The Meaning of Friendship
Protagonist: Unicorn
Genre: Friendship
Disclaimer: I do not own Azur Lane or any of its characters.
Unicorn hops along the path outside of the base, admiring all the beautiful ship girls around her, opening their own shops, interacting with one another and so on. She is alone because she asked her beloved Illustrious to go hang out with her best friends. Illustrious approved and let her go.
She clutches her dear little friend, U-chan in her arms as she skips along. "I wonder what fun will await us today~" the little shy girl says.
She then sees her group of friends on the hill, Javelin, Laffey, Niimi, and Ayanami. The sight of them makes her very happy, so she sprints toward the hill to go talk to them.
"U-umm…hey…everyone?" She tries to call out.
But the group are too busy chatting away, enjoying whatever it is they are discussing.
Unicorn comes closer and what she sees is a new product Akashi sold to Javelin, possibly a device that can boost repairing a ship with ease, but it's only a prototype. Her friends cannot believe Javelin was the first to get it.
"A blue cube like none other," Javelin says.
"Possibly the commander's idea…" The sleepy Laffey guesses.
"Most likely," Niimi says.
Unicorn jumps up and down to try and see the product, but she is too small. Her friends are too mesmerized by this new product. Unicorn is getting a little impatient.
"You guys! I'm right here!" Unicorn jumps up and down, trying to get their attention
"How do you suppose we use this product on someone?" Ayanami asks.
"Just as Akashi says, it repairs ships in an instant," Javelin says. "We need to use it wisely, then."
"Only in battle do we need it," Niimi says. "I guess when you think about it, it's not much of an excitement as I thought."
"Hey, come on," Javelin says. "At least I get to show it off~!"
Unicorn pouts as tears sting her eyes. Her friends are paying no attention to her at all, which makes her upset.
"I guess I'll go then," Unicorn says.
She turns and leaves, clutching her friend in her arms. She needs to calm down. A stride in the sea might help.
Javelin turns around. "Sorry what were you saying, Unicorn? Unicorn?" She looks around and sees nothing. "I thought I heard her voice."
"Same here," Laffey says.
Niimi sighs. "Well, Javelin, it's kinda your fault. You were too obsessed over this product."
"Oh, no…" Javelin says. "I have to find her and apologize!"
Laffey raises a hand. "I'll go, too…"
"Then, I'll go as well," Ayanami says.
Niimi nods with a smile. "Good. I shall stay here."
"Why?" Javelin asks.
"The three of you should be enough on the search," Niimi says. "I should stay by the docks to report if you three return safely."
"Alright," Javelin says. "We won't stop until we find her."
The three Destroyers head toward the docks and equip their rigging. They then sail off to find their dear little friend. Niimi watches them off with a smile.
*Meanwhile*
Unicorn strides aimlessly, clutching her U-chan in her arms, her eyes red from crying. "All I wanna do is play. There's no one else that I know would talk to me…"
Just then, she bumps into something…soft and bouncy. She looks up to see a certain Sakura Empire ship girl with fox ears on top of her head.
"Look, Takao~" Atago says. "What do we have here~?"
Takao looks over to see the princess likes ship girl. "It's that carrier. But…why is she on her own?"
Unicorn doesn't care at this point. She goes in and hugs Atago. "I need a friend! My own friends don't want me! I wanna play!"
Atago smiles and pets the little carrier. "Awwww, she's lonely, Takao. What do we suppose we do~?"
"Hmmm…she is from the Royal Navy…and there is a very high chance a search party is already established," Takao says. "Let's use her as bait. And we will challenge whoever is set to find her."
"Ahhh, this is a good chance to use our secret weapon then~" Atago says. "But first, let's give this little cutie what she wants. Ohhh…but you need a little nap first~" She squeezes Unicorn tightly, having her face completely on her bosom
Unicorn tries to wiggle away, but she is losing air and shortly after, her eyes flutter shut and her arms fall at her sides, dropping U-chan in the water. However, the little horse is quick on her feet and dashes off, running on the water before Takao could get to her.
"Leave it be," Atago says. "This is all part of the plan~"
Takao looks at her sister and relents. Atago carries the sleeping Unicorn in her arms and heads to the Sakura Empire base.
*Meanwhile*
Illustrious is in a panic and looks around for her dear friend until she finds Niimi at the docks. She and Prince of Wales rush toward her.
"Unicorn isn't with you?" Illustrious says. "Where is she?"
"She ran off," Niimi says. "I don't know where but-"
"I'll go!" Illustrious says. "I have to make sure she is safe!"
"We don't know where to begin" Wales says. "You are better safe here."
"But…!" Illustrious's face is full of worry.
"My friends are on the search," Niimi says. "You don't have to do anything."
"Can we at least keep you company?" Illustrious asks. "It must be lonely just sitting out here."
Niimi nods and pats the area next to her. "Go ahead."
Wales gives a smile. "I shall sit by you as well." She sits beside Illustrious and gently takes her gloved hand.
"Y-you're…" Unicorn says.
"I'm Nagato, battleship of the Sakura Empire," Nagato says. "And since you are here…why don't you come to our side…"
Unicorn trembles in fear. "N-no, ummm…I don't wanna…"
"I heard you were in a predicament," Nagato says. "Something about…being ignored…?"
