"... So you did leave it with them?"
A smile. "I did. It was one of the spares I had in my possession. Wouldn't want such a potent tool to be resting unused when a golden opportunity presents itself..."
"Yes… those weapons your people forged. We are quite acquainted with them." A chuckle. "... Your kind were quite the fascinating specimen."
"You think those Rose Kingdom boneheads will be able to figure it out? You didn't even leave them with an instruction manual or anything."
"And where's the fun in that? Already it has seeded mystique and they will be compelled to solve it. And when they do..."
A sigh. "Regardless, it is in their hands: they will come to understand it, sooner or later. In hindsight, even it would not be enough to change the course of this war. Even with its power, they would be delaying the crushing inevitable...
"But my, what a sight it will be..."
Location: San Salvacion
Silent eyes watched as a convoy passed by, rough wheels trundling over the innocent pavement, a sight not seen since the opening days of the war. The trucks needed to bear no emblem for the onlookers to know whose allegiance they belonged to. Even with dusk falling, the tarps did little to discourage prying eyes from knowing that the convoy possessed munitions and stores, fuel for their occupiers.
This meant that the enemy who had to be fought was close at hand.
They could sense it - the inhabitants of the Rose Kingdom's early conquests could feel change in their hearts, anxiousness in the air. They have been waiting long for this day.
Liberation was coming.
Flags of their conquerors dotted the skyline; down below, their grip over the people could be felt in the streets. The signs of their enemy could be seen everywhere one looked, from New City to Old Towne, two halves that made up San Salvacion for as long as its people could remember. But what they could not see were how the enemy was partitioned like their very city.
Dysnomia cast her envious eyes toward the city horizon. Even from the upper window of her fleet's chosen headquarters in Old Towne, her spiteful gaze of her rival fleet was hampered by a field of sooted rooftops and chimneys of the downtown. By contrast, the Aegir Fleet had commandeered the more noteworthy side of San Salvacion where its heart lay, along with a nicer view of the city. Somewhere in the direction she looked, Dysnomia could make out the municipal and government organs of their first conquest, grand monuments from which authority spoke and compliance was understood.
So naturally, that was where Tanager made headquarters for her fleet, guarding the pristine corners of the city while Dysnomia had to settle with commanding the downtrodden scraps from some antiquated museum.
The battlecruiser forced herself away from the window with a sigh. A different sigh behind her was heard.
"Problems?"
Though unexpected, Dysnomia barely paid Prinz Eugen mind. "With them? Always. It's bad enough that we're in the same operational area. But leaving us to contend with the older, less privileged side of this town is another; she's really wearing her prejudices on her sleeve with this one."
Eugen stepped into the window, taking the same gaze as Dysnomia had. But her eyes saw something else. "Hm. We may be left with the unfavorable side of the city, but the view from here is not bad. The air here reminds me of our homeland."
"I hope you're not saying that just because of the taverns here," Dysnomia quipped. The Ironblood cruiser murmured in agreeable amusement.
"Regardless, how goes the defenses?"
Dysnomia began to pace, stimulating her thoughts. "As expected. Our three Divisions will each take up separate positions along the coast, mine assuming the keystone of our frontline. This leaves you and your team to perform an active defense, reinforcing positions as necessary."
"Hm."
Dysnomia looked up. Whether it was a hum of agreement or not, she could not quite tell. "Is something the matter?"
"... You only covered defense of your side of the city. What of the Aegir Fleet?"
Dysnomia gave a haughty snort. "What about them? They defend their turf, we worry about ours."
Prinz Eugen said nothing. Interpreting her silence as acquiescence, Dysnomia turned to leave. "I'll be off to see to my ships. Where will you be?"
The heavy cruiser already had her back to her, clearly ready to depart. "Perhaps I can take the time to see the sights of this city while I still can."
An affable snicker. "Help yourself. Try not to get lost or sucked into a tourist trap..." And with that, the battlecruiser walked away. Eugen's footsteps dissipated long before hers did. She made sure her actual destination differed from the Rán Fleet leader's.
It was nearly time.
Descending the staircase, the Ironblood ship briskly went down a corridor. Passing by dusty frames and shadowed walls, she made sure there were no witnesses before slipping through a door.
Eugen made sure the door was closed without a sound before Köln and U-73 could turn to greet her. With just those three locked in their personal world, Eugen wasted no time getting straight to the point.
"What have you found?"
Köln sighed. "I'm afraid there's no new tactic or application of military technology that I haven't already recorded up to this point. Combined, the Rose Kingdom forces may be numerous but with seeping distrust their fighting capability are hampered, their strategy is at risk. To be honest, I believe I should be more concerned with the enemy. Our previous encounter demonstrated that they have skilled combatants in their ranks..."
"True..." Prinz Eugen murmured. "We have done much to study all we could from our 'allies'. But with this conflict where it is, perhaps our foes were more educational… U-73?"
The submarine proved more eager than her peer. "I made progress: after all the time spent snooping around their munition depots, I was finally able to take a good look inside one of the missiles they use!" the submarine reported, barely able to contain her excitement. "I was able to find the guidance system and while I wasn't able to tinker with it I was able to record and memorize everything I could! Along with everything else, all data I could collect have been recorded and carefully stowed away. We'll be swimming in valuable info once we return home!"
Eugen nodded, pleased at what she heard. "Quite the progress indeed. Perhaps… in the end it really is technology that is everything. Not just the weapons, but also the means and methods to use them. Sehr gut, you two. Rest and await further orders…
"Our scheme should be drawing close to its final act."
