Tuesday, 16th June 2009

It took a lot of convincing by the Bushida family while Irmina watched with Micheal, very entertained. Micheal couldn't care where Irmina slept; his job was to be in charge of travelling. For the other two, not so much. Maria and Natasha had come up with almost the same few reasons why the three female agents should share a room or their rooms to be close to one another.

'It's our job to look after her.'

'We were supposed to be close to her at all times.'

'She's not out of the clear yet.'

In the end, the Busidas won, and Irmina got her old room with the rest of the Bushida family on the left side, while the agents got the guest suite on the right. The wide proximity was not to Maria's and Natasha's liking, but they had to trust the Bushida's words.

They knew Irmina better than anyone.

Irmina decided to help with the tournament. She changed from her sleeping clothes into her Kyudo uniform, the all-black. She woke up earlier than everyone else because she only needed 2-3 hours of sleep, thanks to the serum in her body. Sometimes, she didn't need sleep for 72 hours, at most 96 hours.

She had about three hours before dawn. And the house staff would be up in an hour. The General raided the kitchen to make breakfast for the staff as a nice gesture. No one really cooked for them except for themselves.

Irmina was just cooking a simple breakfast; she knew what they liked. Well, for most of them, those who have been here for years. A simple Japanese breakfast could be too much work for most people, but Irmina liked cooking in general, so it wasn't much of a hassle.

Before she started cooking, she went to set up for the tournament. Housekeeping duties. Irmina swept and mopped the Dojo's floor, cleaning everything she could. She set up the tables and equipment for the scoring. She set up the targets, ensuring everything was in its best condition. She had to ensure that the house staff and Akito wouldn't have too much work.

"Still got the hang out of it." Irmina stood in the shooting area, taking in everything. "Frühstück!" Irmina hurried to the kitchen, already starving. Irmina checked the clock, one hour left before the staff started their day. [Breakfast!]

She rolled up her sleeves neatly and tightly before starting. Micheal made his way towards Irmina, confused and lost, with a black kitten following him that he had no idea about. Irmina chuckled as she watched Micheal and the kitten walking towards her, getting comfortable with her sock-covered foot.

"Morning." — Irmina picked up the kitten and stroked it as soft as she could while it got comfortable with the warmth of her hand. — "what are you doing up so early? It's like 3 in the morning."

"It's almost 4, actually." Micheal yawned, scratching his head. "I usually wake up at four, and my body still hasn't gotten used to the timing and environment yet. What are you doing up?"

"I don't need sleep as much as a normal human, and I'm cooking breakfast. Want to join?"

"Sure." Micheal shrugged as Irmina cocked her for him to follow while she placed the purring kitten on her shoulder. The small little kitten crawled its way to under her Kyudogi's [the top of the uniform] collar, nuzzling itself in the crook of her neck. Irmina froze in her way; this kitten just did something that was too familiar. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. The house staff should be waking up soon, and I want them to wake up with Breakfast ready."  Irmina shrugged, leading Micheal to the kitchen. "You craving anything specific?"

"Nope, I'm fine with anything." Irmina nodded as she walked into the kitchen and gestured for Micheal to take a seat by the island. "Very modernise for a traditional mansion."

"A little modernising wouldn't hurt. Nothing has changed much since the 40s." Irmina informed, looking through the fridge and cabinets for ingredients and taking out what was needed. "Just a few instalments here and there, but it's still how I remembered it from the 40s."

"Cool, I'm sorry, but when did you have a cat?" Micheal stammered as he realised a kitten had comfortably nested itself in the crook of Irmina's neck. It's very ticklish for Irmina, but she just lets the sleeping kitten be.

A sense of deja vu hit her.

Irmina chuckled as she continued with her cooking. "The stray was following you just now. I'll make you something to drink to stay awake."

"That would be nice," Micheal sighed, sinking into the chair while Irmina chuckled and prepped everything. After a few minutes, Irmina served the cold drink to Micheal, who accepted it gratefully. Within fifteen minutes, Irmina was almost finished with breakfast, just waiting for the rice. "Can I?"

