The week finally started to look promising, as Ooyodo told the admiral he will receive enough ships to form his first fleet, regardless of the emergency at the moment. The admiral rest pretty well that night, feeling that he will soon have the chance to fight some abyssal. He is quite eager to do so, a foolish thought yet his mind could not let it rest.
That next morning the man felt relieved, as he went earlier to bed, he recovered from the last days. The wound in his forehead was now nothing more than a small red stain that hurt no more, even so his hair covered it so it was hard to see otherwise. He got ready and leave his room going to his office first, wanting to be sure that he got enough supplies and ammunition for a fleet to set sail fast. Knowing the emergency at the headquarters he wanted to be sure of the waters around the island even if no abyssal were seen in months.
-Wonder which formation will I use…- The man was checking on his old academy notes. He already knew that he could not send less than four ships into the water, even more he will need a full fleet of six ship to use all formations.
-If the enemy is as strong as it's supposed to be then perhaps at first I should first not try an all-out attack, yet perhaps…- He was thinking about the chances he got of making a real difference. Even if other bases got a better approach to the front lines, the number of enemy fleets increase at random numbers. The last notice was the loss of a big island base that belongs to the American faction.
-Even if want to finish them off all at once it could prove impossible if they keep coming from the bottom of the ocean…- The large army was a difficult enemy, as they appear out of nowhere and seems to follow a mysterious agenda, striking at different points at intervals, take resources and then leave again. However, it appears that each time they grow stronger, even if they are defeated somehow they manage to return from their water grave.
People speaks ill of the enemy, about their bizarre looks, the inability of the navy to fight them face to face and how little is known about them. In the books about the enemy there are different stories about them, but the official one tells nothing about what they really are or their intentions in this war.
It was publicly known that the navy at first some tried to capture one alive, but it proved to be impossible to control as they are living weapons. Then some tried to communicate with them but they answer with static or unexplainable noises, followed by a full attack. Some tried to recover their corpses from the bottom, but it ended in disaster. Only a few details are known, like the exterior structure of their bodies, they seem to be organic, but fused with metal parts. They rapidly adapt the weapons and technology of the first ships they destroyed and from then on they keep growing in power. They also have different types and they seem to have a hierarchy based on their strength, the more powerful they are, the more vessels they can command.
However, they also assimilate some of the ship girls that have fallen down to them. The manifestations of warships in the bodies of human girls… They seemed to have developed a way to mimic their abilities and reproduce them like copies. More ship girls appear in response to this, but the armies of the abyss are never back behind.
-And then there's the big ones…- The admiral checks upon some pictures of a white skin horned girl with long silver hair, and big metal pieces on her face that gives her the appearance of a big shark jaw. Then the next picture is a black haired red eyed woman that seems to be one with the steel chains and claws she got for hands, all in an unspeakable fusion with the monster below her.
The true strength of the abyss and their flagships, those fearful demons and white princesses. They are hard to find but they are the top of their army and the ones that command the main campaigns, fully armed and with the ability to regenerate even from death… and yet no one knows who their true leader is.
Living weapons that attack and expand their territories at different rates. A powerful enemy that have taken bottom of the ocean as base…
-Admiral! You are early today- The sudden voice of Akashi take the admiral by surprise as he was deeply thinking about the rumors about the enemy.
-Guess I will be around here often from now- He said trying to rearrange the papers at his office.
-Something new? – The girl asked innocently looking at the man reaction.
-Headquarters will send enough ships for a fleet soon- The admiral recovered his cool and took a notebook to add some numbers.
-Alright! I'm eager to know if the outfits we build, are as great as I expect them to be! – She said with enthusiasm as both work together crafting them.
-Of course they will. I want to watch them too- The man couldn't hide his interest in how these outfits would be.
-Sure, just give the order. The outfits are complete and battle ready! - Akashi´s response was full of energy as always.
-Admiral? What will you have for breakfast? It's not anywhere near Mamiya's level, but my cooking is unexpectedly good, you know? – She changed the subject asking that. She was kind of shy at the first words but seems like she really wanted to say this.
