Whispers of Saturn
Chapter 13: Phantasmagoria
The air was still within the training grounds, a sort of unbreakable serenity blanketing the outdoor area. No wind blew nor did it distantly howl, only the quiet chirping of birds punctuating the otherwise complete silence.
Fssh!
With a sharp whistle Maya's katana swept out, cleanly cleaving in half a single cherry blossom petal that gently fluttered in front of her. The gust created by her swing carried the two halves away from her, both coming to settle on grass by her feet. Maya held the stance for a moment before allowing her muscles to relax, resetting back to a more relaxed stance with her blade by her side.
''...too slow.'' Maya muttered critically, resuming a ready stance.
It had been a total of two days since Atago had mysteriously disappeared, and had likely sided with Roon and her allies. At first Maya refused to believed that her sister had betrayed them, that she would rather side with a psychopathic woman obsessed with the Commander. But as the hours went by and not a hair was seen of her, the reality was slowly beginning to set in.
But Maya refused to grow weak and simply await Atago's return, to get answers. Instead she had taken to training, to honing her swordsmanship to its fullest. That way if the rumours were true that Atago was their enemy, she could defeat her and bring her in for questioning, to find out the truth – to find out what could make their sister abandon all that she knew.
Another petal fell and Maya reacted, almost instinctively lashing out and severing it in half. Yet it was still too slow. She needed to be faster. It didn't matter that she was one of the better swordsman in the Sakura Empire – she wouldn't stop until she was the best. And that meant surpassing both Takao and Atago; both masters in their own right. The latter especially.
''Hn...'' Maya lowered her sword, one hand coming up to wipe away the sweat on her forehead. She supposed she could take a brief break; she'd been at this since sunrise, and it was nearly noon.
She took one step towards the training room doors – before she stilled, her animal ears perking up. Something moved. On instinct she spun around and gazed across the empty courtyard, nothing but the grass and the cherry blossom to be seen. Yet her instincts said otherwise.
''Ara... your instincts have gotten better, Maya-chan.''
Maya's eyes dilated, her head snapping up. Standing up on the highest branch of the cherry blossom, was Atago – smiling placidly down at her.
''Atago...'' Maya gripped her blade tighter. ''Why are you here?''
''Hm? Can't a pure-hearted onee-chan come visit her little sister?'' Atago replied amusedly.
With a gentle roll of her hips Atago slid off the tree, falling and landing in a low crouch in front of Maya. The white-haired cruiser backed up a few steps and scowled, watching as Atago slowly rose back to her full height; her amused smile never leaving her visage. Her heart warred between simply laying her sword down and talking to Atago, and to fight her sister and make her answer for her crimes.
''What's with that pitiful expression?'' Atago teased, slowly walking closer. ''Not happy to see me?''
Maya immediately raised her sword. ''Stay where you are!''
''So cold~'' Atago giggled but obliged, stopping dead in her tracks.
''Why... why are you here?'' Maya struggled for words, her mind racing.
The black-haired woman hummed, eyes twinkling. ''I wasn't lying. I'm here to see you, Maya.''
''...why?''
Atago gave her a disarming smile.
''To remind you.''
In an instant Atago's katana shot out from her sheath, her blade cutting through the air so fast it whistled. Maya reacted in an instant, tilting her blade into a guard – and flinched as their swords clanged together, the sheer explosive force behind it sending her stumbling back a single step. Atago ruthlessly took advantage of her weakness, tilting her blade forwards so the tip nearly cut her face.
Maya leaned back, giving Atago a hard shove and sending her back; putting distance between them. She gripped her katana with both hands and lunged, swinging down in a swift overhead strike – but Atago was faster, easily parrying her blade aside. Maya didn't give up; following up with a rapid series of slashes that sent sparks flying from when their blades collided, slowly forcing her sister to take several steps back to avoid getting cut.
''My~'' Atago lips curled into a smile. ''You've gotten faster.''
Maya didn't reply to the compliment, putting her weight on her right foot and stabbing her blade out in a thrust. Atago batted her sword aside – just as Maya hoped, instantly shifting her weight onto her left foot and following it with a spin, her katana coming in a wide arc. Her traitorous sister looked mildly surprised but still blocked it with only minimal effort, stopping her blade dead.
''You'll have to try harder than that, Maya-chan.'' Atago remarked, the faintest hint of condescension flickering through her eyes.
The white-haired cruiser narrowed her eyes, leaping back. Dimly it occurred to her that she could summon her rigging, but she didn't. This was pure swordsmanship. Plus if she did, then Atago would likely summon her rigging too, effectively nullifying that advantage. As long as she stuck with swordsmanship, then so would Atago.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Atago took the lead this time, lunging forth – her blade back in its sheath. Iaido. Maya quickly kicked off the ground and launched into the air, just in time to avoid Atago as she drew her blade and swung it in a wide arc; shattering nearby glass with the sheer force. Maya tilted forwards and grasped her katana with both hands, bringing it down in a strong overhead swing aimed right for Atago.
