This is a work of fiction that follows real historical events. This does not seek to promote anything about war and is just a what if kind of scenario. Any similarity between people, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Some aspects have been changed to form a better story.
I cannot remember a day without her ever since that moment. My heart rate increases five times its usual beat as she winks in my direction. Her white hair tied up in pigtails yet still flowing gracefully behind her. I have never laid eyes upon such a beautiful woman in my entire life as she looks at me from the bow of the newly christened cruiser as she slides into the harbor.
The Führer is also present, a rare treat from someone so important. It makes the ceremony even more grand. However, the cruiser's eyes are still on me as she hits the water. She is surrounded by thunderous applause, though she does not seem to care. I'm enamored by her beauty as she licks her lips. My gaze does not leave her stunning figure until I am approached by a much more pressing matter.
"Commander."
"My Führer!" I salute him enthusiastically.
He slutes to me back, quickly ending our brief exchange.
"She's all yours, commander. Make sure to treat her well…"
I stare at the Führer as he passes me with a pat on the shoulder. I stand amidst the moving crowd as the beautiful young woman leans against the railing on her deck, staring deep into my eyes as I stare right back into hers. I hold up an arm and wave, ignored by all except for the cruiser. She gives a small wave back at me as her hull is towed away.
I know this will not be the last time I see of her, the Führer had assured me of such just moments earlier. Though I was unaware of the amazing story the two of us would partake in…
These are their stories…
"I'm not sure how I feel about this…"
"Oh come on! It'll be fun!"
One of my good friends from the Academy, Günther Lütjens, had just told me about the up and coming operation already planned and taking place immediately after the commissioning of our two ships. We both sit at a pub drinking our day away as per usual.
"I haven't even met her officially yet, I don't know how well she's going to do without combat experience…"
"Don't be such a stick in the mud, we'll have some training I'm sure." Günther wraps his arms around my shoulder as he bangs our mugs together.
"I sure hope so, we could be in for a rude surprise if we're not."
"We have the two most modern ships in the world piloted by Kansen, there's no way we can lose!" He laughs, clearly already wasted.
"They sure are keeping our Kansen a secret. I wonder why that is."
"Oh you know how they are, everything must be secretive so spies don't intercept anything."
"I guess that's true, it feels wrong taking women into battle…"
"Hey, those 'women' could kill you at any moment they'd like. Honestly, I'd like to be a scientist so I can figure out why they don't."
"You. a scientist? Don't make me laugh." I tell him as I down my own beer.
"I think I could do it! If the Führer ever asks it of me I would not hesitate to do so."
"I like the position I'm in just fine. I think I'll leave that up to you."
"You think Adol would join me? He seems like he'd enjoy a little bit of engineering."
"Adol and science don't mix, he chose an aircraft carrier as his specialty, obviously there's something wrong in his head."
We both burst into laughter as we patronize our friend.
"He's lucky we actually had a carry for him or else he might have been sent off to fight for the Sakura."
"Could you imagine?" I respond.
After a good chuckle, we both pay and leave the pub. Immediately outside is the battleship Bismarck looming impressively against the port city of Kiel. Her mast dominates the skyline and her hull takes up the entire dock leaving little room for the others being built, stored, or repaired. I whistle in amazement, Lütjens wears a funny grin on his face.
"She's stunning, that's for sure. Have you ever seen a more beautiful ship?" He asks.
I debate on whether or not to say yes. Though I had not seen her Kansen, the Bismarck was indeed intimidating and majestic, but my mind always wanders back to that white haired woman I had seen on that day.
"She's indeed stunning…"
"It won't be much longer before we're ready to go. I look forward to our endeavors together."
"Oh please, we all know you're just acting humble for the press."
"You got me." He smiles.
"Get out of here, I'm tired of looking at your face." I tease.
"Alright, alright. See you."
"See you."
Lütjens walks away in the opposite direction, I watch him leave for a moment before turning my attention back towards the Bismarck and all of her glory. Part of me is jealous that the Führer trusts Günther more than I, the other part of me knows that it could be a blessing in disguise. The Royal Navy is going to focus all of their efforts on destroying her instead of my ship. I also get a stunningly beautiful Kansen to sail with.
I turn and walk the other way, making my way towards my office as I usually do right after a quick break. Though Lütjens handles most of the paperwork, all the menial stuff always tends to find me such as inventory management. I have heard the condition of the war was becoming increasingly favorable as Norway continues to fall under Iron Blood control. This only meant the paperwork for me was continuing to pile up in large quantities.
