A/N: Hi everyone! Me again! Now this chapter, was a LOT of fun. I really, really like it! Yamashiro is one of my favorite girls all around. Thank you so much to TamariMizu for your suggestion as well as your help in writing this. I do hope it lives up to your expectations.
Now this, is my longest chapter in this. 4200 words. Not very impressive in comparison with some other stories (I try for a base of 8k words usually) but I'm still really happy with how this turned out.
Alright, onto some work related news. Belgium, is still happening. I fly out to Ottawa on the 1st of November, and then to Europe on the 4th, and I'm there until the 14th. Unfortunately, my ship sails on the 19th, and I'm basically gone until December 15th, which sucks cause my writing time is going to go in the toilet. So I'll probably be bagged from the jet-lag, and then be stuck sailing for a month. After that, it's my month of Christmas vacation when I'll be visiting my folks back home.
Okay, I've talked long enough. The next pairing is currently undecided. I'll figure it out in time, and surprise you.
Please enjoy this chapter! Leave a lil bit of feedback if you want. Cheers!
A Crushing Blow
The mood, was perfect.
Tonight, was the night. The night where he finally popped the question to his love, the woman who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
He spared no expense.
A five-star restaurant.
A brand-new suit.
And of course, the diamond engagement ring tucked safely in his pocket, waiting for just the right time, which was rapidly approaching the couple.
His companion for the evening was sporting a striking red dress, a shade lighter than her eyes so it appeared that they were luminescent in the dim candlelit interior, only serving as an increase to the atmosphere inside.
Their wine glasses were full, topped off by a waiter in a black tuxedo, leaving the bottle on the table for them to pour at their leisure.
Wiping his sweaty palms on his black suit pants, Andrew cleared his throat, catching her attention.
"Yamashiro, I'm pleased that we're on another date. We've been together for a few months now, and I can honestly say, that this has been the best time I could ever imagine."
Surprise filtered through her eyes, before she let a smile adorn her lips.
"Me as well Admiral. You've shown myself and Fusou-neesama so much compassion and friendliness, even with our abysmal luck. We couldn't ask for anything more."
Eyes darting around, his unease grew as the butterflies in his stomach went into hyperdrive.
"But, what if…I would like more?" he asked, standing from his chair and walking over next to her, removing the ring box from his pocket.
"Alright this is it. Don't screw this up. Fusou and Shigure are counting on you. They said everything will go perfectly. THIS IS IT!" he thought, his mouth unusually dry.
Kneeling down in front of her, other patrons around them took notice, pulling out their phones and snapping pictures, while whispering among themselves.
"Yamashiro, I've grown so close to you. I enjoy every moment we spend in each others company, whether it be bantering in my office, or just curled up watching a movie in the evening. I…I want that feeling to persist for the rest of my life.
"Yamashiro, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
With that, he opened the velvet box, letting the diamonds on the ring sparkle in the low light.
Muted 'awww's' came from all around them as onlookers took notice, most people with shining smiles on their faces.
Her eyes grew teary, as a watery smile appeared on her face, her hand reaching out towards him…
Only to close the box and push it away from her.
"A-Admiral? You want me to marry you?" she asked, her voice breaking slightly as she shook her head "Why me, and not my sweet, beautiful and lovely neesama? I don't understand! You summoned us together after our ignominious end in the Surigao strait.
"You could have farmed us out for resource runs, scrapped us, or sidelined us in favor of better and mightier ships like Nagato, Iowa, or Yamato herself, yet you still had faith in us enough to throw us into the thick of battle, always with loyal Fusou-neesama at my side.
"You gave us the purpose and validation that the IJN never once gave us! We finally redeemed ourselves for failing Admiral Nishimura, and I was so elated."
Her tears multiplied, streaking her lovely face, and Andrew could only look on, stunned, as Yamashiro continued.
"I care for you Admiral, deeply, but l l-love Fusou-neesama more than my own life! Her happiness is my happiness.
"Admiral, like neesama, you are a kind soul and have always responded to my cold, harsh and dismissive attitude with a charitable smile that I have grown to treasure. Still, I will never be a good wife because of my flaws and eternal misfortune. My life must be dedicated to looking after my sister, and I can't ever...abandon her. Even...even for you. I'm so sorry!"
