At 2200 while awaiting for the status report on the Express sent to meet up with a convoy from Savo island, I just sat quietly and spent my time reviewing some documents.

"The Yokusaka convoy should be nearing the target area now, Admiral" Nagato reported

"I see"

"Mmm. All this waiting is wearing me out" Mutsu looked bored

"Have a little patience. In these situations, first one to give out loses"

"That's right" Nagato proudly nodded

Twenty minutes later, the allied convoy radioed to report over the situation. At the same time, I thought Yamato's fleet should arrive at enemy fleet location in the Solomon islands.

"This is flagship Chitose of the Yokusaka convoy. There are no Abyssal fleet spotted in the vicinity. I repeat, there are no Abyssal fleet spotted in the vicinity"

"Copy that, flagship Chitose"

Ooyodo then relayed the message on Aoba's fleet after the status report was updated by the flagship of the allied convoy. It seems the situation is going down smoothly than expected. At 2340, Aoba updated her fleet's status as well.

"This is flagship Aoba. The fleet is 50 kilometers south of Savo island and an allied fleet has been spotted"

An allied convoy? It seems Yokusaka's convoy is in the target point faster than I expected. Despite it...a fatal mistake has been made...at that time.

"The Express fleet is under attack by an enemy surface combat fleet!"

Ooyodo told me in a loud tone while continuing to listen to the radio message.

"The enemy fleet is composed of four elite Battleship Ru-class, three Heavy cruiser Ri-class...also elite, One standard Carrier Wo kai flagship, and two Battleship Ta-class!"

"What?! That many?!" I was shocked

"Led by Battleship Princess!"

The Battleship...Princess. That Abyssal...has the most number of ship girls decimated next to Central Princess. At this rate, the fleet will be wiped out.

"Furutaka and Aoba has been moderately damaged"

"Admiral" Nagato looked at me

"Send Yamato's fleet at top speed...and retreat as soon as possible"

"Roger!"

Of all the time I sent a fleet not meant to take on that many Battleships, especially the Battleship Princess herself.

"Didn't the Yokusaka convoy said there are no Abyssals in the vicinity?!" Mutsu's right

"Ooyodo, radio the Yokusaka convoy"

"Roger!"

"Just what are those Yokusaka girls doing?" Nagato bit her thumb

"Admiral, the Yokusaka fleet isn't responding!"

"Don't tell me..."

"The Abyssals got the Yokusaka fleet as well..."

They didn't radio about the enemy. Were they intercepted before they could even do it? Or did they failed to fail to radio it on their part?

(This kind of situation...bring back horrible memories)

On October 11 20XX, at the aftermath at the operation in Savo island...the Maizuru Naval district succeeded, but at the cost of one casualty.

"According to the flagship Aoba, the enemy seemed they've been expecting the fleet. Furthermore, they were overpowered with the Battleship Princess' ambushing them"

While facing the higher ups, I had to report myself along with the written one...as they changed the protocol.

"Who's the casualty?"

"The Special type Destroyer Fubuki of Aoba's fleet. She sunk after suffering cannon fire from the Battleship Princess"

"At the very least, you managed to keep minimal casualty at a dangerous operation"

It makes me uneasy mentioning and hearing at the single loss of one of the ship girls I'm handling. Maybe...I just got a little too attached with those girls.

"Yes. The main force, Yamato's fleet arrived in time to eliminate the enemy fleet"

"On your report, it says...about a standard Wo class?"

"It was a Flagship version which explains its ability to launch planes at night"

These people haven't seen a living Abyssal up close. They just sit there and bark orders, not caring if it sends ship girls to die. These fools...who only care for themselves...

"It was fortunate enough that the first express fleet suffered moderate to heavy damage, despite the ambush and one loss"

"Well this war is getting increasingly difficult with the Abyssals learning each day"

(It's not the entire Abyssal. The Demons and Princesses are the ones that have human level intelligence)

It reminded me of that one Hime a long time ago. They don't know about what really happened at that incident so it's best kept a secret.

"Though we didn't manage to clear the island of the Abyssals"

"Then we leave the cleaning of the area to your ship girls" The Admiral of the fleet gave me an order

"Yes sir" I saluted

"That will be all. Dismissed"

With that, I saluted and left the room still feeling annoyed and ticked off at those officials. I lost a good friend out of a rear admiral's foolishness, but they brushed it off like the loss meant nothing.

"Someone looks really pissed" Sajin spoke to me in a teasing tone

"Just annoyed" I sighed

"You came here to report as well, huh"

"Yeah..."