Soon enough, I find myself deep in thought as I walk past the Prinz Eugen, my ship that I had been assigned to after graduating from the academy by the Führer himself. Nightfall has come as the port of Kiel comes to life with lights, creating an almost romantic atmosphere as I walk alone. My concentration is quickly broken however as air raid sirens blast through the night sky.
I quickly turn my attention upwards to the pitch black sky and watch as the silhouettes of bombers trace across the darkness. Before I can even react, the water next to me erupts into a fury of explosions as the bombers target the newly commissioned fleet.
Some still make it into the port city of Kiel as they also target the installations which build the ships. Chaos ensues around me as people run around trying to find cover which I previously had not seen. In that chaos, a white haired beauty runs straight into me and knocks me flat down to the ground. I grunt as I feel my head hit the hard surface. I first check for bleeding and find none.
I look at the woman who had just knocked me over and try to carefully move her off of me. In doing so, I accidentally touch a part of her I probably shouldn't have. I cannot believe my eyes. The woman makes a small grunt of pain before opening her eyes and staring right into mine.
"Hi." She says with a hint of flirtatiousness to her voice.
"H-Hi…" I say back. "Are you alright?"
"Is now the time to be asking that?"
"You're right, we need to get to cover."
"I was actually trying to get back to my ship, I need to get some Anti-Aircraft into the air."
"You do that, I'll find some cover."
"Or you could come with me~"
"As tempting as your offer is-" Two explosions rock the Prinz Eugen, though they are not direct, she receives a light amount of damage.
The white haired beauty jumps onto her ship with inhuman strength and begins to return fire, filled with rage at having her brand new hull damaged. I said I was going to take cover, but I find I can't as I watch the beautiful woman fill the sky with tracers.
The bombs stop long before the sirens do. The Prinz Eugen still fires its AA without a single person controlling them, something that is almost mesmerizing to witness. When the sirens stop and the last round is fired, the city is left in unsettling silence. Almost as if nothing had happened, the city returns to the atmosphere it had moments earlier.
When they talk about air raids, they don't ever talk about how quickly they happen and then leave. I look to the decks of the Prinz Eugen and find the cool beauty standing there. She heaves her breasts up and down with a deep breath before turning her attention elsewhere.
Though it had only been for a moment, I had felt her. It is a feeling I could get addicted to. I cannot describe what it felt like to have her on top of me but it was weirdly stimulating. I shake my head clear from that less than pure thought and immediately begin looking around for survivors.
…
"Apparently they are letting me see you now."
"Hmm… so you're the commander… how interesting…"
I stand on the bow of the Prinz Eugen as she finishes up her repairs from the few nights before. The white haired beauty stares at me with a certain gaze that makes you feel like you're constantly being judged. And in this case, I probably am.
"I would say it's a pleasure to meet you, but…"
"There's no need to be so formal, commander. Though around our superiors it may be required, when we are alone like this it is alright to ignore the pleasantries."
"Then would you like to be called Prinz or Eugen?"
"Either is fine."
"So what do you think? I'm sure the admiral has at least mentioned to you what we're going to be doing after your commissioning."
"Actually, they haven't told me anything. I am quite peeved at their recent behavior."
"Well, can't expect them to get anything done. That's what we're for." I laugh but she does not seem to think it that funny. Her lips seem to try and curl into a smile but all that is accomplished is a half-smile.
"Your jokes are amusing, commander, though I believe I could do better."
"Is that a fact? You sound just like my friends at the academy."
"Oh but I believe I can offer much more than they ever could~"
It is hard to get a grasp on her personality. She seems like she's trying to be cool and perfect, but she is often playful and graceful. I cannot tell what part of her to look at when I talk to her because it's embarrassing to look into her eyes for too long and every other part of her body is also quite embarrassing to stare at. Eugen seems to notice this conflict inside my head.
"It's alright, commander. I don't mind you looking at me, but if you try anything funny…"
"I wasn't planning on it, I just don't know where to look."
My eyes land on her breasts which have a small blemish on them. Somehow, this is even more attractive.
"Well it's nice to know you find me attractive, commander~"
"I can't help it, you Kansen are a different breed of amazing."
Prinz Eugen giggles smugly. "You flatter me too much commander. Please, give me more praise" She says haughtily.
