Stardust
Chapter 14: Trust
Enterprise felt tired.
Perhaps that was due to her recent therapy session with Vestal. It had concluded about half an hour after her recounting, and it had left her feeling distinctly drained, both emotionally and physically. Reliving the chaos and confusion, of losing contact with her real friends, tore at her heart more than she was willing to admit. It also reinforced how scarily good the Sirens were at replicating their personalities; something the Sirens were glad to taunt her about by hanging Cassin in front of her face.
Quite literally, in that one case.
Remembering the moment had also opened old wounds. Phantom pain stung at her stomach, remembering the laser that burned a hole straight through it. Aches stung at her bones, the fractures long since healed but the memory unfading. Tendons quivered at the thought of being so overstretched and ripped, the prospect sending a chill through her. Purifier's beat-down had been her first true taste of what the Siren was capable of when she could take advantage of a weakened opponent, of the sheer savagery she could deliver with her hands and feet. Of a melee fighter with enough physical strength to shatter concrete and zero reason to hold back.
And as much as she hated to admit it, she knew that the moment she was stuck alone with Observer Alpha and Purifier she was doomed. Alpha alone was a monstrosity she doubted she could've beaten, but with Purifier to back her up she had next to no chance of overcoming them. With a fleet of others to aid her, perhaps – but alone? Even if her radar hadn't been knocked out, she didn't believe for a second she could've won against them. She couldn't tear her focus between them both. They were too dangerous to.
'...what about now though?'
Enterprise stopped as the thought struck her. Stood alone out behind the Royal Navy dormitory she raised her hands and gazed at them, swallowing.
Could she do it? Now. after so many battles and life-death scenarios, did she have the strength to rebel? To fight back?
To free herself?
Enterprise curled her fingers into fists. Her palms were clammy. 'I... I don't know...'
How could she? How could she gauge the true depths of Observer Alpha's strength, and her tricks? How could she counter technology that she might not have even seen before? How could she stand up against the endless reinforcements of the Sirens? How could she stand against an unstoppable force that seemed intent on smashing her right back into despair?
She didn't know. She truly, honestly didn't know.
And she hated it.
''...haah...'' Enterprise lowered her hands, shuddering.
Her internal musings took a back-seat however as a familiar voice called out to her; one she hadn't heard since the previous day. ''Hey! Enterprise!''
''Mm...?'' Enterprise turned, slightly surprised to see Zuikaku jogging up towards her, with Shoukaku trailing behind at a more sedated pace. ''Zuikaku...?''
''Hey.'' The brunette carrier flashed her a grin, slowing down as she got within speaking distance. ''Saw you standing there and wanted to come chat.''
''If that's no trouble, of course.'' Shoukaku languidly remarked as she approached, amused. ''Zuikaku here seems quite impressed by your performance yesterday.''
''D-Don't phrase it like that!'' Zuikaku stammered to her sister. ''You make it sound like I was fangirling of something!''
''Well...''
''Don't just say 'well' and trail off like that! That's incriminating!''
''I'm not the one digging my own grave, Zuikaku~''
Enterprise listened to the two sisters banter, blinking slowly and tilting her head in visible befuddlement. Shoukaku noticed, shooting her an amused look and hiding her mouth behind a sleeve elegantly – leaving Zuikaku to stammer out an apology about ignoring her, shooting Shoukaku a dirty look as she did so.
''It's fine.'' Enterprise said slowly. ''Though... what was it you wanted?''
''Oh, um.'' Zuikaku scratched her head. ''Just to talk. Really; it's been ages since we got the chance. Thought we could catch up.''
Enterprise blinked at the honest response. ''Sure... though, weren't you two supposed to be returning to the Sakura Empire today? Is it fine for you to still be here?''
''We were supposed to.'' Shoukaku agreed. ''However apparently Kaga volunteered to go back to the Sakura Empire for 'business reasons', so we'll be stationed here until her return.''
'Kaga's leaving Akagi alone?' Enterprise thought in surprise. 'That's... unlike her?'
The strange anomaly was pushed from her mind as Zuikaku spoke, gesturing for them to start walking. ''So! Since when did you buff your guns like that? The last time we sparred you couldn't stop all my planes, but this time I couldn't hit you at all! You weren't cheating, right?!''