Dusk. Amber glows bathed the city, casting long shadows over the streets and waterways. As if to imitate the color of their current owners, all of San Salvacion was flushed orange. The day - like the war - was beginning to set. But until next morning came, the Rose Kingdom were masters of the land.
As if compelled by this, Beowulf π and Beowulf v hastened their pace. Where they could glide through the sea like an ocean breeze with their riggings, they had to make do with their own two feet on land, within the grounds of the town hall that was their fleet headquarters. They were late enough as it was.
Despite being in secured territory, Beowulf π couldn't help but check her surroundings. Coast clear, she made a break for it, racing to the streets that flowed out to the open sea - outside of San Salvacion.
Her partner hurried by her side but it was not long before the lead submarine realized she wasn't the only one present in the evening.
A figure emerged from the shadows as if to bar their path. The encounter caught the Beowulves by surprise but as the sunset light revealed the intruder's identity, their shock grew even more.
"... R-Raven?!"
The aegis cruiser did not approach them. She did not need to as the two submarines immediately found themselves surrounded by the other Aquilas. Raven's face bore no emotion but they could tell she was brimming with suspicion. Although they were on the same side, the risk of betrayal was thick in the air.
"... Where are you going?"
Beowulf π tried to think quick. "W-we were going to run some quick errands for Tanager. S-she wanted us to go check something real quick!"
Raven said nothing. Then, she took a single step forward and a feeling of dread began to swell in the submarine's gut.
"... You should know your presence in base has become increasingly scarce."
"Er, lab stuff! We were holed up in our workshop running some tests and experiments er, what were they again- oh right! Assessing the effects and validity of decoys as a unique defense strategy! Isn't that right, v?"
"N-nu, yes! An unconventional idea but that's where all clever ideas come from! We were experimenting if cardboard cut-out of dogs could fool lab rats!"
A nervous joke, but Raven did not partake in the laughter.
"You were rarely present even in your own laboratories. And there were never any cardboard cut-outs of dogs either. I know because we were there."
The submarines were stunned. Quietly, Condor smiled to herself. "All thanks to Thiassi for helping us. Her buttons were certainly easy to please..."
Raven took another step closer. "You are up to something. While we've been fighting, you've been keeping secrets from us."
Another step closer. "What is it you've been working on for so long?... Where are all those materiels diverted to?...
"What has Tanager planned?"
Beads of sweat trickled down the submarines' faces as Raven and her Vanguard advanced. Even without their riggings they exuded danger. The noose closed in, the pressure was rising. The Beowulves tried to think of something, their solution veering between their two instincts: fight or flight. Or lie? Or tell the truth, spill secrets or...
"Speak of the devil, Raven… and she shall appear!"
Like a thundering cannon, she arrived; like an omen, they showed up. From the gates of their headquarters, Tanager stood, blazed by sunset glow and grand lights of the town hall, flanked by her inner circle and wreathed by her cape. Although she stood not in shadow, the Rose Kingdom's triumvirate were anything but holy; the danger was exposed to clear view. As Tanager glided down the steps, there was no escape.
It was salvation for Beowulf π and Beowulf v who looked to her with relief. The encirclement shifted as if the Aquila Vanguard sensed a new threat, rallying to their pillar who remained calm.
Tanager looked upon the Aegir Fleet's elite with a disarming smile. "Something appears to be on your mind, Raven. Do be so kind as to illuminate the situation for me."
Under the affable gaze of the battleship and the scrutinizing eyes of Geofon and Herne, Raven knew she was being judged. Judge and jury stood before her - she had every reason to suspect that of the three, her very own queen would be the executioner.
She considered her words. "... Tanager, may I ask what our research division has been up to? They have been absent in many of our battles."
"Just where were they when we when we needed a raid party?" complained Finch. "Nobody goes AFK without a reason."
"Not to mention supplies going missing!" added Magpie, quivering as she spoke. "To think of where all the goodies are going where no one will ever see again…!"
Tanager raised her head high as she laughed. "Oh, knights of the Aegir Fleet. Do you honestly suspect me as the root cause, your very own queen?"
Raven expression remained solidly unchanged. "They answer to you, as we are all aware."
Tanager's visage warmed as if pleased by the answer. She approached Raven, causing hearts to skip at the presumed intent. But the battleship's hands remained by her side as she brought her gaze level to the cruiser's. "Indeed, as you should...
"… Or perhaps there is an underlying rationale within you. For if you were indeed loyal, you would need not ask questions; to cast doubt towards those you have pledged fealty to. When you express suspicion towards your own, treachery is quick to follow. A questioning subordinate is a traitorous subordinate… Am I wrong?"
The tension was now taut like a noose. What little air there was between Tanager and Raven held still. Tanager's smile, like her eyes, seemed to bore into Raven's soul. Testing her; judging her; dissecting her, her intentions. Daring Raven to say something. No armor could shield her from her stare, no shadow could hide her from the battleship - for she was the one who dwelled in it.
Suddenly, Tanager's laughter broke the silence. "Worry not, Raven. I am aware that you are no fool… Nevertheless, you seek to be enlightened, do you not? To know what I have charged them with? You see, my loyal knights, it is a secret - one hatched by my hand to aid us in our darkest hour. When that time comes, all within Aegir will come to know of it."
She paused to look at each of the Aquila Vanguard, the similar treatment given to Raven. "But as you are my Aquila Vanguard, you shall be granted a unique privilege. Today, should you accept, you shall be among those worthy of the secret; a secret shrouded from even our own. Now, Raven… you have asked a question and now seek the answer, however monstrous it may be. Tell me…
"... Do you truly wish to know?"
