"Playtime's over! Eat salvo!"
I shot my freshly repaired cannon. Algerie, Le Malin, and Jeanne d'Arc on our frontline kept the skies clear as my volley merged with Richelieu's and Dunkerque's — coalescing like water drops—and raining down on the enemy cruisers and destroyers, blowing them to smithereens.
I know these are only training simulations, but God it feels amazing to fight again!
I chuckled as I saw an enemy carrier materialize in front of us, along with a fresh onslaught of cruisers and destroyers. Thankfully, it wasn't one of them hulking carriers. Just a virtual shipgirl.
"Is that all ya got?" I taunted. "Vanguard! Keep the skies clear!"
"Bien reçu!" Algerie acknowledged. "Jeanne, Le Malin, keep their frontline busy. No plane shall get past me!"
The vanguard charged forward.
"Battleships! Annihilate that carrier on my mark!"
Richelieu and Dunkerque nodded.
"Ready?" I beckoned. "Aim! And... fire!"
Our cannons punched the sound barrier, raining hellfire on the enemy. The virtual carrier unleashed a few more planes, but Algerie quickly dealt with them as Le Malin and Jeanne finished off the remaining cruisers. And finally, the carrier looked up just as her impending doom impacted.
BOOM BOOM BOOM
The smoke cleared, and all the virtual enemies had been eradicated. A clear sheen settled over the water as we all tried to catch our breath.
"Not too shabby..." I said, wiping the sweat off my brow, trying to talk over my haggard breathing. "One last wave! Prepare yourselves!"
"Phew... this is intense," Dunkerque said. "A modicum more difficult than I'm used to for training."
"I'm sure the commander wishes to give Jeanie some practice," Richelieu said.
"Pish... this is nothing," I bragged. "Gonna take longer than a few measly days to degrade my skills."
Dunkerque giggled. "It's wonderful to see you in such a good mood, Jeanie."
"I feel great!" I said. "I've been getting antsy doing nothing but paperwork."
"Oh, I know how exhausting it can be," Dunkerque said with a wink.
"You're doing well, Jeanie," Richelieu said. "Just remember not to get overconfident."
"I'm not one to underestimate my enemy," I said.
"Only a reminder," Richelieu said. "Especially considering... our audience."
Richelieu winked at me, making me blush. I wanted to get mad, but we both knew what she was talking about.
I glanced off the side, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw the commander. Looks like he was talking to Shoukaku and Zuikaku while writing down notes. I guess they're just hanging out since they have training right after us—probably for Shoukaku's sake since she's freshly repaired too. A couple of Sakura destroyers were close too, eagerly trying to get his attention.
I sighed. I wish I could be up there talking to him. But hey, a chance to impress him in battle is just as good. At least... I hope he's impressed.
I heard Richelieu giggling.
"What're ya laughing at?" I asked.
"Oh, nothing," Richelieu said, smiling.
Like hell it's nothing, Richelieu!
"Oh dear," Dunkerque said. "Jeanie, your face is beet red."
"Ergh..." I grumbled. "I-I just... I..."
"This is a very important training session for her," Richelieu interjected. "I spoke to the commander yesterday, and apparently there's a Siren stronghold being constructed nearby, and Jeanie's been chosen to spearhead the assault."
"Oh! I see," Dunkerque said.
I could breathe a sigh of relief. At least I can trust Richelieu to cover for me, despite her mockery.
"Well, I agree with Richelieu. I think you're doing a stellar job, Jeanie," Dunkerque said. "I'm sure the commander's very pleased with your performance."
She said that with such sincerity and innocence, unaware she's adding fuel to the fire in my heart.
I hope you're right, Dunkerque.
"But I would also agree on avoiding overconfidence," Dunkerque continued. "It's such an easy trap to fall into."
"Hmph..." I said. "Nothing the Iris Orthodoxy can't handle."
"That's the spirit!" Dunkerque said.
As Dunkerque and Richelieu started talking with each other, I decided to eavesdrop on the vanguard's conversation.
"Ugh... can we get on with it?" Le Malin complained. "I just wanna nap."
"You can tough out one more battle, Le Malin," Algerie said.
"I'm sure we'll be done in no time with our strong leadership," Jeanne said.
