Chapter 60 The Bakunawa has been awakened
--- 3rd Person Point of View ---
--- 24th of March 1897 ---
It has started. The Japanese made their move. War is inevitable.
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
*SPLASH!*
As explosions continued to emanate from the Japanese Imperial Navy's side and the protected cruiser ship burned, chaos erupted.
"THE JAPANESE IS HERE! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK BY THE JAPANESE!" The watchman, suddenly awakened, urgently shouted while frantically ringing the bell at his side. His face betrayed terror and shock upon surveying the scene. He quickly shifted blame onto himself, channeling his adrenaline into loud bell-ringing and panicked shouts.
"WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! THE JAPANESE ARE ATTACKING US! TEN SHIPS ARE BEHIND US!!" The watchman continued to bellow at the top of his lungs.
His cries, combined with the cacophony of explosions and the bell, roused the crews of the remaining Butuanon Imperial Navy ships. They emerged from the lower decks and swiftly assumed their positions, their attention drawn to the burning ship on the armoured vessel's left side.
Under the composed demeanor of Captain Devdutt, the Butuanon Imperial Navy finally retaliated. Taking command at the helm, he directed his crew to retaliate, orchestrating their attack while steering their ships forward, bombarding the Japanese vessels.
"FIRE! ATTACK THE ENEMIES! RELEASE THE TURPEDOES!" A series of continual commands were made by Captain Devdutt as he watches the bombardments that is currently happening in the sea.
In a stroke of fortune, four out of the six torpedoes launched by the Butuanon Imperial Navy found their mark, striking three ships of the Japanese Imperial Navy. Flames engulfed the vessels, sending shrieks of agony and pain reverberating through the Japanese fleet. Survivors watched helplessly as their comrades succumbed to the flames, their ships consumed by a deadly dance of fire and water.
Amidst the relentless exchange of Japanese artillery and Butuanon retaliation, amidst the anguished shouts of command from the crew, Ambassador Văn Phúc snapped out of his daze. Realizing they were under attack, he dashed toward the lower deck where his family and team were housed.
Upon arrival, panic had already descended upon the quarters. The wives of his team members were in distress, their cries and tears reflecting their fear, while their husbands sought to reassure and calm them. The once-sturdy ship now convulsed violently as cannonballs pummeled the sea, resulting in explosive eruptions upon impact.
"Ambassador! What's happening? Why are there explosions outside? Are we under attack?" one of his men shouted, clutching his wife, who trembled in fear and continued to weep.
Before Ambassador Văn Phúc could respond, another explosion rocked the ship, intensifying the tremors. Unable to stay away from his family any longer, he addressed his distraught crew briefly before heading toward his loved ones.
Confronting his men and their wives with a grave and somber expression, some weeping and a few rendered unconscious by the stress and impact against the wooden walls, he spoke, "Captain Devdutt and his crew are engaging in combat against the Japanese fleet. Our ships are now reduced to three, while the enemy boasts ten. Yet, our navy has managed to bring down three of their ships.
The battle persists, and frankly, given our fleet's limited numbers, our odds of triumph seem slim. Let's put our faith in Captain Devdutt and his crew for now. At this moment, please return to your respective quarters and begin praying; perhaps the Lord will aid us this time. May we all reunite either back home in our beloved motherland or in heaven." Ambassador Văn Phúc declared solemnly and resolutely, tears welling in his eyes as he departed for his family's chambers.
As Ambassador Văn Phúc departed, cries of anguish and despair echoed throughout the entire compound. Some began to pray, accepting their fate, anticipating they might not survive this ordeal. Others, unable to reconcile with the harsh reality, retreated to their quarters, venting their distress by destroying everything in their rooms.
The once dignified and proud diplomats were now reduced to wailing, resembling frightened children, as the grim certainty of their mortality sank in. Death, a beautiful spectacle when one isn't the subject, morphed into an entirely different narrative when one stood at its doorstep.
"Honey!" Ambassador Văn Phúc called out urgently, swinging open the door to their room, expecting tidiness and calmness, only to find his family huddled together on the floor, tightly embracing each other—his wife, son, and youngest daughter.
"Papa!" His youngest daughter cried out fearfully, breaking free from her mother's embrace and darting toward her father, sobbing. She found solace in her father's arms, where he pacified her with hushed reassurances.
Ambassador Văn Phúc then gathered his wife and son close, enveloping them in a tight embrace.
"I love you all. The three of you are the most precious people in my life," Ambassador Văn Phúc declared, planting kisses on his children and wife.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, his wife reciprocated the embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks. Their children continued to cry while clinging to their parents, all amidst the relentless bombardment devastating the ocean floor of the East Qing Sea.
