During the Siren War, the Azur Lane made a shocking discovery; they were not the first to take the fight to the Sirens. Stumbling across a frozen, mountainous island, the girls found traces of a cataclysmic battle, as well as what appeared to be human/mechanical remains.
These were brought back and, with the power of the wisdom cubes, rebuilt as the Shipboys, ships of more futuristic yet primal origin. After initial clashes wrought of confusion, the Shipboys were reminded of the alien threat that wiped them out, and are determined to use this second chance to protect more than just the man at his side...
Chapter 4: The Art of War
The waves lapped gently in the Sakura Empire port of Osaka as Musashi skated towards the docks. The sun was just setting over the mountain peaks in the horizon, giving the sky a fiery red color. It was a omen. Sakura Empire ships were well versed in the mystical language of the world, and knew that it heralded victory.
Musashi smirked to herself as she deftly stepped from the water on to the dock without missing a beat. Dressed in a regal, yet simple yukata of midnight blue, her raven hair flowing freely in the evening wind. Her golden brown eyes were gentle yet possessed a fierce intensity in their depths, a depth of uncommon perception.
It was not for nothing that Musashi was the Sakura Empire's Warmaster, responsible for all battle tactics drawn up for their sorties.
Stepping elegantly up the steps from the dock, she was greeted by the 5th Carrier Division, Zuikaku and Shoukaku.
"Welcome back, honorable sensei." Shoukaku said, and both she and her sister bowed, "we hope your mission was crowned with success."
Musashi smiled warmly at her subordinates. She returned their respect with a curt nod before bidding they stand before her.
"It was, thank you, dear kohai," Musashi's voice was dry and whispy, though not sleepy like her sisters voice. Speaking of which...
"Where is my dear nee-san, Shinano?"
Zuikaku motioned to the pagoda up the path.
"She's meeting with Nagato-sama right now. I know they both would like to speak with you after being away for so long."
"Thank you," Musashi graciously smiled, "I will not hold you any longer, dear kohai. Farewell on your own objectives."
"Thank you, sensei," the sisters bowed appreciatively and hurried on their way.
Musashi gently stepped up the pagoda and met with a surprising image.
it was indeed Nagato and Shinsno, but with them were two others. One was Salvo, the other...well that was unmistakably Dreadnaught.
A gargantuan Shipboy, Dreadnaught stood head shoulders and chest above the rest. Broad and gnarled like an oak, massive arms crossed over a barrel like chest. Beefy and muscle bound, he looked like a Roman god of some cyberpunk future. Steel horns spilled out of his brow and down to the small of his back. His knuckles broadened by massive bolts screwed into his hand. And three glowing red eyes arranged in a triangle on his broad face. He was completed by the scruff of black facial hair that covered his chin.
Both he and the other figure nodded towards Musashi in acknowledgment, but did not bow.
"Nee-San," Shinano breathed in her airy whisper, taking her sister into her arms, "I am so happy to know of your return."
"And I am so happy to know you have been safe here, dearest sister." Musashi happily, returning the embrace.
The sisters turned to Nagato, who was positioned at the head of the map table.
"Welcome home, Musashi," the battleship spoke in a refined voice, motioning to the Shipboys.
"We are pleased to host The Brotherhoods lead strategist, Dreadnaught. He will be taking part in the exercise with us tomorrow."
Musashi took a moment to size up the behemoth before bowing.
"An honor to have you accompany us, Dreadnaught-san."
"Dreadnaught here to help Empire." Dreadnaught boomed out, taking Musashi by surprise. Gobsmacked by the simplicity of his reply and it's bad grammar, Musashi stayed bowed, blinking owlishly before slowly rising again, confusion and not a small hint of distaste in her eyes. Of course...
Salvo cleared his throat.
"after the event in the Philippines, Nagato has been interested in evolving the tactics roster of the Sakura Empire. Clockwork, Slamfire and myself had utilized Dreadnaughts strategies to defeat the sirens and protect your destroyers. We're more than happy to share them with you."
"Sharing good! Sharing help!" Dreadnaught practically shouted.
"Indeed." Musashi grated coldly. She maintained her outward composure, but inside, she moaned with despair.