"We'll see if you can earn any more soon, I'm counting on you."
"You can depend on me."
It was not long before Prinz Eugen was repaired and sent out for training, something which I oversaw. It is astounding to watch the way her hull dance across the water with little effort as her guns remain on target. Summer had brought with it many new news and victories, both on land and at sea. Prinz and I hadn't talked much during the last month, she mostly kept to herself and honestly, I was a little afraid to approach her.
Since I cannot tell what her personality is, I cannot strike up a conversation with her. However, I was hoping to make that change today as we walk back into Kiel just after a successful month at sea.
"Where are you taking me, commander?"
"I thought you might enjoy something, though I've never been myself. I thought we could go together."
"Alright, but what is it?"
"A Thingspiel."
"Are you aware of how much I stand out in a crowd?"
"Trust me, no one should be focused on you."
"I'm not so sure, you seem to be pretty focused on me~" She winks and puts a finger to her lips as I slightly blush.
"Come on, we're going to be late."
"You're too much fun to tease, commander."
"Do you want to see or not?"
"Yes sir~"
The two of us walk towards an amphitheatre-like structure dug into the ground with a large stage at the very end. Unfortunately, the first couple dozen rows are already packed meaning we must find a better place to sit up higher.
"I must say, I'm not much for these kinds of events. If it doesn't entail war, then I have little interest."
"Then I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."
Our row becomes full almost immediately as Prinz Eugen and I come shoulder to shoulder. Though Eugen gives me a cold glare at first, she acknowledges there is no way around it.
As the sun sets on the horizon, multiple stage lights brighten up the small stage at the very bottom to provide the audience with an equal share of visibility. Once the sun completely sets, I can hardly see Prinz Eugen next to me without squinting. Despite what she had said earlier, her eyes are glued to the stage as music begins to play.
I do not tell her what the play is nor what it is about, she only watches as three women come onto stage, dressed in shags and chanting in some foreign tongue. Prinz Eugen watches with renewed interest when the main characters come in after a bloody battle. I can almost see the gleam in her amber eyes as she pays attention to the play. Though without those eyes it would be impossible to tell if she is enjoying it.
"So, why are the three women trying to mess with him?"
"They're witches, it's kind of just what they do."
"Hmm. I wish they had more character behind them…"
"I think they're not supposed to have much character on purpose, it detracts from the main point of the story."
Each time she asks for clarification, she does so with a straight face. Even when asking some of the more sensitive questions. I cannot blame her, she acts mature but she knows little about the human world she was born into.
The play continues on deep into the night until the very end where the protagonist is beheaded by a sword. Prinz Eugen is invested in it up until the final standing ovation. We both jump to our feet and give our greatest clapping abilities a chance to shine. Eugen still retains her cool and composed posture but gives a hearty clap that echoes across the stadium. The cast takes a bow with even more hooting and hollering following.
Through all this, I hope she has had a good evening. She seemed to enjoy it, I can tell she wants to talk about it once the cheering dies down and everyone begins to leave. We walk together back to her ship in the dead of night, the only people travelling with us are our shadows as we take the long way back.
"Thanks, commander. I definitely enjoyed that very much."
"I told you."
"Perhaps we can do this another time. I find the human world amusing."
"And why is that?"
"Because in the end, all of your struggles are for naught. You enjoy yourselves to ignore the fact that the human tendency is towards violence."
"I disagree, though as a commander I probably shouldn't, when I look at our race I see the kindness and community we have built through our memories and experiences together. Like we just did tonight."
"Aww, how cute. Commander and I are bonding."
I turn a little red, exciting a small curl to her lips. "You know what I meant."
"You're just too much fun to tease."
She walks ahead of me with a strut to her steps as if she were walking in a Paris fashion show. I watch as her hair falls over her shoulders and she purposefully winks in my direction, once again causing a small blush.
"It's late commander, were you thinking of sleeping on your couch again or are you spending the night in your quarters?"
"I will probably be on the couch, I do not wish to infringe upon you on the first day back."
"Wow, commander. You sure are thoughtful. Now I can take a shower without having to worry you might see me~" She winks which causes me to blush deeply.
She jumps onto her deck leaving me to walk to my office and sleep on the large couch which I had been provided with. I enter the room and turn my lights on, a massive pile of papers sit on my desk which would have to be sorted and taken care of as soon as possible. I let out a small groan and wonder if Prinz Eugen might be willing to help me a little. It's not as if she were doing anything else anyways.
