Chapter 86: The Sun Priestess

Fuuu~ It's freezing... It was warmer yesterday. Zuihou must be enjoying the tropical climate of Rabaul.

In this freezing temperatures, the remaining shipgirls are hiding in the warmth of their rooms. I cancelled the patrol duties and expeditions for the day. Yesterday, STF 1 begin the mission and engaged the Abyssal Sun Princess but didn't managed to force it underwater despite a prolonged battle. Warpsite, Myoukou, Zara and Kitakami were heavily damaged in that battle. The others suffered moderate damages. Thankfully, everyone is manged to return to the Forward Base alive. 

Since STF 2 is being sortied today, I will be supporting Aimi as she commands the fleet. Originally, Ryuujou was part of the main fleet. With her coming back to base to collect the planes, Suzuya will be filling in for her.

I walked briskly through the corridor to the Command Centre. Isn't the heater turned on? How is it still so cold? Oh. That's why...

Someone left the window open...

I shut the window and made my way to the Command Centre. The door was unlocked. That means someone beat me to it.

"It's already past 9 o'clock, we are late." (Kumano)

"It will be alright. Aimi will be late as well."

That girl has the tendency to that.

"Goodness. You shouldn't follow the behaviour of others." (Kumano)

Today, Kumano is my secretary ship. She is the only Aviation Cruiser left behind. Her sisters are participating in the operation as either part of the main fleet or as a substitute. 

I switched on the console and connect the radio. As expected, Aimi hasn't begin yet. If she did, the monitor would be showing the girls preparing for launch.

"Told ya." 

"Muuu~" (Kumano)

The self-proclaimed lady puffed her cheeks.

"Sorry! I'm here. I'm here." (Aimi)

The monitor flickered to life and showed a live feed of STF 2 on standby at the launch pad.

"Looks like someone had a goodnight's sleep." (Nelson)

"Ahaha. Sorry. I forgot to charge my phone and it died during the night." (Aimi)

"I feel you. I hate that, especially when you need to wake up early the next day for something important."

"Sound like you are experienced." (Suzuya)

"Two words. University exams."

Since then, I made sure my phone is at least 70% charged before going to bed. Thankfully, I barely made it to the test centre on time that fateful morning.

"Oh, right. Kumano~ You watching~?" (Suzuya)

"Geez! Next time, it's my turn." (Kumano)

"Heeheehee." (Suzuya)

"Let's sortie together, Bismarck-neesama!" (Prinz Eugen)

"I'll show you how I fight!" (Bismarck)

"Ugh... Why is a child like you participating in this?" (Atlanta)

"Don't call me a chiiild!" (Akatsuki)

"Let's show them a nightmare, Atlanta!" (Yuudachi)

"H-hi. Nightmare, you're still going "poi, poi" today too. Well, that's fine. Whew." (Atlanta)

"You are still nervous around those two." (Aimi)

"Poi!" (Yuudachi)

"Eek! Please don't hug me all of sudden!" (Atlanta)

"Alright alright. Let's get moving. Otherwise, it will be dark before we know it." (Nelson)

"It's already dark though. What difference does it make?" (Colorado)

"Commander Aimi, let's start the mission."

"Okay. Just as discussed, use your radars to locate enemy positions and only deploy your searchlights and Star shells once you have identified and are ready to engage. Visibility is extremely low, so maintain your distance from one another while in formation and take care not to collide into your friends." (Aimi)

"Collisions are prohibited!" (Mogami)

"Trying to remind yourself?" (Ooi)

"Hey! Grrr..." (Mogami)

We will be following the same path STF 1 took yesterday. This time, let's force that lich back into the sea!" (Aimi)

"Yeah!" (STF 2)

"STF 2, weigh anchor!" (Aimi)

"Lich? Is that what you're going to call it?"

"I mean, it looks like a corpse, with those skeletal arms and that face. I just fought one last night. Ah." (Aimi)

"So that's why you were late. You have been playing those RPG games all night, haven't you?" 