-Really?... But there is no other place to cook around here, the other premises are still closed- The admiral thought for a second and remembered the map of the base. The only one ready is the one that Mamiya is already using.
-That´s no problem at all! – She answered already knowing what she will do anyway.
-I can adapt a room in this building to be a kitchen. It will not be as big as the one at Mamiya, but at least you will be able to get food if you need to remain in your office for a long time- She explains what she planned anyway, thinking that perhaps this way she could use this excuse to see the admiral three times a day…
-That is not…- The admiral realize how far really the central building was from Mamiya, was so he couldn't fully say no to her idea.
-Don't worry I already got it planned and I already found what I need so I will start right now- She already look in many of the supplies storages and found many interesting stuff hidden there, many things that perhaps the admiral didn't pay attention to.
-Wait there is…- He tried to stop her but it was already too late as the fiery Akashi abandoned the room too excited to notice his voice.
-Well I guess she is right…- The man sits down in that simple chair he got and check upon the resources he got and how his installations where distributed. For now, he could only afford to repair two ships at the docks at the same time, he doesn't have many construction materials and only a few fairies to work at the factory with Akashi…
With the resources that Ooyodo bring with her in the storages he could afford some sorties. But he could need to send the girls for more in the nearby islands. There were some abandoned refineries, weapon factories or mines some still got fairies attending them, so they were always a source for resources, however because of the abyssal, there were the need for transport escort ships. Guess they were always a challenge so they most people in the navy call them "expeditions".
"Enough ammunition and some scrap metal found in the launching zone. The island has a chain of mountains that are a natural defense, or a coffin if one remembers why this place is called ghost base…" The man thinks of the base and its geography, as the base is in the northwest area there is also a lake near that got some electric installation connected by a long subterranean wire to the factory. However, this place is somewhat automatic, as the electricity has been running for days by now without problems.
"There is also this lighthouse nearby, haven't checked it since it appears to not be working and there is also some training area near the lake and a pair of sealed buildings far from here, however this appear as empty supplies storages in the description. There are still a lot of abandoned places left in the base, yet perhaps there will be a time visit them" He passed the papers and start to write a description of everything he has found so far in the storages.
-The time is close now- The man didn't really pay attention to the clock, as hours have already passed and there were still more things to adapt into the new schedule. He was expecting that everything could be done in a week and perhaps be able to leave the shore in three days.
The admiral stands up, organize his papers and leave his office. As he was about to leave the office he saw a really happy Akashi bringing more materials for the new kitchen and Ooyodo already working on the details that were missing yesterday, so perhaps Akashi will help her out when she finishes her work. Both girls salute him and continue their respective job.
The man was hungry so he went to Mamiya, it was something mysterious how her food was not only delicious but also kept him fed for a long time, even feeling like he was renewed after eating. Both destroyers were still helping her, doing something with their free time. All three girls now used the chance to speak to the admiral about her expectations and impressions of the base, now that they were getting used to it.
-This place still is not yet what I expect! You need to try even harder- Murakumo yelled at the man with her pride attitude. She was expecting him to give this base a better use instead of being a useless place that stores dust.
-Admiral we want to see more activity here soon; we are getting bored- Hatsuharu was concerned about the place future and perhaps more ships be assigned here.
-Admiral… I would really appreciate if you keep coming here even at busy times- Mamiya was as pretty as always and with her soft voice asked the admiral to remember her existence as she was happy to be of some use to the base and her commander.
Those were their main quotes, he was in a very good mood so after he finished his dish, he was grateful for the food and walked to the entrance of the base yet again. He wanted to go to the back dock again but it appears that he was already too late.
Right at the distance he saw a pair of figures that were traveling fast in the water and they were circling the wharf. He was caught off guard so he went as fast as he could to the main dock in order to welcome them. He run until the view in front was a piece of blue sea caught by the large bay.
His hat almost fell off when he first saw those girls, it was like they were dancing gracefully above the water, so fast and paced that it was a great first impression. He already saw before how those girls were supposedly to develop, but never this close.
