"You wished to see me, my Emperor."

"Indeed. I wanted to tell you personally about the deteriorating condition of the Pacific Fleet."

"That is not news that I wish to hear."

"But you must hear it all the same."

Taihou and I had arrived in Tokyo a month ago just as the leaves on the trees were beginning to turn green. We had spent our time here so far enjoying the sights of the capital of the Sakura Empire. Taihou had never left her port before, her amazement at the city was almost addictive to watch. We were here upon orders by Admiral Yamamoto just before he was killed. However, I was currently here under the order of the Emperor.

"With the death of Yamamoto, we are down to our last few capable men to lead the pacific theater. I have already appointed a subordinate to lead the force for our next campaign in the Philippines, however, I have not assigned a flagship."

"Sir, Taihou and I would be honored."

"I expect great things from you two. I know she has had insufficient training, but we can fix this by the time we are required to sortie. Taihou and the two remaining fleet carriers will undergo extensive training in real battle scenarios for the next month in preparation for our grand plan. You have a day to refuel and arm yourselves with the training rounds before making your way towards Lingga roads."

"Thank you sir, I promise we will not let you down."

"I know you wont. Fight for your honor and the honor of our great Empire."

"Yes sir."

I leave quickly after our brief conversation to see the beautiful twin tailed carrier waiting to jump into my arms. She kisses me lightly on the lips before breaking our hug. I give her a head pat for a job well done. She had successfully restrained herself from doing anything too passionate like I requested of her.

"So, my commander, what did he tell you?"

Taihou walks with me out of the Imperial Palace and past the armed guards which I nod in thanks to. The beautiful city was nothing compared to the dazzling crimson spectacle to my right.

"We have a day left in the city before we must leave towards South Asia to engage in training operations with the remaining fleet carriers."

"Only a day? But I wished to spend more time with the commander…"

"It's alright, we can always come back here after we're done if it makes you happy."

"Really? Thank you my commander!"

We walk past the surrounding city as the Eastern winds blow harshly against the trees. Taihou spent most of her time walking trying to keep her short skirt from flying up and revealing the forbidden contents underneath. I laugh at her clumsy attempts to fix it.

"I-I really don't mind showing you, my commander. But I don't want anyone other than you seeing." The armored carrier blushes.

I look around for anyone who might have recognized either of us. I quickly grab Taihou by her thighs and back and begin to carry her bridal style, eliciting a small yelp from the seductive carrier.

"C-c-c-commander! You're so bold! B-but I don't mind staying in your arms like this."

Taihou uses her Phoenix headpiece to hide her blush. I desperately want to kiss her blushing face but swallow that need with an audible gulp.

"So what do you want to do now, Taihou?"

Taihou's blush soon turns into a smirk.

"I want you to partake in me to the fullest, I wish for you to use my body for all of your needs~ Taihou will take care of you to the fullest~"

"Other than that, obviously."

Taihou thinks for a moment. "I suppose if you're offering~" I did not like the sound of that.

Taihou grabs my hand and whisks me away through the city. As we walk I notice the extent of the bombing which had been occuring more and more frequently in the recent months. Dozens of buildings and even entire city blocks had been burned to nothing more than a crisp. The black charcoal the only remnants of the wooden structures that had existed there.

Taihou seems to ignore this gruesome fact and continues happily through the city. We eventually come to a stop just in front of the one thing I was worried she might bring me to.

A large wooden sign written in Kanji hangs above the wooden exterior of the larger building. It is the largest and nicest looking building on the block but I could tell immediately that it is a hot spring without even having to look at the Kanji above.

I begin to panic. I knew once I entered there would be no stopping Taihou, which would have been fine back on the ship where no one could see us, but in public…

"M-maybe we shouldn't. I-I mean, there are so many better places to-" I am unable to finish my sentence as Taihou grabs me forcefully and drags me inside using her amazing strength. I am unable to resist, both physically and mentally, the temptation of Taihou.

Taihou walks up and buys two tickets, one for each of us. My heart sinks when I notice there is only one spring. Before I can mutter protest, Taihou is already getting changed. I slowly and carefully follow in behind her. I have to prevent myself, using every amount of muscle in my body, not to have my lust rise as Taihou begins changing out of her Kimono.

