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cheesus-doodles · 10 months ago

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The Flag We Serve Under: Chapter 4

Yandere Azur Lane

Masterlist

‎‎‎

< Chapter 1 | 2 | 3

hello! not dead, but kinda busy - TR will be back next week :)

Something was off.

There was no question about that fact in your mind, your unusually silent phone gripped tightly in hand even as you tried your best to push the uncomfortable feeling to the back of your head temporarily and refocus your attention on the present. And standing atop the highest natural point, surveying the seemingly endless blanket of pink cherry blossoms that covered the Sakura Nation’s mainland far below your feet, it would have been all too easy to do so, to push such turbulent thoughts aside and away.

After all, it was a respite from the turmoil and turbulence of the world outside of these isles; here, your troubles seemed so far away. There was no headquarters, no officers breathing down your neck, no subordinates clamoring for your time and attention for one matter or another. The breeze that swept through your hair rustled the leaves gently as you allowed yourself to bask in the stillness, the sounds of life just barely starting to echo up from the streets a stone’s throw away. It was peaceful, a tranquility you could barely remember from a time before joining the Azur Lane that sang in your veins, a slight floral scent that permeated the very air tickling at your nose.

On the far side of the island, the sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon, the light of dawn staining the clouds and gentle distant waves with pastel colors.

You could stay here, you mused, a nice long vacation away from your exhausting schedule, if not forever.

But one glance back at the battle-worn aircraft carrier far out from the island where it was docked, a mere speck floating atop calm, azure seas from this distance, was enough to shake you from your momentary delusions; you were here to do a job. A highly sensitive mission, and it was too quiet. Unnaturally so.

You weren’t the only one who thought as such either, you noted, spotting Enterprise frown down similarly at her phone out of the corner of your eye, the white of her hair catching the sunlight as she lifted the small device higher into the sky in a bid to get a signal, and your mind returned to your initial conundrum as you glanced down at your own phone once more. Why couldn’t you reach anyone back at base, or anywhere else for that matter? Could anyone reach you?

The lack of the endless notification of messages and updates that usually plague your phone was noticeably gone, but you were sure that it wasn’t just yours and Enterprise’s whose signals have been (allegedly) jammed. Chancing a glimpse back at the two quiet Sakura light cruisers girls standing behind you, their gazes respectfully lowered from yours. Kawakaze and Noshiro, you reminded yourself - why didn’t they have communicators? Or rather, why didn’t it seem like they were using any? Not a single cackle of static, or a mumble of acknowledgement, or even the accidental ping of a message since you had arrived on the island last evening: no doubt the sudden electronic void it was starting to get to you.

“Is there something wrong, Commander?” Nagato’s child-like voice pierced through your thoughts like an arrow, and you startled back to reality, stumbling backwards slightly at the realization of just how close those amber eyes were to yours. You hadn’t even heard her arrive. And when did she get so close?

“Ah- La-Nagato,” was all you managed to stammer out in your shock, before you caught yourself, straightening up to your full height. “You’re up early.” Your first mistake of the day. The embarrassment at your stupid straight-forward observation instantly set in, and you felt like you had put your foot straight into your mouth. Sure, you were attempting to avoid her question, still in the midst of considering whether you should bring up your connectivity troubles to someone that Headquarters has time and time again labeled as enemies, but to say something so lame? In front of the Sakura Emperor?

But the other did not take offense nor laugh at your trip up, the black-haired girl instead seeming to study your face carefully before replying. “I was informed that you had left your accommodation before day break, and I came to meet you at the earliest possible time,” she clarified, her small hands folding neatly over the red of her dress, though she made no move to back away. “I apologize if I have startled you, Commander.”

You waved off her apologies, straightening your own officer coat. “No, it’s fine, I was just a little surprised.” And then, you hesitated - your second mistake.

Cursing internally, you didn’t miss her right fox ear twitching slightly as you answered, nor the brief questioning look she threw at Kawakaze and Noshiro before her attention returned to you. “So is there something wrong, Commander?” Her voice this time more firm, the demand clear in her tone.

Fuck fuck fuck. You should have known better than to take this conversation with Nagato head-on unprepared - even in your dealings with her all those years ago, she had always been sharp as an arrow and well-versed in the game of politics. How could she not be, having to handle not only those of her court but also the likes of Iron Blood and Vichya Dominion? The sudden tension was heavy on your shoulders as you tried your best to keep your gaze unwavering from her pointed one, your thoughts a turbulent sea in your mind even amidst the now-uncomfortable silence. What now? What should you do?