"Y-yes, but…I know they didn't mean to," Unicorn says. "But…but…all I wanted was to have someone to play with…"
Nagato outstretches her hand. "I'll play with you, if you promise to be my friend. I mean you no harm…."
Unicorn whimpers as she looks at Nagato's hand and then at the battleship herself. She's about the same age as her…and she seems like a perfect playmate. Unicorn reaches out her hand…
*Meanwhile*
"Ohhhh…where could she be…?" Javelin says. "We searched all over!"
"Unicorn must have been really upset," Ayanami says.
"I'm sleepy…." Laffey says.
Just then, Javlin and the others stop to see U-chan come running at them and then stops to flail its legs and point out back.
"You know where Unicorn is?!" Javelin says.
The little horse nods and turns and runs.
"Let's follow it!" Ayanami says.
They arrive at the edge of Sakura Empire controlled waters where U-chan skids to a halt upon seeing Atago and Takao standing there, waiting for them. Javelin and the others skid to a halt as well, seeing the two girls with Unicorn behind them.
"Glad you could make it~" Atago says.
"Unicorn!" Javelin says. "Unicorn thank goodness! Come with us! We'll keep you safe!"
"If you want to get to her," Takao says. "You'll have to beat our challenge first."
"What challenge?" Javelin asks.
Atago turns her head. "Come on out, dearie~"
The trio look up to see a very busty, oh so cute ship girl with cow ears, a tail and little horns on her head. She is wearing a different kind of high class outfit with purple short skirt, black thigh high stockings and black high heels on her feet. Her rigging is medium sized and she carries a katana in her hand.
"We're going to have some fun," The girl draws her sword. "Why don't you come and play?"
Javelin and the others gasp.
"I am Kashino…Munition Ship of the Sakura Empire," the cowgirl says.
Kashino charges and the trio separate to evade her slash attack. Javelin goes in, trying to swing at Kashino, but the cow girl blocks it and shoves Javelin back. Ayanami uses her blade to swing at Kashino, but misses. Kashino shoulder tackles her and spins around to push back Lafffey who is trying to aim. Kashino then goes and tries to strike Javelin, which the Destroyer blocks with her weapon. Javelin pushes with all her might, but this cow girl's strength is already overmatching hers.
Unicorn trembles as she watches her three friends fight to protect her. But unfortunately, things aren't going so well. This…Kashino, who looks so cute and innocent like her…is actually stronger than all three Destroyers combined.
Ayanami draws her sword and charges to save Javelin. Kashino shoves Javelin back and spins around to parry Ayanami's blade twice. The two perform the dance of the swords, clashing blades left and right, all while striding on the water. Ayanami ducks from a back swing, then slides under another swing to get behind her.
"Dodge this…" Kashino thrusts her hand forward and fires. The blasts hit Ayanami and gets her down to one knee.
Kashino slides with her sword pointed at her, but she gets blasted by Laffey, who charges at her. Kashino gives a soft glare and charges at Laffey. The pig-tailed girl dodges and ducks, trying to find an open spot to aim. Kashino is too quick and raises her sword to strike Laffey down. Laffey manages to catch the sword, but is struggling to push the cow girl. Laffey is then shoved back and the blade strikes one of her riggings.
"Hey, Bully!" Ayanami charges and clashes blades with Kashino's once more.
But Kashino knocks Ayanami off her feet and shoves her back. Javelin jumps in front of her fellow destroyer to protect her. She spin kicks the blade away, pushing Kashino back. Javelin looks back and helps Ayanami up. The two give each other a nod and Ayanami charges first, lunging forward. Kashino backs away and blocks it, but Javelin jumps high in the air and strikes Kashino, making the cow girl stumble back.
Kashino gets angry and uses her high heeled foot to kick Javelin in the chest, making her fall.
"Javelin!" Ayanami cries.
She charges and clashes blades with Kashino's. Kashino's parries are stronger, pushing Ayanami back and then gets struck by the blade, knocking her down. Unicorn gasps in horror.
"That's enough!" Javelin says and clutches her javelin to lunge forward.
Kashino grabs the javelin and holds it tight in her grip, having the Destroyer be stuck. Ayanami tries to strike her with her blade, but her blade gets kicked away and grabbed by the wrist with Kashino's other hand. The two are struggling to break free, but it's no use.
"She's too strong!" Ayanami says.
"Hang in there, Ayanami!" Javelin says.
"You're finished," Kashino says.
Atago giggles as she enjoys this fight while Unicorn continues to watch. Her friends are trying so hard to fight, yet they cannot beat this cow girl.
Ayanami looks at the helpless Unicorn. She HAS to get to her. Challenge or not, she needs to save the precious carrier. With newly found strength, she forcefully has Kashino unhand her, grabs her blade and backslashes the cow girl, making her stumble back. Laffey fires her shots, which Kashino blocks.
"Go help Unicorn!" Javelin says after she got free.
"Alright!" Ayanami says.