The five cruisers all looked uneasy. Their eyes glanced toward their leader, their feelings culminating within her. They weighed down on Raven as she decided, for herself and for everyone's sake. To accept would be to making a deal with the devil; the truth would be more than a privilege, it would be a burden.
After a few agonizing seconds, she reached her irreversible conclusion.
"... Yes."
Reactions were immediate. Sparrow, Magpie, Finch, and Condor all shared varying looks of horror but none could compete with the muted look donning Raven's face.
Having finished, Tanager and Geofon assessed her silence. Raven's expression cracked just enough for them to discover her true feelings inside. For the battleship, she found herself taking relish in it.
"Now you know the truth… the lack of presence from our two Beowulves… the resources… I had deemed this a necessary course of action."
"Necessary?!" All eyes were drawn toward Raven's uncharacteristic outburst. Instantly Tanager zeroed in on her with sour eyes.
"It is necessary, for our nation, for the kingdom, for our legacy. Don't you see? Unless we act, we will be deprived of everything we've sought for, be left nothing but empty gains and mere scraps. To be defeated is to be stripped of everything: our pride, our identity, perhaps more! We are the Rose Kingdom, our triumphs are our nation's triumphs! To survive is to be victorious, that is our drive! Therefore, we must seize victory through any means!"
An unsure look from Raven threatened to shatter her composure. "... But-"
"Enough! Do recall what I have said about doubting subjects and take heed in it! Remember who you are. You were born a member of the Aquila Vanguard! You have swore an oath of fealty to the Kingdom and its ruler, whoever it may be. I know you… you are a paragon of loyalty, of duty!
"And as one of my finest, I ask that you uphold that duty. To me, to your fleet, to your kingdom… The secret you all now hold is but another duty asked of you. The Kingdom's safety depends on its secrecy…
"As your queen, I have graced you with such privilege. Do not squander this favor."
Everyone was silent. Aspirations of protest, born from conscience died before they could ever leave mouths. Allegiance restrained those thoughts as much as Tanager had restrained them.
Raven had bargained with the devil, and now she was to abide by it.
The Aquila leader's face hardened. "... As you wish, my queen..."
Tanager's smirk stretched wide. "Good. Now leave us. Our enemy remains at large - you will be needed for the battles ahead."
Raven did not immediately move, but complied, turning to depart. One by one, the other Aquilas followed suit, leaving behind their discreet glances as they did. An order obeyed but not agreed.
Quietly, Tanager scoffed; conscientious thoughts meant nothing if a command was obeyed in the end. Obedience was complicity. And in the end, that was all that mattered to her. It was true that she would need them for the battles that lay ahead, to help guard the Kingdom's aspirations while the crown still breathed. But what was a lie was that she intended to use them for as long as they remained useful - or alive.
And it just so happened that there was another lie. Tanager had only divulged one secret to Raven and the Aquilas, not all.
Now by themselves, Tanager turned to the two Beowulves and Geofon. Before she even opened her mouth they knew what she would say. "Beowulf π, report. What have you found regarding that… gift?"
The submarine cleared her throat. "Preliminary analysis confirmed our hypothesis: it is indeed a type of wisdom cube. But unlike the Key from before, this particular cube is not a device. Our investigations have found it to be more like the ship-building cube instead."
Tanager advanced upon the submarine, thirsty for answers. "A ship-building cube… Is it-"
"Er, we have yet to determine if that is the case, Tanager," the submarine hastily interjected. "W-we've only found that it resembled the type used for the birth of new ships at first. But what has confounded us are the discrepancies; it's still unlike any wisdom cube we have seen before. We've confirmed that it contains data… a blueprint for something. But what exactly, we have yet to determine."
Tanager fell into thoughtful silence. Another gift, another surprise. This mystery was just a sideshow to the greater machinations, yet it had already taken root in the back of her mind. What was the gift? What great power was promised to them this time? Those questions were part of her now, gnawing at her where they would reside without rest until they were solved. And like them, Tanager would not rest until then.
She looked into nothingness to ponder, but in actuality her eyes were affixed on Geofon.
Finally, with the wave of her hand, Tanager made the closing remarks. "Continue your research. But do not forget your duties. Its completion is paramount."
And with that, Beowulf π and Beowulf v were dismissed, disappearing with haste. In the orange glow of the dying day, Herne turned to leave but found neither Geofon nor Tanager moving. Her queen's gaze was directed away as if to watch the sinking sun but she quickly found out that her mind was elsewhere.
"... Is something wrong?" Herne risked asking.
Tanager neither shook nor nodded her head. Yet, even with the back to her the destroyer could sense what she was feeling. "... Our dark secret has been shared with the Aquila Vanguard. They are of the Aegir Fleet but they are only one of us in name. The crescendo draws near and already I sense carrion circling behind our backs."
Geofon narrowed her eyes. "... You suspect they may not uphold their silence?"
"Wouldn't surprise me..." Herne sulked, tightening her grip on her newly-restored scoped rifle.
The battleship still kept her face towards the horizon. "Perhaps… We should not make them exempt. Even honor-bound, they are not above suspicion. I had thought Raven to be a paragon of the fleet, but Stonehenge had opened my eyes. It is clear. They fight for us… but they do not fight for our cause.
"I vowed that they will not fail me again. That oath holds. Now… I vow that their silence will be assured."
The day's glow finally died under Tanager's smirk.