I guess he is here with the same reason as mine...reporting to our higher ups. Ugh, I just wish I could see his face less often.

"I heard you lost one of your girls"

While outside, he lit up a cigarette and smoked. He tried to offer me one, but I shook off my head. Damn...I guess he heard about the operation as well...

"What about it?"

"You're not upset?"

"Why would I? It's not like this is the first time"

His face softened; It's strange for a man in his late twenties. This good for nothing Admiral may look a bit scary, but he cares for his girls.

"There's no point in wallowing over it. We're adults, you know"

"Ha ha ha! Same as ever. You would always look past what happened and move on in an instant"

He's making it sound like I'm some sort of heartless person. This bastard would sometimes get on my nerves.

"It's weird for a twenty four year old woman to act like that. It's like you're a battle hardened survivor"

"Survivor..."

It reminded me of the memory of that time. A base was bombed and she was with me at that time. The Central Princess attacked with a cold glare on her face. For me to live...she had to sacrifice herself...

"That little destroyer you believed in...it's a shame you lost her"

"Yeah..."

"How's her teammates doing?"

"Not good, especially Mutsuki and Yuudachi"

Those two. When they returned to the base, they cried with their sorrow echoing from the bottom of their hearts. Mutsuki had it the worst as Fubuki sank right before her.

"But it was a sacrifice, right?"

"Not really. Fubuki saw it coming...her fate I mean"

He looked confused while he took of his cigarette from his mouth.

"You wouldn't understand"

I stood up and walked away. I don't want to talk more to this annoying bastard that I call an acquaintance.

"Before you go"

"...?" I looked back

"I hope I can visit your Naval district again and see your wonderful ship girls"

"..."

His sadistic grin is also annoying, but I smiled as a reply and tipped off my hat. It's only been a day since the operation and I can't blame if the other Destroyers felt a little grief. They lost one of their comrades after all. When I returned to the base and head straight through my office...I sat on my chair thinking everything that has happened so far.

"This is a war. Casualties are to be expected" I told myself

Even if I tell that to myself, I can't help but feel sadness like any human being. It's been a month ever since that operation, huh. I don't want to see another one sink, because the first time it happened...it hurt so much. While I laid my back on my chair and is about fall asleep, someone knocked and enter.

"Admiral, new orders from the main Headquarters has been issued" Nagato handed over a few papers

"New orders?" I wasn't expecting that

As my eyes looked over the words in the telegram, I was a bit taken by surprise at first.

"Operation AL is postponed? Why would they cancel this operation?"

The telegram sent from the main command doesn't explain why the operation for two Naval districts have been delayed for just a small scale operation.

"Intercept the large enemy fleet planning an assault towards the Malaya anchorage in the estimated route...Sink the Southern War Demon that will head into the anchorage...hmm..."

"..."

"This is a lot of details..."

An assault...this will be slightly problematic. Well, this is my duty as the Admiral after all.

"I guess I can use the the submarines to tail their movements if they're sending large capital ships"

In addition, the report that came with the order stated that a Southern War Demon is on that area. It's just another large scale operation after all...but I can't underestimate the Abyssals, never again.

"What will be your next action, Admiral?"

"Arrange three fleets for the operation within twenty four hours"

Since the details on the strategy for the operation already came with the order, all I have to do now is arrange a fleet. One of my options is to send a torpedo squadron accompanied by a carrier led fleet.

"Southern War Demon. Brings back old memories"

"A War Demon class. Then...the enemy flagship is not ordinary" Nagato has a point

"As long as it doesn't evolve or anything, the operation will go as planned"

A Demon or Princess class that evolves can wipe out a heavy fleet singlehandedly if we're not careful. The only thing assuring right now is that the enemy flagship has weaker armor compared to the other Abyssals.

"Is there something wrong, Admiral?"

"No. It's just this uneasiness of mine"

I've gotten used to this uncomfortable feeling, but it keeps bothering me whenever there's an operation. I don't know if this is fear or excitement...or both.

"As time passes, facing the Abyssals proves to be more increasingly difficult"

"Admiral..."

"I'm not planning on giving up though. If an Admiral like me succumbs to doubt, what will you guys think?"

The cycle never ceases to end. The seas just keep claiming the lives of both ship girls and Abyysals. This is why...nothing will ever change...because of the way we are now. Even I am stuck in this cycle...

"I still believe that the tides of war will be turned and end for good" Nagato told me in a comforting voice

"You just returned my own words"

"..." She smiled

With that, I dismissed my discussion with Nagato and she left the office. If only I knew back then...the Abyssals...then this wouldn't have happened. I lost a few ship girls in the past and I could never forget every single one of them.