-I'm Shigure, of the Shiratsuyu-class destroyers. Nice to meet you- The first to notice and approach the admiral was a black-haired shy girl. Her blue eyes were quite appealing so the man couldn't help himself and almost fall to the water just from the sight.
-First ship of the Shiratsuyu-class destroyers, Shiratsuyu! Yes, the first ship! - The second of the two that approached salute the admiral and introduce herself with pride. A pretty girl with short hazelnut hair that immediately wanted more attention on her.
-We were sent to Island H; Admiral please take care of us! - Both girls said at the same time first Shigure then Shiratsuyu. The two ship girls salute the commander and wait for orders.
-Great to receive you here, Shigure; Shiratsuyu. I'm pleased to meet you to… I want to introduce you to the other ship girls stationed here, please wait a moment- The man smiled because he could be finally ready to sail ships. However, the sight of both fired up his spirit and immediately he asked them to wait a bit in the water.
-Its alright Admiral we will wait here- Shigure softly spoke and start to move around slowly followed by an excited Shiratsuyu that wanted to keep circling fast. The admiral went running to Mamiya where the other girls were helping.
-Murakumo! Hatsuharu! its finally time for you to set sail! -He arrived trying to grasp some air, he was really happy to finally said those words.
-W-What? So fast…. - Murakumo jump a little by the sudden interruption by the admiral.
-At last we will taste the water again- Hatsuharu leave the broomstick and leave the dining room.
-Admiral is it true… Why the sudden change? - Mamiya appear from behind the kitchen worried about this important choice.
-Two more ships just arrived and I want that both use their new outfits- The man smiled very pleased to finally see these two in action.
-Outfits… finally it was time- Murakumo thanked politely to Mamiya and also leave the room. Then all three leave the place while Mamiya stayed hesitant behind the counter.
-So admiral, who are those two new partners that joined us? - The silver haired girls asked slightly interested in her new partners and possible rivals.
-The first two Shiratsuyu class destroyers- The admiral answer happily, however those words were annoying to Hatsuharu, who was visibly displeased.
-Shiratsuyu!... – The purple haired girl was not pleased knowing that she was here.
-Guess ya don't like them- Murakumo said to the now annoyed Hatsuharu who started to walk faster.
-You don't want to know the reason…- She comment in a harsh voice, she wanted to get ready and confront her.
-I guess not…- The commander did realize how angry she looks and didn't even tried to ask again.
-Admiral, show us our new outfits! We shall teach them a lesson or two to those new girls- Hatsuharu was defiant, as she was proud of her name and her skill, she would prove right now who was better.
-Fine but don't overextend it, save some energy for the abyssal too. Follow me, the outfits are in the factory, you can replenish your fuel there and go into the water when you are ready- The man took the lead again and the trio went through the large doors instead of the normal ones. It was Akashi said and the outfits were ready for action.
-Make it fast! – Hatsuharu pull the admiral´s coat for him to get her outfit ready.
-You hear her commander, don't make us wait, I will show them what a special destroyer can do! - Murakumo add her own pride to her partner cause, she was also eager to set sail at last and to taste the water again.
The outfits were hanging in the platform at the side of the factory, Akashi really let them ready so both girls took place in the small launching pad. These miniature versions of the ones in the big one that he saw days before, and appears to act in the same way.
-Fufu...Finally, to the front lines! – Murakumo was ready to show off to the admiral and prove she was the best special class destroyer.
-At long last... we shall demonstrate our true purpose! - Hatsuharu feel her blood boils by the thought of watching that attention hungry girl.
Murakumo and Hatsuharu each took place in one line and immediately the cranes that were carrying the outfits moved to the correct girl. Perhaps it was an automated system or maybe the fairies were operating them. But just in a matter of seconds the outfit turn to pieces and each one attached to a different part of their bodies. Cannons, torpedoes, antennae's, etc… All things ready they launch directly into the water and started moving over it as if they were ice skating, they were fast and didn't wait for the admiral, so he leave the factory and returned to the wharf as fast as his legs let him.