"Wait for the rice to cool down a bit." Irmina voiced as she covered the food. "Let's get to know one another, shall we?"

"Sure, how should we start?"

"The basics. Irmina Adelina König. Born on the third of October 1923. Very German. Born and raised in Berlin."

"Micheal Zachariah Schmitt. Born on the fourth of May 1985. Very American. Born and raised in New York."

"Baseball fan?" Micheal nodded with pride as Irmina chuckled, letting him have a snack. "Only child."

"Oldest of four." Micheal sighed as he took a photo showing his family in Yankees jerseys. Irmina smiled as he pointed to himself in the middle of his brothers.

"All boys. Damn, your parents must have been dying."

"Oh yeah, they were." Micheal laughed, keeping the picture. "Single."

Irmina gave him an unamused look before continuing. "Seeing that I just came out of the ice a few days ago, very single. Preference for women."

"Same. Doubt that you won't be lonely for long." Micheal nonchalantly replied without care that Irmina likes women, especially in their time now, and commented on Irmina's charm to attract literally anyone. Irmina jerked her head in agreement; she had already taken an interest in someone here. "How's that like in the 40s."

"Very annoying. How's that like now?"

"Better, a little more acceptance."

"Better than nothing."

"I have a question that I may regret asking." Micheal stammered while Irmina cocked her eyebrow and sat opposite him. "You're their aunt?"

One question that made Irmina freeze with her movements. She may have forgotten that Micheal could understand Japanese the night before. Irmina took a deep breath — "Technically, no, but yes. I was married to Aki, their aunt. Not officially, because you know, she passed."

"Sorry I didn't—"

"—It's fine. Open a slight wound, but it's fine." Irmina sighed as she looked at her glass, fidgeting with it. "Why did you decide to join S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"I didn't. I was recruited. I wanted to become a Naval Aviator. But this is perfectly fine too. And really fun. You?"

"Uh, well. I was tired of doing their dirty work. Either this or I'm dead." Irmina shrugged before laughing at Micheal's awkward response. "It's okay. You're talking to a former Nazi from World War Two."

"Um, how do we continue this? Cat or dogs. For me, dogs."

"Mixed of both. Cats for the win in the end. Favourite colour? For me is black and a specific type of green."

"Aren't those Nazi colours of their uniform?" Irmina nodded shamelessly as she laughed again at Micheal, that was not holding back his reactions. "I'd say, Maroon. Favourite season? For me is summer."

"Hm...Autumn. Holiday spot? For me, it would be here."

"Same for me. This is like a vacation for me too."

"Then enjoy the most of it then. I doubt Mr Pirate would let you on more vacations from now. Maybe in a few years." Micheal nodded with a heavy sigh. The two continued their getting-to-know session before Irmina served them breakfast, and the House staff made their way into the kitchen.

"Morning, King-sama." The chef greeted, ready to cook, but Irmina greeted and directed him towards the food she had already cooked for everyone. The chef was stunned, and several of his colleagues joined him.

"Morning, you can relax a bit for the morning. Don't have to worry about the tournament either. I already did that." Irmina added, watching the faces of the house staff immediately brighten when she finished.

"King-sama!" The house staff cried and pulled her into a hug which she cringed as the elders praised her for her good work and help while the younger ones thanked her for it. Irmina laughed as she was engulfed in the hug, knowing that she was older than all of them, and they knew. But elders being elders. Micheal was soon pulled into the hug and yelped in surprise since he didn't do anything. He tried to explain, but the elders just shut him up.

~

"King-sama!" Aki bellowed as she threw herself on Irmina's back. Irmina jerked forward slightly and let Aki rest her entire body weight on her. Irmina chuckled as the mansion slowly filled with supporters, competitors, coaches, and teachers. "I don't want to go to work."

