Kantai Collection: Angels of our Future

by Outcastfur

(Discontinued) The Year 2004 would be burned into the lives of everyone on Earth forever, but Kurt Housley would also remember this as the day he lost his mother to a monster. 20 years later the world stands on the edge of the destruction, and the Ship Girl's might be the only thing's that can secure humanities future.

6. The Hermit Kingdom

Hello all! Welcome to the long awaited chapter 6 of Angels Of Our Future. I'm sorry for being silent for so long, I was hard at work on this chapter. So I apologize to anyone who may have contacted me and had no received a response. But other then that, I really don't have anything else to talk about.

So now without further ado on with the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own Kantai Collection in anyway shape or form. I also do not own any of the Military equipment, or experimental technology that has already been created. I do own any original idea's, technology that I create, and OC characters.

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Angel's Of Our Future Chapter 6: The Hermit Kingdom

August 24, 2024

Over the Yellow sea, International waters

Seal Team Saber, US Navy

Lieutenant Kurt Housley

Everything had gone according to plan, aside from the Abyssals attacking the North early. Kurt's squad had successfully made it too the Jeju international airport, which had been repurposed as an F.O.B. for the United States to retake South Korea. They had boarded their transport plane and were currently flying over the Yellow sea towards Pyongyang.

"Why do we have to be so high in the air?" Nagato asked shaking slightly in her seat, as the plane bounced slightly from some turbulence. Tenryuu who was seated right next began to chuckle, "Don't like flying Nagato?"

"Not this high." Nagato said still shaking, as soldier moved around the plane not caring about the turbulence. Nagato looked at them as if they were insane. How could they not worry their plane wouldn't go down?

Tenryuu began to laugh, slapping Nagato's back, "Haha. Looks like the big seven isn't so big after all." As she said this, Nagato stopped shaking and slowly turned to Tenryuu, "Your jokes get more annoying each day. I should recommend you for dismantling to the Admiral when we return." Nagato sighed and shook her head, Kurt who was sitting next to Tenryuu with a sleeping Kaga leaning against him smiled slightly.

"Eh!? Take that back!" The light cruiser shouted standing up with an annoyed expression. A moment later Nagato began to argue with Tenryuu. This caught some of the Rangers attentions, they all laughed at the ship girls antics.

As the girls continued to laugh a younger Ranger approached the ground and sat down across from them. There were four rows seats in total on the plane, making it easier to transport troops. Kurt's square was located towards the back right hand of the plane so no one bothered them much. So the Seal was a bit surprised to see the young Ranger sit next to them. The boy couldn't have been anymore then 19 or 20, he was of Caucasian descent with bright green eyes and dark brown hair. Not very tall by American standards, Kurt would say he was about 5'7.

The young man didn't say anything and looked quite nervous around the ship girls. So after another moment of awkward silence Kurt decided to speak up, "So what's a squad of Rangers doing here?"

The young man almost jumped at his comment but then quickly collected himself and began to speak to the Seal, "Oh. Well sir in all honesty we were in route back to the states to assist with repealing abyssals forces from the West Coast. They kinda just picked us because it was the most convenient." He shrugged holding his Ops-core helmet in his hands.

Before anyone could say anything else two more Rangers walked by, "Man what I wouldn't give for some leave." One of them said, the other quickly nodded back to this and they walked back to the front of the plane where most of the Rangers were at.

Kurt quickly turned back to the Ranger with a raised eyebrow, "How long have you been fighting?" It was rare to hear a Special Forces unit ask for some leave especially in a time of war. They must've been gone for sometime.

"Our unit was deployed last year to the Mongolian desert. Then we were kinda moved around all over Asia to assist the Chinese. If we weren't picked for this mission, then it would've been the first time we had gotten to go home in over a year." He explained, shrugging again.

"I see." Kurt said, getting into a thinking pose. 'War is hell' He thought to himself, looking over back over to the young man. Kurt knew where he was coming from he had been deployed for a good year and a half. He desperately needed a little bit of leave, but like everything positive, that would have to wait.

"Don't worry soldier. You'll see home again." Nagato suddenly said out of nowhere. Kurt looked over to the battleship to see that she was inventively listening to their conversation. Tenryuu who had been arguing with her, was cleaning her sword so now she paid no mind to the battleship.

"Uhh. Thanks….you are?" The Ranger asked, slightly cautious. He didn't know this women. He didn't even know she was a ship girl.

Nagato stood up straighter and began to introduce herself, "I'm Nagato. First ship in the Nagato-class. It's very nice to meet you." She announced doing a slight bow. The Rangers eyes seemed too shine for a moment as Nagato announced her name, "Ah you're one of the Japanese ship girls I've heard so much about?" He asked.

"That is correct. Your name?" She asked, staring at him with a curious yet serious expression, "Ah I'm sorry. I'm Corporal Renton Ybarra United States Army Rangers. It's a pleasure to meet you Nagato."

Nagato nodded to him and he began to speak up again, "Um. You'll have to forgive me but I'm quite the history buff in my squad. Is it true that you were in fact named after one of the old Japanese provinces?"

Nagato clearly surprised by this slowly nodded. No one had ever asked that before, "Uh yes that's correct." She answered, slight shock clearly still in her voice.

"Your name means long gate right?" Renton asked, shocking Nagato again. No one had ever shown this much interest or knowledge about her in her life, "Uh-huh!" She suddenly called out with a much happier expression, leaning forward listening more clearly to Renton asked questions about her.

Kurt watched the two converse. This was a sorta down time in his books. Suddenly he felt a slight shift on his side, "Mmm?" Kaga asked, lazily as her eyes fluttered open.

"Finally awake?" Kurt asked, looking down at her with a smile. Kaga quickly looked away with a blush but still leaning on Kurt. She had now noticed that she slept much easier around Kurt. So she liked to stay close to him. At least that was her own mental excuse,"W-Where are we?" Kaga asked, looking around quite drowsy.

"Aboard one of the C-17 globemasters we're almost too the drop-zone. We should get ready." Kurt said, rubbing her shoulder as she began to wake up. She had been sleeping for quite sometime, "A-Alright." She yawned rubbing her eyes and snuggling against him. The seal smiled slightly and looked back over to Nagato. She was still currently engaged in a conversation with Renton.

"I still think that you should've been the flagship instead of Yamato during the war." The young Ranger said to the battleship. Nagato's eyes were basically sparking now from all the praise she was getting from Renton, "It was a difficult decision, but the Admirals didn't always make the best decisions during the great Pacific war." She said with a sad smile.

As Nagato and Renton continued their chat, Kurt looked down at his phone and tried to gather some information as Kaga slept. Just as he began to do this another soldier sat across from him. The Seal looked up from his phone to the man, wondering who he was. The man in question extended his hand out, Kurt without question shook it and scanned the man's uniform. A few moments later it was clear who this man was by the Sergeant insignia on him, this Ranger was the squad leader for all the others.

Since he was the senior officer, Kurt decided to speak first, "I don't think we had the opportunity to formally meet yet. Lieutenant Kurt Housley. Happy to serve with you."

A stern expression remained on the man's face. Kurt guessed he couldn't have been any older then 26 or 27. He had short brown hair, with equally brown eyes. A layer of dirt and dried blood covered his face, clearly showing that he had been in combat for sometime, "Feeling is mutual Lieutenant. I'm Sergeant Sean Brooks." He said in a foreign accent. The Seal was slightly surprised by this, not what he was expecting. It sounded either British or Irish, he couldn't decide.

"Your accent?" Kurt asked. Brooks smirked, "I'm Irish sir." He responded, the Seal gave him a nod back and the two began to converse.

Up front in the cockpit of the C-17 the many members of the flight crew were hard at working manning the plane. Suddenly an alarm sounded at the planes radar station, and the officer turned to the rest of the crew, "Sir new contacts on radar!"

"What is it!" One of the pilots shouted.

"Dimensions show that it's abyssal fighters!" The officer shouted, looking back at the radar, "I count two!"

"Dammit evasive maneuvers! Contact the drone network!" Another officer shouted. Everyone immediately got to work on this, "Shit they've opened fire!" The radar officer yelled out.

Back below in the cargo bay Brooks had finished speaking with Kurt and began to prep his Rangers for the drop. They all began to put their oxygen masks on as Brooks began to address them for the mission, "Alright men ready up we're-" They were instantly interrupted by a volley of bullets shooting through the cargo bay. One of the men who hadn't been wearing his body armor was hit directly in the chest by one of the rounds. It went clear through and a moment later he fell over dead.

"Get down!" Renton shouted out. Everyone instantly dropped to the floor, "What the hell was that!" One of the men asked, covering his head. Kaga immediately layed on top of Kurt to cover him as well,

"We got abyssal fighters on our tail!" Tenryuu shouted out still standing. Most of theabyssals fire would just bounce off of her if any even hit her.

