Chapter 21-East China Sea and The KanColle Citadel V
An Abyssal Armada plowed through the placid seas due south of Kyushu Japan, headed by a small cluster of I-class destroyers, followed by the ex-Yahagi Chi-class cruiser, twin Ru-class battleships with the Kongou configuration, two Chi-class cruisers with Tenryuu silhouettes, a Ho-class cruiser, the Battleship Princess, and two Wo-class carriers.
Fused to her superstructure the short-haired Hiei yelled over to her sibling, "Hey sis!"
Her younger sister sighed in mild exasperation. Her sister was infamous for being a bit of a scatterbrain, Check…1-2-3. Okay it works. Oneesan, just use the link.
"Naw I want to talk to you this way! I know Kongou-neesan, and Haruna defected to the enemy forces. Do you think they hate us now?"
The former Kirishima shook her head, and pointed out the obvious, "Can you picture Haruna hating anyone?"
"Er…nope! Good thinking."
"Kongou-oneesan will fight against us to be sure, but I can't imagine she'd take any pleasure in it."
"Yuudachi-chan joined the humans too. She fought so bravely with us at Guadalcanal! It makes me sad that she's our enemy now."
"If we defeat them, then we get them back on our side. Trust the Princess."
The former Hiei nodded vigorously, "Right! I'll fight with all my spirit!"
The I-class directly in front of them groused, Ru-senpais, we have a battle to win! Geez! Show some professionalism!
"Hieeee~! Sorry!"
Aboard the leading Chi-class with her trusty binoculars in hand, Yukikaze sighed as she reached the grave of her greatest failure, her glowing amber eyes displayed obvious melancholy and regret.
"It isn't your fault, Yuki-chan. We all failed her that spring back in Showa 20." Yahagi at the helm took out a small resin block with a single pastel pink cherry tree petal embedded within and gazed at it with a longing expression. "I've waited 70 years to be at her side again."
The younger Wo-class sister linked in, Listen up ladies! My recon planes indicate clear skies above. The humans dare not approach us. It's now or never, Battleship Hime!
The ex-Nagato replied, Very good Wo-san. Is CarDiv 5 ready to fight?
You know it, Princess! We'll outrange any enemy for sure, and outfight CarDivs 1 and 2 whenever you recruit them! Isn't that right Wo-nee?
My, my, you're so spirited dear sister! Be sure to welcome our sister carriers with open arms!
The ex-Zuikaku groused, Wo-nee, c'mon! Why do you have to give our rival carriers the benefit of the doubt?
Yukikaze urgently chimed in, Wo-senpai, please! I've finally got her signal!
The Princess inquired, What do you detect, I-chan?
It's definitely her! Her face broke into a beaming smile, Yahoo! We did it!
The Battleship princess imperiously steamed past the recently revived former Kirishima and Hiei. She crossed her arms as her hull drew even with lead light cruiser, Ready I-chan?
Yukikaze giggled and hopped up and down, Ready!
With pulsing waves of energy the Princess scowled as her powers combined with the tiny destroyers wrenched the two halves of the most legendary battleship in history off the murky seabed. The massive Yamato reassembled and sprouted organic growths all over her hull. On her bridge a tall, statuesque Japanese maiden in a tight pure white robe and short skirt with thigh high black boots materialized on her vessel's bridge. Her long black hair was tied back in a long ponytail that reached her upper thighs. Two horns emerged from the sides of her head and branched into two prongs each.
The Princess looked the massive battleship over with smug satisfaction, Welcome to the hive, Yamato-san. You will help us defeat the human ants infesting our waters! Follow me.
Yukikaze's eyes widened, Princess! Something's wr-
Quiet!
The cowed destroyer bowed deeply, Yes, your highness!
Tears of blood cascaded down Yamato's cheeks as she took out a small knife and hacked off her ponytail, letting the hair slip down to the spoke in a terse monotone, I'm ready to finish the mission, your imperial majesty! I humbly apologize that my assault was delayed. I will restore my honor at whatever the cost, I swear it!
The Princess testily snapped, Yamato-san! Forget about Operation Ten-Go! You are under my authority now!
Yahagi grew even paler than usual, Princess! You need to get out of her way!
I will stop the Americans at Okinawa. I will use my guns to bombard the invasion fleet. I will honor the Emperor as my lost crew did. I will obey my orders. I will achieve victory this time! She burst into insane giggles, I will depart at once!
Nagato lost her patience, ignored her panicking underlings, and snarled, Listen you stupid battleship, you answer to the Abyssal hive now! The war ended decades ago Miss 'Yamato hotel'!
Yamato projected a violet field all around her body and hull and screamed piercingly, I…am…not…a…hotel! She opened her eyes and they were jet black! Six 46.0 cm cannons in the front two turrets roared to life and two AP shells found their mark its mark blasting through the Nagato's tower foremast causing a massive fireball at the lower levels. The Princess was blasted through her own bridge windows and atop her #2 turret. The 70,000 plus ton battleship fired up her engines and steamed past the unconscious Princess as her AA battery targeted the Wo-class carrier planes. She yelled, Antiair batteries, fire at will! You won't get me again!
