Butterflies And Dragons

Chapter 80:

Butterflies And Dragons

"Look what I can do with this thing," said Little Kaga to her mother, demonstration her prowess of her rigging as they watched the luggage of the entire fleet get packed inside a massive cargo ship that would depart in one hour. It was 6:30 a.m. local time in Rio De Janeiro, and the final day of competition at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics was taking place.

"What can you do?"

"Ever since Yuubari gave me improvements, my helicopter fairies can monitor the stats of the runners of marathon races. They can detect stamina and endurace levels, heart rates, lots of other stuff, and expected finish times based on how much power and energy they have. Conversely, this allows bookmakers to put money on who will finish with gold, silver and bronze."

"Oh, that's so."

"Mommy, the only things that are not accounted for are doping violations, at which people who put money on a certain runner but saw their runner get disqualified despite finishing on the podium get a full refund. Also, if a runner does not finish a race, it just shows on your tablat, 'No time - DNF.'"

"I see this," said Kaga, swiping. "So you are going to send out helicopters to monitor the runners?

"Yep. If the authorities and organizers are fine with this, which they are, I'll have fun seeing them fly over the runners. I think one of the Kenyans or Ethiopians will win this."

"Are you sure?" asked Akagi, eating a massive sandwich.

"Positive. Don't choke yourself, Auntie!"

"I'll be just fine!" she said with her mouth full and crumbs on her face.

"Hmmmmm..."

Iowa fell in with them. "Hey guys."

"Oh, hi, Iowa," said Akagi, finishing her sandwich in comedic fashion.

"Just a heads-up. Paul Chelimo is a member of the Army, so last night, I called the IAAF and told them. 'Members of the army have an honor code, they don't lie, cheat or steal. He wasn't doing any of that. Reverse the disqualification now.' Naturally, they obliged."

"So you rung up a silver medal?" asked Kaga. "Is that allowed?"

"The USATF appealed and I also called the IAAF officials that they were not going to mess with my tracksters this time. Naturally, I won."

"Of course you'll win. You're Iowa. You've never lost a battle."

"I like to keep my form," she whispered, her not-so-secret secret being secretly revealed in secret.

The Butterflies and Dragons, accompanied by Fubuki, Iowa and Enterprise, were on a bus back to the hotel to prepare officially checking out. "There were a few stories about changes to medal standings," said Hiryuu.

"Oh?" asked Souryuu. "Changes?"

"Example. There was this Kyrgyz weightlifter who tested positive for strychnine and was stripped of his bronze medal. And one day later, a canoeist from Moldova was stripped of his bronze after failing a doping test. So Colombia and Russia each got an extra bronze medal."

"Worth noting that they come from former Soviet countries, so this was no suprise that a couple fell through the cracks from those places. Volunteers and testers have been walking out on doing drug control."

"Hang on, I got another one here...a shot putter from Russia, Evgeniiia Kolodko is stripped of silver after testing positive in a retest. Reanalysis of Kolodko's samples from London 2012 resulted in a positive test for the prohibited substances dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (turinabol) and ipamorelin. And they also lost two more medals from Beijing 2008."

Souryuu did some swiping. "I got some more. From London 2012, a javelin thrower from Ukraine, and weightlifters from Turkey, Armenia and Belarus were all disqualified for doping. At these games, a 19-year old from Mongolia was disqualified for testing positive for testosterone."

"And a head of the Russian wrestling federation abused one of the female grapplers during the tournament. Not to mentions that a butterfly swimmer from China, Chen Xinyi, failed a doping test; a cyclist from Brazil, Kleber Da Silva Ramos, was disqualified for EPO, and an Indian wrestler named Narsingh Yadav could not even take part in the Games."

"And some more, Hiryuu! Two Polish weightlifters, one a former gold medalist, were also sent home before competing, and a Taiwanese world record holder withdrew hours before her event over drug test abnormalities. Of 45 medalists from the 2012 London Olympics, at least 20 have failed doping tests at some stage of their careers and as many as 12 medals from London could be reallocated after samples were retested with new technology this year. Jeez, I have to ask Shimakaze and Amatsukaze if they are actually fine with competing in surfing four years from now."