I'll ask her in the morning. I grab a small blanket and pillow before laying down on the couch and falling asleep.
…
"I suppose if there is a reward involved."
Prinz Eugen accompanies me to my office after I had gone and inspected her hull for the day. We walk side by side as we talk.
"I can arrange that. Did you have anything in mind?"
"How about a favor."
"I can do that, you are helping me out with a favor of my own."
"Alright, what exactly do you need from me?"
"Just someone to organize my papers. That's half the battle."
"Alright, it can't be that bad."
It was that bad. When Prinz Eugen walks into my office she spends no time looking around and immediately turns around when she sees my desk full of papers. I grab her by the collar.
"You owe me big time, commander."
"Alright, alright. Just please help me."
"Well when you ask like that…" She says almost shyly.
I sit down in my chair and Prinz Eugen takes a spot on top of my desk, flashing her exposed thighs in my direction. It takes everything in me not to stare or comment on her actions as she picks up a pile of papers, takes off her glove, and licks her finger. She quickly goes through each paper, noting out any important information and pointing it out to me so that I may decide what to do with it.
Each time she picks up a paper, she seems to get closer to me, something which does not go unnoticed.
I look up to watch her but she forces my gaze back to my papers with a seductive tap on the desk. Work was suddenly becoming more bearable as Prinz Eugen quickly observes my tendencies and makes decisions on her own. Before I know it, we are already done and it is only noon.
Prinz Eugen stretches on top of my desk and lets out a large sigh. "I cannot thank you enough, Prinz. You want something to drink? Do you even need to drink?"
"We Kansen do not need to eat nor drink, however most of us still find enjoyment in doing so. We have our own special energy sources."
"How about a beer then?"
"Do you even need to ask?"
…
The bar is quite full, especially for lunch. Prinz Eugen and I must wait quite a long time before we get a beer even when we sit ourselves down at the bar.
"Prost!"
"Prost."
We bang out cups together and down our drinks. Somehow, she is able to do so faster than me. However, she does not wish for another round. Instead she wants to have some food.
"You know, I wouldn't mind ordering more drinks if you want. Money isn't really an issue if that's what you're worried about."
"Don't you know it's unseemly for a woman as beautiful as myself to be drunk midday."
"Well at least you acknowledge it. I'll have the same thing she's having then."
The bartender nods and returns with a small plate for each of us. We eat quickly and return back to our conversation.
"So commander, I feel like I hardly know you except for the fact we've been to a single stage production."
"Well, there's not much to know about me. I like the arts and anything nice to look at. It's partly why I chose to be a commander in the first place."
"Oh I see, you wanted to find a beautiful cruiser like myself~"
"W-while I will admit you are easy to look at, I was specifically talking about the sea."
"Guess I can't tease you there. I too find the ocean absolutely beautiful."
"Right? I spent most of my time at the academy just watching the ocean from the window. I probably shouldn't have told that to the one person who could potentially find a problem with that."
"It's alright, commander. Your leadership has gotten me through rigorous training. But that just raises the question, why did you choose to be a commander? There are plenty of other jobs where you can see the ocean."
"I also wanted to travel the world and experience the adventure of war. In that way I feel we are the same."
"You are far from wrong."
"However, I get the sense there is a little bit of blood lust when you speak of conflict."
She bites her glove with a more serious expression. "If you were made for nothing but war, you would too."
"I understand, everyone is ready to prove themselves. Even I must prove I am worthy of the Führer's recognition."
"I don't think it's as worthiness as it is about my own self validation."
"I see." I stare at her red strand of hair. Something she seems to be quite self-conscious about. I dare not probe any deeper on that subject.
"You seem to be good friends with commander Lütjens, what's the story there?"
"Oh you know, I had two good friends at the academy, they each studied something different but we all got along well. Lütjens was one of them. I have plenty of stories about him."
"No offense to commander Lütjens, but I find his personality to be quite boring. It's not at all amusing like yours."
"Oh I'm amusing now? You are a peculiar one, Prinz."
"Your relaxed and kind personality rubs off on people pretty easily. I'm even beginning to feel the effects of it."
"I've been told I'm infectious."
We sit in silence for a moment, mostly enjoying the sounds of the pub while we digest the contents of the beer. To be honest, ever since that moment a month ago when Prinz Eugen was damaged, I have been keeping my ears open to search for any more sounds of war. However, since it is day I can feel myself relax a little despite the constant threat looming overhead.
