CHAPTER 28 - LOVE, HATRED AND EMOTIONS (4)

"Fancy meeting you here, Enterprise", said Kay. "I really want to see you after you wake up from 'sleeping'. But, you make my life a little bit easier. After all, I don't have to force myself in order to find you."

Kay and the others can felt the anger from Enterprise. While the others seem pretty much clueless, some of them including Kay already knew the reason.

Enterprise is very mad at Kay, upon hearing from Vestal that Azur Lane has ceasefire between Crimson Axis. With her body still weak, she collects all her strength and meets with Kay immediately. Even though, Vestal against that idea.

"Why you ordered us to ceasefire with them, commander?", asked Enterprise angrily while moving towards him. "We already push them this far. Now you order us to relax!!"

Wales tries to talk to Enterprise, trying to calm her down. She hopes Enterprise will said her frustrations in the meeting rather here. There are many girls watching them and it was very inappropriate for her to shout at Kay.

However, Kay just stops Wales and letting Enterprise says anything she wants. There is no need to hide anymore. These girls are not dumb, they are smart enough to think there is definitely something between Kay and Enterprise.

"What's your reason, commander?", asked Enterprise angrily. "I don't want to hear any coward excuse from you!!"

Enterprise is glaring at Kay liked seeing a person that she wants to kill. Yet, Kay still calm, although he is sarcastically answers her question.

"It's pretty simple, Enterprise", said Kay. "It's because your stupid action. Not to mention that you attacked the fleet in the last battle."

"If you ask me, you are the real reason why I requested the ceasefire first and not them."

"What...you're the one who requested to them?", asked Wales. "I thought it was Sakura Empire."

"It was me", said Kay while looking at Wales. "For the past several weeks, the friendship and loyalty in Azur Lane already been weaken. You have to know, this girl in front of me is...maybe the reason why our base lost its harmony."

Kay is pointing his judgement towards Enterprise. It's the truth that Enterprise may be the reason. Although, Kay indeed refused that she might be the one who held the responsible.

"But, that doesn't mean we should stop pressuring them, commander!!", shouted Enterprise. "We still can...."

"It's enough, Enterprise", said Kay calmly. "When you starts disobey my order, I felt we already been baited by them especially from the last rescue mission until now."

Kay thought that Kaga and Akagi already predicted that Enterprise will disobey his order by luring the Sakura Empire without his knowledge. Then, the last battle is too obvious as Prinz Eugen told him about the leaked information. Even though, he never told anyone the details.

"My order is based on my judgement and nothing will force me to change it", said Kay.

"Then, I challenge you to fight, commander", said Enterprise. "One vs one in order to prove myself, and to revoke your authority."

!!!!!!

All the girls become surprised, they didn't expect that Enterprise is dares enough to challenge him.

"That's a dumb move, Enterprise", said Kay.

"Why? Because you scared?", asked Enterprise.

"Because of your injuries, little girl", answered Kay. "And, I don't want that to be excuse for you."

"Since, you will lose."

Enterprise becomes more angry at Kay. His last words are only adding fuel toward fire, increasing her anger towards him. Cleveland and the others Eagle Union shipgirls came straight to them after seeing the commotion.

"Calm down, Enterprise! There is no need for you to challenge him", said Cleveland. "We can solve this in other way."

There are two different opinions, the girls who want to prevent it and the girls who want Enterprise to challenge him. Some of them are shouting at Kay, making some of Royal Navy lost their composure. They are ready to aim their guns against each other.

ZAPP.....ZAPP...

Several lightning surround Kay as he activates his element. The lights prevent the girls from attack each others.

"EVERYONE STAYS QUIET!!", ordered Kay. "Only I can talk, unless you want to eat some sparks."

The girls remain quiet and letting Kay to talk. They don't even dare to talk back as they knew his element is not a joke.

Kay looks at Cleveland, asking her to decide.

"Cleveland, as the representative of Eagle Union, you have to decide whether you want to allow Enterprise to fight me", said Kay.