Enterprise shook her head, vaguely amused by Zuikaku's near-petulant comment. ''I had them upgraded. Bits and pieces here. Just got better at aiming them at fast-moving targets, is all.''
''Your aim isn't the only thing that improved.'' Shoukaku noted lightly. ''You sailed towards us during the initial phase of the battle... perhaps, to get your guns within range of your fighters, to provide them better cover?''
''Partly.'' Enterprise admitted. ''Mostly it was so you tried to target me and get caught by my anti-air guns.''
''You'd put yourself at risk of getting hit, doing that.''
''I can take a few hits.'' Enterprise responded-
-and the moment she said them, she was hit by a flashback.
''Let's just say I can take a few hits.''
''Mn.'' Enterprise winced, touching her forehead with two fingers – the brief memory fading as fast as it came, but leaving her head sore, not unlike a throbbing headache. ''Ow.''
''You alright?'' Zuikaku asked with concern, brows dipped.
''Yeah.'' Enterprise waved her off, a lie forming on her tongue as easy as she breathed. ''Just a headache.''
''Considering Akagi's recent blunder, I imagine you've been having quite a few of those the past day or two.'' Shoukaku airily remarked, eyeing her from over her sleeve – before then proposing a solution. ''Say, why don't we use the onsen at the dorms? A nice way to unwind from all the stress. Our treat.''
''Are you sure?'' Enterprise frowned slightly.
''Of course.'' Shoukaku's response was as languid as ever, but there was a slight teasing glint in her eyes now. ''Akagi was the one to stir up trouble, so it's only fair we pay you back with an evening away from the chaos she caused, no?''
She'd never been to the onsen within the Sakura Empire's dormitory, so she was a little hesitant... but Zuikaku was nothing if not honest, and she wouldn't do anything that would deceive her; and by extension neither would Shoukaku. ''Sure, I suppose...''
Shoukaku gave her a warm smile, lowering her sleeve so she could see it. ''Good. I'll prepare us some snacks for tonight then~''
''For now though!'' Zuikaku exuberantly interjected. ''Spill it! How'd you know I was gonna come attack from above?! I was sure I was sneaky enough!''
At that the silver-haired carrier could only chuckle, explaining away her deductions and savouring Zuikaku's overdramatic complaints, and Shoukaku's teasing jabs at said overdramatic carrier.
X-x-X
Many hours passed, and in what felt like moments Enterprise found herself entering the Sakura Empire dorms.
It was already nightfall, the skies outside black and the stars shining up high. As such only a select few Ship-Girls were still meandering about the dormitory, about a third of the building asleep and another third in their rooms getting ready to go to bed. That left around a third hanging out in the common rooms or kitchen chatting, though any such chatter quelled itself when she passed, eyes peering at her in either bewilderment or curiosity.
She couldn't blame them, honestly. It wasn't like she was a regular visitor even before her disappearance.
However it was what they said that drew her attention. Thanks to surviving as long as she had she'd become accustomed to listening for the slightest sounds, allowing her to hear the whispered words said behind her back as the crane sisters led her down a hallway, the words barely audible to the cranes themselves.
''What's she doing here? Is she looking for Kaga?''
''I don't know. But since Shoukaku-san is there it's fine?''
''Did she always have that scar on her face?''
''She looks kinda scary...''
The last two bit the most; an uncomfortable feeling climbing through Enterprise as she resisted the urge to cover the scar on her face. It was so terribly easy to forget about. Even during past simulations people rarely commented on it, and when they did it always drove a spike into her back, reminding her of that caustic whip that struck her, burning her face for her insolence. She knew, logically, that it was just innocent curiosity that made them murmur the questions.
But damn if it didn't still sting.
Zuikaku herself, being who she was, couldn't contain her own curiosity – slowing down so they were walking side-by-side and whispering to her. ''How'd you get that scar anyway? Unlucky hit?''
She answered truthfully, but stiffly. ''A Siren.''
''Ah.'' Zuikaku sensed the unspoken message within. ''Sorry for asking.''
Enterprise just gave her a tight smile, the expression a touch forced. Mercifully Shoukaku broke any awkward tension before it could form.