Javelin and Laffey try to keep Kashino occupied by fighting her. Javelin swings her weapon left and right, but gets parried by Kashino. Laffey goes in and wraps her arms around Kashino's waist to at least weigh her down. But Kashino grabs her and tosses her aside and kicks Javelin away.
Ayanami tried to get close to Unicorn, only for Atago and Takao to draw their sword and form an X shape in front of Unicorn.
"Leave her alone," Atago says. "She doesn't want to go with you dearie~"
"No! Unicorn!" Ayanami says.
Javelin and Laffey get blasted, making Ayanami turn and see her friends getting hurt. She charges and clashes blades with Kashino's, but Kashino once again gains the upper hand and shoves her away. The trio get together and Kashino thrusts her arm forward. She fires a series of shots at the destroyers, making them drop to their knees.
"Why play with a child, when you can play with me~?" Kashino giggles.
"This girl is tough!" Javelin grunts.
Kashino is about to make the final blow when war fighter planes open fire, catching Kashino off guard. Javelin and the others turn to see Enterprise arrive. Some shells were thrown at Kashino, but the cow girl evades the explosions and sees the head maid of the Royal Navy, Belfast
Belfast and Enterprise help the Destroyers to their feet. Takao and Atago grit their teeth at the sight of the top ship girls, especially at Enterprise.
"You alright?" Belfast asks.
"Yeah, I think so," Ayanami replies.
Enterprise readies her glowing arrow. "Stay focused."
Belfast has another set of shells in between her fingers, eyeing the innocent cow girl. "She doesn't look so tough."
"You don't think so?!" Javelin says. "Check it out!"
Kashino thrusts her hand foreward and fires her shots. It blasts all 5 of them at once, making them fall on the water.
"Give up while you still can," Kashino says.
"Guh….what…what kind of power does that girl have…?!" Enterprise grunts.
"I'm telling you!" Javelin says. "She is the toughest we faced! How are we supposed to rescue Unicorn if we can't beat her?!"
Belfast grins and rubs her chin. "Maybe we don't have to~"
"What are you saying?" Ayanami asks.
"I got a plan," Belfast says. "But you have to follow my lead. Sakura Empire is clever, so we have to outsmart them."
"Come on, Unicorn, dearie," Atago says, taking the small girl's hand. "We have a play date planned for you and Nagato~"
However, Ayanami and Javelin stand in the way, readying their weapons.
"You're not going anywhere!" Javelin and Ayanami say in unison.
Kashino looks over at Laffey, who is striding along. A very easy target. She raises her hand, preparing to fire when Belfast swoops in, throwing her shells and making a big splash from the explosion. Kashino is blinded by the water and looks around to try and strike down the person who did it. But there are war fighter planes going left and right, firing bullets.
Kashino does her best to destroy the planes, but she cannot keep up with their speed. She swings left and right, depsite being blasted. Another big splash of water blinds Kashino and then…Enterprise goes up to Kashino, her glowing arrow aimed at the cow girl.
"It's over," Enterprise fires and Kashino groans in pain from the impact. Though it doesn't kill her, the effect of the arrow hits like a truck. She drops down on her knees and falls on her side.
Atago and Takao clash blades left and right with Javelin and Ayanami going left and right, trying to keep them away from Unicorn. Enterprise swoops in and takes Unicorn's hand, grabbing the small girl's attention.
"Miss Enterprise…?" Unicorn says.
The beautiful carrier smiles a beautiful smile. "Let's go~"
Both carriers sail away and Belfast gives the signal to leave. Javelin and Ayanami shove Atago and Takao back and quickly set sail for home.
The sisters grit their teeth as they see the ship girls' retreating backs.
"That Grey Ghost is indeed too strong," Takao says.
"Yeah," Atago says as she walks over and princess carries the injured Kashino. "Even our little darling was no match for her and that maid."
Nagato appears behind them, slowly sailing toward the sisters. "It will be fine. I can guarantee that we will meet with the Grey Ghost again soon. Her power is unmatched. However, Kashino did wonderfully. Give her a nice long rest."
With that, she turns and leaves
*Later*
The group return to the docks and Illustrious and Unicorn embrace and sob happily at their reunion. Javelin and the others give a smile until Niimi clears her throat loudly. She gestures her head toward Unicorn and Javelin gets the message.
Javelin approaches Unicorn. The small girl has her arms wrapped around her Illustrious-nee, her cute face directed toward the Destroyer.
"Um…Unicorn, I would like to um…apologize for ignoring you like that," Javelin says. "I should've paid attention to you instead of getting carried away on that new product."
"I'm to blame, too," Ayanami says.
"I'm sorry, too," Laffey says.
Unicorn gives a soft smile and nods. "You are forgiven….everyone."
The girls sigh in relief and the smaller girl lets go of Illustrious to take Javelin's hand. Ayanami takes Unicorn's other hand.
"Let's head back to base together," Unicorn offers.
Wales and Illustrious smile as they see Unicorn walking with Javelin and Ayanami with Niimi following behind. The two older ship girls follow them shortly after.
A/N: A bit out of character for Kashino, but I just wanted to make her feel strong and not just some sex toy. XD
Hope you all enjoyed this epic piece.
Have a nice day.