"I...I...", said Cleveland as she unable to decide it.

"Don't let anyone disturb your choice", said Kay. "And remember, nobody will blame you. Let your judgement told us your decision, Cleveland."

After a few minutes of thinking, Cleveland already decided after having several thought. She knew her decision might upset someone, but she believes nothing will changed if they still remain the same. They need to solve the problem that arise between factions.

"I already decided, commander", said Cleveland. "As a representative of Eagle Union, I permitted Enterprise to challenge commander."

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

"Are you sure this is fine, commander?", asked Wales, concerns about him. "There must be another way. There is no need for commander to fight her"

"There are plenty of ways...", said Kay.

"Then!!", shouted Wales, interrupted him.

"But, I have no reason to push myself for her", said Kay. "And I even don't care about her anymore. If she thinks I'm a hassle, then be it. After all, I'm the one who will decided, whether you're worthy for my protection."

He usually wondering, did he did the right choice? Did this is the best possible way he takes? However, this time, he refused and indeed already gave up about Enterprise. Now matter how hard he tried, Enterprise still hostile with him and probably will become even more.

Yet, he still has a glimpse of softness in his heart. He knew Enterprise is currently injured and the outcome probably against her.

"Well, that's no other choice", said Kay. "I guess I still need to hold myself a bit better."

"What are you doing, master?", asked Belfast upon seeing Kay takes off his equipment and gave it to Belfast. He also gave Zuikaku 's sword which is currently in his possession to Belfast. He has no equipment except his bare hands.

"Zuikaku, please hold this", said Kay while gives his watch to Zuikaku. His watch stores a massive amounts of weapon and equipment. But, most of them are normal weapon and probably destroyed after using once.

"Wait, commander...don't tell me you want to fight her without weapon?", asked Wales. "That's too dangerous. Even Enterprise has her rigging equipped."

There are commotions as the others become surprised and confused. Most of them usually saw Kay fighting with his weapons. This is the first time they will see Kay's fighting with bare hands.

"Are you looking down on, commander?", asked Enterprise.

"Well, not really", responded Kay. "You're badly injured and I don't to hear any lame excuse that I won because I completely fit. I given you a 'handicap', Enterprise."

"I don't need your handicap!!", shouted Enterprise angrily.

"Then, I don't need to listen to you", said Kay. "I will fight you just as I pleased."

Enterprise kept against the 'handicap' and Kay still with his stances. Eventually, she gave up and starting to get ready. With the others watching, seems like a very bad idea as if one of them lose, the faction might broken.

"Are you ready, Enterprise and commander?", asked Cleveland. "If you ready, please follow the rules and make sure, killing is prohibited and don't attack if you already lose."

"Yup, you can Vestal", said Kay. "But, not for me."

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

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

Enterprise ready her bow, aiming towards Kay. She felt the humiliation as Kay refused to fight with full strength. Not only, he doesn't want to use [Lighting Element, First Form] which consider superior, he refuses to use [Liked Stars Fall to Earth].

"Did you know, Enterprise. Elements are well-known as a long range attacking styles", said Kay. "But, It doesn't mean that some of them will ignored the close combat."

As both of them are ready, Cleveland gave the signal.

"It' over!!", shouted Enterprise as she aiming her bow at Kay.

BAP.....

Kay suddenly appears in front of Enterprise and prevents her from attacking. His speed is hard for Enterprise to catch up, she only realizes after he already reached her.

Enterprise tries to use her bow to hit Kay, but he parries that easily.

BAPP....BAPP....

Enterprise tried to attack using the bow in close range. Upon senses it, Kay immediately makes a 360 degree jump and the arrows only past through without hitting him.

BAPP....BAPP....

Kay parries her arms several times, suddenly appears in front of her and attacking her using bare hands, non-stop. His attacks don't gave Enterprise too much damage, but it definitely makes Enterprise frustrated as she now in defensive.

The different of strengths and experiences prove that Kay already shows the superior. Enterprise refuses to give up and unleashes her arrows towards Kay.