-Sister, two ships are approaching- Shigure first realize that two girls appeared from the factory and warned her.
-Oi! new members have arrived. - Shiratsuyu heard the noise and welcome her new partners.
-Oh hey Hatsuharu didn't think I could see you here! - She said vigorously to the already annoyed girl. It was obvious that for some reason one couldn't stand the other.
-Remember I'm still number one- She couldn't stop referring herself as the first ship with that name and flagship of their class.
-Always so noisy- Hatsuharu immediately wanted to shoot her between the eyes, but somehow she could control herself as the educated lady she is.
-It seems like the admiral wants us to test our new outfits... Wanna race to see who really is number one? – Murakumo shoot first challenging Shiratsuyu, just as she notices that the admiral is reaching the wharf.
-Sounds like fun, but I can't lose- The girl with the orange headband feel the spark of battle rise inside her as she was about to show how she really was.
-We are not sure about that- Hatsuharu wanted to destroy that silly pride that she got so if she could beat her in a simple race, perhaps she will stop her annoying voice.
-If the admiral is fine with this, I guess we can try- Shigure was calm and approach the admiral seeking his approval.
-I guess it's a nice test for the outfits. Perhaps a race around the island, the first to return here wins- He was enjoying this, perhaps it can count as training for them.
The girls accepted, there are proud ships and would love to prove themselves worthy. So all four stand in line next to the admiral. At his signal all start the race, lifting a big curtain of water that fall on the man´s clothes. He ended up a bit wet but he at last he felt different, watching them moving that fast and with that much energy. It wasn't long before they travel the bay and disappeared from his sight.
Murakumo, Hatsuharu and Shiratsuyu were close to each other giving their best effort to defeat the others, Shigure followed them a bit behind, she was just racing for fun so she tried to enjoy the ride and remember the island surroundings.
The island was surrounded by many cliffs and few beaches. There was a large cave complex around the launching zone, rocks and low tide areas too, this would prove dangerous to old ships, but to these girls they were no problem at all.
They all try to gain more speed each time they turn around but at the time they arrive to the back port Shiratsuyu suddenly got the advantage. Both Murakumo were still close to her. At this point Shigure start to get fast in order to remain near they. However, thanks to this she remembers the big mountains that are origin of the island. Some tall and some not so much, the green in the grass and trees were mostly gone, as the winter was closing.
This part of the island was mostly untouched, mostly because the size of the mountains and the dangerous terrain. Even if it's a small island sometimes the weather was strange and there were registered some snow in particular years. However there no birds nor small were to be seen in the vicinity, perhaps because of the season.
At first sight the southern part of the island is just a complex of colossal rocks and boulders that rise from the ocean. It was here where the tables turn and Hatsuharu finally got ahead, this leaving Murakumo behind close to Shigure. Shiratsuyu didn't want to lose so she tries to take an alternate route in this rock labyrinth.
It was a rough part and yet they all pass through it easily so now the last part of the race was ahead. The Southwest area was another part full of small beaches and sand banks. This area also got a whole lot more trees and dense foliage. Shigure could hear some sounds that came from the inside of that forest, however nothing in particular appeared, perhaps just her imagination.
They were close, as the lighthouse could be seen in the distance, just around that and it would be the entrance of the base. This was the most important part of all the race, and all three knew it, so Shiratsuyu recovered position next to Hatsuharu. They were quite close now and in matter of seconds the base could be seen.
-Goddammit get outta my way! - Murakumo suddenly burst of fuel give her a chance to approach the other to. She wanted to overtake them by surprise but both blocked her path to victory.
-Murakumo stop pushing us! - Hatsuharu pushed Murakumo away and she instead took Shiratsuyu by the arm.
-Even if you try to stop me I'll always be number one… AHHHH!- Shiratsuyu instantly feared a possible collision and embrace Murakumo with all her might. Causing her to lose balance and fall on Hatsuharu. They all cause a big sound as all three fall to the water, unharmed but a little disoriented.
Shigure was still admiring the base so when the collision happened she was way ahead of the other that lost their path. It was only when she arrived with the admiral that she realizes her own victory.
