CHAPTER 20 - PRIDE OF FACTIONS (4)

"It's over!! "In one shot, Enterprise shouted while destroying a bunch of sirens. The lighting surrounds the arrow, piercing all the sirens in a single swoop.

Enterprise and the others are heading farther away from the Azur Lane, around 700 miles away. They have to destroy the sirens who've been trying to prevent them from moving forward. And that kind of resistance is not a significant challenge for them to resolve. Some of the shipgirls are now lost due to serious injury when facing the enemies.

Hornet looks at her sister, destroying all the sirens on her own without any problems at all. Her mind seems confused when she discovers that the combat style of Enterprise is the same as that of the commander, although Kay 's techniques are much superior to her.

Her finisher moves, it has the similarity with [Liked a Star, Fall to Earth]. A well-known technique from Kay which focused the power towards the weapon. Unleashing it with high speed but enormous power, destroying everything in front of it.

"Great job, nee-san", praised Hornet.

"It's a lot simpler for me," Enterprise said. "Come on, we've still got to move. They're still running for us for a while, and we're going to fight them until we eliminate all of them".

The remaining shipgirls obey her order without complaining. Even though some of them are wounded by taking damage from enemies, they somehow don't give up.

"Don't lose control, focus!!", shouted Baltimore. " We still have more ways to prove yourself!! Let's go!".

"I might been a too careless", said Bremerton. "Seeing plenty of enemies to be destroyed make me feel excited. I should be more careful next time".

The others are beginning to move, with Intrepid hoping that Kay can arrive as soon as he can. She knew that Enterprise was unexpectedly moving further away from Azur Lane without his permission , making him feel odd. She hopes that Kay and the others will have caught up with them.

................

Sakura Empire's fleet, about 800 miles from Azur Lane. Third wave of the attack from Sakura Empire, Shoukaku and Zuikaku (with Mr. Eagle on top of Zuikaku's head) can be seen. They are prepared to start attacking the fleet of the Eagle Union without any doubt.

They knew it wasn't a good idea to show weakness in front of enemies. Not to mention, Belfast has warned Shoukaku about Enterprise's actions and behaviour at the Fallen City.

Belfast has assured Shoukaku that she trusts in her as Shoukaku shows her devotion to Kay. Belfast is not going to doubt her actions and scheme that Kay and Shoukaku are hiding from the others.

"They're already near, Shoukaku-nee," Zuikaku said. "Did Kay say anything about it at all? ".

"No, Shikan didn't tell me anything about this," Shoukaku said. "Entreprise possibly stabs his back and continue with the plan without his permission."

"WHAT!! But that is not possible!", said Zuikaku.

"Look at the fleet, Zuikaku", said Shoukaku while pointed at the Eagle Union fleet.

"........"

"Well, it is doesn't matter right now", said Shoukaku. "We still are pride ships from Sakura Empire. We will show Akagi-senpai and Kaga-senpai our greatness".

"You're right, Shoukaku-nee!", shouted Zuikaku. "With you in my side. Nothing will stop us!!".

Mr. Eagle is flying from Zuikaku as she tries to draw the sword, Rakurai. She fuses her power with the sword.

Only to be rejected by it, without hesitant and tolerance.

"........."

"Why.....why you still don't accept me", said Zuikaku in sad voice. "I really need to take my sword fast. I'm sure Kay is the one who holding it".

"He already used it, Zuikaku.", said Shoukaku. "Without any problem".

"Whaa...I hate myself", said Zuikaku.

Enterprise and the others are closing their gap. They're going to see them, and they're starting to launch another offensive. The battle didn't end there as Shoukaku and Zuikaku retreated after they managed to hold them back for a while.

They would push on to the next plan by pressuring the Eagle Union to follow them. Not understanding what's ahead of them, Eagle Union is pursuing them without doubt. The war continues without stopping at all.

A few ships from both factions fell and incapable to fight any longer. Yet, there is no sign from them to stop.

..........

**************************

The next day, less than 1,000 miles away from Azur Lane. Six in the morning, Kay and the others are preparing to begin the 'rescue mission'. He asked them to move toward the place he preferred.

"Enterprise and the others are moving farther away from Azur Lane," Kay said. "They seem to prefer chasing enemies instead of retreating back to Azur Lane."