"Ugh..." (Aimi)

"Which one are you playing?" 

"B*ldur's ga*e 2..." (Aimi)

"Isn't that an old one?"

"Yeah! But it's so much fun!" (Aimi)

"She is addicted to that game recently." (Nelson)

 "Oh come on. I made sure to finish all my work before playing. I'm playing as a Dark Moon Monk dwarf." (Aimi)

"So you are reflecting your actual height in-game. Interesting."

"HEY!" (Aimi)

"Pfft! HAHAHAHA! Good one!" (Nelson)

The fleet made their way to the Operation Area. After cutting through a few fleets of relatively easy-to-kill Abyssals and fighting off a squadron of Abyssal planes, the fleet engaged an Battleship Re-class and its fleet. With how tough and unpredictable this Abyssal battleship is, this is going to be a tough fight. They have sank the rest of the fleet. Now it's just this hooded prick left. It has been dodging their shots and torpedoes with ease while hitting them with pinpoint accuracy. It is using its own aircraft to figure out their position in the dark. 

"Tch. This is annoying." (Aimi)

"Tell me about it." (Suzuya)

"At this rate, we won't be able to make it to the princess in good condition." (Nelson)

"I got a plan. But it's a gamble. Someone, take out that night plane on my mark."

"I can do that. I still have a squadron of F6F-5N in the air." (Saratoga)

"Awesome. Kill it and standby. Ooi, Yuudachi, launch your torpedoes on my mark." 

"Huh? It will just dodge them." (Ooi)

"We just have to make sure it doesn't do that then."

"Akastsuki, Mogami, once the torpedoes are out, flash your searchlights at it every two seconds. Atlanta, Suzuya , Prinz Eugen, Furutaka, whenever the light comes on, fire a volley and push it into position."

"Ohh~ I remember that one. I like it." (Suzuya)

"What are you doing?" (Aimi)

"Trust me. Battleships, finish it off when it's time." 

"What do you mean when it's time?" (Bismarck)

"You will know it, Bismarck-neesama. Trust my Admiral." (Prinz Eugen)

The Starshell should be losing its effect right about now. I watched as the monitor got darker and darker. 

"Now! Execute!"

"<Attack! >" (Saratoga)

"This better not be waste of resources. Launching 20 oxygen torpedoes!" (Ooi)

"How's this~!?" (Yuudachi)

The two girls launched their torpedoes in the Re-class's direction as a fireball appeared above the fleet. Mogami and Akatsuki begin flickering their searchlights at the Abyssal Battleship. The lights illuminated and blinded it for a split second. Before it can fire at the two, a volley of shells staggered it. 

The main objective of this plan is to incapacitate the Re-class using torpedoes and seal it's movement for the Battleships to deal the killing blow. To do that, we have to lock it in position, or push it into where we want, and ensure the torpedoes hit. This tactic only works at night and only affects certain Abyssals. More specifically, the intelligent ones like the Battleships, Demons, and Princesses.

The girls equipped with Searchlights will flash and dazzle the target while another group holds it in place with their attacks. I came up with this tactic during my early days as an Admiral, after witnessing Light Cruiser Demon shield its eyes for a few seconds when Mogami illuminated it with her Searchlight. This tactic is risky and has varying degrees of success, but when it works, it is so rewarding.

The girls continue the onslaught. With the constant flashing and volley of shells, it was too distracted to notice the spears of impending doom. 

There was a loud explosion, followed immediately by a ball of flame and ghastly shriek. It was a hit!

Without saying a word, Mogami shone her searchlight at the crippled Battleship Re-class, revealing its position. The three battleships immediately unload their canons on it, enveloping it in more fire and smoke. The screams slowly died down, before disappearing entirely. 

"Confirmed kill. The Battleship Re-class has sank." (Aimi)

"<Hell yeah!> We did it!" (Nelson)

"I didn't know you could do that." (Aimi)

"That's what years of experience can get you."