Le Malin let out a mighty yawn. "Fine. But after this I'm going straight back to my dorm, okay?"
Algerie giggled. "Alright then. This has been quite a rigorous session, after all."
Suddenly, the sound of a low-pitched horn bellowed across the sea—the signal of the final wave about to materialize, and our cue for last-minute prep.
"Formations!" I commanded. I took my position as the flagship at the center of the backline whilst everyone fell in around me.
Silence fell over the waters as we awaited the blaring of the big horn—the signal of the battle officially starting.
I couldn't help myself from taking one last glance at the commander. Just for one last confidence bo—
Wait... when the hell did Akagi get here? I look away for one minute and she just appears out of nowhere?
Well, I guess she's training right after us too, so she has a legitimate reason to be here. Still, does she need to be all over the commander like that? Wrapping her arms around him, teasing him with her tails, whispering something into his ear... it's ticking me off. Looks like Shoukaku and Zuikaku aren't too pleased with her presence either.
I furled my eyes when her gaze met mine. She shot a piercing leer back in return.
You better back the hell off, foxgirl. And commander, you better pay attention to me...
BRAAAAAMP
"GAH!" I screamed, the bellowing of the big horn making me jump out of my skin. My startled eyes could see virtual ships generating opposite of us.
Don't let yourself get distracted, Jean!
"Jeanie, your orders?" Richelieu beckoned.
Right! Orders! I... um...
…somehow, even in the face of combat, my mind wandered, and my gaze drifted over to the commander. But my stomach dropped when I saw Akagi was no longer there, disappearing just as instantly and mysteriously as she arrived.
The hell? Where did she...
"Jeanie!"
"Ack!" I yelped, looking back and seeing Richelieu glaring at me.
Damn it! Focus!
I looked and saw a fleet approaching that was already larger than the last starting fleet, and with heftier ships too. Carriers surrounded by heavy cruisers, strengthened by battleships. The bulkiest ships one could simulate for training.
Too bad they're going against us.
"Same plan as last time!" I said. "Vanguard, maintain pressure on the frontline and keep the skies clear! Main fleet, pick their backline off one-by-one!"
"Bien reçu!" everyone replied.
"Vanguard, with me!" Algerie ordered. "For the Iris!"
"For the Azur Lane!" Jeanne cried.
"For naptime!" Le Malin cried.
The vanguard charged forth as I began scanning their backline for our first target. Swarms of planes quickly dotted the sky, along with volleys of torpedoes twisting the water beneath us, forcing us battleships to use evasive maneuvers.
"The small battlecruiser off to the side!" I called.
"Oui!" Dunkerque and Richelieu replied.
"Aim!"
We readied our cannons.
"And..."
...shit! I forgot to reload!
I frantically loaded my cannon up as Richelieu and Dunkerque gave me weird looks.
For God's sake, Jean! Don't make an ass out of yourself now!
Once my cannons were loaded, I haphazardly aimed and... well... hoped for the best.
"...fire!"
Simultaneously, we unleashed fire upon the lone virtual battlecruiser. While Richelieu and Dunkerque made direct hits, my shot was slightly off, and only a fraction of my rounds hit. Luckily, that's all we needed, and the battlecruiser was annihilated.
Phew... that was close. C'mon, Jean... don't falter at the finish line!
He's watching you!
We couldn't even wait for the smoke to clear before bombers attempted to damage us from above, and immediately followed by more torpedoes.
Our vanguard seemed to be holding their own against the enemy frontline, but it was more of an even match than last wave.
"The battleship next!" I commanded. "Then we focus on the carrier—!"
"Incoming bombers!" Jeanne cried.
I looked up and saw a line of planes headed for us.
"Shoot them down!" I cried.
All battleships focused our fire on the planes, but they were already too far above us to be cleared.
"Evasive action!" Richelieu cried.
The planes dropped their payloads, forming a blanket of death above us. Quickly we moved back and sideways...
BOOM
"Ack! Damn it!"
One of the bombs grazed my rig, blackening the impact site.
...wait, blackened?
"What the...?" Dunkerque beckoned. "Jeanie... you're damaged!"
"But that's impossible," Richelieu said. "Unless the simulation is using live ammunition..."