"Incoming!" The pilots shouted through the speakers. Everyone brassed again for another round of Abyssal fire. But just as the officer finished speaking an explosion rocked the C-17 and bullets range through the cargo bay again. Suddenly out of no where Nagato layed on top of Renton and blocked another volley of bullets. If Nagato hadn't been there Renton would've been hurting.

"You okay?" Nagato asked looking down at the young Ranger, "Yeah. Thank you." He replied looking up at her with a slight blush.

"Lieutenant! If we're going to drop we have to do it now!" Brooks shouted out from the far side of the plane as more bullets shot through. Kurt had to think for a moment. If he opened that back ramp then everyone would be more exposed to the enemy, but if he didn't then this whole operation would've been for nothing. Making a split second decision the seal decided, "Dammit. Alright I'll open the ramp!"

"Are you kidding me! That's suicide!" Renton shouted out from under Nagato. Kurt payed him no attention and got up from under Kaga. She was unwilling at first, but then let him get up knowing how dire the situation was, but she did follow him close behind. As more bullets rocked the C-17 Kurt stumbled to the button that opened up the back of the plane. Kaga was covering him the entire time from stray fire. Once he reached it he looked back to his girls, "Nagato as soon as I open the doors I want you to open fire!" He shouted, bullets flying past his face.

"Roger!" She nodded, getting up from the floor and readying her M249. A moment she ran to the back of the plane and aimed her rifle. Kurt pressed the button and the back flew down. His eyes were instantly blinded by the morning sun, but as they adjusted he was met by two abyssal hellcat fighters following the plane close behind. Nagato narrowed her eyes and opened fire. Bullets flew from her gun and caught one of the fighters by surprise. Her bullets ripped through it's armor and it was soon spinning out of control towards the ground miles below. The other fighter immediately got out of the way and began to circle back, "One down." Nagato shouted to Kurt.

"Lieutenant we have to go now!" Brooks shouted out. Kurt looked for the second fighter for a moment but then decided it was now or never, "Fine, everyone go! Drop!" He ordered. All the surviving rangers immediately began to sprint to the end of the C-17, "Nagato cover them!" The seal shouted, as the second fighter returned and began to fire.

Nagato again opened fire with her M249 trying to take down the enemy. But this fighter was smarter it moved all around dodging her fire, then finally she landed one of her shots. It only skimmed the fighter, but it did make it move away again.

"Tenryuu! Kaga! Go!" Kurt shouted out, seeing that all the Ranger were out of the plane now. Nagato continued to scanned the sky for the fighter. Tenryuu was ready to jump, but Kaga remained next to Kurt with a fearful expression. He already knew what she was thinking she didn't want to leave him here, "I'll be right behind you." He said gripping her shoulder before giving her a reassuring smile. She nodded, just before Tenryuu rushed up to her and grabbed her hand, "Come on princess!" She yelled jumping off of the plane with her.

Now it was only himself and Nagato left on the plane. He was about to order her to jump but then out of nowhere the fighter rushed back into the picture. It opened fire with its rockets without pause. Nagato opened fire at the same time and nailed the fighter, sending it flying out of control towards the earth like the other one, but she also got caught in one of the explosions from the rockets. She slipped off the edge of the C-17, "Shittttt!" The battleship screamed out.

"Nagato!" Kurt shouted looking over to edge of the C-17 watching her fall. He knew he'd survive the fall. Ship girls really weren't effected from falling great heights. But still he was worried, and about to jump after her until a stream of bullets interrupted him. The Seal looked out in the direction of the fire only to see 4 more abyssal fighters chasing after the C-17. He cursed under his breath and pulled out his M27. He about open fire until the speakers came on again, "Lieutenant go! We'll handle the fighters we have drone fighters on the way." One of the crew members shouted out.

Just as he said this a dozen sentinel warfighter drones could be seen flying down from above, and begin to open fire tearing the abyssals apart, "Copy." He said into his comms before getting ready to jump.

"Good luck." The crew member said through the speaker, as Kurt began to sprint towards the edge of the plane, "Same to you." He said, before jumping off the C-17 and falling through the sky towards the rest of his team.

This chain of events had only happened in a few seconds, so Kurt wasn't that far away from his team, but he did see something below that was unsettling. The fighter Nagato had shot right before she fell had gained control of itself and was barreling towards Kaga. It was smoking and clearly aiming for a kamikaze attack on her.

Kurt quickly folded his arms in close to his body so he could close the distance between him and the enemy fighters, "Kaga! Above you!"

"Huh?" She asked, turning her head, hearing his voice through her comms.

As he flew past Nagato and then Tenryuu, Kurt activated the boosters on his exo to gain even more speed. Even though they weren't really built for this purpose. Realizing what was closing in on her Kaga quickly took out her sidearm and began to open fire, she couldn't reach for her sniper because it was strapped onto her back. Only some of her Five seven bullets penetrated its armor, but still it kept coming for her. She braced for the explosion that would surely send her spinning out of control.

But just as the Fighter was about to hit her, Kurt smashed right into it. Both the seal and the Abyssal were sent tumbling down faster towards to earth. Kaga watched with shock as Kurt did this. What in the world was he thinking!

The seal spiraled out of control still latching onto the enemy fighter. He was trying to keep conscious, but suddenly the fighter began to shake in his arm trying to self destruct. Kurt's eyes widened as he tried to push himself away, "D-Dammit!" The seal stuttered out.

"Lieutenant get away from it! You won't be able to slow down in time to make a safe landing!" Renton's voice yelled out over the comms, "I-I'm…..trying!" He said, as blackness began to encroach on his eyes. He started to lose consciousness but still pried away from the Abyssal.

"Kurt!" Kaga screamed out from above watching him wrestle mid air with the abyssal as it began to shake violently. The ground below them was getting closer and closer. She had to do something otherwise the seal wouldn't make it out alive.

Kurt still wrestles with the abyssal trying to stay awake. Finally he gained some ground, he power up his boosters to get away, but the Abyssal had something else in mind. It used it's hidden mouth to bit down hard on Kurt's right arm, "AHH!" He screamed out in pain, as its mouth tried to tear through his flesh, "Lieutenant!" Renton shouted out. Everyone watched them wrestle in the air, as they deployed their parachutes, Tenryuu desperately grabbed onto Nagato, insuring that she wouldn't smash into the ground. She deployed her parachute and watched as Kaga increased her speed, falling faster towards Kurt.

Kurt couldn't escape its death grip, he tried and tried but the Abyssal still squeezed down on his arms. "Let go dammit!" He shouted, smashing his free arm against the top of the fighter. The seal wouldn't give up. He couldn't!

"Ahhhhhh!" Kaga's voice suddenly rang out as she smashed into the abyssals from above. This caused it to let go of Kurt's arm and fling out of control. Crashing and exploding into the trees below. Kaga then grabbed Kurt and wrapped her arms around him, "K-Kaga?" He stammered out in her grasp, as she deployed her parachute. This would only slow them down a little bit as they approach the ground.

"You idiot." She said aloud, tearing up, as they both crashed into a small lake below.

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August 24, 2024

Above Korean Peninsula, High Earth Orbit

Orbital Fortress Poseidon, USAF

Miles above the surface of the earth Orbital fortress Poseidon sat observing the entire entire Korean peninsula. Thousands of explosions could be seen going off all over the two nations from the windows of the station.

Dozens of air force officers could be seen floating through a decent size room in the fortress manning small stations in the corners, they managed data and observed the battlefield with high resolution cameras.

"Adjusting lenses." One of the officers said, who was manning the cameras. He watched the battle rage all over the countries, smoke was already spreading over the sky.

"Copy." The lead camera operator said, moving his camera too certain points on the battlefield. Sudden a screen to his right lit up, and a message from the navy popped up. He read the message and sighed slightly, "Uh Two-Zero US Navy is asking for another full picture over the peninsula? Wanting to know if the situation has changed from earlier. Think we can give it to them?"

The Air Force officer waited a moment for the feedback to come in, "Affirmative. We'll have a full view for another 20 minutes." Two-Zero echoed from the comm.

"I don't know we have to engage in more satellite repairs later." Another suddenly interrupted, "Those lenses already need to be repaired."

"They need that sitrep." The lead operator said, as a large explosion was seen through one of the lenses over Seoul. There was another uninterrupted moment of silence before the other operator responded, "Fine give it to them."

"Alright Two-Zero you know the drill. Just point and shoot." The lead operator ordered.

"Copy." Two-Zero announced, adjusting in his seat at his station. He manned his controls again and moved one of the lead cameras on the fortress out to the Sea of Japan. The man scanned for a bit, searching for any possible abnormalities.