Taihou on the other hand was flaunting everything she could at me. Her seductive smile pulls me in as her hands help accent her many assets. The only thing I can do to stop myself is get changed as well. Taihou had already gone ahead and entered the hot spring by the time I was done. She had undone her pigtails and let her long hair flow behind her to keep it out of the springs.

I enter the springs a good length away from her, but I know the inevitable outcome. Taihou moves herself over to me and drapes her naked body over mine possessively, as if trying to keep me all to myself. I turn to look at her as she stares at me, waiting, desperately…

"If you don't want it commander, all you have to do is say it~"

"I have voiced my objects several times."

"But now that you have Taihou in front of you, you cannot~"

"You know me far too well." I try to laugh off her attempts.

"I know everything about you commander. Commander is my entire world~" I can feel her bare breasts poking against me as my already crippling ability to restrain myself all but shatters.

"Do you even know my name? I don't think I've ever heard you call me by it."

"Of course I know your name, Teramoto. I just have never found it necessary to call you by it. Though based on your expression you find my use of your first name rather embarrassing. Or is it something more~"

Taihou presses herself further into me so that I could feel her entire body. Her legs wrap around mine and beg me to take what is mine between them. Taihou slowly leans in to kiss me. I knew if I kiss her there is no going back. I slowly back away from the kiss, hurt by the expression Taihou wears afterwards.

"Does Commander not find me attractive anymore? I can make myself more attractive to the commander! Please commander, say that you find me attractive."

Taihou's desperate pleas had obviously been something she's kept to herself for a long time. I felt terrible. Because of this stupid law, I had hurt her because I was not able to show her affection. But it was more than that, I had been avoiding her advances on the Taihou as well. There was not anything I could do. I wish desperately to be with her and indulge in her everyday. I knew Taihou felt the same yet I could not find a way to express how much I loved her without one of us suffering dire consequences.

I give in to my guilt and kiss the armored carrier passionately, fighting her tongue as she tries to gain dominance in my mouth. She gives into the pleasure and sinks into the spring a little as her mind melts away. I only go harder, Taihou lets out a moan as I explore her mouth with my tongue. Taihou can only sink further into ecstasy as the hot water amplifies the pleasure.

Taihou gasps as I let go of her. She tries to speak but I silence her with another deep kiss. Taihou cannot take it anymore and pushes me back to take a deep breath. She tries to catch her breath as a deep red blush rises to her face.

"Taihou, I think you are the most perfect person to ever walk this planet. Every waking moment with you I thank the gods that I met you. I desperately wish to love you and only you for the rest of time. There is no one I would rather spend my time with than you. If it wasn't for this stupid law I would have already proposed to you! So don't ever question my love for you, ever!"

Taihou could not handle the intense proposal of love. Her mind has completely broken down in a jumbled mess of pieces as she tries to form a coherent sentence. I was not sure if it was the steam from the springs that was coming out of her ears but I would not be surprised if it wasn't.

"I-if you're lying to me… I will make sure you die a thousand deaths…"

"I would never lie to you, Taihou."

"G-good because if you were…"

I kiss her again to make her stop talking.

The hull of the Taihou sits peacefully just outside port with two other large carriers beside her. The Shokaku and the Zuikaku were both present and had arrived weeks before we were sent down for training. We had just arrived, I still hadn't gotten off of the Taihou as I was not sure how I would get across the sea without drowning in the waters.

Taihou had an answer. Though not one I neccisarily agreed with. "I can carry you across the water, commander. You can't be heavier than my planes~"

"I-is that exceptable?"

"Of course! It will be my turn to carry you~"

I am not sure about it, but I eventaully give in to her pestering demands. She is far too excited about this. Much like I had done to her a few days earlier, Taihou picks me up and carries me like a bride. I felt humiliated by it was a sacrifice I was going to have to make. Shokaku and Zuikaku would have had to have done the same thing with their commanders so it was alright.

Taihou jumps off of the side of her hull and hits the water with a small splash. She skates faster than any human possibly could even across a fronzen lake. She moves with grace and with percision, her shoes splitting the waves as if they were her hull. The island port soon became close enough so that I can see the people on the shore. I was not sure who they were but they seemed to be waiting for us as they wave us over when we approach.

