Chapter 29

A warm summer sun shone down onto the deck I was laying on. The ocean was calm, the waves only slightly rocking the ship, and a bright, cloudless blue heaven expanded into the distance as far as the eye could see, leaving only the lull of the waves to break the silence. The worries of the world cast aside in favour of enjoying this small moment of serenity, I couldn't even find the will to worry about how I had ended up here. I felt at ease for the first time in a long while.

Slightly tilting my head up, I recognised Hood's distinct superstructure. I merely laid my head back down and listened to the sounds of the sea lapping against the hull, knowing I was in safe hands.

Eventually the waking world returned and I found myself back in my bed. I sat up and tried to wipe away the sleep from my eyes with a yawn.

"Good morning, James." Hood's soft voice came from my side. "Did you sleep well?"

I tilted my head over and found the Battlecruiser right where she had been last night, the only difference now being the book in her hands. She looked at me with a smile that seemed to glow in the morning light.

"Morning." I greeted groggily, trying to clear my mind from the fog of sleeping. "Have you really been there all night?"

"Every second." She replied proudly. "I remained at your side the entire night as promised. And from the looks of things you ended up getting a wonderful night's sleep."

I almost objected to her remaining awake for my sake, but she was right; I had a normal night's sleep for the first time in what felt like months. She would probably just brush it off anyway too.

"What time is it?"

"Just a little after eight." She set the bookmark between the pages and placed the book down on top of the others. "I decided to allow you a few extra hours of sleep, but I would have awoken you before it got too late."

"Thanks. Make sure you get some rest today." I propped myself up. The events of the previous days slowly came back to the forefront of my mind. I pushed the thoughts back down, I was still too emotionally drained to deal with it now. "Did I miss anything while I was asleep?"

"No, nothing that I'm aware of." There was the slightest hint of a blush adorning Hood's cheeks, I followed her gaze towards my bare chest, not covered by the bedsheets any longer. Hood caught herself and stood up, clearing her throat. "I shall go and check the status of today's breakfast. Hopefully Warspite hasn't caused too great of a catastrophe yet."

"We can only wish." I joked as she made her way out of my room, her steps quicker than usual.

With Hood gone I took a look around the cabin, and it was a very different scene now. Folded clothes laid out on the small table, notebooks and papers had been stacked and neatly put together, and pens, pencils, bolts and screws no longer littered the floor nor did the various wrenches and tweezers I often used; looking at the corner, I found my toolbox neatly aligned to the wall and properly closed. Stepping out of bed I began to dress myself, sighing at the fact I had become so busy someone else had to clean my room. "Pull yourself together James, these girls are warships, not maids."

After a light breakfast, I took a quick glance at Hood's room to ensure she was catching up on sleep. Having done that, I made my way towards the bridge, hoping to find Z23 so we could go over our supply situation. I knew without a doubt the diligent Destroyer would already have an assessment of the fleet's effective range by now and could advise on where we should go next. But To my surprise it wasn't Z23 I found but Zuikaku instead; the Sakura carrier looked to be aimlessly wandering the ship but upon seeing me she waved and made her way over.

"Shikikan, it is pleasing to see you in good health," She punctuated her greeting with a short bow, but there was a serious glint in her eyes, "May I have a moment of your time?"

"Uh yeah," I was taken aback by her formality. "I'm not overly busy right now, what is it you need?"

The corridor was then filled with the sound of metal scratching metal. There was a moment of panic as the carrier suddenly drew her sword, but it changed to confusion as she dropped to one knee, bowing her head down.

Zuikaku offered her blade to me, the handle and blade resting on her hands.

"I humbly offer my apology for failing in my duty!" She half yelled.

"I, uhh?" I stuttered ungainly.

She didn't dare look at me at all.

"I was given the charge of protecting you." She said sternly. "Yet because of my lapse in concentration–and judgement–your life and the lives of your companions were mortally threatened. I've failed you in every aspect."

