Chapter 8
As Fubuki makes her way to the launch bay, carrying a small bag carrying a few trinkets, in a quiet yet quick jog. Even though she's alone outside in the middle of the night, she knows she can't be reckless, for if someone sees her they might assume she may be attempting to desert and that it wouldn't end well for her. Carefully running silent while avoiding any patches of light, she finally has sight of the launch bay, she suddenly hears voices to her right. Wanting to make sure whoever was there didn't notice her she carefully sneaks closer to the source and hides behind a tree. As she focuses her hearing she recognizes the voices as Ooi and Kitakami.
"Ooi, you know I worry about you right," Kitakami said with concern in her voice.
"Yeah, I know Kitakami," Ooi said.
"So why, why do you always feel the need to try and belittle others, especially Fubuki, even when we were together in mobile unit five you always seemed dismissive of her," Kitakami pointed out.
"Why are you so concerned about her," Ooi asked, confused and annoyed, Fubuki though keeping her cool, could feel her anger rising again.
"Why shouldn't I be," Kitakami refuted, "I don't think I've ever seen Fubuki get angry before, even with all the crap you've given her before, have you?"
"No I haven't either," Ooi answered.
"I don't know how many times I've told you before but that attitude of yours is gonna cause us problems, and I'm not just talking about the two of us, I think Fubuki may be right about what she said," Kitakami said.
"Well, you know how I can get riled up easily especially with someone I don't like," Ooi remarked.
"And that is something I still don't get," Kitakami said frustratedly, "why do you not like Fubuki, are you still upset that I decided to show her some compassion and help teach her about torpedoes?"
"Well yeah, but also because everyone always treats her like she's some kind of "chosen one" despite her being just a destroyer," Ooi snorted annoyed, "so annoying."
Fubuki decided to continue on to the launch bay before her anger towards Ooi boiled over again. When she finally reached the bay, she wondered if the door was locked like it always is every night. When she reached the door and pulled on the handle, it gave way. Although stunned that the door wasn't locked, Fubuki focused on opening the door as slowly and little as possible to avoid it making noise. Once she had opened it enough for her, she squeezed through the small gap between the door and frame, once inside she carefully and discreetly closed the door. As she made her way through the hall she didn't notice it earlier but the inside was slightly lit up.
As she walked down the hall to the launch area she couldn't help but wonder why the door was left unlocked when it usually wasn't at this hour, it was as if they were expecting someone to need to use it at this time. That was when it all clicked in her mind, there may be a night battle going on right now or about to happen, that's why the door was unlocked, that's why the facility is lit up and that's probably why Ooi and Kitakami were standing out there, either way, she needed to get her equipment on and get out fast. Quickly weaving her way to the launch area she knew that just as soon as she would step on the pad to get her equipment on it was gonna attract attention so as soon as she went out to open sea she might need to avoid any light and try and keep silent.
As the platform slid down into the launch channels Fubuki couldn't help but think to herself, "I still can't believe I'm actually doing this." When the platform stopped and the pads labeled "assault" began to glow she wasted no time in stepping into position, as the machine placed her thrusters and torpedo launchers she wished that the machine would be faster. As soon as the light turned green she immediately charged forward as fast as she could grimacing at every loud noise the machine made, reaching the opening, she quickly prepared for her engine to attach to her back and quickly grabbed her gun. Exiting the opening, she noticed the light from the moon, but fortunately for her, the night was slightly cloudy meaning she could avoid the moonlight, and confuse any pursuers to where she would be going. As she weaved in and out of the shade provided by the clouds, she constantly checked behind her to make sure she wasn't being pursued. As she put more distance between herself and the Naval District, she wondered why there wasn't more commotion from the naval district. She especially figured Ooi and Kitakami would be making a fuss about suspicious sounds coming from the launch bay. When she thought she was far enough from the Naval District she started to straighten out her travel and set course for the former abyssal base PH to meet with Exatior.