"No..." I said. "He would've told us!"
"But I saw some torpedoes strike our frontline, and they're just fine," Dunkerque said.
I watched as a torpedo impacted Algerie. Nothing to her rig. It impacted just like any special training round would, with nothing but virtualized "damage" that would disable her rig after so many hits rather than actually destroying it.
And no scorching on her rig whatsoever.
Algerie glanced back and gasped. "Jeanie, your rigging! How did—?"
"The planes are using live rounds!" I yelled.
"What?" Jeanne beckoned. "B-But we were never told that!"
Le Malin looked distressed. "D-Does that mean we're in real danger?"
"Just focus on the planes at all costs!" I commanded.
The vanguard nodded back and continued fighting.
"More bombers incoming!" Algerie cried, going toe-to-toe with a virtual heavy cruiser.
I looked up and in came another line of bombers. Jeanne and Le Malin tried to clear them, but a good number still made it through.
"Dodge them! Dodge them!" I cried.
As soon as the planes cleared our vanguard, and as if choreographed, they suddenly changed direction and pointed directly at...
...me.
"Jeanie!"
"Look out!"
I felt Dunkerque and Richelieu grab me to try and pull me to safety.
BOOM BOOM BOOM
"Graaah!" I screamed, feeling the impact punch my rig into the water, along with the ear-piercing sound of ripping metal. The smoke cleared and I saw that I had been stripped of, not one, but both of my guns.
I coughed as the smoke cleared, and was disheartened to see that, in trying to save me, Richelieu and Dunkerque suffered similar fates. Both were left with only a single functional gun.
"You two okay?" I asked, breathing hard.
"Yes," Dunkerque said, trying to catch her breath. "I can still fight."
"Me too," Richelieu said, also with labored breathing. "But why in God's name are they specifically targeting you, Jeanie?"
"Is it to test her?" Dunkerque said.
"It can't be," Richelieu said. "Not even the real Siren carrier had such tunnel vision."
I briefly glanced at the commander, seeing his eyes widened. Shoukaku and Zuikaku seemed just as surprised.
Commander... why would you do this?
Unless... this was your plan?
"Whatever..." I seethed. "Bring that damn carrier down!"
"Right!" Dunkerque and Richelieu replied.
"Vanguard!" I called. "Hold the line as long as you can!"
"Yes, Jeanie!" Algerie cried. "Bring them down!"
Richelieu and Dunkerque both reloaded their still-functional guns as I dodged torpedoes. Not like it mattered. I can't do squat right now. They gave the nod that they were ready.
"More bombers!" Le Malin cried.
"Dear God... there's so many!" Jeanne said.
My stomach dropped as I saw a swarm of bombers at least double the size of the previous attack. So big, it cast a shadow over the water.
"Vanguard! Everyone! On the planes at once!" Algerie commanded. "Let none through!"
Richelieu and Dunkerque fired at the planes along with the vanguard. But it was no use. There were too many. And just like the last attack, after clearing the vanguard... they changed direction... and targeted me.
"Jeanie! Flee!"
"Run!"
Too late. I was surrounded by shadows. There was no escape.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Bomb after bomb impacted me, thrashing my body around like a wet towel. I could hear nothing but ringing in my ears as I was helplessly bombarded.
As the final explosion impacted, and the ringing stopped, I could hear the big horn bellowing again, signaling the end of the training exercise...
...as the flagship—me—had been sunk.
But somehow... still alive? My body stung, coated in dust and saltwater. My breathing was labored, and I felt like I could collapse at any second. But I'm still here? Did the simulation end before I could be truly sunk?
"Jeanie," Dunkerque said. "Are you okay?"
"Somehow," I said.
"That was much too close," Dunkerque said. "But why would the commander use live ammunition without telling us?"
I looked up to the sidelines, seeing the commander talking with Akashi.
My blood began to boil.
"How about we find out?" I said, balling my fist.
Commander, if you betrayed me... betrayed us... you're dead...
"Jean Bart!" the commander said as we joined him on the sidelines. "Are y—"
"You shush!" I barked, walking right past him to Akashi. I ain't speaking to him until I know for sure. "Akashi, show me the simulation settings."