"Oh." The pieces slowly started to slot together. "Don't worry about it, there's nothing to apologise for. It was my own stupid fault for stepping away from you. Please stand back up."

"You don't understand." The carrier refused, lifting her head to look at me, but her face was full of distress. "I attacked you when I first woke up, yet you and your fleet were still willing to take me in and offer me companionship with no strings attached, and I failed your trust. Even if I was confused, endangering you like I did was unacceptable. And then I failed you again when I was given a simple task. I cannot bear this shame. I can only offer you my life in exchange for my failures."

I looked at the pleading carrier and sighed. "I'm not going to forgive you Zuikaku, for there is nothing to forgive. Please stand, I don't like talking down to people."

"H-huh?" She gave me a confused look, but it was soon replaced with ferocity. "No. I need to make amends."

"It's fine."

"No, it isn't. Why are you so cavalier about this whole situation? I failed!"

I tried to remain calm. "And I failed even more. I took a life, Zuikaku, that's plenty of failure already. I don't need your life, I just need you here. I need you in this fleet."

"But-"

"I think we're not on the same page." I hated interrupting her, but I didn't want to have this type of conversation. "Listen. I…"

Words failed me as I briefly returned to that room, but I had to push on.

"We could be tossing blames around all day here, analysing who made errors and what not, and denying each other's faults without end. But that will lead nowhere. I just-"

For some reason, Zuikaku's gaze softened. I sighed.

"Look. I don't feel like I'm that good of a Commander, or that I'm really one at all. Just a few weeks ago my worries were all just keeping my ship from sinking and getting my next paycheck, but now you're all here with me. I'm on the other side of the ocean with supernatural beauties trying to make a difference somehow. But the bottom-line is…"

She looked at me expectantly.

"I don't want any of you to ever lay your lives down for me. Not even as a gesture, or an oath, or what have you. I want you girls to live for yourselves."

Zuikaku broke her gaze, casting her eyes down while trembling. "So you think so little of my words?"

"So little?" I parroted aghast. "That's not it at all."

"Then why are you so stubborn?"

"I just don't like people putting their lives down for me." Was my answer.

Zuikaku looked at me with a frown. There was something inscrutable beneath those shining yellow eyes of her that still burned. In the end, she nodded to herself, placed her sword back in her scabbard, and changed her position, kneeling down on both legs and pushing her head down to the floor.

"In that case, instead of offering you my death, allow me to redeem my honour with my life." She said.

"I said-"

"This is what I desire." She interrupted me. Probably payback my own interruption. "I am a ship of the Sakura. To me, my duty and honour are the same as my life. I would trade one if it would save the other."

She raised her head.

"So allow me to make up for my mistakes by staying by your side. I am… I am not as brilliant as Warspite-dono, nor as insightful as Elizabeth-dono. I also know I am not as graceful as Hood-dono, nor as resourceful as Z23-dono. But still, if you'd allow me, I would like to remain at your side."

"I don't want you to do it as penance." I protested

"I would be lying if I said my honour isn't dictating my actions to great measure, James-dono." She said sincerely. "But you said we are free to do what we want, did you not? That you want to offer any of us a chance to be part of the fleet."

"I did, yes." Part of me knew what she was going for, and I wanted to kick myself for it.

"Then, I desire to formally join this fleet to protect you and help your noble cause, James-dono. Of my own free will." She said.

I should've expected it in some measure, but I was still dumbfounded. Zuikaku noticed my hesitation.

"Forgive me for being so rude, Shikikan, but I shall return your words right back to you. If you don't want me to dwell on my failures, do not dwell on yours as well. Instead, let us work together for a brighter future. What do you say?"

"I…" I facepalmed. How come these girls were all so sneaky this way? "Okay."

Zuikaku seemed to take a moment, and then she smiled radiantly. "Hai, Shikikan!"

These girls know how to handle me, don't they? I breathed heavily.

"So what's our next move, Shikikan?" Her voice had renewed spirits, standing up with an adorable grin.