"See anything?" Lead asked, looking over to Two-Zero's station from across the room, "Nothing but blue lead. Any place specific? Island? Shipping lane?" He asked, looking over to the lead operator as well.

"One moment." Lead said, turning back to his console and tapping the screen quickly. Two-Zero knew he wasn't going to get anything out of him at that moment, he simply turned back to his console, shaking his head.

But as he did this, he noticed a large number of black dots appear on the ocean. His eyes widen, as he quickly gripped the camera controls, "Wait. I think I got something!" He shouted.

"What is it Two-Zero?" Lead asked, getting out of his seat and floating over to him.

"It looks like a large enemy attack force coming in from the….." He stopped, as he tracked their location to its source. He blinked and slapped the console lightly. That couldn't be right.

"Where Two-Zero?" The lead asked, floating up to his station. The man looked back to him, and pointed to the screen, "The West Coast of Japan sir."

The lead raised his eyebrow and looked to the screen. Indeed Two-Zero was right. There were multiple groups of enemy contacts sailing from the coast of Japan, "The hell?" He asked himself, before realizing that the lead abyssals would be on the 7th fleet in a matter of seconds, he turned to the station next to Two-Zero, "They're going to be on top of our guys. Just out of their radar range. Alert them now!" He order.

The older women their nodded her head and tapped the console, "Copy." She announced, and began to relay the information to the 7th fleet.

The lead operator gripped Two-Zero's chair, as he stared at the abyssals forces. Why the hell were they coming from Japan?

5 minutes earlier

USS. Iwo Jima

"Over here! This way!" Shigure called out to an approaching civilian boat. Hibiki and Akatsuki flanked the boat on each side, as it neared the back of the Iwo Jima. The remaining ship girls had been assigned to helping civilian board the Iwo Jima. They had been at this for a few hours, but only a few boats had came into the Iwo Jima. Shigure frowned. Hopefully other ships assigned to civilian rescue had more luck.

"Come along this way please." Akatsuki said in rough Korean, as they neared the entrance to the well deck. A second later the ship was docked inside the Iwo Jima. Shigure sighed with relief as the civilians were safe. The Akatsuki sisters sailed up next to her in the well deck. They sighed as well.

"We'll take em from here." A Marine said, walking along side the rail of the well deck. Shigure gave him a salute, and he quickly returned it, "Thanks for the help." He added.

"Oh. Don't mention it." Shigure said, slightly surprised, she hadn't expected to get a thanks for assistance. It was her duty to do this. Back at the naval base she would never be thanked by the admiral for this.

"Been a lot easier with your help." The Marine added, leaning against the railing as other soldiers helped the civilians onto the deck. Shigure was about to say something back to him, but was immediately interrupted by multiple alarms all over the deck. "What's going on?" Akatsuki asked, looking around rapidly.

"All hands attention! Large enemy force approaching from the North East! Everyone who isn't already at your battle stations get your asses in gear! Move!" Garrison's voice boomed across the ships intercom. Immediately all the Marines gathered around the one leaning on the rail.

"We still have civilians coming in." Hibiki said, looking out towards the sea, seeing more boats approach the Iwo Jima. Both of the Akatsuki sisters readied their guns, as Shigure sailed up next to the railing and listened to the Marines.

"Marines! Our orders still stand! Get as many civilians into the ship as possible." He shouted out, pointing out to sea, We can not let those abyssal bastards take our people! Move now!" He ordered. Shigure realized suddenly that the Marine said "our people". She also realized that he must not see them as Korean but as humanity as a whole. This made her smile slightly. Things would never go like that back at the naval base.

Shigure moved closer to the Marine to get his attention, "We'll hold the abyssals off outside diverting them away from the civilians." She informed him. The Marine looked down at her and nodded, "Copy. Be careful." She nodded back at him, and was about to leave but he stopped her. The Marine extended his hand, and Shigure shook it, "Sir." She saluted before heading back out to sea with the the sisters.

Once they were outside, Shigure quickly contacted the Captain, "Captain Garrison come in?"

"This is Garrison." The Captains voice came through her comms.

"Shigure here. Me and the Akatsuki sisters will hold off the approaching Abyssal forces while our forces evac the remaining civilians." She informed him, as she looked up to the flight deck only to see multiple Marines, sitting up firing positions on the edge of the Iwo Jima's flight deck, "Understood. More air support will be aiding you. You'll have to hold until the bulk of our drone and fighter fleets arrive to drive them off." He added.

"Roger Captain." Shigure said, shifting on the water as her radar lit up with hundreds of targets.

"Air support inbound Shigure. Good luck." Garrison said before cutting of the comm link. On top of the Iwo Jima the Phalanx system began to spin up, also detecting Abyssal forces on radar.

"We're on our own?" Akatsuki asked, slightly nervous.

"We have minimal support." Shigure added, as Hibiki readied her guns, "Well it's time to show them how a real lady fights." Akatsuki added pushing some hair out of her eyes, as multiple abyssals approached the fleet. "Don't let them get an inch!" Shigure shouted out, as a AH-1Z Viper flew overhead. Giving them close air support. She smirked and aimed her guns. She would not fall here!

---

August 24, 2024

Outside Pyongyang, North Korea

Seal Team Saber, US Navy

Lieutenant Kurt Housley

"T-Thank you." Kurt said, as Kaga helped him to the shoreline. He looked around groggily, waiting for his eyes to come back into focus. Falling into the water at high speeds had its effects, luckily for him he didn't suffer any injuries, thanks to Kaga who was still had her arms wrapped around him.

Once his vision came back to him, he looked right into the carriers eyes. She was trying to keep up her usually monotone expression, but Kurt could tell that she was on the verge of losing it, "Kaga?" He asked, trying to get a response. But she didn't give one, she just kept staring, "Kaga are you-"

"Don't do that to me again!" She suddenly blurted out, hugging him tightly on the shoreline, "Kaga?" The Seal asked, slightly surprised. He was not prepared for this at all, "You scared me half to death." She sobbed into his shoulder, "Why would you do that!" She added, looking up to him, tears streaming from her face.

"It's my job to protect you." Kurt simply said, gripping her shoulder. She just shook her head and put it back into his shoulder, "No Kurt it's not…" Kaga said softly, trying to get as close to him as possible. Now basically sitting on his lap, she went to continue what she wanted to say, "Our job is to protect each other. You've saved me countless times. No matter what it is! From the enemy or myself." The carrier trailed off, she was sure he had feelings for her, and she for him. She just needed to find a way to help manifest it. Maybe this could be the way?

"Kaga…" He began.

She shook her head rapidly, "No. You did it without question, or thought. I need to protect you as well. I won't let you die!" She shouted, gripping both of his arms, "Please." She whispered, looking down.

Kurt didn't know how to act. Most of the time when he did these kind of things, people would compliment the Seal on a job well done, but Kaga she looked generally worried for him, the tears in her eyes confirmed it. She must've had feelings for him he thought. Why else would all this happen? Him holding her through her nightmares, being overly protective of her. He had done so much for her, could he be in love? The unspoken connection could be there between the two.

'It had to be love' He thought to himself and also thinking how bad of an idiot he was for not coming forward and realizing it sooner. He was mentally slapping himself across the face. The Seal needed to get a grip, he needed to sort things out with her now, "Hey." He began, cupping the crying carriers cheek. In turn she slowly looked up at him, tears still flooding her eyes, "You and I aren't going anything soon. I can promise you that. You or me will never be alone again." He said with a smirk, hugging her tightly, she started to tear up again, this time with joy, "I love you." He declared softly rubbing her back, still on the shoreline.

Her eyes instantly widened and she pulled her head up, "W-What?" Kaga stuttered out, wanting to confirm what she thought she heard. The carrier was visible shaking now, "I said I love you Kaga." He repeated with a sincere smile.

Without a second thought Kaga smashed her lips against his. It was the Seals turn now to be surprised. Kaga gripped his back and pulled him closer as they continued. Finally Kaga broke the kiss, and said shyly, "I love you too."

"Ahem?" A voice suddenly coughed from behind the two. Both instantly turned their heads too see both the ship girls and a few Rangers around them. Others Rangers were also there, but they were watching for enemy activity.

"Haha! Go Kurt, that was long overdue!" Tenryuu exclaimed with a cheer, as she held her sword in her hands. Nagato also stood next to her, holding her M249 and shaking her head with a small but pleasant smile, "Please have some intelligence American we're in a combat zone."

"Relax Nagato." Tenryuu said, slapping her back with a small laugh. Brooks and Renton also stood before them, smirking.