Location: on approach to San Salvacion
Shroud of black enveloped the sea in quaintness. Under the veil of night, a sort of peace was enforced by the darkness. The day's warm holy glow was supplanted by a bright moon, the still waves reflecting its light as if to mirror the vast field of twinkling stars, wonders of the heavens and guide to all who would voyage for their curiosity.
As much as she tried to make out their directions, Columbia could not decipher them as she sailed in midnight's light, the whole world concealed in pitch black. "Well, guess celestial navigation don't do no good if the entire sky's different. Darn it all."
"Don't worry. My SG will help guide us." Having said that, Helena couldn't help but admit that it was almost impossible to make out the others, even those close to her. Only their colorful attires and characteristics offered hints of their identity and whereabouts.
"I wish we could spare a searchlight so we can see where we all are."
"No need for a light when we can all hear your incessant blathering," Arquette rebuked, her voice coming from the void to their side.
"Hey! Not our fault we can't see in pitch dark," Denver argued back. "How do you guys not have issues?"
Suddenly, Buzzard's voice cut in the radio, having eavesdropped. "Elementary, my dear cruiser. Just a simple matter of having the IFF mark all known contacts on both radar and visual. It's not night vision but we are aware of your exact locations even in this condition."
"Textbook answer," Andromeda quipped from afar.
Kestrel looked to her side. True to her sister's words of their Azur Lane allies, her eyes saw only a world enveloped in darkness, all camouflaged in the night's shadow (her black coat didn't help matters). She could not see her friends, only sense them. But what was also proven was that her own eyes needed not to pierce the darkness in order to see where everyone lay, for technological eyes readily saw past nature's illusion to present to her her friends symbolized by friendly markers. A box and name of neon green was all she was provided, but it was enough of an assurance of her companions' wellbeing.
Despite the nighttime conditions, everyone was faring it with stride. For a large-scale operation such as this, it was crucial for all pieces to be in play and at the ready.
Fort Grace kept this in mind as she lead the fleet toward the city. The time was near.
"Fort Grace to all ships: sound off."
"Everyone in my group is accounted for… this is Arquette in case you've forgotten."
"Kestrel here. The carrier team is all present."
"Cleveland here! All Eagle Union cruisers reporting in!"
All voices, all names; nothing and no one was left out. The Delta carrier herself took quick inventory of those assigned under her unit: Tea Time, White Valley, and Tennessee. This was good.
Andromeda's voice chimed in over the radio. "You got two main districts that make up San Salvacion and two entire fleets protecting it: Aegir Fleet in New City and Rán Fleet at Old Towne. Sweep them out and the city will be liberated."
A pause as Andromeda quickly checked the time. "The local resistance will end the blackout any minute now; that'll be our signal. Stand-by for countdown..."
Ever since the days of the occupation, the people that lived here were never free from the suffering of the war. Once robbed of their flag, San Salvacion then found their liberties steadily robbed by the Rose Kingdom. What resources that would feed the city instead went to its enemy, reducing the inhabitants to living with even horse-drawn carts and crystal radio sets. It was as if time had gone backward, before the time of peace and prosperity the city had sought after Ulysses.
Now, with the war drawing close, the Rose Kingdom's grip on the city had only tightened. Measures became more punitive as implements of war that once threatened the people now rolled through their streets once more. The flags of the invaders that hung atop the roofs were now joined by cannons and guns. With the heart of the city in the hands of the occupation force, its arteries and vessels found themselves tainted, drained of life through enforced curfew. When nights came, the land was to become like the night to avoid unwanted notice. But even the darkest of nights were kind enough to offer solace with the moon and stars; the same could not be said for the mandatory blackouts.
Perhaps that was why Raven found herself admiring the sky more than the view of the city. The distant stars reminded her of how much brighter - how much more alive - San Salvacion could have been. Streetlights, glowing signs, collective murmurs of the very inhabitants in the streets…
This was not what she nor Sparrow had in mind for their time alone together. But as oppressive the absence of life was, perhaps the darkness was appropriate.
Sitting next to her, Sparrow let out a long-held sigh. Although she could make out enough of her features to see how she was feeling, Raven already knew.
"... This is all messed up."
Raven did not hesitate to agree. "I know..."
"How could- how could Tanager do this…? I-I..." Sparrow let out another weary sigh. "You were right, Raven. Back at Stonehenge… I thought we were doing what we thought was necessary; to do the wrong thing for the right reasons… But..."
"... I know."
"... Raven... what should we do?"
The cruiser said nothing as she only gazed ahead. This was enough to tell Sparrow everything. Her shoulders slumped as she tried to enjoy the night by her squadron leader's side. A chill breeze rolled through the air.
"... We'll lose this war, won't we?"
Raven didn't look away, for the truth was evident. She did not need to see it so much as sense it. "... Yes. We're back where we first began. Once the Delta Coalition breaks through..."
Silence. Neither needed to complete the thought. It stirred a strange, almost nostalgic feeling for them to see the city again. It harkened back to the earlier days: of pride, of victories. The recalled feelings, of a happier time and place, washed over them like tides. Although the war had begun here, they worried not the end; they had time. But now having returned, the pleasant memories only fed the sense of dread, their future in doubt.
There was no denying it: the war was coming to an imminent end. And when it arrived, there was no guarantee that everyone would live to experience the peace to follow.
"... Hey, Raven?"
The Aquila leader glanced over to suddenly see her wingman looking not at the night, but at her. She caught her eyes and they had caught hers. Raven did not want to turn away. It was for her sake.