"Aren't that is normal, commander?" Helena asked. "I mean, they've been attacked. Neutralizing enemies was their main priority, isn't it? ".

"Well, that's half true," Kay said. "But they're in the 'escort mission', not in the 'combat mission, Helena.'

Usually on an escort mission, the fleet will protect and secure the ships that need to be guarded. Their main objective is to ensure that these ships reach their destination without any difficulties, safe and secure.

If they are being targeted, they must make sure the ships are safe and continue to force the enemy to give up. The longer the battle, the more dangerous it is. So, it's easier for them to concentrate on their escort mission instead of on enemies.

"Nevertheless, after being attacked. They're not going to retreat, "Kay said. "Instead, they just wanted to pursue enemies like a mad man. They have already ignored their main objective".

Kay assumed that Enterprise was using those ships to bait the Sakura Empire to attack them. This kind of strategy is kind of effective, although it puts the fleet at high risk.

"So, the ships are just fake?", asked Helena. "There is nothing important in there?".

"Nah...I already looked at the report for the 'escort mission", said Kay. "It's contains full of repair materials for the ship. Not to mention, some rigging, weapons and other important stuffs".

"......!!!!", Heleana shocked. "What are you thinking, Enterprise? If Royal Navy known about this, they will absolutely mad at us".

"The second issue is Intrepid's request for a 'rescue mission' on behalf of Enterprise," Kay said. "What do you think about that, Essex? ".

Essex was silent for a while, she doesn't believe what Enterprise has already done without her knowing it. After everything, she respects Enterprise and chooses to follow her steps.

"........."

"If you didn't want to answer that question, I'm going to take it as an act of betrayal by Enterprise," Kay said. "Since she did this without my consent, she also proved herself responsible for this entire problem."

"Well, that's not completely her fault. I'm also supposed to take some responsibility for her behaviour".

Kay realized he was planning to take the blame for not leading Azur Lane to victory as soon as he could.He just came here a month ago, but still did not fulfil his main duty which is to eliminate all The Cell that still roaming in this world.

"Don't worry, Essex," Kay said as she petted Essex 's head. "I'm not going to blame her entirely. If I was on Enterprise 's side, I'm going to be mad at that person".

"What do you mean by that, Commander? ", asked Essex.

"For me, I can easily sneak into the Sakura Empire without any problems while you're probably going to face some hardship," Kay said. "For me, it's a smart decision to let the enemy go, although you felt it was a bad idea."

"For me, wasting that chances are just a trivial issue, although you felt that chances are too valuable to give up."

"Different thought will lead to different approach, Essex".

"And, this is how I fight"

"................"

As the communicator is on, all the shipgirls who are following Kay for this 'rescue mission,' listen to his voice. It's not dramatic, though, as everyone feels. They know they need to believe in Kay.

It's not that Kay is unambitious, it's just that he knew his abilities to lead them, and he's stronger enough to storm into the Sakura Empire anytime he wants to.

It is not Kay is coward, letting the enemies run away. It just he knew that is a better way than destroying them.

After all, killing them will not solve the main problem at all. Only to make it worst as the time flew.

"Alright...the time is prefect and the position is good enough", said Kay.

He activates [Eagle Eyes], only to see something disturbing at the scene. The bloodlust, the result of the battle, the injuries and many others. He needs to act fast before it's too late.

"Take care of this place, Helena", said Kay. "Everyone will followed your order until the mission is finished".

"As you wish, commander", said Helena. "Good luck, commander".

Kay walks away in order to give the first sign. He is now standing at the top of the ship and draw Zuikaku's sword outstandingly.

The sword burst in fire only a few seconds until lightning possess it completely.

"Everyone in position?", asked Kay.

"This is St. Louis", responded St. Louis. "Honolulu, Downes and the others are ready to help our allies".

"Please don't force Helena too hard,........commander", said Honolulu.

"This is Cleveland!!", shouted Cleveland. "My sisters and I are ready to destroy all the sirens. Don't worry, commander. We will held back against Sakura Empire as you wish".

"This Shangri-La", said Shangri-La. "Essex and I are ready to cheer the sky!! Not matter how many aircraft on the sky, we will crush it immediately".

