AN: Welcome to this story everyone! I hope I'll be able to entertain you and you'll have fun reading this fic.
Enjoy!
50 kilometers east of the eastern shores of Hokkaido
Aboard destroyer USS Milius, assigned to Task Force 99
"It's still hard for me to believe we are here." the elderly man said, sitting in his command chair, looking out the frontal window at the waves of the windy North Pacific.
"The same for me Sir. It's like a sweet dream come true." replied his much younger first officer with his hands behind his back, standing beside the captain's chair.
"I always thought that people shall believe in their dreams. We all dreamed about returning to our true duty for so many long years. And now here we are."
"Thanks God." The first officer walked out to the port bridgewing and proudly looked around with a smile on his face. The Milius was leading the formation. Behind her there were five other Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and two Ticonderoga-class cruisers, forming a diamond shape. And in the middle, there was a huge, floating platform, filled with warplanes. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was steaming southwards, encircled by her destroyer and cruiser escort.
However, the fleet of nine ships had a different kind of protection in addition. As the officer looked around, he saw small dots around them on the horizon. And those dots – though looking tiny from this distance – possessed great power.
"God bless you all for everything. For helping us." the young man thought. What would have happened to the world without them?
Task Force 99 was encircled by a group of shipgirls, destroyers, cruisers, battleships and a carrier. They left Hawai'i days prior and joined the Abraham Lincoln and her escort near the Aleutian Islands. Now they were sailing together east of Japan, heading toward their destination in the south of the country.
Ever since the war against the Abyssals began, the regular ships of the U.S. Navy have been degraded into a coast guard. But things were changing recently. The activity of their enemies was in decline as the shipgirl fleets were slowly but surely winning, turning the tide to humanity's side.
The situation was much better on both the Pacific and the Atlantic, while on the other side of the globe the Mediterranean was almost totally clear of Abyssals. Yet shipping was still far from safe, and the war far from over, and so the merchant ships were still travelling in heavily escorted convoys, and even warships were not allowed to leave port without shipgirl protection, and they were only sent to operations near the coasts to minimalize the risk of losing them.
Now, that things were going quite well at the western coast of America and on the East Pacific, the American leadership had an opportunity to send reinforcement to its allies. That was why this group of warships was now heading toward the land of the rising Sun.
Task Force 99 left San Diego and sailed northwards, following the western coast of the USA, then Canada and Alaska. They met their shipgirl escort at the Aleutian Islands then continued their way westwards until they reached Kamchatka where they turned to the south. Between the Russian peninsula and Hokkaido even Russian shipgirls sailed together with them. Milius' first officer remembered what a joy it was to meet allies from another nation, this far from home. When they appeared all the ships were blowing their horns, the crews were shouting greetings and good wishes to them. And they had good reason to celebrate indeed. They felt liberated, as if they broke out of a cage.
"Grazzini."
"Yes Captain?" turned around the first officer.
"I think it's about time for us to hoist the colors of our hosts. Go and conduct it."
"Aye aye Sir." nodded the young man, and with that first officer Ryan Grazzini went to have the Japanese flag raised in the bow.
Shipgirl escort, outside the perimeter of Task Force 99
One of the shipgirls was sailing on the port side of the naval unit. She was a tall, young woman with long, brownish blond hair that was flying behind her in the wind, and blazing, blue eyes. Her uniform consisted of a white shirt with three golden stars on each side of the collar, a long cape, that was deep blue on the inside, black on the outside, tight fitting, black trousers in which her shirt was tucked in, and a pair of black heeled leather boots, reaching up to her knees.
Her equipment betrayed at first sight that she was a capital ship, her nine 406 millimeter cannons were glimmering in the pale sunlight that was coming through the grey clouds.
She had a quite stoic expression on her face as she sailed on with crossed arms, but inside she was confused. She has been in this land in her previous life. Back then she was an occupier. Now she came as an ally. Fate really has a strange kind of humor, hasn't it?
Will she meet some of those she confronted in those distant years? What should she do then? What should she say to them? Really. What?
"Are you alright Sis?" someone asked from behind.
The young woman turned back at her younger sister. She had the same outfit and equipment as her. Her hair was white, and she wore it in a braid, hanging behind her back, and her eyes were the same blue as her older sister's.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking."
"Don't tell me."
"How about you?"
The younger sister just shrugged. "You know what I think of them."
"Look. I understand you too. But times have changed."
"Yes. The question is whether they have changed or not? If you ask me, no."
"I was in Pearl Harbor a few months after the attack, I saw what they did. I was there at Guadalcanal, at the Marshal Islands, Gilbert Islands, Mariana Islands, Palau Islands and the list goes on. But the past is in the past."
"So you think."
"They are our allies now. Don't forget that."
"Maybe yours. But for me they are still nothing more than a bunch of..."
"Don't even say it." the older sister raised her hand to silence the younger one. "At least behave nicely, okay?"