"Here's a piece that shows examples, and I quote, 'Way back in 2005, Neco Padaratz was caught using anabolic steroids at a WCT event in Hossegor and suspended from surfing. In 2011, Mark Richardson tested positive for marijuana. Although it's not a performance enhancing drug (PED), the ISA stripped him of his Gold Medal in 2013. In 2014, Raoni Monteiro was banned by the WSL for using an as-yet undisclosed substance.' But there is also recreational drug use that happens. Cocaine, marijuana, alcohol."

A voice. "Eh?"

Souryuu turned around. "Shimakaze?"

She was with Amatsukaze and they were overhearing her. "I don't do drugs. I don't like people who use drugs."

"I don't do drugs either," Amatsukaze added. "I mean, there are people on our fleet who celebrate with sake and beer after successful operations back at the bar, but Shimakaze and I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs."

"Our skills come from within. 100% natural. I read the story of a surfer named Andy Irons who died six years ago from drug use. Alprazolam, (Xanax) Zolpidem, (Ambien), cannabinoids (marijuana) naproxen (anti-inflammatory), cocaethylene (a product of cocaine and alcohol mixing in the body – linked to heart attacks in under 40s), methamphetamine, methadone, and cocaine. The WSL is now aligned with WADA, so we know that if we compete, we have to do it by the rules and compete naturally."

"But you haven't competed in any meet yet," said Hiryuu. "You just thought about chasing that dream of Olympic gold now."

"I know that, but we're shipgirls."

"And?"

"Because we're shipgirls..."

"WE DON'T NEED TO DOPE AT ALL BECAUSE OUR STATS ARE NATURALLY BETTER THAN ANY COMPETING CIVILIAN!" Shimakaze and Amatsukaze said together, holding hands.

A sweatdrop came down Souryuu's and Hiryuu's head. "That explains it," they said to themselves.

Little Kaga watched as the helicopter fairies got to work in monitoring the men's marathon. Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won gold, Ethiopia's Feyisa Lilesa won silver and Galen Rupp won bronze for the United States, a rare medal for the USA in this event. Russia would win the group all-around final in rhythmic gymnastics, while in men's mountain bike, Switzerland would also score a rare gold.

The USA would sweep bronze in indoor volleyball while Brazil bested Italy for gold in the men's division, and in men's handball, Denmark prevailed over France. Kyle Snyder won the final wrestling gold medal up for grabs for the USA, France's Tony Yoka would get the last boxing gold up for grabs, and the American Dream Team would wear down Serbia ine men's basketball to finish with 46 golds, 37 silvers and 38 bronzes. Japan would finish sixth in the medal count with 14 golds, nine silvers and 22 bronzes.

The destroyers were at the basketball when Nagato radioed them. "Attention destroyers! Following the victory ceremony, head immediately to designated staging section of the Maracana labeled 'JMSDF' to be seated for the closing ceremony of the Games! I repeat, following the victory ceremony, head immediately to designated staging section of the Maracana labeled 'JMSDF' to be seated for the closing ceremony of the Games! Thank you!"

The Star Spangled Banner played one last time, and after the fleet took photos, the destroyers filed out by class, heading to special shuttles to the Maracana. The Closing Ceremony would begin in less than two hours. "I can't believe he dropped the stand," said Mutsuki to Fubuki. "Carmelo better be owed a new stand after that."

"They should have used flowers, like they always do. Not sure why they used those sculptures. The guy that dropped it owes Melo a new stand."

As they took the bus and arrived at the Maracana, the entire fleet was assembled in a staging section outside the stadium. "All right," said Nagato. "I will call out the classes. If you are present, say 'Here!' or 'Present!' Kamikaze!'

"HERE!"

"Mutsuki!"

"HERE!"

"Fubuki!"

"HERE!"

"Ayanami!"

"HERE!"

"Akatsuki!"

"PRESENT!"

"Hatsuharu!"

"PRESENT!"

"Shiratsuyu!"

"HERE!"

"Asashio!"

"HERE!"

"Kagerou!"

"PRESENT!"

"Yuugumo!"

"PRESENT!"

"Akizuki!"

"PRESENT!"

"Shimakaze?"

"Behind you," Shimakaze said.

"Shimakaze, to the front, please," said Mutsu.

"Right..." She sat in front of all the class, bored.

Nagato went on. "Maestrale!"

"Present!" Libeccio said in Italian.

"Type 1934."

"Here!" said Leberecht Maass and Max Schultz.

"On to the cruisers. Tenryuu!"

"HERE!"

"Kuma!"

"HERE!"

"Nagara!"

"HERE!"

"Sendai!"