I pondered her question. America was looking like it was going to be a bust. I didn't know what fate would await us if we returned to England, but it surely wouldn't be a warm welcome. The more we travelled the more we could learn about the world, Sirens and find other ships out there. I recalled Warspite had mentioned there was a canal we could use to get to the Pacific rather easily.

"I told you I would consider the Sakura Empire as our next destination. Well, there really aren't any other options available to us right now and I've always wanted to sail another ocean."

Her face seemed to light up as a wide smile adorned it.

"We still need to figure out the logistics, but I can't see why we couldn't head that way." I continued.

"Really?" She looked off to the side and she seemed a little downtrodden at my suggestion. "It's a rather long way to sail just for me."

"The more ground we cover the more we can learn and find out about your kind." I shrugged. "Knowledge is power after all."

"Thank you for this, I can't express in words how much this means to me." Zuikaku calmed herself and bowed respectfully, her long ponytail swaying as she did.

I offered my hand to her. "There's no doubt in my mind that we will find ourselves in dangers far worse than what we've already been through, both from Sirens and other humans. The only way we can try and find even an iota of safety is in numbers. There's probably unknown numbers of your kind already out there, finding themselves in a world they don't recognise and without anyone to turn to. I want us to become something of a safe haven for them, but to do that I need to ask something of you. Zuikaku, are you willing to be a part of this fleet not just out of a sense of honour, but because you also believe in this cause?"

Her deep yellow eyes stared at my hand for what felt like an eternity until she eventually broke the silence. "Will this offer be given to anyone, No matter what nation they came from?"

"That goes without question, we're already a mad blend of personalities here."

The carrier's smile returned. "Then I am in agreement, and will be proud to serve under your banner, Shikikan."

As Zuikaku went to shake my hand I looked to her eyes to see if there would be the usual blue glow. However the moment our skin touched I was greeted with something far worse.

Both of us yelped in pain, jolting back as our hands went to our heads. My vision blurred and I was overcome with vertigo as I was greeted with several visions that seemed to flash through my head instantly.

A burning ocean. Crimson red skies. Writhing black masses and finally a dark purple cube that seemed to suck in all the light around it. An all-encompassing feeling of helplessness and despair. Death. The throbbing pain in my head grew relentlessly until it soon became unbearable and I struggled to remain conscious, but it vanished as soon as it came at the faint melody of a flute. Calming notes echoed at the edges of my hearing, with a lullaby I had never heard before reaching out to me. The song slowly but surely appeased the pain.

I regained control of myself, finding myself back onto the deck. The mirage was gone, but by looking at Zuikaku, I knew it wasn't just me that had gone through something odd..

"Well that was definitely new." I finally spoke through heavy breaths, trying to alleviate the near traumatising moment.

"Just what in the world was that?" Zuikaku grunted, still grasping the side of her head. "It was like someone poured ice down my spine while slamming my head against a drum!"

"That's oddly specific, but your guess is as good as mine." Seeing that she was seemingly in good health otherwise, I focused on trying to commit to memory everything that I had seen to memory, yet it was like trying to grab smoke in my hands. "What did you see?"

"See? Everything just went pure white. Was I supposed to see something?"

"No, I was just wondering." I scratched my chin. "I probably should have warned you but one thing we've learned is that sometimes your dreams or memories of your old crew tend to leak into my mind. I once experienced the final moments of one of Hood's crew members when I fell asleep in her room once."

"Woah." Her mouth stretched in wonder. "Have you seen anything of mine?"

"Not that I'm aware of. I think I have to be close for it to take effect, and it doesn't happen often." I hummed as what felt like an old memory came to mind, despite it only being a few weeks ago. "There was this one time when Javelin was able to affect my dreams and warn me of an incoming Siren attack, though she was on the other side of the ship and still a cube at that point."

"Huh, that is strange. But what does that have to do with what just happened between us?" Her head tilted to the side.

I raised my hands up and shrugged exaggeratedly. "No idea. Just whenever one of you girls has agreed to join me I've seen your eyes glow blue for a second. There must be some reason behind it, but only time will tell."