The Seals eyes widened at the sight of the Rangers, as he tried to explain the situation, "Uh Sergeant. I um." He trailed off, beginning to stand up with Kaga. He prayed to god that none of them heard some of those things, that was meant for Kaga's ears only. "Relax Lieutenant. It's perfectly fine." Brooks said, putting his hand up.

"We should probably move out." Nagato said, looking around at the surrounding area. But in reality she wanted to get out of this awkward situation, the battleship hated all the lovey dovey crap, "Agreed." Kurt said, with a rapid nod. Kaga did this as well, causing Tenryuu to chuckle slightly.

Brooks nodded to them, and he signaled for the squad to move out, once they were up and moving they carefully watched all around them.

"How far to the complex?" Renton asked, watching their six, as they moved unnoticed through the forest towards the edge of Pyongyang, "About a click north. We should run straight into it." Brooks responded taking the lead. After that the group continued to move in silence, but it was not likely that any enemies would be around. Most had already abandoned the cities and were moving to the sea or the border to escape the abyssals.

"With abyssals already this far into the country I take it the capital will most likely fall soon. Yeah, we should not be here when that happens." A Ranger said, looking around at the trees, cautiously looking for the Abyssals or enemy troops.

"I don't know with the Lieutenant here, I'm pretty sure we could take on an army." Another one added with a chuckle, "What about it Lieutenant, have anymore crazy stunts planned for today?" He asked, looking back at Kurt.

"I sure hope not. My ass still hurts." The Seal responded rubbing his butt, some of the other Rangers chuckled at this, and Kaga giggled as well. This brought a smile to the Seals face.

The rest of the trip was made in relative silence, as the group moved through the woods, nearing the complex. Suddenly several loud screams were heard in the distance, catching everyone's attention, "I feel sorry for all the civilians here." One of the Rangers whispered, knowing he had to be almost dead silent, "I heard China and Russia are trying to evac who they can on the northern side." Renton said through his comm as they began to move again.

"Here's hoping." Brooks said, signaling the group to come to a halt, as they neared a hillside, "Nothing we can do for them now." Nagato added, coming to a stop. As soon as they came to a halt, Brooks signaled two of his men to go and scout ahead.

Once the two men had taken up position on the hill, they began to survey the area, "See anything?" Brooks whispered. One of the men turned back to him, "Complex sighted, and the rest of Pyongyang." He whispered, turning back.

"How's it look?" Brooks asked.

"There's a few armed guards on the outside of the entrance. Shouldn't be too difficult." The other replied, looking through the scope of his M4A1.

"And Pyongyang?" Brooks added, beginning to crawl up to them, as everyone else held their position waiting for the go ahead, "Burning sir. Some small pocket of fighting but other then that, the city is gone." The first Ranger said, just as Brooks crawled up to them to get a look for himself. Sure enough just as his men stated, Pyongyang the capital city of North of Korea was engulfed in flames. Buildings were crumpling to the ground, anti aircraft guns fired up in the sky trying to hit swarms of Abyssal fighters. It looked like hell on earth down there, but even so the guards, standing outside the complex didn't move an inch. Gotta love North Korean brainwashing.

"Damn the Abyssals work fast." The Ranger next too Brooks said, looking through the scope.

But as his words echoed out, all the ship girls immediately tensed up, both Tenryuu and Nagato's head pieces started to make noise. They all looked over to the city, "What is it?" Kurt asked, lightly grabbing Kaga's shoulder. She looked over to him, her eyes filled with urgency, "Air radar is picking up Abyssal fast movers nearing this location." She said.

Picking up on this Brooks turned back to the rest of them, "Alright. Keep your heads down." Everyone nodded in confirmation, and waited silently. True to the ship girls, two fast moving Abyssal fighters shot past the complex and rained fire on the entire area. The soldiers didn't even have time to react to the fighters before they were burning corpses, "Well that took care of that problem." One of the Rangers said, feeling the flames from the fires that had now sprouted up.

"Let's move down there and secure the VIP before more show up." Brooks ordered, beginning to stand up, "Understood." Kurt said standing up. Everyone else followed suit and began to silently move down into the front part of the complex. But just as Kaga was about to move Kurt stopped her, "Kaga. You and Nagato stay up here and provide over-watch. Let us know if anyone is approaching." Hr ordered the two ship girls.

"Got it. Be careful." Kaga said, a worried look filling her eyes, as Nagato readied her M249 beside her. The Seal smiled slightly and gripped her shoulder, "Always." He said, before moving down with the rest of the Rangers.

"Let's move people." Brooks said, as Kurt joined up with them. Everyone acknowledged him, and began to check the area for any survivors. But all they found were mangled body parts and bent pieces of metal, "Nothing survived this." Renton said, scanning the area. Tenryuu nodded in return as she held her sword at the ready just in case.

In no time the team had made it to the front of the complex, "Madsen, Rodriguez watch the entrance. We'll secure the VIPs." Brooks ordered two of his men as the group began to move to the entrance of the facility. Which used to be a proud set of blast door, but now had been reduced to nothing but a set of thin metal doors because the blast doors were torn apart by the airstrike. Slowly one of the men opened one of the doors, checking their corners every step of the way, "Got it sir." One of the Rangers said, giving him a thumbs up and turning back to the entrance with the other one.

The group began to slowly move through the underground facility, looking for any possible signs of enemy activity, "How deep does this complex go?" Tenryuu asked watching Kurt's back, as they continued to move.

"Only two floors. Our target is on the second, below us." Brooks responded in his Scottish accent, as they neared a long corridor, "This place seems like a ghost town." Renton added, keeping a tight grip on his Scar-L, as he stood behind Tenryuu who was taking point as they moved down the corridor.

"There were men on the outside, there's bound to be some in the interior as well." Kurt whispered, keeping a steady finger on the trigger of his M27. Something didn't seem right, it was way too quiet, even the steady hum of the machines inside the complex had stopped. It seemed completely dead.

But out of nowhere a volley of bullets flew down the hallway, all of them smashed against Tenryuu's skin, "Contacts!" Renton shouted out, using the light cruiser as cover. Tenryuu who was unharmed by the bullets, opened fire with her MP7, "There they are!" She shouted out.

The remaining Rangers themselves began to open fire at the doorway. Kurt could hear the chatter of North Korean soldiers on the other side. Slowly everyone besides Tenryuu and Renton retreated back to the entrance the corridor, and continued to return fire. Tenryuu herself was beginning to get frustrated with all the bullets bouncing against her, "Hey Kurt! Now would be-" But Tenryuu was immediately interrupted by a sudden shacking of the ground. Everyone else gripped onto the wall to hold themselves up, "Watch out!" Renton shouted out suddenly, pulling the light cruiser back, just as the ceiling in front of her collapsed, taking the floor and the North Korean soldiers with it.

"Sir be advised more abyssal fighters have hit the top of the complex." One of the Rangers outside radioed in, as everyone got their bearings again from the collapse, "Copy." Brooks responded, letting go of the wall and looking around at his squad.

Kurt steadied himself, and walked over to Tenryuu and Renton, "You two alright?" He asked, helping Tenryuu to her feet, and giving Renton a hand, "Yes sir." The young ranger replied, looking over at the giant hole in the floor now, "Yeah I'm fine. Thanks kid." She said, smirking at the Ranger.

"The Abyssals must know she's here, but why are they firing on one of their owns location?" Brooks asked, walking up to Kurt and the others, "She can handle punishment like this, not normal humans. It's likely they'll keep hitting this location until their ground forces move in." Kurt responded, looking down the hole as well, it went down at least 100 feet to what looked like the second floor, "We have to hurry it up then. No time to waste." Renton said, gripping his rifle again.

"Let's move people." Brooks said, looking back at the other Rangers, as Kurt moved to the edge of the hole, "Looks like we're taking the express way." Renton joked, standing next to him, as Tenryuu picked up her sword, which she had dropped during the collapse, "Looks like it." Kurt chuckled, activating his boosters. Renton did the same not even a second later.

While the three got ready to jump Brooks stood in front of his men, issuing orders, "You five stay up here. Ybarra, Kurt, Tenryuu and I will go secure the target." He commanded, activating his own boosters, getting ready for the jump, "Yes sir." One of the Rangers said, turning away from him to set up a defense position,

"Ready for more controlled falling Lieutenant?" Brooks asked, walking up to Kurt and the rest of the group. Before anyone else spoke, Tenryuu jumped down the hole with a deadly smile. Kurt swore that the Light Cruiser was enjoying this.

"Always." He said, staring down at Tenryuu before he jumped in the whole himself. Brooks smirked, liking the Seal sense of humor, "Ay." He said before following suit and jumping into the hole. Renton shook his head before following them. They all fell silently before activating their boosters and quietly landing on the ground, well besides Tenryuu who gripped the side of the walls, trying to control her decent.