The ex-Tenryuu watched the largest battleship in the world pass her portside beam with her mouth agape, Holy crap!
Her younger sister was uncharacteristically subdued, I may be wrong, but I think that summons was botched.
Yukikaze tearfully watched her crazed idol steam away as the fleet crash-dove to avoid the Princess' fate. Wait, Yamato-senpai! I'm coming with you! She dove off her friend's bridge and formed her blimp-like I-class hull to follow her charge. Her sister Hamakaze quickly followed suit.
Yahagi grimly opted to join in the fool's errand as well. She bowed respectfully to the Princess as Hiei and Kirishima frantically scrambled aboard to attend to their ruler. The cruiser's devotion to Yamato-senpai trumped her oath to obey the Battleship Princess. Four ships from the Ten-Go operation sailed south towards Okinawa as the remaining Abyssals watched with stupefied disbelief.
…
As the admirals and their entourage entered the dining hall, loud cheers from the assembled fleet maidens rang in their eyes. All of them were dressed in their elaborate costumes. In addition, several officers and crew from the USS Mason and JS Akebono were watching from the sidelines in casual civilian attire, as the feast was designed to help everyone forget about the war for a few precious hours.
Yuudachi joyfully bounced up and down, "Mealtime~! Mealtime~!"
Her sisters Shigure and Harusame both broke into amused giggles. Yamakaze looked muddled and bashful as a visibly anxious Kearsarge in a borrowed dress shirt and khakis loomed behind her.
Captain Hollis gave Yuudai and Bethany hearty backslaps, "Welcome back! I'm starving!"
Yuudai managed a grateful smile to his friends. Luckily he had surrendered the ring to Ooyoda for safekeeping in the base safe to prevent from being mobbed again.
Admiral Ramirez made a beeline for her faithful American girls.
Olympia smiled, "Welcome back, ma'am."
All five ships saluted, and Delphy stammered, "A-admiral, I acted so stupidly, and k-know you must hate me…"
Bethany beamed and wordlessly hugged the three Clemson class ship girls. Dephy started to sob into her superior's shirt.
Lee noted with a content smile, "I said she'd forgive ya, hon."
The admiral nodded vigorously, and was shocked as Ari gave her a tight embrace as well. "Apologies, ma'am. I acted most foolishly."
"Oh Ari, you're still a national icon. You could never disappoint me!"
The battleship's light brown eyes registered intense gratitude, "Gracias, Almirante Ramirez."
"De nada."
Elsewhere in the room, Yuudachi bowed to Yuudai. "I'm sorry we acted like fools, poi!"
"We've all messed up Yuudachi. It's okay." Taking a cue from Shigure's reaction he reached over and gently patted the blond destroyer's head.
The cute destroyer practically purred, "Yay! I was praised by the Admiral, poi!"
Yamashiro bowed, "Welcome home, sir."
Fusou smiled to her sister, although she was uncomfortably under Mrs. Mizushima's analytic gaze alongside her rival Kongou.
Yuudai's dad blinked in astonishment, "Son, are all of these ladies warships?"
"Yeah. All but Kearsarge so far." He nodded in the direction of the overwhelmed craneship, as DesDiv 6 all gave the Admiral enthusiastic hugs.
Akatsuki then saluted her Admiral and sighed, "I'm sorry that we didn't act like the elegant ladies that we are, Commander."
He smiled and patted her dark purple hair affectionately. "I would never think less of any of you."
"Uuuuu! Commaaaandeeer! I'm not a little kid!"
Yuudai beamed and dropped his hand, "My apologies Akatsuki-san."
Ikazuchi giggled, "Well then give us a headpat instead! We don't mind!"
Her shy sister fidgeted, "I-it's okay if the Commander doesn't want to…"
He gave the younger Akatsuki sisters a playful pat on their heads. Both of the sisters looked unashamedly content. Yuudai was beginning to realize that the younger fleet maidens really enjoyed this gesture of affection.
Akatsuki looked annoyed and crossed her arms. "A-anyway, we should get to the serving line. We have to relieve Suzutsuki-san, Akebono-san and Ooyoda-senpai in their sea patrols in an hour."
"You got it, Akatsuki-neechan!"
"Of course, nanodesu!"
With a camera in hand Captain Satou from the JS Akebono came over with a broad smile, as the fleetgirls happily and noisily partied around her. "Hey I have an idea! Why don't we put the Nishimura fleet together in one shot?"
Fusou looked over to her Admiral with flickering uncertainty.
Yuudai gushed as only a true military otaku could as he enthusiastically took the twin sisters' hands in his, "Hell yeah! That a fantastic idea! Send me a copy while you're at it Captain Satou!"
Yamashiro grumbled under her breath, "Please Admiral, this is unbecoming of us!"
Satou ignored the flustered battleship, and grinned as she waved them into position, "Okay, back row from left to right; Fusou-san, Mogami-san and Yamashiro-san."