Sparrow's voice came as a soft whisper. "Do you think… we could…?"
This was it. Better now while they still can than risk losing this chance. She must have felt the same.
Raven felt a familiar hand over her own. It felt warm.
In the midnight light, Sparrow's face seemed to glow. Out of the field of stars, there was one right in front of Raven. No… it wasn't just a star. It was like the sun; she could feel its warmth as the stars around them-
Raven jolted back, blinking. Sparrow felt the recoil, even more confused. "W-what's wrong?"
Her leader's gaze was elsewhere now, her eyes back to being serious. Sparrow tried to follow her gaze and as she did, found her eyes almost blinded by the lights of San Salvacion, banishing the night with their radiant glow.
Lights that were not meant to be there. The blackout had been broken; the mood shattered. The entire city had unexpectedly awoken.
Raven leapt to her feet with Sparrow quickly by her side. "It's the enemy! They're here!"
"The lights have all come on at once…
"It is now 12:05 AM Usea Central Meantime. Fighting has broken out despite the early hour.
"... A single ship or fighter have yet to be sighted but jet noises can be heard… From the lights and the noise, I estimate there are quite a number of them..."
Operation: Firefly
"The local resistance has ended the blackout, commence operations!"
Missiles and occasional shell tracers lit the night air as did explosions. Distant engines howled in the breeze but in the rein of the black sky where they were almost unseen they were as if the furious wind itself. The cacophony of battle had roused all of San Salvacion. The forced regimen of blackouts had been broken: the first liberation.
Kestrel could see it all: the carpet of light, the smoke of recent firefights… it was almost like the entire city was on fire. She forced herself to see past that illusion, to concentrate. Flying above, her Tomcats flew in close formation, in conjunction with her sisters and Ark Royal. Her group of carriers were to withhold from the action, fighting from the rear and reaching out with their air wings: a common carrier tactic. From the skies, their planes were given free reign on the land below. But with the earth below alive, awake, and awaiting liberation, it went without saying to exercise discretion.
Blending into the night, her Tomcats swooped over the city in search for the enemy, giving Kestrel a good view of the ongoing operation. She caught glimpses of Arquette leading Fensalir, Folkvangr, Sheffield, and Edinburgh in the east side of San Salvacion; to the west, she watched the ongoing assault conducted by Fort Grace, Tea Time, Tennessee, and White Valley. And in between the cracks of the enemy's defenses and their own movements, Cleveland, Helena, Denver, Montpelier, Columbia, and Reno would be there to fill them.
A two-pronged attack, befitting of two sides of the city as Kestrel could see. New City, as its name suggested, benefitted from its high-rise structures of glass and light whereas Old Towne was more recluse and subdued, favoring diffidence to speak of its antiquity.
"Eyes up, we've got company."
True to Buzzard's word, they were not alone. Sleek shapes marked by the IFF loomed over the horizon, the sky suddenly decorated with hostile contacts. But with her allies by her side, their numbers did not incite fear.
"Enemy birds in the air," Buzzard reported over the radio. "We'll tie them down as we pursue the mission. Ark Royal will continue to provide air cover for all the other groups."
"Righto! This'll be a piece of cake!"
It was now the sky's turn to be alight with the flames of battle.
The door burst open as Z23 speedily rushed outside. Rigging already summoned and ready for combat, she was first to arrive owing to her destroyer status. But she was not fully ready for the spectacle that awaited her.
The city was now bathed in light, the streets now shining. The town coming alive was juxtaposed by the evidence of warfare. But as much as the proof was around her, her eyes had trouble grasping the complete picture. Distant explosions gently rumbled behind city blocks, far-off cannonfire echoed somewhere out of sight, and the black heavens became indecipherable with rage, with tell-tale streaks of missiles and roar of jet engines camouflaging the view of the fight.
Z23 was quickly joined by the others as they caught up. "Huh? Who turned on all the lights?!"
"All the lights at once… They must had help from the inside," Köln noted.
Prinz Eugen let the feeling of chaos wash over her with calm. "Hm. Seems that they are going all out with this offensive. Regardless, we still have a role to play. U-556, lead the other submarines; perform however you see fit. Everyone else, with me. Try not to stray off."
Orders acknowledged, the Ironblood expedition split off. With Prinz Eugen taking the lead, Hipper, Köln, and Z23 obediently followed her. The sounds of battle were coming closer. No - it was they who were coming closer to the battle.
It was not long before they encountered a face - a friendly. Dysnomia quickly took notice of their presence and was even quicker to dole out instructions. "Just the people I was looking for! My 3rd Division's in need of reinforcement near the center of the city, along the river."
Eugen gave a short nod. "Very well. We'll head over as soon as possible."
The battlecruiser saw them off with one last warning. "Watch your heads and your backs. Good luck."
Z23 cast a doubtful look as they departed. "'Our backs'... Her 3rd Division is stationed along the border, next to New City. She must really not trust those Aegir ships."
A scoff came from Hipper. "I don't blame her. But if they're so conniving as to sabotage our efforts, then we have bigger problems..."
Just then a missile slammed among them like lightning. The unforeseen appearance would have appeared errant were it not for the fact that it found home on Admiral Hipper's backside.
"ARGH! Machst du witze?!"
Everyone leapt aside in surprise, their eyes already diverted skyward. Their reaction was timely as another pair of missiles intended for more victims had instead missed their marks. Z23 scrambled to keep track of their assailants but found her efforts thwarted to her chagrin as the planes vanished in the night sky and behind rooftops.