"PRESENT!"

"Agano!"

"PRESENT!"

"Yuubari!"

"HERE!"

"Katori!"

"HERE!"

"Furutaka!"

"HERE!"

"Aoba!"

"PRESENT!"

"Myoukou!"

"HERE!"

"Takao!"

"PRESENT!"

"Mogami!"

"PRESENT!"

"Tone!"

"PRESENT!"

"Zara!"

"PRESENT!"

"Prinz?"

"Present," she said in German and Japanese.

"On the battleships. Nagato class is already here, so...Kongou!"

"PRESENT!"

"Fusou!"

"HERE!"

"Ise!"

"HERE!"

"Yamato!"

"PRESENT!"

"Warspite?"

"Present, ma'am," she replied with a curtsy.

"Vittorio Veneto!"

"PRESENT!"

"Bismarck?"

"Here, Frau Nagato," Bismarck said with a salute.

"Iowa, and the rest of the American delegation!"

"HERE!" they all said with a jump.

Nagato laughed. "Carriers. Houshou."

"Here"

"Ryuujou!"

"Here!"

"Ryuuhou!"

"Here!"

"Hiyou!"

"HERE!"

"Shouhou!"

"HERE!"

"Chitose!"

"HERE!:

"On to the carriers. Akagi, Kaga, Souryuu and Hiryuu are here by way of being with the Japanese Olympic Delegation. Moving along, Shoukaku!"

"HERE!"

"Unryuu!"

"Here!"

"Graf Zeppelin?"

"Present," she said in German and Japanese.

"Aquila?"

"I'm here, present," she said in Italian and Japanese.

"Taihou!"

"Here!"

"Submarines. Hachi."

"Here!" she said in German and Japanese.

"Iku!"

"Here!"

"Nimu!"

"Here!"

"Goya!"

"Present decchi!"

"Shioi!"

"Here!"

"Imuya!"

"Here!"

"Ro-500!"

"Here!" she said in German and Japanese.

"Maruyu!"

"Present!"

"Tenders. Mizuho!"

"Here!"

"Akitsushima!"

"Here!"

"Other ships. Akitsu Maru!"

"Present."

"Hayasui?"

"Present."

"Mamiya and Irako!"

"Here!"

"And last but not least, Akashi."

"Present, Nagato," Akashi said with a salute and a wink.

"All ships are accounted for, all ships are here! Kantai! Let's go, forward...march!" They all marched to their seats in one line, ordered by class, to get ready to watch the closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The Admiral was in a luxury box, overseeing the action. All members of the fleet would receive a torch from the relayand the medal holders awarded to the winning athletes, as well as complementary plushies of the mascot Vinicius. They were already on the cargo ship heading to Japan.

Evening finally fell on the heart of Brazil as the party began to finally draw to a close. Some seats were empty, but most of the stadium was occupied for this event. As for the fleet, the filled their section. The cauldron was on borrowed time. Clouds, a flight in black and white, retro footage, vintage scenes. A man reflected on the past. The countdown. 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

It started. Fireworks. Rings of it. The projection of colors, and a team of street dancers came on to the center, clapping and singing. Vibrant orange. Power, passion, arches, landmarks. Christ the Redeemer. Its aura radiating on down. A man in teal and black with some local tunes. 'As Pastorinhas' by João de Barro and Noel Rosa.

"A estrela d'alva no céu desponta

E a lua anda tonta com tamanho esplendor

E as pastorinhas pra consolo da lua

Vão cantando na rua lindos versos de amor

Linda pastora morena da cor de madalena

Tu não tens pena de mim

Que vivo tonto com o teu olhar

Linda criança tu não me sais da lembrança

Meu coração não se cansa

De sempre sempre te amar..."

Two spheres. Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the cable car. Corcovado, Arches of Lapa. The place where Akagi met Harambe and Cecil in a dream that brought her back to life. More formations representing Rio. And the rings. And the dignitaries were acknowledged. Dr. Thomas Bach. A local man, Martinho da Vila, singing a famous Brazilian song.

Once again, the national anthem of Brazil, this time sung by a children's chorus. Particles formed the flag on the ground as the flag raised on the second stanza.

"Ouviram do Ipiranga as margens plácidas

De um povo heroico o brado retumbante,

E o sol da Liberdade, em raios fúlgidos,

Brilhou no céu da Pátria nesse instante.