THIS?! This was the Shipboys lead strategist?! A lumbering moron who can't even speak. And IT was going to lecture HER, SAKURA EMPIRE WARMASTER MUSASHI, on tactics?! Was this some divine punishment? An insult? Did Nagato-sama think so poorly of her that she would trust this...this...THING to TEACH HER?
"Enough of the pleasantries for now," Nagato smiled as she rose, "we can discuss the finer points over dinner...Hiei made her famous wontons, and I shan't miss them."
Hiei was a gracious and talented cook who could fashion what ever meal she thought of. Only King George of Royal Navy could amount to anything close to as her equal in the kitchen. For tonight, for the guests she had gone all out; Pork and crab dumplings, freshly folded vegetable buns, bowls of fluffy rice, hand stretched noodles, seared fish and beef broth and miso soup. And of course, her coveted wontons.
Musashi's appetite unfortunately was lacking to appreciate the feast set before her. She balefully kneaded her noodles with her chopsticks as she stared at the oaf across the table from her. At least one of them had a stomach for food.
Dreadnaught demolished everything placed in front of him, figuratively and literally. Soup spilled from cracked China bowls, plates heaped with noodles and dumplings mercilessly smashed as he shoveled pile after pile of food into his insatiable gullet.
"My, my," Hiei laughed, covering her mouth with her hand a little embarrassedly, "it's no wonder how you grew so big!"
"Nice lady likes big man?" Dreadnaught laughed as he flung his arms wide, making a pose. His mechanical muscles nearly ripped through his carbon fiber skin as they bulged and flexed. Hiei giggled, her face burning red, mortified.
"You're practically the size of a mountain!"
Musashi grimaced as Dreadnaught burst out laughing. The cook was too polite for her own good.
Don't encourage the idiot, Hiei-chan.
beside her, Salvo and Nagato spoke.
"Truly, Salvo-san, Sakura Empire owes the Brotherhood an unpayable debt. You would let Moder know that if he needs Sakura assistance, he need only ask."
Salvo laughed as he popped a wonton into his mouth.
"I reckon I could, ma'am. Of course, whenever he decides to take a rest. He don't quit, that man. He personally oversees every mission we undertake. To the most tiny detail. He's the last to leave or go to sleep and the first to take post or wake up. He's quite simply a great man."
Nagato chewed her rice pensively as she considered his words.
"The Shipboys think very highly of Moder, I have found."
"mmhm." Salvo nodded, "every Shipboy still alive owes everything to him."
"if I may, may I press for more information? What is he like?"
"Apart from the most powerful ship to ever take the seas?" Salvo paused and plotted out his answer, "He is a very deliberate man. He takes everything seriously, almost obsessively. Like I said, he has his fingers deep in every operation the Brotherhood does. He takes his responsibility to duty with the extreme, but he's very reserved, very humble...dare I say a little too much. Hates talking about himself. He'd say"it's not a big deal" or "I'm really not that good". Trust me, he IS that good."
Nagato smiled warmly.
"He sounds like an honorable man."
"Back to the matter at hand," Musashi tore her eyes away from Dreadnaught, now raucously singing with Ise and Hyuuga. She could not bare to look at this disgrace a minute longer, "What exactly will this exercise tomorrow entail?"
"We shall have a controlled practice sortie, Shipboy verses Shipgirl," Nagato informed her, "I want you to personally lead the Sakura contingent, Musashi-san. Dreadnaught will lead the shipboys. Mutsu-chan, Akagi-san, Kaga-san and myself will observe the battle as it unfolds, and take note of novel practice on both sides."
The first time that evening, Musashi smiled, inwardly of course. This may not be as bad as she thought. It would seem Nagato merely has a little fascination in these knuckleheads. A fascination the Warmaster was certain she would put to rest.
"Of course, noble elder. I would be honored to represent the Sakura Empire Admiralty."
and it will be my pleasure to wipe the floor with this brute.
Appetite returned, she busied herself in her noodles.
Next day, Sea of Japan...
