A/N: And thus the third arc finally begins. Lots of battle scenes in the coming chapters, and some Lovecraftian spookiness in the latter half of the arc. I've also just finished up chapter 18, and boy it's a long one; so for those of you who like the longer chapters, that'll be to your taste.

On another note, how ya'll like this chapter? You prefer a focus on character relationships/romance, or fighting/battles?

Enjoy~


Whispers of Saturn

Chapter 16: Drums of War

''Tch... damn Grey Ghost... damn her to hell...''

Shoukaku raised an elegant brow, one sleeve daintily covering her mouth as she peered around the corner of the wooden door-frame, and at the room within. Akagi was sat on a tatami mat, hissing in pain as she clumsily wrapped bandages around her right hand; the normally-flawless skin burned and bleeding.

The white-haired crane glanced around the otherwise quiet room, but could see no sign of Kaga. 'She must still be at the medical ward...'

With that in mind Shoukaku daintily stepped inside the room, her gentle footfall making the floorboard creak. Ah, that was right. She couldn't sneak up on her senpai anymore. Akagi had nightingale flooring for that very reason. The slightest pressure, and it would give away her position.

And give away her position it did; Akagi's head whipping around to meet her gaze – before she scowled. ''What do you want?''

''Hm~? Is it wrong for me to check up on my ever-kind senpai?'' Shoukaku smiled teasingly, drifting closer. ''You took a nasty hit from Enterprise there. Maybe if you stopped being so aggressive and learned some patience you'd catch her off-guard.''

''I don't want to hear that from you, crane.'' Akagi bit back, sharply turning back to her bandaging. ''Lecture your own sister before you do me.''

''Ara~? You wish me to... 'do' you~?'' Shoukaku's smile grew to positively mocking levels, growing wider when Akagi twitched. ''My, you're a very naughty senpai, aren't you? What ever would I do if you were to pin me down and-''

A needle went whizzing past her, prompting Shoukaku to simply tilt her head to the side. ''My~, no need to get violent. I'm not into that sort of thing, senpai~''

Akagi growled. ''If all you seek is to annoy me, then begone with you!''

Shoukaku giggled softly, taking a step closer. ''I will shortly. After you're patched up.''

Confusion briefly fluttered through Akagi's crimson eyes, before realisation shot through them and they narrowed warningly. ''I'm perfectly capable of fixing myself up, thank you.''

''Is that so?'' Shoukaku purposefully let her gaze wander over to her senpai's bandage-clad hand. ''Because you're not doing a very good job there. The bandage is too tight at the wrist and will cut off your circulation, and is too loose at the end; it'll either unravel or strangle your hand.''

Akagi narrowed her eyes dangerously. ''It'll do.''

''I didn't know you liked living with one hand.'' Shoukaku countered with lazy ease.

Irritated crimson met cool blue, the staring contest lasting all of ten seconds, yet feeling infinitely longer amidst the tense silence.

''...very well.'' Akagi bit out and pointedly turned around, holding her hand out to the side.

Shoukaku hummed and lowered down to her knees, carefully taking Akagi's hand in her own. Despite her earlier teasing she treated the injury with absolute focus, withdrawing the antiseptic spray from the medical box at Akagi's knees and spraying it over her damaged skin, earning a sharp hiss from the fox-woman. Shoukaku paid it no mind and Akagi didn't bite out a bitching remark, leaving the air tepid as Shoukaku carefully applied a healing balm to the burns.

''...may I ask one thing.'' Shoukaku broke the silence. Akagi grunted in agreement. ''Why not head to Akashi, or Vestal for that matter? They could heal this in minutes. An hour, at most.''

Akagi remained notably silent.

''Ahh.'' Shoukaku hummed in understanding, carefully placing the balm back into the box. ''You see it as a reminder. To remind you of your failure, or to push you to get stronger, I wonder?''

''What's it to you?'' Akagi countered hotly, wounded pride on full display.

''Because you're my senpai.'' Shoukaku replied easily, twisting the bandages around Akagi's hand. ''And it's my duty as your kouhai to make sure you don't go killing yourself over pride a second time.''

To that, Akagi had no response. And when Shoukaku fixed her hand and departed as promised, Akagi said no more for the rest of the afternoon.

''Injured again?''

Shoukaku smiled amusedly at Akagi's shout of surprise, the fox-woman whirling to face her. Stunned disbelief showed on her face but Shoukaku merely smiled, pointedly lifting her feet up – and revealing the special insoles she wore, used to help spread out her weight over a wider area. And to not trigger her nightingale flooring.

''Tch...'' Akagi's disbelief quickly melted into irritation. ''Correct.''

''And out of pride you won't go to Akashi?''

''Who said my pride had anything to do with it?'' Akagi tried to act disinterested, but Shoukaku wasn't fooled.

She drifted closer, smiling behind her sleeve. ''Pride always has something to do with it.''

''What in the gods' name are you here for?'' Akagi shot her an irritated look, her bleeding lip doing little to make her seem fierce. She looked more like a beaten animal.

''Why else?'' Shoukaku daintily slipped to her knees, flashing her senpai an amused smile. ''Someone has to fix your wounds.''

''I can do it myself.''

''And I can destroy the moon.''

Akagi scowled. Shoukaku smiled.

With a huff Akagi shrugged off the oversized haori she had thrown on, revealing the rather extensive wounds covering her right side; mostly burns and flayed skin from where bombs or torpedoes had impacted. As an Aircraft Carrier she was naturally more durable than most, but they were far from invincible. A single well-placed torpedo could be fatal.

When the fox-woman shut her eyes Shoukaku went to work, spraying on the usual antiseptic followed by the healing balm; the combination should help ease the pain and speed up her natural healing. She applied a light layer of bandages and added a second layer of healing balm, privately wishing she had brought some Crystal Spring water to help. The natural healing properties would work wonders here.

''You should really get Akashi to check this out.'' Shoukaku remarked idly, loosely tying a second layer of bandages over Akagi's shoulder. ''This is a bit too serious to be handling ourselves.''

''And you would know this, how?''

Shoukaku merely smiled. ''Who do you think carries Zuikaku back after she loses to Enterprise again?''

Akagi snorted, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. ''Hmph. I suppose I'll visit the cat later then.''

''Shall I carry you there, oh wise senpai?''

''You can't do that from a coffin, crane.''

''My~, so rough~''

Shoukaku departed swiftly, laughing even as several pens and bandage rolls were thrown after her.

''They say third time's the charm, you know.''

Akagi glared at her from behind the bandages covering half her face, one of her fox ears twitching irritably. Whether from the bandages smothering the sensitive appendage, or Shoukaku's languid presence, she wasn't quite sure. She was willing to bet a bit of both.