"You're the one that decided to become a surgeon." Irmina chuckled as their guests were slightly surprised by how Aki was completely herself, with no restraint or mannerisms.

"He's gonna be there. We work at the same place."

"I thought he worked in another hospital." Irmina voiced, her head turned as best she could. Aki shook her head against her shoulder while Irmina sighed, "You need me to come and punch him?"

"You, punching him might kill him and makes the process annoying. I rather have an easy divorce than an annoying one." Aki whispered as Irmina carried her around on her back like a child. "Okay, put me down."

"So demanding." Irmina joked as she let go, and Aki fell on her ass. Irmina burst out laughing while Aki got slightly red, embarrassed by the situation. Guests surrounded them. "Go to work. And does he know that you know?"

"Nope."

"You want a bodyguard?"

"I don't think your new friends would appreciate that."

"I'll bring the Commander with me."

"You sure she will come?"

"My charms are amazing no matter who." Irmina bragged as she gave Aki her handbag and coffee before kissing her forehead. "I'll come for lunch. Call me."

"How are you—"

"Your dear brother, Akira, gave me a phone. He'll send you the number later." Irmina informed as she walked Aki out of the mansion. They returned the bows to everyone, stopping for conversations and finally insisting that Aki really needed to go or she would be late. 

"I heard something about me coming with you somewhere?" Maria voiced as Irmina's side eyes, enjoying the breeze. "Since when do you have a cat?"

"Since this morning. Yeah, I want to have lunch with Aki, so care to join?"

"Why should I let you?"

"Because you're lucky, I'm still asking. You know how easy I can disappear."

"We have trackers on you."

"Do you?" Irmina asked with a grin as she pulled out the trackers from Maria's pockets. "They're very easy to find," Irmina informed, putting the trackers in Maria's pocket and closing their distance. Maria scoffed before glancing at her lips and then back to her eyes. Irmina backed off, flashed her a smirk and quirked up her eyebrow. "So, Partner?"

"Sure." Maria sighed, smacking her arm, which did nothing to Irmina. Irmina smiled in victory, dragging the Commander with her.

Irmina Adelina König has an effect on anyone. And I mean anyone. Men and women alike. No matter their sexuality. Nothing really matters.

Little did they know, a certain Russian was watching as well as another curious Japanese. Irmina did catch a glimpse of the two, but she was more intrigued with the Japanese. She looked familiar. And she may or may not be the source of her fun. 

—

"Maria, where are you going?" Natasha asked before Irmina arrived at the scene. "And where are you going?"

"Lunch."

"Okay..." Natasha replied, sceptical.

"I'm getting to know this one." Maria voiced as she whacked Irmina's arm. Irmina's shrugged in response, handing the yet-to-be-named cat to Natasha by placing her on her shoulder.

"Since when do you have a kitten?"

"You people really like to ask questions, huh? Take care of her for me, Romanov." Irmina voiced as she watched her kitten get smitten with Natasha. Irmina chuckled as she petted her cat, the distance between the two was practically non-existent. Natasha got confused and panicked a little.

"Come on, Irmina. Your phone's buzzing—when did you have a phone?"

"That does not concern you, partner. See you later...Akiko." Natasha gave her a look without realising while Irmina and Maria chuckled to themselves. "And you too, Romanov—no need to miss me so much."

"Oh fuck you."

"I like to see you try," Irmina replied as she dragged Maria with her; she couldn't hold back her laugh as she enjoyed the banter.

"So, where are we heading?"

"Osaka University Hospital," Irmina replied, leading her to the garage. Maria was confused as the garage door opened, showing the insane wealth of the Bushida family.

"King-sama." The mechanic greeted her, handing her the keys to her motorcycle. Irmina loves motorcycles a little bit too much despite having several accidents with them. The mechanic received a smile and a greeting from the two agents before he handed them their helmets.

"Trust me?" Irmina grinned, putting on her helmet, as did Maria.

"No," Maria answered, tightening her helmet and zipping up her jacket while waiting for Irmina to be done with her preparations; she told Irmina everything with that.