"Any news on the war?" Prinz Asks me.
"Yes, huge news. The Iris Libre surrendered after the fall of their capital."
"Damn, that is big news. That just leaves the Royal Navy does it not?"
"Indeed, and now that we have ports on the West coast of Iris Libre, we can repair and send out ships faster to place superiority firmly in our hands."
"The royal navy is still a tough opponent."
"Our U-Boats are making sure that their shipyards are no longer a threat. With our constant convoy raiding, the Führer predicts that we will starve them out long before they are able to take the Iris Libre back."
"Which means it's up to us Kansen to take out the remnants of their grand fleet."
"Exactly. We're all counting on you."
"So sweet~ Thanks commander."
Prinz Eugen and I have been out at sea for a very long time. However, during that time Prinz Eugen has become an expert at almost everything you can expect from a cruiser. She turns gracefully, her hull cuts across the water beautifully, she's able to stay stable in even the toughest of conditions and still manage to keep her guns on target, and most importantly, her guns are deadly precise.
She strides towards me, crossing her legs in front of each other as she does so. She stands in front of me, waiting for me to compliment her on a job well done. She is almost an entire head shorter than me but that is the way I prefer it to be, that way…
I give Prinz Eugen a head pat. "You were amazing out there."
"Thank you, commander~" She mewls into the head pat.
"I guess it's almost time to begin, isn't it?"
"Indeed, Bismarck should be here at any second."
We look out over the blue horizon and spot a small shadow just appearing. She shadow becomes large, then humongous. The Bismarck looms on the water, steadily growing closer with each second. She speeds hastily at us until our bows are almost touching each other. I can see Lütjens standing next to a stunning blonde woman with a bust that exceeds even Eugen's.
Eugen seems to take notice but makes no statement or expression.
"Hello Fulhert! Fancy meeting you here!"
"Hello Günther! I see you spared no expense when it comes to the safety of my ship."
I reach out and touch the nose of the Bismarck, causing her Kansen to blush heavily. Eugen too was slightly blushing at the gesture. I remove my hand and decide not to question it.
"Do you want me to come up there or do you want to come down here?"
"Up here of course!"
Easier said than done. The bow of the Bismarck was just slightly above Prinz Eugen's, meaning I would have to vault over it. However, it is still quite difficult as I sluggishly throw my body over. I fall to the wooden bow of the Bismarck and watch as Prinz Eugen jumps above me and lands on the deck without even breaking a sweat.
"Welcome aboard." Lütjens says.
"Wow, what a magnificent ship."
Bismarck once again blushes, however she still maintains her composure.
"Yours isn't bad yourself."
"How rude of me, Günther Lütjens. At your service." He bows theatrically to Prinz Eugen. "And this tall drink of water here is Bismarck."
"C-Commander… It's a pleasure…" She bows as well.
I bow to the stunning blonde shipgirl. "Fulhert Müller, and this here is Prinz Eugen. I hope we can get along for this operation."
"I hope so as well." Bismarck responds respectively.
Prinz Eugen cannot seem to take her eyes away from Bismarck's stunning 'assets' as she tries to measure her own against hers. As she fears, she is smaller.
"That's a lot of steel." Prinz Eugen says almost spitefully.
"Eugen, play nice."
"You two already have pet names? Aw, isn't that cute."
"What!?" Both Eugen and I shout at the same time. Lütjens only smiles and backs away in self defence.
"I'm kidding, kidding!"
Bismarck sighs. "Please ignore my commander, he can be a bit extreme at times."
"Felhert knows better than anyone, Bis."
Bismarck does not react to her nickname. Lütjens sighs.
"Well, we should get training. It's what we came here for after all."
I nod my head and jump off the bow of the Bismarck, landing on Prinz Eugen's deck not far below. Eugen stairs at Bismarck a little longer before jumping off herself.
"I can't believe a woman like her exists."
"Oh come on Eugen, give yourself a little credit."
"She has everything I have times 10. I saw you ogling her."
"You were ogling her much more than I was." I let out a teasing laugh.
"Y-Yeah. Well… Maybe I want to be ogled like that every once in a while." She whispers.
"What was that?"
"Nothing! Come on, we should get going."
"Alright, take her slow at first, we don't need to make this a competition."
"You really think your friend isn't going to make this a competition?"
I pause for a moment.
"Give em hell."