''Truly?'' Akagi drawled the word out with evident disdain. ''Clearly the charm isn't directed at me.''

Shoukaku smiled, daintily approaching her injured senpai. ''Perhaps due to them coining the phrase. Seems your temper chases away even words, senpai.''

''Out with it.'' Akagi scoffed, grimacing as Shoukaku threaded a finger under the bandage.

''You're getting better.'' Shoukaku's words were, for once, honest and utterly lacking in playful jibe.

Akagi pretended not to notice. ''Of course. It's only natural I would.''

Shoukaku hummed lightly, tugging on the bandages until they unravelled; revealing Akagi's face completely. Numerous shrapnel cuts and mild burns littered the right side of her pretty face, yet the wounds only added to her natural beauty – giving her a fiery, warrior-eqsue vibe. A sharp change compared to her usual regal arrogance.

A smile curled at Shoukaku's lips as she lathered on some healing palm, her free hand dipping into her pocket and withdrawing a vial of luminescent blue liquid; the colours alternating between a bright crystal blue and a deep sapphire. Crystal Spring water; taken straight from one of the natural springs deep within the Sakura Empire. Such springs only formed in areas of concentrated faith, and as such it was rare to find them outside the Sakura Empire or Iris Libre. And it wasn't cheap to order a vial, no matter how small, and have it delivered. Hopefully Zuikaku wouldn't mind missing their weekly tempura night.

''Hold your breath.'' Shoukaku told her simply.

Akagi wisely obeyed, her expression tightening as Shoukaku poured the small vial of crystalline liquid down her face. At first it flowed like natural water, however after barely a second it slowed down; the liquid rapidly attracted to Akagi's life force and being soaked into her skin in seconds, healing the minor burns and closing the miniscule cuts with ease. Alongside the healing palm, her face was nearly flawless within the minute.

''There.'' Shoukaku smiled, pocketing the now-empty vial. ''Better?''

''...indeed.'' Akagi's eyes cracked open slowly, a myriad of emotions in her crimson eyes. ''...my thanks.''

''Hehe, it's quite alright, senpai~'' Shoukaku smiled – before ruffling her fox ears, making Akagi freeze. ''Who's a good little fox? You are~ Yes you are~''

''Y-You-! I'll have your head!''

''You'll have to catch me first, senpai~''

Shoukaku's chime-like laughter echoed throughout the Sakura dormitory, unfazed by the furious yells of the raging Kitsune hot on her heels.

''Mn...'' Shoukaku's eyes fluttered open, stirring from her gentle slumber.

For a long minute she stared blankly at the wooden ceiling, the memories of days gone by playing through her mind like an endless video reel. Of sneaking in when Akagi was dozing and playing with her fox ears, of burying her face in her senpai's floofy tails and startling her awake, of laughing as she escaped from a furious Akagi. They were senpai and kouhai. Their relationship was one that few could truly comprehend.

'You shield your heart in roses to make it look beautiful... but in truth, you grew them there so the thorns would protect you... didn't you, senpai?' Shoukaku thought quietly, one hand coming up to clasp at her chest. 'You selfish idiot...'

Silence reigned for another full minute before Shoukaku decided to sit up, breathing a sigh as she did so. A glance at her clock revealed it to be nearly six o'clock in the evening. 'Huh... it's not like me to sleep in so long...'

With a wry smile Shoukaku brushed off her covers, quietly pushing Akagi from her mind. Before she could go gather a fresh outfit to get changed into, however, she took note of the white envelope slid partially under her door.

Curious Shoukaku opened the letter, and as her eyes roamed over the contents, her eyes went wide with alarm.

X-x-X

Enterprise breathed a relaxed sigh as she slipped into the warm water of the Sakura baths, feeling the stress in her muscles ease away in moments.

She had managed to catch a few hours' sleep before her own restlessness woke her back up, her earlier rejuvenation preventing her from getting any real rest – it was like to trying to sleep when you weren't tired. Possible, but it took so long it was a waste of time in the end. After ten minutes of tossing and turning she gave up, got showered, and headed straight over to check up on Vestal... poking and prodding at thin air.

Being told that Aulick and her sisters were not only dead, but likely had been for days, was not something she expected to hear that afternoon.

''Mn...'' A groggy yawn came from behind her. ''Morning, Enterprise...''

''It's evening already, Zuikaku.'' Enterprise felt a light smile creep across her face, pointedly not looking behind her as Zuikaku approached the indoor bath – wearing naught but a towel to hide her naked frame.

Warm water splashed as Zuikaku slipped into the water, groaning as the water engulfed her tired frame. Enterprise flushed lightly at the cute sound, daring to take a glance out the corner of her eye. The off-white towel had loosened around Zuikaku's slim frame, exposing more of her chest than she probably intended to. However it was Zuikaku's cutely-blissful face that drew Enterprise's attention the most, her cheeks dusting red.

''Mm...?'' Zuikaku cracked one eye open, glancing over at her. ''Somethin' the matter?''

''N-No.'' She answered that too quickly, and both of them knew it. ''...have a nice sleep?''

Zuikaku blew out something between a huff and a laugh. ''Eh, good as it could be. Shoukaku-nee didn't come wake me for once; she's probably more tired than she let on.''

Enterprise hummed in idle acknowledgement, intimately aware of how close the two of them were – easily in arms reach. It would be so easy to reach over and snake an arm around the busty brunette. As if sensing her thoughts Zuikaku blushed a faint red, glancing over at her and squinting; scrutinising her for a long, embarrassing moment. It would've been less embarrassing had Zuikaku not looked so cute while doing it, her face all scrunched up and brows furrowed.

''...say, Essex was awfully close with you earlier.'' Zuikaku broached the subject with evident slowness, drawing out her words with tentative boldness. ''...are you two... uh... a thing now?''

Enterprise paused for a long moment, gazing down into the warm water. It rippled with her gentle breathing. ''Yeah... we are.''

''Oh.'' Was Zuikaku's awkward response, thinly masking the uncertainty that laid behind it.

''Vestal too.'' Enterprise tacked on, watching from the corner of her eye as Zuikaku paused, disbelief crossing on her face.

''...oh.''

The silver-haired carrier drew a slow breath, daring to shift closer to the stunned brunette. ''And... I feel the same way about you.''

Zuikaku blushed a rosy red. ''M-Me...? But I...''

Enterprise silenced her hesitant stammers, her wet hand coming to rest on Zuikaku's cheek and making the brunette fall silent. ''You're my rival. My companion. My friend... so many things I can't begin to list. I love Essex and Vestal, that is absolute... but I care a lot for you too. You're someone I can't live without.''