Se o penhor dessa igualdade

Conseguimos conquistar com braço forte,

Em teu seio, ó Liberdade,

Desafia o nosso peito a própria morte!

Ó Pátria amada,

Idolatrada,

Salve! Salve!

Brasil, um sonho intenso, um raio vívido,

De amor e de esperança à terra desce,

Se em teu formoso céu, risonho e límpido,

A imagem do Cruzeiro resplandece.

Gigante pela própria natureza,

És belo, és forte, impávido colosso,

E o teu futuro espelha essa grandeza.

Terra adorada

Entre outras mil

És tu, Brasil,

Ó Pátria amada!

Dos filhos deste solo

És mãe gentil,

Pátria amada,

Brasil!

Deitado eternamente em berço esplêndido,

Ao som do mar e à luz do céu profundo,

Fulguras, ó Brasil, florão da América,

Iluminado ao sol do Novo Mundo!

Do que a terra mais garrida

Teus risonhos, lindos campos têm mais flores,

"Nossos bosques têm mais vida",

"Nossa vida" no teu seio "mais amores".

Ó Pátria amada,

Idolatrada,

Salve! Salve!

Brasil, de amor eterno seja símbolo

O lábaro que ostentas estrelado,

E diga o verde-louro dessa flâmula

- Paz no futuro e glória no passado.

Mas se ergues da justiça a clava forte,

Verás que um filho teu não foge à luta,

Nem teme, quem te adora, a própria morte.

Terra adorada

Entre outras mil

És tu, Brasil,

Ó Pátria amada!

Dos filhos deste solo

És mãe gentil,

Pátria amada,

Brasil!"

And the particles dissolved. A lone dancer representing Carmen Miranda formed different shapes and colors, a kaleidoscope of vibrant color. And the Butterflies and Dragons came in, Akagi, holding the flag for Japan, eating a Bauru, of course.

Nagato shook her head. "She just had to eat something..." Mutsu giggled. A number of athletes had already flown back to their respective countries, but Akagi, Kaga, Souryuu, Hiryuu, Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi were there to see this to the end. As with protocol, the Butterflies and Dragons were in their training outfits.

"What is with all the empty seats?" asked Souryuu to Hiryuu, who was waving at the fans in the stands. Their medals were tucked away in protest of the low turnout.

"Eheheh, You probably will not see this at Tokyo," she replied, a number of musicians welcoming them. "This has been awful. Rio just was not ready for these Games." Naturally, Kaga, Souryuu and Hiryuu sat close to the fleet. After the Closing Ceremony, the entire Kantai Collection would be occupying a section of the seats, as well as any Japanese athletes interested in attending the meeting.

Fubuki was also disappointed as the rest of the athletes headed to their seats. "So many empty seats," she said to Mutsuki and Yuudachi. "High ticket prices, crime, volunteers who don't want to take part, security breaches..."

"I would like to think that these people did not put on a show properly," said Mutsuki. "Our people need to learn from this and lay the hammer down when Tokyo hosts in four years."

People were filming the event. However...it was also raining. "Maybe that's why people are staying away," said Hiryuu as they took their seats, a bunch of dancers in gaudy outfits dancing in the rain. "It's raining out here."

"This just in from the JOC and Japan Self Defense Forces community," Nagato said to the entire fleet. "The special meeting following the closing ceremony exclusive to the Kantai and Japanese Olympic Delegation will take place at Carioca Arena 1 due to bad weather. Again, the following the closing ceremony exclusive to the Kantai and Japanese Olympic Delegation will take place at Carioca Arena 1 due to bad weather. Thank you!"

"So that's why the fans did not come out poi," said Yuudachi. "But, we're used to sorteing in squalls anyway poi, so, well, I guess it's call poi."

"Rain's not even that bad, it's actually going to be worse tomorrow," Shimakaze said. "But that may also be a reason why some athletes chose to skip the closing ceremony. They don't want to be in a storm."

"Also, that's another reason why just about all of our belongings are on the container ship and leaving port ahead of the squall," said Amatsukaze. "That way they stay dry and not damaged. In fact, and don't quote me on this...it might already be entering the Pacific by now."

"Ou. Noted."

"But, at the same time," said Mutsuki, "We're currently in our winter gear. When we head into the Northern Hemisphere, we're going to have to be in our normal outfits, maybe a cross of that and our swimsuits."

"I think we'll be fine sailing in uniform without alterations," said Kisaragi.