''You're wide open.''
It happened so fast her brain barely registered it. One moment Atago stood below her, back to her and glancing over her shoulder. Then her sister whipped around impossibly fast and threw her sheath, striking Maya right on the nose and shattering it – a choked cry escaping her as she reflexively leaned her head back.
Her knees hit the ground and one hand flew to her face, wincing as she probed her bloody nose – only to stiffen as she felt a blade to her throat.
''That's strike one, Maya-chan.'' Atago reminded amusedly.
Maya reacted swiftly, batting aside Atago's katana and leaping away, landing on the roof of the training hall. She gripped her sword tightly, blood dripping between her fingers from where her nails accidentally dug in. Adrenaline pumped in her veins, heightening her senses and making her eyesight razor sharp.
And yet, she could barely perceive the blade racing for her throat.
She raised her own katana just in time to block the sword, flinching as it bounced off and spun through the air – until Atago caught it mid-flight, bringing it down in a heavy overhead strike. Maya blocked the incoming blow and stood strong; but the tile roof beneath her wasn't so durable, cracking and ultimately shattering beneath her, sending both crashing down.
Even as tile, wood and debris fell around her Maya didn't pause, tucking into a roll and putting some distance between her and Atago; her shoes skidding across the wooden flooring. She had barely two seconds to breathe before Atago came lunging out of the dust, her katana whistling through the air and clanging against her own – the impact creating a shockwave that blew away the lingering dust.
''Be aware of your surroundings, Maya-chan.'' Atago chided.
''Wha- Nn!?'' Maya gasped as Atago jammed her wooden sheath into her gut, nearly making Maya fold like a card – and causing Atago's katana to slip past her guard, cutting into her shoulder.
''Strike two.'' Atago whispered, her smile remaining in place even as Maya hastily leaped back. ''Is this all you have, Maya-chan?''
''Shut up...!'' The white-haired cruiser hissed angrily, one hand clutching her bruising stomach.
Atago merely smiled, sheathing her sword. ''Make me.''
Maya snarled and obeyed, kicking off the ground and lunging at her sister, her katana held low in a two-handed stance. She crossed the distance in a single second, her katana whistling through the air with the sheer strength she was packing behind it-
''Weak.''
-and then suddenly her stomach exploded with blood.
''G-Guh!'' Maya let out a choked cry, a deep cut slicing clean through her abdomen – the hot, explosive pain making her mind shut down for a dangerous second. She was moving too fast to stop, and went flying right past the smiling Atago and through the nearby wall, sending splinters airborne as she tumbled back out into the courtyard.
The white-haired woman grunted as she rolled across the grass past the cherry blossom, weakly reaching out and gripping a handful of grass and jerking herself to a stop, her shoulder aching from the abrupt stop. For a painfully long moment all she could feel was her heaving chest and her burning stomach, pain racing through her nerves. Even without looking she knew it was bad; like she could feel the blood leaving her.
Maya groaned, clutching her katana and pushing herself up, shuddering as her body screamed in protest. Over the sound of panting she could hear the cracking of the building; chunks of wood dropping from the support beams and tiles crashing down, shattering on impact. But more than that she heard Atago's delicately-soft footsteps slowly approach her, the peaceful gait not matching the dark amusement in her eyes.
''That's strike three.'' Atago informed simply, raising her blade as if to execute her. ''You know what the means, don't you?''
Three strikes and you're out. Only now, Atago seemed intent on killing her instead of letting her surrender.
''...just tell me one thing...'' Maya grit her teeth, forcing herself to look up at Atago. ''...why?! Why... do any of this...?!''
Atago giggled. ''Hmhm... I just wanted to let off a bit of steam. Punishing you was just an added bonus. As for why I'm here specifically, well...''
Slowly Atago raised a hand – and pointed up.
On instinct Maya obeyed, her golden eyes flickering up... and her eyes dilated to pinpricks at the sight. Of the numerous bodies hanging from the cherry blossom's branches, their bodies no longer hidden behind a veil of pretty pink blossoms. Of the ropes that were tied to the branches, and around their necks; the colour drained from their faces and their eyes empty.
Fletcher. Thatcher. Aulick. The entire Fletcher-class was there.
''W... What...?''
Atago smiled softly, stroking the flat edge of her blade. ''It was surprisingly easy to break their minds, you know? All it took was just a little talk, a little soothing and promise of making things right, and I didn't even have to do anything. Even little Fletcher-chan participated, helping tie her sister's ropes before they all jumped~''
Maya barely heard her, staring at the unmoving bodies of the Eagle Union Destroyers in shattered disbelief. She wanted to deny it so very, very much – but the proof was right in front of her. They were dead. By Atago's machinations no less.
''N-No...'' Maya gripped her katana tighter. She remembered protecting Aulick from Yukikaze and Shigure just yesterday, she remembered telling Fletcher to go home after she helped repair the dorms and wanted to stay around even as the sun set... she didn't know them well, but they were good girls.
They didn't deserve to die.