She smiled softly as Zuikaku watched her with scarlet cheeks and wide eyes full of wonder. A strange confidence filled her and she acted on her whimsical thought, shifting closer and creating fresh ripples through the warm water. Zuikaku barely breathed, staring into her eyes like she was entranced, as if this was all some dream. Enterprise couldn't help but chuckle at the prospect.

''You're very important to me, Zuikaku.'' Enterprise uttered softly, her voice nearly lost amidst the gentle lapping of water. ''And I don't want to lose you... not to Roon, to Akagi... to nobody.''

Zuikaku flushed an even deeper red, not resisting when Enterprise boldly snaked an arm around the small of her back, pulling her close until their bodies touched beneath the water, their shared warmth seeming to outmatch the liquid around them. For a moment, neither of them so much as breathed, the very air becoming still as the question hung thick in the air.

Then in a single swift movement Enterprise leaned in, capturing Zuikaku's lips in a fated kiss. The brunette groaned and reciprocated with barely a second of pause, a tender affection blossoming as their lips meshed together with wonderful slowness. After what simultaneously felt like an eternity and a nanosecond they broke apart, a mutual gasp punctuating the end of the kiss.

Enterprise's eyes met those of Zuikaku's; a rosy hue dusting both their cheeks. Yet despite the embarrassment a flustered smile flickered across Zuikaku's soft lips, almost inviting Enterprise to kiss her again.

''I...''

That was, until the door to the wash-room slammed open.

Zuikaku jumped, whipping her head around – gazing in startled surprise at her panting sister. ''S-Shoukaku-nee?! Is everything-?!''

''No.'' Shoukaku cut her sister off, taking a long second to suck in a deep breath – before delivering the news, her heavy voice preluding the grave news she spoke. And in her heart, Enterprise knew what it was before Shoukaku even spoke.

''Mikasa's gone to deliver a declaration of war against Akagi.''

The war had begun.

X-x-X

Akagi knew the game was up the moment she sensed a powerful figure walking straight for the shrine, unwavering even when alternate paths to various locales presented themselves.

The brunette Kitsune walked out into the evening air, the coolness pleasant against her skin after hours of honing her [Flames of Amaterasu]. Kaga was by her side, no doubt having sensed the individual approaching them. There was a certain tension the figure brought with them, a trait exclusive to only the most powerful of Ship-Girls; as if their experience and power affected the very world around them.

Slowly Akagi walked down the worn stone steps of the shrine, descending the slight hill and passing under the faded red torii gates, the amber sun warming the back of her head. The path curved off to the left, descending further down the tall shrine hill; a forest of lush green trees visible for miles around them, far off from most settlements. And straight ahead was a large dip, the hill cutting off into a ragged cliff – dropping down several dozen feet to where a wide clearing had naturally formed. The newfound residents of the shrine had taken to using it for training, thus the black soot marks or toppled trees were of no surprise.

The figure slowly emerging from the sparse treeline, however, was.

''Mikasa...'' Akagi murmured, her crimson eyes narrowing.

Curiosity surpassed her caution and she took a step forwards. Kaga also took a step but Akagi held up a hand, signalling she wished to deal with this matter alone. After a long moment Kaga dipped her head and took a step back, making Akagi smile – and take another step, dropping off the cliff.

Her haori billowed around her as she fell, the wind whistling through her ears for a blissful moment before she hit the ground – landing in a low, dignified crouch; unfazed by the great fall. With a confident smile on her face Akagi rose back up to her full height, lazily strolling towards Mikasa until the two were in conversation distance; standing near the centre of the clearing.

''Welcome, Mikasa-san.'' Akagi smiled broadly, spreading her arms out. ''What brings you to our humble abode, if I may so ask?''

''Akagi.'' Mikasa inclined her head slightly, expression serious. ''Please, don't play games with me. Not on this day.''

Akagi's smile didn't falter. ''Who says I'm playing games?''

Mikasa remained silent, staring at her pointedly.

With an exaggerated sigh the fox-woman complied, dropping her arms and tucking them into her long sleeves. ''Alright, alright... what's the news?''

The old Battleship coughed, one arm folding behind her back whilst the other clenched over her chest; a formal pose that preluded the news she brought. ''On behalf of the Sakura Empire and of the Commander, and as reigning leader of the Sakura Empire naval forces, I Mikasa hereby formally declare you and your constituents traitors to the Sakura Empire. As customary, you have the choice to lay down your arms, and retire from the battlefield until ongoing hostilities end.''

Akagi's smile thinned. ''...I'm afraid I can't do that, Mikasa-san.''

Mikasa smiled grimly back; clearly expecting such a response. ''Then as dictated by old law, you are now considered enemies of the Sakura Empire and all its allies; including but not limited to the Ironblood, the Royal Isles and the Royal Navy, and the Eagle Union. This formality serves as a verbal declaration of war, and if you do not surrender within the next 48 hours, open war will therefore commence.''

''As I expected.'' Akagi drawled out, watching Mikasa drop her stance. ''Must you really do such a needless formality? I think it was quite clear already what our intentions were.''

''Intentions? That I know very little of.'' Mikasa replied in a more casual tone, smile relaxed but eyes guarded. ''But tradition is a pleasant thing. It's nice to recite those old declarations; especially since we so rarely need them.''

''Perhaps.'' Akagi hummed, tilting her head. ''If I may ask... how did you find us? I was quite confident none would search here, so long as we didn't make too much ruckus.''

Mikasa chuckled. ''It wasn't hard. Without Akashi to aid you and your allies, you'll need somewhere to heal grave wounds. This shrine is one of a scarce few places on the continent that possesses a Crystal Spring, and as Aircraft Carriers you'll favour higher-up locations for a vantage point. Adding to that you, as a Sakura-born individual, would prefer our architecture best, and since the Ironblood has so few healing methods Bismarck would opt to agree with your suggestions. Narrowing down all the parameters, this was the only location you could've been.''

The distant chirps of birds echoed in the sudden silence.

''...you're a very scary woman when you want to be, Mikasa-san.'' Akagi stated tonelessly, humour gone from her gaze – and replaced with caution.

Mikasa replied with a roguish grin. ''Heh. Been many years since someone's told me that.''

Akagi hummed, casting her gaze around the clearing. Nobody else was present; Mikasa had come alone. A bold, but not entirely unsurprising action. Mikasa was no stranger to danger, and her long track record spoke of how far that boldness had taken her. A trait many of the First Generation shared; and a trait that often saw them to their deaths, no matter how noble.

She always despised that about them.

''I'll be generous and allow you to leave unharmed...'' Akagi drawled out, meeting Mikasa's steely gaze. ''...but I have the feeling you aren't here to simply deliver a message and run.''