I had a theory about one of the effects but I'd need Zuikaku to be unaware of it for me to prove it.

"Ah, well if there's no harm behind it I'll leave you to figure out all the science stuff. Just leave the fighting to me." She placed a fist against her chest proudly. "Is there anything I can be of service to you right now, Shikikan?"

It was rather amazing how she could just shrug something off like that.

"I'm about to go see Z23 to find out our supply situation. Could you go and ask everyone if there's anything they need? I'm going to call in a favour with the convoy we escorted to get us resupplied."

"Consider it done, Shikikan." She said with a bow before excusing herself.

I watched the carrier walk away with purpose in her stride before I resumed walking to where I had originally been going. "Right, time to find a certain blond destroyer." I said, pushing aside what I had seen, there was already too much I had to worry about.

"I do hope you have a good reason for this, my hair is getting ruined." Queen Elizabeth bemoaned over the rain while she carried me. "Do you know how long it takes Warspite to brush it each morning?"

"Sorry. I didn't want to interrupt Hood's sleep and Warspite needed to stay anchored offshore." I replied, trying my hardest to stay balanced in her arms as we sailed across the ocean. My weight wasn't an issue for her, the length of her arms was a different story.

Elizabeth, Zuikaku and I were currently making our way into New York's harbour. The rest of the fleet were waiting with Warspite to remain unnoticed. Zuikaku had originally offered to carry me but Elizabeth had insisted she did, despite how she was currently acting now.

"Things have changed rather dramatically since we were last here." Zuikaku noted as she sailed closer to us. "More ships are anchored out in the bay and less cargo seems to be getting unloaded from the ones that are docked."

I hummed to show my understanding, but the rain made it hard for me to discern any details that might help me figure out why. But some grim part of me had an idea.

Richard Spence was being run ragged. Not only having to oversee the unloading of his ship but the unloading of his entire convoy, a task that was taxing at the best of times.

He had heard the sound of our footsteps as we walked up the ramp and turned to greet the new visitors. I had only seen him a few days ago but he now had dark rings under his eyes and looked to have aged years in the span of a few days. Yet upon meeting our gaze he smiled and waved us over.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes, old boy." He walked us over to an area sheltered from the rain.

"What's going on? Everything looks to have gone to hell since we left."

"Dam power went out across the city. Word is it's out all along the east coast." He waved a hand out gesturing to the unlit city. "Why is it I have the feeling I'm speaking to those responsible for this?"

"Because you are." I said with a sigh. "It's better if you remain in the dark about it. Has anyone come asking about us?"

"Aye, two suits. A man and a woman came asking about you yesterday evening. Didn't give them anything more than the bare minimum, nor did my crew."

My shoulders tensed and my eyes went to the crowd moving about the docks. We had to get back out to sea soon lest whoever is looking for us comes back. "Thanks, I'm sorry to ask this but is there any chance one of your ships could resupply us out at sea? As you can guess we can't really come into the port and our supplies wont last us for much longer."

"There could be a way." The old man hummed while scratching his beard, "One of my ships needs to do a quick shakedown to ensure she's in full working order. You can rendezvous with her out at sea and resupply, her captain owes me a favour anyway."

"Thanks, I've got a list of supplies that we need here" I took the supply list Z23 had written out from my pockets and handed it to him. "And we also have a list that's not as important but would still be valued."

The captain raised his eyebrow but didn't say anything about it. If I had to guess, it was because of the shoddy handwriting. Zuikaku had apologised when handing it to me, telling me our alphabet was… difficult for her to write.

He nodded and put the paper away. "Shouldn't be too difficult to source before she's scheduled to leave. Wait here just a moment, I'll get you some coordinates for you to rendezvous at." He promptly made his way into the ship.

While we waited for his return Zuikaku put her hand out into the rain and sighed. "I hope this weather passes soon, it's starting to get on my nerves."