As the chaos subsides, the quarter's atmosphere grows quieter, the realization of impending death settling in. The ship's exterior now mirrors a battleground at sea. Once a trio, the surviving vessels of the Butuanon Imperial Navy now dwindle to a mere pair. Meanwhile, the Japanese Imperial Navy's fleet is reduced to just five remaining ships.
The sentinel, once vigilant for encroaching adversaries, stands stoically, a military knife gripped tightly. Tears stream from his eyes, a testament to his overwhelming guilt and shame, holding himself accountable for the fate befalling his crewmates and captain.
Yet, what truly rends him asunder is the agony of failing his own nation, faltering in the execution of his sole duty. Hence, he chooses to end his life, preferring death over facing his comrades on deck, anticipating their reproach and condemnation—a choice he deems cowardly.
Without hesitation, he slashes his own throat, rallying, "FOR THE EMPIRE AND THE EMPEROR!" Blood spurts forth as he writhes in his cramped outpost, enduring excruciating pain, gasping for a final breath. Tears, saliva, and blood amalgamate, shrouding his visage and staining his uniform in a ghastly tableau.
His contortions persist until his last breath, marked by the final tear that escapes his eye. What was once a pristine observation deck now bears witness to a grim, blood-drenched aftermath.
On the upper decks of the remaining ships, chaos reigns. Amidst the loading of armaments, those unaccustomed to battle succumb to breakdowns. Some convulse with tears and vomit, traumatized by the loss of friends, pierced by shrapnel from the ravaged ships, a haunting scene of carnage and sorrow.
A particular division of the Butuanon Imperial Navy saw half its crew tragically cut down when a flying metal sheet from the exploding ship struck them—a devastating end indeed.
Nevertheless, amidst the chaos, Captain Devdutt stood resolute, calmly issuing instructions to his men. Among the remaining two ships of Butuan, Captain Devdutt's armored vessel maintained a far greater composure and order compared to the other ship under protection.
The skirmish commenced, resulting in nearly 500 casualties on the Butuan side, while the Japanese suffered a staggering loss of 800 individuals. Once distant adversaries now stood mere meters apart, escalating the bombardment and intensifying the clamor. The once dark sea was now aglow with the fiery spectacles of both fleets.
However, despite the survival of the Butuanon Imperial Navy's ships, visible damage from the relentless barrage of Japanese cannonballs was evident. Sea water breached the lower decks of the remaining two vessels.
"RELOAD THE CANNONS! AIM AT THE ENEMY! FIRE!!" Captain Devdutt's command echoed before a salvo of cannons unleashed towards the Japanese from the Butuan Navy's ships.
"Happō! (Fire!)" Captain Nagano bellowed, signaling their ships to retaliate, firing cannons and guns towards the Butuanon ships.
In the midst of the exchange of cannon attacks, a torpedo struck the final protected cruiser of the Butuanon Imperial Navy. The resulting explosion and impact were so colossal that it nearly caused the armored cruiser to tilt 45 degrees.
"WAAHH!"
"AAHHH!"
"HELPPP!"
"MAMA!!!"
The screams within the diplomats' quarters grew louder as the last ship of the Butuanon Imperial Navy turned into a fiery wreck.
"Mama, I'm scared," whispered Ambassador Văn Phúc's youngest daughter, clutching tightly to her mother. At just 10 years old, she sought comfort in her mother's embrace, while her 12-year-old brother trembled with fear.
"Papa, are we going to survive?" the son asked, his voice quivering. "*hick* I-I don't w-want to d-die, Papa," he cried, overwhelmed by distress.
"Hush now, we won't die. Papa and Mama are here to protect you. Our military and our faith will shield us," Ambassador Văn Phúc reassured, his own tremor barely concealed, hoping to be a source of strength for his children.
Outside the family's quarters, the bodies of diplomatic team members lay scattered, some succumbing to injuries from being thrown about, others impaled by sharp objects during the chaos.
Cries for help echoed throughout the quarters, each person yearning for safety and the comfort of home. The horrors witnessed in Joseon paled in comparison to the perilous battle at sea, where lives hung in the balance. Desperate prayers and pleas for forgiveness filled the air.
On the upper deck, Captain Devdutt stood, observing his last protected ship engulfed in flames. The respite in bombings momentarily allowed the cheers from the Japanese side to reach his ears.
Despite their narrow escape from the pursuing Japanese Imperial Navy, the relentless pursuit had caught up with them, leading to relentless cannon bombardment and gunfire exchanges between both sides.
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
Four consecutive explosions rocked the Japanese fleet when one of its five remaining ships was struck by torpedoes and cannon fire from the Butuan side. However, this achievement came at a cost— the armored cruiser's ammunition was now scarce, countable only by the hands.