''Right you are.'' Mikasa replied, raising her katana. ''If you shall not surrender, then I shall defeat you so that my allies will not have to!''

Akagi giggled, crimson fire blossoming to life around her. ''Ara~? Don't you think you're getting on in your age, Mikasa-san?''

In response, Mikasa summoned her rigging. ''You'd do well not to underestimate me, Akagi. Amagi would be disappointed in you if you did.''

In an instant, Akagi's amusement died.

''Don't you dare utter her name!'' Akagi's eyes narrowed into a fierce glare, the crimson flames around her igniting into raging plumes; scorching the grass black beneath her feet.

Mikasa's brow dipped in disappointment. ''...I see. So that's why...''

Akagi didn't – couldn't – hear another word of it, releasing a contemptuous snarl and waving her arm forth, unleashing a raging tsunami of crimson flames. The air crackled and the grass burned to ash, the wall of fire roaring towards Mikasa – until it was rent asunder with a swift swing of Mikasa's blade, the two halves of the flames rushing past her.

Without missing a beat the flames reformed into a single serpentine shape, barrelling towards Mikasa's unprotected back. Mikasa didn't even acknowledge the flames, peering into Akagi's baleful gaze with something approaching pity – before stepping exactly two feet to the right, letting the torrent of flames rush past her harmlessly. Akagi didn't even blink as the flames swarmed past her, brushing against her skin and clothes before reforming behind her.

Mikasa's brow dipped further. ''...how long has this been now, I wonder?''

Akagi snarled, summoning even more crimson flames. ''Don't pretend to comprehend me!''

''I don't need to pretend.'' Mikasa murmured, her gaze shifting down. ''...your Gift speaks well enough.''

''What-?'' Akagi looked down, and froze.

Her kimono.

It was burned.

''There's something I've learned, over the course of the past few weeks.'' Mikasa intoned, unheeding of Akagi's disbelief. ''A Gift cannot normally harm the wielder. Whether it be Enterprise-san's [Starlight] or Taihou's fire manipulation, a Gift does not deal any significant damage to its wielder... the exception, however, is those experiencing some form of distress...''

Mikasa levelled her with a firm gaze. ''...or those still enduring some aspect of grief, or self-loathing. Only those that suffer from such self-inflicting pain, appear to be able to unknowingly hurt themselves with their Gifts. This theory is reinforced by my observations of Dorsetshire-san.''

Akagi grit her teeth, a fury-filled snarl crossing her delicate features and her eyes alight with pyroclastic rage. ''You know NOTHING!''

Anything Mikasa wished to say was muted by the roar of the crimson flames, a tight expression crossing the old Battleship's face as she was forced to leap away; the searing crimson mass scorching the grass where she once stood. Akagi didn't let up; summoning even more flames and crafting them in rough fireballs, lobbing them with naught but a thought – watching as they erupted into roaring plumes of red-tinted smoke.

Mikasa nimbly leapt away from one fireball and into the path of another, her sword flashing out and cutting it in half with laser-point precision – moving on and allowing the flaming orb to detonate behind her, the heat tingling her back. Several roaring tendrils snaked towards her with raging intent, forcing Mikasa to quickly tuck into a roll; one tendril passing over her head before she swiftly leapt over the second, both of them losing their form as Akagi commanded them into a single larger mass.

''If that is the game you wish to play...'' Mikasa raised her free arm.

A deafening boom filled the forest as Mikasa's old guns fired, a wave of golden shells besetting Akagi's position. The carrier spat a curse and leapt away, but wasn't fast enough to dodge all of them – a wince marring her features as one shell exploded by her leg, shrapnel and heat wounding the limb moderately. Pushing down her pain Akagi ignored it, landing on her feet and summoning her own rigging.

With a flash she summoned three plane-shaped shikigami into her hand, throwing them out with a flourish – watching them transform into a squadron of fighter planes with a flash of crimson fire. The roaring splutter of their engines filled the clearing as they swiftly ascended high into the sky; only for one to explode as anti-air flak struck true, obliterating it into nothing more than flaming scrap.

''Tch...'' Akagi grit her teeth as Mikasa charged her, sword held in a firm two-handed grip.

Akagi waited until Mikasa was close before suddenly beckoning her flames all close, letting them rush past her and form a wall between her and her foe. However to her disbelief Mikasa simply burst through the flames, smiling grimly even as wisps of fire clung to her reddening skin, her cape swiftly disintegrating to ash.

There was no time to evade. Akagi snarled and raised her landing deck, blocking Mikasa's downward swing. Her arm jolted harshly and her landing deck cracked, nearly sending her falling backwards from the sheer power behind the strike. Instead the fox-woman dug her heels in and pushed back, her landing deck cracking further as Mikasa's blade sunk deeper.

Wisely Mikasa pulled blade, throwing her weight to the right just in time to avoid the writhing snake of crimson fire that aimed for her back. With reflexes expected of a veteran Mikasa tucked into a roll and leaped back, clearing some distance between the two – firing her main guns a second time, successfully obliterating the area around Akagi with her powerful shells. Akagi swiftly returned the favour however, her fighter planes coming down in a long strafing run; peppering Mikasa with machine gun bullets that drew thin but numerous rivets of blood, her uniform quickly becoming ripped.

''Nn...'' Mikasa grimaced, almost-idly destroying two more fighter planes with her anti-air guns. ''Such power in so little time... is this the work of your newfound benefactor, Akagi?''

''Hmph.'' Akagi raised her head, looking down at the Battleship. ''That and my own nurturing. Unlike some of the weaklings back at the base, I didn't remain content with my level of power.''

''To call them weak for seeking to enjoy the happiness they themselves fought for...'' Mikasa's expression hardened. ''Has her death truly jaded you so?''

Akagi bared her teeth in a snarl, responding by unleashing a cataclysmic wave of deep crimson flame, blanketing the entire area. Manipulating so much fire at once put a strain on her mind but she pushed her discomfort down, her rage overpowering her caution for the briefest of moments; and making her lapse for a single second.

A second Mikasa ruthlessly abused, leaping above the miniature ocean of crimson fire with embers still clinging to her ruined uniform. By the time Akagi registered the movement it was too late, a jolt of panic flooding her as she commanded all the fire to surge up – but Mikasa's momentum carried her out the way, letting her land on the untainted ground and rush towards the defenceless carrier.

'No...!' Akagi snarled, summoning several more shikigami to her hand and throwing them – letting them ignite into full-sized planes mid-flight.

With an unfazed expression Mikasa kicked off the ground, leaping over one fighter plane and landing on the second – stabbing her sword down into the engine. The plane spluttered and its rotors slowed, the main body swiftly crashing down into the dirt. Mikasa stumbled but held on tight, wincing as she hit the treeline and caused several large trees to crash into her back; uprooted and thrown aside by the crashing plane.

