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"Wheeeee~!"
The yellow-haired girl on my shoulder let out a happy squeal as she opened her arms, mimicking an airplane as I walked along. I couldn't help but chuckle at her antics, which warmed my heart.
A tug on my other sleeve brought my attention beside me. The white-haired sister gazed up at me, worry evident in her eyes. I smiled at her and gently squeezed her hand.
"Haha, you should try this, Lusty~! It's so fun~!" Up on my shoulder, the carefree Tori continued her imitation of aircraft, letting out a playful giggle. Next to me, Lusty smiled a bit, not sharing her younger sister's confidence but enjoying her enthusiasm all the same.
"Maybe some other time, Tori..."
I sighed and continued down the hall. "Give her some time, Victorious. Someday I'll be shouldering both of you at once, perhaps!"
Lusty hummed softly and pressed against my side, her arms wrapped around my own. "That would be fun, Auntie..."
"Yeah~! That'd be so cool~" Tori put a hand on my head and ruffled my hair a bit before hopping down from my shoulder. "So, Auntie Victory, when will we see you again?"
At her question, my smile wavered for a moment. "Hmm... I'm not so sure, little one." I stopped walking and knelt down, bringing the two sisters in front of me. "You see... I'm retiring soon."
The two carriers frowned briefly, but as one smiled again and brought me into a group hug. Lusty spoke first. "We're so proud of you, Auntie Victory..."
"Yeah~! After everything you've done, you absolutely deserve the rest~" Tori kissed my cheek, and I patted both of their heads.
"Thank you both, dears. Now..." I sighed and smiled at them. "Before I go, I must tell you something very important. It's a piece of advice that I want you both to remember for many years to come, alright?"
"Of course, Auntie." "Mhm~!"
"Good," I replied with a light chuckle. "Here's my advice, little ones: you have nothing to fear, so long as you have each other. Remember this, and you will always return home safe and sound."
Illustrious smiled lightly and nodded, while Victorious grinned brightly and flashed me a thumbs-up. "Excellent! Now then, I do believe it is past your bedtimes, is it not?"
The carrier sisters sighed and nodded, and I brought them into a hug. "I love you both, dears. Make sure you come visit, ok?"
The sisters nodded happily, then went off to their rooms.
"Illustrious... Victorious... our divine light and steadfast glory... carry on in the name of the Royal Navy..." I whispered to myself as their door closed.
With a smile, I turned and left them sound asleep.
"After all, your era is about to begin."