''Maya!''
Slowly Maya tore her gaze away from the tree, gazing weakly over her shoulder – and to where Takao was, rushing out from inside the building.
''Atago!'' Takao barked, drawing her katana. ''What are you doing here?!''
''Ara... everyone keeps asking me that~'' Atago giggled, winking. ''Looks like it's time for me to go then... and Maya...''
''...stop being such a disappointment, alright~?''
Takao lunged, her sword whistling free from its sheath – but Atago leapt over her and onto the roof, running out of sight.
''Damn her...'' Takao grit her teeth, rushing over to Maya. ''Can you walk?''
''Nn...'' Maya stubbornly pushed herself to her feet, one hand cradling her profusely bleeding stomach. ''I... barely...''
''Then let's get you to the hospital – we must alert the others!''
X-x-X
The sound of the kettle bubbling was always a soothing one, to Vestal.
''Mn...'' The Repair Ship groggily wiped some sleep from her eyes. It was nearing noon but she had woken up at around ten, courtesy of her late night activities.
Groggily Vestal spooned in a plentiful heaping of sugar and stirred it into her coffee mug, her free hand opening the cupboard overhead. Her fingers expertly brushed past the various pill boxes with only a passing glance, easily recognising each individual type of medication from the feel and shape of the box alone. She soon found what she was looking for, curling her fingers around the box and pulling it down; pushing her index finger under the lip and popping it open.
The foil-coated caffeine pills hit the counter-top, and with only a glance she pried out two. She promised Enterprise she wouldn't take too many... but she also didn't promise she wouldn't take them at all. And while she felt guilty for effectively twisting Enterprise's words, she couldn't help it. She needed them – she had opted to take over Akashi's duties as a scientist, given the greedy cat was no longer around. It felt almost like a personal duty to her; to honour what Akashi had spent her whole life doing. If their roles were reversed, Vestal hoped that Akashi would've overtaken the hospital in her stead.
For all her greed, Akashi was a kind soul.
Vestal sighed, slipping the two brown pills into her mouth – quickly taking a swig of water to wash them down. She laid her bottle of water down and added a touch of milk to her coffee before swigging that back too, wincing at the burning heat. She had no idea how the Ironblood girls could drink it straight off the kettle.
For a brief moment she let her eyes drift such, enjoying the brief serenity she had before she set off on her rounds.
Earh Ia'ah Nauh
Vestal opened her eyes, flickering her eyes around the room. Nothing. Just more whispers. She was going mad just trying to figure out what they meant, let alone why they were happening... and why only she could hear them. More than once they had appeared while she was nearby or even talking with someone, yet they showed no signs of noticing the foreign whispers. Not even Enterprise noticed them.
Bhlut Ang'l Khumin
Vestal shivered, pushing the invasive voice from her mind. However something about its ethereal, ghostly tone put her on-guard. It felt like it was trying to warn her.
''Nonsense...'' Vestal murmured, sipping her coffee – yet the piercing feeling of danger only grew, her instincts telling her to trust the mysterious voice.
Click.
''Hm?'' Vestal turned, glancing over her shoulder – but could see nothing. The door was still closed, the drawers were all locked tight... so what made that clicking sound?
The muted, yet distinctly ominous sound of wood sliding against wood set the hair on her neck rigid – and she glanced up. One of the roof panels was slid aside, revealing the small crawlspace filled with wires and pipes. A pair of pantyhose-clad legs slid out of the crawlspace... and as Vestal turned her gaze up further, she found herself staring into the softly-glowing eyes of Ajax.
''Hello~'' Ajax breathed, sliding down.
Vestal panicked and stumbled back, watching as Ajax landed in a low crouch. She didn't get the chance to scream before Ajax crossed the distance – one hand clamping around her throat. Acting on instinct Vestal swung her coffee mug, shattering it against Ajax's outstretched arm and splashing hot coffee all over her, eliciting a pained hiss from the woman and causing her to retract her arm.
''Hel-!'' Vestal didn't get to finish before a right hook struck her jaw with such force stars appeared in her vision, sending her to her knees.
The medic cried out as Ajax grabbed a handful of her hair, yanking her back up before pinning her against the wall – one hand covering her mouth. For a brief, frightening moment they simply stared at one another, unheeding of the minor damage Vestal's desperate attack had done. Little more than a torn sleeve and reddened skin.
''For a doctor, you've got good reflexes.'' Ajax finally spoke, her visage melting back into calm, daresay smug confidence.
Vestal merely glared at her, not bothering to speak – her mind racing for a way out.
''I'm sure you're wondering why I'm here.'' Ajax drawled with purposeful slowness, her fingers curling around Vestal's jawline – squeezing with enough strength to make Vestal wince. ''I'm here because Roon ordered you dead.''
''Mm?!'' Vestal let out a surprised noise, muffled by the hand over her mouth.
''Yep – something about 'heart of the enemy' or something. I wasn't really listening half the time, honestly.'' Ajax chuckled slowly, leaning closer. ''Normally, I'd take my time and make it painful. Satisfying my urges and all. I'm sure you understand – we all have urges, don't we?''