"Tsss!" Captain Devdutt cursed inwardly upon witnessing the demise of his final cruiser. He had once harbored hopes of escape while retaliating against the Japanese, but that possibility seemed bleak now.
His gaze swept across the entire bridge, beholding the once majestic vessel now under relentless bombardment, bearing heavy damage that distorted its former glory. Amidst this chaos, a dignified small portrait of the Emperor and the Imperial Family caught his eye. Tears welled up as he watched the beloved image of the Imperial Family, dirtied and marred by the explosions.
Years of unwavering service had been devoted solely to his homeland and the Imperial family. He had dreamt of earning recognition from the Imperial family for his dedication to the country—a dream that came true when entrusted with the mission to escort Ambassador Văn Phúc back to Sooraj.
That honor had fueled his motivation and zeal to fulfill the command, especially as it came from Vice Admiral Alexander, the brother-in-law of the Imperial Family. Alas, it seemed he might never see this mission through.
His ship stood alone against three vessels of the Japanese Imperial Navy. Recognizing the slim chances of survival amidst this dire situation for him and his crew, he resolved to confront the Japanese fleet head-on. With determination, he faced his exhausted and demoralized crew, who had witnessed the tragic loss of their comrades on the boarded cruisers.
"Captain," his commander called out, visibly concerned by the captain's tear-filled eyes fixed upon them. A reassuring tap on the shoulder from their captain conveyed that he was alright.
The entire crew was aware that their captain wasn't in good shape; they'd never witnessed him shedding a tear, not even in dire situations. Witnessing their captain cry now made them realize how slim their chances of survival were.
"Everyone!" Captain Devdutt's commanding shout grabbed the attention of the entire ship's crew. Traces of tears were still visible on his cheeks.
"I know most of you already understand that we might not make it through this time! The Japanese outnumbered us and caught us off-guard! Our comrades have fallen before our eyes, and most of us are exhausted and weary.
But we are Butuanons, children of the motherland who don't comprehend surrender! The Japanese might overpower us, but we will not go down without a fight! We'll embrace death before sullying the honor of our people! For our families!"
The crew, once weighed down by exhaustion, started to brighten up and feel motivated after hearing their captain's words. A faint glimmer of hope spread through the crowd. An unfamiliar energy seemed to course through them as they continued to listen to Captain Devdutt Singh.
"We'll confront them directly and exhibit the strength of the Butuanon people! We'll demonstrate the might of the Empire! We'll show the world that underestimating us is a grave mistake! We might lose this battle, but I assure you all, the Empire will avenge our deaths and hold the Japanese accountable for their transgressions!
The motherland awaits us all! Let us all perish for the glory of the empire!!"
The people erupted into spirited cheers, fueled by their patriotism. Their loud exultations nearly drowned out the booming sound of cannons striking the waters nearby.
"THE SUN WILL NEVER SET ON THE BUTUAN EMPIRE! DEATH TO THE JAPANESE MILITARY AND GLORY TO THE MOTHERLAND!" Captain Devdutt's voice rang out with unwavering seriousness and determination, sending chills down the spines of the entire crew, who watched their captain, drenched in sweat and fury.
"THE SUN WILL NEVER SET ON THE EMPIRE OF BUTUAN! DEATH TO THE JAPANESE MILITARY AND GLORY TO THE MOTHERLAND!" The crew echoed the captain's fervent words, drawing the attention of those in the accommodations.
"FOR THE EMPIRE AND THE IMPERIAL FAMILY!!!" Captain Devdutt bellowed, hoisting the flag of the Empire of Butuan high.
"FOR THE EMPIRE AND THE IMPERIAL FAMILY!!!" The crowd thundered in response, even those in the accommodations joining in, echoing their solidarity for the empire and the imperial family.
They swiftly maneuvered the ship, turning it to face the Japanese, altering its position to sail directly towards them. Meanwhile, a specific crew member transmitted an urgent telegraphic message to the nearest Empire station, detailing their current plan and their precarious situation.
The sudden change of maneuver from the Butuanon's confuses the Captain of the Japanese Imperial Navy ship. Captain Nagano Naoharu (永野直虎), is the current fleet captain of the ships that is currently pursuing Captain Devdutt's fleet of ships.
"Bakayarō! (Idiots!)" Captain Nagano exclaimed with a smirk as he observed the severely damaged BEB Palau of the Butuanon Imperial Navy approaching.
"Kisama-ra no fune isshoku de wareware o taose-ru to omotte iru no ka? Dai Nippon Teikoku Kaigun wa zettai ni taikyaku shinai! (Do you really think your ship alone can defeat us? The Imperial Navy of the Japanese Empire will not back down on this one!)" Captain Nagano expressed his disgust towards the incoming ship. He then turned to his crew behind him, exuding great vigor and enthusiasm.
