The Life of Carriers

Chapter 5

It's Not Over

The torpedo exploded right on contact and sent smoke everywhere. Kaga was just across the way when she saw it happen. She stuck out her arm and screamed out in pain. She didn't even see them coming and because of it, one of her fleet members has paid the price. The ships that dropped the explosives cut through the smoke and flew right over Kaga, causing her to take cover. However, when she looked back up, she saw the smoke subside with someone else inside. It was Kongou, and right behind her was Fubuki, completely unharmed.

"Kongou-san?"

"It's alright, Bucky. I got your back." Fubuki started to tear up as she jumped into Kongou's body. Then, Kaga saw the rest of her fleet emerge from behind them. Akagi and Hibiki sailed out to her while assisting her in the attack.

"Akagi-san, we're being ambushed."

"I know. We figured that out when our side of the island was completely deserted. Thank goodness we got here on time. Let's take this things down."

"Aye!" Finally regaining herself, she pulled out an arrow and launched her planes in the air.

"Kongou-san, Fubuki, Hibiki; you guys cover us while we clear the skies."

"Aye!" It was hard for Fubuki to return to the battlefield, but after looking up to see Kongou protect, she was ready for anything. The three of them spread out and covered their carriers on the outside. They managed to take out the enemy destroyers as well as some of the planes patrolling their zone, but it was no use. Their numbers weren't going to be enough to clear this heat. At that moment, Kaga received a message from HQ.

"Special Squad 1, retreat!" They all jumped up in surprise. Retreat? That wasn't the plan. They were supposed to rid the island of its patrol. "There's no time. We need to get out of here. Admiral's orders." That's when they all kicked it into high gear.

"Akagi, Kaga; lead the way. We three will cover the escape."

"Aye." They packed up their things and headed out while Kongou, Fubuki, and Hibiki stayed right behind them to make sure the enemy didn't try anything. Thankfully, their escape was easy. The enemy didn't pursue which made things a breeze. They returned to the mainland and packed up. Once there, Mutsuki was there to greet Fubuki after her first mission. Because of what happened, Fubuki was still a little shaken up and Mutsuki was able to tell. She asked if she was alright, but Fubuki simply said it was a scratch. After that, a message came over the PA system requesting the Special Squad 1 to main HQ. Without wasting any time, they ran as fast as they could to the Secretary Ship's office. When they got there, they saluted their officers and waited for the announcement.

"I sincerely apologize for sending you girls out there. The information was outdated. The enemy was more than ready for a surprise attack of that status. I'm glad that no one got hurt. For now, the Admiral requests nothing of you. Dismissed."

"Aye!" The five of them headed without another word and went their separate ways. Like always, Akagi and Kaga headed the locker room after a mission. During their walk over there, Kaga was very quiet which Akagi couldn't help but notice. She asked if she was okay, but all she was given was a nod. When they got there, Akagi stepped into her normal part of the bath while Kaga walked over to the far side of the room and said nothing.

"Kaga-san, are you okay?" She didn't respond. "You know you can talk to me if something's bothering you." There was still no response. She looked over at Kaga and saw that she was sitting right in the middle of the bath with her down. There was obviously something wrong. She quietly got out of her part of the bath and walked over to Kaga. She silently came up behind her and wrapped her arms around her body.

"Akagi-san!"

"What's wrong? You know I don't like it when you behave like this." Akagi poked her head out from behind her, but Kaga avoided her eye contact as hard as she could. Out of nowhere, Akagi gently placed her hands on Kaga's breasts and started to massage them.

"Ah," she exclaimed quietly.

"I know you like it when I do this. You wanna tell me what's bothering you?" Kaga's face started to turn red as she was falling under Akagi's spell.

"Akagi-san, please." Her hands were still massaging her breasts. Kaga was starting to squirm until she couldn't take it anymore. She turned around as quick as she could and kissed Akagi on the lips. This caught her off guard and the two of them nearly went underwater.

"Kaga-san, what was that for?"

"You did your job."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"A carrier is supposed to protect her fleet at all costs, and in return, her escorts defend her with their lives. I didn't do that."

"Why are you saying these things? You always do your job. Don't be so hard on yourself."

"I have to be because it's true. I put Fubuki-chan's life in risk. I was being careless and she nearly sunk because of me." All of a sudden, Kaga started to tear up as she fell into Akagi's body. "I'm sorry. It's my fault things ended up the way they did."

"Sshhh. It's okay. None of this is your fault. Our enemy was just smarter than us, but I promise it won't happen again. Because we fleet girls learn from our mistakes no matter what."

"Akagi-san."

The two of them stayed in the bath for a while until Kaga finally calmed down. They didn't say anything after that, but silence was necessary for them. Even though it may not seem like it, Kaga was the more emotional one among the two of them. Akagi was more of the caretaker. She always made people feel better and Kaga was thankful that she was there for her in her rare moments of losing herself.

After their bath, they immediately headed home for the day. There was no dinner for them which was kind of shocking since Akagi loved food. However, Kaga's health was more important in this situation so she was willing to give up one night for her. When they got home, Kaga quickly got into bed and knocked out just as quickly. Akagi decided to wait a bit before joining her. She sat beside her on the bed and brushed her hair off of her face. She then kissed her on the cheek.

"I love you Kaga-san. I promise I won't let anything happen to you." She climbed behind her, wrapped her arms around her body, and enjoyed the rest of the night with her beloved partner.

End of Chapter 5