There was a wicked, mocking glint in her eyes – tilting her head towards the opened packet of caffeine pills.
''However...'' Ajax leaned in until they were nose-to-nose. ''...I won't. You're so much of a softie it makes me want to tie you up and stab you until you scream, but I still respect you. You've helped me a lot in the past; Leander and Achilles too. Out of respect for them and yourself, I'll give you a quick death.''
''I could do so much to you. I could burn your blood, I could freeze it, I could rip it right out your eyes – but I refuse to.'' Her lips curled back, a mockery of a snarl on her face. ''Because I'm not a monster.''
Ajax's hand loosened, and Vestal took her chance – suddenly jerking her head forwards. Their foreheads collided with a resounding crack, a startled yelp escaping Ajax as she stumbled back a step. Vestal didn't hesitate, ramming into Ajax with her shoulder and shoving her away; but Ajax was faster. Before she could blink the medic found a hand grabbing her by the front of her dress, and suddenly threw her into the cupboards.
''Ah!'' Vestal cried out, wincing as boxes of medicines crashed down on her head.
Ajax charged her, grabbing her by the neck and gripping so tight Vestal spasmed – before the door slammed open.
''Vestal!'' Enterprise barked, her mechanical bow manifesting in a flash.
Ajax uttered a curse and threw Vestal across the room, the impact creating spiderweb cracks along the impacted wall, drawing the carrier's gaze. Enterprise's distraction was long enough for Ajax to cover the distance, forcing the carrier into melee. Enterprise grit her teeth as a fist impacted her stomach and retaliated with her bow, stabbing the sharp edge out like a sword and forcing Ajax back a step.
In an instant her bow disappeared again, given its unwieldy size. Ajax lunged but Enterprise was ready this time, batting aside Ajax's fist and trying to land a hit of her own – but Ajax was clearly skilled, easily blocking or redirecting her fists in a way that minimised her superior strength. While Enterprise had superior strength and durability on her side, Ajax's skill outmatched hers; a fact Enterprise learned as Ajax grabbed her tie and yanked her head down; straight into her incoming knee.
''Nn!'' Enterprise grunted harshly, spots appearing in her vision.
Ajax ruthlessly took advantage, grabbing her by the hair and slamming her into the wall. Enterprise was far from helpless however – her hand snapping out and grabbing Ajax's extended arm, roughly yanking her close; and directly into Enterprise bent elbow. The sadist choked as the elbow struck her throat, reflexively making her cough and stumble back, giving Enterprise the chance to raise her hand.
Fzzz!
With a sharp hiss her [Starlight] activated, a beam of silver energy shrieking towards Ajax like a bullet. The sadistic woman swiftly leapt out of the way, the beam missing her by a hairs breadth and merely burning a hole through the wall behind her. Enterprise didn't dare let Ajax formulate a plan; rushing her and shoulder-bashing her – and sending them crashing into the window, shattering it.
Ajax hissed and grabbed Enterprise by her shirt – before deliberately throwing her weight back, pulling both of them out the window. The world spun and Enterprise grunted as she hit the cobblestone path, pushing herself up onto her arms. She barely managed that before Ajax was on her, grabbing her arm and yanking it up.
''Hn?!'' Enterprise gasped as her arm suddenly ignited with pain – a bone-deep, pulsating agony that spread like a fire. It hit her a second later.
'Her Gift!'
Enterprise hastily yanked her arm free and threw herself into a roll, putting some distance between them. Her bow manifested into her grip just in time to bat aside Ajax's reaching hand, bringing her other fist down in a downwards strike – but her arm felt painfully sluggish. Ajax tilted out of the way of the telegraphed blow and retaliated with a swift kick to her abdomen, the rough impact followed by a brief but sharp spike of pain.
Thinking fast Enterprise summoned a fleck of golden light, rapidly shaping it into an arrow before firing it at Ajax – but the sadist was quicker, slapping her bow and knocking her aim off. The arrow boomed and pierced into the ground at their feet, and before Enterprise could notch another arrow Ajax was on her; striking at her with a barrage of lethally-accurate punches and kicks, each blow amplified by a brief burst of pain as Ajax used her [Blood Manipulation] during the brief moment of contact.
''Nn!'' Enterprise grunted as a fist hit her jaw, the force knocking her head back.
She swung a hand out blindly, wordlessly triggering her own Gift and unleashing a beam of silver energy; swinging it out in a wide arc. Ajax cursed and leapt over it, bringing her foot down in a vicious axe-kick – only for Enterprise to catch it. The carrier winced as a shock travelled down her arm and ached in her shoulder; the concrete beneath her cracking from the kinetic energy.
Enterprise threw Ajax back and swiftly raised a hand, firing another beam of energy. This time it struck true – a pained gasp ripping free from Ajax's lips as it moderate hole was burned into the side of her abdomen, the sheer heat cauterising the wound shut. The sadist landed unsteadily, hastily leaping away when Enterprise followed up with another laser, scorching the pathway with her Gift.