"Why are you trying to act like a senior at this time?" (Mogami)

"Jokes aside. You need to get creative sometimes."

"Admiral Akiyama and Admiral Zain doesn't use such tactics." (Aimi)

"Akiyama loves to stick by the rulebook and those tried-and-tested tactics. Zain is just old and lazy to think of new methods." 

"Yeah. He scolded me for being late yesterday." (Aimi)

"You were 30 minutes late. That was deserved." (Bismarck)

"Oh come on, Bismarck. Can't you take my side this time??" (Aimi)

"Alright alright. We should get moving." (Colorado)

"Right. Everyone, check your supplies. Furutaka, you all right?" (Aimi)

"This is still within expectations. I can still fight." (Furutaka)

Furutaka's black skin suit and sailor top was torn, but she is mostly fine, safe for a few cuts and scorch marks. Her metallic arm is still intact, but the black gun attached to her rigging is riddled with holes.

"Saratoga, how are your planes?" (Aimi)

"I lost quite a fair bit of Fighters and bombers this time. But I still have more than enough to complete the mission." (Saratoga)

"I only have enough torpedoes for three full salvos. After that, I'm out." (Ooi)

"I only have one torpedo left. My gun is still loaded." (Akatsuki)

"Here. Take some of mine." (Atlanta)

"Aww~ The nanny is here." (Suzuya)

"<What?! >" (Atlanta)

"Bismarck-neesama, <alles gut?>" (Prinz Eugen)

"<Ja. Ich wurde nicht ein einziges Mal getroffen und ich habe noch jede Menge Munition.> (Bismarck)

"What did they say?"

"I asked Bismarck-neesama if she was all right. And she replied she is." (Prinz Eugen)

I will just leave it at that then.

"How are you girls doing?"

"I haven't collided with anyone, so I'm still okay." (Mogami)

"I'm feeling super!" (Suzuya)

"Danke gut! I'm still feeling great. Ammunition is still within the green." (Prinz Eugen)

"I still want to fight poi!" (Yuudachi)

All of my girls are good then. The others are mostly fine as well.

"Apart from Furutaka who is injured," (Aimi)

"Only a little. It's not that serious." (Furutaka)

"We are still in good condition to fight. Let's focus on repelling that lich quickly." (Aimi)

"Let's go."

"Yes!" (All)

The combined fleet moved to the where the Abyssal Sun Princess has taken up residence. I can see its silhouette in the distance and before long, the Camera Fairy got a clear feed on its face. I have seen pictures but seeing it live on the monitor... It's creepy. The priestess motif gives it a unsettling aura. It looks like that ghost miko from the Proj*ct Zero games. It brought a skeletal hand up to its face. I can't tell if its eyes are just closed or that's how it actually looks.

"Foolish guys... Your battle is...just finished here!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

"Uwargh! Gross...!" (Suzuya)

"Enemy is in sight. Let's get started now, you lot!" (Nelson)

"I have a bad feeling about this..." (Atlanta)

"Girl, you always got a bad feeling when its dark. All units, Cruising Formation 2! Let's do this!" (Aimi)

"Understood!" (All)

The girls moved into range at full speed before slowly down to Battle speed 3. Saratoga launched multiple squadrons of F6F-3N and TBM-3D to begin the bombing run. The Abyssal and the two Light Carrier Nu-Class launched their own aircraft to intercept. 

"This one's an Seaplane Tender type, right?"

"Yes." (Aimi)

"So the real threats aren't its aircraft then." 

"No. It was those aircrafts that made us lose the disadvantage yesterday." (Aimi)

"Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"Relax. I already anticipated this. That's why," (Aimi)

Balls of fire illuminated the dark sky as the aircraft engaged each other in a dogfight. Within seconds, Sartoga's planes emerged from the blaze as the enemy aircraft fell into the dark waters or simply explode in mid-air. The TBM-3D moved in to bombard the enemy fleet with torpedoes and circled back to its owner. 