You wished that you could have more time to turn the situation over a few times over your books, have the opportunity to consult with your senior office or Alabama, or just to think about it a while longer. The reality of the situation, however, was that the strain between you and the Sakura Emperor had spread to the other shipgirls gathered on the hilltop, and the hostility was threatening to spill over. Spotting Enterprise just to your right, her once-relaxed stance now taut with tension, narrowed violet eyes scanning the two light cruiser girls flanking Nagato, there was no doubt. Even if none had yet to summon their riggings, you knew your time was ticking. What you had in your hands was a live bomb, and you had to solve this. Now.

Taking a breath, you swallowed your anxiety and made your decision.

‎

The world finally breathed again as you held out one hand, signaling to Enterprise to stand down. “We’ve been having some issues with contacting anyone at base since last night,” you confirmed, your gaze shifting off of Nagato to glance warily at Kawakaze and Noshiro still in their alert position, hands resting lightly on their sheathed weapons. You could hope that you had made the right decision to divulge such sensitive information; after all, in the right hands, it was a glaring vulnerability. “I thought it might have been a one-off issue, but it is starting to get concerning that I can’t get a signal, even on the highest point I could find.”

You trusted Nagato not to exploit the weakness you had just handed her on a silver platter, but despite that, you still had your own nagging suspicions; you couldn’t have absolute certainty that the Sakura Empire hadn’t cut its own connections to the outside world upon your arrival to the island nation. Why they would do that was beyond you, given Naval Headquarters was aware that you were here, but it was too far-fetched. And it seemed the black-haired girl in front of you understood the unspoken implications immediately, fox ears swirling to face forward even as those amber eyes remained steely. “The lines are working fine. I have spoken recently with Prinz Eugen from Iron Blood. Perhaps there was no one to answer when you rang because of the time differences, but I’m certain that you’ll get a reply soon.”

Of course you doubted that; at the very least Alabama would have picked up no matter what time of day - you knew she would be worried sick if you didn’t ring her the minute you arrived. But you didn’t want to call Nagato a liar outright and certainly not to her face, opting to accept her reasoning at face value until either you had the bandwidth to investigate further or drop the matter upon your departure. Whatever came first. You simply nodded, opting to say nothing more on the matter and slipped your phone quietly back into the pocket of your skirt. “Alright, I’ll try again later.”

Enterprise, however, wasn’t convinced. “Commander, but-”

“It’s fine, Enterprise,” you repeated, bodily turning to throw a stern glance at the uneasy aircraft carrier, who fell silent. You understood her, but this wasn’t the right time, and even if she was a well-respected veteran, you were still the commander. Once more, returning to face the short-statured emperor, you kept your expression as leveled as you could manage, unwilling to show any further weaknesses. “Will your entourage not be at ease? I assure you we are unarmed.” Or as unarmed as an aircraft carrier without her riggings on could be, at least.

“At ease, Kawakaze, Noshiro,” the other immediately commanded, and said light cruisers relaxed their stance, arms falling back to their sides.

“I had a look at the schedule yesterday, Nagato, but I understand there have been some changes?”

Nagato waved at you, inviting you to walk with her, her massive riggings swinging smoothly aside to give you space as the bells that decorated her dress jingled lightly. “Yes, there has been. I have another urgent meeting to attend, and Akagi is eager to meet you over breakfast. I shall join you once my meeting has concluded.”

‎

Despite the arduously trained self-control that Nagato is known for, every one of the carefully constructed walls in her mind, built to keep her emotions at bay, was on the verge of catastrophic collapse as she pushed past Kawakaze, black hair streaming out behind her. ”I messed up I messed up I messed up-” The words mumbled repeatedly under her breath echoed her own spiraling thoughts as the forest of cherry blossom trees overhead gave way to traditional houses, tiled roofs shimmering slightly in the light of the morning sun.

It had been five minutes since she had left you outside the doors of the meeting hall where Akagi and Kaga were waiting, along with Noshiro to watch over you.

The sun was creeping ever higher into the sky, the pink of dawn having faded away into a cloudless blue sky. Hearing the hurried steps of her personal handmaiden attempting to catch up did little to slow her own pace, not with Nagato being hardly in the right headspace to bother. What had just happened was an absolute disaster, to say the least, and it took everything she had left to stop the tears from welling up and spilling over right that instance.