"Especially you" I brought a picture frame from the drawer

As I put back the picture frame, I thought of how am I going to deal with the Abyssal Destroyer Princess who's been quiet lately. At the very least, I want to gamble in this small hope...that there's still a chance for her.

"I have to do something about her"

...So I went to visit the currently detained Princess in this base. When I entered, she's silently staring to nothing and lately notices my presence. As always, her expression is blank and empty.

"Fubuki"

"It's you again..." I'm not sure whether she's happy to see me or not. I can't tell

"We have something to talk about"

It's about time I tell her what I'm planning to do with her situation. Whether she's interested or not is a mystery for me.

"Those visions...dreams...What can you see in them?"

"...A battle. There were explosions and it was dark, but there was a light"

Explosions? Dark and a light? Maybe she remembered the battles she had as a ship girl, but vaguely.

"Someone called out to me. She was crying while I was falling"

I now think that she is referring to her last operation as Fubuki. Maybe all she can remember is the last horrible battle she had...

"And uttered a name..."

"What name?"

"...Mutsuki"

Mutsuki, huh. Does this mean she has a piece of memory about Mutsuki left in her? It's still unproven, but that journal stated there's a chance of retaining a "familiarity" to the person closest to the Abyssal.

"I want to know who this girl really is...and why she is always on my head"

"This only meant you're still clinging, Fubuki"

"Clinging?"

"You're still holding on to the memories you don't want to let go"

In this case, Fubuki's soul and consciousness doesn't want to let go of the memory of her friends, especially Mutsuki. All this time...you're still fighting...yourself. Her Abyssal self is struggling to destroy everything of her past as ship girl...

"Why?"

"Because Mutsuki was the person you cared about the most. She was an important friend to you"

"Important...friend"

The way she reached, it is as if she wanted to remember...but she just can't. If this continues she might lose against herself.

"There's a still a chance to regain some, if not all parts of your memories. It depends if you're willing to cooperate"

"I want to...make clear...of these images..."

I guess I'll take that as a yes. At first, talking to her was difficult as she was a bit violent and hostile, but she calmed down not long after.

"Why won't it just go away...?!"

"It would never go away as long as you're you're ship girl self is still fighting"

"My...ship girl self?" She looks confused

"You'll understand soon"

Fubuki's eyes are filled with uncontrollable emotions. The pieces of her former self, Is it tormenting her this badly?

"We'll talk again later when you made a decision"

Right now, she's conflicted whether she wants to regain her memories or not. I guess I need to give her some time to process all of this. When I head back to my office, I began to think about the aftermath of battle in Savo island.

"How did Destroyer Fubuki sank?"

"By cannon fire from the Battleship Princess" Yamato reported

"Is that so...?"

Another ship girl under my command sunk. It's been a long time since a ship girl sunk...and this brought up old wounds from the past. Nagato stood beside me, silently observing.

"They were just waiting at the entire time, in the cover of darkness"

"It was unexpected for them have superiority over detection" Nagato commented

That night where there is no moon to light down the sea and knowing our surface radars are still developing...they struck. I'm only angry that they caught wind of what we were planning and used it to their advantage.

"This just to show that the Abyssals are more organized than we thought"

With the Demon and Princess class serving as their commanders, it's going to be difficult to entirely wile out the Abyssal fleet. Not to mention, the power of both the Demon and Princess far exceeds even of a battleship.

"I really...have to stop making stupid mistakes"

"Admiral..." Yamato looked as if she's pitying

"At the very least, I didn't lose a fleet"

The death of one person to save a hundred is worth the sacrifice...is what my former commander told me. The question is, Where is the sacrifice in this? Even though they're ship girls...they're still humans.

"To think the convoy of two Naval districts were attacked and overpowered that easily"

The Yokusaka Naval district's convoy was wiped out in the island itself while we were attacked 50 kilometers south of the island.

"Commander, if the other Naval district fleet was ambushed as well...why didn't they radioed for backup?"

Yamato was probably referring to the fact that the two "Express fleet" was supposed to meet up at the island an begin the collaborated operation.

"That's because they were easily overpowered and wiped out. Then there's Aoba..."

"According to the Express fleef flagship Aoba, she mistook the enemy fleet as an allied convoy" Nagato reminded me

(Aoba...I am going to have a long talk with that girl)

I still have enough patience to not dismantle her, but I'm still going to scold and suspend her for a while.

"Hmm..."

Not to mention, the closest fleet available at that time was Yamato's fleet who were on a different mission. If they haven't arrived in time...then I would lose six of my ship girls.