Elizabeth looked up at the dark grey skies. "Not a fan of the rain? One understands it can be rather annoying. But it can also be rather pleasant to listen to."

"'My aircraft are nigh useless in this weather." The carrier explained. "Visibility is too low for recon aircraft to be effective and I could only launch an attack if I already knew where the foe was." Zuikaku flicked her hand to dry it. "Oh well, can't do much about the weather."

A few seconds later the captain returned and handed me a folded slip of paper. "I talked to the captain and he'd be happy to help, just meet him here a few hours before sundown." I opened the paper, finding a set of coordinates. "If you don't mind me asking, where are you heading? The offer for an escort back across the Atlantic is still up, if that's where you're going."

"Thank you, but…" I paused, he had just said people were looking for us. Would it be best to disclose where we're going? But I also had no reason to distrust him. "We're heading over to the Pacific. There's a lot of ocean and ground to cover and the more we can find out about these girls and the Sirens the better."

"The Pacific? Why didn't you say so before?" The captain shook his head and chuckled. "Few of the ships that were part of our convoy were destined to head that way and left for Nassau yesterday, they'll be stopping there for a few days before crossing the Panama and going up to San Diego. I'm sure they'll be more than willing to pay for your services once again."

I folded my arms and thought for a moment. While it would be useful to better our funds and with the convoy it gives us an easy way through Panama, we would once again be stuck protecting ships, but with Zuikaku we would know of any attack long before they became a problem.

"I'll run it through with the girls. I'll ask if they need an escort if they're still in Nassau when we get there."

"Good, good." He looked at his watch and clicked his tongue. "Lots to do and not much time to do it, I will see to getting your resupply sorted, is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No, you've already done more than enough. I wish you a safe passage back to the Homeland." I offered my hand out to him with a smile.

Spence shook it with his old worn hands and then gave me a rather heavy pat on the shoulder. "And I wish you and your girls all the best."

We parted ways, him going back to organising the ship and us down the ramp. The rain quickly became a discomfort once again. When we were about halfway down I suddenly remembered something. "Oh. Wait here just a sec."

"Almost forgot. Spence!" I called out, making the captain turn back around. "When you do head back across, would you mind posting this for me?"

I took out a letter from my inner pocket, trying not to get it too wet as I passed it to him. He promptly put it safely in his pocket and gave a nod. "It will be my first priority. And could you also do me a favour, old boy?"

"Sure."

"Something happened while you were out there, didn't it?"

My veins ran cold at the pinpoint observation.

"I don't-"

"It's not my business, I know. These old bones just know" Spence said sagely. "but nonetheless, stay safe. I don't care much for America, but it seems trouble is a bit of a clingy lady for you, and you're the kind that overthinks a lot."

I would have felt somewhat insulted if it weren't true.

Spence sighed with a mixture of melancholy and pity. "Be careful not to bite more than you can chew, aye?"

I scratched my forehead nervously. "I will try."

"Godspeed in your endeavours. The seas are changing, careful not to be swallowed up."

Spence disappeared into his ship finally. His words repeated in my mind. We hadn't known each other that well, nor for that long, but truly, he was wise beyond his years. Were all sea captains like him? I felt the pendant around my neck as I remembered the old man back on the Endurance. The similarities were there, though Spence was way more sensible.

"Letters home?" Zuikaku's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Something like that. Let's move." I replied quickly and walked along the docks to a suitable area to get back onto the ocean. I pointed out a secluded area by a stack of cargo crates. "That should do."

"It shall be rather nice to head into a warmer climate." Elizabeth spoke, noticing my desire to change the subject. "Shall be nice to have tea out on deck with the sun beaming down upon us."

"It will be nice not needing to dry out my clothes every five minutes." I peered over the edge of the dock and into the turbulent water as the girls summoned their rigging. I turned to look at the two girls as they got ready to sail. " Though I do have to ask. Where in the world is Nassau?"

Cleveland sighed as she closed yet another cabinet. "I know it's a limey ship but seriously?" She moved to the next cabinet and began searching through its contents, once again not finding what she was looking for.