With that declaration, Yamashiro stood up, her napkin fluttering to the floor as she hurried away, her muted cries plain for all the patrons to hear.
"Huh…so this is what a broken heart feels like." he thought, is face morose, before his usual defensive emotion forced its way to the surface.
Anger.
Sitting back down in his chair, he proceeded to drink his glass of wine, before grabbing the bottle, about to refill his empty cup, but deciding against it and taking a pull from the bottle.
The silence around him was deafening, all eyes were still on him after the failed proposal that had crushed him.
"What the hell are you all looking at?" Andrew barked, slamming the bottle down so hard that the silverware jumped "Mind your own damn business!"
This startled everyone else back into action, a strained atmosphere descending on them all as they went back to their meals and hushed conversations.
"I don't believe it. I thought we were past all this…I thought that I had actually broken that ice wall around her and made a special place in her heart…heh. What an idiot I am." he thought, chuckling humorlessly as the door to the restaurant slammed open.
"Excuse me madam, but you need a reservation to enter the dining area!" the maître-d' shouted, as a cannon blast blew his podium, and reservation sheet away.
"I think we're on the list." a firm female voice growled "Now take me to see Admiral Dixon."
"R-right this way ladies, if you'll just follow me." the Frenchman stuttered, obviously very afraid of the two ladies in front of him.
Wallowing in his own despair, Andrew continued to take pulls from the wine bottle, attempting to drown his sorrow in the bath water of grapes, when two palms slammed down on the table.
He had heard the cannon blast, figuring it was a parting shot from Yamashiro after she stomped on his heart.
What he didn't expect, was Fusou and Shigure standing in front of him, leaning over the table, the battleship clearly angry, while the destroyer looked on, a slightly fearful expression on her face.
A defiant look on his own face, he conceded in the back of his mind, that he did look slightly like a petulant child, merely taking long sips from the bottle of alcohol, before he put it down, a slightly hazy gaze pointed on his two subordinates.
"What the hell happened Admiral?" Fusou groused, sitting in the chair Yamashiro vacated and leaning on her arm "I thought everything was set?"
"It was." he growled, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back, directing a pointed gaze at her "You were following. I know you saw everything. She can't bear to leave her beloved 'Fusou-neesama.' Not even for me."
Silence went between the trio, before Shigure spoke up.
"Admiral, do you love Yamashiro?"
Regarding the destroyer with a puzzled look, he whispered "With all my heart," and glanced down at the table.
"And do you think Yamashiro loves you?" she pressed, a small smile on her face.
"After what you just saw, you think she does?" Andrew grumbled, about to pick up the bottle again, but Fusou snatched it away.
"You're going to need a clear head." the battleship admonished, as if she was speaking to a toddler.
"Read between the lines Admiral, and you'll see the truth." Shigure replied cryptically, before watching him.
He was silent for a few moments, before his expression changed to a forlorn one, burying his face in his hands.
"Now tell the class what you've learned." Fusou leered smugly, grinning like a shark.
Andrew couldn't help but glare at her, lifting his face and folding his hands, his voice barely above a whisper.
"She's…. she's scared. She loves me, but her past misfortune is causing her to hesitate, and think she won't be a good wife, or have enough room for both you Fusou and myself in her heart…and it hurts me to think that.
"I love your sister, I really do. I didn't at the beginning, it was only respect for her, but she grew on me. I couldn't bear living life without her."
"And what are you going to do?" Shigure asked, leaning on the table.
Standing up with a flourish, an expression of fierce determination on his face, he threw ten thousand Yen on the table to cover the bill.
Beginning to walk towards the door, he called over his shoulder,
"Me? Isn't it obvious? I'm going after her."
Doing up the buttons on his overcoat, he stepped out into the chilly evening air, with a single idea of where Yamashiro had run off to.
It was a place she had only mentioned once, and it wasn't very far away.
It was her place of reflection and peacefulness.
Briskly starting out, his mind fell into a torrent, his legs on autopilot as they guided his way as he delved deep into the void of memories.
Flashback: A Year and a Half Ago
May 17th 2017
"I've got a good feeling about today Sir!" Professor Karlheinz Semmelrogge, M.E. smiled, safe inside the control room of the trans-dimensional rift machine.
