The Life of Carriers

Chapter 3

Just a Test

Note: If you haven't already, be sure to check my special story for today. I hope you enjoy that and this update.

Nagato and Mutsu took to the stage as the entire auditorium grew silent. They looked around and saw that everyone was there and ready to listen.

"Thank you for taking time out of your days. As you should all be aware of by now, the Admiral reorganizing the Fleet as a way to determine who will be fighting on the front line when the time comes." All of a sudden, the whole room filled up with murmurs of everyone trying to figure out what the Admiral would something like this. "Anyway, I will announce your assignments now. Once this meeting is over, please head to your assigned quarters so you can discuss your plans as a team."

Nagato and Mutsu called the girls up one by one as to keep things confidential. Everyone there couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Whoever they were teamed up with was up to the discretion of the Admiral. Now, it wasn't like they disliked his decision, it was just that there were people that they wanted to work with, and there were others that just worked well together. However, it was too late to suggest something else. Once when the last person was called up, everyone made their way to the living quarters where they met their team.

As they were walking back to the living quarters, Fubuki met up with Mutsuki and Yuudachi. Unfortunately, they weren't on a team together which made them a little sad. However, they did say that this would be a good opportunity to fight with some really strong people. When Yuudachi brought up Akagi, Fubuki nearly melted just by hearing her name. The two of the still couldn't get over how much Fubuki loved Akagi.

When they made it into the living quarter's building, they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. As Fubuki was left alone, she immediately started to panic. There were people she didn't want to be with and others who she really wanted to be with… Akagi, but she tried her best not to let it show. She simply shook off everything she could as she finally arrived at her destination. She looked up at the sign and saw that it read, "Special Squadron 1." She couldn't help but feel a little good about herself. Usually, the number "1" means best so she crossed her fingers as she reached for the door handle.

"Um, excuse me, I'm…" She immediately grew speechless. Inside of the room was a dream come true. Akagi and Kaga were both inside talking to each other. Drool immediately fell out of her mouth as the two of them turned their heads. "A… Ak…"

"Hello, Fubuki-chan. I'm looking forward to working with you," she said with a smile. Fubuki fell backwards as if she was about to faint, but someone was there to catch her before she could. She looked up and saw someone she didn't recognize.

"Be careful. Don't waste all of your energy here."

"Ah, Kongou-san's in our squadron as well."

"Perfect. This looking to be a great group." Fubuki was speechless. She turned around and got a good look.

"You're Kongou-san?"

"Yep, the one and only. Leader of the Kongou Class."

"Oh my gosh, you're incredible. I've heard so many things about you. You're so cool. Battle ships are so cool. I'm honored to work with you."

"As am I," she said with a wink.

"So, it looks like we're waiting for at least one more person."

"I wonder who it could be." A few seconds later, the door opened and in walked Hibiki. Everyone welcomed her in as they sat in a circle to discuss what their plans for the future were going to be. Kaga took the lead for now which no one was objected to. Immediately, everyone was surprised. She was very organized and very to-the-point. She discussed expectations amongst the group as well as patterns and strategies for when they go into battle.

At the same time, Fubuki couldn't pay attention. She constantly turned her head to look at Akagi and Kongou. Two girls she idolized so much were in her squadron. It was almost like a dream come true. She continued to doze off as Kaga went on about what they were expecting to do. After a few more minutes, a message came over the PA system asking for Special Squadron 1 to report to the headquarters. Without wasting any time, they left the room and made their way to there.

When they got there, they were greeted by Nagato and Mutsu once again. This time, they went into more detail about their squadron. Nagato said that their squadron was personally selected by the Admiral and that they were the best of the best. This was when Fubuki snapped out of her daydream.

"Eh?! I'm the best. Are you sure?"

"The Admiral is confident in his decision. Do you disagree?" Nagato stared her down which caused her to shake her head. "Alright, as of now, there are no orders for your squadron, but be ready. An order may come at any time."

"Aye!" They all stood up straight and saluted. Nagato thanked them for their time and dismissed them immediately. They all headed out and did their own things.

Akagi and Kaga headed to the café where they decided to have some dinner. As they ate their food, Kaga noticed that there was someone watching from outside the restaurant. It was obviously Fubuki, but they paid no attention to her. On the other hand, Akagi was too busy stuffing her face to worry about other things around her. After a few minutes or so, she finally left which left the two of them alone. Kaga finished her food first and decided to start up a conversation because she knew that only her voice would get Akagi to talk while she was eating.

"So are you happy with who you're with?"

"Of course I'm happy. I get to be with my Kaga-san." Her face turned bright red as she tried to hide herself.

"Aside from that, what about the others? What do you think about them?"

"I'm perfectly fine with who we're with. I think that everyone is capable of fighting to their fullest."

"What about Fubuki? She's still new and has yet to season. Do you think she's ready?" All of a sudden, Akagi put her bowl down and wiped her mouth as she was finally done with her food.

"Why do you think she isn't?" Kaga widened her eyes.

"I-I didn't say that. I was just wondering if you think she's ready to fight this war with us."

"No. I can tell by your tone that you don't believe she's ready." She looked at Kaga who immediately retracted her eyes. For some reason, that look she gave Kaga was so threatening that it was too hard to look back at her. "You know, when I first met you, you had that same look on your face like she has on right now. She's showing determination to become more than she is. Why can't you see that?" Kaga was unable to answer her. "Are you worried about me?" There was no response. She just stayed quiet. Akagi smiled, stood up from her chair, and walked by Kaga, caressing her cheek as she did. "Come to bed with me." Kaga quickly turned around and saw Akagi leave without another word. She quickly stood up to catch up with her.

When she made it back to her room, Kaga was a little jittery. She barged through the room and looked for Akagi. However, she wasn't there. The room lights were off and she wasn't inside. She carefully searched around the room until someone came up behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Ah, so you decided to come home, huh?"

"Akagi-san."

"What made you come back?"

"I live here, don't I?"

"Oh, is that all? Or do you have some ulterior motive?" Akagi moved her hand down onto Kaga's thigh.

"Akagi-san, please." She didn't listen. She then kissed Kaga around the neck. The touch of Akagi's lips against her own skin was too much for her. She started to lose her strength. "Akagi-san."

"Kaga-san, I know there's still that side in you somewhere. The soul of a fleet girl. When you find it, you'll understand why I treat Fubuki the way I do. Don't worry. I still love you more. No one else could love me the way you do."

"Akagi-san."

"Good night, Kaga-san." She let go of Kaga and left the room. Still unable to move, Kaga fell onto her knees and watched Akagi leave once again.

"You know me so well."

End of Chapter 3