"Carriers will be in support. Soryu, Hiryu, Zuikaku and Shoukaku will provide bomber fleets at regular intervals. Shipboys have jet fighters so it is crucial to establish air dominance as quickly as possible," Musashi informed the Sakura fleet, preparing for the first wave of Shipboys, "Cruisers will spearhead the attack, destroyers will follow up and clean up any opposition. Battleships Hiei, Kirishima, Hyuuga and Ise will provide long range artillery support but will need coordinates provided by the second. Precision. That's how we will beat these brutes. We shall meet their Cleavers with our katanas, and with speed and ferocity, knock them off balance."
Sakura Shipgirls cheered as they prepared themselves for the sortie. Musashi was an effective leader in her own right, and the Shipgirls had come to trust her implicitly.
Musashi smiled inwardly to herself. There was no way that inbred, boulder punching, piece of trash was going to get the better of her...
on the far side of the water zone, black smoke billowed across the otherwise gorgeous blue skies. The Shipboys were advancing. They burned oil less efficiently than Shipgirls, producing telltale clouds of their movements.
"Forward!" Musashi shouted, engaging her rigging.
Atago, Takao, and Noshiro bolted forward, leading light cruisers and destroyers in their wake. The battleships followed close behind them and carriers behind that.
The sortie had begun.
"Contact, Shipboy battle group confirmed," Takao shouted out.
"oooh, look, nee-chan, that one's kinda cute!"
"ATAGO, NOT NOW!"
"Moving into formation. Preparing to-what?!"
Musashi frowned.
"Noshiro, what is it?"
"They're...they're leading with their carriers! Confirm carriers Dominator, Niidhogg and Payload."
What the hell was Dreadnaught thinking?! Oh well. Stupid is as stupid does.
"So? Open fire!"
"C-copy! Readjusting forward armaments for specified target."
"Firing"
The Sakura Cruisers unleashed a withering barrage with cannons loaded with Simulation Munition Rounds. The Shipboy carriers took the shots with no ill effect.
"Was that a hit?"
"Noshiro reporting shot hit confirmed but indications confused."
Musashi squinted her eyes in perplexed intrigue. What was that oaf trying to do?!
"Atago, stay on me. I'm going to punch through."
"I'm with you nee-san."
Takao and Atago darted in attempting to fire upon Niidhogg and Payload's side. Noshiro led the destroyers around Dominator. The three boys smirked as the girls whipped by them, showering them with heavy cannon fire. The moment the last destroyer slipped by however, the Shipboy carriers immediately began launching air strikes, toward the battleships and carriers! In the distance frantic cannon fire was heard. Not just the clean reports of Sakura cannons but the throaty, scraping boom of Shipboy weaponry.
"Takao, wheel back and regroup with the carriers! Shipboy air raid is incoming. We need anti air support!"
Silence on the radio.
Musashi tried again, a nasty feeling forming in the pit of her stomach.
"Takao! Do you read me, over?!"
The reply curdled her blood as Atago's panicked voice came through In broken intervals."
"...surrounded!...Takao down!...Crusiers...too many!"
Musashi turned to the battleships.
"Fire on the carriers. Sink them and then we'll provide artillery cover for our vanguard." Musashi's voice remained leveled and calm but the thrumming of her beating heart was rapidly becoming more intense.
the Shipboy air raid was now directly overhead, Corsair 2 and Phantom fighter bombers unleashing their payload onto the girls below.
In addition to preparing their main guns, the Sakura girls began unleashing a barrage of fire from AA guns. Their intention was not to shoot down Shipboy jets; that was impossible with the guns they had. But the flak cannons were more than capable of destroying incoming bombs and anti-shipping missiles.
The blue sky was ripped open by hundreds of bombs detonating prematurely in the air, but it wasn't enough. Ise screamed as a bomb landed directly next to her and Hiei went sprawling into the sea after her, struck by a missile. Two battleships already out.
Kuso, Musashi thought to herself. The battle went poorly. Her vanguard was completely cut off, being hammered by Shipboy cruisers and her main fleet subjected to aerial assault.
"Noshiro to Musashi, Niidhogg sunk, I say again, one Shipboy carrier down."
Finally some good news.
"Noshiro, break off with all remaining ships and regroup with the battle fleet, we'll charge together."
"Aye, aye, Warmaster."
Musashi gave a sigh of relief as she turned to Kirishima and Hyuuga.
"Cover the vanguard retreat. I want Dominator and Payload sunk now."