"This is Nevada", said Essex. "Don't worry, commander. Whatever Enterprise is thinking about you, I never care about it. Oklahoma and I are ready to follow you command!! We will rock the sea!!".

Kay chuckles a little bit to hear them as they are roaring to go. To be fair, this is the first major mission for some shipgirls. It will became good experiences for them.

"Alright, time for me to show off!!!", said Kay.

Kay activates his element and flows it to the sword. With enormous power surrounds the sword, it capable to unleash enormous attack against any enemies. Kay makes an attacking stance and ready to strike it.

"Let me tell you"

"Enormous power come with huge responsibility"

"Yet people misused their powers to destroy each other"

"And, my Element can Destroy The World!!!".

Kay swing the sword, full with enormous power.

....Zap.........

.............

They can feel the swing liked a breeze of wind, only with sudden shock wave destroying all the sirens nearby.

*********************

The current location of Enterprise, about 900 miles from the Azur Lane. The Enterprise and Eagle Union shipgirls are facing the fourth wave of attacks against the Sakura Empire.

Hornet is trying to stop a few torpedoes coming to her. She's been in defensive mode for a while now, as the enemy is outnumbered them by a lot.

"That's no end to us!! ", Hornet said. "We need to figure out something, nee-chan! ".

Enterprise is busy fighting enemies with her bow, she doesn't have enough time to speak to Hornet.

The shipgirls of the Sakura Empire are vigorously attacking the Eagle Union without stopping. Kaga and Akagi are deploying aircraft targeting the Eagle Union frequently.

Boom....Boom.....

"Guhhh!! ", Baltimore said as she suffered significant damages from the fighting. Bremerton, too, nearly lost consciousness in a poor state like the others.

"We need to retreat, nee-chan! ", Hornet said. "If we stay here a lot longer, we're going to put our friends in a desperate situation."

"... Tch ...," said Enterprise, while she was trying to figure out something.

"....Tch...", said Enterprise as she is trying to figure up something.

.................

Suddenly, all the girls who fight there, stop moving instantly when they sense the light breezes flowing towards them.

The wind is calm, and they feel their heart stabbing.

"What.....what is this?", asked Akagi.

"This feeling...Don't tell me!!!", shouted Kaga as she looks towards the breeze came.

BOOMM....BOOM....

BOOM.....BOOM....

"The sirens!!! They already being destroyed!!".

Only a few seconds after the light breeze came, all the sirens were instantly silenced by unknown force. However, they saw a few lightnings surround the sirens, and they exploded immediately.

In this battle, the sirens are now useless for them. But that's not the end of it, as they heard someone firing at the Sakura Empire right after the sirens exploded.

It is the reinforcements from Eagle Union, a rescue mission that is requested by Intrepid without Enterprise knowing it.

"Fire!! My sisters!! Show them our greatness for the commander!!", shouted Cleveland.

"As you wish, Aniki!!", said Colombia, Denver and Montpelier. "We will follow the prince of Eagle Union".

"Hey! Don't called me that!!", shouted Cleveland.

Cleveland, Denver, Columbia and Montpelier are the teams responsible for reducing the heat of the battle. It was only four of them, indeed, to engage the battle. This is confirmation of accomplishment, as they concentrate only on the shipgirls of the Sakura Empire rather than the sirens.

Kaga did not stand still and asked the remaining fleet to attack them.

BOOM...BOOM....

"They're coming from the sky! "The shipgirls of the Sakura Empire shouted.

"Tch, that human being!! I don't think he's coming this soon! ", said Kaga. "Akagi-neesama, I beg you to ask the fleet to withdraw."

"All right, Kaga," Akagi replied. "It's still in line with our strategy. So, let's go with that. All fleet, retreat!!".

............

Boomm....Boom....

Neveda and Oklahoma are attacking with their barrages and main gun toward the enemies. They feel really excited to fight.

With the remaining shipgirls from the Sakura Empire already withdrawing, St. Louis, Honolulu and the others are taking this opportunity to help the wounded girls. Cleveland is going in the direction of Enterprise, seeking to talk to her.

"Looks liked you are still looking fine, Enterprise", said Cleveland. "Come on, commander is waiting for us to return".

However, the answer of Enterprise is otherwise, full of hate.

"I didn't ask you to come along with that commander!! ", Enterprise yelled. "We can handle them on our own!! ".