"Air superiority achieved! We got advantage this time!" (Saratoga)

"I informed Saratoga to prioritize the enemy aircraft first and defend the skies." (Aimi)

"Nice!"

"Took the words right out of my mouth. All right ladies. We are going for the win this time!" (Nelson)

"Launching Star Shells!" (Suzuya)

"I'm charging in!" (Akatsuki)

"I'll show you the Nightmare of Solomon!" (Yuudachi)

"Kitakami-san, I will avenge you... Go become food for the fishes!" (Ooi)

With the area illuminated, the three girls launched a salvo of torpedoes at the enemy fleet. The cruiser launched a volley of their own shells as the torpedoes pierced and blew up the weaker Abyssals.

"Take out those Battleship Princesses!" 

"Bismarck-neesama, lets do this together!" (Prinz Eugen)

"<Ja. > Commence attack! <Feur! >" (Bismarck)

The two german ships took aim and fired their guns at the two princesses. Their attacks hit and damaged the two, but it was not enough to bring them down.

"Disappear here! With your holding freight!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

The Abyssal fleet launched a volley of shells as their Sun Princess launched more planes into the sky. Saratoga launched another group of F6F-3N to intercept the enemy aircraft with support from the battleships .

The two German girls fired another volley at the opposing battleships, this time sinking one while incapacitating the other. Suzuya and Mogami each fired their guns at the remaining Battleship Princess, delivering the Coup de grace. The Abyssal Sun Princess fired its main guns at the fleet, hitting a couple of the girls off their feet and injuring them.

"Ouch! Noo.. This is embarrassing... Don't look! Aaah~ my spirit's dropping..." (Suzuya)

"Bismarck-neesama will laugh at me if I'm like this...!" (Prinz Eugen)

"Both of you, head to the back!"

"Nelson, can you do it now?" (Aimi)

"<Of course!> Bismarck, Mogami, follow my lead." (Nelson)

Nelson brought the entire hull of her rigging to the front of her stomach. The large 16inch Mk.I Triple Gun Mounts resting on the hull-shaped construct took aim at the Abyssal Sun Princess. 

"You are doing it now?"

"Yes! Now it's the best time to do it." (Aimi)

While this form of Nelson is weird, as it looks like she is wearing one of those costumes where the hull of a boat is sticking out of you, it is a force to be reckoned with. If lucky, and I mean extremely lucky, Nelson would be able to bring down an Abyssal Princess with just one shot. Getting Nelson to use her special move was part of the plan, the timing to do so wasn't specified. I'm guessing Aimi wanted to deal as much damage to it as possible in one go. After softening it, repelling it would be easier.

If it were up to me, I prefer to do the opposite.

""Nelson Touch. Main guns 1 and 2, one more shot!" (Nelson)

With her main guns primed and the other two girls in position, Nelson squeezed the trigger on the side of her hull-shaped construct. The sound of her guns thundered through my headphones. Mogami and Bismarck fired their guns in sync with Nelson. 

The shots landed on the Abyssal Sun Princess, creating a ball of fire and plumes of smoke.

"This pain reminds me something..." (Abyssal Sun Princess)

"Keep firing! Don't stop!" (Colorado)

The fleet continued attacking without missing a beat. The three Destroyer Na-class moved and sacrificed themselves to protect their princess from Ooi's torpedoes. Atlanta and Akatsuki took out the Heavy Crusier Ne-class. Thanks to Nelson's attack, the smoke covering the Abyssal Sun Princess was too thick. Fortunately, Mogami didn't need to be told to shine her Searchlight at it. While it wasn't clear, you can still make out the shape of an weirdly shaped humanoid creature in a weird position on the water surface. 