"I was just showing them to the commander, nyah!" Akashi said, handing me her laptop. "I promise, live ammo wasn't enabled, nyah!"
I looked. She was right. The settings were completely normal, with live ammo turned off.
"You know I wouldn't send you in against live ammo without saying something, right?" the commander said.
I sighed as my anger melted away. Damn it, Commander. You still have my heart.
"Commander, I get that, but what else were we supposed to think out there?" I said, handing back Akashi's laptop.
"It's just a relief you all are okay," Zuikaku said.
"Zuikaku and I were ready to jump in and help if things got worse," Shoukaku said.
"But this still doesn't explain what happened," Richelieu said. "Live ammunition was clearly being used."
"Those planes were targeting Jeanie almost exclusively," Dunkerque said.
"And it seemed like only the planes had live ammunition," Jeanne said.
"I'm just as confused as you girls," he said.
"Hmm... perhaps it was another carrier's doing?" Algerie said.
"Whaddya mean?" I asked.
"Not to make accusations but... they looked like Sakura planes," Algerie said.
We all immediately looked at Shoukaku and Zuikaku.
"It wasn't us!" Zuikaku said.
"We were here watching the whole thing," Shoukaku said. "The commander can vouch for us."
"I can," he said. "Their weapons were never drawn."
"Well, is there any ship who'd want to hurt Jeanie?" Dunkerque asked. "If what Algerie said is true..."
"Oh, have the Iris training exercises concluded?"
Shoukaku, Zuikaku, and I all shared a sigh as Akagi rejoined us. Again, seemingly out of nowhere.
"Time for the glorious Sakura Empire to show off for our dear commander," Akagi said.
"Where did you go off to, Akagi?" the commander asked.
"Just attending to personal matters, my dear. You needn't worry about it," Akagi said. She looked at me, and suddenly had the look of death in her eye. "Oh. Jean Bart. You're... disabled again. How unfortunate. And the commander was wanting to assault the stronghold soon, was he not? Tsk tsk... such a shame. The assault will have to be delayed unless... an understudy is in order? One who won't sink under pressure?"
"Akagi, be reasonable," Dunkerque said.
"Any ship would've been sunk under an attack of that magnitude," Richelieu said.
"And Jeanie did an amazing job leading us," Algerie said.
"The fact that she did survive speaks volumes," Jeanne said.
"Yeah!" Le Malin said.
At least I've got my friends and sister to defend me.
"Hmph," she grunted. "Perhaps it's impressive for a bulky, rickety battleship. But for a nimble aircraft carrier like myself, dodging would've been trivial. Therefore, the superior choice for flagship should be the glory of the first carrier divi—"
"Akashi, rush order emergency parts for Jean Bart, Richelieu, and Dunkerque," the commander said. "I want them to be repaired within the next couple days."
"Can do, nyah!" Akashi said.
"What?!" Akagi shrieked. "C-Commander, surely it would be much cheaper to—!"
"Akagi, that's enough," the commander said. "I don't doubt your skills as a carrier or flagship, but my decision is made. Jean Bart will lead the assault, and that's final."
...thanks, Commander.
Akagi looked like she was about to explode.
I could hear Shoukaku giggling.
"When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it, Shoukaku!" Akagi shouted, pointing one of her planes at her.
Algerie gasped. "Wait! That looks exactly like one of the planes that struck Jeanie!"
I looked. Algerie was right. And I could feel my blood begin to simmer.
"So it was you!" I shouted.
Akagi chuckled to herself.
"I merely wished to test the Vichya flagship's mettle in the face of danger," Akagi said. "I must say... I'm not impressed."
"Do you understand the danger you put us in?!" I yelled.
"Oh my!" Akagi exclaimed. "Losing our cool, are we?"
"You listen here!" I barked, grabbing her by the kimono and pulling her close.
"You dare touch me?!" Akagi growled.
"You don't scare me one bit, foxgirl," I seethed. "Target me all you want, but go after my friends or the commander, there's gonna be hell to pay!"
Akagi cackled. "Bold words for a ship nearly sunk by superior engineering."
"Rragh!" I grunted, pushing Akagi back, accidentally making her bump into Shoukaku and Zuikaku. She batted them away like bugs. I think Shoukaku was trying not to giggle, and having a hard time stopping herself.