ZAPP....ZAPP....

The arrows destroyed before reaching Kay. Everyone can see Enterprise already desperate to land a hit.

"Still wants to go, Enterprise?", asked Kay.

"Tch...I will never give up!", shouted Enterprise as she ready to unleash another arrows.

BAPP....ZAPP....

Enterprise 's bow is flying, after Kay parries her and activates his element. Then, with wasting any chance, he paralyze Enterprise.

"Well, looks like I won", said Kay as he walks away from Enterprise that unable to move. "Time to head...back."

Kay saw several lightnings surround Enterprise, his expressions is quite calm rather than surprise as he saw Enterprise creating a huge lightning tornado that surrounds her. Most of the Eagle Union are cheering from Enterprise.

Her eyes turns yellow and Kay can felt the enormous energy from Enterprise. Kay relieves a deep sighed while raising his hand towards her.

"Wait...what's going on? Why her power diminished?"

Enterprise power diminished, being absorbed by Kay. Since he is a lightning element, the strong one will able to absorb the weak one. Although its depends on the elemental itself.

"Tch...what are doing, commander?", asked Enterprise.

"Helping you", answered Kay. "There is no way you will survived with your current condition."

"Now, extra sorry, Enterprise".

Before Kay manages to paralyze Enterprise, he heard Cleveland shouting at him. Telling him the battle is already ended and the winner is obviously Kay. Enterprise conditions become worse as the battle go on, making Cleveland to end the battle.

"Now everyone, please return to base", ordered Kay. "And you, Enterprise. Meet me after Vestal gives you the permission."

As Kay walks away from Enterprise, she suddenly attacks Kay using her rigging.

"COMMANDER!!", shouted Wales.

ZAPP.....

It takes just a mere seconds for Kay to react and destroyed the aircraft. However, he doesn't realized several arrows already firing toward him.

He doesn't have enough time to evade all the arrors and one of them, managed to hit at Kay's head.

He's bleeding. He touches his head and saw blood.

"Master!! Enterprise-sama, what have you done!!", shouted Belfast while going towards Kay.

The other girls went straight to Kay as they saw he received a direct hit from Enterprise.

Kay looks up, closing his eyes. After several seconds, he looks at Enterprise.

"Well, if you want to play like that. Then, I have no choice", said Kay.

ZAPP...

Zuikaku feels that Rakurai suddenly moving by itself. She tries to hold it, but the sword managed to let free and went towards Kay.

Kay shows in front of Enterprise with Rakurai in his hand. The only target is her head, nothing more, nothing less.

"COMMANDER!!!!"

CHAINS......

Sound of chains rattling, rustle at Kay. The chains grip Kay hand, prevent him from killing Enterprise.

"I know...I know", said Kay. "I won't kill her, Wiseman."

As Kay looks at Enterprise, tears fall down from her eyes. Either she fake it or just a pure scared is not his concern.

Belfast and Wales embraced Kay immediately, to avoid anymore bloodlust from him. The others saw enough, there are no need for them to see much longer.

"We need to send you to do hospital, commander", said Wales, surprising Kay just nodded at her.

Before he left, Kay told them a final message to Eagle Union.

"All activities for Eagle Union is suspended", said Kay. "All Eagle Union shipgirls need to stay at their room until future notices."

"Don't let my patience run out, Eagle Union."

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

A few days later, Kay is currently resting in his own room. He just finished reading the reports until he heard someone knocking his door.

When he opens it, he saw Zuikaku with her sleeping attire. He definitely can see that Zuikaku puts a little bit make up on her. Although, he pretty sure it was Shoukaku idea.

"Can I help you, Zuikaku", asked Kay while trying to looking away from her chest.

"Can I sleep with you tonight, Kay?", asked Zuikaku directly.

"....What?", asked Kay in utter confusion.

A few minutes later, they are laying down on the bed together.