Once they were all on the ground, Brooks scanned their surroundings. All around them were poorly lit cells, "We must be in the holding cells." Renton said, scanning the area as well.

"How are we going to get back out?" Tenryuu asked, looking up at the hole, gripping her sword tightly, she wasn't opposed to the idea of climbing back up, but if she didn't have to she wouldn't mind at all, "The same way we came in." Kurt said, beginning to move forward down the rows of cells.

"What cell will she be in?" Renton asked, following Kurt, looking through the small holes in the cells. They were either completely empty, or filled with rotting bodies of prisoners that the guards shot, "No idea. We didn't get that much intel." Brooks said going down another hallway with Tenryuu following him close behind, "How could we?" Kurt asked, not really wanting an answer. He already knew why, it was a miracle that they even got this much info alone.

"Trial and error boys." Brooks said, moving into another hallway of cells. He scanned each and every cell looking for any sign of their objective. Starting to get annoyed as the Ranger did not find anything he hadn't already seen before, he slowly checked the corner to a long hallway, as Kurt and Renton came out slowly from another hallway directly across from them, "Clear." Kurt whispered out, meeting back up with the other Ranger and Ship Girl, "Nothing." Brooks said, getting slightly frustrated, not making any progress on their mission.

"What the hell?" Renton asked, lowering his rifle with a sigh, but just before anyone could respond footsteps could be heard coming down the main hallway. Instantly everyone melted back into their respective hallways that they came out from before. Completely blending in with the darkness of the dimly lit rooms. Within a few more seconds a group of North Koreans ran down the main hallway towards an unknown area. They weren't even paying much attention at all to their surroundings, because whatever seemed to be at the end of the hallway demanded everything. Once the team was sure the enemy had moved on, they slowly emerged from their hiding positions. Kurt gave the hand signal to follow the group and Brooks nodded in agreement. Even though he was a higher rank, Kurt let Brooks take the reins for the most of the mission. In his book experience out ranks everything. But now it was his time to take command because they were closing in on their objective.

After silently tailing the group of soldiers for a couple of seconds they came across a very large brightly lit circular room, with a pit in the middle. Various monitors and wires were all set up, funneling down the pit. Kurt ordered them to stop in the darkness of the corridor that filtered into the room, waiting to see what the men were doing. One of the soldiers ordered began to bark orders, and multiple men ran to different monitors beginning to tap various button on the keyboards the monitors were connected too. After a few seconds a loud noise began to go off from the inside of the pit, then a moment later a cage platform arose from pit and inside was a little girl….

She had long white hair, red eyes, two small triangular horns, and a white sleeveless dress. If Kurt knew he would've thought he was looking at the child version of the Airfield Hime. They were splitting images of each other. It made the Seal shutter. He heard reports of how mentally unstable she was, "That's the Hime?" Renton whispered, looking slightly confused. He only laid his eyes on one Hime in his life, but still he would've never imaged that the second one he saw was a child.
"It's just a little girl." Brooks added, slightly confused and concerned as well, Tenryuu on the other hand wasn't at all.

"That's the Northern Hime. Considered the princess of the abyssal royal family." Tenryuu said aloud, gripping her sword tightly. How on Earth did the North manage to capture a royal family member! "Royal family?" Brooks asked, looking back at her, sensing the slight tensing in her body. He had learned too sense these kind of things being a squad leader, "I'll explain later." Tenryuu said, still staring at the barely conscious Abyssal.

"Doesn't matter we need to get her out of there and back to the Iwo Jima." Kurt ordered, eyeing the situation at hand. They had bigger situations at hand then why the hime was a child, "Understood." Brooks acknowledged, Renton nodded to him as well, and Tenryuu gave him a thumbs up, "How are we going to do this?" Renton added, wondering how they would do this quick and clean. Luckily Kurt had already thought this far ahead.

"Tenryuu?" The Seal suddenly asked, turning to the light cruiser who still gripped her sword tightly. The ship girls eyes bolted to the Seal, "Yeah?" She asked tilting her head slightly. Kurt turned back to the guards to their right in the circular room. He counted 5. They were the ones that were right by the cage door, so they needed to go the quickest. Their were also 4 more guards to their left but Brooks, Renton and himself could easily take care of them, "Think you could handle those guys on the right?" He asked, motioning to them. He didn't want to use her to fight other humans, but they really didn't have a choice. But still she exists to protect humanity not kill them, "No problem." The Ship Girl simply said, moving up to him.

"Alright. We'll handle the 4 on the left." He said, not even wanting to question why she didn't even show a bit of resistance to the question. But he marked it for later.

The Light Cruiser nodded and moved quietly out from the darkness towards one of the guards who's back was turned. Kurt and the others also moved towards their left, getting in position to take out the 4 other men. Tenryuu neared the man, poised to strike with her sword, but just as she was about to strike the Hime began to stir and open her eyes. And for some holy goddamn reason her eyes landed on Kurt. The Hime's eyes widened at his sight and she yelped. This caught the guards attentions and two on the right turned to see Kurt and his men. The Seals opened fired and Tenryuu sprang into action.

The guard that was directly in front of the Light Cruiser never saw the sword slice straight through his chest. He was dead in a instant. The others turned to her and began to shoot wildly at the ship girl. Tenryuu moved like lightning. She threw the already dead guards body at two of the others, knocking them over onto the ground. Next she was on the guard who was right in front of the Hime's cage before anyone could breath. She broke his rifle in two with her free hand, and sliced his neck with her sword in a matter of moments. While the guard fell over dead and the other two were still getting up from earlier. She moved to the farthest guard away from her. He tried to shoot her, but the bullets simply bounced or broke against her skin. Not wanting to dirty her sword for this Tenryuu gripped the man's head and slammed it into one of monitors shattering it. Then she rammed his head into the concrete wall behind the monitor effectively ending his life. By now the two who had fallen over had now returned to the standing position and were aiming their Ak47s at the Light Cruiser. Acting like she was going to surrender Tenryuu put both her hands up, dropping her sword in the process. The soldiers opened fired at her, she smirked. In reality she did this for a reason, the Ship Girl spun around doing a full 360° kicking her still falling sword towards the soldier on her left. Within a second it stabbed him straight in the stomach, sending him flying back from the force. The Light Cruiser then took out her MP7, firing at the last man, who was still in shock from watching his squad mate get killed so brutally. The bullets ripped through the small body armor he had, and tore into his vital organs. A moment later the last one fell over dead. All this happened in 30 seconds.

Kurt slowly emerged from the box he had used as cover to clear his side. Renton and Brooks also emerged from their respective covers as well, taking down the last man on their side. It hadn't been to hard, all their shots had been on point. Taking down the enemies in one shot. They were about to go assist Tenryuu, but the sudden body hitting the wall with a sword impaled in it stopped them. They all watched in awe as she took down her last target without an issue. She was flawless and fluid in her moments keeping the same emotionless yet serious expression on the entire time, as she took them down. Finally she walked over to the group, and retrieved her sword from the dead body of the man, "Damn." Was all Brooks could say, as he watched her clean off the sword with a piece of cloth she tore off from one of the now dead men.

"We need to get to the Hime." Tenryuu said, not wanting to be focused on right now, from the brutal acts she had just committed, "Y-Yeah. You're right." Kurt said with a nod, still in a slight sense of shock, he had never witness that even if he had only saw a little. She was so precise and hyperlethal with her attacks. Every Ship Girl had the ability to do this? It amazed the Seal. But then wanting to get back on track he moved over to the cage were Northern Hime was kept, he ripped of the door with the aid of his Exo and looked down at the little girl, "Be careful Lieutenant." Renton said, gripping his rifle tightly just in case.

"She's just a little girl." Kurt said, lifting her out of the cage and holding her in his arms. She remained silently the entire time. In truth the Seal didn't know why he was acting like this, maybe it was because she was a little girl, no. There was something else here a faint connection. He didn't know what it was, but he could feel it. It was there. Northern Hime looked up at Kurt with her big red eyes, "O-Onii-chan?" She squeaked out.

Kurts and Tenryuu's hearts skipped a beat as they both heard these words, "What?" The Seal asked, looking down at the little girl.

---

August 24, 2024

Outside Pyongyang, North Korea

Seal Team Saber, US Navy

Carrier Kaga

Kaga and Nagato sat on the hill above over looking the complex, scanning their surroundings and watching the two Rangers below who stayed hidden in the front entrance. Kaga shifted, feeling slightly nervous after she watched more bombs fall onto the top of the complex, "I'm sure they'll be alright." Nagato said, keeping a tight grip on her M249, as she scanned the skies above, not wanting to have more abyssals appear in the AO without a bit of warning, "I hope you're right." Kaga sighed, adjusting the stock of the Hecate slightly.