''Here we are~'' The crane merrily stated, pushing open a door. ''Come on in~''
Enterprise did; following after Zuikaku and letting the wooden door drift shut behind her. What laid before her was a modest changing room, the floor a smooth tile whilst the walls were a warm mocha wood, some overhead lights illuminating the metal lockers that lined the walls and formed neat rows, each one prepared with a fluffy white towel within for a person to select. Laid further down the room was a larger sliding door, the steamy onsen on the other side waiting.
''Just get changed here.'' Shoukaku merrily commented, already starting to undress.
Zuikaku followed suit and after a moment Enterprise chose her own locker, selecting one nearer the back of the room out of sight of the two cranes. Neither commented on her desire for privacy, the shifting of cloth-on-skin the only sound to be heard from the changing rooms – giving Enterprise the clarity to realise her situation, self-consciousness bubbling up within her and twisting uglily in her gut.
She wasn't ashamed of her body. Nor proud of it, really; she never put much investment into her looks and didn't care much beyond looking sensible. She was a warrior, not an idol, after all – unlike some of her comrades who put a lot into appearances. However while she had no problems with her body, the features now scarred into it inspired a rare sense of self-consciousness within her. It was different than the scar on her face; that was unavoidable, always able to be seen. The ones on her body... they were more personal, in a sense. More intimate.
More humiliating.
''Enterprise~?'' Shoukaku's lilted voice snapped her out of her thoughts. ''Are you done?''
''Y-Yeah. Almost.'' The carrier swallowed. ''Just go ahead of me. I'll be out in a minute.''
''Alright. Just head to the showers before you enter, okay~?''
''She probably knows how an onsen works, Shoukaku-nee...''
''Just making sure~''
The two cranes departed the room, the slight hiss of the door preluding the click of it shutting a few moments later. Enterprise remained where she was, her shirt halfway down her shoulders and her eyes unfocused. Pursing her lips she continued to undress, hating how her fingers trembled and shook as she undid the buttons. She wanted to slap herself for it, quite nearly despising the unease within her, how she was getting worked up over something so ultimately trivial.
She was a warrior. A soldier. A fighter. Entering a bath was hardly the titanic monsters she'd fought before. This was nothing; not even a footnote. Yet though she tried to psyche herself up her fragile nerves remained, a bit of sweat on her forehead even as she slipped over to the showers in the adjacent room, stepping under one of the shower-heads and briefly rinsing herself clean, using some soap to wash away the sweat and grime of the day.
Swallowing Enterprise laid her hands on the wall, inhaling a deep breath as she stood under the shower's warm spray.
'You can do this...'
With that thought in mind she turned the shower off. The lack of rushing water made the changing rooms feel all the more empty, hastening her steps as she returned to her locker and wrapped her towel around herself, tucking it in tight to her body. Then with slow, uneasy steps the carrier made her way to the large sliding door, her hand hesitantly hovering by the handle. Fight-or-flight kicked in and her heartbeat felt heavy in her chest, the prospect of just ditching this whole affair and retreating back to her dormitory room a tempting one.
But she quashed the anxiety, silenced the tempting thoughts, and grasped the handle. A tug was all it took to open the door, her bare feet tapping against smoothened stone and her eyes sliding over the wide pools of warm water, clearly designed to account for dozens upon dozens of users at once. Only Zuikaku and Shoukaku were present however, the former reclining against the pool's edge in the largest bath whilst Shoukaku sat next to her on the edge, their towels resting a few feet behind them and several platters of food nearby.
''Hm?'' Shoukaku looked back at her. ''Come on Enterprise. The water's warm.''
Perhaps it was her nature as a big sister, but there was an almost perceptive light to Shoukaku's gaze, tinted with a sort of mild confusion, as if sensing her anxiety but not sure about the source. Enterprise flushed at the thought, hesitantly loosening her towel... before finally she let it slip off.
Shoukaku's eyes suddenly gazed with more intensity. Zuikaku on the other hand noticed the movement, tilting her head, and sucked in a startled breath.
So far Vestal had been the only one to truly see them. The scars that cut into her pale flesh, the discoloured skin intimately obvious when they were so numerous. Along her stomach, under or over her breasts, down her sides and past her ribs; they were everywhere. Observer Alpha had been very keen on delivering the punishment, each strike made with a sort of cruel amusement, doing it not because she wanted her to feel pain, but to see herin pain. To suffer.