She thought you would be proud of her for putting on a brave, professional front in front of Enterprise, after all that that white-haired carrier had done to the Sakura Empire - instead, all she saw was the stern glint in your eyes as you failed to praise her or pat her head like you always did, and even rebuked her entourage. Were you mad at her? Why were you siding with that Eagle Union ship instead of her? Have you already forgotten everything that you had gone through together?

A sniff snuck out before she could stop it, and Nagato hurriedly pressed her sleeve to her nose, turning one final corner onto a quiet, narrow alley and away from the growing crowds along the main streets; the last thing she wanted was for her subjects to see their Emperor in such a pathetic state. Barely noticing as she swept past the ancient stone walls marking the transition from public place to her private abode at the end of a small, unassuming street, the ambient sounds of life faded away into the background as the architecture style of buildings around the two aged. The black-haired girl, lost in her thoughts, continued to trod silently down the meandering path, her feet bringing her to the majestic wooden hall at the end of the walkway.

The pair of slippers left neatly on the steps in front of the silk screen doors of the reception room was the only sign that her guest had already arrived. The emperor hastened to remove her own - it would be rude to keep guests waiting any longer, after all - though she did pause to instruct Kawakaze to return to your side, before sliding open the doors and disappearing inside. She would rather not find out what Akagi would get up to if she kept her attention off of the fox-tailed aircraft carrier for too long, even more so around you.

‎

The private reception room was simply yet tastefully decorated, just as Nagato liked it. A traditional Sakura style, the emperor picked her way across the tatami mats that she knew like the back of her hand, the dark cherry wood with its small but delicate flourishes combined with screens decorated with cranes and flowers enough to bring a certain grandeur to the room. Rounding the corner, the back of a black-purple coat was what took up most of her vision, with the tall lady wearing it faced away from the entrance, though it was clear that she was aware of the newcomer, those equally large fox ears twitching slightly at the footsteps that echoed across the otherwise silent room.

With speed that was rather unbecoming of royalty, Nagato quickly moved to join her at the table, folding her legs under her as she sat. ”I apologize for my tardiness, Musashi. There was an unexpected delay.”

But much to her surprise, said woman only moved to take a sip of steaming tea before those bronze eyes turned to meet amber ones. “Why the suppressed tears, child?”

It wasn’t a question Nagato was expecting, and she blinked. How did she know? “I told you, I am no child, Musashi,” the black-haired girl finally managed to protest, though her indignation did not last long as she found herself swept up and pressed into the other’s large bosom, nor did she deny. Compared with the Yamato-class Battleship, even the weight of her riggings was barely a deterrent.

Musashi simply smiled at the objection as she kept up her stroking, gently running one hand over Nagato’s silky hair in a calming gesture. It reminded Nagato greatly of the same way you would pat her head to the point that she wondered if perhaps the two of you had met before, before shaking off the ludicrous idea - no, there was no way. “You can tell me anything,” the taller of the two soothed. “Your safe haven is here.”

The larger battleship’s assurance was enough for the usually stoic Sakura Emperor to cave, allowing her emotions to well up and show on her face - the first in a while. “I think I made her mad,” Nagato found herself whimpering out into Musashi’s dress, tiny fists clenched around black fur tight enough for her knuckles to turn white. The world seemed to fall completely silent, the smaller girl doing her best to bite back and swallow down any other sounds of distress, though several still managed to slip out; even if she was allowed to be vulnerable in the privacy of this reception room, it just wasn’t very like her to do so. But she simply couldn’t get her thoughts off of you - what if you hated her? What if you wanted nothing more to do with her?

“This person who you supposedly made angry,” Musashi’s voice broke both the stillness and the thoughts swirling around in her tumultuous mind. “Is it the commander that the Azur Lane sent for negotiations?”

Nagato felt her nerves calm a little - the lack of admonishment coming from her trusted advisor on her moment of weakness was comforting. She took a deep breath. “Yes.”

A hum, as the other pondered for a moment. “I saw her arrival yesterday evening, but I’m afraid I have not had the chance to make her acquaintance. Why do you think you made her mad?”

At that moment, all the turmoil reared its head again. “She- she didn’t side with me.” But even as Nagato spoke out, she felt her cheeks flush - Musashi was right, she sounded so childish. Yet what ugly, ugly jealousy churning in her gut failed to fade. “She chastised me for not keeping Kawakaze and Noshiro in order.”

“I see.” A pause, and the two took the time to sip at their tea.