"Ugh! Our conditions are not ideal for anti-air duties!"
"Fending off air attacks at night was difficult enough, but these aircrafts would make our attempts near impossible..." A worried look crossed Köln's features. "We must make ourselves scarce from these city streets."
The agreement could not come sooner as bombs suddenly whistled into existence. The Ironblood ships bolted but not before the ordnance began drizzling on top of them. Raining bombs and spewing seawater made for a hasty and frantic escape. And as if the bombs were not enough, enfilade shellfire joined in to rain on the Ironblood parade.
Hipper caught only fleeting glimpses of their new attackers, enough to spit out their identities with vitriol. "It's those Eagle kreuzers!"
"Adjust formation, respond to the-"
Too late. Another wave of missiles and bombs hailed from above their heads. Z23 was quick on her feet, ducking to the side but the blasts still singed her. Completing the dodge with only ignorable wounds, the destroyer got up only to nearly catch a cruiser shell to her chest. Eagle Union's Knights of the Sea came barreling down on them like a jetstream.
Z23 cursed, combat instinct now guiding her feet as she zipped to the side. Shells and plumes of water chased after her but she made sure she outran their clutches. She fired back when she could but like her, her assailants knew better than to take hits. They fired back and Z23 felt something punch into her side. Luckily, her torpedo tubes were spared; bringing them forth, the Ironblood destroyer dished out a quick spread of her munitions.
The ploy worked: the silent projectiles warded off her pursuers, intimidated more by their appearance than anything else. They veered away, and as suddenly as the attack arrived it finally abated. Cannonfire died off and while the sounds of war rang elsewhere around the city, Z23 found some respite.
She breathed easy, wincing slightly at her damage. But as she looked around, suddenly everything felt off. The sights, the landmarks, the entire street itself was not how she recalled. And there was no recognizable face to anchor her in familiarity.
Z23 had been separated. In the midst of the skirmish, she alone must have erred from course.
She immediately set off, apprehension swelling within her. The sounds of battle that played all around her now threatened to constrict closer.
From afar, atop the prominent perches of the city hall building, the view of San Salvacion at night offered a view unlike many other, its extraordinary value second only to the far-reaching high-risers that governed the commercial side of the city. With the lights on, one would be bequeathed with a field of gold, its allure emphasized by the black ore of nighttime. From the commanding view of the municipal organ, the city's beauty could be witnessed.
But Tanager did not see beauty, she saw only harsh conflict.
The lights arrayed before her, rather than offer pleasantries, proved more an affront to the order that she once enjoyed over the city. The glare of bombs, the streak of jet exhausts and missiles, they all painted a more distasteful picture of the situation already proving precarious.
She made note of Geofon's silent vexations. "... Their aerial front outnumbers our own by at least three-to-one. We must bolster our defences to compensate."
The battleship grinded her molars at the news - and its implications. "Concentrate your efforts to our few key strongholds. I will see to our defense… personally."
Without sparing a moment to part with her advisor, she leapt off her perch, landing with her rigging materialized and already away at full speed towards the front. Their defenses - the Aegir Fleet's specifically - had been prepared. But even with time spent in its readiness, cracks had already appeared. And they were already about to become wider.
Perhaps their efforts were destined to be futile-
No. Tanager pushed herself further with a restrained snarl. Thoughts of doubts laughing at her were dispelled as she hurtled through the wide avenues of the city, meeting buzzing planes in the air.
"My liege, they will focus their air attacks on you when they realize your presence."
"Let them." Arriving to the nearest of her forces already hunkered behind their fortifications in the face of the enemy storm, Tanager swiftly made her orders - and her intervention - known. "Make ready for a counterattack. If our foes seek this land we will extract as much blood as we can from them."
"Y-yes, my queen!" the chorus chanted. Not one dared to sound doubtful.
The battleship stepped out to the front, eager to discover the adversaries she would first skewer as the tip of the spear. But her curiosity was quickly satiated when she spotted aircraft swarm overhead at low altitude. And when she recognized them, her desires only grew hungrier.
"... It's The Ribbon!"
Tanager charged forth, her guns like pointed lances ready to seek the enemy as her escorts trailed behind as mere consorts. With the center of the Rose Kingdom's defense pushing forward, the missile fire that had once been a deterrent now rained harder; a clash of two opposing momentums. But in her context, this was just another obstacle for Tanager as she forced the driving wedge from splitting to stabbing as she soon met the enemy in person.
"Soldiers of the Aegir Fleet, unveil yourselves from behind your shields! Swords in hand, smite the enemy with all your hatred and might! Banish them back into the dark where they belong!"
At the same time, the circumstances were mirrored over at the Rán Fleet's sector, albeit without the luxurious view that their headquarters would have provided. But as similar the situation was, the assessment could not be any more different.
Here, the tug-of-war played more defensively, more precariously. "... Argh! Damn Geofon for the lack of air coverage! Calypso, see if you can find where their carrier is!"
"I am currently engaged with their two submarines, but I will comply."
"Another problem to deal with later..." Dysnomia grumbled as her point-defense worked overtime against the Delta Coalition air assault, the barrels of her CIWS already starting to burn red-hot. Jet aircraft of many shapes continued to harry her as if sensing the battlecruiser's limitations. And from the looks of things, it won't be just her being grinded down by the combined air attacks.