Seeing the Aircraft Carriers reaction to this Nagato also sighed. She hated seeing her like this, "He's not the Admiral, Kaga. He isn't helpless when it comes to a fight. That American can hold his ground and then some." She began, looking up to the sky, the morning sun now being replaced with the afternoon sun. She continued, "In all truths he has the capacity to be a better Admiral then Tansho." The battleship said, looking back down to Earth.

Kaga's eyes widen, "Nagato..." She had never heard Nagato speak so highly before of someone besides the Admiral.

The battleship rested her head on the ground for a moment, staring at the Carrier, "It's true. You should know that better then anyone. Ship Girls flock to him, it's like they love being around him. Plus he wasn't going to leave any of us behind when I first met him. Tansho ordered no further support. It's like he wanted us to die." Nagato said, almost with a snarl, balling her fist. She wasn't a very big fan of the Admiral now that he almost let them die. She did believe in an honorable death for the greater good, but when support was clearly available and could easily outmatch the enemy it needed to be provided. The Battleship was sure that Tansho wanted them to die. She just didn't want to come forward with it yet. "I know….." Kaga said suddenly looking down with a frown. In all truths she didn't really trust Tansho anymore, Kurt now had gained all her trust. She would fight too the death with the Seal. But not the Admiral.

"I guess the American really isn't so bad." Nagato suddenly began looking over to Kaga with a wide smirk, "You certainly have taken a liking to him." She laughed quietly, poking her shoulder.

"N-Nagato." Kaga said with a stutter and a blush, looking away from her. The Battleship was about to giggle at the Carrier, but the sudden blip on her radar silence her. She narrowed eyes and looked over to Kaga, "Behind us." She informed the Carrier. Kaga returned a nod to her, eyes narrowed as well. The two quickly flipped over the side of the hill, so now their backs were facing the facility. Both aimed their guns into the dark forest behind them, the thick canopy of trees, blocking out most sunlight. The blip on their radars got closer and closer to them. It was clear that it was heading straight towards them, "Whatever it is, it's fast." Kaga said, tightening her grip on the Hecate. The target moved closer and closer to them, until 5 smaller objects separated from it and speed towards them.

Kaga and Nagato looked down the barrel of their rifles into the darkness of the forest. Waiting for whatever they were to reveal themselves to the Ship Girls. A few moments later an Abyssal Hellcat fighter flew directly at them from the within the forest, "Contact!" Nagato shouted out, opening fire at the approaching Abyssal, which was followed by 4 more fighters. The girls were so absorbed in trying to hit the fighters that they didn't even notice the white haired abyssal approaching them from within the woods.

---

"W-Why did you call me big brother?" Kurt stuttered out, looking down at the small girl. In return the Abyssal tilted her head at him in confusion. Both Renton and Brooks also tilted their heads in confusion, looking down at her as well. Tenryuu was also confused. Seeing all the confusion the Abyssal sighed and looked up to Kurt, "Because you're my-" She was immediately cut short by a loud rumbling all throughout the room and the base. Kurt looked over to Brooks with a raised eyebrow as Tenryuu and Renton began to watch the lone entrance into the room.

Brooks comms began to crackle and a moment later one of the Rangers voices echoed across the channel, "Sergeant!" He shouted out.

"What is it?" Brooks said immediately responding to his men. As he spoke, Kurt began to slowly take the Abyssal out of the cage, with a surprise she happily jumped into his arms, startling the Seal slightly, "Contact outside of the base! It's an Abyssal! The Ship Girls have engaged it! We need to move now!" The man's voiced echoed out, as an explosion was heard in the background, followed by another loud rumble, "Understood. We have the package. Contact our birds." Brooks ordered, before turning back to Kurt, "We have no time we need to move. Abyssals have engaged our forces outside of the complex." He said, turning to the exit. Both Tenryuu and Renton nodded their heads to him.

Kurt knew what he had to do with this girl. Luckily for him she wasn't acting hostile so this would be a lot easier, "W-Where are we going?" She asked, looking up at him with her big red eyes, "Back to our ship." He said with a reassuring smile. Northern Hime nodded to him and buried her head into his shoulder, and with that the team began to sprint back to the large hole they had entered in. Once directly below the hole, Kurt nodded to Tenryuu and she began to climb with a sigh. The rest of them activated their boosters and with them, they climbed up much faster then the Light Cruiser.

Once back up on the first floor, they patiently waited for the Ship Girl, "God I hate climbing." Tenryuu said, with a sigh reaching the top of the hole. Brooks chuckled and offered her and hand up. She gladly took it, "Thanks." Brooks nodded to her and turned to one of his men, who was waiting for him, "Sir. Birds are on their way to the extraction point. But the Abyssals are locking down the airspace quickly." He informed the Sergeant. Brooks narrowed his eyes, "Dammit." He said aloud. The Abyssals worked too fast.

A Ranger who was on the radio looked up at the Sergeant with a grim expression, "We have 10 minutes to get to the extraction point, before it's impossible to get us out of here." Brooks nodded to him and then looked back to Kurt, "Let's not waste time then." The Seal shook his head and held the Abyssal Hime. Who was being awfully quiet.

Brooks gave a hand signal to the squad and they immediately began to move towards the exit of the complex, "We still have to deal with the Abyssals outside." Renton said, jogging up next to Brooks, as they rounded a corner nearing the exit, "Yeah. Let's make this quick. People let's move! Double time!" Brooks ordered as everyone began to spirit down the hallway, "Rodriguez how does it look out there?" Brooks suddenly asked, turning on his comms.

Nothing was heard for a moment, which caused the Sergeant to get worried but a few seconds later static came across the channel, then an explosion which then caused the hallway they were in to shake. Everyone abruptly came to a stop as Rodriguez came across the radio, "Sir! Not good. Madsen's injured and the girls are taking a beating! This Abyssal is one tough bitch!" He shouted out, followed by gunfire and another explosion which caused some of the lights in the hallway to fall down, "Is there only one?" Brooks asked, halting right in front of Kurt.

Everyone waited for a moment to hear a transmission back, "A-Affirmative sir!" Rodriguez stammered, "What class is she!" Brooks shouted out, sensing that the Ranger was feeling incredibly nervous and worried. But in all truths Kurt was feeling the exact same as well. Worried for Kaga, and Nagato. Just what kind of Abyssal had to be here to give a battleship and Aircraft Carrier trouble? "Hime sir! It's a Mid-" Rodriguez was immediately cut off by another loud explosion, "Rodriguez! Rodriguez!" Brooks shouted through the comms, nothing was heard from the other end and he looked back at Kurt, "We have to hurry." The Seal nodded and they began to resume their sprint back to the exit.

After about a minute they reached the entrance to the complex, stopping almost immediately as they saw one Ranger doing CPR on another bloodied man, "Rodriguez?" Brooks called out, jogging over to the man. Both metal doors were shut in front of them, and fighting could be heard outside.

The man known as Rodriguez looked up at Brooks. His face was grim and filled with exhaustion, "Yes sir." He said, wiping some blood off of his face, stopping the CPR done on the other Ranger. Brooks kneeled next to him and looked at the other Ranger on the ground, "Madsen?" He asked looking over to Rodriguez, who lowered his head, "KIA sir." He said. Brooks lowered his head as well, "Peace to the fallen. Grabs his tags." The Sergeant ordered. Rodriguez nodded, and ripped the dead Rangers dog tags off of him, giving them to Brooks.

Brooks looked down at them, and clutched the pieces of remembrance, before putting them in his pocket and looking back at all the awaiting soldiers. He narrowed his eyes, "Let's go-" The Ranger was immediately interrupted by Nagato who smashed through the doors and crashed into Renton, who catched her but was sent backwards into the wall behind them. The young Ranger shook his head and regained his bearings, looking down at the battleship, "Are you alri-" Renton immediately stopped when he saw the battleship. Nagato looked up at him weakly, she was bleeding all over her body, her entire right arm had been ripped off. The battleships long black hair was now burnt to a crisp, once reaching down to her butt, now only barely reaching the base of her neck. Renton immediately got out from under her and flipped her over. The young man gasped when he saw the incredibly large hole where her stomach used to be. By now the other men had seen what had happened to the Battleship and were shocked by the sight. Kurt immediately ran over, and kneeled next to the battleship, "Nagato!" He shouted out looking at her mangled body. Blood was pouring out of her like no tomorrow. What kind of Abyssal would do this?!