“But let us put that matter aside,” the Sakura Emperor finally continued, delicately placing her cup back down on the spotless wooden table. “I assume there is something that you wished to bring to my attention urgently, Musashi.”

“Indeed. We can take this up personally with the Commander at a later time. You do not have to do this alone, I shall be there with you to settle this matter,” Even as Musashi acknowledged the change in topic, the smile that pulled at the corners of her lips didn’t drop with the increase in severity of the matter they were discussing. “Two Iron Blood ships have been spotted within Sakura territorial waters, but they did not get close enough for the patrol to positively identify them.”

‎

Back across the high seas, the clear night sky studded with stars stretched out to meet the ocean’s abyss horizon in the distance, the remaining lights that dotted the empty streets of the forward base reflected in the bobbing waves splashing up against stone seawalls. Yet, it was peaceful seas and tranquil darkness that hid the turmoil churning just under the surface - this much South Dakota was certain of. Most of the shipgirls had long gone to bed, save for those on night watch, though even their patrols wouldn’t bring them to this isolated part of the island.

So why was she here? The tanned battleship let out a sigh, leaning back onto the wall, her black hair shimmering as it caught a stray silver of yellow light from the nearest lamp. She wasn’t even on duty tonight, and tomorrow was no doubt going to be an equally long day. It was nothing more than a gut feel that led her to wait here, and she was starting to question it as the minutes ticked by. But right as South Dakota was about to call it quits and retire for the night, a rustle of leaves and a sudden flash of white ponytails caught her eye amidst the clumps of bushes. Bingo.

Standing from where she had been seated all these hours, the Eagle Union ship stretched, allowing the satisfied grunt to leave her lips, making her presence known. “And where do you think you’re going?”

Alabama barely slowed in her trudge across the grassy area. “Where do you think I’m going?” Came Alabama’s response, her white coat flourishing as she swung it around, slipping it on in one graceful movement as she stalked past her older sister with no hesitation.

No response was needed - both of them already knew what the answer was. And she understood where her youngest sister was coming from, she really did. It was impossible to miss the heavy tension that weighed down every room Alabama entered after she had returned without you, the same weight that only grew with every passing hour.

A few quick steps was all it took for South Dakota to catch up to the white-haired girl even with the other’s long, fast strides, and one more was enough for her to blockade the other’s path. “I can’t let you leave. Orders from the Commander.”

That last phase didn’t sit well at all with Alabama as she tried to step past South Dakota. “The Commander is missing,” the last word practically hissed.

But the older of the two wasn’t phased. “Missing is a rather strong word.” South Dakota might have been a new transfer to your command as well to this particular forward base, but there was no doubt about one thing. She knew above all else that Alabama was extremely attached to you, and she was in turn your closest confidant, having been together right from the start of your journey as a Fleet Commander. “Have you at least passed this by Bunker Hill?”

“I’m her secretary,” with the unspoken question of why she needs to pass anything by said carrier, despite Alabama knowing full well that it was the other in charge of the Eagle Union division of your fleet up until your return and not her.

South Dakota tried again. “She has an escort, doesn’t she?”

A pause, before the older of the two felt the tension in the air grow. “I’m going to find her.” Oops. Seems like that was the wrong question.

South Dakota sighed, this time moving to grab her sister’s arm. “I can’t let you. Commander’s orders.” She had been warned beforehand by Bunker Hill of the probability of Alabama sneaking off as she was passing down your orders, and the battleship could only guess that Bunker Hill herself had in turn been forewarned by you. Whatever mission you were on, it was certainly extremely classified if you were taking such precautions.

Yet, the tanned black-haired woman mused as Alabama started to struggle in her grip, she had also heard of the stories about you and your past that floated around Naval HQ, passed between the other commanders and shipgirls. It was something that she was certain Alabama remained unaware about just yet. But it wasn’t her place to tell the youngest of the South Dakota-class battleships and get herself into unimaginable trouble that only god knows about, instead opting to turn her attention back to the current brewing storm. “She just could be busy.”

“She hasn’t picked up her phone in two days, not even a text,” Alabama retorted. “Something’s wrong.”

“Have you tried calling again?”

“The whole day,” Alabama snapped back, the ire that had been hiding beneath her unbothered exterior finally rearing up, though at least she did stop trying to break free. “What makes you think I haven’t been trying again and again?”

The namesake of the class only sighed. “Look, how about we bring this up to Bunker Hill first? You don’t even know where to start looking.”