"Hey guys," said Madoka to Kaga, Souryuu and Hiryuu, "after this ceremony, we will be taking a flight back to Japan, although the weather might delay the flight."

"It is an honor to have worked with you these last several months, but our job is done here working with you," Homura said. "We've enjoyed every minute of it."

"And you are free to visit us at Etajima," said Kaga. "We'll show you around, and we'll have you meet some of the members of the Blue Mermaid Cadets. Etajima is a wonderful place. You'll love it."

"So we will keep in touch. Let's enjoy this moment while it lasts."

Akagi fell in with the others as the parade concluded and the musical acts continued. The flags left the center of the ground. And another wave of fireworks. A synthesizer player and another obscure female singer in a green bodysuit. The Olympic Channel was on, and it also showed the Butterflies and Dragons doing a dance and pose, along with others. Forro: come one, come all.

The history of the country was now on display as another troupe of Guarani dancers performed, the northeast of Brazil on showcase with all the archaeological sites. Serrada Capivara National Park in Piauí. Geometric formations in orange and yellow. Diamonds, circles, a butterfly, arrows, convergence, a block. A spiraling square. The words: Rio 2016. Another diamond among the panels carried. And with that, they left afterwards. The song: 'Mulher Rendeira' performed by Ganhadeiras de Itapuã.

Saudades. What was in a word? Words turned into shapes in blue. The weaving of Portuguese colonism. A ring full of women in white. Multiple circular shapes in white and black. Bilro lace. The lace-making women were portrayed, a single weaver in the center.

Now the artistic showcase of Brazil turned to the wonders of making magic from clay, come rain or come shine. Another co-ed troupe of dancers spun and jumped as one on the dais. The bright yellow, orange and red glows shined down on the platform in which they performed. This was Parabelo, Shindig, by the dance company Grupo Corpo, created in 1975 in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.

On the ground below, a convoy of performers in red clapped and danced in duets. Man to woman, woman to man. XOX. Some of the athletes elected to dance as well in the aisles of their sections. Akagi, Kaga, Souryuu and Hiryuu elected to film and eat the remaining leftovers from the Athletes Village. 'Asa Branca' by Luiz Gonzaga was playing.

"Quando olhei a terra ardendo

Qual fogueira de São João

Eu perguntei a Deus do céu, ai

Por que tamanha judiação

Eu perguntei a Deus do céu, ai

Por que tamanha judiação

Que braseiro, que fornaia

Nem um pé de prantação

Por falta d'água perdi meu gado

Morreu de sede meu alazão

Por farta d'água perdi meu gado

Morreu de sede meu alazão

Inté mesmo a asa branca

Bateu asas do sertão

Então eu disse, adeus Rosinha

Guarda contigo meu coração

Então eu disse, adeus Rosinha

Guarda contigo meu coração

Hoje longe, muitas légua

Numa triste solidão

Espero a chuva cair de novo

Pra mim voltar pro meu sertão

Espero a chuva cair de novo

Pra mim voltar pro meu sertão

Quando o verde dos teus óio

Se espaiar na prantação

Eu te asseguro não chore não, viu

Que eu voltarei, viu

Meu coração

Eu te asseguro não chore não, viu

Que eu voltarei, viu

Meu coração..."

Now, scenes from the Games took place. Victory, defeat, and of course, scenes of the Butterflies and Dragons winning in archery for Japan. The four of them looked up and nodded to each other when they saw their scene, exchanging a collective fist bump before watching the rest of the montage.

Following the traditionally last medal ceremony of the Games, the men's marathon in which Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge won gold and which Dr. Bach awarded medals, the closing ceremony continued. The new members of the IOC Athletes Commission were introduced as the medal platform left for the very last time. A select group of devoted volunteers were also honored for their work. The flag of Greece was raised as the "Hymn to Liberty" was played. The Olympic Hymn was then sung by a chorus as the Olympic Flag came down and taken away by the local army.

"Olympian flame immortal

Whose beacon lights our way

Emblaze our hearts with the fires of hope

On this momentous day

As now we come across the world

To share these Games of old

Let all the flags of every land

In brotherhood unfold

Sing out each nation, voices strong

Rise up in harmony

All hail our brave Olympians

With strains of victory

Olympic light burn on and on

O'er seas and mountains and plains

Unite, inspire, bring honor

To these ascending games

May valor reign victorious

Along the path of golden way

As tomorrow's new champions now come forth

Rising to the fervent spirit of the game

Let splendour pervade each noble deed

Crowned with glory and fame

And let fraternity and fellowship

Surround the soul of every nation

Oh flame, eternal in your firmament so bright

Illuminate us with your everlasting light

That grace and beauty and magnificence

Shine like the sun

Blazing above

Bestow on us your honor, truth and love!"