Kirishima leveled her guns toward Dominator, while Hyuuga aimed for Payload. With a thunderous roar, the Sakura Naval guns shattered the sky and launched their simulated rounds towards the carriers. Dominator and Payload both scrambled to get out of the way. But the hulks were too large, too slow. Dominator was knocked off his feet, while Payload went spinning into his ship brother. Both collapsed in a heap.
The Shipboys had lost their carriers.
"FORWARD!!" Musashi shouted and battleships and carriers advanced.
Noshiro and the remaining destroyers quickly met up with them, turned around and joined them in the counter offensive.
Suddenly a deafening BOOM rang out, followed by the whistle of artillery falling from the skies.
"BATTLESHIPS!" Hyuuga screamed as the rounds came down.
Shipboy battleships Broadside, Cannoncocker, Boomslinger and Loki had made their presence known. The result was devastating.
Kirishima and Hyuuga at the front of the charge didn't stand a chance. The withering attack had taken them out first. Directly behind them, Zuikaku and Shoukaku were also sunk, leaving only Soryu and Hiryu. Noshiro had met her fate as well along with half of the remaining destroyers.
Musashi pursed her lips. Not fear. Not even rage. Shame now colored her voice, knowing full well the situation was untenable.
"All ships, stand fast." She called out.
From the Shipboy side, Salvo called out to the remaining Sakura ships.
"DO YOU SURRENDER?"
Musashi looked at her remaining ships, two air craft carriers and three destroyers. Against the Shipboy crusiers and battleships. It would be madness without proper artillery support.Soryu and Hiryu could provide air cover, but against sophisticated air defenses the boys had, even barring their carriers, the aircraft volume would not be sufficient to mount any effective attack. The destroyers had no chance whatsoever against Shipboy cruisers. Destroyers, yes, but Shipboy cruisers were practically capital ships unto themselves.
No matter where she wandered, the situation became more and more unpleasant until finally, Musashi saw the only realistic option.
"we...I surrender..." she responded, tears of shame in her eyes.
That night, Sakura port...
Musashi wasn't one to mope and pout. But she felt she need time alone. Here, up on the hill over looking the port, under the pale white moon, tears freely flowed from her eyes as she evaluated her performance.
She had shamed the Sakura Empire. How could she call herself Warmaster when a blundering fool could so easily beat her. She had always been careful not to be overly prideful in her abilities, but surely, SURELY she should have been able to be at least the equal of other factions. Let alone the Brotherhood and their bruisers.
She lowered her head, hot tears rolling down her burning face. What would Nagato possibly think of her now? Or Shinano? Or even the Commander?
She rubbed her eyes, though it did little good. The tears still came. She shook her head, utterly dejected. It wasn't losing that hit her so hard, it was who she lost to.
And then...
"Pretty moon." Came a gruff, loud voice behind her.
Oh no...
Had he come to gloat? Drool all over her and rub her face in his victory? Dammit she couldn't let him see she was crying. Hurriedly she wiped her face with her hands before composing herself, somewhat.
She prepared herself for the abuse.
"Pretty moon," Dreadnaught crowed again, "pretty, like Warmaster."
Was...was that an attempted compliment?! No, of course not...surely it was mockery.
She opened her mouth to speak but was cut off before she could even say anything.
"Fight well, today! Fight hard," his voice sounded...excited?! No, impressed...
"Never lost carriers in exercise. Pretty lady first one! Very good. Had hard time against Pretty lady."
What was he on about. Heat was returning to her face...but she was not sure if it was only shame.
"Stop it," she muttered. Dreadnaught leaned forward, confused. She was genuinely surprised that he understood her.
"Just...just stop it Dreadnaught. Please don't patronize me. I'm in no mood for empty platitudes or your approval. My entire life is dedicated to the advancement of the Sakura Empire. And now I've proven my inadequacy."
"Pretty lady in-add-a-quit?" Dreadnaught snorted, "not true. Pretty lady talented. Pretty lady fights well. Pretty lady-"
"PRETTY LADY HAS A NAME!!" Musashi snapped a little louder than she meant to. Anger now replaced her shame. But still she could not bear to look at him who bested her, "My name...is Musashi. Warmaster...Musashi..."