Rolling his eyes, Andrew left the room and stood on the catwalk, overlooking the floor where the purple portal was slowly spinning.
"Alright Karl, crank up the music. Surprise me today." he called, and not even a moment later the familiar sounds of Gunkan kōshinkyoku flowed out of the speakers, flooding the chamber with the pleasant music.
"Guess we're trying for another IJN ship. Well, we're still missing quite a few if my memory serves me correctly." he thought, bobbing his head in time with the beat.
It didn't even take a full minute before the portal began to react, the fluctuations showing on the instruments.
"I think we got one Sir!" Karl shouted, turning up the music a little more to ensure a successful capture.
A bright flash erupted, and the music came down to a quiet level, as Andrew shielded his eyes.
Once the light faded away, he heard the familiar winding down of the machine as it powered off, and moved his hand away, looking down as he began the trek to the floor, looking at the two girls who had been summoned.
They were of the same class, no doubt about that, as their uniforms were practically identical, right down to the hair accessory that they had.
"Pagoda masts. That narrows it down quite a bit. We aren't missing any of the Kongou class, or Nagato's, we have both Ise class, so they're either Fusou class, or a design class. Maybe a Kii or something."
Putting on a warm smile, he approached the two of them, and they took note of his uniform, instantly stiffening up and saluting.
Of course, he returned it in kind, before saying "Relax, and welcome to the present-day ladies."
"Uh...thank you Sir…I am the battleship Fusou, and beside me is my sister, Yamashiro. May I enquire as to what happened?" she asked, looking around confused, her sister only maintaining a strained, but cordial expression "I remember sinking in the Surigao Strait, watching my sister steam into the guns of the American fleet, and then nothing."
"While that is true, I'm afraid the world needs your help again. We're in a time of crisis, and humanity as a whole is on the brink of destruction. That's why you've been summoned here." Andrew conceded, before the other battleship spoke.
"What use could you possibly have for a luckless battleship like myself, and my beloved Fusou-neesama? We failed Admiral Nishimura in Surigao and we've had many years to stew on that. We have no use other than raw materials, but if you scrap me, do not scrap my sister, I beg of you." Yamashiro stated, her voice hard and cold.
"Scrap you?" Andrew balked at that, smiling as he remembered how he had booted the shipbreakers off the island "I've never scrapped a ship under my command, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna start now."
His jovial tone turned serious, regarding both battleships in front of him.
"You both did so well in Surigao, but you were up against a better prepared, and better augmented force. The Americans had radar, and knew you were there long before you had even gotten close to them.
"Your bravery and determination to protect your lands, and the unfortunate sacrifice that you both had to make in the name of war disgusted me. I've long admired the IJN, their ships were absolutely gorgeous, and I've studied the battles meticulously. You two were unfortunate, that's all there is to it.
"But, I don't know what would've been worse. To die in the war, or to be used as a target after the fact for American nuclear testing, like Nagato and Prinz Eugen were used for."
He closed his eyes, as if in pain, a weary sigh escaping his lips., before a smile bloomed on his face.
"I want to give you the chance you never had. The chance to fight for Japan again. The chance to rise up, and vanquish our foes from the sea. I've been waiting to get a few new battleships to form a fleet. What could be better than two heavily armed sisters?
"Come by my office later today, and I'll have it worked out. I'll have one of the destroyers here escort you around so you don't get lost."
Giving the two new arrivals a quick salute, he turned around, before a plucky little destroyer stopped him, news of the two ships spreading like wildfire.
Sparing a few words for her, she nodded eagerly before beginning to walk over to the battleships.
"Fusou, Yamashiro, it's an honor to see you again." she stated, bowing to the two of them deeply.
"Again…wait…you're…you're Shigure…" Fusou stuttered, before slamming the destroyer in a hug "What happened after the battle? Who survived?"
After she was released, Shigure wore a forlorn look, and quietly replied.
"Just me. I was the only one to make it out of there."
Both battleships were stunned, looking down before Shigure perked them up again.
"No matter though! We've got a new lease on life, and I'm taking full advantage of it now. The Abyssal forces won't stand a chance now that the Southern Force is finally complete!"
"Everyone is back? Isn't that wonderful Fusou-neesama?" Yamashiro smiled, as Shigure lead them away for a general tour of the base.