A smaller version of the flag was handed from Eduardo Paes, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, to Dr. Bach, and then to the governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, dressed in a flowing beige and gold kimono. The flag of Japan was raised, and the strains of Kimigayo played, sung by a chorus.

"Kimigayo wa

Chiyo ni yachiyo ni

Sazare-ishi no

Iwao to narite

Koke no musu made..."

A red sun, Rio, obrigado, arigato. Up next was Tokyo's presentation. Different words of "thank you, from Japan." And now, a montage of scenes. Shibuya. Warming Up! Tokyo 2020! Love Sport! Captain Tsubasa! Pac Man! Anime! Sports! Pop Culture! Tokyo! 2020! Hello Kitty! The tower! Life! Warming up! Tokyo 2020!

The Butterflies and Dragons liked what they saw, nodding. Shinzo Abe was concerned he would not make it on time. Doraemon and Mario helped him get there. Shinzo Abe became Mario in real life, coming out of a pipe and slamming a ball down. A convoy of special effects. Hurdles. Geometric rectangles. Schoolgirls and a street dance team. Spiraling lights, a circle. More circles, a chrysanmthemum.

An energetic tune played in the background. And the metropolis overhead. The city. The flags of Tokyo 2020 waved. And the Mount Fuji was on display from those cubes that converged as well as the tower and the skyline. Mount Fuji, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge. See You In Tokyo, it said. And another wave of fireworks. This was where the Kantai Collection would be assigned to in four years.

That pipe would be sent to Carioca Arena 1 for the meeting. A number of shipgirls were sent down help move the pile, and would be at the venue ahead of time to set up the place. A large banner with the skyline, the red disc and the logo with the words "See You In Tokyo" would be displayed and chairs would be placed.

Admiral Tanaka also left the stadium to head to Carioca Arena 1 to prepare for the meeting while the speeches were going on. The flag of Japan at the Closing Ceremony would go down at the conclusion and be raised inside the arena at a location where the flags were raised for the medal winners of the basketball tournament, with the Hinomaru in the center. A duplicate speakers' podium was already inside the floor. Also, the flags of all the nations were already placed there, with Japan's flag front and center.

"The best place in the world is here. It is now," Carlos Arthur Nuzman told the crowd. "It was seven years of a lot of struggle and work, but it was worth it. Every minute. We always said that Rio was ready, and we can now declare it. We did it: we delivered a spectacular Games!"

Six more volunteers were recognized by Dr. Bach for their hard work during the Olympics. "I declare the Games of the XXXI Olympiad closed," said Dr. Bach, "In accordance with tradition, and I call on the youth of the world to gather four years from now in four years' time in Tokyo, Japan, celebrating the Games of the XXXII Olympiad. Bye, bye Rio!"

The convoy of colorful dancers continued as some of the athletes decided to leave the stadium, already bored with the music and ambience. Fruits forming a star, different crescents. Garden party. A tribute to the Brazilian artist and landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx. A singer below the cauldron sereneded the crowd as it finally died down, the rain and waterfall dousing the flames into smoke as she was awash in a shower. The song? 'Pelo Tempo Que Durar' by Marisa Monte.

"Nada vai permanecer

No estado em que está

Eu só penso em ver você

Eu só quero te encontrar

Geleiras vão derreter

Estrelas vão se apagar

E eu pensando em ter você

Pelo tempo que durar

Coisas vão se transformar

Para desaparecer

E eu pensando em ficar

A vida a te transcorrer

E eu pensando em passar

Pela vida com você..."

A massive net rose, forming a cocktail glass. And the fireworks rang out again. And now another convoy of entertainers in white blazers and black pants sang. Ito Melodia, Tinga, Ciganerey, Wantuir, Emerson, Leozinho and Mestre Paulinho. A parade of partygoers made their way downb the catwalk, followed by a brass ensemble. More troupes made their way down. Even the volunteers danced.

"Cidade maravilhosa

Cheia de encantos mil

Cidade maravilhosa

Coração do meu Brasil!