"Just for your sake." the white-haired girl looked aside.
"Very well. We have still three more days to go, try to clear your mind until then." Then the older sister, battleship North Carolina continued her way.
Japanese shipgirl base, Shimoshima Island, off the western coast of Kyushu
"So, everything is going according to plan Admiral?" Nagato asked, sitting before the desk of Admiral Hirayama Kaito of the JMSDF, commander of the base.
"Yes, the new neighboring base's construction is complete, and they'll be here in 72 hours." replied the officer in white uniform.
"I see." Nagato silently nodded, looking down, and the admiral instantly knew what she was thinking about.
"I understand how you and the others feel about this, I can't blame you for that. But we're living in another time now, and things have changed since then. You understand that?"
"Of course Admiral, and I'm glad that they're coming to assist us. It's just... the memories."
"I know Nagato. But trust me, there won't be any problems. We have our own base, and they'll have their own base."
"Sure Admiral..." This fact did not reassure Nagato. True, they'll have their own docks and barracks, but that "new base" was basically just the expansion of the naval district. "Is that all?"
"For now yes. You may leave."
They both stood up, changed salutes, then Nagato turned around and left the Admiral's office.
"Well?" asked Mutsu who was waiting for her outside in the corridor.
"They'll arrive in three days." replied Nagato to her sister as they walked out of the command building into the yard.
Out there the Sun was shining brightly and due to the nice weather, most of the shipgirls were outdoor, having fun. Mamiya's café was full, next to the entrance the Akatsuki-class destroyers were eating ice cream while chatting. Up in the sky, a group of Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero fighters flew over the square; the First Carrier Division was probably practicing. Everyone seemed to have much fun.
"Strange." said Mutsu.
"Hm?"
"This will be strange."
"... To put it mildly."
X
Kirishima sighed pleasantly as she lowered herself into the hot water of the bath. A few quiet, relaxing hours was exactly what she needed, since she just came back from a battle, where she led a squad of destroyers, reinforced by Nagara and Natori. It wasn't as tough as she thought it would be, they only engaged enemy destroyers and light cruisers, but it was still pretty "exciting". They barely found their foes due to the bad weather, and at one point she even had to throw herself in front of Ayanami to prevent her from being hit by the shell of an Abyssal destroyer. It didn't cause significant damage to her, nevertheless it was quite a painful struck.
In the end, they managed to sink the entire enemy fleet. A damaged Ho-class light cruiser almost got away in the storm but a salvo of torpedoes from Uranami finished her off.
After that the fleet returned to the base soaked by the cold rain and with minor damages.
Kirishima leaned against the wall of the tub, eyes closed and let the warmth to pervade her body. Luckily the bath was silent, there weren't many in there. As she looked around, she saw only a few other shipgirls. In one of the nearby tubs, Ayanami seemed to have fallen asleep in the warm, steamy water. She deserved to have rest without a doubt.
The Kongo-class fast-battleship faintly smiled. She felt satisfied; she annihilated an enemy unit with the fleet she led, and now she could relax in the tubs of the docks.
"Kirishima!" a voice called out to her. She turned there and wiped the damp off her glasses.
It was Haruna standing in the door. "When you're finished, we're waiting for you at the tea table."
"Of course Haruna, I wouldn't miss it for all the world." nodded Kirishima. A hot bath followed by tea and cakes? What could be better?
An hour later all four Kongo sisters were sitting together at the table, under the shade of trees, with elegant teacups in their hands.
As they chatted about various topics, Kirishima was more silent than usual. The youngest sister just simply enjoyed life. The tea, the cakes, the nice, warm air with the scent of flowers in it, the soft breeze, the sound of waves...
She then looked at her siblings and couldn't help but think how lucky she was. Despite all the hardships of the life she had, she was surrounded by wonderful people, including three amazing older sisters, whom she loved very much, and they loved her as well. They were such a loving, caring and well working quartet. Kirishima felt that she couldn't be more grateful to heaven.
"Could I have a question? What do you think about that?" asked Haruna.
"That Haruna?" asked back Kongo, to which Haruna gestured with her head toward the newly built area of the naval district.
Suddenly the mood became heavier. "Ah, yes..." nodded Kongo confusedly, putting down her cup. "Well..."
"I don't like the idea." stated Hiei, interrupting her older sister, which was not her habit at all. She was looking down with an expressionless face, playing with her teaspoon.
"Don't you think, you're too rigid about it?" asked Haruna.
"No Haruna, I don't think." turned to her Hiei with a stern look. "Don't you remember?"
"I do but..."
"They are still the ones we had war with. Who sank me. Who sank my sisters."
"You don't know if they are among them. Besides, regular sailors are coming with them too. They have nothing to do with what happened to us."
"They are their friends. That's all I need to know." This behavior was so alien to Hiei that it truly scared Haruna.
"Hey, hey, take it easy everyone!" waved Kongo her hands with a forced smile, trying to calm them down. "Who knows? This can turn out well. Plus, a little back up always comes in handy."
