Azur Heroes
Chapter 4
This one might be a bit of rough writing for me. But I think I've got an idea on where to go with the fight and some interactions down the line. Though I have to consider more with possible enemies in the future. So on with the show.
(Izuku POV)
Its hard to say if this is going to work. But I have to put my best guess and foot forward. If I want to prove that I'm a capable commander. "Backdraft sir? Have the evacuations been going smoothly?" I ask the rescue focused hero from the comms station at Moncal base. "It is going well so far young man. After what happened two days ago, a few people had already started to move inland. The only ones left were those who couldn't or wouldn't move. The surprising thing though has been from those we thought of as villains. Some of them have actually been helping people evacuate. Like Twice."
I nod at this before saying, "an alien invasion tends to make people reevaluate a lot of things. Though there will still probably be a few who want to take advantage of the situation. Be prepared for looters and the like." Backdraft gives me a roger before focusing back on the city and the evacuees.
I look over the map before going over the plan. My lead assumption was that the Sirens might focus on the cities where heroes are the most focused. "If they are trying to test humanity…. Then going after the new version of humans involved would be the best test. Given the top 10 to 5, it was best to assume they would head for those regions first. Especially with All Might having moved to Mustafa." I say to myself before scratching my chin.
One of the other members of the JSDMF steps up and gives a report from the US. "It appears San Francisco and Los Angles have both been destroyed. And the cities of Portland and Seattle have been heavily damaged. There were no mainland awakenings on the west coast. So, the cities were basically undefended. The only hero still alive is Star and Stripes. She managed to defeat a few of the Sirens, but most of the heroes and people are dead." I gulp at hearing that and start to panic a bit more.
"Commander." I hear over the comms. It's Kii speaking to me. "You can't change what has happened. And you can't about every matter in the world. You have to focus on one thing at a time." I look over the map, before taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. I then sigh before agreeing with and thanking Kii. "Hopefully some good can come out of that. Maybe some of the survivors can awaken the power of the ships."
I focus back on the task and point out the main likely target. "They'll probably start at the cities of Shimoda and Omaezaki. And destroy as much as they can along the way. But we need to pull them more towards Shizuoka itself. If we can at least somewhat box them in….. we can concentrate the fire on them and slow the attacks."
"I agree Izuku. I have Taihou, Yukikaze and Mogami near the city of Fukuoka. And if we can pull them into the bay, the Ise sisters can hammer them with their guns. As well as what is left of the SDF's ships." Himori says before bringing up some other images. Izuku looks them over and can see the dark clouds that seem to be gathering. But the weather maps show nothing. Izuku gulps again before trying to make a speech.
"I'm not going to say this is going to be easy. Nor will I say we can win this with no casualties. But right now, we have to slow the Siren advance as much as possible. And try to give more hope to everyone. Not just the people of Japan. So, to my ships, and even your ships Himori-san, I've got a special order. Come back alive. Give everything you've got, but you have to make it back to us. Because then we can bring hope to everyone." I say while trembling while I stand.
Himori chuckles before agreeing with me. "It may not be as possible for the sailors on the normal ships, but I agree with him. We need to all make it back from this. Because it will show what is possible for the battles ahead. And what we can all do to save our home." Once both speeches have finished there is silence. But then, a few more screens pop up. And the captains on board the normal vessels are saluting us. Even the few that were left from the US's seventh fleet are standing and saluting the two of us.
So Himori and I return the gesture and thank all of them for believing in our hunch and trusting in our girls. As I sit back down, I get a quiet call from Kii. "Well done commander. You might have just inspired more people than most back in the day. And you're so young at that," she says with a light teasing tone. In the background I can hear both Atago and Nagara making comments about how I'm growing up so fast. And that they're proud. I chuckle at that before announcing to stand by for battle. "It shouldn't be much longer."
(No POV)
"You think that kid is right captain?" a sailor on board one of the US cruisers asks while monitoring the radar. The bear headed man sits back in his chair while sighing. "Normally I wouldn't be one for trusting a former civilian on matters such as this. But given the strange entity we are facing, I'm more willing to believe. Especially after the intel that noted him directly confronting the Sirens," the captain says before asking for a status report.