"Why do you wanna be the flagship so badly anyway?" I asked. "What do you have to gain from it?"
"My commander's favor!" Akagi said. "His attention. His embrace. There's nothing I crave more. And then whores like you come to steal him from me! You as well!"
She pointed at Dunkerque.
"Leave her out of this," I said.
Akagi sighed. "I thought you'd be less of a bother since you're not as pretty as her," she said, gesturing to Dunkerque again. "But it seems I was wrong."
"Are you done, Akagi?" the commander asked.
Akagi was silent for a moment. Seems like the commander is the only thing to keep her calm. Somewhat.
"It seems like your mind won't be changed," Akagi said, sounding like she was on the verge of a meltdown. "But that's okay. Who am I to argue the decisions of my illustrious, handsome commander?"
"Don't you have training to get to?" I asked.
Akagi's eyes shot daggers at me. I'm sure she would've lunged at me if the commander weren't here.
I heard Shoukaku stifle a laugh again.
"Silence!" Akagi barked. "Why is the fifth carrier division still here, anyway? Didn't you hear Jean Bart? Shouldn't you be preparing for training?"
Shoukaku's face turned bright red, gritting her teeth and growling. "Why don't you stop interfering in other people's business, you selfish, arrogant bi—!"
"Shoukaku!" Zuikaku shouted, stopping Shoukaku from taking another step towards Akagi. "It's not worth it. Let's just go."
Shoukaku pursed her lips, taking a deep breath.
"Very well..." Shoukaku said.
I could hear Shoukaku cursing like a sailor under her breath as she and Zuikaku took to the battlefield.
"Her training shall be extra rigorous," Akagi mumbled.
Akagi turned her gaze back to me. It was almost as if there was a shadow being cast over her eyes.
"Tread lightly, Jeanie," Akagi said. "All actions have consequences."
I wanted to call her out on using my nickname, but it's not even worth it at this point. I know she's only doing it to bother me.
"Put my fleet in danger again, and you're history, foxgirl," I retorted.
"Hmph," Akagi grunted. "Please watch and be impressed by the Sakura Empire, Commander."
Akagi then joined her fellow fleetmates on the training field, and Akashi went to oversee the simulation.
And I was left with a headache and sore limbs.
"My goodness," Dunkerque said. "I knew she hated other secretaries, but I never thought she'd go this far."
I sighed. "God damn it... I just got repaired too..."
"Are you okay, Jeanie?" Le Malin asked.
"Yeah," I said. "I wish that exercise went better, though."
"Don't be sad, Jeanie," Dunkerque said. "You did wonderful considering the circumstances."
"Agreed," Richelieu said.
"Thanks," I said.
"Miss Richelieu and Dunkerque?" Jeanne said. "Will you two be alright?"
"I'll be fine," Dunkerque said.
"Me too," Richelieu said.
"Commander, surely there's a punishment in order for Akagi," Algerie said. "We're all supposed to be allies here, but she could've sunk Jeanie. Honestly, it's a miracle she survived at all."
"I know," the commander said. "I'll... um... think of something."
"You'll think of something? That's it?" I protested.
"Jean, she just... I mean..."
"Ugh..." I groaned. "Whatever. Just promise me you'll do something. Or I'll take care of her myself."
"Alright, why don't we all just take a deep breath," Dunkerque said. "It's over. We're all still here. Let's take some time to relax."
"Agreed," Richelieu said. "I think we're all due for some rest and relaxation."
"I'll bake treats for everyone!" Dunkerque said.
"Ooh, I can help," Jeanne said.
"I'll assist too," Richelieu said.
"And me," Algerie said, smiling.
Le Malin yawned. "I'm overdue for a nap."
Dunkerque giggled. "Very well, Le Malin. Jeanie, would you like to join us?"
I shook my head. "I gotta help the commander oversee training. Besides, I gotta make sure Akagi doesn't try anything stupid."
Richelieu looked at me weirdly. "You still seem upset."
"I'm okay. I've got a job to do," I said. "Go on and bake your treats."
Now Dunkerque was giving me a look. Everyone was. C'mon, girls. Just go do your thing.
"As you wish, Jeanie. I'll make some lemon crullers just for you, okay?" Dunkerque said with a sweet smile.