"Looks like I've got to wait a little longer before I can have some, eh Monty?" Closing the cabinet she looked at the inert cube placed on the counter. "Should have asked Zuikaku If I could have some when she came round earlier."

Cleveland looked around the empty mess. She had retreated herself into the dreadnought when the convoy ship arrived, the cruiser found she was fine being with James but she didn't want to be around other humans right now.

"Let's try the higher shelves." She resumed her search, standing on tiptoes.

A few minutes later the sound of the door opening made her turn to see who had entered. Z23 murmured to herself as she walked into the mess, her nose buried in a collection of papers she was reading.

Only when she lowered them down did she notice the Eagle Cruiser standing there. "Ah, Cleveland. Sorry I didn't see you there. How are you faring?"

"Fine, I guess." She shrugged. "Just been trying to find something to drink that isn't tea."

"There should still be some juice and milk left." Z23 placed the papers down on the counter, and noticed all the half opened cabinets and draws. "What exactly are you looking for? I may be able to help."

"Eh well…" Cleveland scratched the back of her head. "I was trying to find some coffee. I'm guessing you guys don't have any."

"Unfortunately, no." The destroyer replied. "Barring myself and U-556, everyone else prefers tea. And even then U-566 mostly likes juice so it's only me who drinks it. I'm sorry to say I finished off my small supply a few days ago. Terribly sorry."

Cleveland waved a hand. "Ah, there's nothing to be sorry about, I'll just grab some water"

Z23's lips curled into a devilish grin. "While we don't have coffee, we do have something else that might take your fancy." She walked over to one of the cabinets Cleveland had yet to search and reached into it producing a distinct sound of glass clinking.

"I was able to purchase a dozen of these from one of the sailors in the convoy." She pulled out two glass bottles and handed one of them to Cleveland. "This is the proper stuff from my homeland, none of that watered down stuff you English speakers make."

The German destroyer beamed proudly.

"Uh thanks." Cleveland accepted the beer bottle awkwardly. After finding she couldn't really understand what the label said, her eyes landed on the cap. "You wouldn't happen to have a bottle opener as well?"

"If I may?" Z23 extended her hand, and Cleveland relinquished the bottle.

The air around Z23 shimmered as her rigging appeared. She wedged the cap between her shark-like rigging's teeth before hitting the top. With a small pop the cap came loose and a small amount of the golden liquid within frothed and dripped down. She offered back the bottle with a smile before doing the same with her own.

"Heh." Cleveland chuckled. "Guess those things have more uses than I thought."

Z23 silently gestured to the tables as her rigging vanished once again. The two girls made their way over to a table before sitting down.

"Cheers." The blond cruiser spoke, raising the bottle.

"Prost."

The cruiser tasted the bitter liquid on her tongue, yet it was surprisingly pleasant to drink. Cleveland grinned. "I give it to ya, That stuff isn't half bad."

"I'm glad you enjoy it." The destroyer responded proudly.

Cleveland took another look at the bottle, her mind hanging on her drinking partner's demeanour. "Say, can I ask you something?"

"Ask away."

"You speak of your home nation with such pride, I was wondering." The cruiser paused, trying to find the best words to use. "From what I hear you've never been there, with these human forms I mean. So, did you find yourself just naturally wanting to show pride in being Iron Blood?"

Z23 thought for a moment, her finger idly tracing the rim of her bottle. "I suppose I just find myself being naturally proud. I hadn't given it much thought."

"Hmm…" Cleveland took another drink. "When Zuikaku came round earlier and asked if there was anything I wanted before we set off for the Pacific. I… I asked if I could have an American flag for my ship's mast." She shook her head and waved a hand. "I know it sounds strange, after all I've been through, why would I want to fly one? But despite everything that happened I just can't bring myself to turn my back on them."

Rubbing her chin, Z23 looked at the perplexed cruiser. "What would James do in this situation?" she thought, thinking about how her Kommandant would act she had an idea. She reached out and placed a hand on Cleveland's shoulder. "We were built by our countries to defend them and to serve as symbols of their power. For us to feel this way is probably just an aftereffect of that."