Privately, Dysnomia wondered the status of Enyo and her 2nd Division deployed by her flank, under heavy attack like she was. She already had plenty to worry about with Thalassa's sector, her very first report being a foreboding one; since then the news have not improved. She was not sure of the Ironblood ships' whereabouts but hopefully they-
Dammit! There was only so much Dysnomia could handle and account for. The enemy's offensive was not only large in scale, but awfully well-planned too. She tracked the Silver Star Federation's air power seize the skies while the Delta Coalition and their allies moved in on sea. Meanwhile, she could hardly keep track of her own fleet's positions and status, let alone her rival's.
'Since when exactly did I care about Tanager and her damned posse…?'
She wasn't certain what went on over in New City, but right here Dysnomia needed to govern her own side of affairs.
The Rán Fleet leader quickly checked her fellow ships: Ceto struggled as much as her (her jubilant and inciting war cries were not helping in not drawing attention) and Metis was actually firing back whenever she wasn't busy mumbling about sleep, upside-down Christmas, and the color blue - a small relief. But with her division taking heavy fire they would not hold for long. Against a ferocious attack like this, Dysnomia needed to make the call.
"To all Rán Fleet, if you can hear this, fall back to secondary positions. We're tightening our defensive screen!"
Z23 shuddered at the booms that reverberated the earth and waters. Away from the reaches of the city lights, the alleyways were as safe a haven she could find, the comforting shadows being transgressed by the frequent flashes in the skies.
Risking a peek outside, the destroyer tried yet again to gain her bearings. The general store, the coffee shop, the pawn shop… She had practically memorized the immediate world outside. Nothing new stood out for her to see save for a small extra pockmark here and there from errant debris. No new clue to cling onto for guidance out of this mess. Only confusion and danger surrounded her.
Then her radio sparked, but the destroyer ignored it, just as she had learned how it only emitted sparks instead of anything communicable. 'Of all the equipment to get damaged...'
Jet engines roared sharply above her. In an instant, Z23 receded back into the shadows. Of all the sounds of war this one came particularly close. Too close. It was almost as if-
Z23 heard it again. This time, from her sanctuary, she could see them against the night sky. Her instincts already yelled the conclusion to her before the missiles were loosed.
She shot out of her hiding place before it turned into a fireball. And once running, she dare not stop. A foreboding chill crept down Z23's spine as she dashed down a canal route, her back to the imposing sky. A near-miss of another missile only confirmed her fears.
She kicked off from the water, her rudders going as fast as they could. But she could not outrun the sounds of droning engines behind her.
Z23 briefly looked behind her just in time for a salvo of missiles hurtle towards her. There were too many to dodge this time. "Why does this have to happen to me~~?!"
Just then, a shadow-like figure cut across before her eyes. Suddenly, bright orbs burned into Z23's retinas but upon smelling the distinct acrid scent, she recognized them as countermeasures. With the tailing missiles now spiraling away, the Ironblood destroyer was finally able to relax her guard.
The sound of other ships arrived, passing by around her. Having secured a moment of respite, Raven turned to face Z23. "... You all right?"
She exhaled with relief in spite of her condition. "Yes, I am. Thank you... How did you know I was here?"
"We didn't," Raven flatly replied. "We were just passing through."
Sparrow eyed the destroyer, seeing the state of her condition. "What were you doing this far out by yourself?"
"I got separated. We were on our way to reinforce the center of this city but got attacked by the enemy. I've been lost since then." Z23 hoped that that she camouflaged her embarrassment well.
Finch mused over the conundrum. "Lost, huh? Must suck not having a mini-map. But as an FYI, you're probably way off from where you were planning to go... you're in the New City side. Probably not where you wanted to go."
Z23 groaned aloud. "Great..."
A growing roar of jet engines drew all pairs of eyes up. More planes had entered the vicinity. Although no overt moves have been made, their presence remained concerning. And with all six of them together, the risk of them being spotted as an all-too appealing target was too high.
Raven turned to face Z23, all serious. "Head north along the water route; you should run into the nearest Rán Fleet element," she quickly ordered.
Z23 glanced at the other Aquilas, their loyalties like their steadfast position. "What about you?"
This time Raven didn't bother facing her as she spoke. Her decision had been made before she said it. "... We'll help buy time. Go!"
And like that, all five cruisers sped off. True to their suspicions, the enemy air power shifted and stirred, moving to attack in response to their movements. All five of the Aquila Vanguard: a valuable target. More valuable than the lone destroyer who, after lingering with one more look, finally obeyed and broke away, disappearing back into the city's shadows.
"... Various explosions and reports from the fighters can be heard… The only things visible here in the dark are the tracers, engine flames, and explosions..."
"... There they go, flying above us! Were those fighters with the ribbon insignia among them?"
"This is coming to you live!..."
Volcanic thundering echoed once more throughout the city. Smoke and ash that rose throughout San Salvacion was nothing compared to the storm of black smoke that filled the air of a particular sector in New City. The war was supposed to be raged everywhere but here, the true war was ablaze.
Even Fort Grace could feel the heat, less from the surrounding rubble spreading through the district like an infection but from their source, the very spirit that animated the fire. Gave it the malevolent desire, a paradoxical life to consume all that around it. And although unintended, it threatened the city of San Salvacion, a mere collateral in the ravenous hunger to swallow up the Delta carrier.
No sound of war was louder than the sounds of Tanager's cannons, all batteries stalking after Fort Grace.
She weaved from side to side, always moving ahead of the tempo of the volcanic thundering lest their wrath find her. Another salvo whizzed by her body, missing with a harsh whistle and finding their marks on the urban scenery. Another city block crumbled before Tanager's assault.