"You said that to me. But I saw that your fleet was almost destroyed, Enterprise, "Cleveland said. "Well, we have received a request for a 'rescue mission' from you. You should be grateful that the Commander agreed to accept it".

"The request for a rescue mission ...? ", Enterprise said in confusing. Suddenly, she knows who is responsible and looks at Intrepid.

Intrepid acting liked an innocent girl. She knew she was doing the right thing.

Eventually, the reinforcements burst toward the fighting, Sakura Empire had no chance to win it. They can still be pursued if the others are moving now.

"This is Helena", said Helena throughout the communicator. "In behalf of Commander Kay, I ordered all ships to retreat immediately. Cease all your weapons and retreat now. I repeat.............."

"Time to retreat, Enterprise", said Cleveland. "Please don't makes it too hard for commander".

".............I refuse", said Enterprise as she quickly went to pursue the Sakura Empire".

The others are following her afterwards, making Cleveland and the others shocked.

"This girl!!! Why she always liked this!!!", shouted Cleveland.

...............

In Helena 's ship, Kay and Helena are talking to each other about something important.

"They're using a pretty typical tactics against Enterprise," Kay said. "Since the sea is unknown to her, they are using it against Enterprise perfectly."

There are five waves of attacks planned by the Sakura Empire. The last one is still remained unused.

"They lure Enterprise by taking them to the position they desired," Kay said. "This little island. I suppose there is something that can be used for them as a trump card".

"Reduce them little by little, make them weaker and eliminate them in one blow."

"Except, Enterprise is unshakeable. After being targeted by them, she somehow remains strong".

"Uhh...commander", said Helena.

"Well, that is that and I want to sleep", said Kay. "I pretty worn out right....now....".

"Commander!! Enterprise and the others are not retreating!!", shouted Helena.

"......Wait.....WHY??", said Kay. "Wait a minute, that is a dumb question. I probably should know that Enterprise is quite persistent".

"...Tch...I will handle them, Helena.".

*********************

"Give up, Sakura Empire!! ", Enterprise yelled."You don't have any place to run anymore! ".

"You're very stubborn, Grey Ghost," Akagi said. "Looks at your friends, they're looking really pitiful right now."

"I'll say the same thing, Akagi," answered Enterprise. "Your 'teammates' are almost unconscious, too."

"Shut up, Grey Ghost," Kaga said. "They're better than your useless friends!! ".

Both leaders of different factions are refused to give up. They're quite persistent, and they still want to continue the fight.

Shoukaku and Zuikaku are very worried about their friends, as almost all of them are in rough condition.

"What should we do, Shoukaku-nee", whispered Zuikaku.

"I don't know", said Shoukaku. "I think stabbing Akagi's back is the best choice".

Shoukaku is trying to aiming her weapons towards Akagi, only to be stopped by Zuikaku.

"Calm down, Shoukaku-nee", said Zuikaku. "There is another way to settle this!".

"Don't stop me, Zuikaku", said Shoukaku. "This is my chance!!".

"........"

"What you will do, Akagi?", asked Enterprise.

"I guess we will settle in such an old way", said Akagi.

.......

"Or, all of you can just go home and act liked nothing happens"

".......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

Both factions are looking at the direction of the voice. They saw that Kay was coming from the path to go to that 'island'. He 's heading slowly towards them. His expression is quite calm, as the sword is still in its sheath.

"YOU!! How dare you come here!!', shouted Kaga. "Akagi-neesama, please order the fleet to attack him........Akagi-neesama?".

"Akagi-neesama??".

Akagi suddenly becomes quiet when she saw Kay's face. Her expression shows something that Kaga doesn't understand.

"......?"

Akagi manages to get hold on herself and trying to talk with Kay.

"So you're the commander that I keep hearing about", said Akagi. "My name is Akagi, first carrier division of Sakura Empire. It is very nice to meet you".

Akagi introduces herself at Kay.

"Well, that is quite surprise", said Kay. "But, I guess it is very impolite for me to ignore it. My name is Kay, just a random person that disturbing your war".

"Pfft...Your are very funny one, human", said Akagi. "However, there is no way for us to accept your proposal. We cannot just return empty-handed".