A Few Hours Later
Shigure led the battleships to the Admirals office, waving to Kaga as she walked in the open door.
The stoic carrier returned her gesture with a nod, continuing to sort through paperwork, as the trio walked into the Admirals office.
Both sisters had learned about the Abyssals, and what was happening in the world, and both were disgusted by it.
It was safe to say that they had accepted his offer to fight.
They had also learned about the man who was in charge of them.
Canadian by descent, he was a capable and friendly officer, who had a very good strategic mind that was second to none.
And he had used it to at least open the sea lanes between Japan and South Korea, allowing a modicum of trade.
"Ah you're here. Thanks for coming by." Andrew smiled, standing from his desk and offering them tea or coffee, which they both accepted the offer of tea "I wanted you to be aware of the fleet you would be forming, and who you'll be training with.
"My plan, is for you to be a raiding and support force, due to the fact that you both cannot keep up with fleet carriers, which is by no means your fault. That's just the way it goes. Heavy artillery will be your specialty, and sinking the enemy from a distance, especially in night engagements will be priority. Your fleet is as follows:
IJN Fusou (Flagship)
IJN Yamashiro
IJN Mogami
IJN Michishio
IJN Yamagumo
IJN Asagumo
IJN Shigure
"The composition may change slightly, but that will be because of transfers in, such as, more anti-aircraft oriented ships, and not transfers out. I do hope that you're accommodating for the fleet you'll be a part of."
Shigure had a smile on her face, having already been appraised prior of what the fleet would consist of, and she was positively giddy about being able to fight with Fusou and Yamashiro again.
Both battleships, on the other hand, shared a stupefied expression, eyes wide as they looked at him.
Yamashiro was the first to recover her voice.
"The Southern Force…together again…and with my Fusou-neesama as the flagship. Nothing could make me happier."
"This…this isn't a joke…is it Admiral?" Fusou asked, sitting down in a chair in front of his desk.
"Hm? Oh no, I'm serious. I want the two of you on the front lines of this fight. Our enemies are tough, and will show us no quarter, so I can think of nothing better than having the both of you out there to turn the tide of the battle in our favour." he stated, sitting down at his desk and tenting his fingers "Any complaints with the fleet disposition?"
The trio shook their heads in the negative, and he smiled widely, getting warm smiles from the ships in front of him.
"Excellent. Shigure, could you please show them to the dormitories then? I'll be here if you need anything."
They saluted and left, feeling elated in their new world.
"I get to fight with Fusou-neesama, and we can redeem ourselves and Admiral Nishimura for our failures. Maybe this won't be so bad." Yamashiro thought, a small smile on her face as Shigure led them away.
Present Day
"That was so long ago, and that's where it started." Andrew muttered, exhaling and watching the fog of his breath dissipate in the air "The love and devotion for her family. The determination and bravery that were always there, to ensure that she always did her best, that's what drew me to her.
"Heh. Looking back on it, it seems like a bad rom-com coming to life, right in front of my very eyes. I'm about halfway there now, so I'll see you soon Yamashiro."
Flashback: Seven Months Ago
April 6th 2018
It had been nearly a year since they had been summoned, and they had had more combat, and more successes than they had ever dreamed of.
Both Fusou and Yamashiro worked well, and enjoyed being an integral part of the fleet, being heavily relied on in order to maintain the safety of other ships, while ensuring that the enemy met their end in an honorable way.
Though, something stood out to Yamashiro.
Her feelings were…muddled to say the least.
Not about her beloved Fusou-neesama, no those were firmly cemented.
No, these were feelings towards the Admiral.
She was…uneasy.
Ever since she and Fusou had been put in the same fleet, going for sorties and attacking the Abyssals, she was ecstatic.
And every time they came back in, Admiral Dixon was there to greet them with a smile, and congratulate them on a job well done.
However, recently, she noticed that his smile was a little wider whenever his eyes landed on her, or how his bright blue eyes seemed to light up further and sparkle a bit when he caught her eye.
She felt her heart speed up slightly in her chest, and had to suppress the flush that was threatening to come to her cheeks.
There was obviously something wrong with her.
Fusou-neesama would know what was going on.
And she did.