Fort Grace clenched her teeth at the sight. Seemingly from thin air, her planes swiftly dove upon the battleship on all sides, missiles and bombs already on the loose. The blasts that enveloped Tanager was grand in their own right, determined and powerful but aimed unlike her nemesis's. But if this attack was to reciprocate Tanager's fury, then Fort Grace found her attempt fruitless for her foe's will quickly proved fathomless.
With a mighty roar from both her and her cannons, Tanager dispelled the smoke around her. Fort Grace did not need to see the lacking results of her attack to know that there would be little use in chaining this beast. Perhaps monster was a more fitting descriptor as the battleship resumed her vendetta with even more vigor.
Tanager's eyes seemed to glow even brighter as they sought out Fort Grace. "Fools… FOOLS! To quell me with such attack?! You were nothing compared to a ship such as I! I will burn you with this pitiful city you claim to protect!"
More planes and more missiles but the results remained unchanged as the air became filled with tracers and flak fire and what attacks that made it through seemed to be mere rain to the bloodthirsty battleship. Her cannons continued to sing their terrible song, belching flame being their voice of destruction. Then another voice thundered discordant in defiance to the choir, sending gusts and plumes of smoke billowing against the Aegir battleship.
Smoldering muzzles accompanied Tennessee's glare. "Still got to prove yourself the strongest to me!" Another ring of hammering salvos only to be rendered inert by the swing of Tanager's great sword, a spiteful response to the challenge. "Pitiful charlatan! Know your place!"
Tennessee braced for the next attack, only for a single shot from the dark nearly puncturing into her chest. She staggered in a hasty withdraw to evade the hidden sniper's gaze.
"Don't worry, Tenn, I got this!" Streaks of missiles cut white lines, preluding the arrival of White Valley's planes before they departed as quickly as they had arrived. It was then that White Valley herself made her appearance, coming down from the night above.
Tanager whirled her guns with a snarl, snap-firing a barrage to the new contestant. Whether or not some of the shells struck could not be determined nor did they effect the outcome of the carrier crashing on top of Tanager. Metal clashed and shrieked against metal as White Valley clung tight to the battleship in melee.
A forceful grip found itself around White Valley's neck, shoving her away under Tanager's hate-filled gaze. "Die, mercenary!"
Cannons nudged into position, she promptly took aim. But right as she was about to end the ship's life in a violent, thunderous stroke, a different deafening blow took place in its stead. Finding herself down a turret, Tanager turned to look at Fort Grace with an accusing glare, one which her foe accepted guilty as charged with a smirk. Suddenly, feeling boots on her, Tanager glanced back just in time to see her captive kick away free - her smirk even bigger.
Tanager let out a loud snarl at the indignity. By the time she recovered, she found her adversaries arrayed against her, daring her with their presence. A united affront in her eyes, to her goals. Unlike her enemies, Tanager stood alone, joined only be the ravages of her own doing - and a world that did not want her.
The fires continued to burn hot as both sides charged towards each other without a word.
Andromeda had her eyes darting around, dancing about the never-ending stream of combat information. But above all, her gaze was glued to the map populated by white and red that constantly evolved before her. A perpetual evolution fed by real-time to mimic the going-ons somewhere else.
She busily processed the performance she saw play out: progress toward San Salvacion's liberation reflected in the ground that was gained, slow but surely; Rose Kingdom air support had already surrendered much of the airspace, leaving Old Towne defenseless from above; consequently, Arquette's team was doing well as the Rán Fleet was being forced back; meanwhile…
Andromeda studied the current events of New City - the Aegir Fleet's side. Contact with them and Tanager was already made, their locations shared to her via datalink. By the distant rumbling, she could tell the fighting there was unbelievably fierce. The Aegir Fleet's countercharge was slowing the offensive to a bloody drag. Even with the odds against them, their defense was tenacious.
But looking at the battle, with her perspective from afar, Andromeda identified a peculiarity. Something small but powerful; like a crack that foreshadowed a more underlying problem beneath the surface. All it needed was the right tool to expose it.
The intelligence vessel was already at work, devising a plan - and looking for said tool to exploit it.
OMAKE:
Earlier...
In the Rán Fleet field headquarters, the ships had assembled. But even in the building's largest room it could barely contain them all as the open space was sabotaged by the museum's display shelves, old ornate columns, and the scent of dry wood that went into its architecture so long ago.
Thanks to these conditions, Dysnomia was in no mood to delay the roll-call any further.
"Sound off, everyone."
One-by-one, ordered by hierarchy, the ships performed their roll-call with Dysnomia keeping note of attendance, counting not just those in her personal division but also those of Thalassa and Enyo. The chain of names went until an absence broke it. When it arrived, Dysnomia's heart sank with dread.
"Aphaiah? Is she here?" Heads turned in search of the missing destroyer but to no avail. As much as she expected it, Dysnomia couldn't help but sigh. But as her own eyes wandered, an idea popped in her head.
"... Aphaiah, if you're in this room please knock this chair over."
Everyone waited as captive audience for an aged wooden seat that was thrusted in the spotlight. Hushed silence hung in the air like the pieces of lint that fluttered in the mellow lights. Nothing happened.
Suddenly, the chair flipped with a startling boom and over it now stood the missing destroyer. All eyes were on her now.
Aphaiah winced from the sudden attention, of several pairs of eyes suddenly looking at her. "H-here..."
Dysnomia mentally crossed her name off of the list, satisfied.
'I guess watching all those ghost-hunting shows on TV finally came in handy.'