Nagato looked over to the Seal and weakly smirked, "D-D-Don't worry about m…me A-A-merican. I've been hurt a lot worse." She coughed out before closing her eyes. Kurt immediately began to pull her back into the facility with the aid of Renton. Once they had got her behind more cover, Brooks looked over to Renton as the other Rangers began to stack up on the edge of the now opened doors that lead outside, "Ybarra! Tend to her." Brooks ordered.

Renton nodded, "I'll try sir. But I don't have extensive medical training." He said, taking out what little medical supplies he had, "You're the only one here with any of it!" Brooks added looking back to Kurt who was clutching his fist tightly. Tenryuu who was behind him, was also doing the same. Brooks could tell both of them were pissed off at whatever did this to Nagato.

As Kurt looked down at Nagato with anger, he suddenly felt something shaking on his back, O-Onii-chan is she going to be alright?" The Hime stuttered almost tearing up at the sight of Nagato. Suddenly Kurt remembered who he was. He was a Seal goddammit. He wasn't supposed to lose his head like this just because one of their squadmates got injured. They needed him to keep his cool. Kaga needed him to keep his cool.

"Yeah. She'll be find." He finally said aloud, kneeling down so she could jump off of his back. And to his surprise she did without any problems. She ran to stand in front of him. Kurt was beginning to think this wasn't an enemy at all.

"You need to stay here alright? We still need you." Kurt said to the small Abyssal Hime now standing in front of him. The girl nodded, trying not to look over at the bleeding Nagato, "A-Alright Onii-chan." She stuttered out. Kurt nodded to her then stood up, looking over to Brooks. The Sergeant nodded to him and looked over to his squad, "Rodriguez stay here with the Hime, and contact the fleet. Tell them we will not make it to the evac zone. The birds have to come here. We're not moving with Nagato like this." He ordered, looking down at the barely breathing ship girl.

"Understood sir." The Ranger said, moving away from the wall and over to Brooks and the rest of them.

Kurt reloaded his M27 and looked over to Tenryuu who was gripping her sword so hard her knuckles were turning white. She looked up at him with fury in her eyes. Kurt too had an unseen fury, that he would let out when they engaged the Abyssal. But most of his mind was on Kaga who he absolutely needed to get to. If it wasn't for his disciplined mind he would've already ran out there and engaged but he knew they needed to prepare. He just hoped she could hold whatever that was off for a few more seconds. He wouldn't let her die here, "You ready to deal with this bitch?" Tenryuu said with a scowl. Kurt nodded and began to stack up with the others at the wall. The Seal looked over to the squad leader of the Rangers. Brooks gave him a slight nod and then gave the hand signal to move out.

The entire squad moved through the doors of the complex back out to the destroyed courtyard. Once outside they were shocked at the sight. Locked in a deadly hand to hand combat deal was Kaga and a pure white Abyssal. Everyone immediately knew who this was and Kurt's heart nearly stopped. He felt like his five year old self again, watching his mother be slaughter. The Abyssal that stood before them was none other then the Midway Hime. The first Abyssal he ever met and the killer of his mother.

Brooks was the first to snap out of the short daze. He looked around at the rest of his men, "Spread out!" He barked, snapping the other out of their small fright. It wasn't everyday that you saw an Abyssal tear apart one ship girl and almost defeat another in hand to hand combat. But nevertheless everyone sprang into action and form a have circle formation around the Hime and Kaga.

Kurt set up right beside Brooks with Tenryuu standing behind them with her MP7 ready to fire on the order, "We have to get Kaga away from her before we can open fire." Brooks said to Kurt. The Ranger didn't know how much more punishment her armor could take before their bullets would injury her. But as they spoke Kaga was punched across the face by Hime, sending her back a bit but then she quickly countered with a kick to the stomach causing the Hime to trip a bit, but nothing to serious. Kurt could tell she wouldn't last much longer, she was breathing heavily and her movements were sluggish. But yet she was still holding on, unlike Nagato who was almost sunk; Kaga was barely injured and she was fighting the Hime with such ferocity.

"Leave that to us." Kurt finally said, looking away from Kaga and over to Brooks. The Sergeant raised his eyebrow as Kurt continued to explain, "We'll get Kaga out of there. Then you rain hell on her." He said, gripping his M27 tightly. Brooks looked to Kaga for a moment, watching her fight then he looked back to the Seal and nodded his head, "Understood."

Kurt turned to Tenryuu who was still gripping her sword tightly and she nodded to him, "Let's move." He ordered, and both of them began to slowly move into the deathmatch between the Carrier and the Hime.

"Oh? Does this little girl have the will to live?" Midway laughed aloud, trying to strike Kaga across the face. The Carrier caught her fist and looked up at her with fire in her eyes. The Hime tilted her head, "Oh? I can admit. You're not like most of the Japanese fleet. The older ones have all lost the will to live! Like that poor excuse of a battleship that I riped apart. She wants to die!" Midway shouted out, kicking Kaga in her ribs, which made her yelp in pain, "But you're different!" She yelled out, grabbing Kaga by the neck, and slammed her into the ground repeatedly, "What makes you different I wonder?" Midway said lifting her into the air, and squeezing her by the neck, "What makes you want want to live?"

Kaga clenched her teeth and smashed her elbow against the Hime's arm, "Ahh! Shut up!" The Carrier screamed out, getting away from the Abyssal. She tried to back away but the Hime grabbed her by the leg and started to twist incredibly hard, too the point where it would be ripped off soon, "Ahhhhh!" She screamed out in agony. The Hime grinned at this and twisted harder, "Heh. Idiot." She said, calling up two of her hellcat fighters from behind the treeline. She had them waiting to enter combat at a moments notice. Both fighters flew above her and, opened their mouths, revealing the guns stored inside. Midway smirked, "Fire."

But before they were able to let out their ammunition, bullets ripped through one of the fighters and a hand grabbed the other hellcat. Midway looked over, shocked. Kurt stood their for a moment holding the now pinned Abyssal hellcat fighter. Midway kept staring at Kurt, like her life depended one it, "I-It's you?" She stuttered, reaching a hand out to touch him, but Tenryuu's sword quickly denied that. Next thing Midway knew, a Light cruiser was now standing between her and Kurt. Tenryuu raised her in defense, as Kurt smashed the hellcat fighter to pieces with his hand. The Seal then picked up Kaga and began to jog back to the complex entrance, all while Midway kept staring. She tried to call out to him, but nothing came out. This was the moment she had been waiting for, for so long. She needed to talk with him, to take him, "No. Wait!" She finally cried out trying to reach for him, but Tenryuu swung at her with her sword, "Not letting you touch them you bitch!" The Light Cruiser shouted out. Now getting angry Midway focused her attention on Tenryuu. She looked at the ship girl with fury in her eyes, "I will not let you stop me from taking him!"

"Taking him?" Tenryuu asked, lowering her sword for just a second. But a second was all Midway needed. As fast as possible Midway grabbed Tenryuu's sword. The ship girl was shocked for a moment, but then quickly retaliated by yanking the sword away from her. Expecting to slice through the Hime's hand Tenryuu smirked. But to her surprise Midway clutched onto the sword, and pulled it away from Tenryuu, "Bitch!" The Light cruiser called out, reaching for her MP7. She pulled the PDW up and began to open fire at the Hime, trying to back away slowly so the Rangers could open fire, "Where do you think you're going on!" The Hime suddenly called out, lunging towards Tenryuu with her own sword. "Dammit!" Tenryuu called out, as she looked to the Rangers with fear in her eyes, she didn't care if their bullets might break her armor, she needed assistance before their was nothing left of her, "Open fire! Open-" She wasn't able to finish the sentence, before her MP7 was sliced in half, along with her left hand by the Hime, "Where do you think you're going?" Midway asked, as Tenryuu looked at her wide eyed and in pain. The Rangers began to open fire at both of girls, bullets deflecting off of both of them, "You will all die!" Midway called out, motioning her free hand upward, as dozens of Hellcat fighters flew in from the treeline. Tenryuu gripped her left arm in pain, trying to back away quickly from the Hime, as the Hellcats began to fire at the Rangers.

"I'm not done with you yet." Midway called out in a cold voice gripping Tenryuu's hair from the front. She looked at the Hime in fear, but sudden slammed her forehead into Midway causing her to be pushed back, "And I'm not done with you yet! I finally found a person, that gives me the will to live again and purpose! I will not fall here! To a monster like you!" She clenched her teeth and rushed the Hime. Jabbing the Hime with her right fist and using her left arm as a shield against the sword. She didn't care about the arm anymore. The hand was already gone. Midway backed up quickly, trying to dodge the punches from the Light Cruiser. But Tenryuu got lucky and knocked the sword out of Midways hand, and punched her straight in the jaw. The installation was sent flying back. Tenryuu smirked, "That's for Nagato."