Cidade maravilhosa

Cheia de encantos mil

Cidade maravilhosa

Coração do meu Brasil!

Berço do samba e das lindas canções

QQue vivem nalma da gente

És o altar dos nossos corações

Que cantam alegremente!

Cidade maravilhosa

Cheia de encantos mil

Cidade maravilhosa

Coração do meu Brasil!

Cidade maravilhosa

Cheia de encantos mil

Cidade maravilhosa

Coração do meu Brasil!

Jardim florido de amor e saudade

Terra que a todos seduz

Que Deus te cubra de felicidade

Ninho de sonho e de luz!

Cidade maravilhosa

Cheia de encantos mil

Cidade maravilhosa

Coração do meu Brasil!

Cidade maravilhosa

Cheia de encantos mil

Cidade maravilhosa

Coração do meu Brasil!"

Carnaval. Street sweeper Renato Sorriso led the dancers, serenading Izabel Goulart. More floats were being pulled in. Confetti flew in the air.

"Attention, Kantai!" said Nagato as the fireworks rang out one final time. "Report to Carioca Arena 1 for the meeting. The meeting will start at 11:30 p.m. local time. All members, head out to the meeting right now! Carioca Arena 1, shuttles are waiting. Thank you!"

Akagi, Kaga, Souryuu and Hiryuu left the stadium and rendevoused with the Kantai Collection. They all headed to special buses towards Carioca Arena 1 for the meeting.

"Coach," said Akagi to Madoka, "it's time for us to say goodbye."

"Thank you for everything," said Kaga to Homura and Madoka.

"We salute what you've done to teach us and we will remember you for a long time," said Souryuu.

"Have a safe trip home," said Hiryuu.

"You do the same," Madoka said.

"Farewell, and good luck to you. We'll keep in touch," said Homura. And with that, the Butterflies and Dragons were done working with Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi.

Inside, there were chairs on the floor, a dais and podium with the flags of Japan, Brazil and IOC, along with the banner, and a sign on the monitor with the Tokyo 2020 logo on it. Some members of the Japanese delegation did stop by but most were getting ready to fly home.

Prime Minister Abe spoke. With him were Governor Koike, Mayor Paes, and Admiral Tanaka, as well as select members of the press. It was 11:30 p.m. Rio time. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said in Japanese. "It is my honor to personally congratulate the members of the JMSDF Kantai Collection for taking a stand against the war on terror and saving the city of Rio de Janeiro from harm, and in turn, saving Brazil and the world. We continue to be in awe of your special ability to defeat those who would do harm to the human spirit and the Olympic movement. Thank you very much, Kantai."

"On behalf of the City of Rio De Janeiro and the Brazilian people," said Mayor Paes, "and by request of the Governemt of Brazil, it is my honor to bestow of Admiral Kensuke Tanaka of the Japan Marine Self Defense Force and commander of the Kantai Collection, the honor of Commander of the Order of the Southern Cross and bestow on each member of this unique fleet the honor of Knight. The people of Brazil would like to thank you for being true warriors in the war against terror and in turn protecting the Olympic movement from those who would do harm."

The Admiral and the fleet lined up to be given their badges, with the Admiral donning a necklet.

Governor Koike was next to speak. "Dear members of the JMSDF Kantai Collection, Admiral Tanaka. On behalf of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are inviting the members of the Kantai Collection to be part of our security for Games of the XXXII Olympiad. We believe that your help and support will ensure that our athletes, our city, our country and the world will be safe from those who dare inflict indelible harm and suffering. We look to count on your support in four years time. Thank you."

Admiral Tanaka then spoke. "Mayor Paes, Governor Koike, ladies and gentlemen. It is my honor to say, on behalf of the Japan Self Defense Force, the Japan Marine Self Defense Force, the Blue Mermaid Cadet Wing and the Kantai Collection, who reach extends to North America and Europe...we, the members of the JMSDF Kantai Collection, accept your invitation to be part of the security team for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad."

The roars could be heard from outside the arena, as well as the applause.

"I call on Akagi Nagumo, our flag bearer for the Japanese delegation and the Standard Carrier Akagi, to come forth to speak on behalf of our fleet. Akagi."

"Thank you, Admiral," said Akagi. "Dear friends, dear sisters, Admiral, Governor Koike, Mayor Paes, ladies and gentlemen. We believe that as KanMusume our role is to serve the people we love. We are here for our admiral. We are here for the JMSDF. We are here for His Majesty, the Emperor Akihito. We are here for Japan. And we are here for the world.