Ajax scowled and landed in a low crouch, snatching up a chunk of shattered concrete-
-and stabbed herself in the arm.
For a brief moment Enterprise was left stunned by the self-inflicted wound. That was until Ajax swung her arm out, sending globules of blood flying – and transforming the droplets of blood into razor-sharp, crystalline blood icicles. Enterprise raised her bow in defence, gritting her teeth as the dozen crystals cut through her shoulders and legs with grim ease, her own blood beginning to drip down her skin.
Ajax clearly wished to take advantage of that, bending her knees as if to lunge at her – when the wall behind Ajax exploded open.
''AJAX!'' A venomous voice screamed.
The dust didn't even have time to settle before a figure darted out of it – Dorsetshire. The brunette woman lunged towards Ajax, fists aglow with raging black-red energy and a burning hatred in her eyes, so visceral it took Enterprise aback. She was snapped out of her shock however as Ajax leapt away, causing Dorsetshire's fist to impact the concrete; and immediately form a small crater upon impact.
''Well look who it is~'' Ajax drawled mockingly, though there was a clear disdain lacing her tongue – whether due to who it was, or because it was now a two-on-one, Enterprise didn't know.
Dorsetshire didn't respond with words, simply swinging an arm out and unleashing a wave of destructive energy. Ajax grimaced and swung her arm upwards, her blood crystallizing in front of her in a shield. It endured the raging torrent for only two seconds before shattering – but it lasted long enough for Ajax to get away, leaping over the torrent and landing on a patch of grass, the sunlight glistening off her bleeding forearm.
Enterprise wanted to intervene but didn't get the chance. Dorsetshire snarled and gave Ajax chase, flicking her wrists in wild motions and lobbing orbs of destruction, cratering whatever they hit. Ajax tried to get in close to touch Dorsetshire but couldn't; the tall brunette was clearly aware of the devastation Ajax could wrought, and replied by blanketing the nearby area with her [Obliteration], forcing Ajax back.
''Nn!'' Ajax grunted as an orb clipped her hip, rapidly erasing the edge of her skirt and cutting her skin, fresh blood spilling.
The sadist was quick to use that to her advantage, manipulating her blood and forming a crystalline barrier in front of her – but it held off only two orbs of destruction before it shattered, crumbling beneath Dorsetshire's [Obliteration]. She rolled out of the way of two more and summoned her rigging, finally firing it for the first time in the fight; the golden shells booming across the area towards Dorsetshire.
''Tch.'' The brunette scoffed, swinging her arm up and summoning a wall of destructive energy, absorbing the shells.
An instant later the wall of energy dissipated – revealing Ajax on the other side. She burst through the lingering wall of energy and grabbed Dorsetshire by the face, digging her nails in with malicious intent as she triggered her Gift.
''Hrrn!'' Dorsetshire grit her teeth, lips curling into a vicious snarl even as her blood began to boil.
Ajax's stiffened as an ominous glow came from Dorsetshire's hand – before it struck Ajax's outstretched arm. In a single second the orb of destructive energy engulfed the sadist's forearm, followed by the horrible wrenching sound of skin, bone and sinew being devoured by the ravenous energy.
Ajax cried out and stumbled back, her ruined arm bleeding profusely from the elbow. She didn't get the chance to manipulate her blood before Dorsetshire was upon her, blood leaking from her eyes and making her visage all the more frightening. An energy-empowered punch to the stomach was followed by wild haymaker to the cheek, sending Ajax crashing into the ground with a ragged cough.
''B-Bitch...!'' Ajax spat – and in a heartbeat all the blood on her body stiffened, before shooting out like a thousand crystal needles.
Dorsetshire's eyes widened and she tried to back off; but she was too close. Several dozen razor-thin needles pierced into her body, yet the pain only seemed to infuriate the tall woman more. A furious snarl erupted from her lips and she raised a hand up, a giant orb of destructive energy swelling in a matter of seconds.
Movement in her peripheral made Enterprise stiffen, her eyes widening. ''Dorsetshire! Watch out!''
Too late. Atago dashed out seemingly from thin air, her katana leaving her sheath in a traditional Iaido slash – and cleaving deeply through Dorsetshire's unprotected back. Blood spewed in a wide arc, the brunette spasming as her spinal cord was brutally cut... and causing her to lose control of her [Obliteration].
Dorsetshire panicked, desperately trying to regain her hold on the wild energy; but there was too much and her mind was too distracted. In an instant the energy went haywire, collapsing in on itself-
-and detonating in a plume of raw cataclysmic energy, engulfing the trio.
BOOM!
''Grk...!'' Enterprise raised a hand to shield her eyes, a veil of dust and debris whipping past her.
The plume of black-red energy stretched as high as the hospital, rapidly fizzling out and leaving only smoke left. The high wind helped clear it within a matter of seconds, revealing Dorsetshire to be alone within a large crater, flat on her stomach and unmoving in a fast-growing pool of blood.