Enterprise crossed her arms over herself, cheeks burning a humiliated red as she took the final few steps, easing down into the water – one arm draped over her chest to try and hide the scars. The silence that reigned over the room was deafening however, the weight of it impossible to ignore, not helped by the stares.
''...what happened...?'' Zuikaku's slow, shocked response stung.
''The Sirens.'' Enterprise whispered the words out tensely. ''Observer Alpha.''
The latter name was said with a hiss, her lips pursing partway through saying it – emotion clogging up her throat. She looked away from the two cranes, tempted to just get out and leave, the humiliation stinging too much – the only thing keeping her in the water being the humiliation of retreating in front of them.
''Why?''
Shoukaku's simple, one-worded question cut through the air like a cold wind, giving her both clarity, and discomfort. ''...she wanted to punish me. To motivate me. She thought suffering would compel me to get stronger, to improve. So every time I lost my nerve, every time I failed, e-every time I...''
Emotion finally became too much and Enterprise shut up before she broke entirely; her nails digging into her palms, shoving the emotions back down into a tiny little box. It was hard but she managed, forcing herself to keep talking – to at least justify her reaction, to stave off the invasive curiosity. They undoubtedly knew she'd been kidnapped. But no more than that.
''They serve as a reminder.'' Enterprise stated emotionally. ''They serve as proof. Proof of what the Sirens did to me. What they'll keep doing. That no matter what I do, they'll always win, one way or another.''
''Um, well...!'' Zuikaku stumbled over her words as she spoke up. ''T-They're not really that noticeable, you know?! I-I mean sure now they are, but- um, I didn't notice until you entered the bath and not many people will see you naked right so- oh god that sounds rude I'm sorry, I-I meant-!''
Zuikaku's stumbling, stammering attempt at comfort, however, was contrasted by Shoukaku's rather graceful, if cutting interjection.
''Actually, they're quite noticeable. Very much so.'' The carrier commented, eyeing Enterprise. ''I hadn't noticed them before, granted, though I wasn't looking for them. I assumed the ones on your legs were just temporary ones from the battle.''
''S-Shoukaku-nee!'' Zuikaku twisted around to face her sister, shocked and angry, not missing how Enterprise flinched.
Shoukaku ignored her – staring long and hard at Enterprise, before continuing. ''You claim that these scars are proof. Proof that the Sirens will constantly triumph over you. However, I do not see them that way.''
''Rather, it is proof that in spite of the Siren's best attempts to break your will, to break your spirit – they have failed.'' Shoukaku's words resounded throughout the suddenly silent onsen. ''That despite all of the trails and tribulations they put you through, despite all of the horrible things they seem to have done to you, all the mind games and violence – it all failed.''
A smile curled at her lips. ''It is proof that you have done what none in known history have done – you outsmarted the Sirens and used their own technology against them, that you have the courage and perseverance to survive what would break anyone else, myself included. So when you say these scars are proof of the Siren's cruelty unto you, Enterprise, I will say you are wrong.''
Her eyes grew soft. ''These scars are proof of your strength.''
Enterprise's eyes burned and grew watery. ''S-Shoukaku...''
Shoukaku just smiled tenderly. ''I can't begin to fathom what you went through Enterprise. And that only makes me respect you more.''
''...what she said.'' Zuikaku's response was more subdued, her lack of elegant wordplay shining through. ''I can't really put on a speech like that, so... if you ever find some Sirens, bring me along. I'll have your back.''
''I know you will.'' Enterprise cracked a smile, wiping at her eyes. ''Thank you... both of you.''
The twin cranes just smiled, and with a gentle suggestion Shoukaku offered her some food, the trio finally doing what they originally intended to do – relax.
X-x-X
It was nearly two full hours later when Enterprise finally departed the Sakura Empire dormitory, a weight lifted off of her back.
Zuikaku had offered to walk her back to the dorms, perhaps just out of a general sense of concern, but Enterprise had waved her off and bid her goodnight; heading back towards her own room – knowing that Saratoga would undoubtedly be waiting for her there. The idol had mentioned playing some games before bed, and Enterprise couldn't find it in her to deny her chipper senior. Though she also had a feeling Saratoga wouldn't give her much choice; ready to whisk her away into a night-long marathon of video games and snacks.