"Good enough." Irmina gestured for her to hop on behind her, revving up the engine. After she left, the mechanic told her every detail and upgraded that the bike had. "Thanks."

The mechanic gave her a nod and gave a piece of advice to Maria. "Hold on tight." Irmina shut her visor, smirking as she drove off, with Mari shrieking in surprise and forced to hold on to her tighter.

"Mic test. 1, 2 and 3. Can you hear me, Agent Hill?"

Maria whacked her a couple of times before answering, "yes, I can hear you, Agent König."

"You can just call me Agent King, you know? I don't mind. You guys are botching my family name."

"Okay. But can you slow down?"

"I guess I have found something you are scared of." Irmina chuckled, receiving another whack. "Hey, hey, stop whacking the driver."

"Then slow down." Maria huffed, gripping her tighter.

"I don't think I'm breaking the speed limit—" Irmina said, checking her speed, coming to a red light. "—where's the fun in that, Commander?"

"I don't need the fun of an accident. Why do we need to go fast?" Maria questioned, checking her watch. "We still have time."

"Do you not know the fun of speed, you boring human being?" Irmina asked in disbelief, questioning her new and second partner. The sports car beside revved up its engine, getting the attention of the two. The driver smirked at them, eyeing their ride like trash. "Seems like we have a challenger."

"Show me the speed you so much loved," Maria said, well—ordered. Irmina grinned and revved her bike, showing Maria that she had heard the order. Irmina spared a quick glance at the driver, making a noise with her bike. Letting him know that she accepted the challenge.

"Better take Haruno's advice." Maria immediately got the note and held on to Irmina tighter as she made skid marks behind her, and so did the driver. The moment the light turned green, they took off. Irmina smirked as she was far ahead of the driver, and out of her rear mirror, she could see the driver in disbelief. "Haha, you got nothing against Haruno's hands."

~

"Where the hell is she?" Aki huffed, checking her watch and fidgeting with her ID card. A hand caressing her neck made her jump up and throw a punch straight for whoever's throat. Irmina caught it with ease with a smile on her face.

"Seems like you remember my training."

"Choke, then run or break everything else," Aki said, recalling the torturous moments when Irmina had trained the siblings. Maria was taken aback a little by how shamelessly Aki spat out.

"She's a good teacher?" Maria asked while Irmina caught a glimpse of Aki's unfaithful husband and glared at him with nothing but the intention to strike fear. Of course, it worked, but he was walking over to Aki.

"She's one of the best," —Aki glanced at her aunt— "He's walking over, isn't he?"

"Yep, you're serving the papers today?"

"Nope, next week. I had a lot to think through." Her husband walked over hesitantly as Irmina took a seat with Maria. Irmina asked her something in French to check if she understood, which she did. Irmina told her everything after receiving a nod from Aki, fluent in French, thanks to one of her teachings.

Once Maria got the gist of it, she and Irmina glared at Aki's husband before ordering their lunch. Surprisingly the Hospital's cafeteria food wasn't all that bad. The husband sat uncomfortably beside his soon-to-be ex-wife, opposite the two high ranks, one an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D and the other a soldier.

Yes, Irmina still holds her rank. She was in the history books. Praised but also deemed as the enemy of the world.

Despite being in the history books, her face is not known.

Only her mask, her fights and her suit.

Aki did take her husband's name, but she preferred to call a Bushida. And now that she's going to be divorced, she will go back to her family name. But for her sons, changing their surnames is up to them.

Irmina and Maria had their own conversation, occasionally Aki joining in while her husband, ex, was too busy on his phone to even bother including himself. He is just focused on his phone. Aki didn't even tell him about Irmina and her relationship with the family. Irmina was perfectly fine with it, and it is hard to tell people the truth about the Veteran.

"Sorry, but who are you?" He asked.

"No one." The two agents said in unison before looking at one another with quirked eyebrows. 

~~~~~~~~