Ajax and Atago were nowhere to be found.
Enterprise cursed under her breath, quickly shifting her attention to the hospital. ''Vestal! We need help out here!''
Whether by luck or by the sound of her voice Vestal was outside within half a minute, rushing towards Dorsetshire with Arizona hot on her heels. Between the two of them they loaded the unmoving Dorsetshire onto a stretcher and hauled her back inside the sterile hospital, shouting orders at the Manjuu inside the hospital.
''Enterprise!''
The silver-haired woman smiled grimly and raised a hand, waving tiredly at Essex. Her kouhai ran up and spouted worries, asking if she was alright and what happened. Enterprise merely smiled and let her get it out of her system, scanning their surroundings and waiting until Essex had paused for breath to speak.
''I could be better.'' Enterprise said simply, jerking her head towards the ruined battlefield. ''But I'm better than Dorsetshire is. Ajax and Atago were here. They disappeared; we need to recon the area. You with me?''
''Mm!''
X-x-X
The smooth, classical Ironblood music flowed through the air like a breeze; wholly undisturbed as Graf Spee stood alone by the bathroom sink.
Her reflection peered back at her, mirroring the quiet sorrow in her eyes. The days felt as if they had gotten longer, her mind beginning to wander and drift. Sometimes she even found herself falling asleep during the long afternoons, something she never did before now. And she had no doubt that the source was the 'betrayal' that went on several days ago.
Though calling it a 'betrayal' left a bitter taste in her mouth. Roon was never their ally. Her goals just happened to coincide with theirs; namely defeating the Sirens. Personally she had never liked Roon; the woman was too unstable, even from the first day she set foot on base. She was a threat. A danger. A hazard. And it showed with how everyone discreetly tiptoed around the woman, especially after reports of her brutality on the battlefield, and her homicidal tendencies, got out.
Yet their Commander saw fit to keep her here, that he could change her. Graf Spee didn't know what he saw in that woman. Perhaps he was just as scared as the rest of them, and was afraid he couldn't get rid of her – or if he could, it would cost half the base in blood. And as much as she wanted to deny it, that was the most likely outcome. Roon was a monster, through and through.
''...haah...'' Graf Spee forced herself to take a breath. She knew why she was so angry at Roon; she wasn't blind. It was because of Ajax. The idiotic, sadistic, lovable cruiser.
The lovable cruiser that stole her heart.
Graf Spee shook her head, stepping away from the mirror. She couldn't linger on it. She didn't want to. Perhaps Prinz Eugen would be up for another spar; as much as she disliked Eugen's playfully mocking words, the woman's mind was as sharp as her tongue. She might have an answer to the dilemma in her heart.
A goal in mind, Graf Spee pushed open her bathroom door – and was greeted with a familiar face.
''Hello again, Gräfin.''
Ajax was leaning against the far wall, a familiar cocky smirk curled at her lips; and blood coating the front of her dress. Her skin was flawless and unharmed, but the dried blood and ripped cloth told that she had gotten injured at some point. Atago stood over by the door, one hand on the hilt of her sword and a distinctly fake smile on her face, eyes closed into ominous slits.
''A-Ajax...?'' Graf Spee stuttered out, eyes flickering between the two traitors. ''What are...? How did you...?''
''Hihihi...'' Ajax giggled lowly, daintily strutting towards her. ''The why doesn't matter, little Gräfin...''
Her soft hand curled around Graf Spee's jaw, fondly nursing her chin with a thumb. ''...all that matters is that I'm here.''
Graf Spee tried to speak but Ajax shushed her, leaning in until their foreheads touched. The Ironblood girl blushed at the closeness, Ajax's dark pink eyes seeming so much bigger and alluring that it was impossible to look away. For what felt like an eternity they remained like that, the only sound in the room being their breathing and the gentle classical music, the scent of copper and cordite lingering on Ajax's frame.
''Atago. Some privacy, please.'' Ajax uttered tonelessly, yet her eyes never strayed from Graf Spee's.
Atago merely bobbed her head and opened the door, strolling outside and closing it behind her.
For a moment the room was still, until Ajax finally stepped back. The sadist blinked once and broke the stare-off, instead snatching up an old textbook and paper weight off a nearby desk. With odd carefulness Ajax bent down by the door and placed the book standing up on its side, with the paper weight precariously balanced on the edge.
Graf Spee found that odd, given both would notice if Atago tried to peek inside, but any such questions died a swift death as Ajax immediately crossed the distance. In the time it took Spee to blink she found an arm around her lower back, and Ajax's head pressed into the crook of her neck.
''A-Ajax...?'' The Ironblood girl murmured in quiet confusion, hesitantly snaking her arms around her crush; dearly hoping she couldn't feel her hammering heartbeat.
''I've missed you so very, very dearly, my dear Gräfin...'' Ajax breathed into her neck, sending oddly-pleasant shivers up her spine. ''You have no idea how much I've longed to be with you again...''