Inspite of herself, tears began to form in her eyes as she desperately fought, then failed to maintain composure. Burying her face in her hands, she wept openly. Her ears hung low in misery as she was racked by her sobs.
"How can I show my face to my superiors?" She wailed, "Why am I Warmaster, when some dumb dog can best me?"
she stood there thus even as a chill descended. She hadn't noticed it at first, but now, dressed only in her yukata. She felt the biting cold.
Behind her, she heard to heavy footfalls of Dreadnaught come closer. Then unexpectedly, she felt his massive arms wrapped around her. She struggled, weakly at first, then registered the warmth of his heating elements.
"Musashi right," Dreadnaught agreed, "Dreadnaught dumb brick. Don't even know how to read. Mimir try to teach Dreadnaught words. Dreadnaught too dumb, even for Mimir."
Well...at least he admitted it. Musashi snorted derisively, but she stood there and listened as Dreadnaught spoke. The heating elements felt nice on her back in the cold, at the very least.
"But...Moder said no. Said, 'Dreadnaught smart in other ways'. Don't need to know words or numbers. Dreadnaught knew language of war. Dreadnaught helps Moder, helps brotherhood. Focus on what Dreadnaught good at."
Musashi listened to Dreadnaught now in rapt attention, curious where he was going.
"Dreadnaught only know two who can beat him. Moder and...Musashi."
Musashi broke away and turned to face him, raising an eyebrow.
"But I lost, today."
"Dreadnaught did win," he nodded, "but Dreadnaught very scared. Dreadnaught think, carriers gone! Did not think Musashi would destroy carriers so fast. Sakura cruisers sent by Musashi also. Dreadnaught not think they get around carrier wall. Musashi fought hard. Musashi fought well."
Dreadnaught knelt down so he could look her directly in the eye. Even though his three cybernetic eyes glowed red, there was a gentle glow to them, making them appear less intimidating.
"Musashi made Dreadnaught scared...made Dreadnaught think he was about to lose. Never happened before."
Silence reigned on the hill top. Tears still hung in Musashi's eyes and on her face, but her sobs had stopped.
Dreadnaught reached up, slowly. With shockingly graceful gentleness, he cupped Musashi's face and wiped the tears away with his thumbs. Musashi did not struggle against him, but reached out and took hold of his massive forearms.
"Musashi, please don't cry," Dreadnaught implored, "Musashi mighty Sakura Warrior. In good hands with you."
Before Musashi could say a word or do anything, Dreadnaught leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. Gobsmacked again, she blinked owlishly, but this time, a gentle appreciative smile came out on her face.
"Dreadnaught," Musashi said finally, "it's awfully cold now...but it's a way back to port, and I haven't got an escort. Would you...walk with me?"
Dreadnaught smiled almost comically wide at the suggestion.
"Dreadnaught would likes that very much." Then suddenly reached an arm under the bend of her knees and hoisted her up effortlessly. Before Musashi knew it, she had fallen victim to the legendary "princess carry."
"H-HEY! Wait a minute! What are-"
"Long way down," said Dreadnaught in a matter of fact voice, "hard to see, even in moon. And cold too."
At this last suggestion, Musashi felt the heating elements in his arms and chest turn on, deliciously warm to the touch. Instantly she felt herself snuggling into his bulk.
"Fine...v-very well. But if you drop me, I'm going to hold you responsible."
"Dreadnaught wouldn't expect anything else!" His booming laughter sounded above the cherry blossoms in the Sakura Empire under the gorgeous full moon.
It was soon joined by the angelic mirth of Warmaster Musashi...
Chapter 4 of the Shipboy introductions. I have several I plan to write, but I'll post when I can.
Hoo boy that's a longer one. This is the kind of chapter I want to post, so uploads may be a little slower than the first three but I'm going to try to give you a well polished product.
I consider Art of War by Sabaton to be a theme of sorts for Musashi/Dreadnaught. For clarification, no, he is not the British Ship Dreadnaught. He is merely named Dreadnaught.
A pound I wanted to make known is Shipboys do not have "rigging" like girls do. Their tech is built into them, not aroundd them. Hope that cleared things up.
Leave a review if you want, let me know how you like it.