"K-Kurt?" Kaga asked, looking at the Seal weakly as he set her down in the inner part of the complex next to Renton and Nagato, "I'm here." He reassured her, gripping her shoulder, "W-We had no idea she was coming." Kaga cried out weakly almost tearing up. It was true ship girls were incredibly strong and effective in combat. But without their outfits they were extremely limited, which wouldn't have been a problem for them if a Hime class hadn't showed up. "It's okay Kaga. We'll take care of it. Just rest here." Kurt said in a soft tone, trying to calm her down. He turned away from her, only to see the small little abyssal girl looking at him, in tears, "T-This is my fault Onii-chan." Kurt's face softened for a moment, as he rubbed her hair. She really wasn't an enemy at all, by the way she was acting, in reality she was just a scared little girl, "I highly doubt that litte one." He said, trying to reassure her. Northern Hime looked up at him with a sniffle before she hugged him tightly. Kurt returned the hug, telling her it would be alright.

But the Seal was suddenly brought back to reality, by Rodriguez who punched the wall beside them, after he finished his talk on the radio, "What's going on Rodriguez?" Kurt asked, looking over at him. It wasn't like one of them to lose their cool, even though he almost had earlier. The Ranger looked over at him with a frustrated expression, "The fleet won't send us any support." He said, kicking the wall.

Kurt sighed, he was half expecting this, "Did you tell them their was a Hime in play?" He asked, standing up. Rodriguez shook his head and looked away from the Seal, "Yes. But even still, there's nothing they can spare, they said they'll try to contact someone. But that's all I got They even prioritized the drone fleet. We got nothing. No one is coming for us now." He said now looking towards the Seal. Suddenly Kurts comms began to crackle and a few moments later, Brooks voice came across his channel followed by gunfire, "Lieutenant!" He screamed out.

"I'm here." Kurt said, readying his weapon, as bullets suddenly shot through the thin metal doors, impacting on the cement wall near them. Kurt quickly pulled the little girl away, and by Kaga who was looking up at him, "We're getting torn up out here. We need more support!" The Sergeant screamed, as the sound of Abyssal fighters increased outside of the doors, "Copy I'm on my way." Kurt said, turning towards the doors, "Hurry! Tenryuu needs your help! Watch your left-" Brooks voice cut off, after a loud explosion shook the complex, more bullets shot into the doorway. Right as he was about to leave Kaga gripped onto his pant leg. Kurt turned to her. She looked up at him with a worried and scared expression, "I'll come back. I promise." He said with a small smile, as she let go and gave him a nod. The Seal then ran out of the door into the fray, "I know you will." She said, quietly, resting her head against the wall.

Kurt sprinted out of the complex, and got behind the nearest cover which was an over turned cargo truck. He looked around, trying to get a fix on the situation. Brooks and a two other Rangers were pinned down over to his left by Abyssal Hellcat fights, while one Ranger was dragging another one to cover on his right. Different Abyssal ship types could be seen walking out of the woods, opening fire at them. Then right in the middle Kurt could see her. Midway Hime. She had brought her heavy guns out and began to open fire at Tenryuu, who was either dodging the rounds or blocking them with her sword. God what is that thing even made of?

But Tenryuu was beginning to lose ground, as more Abyssal began to open fire at her. Enemy rounds started to shoot through her body, causing her to clench her teeth, gripping the sword as tightly as she could. The Seal knew he had to do something, as he hid behind the cover. Kurt peaked out to look around for something to aid the Light Cruiser. But there wasn't anything he could use. He kept scanning, hoping for something. Finally something caught his eye under an over turned truck to his left. Kurt knew what he had to do, and broke from cover towards the truck, as Hellcat fighters started opening fire at him. A lucky missile hit beside the Lieutenant, sending him flying into the outside wall of the complex. He was barely able to stand, once he regained his bearings. Shrapnel had lodged itself in his right leg, but he tried to ignore it the best he could.

Tenryuu's left arm fell limp, after being hit by an AP round from Abyssal behind Midway. Then everything went downhill from there. More rounds hit the Light Cruiser, she tried to hold on but she just didn't have the strength left. Finally a round from a Hellcat Fighter, hit her sword, causing her to lose grip and it went flying. Midway knew this was her chance, she pointed all her guns downwards at the defenseless Ship girl, "Heh….." Tenryuu said, lowering her head, "Looks like I wasn't able to protect you after all Kurt. And after a talked all tough." She added, looking up defiantly at the overpowering Hime. Midway in turn smirked down at her, as the chaos around them ensued. The Rangers couldn't do anything, the Hellcats and the newly arrived Abyssal kept them behind cover.

Midway smiled, "Explode... and SINK!" She screamed out, aiming her large guns directly at the Light Cruiser.

But right before the shells could fire, a bullet shot right through both of the guns, causing them to violently explode, sending Midway to the ground. All the Abyssal ships stopped and looked towards the shot. The Light Cruiser also turned her head to see who had fired the shot. Her eyes widened slightly, as she saw Kurt laying on top of an overturned truck with Kaga's Hecate ready to fire, he smirked at the Ship girl.

But the battle was far from over and more Abyssal were arriving to their location. Midway slowly got up, and stared at Kurt in rage as blood dripped from her forehead. "KURT!" She screamed out, in a blood rage, as the red lines on her body began to glow bright. The Lieutenant fired another shot, but the Hime deflected it and rushed towards him. Tenryuu couldn't move fast enough to reach Seal, he was on his own. Her hellcat fighters forced him off of the truck and he was left face to face with her. She slammed into him, forcing him against the truck. She smirked, thinking that she had won, but the Lieutenant pushed back, and locked fists with her, "I'm not that litte boy anymore!" He announced, breaking the lock and punching her in the cheek. In return Midway grabbed onto his helmet and ripped it off, "You're right you're not!" She retaliated, punching him repeatedly in the chest, "But you're still weak!" The Hime added, smashing his head against the truck. The Seals vision became blurry as she prepared to do it again, "I said I'd save you from this one day! Well I'm taking you with me now and we'll-" But she immediately stopped by a powerful fist smashing against her side, pushing her away with such force that she felt some of her ribs crack, "You're not taking him ANYWHERE!" Kaga screamed out, raising her fists defensively in front of Kurt, with fury filling her eyes.

The Hime's eyes went wide, but then she smirked at them, "A-Ah. Now I see your reason to live." Midway stuttered, getting up and gripping her side in pain, as she began to fall back, behind the Abyssal lines to safety, "Another time Kurt, and do take care of your little sister." She called out, before disappearing in the Abyssal lines. In turn all the Hellcat fighters moved away, leaving only the almost infinite number of Abyssal ships behind to attack Kurt and the others.

The battle was definitely far from over…

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August 24, 2024

Classified, Abyssal controlled North Korean airspace

Classified, US Navy

She stood in the barely lit cargo bay of the C-17 adjusting her cannons and outfit, as the other girls behind her did the same. Once she was sure her outfit was all set, she tied her long snow white hair in a ponytail, that reached her back. The three other girls also began to tie their hair, as the Cargo bays opened up to reveal the afternoon sky. The girl enjoyed the sight only for a moment, as the comms system began to crackle and the pilots voice began to project through, "We're directly above them."

"Roger." She girl, said as her guns moved around almost excited, as she got into position, "Missouri! Heading out!" She shouted sprinting down the cargo bay and jumping out of the back, smirking as she fell.

The second girl came and got into position, narrowing her eyes. She pulled some of her brown hair back away from her face and looked down at the large gunlike launcher in her hands before looking up again, "Saratoga! Deploying!" She yelled, jumping out of the C-17

Next the third girl came up and smirked smacking her fists together, her chin length brown hair blowing behind her in the wind. She covered her amber eyes with a pair of sunglasses and her heavy cannons stood at the ready, "USS. Arizona! Launching!" She shouted, following the other girls close behind.

Finally the last girl came up to launch. She stood much taller then all the other girls before her. Her massive guns stood proudly, making the other girls guns look small in comparison. She didn't even bother putting her long curly blonde hair in a ponytail. She stared out, looking with her ocean blue eyes at the sky. Then she stepped forward, and began to sprint off the edge of the C-17 picking up speed, "USS. Montana! Dropping!"

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And done! Finally I'm finished with this chapter. That took forever, I was going to release it earlier but I decided to add a few more parts and additional lines. I believe it came out better, then it was going to be, and I thank you for all of your patience.

I know stuff might've felt a little confusing and some characters might have felt distance from others. I'm sorry about that, I really wanted to focus on the mission and combat this time around. I'm sorry if you didn't like it. But chapter 7 will be more focused on Kurt, Kaga and Tenryuu, possibly Missouri. But I'm not too sure yet.

Author question: Kaga or Tenryuu? Who is better? XD