Kay relieves a deep sigh. He is expecting this kind of situation will happens. After all, there is no way that they will give up and return home.

"There is no other way, I guess", said Kay as he is trying to draw the sword".

Then, someone shouted at him.

"Wait a minute, we accept your condition", shouted Zuikaku. "As long as you will not attacking us".

"........what.....what the meaning of this, fifth carrier division!!", shouted Kaga.

"Don't said liked that Kaga-senpai", said Shoukaku. "Most of our fleet almost destroyed. Not to mention that human is coming from our 'special plan'. Or you just scare to return back?".

Kaga becomes furious after hearing that. Akagi is trying to calm her down and accept their proposal without hesitating.

"I saw enough for today, Grey Ghost, said Akagi. "And, we will met again, Kay".

Akagi orders the fleet to retreat while Kaga asked the fifth carrier division to stay here for a while, making Kay a little bit frustrated.

"Stay here for a while, fifth carrier division", said Kaga. "Just do what you always do".

...............

The situation is quite calm as the Sakura Empire is already left the area. Enterprise is storming at Kay furiously.

"What are you thinking, commander?", shouted Enterprise. "We can still....."

PANG...

Kay raises his hands and slap her face. His expression is very scared and mad at Enterprise. Everyone who is still here becomes shocked to see that happens.

"You're a failure as a leader, Enterprise", said Kay.

"What are you talking about?", asked Enterprise while rubbing her cheek. "We still can..."

"YOU ALWAYS LOOK WHAT AHEAD OF YOU, ENTERPRISE!", shouted Kay. "A good leader always looked their back, moving together with same pace".

'BUT YOU, LEADING THEM TO THEIR DEATH"

"YOU ALWAYS LOOK FOR YOURSELF"

".............."

"You're dismissed from your position as a leader of Eagle Union, Enterprise", said Kay. "Royal Navy and the others will decided your punishment for your stupid action".

"And Cleveland, you're in charged. Lead the way".

"..............."

"As you wish, commander", said Cleveland.

****************************

All the Eagle Union shipgirls are already retreating to Helena 's position. The only who still remains here are Kay, Shoukaku and Zuikaku.

Kay is little frustrated with current situation. Not only Enterprise built up the problem, but Zuikaku's personality also lit up the fire of frustrated.

"You are lucky, Zuikaku", said Kay. "Because, I am not your enemy. But you shouldn't just agreed with that white fox to remain here".

Kay is scolding Zuikaku while Shoukaku is watching them. She has a mixed feeling either she should be happy or not. Zuikaku is avoiding eye contact with Kay.

"I am very sorry", said Zuikaku in sad voices".

"Well, no...I am sorry", said Kay. "I shouldn't just be angry at you", said Kay.

Kay decides to left after determines that Kaga and Akagi will not launched another sneak attack against them. He stays here to make sure nothing happens to Azur Lane.

"I will see you soon, Zuikaku and Shoukaku", said Kay. "Now, if you excuse me..."

Suddenly, Kay feels someone pull his right sleeve when he is trying to leave. It is Zuikaku who the one that pulled his sleeve. She acts as she wants for Kay to stay a bit longer.

"Zuikaku.....??", said Kay.

"Yup....I give you a little help", said Shoukaku while pushing Zuikaku towards Kay. "Now, if you excuse me. I have something important to do".

Zuikaku becomes embarrassed and blushed a little bit. However, Kay can't see her face as Zuikaku hides it by looking down. She is shorter than Kay to be exact.

"Wait a minute, Shoukaku!!", shouted Kay.

"..........".

"...........I'm sorry", said Zuikaku. "But, can we stay right this a bit longer".

Kay can feels Zuikaku's chest when she hugs him. He can senses that deep down, Zuikaku is crying. He is just letting Zuikaku in order to calm her. He pets her head and comfort her.

Zuikaku already experienced something that she shouldn't. And someone needs to take the responsibility

"Her body is cold", said Kay in his mind. "I guess because she had been fighting for so long. She probably injured right now".

"His body is quite warm", said Zuikaku in her mind. "His heartbeat is kinda fast yet calm".

Both of them are just stay silent for a while. With Zuikaku is still draw her faces towards Kay 's body.

There is nothing much, they are not talking much, just a quiet moment.

But, it is still full of meaning.