''Nn...!'' Mikasa grunted and yanked her blade out the engine, leaping off the plane and landing atop the uprooted grass; expression hardening as she broke out in a fast sprint towards Akagi.

The carrier didn't let her get close a second time; the shrieking sound of dive bombers alerting Mikasa to the looming danger. A curse flew from her lips and she banked a hard right, narrowly avoiding the bombs that erupted where she had been not a second ago – dirt and shrapnel splattering against her face, mixing with the blood staining her cheeks. Yet despite her modest injuries she didn't slow, not even for a second.

Roaring crimson flames raced to meet her, prompting Mikasa to grip her katana with both hands and swing down – the sheer air pressure cutting the flames in half for a brief second. The aged Battleship took swift advantage, running between the flames and closing the distance. With instinctive reflexes she tilted her anti-air cannons and fired, blowing apart two bombers circling overhead; the fragments of the aircraft crashing down into the forest behind her.

''It's useless!'' Akagi snarled, suddenly crossing her arms.

For a moment, the gesture was lost on Mikasa. Then her tactical mind kicked in and her eyes widened, feeling the heat racing on all sides. Her opening in front closed shut as a thick wall of fire raced to meet her, accompanied swiftly by heat singing her back.

''C-Cra-''

Her startled curse was muted by the roar of flames, a pillar of flame engulfing her. Akagi bore a ferocious smile, watching with great satisfaction as the flames shrieked high into the sky, forming a pillar to the heavens. After nearly thirty full seconds she cut it off, watching the crimson flames dissipate into scarlet wisps until they too faded from the world, the scent of ash thick in the air. And standing in the centre of the flame pillar, her outfit barely preserving her modesty, was Mikasa.

''...impressive.'' Mikasa coughed, smiling despite the burns marring every inch of her skin. ''...even if I disagree, I cannot deny you've become strong... perhaps... no, she wouldn't. She never valued power as much as the rest of us.''

Akagi's eyes narrowed. ''You'd do well to silence yourself, Mikasa.''

In response, Mikasa chuckled – a worn but sturdy sound that rumbled from her chest, filled with a tired pride born from years of war. ''Silence myself...? That implies... that I'm finished.''

Rrr...

Mikasa raised her head, wounds cauterized shut and blood flaking off like old paint, yet only adding to her warrior-esque appearance. ''I suppose... it was arrogant of me, to not face you with my full strength from the start. A price I paid, but a worthy price for the plan I concocted.''

Akagi stiffened as the earth beneath her feet rumbled. ''What...?''

Slowly, with evident effort, Mikasa raised a hand – two fingers extended. ''Unlike many of my comrades, my Gift cannot be activated... on its own. It has two conditions for it to be activated.''

Another tremor shook the ground, dirt rumbling and the leaves shaken from trees.

''The first, is that I must take significant damage to my person.'' The Battleship recited, smile widening as the ground rumbled.

To Akagi's disbelief, the earth behind Mikasa cracked, dirt falling into the sudden sinkhole.

''And the second...''

The earth shook, this time so strongly that Akagi stumbled – her eyes going wide as a massive, clawed hand shot out of the hole, grabbing onto the grass and formed from a magmatic obsidian.

''...is for the ambient temperature to be of sufficient heat, to sustain it's existence.'' Mikasa inclined her head, and pridefully stabbed her katana into the earth.

'Impossible...!' Akagi instinctively backed up a step as a second clawed hand ripped free from the earth. 'She... she riled me up on purpose! She wanted me to-!'

The carrier's thoughts were cut short as a loud, ear-piercing roar filled the air – and before her very eyes she watched as a massive, draconic head rose from the sinkhole. The rest of its body followed suit, and Akagi couldn't help but gawk as the mythical beast took a defensive position behind the injured Mikasa, so tall it's head stuck above the forest canopy and it's tail so strong it knocked down a dozen trees on accident.

A Dragon.

A goddamn Dragon.

''Heh... I was hoping you'd make such a silly face.'' Mikasa grinned roguishly, yanking her blade out the dirt. ''[Jigoku Beast]. A fitting name for such a hellish creature, no?''

Behind her the massive obsidian Dragon roared – an ear-piecing, booming roar that echoed for miles around, flocks of birds frantically flying away and nearby animals fleeing for their lives, their instincts telling them to run from a superior predator. The creature's midnight scales were interrupted only by thin streams of glowing orange magma, its bright amber eyes peering down at Akagi with no discernible emotion beyond primal ferocity.

''...you were holding back...'' Akagi whispered, a spike of real fear piercing her heart; a strange fright filling her veins.

Mikasa rasped a chuckle, her vocal cords not spared from the earlier flames. ''Of course... I know it's hard for you to understand, but the world was a lot different ten years ago... it's only natural the strongest survived, is it not?''

Akagi had no response to that, barely holding herself back from panicking – genuine, real panic filling her for the first time in years. She hadn't felt such raw fear since her first few battles against the Sirens, well over five years ago. Standing before such a frightening beast, the very air growing heavy with both heat and esoteric pressure... it was too much. All her well-crafted plans, all her hopes – none of it would come to pass with this beast in the way, a physical manifestation of all her fears.

On instinct she reached out to Wahr'rot, desperately – frantically beckoning it to help her. To grant her more power, to give her a way to defeat the obstacle in her path. In a short second she conveyed her distress, her mind working faster than her tongue ever could to explain, to show the deity the threat Mikasa posed. And the deity responded, a rush of agonising pain flooding her very soul as unadulterated power was pumped into her veins.

''A-AHHH!''

Crimson flames erupted around her and she screamed, one hand flying to her head and gripping tight as incalculable words and emotions were shoved into her skull. Through tearing-up eyes she could see the flames around her darkening, shifting from fiery crimson to ravenous burgundy; the very air crackling from the intense heat. Her nails dug into her scalp and her pained tears evaporated, her own skin beginning to warm dangerously as her own power fought against itself as to not consume her too.

And then in an instant it was over, the flames blowing away from her with an audible boom.

Akagi gasped in a deep breath, eyes wide as her mind tried and failed to recover from the rush. Her limbs twitched like she was high on adrenaline, and despite herself – she laughed. A loud, mad laugh that spoke of her wild elation, fuelled by the divine power flooding her body... and only growing stronger by the second.

Her laughter was cut short as Mikasa spoke. ''You... what did you...?''

Akagi grinned, tilting her head down and meeting Mikasa's stunned gaze. ''I asked. Wahr'rot responded.''