Red eyes stiffly met gold ones, as if assessing whether the other’s intentions were genuine. It was clear just how protective Alabama was of you, this much was certain, but there were better ways to go about elevating her concerns rather than rushing out into the abyss of the oceans. The chirping of insects, accompanied by the soft symphony of the waves, was all that filled the night as the two finally turned to head back towards the base, with South Dakota sticking closely to her youngest sister.

Whatever the next day brought, it was bound to be downhill from here for a while.

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cheesus-doodles · 1 year ago

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The Flag We Serve Under: Chapter 3

Yandere Azur Lane

Masterlist

‎‎

<< Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

took me longer than expected to get this finished, but glad its done regardless! look forward to something else being posted soon as well (secret heheh)

The sudden wave of silence that washed over your pounding ears as you closed the door behind you was a relief in itself; you didn’t think there had been a time since you graduated from Officer school where you have had to meet so many new faces. Even the few steps you staggered to the comfort of your well-worn office chair was hard fought; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration if you stated that it took every ounce of energy you had left. Slumping down into what was once a plush, comfortable seat, you were completely drained and utterly exhausted, commander cap laying abandoned atop a scattering of reports and maps across the large wooden desk. How many new girls did you meet today? Was this just a taste of what was destined to be your life going forward? An endless crushing cycle of strategic meetings and paperwork, trapped by your sense of duty to those under your command? A question neither you nor the quiet world had neither answers to, yet one you couldn’t simply let go just yet.

Letting out a long sigh, you reluctantly pulled yourself up, bringing your tired attention back to the mess in front of you - where was it again you had left off before you had been summoned to Naval HQ? The words only seemed to blur together in defiance, tap dancing across the paper when you tried to will yourself to focus. Seconds ticked by feeling more like hours, and your eyelids only felt more and more weighed down by the neverending senseless papers. You let out a groan, throwing up your arms and the report along with them, though you were quick to grab them before the loose leaves of papers could fall out of order; the last thing you wanted was to have to sort through what you had already packed previously. Not while you still had so many other papers to go through and pack. Curse your unordered past self.

At least you could be grateful that your office was mercifully quiet, devoid of any other soul save for your own (a stretch, given you felt pretty dead at the moment), and that the rest of your schedule laid empty and unoccupied; the heavy wooden doors and its creaky hinges that you had to fight everyday to open sealing off the hustle and bustle from the busy outside. You remembered a time when you hated every moment you spent in this damned place, the light flooding in through giant windows you had your back to only reminding you of the open ocean that you lost the chance to experience; never would you have ever expected this place, usually associated with a long, hectic day, to suddenly become an elusive paradise on your former peaceful base.

It had already been a long day, surely (with a nice helpful side of crossed fingers), surely the world wasn’t going to not end if you left work a little early for the day as a well-earned break. Finally taking notice of the now cold, abandoned cup of what you were sure was coffee sitting at the corner of your desk, you grimaced as you chugged it down in one go; it was still the ghost of what was left of your drink for one, and for two, you didn’t want Alabama to see all her hard work learning how to operate the coffee machine go down the drain. She would never forgive you.

The shuffling and crinkling of papers was all that filled the last few minutes of your work day as you tried your hand at some last minute organization for your future self, though a knock at your door quickly distracted you from stuffing files and maps alike into your briefcase for some nighttime light reading (or so you hoped at least). “Come in,” you called out, though it was clear whoever it was that had just burst into your office hadn’t even waited for your response.

Two white ponytails tossed backwards in her draft as Alabama wandered into the room holding several files, her half-lidded eyes and neutral expression giving little clue as to her mood beneath, though you did notice those red eyes scanning your table. “You’re leaving already?”

“Ah, Alabama. For the day, yes,” you replied, before continuing to struggle with sliding the papers into your bag in tact. Why wouldn’t these fit? “Did you need anything before I go?”

But it wasn’t the answer that the tanned battleship girl was looking for. “I meant on that…trip.”

Your gaze snapped up, sharpening as it met Alabama’s. “Who told you about that?”

But the other wasn’t the slightest phrased from your pointed question. “So it’s true. You are going somewhere.”

“Alabama, you might be my secretary but that’s classified information. Who did you hear that from?”

She once more ignored your question. “So where are we going?”

You threw your hands up in exasperation for the second time - you really weren’t going to get any answers around here that easily, huh? “I,” you emphasized. “Am going on a classified mission. Which you will not be able to join me on. You will be staying here with everyone else.”

“When?”