"Don't miss! Shoot!" (Nelson)

The twelve ships focus their fire at the Princess hiding in the smoke. Unable to withstand the combined firepower of twelve ships, the Abyssal Sun Princess was blasted out of the plume and back into the open. It's body was riddled with holes and was missing one of the large muscular Abyssal arms holding it up. Half of its face is missing and it had lost an skeletal arm. For a Seaplane Tender Abyssal, this one is tough.

"Aha... You're a bit capable... Hmph...Such thing is not enough yet... This pain... you cannot be saved!" (Abyssal Sun Princess)

The Abyssal Sun Princess disappeared under the water. The sea was quiet for a while as the radar scanned for any other signs of life.

"It's been confirmed! The Abyssal Sun Princess has retreated. We won this round!" (Aimi)

The girls cheered. I can hear Aimi let out a sigh of relief. I'm also relieved and happy they won without much casualties. 

"Great job everyone. Well done, Commander Aimi." 

"Hehe. Thank you very much." (Aimi)

"Next round... No, wait. It's Akiyama's turn again." 

"Ah. That's right. No way!" (Aimi)

I can't do anything so long as the new batch of Night Planes are not with them. So tomorrow is Aimi's turn to support Akiyama.

"Can we switch? Please?" (Aimi)

"Do you hate Admiral Akiyama?"

"Hate is a strong word... He is just a little too stiff and not fun to be with. With Admiral Zain is fun to talk to." (Aimi)

"Ahahaha. Can't argue with that. Well, do your best tomorrow. And make sure to wake up earlier. Unless you want to be lectured by him again."

"Ugh... I will try my best..." (Aimi)

"Everyone, head back to Rabual base and rest up. Suzuya, Prinz Eugen, Furutaka, head for repairs immediately. Those with minor injuries, get yourselves patched too."

"Roger!" (All)

"I will see you all when it's Commander Aimi's turn to take the helm again. Admiral Keita, out." 

"See you, Admiral~"(Prinz Eugen)

I shut off the radio and monitor. Phew. I'm tired and hungry. What time is it? Woah. It's already 4pm?!

"Argh... I should have brought a snack. I'm starving..." (Kumano)

"The mess hall should still have food left. Or do you want to wait till dinner time?"

"Dinner is in an hour. I will just wait for it. Ah. Pardon me. I need to powder my nose." (Kumano)

That's code for she needs to go to the toilet.

"Go ahead. Oh. Leave the report to me. You go and get some rest for the day." 

"It's all right. It's only natural for a lady to complete her duties." (Kumano)

"if you insist."

Kumano left the Command Centre in a hurry. As soon as the door slammed shut, their was a call on the Maizuru Channel.

"Admiral Keita here."

"Ah. Admiral, it's been a while." (Ryuuhou)

"Oh. Hiryuu. You are reaching soon?"

"Yes. We are reaching in 10 minutes." (Ryuuhou)

"Awesome. Everyone all right?"

"Er..." (Ryuuhou)

That doesn't sound good...

"Along the way, we were ambushed by an Abyssal fleet consisting of 2 Heavy Crusier Ne-class, 1 Torpedo Cruiser Chi-class, and 3 Destroy Ro-class. We managed to get away but with injuries. Agano-san was minorly damaged. Fumizuki-chan and Kamikaze-chan took moderate damages. We had to slow down." (Ryuuhou)

"Oh dear. Hurry up and come home. You all deserve a good nights rest."

They must have been travelling more than 24 hours already. I know they have the stamina to last a longer time at sea but still...

"Yes. I can see Maizuru Naval district now. We will see it in a short while." (Ryuuhou)

I hang up the call. Let's meet them at the pier. but first, I need a drink. My throat is dry. 

After brewing myself a cup of black tea and drinking it, I walked over to the pier, just in time to see six exhausted figures walking up the pier. 

"Eh? Zuihou?"

Why is Zuihou with the delivery group? Wasn't Ryuujou assigned to be part of this job?

Zuihou looked at me and grinned widely. She gave a salute,

"Delivery Fleet, Maizuru branch, has temporary returned home~ Hehe~" (Zuihou)