Without giving the Battleship time to respond Akagi attacked, unleashing a titanic wave of burgundy fire that shrieked across their impromptu-battlefield, scorching the untouched grass and killing anything that happened to be in the way. The massive Dragon released a bellowing roar that blew back the flames, and without hesitation the beast lunged – wading through the shrieking flames towards her with lethal intent.

Akagi kicked off the ground and pressed her feet against the wall behind her, kicking off it and shooting towards the Dragon. The beast snarled at her and opened its mouth, a stream of roiling amber flames erupting towards her – only for them to meet her own burgundy flames, a wall of them blocking it and overpowering the weaker flames. Akagi grinned fiercely and burst through her own fire, unheeding of the damage to herself and focusing solely on the Dragon.

''Too slow~!'' Akagi shouted gleefully, manifesting a dark, near-midnight flame to her free hand.

The [Jigoku Beast] raised its head and roared at her, snapping its jaws with enough force to create a small shockwave – but Akagi merely flipped over the snapping jaws, landing atop the beast's head. Without hesitation she brought her free hand down, smashing her fist into the Dragon's skull and shattering its obsidian scales, and plunging her hand into the magma beneath. Pain shot through her but it was numbed not a second later, the divine power inside her killing her nerves before she could be distracted – but not stopping her from unleashing the midnight flame from her hand.

BOOM!

The Dragon released a bellowing roar as the black flame erupted, obliterating half its head and jerking it to the side. To Akagi's surprise however she saw more magma rapidly begin to emerge, repairing the grievous injury and reforming into midnight-black scales; regenerating the wound with startling swiftness. Her surprise faded a second later and she grinned, hopping off the Dragon's head and unleashing twin streams of burgundy fire from her palms, melting the obsidian scales along it's back and hindering its movements.

Suddenly the beast reared its head back, snapping its jaws up at her. Akagi narrowly avoided losing her arm, propelling herself out the way with her flames and unleashing a fireball at the creature, the resulting explosion blowing apart the other half of its face; only for it's natural regeneration to quickly begin healing it.

'Hm...' Akagi's eyes narrowed in thought, her adrenaline-filled mind racing for a solution.

Movement caught her eye and she glanced down, meeting Mikasa's grim gaze. In an instant Akagi realised who she should be targeting, and a wide grin plastered itself across her lips – and without hesitation the Kitsune soared down at her newfound target, burgundy fire blossoming to life around her. She didn't make it halfway before the Dragon intervened, a massive obsidian wing suddenly jerking up and swatting her back; the unexpected obstacle taking her off-guard.

The ground trembled as Akagi crashed down, skipping twice before flipping into a crouch; skidding to a stop. With teeth bared in a wild smile Akagi dug her nails into the dirt, and in an instant a stream of burgundy fire raced along in a straight line towards the magma Dragon – before erupting into a towering pillar of flame, eradicating its underbelly and scorching a hole straight through the beast, molten magma spilling out and doing little to overpower Akagi's divine flames.

''Not so tough now, are you...?!'' Akagi rasped arrogantly, raising a hand above her head.

The boom of a cannon distracted her, and the Kitsune gasped as a shell struck her right in the stomach with agonising precision – erupting into a violent plume of fire and shrapnel. For a brief moment the pain blanked her mind, her nerves overwhelmed from the sheer pain – before her mind returned and she bit back a cry, one hand flying to her stomach; blood running freely past her shredded kimono.

Heavy footsteps made her look up and she spat a curse, leaping away from the katana swinging for her neck. Mikasa glared up at her and fired her smaller-calibre guns, a barrage of golden shells battering the fox-woman and eliciting a vicious snarl – a wave of retaliatory flame rushing down to meet the Battleship. It never reached her; a long obsidian tail sweeping over Mikasa's head and dispelling the fire with the sheer air pressure, a powerful gust sweeping through the clearing.

''Tch...'' Akagi scowled, landing atop a castaway rock.

Before she could resume the attack three blue shikigami suddenly impaled themselves in the Dragon's hide – and erupting into glorious plumes of blue-tinted smoke, earning a bellowing roar from the [Jigoku Beast]. Akagi tilted her head to the side, watching as Kaga dropped down by her side – followed by Jean Bart, the Vichya Battleship bearing a wide grin on her lips.

''Stay out of this.'' Akagi snarled at them.

Kaga's determined expression faltered, but Jean Bart didn't even hesitate. ''I'm not fighting to help you, Akagi. I'm here because Mikasa's shown to be a good fight.''

''Hah!'' Mikasa grinned good-naturedly, standing tall even with her grievous injuries. ''Three-on-one certainly sounds like a worthy challenge! Come at me then, youngsters!''

With a wild grin Jean Bart obliged, kicking off the dirt and racing past the furious Akagi, crossing the distance in mere seconds. The [Jigoku Beast] snarled and bent low, opening it's maw wide and unleashing a torrent of amber flames towards the Vichya woman – but Jean Bart leapt over it, spinning mid-flight and transitioning into a powerful axe-kick; her foot crashing down on the Dragon's head.

A shockwave erupted from the mere impact, magma and obsidian sent flying from the sheer strength behind the Battleship's blow. The Dragon reared its head back but Jean didn't fall; instead running down the creature's back and leaping off – crashing down on the dirt behind the beast. With surprising swiftness the Dragon swung its obsidian tail; smashing it into Jean's side and sending the Battleship skidding across the grass, her battle-hungry grin not fading even slightly.

''Begone...!'' Kaga leapt into the air, swinging her arm out and throwing four more shikigami – a chain of blue explosions littering the side of the Dragon and further damaging the beast.

Akagi scowled but didn't waste time simply watching them, gritting her teeth as she ignited her hand and seared her stomach shut; blood drying up and her wounds cauterized close. Not paying the fresh agony any mind the carrier rushed ahead, adrenaline pumping in her veins as she charged Mikasa with wild fury. The Battleship saw her coming, twisting to face her and raising her blade.

In response Akagi snarled, swinging her cracked rigging – and meeting Mikasa's blade. A resounding shockwave erupted from the impact-

-and her rigging shattered.

Stunned disbelief flashed through Mikasa's eyes, the pause brief but long enough for Akagi to take advantage – lunging in close with a fist engulfed in black fire. With brutal glee she swung, burying her fist deep in Mikasa's stomach and twisting it, the Battleship's eyes going wide and blood leaving her open mouth.

The flames erupted into a miniature explosion, shooting Mikasa backwards with a fist-shaped hole incinerated into her already-burned stomach. She bounced across the grass several times before tumbling to a stop, motionless. Then she twitched, one arm defiantly digging into the grass and pushing her upright, a pained expression on her face. With herculean effort she rose back to her feet, panting heavily and raising a hand; using it to wipe away the blood running down her chin.