Graf Spee gasped lightly as she felt the unmistakable feeling of Ajax's lips against her neck, the kiss so delicate and feathery she almost doubted it even happened, had it not been for the soft smack of her lips popping off her pale skin. Ajax's free hand slid up her spine and into her silver hair, tenderly grasping a handful and pulling her close, as if hugging her for dear life.
''Every day apart makes me feel like I'm going... insane...'' There was a weight to that word that wasn't lost on Spee. ''...and just being here with you... I can't keep my hands off you...''
''Ajax...'' Graf Spee murmured hesitantly, blushing when Ajax pulled back from her neck. Her eyes were filled with such undeniable longing – a longing to simply be with her, to never let her go.
The sadist smiled softly at her, hand slipping from her hair and down her cheek. ''I love you so very dearly, Gräfin.''
Quick as lightning Ajax closed the distance, kissing Spee on the lips. It was a fast and brief kiss, yet one that aptly conveyed the burning affection and desperate anxiety bubbling inside the sadistic girl. In what felt like a microsecond it was over, Ajax pulling back and examining her reaction closely, soft smile never leaving her lips.
''I...'' Graf Spee's mind took a moment to reboot. ''I... I do too...I love you too...''
Ajax giggled softly, pressing her forehead against hers and letting her eyes close. ''You're ever so shy, Gräfin... just as I remember...''
Graf Spee smiled lightly, but a twinge of worry clouded her heart. The way Ajax spoke... she made it sound like it was months since they saw each other, but it was only three days ago when they did. Sure, turning traitor might've made the days seem longer, but her tone... it implied so much more...
The sadist opened her eyes again, the alluring pink shade never failing to enamour Graf Spee – but now it seemed so much more inviting, something ethereal within her gaze that beggared belief. An impossible mix of emotions that words could not describe, yet dared her to try. Any attempt was cut short however as Ajax spoke, breaking the intimate silence.
''Run away with me.'' Ajax whispered to her, expression losing all traces of humour. ''Roon is planning something big, and she's not so stupid as to tell me. But whatever it is, it involves the base. Nobody is strong enough to stop her... but that won't matter if she can't find us.''
''Ajax... I...'' Graf Spee hesitated. She wanted to so very, very much but... ''I can't. I can't abandon my allies – but you can come back and join us! I'm sure that... that things can work out...?''
It was a desperate hope, one she knew was weak. She had heard what Ajax had done to Norfolk – very few would be forgiving of such brutal murder. A fact confirmed when Ajax smiled sadly, stroking her cheek tenderly as she spoke.
''Impossible, I'm afraid.'' She murmured. ''It's claws are in too deep, Gräfin. I'd die just being here... the gods don't like it when their underlings get too cosy in another's territory, you know?''
Graf Spee faltered at that. Her heart longed to be with Ajax, to deny that this meeting may very well be their last, but she couldn't just up and leave everything she knew behind. Not when faceless gods loomed overhead, their alien plans left unknown.
''...speaking of which, I should... I should be going...'' Ajax was slow to pull away, clearly savouring every second of contact. ''Atago will be getting impatient, and she's a real bitch when she gets moody.''
Graf Spee tried to hide her sadness, but it was clear Ajax saw it – swiftly closing the distance and cupping her cheeks with both hands, kissing her with such fiery passion it made her muscles turn to putty in an instant and barely kept her standing. Their lips audibly popped apart and Ajax grinned lightly at her, a hint of her old cockiness returning to her expression.
''For luck.'' Ajax remarked with amusement, chuckling at her flustered blush.
The Royal cruiser slipped her hand off and stepped back, walking towards the door. Spee took the chance to speak, to finally get answers.
''Why?''
Despite the vagueness of the question, Ajax understood it clear as day – her hand resting on the doorknob. For a long moment she was silent, her back to her and expression hidden.
''...because Roon's the only one who can bring back Leander and Achilles. I don't trust her one bit, but I trust she has the power to do it... and even if it means being a real idiot, I have to try. I can't call myself their sister if I don't.''
And without giving her a chance to reply Ajax pulled the door wide open and stepped outside, yanking the door closed behind her.
For a few seconds Graf Spee stood in worried silence, before hesitantly creeping past the knocked-over paper weight and opening the door.
The hallway was empty, as if they were never there at all.
X-x-X
''I hereby call this emergency meeting into session.''
Queen Elizabeth's words echoed throughout the meeting room, a distinct grimness thick in the air. The queen stood at the head of the table where the Commander usually sat, Bismarck on her left and Washington on her right. Further down the table was Mikasa and Jean Bart, the latter looking itching to get moving again.
''I shall start by saying this attack has crossed a distinct line in the sand.'' Queen Elizabeth intoned firmly, gazing around at the other de-facto leaders. ''Roon and her allies have now directly attacked us for the first time since their betrayal, and resulted in gravely wounding one of our own, injuring another and causing moderate damage to the area surrounding the hospital.''
''What is the status of the gravely injured one?'' Bismarck was quick to inquire.