Taihou jumps off of the water and sets me down on the beach in front of two other commanders and their Kansen. Taihou expects headpats but stays silent about it in front of the two who would not understand her feelings of affection.

"Commander, good to see you again." He hold out his hand for me to shake.

"And you as well. I take that these new faces are Zuikaku and her commander."

"You would be right in assuming so. Zuikaku, fifth carrier division."

"Teramoto Kiyoshi, nice to meet you."

"Is this the famous Taihou?" Zuikaku's Kansen walks over to her, standing at about the same height I did to her.

Taihou does nothing but give her a dark look with a sadistic smile. Her attempt at being friendly. Zuikaku takes a step back in surprise. I laugh at Taihou's best attempt at being friendly towards her older superiors. Zuikaku does not understand.

"She's trying her best to be friendly, she's not very good at it."

Taihou's face softens for a moment as she looks at me. Zuikaku once again attracts her attention which causes her to return to her sadistic smile.

"W-well. She's very pretty."

"Sorry but Taihou's heart is only for my com- My compatriots." Taihou looks in my direction for a sign that she did alright. I give her a thumbs up which causes her smile to become more genuine.

"Well, then let's become compatriots. We will be training together with my sister for the next few weeks."

Taihou tries her best to agree, but she can only nod her head in approval. I turn to the crane sister's commanders.

"So when do we begin? Taihou has been looking forward to proving herself for quite some time now."

Taihou shakes her head enthusiastically. I keep a laugh down at her silly expression. The crane sister's two commanders seem less amused.

"Well you should refuel with at least a half tank before heading out. We will move on when that is ready."

"Roger that, is there anywhere to eat around here? I'm starving."

"I find the mess hall to be a fine place to eat."

Military food was not what I had in mind, however it seemed to be the only place around. "Thank you. Come, Taihou." I say sternly. Taihou nods her head and silently follows behind me.

We had talked about how I address her with superiors and officers. She said it was alright to treat her as if she were nothing so long as I properly reward her afterwards. She quite enjoys the thrill. For some reason, Shokaku and Zuikaku had tagged along.

"Why? We were quite hungry. Our commanders said it would be fine if we joined you."

"Taihou. Play nice, they're your new superiors."

"Aww, don't say it like that commander. Think of us as friends! We can teach you a lot about combat. We have experienced far more battles than I would care to admit."

"Your experience is invaluable and I cannot thank you two enough for helping teach Taihou."

"It's nothing commander, we need to test our planes too after we lost so many of them."

"I heard. It was a great victory though if I recall correctly."

"Indeed. We are quite proud of our work even if it did injure me quite severely." Shokaku says.

"I saw the results of that at the gala. I do hope they've healed well."

"Thank you for worrying, commander. But they have completely healed. It takes much less time for us to heal than a human like yourself."

"Kansen fascinate me. You have the strength of a hundred men and regenerative capabilities. Not to mention your ability to control massive steel ships and the perk of having your own downsized versions."

"Geez, commander. You remind me of another commander I know~"

Taihou's stoic face turns to fury as Shokaku giggles at me. Taihou quickly tries to step in between me and the white haired carrier. I have never seen such a furious look on anyone's face than the one Taihou currently had on. I sense something is about to happen as Shokaku's face turns pale.

"Taihou, that's enough. You are not to do that, understand? I understand that you're protective but that doesn't mean you can go intimidating your superiors."

Taihou hangs her head in shame after being admonished by her commander. "But she-"

"No buts, Taihou. Now apologize."

Taihou opens her mouth to protest but is quickly silenced by my serious expression.

"I-I'm sorry."

Shokaku giggles at the shy expression on the armored carrier.

"It's alright, I guess she is really protective about her commander~"

I laugh at how true that statement was. "She's the best carrier I could ask for. No offense to you two of course." Taihou makes a pleased moan as I pat her head.

"None taken, commander. Please have a seat, I will get you your meal."

"Taihou will get commander his meal."

Shokaku giggles lightly at the busty carrier. "She reminds me of Akagi. Oh how I miss her… Come, Taihou. We can talk about girl stuff on the way."