A few of the captains and commanders on the other ships around the Suruga Bay and at Hataka Bay. For the shipgirls though, they were more focused on what they could feel. "Taihou-san. Do you feel that?" Mogami asks while tightening her grip on her guns. Taihou's red eyes narrow as she looks out over the Sea of Japan. "Indeed, I do. It seems that other commander has a good head on his shoulders. But I do wish our Himori-sama had been one to say the same." Taihou says, before the look on her face morphs into one that displays her less than moral intentions with her commander.
Yukikaze though has barely noticed and shouts, "why are you so worried Mogami-san nanoda! Don't forget you have Yukikaze-sama on your side! We'll send them packing with my divine grace nanoda!" This little rant, as well as the actions of the first member of the Fodo fleet, make Mogami sweat drop. Ise and Hyuuga though have heard the whole thing and laugh a bit. "Don't worry too much Mogami. Just bring them in and we can try to finish the fight. And maybe get some more help along the way." Ise says with a twirl of her naginata.
With the Moncal fleet, Kii is standing by in the bay with the other ships. Alongside Akashi and Atago. Ayanami, Nagara, and Shinano though are outside the bay and can feel the tension in the air. "I do hope the commander's plan works." Nagara says with a nervous look on her face. Ayanami though is focused and ready. So, she says to her fleet mate, "don't worry. You have the strength of the demon here. As well as the power of the third Yamato. We'll be fine. And we can trust in Izuku." Shinano smiles at Ayanami before agreeing with her. While this doesn't placate all of Nagara's fears, it is enough to help her focus on the task at hand.
Suddenly a new ping comes up on the radars of a few of the shipgirls. "I'm picking up a cargo ship of some kind out there. Or a fishing vessel?" Nagara reports. Shinano then launches a few planes to investigate and confirm the report. When the planes get close, a new set of lights show up above the ship. Then a variety of new portals appear behind it. "SIRENS!" Shinano reports as she orders her planes to engage. Ayanami draws her sword, while Nagara gives her cheeks a quick wake up slap to begin.
A few other ships come behind them to be ready to engage as needed. The two smaller shipgirls focus on their AA for the time being and wait for a moment to engage up close. Shinano flies above and watches over the battlefield. "We have to get away!" the captain of the illegal fishing vessel shouts as the Siren ships appear behind them. He orders his crew to try and push the engines as much as they can. A few of the beam gun ports point towards them and start taking shots. Most miss, but one man on deck is struck and vaporized by the impact.
Just as they are sure they will die, a few of the ships are struck by the bombs from Shinano's planes. A few of the fighters engage the Siren fighters above the ocean, and the torpedo bombers set up for their runs. "I don't know what is happening, but we need to get out of here!" one of the fishing vessel's crew says before running below to help coax some more speed out of the engines.
It takes a few minutes, but the fishing boat gets far enough away and they pass Ayanami and Nagara as they are going to engage the enemy. With the former trying to get as close as she can to the ships for a torpedo strike. Nagara hangs back a bit and focuses more on AA with the other allied ships. She and the other ships take a few grazing hits but they manage to hold the line for a time. Shinano though is more focused on a different fact.
"This is too easy. Its almost like… We have to head back toward the bay!" Shinano calls out over the comms. Izuku meanwhile has been viewing the battle much the same. He chuckles before saying, "I was about to say something similar Shinano. But I will admit, I'm glad you all moved to save those people on the fishing boat." He had already warned Kii and the others about the threat, and they were standing ready.
Above Suruga Bay, a set of portals open. It is not just Siren ships that appear, but Purifier as well. "HELLOOOO! Where are you silly little heroes?! Think those worthless little bits that mutated you can stop me?!" Purifier shouts as she and a few clones of herself start shooting around the bay and into the city.
While Kii and the rest are about to engage, Izuku tells them to hold off for a minute. "I want to see what she does." Izuku says while gripping his arm. He wants to stop them no matter what. But there are a few things that have him curious. When Purifier doesn't hear the screams of humans or heroes announcing themselves, a puzzled look comes across her face. Nothing happens for at least five minutes and her impatience leads her to just cause random destruction.
"Where are you!? Come out and let me hear your screams! I have to cull the weak and cut you all down!" Purifier shouts before using her rig to vaporize a building and start shooting all around. Her face showing her rage and annoyance. Seeing that, is enough for Izuku to get a better idea of what pushes her buttons. "Okay Kii. Engage." Izuku says, before telling the rest of the ships to do the same.