Fusou smiled, "Our former Admiral would be happy to see this photograph, Yamashiro."
"Yeah, yeah. I get it Fusou-neesama!"
Sae waved the destroyers over, "Front row on one knee. Left to right; Michishio-san, Yamagumo-san, Asagumo-san, and Shigure-san."
Shigure swelled with pride as she got the privilege to kneel in front of Yamashiro-senpai.
"Everybody blink! Now say Nishimura!"
A chorus of seven voices said, "Nishimura!"
"Great! I just got five shots off! Thanks ladies!"
Yuudai took a few cell phone pictures and was giddy with enthusiasm as he saw his idols all in one place. His mother squeezed his shoulder. "Heh! Sorry mom. I love them all so much!"
"Did you tell Shigure-chan about your model of her?"
He hissed in embarrassment, "Mom! Please don't tell me you brought the wooden Shigure model I made in high school. I'd never live it down!"
Shigure wandered over with a friendly smile, "Who's a model, Mrs. Mizushima?"
Hana giggled, "You are my dear child."
"Thanks. I'll see you later. It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Mizushima. Admiral." The destroyer gave her superior a salute before rejoining her sisters at their table.
A flustered Admiral felt like he was a guilty schoolboy again, "Anything else you want to humiliate me with, mother?"
"How serious are you about Fusou-san?"
Ugh! Once again, his all-knowing mother scored a bullseye. "I think the brass at the JMSDF would discourage me from dating a warship."
"Oh? So why are your maidens of steel gushing about you having a wedding ring in your possession?"
"Okay, okay! I like Fusou-san…a lot. I think I might even love her. I don't even see her as a battleship. She is an amazing and graceful person."
Hana smiled knowingly at her beloved boy and the girl that all too obviously adored him. "So when can we set an Omiai for you two?"
He had dreaded this day for a long time, as he had known his mother had made him promise to start the search for an eligible partner as soon as he had graduated from the Naval academy. However, he had never dreamed in a million years that the first girl he could potentially end up with on an arranged date would be the avatar of the grainy poster that was reverently hanging over his bed. "Er…It's a bit premature yet."
"Of course Yuu-chan."
On the other side of the room, Ari and Bethany looked up in surprise as two girls in green kimonos made their way over to the American battleship, followed by Lieutenant Nakahara, Hollis' XO. The elder sister knelt on the wooden floor and prostrated herself. "Miss Arizona, please forgive our shameful actions in the war between our nations. We were mistaken to attack a foe that was so dedicated and resolute to win at any cost." Nakahara translated the heartfelt plea into English.
Ari sighed as the raven-haired younger sister followed suit. "Look, you two weren't in the Pearl raid, right? Why should I blame you for anything?"
Amagi looked up sorrowfully up at her former enemy, "Because my sister Katsuragi and I are standard carriers. I know it can't be easy for you to be around us."
Katsuragi nodded in agreement, "Amagi-nee is right! Of all of the Kanmusu, you need an apology the most, Ari-senpai!"
"Look…um…please get up."
Both Unryuu-class carriers got back on their feet, looking gloomily at Ari.
"If I ran into Akagi or Kaga I'd be mad as hell, but you two never saw any action at all." She tapped her foot and her face softened, "Okay. Apology accepted. I know all of you were just tools in the service of a vindictive empire."
Amagi bowed deeply, "You have my sincere thanks, Ari-san!"
"You rock," Katsuragi chipped in gleefully.
After the carriers and Nakahara returned to serving out food, Arizona muttered under her breath as she nodded to her Admiral and made her way over to a certain very loud Japanese battleship. "Hey…um. Kongou."
Haruna and Kongou both turned at gawked at BB-39. The elder sister recovered quickly and spoke in English, "Hey there. I'm sorry I was a pest today. I shouldn't have opened up old wounds."
Ari steeled herself and firmly took Kongou's right hand in hers and gave it a firm shake. "I'm sorry about what I said. I hated the warmongering Empire of Japan, not you."
Kongou's somber face morphed into wide-eyed delight. "Wonderful! I'm happy to be your friend, Ari-san!" She impulsively gave her more powerful former antagonist a crushing hug.
Haruna bowed demurely, "Haruna is happy to serve alongside you Miss Arizona."
The flustered American finally gave up the struggle and hugged Kongou back, "Oh alright, friends."
Bethany wiped at the damp corners of her glowing eyes at the heartwarming sight.
Just then, an ashen-faced Akebono ran in and screeched, "Girls! We're in deep shit!"
Everyone turned in shock, as all three of the Akatsuki siblings dropped plates onto the floor at the sight of a ghost that haunted their nightly dreams.
"Меня зовут Верным." Dressed in a tight black corset and white cape, a white-haired horned girl with glowing blue eyes sadly looked at her sisters, "Здравствуйте, Akatsuki, Inazuma, Ikazuchi. Yamato атакует Okinawa. Вы должны остановить ее."
A horrified Yuudai knew that if that the Abyssal version of Verniy was warning the enemy fleet maidens about the Yamato, then they were all screwed!