''To sacrifice your rigging... even thought only a Repair Ship could heal one...'' Mikasa coughed out. ''I don't know... whether to praise your boldness... or chastise your recklessness...''

Akagi scoffed, barely acknowledging the Dragon as Kaga and Jean Bart wrestled with the creature; blue flames blinding it while Jean Bart joyously battered the creature, taking glee in the new punching bag. ''Hmph. It served it's purpose.''

Mikasa's unreadable gaze didn't falter. ''...you'd do well to abandon that arrogance of yours, Akagi. It will be your demise one day.''

''Silence.'' Akagi snapped her fingers, causing a symphony of burgundy flames to blossom around her. ''This is the end.''

Mikasa raised her blade, grim amusement flashing through her eyes. ''So be it.''

Burgundy flames roared forth, and Mikasa bellowed a fevered war-cry in return – charging straight towards her. In what felt like a single nanosecond the distance was crossed, and Mikasa was consumed by the divine flames-

-only to burst out the other side, three feet from Akagi.

Time seemed to slow, every detail of Mikasa's terrifying visage becoming crystal clear to Akagi in that moment. From the third degrees burns that marred every inch of her skin to the wild grin on her lips, how the flames behind her silhouetted her figure and made her seem demonic. She looked like the Devil incarnate. No... in that moment, she seemed almost divine – someone truly worthy of the title, 'War God'.

Then time resumed, and Mikasa's katana cleaved her from shoulder to hip.

''G-Gah-!'' Akagi gasped, pain flooding her body.

Mikasa's momentum carried her forth, the two crashing together and tossed several feet back before they rolled apart. Akagi grit her teeth and forced herself up onto her knees, her gaze snapping up to Mikasa's unmoving form.

The War God laid on her back, eyes closed and expression locked into one of cocky pride; her chest barely rising and falling with her shallow breaths. With a grunt of exertion Akagi stumbled back to her feet, shaking from both blood loss and adrenaline. Behind her she noted the Dragon collapsing into a heap of lifeless magma and obsidian, but truly she didn't care anymore. She had done what many claimed impossible.

She had defeated Mikasa. One of the strongest Ship-Girls in existence.

''Hah...'' Akagi's bleeding chest rumbled. ''Aha... hahaha! Ahahaha~!''

She laughed. She laughed until her bruised ribs hurt and her eyes stung with tears, an alien euphoria flooding her body. Dimly she was aware of Jean Bart and Kaga staring at her, but she didn't care. She earned the right to laugh like a crazy woman, to languish in her joy after achieving such a legendary feat, one that less than a handful could attest to. Granted she did it with the eventual help of Kaga and Jean Bart, but she didn't count that. She would've won anyway, she knew. She was fated to win. She knew it in her heart.

''Nee-sama...?'' Kaga's hesitant voice made Akagi's laughter slow, a few errant giggles leaving her lips as she turned to face her worried sister. ''Are you... alright...?''

''Alright~?'' Akagi grinned widely, shambling over to her sister and cupping her cheeks, unheeding of the blood she smeared across Kaga's face. ''I've never been better.''

''That so?'' Jean Bart's voice came from behind her, but Akagi didn't bother to turn around. ''Because you look like shit.''

Akagi merely giggled, releasing Kaga's cheeks and stumbling away from them. ''Perhaps so... I'll see myself to the springs then~''

''And what about Mikasa?''

The Kitsune paused for only a second. ''Heal her until she won't die immediately, then restrain her. She'll be our prisoner from henceforth. A worthy trophy to my greatness~''

Jean Bart didn't respond, merely walking over and carefully picking up the unconscious Mikasa, carrying her back towards the shrine.

Only when Jean Bart neared the base of the hill did she look back, taking note of Kaga still standing alone in the clearing, a conflicted expression on her face.

''Oi, you coming?''

''H-Huh? Yes, of course...''

X-x-X

''So... does it feel alright? I modified it as best I could, but with the limited time available I had to cut a few corners...''

Cleveland grinned, raising her left arm and gazing upon it with open eagerness. In place of her original arm was a black metal limb, surgically attached to her shoulder and down to her reattached hand; the work done so flawlessly it almost looked like she always had it, but had just hidden it beneath a layer of fake skin. With a cocky glint in her eyes she curled and uncurled her fingers, feeling them just like she always had; her digits reacting just as she commanded.

''It's perfect.'' Cleveland replied honestly, lowering her arm. ''You're a miracle worker, Vestal.''

The medic smiled weakly at her. ''You give me too much credit.''

''I don't give you enough.'' The blonde chuckled ruefully, hopping off the edge of her bed with jittery eagerness and hugging the medic. ''I owe you one Vestal – I mean it, you need a favour; just ask.''

''I'll keep that in mind.'' Vestal tentatively returned the hug, a yawn slipping past her lips. ''If you feel it fits well enough, I'll take my leave now... I've already told Unicorn you're being discharged; you're free to go.''

''Thanks – and have a nice nap!''

Vestal hummed a thanks in return, dipping into a quick bow before departing the room. Cleveland watched her go before glancing over at Montpelier – Columbia, Denver and Juneau having already departed for their dorm room. Over the last two and a half days Juneau had integrated with them seamlessly, acting almost like a courier; helping bring them stuff while Cleveland was stuck inside the boring-as-hell hospital room. And in turn Cleveland treated her just as she would her own sisters, taking pity upon the isolated girl.

Montpelier perked up as their eyes met, quiet delight flickering in her soft scarlet eyes. Cleveland grinned lightly and offered a hand, and after a tentative moment Montpelier took it. For the briefest of moments when their hands touched a spark was created, white-gold light arcing between their fingers like electricity before dissipating in the next instant. Their Gift.

A Gift they shared by both of them – [Light Bringer]. So named for the sunset they saw, in the moments before their potential deaths.

''You ready to go?'' Cleveland eagerly asked. ''We can go grab some food and take pot shots on the beach – gotta work this rust off me real fast, eh?''

Montpelier smiled, bowing her head slightly. ''Mm. Lead the way, sis.''

The Knights of Solomon were whole once more.

X-x-X

Night fell swiftly, and Mikasa did not return from her expedition.

That meant 48 hours until the war truly began.

Queen Elizabeth breathed a deep sigh, leaning back against her cushioned chair and gazing up at the ceiling; the warm ambient lighting helping to not strain her eyes. The tall glass windows of the royal library revealing the darkening sky and shadowed landscape, the curtains hanging limply by the wayside. Elizabeth liked it that way; it added to the pleasant, soothing ambiance. Was it wise? Perhaps not. But she had lived a life full of too much war – she could afford to indulge her whimsical desires.