Kii's smile widens as she and the rest of the shipgirl fleet come out of hiding and start engaging the clones and other vessels. She quickly cuts through a pair of clones before using her guns to blast the ships out in the bay. Atago meanwhile focuses on the water and deflecting the attacks of the airborne monsters. She manages to sink a few ships before engaging a couple of the Purifier clones.
Akashi meanwhile had been focused on AA fire as that was what her guns were. But then she got a report from the captain of the USS Birmingham and JSDF Naka. "That gear you built is ready minty kitty! This should leave a nice mark!" the two captains happily report before using a beam gun that Akashi had built using the modern tech and her own other world experience with Siren tech. The resulting shots destroyed a battleship Siren as well as vaporizing a few Purifier clones.
"That's what I'm talking about NYA! Give those Siren's a taste of their own medicine nya!" Akashi shouts before focusing on the aircraft again. Purifier meanwhile is looking around in worry and annoyance. "Did I walk right into-" "A trap. Yes you did." Kii finishes the Siren's sentence. She then rushes toward her in the sky with her blade drawn. They clash again and again with Kii smiling all the while.
Right after the first ship Izuku summoned engaged the Siren leader, Shinano and her attached ships returned to the bay. The two smaller ships went to aid Akashi and Atago while Shinano flew up to aid her sister. She drew two of her katana, wielding one in each hand. She then used her fox tails to grab the third sword and engages Purifier. Izuku then orders the two to keep Purifier busy. "She's the strongest enemy right now. We need to keep her off balance long enough for the rest to engage and defeat the other Siren ships."
With a subdued roger from both Yamatos, they battle Purifier in earnest. She growls before bringing her drones close and making beam blades from them. "You bitches think you can take me!? You've got another thing coming!" Purifier shouts before attacking Kii.
Back on the ocean, Ayanami and Atago get up close and personal with their blades and cut through the few clones close to the ocean. Before unleashing their torpedoes alongside some of Shinano's planes. Nagara though stays back and focuses on AA with Akashi. Though she is nursing a few wounds from a dive bomber or two. "Hold still nya. I'll fix you up." Akashi says when Nagara gets close. The horned girl nods and thanks the catgirl before focusing on the Siren aircraft.
In Hataka Bay, the battle had been much the same with Tester replacing Purifier and engaging both Ise sisters near the water. "This could fun. Let's see what you can do." Tester says before blasting them with her cannons. The two jump out of the way before shooting back with their own cannons.
Tester tries to block with her shields, but the impacts do more damage than she anticipates. "How?" she asks before getting slashed from behind by Ise's naginata. She tries to retaliate, but the battleship is gone. Soon the two are attacking her from multiple angles and she can't react in time.
Then out of nowhere, a new face shows up and stabs her in the side. While wincing Tester looks down and sees the tearful and nervous face of Kashino. Just as the Siren was about to attack again, Ise and Hyuuga blast away at her with their cannons. And Taihou's bombers return and strike the Siren as well. "What did I tell you!? With the grace of Yukikaze-sama, we have nothing to fear!" Yukikaze shouts before attacking with her torpedoes.
Behind her though, Taihou and Mogami are less impressed. And are annoyed as they had taken damage. With cracks and tears in the fan like deck of Taihou, and Mogami having burned hair and a damaged turret. But the two keep fighting and put their frustration into engaging the Sirens.
Back at Suruga Bay, the battle has continued to go as Izuku hoped and planned. "I thought so. She's been so focused on getting payback and trying to get her sadistic kicks in, that she failed to notice what has happened to the rest of her fleet." Izuku says before telling all of his ships to engage Purifier. During the sword battle with the two Yamatos, Shinano had tossed Kii her extra sword and the two were wearing her down more and more.
"You think I'm done!? I haven't begun to gurk-" Purifier starts but then a shot from both Atago and Ayanami hit her in the stomach. Kii then takes the chance to knock the Siren closer to the water. With Shinano's planes pouring on the attacks and fire as fast as they can. When she has gotten close enough to the water, Ayanami leads with a torpedo volley. Before firing her guns to get close. Atago follows behind and both engage with their blades.