''Alive, and under intense care. She will survive.''
''Safe to say we're going ahead with the plan to send out recon teams en masse?'' Washington grimly asked, no hint of amusement on her visage.
Mikasa nodded. ''That would be the wisest course of action. While I severely doubt we may catch up with Atago and Ajax, it would be prudent to make sure they aren't lurking around nearby.''
Washington drummed her fingers on the table. ''A team of one Battleship, two cruisers and at least four Destroyers. Toss 'em in close proximity with at least two other units so they comb the area good, and that should do it.''
''What of the carriers?'' Bismarck countered.
''Have 'em scout ahead with planes from the base. If they can't go any further, just move them up in small groups close enough to support each other. Nobody short of Roon will mess with an entire fleet of carriers.''
''I agree.'' Queen Elizabeth concurred. ''We will divide our forces between the seas and land. Given we did not see their approach it's unlikely they came by the ocean, but that does not rule out the possibility. Given Roon's origins, it's more than likely she would reside in Ironblood territory across the tides.''
Bismarck's countenance darkened. ''She best hope not.''
''And should she dare to take refuge within Royal waters, I myself shall see to her execution.'' The Iron Queen agreed, eyes briefly glowing with prideful anger before she smothered it.
''There is one point I wish to bring up, one I'm sure we've all realised by now.'' Mikasa interjected grimly. ''Not for the first time a battle has occurred on this base, yet none took notice until it was all but over.''
''Atago.'' Bismarck remarked sharply, as if only now coming to that conclusion. ''She is the only one who's Gift remains unknown, alongside Roon.''
Queen Elizabeth inclined her head. ''That seems to be the most likely culprit. Though what kind of power would allow her to mute such a powerful battle, without even being on the battlefield?''
''Hm...'' Washington drummed her fingers on the table. ''Maybe something to do with the senses? Like she makes an area nobody can see or hear.''
''That would make sense as to why the multiple small skirmishes several days ago went unnoticed.'' Mikasa agreed. ''A nullification zone.''
''Zones.'' Bismarck countered grimly. ''She managed to conceal Ajax's, San Diego's and Taihou's fights until they were nearly over, all without being seen throughout the battle. Likely meaning she can mute at least four separate areas at once, or even conceal herself in one and remain mobile.''
''It's also possibly Roon's doing.'' Washington piped up, grimacing. ''We don't know her Gift either...''
''Doubtful. She was not seen on the scene, while Atago was.'' Queen Elizabeth disagreed. ''Atago remains the most likely culprit until otherwise shown.''
The meeting continued in the same fashion for another ten minutes; finalising mission details and selecting those that would be best suited to defence or offence. Throughout the entire meeting however Washington couldn't help but glance over at the sole individual not contributing to the discussion, only responding when directly asked. Jean Bart.
Soon the meeting drew to an end. Mikasa was swift to depart as was Bismarck, and Queen Elizabeth left shortly after – leaving just the two of them lazily shambling out of the meeting room, the muted sounds of the base penetrating the thick walls as the duo wandered down the halls.
''You alright?''
Jean Bart glanced back at her. ''Why wouldn't I?''
Washington grinned. ''Thought you might be a lil' shaken up, is all.''
''Hmph.'' The Vichya Battleship scoffed. ''As if... just got a lot on my mind is all.''
''Eh, fair enough.'' Washington conceded nonchalantly. ''How 'bout a couple beers then, 'round at my place? I snatched a fresh supply from the kitchen last delivery, so I still got plenty.''
Jean Bart's lips quirked up. ''Heh. You got a deal, Washington.''
''Good.'' The silver-haired Battleship snickered, slapping her on the back and wandering ahead, taking the stairs down.
The Vichya woman watched her go, her faint smile lingering for only a short second before it faded. Slowly her eyes swivelled to the windows on her left, gazing out at the destruction and the chaos that now blanketed the hospital; craters and ruptures carving holes into the ground. However even with all the devastation... there was something so achingly welcoming about the base.
''I'll miss this place...'' Jean Bart muttered with a hint of bitterness.
Carefully, almost longingly, she ran her fingertips down the window pane. So close, yet so far.
'So, when do I leave... Wahr'rot?'
[END]
A/N: And Vestal survived~ You didn't think I'd kill her off, did you~? I'd never~ do that. Hehe.
Poor JB too. She's more of a side-character in this fic, but she has her own issues that plague her. And what could Atago be referring to, I wonder...?
Oh, and lastly, I've come to a decision about the names of the four main arcs of this fic:
Arc 1 (Ch1-9): Awakening Arc
Arc 2 (Ch10-15): Rumbling War Arc
Arc 3 (Ch16-21): Dead Don't Sing Arc
Arc 4 (Ch22-end): Final Flight Arc
See you all next time in Chapter 14: Of Pride and Power
As usual, a short preview:
Enterprise opened her eyes and smiled. ''You want power too, Essex?''
''Yeah... why, you got an idea?''
''Mm. Give me your hand.''