"Those Abyssals were already aware of the two Express fleets meeting up and devised a counter attack plan"

Battleship Princess...I'll definitely get back at you. Knowing that the two Express fleets were not meant to take on a large number of battleships which are included the Battleship Princess herself and the fact that they're not equipped with radars at that time. Not to mention the low visibility at the night where the moon has set.

The events of the past that binds us here

Akagi's words reminded me somehow of an old memory. Aah...Now I remember the last talk I had with Akagi and Kaga regarding the situation with Fubuki.

"Akagi? What is it?"

For some reason, she looks tensed and nervous at something. Kaga, on the other hand, is calm and shows little emotion.

"I want to talk about the connection of the Ship girls and Abyssals"

"Hmm..." I'm intrigued by her expression

"Akagi, it's fine if you don't want to voice it out right now" Kaga tapped her shoulder

What are these two talking about? I'm just here sitting, not knowing what they want to tell me.

"No. Kaga, this is something I should have talked about with the commander a long time ago"

"If you want to tell me anything, just say it now. I don't like idling around"

Not that I'm angry or anything, but I hate it when people make me wait more than I should.

"The ship girls and the Abyssals. Both of us are bound by fate's endless cycle"

"What are you trying to tell me?" I tilted my head

"Admiral, I..."

"Just say what you have to say. It's not like it would surprise me"

"Commander, when I first sunk...I remembered coming back as an Abyssal"

"..."

"I remembered everything when I was the Midway Princess. It's then I realized the truth"

I continued to sit here, gazing silently and observing the mood of these two aircraft carriers. She told me about her experience as the Midway Princess. She first told me that about a year when I was first assigned at Maizuru, but this time she gave more details about the nature of being an Abyssal.

"Admiral, it's very painful...my old memories. Slowly, my consciousness as a ship girl were fading"

"Akagi-san wanted me to sink her before she could fully lose herself"

"I may not know how it feels so sink someone important to you who had become an Abyssal, but I do know how it's painful for both sides"

"Admiral..." Kaga's finger twitched

"I know a lot of the Abyssals since I have a horrible past with them"

I wasn't surprised at the truth Akagi told me. I was surprised that Akagi knew that she sunk and remembered being an Abyssal. No wonder she both feels uneasy yet determined when talking about fate.

"So why did you tell me this?"

"Akagi said it's about time because of the situation with the Abyssal in our base"

"Is that so?"

"Also because I knew the Admiral would understand" Akagi smiled gently

"Hmm..."

I thought for a while. With the information Akagi just revealed to me, a new door of hope just opened up for this situation. I ended up smiling as if I found something...satisfying.

"Admiral?" Akagi looks confused

"Thank you for telling me this, Akagi"

"H-huh?"

"Thanks to it, there might be really a chance for Fubuki to regain her memories as a ship girl"

If a ship girl like Akagi who after her sinking retained her memories as an Abyssal even now...it gave me one theory. There could be a possibility that Abyssals who were once ship girls can retain their memories as a ship girl...

"At first, I found it curious that Destroyer Mutsuki recognized the Abyssal as her friend Fubuki because of the lingering feelings"

"...?!" Those two looked a little surprised

"I had to hold her to confirm it and its true after a bit of interrogation and observation"

"So that's why you made an unlikely decision, commander" Kaga faintly smiled

It's only fair for me to tell this information to them since Akagi told me something I should know. Though I do know about Akagi and Kaga's past...mostly.

"By the way...Akagi, did you tell anyone about this?"

"No, Admiral. Only you and Kaga know about this"

"Good. Keep it a secret from everyone else...even from Nagato"

"Roger that"

"You too, Kaga"

"Understood" Kaga nodded

It seems I'm not the only one, huh. Well this stupid plan might just work, but I have to be careful or the higher ups will discover I'm harboring an Abyssal. Even if I tell them the truth about the Abyssals...they'll probably dismantle the ship girls and just bomb the all the oceans with warheads not caring about the damages.

"We never had this discussion. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am"

"Alright. Dismissed"

They saluted and left my office. I had to admit I'm surprised that Akagi has "post sinking memories". Sinking is a horrible thing that it brings out the hatred and grief within the soul of a ship girl, thus resulting the existence of Abyssals. If this possibility can come into a reality, maybe...I can save her as well.

If it's okay...I want to leave my last wish, commander

Your...last wish?

Yes

...Alright. What is it?

Commander...

There were tears on her eyes when her lips begun to speak those words. At that time, I was both moved and speechless at what she said. I can admit...it hurt my heart when she left her last wish to me. Don't worry...I always keep my word...