Such a plan was put on the back-burner, however, as a familiar head of blonde hair approached her from under one of the pathway lights, cowboy hat tilted back and an odd expression on her face.
''Hornet?'' Enterprise raised her brows at the sight of her sister-ship. ''What is it?''
Hornet just chuckled awkwardly. ''Uh... I'm the messenger, so don't shoot me, but erm...''
''Akagi wants to see you.''
Enterprise blinked in bewilderment, startled by the simple comment. Akagi? Willingly wanting to seeher? Especially after what just happened? One of those alone was enough cause for confusion, but both combined justified utter befuddlement. Hornet must've thought the same as she just shook her head in exasperated confusion, beckoning for her to follow. After a moment, Enterprise did, if only out of sheer curiosity.
Together the two sisters walked in silence, the slow treading of their boots the only sound. They walked down stone pathways and cut across grass, making their way to the hospital – the building illuminated by a pair of lampposts on either side of the main entrance. They passed under them silently, the slow click of the front doors the only real sound to be heard as they entered the hospital, a scarce few lights left on to help illuminate the hallway they walked down.
''Up ahead.'' Hornet slowed down, gesturing for her to go ahead. ''I'm just gonna go check on Yorktown. Shout if you want me to blow something up.''
Enterprise's lips curled up at the corners. ''Noted.''
Cracking a light grin in return Hornet gave her a two-fingered salute and left, her boots trudging down the tiled hallway and out of sight, going into the other wing across the hospital. Enterprise waited until the sound faded entirely from view before she inhaled a long, deep breath, and then stepped forth.
Click~
The handle bent in her hand, and with a soft click the door opened; revealing the somewhat bland hospital room in front of her. It was the same as her own room had been, except with the addition of some get-well-soon cards and a couple bouquets of flowers. The overhead lights were off, leaving the room illuminated only by a single amber lamp resting on the bedside table, the warm glow illuminating Akagi's visage.
She'd seen better days. A big bandage was taped onto her right cheek whilst liberal amounts of bandages covered her right shoulder, leaving her right arm in a cast up that reached her hand. The white sleeping kimono she wore blended in with the thin white sheets, a book left abandoned on her lap as she turned her crimson gaze upon the silver-haired carrier.
''Enterprise.'' Akagi was remarkably calm as she spoke. ''Please, come in.''
Enterprise quietly obliged, shutting the door behind her and approaching Akagi's bedside. It felt weird; seeing the carrier so vulnerable yet completely nonplussed about her presence. ''...you said you wanted to see me.''
''Indeed.'' Akagi mused. ''I heard that Admiral Henderson has given you quite the punishment.''
''Relatively.'' Enterprise responded curiously. ''No spars, reduced pay, no leaving the base, wearing an ankle-monitor... nothing really that punishing, overall. More annoying than anything.''
''Hn.'' Akagi hummed an agreement.
A brief silence fell over them, and with an awkward look to the side, Enterprise spoke up. ''Sorry for retaliating so harshly, yesterday.''
The fox-woman just chuckled lightly. ''I should be the one to apologise... though kamikaze strikes are part of our doctrine, I should have realised using one during a spar with you might be a touch triggering. I apologise for that... and, for the comments I said when I first discovered that Siren device in your hull.''
Enterprise remembered them very acutely. ''No wonder where that famed selflessness of yours went.''
''The Sirens have changed you.''
''It was rash of me.'' Akagi continued on, unaware of Enterprise's internal thoughts. ''I was frustrated and didn't consider that you might have a genuine reason for not wanting it removed from your hull. I've never known you to be the selfish type... and, judging by how you acted during our battle, you haven't lost that maddening selflessness of yours.''
''So, even if I still think it would be better to have that device handled by scientists, and not warriors such as us...'' Akagi looked up at her. ''I suppose you probably know how to best use it. I will, at least, put that much trust in you.''
''...thank you, Akagi.'' Enterprise said softly. ''And... if I can ask...?''
''Go on.''
''What did you mean during the war game? Before you blacked out?'' Enterprise had to know. The whispered words, so faint yet so crucial, gnawed at her mind endlessly – begging for a conclusion.