Mmm... that sounds damn good right now.
I managed a smirk. "Thanks."
Richelieu came up and whispered in my ear. "I had a feeling you'd want some alone time."
She finished it off with a wink.
Damn it, Richelieu! Don't make me blush now!
They all took their leave, and I was left alone with the commander, watching the Sakura Empire do their training.
I took a seat as I watched, giving my legs some much needed relief. Ugh... today was off to such a great start too. I was in such a great mood earlier. Now I'm back to this.
I almost feel bad for thinking he had something to do with those planes. He wouldn't send us in to get killed. Stupid of me to think so.
But mark my words, nothing's gonna stop me from beating Akagi's ass if she messes with me again.
I looked at him as he observed and wrote down notes. God, he looks amazing against the blue sky and sunlight.
He glanced over at me and I quickly looked away. I could feel my cheeks reddening.
"You sure you're okay, Jean?" the commander asked.
...not really, Commander.
I sighed. "Life just bites you in the ass sometimes, doesn't it?"
"Don't worry," he said. "Emergency ordered parts arrive within a couple days. You'll be ready to go in no time."
"It ain't that," I said. "It's just..."
...I wanted to impress you, Commander.
"...never mind," I said.
He didn't seem satisfied. "Well... anything I can do to cheer you up?"
Hmph... a hug, maybe? I'm not a huggy person, but the thought of being in his arms kinda melts my heart. Even more so after resting on his shoulder and getting a taste of his warmth.
I'm pretty damn sore, though. Maybe...
"I wouldn't mind a quick backrub," I said.
"Sure thing," he said.
I smirked as I took my jacket off, feeling the salty air on my shoulders. The commander walked behind me and knelt down.
"Mmm..." I groaned, feeling his thumbs press into my back. "Ohh yeah... just like that..."
I couldn't stop myself from blushing. I'm still not used to him touching me. But I don't mind.
He may be a bit cowardly when it comes to Akagi, but at least he's sweet.
Damn, he's good at this.
He went about working his magic, and my mind drifted, becoming enthralled by the rolling waves. So mesmerizing and beautiful to watch the blue shatter into white as the waves crashed back into the ocean. I wish I could be surfing right now.
Hmm... would it be too weird to ask the commander to go surfing? Does he even surf? Does he even wanna hang out with me? I've been nothing but a bitch to him this whole week. He could probably use a break from me. God knows there's tons of other shipgirls wanting to spend time with him. I get him for the whole week as part of my job. And I get on Akagi's case about wanting to hog him for herself. I shouldn't be hypocritical...
But perhaps the strategy is... not to rationalize. In other words, try it and see what happens. Let your heart speak more. Opening your softer side doesn't make you weak, Jeanie. In fact, it just might be the key to win him over.
Richelieu's words echoed in my head. Maybe she's right. After all, I didn't sleep on his shoulder by second guessing myself. I just...
...said screw it.
"There," he said, taking his hands away.
I grunted loudly as I stretched.
"Ah... much better. Merci," I said.
"You're welcome," he said.
"By the way, Commander," I said. "Do you surf?"
He looked at me weirdly. "Surf? As in... on the ocean?"
I chuckled. "Yes. 'On the ocean' surfing."
He shook his head. "Nope. Never been."
"Wanna learn?" I asked.
"You're a surfer?" he asked.
"I know a thing or two," I said. "I was thinking about heading down to the beach later to unwind after all this crap."
"You sure that's a good idea after what happened?" he asked.
"I'm sure I'll be fine by the time work ends," I said. "But do you wanna join me? I could give you a crash course."
I don't know why I'm so nervous from asking that. It's a simple question, right?
He pursed his lips. "I don't know... is it hard?"
"Nah, you'll be fine," I said. "Whaddya say? You in?"
He smirked. "You know what? Sure. That sounds nice. I'll just meet you at the beach after work."
...I smiled.
"Yeah," I said. "Looking forward to it."
Hmm... this shorter chapter thing didn't really pan out, huh? Screw it, they'll be as long as they need to be. Thanks for reading, and thanks especially for being patient. Life gets in the way sometimes. I'm excited for the next chapter. See you then. Cheers!