“We’re setting sail tomorrow, late morning.” Looking over your desk one more time to make sure that there would be no need for a return trip, you finally lifted yourself up from your office chair, the worn chair rolling back with a groaning protest to make space. The other simply nodded along as she turned to face the door, waiting to leave with you as she always did.

And then something clicked behind Alabama’s crimson eyes, your words only just registering - you swore that the tanned girl would have broken her spine with how fast she whirled around if she was just a human like you. “Wait, what do you mean I’m not going?”

You picked up your briefcase, and in one smooth move, swung it over one shoulder while lifting your commander cap off the table and back onto your head with your free hand. “It’s what I said. You can’t come on this one.”

“So who’s going?”

“That’s classified.”

“Where are you going?”

“That’s classified.”

A few paces were all you could take till you were face to face with Alabama, the other refusing to budge. “Then you aren’t going,” she stated, as if it was enough to resolve the matter. The tension in the air was palpable, what was essentially divulging into a standoff between you and her; not that you could blame the battleship girl. After all, it would be the first time since you became a full-fledged commander, the first time since she joined your ranks, that you would have ever traveled anywhere without her.

You sighed, shaking your head as you side-stepped her, waving at her to walk with you. “If only it was so simple, Alabama,” you said willfully, the evening rays having just started to dance through the closed windows that framed the deserted corridors outside of your office. The bustling sounds of life from the sudden influx of new girls under your command still echoed down these hallways, their chattering merging and muffling into the new normal background sound of the once quiet forward base out in the middle of the ocean you called home. “Orders from the top, unfortunately.”

Alabama seemed to instantly know what you were referring to, looking mighty unimpressed. “That call?”

You nodded. Stepping out to the sight of a pink sky, you squinted in the direction of the setting sun, taking in the beautiful glittering ocean that stretched infinitely into the distant horizon against the glare. You shouldn’t, but you wanted to. “It’s a lot later than I had thought. Would you like to get some dinner, Alabama?”

“Dinner sounds good,” she instantly agreed - it was at least clear to her that you were extending an opportunity for her to probe this matter a bit more deeply. You didn’t like to leave your closest friend out to dry. “Now?”

“How about thirty minutes’ time?” You patted your briefcase. “I'd like to go and drop these off first.”

‎

“Enterprise?!” Akagi gnashed her teeth, eyes narrowing dangerously, knuckles turning white how tight her fist was. “How dare they?!” Of all the possible minders those fuckwits at Naval HQ could send with you-

“That’s enough, Akagi.” Nagato ordered, though the solemn expression on her face at the news was as clear as day, with Yamashiro all but quaking where she stood, attempting to hide behind the figure of her older sister Fusou. There was no doubt the higher-ups at Azur Lane knew of - and were absolutely taking advantage of - the rocky history between the Grey Ghost and the Sakura Empire; it seemed like those clunkerheads had finally awoken to the value you brought as a full-fledged commander and had the incentive to keep you safe.

Kaga seemed to be simply caught in the middle, glancing back and forth between her sister and the Sakura Empires’ Combined Fleet Flagship and Emperor with much uncertainty. Despite the moon having already hung amidst the starless skies for several hours now, the dim, flickering ceremonial fires that warmed the court were still lit, though the usual bamboo partitioning curtain that obstructed the view of Nagato having been raised to fully reveal the small figure of the girl with the fox ears, dwarfed by the riggings of her battleship around her; a highly uncommon sight on top of the late night meeting, she determined.

She wasn’t certain what was going on at the moment, what with this…obsession (if she had to term it) they had with you, an unknown “Commander” she had never met. Was there something so special about you which would warrant such fanfare? But no doubt it wasn’t the right time to investigate this matter, the tension already weighing heavy in the air, almost too heavy to breathe. The white-haired dared not even shift should the wood beneath creak.

The single minute that passed before Nagato spoke again was agonizing. “Is there nothing we can do?” Her child-like voice echoed throughout the otherworldly silent room.“Yamashiro, Fusou, did they say anything else?”

The two black-haired mikos snapped back to attention, glancing at each other before Fusou responded. “I think they mentioned that the Commander was already underway with her escort, Nagato-sama.”

“Did our contact say anything about a limit of stay for the Commander?”

“No, I do not recall such a message being passed along.”

Akagi and Nagato shared a look, a simple meeting of eyes that communicated so much. It seemed that they had a plan. “Everyone except Akagi is dismissed. Thank you for your time.” Nagato ordered, a final dismissal that warranted no further questions. And so the younger of the two from the First Carrier Division was forced to leave her older sister behind, following Fusou and Yamashiro as they excused themselves with a deep both, the silhouettes of both shipgirls left in quiet discussions disappearing behind the rising stairs as Kaga returned to their shared abode alone.