-Congratulations Shigure you are the winner of the race! - The man waited there all that time in expectation. He watched the collision and thought the worse, but when all three stand up and start yelling at each other he knew they were fine.
Shiratsuyu cried for a bit and then went mad at the incident. Each blamed the other and at the end they choose to repeat the race again, just to show off their stamina and full speed.
The admiral sits down in the wharf this time, waiting for the girls to return. Shigure step out the water and sit down next to him.
-I'm really happy to be here again- She gently smiled at the man and then returned his eyes into the sea.
-Again?... You were stationed here before? – The sudden words make him forgot was he was thinking and focus on her.
-Just for a while and then reassigned to a base in the south. I still returned a few times to say hi to my sister Harusame- Even from time to time she was given a chance to visit her and her other sisters in the different bases.
-Your sister was part of the original fleet… I'm sorry- The man didn't knew what to say. He knew that these girls were sisters depending on their class.
-She is still fine; she was on expedition that day. However, I haven't seen here since that incident, so returning here brings me a good memory – Shigure assured him, as she received a letter from her sister in the next days after the abyssal rampage.
-I see… I guess this was a nice place then- It appears that the past base was way nicer than it is today.
-It was, the people here were nice and the commander was a kind person…- Shigure remembered a few times when she visited her sister, the way everyone welcomed her and even more the young man that was leading the base. They were all gone now so the base also brings a melancholic feeling inside her.
-I wonder if someday the rain will stop- It was said that the night of the attack it was raining. So the water around the island was agitated and dangerous. She always remembers the rain and it appears that it keeps following her.
-I think there is nothing we can do about the past, they are gone and we remain here. I guess the only thing we can do is keep on living and try our best each day…- The man answered honestly. He still thinks that all those that were killed by the abyssal got some purpose instead of just being numbers, so he keeps on trying the best he can for the life he got left.
-Admiral… Thank you- Shigure recovered her smile after hearing those words. She felt that the admiral beside her was too a kind man just like him…
-I'm glad we were reassigned here- She said after lean against the admiral for a while.
In the end they remain in silence waiting for the other destroyers, which race three times until her fuel ran out. They all were exhausted and only wanted to eat something and sleep for a while. However, the admiral invites them to the docks.
-You are all worn out. You all four should go to the docks and if needed get some repairs- The admiral wanted them to be at full strength for tomorrow again.
-My clothes got a little dirty... Tch! Don't even think on spying on us- Murakumo was the first to say something about this sudden interest in the docks.
-Oh! Perhaps the admiral is interested in watching the number one´s body- Shiratsuyu said in a tempting voice as she already knew that only her first kind of body was the best in the world or something like that…
-Hell no Admiral, you should wait for other day we are kind of tired. Or else verily, thou shalt experience our wrath! - Hatsuharu was beaten, she got the worst part in the collision and yet continued to fight in the race and force herself to full speed.
-Oh! You are tired then? Guess I'm still number one in stamina, I can still race all night! - Shiratsuyu tried to prove again that she was the very best at every single aspect.
-Shut it! It's getting late…- Hatsuharu didn't want to keep on hearing her words so she gets ahead to the docks followed by Shiratsuyu.
-Thanks for your hard work, Admiral- Shigure thanked again and followed her sister.
-Admiral! T-the outfits were amazing…. T-thanks… Now leave or I will think you want to spy on us! - Murakumo tried to thank him his effort and dedication to her very last, however her pride is big and can't accept looking like a frail damsel. After that the turned back and followed her fellow destroyers.
He didn't get many chances to defend himself of those accusations, even if he was the only man in the island surrounded by beautiful girls he still got some honor within himself, so he would never do such a thing as spying the girls in the docks while they are getting repaired or resting. Even if he thought of it at some point he would never do that… maybe.
Anyway the man turns back and returned to the dining room where Mamiya receive him with a nice dinner and a casual chat. Both eat together and only the fairies were around that time. Today ended up being really productive in terms of his fleet. After that he returned to his room and sleep for the rest of the night.