too much. I've got my eye on this restaurant in the city that I really want us to try."

Minnie distributed sandwiches to everyone before grabbing one for herself. After savouring their simple meal, they decided to rest briefly before continuing their exploration of the city. Minnie took the lead, guiding them through the bustling streets, stopping at various clothing shops along the way.

In one boutique, a vibrant blue sundress caught Minnie's eye.

Minnie: "That blue sundress would look stunning on Fuyumi. I should get this as gift for her; she's been working hard."

With the others waiting outside, Minnie indulged in a brief shopping spree before reuniting with her friends.

Afterward, they finally reached the eagerly anticipated restaurant. Eager to sample Le Havre's specialties, they ordered a variety of dishes, filling their plates with delectable delights. Sated but weary, they returned to their hotel, where they freshened up before succumbing to the embrace of sleep.