"Makes sense." Cleveland replied. "Probably the reason why I have these star spangled socks." She joked, trying her hardest to break the grim atmosphere.

"But you can make it more than that." Z23's lips curled up to a warm smile. "As I said, we represent the power and strength of our home nations, use that flag and show the world what it truly stands for."

The cruiser felt a warmth grow inside of her. The conflicts within her were slightly abated by the destroyer's words. "You're rather good at this."

"When I first joined the fleet I too had problems. I still do to an extent, but James and the others have been a blessing to deal with it." Z23 thought of the occasional echo of memories she would get of her cube inside that Siren machine. "Being honest I mostly just said what I thought James would say. Just give it time, while none of us can begin to comprehend what you're going through, we're all still here for you."

Z23 glanced at the cube Cleveland had carefully placed on the table, She had yet to meet any of her sisters. But even the thought of it being Javelin made her stomach twist and knot.

"Thanks, I owe all of you for what you did."

"Don't worry about it." Z23 raised her bottle. "Now drink, before it gets too warm."

Cleveland took another drink with a smile. "It already is warm, we probably need to add some ice cubes or something to cool the beer off in the future."

The slight glare she got from the blond destroyer went unnoticed.

"That should be the last of it." I mentally ticked off a list in my head.

As expected we had met up with the cargo ship and received several crates worth of supplies. The exchange had been difficult with the low light and semi-rough seas, but the crew of the ship seemed to be well experienced in such an act and before long the ship's crane hoisted over the cargo to the Warspite.

"The ship's captain says that's the last of it. Apparently, there's a letter in the last crate from captain Spence that will help us when we get to Nassau." Javelin said with a hand against her ear. She had helped me with the unloading, mostly just using her rigging to help communicate between the two ships.

"Give him our thanks." I looked over to the cargo ship. The rain had finally begun to calm but it was still difficult to make out any key details with only the ship's lights to use. The exchange hadn't taken long and the relatively small amount of cargo was almost comical in comparison to the size of the two cargo ships, leaving Warspite's own cargo holds still practically empty. A small benefit of only needing to feed nine people.

With the everything stowed away the cargo ship sounded its horn before turning away from the battleship and beginning its journey back to port, we both stood in the slight drizzle watching the ship shrink in size as it sailed further away.

I looked over to the purple haired destroyer diligently standing at my side, in the low light I could see her lightly tapping her thumb against her javelin to a tune only she could hear. Seemingly feeling my gaze she looked up to me and smiled. "Shall we head inside? You'll end up catching a cold if you remain out in the rain much longer. We should probably begin preparations for dinner soon, too."

She moved her hand to half cover her face and hushed closer to me, speaking in a conspiratorial tone. I grinned and hunched over so she could talk to my ear.

"If we delay much longer Warspite may take another swing at cooking. Think of her poor stoves!" She dropped her hand and giggled.

"I wish I had even half of your joyful outlook on things." I laughed, patting the short girl on the head.

"Well, I will always be here to cheer you up, James. After all, you're the main source of my joy."

Wordlessly I moved my hand away from her head and instead pulled her into a tight hug. Our soaked clothes brought a slight discomfort but it was circumvented by the deep warmth that seemed to constantly radiate from her. "Don't ever change, Javelin. I don't know what I'd do without you."

While I couldn't see her fully I felt her nod and bring a hand up to the back of my head. "I don't plan on going anywhere, James. Staying by your side is the place for me."

I was glad the rain helped mask my tears.

(A/N) Wow, already at chapter 29, I never thought I would get this far when I started this project and it just amazes me how much it has grown over time and how much people have been enjoying reading it.

One thing I like to reflect on is how my skills as a writer have improved. I still have a long way to go and I hope the quality of this story only gets better and better for you.

Chapter 30 is currently being worked on but there is something else that might be coming before then so keep an eye out.