'Gods...' She mentally sighed, her eyes fluttering shut. 'I'll soon be... what? Eleven years old by this point? My tenth birthday wasn't that long ago...'

It was a strange thing to think about, in hindsight. They were warships; born from the thoughts, faith and hope of humans. Their souls formed from the countless memories of their sailors, their weapons born from their original physical ship forms, their personalities shaped by their histories – and by the thoughts humans held for them. In her own case many saw her as a queen by her name alone, and so when she first stepped into the world, she felt nothing but a haughty pride. It was instinctual. Even though she had no information, no true power to base her arrogance on, it came to her naturally.

She was a dream given form. Was it therefore not logical, that she would embody such dreams?

Queen Elizabeth sighed, her eyes cracking open and sliding down onto the table before her – dozens of reports and statistical sheets and history books scattered across the expansive table. While everyone else scouted for their newfound enemies and honed their skills, she wrote up detailed reports. It was an unenviable task, but one that needed to be done. Plus, she had no need to hone her skills any further; she was completely confident in not only her natural skills, but her Gift.

[Ten Royal Decrees]. A Gift that she awoke when she realised one evening, gazing out the hazy window of her bedroom, that perhaps it was time for her to step onto the field once more. Whether it was her sense of duty or her fiery anticipation that awoke her Gift, she didn't know nor truly mind. All that mattered was she had a power to held battle their newfound foes – and what a power it was, granting her immense versatility befitting of such an wise elder such as her. Ten different abilities, each more powerful than the last; one being the weakest, ten the strongest.

And even though she didn't dare test the tenth decree, her mind's eye helped supply what the effect would be. So powerful it required an incantation, a prayer, to fully awaken.

''Mn...'' Queen Elizabeth grunted, sitting back up straight.

The reports in front of her were mostly done; a separate sheet for each of Roon's newfound companions – Atago, Taihou, Ajax, San Diego, and of course Roon herself. Their known Gifts and potential Gifts were written down extensively, including Elizabeth's own theories of how they could improve or evolve. Weaknesses were written down, ranging from Taihou's obsession with the Commander to Ajax's tendency to get distracted during her bouts of sadism – any weakness that could be exploited, she wrote down.

One of the hardest parts of these troublesome reports was, of course, the 'power level'. A designation applied to roughly gauge an individual's power; scaling from F to E to D to C to B to A, with a final 'S' added for special cases. The power ranking itself had been devised by Elizabeth, based upon her own power. Those who were of equal or near-equal power were marked as S. The only person alive to hold that fabled designation was Mikasa. Everyone else who did was long since dead.

Perhaps it was arrogant of her to make a ranking system based solely off her own power. But it was a reliable system, and since she had been the first Ship-Girl to be brought into existence, she had nobody else to compare her power to. When others like Mikasa, Amagi or Nagato came along things changed, but even then the system was kept in place. No need to fix what wasn't broken, after all.

''Hm...'' Elizabeth tapped her pen against the fine wood desk, mindful to not dent it.

Calculating one's power was never easy; it was more than just raw power, but also skill and experience. Amagi was a good example; she was always a poor melee fighter and her guns were never the strongest, but her mind was terrifying. She could concoct plans within plans within plans, so many layers to it that even the Sirens opposing her were left paralysed in confusion. She had truly been a frightening individual, and one Elizabeth was glad had been on their side.

Shaking her head lightly, Elizabeth put pen to paper – and wrote.

Ajax = Power Level: B

After a moment she nodded, content with such a designation. Ajax was one of the younger girls; summoned around two years ago and with moderate experience. A favoured practitioner of hand-to-hand and a huge sadist, she was a remarkable force on her own. Combined with her Gift and it's frightening possibilities, she was a true threat. One touch at the right time, and she could potentially solidify one's blood, blocking the heart and leading to instant death.

Only a possibility. But not one Elizabeth was keen to dismiss.

San Diego = Power Level: B

San Diego was nothing special, originally. Summoned only a scarce few weeks before the Battle of Bulker Bay, she was a novice in that fated battle and was of little help. A useful fly-swatter, but little else. From what Elizabeth remembered she had largely served the back-line, protecting the carriers and helping evacuate the wounded. However with her apparent insanity and Gift, she too was a force to be reckoned with. What she lacked in experience she made up for with devastating power, as Cleveland so unfortunately found out.

Someone who could be defeated be a wiser and more agile combatant. Dangerous, but slightly below that of Ajax.

Atago = Power Level: B, possible A

Atago was a difficult one to gauge. The woman had only appeared on the battlefield once since her betrayal; cutting down her sister Maya with relative ease. A powerful swordswoman and an adequate hand-to-hand fighter, she had been summoned around three years ago, from what memory served. Experienced, but not immensely so. Even then she clearly had her own motives, and without her Gift being confirmed, all that Elizabeth could do was make a rough guess; leaving it open for an A-rank.

The Sakura woman was dangerous – but she could be exploited. She still had sisters; Takao and Maya. If needed, they could be used as a lure to distract Atago. A risky ploy, but one that might become necessary. Elizabeth had seen how Atago had reacted to Choukai's death; perhaps she might hesitate to deliver a blow against her sisters?

Taihou = Power Level: A

Taihou was another hard one to judge. On one hand she had gotten to face the Sakura carrier in battle, no matter how short it had been; allowing her to get a good estimation. However Taihou hadn't been going all-out; if anything she had been treating Belfast as little more than a nuisance. The casual ease she used her fire, however, spoke of a greater power she had yet to show. A confidence that could, potentially, be warranted.

Out of the four so far, only Taihou seemed to be of such threat Elizabeth felt the need to confront her personally. There was too much room for error; and she would not lose any companions if she could help it. She had lost enough already.

''Hm...'' Queen Elizabeth frowned deeply, gazing at the last remaining box. Roon's.

''Your Majesty, it's time for bed now.''

Queen Elizabeth blinked, realising she had been staring at the box for a long while now – so intently she hadn't even heard Warspite's entrance. She tilted her head back and nodded over at her Royal Guard, sucking in a deep breath as she compiled all the information in her mind; coming to a single, definitive conclusion.

Pen met paper, and she wrote.

Roon = Power Level: Incalculable

[END]


A/N: Ya girl Mikasa is a badass, yeah~? And poor Shoukaku, having such a blind senpai~

See you all next time, in Chapter 17: Preluding Thunder~

As usual, a little preview:
''Choukai was always better than you. Kinder, smarter, more liked...'' Atago's smile widened when Maya ground her teeth together. ''You couldn't take it, could you? So you let her die.''

Maya glared between her wet hair, refusing to admit how much she was shaking. ''I didn't kill her...''

Atago raised her sword. ''Liar.''