"So, you just want to talk", said Kay. "I thought it's something else. Can you just wait tomorrow, Zuikaku?"

"I think this is the best time for me to talk to you, Kay", answered Zuikaku. "Belfast and Wales always kept you in guard."

"That's a good point", said Kay. "So, is there something in your mind, Zuikaku."

Basically, she doesn't have enough idea to start the conservation with him. She just followed Shoukaku ordered, forcing her to meet Kay this night. She tries to refrain herself from talking about Enterprise and Eagle Union.

"I want to know about you, Kay", said Zuikaku as she stares at Kay.

"There is nothing interesting about me, Zuikaku", responded Kay.

"That's not true", said Zuikaku. "You're already helped us too much but we knew nothing about you. In fact, even Royal Navy almost barely knew you. It's surprising since they are very loyal to you."

Kay in deep thought, there is a truth behind her words. After having several thought, he thinks that he should tells Zuikaku at least a little bit about him.

"Well, you can ask me and I will answer it", said Kay. "But, that doesn't mean I will tell you everything.

"Then!! How old are you, Kay?", asked Zuikaku happily.

"I'm 18, well almost 19....I think", said Kay.

"Wait, you're older than me", said Zuikaku. "You still young, Kay. But, you seems very mature."

"Well, I take that as a compliment", said Kay.

"May I ask about your duty, Kay?", asked Zuikaku. "We probably can help you if share us a little."

"Alright...alright, you got a point", said Kay. "Do you remember the day I saved you from the huge monster? That monster is called 'Cell' and it's duty to eliminate five of them."

"Ah...yes, I remember", said Zuikaku. "I very grateful to you, Kay. Then, do you know where is the rest?"

"One of them is probably near to Sakura Empire", said Kay, making Zuikaku surprised and confused.

Sakura Empire is still her home and she has a reason to be concern. However, Kay assured her that he already made several preparation at the Sakura Empire. He only waiting for a perfect moment to get there.

"Why you do this far, Kay?", asked Zuikaku. "They didn't know anything about this creature. Seeing you so hard to eliminate the monster just to protect us makes me very sad. Most of us seeing you as a enemy, but you...still want to protect us."

"It's because of my responsibility", said Kay. "I make plenty of mistakes when dealing with 'Cell' and I need to redeem myself."

"There is no reason for them to know and no matter how they treat me, as long as I think they are worthy for me. I will protect them, no matter how hard is that."

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

Both of them trying to think another conservation as the topic is kinda depressing. Zuikaku tries to comfort Kay, cheering him. They talking to each others, laughing for a while.

Suddenly, Zuikaku embracing Kay and touches his head, the part where he got the injury from Enterprise.

"Is it still hurt, Kay?", asked Zuikaku. "I feel very bad for you since you didn't deserved that treatment."

"This injury is nothing. Just a little cut", said Kay.

"How about become Sakura Empire commander? We also need a good leader to guide us", asked Zuikaku. "I'm sure I can tell Nagato-sama the truth. She probably, at least listens to me."

"At least, it's better than staying here."

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

"Well, I don't think it's a bad idea", said Kay. "But, can you wait? At least after I eliminate the 'Cell'. Then, we talking."

"Yeah! Thank you, Kay", said Zuikaku while embracing Kay harder than before. She thought this is probably the prefect moment for her to tell Kay her feelings toward him. She looks at Kay, trying to collect all the courage she can. However, fate against her.

"But, I don't think I will become their commander for too long", said Kay. "After I finished my duty, I will leave this place forever."

"Nobody will meet me again."

!!!!!!!

"Do you want to say something, Zuikaku?", asked Kay.

"I...I...No! Nothing, Kay", said Zuikaku. "We should get to sleep."

Zuikaku in deep thought, she is very sad knowing that Kay will left after finished his duty. Her courage already destroyed after realizing the truth.

There is no way, she would dare to confess her feeling after this. Knowing that her efforts and feelings are futile.

Love sometimes can hurt someone, leaving scar in their heart. It's love, hatred and emotions.