The strikes and explosives from the two, as well as the renewed attacks from Shinano and Kii do enough damage to Purifier's rigging and body. Removing one of her arms and legs. "DAMN YOU! How can this be?! I'm a high-ranking Siren!" she shouts while wincing at the missing limbs. Kii comes forward and says to the Siren, "It's because you're predictable. The commander knew after meeting you, that all you were interested in was making people suffer. So he counted on you wanting to engage as many civilians and heroes as possible." Izuku closes his eyes and tells Kii to finish the alien. She then brings her swords up to cut down the invader.
"Oh my. It seems they made quite a mess of you. Whatever will I do with you?" a voice calls out above, and a new barrage of beams fire down at the shipgirls. Up above is Observer, who keeps up her attack before taking Purifier in her tentacles. And choses this time to torment the other Siren with them. "Well done all of you. And you as well young commander of the Sakura Empire. I thought the two at Pearl Harbor would require all of our attention. But you have my interest now. Good day." Observer says before firing off at the water again.
Just as the two are about to leave through the portal, Purifier struggles enough to use one of the cannons and fire it at Nagara. The girl doesn't notice in time and is badly injured in the blast. Losing her right arm and leg. "Nagara!" the shipgirls call out with Izuku asking for a report. When it is given, the blood drains from his face and he is about to be sick to his stomach.
Thankfully Akashi is close by and quickly starts to repair the wounded girl. "Kii-san. I think the commander may need you nya." Akashi says while working to save Nagara. Kii nods and orders the rest to look for any cubes or shards. "Enough of them that we can try to make a full cube. We may need a new member after this." Kii says before going full speed back to Moncal base.
When she arrives, she rushes to the command room. Sugita is there and commends her and the girls for their victory. "Never mind that for now sir. Where is Commander Izuku?" Kii asks with worry etched all over her face. Sugita nods before guiding her towards the bathroom. "He's in there. After he gave the order to start with clean up, he ran here. I heard him heave a bit so… well do what you can." Sugita says before saluting the battleship girl.
The door is locked, so Kii has to break it down and check on Izuku. The boy looks disheveled and is leaning over the toilet. With tears streaming down his face. Kii walks over to him gently and rubs his back. While he doesn't throw up again, it still takes a minute before he can breathe easy. Kii then brings him close to her and rubs his hair. His mother follows soon after and she hugs both of them. Comforting her son and thanking his first ship.
They do not move for an hour, and luckily the battles of both bays come out as victories. Perhaps thanks to the luck of Yukikaze, no grievous injuries are had on the Fodo fleet side. Nagara though is lucky that Akashi was able to save her. "She may need to rest for a few days nya… But she'll live." Akashi reports to Sugita. The admiral nods and thanks all the girls for work in protecting Japan.
After an hour, Izuku is able to relax and thanks both his mother and Kii for helping him. "I'm supposed to be the commander but…. when I saw Nagara" "No one blames you commander. Especially the fleet. And frankly you held up well enough given how young you are. This was your first battle. And we won thanks to your planning." Kii says with a smile. Izuku sniffs before going out to meet the rest of his fleet.
When he arrives at the docks, the other soldiers on base take note and salute him. He nods and returns a few salutes. When the shipgirls arrive, a rousing cheer is let out. Nagara is being carried by Shinano, but other wise the rest are none the worse for wear. At the docks, the captains of the normal ships are also greeted with cheers.
Akashi then comes forward with a pair of cubes. "We could only get three cubes commander nya. But it might be enough for you to summon some new forces." Akashi says before handing Izuku the cubes. He nods before checking on Nagara. "The little brother wanting to care for his big sister. That's a bit different. But I'm alright Izuku. We may need more help soon." Nagara says with a wince before patting Izuku on the head. He blushes at the attention, especially when the soldiers tease him a bit at the action.
But he does agree to summon more ships later. "For now. We've won our first true battle with the Sirens. And we've pushed them back from our home. I think that deserves a bit of celebrating." Izuku says and the soldiers cheer again. With his shipgirls agreeing. It isn't much, but the base does have a barbeque before lights out. While elsewhere in the world some are thinking of ways to summon more aid for the nations.
So I'm gonna leave a few options open to the reviewers. I want to add two more ships to Izuku's fleet. Nagara I'm going to have as the reserve and commission member, and Akashi will be focused on repair and support. Who of a small ship and main fleet ship would you all like? Sakura Empire only though. I'm sticking to that element. Please review.