The two of them walk off leaving just me and Zuikaku alone at the table. Zuikaku was serious. Almost cold in her stare. However her body did not reflect that.

"You're easy to talk to, commander. Mine and Shokaku's are so serious all the time. It's become rather boring to strike up a conversation with them."

"I've been alone most of my life, in that way I can relate to Taihou. I'm so friendly because of my desperation to make a good impression on someone."

"Consider myself thoroughly impressed. I do not know what your relationship is with that one but-"

"Woah, Zuikaku. Do not get the wrong idea."

"Of course not commander, I just wanted to say that she looks happy with you. I wish we could be friends but she doesn't seem to care for anyone other than yourself."

"You're quite perceptive, aren't you?"

"Not as much as Shokaku. I've learned a lot from her."

I look over at the two carriers as they grab some food. Shokaku does most of the talking leavin Taihou to nod her head every couple of sentences. I smile at Taihou's attempts to fit in among other Kansen. If it wasn't for her body, I would feel like a proud parent.

"You and your sister seem very close." I mention to Zuikaku before the conversation gets deeper.

"We're practically inseparable. I almost faced the entire Eagle Union fleet head on when she got injured, but I gave the Grey Ghost a pretty good scare, that'll teach her."

"Congratulations, that's more than most others can say. In fact I think that's the biggest claim to fame of a ship still floating."

"Thank you commander, but I was unable to sink her."

"There's only so much you can do, the best thing is to move forward and-"

I feel a painful squeeze on my shoulder as I try to give advice to the carrier. I turn around slowly to see Taihou's sadistic face.

"Commander… Were you just flirting with another girl?" I feel her grip tighten and I jump in pain.

"Of course not, Taihou. I was just striking up a friendly conversation!"

Taihou's crimson red eyes don't believe me. Genuine fear builds inside of me as I fear for my life. Taihou's piercing stare made me feel guilty even if I hadn't done anything. A dark shadow comes across her face as she continues to try and break my shoulder.

"You can never EVER lie to me, my commander…"

Eek!

"I promise! I never lied to you! Please let go of my arm!"

Taihou does not seem convinced. She takes a sniff of me in multiple areas around my body. Zuikaku seems to be blushing so hard she cannot form a response.

"You pass the test, my commander. But if I even catch you again…" Taihou's sadistic expression is enough to say a million words of torture. She licks her lips as if to accent her point.

"Taihou, sit down. You must not cause a ruckus." The white haired carrier sits next to her sister across from us.

"Yes, teacher."

I blink rapidly a couple of times.

"What? How?"

"We had a girl talk."

"That doesn't explain-"

"It is alright, my commander. Teacher has been nice to me."

"I-I guess."

What could have made her this way? Taihou doesn't accept people that easily… unless.

Taihou tries to hide something behind her thighs, but I saw it for a split second. A Sakura Red Bean Bread. I suddenly understood everything.

"So when do you wish to begin, commander?" Zuikaku says to change the subject.

"Probably just after this. Taihou is almost done refueling, right Taihou?"

Taihou had taken the few moments I hadn't been looking to stuff the entire bread into her mouth. Her cheeks were puffed and she looked panicked as she tried to form an answer. In the end, she simply nods her head yes. I can't help but let a smile crawl to my lips as I watch her try and swallow it hole.

"Fantastic."

"Aren't you going to eat, commander?"

"I am, but I feel it is rude to interrupt you Kansen from eating."

"We don't mind at all! We would love to have you sit with us." Shokaku asks sweetly.

"Well, so long as you don't mind…

Taihou's hull slashes through the open sea as our first training mission has finally begun. Taihou has been refueled and her planes outfitted with special training equipment. We would be participating in numerous trials today, including a mock battle with the other two fleet carriers.

Taihou is determined to show her strength as she bravely stands at her bow without even flinching at the rough seas. Her twintails whip widdly behind her and it takes everything in my power not to stare at her naked body underneath her Kimono. It was already becoming a distraction and they had not even begun. Before our battle can begin, however, we have to practice launching and landing in rough seas. This is precisely what we have set out here to do today.