"Onee-sama is right. After all they're coming as our allies."
"Sure. Allies..." murmured Hiei under her breath.
Before any of them could say anything more, they both felt a strong grip on their necks. Kongo was practically on top of the table, almost knocking everything off it, as she gave her two little sisters a tight hug. "Don't worry- desu you two! If any mean yank would raise a hand on you, you can trust me, I'll drive him to the devil-desu!" she said in her usual cherish way.
"Onee-samaaaaaaa! I can't breathe!"
Meanwhile the only mum person present was Kirishima. Exceptionally, she chose to stay out and just watch. While Hiei and Haruna both had their – different – opinions, she and Kongo weren't sure what to think. In fact, both of their sisters were right in some respects. Hiei was right to feel resentment, and Haruna was also right to think that they should give them a chance.
These were the two standpoints wrestling with each other in her. Well. They'll see it in three days.
X
Passing by Nagashima Island, Task Force 99 took a right turn and entered the narrow strait. After their long journey they were about to finally arrive to their overseas base.
Ryan was standing on the deck on Milius' port side, watching the hilly, woody landscape that surrounded them. Until now Japan was only a thin strip of land on the horizon, but now he had the opportunity to observe it closer, and he could instantly tell that it was a beautiful country. Though he wished that something more peaceful brought him here instead of war, he was glad he could be there and see the world.
It was early in the morning, the Sun just started to rise, and it gave the sky and the ocean a beauteous color. He loved the sea as long as he could remember. It was so lovely and formidable at the same time. It can give life and also take it. It gives us many gifts but can crush even the biggest, strongest ship like a bug as well. And most of all, there is something in the ocean. Something divine that cannot be expressed by words...
All that Ryan knew was that he loved it with all his heart.
"Early as always huh?" said someone behind his back.
"What could I say? Sleeping is good but takes away much time. For example, I would have missed this site if I slept on." replied Ryan with a smile to his friend.
It was James Mitchel, gunnery officer of the Milius, and Ryan's best friend, whom he met at the university, before both of them chose to attend the naval academy and joined the navy.
"Good morning by the way."
"Good morning pal." said James, walking up to Ryan, and leaning on the railing beside him. "God... Would you have thought when we were kids that we'll end up like this?"
"You mean, being navy sailors? Or fighting Abyssals in Japan?"
"Both. Crazy, isn't it?"
"That's an understatement if you ask me. But personally, I didn't regret that I put on this uniform." said Ryan.
"Neither did I." said James then looked at Shimoshima Island. "Hey look. Looks like, we became an attraction."
Ryan looked at the island and he saw people gathering on the cliff, just south of the base.
"I have a feeling that this will be interesting." said Ryan.
X
"Zuikaku-san. Shokaku-san." greeted Kirishima the two carriers, who were already standing up on the cliff, together with other shipgirls from the base. Once again, she came alone. Her sisters were still sleeping, they weren't very interested in this.
"Kirishima-san. Good morning to you." bowed Shokaku casually.
"Are they already..."
"See it yourself." said Zuikaku, watching the strait with crossed arms.
Kirishima walked to the edge and now saw them. There they were, sailing in formation at cruise speed, passing by the southern areas of the naval district. Their crews were standing in attention on the decks, in their white and blue uniforms to salute their far-eastern allies.
What she felt couldn't have been described; and as she looked around, it was the same with the others. The Sendai-sisters, the destroyers, Nagato, Ooyodo, Tone, Chikuma, the Myoko-sisters, Furutaka and Kako, Yamato, Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu and Soryu and the others were all looking with stone faces.
A group of American warships, flying the stars and stripes were passing right before them. Back in the old days it would have certainly meant a brutal naval clash. Now they should have cheered. But none of them did.
So many feelings emerged...
There was an aircraft carrier in the center of the fleet. For the Japanese carriers present its sight brought up various memories about Midway, where they got so terribly defeated by the American carriers, about Pearl Harbor, where they failed to achieve one of their main objectives, to sink the carriers, about everything... And now here was this Yankee CV that came to reinforce them. Ironic, isn't it?
Their shipgirl escort. Who are among them? With how many of them did they meet on the battleground before?
Nagato looked at the list of ships in her hand.
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln
Ticonderoga-class cruisers USS Bunker Hill, USS Princeton
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Milius, USS Russel, USS Paul Hamilton, USS Decatur, USS Higgins, USS O'Kane
Then she looked at the list of the arriving shipgirls.
Several Fletcher- and Clemson-class destroyers. The carrier... was none other than Saratoga. Oh...
What about the cruisers and battleships? Gods... Some of them were unknown to Nagato, some of them familiar. Too familiar.
She then sighed and watched as the fleet approached the port in the northern part of the base.
So, this was the first chapter dear readers. If you liked it feel free to follow it and of course reviews are welcome as well.
Have a nice day!