"Konoyo, wareware wa kyū-seiryoku o datōshi, arata na hasha ni naru! Tonan Ajia kaichi no arata na hasha de aru koto o sekai ni misetsukete yaru! (Tonight, we will overthrow the old and be the new overlord! We will show the world that we are now the new overlord of the maritime East and Southeast Asia!)" Captain Nagano excitedly stated while raising his fist in the air.
Cheers and loud noises resonated throughout the entire bridge of the Chin Yen battleship after Captain Nagano's speech.
"Hōgeki to gyorui o hanate! (Fire the cannons and the torpedoes!)" Captain Nagano crazily shouted as he faced the incoming ship while being bombarded with cannons and torpedoes coming from his fleet of ships.
Bombs after bombs were released by both sides as they all drew closer with each other.
*BOOM!*
One cruiser ship was hit on the Japanese side but it manages to survive and not sink.
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
Another ship was struck by a cannonball fired from the Butuan side, yet it failed to sink a vessel, resulting in a standoff of 1 against 4 ships. This heightened tension had both captains gripping their respective ships with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Their excitement stemmed from the desire to bring glory to their countries for the final time.
"Happō shiro! (FIRE!!)" Captain Nagano exclaimed with determination and power, launching a barrage of 10-15 cannon bombs toward the approaching BEB Palau.
"FIRE!" Captain Devdutt shouted with a blend of anger and seriousness, unleashing a final arsenal of 2-4 cannon bombs directed at the remaining four naval ships of the Japanese Imperial Navy.
"I love you, everyone," uttered Ambassador Văn Phúc's wife through tears streaming down her face. With a heartfelt kiss to her children and husband, she bid them farewell for the final time. There wasn't a hint of regret on her countenance; for her, the prospect of facing death alongside her family outweighed the thought of enduring the world alone.
"Papa… I'm scared," whispered Ambassador Văn Phúc's eldest child, embracing their parents and sister tightly. Before Ambassador Văn Phúc and his wife could respond, a fierce explosion shattered their surroundings, transforming the entire accommodation area into a maelstrom of fire and chaos.
*BOOM!*
*KABOOM! BLAST!!*
The deafening blast of an explosion reverberates across the entire sea as the BEB Palau succumbs to the cannon bombs unleashed by the Japanese Imperial Navy.
Once a magnificent vessel symbolizing the glory and might of the Empire of Butuan in the Pacific, it now becomes engulfed in a colossal, consuming blaze.
"Happō shiro! (FIRE!!)" Captain Nagano devilishly commanded while sinisterly looking at the burning ship, which was now filled with screams of pain and anguish from the people on board.
The command shocks his crew, who can clearly perceive their victory, yet their captain sees it differently. Witnessing their reluctance to heed his orders, he whirls towards them in a fit of anger.
"Nani o shite iru no da?! "Happō!" to iita darō?! (What are you all doing?! Didn't you all hear me say 'Fire!'?)" Captain Nagano shouted in anger, which scares his people. "Jōkan no meirei da! Happō shiro! (I commanded you all as your superior! Fire!)"
This has made the entire crew of the battleship to follow Captain Nagano's command.
*BOOM!*
*BOOM!*
A storm of cannon blasts struck the BEB Palau, engulfing it in flames and utterly destroying its structure, breaking the once-unified ship into three separate parts.
"Gaichuu! (Vermin!)" Captain Nagano uttered in disgust as he watched the sinking BEB Palau.
The battle concluded with a staggering 3,000 casualties, 1,600 of whom belonged to the decimated fleet of the Butuanon Imperial Navy, while 1,400 were from the Japanese Imperial Navy.
This historic battle, heralded as the awakening of the Bakunawa, is poised to reach the shores of Sooraj, forever etching its tale into the annals of history. It was ignited by the Ambassador's death and the obliteration of the entire Palau Fleet.
It was a clash between the Rising Sun and the Blazing Sun: two formidable forces vying for dominance.
Two suns graced the sky, yet only one would persist in shining...
The Bakunawa has been awakened…
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A/N:
Hi, everyone!
This will be my last update for the year, this is because I am currently being bombarded with heavy school loads and I needed to focus on this one so that I will be eligible for graduation. But rest assured that I would still continue writing this story.
Again, this story is not meant to be historically accurate in timeline, events, characters, nor culture. I am aware that I have made some huge alteration with the events, culture, and viewpoint of the people. But historical fictions are meant for authors to design a alternate universe basing on our respective wants. Hope you all understand that.
Thank you also for continuously supporting my work.