‎

Letting out a yawn, you stretched out across your deck chair, lazily adjusting your sunglasses before they could slip off your face. It wasn’t something you should be doing per se, openly relaxing in front of those under your command, and you were sure to receive hell if upper management caught wind of it, but you were really too winded to care too much. Safe to say, last night’s talk with Alabama hadn’t gone as well as you had hoped, though fortunately neither had it turned into the worst case scenario that you had replayed over and over in your mind. You did have to break some of the confidentiality agreements to tell Alabama who you were sailing with and to let her accompany you part-way, but it was the least you could do to ease her anxiety.

The late morning sun was warm through your uniform, the whip of the ocean breeze as the aircraft carrier slightly glided through the water cool enough to stop any perspiration from forming. It was amazing to sail the great blue again; no matter how many times you made the journey, the vast ocean would never cease to amaze and humble you. Two distinct sets of heels clicking across the wooden deck caught your ear, and you looked up to meet two sets of eyes glancing down at you.

“Commander.” “Commander.”

You had of course heard of the legendary Big E from your colleagues back at Naval HQ despite having never had the opportunity to work alongside her, and no one - not even Alabama - would have ever gotten you to admit to the internal fangirling you had allowed yourself to indulge in in the privacy of your own room the night you found out you would be sailing with the famed aircraft carrier. After all, she was almost a mythical figure among the commanders, a capable, reliable and battle-hardened shipgirl whomst tales you had relegated to you time and time again by the veteran commanders. But your white-haired battleship friend was already narrowing those crimson eyes at you in suspicion, and so you swallowed your excitement.

Reluctantly pulling yourself up from your exceedingly comfortable position, you acknowledged the two arrivals. “Enterprise, Alabama,” you returned their greeting with a firm nod. Lifting your arm to take a glance at your watch, you stood up, adjusting your cap. “It’s about time?”

It was about time to part ways with Alabama - she couldn’t accompany the two of you any further without risking exposing the destination of your mission, and that was a part of the confidentiality that you couldn’t risk exposing. The white-haired battleship girl already had her rigging on, one tanned hand firmly wrapped around that signature red scythe. But it was the look of uncertainty behind those tired eyes that had you sighing. You couldn’t just leave your bestfriend hanging. “Enterprise, if you could give us a minute?”

“Of course.”

A moment of silence as the Eagle Union carrier strolled off purposefully in the opposite direction before you turned to face Alabama once more. “Alabama-”

“You’ll stay safe?” She interrupted, pulling you into a tight hug that underlaid the worry absent from her expression. “And come home quickly?”

You broke into a smile, reassuringly patting her arm. With how tight this hug was and how much your face was being pushed into her chest, you were sure that Alabama was all but trying to merge you into her. “I promise. I’ll be back before you realize it, take care of the girls for me, alright?”

The reluctance as the battleship released you from her grip was palpable, but Alabama finally moved to leave. “See you later,” she mouthed, before leaping off the deck of Enterprise. You waved at her as her much smaller figure skated across the water till she disappeared from sight, before collapsing back into your deck chair. The things you would do just to keep your girls happy - you could only hope your one-up never found out.

‎

The large Torii gate that seemed to stand atop the shimmering water greeted you as the manifested aircraft carrier sailed into the territorial waters for the Sakura Empire, the bow of the enormous ship cutting through the waves silently. Looking down from the command center nestled near the top of the superstructure, you bit back the sigh you felt emerging from your throat, with Enterprise standing just to the right of your shoulder, violet eyes scanning the world outside through the large glass panes. You had been hustled inside the moment the two of you had crossed the line between No-Man’s Sea and the Sakura Empire waters, and you had no doubt that Enterprise took her job as your bodyguard very seriously - who knew what she had been briefed on by Naval HQ?

But you were sure that no harm would come to you.

From a distance, you spotted two figures approaching - shipgirls, one you identified as Kawakaze, and the other who you didn’t recognize, skating across the water towards the slowing carrier with a small boat in tow, signaling with a handheld light for permission to approach. Clearly they weren’t looking for a fight, you reasoned, glancing back at Enterprise. “Let them aboard,” you ordered, standing from your commander’s seat and grabbing your coat. “I’ll head down to meet them.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“Commander,” Kawakaze greeted, bowing slightly, waving her hand towards the girl next to her with a set of horns protruding from beneath her black fringe, dressed in what seemed like a modified set of school uniform. “This is Noshiro, an Agano-class light cruiser. We’re here to accompany you to the main island.”