Akagi hummed, reclining into her bed. ''...when you held me down and I looked into your eyes, they weren't yours. They were... sharp. Mechanical, almost. You looked at me like you were figuring out the best way to damage me, to eliminate me. Your eyes were like a Siren's.''
Enterprise's breath hitched. ''What?''
''It was brief.'' Akagi added. ''You lost that look when we locked eyes. Presumably, your reaction was down to my kamikaze strike. A... defensive mechanism, perhaps.''
Enterprise swallowed, looking aside. ''...maybe. I just saw Yorktown go up in flames, and I... I reacted.''
Akagi was quiet, causing the silence to stretch – until she broke it with a very poignant question.
''What really happened, Enterprise? With the Sirens?''
Enterprise returned her gaze onto Akagi. The fox-woman looked at her with curiosity, brows softly furrowed as if trying to decipher what had transpired with just a cursory look. It wasn't the first time she'd been asked that now, making it slightly easier to speak.
''I was kidnapped by the Sirens.'' Enterprise relayed, quiet. ''They used me for experiments. Simulations. Pitted me against greater and greater foes in order to test my strength, and when I failed they repaired me and made me do it again.''
Akagi eyed her closely. ''That doesn't explain your reaction to me.''
…
Enterprise hesitated. She ran her eyes over Akagi's visage, the weight of the silence prominent with her lack of reply. A lump manifested in her throat but she pushed it down with a gulp, a slow inhale following it – before she managed to speak the truth.
''I killed you several times in them.'' Enterprise confessed. ''The simulations weren't simple battles. They rarely were. The Sirens recreated the whole world, creating a lifelike simulation... and in them, you were sometimes my enemy. Sometimes it was avoidable. Sometimes it wasn't. Sometimes... I didn't try to avoid it.''
Enterprise looked away, ashamed. ''I tried to stop the violence before it started by assassinating you. That worked... only once. After that, the Sirens always surrounded you with your allies. More than once I... I killed scores of your allies just to get to you, to end it before it could begin. Only for Kaga to take the lead in your stead. If not her, then Tosa. If not her, then Nagato, who would fight for their memory. If not her, then Mikasa, who fought to stop me.''
''Until soon... there was nobody left. Not even a Destroyer.''
The declaration hung heavily, and the truth behind her words rung painfully.
She killed them all.
Enterprise shut her eyes. She still remembered it. Of the fatigue, of her arms weighing so heavily even as she caught a fist going for her, thrusting an arrow into another neck, watching as blood ran down the shaft and the motionless body fell from her hands. Ibuki. Mogami. Atago. Shigure. Ayanami. Everyone who served under the banner of the Sakura Empire fell in her desperate, single-minded attempt to end the inevitable war – only to end up causing one, as the Sakura Empire declared war on the Eagle Union, before her own nation then turned against her, calling her a monster.
And even though she knew it was a simulation, that the Sirens were trying to prey upon her insecurities and hurt her... that single line had dug the dagger into her the most. Second only to the moment when Yorktown and Hornet gazed at her with such distraught expressions, and ordered their fleets to sink her.
She never could bring herself to fight back. She just ran away, dodging bombs and bullets until they ran out of fuel and had to give up the chase.
''In that moment... I was fully prepared to kill you again.'' Enterprise whispered. ''So many times you've become a tyrant, a maniac, a warmonger, that it's hard to distinguish if you're an ally or foe.''
Akagi absorbed this information quietly, hands folded in her lap and gaze drifting across the room, gazing at the window. Only after a lengthy pause did she speak.
''Do you know why I did it?'' Akagi inquired.
''...I can't say for every simulation. In one though, you monologued about it.'' The silver-haired carrier stated. ''You claimed you wanted to see the Sakura Empire become strong and infallible; to be everlasting. To have the sun never set.''
Akagi closed her eyes. ''...I can see myself doing something so extreme. I've never considered enacting such a thing... but the thought was there, more than once. So thank you, Enterprise.''
Enterprise blinked, startled as she looked back at Akagi. ''Thank you? For what?''
''Because with this foresight in mind I can be more self-aware of my actions in future, and try to avoid becoming the monster that I became in those 'simulations' the Sirens devised.'' Akagi explained with a slight smile. ''So for that, I thank you.''