And the seas were indeed rough. Taihou does not seem to mind one bit as she allows her bow to dip deeply into the ocean and kick up waves on either side of her hull. Her rigging had been activated just in case she did lose stability and was knocked into the ocean. Her planes behind her were warming up their engines in anticipation.

For these training exercises, I had been chosen to lead the force upon the newest Sakura flagship. All orders were given from me including the orders to launch all planes simultaneously. I wait until Taihou turns into the wind to give the order. It did not take her long to find which way that was.

During one of the larger waves, one of Taihou's torpedo bombers falls off of her deck and into the rough seas below which eat at it and send it to the bottom. Taihou does not seem to notice as she prepares the rest to launch. She looks back at me and nods.

"You guys ready over there?"

"Copy that."

"Roger."

"Alright, launch when ready."

Taihou's planes steadily take off of her runway and into the air with grace. She had become much better at takeoff since my "Self-Sacrifice" incident. After they climb up and maintain altitude for a couple of minutes, I order them back down. Once all planes are on deck, I send out the order to put them back up again.

We continue to do this for a couple of hours until we have it down perfectly. Kansen are amazing. They can take off an entire squadron of airplanes in a single minute compared to the 30 minutes which I was used to doing on mass produced ships.

Taihou had long awaited for this moment, after all of that launching and landing, it was time to do some real combat drills. I radio the other two carriers.

"All Units, we are preparing to engage in mock combat. Please report your current positions and then close off communications unless in an emergency."

"Yes sir!"

The three of us share locations to make it an even fight. Once we confirmed locations, Taihou sends up three entire squadrons, all with escort fighters. I look at Taihou's air group with awe and wonder. Taihou sees me staring and instead focuses my attention on another alluring aspect of hers.

"Well, my commander~ Complete radio silence~ That means we can do whatever we want and no one with hear us~" She grabs my fingers and sucks seductively on my index finger.

Though I am tempted to continue this, I must yank my hand from her mouth. "I would love to Taihou but you need to focus on your planes."

"Okay~ But we can do it afterwards~"

She gets no complaint. She licks her lips seductively and returns to her squadrons with renewed vigor. The tightness in my pants refuses to go away even as Taihou calls out the position of an aircraft carrier, 50miles due South of where their last position had been relayed.

"You know what to do." Is the only thing I say to her.

She smiles as her planes descend upon the aircraft carrier. Her first squadron lights her up with a whole bunch of near misses. Her second squadron scores a couple of hits on her flight deck but nothing to any of the critical areas. Her third squadron began diving with their dummy torpedoes and launched them at the Carrier. All of them miss. This is all relayed by Taihou who is the only witness to any of this.

"It's alright. A few hits is great for your first time! Now we should prepare for evasive maneuvers when they come to attack us because they will be a lot more accurate."

"Yes, my commander."

It is half an hour before an enemy squadron finds us. Taihou's squadrons have not returned yet as her fighters descend upon the carrier's planes. Of course, this is just for show and practice. The attacks make their attack run first with their dive bombers.

"Hard port."

"Yes, commander."

Taihou's hull lurges in the water as her maneuverability was greatly affected by her armored weight. The first squadron completely misses with only a few near misses. However, our turn to port had left us vulnerable to their torpedo squadrons who were lining up on us.

"Drop your anchor."

"But commander-"

"Drop your starboard anchor, hurry!"

Taihou drops her anchor just as soon as the planes land their torpedoes in the water. At the same time above us, another squadron of dive bombers had been screaming down at us.

"Commander, what should we do?"

"Just wait, Taihou."

Taihou nervously looks back out towards the ocean as the small wakes of torpedoes make their way directly towards us. The dive bombers too making their attack run fairly obvious. Taihou's metallic chain echoes throughout the entire ship as her anchor continues to descend into the depth below.

"You may want to hold onto something." I tell her.

She grabs the railing in preparation for what was to come. Taihou's anchor snags onto the ocean floor which causes the Aircraft carrier to stop in its tracks. Her wide hull swinging around just in time to dodge the torpedoes and thoroughly confuse the dive bombers into missing all of their shots. Taihou managed to live another day.