"It is an honor to help protect one of the most important cities of the world, Tokyo, Japan, from the forces of evil, while at same time, promting our culture, our values, our traditions, our heritage, and our legacy. I became a dual gold medalist and Olympic Champion days ago in archery, but that will pale in comparison to my real duty: harnessing the spirit of a carrier from yesteryear, doomed then, but coming back stronger, now more than ever.

"To my sisters of the fleet, the greatest fleet girl collection the world has ever known. The time has come to serve your nation and the world. We are now called upon to help defend the Olympic movement and secure the future and happiness of the country we love. The power of East Asian Strength lies in our alliances with neighbors, and our partnerships around the world ensure that the lessons we learned have made our nation all the better for it.

"To everyone assembled here, as we finally depart the Marvelous City, Cidade Maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro, I, Akagi of the First Carrier Division, have these simple words to say to you. Never Give Up. Never Give In. Now And Tomorrow, Live On And Win! Thank you Rio, thank you everyone, the Kantai Collection salutes you. May God bless you, and may God bless Brazil, Japan and the world. Thank you!"

As the fleet got on the buses to the Port and they left Carioca Arena 1 for the last time as one, Akagi was in deep reflection. "Kaga."

"Akagi."

"I wonder to myself, did we really just do all that over eight months?"

"We did."

A sigh. "It's good to know that finally, I will be able to return home and enjoy coming back. We've been away for so long. I miss Japan."

"I know. Me too."

"We all miss it," said Souryuu. "But now, we get to finally go home because we are done."

"We ran the race, we've kept the faith, we've done the work," said Hiryuu. "Let's leave this place the way we want to."

"Right!" they all said.

"Thanks for your hard work, Akagi-sempai!" said Fubuki.

"And as for you, Fubuki-chan," said Akagi, "your journey is just beginning."

"Eh?" She blushed. "Ahahahah, I guess you can say that."

At exactly midnight Rio time, the fleet depart the Port of Rio de Janeiro in the rigging, forming a large armade that slowly skated by the coast one last time. A large group of people were on the beach, thousands, some drummers and singers dancing in the rain to see these heroes one final time. Just about every member of the fleet held a flag of a nation that took part at the Games, as well as an Olympic flag for the refugees and Kuwait. They could take these home.

The last ones to leave port were, in order, Hiryuu, Souryuu, Kaga...and Akagi. And as they skated by the coast of Copacabana Beach, they took off their training outfits, which the Admiral caught on a large boat that carried him and Little Kaga, revealing their traditional uniforms, the iconic outfits of the First and Second Carrier Divisions.

"This is for you, Rio de Janeiro," Akagi said, as the fleet got ready to fire.

"Thank you Brazil for a wonderful Games," Kaga said.

"We will never forget you," Souryuu said.

"Remember in your hearts, until the day you die, that the Butterflies and Dragons were here!" Hiryuu said.

"THANK YOU RIO! OBRIGADO, ARIGATO, SAYONARA!" they all said. "FIRE!" The Butterflies and Dragons fired three waves of arrows which turned into fairies that showered one hour of fireworks, with red and blue butterflies of light and yellow and green dragons of light dancing around, across all the cities that hosted events, not just Rio. The church bells in every city in Brazil rang for one hour as the entire fleet, minus those from the USA (save for Iowa), Italy and Germany sailed for Japan. The American, Italian and Germany branches sailed for their respective homelands, but Iowa and Warspite chose to sail with the rest of the ships.

As the hour finally passes, the fairies returned to Akagi, Kaga, Souryuu and Hiryuu. Their tears of joy fell into the Atlantic Ocean as they continued to southward toward Cape Horn, around the Horn and northward up the Pacific.

There would be many more battles, sorties, expeditions, operations and tough times ahead for Fubuki, Akagi, Kaga, Souryuu and Hiryuu. But no matter what, the future was bright because the spirit of Olympism enveloped them all and inspired them to achieve bigger and better things.

Citius, Altius, Fortius. Faster, Higher, Stronger. Those elements that will always stands the tests, the tides of time, would now and forever be an essential part of the great mystique that was the Butterflies and Dragons, the First and Second Carrier Divisions of the JMSDF Kantai Collection.

BUTTERFLIES AND DRAGONS

THE END