You noted amusedly that they were very studious in ignoring Enterprise’s presence, but seeing that the other hardly seemed bothered by the slightest, and was instead studying the two Sakura girls, you decided not to bring it up. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I didn’t expect Lady Nagato to send her handmaiden just for little old me.”

Kawakaze broke into a rare smile as she beckoned for you to follow, helping you gently into the small boat that the two towed, but said nothing more. A distance away, you watched with awe as the enormous aircraft carried de-manifested, Enterprise landing on the water surface with her rigging now attached to her, bow in hand. The waters nearer the main island were too shallow to dock, but you weren’t complaining. No, you were happy to watch the ocean speed by as the island neared, the pink of the evening sky a twin match for the lightly swaying cherry blossom trees that grew larger and larger as your group approached.

The little girl with the enormous riggings, decorated with red and white-banded shimenawa, stood out amidst the golden beach.

“Commander!” Nagato cleared her throat, straightening up as best she could as you were helped out from the boat and instead doing a little curtsy, her equipment following the graceful movement with nay a creak. “I mean- Commander. Welcome to the Sakura Empire.”

“This is a much bigger reception that I thought I would receive.” You chuckled, instead spreading your arms in an undeniable invitation. And in an instant, all pretense of formality evaporated, Nagato flying forward to accept your offered hug, careful to avoid smacking her rigging into you - goodness knows how fragile you were next to shipgirls like them. “I don’t think I ever was your commander, Lady Nagato. But it is good to see you again.”

Enterprise looked curious, you noted, but you didn’t explain any further, nor did any of the Sakura Empire girls elaborate. None of your fleet knew of your past before you became a Commander, and despite you thinking that it wasn’t a big deal, telling Enterprise before any of your other girls might stir a storm that you rather not have to deal with.

“Please, just Nagato.” The black-haired girl mumbled into your ear, a light flush brushing across her cheeks for a fraction of a second before she cleared her throat and pulled away, the redness of her face already gone. Lightly tugging at your hand for you to follow her, no one mentioned anything that she never did let go. “Follow me. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

“I assume we will be sharing the same accommodation,” Enterprise spoke up for the first time since her arrival, though her even and surprisingly soft voice carried the authority and weight of a ship of her might.

Nagato simply nodded. “Of course.”

They had to get you away from your chaperone and somewhere private, but that was a plan for a later time. For now, it was to get you settled in, nice and comfortable, and everything else would fall into place.

‎

Back at the forward base, Alabama let off another volley of shots into the open ocean, letting out a huff of frustration. How could you, she fumed, the whirl of her guns as they reloaded barely audible over the sound of crashing waves. More so, how dare you?! How dare you leave her behind to run off with Enterprise, of all people to god knows where?

So what if you had a “classified mission” from Naval HQ? Those clowns barely knew what they were doing from their high throne, you should have just turned them down and ignored it. Was it that you liked Enterprise, what with her legendary status? She saw the admiration in your eyes, and it made her blood boil. Was it that she had white hair too? Was it because Enterprise was an aircraft carrier and Alabama was just a battleship?

She was the one who had served you loyally all these years, standing by your side through thick and thin, protecting you from the fuckheads at Naval HQ. She was the first ship in your fleet, your secretary ship, your bodyguard. She should be your only.

Gritting her teeth, the firing of her large guns temporarily overpowered the niggling voices in the back of her mind, the smell of gunpowder clearing her head. Alabama took a deep breath. No, she wouldn’t be letting you go so easily.

‎

From a short distance away, South Dakota simply observed. Like the rest of the Eagle Union ships, she had recently been transferred under your command, where the youngest of her sisters had been part of your fleet for a substantial amount of time. But this was most unlike Alabama - the battleship had been stewing for the past day, as difficult as it was to believe, her bad mood written across those half-lidded eyes. Alabama had always been the easygoing, lazy sister in the South Dakota-class, and to see her this worked up; it was worrying.

SIghing, South Dakota shook her head, turning around and heading back to base, leaving Alabama out alone on the waves. There was no doubt your secretary ship was plotting something, seeing how protective she was of you - but as to what, she would have to wait to find out.

‎

tags: @lexthetiredstudent, @bbbexee, @noncon-photobomb

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