"HEY! That's cheating!" Zuikaku blasts over the radio. She is quickly silenced and reprimanded by her Commander for breaking radio silence.

Taihou has a wickedly sadistic smile on her face. "You're amazing, my commander~"

"Save the praise for later. Your squadrons are coming back in."

Beyond the clouds comes an entire airforce of planes, all of which are Taihou's. She lands the lowest on fuel first before making her way to the ones with the most fuel. Over the radio comes a broadcast from the commander of the Shokaku.

"Shokaku has been damaged too far to continue. Zuikaku and Taihou, good luck to you both."

"That's a carrier from the 5th division for you. She was able to attack us while finishing off her sister. Alright, Taihou. Send up 4 squadrons this time. Also, retract your anchor. That trick will not work a second time."

"Yes commander."

Taihou does all of this simultaneously as the sky is filled with her planes. It would be some time before Zuikaku's planes could return to rearm which gave us a breathing period. Taihou silently stalks Zuikaku's planes as they return to the carrier.

"Still no sign of her?"

"Nothing yet, dear commander. I swear I've seen that island before…"

"She's leading you in circles, she knows you're following her. Shoot, she distracted us. Get us moving as soon as possible."

"Yes commander."

"And see if you can find her carrier to the west further."

Taihou follows orders perfectly and finds Zuikaku. Just in time for Zuikaku's own squadrons to find us.

"Hard port. We can't allow her to surprise us like last time."

Taihou's hull leans to the right as we turn to port. Her starboard flight deck almost touches the water as she desperately tries to move out of the way of Zuikaku's dive bombers. Zuikaku's dive bombers land one direct hit on Taihou's forward elevator. Two more can count as two near misses.

Taihou, playing at the theatrics of it all, collapses into my arms in a huff.

"I-I'm hurt, commander. I-I can't go on."

"Taihou, no! Stay with me! I'm not going to lose you!"

"It's okay commander, at least I get to see your face one last time."

"Nooo!"

As Taihou pretends to die in my arms, there is a loud thud against the hull. We had been hit by a torpedo. I sigh. Though she was armored and that wouldn't have taken her out, we must cede as Taihou reports no hits back.

"Alright, Zuikaku. You win. You are very impressive."

"Thank you, commander! That was a lot of fun!"

"No problem. We will have plenty more time to beat you in the coming weeks."

"Hah! I'd like to see you try, commander."

"Don't worry, Taihou and I will become better and stronger together."

"What was the crazy move with the anchor, commander? I've never seen that before."

"It was nothing. I just saw a no win situation and tried to make a win out of it."

"It was quite impressive. Perhaps you can teach it to me sometime."

"It would be more honor."

"You fought well, sister. I didn't see you come from the sun until it was too late."

"Thank you, Shokaku. Come on, let's get back to port so I can celebrate my victory!"

Night time was quiet. Taihou and I walked the beach in silence as we gaze up at the moon and the stars. This had become quite a common occurrence for both of us. We walk on the beach and tell each other a little bit more about each other. Taihou mostly listened to me though as she did not have very much history I didn't already know about.

Though it had only been about 2 and a half months since I assumed command of the Taihou, I feel like I had gotten to know her better than my own family. She is clumsy, especially when she wants to gain my attention. Despite her possessive nature, she is quite caring and open minded when it comes to making friends. Every time I look at Taihou, I see a little bit of myself in her. But that's not all I see. I see the beautiful black haired armored carrier I fell in love with. We walk hand in hand along the beach, taking our only opportunity to have a small date night together since Tokyo. At least, I considered it a date night. I had not taken the time to give a title to our relationship yet.

We board the Taihou and turn in for the night, but I am surprised when Taihou makes a move on me when we enter.

"Commander. Before we go to bed, would you like to have a bath with me? Would you like to taste me? Or maybe… Would you like to do me?" Her sadistic smile saying I didn't really have a choice in the matter.

"How about, we do all of those things."

"I'll get the water running~"

Yeah. I loved her. If I had to put a time and place when I realized it, I would say the very first second I laid eyes upon her.

I do not believe in love at first sight.

However, I do believe in the love that blossoms from that first meeting…

Next Time: The Battle of the Phillipine Sea