Not telling her sister outright, Fusou waited until Yamashiro had left for dinner, before calling Shigure over to her room and gossiping like schoolgirls.
Yamashiro had a crush on the Admiral.
Shigure was certain that the Admiral liked Yamashiro.
Both were too skittish to say anything to the other.
And so, it was decided, that they would assist in the gentle nudgings to get the two of them together.
So Yamashiro could finally be happy.
Present Day
The salty air was something he was very used tom living and working at a naval base, it was commonplace, but not like this.
Bathed in the brilliant glow of a lighthouse, the symbol used to warn mariners of danger, he could hear the roaring waves crashing against the bluffs below.
He had never been here, but was taken aback by the sheer architectural beauty of the lighthouse and the keeper's house connected to it by a simple connecting wing.
But now, was not the time to appreciate the structure that was there, no, a lone figure, a shadow that was illuminated for a split second, sitting at the edge of the cliff.
Her red dress gave her away instantly.
And as he got closer, he noticed the subtle shaking of her shoulders, the quiet cries audible over the waves below.
Saying a quick prayer to Poseidon, in an attempt to make him abate his fury, he edged closer, beginning to make out the one-sided conversation.
"I spat in his face. That's what I did. My luck is just coming back to haunt me again." Yamashiro raved, wiping her eyes as another onslaught of tears showed up "The man I love, and I couldn't even bring myself to tell him that. I've done nothing to deserve him.
"I wouldn't even be surprised if Fusou-oneesama tore a strip off me for being so cowardly, and so blunt to him. With the way he looked after I refused him, it wouldn't be a shock if he relegated me to backline duty, or even scrapped me."
"I could never scrap you." Andrew whispered, just loud enough to be heard by her.
Startled, she turned around slightly, seeing the shadowy figure of her superior being backlit by the lighthouse.
Chuckling lightly, he continued.
"I knew you'd come here. You mentioned this place before, and I can see why. I know you hate the dark, due to the time of your sinking, so it would only be fitting to come and clear you mind by the sea, with the illumination here of course."
Walking forward, he sat next to her, pulling his knees to his chest.
"I could never scrap you. Not even if my life depended on it. I wouldn't be able to make that call. I…I love you."
His words, spoken barely above a whisper, it seemed as if the seas had quieted down below them, as he took out the ring box, looking at it sadly, before handing it to her.
"I know you love me. Deep down, I think I've known it for awhile now. And I was happy, and while yes, I was upset, some people made me realize what your actual intentions were, and how you were…nervous of your true feelings, if you could accept both Fusou and me in your heart.
"I just want you to know, that whatever you choose, I will respect your decision, no matter what. Do what you wish with the ring. It's your life to do whatever makes you happy."
Getting to his feet, he looked up at the moon, just beginning to appear from behind the clouds.
Taking a few steps away, he stopped and called back over his shoulder.
"Oh, and Yamashiro? It's not you who doesn't deserve me. I've done nothing to be deserving of your love. I just wanted you to know that."
Putting his hands in his pockets, he had made it about ten steps, before strong arms wrapped around his midsection from behind.
"Baka." was all he heard, the voice watery as he felt her rubbing her head against his back.
He spun around, placing his arms around her and holding her close.
"I reflected while I was out here, and the seas calmed me. I wanted you to know that I want to be with you…you just need to be…patient.
"And while I'm not ready to be your f -fiancée yet, one day, I think I will be worthy of you."
The blush she had, along with meeting his eyes hesitantly melted his heart, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Yamashiro, I already said, you're more than worthy of me. I still need to prove myself to you." he replied, smiling softly, before pursing his lips slightly.
"May I…may I kiss you?"
His hesitance was warranted, as they had never actually kissed beforehand, and he wasn't sure what her answer would be.
He got the answer in the form of a shy nod, as her glittering red eyes locked with his cool blue, blushes on their faces as they inched closer, the chilly wind blowing their coats around wildly.
Their lips met, and it was quick, but neither could deny the jolt that passed through their bodies from the mere physical contact of their lips.
Wide smiles adorning their faces, they walked, hand in hand back towards the restaurant where he had left his car.
And though the stroll was silent, they would occasionally glance at one another, looking away with a blush when the other noticed.
While the road ahead was long, there was a happy ending in sight for the battleship and her Admiral.
Fin