Enterprise just nodded slightly, a note of curiosity filling her when Akagi sat up slightly, reaching over to her bedside. Only then did Enterprise notice the olive plant present on the table, having overlooked it earlier in favour of the lamp resting next to it. Akagi took one of the small branches and snapped it off, a smile curling at her lips as she then sat up, offering it to her.
''Here.'' Akagi said.
Blinking Enterprise accepted, looking down at the branch. It was a thin thing, with just a couple of leaves growing on it, still clearly growing. She looked back up at Akagi, befuddled as to its meaning.
Mirth shined in Akagi's eyes. ''A gift from me to you.''
Enterprise looked at the branch.
Then at the plant. An olive plant.
Branch. Olive plant.
It was then it struck her. A literal olive branch.
A light, airy giggle escaped Akagi. ''I knew you'd get the joke.''
Enterprise shifted, her shoulders trembling-
''P-Pfft- haha!''
-before for the first time since her escape from the Sirens, Enterprise truly laughed.
X-x-X
Enterprise left Akagi's room feeling lighter than ever.
It was strange. Akagi, who was both her rival and, at times, her greatest enemy, was the first to make her feel such genuine euphoria in ages. She couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed like that; only hazy memories of the past held such joy in her heart. Yet it was Akagi of all people who was the one to do it.
Enterprise shook her head in exasperated disbelief, long hair swishing behind her as she ascended the steps of the stairwell, one hand pushing open the roof access door. Pleasantly cold wind greeted her as she ascended onto the rooftop, letting the door drift shut behind her with a dull clank. Up there at night it had a distinctly peaceful feeling; almost as if the rooftop was isolated from the chaos in the world below it.
'I hope Yorktown can come up here soon,' Enterprise thought to herself, approaching the edge of the roof and leaning against the stone wall. 'She'd like the view.'
The carrier smiled slightly to herself, already envisioning it. Of Yorktown coming up and commenting about how lovely it looked, of how Hornet would joke and kick back, of how Vestal would chastise her about getting her jacket dirty laying on the ground and of how Hornet would roll about just to make her childish point, undoubtedly earning a laugh from Enterprise and Yorktown in the process.
However the thought also reminded her of how Hornet had acted the last few weeks she'd been here. The sharing of whiskey, the tenderness, the irrationality at times. That was unlike her in previous simulations.
The others were acting unusual too. Saratoga was more eccentric, more random, more prone to bouts of chaotic spur-of-the-moments. Washington was more perceptive than her rough-and-tough nature let on. Vestal was more interested in seeing her mental health improve than she was getting her in fighting condition. Essex was doing her best to be helpful and actively avoided bringing up Siren-related subjects.
Belfast, the enigmatic maid, had appeared where in previous simulations she was mostly absent. She was the biggest change; she wasn't motivating her to do something, she wasn't there to act as bait, she wasn't there to get close to her. She was just... there. Doing her own thing.
Living her life.
Enterprise's breath hitched, her whole body freezing up – suddenly, intimately, becoming aware of that. Of all the pieces dangling before her that now came together. The unusual independence of Kaga. The insightfulness of Akagi. The motivated training that Yorktown and Hornet underwent with the Royal Navy carriers. Things that all of them lacked in prior simulations. Things that, from the perspective of the Sirens, would be unnecessary hindrances.
Things the Sirens wouldn't do.
Things the Sirens wouldn't simulate.
Behind her she heard the door clank open, a pair of boots trudging onto the roof.
''Yo, Enterprise?'' Hornet's familiar voice rung loudly in the silence.
Enterprise dared to turn around, heart pounding in her chest. She looked at Hornet, eyes wide as she for once took the chance to look at her, to examine every miniscule feature, to truly see her.
And in that moment, the truth hit her like a freight train.
''Enter- oof?!''
Hornet grunted in surprise as Enterprise tackled her, startled. ''Hey, what's-?!''
She fell silent, however, as Enterprise sobbed out a single, choked-out phrase.
''I'm home.''
[END]
A/N: And thus, in the end it was Akagi who unknowingly gave Enterprise the final push to realise the truth~ Shoukaku and Zuikaku definitely helped soften her up, as did everyone else, but it was the fiery fox who dealt the crucial blow~
What'll happen next though, is the real question~
See ya next time in Chapter 15: Truth~
No preview this time; I want to keep this one a secret~